VictoRIAN NATURALIST:

Viet Ratuyatists’ ub af Victoria, VOL. KEXVILU. |

MAY, 1921, TO APRIL, 1922.

fbou. Editor: MR. F. G. A. BARNARD,

7

The Author -of each ‘Article ig responsible for the facts and opinions recorded,

Melbourne: ‘WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 429-431 BOURKE-STREET 1922.

INDEX, vil

ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE Aboriginal Camps - - - - - - 49 Brachycome Tadgellti, sp. nov. - - - - 185 Gippsland Lakes - = . - _ - 82 Trymalium vamosissimum, sp: nov: - - - 34 ERRATA.

Page 10, line 15 from bottom—For “ Centaurea” read “ Eryth- rea.” : ,

Page 17, line 2 of report—For ‘‘ 20th’ June read “ 13th.” Page 47—See paragraph headed ‘ Correction.” Page 104, lme 27—For « Farvagel”’ read ‘' Farranget.”*

Page 121, line 11 from bottom—For “ Lagenaria”’ read “ Lagun- arvia.’*

Che Victorian Naturalist,

Vou. XXXVIIT—No.l, MAY 5, 1921, No, 449.

———— —— ——.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

THe ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday evening, 1rth April, 1gzr.

The president, Mr, J, Gabriel, occupied the chair, and about sixty members and visitors were present.

REPORT,

In the absence of the leader, Mr. Ff, Cudmore, a report of the excursion to Beaumaris on Saturday, gth April, was given by Mr. A. L. Scott. ‘The afternoon was boisterous, and unfortunately the tide did not suit for an examination of the fossil beds; however, Mr. Cudmore explained the geological history of the locality, and, having brought with him a number of specimens collected] at Beaumaris, he was able to demonstrate to the party the relationship existing between the extinct species and alhed fortns still living «in Port Phillip Bay. Included in the specimens were Cetacean vertebre, teeth of the Porcupine Fish (Diodon), Ray (Myliobatis), and a Dolphin (Steno), also numerous sharks’ teeth, representing abont twenty species. Notwithstanding the disappointment of no actual search for fassils, the party spent an interesting aflernoon, resolving to try and arrange another onting to the locality soon, ) '

ELECTION Of MEMRER,

On a ballot being taken, Mr. H. Walker, Torrington-street, Canterbury, was duly elected a member of the Club.

GENERAI BUSINESS.

Reference was made to the forthcoming exhibition of specimens, in conjunction with the Microscopical Society. wy. D. Best said that the Club ought to be able, lo make an attractive ‘exhibition without the help of another society. Tt was pointed out by Messrs, FF Chapman and FP. Pitcher that the Microscopical Society had been of great assistance to Lhe Club on several occasions in connection with the exhibitions of wild-flowers, and they thought that a combined exhibition would prove of great public interest, On the motion af Messrs. Wilcox and Sutton it was resolyed—' That, in view of the great assistance received from the mombers of the Minoscopical Somety in past years, the proposal of the committee lo hold a combined exhibition be spproved of." Messrs. Gabricl, Pitcher, Barnard, and Wilhiamson Were

2 Field Naturalists" Club—Procesdings. — [yN Rin

appointed as 4 subecommittec to act in conjunction with a sub-comnrttee of the Microscopical Society. F Mr. C. Gabnel said that members would he pleased to learn that the Mutien-birds at Phillip Island were heing protecied, and that up ta date seventy-five foxes had been destroyed. Dr. Sutton, in reply to a question, said that the Plant Names Committee had experienced delay in getting the final revision af the list completed. He thought, however, that there was sufficient ‘nioney in hand for the publication of the volume.

PAPERS REAT.

ry, By Mr. B. Blackbourn (communicated by Mr. C_ French, jun,), entitled ' Some Observations on Mantids.”

In the absence of the author, the paper wis read bby Mr, C, Oke. The author stated that his notes referred to the conminn Green Mantis of our gardens. Specimens of these he had abtained when very small, and carefully watched their growth until almost the adult stage. Interesting particulars. were wiven of the casting of the skin as they increased in size, and nf the injury to limbs and their replacement.

Mr, E. Keep said that he had kept mantids in captivity, and could corroborate many of the statements made in the paper.

Mr. H. B. Williamson drew attention to a statement in the Argus nature notes recently that mantids drained the juices out of flies, leaving only the dry skin, Mr, C, Oke said this coulil not be lcue, as mantids were provided with mouths for biting, not sucking.

2, By Mr, Jas. Hill, entitled ‘Notes on the Migratory

Locust, and the Visitation of 1886," _ In the absence of the anthor the paper was read by Mr. ©. Oke. The author gave an interesting account of the arrival af the locusts at Kewell (Wimmera district} in ihe summer of 1886, the Jaying of the eggs, the hatching, casting of skins, and veneral habits of the insects,

Mr. H. B. Williamson said that he had experience of a similar fight of locusts in the North-Eastern district. .

The chaiyman remarked that he had seen similar swarme in Central Victoria, and mentioned that at the ime trains had heen stopped owing to the crushed insects preventing the engines from gripping the rails, He said that the Tins and Galah (Rose Cockateo) had done great work im eating the eggs, and so reducing the next season's numbers.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTE,

Mr. A. J. Tadgell gave some notes of an Raster afternoog al the Organ Pipes,” near Sydenham, which, he said, were easily reached by a good walker, remarking that (he enthusiast in

Maps, tase

Fisld Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings. 3

botany, geology, or photography would find much to interest him there. Though the wrong time of year for flowers, he had noted 155 species of native and introduced plants, some in flawer, such as Pelitgonium Rodneyannm, Sencuiw Cunninghame, and IJxtolena leploleprs.

* EXMIGITS, '

By Mr. ‘jan marine shells, Faserolaria australis, Posty, ath yar. fusiformis, Val., and var. Rakevt,

Gatliff and Gabriel; also egg capsules of the same. ;

By Mr. A. J. Tadgell,—Dried specimens of Semlallarre kumifis, trom just above high water mark at Beaumaris ; Gooscherry Cucumber, Creumas myrucarpus (introduced), from Jackson's Creek, Sydenham : Knotweed (introduced), Polyy- onum «vicukare, and a very similar plant, Whritlow-wort, Pavonchia Chilensis, a native of Chili, from Sunbury, Sydenham, Vrankston, &c.; also Pleclranthus parvifiorus, Cockspur, frum East Gippsland, a handsome decorative ‘plant,

By Mr. L. Thorn.—Larve in various stagés of the Emperer Moth, Antherca encalyphi, with pupa cases and perfect insects.

By Mr, J. R. Tovey, —Introduced plants—Cirstuin Syrtacum, Gaertn,, “Syrian Thistle,” from Mansfield district, R, G. Dundas, Dec., 1920; a native of the Mediterranean regions, ot previously recorded for Victoria; proclaimed under the Yhistle Act for the whole State. Medicago -cchinus, DL., ‘Calvary Medick or Crown of Thorns,’’ Drysdale district, December, gz, from the Mediterranean region, in process of nulncalization in Victoria. Salpicl row xhombotden, Miers,

“Pampas Lily of the Valley,” a native of South America, reoorded from Black Rock, Burnley, aud Camberwell; this plant was erroneously recorded in’ Proc, Roy, Sve, Wiel., vol, xAxI. (I9TQ). p. 377, under name of Withanta somntfera, Dun.. Which does not occur in Vietoria.

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated.

“THe Gum Tree.” —The March issue of this quarterly (val. ‘vi,, No. 27) is to hand. Mr, A. G, Campbell writes on " The Eeunuraye Value of Australian Birds te Australian Timests,"” pointing out that a large number of Australian insects are timber destroyers, hence all insect-cating birds should be fully protected. An interesting illustratud account is given of the Powelllown mill and its activities. We regret to see that Dr. C. S. Sutton, who has been hon. secretary of the Forest League since its inception, has, through lack of time, been Obliged to velinquish the position. Mr, Guy P. Smith has been appointed tu the vacant post, '

4 Aupas, Through the Balangum Ranges [ye Nat

THROUGH THE BALANGUM RANGES AND -AT ROSE'S -- 5 GAP (GRAMPTANS),

By J. W. Auwas, F.LS., F.R.MS., National Herbanmn, Melbourne.

(Read bofare the Field Naturalists’ Club of Wectorea, 14th Marek. v2.)

Lessee known than the Grampians, the Kalangum Ranges, situated about thirty-five miles north-east of Stawell, are well worthy of a visit by the nature-lover, he he interested an agriculture, botany, or geology. 1 had long desired to visit the locality, and, having arranged with my friend, Mr. Charles 1’ Alton, to join me in October last, we procecded by janker frony Stawell to Callawadda on the 25th of that month. Stawell, a famous mining centre, once known as Pleasant Creek, still boasts one great mine, the Magdala (one of the deepest in Victona), which has heen working continuously for uver 50 years, and employs some two hundred men, The district around shows traces on all sides of mining operations in days gone by.

The original site of the gold rush at Pleasant Creek is about a mile outside the town, where not a louse remains [the population having centred more closely to the railway), a monument now marking this famous spot; but Stawell, though its mining industries have declined almost to extinction, cannal be said to have felt the loss, for it Jias reaped the riches of the inunense fertile Mallee agricultural areas which have hecome settled and populated around it. For about cight miles surrounding the town the country is just ordinary scrmbby hush land whereon we noted nothing warthy of interest, exeept, perhaps, the beautiful show vf blooms on the Common Fringe Myrtle, Calyéria tetragona, which spreads over acres, and quite justified its claims to sank high as a decorative plat. At Camphell's Bridge we crossed the Wimmera iver, and emerged on thie flat agricultural area, rich in fertility, and stretching onward to the once-cespised Mallee country, nuw yegarded as the hackbone of our State. The course of the Wunmera, flawing through this aunost treeless area, could be traced far into the distance by the foliage of the Red Gum trees, Euculypins vostrata—fine specimens flourishing over the, vith black loam of the river flats.

Of paramount importance in raising the value and inercasing the carrying capacity of poor Mallec country is Uw “ Wimmera ” Rye-grass, Lolium sudulatum, which has een extensively planted during the last few years. Save for the one great fault nf too free propagation, it seems to possess every uther yirtuc necessary tO improve the carrving capacity of the land, This grass is supposed to be a native of Southern Europe, and very

we] Aupas, Through the Balangum Ranges. 3 closely resembles Italian Rye-grass, L, tlalicum, but with a few marked differences. Tor instance, it does not exhibit the large woolly awns of the latter; instead, its long, rigid outer glumes ald the seed lightly compressed, and the seed itself is inuch fuller and more plump than that of ryegrass, The purplish tinge noticed on the young stains of rye-yriss is, in the case oof L, suladatum, continued and intensified towards maturity, giving a paddock of this grass a very noticeable difference in appearance. It may be said to give sustenance all the year, for, conving intu growth with the first autwon Tain, it furnishes green feed from about Apnl to December, and the dry stubble may be grazed for the remaining months. It also makes first-class ensiluge when green, and good hay when properly cured, The mainstay of success with it, however, seems Lo be a knowledge of control: hut, in my opinion, iL must be considered a blessing, were if only to redeem the interminable acres which are now given over to Helipterums or Sunrays, of which three species preduminate— viz., A. flortbyndion, H. Colla, and H. corynidtafloram—whiech scam to be spreading of late years, for the country un all sides, al this period of the year, appeared like a huge white sheet, spotted only in low-lying places by the bright magenta blossoms af the Trailing Swainsona, S. procumbens, This plant docs indeed contain much nutritive food, and can be saiely grazed with other fodder, bul. the Helipterams, as is well known, cause impaction,

Leaving Callawadda with a number of friends at an early hour the followmg moming, we drove ta the foot of the Balanyiun Ranges, the first interesting object em rome heing the Callawadda State timber reserve of 2,000 acres, which has been cleared of fallen timber and tenced for conseryalion by the Tovestry Department. IL consists almost exclusively uf the Grey Box, Excalyptus hemaiphloia, with a light sprinkling ul Blue Guni, /. globulus, Near the crossing of the Richardson River was seen a considerable quantity of Ball Oak, Caseartane Luelonanni, ane of our most beauttul Australian timbers, which was named by Mr, R. T. Baker, PL.S., in honour of my late chief, Mr. J. G. Luchmann, Government Botanist. This tree grows, On a iverage, to 6o feet, sometimes attaining loo feet, with a diameter of 14 to 2 feel, It has a clear stem of deeply-furrowed Dark, which is very casily stripped from the trunk, The wood in the heart of the trunk is deep red, shading off towards the outer edges in pale pinkish Lones, and giving a very handsume effect when used in cabinet work, especially when cut on the transverse, IJts branchlets give sustenance to all kinds of stock, and it is frequently felled for ihat parpose ai times of drought

6 Aupas, Throwgh the Balangum Ranges. Fol eat.

Much low-lving sandy soil, almost exclusively covered wiil) sedges, here albounds, and presents & very buint-olf appearance, due to the black-coluured spikelets of these plants, of which the pringipal species is the Black Sword-Sedyc, La pudospurnne cikphoimes, They are not eaten by stock, byl may have some valoe as file plants. It was due to their wnattructivencss us fodder that 1 was fortunate in Securing an orchid new tu Vicloria amongst them, which otherwise would no doubt lave heen eaten off This was Calochalus paludosus, closely allied to €. campestris, but of more slender growth and fewel flower heads. Tunumerable small annual composite plants were here seen, (he most prolific being Dwarf Woolly-Heads, Af yrie- cephalus rMeocephalus, Manuel Cudweed, Gnaphalodes iligriwstet, Wiry Buttons, Leptorrhynchos tenwtfolius, Ordige Sanricy, Aeliplerium Jessenr, and Small Wrinklewort, Rvdirdosts penttlvo.

At the Ballapur State school we Ieft the main read and turned through a forest of eucalypts for about three miles befove reaching the Balangum Ranges, Here we noted the Long- leaf Box, Eucalyptus elaophora, Apple Box, EF. Stawertiserne, Yellow Box, E. melliodore, and the Narrow-leal Peppermint, FE. Awstéliane, The rather skimpy undergrowth was com- posed of Soft Bush-Pea, Pultenma mollis, Extaxia, EF. enypetri- jolia, Showy Parrot-Pea, Dilleynia floribunda, Rough Parrot- Pea, ©. Asprda, Slender Rive-fower, Pimelea lantfolra, Erect Guinea-llower, Aibbertia stricta, Silky Ceuinca-flawer, A. deust- fora, and Red Corres, Correa specosa. Proceeding through this forest country J collected’ two orchids, Caladenta rettenlata and C, leftechile, the former being new to Vicloria. Both these species have been carefully described by Vitzgerald, the famous orchidologist of New South Wales, in his monugraple on Australian orchids, They were included by Baron ven Mueller under the species Caladoma Patterson, but fivtterly have been recognized under the classification of the late Mr, Fitzgerald. Many orchids of lesser note were also cullected, viz, -—Brownbeards, Calochtlis Rebertsom, Large Tongue Orchid, Cryplostylis longifolia, Dovled Sun Orchid, PRelymrra fxtotdes, Horned Orchid, Orihoceras strictum, Shavt-lipped Leek Orchid, Prasophytium brevilabre, KRearded Yongue Orelrid, Prevostults barbata, Ware Orchid, Caladenia Menatesit, and Slender Caladenia, C. angustala—(he Talter bemg new to Victoria when LT first found it at the **Wild-flower Garden ” uf the Grampians in rors. Near the font af the ranges ave seen, still standing, Ue old poppet-heads of the onee famous Kingston mine, and the country round about shows evidence of having been extensively mined. A peculiar and striking fealure was the prevalence of two shrubs which invariably persist in country of aurifeenus formation: they were (he

Wy Aunmas, Pheongh the Batangum Ranges. ; Gulden Walle, Aveta pycnendha, und a small shew, Ue each Heath, Lissauthe strigosa, ‘These may he noted by any ordinary ahserver on many of our goldfields—for instante, in the country pound Benign and Ararat. The soil, as may be inferred, was very poor, and the timbers stunted, bur there was certainly a feast far the ofchidologist, if not for any ordinary botanist. lt would be impossible (o mention or descrihe all the orchids which gyew in profusion, despite the poorness of the soil. Among pihers J noted Austral Lady’s Tresses, Spiranthes australis, Gnat Orchid, Cvrtostylts rentformis, Scented Lyper- anthus, Lyperanthus suaveolens, Musky Caladenia, Caladenia festacea, Pink Vingers, €. cavnea, Langer Glossodia, Glossodia major, Pink Sun Orchid, Thelymitra carnca, Yellow Sun Orchid, VT. antennifera, and the rare and gorgeous Red Sun Orchid, T, Meconillana,

The famous Red Lronhark, Eucalyptus stdevanylon, so useful for heavy bridges and culverts, was the principal timber on the ranges, bat had hardly attained sufficient growth for com- mercial purposes. Other cucalypts were Red Stringybark, £. ihacrorrhyncha, Grey Box, © heniphioia, Yellow Box, F. melliodove, Long-leaf Box, FE. eleophora, and Apple Rox, E. Stuartiana, of equally Stunted growth, In such a poor Ineality one scarcely expects to find rarities, but nevertheless we discovered the Alternate-leaf FlatePea, Platlobsiir allernifolium, Leafy Templetonia, 7. Mvelleri, Phyllota, P. pleurandroides, and the less rate but still attrachye and heautiful Grevilleas, G. lavendwlacea and G. rosmarinifolea, hinth of which merit the attention of horticnlturists, Of heaths there were not many, but we fonnd fine specimens of Eparrrs improssa, Var. grandiflora, on which bath the foliage and flowers were much larger than usual, A straggling little shrub, Sceerola amule, lelanging to the Goodeniaceze. was blecmning } iis heliotrope flowers covld hardly be considered - beautiful when seen singly, but here, at this time, it wasin such profusion as tu he very striking indeed. Et must have a very long flowering period, for it was Octeber, 920, when we saw it here, and quite three months later (18th January, 1921) I came across it agaim in flower at Yarra Junction,

Not finding the Bulangum Ranges as interesting as antici- pated, we returned ta Cailawadda, and decided to inspect ay trea of the Grampians which we had not yet visited, and therefore set out next day for Rose's Gap, about fifteen miles westward. Ir was well on towards mid-day before we reached (he Gap, and called ata bee farm, owned by Mr, Edson, prettily situated on a clearing just beneath a point of the Grampians known. as Briges's Bluff. Here we arranged accommodation for a day or two while we inspected the beauty spots of the locality. In the aftemoon we proceeded to the Fall, away

& Aupas, Lhrongh the Belangum Ranges, val’ it Nat i

belind the lumestead, passing on Lhe way a large cave caused by water erosion of sandstone On its walls were inscribed many hundreds of names—a permanent register of visitors to the locality. The Fall has a sheer drop of a liwidred feet over sandstone cliffs, and when there is a sufficiency of water must he v-fine sight; but at the time of our visit the volume of water was very small. Along the creek leading from the Fall we eollacted the following shrubs in flawer—viz., Star Hair, Astrotyicha ledifolia, Twiggy Daisy, Olearta ramnlosa, Clustered Rverlasting, Helichrysum simipapposum, Scented Groundsel, Senecio. odoratus, Wairy Correa, C. cewula, and Round-leaf Mintebush, Prostanthera rotundifolia, On the cliffs at either side of the Fall we noticed Leplospermum lanigerunr, var. myrlifolin, which has heantiful, large, attractive flowers, ancl is locally called “ Wild Apple-blossom."’ Jt is one of the tea-trees, giiws qnickly and easily, and should prove worth the trouble nf introducing into the flower garden. On pre- carinus positions here and there above. the Vall were Showy Rauera, B- sevsiliflora, Rough Mint-bush, Prostanthera dentre- wlatd, Hairy Mint-bush, P. lavtata, Hairy Bush-Pea, Pulled milisa, ancl Golrlen Goodia, G. lottfoka, Flourishing an pre fusion at the foot of the Fall were the King Fern, Todea barbara, intermixed with Fan Vern, Gletchenta laevigata, Wire Pern, (. ikearpa, and Fishbone Pern, Lomaria discolor. (To be continent.)

THE DANDENONGS AXD RaiwEeRrs.—in ay article in the Arges of Saturday, znd April, Mr. Donald Macdonald points out the necessity for mereased vigilance by nature-lovers if the beautiful puuilies nf Melbourne's greatest heritage, the Dandenong Ranges, are to be kept in anything like thetr onginal state. LUnfertun- ately, tourists are not entirely to hlame for the state of things, which is becoming more serious every day, The egg-collector, whe collerts ‘in the interests of science."” is a menace to certain af the rarer birds. He mentions (hat no Jess than twenty clutches of Rose-hreasied Robins’ eggs have been iakenm hy one "collector this season! Surely such collecting must be done for trading purposes, and some means shavld be found to stop the practice. The taking of ferns also despoils the beauty spots, Little harm would be done if visitors confined. thew gatherings to small seed)ings, easily found, but the average tripper takes larye plants, which only langnish and die when removed to the drier atimosphere af the metrapelis. Attention is aso called to the operations of the Forests Department, which s¢em likely to toh the forest of some of its finest speci- mens, nm the grounds of making the reserve pay for its upkeep. Calnet something be done to preserve some of the large trees for the benefit of visitors from other lands ?

Che he _Uictorian Naturalist.

Vor. XXXVI —Ko, JUNE 2, 192. ‘No, 450.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA, -

THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday evening, gth May, roger.

The president, Mr, J. Gabriel, occupicd the chair, and about. seventy members and visitors were present,

CORRESPONDENCE.

from the private secretary to His Excellency the Earl of Stradbroke, stating that Lord and Lady Stradbroke wotld be pleased. to be present at the nature study exhibition on rth prox. ‘

REPORT.

A report of the visit to the Macedon State Nursery on Satur- day, 23rd April, was given by Mr. C. Daley, F.L.5., who acted as leader in the unavoidable absence of the leader, Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S. He stated that the party had spent a mosl interesting forenoon, and were greatly indebted to the officer in charge of the nursery, Mr. J. Firth, for a very instructive demonstration of the contents and methods of carrying on the nursery, In the afternoon a brief visit was paid to Messrs, Taylor and Sangster’s nursery, where a large variety of ornamental trees and shrubs were seen in all the glory of ther iutumn-tinted foliage,

On the motion of Messrs. Daley nod Suiton, the hon, secretary was directed to convey ta Mr. Firth the thanks of the Club for his kindness on the occasion.

Tn referring to’ the outing, Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S., stated that. the Forests Commission -had a large number of tree seedlings which it would be pleased to distribute ty country residents at nominal rates.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS. | ;

On a ballot being taken, Mr. H. R. Stevens, 1 Mont Albert- road, Canterbury, was clected as an ordinary member, and Messrs, Keith J, Carnegie, Studley-avenue, Kew, and Hugh R. Syme, Barker's-road, Kew, as associate members,

GENERAL BUSINESS.

Nominations were made for office-bearers for the year rg2t-22, and Messrs. A. J. Tadgell and F. Wisewould were clected to. audit the accounts for: 1920-21,

EXHIBITION ITEM, .

Mr H. B. Wilkinson moved that St be a recommendation to

the committes that a refund of out-of-pocket expenses be made

10 Field Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings. [yo teu,

to senders of wild-flowers to the forthcoming exhibition, ‘This was seconded by Mr. C. A. Lambert and carried, PAPER READ.

By Dr, G, Horne, entitled “Some Aboriginal Stone Imple- ments."

The author gave an interesting account, illustrated by lantern slides, of various kinds of implements, and the localities where they may be likely to be found.

Several members took part in a brict discussion which followed.

EXBIBITS,

By Mr. C. Barrett, C.M.Z.:S.—Specimens of Helix desertorsem, from Giza, Egypt, This snail is noted for great tenacity of life. The supposed shells of two specimens, collected in 1846, were gummed to a tablet and placed in the British Maseuin. In 1850 they were removed and placed in water, when one of the snails emerged, and next day fed upon a cabbage-leal.

By Mr. FP. Chapman, A.L,S.—Conodonts, teeth of worms, Devonian, from Erie County, New York, U.S.A,

By Mr. F. Cudmore.---Aboriginal stone implements from Darling district, Western New South Wales, and from Morgan, South Australia,

By Miss G. Nokes.—Three autumn orchids from Sandringham

-viz,, Tailed Green-hood, Plerosiylis pedaloglossa, Tiny Greene hood, P. parviflora, and Fringed Caladenia, Caledenta fiebriatns,

By Mr. A. J. Tadgell—Specimens of Stinkwort, Jnwla graveolens, collected at Sandringham, 7th May, 1924.

By Mr. J. R. Tovey, on behalf of National Herbarium.— Proclaimed weed, Cavlhanus glavens, Bieh., '' Glaucous Star- thistle," a native of Egypt, Asia Minor, and Persia, collected al Kowvee by Mr. KR. Lamond ; also Centaurea ansivalis, R. Br, Austral Centaury (Gentianacese), a white-flowered form from Pentberton, W_A., collected by Max Koch; normal form, native of all the States of the Commonwealth.

After. the usual conyersazione the meeting terntinated.

Tse Genus StirA (GRaAMINEX).—Twenty-fout pages nf No. t (1g2t) of the Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information, issued by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (England), are devoted to 4 revision of the Australian species of the genus Stipa, with the result that the fifteen species of the “' Flora Australiensis "' have been expanded to forty (Mueller listed nineteen in the “Second Census of Australian Plants,” 1889). The work has been done by Miss D. K, Hughes, who has arranged the species into. nine groups, Six pages of illustrations,* figuring’the spikelets and sections of the ledaves,-accompany the paper.

Janey Aubas, Tiwotigh the Balangumn anges, WW

THROUGH 'THE BALANGUM RANGES AND AT ROSE'S GAP (GRAMPIANS), '

By J. W, Ayoas, F.L.S., F,R.M.S,, National Herbarium, Melbourne. , (Mead before the Fiskd Naturalists” Club of Viclorta, igth March, voz.) (Continued from pave 8.) -

Next morning we decided to exanvne the susyounding hills, {aking the main track which leads Unrough Rose's Gap to the Wartook Reservoir. However, a5 we did not wish to con- linue to the Wartook Reservoir, having visited it previously, we turned off in @ northerly direction, and struck across for Shepherd's Gap, which runs. parallel to Rose's Gap. One quickly reahzes how this spot received its name, for it is mast beautiful country, lightly timbered, and stretched away in. soit, rolling, grassy slopes. At one point the rec sandstone clifis rise to a height of several hundred feet in towers ancl terraces, giving the appearance of a beautiful old castle. From the lovely view to be obtained at the top we named it '' Shepherd’s Lookout." On the way we gathered a number of ‘shmibs, one of which we thought at first was Atbbertia densiflora, but on closer examination it proved to be a rutaccous plant, the Downy Starhush, Plewrdndropsis phebaltoides; it grows to a height of cighteen inches, has bright yellow flowers, and rather uncommon, iolwge. Another rutaceous planr, and a very beautiful one, which we had not previously collected in the Grampians, wis the Small-leaved Way-flower, £riostemou difforints. It has small pinkishewhite flowers, grows to a Teight nf about two feet, and 1s closely related to our much-loved native Boronia, Another satber rare plant T had not previously found personally on the Grampians, but which, no doubt, may have been collected by others, was the Large-leaf Ray flower, Aviiecercis Fadosts, It ais a small, erect shrub of three ov foyr feet, with small white Mowers and hairy foliage. After much hard climbing over this very isolated and difficult ‘area, when ctossing a gully we came upon the Hairy Hop-bush, Dodonaea hovonifolia, which has foliage somewhat resembling Borouta pinnata, but flowers like those of the Common Flops bush. Flourishing also in the gully was the Heathy Parrot- Pea, Dillwynta ericifolia, var. glaberyrma. The ordinary form of this specics met on average soil does not yrow above six feet, but this variety, which is invariably found in gullies ‘or near water, attains 2 heighi of fifteen feet, and its leaves are much more numerous and its flowers more compact: and latger than those of the ordinary form, The country was still very Tough and difficult, hut we forged ahead in ‘a northerly direc- tion, ‘and reached ‘a .peak from which Wwe obtained a most

12 Aupas, Through the Balangum Ranges. Prateek ey,

elofiols panoramic view of the country for an immense distance. Directly opposite, towering up like a sentry guarding the entrance to Rose's Gap, was Briggs’s Bluff, beneath which wis the residence in which we had passed the previous. night. Laké Lonsdale and Mount Dryden could be sce in the far distance. To the west was the Wartook Reseryorr, and to the north the fine new artificial lake, Lake Taylor (30,000 acre feet), which has just been completed to provide water for ihe Mallee by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission.

High up among the hills, before descending, we found a sinall shrub, which has always been known as Pullenaa slyphela- ordes, but which Mr, H. B. Williamson, who is making a revision of the genus Pultensea, considers is not correct; he purposes to publish it as a new species, to be called P. costata. Its erratic habit of growth has possibly added some doubt as to its validity, for while normally it grows into a compact shrub, necasionally it will be found trailing along the ground. There were also here, high among the rocks, two orchids which are sufficiently important to merit some mention. The former was discovered for the first time by Mr. E. E. Pescott and myself at Mount Difficult in October, 1973, and was considered to be Calademia congesta, but Dr, Rogers, ef Adelaide, alter very mature consideration, has lately published it as a new species, Which he has named C. iridoscens. 1t is of most unusual _ and -beautiful bronze colowring, and seems to flourish only ligh’ up in the barren, stony mountain soil, The other 3s Thelymat'a megcalypiva, one of the Sun Grehids: its flowers are blue when growing, but turn pink when dried. This orchid has-been previously recorded for New South Wales, but this Was the first occasion on which it had been found in Victoria, We discovered it in very interesting circumstances, In a small crevice on top of a large rock there were quite a hundred flowers, and it was evident that the plants must have been there,a very long time, having no-doult multiplied from the first seed.

When descending the range on the eastern side we came upon a solitary bush of Spharololaum daviesioides, a leguminous shrub with spiny branchlets, growing to a height of three fect, and haying small brownish-red flowers. A littic lower down we found two more leguminotis plants; they were the Dwarf Wedge-Pea, Gompholobiwmn minus, and the Dwarf Bush-Pea, Pultenza humilis. The former is the more attractive of (he twa on account of iis extremely vivid green foliage and bright red fiswers, similar to in shape, and quite as large as, Sweet Peas. The foliage of the latter is wery woolly, and its yellowish-red fiowers are not so large, hut if grows much taller than the Gompholobium. Another plant of proteaceous

Jun] Aupas, Through the Balangun Ranges. 13 form, the Mountain Conosperm, Conospermen Mitchelli, formed patches here arid there, and, as the shrubs were in flower, presented a fine appearance, When not in flower they are exactly similar lo young pinetrees, but later they become covered with masses of white, cauliflower-like flower-heads.

Passing along the foot of the ranges, we passed through acres af Crimson Kunzea, K. parvifolia. It was m full bloom, and made a striking show, with its fluffy crimson flowers, among which we discovered one plant bearing white flowers. On the swampy flats quite a latge number ef miyrtaceous plants Hourished, many being fine ornamental shrubs, three we noted in bloom being the Cross Honcy-Myrtle, Avelalenca decussats, Slender Honey-Myrtle, MW. gibbosu, and Scarlet Bottle-brush, Calizstomon rugulosws, The latter is, perhaps, the most ornamental, its spikes of bight ved fiawers Weing about six inches long,'and has well-shaped foliage of yery striking appearance. On vising ground, as we again ascended the ranges, we crossed over some heathy country and collected the Blue Tinsel Lily, Caleetasza cyanea, an everlasting shrub, which attains a height of ahout two feet. Here we noticed a freak of Nature—a Yellow and Grey Box had hecome united in one tree, but having different root systems.

Returning towards Briggs’s Bluff, we had to force ont way through veritably acres of the Shrubby Velvet-bush, Listo- pelalum dasyphyllim, a stereuliaceaus plant which grows about ten fect in height. It is very handsome, the large leaves, about four inches long, being deep green on toy and rcusset hrown beneath, and its rather inconspicuous flawers are of the same russet hue, On-a stretch of clear country approaching the homestead we collected abonl a dozen specimens of, very minute plants, some so tiny as ta render it mocessary to go on one’s hands and knees to find them, The names af those collected are:—Tiny Bladderwort, Ulricularia lateriflora, Tulted Centrolepis, C. fascicularis, Smooth Centrolepis, C, glaiva, Wiry Centrolepis, C, polygyna, Hairy Centrolepis, C- shrigosa, Dwarf Aphelia, A. age Slender Aphelia, A_ gracilis, Hairy Stylewort, Levenfoekia dubia, Tiny Sunray, Nolrpterws extgunnm, Small Trigger-plant, Stylidiqm despectum, Spurred Trigger-plant, S. calcaraium, Slender Trigger-plant, S. per- pocsiliiert and the Bristly Trigger-plant, S. sobolifertm. The atter is a most attractive little plant. It grows in thick mossy mats, sends up a straight stem about three inches high, which bears a tiny pink blossom. It would certainly make a pleasing border for small garden beds if it could be cultivated, T shoultl say it was hardy, as I came across it om very dry spots as well as moist, shaded places. _

Next morning we set out on the return trip (9 Hall's Gap,

14 ‘Auvas, Through the Balangums Ranges. [yay Sicaciy.

and 3 order to cover more country we chose a foute leading southward in the direction of Lake Lonsdale. On a heathy patch we found rather a lot of the Mealy Honey-Myrtle, Melaleuca squamea. It 15 a beautiful little bush, with flawer- heads very closcly resembling Kunsea parvifola, but slightly larger, Here we saw the famous Grampians plant, (le Bushy Heath-Myrtle, Thryplomene Mitchelliana, growing literally by (he acre, and of most prodigious growth: many shrubs—in fact, the majority ef them—were twelve feet high, and spreading widely. It had finished flowering, and was in fruib, showing that the plants must flower much earlier on this part. It was comforting to sec such a great aren df this heatitiful shrub, as on other parts of the Grampians if is in danger of ‘being killed out hy the mroads of civilization ; here it would not be likely to become extinct. As we approached Dadswell’s Bridge the Sallow Acacia, A. longefolia, was scen in abundance, extremely healthy plants, having exceptionally jong phyllodes. It also had fimshed flowering. This species is known throughout the Grampians as “ Dadsweil's Bridge Wattle,” and is greatly beloved by. gardeners.

This locality is atso “ bee country.” Tt is, indeed, the prin- cipal honey-producing afea in Victoria. The timbers are the Yellow and Grey Box, so famous for flavouring honey. The Hats were covered with Red Gums, but mostly young plants coming on, as this part was {he scene of great sawmilling operations, now abandoned, as ell the timber has been cut out. When crossing threugh ihe Ledcourt station we noticed A paddock which had not been grazed, it showecl a prolific growth of Kangaroo Giass, Anthistinta wnberbis: and, as showing how sheep eat out plants, we did not find on the grazed portions a single specimen of two plants which flourished in profusion an the ungrazed portions: they were the Large Vanilla Lily, Dichopogow sirictus, aud Yellow Lily, Bulbine butbosa.

Throughout the morning we had been frequently passing avér numerous channels constricted by the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission to distribute the waters of Lake Lonsdale, Some of which traverse the country as far as Swan Hill, a distance of zoo miles, We stopped at Lake Lonsdale for lunch, and passed a little time inspecting the huge artificial hank. It is of great height, and a mile and three-quarters Jong. The Jake has a large water capacity, being 45,500 acre feet, the flow to the channels being regulated by weirs. At the time of our visit the lake was full, the surplus water escaping with a gteat roar through two large cement pipes at the by-wasb, where it ted the source of the Little Wimmera River, '

ae Aupas, Through the Balangum Ranges. re

Ayound Mount Dryden the, Red Gum flats. are the scene of quite a lucrative business~-that of chareoal-buening, A namber of kilns were nyning, and I understand the output never catches up with the demand, The mount is of basaltic formation, anc of snth a hard ature that stone-crushing operations bad to be abandoned. The only thing interesting i. 4 botanical way was the Common Rock Fern, Cheilanthes teunifolra, Which grew in profusion, and softened the other- wise harsh stony appearance of the mointain, We noticed at the ioot what we first thought to be a miniature form of the Stinkwort, Lnula graveolens, Wat which proved, on examination, ta be a mative plant, the Comman Sunray, Relipterum dimarphulepis. In this locality the State Forest Department is clearing up tic timber areas by thinning out all deformed trees. These are cut mto firewood, and hundreds of tons are sent away hy railway annually.

On the way back to Hall’s Gap we passed another weir, constructed across a cut which enables the water af Fyans Creek to be turned cither into Lake Lonsdale or Pyans Creek. This work 38 portion of the gravitation channel system, and has only recently been made. An immense bank, which runs along the roadside for many miles io protect the route from over. flow, has also been completed. MNearmg Hall's Gap, we passed through some tice Red Gum and Yellow Box country, and it was an unusual sight to see red Howers on the Yellow Box trees, which generally bear creamy-coluured blossoms. On a farm hereabouts (which, awing te overflow, had to be abandoned and was purchased by the Water Commission) it was interesting to mote how rapidly the Wirilda, Acacia retinodes, had spread and taken complete possession of the so recently cultivated land, It was absolutely dense, and presented a very pretty -ippearance : its foliage is very bright green, and it -possesses the unusual faculty of blooming all the year vound,

The following morning we made a short excursion across the ‘' Wild-Flower Garden” to Mokepilly Creek, and of the grassy patches we collected a number of orchids, including Thelvinitra cared, L. flexuosa, YT eprpactowes, T. panesflara, Diwvis sulphurea, D, pedunculata, Microtis parviflora (new for the south-west), MW. atrata, Prerostyis rufa, P. barbata, A ctenthus caydalus, Prasapkyllam gracile, P. album, ayd P- odoratuans. The three latter are interesting, They have all been described ly Dr. Rogers, P. gracile being new for Vietoria, and P, album und P odovatum, not previously found at the Grampians, are new for the south-west. VPurther on we advanced into timber country and collected some good specimens uf the Flying Duck Orchid, Caleand major, also Caladenia filamentosa, 0. clavigera, Cyrlostylis veniformis, Actanthus cavdatus, Prasv

16 Auuas, Throvgh ime Balangum Ranges. rate tin

phyllum australe, P. elatum, P. patens, and Thelymitra fusco- luted, Patches of heathy country further on were interspersed with Banksta ovynata and the recently described Melelenca neglecta, which was first collected by Mr. St. Eloy D'Alten. Returning by another route, we passed what was formerly known as the Black Swamp (T7,000 were feet), but which has heen banked up and enlarged Ivy the Water Commission, and is now called Lake Fyaijs, Here, in the swampy ground, we collected the Spreading Bush-Pea, Pultenaa laxiflora, Clustered Bush-Pca, P. dentata, Thready Bush-Pea, P, Luchmanni, Slender Conosperm, CGonospermium patens, Shrub Violet, Hybanthus floribundus, and the sedges, Gymanoschanus adustis, Cladinm” schanoides, Gahnia telragonocarpa, Lepidosperma canescens, and Schanus axillaris, The fruit was well developed on Hybanthws florvibundus, showing that it must have flowered particularly early. Helichrysuins. prevailed remarkably, there being literally acres of them, and the Woolly Everlasting, #7. Blandowskianun, being predominant, It was in the budding stage, when the petals are glistening pink, and presented a yery ornamental appearance. ;

The following day, accompanied by Mr. J. Cronin, Directoy of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, and Mr. H. Rowe, of the Municipal Gardens, Stawell, wé proceeded over a portion of Mount Difficult -as far as the ‘f Grand Canyon,”’ which, jorms the entrance to “ Wonderland.” On this excnrsion we were ereatly disappointed, as the bush fires had swept the locality. destroying everything but big standing timber, which will, no doubt, ultimately recover: but everything of lesser size was completely demolished, The whole tnp revealed nothing interesting botanically, except, perhaps, a hill so completely covered with Blue Pincushions, Branonia australis, that we named it Brunonia Hill. A rather uncommon sight was the parasite Loranthus pendulus on a Manna Gum sapling, Sucalypins

» | ddidnalts. 1t showed na stems whatever, but issued from the

batk right up the trunk in thick sprouts , and on a late Black Wattle, Acacia mollissima, we noticed four mistletoes—viz., Loranthus celastroides, L. pendulus, L, tenopkeyllus, and L, Exocarpi, I particularly made this excursion tu gather Sresh material of Trymaltion ramosisstmen, A spectes new to science, which Mr. D'Alton and myself had found the previous year, but alter searching diligently was unable tv secure the smallest specimen,

Che Gictorian Naturalist,

Vor, XXXVIII—No, 3. JULY 7, 1921, Na. 451,

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

Tue forty-frst anal meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday evening, goth June, rgar.

In the absence of the president through sickness, Mr, F, Chapman, A.L.S,, one of the vice-presidents, was voted to the chair, and about sixty members and visitors were present,

REPORTS.

A brief report of the visit to the National Museun on Saturday, 2nd July, was given by Mr, C. Daley, ¥.L.S,, who said that the members were met by the Cirator of Zoology, Mr. J. A. Kershaw, f.E.5, who showed them portions of the reserve collections, including a portion of the 'H,. L. White Collection’ of Australian bird-skms, the collections of in- vertebrates, &c. A very interesting afternoon had- been spent, the members being astonished at the great amount of material available for workers.

A report of the excursion to Ferntree Gully on Monday. 6th June (King's Birthday), was given by the leader, Mr. F- Pitcher, who said that an enjoyable day had been spent in investigating the Gully, wlich, though showing the wear ane tear of thousands of visitors antmally, is still worthy of a visit by nature lovers, On leaving One Tree Hill, roads and tracks were followed via Ferny Creek to the neighbourhood of Upwey. and thence back to Ferntree Gully station. He had been pleased to find the ferns Pleris tremula and Doodia (Woodwardia) condete in fair quantities.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

On a ballot bemg taken, Messrs, Aubrey E. Atkyns, Studley Park-road, Kew, and Claude R. Kerr, Swanston-shieet, Mel- bourne, were elected as ordinary members; and Messrs. Munay Moorlie, Nareen, wa Coleraine, and Thos. ©. Bryan, '' Lahana,"' P.O., Molesworth, as country members of the Cliuh,

NATURE LOVERS’ EXHIBITION,

Reports were given by the organizers of the sections of the principal exhibits of their sections: All agreed that the exhibition had been vel'y successful. Mr, FL Pitcher gave a brief statement of the finances, which so far indicated that there would be a surplus of about {50 for division between the Chib and the Microscopical Society.

Members generally were satisfied with the effort, and votes of thanks were passed to His Excellency the Earl of Stradbroke

rs - Field Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings. [y'yR ty

for opening the exhibition ; Miss Gabriel aid ladies for attending to the refreshment department; to the Royal Australasian Ormithologists’ Union for the loan mf exhibits; and te the Forests Department for the display of forest products.

ANNUAL REPORT.

The acting hon. secretary, Mr, FP. G, A. Barnard, read the forty-first annual report for the year 1920-21, which was as follows |—

“To +rHeE MEMBERS OF THE TWJeLO Naturauists’ Churn oF VICTORIA

Lanes AND GENTEEMEN,—In presenting lhe forty-first annual report af the Club fur the year ended 3oth April, 2921, your committee congratulate the members on the continued success of the Club.

“Commencing the year with a roll of 246 members, there were elected during the year 22 ordinary, 4 country, and 3 associate members, making a grand total of 275; but against this have to be made deductions for members who resigned or died, amounting to 16, leaving a net total of 259, ‘he deaths were unsuually heavy, including Sir I, Madden, Rev, W. W,- Watts, Messrs. R. A. Bastow, J. Booth, M.Sc,, and H. Quiney. Reference to each of these was made in the Naturalist at the time. We also lost by death two honorary members, Messrs, E. D. Atkinson (Tas.) and Capt. T. Broun (N.Z.), thus reducing our honorary members’ roll to two—Mr. A, H. 5, Lucas, M.A,, the first editor of the Naturalast, now of Sydney, and Lord Novar (Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson, G.C.M.G.}

"Owing to industrial troubles considerable interference {ao the reguiar monthly meetings and the publication of the Natwralist was experienced. The June and July (1920) meetings, as also the January and February (rg2r) meetings, had to be abandoned owing to lighting restrictions and the limited ¢raffic, allowed. The attendance, however, at those “held was very satisfactory,

The papers read numbered only ten» they were —May— ‘A Fifteen Years’ Retrospect of the Cloh,’ by Mr, F. G. A, Barnard ; August— Introduced Animals,’ by Mr. G, A, Keart land, and ‘To the Alps for Coleoptera,’ hy Mr D, Best; September— Three Anglers at the Murray, by Mr- J, C. Gondie ; October-— New Victorian Orchids,’ by Messrs. E. E. Pescott, F.L.S., and C. French, jun., also ‘The Orchids of Victoria,’ by Mr. E. E. Pescott, F.L.S.: November—owing to a failure by the oxygen apparatus, an illustrated paper on the ° Geological History of Australian Plants, by Mr. F. Chapman, had to be held over until December ; January and February, no meeting ;

July) _ Biol Naturalists’ Club—Proceadings. 1S March— Through the Balangum Ranges and at Rose's Gap (Grampians)’; and April— Remarks: on Mantids,’ by Mr B. Blackbourn (communicated by Mr. ©. French, ju), and ‘Notes on the Migratory Locust, by Mr. Jas. Hill, Grouping the papers according to the subject-matter, they may he set down us follows -—Relating to mammaha. 1; entomology, 3} botany, 3; geology, 14 and general, 3.

“ The excursions, one of the principal features of the Club, have Ween cafried through with considerable success. Many localities in the vicinity of the metropolis have been visited, and their points of interest pointed out to members by the respective leaders: while places so far afield as Lerderderg,. Bendigo, and Walhalla have also been visited. On the first- named excursion the members were deeply indebted to a fellow-member, Mr, C, C. Brittlebank, for the arrangements he had made, thus greatly adding to the interest of the outing. Your committee is deeply grateful fo the leaders of excursions for giving the members the benefit of their knowledge of the localities chosen, A friend of the Club has handed to. the treasurer the sum of {10, to he devoted to paying portion of the expenses of a char-a-banc trip if arranged, which is grate- fully acknowledged,

“Tn general matters the Club has had under consideration the questions of foxes at Phillip Island and the taking of egys of protected birds. These have been dealt with satistactotily by the Visheries and Game Department. It is gratifying to record that the Lands Department has decided that the graxing fights at Mount Buffalo are not ta be renewed for rgzt, while the bird sanctuary at Lake Hattah (Wimmera) is not to be interfered with. \

“The love for our native animals and plants is steadily growing, and, we trust, will be sufficiently strang to prevent the loss of species,of either section of our unique animal and vegetable life.

“Phe annual exhibition of .wild-flawers was held, under great disadvantage, in the upper hall of the Melbourne Town Hall of 28th September, when the Acting Governor, Sir Wm, Irvine, K.C.M.G., opened the exhibition, and expressed his great appreciation of the display. A profit of {107 was made, portion of which was added to the Plant Names Publication Fund. The Club was greatly indebted to members of the Microscopical Society for adding to the interest of the exhibition. and to several lady members and friends for the successful management of the refreshment department. To the Director of the Botanica) Gardens, Mv. J. Cronin, the Club is greatly indebted, as on thany previous oveasions, for the fine display of Australian flowers, thereby indicating the possibilities of

20 Field Naluyalists’ Club—Proceedings. [y,V'e8etiay,

Australian plants for garden culture, To those Members and frieuds who. by their generous help in ‘collecting flowers and carrying out mor details, rendered ihe exhibition possible, your conimittee would tender its very best thanks,

“The Club has again been unfortunate in some of its execulive officers elected at the annual meeting, In July Mr. W, Glance, who had been assistant secretary for five years, Was compelled to vesign, owing te ill-health: after some interval Mr. ©, Oke consented to fill the vacancy. In February Mr. R. W. Armitage, M.Sc., found that Ins official duties did not allow him sufficient liberty to carry out the duties of hon, secretary, and asked to be relieved of that position. Mr, VG. A. Barnard kindly added the duties to that of editor until the annual meeting. ve

“The increased cost of printing the Naturalist has heen the most impurtant husiness before the committee during the year, und, notwithstanding that the journal has been curtailed as much as possible, the volume for 1920-24 being 26 pages Jess than that for 1919-20, the cost has heen about (60 more, This great imcrease in printing charges has greatly exercised the thoughts cf your committee, and there seem to be two altern- atives which might be adopted (it is to be hoped only temporarily)—viz., further curtailment of the Naturalist or am imerease in the annual subscription to the Club. This question will require prave consideration hy the incoming committee Meanwhile, your committee desires to acknow- ledge with many thanks donations amounting to f1r from several members towards the expense af publishing the Naturalist. :

“The issue of the Clubs journal was hampered to some extent by the printers’ strike in March and April, 1g20, but Lost ground was recovered, and, under the editorship of Mr. F.G. A. Barnard, the journal has continued to chronicle the various aspects of natural science in Victoria from month to month.

“The meeting of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, by reason of transit difficulties, was transferred from Hobart to Melbourne; lence many more members of the Club were able to avail themselves of the advan- tages of the Association gathering than would have been possible had the original programme heen carried out,

“ The fortieth anniversary of ihe jounding af the Club, which {ell upon the May meeting, was made the opportunity for a gathering of the surviving founders and early members, with very pleasing resulis. Of the eight original members still on the roll seven Were present, and, in addition, eleven members of iver twenty years’ standing were present. Mr. P.G, A, Barnard read an interesting vdsré of the last fifteen years’ history of the

Joly] Field Naturalists’ Club—Procevdings- 24 Club, and to Mrs. E. Bage, the only life member, is due the in- itative of light refreshments and a pleasant half-hour at the close of the meeting, Opportunity was taken at the meetimg to present Mr. G. Coghill with a memento of his fifteen years’ occupation uf the treasurership of the Club, from which he retired in June, 1929.

‘ Owing to the excessive cost of printing, nothing has resulted from inquiries as to publishing the results of the Plant Names Committee's deliberations. This 1s greatly to be regretted, as there ate numerous nature students in all parts of the State anxiously looking for the promised solver’ of botanical riddles.

“The balance-sheet to be presented by the hon, treasurer is not so satisfactory as could be wished, owing, as before intimated, to [he excessive cost of printing, fo which must be also added the increase in postal rates. Little relief is to he expected under either of these headings during the coming year, and your committee would impress upon all members who have the interest of the Club at heart that the best wav in which they can express it is by the prompt payment, of their annual subscriptions.

“After having had the advantage of the use of Messrs, Coghill and Hanghton's office for many years free of cost as a meeting-place. for the monthly committee meetings, owing toa a change m the carctaking arrangements the committee. had to feturn to the Royal Society's Hall for its meetings, thereby increasing the monthly expenditure,

Finally, your committee trusts that, though the outlook is at present somewhat gloomy, there is still a good future before the Chib, and that when the aftermath of the Great War is finally cleared wp it may be possible to record greater progress at a considerably reduced expenditure,

On behalf of the Committe, “J. Gane, President. "BG, A. Barnarp, Aching Bon See.

"Melbourne, 25¢4 May, 192i."

The reception of the report having been carried, Mr. F-. Wisewould congratulated the members on the Satisfactory position of the Club, considering the difficulties of the past year ; Mr. A, D. Hardy, I'.L.S., said that the industrial troubles had greatly hampered the Club in more ways than one ; Messrs Best, Tadgell, Pescott, and Whitmore referred ta the great intrease in cost of the Naturalist, and offered various suggestions ; Mr, C. C. Plante urged the committee to take a broader view of the position, and try and induce a larger membership, and thus enable a more snitahle place of meeting to be secured, and predicted a great future for-the society. Mr. F. E. Wilson

a2 Field Natuvalists’ Club—Proceedings. [apa igh Rats

contended. that much more favourable prices could be’ obtained for printing the Naturalist, which would allow of its improvement.

The report was adopted,.on the motion of Messrs. E. E. Pescott and C. A. Lambert.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

The hon, treasurer (Mr. F. Pitcher) presented the financial statement for Ig1g-20, which was as follows :—

RECEIPTS. To Balance, yoth April, 1920 ' fe sth uu - £72 § to dy Subscriplions— . Ordinary Members... £117 10 0 .Conntry Members... 30 0 6 Associate Members... 25 0 . he £149 380-8" » Victorian Naturallst— Subscriptions and Saies 6 -o 10 Advertisements = 25 0 Reprints... san 118 0 —— 10 310 1 Sales of Badges Bes oy ate: o 6 Oo », Donations— Char-a-bane Excursion Fund.., . 10 00 4oth Anniversary Celebrations we «22 OO ' Publishing Fund .., bya « If o°0 »» Interest—Savings Bank and War Loan... 418 3 }, Discount—Patterson, Shugp’s Account ... or 4 188 6 11 To Wild-flower Exhibition— ; Admissions rds mt aw «690: 14:«—0 Sales of Flowers... act ws 23 0 3 Refreshments. ait ab uw 2 60 Donations... et a2} in E50 : 136 6 3 £397 2 9

*Subscriptions :—Arrears, £19; 1920-1, f12r Ss.; advance, £9 7s. Gd.— total £149 1s, 6d,

EXPENDITURE, By Victorian Natuyalist—

Printing (13 months)... £154 4 7 Tlustrating ... cme 3 4 8 Free Reprins as! 7 4 0 ke Reprints charged “ 117 6 —_— £176 10 9 », Fictorian Naturalist— : Wrapping and Posting Hye $e 19 11-10 >, Rooms—Rent and Altendance, .,. oP I3 10 0 > Library—Periodicals ... a. 211 Insurance... - O 7 O : 7 218 6

Carried forward ... 4212 11. 2

July) | * Field Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings. 23

1921

Brought forward ss ce ay HOTZ TET - By Hire of Lantern on sai i 1190 0 y Printing av vie y's Sas BE EG yy Postages, &e.. tus tr shy Q 1371 9 Expenses—qotl Anniversary _ ... fu 310 Oo 1 Purchase of Badges... = iti 210 0 : —— 251 3 7 os Wild-flower Exhibition— Hall and Attendance ig eS 950 Specimen Glasses ... | . a 310 3 Expenses ... ey bes nef 15 17 6 = —— 2812 9 1, Deposit in Savings Bank towards Publica- tion of Plant Names sit 66 5 10 3: Hire of Town Hall for June, 1921, Exhibition t 1 o Oo 364 2 2 :, Balance in Savings Bank ies ws 30 0 0 33 ss | London Bank ay sag 2 39 10 32 19 10 £397 2.0 F, PITCHER, Aon, Treasurer, 23rd May, 1920. Audited and found correct, . F. WISEWOULD an 24th May, 1921. A. J. TADGELL, } Atditors.

The “following statement of assets and jiabilities was also presented :—

ASSETS.

Balance—Savings Bank and London Bank '.,, as £32 19 10

War Loan Bond . op a oo

Arrears of Subscriptions (£80), say.. te see 40 0 6

Badges on hand ... a ne 215 3

Library and Furniture (Insurance Value) 150 070

Deposit in Savings Bank for Plant Names Publication ,.., 150 0 0

£395 15 1

LIABILITIES.

Subscriptions paid in advance + He gees 49 7 6

Donation to Char-a-bane Excursion Fund... ae. fo 0 0

Deposit for Plant Names Publication tee tas 150 0 0 4169 7 6

On the motion of Messrs. E. E. Pescott, F.L.S., and P. R. H, St. John, the statement was received and adopted.

-

24 | Field Naturalists! Club—Proceedings. [y.Ssxviu,

ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS, IQg2I-22.

On a ballot being taken for’ the position of president, Mr. FT. Chapman, A.L.S., was duly elected ; for two vice-presidents, Messrs. C. Daley, ‘B.A. and E. E. Pescott, F.L.S., were elected. The following wiitbe-bearer’, being the only nominations, : were declared duly elected :—Hon. treasurer, Mr. F. Pitcher ; hake librarian, Mr. P. R. H. St. John; hon. editor, Mr, F. Gs Barnard ; hon, secretary, Mr. C. Oke ; for hon. assistant Sees and librarian there was no nomination,

On ‘a ballot being taken for five members of committee, Messrs. C. L. Barrett; C.M.Z.S., J. Gabriel, J. A, Kershaw, F.E.S,, C. 5, Sutton, M, B., and J. Searle were duly elected.

PAPER.

By Mr. J. W. Audas,; F.LS., entitled “ Description of a New Trymalium- (N.O. Rhamnacez).”’

Owing to the lateness of the hour the paper was taken as read. The author described as Trymalium ramosissimum, on account of its branching habit, a small rhamnaceous shrub found in the Mount Difficult Range (Grampians) by Mr. ©, W, D' Alton and himself, the new species being closely allied to T. D'Aiiont, F. v. M

NATURAI HISTORY NOTES.

Mr. E, E, Keep mentioned that one morning recently he noticed several blackbirds heckling a Butcher-bird which had some object in its bill. The bird happening to fly nearer to him, he was enabled to identify a Goldfinch as the object which was exciting the blackbirds’ pity.

Mr. C. Oke stated that, among the objects he had taken on the recent excursion to Herntret Gully was a specimen of Peripatis.

EXHIBITS. The list of exhibitors and their exhibits is unfortunately crowded out of this issue, and wil appear next month, NATURE LOVERS’ EXHIBITION,

A report of this exhibition, held on t4th June, will appear in the next issue.

After the usual conversazione the meeting termmated.

—

Che Victorian Naturalist.

Vou, XEXVIIL—No, 4. AUGUST 4, 1991. No. 452.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

THE ordmary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday evening, 11th July, 1927, ©

The president, Mr. F, Chapman, A.L.S., occupied the chair, and about sixty members and visitors were present,

REPORT.

A report ot the visit to the National Museum (Paleontological Department) on Saturday, 18th June, was given by the leader, Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., who said that the party included several members of the Microscopical Society, The: afternoon had been devoted to fossil vertebrates, and an instructive and interesting afternuon had been spent.

ELECTION OF MEMEERS. , On a ballot being taken, Miss N. Thresher, Black-street,

: Middle Brighton; Miss T. V. Healy, Southey-street, Sand-

Yingham*, Mrs. M. Thompson, 26 Fawkner-street, St. Kilda ; Mr. G. H, Shugg, Pensions Office, Elizabeth-street, Melbourne ; and Mr. J. M, Wilson, 57 Swanston-street, Melbourne, were duly elected members of the Club. .

GENERAL BUSINESS. '

The chairman stated that since last meeting two members of the Club had passed away—Mr. E. H. Lees, CE,, of Malla- coota, and Mr. J. P. M'Letinan, of the School of Horticulture, Burnley, Each had been a useful member of the Club, and their Joss would be keenly felt. Brief references to the deceased members were made by Messrs. Hardy, Daley, Barnard, and Hammet, and on the motion of Messrs. Barnard and Daley letters of sympathy were directed to be sent to the relatives. The motion was carried in silence, members standing.

Mr..F. Keep said that an important item had been forgotten zt the previous meeting of the Club—viz., the proposal of a vote of thanks to the retiring office-bearers. He considered that great credit was due to the committee of management for the _ success of the Club, and moved accotdingly. This was seconded by Mr. H. B. Williamson and carried unanimously. In the ahsence of Mr. J. Gabriel, tlte past president, the vote was briefly acknowledged by the chairman.

Tn pursuance of notice of motion, Mr, F. Keep moved that steps be taken to elter the rules of the Club 80 as to provide

‘

26 Field Naturalists’ Clab—Proceedings. — [y "Si Xvin,

that a retiring president becomes ex officio a member of the committee for the following year. After some discussion the matter was referred to the committec, with a request to take the necessary steps to embody the proposal in the rules of the Club.

Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.LS., drew attention to the Club rule fixing the age of associate members at 16 years and upwareés, He thought that, since the abolition of junior members, the age of assdciates might be lowered to fourteen, and moved that the committee take this alteration into consideration when atfanging for @ special meeting to alter the rules,

NOMINATION FOR ASSISTANT HON, SECRETARY,

Mr. P. R. H. St. John said that Mr. H. B. Williamson had consented to allow himself to be nominated for the vacancy in the office-bearers—viz., honorary assistant secretary and librarian—and nominated him accordingly. Seconded by Mr. C, Daley, B.A, .

PAPER EAD.

By Mr. F. E. Wilson, entitled ‘‘ An Entomologist in Southern Queensland.” 74

The author gave an interesting account of a recent visit to Southern Queensland, mainly with the view.of adding to his entomological -collection, in which he was very successful ; neatly two hundred species of beetles had been taken, of which three were new to’ science. His remarks were not confined entirely to entomology, botany and ornithology receiving some attention. He mentioned that on cutting open some oranges obtained from an orchard they were discovered to be simply alive with the larva of the Queensland fruit-fly.

Messrs. C. L. Barrett. C.M-Z.S., and C. Oke congratulated the author on the interesting character of his paper and the excellent work he is doing amongst coleoptcra.

EXHIBITS,

By Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.5.—Coralloid and other structures in magnesian limestone from Sunderland, England, ‘photo-’ graphed hy Dr. W. J. Abbott, of Tunbridge Wells ; flowering sprays of Sallow Wattle, Acacta longifolia, from a tree about three: years old.

By Mr, F- Cudmore.—Large fossil oyster shells from the Jatyjukian beds at Boggy Creek, near Bairnsdale.

By Mr. C. Daley, F.L.5.—Seed-vessel of Lawileriza formosa (N,Q, Proteacez), Honey-flawer of New South Wales. From their formidable appearance the seed-vessels are known as *“ mountain devils” ; upper and lower jaws and scale of Queens- land Lung-fish, Ceratedus forstert.

~~

“ue Field Natuvalists' Club—Pyocecdings, 27

By Mc..C. J. Gabricl_—Marine: shells from Philippine Tslands —Pterocera aurantia, Lam., P. wultipes, Deth,, and Strombus lacimatus, Chem,

By Mr. C. Oke.—Coleoptera collected on Macedon excursion.

By Mr, J, Searle (under microscope).—Scction of head of

embryo chick, showing pineal eye ; larva of Crayfish; Phantom

Shrimp, Lucifer, sp.; and Coprelia, sp. After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated.

The following exhibits made at the June meeting were crowded out of the last Naturales? -—

By Mr. F. Chapman, A.1..S.—Section of Buloke, Caswavine Evehmann, KR. T. B., showing many points of structure,

By Mr. C. French, jun,—Orchid in flower, Pterostylis precos, from Ashburton.

By Miss A, Fuller.—Bryopiyilum crenatum growing from edges of leaves, from Nauru.

By Rev. A, J. Maher.—Photographic studies of trees,

By Mr. A. J. Yadgell.—Spear-fruited Salt-bush, Bassia quinguecuspis, F. v, M,, var, villosa, from Sunbury-—a stiff, bushy shrub, originally recorded from North-West Victoria, now spreading easterly ; Narrow-leaved Podotheca, P.. angustt-

folie, winter and summer forms ; ferruginous clay from Bolinda

Creck, near Lancefield Junction, suitable for use as a pigment,

By Mr, H. Whitmore.—Section of stem of Common Elm, Ulinus campestris, showing the branches originating from the heart-wood.

By Mr. H. B. Wilhamson.—Orchid, Corysanthes bicalcarale, Fitz, '‘ Spurred Helmet Orchid,” new for Victoria, collected at Healesville, 7th June, rg2r, by the Misses D_and G. Coleman ; also wild-flowers from exhibition on r4th June, collected by Mr. F. Wisewould, Pakenham, Mr. T. S. Hart, M.A., Bairns- dale, Mr. D. Paton, Bendigo, Mr, C. D'Alton, Hall’s Gap, and the pupils of Dimboola, Ouyen, and Pakenham State schools ; also from Sonth Australian contributors—Miss Zoe Anios, Upper Sturt, Mrs. L. E. Page, Myponga, and head teachers of public schools at Kangarilla and Victor Harbour, per the © Field Naturalists’ section of the Royal Society of South Aus- tralia, Adelaide.

Corrections —In exhibits by Mr. J. R, Tovey, in Naluralist for May, To2z1, page ro, for '' Centaurea" read '' Erythraa.”

In July Naturalist, page 17, line 2 of report, date should read 4th June." '

te te

Naltere Study Exhibitcayr. [vol kxxtin

NATURE STUDY EXHIBITION.

PaRTLY in response to an expressed idea that-an exhibitien of natural history specimens would proye an interesting attraction to the general public, and partly to augment the funds of the Field Naturalists’ Club and of the Microscopical Society—considerably depleted by the high cost of printing— 4a combined exhibition by the members of the two societies was held in the Melhoutne Town Hall on Tuesday, rgth June. As anticipated, it was well attended, and it was gratifying to see that several schools took advantage of the opportunity to . demonstrate some of Nature's handiwork to their sefior pupils, the pupils of one school being brought by private conveyance fram a distance of over ten miles. : Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., president of {he Microscopical Society and one of the vice-presidents of the Ficld Naturalists’ Club, in welcoming His Excellency the State Governor, Lord Stradbroke, to the exhibition, gave a brief outline of the activities of the two societies. In declaring the exhibition open Lord Stradbroke said he was delighted to find so much encouragement being given to the people ‘of Victoria to study Nature in all her aspects. Such an exhibition as this should help young people to take a pride in their country and its natural productions. He had not had many opportunities yet of becoming acquainted with the varied features of Victoria, but he doubted if he would become tired of the many varieties of gtim-trees, as had heen suggested to him, Later, Hts Excellency devoted considerable time ta an examination of the exhibits, and mentioned that it was a great disappointment to Lady Steadbroke that she had not sufficiently recovered from her illness to be able to be present, for she was always greatly interested in exhibitions of the kind,

It is impossible in the amount of space at our disposal to do more thai briefly list the exhibits of the different exhibitors. The exhibits of a similar nature were grouped together, and some very effective displays were made.

Botany, —Thongh not the wild-flower season, a fair display of native Howers was made through the organization of Mr, H. B. Williamson. Flowers were received from Western Aus- tralia and South Australia and from many parts of Victona, the exhibitors being Miss C. Currie, Miss G. Nokes, Messrs. T.C. Bryan, G, Coghill, C. D'Aiton, N. W. Gay, A. D. Hardy, T S. Hart, D. Paton, A. Tadgell, — Thornhill, Rev, W. ¢. Tippett, A. Vroland, and F, Wysewould; the Creswick Forest School, Macedon State Nursery, and the Linton, Maldon, Ouyen, and Pakenham State schools. Mr. C. C. Brittlebank, 3 drawers of fungus pests.

At Nature Study Exhibition. 29

Conchology.—Mr. ©, J. Gabriel, len drawers of foreign and Australian, marine shells (a very fine display) ; also an exhibit showing method of working of the destructive ship-borer, Teredo,

Entomology.—Mr. D. Best, two drawers of beetles (Carabide) ; Mr. J. E. Dixon, two drawers of Coleoptera ; Mr, C. French, ten drawers life-histories of insects, &c,; Miss Fuller, gall insects from Western Australia; Mr. J. Kershaw, four drawers of Lepidoptera; Mr,.C, Oke, two cases Coleoptera, Mr, F. Spry, three drawers of ants; Mr. L. Thorn, ten drawers of Lepidoptera; Mr. F. £. Wilson, two drawers of . beetles (Tenebrionidz); Natianal Museum, case of trap-door spiders,

Ethnology.—Mr, E, Anthony, case of native weapons, &c. ; Mr. ©. Daley, case of aboriginal stone implements; Mr. T. C, Bryan, implements.

Torestry —Mr, A, D. Hardy, F.L.S., on behalf of the Forest Department, comprehensive exhitnt of forest products— timbers (dressed and undvessed), honey, oils, kinos, foliage, &e.; photographs in illustration of forestry, both natural and artificial conditions,

Geology and Paleontology—Mr, T, C. Bryan, fossil con- flomerate ; Mr, F. Cudmore, a large collection of fossil sharks’ teeth and mollusca, illustrating and comparing the Tertiary formations of Australia and England; Miss C. Currie, matrix of turquoise, and gold in quartz, from Corryong; Mr, F, Chap- man, A.L.S,, Middle Cambrian fossils from British’ Columbia ; Mr, C, Daley, B.A,, collection of Australian minerals ; Mr. T. 5, Wart, M.A., natural lodestone from Nowa Nowa, Victoria ; Mr. J. R. Mitchell, case of Australian minerals; Mr. W. Scots, flexible sandstone from India-

Ormithology.—Directar National Museum, Specimens of the larger birds of Victoria; Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, three drawers of Australian bird-skins, coloured plates from Gould’s " Birds of Australia''; Mr. H, Syme, a white form of the Grey Goshawk. |

Zovlogy,—Director of National Museum, representative .col- lection of Australian animals, also reptiles in Spirits, Miss €. C, Currie; mammals in spirits; Mr. H, W. Davey, V-ES., live specimens of Japanese newts; Mr. D. Le Souef. CM.ZS., live catpet Snake and live stamp-tailed lizard; Mr. ©. Oke, lizards and snakes.

The Microscopical Society was well represented by members with ticroscopes, wlio made a very fine display of objects of interest. These were a grgat source of attraction thronghoul tlic afternoon and. evening. ;

39 BLACKEOURN. Some Ohsorvations on Mantids. [yh Nia).

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON MANTIDS, With SprctaL REFERENCE To THE REPRODUCTION OF Lost LIMss, By B. BLAcKSOURN. (Communicated hy C. French, jun.) (Read before the Field Natuvalists' Club of Victaria, 11th April, 1921.)

In ile classification of insects ihe mantids form a very definite family of ‘the order Orthoptera (straight-winged insects). A main difference of the insects of this order from those of the other orders is that the individuals, on emergence from the egg, resemble the perfect insect in most respects but size, and that they continue to grow until reaching the adult size.

My remarks refer principally to the common Green Mantis, Orthodeva ministralis. Fab., to be found in most gardens about Melbourne- ;

It. will perhaps be best af I simply describe the growth of a few which I have kept in captivity. On 6th November I found two young mantids, bright green in colour, with a dark stripe down the back, and ahout three-eighths of an inch in length, on some bean plants. A third was found, of aliout the same size, a few days later, though, as the other two had grown considerably meanwhile, I was able to distinguish them apart. At first I was at a loss to know how I could keep them for purposes of observation, but eventually obtained an empty glass potted-meat jar, into which J} put some water anda few sprigs plucked from a climbing rose, and placed at 97) 4 sheet of white paper under a large glass clock-cover.

As most of my readers will know, the mantids are carmvorous insects, their habit being to lie im wait amongst vegetation and capture flying insects of various sorts that came within reach by means of (heir first pair of legs, which are modified into terrible weapons of offence—studded on their inside edges with rows of sharp spines, and shutting up while at rest on the same principle as a tazor blade. They can fast fora consider- able time, and in a stale of nature probably go for long periods without food of any kind. : ,

My first problem was how to find food suitable for creatures of such small size, a5 at 15 necessary that it should be in a living state. On the heans they doubtless fed on minuté flies, but these were practically impossible to catch without damaging them. I at last hit upon a plan which proved remarkably successful. A jar full of pond life, well stocked with mosquito larvae, provided me with a regular supply of fresh mwat for my captives. As soon as the larve attamed the ptipa state I placed them in some water in a dol!'s mug. This F put under the glass cover, and in a short time the mosqnitoes hatched,

ih Brackpourn, Some Observations on Mantids, 31 and were soon Supplying the yourg mantids with plenty of amusement, if nut with an altogether satisfying meal. As the mosquitoes Aew about, trailing their long legs, the tiny Mantrds would strike at them as they passed, and in the early stages seldom caught the whole mosquito, but, instead, one or two of the legs. These they would consume with much gusto, commencing, at one end and eating them in exactly the same way as some people eat celery. Most of the mosquitoes were Teduced in a short time to one or two legs apiece. As the mantids grew in size they were able to catch the whole mosquito, and these formed their main food until they were large enough to tackle-small house flies.

On i5th November Ne. 7 cast his old skin, and was followed by No. 2 and No. 3 on 23rd and 26th November. On 2nd December No. 1 again changed his skin, but lost-.one of the second pair of legs in the process. This did not appeai to cause him any very sertous inconvenience, and was useful im enabling me to distinguish between No. 1 and No, 2, which were exactly alike in size and appearance. On 23rd-Decemher No. 1 again changed his skin, and, to my surprise, the missing leg was replaced by one a size smaller than its fellow om the apposite side, I was aware that newts and crabs could replace lost limbs, and lizards lost tails; but that insects could replace lost limbs wes new to me, What 1 cannot quite understand is where the new limb was developed. There was no sign of it until the old skin was cast off, and then the new limb appeared complete.. However, L was to see more of this before long.

On Christmas Day No. 3 cast his skin for the third time,-and in so doing hacl a Serious accident. A day or two before this change of skin a. mantis refuses fond, and frequently becomes Wery restless if confined. Its one idea secms to be to get as high up as possible. Once there it attaches itself firmly to the under side of a Jeaf, the skin splits at the back of the thorax, and the creature gradually emerges hanging head downwards, As the operation praceeds the legs are freed one by one until at last it is left hanging only by the tip of its abdomen, Jnst asthe observer expects it to slp out and fall to the ground the insect makes one tremendous effort, raises itself up, takes firm hold with its legs, and shakes the old skin off its abdomen,

‘It cannot always rid ttself of the skin in onc effort, but with

intervals of rest it tries repeatedly until tt is freed. At this time it is in an extremely soft state, and easily injured. It appeared to me that No. 3 must have fallen duting the operation. T was away at the.time, but on my return J found it on the table, apparently dead, Lt revived, however, but was badly crippled. One of the clasping fore legs was twisted In sttch a way as not only io he useless, tut to constantly becore

32 BLACKBOURN, Some Observations on Mantids. [yore S tins,

entangled with its other legs when it attempted to walk. One ~ of the back Jegs also was twisted, so as to get in the way wi its feHow ‘on the other side. A short time afterwards it fell into the water in the jar; abd was fished out apparently drowned, but recovered, It was clear that in such a crippled condition it could not catch its prey, and, bearing in mind the replace- ment of the Jimb in No.1, I amputated part of the fore: leg, removing the femur, tibia, and tarsus, and also the tibia and tarsus uf the hind leg, So little was the insect affected by this that 4 couple of minutes after it was cleaning its remaining fore leg with its mandibles as if nothing had happened. To make a long story short, on 8th January it changed its skin again. There appeared a slight lengthening of the hind leg, but L could not distinguish any difference in the fore leg. On agth January another change took place, and this time a com- plete though small edition of the fore leg appeared, and the hind Jeg was iarger, though still not quite berteatly developed. I hoped to be able to watch its growth unlil the adult stage was reached, but, being on the point of leaving for England, I was obliged to transfer this mantis, as well.as No. r, to a small jam jar. The change, unfortunately, proved disastrous to No. r. In what I believe to be its final moult, it was badly crippled through becoming entangled in some twigs, owing, no doubt, to insufficient room in the jar.

I was afraid that, with only one clasping leg, mantis No. 3 tight not be able to catch and hold its prey, but my mind was ‘soon set at rest on that score. On one oceasion it struck at a fly, but only caught it by the tip of one wing, Having only the one fore leg, at'could not pin the fiy down. What it did was to teke the tip of the wing in its mouth and hold tight ta that, while it let go with its leg and took a fresh hold round the fly's body. That action showed something remarkably like reasoning power, 4! ;

In the early stages one house fy every other day appeared to be as much food as was necessary, though when nearing maturity they can manage several at a meal. JI once had. a full-grown specimen which, on first being found, ate six flies and a " blue-bottle™) at one sitting, offered ta it with a paar of forceps. When my mantids were really hungry U was amusing to watch the way they followed with their eyes a fly introduced into the cage, and they would hasten ta take up fresh positions which offered a better chance of capture. On other occasions L have known them staik an insect at a pace which was scarcely perceptible,

{ once kept a mantis for some months in New South Wales which became quite tame, At the time of capture it was one andl a half inches long, and it grew to be over five. - One sight

Aug.) Bracavounn, Some Observahions on Mantis. 32 { placed a sleepy fiy on the curtain, about three inches in front of its face. It took just half an hour to cover that distance, It would disengage one foot, bring it forward so slowly that the movément was hardly distinguishable, gently: feel for a fresh foothold, and then repeat the process with another leg. The fiy, which had been cleaning its wings, eyes, &c,, quite wneonsciowus of the approaching enemy, at the last moment tumed to fly away, but too late—in a flash the mantis had her in its grasp,

It is curious that flies da not appear to perceive mantids, I have repeatedly seen them settle on one and run along its back or leg. If the mantis is not hungry it takes no notice ; bul, if its appetite is keen it twists round like lightning and grasps the fly, whose fate is for ever sealed, Their bodies are remarkably flexible, and, though they will keep absolutely still for hours, their movements are at times so rapid as to be almost unperceivable, Often, when a. mantis catches sight of possible prey, it commences 2 swaying motion from side to side, and keeps this up while stalking. The prey never appears to take notice, no doubt mistaking the mantis for a twig swayed by the wind,

I was surprised to’ find that mantids have a considerable power of jumping, though I donot think they exercise it in obtaining food, but only in escaping from enemics, The jump is not forward, but appears te be a kind of back somersault. One night, when a mantis was in a very excitable and restless mood, due to the near approach of the skin-casting business, there were three large and Jively files in the ja1, one of which ran under its “‘nose,’’ and the mantis jumped right across from one side of the jar to the other.

Mantids probably grow faster when in captivity, owing te regular and abundant food, but in a natural state they can go for long periods without food, This fact makes them excellent pets, as one need not worry if there is a difficulty in obtaining supplies for several days owing to change of weather or other reason.

New Batyrisa Microscores.—The Setentific Australian for June contains an interesting description by Mr. W, M. Bale, F.R.MS., of new standard types of microscopes which are heing manufactured by British makers in order to meet the specification of the British Science Guild. There are three iypes—the cheapest, for students, to supersede the German instrument hitherto in use: a hetter type for pathological, work; and a high-class instrument Jor research work. Examples of the types can be inspected at Messrs, Watson and Sons’, Swanston-street, Melbourne,

a4 Aupas, Description of a New Trymualium- [yailtsS¥% i),

DESCRIPTION OF A NEW TRYMALIUM (N.O. RHAM- NACE), TRYMALIUM RAMOSISSIMUM, aovv. sp.

By J, W- Auoas, I.L‘S,, F.R.MS,, National Herbarinm, Melbourne.

(Read before the Field Natuvalists’ Club of Victorta, 20th Tune, to23-)

Tre-new Trymalium which I was fortunate in discovering at the Grampians, Victoria, in Octoher, 1919, belongs to a very large order—the Rhamnacee—which occurs over a consider- able area of the tropical and temperate zones in huth hemispheres, Australia possessing about a dozen genera, some being mucli more widely dispersed than others, while a few ate almost endemic, , 5

The order is.strongly marked and readily separated from all others, the only one bearing any similarity being Vitaces, It is a difficult order to characterize ; the genera often merge into each other by the very finest gradations—so much, indced, is the resemblance in -flowers and foliage between Trymalium, Spyridium, and Stenanthemum that the late Baron van Mueller, i his '' Census of Australian Plants,”’ grouped them all under the genus Cryptandra. We find, however, that. in Bentham’'s wark, “ Flora Australiensis,"' these genera are kept distinct, and botanists now recognize this classification,

This new Trvmafium, which I have specifically named T- vamosisstmum, On account of its branching habit, is closely allied to 7. Deltont. The latter was discovered at. the Grampians about forty-five years ago by Mr. St, Eloy D'Alton, the well-known collector, and was named after him by Baron von Mueller.

In order to place before you the distinctions of this new species, T will compare it with its relative, T, Deltoni, On examining the leaves, those of 7, Daifom? are long. sharp- pointed, with a deep centre furrow, and smooth, dark green surface, recurving so much as to almost hide the hack of leaf, while those of 7. ramosisstmuim are obtuse, ovate-lanceolate, only slightly curving at the edges, with a thick, prominent, raised line along the centre underneath. They are of a grey- green colour, and the flat surface shows distinct veining. Wien compating the flowers the most striking feature is in the calyx, that of T. Daltont being about the same length as the petals; but in J, vamostsstamimm the calyx exceeds the petals in length, and is much more woolly, The stipules also present differences. Those nf the newer species are straight and have a broad, clasping base, while those of 7, Dallont are uniformly narrow, grading. to a point, and somewhat curved. The bracts of T. yamostssimwm arc few, ovate ; those of 7. Daltont arc nmerous.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol, XXXVIII. Augusi, 1921.

PLATE Tf.

TRYMALIUM RAMOSISSIMUM, aAupas, sp, nov,

A. Leafy and flowering branch. 3B. Under surface of leaf. C. Upper surface of leaf. D. Section of leaf. E, Bracts. TF. Flower. D., E., and F, niagnified,

Aya Aupas, Description of a New Trymatium. 35

lanceolate. In vestitnre T, Deltowt is dark and somewhat coarse, having shorter appressed hairs. J". ramuosisstmwm is much lighter, and has long silky hairs.

For general purposes I describe this new species as follows —

TRYMALEUM RAMOSISSIMUM, Sp. nov,

A sinall shrub 40-60 ¢im. (abowt rte 2 feet) high, with spreading branches covered with a woolly tomentum ; leaves flat, ovate-lanceolate, tn-15 mm. long, 3 to 5 mm. broad, glabrows, with distinct venation, greyish-green colour above, slightly recurved, the under surface hoary or white, with a yery prominent midrib; flower-heads crowded; bracts brown, ovate, acute; calyx 3 mm, long, woolly, exceeding the petals; disk conspicuous; stipules channelled, straight, clasping.

ab —Victona—Grampians (Mount Difficult), C. W. D'Altor and J. W. Audas. -

TasMANIAN Freip NAtuRALIsts'’ Crus.—This society has again shown evidence of its activity by carrying out a well- planncd Easter camp at Adventure- Bay, South Bruny Island. Tn all, forty-one members and friends went into camp, the seventeenth organized by the Club. Previous to the war the parties were much larger, as many as one hundred visiting Winegiass Bay in rg14. The published report of the camp-out provides very interesting reading, aud records quile a lot of useful work done in almost every branch of natural history, The report is nicely illustrated, and depicts some very fine rock scenery, .° .

A Froc 1x A Prye Tree.—The Sunraysia Daily (Mildura) of xrth June contains en account of the finding of a frog in the heart of a pine tree, Callitris, sp., when being felled at Red Clifis, near Mildura. The tree had a sfem diameter of about

. a foot, and was apparently quite solid, the Mutray Pine being noted for its freedom from defects. The woodcutter was greatly sutprised to find a hollaw ih the wood, and further surprised when a large green frog hopped out of it. Close examination of the tree failed to detect, any entrance to the hollow, hence the questions arse, How did the frog get there ? and how long had it been there? There were at least four inches of solid wood between the hollow and the outside of the tree, the hollow being ten inches long, with solid wood above end below. Unfortunately, the frog got away, and it is there- jore impossible to say to what species it belonged, or to theorize as to its age.

, - f Viet, Nan 46 - Obituary, [var XPAVIThe

OBITUARY. |

THE Late Enwarp Hi. Less, C.E,, F R-A.5,—By the death of Mr. E. H- Lees on 30th June last Eastern Gippsland has lost one whe was always ready and willing to point out its features and characteristics to strangers. Engaged for some years. on geodetic survey work in northern South Australia, he ‘there became acquainted With the native tnbes and their customs, and in his only paper ta the Club, “‘ What is Nardoo ?"' (Viet. Nat., vol. xxxi., p. 133, January, 1915), knowledge which he gained at that time is placed on record, His statements drew a rejoinder from Prof. Sir W. Baldwin Spencer, F.R.S. in a paper with the same title (Vict, Ned, vol. xxxv., p. 8, May, tg18). Since 1890 Mr. Lees had been Government contract surveyor for Croajingolong, and resided at Mallacoota, His duties as selection and road surveyor took him into much new country, and, being of an observant nature, he thus gained an extensive knowledge of the plants and animals of the district, His membership of the Club dated from May, 1903.

THe Late Joun P. M’Lennan.—After completing his course af training as a school teacher, Mr. M'Lennan oceupied positions. in various parts of Victoria, When in charge of Emerald school, in Tgoo, he became acquainted with the late Mr. H, T, Tisdall, who, as a school teacher, had been induced to take up hotany as a study by the late Baron von Mueller. Mr. Tisdall's enthusiasm caught on, and Mr. M'Lennan became a student of the flora of the Emerald district. Becoming’ a member of the Club in June, 1904, he forwarded many parcels of flowers to the Club's exhibitions from that district. His interest in plant life led to his appointment as Supervisor of Agriculture in State Schools, and he thus had opportunities of becoming, acquainted with the botany of the whole of Victoria, In 19gtz he became head-master of the Agricultural High School at Warragul, from which he was transferred in 1916 to the position of superintendent of the School of Horticulture at Burnley Gardens. He served as a member of the Plant Names Com- mittee for several years, and on two ocasions conducted excursions of the Club to the gardens. His genial nature made him a general favourite in many connections, such as the Australian Natives’ Association, the Freemasons, &c. He was, unfortunately, the victim of a serious boating accident towards the end-of last year, when he almost lost his life, from the shock of which he never recovered, passing away on 6th July, after a long iflfess.

Che Victorian Naturalist.

Vout. XXXVITI.—No. 5. SEPTEMBER 8, 1981. * No. 453,

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA,

A sPECIAL meeting of the Club to consider certain proposed alterations in the Rules was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday evening, 8th August, rg2r.

The president, Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.5,, occupied the chair, and about fifty members were present,

Re minimum age of junior members——Moved by Mr. F_ G.'A- Barnard and seconded by Mr, C. Daley—" That in clause @ of Rule 4 the word ‘fourteen’ be substituted for the word ‘ sixteen.’ “'—Carried.

Re adejtion to Rule 12.— Moved by Mr. fF. Keep and seconded by Mr. J. L. Robertson—" That the words * the immediate past president to be an ex officio member of the committee.” “"—Carried, |

ORDINARY MONTHLY MEETING, “REPORTS, ; .

A report of the excursion to West Essendon on Saturday, tyth May, was forwarded by the leader, Mr. R. W. Armitage, B.Sc. who reported an interesting afternoon. Though the sand- pits are worked out, enough remains to indicate the geological characters of the occurrence, which was fully described, wilh an illustration, m the Naturalist for July, TgT0 (xxvii. p. 48)- Near an outcrop of quartz, &c, not far away a number of chippings of aboriginal stone implements were obtained,

A report of the visit to the Geological Museum on Satur- day, 16th July, was made by Mr. C. Daley, F.LS,, who said that a party of members had been shown over the musenm by Mr, R. Keble, who explained a number of the more interesting specimens and indicated the economic uses of many of them.

A report of the excursion from Greensborough te Eltham on Saturday, 6th August, was grven by Mr. A. L, Scott, who said that, though the afternoon was cold and dull, the outing had been enjoyed. The wattles were rather backward, except near. the river at Eltham, where some blooms were obtained for home decoration. Several curious growths of galls were detected on some eucalypts, and specimens obtained for further investigation,

ELECTION OF MEMBERS. ’

On a ballot being taken, Miss E. Bage, Fulton-street, East St. Kilda: Miss M. Boyd, 100 Grey-strect, East Melbourne ; Mrs. C. G. Whiting, 163 Glen Eira-road, East St. Kilda; and Mr. G, F, Onyons, 24 Malakofi-street, Malvern, ayere duly elected ordinary members of the Chub.

38 Field Nuluvalists Club—Proceedings. fy. 8 ti

HON, ASSISTANT SECRETARY.

There Weing no other nomination, My. &, Willamsun, Waverley-road, Caulfield, was declared elected to the position,

REMARKS ON EXHIBITS,

Mr C. J. Galbiricl called attention to his exhibit of thiee species of Victorian marme shells belonging to the family Gastrochenide, known as * Tube Shells.” In this group the animals live enclosed in tubes or butrows, which they never leave, and which are frequentiy embedded in mud or stone, the shells.or valves bejng either free or embedded. At first sight jt might be considered that these peculiar shells should be placed among the univalves, but a closer examination will show that. they are true bivalves. In the genus Brechites both valves are embedded in the walls of the lower end of the shelly tubes. Th the genus Clavagella one valve is embedded in the tube, while the oppesite valve is always free. In the genus Gastrochana both valves are free in the thickened end of the calcareous tube.

PAPERS READ,

t. By Mr, T, S, Hart, M.A., entitled "' The Gippsland Lakes Country: The Physiographical Features."

In the absence of the author, the paper was read ly the president, Mr. F.. Chapman, A.L.S.

The author said that the late Dr. Hall's paper on the Gipps- land Lakes, read before the Cleb, left some points untouched, which he had been able, during a residence wf several years at, Bairnsdale, te work out to some extent, There had heen great denudation of the land to the north of the Lakes, and in certain places a considerable uplifting had taken place.

The paper was well illustrated by maps and photographs. Some of the latter, having been taken from an aeroplane, were of a uniqne character, depicting the remarkable silt-jetties of the Mitchell River at its entrance to Lake King jn a very realistic way. The Lakes’ Entrance and its surroundings was easily understood from its aerial picture.

The paper led to some discussion; in which Messrs, C. Daley, B.A. H. B, Williamson, and A. E. Keep joined,

2. By Mr. C. Oke, entitled “A Day’s Beetle-Hunting at the Lerderderg.”

The author gave an itteresting account of a hunt onder the stones at the Terderderg Gorge for the minute beetles which frequent ants’ mests, and ewxhibiled ou mwimber of species in illustration of his remarks, some being shown as micrescepic objects in order that their very peculiav structure night he more easily seen, The reason for this assnciatian af ants and beetles is still far from clear, and (he author was unable ta give a definite opinion on the subject. :

Henke] Freld Natuvalists' Cluh—Praceedings- 40 _ The anthor was congratulated hy Messrs. Basard, Daley, Wilson, Barrett, and Davey on having taken up a subject Which required so much patience and caréful search, and the hope was expressed that his investigations -wonld lead ta the unravelling of the singular association of the two dissimilar groups of insects A large number of specimens were exhibited in illustration of lis remarks. EXHIBITS,

By Mr, J. W, Audas, F.L.S.—Specimens of Zuryops abrotani- folius, DU. C. ' Southernwood-leaf Europus |’ (Composites), a Native of South Africa, which has become a garden escape at Mensies Creek and Paradise (Dandenong Ranges), collected hy extrhiter, 6th August, rozr.

By Mr. F. Cudmore.—Specimen of the fossil volute shell, Volute macroptera, M'Cay, ftom the Janjukian beds of Torquay, near Geelong. ; |

By Mr, H, W. Davey, B.E.S,—Japanese newts (alive),

By Me. C. J- Gabriel —Victorian marine shells—Gastrochena Tasmanice, T, Wads., Clavagelia australis, Srby., C. rll angularis, Tate, and Humnmphyeyia Strangei, A. Ad. — -

Mr. T. Green,—Stereo,-photographs of orchids recently collected by Mr. A. J. Tadgell, including a twin flower-spike of Pherastylis couctuna,

By Mr, T, S. Hart, M.A.—Maps and photographs of the Bairnsdale areca, in illustration of paper.

By Miss G..Nokes—Orchid, Corysanthes praamosa, twin flower, a care form, from Sandringham. -

By Mr, ©. Oke.—Coleoptera from the Lerderderg, including Psclaphus, sp.. Artlecras curucornis, West,, and Chlamydopsss cclalomone, Lea, under the microscope

By Mr, P. R. H. St. John, on behalf of Mr: Justice Mann.- - A singular fungus, found at Oakleigh. :

_ By Mr, A. J. Tadgell—Fresh flowers of forty species, of indigenous plants, including seven wattles (acacias), Lepto- shevrmum lauigatum, five orchids, and Hovea hetcrophilla, &e.

By Mr, J. &. Tovey.-Specimen of "' Purple-haired Bramble,” Rubus phwntcalasius, Maxim (Roseacex), a native of Japan, collected at Narbethong, January, 19r7, by Mr. A, D, Hardy, T.LS., reported as becoming established in that district.

By Mr. L, Thorn.—Two species of Silver Watile Moths. The lacvee and perfect insect of Thalaina clara. A beautiful silvery white moth, with prominent brown marking resembling a '* W 7 on the fore wings. Thalaina punctilinea, also with glossy white Wigs. but no marking. Both insects breed on Ise Salvin Wattle, the larve feeding in September, the moth appearing in February, March, and April.

After the usual conversazione the meeting closed.

40 Hix, Noles om the Migratory Locust. fy Vist Res

NOTES ON THE MIGRATORY LOCUST AND THE INVASION OF £886,

By James HILt. (Read before tho Field Natoralists' Club of Victoria, t1th April, 921.)

Tre “locust” to which these notes refer is known specifi cally as Chortaiceles terminifera, Walk., and belongs to the order Orthoptera (straight-winged), and is closely related to the grasshoppers. It js, however, in no way connected with the so-called "' locusts” of Southern Victoria, which are species of Cicada, and belong to quite another order—the Hemiptera (half-winged)—an order of sucking insects, whereas the Wue locust is, as will be told later, a biting insect.

Residents of the Wimmera plains in 1886 have not casily forgotten the visit of the locusts tn that year. They appeared about the end-of February acd beginning of March, As a resident of Kewell district, about twelve miles north-west of Murtoa, I had ample opportunities of seeing the destruction which can be caused by insects in enormous numbers. The country about Kewell had, at the time, plenty of green grass and self-sown wheat, six to cight inches high, which had come up in the stubble as the result of heavy rains a short time befoye—a rather unusual state of affairs during February and March in the Wimmera,

One day my attention was attracted by a jew locusts fying from,the north-west. These proved to be the forerunners of vast hordes that were to follow. When the great multitude arrived it was seen that they lad chosen to visit Kewell for the purpose of depositing their czgs. This they commenced to do about the second week in March, and continued so doing for about two weeks. During this time they devoured every blade of green grass and wheat in the district. The eges were deposited in the ground, from two to three and a quarter inches deep, by means of the insect’s abdomen, which was inserted - into the ground to that depth, two or three of the joints of the abdomen,stretching out considerably longer than usual. Some of the heles were bored im soft crab-hole banks, others in the hard sand-rises. The eggs were placed. in the bottoms of the holes in a leaning position, packed qnife close together, trom twenty to filty eggs in each hole. They were about three- sixteenths of an inch in length, and filled about an inch at the bottom of the hole, the remainder of the hole heing filled to the top with a white, frothy substance which Jiardened, and seemed to act as a protection from the depredafions of other insects,

The eggs, which were laid in the middle of March, did not hatch until the ext spring (October), allhough there was

Sept..

tga Hitt, Noles en the Migvatovy Locarst. 4)

plenty of hot weather at the end of March, in Apvil, ané part of May, during whieh I fully expected some ot the eggs would have hatched, as I remembered that some three years before a small lot of Jocusts had Jaid their eggs in the beginning of January, the young insects emerging from the hvles in aboul aamouth: but in the case of the 25886 insects there was no sigh of hfe where the eggs were deposited all through the autumn and winter.

The ground was well soaked hy the spring rains, but it did not seem to affect the eggs in any way, and early in November the locusts began to make their appearance in great numbers, When the eggs hatch the young burst fram the shells, but still keep the leaning position as when in (he egg, and appear perfectly helpless, They are closely packed together, with their heads upward, until the time artives for thei Vo emerge from their holes. They now begin to gain strength and move themselves a little, working themselves upwards through the frothy substance which has protected them up to that time,

As-soon as the young locusts have reached the Lop of the hole and have free access to the air they immediately begin ta cast their skins, This first monlt occupies about one minute, and, if closely watched, it is possible to see the skin shp uff the body. They are now of a light brown colour, and about three- sixteenths of an inch in length, They soon get darker, showing distinct markings. Thus they have changed in the space of two or three minutes from a life of torpor to one of uctivily, and we behold the lively little hopper’ now started on its journey of life, and travelling, when weather permits, till its journey ends in death,

The little creatures congregate together in their different bands, which cover various-sized areas of ground—some two or three yards square, others considerably larger. As soon as they join inta these companics they beyin to travel, all the bands seeming to take the same direction and keep to it until the Insect is perfect and ready Lo join in one great army. The young locusts grow very rapidly. The bands, therefore, cover a #reater area of ground, and travel a vreater distance, cach day, for as they grow stronger they jump or leap further cach time.

Whien the time comes for their second moult they attach them- selves to grass-stems, bushes, &c,, with their heads downward. They are again in a state of torpor. The skin begins to split apen on the top af the thorax and dawn the centre of the abdomen. ‘The hody is then irced from the skin by violent throes or movements of the insects, the skin being left hanging ta its attachment. Again the insect soon hardens, comsider- ubly increased in sive, Tlw moult is accomplished in (wo or

42 ror, Noles on the Migvatory Locust. [Vit Ras.

three minutes, and the insect soon moves aboot again, and, joining a troop, begins to move forward again,

They are now in their third stage, in which they attain almost their full size. This stage lasts about twenty-four days, at the end of which they again cast their skins in the same manner as just described, The change ts quickly completed, und it is difficult to see them in the act.

Tn the fourth stage, which 3s now commencing, lhe wings grow to theiv full size in the course of a few minutes, just as those of a moth or butterfly do on emerging from the chrysalis, They have at first very little colour, and are very soft, but they soon harden, and attain their proper colours.

As soon as the wings are hard the insects are ready fur flight, which they do ag soon as the sun is hot enough. They fly very direct, carnying the hody in quite a level position, and appear to be able to fly an indefinite distance, Although the locnsts have been iit the several groups up to this time, they now combine into one migratory army, and carry destruction with them wherever they go, Finally, they halt to deposit their eggs, and after this act life departs, thus ridding the country for a time of one of the most destructive pests imaginable.

At the end of the year 1887 locusts again made their appear- ance in the Kewell district. On the woth December the morning broke nice and fine ; a light wind was blowing steadily from the north-east, Standing in a clear place whert it was possible to see for a distance of half a mile or so, ‘and looking towards where the wind was blowing from, about an hour before noon, apparently a dust-storm was to be seen in the distance, no other difference being noticeable beyond that a few more locusts than usual were flying about. However, in the course of a few minutes the dust-storm resolved itself into a moving mass of insects. The locusts had come, and come they did- They passed where I happened to he ahout as thickly as anywhere else. They were travelling at the rate of five or six miles an hour, and were so thick that a person could not see through them further than a quarter of a mile, and as high as vou could distinguish thern there were locusts. They were as thick as this for two miles wide, and continued passing for nearly five hours, the noise made by their wings sounding like the wind blowing in the tops ef trees, Such an army of locusts would cover a great tract of country, but this was ‘only a part of the army, for they continued passing from Tuesday, 2oih Decembey, to Saturday, 24th, whenever wind and weather permitted, though not so thick a5 on the Tnesday, Prom vports received the army must have been about fifteen miles wide, Who could express their numbers in figures ?'

‘AL the time there was plenty of green grass, but where they

Srpri) Hitx. Notes om dhe Migratovy Loonsi. 43 passes] thick the grass fell belore them like wheat before the sickle, for they levelled it as they went. Numbers of those which passed on the Saturday laid their eggs in small patches here and there, and if they had done so as they advanced the number of eggs laid is inconceivable. Thousands diced while passing here, having probably arvived at mainrity ; they were usually found sticking on grass or bushes. A large number of the locusts were left behind, apparently not being able to travel any further: these also died in the course of a few days. The eggs which were laid on Saturday, 24th Deceinher, matied, and the young locusts were coming out of (he ground on the 12th January following, which, in this case, gives only nineteen days for the egg stage; thus it appears there is no definite time for their existence in the egg stage. I have come te the conclusion that the eggs require a certain amount of damp heat to cause them to hatch, for, after the eggs in this case were laid, there was enough rain to give the ground a good soaking, causing a-tlamp heat, and thus making them hatch uickly, : Fortunately, like other insects, locusts are subject to many couditions which jeopardize their chances of arriving at full maturity. I remember one batch of locusts which were emerging from the holes for just a week, but two days after they were nearly all dead. Although they were so small, the ground was black with them, Their death was caused, no doubt, by the absence of food in the vicinity of their hatching. Thus Nature has her way of balancing conntless hordes of insects, for if it weve not the case the world and all that is therein would saon he a scene of désolation. . [Some interesting notes on the same subject, giving other dctails, will he found in the Victorian Naturalist for February, 1887 {vol. ii,, p. 13T).—Ep. Vact. Nad.]

BOOK NOTICE. Gotpewn Watrie: Our National Emblem. By Archibald J, Campbell, Col Mem. 3 O.U. Melbourne: Oshaldstone and Co, f3 pages, quarto, with 28 illustrations (§ ia colour). 21 Shillings.

Tn this volume the author, who is perhaps betler known to Australians as an authority on birds’ eggs than an exponent of the beauties of our Australian wattles, has produced a handsome book worthy of the subject. In a foreword, Sir W. J. Sowden, K.C.M.G., president of the Federal and South Australian Wattle Day Leagues, draws. attention to the author's many achieve: ments, not the least of which was the founding im r&q9 of a Wattle Chih, out. of which has grown the customary Wattle Day

y v4 Net. 44 Book Notice. [van ex Vine,

demonsiratiwns of later years, and indirectly that love for nietive shrubs and trees which is gradually worming its way into the hearts of both professional and amateur gardeners. ‘The letter- press.of the volume is based on an illustrated paper read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria on 13th September, 1900 (Viel, Nat., xxvi., p. 86), entitled Wattle-time, or Yellow- haired September.” The latter designation is very apt, as the bnlk of onr atacias flower in September, though, as the author points out, species may be found in bloom, in some part of Australia, i every month of the year. Five of the plates are in colon’, but the reproduction of wattles in their natural eolours is shill to he attained, though the printers have got very near it iu one mr two cases. There is a sort of transparency in the yellaw which seems to he wanting in the prints. The * photo- pictures " are all from the author's cainera, but it is question- able whether the introduction of a figure for ideahstic pur- poses '' does not detract from the plates as wattle pictures, the figure occupying toa prominent a position. However, the volume is a notable addition ta our wattle literature, and de- serves the support of an interested public. <A copy of a leaflet issued by the Wattle League gives some details a5 ta desivable species for cultivation in gardens.

'

Eacirs ann Hawks.—tn the South Avstyalian Ornithologist for July Mr. J, Wo M'Gilp gives some very interesting notes about eagles and hawks, in which. the usual beliefs about these birds are somewhat altered. He says the Wedge-tailed Eagle, commonly referred to as the « Eagiehawk,"’ is claimed by many _ people to he a great destroyer of rabbits, and, therefore, of con- siderable enefit to pastoralists. This claim is based on the fact that ‘large quantities of rabbits’ hones may be found under the nests and feeding platforms of the buds. While admitting this evidence Mr. M’Gilp states that the eagle secures the greater part of its faod from dingoes, foxes, cats, and hawks. The bird follows these animals in order to secure what they kill. When a fox has made a capture, often a rabbit, an eagle will swoop down, causing the fox to cleac off, leaving its intended meal behind; this the, eagle seizes jn its talons and takes for itself. Eagles are not capable of rising from the ground with any ereat weight in their talons, as they require one foot vo enable them to hop along the graund for a little distance before attempting to use their wings. They never carry any weight in theiy lnlls, The Little Eagle, he considers, is the best ralbit- killing bird It is a most inoffensive bird, and never attacks lambs, On account of hemg despojled of many af its Kills hy (he Wedge-tailed Eagle it docs not get credit for all the gond work-it dues,

Che Victorian Naturalist.

Var, XXXVITIL—No, 6. OCTOBER 6G, 1921. No, 454,

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA,

‘THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the

Royal Society's Hall on Monday evening, 12th September, 1921.

The president, Mr. F. Chapman, A.L-S., oceupied the chair, and about 70 members and visitors were present,

CORRESPONDENCE.

From Her Excellency the Countess of Stradbroke. inthmating that she would be pleased to open the wild-flotver exhibitian on 27th anst.

From the Movant William (Ararat) Tourist League, inviting the Club to hold a camp at Mount William or to join the League ina camp. Referred to the committee-

(REPORTS,

A report of the excursion to Cheltenham on Saturday, 2oth August, was given by the leader, Mr. J. Searle, who reported a Jarge attendance of members, some thirty being present. The excursion had been arranged for pond-lfe, hut; as the district is a favourite one with botanists, several of the party devoted themselyes to botany, Being so early in. the season, the ponds were found to be full of interest, owing to the larval forms of phyllopods present. These are delightful objects for microscopical study, and much-time could be profitably spent in working out their hfe-histories, In a week or twa the adult stage of many would be. reached, and the laying of eggs be in progress. The latter possess thé power of retaining the life- germ during the times the ponds are dried up, and of com- inencing a new life-cycle when the wet season again. sets in. Among the species reognized in the captures were — Phyllopoda.—Eulimnadia rivolensis, Limmetis Tatei. Cladocera, —Daphnia carinate, var. gravis, Pseudamoina Jemne, Chydorus, sp. Copepoda.—Boeckella Saycei, B. oblonga, Brunella avs- tralis, Cyclops albidus, Kotifera.—Euchlanis, Monostylus, Anurza cochlieris, Asplanchnopsis, Philodina, Lacinularia elliptica. Protozoa.—Uroglena, volvox, Bursaria, sp.,, Volvox aurens, Desmids and diatoms in profusion. Egg-masses of Chironomus and Tanypus were numerous, the, jelly-like mass of the latter containing numbers of Nematodes and other small worms.

A report of the excursion to Ringwood on Saturday, 3rd September, was given by the leader, Mr, C, Oke, who said that a small perty of members took part in the outing. It was

46 Field Naturalists’ Club—-Praceedinys. Gal RoR TTI,

decided to try the banks of the Mullum Mulium Creek, which flows on the southern side of ‘Pinemounl.“' By careful search under bark, logs, leaves, &c., numerous insects, princi- pally beetles, were found, though of small size, Flower-haunting insects were scarce, but the first buprestid of the season, Melobusis suboyanea, Kerr, was taken. Moss and grass-roots yielded further interesting species of beetles, Lepidoptera - were scarce, the season being yet early, but a few larvae were secured for home-rearing. Of hymenoptera and diptera few species were noted. As the day was fine, members returned to town well satisfied with the outing, ELECTION GF MEMBERS.

On a ballot being taken, Mrs. L. Hodgson and Mr. L, Hodgson, Grangeavenue, Canterbury, were duly elected as ordinary members; Miss R, Curne, Lardner, as a country member; and Miss Margaret Swinburne, Kinkora-road, Iiawthorn, as an associate member of the Club,

PAPER REAL,

By Mr. Owen Jones, B.A., Dip. For., entitled '* Qur Forests.”

The avthor laid stress upon the importance of the subject to all, timber and forest produce being essential to civilsed existence By means of a large number of lantern slides, kindly lent for the purpose by Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S., the #réat beauty and value of our forests were illustrated, and a number of forest industries were portrayed.. The relationship between forests and water supply, forests and agricultyre, and forests and employment were detailed, and it was shown how the settler and the forester, instead of being antagonistic, were in reality mutually dependent, Torest fires, their causes, and the losses occasioned by them,! were dealt with at some length, and suggestions were made as to how they mght be minimized or prevented. The necessity for the introduction of conifers into Victoria was explained, and some interesting details were given as to the remarkable growth made by Prnus dasiznis at Bright on the tailings left by the gold dredges.

In a discussion which followed, the chairman, Messrs. Gabriel, Wisewould, Blake, and Pitcher took part,

EXHIBITS,

By Mr. C, Daley, F.L,S.—Flowering specimens of Micyo- wryrtus (Ba@ckea) microphylla, Pultenaa daphnoides, Grevillce linearis, and Thryplomene Mitchelliana; grown at Caulfield; also portion of a Lawyer Palm, Calamus australis, pod of Cassia, sp., leaf of india-rubber tree, and leaves and irmit of Coffea arabsca, from North Queensland,

By Mr, ©, Oke.—Insects collected on Ringwood excursion,

yt Fiald Natwvatisls' Club—-Procendings. 4;

By Mr, W. Prtcher—Plowers of LEriostemon anyaporiides, Lone-leaved Wax-flower, Viel,; Hardenbergia monophvila, Purple Coral Pea, Viet.. and Chorizema thoifolia, Molly-lcayved Flame Pea, Western Ausiralia, grown on shaly ground at Punt Hill, South Yarra,

By Mr, A. L, Scott—A spider and bee, taken at Ringwood. These were found in the cup of a flower, the hee qnite dead, and the spider holding it tightly by the neck. The spider seemed to have little difficulty in carrying the much larger bee, and displayed great activity when trying to escape. The spider retained its hold on the bee's neck after heing placed in the killing bottle,

After the usual conversavione the mecting closed.

Correction.—With reference to -the exhibit by Mr, L. Thorn, recorded in ,the Septemher Natwralist, the food plants of the moths. exhibited should be—Thalatna clara,“ W Moth,” the Black Wattle, Acacia decxrrens ; and 7. punctilinea, the Blackwood, Acacta melanoxylon—neither feeding on the Silver Wattle, the word “ Silver’ referring to the-appearance of the perfect insect.

NATURE STUDY EXHIBITION, In the report of the nature study exhibition in the: August Naturalist (pp. 28, 20) several yotable omissions occurred, duc to lack nf mformation about the exhibits. A fine display of blooms of winter-flowering Australian shrubs, &c., grown at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, was made by the Director. Mr,. |. Cronin, while Mr. F. Pitcher exhibited about twenty speciés of the smaller Victorian, ferns obtained about Belgrave, as well as dried specimens of 2 number of the rarer Victorian species. Mr. J. H, Maiden, 1,5.0., W.LS., Director of. the Sydney Botanic Gardens, forwarded a collection of New South Wales flowers, which, owing to delay. in transit, did not arrive in time for exhibition > they were, however, utilized, for teaching purposes in one of the public schools the following day, and so were not entirely wastcd, The services of the lady friends of both societies, who, under Miss H. Gabriel, worked 80 energetically with the refreshments and in other ways, should not have heen overlooked in the origmal report,

Witn-FLrowrr Exuieirion.—The annual exhibition of wild- flawers was held in the Melhourne Athenaum on Tuesday, 27th September, The exhibition was opened ‘py the Countess of Stradbroke, and was well patronized by the peneral public Tt was a financial success, and a {yl report will appear in the November Neateralist, .

Ai Horner, Aborigtnal Coast Camps. Vy Sen

ABORIGINAL COAST CAMPS OF EASTERN VICTORIA, By G, Horne, V.D., M.A, W_D., CL.B. (Read befove the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, oth Alay, (a21.)

Atmost anywhere along the Victorian coast, either at the steep sand-hill of Marlo or .at the lower platn of Point Cook, a layer of shells can be found, It is the midden, or coller- tion of shells whose contents have formed the food of the aborigines.

The places that I want to tell you about range from Cape

Conran and Cape Ricardo, beyond Marlo on the Snowy River, (hrough Prospect and the Ninety-Mile Beach, near Yarram, Venus Bay, from Cape Liptray to Anderson’s Inlet, Western Port, Pott Phillip Bay, and the ocean coast-line past Bream Creek and Torquay. . * Sometimes the wind has heaped sand high over the shells. so that they are hidden from view. Sometimes its action has stripped them bare so that many generations lie exposed. But when one starts to search for’ formed stone implements amongst these heaps of food-remains, their scarcity becomes apparent. Farther back chips seem common enough; but here, where the aborigines certainly lived, well-chipped models are very tare. Then the cause strikes one, These are the feeding: grounds of the tribes. For leagues they extend, ceasing to show themselves only where, as at Marlo, a new soil bas been formed, leaving no shells to be seen, except where a cutting or a road lay bare a strata,

The feeding-grounds always Ne near the waters edge, and, until one thinks of the years that have clapsed in their accumulation, they resemble much the deposits of the sea rather than the work of man. The presence of charcoal, mixed with emu fat, and the shells, show that this was not the case. It is found not only at Altona, bul at spots all along the coast, mixed with the shells of the middens. Of course, near towns one douhts its authenticity, but on the Tarwin coast, twelve miles from the nearest township, and often many feet below the surface of (he ground, it is obviously a. genuine aboriginal production,

Generally, the sand is hlown away from underneath the layers of shells, which drop duwn, falling on the ground immediately belaw. By that means Jayer after layer is added to the thick sheet until quite a heap of shells gathers where once a mound of sand existed. There seems no end to the possibili- ties of these layers having been formed. At Tarwin fifteen showed on one jace, cach pointing to a different period, perhaps years apart, that had yielded its spoils (o the native. Some

.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XX XVIII, October, 1921.

PLATE II.

FIG, 1—SHELL LAYERS OF THE MIDDENS, TARWIN.

FIG, 2.-FIRE STONES AT AVIATION SCHOOL.

-*

Oct., aay.

Horne, Aboriginal Coast Camps. 49

of these Were inches, some feet, apart, In the photograph (Fig ©) my colleague is standing on a ledge The Jayers dip far below,

The feeding-grounds are not entirely barren of finds. Occastunally an elaborately-worked implement is found, and at Tarwin some of the polished axes (not a great number) Were picked up amongst the shell heaps. It is interesting to note two, which were found together, were of entirely different maternal, one being a diabase and the other an altered sand- stone. It seems probable that some may come from the ‘hills behind Waratah, at the head of Wilson's: Prombntory. >

The characteristic stones found’ are three’ in ‘nwmber— hammers, anvils, and stones for knocking mollusca off the rocks. Hammers are sometimes ,well worked; \and-of hard material. They are found both where the shells show-that the. abor iginals fed and also on ywhat 1 will déseribé to you Jatey, as the

“chipping “groundg)” Usnally those made of ‘liméstone were found.. These softer liammer's, though numerous enough ‘upon the: feeding- places, were not found amongst the chips’ where

the'manifacturing. took:place, _ The anvils, sinnilarly, were also

made of softer stone. It was always something found on the spat, and around the west coast of Port Phillip Bay was of «. porous surface basalt. Down the coast from Queenscliff towards Cape Otway, however, this was changed for silicious limestone. Anvils are flattened stone, roughly hollowed. on one or both sides. They are not found on the chipping beds, where one finds, instead, the hard stones, scarred with the marks of many blows, but they are common on the feeding- places. .At Bream Creck, on the ocean beach near Geelong, enormous numbers are to he preked up. They were probably used to hold the shells that ‘were being smashed with the hammers, The pits on, them must.not be confounded wth the smaller marks, for finger grips so commonly seen on hammers, axes, and other touls,

The third stone, for detaching mulluscs, consists of a pebble af altered sandstone that has heen steeply flaked along one side down to a plane surface. Especially are they found near the mouths of creeks where the supply of fresh water made it a‘suitable. camp tor the natives’ permanent needs, Sometimes these stones are most elaborately finished, with secondary stepped retouch extending all round. Just such implements are found also jar inland, and are called co)lognially ** shoes.\' But the typical vough-chipped stone belongs to ihe feevding- ground, and similar implements were used quite. recently in Queensland far dislodging oysters. The battered edges on many show that they have had just such rough usage, There are Other wiplements that are found on the eating-places—

30 Honan. Aboviginal Cowst Camps,

2

[ Vict, Nat. Vol XXMVIEE,

small bone rods, about two inches long, smoothed down and sharpened at each end, These are fsh-hooks. All along the toast, On the feeding-grounds, they can be found, but notably about three miles from Warrnambool, Tied with a cord in the middle, and baited, they straighten up at right angles to the line When it is being pulled taut. This sticks the sharp énds mio the fishes’ mouths. Three similar fish-haoks, made wut of the central pillar of Voluta or Lotoriuin, were found touching each other at the Aviation School. Just stich fish- hooks or gorges are used in France to this day.

The most significant of the evidences of fonner inhabitants of these feeding-grounds is. however, found in the fye-stunes, (Fig. 2), which, wherever suitable material exists, le grouped in heaps throughout the camp. They consist, as a rule, of porous basalt. The fires were used by the aboriginals to. keep themselyes. warm at night, for the stones held the heat long after the fire had died down, Curled up on one side near these they would lie with the thighs drawn up to cover the abdemen (White). My pictures are from five places—Point Cook, Altona, Aviation School, Torquay, and Tarwin—or, to be accurate, 12 miles from Lower Taiwin. These show dle fire- stones on the feeding-ground at Tarwin. They do not secm ta have been intended for cooking upon, for frequently no burnt shells are found in the neighbourhood. The pictures prove conclusively that they camped on the same place as they fed. The fire-stune groups, however, are not so numerous there as they are an the chipping grounds. They not wily served for’ warmth, but also to roast such game as they captured. The chipping ground at Aviation is separated by a ridge of tea-tree from the feeding-place, as seen in the distance. At Torquay also the fire-stones are shown,

The shells which form these’ vast accumulations are, as a tule, mixed haphazard, bil sontetimes a few square, feet are entirely composed of one particular variety. The massel, Myfalus planulatus, is perhaps the most fequently so found, and it lies in close-packed heaps) The Mutton-tish, Hatotts navosa, the large oyster, Ostrea angast, and Voluta wnddulata are also separately grouped At Bruny, Tasmania, crayfish claws are similarly found. Hel (hese collections of a particular mollusc come about is a mystery. They are not thrown down casually when eating, for they he absolutely overlapping cach other in a small arca, (ind outstile there will not be one of that variety. For some reason (possibly connected with ceremonies of beginning of fishing), they are earefully piled in position, This is quite a different cause from that which sometimes inakes the bivalve Donax delloides almost the only mollusc far a quarter of a mile or more, with only a few other varieties

or] Hoan, Aboriginal Coast Camps. 4 t scantily interspersed. Turbo, sp., and Voluta, sp. were evidently often cooked. This is seen by the charred fragments of their shells, particularly of the opercula of Turbo.

Amongst the mollysca eaten, Donan delfoides js by far the most commen, large sheets of the shell covering the sand-hills, with few intervals, for miles. Locally, Arce lolale, Awstocahlea strinlala, Haliotis sevosa, Turbo wsdulata are froquently found. Sometimes individual species arp so thick as (0 nearby exolude other varieties. Less common are Cassis anattins, Chaone stigosa, Purpura succincla, Patella tramoscrica, Qstrea angast Paclen aspericnsts, Mytilus plamelalus, and MM_ vostralus , whilst occasionally one finds Nattea plimbea, Nerita melanotragus, Cowns anemone, Cyprad angustata, and Polamides australis. At ‘Altima are found, in addition, the following :—Arca fasctata, Nateca conua, Marex lrifovms, Cardium lemucostalsm, N flumber, Potemides austyalis, Bulla australis, and Comtnelle tincolata. eae yb

However, it is to the chipping grounds thal one first instinctively turns, for these are most emphatic proofs of the aborigines’ industry, At Tarwin the line of demavraction between chipping and eating places is sharply delineated. In tlle picture the distance gives the low ridge of hummnocks that closely follows the coast, On the sea slopes of this are found the shell mounds of which T have been speaking. In the fore- ground the sand is pushing inland, and gradually overwhelming the low scrub and’ stunted trees. Between the two there glvetches a long valley, from 400 to 800 yards atross, The shalluw lagoons and swamps, not yet silted up, which lie in this area formerly harboured wildfowl. In the dried-up imatshes one finds throwing stones that have heen aimed at the birds, and were pot recovered. From all this marsh area, from close up to the hummocks fringing the sea as far as ever the layer of sand has been swept away, chipping beds are to be found, No soft, hammers or anvils: fur smashing shells are here, but where the wind has cleared a patch, or where the vegetation has held the soil together, the seeker is sure of i reward, This 1s not the only workshop at Tarwin, although by far the largest near this place. Wherever there is water—triver, creek, lagoon, or swamp—there, as close as possible to .the feeding spots, the workmen chipped out their implements. :

lt is often said that any stone might be used ior any purpose by the aboriginal, and this is most true. Those who fiave lived amongst them can tell how a rough edge is cupped or flaked Upon any casual pebble. Jt is used and thrown away. Similarly, any implement may be employed for purposes for “which it was never designed. A polished axc is used to chip other sbones, or as an anvils a knife hecomes a selaper, and

-

2" Horne, Aboriginal Coast Camps: [va xh,

wh

there is no tuo) which may rot be made inta a spokeshave, On the other hand, implements were definitely made by experts for definite purposes, This we know from those who have seen them at work, They all describe the eld man who sits und chips continually, singing over lis work “to make it good.’ Others fish or Iyunt or gather roots for him, He stored his trophies in a heap on the ground by his side. This is the speciahst, and his work one finds om the chipping grounds, Most frequently it 1s noted 1m Lhe making of those artifacts Which require great skiJl and care, such as what one calls thumb-nail scrapers’ and ‘ chipped-back'' knives. These implements are found grouped close together,.although scattered examples can ako be picked up. _

The feature of Tarwin, however, is the vast amount of quarty crystal and opaque quartz that can he found. These sib- stunces arc most intractable to work, as they tend tu flake down lines of cleavage. It is only by cohstant care and by accurate strokes that the correct form is attained. The result (especially with the crystal) when it is complete seems worth the trouble—knives with sharp point aud razar edge, scrapers With the top finely chipped, as well as those with the long side serrated, The opaque quartz. is similarly treated, and a1. ion, lies in patches, where all sorts of implements can be found. ‘The material is got from pebbles and from veins which ere broken up. One piece had been shaped into a throwing stone, and, although not entively complete, the rough form is very apparent.

At Marlo and east from the Snowy as far as the country of the Biduelli (he same material 1s in almost tniversal use At Cape Conran nothing else was io be found. Ochre was very abundant. One mass of the ved was hollowed inte # round . cavity, in which the substance was ground op. This piece also shows the knife marks where grooves have been cut into it to Scrape some off. A grindstone was picked up that is. thickly coated with the red ochte, and had evidently been used in getting ready for corroboree. Wed ochre is used by the Jocal farmers for marking their sheep.

The basalt of Williamstown appears to be unfruitful, hut, Jurther on, Altona will at any time give a rich harvest. Hore, 25 at many other places round the Bay, eating-yrounds and workshop alike ate buried.’ Where, however, a wheel-track cuts through the surface, the wind speedily does the rest, This ty about eiglit miles (as the crow flies) fram the G P.O [t is detted al over with the week-tnd shanties of the Mootseray and Newport peuple: but at this sput we got owr richest haul of chipped-back knives and thumb-nail scrapers ('* grattoirs ” of French schools), The hedge forms the corner of a fowl-run,

at Houxn, Aboriginal Coast Camps. 53 and inside as well as outside these artifiets were to be picked up hy the score. The feeding-grownd is quite close—seen on the right ef the photograph, where the shells and but few chips appear. The oyster Ostrea angast is much in evidence, though, { am told, rt ts disappearing from these waters, On the left is the workshop, within a few feet of the eating-place. A feature of this distnet is the use of tachylite, which, according to Mr. R. A. Keble, of the Geological Musenm, must have come from Carlsruhe, 50 miles away.

One last point: the relative frequency with which skeletons are found on the feeding-places of, the aborigines. Three of these were at Tarwin, one at Altona, and two at the Aviation School. One also was found at Coffin Kay, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, Of only two of these was it possible to say that a definite burial had taken place; the others were groups of the long bones and fragments of cranium and verfebre. The two were buried in shallow sand graves, from which the surface had been blown away, leaving the top of the cranium uncovered. These were in the squatting position, and facing the cast (wide Howitt, p. 454).

We thus see that there was a division of the camp into fecding-ground and workshop. On the feeding-graund some hved, and others visited them at times. Sometimes the mailuscs were knocked off the rocks with stones. They might be cooked and the contents picked out, ar the shell might be smashed and the mollusc caten. raw. At the workshop specialists and others chipped out their implements. They busied themselves with the hunting and fishing with hook and line, tor scrapers are picked up, and spokeshaves for sharpening their spears, as well as the straight bones that served as honks.

Corrohorees filled a not unimportant moiety of their time, for the ochre has come down to us. The vegetable food was supplied by roots and water-plants pounded with upper and nether stoncs that we find. They stalked the wildfowl in the lagoons, for their throwing-sltones are there discovered, Some- limes their axes, and frequenily boomerangs and threwing- clubs, were polished and smoothed down, silting in the shade of a tree. In default of an opossums tooth, a point scraper was wsed for scratching the designs which decorated the wooden implements. This had gone on for generations, as witness the many layers of shells. Finally, when (hey died they were buried with their knees drawn up, Jooking out to the east, in the soft sand near the sea,

{The paper was illustrated by a large series of lantern shdes.—En, Viet, Nat]

54 Witsoun, An Entonrolagist in S. Queenstancd. [oat keer,

AN ENTOMOLOGIST IN SOUTHERN QUIEENSLAND, By I, Erasmus Wrison, (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, vith July, i951)

(QUEENSLAND, the Mecca of all southern entomologists, had long called me, but it was not rill last October thut I was attorded an opportunity of making the trip. Taking my wiles with nie, 1 travelled overland so as to save as Winch time as possiile, and saw much of interest during. the Jong 1f somewhat tedious train journey of 2,300 miles. The country . between Melbourne and Sydney was familiar to me; but, after leaving Sydney, at many un inviting locality 1 heartily wished that the train would develop some shortcoming: and enable me to obtain an hour or so collecting. However, all went well with the ‘iron horse.” ;

After leaving the border station, Wallangarra, | was par- ticularly interested in seeing the pine-clad ridges of the’ Macpherson Ranges, which reminded me somewhat of pictures I had seen of pine country in North Americi, The country hereabouts is wonderfully rocky, and it is here that vhe new Lyre-bird has recently Leen found, although unknown to ornithologists at the time af my visil. Lt is certainly the last place in the world that I should have oxpected to he tenanted hy a Menura. -Many very beautiful wild-flawers were noticed growing amongst the rocks, but the speed of the narrow-gauge train was too fast for me to be able to form an opinion as to their probable identity,

During the passage of the Darling Downs, which wes 2 veritable Garden of Eden, thousands of the pretty little yellow butterfly, Teriax smilax, Don, «were observed, and .at King's Creek the first Queensland beetle introduced itsell hy flying into the carriage and alighting on my coat. This L considered a good omen- However, 1 was able to greet it as an aid friend, is I quickly recognized it as lhe noxious Punpkin Beetle, so plentiful in our own State. On the margins of the muddy creck boncath the station 2 pair of Black-fronted Wottrels were fecding, whilst the sweet notes of Reed-Warblers issued from a neighbouring bed of reeds. At Toowoomba 1 was greatly struck with the buge honour-board that 1s erected in the

this station is indeed magnificent, and many things of interest came under notice. Here I saw for the first time the football- like Termitaria attached to the sides of trees, and here also I cenght my first glimpse of that avian gem, the Variegated Wren, Malurus lambert’, Along the banks of a creck the scarlet-Aowering Callistemans made a great show, and a few

'

roe Witson, An Enlomoltogrst mm 5S, Oucenstand, 55 Sitky Oaks, Grevillea robusta, with their yellowish flowers, were zlso noticed. On réaching the flats again 1 saw another form of Termitarium, consisting of a small mound about (wo feet ii height, constructed of yellow carth. These were scattered over the paddocks in hundreds, and were quite a feature of the landscape. The white ant that builds these structures avparenlly Ieeds on grass, as in opening a mound at a later date I found most of the passages filled with dead grass, Owing to the fact that the mounds are so numerous, they must be a serious handicap to the pastoralist, as, apart from the gtass-collecting propensities of the termites, the mounds take up a considerable area of the possible grass-growing land in each paddock. i

Brisbane is not reached until nightfall, so one does not get one's first impression of the northern capital until the following’ Morning, Our host, Mr, H. 8, Pottenger, with whem J had speut many a pleasant collecting tip around Melbourne, wel- comed us at the station. The next few days were spent in visiting the entomological brethren in Brisbane, whom formerly I knew only by repute. A very interesting morning was spent with Mr Tryon and Mr. Jarvis at the Department of Agri- culture, and an examination made of the departmental collection, Another delightful’ morning was passed with Mr. White, the Government Botamst, at the Herbarium and Botanical Gardens. Several beautiful orchids were flowering in the open fernery, and gorgeous flowering shrubs everywhere attracted my notice. The enormous bamboos, some 50 or 60. feet in height. with great thick canes in proportion, were a feature a( the gardens, and 1 am told that, when a brake of these gets fired, the noise is deafening, owing to the explosions of the large aiy-tight compartments between each node,

Mr. Longman, the director, and Mr. Hacker, the entomologist, both contrived tu make my visits to the Museum of absorbing interest, and very kindly placed same of the Museum duplicate boxes at my disposal. I was thus enabled to add several very fine Queensland beetles to my collection. ‘The entomological display in the main body of the Museum is indeed a splendid one, and far ahead of anything to be seen in either the Sydney or Mclboume Museums, and testifies ta the excelient work done by Mr, Hacker, The reference collections are also yery extensive, and particularly tich in some groups. I was also greatly pleased to have an opportunity of meeting Mr. K. Illidge and viewing his extensive collection of Coleoptera. Mr. Illidge’s kindly manner instantly puts one at ease, and I learned many interesting facts on beetle life during my conversation with him. He has bred a very large proportion of the speci- mens in his collection, and consequently so many of them are

56 Watson, An Entomologist in S. Queenstand. [yi NV

in the most perfect condition. His Cerambyclde are worth going far to sec.

After weighing the merits of Mount Tambourine and the Blackall Ranges, Mr. Pottenger and 1 decided to have a few days’ collecting at the latter locality, and stated away carly ene morning for Montville, which is situated at the highest point of the ranges, We travelled by train ta Palmwoods, some 60 miles north of Brisbane, and thence by coach, On the train journey up we passed some very fine clumps of cabbage palms growing in their natural surroundings, and several epiphytal orchids, growing high up in the trees, were observed. I noticed that the common Native Shot, or Meat Ant, Jrido- meyrmnex. @etecius, here seemed to construct their mounds much higher than they do in Victoria. This ant is perhaps the most widely distributed of all, as it accurs in all the States of the Commonwealth. Whilst waiting for the coach at Palmwoods I was fortunate in getting a view at close quarters of a Large- Weaded Shrike-Robin, Peectlodryas capita, Gould. After a six- mile drive up the hills, through beautiful’ country, we reached out destination; “ Elston,"’ from the verandah of which one can gaze across a vast rolling valley, and see in the distance the blue waters of the Pacific. However, admiring views was not the order of the day, 50, seizing our collecting kit, ‘we were soon deep in the recesses of.the dense tropical scrub, or |! tain forest,’ as Mr. White says tt should. be called. Much time was spent in beating the various vines that abound m these scrubs, but they did not exactly rain, Coleoptera. In this way I collected numbers of the carabs,Colpodes Laferter, Montr,, and Xanthophea rufescens, Macl., alsa two. species of Staphylinids, one of which was a handsome Pederus, -Amongst thelongicorns . shaken from the scrub were Velova sovdida, Pasc,, and Povéthea plagiala, Blackb. Some very fine weevils belonging to the sub-family Cryptorhynchides, and some nice Chrysomelidz, also fcll into our umbrellas. From an old rotten log I dug out a fe example of the huge passalid, Mastochilus capitalis, Blackb., and near by secured my first specimen of Pamborus Guevrint, Gaty. Here we came across the only tree-Jern seen on the trip—a species of Alsaphila. Remembering that weevils belonging to the suh-family Cossonida breed in the dead frond- pith of our Victorian Dicksonias, I secured some fronds, but was diseppointed to find that they were all hollow, From the under Suriace of a Polyporus fungus several specimens of the dainty little erotylid, Episcaphula anstrales, Bois., were- collected, and another member of the same genus, E. rufo- emis. Wilson MSS., was shaken from.a clump of dead caves, '

(Fo be continned,)

Che Victorian Naturalist.

You, XXXVII—No. 7. NOVEMBER 10,1921. No. 453.

FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB OF VICTORIA.

THe ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday, 16th October, 1g2r. .

The president, Mr. F. Chapman, A-L.S., occupied the chair, and about 85 members and visitors were present,

REPORTS.

A report of the excursion to Boronia (Ferntree Gully line), on Saturday. 17th September, was given by the feader, Mr. VG. A. Barnard, who reported a goad attendance of members Wild-flowers of any note were scarce, but the party enjoyed a short ramble ever some of the foothills of One Tree Hill, and asa made a visit to the garden of the Hon. A, E. Chandler. where: quantities ai the Western Australian boronia and ever- lastings are grown for market purposes, as also daffodils, which made a very fine display. y

A report of the éxcursion to Werribee Gorge on Thursday, zand September (Show Day), was given by the leaders, Messrs, Scott and Tadgell. The former, dealing with the general results of the excursion, said that st was enjoyed by all, The party drove out from Bacchus Marsh te near the junction of the Myrniong Creek wath the Werribee, where attention-was called to the folding of the Silurian rocks, Proceeding up the latter stream the contact of the gramte with the Silurian was examined. Returning down stream an inspection was made of the contact between the glacial deposits and the Ordovician. Later the track to the table-land was followed, and many fine wews of the Gorge obtained. Some attention was also paid to botany, Mr, Tadgell reporting that nearly one hundred plants were noted in flower, of which about sixty had been exhibited at the recent wild-Rower exhibition, the principal of which were Zygophyllum, sp., Excalyptus lewcoxylon, E, Behviana; the tree vidlet, Hymenanthera Banksti; Acacia acinacea, A. montana, Cassia cromophita, and Myoporum viscosten, The orchids Caladenia carnea, Diuris maculdta, and Pterostylis curte were found blooming freely, while six ferns were noted, OF whicl Pleis arguta was the rarest. Introduced plants occurred in considerable numbers, Solauwnt psendocapsicnm, with its showy Ted fruits, being very conspicuous,

A xeport of the excursion from Mitcham to Ringwood on Saturday, 24th September, was given by Mr. J- Stickland, who said that the outing was well attended, and favoured by a heautiful afternoon. -His co-leader, Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S.,

cB Field Natuvalists' Cheb—Proceedings. [y\SS Rin.

liad given an interesting outline of the physiography of the district from an elevated spot overlooking the Mullum Mullam or Deep Creek valley, and evidences of early Iyfe had been found in the mudstone on the banks of the creek. As regards pond- life, in whieli he was most mlerested, the results weré ;ather meéagre, owing tu the absence of permanent pools on the route taken,

A report of the excursion to Bendigo on Saturday, rst October, was forwarded by Mr, D, Paton, one of the leaders, and read by Mr_C. Daley, who acted as co-leader. Ten mem- bers made the 2v0-mile trip, and were favoured with splendid weather. Flowers were found in large numbcrs, and, owing to the lateness of the season, many species were obtained which had not been recorded on the previous excursions to the district, at least one hundred species of plants being found in bloom, The entomologists of the party also did well, but birds were somewhat scarce, the most interesting omithological nceurrence being the finding of a fly-catcher’s nest containing one egg with

"a cuckoo’s egg in addition.

A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Paton for the very great trouble he has taken in planning the Bendige ontings, which have become anannual feature in the Club's programme.

ELUCTION OF MEMBERS.

On a ballot being taken, Mrs. Mattingley, 42 Canterbury-road, Canterbury; Miss Sybil Llewelyn, ‘Merton Hall,” Anderson- “(reet, South Varra; Miss Stella Newey, 238 Brighton-road, Elsternwick: and Mr. V, Gray, Harp-road, East Kew, were uly clected as ordinary members of the Club,

PAPERS READ, :

The chairman announced that, as the day was the twenty- fifth anniversary of the death of the late Baron Sir F. von Mueller, for forty-five years Government Botanist of Victoria, und an enthusiastic supporter and patron of the Club, the committee had arranged for a series of papers dealing wilh various aspects of his Jife.

r. By Mr. C. Daley, F.L-S., entitled " A Sketch of Mueller s Life."' The author gave at some length the story of Mueller’s achievements, from his early botanical studies 2t the University of Kick to tis death as one of the most eminent of moderna hatasjists, particularly in systematic work, and one who had made the elucidation of the Australian flora essentially his life-work, [Details of lis life will be found im the Meelartays Naturalist for Qetober, 1896 (vol. xiii, p. 87).—En.|

2. By Mr E, &, Pescott, F.1.5,, entitled “‘ Notes on Mueller’s Myblished Works.'' The author remarked that he and others greatly regretted that wo yntbished bibliography of Miteller’s

vii Field Naluvalists' Glub—~Procecdines. 39 writings existed, These were so extensive, and had appeared in SO many languages in all parts of the workd, that the task was a very difficult one; still, he thought, as a memorial of (he greatest of Australian botanists, some effort should be made to compile and publish the story of Mueller’s life and works, in view of the centenary of his birth, which will occur in 1923, He said he had devoted some attention to collecting lis smaller published writings, and exhibited several of them in illustration of his remarks.

3. By Mr. F. G. A. Barmard, entitled ‘ Muellers Botamcal Exploration af Victorta- Fhe authar said that nearly twenty years ago he had given before the Club (Iset. Nat, June, 1904, XSL, BP, 17) same account uf the three wonderful journeys Mueller had made in 1852-5 through parts of Victoria still almost untroddesy, and which he pointed out on the map of the State. The first—in the spring of r852—traversed the route of the Sydney road to Beechworth, thence to the Buffalo Mountains, Mount Buller, Plenty Ranges, head of Latrobe River, Gippsland, to Wilson's Promontory, estimated at 1,500 miles, The second, in 1853, was to the Grampians, thence to junction of Murray and Darling, up the Murray to the Mitta Valley, thence lo Omeo and the Alps, on to the Cobheras, thence ta the Snowy River, and back to Melbourne by the sain Gippsland road, estimated at 2,900 miles. The third of these wonderful journeys was through the Dandenongs to the Latrobe, thence to the Avon and up to Mount Wellington, thence by the Mitchell and Dargo to Omeo, and on to Mount Bogong, back to Qmeo ancl dn to Kosciusko, returmmg to Buchan, Cabbage-tree Creel, and by the olain Gippsland road to Melbourne, This must also have amounted to fully 1,000 miles. He wrote to Sir W. Hooker from Omeco, saying he had ‘exhausted the alpine flora, and had wandered for days withuut seeing a new species,’ No wonder collectors of later years have found it difficult to find a new species, He said it would be impossible ta sty how many species Mueller added to the flora of Victoria and Aus- tralia during these expeditions, which were carried ant quite alone, and without any elaborate preparations; but a very low estimate would be at least r.000 species, a large proportion of which were new to science, Later visits were made to thu Genoa River, the Baw Baw Mountains, and to Ue sources of the Macallister. He had also visited Arnhem's Land (North- Wost Australia), and twice collected in Western Australia.

Me. H. B, Williamson gave a description of his frst interview with the late Baron and of the encouragement he had received to continuc his botanical work.

Mr, F. Chapman, €.,.S,, said that the late Baron was also a paleobotanist of high standing, and had determined many speciinens for the Geological Survey of Victoria, while Schenk,

bo Field Naturalists’ Glub—~Proceedings, [y,\"Ss2¥iy

in his. writings on fossil coniferous Woods, had attached his name toa Phyllocladus (P. Mweller?) from the deep leads of Ballarat, and exhibited specimens in illustration of his remarks.

ENHIBITS,

By Mr, ¥, Chapman, A-L.S.—Fossil fruits from (he Deep Leads of Victeria, named by Baron van Mueller, including Pentenre Jrachyelinis (Sapindacere), Spondylastrobys Smyiht (Conifer), and Plesiacapparis megasperma (Capparider); copies of decades Land 2 of Mueller’s ‘ Observations.on New Vegetable Fossils" ; a slab of Middle Cambrian slate showing well-preserved remains of a brachiopod, Marella splendens, fram Burgess Co., British Columbia, with a recent specimen of Lepidus (Nat, Mus, Coll.) from Wentworth for comparison.

By Mr. G. Coghill Cultivated native flowers—viz., Grevellea vosmarintfolia, Daviesia latifolia, Goodia lotifola, and Lepto- spevinwm levigatwin , also herbarium specimens named by Baron von Mueller.

By Mr, A. D. Hardy, F-L.S.—Photograph of Baron yon Mueller at 35 years of age.

By Miss G, Nokes.—Flowers of LEriostemon correifolius, Dampiera stricta, Baeckea diffusa, Comeshermum eriotarm, Pimelea. axtjlora, &e., from Tooronrrong, Plenty Ranges; Boronia anemonrfolia, Calythrix tetragona, and Baeckea diffusa, from Bendigo; Calochilus Robertsond (Father Christmas Orchid), from Rushworth.

By Mr, GC. Oke-—Filty species of Coleoptera from Bendigo excursion, ten of which were ants’ nest enguilines, including four species of Articeras, Paussiinus latericormese, Lea, and Chlamydopsis, sp. nov. ; also two Gecko lizards. ~ By Mr. E. E. Peseott, F.L,S—Rare books and pamphlets published by Baron von Mueller; the Argus biographical notice oi the Baron's death: copy of the hymn-sheet used at the Baron's funeral-

By Messrs. Pescatt and Frenel:.—List.in the Barow’s writing of his last exhibits at a Club mecting, September, 1596 (threc weeks before his death),

By Mr. F. Pitcher,—Flowering specimens of Acacia Riceana, /Henslow, grown from seed by Mr. T. S. Hart, M.A., at Scoreshy ; on behalf of Mr. J. A. Ross, Nanneella, photographs of Southem Stone-Plover, Burlunws grallarius, taken at Rochester, and of Koalas (mother and young) taken at Inverloch, -

By Mr. J, Searle —Photograph of Baron von Mueller ; larva and pupa of Simulium, sp. larva of aquatic beetle, showing peculiar branchial process (under microscope).

By Mr. J, R. Tovey, on behalf of National Herbavium.- Cellection of plants named affer Baron von Mueller: also MS. bibliography of the Baron's publications.

pny Field Naturalists: Ciub—Proceedings, al

By Mr. L. Thorn.—Two species of butterflies and twenty-three species Of moths collected during Club excursion to Bendigo, including Candalides hyacintka simplex : alse Little Whip Snake, - Hoplocephalus flagelhim, M'Coy, trom Cheltenham.

By Mr, H, B. Williamson,—Dried specimens of Artwocnemun hadocnomoides, Necs,, var. pergranulatwn, J. M. Black; and 4. fetostackvien, Necs., two species hitherto regarded as Satcornta arbuscula, R. Br.; also Kochia triplera, Benth.—all determine] by Mr. J. M. Black, of Adelaide.

After the ysual Conversavione the meeting terminated.

EXHIBITION OF WILD-FLOWERS,

Owike to the regulations under which the Melbotirne Town Hall is let, i was impossible to secure it for the aural exhibi- tion of wild-flowers, fixed for Tuesday, 27th September, hence the Club was compelled to make nse of the Atheneum Hall, This proved totally inadequate to accommodate either the flowers or those who desired to see (hein, thus causing consider- able disappointment to many who wished to leisurely study the exhibits, besides which the closencss af the atmosphcre soon had avery detrimental effect on the flowers.

Her Excellency the Countess of Stradbroke had kindly con- sented to formally open the display, and the president, Mr. FP. Chapman, A.L:S., in welcoming Her Excellency, briefly referred _ to the aims and objects of the Club.

Lady Stradbroke expressed the pleasure it gave her ta be present that afternoon. Since her arrival in Victoria she had been greatly interested in the wild-Aowers and the birds, of which she had heard very little in England. The love of wild- . flowers ought to be encouraged as much as pussible among the children. lt was the love of the buttereups and daisies of England which had done so much towards making the English- man love and be proud of his country, and Australian children should he taught to love and take interest in thei buds, their gum trees, and their flowers, and all the blessings which they ate privileged ta enjoy.

Lady Stradbroke made an inspection of the exhibits, and was presented by Miss W. Chapman with a bouquet of wild- flawers.

A very fine collection of Australian flowers grown at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens was forwarded by the Director, Mr. J. Cronin, F-R-H.S., and, with palm-leaves and ferns, made an attractive featute on the platform. Here were to be seen specimens of the Waratah (NUS.W.), Geraldton Wax-flowet (W.A.), Hovea (W-A.), Boronia (N.5.W.), &e.

Cultivated flowers were also shown by Mr. G, Coghill, of

.

62 Exhibition of WildsFlomers. [volt ecient,

Canterbury; Mr. E.Q, Boase, of Ivanhoe; the Burnley School of Horticulture, and others, while Mr, J, H, Maiden, F.LS,, director of the Botanic Gardens, Sydney, forwarded a rep- resentative collection of New South Wales flowers.

The display of orchids made by Messes. E. E. Pescott, F-L.S., and C, French, jun., in which they were assisted by Mrs, and the Misses Coleman, Miss Fuller, Miss B, Fillond, Messrs, V. Taylor, J. Gabriel, G. Coghill, F, Wisewould, aud W. H. Nicholls, was a feature of the exhibition. Between forty and fifty specics were represented, some of the novelties being Dendvobinn slongalam, Sarcochilus falcetus, Pterostylis mutica, Caladenin eweullata, Lypevanthus (Caladenta) suaveolens, Burnetiva cuneata, and Glossodsa majar (white form).

Many districts were well represented. Mr, G, Coghill had scoured the Taradale district, with excellent results; Mr. D. ]. Paton forwarded a fine collection from Bendigo; Mr. Ff. €. Goudie from Maldon; Mr. A. J, Tadgell from Werribee Gorge, &e, With the view of encouraging the growth of native plants the committee had made arrangements with certain nurseymen for a supply of the more attractive shrubs in pots. These were iigreat demand, as well as bunches of eut Aowers, such as the Bendigé boronia and wax-flower, the lavender Swainsona from Rutherglen, &c. In fact, the demand for flowers was so great that long before closing time the stalls were practically empty. If, as the result of these annual exhibitions, a desire to grow some Of our native plants in suburban gardens has been , created, then one of the ideals of their promoters will have been aceomphshed.

Botanical objects ander microscopes were exhibited by several Members, and proved a great source of interest to numerous visitors, particularly students from colleges and schools, wha were present in large numbers.

Through the district foresters, Mr A, D. Hardy, F.L,S,, was thabled te taake a display of foliage and flowers of about ga species Of eucalypts On behalf of the Forest Commission.

From Breken Hill came a fine display of Sturt’s Desert Pea, forwarded by Dr. Macgillivray, a country member, Western Australia was represented by many attractive species, which had borne the long journey well, winle the Adelaide Vield Naturalists’ Club also forwarded a contribution.

Unfortunately, the burried mannex in which (he pareels have to be opened up and staged prevents anything like a complete list of the flowers exhibited being compiled, but it :mav be safely sail that the exhibiuion compared favourably with sny of its predecessors for novelty and variety in (he exhibits.

The list of members and friends who forwarded flowers is very incomplete, owing to the fact that niany persens omitted tu

.

Nov,, Ewhibition of Wild-Flowevs, = 53 enclose either the name of sendet or where the flowers were collected, The following are the locdlities and names of senders _ as far as could he ascertained :—New South Wales.—Mr. J, H. Maiden, 15,0,, Botanic Gardens, Sydney; Mrs, J. Doyle, Novthcote-avenue, Sydney Dr. Macgillivray, broken Hill-

South Australia-—Mr. E. Ising, Adelaide. Wostern Australia — Mr. , per Miss Fuller. Victoria —Ouyen—Mr. H. B. Wil- liamson | Speed—Mr. G. Arnold ; Ultimo—Mr, J, Buckley, Mr, — Baldwio ; Stawell—Mr. C D'Alton; Mount William, Moyston —Mr. -— Fernie; Bendigo—Mr. D. J. Paton, Mr. H, ©. James, Mr, J, Semmens, Mr. G. Green; Dingee—Mrs. J. Grylls ; Malden ~ Mr, J. ©. Goudie; Tatadale—-Mr, G. Coghill ; Chiltern—Miss Boucher: Springhurst, Miss Turner; Moe—Mr. M, A. Ward ; Myrtlebank—Miss Warren; Heyfield—Mrs. Best ; Nowa Nowa— Mr, D. M-Lachlan , Briagelong—Mr. J- Firth ; Dandenong—Mr, H. B. Wiltiamson ; Yarram—Mr. A. K. Small; Neerim South— My, V. Heyden; Wilson's Promontory—Mr, W. J. Cripps (ranger); Pakenlam—Mr. F. Wisewould; Ringwood—Mr, F G, A, Barnard ; Evelyn—Mr. C, Oke, Mr. Earle; Mount Dandenong —Master M. Metager; Belgrave—Mr. 1. Pitcher; Greensborough —Mr, Ford, Sandringham-—-Miss Fordyce; Parkdale—Miss Hedgeon; Frankston—Mr. J, W. Audas (45 species) ; Ivanhoe —Mr. A. Blake, Mr. E. 0. Boast: Balwyn—Mr. F. Chapman,

The providing of afternoon tea and other refreshments was in the havds of Miss Gabnel and a number of lady friends, resulting in a considerable addition to the financial results, The attendance numbered about 3,000, which will enable a salstantis) amount to be placed to the credit of the publishing fund,

In order to ascertain the flowers most favoured by the public a vote was taken by means of slips deposited in a box at the door, and, while interesting, it cannot be taken as more than the - opinions of a few, for many felt themselves unable to yote with confidence on the question, The result, however, placed the Bendigo Wax-flower, Eviostemon obovatis, first, with the Waratah (N.S.W.) second, the Pink-flowered Tronbark (Eucalyplus lev- coxylow), the orchid Glossodia major, the Grampian Myrtle (Taryptomenc), and Pink Eyes (Yelratheca) being equal in popularity. These six fowers are Wlustrated iu the November issue of the Home Gardener,

A Matre Nationat Park —There seems to he some chance of a sanctuary for animal life and plants being created in the vicinity of Lake Albacutya, about 20 miles. nortlowest of Rainbow, where a tract of land ef about 10,000 acres, useless for farming purposes, but eminently suitable for natutal history requirements, has heen gazetted as a National Park.

64 ' Wirson, Ain Enlomologist in S. Quéonslund, Fret ee oti

AN ENTOMOLOGIST IN SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND. By Ff, Erasmus WIrson, -

(Read before the Field Naturalssts’ Cheb of Vistaria, vith July, 121) (Continued from page 55.) .

1 was not long in that gully before I learnt what lawyer-viie was (I presume so named from the fact that when once you get into its toils you have great difliculty in getting out again). However, after getting my face mixed up with two or three ot its saw-toothed tendrils, I learned ta pay great respect to {his member ofthe Queensland flor’, Seeing a beautiful: shrub with leayes some ten or twelve inches in width, L remembered having heard that in Queensland many insects rest on the under surface of large leaves, T was not Jong in getting mv umbrella beneath:a branch, and was soon vigorously hammering the tree with my beater. In doing so I brought my bare'arm into contact with @ portion of the plant, and was thus enabled to establish the entity of still another example of the famous Oueensland vegetation, for it was the veritable Giant Urtirca, or Stinging Tree. It set up a violent irritation which lasted for a couple of hours, and recurred every time I washed the affected part for two days afterwards. “On raising a stone I found another old Victorian friend in the Bombardier Carah, Phervosopktus verticelis, Dej.. and another stone sheltered a specimen of Cardtobtovex aratus, Pasc. I was particularly fortunate in obtaining a specimen of Adeluwr delicate, Cart., of which Mr, Carter tells me he had only previously seen the two type-specimens. Another very handsome tenebrionid that occurred in this gully was Sefvotrane Masterst, Macl,, and L also secured a beautiful colour variety of Lictnomu elate, Pasc,

On the outer edge of the serub there grew a tree with incon- spicuous though sweet-smelling finwers, which yielded splendid results to the collecting umbrella. TF was particularly delighted to capture a pair of the rainbow-hued chrysomelid, Sprlopyre sumptwosa, Baly., a most tropical-looking insect. This tree seemed to be very attractive to the Malacaderm family, the following six species falling into my umbrella :—Carphurus pallidipenmis, Macl., ©. telephovotdes, Fairm., Belanophorys rhagonychinus, Vairm.. Heteromastrix lurrdicollis, Macl., Selenurus, v. Alavins, Lea, and Telephorus flautspennts, Macl., a wonderful haul from a single small tree. Some richly-coluured Coccinelhde, of Ladybirds, besides several other interesting though small fry, also awarded our attentions

One day we set owt along the range in a northerly direction, The morning was calm'and hot, and as we passed along between the dense thickets of the introduced Lantana ie were awe-struck

Has Witsox, Ag Entomologist in S. Queensland, 85 with the beauty of the butterfly hosts that met our gaze. They were there in thousands, from the busy litle Hesperida, or Skippers, even up to the gorgeous vreen, velvet-winged Ornithopteras, or Bird's-wing butterflies. Papilios, or Swillow- iails, were there in derce, perhaps the most cuwiiren being FP. Maclkayanus, & somewhat rare butterfly as far as Vicloria ts concerned ‘The whites and yellows were extrenicly plentiful, uid the lyeenids or blues were also well represented, I had not conceived it, possible that such a wonderful vanety, in such numbers, could be congregated into such a simall area, Lewin’s Honey-eaters were very plentiful in this lacality, and looked most graceful as they darted in and out amongst the dainty pink blossoms of the Lantana, Though this plant seems to be a dreadful scourge in Queensland, I was informed that. it is fairly easily destroyed, and that the Jand upon which it has growr 1: generally considered to have been improved by its presence. On a banksta tree I found a pair of the rather handsome weevil, Leplops snalefiens, Lea, and, near by, a couple of very nice species of Onthophagus. An old fig log proved to be a happy hunting-ground tor Tenebrionide, as from it we obtained Aypaulax ovals, Bates, H. fovcatus, Blackb., Promethis guadricollis, Pasc., Ulodica histeda, Pase., and the old famihar Uloma Westwoodi, Pase.

A narrow track feading from the ruad into the recesses of a dense growth of tropical scrub Inoked inviting, 50, leaving the bright sunlight. we slid down a dechivous passage into the darker scrub, Sore feet of the nether end of a large, fat snake, disappearing into the thick carpet of fallen leaves, sent an unpleasant feeling down my spine, but | was soon engrossed in log-rolling, and quickly forgot. the serpentine presence. A fine carab of the genus Leiadira, which my friend, Mr. T, G. Sloane, has been unable to identify for me, was the first. cate of note, soon followed by the capture of a particularly large pair of Pamborus viridis, which caused us no little excitement. More weevils, staphylinids, and carabs were beaten from the yines, and fram beneath a piece of hark 1 turned out @ specimen. of Stagonys Mastersi, Macl-

Being by now very thirsty, the sight of the beautiful green foliage of a banana orchard proved attractive, bul an investiga. tion yielded nought but two tiny tomatoes, the banana trees being mostly in flower. Leaving the scrub again, we were amused by the antics of a small snake is, its endeavours to get out of owe path. A near-by orange orchard—the Blackalls are famed for their citrus orchards—with a wealth of golden fruit templed ns to break the fifteenth commandment. We yielded, and it was not long before We were contentedly sucking away at our illgotten gains. After I had thos despatched two, 1

66 Wirson, An Entomologist in S. Queensland. [y Vit Ser.

broke ope apen, and was hornficd to find it contained a mass of maggots of the Queensland fruit-fly, Dacus, sp. We after- wards found out that practically the whole of the local crop was Tuined by the ravages of this fly Oranges, apparently withoul a blemish), were found to be full of the [ruit-fly inaggois, which, at the mght time, eat their way out of the fruit and pnpate in the ground. Some moss was collected fron the trunk of a eucalypt, from which I later secured several small forms of beetle life, including a most. interesting litte weevil with cnormously enlarged hind femora. The youne eucalypts vielded several species af Chrysomelidx, inast of them belonging to (hat large genus Paropsis.

One’ moming f was attracted to an old stuinp by a loud Imuzing noise, and expected to find il tenanted by hees. ‘The: noise was certainly hymenopterous, but emanated from a colany of wasps, that were densely clustered arouyjd a hole near the ground. Upon my attempting to bottle a specimen most of them retreated inside; but oné crotchety inember spitéfully attacked me, and it required no little skill upon my part in wielding the net to save the day- One of (he largest of the Adeliums—aA. stvtatwm, Pase.—was frequently found undey logs in the open spaces

Upon two evenings we sallied into the seruh with a lantern, hut the nights were unsuitable, and we secured but a few species of moths. A brightly luminous object, certainly much too Jarge for the Jittle phosphorescent malacodenns of the #enus Luciola, was seen crossing the gully, floating high amongst the tree-tops. What it could be 1 cannot conjecture, unless sume of our larger Elaterid# are capable of emitting luminosity.

We left Montville early one morning and travelled back te Palruwoods by the coach, and that coach ride will lang remain impressed upon my memory, The road down the stcep hills consists Of a succession of S curves, so acutely fortned that, should the horses get auch out of a walk, it would be impossible {on negotiate them, The curves are out out of the Inllsides. and are bounded on their outer edge by the most precipitous gullies, Our coachman was a grand old chap, Init possessed of but a single eyé, so thal travelling these curves behind a four-in-hand was svumewhat of # hair-raising experience. It was State elertion day, so a halt was made at the local State school whilst my companion exercised his privilege of franchise aud T inspected the school museum, stowed away in sundry jam and pickle jars.. One exhihit only aroused my cupidity, and that was a fiue large specimen of Batocerga Boisduvalsi, Hope. We lefl our baggage at the Palmwoods hotel and set out along the little narrow-gauge sailway line that leads to Mount Budderim, ‘Some wattles yielded 2 couple of species of Belus,

a | Winsor, dn Entomologsst in S. Queensland, 67 ind & little later T captured a specomen of that cnrions little carab, Acropenys hirsule, Macl A very dainty little Crypto- cephalus was taken on the wing, but diligent sweeping of the low herbage yielded nothing. Two examples of the butterfly Lisephone abcona Rawnsleyt, Misk., were netted. This species is a form of ovr conmon Victorian Tisiphone, and is only found in a very limited area between the Biackalls and the coast. After travelling two or thrve mules along the line we came to a crossing over a small creck, and made this ow head- quarters for the rest of the day. The creek was an attraction te bird-life, and our camping spot evidently a favouted diinking place of the feathered community. A bevy of Red-browed Finches performed their ablutions without heeding our presence, and a confiding Yellow-breasted Robin reminded us of our Victorian fern-gullies, Black-faced amd Leaden Fly- catchers, White-shafted Fantails, Harmonious Shrike-Thrushes, and Black-and-White Fantails all visited the creekside whilst we ate our dinner. On beating the foliage of a large shrub T was greatly surprised to find in my umbrella a number of the heautiful green staphylinids, Slemus creervleus, Water), as the Victorian member of the genus, Slenus cupripennis, is always found sunning itself on the margins of pools and creeks, 1 also collected here some weevils, longicoms, and chrysomelids, the mast interesting of the latter heing a dainty liitle Aspidio- morpha, a study in green and gold It is much to le regretted that 56 many of the Chrysomelids lose their brilliant colouring after death, this littke sprite being now merely an opaque yellow le. From beneath a log out in the open L disturbed i pair of the rather handsome Nolosomes itidicollis, Ch. , Some long tussocks of sword-grass were cut off neay the roots and broken up over our umbrellas, In this way we secured some elaterids, pselaphids, scydmienids, silphids, and also specimens of the red and black Pederus maenfalys, Macl. Earlier tn the day, Mr. and Mrs. Bromwich, who lived adjacent, had kindly invited us té come and have afternoon tea with them = so we wended our way up a very pretty bush track to the homestead, 2 typical little Queensland home nestling amongst the gum-trees Dur host and hostess were interested in ornithology, and so a. very pleasant hour or so was spent in their company, On the way back, in the twilight—which in Queensland is of very short duration—we collected some Nitidulidee from a flowering spike of Xanthorrhcea, and also netted a cotiple of species of Heteronyx. We decided to make for Caboolture, 66, collecting oor traps, we started for the station to aatch the evening train, Around ihe station lights there were swarms of the little Aphodius granarivs, Linn, which apparently breeds very prolifically hereahouts,

68 Wiison, An Entomologist i S. Queensland, [y siege an

Reaching Caboolture, we obtained lodgings at one of the local hotels, and. being very tired after our long day, retired early to yest. My companion was suc) an ardent entomologist. however, that I had havely fallen asleep before 1 was awakened io examine a very fine large hemiplerons specimen that he had secured in his bed. In all, four specimens of this family, belonging te the genus Cimex, were taken, so that our night's rest was a very troubled one. Mr. Pottenger declared that other families of insects were also represented in his hed, but, being utterly worn out by now, I drowsily exclaimed, “ Let ‘em all bite."

Next morning we made north towards the picturesque Glasshouse Mountains, so called, I believe, by one of our early navigators, who saw in their acute peaks a resemblance to the botile-shaped chimneys of a glass-manufacturing establish- ment. Neat these mountains several returned euldiers have been settled on pineapple plantations. A west of the ant Iridomyrmex nitidus yielded a staphylinid of the genus Dabra, all the species of which are myrmecophilous. The tea-tree, Loplospervimum flavescens, was well in flower, and some Diphu- cephala and a fongicarn of the genus Pterostenus were taken. Some very symmetrical white-barked eucalypts invited barking attentions, and rewarded oar labours. with Adelfapus ohscurus, Cast,, Agonochile sublevis, Ch., Chalcopteras, Avthute, Blackh., C. cupripenms, Tlope, and C€, levicollis, Bless. A small pond was investigated with the net, and a rather fine dytiscid, with a white stripe near the outer edge of each elytron, was the principal find, Some more flowering tea-tree yielded some small Curculionidae and 2 Microchztes. Banksia flowers (as they do in Victoria) gave us a nice little black-and- white weevil of the genus Cydmaea, and I noticed a form of ree locust that constructed for itself a kind of cotoen out of the velvety material that is attached to the core of dead banksia flowers. After securing a mice brenthid, we made our way back to the township, being driven in by the need of liquid refreshment, Later, we made another short excursion in a different direction, securing, amongst other things, a species of Leemosaccus and a mice Scaphid. Wishing to search for ant-nest beetles in a nest of the meat ant, T raked a ton- siderable portion of ane nest inia my umbrella, and moved it from place to place until most of the ants had crawled off. My only find, however, was a single male of Artiverus Wilsoni, Lea.

Another very pleasani excursion was made ta Goodna, which lies out towards Ipswich. A couple of miles south of the station there is a small patch of the original scrub left, so we made our way towards this, following the sandy bed of adry creek. The course of this creek was tharked hy @ perfect

* roel Witsdr, An Entomotogist a 5. Queensland. 69

sort laze of scarlet, as the Callistemons were in ful) flower. As we passed along we disturbed a Red-tipped Pardalote from her nesting-burrow, and were scolded by many Friar-birds who were jecding amongst the Callistemons. The scarlet flowers, whilst attractive to Hymenoptera, Were stenle as far as Coleoptera were concerned. From beneath logs were obtained Many specimens of the highly-glossad Omolpus corvus, Pasc., and = few examples af a very similar-looking tenebrionid, Encyatesthus puactipenms, Pasc. Another beetle that was extremely plentiful behind bark was the dumpy jnasyginis: converus, Macl, Thaliis Australie, Lea, MSS., wis located m a rotting Polyporus fungus, and I was extremely gratified to find a Specimen of the ant nest histerrid, Ectatommuphily opaca, Lea An old Hoop Pine log wis attacked with a tomahawk, atid a newly-emerged specimen of a handsome eluterid of the genus Alaus unfortunately damaged in the process. Mr_ Tilidge informs me thal Janva: of members of this genus are predacenus, some of them specializing on certain Jongicorn larye, A Cudgerie Jog, on being split open, was found to contain larve and pupe of a very large longicorn, and I have since been successful in rearing two of the pupae, whieh proved ta br Aavianome sprutcollis, W. S, Macl. In this log 1 also found a few specimens of a very nice little Lemodes. Tn a dead twig of wood I discuvered a perfect though dead specimen af tlie buprestid As/rens Maslevst, Macl- In the crevices of the bark of a large Bean-tree were taken a very quaint horned eryptoshynchid, Glochinarrhinus Doubledays, Waterh, On etther side of the rastrum, near the apex, there is a jiomm-like projection, the use of which it is difficult to coneecive. A 5peci- menof the rare Match Fly, Tebanus Davidsont, was obtained fron the trunk of a tree, and from the foliage of a small wattle handreds of specimens of w small weevil, Titia ignavld, Pase-. IT was attracted to the wattle by its moribund appearance, Wartdering if some borer had attacked its roots. However. the weevils were responsible, as they had devoured the outer skits of nearly évery leaf of the tree. A large Nantholinus, probably lorguozi, Fvil.. was turned out from benvath a log. lt is very like our common Victorian X. phamicopterus, Er., x frequently fovnd jn Melbourne gardens. Near here I was fortunate in locating a fice little chrysomelid, which } have Since named Gomela bicolor (MSS.) Some bovine remains were judiciously turned over, and rewarded us with two species of Trox, two of the introduced Neerobia, and a particularly large specinien of the silphid, Necrades osevlans, Vigors, * Perhaps one of the mimst interesting beetles secured was the fine large authribid, Ancylotropis Waterhousct, Jek., with ite tapir-like snout and lony, thin antenna—imuch longer than

‘

za Wirsox, dz Entomologist ix S. Quoenslavd, [y, Ver Ran

the beetle ttself, Hour of them were resting on the limbs of a dead wattle, from which IT have no doubt they had recently emerged. Another- particularly interesting little beetle, two pstirs of which fell to my lot, was a scvdm2nid, with wonder- fully abnormal antenna. in the sandy bed of the dry creek were obtained numerous examples of Hyocts pubescons, Mac)., besides many of an antheid «af the genus Mecynotarsus- Another afternoon was spent collecting around Mount Coot-tha, which. the guide-book tells us, signified in the aboriginal tongue “‘honey."" In a gully I found a single example of a Tachys, which Mr, Sloane considers 4 particularly interesting one, and which he has named after me, The prin- cipal finds around the mount were Pteroheleus coreutus, Macl., P. picens, Kirby, Cardtothorax. ervans, Pasc., Adelinm porcaliwm, Fab., Metoponcus cyaneipenmis, Macl,, and one of the very tate Lymexyloitida:.

On the way home a jew days were spent in Sydney, and the epportunity thus afforded taken of visiting the well-known entomologists, Messrs. H. J. Carter and Dr. E, W. Ferguson, with each of whom T spent a very pleasant and interesting evening. Mr, Carter's wonderful collection of Buprestidae and Tenebrionids are an eye-opener, and to view Dr. Fergnson’s unique collection of amycterids was a treat indeed. a visit was also paid to the Australian -Museum, where I met Mr. Musgrave, the newly-appointed entomologist, who kindly showed-me some of the Macleay and King types that are housed in that institution, Two short, though pleasant, collecting trips were taken toe Natrvbeen and National Park, At the latter place I was pleased to take three species of Chlamydopsis, one specimen of Serricollis, Lea, two of Excavata, Lea, and six fall in one nest) of Epipleuralis, Lea. From Narrabeen 1 brought home a small limb of a dead Casuarina, from which T later bred out several specimens of the common: weevil, Orthorrhinus sylindrirostris, Pasc.

This concluded my collecting experiences for the trip, and there only remained the somewhat tedious task of mounting all my captures, In all, several hundreds of specimens were brought home. representing Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Forfi- culid@z, Blattide, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Termites. So far three new species of beetles have been named as a result of the trip, and there will probably be several more when all the mateérial has been fully dealt with,

.

(Note ,—The following corrections should be made in the first portion of this paper —Page 55, line 16, for “ H. 3S." Pottenger * read "AL" Page 56, line 31, for! Felone” read, Vetora," aud in line 37 for © Gary" read * Gory."}

Che Victorian Naturalist.

You. XXXVII-—No. 8 DECEMBER 8, 1921, No. 456.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA-

Tue munthly meeting of the Cluh was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday evening, 14th November, roer.

The president, Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., oceupied the chair, and ahout fifty members and visitors were present.

REPORTS,

A report of the excutsion to Paradise (lately renamed Cle- matis), on the Gembrook line, on Saturday, isth October, was fovwarded by the Seader, Mr. J. W. Audas, F\L-S., whe reported a good attendance of members. The party walked along the line towards Emerald. then, turning northwards, descended into the valley of the Menzies Creek, and traversed the towrist track, which abounds in vegetation of all kinds, and affords many delightful vistas. The track was followed back to Paradise, where the evening train to town was taken. While a large number of plants and shrubs were noted in blooin, noue of the species was of great rarity.

A report of the excursion to Eltham on Saturday, zand October, was given by the leader, Mr. E, 5S, Anthony, who said that the outing had been well attended, The party was met by his co-leader, Mr. W. Tonge. and, favoured by a beautiful afternoon, an cijoyable.rambic resulted. The object of the excursion was to see the birds nesting, and, owing to Mr, Tonge's knowledge of the locality, the nests of numerous birds were pointed out, and remarks as fo thei peculiarities made the ramble most instructive. Afternoon tea was kindly provided hy Mrs, Tonge, and ali returned to town well satished with the outing,

‘On the motion of Messrs, FW. G. A, Barnard and H. B Williamson, 2 hearty vote of thanks was directed to be oon- veyed to Mr. and Mrs.. Tonge for their hospitality.

A report of the excursion to Healesville on Saturday, 2oth October, was, in the absence ofthe leader, Mr. E, E. Pescott, ¥.LS., given by Mr, HW. B. Williamson, who said the excursion had been arranged principally for fhe collection and study of orchids, and of these seme went y-five specics wele Seen or collected. The Giant Moss, Dawsonta superba, was found in luxuriant growth at Conden’s Gully, Where also the orchid Claloglottis Muelleré was noted on the tree-fern trunks ;j among the other orchids seen were Diveris punclata and Pterostyls furcata. The party was greally indebted to Mrs. Coleman, of Heales- ville, for afternoon tea and for the inspection of her garden, int which a number of our native orchids are being cultivated.

72 Mield Natevalisis’ Club— Proceedings. [vol exits

On the moiion of Messrs, Williamson and Barnard, a vite af thanks to Mrs. Coleman was carned unanimously.

A teport of the excursion to the You Yangs on Cup Day (Tuesday, 1st November) was given by the leader, Mr. C. Daley, F.L.S. The day turned out rather warm, and the hve- mile walk to the hills was found rather trying. A visit was paid to the forestry plantation un the western side of the range. where Sugar Gums and the Canary Island Pine were seen to be doing very well, The Snowy Prostanilera, P, mina, one of the eharacteristic shrubs of the district, was found to he in fine bloom, as also the Late Black Wattle, Acacia mollissina, but the tange does not possess & very extensive*flora, Owing zo the heat, few birds oJ any importance were noted, Mr, b Thorn, who devoted himself to Lepidoptera, noted eight species of buttertlies, securing pup of the Scatee Mistletoe Blue. Ovgyris abyota, and of the Mistletoe Blue, 0. olane. Among the butterflies. taken were the Lesser Wanderer, the Wood’ White Delias aganippe, the Little Copper, Lucta lecaius, and the Caper White, Anaphaeis java tentonia. Several larvae: of the Australian Admiral, Pyrancers eter, were found feeding on the nettles. Mr, 0, Oke secured thirty-seven species of Coleopteri, several of which are peculiar te the disteict.

A report of the excursion to Grice’s Creek, »ia Frankston, on Saturday, 12th November, was given by the leader, Mr, ¥. Chapman, A.LS., whe reported an interesting day. The locality is interesting both physiographically and palewonto- logically, and ay this occasion yielded q fine vatiely of specimens.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

On a ballot, being taken, Miss Margaret Guerin, West Bourke Hote], Queen-street. Melbourne ; Mr. E. GQ. Boase, Ivanhoe ; Mr, Arthur Jones, rr6 Eglnton-street, Kew; and Mr, A. E. Rodda, Norwood-avenue, Brighton, were duly elected as ordinary members; and Mr. H, M, Colhns, '' Gracehill,” Frankston, as a country member of the Club.

GENERAL BUSINESS,

On the motion of Mr. F_ Pitcher, a letter of condolence and sympathy was directed to he sent to Mrs, Drake, of Upper Beaconsfield, on the death of her husband; Dr. Drake, a country mentber of the Club, to whom the members had been indebted for hospitality more than once when visiting the district,

REMARKS ON. EXHIBIT,

Mr. FY. G. A, Barnard called attention t¢ an exhibit of a specimen of a European edible frog, Rana exculenta, preserved by a special process by Mr. D. M‘Alpine, a. former member of the Club, when a biological lecturer in Edimburgh, in October. 1881, where it had been used for teaching purposes. A paper

hee] Field Naturalists’ Clab—Proceedings. te describing the process was read by Mr. M'Alpine before the Club in April, T3886 (ict. Nat, Jone, 1886. ii., p. 14). when the same specimen was exhibited. it seemed none {he worse for ats forty years’ wear and tear. this he thought, was sufficient proof of ihe value of Mr M'Alpine’s process, which -was not at all dificult to cary out PAPER REAL, ;

By Mr. H. B. Williamson, entitled '' Notes fyom the Mallee : Botaty."

The author, by means of lantern slides, described the prin- cipal features of the vegetation in the northern Malec around Ouyen, Walpewp, Murrayville, and Lake Hattah, also views taken recently of the conntry between Ultima, Manangatang, Cocainba, and Ouyen, Several of the flowers iUhistrated seemed worthy of introduction into our gardens, and dried speciinens of the tore notable species were exhibited, —

NATURAL HISTORY NOTE, | .

Mr. WW. G. A, Barnard stated that when passing along the Donnabuang track, between Panton’s and the head of the Don, on 30th October, he saw a specimen of the scarce butterfly, | Papilio sthenchus. The specimen was in goed condition, indicating that it must have been hred in the district, which is abnut 2,000 feet ahove sea-level. We also mentioned, as a cantion to intending tonrists, that the track from Millgrove, en the Warburton line, to Ben Cairn Roek is so overgrown and obstructed by fallen timber as lo be quite impassable.

EXRIBITS.

By Mr, E.'S. Anthony, on behalf of Mr. W. Tonge.—Twelve water-colou! drawings of Victorian birds frequenting Eltham district,

By Mr. !. G. A. Barnard.—Specimen of a frog preserved by Mr D. M‘Alpin by a simple process of drying in October, 1881.

By Mr. F, Cudmore.—Three cases of Balcombian fossils from Grice’s Creek, near Mornington; also case of fossil shells of Upper Cretaceous age replaced by precious npal, from Stuart Range, Central Australia.

By Mr. F, Chapman,—Fossils from Grice's Creek, near Mornington ; and, on behalf of National Museum, Cyprid lime- stone, trom Bennett's Tank, near the South Australian bordet; Mallee, Victoria. - ; ;

By My. M. Mondte.—Geological specimens.

By Miss G. Nokes.—Plowers frony Upper Yarra,

By Mr. C, Oke. —Tinrty-seven species of Coleoptera from You Yangs excursion, including Lclatommiphia opaca, Lea.

By Mr, L. Thorn —-Larvm and perfect insecis of three pum moths—Nola- lugéens, Ginosande Boisdyrallt, and Yricheirn Meso melas.

74 Field Naturalists’ Clib—Proceodings. Lot evi),

By Mr. J, R. Tovey, on behalf of the National Herbariuin.— Dried specimens af A ponogeton distechywm, Thunb... ' Cape Pond Lily” (Naiadacez), collected at Stony Creek, Lorne, Victona, by Kev. A. C. F. Gates (not previously recorded as growing wild in Victoria); Luznle campestris, D, C,, var anshral- asiea, Buch. (syn. L. Oldfieldix, Honk f.) (Juncacese), from Bernni- son's Plain, Gippsland, enllected by A.W, Howitt, 1887, Hawkes: dale, H. B. Wijlhamson, May, 1899, and Lorne, A, C, VF, Gates, November, 1921 (this vatiely is a native of New South Wales and Tasmania, but has not been previously recorded ior Victoria) ; Zivrie aspalathordes, A, Cunn., “ Hairy Zicria,” from Mount Tarrengower {about 1,300 feet), Maldon, Victoria, col- lected by Rev, W, C, Tippett, October, r92t (this species has only been recorded from two localities in Victoria—-viz., barren ridges near Goulburn River, FP. Mueller, and the Grampjars, A. Cunningham ; the latter specimen is not represented in the National Herbarinm),

By Mr. H. B. Williamson—Dried specimens of wild-Howers fram the Mallee, including Asters, Halganias, &c., referred ta in his illustrated paper :—Olearta magaiflova, O, rudis, ©, pimelioides, Halgania tavandulacea, H. cyanea, Kochia viilese, K, wiptera, &e.

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated.

Doxation To THE NatIonaL Muskum.—A valuable collection of Australian Lepidoptera, belonging ta the Jate Dr, W. Ellicott Drake, M.A., of Upper Beaconsheld, for many years a member of the Field Naturalists’ Club, has recently been presented to the National Museum by Mrs. Drake. The collection, which is in an excellent state of preservation, and carefully labelled, comprises over 5,800 specimens, the great majority of which were collectea by Dr. and Mrs. Drake, chiefly at Upper Beacons- field and Black Rock, TL includes the types of a pnmber of new species not previously represented in the Museum collec- tien, and many others which, with the spread of population and the destruction of their natural surroundings, have become rare and difficult to secure.

JOURNAL OF AGRIGULTURE OF VictortA.’—The Noveniber issue of this publication contams several articles of more than passing interest fo naturalists. Dr.-Cherry continges his paper on ‘The Tiiscovery of Agriculture.’ An articleron ‘The rue Clovers Naturalized in Victoria,’ hy Mr, J. W, Audas, F.L.S., of the National Herbarium, contains, besides an enumeration of the species, a deal of valuable information in a handy form; while Mr, H. W. Davey, F.E.S., gives the first portion of what should be a very wsefil article on ~ Weeds and

Their Eradication."

Tew] Harr The Gippsland Lakes Couniry 78 THE GIPPSLAND LAKES COUNTRY = DILYSil- GRAPHICAL FEATURES.

By T. S. Harr, MA,

(With plate.)

(Read befoye the Field Naturalists’ Clab of Victoria, 8h AWgikst, 1O21,) Tw tory the Jate De. T. S. Hall contributed tao the Pied Naturafists’ Club a’ short sketch of the Gippsland Lakes (Vey. Nat., XXX1., p. 31, with map), based, as he says, on two short visits, Having resided in the district for some time, 1 would rlesire Lo supplement that description and ‘to deal with some points which he left open or had no opportunity of observing. If in certain matters T modify the view taken by him, IT do so with full appreciation of much kindly assistance received irom him in the past, and with the knowledge that he also

would have welcomed further information,

My observations ave made fram Bairnsdale as a base, and are necessarily fuller as regards that part of the district. Lake Wellington and the head af Lake Victoria I have not yet visited. The older formations lying to the north of the Gipps- land Plams includé rocks of a vatiety of ages, dealt with, for in- stance, in various papers of Dr. Howitt’s. For the present purpose it js only necessary to note that they had heen planed down to a surface of low relief near the commencement of Tertiary time, and again trenched by steep-sided valleys after elevatory movements.

Tertiary Country —The lower hills and the plains of Tertiary age are best understaod by dividing that time into three parts —a period of deposition, a period of elevation and denudation, and a period of coastal submergence and subsequent modlifica- tion, including further denudation and new formations.

Deposition of the Tertlaries —On a surface already of low relief and undergoing deformation, there accumulated the Janjukian series, including both mechanical sediments aud ' Jimestenes. The brown coals further west are no doubt also yetated to the low relief, for such a surface would allow ready establishment of swampy conditions, especially with slight alterations of shape. Greater deformations allow the great thickness of the brown coals and of the Tertiary Series as a whole. The Janjukian series was followed by the Kalimnan marls aud other sediments, with which it js convenient for the present purpose to include as a later stage the great accumulation of non-fossiliferous sands, gravels, and clays which follow, just as we can group the yellow sands of Brighton with the fossil- iferons rocks belew them. These upper beds are’ pre- dominantly sandy, and usually of little power to resist denudation. The limestones are stronger.

Denwmiational Phase of the Late Terliary,—The present sut-

Virw

76 Warr, Tha Gippsland Lakes Contry [vat rain

face forms in the Tertiary area show a succession of terraces, ihe upper ones cut through by the Jateral valleys. As change in relative Jeyels of Jand and sea took place, (he Ipnd gradually emeging, the weak strata would he exposed to the attack mf the waves, and would be partially removed (just as at Bean- mars the upper beds of the Tertiary series are Jost—no douht hy marine denudation during emergence). _

. The higher terraces may be largely due-to this action, but with each stage of the elevation of the land the stream woald yapidly cut down to base level and widen theiv plains, and ihe lower terraces of the Mitchell ate clearly related {a the existing valley. The terracing is well seen about Bairnsdale, and is substantially indicated in Musray’s map of Gippsland (sheet Tr) by successively newer Tertiary areas at lower levels along the Latrobe. On the higher terraces north and north. east af Bairnsdale there are quartz gravels of moderate-sized pebbles with a good proportion of smaller material, forming good road gravel, as ct sets well. These occur at different levels, and I incline to regard them as concentrates of the coarser material of the Tertiary beds dormg the formation nf these terraces.

The lower terraces are characterized by the piesence of a very heavy gravel. aptly called “torrent grayels'’ by Chapman, whe urges their fluviatile character—a conclusion which their whole relation te the valleys amply supports. About Bairns- dale they ocent to about 140 feet above seatevel, bnt up-stream they are found higher, as. for instance, near Lindengw station, The railway follows one of these terraces from Hillside (146 feet) to near Bairnsdale.

The torrent gravels are traceable south of Bairnsdale past Eagle Point, where they jorm the top uf the cliff, and across Newlands Backwater as far as Tom Roberts's Creek, an Lake Victoria. A well-marked lower terrace forms the greater part of Bairrisdale township and the south of the parish of Broadlands, Bairnsdale station is 46 feet, and Nicholson sta- tion 48 feet above sea-level. In the Mitchell valley the torrent gvavels consist of racks which are likely to be found higher up the present valley—Devonian sandstones, porphyries, bedrack sandstones, and quartz. Weak and decomposable rocks are jew, and the pebbles are well rounded, Silicifed wood fragments are occasionally found, and have been derived from older formations —having been silicified before inclusion in the torrent gravels. The Bairnsdale School of Mines has also silicified wood from the Dargo High Plains, which gives a source, no doubt, in dgsociition with the volcanic rocks and within the present Mitchell catchment,

The discrepancy between Dr. Hall’s determination of the gravels generally as Kalimnan and Mr. Chapman s placing of

ce

+

oe Hant, The Geppstand Lakes Country, 77 the torrent gravels as Werikooin is due to the fuet that the observations are on different gravels. Dy, Hall ahsérved the gravels af the Kalimnan series at the Cunninghame Red Blu. and pebbles ucenr here also in a bed Jargely conrposed of fosua casts above the Arachnoides- bed mentioned lr Hall, He would have seen the torrent yravels at Eayle Point fron the hoal : but, though the erosion of the underlying beds Is evident, it % not more than could uccur diving the deposition of one series if a strong current flowed over sand just deposited. [1 is not evident fram this section alone that the tonent gravels are a distinct series, but it is undoubted on a wide view of their occurrence and their relation ta the Jand forms, There are gravels of the earlier accumulatory phase of the Tertiaries, as at Red Bluff and elsewhere, but the torrent gravels are distinct, They are little seen on the Bruthen road, which Dr, Hall traversed, and in passing through them in the tram their real relation to the country is not easily seen.

As the main valleys cut deeper. there were lett higher-level Tertiary arcas between them. Thus, between (he Avon and the Mitchell the railway passes over such an area (245 feet at Munro, 272 Jeet at Fermmbank), and through this runs the inter- mitlent stream of Providence Ponds (ur the Perry River). Ir spite of the elevation above the main valleys and Providence Ponds, this area, contains numerous swampy flats. The higher- level Tertiarieé also accur between the Mitchell and Nicholson and between the Nicholson and Tambo, and beyond the Tambo reach to near the coast. They also flauk the higher hills to the north. They are usually well drained, commonly carrying sandy soils, and are, forest country paturally with much undergrowth. Parts are now orchards and cultivation land,

The Bengworden road, south-west from Bairnsdale, starting on a torrent gravel area, rises to a higher but similar’ terrace and then over a projecting tip of the higher-level sandy Tertiaries south-west of the main valley of the Mitchell: then it crosses a plain which continues to near Lake Victoria, and mects the torrent gravel area un ihe east. This plain is not clearly referable to any of the main valleys, and appears likely to be a dmanne plain dating from the emergence of this part af the land. It carries many swampy areas, its drainage system not being yet well developed. Acrass it is the roufe of the old ‘ Commissioner’s Road **—a track from Alberton to Eagle Point, where Tyers had a residence. Portions of this road are still in use’ A route from Sale to Bairnsdale via Clydebanle and Bengworden will soon be available,

Tt is difficult to say how far gravels may occur onder this plain, as natural and artificial sections are rare, Part of it has a clay subsoil, and clay subsoil is also characteristic over the torrent gravel an the plain west of Bairnsdale, Water-

*

75 Hany, Phe Gippsland Lakes Counlyy_ [yh yh9y 17,

hales are kept shallow beth for case in inaking wd becanse of the gned holding clay. Un the edge of the pluin, owever, near Lake Victoria, Uhe lorrent gravels are conspicuous cast of Tom Roberts’s Creek. There are some finer gravels further west, but L think a marine plain of denudation is most likely. ‘The torrent-geavel terraces and the parts of this plain with clay subsoil are commonly grass land, with scattered trees— Red Gum, Casuarina, &e.—the typical open Gippsland plains. Ry this series of elevatory movements the land reached 4. higher level above the sea- than now, The valleys again dcepened, hut, being partly in limestones, the efosion was uss easy than in the sands, and these parts of the valleys would he narrower and probably more irregular.

Within the limestone area, as noticed by Clark and Dennant, there are-murieraus depressed areas, which ave no donbt duc in collapse over solution cavities in the limestone, the formation of which would be easier at this period of deep valleys, They are seen at many places on the terraces, where, commonly, Uhre limestone is not. the surface rock, but otcurs below. Snme an seen close west of Hillside, on the railway, and others in the Botanical Reserve and the Raccecow'se Reserve at Bairns- dale. Some of these hollows hold water, some not, according te whether impermeable material occurs in them or not.

The Coastal Submergence.—Coastal submergence then caused the lower parts of the valleys to be placed below sea-level, ptoducing the characteristic deep inlets, Lake Tyers, Lake Bunga (east of Lakes’ Entrance), and the North Arm at Lakes' Entrance are mentioned by Dr. Hall as " drowned valleys,” but the feature is much more widespread. There are numerous inlets from the Lakes between Kalimna and Metung wich are smaller drowned valleys, as well ag Newlands Backwater (the estuary of Forge Creck) ancl Tom, Roberts's Creek, at Lake Victoria, Both Hall and Chapman mention the deep silted-up valleys of the Mitchell, Nicholson, and Tambo—valleys whose leds are well helow sea-level, It is clear that if the silt could he supposerl removed these wiulil be typical drowned valleys of the Lake Tyers type. The three Jarger rivers have silted up the sunk valleys; the Mississippi Creek and Boggy Creek, flowing into the North Arm and Lake Tyers, but not heading far back, have not been able ta do 50,

The Mitchell at Bairnsdale, then, being a silted-up, drowned valley, 1b follows that Lake King, intervening betwecn it and the coast, is the Inwer part cf the combined yalleys of the Mitchell, Nicholson, and Tambo. But before drowning it was a valley of a different type, pacily as the lowest and earliest- matured part of the valleys, hut especially because it js outside the area in which limestones occur at the surface, and widening of the valley is easter, Without any close acquainlanee with

Pace] Warr, The Gippstand Lakes Country, 79 Jake Wellington, 1t seems inevilable to Tegatd it in the same way as tlie lower valley or plain of the combmed Avon and Latrobe, with, Of course, the Macalister and Thomson, which have juined the Latrobe above the lake. The difference is not that flese Jakes are nut drowned valleys, It that they are drowned valleys of a different form

Eastward from Lake Tyers is the long stretch of Ewing's Marsh, with arms extending injand, outlined on maps and suggestive of the Lake Tyers type; and, though T have not been «able to visit this urea, 1 am informed that there are linte- stone banks at some of the edges of the marshlands. -

Lake Victavia amt the Outer Parts of the Lekes.—The stih- mergence exposed fresh areas to the immediate attack of the waves, and these consisted of feehly-resisting materials. Any sand-hills of the coast immediately before the submergence would be Josi, though possibly some older ones further inland might survive. The older dunes, as seen at Sorrento, do not appear to be anywhere mentioned east of Comer Inlet. The clifis from Cunninghame Red Bluff ta Tainbo Bluff inside the outer lakes are, Uhen, sea cliffs, as are also the steep banks from Paynesville south-westward inside Lake Victoria and north-westward {rom Paynesville to Bairnsdale, though these last would be less exposed, and the steepness of some near Bairnsdale may be helped by the fact that there are springs at their base. The present steep chff at Eagle Point is, however, clearly due tu the attack of the river, which here Meets the higher land, Sperm Whale Head, south of Lake Victorta, would, then, probably he either an island en the coastal shelf or the end of s promonlory—most Irkely an istund, as the natutal outlet of the Latrobe would seem to be furthes west. Such would agree with Hall's observation that at first lie was sure that Sperm Whale Head was part of the Tertiary plateau, but further east was dune. IT regret that I have not

et been able to visit this area at the head of Lake Victor, Vhere the clifis were capped by torrent gravel, shingle would remain on this coastul shelf.

The Ocean Barrier, oe Huaanocks,—On the outer edge of this shelf, probably with the help ef decrease of depth of water (due to a change in relative level of land and sea, as suggested by Sit Edgeworth David), {here accumulated the sand dunes, thus cutting off the gulfs and immer part of the shelf from the sea. and completing tlie [ormation of the Lakes: The long Stretch of shallew water known as Lake Reeves (parts of which) may be dry) is a simple lagoon behind the Inwmmocks.

This sand drift operated ontside the line of ciffs, and is not fhe cause of all the eastward element in the courses of the streams. The Latrobe has a remarkably direct eastward direction from the Moe River Heads to Lake Wellington, as was

»

da Hart, The Gippsland Lakes Country. y Miats Ms.

noticed by Tyers in 1844, but this is a little obscured by using the name Latrobe for one of the northern heads. South of ‘Trafalgat the sharp rise of the high land is ne doubt a fault- searp, which probably extends into the heads of the Lang Lang also. Vurther east an old trough is commonly accepted about Murwell, and later movement on the same fault Jines would account for the direct course of the Latrabe. The divide south vf the Latrobe is called a range by Murray to a point between Lake Wellington and the sea.

The combined valleys ef the Latrobe and Avon, with, of course, the Thomson and Macalister already joined to the Latyobe, and Providence Ponds to the Avon, reaching the old cdast-line somewhere east of Dutson, may have been deflected neorth-easterly by the sand-drift and continued along the coastal shelf in what now makes Lake Victoria. In the same way ihe combined Mitchell, Nicholson, and Tambo valleys, reaching the old coast between Paynesville and Tambo Bluff, have been detlected eastward also along the coastal shelf tn the \icinily of the Cunninghame Red Bluff. Here the sand- hills meet the oid sea-cliff, and further detiection is blocked, The natural entrance ta the Lakes seems to have varied in position im this vicinity. Further east, before Lake Tyers, there is again a line of sand-hills close in front of the cliff, Beyond Lake Tyers the hummocks close the direct mouths of several other streams and affect the mouth of the Snowy River. Lake Victoria and Reeves’s River have thus a special character of their own © the main channel of the deflected stream along the coastal shelf. .

The ides, of a slight emergence of the land, which would evidently faclitate the formation of the hummocks, 1s also supported hy the low plain of Goon Nure, inside Lake Victovia, which may well be regarded as a wave-cut slielf raised a litile above Water Jevel, on which plain have accumulated sand-hills, part at leas wind-driven, maish deposits, and some sand carried down by a creck which tuns then through a semes of swamps 10 Bland Bay (Lake Victoria), though tf is said in heavy rains to overflow also by amother route. A fine shingle ic seen én this plain at Storm Point, which could have heen derived from the ordinary Tertiaries without the torrent gravels, Which do wot reach so far. It is, then, natural to group with this low plain Banksia Peninsula (further north-east) and Rayinond tsland, both low and sandy, with some heavier Shingles oi the beach, for the cliff hehind Banksia Peninsula 1s capped with torrent gravels. Boih these low areas may rest on shoals catrying pebbles Irom the heavy gravels, thongh iL is possible also that Raymond Island might: he a fragment of the lower terrace of Bairnsdale and Broadlands. The los jand near Paynesville alsu admits both these explanations,’

ae Hann, The Gippsland Lakes Country, 81 There is also low land on the north side of the main channel ot the Lakes, at Metung and Nungurner, Oppnsite Metung is a considerable area of low Jand connected lo the coastal hummocks, and a series of low islands and shoals stretch from Retuma Island, close to Sperm Whale Head, to the fakes’ Entrance township, atself a low promontory. Some of these may have Ween formed as accumulations in swamps behind the sand-hills, yery hike the position of Lake Reeves to-day, and on these More or Jess drifted sand would pile np, At present the alteration af currents duc to the new entrance is cuiling away some parts but allowing shoaling, and, indeed, actual filling, east of Lakes’ Entrance. No doubt in the past changes iv the entrance modified these low lands, and especially would this be the case if an entrance towards Ocean Grange had teen blocked and all the western waters sent to Cunning- hame, At present wave-action is also affecting the lake shores. At is comien to find a shallow water ledge, and the dark soil af Melaleuca flats is seen at places being ent away hy the lake.

In the quieter backwaters mud is accumulating, and the visitor jieeds to proceed with care. Landing ww @ little creek off Bancrodt Bay, our boat had apparently touched battom,

_ but an var could be thrust down nearly full length in the mud. You eannjot stand ow this ov swim im it, and a boat stuck in it may be hard to get off. It is well to be careful in recovering a duck, fov instance. Jones’s Ray, near Bainsdale, is well Known as having a treacherous bottum, Two other dangers are notified io yisitors to the Entrance—the ehb tide, which may run seven knots, and the yapidiky with which the sea outside can rise sufficicnt to swanip an open beat.

Among other processes going on in the Lakes js the formation of land with the help of shallow water vegetation—the * rand "' formation mentioned by Gregory—as is very likely happenin in Jones's Bay. The long silt jetties of the Mitchell are well known, inning out a8 narrow tongues into (he Lake for fouy miles below Eagle Point, These tongues are only the visible top edge of the silt, the little step down on the Iake side being Hue to waves, One of these was cut through in a recent fland, Above Eagle Poimt the Mitchell silt has cut off & westward bay of the lake, iinpounding the waters of Cobblers Creek and forming M'|cod’s Morass, Part of this is undrainable, being below lake level: the remainder is lahle to flood both from its own catchment and the overflow of the Mitehell, In addition, soluble salts—partly, at Ieast, magnesian—in the soi] appear as # White diforescence im summer, and canse Getay of wire-netting in the fences. The litthe valley of Tyers Creek, at Eagle Point, has also been closed by the Mitchell silt. The Mitchell silt jetties, though indicated by shoal beyond the present mouth, will he hindered from extending i the

, Opposite shore, or prevented, by the necessity far an outict

$2 Harr, The Giposland Lakes Counuy- (easier

for the Nicholson waters. The Tambo has smaller silt jetties. Sall marsh now occurs al many places, as on the shores of Jones's Bay, at Eagle Point Park, at Paynesville, and at Lakes" Entrance township.

Both in the Nicholson River flats, at Sarstield, and in Clifton Morass, north of Baimsdale, there occur sulphurous springs, Marcasite, the easily decomposing form of iron sulphide, oreurs at Sarsfield, and some drains show batten hlack hanks, as irganic matter is abundant in the soil; bul the acid waters sinp vegetable growth, Yellow patches on this black ground are locally called sulphur, but are really a sulphate of ‘iron (cOpiapite) ; a whitish deposit on twigs or other objects in the water is really sulphur. Marsh gas and sulpluretted liwdrogey are probably hath present. .

An explanation may be given for ‘Mt, Cunninghame,” mentioned hy Dr, Hall as probably the lowest inannt in Victoria, the whole country being not more than so feet above sea-level. Tt is merely a name-Sor a survey sialion, A main survey line from Mount Taylor to Seacombe trig-station passes over a low hill named as Mount Wrixendale, north of the Lakes. aod an the Wrixondale-Seacombe, line ure formed two triangles—one with its apex at Stockyard Hill, in the coastal hummucks, anc. the other at “" Mount Cunninghame,’ near Lake Wellington.

Conversations at Lakes’ Entrance suggest that here may be toom for interesting observations in the changes:of the lake fauna, and possibly also water plants, as a consequence of tie pelmanently open entrance. The variety of different types uf country on land presents an interesting feld for botanical observations, and no doubt alsa zaological-

TE am indebted to Mr H.D. Bulmer, of Bairnsdale, for the ‘tao interesting wiews reproduced herewith. These twere taken from an aéroplane, and graphically ilustrate the singular physiographical feature of the eastern portion of the lakes area.

{The paper was well illustrated by maps and photographs of fhe different features.—Exn. Vict. Nat.]

EXPLANATION OF PLATE, Figuas t.—Arria, Vinw rrom Lakes’ Entrance

Township in the foreground, looking westward up the Lakes. The North Arm appears to he right oi the township, with Jem#iy's Pain hehind it. The main channel, or Reeves's River, is close behind this Point and along the right side of the view close up to the cliffs, The low islands arc Rigby, Fraser, and Flannagai Islands. the law land opposite Metung beyond them. To the Left, in the distance, is the legin- ting of the Jang lagoons behind the coastal huminocks,

Fiourr 2—TxHE Sict Jetries os tHE MrircHtul. Raves Mourn,

Jones's Bay on the léft; Eagle Point Bay on the tight. The Iand “beyond comprises the low country between the Nicholson And ‘Tambo Rivers. Eagle Polut is a prominent cliff on the Mitchell, six miles balow Bairnsdale. Eagle Point Buy is on the other side af the paxk there. and does not connect with the river till the end of the silt jetties.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XXNXVIIT. D cember, 192%.

PLATE Itt.

FIG. 1.—-AERIAL VIEW—LAKES' ENTRANCE AND LAKES.

FIG, 2—MITCHELL RIVER FROM THE AIR,

Che Victorian Naturalist.

‘Vou. XXXVITEL—No. 9. JANUARY 12, 1922. No. 457-

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB GF VICTORIA. THE monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Saciety’s

Hall on Monday evening, t2th December, 1927,

In the absence of the president, Mr. ¥. Chapman, A,L.S,, through illness, the chair was occupied by Mr. C. Daley, B,A., F.L.S., one of the vice-presidents, and about fity members and visitors were present,

CORRESPONDENCE.

From the Secretary for Lands, stating that, in tesponse to the Club’s request, certain portions of Crown lands on the banks of the Menzies Creek, near Emerald, as defined in the Gazelle notice of Iqgth October, 1920, had been reserved for’ recreation purposes,

REPORTS.

A veport of the excursion to Tooradin, Western Port, on Saturday, rath November, was given by the leader, Mr. H. B. Williatnson, who said that, thongh the party was. not large, the members taking part in the excursion had a pleasant and interesting outing. One of the so-called Native Cherries, Exocearpos stricta, the Paletruited Ballart, was noticeable on account of the heliotrope succulent stems of the seeds, usually regarded as the fruit. These were tasted and found to be very similar to the corresponding part of the common Cherry Ballart. The Purple Fringed Lily, Thysancius tubevosus, wae yumerous. along the roadside, while the Golden Spray, Viminaria denudata, was quite a prominent feature of the district. Near the township was a tidal creek fringed with mangtoves. These trees, with their curious breathing roots, were investigated, and were found to be bearing well-developed fruits resembling broad beans. Just above the mangrove areas, on Which no other form of plant life grows, were a number of salt-loving plants, such as the Common Sea-blite, Sueda marina, Swamp Saltbush, dtreples paludoswm, and the Creepmg Brookweed, Samolus yefens, with its pretty white flowers. Several rarer plants were noticed here, such as the Sea Lavender, Statice tavanthema, Salt Plagianth, Plagtanthus spicatus, and the Narrow-leaved Walsonia, W. Backhoustt. Plants of the trailing Jointweed, Hemichrota pentandre, werr- found. affected with a rust (fungus), and were forwarded to. Mr, Britlebank for identification, An invitation to lunch with Mc. Edgerton, an old resident of the district, was avcepted. and in the afternoon he intended to pilot us through some

84 Field Natuvalists’ Club—Proceedings. [y./Sy xvi.

secub where other plants might have been found, but, rain setting in, this portion of the outing had to be abandoned. Some Black Wattles were pointed out to us which were bearing well-developed pods, which were said to have begun to form in July last, but the trees did not bloom till @ few weeks before, (in the motion of Messrs. Barnard and Williamson, a vote of thanks was directed to be sent io Mr and Mrs, Edgerton for their hospitality to the party.

In the absence of the leader, Dr, G, Horne, V.D., a report of the excursion jo Altona Bay on Saturday, 26th November, was given by Mr. C. Daley, F.L.S., who said that the party had @ very interesting Outing. Numerous sites of aboriginal camps were seen, and chips and cutting stenes of various kinds were found.

A report of the excursion to Warragul on Saturday, roth December, was given by the leader, Mr, H. B, Wilhams3on, who said that, owing to an invitation from our co-meinbers, the Misses Currie, of Lardner, about five miles south-west of Warragul, which, however, 15 easier reached from Drouin, the party returned to that station, and drove out part of the way to Lardner. Then, following a pretty bush road lined with flowering shtubs of various kinds, in due time reached the Currie homestead, in the vicinity of which the rest of the day was spent, walking back to Drouin in the cvening. In the garden attached to the house numerous native shrubs and trees were found to be doing remarkably well, also several fiotable exotic trees. These are the haunts of numerous birds, which are carefully protected, and add interest to the garden. A walk round the farm showed that thoughtful and effective tree-planting has been done. Thus, clumps of tree-ferns Iecft when clearing have been protected by shady trées being planted near them, The caterpillar pest was in evidence in several of the paddocks, and harvest operations were being hurried in order to save as much of the crops as possible. A pair of Kestrels was busily engaged securing caterpillars for their nestlings. Numerous other birds were seem during the ramble. After carly tea Miss C. C, Gurme accompanied us on our station- ward walk to within a mile of Drowin, ner enthusiasm not being damped by a four-mile walk home by herself, All enjoyed the outing thoroughly, having been made so much at home by the members of the Curse family,

?

PAPERS READ. I, By Mr. Alfred J, Tadgell, entitled “A Contribution to the Flora of the Victorian Alps.* The author said, as (he result of five visits to the Alps in thr _ neighbourhood of Mounts Feathertop and Hotham, he was able

ret Field Naturaltsts' Club—Proceedings, 45 to add 83 species to the 346 species listed in Prof, Ewart's paper, entitled '' The Ilora of the Victorian Alps,'’ published in the Naturalist for Getober, 1910 (Viel. Nat., xxvii, p. rod), He desenbed in a pleasant way the experience of collecting in the Alps, and the sublime grandeur of the views obtained from the mountain road one traverses at five ta six thousand fect above sea-level, He said that it was a pity the paper referred to gave no definition of what was considered Alpine ; he had taken 2,600 feet as the limit for Alpine plants. Mr Maiden, to whom he was indebted for several identifications, had take, 3,000 fect as the Alpine limit in his list of Koscinsko plants

Several members congratulated the author on the mterest of his paper, and gave their ampressions of the Alpine regions, .

2. By Mr. C. J. Cole, communicated by Mr. C_ French, jun, entitled ‘ Notes on the Caper Butterfly.”

The author gave some account of the life-history of this butterfly, Pieris lenlonia, which visited the Wangaratta distriot in myriads in November and December, r9z0. Remarking that the migratory flights for which this butterfly is noted are phobably cansed by the insects searching for plants on which to deposit their eggs, the Native Caper, Capparis Muilchalli, being a comparatively rare plantin Victoria, he said that on this occasion the butterflies made use of the young tips of the orange trees on which to deposit their eggs, hut he noted that, though the young larve seemed at frst.to thrive On this food, none of them lived longer than ten days. the same results being noted with regard te larve hatched in captivity.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTE.

Mr. C. Oke drew attention to his exhibit of a jumping sider, Attids, under the microscope, taken on the Ringwoud excur- sion on 3rd September last. This he stated to be the prettiest spider he had seen, and doubted if any animal to be found around the metropolis was more brilliantly marked or more beautiful than this spider, when alive or freshly killed; un- fortunately, some of the colours fade after death. The following is a brief description -—Cephalo-ihorax black, with an inid- escent purple metallic sheen, with fawn scales, mterspersed with black hairs covering apical third. The twa pairs of eyes projecting forward are light blue, two paiis on top black. Pedicels are clothed with white and yellow hairs. The abdomen is blackish and is clothed with brilliantly dridescent scales ; these are white at base and apex, but the main colour is a heautiful turquoise blue, with a pattern of fawn intermingled On each side is a semi-circular line, nearly meeting {in some specimens foyming a circle, but this is unusual), and a small

86 Field Naturalists' Club—Proceedings. [yo 8 Vin,

crescent in middle of intensely bright red. The legs are fawn and brown.

Miss G. Nokes contributed a short accouni of the camp-out of ‘the Mount William ‘Tourist League, which members of the Club had been invited to join, held on the southern slopes of Mount William (Grampians) in November last. She reported that the scenery and vegetation greatly resembled other portidns of the Grampians, and, when the locality has been cpened up by tracks, would doubtless prove a great attractinn to tourists, especially if it became possible to establish a hostel in the neighbourhood.

. EXHIBITS!

By Mr. H. W. Davey, F.E.S.—Specimens of crasiaccan, Phreatoicopsis terricola (fernale), from Otway Forest.

By Mr. J, Gabriel. — Flowering branches of Silky Oak, Grevillea yobusta (New South Wales and Queensland).

By Miss G. Nokes.—llowering branches of Kunzea padun- exlaris, from Millgrove ; paintings of orchids, Plerostylis barbata, Lyperanthus yagricans, and Cryptostylis longifolia.

By Mr. €. Oke,—A jumping spider, Fam, Attide (nndgr nverascepe)-

By Master C. Ralph.—Lepidoptera, collected at Spring Vale, November, rq2r. !

By Mr. L. Thorn,—Larve in various stages, pupa. cases, and perfect insects of the Wood White Butterfly, Delius aganippe

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated, _

EXCURSION TO BENDIGO,

THE patty of ten members wha made the tip 16 Bendigo on Railway Picnic Day (ist October) were favoured with splendid weather, and an enjoyable time was spent. The lacality selected for Saturday afterncen’s trip lies to the east of the ravecourse, at a:distance of about two miles from White Hills, Thither we proceeded by char-a-banc, and then, passing through portion of the racecourse grounds and across the golf links, reached the race, where we partook of a belated luncheon. After spending an hour in this interesting locality, the party crossed the golf Jinks to the VPosterville road at Ascot, and thence tetumed along the road to White Hills. Flowers were abundant. Altogether, seventy-seven species in flower were noted. Amongst shrubby plants, Pyostanthera hivietla, a: hlaze of purple, attracted most attention, but mamerous others, such as Hibbertia actcularis, Olearia teretifolia, Lvtostemon obovalis, Brachyloma daphnoides, Grevillea lamgcra, Leptospermum, and Calythtix were Tepresented. leven orchids were collected,

Jor ] Excursion ta Bendigo. 87 the most notable being Thelymttra Macmillant and Dinris palachila. For Sunday the party made the trip. to Flagstaff Hill, in the Whipstick, about 12 miles north of Bendigo, making a whole-day excursion. This locality is principally noted for an extensive patch of Phebaltuwa (Eriostemon) obcordatum. This plant was, however, distinctly past its best, though fair specimens were still to be seen. A multitude of flowenng shrubs, notably Buckea diffusa, Micromyrins (Backea) micro- phylla, Calythrix tefragong, Olearia, Boronia anemonifolia, Eviostemon ohovalis, Londonta Behrui, and Brarhyloma daphnoidas. Seventy-one species were recorded for the day, Several of the party took the opportunity of collecting seedling plants for cultivation. Messrs. Oke and Thorn, who devoted themselves ta entomology, reported satisfactory results in their several departments. Not many birds were observed, but a Flycatcher’s nest was seen in a small shrub, with one egg and a Cuckoo's ege in addition.

Accounts of previous excursions to Bendigo will be found in the Nadwralist for November, 1919, and December, 1920, On this occasion, owing to the lateness of the season, a large number of plants not previously seen on these exoursions were noted, including the following :—

~ RanuNcuLaAckz&— aComposita— -

ft Ranunculus parvifinrns. Helipterum. dimorpholepis. + DirLenracka— 4 Helichrysum apiculatuin.

Hibbertia stricta. o Cassinia aculeata (var.) Rutidosis pumitio,

« Pitrosrorack&é—- , - Cotula coronopifolia, & Pittosporpn plhillyrienides,

‘ SPV LID

s Ruracka— Lt no i * Phebalium obcordatim. : Stylidium perpusitliun,

Leewenhoekia si bia, Loxyacrmn— oe

Linum nvarginale. *Goopentracra— |

~ CAnYoPUVELACEE— Goodenia. pinnatitida. Sagina apetila. *GENTIANACEE—

+ Legumrosa-— Sebiea ovata,

Pultena Jarvifiorens.

Eutaxia empetrifolia, TORCHIDACER— . Templetonia Muelieri, Vhelymitra aristata, Swainsona tephrotricha. antennifera. , Macmilteni. ™ Rosacka— Diuwvis palachila Acena ovina b Culochilus Robertsoni- ~HALORAGEA— b Pterostylis rufa, Haloragis teucroides, > LIGrACE-— @ Myrracen— Bulbine bulbesa. Mieromyrius microphylla. Arthropotinm steietum. * Composita—- . Nerotes Erowny Wrachycome exihs, CyPrreracha—- Vattadinia, australis. Schomus apogory. Leptorrhynchos squamatnis Catex paniculata,

3a Excursion ta Bendigo. Lwatr ex Vita.

We are indebted to Mr, C, Oke for the following notes about the beetles observed :—"' On the last two excursions to Bendigo about 160 species of beetles have been taken. This seems a very small number for six days’ collecting, Every method of collecting has been iried, but the greater part of the time has been spent in searching ants’ nests for inquilines, which, though not very prolific in species, has yielded some very interesting beetles. Many of the species are common around Meltoume, and have been omitted fren list ; others occur neav Melbourne, but are fairly rare; but most of these species ire not known around the metropolis, Scarabide : Cryptodus piceus, Germ., in nests of Iridiomyrmex detectus and Ecto- tomma metallicam. Carabide: Mecyclythorax’ lateralis and M. punctatus, Scopodes boops were in dozens under leaves at Plagstaff Hill. Three species of Staphylinide in ants’ nests. Pselaphide : * Articeras curvicornis, West,, * A, dilaticornis, West., * A. fortnumi, Hope, * A, cremogastri, Lea, and * A, irregularis (?), Lea, Pausside = Arthrapterus howitti (?), Macl. (jf. and @ in nest of E. metallicum). Histeride : * Chlamydopsis, n. 5p. Cueujide: Nephans alata, Cast. (with I. nitidiss). Ptinide. *Diplocotes foveicollis, Ol, *Paussoptinus Jati- cornis, Lea, * Diphobia familiaris, Ol, Tenebrionide - Chal- eopteris minor, Blackb. Curculionids : Oxyopes fascicilis, Lea Acantholopus spinniger, Macel., Sclerorinus tulerculatus, Macl, [Those marked by an asterisk were found with small black ants under stoncs.)”’

D. J. Patox., C. Darty,

EXCURSION TO ELTHAM Iw spite of ihe fact that 3t was “‘ Henley Day," and that the weather conditions were likely to be unsettled, thirtecn members and friends attended the excursion to Eltham on Saturday, 2znd October, tg2t. The popular superstition attached to the number thirteen proved to be at fault for once, as in evet'y way the outing was full of proft and pleasure to all concerned. The afternoon train journey of sixteen miles wa enhanced owing to the beauty and freshness of the country after the recent warm rains, Wild-flowers were blooming freely, birds were busy with their household arrangements, fields were clad in their spring costumes of green, and gum- tips were glowing with colour. Nature was everywhere sintling- Tt was one of those days that the poet has deseribed— “When Summer came with lips of flame The gentle Spring tu woo,"

The party was met at Eltham by the leaders, and took the track that usually crosses the Diamond Creck, but found for onee that the order had been teversed, for lhe creek at flond

dative’) Escusstot to Elticam, 30 height had considerably erdssed the track—so much so that the vehicular bridge was suhmerged and lost to view, and a precarious, frail-looking emergency structure had to be negotiated. In order to aynid trespassing on private property, the hill that mises abruptly on the northern side was climbed, but the excursionists sonn. descended again to the banks of the flooded stream, and followed its. tortuous course for same distance. lt was here the beauty of the district appealed to the artistic elements in the party: the park-like plades, the glimpses through the leafy canopy of the township and hills in the distance. the imposing big gums, but, above all, the picturesque windings of the ereek, called forth many expressions of pleasure and delight, i¢ must have been such a similar scene that inspired the lines of J, B, O'Hata— i "The winding creek goes singing By wnaidenhaie and niass ; Along its banks, in rosy ranks, The wild-fowers Wave and toss." ,

Mr. Tonge, the ornithological leader, deplored the ravages amongst the birds during the nesting Season of those two allied pests, the human and the feathered jackass—the first-named represented by boys. Both are ruthless destroyers of the youhg native birdsand eggs. He escorted the party toa number of nests, some used this season and already vacated, some in process of completion, and others still in occupatim, The first found was that of the Stnated Tit-Warbler, Acanshiga iineatd, hanging in a branch of a young Red Box tree. ‘The: next was 4 Wattle-bird’s, Acanthochara caryncwlata, built in the centre of a bunch of mistletoe very high up ina White Gui, Near and around the hanks of ithe creek were seen and heard the Fantailed Cuckoo, Cacomantys rufulus, Pallid Cuckoo, Cuculus indrnains, Sordid Woud-Swallow, Avtanus fomebvosys, Grey Thrnsh, Colluricincle karmonica, Black-and-White Vantail, Rhijidura twicolor, and several species of the honey-eaters, in- cluding the White-plumed, Pivlotis penteiiata, and Yellow-faced, Pulotis chrysops, A nest of that interesting bird, the Tawny Frogmnuth, Podargus sirigoides, was discovered about 25 foet up. The wonderfully symmetrical nest of the White-winged Chugh, Corcorax melanorkamphus, was also found, containing _ young birds, Tt was built in a Stringybark tree, Three eggs of the Black-faved Cuckoo-Shrike, Grancalus melanops, were in a nest but in & horizontal fork of a Peppermint. This 1s a remarkably small nest for the size of the birds, a pair of which were flying about in ils vicinity. Parent birds. were also Watching aboyt the nest of the Butcher-Bird, Cracticus desivuctor, and their rich carolling was frequently heard. ~The young hirds were close by, ‘The Rufous Whistlers, Meliphaga phrygia, were everywhere, there being such an abundance of

: go Excursion to Eltham. von Sseeer it.

the cup-smoth and other caterpillars, their natural food supply. On acnval at Mr. Tonge's residence the members of the party were entertained at afternoon tea by Mrs. Tonge, and, although several had to hatry away to catch the early return train, the majority remained to spend an enjovable hour inspecting the leader’s collection of nests, photographic bird studies, and, more particularly, a few of his oil and water-colowr pictures painted from Nature, In the grounds a Goldfinch’s nest, with its clutch of eges, was viewed in an apricot tree. A Yellowstailed ‘Tit-Warbler’s, Acanthiza ohrysorrhoa, nest was also noted. Mr. Tonge discovered two eggs therein, and also an egg of a Bronze-Ciickoa; but all had been deserted on account of a young frog finding its way into the nest and sitting on tap of the eggs, A .Brown Flycatcher, Micreta fascinais, was observed sitting on its tiny nest, which contained two newly- hatched young ones. The beautiful Regent Honey-eater, Meliphaga phrygia, which frequents the district, was not noted during the visit. On behalf of the visitors, Mr. Keep voiced thei’ appieciation of the efforts of both Mr, and Mrs. Tonge to make the afternoon so pleasant and- enjoyable. The ex- cursionists neached. Melbourne at 7-45 in the midst of the final Henley Day festivities, thoroughly satisfied with the afternoun's outing.

The following birds, observed by Mr, Tonge during several years in the vicinity of his residence, will give some idea of the ornithology of the district (names according to Leach's * Bird Book,” first edition) :—

Quail, Stubble. Kinghsher, Laughing.

_——, Brown. —————,, Sacred, —-—, Painted, : Cuckoo. Pallid, Pigeon, Bronzewing. . Fan-tailed.

oHeron, White-necked. ———, White-frainted, _CGoshawk, Australian, o————,, Lesser. “Spatrow Hawk, Collared, Eagle, Wedge-tailed.

, Narrow-billed Brause ———, Bronze.

Swallow. Welcanme.

Martin; Tree.

———. Faire.

*Flycatcher, Australian Brawn.

a Little. Rolain, Searlet-bregsted, wKite, Australian Black-shouldered. | *———, Flame-breasted, Hawk: Brown. ? _ Pink-breasted. oKestrel, Nankeen, ———. Hooded,

Owl, Boobook, *Cockatoo, Rose-breasbed.

n————, Gang-Gang, o———, White. *Lorikeet, Little,

—-—, Musk. Parrot, Crimson. ———, Roselia.

— , Swit,

Frogmouth, Tawny- Nightjar, Owlet,

¢ Occasional visitors.

Tree-Tit, Short-billed. Fantail, White-shafted. ———, Rufous.

——_, Black-and-White. Flycatcher, Restless, Ground-Bird (Thrush), Spotted. Thrush. Australian Mountain. Chat, White-fronted, Warbler, Speckled. Tit-Warbler, Littic.

—. Browit.

* Do not resi i district.

yoru _ - Excursion to Eltham: or

Tit-Warbler, Striated. Tiiamond-Bird, Orange-tipped, - . Yellow-tailed, . Yellow-tipped. _— | Bufl-tailed, ——_—____. Spotted, Warbler, Superb. Honey-eater, White-naped. Wood-Swallow, White-browed, —————_, Spinebill, —_—————, Masked, ————_———,, Regent.

———, Sordid. ——_—_———_,, Yellow-faced- Magpie-Latk, —_—_— . Yellow-plumed.

White-plumed.

Shrike-Thrush, Grey. a , White-cheeked,

Magpie, White-backed,

Buteher-Bird, Australian. Wattle-Bird, Shrike-Tit, Yellow-breasted, Miner, Noisy. Whuistler, Gelden-breasted “Honey-eater, Blue-daced. ———. Rufous-breasted. Le — . New Holland, Shrike-Robin, Yellow-breasted, Pipit, Australian. Tree-creeper, Orange-wingesl. “Finch. Spotted-sided, —— . Brown. “—-—, Red-browed-

, White-throated. Oriole, Olive-backed. White-eye. Chough, White-winged- Plower-pecker, Austalian, Bell-Magpie, Grey, Diamond-Bird, Red-tipped. o—— , Sooty,

E. 5S. Axtuony.

EXCURSION JO FRANKSTON. Own Salurday, 12th November, one member and the leader formed the advance guard at Flinders-street. At Frankston four additional members were joyfully recognized. It was proposed to first visit Landslip Point, where Janjukian fossils, can be collected from the ironstone, but as the tide was still high we proceeded along the main road towards the farthest objective. A short distance out of Frankston a high cutting on the foadside shows the remains of a raised beach, well above liigh water mark. Just past the hook bend of the Frankston road we turned down a well-made road past ' Trescote,”’ which terminated in a track leading lo the beach. Here the red and purple fSerruginous sands, apparently unfossiliferous, present a most bizarre appearance, being splashed with large patches of whitish 'clay-galls** that have been bleached, probably by original organic matter. One member observed how un- natural this would seem if reproduced in a painting; it formed au very vivid break in the placid harmony of the adjacent seascape. In ane spot the ironstone was covered with the tracks of fossil worms, showing the conditions at that time to have been intertidal. As the day was sultry the walk was taken leisurely, some members going over the cliff, whilst others pushed on along the shore. The party rejoined at Grice’s Creek, where the billy was boiled, the intervals heing filled in with fossil collecting and a discussion on the relationship of the recks—bluestone, sandstanes, and clays—met with at this o Dosastonal visitas. * Do not nest in district.

ring has Viet. Nat. o2 Excrysion to Frankston, (yon ticeutit,

spol, Mr. A, E. Kitson’s report, published in 1go00,"-was referred to, and the leader remarked how much of his interpretatian of this complex is still upheld by investigators, except as to the age of the Baleombian clays anc the ferruginous rocks. The large cement-stones commonly met with ig the Balcomhian heads are here seen in distinct bands marking the planes of bedding. On the returi journey the shore was traversed Jor some flistance. The shells left by the receding tide were mostly broken, but the huge quantity of Mesodesma, sp., was especially noted, skirling the shore-line for miles. The alien Yellow Horned Poppy, Glawcitwn litexm, brightened up the foreshore with its glaucous-green, great shrubby masses and showy flowers, striking a reminiscent note of wanderings along the shores of Kent and Sussex. Turning inland hetween Dennant and Bullart Creeks, the Frankston road was rejoined in time for members to catch the 6.48 train to town. The Balcombian clavs of Grice's Creek are rich in Jossils, and ap- pended tsa list of those collected on this excursion by Mr. F. A, cHdmore and the leader’ ——Foramintfera —Miliniina incarinata, Nodosaria soluta. Corals —Lathyactis Jens, Balanophvllia armata, Flabelluun gambicrense, F: victorig, Placotrochus dcltoideus, P. elongata, Sphenotrochus australis. Eehtnoidea, —Cidaris (Lelocidaris). Polyzoa,.—Cellepora tridenticulata, var- nummularia, Lunulites rutella. Bivaines—Amussium zitteli, ‘Arca camozoica, A. crustata, Cardita delicatula, ©. scabrosa, Carditamera alata, Cardium hemimeris, Crassatellites communis, Cucullz#a corivensis, Dimya dissimilis, Glycimeris maccoyi, Leda cf apiculata, L. huttomi, L. vagans, Lima bassi, Limopsis mraccoyi, L- morningtonensis, Mere(rrx eburnea, Nucula obliqua, Ostrea hyotidoidea, Pecten yabliensis, Sarepta cbolella, Semele krausui, Spondylus pseudoradula, Trigoma tnbulifera, Venus caimozoicus, Scaphopoda.—Dentabium subfissura, D. mantelli. Gastero- poda.—Ancilla pseudaustralis, Argolmecinum pratti; Bathytoma thombaidalis, Bela (Daphnobela) gracillima, Bullinella </, angustata, B. cf. exigua, Calyptrea undulata, Cancellaria varicifera. Colubraria tenuvicostata. Columbarium acanthe- stephes, C. craspedotum, Columbella haleombensis, Conomitra ligata, Crepidula dubitabilis, Cyprea contusa, C. eximia, war, brevis, Erato momingtonensis, Fusus senticosus, Latirohasius aciformis, L. exilis, Lotorium protensum, Mangilia Uidens, Margimella inermis; M- propingua. M. wentworthi, Mitra atractoides, Mnrex amblyceras, M. lophoessus, M. velificus, Nassa tatel, Natica limbata, N- perspectiva, N. polita, New- toniclla cribarioides, Scaphella maccoyi, Siliquaria occlusa, Trivia avellanoides, Turtitella platyspira, Volita ancilloides, V. imbata, V_ strophodon, Volutibthes antiscalans—}: Crapman- A

* Geological Survey ai Victoria—Monthly Progress Keport (New Series), No, 12, pp, 3-13 (ith map).

re Oxz, Beetle-Collecting af the Lepderderg 53

A DAY'S BEETLE-COLLECTING AT THE LERDERDERG. By CHArtes OK, (Read before the Field Natwvaitsts’ Clb of Victoria, 8th August, 1921.)

! wAD often looked at the Pentland Hills on the map, and wished LT could wet there to do some collecting ; it was therefove a great pleasure to me to see the Lerderderg Gorge on the Tg20-i excursion programme for goth October. Leaving town by the 7.40 train for Bacchus Marsh, we arrived there about nine, and were soon seated in Wie cab that was to convey us to the Gorge, The road-out did not lovuk at all mviting to an entomolagist, aud gave no indication of what an. Interesting spot we were gomg to.

On arriving at the end of our drive of six ar sevenimiles we were only a few hundred fect from thé entrance to: the Gorge. We walked down to the river, hut found it wnpossible to cross, and at first glance it seemed equally impossible to proceed up-streamm on our side of the stream, on account of the steep cliff around which the river flows: but by scrambhog up u steep bank we reached a wattr-race, and then a flume, thirty ol forty feet ahove the water, Fortunately, wo water was running in this flume at the time,so we were able to walk along it, around the cliff, to where we could walk along the embank- ment, I had not gone far along this before } saw some moss frowmge on the side of the hill, A bay of this was obtained for teasing over white paper at home; but st did nol contain anything fresh to me, the only beetles obtained from it being a small common Staphylinid, some small weevils of the genus Mandalotus, and a Pselaphid of the genus Pselaphus. The beetles of this genus are remarkable for the great develop- ment of the mnaxillary palps. In the present species they are very large and sharply elhowed, and are longer than the antenna, and might easily be mistaken for a second pair of antenn#. The eyes are large, strongly convex, and coarsely fasclated, and under a lens resemble small blackberries.

Amongst some leaves near this moss I found a very small beetle, a Trichoptcrygid : it is about the size of the head of a very fine pin. Though these beetles are so small, there is no degeneration of their structure. Their anatomy is as complex as as the Jargest insects. ‘A peculiarity about them is the hristles on the antennie, and the wings being fringed. These latter make a nice object for the microscope, under which they somewhat resemble a feather. A little further along the bank T turned over a few stones anu found several species of ants had their nests under them, and it was not long before I had made my first gond capture for the day—a Pselaphid that was new to me, of the genus Tmesiphorus. In this genus the

94 Oxe, Baetle-Collecting at the Levderdorg. [ats ier:

palps are well developed, but not nearly so long as in‘the first- mentioned genus, and the antenne are distinctly clubbed. This beetle was taken from the nest of Awihlyopom: aushalts, a slow-moving, yellowish ant, with a very nasty sting. A nest of Pheidole auts contained another Pselaphid, Bryaxts (sp. ?), and it was carefully taken on a wetted grass stem.

I now found that I had been left behind by the rest of the partly, and, lailmg lo receive an answer to a couple of '' Coa-ees," decided it was no use trying to catch np. Without intending to do se, 1 was soon climbing up the side of the hill, going from stone to stom, and, though | had intended to keep atong the rivet to where the Gorge npens out a little, the sight o another stone just a little bit ahead kept me going up instead of along. Abaut half-way up 1 turned over a stone, unde which was.a nest of Eclafomma metallicum, Viverybody must: know this ant by sight, if not hy name. It is about a quarter of an inch long, of a vich metallic purple and green, and is generally called the “ Green-head."’ After watching .the nest for a few minutes, I noticed what looked extremely like an ant, shghtly larger than the others, but which, unlike the rest of the ants, was keeping still, When 1 touched it, however, it put out eight legs and ran away, This spider, when-at rest, is very ke an ant, but when running the resemblance is not so good. I have fairly often seen this spicer in ants’ nests, but have nover seen one out of the nests. Turning over another stone, just a few steps awav, I found a nice nest of the “ Green-head,” and amongst the rubbish in the nest found what E had come to hunt for--a Chlamydopsis. The beetles forming this genus are most remarkable insects. Professor Westwood, whe described the genus, considered st the most remarkable he had seen. When at rest they are alb " shut up rhe head is retracted into the prothorax, the first joint of the antenne lies around the head (covering the eves), the small joints arc bent, and the club is received into a hollow in the front of the prothorax. So completely withdrawn is the head and its antenn# that it leaves the front o£ the prothorax quite smooth and perpendicular ; and it is only by the aid of a good hand lens that the top of the head can be made out. In some species the legs are received into grooves in the sides of the bhudy, The legs themselves are grooved—the femora to receive the tibiz, and the tibiw to receive the tarsi, Another peculiarity about them is that they all have a large depressi¢n in the elytra (wing-cases) near its hase, and on the sides of this, or near the shoulders, are faswicles of peculiar hairs. What these fascicles are far we do not knuw, but it is evident that they must be connected with a gland which secretes some substance, which is either a further means of defence or if something the ante are fond of. Ti is probably the latter > lat,

Jans ] One, Beetle-Collecting at the Lovdevderg. ng iJ So, why the temarkable provision for closing up as a means of defence ? The species I had taken was ectatomme, so called hecause it associates with that ant. It is known by the transvelse sti arqund the scutellur region, with very incon- spicuous fascicles.

On the top of the hill, in a “white ants'" (Termites!) nest, 1 found a Pedilophorus, an unusually large specimen, Under the bark of a yum-tree J found a pair of nice Eucnemids and several species of Carabidse. Over the other side of ihe hill, in 4 beautiful ald nest of the ‘ Green-head,"’ I took yet another

rize—Chamydopsis longtpes, Lea. This species. as its name implies, has remarkably Jong legs—more than twice the length of the body. IT worked along the hill a bit, but found if very dry, so decided to go back to the river. On the flat near the river are enough stones to spend weeks looking under, so there was no neéd to walk far—in fact, for two of three hours 1 hardly stood upright, the stones being so close that it was only a waste of time to straighten oneself, Here, in the nests of a small black species of Ividiomyrmex, I took a number of Pedilophomms [sp.?)—a small black species covered with tather long hairs. Though Pedilophorms. has heen taken from ants’ nests before, I do not think they are “ inguilines,”’ I feel sure the ants use them as food for their larve. Their usual habitat is, F fancy, moss, from which I have taken them, T took one from the mandibles of an ant. I had certainly disturbed several nests of these ants, and this ant amght have been taking the beetle to a place of safety, but 7 appeared to me to he coming to the nest from the hills. Here 1 took two specimens of a Microchestes from nests of *' Green-heads.'' These are peculiar little tufted beetles of the family Byrrhide. When resting their icads are bend under the thorax, and the legs are received into grooves in the body. On this little flat T took a second specimen of ©. ectatomma:, with the humeral region a bright red. There is a lot of mistictoe growing on the trees here, and | noticed it was very much infested with a large scale, There were a fair number af the Wood White, Delis aganippe, \yatterflies, and a few Caper Whites, Anaphats paua tewtonta, flying about, and I saw a fine specimen of that rare Victorian butterfly, Papilio stenthelus, settle on a bush, but, being without a net, could not catch it. A bush of the Native Hop, Daviesia latifolia, had a number of that pretty little heetic, Augomela, on it, and it looked very pretty on the bushi, A small Staphylinid was taken from an ants’ nest, and two other species from amongst some dead leaves on the ground.

Nearly every stone had a nest of some species of ant under it, hut inquilines, with the exception of a small Rodwayei, were hard to find, About twenty species of ants were disturhed, the most common being the “ Green-heads ’ and the small

v6 Oxr, Bestle-Collecting at the Levdorderg. [yal SSX),

black Ividioinyrniex, I did not see & Single specimen Af that favenrite host of so many beetles, Iridiomyrinex aitides ; perhaps if l had tried more amongst he timber IT world have come geross it. One nest that interested me very mmch was that of Leplomyrmesx eryihvocephalawx, i) being the first time I had seen the nest of this ant. This is a remarkably long- legged species, and gives off an adour Something like Uhe meat anl, fradimmyrmes detectus. There were about thirty ants visible when I turned over the stone, and they looked very queer the way they wandered about, some of them standing - up as high as their long Iegs would allow them. Another rarity was a large ant Jike a “bulldog,” black, with rec thorax, the nest of which L have not seen, nor have I heard of anyone who has. ;

About 5 melock 1 found L had forgotten to have my lunch, and the strenuous work of stope-turning had given me a decided lvangry feeling so T made back to where | had left ny bag—at the first ants’ nest met with. Aller eating 2 couple of sandwiches I decided it was tuo dry without a demk, so went in search of a spot where I could reach the water. Scrambling down the embankment, 1 easily reached the water's edge, and prepared fo have my belated lunch, hut, noticing ants runoing in and ~ out of a hole under a stone, | turned it over, and lnnch was again put off, Amongst the little hack ants I got another Pselaphid, Articerus curvicorms, West., and, fuming over another. I saw three Articerus, which I took ta be ithe same Species, so that when I had caught one. and saw something run under anathe: stone, I did not hether to look at the beetle on my finger for a minute, but when 1 did J saw it was a very different species, A, constrictiventyis, Lea, and, though 1 searched for some time, I searched in yain for the other lwo. The beetles of this genus (Articerus) are peculiar o account of the antenne being reduced to a single joint, and having an ex- cavation on the top of the abdomen. This excavation his hairs along its lateral margins, and these are attached {o secretory glands. A. curutcornis das the antenna flattened in the middle but round at ends, apex truncate, and large set# protruding from mouth. What can be the function of vhis bristle-like projection ? In constvéctwentris Uhe antenne are circular throughout, while the abdomen is suddenly constricted at base.

Running on the stones were numbers of a pretty little Staphy- linid, which 1 took to be Paederus crmentivollis, Germ., and, as this 18 very common, I only took the one specimen ; however, on examination at home it proved to be FP. australis, Blackb., a much rarer species. Several species of Carabide were also found amongst the stones near the water’s edge, mostly commen things; but I was fortunate enough to secure a single speej-

fan] One, Beelle-Collecting al the Lerderderg- oF men of Tachys monochyosa and three species of Clivina. Long hefore I had exhausted the possilyilties of this spot I heard the other members of the party returning along the race, and, as they seemed to think at was time to get back for the ab, 1 had reluctantly Lo leave, hoping that I might be able to revisit the spot at no distant date, : ;

To Mr. C, C, Brittlebank I owe very many thanks for enabling « me to visit so profitable a collecting ground, for, though the number of species collected—forty-one—was nel so very inany for a day's collecting, the rarity of some of them more than made up for any paucity of numbers,

Lorp Howe IstAsp-: A NATURALISTS PARADISE.—According to an article by Mr. Allan R. M‘Culloch, in the Aystralsan Muséum Magazine for August, there is every chance of Lord Howe [sland losing its charm for naturalists, and even hecaming uninhabitable. He says:—"* Two years ago the forest of Lord Howe fsland was joyous with the nates of myriads of birds, large and small, and of many kinds. Doves wandered fearlessly around one’s feet on the main roads, and the bush vesounded with their cooing. Doctar-birds, Aplornis fusens, made their appearance in the garden clearings every evening, and with the Fantails (Rhipidura) even wandered through the houses in search of insects and crumbs. Silver-cyes played havoc in the fiunit-trees, while Thickheads and a dozen others added to the general chorus, They were unmolested save by each other, the residents of the island rarcly disturbing their harmony. To-day, however, the ravages of rats, the worst enemy of mankind, accidentally introduced, have made the note of a bird rare, und the sight of one, save the strang-ln}led Magpie and the Kingfisher, even rarer, Within two years this paradise of birds has become a wildreness, and the quiet of death reigns where all was once melody. One cannot see how the happy conditions are to be restored. The very few birds remaining are unable to breed, being either destroyed upon llicir nests of driven from them by the rate and their eggs eaten. One can scarcely imagine a greater calamity in the bird world than this tragedy which Has overtaken the avifauna of Yord Howe Island. With the birds gone, injurious insects have incteased unchecked, and are destroying the produce of the island gardens, Fruit-flies have ruined the peaches, and cater- pillars of many kinds are stmpping the leaves from shrubs and trees, The rats also eat the corn ere it ripens, and extract the ‘qulp from bananas, pomegranates, and other fruits while they ure hanging on the trees. Nothing is safé from their rapacisy, and dire distress threatens the residents unless some nn- expected: cause brings aboul a reduction uf the rats and an increase of insectivorous hirds.””

98 Pescott, Notes on Muetller's Literary Work. [inte Bete

NOTES ON MUELLER’S LITERARY WORK. By E. E. Prscorr, F,LS- (Read before the Field Natuvatists’ Club of Victoria, 16th Oct,, 1923.)

Agrer being a student and collector for nearly twenty years af the written work of the great man who passed away twenty- five years ago to-day, 1 now find myself quite incapable of, and my powers quite inadequate for, the task of writing a salisfactory appreciation of his literary genius, Hooker called him ' the prince of Australian botanists’; J. H. Maiden said "he was the last of the great hetanical explorers—one of a peculiarly bnoliant trio, the other two members of which were Rebert Brown and Allan Cunningham.”

Botanical students the world.aver must feel it a very great loss not to be able to turn to a complete bibliography of this, the greatest botanical-worker that Australia has ever seen, Although many suggestions have been made from time to time, nothing whatever has been done to give to the world a complete catalogue of his literary works, When writing an obitnary notice, Mr. J, H, Maiden, Government Botanist of New South Wales, said —''{n faci, so vast has been the influence of Mueller wpon Australian hotantcal science that a catalogue rassonné of his works has become an imperative necessity" (Agy. Gaz. N.SW., Nov., 1896, pp. 742-945) This ' imperative necessity '" has never been realwed, After twenty-five years we have no pubhshed record of the works of this great maji,

It is indeed a fortunate circumstance that the Baron was induced to prepare a list of his earlier writings when Joseph Armin Knapp published a biographical sketch of his Jife in 1877, Knapp's sketch was published in a German publication, and in the German language, i was afterwards reprinted in pamphlet form. 1 am indebted to Mr. Gerhardt Renner for @ copy of this very rare reprint (as well as for others), which is prefaced hy a woodcut of the Baron in the prime of his life. The reprint contains a complete list of the Baron’s works, including collaborations, translatians, and other writings up {a the year 1877, From that date there is no published record of his literary work. There is, in the libtary of the National Herbarium of Victoria, a large folio manuscript book con- taining a fairly complete record of the Baron's written work, This was compiled by his literary executor, Rev. W, Potter, It ts neither thoroughly accurate nor complete, but it is a splendid foundation for some future worker. ft contains some hundred or more pages, with lists of Muellee's writings all chronologically arranged in good sequence. Why this biblio- graphy was never published we can merely conjecture. It should

Jane] escorr, Notes on Miusilay's Liteyavy |Veork, D9 have been done immediately after his death, and the neglect of the performance of such an important duty is a matter Jor Vv great regret, 5

“Mueller s literary work was almost whuly confined to Australasian subjects. Before Jeaving Europe he had coinpiled a flora nf a portion of Schleswig-Holstein. This was wntten before 1847, but was not published till 7853. On his arrival in South Australia his studies of the fora around Adelaide resulted in several articles appearing in print; and from that date until bis death the Baron was a most prohiic anthor. His writings were not alone confined to botany of living plants, lor his descriptions of fossil plants and fruts arc: well known, His versatility is also shown in his.historical articles, notably the one-on the accasion of the celebration, in the Melbourne Town Hall, of the Columbus jubilee (1492-1892), His " List of Birds Visiting the Melbourne Botanic Gardens '' (1869) shows his grasp of other nature subjects than botany,

1 think his greatest monumental work—one which will stand above others for all time—is the ' Fragmenta Phytngraphix, Australie,” The first part was published in 1854, and the last in i882. As every botanist knows, there aré eleven volumes, all written in Latin, and a fragment, which ts rare, being the first part of vol. xii. Here were published very many 6f his species; new locations and new discoveries are also vecorded, It is a classic, and one always necessary to students of Australian plants, Strangely enough, this was, as well, his first among the larger and more important pwhlice- tions, It 35, in one way, difficult to understand why Mueller did not continue to issue this yaluable woyk. The final fragment above referred to was published in 1882, fourteen years before his death. Possibly the.demand for more *' pupular works was the cause of its discontinuance. Only five years previously he had issued what is now considered to be his only "popular '! work, his ' Introduction to Botanic Teachings in Schools,” and this was being largely used and discussed. His " Eucalyptographia was also running through its ten numbers at this period, to be followed by the Acacia, Myopotines, and alsa Salsolacez. These valuable works, so freely. and accurately illustrated, all tended to make botanical studies popular, and they were then, as they are still, much in demand, J. H. Maiden has said that ''' Eucalyptographia * 15 sufficient to. make the reputation of any man.” The same might be said of any of Mueller's monographs. These quarto volumes are sti}! standard works of reference on thes plants so discussed,

The magnificent quarto volume, "' Plants Indigenous to the Colony of Victoria,’ which was issued as vol, 1, in 1860-62, was really the beginning of a work which Mueller wished to

too PEscorr, Notes on Muller's Literary Work. [yes Rt).

issue as the Standard work on Victorian plants. Unfortunately, we only have one volume of this, with the additional volume of plates, Just at ibis time Mueller was very hard at work, in collaboration with Bentham, on the fistorie “Flora Australiensis,”” (Bentham's gteat tribute to Mueller in the, preface of that work stands as a monument to his magnificent unselfishness and devotion.) We can readily, therefore, under stand how that Mueller would again give up his own local efforts in order to be of benefit in the wider sphere—a Ara of the continent, In 187q Mueller issued the first part of what, if eontinyed, would have been an invaluable work af reference ia students of our plants. This was “The Native Plants of Victoria Suscinctly Defined,” Part I, It gives in its 190 pages a botanical record of known plants from Ranunculacee to Nyctaginez, including 40 familics and t2i genera. The volume is well illustrated with wood-cuts (" xylographic illustrations“), and, if completed, would have been of far greater use than the well-known *’Key.'" But force of circumstances compelled him to abandon this work, along with several others, to curry out other Juties under official instructions. [he work which went through more editions than any other ts the ‘Select Plants Readily Suitable for Industnal Culture. * This work had its genesis in an article of about 30 pages in the Annyal Report of the Acclimati- zation Society of Victoria, 1871; but no doubt, judging fron) his writings, Mueller had it in mind for many years before this, The “Select Plants’ appeared, with additions, mm the ‘same publication in the next year; il was alse issued in vol. i. of Mueller’s book, “Lectures and Documents ot) Industrial Research,’ 1872, A supplement appeared jn the Acclimatsza- lion Society's fourth report of 1874. but im 1876 it was con- sidered to be of sufficient importance to sian alone. Thence it passed through many -editions, the Jast being issued in 7895, So valuable a work attracted attention sight throughout the world ; and thus editions for New South Wales (two), United States of America (two), and India were issued. It was alsa translated into Spassh, French, German, aad Ualian,

Then we have his two ‘Census of Australian Plants.’ The first, issued in 1882, had four additional supplements, while the second was issued in 1889. This, with its literary and regional records, is sb] our only work of reference as a plant census.

To the eatly members of this Club tnust be given the credit for initiating the movement which resulted in the issue af the ‘Key to the System of Victorian Plants,’ in two volumes (1885-88), ‘Though the eampilation of this work was well known to be distasteful to the Baron, he persevered, and worked, as always, with tis usual unselfish patriotism. And

‘

Jar Prescorr, Nolss on Mueller's Lilovary Work, ror who shall deny its value* What student of to-day can say ‘that it may be dene without ?

Mueller’s shorter articles, which range in content from a few pages down toa dozen lines, it is quite impossible to discuss. They were scattered all over the world by the dozen, in all kinds af publications, obscure as well as prominent, and written jn many languages. They total some hundreds. fndeed, I doubt if they can ever be collected into a complete record, and yet each and all are valuable. records of travel and investigation.

One aspect of Mueller’s writing has before been suggested, but a few words might be said here in regard to that aspect—- viz., the modern application of their teachings. Not anly his Jarge and important works, hut his briefer records and diagnoses, are wonderfully up-to-date. Mistakes there are—of coilrse there must be some errors of judgmént in the thousands of pages of literary effort: but in both the foundation and the superstructure of the work of this master mind the works are still valuable as references to to-day’s botanica] research, His modern trend is clearly shown in the last words of his lecture dlelivered in June, 1871—5n years ago—on the subject of “Porest Culture.” He wrete-—'‘I regard the lorest as an heritage given to us by Nature, not for spoil or to devastate, but to be wisely used, reverently honoured, and carefully maintained. I regard the forests as a gift, entrusted to any of us only for transient care during a short space of time, to be surrendered to posterity again as an unimpaired property, With increased riches and augmented blessings, to pass as a sacred patrimony from generation to generation," I venture to say that were this lecture delivered to-day as it was fifty years ago it would be accepted as quite the modern acceptance of forest culture for Australia.

I must here fefer again to the great and unselfish character of the Baron, which was shown in several ways. Reference can anly be briefly made to his giving the whole of lis private fortune to charitable and publishing objects, If he wanted & Work, and the State would not publish it, he would issue it at his own cost, The Melbuumme Argus estimated that he spent over {20,000 in the cause of science! When his "' Select Plants '" was isswed in the French language. translated by Naudin, the title-page gave the greater credit to the trans- lator than to the author, The book contains a pjcture of Naudin, #0 of Mueller, the greater mind. Yet he never ¢omplained. Again, when Elwood Cooper, of Califurma, issued the work on " Eucalyptus Trees," by Elwood Cooper (as the title-page shows), it was merely a reprint, of many of Muellers published works and lectures, with a dozen lines of preface

102 Prscatr, Nateson Muellav's Lisevary Work. [y./\ch Sat Vol, XXXVEIL.

by Cooper.* J think this ls one of the most disgraceful cases of plagiarism on record. Yet Mueller gladly issued copies of this work to his friends, On the other hand, it must be noted that whenever the Baron translated any Work, notably Wittstein’s ‘Organic Constituents of Plants,’’ he was always careful to credit the author with the work, claiming merely the translatory efforts.

In concluding this brief sketch, may I be permitted to ask, Are we ever to sec a published biography and bibliography of the greatest botanist Australia has ever scen? Surely such a tribute has not been so long delayed as to be considered too late. The centenary of his birth occurs in a few years (1925), and perhaps we may by that lime see a realization of the hopes of tre lovers of Australian botany and its workers—viz,, a commemoration record of life and works of the “ Prince of Australian Botanists.”

SS ¢

“Tre AUSTRALIAN Museum Macazinu,’'—The third number (December) of this new quarterly is to hand, and fully carmes out the aim of the editor as set forth in the first number (April). The contents of each number-are varied and splendidly illustrated, and it has been so sought after by persons interested in natural history expressed in a popular way that copies of the first number are unobtainable, though an edition of one thousand copics was issued. The articles are by members bf the Museum staff, and deal with subjects Australian and extra-Australian. The letterpress is good and the.printing of the half-tome blocks excellent, while the price charged (one shilling) is extremely moderate for a publication of such merit. Perhaps the must interesting article in the current issue is the weport of a lecture delivered at the Museum by Di, W. K, Gregory, Curator of Comparative Anatomy tn the American Museum of Natural History, New York, The lecture was. entitled ‘Australian Mammals, and Why They Should be Protected,” The report is splendidly iMlustrated, and the comparisons drawn between our marsupials and the animals of other countries are most instructive and interesting. Speaking ol the enormous numbers of ‘possum skins sold in the United States vearly, obtained mainly from Queensland, he points out that the animals, instead of producing a monetary return, must soon become extinct, 4nd those depending upon their capture must turn their attention to something else.

* There anust be more than one <dition of this work, fof Mr. J, H. Maiden refers to 2 copy in which there is a brief tecture by Cooper, prefacing the Moeller reprints. Mr. Maides) docs wat look om this as

plagiarism, as he considers that Mueller gave Coopes the’ necessary pernzission to reprint,—E, &, P,

Che Victorian Naturalist.

Vat, XXXVILI—No, 10. | FEBRUARY , 1922, No, 459. 458.

FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB OF VICT ORIA.

THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday evening, 16th January, 1922,

The president, Mr. IF. Chapman, A,L.S., occupied the chair, and about sixty members and visitors were present,

WELCOME.

The chairman welcomed to the meeting Mr, A, H, S. Lucas, M.A., of Sydney, an honorary member of the Club, one of the early presidents of the Society, and the first editor of the Nathvatist. Mr, Lucas expressed his pleasure at being able to be present at a Club meeting, though naturally he missed many of the iaces he was accustomed to see at the early ineetings of the Club.

NOTES ON EXHIBITS.

Mr. J. «A. Kershaw, F.E.S., drew attention to a collection of plants made by himself during a brief visit to Qoldea, on the Transcontinental Railway, about 350 miles west. of Port Augusta, in July last. The species had been determined at the National Herbarium, and particulars will appear in the next Naturalrst.

Mr. A. J. Tadgell gave some particulars about a series of plants collected during the Christmas holidays in the Victorian Alps, when he was able to add eleven species to the list, of the Victorian alpine flora, as well as several introduced plants.

(Mr, Tadgell’s remarks appear as an addendum to his pape published in this tssue-—Ep. Vict. Nai.)

Mr. E. E. Pescott, F.L.S., called attention to his exhibit of a specimen showing the fructification of the fungus Palypboris mylitia, usually known as -'' Blackfellows’ Bread.’ This stage of the fungus is rarely met with, and for a long time was quite unknown,

PAPER READ.

By Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., entitled ' Notes on the Geology of the Mallee."

The author, by means of lantern slides, gave an interesting account of the genlogical formation of the north-western portion of Victoria familiarly known as the Mallee, once a waste of sand and scrub, now one of the leading wheat-producing districts of the State. This change had been brought about mainly by the subterranean exploration carried ont In sceking for artesian water, and.this water, which had been struck in the majority of the bores, had added increased fertility to the sail and enabled cultivation to take the place of the natural vegetation. The borings revealed the fact that the older rocks

104 Fiald Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings. — { ya" 2x30 1.

(Metamorphic, Ordovician, and Devonian) were swom-down by atmospheric action and fiver agency io base level in pre-MGocene times. Over the great pene-plain thus formed were spread estuarine mudflats, with much accumulation of timber and leaves (Banksia and Waratah) from the vicinily- The subsidence was greater than the deposition could cope with, and the sea invaded the land. The general subsidence seems to have been about too fathoms in Janjukian times. Then pscillation took place, By erosion and current action the -continental shelf was formed, frequented hy sharks and crabs ({Kalimnan). The coastal geography then assumed variations between shore-linc and swamp, making accumulations between I0o and 250 feet thick. These superficial deposits took on the nature of travertm, ironstone, cyprid limestone, estuarine mud with foraminifera, and rolled and wind-wern sand-dune formations. . EXHIBITS.

By Mr. T. S. Hart, M.A.—Blooms of Epacris microphylla, from Beronia, near Ferntree Gully, rath January, 1922,

By Mr. J, A. Kershaw, F.E.S.—Dried plants from Ooldea, South Australia (Tyanscontinental Railway), collected by exhibitar, July, 1921: on behalf of National Museum, meteorite from Roper River, Northern Territory,

By Mr. ©, Oke.—Spikes of orchid, Spivanthes atistralts, ' Austeal Ladies’ Tresses,"’ fram Caulfield—a. new locality, and nearest yet recorded to city.

By Mr. E. E. Pescott.—Fungus, Polyporus mylitta, '' Black- fellows’ Bread,’ showing iructification; Athiscus Farragel, I, y. M,, collected at Bolton (Mallee) by F, W, Holt, December, 1g2t, new lor Victoria (recorded also from W.A., S.A, N.S.W., O., and N.T)

By Mr. A, J, Tadgell.—Porty-one species of alpine plants fromm Mounts Feathertop and Hotham, including Acacia penn, neruts, vat. linearis, Hickory, Aciphylla glacialss, Snow Aciphylla, Astetia alpina, Astelia, Helichrysum rosemarini- folium, var. ledifalium, Olearia flaveseens, Yellowish Aster, O, subrepandra, Wrinkled Aster, Orites lancifohia, Alpine Orites, Podocarpus alpina, Alpine Podocarp, Trochocarpa pumila, Dwarf Wheel Heath, Thermnolia vermicularis (lichen), Uorcante compacta, Mountain Hook Sedge; living plant of ‘Werlera depressa, in berry ; also a micro-fungus, Fabraa rhytismordes.

By Mr, H, B, Williamson.—Flowering and fruiting speci- mens of Encalypius neglecta, Maiden; also samples of bark aud timber and photographs of tree; a rare species {rom Spring Creek, near tobunere, 18 miles front: Omeo, collected by ex-' hibiter, January, 1922. The first specimen brought to Mel- bourne since its discovery by Mr, A, W. Howitt, F.G:5,, in 1882.

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated,

tad TADGELL, “ Tho Flova of the Victorian Alps," ID§ A CONTRIBUTION TO" THE FLORA OF THE VICTORIAN ALPS."

By Atsreo J. TapGEL. (Read before Me Field Naturalists’ Chub of Victoria, 12th Dec., (921-)

Ir was not with any mtention of reading a paper before the Field Nataralists’ Club of Victoria that IT made my collection of Victorian Alpine plants—in fact, I did not expect to make any material additions to the scientific records of species that had been collected by other enthusiasts; nor had I seen the paper by Prof. Ewart entitled “ The Flora of the Victorian Alps,"’ accompanied by a haotanical report by Mr. J. W. Audas, which appeared in the Naturalist for October, rgxo (vol, xxvit., p- 104). TI had made my own collection and my own list. which included heights and actual collecting-places, as Ll had - flone under similar circumstances in other hunting-gronnds. How could I expect to add to the collections of such ardent hotanists as the late Baron von Mueller, Messrs, Walter, Stirling. Maiden, French, Barnard, Sutton, and Weindorfer, or. indeed, of so many who had-from time to time sent specimens lo the National. Herbariam ? .

However, after reading the roto list, for the first time, a few months ago, and having had five pleasant outmgs in the Alps, each extending to about a fortnight, and ranging from early December to the end of March, running up one side ‘of that 4o miles long horseshoe; from Harrietville to the St. Bernard Hospice, diverging to fossick on the steep slopes of Mount Smyth opposite, along and on top of The Twins, thence to Mount Freezeont, then down the valley of the Dargo River, and into the valley called by Mr. Stirling “Flora Valley’'; then, resuming the circular bend of that - horseshoe route, over windy Mount Biowhard and down the deep valley belaw it, traversing Mount Hotham in many directions, on its slopes, into Loch fslen, delving into the Diamentina River bed, and backwards and forwards along the Razorback to Mount Feathertop: again, living in solitude at the rest house near the last-named mount on two occasions, continuing down the side of this elephantine monster on its one side, or along its other side. so like one of the Pyramids, and finally down the opposite leg of the giant horseshoe for eight miles into Harrietville—I thought that surely my cal- lection might bear comparison with the igto Jist.

Professar Ewart strongly urged that botanists make full use of the National Herbatiam, since alpine collections often yield undiscovered treasures or vary from type. TU had already experienced the help and kindness of Mr. J. R. Tovey, the

106 Tapoere,; *! The Flora of the Victorian Alps,” yan ein. princtpal assistant at the Herbarium, so decided to refer and compare the many specaes I had collected, 1 therefore grate- fully acknowledge my debt to that gentleman and to his able assistants for their trouble, as well as to Dr. R. S. Rogers, of Adelaide, and Mr. J. H. Maiden, of Sydney, for my many references ta them

Our work has been cewarded by increasing the 346 plants recorded in the gro list by 83 natives—an increase pf over 25 per cent,:; by seventeen further varieties; and an addition te the introduced aliens of eleven plants, making a total of 11x additions to the list, Some of the plants in the, rgra ist appear as doubtful records, so I have been able te specifically confirm four at least of the rarer ones hy actual specimens collected, and ta assign to them a definite locality. Places where collected, and heights, are given for ail,af the plants in my list. The Herbarium has retained most of the additions mentioned in this review, as well as_others that were included in the toro list, but for many of which no altitude or collecting- ground had been given previously.

I can only reiterate the Professor's hope that the preseiit list will be of use to visitors desiring to bntanize amidst the magnificent scenery of the Victoria Alps: and here ] may add, for information of at Jeast a jew, that onc is handicapped by the want of suitable accommodation, for, except an old- fashioned hostelry that did service in the day of the late Baron von Mueller, whose name | found inseribed in the visitors’ book, there i8 no accommodation for another 30 miles than the St. Bernard Hospice, sitnated about 14 miles from: Narrietville, save what the Mount Feathertop rest honse afords, or unless sleeping bags are taken.

' OF course, the outings one gets in such high altitudes, and under the seasonal and climatic conditions of these alpine regions, .have other compensations than botanical ones, In one's retrospects amusement is afforded from one’s experiences, to say nothing of the feeling of being nght away from one's fellow-beings or of being among great snow accumulations in Mmidsuinmer, and even frost on Boxing Day (26th December), There is the experience of getting into three thunderstérms in one day; being wet through, and the irony of knowing you are seen by the blind eye given you of a passing motor-car hound for the same destination ; yet, though one is dripping wet, one feels too proud to beg a lift, Then there is the being pulled up by a bhnding fash, and to hear the simultancons erash of the heavenly artillery: or, again, of that peculiar sensation in the ears that driving rain gives, as it sigles against the tree bolos and creates a white froth at their bases, the rain meanwhile pouring down on ane in one’s helpless, unprotected,

cy

rem Tanoert. © The Flova of the Victorian Alps." 107 and forlorn condition, with still cight miles to walk hefore, one can shelter and get a change of clothing. '

If the day be not too hot, as some of you knaw, the walk from Harrietville to*St, Bernard, of fourteen miles, is along a splendid road, that rises—sharply at firsi—trom 1,400 to 5,060 feet, with sireams en route at which to lave or quench the thirst, Plodding along, with eyes ever on the Inok-ont for hotameal prizes, half-way is reached, and one sees at the closing in of the long Ovens Valley, at the river's. source, tha aptly named Hospice perched aloft, and one’s destination for the night, but for a long time it does not appeal to come per- ceptibly nearer. One's eyes light on a beautiful valley of eight or ten miles wide on the left hand, and, beyond it, one sees, like a pencil Jine in an artist's picture, to-morrow's road, cut out of the mountain crest, This is followed with interest for some five miles or more in the parallel walk on the opposite spur, Ever and anon one’s eyes are raised to the skyline to see this pencillar road and Mounts Blowhard, Hotham, and Feathertop. At last the sight of Mount Smyth, like a crouching lion, tells of one’s approach to St. Bernard, and one retires to one's room and takes the evening meal in bed, while wet clothes are dried at the kitchen fire. One's wetting is soon forgotten on the following day, for it as ‘‘ Exeelsior!'’ A belated warning to “hold on to your hat*’ is received when passing the gooseneck at 5,500 feet at Mount Blowhard, and, as one finds it necessary to go back to pick up the headgear, the Iesson is leartied why the mountain gets its name,

There is such sublime grandeur on this highest of roads that one never tires of it. It is not until Mount Hotham has heen crossed that the road is left, as it falls towards Cobungra and Omee. To retum io St. Bernard, one crosses Hoiham as a _ high plateau (6,100 feet) and rambles over its flat-toppert

‘surface and fmds the road again, where it crosses the mount on the Jevel at its highest part. Here, on one occasion in December, the remains of a large fre was seen, built hy a motor party in the endeavour to melt the snow sufficiently {to allow

the party to proceed to Omeo. Snow and wood remained for many days alter. . There are many rambles to be made over Mount Hotham, which as cight miles from St. Bernard or eight miles from _Feathertop—rambles that please lovers of the spectacular in natuce quite as much as the scientific botanist. The snow in the distance looks like a flock of dun-colonred sheep, and it vernains often till after Christmas and New Year, tn large, deep dnits of early a quarter of a mile long by a quarter of a mile wide, when not exposed to the wind, giving it the appearance, al a closer. view, of @ glacier river shooting into the valley helow,

tos = Taneeti., | The Flora of the Victorian Alps." [y Vitti,

while the snow particlts tossed up by the walker look like beautiful diamonds in the sunlight.- Nor ate. evidences wanting of the snow having lain long during the winter, as there are numerous barren and course stony spaces where the surface soil has been Washed away into the valley as the snow melted : ‘yet, where the snow is melting Jawer down the slopes, the runnels are beg (ransformed into tiny. mountain cree«lets. Here are te be found many of the gems of the alpine flora. Those of vou who have found the Alpine Marsh Marigold, Caltha introleha, with its Howers the size of a halfcrown or of a five-shilling piece, or the infrequently met with Aslelaa aldina, both of which revel in the melting icy waters, will understand the fiower-lover’s enthusiasm when these beautiful flowers are met with in their homes,

One is down on hands and knees, then plunging through morasses, then over racky ravines, now skirting a decleyity with uncertain foothold, and later holding on to a grass tussack, so as to draw nearer to some floral treasure. One soon finds oneself ywneonsciously descending the deep valleys that fall away from Mounts Hotham and Feathertop, and it is hard to resist the temptation of seeking ones treasures further. There is the Alpine Scnecio, Senecio pectinalns, with its large yellow and beautiful single Aowers,.so hard to resist, dawn that ‘awkward slope. One looks up and then down: the hold is precarious, ‘ Facilis est desceitsius Averno,” and to slip over that precipice would be casier than to regain the summit. One forgets, ine the lure and fascination of these beautihal alpine gems, that one is alone on the mountain side ar deep down in the shaded valley, and what a slip might entail,

If so many of the native flowers are rate, the Alps are nut avithout the introduced weeds, and st is surprising what impish delight 1s felt ant cutting deeply into the reots of such as the Common Dock, seen in several places. With Emerson, one thinks of the definition of a weed . so pretty in its place, hut se scorned when out of it, On the mountain tops the Common Sorrel 18 almost as plentiful in places as is the St. John’s Wort.

“in the Ovens Valley lower down. There are, however, no rabbits to be seen on the Alps. Hurdle yards of the shepherds remind one of a visit made in the year of the great drought, when impoverished sheep were driven from the Riverina plains ig depasture on the exposed mountains: It was no wonder that harsh feed and exposure al. an altitude uf 5,000 to 6,000 feet vesulted in dead sheep almost anywhere, and in an after: noun’s walk at least six or seven dying sheep tight he counted, Polluting ihe streams, they doubtless were the means of increasing the number of alien plants: and the crows—how they revelled! Nor do you wonder at the imprecations hurled

Feb Tancent. ' The Flora of the Victoriam Alps,’ 19) - at these hideous, white-cyed scavengers as they circled in a flock of aver too on the sunimit ef Feathertop- One thought of a leg broken and the eight miles from human companionship,

Beautilul sunsets one is able ta sce almost any day at a low altitude, but the sunrises from Veathertop at 6,306 feet above sea-level are almost. incomparable—next only to Kosciusko itself. What is there about the ‘miracle of the day" that is $a awedinspiring? A linat eclipse from this height is unique, but it a5 the sumrise that appeals to the senses. One rises before the Jark in preparation for a sunrise, and stumbles over the loose Stones in the darkness. There 3s the patient wait at the cairn, with just 4 race to be in time, sometimes, The lee side is sought from the cutting wind, which always seems more penetrating at the break of day; and, (hough one rises in the dark, virtue does not always bring its reward, and a disappointing walk of a mile alung the track does nov dispel the scud clouds or fog at times, and the masses of mist roll and obscure everything. But one essays again on the morrow, and is compensated by the ohservation of a glorious mystic lake. with imaginary islands im the storm-tossed sea. One March morning, a5 the sun rose. the light struck the cairn and projected a dark, uncanny, thin line across the clear valley fou 40 miles to and far beyond the Buffaloes, It was like the black shade one sees on a foggy night when standing under a stieet, Jamp. As the shadow shortened, and was about to be lost at the foot of the mount, a false sun phenomenon appeared al the point of contact. It was like a sunset throwing 11s expanding rays for half an hour, but without the savs of light, This atmospheric effect was seen by the observer at a similar height at Kiandra, near Mount Kosciusko, on a previous occasion, but at sunset.

One's experiences as a nature-lover can only be harrated in part, for, standing on Feathertop—aelmest oul highest Vic- iorian anountain—means looking over a world of high mountains, the many successive chains following each other like the waves of the ocean. A fall of snow in March gave zest to an early morning outing, Sach an event added the charm of icicle-' like flags [rem the bushes, and a white mantle covering the country around. How fortunate it 1s that one 3s not a fauna observer as well as a botanical enthusiast, and so to weary yor by setting down what one sers of birds, insects, and animals ! iL is Sufficient to relate to one’s fellow-naturalists that the butterfly man would enjoy seeing his fairies floating gracefully on a breeacless day over his head on Feathertop or The Twins at an altitude of 5,000 to 6,000 feet, while his companion, the entomologist, Would find a slaty, armour-coated, lazy grass- hopper moving amongst the rocks. The hird-lavel would make

cro Tavcele, ' The Flova of the Vietortan Alps.' Ty Vit Fay

friends with the Robin-like bird that builds in the doorway nf the cabin, and is net disturbed by his passing to and fro ; he would talk back to the inquisitive Jay, with his head on one side, who seems to say '' Well >’ as le stands in (he same doorway of the shelter house, with large eyes staring at the intruder There are great Eagles, floating Hawks, gorgeous Mountain Parrots, Thrushes, Tree-creepers, for the bird enthusiast, and an Owl who perches overhead in the dusk and aeems to look ugly at one for dating into his ancient domain. Then Master Reynard, but a few yards away, is there with his fine brush, consuming the remains of one’s bully beef, or the wiouse and rat caught overnight in one's cabin,

Genuine regret that one’s trip must come to a close i¢ ex- perienced after doing fourteen days’ solitary, and one would think that to walk along the track, falling from 6,000 to 1,400 feet, down the mountain side would be comparatively casy ; but the muscles of one’s legs. contract most painfully, and seein to knot, necessitating lying full stretch ai tunes, till the Harriet- ville road is reached and nonnal conditions again prevail. But liaw that walk dowh has been campensated for! At the rest house on Feathertop one had, night and momming, a single Fyee-bird to serenade one, but now there are at least four birds lustily singing at the same time, their clear whistlmg and miockitig notes accompanying one a5 a last echo from the charms of the bush, Must I forget, in conclusion, the botanist’s \seful impedimenta, of the ample supply of paper for his speci- meas, or the inconvenience caused to porter and coachman, and the question, often asked. ‘Did Ins travelling bags contain bricks ? “—for surely their weight justified the belicf.

I subjoin the names, situations, and heights where collected of my additions ta the rgzto list. And here again I would say how great is my Appreciation of the trowhle taken anent my specimens, and all I owe to Messrs. Rogers, Maiden, and Tovey Mv. Maiden's splendid contributions ta the Maunt Kosciusko Nora made me feel the possibility of finding améngst our alpine plants similar material to thal deseribed in his first and second ‘ Contributions.’’*

Several plants have yet to bé definitely deterinined, and I am loping te be able shortly to procure fuwiher material. For instance, a marsh perennial species of Brachycome, vith white flowers, is still in question, Again, the Bristle Grass, Trisehon sudspicatinn, though a very striking grass m the Alps, is contounded with Calamagrosiis quadriseta, var_snontana.

=" Contribution towards the Tlora of Mount Kosciusko," by |, 4 Maiden, F.L.S.. Government Botanist of New South Walns, Department of Agricuiture—Miscellaneous Publications, No. 241 (July, 1808)) and "A Second Contribution,” &e, Mis. Pub,, No 331 (October; 1809),

wo ’

ea) Tanoert, '' The Flova of the Victorian Alps,” 114 7 have found glabrous as well as pubescent forms, the farmer appearing to warrant further investigation.

Regarding the orchids, Dr. Rogers, of Adelaide, is character- istically thorough and wunboundedly courteous: He examined my more difficult species. A very fleshy form, that I regarded as an alpine form of Caladonsa carnca, was submitted. Of it he said the labellam has four tows of calli and is devoid of the transverse bars af case. It has also a wider lea!) and is more hairy. As it does not fit comfortably under any of Fils. perald’s species, or of any other description, for fhe present it is placed us Caladenia cavued. var. quadviseriata. Of a double: flowering specimen of the same species {heing teratological) the Doctor gave a very lucid and full acconnt, and was sufficiently ' ihterested to ask if he might retain it. -A form of Prisophyllans Suthone was interesting, This species is restricted to our highest mountains, and was collected by Dr. Sutton at the Buffalo Mountains. It is deserihed as a slender while and green species, although the-colour was too. faded to definitely sce its actual coloufing at the time Dr, Rogers described it, and it was drv. The lateral sepals are free in the deseribed Specimen. 1 tpak some notes of the specimens 1 coilected, The plant is robust, its six flowers being distinctly pale reddish, and the lobes are marked with five red lines, except the lower calyx lobes, which are concave and greenish. Even the white petals are red-lined, and this I painted ont to Dr. Rogers. In naming it, the Doctor said that the maim criteria of PF. Suttont are that it has the petals lonver than the lateral sepals, and he pointed out that my specimen differed droni the type in the lateral sepals all being connate, and the dorsal sepal longer, As we know, colour is not constant as a determining factor in orchids, For instance, during this past week I had some beautiful spiders, Caledonia dilated, sent te me, Usually the colow of the labellum is rich chocolate, with dark calli on the posterior portion, and few, if any, on the front or curved part. One sent me was a beatiful yicux-rose red on the front, and white posterioly; the other was yéllowish-white entirely, Both had yellow and hrown calli, and one had calli on the curved part of the labellum. These colours are most unusual, and result from sight, sugar excess, or femperaturc., -A form of Prasophyllam Frencht trom the Alps also proved intevesting to Dr. Rogers. He was pleased to honour me by assoriating my name with ‘it. It differed from the usual fom, as the lateral sepals were connate, a feature nok hitherto obseryed in the species. ' Abpitrons To Narcrac Orprrs or Nativk Plants on Pause

tro oF ee, Nat,, Oct., 1970, Suragmacea, 1; Caprifoliaces, 1; Caryophyllacese, 3; Cras-

+12 Tancete, The Flova of the Victorian Alps.” [y Rt

Sulacez, 1; Composite, 16; Cyperacee, 9; Epacridacer, 4; Euphorbiacez, 1; Filices, 2; Geraniacer; 2; Graminer, §; Haloragacez, 3; Juncacee, 1; Labiatw, 1; Lycopodinz, 7 ; Liliacex, 1; Legurainosie, 4; Lichens, 1; Musce, 3 , Myrtaceex, 1; Orchidacex, 4: Oxalidacea, 1; Plantaginacex, 2 : Proteacez, T; Rosacez, 2: Ranunculacer, 3: Rubiacex, 3; Urticaceae, 1 | Umbelliferee, 3. Total, 83.

ADDITIONS TO THE List OF “ THE FroRa OF THE VICTORIAN Aces" in Tae Victorian Naturalist or OctToBER, 1910,

PAGE 107. ABBREVIATIONS. - BHARD, Mt, Blowhard, half-way between St, Berhard and Mt, Hotham, Parco Ix, Narrow valley of the Dargo River, behind St. Bernard. towards Freezeout. _ FREEZE. At and towards Mt. Freezeout, 3 miles from St. Bernard Hospice, Tror, Mt. Feathertop, abont § miles from Harrietyille and 13 wiles, from St. Bernard, Dram. | Diamentina or Kiewa River, rising at Mt. Hotham. How, Mt, Hotham or '' Baldy," 7 miles from St, Bernard Hospice, Ayvinua. Harrietville, about 16 miles from Bright Railway Station, Suv Mt, Smyth opposite and close to St. Bernard Hospice—| mile, Twng, The I'wins Mounts, about 3 miles behind St. Bernard Hos- pice. Sz, B, St. Bernard Hospice, about t4 miles from Harrietville.

Raz. Bk. Razor Back, the long ridge connecting Mt. Hotham with Mt. Feathertop, for about § miles. To, Towards, The limit of alpine flora ig taken at 3,000 and over (feet above sea). . The following planis are not, inchided in the Maduwralist list of October, toro, and have been collected by A, J. Tadgell during five collecting trips between the months of Decenther and March, ° V indicates varieties : * indicates introdticed aliens. Aster (sec Olearia). . Ajuga. atistralis.—To. St. B. (3,000 Lo 4,000), also to. Flop (4,000 to 5,000 f£t,) Avena ovina.—Dargo Tk. at 4,000 ft. Agrostis scabra (distinct from Deyenxia scabra)—Hot, (6,000), Dargo Tk. (5,000), St. B. (5,000). A, venusta.—F top: (6,100 ft.), also Dargo Th. (4,500). , (Col: lected also by Walter on Buffalo.) Asperula scoparia, var. conferta—Mt. Hot. (6,100), Ftop. (6,300). *Andropogon halepensis.—Slopes of Feathertop (6,000). Agropyrum scabrum,—To- Ftop (4,000 to 5,000), Twins (5,500), ’ Dargo (4,500). _

.

rea] Tapcetc, " The Flova of the Victorian Alps." 1t3 Azorella Muelleri.— Hotham. (6,100). Acrotriche serrulata—Towanls Feathertop (2,600 to 4,000). Brachycome decipiens.—Towards I'reezeout (4,500). B. stricta —Towards Feathertop (4,000 to 5,050), Brachycome (nov, sp. ?)—-Hotham (6,100). vB. ciliaris, var. robusta, — Twins. (5,500), Bhard (6,000), Raz, Bk. (6,000), Ftop.. (6,200). «, F Blechnum (Lomaria) fluviatile—Dargo Tk. (4,600). Brutelia affinis (moss),—-Ftop. (6,300), Hot. (6,100). Calamagrostis eniula (Agrostis Sclanderi) (Deycuxia Forster), _ —Dar. Tk. (5,000), St. Be (5,000), Ftop. (6,200), C. minor, var. densa (Agrostis densa).—To. Mtop, (3,000). C. nivalis —Hotham (6,100). yC, tudis, var. contracta (syn. Deyeuxia scabra, var, contracta), —Towards Feathertop (3,000). - yCaladenia carmea, var, quadriseriata,—Raz, Bk, (§,G00), To, * _Teathertop (5,000). Colobanthus Billardier1—Hot. (6,100), under Ftop. (6,100), Clematis aristatu—To, St, B. (4,000), to. Ftop. (over 4,000}, *Cerastium vulgatum1.—Raz. Bk. (6,100), Ftop, (4,300). Crassula (Tillea) Sieberiana.—Hot. (6,100), Ftop. (6,300). Coprosma pumilo,.—Diam, (6,000), Hot. (6,050), Carpha alpina —Diain. (6,000), Hot. (6,000), Raz. Bk. (6,100), Ftop. (6,300). Carex, Gaudichaudiana (cespitosa).—Diam. (6,000). 2C. Gaudichandiana (dwarf form).—Hotham (6,0u9), C. chlorantha.—Hotham (6,000). C. hreviculmis—Hotham (6,000), Cyanoglossum australe—Hotham (0,000). vDanthonia penicillata, var. pilosa.—Smiytlh (5,050)- wD. penicillata, var. pallida.—To, St, B. (3,000), wD. peniciliata, var. alpina—Bhard. (5,800), Hot. (6,200), Ftop: (6,300): syn. D. semiannularis, vd. pauciflora, var. alpina.—-Hotham (6,000). Diuris sulphurea,—Towards Feathertop: (4,509). Didiscus humilis.—-Hotham (6,t00). Dichelachne sciurea.—Towards Feathertop (2,600). . Erechtites quadridentata.—Towards Feathertap (4,900) vEuphrasia collina, var. alpina.—Motham (6,000). Galium Gaudichaudiant—ro. Ftop, (4,000), Darga (5,000), Glyceria dives—Feathertop (6,000), - Glycine clandestina.—To. St, B. (4,000-5,000) G. Latrobeana.—Towards St. Bernard (4,000), Gnaphalium collinum, var. radicans.—Hotham (6,100), aGrevillea australis, var. montana—Feathertop (6,200), Geranium (pilosum) dissectum.—To. Hot. (8,100), to, Ftop, (4,000-5,000), Ftop. (6,200). |

114 Tanopt, \" The Flova of the Victorian Alps.” [yoy Sextin

vHelipterum incanum, var. alpina.—Hotham (6,100). Helichrysum cuncifolium—Dargo Tk, to. Preeseout (5,000). H. scorpicides:—To. Ftoy, and Hot. (4,000-5,000).

vH. resmarimifolivin, var, ledifolium (H- ledifolium).

vH. rasmarinifolium, var. intermediate form..

vi, rosmarinifolinm, vai, thyrsoideum,

Haloragis micrantha.—Hotham (6,000).

IL. teuchroides—Dargo Tk, (4,500), Het. (6,000),

H. depressa.—Dargo Tk. (4,500), Diam, and Hot, (6,000),

Hydrocotyle Jaxiflora—Towards Feathertop (5,000),

*Hypocheris radicata. —Ftop. (6,200), to. St. B. (4,000), Raz,.Bk, (5,100), to. Ftop. (3,000-5,000),

Juncus prismatocarpus.—Dargo Tk, (4,800),

Lycopodium selago.—Mount Hotham (6,100). Lomandria (Xevrotes) longifolia.—To, 51, By (4,000), to. Tlop, (4,000-5,000). ; ; Leucopogon lanceolatus, var, gehdus.—l'n, Ftop, (4,000-5,000). L. Hookeri (differs from Lissanthe (Styphelia) montana) — Feathertop (6,200); collected alsa by Walter. Leptorrhynchus squamatus.—Twins (5,500), Bhard (5,500), to, Freeze, (4,000), Hot, (4,000), Raz, Bl, (6,000), to Ftop. (4,000-5,000), top. (6,200). Leptospermum lanigerum.—To. Freeze. (4,900),. to. Ftop. (5,000). Jomatia Fraseri,—To §t, B. (4,000), Dargo Tk, (4,000), to. Ftop. (4,000--5,000). *Murrubium vulgaris—Towards St. Bernard (5,000), *Mentha pulegium.-—Towards Feathertop (4,000-§5,000), Microceris. Forsteri—To, Ftop., Twins, Dargo Tk, Bhard,, Hot., Raz. Bk., Ftop.

earia Frostii —-Dargo Tk. (4,800), Bhard (5,500), Not. (6,000), Raz! Bk. (6,000), to. Ftop. (5,000), Itop. (6,200) ; sce also Ewart, Roy. Soc. Proc, March, rq16,

QO. flavescens.—Dargo Tk. (4,500).

©. subrepandra.—Ftop. (5,500).

Oy alpicola.—Dargo Tk. (4,500).

Oxalis corniculata—To. St. B. (4,000), to, Ftop. (5,000).

Oxylobiuin ellipticum.—To. St. B. (5,000), Twins (5,000), Dargo Tk. (4,800), Bhard. (5,500), Hot, (6,000), Raz, Bl: (6,000), Ftop. (6,200).

vPoa cespitusa, var. latifelium.—Hot. (6,000), Ftop. (4,o00- 5,050) ;, collected also by Walter- '

Pultenza juniperina, var. planifolia—To. Fiop, [4,000-5,000) ; see Williamson’s revision.also,

*Picris hierachoides.—To. St. B. (4,500), to. Fiop. (4,000). vPimelea ligustrina, var, hypeticina (P. hypericina),—To, St, B,

(3,000), Twins {5,000), Dargo Tk.. (4,000), Hat. (6,209), ta, Ftop. (5,000),

Pr “| Taporcr, “ The Flova of the Victorian Alps.” Lis Poranthera microphylla.—To, St. B. (4,000-5,000), Raz. Bk. (5,500), ta. Ftop. (4,000-5,000). Polypodium australe (mountain form).—Hotham (6,100), Pelargonium australe.—Dargo Tk. to. Freezeout (4,500), Plantago Tasmanica.—Hotham (6,000), Veathertop (6,200). P. varia.—RBlowhard (5,500). Polytrichum Sulliyani (Moss). —Hotham (6,r0¢), Parmelia physodes, var, pulverata (Lichen) —-Not (6,100) ; associated with Scleranthus, »Podolepis longipedata, var. robusta.—Hotham (6,100), Feather

top (6,200)..

Prasophyllum Frenchii, var. Tadgelianum (Rogers),—-Hotnam (6,000).

P, Suttonii—-Ftop. (6,200); collected also by Dt, Sutton, Buffalo.

P. brevilabre.—To. St, Bernard (4,000),

Ranunculus rivularis.—Dargo Tk. to Freezeowt (4,500).

R. hirtus (plebius)—Diam. (6,000).

Rubus partvilolius.—To. St. B. (4,000), Dargo to Freeze. (5,000), to. Ftop. (5,000).

*Rumex acetosclia.—-Raz. Kk. (6,000), Blowhd. (5,500), to- Ftop. (5,000), Ftop. (6,300). 4

"I, conglomcratus,—Raz. Bk, (6,000), to. Ftop. (5,000), on Ftap. (6,000),

Senecio vellevoides.—Smyth (5,160).

S. odoratus.—Dargo Track (4,800)

S, lautus.--To. Ftop., Hot., and Twins (5,600),

-Spergularia rubra, —Hotham | (6,100), Feathertop (6,300).

Sphagnum cymbifolium. (Moss).—Hot, (6,100), Diam. (6, 006).

Scirpus cernuus (riparius).—Hotham (6,000).

S, intndatus.—Hotham (6,100), Ftop, (6,200), »

S, sctaceus.—Diam, (6,000). -

S. cartilagineus, var. alpina —Diam, (6, 000),

Sambucus Gandichaudiana.—To. Ftop. (2,600),

Scleranthus diander.—Raz. Bk. (6,000), Ftop. (0,300).

“Trifolium pratense —Dargo Track (4,500).

*Trifolium repens.—Bhard. (6,000), to. Hot. (5,000), Ftop. (6,300).

?Trisctum subspicatum (glabrous form).—App. to Ftop. (5,000).

Uncinia compacta,—Hotham (6,100),

*Urtica dioica:—To. St.. Bernard (3,000-4,000),

U. incisa.—To, Feathertop (2,600).

The additions. are -—-

Species (also varieties nat recorded) be . 83

Varieties (of species recorded} ‘ ; ee ©

Introduced aliens... o . _ ww Total tt

16 TADGELL, ' Lhe Flova of the Victorian Alps. [yV Ga RM

it is perhaps unfortunate—hut it may have been for economy of space—that the 1gro list appearing m the Naturalist does not record heights and localities to guide collectors of the flora of the Victorian Alps, ag Mr, Maiden’s list of the flora of Mount

Kosciusko does, but we may be able at a Jater date to assist

in such a compilation, - Mr. Maiden's list commences with

plants found at a height of 5,000 feet, but there is nothing to guide us as to a minimum of height in listing our Victorian alpine flora. The ascent of our Alps commences, in my opimon,

at about 7,800: feet, or at the Harnetville State school. °

in my list of additions I have taken 2,600 as the alpine limit of height, as it if approximately about there that the climatic conditions begin to assert themselves, owing to the proximity of the higher elevations, and it is fram there that the rise hecomes pronounced towards the higher mountains. My heights to Feathertop were verified by aneroid and with the assistance of the local schoolmaster, Me. Bennett, while those on the St. Bernard slopes were gtven me by Mr. Bibby, at that time mine host of the Hospice, and a former road contractor, who would in all probability reccive them from the Iocal shire engineer.

Specimens Con.ectrp ry A. J. Tavcrtr, Preyiousty Oniv Dovstrur.y ReEcorDEN (vide Wiili4smsan's List No. 2, Vectortean Natwralisl, vol. xxxvi., p, 18, May, 2910),

Scleranthns mniarioides.—l'cathertop, summit (6,300 feet),

Azorella Muelleni,—Hotham (6,100 feet),

Oteomyrrhis pulvinifica—Hotham (6,100 feet), Diamentina

(6,000 feet), Lycopodium selago.—Hotham (6,000 feet); collected also on Baw Baw—National Herbarium,

AnpeNnpum,—Sinee reading the foregoing paper I had another opportunity of seciring speciinens of our alpine plants and making a few additional notes as to habits, &c. During the Christmas holidays Mr. A.G. Hooke, of this Club, accom- panied me from Bright to Mount Feathertop and along the Razor Back to Mount Hotham, Mr. Hooke continuing ta the St. Bernard Hospice and over Mount Freezeout to Treasure's run, on the Dargo High Plains, a further distance of abont thirty miles. He secured a fine series of photographs illus- trating the grandeur of the scenery of this-portion of Victoria, In our numerous excursions we were very Much struck with the rapid increase of aliens among the alpine plants. At one time stray plants of sorrel. dock, thistles, or even gonsefnot, might be seen here and there, but now acres are taken up by docks, sorrel, flatweed, hogweed, and other lowland stock- lwought undesirables. Needless to say, We did a hittle eradica-

Lam Paceti, ' The Flova of the Victorian Alps." sty tion where we could, In the raze list only eleven aliens were mamed. L added an equal number in my paper, and now we have added six inopre, making a Lotal of 2&6 weeds which have intruded among their alpine congeners; however, it is not the number of species, hut the quantity, that hurts, This Increase has doubtless been caused by the larger number of sheep and eitile now sent te ihe alpine heights for sustenance during {he Summer season. We found the season rather backward on Hotham (6, Lo00 feet), but slightly better on the Razor Back and Feathertop, especially on the western or warm side; but in this region, whete . plant runs a quick course, a week or two makes a wonderful change, Thus, by the end of January the Alps would soon fill a botanist’s vasculam with rare and beautiful plants and flowers. Among orchids we found the white form resembling Caladenia carnea (which Dr, Rogers has since determined as C. angusteta, previously recorded hy Mr, Pescott from Boort, N.W. Victoria, and the Grampians), Tt occurs on the summit of Hotham, on leathertop (at 6,200 feet), and also near the vest house (at 5,100 Jeet), but is not by any means milmerous. L had noted it on previous trips, hut had regarded it as a variety of C. carnea. We also found Thelymiirn avistata, the Potata Orchid; Gastrodia sesamoides (in large numbers), 2nd a Prasophyllum not yet in flower; the latter occurs in quantities on Mount Hotham, growing in lawn-like plots of Poa sespitosa, the leek-like flower-spikes, not yet fully developed, looking like a miniature onion field. We had an echo of the late Baron von Muellers entinisiasm to Sir Wim, Hooker in 1854, when he discavered that handsome shrub, Grevillea victoria, which was seen by us at its hese. Amongst my exhibits to-night is a living plant of Nerlera depressa, Banks (Coprosma nertera, Pv. M.), which grows only at abdut 6,000 fect, generally in spongy morasses or near dripping water. A visitor to our hut was so struck with it and its pretty little red fruits that he asked if we had found a-tomato, Change of environment, sea-level, and greater warmth have caused this depressed little plant ta alter its nature so that the close-sec foliage has become clongated, covering both Aowers and fruit. Another cushiony,. depressed plant found at 6,000 feet was Myherionme japonteum Gnountain form), a relative of the dreaded St. John’s Wort, A micré-fungus found on Cotwla filgcula, an alpine composite, has been identified by Mr. C, C. Brittlebank as Fubrea rhytismodes. This gave the host pliant quite 4 fern-like appearance, and not unlike ferm-spores on the surfaces of the leaves, The plants exhibited to-night are mostly un-get-at-able species io the ordinary tourist, ard are shown as <n example of what the alpine flora is ike , unfortunately, owing to our mecling being a week fater than usual, they are

Lis Tavcenc, |! The Floya of the Victorian Alps," larg) SEN BAL:

not -in as good condition as L°would have wished. In turning over some, loose rocks we disturbed thousands of Bogong Moths, Agvotis, wfusa, which made a loud huzzing noise with their wings as they sought another spot in which to shelter, Continuing on towards the summit, a worm-like snake, about twelve inches long and an inch in diameter, was seen. This snake IT have seen on several occasions on Mount Hotham, but have hever been prepared to bring back a specimen for identification. On arrival at the summit of Peathertop we did an obvious duty in replacing the csirn, which had been demolished, whether by weather or vandals we were not Sure; but as the highest point of the donble summit of the mount is so difficult to determine at first glance, the cairn should not be allowed to disappear. By this visit we have added the following eleven species to ihe list af alpine plants, making a grand total of 418 species, with 30 varicties and 28 aliens, all found at over 3,000 feet,

FurtTHir ADDITIONS TO THE ALPINE FLORA (FEATHERTOP and HoTrAM), COLLECTED AT OVER 3,000 Feet, January, 1922. NATIVE PLANTS, } vAcacia penninervis, var. linearis.—To. top. (3,500~4,500 {t,) Caladenia angustata—To, Flop. (5,100-6,200), Dryopteris punctata, var. rugulosa—To, Ftop, (5,000). vHypericum japonicum,—Taowards Feathertop, (6,000), Lagenophora Billardieri—Ttop., ubiquitous to 5,800 fect. Lepidosperma concavum.—Near rest house, Ftop. (5,100). Lomandra filiformis.—To. Ftop. (3,000-4,000). Mentha laxifiora.—To. Flop. (4)000-5,000). * Plagianthus pulchellus, var. tomentosa.—To. Ftop. (3,500-4,000) Senecio vagus.—Towards Feathertop (3,500-4,000), : Thamnolia vermicaulis (lichen).—Ftop., near suinmit (6,200), Thelymitra aristata,—Towards Feathertop (q,aoo). | Trochocarpa pumila.—Mt. Hotham (6,000 ft.)

ALIEN PLANTS, : Crepis tectoruin.—Towards Feathertop (3,000-4,000). Poa annua.—Towards Feathertop (5,050). Polygonum aviculare.—To. Ftop. (5,050), also Raz. Bk. (5,600), Sonchus oleraceus, var. asper.—To. Ftop. (3,000-4,a0n), Taraxacum officinale.—Diamentina (6,000). Vicia saiiva.—Towards Feathertop (5,050)

SUMMARY. Tadgell, Tadgell, Class, tgto List, tor. igz2. ‘Total. Natives—species - - 324 -. 83 ay. 418 " vaneties TX 6, TH ae 2 ve 30

Allens .. as 7 jc 2a 2 2 ., YO OB

'

Che Victorian Natural list.

Vou. XXXVIL—No. 11. MARCH %, 1928 No. 459

FIELD NATURALiSTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA

THE ardinaty monthly rieeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall an Monday evening, 13th ehruary, 1922.

The president, Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., occupied the chair, and about fifty members and friends were present,

REPORTS,

A report of the wisit to the Zoological Gardens on Saturday, 2rst January, was forwarded by Miss R, Currie, wha reported a good attendance of members. The director, Mr D. Le Sout, C.M.Z,5., was unable to aet as leader owing Lo the excessive heat of the day, but had depated one of his assistants for the duty. An inspection of the princpal bitds and animals was made, and much mteresting information afforded to the visitors 1egarding them. The young hippopotamus, the second born in the Gardens, appeared to be thriving in confinement, The feedmg of the carnivore was watched wilh interest. A visit to the giraffe (now about thirteen feet high) gave rise to some interesting questions put to our guide. The Brush Turkey's mouiid, made entirely by the male bird, was a source of wonderment, and the explanation given of its actions dunng the incubation of the eggs excited considerable interest. The inspeetion of He birds, animals, &c., was rather hurried, owing to the heat, and an adjournment was made to the shady lawn at the Curator’s residence, where Mr. Le Soutf had kindly provided afternoon tea, which was greatly appreciated. Here Mc- Le Souef afforded some further information about several of his charges, and then invited nis guests to a brief inspection of his priyate museum, which contains a large collection of natural history specimens and curius of all kinds. The very hearty thanks of the visitors for the extremely interesting afternoon were tendered to Mc. Le Sout! before leaving.

A report of the week-end excursion to Walhalla and Moe on the Foundation Day holiday (28th-goth January) was given hy the acting leader, Mr. F, G. A. Barnard, who said (hat nine members and friends had made the 200-mile journey. ‘Though the time available for rambling was very brief, the scenery of the latter part of the journcy was so delightful that none of the party regretted taking the trip. Sunday was spent on the banks of the Themson, where the typica a vegetation of the district, anchiding nearly twenty specics of ferns, was seen io advantage. Unfortunately, rainy greatly marred tits portion of the outing. Returning to Moe on Monday morning, it had been intended to visit the Morwell coal mine, but, rain again selfing in, the majority of the party returned to tawn. How-

120 Field Naturalists Club—Proceedings: [SR Yiyy,

ever, the leader and two others risked the chance af ihe weather clearing up, which it did, and had an interesting afternoon viewing the location of the great electncity works in course of construction at Yalourn, 74 miles from Moe, and the epen cut on thé bank of the Latrobe River where a face of eighty feet of brown coal is- being mined, The deposit exists belaw the flaoy of the cut for a farther depth of ninety feet, which will be mined and converted into clectric power by the new works and transmitted to Melbourne and other centres for industrial and other purposes, Some examples of tm- pétfectly converted wood were secured, which probably repre- scut a species of Cypress. During the stay at Walhalla the party was greatly indebted to Const. Rawlings, secretary of the local Tourist Asseciation, for guidance and information regatding that one-time phenomenal goldfield, where {2,500,000 worth of gold'was taken from the celebrated Long Tunnel mine, now abandoned.

A report of the excursion to Lilydale on Saturday, ath February, was given by the leader, Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., who said that a good party visited Raddock's Quarry, where, notwithstanding considerable leat, greal enthusiasm was shown in securing fossils from the deposit of Yeringian mud- stone exposed there, Quite a large nuimber of fossils, tepre- senting many distinct forms of anymal life, were obtained-

ELECTION OF MEMBERS,

On a ballot being taken, Mr, H. J- Cruickshank, Railway Offices, Spencer-street, Melbourne, was duly elected as an ordinary member, and Mrs. E. A. Tayaré as a country member ot the Club,

GENERAL BUSINESS.

The chairman announced that two members of the Chih, Mr. J. H. Young, of Meredith, and Mr. rank 3. Smith, of Noorat, had recently passed away. Both had been enthusiastic naturalists, the former being a keen geologist and the tatter an ernithologist of wide experience among the birds of the Western District. Unfortunately, neither of them had con- tributed to the Proceedings of the Club, He also referred to the recent death of Mr. J. FP, Mulder, of Geelong, who, as a member of the Geelong Field Naturalists’ Club, had been a Jeading authority on the natural history of Geelong and its surroundings.

On the motion of the chairman, it was decided to send letters of condolence to the relatives of the deceased gentlémen,

The chaitrian announced that it had been decided to hold an exhibition of specimens, ta be open to the general public, in the Athenzum on zoth June next, and desired members to make as fine a show a5 possible.

ial Kield Natwvatists’ Club—Prosecdings. jel PAPER READ,

By Messrs. J]. R, Tovey and P. TF Morris, entitled ‘ Notes from the National Herbantum,”’

The authors described a new Brachycome, B. Tadgellu, named after Mr. A. J. Tadgell, of this Club, who had obtained it at Mount Hothain, Victorian Alps, at 6,000 feet above sea- level, on -seyeral occasions. They also recorded Hzlscus Farvanzet as a new Victorian plant, having been found recently in the Mallee, at Bolton, N.W. Victoria; recorded also. from all the Australian States.

HOLIDAY NOTES,

Mr. E. Cox gave some account of a fishing tip to the Dargo River, North Gippsland. .

EXHIBITS,

By Mr. FP. G. A. Barmard.—Partly-carbonized wond from Moe coal mine, probably a species of Cypress.

By Mr, F. Chapman, A.L.S.—Yeringian fossils, from Lilydale excursion (see report in this sssue) '

By Master J. Pescott——Portion of fossil Trilohile, Goldiis Grsenti, obtained at Ruddock's Quarry, near Lilydale

By Mr. J. Searle,—Exhibited under microseope.—A rare flea, probably LEelndnophaga ambulans, Oliff, taken on a Porcupine Ant-eater, Echidna hisirix, at Bairnsdale, by Mr David Williams. The only other specimens known are in the Australian Museum, Sydney, having been taken in that State,

By Mr. A. L, Scott.—Fossiliferous rocks from Kangaroo Islend, 5.A.3 schist from Second Valley, S.A.: and gneiss and pegmatite from Broken Hill, N.S.W.

By Dr. C. $, Sutton.—Photographs of plants 2nd plant- formations from Cradle Mountain. Tasmania, and specimens of the four cushion plants from same locality—viz., Reoulia Meredithe, Picrygopappus Lawrencii, Donatia nove-zcalandize, and Dracophyllam minimum ; also yellow specimen of Bland- fordia margindta. i we

By Mr. H. Whitmore.—Altered mudstene from Long Tunnel mine, Walhalla: frurt of Lagenaria Paterson’, from North Queensland, -

By Messrs. Tovey and Morris, on behalf of National Herbarium,—Brachycome Tadgelha, Tovey and Morris, sp. noy,, fram Mount Hotham, Victorian Alps (6,000 feet), collected by Mr. A. J. Tadgell, and Conaspermum amannm, Meissm., trom Western Australia, in illustration of paper.

By Mr. H. B. Williamson.—Dried specimen of Onopordan weanthtnm, L., the Heraldic Scotch Thistle, collected at Omeo by exhibitor, January, 1922.

After the usual conversaaione the meeting terminated,

172 Exonvston to Lalydade. Lyon Sxxvin

EXCURSION tO LILYDALE, SEVENTEEN jneinbers and friends availed themselves, on Saturday, aith February, of the opportunity of wsituu Ruddock’s Quarry, near Lilydale, one of the best localities for Veringian fossils near Melbourne, Despite the prediction of a hot day, which was fulfilled to the letter, the excursion was énjoyed hy all, and in a measure due to the kindness of My, 3. R Mitchell, who, with his caz, helped several members along the theee Lrish miles between the station and the quarry. It was Hioticed with sorrow that a shart cut across the last paddock was entirely spoilt from our point of view by having been ploughed into deep furrows. The song of the hammer was soon audible, and the leader had nothing to regret regarding the enthusiasm of the members, Specimens were named on ihe spol, and it is safe to say that in a few cases, at least, they were alsa forgotten on the spot. Amongst the corals the rugosc, contcal lovm of Strebtelasma was Sound more than once; the venus Rowmingeria tamed up in some abundance, a form almost restnicted to North Amenca: the curious little parasitic Plenrodvolyam, an aberrant, tabulate form, alsa occurred. Worms were represented by the tube-bnilding Trachyderma, whose soft gill-plumes have been found at Keilor and South Yarra. Crinoid stems were very abundant, usually preserved as Jimonitic casts and moulds. Some of the slender forms here found seem related, to Myelocrinns, with its remarkably (wisted and coiled stem: whilst the thicker stems resemble those of the Taxocrinws type, bnt may well be any other genus having clasely-set stem-joints of considerable width. An aberrant thickening in one crinoid stem scemed to indicate a kind of ‘scout '' produced by a parasite. Brachiopods, or leinp-s)ells, were found by the score, Amongst the genera notiwed were Stropheadonta, with its toothed hinge-line: Chonetes, with tubular spines on the ventral horder; Orthis, with cosmo- polltan species; the little obese Gypidula; the crispate and suleate Spivifer; and the hairy Nucloospiye. Of bivalves we saw Prrecvelas, with its deheale concentric ornament, and the eunously-keeled Mytidarca. The gasteropeds found were the screw-like Loxonema ; the ornate Cyclonena, 1 genus alse found at Cave Hill; and the operculated Hyolithes, Aimonpst cephalopods, Cyclocerts and Oythaceras were noted, In regard to trilehites, we were not so fortunate as usual, the only reyire- sentative, a tail of Geldiws Greenit, having been found by one of the younger members. A short address, alluding to the past history of this highly fossiliferous mudstone deposit, was viven by the leader, who pointed out its relationsinps te similar occurrences in North America, Englaud (Shropshire), and Scandinavia (Island of Gotland), Reasons were myer for the conclusion that several of our Victorian Silncian fossils

.

Habs Excursion bo Lilydale. 123 indicate that the palxozoic mud-line of the old Australiay camtinent was the prumal home of widely-distribnied life-forms. After boiling the billy by the wayside, the retuin to Lilydale was tiade, and an agreeable hour was passed over the tea- table at the township, the 7.55 train being caught for home. V, CuarMan.

Tux Late Mr. James Hay Younc.—The late Mr. Young was a resident of Meredith; and was elected a5 a country member of this Clabin May, igi6. He was an ardent naturalist for the greater part af his life. His attention was first directed to the collection of geological specimens and freshwater shells by thedate Mr. Sowérby, a scion of the famous family of English conchologists, and was then about twelve years of age. He had come to Australia feom his native town of Kilmarnock, Scotland, at the age of one, about 67 years ago. By exchanging with many of the leading museums Mr. Young gathered together a valuable reference collection. He was most generous with his rare or unique specimens, always being anxiows te present them to the National Museum. One of these fossil specimens, an interesting paleazoic worm, was donated, and named alter its discoverer, Corsmlttes Youngt Many rate fossils from the Victorian Tertiaries were also placed in the Muscuim collection, and one of these, Micatyla Youngt, will shortly be described By Mr. Young’s discovery of a curious limestone teplaced by ironstone, a typical Miocene fauna was shown to exist. on the Mornington Peninsula, and this helped to fix the age of the lower jronstone series, One greatly admires the intelligence and kindly disposition of our late friend, who, in the face of many rebufis tn life, pursued hig even couse uf pleasurable geological work, and left a fine record of perseverance and success in his favounte studies.--F, C.

Tre Late Mr. Frank Srexcer Swita.—Mr. F~ §&, Smith, who passed away on the 4th February, at the age of 52, was elected a conntry member of the Ciub in April, 1974. He was then a resident af Noorat, in the Western District, where he was recognized as an enthusiastic ornithologist. His love of nature, and especially of birds, was follewed up under citcum- stances which to many persons would have been insurmountable. He had been stricken with paralysis at an early age, and all his outings were made in a pony phaeton. For years he con- tributed a fortnightly column, entitled " Bush Notes by F.R.,” ta the Avstrulestan, and had icaders and correspondents all over the continent, but few were avare of the disabilities under which lie wrote. His knowledge of Wester District birds was very cxtensive. and if a selection of his writings were published if would doubtless have a ready sale, Though a member ol the Club for so many years, he never contributed to ils Proceedings,

124 Caapman, The Geolopy of the Mallee. [yal Si XVij1.

‘ THE GEOLOGY OF THE MALLEE.

By F, Crarman, A.L.S., Paleontologist, National Museum, Melbourne.

(Read before the Freid Natuvalists’ Clab of Victoria, 16th Jas., 1922.)

The Fertile Mallee—About thitty years ago the Mallee area of Vaetoria was chiefly inhabited by dingoes and rabbits. To-day it is the third largest wheat-producing area in Victoria, The yield per acre as variable, owing ta the uncertain rainfall, but averages about eight and a halt bushels per acre. In rgt7z it ran as high as 12 bushels to the acre.

Seeing that the wheat yield is largely dependent on rainfall and other water supply, the question of artesian or suh-artesian water 15 One of vital interest to the farmer in tlhe Mallee: and tie factors determining these conditions are mainly geological. Although much of the good work has been carried out up to the present with great success by the Commissioners for Water Supply and Mr. A. S. Kenyon, there is still greater scape fur their activities ut the futune. It 1s interestmg to noie that, speaiang of Victoria as a whole, in 1919 there were 103 Goyern- ment bores put down, rad of which struck fresh water at depths varying between 750 and 700 feet. The water rose from 200 to 7 feet below the surface, and in three case the water was artesian, and tose 4 feet to 17 feet above the sitface,

The Geological Aspect af Weter Srpply—The explanation of the auderground conditions regulating water supply is obviously a geological question, for we must know the unaerlying geology before we can be certain of striking a favourable area, unless, of course, we are contented with haphazard " stabbing “'—a. term applied to the methods of many so-called “ oil-finders,”’ And not only ere general geological principles involved in the favourable location of water bores, but there is also the pala ontological side, since fossils are an index of age and super- position of the strata, Thus, for example, an engineer from New South Wales was recently making inquiries in Melboume as to the prospects of striking water in a partly-worked bore, bringing with him a few shells from the lowest bed struck. These shells, when examined by an expert in fossils, proclaimed the exact position with regard to the water-bearing strata, and he went on his way, like the enlightened eunuch, rejoicing. So much for the “‘ cranks “' who study shells.

In the following cursory sketch of the geology of the Mallee we shall do wel] to examine 12 by the \-yelhan or kindergarten method, so to speak, of treating the familiar surface Arst, and then diving beneath thal surfave for evidence from bonnes, at: the same time making use of cormparative evidence from other sources thus gleaning, hy Successive sleps, some ideas of the

are Cuamman, The Geology of the Mattoo. Ing various—and, at first thought, almost incredjble—changes

which this pact of the earth has undergone since the foundation-

stones of the older rocks were Jaid down.

Suffice it now to say, in a word, about these borings, that ip this systematic study, probably one of the most detailed yet carticd (ut in regard to any borings, |he opportunity was affurded the writer of examining all the maternal obtained from a series of bores numbering I-Tz. These weve received in August, rqo8, and sytematically studied at the National Museum for a period of nearly eight years.* Under the- direction of Mr, A. S, Kenyon, C.E., these bores were made in a straight line, starting from the South Australian. border at. Pinnaroa, to Kow Plains and beyond, at imteryals of two to four miley, The water in these borings was met with at 170-250 feet fram the surface, and in most cases rose to within ta ta 70 feet of the surface. The samples of rock were procured by the twist bit or shell auger, and the harder rock by the Victoria percussion drill,

Suvface Geology.—The modern accumulations of the Mallee to be sven on the surface are brown loamy sands with rootlets, more or less soapy clays (prohably derived from decomposing etanite), and ferruginons sands. Deposits formed previously ---Pleistocene in age—jut out beyond the surface, such as the pink traverlin limestune, ironstone ‘pan’ or concretions, ivonshot gravel, and sometimes blocks of fresh-water limestone crowded with the remains of littl: crastacezns that swarmed in myriads in the ald surface lakes. These minute organisms belong to the genus Cy#ris. of a species allied to the living C-. wytiloides. Besides the above deposits there arc the enormous accumulations of gypsum or copl and of rock salt, the latter forming in some of the pink lakes of the distnct.

Pliocene Deposits —Sands with red jaspery particles and pebbhs of hernstone or Iydite, and even ald sand-dune formations, were met with. in seme of the bores estuarine accumulations were noticed, which indicate the proximity of tidal waters. hese brackish water-beds were often crowded with countless numbers of the shells of Foraminifera, such as Rolabia beccarst, in accompanying fossil in many sinking estuarine areas, wid net unknown as the source of oil in the Caspian Basin.

Lower Phocene to Upper Miocene —A blue clay-band was present in most of the bores, which is full of sea-shells of a fairly shallaw water habitat. This bed, probably extending through the greater part of the Mallee, tends to hold up the bravkish water on account of its impervious character. Oft-

* See" Cainozoic Geology of the Mallee and other Victorian Bovtes,"! F, Chapman, Ree. Geol. Snrv, Viet, vol. ii,, pt 4, 1916-

126 CHarmMan, The Geology of the Males. [y "Sy Nyiy

times beneath this lies a saudy deposit full of tiny little casts ot shells, in a substance called glauconite. This is a bluish- green to brown deposit of hydroys silicate of iron, alumina, and potash, feud infilling the tests of Foraminifera. It generally indicates current action in the locality of deposition, with a fair depth of water. It is often associated—as. indeed, in) this case—with the remains of whales, sharks, and crabs, and this accumulation often results in the formation of valuable. deposits of rock phosphate,

With regard to the soil contents and deficiency of phosphorte acid in, Victorian soils, the writer holds a theory, well supported by facts, that the Mallee’s shortage in this respect 1s probably due to long sealing-mp of the underground supply usually found in Tertiary districts. On the other hand, in England and elsewhere, the crustal rocks are more irregularly broken up, chessboard fashion, so that somewhere or othcr these phosphate- hearing, racks have been subjected to meteoric weathering, hence the higher percentage of this necessary substance in thn soil, We may durther assume that by using the water obtained from the decper strata gradual improvement may he looked for in our subsoils, notably in the Mallee district, for the underlying enriched beds must part with a certain amount of soluble material. .Time will ptove whether my theory is correct. Capillarity, by the sun's rays, is doing a good deal in producing soil circulation, but sub-artesian water boring may do still more.

In these impervious deposils in ie Mallee the brackish water iv held up, The true water-bearing strata are those described below.

Miocene The middle or |najor portion ef the Cainozorc series deposited in and around the Murray Gulf, and extending over the Eucla Basin to the Nullarbor Plain and Albany, belong to the important series known as Tethyan, found along the ancient Mediterranean belt, from the West Indies through Southern Europe, India, Java, and New Guinea. ‘This belt branches off ta Japan and New Zealand respectively, and alsn winds round la Southern Australia, In this geosyncline most of the Tertiary oil-fields are found.

“In the case of the Murray Gulf, alas! the tich polyzoal leds, replete in animal remains, seem to have suffered rapid decay by bacterial action, or perhaps the deposit, being porous, was ever open to their inroads.

In this polyzoal series flints aré found, which in every way resemble the European chalk flints, excepting that they are younger in age. :

These beds constitule the true watersbearing strata of the Mallee, and are the vehicle of the subterraiiean stream by

vers Chapman, The Geology of the Mallee Vaz which an enormous amount of wattr is Jost to Australia in (he Southern Ocean,

Basal Miocesic—Beneath these polyzoal heds there is evidence in many parts, as in the vutcrops at Anglesea, Vio- toria, in the bores at Moorlands, in South Australia, and at Jiega and Yatpool, in Victoria, of old estuarine deposits, in places Alled with leaves and woody débeis, forming lignite, which represents iw base-levelled country filling up the under- lying crags of older rocks belonging to the Lower and Upper Paleozoic and the Mesozoic, the slates and the Jake sandstones nf the earlier geological history of Victoria. The Tieya bore sliows ‘274 feet of the Jignitic beds. -

Bed Rock —Thete appear to be only two records in Victoria af basal rocks older than Tertiary—at Nhill, where * bed-rock " was Struck at 1,172 feet, and Netherby, where "' porphyry ” was found between 2,175 and 2,200 feet. ‘This Jatter rack may be comparable with the quartz porphyry of the Grange Burn, Hamilton, which has been regarded as of Lower Devonian age.

Poteniéalsties. The economic resources of the rocks under- lying the Mallee must be cnormous, judging from dala obtained in the past, and until a systematic survey of a fow deep trial bores js made very little progress can be predicted on thal scientific basis which is so much needed at the present time.

Summary or Ancient Marrer Grocrarny,—The Mallee area in early Tertiary times was part of a great river-sculptured. plain, into the tower vegions of which the vegetable débris was washed. Local lignite fields in the Miscent pomt to the existence of certain parts of the country which were then dominated by a rich and luxuriant growth of timber and scrub, The genera of plants found show rhat there was a sandy drift already developed in these and adjacent parts, as witnessed by the remains of tie Native Honeysuckle (Banksta). Other plant remains go to prove that the climate was a little warmer than at present—that is, warm temperate, Evidence of plant accumulation about this time is also strong in the Anglesea district, where the land surface was becoming unstable and allowing inroads of the sea; consequently shallow-water deposits were formed containing foraminifera hke Cyclamnmina, a shell also found associated with the carbonaceous beds of the Mallec.

Aiter this episode there was a gradual subsidence of the Mallee atea, together with that part of the country ta fhe south of the “ Dundas Peninsula,'' known as the “Great Valley of Victoria.’ Into this subsiding region flowed the deep sea,

128 Ciiarman, The Geology of the Matlee. [yah stg ety.

forming the " Murray Gulf,"’ where polyzoa lived that indicate al least 100 atid sometimes as much as 600 fathoms.- In this sea swarm strange sharks and toothed whales, as well as larger developments of the well-known fishes of to-day. After as much as 600 to 2,000 feet of chalky hmestone had been accumulated, the sea-hed seems to have gradually been on the up grade, becoming shallawer and more subjected to currents, as shown by the quantity of greensand formed in these marine muds. This was in Lower Pliocene times, Following upon this, the land gradually emerged from the sea, and dune, lake, and swamp prevailed. Much of the material is wind-worn, showing a certain amount of desert condition. Evidence is not wanting that there was, even in Older Pleistocene times, a fairly copious rainfall, the water circulating in the layers above the Kalimnan marine beds that acted as an impenetrable floor to the old gulf, This underground water supply was brought up hy capillarity, and the niinerals, as gypsum, salt, limestone, and ferruginous deposits, were left as intercalated ot super- posed oncrustations as we see them on the surface at the present day.

[The paper was illustrated by a fine series of lantern slides — En, Viet, Nati. |

OOLDEA PLANTS. By J, A, Kersuaw, FES,

Dupine a vistt to Ooldea, on the Transcoitinental Railwey, about 350 mules west vl Port Augusta, in July last, I teok the opportunity to collect a number of the more conspicnous plants and shrubs found within a radius of about seven miles of the station, hit no systematic plant collection was at- tempted. The locality is almost on the castern edge of the Nullarbor Plains, and consists of sand-hills with very sparse vegetation. The specimens have been kindly identified for me by Mr, J. R. Tovey, of the National Herbarium, and it was thought that the publication of the full list might be of advan- tage to some student of the flora of that portion of South Australia. The list is as follows :—

AcaciIA ANEURA, F, v, M,, Common Mulga.--Two fol'ms—one with broad and the other with narrow, cylindneal phyliodes.

Acacia LiGULATA, A. Cunn.—A long, narrow-leaved Acacia, in full flower,

Acacta Raxpetraxa.—Common form. Besutifully-shaped trees, from 6 to 8 feet high, and in fall flower,

Avacta Raxnermtana, W. V. Fiteg—A form with almost eylindrical phyllodes and bright yellow flowers,

Manet Kersnaw. Goldea Plants. 12

ACACIA RIGENS, A, Cuon.—Locally known as “ Dead Finish," because of its dense needle-like Icaves. Very common.

Aprtana Hookers, Mueller, “ Watersbush.”-—A shrub about 3 feet high. Only seen near Ooldea Soak, and said to indicate the presence of water.

ATRIPLEX SPONGIOSUM, F. v. M., Spongy Salt-bush,—Very small plants, growing plentifwlly on edge of a dry salt lake near Osldea Soak. :

BASSIA SCLEROLNOIDES, I, v. M., Woolly-fruit Salt-bush— Common on Nullarbor Plain. Said to have a certain fodder value.

‘CALANDRINIA POLYANDRA, Benth,, Parakeelya.—Common in sand-hill country, with small white flowers,

CALOTIS MULTICAULIS, Black, Feather Burdaisy.

CassIA ARTEMISLOIDES, Gaud., Wormwood Cassja

CASSIA EREMOPHILA, Cunn., var. PLATYPODA.—In full flower.

Cassia Sturtu, R. Br., Dense Cassia.

CEPHALIPTERUM DrumMonnlL, A, Gray.—This everlasting was extremely common on sheltered flats between the sand- ills, and made a pleasing picture.

T-REMOPHILA ALTERNIFOLIA, R. Br.—tIn sand-hills, whout 6 fset high, in full flower. ;

Eremoruiza Larrosei, F. ¥v. M.—Plentifal around Qoldea ; 4 to 5 feet high.

Eucalyptus tcrassata, Lab., var. GONIANTHA.—Cormmon among sand-hills.

Eucatyprus pyrt¥ormis, Turcz,—lsolated patches among sand- hills, growing about 20 feet high, and laden with clusters of huge seed-pods, Flowers about 2 inches in diameter, in two csolours—crimson and creamy-white.

EUCALYPTUS TRANSCONTINENTALIS, Maiden, Grey Mallee——- Common among sand-hills, in flower. * Tusanus AcuMINATus, R. Br., “Native Peach"' or Quandong. —Very numerous in sand-hills, Well-shaped bushes laden with fruit. ,

Fusanus spicatus, R. Br., Sandalwood.—Common in places, but of stunted growth, and laden with small, round fruit.

Goopenta pINNatTiFipa, Schlech., Cut-leat Goodenia.—Very plentiful among Blue-bush and Salt-bush on Nullarbor Piain. .

GREVILLEA STENOBOTRYA, FF. v. M., Beefwood-tree.—Filteen to twenty feet high, with flattened seed-pods. Only seen in sand-hills near Ooldea Soak. .

GYROSTEMON RAMULOSUS, Desf,, “' Chistmas Bush,''—Twelve to fifteen feet high. Only found in sand-hills near Ooldea Soak, Wood soft, very brittle, and extremely light in weight when dry. Mr. Tovey remarks :-—* This plant was

130 Kerssaw, Ouldea Plans. tal eat ‘looked upon by Giles, Warburton, and other explorers as. being potsonons or highly injurious to their camels. So far as we know, no poisonous properties haye been extracted from the plant.’

HELICHRYSUM LAWRENCELLA, Lindl, var. Davenrortir, F. v. M.

HWELIPTERUM ROSEDM, Benth.. var. pATENS (Ewart), Black,

KocHIA SEDIFOLIA, PF. v. M., Dense Blue-bush.—Characteristic of the great plain, and has a fodder value.

KOcHIA TRIPTERA, Benth., var. ERTacLADA, Benth—On sandy patches near Ooldea. Stated to appear only alter heavy rains.

LEPIDIUM ROTUNDUM, D. C., Veined Pepper Cress.

LEPTOSPERMUM LEVIGATUM, F. v. M_., Coast Tea-tree —Common in sand-hills.

LoraNTHUS EXOCARPI, Behr., on Acacia rigens, and ladea with small, bright red fr uit.

LORANTHUS PENDULUS, Sieh., Hanging Mistletoe —Common ou Grey Mallee.

MELALEUCA PARVITLORA, Lindl,, “ Moonah” (native name “ Wilvillah **).—Collected near Ooldea Soak.

MINURIA LEPrOPRHYLDA, D. C,, Silley Minuria.

Ovearta MurELtert, Benth., Dusky Daisy Bush.

PrtTosPoRuUM PHILL¥YR@oDES, D. C., ‘ Weeping Pittosporum,” —On Nullarbor Plain, about 6 feet Ingh.

SALICORNIA AUSTRALIS, Banks and Sol, Beaded Samphire.— Edge, of dry salt lake near Ooldea Soak.

Senecio Grecorm, F. v, M., Fleshy Groundsel—Only a few of these bright yellow flowers were seen,

SISYMBRIUM ORIENTALE, L., Indian Hedge Mustard —An introduced plant.

SWAINSONA LESSERTIUFOLIA, D. C., Purple Swainson. iy flower on Nullarbor Plain, near Watson,

Wartzia <AcuMInarA,, Steetz, Orange Immortelle.—A yery striking yellow everlasting, not found commenly around Ooldea,

ZYGOPHYLLUM FRuUTICULOSUM, D. C., " Shtubby Twinleat "— Isolated patches on edge of sand-hill country,

“Vrews or THE Gramerans,”’—A recently-issued collection of pictures illustrating Scenes at: the Grampians, one of our most popular taurist resorts, will be handy for sending to frends abroad to show them that Victoria is not behind other countries in. its scenic beauties. Mr. E. E. Pescott, F.L.S., has con- trituted a short introduction, in which he tonches on some of the wild-fiowers and beauty spots of the district. Most of the pictures are from views taken by the tate Mr. A, J, Relph, well known for his enthusiasm about the Grampians.

Che Victorian Naturalist.

Vou. XXXVIIE—No. 12. APRIL 6, 19232. No: 460.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

Tae ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society’s- Hall on Monday evening, -t3th March, 1922.

The president, Mr. F. Chapman, A.L,5., occupied the chair, and about sixty members and visitors were present,

CORRESPONDENCE.

From Miss Florence Smith, acknowledging, on belialt of her father, brothers, and sisters, Lhe Club's message of sympathy on the death of her brother, Mr. Frank S. Smith.

From’ Tasmanian Field Naturalists’ Club, inviting members to take part in tlhe Easter camp-out at Adventure Bay, Bruni Island.

REPORTS.

A report of the excursion to Black Rock on Saturday, zoth February, was given by Mr. J. Stickland, who acted as leader in the unavoidable absence of the appointed leaders, Messrs. J. Shepherd and J. Searle. He reported a good attendance of members. The tide, unfortunately, was not suitable for exten- sive collecting, However, an interesting afternoon was spent, and much information relating to the common objects found on ihe seashore was exchanged.

A report of the visit to the Enid Nursery, Ivanhoe, on Saturday, 11th March, was given by the leader, Mr. E. E, Pescott, F-L.S., who said that a large party of members attended. The members were conducted through (he greater part of the nursery by the proprietor, Mr, G. M, Duncan, who is an enthusiast regarding the growing of native shrubs and trees. It came a8 a Suprise to members ta sce about 20,00% Australian trees and shrubs, &c., in pots ready for sale: naturally, eucalypts and acacias bulk largely in these figures, some thirty species of the former and seventy-five of the latter being included in the plants grown, Many rare Aus- trahan specimens were seen im various stages of prowth, among them the rare palm, Livistona mane, F. v. M. from the Mac- donnell Ranges, Central Australia, its only habitat, remarkable for the red colour of its leaves. The party had been enter- tained at afternoon tea by Mr. Dunéan, and, before leaving, the president, Mr. ¥, Chapman, expressed the pleasure of the members at the great revelation to them of the enterprise of Mr, Duncan im his efforts to popularize native vegetation,

On the motion of Messrs, Pescott and Barnard a vote of thanks was directed to be forwarded to Mr. Duncan for his

.

b33 Field Natuvalisis' Club—Proceedings. [yh SsS¥tin, kindness in allowing a visit to be nade to the nursery and for his hospitality. ELECTION OF MEMBERS, On a ballot being taken, Miss M. Sheperd, 175 Hotham- street, East Melbotirne, and Mr, Alan Allaway, Leeds-streer, Footscray, were duly elected members of the, Club,

GENERAL BUSINESS.

Mr, C. L. Barrett, C-M.Z.S., referred to the proposal of the Fisheries and Game Department to allow shooting of ducks, &tc., for market purposes during the-closo season. He moved (hat a letter of protest be sent to the Department, which was seconded by Mr. I, E. Pescott, F_L.S., and carried unani- mausly,

PAPER READ.

By Messrs, C. Daley, F.L.S., and H. B. Williamson, entitled “A Trip to the Sources of the Murray River,”

fhe geographical and physiographical features of the country between Omeo and Forest Hill were dealt with by Mr. Daley, who exhibited a large number of rock and mineral specimens in iNustration of his remarks: The botanical results af the trip were commented on by Mr. Williamson, who ex-

hibited about fifty specimens of the rarer alpine plants noticed, ,

The paper was well illustrated by a large series of photo- praphs- :

NATURAL HISTORY NOTE.

Mr. A J. Tadgell drew attention to a number of marine shells, &e , from Cowes, Phillip Island, and read some notes hy Mr. J. A. Kershaw, V.E,S., regarding them.

He also called attention to the remarkable longevity possessed by Lobelia simplicicanlis after being picked, the specimens exhibited having been collected on 31st January, and were still fresh, and further Aowers expanding, on rath ‘March. | te ,

EXHIBITS.

By Miss Rose Currie.—Kopi, from Cowangic, N.W. Mallee, Victoria,

By Miss K. Currie. —Flowers of Murray Lily, Crinna pedus- culaium, a native of New South Wales. grown by exhibitor at Lardner, Gippsland.

By Mr. C. Daley, F-L.‘S.—Rocks and minerals from the Omeo and Cobberas districts in illustration of paper, including Older Basalt from Cobungra, at 5,000 fect above sea-level, and porphyry from the summit of the Cobberas {6,030 feet), black marble from Native Dog Creck, aid cassiterite (tinstone) from Glen Wills, °

Ani] Field Natuvalisis' Club——Proceedings. 133

By Mr. J. E. Dixon, —Coleoptera recently collected in Victoria.

By Mr. E. E. Pescott.—Flower of Garland Lily, Calestenyma purpurcum, grown. from specimens obtained at Lake Hattah, N.W, Mallee, by Mr, J. E. Dixon,

By Mr. J, Stickland —Egg-case of a molluse from Black Rock (portion exhibited under microscope}, :

By Mrs. E. Tavaré.—Grape-like galls on a leaf of Encalyptus panciforu, Snow Gum, from Mount St, Bernard, Victonan Alps, the galls buing soft, ike a grape, and each containing a small brown Jarva of a lymenopterous (?) insect

By Mr. A. J. Tadgell—Marine shells, &c., from Cowes, Specimens of Lobelia simplictoaulis in Mustration of nates.

By Mr. H. B. Williamson —Dried specimens of about fifty alpine plants, also photographs in illustration of paper,

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated,

BOOK NOTICES,

New Zearaxp Ferns, by H. B. Dobbie. Auckland) Whit- combe and Tombs Ltd. Pp, 304 (54 x 84), To plates,

In this handsomely-produced volume, which, the antior says, has '' no pretension to being a scientific work,” the whole of dhe recorded ferns of New Zealand are dualb with mo a popular way, written so that the merest tyro cai understand, That the author is an entlvasiastic Jover and grower of ferns is seen in every page, Every species and all woell-1arkel varieties are illustrated by direct photographs from selected typical specimens, the size of the original being given in every case, In addition, with regard to many species, enlarged drawings are given of the position of sori or spore-cases on the Jronds, 50 as to help in the identification of species. The author prefaces his descriptions with a few notes on the cultivation of ferns, and ta a non-resident of New Zealand it seems that Auckland must possess an idcal climate for fern- growing, for no jess than twenty species appeared as self-sown plauts in the author's fernery, This, by the way, scems to have heen constructed of tifa blocks in terraces, on which the ferns urew luxuriantly, He gives the total number of New Zealancl ferns as 134 species and 24 well-anthenticated varieties belonging to 34 genera, of which 44 species and 13 varieties are found only in New Zealand. The majority of the specics are commen to both islands, but the North Island has 17 species and 3 varieties not found in the South, which has only three endemic species. The islands off the coast possess cight species

144 Book Nolices. Cok ee eart.

and three varieties not found on the mainland, Of the species recorded, about 38 ave also found in Victoria and several others in Tasmania, New South Wales, and Qucensland, while, of course, others extend to other parts of the world. The ferns of New Zealand contain many handsome and graceful species. The genera containing the mast species are Hymeno- phyllum, I9, and 2 varieties: Lomaria, 14, with { variety; Asplenium, 12 species and 8 varieties: and Polypadium, ro Species and 3 varieties. The work is a notable addition to the fern literature of the world.

“Tue Witp-FLowers or WesTERs AusTRALra.”’ By Emily H. Peiloe Melbourne: C. J. De Garis Publishing House, rg2t. 124 pp. (84 x I£), with 7 coloured plates and illus- trations in the text (by the author), 21/-.

Mrs, Pelloe is to be congratulated on having produced a volume which deals with the more striking flowers of that portion of Western Australia south of Shark’s Bay in such a manner that the mere flower-lover will be able to follow her remarks, and doubtless derive much information from them. At the same time, the scientific interest of the flowers has not been forgotten, and readers at a distance will be able to get a very good idea of the character of the flora of " Swanland,” as Professor Griffith Taylor has termed that portion of out continent. A useful introduction explains Lhe scape of the vohune, aid in se doing emphasizes many of the fundamental facts of botany. Then four chapters are devoted to a kind of calendar of the flowering times of the flowers dealt with. the year being treated in four sections, Jaimary to June—the slack season—forming the first, the vemaining six months being in three sections of two months each. By this means a collector can gel a very good idea of what his plant may be by noting i which month it was found in bloom. A brief description, of each species mentioned appears at whe end of each chapter, Then a section is devoted to ‘’ Families and Genera,’ which is more scientific, giving concise descriptions of “the various genera mentioned, and a statement of the number of species acenrring in cach Australian State. An appendix— “ Biographical Notes ''—follows, containmg the names of wotable persons after whom the plants have been named by various authorities. A glossary of botanical terms and a very full index complete the volume. Mrs. Pelloe is ta be con- gratulated on her drawings, but in the case of same species the printers have failed to get the right tone in the coloured plates; however, the volume sliould prove of great service, and were there a voluine on sumilar lines for Victoria it would prove « boon indeed.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. NN XVIII. April, 1922

PLATE IV.

BRACHYCOME TADGELLII. TevFy AND Morris. sp. noy

Ast) Tovey & Morrts, Noles-from National Herbartuin. 135

NOTES FROM THE NATIONAL. HERBARIUM OF VIC.

- TORIA, INCLUDING A DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF BRACHYCOME,

(WITH PLATE.) By J, R. Tovey anp PF. Morris, (Read bejove the Field Natuvalists' Club of Victovia, 13th Feb., rg22.)

THESE notes contain—(a) a description of a new species of Brachycome from the Victorian Alps; (b) a record of Aibiscus Farragei as an addition to the list of the native flora of Victoria ; (c) a Supposed new species, Conosperinum, suavevlente, Herbert, 15 reduced to a synonym of C. amenum, Meissn., there being insufficient specific distinction between them. ‘The remainder ate chiefly records of the distribution of plants.

BRACHYCOME TansElia, Tovey and Morris, sp, nov, |

Herba’ perenne glaberyima; folis 2“-5” longis, polyimorphis linearis-integerrimis spathulatis ad crenatis, pirmatisectis Capitulis magnis ; bracteis lineans , acheniis obovatis, oblongis— ellipticiis, non alatis; pappo brevissimo coronatum

A tufted perennial with creepmg rhizomes, 6-12 inches high, Scape with 3 to 5 pinnatifid or entire leaves, Leaves 2-5 inches long, varying from quite entire, spathulate to cremate, lobed, pinnatifid or pinnatisect. Lower leaves fleshy, crowded at the base, spreading, basal leaves decaying. Capitulum large, mvolucre # inch in diameter, Ray florets white, numerous’ about 30, much longer than the bracts. Margins of style slightly rough, Bracts linear, shghtly margined with purple ; achene very variable, from obovate to oblong-ellipsoid, without marginal wing, but having m many cases a glandulay pubescence on the edges: fipped with a glandular or bristly pappus half as long as achene-

Mount Hotham, Victoria, 6,000 feet, A. J Tadgell, Decent ber, 19%3, December, 121

Tts nearest affinity is 2. ¥adicans, fyont which it differs in having more Reshy, broader, and -pinnatisect Jeaves ; the scapu bearmg 3-5 loaves; the bracts and margins narrower. the achenes without broad crenate margms, and having in many cases aA flandular pabescence on the margins. .

Explanation of plate—r. Whole plant, about natural size: 2, Disc Horet and achene: 3, Ray floret and achene; 4, Bract with margin. 2, 3, and 4 much enlarged.

Heluscus Farvvanget, F. ¥. M. (Malwacem), Frag,, viii, 247 (1874), Button, Victoria, F, T, Holt, Jan,, 1922.(per Botanic Gardens), This plant, which was presiuusty revordéd from New South

136 Tovey & Mounts, Noles from National Horbaviuin. ty ee:

Wales, Queensland, North, South, and Western Australia, has now been found in Victoria, and must therefore be added to the list of Victorian flora,

Conospermuat amanwn, Meissn. (syn, Conosperstunt swaveolente, Herbert).

In the Journ, Roy. Svc, of W.A., vin (ig2T), Mr. D. A, Herbert described « new species (C. suwaveolente). He stated that it differed from C. amenum, Meissn., in the longer and more slender terete leaves, the dilated leaf bases in the upper ends of the branches, and the length of the spike. The flowers were axillary along the stem, and do not show the same tendency as in C. amennm to cluster at the top. On examina- tion of the material of C. ammniim in the National Herbarium, we find that a specimen (Preiss, No, 745) has the flowering spike just as long as in that of C. swaveolente, and has also the dilated Jeaf bases. The leaves of Drummond's No. 583 are as long and as slender as those of the new species (ihese twa are evidently Meissner’s types). There are also intermediate forms showing gradations between the long flowering spike and the ones with the flowers clustered at the top; the leaves are of vatious lengths, and several with dilated leaf bases. The differences between Mr. Herbert's species and C_ assent are therefore not sufficient {o constitute a specific distinction. (©. suaveolente, Herbert, must therefore be reduced to a synonym of Cy anuentin, Meissn.

Brachypodinn distachvum, Beauy,, “ False Brome Grass '' (Graminee),

Preston, Victoria, G. H. J’. Baker, November, rosz,

A native of (he Mediterranean regions and the Orient. A new lucality in Victoria for this grass, it was previously recordod from Dooen, North-West Victoria. lM appears 10 be per- manently* establishing itself in the Preston district,

Caltinedgrostis fileformzs (Forst,), Pilger (Avena filiformmes, Fovst., 1786), (Calamagrostis anna, Steud,, 8271), (Deyeralr Forster? Kunth. 1833).

Under the laws of botanical nomenclature, Vorster's orignal specific name has priority over that of Stendel’s,

Carduus arvensis, I. “ Perennial Thistle’ (Composites), Hillend, 18 miles from Moe, Victoria, W. Burrage, January, 1922. A forin with white flowers,

April,

ba Tovey & Morris, Nates from National Hevbarinm. 137

Cyperns vegetus, Willd., ‘' Umbrella Sedge" (Cyperacez). ¥annathan, Victoria, R. Poole, December, 192r.

‘this South American sedge is often grown in gardens, and, {hence escaping, it is now growing wild in many parts of Vic- toria, and may be considered naturalized,

Pelargoniuns graveolens, J.’Herit,, “Scented Pelargonium’ (Geraniaces). Geranium. Springs, Grampians, Victoria, J. W. Audas, December, To2r. : A new loeality in Victoria for this South Africuo plant, which is evidently in the process of naturalization,

Phalaris pavadoxa, L. (Gramimex), Mildura, Victoria, per G. H. F. Baker, November, 1927,

A native of the Mediterranean regions and the Onent, Not previously recorded as growing wild in Victoria,

Potentilla erecia, L., “ Evect Potentil”’ (Rosacce) Warragul, Vietaria, P! J. Wolfe, January, 1922.

A native of Enrope and Asia, previously recordect in Victoria for the North-Eastern and South-Western districts. Seswviumn portulacastyum, 1. (Aizoacer).

Carington’s Landing, Macarthur River, Northern Territory, G. F. Hill, No, 391, 20th September, rgrz.

This was recorded as Atzoon zygophylloides, F. v, M., on page 106 af the “ Flora of the Northern Territory,'” by A. J. Ewart and 0. B. Davies, which was apparently an error in~- identification, There being no authentic specimens of Aizoon frown the Northern Territory, the genus Aizoon, will therefore lave to be deleted from the list of that flora.

Mount Gampier, §.4.—The recently-issued voluinc of the Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Soctely of Sowth Australia (vol. xlv., 1927) contains an interesting paper by Dr. Charles Fenner (D.Sc,), entitled ‘‘ The Craters and Lakes of Mount Gambier.” Like Dr. Fenner’s previous work on the Werribee River, the paper is a most. comprehensive and informative one, well illustrated with diagrams, maps, and a plate depicting two of the lakes. The author reviews previous writings on the area, and summarizes his conclusions'on the origin of the craters and lakes, which are not geologically. old. To anyone visiting this interesting district Dr. Fenner’s paper should be of great service.

‘

i368 The tats My, J.B. Mulder, Cys te ete

THE LATE MR, J. F. MULDER.

By the death of Mr. John Frederick Mulder, of Geelong, on 27th December last, at the age of 81, Victoria has lost one of her keenest naturalists, Though net a member of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, he was so well known to many of its members that an appreciation af his work in these pages will not he out of place, Mr, Mulder was a native of Kent, I:ngland, and arrived in Geelong with his parents when about seven years af age. He seems to have been an observer from his earliest years. In those days aborigimals were not uncommon in the Géelong district, and as a boy he made friends with them, becoming acquainted with their ways and learning about theic implements, of which in later years he possessed a fine collection, The hirds of ihe district naturally attracted him, aid on taking up the business of a taxidermist he became interested im other forms of Nature, He made collections of the local beetles and butterfles, becoming also an authority on the plants of the district. He also tured his attention to fossils, and Cypraa Molderi was named in his honour by the late Prof. Tate, of Adelaide, With these inclinations he naturally had a wide circle of friends, of whom may be mentioned Baron von Mueller, Yr. 7. S, Hall, J. Bracebridge Wilson, Jolm Dennant, and A. B. F. Wilson. When the Geelong Pield Naturahsts’ Clab was founded m 1880, shortly after the Melbourne society, he liccame a prominent member, and was always ready to assist budding naturalisis, what- ever their leanings might be. He contributed many papers to the Club on a wide tange of subjects, which duly ap- peated in the Geelong Nateevalist. Of Nis collections, which wert ¥ery considerable, the bulk of the fossils are now in the Melbourne Museum, where some new forms will be worked out as opportunity offers. Other pertions were purchased by leading citizens of Geelong and presented to the local myseum, of which he had been curator for a number of years. That he was a remarkable man is shown by the fact that he found time to act as a bandmaster, and was an adepl at almost any instrument. The memory of the good work that he did and the influence le exerted will not readily We Lorgotten in the district in which he spent so many years. of & useful life.

Locat. Haxosooxs.—The South Australian branch of the British Service Guild proposes-to publish a senes of handbooks dealing with the vanous branches of natural history in that State. Already six have been-arranyed for. They are to be illustrated, and shonld fill a long-felt want. Similar series for other States wonld be of great value,