The South Australian Naturalist The Journal of the Field Naturalists’ Section of the Royal Society of South Australia. CONTENTS. CONTENTS. Page Our Show 1“4: Animal Meeting 5 Thirty-fourth Annual Report of the Native Fauna and Flora Protection Committee o~6 Reviews 7 Exchanges 7 Summer and the Cicada Geographical Distribution of Native Plants d-10 The Fortieth Annual Report of the Field Naturalists’ Section of the Royal Society of South Australia (Inc.) 10-12 The Call of the Wild 12-13 Lectures and Excursions 13-16 S.A. Aquarium Society 1^ Each writer is responsible for the individual opinions expressed and the facts submitted. Address of the Section: C/o Royal Society’s Rooms, Institute Building, North Terrace, Adelaide. Published Quarterly Single Copy — NINEPENCE Felstead & Omsby, Printers, Bookbinders, etc. Gilbert Place, Adelaide Office Bearers, 1923-24 Chairman — ^Prof, J. B, Cleland, M.D. Vice-Chairman — Mr. E. S. Hughes, Prof. T. Harvey Johnston, M.A., B.Sc Hon. Secretary — Mr. E. H. Ising, Loco. Dept., Mile End. Assistant Secretary — Miss E. Ireland. Treasurer — Mr. B. B. Beck, Cole’s Book Arcade, Bundle Street, Librarian — ^Miss I. Boberts. Press Correspondent — ^Mr. D, J. McNamara. Publicity Secretary — Miss Boeger. Excursion Secretary — Mr. A. J. Morison, Town Hall, Adelaide. Committee — Dr. C. Fenner, P.G.S., Messrs. J. P. Bailey, W. HaiUj W. H. Selway, W. J. Kimber, S. W, Jackman, W. Champion Hackett, W, Pearce and T. Hogan and the Chairman and Secretary of the Flora and Fauna Protection Committee. Hon. Auditors — Messrs. W. D. Beed, F.C.P.A., and A. J. Morison. ‘‘The South Australian Naturalist” — Editor, Mr. Wm. Hani} F.B.E.S. Address: The University, Adelaide. FOKTHOOMmO BXOXTRSIONa. Nov. 24 — Aldgate. Visit Mr. G. T. Lane’s Garden. Train 1.24 p.m. Leader, Mr. E. S. Hughes. 1924. Jan. 26. — Outer Harbour. Dredging. Train, 1.35, Leaders, Messrs. Himber and Beck. EYENIKa 1.EOTUBES. Nov. 20 — Photo. Evening. Members are invited to bring photos to be shown in the Episcope, or slides to be shown by the lantern, as well as Exhibits of any specimens of natural history. Dec. 18 — Mr. T. D. Campbell, B.D.S., will give a lecture on “Pearson Island. ’ ’ Please note that this lecture will be given in the Lec- ture Boom. . . The . . South Australian Naturalist. Vo l. V. ADELAIDE, NOVEMBER, 1923 No. 1 OUR SHOW. This year the Annual Show was held in the Town Hall, kindly lent to the Section by the Lord Mayor (Mr. Cohen). Fears had been expressed by our members that we should not be able to fill the hall, but the space proved none too ample for the wealth of exhibits. In the absence of the Lord Mayor, Sir Prank Moulden declared the Show open. The President, Professor Cleland, in welcoming Sir Frank Moulden, referred to the inevitable destruction of natural beauty entailed by the growth of the city. It was the aim of the Section to bring some of this beauty under the notice of citizens, and to enlist their interest in the study and the preservation of our native flora and fauna. Sir Prank Moulden, in declaring the exhibition open, referred most sympathetically to the work of the Section in the study of natural history. The “massed effects” were displayed on a long table in the centre of the hall. Dinner tables were shown decorated with native flowers, the natural effect of grace and daintiness being enhanced by their clever arrangement. An exhibit of “gum nuts,” staged by the President, showed the great variety to be found in the fruits of different species of eucalypts. The S.A. Museum contributed a very fine exhibit of pictures painted by the Director, Mr. Edgar R. Waite, and a large selection of insects shown by Mv. A. M. Lea. The exhibit of different forms of pond life, in simple aquaria arranged by Mr. A. G. Edquist, attracted great atten- tion, as did the extensive exhibits of Mr. W. J. Kimber Mr. Looker, and Mr. C. Walton, including Australian and foreign shells and fossils. Mr. T. P. Bellchambers showed a collection of photographs of the mallee fowl, as well as eggs of the bird. Mr. Bell- chambers kept a series of visitors interested in his explanations of the wonderful habits of this bird. The microscopic section was also very attractive Dr. Pulleine and Messrs. Baker, Elston, and Kemp showing a varied assortment of living objects, as well as mounted specimens. The South Australian Naturalist. Captain White spoke on the usefulness of many of the native birds, and his lectures, illustrated as they were by a fine case of specimens, attracted large crowds of interested listeners. Mr. N. B. Tindale made a fine display of spears, imple- ments, boats, ceremonial objects, articles of dress, dishes, bags, ornaments, and fishing materials from Groote Ejdandt, in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Mr. Tindale was the first naturalist to visit the island, and was able to make a very large collec- tion for the Museum. His talks, too, were greatly appreciated, adding greatl.y to the interest of the exhibits. Mr. S. W. Jackman showed specimens of the native timbers of the principal Australian States, and Messrs. A. J. Wiley and G. Haskard showed what artistic things could be made from odd pieces of native timbers. Tn the banqueting-room Messrs. James Marshall & Co., the Australasian Implement Company, and Messrs. Harris, Scarfe, Ltd., showed artistic furniture made from Australian woods. Messrs. Pengelley & Co. showed native woods, and Messrs. H. Morell & Co. showed bats made locally from willow grown in South Australia. Mr. H. H. Corbin, of the University Department of Forestry, also made an exhibition of native woods. The large collection of humming birds exhibited by Mr. Edwin Ashby attracted general attention. Mr. Ashby also showed a fine collection of Chitons. The Aquarium Society was represented by a number of aquaria, arranged by Mr. B. B. Beck. Miss Alison Ashby showed a collection of 100 paintings of native flowers. The prizes for painting were awarded as follows: — Water Colours. — First, Miss Evelyn White (eucalyptus) ; second, Miss Lois Laughton (waratah) ; third, Miss Evelyn White (phebalium). Oil Colours. — First, Mrs. Tamblyn (Christmas bush); second, Miss M. P. Robjohns (waratah). Mr. Tsing showed a number of herbarium specimens, ar- ranged to show the manner in which specimens should be prepared, dried, and mounted, with a map of the State showing the vegetation characteristic of its various botanical regions. Among the miscellaneous exhibits was a grass tree, shown by Mr. Hogan. The South Australian Naturalist. 3 Prof. Wood Jones showed specimens of South Australian mammals from Franklin Island, including bandicoots, bilbies, opossums, and rats. A number of splendid photographs of Queensland forest scenes were lent by the Queensland Government Botanist. Miss Leicester showed a small case containing porcelain brooches, beautifully painted with nature subjects. Coleys Book Arcade made a fine exhibit of books on Aus- tralian Nature Study. Mr. A. J. Morison showed specimens of wood riddled by the teredo worm. Mr. Hale, of the S.A. Museum, showed some very fine microphotographs, taken by himself. Miss Naughton, of Eden Hill, showed a splendidly pre- served case of wild flowers, which had been dried in sand. The natural appearance was very striking. Both colour and shape were perfectly preserved. Miss Irene Elliot Crossing showed an original design in art needlework, based on a native flower (Grevillea). To the botanist, perhaps the most interesting part of the show was provided by the tables containing named specimens Over 180 species were exhibited, including 22 species of orchids. Among the persons who sent in wild flowers, Mrs. Page of Myponga, deserves special mention. Pour boxes were sent in by her during the course of the show. Dr. Moulden, of Broken Hill, forwarded three boxes of Sturt peas, and Mr C W D Alton a box of wild flowers from Hall’s Gap, in the Gram- pians, Victoria. Mr. W. C. Hackett secured a good supply of waratahs, Sydney Mr. A. K. Newberry, of Mount Lofty, and Mr. C. Lenz, of Moe, Victoria, forwarded flowers, and boxes were received from the Naturalists’ Society of New Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, the Bar- Cl^b^^^^^ Naturalists’ Club, and the Queensland Naturalists’ The prizes were awarded to the following Schools — 1. Quorn School (H.T., Mr. A. G. Tregenza). 2. Inman Valley (Miss A. Adcock) 3. Pinnaroo (Mr. A. Rendell). 4. Stirling East (Mr. B. M. Adams). 5. Crafers (Mr. D. D. Smith). 6. Bordertowii (Mr. W. S. Hutley). (Mis^^ir'' included McLaren Flat M ^ Harbour (Mr. Le Laeheur) (Mr. W. M. Ashby), Snowtown (Mr. H. Preidrichs), Naturi 4 The South Australian Naturalist. Uraidla (Mr. Galle), Wood’s Point (Mr. G. G. Cain), Coro- mandel Valley (Mr. N. Opie), Mylor (Mr. M. J. O’Shaugh- nessy), Mount Compass (Miss E. E. Uppill), Myponga ( Miss C. E. Whittingham), and Hindmarsh Tiers (Mr. R. Ryan). The prizes offered for Posters resulted in some fine posters being entered for competition. The first prize was gained by Mr. W. J. Hosking, of Sydenham Road, Norwood. The second prize was won by Miss Erica Hosking, and the third by Miss D. Nicholls. The various committees worked with great enthusiasm. Everyone recognised that it was no light task to fill the Town Hall with exhibits, and to carry out the thousand and one details of organisation. Where all worked so enthusiastically, it would be invidious to particularise. The General Committee consisted of the President (Prof. Cleland), Mr. J. P. Bailey, Dr. C. Fenner, Dr. Pulleine, Captain White, Messrs. Selway, Black, Edquist’ Hackett, Kimber, Lea, Nettelbeck, Hughes, Jackman, Elston, Beck, Burdett, Looker, Sutton, Glastonbury, Hogan, and Ham, Mr. and Mrs. C. Pearce, Mr. and Mrs. Rosser, Mesdames A. Day H. P. Robson, S. A. White, and Hackett, Misses I. Roberts, M. Roeger, E. Ireland, C. A. Benda, M. L. Benda, A. Simpson, and Hackett, with Mr. E. H. Ising, Secretary. The scientific classification was in the capable hands of Messrs. J. M. Black, J. P. Bailey, W. Champion Hackett, and A. G. Edquist, Dr. Rogers, and. Prof. Osborn The display of flowers was carried out by a Committee including Miss I. Roberts (convener). Misses Munns, Roeger, Robson, N. Taylor, N. Roberts, Watson, Paehse, Peatherstone, Croker, E. Simpson, E. Benda, and Hocking, Mesdames Black, Robson, Day, N. Roberts, Law, Rosser, Elliott, and Hackett, and Messrs. E. S. Hughes, A. J. Morison, F. Clark, Stokes Rosser, Pearce, and Colbert. The paintings were arranged bv Mr. L. H. Howie and Miss C. A. Benda. The Sales Stall was kept busy by the management and skilful salesmanship of Mrs. C. Pearce and the Misses Isabel Hackett, Erica Hosking, Legge, and Vohr. Special thanks are due to Mr. A. J. Morison, and to Mr. J. P. Bailey, who gave great assistance in preparing the exhibition. As in former years, Mr. S. W. Jackman managed the printing, distribution, and sale of tickets, etc. Messrs. Hanley and Harrington assisted in this work. The advertising, press reports, etc., were in the hands of a committee consisting of Messrs. D. J. McNamara, Ising and Ham. The South Australian Naturalist. 5 ANNUAL MEETING, SEPTEMBER 26, 1923. The Chairman (Mr. Ham) presided over a good attend- ance. Minutes having been duly read and confirmed, the annual report, the Librarian’s report, and the Treasurer’s report and balance-sheet were read and confirmed. The Chairman gave a short address on the importance of the work of nature study in the field. The following officers were elected : Chairman : Prof. J. B, Cleland, M.D. ; Alce-Cliairmen, Mr. E. S. Hughes, Prof. T. Harvey Johnston, M.A., D.Sc. ; Hon. Secretary, Mr. E. H. Ising; Assistant Secretary, Miss E. Ireland; Treasurer, Mr. B. B. Beck ; Librarian, Miss L Roberts ; Press Correspondent, Mr, D. J. McNamara ; Publicity Secretary, Miss Roeger ; Excursion Secretary, Mr. A, J. Morison ; Committee, Dr. C. Fenner, P.G.S., Messrs. J. F. Bailey, W. Ham, F.R.E.S., W. PI. Selway, W, J. Kimber, S. W. Jackman, W. Champion Hackett, F.R.H.S., C. Pearce, and T. Hogan, and the Chairman and Secretary of the Flora and Fauna Protection Committee; Hon. Auditors, Messrs. D. Reed, F.C.P.A., and A. J. Morison; Editor, “The South Australian Naturalist,” Mr. Wm. Plam, F.R.E.S. Votes of thanks were passed to the retiring officers. Exhibits included photos of the Orchid Dendrobium, shown by Mrs. C. Catt, of Yatala. Mr. Kimber made an exhibit of shells. THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIVE FAUNA AND FLORA PROTECTION COMMITTEE. For the Year ended September 20th, 1923. Three meetings were held during the year A report having been sent to the Committee that shooting was taking place on the Baroota Reservoir, a letter was written to the Hydraulic Engineer with reference to that case, and at the same time he was asked as to the position with regard to other reservoirs under the supervision of the Water and Sewers Department. His reply was that “The shooting of birds and other native fauna on the Reservoirs Reserves by the public is not permitted. Shags and other birds taking fish m some o.f the reservoirs are shot by the caretakers.” The proposal to form a sanctuary for kangaroos and emus in the Flinders Range, between Wirrabara and Port Germein, was being considered. The delay was caused by a fire having occurred in the Wirrabara country. 6 The South Justralian Naturalist. The complaint about the massacre of 80 seals on Pearson Isles turned out to refer to an old occurrence, and not a fresh slaughter, as was at first thought. A protest was made by the Committee to the Common- wealth Minister of Customs against the shipment of Australian birds by the Medic/’ and a reply was received that that particular shipment had been allowed because it was in fufil- ment of orders received before the 29th March last, and the specimens were collected before that date. In answer to that, a request was made to the Minister to prohibit the export of Australian birds for the future. Enquiry was made by the District Clerk of Minlaton as to the possibility of successfully introducing kookaburras in a reserve in that town, which has some big trees and is about half a mile long and a street wide. The members doubted the success of such an effort on account of the smallness of the area. A proposal to form a sanctuary (eight miles from Mount Gambler) of the Forest Reserve of 8,000 acres, to which a further 4,000 acres should be added by purchase, is still in abeyance. The State Minister is favourable to the project, but the purchase of the additional 4,000 acres requires to be passed by Parliament. The whole land is of a scrubby nature, with sheaoaks and bracken thereon. It was reported that Messrs. Pearce Bros, and Yelland and Bowman (of Campbell House) had made their lands on Lake Alexandrina, which extend from Reedy Point to Point Sturt and to Hindmarsh Island, in all about twenty miles, sanctuaries as regards the bird life thereon. In response to a request from the Customs and Excise Office, Captain S. A. White was nominated for appointment on the Advisory Committee for this State re the Exportation of birds and animals, with Mr. W. Champion Hackett to act in the nominee’s absence. Flinders Chase. The Chairman reported that the Govern- ment had purchased the Rocky River Station and added it to the Chase, and that Mr. May had been engaged to act as Ranger on the Chase. S. A. WHITE, Chairman. J. SUTTON, Hon. Secretary., September 19, 1923 The South Australian Naturalist. 7 REVIEWS. “An Elementary Text-book of Australian Forest Botany,” Vol. I., by T. C. White, P.L.S. (Government Botanist of Queensland). Published by the New South Wales Forest Commission, 25 O’Connell Street, Sydney. Price 7/6. To be completed in two volumes. A special note of this publication is the large number of illustrations, mainly from photographs or drawings of actual specimens of Australian forest plants. The technical terms of botany are very fully illustrated, and the terms themselves are clearly explained as they occur in the text, an excellent idea. To the student of botany, or to any person interested in the trees of Australia, this book may be strongly recommended. The present volume forms a complete introduction to the study of Australian forest plants. “A Census of the Plants of Victoria, with their Eegional Dis- tribution and the Vernacular Names as Adopted by the Plant Names Committee of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria.” Published by the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria. (Review held over for next number.) EXCHANGES. ‘‘The Queensland Naturalist” for March and September, 1923. One article deals with ‘‘The Photographer Naturalist.” A number of reprints forwarded by the National Herb- arium of Victoria: (1) ‘‘Timber Production and Growth Curves of Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) ”, R. T. Pat- ton. (2 and 3) ‘‘Contributions from the National Herbarium of Victoria,” J. R. Tovey and P. F. Morris. (4) “A Naturalist at Mount Rosea (Grampians) ”, J. W. Audas. (5) “A Valuable Legume,” J. W. Audas. From the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, “A Circuit of the Grampians,” J. W. Audas. ‘‘The Victorian Naturalist” for September and October ‘‘The Bunyip,” by E. J. Dunn, F.G.S., who professes to have seen tthe fearsome beast, and “A Trip to the Bogong Height Plains,” by H. B. Williamson, F.L.S., are two of the many instructive articles. ‘‘The South Australian Ornithologist” for July. ‘‘The Australian Naturalist” (N.S.W.), for July and October. Journal of the Arnold Arboretum, Mass., U.S.A., Vol. iv.. No. 3, July, 1923. ’ 8 The South Australian N aturalisi. SUMMER AND THE CICADA. (By T. W. Nettelbeck.) Who of us, in our rambliiigs through the hills on hot summer days, has not heard the monotonous music of the Cicada, and looked up into the lofty branches searching for the noisy musician of the towering eucalypt? I am sure the Nature- lover would feel that something was missing among the trees if he or she had not heard that busy songster during an exploration in the hills on a summer day. One may frequently hear a person remark, “Oh! listen to the locusts!” But our little friend, in truth, has little in common with a locust, as he is not a gnawing or biting insect in the adult stage, but, on the contrary, a sucking insect, and so busy is he getting his nectar from the tree that he does not stop to sing between drinks. Dame Nature has provided a special musical apparatus beneath the abdomen of the male only, which is operated by a separate set of muscles, and produces that continuous drone with which we are all so familiar. The female, though dumb, is not less busy; she has been provided with a chisel-like instrument, which is fixed in the top of the abdomen. With this she can penetrate the soft surface of the bark, and, when the incision is made, the eggs are laid in in little batches. Soon the small white grub emerges from the egg, and makes its way to the ground, where it lives on roots until it changes to the pupal stage. It is provided with strong burrowing claws and a good horny covering to fit it for its work underground, where it lives till spring. It usually emerges from the ground during the early hours of the morning, while the surface of the earth is soft from the dew. Crawling up the nearest twig or tree trunk, it dries itself, and the outer covering splits down the centre of the back, and through this crack the insect crawls slowly and unsteadily until it is quite out. Its wings have yet to spread out and dry, as they are still wet and have a very pretty appearance like a little bundle of tinted gossamer ; but in a couple of hours they are completely grown and beautifully veined strong wings, and away flies the happy cicada to join its fellows in the trees. I can never forget an incident which occurred while I was collecting in the scrub in New South Wales. I came across an old, care-free swagman who, after learning that I was an insect hunter, looked at me as though I was a kind of harmless lunatic ; the cicadas were singing overhead, and he asked me about them. After my simple explanation of their ways, etc., he said; *‘No ( 9 The South Australian Naturalist. wonder he sings all the time when he has all he wants to drink and a wife who can’t talk.” It was not a fair remark, I thought, as I moved on trying to recall where I had read how the Greek poet Plato had praised the little insect’s song. The accompanying plate shows the cicada emerging from the pupal covering. (1) Underside of pupa. (1) Underside of pupa, showing the strong forelegs. (2) The insect emerging, showing the strong forelegs. (3) Back view of insect emerging. (4) Empty pupal case. (5) Newly-emerged insect, with wings partly developed. (6) Showing how wings sometimes develop one at a time. (7) Perfect insect. (7) Underside, showing musical apparatus and sucking tube. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF NATIVE PLANTS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. List of Keepers, Assistants, and Orders. 1. Prof. J. B. Cleland. Miss M. L. Benda, Miss F. Watson, Mr. A. J. Morison. Orders, Nos. 1 to 12 and 83. 2. Prof. T, G. B. Osborn. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott and Misses E. D. Macklin and Illingworth. Orders, Nos. 13 to 22 and 41 to 47. 3. Mr. W. Ham. Miss E. Hocking, Mr. A. G. Edquist. Orders, Nos. 23 to 31 and 33 to 40. 4. Mr. J. P. Bailey. Miss Roeger and Mr. W. H. Selway. Orders, Nos. 48 to 60. 5. Mr. W. C. Hackett. Mr. and Mrs. Pearce, Miss L. Mack- lin. Orders, Nos. 61 to 75. 6. Mr. J. A. Hogan. Miss C. A. Benda and Mr. Stokes. Orders, Nos. 76 to 89 (except 83). 7. Miss D. Peatherstone. Miss Isabel Hackett, and Miss Croker. Orders, Nos. 90 to 106. 8. Mr. E. H. Ising. Misses A. and E. Simpson and Mr. Waddy. Orders, Nos. 32 and 107 to 117. The above order numbers are taken from Mr. Black’s new “Flora of South Australia,’’ Part I. 10 The South Australian Naturalist. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OP NATIVE PLANTS OR PLANT SURVEY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Donations to the Herbarium. The collection of plants presented by Mr. A. H. Elston and the prize collections of Mount Barker High School and Yorke Valley Public School, together with those mentioned below, will form the nucleus of our Herbarium. The following have made donations of plants : 1. Mr. B. Hand (Streaky Bay). 2. Mr. William Ham (Iron Knob). 3. Prof. J. B. Cleland (various places). 4. E. H. Ising (Ooldea, etc.). 5. Miss E. Leahy, Wisanger, K.I. Promises of collections have been received from Mount Barker, Renmark, Yorke Valley, and Inman Valley. E.H.I. THE FORTIETH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ SECTION OP THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF S.A. (INCORPORATED). For Year ended September 24, 1923. General. The Committee have pleasure in presenting the fortieth annual report. Membership. Last year the membership Avas 183, and depletion of our ranks by death and resignations during the twelve months amounted to 27. New members elected total 29, thus making the present total 185. Obituary. We are sorry to have to record the death of Mr. J. 6. Ashton, who was one of our earliest members and who took a keen interest in natural history subjects. Lectures. We are greatly indebted to the lecturers, upon whom we depend for maintaining interest in the Section. Lectures were given as folloAVS : — “•Botany for Beginners,^’ by Mr. J. M. Black; ‘/Our Wattles,” by Mr. A. J. Campbell; “Aquatic Life,” by Mr. H. M. Hale; “Rock Study,” by Sir Douglas Mawson, D.Sc. ; “Nature Photography,” by Messrs. B. Beck, A. J. Morison, The South Australian Naturalist. 11 J. F. Bailey, H. M. Hale, P. H. Williams, E. A. S. Thomas, W. H. Selway, W. Rosser, and E. H. Ising; ‘‘Flora and Fauna of the Trip to Darwin by Motor,” by Captain S. A. White, C.M. B.O.U. ; “Tasmanian Scenery,” by Dr. R. H. Pulleine; “Native Stone Implements,” by Dr. A. M. Morgan; “Univalve Mol- luscs,” by W. J. Kimber; “Fungi Specimens,” by Prof. J. B. Cleland, M.D. ; “Life History'- of some Parasites,” by Prof. T. Harvey Johnston, M.A., D.Sc. ; “ A Trip to Groote Eylandt, Gulf of Carpentaria,” by Mr. N. B. Tindale. Excursions. The leaders of the excursions have done good service to the Section, the subjects having been as follows: — Botany, Gum Trees, Swamp (Tidal) Flora, Ornithology, Sheoaks, Physiography, Fungi, Oonchology, Shore Life, Entomology, Dredging. The trips have been made by train, tram, and char-a-banc, the latter giving opportunity for getting away from the metropolis. Flower Show, 1922. The annual Flower Show was held on October 13 and 14 in the Institute Building, and proved to be a successful fixture. The Public Schools contributed largely to its success, and kindred societies in the other States sent splendid exhibits. The credit balance amounted to £16 18s. 5d. Exhibits. A number of exhibits have been shown by members, and the Committee hopes that this subject will receive greater prominence in the coming year. Geographical Distribution of Native Plants in S.A. A sub-committee was formed recently, and it is the object of the members to conduct a “Plant Survey of S.A.” To carry this out it will be necessary to get plant specimens; it is hoped that members going on holidays in the country will collect plants, and that all who have friends in any part of the State will enlist their help in obtaining and forwarding specimens. By this means a -Field Naturalists' Herbarium will be formed, eight keepers and several assistants having been appointed to take charge of it. Much assistance is being given by Professor T. G. B. Osborn, D.Sc., and Professor J. B Cleland, M.D. It is proposed to amalgamate the Vernacular Plant Names Committee with the above. 12 The South Australian Naturalist “The South Australian Naturalist. “ Our Journal has been published quarterly, as usual, and the Editor, Mr. Wm. Ham, F.R.B.S., has maintained the quality of articles of the standard set by the first Editor, Dr. C. Fenner, F.G.S. Original articles have been contributed by Messrs. Edgar II. Waite, F.L.S., A. M. Ijca, F.E.S., E. 11. Ising, Wm. Ham, F.R.E.S., A. J. Morison, Prof. J. B. Cleland, M.D., H. M. Hale, and W. J. Hosking. The issue last month, August, 1923, completed the fourth volume. Exchanges. “The Victorian Naturalist, “ “The Australian Naturalist” (Sydney), “The Queensland Naturalist,” “The Geelong Natu- ralist,” “The S.A. Ornithologist,” “Transactions of the Royal Society of S.A.,” “Illustrated Catalogue of the Fishes of South Australia,” National Herbarium of Victoria, Smithsonian Insti- tution (Washington, D.C., U.S.A.). Newspaper Reports. We are much indebted to the daily newspapers for the splendid reports of our meetings and excursions. Exportation of Native Fauna. Professor J. B. Cleland was elected by the Section on an Advisory Committee formed in Adelaide to consult with the Officers of the Commonwealth Government in regard to this matter. Mr. Edwin Ashby was appointed deputy. WM. HAM, Chairman. ERNEST H. ISING, Hon. Secretary. September 25, 1923. THE CALL OF THE WILD. “A striking feature of the field naturalists is their indiffer- ence to the weather conditions. Blustering wind and driving rainsqualls do not siiffice to quench their ardour or to detain them indoors. On October 10 the weather provided a reasonable excuse for default in making an appearance, and yet more than fifty members, half being of the fair sex, plucked up courage to face the fierce gales and the bitter hailstorms in an expedition to one of the bleakest and wettest parts of our hills. The exhilarating purity of the bracing air of the hills acted as a tonic to raise the spirits of the party to a pitch of enthusiasm, despite the extreme inclemency of the weather. The absence of formality, the al fresco meal, the jolly good- The South Australian Naturalist. 13 fellowship, seem to arouse that elemental feeling of oneness with the birds and flowers which, in spite of the veneer of civilisation, lies dormant in the subconscious mind. The deli- cate tints, the dainty forms of the wild flowers, the scent of the ferns and of the virgin soil, the stately outline of the eucalypti, the bright gold and faint odours of the wattle, the twittering of the small birds, the liquid gurgle of the magpie, and the plain- tive cry of the harmonious thrush, transported the city dwellers into an earthly paradise. Added to this, the passion for re- search and the joy of discovery animated the eager investi- gators in their several departments. The entomologist enters the dense scrub, vigorously shaking every tree and every bush, seeking for spoil to fill his little phials; the botanist revels in the glory of Nature's garden, and with satchel and trowel prepares to convey his booty to a convenient place for more careful examination; the geologist, from a neighbouring hill, surveys hill and valley, and ponders on composition of the rock, and with his hammer chips ofl fragments and calculates the lay of the strata and the dip of the reef; the ornithologist marks the flight and listens to the song by which he identifies the bird." ^^AGAPAETUS" in ‘‘The Saturday Journal." LECTURES AND EXCURSIONS. Excursion to Slape’s Gully, August 18, 1923. — Mr. W. H. Selway led a large party of members. It was rather early for native flowers, but two species of greenhood {Pterostylis nana and P. refle.r(() were noticed and one species of helmet orchid {Corysanthes fimhriata). The walk through the Gully included some of the most charming scenery of the hills. Lecture, "A Trip to Groote Eylandt, Gulf of Carpentaria." Mr. Norman B. Tindale, August 21, 1923,— Mr. Tindale inter- ested a large audience with an account of his collecting trip to this hitherto unknown island. The lecturer's remarks were illustrated by a fine series of slides, and by a selection of native weapons, ornaments, fishing traps, and eases of insects collected by the lecturer, who had been able to take no less than 500 ethnological specimens, 150 birds and 9,600 insects, in addition to many mammals, shells, and botanical specimens' 14 The South Australian Naturalist. Excursion to Morialta, September 1, 1923.— A party of members, tinder the guidance of Mr. Hogan, visited Morialta, and greatly enjoyed the splendid scenery of the gorge and the beauty of the waterfalls. The well-planned planting of native trees, under the guidance of^ Mr. Hogan, is greatly enhancing the rugged beauty of this picturesque valley. Excursion to the Park Lands and City Nursery, September 8, 1923.— Under the leadership of Mr. A. J. Morison and the City Gardener, Mr. A. W. Pelzer, a large party inspected a part of Adelaide’s 2,000 acres of park lands. About 80 species of trees are grown in the parks and city streets. ^ The merits and disadvantages of various trees were keenly discussed. There was general agreement that the city and its parks had been greatly beautified by the planting already accomplished, and that there still remained a great scope for increase in the numbers of the trees, both in the streets and in the parks. A visit to the City Nursery gave members a better idea of the work entailed in keeping up and extending the gardens, play- grounds, and plantations so skilfully managed by the City Gardener. Excursion to Hope Valley, September 29, 1923. — A party of members, under the guidance of Prof. J. B. Cleland, visited this delightful spot, and found quite a Avealth of native flowers as yet untouched by the destroyer’s hand. A very enjoyable afternoon was spent, and the botanists of the party were able to collect quite a large Amriety of specimens. Excursion to the Grange, October 6, 1923. — A visit to the Grange proved prolific of interesting material. The leader was Mr. A. G. Edquist. The favourite haunts of the abor- igines, before the advent of the AAiiite man, the sandhills still retain many traces of their ancient occupation in the form of burned clay (marking the old fireplaces), chipped stones, and shaped quartzite scrapers, hammer stones, etc. Some of the party dredged the pools for living pond animals, of which many interesting forms were taken. The leader spoke on pond life in general and the life history of some of the more common forms. Excursion to Warren Reservoir, October 10, 1923. — The visit to Warren Reservoir on Eight Hours Day, under the leadership of Professor T. G. B. Osborn, D.Sc., was unfortu- nately marred by the boisterous weather. The route via Mill- brook and Kersbrook led through some of the finest scenery of the hills. Prom the time of arrival at the Reservoir the almost constant rain prevented much collecting hy the botan- ists of the party, and not many species were taken. The South Australian Naturalist. 15 Lecture on Clouds^’ by Mr. A. G. Edquist, October 16, 1923.— The lecturer dealt in a chatty manner with the formation and varieties of clouds, with special reference to South Aus- tralian weather conditions. Experiments, blackboard sketches, and some fine photographs served to make the speaker’s re- marks more graptiir. At the conclusion of the ieetiue lumiei'- ous questions were asked and .answered. Several members al:u) brought specimens, which were discussed. Excursion to Fulham, October 20, 1923. — The afternoon proved fine, and a large number availed themselves of Captain S. A White’s kind invitation to visit his home. A great num- ber of birds had been set out for examination in cases, and the members inspected these as well as the curios brought by Captain White from Central Australia. In his remarks the lecturer spoke on the most important of the useful birds of Australia. Excursion to Millbrook, October 27, 1923. — The trip to Millbrook was taken in ideal weather, and members were charmed with the picturesque view of Millbrook, with its winding shores, presenting as it does the appearance rather of a mountain lake than of an artificial reservoir. By the kind- ness of the Waterworks Department the Section was allowed to visit the reserve, where Mr. Oliver welcomed the party. The flora was abundant, orchids in particular being well represented. Various species of Thelymitra were particu- larly numerous, especially the beautifully scented yellow Thelymitra antennifera. Thelymitra longifolia was also found. Other species found included Glossodia major, Caladenia lati- folia, Diuris sp,, Microtis porrifolia, Caladenia patersoni. Tetratheca was growing in abundance, and some specimens of the native iris, Patersonia sp., were also -found. The view from a boat in the middle of the lake was particularly fine. The reservoir, wdth a capacity of over 3,650 million gallons, was full, covering about 480 acres. Visit to the Botanic Garden, November 3, 1923. — Under the guidance of the Director of the Garden, Mr. J. F. Bailey a large party visited the Botanic Garden and Park on Satur- day, November 3. The rockery round the Palm House was greatly admired. The many beautiful trees from various parts of the world show that our climate is specially favourable to the growth of trees. Among the finest trees seen were the Kauri pine of New Zealand, the Bunya Bunya of Queensland the Jacaranda of Brazil, the Kurrajong, or flame tree the camphor laurel of China, and many varieties of pine, palm and fig. The roseries were in full bloom, and about a thousand ’ 16 The South Australian Naturalist. varieties were seen in flower. A visit to the native plant sec- tion showed what a fine work Mr. Bailey is doing in the cultivation of our native flora. Visit to Mr. A. K. Newbery's garden at Mount Lofty, November 10, 1923. — A large .party travelled to Mount Lofty, and were shown through the beautiful garden and hospitably entertained by Mr. Newbery. In the absence of the President, Mr. A. J. Morison acted as leader. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN AQUARIUM SOCIETY. The sixth annual meeting of the South Australian Aquarium Society was held on November 6 at Mr. J. W. Hos- king’s rooms, Norwood. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Mr. B. B. Beck; Vice-Presi- dent, Mr. S. S. Stokes ; Committee, Miss M. Eoeger, and Messrs. J. W. Hosking, J. Boase, and R. Carpenter; Auditor, Mr. A. E. Wadey; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. H. M. Hale; Assistant Secretary, Mr. J. W. Goodale. It was resolved that the Field Naturalists’ Section be asked to print records of meetings of the Society and papers by members. Appreciation was expressed of Mr. and Mrs. Hosking ’s jl continued kindness in providing a room in which the meetings Jj of the Society are held. Mr. Reg T. Foster was also thanked I for the excellent arrangements made by him for the annual I camp at Murray Bridge, at which he has for five years acted HERBERT M. HALE, Hon. Secretary. HELD OVER. Librarian’s Report, and review of “A Census of the Vic- torian Flora, with Vernacular Names.’’ The Journal of the Field Naturalists,’ Seotioa of the Sojal t ‘ Society of. South AdsinUia. Adelaide OOKTENTS. Items of Interest to F.N.S Dredging Excursion, February 2, 1924 . . A Remarkable Crustacean (Herbert M. Hale) .. .. A Proposal for a National Reserve at Mount Lofty (J. B. Cleland) The Forests of Mount Lofty Range (Ernest H. Ising) .. kiA ** * Geographical Distribution of Native Plants in South Australia Wilson’s Promontary — A National Park"^ .. The Craters and Lakes of Mount Gambier .. List of Native Plants Growing in the Railway Reserve at Mile End (Ernest H, Ising) South Australian Aquarium Society (Herbert M. Hale) /.* 114 Collecting. Mollusca (Shells) 4l^the Outer Harbor (by C* Walton) . . 115-116 Each writer is responsible for th$ individual opinions expressed and the facts submitted. Address of the Section: C/o Royal Society's Rooms, Institute Building, North Terrace, Adelaide. Published Quarterly Single Copy-KtINEPENCE Felfttead & Omsby, Printers, Bookbinders, etc. Gilbert Place, Adelaide Office Bearers, 1923-24 Chairman — Prof. J. B. Cleland, M.D. Vice-Chairman — Mr. E. S. Hughes, Prof. T. Harvey Johnston, M.A., D.Sc, Hon. Secretary — Mr. E. H. Ising, Loco. Dept., Mile End. Assistant Secretary — Miss E. Ireland. Treasurer — Mr. B. B. Beck, Coleys Book Arcade, Bundle Street, Librarian — Miss I. Eoberts. Press Correspondent — Mr. D, J. McHaniara. Publicity Secretary — Miss Boeger. Excursion Secretary — Mr. A. J. Morison, Town Hall, Adelaide. Committee — Br. C. Fenner, F.G.S., Messrs. J. F. Ba'iley, W. Ham, W. H, Selway, W. J. Kimber, S. W. Jackman, W. Champion Hackett, W. Pearce and T. Hogan and the Chairman and Secretary of the Flora and Fauna Protection Committee. Hon. Auditors — Messrs. W. D. Beed, F.C.P.A., and A, J. Morison. ''The South Australian Naturalist^* — Editor, Mr. Wm. Ham, P.B.E.S. Address: The University, Adelaide. FOBXHCOMING EXCURSIONS. March 1. — Modbury. Visit Mr. B-. A. Smith. Charabanc, 1.30 p.ni., Adelaide Town Hall. Leader, Mr. A. J. Wiley. March 15. — Dredging. Train to Outer Harbour, 1.35 p.m. Leaders, Prof. Harvey Johnston, Messrs. Kimber and Hale. March 21. — Evening visit to Mr; Farrow’s, Semaphore, Astronomy. Party limited to 10. Train at 7.5 p.m. March 29. — Burnside. Tram at 2 p.m. Visit Mr. A. A. Sinix>son, C.M.G. Leader, Mr. A. J. Morison. April 5.-— Henley to Glenelg. Tram at 2 o *elock opposite Bank of Adelaide. Leaders, Messrs. Kimber and Ham. Shore life and sandhill botany, etc. April 21 (Easter Monday). — Hallett*s Cove. Train, 9.10 a.m. Leader, Dr. Fenner, F.G.S. Physiography and Glacial Bemains. April 25 (Anzae Day Holiday). — Kinchina. Tr:fin, 7.35 a.m. Leader, Mr. J. Sutton. Bird-life, etc. May 10. — Long Gully to Belair. Train, 2.3 p.m. Leaders, Prof. J. B, Cleland and Photographers. Botany, etc. May 24. — Stonyfell and Gandy’s Gnlly. ' Burnside tram, Pirie Street, 2 p.m. Leader, Mr. Hogan. Botany. EVENING LECTURES. March 18. — Exhibits Evening. Members are invited to bring any natural history exhibits. Mrs. C. Pearce, "American Scenes,” etc. Prof. T. Harvey Johnston, "Parasites.” April 15. — "Glaciations of the Past, witli special reference to Australasia.” Mr. L. Keith Ward, B.A., B.E. May 20. — Lecturettes: Dr, C. Fenner, F.G.S., and Mr. W. J. Kimber. Also Exhibits. . . The . . South Australian Naturalist VOL. V. FEBKUAKY, 1924. ITEMS OF INTEREST TO THE F.N.S. Tile Committee met very early this year to consider the l>rog‘ramme of excursions. Owing to the hnancial loss entailed on the section by a number of the char-a-banc trips in 1923, tlie task was one of more than usual difficulty. After discus- sion and deliberation the Committee decided that during 1924 rlie Section should devote a good share of the time to a more thorough examination and detailed description of public re- serves near the city, particularly those at Morialta, Waterfall Gully, and National Park, Belair. It is pro])osed that investi- gation be undertaken and ])apers ta)mj)iled and published (j)robably in the first instance in the pages of onr Magazine) dealing with the geology, ]>hysiography, botany, insecta, mam- malia, and fungi of these reserves. There will be work for all members in observing, recording, and preserving specimens. It is hoped to secure practical help from the Board controlling the reserves, as well as from the Tourist Bureau, the Railway Department, and other bodies interested. The Committee are anxious that all members should do what they can to impress the public with the need for securing such suitable areas as that referred to by the Chairman in his article on another page of this number. The natural beauty of this area, its accessibility, the value of the young stringy bark forest already established on it, as well as the extremely chea]) rate at which it can be secured, are- only a few of the arguments in favour of securing this spot as a public reserve. As an investment, it is financially ^‘gilt-edged.’" it only needs to be known. Every field naturalist should be a publicity agent. The dredging trip on February 2 proved so enjoyable that tlie (’ommittee has arranged for another trip on March 15. With fine weather, it should prove just as interesting and fruitful. The South Australian Naturalist. 98 Volume XLMI. of the Proceeding-s of the parent Society, just issued in an enlarg’ed form, proves one of the most interest- ing volumes yet published. Members of our Section are well represented in the list of authors. Our Chairman (Dr. J. B. Cleland) collaborates in an article on Australian Fungi, illus- trated by two excellently-produced colour plates. Professors Wood-Jones, T. Harvey Johnston, T. 6. B. Osborn, and Messrs. Lea, LoAver, Elston, Ashby, Wood, Black, Waite, Tindale, and Dr. Rogers all appear as contributors to this fine volume. Members are earnestly requested to book early for 1he charabanc trip on March 1st. DREDGING EXCURSION, FEBRUARY 2nd, 1924. The Aveather i>roved almost ideally calm for the trip, and the party Avere able to go out into the Gulf for about six miles. Many hauls Avere made during the afternoon, generally on a Aveedy bottom, the dredgings bringing up no sand and but little true seaAveed. Sponges AA’ere especially common, and a great many Ecliinoderms Avere taken, as Avell as crabs and a variety of Crustaceans. Various members of the j)arty collected speci- mens of the various families, Mr. Hale collecting the crusta- ceans, Mr. Kimber shells, Prof. Harvey Johnston sponges, X>olyzoa, and Avorms. Prof. H. Johnston, in addressing the members, spoke on some of the material collected that afternoon. Dealing first Avith the sponges, he referred to the part played by the spicules. Specimens of polyps Avere made the occasion for short refer- ences to the formation of colonies of animals. Then came the Potyzoa, Avirh colonies of independent individuals. Some of the AA’orms caught Avere next described, most living in tubes made of sand, shells, and other material, still others living in the flesh of sponges. Of these latter, there Avere many specimens taken. The lar\^al stage of the AA'orms Avas described as being closely akin to that of the mollusca, though their subsequent developinejit was so different. The sea squirts, or Ascidians, Avere briefly described, and their retrogression from; the pro- mise of their larval stage, with notochord and free movement, to the final ^J)aglike^’ stage, AAdien the animal is a mere little stomach with tAvo openings, having lost its incipient backbone, along Avith all poAver of locomotion. Mr. Kimber spoke on the shells taken. A note by Mr, H. M. Hale on the various crustaceans folloAA's. The South Australian Naturalist 99 A REMARKABLE CRUSTACEAN. Herbert M. Hale, South Australian Museum. During the dredging trip on February 2nd a quantity of 'Small forms of Crustacea came up in the dredge. Amongst these were some examples of Gnathia, an Isopod not hitherto recorded from our State. The members of this genus rarely exceed 8 mm. in length. Tliey have a fascinating life 'history and are remarkable for an extraordinai\y dimorphism betweeji the sexes. The tiny early larva of the animal is ])arasitic in habit and obtains its meals from fishes, to which it fastens itself until satisfied. After a time the larva becomes very swollen, the gut being filled with, and greatly distended by, the juices sucked from the fish. After leaving its host for the last time, the larva moidts and continues the life CA^cle as adult male or female, in which stage it never feeds again, subsisting solely upon the stored food in the gut. While the larvae are much alike the adults present remarkable sexual differences. The female somewhat resembles the larva, but becomes still more swollen; the stored nourishment is absorbed by the ovary and all the other organs degenerate to make room for a mass of large eggs which occupy the whole body cavity. The female then, becomes merely a living egg-sac from which the young Gnathiae hatch out. The male, however, assumes an astonish- ing form. The head is large and massive, and furnished with a pair of grasping mandibles, the use of which is not definitely known; the head of the female is small. The body is segmented, comparatively narrow, and of quite different appearance from that of the female. In the male, the food ingested during larval life is assimilated and stored in the large liver. EVENING LECTURES. Photo. Evening, November 20, 1923. Mr. Horswill showed a large number of original photo- graphs of Tasmanian scenery, including fine pictures of snow scenes on Mount Wellington. Other members also exhibited a number of interesting pictures of natural history subjects. The exhibitors included Messrs. Thomas, Wallis, Ham, and Ising, Mrs Pearce, and Misses Correll.and I. Roberts. 100 The South Australian Naturalist A PROPOSAL FOR A NATIONAL RESERVE AT MOUNT LOFTY. By J. B. Cleland. A\ iien tToni tlie iilaiiis of Adelaide we yie^x the summit of Mount Ijofry. and then let our gaze descend, we see tier succeed- ing tier till the foothills are reached. May I ask you to pause for a moment as yon make this survey to consider a small ])lateaii, covered with trees and at one time with a noble foi'est, wliose position you may be able to recognize a little way l)elow the summit and in direct line therewith. Its exact situation may be described as being about a mile in the direction of Adelaide itself from the road that passes round in front of Mount Lofty near its summit and as being bounded on the north by the dee].) gully that runs up on the right-hand side of The Green Hill Load, bending suddenly in its upper part to terminate between Mount Lofty itself and the Little Mount, and on the south by the rugged termination of the left-hand branch of the AMaterfall GulG^ far beyond the Upper Palls. Indenting the plateau on the north-west aspect and partly draining it, is the termination of another small gully, some- times called AVooIshed Gully from an old woolshed at its eJitrance. whose creek fails into the AVaterfall Gully Creek a little way below the hotel. This j)lateau can be approached at ])resent by timber- tracks, either by travelhig down the ridge to it from the juncthni of Little Mount Lofty ridge with the main Mount, or by ascending AYoolshed Gully. A bridle track also leads up the Woolshed Hill. When the })lateau is reached, it is found that the grass-covered shale of the lower liills is suddenly re])laced by the sandier soil and quartzite formation of the higher parts with its correspondingly richer natural Australian flora. In places the transition between the two types of soil is extraordinarily abru])t and one can almost straddle across the line of division, one foot being ]>laced where stringy-barks ( E iicaUjpfHs ohliqua), heaths and the grass-tree ( Xanthorrhoea :art our men played in the Great War than a National Reserve situated as this is, OAmrlooking the plains from near the summit of our highest peak. Through the area passes the ucaa' cable for the supply of electric light to Mount Lofty. Why not, from this National Reserve, have a Beacon Light blazing forth every night, visible to all on the plains beneath? It might CAmn be possible to arrange Hxe lights to shine^ in the form of a Routhern Cross to be lighted on special occasions, such as Anzac Day. The hills immediately below the proposed ReserA^e are naturally bare of trees and on one side a broad spur has, T should judge, a sufficiently level space to allow 103 The South Australian Naturalist. of an aeroplane landing. Flight is eoming nearer and nearer as a rapid and usual means of progression, and here we have a landing sit(' on oui* hills whither on Saturdays and holidays visitors eould be rapidly translated from town. Without inter- fering materially with the natural growth as a reserve, the Tourist Bureau eoidd ereet a residential house where people could stay for week-ends or during their holidays. A golf course could be established on the grassy lower hills as an additional attraction. Surely, with so many interests all calling for this as a Reserve and with only a comparatively small sum required to hold the land from further despoiling of its natural beauties, we shall be able to secure it and hand it on to the generations to come, to them a ]>riceless heirloom. THE FORESTS OF MOUNT LOFTY RANGE. By Ernest H. Ising. South Australia has a wonderful heritage in the forests which clothe the Ranges. The beauty of the wooded hills and gullies is well known, not only to visiting Australians, but also to tourists from all parts of the world. The authorities would do well to preserve the beauty nnd Avealth of the forests, Avhieh means a tangible asset to the State. The forests are for the use of the State and destruction of them should not be tolerated. Ft is our duty to see that sufficient timber supplies are passed on to posterity. It is an unfortunate fact that our State is not so blessed Avith forests: as are the other parts of Australia, and this should lead to a sustained and vigorous forestry policy in this State until the industry has l>een placed in a safe and sound position. Forests have other functions than that of supplying timber and hreAAn)od. It has been scientifically proved in other coun- tries, SAvitzerland in lAartieular, that a forest ensures a per- manent supply of pure Avater. It has been shown that lack of timber-covered areas has been the cause of floods in the wet season, Avith consequent loss of good soil, and silting up of lakes and flats, and a drought in the summer or dry season. This has been demonstrated in a small Avay in the Avatershed of our Torrens River, and the silting up of our low-lying land along the foreshore near Henle.y. The timber around the source of the Torrens has been removed, and the bare hills now let the rhiiiAA^ater flow into the Torrens in a flood; with forests present The South Australian Naturalist. 103 the rain would reach tJie main channel much more slowly, and thus allow the ruinoft to extend over a longer period. Forests, then, ensure a regular flow of good water throughout the year, pid this water is generally clear and pure. This is of economic importance, as there is not the same need for water storage when the supply is permanent or regular. Then the influence on climate or rainfall is an important factor to be considered. Forests act as a cooling and condens- ing agent to the upper atmosphere, bringing about the pre- cipitation which would be impossible or unlikely with a barren landscape. The shade and shelter given by trees is for the benefit of man and his animals. Other points, such as the incomparable beauty of forest, with its association of bird, animal, and floral life, could l>e dealt with to show the value of forest growth, but I wish to mention some of our timbers Avhieh are of commercial value. The classificatio]! of the Eucalypts (1 will only deal with this^ genus, as it is practically our only timber-producing family) by means of their barks, as described by Mr. Maiden in his work, “Critical Revision of the Genus Eucalyptus^’ Part 51, 1922, is as follows : — 1. LEiOPIILOlAE (smootli barks or gums, oiiter layers shedding). 2. HEMiPHLOlAE (half barks, ])ei’sistent and wrinkled on trunk). 3. RHYTTPHLOIAE (rough barks). 4. PACHYPIILOIAE (stringybarks, fibrous). 5. SCHIZOPHLOIAE (ironbarks, deeply furrowed). 6. LEPJDOPHLOIAE (barks friable an,d lamellar oi* scaly). Tn this classificatio]] our timber trees are represented by the following species: — I. LEIOPHLOIAE. Smooth barks or Gums. ^ Trees more or less erect in liabit but not shaft-like: pale timbers. 1. Eucalyptus leucoxylon F.v.M. “Yellow gum” (ime- viously called “Blue gaun”). This species grows to a fair- sized timber tree ajul is found in association with the red gum (E. rostrata), although it does not grow in such damj) situa- tions. It is a good tree for bees. Its flowers are large and o-ive a good sujiply of excellent nectar. 2. E, rubida I3eanc and Maiden. ^^Candlebark. ” It is chiefly in the dam]) gullies that this tree is found and its distribution is wide in the hills within the 30-iiich rainfall but its numbers are very small. This is the most beautiful gum of The South Australian Naturalist 104 GUI* hills, its ina^nificeut trunk standing’ erect, pillar-like or colnmnar. Its bark, candle-white on the trunk, is the admira- lion oi: all 'who see it. Its leaves, buds and flowers are very similar to those of E. viminalis. 3. E. viminalis Labill. “Manna Gum/' Much moi-e plentiful than the last-named species and a good timber tree. It is often called the “Ribbony Gum" o]i account of the bark ])eeling* off in long ribbons. Bai'k smooth and mostly deciduous. There is a section of this species at 15 miles along the railway line from Adelaide to Mt. Lofty which 1 have written about in this journal (Vol. Jl, No. 3, p. 65.). Red Timber— - 4. E. rostrata Sehlecht, “River Red gum.’* A fine timber tree Avhose quality of timber is known all over tJie world; it is luird and durable and is used for many i^urposes where great strength is re({uired. The distribution of this species in our State is very vide and it is found in almost all damp situations and watercourses throughout the Mt. Lofty Range ajid along the Murray. The bark is smooth and is shed in patches so that the trunk lias a mottled ap])earance in grey aiid green colours. Tree of a scrambling habit, timber dark — 5. E. cosmophylla E.v.M. “Cabbage gum.” This is not a timber s])ccies as the trees do not grow to any size ajid are generally crooked. It does not grow in the other States. Mr. Maiden includes this among tlie smooth barks but 1 think it would be better in the rough bark section, (l.c. p. 28.). 6. E. fasciculosa F.v.M. “Pink Gum.’' This can hardly be (‘ailed a timber sj)ccies, but it is made use of for fencing posts, et('. It grows around Mt. Lofty among the stringybarks but is more i)lentifu! in the drier mallee country on the Murray flats east of tlie r'ange near Monarto. n. HE.AIIPHLOIAE. Ilalf-barks. E. hemiphloia E.v.M. As it is doubtful whether this s])C('i(‘s grows in the Mt. Lofty Range it need not be considered here. 7. E. ovata Labill. “White or Sand Gum.’' Timber dark, very liard and durable. It is a comparatively rare species and seems to be confined to the Myponga district. The bark is rough and dark at the butt of the tree but is otherwise whitish and smooth. Ml. RIIYTIPIILOIAE. Rough barks. 8. E. elaeophora Rv.M. “Box gum.” A species with a lu)x bai’k, scaly and rougli like our pep]')ermint (E. odorata), grov ing at Humbug Scrub and Warren Reservoir district. It The South Australian Naturalist. 105 is not a very large ti^e' in- those 'i,)laces but it is plentiful and useful for posts and firewood. It would make fine small timber although I do not knoiv ot its being used commercially. 9. E. odorata Behr and ^chlecht. ‘‘Peppermint’’ or “Box.’’ Plentiful along the foothills and to the north of Adelaide. Extends for a feu’ miles into the hills where it is in almost a pure stand around Eden to Belair. In the Mitcham foothills it is a tree with a large main trunk, but it is chiefly of the Hiallee form elsewhere. IV. PACHYPHLOIAE. Stringybarks. 10. E. Blaxlandii Maiden. (E. capiteilata Sm.). “Brown stringybark. " A timber used for many ])iirposes but the tree IS not of general distribution as it prefers the dry quartzite hilltops. It often grows to a big tree. n. E. obliqua L 'Merit. “White stringybark or Mess- m:ate.'’ TJiis is the main tree of our hills and is distributed over alJ situations within areas having a rainfall of 80 inches and upwards. It is not found in the outer fringe of hills but in the higher altitudes from about 1,200 feet above the sea level. It is used for furniture, timbers for all ])urposes, and firewood. It grows in dense stands and is most plentiful. Sections V. and Y\. are not represented in the Mt. Lofty Range. Borne of the headings to the BectioJis have been adapted from Mr. Maiden’s work. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF NATIVE PLANTS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Additions to Plant Survey Herbarium. The following have sent parcels of specimens: — 1. Mr. L. ReesCj Minnie Downs Station, near Birdsville ■(via Marree). Twenty-seven species collected in January. 2. Prof. J. B. (deland. Collections from Kinchina, and Encounter Bay. 8. Imuan Valley School, Miss A. Adcock, head teacher. A collection from Inman Valley and Victor Harbor. 4. Moorlaiids Public School, Mr. L. Ford, head teacher. Collections made by two of the scholars. 5. Maitland Public School, collector Keith Bagshau’. , . 6. The Section has recently accepted the “Tepper Her- barium ” from the Executors of the late Mr. J. G. 0. Tepper, who was for many years one of its most active members. The herbarium is a valuable acquisition and it is intended to perpetuate Mr. Tepper ’s memory in connection Avith his plants. As soon as arrangements can be made to have the plants fumigated they will be placed in our Herbarium. The South Australian Naturalist. lOf) WILSON S PROMONTORY, A NATIONAL PARK. It may be of interest to our members who have been active in securing Flinders Chase, on Kangaroo Island, as a reserve for our native fauna aiid liora to read of the success of similar efforts in Victoria. The extracts are from an article published in the '' Argus of February 9: — The idea of reserving Wilson's Promontory as a suitable place for a national park seems to have arisen about forty years ago. The Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, with kindred societies, took action, urging its reserva- tion. It was not until after much agitation and in- sistence on the pro])osition that in 1905 the promontory was permanently reserved as a national park. The park was constituted under trustees, representing interested societies, and the Lands Department. Now, a wire fence with ])arallel rows of barbed wire to a height of about 8 ft. has been built across the head of the promontory for about seven miles; native fauna introduced, wild dogs and dingoes destroyed, and every effort made to make the National Park a place of protec- tion for our animals and plants, a source of pleasure and in- struction to nature lovers, and a suitable resort for those v^ho amid primitive surroundings seek health and exercise. Kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, koalas, emus, opossums are among some of the fauna of the park. The lyrebird has been introduced, the eastern valleys being an ideal place for its habitat. Tbifortunately foxes and rabbits have gained access, with what results it remains to be seen. At different times camping parties have visited the park, and visitors have been brought down by the meml)ers of the board controlling the ppk, a house having been built for the convenience, and at the disposal of the latter. A new departure has now been made. The house has been transformed into a chalet for the accommodation of tourists, and for the first time this holiday season provision has been made to receive visitors at the chalet. It was fitting that the first orgaiiised party to avail themselves of such accommodation wms a detachment of the members of the Field N’atiiralists’ Club to the number of 16, the club in the past having effectively and continuously Avorked to secure the reservation of the area as a jiational park. Accommodation is necessarily limited, but very satisfactory. Bathing facilities in sea or stream are good. Walking exercise is abundant and varied, and riding horses obtainable if required. For a place w^here the ''call of the wild’’ is insistently heard, where the bird-lover will have ample scope for obserA'ation, and nature-lovers may \Amnder intent on the study of \Auld life or native flora, the National Park can be commended. The South Australian Naturalist. 107 THE CRATERS AND LAKES OF MOUNT GAMBIER. (In Volume XLV. of the Proceedings of the Royal Society of South Australia, a former Chairman of our Section, Dr. C. Fenner, F.G.S., published a comprehensive paper on Mount Gambler, in which he summarised the available literature and gave the results of prolonged investigation and scientific enquiry. Herewith we have ])leasure in piiblishing a summary of the article, together with some figures, the blocks for which were kindly lent by the Royal Society. — Ed. “S.A.N.”) Though the geological features of the Mount Gambler volcanoes are on a relatively small scale, they have had a very great influence on the surrounding district from the economic point of view. The fertile soils of the ash deposits, together with the visible unlimited water supply of the lakes, led to early settlement in the district, and to the rise there of a well-built town, that has become the chief centre of the south-eastern districts of South Australia. The history of the volcanic area having been so unusual and varied, the resulting scenery is equally notable for its variety, beauty, and unexpectedness. For this reason the town has become noted as a tourist resort. Practically the whole area of the Mount itself is reserved for public purposes — botanic, forest, or public ])ark — and much has been done to add to the beauty by tree-plaiiting and improvement, without destruction of the unique natural features. The well-built nature of the town is largely due to the abundant supplies of good building stones (limestones and dolomites). The basalt (from Mount Schank) is used for road- making, and the ash forms excellent footpaths. The local water supply is drawn from the Blue Lake. But for the exist- ence of the volcano, the area would doubtless consist to-day of a broad limestone plain, sparsely settled, and economically unimportant. Mount Gambler is the best known of a series of small volcanic hills, which may be classified in three groups: — (1) Mount Gambier, The Bluff, Mount Muirhead, and Mount Burr. (2) Mount Edwards, Mount McIntyre, and Mount Graham. (3) Mount Schank. ^ The bed-rock of the surrounding country consists of a senes of marine tertiary limestones, which include red and cb'cam-coloured dolomites and a ployzoal limestone (all three used as building stones), and, in places, flints are extremely 108 The South Australian Naturalist. abundant. The value of these flints was appreciated by the aboriginals, ami not less so by the present inhabitants, for they are exported in considerable quantities. The surface of the underoToimd water is about 70 ft. to 80 ft. above sea-level at Mount Ganibier (140 ft. above sea-level), and is there ex])osed to view in a series of four beautiful lakes. The immediate neighbourhood of Mount Gambier might best be described by reference to the sketch given in fig. 1, which has been drawn in part from an aerial photograph taken by Mr. Arthur, of Mount Gambier, looking eastward. The present-day Mount Gambier is but a remnant of what was at one time a considerable pile of volcanic material, mainly fragmentary. A series of extensive collapses took i)lace along the line of the cones, so that the higher portions have almost wholly disappeared, and only the outer, lower slopes remain intact. The collapsed area is in part occupied by lakes, the surfaces of which are about 70 ft. below the level of the town and the surrounding ]dain. In the very early stages of the volcanic outburst there Wc4s a small flow of basaltic lava. This is exposed in section in the western and eastern wails of the Blue Lake, and in the eastern wall of the Valley Lake, with a thin deposit of volcanic ash sej>arating it from the underlying limestone. This lava is known locally as the “blue rock,’' in contradistinction to the beds of stratified tuff (ash), which are erroneously termed “lava.” The South Australian Naturalist. 109 With the able assistance of Mr. H. C. Hosking, B.A., Dr. Fenner investigated the limits of the ash deposits and mapped these as shown in fig. 2. The unsymmetrical distribution of the finer material at once suggests the influence of the prevailing winds as the chief agent of its distribution. Detailed enquiries serve to confirm the idea that the ash distribution was governed by winds similar in direction and velocity to those of the pre- sent day. Summing up the large amount of evidence available, it is concluded that Mount Gambler and its associated vents repre- sent a western marginal outburst from the great basaltic magma that gave rise to the Victorian Newer Basalts, occurring near the close of the Newer Basaltic Period and possibly dating to quite late prehistoric time, possibly just prior to the appear- ance of the blaekfellow on the scene. That there were at least three craters at Mount Gambier itself is clear from the available evidence. There was a brief explosive phase prior to the basalt flow, and the former prob- ably came from the v^estern crater, as did the lava. Possibly no The South Australian Naturalist. the order of activity was:-— 1. Aii explosive outburst from the Mount Gambier crater; 2, a brief effusive phase at the same focus; 3, renewed ex])losive activity at that crater; 4, explosive eruption of Blue Lake crater; 5, explosive eruption at Leg of Mutton crater. Stillj there is no positive evidence against the idea that pluises 3, 4. and 5 were contemporaneous. The Blue Lake is the most remarkable and most fascinating of the subsided areas. The average depth of the water is 250 ft. to 280 ft., the height of the cliffs averages 250 ft. above the water, and the cliff* faces are \evy steep. The shape of the lake is an irregular oval, and the area is 170 acres. As already mentioned, the Avater of the lakes is portion of that stored in the great sub-artesian tertiary basin of the ancient Murray Gulf, and tlie surface of the lakes sloAvly rises and falls, iji liarmony with the rise and fall of the general Avater-table of the whole area. When the rainfall affecting this area is from 18 to 20 inches per annum, the level of Avater in the lakes remains prac- tically stationary. From this it may be deduced that the amount of Avater that is added to the underground supply from an annual rainfall of 18 to 20 inches is just about equal to the loss of Avater from the great underground reservoir per annum. This loss is due mainly to the outlets along the southern coast- line, Avhere it constantly gushes forth in great quantities. If Ave regard the underground reservoir of the south- easterji district as a closed system with an annual overflow equal to the average annual increment of Avater received from an annual rainfall of 18 to 20 inches, then aa^c may construct a graph to shoAv the reiatioji betAveen the rainfall and the rise or fall of level in the Blue Lake. The South Australian Naturalist, 111 In the gTa.p'h, the line A rej^jresents the actual curve of variation in tlie water level at Blue Lake. The line B repre- sents the curve showing the cunuilative variations from an annual rainfall of 19 inches in the County of Lowan (Victoria). The line C (j^laced over A and B) represents a similar curve based on the variation from 20^- inches per annum in the south-eastern counties of South Australia. From the close correlation disclosed by these graphs the maximum rise and fall of water level for January may be pro- ]>hesied at the close of the preceding winter’s rainfall. A model of Mount Gambier and the lakes, built to exact scale, has been constructed by Dr. Fenner, and a copy of same will be among the South Australian exhibits at the Empire Exhibition. LIST OF NATIVE PLANTS GROWING IN THE RAILWAY RESERVE AT MILE END. By Ernest H. Ising. In an early number of this journal (Vol. I., No. 3, 1918) Mr. J. M. Black gave an article on ‘^The Primitive Flora of Adelaide” and noted 27 native }Jants growing in and around the city at that time. Mr. Black's list includes i)la]its which were growing in the little piece of 'natural scrub at Enfield which has been preserved hitact. The railway ])roperty at Mile End has been etuhosed for a long time and (ptite a number of native plants have been fiowei'ing there froin August last. Specimens have been colle(ded and notes of the flowering period, etc., were taken of 17 s}>ecies oiih^ four of tiiese being mentioned by Mr. Black in the above article. Observa- tions have been carried out since last August and no doubt the list could be augmented during the next 12 months. The species marked (B) were those recorded by Mr. Black, whose new ‘'Flora of South Australia” has been followed in the following arrangement of families. _ Graminae. (B). Stipa scabra Lindl. Common spear grass. This grass is very plentiful and was fioAvering during October and Noveipber. It grows in tufts about 6 inches across and u}) to 24 inches in height. Its silvery heads, with long fine awns, waving in the breeze give it a characteristic appearance. Liliaceae. Bulbine bulbosa (B.Br.) Haw. One plant of tills sj)ccies Avas fioAA^ering in October, it is evidently rare now on the. ])lains, it usually prefers the hills. Grasses' and Aveeds may haAm killed the plants. m The South Australian Naturalist. (B) Dichopogon strictus (R.Br.) G. Bak. ‘‘Vanilla Lily." A beautifully scented species, fioweriug in October. Only one tloM^er blooms at a time and closes at night, the floAverino' of the lond raceme extending over some weeks. Amaryllidaceae — Hypoxis glabella (R.Br.). This little yellow star was plentiful and flowered' during September, It is also a common j)lant in the hills. Calostemma purpureum (R.Br.). A summerdiowering plant with purj)lish flowers. The flower stems appear before the leaves which die hi the spring. To be seen in masses at Eden and in scattered places along the foothills above Mitcham. Chenopodiaceae. (B.) Atriplex Muelleri Benth. “Mueller’s Saltbush.” A fair nuidber of this species is found at Mile End where it is protected from stock. It has a sjireading habit Avith many lax stems trailing over the ground. Flowering in spring and fruiting in February. Bassia enchylaenoides F.v.M. This j)lant is plentiful : it is a perennial with a thick rootstock from which new shoots spring each .yeai*. The young branches are densely hairy but tliis covering wears off in time. It flowers and fruits in the spring and summer. Tlie fruits of this genus usually bear several spines l>nt as the above species is devoid of this character Mr. R. H. Anderson (Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. A"ol 48, pt. 3, 1923) jmoposes to remove it to another genus. Amarantaceac — Trichinium spathulatum R.Br. Several plants of this species were observed flowering in the spring. It is a perennial and the rootstock (in one plant dug up) is almost fleshy and about half an inch (10 mm.) thick. This would enable the plant to endure long dry summers; the clay soil in Avhich it is groAving is very retentive of moisture. No doubt these factors have been responsible for the preservation of til is plant on the plains. Leguminosae — Acacia pycnantha Benth. “Golden AVattle.” One plant groAving on the to]A of a raihvay cutting, in doAver in September. Acacia, sp. One shrub in floAver in October. From the a])]Aearance of the base of the trunk this plant is a number of years old, although it is only about 5 feet in height. The floAvers Avere numerous hut no fruit has been seen; this is ac- counted for. T feel sure, by the absence of pollinating insects, none of Avhich Avere observed during frequent Ausits paid to the plant Avhile in bloom. On the side facing the prevailing Avinds many dead branch lets Avere in evidence ; these protected the inner branches AA'hich maintained a full foliage. The South Australian Naturalist. 113 Lotus australis Audi*. Several plants of the le^'ume "were o'rowiu^' in a eutting' v;here it is not difficult to account for their a])])earan(»e, but a plant growing* on undisturbed flat among s]>ear grass is not so easily exjilained unless it is a relict of the oi*igiiial flora. Tliis s])ecies grows ])lentifully near Mitcham station, (it is also well known further along the hills line) and its occurrence at Mile End need not occasion much surprise, it flowers in Se[)tember and October. Hardenbergia monophylla Bentli. ' ‘ Native Lilac or Sarsaparilla." A stiecies that grows at the entrance of the hills and most likely was once numerous on the plains when they were wooded with red and blue gum and peppermint. The solitary individual seen was in flower during September and was growing on the edge of a railway cutting. Oxalidaceae. Oxalis corniculata L. ^'Native Sourso]u" Ctrowing everyvdiere and flowering in s]>ring and summer. Not a jiest like tlie introduced simcies. Zygopliyllaceae. Tribulus terrestris L. This plant was evidently brought from the north, (its native habitat) amongst engine coal as it is growing alongside repair tracks. This plant with its spiny fruits could easily become a nuisance if not a pest. Flowers in December to February. Malvaceae. Lavatera plebeia Sims. Several clusters of this |)lant were in flower in October and grew to three feet in height. This is a widesj)read species but not numerous in the southern districts, as it ])i*efers the drier northern areas. Convolvulaceae. Oonvolvnlus erubescens Sims. A trail- ing iierennial flowering in the summer, danuary to March. Common but not a pest. (.V)ni])ositae. (B.). Vittadinia australis A. Rich. A peren- nial undershrub growing to about 18 inches in height ; plentiful on the plains on uiicultivated land and flowering from October to February. EXCHANGES. “The Victorian Naturalist/’ December and January Num- bers. — The January number contains a fine introductory article on the S]nder, containing a simple reference key to the families that have been recorded in Australia. “Smithsonian Reports.” “Ant Acacias and Acacia Ants of Mexico and Central America.” The Ants live only in the spines of certain species of Acacias, and are said to defend the plants from the ravages of insects, ])articularly the destruc- tive leaf-cutting insects. 114 The South Australian Naturalist. '‘The S.A. Ornithologist’’ for January, 1924. — This number contains a long and interesting account of the recent trip of the ornithologists aroiuul Eyre Peninsula. "Journal of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, U.S.A." Mr. N. H. Seward, of 457 Bourke Street, Melbourne, for- wards a Catalogue of Miscroscopic Slides which should prove of great interest to our microscopist members. The Author, Mr. Edwin Ashby, F.L.S., M.B.O.U., kindly forwards the following publications for our Library: — (a) "Monograph on the Australia Lepidopleuridae, Order Poly- idacoi^hora, with a Description of a New Species.” (b) "A Ee- view of Ischnochiton (Haploplax) Smaragdinus, Angas, 1867, and its Congeners, together with the Descri])tion of Two New Chitons from Papua." (c) "Notes on a Collection of Poly- placophora, from Carnarvon, Western Australia, with Defini- tions of a New Genus and Two New Species.” (d) "A Eeview of the Australian Representatives of the Genus Cryptoplax, Order Polyplacojihora. ” (e) "A NeAv Species and Sub-Species of Acanthochiton.” (f) "Notes on the Genus Stenochiton and the Discovery and Recognition of the Type of Blainville’s Chiton longieymba in Stenochiton juloides, Adams and Angas.” tg) "The Polyplacophera of King Island, Bass Strait, with Description of a Ncav Sub-Species." Annual Report of the Woods and Forests Department of South Australia. By Walter Gill, F.L.S., etc. "The Australian Naturalist” (N.S.W.) for January, 1924. — The chief article deals with the Plants of the Bible. There is also a most informative article on the Natural History and Wild Flower Exhibition held in Sydney on October 17 and 18, 1923. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN AQUARIUM SOCIETY. Herbert M. Hale. The annual week-end camp was held at Murray Bridge, towards the end of last month, under the able leadership of Mr. R. T. Foster, and as usual proved most enjoyable. The syllabus of the Society is now being j)repared and the Committee is endeavouring to arrange the fixtures so that they will not clash with tlie arrangements of the Field Naturalists' Section. The Aquarium Societ.y urns inaugurated on March 13th, 1918 ; this is the seventh year of the Society’s activities, and it is hoped that members Avill assist to make it a most successful one. The meetings are held at Mr. Hosking’s rooms, Norwood; members of the Field Naturalists’ Section interested in aquatic subjects are cordially invited to attend. The South Australian Naturalist, 115 COLLECTING MOLLUSCA (SHELLS) AT THE OUTER HARBOR By C. WALTON. Situate 13|- miles from, and Avithin 35 minutes’ train journey of, the City of Adelaide is what is admitted to be one of the best and safest harbors in Australasia, which is known as Outei: Harbor. So complete has been the success of the designers of this place that boats in the roughest Aveather can lie Avith perfect safety, and at low tide the depth of water is never less than 33ft. It is here that the great Ocean Liners and other large international trading ships put in. It presents an interesting spectacle to the visitors to the Harbor to see these large steamers resting peacefullv as it were, on the surface of the AA^ater A*dth the busy movement all round of passengers disembarking and embarking, but to the Conciiologist it presents another viewpoint. He thinks of tlie busy life beneath the surface of that water ever evolving and revivifying nature. To him the discovery of a new form of shell sets him off into a line of research as to the nature, ]>roperties, and habits of that particular shell and the animal that inhabited it. So far as I have been able to ascertain, there are no text-books extant Avhich deal with that interesting and, to its deA'otees, entrancing subject of collecting shells. By many the study of this subject is regarded as merely a hobby, but to me, as a diligent student of Conchology, it has proyed both of ^educational and scientific value, and being anxious to impart to others, who desire it, the knowledge and results of my experience on this subject, I have written this short essay in the hope that it may prove interesting and useful to those in search of enlightenment and who are Avilling to help themselves. In the first place it is necessary to provide yourself Avith a suitable equipment if you Avish to reap a full return for your labors. Therefore you will require a strong pair of boots to wear in the Avater, as it is into that you must go if you Avish to succeed. You will also need a recepfacle in which to place your specimens ■ for this purpose I find one of those jars known as a Mason’s or Signal the most suitable. Do not iise a metal receptacle, as the metal, Avhen brought into contact with salt water, is fatal to Chiton life. When you start on rock-turning you Avill require what is generally k'nown as a bale-hook to assist you (this hook 1 find preferaMe to anything else I have tried or heard of) ; also a knife -the common sheath-knife Avill serve for all purposes. At times you will meet Avith specimens where your jar is not suitable, when it will be handy to have a small bag, and in your pocLts say, tAVO or three small bottles oi phials, which you will find very useful ; and last’ but not least, you will find a strap, such as a common coat-strap, with three or four snap-hooks attached, and Avorn crossAvise under the left arm and over the right shoulder, pulling it fairly close under the arm. On these snap-hooks can be hung your jar, bag, knife, and bale-hook, when you are working in the weeds and thus free your hands from encumbrance. The bale-hook and knife should’have a strong piece of line attached w.^th a loop just large enough to slip your hand through, and at such a distance from the handle that Avhen it is hanging looselv from your wrist it can be readily grasped. Now being fully equipped I would suggest that when you meet with a live specimen that you do not require do not take it “ Do not destroy life,” except Avhere necessary, for you cannot give, ti. 116 The South Au^stralian Naturalist. It is not my intention to deal with every shell that maj- be found and recorded in that very useful catalogue compiled by 8ir -I. 0. Verco in July of 1908, but witli those only "that I have been fortunate enough to discover with the assistance and advice of Mr. E. H. Matthews. After receiving from him his most invaluable help and advice, coupled witli my own practic^al experience as the personal resul tof research, 1 feel it not only my privilege but my cbi^y others. In the classification of this catalogue it will be found that item 4 starts with tiie family known to us as Polyi)laco[)liora, or more commonly called Chitons. As it is while collecting specimens of those multi^■alves that many different sorts of shells, both univalve” and bivalve, are secured, I proiJose to first deal with the vStenochitons. If you will imagine that you are in that mass of weed, growing just below low-tide, inside the stone wall on the south side of the Outer Harbor, with your jar filled with salt-water ready to place your specimens in so that they may be kept alive until such time as y(ui return to your home or to wliere they are to be dealt Avith, I will start with — ( I ) I'^rluiochiiou StenocMion jnloirles. This ivill be found at the root of that broad weed, known as Posidonia, that grows so plentifully all along our coast just beloAV low-water mark. If you will pull this weed out from tlie roots you will find this animal living beneath the sheath near the root, and it can be readily removed with the thumb and finger and place in your jar. Exercise every care when taking specimens of the ('hiton family so as not to injure them. This particular shell I have found in largo quantities at the Outer Harbor. When vou have examined the bottom of this weed do not throAv it away until > ou examine 'both sides of the leaf-i)art as there you will find that beautiful little shell (2) Nacella Qiarra and (3) Sienochito)) posidonialis. Under, and mixed in the roots of, this weed Avill also be found (4) Paphia galactife-s. You will notice a weed, similar to the one I have just mentioned, but longer and much narrower, known as Zostera tasmanica, growing close by. If you will pull a handful and examine all along the leaf on both sides you will find (5) Sienochiton pilsbryaniis. ^ While working among these weeds you A'.'ill notice a wiry weed carrying a leaf, at first sight, like the olive tree, known' as Cymodocea. Grasp a handful of this, fairly low down, and pull it out ; first exam'iue the leaves, for here lives (6) Phasianella australis in its adult form, (7) Phasianotrochas belhdus, (8) irisodontes, and (9) nitidulus ; (10) Oantharidm lehnanni and (11) pulcherrimus, (12) Thalotia conica, (13) Banhivia fasciata, (14) Modiolaria pauliicr.im, some of the (15) Pyrenes, different varieties of Starfish, a short-spined Echinus (commonly called a sea-egg). After a thorough overhaul of the leaves, search on the base or bare parts of the stem and there you lyill discover a small Stenochiton knowm as (16) cymodocealis. Pick up and examine any pieces of dead Pinna shell for it is on these that (17) Crepidula immersa and (18) Placuanomia ione is found. While you are Avorking among the AA'eeds look out for (19) Pusus australis and (20) ustnlatus, also (21) Fascioiaria australasia, craAvling among the weeds, and should you be Avell out you may pick up a specimen or two of (22) Olira australis on the sand patches. There are also a fe.AV speciinens of (23) Pinna inennis scattered about. On this Pinna you Avill find (24) Haliotis cyclobates, and very often a specimen or tAVo of (25) Isohonochiton contractus, at the base, on the surface of the sand (20) Conus anemone. It Avas here that ! secured my best specimens of Haliotis cyclobates, not only as to size, but also quality, and they were beautifully colored. You will at times find (27) Capulus australis clin