THE

VICTORIAN NATURALIST

THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE

OF THE

Field Maturalists’ Club of Wictoria

VOL. XLI

MAY, 1924, TO APRIL, 1925

Stee tp os 1
Won. Cditor: MR. F. G. A. BARNARD

—

a

The Author of cach Article is responsible for the facts and
opinions recorded

MELBOURNE:
RAMSAY PUBLISHING PTY. LTD., 203-5-7 KING STREET
1925

INDEX

vii

ILLUSTRATIONS:

A Mixed Community .. 2. 0. 0, 2, ce ce ce ae ia
Brachycome alpint .. 0. 6. ce cc ce ee 31
Caper Tree 2. 2. ue ee ki oe Ge ee Gene pe ee 4, ©6180
Cushion-bush 22 2. 0. 0. ee ee ee ee ee ee ee 108
Barling Tote ac hatin ele! ase Sear Silat coed ee Se Melee ete oe ee “T80
Mistletoe-blue Butterfly .. .. .. .. 6... ee we e. © 80
Moonlight-blue Butterfly .. 2. 2. 1. 1. ee ue ee 50
Obdiide” se. ey eset pe De ge te ee Be ge ge we BBE
Protozoa .. .. tae re cash ecae Ast “geen ae) 4OR
South-West Queensland, Sketch Map of .. .. .. .. 103°
Vellow-tails .. 6. 2. ce ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee oe = 108

ERRATA:
Page 6—Errata in Nuturalist,, April, 1924.
Page 24—Errata in Nauturulist, May, 1925, page 2.
Page 96—Errata in Bogong Plants, pages 53-74.
Page 99—Erration in August Nuturalist, page 90.
Page 147, line 21—For ‘“Guaphalium"” read “Gnaphalium.”

Page 168, line 20—For “Silcified Lignita’ read ‘‘Silicified
Lignite.”

Page 204, line 1i1—For “Senecio odoratus” read: “Veronicu
notabilis.”

Page 204, line 15—For “Orchid” read “Orchard.”

Page 209, line 12 from bottom — For “luxurious” read
“luxuriant.”

Page 232—Errata in Noojee Plants, pages 170-183.

Che Victorian Naturalist.

Vou. KLE—No. 1. MAY 8, 1924. No. 435.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA,
THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the
Royal Society's Hall on Monday, rgth April, igzq. 0 +

The president, Mr. C. Daley, B.A., F.L.S., occupied the chair,

and about fifty members and visitors were present. '
. REPORTS.

A report of the excursion to Sherbrooke, on Saturday, 15th
March, was given by the leader, Mr. I. Pitcher, who reported
a good attendance of members. The object of the excurston
“was ferns, and of these-twenty-six species were noted during
the: day. Some gullies, not often visited, around the head
waters of the Monbulk Creek, proving a delighful area for
investigation. y

On the motion of Messrs, F. Pitcher and C. Daley, it was
decided that a letter of thanks be sent to Miss Billing, of
Sherbrooke, for her hospitality to the members of the excursion
party.

A teport of the excursion to the Botanical Gardens on
Saturday, 2gth March, was given by the leader. Mr. P. R. H.
St. John, who said that, notwithstanding a showery afternoon,
there was a good attendance of members who enjoyed the
uting. The conservatory, propagating sheds, &c., were
visited, and many interesting novelties brought under the
notice of the visitors.

A report of the excursion to Bayswater on Saturday, 5th
Apnil, was given by the leader, Mr. C, Oke, who said the excursion
had hean well attended, and as the day was all that could be
wished it had been much enjoyed. Insects were the objects of
search, but, excepting ants,- were, not numerous. Numbers of
the crater-like openings to the nests of the Brown Ant, A phana-.
faster longiceps, were observed, and their mode of construction
investigated. A specimen of: the Black-mottled Lacewing,
Porismus sirigatus, Bohem, proved a great attraction to Several
of the excursionists who were unacquainted with it.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS,

On a ballot being taken, Miss Dorothy Round, 9. Warburton-
road, Camberwell: Miss Sharman, r Sir William-street, Kew ;
and Mr. J. Dayidson, 3 Leslie-street, Richmond, were duly
elected members of the Club,

GENERAL BUSINESS.

The president, on behalf of the Club, offered congratulation:

2 Field Natuvalists' Club—Proceedisgs. wa
to several members who had secured University honours at the
recent examinations—viz., Miss R. Chisholm as B.A. ; Mr. P. C.
Morrison as BSc.: and Mr. C, D. Gillies, M-Sc., as B.S., also to
the daughter of a member, Miss D, Coleman, who 1s an enthusi-
astic worker at the wild-flower exhibitions, as B.A.

Mr, E, E. Pescott, F.LS., referred to the recent retirement
from the Education Department of the Club's president, Mr, C,
Daley, B.A., F.L.S., and wished him many years of life to enjoy
his well-earned rest. He was supported in his remarks by
Messrs. Barnard, Williamson, and Hardy.

Mr. Daley briefly responded.

Mr. W, J. Stephen called attention to the proposal to form
golf links in Riversdale Park, and urged that the Club. take |
steps to prevent the removal of trees from the eastern portion
of the park, which was a beautifully wooded area, such areas
adjacent to Melbourne being now very scarce, He moved that
a letter be written to the Tramway Board to that effect. This
was seconded by Mr, E. E- Pescott, and caericd unanimously,

Some discussion took place regarding the proposed American
Museum expedition to Anstralia for collectmg ethnological
Specimens, and on the motion of Messrs. Pescott and Barnard
it was decided to communicate with the Minister of Customs,
and urge that the collection be made only under stringent
conditions, and that the export of any specimens be prohibited.

NOTES ON EXHEBITS.

Mr. F_ Pitcher drew attention ta his exhibit of ferns (rom the
Strathbogie Ranges, and remarked on the-interesting nature of
the vegetation of the district.

Mr. L, Thorn drew attention to his exhibit of the various
Stages in the lile history of one of the lycemid butterflies.

Mr. E, E. Pescott drew attention to a series af hend-coloured
photographs of Australian birds and flowers exhibited by Mrs.
E, Coleman, the work of Miss Llewellyn, of Ballarat.

MICROSCOPICAL DISPLAY.

Tn place of the reading of papers, the evening was devoted to
a display of microscopic objects by members, about twenty
microscopes being in use.

The following are some of the principal objects shown —

By Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S.—Section of Devonian Chert,
from Rhymil, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, containing the oldest
known structure in any fossil plant, Rhzwia gwynne-Vaughant 7
type slides of interesting and rare foranimifera, from Nare’s
Harbour, Admiralty Island, Cocos-Keeling Island, Great Barrier
Island, New Zealand, Coldaren, Farol Channel.

pn ba Field Natuvatists' Club—Pvoceedings. 3

By Mr. V. Gray.—-Rotifer colony, Lacinularia natans.

By Miss O, Hardy.—Entomological slides, including stomata
of larva of Gum Emperor Moth, showing valve-like structure 5
pollen basket of bee, ke.

By Mr. A. D, Hardy. —Botanical sections, including sections
of wood of Blue Gum, Eucalyptus globuins, and Murray Pine,
Callitvis verrucosa; pollen grain of various trees, &c., showing
different forms,

By Mr. C. Lambert,—Botanical sections,

By Mr, C, Oke.—Proventriculus of Apple-borer Beetle,
Leptops hopet.

By Mr, J. Searle.—Tubercle bacilli; Larva of Smafl Caddis-
fly ; Simulinum fatya (larva of a small black fly very trouble-
some to cattle),

By Mr. A-L, Seott,—Sections of basalt under ordinary and
polarised light. \

By Mr. J. Shephard.—Larval Branchipods, Branchipus (adult),
Eulimnidia (adult), Lepidurus {adult),

By Mr. J. Strickland-—Anthrax bacillus.

By Mr. J. Wilcox.—Rotifer, Melicerta rangens.

EXHIBIT.

By Mr, F. Pitchers—Austral Filmy Fern, AHyimenopiyllen
austvale, collected on Sherbrooke excursion, 14th March, 1924;
stem of Common Bracken Fern, 7 feet 3 inches long, from
Lima East, Strathbogie Ranges; also dried specimen of Sickle
Fern, Pell@a falcata, Blanket Fern, Pleurosorus (Gramnitis)
yulefolius, and Rock Fern, Chetlanthes tenuifolia, fronds over
eighteen inches long; juvenile and adult foliage of Blue Gum,
Eucalyptus globulws (adult leaves over twenty inches long),
from Sugarloaf Creek, Strathbogic.

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated,

“Tue AustratiAn Forestry JouRNAL.”—In the January
number of this journal a writer points out that it is waste of
good timber to tingbark the trees with the idea of getting a
better crop of grass for grazing purposes. For some time he
had taken particular notice of paddocks in which mast of the
trees had been rung, with the view of finding out what difference
the killing of the trees made to the paddock, and, from the
observations he has made, has come to the conclusion that
more and better grass is to be found where trees exist than
where there ate none, or dying, the explanation being that
the fallen leaves of the trees act as a mulch and fertilizer of the
soil, :

4 Excursion fo Sherbrooke. Vice. Nate

Vou XU
EXCURSION TO SHERBROOKE.

A BEAUTIEUL early autumn morning greeted the excursionsts
en route to Sherbrooke by the 8.50 a.m. train on Saturday, 15th
Match. The train journey was enjoyed. Alihough few plants
along the line were in bloom, the grass lands, farms, gardens,
and riative vegetation look bright and green after the splendid
summer rains. It was noted that plants of-the Hop Bitter Pea,
Daviesia jatifolig, which is valued by some herbalists for its
medicinal qualities, were still abundant’ between Bayswater
and Boronis, though not se plentiful as formerly, After leaving
Blackburn, plants of the Golden Spray, Wominaria denudata,
were also still to be found syrviving in the railway reserve near
to Boroniastation, The Leper Acacia, 4, /¢prosa, which abounds
between Upwey and Belgrave, gave promise’ of abundant
fiowering next Spring At Belgrave our party numbered
seventeen in all, including our president and Miss Ratt, whom
we were pleased to welcome after her return the previous week
from her holiday and Studies in Europe, We passed through
the township ta the track which leads through the forest ‘to the
Sherbrooke Falls. Our exenrsion object being ferns, our atten-
tion was soon attracted to the various species prevailing along
the track, and their distinctive characteristics were pointed out,
The rough and soft tree-ferns of varying heights and girths
of stems were readily determinable after journeying a Jittle
way along our path. The exceptionally tall growths and
immense size of many of the White Mountain Ash, Eucalypins
regnans, and other timber trees, as well.as of the Hazel Poma-
erris, Christmas. Bush, Prickly Currant-bush, Blanket Leaf,
and Austral Mulberry plants were pointed out en rote. Various
mosses and lichens and small botanical specimens of the ferns
were gathered by the members under authority of the. permit
obtained by the leader from the Secretary for Lands. About
hall a mile along the pathway to the Falls we were met, under
atrangement, by Mr. A. G. Hooke, the Club's treasurer, who
led us inte a side track on the right up the hill and through a
fine gully and dense bower of soft trec-ferns. On these ferns
were remarkably fine growths of the Shining Filmy Fern, the
Bristle Fern, and alongside the track were seen some splendic
examples of the Leathery Shield Fern, Soft Water Fern, Tender
Bracken, Necklace Fern, and Mother Spleeenwort. Two large
plants of the common garden Hydrangea, which had been
planted in the victnity of this track by the proprietor of Sher-
brooke Lodge, were found to be growing luxuriantly. They
hore numbers of large, tich, blue-coloured Howers as a result of
the iron inflitence of the soil in which they were luxuriating.
After passing through this erove the track led us ont on to the
astern boundary of the main Sherbrouke Falls valley vegetation,

9] [le Excursion to Sherbraoke. 5
and through an area now covered with the Commoii Bracken,
the most cosmopolitan of the world's ferns, After a journey of
about half « mile we were guided by Mr. Hooke io the country
louse of One of fis relatives, 2 Miss Billing, where, at-about
7 o'clack, we were welcomed by that lady and Mr. Hooke, sen.,
and Miss Hooke, who had kindly prepared a very acceptable
lunch for the party. This was partaken of under the shade
of trees in the garden, and was greatly enjoyed by all. At its
conclusion the leader and our president expressed, on behalf of
the excursionists, Sincere thanks for the extremely kind thought
and action of Miss Biling. This was supported with en-
thusiagm by all the excursionists, who jomed in singing, '' For
they ate jolly gond people.'' A photograph of the party was
then taken as a memento of the occasion by Mr, Harvey, We
then started tor Clematis Avenue Gully, at South Sassafras,
As we leff the house, picturesque views of Ohnda and Mernda
were Observable in the distance, and further along on our
journey beautiful views in the direction of Nethania Springs,
Monbulk, and the Gippsland mountains beyond were noticed
as we passed by the well-kept gardens of the tounsts' home ot
‘'Grendon" and the adjoining properties. After a pleasant
walk of about a ntile we reached the head of the gully, which
was onr objective, Some tall examples of our rough tree-ferns
were yery attractive objects as they stood along the valley
roadsides as single specimens, or in groups of three and four,
up to 20 or 30 fect m height. This Clematis Avenue Gully
appears to be about half a mile in length, and eventually joins
the Monbulk Creek. Good road approaches have been made
which enable motorists and others to reach this gully irom
Belgtave and to make a round trip through Sherbrooke,
Sassafras, and Ferny Creek districts to Ferntree Gully. We
entered this gully from one of the highest of the nrany tracks
leading from the road, and spent about 14 hours searching for
different ferns. The most interesting noticed here were the
Shiny Shield Fern, The Shade and Weeping Spleenworts, the
Ausiral Filmy Fern, the Batswing Fern, the Lance Fern, the
Finger Fern, the Kangaroo Fern, the King Fern, and the Socnted
Polypody ; the last-named was to be seen covering branches
of the Sassafras and other gully trees, as well as the tree-ferns.
Some fine examples were met with throughout the day of the
common Shield ern, with young plants developing in various
stages at the tips of the parent fronds. One nf our party
obtained a nutnbet of mosses and fern specimens for University
work. Minute plants of the Batswing Fern, showing distinctly
the prothallus from which they were developed in each case,
were obtained from a side bank of the road. As we left the
gully at about 4 o'clock, a leisurely walkown the well-made

° ; Viet. Nat.
6 Excursion to Sherbrooke, Vou XLT.

and nicely-shaded toad to Belgrave enabled ts to reach the
station in time to catch the 5 p.m. train to Melbourne. A few
of the excursionists remained for later trains. The- weather
was perfect, and a most enjoyable day was spent. ‘The following
is a complete list of the twenty-six ferns noted during the day-
In view of the fact that nearly one-half of the species of Vic-
torian ferns may be found in the Sherbrooke district, and the
many changes receritly made in their specific names, I have
deemed it advisable to add to my report in tabular form the
vernacular names of the twenty-six species observed during
the excursion, with the new specific names, a5 well as the older
and more familiar ones, in brackets,

Bristle Fern, Trichomeanes. venosum.
Austral Filmy Fern, Aymenophyllwm australe (H. javanicum).
Shining Filmy Fern, H. flabellatum (H. nitens).
Soft Tree-fern, Dicksonia antarctica (D, billardieri),
Rough Tree-fern, Alsophila australis,
Shining Shield Fet'n, Dryopterts decomposite (4spidium decom-
postin).
Ground Polypody, D. pwnctata (Aspidium punclatum)..
Common Shield Fern, Polystichum aculeatum (Aspidium
' aculeatum).
Leathery Shield Fern, P. adtantiforme (Aspidium capense),
Rainbow Fern, Davallsa dubia.
Shade Spleenwort, Athyriwn umbrosum (Aspleniumn ambrosien).
Necklace Fern, Asplemum flabellifolizn,
Mother Spleenwort, 4, bulbiferwm.
Weeping Spleenwort, A. flaccidim,
Gristle Fern, Blechnwm cartilagineum,
Fishbone Fern, B. discolor (Lomaria discolor).
Lance Fern, B. lanceolatwm (Lomaria lanceolata).
Soft Water Fern, RB, capense (Lomaria capensis).
Common Maiden-hair Fern, Adiantum a@thiobicwm,
Tender Bracken, Pteris tremula,
Batswing Fern, Histiopteris incisa (Plerts imetsa),
Common Bracken, Pleridiwm aquilinum (Pteris aguilina),
Finger Fern, Polypodium Billardiert (Polypodtw» australe).
Kangaroo Fern, P. pirstestatune.
Scented Polypodium, P. diversifoliam (Polypodium scantens).
King Fern, Todea barbara.
F, Pircner,

ERRATA IN APRIL NATURALIST.
. Page 236, exhibit by J. Searle—For “ Apendicula’’ read
“ Appendicularia.”’
Page 244, jine z—For ' throat" read “ thorax,”

May, One, Notes on the Natya District: ?

19%
NOTES ON THE NATYA DISTRICT.
By Cuas, OKE, '
(Read befove the Field Naturatists' Club of Victoria, 10th Mav., 1924.)

THESE few notes on the Natya district, while based on three
short visits paid t0 the district in July, 1919, September, 1922,
and June, 1923, may really be taken as a report of the Club
excursion in September, rgz22.

Natya is situated about 4o miles [rom Swan Hill, or 250
miles from Melbourne, and is about four or five miles from the
Murray, In July, rgtg, the Lands Department was advertising
land as a soldier settlement in the parish of Pines, and as a
friend of mine, Mr. J. Hann, was desirous of taking up land
in the Mallee, we decided to go and have a look at it. So, on
the tyth ef July, Totg, we travelled by train as far as Piangil,
then the terminus of the line. We spent the night in the train,
aS beds were net procurahle in ihe town, and were awakened
eatly by the noise oi the other free boarders, mostly shearers
making for eatly sheds in New South Wales, After breakfast
we tolled our swags and set off for Possum Flat, where we
expected to camp Jor a week or ten days,

The immediate vicinity of the town did not scem very
inviting from an entomological point of view, but no doubt
much interesting material might be taken quite close to the
town, for just at the station entrance I caught the fitst beetle,
Onthophagus henleyeusts, Blackb., one of the small dung-chafers.
Right in the main street were some logs, and on turning these
over a number of J'alanrtnus sywamosus, Macl., were obtained,
this being the first Victorian record of this beetle.

On making inquiries at the coffee palace as to the most
direct track to Possum Flat, we received quite a bewildering
lat of advice as to ‘short cuts,” but decided to go along the
newly-laid railway line for a couple of miles and then get on
to a track leading to our objective, Soon after leaving the
railway line we got amongst the mallee, and from here on we
hardly saw a break in the dense virgin growth, Some: tiles
out we reached a small tank, and decided to have lunch. While
my friend ‘' boiled the billy’’ I had a look around. Every
stick and piece of wood seemed to be harbouring several
Cubscorrhynchus granuatus—they could have been taken in
hundreds ; but insects, other than ants, were scarce. Every-
thing was very dry—in fact, it was practically a drought, as
no rain had fallen, we were told, for over four months.- Snoy
after leaving the tatik we passed over a large sand-ridge, and
gladly would I have spent some time here; but, being under
promise not to hunt beetles until the tent was up, LI had to
abandon the idea. A couple of miles further on my fiend

§ OKe, Noles on the Natya Distvich viet. Hater

decided he must have a rest as soon as we reached the top of
the next rise ; but just before We started up this rise I noticed
that there was a slight depression, about a dozen pases across,
tunning along the base af the ridge, where the grass was nice
and green, This was the only really green grass we saw in
the district. I suggested that we take our rest there, and, to
stop further argument, I dropped my swag at once and started
hunting. Under a mallee root, within the green depression,
I caught a fine blue specimen of Ewtoma tincitllatun,, Newm.,
and two specimens of Chalcoplerus picipes, Macl,, and, seeing
a hole near the edge of another root, L dug it out, and caught
a nice example of Cavenum elegans, Macl, As this was the first
one of the species I had taken myself, 1 considered it a real
prize, and it certainly is a very fine insect, with its head and
front of prothorax jet black, the rest of the upper surface dark
green, and its "elegant ’” shape with beautiful Instre. Under
@ stick I gota Staphylinid that was new to science } it has since
been described as Lethrobiisn orthatovwe, Lea, and several
Polylobi were found amongst leaves and grass. A very pretty
little Saprinus, metallic blue with coppery head and prothorax,
was found running around a bil of dry bone, An Anthicid,
Formicomis kingt, Macl., and the Carabs, Parroa apicalis, Sl.
and Tachys mitchelét, Sb., were also added to the’captures before
time to move on was called, It is with regret that I think of
this spot and the few, minutes spent there. An, hour's collecting
would not have exhausted all its possibilities.

After this break we hurried on to Possum Flat, and started

Lo put Up the tent, when two returned men drove along in a
ight springcart. These were the first two to take up blocks
in this area, and had only arrived a few days previously, and
were camped in the scrub nearby. They offered to drive us
aver their blocks, so as to give us an idea of the country—an
offer we gladly accepted, and so Saw the first Lit of mallee (about
half an acre) rolled in the parish. The first block had an
unusually high sand-ridge on it, and up this we went to have
a look around us, This drive lasted over an hour, with (he
consequence that it was nearly dark when We returned to our
unpitched tent, und so we had to finish putting it wp by candle-
bight.

Just as dawn was breaking | heard a fox yelping, 50, picking
up the rifle, went after him, and, though I saw him, | could
not get within shooting distance. After this L had a hune
sround Possam Tank, Here I took four species of Amycterides
—Talaurinus squamosus, Macl,, Pfattdisre favosefosa, Ferg.,
P, (sp. ?}, and Cubs granulatus, the latter being in great numbers.
Three speci¢s of Clivina were obtained from holes in the bank,
and a few small things were taken at the water’s edge, Running

peel | Once, Notes on the Natya District: “9
over and amongst leaves on the ground were numbers. of two
species of Laius, of the Malocodermide. After breakfast we
visited the large sand-ndge, and I dug out a few young speci-
mens of the large Mallee Cockroach, Gsoscapheus grganinus ;
lmt by g o'clock 1 began fo feel so queer that we decided, to
Teturn {o the camp, and soon after reaching it 1 collapsed with
pneumonic influenza, and was half-dragged tu bed, where I re-
mained for three days, and was then broug)it into Piangil. That
1 lived to reach Melbourne is, I believe, entirely due to the
attention I received from my friend, but his ideas of nursing
would not commend themselves to the average doctor. His
One idea was to keep me lively, and with that ebject in view
tned to make me walk about, though he really pulled me
around, The only thing of interest I saw ncar the town was
a medinni-sized eucalypt with hundreds—if wot thousands—
of a small leaf beetle on it, Unfortunately, I only took a few
specimens, thinking it must be a common species, but it wes
then unnamed, and was described last year by Mr, Lea as
Monoletta arida-

The Club excursien to Natya from 23rd September to 2mi
October was arranged for the State-school holidays, and 1!
thought there would have been a fairly large party ; but, through
the School Exhibition, the holiday was cut out, and the party
dwindled down to two of us—Mr, J), E. Dixon and mysell.
Leaving Spencer-street at 8.30 a.m., we arrived in Bendigo at
11.49, and after an carly lunch started off [rom there al
r2 o'clock for Natya. The journey to Bendigo is too well
known to need any comment, After leaving Bendigo there
is a little timber to be seen till Raywood is passed, after which
the country is a flat plain, almost treeless, or, excepting small
clumps, quite so, until nearing Swan Hill. At first sight these
plains seem devoid of interest, but to anyone interested in
bird-life there is much to be seen, such birds at White Ibis,
Straw-necked Ibis, Native Companions, Plovers, Dottrels,
Wedge-tailed Eagle, Hawks, Crows, and Magpies being recog-
nized from the train, Then there is Pyramic Hill. This as
seen for miles, gradually resolving itself from a misty, nebulous
mass into a sharp pinnacle rising abruptly from the plain, and
ther, as you pass it just before reaching the station called
Pyramid, it appears to swing around, and discloses another
mountain behind ft, and then you see it gradually fading away
in the distance as you pass on towards Kerang. Further on
you see the lakes at Mystic Park, Lake Charm, and Lake Boga,
where you are almost sure to see Black Swans, Duck, Teal,
Coots, and perhaps other water-fow],

Tn several places between Mystic Park and Swan Hill there
are large clumps of prickly pear, Opuntia, on land that appears

10 Oxe, Notes on the Natya District. Mier Hare
to be of very little use. Surely this should not be allowed to
temain, It may not, be spreading much at present, but thal
is no guarantee that it will not become more virulent and start
spreading rapidly, The lesson of the prickly pear in Queensland
and New South Wales ought toe be, sufficient to make any
Government see that if is not allowed to acclimatize itself in
our State. Beyond Swan Hill the journey becomes very tire-
some, and the four and a hall hours that it takes to do the
40 miles is mostly taken up by the driver or guard “ swapping
yatns “ with the station masters and other friends along the
line. .

Anived at Natya, we were met by Mr, Hann, who had kindly
offered ta put up a party of the Club, and he was somewhat
disappointed on finding out that only two had come. It was
a beautiful, bright, starlight night, with a keen nip in the atr-
that suggested frost, and we soon had all signs of dtowsiness
blown away as we bowled along al a smart pace to Mr. Hann's
house, a distance of six or seven miles, and two and @ half miles
beyond Possum Flat.

Sunday morning we were astir early, and wandered around
the house and its Sheltering patch of scrub, consisting of
White Mallee, three Acacias, and Turpentine-bush, with, of
course, a sprinkling of smaller shrubs, and, on a patch of sand,
the Porcupine-grass. One of the first things to attract the
eye were the numerous raised-up little mounds of fresh earth,
or, as they were more often on the sandy patches, sand. These
were about eight or nine inches high, and about four or five
inches across, and were the result of the burrowing of our
largest Victorian dung-chafer, Bolbuceras sloane?, Blkb. These
xo down erghteen inches to two feet, and vequire some effort
to dig out. The first thing we thought of fcoking fot were
Carenums, and, as we were both armed with strong trowels,
we were soon busy digging out burrows. Some species seem to
have their holes out in the open—that is, away from cover-—«.g,,
C, elegans, Macl.; but they ate mostly near fallen Mallee, or
leaves or sticks, This is rather a tedious pastime, digging in
the hatd ground, as some of them go down from six to nine
inches, and wp to two feet alanyg, and when you get to the end,
where there 1s generally a small chamber, you very often strike
a “dud,’’ or worse still, when inexperienced, the large cock-
roach, Geoscaphus gigantens, popularly known as the ‘' Mallec
Turtle." On the sandy patches if is rather difficult to follow
the tunnels, for, though you push a thon stick into the tunnel,
they often turn off at almost right angles, and you dig past
without seethg the hole, which, of course, easily fills with the
sand.

I suppose if was due to this that the following incident

May J One, Noles on the Natya Destrigt, Ib
occurred :—I saw a Catenum sitting in the entrance to a
burrow, and made an unsuccessful attempt to cut off bis
‘ retleat with the trowel, so I carefully pushed a stick down
and started digging, and after 1 had dug about five feet along
a tortwous course, and overa {foot deep, I saw something wriggling
in the sand, and thought I had found it, but, on Lifting it out
on the (rowel, found it was a lizard, Helronate binvet, Gray, a
pretty mottled little species in liver and white. Just where L
lost the original tunnel and got inte the wrung one I could not
find out.

Tiring of watching us digging, our host suggested a walk down
to his tank and the water-channel, Between twa patches of
crop he has left.a strip of about 50 yards. One end of this is
a patch of hop-bush, and intermingled are a few fair-sized
eucalypts. Here, amonyst some old hop-bush stamps, we
ohtained a few specimens of Ewtome tinectillatum, Newm., and
Chalcopterus picipes, Macl.; this is the only species of Chal-
copterus that, in Victoria, seems to be habitually on the ground,
and I have not heard of this species being taken ander bark
of on tree-trunks, as other species are, In the small branches
of the hop-bush we found two species of Belits breeding, ay als
was Stemodera parallete, Eventually we were persuaded to
leave the hop-bush, and, rather than trust us in the scrub,
our host suggested cutting across Lhe crap for the tank. Here
we obtained a few small things near the water, such as Bemdidiuen
jacksonjense, Guer., Notopiulus gracilis, Blackb., Trogophleus
punctatus, vl, aud some water-beetles. Under a log were a
nutiber of small Tenebrionids and a sumber of small weevils
I was quite pleased with the later until it suddenly dawned on
me that they were the wheat weevil.

Mr. Hann decided to leave us and go back to cook the dinner,
and made us promise to be back by 1 o'clock sharp. Mr. Dixon
and I decided to follow along the channel to the scrub, and so
baek to the house, about a mile, vollecting a5 we went, Turning
aver Mallee roots, we got a few more beetles, a fine Plerohelaus
blackhournt, Semanopierns convextusculus, and Elona (Carenunt)
grattosum, Sl.—a real prize. ‘This was described from a speci-
men in Mr. C. French's collection, and, though it was labelled
as '' Mallee, Victoria,’’ Mr, Sloane has since cast doubt as to
the habitat being correct,* This is apparently only the second
specimen to be found. Beating some Acacias, we obtained
several small weevils, including a species of Myjlocerus, also a
Lemidia, but were surprised at not getting a single Melobasis,
On some Purple Daisies, Siigmodera clonguinla and S. flaw.
pica were obtained, while several attempts to catch a beautiful
silyery Syrphid fly were unsuccessful,

* Proc, Lau, Soc. N.SW,, vol, xxv. p. 383

a2 OnE, Notes on the Natya District. Vist, iets

Returning towards the honse through the scrub,; we came
across two very fine trees of the Bitter Quandong, or Ming,
Fusanus (Santalum) -persicarius, F. v. My laden with fruit.
We liad to cross a sand-ridge, and an this we saw the first pines.
Hitherto it had appeared as though the patish had been named,
Uke Possum Flat, from an absence of its namesake, Here we
also saw cur first bull-ants’ nest, These ants, Myrmecta vindev,
Sm,, var. wiyriceps, Mayr., are very fierce, and when I stamped
on the ground, a foot away frum the nest, they all came
tulibling out im a great hurry and fury to defend the home
against all comers. Only two nests were seen in the district,
and they were both the same size and shape. They appeared
as though they had been raised up in @ perfect cone, and then
indermined in the centre, so that it had fallen in, leaving a
ceater-like structure. The sides were over two feet high and
about tq or 15 inches across at top, Two or three hundted
ants must have come out of this first nest, and all had black
heads and abdomens, the rest a pale yellowish-brown. We got
back soon after three, and found dinner ready, and nothing
was said about the two hours we were late. We had accepted
an invitatton from Mr. and Mrs, J, Ferguson to go over to their
house to tea; so soon after dinner the three of us drove aver,
The track passed through Possum Flat and the Natya Station
to about a mile beyond. Now it was daylight, what a difference
was to be seen in this track from when I had walked over it
inrgrg! Large paddocks of two or three hundred acres without
*% single tree, and rolling going on all the lime! One settler
who has 700 acres ha’ only one tree left—his house (?) Jeans
against it—on his holding,

Monday morning was dull aad rather close, and we went
over the road to some large sand-ndges. Here I was surprised
to find the Detted Sun-Orchid, Thelymitra txtodes, Sw., growing
in great profusion, as also was the Fringed Spider-Orchid,
Caladewsa dilaiata, R. Br. and a few specimens of a Pterostylis
unknown to me. Sofie ant nests were searched carefully for
inguilines, but, with the exception of a small Ctenisophus, with
fvidomyrmex ritsfonigery, nothing was found. Amongst the
clumps of Porcupine-grass pieces of a Scaraphites were common,
but it was not till the Thursday that [ caught a live specimen,
and found it to be 5. Awitipes, Macl. The most commen insect
here appeared to be the pretty Bombylid fly, Newria apicelss,
Macq. Pieces Gf Mallee an inch or more in thickness, broken
down and lying on the ground, were very plentiful. The roots
below were cavefully grubbed out, and found to contain the
larve of a longicorn beetle. A number of these were brought
home, and from them a large black-and-white Species ol
Hesthesis was bred out. In the afternoon we went to Possum

pre Oxe, Notes on the Natya Distyiet, 33
Flat, and here, in a nest of Iridomyrmex gracilis, 1 obtained a
single specimen of Daveyia, probably mira, Lea, This beetle
Was named from specimens obtained at Geelong and Portland
by Mr. H, W. Davey, and this is an interesting extension of
its distribution, Insects were not as nifmeroms as we had
expected ; still, we managed to get a few interesting specimens,
including ‘Trogophieus, sp, n. (?), Lathrobsum eéexsgium, Blkh.,
Pederus crwenticollis, Germ., var. (?}, Eupinoda, sp, (?), Cteni-
sophus, sp. (7), Clivina, two species, Bembedtum qacksontonse,
Guet., Mecyclathorax punclatus, Si, Pfalidura flavosetosa, Ferg.,
and several water-bectles. Ants were numerous, but, with the
exception of a pale species of Camponotus, perhaps a form of
migriceps, were only small, common specivs. Flying around
some Dudder-Laurel were severs] specimens of Candalides
hyacinthina siimpleya, one of our Mallee Lycenid butterfiics,
Shaking the tangled masses of Dodder-Laurel into the umbrella
in search of the simplexa larve only produced negative results,
but a most interesting spider, belonging to the Argiopid, with
two large humps on its back, was caught,

Towards night it became very hot, and while we were having
dinner it ceaghed 9&8 in the dining-room, Numerous tsects
came in to the light, including a number of species either found
in of near water, such as Clivina, Trogaphleys, Bledius,
Bidessus, Copelatus, &c, This surprised me, as there was no
permanent water fearer than Possam; but next morning, on
unpacking some Sheets of fibrous plaster from Lake Boga, the
mystery was explamed.

The next three days were spent near the lowse, and several.
interesting finds were made, the most interesting being,
pethaps, a Terbrionid inguiline, Thortctosoma tbiale, Lea, trom
the nest of Buponera lutea. This has only recently been
described from two specimens taken in Western Australia,
Another Western Australian insect found was Clark's Jumping
Bull-Ant, Myrwecia clarkia, Craw.,- also recently described,
Ants were very numerous, especially on the flats. Iridomyrmex
delentus and Camponotus migricebs had their nests in every
direction, while two species of Crematogaster were also very
numetous, One of the most interesting species found was ia
Meranoplus. This ant, which is fess than a quarter of an incl),
has a peculiarly-shaped head and a remarkable thorax; ihe
latter, at a glance, seems to be nothing but spines. Podoyryma
adelaide were fairly common, running in and out of their
nesting-holes in twigs, especially in the ' Wait-a-While,"" Acacte
colletiodes. Several species of Indomyrmex were seen, thr
most common being delectus, while its var,, viridianeys, Vieh,,
was also common. Of Pheidole only a few were seen, and only
two nests found. Three species of Thynnid and one Vespid

14 Oe, Notes on the Nalya District. Vicke Bian

wasp, with a few Chalcids, were the only other Hymenoptera
taken. Very few species of Lepidoptera wete seen, Junonia
vablide being the only butterfly, besides the one already
mentioned, thal was seen. From the White Mallee, Eucalyptus
gracilis, two larve of Hyleora eucalypt, Doubl,, were taken,
These pupated on the 4th and roth October, and emerged on
ard and 7th April, and, fortunately, were male and female.
The commonest moth was a yery pretty little black-and-yellow
Pyralid, on the Desert Cassia, C. eremophila.

Orthoptera were tepresented by a small black cricket, a few
small, immature grasshoppers, and one imagine of Chortotcetes
terminifera, Walk, and three or fowr species of cockroach,
including the large *' Mallee Turtle,"’ Gevseapheus pigantens,
Tepper. This large cockroach is about 2? inches long and
14 inches wide, and of a bright reddish-brown ; is wingless, and
has the front Icgs admirably adapted for digging. Its egg
eapsule is about three-quarters of an inch in length, These
cockroaches wete very plentiful, and One morning, after a shower
of rain overnight, they were running about the flat the house is
on in such numbers that a hundred could have been caught
ii) less than au hour. The same morning I toon the gun to
try for a tabbit on one of the sand-ridges without success, bub
on passing over the ridge to the flat beyond I saw two foxes
running acound amongst the Mallee and picking up something
and eating It, On getting a little closer LT saw they were eating
these cockroaclics. Unfortunately, the foxes were too Jac apart
to get but the one, the vixen, Se she will eat no more ‘roacies
or birds.

Coleoptera was our chief desire, and this partly accounts
for the fact thaf we obtained far more species of this order than
ajl the other orders put together. There was no need to go
far, for a morning Spent in a few acres produced several inter-
esting beetles, all ''néw to me," and, just to name some, I
might mention these few —Quedius anderson, Bik., Conosoma,
sp. (?), Eupenes concolor, Sharp, Eupinoda, sp. (?), Pselaphophus
sp. (?y, Arthropterus, sp. {2}, Saréicus dixons, Sl, Carenum versi
color, Sl., Cerotalts semiviolacéa, Cast., Gigadema (three species),
Adelinme goudiet, Chalcopterus leat, Blkb., C. lonyscutlus, Blkb.,
C. lepide, Trox eyrensis, Blkh., Haplonycha carinata, Bikh. (7),
H. ticolor, Bikb., A. opaca, Lea, AH. pectoralis, Blanch,, Byro-
morpha, sp. (7), Cryptodus, (two species), On this flat a small
land shell occurs belonging to the genus Pupina, which Mr, C.
Hedley informs me Is new to science. We Saw very few reptiles,
two or three Blue-tongued Lizards (Tiliqua) and the same
number of the Bearded Lizard, AmpAtbolaurus barbatus, Cuvi,
and Fraser's Delma, D. fraseri, being the only lizards, and only
one snake, the Brown, D, textilus. .

ple , Ong, Noles om the Natya District. 15

Entomologists do-not need to cover much ground while
callecting, Still, we thought a day at the river might prove
bath enjoyable and profitable, so we decided to go there on the
Friduy, We left ghout § o'clock in the morning, but did not
reach the Murray until after 12, as we did not know to cut
through some paddocks, Where we stopped and had lonch the
Tiver ran between high banks, and I doubt if it ever overflows,
but half a mile lower down were some typical Murray flood-
flats, Fairly soon after starting to collect I turned ayer a
small log that was cpvering the nests of Exponera ftea and
lridomyrmex, sp. (?). Right between the two nests T saw a
small beetle, since named Oreclsceles bifovercollis, Oke. In the
nest of Euponera lutea were some Eupines favoapicalis, Lea,
and several specimens of a Micrachztes, while over twenty
specimens of Déphobia familiaris, Oll., were obtained from a
nest of Camponolus nigriceps, The Hood-flats were very dry
when we were there. if there had been more moisture about
it Would have been better for us; but, even as it was, there
were some nice things to. be taken, including the following species
of Staphylinide -—Cryplobimm elegans, Blkb., Lathrobsnm ans-
traticum, Sol., L. orthodoxum, Lea, L. mutator, Fyl,, and its var,
drperti¢um, L, aratellum, Evil. Scopexs falebricofa, Blkb.,
Scymbalium australe, Fyl., Domenc torrewsts, Blkb., Qxedins
luvedipensis, Macl., Leptacinus, sp. (?), Neohismtus procerntus,
Grav., Eulissus chalcopterus, Er., E. pheenicopterns, Er. It was
strange, considering the dryness of the grouna, that there should
have been so many Staphylinide, but no doubt it is the
aceasional overflowing of the Murray that attracts them.

Under the bark of logs were numerous long, thin, spotted
Scorpions. These were very close to Keyserling’s figure of
Isometrus maculatus, De Geer, but the apical segment of the
jail is shorter and broader, and the spine not so acutely curved,
Under the bark of the River Gums beetles were very scarce,
but Wwe got a few Chelifers and spiders, also several Marbled
Geckos, Phyllodactylus marmorvatys, Gtey, were seen; perhaps
they had cleawed up the insect life. Tenmites were in every
piece of dead wood, even in pieces that had one end in the
water, and, although they were carefully searched for inquilines,
the only yesult was three specimens of a species of Aleocharides
{Staphylinidea) unknown to me. About two hundred yards
from the river some clumps of Mallee were just coming out in
flowet, and from these a few small weevils were taken, including
Lybaba pretiosa, Lea, two species of Lemidia, and a species of
Ditropidus. On digging out a burrow under this Mallee, a
fine example of Pusloscaphus tuberculata, Macl.; was obtained,
We stayed at the river till dark, and got back home at 10.30,
well satisfied with our day on the Murray.

16 Orr, Notes on the Natya Distvict, yeh Ee

Saturday morning we visited a sand-tidge near the house,
and here we took Exryscaphus dilatatus, Macl,, Astreus sastersi,
Macl,, Sclevorimts gowdier, Ferg. (2), About to o'clock i rained
very heavily, ancl we got drenched before wu got back. If
was not (ill four that it cleared sufficiently for us to venture
jorth again for a final look around the wiuter-charnel. We
had barely feached there when it rained again, and we returned
drenched to the skin. And this ina part of the country where,
according to local tradition, “it never really rains''| Sunday
was mostly spent in gathering flowers for-the Club's wild-flower
show. An eatly start was made for the train on Monday
morning, and tt was just light enough as we crossed Possum Flat
(a see the pretty patch of Koachia triptera, and long for another
day, especially as we temembered we did not have a good look
for small insects amongst this Three-witiged Blue-bush of the
patch of K. brachyptera (?) & little further on. On arrival at
the station we found we had twenty minutes to spare, so we
made a hasty search around the station, In a nest of the
Green-head Ant, C. mefailice, three Polylobi, a Microchetes,
and a small black Trichopterygid were obtained, and from
a bush of Dewesia genistifolia a pretty little Monolepta was
taken, while under some old bags were several Anthictds,

My third visit was made on 23rd June till 26th June, 1923,
which, of course, only left two days for collecting, The con-
ilitions this time were very different from the first visit, although
it was only a month earlier in the year. Then everything was
dry, and the earth on the flats crumbled into dust on being
touched, Now the flats were just like so much mud, with
water in every little depression, so it mace collecting rather
difficult. L was particularly anxious to obtain some more of
the littke Jand shells, Pupina, sp. (?), but, though T dragged
‘around a couple of bags to kneel on, and looked well amongst
the leaves and rubbish, I could not see a sign of one. The rain
had evidently swamped out nunrbers of a small scorpion from
their retreats. I had net seen this species un my fonmer visits.
It is similar to the common species in the Dandenongs and
around Melbourne, and is probably only a form of that species.
They were sO mumerons amongst dead leaves that it was
necessary io exercise great care in handlmg them. Qwedins
audersoni, Bik., was now fairly abundant, as also were a species
af Conosoma, and a species of Polylobus, near fongudys, ON,
L spent nearly an hour watching a solitaty Jumping Bull Ant,
Mvyrmecia clarkt, Craw,, to see where its nest was, bat it would
not go to it, Opening a nest of the Green-head Ant, I got
three small white crickets, and two in another nest, Very little
fresh materia! was found around the house, but on the Monday
1 went to Possum Flat and got a pair.of the Bombardier Beetle,

May] Oxe, Notes on the Natya District. 17
Pheropsophus verlicalis, Dej. This beetle makes a fairly
distinct sound when it “ bombards," and apparently five oy
six “ shots" is its limit, and then it has to wait three days
before firing again. Such was my experience with this pair,
Here I also caught a most interesting little ' squeaking "'
weevil, I know af two other weevils (hat “squeak"’ when
caught, but this one is by far the best “ squeaker.” My spect-
mens vary in size from 35 Wo-7 mM. Gaim, being the usual size,
and are'of a light stone colour, with dark brown mottling on
back, and coarsely punctured. Under a piece of tin was a
gpecimen of Catadrommus australis, Cast,, and the only Scyd-
menid I have from the district, Heterognathus, sp. (?), was
obtained from the nest of Iredomyrmex rufoniger.

_ Tuesday morning I returned to Swan Hill, and had the
afternnon.to devote to collecting along the river. The Victorian
side is without a sign of trees, but on the New South Wales
side there is a single row of trees growing. Stripping the bark
off these was rather liresome,'as nearly every piece had «
swarm of ants under it—a smiall blackish species of Iridomyrmex,
They were there in thousands, but, so far as I could find, without
inquilines of any kind. Three species uf Staphylinide were
very common—namely, Soymbalinm arcualam, Fvl,, Pinoplilus
rinfitersés, Fvl., and Lathrobiwm ausiralsenm, Sol., while single
specimens of Seybalium ausivale, Fv... duplopuncetion, vt,
Cryptobiam elegaws, Blkb., and Neebtsnins procerulus, Grav.,
were all taken under the bark of these trees. From nests of
Iridomyrmex under tins and pieces of wood I took a few
Articerus constrickventris, Lea, apparently a rare species, as
no complete male has yet been described, Thé armature of
the intermediate tibie is very similar to A. netidicollis, Rafi
Another specimen of Eupines concolor, Sharp, was also taken,
and L saw a Pselaphid with a general appeatance of Balraais
armilagei, King, but more robust, which, I regret, escaped me
through somcone coming up to me to find out what was wrong,
(I’m sure this man still thinks 1 am “dippy.") A few small
weevils and some common Carabs, including in the Jatte;
Catadromas lacordairer, Boisd., and the Bombardier Beetle
previously mentioned, were About all I could find before the
dayliglit faded away, and, having used my box of matches,
T had perforce to make my way the best way I could along the
mud-channel that served as a road to the hotel,

Much interesting material could, no doubt, be gathered around
Swan Hill, and the conditions that are there to-day are likely
to remain for years to come, But at Natya it is very different,
Each year sees large tracts of Mallee rolled and burnt, and in
a;few years all this district will he open, undulating country,
without a patchTof scrub anywhere, with only a narrow fringe

18 Oxs, Notes on the Natya District vee ee.
of Mallee on cither side of the road left for anyone to see what
lsed to grow all over this pansh. Even the fringe on the
roads, which are few and far between, has an unliappy existence,
because, as the centro of the track becumes bogey after ruin,
the ruad is either widened or a freslt track made, Of course,
all this clearing of the Mallee is good progress for the country,
but it hurts the naturalist to see all the natural growths dis-
appearing so rapidly, and with it going the birds disappear,
and species of land mollusea and Arthropoda become extinct
without having been recorded, as some of these are probably
very local.

There can be very little doubt that some of the insects herein
mentioned are distributed over a small area only ; others extend
nght through the Mallee, a few east and north, and some right
through to Central and Western Australia, whtle only four of
the beetles, Catadvomus lacordaires and Scymbalvum uycnatitee,
Pinophilus rufitarsis, Fvl., Stigmodera flavapicéa, Boisd., and
four of the ants, ©. metallica, Iridomyrmex rufoniger, T, svacilss,
and Camponotus nigrviceps, mentioned occur, or ate known to
occur, near Melbourne. Of course, there are pleaty of insects
common to both localities, but I have refrained from men-
tioning these. In the three trips I have taken 245 species of
Coleoptera.

It is interesting to compare the list of Coleoptera of the Sea
Lake district by Mr. Goudie * with mine, from Natya, Several
in some families arc missing from one or the other. Iridomyrmex,
the best ant for inquilines, I have not been able to find in the
Natya district, though Mr. Goudie finds it in great numbers
around Sea Lake. Mr, Goudie has had the advantage of living
for years at Sea Lake, while my trips to Natya have only been
hurried visits; but L have hopes of being able to re-visit Natya
and continue my investigations of its insect life, I am greatly
indebted’ to Mr. A, M. Lea for identifying most of the Staphy-
linide, and to Mr, J. Clark for identifying some of the ants,
and to both T tender my thanks.

Some East Gtprsianp Notrs.—A brief holiday of six days
towards the end of Debraary afforded me the opportunity of
visiting a portion of Victoria of which I previously had little
knowledge, My first abjective was Nowa Nowa, at the head
of Lake Tyers, about 2to miles from Melbourne. During an
early morning ramble some nice specimens of Isofoma axillaris,
the Rock Isotome, were noticed. This plant is net recorded
from the eastern ¢'E."') division in the “Censns2’ From

* Goudie, J-C., '' Coleoptera of North-West Victoria,” Vict, Nal., vol.
xixe, Dr 41.

i) Notes. 19
Nowa Nowa we visited the Buchan Caves, and along the road
saw several plants growing in their mative hahitat for the first
time. That curious composite, Hinea elegans, Plume Hume,
occurred at one or two places, but, beitig past tts best, its
“plumes” had lost the pink tinge which earlie! in the season
tenders them attractive. ‘‘ Native tobacco'’ was the name
given them by a resident, evidently from their large tobacco-like
leaves, which are somewhat sticky and aromatic. The twiner
Kennedyd yubitunda was noticed climbing up the saplings or
over the bracken in many places, its large trifoltate leaves being
rather handsome. Buchan Caves—or, rather, the two we
visited, the Fairy and the Royal Caves—we considered well
Worth the trip, and we were glad to find that Buchan is becoming
well patronized as a tourist resort, A charge ef two shillings
and sixpence per head is made by the Government for all visttors
entering a cave, this amounting to an average of £40 to £50 per
week, while on one day during Christmas week three hundred
visitors were shown through the Caves. The Caves contain
all the forms of stalactites, stalagmites, &c,, usually seen ili
limestone caves, together with shawls, mysterics, &c. The
formations are perhaps not on such a large scale as those of
Jenolan, N.S.W., but they are equally beautiful, and worthy
of inspection. <A large sum ef money has been spent by the
Government in opening up the Caves and making the passages
more roomy. Electric light 3s available for showing uff the
many beautiful features to the best advantage. There are
several other caves besides the two visited, and, as further
exploration is going on, there are great possibilities ahead.
Buchan itself is well situated overlooking the valley of the
tiver of the same name—a rushing stream with a pebbly bed,
on-its way to join the Snowy. A rather weird sight along
the road was a small forest of plaucous-leayed gun-trees,
Excalypius cinerea, F. v. M., Mealy Stringybark. These had
a very Singular appearance as we drove through them. Many
other strange plants and shrubs were seen, but “ motor
hotanizing '' is a somewhat difficult matter, Next day, on
the way to Lake Tyers Entrance, we saw quantities of the
Sunshine Watile, Acacia discolor, which a few weeks later
wonld be displaying its fluffy yellow balls for the benefit of
passersby, The toad (portion of the Prince's Highway)
crossed an arm of the lake, and in a culting could be seen fairly
large marine fossils, awaiting the bammer of the collector.
Trce-ferns were not so numerous as had been expected, but
here and there a few occured. Lake Tyers, with its many
arms and bays, offers the explorer endless beauty spots, while
the caturalist will find many objects of interest. At Lakes
Entrance we found Mr. T, $. Hart's admirable paper in the

29 Notes. net

October (1923) Natsralist most useful as a’ guide. Here the
high bank on the northern side of the North Arm was botanically
most interesting, and imtroduced me to several plants
known to me only from dried specimens, The concluding part
of our trip, across Lake King and op the Mitchell River to
Barnsdale, was noteworthy from the temarkable '' silt jetties "’
hetween which the river makes its way tnto Lake King;
these were Well ilJustrated in Mr. Hart's previous paper on the
physiography of the Lakes in the Naturalist for December,
rg2z1. The trip, on the whole, was a most enjoyable ane, made
all the more interesting by having such papers as 1 have
referred to as guides on out wanderings; hence the value of
papers of a similar character for the benefit of future travellers,
—F. G. A. BARNARD. -

A.A.A.S.—The sixteenth volume of the Proceedings of the

Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, being
the record of the Wellington, N.Z., meeting in Jannary, 1923,
has béen issued during the month. The volume extends to
872 pages, and contains, in the various addresses, reports, and
papers, evidence of a great amount of painstaking research in
various directions. The report of the Ecology Committec
eontains a useful bibliography of Australian floristic and eco-
logical plant-geography. The Mueller medallist for the year
1923 was Mr. J. H. Maiden, 15.0., F.R.S., F.LS., well-known
for his valuable contributions to Australian botany, and who
has recently retired irom his position of Government Botanist
of New South Wales and Director of the Botanic Gardens,
Sydney. The next meeting of the Association will be held in
Adelaide during August next.
' SaGactty Is A Kookasurra.—aA recent Nature note in the
Argus says :—"' At Traralgon Dr. Hagan got a young Laughing
Jackass (Great Brown Kingfisher) from a nest about four
weeks aga, the nest being about three miles out of the town.
It took the old birds three weeks to locate the young bird in
the doctor’s garden, but they did it, and Mr. Tom Fisher says
that they have been rather surprised at the quantity and variety
of the food brought to the youngster. In one morning the old
bird brought two big yabbies, a hall-grown bush rat, and an
eel 6 inches long, before midday. During the afternoon the
youngster was fed wholly on frogs, and Dr. Hagan remarks
upon the manner in which the old birds vary the diet On one
day they will fetch nothing but young Sparrows or other smail
birds, the next day frogs only, and perhaps on the following
day -exclusively mice. Some days he notices that they bring
in nothing but small Blackfish This is a very interesting
observation, and suggests that keeping pet birds on a regular
diet through ‘the year must soon affect their health,”

Che Victorian Naturalist.

Vou. XLL—No. 2. JUNE 5, 1924, No. 486.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF. VICTORIA.

THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the

Royal Society’s Hall on Monday evening, 2th May, 1924.
The president, Mr. C. Daley, B.A., F.L.S., occupied the chait,

and about forty members and visitors were present.

REPORT.

A report of the visit to the Biology School, Melbourne
University, was given by the chairman, who said that about
twenty-five members of the Club had taken part in the visit,
and had spent a pleasant and profitable afternoon, Professor
W. E. Agar, M.A.. PVR,S., invited the party into the lecture-
room, where he gave a short statement of the Mendelian
theory of inheritance, He based his remarks on a number of
skins of domestic fowls of the Rhode Island Reds and Plymouth
Rock breeds, and the progeny of interbreeding the twa forms,
in which it was clearly shown which were the dominant and
which the recessive chatacters, The party then visited the
laboratory, whefe a number of interesting exhibits were on
view, which were explained by Prof. Agar and Mr. P. GC.
Morrison, B-Se-

ELECTION GF MEMBER- :

On a hallot being taken, Miss MacGeachy, “ Deepdene,”
Burke-moad, Balwyn, was duly elected a: member of the Club.

GENERAL BUSINESS.

Mr. F. G. A. Barnard drew attention to the reported diminu-
tion of Mutton-birds at “Phillip Island owing to the destruction
of their nesting-places by the shifting sand. He had been
present, at a yecent meeting of the National Parks Association,
when Mr. TF’, Lewis, the Inspector of Fisheries and Game,
had stated that, unless steps were taken to plant marram-
grass to stay the sand, the greater portion of the ‘‘ rookeries "*
on the island would be destroyed.

On the motion of Messrs, Barnard and French itt was decided
to write to Mr. Thomson, Cowes, asking his advice in the matter,

The president drew attention to the very great loss a member,
Miss A. Puller, had just sustained in the very sudden death of
her brother, and moved that a letter of sympathy be for-
warded to her. This was seconded by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard
and carried in silence, all standing.

Messrs. F, Pitcher and A. J. Tadgell were elected to audit
the accounts of the Club for the year 1923-4 just closed.

22" Field Naturalists! Club— Proceedings. Yip ate

PAPERS READ.

i. By Mr. J, C. Goudie, entitled " Notes on the Coleoptera
of North-West Victoria,’ Part XT,

In this pact the author dealt with the families Tenebrionidz,
Cistelide, Melandryide, and Anthicide, the first-named
family being the most numerous in the Mallee country around
Sea Lake. The fact that only 47 species of Tenebrionid# were
listed, while Australia is credited with over 1,000 species, in-
dicated an arid climate and the absence of wooded areas.
Only three species appeared to be peculiar to the district, while
several of the others are to be found throughout Western New
South Wales. South-Westem Queensland, and in South Aus-
tralia—in fact, almost wherever ‘‘ Mallee’ conditions prevail,

In the absence of the author the paper was read by Mr. F-
G. A. Bamard, who, with Mr. C. Oke, temarked on some of
the beetles mentioned.

2, By Mr, P. BE. Morris, entitled ''A New Species of Brachy-
come,”

The author described as new to science a species of Brachy-
come found by Mr. H. B. Williamson, F.L.S., on the Bogong
plateau, North-Eastern Victoria, at an altitude of about 4,000
feet. The plant is only two to three inches in height, and re-
sembles a small form of B, scapigeye, D.C,, but the achenes
are not winged as in that species. The ray florets are pale
Jac or light blue.

_ Messrs. Williamson, Pitcher, and Heber Green remarked on
the interest of the locality and its plants.

3. By Mr, L. B. Thorn, entitled ‘ Notes on the Life-
Histories of Some Victorian Lycwnid Butterflies.”’

The author, by means of specimens and drawings, briefly
indicated the differences between butterflies and moths, and
then, the position'of the Lycenid® in the usual classification
of butterflies, of which he said Waterhouse and Lyell, in their
work, “Australian Butterflies’ (1914), recorded eighty-nine
species for Victoria, Of these, twenty-nine species belonged to
the family under notice, popularly known as ‘‘ blues” and
coppers.” so called on account of their boght metallic
colourings, giving first of all the grouping of butterflies and a
sketch of a typical life-history. The author then dealt with
tight species—three belonging to the sub-family Ogyrina, three
to Miletus, and two to lalmenus. Attention was called to the
remarkable fact that the caterpillars of the Lyczenidz are nearly
always attended by ants—-some by one Species of ant, some by
another ; but a definite reason for this action has yet to be dis-
covered, beyond the fact that the caterpillars secrete a fluid

Juats Fisld Natuvalists' Club—Praceedings, 33
of which the ants are very fond, Owing to their habits the
butterflies of this group are, difficult to capture, hence rearing
the caterpillars is usually adopted by collectors, though with
some difficulty, on ‘account of the necessity for providing the
ants usually associated with them, :

Messrs, Searle, Barnard, and Oke remarked on the ‘interest
of this association of iwo such dissimilar orders of insects and
other points in their life-histories,

EXHIBITS.

By Mr, C. Daley, B.A., F.L.S.—Water-worm pebbles from
Latrobe River gravels, Victoria, , , ;

By Mr. P. F. Morris.—Dried specimens of Brachycome alpina,
Sp, nov., found at Pretty ‘Valley, Bogong Plateau, by Mr.
H. B. Williamson, F.L.S., January, 1923, in illustration of

er.

By Geological Survey of Victoria, per Mr. A. E. Rodda. —
Coorongite, from Lake Coorong, South Australia, This
substance thas been the subject of considerable discussion
amongst geologists, as by some it has been thought to be a
process in the formation of petroleum, but this view is now
generally opposed, It is a dark-coloured gelatinous material
of the appearance and consistency of crude rubber. It is
inflammable on account of its ojl content, and burns with the
characteristic smoky flame and odour of burning oil.
Coorongite occurs in the dried-up portions of shallow fresh:
water or brackish lakes, such as Lake Coorong, in South .Aus-
tralia (from which it takes its name), in the form of flattened
masses or sheets, and 1s now generally considered to be a
product of the decomposition of fresh-water alga,

By Mr. W.H., A. Roger.—Stones found in the sand and river
gravel forming the bed of the Fitzroy River, about 60 miles
from Rockhampton, Queensland.

By Me. J. Seatle—Under microscope.—Blood smears—
(#) avian blood (normal) ;: (6) avian blood (pathological) ;
(ce) human blood (normal); (d) human blood (pathological) ;
the avian blood (pathological) showing an abnormal! number of
polynuclear leucocytes, eosinophil leucocytes, and myclocytes.

By Mr, L, B. Thorn,—Victorian Lycanid butterflies, &e., in
Ulustration of paper.

By Mr. H. B. Williamson, F.L.S.—Specimen of Long-tongue
Greenhood: Orchid, Pterostylis grandiflora, R, Br, collected by
exhibitor at. Newstead, 4th May, tgzq; microscopic slides of
flowers of the rare orchid, P¥Yasophvllwm. ciliate, Ewart and
Rees, collected by exhibitor at Newstead, 4th May, 1924.

After the usnal conversazinne the meeting terminated-

24 Fisld Naturalists’ Clib—Proceedings, Mis. ate

The following exhibits should have been inclded in the
report o£ the April meeting, May Naturalist, page 3—

By Me. C. Daley.—Spear-heads from Kimberley district,
North-West Australia.

By Mr. J. R. Leslie.—A fepresentative ¢ollection of Tas-
Manian mosses.

By Geological Survey of Victoria, per Mr, A, E. Rodda,.—
Fossil fruits in brown coal, from Lal Lal, Victoria,

By Mr. A. J. Tadgell.-Flowers of Ploughshare Acacia, A.
vomerzformis, grown at “Sandringham (plant obtained at
Grampians). :

ERRATA IN MAY NATURALIST.
Page 2.—Line § from bottom—for “ Rhymil’ read |! Rhynic.""
Line 4 from bottem—for '' Rhanta” tead '' Rhynia.”
Line 3 from bottom—for “‘foranimifera’ read
“foraminifera.” .
Line 1 from bottom—for ** Coldaren, Farol Channel,”
read ‘Cold area, Farée Channel.”
Page 3—Line 18—for “ Eulimnidia’’ read “ Eulimnadia."
Line 19—for ' Strickland *’ read " Stickland,”

Battarat Prn—E Prantations.—Considerable space is given
to an illustrated: article in the Awstralian Forestry Journal
(Sydney) for January on the tree-planting that has been done
around Ballarat by the Water Commission and by the City
Council, the result being that bare lands have been turned into
profitable forests. In rg2z1 there were 200,000 trees growing
of marketable value » since that time various species of conifers
have been added, in many cases by the thousand. Since t904
over {12,000 has been received from the sale of timber, The
results of these plantings prove that the Ballarat district is
well adapted for pine plantations, and as these, it has been
shown, can be established on old worn-out mining areas, there
is no sacrifice of good land suitable for other cultivation.

.“ THE AUSTRALIAN MusEUM Macaztne.”—The two numbers

for the curcvent year of this magazine are well up te the standard
af those of the first volume, The magazine is one in which
almost any nature-lover will find something of interest, while
- the articles are generally well illustrated.: The issue for April
contains an article by Mr. Chas, Barrett, C.M.Z.S., entitled Wild
Life of the Mallee,” with a number of figures of Majlee life.
Another article, by Mr. A. Musgrave, F-E.S., entomologist to
the Australian Museam, Sydney, entitled ''Some Australian
Tnsects Injurious to Man,” deals with quite a number of insects
whose attacks are more or less unpleasant, but none of them
of a serious character,

Suns; Govorr, Cateopfera of North-Western Victorias 25
NOTES ,ON THE COLEOPTERA OF NORTH-WESTERN
VICTORIA.

Parr XI.
By J. C. Goupre.
(Read before the Field Naturaitets* Glub of Victoria, 1248 May. 924.)

TENEBRIONIDAG,

Tuts family, well represented in Australia, belongs to the
comprehensive group of the Heteromera, in which all the species
have the front and middle tarsi 5-jointed, and the hind tarsi
4jointed. This, with the moniliform antennz, serves easily
to distinguish them from the Carabide, which many of the
species otherwise resemble considerably. They are varied in
habits, some large groups of species being exclusively ground-
dwellers, these being mostly night-feeders, taking shelter by
day tnder logs, &c., whilst others, such as Chaltopterus,
frequent trees and shrubs. I am indebted to Mr. H. J- Carter,
F.E.S., for the names of many species, for revising my list,
and for the following note on the same :—‘ The first noticcable
point that occurs in an examination of the list is the poverty
of the region in the group, both in genera and species, a5 com-
pared with Eastern Australia or the coastal districts of the
west, The following figures indicate the remarkable difference
of numbers. Of the r20 genera and 1,053 species of Austrahan
Tenebrionid, the collection made by Mr. Goudie—probably
nearly exhaustive of the region--shows 20 genera and only
47 Species, This indicates an arid climate and scantiness of
wooded regions—at least, of the larger timber and denser
vegetation of eastern areas—a fact which is further shown by
ah analysis of the genera, No less than 2t of the 47 species
belong to the allied groups Helxine and Nyctozoiline, which
are specially characteristic of the central and western fauna.
Of these, only three—Ownosterrhus acutacollis, Cart., O. goudier,
Cart., and £thalides marginicollis, Cart. (50 fav as 1 know)—
are peculiar to the district, the rest being also found in Western
New South Wales, South-Western Queensland, or (as with the
majority of Mallee insects) in South Australia, Other typical
dry-country genera represented are Exangeltus, Mesomorphus,
and Gonocephalum {one species of each), and Cestrinus (three
species), Of the Adeliinz, so numerous in Eastern Anstralia,
only five species are found. Cardiothcrax is unrepresented,
or merely suggested by its ally, Ofrjntus Fehri, Germ., found
from Western New South Wales to Eucla (S.A.) Adelinm is
represented by three species (out of a total of 61 for Australia),
of which A. goudiei, Cart., seems to. be peculiar to the region,
while a single Seirotrana completes the tally of this sub-family,

26 Gounts, Colseptera of North-Western Victoria, [Yt Nate
Of the probable Torresian or Austro-Malaysian representatives.
Anansts metallescens, Westw., and seven or eight species of
Chalcopterus (of the rro Australian species), have been taken
by Mr. Goudie, none, however, peculiar to the district. While
the Tenebrionide ate apparently more able to resist arid
conditions than the moisture-loving Catabidé, they et
depend largely on vegetation in which they breed,, and this,
again, is dependent on rainfall. A comparative list of Tene-
brionide for each tegion would thus be a fairly accurate
measure of its rainfall,”

This is a rather formidable, but true, indictment of the Mallee
as a producer of Tenebrionids. As a kind of set-off, however,
lf might be suggested that it the greater part of the vast Eyrean
sub-region were included in the comparison, the result would
not be greatly altered, It may. be also pointed out that,
although the number of genera and species is small, yet the
individual numbers of some genera, such as Saragus, Chal-
copterus, Cestrinus, Adelium, and Seirotrana, are great—in
fact, they are the most common of Mallee beetles, It would
be interesting te know how many genera and species of this-
family are to be found in the heavily-timbered areas of Gipps-
land, iy test the theory as to their numbers being an index of
Tainfall;

Exangellus graciiior, Blackb-

A. rather narrow, brownish or piceus beetle, under half an
inch long ; the elytra are closely and strongly punctate. Found
under the bark of trees, and has awide range over tye central
area of the continent. ;

3662, Aesomorphus villigey, Blanch.
Gonocephalum elderi, Blackb.
3664, Cestrinus punclatissimus, Pasc. = aversus, Pasc,
3671. C. trivialas, Er,
C. brevis, Champ, = aspersus, Blackb,
The above five species are small dark brown or blackish
beetles, usually found under dead leaves on the ground.

Platydemea bicinctuen, Champ. (2)
3709, P. limacella, Pasc.

P. bictnetwm occurs in large numbers about chaff sheds, &c-
Tt is one-twelfth of an inch in leugth, and is brown, with two
yellow fasciz on the elytra. P. Jimacella is larger, shining black,
with a red spot on the shoulder, and another at the tip of each
elytron, Specimens have been found in birds’ nests.

Tribotixen myrmecophilum, Lea, Proc, Roy. Soc. Vict.,
xvii. (n.s.), part 2, p. 383.
Distinguished from the cosmopolitan T. confusuwm and

Pree ' Gounte, Colsoplera of North-Western Victoria: 27
ferrugineum by the smal terminal joint of the antenne and
other features.’ It occurs rather plentifully in the nest of
the wood ant, Iridomyrmex mitidus, ;

3942. Plevohclenus bullatus, Pasc,
P, dispersus, Macl. = fraternus, Blackb,
P. srawuliger, Macl.
P. nitidissimus, Pasc.
P_ planus, Blackb.

These species of Pteroheleus are blackish or piceus, the
largest being P. granuhger, three-quarters of an inch long.
The outer margms of prothorax, and elytra are produced and
flattened. They are slow-moving beetles, usually met with
under logs or under the bark of trees. :

3768. Hela@us castor, Pasc.
3780, H. moniliferus, Pasc,
3784. H. princeps, Hope.

3787, H. squamosus, Pasc.

These are broad, flat beetles, having the explanate rim
greatly developed, overlapping in front so as to encircle the
head. The elytra are carinate or ridged. P. princeps is black,
about rf inches in length. All the species are found in the
most arid situations, under logs, &c. ‘

Savagus catenulatus, Macl.

S, levis, Macl,

S. latus, Biackb.

S. frenchi, Cart-
_ The species of Saragus are short, roundly ovate, generally
black, with costate elytra, except S. levis, which is smooth,
Habits similar to Heleus. S. frenchi, slightly over a quarter
of an inch long, is the smallest of the Mallee species,

Onosterrhus acuticollis, Cart., Ann, Queens. Mus., Nov.,
Igit. .
0. goudici, Cart., loc. cat.
OQ. (Hypocilibe) rotundatus, Blackb.
3834, O. vage-punctaius, Haag. Rut.

The four species of Onosterrhus are decidedly rare, They
are smooth, strongly convex, bluish-black beetles, the largest,
O. rolundaius, being seven-cighths of an inch long. They occur
on the ground, sheltering under fallen boughs.

Athalides marginicollis, Cart., Proc. Linn. Soc. NS.W,,
xxxiy., part I, p. 136. |

ZE. punctipennis, Bates, Ent. Mo. Mag., x., 1873, p. §0.

These are stout, convex, and black, with costate and wrinkled

elytra. 4&2. marginicollis measures 17 % 9 MM.; punctipennis
is smaller, Both are rare insects, found under logs,

23 Gounte, Coleaptara of North-Western Victorias [Vice ei
3839." Amphianax subcoriaceus, F, Bates = Agasthenes gondii,
Cart. i - ]

This is a black, somewhat shining, rather flattened species,
from half to three-quarters of an inch in length, Both basal
and apical angles of prothorax are shortly but acutely produced:
Mr, Carter, in a letter to me, has authorized the above synonyury.
3849, Agasthenes westwoodt, F. Bates.

A slightly larger beetle than the preceding, but similar in
shape, colour, and habits, being taken on the ground under
logs. I have seen only two specimens, It occurs also in
Western Australia.

3858. Hypawlax orcus, Pasc.

A fairly common species, about three-quarters of an inch
long. It is deep black, with rows of strong punctures on the
elytra, and with the hind angles of prothorax produced. It
is'a sluggish insect, feigning death when disturbed. Found
under logs, &c.

‘Tenebrio obseurus, Fab.

An introduced species, occurring in houses and sheds.
3913..Anansis (Prophanes) melallescens, Westw.

A fine and rare beetle. It is an inch in length, the head, fegs,
and prothorax are black, the front angles of the latter being
roduced into long, acutely-pointed spines, The upper surface
ys of iridescent metallic colours, a mixture of green, blue, and
purple. Two specimens taken sesting on tree-trunks, At
Nyah, on the Murray, I tock a specimen under a log.

Hymea laticollis, Cart. Proc. Linn. Sec. N,5.W., 1908,
vol, xxxiti., part 2, p. 410.

An elongate, sub-cylindrical, shining fulvous-brown beetle
5 mm. in length. The head is placed vertically. On each
elytron are four ambet-coloured tubercles, linear-oval in shape,
placed as follows :—Two on basal half (inner one nearer base),
ene smaller near apical dechivity, the fourth (much larger) on
the shoulder. A rare species, only two examples being known.
They were found under the bark on a log at Sea Lake in April.
The type is in the National Museum.

-g007. Ofviniys behri, Germ,

This is a long, narrow, carab-like species, met with undet
stones and logs. It is black, about three-quarters of an inch
long, the elytra striate, The femora are considerably thickened.
40rt. Adelinm angulicolle, Cast.

A. goudiei, Cart., Proc, Linn. Soc, NS,W., xxxiv., part £

_ pf. 790.
4o47. A. sumilalim, Germ.

These also have a superficial resemblance to the Carabidae.
They are of a bronzy-green colour, and measure about three-

a ' Gounts, Coleoptera of North-Western Victoria, 29

quarters of an inch. Their favourite habitat is under ie

leaves of fallen boughs.

4037: Seirotrana parallela,. Germ.
One of the commonest beetles in Victoria. One meets with

it almost everywhere. It 1s narrower than the species of

_ Adelium, is of a black-bronze colour, and about half an inch long-

4146. Chalcopterus affims, Bless. = howvtti,. Pasc,

4148, C. tridicolor, Bless.
C. juvenis, Blackb,
4120. C. picipes, Macl,, var,
4z21. C, polychromus, Pasc.
4126, C, resplendens, Boisd.
C. versicolor, Black,
.C, vividus, Blacko.

~ Wherever there are eucalyptus trees there are almost sure
to be some of these beetles resting on the trunk or hiding under
the bark. Although so common, they are, as many of their
specific names indicate, amongst the handsomest of our beetles,
being of rich iridescent colours, in which green, blue, and ted
or purple predominate. They are very convex, with small
head and prothorax, and measure from a half to three-quarters
of an inch in length, When handled these beetles emit a
pungent odour, Over roo species have been recorded as
Australian.

CISTELIDE.

This family is close to the Tenebrionide. Mr. Carter, who
revised the group in 19r5,* gives the following differentiating
characters :—'' (1) Pectinate claws; (2) anterior coxal cavities
closed behind ; (3) the presence of lamellae on the tarsi.” They
are active, slender beetles, of small to medium size, frequenting
flowers and foliage, and appear in numbers early in the summer.
4169. Anaxo brevicornis, Bates,

A. cylindricus, Germ.
A. cylindvicus, var. obscuvus, Blackb,
4198. Chromomea fastigiata, Germ.
477. C. unicolor, Bates.
4206, Metistete omophloides, Hope.
4182. Apellatus lateralis, Pasc,
Dimarphochilus pascoei, Macl,
4193. Homotrysts carbonarius, Germ.
4207, H. pascoet, Macl.

MELANDRYID-A.
Scraptia lugubris, Lea, Tr. Roy. Sac. S.A. xli., p. 106,
* Proc, Roy. Soc. Vic. 28, N.S., Pe 6

30 Gounie, Coleopiera of North-Western Victuria: [Vite Sm,

ANTHICID-AE,

These are small beetles found on flowers, occurring abt lights
or amongst rubbish on the ground. Many of them have trans-
verse markings on the elytra, ;

4254. Formavomus mastersi, King = kings, Mact.

Anhicus ambulans, Lea, Proc. Linn. Soc, N.S,W., xlvii.,

part 4, p. 482,

4282. A. floralis, Linn.
4295. A, masterss, Macl.
4297. A. myrteus, King.

A. politulus, Lea.
4306. A. unifasciatus, King.

Victorian GEOLOGY.—The Victorian Department of Mines
has recently issued several publications dealing with the geology
of the State. In Bulletin No. 42, ‘' The Daylesford Goldfield,”
Mr, H. S. Whitelaw and Mr. W. Baragwanath (the Director
of the Geological Survey) gave a comprehensive account of that
goldfield, known at its origin, in 1852, as the Jim Crow diggings.
This district is known to many persons, cantaining as it does
the celebrated Ajax line of mines, from which many thousands
of pounds’ worth of gold have been won. The bulletin is well
Ulustrated with maps and plans of the varions mines, &c,
A contoured plan of Mount Franklin is very interesting, as it
is one of the best preserved craters in the State. The greater
part of the rim is over roo feet above the floor, while 4 small
portion is 280 feet, An illustration is given of the scene in
the basin, [ooking towards the breach, which shows a well-
wooded fioor. Daylesford is also known for its mineral springs,
of which there are a dozen or so in different directions. The
best known is the Hepburn Spring, whose life seems to depend
upon whether workings on the Frenchman’s line of reef happen
to be in progress or nat. For the sake of the attraction to
the district, this mine, unless very rich, should be kept closed.
Bulletin No. 46 is devoted to a report on the Phosphate
Deposits in the Mansfield District, This is by Mr. A. M.
Howitt, with palzontological appendives by Messrs. F.
Chapman, A.L.S. T. $. Hall, D.Sc., and R.A. Keble. This is
also well illustrated. The deposit of phosphate rock has been
known since rgo4, and is now being mined for commercial
purposes by the Heathcote Chemical Co, Four miles south
is another deposit known as the Howe's Creek beds. Mr.
Chapman's report records quite a numbet of genera and species,
some of which are new to science, belonging to Upper Cambrian
times, though determined in rgr8, the report has only now been
made available fo the public.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLI. June, 1924.

PLATE I.

PFI al

BRACHYCOME ALPINA, P. F. Morris, n. sp.

Jus Morars, 4 New Species of Brachycome: 34-

#974
A NEW SPECIES OF BRACHYCOME.
* By P, F, Morrts,. National Herbarium, Melhourne.
(Wits PLATE.)
(Read hefore the Field Naturalists’ Cheb of Victoria, 12th May, 19243)
BraAcHYooME aLeina, P. F. Morris, sp. n.

Herba perenne, scabrida, rhizomete, 5-10 om. alta; foliis
omnibus (v, plerisque) radicalibus, obovato-spathulatis, obtusis,
grosse crenatis in petiolim angustatis, 1-2.5 x 0.5-I1 om. ;
scapis solitariis erectis, 5-10 cm, altiis; capitulis parvis 1 cnt,
latis ; radii fiores ligulis conspicuis pallide lilacim, disci flavi-
Involucri squamis obovatis lanceolatis 5mm. x2 mm, Acheniis
nigtis, non compressis, marginatis, obovatis-lanceolatis, 2 mm.
longis; pappo brevissimo.

small perennial plant 5-10 em. high, scabridous, root-stock
rhizomatic, branched, having the withered remains of the old
leaves at the apex. Leaves (radical) 2.5 cm. in length,
0.5-I cm. across, abovate-spathulate, toothea towards the apex,
ctenate or more or less entire, and narrowed into a broad
petiole. Scape not branched, erect, 5-10 cm. high, bearing a
single capitulum and 4-6 distant leaves, much shorter and
narrower than the basal ones. Capitulum x cm. broad at base
and 3.5 cm. across the tips of the ray florets ; Involueral bracts
5 mm. long, 2 mm, broad, bluntly pointed. Ray floret pale
lilac or light blue, narrow, about 6-§ mm. long, ligulate. Disc
floret yellow, slightly more than twice the Jength of achene-
Achene 2 mim. long, obovate-lanceolate, not compressed, and
having a thickened margin ; the achene turns black at maturity.
Pappus minute, of none, at -:

Pretty Valley, Bogong Plateau, Victoria. Collected by H.
B. Willtamson, Placed in Bentham's Section I7,, Paquerina
(“achenes never winged, pappus minute or hone"). Plated
next ta B. trackycerpa, F. v. M.

Supetficially the plant resembles a small form of B. scapi-
Jovmis, D, C, (Sec, IIL, Brachycome), which has winged achenes
narrow and acute involucral bracts, and is a much larger plant.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE.

Drawing watnral size. @. Achene; 5, Involucra] bracts;
c. Disc floret showing stigma and achene (variously enlarged).

“THe TRANS-AUSTRALIAN WONDERLAND. ’—Every naturalist
at least who has made the overland journey between Perth and
Melbourne, or vice-versa, will be interested in this booklet of
‘nearly one hundred'pages, describing, with the aid of dlus-
trations, some of the features of the Ooldea district. | Its

3? | Noles =", Wale 3b.

author, Mr. A. G, Bolam, station-master at ‘Ooldea, has spent
his spare moments profitably in jotting down what he has
learned by his uwn observations, and whal he has learned from
the aboriginal inhabitants of the district about the beasts, birds,
reptiles, plants, &c., of his neighbourhood. Fishes cannot be
included for the simple reason that Ooldea is hundreds of miles
from any stream. Ooldea is about 425’ miles west of Port
Augusta, and it is situated just on the easter edge of
the wonderful Nullabor Plain, which stretehes westerly for
450 miles—an almost dead level, treeless tract, covered by
such dwarf salt-bushes and other vegetation which can exist on
an annual rainfall of about eight inches, Ooldea is fortunate
in being situated near a “‘ soak,'' where underground water can
always be obtained, and this has made it an important station
on the line, and also a great meeting-place for the natives for
hundreds of miles in etther direction. Among the animals
dealt with are the Marsupial Mole, Kangaroo Mouse, House-
building Rat, Fat-tailed Mouse, Bandicoots, &c. The first-
named animal is a little creature of about. six inches in length ;
it is without eyes or ears, but pessesses legs and feet, with
which it is enabled to disappear into the sandy soilin a twinkling.
The House-byilding Rats construct a home for themselves of
fine sticks, sometimes as large as six feet in diameter and three
feet in heighta seerningly woiidetful performance for stich
small creatures; underneath is a tunnel home. Some remark-
able lizards are to be met with among the sand-hills, such as
the Mountain Devil (Molerh), a ftermidable-Jooking creature,
but perfectiy harmless, living on ants, flies, &c., and, becoming
quite tame, are useful creatures about the house. The Frog
or Barking Lizard is an extraordinary-looking animal, but
quite harmless. The birds include the Wedge-tailed Eagle,
Wild Turkey, Mallee-fowl, Cave Owl, &c. The latter bird lives
in the caves and blow-holes of the Nullabor Plain. Quite a
number of species of smaller birds are seen from time to time,
while Cockatoos and Parrots often appear in large numbets,
so that Qoldea cannot be considered quite devoid of interesting
specimens of natural history. The vegetation is naturally of
a kind that can withstand heat and-droughts, Acacias,
Myoporums, Cassias, Quandongs, are a few of the genera repre-
sented. In the Naguralist for March, 1920 (vol. xxxviii., p. 128),
Mr. J. A. Kershaw gave a list of about forty species, mostly
trees and shrubs, collected in the neighbourhood just as samples
of the vegetation: some of these*are to be found in’ Victoria,
such a& Godenia pinnatifida and Pittosporum phallyroides. The
little volame concludes with an interesting description of the
aboriginats of the district, both in their primitive state and since
their contact with white: men.- 2°E

“Che Victorian Naturalist,

Vou. XLI—No. 3 JULY 10, 1924... - -* No. 487.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

THE forty-fourth annual meeting of the Club was held at the

Royal Society's Hall on Monday evening, 16th June, 1924.
The president, Mr. C. Daley, B.A., F.L.S., occupied the

chair, und about seventy members and visitors were present,

CORRESPONDENCE-

From Miss A. Fuller, thanking the Club for the letter of
sympathy forwarded to her on the sudden déath of her
brother. -

From the local sceretary of the A.A.A.S., reminding members
of the meeting of the Association, which will be held in
Adelaide during August next. The Club delegates to the
meeting are Mr [., Chapman, A.L.S., Mr. C. Daley, B.A,,
P.LS., and Dr. C. 5. Sutton.

REPORTS,

A report of the excursion to the Clitton Hill Quarry, on
Saturday, 2gth May, was given by the leader, Mr. A. L. Scott,
who said that a fair number of members had taken part in the
excursion, and had been greatly interested in the quarry, which
is of immense size, and is now nearly worked out. The basalt
hete is celebrated for the many beautiful minerals which it
confains, but on this occasion did not yield any very unique
Specimens.

A repert of the excursion to the Entomological department
et the National Museum on Saturday, 7th June, was given by
Mr, C. A. Lambert, who said that the party was met” by Mr.
G. F. Hill, eniomologist to the Museum, who exhibited a
number of drawers of insects from various parts of the world,
and kept the members thoroughly interested for several hours
with the remarks he made about them.

A report of the excursion to Ferntree Gully on Monday,
oth June (King's Birthday), was given by the leader, Mr. C.
Oke, who said that a small party of members had spent the
day in the vicinity ot Sherbrcoke, and coilected a large number
of natural history objects of all kinds, of which further
mention would be made later.

ELECTION OF MEMBER,

On a ballot being taken, Mr. W. B. Cottman, 34 Point
Nepean-road, Elsternwick, was duly elected a member of the
Club.

34 Field Naturalists’ Clabh—Proceedings. [via Sr.

GENERAL RUSINESS,

Mr. F. G. A. Barnard referred to the death of Mr. J. B:
Walker. the result of a street accident. Myr. Walker had been
a member of the Cluh for some thirty years, and was the senior
partner of Walker, May and Co., the printers of the Naluratist
for aboot thirty-five years, He moved that a letter of sym-
pathy be sent to Mr. Walker, jun. The chairman said that
one of the associate members of the Club, Mr. S. J. Walker
{not related to the late Mr. J. B, Walker) had also passed away
since last meeting, and moved that a letter of sympathy be sent
ta his relatives. The motions were ecarricd in silence, all
standing,

7

ANNUAL REPORYS.

The hon. secretary, Mr. C, Oke, read the forty-fourth annual
repore, for the year 1923-4, which was as follows :—

“To THE MémBERS OF THE Fretp NATURALISTS CLUB OF
VICTORIA.

‘ LAdIES AND GENTLEMEN,—In presenting the torty-fourth
annual report of the Club for the year ended 30th April, rqg24,
your committee congratulates members on the continued
success of the Club, and desires to thank them for the support
received during the past twelve months.

“ Commencing the year with 303 members and associates
on the roll, there were elected 27 ordinary and 5 country
members. Two deaths occurred, and resignations numbered
I4, leaving a membership of 31g—an increase of 16 for the
year. [t is with deep tegret we have ta record the deaths of
two well-known members—Mr. J. Cronin, Director of the
Botanic Gardens, who passed away in June. Althongh net an
active member of the Club, Mr. Cronin was always very sym-
pathetic towards the Wild-fower Exhibitions, and sent good
displays of cultivated native flowers from the Gardens, Mr.
W. HK. D. Le Souéf, Director of the Melbourne Zoological
Gardens, after a long illness, passed away in September. In
the earlier days of the Club he was a prominent office-bearer
and worker, bat In later years became more attached to the
Ornithologists’ Union. An account of his activities appeared in
the October {1q23) Natserctlast. .

“The monthly meetings have been held regularly, with an
average attendance of 60-70 members and friends. Ten papers
have been read and four lectures delivered, and these. together
with the discussions that have followed, have proved very
interesting, and have shown that the work of the Club, both
on the scientific and popular sides, has been maintained at its
usual high standard. The following lectutes and papers have

Jule Field Natwvalists® Cinb—Proceedings. 35
“been dehvered:—Ip May— Thrips: An Unpopular Insect
Treated Popularly,’ by Mr, R. Kelly, and On a Thalassoid
Element in the Austratian Molluscan Fauna,’ by Me. C. Hedley ;
in Jime—' Botanical Notes about Bairnsdale, and the Eastern
Lakes,’ by Mr. T. S. Hart, M.A., BSe,; in July— Effects of
the Ice Age on Tasmanian Topography,’ by Mr. A, N, Lewis;
in August—' The Vegetation of the Cradle Mountain, Tas-
mania,’ by Dr. C. S. Sutton ; in September—' The Fossilifcrous
Beds of Violet Creek, near Hamilton, Victoria,’ by Mr. F,
Chapman, A.L.S.; and ‘ Notes on Spiders,’ by Mr. 5, Butler ;
in October— The Flora of the Whipstick Scrub,’ by Mr. D.
Paton; in November— Four Weeks’ Collecting on Richmond
River and Queensland,’ by Messrs. A. N. Burns and L. Thorn;
and ‘Coleoptera of North-Western Victoria, Part 1X.," by Mr.
J- Goudie; in December—' The Microscape, ancl What It
Reveals,’ by Mr. J. Searle; in January—' Notes on Victorian
Orchids, No, IL, by Mr. E. E. Pescott, F.L.S., and ‘ Views
of a ‘Trip Through Gippsland, and Around the Mildura District,’
by Mr. H. B. Williamson, V.LS.; in Febritary-— Some
Glimpses ot Our Bush Birds,’ by Mr. F. E. Wilson, and ‘ Deserip.
tion of a New Genus of the Family Epacridacee,’ by Mr, H, B.
Williamson, F.LS. ; in March — Notes fram Natya,’ by Mr. C,
Oke, The April meeting was devoted to a display ct micro-
scopes and microscopic objects, Some ot the papers were illus
trated with lantern slides, and nearly all the pavers have
appeared in the Club’s journal,

“ The excursions are as popular as ever, and lave generally
been well attended. A number of Saturday atternoon trips
have been made to places around the metropolis, while whale-
day excursions to places further afield have been made, such
as to Frankston, Moorvoduc, Yarra Junction, Healesville,
Beaconsfield, Brnsbane Ranges, Belgrave, and Sherbrooke,
and more extended visits have heen made to Bendigo, National
Patk, and Warburton. ‘

“The annual exhibition of wild-flowers was held in the, Mel-
bourne Town Hall on Tuesday, 3rd October, and was opened
by the Premier, the Hon. H. S. W. Lawson, Flowers were
not so plentitul this year, with the result that the tables were
not quite so full as on some previous occasions, but on the
whole it was a very creditable display, and resulted in a net
proat of {to7. Of this, £53 was donated to the Victorian
Bush Nursing Association, In returning thanks for the
donation, the Bush Nursing Association asked the Club tu
nominate two of its members as life governors, and the com-
mittee recommended the president, Mv. C, Daley, B.A,
F.L.S,, and the hon, editor, Mr, F. G, A. Barnard, for the
positions.

36 Field Naturalists® Club—Proceedings. ae eS

“The Plant Names Committee completed its task of revising
the lists of vernacular names early in the year, and the
‘Censns of Victorian Plants’ was published in time for the
Octwber wild-Hower exhibition, where there was a fair demand
for the volume. Tt was decided bythe Club that presentation
copies of the book be issued to those gentlemen who had
given-so much: time and thought to the ‘compilation of this
work, and lJeather-bound copies were presented at the
December meeting to the following Prof. A, J. Ewart, Dr.
C. S. Sutton, Messrs. J. W, Audas, F-L-S., W. R. A. Baker,
F. G. A. Barnard, C, Daley, B.A., F.LS., A. D, Hardy, P. F.
Morris, F. Pitcher, BE. E, Pescott, F.L.S., P. R. H. St. John,
and H. B, Williamson, F.L.S., ta all of whom the Club is
much indebted for their labour-

“The Plant Names Committee has given place to the Plant
Records Committee, consisting of four members—namely, Dr,
Sutton, Messrs, B, P. Morns, P. R. H. St. John, and H. B.
Williamson, ¥.L-S., whose duty it will be ‘fo inquire into new
records of plants and alterations in nomenclature, and
recommend the publication of the same from time to time in
the Neatwialist.

“Tt is always gratifying to see members’ names among the
new graduates at the University, and this year the following
‘have graduated :—Miss R. E_ Chisholm, as Bachelor of Arts ;
Mr. C, Gillies, as Bachelor of Surgery ; and Mr- P_ C. Morrison,
as Bachelor of Science, to all of whom we offer the Club's con-
gratulations.

“The fortieth volume of the Victorian Naturalist has been
completed, and once again the Club is greatly indebted to the
hon. editor, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, for his untiring effort in
producing an interesting and useful journal. Unfortunately
it could.not be maintained at the intended size of twenty-four

ages. 4
* Your committee has had under grave consideration the
increased cost of the Naturalist? and under existing conditions
finds that it has, apparently, to decide between reducing the
size of the journal or finding a cheaper printer, and an early
decision will have io be made, as the position is serious.

‘The hon. treasurer reports the receipts for the year
amounted lo {192, and the expenditure ta £{34q—a debit of
£162 tor the year, exclusive of the cost o1 printing the ‘ Census.’

“Your committee has given its ca-operation te all measures
for the preservation of various localities a5 Sanctuaries lor our
trative flora and fauna.

* In comparing the cost of the Naturalist far rg22+3, £55, and 1923-4,
£249, allowance must be made for the increase tu the number of pages
and plates, 70 and 14 respectively ; in additlon to which a larger oumber
of copies were printed,—[En, Vict, Nat.) 2

sie Field Naturalists: Club— Proceedings.

“ The attendance at the twelye committee meetings has been
as follows —Messrs. Oke, 12; Sutton, 12; Williamson, 12;
Daley, 11; Searle, rx; Thorn, 11; Barnard, 9; Chapman, zi
Hooke, 7; Hughes, 6 (resigned after 7 months); Wilson, 6;
Kershaw, 3; and Pescott, 3.

“Tn conclusion, your ‘committee desires to express its
gratification at the way its efforts to maintain the work of the
Club, and to further its aims, have been supported by the
members, and trusts the same support will be given to the
incoming committee,

“On behalf of the committee,

(Signed) CHAS, DALEY, Prestdent.
C, OKE, Hon. Secretary.

37

Melbourne, 21st May, 1924.”

The report was received, and adopted, on the motion of
Messrs. G. Coghill and J. H. Harvey, A.R.I.V.A.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

The hon, treasurer (Mr. A. G. Hooke) read the financial
statement for 1923-4, which was as follows :-—

RECEIPTS,
To Balance, 30th April, 1923 ie 2% a3 Je £72 9 10
» Subscriptions— ‘ ;
Ordinary Members .. » £124 17 6
Country Members ae aa 27.5 oO
Associate Members... at I 7 6
. —————£153 to oF
Victorian Naturalist—
Subscriptions .. +s bs 4 4 6
Sales ya te a ry 279
—— 612 3
+ Badges, Sales of ., 1° + 3 ss O18 +0
» Donations—
Publishing Fund . ae 533 6
é Interest—Savings Bank and War Loan +. 1517 7
— 182 10 16
» Sales of ‘Census of Victorian Plants’* o2 34 7 0
» Wild-flower Exhibition—
Admissions oe ‘ o> -- 95 I O
Sales of Flowers and Plants” oe we 648 16S
Refreshments (profit) or sts «. 17 OF
——— 16017 &
Savings Bank Deposit withdraw '
Piant Names A/c, .. . &; + 150 0 0
General A/c. .. es v as +» 75 OG 0
———— 2750 0
{672 16 2

* Arrears, £14 155, Od.; 1923-4, {127 12s, 6d.; advance,
{ir 2s. 6d.—total, £153 ros,

38 Field Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings. Viet Bac,

Vol. XI.1-
. EXPENDITURE.
By Victorian Naturalist— ,
Printing. . o . +. A#206 11 3
Llustrating as ts z+ 42 9 5
_ Free Reprints .. ta ig 1317 8
' Reprints Charged >. af 6 15 I0 %
——f269 14 2
» Vieetorian Naturalist—
Wrapping and Posting ah - eS ee
», Rooms—Rent and Attendance . -+ 13 10
y Library—'
Books and Periodicals e+ #2 5 ©
Insurance a a oe o 7 0
= 212 0
» Lantern—Expenses = ‘a ae os =O14 6
1» Printmg .. wd ape of 5 4 ae 23 4 0
». Postages, &c. . a+ 3 718 0
» Crockery for Wild- ‘flower ‘Exhibition | 417 §
——— £344 12 3
» Wild-flower Exhibition— .
Town Halland Attendance .. +» It 35 ©
(Rent, £18, paid in previous year}
Printing and Advertising a . + 7 4 0
Cartage, &c. 4 wa ao) te Bae
Flowers and Plants ay ber EN Sg
Donation—Bush Nursing Association s 33 0 0
———— 1 88 14 10
», Census of Victorian Plants—Printing and Binding +. 215 12 6
» Melbourne Town elimi ae Wild-flower Exhibition,
1924 owe oe + - F «. 18 00
i 66619 7
» Balancein E.S, & A. Bank Bs * o. » 5 16 7
*} ; {672 16 2

A, G. HOOKE, Hon. Treasurer.

30th May, 1924.
Audited and found correct.
H tne ALFRED J. TADGELL, \ 4 girs.
FREDERICK PITCHER, | uditors,
13th June, 1924. ,
The following statement of assets and liabilities was also

read :-—

ASSETS,
Balance in E. S, and A, Bank... os os £5 16
War Loan Bond . an x o
Arrears of Subscriptions (£40), say ae = 20 0
Deposit in Savings Bank . r00 0

* Census of Victorian Plants, ” Stock on ‘hand at

oom oOo00™N

cost price -. «618k 5
Library and Furnitare. at Insurance Value Pel 130 0
Rent of Town Hall—paid in advance .- 25 ao
Sundry Accounts due—

Advertisements in Naturalist -- £35 o

Reprints az ee ied + 615 10 ,

—_——— 10 [0 10
#485. 12 If

hr] Field Natuvalists’ Club—Procecdings: 39

Liasitrtes.
Subscriptions paid in advance as ay. -- gtt 2 6
Char-a-banc Fund 4, a -- aul .. 613 0
Outstandifg Accounts -- ‘. ae v; Nil

dup rg 6

On the motion of Messrs. G. Coghill and F. Pitcher, the
Statements were tread and adopted. ‘he latter remarked on
the accuracy ard detail in the accounts as presented by the
hon. treasurer.

ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS.

The chairman said that Mr, E. E. Pesentt, F.L.S., had with-
draw his yomination for the office of president, owing to the
fact that he considered Mr. Searle’s long membership of the
Club and the great assistance he had been to many members
in pursyit of their hobbies entitled him to the position, and
that he would not be a candidate for the office of vice-president,
for which he was eligible, in accordance with the rules of the
Club. The following office-bearers, being the requisite nunyber
required, were then declared elected :—President, Mr. J. Searle;
vice-presidents, Messrs. G. Coghill and F. E, Wilson, F.ES. ;
hon. treasurer, Mr. A, G. Hooke; hon. librarian, Dr. C. §.
Sutton; hon. editer, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard; hon, secretary,
Mr. C. Oke; hon. assistant sectetary and librarian, Mr. H. B.
Williamson, P.L.S. Mr. F. Pitcher said that he desired to
withdraw his name from the nominations for the committee
owing to pressure of other engagements, The remaining
nominees, Messrs. I. Cudmore, J. A. Kershaw, “A. E, Rodda,
and £. Thorn were declared elected, and on a nomination being
requested for fifth place, Mr. J. Stickland was nominated and
duly elected, :

A yote of thanks to the retiring committee was moved by
Mc. J, Stickland, and carried unanimously.

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS,

The retiring president, Mr. C. Daley, B-A., F-LS., said that
it was customary for the retiring president to give an address
on the work of the Club or on some special subject, He pro-
posed to say a few words about Australian gem stones.

In the course of his remarks the president said that gems
had played an important part iv history and superstition from
time immemorial, They had even been the cause of wars,
Tradition:and romance were inseparable from certain famous
stones, and even to-day amongst scme races magical powers
are atttched to certain kinds of stones. Australia has pro-
duced almost every kind of gem, though in many cases, either
not of sufficient size, or in insufficient quantity, to really establish

40 + Field Naluyalists’ Club—Proceadings. Hate -00)
the search for any particular kind as a profitable industry.
The most. valuable ot all gem stones, the diamond, had been
found in all the States, but nowhere approaching the produc-
tion of the Rand, in South Africa. New South Wales had the
distinction of producing the largest diamond. fownd near
Oberon in 1905, and weighing 28} carats. Supphires have been
found im considerable quantities, especially in Queensland,
but mostly the green and yellow types. Rubies occur at
several places in Queensland and New South Wales, but are
generally too small to command high prices, though their colour
is good. Quartz crystals were prized to some extent by the
Australian aboriginals, and specimens are often found
associated with the débyts of their kitchen middens. A gem
of the silica group is the opal, and Queensiand has produced
some of the finest specimens known to the world: a variety
known as “ black opal” is dictinetly Australian, and commands
a high price, one weighing 6¢ carats was sold for froz, A
remarkably fine opal known as the “ Flame-tree Opal," weighing
253 carats, was found in Queensland sume vears ago. Ft is
almost chameleon-like in its changing hues. When examined
it was found to have in its structure fossil remains of the ginko
- tree ofthe Jurassic period. The topaz and bery! have been found
near Stanthorpe, in Queensland, and in other places. Garnets
have been found in considerable quantities north of Oodna-
dutta, in Seuth Australia, also at Harcourt, Maldon, and Qmeo,
in Victoria. A large number of other gem stones were
mentioned, and their chemical composition given, From the
indications already given it may safely be concluded that
many valuable discoveries await the secker after Australian
gem stones.
; PAPER READ.

By Mr. A. J. Tadgell, entitled ‘' Mount Bogang and Its
Flora.”

The author gave an interesting account of his fast visit to
Mount Bogeng, Victoria’s highest mountain [6,593 feet), in
January last, in company with Mr, A, G, Hooke, the hon,
tveasurer of the Club, and a frend. Owing to its distant
position, considerable time is accupied in reaching it from
Melbourne and making the ascent, Remarking on the fora,
which 1s decidedly alpine in its character, the author said that
his collections, as the result of several trips. amounted to 256
species, He had also collected same fifteen mosses, all at more
than 5,500 feet. He concluded with a list of the species
collected, with notes of the height at which they were found-

REMARKS ON EXHIBITS

Mr. H. W, Davey, F.E.S., read some notes on two Marbijed
Geckos (lizards), which he exhibited with young recently born.

July Mrold Naturalists! Clab— Proceedings: 40

Mr. C. French, jun., contributed a note on some parasites:
collected irom a dog by Mr, H. F, Clinton, which had net pre-
viously been collected from that host in Australia.

Mr. A, N. Burns, F.E.S., referred to his exhibit of specimens
ol four species of Prickly Pears (Opuntia) which are proving
terrible pests in Queensland and Northern New South Wales,
about 29,000,000 acres heing infested with this cactus in the
former State. He also called attention to two very rare
Lycaenid butterflies in the case exhibited by Mr, L, Thorn.

EXHIBITS. .

By Mr. F. G, A. Barnard.—Flowers of Long-podded Wattle,
Acacia elongata, grown at Kew.

By Mr. A. N, Burns, F.E.S.—Four species of Opuntia
{ptickly pear) from Queensland, with photographs of experi-
mental cages used by Prickly Pear Board in Queensland.

By Mr. Geo. Coghill—Flowers of Greville rosmarvenifolia,
from a cultivated plant in his garden at Canterbury.

By Mr. C. Daley, B.A., I.E.5—Case of gem stones in illus-
tration of his address; also, on behalf of Mr. D. Cameron,
Mortlake, N.5.W., samples of the following chemicals ex-
tracted from the crude oil distilled from Eucalyptus dives in
the Braidwood district, N.S.W.=—(a) piperitone, the crude ail
contains 30 to 50 per cent. of it; this is oxidized to (b) thymol,
or reduced to (c) menthol ; in the latter case there are two-stages
—piperitone to (¢) menthone, menthone to menthol. .

By Mr, C. French, jun—Specimen of a remarkable pall-
making coccid (scale insect), Apiomorpha munita, from
Croydon, Victoria; also the Kangaroo Louse, Heterodoxus
longitarsus, found on a domestic dog, not previously recorded
fer Australia from this host; collected by Mr. H. F, Clinton,
at North Melbourne. é

By Geological Survey ot Victoria, per Mr, A. E. Rodda.—
Samples of retinite (fossil resin) trom brown coal mines at Lal
Lal and Yallourn, also alluvial gold mines at Allendale and
Creswicle. ’

By Mr. A. G. Hooke.—-Photograph (enlarged) of Mount
Bogeng, showing the greater part of the top ot the mountain.

By Mr, H. E. James.—Flowers of Eviostemon pbovalis and
Pimeles, sp., trom Retreat-road, Bendigo,

By Mr. C. Oxe.—Insects from Menzies Creek, and zircons,
&c., from Beechworth,

By Mr. Ff. Pitcher—Photographs of webbing and nests of
spider, Arachnina Aigginst, on Douglas Ping, 9 feet high, taken
by Mr. ©. Hammond in his garden at Belgrave, May, 1g24.

By Miss J. Raff, MSc. F.ES,—Leaflet by Dr Alfred
Moore, I'.E.5., describing a simple inethod of mounting insects.

42 Field Natwralists' Chib—Proceedings. ve ta.

This method is adopted by Prof. Maxwell-Lefroy as the
standard.for use in the Entomological Department of the Royal
College of Science, London. The materials used are celluloid
slides and ' Thymoplas,” a specially prepared plasticine con-
taining a strong preservative. In illustration of above—
mounted preparation of.a stick insect hatched from egg, and
eggs showing the characteristic lid which is pushed off at
iatching,

By Mr. W. H. A. Roger—Three tubes and penholder con-
taining opal chips, from White Cliffs, N.S.W.

By Mr. J. Searle —Australian precious stones—diamond and
topaz trem Beechworth, Victoria; sapphire, Queensland ;
tourmaline. South Australia, zircons, Tasmania; opals,
Queensland; turquoise, King River, Victoria; also pvars,
Thursday Island and Western Australia.

By Mr. A. L. Scott.—Basalt and basaltic glass (tauchylite),
under the microscope,

By Mr. A. J. Tadgell.—Geological specimens Irom Mount
Bogong, consisting of metamorphic gneiss (mica schist or
phyllite) pegmatite, felspar, quartz* with large plates of mica
(muscovite), white quartz showing tourmaline crystals.

By Mr. L. Thorn.—Case containing sixty-six species of
Australian Lycacnid butterflies, including Md#etws delicia, var.
duaringee} and M. tsntta, vat. chrvsonotus.

By Mr. H. B. Williamson, F.L.S.—Hairball from stomach
of a cow,

After the,usual conversazione the meeting terminated,

THe Kancaroc Louse.—Some interest is attached to the
parasites from the domestic dog, exhibited on behalf of Mr,
H. F. Clinton, from the fact that they have not previously
been recorded from this host in Australia, and were collected
by Mr. Clinton, in company with Mr. J, Fraser, from an Irish
terrier at.Noréh Melbourne, Victoria, on 15th April last, and
identified as the Kangaroo Louse, Helerodoxus longilersus,
Piaget. Specimens were forwarded to Professor Harrison,
Sydney University, who confirmed the determination and the
new locality record. Harrison and Johnston (rgr6) state that
they find this species to be gencrally distributecl upon the genus
Macropus, und that if has also been recorded from dogs from
several localities in America and Africa, as well as from
Japan, and from a jackal from Africa. They also state that
ik-is undowbtedly a marsupial parasite, and all occurrences on
carmivara must be regarded as stragglers. Mr. W. M. Bale,
Kew, Victona, has in his collection specimens of this parasite,
which he obtained from a dog in 1886.—C. FrREencH, JUN,
Toth June, 1924. :

yer] Tuorx, Some Vitiorian Lycacnid Butterfltes, 43
NOTES ON THE LIPE-HISTORIES OF SOME VIC-
TORIAN LYCAENID BUTTERFLIES. _

By L. B, THorn.
(Read before the Feel Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 12th May, 19243)

Berore dealing directly with the Lycaenid butteriiies, the
subject of my paper, it may perhaps be advantageous to some
of those present to have a few of the main facts in the life-
history of a butterfly put before theny.

Butterflies and moths belong to the Order Lepidoptera or
insects having Wings clothed with scales, This order is divided
info two sections, the first being, called the Rhopalacera or
club-homed antennae; butterflies belonging to this section,
The majority of our butterflies are day-fliers, and like the
bright sunshine. A few species in Queensland and northern
New South Wales fly in the evening, just before dusk. When
at rest the wings of a butterfly. arc usually held erect above
the back, with the upper surfaces pressed closely tovether.
The second section is called the Heterocera or insects with
broad feathery ov fine thread-like antenne#. Moths belong to
this section, and, as a rule, fly after sunset, and have the above
type of antenn®. The wings of a resting moth are nearly
always seen folded along the back, or flat against the surface
on which they rest.

Butterflies and moths are among the giants of the insect
World, They can be defined as insects with two pairs of
menibranous wings well adapted for extended flight, and
clothed with scales overlapping each other like the slates on
the roof of a house, flattened and rounded on the surface of the
wings, but more or less hair-like upon the body, The head is
usually provided with a tubular proboscis that can be curled
up like a watch spring when at rest, and, when extended, is
admirably adapted for sucking up the honey from flowers,
Typical butterflies are usually slender-bodied insects with
delicate Jegs and richly-tinted wings ; they fly about in bright
sunlight, visiting flowers and feasting upon the nectar that they
find in the blooms. They have large compound eyes, so that
they can see very well; and the Slender, tubular mouth is very
highty developed in all butterflies.

This evening I am dealing with nine species of our Victorian
Lycaenid butterflies, of which I have specimens un exhibition,
with, in some cases, complete life-histories. My notes on the
species are the result of observations made in the ficld, and by
hreeding out some of the species. The localities where the
larvae, pupae, and perfect insects have been taken will also be
given, All these beautiful butterflies exhibited belong to the
family Lycaenidae, which is divided into two sub-famuilies,

+

44 TiorN, Sore Victorian Lycacnida Butterfifes. [Vit Bar

Ogytinae, Theclinae, and four genera—Ogyris, Miletus, lalmenus,
and Protialmenus. ;

The first stage in the life-history of a butterfly 15 the ovum,
or egg; the second the larva, or caterpillar; the third the pupa
or chrysalis ; and, lastly, the imago, or perfect butterfly. The
eggs of Lycaenid butterflies are smooth, and almost spherical ;
sometimes smooth and much flattened at base and apex, some-
times densely pitted and flattened. They are deposited either
singly or in clusters upon the stems, young shoots, or flower-
buds of the food plant. The caterpillar is composed of thirteen
segments or rings, the first one being the head. They have
sixteen legs, the first six being the true legs, which reappear in
the perfect insect, while the other ten are termed pro-leys, or
claspers, which are used for holding on to the food plant while
the caterpillar is feeding, and are entirely lost when the change
into a chrysalis takes place. The Lycacnid larva'or caterpillar
is almost invariably flattened and slug-like in shape, with the
head concealed while at rest, The posterior segments usually
possess dorsal glands, which secrete a quid much prized by
ants, The ants, consequently, attend the larvae and shepherd
them. Some of these caterpillars feed during the day, others
at night, sheltering during the daylight in ants’ nests, under
loose bark or stones, in curled leaves ot fower-buds, or in
crevices of the trunk of the feod-plant. The chrysalis is usually
smooth, ahd in transverse section ovoid, sometimes much
Hattened, and with the abdomen extended in lateral ridges.
lt is usually attached by the tail, and sometimes hy a central
silken girdie-thread in either horizental or vertical position,
arid with the head either upwards or downwards_ It is gencr-
ally found in the same position as the sheltering larvae, more
rarely loose just beneath the surface of sandy soil, The perfect
butterfiy is usually of a small size and delicate structure, with
beautiful rich colours of bluc, purple, green, and copper. All
the legs are developed for walking, but the front pair less so
than the others, and are better developed tn the female than in
the male. These four stages in some of the species exhibited
take a year to complete ; with other species there are generally
two broods in a season—the spring and autumn. |

The first three species of butterflies shown belong to the
sub-family Ogyrtinae, genus Oeyris. The caterpillars of these
three species of butterflies feed on mistletoe, which is nearly
always found High up on encalypts and other trees. Conse-
quently, the butterflies are nearly always seen flying high up
over the top of the trees and around the mistletoe, with the
result that they are difficult to capture on the wing} hence the
best way to secure good specimens is to find the larvae or pupae
and breed out the perfect insects.

Avy. Thorn, Some Vicorian Lycaenttd Builerftes. ' 45

My first species is the Common Mistletoe Blue, Ogyris olane,
Hewijtson, exhibited with the four stages in its life-history—viz.,
eggs, inflated caterpillar, chrysalis, and perfect insects of both
sexes (ste fig, 1). The food plant of this species is the Dronping
Mistletox, Loranthus pendudes, which is found on ecucalypts.
The caterpillars are night feeders, hiding under loose bark on
the trees during the day. Sometimes 1 have found the larvae
and pupae, with two Species of ants, on the same tree, but they
are more often found without ants attending them. When
full grown a number of caterpillars ceawl down the tree to
pupate under bark, which is generally found loose wear the
base of the trees. Tt is interesting to note that the pupae, when
exposed to a strong light, make a faint clicking sound. I
remember the first time 1 brought home several pupae, and
while transferring therm into the breeding box, under a strong
electric light, to my surprise one after another made this
sotind,and I found that by placing the pupae in a tin the sound
was more clearly defined. There ate two broods in a season
of this beautiful buttertiy. ln the spring the caterpillars are
found in various stages from June to September. The perfect
insects being on the wing during the end of September and
throughout October and Noyember, The aututmn brood is
on the wing in the months of January, Pebruavy, and March.
The majonty of the insects emerging from this latter brood
in the breeding box were females. Last season I made a gote
of how long if look this butterfly tu emerge from the chrysalis,
A full-grown caterpillar was secured on the Moorooduc
excursion, 20th Octuber, 19235; the caterpillar turned inte a
chrysalis on the 27th October, and the perfect female, which ts
shown, emerged 6th Decembey, thus taking forty days for the
butterfly to emerge, he central asea on the wings of the male
butterfly is dwl purfple; on the wings of the female hlnish-
purple. The Jocalities where the larvae and pupae have been
secured are Frankston, Eltham, Macedon, Bendigo, and along
the Femtree Guily-road,

The second species is Lhe scarce Mistletoe Blue, Ogyris abrata,
Westwood, of which I exhibit two stages in the life-history —
the pupa and perfect insects of both sexes, The food plant of
this species is the common Mistletoe, Lovanthns celastrovdes,
which is found principally on eucalypts, The caterpillars ure
night feeders, hiding under loose bark on the trees during the
day, They are attended by a number of small black ants
of the genus Crematogaster. This. ant has a heart-shaped
abdomen, and when disturbed raises the abdomen and
moves slowly around and about the caterpillar and chrysalis.
This butterfly is becoming very scarce in Victoria. It is a
rather local butterfly, and generally found in pumbers

-

46 Torn, Some Victorian Lycacnid Butterflies, [Vice 8a

where it occws. While on a visit to Broadmeadows
with Mr, A, N, Bums, in 1922, we noticed a couple of
Meat Ants, fridomyrmex. detectus, coming down a tree with
two young larvae ofthis butterfly between their mandibles.
After catching the ants we found that both the cater-
pillars were dead, and very nearly bitten in two. There
was one eucalypt tree bearing the Common Mistletoe that was
free from this ant and on which L was always sure of finding
a caterpillar or chrysalis every season. This year I paid a
visit ta the tree and found that the Meat Ants had invaded the -
tree, with the result that my search for a larva or pupa proved
fruitless, Jé seems strange that this large ant kills the larvae
of this pretty butterfly, as these same ants attend with great
cate caterpillars of the Imperial Blue Butterfly, and will
always attack oy if the tarvae or pupae are disturbed. In the
Spring ®rood the larvae and pupae are found in the months of
July to October ; perfect insects are on the wing in the months
of October and November. Jn the autumn brood the butterflies
are on the wing in Febryary and March, a large number of
female butterfiltes emerging in this latter broad, The central
area On the Wings of the male butterfly is rich dark purple ;
the forewings of the female are brown-biack, with the central
area light: yellow. Localities where larvae and pupae have
been ¢ollected are Broadmeadows and the You Yangs.
W. H. A, Roger secuted larvae and pupae at Black Rock and
Springvale.

My third species is the Satin Blue, Ogyris amaryllis meridion-
alis, Bethiine-Baker. The food plant of this species is the
Slender Mistletoe, Loranthus lanophylius, which is found oa
Sheoke trees in the north-west of Victoria. F, E. Wilson
captured the specimens exhibited in the Mallee during Sep-
tember, 1gz7- The wings of the male butterfly are metallic
blue; of the female, metallic blue tinged with purple.

The next three species belong to the genus Miletus. The
butterflies of this genus are noted for their beautiful smetallic
colours on the upper surface of the wiags and also by the rich
metallic markings on the under surface of the wings.

‘The fourth species is the Moonlight Blue, Mitetus delicia delos,
of which I have the four stages—the eges, inflated larvae,
pupae, and perfect insects of both sexes (see fig. 2), The central
area on the Wings of the male butterfly is metallic green, of the
fernmale: metallic blue. This species is one of our most beautiful
butterfites, and is very rarely scen on the wing, This year,
for the first titme, I found a specimen of this butterfly on the
wing, It was walking over the flowers of the Sweet Bursaria,
Bursaria spinosa, feasting on the nectar with the wings held
erect above the back, with the upper surfaces pressed closely

eh | Taorn, Some Victortan Lycaenid Bullevfites. 47
together. The caterpillars of this butterfly are night feeders,
hiding under loose bark, also in holes in the tree made by the
bering beetles and wood-moth caterpillars. One of the
inflated caterpillars shown to-night was found on a Black Wattle,
Acacia mollissima: the other on a Blackwood, Acacia melan-
oxylon, They are always attended by a number of small black
ants ot the genus Crematogaster. This ant has a heart-shaped
abdomen, and when disturbed raises the abdomen and moves
slowly around and about the larvae. The attendance by ants
is due to the fact that the larvae secrete a liqnid from two glands
situated at the posterior end of the body, The ants are also
a protection for the caterpillars from parasites, which kill a
large number of other species of butterfly caterpillars that are
not attended by ants, and also a great number of moth cater-
pillats, every season. The Moonlight Blne Butterfly larvae
are found from the end of January fo the middle of November.
I have had them feeding fur nine months in the breeding-bex.
From February to April the larvae would come out at dusk
from under a piece of blotting paper pinned in the corner of the
box and craw! on to their food plant, placed in a bottle of water.
From the end of May to July the larvae appear to semi-
hibernate or eat very little of their food plant. Durmg August,
September, and October the caterpillars seem to be very
hungry, and make up for the two months they hibernated—
in fact, every week f noticed a difference in the size of the
larvae. IT used to place small pieces of apple un the food plant,
The caterpillars seem to pre the apple first before going on
to the Acacia to feed; also gave the ants bread. soaked in
water. Lt the ants were not in the breeding box to attend the
larvae the secreted liquid would form into a mould or mildew,
which kills a number of species of Lycaenid larvae every season.
This white mildew develops on the eleventh and twelfth
segments, situated at the posterior end of the body. Once
this mildew forms on the caterpillar it generally keeps in the
same position for a week, and gradually shrinks ta nearly half
its original size, becoming hatd and rigid, When full grown
the caterpillars attached themselves to the breeding-box with
a silken pad at the tip of the abdomen, and also by a central
silken girdle-thread. They turned into a brown chrysalis,
which gradually became black a week before the butterfly
emerged, There is only one brood of this lovely butterfly
during the season, the perfect insects being on the wing in the
months of December and January. Localities where the larvac
and pupae were secured, Dandenong and Woori Yallock,
W. H. A. Roger, while collecting at Springvale, found a2
numberof pupae of this butterfly in a voll of loose bark, which
was on the ground near the base of a Black Watile, a number

4% Teor, Some Victorian Lycacnid Rutterfites. Nit ee
of ants mentioned being inside the roll of bark with the
pupae,

The fifth species is Miletus ignita, Leach. The caterpillars
of this butterfly feed on the Golden Wattle, Acacia pyorantha,
HH, W, Davey, while collecting ant-nest beetles at Oocan Grove,
found a number of caterpillars and pupae of this butterfly,
They were attended by a number of small ants, not identified.
The caterpillars were found hiding under the foots and curved
trunk of the young Golden Wattles, and came out to feed at
night. The pupae are found in the same position as the
sheltering caterpillars throughout October and November, The
butterflies are on the wing in November and December. The
central area on the wings of the male butterfly is dull coppery-
purple; on the wings of the female, purple tinged bluc.

My sixth species, Miletus hecalius, Miskin, has been captured
on the wing near Sherbrook Falls, Belgrave, A, N. Burns
secuted a number of pupae at Como, New South Wales, and
forwarded four to me, from which three butterflies emerged,
a paic of them being exhibited this evening. The central area
on the wings of the male is rich purple ; on the forewings of the
female there is a central patch of orange.

The next two species belong to the genus lalmenus.
Seventh species, the Imperial Bluc, Talmenys evagoras,
Donovan, showing the four stages in the life-history—eggs,
inflated caterpillar, chrysalis, and perfect insects of both sexes.
The central atea on the wings of this beautiful butterfly is pale
metallic blue. This insect ts locally common, and generally
found in numbers where it occurs, The caterpillars are found
in Various stages from December to March, feeding during the
day on young Early Biack Wattles, Acecia decurrens, and the
Black Wattle, Acacia molitssima, and are always attended by
a number of small black ants, probably of several species. These
ants are always moving quickly, on and about the larvae. It
is amazing to watch how the ants keep with the caterpillars
when disturbed. Sometimes there will be a number of larvae
grouped together, and if one moves away from the rest the ants
ate after it, A number will pin on to the back of the caterpillar,
holding on With their mandibles, while a number move around
to head it back, and generally succeed in bringing the cater-
pillar to a-halt after it has moved a few inches. When a cater-
pillar falls to the ground it is wonderful how quickly the ants
on the ground find and keep with it, and when the caterpillar
is touched er disturbed, by the way the ants inwnediately show
fight, by tunning over the hand and nipping it with their
mandibles. The majority of caterpillars have pupated by the
end of January, and are found attached to small branches,
and undet surface of leaves of small stunted Acacias. Often

July, THors, Some Viclorian Lycaenid Butterflies. 49
a number of pupae are found clustered together on a silken
web spun by the caterpillars. The colour of the chrysalis is
brown, which gradually turns a dark brown a week before the
ulterfy vmerges. This,season I made a note how long it took
the butterfly to emerge from the chiysalis. ‘Twelve full-grown
larvae were secured Gn a small Black Wattle on 3rd February ;
larvae pupated from the 4th to the roth of February; perfect
insects etiefyed from the 2nd to the oth of March, thus
taking four weeks for the buttery to emerge, fram the time
the caterpillar turned into a chrysalis. Localities where the
larvae and pupae were secured, Eltham and Woori Yallock.

The eighth species is Ialmenus Seilius, Hewitson. G. Lyell
has secured larvae and pupae of this rare buttery at Gisborne,
and if also ocewrs in South and Western Australia. The central
area on the wings of the male being metallic green, on the wings
of the female metallic blue. The specimen exhibited was
captured in Western Australia. ;

The ninth species is Protialmenus ictinus, Hewitson, Imperial
Blue, with two stages in the Ife-histary ts exhibited, pupae and
perfect insects, The caterpillars are found feeding during the
day on the Black Wattle, Acacia decurvens, and the. Blackwood,
Acacta melanoxylon. They are always attended by the large fierce
Meat Ant, Iridomyrmex detectys, and I well remember the first
tiie I climbed a tree to secure some full-grown caterpillars. When
the larvae were disturbed this large ant immediately attacked
me, and it did not take me long to reach the ground and pull
off my coat to brush off the ants that were holding on to my
arms with their strong mandibles. When a caterpillar falls
to the ground it is wonderful how quickly the meat ants moving
about near the- base of the tree find and shepherd the cater-
pillar, The larvae and pupae of this butterfly are found in the
months of October, November, and December, the perfect
insects being on the wing in the end of December and January,
Localities where the Jarvae and pupae were secured, Broad-
theadows. A. N. Burns found the larvae and pupacat Bacchus .
Marsh. J. E. Dixon found larvae and pupae at Kerrisdale,
and W. H. A. Roger found the laryae and pupae at Trawool,
This species occurs all along the eastern side of Australia and
as far north as Kuranda, in Northern Oucensland,

My remarks this evening may have created an interest in some
of the younver members of the Club who have not yet settled
down to any particular ne of study, To my mind the
“development and life of & butterfly is a subject of deep interest.
The part different species play in the economy of nature re-
quires patient investigation, and any facts gleaned should be
recorded,

The published literature on Victorian butterflies is sone

‘50 THoRN, Some Victorian Lycaenid Butterflies.” [Vic S34

What scanty. In 1893 E, Anderson and the late F. P, Spry,
both members of this Club, published “ Victorian Butterflies
and How to Collect Then," in which most of our species were
illustrated. It is a useful book for a young beginner, but is
now out of print, and difficult to obtain. In 1907 W. J-
Rainbow, of the Australian Museum, Sydney, published
“®\ Guide to the Study of Australian Butterflies,” a more
comprehensive work, in which were illustrated a number ‘of
life-histeries of Australian butterflies. In “ Australian “Insects,”
by W.'W. Froggatt, Government Entomologist: of New South
Wales,'a number of species-are illustrated, also many moths.
The standatd.-work at present:on Australian butterflies is
by Waterhouse and Lyell. (also members of this Club),
published in 1914. This is a.most complete: work, describing
and illustrating the whole of .our Australian _ butterflies,
numbering four hundred and twenty species, also illustrating
types of the larvae and pupae of the different families. In this
work eighty-four species are recorded for Victoria, classified
as follows :—Nymphalidae, 19, of which fourteen belong to the
sub-family Satyrimac, “browns” or "' forest "butterflies:
Lycaenidae,“ blues” and " coppers,’ 2q; Pteridac, '' whites”
and “yellows,” 6; Papilionidae, “swallow-tails,"" 4; and
Hespéridae,. “‘skippers."’ 26, The parts of ‘ Destructive
Insects of Victoria," by C. French, first Government Ento-
mologist of Victoria, also contain scme account of the life-
histories of certain Victorian butterflies, and-I am indebted
to several of these authors for some of the information
included in these; notes. ; :

Though net approaching the sizé and coloration of the more
tropical species, Victorian butterflies are not without some
beauty, -and ate well worthy of study: =i

of ~EXPLANATION OF-PLaTE. at 2

I.—Ogyits vlane,-Hew., "' Mistletoe Blue." —a, eggs |, 5, cater-
pillar ; c,chrysalis ;“d, imago (male) ;.2,/imago (female) ; /, food
plat (Drooping Mistletoe, Loranthus pondiiws), = = *

2.—Miletus delacia delos, “ Moonlight Blue.""—a, eggs; b, cater-
pillar ; c; ants which attend caterpillar: @, chrysalis; ¢, imago
(male) ; f, imago (female); #, food plant (Black Wattle, Acacta
mollassvne), prey pe ak

“aT

—————————

An APPRECTATION,—Nalitre (London) for April -zgth, t924,*
says that-the Victorian Naturalist for February, 1q24,-contains
‘a very readable account" by Mr. D. J, Paton of “a very
unusual plant formation ” (the Whipstick Scrub, near Bendigo),
and gives brief notes on the characteristics of the vegetation,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLI, july, 1924

PLATE Il.

eee

tant eee

+ Crees
er

eereesee *

. ee*
SSG Gimp SPet se -
eee?

1.-MISTLETOE BLUE BUTTERELY (Ogyris olane), Hew.
2.-MOONLIGHT BLUE BUTTERFLY (Miletus delicia delos),

July. J Notes, gt

Mareten GrcKos HatcHep t Captrvity.—Early last
November Mr. J, E, Dixon, of this Chub, returned from @
collecting tip to the Mallee around Lake Hattah, North-West
Victoria, where he kindly collected for me some living speci-
mens of the Marbled Gecka, Phyllodactylus marmoratus, Gray
According to a paper, ‘ The Lizards Indigenous to Victona,"'
by Lucas and Frost, read before the Royal Society of Victoria,
rgth April, 1893, the writers state that this lizard is usually
met with under logs and stones. These are certainly not the
usual places to look for this species, as, although | have met
with great numbers of this gecko, they haye always heen
found under the loose bark of trees, and 1 have oever yet found
any under stones, it being essentially an arboreal species, A
much rarer species, Diplodactylus strophkurus, Daum. and Bibr.,
3s usually taken under stones; sa alsa is the lat-tailed Getko,
Gvamodactylas waltusi?, Bory, a ground species, which is
fairly plentiful under granite slabs on Mount Alexander and
similar situations. The several geckos collected at Hattah
by Mr Dixon were received by me on 6th November of last year,
and were at once placed in an insect breeding cage having the
usual glass front. At mght. when the geckos were crawling
up this glass, it could easily be seen that two of the females
each contained a pair of eggs. The first female deposited her
eggs on the night of ryth November, while the other did mot
deposit her eggs until two days later. I then removed the
eges from the cage and placed them in the small box shown
here to-night, together with a small quantity of dry soil for
the eggs to rest on, so as to prevent their rolling about. The
first egg hatched out on the 7th of this month (June), and two
more eggs hatched on the rath; the other egg was accidentally
broken some time before. The young geckus, shortly after
emerging from fhe egg, commenced to shed their skin, this
process being completed within twenty-four hours, the
markings from which this gecko has received its specific namn
being then most pronounced, as can ‘vet be seen on the young
specimens exhibited to-night. It is of interest that these
geckos have hatched out at the present time (June), and also
the time taken to hatch—viz,, 207 days, or nearly seven
months, a5 well as the small number of eggs laid by the
temale, My, Dixon has just informed me that, although he has
also seen great numbers of this gecko, he. like myself, has
never yet come across one of this species wider a stone—
H.W. Davey, F-E-S., 26th June, 1924,

52 Notes. [yor S04.

“Frora oF Sourm Austratia,” Part Il—Another of the
handbooks of the Hora and fauna of South Australia, issued by
the British Science Guild (South Australian branch), has just
been published. This part comprises the second third of the
plants of South Australia, and is the work of Mr, J. M, Black,
the author of the first part (with the exception of the Orchid-
aceac, which was cantributed by De. R. S. Rogers). Arranged
mnder the system of Engler, this part comprises the families
Casuiarinaceae to Euphorbiaceae inclusive, extending to 203
pages (82 x9), A third part will complete the work, which will
be uf great advantage to students of South Australian plants.
It contains twenty-four full-page plates and about 120 figures
in the text, all by the auther of the work. These are most
useful, as they give in many cases dissections of the flowers
variously enlarged. No attempt has been made to record a
vernacular name for each species, but where a fairly universal
one exists it is given. Turning to the Acacias, we find eighty
species listed, among them A. rivalis, J. M. Black, ‘‘ Silver
Wattle,” 4. decurrens, var. mollis, Willd., being Black Wattle"
and “Silver Wattle” (4. dealbata does not occur in South Aus-
tralia), while 4, .aymata, R. Br., ‘' Kangaroo Thorn,” does not
tlaim Kangaroo Island as one of its habitats, as is usually
believed. A- vhetinodes, Schlecht., appears to be the correct
spelling of the specific name, as it is derived from the Greek
rheltnodes, resinous. Apparently. according ta the tules of
pniority. the Sturt Pea must henceforth be known as Chanthys
spectosus instead of C. Dampieri, as named by Allan Cunning-
lam. That the work has entailed a temendous amount of
research on the part of the author is apparent in every page.
it will be found equally useful by Victorian betanists as by those
of the sister State. The published price is three shillings.
Qiher volumes of this series which have been issued are Fishes
(6s.), by Mr. E. R, Waite, F.L.S., and Mammals, Part I, (4s.),
by Dr. F. W, Jones. About twelve more are in course of
preparation.

THe Anakie Heats, Choristemon humilts, H. B, Williamson,—
I have astettained that previously to my gathering the specimen
from which this plant was described and figured in the March
Naturalist (vol. xl, p- 231), a specimen had becn handed to me
by my companion and guide. the Rev, A. C. F. Gates, M.A.,
by whose good offices the excursion was made possible. is
nO Significance was attached to the find at the time, this was
inadvertently overlooked by me, and T regret that the name
of Mr. Gates as first collector was omitted from the descrip-
hon in the Natwyelst+-H. B. WritLramson,

Che Victorian Naturalist.

Vow. XL —No, 4, AUGUST 7, 1924) — - . No, 438.

FIELD NATURALISTS" CLUB OF ‘VICTORIA. :
THE monthly meeting of the Club was held ‘at the Royal Society’s
Hall on Monday evening, r4th July, 1924.

The president, Mr. J. Searle, occupied the chair, and about
fifty mmembets and visitors were present,

REPGRTS.

A report of the’ visit to the Geological Museum on Saturday,
21st June, was given by the leader, Mr. A. E. Rodda, who said
that, by the courtesy of Mr. W-. Baragwanath, the Director of
the Geological Survey, the museum was made available for
the visit of the members. of the Club, about twenty of whom
spent a very interesting afternoon in the examination of the
fine collection of rocks, minerals, &c., displayed. In addition,
a number of slides of diatoms and foraminifera were examined
under the microscope.

In the absence of the leader, Mr. F. G._A. Barnard, a report
of the excursion to Mitcham on Saturday, 5th July, was
given by Mr. C. Daley, B.A., who said that he was one of a
party of several members who missed the appointed train, and,
atriving at Mitcham late, did not catch up to’ the party led by
Mr. Batnard, and so could not say what his party had observed.
However, he and his fellow-members bad spent an enjoyable
alternoon rambling through the paddocks, where a fair amount
of the Common Heath, Epacris ampressa, principally the white
varpety, was seen. a ee Wey te

[Mr. Barnard reported subsequently that, with a party of
about a-dozen members, he had* walked towards the Deep
Creek via OQuarry-road, and thence through the bush to the
Lilydale-road. Heath’ was ‘not as plentifnl as expected, but
sufficient was obtained to satisfy the desires of the party.
Early blossoms of two Acacias, A. myrtifolsa and A. verticillata,
Correa speciosum, and a few spring flowers; were noted.j

- ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

On a ballot being taken,"Mr. D.M. Ebbs, 6 Pernhurst-grove,
Kew; Mrs, V. Millec, Lambeth-place, St.-Kilda: Miss C.
Quarterman, 4 Canterbury-road, Toorak; Mr, T. J. James,
tra Maling-road, Canterbury ; Mr. W. Mohr, 9 Marine-parade,
St. Kilda ; Mr. J.:M. Sinclair, yoo Butwood-road, Hawthorn ;
were duly elected ordinary members ; and Miss J. Curdie, c/o
Mrs, A. J. Black, Mount-Noorat, via Terang, as a country
member of thesClub, — - :

84 Field Naturalists Club—Proveedings. vice fabs

“GENERAL BUSINESS,

Mr, C. L. Barrett, C.M.Z.S_, called attention to the great
destruction of wild-flowers going on in every direction. He con-
sidered it' time for the Club to.see what protection could be
afforded to the fast-disappearing native fiora, and drew particular
attention to the practice of visitors to heath districts gathering
such large quantities of that favourite flower. He also thought
that collectors of orchids should refrain from digging up
quantities of plants for home cultivation, which, as a.rulc, was
unsuccessful.

Mrs. Coleman also deplored the destruction which was going
on, and made some valyable suggestions as to the gathering
of wild-fiowers for the annual exhibition. These might be
sent. ta intending exhibitors with the hope that greater care
would be exercised in collecting exhibits. Miss Nokes, Dr.
Sutton,, and Messrs. Williamson, Daley, Pitcher, Oke, and
Searle also referred to the importance of Mr. Barrett's
suggestions. : f

Mr, Barrett referred to the Way in which flowers and shrebs
were protected in the United States of America, and more par-
ticularly in California, and thought that something similar
might be done in Victoria. He moved—“ That the committee
be asked to consider means for protecting the native flora and
of remedying the mischief already done.” This was seconded
by Dr. Sutton, and carried unanimously.

PAPER READ.

‘By Mr, J, Stickland, entitled “ The Aquatic Protozoa of the
Melbourne District, Part 11.”

The author, in continuation of his paper in the Valwralist
for August last (vol. xL., p. 65), in which he dealt with the class
Sarcodina, described the class Mastigephora, the individuals
of which are provided with fisgella for purposes of locomotion,
&c. In this group the boundary between plants and animals
was completely obliterated; hence many forms were claimed
by both botanists and znologists, Reptesentative local specics
of the various orders were described and illustrated by large;
scale drawings.

Mr, H. B. Williamson congratulated the author on the
interest of his remarks, and suggested that a “ pond-lfe “. night
might be arranged, which would place members more in touch
with the subject of the paper. :

The president mentioned the interesting tests that could be
made in phototaxis and galvanotaxis in the group dealt with
—the Infusoria—and gave examples of the galvanotaxis of
several species, demonstrating how the experiments’ could be
carried out.

Aug. Field Naturalists’ Ciwb—Procesdings. $5

bese
EXHIBITS.

By Me. C. L. Barrett, C_M.Z.S.—Several species of South
African ants, including Messon barbavus, the species mentioned
in the Bible ; also males and workers of the Driver, or Legionary
Ant, Dorylus, sp. - ’

By Mr, J. E. Dixon—Scorpions from various Victorian
localities—Ouyen, Lake Hattah, Natya, Mount Arapiles, Castle-
maine, Gippsland, and Kam, Broken River, being probably
six different species.

By Mr. A. E. Rodda.—A "' bull-roarer''—an insteument
used by the aboriginals during ceremonial gathcrings, from
North Queensland. ;

By Mr. J, Searle—Photomicrographs of the protozoan,
Diplodinium ecandatum, stained by Mallory’s connective tissue
stain and Heidenhaiv’s iron hzmatoxylon stain. to show the
neuromotive apparatus. ‘

By Mr. A, J. Tadgell —Blooms of Acacia verniciflud, Varnish
Wattle, grown at Sandringham. This Wattle produces
abundance of flowers, and grows well in poor soil, A pretty
effect is produced if the Western Australian Sarsaparilla,
Kennedya pentaphylla, can be grown as a background to the
Wattle, the sky-blue flowers of the creeper blending well with
the deep yellow of the Wattle.

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated,

“THE Orp Pioneers’ MEmMoRtAL HistoRY OF MELBOURNE."
—This recently-published volume of about 500 quarto pages,
profusely illustrated with maps and drawings, though not con-
taining many references to natural history, is well worth

] by field naturalists, most of whom should be of a
literary turn of mind, and interested in what has gone before.
The author, Mr. Isaac Selby, has succeeded in getting together
a vast amount of information about men and women who were
foremost in the foundation of our city and State, many of
whom have left indelible marks on the days that have come
after, and he is to be'congratulated on having carried out such
a self-imposed task so well, The price of the volume is twelye
shillings and sixpence, and the profit on the sales is to be devoted
to a lasting memorial of those pioneers whose resting-place in
the Old Cemetery, West Melbourne, has recently been resumed
for market purposes, in spite of the protests of relatives and
friends—an example of: utility before sentiment.

w
mn

Tavnce.t, Mount Bogone and ils Flora vat it

MOUNT BOGONG AND ITS FLORA.
By ALFrep J. TADGELL,
(Read before the Fistd Naturultsts! Club of Vieloria, 16th June, 1924.)

Wir my friends, Messrs. Blagdon and Hooke—the latter your
esteemed honatary treasurer—I spent 2 fortnight last Christmas,
as well as part of January and February, 1923, on Mount Bogong,
Victoria’s highest mountain. 1t¥ remoteness from the capital
may be judged by the fact that Bright is 210 miles from Sand-
tingham (Melbourne), Tawonga 24 miles further, and Mount
Bogong Hut (by horse) vet another 24 miles. You will perhaps
realize the distance better if I say that our train journey from
Sandringham began at about 5 a.m., and ended at Bright at
5,30 that afternoon. We were in our conveyance for Tawonge
within an hour Jater, arriving at our guide's house at ro p.m,
Next morning at 6.45 we were in the saddle, and arrived at
the hut on Mount Bogong at 7 p.m, that evening. The journey
even takes longer in returning, as, though we left Mount
Bogong Hut at ro.30 on Thursday morning, facilities did not
allow of our reaching home tilt Saturday at ¢ p.m.

We do not advise, unless experienced, that the traveller
essays Mount Bogong una‘ded. One traveller we met set out
from Tawonga in the morning, but had retumed by evening.
Guide maps direct, but lines are not shown on the countryside.
There are few indications, many blind gullies, spurs innumer-
able, and rough country,

The Tawonga valley gives one a sensation of pleasure, as one
misses the desolation of the Ovens Valley, through sluicing
operations, and the St. John’s Wort, though Califomian Stink-
weed, Giulia, 1S in evidence. The Kiewa River, known to-the
aborigines as the Ki-ee-wa (flowing waters), commands our
first attention. A great natural barrier, part of the High
Plains, under Mount Bogong, acts as a buffer and throws the
waters of the Big River away to the east, and those of the
Kiewa, which absorks the Mountain Creek, towards the north.
At the mountain end of the valley the river has two main-
branches, known as the eastern, rising under Mount Bogong,
and its high plateau, and the western, having its source in the
Diamentina, under Mount Hotham. A large delta-like area takes
in Mount Beauty and beyond. The branches join near the local
post-office or township of Tawonga.

The river bulked largely in the report of the Commission on
the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme in 2919, and later in that
of its engineer. Much was expected: from the scheme in the
development of the North-East of Victoria. Storage basins
were to be constructed ander Mount Bogong and the High.
Plains at 3,coo feet, using the Rocky Valley and Pretty Valley

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MOUNT BOGONG AND ITS SURROUNDINGS,

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48 TavcEr., Mount Bogzong and ils Flora, yee. Ts
bratiches of the East Kiewa. Statistical information is still
being gathered from the High Plains.

On our two occasions of enforced waiting we botanized
several miles up both the east and west branches of the Kiewa.
The residents are rather proud of the Red Cypress Pines,
Callitrts catcarata, on the banks of the eastern branch, and
local tradition ascribes their being brought by aborigines from
a considerable distance.

Leaving our guide’s house on the West Kiewa, a road takes
us first north, then east. Before a mile has been traversed our
pack-horse is seen struggling with a shifting pack, and fails,
with our food and belongings under him. In a couple of miles
We are crossing the wide stream of the East Kiewa, and a
pretty picture is made by our horses splashing in the sunlight-
reflected water. The tall Narrow-leaved Lomatia lines the banks
of the stream, with the Slender Tea-tree, Lediaspermuem alfenu~
afuo, a handful of whose astringent fruits our guide carries
in his pocket as a useful bush medicme, The last settlement is
soon passed, and we no longer hear the hum of milking-machine
motors. Splashing across Mountain Creek, we pass through a
milé or twoof rich grass flats, in whictt [rom time to time may be
Seen traces of a track, and halt near the junction of Soda
Creek, whose mineralized water our guide advises not to dmnk
Loo freely. We ate here about 2,000 feet high, and seven miles
of the journey have been completed. At our backs is a spur,
once used asa cattle track up to Mount Bogong, bnt since fis-
carded oWing to the steep grade and its roughness, The
rosaceous burt, Bidgee-widgee, Acacna sexguisorba, a common
plant, grows around us, an infusion of which is used by local
bushmen 88 an eye-wash, and which, twenty years ago, I found
an effective astringent on a trip to Mount Kosciusko. The
Prickly Currant-bush, Coprosme Ballardieri, abundant about
here, is, in February, loaded with its bright scarlet, edible
berries, that look like red cuttants. Strap Ferns, Blechrnem
(Lomaria) Palteysontt, and others line the banks of the creck,
while the “Common’’ Spleenwort—which, by the bye, is rare
as a Victorian fern—and the Small Rasp Fern, Dootia caudata,
are to be found among the rocks, Twice we cross the creck
and climb out to the drier spurs, keeping on the highest ridges
up to 3,000 feet. Numerous holes made by the Wombat,
Pihascalamys latifrons, are passed, and although our guide
shouts a warning, a rider is seen struggling as his horse turns
a somergault; bat by wonderful dexterity le falls clear, a
fittle shaken, though without damage even to his eyeglasses,
while in another moment he had caught and remounted his
horse.

On our first visit, though the ndge at 4,000 feet leads

oe Tancer., Mount Bogong and its Flora: 59
southerly and direct over the Mount, circumstances compel
our guide to make a detour to the north-east tno locate the
Trapper’s Creck hut, so we descend over a saddle of the range
for three miles into a wide valley, on the opposite water-shed,
We cross iniry country and push through under-scrub that
brushes our heads roughly and has no respect for our clothing.
A bad iake-off when his hoarse jumps a log causes a broken
saddle girth, and another rider is precipitated on to his shoulder,
still no damage,

Trapper’s Creek at 3,000 feet is seen with overhanging
Myrtle Beech and Sassafras trees, and we emerge on to the
cattle-yards of the grazier and a nicely-built hut r5 x rr. It
is a useful shelter, a kind of half-way house, where the cattle
spell a night before the’ final ascent to the top, still twelve
miles distant. It is situated on the Eskdale to Mount Bogong
track, near where’ there is an indicator fastened to a tree—
“To Granite Flat '"—but this track will he found to be over-
grown, The hut is not hard to locate if general directions are
followed, and the saddle of the ridge found. A recluse dwelt
in the hut for a number of years, finding a living trapping native
fauna. Overnight we had puzzled at @ notice a wag had
fastened on the door of the hut, which read, '‘“ Look under the
bed for strangers“; but some of us slept on the floor, on gum
leaves, and we did not realize his joke until next moming, when
Me. Maddison killed a good-sized snake before we had pro-
ceeded far, Snakes, however, we found scarce, while we saw
no foxes,

The mighty Bogong now stood out in all his majesty as though
challenging us to scale him, while his Jong spurs acted like
buttresses for his bulky side. Our trail along the ridges from
Mountain Creek had shaped itself into the form of a horseshoe,
and a well-worn cattle track was met and followed to the hut
beyond the summit and on to the opposite side, Snowdrifts
increased in size and in number, and my friends began to
develop plans for a toboggan, made later, and which at
Christmas time they were able to enjoy to their hearts’ content,
Beyond the wide Mountain Creek depression on our right hand
there is a splendid view that culminates in the Kiewa Valley _
in the west, while to our Jeft hand, looking easterly, there is
the deep vale of Lightning Creek, with “Terrible Hollow.”
The ridge dips again at 3,700 feet, and we dismount to ease
our horses up the steep slopes of the '"' Pinch.” A nice creek
is crossed at 4,000 feet, and Jarge Snow Gums, Ewcalyptus
coriacewm, vat. alpina, and Silvertops, EF. Stebersana, inter-
mingle. At 5,000 feet we find ourselyes among dwarfiug
eucalypts, ghostly and bleached, with the remains of a young
bullock, that has gone down from exhaustion among the

& sTADGELL, Mount Bogong and its Flora, Vict aes.
tangled Snow Gum jungle during last mustering, When heavy
snow made the going almost impassable.

Mount Bogong is now only separated from os by a narrow
und steep connecting ndge, down the slope of which our guide
has known more than one beast to fall and fail to return. We
are at last on the side of the mountain, and the panorama
extends for 50 miles. Mount Kosciusko, with several peaks,
Gibbo, Pilot, The Cobboras, are on the eastern sky+line, while,
looking back northward, 2 wondrous view is seen of broad
river valleys—the Mitta and others, to the River Murray, lost
in a sea Of ranges, far beyond the New South Wales border.
We feel, with Hazlitt, that "we are surrounded with the constant
sense and superstitious awe of the collective power of mattee—
of the gigantic and eternal forms of Nature, on which from
the, beginning of time the hand of man has made no impression."

The final effort has been too much for ''Sam,” our pack-
horse, who, for the second time, struggles with his burden, but
is only prevented from sliding further down the mountain side
by again lying on our provender and by a rush of arms that
held him back, At the top of the slope a wide expanse of snow
causes us to make a detour from the track, and at the same time
the aneroid perceptibly falls when the intenstfied warmth and
sunshine of the lee side of the mountain are no longer afforded
among the many large snowdrifts of the summit.

We had no petrologist with us, so only a few specimens were
collected as we made the spurs leading up to the summit. They
are laid on the table this evening, and show the decomposed
state of some of the rocks. They may have a little interest,
perhaps, for some of our members. My friend, Mr, J. T
Jutson, tells me that they consist mainly of specimens of méta-
morphic gneiss (mica schist or phyllite}, pegtatite, felspar,
with large plates of white mica (muscovite) and milky white
quartz, with black bands of a mineral that Mr: Rodda says is
tourmaline.

Rain, sleet, snow, and losses by the cattlemen on Mount
Bogong ‘were reported at this time (June) last year by the
press ; but the winter season is not the only time an uncharit-

able welcome will be received from the Spirit of the Mount.
On our arrival on top, at the end of January, 1923, we were
greeted with stinging hail, sleet, and painful cold, A few days
later we were witnesses of onc of the Mount's peculiar
phenomena. A wall of thick bush-fire smoke, after first filling
the valleys and obscunng the hills on the north side, gradually
crept up Mount Bogong and banked up for several miles along
the crest, as the air from the south met and checked its further
movement. :

Writing from Omeo in December, 1854, to Sir Williaa Hooker,
of Kew Gardens, England, Baron von (then Dr. F.} Mueller

a TaADGKLL, Mount Bogong ang its Flora; 61
. tells that he is the first and only white man who has ascended
the two highest summits of Bogong, and he has named them
Hotham and Le Trobe, in honour of two of the Colony of
Vietoria’s, Liewtenant-Governors. He added that on these
vanges he found the boiling-point to be 198° Fahr, He expressed
disappointment that the vegetation of these lofty Victorian
mountains did not boast of as many peculiarities as he had
anticipated, for, as he said, the Australian highlands reflected
Tasmanian forms, Mount Latrobe has since been often
ascended, Mr. Black, the Surveyor-General, trigonometrically
measured it as 6,508 fcet above sea level, and found it to be
Victoria's highest mountain. It now bears the name of Mount
Bogong.

In 1886 Dr. von Lendenfeld and Mr. James Stirling explored
the Victorian Alps together geologically. In theiy report to
the Victorian Mining Registrar, March, 1886, they fully describe
the difficulties of their journey in January, 1886, to the summit,
from the Omeo or eastern side, Mount Bogong is siluated at the
northern end of a high plateau or massed elevation, extending
for sixty miles between the Mitta River in the east and the
Kiewa Rivet in the west. The mount is divided from the
southern portion of the table-land by the deep ravine of the
Big River, a tributary of the Mitta, and is connected with it
by a low, rocky ridge, The explorers further explained that
Bogong got its name from the caterpillars of a night moth.
These caterpillars are called " Bagong "’ by the aborigines, and,
being exceedingly abundant at certain seasons of the year, were
half-roasted and formed a favourite food at their “ Bogong “
{or " Bugong"’) feasts, (A juicy grub would certainly be more
palatable than a winged insect when singed.)

Mount Bogong itself forms a long ridge, the slopes of which
on the north and west are very steep and rocky, those on the
south side less so, while those of the east have a more gradual
slope stiJl, but only a few spurs ate passable for horses, It
extends from west to east about five miles, slightly curving
to the south, and appears as a bald, isolated and almost
inaccessible mountain even in the near distance. It is about
half a mile broad, with slightly undulating summits of three
elevations, about a mile apart, and of about the same height.
At the centre of Mount Bogong, on the north-eastern of the
summits, and at the highest point of 6,508 feet, there has been
erected 2 large, high, and well-built cairn, on which time has
left little trace. Another smaller caivn was built at the south-
west summit by the geadetic survey where the Monnt overlooks
Mount Buffalo and the beautiful Kiewa Valley, and in the
near distance Little Bogong, 1,000 feet lower, This latter is
difficult of access, as tangled scrub and rocky outcrops impede
progress so much that my legging came off, and I did not miss

62 TaDGELL, Mount Bogong and tts Flora: — [Yih Ray,

tt for some time until too late to recover it, If the inter-
yening space between Mount Bogong and Little Bogong were
made easier to cross, as no doubt it will be for tolinists some
day, Judging from the Ministerial visit to Tawonga, and, the
promise made by the Minister to a recent deputation, Mount
Bogong will come into its own and be fully appreciated, as the
distance from Little Bogong to. the Kiewa River crossing is
unly abont five miles, while the distance hetween ihe upper
end lower summits is about a mile-and a half to two miles.
Now the distance from Tawonga to Mount Bogong is twenty-one
miles. I am not saying that a motor-car or buggy will make
the trip in so short a distance, but a good horse track would
not be a very expensive work, and the return journey will be
as easy to accomplish in a day as is the trip from Harrietville
to Mount Feathertop, which is taken by so many, What finer
scenety could be had? The view from Mount Bogong. is
regarded as the finest in the Alps. f ‘

In describing the geclogy of Mount Bogong, Mr. Stirling
states that, although marked “granite” on the map, it is really
gneiss (a hard, crystalline rock of thin layers, mainly of the
same material aS granite). Tt is a highly metamorphosed sedi-
mentary rock; outcropping, and forming escarpments on the
north and west sides of the mountain near the summit. Blows
of white milky quartz are frequent, and stand out prominently.
Lower down the Mount, the rock is transmuted into metarnorphic
granite, quartz, white felspar, and dark brownish-black mica,
Rounded and flattened masses of hasalt-like rocks—quartz
porphytites—occur, which, he thinks, are transported boulders
derived from Mount Nelson, twelve miles to the south, at the
extremity of the High Plains. Von Lendenteld adds. that,
on the summit of Mount Bogong, the metamorphic gneiss has
retained its stratified character. It will thus he seen that
the geological structure of Mount Bogong diflers fram’ Mounts
Hotham and Feathertop, The summit of Hotham is a
recurring mass of argillaceous greyish and bluish slate, alter-
nating with siliceous and lelspathic Sandstone, some of these
atpillaceous members being full of anastamotising seams of
quartz, while on the eastern slopes, near the Omeo road,-are
hasalt outliers, and sedimentary rock is exposed in the
cuttings,” .

Arnved at the mountain top of Bogong, at 6,450 feet, one views
the cairn for the first time, and leaves it a few hundred yards
an the right hand, while one follows the well-worn cattle track
ior a good two miles along the grassy crest of the mountain,
hearing south-east, and heading for the grazier's hut on the
opposite slope. We pass jwhat ovr guide denominates a
“rocking stone” —an oval, water-worn stone about. twelve
inches long, lying in a hollow cradle of a huge-rock, The

Aut TANGELL, Mount Bogong and its Flora, 63
tucking stone is now loose as the result of expostire to the
elements. This may be patt of one of the transported inasses
cof stone that Mr. Stirling refers to, in what he thinks is glacier
action, near the summit. Snow Gums, protected somewhat
ly the dome-shaped mountain mass, are reached at 6,000 feet,
and the track continues through them for a quarter of a mile
before leading down for another hall a mile to the but at
5,900 feet, where the valley closes in.

Without direction it would be difficult ta locate the hut,
but a good indicator is the depression on the south-west side
leading to the commencement of a stream that springs out of
the mountain, and whuse rocky bed soon shows deep erosion
from melted snow waters. This is close to the first Snow
Gums, and to the right of them. The hut cannot be scen from
here, as it is situated among the trees, close: to the ereek, but
it is ‘‘a hollow in the hills,’” suggestive of where one would
naturally look fur a camp, If the stream be followed fur hall
a mile in a westerly direction the hut ts passed before the vieek
takes 4 southerly trend, as it. follows parallel, under (he horse
ridge, a spur leading down, by an easy grade for a horse to the
Big River, which it joins at about 4,000 feet. Tt requires a
walk of 24 hours from the hut to reach the Big River, buf the
journey on return will take 4 hours, a¢ part of it will be through
very rough and dry tangled Snow Gum scrub, while steep slopes
occur towards the river bank.

The Big River, a swiltly-flowing, pellucid mountain stream,
25 tect wide, is spanned by a fallen tree bridge, and its many
rapids and deep holes suggest good trout fishing, The river's
straight outline is like a liqnid road for more than a quarter of
a mile through the overhanging vegetation when viewed from
its banks. We cross the old mining pack track from Tawonga
towards Omea, and follow it over the river a little, as it leads
up ta Mount Nelson and the High Plains, .

The gtazier's hut, which ts the orly dwelling on Mount
Bogong, is an erection that has defied the elements for many
years, and one can imagine the packing of the stout ivon for
the roo! from Tawonga in those rough old days, and the diff-
cullies for tweuty-four miles of a horse with such dead weight,
In tmagination we follow the horse up the steep slepes where
the rocks on edge and the sharp-sided razor-backs make foct-
bold so uncertain that even we are glad to dismount, thongh
the day is windiess, The hut is built very strongly of chocks
and logs and dab, with a capacious chimney and doorway
occupying the whole of the north end of the building, A glance
at the structure, and one would think it proof against wind
and rain, aS its position was chosen, not only because of the
abtindance of wood and water close by, but for the shelter that
the mountainside affords, while the last rays of the setting

64 TADcEtt, Molt Bogong and ils'Plofa. — [Yas Na

stn give as much light and warmth as possible when the days
grow shorter. We found, however, by the splash of ram on the
Sleepers’ faces at times, how searching are the elements on a
boisterous night, when, as we lay in bed, we would ‘isten for
the rush of mountain Wind up the valley, till it struck our home
and caused it to shiver. But what pleasure can be more
oyous than to heac the rain pattering on the iroy roof of a
mit when you know that you are Safe within, and you watch
the blaze of the huge log fire, provided the wind is not driving
the smoke down and filling the Tut, kept up well into the night !
It is only in the early hours ot the morning that you are looking
for the extra blanket. The hut remained a faithful friend to
us, though it must lie buried under the inidwinter snow many
feet aeep.

Daybreak was heralded by Red-tipped Pafdalete's unceasing
call, '' Which-ee-coo, which-ve-coo,” thrice repeatecdt in quick
sticcession.” From sunset till dark lie was back, again cest-
lessly breaking the silence. Scarcely a mile from the hut, on
the southern slope, as one looks towards Mount Nelson, one
takes a Tough scramble into the bed of the creek, aided by tall
Grevilleas and Mountain Plum Pine, Pedocarpus (Nageia)
alpina. One arrives at a nice cascade, over which a good flow
of watertuns. Here our new fern, Cystopteris fragilis, luxuriates,
bathed in the spray from the running stream as it shelters
under the zocks or in their crevices. Almost immediately a
sudden drop reveals a waterfall of some thirty feet. Again
one works out to the high mountain side near by. which stil
overlooks Mount Nelson and the high plateau, and, as one pauses
fov breath, one’s attention is arrested by what, if they were
anywhere else, might bec mistaken for three newly-made
uritolled macadamized roads, or long shoots of [nose stones
fram sotne mine near by, and running down the mountain side
for roo yards. On investigalion they prove to be talus, caused
by the weathering of the mountain's escarpments; and vety
difficult these loose masses of stones prove to us to walk over,
on the steep slope of the range. Returning to the ridge over-
looking the hut, where the Snow Gums commence, and where
our creek rises, we pass for half a mile by a gradual fall on to
the east side of the mountain. Here is the salt-lick flat of the
gtaziers, where sait is put out for the stock. It is somewhat
Swampy just now, and out of the soddened ground a creek
soon forms to join those that flow later to the Big River from
this side. Two fine sphagnum moss beds are close at hand,
fed by the melting snow and springs.

By the end of February the Sun Orchid takes possession,
and counticss sky-blue flowers of Thelymitra venosa give beanty
and delight the eye-cf the flower-lover. The outlets of the
sphagnuin beds are: rushing cteeklets. that -join-that from the

Aw] ' - TapceLt, Mount Bogong and its Flora: Os
salt-lick flat. In the pools of the latter we find an interest,
not only in the plant-life, but in mumerous tadpoles disporting
themselves, while hard by, on hearing the call, we collect the
Golden-yellow Frog, Myla cuingi. The height, 5,800 fect,
seemed to ws interesting and unusual, as the frogs must have
hatched out While the snow lay on the ground, and ice made the
water very cold. As a matter of fact, there was still abundant
snow lui a few yards distant, extending in an unbroken drift
tor a mile or more, On referring the matter to Mr, Jas.
Kershaw, of the National Museum, - that gentleman was kind
enough to identity the frog and supply me with a note, stating
that the pecnrrence was not unusual for this widely-distributed
gpecies, ;

About a mile east from the sphagnum beds, after the valley
has widened considerably, it once again contracts inte a rocky
flat, and a nice series of cataracts are passed. We thought
at first that this was “ the bit of a fall"' to which the graziecs
had referred, but my ever-enetgetic companions, Messrs. Hooke
and Blagdon, always on the look-out for something new, were
not long in making a discovery of importance, The stream
was Tunning fast, along a narrowing bed, when the country
showed a deep depression, and a valley was seen, hemmed in
on all sides by steep hills. Suddenly the water was pre-
cipitated over a rocky face, estimated by us at 130 feet, by three
clear drops of nearly 50 feet each, depositing the water inta
a large, rocky pool below. Hownvan's Falls are worthy of Mount
Boygong, and the natural swimming pool was not long in being
tested, though the icy water did not allow of the swimmers
remaining long in the bath, but quite long enough for a photo,
to be takea of them in their pleasant surroundings.

A curious circumstance is that of another face over which
no wate flowed on either of our two annual visits. This face
almost adjoined, was of the same height, and its dry basin
and the water-worn condition clearly showed that at one time
it must have been the original fall and the channel's course,
but how it had been deflected the precipice and approach did
not permit of our examining, -Animal life-is absent from the
mountain, although at one time, it is said, there were large,
fierce, half-bred dogs running wild with dingoes, Only a broWwn-
coloured porcupine ant-eater, Echidna aculeala, was run to
earth, from which our dogs in-vain tried to dislodge it.

Large black-winged insects with red blotches, grotesque in
appearance and slow in movement, beautifully-coloured
Locustidke, leisurely moved back to the rocks when disturbed,
Eagles, Kestrels, Hawks, Crows, Lory Parruts, and Pardalotes
could be heard and seen almost to the summit. In fact, this
seemed a common meeting-ground for several large individual
flocks of Raven Crows, at whose gatherings something of. very

6 TADGELE. Mount Bogong.and és Flova, [Viet Nat
grave itnportance seemed to be discussed, for on a Sudden they
would all take wing, and, after a deal of cawing, would re-
assomble and- begin the discussion over spain, Shortly after
sunset millions of Bogong rieths were to be seen,_all fying
eastward in one direction, and not flying hither and thither,
as is their bent elsewhere, and, although such 2 large tumber,
they did not seem to invpede each other’s flight. At the same
time there were to be found on the stones in the creek hard by
hundreds quenching their thirst, and, although the water ran
strongly, covering part of their bodies and wings, they held
4 firm grip with their feet for several seconds before flying off.
It would seem difficult to drown these Cut-worm Moths, A protis
infuse, as they easily recover the banks of the creek if by
chance they get into the water. -

A fourteen-mile walk irom the hut for the full length of the
mountain crest, “ over the top " and down on to Little Bogong,
and back, provided a good and varied day’s outing after our
hotses had left. As there was no spring water available we made
our tea {rom a snowdrift. The smoky taste of the tea caused
eur cook to be censured, but, as our guide informed us that
when the snow waters came down into the Kiewa River at
Tawonga if was similarly tainted, we wondered at the. cause.
(n referring the matter to the Government Meteorologist, he
explained to me '' that the peculiar flavour was caused by the
soot from bush-fires, brought duwn by the rain and snow, a
matter previously reported to him.” Perhaps the light atoms
remain in Suspension in the same manner as those that cause the
phenomena called the ted and sulphur-coloured snow of Europe.

There is, as far as I am aware, no separate extensive list of
plantdie that has been collected on Mount Bogong, so I am
appending a list as a “contribution to the flora,” showing at
what heights over 4,000 feet the piants were collected, This
gives 256 native species, 28 varieties, 13 immigrant weeds,
also 24 Species of mosses, &c, In the Victorian Naturalist, for
March, Tg04 (vol. xx., p. 1§6}, there is a short account of a visit
to Mount Bogong by Dr. C, S, Sutton and Mr. G. Weindorfer,
but the visit only allowed of a hurried stay on top of a little
yore than an louc,and then under untavonurable conditions.
Twenty-seven species of plants were recorded at over 4,000
feet. May I express my admiration of these enthusiasts who
went up and down the mountain in one day, as you would agree
with me that a jotiimey One way in twenty-four hours is quite
sufficient, especially with pack-horse and impedimenta. That
indefatigable worker, the late Mr. James Stirling, collected over
our Australian Alps, and made a comprehensive survey recording
its fiota at varying heights and many collecting grounds,
listing Tasmanian and Australian alpine, with other plants,
even. comparing our flora with that of part of Scotland and

Aug P TapcELL, Mount Bogong and is Flora, 67

Antarctica. In his report to the Mining Registrar, and in a
paper read by him before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh
on 2th February, 903, he specifically mentions eighty
species of Mount Bogong plants, exclusive of two ‘species of
Musee, Most of these appear under the initials 'St,"" in Prof.
Ewart's ' Flora of the Victorian Alps” (Vact, Vat., Oct, 1910,
vol, xxvii), but in this last lst no collecting prounds or
heights are given.

In my list some of the plants are shown to have a higher
range of elevation than that recorded by Mr. Bhtirling.
Evidently some of the species collected by this geitleman were
not submitted to the Government Botanist fer confirmation,
er recorded by the National Herbarium of, Victoria. I fear
that some of the plants must be tegarded as douhtfiil records.
Indeed, some arc left out of the ‘’ Census. cf Victorian Plants”
recently published by this Club. Thus, Dichosciadewn ranun-
crlaceum (Azorella dithopetala), Olearsa (Aster) rosmariyt-
folium, Platago stellaris, Euphrasia antarctica, Ranunoulus
anecmoncus ate nut regarded as valid Victorian plants, Brachy-
come extits Is included, but this isa small annual not recorded
for the North-East, and hardly likely to endure the riguroys
eunditions of Mount Bogeng. Stylidewa (Candollea) serrnlata
is now included in S. graminifaltwn It may be found that
Colobanthus subulalns (C. Bénthamianus), which T have not
collected on Mounts Feathertop, Hotham, or Bogong, may have
heen mistaken for C. Billardiert, whose leaves are not apatite.
and which is common on Bogong. When I first found it on
Mount Hotham. in roz5, it had previously been regarded only
as coastal (vide p, T44, Proc, Roy. Soc, Vict,, vol, xxix., part 2,
1917). Acacia alpina and Bovrowsa algida, though common
between 4,000 feet and 5,800 feet on the Mount Hotham portion
of the Alps, must be rare if found on Mount Bogong, as we did
not find either of them. I sought for them both, down to
4,000 feet, on the north and south, and as far as 5,000 feet on
the east and west slopes, as well as the on summit, but without
success. Mr, Stirling mentions the. Acacia as widely dis-
tributed—" Mount Bogong, ascending to the rocky summits
of the eastern points '’; while the Boronia, he states, “ grows
on the rocky slopes of the mountain.” Could Podolepis
acwrtnela also, which we could not find, have been mistaken
for P. longtbedwta when out of Aower, abundant here, and so
‘robust that Mr. Maiden spoke of similar plants on Mount
Kosciusko as like young lettuce plants. I have yet to collect
Cotule aépina from these Alps. The fem Plenresorns
(Cranmittis) rulifolins, collected by Mr. Stirling at 6,000 feet,
may probably be Cysiopteris fragilis, that 1 recorded last year,
My own hotes say that, when dry, the fruit masses merge, and
they lose their individual character, reminding one of Grammitis.

63 TapcEty, Mowns Bogong and ite Flora, — [¥a" Sty

Both grow in crevices of rocks,’ Mr. Stirling found Aster
glandulosus at 5,800 feet; my Olearia (Aster) found at ¢hat
height is QO, ranmilosus, var, conumunis (the Winute-leaved form),

T have fully availed myself of the gencrons assistance of the
gentlemen connected with the Melbourne National Herbarium,
and Messrs. Audas and Morris have been kind enough to go to
a lot of trouble to compare specimens for me with those in
their large and varied collectiott, and have retained a large
number I have sent them, -

The following plants have been added to the Census as the
result of our two Mount Bogong trips :—Carex pyrenatca, Cyst-
opterts fragilis, a new species of the orchid genus Caladenia
which Dr. Rogers will shortly publish the name and desctip-
tion of, Ranunculus Muelleri,* the variety oblongatus of Erigeran
pappochroma, while a new locality has been listed for Olearia
remriosa, var. communis, and Trichomenes hunile, Lt was through
my horse getting away from me while 1 was botanizing down
a Steep Slope, and by having to follow on foot for two miles,
that I found the Felted Buttercup on the summit.

Some of the plants collected are worthy of notice. A form
ol Erechiites hispidila assumed a beautiful beet-root ved all
over its foliage. The white forms of Hovea tongifolia and
Dianella tasmantca do not seem to have been previously noted,
We also. found white forms of Siyhdium graminifolzwm and
Viola betontcafelia, though we did not see Viola Caleyana.
Ferontca Derwentia, which usually has bluish-white corollas,
was found in groups with bright pink colouring. The plants
marked in my list with ? were not sufficiently advanced
io name other. than vegetatively, as Prostanthera mecise,
at §,000 feet would be new for N.E., and Tristanta Jaurina
at 4,000, feet, neither of which could be found in fruit or
flower, Some of the rarer alpine plants were found to be
by mo ttleans uncommon here, Some were even abundant—
Didiscus humilis, Acyplutia simplicifolia, Exocarpus nana, forr
species of orchids, the Edelweiss: Wheel Heath, and Podolepis.
‘The Hoary Sunray was a tiniature flawer show, with 110 flowers
in a Tadius of little moze than one foot square. On the other
hand, such plants as Dauiesia ulicone and Helichrysum rosmarini-
folium were unconimon or very local. The Royal Grevillea,
G. victorig, tall and handsome, was abundantly coveted with
its rich, iatge, crimson flowers, and showed two distinct forms
of leaves. On some plants lanceolate, while on others they
were quite uvate, Masses of Exphrasia and purple Brachycome

* It had been considered up to this date that Ramuncoles AMisellart
had been confused with R. fappacens var, subsericen? and wrongly
recorded fur Victoria (Williaesop p, of, Vict, Nat. Sept. 1923, Vai. go,
Ne a) The Committee compiling the Censias. 1923, accordingly
omitted it, - : u t

Anes Tavcrtt, Mount Bogong wnd ils Flora. 59
cilievis were sights, down the slopes, ‘not, to’ be forgotten—
quite gardens in themselves. I was surprised to find Dithondra
repens at the elevation of 4,000 to 5,000 feet, T fear that contact
with the haily stems and fruits of Bassiea foliosa, a shrub that
stock will eat, and which was abtindant and much handled,
was responsible for my dermatitis, so put the note m asa warning
to others, The Silver Daisy, Celnesta (Aster) longafolra, is well
liked by horses, our guide assured us, but when. they first come
upon it, and the snow, they are disposed to shy at both, The
Tree Violet, Hymenanthera dentata, which by an obviow
misprint on page 45 of the Census appears as “ All but N.E,,”
is a handsome shrub in the Kiewa Valley from six te eight feet
high. On the summit of Mount Bogong it is a dwarf, spinous,
divaricate shrub, whose flowers are found on its underneath
side, close to the ground,

Collectors do not always make the same records when going
over the same ground, even at the same time of the year,
Thus, of the twenty-seven species recorded by Dr, Sutton and
My, Weindorfer, four are not on my list. Of the 80 species
Mr. Stirling collected, I did not find 31; while I have 159
native species out of the 22t that F collected not recorded by
either of the other collectors from Mount Bogong.

My thanks are due to Mr, A, D, Hardy, who has assisted in
adapting the map issued in-the Victorian Mining Registrar's
report, March, 1886, The additional information recorded will
aid in following the- narrative, and will be found useful to others
visiting the locality. ;

The Naturalist for September, 1923 (vol. xl, p. 88) contains,
a short illustrated article, with map, by Mr, H. B. Williamson,
F.L.S., who visited the plateau from the eastern side earlier in
the year. His map shows more of the surrounding country
than the present one. 1. ,
CRYPTOGAMIA.

The student of bryology will sometimes find a medley of
mosses “ smothering cach other,” as the late Mr. Bastow once
described some that I sent him. But the question arises: do
they, in smothering, destroy life by living upon each other
only, or do they not rather contribute to the prolongation of
the existence of their life-associates ? ’

Symbiosis is the living together of two organisms in close
velation for mutual benefit. It occurs among the mosses, ferns,
and some other o) the plant-life on Mount Bogong. Some plants
appear to recetve help to exist among rock crevives, where
warmth is essential to maturity in their brief life-season, while
later theit concern is the retention of that life. Some of the
mosses, Hepitacee, &c., intermingle, Many occur with ferns;
some with Droseraceez, some with Crassulacex; others are
attached to Cyperacee--and- Juncacee, and’ even with

‘7D TADCELL, Mount Bogong and tls Flora: Tice Sate!

Coraposite. At least eight of the seventeen species of ferris here
listed are found on Mount Bogong in rock crevices only. The
Finger Fern, Polypodinm Billardieri, is much more abundant
on Mount Bogong than on the Mount Hotham portion of the
Alps. In both localities, in lieu of fern-tree hosts of the lower
gullies, rock crevices are chosen. On Bogong it will be found
associated With Gnaphalium, Hymenophyllum, and Asplenium.
In return for the benefit derived from the mosses, the latter
will be found sometimes well coated with fibre wrapped around
and well up half the length of the stems and branches. The
Filmy and Bristle Terns, Hymenophyllwn Tunbridgense, and
H, ausivale (H. javanicum) and Trichomanes humile, ave found
abundant in communal existence, and arc sometimes. difficult
under these conditions to separate into their respective
species, while in close association with them are to be found
as many as ten different species of mosses, &c., some of which
become so fragmentary on being separated from their hosts
as to make determination difficult when immature.

The following mosses, hepatics, and lichens were collected
(except No. 4), but the absence of capsules in a’ number of
instances gave my Sydney and Melbourne Herbarium friends
much trouble, and made the determinations difficult and
incomplete, I found it very interesting to note the plant
associations, so subjoin them :—

Musce— Names, Height Assooiatlana,
1. Acanthocladium extenuatum 5,600 15, 8, e,
2, Amblystegium (Hypnun)

fluitans.”., .. 6450 Floating in marsh
caused by
melting snow.
3. Bartramia Halleriana -. 6,000 8, d, 8, 4,7.
4. Blindia robusta... -- 6,500 Stirling colr,
5, Bryum, sp. .. = -- 6,000 4.
6. Hookeria hepaticefoliz .. 6,000 16, 17, e.
7. Hypnodendron (Hypnum)
comosuni 3 -- 6,000 15, g.
. 8. [sothecium gracile -. ,- 6,000 ac. 4, fi
g. Orthorrhynchium Thorpe-
anum (syn. Phyllogonium
elegans) .. tA »- 5,800 «, df.
to. Philonotis fertilis —. .. 6,000 £, Stirling also col.
1, Polytrichum juniperinum 5,500~6,000 18, a, d, ¢, g; t, ¢.
12, Psilopilum pyriforme - + 6,000. (rare).
13. Rhizogonium parramattense 5,800 75, ¢, a, f, &,
74, Stereodon cupressiforme ,, 5,800 b, c, d, f.

15. Sphagnum cymbifolium ,, 5,800 1, 7, 13.
154. Ptychomnion aciculare .. 5,800 5.

Aug.) * ;
ton - TanGELt, Mount Bogong and its Flora. 7t

Hepatice— }
: Names. 3 Height. | Associations,
16, Mastigobryum nove -hol-
landie ., ioe 5,500-6,000 6, ¢, d, e, f, Ll.’
17. Meteorium limbatum 5,800 6, b, ¢, d, f.
18. Teboulia hemisphericum 5500-6000 II,
1g. ? (unidentifiable) .. .. 6,000 mt.
Lichenes—
20. Parmelia physodes 9 6,000 24.
21. Parmelia physodes, var, pul-
verata .. -.» 5,500 d,
22. Parmelia conspersa . os .. 5,800 9, 16, ¢, d, R.
23. Thamnolia vernicularis .. 6,450 Between rocky
_ j : outcrops,
24. Usnea barbata fy .. 6,000 On caim and rocky

outcrops, 20.

ASSOCIATES OF THE MosskEs, HEPATICS, AND LICHENS.

Filicales—

a. Asplenium flabellifolium—8, 9, 11.

bh. Cystopteris fragilis—r, 3, 14, 17, I5A.

c. Hymenophyllum australe (H. javanicum)—6, 8, 9,

13, I4, 16, 17, 22.
d. Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense—3, 8, 9, rz, 13, 14,
6, 17, 21, 22,

é. Polypodiaum Billardieri (australe)—r, 3, 11, 16.

f. Trichomanes humile—8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17.
Cyperaceex— —

g. Carex breviculmis—7, 11.
s Scirpus antarcticus (S. cartilagineum)—13.
i. Scirpus cernuus (S. riparius)—3, 5, 10, II.
Juncaceze—
7. Luzula campestris—3,

Crassulaceze—
k, Crassula Sieberiana—22.

Composite2—
d. Gnaphalium Collinum—xrr, 16.

Droseracese— é
m. Drosera arcturi—rg.

72 TADGELL, Mount Bogong and tis Flora. van can

A CONTRIBUTION TO THE FLORA oF Mount Bocone.

REFERENCES,—St., James Stirling; SW, Dr. Stitton and G,
Weindorfer ; T, Tadgell; *, naturalized aliens; ?, not
fully identified ; +, doubtful (see notes),

° Upto Upto Summit and
Nae. 4,000 ft. 5 oun it, 6,000 ft. over 6,000 ft,

St —
SW St

Abrotenella nivigena

Acacia alpina (f) _

A, dealbata re

A. melanoxylon

A, mollissima .. ia 4.

A. penninervis ..- S

A, penninervis, var. falciformis,

Acena sanguisorba

Aciphylla glacialis ,,

A. simplicifolia as

Agrostis venusta

A, scabra ae a

Arthropodium paniculatum p

Asperula (oligantha) Renpatty

A. conferta a3 4

A. Gunnil Be

Asplenium flabellifolium a3

Astellia alpina . ' or

Austtalina Muelleri

Azorella cuneifolia

Beckea Gunniana ‘ es

Blechnum (Lomaria) penna
marina +t $4 ‘e

B. discolor a” hon

B. capense

B. fluviatile ..

Blennodia alpestris— (Exysimum
capsellimum) ete

Boronia algida

Bossiza foliosa

Brachycome ciliaris

. ciliaris, var. robusta

. nivalis a + =

. decipiens #4 -¥

. scapiformis .. r ba

. stricta je

exilis

. Tadgellii (Tovey & Morris)

Brunella vulgaris <3

Bulbine bulbosa \ ’

Caladenia (nov. sp., Rogers)

a

YO) HAH | S| ABHHA| 4] | CI
palll ld

PEt I satilesll

Ii [a Peresisist ii later til
5 |
4

ie
2
3

HAHA PITT EL S811) asSaset 1
LLP dE Sbasi yee f1)

w

<=
Bann Paes | |

4

[4 |

bo be bo bd bo bo be
ee
a
|
4

HHH] HHA

Aug) ) TADGELL, Mount Bogong and its Flova,

1944

_ Name. |

Calamagrostis rudis, var. contracta

C. nivalis

C. densa £3

C. quadriseta, var. minor 2

Callistemon Sieberi (C. salignus,
var, Sieberiana) be

Caltha introloba -

Cardamine dictosperma

C. hirsuta 23

‘C. hirsuta, var. tenuifolia

Carduus lanceolatus (*)

Carex acicularis

. pyrenaica

. Gaudichaudiana

. polyantha

Buxbaumii

chlorantha . ne

alsophila ea Ms 7

. breviculmis .. +

. longifolia

. inversa

. appressa

- pseudo-cyperus

Carpha alpina ,,

Cassinia aculeata

Celmesia longifolia

Cerastium vulgatum (*)

Chenopodium -murale .. Pi

Chiloglottis Gunnii ;

Choretrum lateriflorum

Claytonia australasica

Clematis aristata

Colobanthus subulatus (Ben-
thamianus) . -.

C, Billardieri .. _ “4

Coprosma. hirtella = Ay

Cotula filicula +s

C, alpina ra ae

Craspedia Richea

C Richea, var. alpina

Crassula Sieberiana..

C. longifolia, var. latifolia-

Cystopteris fragilis

Danthonia penicillata .. By

D, penicillata, var. pilosa se

D. penicillata, var. alpina

elelatelelelslslelele:

T

afalllisalise#l ts r@lililistti

Lr} tl tbat |

Upto Upte
4,000 ft. 5 obo ft. 6,000 it.

HH[ ses] | | SAHRA] Sa] | es} Aslt | Lt |

BY/ Hl H[ As] |

| |HAtr

Ww
had
3

[H) 81 48] 48[ | 844] e444] 4[ 44]

w
~

Hl Bass

73

Summit and
over 6,000 ft,

aca

[12H AIH] Te

74 TADGELL, Mount Bogong and its Flova: Vaan Madd

Name, 4,000 tt. IBgR eau tt over 8,000

Danthonia penicillata, var. race-

mosa +A a rs — T — —
D. tobusta An se aM St St St —
Daucus brachiatus .. ee — = —
Daviesa latifolia 4 . T,SW T,St — —
D, ulicina te .. SW,T T — —
Dianella tasmanica SW, T T T
D, tasmanica, var. alba T T- —

- Dichondra repens | T

Dichosciadeum ranunculaceum
(Azorella dichopetala) m

Dicksonia antarctica

Didiscus humilis

Diplaspis (Huanacea) hydro-
cotylea “ <4

Dipedium punctatum .. St

Drimys. aromatica 3

Drosera arcturi

Dryopteris punctata’

Epacris Bawbawensis ..

E. microphylla . .

E, serpyllifolia ,

E. petrophylla -.

E. nubigena Ts

Epilobium glahellum ie

E, confertifolium Baie 3

Erechtites hispidula ..-- .

E. hispidula, var. 4 od

E. prenanthoides a

E, quadridentata

Erigeron pappochroma 23

E, pappochroma, var. opledse
atus

Eriostemon myoporoides

Erythrea australis

Eucalyptus coriacea, var. alpina

E, Sieberiana ,, 13 =

Euphrasia collina

E. collina, var. alpina ..

E. antarctica (Tf)

Ewartia catipes les Ws

Exocarpus nana ahs

Galium Gaudichaudii ..

G,. aparine (*) . :

Gaultheria hispida en

Gentiana montana (saxosa)
(alpine form) . 2:

|
| 2 |
H| 2
4

|

st,T St,T

>
ur
[2]
Qo
|

St, T

Ll} aet stl | [lata
HHA! Ss! 4/4) 18] [312

HTL Ishi lis

fn

All lt lallealsl

=
|) HBS H] [RL [a 8] | | aA e eas] HA]

ltd

w
os
g
<

Jee] | | | aa] BHR
ney

Il]

|
|
H
4
2

Aug.) * Tapser., Mount Bogong and tts Flova:

1934
Name,

Geranium dissectum ..

Gleichenia dicarpa

Glyceria dives . - “ a:

Gnaphalium alpigenum

G. japonicum ..

G. collinum, var. radicans

Goodenia hederacea .-

G. hederacea, var. cordifolia

Grevillea alpina - 3 “i

G. australis, var. montana

G. victoriz $i 3 =

Halorrhagis micrantha. a3

H. tetragyna. .. i is

H. teuchroides ..

Helichrysum lepidophyllum |
(baccharoides) .,

H, leucopsidium

H. scorpioides .. ws

H. lucidum oF m9

H. lucidum, var. alpina

H. rosmarinifolium

H. rosmarinifolium, var. iedi-
folium =

H. rosmarinifolium, var. thrys-
oideum ; ‘ }

H. semipapposum 6

H, Stirlingii .. ba

Helipterum anthemoides

H. incanum (alba)

H, incanum, var, auriceps

H. incanum, var. auriceps, var.
alpina wt

Herpolirion novee-zealande

Hierochloe redolens --

Histiopteris (Pteris) incisa

Hovea longifolia ar

H, longifolia, var. alba. .

Hydrocotyle hirta i. =

H. laxiflora

Hymenanthera dentata (Banks)
var. angustifolia .. ’

Hymenophyllum tunbridgense.

H, australe . en

Hypocheris radicata (*)

Hypolena iCalphtrepine) lateri-
flora, . tt a

I=; 4H) 11 lt asia

HH] | At |

|

| | AARY

HH | aA] |

|

T T
St —
T T
T _
T T
— T
SW,T T
T —v
— St
— T
SW T
— T
T T T
— T
St,T T
— sW
T =
T St
— T
T of
— T
St =
T =
T St,T
— &t,T
T
— $&,T
— T
T —
T St,T
—_ T
T aa
— T
— T
— T
T

&
4

LL LS, ael etd |

wn
o
4

75

Upto Upto Summit ana
4,000 ft. 5 O00 ft. 6,000 ft. over 6,000 ft,

ro)

H {All|

Peril

lllstitrA

76 TADGELL, Mount Bogong and its Flora. Viet, Nat.

La Name, 4,000 it. 5 abO' Rt. “8006 tt, over 6.000 tt.
Juncus communis
J. pauciflorus
J. plebejus
Kunzea Muelleri
K, peduncularis
Lagenophora Billardieri
Leptorrhynchus squamatus
Leptospermum lanigerum_..
Leucopogon (Styphelia) « collinus
L. Macraci. if
L. Hookeri e
Lissanthe (Styphelia) montana
Lomandra longifolia .. bs
L. filiformis ‘ chs om
Lomatia ilicifolia =, . S$
L. Fraseri +4 .:
L. longifolia .
Loranthus pendulus
Luzula campestris
Lycopodium clavatum
L. clayatum, var. fashiglarys,
L. selago :
Mentha laxiflora
Microceris scapigera (Fc orsteri)
Mimulus moschatus (*)
Nertera depressa
Olearia Frostii ..
. flavescens
. glandulosa
. Subrepandra
. megalophylla
. myrsinoides .. a
. Tamulosa, var, communis. ...
. Tosemarinifolia (t) .
Oreobolus pumilio a Ad
Oreomyrrhis andicola ,. fs
QO. pulvinifica ..7 4. 43
Orites lancefolia
- Oxalis corniculata:
Oxylobium alpestris
O. ellipticum
O. procumbens yo
Pelargonium australe ..
Pentachondra (Trochocarpa)
Pp a : -
Persoonia conlertiflora

|

4
Plbd bbe bigeapaltis

Mn
SiS! 11Ell2tii | ssl
ie

a
wm
+

Pld

<2]
4
[| Pies] spa] easl]] [|] | eee 4@es44] 44] |

OO000000
B/ {| ] RH] 44] |

Z
=
alll li tii tts

St, T

“ )
Alslel lal {| esi 4] [ass] | | seasasssy4| | [ [al sei [is
bi 4
4 4
| AHHH YH

os} 444 |
a
a
|

n

= |
| 2
In
w
ef
ar

ih TANGELL, Mount Bogong and its’ Flora. 77
Nome. | 4,000 th. gs Obo%. eddo tt, peer ty

Phelabium (Eriostemon) phy:
licifolium *

P. podocarpoides (alpinus)

P. ovatifohum ..

Picris hierachoides (*).,

Pimelea alpina . :

P. axiflora, var, alpina

P. ligustrina-.

P. ligustrina, var. hypericifolia

Plantago stellaris (t)-- ok

P. tasmanica .. ns

Platylobium formosum

Pleurandropsis (Eriostemon)
trymalioides 4

Pleurosorus (Grammitis) ruti-
folius of 2 ‘

Poa annua (*) , Kom

P. czspitosa

P. cespitosa, var. alpina :

P. cespitosa, var. latifolium ,.

Podocarpus alpina ‘

Podolepis acuminata .,

P. longipedata, var. robusta ..

Polygonum -aviculare (*)

Polypodium Billardieri

Polystichum aculeatum

Poranthera microphylla

Prasophyllum brevilabre

P. Suttonii os hi

P. Tadgellianum (Rogers) 4

Prostanthera: cuneata ..

P. lasianthos

P. lasianthos, var.

P. incisa (5,500) (?) -

P, rotundifolia .. .. ° ..

Pteridium aquilinum

Pultenza j jumperina, var. plani-
folia

Ranunculus anemoneus sh

R. hirtus : . -

R. Gunnianus .. ° .. “4

R. lappaceus ve _

R. Millanii . .. wa tas

R. Muellerii.. 7 4

Richea Gunnii .. ‘ “4

Rubus parvifolius

w
ot

BL /Slalably

HANI eglasee
J 8, 84H | OH
a

4
e

|

Y
Hy |
yy

BH | eee sH HH]

=|
wm
oo

Po! d laa | BSsHn[ sli [lal es

LIP SAST PLAS SL Tart ttl
|yatl:

[| sel] |

BEL Seals all isl] ss4lslrl lard!
fe)

HY fal | |
ae
| AHPHA| YI

78 TADGELL,’ Mount Bagong and its Flora: et nt

Up to to Sumit and
Name. 4,000 it. 5 goo ft. woo it over 6,000 ft,

R, Brownii

Scacvola Hookeri :

Schizeilema fragoseum (Acorella
Muelleri) ‘ +

Scirpus cernuus

S. inundatus

S. setaceus :

S. cartilaginets, var. alpina Ae

Scleranthus biflorus 24

S. mniaroides ..

Senecio dryadeus (australis)

S. velleioides is

S, pectinatus

S. vagus ns x i

S. odoratus - ie

5. Jautus

Shoenus apogon

Spergularia rubra ,

Stackhousia linarifolia

S. pulvinaris .. 2s L

Stellaria pungens

Stylidium (Candollea) serrulata

S. graminifolium ‘

S. graminifolium, var. alba

Taraxacum officinale (*) ..

Thelymitra venosa af

T. grandiflora ., - ,.

Thysanotus tuberosus

Tieghemopanax (Panax) sam-
bucifolius. ..

T. (Panax) sambucifolius, var.
angustifolia ; .

Trichomanes humile ..

Trifolium pratense (* ?)

T. repens (*) .. ‘

Trisetum subspicatum |

Tristania laurina (?)

Uncinia compacta

Urtica incisa. > >

Veronica Derwentia .. - .. S$

V. serpyllifolia .

V. arvensis (*) .. fs

Viola betonicifolia _,

V. betonicifolia, var. alba os

V.caleyanas-, ey oe

Rumex acctosclla (*).. .. TT

| | 428

w
tam
ra
#
tae)

St, T
St, T

Qa, 4Hnnn] tH

2
ioe

| | axH
IIIT ALS¢ iti baliasre tl

HIPsieZel TPIS tlt lel ye tis

|
|
|

|) RA] SH) Hl 4asla 8 aH lalsalslsalllialisall yell

a]

Past lari lait
Yl a_ eSs4] aa] |
LP LIA Slali rl

fats] TADGELL, Mount Bogong and its Flora. 79

Upto Upto Summitand
Name. 4,000 ft. 5 obo ft. 6,000 tt, Svea bon {te
V. hederacea. .- fs T S&T —, =
Wahlenbergia gracilis .. ‘s T ST T T

The plants included in the above list are classified according:
to the systematic arrangement adopted in the “Census of the
Plants of Victoria ’’ by the F.N. Club of Victoria, 1923.

Families. Species. Varieties, Aliena,
Araliacee.. Le I be I
Campanulacez a. ne I +S — a
Caryophyllacee .- a 6 ra — “5
Chenopodinacee.. an oe .
Composite 4. ‘3
Convolvulacez ~ see
Crassulacee .. ©
Cruciferz
Cyperaceze an 24
Droseracez .. as Se
Epacridacee
Ericacez
Euphorbiacez
Filicales
Gentianacex:

Geraniacez ..

Goodeniacez

Graminee ..
Halorrhagidacee

Juncacez

Labiate ry oo
Leguminosa ‘a 5 I
Liliaceze re
Loranthaceze or
Lycopodiacez
Myrtaceze
(Enotheraceze
Orchidacee .,
Oxalidacee ..
Plantaginaceze es
Polygoniacez e
Portulacee ..
‘Proteacee .. Ls
Ranunculacez 25
Restionacez 2
Rosacez 3 Ss
‘Rubiacez hy
Rutacee - .. rt
Santalacee ..

H 13 on
NPN H HOH OCWHAHOH

Land

aad

PADNHABDHH YH ONS ANH OWUNAW NL

PALLET EEL Eda ba awe Doe PEPE

8 TADGELL, Mount Bogong and its Flora, = [Yi Mov
Families, | ali ' Species, Varietics, Alfons.
Scrophulariacee = _- :
Stackhousiacez , ::
Stylidiacee ,. OS 2
Taxacez mse , I
Thymeleacew’ ~ 2.7 | 3
Umhbellifere ~, ~~ KEE
. 2
4
r

ne

Urticacee .. ot
Violacew ..,. ar
Winteracee .. - -; Vas =
Species _. = _- +. -- 256
Varieties -. oe, v2 . 28
Allens-—., | *. ur ott ra 13
Mosses, Hepatics, Lichens, additional 24

byt dl dd bes

|e | oe ee
‘

Atrrep R. C. Seniwys.—One hundred years ago on 28th
July last was born, in Somerset, England, the inan who made
Victorian geology, or, tather, put Victorian geology on such
a sure foundation that few of his conclusions have been upset.
He was head of the Victorian Geological Survey from 1852
to 1869, duting which period he and his staff succeeded in
geologically mapping a large portion of the State. The maps
produced were models -of their kind, and at the time: were not
excelled by those of any other country, Unfortunately for
Victoria,-one_of those ‘ cutting downs" of governmental
expenditure which happen now and again led to the departure
of Mr, Selwyn to Canada, where he carried on a similar survey
until his retirement in 1894, honoured by scientific societies
all over the world. He died*in Vancouver in 1902, at the age
of 78, respected by all who knew him. _. :

Tue Kea, Nestor notabilis—This fine New Zealand parrot
has the reputation of killing sheep by alighting on their backs
and digging into the carcass for their kidney fat. According
to an article in the July (1924) Eon, by Mr, J. Moncrieff, on
‘The Birds of the West Coast of New Zealand,”’ this practice
has never been witnessed, and, like many other natural history
stories, requires to be proved. At any rate, it is believed by
the authorities, and at the- request of the sheep-farmers a
bonus of six shillings per beak is being paid as a means. of
getting rid of the poor birds. As the bird is a large one, it
affords a good and profitable target: to the shooter. The bird
is a quaint one and plays many tricks on, confiding tourists to
the higher regions if frequents, such as carrying boots out of
tents, &c. Before extitpating this fine bird the matter shoufd
he definitely decided by experiment or by careful watching,

Che Victorian Naturalist

Va... XLT,

SEPTEMBER, 4, 1924, No, 489.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

Tne ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at thé
Royal Soriety’s Hall, on Monday, 11th Augnst, 1021, '
The President, Mz, J. Searle, occupied the chair, ald about

fifiv-five members and visitors were present

aw ELECTION OF MEMBERS,

_” On a ballot being taken, Mr, and Mrs, R. W. Wilkuison,
“Alma Road, East St. Kilda; and Mr, A. J, Day, 199 Toorak
Road, South Yarra, were duly eleeted ordinary members of
the Club.

GENERAL BUSINESS,

The President. announced that the Atawal Exhibition of
wildflowers would be held in the Melbourne ‘own Hall on
Tuesday, 2ist October, and urged menibers to make the
exhibition a success. It had been deeided to give half the
net proceeds to the Victorian Bush Nursing Association. |

Mr. H. B. Wilhamson, F.0.8., referred to the quantities of
wildlowers exposed for sale in the streets and florists’ shops,
and, while admiring the taste for indigenous flowers which
has growi considerably during the last year oy two, depre-
eated the collection of these flowers and their sale for
monetary gain, as it would undoubtedly hasten their extir-
mination, He urged members to obtain what evidence they
eould regarding the question in view of future discussion.

Mr. C. “Daley, F.L.S8., and Mr. FP. G. A, Barnard alsa spake
on the subject.

PAPERS READ.

1. By Mn. RF. Pitcher, entitled; ‘‘In | the Strathbogie
fanges.’

The ie Pave some interesting notes of an autumn visit
to the Strathbovie Ranges, which he visited from the yicinity
of Lima. The couniry traversed was principally granitic,
and contained many interesting spots from a botanical pomt-
of view, ferns of many species being plentiful, while in the
early summer wild-flowers should be yery plentiful.

The author exhibited a fine series of specimens in illustra-
tion of his remarks.

Messrs. H. B, Williamson, F.L.S., and G. Coghill also
veferred to the interesting natnre of the district.

Bz Freld Naturalists’ Club—Frocesdings. yne ES

2 By Der ‘W. Maegillivray (Broken EOL), entitled, “An
Excursion in South-western Queenslanud.’’

Tn the absence of the author, the first portion of the paper
was tead by i. FM. Wilson. The author gave some secount
of the hirds and vegetation seen during a motor-trip from
Broken Hill, N.S. W., to Hungerford, and then to the nearest
rail-head in Queensland. The paper gave a detailed descrip-
tion of the natural history of the trip.

Mr. H. B. Williamson, F.L:8., remarked on the interest
of the author’s observations, and said that though the trees
wete different, a large proportion of the smaller plarite mon-
tioned were to be found in Vietoria, especially in the north-
West.

Mr C. Daley, P.LS., remarked on the sitilavity of the
hird-fauna to that of our north-western area.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTH,

Mr. 1. Thorn drew attention to his exhibit of three specics
of the Silvery Wattle-moths, and gave some aceount of their
life histories.

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. VT. G. A, Barnard.—Flowering branches of the
Long-podded Wattle, Acacia elongata, of New South Wales,
grown at Kew.

By My, G, Coghill—Flowerg of native shrubs, ste, grown
‘at Canterbory :—Rosemary Grevillea, Grevillaa rosmarini-
folie: Mountain Grevillea, G. adn: Olive Grevillea, G.
oleaides; Bushy Heath-myrtle, Thryptomene Mitchelliana :
Fringed Heath-myrtle, Micromyrtus ciiatus; and uoug-leaf
‘Wax-flower, Ertostenian myoporoides, with Purple Coral- pea,
Hurdénhergia monophaylla growing over it.

By Mr. C. Daley, F.LS — Flowers of Bushy-Heath-myrtie,
Thryplomene Mitchellians, and Wringed Heath-myvtle, Micra-

myrtus ciliatus, grown at Caulfield : Steatite, from Black
Ranges, wear Stawell,

By Mv. J. E, Dixon.—Coleoptera collected at Farntrec
Gully. and Emerald during July.

By Mr. L. Hodgson —Flowers of Varnigh Wattle, Acacia
vernacifiua; Mudgee Wattle, A. spectebilis; Mountain Grevil-
lea, Grevillea alpina; Fern-leat Grevillea, G. asplenifotia:
Fuchsia Heath, pacris longifora; and Fringed, Heath-
jayrile, ificromyrtus ciliatus, srown at Canterbury.

By My. V, Millér, —Fldwera “of Dwarf Greenhood fovehied),
Pterostylis, nana, from Cheltenham Park.

ac

cree | Field Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings. a3

By Mr. C.'Oke.—Rare bectles—Curenum scaritaides (m.

and £.), from Eltham, rave so near Melbourne; and Phovdoli-

phala. granulate, Lea, from Sunshine, only the second speci-
men of (his beetle that has been found.

By Mi. BF, Pitcher—Dried plants, etc,, collected at Lima
Bast, in illustration of paper:—WPoliage of Bluc Gum, EPuca-
lyptus globulus, young foliage, 4 in, x 6 in.; adult foliaze,
over 20 in. long, une leaf being 25} in. long and 3} m. wide;
Frond of Bracken Fern, 7 ft. 3 in. in length; Fronds of
Maiden-hair Fern, Rock Pern and Sickle Fern, ‘each 18 in.
Aong; Delieate Rue Fern, Anagreninn (Grammeitis) leplto-
phyllu; Orchid, ‘Striped Greenhood, Ptervostylis veflexa; and
other plants formid im bloom.

By Mr, W. H. A. Roger—Portion of pod of Chinbing
Bean, Batunda scandens, also a hean, from serub near Cool-
town, North Queensland.

By Mr. L. ‘horn —Specimens of Silvery Watile-moths :—
Thulaana claru, TU. inseripta, and 7, punetilinea, with pupa
cases, ete.

After the usual conversazione, the meeting closed,

ia Tasmanrnan Birup Narurauis’s*® Cramm—For many
years this elub has made a feature of its ‘‘ Kuster Camps,’’
the twenty-first of which was held this year at Marion Bay.
Forestier’s Peninsula. ‘These camps are usually well attended,
no less than forty members and friends taking part this year.
An illustrated veport of the outing has been issued by the
eluh, which gives bricf details of the activities of different
sections of the party, as well ag a general account, mainly
historical, by My, Clive Lord, F.L.8.

“an Lyre Birps or Moun Burttio,’’—This is an attrae-
tive booklet of about a dozen pages, containing seven i-plate
reproductions in sepia of photographs uf Lyre Birds, their
nests. and young, taken at. Mount. Buffalo by ‘“‘Guide Alice,"
wha also supplies short notes explanatory of the pictures.
My Charles Barrett, C.MLZS:, has written an appreciative
introduétion, which serves to introduce the reader to ‘Guide
Aliee,’' through whose patience and perseverance the almost
wnique pietures were secured, The snap of the male bird,
with his tail-feathers proudly displayed, is very fine, aud was
worth waiting far. The hooklet is priced at hatf-a-crown, and
will form a nice souvenir to post to friends at hoine and
abroad,

Bt SrcKLanp, Aquatic Protozoa, Melbourne District. | voi sce

THE AQUATIC PROTOZOA OF THE MELBOURNE
TMISTRIC'T.

Paar If.
By Joum Surccbano.

(Read before the Wield Naturalists’ Clob of Victoria, 14th
July, 1924.)

In the first part of this paper, which appeared in the
Victorian Natwralist for August, 1923 (Vol. XL, p. 66) Ai1
may be vementbered that a brief sketch of the chavactoristies :
of the organisms constituting the phylum Protozoa was given,
ineluding a little about their physiology, after whieh the
lowest group, Class 1, Sarcodina, recetved attention. A dis-
linguishing feature of the forms included in that class was
their power of extending and withdrawing portions of their |
eytoplasm in the shape of blunt or thread-like processes—the
pseudopodia—by rmeaus of whieh they are able to travel
slowly and also capture their food,

In this paper I prapoge to deal with Clags 2, the Mastigo-
phora. he organisms belonging to this class, with very feiv
exceptions, do not extend pseudopodia, but in them stead
possess ove or More whip-like organclla, known as flayella, at
What may’ be vegarded as the anterior end of the animal in
most cases. It is in connection with these flagellate forms
pringipally that botanists and zoologists join issne.

Speaking of flagellates, Professor G. 8, West, in his
Alem,’' vol 1, page 162, says, ‘Lt is well known that among
the helérogen¢ous assemblage of forms in the group, the dis-
tinetion between animal and vegetable organisms entirely
breaks down,'’ and, although he claims certain forms as
ridoubted plants, equally eminent zoologists, while admitting
their plant-like nature, consider that they cannot be omitted
Trom the Protozoa.

The sedentary forms use their flagella for procuring food
by creating a disturbance in the watet which brings the food
particles into contact with them, while the free swimmers use
them for the purpose of locomotion also, as mentioned in the
previons paper. According to Verworn, the flagella of
Flagellates, like the cilia of the Infusoria, are possessed of
the power of contracting, like the fibrilla of muscle fibres
in the higher animals, henee their capacity to move. The
Hagollum “onlginates at ar near the nueleus of the animal,

noha? SttCKLaKD, Ayuatic Protozoa, Melbourne District. gS
often frony a speci] particle known as the '‘blepharoplast,"?
hence it ig More than a mere prolongation of the animal's
cytoplasm. A central thread or axial filament runs through
the entire length of the flagellom, which thus bears some
resemblaiiee to the axopodia of the Heliozos. he movement
of the flagellum seems to be extremely effective in producing
Jocomotion by the animal of which it forms part, as tt ie fre-
quently noticeable that the mere tip is waving even when
rapid swimming is induced.

> As is frequently the case in nature, the transition from a

~ lower toa higher type ts bridged over by intermediate forms,
80 here the gap between the pseudopodia bearina Sareodina
and the flagellate Mastigophora is filled by some creatures
which axe capable of extending pseudopodia although fur-
tushed with a flagellum, Such an animal is Mastiganiba,
which, although flagellate, nigests its food atter the muoner
of ah Ame@ba, Animals of this type are very rare if my
experience is any enterion,

Professur Minchin, whose classification 1 am adopting,
divides the Mastigophora ita three sub-classes, Flagellata,
Dinoflagellata, and Cystoflagellata, The first-mnentioned sub-
class coniains most of the organiams to which reference will
be made, They arc not of large size even for Protozoa, some
indeed are extremely wimite, as will be seen, They are in
some cases free swimming, in others sedeutary; some have one
flagellum only, others have tio ov more; some are solitary,
others colonial in their habit. Dinoflagellates will receive
attention later, but the Cystoflavellates, of which the marine
luminous form, Noetiluea, is a type, have never beech repre-
seuted in my gathermgs and will therefore be passed over.

The sub-class, Mlagellata, is divisible into several orders.
Order T, known as the Pantostomiina, contains animals having
no definite mouth opening, The Mastigameba before
referred to belongs to this category. As 1 am wucertain of
the identity of the only creature, apparently of this type,
whieh J have taken, I pass on to Ovder I, Protomonadina.
This order containg some parasitie forms, such as the dreaded
Trypanosomes, which are outside the scope of my paper. The
Pratomonads ingest their food at the base of the flagellum;
those with which we have to do are hologoic as far as their
nutrition 1s eoneermed.

Of those to be had near Melbourne we May riention
Sponygonionas wimtestinalis, Cienk. This is a social aninval.

35 SricKLAnD, Aquatic Protozoa, Melbourne District. [Yih Shh
hiflagellate, of the “‘isomastigote’’ type, tho flagella being
of equal leneth. It is extremely small, measuring only about
8 miecra in length. ‘The individuals comprising the colony are
embedded in the surface of a thread-like zoothecium, often
considerably branghed and of a brown colour, They ave oval
in shape and appew' like dats in the surface of their domieile.
The. flagella, being always in motion, ave very hard to gee,
their presence being, however, demonstrated by the com-
motion, among particles In the surrounding water, The colony
may contain “hundreds of individyals and are of decidedly

rave oeeurrence near Melbourne. IT have taken this form,

duly in the Kilby Dagoon, at Bast Kew, and the Botanic
Cardens.

Anvuther animal somewhat similar in shape is Anthophysa
vegelans, Miller, which is also colonial in habit, Lt is another
extremely small eevature, being from 4 to 10 mitra in leneth,
aud is ''paramastigote,’’ that is, possessing two flagella of
unequal length, ‘The colonies in this ease are oval or
sphevieal in shape, contaimye iumerous imdividuals closely
attached to one another and toa the end of a frequently
somewhat roughly-constructed peduncle of a dark brown
colour, often branched, construeted of excreted matter. It is
quite A common occurrence to eome across the colonies
detached from theit peduncle rolling through the water after
the manner of Volvox. RKhipicdodendron husleyi, SN. is
another minute isomastigote animal, about 12 mieva in length,
forming colonics inhabiting branching zoothecia, of a dark
brown colour, very granular in appearance. ‘he various
branches of the zoothecium consist. of four throsd-like struc-
tures placed side by side, the extreme ends of which eontain
the tiny builders. This form can be obtaince in most ponds
hear Melbourne.

‘A very interesting and beautiful little animal is Stylobryon
petiolatum, Duj. Lt forms fixed colonies of ten or twelve
zonids attached to some medium of support by a common
vigid stalk or pedunele, The animal seeretes a transparent
yuse-shaped lorica, one individual. oceupying each domicile.
Buch torica, after the first, is attached by a pedicil to the
inner aviface of the one belaw. the aninial itself being also
strppovted hy a pedieil fixed to the bottom of its lorica. It
has two flagella of unequal length. The lovica measures about
25 miera in Jeneth, Strlobryon is a decidedly rare form,
and bas been vecarded only frony the Black Pool al. Heidei-
herg aid a small pond at Bulleen, Dendromonas, St,, forms

ante Srickcanp, Aquatic Prolozua, Melbourne District. 87
a tree-like colony and is destitute ota loriea, Tt also has tiwe
aneqnal flagella, whieh sometimes appear as if proéeeding
from the-side af the animal, which measayes trom 3S to 40
huidtn in Jength,

The Family Choanotlagellide contains a number of remark-
able forms of extremely minute size, They are monomasti-
gole and chatacterised by the presence of 4 transparent .cup-
shaped collar enelosing the area around the flagellum. They
aye sessile in some genera and stalked in othors, some of the
latter forming colonies contaiiing a eousiderable number of
Individuals attached to a common centre. In al! the flagel-
lates previously referred to the flagellum is of the *“tractel-
lunw”’ type, that. is, it draws the animal to whieh it belongs
after it, as ih were; in the ease of the Choanoflagellates,
however, When swimming freely, it is used as 2 ‘“‘prulsellum,’’
that is, it impels the animal before it after the manner of a
single our used in scullng a boat from the stern.

A form whieh TE take to be Huruxiga consecielum, SK, 14
segsile and frequently found in large nnmbers rlosely packed
side by side, completely encasing the supporting filament,
which not ibifreqnently is the stalk of a yorticellid. In
Cotvsiga botrytes, Ehe,, wo have a siinilar animal forming a
stalked colony. These Choanoflagellates ave only 6 to 15
niicra iv length and the collar so delicute that it 1s extremely
difficult iudeed to see it satisfactorily , at its outward edge
it generally appears as two lines only, one on each side of the
flagellum,

Tt is remarkable that practically identical collared cells
oveur in sponges and indicate a close relatiouship between the
Protozoa and the Porifera. The Choanoflagellates are sone
times desiguated Oraspemonads.

The third order—Polymastigina—-consists. of animals
having three or more flazella, Of these T have faund i
certain replesentative. They are mostly parasitic

Order TV is known as Muglenoidena and is well represented
in the pools near Melbourne, The animals comprising it have
a well-defined mouth opening and @sophagua at the hase of
the flagellum. Kuglena viridis, Uhv., is perhaps ave of the
hest known. Tt is spindleshaped and monomustigute, the
flagellum is possessed of an axial Alament whit is hard to
wake out, The possession of preen chromatophores stamps it
as being holuphyfic in its manner of nutrition, It has a
stigma, ov eye spot, red in -cotour, comtaining wilmerous

bs STICKLAND, Aqualw Protozoa, Melbourne District [SS¢3M-

pigment eranules of hwmatochvome. WMuclena is extremely
‘changeable in shape—or ‘'imetabolie,’'’ this a part of the
erdabure, say teat the anterior end, will become thicker than
the vemmoinder of the animal, the thickness will travel along
the length of the animal, disappearing at the posterior end.
Englenas ave decidedly positively phatotactic, possibly
‘theough the possession of the stigma referred to, whieh is
considered ta be sensitive to light. A good demonstration of
this was seen recently when passing along Alexandra Aven\te
one bright Saturday afternoon, when a red seam-like material
floating on the surface of the water In the rocky fountain
pool neay the Queen’s statue was noted, On returning a
couple of hours later when the licht was less intense not a
sign of this red substance was to be secon. An examination
later under the microscope showed it to consist of innumer-
able red Buglenas, possibly 2. sanguinea of Bhrenberg,
many of which weve of the round form Euglenas assume when
resting. 2. spirogyra, Mhr.. is a larger animal than 2,
viridis, word wot wearly so common, and is characterised by
well-defined spiral markings extending over its whole length
A jarge and extremely sluggish form cecasionally met with
I take to he &, deses, while W. acus is extremely thin and
needle-like.

Amblyophis, Bhe, differs from the Duglenas by being blant
acl rounded at the posteriny end. Wy experienee as a
collector indicates’that it is very rare.

Phacus. Nitzsch, 1s another genus belonging to the same
arder, There are several species, and all are beautiful
objects. Their thin filintike substance and slowls-revolving
mation when swinming, suggest the falling leaf, the com-
talued chloroplasts add to the similarity by reason of their
vroenness. PF. triguveter, Ehr., is the commonest; it is oval in
shape and has a short spur-like extension at its hinder end.
while P, longicaudus, Ehr., as its namic indicates, is possessed.
of « long tail-like appendage, Tt is found in two forms, one
qttite flaf and the other twisted into a spiral. P. payrwm, hr,
bas well-defined spival ridges extending across its Avhole
length: it is. however, rarely taken. The members of this
genus hare a prominent stigma. ‘he genus Trachelomonas,
Nhr., is very well represented, accurring in most of the ponds
and ornainental lakes in the vicinity of Melbourne, The
constituents of this genus form tests of orange or. red colour,
said to be of a caleaveous nature. The animal doos not fill

‘

—-

sels] StickLAND, Agquane Protozoa, Melbourne Distne?. 3?
its test, while from an opening at one end projects u siigle
Hagellum. The green colour of the contained ehloraplast ean
he noticed through the test. <A very common member of the
genus is 7'. hispida, St. It is oval or sub-spherieal in shape
and generally devoid of any collar at the opening. The test
is covered all over with knobs [ts length is 25 to 30 micra,
7, «vmata, Ehv., ig not-so common. Lt is characterised by
the presence of several long curved spines at the posterior
end of the test. A species having a cylindrical test, some-
times somewhat pointed at the posterior end and with an
elongated weck-like extension round the flagellum, boars an
exact resemblance to a fleatme bottle.

Another family, Astasiide, belonging to the same order,
furnishes us with an interesting uivature, Astusia tricophora,
Ehv, Th is shaped dike an elongated pear, with a flagellum
of considerable length, of which it moves little more than the
tip. Bemg destitute of any chromatophores, it is colourless,
Anisonema grande, St, presents some features which ave very
dlistinet from those of others of the same faniily. It is
*‘heteromastigote,”’ that is, possessing two flagella of very
different Ids, the one being of the ordinary tractellam type,
while the other trails behind when the animal swims. It is
able t attach itself instantly by the extreme end of this
trailer, and, when thus anchored, darts about in any divection
as far as the fiagellom will allow,

Order V is called Chromomonadina, the members of whick
contain brown-celoured chromatophores: and are destitute of
any esophagus. One of fhe most interesting forms in this
group is Dinobryon, Ehr., of wich several species are
described, The one generally taken here is D. sertularia, Why
Tt bears a-vonsiderable general resemblance to Stylobryon
referred to earlier, but differs in important respects, It
inhabits a vase-shaped lorica which is not pedecillate, but
each one—of course excepting the first or original one in the
volony—is perehed on the edge of the one below, Two may
be attached to the one supporting.loriea. Unlike Stylobryon,
Which js a fixed form, the whole Dinobryon colony, which may
consist of twenty or more individuals, is free swimming, and
presents the appearance of a spray of flowers.

Mallomonas sp., although belonging to the same order, is a
very distinet form, Tt possesses no lorica, bat, in addition to
3 flagellum, is completely surrounded with stiff setose appen-
dages suggestive of an infusorian. Tt has a Nabit of darting

. 96 STiCELAND, Aquale Prolozca, Melbourne District. See aol

quite suddenly from place to place, It is extremely minute,
measuring only 25 mierainlength. Syne wyella, Ehy., forms
colonies, the individuals in which may number thirty of forty.
The eolony i is spherical in form, the animals being connectid
to 4 common eentre,'and rolls throngh the water after the
fashion: of the well-known Volvox. The exterior of each
eyeataoe is euvered with short spines. Uvella viresvens,
Ehr., ig a very similayv form, but is destitute of the spinous
eutiele of Synnra; by some it is regarded ag simply a vaviety
of the litter, Both Synova and Uvella ave biflagellate.

Lvoglora volver, Ehy., another free swimming coloniab.

animal, is rather rare. Tnlika Synuva, the zooids ave not

“

connected together, but are embedded in the outer pavi. of a—

gelalinons sphere,

Order VI, Phytomonadina, forms the great battle-ground
for zoologists and botanists. The chloroplasts contained by
the constituont animals indicate fthat they are decidedly
hiolophytie, The enelosing euvelope is of cellulose, Farily
2 of the order, Chlamydomonadidm, containg some interesting
genera, Chiamiy domonas, Bhr, i an extremely minute
hiflagellate form, hut is at times fonnd in such countless
myriads as to give large bodies of water .a decidedly green
appearance, 1 have found it frequently in pans eontaining
drinking water for the fowls.

A very beautiful liltle organism is Sphuerella pluwialis,
Motow. It consists of a hyaline sub-spherical envelope of
ecllulose, withhy whieh, but separated from it by a small
space, is the cell proper, which ig conneeted with the cell wail
by numerous strands of protoplasm. A conical projection of
the inner vell veaches the cell wall in one part and furan it
project two flagella. On one occasion when by chanted
examining some vain water wich had eollected in
an old jron pot plaved on the fowl-house roof ta
set if ont of the way, T discovered it to ‘be swarm-
ing with most beautiful specimens of this form, In
this position it could only have developed by being wind
liotne. This organism was formerly widely known as Prpio-
epceus plutiniis, A red form is known as Hamiatococens.

Family TV, Volvocidie, contains many well-known forms.
Gonuem pectorale, Miiller, consists of a colony of sixteen
cells, placed’ in one plane, with the flagella projecting oul-
ward. The cells are enclosed within a gelatinous envelope.
Pandoring moruit, Miill., isa eolony of cells sometimes wuln-

| Syicernax®, Aquatic Protozaa, Melbourne Distr tet, a

hering thirty-two, in a ecompae mass of spheri¢al or oval
fomn,. sutrennded by 4 very transparent envelope, each cell
possessing two flagella aiid an eye spot. The best known and
Inost Duportant genus in this order is doubtless Valyox. It is
also the most beautiful A wiwmber af these rolling about
in w drop of Water when viewed under a low power of the
micveseape never fils to excite admiration. In shape the
Valvox colony is generally spherical, and the gelatinous
substance forming ils exterior is perfectly transparent.
Tinbedded in this jnvestment are many green cells, nol in a
Smpaet. mass as in Pandorina, but separated from one
another by some little space whith vavies in different species.
Volvex ylobater, Ehr,, is a vommon and cosmopolitan form,
and may be regarded as helonging to the plankton, The
evlls, which are said ta number as many as twenty thousand
in one colony, are irrefular in shape and meusure only a few
nicra in diameter, Each cell is furnished with wi eve spot,
one or nore contractile vacuoles’ and two similar flagella
Connecting these cells with one another are sgomewlhutt
irevular strands of protoplasm, often of a branching type,
Wiliereas in Pandovina each cell is capable of reproducing a
new eolony, 1t is not. so in Volvox, in which this capacity is
limited to a few special cells known as parthenogonidia, which
repraduce new colonies asexually, Several af these daughter
eolowies are gauerally to be seen within adult forms. They
are set free to assume independent existence by the ruptnre
of the parental investment, ‘The vast-majority of the cells
forming the colony are sterile. A sexual method of repro-
duction may be noted in some colonies. When tis takes
place a few eclls divide and form antherozoids, a1 sperm cells,
and others also few in number, beeonuwe oospheres, After
fertilisation the Jast-mentioned form vospoves, whielk In V.
globatar sre stellate. Self-fertilisation takes place in
VY globutor, which is monmecious. VY. aureus, also kuewn as
V_ nanor, is-snialler than V. globutor, and the eells in the
colony ave not nearly so numetous, bene only about twa
thousand in number: They are round it shape and eonsider,
ably more widely separated, This, together with the character
of the connecting protoplasmic strands, render the identifica-
tion of 1’. aureus an easy matter. The proteplasinic strands
in this case tun in practically straight lines fiom oell to cell
anid are frequently double and never brunch. The oospore is
round, not stellate, A forn, in which the cells are round, bul
not eonnected ly protoplasmic strands, Was heen named Ty.

2 Seok AND, Aquatic Prolozoa, Melbourne Distrect. ie pat

tertins by Meyer. I recently took a specitaen answering this
description, but, until verifying its identification, cannot
elaim, it with certainty, Microseopical inembers might be on
the look-out for this fovm. West, in his “‘Algz,’? mentions
a species of Volvox—V. Rousselletii—as consisting of fifty
thousand cells. Volvox may be obtained in the Botanic
Garden lake all the year round.

Sub-class 11, Dinoflagellata, is divided into two orders, of
Which the second—the Dinifera—only interest us naw,
The organisms constituting this order are characterised by" Nes =
the possession of two flagella, one placed in a longitudinal
groove situated in the ventr: al surface, the other in a trans-
yerse groove which neatly enciveles the animal. The flagellum
im the longitudinal groove trails behind the creature when
it swins, The order Dinifcra ig subdivided into two families,
the first being known as the Gymmodinidm, which is repre-
sented in our local ponds by Gymnodininm fuscum, Ehv. This
anijnal resembles a diamond in shape with one of the long
corners rounded off. Its colour, as its name indicates, is a
reddish-brown, with rod-like markings radiating front the
centre. Ags is the case throughout the family, it 1s destitute of
the well-developed citirass which is a marked feature of many
Dinoflagallates. T have not found it to be very widely dis
tributed, but if may be had practically all the yeay round
™ the pond in. the Horticultural Gardens.

The second family of the Dinifera, the Peredinide, con-
tains some interesting genera which, however, have not
supplied “many examples.- The members of this faniily
ure entirely enclosed within a firm envelope or cuirass, eon-
sisting of a number of plates of celiniose, or some modification,
of the same; the joints where these plates meet are very
distinet, The Peridinium gencrally found here is spherical
in shape, and I have not determined its species, very
probably it is P. tabulatum. An animal very distinct from
most others of the family is Ceratuwm tripos, Mull, Were we
find the cnirass extended into-three long horns, one at one
end and twa recurved ones at the opposite end, which give it
% singnlar appearance, the greater part of the animal
cousisting of these ‘horns’! Ceralium may be found

VSitchland deal.

Stigma leye spot}; CV. Contractile vacuole; Ch. Chromatophore:
PB. Pyrenoid

Protozoa illustrating Class 2, Mastigophora,

my

94 STICKLAND, Aguatic Protozoa, Melbourne District. [\'S' SF

in both fresh and galt water. In the former habitat
it is very rare, the only example I have. taken
under such conditions was obtained in the lily pond in
Queen's Park, Moonee Ponds. At a recent excursion to
Frankston, however, a large number was obtained in the sea.

The consideration of Class IV, the Infusoria or ciliate
forms, must be reserved for some future occasion.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE.

1.—Spongomonas intestinalis. ; Ry
2.—Anthophysa vegetans.
3.—Rhipidodendron huxleyi.
4.—Stylobryon petiolatum.
5.—Monosiga ?consociatum, A colony.
6.—Codosiga ?botrytes. :
7.—Bueglena viridis. +
8.—E. acus. +
9.—Phacus triqueter,
10.—P. longicaudus, spiral form.
11.—Trachelomonas hispida.
12,—T. armata.
13.—Astasia tricophora.
14.—Anisonema grande. >
15.—Dinobryon sertularia,
16.—Mallomonas sp.
17.—Uvella viresceus.
18,—Chlamydomonas sp.
19.—Sphaerella pluvialis.
20.—Gonium pectorale.
21.—Pandorina morum.

22.—Volvox aureus, showing characters of protoplasmic strands
connecting cells.

23.— Gymnodinium fuscum.
24.—Ceratium tripos. : us
25.—Colony of Dinobryon encysted.

Sent Bivd Notes 95

Biro Nores.—The month of Jaty mnat be regarded in the
bird world as the beginning of spring, particularly this year,
when the rainfall has bean the lowest for a considerable
number of yeavs. The prevalence of fine mild days caused
maliy birds te commence nesting earlier than usual, ald even
the euckoos arrived ii the Ashbarton district fully a month
eurlier than in previous years. On Jaly 18 the nest of a
Yellow-tailed Tit, Acanthiza chrysorrhea, with three eggs,
was found in an aeacia bush st Ashburton, while im a tall
eucalypt in the vicinity a pair of White-bavked Magpies,
Gynnerhkina lexconoto, was still building a nest whieh they

-had commenced during the latter part of June, It is notiee-

able with early-breeding birds that a longer period is vequired
for nest building than with those that nest later in the season.
Both the Wattle-Bird, Acanthochaeru curwaculatu, and Swill,
Parrot, Luphenm discalor, anviually visit the box fivees near
Melbourne during the winter months. While a few of the
fornier remain to nest locally, the parrots retire further
inland as the nesting season approaches, A notable record
for this year is the early appearanee of the Bronge, Chal-
ceceys plagosus and Fan-tailed, Cucomantis flabelliformes,
Cuckoos; both birds were seen at Ashburton oan July 20,
and the latter bird has been seen or heard every week sinee
It is practically eertain the Fan-tailed Cuekoo remained m
the northern parts of Victoria during the winter, us a bird
wus noted in the Caulfield Park on May 11, and a woek
later another one was acen in the Mooroolbark distriet—D-
Tickson, Bast St, Kilda, 22nd August, 1924.

Tre YeEvLow-Foormo Povucuen-Mousr.—li May last,
whilst awaiting the train at Everton (Bright. ne) station,
1 paused near ue clump of Red Box trees for an ol-fresce
loneh Bere J made my first acquaintances with a little
auinal whieh, on referenée to “‘Lydekker’s Marsopials’’
(Naturalists’ Library), plate xxvii, I take to be Phascologale
flauzpes. T became so interested in the httle creature that [
almost missed ‘the train. In the locality, tree-crcepers
(Climacteris sp.) were plentiful, and for a while, as the little
marsupial dodged about among the leaves and sticks on the
ground, and by the rapidity of its movements as it spirally
climbed the trunk of a box-ree I took it to be one of these
birds, but in its Jater actions it became more conspicuous
and 1 could eee it was not a bird. It moved spirally round
the base of a box-tree, Rucalyptus polyanthemos, in little
jumpy vuns, then climbed a two-feet thick tres trunk in #

95 Bird Notes ye tir
lialf spival and disappeared, only. to be seen again ten feet
higher up on one of the tertiary branches in an incredibly
short time. Thence it presently reached another ‘branch,
nearly three feet distant, by “a horizontal jump, the same
sudden and apparently effortless jump that is made by a
Ringtail Possum, Appearing now here, now there, and often
aut-of view, it seemed to be searching the bark for food,
probably in ‘the shape of- beetles and other insects which were
in crevices in the bark, hence it would be a good friend to the
forester. As ib may have been eating ants, | would be pleased
‘to have confirmation or otherwise of my observations from
some reader who has had better opportunities of seeing this,
little animal ‘than I Haye had, Lydekker quotes Kreitt as
saying *‘that im confinement this species killed any number
of mice put into the’ same box.’? Were domestie mice
referred tol—A. D. Harpy, Studley Avenue, Kew, 14th
August, 1924.

Corrections.—The following corrections should he made
in the August Vetwralist — ‘
Page 53, line 30: Por “Correa speciosum,’’? read ‘‘ speciosa.’ - -

» 65 ,, 20 ,, ‘Kewnedya pentaphylla,’’ read * Har-

- denbergia, Comptoniuna.”* -

» 8 ,, 28 ,, Acacna sunguisorba,’” read Acaenit

; sanguisorbas.’

>» DS , 35. ,, “Pattersonti, * read **Puatersaivii, ?

. 59 ,, 44 4, “coriaceum,? read ‘'corinced.’

» 68 , 38 4, “ramulesus,’” read “‘ramulosa,"’

>; 468 , 34 ,, ““deyphilla,’’? read “Aciphylla.’?

. T2namelS ,, ‘Astellia,’’ read ‘‘ Astelia.”’
+ 74 . 20, “HE, petrophylia,’?? read ‘ER, petvo-
phila.?? '
z 5 .; I4 ,, ‘‘H. teuchroides.’”’ read ‘'H. teuero-
ides.””
. 76 . 3t , ‘DO. rosemarinifolia,’’ read ''O. rosma-

rinifolia.*”
, 76 , 38. 4, ‘'Ovites lancefolia.”’ read ‘‘Orites Jan-
* eifolia.?’ —
. 7 4 1 ,,. ‘'Phelabuim,’’ read *!Phebalinm.””
» TF 4, 40 ,,. ‘*R, Mueller,’’ read ‘‘'R. Muelleri,’’
., 13 Remove ‘‘Celmisia longifolia, var. latifolia’? froin
line 5 from bottom, and insert after line 26.
» (4 Remove ‘‘TEwartia catipes’’ from line 7 from bottom
and insert after name 20, ‘'H. petrophila (U,
nubigena. = Ewartia nubigena).

~

Che Victorian Paturalist

Vou. XLI—No. 6. OCTOBER 9, 1924. No. 490.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

War monthly meetine of the Club was held at the Royal
Society's Hall, on Monday evening, September 5, 1924.

Tn the absenew of the President, the ex-P resident, Mr, C.
Daley, BA. FS., ceeupied the chair, and abaut, forty-five
members and visitors were present.

REPORTS.

A yeport of the excursion ta Warrandyte, on Saturday,
August 16, was viyen by the leader, Mr. (. Daley, B.A,
who said thai twenty-two niembers and triends took part in
the outing, which was arranged for the purpose of seemg
the Silver Wattles, Acacia deullbula, in bloom, along the
river. banks. Favoured by a pleasant day, though somewhat
dal, the chara-bane trip of about forty miles was noch
enjoyed. ‘The wattles bad suffered somewhat: from the recent
severe frosts, but there was enough bloam remaining in good
condition to reward the excursionists for their long journey,
The outing partook rather of a social watare, and little —
collecting was done, -

A report of the excursion to Baiyivaden. on Saturday,
August 30, was given by the leader, Mr C. Oke, who seid
that (here was a good atlendance of members. Tusects were
vather searec, the season being somewhat late, owing to recent
cold weather, and fow speeinens of note were captured.

A report. of the excursian ta Alphinyton, on Satmrday,
Septeinber 6, was wiven by the Jeader, My, J. Stickland, wha
anid that, notaithstandine the ereat increase of water in
the pools, owing to the recent rains, specimens of pond-life
were very namerous, but he had uot yet had an apportunity
of thoroughly examining the material brought heme.

Le es

FLECTION OF MEMBERS.

On a ballot being taken, Miss Wilson, 92 Park Street.
South Yarra, was duly elected an ordinary member; and
Mr, A, Wade, Ridley College, Parkville, an associate member
of the Club.

98 - Field Naturalisis* Club—Proceedings. Wubi Se

GEN) RAL BUSINESS.

The Hon. Secretary called the attention of members to the
‘Annual Exhibition of Wild-flowers, to he held in the Mel-
hoarne Town Hall, on Tuesday, October 21, and weged then
to ipteeest their friends in the country in the matter,
Civewlars had been, propared giving divections as fo the
collection and torwatding of Howers, copies of whieh could
be had on application. Te abso asked for assistance yt the”
Town Ehell oo the morning of the exhibition, and hoped a
nuinther of mombers would be able to give some fime ta the
arranging of flowers, ete.

The ineveasing destruction of wild-flawers was referred
to by several members. ‘Tho quantities of Thryptomene
exposed foi sale im the city (his s¢ason caused sane comment.
While some Inembers thoneht that it carefully ent it weald
do po hav to the plants, others thonght some aetion should
he taken fo regulate its collection. Me. Oke said that on
the.previous day, at Foruteee Cully, he had seen two motor
curs decorated with wild-flowers, jnore especially with fhe
heantiful elimber, the Purple C ‘oval Pea, Hardenbergia mono-
phyla, which as everyone lnows, quickly faces and withers
when pieked, Tug streamers of (is pea were entavined: all
about, the ears and over the hoods, Both ears lonked very
pretty at the time, but the flowers wonld soon fade, ancl.
besides, the display for future seasons would he lost, Te
thonght that some action should he taken, ov the beauty
of the hush would soon be a thine of the part.

My. C. Daley. B.A. F.L.S., as onesof the Club's delegates
on the Goneral Coureil of the Anstrnlasian Association for
the Advancement of Sciences, give wu short aceonnt of the
recent meeting in Adelaide, w hich he said was well attended,
and he was pleased to see several other members of the
Club aniongat those present, Fle said that the programme of
lectitves. addresses and papers was 1 vory full one, and had |
leew well attended, Tho exeursions were of an interesting
nature, and he considered the meetms a erent sucecss and
trusted much goad would result. from tt.

PAPER READ,
By Dr W, MacGillivray, entitled, “A ip. to South-west
fQueensland’’ (eontinued).

This was the concluding portion of the paper commenced
it the preyious meeting, and dealt principally with the floral

seb Field Naturalists’ Clut-—Proceedings, yo
features of the iveip from Charleville back towards Broken

Will, and revealed what: al splendid display is made by the -
Huweriny plants and shrubs during a vood season, in a segion

which-is generally vegarded as the last place to look for

flowers,

Severn) nenbers spoke as to the terest of the papers, and
expressed surprise al the varicty of vegetation ina part of:
the continent which is generally regarded as arid and
desolate. .

BARES,

By Miss Jd. GC. Camerun—About a dozen spevies of Mallee
flowers from Tempy, NW. Victoria.

By Mr. C. Daley, F.U8.—-Purple Slate ox Shale trom.
Mount Lofty, SuA.; Aborivinal duplements—ehipped stones
(surapurs) fromos.. of Take Eyre, and hammer stones fom
Costal Midden, Svutl of Macino, 8.A.; Obsidian Button from
Lake Eyre distriet; seeds. of Adrus precaturtus, Joquirity
or Slueky Seeds’? from North-west Attstralia.

By Mer. C. Oke—Cuopperhend Snake, Ventsunia superba
from Preston,

By Miss G. Nokes—I*lowers of orchids, Caludewia cornea;
“Pink Fingers’! and CO. .defurmis, °* Blne Faries’’ from Sand-
vingham, Y

After the usdal conversazione, the niveting terminated,

THe Smoner Parrov.—aA correspondent at Otiyen records
in the Aryus “Nature Notes’’ the breeding of this bird,
known variously as the Black-tailed Parrot, Roek Pébbler, oi:
Regent, Parrot, Polylelis melunwri, ii captivity. A dozer
veges were laid, but only six were sat upon, the result, beiny
two fine birds nuw a year olel,

4

Diath —aAs we go to press the death is annouieed of Ma.
L. &. Thorn, a member of the Committee of the Club, and
wm enthusiastic lepidopterist, Further partienlars will
appear lit the next Naturalist.

Correerion.—Aupust Naluralisl, page 60. he eonelusion
of the third paragraph should read:—‘'. . . . specimens
of gneiss, nica schist. (or alternatively phylite), and regma-
tite, the mmerals comprised felspax, museovite and quart.”

100 PuteHur, fi the Strathboygie Ranges vig

IN ‘MID STRATHBOGIE RANGUS,
' By EB, Peron. .
Miicad before the Bield Naturalists’ Club. of Vaetorta, fii
August, 1924.)
| Apripag, |

Nothing hax hitherto appeared in-the Naturalist vepavding
the Strathboyie Ranges, a tangled group of granite: hills
sitmited between Muroa and Mansfield, The highest dull, M4,
Wombat, ases,to 2600 feet, or about 1800 feat above the
suurounding courte y. One of the most reyular and consistent
wontribufers of wild-flowers fo the Clib’s aunuval exhibitions
las been Mrs. Evans, of Flowing Vale,"’ Lima Last. This lady
lad often pressed me to pay her district a, visit, bat cireum-
stances did not allow an opportnnity until April last, when,
with my wife, LT accepted the invitation. ‘lo reach Lima Mast
Hecessitatedt we journey of LS6 urtles by vail, via Benalla, eon
the North-oustern line, Flere a beaneh fine runs almost due
south, ending at Tatong, a few miles beyond Lina, where

‘there is a considerable saw-milling industry. We were met
at Lima, and motored out to ‘Mowing Vale.'' a distance of
xomy five or six miles. Elere we were among the foothills
of the Strathboyies,

A short ramble ou the atterhvon of our arrival goon showed
is that the district would be a prelifie collecting ground in
the sprav aid carly summer Aimony the eranite rocks the
well-known Ruck Porn, Chetieuthes lenwfolia, etew las-
Wriantly with fronds of more than cighteen inehes in length

‘An opaerkl, Melichrus urceolatus,, BR, Bu Urn Heath,
laving ashy-reen eon Was vather common aud well in
Hower, The Golden WMverkigting, Jelichrysiim lecidun,
bristhtenud Che logality with tts woldpit heads of Mfowars, eve
Wso was the Winger-lower, Choiranthera linearis, A. Cum,
iui not bearing its hewmutitul blue flowers, Cater f obtained
soine plants which { handed over to the Botanical Gardens
un my xeturn to town,

A dew days later we visited the Newbery, or Newton, Balls.
situated at the head of a valley cast, tran Suir-lopt Peak,
nbout three wiles away. This walk revealed iany other
interesting plants and shrubs. ‘he district reminded one of
the Grampians, especially as the Common Fringe-myrtle,
Oalytiix tefvagonn, was very abundant. The Box-leaf Acacia,
A. bumfola, was Eromising a fine display of bloom in a fow

ee. PITCHER, In the Strathbogie Ranges itt
weeks’ time. The Mountain Grevilleay G alpina, ark the
Hairy Geebung, Persoonia rigid, were also noted. The only
arehid seen was the Striped Greenhood, Pterostylis reflena.
Nhe falls were about 40 feet in height, and when well-supplied
with water nvust be an imposing spectacle, the water falling
avey imimetise granite boulders in its descent to the basin
below, Ferns of various species were fairly plentiful. A
number of young plants of the king Fern, Vodea barbara,
Was obtamed for home cultivation, the glossy surface of the
loaves making this fern. an attvactive pot plant, The maiden
hair fern, Adddgmdwon AChiopieua, was luxuriant in its
trovidage, mary fonds measuring eighteen inches in lemeth,

Nest day the Lower: Lima Walls. on the'Sugavlaal Creek
wire visited, Ov the way thither some fine young Blue Gun
inealypis, /. globulus, twenty to thirty feet in height. were
passed, the fohage of the upper portions of these was the
iypical lony strap-bke leaves, many measured were: over 20
inthes, and one was 254 mches by 34 inches wide, while the
Jowey portions of the trees were still bearing the rounded
silvery.grey juveuile foliage, the whole making a beautiful
pieture in the bright sunlight. Here also the Cotnmon
Bracken was of very stvong grawth. One frond JY cut
measured seven feel three inches iu Jength: ‘Though an old
fern collector, I found bere my first specimen of the Meadow
Moonwort, Botoyehwin wustrole, a widely-distributed plant,
hat nowhere plentiful. Being strange to me, T first took it
ty he some intrvadueed plant. The Blankei Pern, Plenrasorus
(Grammaitis) vutifolius, grew in the ereviees of the
rocks. "he Oorres and other shimbs bordered the pathavay,
while the Drooping Mistletoe was seen on the branches of
imauy of the xam trees. he rocks along the track were of
immense size aml various shapos, reminding one of ruined
rustles or ancient. cathedrals,

Onur gambles in the distviet weve interrupted by a visit. {o
The Dookie Agrieulttiral College, sone forty miles away on
ihe other side of Benalla. This proved very interesting. Wul
hardly comes within the seope of my paper. However.
advantage was taken of a few minutes’ waif at Benalla to
visil. the Public Gardens, prettily situated on the banks of
the Broken River. Here some very fine Fugenias were
hearing a wealth oftheir pink frvats, aking a handsome
sight, . Numeérons fine coniferous trees testified to the suit
ability of the situation far their erowth,

102 PercHen, fi the Struthdogie Ranges act See

The text. day WAR SPOLL tiea vial’ ta the imaka Tima, Balls,
4 journey of about six or seveu miles, atc situated somewhat
further away than the other falls, avd i steeper and more
hugwed countyy necessitating the ase of horses. ‘On this
oecasion we were accompanied by the local schoolmaster, Mr.
Jordan, atid Mv, Lewis, a vecent arrival from England, who
was studying Austrrlian farm life at ‘Flowing Vale.'' The
trees were larger and shrubs more plentiful, but did vot offer
eereatay variety than we had already seen. ‘Che fally were
eurying a good volume of Water. and looked well in the
bright suulight. Sone tine was spent in the vieinity, but no
new ferns were noted, vom the top of the falls a fine view
was obtained of the immense rocks forming the crest of the
Sugarloaf Peal,

Our stay willy the vans family was a most pleasant one,
find, as Me. Evins was one of the pioers of the district. he
Was able to give Us an anotnt of listorieal information whieh
wis. extremely iiteresting. Mua. [Evans proved herself an
ardent lover of our ative flora as well‘as 4 most enthusiastic
eollector and capable vuide in this traekless district.

The district is one whieh, in the right season, would make
oil excellent exploring svound for a Club party, and I hope
to hear that an effort will he mace at an early date to visit
these ranges en messe.

Murrox Birog,—An interesting article by Mr. F. Lewis,
RA.G.L., Acting Chief Inspector Fisheries and Gaine Depart-
ment, Melbourie, appears in the Ostober Zauw (Vol, XOXTV.
pages 1, 2), giving details afta number of observations made
at Phillip Island: Westernport, Victoria, regarding the return)
of the birds to their breeding burrows during’ the seasons
1920-23. ‘This’ brrd- Puffin tenairostris, also known os the
Short-tailed Petvel, avrives m great. numbers fron’ 26th to
80th November each veat for breeding purposes. The eggs

-are large for the size of the bird and ave nmeuch sought after
by residents and others for eulinary pneposes. The question
has atisen whether. when the first eye is taken, the birds lay
again. Mr, Lewis* experiments seem to be fairly conclusive
that the birds do not lay more than one egy, but that thev
return to the same rookeries, and often actually to the same
holes each year, Fron these facts it should he possible te
frame regulations whieh will give the birds that measnre of
protection whieh is badly needed at the present, tine, as
there t« evidence that thelr nanihers ate gradpally decreasing.

‘

ra MACGILLIvRAY, Excursion in S.W. ‘Queensland 103

AN EXCURSION IN SOUTH-WEST QUEENSLAND ~

By Dr. W. MacG@itsavray, Broxsn Hit.

(Read before the Meld Naturalists’ Olub of Victoria, 11th
August and. 8th September, 1924.)

On August 15, 1923, four of us, Dr. Chenery, intrested,
like my self, in Ornithology : Mr. P. C. Riddell, principal of
the local Nechnical College, and our driver, Norman Reid,
packed all our eamping gear, with sufficient petrol to take

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us to the nearest yail-head in Queensland, and took the
‘northern road leading from Broken Hill. The previous year
had been one of dr ought, but good rains had fallen in the -
autumn and in early winter’; all eowth, however, had been
retarded by severe frosts, but for all that, the country was ,
becoming green from herbage that had-to seize any oppor-
tunity fo teproduece itself. Birds were very searee, the
majority not having returned after having left the district
for more favoured localities during the dry year- ‘
Our road took us out on, the eastern side of the Barrier”
range, crossing Stephen's Creek at nine mules, then Yalco-
winna Creek 10 miles further out. .A few Little Corellas,

104 MacGiILiivReay, Excursson fi SW Queensland eit Pity

Carciua sanguinen, and Galubs, C. reseicupilli, were seen
feeding on the erouid on tying aay Campbell's Creek. Oi
the gravelly country that we passed over before teaching this
creek, the ground was white with the Hairy Cress, Blewradia
lusiovanpa, and to a lesser extent with the Yellow Cress, B-
wasturtiowdes, with the Woody Cress, F. trisecta,, aud the
bitte‘ Eradiun cygnorum by way of contrast im smaller
patehes. Craspedia chrysantlia was mostly in hut, with
Heliptariean polagalifoliam. Aveas of the aasty-smebling
nrucifer, Blennadia cardamenoides, wore soon forgotten im
conten plating the glorionsiv-vellow single plivts of Seveets
spregorin,

At about focty miles we enter the Muvowie Hills, where the
vegelunon is again not so torward. Oveasional evecks, lined
with Rec guns, Hucaiy Bite vastratu, whieh provide nesting
hollows ‘For a few Galuhs, Little Corellas, or Ringed-Neck
Parrats, Barnariline hurnarii, ave crossed i intervals, The
Rocky JHillsides ure clothed in Mulga, Aeveta aneura, Dead
Finish, 1, telragonophylla, Rremophila alternifolia, and #.
apposttifoliu, with Acacia oswaldi along the» smaller water
eourses. Ennerging from the hills to the more open country
we find patches of the Yellow Everlasting, Weliptemun paly-
galifolinm, well in flower. ‘On to Enrowie, fifty miles from
the FOll, the voad traverses open gravelly slopes which in
places are mantled withasnowy covering of Blénnodin lnsiv-
carpa. From Fowler's Gap ta Sandy Creek Bore we pass
over an open gravelly plain with o gum creek away ta one
right snd the Barriey Range ont to the left. Brom this
plain we flush a few Anatralian Dottrell, Pellohyus australis;
Grange Tangs, Ephthienwra curifrons, and an oceasional
Pipil, Avthus australis Beyond the Bore the country
beconies sandy with a: wvound flora of New Zealand spinach,
Tatrigonin expunsa, and voung plants of the Ham and Eves
Daisy, Myriocephalus stuayti, some only of whieh ave in bud,

Baneauina Lake, 100 miles from Broken Hill is vereled
late i the afternoon, as our motor had not bee workin tno
well, We lenve the northern road oight wiles further on.
‘going off to the vight, sfill theough sandy conulry. Cater-
pillars ave numerous, the Now Zealand Spinaet being eater
in juny places ta bare sfalks, We distuvh namhers' oF
Whistlianz Magles. Hrltingti: sphenwrus, and a few Black
Kites. Milvns tarshun, from the ground where they had heen
feeding on the caterpillars Whose insects Were at all stages
OF, developnient. from tmr newly-hatehed ones, to the rity

Ean MACGILLIVRaY, Excursion in SW. Oneensland ‘106
metuyed grubs iu. were burrowing into the sand to pupate,
Tittle Covellas, O, sanguinea, and Galahs are becoming more
immercus oy the execks. that we pass. After passing
Nundora Station we eame te a yate, from one ot the posts of
of which » Galah-ilew. We afterwards Jeary that a pair of
these birds had’ nested in the same post ‘for the past thes
‘veasons, and we are advised to keap a lock-out wher
wyypeoaching another gate about six miles oii from Wouna-
minta Station, which we reach ubout au houe after dark,
after negotiating several bad cveeks and washuways, but. the
welcome that we receive from Mr, and Mrs, dackson makes
light of all-our troubles,

The next’ morning 18 spent in looking raved the troute-
steal; the- dans are all full and the young red vums vlog
the éveuk looking fresh and well awing to the reeent local
rains, All old trees had been cut ont years lefare to teed
the Yurnacos of a woolscour, Famy Martins, Mhjlocheliden
iviel. were bisy buildiig their nests wider sheds and
vermudahs anti the ‘arcival of a Goshawlk sends them all high
in the air to wait there until he departed, when they came
down and started vathering mad along the water cdee, with
whiel) ty construer their retort-shaped nests. We were
ahown the site of a Greene's, Meliphayu penreiltuta, neat in a
climbing plait on the verandah. Many White-Browed and
Masked Wood Swallows passed overhead on their southerly
nigration, sone dropping out to feed or vest for the night.
The walls of "he house ave of pisa protected by pluster. Ina
plane where the plaster had fallen off, a Red- Baeked Kings
fisher, Maleyou pyrrhepygius, had burrowed in,.and reared
a lr avd of young 4 season previously, Striated Pardalotes:
PB. streiatis, also regularly build it these walls, and the White
Race, A, leucopsts, in. the vuttering of roofs.

Leaving Wonnaminta after lunch, the solitary Rovner
berry Movuitain sooth fodms up, and oar road winds round
its eastern end, which is continued for a considerable distanee
as an outeropping ridge, and the gravelly plains that we pass
over are a result, of this mountain’s. denudation. These
plains bear a. pieturesque appearance, consisting of pure
white patches of, quartz or blossoming Blewnodia. lasigcaipa,
wernating wrth others of vivicl green Spinach and other
herbage, and others, of « dull yellow colouriiw due to
Bleniodia nasturtioides, or a bright golden yellow: with the
Suuvay, eli evn polygulifoliun. After crossing we pull up
within two miles of the foot of the mountain, and Walk over

-

106 MacGrutivray, Excursion in S.W. Queensland [Ye th

to it-as T was anxions to gee an idea of the survival vegetation
on the evest of this vesidval, The first mile was over a plain
secupied principally by Adroples vesicarwm., the speeies af
perennial salblnsh which above all others makes it yossible
for the Western Dialing country to be, used for graxwug
purposes, and gives a name to the saltbush plains. Aelip-
tery flaidundimn was mostly in bad; a brilliant-white
Sancay, whieh ut Hines cavers large tracts of eonntry, and
which 18 4 valuable fodder plant. The erabholes (soakage
depressions), that are fond on sandy and gravelly plains,
were here aoeupied prineipully by, two composites, a, small
* vellow-Howered Groundsel, ., Seneio” “‘brdchuglossus,’ with,
torigght grey) foliage which — appears jnore green than yellow
in the Wass, as the flowers ave inconspicuous, ated Helipteriwn

sfeectiem, av einai) white Howermy andual with dark green
Toliage. (erasions eluups of the Aeshy Groundsel, Senecie
gregori, Wade splashes of br illiant yellow at intervals, with
Helipter um pokygalifolarn m sinall communities. No grass
exeept sone very young stuff just showimg above the ground,

was t6 be geen, A White-fronted Tang, EL ulbifrers, as
disturbed from her nest low down in a saltbnsh, the nest

containing three hard-set, eges. to whieh the bird soa

returned when we went on, Shortly after an Orange ‘lang,
BE. auvifrons, flushed from hor nest well concealed alsa in th
saltbush: this nest contained three: ean of the Tang wii ane
of the Narrow-billed Bronze Cackoo, all nearly hatching.

We pars a few stunted Belars, Casuariniw lepidophious:
Bullock [sushes, Heterodendron oleifolium, and Mulgus.
Acatia am.uton. scattered at long intervals over the plain, A
mum ereck, bordered as usual with Hucalyptus vostruta,
erosses ou path, and whids its way through a gap in bhe
ridge. Crossing this we start elimbing the foothills, on Whiehi,
Needle Bush, Haken leucoptera: Belars, Casuaring tepi-
daphlowt + Leopord Trevs, Plinedlersta macidosa, and Dead
Finish, Acacia tetragonophylla, makes an open scrub. Up
the mountain, Mulga and Dead Finish are the principal
trees. Kvemophila oppositifolia and &. allevnafatiue are
flowering. und Cassia stur(t showing signs of revival, after
being dvy ane miserable, form, the undetserub, On top
a fow vagged pines, Callitris robusta, grow Tron
erevices in the big boulders that cap the uumuntain, Other
plants are Solanwn elliptacui, soto petider, Parieturia
debiis, Leptorrhynchus pangetinides. The Mriostemon, whieh
T am anxious to find, proves ta be identieal with the species

+ Tye MacGiLuiynay, Excersion tx SW. Queensland 10!
found on ML, Manara, on the opposite of the Darling Vullev,
auid pot with that found on the hills near Broken Hill. Bird
life in scavee, Red-capped Robins, P. geodenova, and Little
Crows, C. bevnetti, and Chestnit-eared Finches, Toaenopygie
eastunolis, only. Dr. Chenery found a nest of the Wedge
Bill, Sphenostonia crista¢um, in a& Dead Finish, containing
two half-fledged young and the est, of u Singing Honey
Eater, MW. virescens, with two hard-set eggs; the nest was
unusually placed, being two feet from the ground in a
Kochia, A smadl Hoel of Siteldas, Veusitle pileatu, were busy
searthing the Mulguy for food. A Shinule-backed Lizavd,
Trachydosaurns rugosus, on the plait is photographed and
ellowed to go, This lizard is vegetarian and. viviparous. and
js capable of aestivating for lone dry periods of two o1 more
years, duving which time they remain buried in the ground,
usally nuder (he roots of some perennial bush. We inspect
an old nest of the Wedee-tailed Bagle on aue of the creek
fluus, note many Calahs and Litthe Corellas, ) few Ravens,
C. corone, and Magpies, (. diesen, and a lot of Miners,
Miyzuntha flavtgulas Pardalotes. P. status, and Greenies,
M. penieliata, At is date when we retnm) to the motur,
su we decide fo ean on the first ureels; aur iinter deciles,
however, that we stiy for three days.

A Maepie wakes us early as she is ineulatiig in o sapling
close to our canip, two Miners! nests ave quite agai, and a
Crested Bronzewing Pigeon is feediig twa von ta nest
nah Acuda cana about 100 yds. wway. The Miners tune up
soon after the Magpie, followed hy Galahs and Corelas, with
a Whistling Hagle a good last, “Aiter brenkfast, Mr, Riddell
and myself evoss as aravelly plain to an elevation near
Kuoonenberry; on this we find a few stunted Jevere cane and
Belars, big bunches of Surcostomme australe, a few bushes of
FErvemophala Duttont, and a fine flowering bush tear a rabbit
burrow of Senecio maynifica, One of the Casnarinas sup-
ports an ald nest of the Wedge-iniled Eagle, Haroaelts
oudax, the top of the nest being six feet froin the ground
and the bottom two feet. We return to neamp, msperting
another Hagle’y nest on the wav Adler a short rest we go
on to a small bare plain covered with remain of Aboriginal
fireplaces, with many fling and other clippings. Drm Chenery
whe had heen down the ereek, reports the piisence there of
the Black Honeyeater, Wyzomeln miged : the Pied Toneyeater,
Certhionyx verteyatus, and Didhwers assinitis, After laneh
we go. down to look these birds up and find them feeding on

10% MAGGILLiVRaY, Excursion in SW. Queensland {yea tet Naz,

the “hones yeladon’ flowers of Vicoliona ylunea, the intvadueed
Tabacco: ‘Bush, This busli doés ‘little harm, grows usually
whure ‘nothing else will BROW, often shelters a lot of useful
herbawe. and provides food’ for a wumber of honey-eating
bids, who dre-also useful as inseet lestrayers, to tide, them
aver a ¥ sedgons. .

A Whistling Bagle was noted building, and ik Little FKagte,
Tieritetus morphnaitlos, sitting on one ege in her bulky nest
atcthe: top of a slender ein.

eOn the followings dw we go in i South easterly ‘direction
through: scattered Acacia cana bushes,.in one of which a
Singing Honeyeater, /. virescens, has a nest and three eggs.
We ascend ia rocky pinnacle’ to get a view of the surrounding
fconntiy and note a fairly thick ‘sermb to the: south-east, whien
westto down to examine, On our way we note the Pied d, whe
Black, the White-plumed, and Spiny-cheeked _Honeyeaters,
Brown ‘Song Lark, Yollow-thvoated Miner, Crinison “lang,
and’ Browie Qiwil, “The serub Wwe find to consist principally
of Acvewe cunt with an odd group of Leopards and Belars:
The evened ling covered with Taw bushes of Kremaphile
mecnlela’ in full flower, these Howers are honey laden and
provide a plentiful supply for the Floneyeators mentioned,
which are here in numbers.

Kremaphia maculata shows a bie vange of colours, from
bright ved, through maroon, terri-eotta, pork, to ereamy
white. with foliage also varytng from" bright green to dark
purplish red, Myoporunt acunuinukum and M. desert? are
Wso growing m this association with Jusmenwe Linewra sup-
porting itself ai these or other shrubs: Growing up through
many of the bashes were the beautiful white ov mauve
(luisres, Minweva denitioulata, und M. “leplophylta, awd all
through' the, patch at. intervals, Senecio gregerii and 8,
Taatus, Dr. Chenery was not long in finding a nest of the
Pied Honuereater, placed Tow down in the dead Wremnapkitee
macula, through which was growing Machylaena tomentosm
iy berry, wud a White Brachycame.. This nest. open and cup-
shaped, was eomposed of dried stalks of herbage and rootlets,
and Jinecd avith finer rootlets. Several nests of Clycipkaila
albifrans, the White-fronted Honeyeater, were found at all
stages, contaning part or full elutehes, or youny birds newly
hatched, to others that were almost ready ta leavé the neal,
These nests were mostly placed low down in the Eramophilas
and well hidden, The Black Lfoueveaters, Myzomele negra,
were seen, but hae not yet started to nest. After lunch, Mr.
Riddell and myself explored a stony and serub-covered hill

on

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLI. October, 1924.

PLATE IV.

*YELLOW-TAILS '' Trichinium Nobile, Launp.
The flower spikes are 3-4 inches high.)

A MIXED COMMUNITY
(Mostly Composites of various Species. }

it MacGiuliyRay, Excursion in SW. Queensland 109
to the east of the camp. Two old Wedge-tailed Eagles’ neats
Wem exwinined, a Spotted Nightjar, Lurostopodus gutiatus,
flushed, and a fest, composed almost wholly of sheeps’ wool,
of the Singing Honey eater found in an Acacia cana, «Other
trees and shrubs on this hill were Acacia uncura, A, tetre-
navophylla, Leocorpus aphyllus, the Quondong, Fusanys
acunndatis; Brenophila duttoni, and masses of Sarcostemma
australe. On the following morning, the 9th August, we
made a further examination of the Acacia, cuna—-hrenmophala
maculata flat, with a view of getting photogriplis of the
valious nests and other ‘objects of interest, Vhis being
accomplished, we return to camp to find that the parts of the
hotor for whith we weve waiting had arrived, so that we
were able to continue our journey to Morden Station, where
we pot in the following night, being hospitubly entertained
by Mr. and Mys. Con. White.

The voad to Virieania, which wo traversed on the next
morning, passed over #ravelly ope country, on whieli
Blenadio losioorrpw wid Bo nasturtiaides were doawerbnys
freely, with smaller patches of Coodenia glanee aud Metip-
turun polygalifoliums clevalions support a little serub,
mostly Mulga and Dead Pinish, the latter is in flawer, bul
CAL Ot dispuise its rugged form and prickly Phylledes. On
Saudy travts the bie daisy, My ocephalus stuerti, is well in
flower. Craspedtw plerocephele is also here. We came to the
mile six miles Tram Morden, 1 one of the posts of which
Wwe had toan told to luk for a Galah’s nest; the pair of birds
were there and bad been bedding the hollow with green gum
leaves carried fron) an adjacent gum ereeck., Crossing a
ereek, Our attention is alfractid ta ‘umn bers of tussocks with
a yellow button-like inflorescence, Crespedia glabosu. That
fing shady tree, the Whitewood, Ataliya hemiglanca, now
appedirs singly and in elumps, and the sandy vidges show a
more varied scrub, Mulga, Dead Finish, Acacia Burhitts,
wilh Hremophala longifolia, EB, shal, E, oppositifolim. ima
flower; and, later on, #2. altemnifelia, Along. the watercourses
one sces mastly Belay and Mulga. tn) moister flats, the
Liveuder Daisies! Brachycome sp, which vary in shade from
hvht to very dark. Myriocephalus stuarti, and occasional

plants of the beautiful purple pea, Swainsona procumbens,
‘well'ii tower We arrive in Yancannia in time for Junch,
Whith delays ts threesptanters of am hour, A fine erimsen
floweruigs Mnealypt, of Western Australian wrngm, makes a
beautifol ohyect In the garden, A graceful ivec with smooth

'
'

Lio MACGILLIVRAY, Excursion in SW. Queensland = [YE SRE

white steni and branches, and smali lanceolate leaves, ih is
well in flower, these are lage and of « beautiful crimson
eolatr; it is probably the Mt. Lindsay gum, 4. erythronewre,
a very desirable omamental gum for drier parts of. Aus.
tralia,

We are sor On our way again, our road. leading us down
the creek through a rank growth of herbage till we are able
to eross the water-hole, the only permanent natural water-
hole in New South Wales west of the Darling. Over imore
gravelly plains covered with wild flowers, down along a. creek
where we noie'the Moulie Apple Tree, Owenia-acidalu, with
jie dark, glossy pinnate leaves and bushy rounded top, sil wai’
a beantiful abject. If hears a dark purple fruit about 1 in
by 14 iv. in dianieter, nearly all stone, and often eaten by
Emus.

Bootra Station is our next stopping place, only long cnough
to inquire the Way, a8 we are anxious to push on, Shearers
have just artived, after eutting out at Mt. Sturt, and are to
‘start operations on the following day, We ga almost due
east from here and take a road past the shearing shed, which
is some distance from the house, through thick serub. mustly
uf Mulga. and Bullock Bush, with an wndergrowth of Tur
pentine, Evemophita Sturtis i. dultoni, E. longifolia, and a
earpéling of Croeifers, Composites, and other herbage, Birda
other than Galahs are scarce, but later on we note a Spotted
Harrier, C., nssimilis; many Short-billed Crows, C0, Bennetts;

Singing Tloneyeaters, M. wirescens; Miners, MW. flavigala; -

Red-capped Robins, P. goodenovit; Greenies, WM. penicillata,
The crows are nesting freely in the Mulga and, pulling up
the var under a Mulga, a Wedge Bill flushes from her nest,
in a bunch of Loranthus pondulus, Dy, Chenery finds it
to eontain three of this bird's beautiful blue spotted eggs
Tt is almost. dark when we come to a dam and pull off the
road toa camping place on a box ereek, the trees bordering
it being mostly Bimble Box, Eucalyptus populifoliu, w tree
with very distinetive rhomboid or rounded grcen leaves.
The harsh calling of 2 Short-billed Crow wakes us early, to
he-fallowed by the beautiful notes of the Rufous Song Lark.
Cinclorhamphius mathewsi. from the ereek quite near our
camp. Its nest is afterwards found in the Spinach growing
in the hed of the creek, an open enp-ahaped structure
lined with bark. and constructed of comrser bark.
built into a depression scraped in the gvound, if son-
tained three fresh eges. Down the ereek » Spinycheeked

'

Po

Aus, MACGILLIVRAY, Excursion me SW. Queenstand ~ dil
Houeyeater ‘0 lev nest in a Mistletoe on s Mulga, and a
pair of Galahs had been vainly trying ta bed » hollow stump
with gum leaves without result, as there was « hole at the
hottem through which the leaves fell to form a: considerulse
heap wt the foot of the stamp. A Crested Pigeon, Qcyphaps
fovholes, is on her nest. in a Malye also, ' Y

We nuke an early startup past the dam to pick up our
woud, The day is beautifully fresh and sunny, with a light
south wind blowing, as we pass through open semb of Mulgy,
Whitewood and Bullock Bush to No. 5 Bore, where we come
upon a mob of about, 150-mus feeding onthe herbage. An
Eremophila, %. BowmaStu, hero’ attracts .attontions its
foliage being silvery grey with large lilac flowers, and is new
tons. An Acti Lguluta erowmg by the bore, is showing
afew flowers, We take a vight-hand track and pass through
aw ostuntod growth of this species for some distance; further
On we voine to d tine, tall Achéia, with a trunk 18 tiehes to
twa -feel in dinmeter, which is « stranger, and which we
Tound to be lroywood, A, excelsa, vied later became a feature
of the Jandseape until we veach the Queensland border,
maniy of these trees being 50 feet in height We now pass
through thick Mulza and Bullock Bush serub fo some dis
tanee 111 we come to No.6 Bove, wherea tall éypreas-like trae is

segagiised as being identical with one that had grown np on

a barren steny spotoon the British Mine at Broken Hall
Codonocni nis cotiifolius, like its wear allies the manbers af
the genus Brachyehatou, mt as pithy and reputed to be wood
fodder for stock. Tas loeally known as Mustard Bush. Water
is bving be all claypans amd depressions, herbage good all
the way, and many wild Howers, Blewnodia — canescens,
Brochyoome ciliaris and Helipterwm poligalifokium pve-
vailing. i i

We reach Byrosing Station, where we are hospitably ente.
tained by the manager’s wife, Mra. Lawton, and ave relieved
to find that we have only 25 miles of good road to negotiate
before reaching or destination on the Paroo—Wanaaring
township. It is soon over, and we enter through shrubby
growth of Mrenophila shri, Dalanace viscosa, and the
Aster, Ofearia pancleuides, the latter beng finely in Hower
The township consists of 2 dozen or more hovses ranged along
the main road on the banks of the Paroo; theve are severni
empty ones ind many ruins. The Paroo has recently heen
in Hood, Inil 3s now only tyekling between holes, Ime
diately below the town, along the water's edge, are grawing

'

'

2 | MacGILLIVRAY, Excursion in SW, Queonsland = | Sh Sap

!

a Binhle Box, 1. popubifolas Black Box, 4. ticalor, Yap
yah, 4, echyophlaia, and the Ned Gi, 2. rostrata. A ‘iocal
varden contains two date palms, each about L2 feat i beigli.
These palms do well im this distviet: thare are several fine
éexumples ol. various stations along the Darling, some planted
in eavly days being 40 to 50 feet in height anc bearing large
quantities of fine fruit annually. They come into bearing
whe about ten years old, and practically go on for ever;
thus should be.plinted in groups oy avenues to facilitate
fertilisation, as the sexes are on different trees. Af present
Australia as importing £600,000 worth of dates annnally.
wid all that we reqaine could be grown here.

~ Our oad fromm here runes north parallel with the Paroo,
and fle vegetation passed by varies as the country is subject
ty inundation or the sandy bordering of the river. The
prevailing timber irecs on the sandy country are Mulga,
Beetwood, Gyreviller strata: Whitewood, with Irouwood, are
the largest and the most conapicuous. “We fearu fron the
locals that if is so named heeause the wood is ao hard as to

be almost wiworkable. On the flooded grmind the niost-

wohapieuous tree was the Yapunyah, whielt was llossoming
freely, with Howers balf an ineh ju diameter, these being a
erent attyaction for numbers of honey-rating birds. The
Gimble Box, with ity glossy, bright green leaves. ig always
attinelive, especially the foliawe of the young saplings; ever
the dry leaves that have fallen to the gvound shine Vike
pieces of glass when. reflecting the sun’s rays. FLarmonions
Thrushes are common along .the viver, thongh seldom seen
outhuck. The Red-backed Parrokect, P, huentolonatus, tol-
lows. the river timbers ancl never ventures away from them.
Miners and. Spiny-cheeked Houeyeaters are feeding on the
flowers ot the VYapunyah and frequenting the serub and under
serub;: Pallid Cuekoos are reeognised by thei mournful
calling, About 16 miles from Wanaaring the Bloodwood,
£, terminalis, adds itself to the tinwber on the sandy country.
On the river soil we find Acacia stennphylia, which. always
Keeps to this hahitat. ‘The Queaniurra, Prenophila bignauia
forta, and. Lignum, Wuehlenbeckia Cunninghanit: and.
wearer the ¢cdge, ‘oeeasioual bushes of the Tiignum-like
Bremophila polyciada, The Wild Orange... Oapparis
Mitehelli, is occasional on the sandy ecorntiy.- At Willava
Station we hive lanely with Ma. and Mrs, Staller. and admire
a Magnificent Lemor-seented Gum, HL. citmaduru, evowing iW
the garden, where it had heen planted many veary previonsls

‘

Tous! MACGILLLWRAY, Kxenrsion in SW. Queenstond iia
Tts bole was fully tivo feet fi) chameter. he children here
were being taught trom the State Correspondence Selool in
Sydney, ond seemed to be inaking good progiess in thew
studies. i

Our next stopping place is Talvalya Station, owned by an
olil friend, Mr. Austin Cline. Our radiator is leaking badly,
so-flat our driver has to take it off to solder the leaks, the
rest of us walking on (il le overtakes us. The réad passes
over sandy ground with the same elass of timber and under-
bush. A single Grey Falcou is seen, also Brown Hawks,
I, berigora; Whistling Eagles, Little Crows, Galahs, Ring
Neeks, and Blue Bonnets, P. huematerrhous. We have not.
seen any Little Corellas, C\ sanguenea, since leaving Bootra,
Cresird Pigeons, Qeyphaps lophetes, ave common: Red-
cupped Robins, Singing, Spiny-cheeked, White-Plumed and
Black Houeyeaters, Dr, Chenery found a nest in a charred
Mulga stomp of the Chestnut-tail Tomtit, containing three
fresh épys, and we tioie many of the birds. Whitefages, 4.
[eucopsts, are conmion id
- Nearme Muneerford, the border fawn, we pass frst
cthreagh oan avenue of Black Box, 4 hbteolors then
an owmderserab oof © Turpemive, Weemagloila Sturte,
and Dodenuea viscose. Nhe first building we “come
to is the Past Office on the New South Wales side; all the rast
are In Queensland. We make a few inquiries pid, as il is
near nightfall, push on to find a camping plate before dirk.
We seevoss the bed of the Paroo te vegain the eastern side,
and camp for the night. A Boabeok Owl had been eainu,
but the first streak of day was greeted by the gloriously
mellow notes of the Pied Wuicher Bird, CL aayroguharis
followed by those of the Harmonious Thrush, CL Jiueranonien,
Wiite-browed Wool Swallows axe uumerous and huilding
thei nests. The Littl Wee Bill, 8. brevivostris, is searching
the box leaves for smaller forms of inseet life, hover in
front of the branchlets or clingiwg to them when effeeting a
capture, Our oad still follows the course of thes Puro
piestly on, Hooded country, which sipports a more vuyied
tree population—Bimble and Blick Box, Yapunyah, still
flowering freely and in places. forming forests by iteelf, The
Red Gun keeps to the actual watereonrse On sands
stretches we have Mulga, Gidgee, A, Cenrhageds Tronwood,
AL vrcelsa; Boetwood, Grewllen striata, with Bloodwoou.
Bucelyptuy terminates, t, fower, making a fine: show with its
sorvubose inflorescence; the trees of this species here ave

fe : Tiel Mat,
Mla MACGILLIVRAY, Excursion in SW. Queensland [Ye SSP

much lavger and finer that those me the orth- west of New
South Wales, owing to The greater average raiutall All
these trees have » grey sealy bark on trunk and limbs. We
suill have an widergrowth of Dodonaea viscosa, but the Tur
pentine. Eremaphilu Sturti, is gradually being replaced by
one of larger growth, with darker bark anc broader green
leaves without ‘the gununy exudation, Lremophila Metchetti,
The Lavender-flower red Hremophila i ix also being replaced by
one with darker green leaves wud a light blue Hower, YZ. fload-
weit, As we go north Cidgee bedomres more common than ear
old fiend the Molga. and has Mremoplile Latrotet, with its
erimson flowers as ait weidergrowth, and wo find whole bracts
of country covered with Bremophila Cioodwind whieh is
rarely inove than two feet in height. We meet here with the
Grey-crowned Babbler, Pomatostomues lemporalis,. replacing
P. ruficeps and P- super ciliosus, the conimon species in West
Darling country. The two Friav Birds, P. corniculatus and
P, citreo gularis, soon make their presence kuown,. from
amongst the flowering Bloodwoods and Yapunyahs. Much
of the timber in the “paddoeks bordering’ the toad has been
ringbarked, and the ground covering varies from dry and
dead herbage in placeg where no rain had fallen veceutly,
to others that had been tavonred with a thunder storm, and
here we find the ground covered with a sweetly: sinellins
composite, Calotis “Plumutifera, or Bleniodia canescens, and
the Lavender daisy.

We arrive at Kulo at about 2.30 p.m. on Avigust 23, a
small township marking the turn off ta Cunnamulla, which
road we take through a fuirly-thiek sernh of Mulya, Gidgee
and Beetwood, with undergrowth of ‘Turperitine and
Doatonsed wiscosa, whieh soo opens out anti) we come to the
gravelly indge which marks the divide between the Warrego_
aid Paroo Rivers. A beatiful hop bush, Dadonuea borandue-
folia, with pinnate leayes and sitatl deed vessels in all shades
from pale yellowish “green to michest dark evimson, attracta
our attention. Cassin avlenisinides is also finely in flower,
the flowers being larger aud the leaflets broader that: thease of
the species found at Broken Hill, Brown ‘tree Creepers are
common; also Grey-crowned Babblers. Magpies, Gavrulous
Miners, which have replaced the Yellow-throated species;
Clreenies, Blue Rounets; PF. huematorrkous conthorrbhoen:
Ring Necks, B. barawdi: Major Mitehelts and Galahs-

' Our road takes as over sone yery bare wantey, evideutly
stibject to inundation. of Moongiree Statiou. On this a

prs MACGILLIVRAY, Hecuersion it SW, Queensiand 11s
few isolated specimens of Swutusone procumbens ave Hower-
ing, aud wa few daisies. The Wilga, Geigera purvijlove, graces
Lhe Jandscape more often, with its fine dark green bushy
growth, and is in flower and seenting the atmosphere,
Nearing the Warrege the country is still open, but being
dotted with shapely Wilgas and syiusnetrical White Pines,
Cullitvis robusta, has quite 4 park-bke appearance. ‘he
road winds through the Red Gums and the Box Trees of the
viver frontage before srossing the bridge leading to Cunna-
inulla, a prosperous town of from 1500 to 2000 inhabitants,
in which many new nildings ave going up, ineludipg a
shive hall, w general hospital, and maternity hospital, The
streets are well planted with the common and Broad-leafed
Peppers and White Cedars, A Bottle Tree, Lrachychiten
ripestris, with its eromous bulging stem and fine-foliaged top,
is both an ornamental and useful shade tree. It was not far
ngeth from here that this species was first found by Major
Mitchell. Water is laid on all aver the town from a fine
artesian bore, which has a daily flow of over one million and
a quarter gallons, zoming from the pipe at a leniperatare of
107 Fahe. Tt isa soft alkaline water, with ¢ slightly chlorin-
ous odour. Peaceful Doves were cooing in the atrect trees,
and numbers of Fairy Martina nesting under the high-arched
roof of the railway station.

The road from here to Charleville, a distance of 125 miles,
was quite perfect for travelling, and in places quite pic-
turesque, ug it went north between the fiver and the railway
line amongst finely-timbered country, the trees being mostly
Yapunyah, Biinble Box, Bloodwood, Coolibah, 2, microtheca:
Wilga, Tranwood, Gidgee, Mulga, and Beefwood, with White
Pines on the sandy patehes. Capparis Miichellt, the Caper or
Wild Orange, was finely grown and in green fruit. Mrema-
phila Mitchell was more plentiful, Fremophila hougifolia
accasional, as it had been all the way, and Erenephila big-
noniweflora, keeping to foaded country as always. The last
two have long flowering periods, The Warrego itself was
bordered with Red Gum, Black Box and Coolibah, with Tea-
tree (Melalewece sp.?) waking 4 thick se¢nb in amongst the
channels in many places,

We pull into the bank of the river for lanch and note many
birds, conspicuous amongst which were Jacky Winters,
Microsea faseinans; Harmonious Throshes, Grey-crowned
Rabblers, Yellow-throated Friar Birds, Greenies, Sulphur-
crested Cockatoos, Galahs, Cockatiels, Crimaon-winged Par-

i16 MACGILLIVRAY, Excursion ix SW. Queensland [SR

vots, White-winged Choughs, and Apostle Birds. Grallinay,
Crested Bronzewings and Common Bronxeyvings were numer:
ons, also Striated Pardalotes, and two being flashed from nest
ing holes m gate posts ew route. After passing Wyandra, a
wayside township on the railway line, we go on for abont four
niles before making camp for the aight on the viver bank
Boabook Owls and Owlet, Nightjars ave heard calling in the
night, aso, at intervals, the guttural gruntings and roarings of
the Koula, Piasealeretos cinereus, were heard again after
neeuy years.

We ave all yp curly to investigate the bird lite of the river;
hut foluid nothing ney, Fairy Martius are nesting im snl
colonies along the xteep banks. Sulphur-crested ‘Cockatoos
sereanl amongst the trees, garrmious Miners scold us for our
intrusion, and the fine miellow notes of the Pied Butcher Buvil
and of the Harmouious Thrush are distant and near. Wo
ave away early, pick up the road, and find it very rough owing
to cattle having been over it in wet weather In open forest
miauiy fine Bloodwoods are in Hower, the foliage being covered
with thei’ corymbs of large ereamy-white flowers. The ston
and branches ave covered with a rough, grey, seuly-bark, the
nppermost. smaller branches anly being smooth. The Yapin-
vahs, £. ockrvophloia, have their buits black, the bark coming.
off in flakes, all the vest of the stem and branches being
sooth ov Hesh-coloured or white. The Coolibah have
prey. scaly stems, the upper branches being smooth
and white. The Bimble Box has its branches gvev
and rough, with rovnded glossy leaves, Fyenrophila Michelli -
is, in places, in blossom, which ig white, and 2. maenlata js
also in flower. More trees and shrubs appear as we wear
Charleville, and soon we find ourselves in an Iranburk. Bneu-
Lyptus melanophloia sermb, the trees varying in trunk diame-
fer from 1 to 14 feet; leaves silvery, and bark rmeved and
black. We hurry. on to reach Charleville before the stores
close, as tl is Saturday, passing many shriths that are new in
us On the outskirts of the town we find a lot of tall, gracefut
Eunealypts, which we afterwards find to be Moreton Bay
Ashes, Mucalyplus tesselaris, at the western lint of its range.

Charleville is a large and well-built fawn, nearly all the
houses: being raised up on piles 6 or T Feet from the eround,
with inverted, tin-dish-like eonrses ta cap them as a protec-
tion front white ants and other vermin. ‘The most, resistant
wood to decay, and white ants. is Gidgee, next to which comes
Pine, so lony as it lasts.imprernated with is natiiral ais and

ty ~MACGILUIVRAY, Excursion (aS) W. Qaverislane if
resins. Wherever the Pine grows it is being eul for fencing
ahd building parposes, and the forests of it are beiupy pradn-
wlly cut out, and there is no reproduction,

in Charleville we male a few inquiries us toa lileely camp
ing place, muke a few additions lo the conunvissaviat, atid
retrace our steps to the Warrezo over the week-end. We
veach the Inonbsrk serub aguin in time for lunch, and adil
afew specimens to our plant portfolios. A small und graceful
Wattle. is coming into flower, Acocim palens,. which proves te
be a new reeoril for the State that we are in. Indigafolia
breviders is an old, frignd met with at the Depot. Glen. af Sturt.
A shrubby Groevilley, with trifuliate leaves aud dry seed ves-
sels, is Hew to as. A tall, scraggy Aster, Olearia subspicalu,
ix fiawering, but not nearly so finaly as O. penceleotdes was al
Wanaaring, A rough, tussocky gvuss, T'riudia Metchelli,
les been caten down by eattle, but the Lew ereen leaves that
ure left exale a perfume that scents the whole atmosphere
uf the serub in aw agreeable way. It should be possible to
istif a fine cesential oil from this phint. Velloye paradowe,
Holiplerum polygalifotium and a Lavender Daisy are grow-
ing amongst these plants. ‘Thwo pretty shrubs are Phebaliwn
qlundulosum and Claythain longiflora, the latter in flower. We
fo dnd camp on wa waterhole on the river, choosing » soft, dry,
wiby spot for our poor hips, During the mght many ealls
of the Boobook are heard frony different quarters, and also of
the Koala.

Our driver direeted my attention to a erested bird in one
of the ereck Gums, which proved to be an Waster Shrike Tit,
Muleanculus frontatus, the firet that 1 had sewn for a lunar
time. ‘Ms must be about the western limit of its distribution
i Queensland, There was a pair, anid Dusy, as sul, pull-
ing bark off in searel for hreakfaat. A Square-taved Note
was starting a nést. on the horizontal fork of a Goolibah by
out #amp, ind we could watch her frantic efforts and adimive
her patience in trying to fix dry branchlets on a slippery hori
zontal fork. ‘Che branchlets: were all snatched from the top
wf a neighbouring tree by flying sweeps. with the bird’s claws,
carried in them ta the chosen site, transferred to the beak
before wliplting, and then placed in position, the oultspread
wings being used to prevent slipping as much as possible,
hit. In. spite of all this most of the twigs found the ground.
from which she sever retrieved them, more being obtained
from the tree tops. At this camp both Grownd Cuckoo
Shrikes,” Pterapodueys maxine, and’ the Little Onekoo

Rk MauGinuiyray, Excursion tn SW, Queenstane (eany
Shorikes, (erauculus robuslus, were seen, au J tried Lo Tallow
up the melancholy call of a Bronzewing till it led me to a
dense ‘lea-tiee pateh, with about 30 yards of water to eress,
when L duenle to leave the bird to its misery,

After breikfast Dr, Chenery and 1 went up the ereck fer
ihowhite, erosscd where a dead Whiqua seinevides was atteact-
ing wumbers of Mies to its clissolution. We-alyo went up on
the other side on the look out for the long-lost Ser era
tryanmuta, thon out tito the finber; Yupulyah, Gidgee, Mules
and, Lremophita Mtehelli, ow the Jast of which a ligtantic
L. Murvayi, new to us, is growing. L! pendulus is common on
Gidgee and Mulga, and a ved and yellow leafed one, Hke
4. mireouloses, but not or tlower ov fruit, on Yapuiyah. The
same Irian Birds are about, aud we admire the droll attitude
struck by LY ¢ormicelahus when ubterii ibs vollieking siotes
and it docs not require a big stretch of imagination to picture
him it an avdient monastery with a flagon of nut-brown ate
wt houd, head and bald pate rolling back to give forth o
jovial gone. Paacofnl Doves are plentiful, and Jacky Winters
ond Brown Tree Creepers common. We soon eome to the
wravelly divide, on whieh there ix quite a thick growth of
Dodonaea horonivefolia, with bromouphila Hatchedé and Cas-
sth artemistoides, occasional trees of Hremophila longifolia
and bushes ot Brenaphilin weedata There isa geoud deal of
dead tiiber on the gravid, adie atl birds ave pleatiful,
such cas Acdnitnse nue. A. curepyytels aud Geabresilerws
chrysorvious, We finda nest, of the last 6 feet wp, in a Beene-
phile Mitchells, Qtr AT Hing three eves, With oue of Mie Narrow:
billed Bronze Cuekoo, CUNanacleris snepereidvasrs und Sat)tn
chrysoplera ware poliging the trunks gal bmsuehes of the
larger diwes, ‘The Grey Waatail, At abeliifera. aul Willie
Wraetiil, Ao feneeploys, were Dusy about the semi alik eee
tops. ‘The Brown Honeyeater, Sligmitops audishinete, wae
vory lively tnoits nioyoments, and & fina snigzer, mary af its
wotes wveealling those of the Reed Warbler, Aerecophadus wus
tritis. Many Apostle Birds disported themselves th groups.
Red-eapped Robiuy and Rufous-breasted Whistlers were fre-
quent, anion our way home along the river we saw severil
speciinens of the Little Cuckoo Shrike, &. robustus,

At. about 4 pan. De. Chenery and 1 erosyed the viver and
Went straight out into the ppen forest of Pines, Calldtris
robusta; Mulvga, A. wneurd, and fine tall specrmens of the
Moreton Bay Ash, 72. fesselaris, in one ot whieh, ah a eun-
siderable height, a Whistling Hagle had her peat: We note

Oi MacGiucavray, Excision in SW Queensland 119

\

Grinson-wing aud Ring-neek Parrots, noisy Minus, Friar
Birds, Jacky Winters, Wille Wagtailk and Greenies, mamer-
ovs ag elsewhere, AY pain of Little Mhornbills, A. mand, are
building in an Hremophaita Mitehella ut about 8 fect from
the ground, and ai Orange-winged Treerunner, high wo on
waders Iyaneh of » Moreton Bay Ash. Kookaburras and Pvog
mouths are alno Réen on aur way back to eamp, At night it
KBoubook keeps ealliny trom a tree over our catap im the Legh!
of the partially-celipsed moon. hese birds seoi. to be plenti-
ful alony the Warrevo, and we ave stinek by the individual
variation of theiy notes, Away from the breeding season
their booboals call is rarely heard, being repliced by a single
note-hough,

Monday, Avwost 22, we make an early start baek ta
(harleville, but soon pull up ab the area of open Covest where
‘the ground is covered with flowerme bushes of Premaphila
maculata, We lange tinher being Bimble Box, Lronwood,
Gidgee and Mulys, amongst whieh wee apeoap of till fower-
ioe Watales, A. laerpophaylla, with faloate whitish leaves anel
a2 very rough dark bark. Birda. mostly attracted lay the
flowers of the FErenoplila, syere plentiful—the Yellow:
Whroated and conmon Mriae Birds, Miners, Greenies, Blue
Tuced Honeyeuter, hy cyanoatis; Brown Woneyvedters and
Spiny- cheeked Honeyeauters, also a few Spotted Bower Birds
Restless Flyeatehers and Jacky Winters.

On the roid we pick up Mr, Riddell, who bad gone on ta
take « group of trees consisting of Mulga, Carrajong, Needle
Bush, Moreton Bay Agh, Ginible Box und Yapanyah.

Th Charleville we look ap a few people and are advised
by all to go ont te the Ambathala Waterhole, on the Adavale
yoad, ahont 70 miles west, ts the hole is always kept full from
a bore straun. Leaving the town we Pass (hrough some fine
Mareton Bay Ash trees, lronwood, Cidgee and Binble Box ;
then leaving the Jarwer trees we pass alvernately tracts ‘ot
Midea. and Gidyew serub, with Bimble Box as the eonmnon
large tree, Yapanyah coming next. We pulled up for a late
laneh in patch of Mriga. ‘The ground ts dry and the
herbage seanty, due to the season's rainfall having been
patchy. We start again soon, and come to the gravelly ridge
which marks the divide botween the Wiorega and Parag,
eavered with the sume,serab aa before, af Dodonuew baroning-
folim and Evemaphile Abitehalli, The Langlo River is crossed
and we haye to keep roing to reach aur camping place for the
pight, whieh we do just before nightfall. We find the long

120 MaAcGILLIVRAY, Excursion ot SW. Qreensiand [Von'etets

waterhole tull, und covered with weeds. The country aur-
rounding it seems tu he very diy, nnd not to have had any ram
fur sone Gane. "The tole is bordered with @ good wrowhh al
young Red Gains, the old timber all having beau eut. olit
Acucw stenophyllu, Kramophila bignoniaefolia, and vceasional
trees of H. longifolia, Back from the waterhole was a border-
ing serub of Myoporum. desertt, in flowet; with scattered spect-
jucis of Bimble Box; aud beyond this thick CHilwee ser,
This Dr. Chenery avd L decide to explore on the “tol fartie
movning. It tured out to be very dry, the ground beng bare
‘at vexetation or covered with dend leaves, and birds nol plenty
ful. Ring-necked Parrots weve seen, Spiny-checked Toney-
eaters, Greenies and a tew Brown Honeyeaters, Chestout Tat
and Little hom: Bills, and two. famihes of Black-backed
Wrens, W. medanolus; Ovange-wing Sittelasand White-browed
Tree Creepers, Rufous-breasted Whistlers, Grey Thrash and
Crested Bell Bird and Red- capped Robina. We doeided that
‘we had better go on towards Adavale and paek np and get on
vir way, calling first at the station, and then piekiu up the
road that leads for some distanee through thick Gidgec serul
then Milaga and Bimble Box, It is all very dry autil we begin
to climb up the divice hotween the Paroo and Bulloo, rocks
ironstone eomtivy. Westop ata gully in the range to examine
if, Ab is meist-at first for a smadl distanes, and the serab thiek.”
wilh thamy iraees of Wallaby. The Mulgan. and
Gidgee are yery thick, with an underbush of Mremaphila
Tateobei and E, Bowmand, Solanun ferocissimiem aud the forn
Chedanthes tenwifolia vrow in the moister parts of the gully.
with a Lavender Daisy and the large Yellow Hverlasting, (els
chrysum lreidwm, Further in, we come iupon groups of @ucea-
lylus Morrist, avd a fine Tecoma erowing up over the, Mallee
and Mulga. This proves to he 7. Oxley, differitia in leat and
flower from. Z'. australis, .as U have found it floworing on Me.
Manara, We sec very few birds, and resume our journey over
the range. On the crest we find a-swallteated shral in full
flower, Lhryptomene oligandra, making « beautiful object
Associated with this is a great amount of Mrenophila Boy.
mani, alao flowering freely, A fine tall Euenlypt, with clean,
white trunk and branches and small bright ereen laneeolate-
leaves, A, Thozetiann, is much admired, Tt grows freely
in the yulllus of this range, and thins out as we proceed west-
ward. Adavale seeming to he the limit of its cange in that
irection,

(‘Lo he contiwned.)

Che Victorian Haturalist

Vor. XLE—No. 7. NOVEMBER 6, 1924. No. 491

TMIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB- OF VICFKORIA.

The monthly meeting of the Chib was held at the Royul
Societs’s Hall ov Monday eveniy, Octoher 18, 1924.

The President, Mr. J. Searle, occupied the chair, and about
fifty menibers and visitors were present.

CORRESPONDENCE,

Fron Miss R. Chisholm, B.A., saying good-bye to Club
menibers on account of her departure for Canada, where
aha will take a course in Domestic Science at, 'Poronto prior
to taking up the position of Principal of the MePherson
School of Domestic Meonomy, Melbourne.

On the motion of Messrs. C. Oke and H. B. Wilhamson,
FLAS. it was resolved that w letter of congratulation be
Forwarded to Miss Ben ay her appointinent, avd on the
motion of Messrs. FG. A. Barnard and I", Pitcher, it was
decided that a letter of aintroduetion tu similar societies in
Canada be give to Miss Chisholm.

DREAMT OF ALENT,

The President referred to the unexpeeted death of Mr.
Leonard B, Thorn, a meniber of the Committee, who passed
away after a short ilhiess on the did ult, Me rnoved that
a fetter of syazpatixyy be forwarded to his relatives. The
Mobioit was carried in silence, dll standing. Messra, C. Oke,
H. B, Williamson, F.14.8,, and F, i, Wilson, F..S,, spoke
of the devotion of the Jate My. Thorn to the study of lepidop-
tera, and the loss to the Club by the death of such an enthusi-
astic member. REFOR'TS.

A seport of the excursion to Greensborough on Satnrday,
Septenber 13, was forwarded by the leader, Mr. A.J, Tadgell,
who reported a good attendance of members: ‘he day was
very pleasant, and the green, undulating countryside made
the outing most eijoyable. . About one hundred and thirty
plants were identified, of which fifty-six were found in.
flower. leven orchids were recorded, while the uliens

nuntbered — thirty-eight. The ‘tour fornis, recog:
mised by Robert Brown, of — the Hiliaceous | plant,
Anguilluria dioie, R.Br. ‘Marly Naney, were

pointed out. Lovers of colour were attracted by the delicate
blue of the ‘Love Creeper’? familiar to collectors as Come-
sperma valubile, but veeently changed under the law of

122 Held: Natrvalists' Club—Proceettings. hints wat
priority to Bredemeyera vebuiile, A tew birds, such asx the
Grey Thrush, Patdalote, wid two species ot cnekoos were
identified by Mr. Chas. Bavrett, CIMLZS. Fvam the high
banks of the Pleniw River a. good example of a. meandey could
be seen, with ats erosive influence, and Prof, J, W, Gregory’s
conclusion was recalled that the Plenty, instead of joiming
the Yarva wear Eltham, as it does now, at one time flowed
jnovt southerly; and joined other rivers off Portarlingron,
or the plain or valley whose bed is now decupied by Hob-
sor’s Bay and Port Phillip,

A seaport of the excursion te Ringwood oy Saturdiy, Sop
tember 20, wax given by Mr. J. W. Anudas, Ful.S., whe
reported a faiv attendance of members. The railway enclo-
sure was followed for 4 couple of miles towalds Bayswater,
where a tum towards Vermont was made, anda helt of serob
searched for wild towers, with good results; sue Alty species,
jneluding thirteén orchids, being found it bloom. ‘he list
included a number of imteresting species, auch as Bre
demeyeru comespermna, B, oricinwn, Sphierolohium vinimeum,
Utricularia dicholoma, Polypompholys tenella, Philyoglossum
Driunmonde, Euphrusia collina, Hovea heterophylla, fudiga-
fern Australis, Kennedya prostrate, Acuoia sbrictu, A lenati-
folin, and A. myrtifolia, Pultenea Gunit and Hifhertia
stvicht were afame with ealour and very abandant. The
climbers Hardenbergia monophytl and Bredeameyera wolru-
bile were seen at their best, mit

- A report of the exentsian to Herstbridge on Show Day,
Septembor 25, wus forwarded by the leader, Mr, A, J, Tad
vol, who reported a pleasant outing, the vain of the previous
day haying freshened the paddocks consicleratily. About
oné hundred and fitty plats were identified, of which ninety
were in flower, Thirty aliens were among thuse listed. Same
physiological points were demonstrated during the walk,
such as the differerdit bushes beariie the male atid Female
flowers of the Prickly Currant bush, Coprosma Billerdieri.
The curious little fern-like plant, Ophioglosswm comaceum,
attracted some attention, This is usually founcd in a damp
depression, but here it was growing on a hillside. The Gold-
dust Acacia; A. actnaced, was at its best, and seemed to well
deserve its vernacular name. The party had been indehted
to'‘Mt, A. U. Seott for some remarks on the seolowy of the

' distriet, and to Myr. J. R. Leslie for the identifiestiun of a
‘uumnber of mosses and other cryptogaris.

A yeport, o£ the excursion to Bendigo on Satirday, Qeiober_
4, was given by the town leader, Mv. C. Daler, F.L.S.. whe
said that the seventh annual excursion to that distriet hae heen

.

‘ise ] Fieid Naturalists’ Clnb—Proceedings. 123

ered.

successtully carsied out by a small party! which left town
-by an carly train on the Saturday, and returned on Monday.
The date was found to be rather late to see many of the
characteristic flowers at their best, but enjoyable outings
were made to Peiper’s Hill, in the vieinity of Ojie Tree Hill,
and to Bie Hill, near the Melbourne raad. - Eighteen plants
were added to the list of Bendigo plants recorded on these
exeursions,

A report of the excursion from Wandin to Evelyn on
Saturday, October 11, was given by the leader, My. H. 5.
Williamson, FLLS., who said thai, notwithstanding heavy
rain, a small party managed to carry oul thig excursion,
covering a distance of about five miles. Only three common
orchids were seen. The most interesting plant collected was
Pultenea Weindorfert, Reader. This shrubby plant was
oviginally described in the Natioalist of July, 1905 (Val,
XN, p..51), by the late Mr. F. M_ Reacler, from ispecimens
collected by Mr, G. Weindorfer on, some swampy Jand near
the Warburton road at Wandin, Reeently it has been
gathered by Dr. Sutton, and My. J. W. Audas, F.0.S., neat

Gembrook, and specimens, without the collector’s name, are
im the National Herbarium, marked “Dandenoug Ranges,"
For this and P. junsperina, a week or two later “would per-
haps yield better specimens. The principal members of the
bush vegetation seen m flower were the Snow Daisy-bush,
Golden Bush-pea, Yellow Riceflower. Other plants noted
were (he Spoon Riceflower, Alpine Grevillea and Heath Miulk-
wort. The Narvowleaf Acacia and Myrtle Acacia were past
their beat. ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

Ou a ballot being taken, Miss Mary I. Allfrey, 6 Ken-
‘‘sitgton Road, South Yarra, aid Mr. ff, E, Grieve, M.A.
Wesley eng Prahran, were duly elected as ordinary mem-
bers, and My, K. F. Hatfield, ‘' Taleai,’' Lilydale, as a coun-
try inember at the Chab,
GENERAL BUSINTSS.

Attention was called to the Annual Exhibition of Wild
Flowers to be held on Tuesday, 21st jrist., and some timie wus
spent Tn arrangiig details, in coisequence of whieh: it was
decided to postpone the reading of the paper by Myr. J. H,
Harvey, I.R.V.1.A.. until next meeting. +
; NAVURAL HIBTORY NOUS,

Mi. A. E. Rodda vead some wotes on the KMastern Water-
dvagon Lizard, in Wusteation of his exhibit of photographs
of this lizard,

124 field Naturalist's Club—Proceedings, beng

Mv. C.Oke gavg an account of the peculiar attraction the
scent of the Wood Ant, Tridomyrmen nitidus, seems to have

ior cats. EXHIBITS. ,

By Mr. C. Daley, B.A.—Large specimen of Gypsum from
Northern Queensland; also fading blooms of the following
plants’ grown vat. Caulfield: Micramyrtus ciliatus, Galylete
Sullivant, Calytivix tetragona, and Uhrytomene Mitchellienee,
all having a brown to reddish tinge before fruiting,

Mr. C. Freneh—Double flowers of Fairy Wax-flower.
ywstemon obovdlis. This.torm is very rare.

Mrs. Mattingley—Some photographs of New Ciinea
natives, ete, Papuan axe-head, Wood-earving by Papuans.
bean of- Caseara tree.

Rev, A. J. Maher.—Specimen of Common Spider Orehid,

dete Patersoniz, two tect high, with three large flowers

Mr. A. I. Rodda. Photographs ‘of Eastern Watet-dragon
Livard, from Aberfeldy River, Gippsland. Also two other
species af same group.

Mi. A. L. Scott—tossils from Wandong Quarry.

Mr. J, Searle.—Large fossil tooth,

Mr. H. B. Williamson, F/L.S.—'‘ Fibre-ball”’ from Sonth
Australian. «oust. Flowers from Wandin excursion.

After the usual conversazione the meeting closed,

PXNHIBITION OF WILD TLOWERS.

The Annual Exhibition of Wild Flowers wag held
ul the Melbourne Town Hall on ‘Tuesday, Oeto-
her 21, when there was agai a good attendance
of the geveral public. The display of flowers was very vood.
lit it has nat been possible to complete the full list of exhibi-
tors, efe.. in time for the present Natwralist. From returus
to hand it ig expected that about £50 will be available for
the Bush Nursing Association, as its share of the proceeds.

THe Lave Mr. Lronarp B. THorn.—Attraected by Mr. F_P.
Dodd’s fine exhibition of Queensland and New
Guinea butterflies in Melbourne in 1918, the late
Mr IL. B. Thorn took up the study of butter-
flies and smoths, and im August of that year beexme
a menber of the Field Naturalists’ Club. The life histories
of the largest members of the group being fairly well known,
he devoted himself io the smaller species, and chose the
Lycawnide for special attention, This fanuly ye particularly
difficult to investigate, as the larve of many of the specios
are night-feeders, and in some cases the altendance of ants

~

‘

nee Obiticary 125

seers to be necessary for their arvival at iatnrity, ‘he
results of some of his observations weve published in the
Natwralest for July last. Tn September, 1922, he jomed
Mr. ( A. Waterhouse, F.E-S., of Sydney, and Mr, A. N.
Burns, of Brisbane, both members of this Club, m a
collecting tip to the Riehmond River district, N.S.W., and
on to Southern Queensland, in searel of certain “species ot
butterffies required for special investigation, and in Navern-
ber of Jast year, in con)Janetion with Mr. Burns, gave an
interesting account of the trip before thix Club (Vict. Nat.,
Maveh, 1924, XL, p. 221), illustrated by: a plate of soma of
the varer species ‘eolleeted. He was an adept at setting and
displaying his specimens, and was always glad to. give
information to others regarding the subject, During reeent
years he had acted as leader of several elub excursions, and
his wame appew's in the current programnic in a similar
tapacity, His iiness is thonght to have been oeeasioned hy
too strenuous atticution. to his hobby, in addition to his
every-day life, aud his death on Ovtuber 3, at the early age
af thirty-thxea, leaves a blank in the Club's workers which
will be hard to fill. At the last asl miceting le Wis
eleeted.a member of. the Committee, and exhibited vonsider-
able enthusiasm in that position. Le wus darimg the journey
ty Bendigo that some of his fviends learned the sad news,
and ag My. ‘Thorn had frequently joined in that excursion),
Jas felow-members felt {he loss very keenly,

THe Lave Mr. Grorgn RB. Huw.—By the death af Mr, G. R:
Hill, on the 19th ult., the Field Naturalists’ Club has lost
one of its oldest supporters, he having been cleeted a member
in January, 1884, Though we-believe he was not an actual
eallectoy of natnval history objects, be encouraged his
sons to devote their attention to the life around them, He
was 2 draughtsman by profession, and served the Victorian
Railways. twithtully for many years, vetiving after holdiag
the position of chief draughtsman for twelve years in Novem-
ber, 1594. He acted as a niember of the Committee of the
Club in 1893-94 and 1894-95. AL this time prizes were offered
to juniors for collections of natural history objects, and i
is Pleasing to recard that twa of his sons secured prizes in
these competitions One afterwards adopted entomology
as his life-work, and, some two years ago succeeded the late

a WY. P, Spry as entomologist at the National Mhiseum,
Melbourne. Mr. Mill wus born in Bristol, England, in 183s,
and hil reavhed the ripe age of eighty-six at the time of his .
death,* He left a widow and a fainily of eight sons,

126 MacGritivray, Exerrston in SW. Queensland Ries + Sat

AN EXCURSION IN SOUTH-WEST QUEENSLAND.
By Dr, W. MacGriiivrav. Brokts Ati.

(Read before the Field Natvralists’ Club of Victoria, ath
August and 8th Seplember, 1924.)

(Continued from page 120.)

Ta, a golly to the north of thé road there is much
under-serub of Lremaphile Bowman, Cassia Lremapkila and
Indigofera brvidens, with the Tecoma Oxvleyi climbing aver the
trees im masses. The serub itself is mostly Mules, Hremophita
Mitchedls; Wild Lemon, Cantheuwm oleifolium, with Bucatyptus
Worrisn, L, ochrophiow, Eo populifolia and LW. Uhozeteann
scattered through it. Returning to the road we climb to the
top of the range over a rough road, and find Dodonaea petio.
lovis making a great show with its lange bladder-like seed pods,
of all shades of. colour, fram pale green to rich, ruddy brown.
1 recognise it as the one that I had previously fod on the
Nappa Merrie range, to the north of Cooper’s Creek. To find
a camping place we run down the western side of the range
until we come ta a creek crossing the rodd, whieh we explora
up and down from the road for water; it is very bare, and
mast of the holes are nearly dry and muel) trampled with
cattle. One, however, a Little larger, serves our Purposes, 28
we intend toe return lo the range carly next morning.

We are up eatly, as the ground was very hard and burry,
and we ave soon back along the vead until we regain the top
of the range. We leave the ear and elimb down a steep, rocky
bank on the north side, in which are small caves used by
Wallabies for shelter. There are many tracks of these animals
through the serub. The underserul consists of Lremoplula
Oppositifolia, LW. alternifolia, Cassia eremophila, and C-
ortemisioides, with Wilga, Mulgan and Eremophila Met-
chellé wp to 20 feet im height. The larger timber trees are
mostly the Enealypts alveady mentioned. Birds are not
wumerous; Acanthiza nane and A. urepyginlis, Petr oad goods-
noun, Rlipidau'a albiscapi, Collyrwcmela harmonica, Acar-
thagenys rufogularis, and Pomutorhanus temporalis ate seen.
On the top of the range bordering the road is a stunted serub
of Acacia dovatozylon, and to the south of the road one looks,
over a Sea of serub interspersed with the lurger trees pre-
yiously mentioned. stretching away for miles. Our <lriver
noted a bird trossing the road which prover to ba a female
of Cinulasoma castaneohoran. Mi

eee! MAQGILLIVRAY, Excursion in S.W. Queensland 127

On resuming our journey towards Adavale we puss through
sermb, mostly open Midya, gome of which are covered with Hie
Trcama Oxteyi, finely in flower, Jasmuiawn lineare and
Marsdenia leichardtians ave frequently secn climimg or sup
portivg themselves on dead or living serub trees. Many
Bloodwoods aye covered in blossom, and are fine large tices,
very different from the stunied specimens oue finds in the
north-west of New South Wales, where the average roustall
is niuch less than here. We vo along the road
through ‘the open seenb and note patelies of
Cassia plewurecurpe, or a nearly-alliod species, along the
road, flowering and growing to a. height of 10 or 12 feet,
We had previvasly ines with ib in small colonies nuar Cha)le-
ville, ard I had collected it on the sand hills near Foi. Gvev,
in New South Wales, and also in South Australia, new Cor-
dillo Downs Station,

Our voad soon takes us Tato country whieh bad been
favourest with good winter rains, as the ground is covered
with a carpet of herbage, much of whiel is th dower, the
prevalent yellow colour being due jo the Velleya paradane,
an upsight-erowing form with golden-yellow flowers, and, ta
a lesser extent, to a procumbent form, Goodenta ylobta. We
stop with the idea pf adding to our botanical specimens urn
boiling the billy for lunch. J was rathev surprised Lo iole us
serubby growth of Peldlostylis lubichenides recovering vie
growing vigorously alter having been burnt to the roots; with,
ne at Broken Hill it grows high wp'on the slopes of Mt. Robe.
A salthush-like shrub, also growing beside the roud, was in
flower, ancl turned out to be a new species of Proslaratherda.
The purple-flowering Vrenoaphila Goodwing was fairly fre-
qnent, When IT found several speeies of the beautiful trr-
quvise-blue Pineushion, Brunenia austnadis, in my inoranee I]
made suve that it must be something new, bul, found afterwards
that Major Matehell hact collected it in 1836, Several cone
posites Were anionget the other- flowers, Helichrysunt lucidum
beiny the most conspicudus, with the soft Billy Buathon, Cras
pecdso, Plewocephula, in greater nomber. Two species of
Trichinum were present, one with beautiful rose-pink flowers
ing heads, 7. culostuchyams the other taller, more conspiea
ous, with gsilver-white heads, 2°. mucrocephalum. Podalepes
vutidocklianys, a tall thistle-like plant, and Linwn marginale
reared their heads above all the others; Loranthus pendulus,
the common parasite of the Mulgas,

.

128 MAGGILLIVRAY, Excursion in S.W. Queensland [saree

Resuming our, jouriiey, we pass through this class” of
countey for several miles, till near Adavale, when we conte ta
land which had heen haved by travelling mohs of cattle, only
a few scattered Gams, mostly Yapunwah, Bible Bos uid the
white-stemmed #. Thovetiana, being left to grace the land-
scape. We cross the Blackwater Creek, running with bore
wator, before coming to Adavals, a small township on a bare,
open space, Prom here it is our tntention to follow the Bullog
dlown to Tharvomindah, anid so get our divections, and mudce
oft across the common, on the western vow, for several miles,
till we come to the Bulloo. which we cross before leaving the
nuin western, ov Whulorah, road to tuvn aonth. The Bulloo
consists of & wide bed, in whieh are a wumber of channels.
Most, of the holes are full, and some are fine large and deen
ones, bordered by Red Guin, 2 rostrata; Coolibah, BE. neiera-
theca; Acucie stenophylle and Lrempphila bignoriaeftora
Math raul grass grew in between the channels, mostly Mit-
ehell and Kangaroo grass, (he latter, in large tussocks, served
to aheler aumbers of Wallabies, Our rod follows the path
of Juast resistanee, down the river on the flonded eroutd ov
mit into the serul to eut off a hend: We erass and reaross
the chautel several times before coming to Vhargomindah.
Our first evossing was 15 aiilos from Adaygle, aud we 2o u
few niles Lo eamp in the ehainel at a vood waterlole.

Ou the following day we decide to let our driver take the
ear on and wait for us at the next evossing for lunoh, whilst
Dr. Chenery, Mr. Riddell and Towalked the river. IF turned
out to be a long fifteen miles. and three very weary and hungre
men reached the crossing well on in the afternoon We found
the veyzetation along the channel very dey. and ieds remarte
ably eearee. A few Pelicans, Cormorants and Spoon Bills
frequented the hales. Ducks Were few in vamber. Only iwo
Suiphur-erested Cockatons and one Galah were noted, and no
Parrots. A dry time had sent most of the birds elsewhere.
Four hivds were found nestiny—a Sacky Winter, a Spins
cheeked Honeyeater, » Diamond Dove, and White-browed
Swallow. .

We go, after lunch, for abont ten miles, till we come toa
stony hillside, which is gay with wildflowers, Velleya para-
doxa and Helipterum floribundin preponderieting. This
hillside was productive of two new species—a pretty pink
Gomphvena and an Tsotropis—a fine brown perennial pea,
Ganthiwm oletfoltin is here of better growth, and muel
bushter thatt on the Warrego. The pretty little Climbing

Reeve MacGILLykay, Excursion it SW Queenslend 12s

Pea, Glycine cleadostinag, is trequent. Leapard Trees are again
a feature of the Jandseupe; other trees are Bloodwood, White-
wood, Maolga and Dead Winish.~ The Wedee Bill is heard
agin, and 4 solitary pah of Red-rumped Rarrots seen just
before dirk, We pass Comongin Station, quite a town uf
buildings o1 the shore of 4 fine sheet of walter: Lake Dart.
mouth, on whieh are numbers of Waterfowl, We so on to
eanp within a few miles on a small waterhole.

Rarly next morning we hear the Brolgas calling, wiid see
four Banksian Black Cockatoos aight on a Leopard Tree near
the camp. Quilpie—we enter on the last day of Auguat—dis
the western terminus of the Brisbune-Charleville railway, an
nupretentions township on bare, open country. After mak-
ing a few.purchases we leave the town again. A Hock of
twenty-seven Black Cockatoos, C. Banksii, Ay overhead before
we Jeave, and tivelve Brolwas uve seem on te outskirts, We
are unfortunate nn breaking 9 back spring when only two
miles ont, so we decide to unload under the nearest. Gidave for
our driver to take the trolly back to the local blackamith whilst
we set ourselves to explore the country, The canny is very
dvy, and birds and phurts ure searees A purty af Apnstle
Bivds, Struthiden cirored, are busy about a nest high up on
a yerticul fork of a Yapunyah, going into the neat by turns
and doing a lot of chattering. About ahundred yards further
on another lof were noticed about, a nest, only 15 fect up, in
a Gidgee, This nest was a new ane, well built up, dined with
erass, aud contained sis eggs. These birds are gsually found
In sinall communities, and whe a nest is to be bailt all take
v part in it, camryang either mud or vegetable tibre, and waiting
their turn to add their quota, Several are often seen fussing
ubouf a nest and taking tans te sift. on the eves.

Making another start along the road, we soon pull mp to
phowosraph a finely-fowering specimen of ie lignum-like
Mrenophile. Potycleda, which was covered with Its white
flowers.” wo Prickly Climbers we do not find im fruit or
flower, although we have seen then alongside the road at inter-
vals since we arvived al Cunamulla, wid are unable to identiiy
them, he principal serul trée is still the Girlger, with
Yapunyah, Bimble Box and Bloodwood bere and there amongal,
it, Aloug the avateveourses, with its grey-green foliage at
times assuming almost) a purplish hue, Mucalyptus micra-
theca, commonly known ag Coolibah, J. rostrata, a darker
green in colour, conirasts with it, and is not so frequent as if
was on the Bulloa. Cussia artemisioides 13 more common

130 MACGILLAVRAY, Excursion in SW. Queensland Might

now than C. eremephila, and many bushes are flowerime.
Cassia phylledinew formes low bushes, and Cassia desolate is
(lien ussocated with i on stony ground, and somelimes a
amall-leafed form, C. Shit, The Wild Parsnip: is flowering
freely, but the Carrot ik only in bud; the tlowers of rhe
former, a pale mauve in colour, cover whole hillsides in places.
We crose the Bulloo twenty-cight miles from Quilpie, aud
tamp fix the night. AL through our trip mosquitoes have
only troubled ys-for an hour or so at suiset, cisappearing
after nightfall when the temperature dropped,

There were very few birds about this camp, Crested Pigcons,
Peaceful Doves, Greemes, Spiny-chetked Honeyeaters, White-
hrowed Wood Swallows, Red-haekedlt Wingfishers and Woolca-
burvas. We have not seen any Blue Bonnets since leaving
Onnamiullal, no little Corellas sines Bootva Station, in New
South Wales. aud no Ring Necks since Charleville. Our first
stop on the road is to imvastigate a patch of Gidgee ta the
left of the track, near to whieh about twenty Strawnecked
Ibis ave feeding in the open on caterpillars, and a fino pair
o£ Wedge-tailed Eagles are breakfasting on a dead bullock,

Now that we ave getting away from thiek serab Authus
dusitalis is heesming more frequent by the véadside, The
pateh of seruh, being dry, contained very few birds—Chest-
imt-backed Uhornbills, Red-capped Robins and White-browed
Babblers, Dy apens out inte scrub of daller growth. in whieh
we find a party of Apostle Birds fooling about a nest whieh
contains three egzs. which they all take in turns te sit on for
a few minutes at a time. We return to our env and ga on
through eountry that has been cater, bare by travelling cattle,
as we are following-a mam stoek route, Twenty Whistling
Hagles are counted as they rise from a patel: of ereen, where
they have been regaling themselves ot eater pillars, and wet-
ting efficient help from White-Browed snd Masked Wood
Swallows. Lunch time is spent on a hove strenm, and i is lwur-
vied through, as the place is infested with sand flies.”

‘The rest of the road is nnoventfal, and we run into Thargo-
mindah about sunset—a dead town, owing to the surround-
ing stations carrying few, il any, stock, and consequent,
depopulation of the country. Most of the houses are empty
or in a state of dilapidation and decay; paint has-been a
stranger to them for many years. The street—there is but
ime—is lit by electricity, but the latips are so covered with
nobwebs. that they oniv give a dim light. The light is gene-
rated at a fine avlesiau bore about three-quarters of a mile

'

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLI. November, 1924.

PLATE V,.

CAPER TREE (in fruit), Capparis Mitchelli, Linn.

DARLING LILY, Crinum flaccidum, HERR.

mth MacGILLivRay, Excursion in S.W. Quocnstand 18t

trom the town, the bare water being laid on all over the town.
‘This bore has been vunning for thirty yeai's; it has a depth of
2650 feet and a daily flow of 670,000 gallons, and comes out
of fle pipe at a tomperuture of 160 Pali, Tts chief constituent,
is. sodium carhonate, and it is quite a good water for all
domestic purposes, and should combat the effect of acidosis
and any tendency to arteie sclerosis in the inhabitaists,

We left ‘‘Thargo,”’ as it is affectionately called by the
locals, after Iuneh on September 2, taking ‘the road to the
Wilson River, passing through open ‘country lightly timbered
with Blondayoad, Beefwood, Needlewood, Dead Pinish and
Mulga. fill we turn in to the left, at fourteen niles, ta,camp
on the margin of the Bullawarra Swamp. This swamp sur-
younds Bullawarra Lake, whivh is abont five miles in diame-
ter, a sandhill separating them, except where a feeding water
eourse mms through. in whe swamp is much Liennm,
Muhtenbeckia Caren in ghamé, and Coolibah, 2, meucrothecu,
with cleo stenophalla, Bordering the lake one finds mostly
Red Gum, 1. vastrade; Coolibah and Acacim slenophalla again
When I waded info the swamp a few Waterhans, /ibonye-
ventralis, flashed from the Lignum, in whieh were their old
nests, anid also a pair of Red-kneed Dotlerel. T crossed to
dhe sand ridge lo examine the lake, which was open water
“without any birds on it as far as one eonld see A fow
Maned Geese and Grey Dueck were unonest the bordering
timber, In which Galahs were nesting freely. Mr Riddell
*jomed me, and we-went on along the edge of the Take, Fuam
a large, open hollow'a Winking Owl was foshad; the hollow
was found to hold three downy young of this species. A
Little Faleon came across the lake to one of the trees near
us, and as we return to camp a. pair of Spur -wivieed Players
keep vociferating overhead.

Ow the following morning Dr. Ghenery and I made an
cally staré through the swamp water, whieh is exeecdinely
cold, and we are vlad to get on to a small island to stamp
our feet into sensibility. We first look wp the Winking Owl,
and find themale roosting in an Acacia stenophylle near the
nesting tree. The female finshes from, the hollow, and they
both fly up into the branchesof an adjacent Red Gun, where
they are immediately altacked by a pair of Little Falaons
who give the poor Owls no peace, shifting them from tree ty
free, and causing them to eall ont repeatedly. The Faleoue
probably had a nest in one of the old. Whistliius Bagles’? oy
Isites' nests, which weve numerous in the adjwning trees.

122 MacGinurvray, Excursion in SV. Queensland [ish ont

From one hollow a Tittle Corvella is fushed, the Arst we Iyad
seen since leaving Bootra, We returner to tho swainp, and
waded throuzh it for a few hours util in hemune luo cleep.
Ducks were numerous, of severtl species, Grev Duck, Teal,
White Hyed, Freckled, Pink Bared and Musk, Red-kneed
Dotterel, were seen with yvonne Many young of the-Black-
tailed Water Hen, Reed Warblers and the Tittle Grass Bird
were seen and heard, and Malweus ossinelis, Ta the shal-
lower parts were four Brolgas and several Yellow- billed
Spoonbills. Waterfowl had evidently‘all nested and hatelied
their voung, as we found many old nests in the Lignum.
We returned lo camp tor lunch, und before Presume our
journey took specimens of a Saltbush, atraplex welutinella
which proved ta be a new record for Queensland, The voad
- took us through open y-timbered country again. the peineipal
trees being Bimble Box, 4. populifolia; Beefwood, Greviller
striuta; Malga, Acacia wueura; with Eremaphala Sturt: and
Dedonaeu viscosa as shiubs. Grass was scanty and all herbage
dry, except in depressions, ‘Chis was suceecdedl by Gidgee
and Mulga serub. Ag we were leaving the swamp we saw
strings and flocks of Straw-necked This flying aut Trom the
back of the lake to-feed ou the plains which we ave approach-
ing, as the sermh i$ sneeceded by epen plains intersected by
Gidgee creeks, Alongside the roud we take specimens of an
Eremophia, which is in flower and is growing in clumps, the
bushes growing up (to 12 fect in height, ancl many seem to be
shooting up again after being eaten down bv cattle, This
species, Lremophila Dalyana, proved later to be another
new record for Queensland. Swuiusand procumbens was
floworing freely in the moister places. Helipterwin flaribun-,
data. is dying oft, and many of the plains are purple with’ Lhe
dry séed-vessels of a Lepidinar. A ereekk on ote left is
-timbersd with Gidgee and Coolibah, with fine flowering
bushes of Caxsta ereinag het, occasional trees of slewcia sevtes
aud Acucta furnesiana, the latter only in bud) Four Bustareds
are seen 7 the sultbush near the uext ereek on our right,
where we stop to refill our radiator and water bag,
On the eastern slopes of the Grey Range the ground beeones
very stony, and the serub is mostly Gidgee. Acres of these
slopes are covered with Triekineawn nebile, and present a fine
sight, and this continues over the top, which we cross where it
is ‘of low elevation, very rocky, and covered with stunted Gidgee
serub. with afew masses of Sarcostenvma Australe, As we come
down the western slopes to a bare, gravelly plain, twa Gih-

~

aug. MACGILEIVRAY, Excursion in SW. Qrecusland 133

ber Birds, Ashbyia Lovensis, ave flushed, Anthus becomes
more commen, big flocks of Cockatoo Parrots pass us on their
southward migration, laut so far we have only see one Bud-
gerigay. We pull in ta Stony Gidgee Creek, in which is a
good waterhole to make eamp for the night. The prmejpal
timber trees on this creek were Coolibah, AL muerathercu, and
Gidgee, A. Cambagel, with a few specimens of A, salecina
Bushes of Mremophilu bignowiveflera and Lagnum, Muehlen-
beck. Cunninyliont, grow round the water's edge, Just.
where we camped iis creek wount itself round the port of
a vevy stony hill, which was covered with a very stunted
serub of Mulga and Gidgee, with Lremaphita oppositifolia,
EB. Dulyena and Scaevola spmnescens all in fawer. On the top
vf the hill a Mucalypt attracted my attention by its pure white
trunk and branches, light-green laiveolate Jeaves, und cupped
yted vessels, placed singly at mtervaly along the tevminal
branellets; it proved to he &. papudna, origmally (eseribed
from Port Moresby. J4 seems strange to me that a tree that.
flourishes in the humid tropical climate of New Guinea should
be found on a dry, rovky pare, bordermg the desert area
Dodonuen peliolams is also found growing anorest the stones
on the banks of the ereck, with Trichimun obountus and also
Rnehylacna tomentosa. A White-winged Chongh js sitting
on her nest in a Gidgee iiear the camp, and a small mob of
Apostle Birds are very much oceupicd im building a nest, tak-
ing tk in turns to brivg fibre abd mud to the nest, A Sparrow
Hawk's nest, found on the evening of on artival ta be empty,
eontains one egg on tho following day. Dr. Chenery, by
patient watehling, found several nesting Pairs within a few
yards of one another; the first was Chawclerts supercilosius.
feeding its young in a hole in a dead Gidece A Red-capped
Rabin, silting on her well-camoutilaged test. A Yellow-tailed
Thorntill and Dicaeum also had nests in amongst the Jenves
of Gidgees; the latier looked more like a tangled flacculns
of vobweb than # nest, and could be easily overlooked.
wo families of Purple-backed Wrens were disturbed on this
ereek within vu mile of the camp. Greenies and Spiney-
vheeked Honevealers were fairly plentitial, and breeding.
Hooded and Red-rapped Robins were seen in the serub
ont on the hill.

On a bank of the creek Whe lufless Ballast, “xocarpus
ophye, scented the air with its small white flowers; here it
grows as a miserably-stunted bush, tar different to the fine
bushes seen in the Mallee bordering the Murray, near Mil-

134 MACGILLIVRAY, Excursion in S.W. Queensiand — | USYREP

dura. On the seeond morning we pack up and resume pu
journey, now over atony plains intersected with creeks at
intervals, and for the first few miles we have serub on both
sides, which we sao leaye behind, WNrenophile Dal-
yond made a low seruh bordering the road avait for a tiine
then more open stony plains, on whieh we disturb another
pair of Gibber Birds, Ashbyia Lovensis; the plains ave very
dry and bare, and there is very little vegetation till we come
to some sandhilis rauning parallel 16 our road, and on our
leit groups of Whitewood trees grow on top, with Acacia ligu-
fate in full bloom on the sides. The Yellow Pea, Crotolaria
dissitiflora, is also finely covered with flowering spikes, and
is a beautiful object, and was srowing freely over the sand.
Nhe Green Pea, Crotolaria Cunningham, were fewer in nmip-
ber ju flower, but numbers of yoltig plants were coming on,
Some fine bushes of the Tangled Bury Daisy, Calatis arinacea,
bright green in foliage and covered all over with orange-yel-
low flowers, would hole their own in any garden. Around the
foot of the sauchills Suansona! oligophylla lowered in purple
patches. Leaving the sandhills we pull on to ground subject tu
ingndation from the Wilson River; this is very rough and
eoyered with annual Salsolaceous herbage; we cross the river
and wain the opposite bank. This river rises on the western
slopes of the Grey Range, and rains south parallel with the
rangy, then turns right roid and ris north till it empties
inte the Cooper. From this junction north and east there is
an area of Ligaum country of shout four thousand square
miles, irrigated by the flood waters of the Cooper always once,
and often twice, or thice times annually; this is a wonderhyl
nursiry for water birds, and may it long veniain undisturbed
by the gun of the sportsman.

We follow down the river until we come to Noeckstunga
Cattle Station, where the station buildings are ona stony rise
overlooking a fine permanent waterhole, at the upper end of
whieh there is a. fine garden, We remain for two days, and
then go down the river te Nocundra, a aniall township eon-
sisting af poliee station, store, public house and a few houses-
Here we recross the river and follow a car track in order to
dodge a lot. of rough going on the mam one, eansed hy mobs
of travelling eattle having been over th in wet weather. Our
track leads us over stony ridges, clothed seantily in Mulga-
Cidgee, Dead Finish, with occasional Bloodwoods, with under-
bushes of Cassin plyllodinia, Cassia desolate and Eremna-
phila Duttoni, whiely are flowering. We flush an Australian

“Nay.

1924, MACGILLIVRAY, Excursion in S.W Queensland LBB

Doiterel from her well-hidden nest—a slight depression ou 2
ert track, with u few hardened bits of clay about it. Fine
groups of a Trichinum are passed by at intervals, and some
photographs taken of-thein. Our track becomes toa faint
to follow, and we retrace our own tracks till we cume to the
old voad, and go to ‘cross the Twelve-Mile Creek, whieh is
yery gay with wild flowers, the colouring heing mastly yellow
owing to the dominance of Senecio lautus. Our car breaks
down, aud we carty our baggage for abont half a mile ta a
waterhole, where we camp for the night, A tew Bucalyptus
microthecs and Addcia stenophyll border it, with Bremophuita
biynoniacfora. aid the Lignum-like 2. polycladw. A Puryle-
backed Wren hag hey nest and young in one of the last-named
bushes, A Magpie, Gymimorhiue tibicen, is feedmp twa large
young in a tree liy the camp. Numbers of Brolvas ure out
on the plain eating eaterpillurs. In the evening nombers of
flocks of Ebis pass aver our camp on their way to their roost-
ing places, possibly on the flood waters.of the Wilson,

On the followmeg njorning we scé numbers of Brolgas quite
esr mir cap, and very soon clouds af This appear ever the
north-west horizun, first, as faint, nebolows messes, whieh
soon materialise; many flocks flying over onr camp and others
going off to all points of the conipass to feed on the harvest
of caterpillars. These flocks, all of Straw-necked Lbis, must
have represented an Tniense Mwuber ot mdividuals, and
they Kept coming up from the one quarter in quick succession
for an oar and a half before thinning ont. The vegetation,
nearly all herbage, is very good about this waterhole. We
maké an early start, and soon note a Mjvatra, with fledged
young.. We examine a sandhill by the way; on if are inany
traces of the by-gone aboriginal inhabitants in the shape of
ald fireplaces and flint chippings. Acacia ligilata is flower-
ing, and A. Oswald in bud only. Dead Finish is flowering
well, Mulga, Whitewood, Needlewood, Hukea leucoptera;
Cork Bark, H. intermediar Eremoplula Dutton in flower,
with hunches of green leaves, In which are the dark-red
flowers, and “. lutrobei, with brighter flowers and narrower
leaves. At the foot of the sandlull I wim very pleased to find
w group of Evomophila, which I had previously seen on the

stony country bordering the Cooper, and also growing freely
al. Cordillo Dowis, from which place L brought specimens, but
without flowers or Fruit. 7 searched through my patch and
-Zound only one with a few flowers. These speciniens, as the
Plant was first found in South Australia, were entrusted ta

136 MacGiLuivray, Excwrsioe i SW. Queensland [Yih DRY
Mert, Black for deseription. Urtchiniwm dlopecumoides, with its
purple or silvery-white tops, cover: the ground in places.
Singly one finds Sewecio gregare, Smainsona lephrohrycha
and 8S. dagonhylla, and a sott procunbent plat, (fneplose:
ériecarpa, Which is frequently used for lining birds’ nests.
A few stunted Bloodwoods, as the hill gets lower, aud more
stony, Mulgas become the domiannt tree. Across a stony
plain a Gibber Bicd, a company of Dotterel, and a pai of
Black-breasted Plover are disturbed in sneeession.

A Ane mirage is photographed away to ony left, over a
fertile plain, on whieh a namber of cattle: ave grazing, with
a brivht-yellow carpeting of Senecio lawhus iv the foreground,
and the Grey Range at the back. More ear trouble enables
two of us to look over part of the Haglehuwk Swamp, whieh
sizotuhes away to our left, vceently dry but now gay with wild
flowers, principally Senecio lautus and the little Yellow Lily,
Bulbine semibarhbata, tha larger B. belbose occurring in
oceasional plants, ‘The pretty little Minrulus gracilis is also
found here, There are very few birds; mostly Orange Tangs
and White-winged Wrens. We cvogs several stony stretches
between intersecting creeks, large arens being quite purple
with Blenrodia canescens. Gibber Birds, Austvaliun Dotterel
and Banded Plovers are passed, all paired und probably nest-
ing. We pull np af Paddy Paddy Waterhole, and find the
whole of the creek banks aecupied by thousands of Straw-
necked Ihbia, atid the air for a few momenis is full of these
birds, rising in alarm as the mator comes ap te then, The
road atter this is very rough for a awhile, then better as we
pass over stony plains, and towards evening we fill onv canvas
bueket and waterbag at ao dam and seek a sheltered spot
amongst Mulga, Whitewood and Lremophia Dublowl, on, the
edge of a sancl ridge, for a night’s camp,

An early morning ramble over the sandhill has much af
interest; the sand, smoothed by the previons day’s wind, is
now covered with the tracks of creatures that eome out at night,
and early morning birds, and we find it an interesting pastime
to traek these to their nltiniale destinations, or la guess at the
purpose of their wanderings, The trees on the ridge ave Mulga,
Gidgec,. Whitewood, and ovcagional Bloodwood and Achera
commagain. T flush an Owlet Nightjar frem e, holtow, anal find
Yellow-throated Miners, Crested Pigeons, Chestnut-eared
Finches and Little Crows in fair wambers. ‘he wndersernh
consists of Ovssia Slunti, C. desalata, C. phiyllodinea and
Eremonhila Dutteni. Resuming onv journey over gravelly

Beas | MACGILLIVRAY, ‘Excursion in SW. Queensiond 137

plains, we flush two ywirs of Gibber Lirds before coming to
two interseeting fences, compelling us to go through three
gates to pick up the toad again in ‘“zibher’? country, covered
im annual saltbushes and other herbages, with Mitehell Grass,
Astreblu pochinata, growing in the Gilgais. A fine Black
Faleun is patrolling overhead on the look ont for some unwary
bird to vise into the air. Not far into this paddock we flush,
a pair of Gibber Birds, and soon find the nest, rather apenly
placed amongst the stones and herbage. Bush Larks are
singing in the air high overhead, and it is not long before we
come upon a Pratincole, with a small vhiels following her.
This swallow-like Plover is a heautifully-graceful bird on the
wing, aid is also quite at home running over the gravelly
plains which form its usual habitat. Gibber Birds are fairly
plentiful, and a second ‘nest, from which the female flutters
away.over the stones. feigning a crippled state, is found, placed
openly as the first, and containing three cegs. Another
Pratincole, on bare, stony gronnd, sets us a task to find her
exes, Tor nest there is hardly any, and the eyes are coloured
Hike the stone.

Several more af these birds are seen hetore we leave the
more open country and come to Bransby Station, but do not
deliy there, as we ave uwxious jo teach Yaneo Station before
evening, Another wravelly plam is crossed before reaching
the ruins of an old station on # eveek; this we evoss and go on
ta the next creek for lunch, where there is a good waterhole.
Bvideutly, from ‘the number of flint chippings and ald fire-
places, it must have been a favourite camping place of the
aboriginals. A Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater's nest is firand in
4 Hucalyptus—an wnusual place for this bird. A Sparrow
Jtawk i6 being harassed by those bullies of the bush, the
Greenies, On the road ayain we pass over open country mito
open serub, where the herbage improves, the whole roadside
soon becoming a garden of wild flowers, Many trees of
Acecian cana are bursting into bloom, the canary-yellow
inflorescence being’ well set off by the silvery foliage.: Dead
Binish js flowering alse, and the ground is in places white
with Helipterum florthundeam, or golden yellow, from the pra-
fusion of Heliplenwun polygalifaliam and other yellow compo-
sites in Jessery numbers. ti thieker scrub there is # mixture
of Trichinum alapecuroides, ihe thistle-like Podolepis rut
dochlamys, the large lavender daisy, Bruchycame ciliaris, Sena-
clo Gregori, in patches of brillant yellow, or with downy,
seeding heads. Amogst the undersernb, Cassia Sturli, C.

1238, MacGittiveay, Excursion in S.W. Queensland » Bpswe rar

desolatu and Eremopliia Didttont are all flowering and ix
fine foliage. We pull up at Littl Dingera and have a cup
of tea with the family, and are soon ont again amongst the
same garden of flewers {ill we reach Yaneo Station, where we
run inte a party of dlvevers. About three miles beyond the
station we eamp at a billabong out from the Warri ‘Warri
Creck, ‘Iwo of us walk aver to the creek proper befors dark
to look up un old camping place, but find the waterhole much
reduced in size from silting in the jutervening years.

On the following mornime we are all wp carly and on the
road again, but pull up where wild flowers aid birds appear
to be numerous. Budgerigars are now arriving {vom the
north in small flocks. Cockatoo Parrots ave going over im
larger numbers. Crested Bronzewings, Diamond Doves and
Peaceful Doves and Bluebonnets are common. Chestnnt-
evowned Babblers in the scrub, and White-browed along the
erecks; Brown Tree Creepers amougst the creek timber, and
the White-browed out in the sernb, Black-faced Wood Swal-
lows—one pair had a nest containing four exes in a Del
Finish; and the two migratory ones, the Wlite-browed and
the Masked, were all fairly plentiful, Singing, Black and
Spiny-eheeked Honeyeaters are all liusily engaged m
domestic duties or hunting for their breakfasts. Mulga,
Gidgee and Acacia cone ore all in fine foliage, for semi-deaert
species, and the ground is well covered with herbage. The
Wild Parsnip, Didiscus glancifolius, is one ‘of the most. con-
spierous; tall, and eevered with its mauve fowering heats, it
overtops most other flowering plants. Padolepsis rytidosh-
alwys ig as tall; but, with only a small thistle-like flower,
it is not nearly so conspicuous. Meltplerwm, polygalifolium
is the brightest of the ‘‘everlastings.'’ but whole tiracts of
scrub are carpeted with the fine pale Heliatrope Daisy,
Brachycome viliaris, the flowers being unusually large. Two
nests of the Chestnut-eared Finch are found, one in a pendent
hough of an Acacia cone, and the other in a hollow, dead
Mulga stump; both contain eggs. These little birds are not
particular as to a site Tov a nest. A Singing Moneyeater has
a nest and two eggs in a bunch of Mistletoe, Dorantus qguan-
dang, strowing on a Mulga; this is the commonest of these
parasites. L, Linophyllus is also on Mulga and Turpentine
Bush, Evemephila Sturéi, and is in flower ‘aed fruit. A pair
of Black Honeveaters. ‘Jyzomela nigra, ave building on a
dead branch, ani another pair have egys in a tiny nest, also

itv MacGILuveay, Lxewzsion in SW. Queensland 189

on a dead branch of an Acuee cand, and the colours of nest,
sitting bird, and branch blesd so that they are diffienls of
detection,

A conspicuous tree herve is the Cork Tree, Hiekea tuternodia,
with ageed, corky bark, and all leaves redueed to prickles.
Some of these trees are 25 feet in height, bat most of them
ave fron) 10 fo 15 deet. Along the Warn the trees ave
Hicalytus rostrata and J. mricrotheca. We call at Nasyilea
Station, and, going on, pass back into New South Wales
through the Warrt gate in the boundary fence in line to
nuke Olive Downs for ton; leaving agin svon itfer, the road
becomes very rutly, and hefore we are two miles out we break
a spring, log it up, and keep going, cross the Grey Rangs
awain, aud arrive at Tibbooburra at about 8.30 p.m.

On the following morning We go out with the loeal sergeauh
of poliee tolook ap a Wombat which he had seen several days
previously, going towards a rabbit burrow, inte whieh tf dis-
appeared. He had lived for many years at Delegute, on the
Victorian border, where these animals wero numerons, anil
was well acquainted with then, and was quite sure that the
"animal le had seen was a Wombat. However, attera earefat
exanination of the sround and Lurroy, we came to the eon.
elosion that the sergeant had seen some other and smaller
animal, probably an Echidna. A Mr, Manvel also told us,
when speaking of foxes, that he had seen pair of Dinvoes
“hnnting a fox-along a wetting fenee, one keeping behind the
fox and the other out fran the fimee; they soon caught it, and
hove it fo pieces and had it mostly eaten hefore he disturbecl
them, When we weéte at Adavale and Qailpie we learned
from local people that the Dingoes were keeping the foxes in
check, The paddock we passed through in our search for
the Woinbat was looking very well with Wild Parsnip and
composites. Thy anionest the oe boulders surronuding the
town, Prostanthera str iatiftora, vas flowering freely, witl
Lremaphila Freelingt and Tvichinwm abowntws.

Soon after luneh we leave for Milparinka, passing a Blood-
wood in full bloom on the ontskirts; this one had creamy-
white flowers, but north front this town are several of the
same species of trees whose flowers ate rosc-coloured, This
is itsssouthern linit jn this part of the State. Over Gibber
country for about fifteen miles we come to a Gidgee, A. Cum-
haged, forest, which continues nntil we eross the Evelyn Creek,
named by Sturt after his brother, Byelyn Sturt, and on inte
Milparinka, which we soon Jeave behind. Recrossing the

Lin MAGGILLIVRAY, Excursion in S W. Queensiasta [yale Fe

ereek, we canis. at seyveu miles, to the Blue whieh inarks the
southern limit of range of Aecaeiy Cambagei and Acacia cone.
he Goally flats, subject to inundation by the game ereck, are
looking well, and we pass niauy fie stretches. thet sve purple
with a lnxuriant vrawth of the Gilgay Pen, Sawnsona para:
cwrbens. Sandhills. saccecd this: sparinvly timbered avith
Mulga und Deact Minish, the ground beine covered with the
Ham-and-Kegs Daisy, Ayr Jocephalus Stuarts, now well in
tower. Cobhant Lake apy Pears s like a lavyve mirror in the even
mg light, and its surface is dotted with swans, several with
eygnets. We keep on the road for several miles, aud then
pull off the teaek into a shelteving clump of mulga ta canip,
when the crest of Koonenberry joomed. in sight out te our
left. Atiracted by our fire. minbers: of laree green, offen-
sively-smelling heetles invade ow camp, and make thinusy
very unpleasant, and keep us husy throwing them inta the
fire.

On the following day we soon pass Tduna Park Hotel, a soli
tary hostel on a bare, gravelly plaw. Fram this elass of
wountry we pass Into sand and Mnlga again at Paeksacdlle,
then on to Bakeannia Lake, where we note flocks of Avavets
and many Red-eapped Dotterel on the share line. Qu our way
to Sandy Oveck bore we found the Daisy, dfiriocephalus
Stuarta, only in early bud on oor way tp, now in full flewer.
From Sandy Creek to Fowler's Gap, over gravelly pliin,
we note several pairs of Astbyia Lovensis, and a white eat->
peting of Holipleram corymbiflar wm, with patehes of the dull
Yellow-button Daisy, Cruspedia ev scenrthie, The Fareiowie
Hills are in places a blaze of yellow from the profusion uf
Helipterum. polygatitolium clothing the hillsides and valleys
After leaving the hills we fiud the country, hordering the
srand uncontovmity of geologists, covered With either Helip-
terun corynibiflonun, Craspedia crysanthea, ov a mixture af
the two. A few hours more and we are all settled dow in
Broken Hill again after an absence of thirty days,

Our plant specimens were entrusted to Me. &. Morris, a
lweal enthusiast, who submitted those taken in Quecuslancl do
Me, GC. T. White, the Government Botanist of that Slate: the
New South Wales specimens io the Sydney Herbarium
authorities; aud one Bremophila, previously taken in South
Australia, to ALy. Black, so that T ay indebted to Mv. Morris
nd the suthovities mentioned for the nami of the plant
specimens, aud my thanks are duc to them for the teouhle
taken,

Che Victorian Paturalist

Vou. XLT—Nn 8. DECEMBER 3 1924 1924 No. Ne. 492

PIBLD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA:

The monthly meeting of the Cli was held at the Royal
Soviety's Hall on Monday evening, Loth November 1924.

The President, My. J Searle, oceupied the chair, and Abas
Riaty members and visitors went present.

REPOR'S:

A report of the excursion to the Brisbane Rates oy, Sabhur
da\', 25th October, was sive by the leader, Dv C. 5, Sutton,
who said that-a small party left town by the mornme tonin
for Bacehus Marsh, from whence they motored ont about
five or six miles towards Stanvhton Vale. Tere the ranges
were entered, and the track followed to the Geelong Reser
voir... Owing to the enol and moist season, quite a aumber
of interestine plants were still flowertig, anid gaa callee:
tion of specimens was made,

A report of the evewsion to the Domain, Suuth- Yarra,
an Saturday, lst November, was given by the leader, Mr
F_ Morris, of the National Herbarium. Some twenty-five
apecies of grasses. were collected, nearby all of whieh were
introduced species. iheir prineipal characters were pointed
out, and attention was culled to the dependenes of Uhe Wuman
race on grasses and thei products for food, textile manu-
foctures! -ete,, while domestic animals were also to a large
extent dependant on them i in-one form or another.

A report of the excursion to Mornington on 'Nnesday, 4th
November (Cup Day), was given by the leader, Mv. F. Cud
nore, who said that a party of ten left: town by the early
train, and was met at. Mornington by four local fnends” The
coast road was followed for about, tivo miles to the Bossi)
Beach.’ Herve lunch was purtalon of, and then, descendiie
ta the beach, the hunt for fossils eommenoed. These ocour
in 4, deposit of ‘blue elay,"’ partly below sea level, and are
fairly nuinerous, representing a Jnrge wange of species, The
find of the day was w perfect speeimen of Cyprem gryus.
McCoy, the Jargest known species of cowrie, living ov fossil.
Fragments ov complete specimens of several other notable
species were alsa obtained. A couple of honrs were pleasantly
spent, and ihe party returned to the station for ihe 4 pan.
train just at steady bain was setting in.

A report uf the excursion to Eltham on Sattrday, 8th No-

142 Field Nalwralsts' Club—Proceecings. errs

vember, was forwarded by the leader, Mev, W, ‘louge, who said
that about fifteen incuibers had visited Elihain for the pua-
pose of an afternoon. among the birds. The afternoon was
not promising for ornithology; however, 1 eolurse of the
afternoon, quite a Nuinber of species were met, \vith, tho first
being three White-fronted Herons, perehed im the top of
a dead gum, assuming attitaces resembling dead |yranches.
The nest of a pair of Rosella parrots in tr old ceeajed
stump was noted, Nanieérous other nests were tonnd, and
after afternoon tea af the leader*s house the party left for
the evening tain,

Mr. F, Pitcher gaid that the members were very muelt
indebted to Mx. Touge for the interest of the ufternaon"s
outing, and moved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded
to him and Mrs. Yonge for their hospitality, ‘Tine was
syconded by Mr. CG, Daley, and carried qnaniuolislhy,

VEROLION OF MEMBER.

On a ballat being taken, Rev. Geo, Cox, “*Guiuyal*

Mornington, was duly elected a country member of the Chik
URNERAL HUSINESS,

'’he hon. treasurer, Mr. A. G. flooke, reported that the
Tishibition of Wildflowers had been » financinl success, There
were still sottie sales of tickets to be veceiyed, and sone
accomts to be met, but he anticipated there would be abotit
£100 to share betwee; the Bush Nursiva Assovintion aud
the Chub.

The President congratulated the menibers me the result,
whith he considered very satisfactory,

Mx. H. B. Williamson, F.L.S., said that, from a botatical
point of view, it waa also satisfactory, It was unfortynate
that some towers interided for exhibition had not reached
town till the next dav. and that some eshihits did jint bear
the name and addvess of the sender. so conld not ba properly
acknowledged.

Refercrice was made by Mr. l’. G. A. Barnard to the kind-
tiess of Ma~ F. Keep in providing two portable stands for
use at the flower show, and for arvanging for the cartago
required ou ihe day of the exhibition, Ue moved that a
vote of thanks be accorded to Mr. Keep, This was seconded
by Mr, F. Piteher, and carried by acclamation,

Wo. ©. Daley, I-L-S., drew attention to the destruction
being caused by sawmillers ib. the valley of the Loch River,
near Noojee, where some fine myrtle beeches and fern gullies
were being spailed by the extension of tramways. He read
a draft of a letter which he suggested should he sent to the

3934, Field Naduralists' Club—Proceedings. 14s

er]
Worest Department, asking that every effort showd be made
to preserve the beatiful beech ail fern eullies of the
flistriet,

Mir A, G. Brown, MLA,, cudorsed all that Me. Daley had
sakl, and seconded the vesolution that a protest should be
made to the department regarding the matter, ‘lhe motion
was adopted. PAPER READ.

By Mr. J. H. Harvey, A.RALV.A,, entitled “Notes Along
the Coastal Railway, from Brisbane to Maitland,”

The author, with the help of a fine semes of Jantems slides,
gave some account, of the scenery met with durine the railway
journey from Brisbane to Sydney, via ihe coastal line. This
line, which may eveutually become the iain route between
Sydney and Brishane, passes through some fine semi-iropical
conntry, with associated big rivers. From the line can be
seen many crops unknown to southern vesidents, such as
slivar-enne, plMeapples and bananas. He also gave a number
Of silustrations af the towns passed through, some of whieh
are of consicerable importance,

PX,

Ry Mr. C. WH, Boreli—Thirts-three species of Saty viel
suttenties, ‘Sbvowns.”* ineluding eleven Vietovian, three New
South Wales, sixteen (neglish, and six Poruigu, some at
them. showing remarkable colourinys for this family

By Mv. Ff. A. Cudmore.—A large fossil shell, Cappram gugis,
MeCoy, from the tertiayy (Baleombian) clays of Baleombe's
Bay, Momington, collected on the Club’s excursion, Cup
Day; aiso several causes of fossils from the swine loeality.

By Mr. V. Miller—Fossil shells fron, tossd Beach,
Mornington,

By Mr. J. Searle—Parasitie Copepoda, Lernacpoda sp.
o)| the claspers of the Ghost Shark, Chanaera Ogitbyi, from
Bass Strait. ;

By Dr. Sutton —Senecio elegans fron: Point Lonsdale. Four
years ago one plant was seen nea the lighthouse; now it is
very prevalent. Also herbarium specimens of the following
plants from the Buisbane Ranges:—Wriestemon obovalis,
Pultenea laxiflora, Bossiewa microphylla, Grevillea flaribunda,
G. aquafalinn, @. purviflora, Olearia wdochroa, O. terelifatin,
O. pannosd, Prosthanthera denticutote, Pomadirris ferva-
ginea, and others.

By Mr. HB. Williamson, WUS—hivinw apeemian of
Lizard, Trachydosaurus Migosis, collected at Kooloonwitey,
Narthern Mallee.

After the wsual conyersazione the meeting terminated,

144 Exenrsian to Bordiga pe

EXCURSION ''O BENDIGO,

Ow Saturday, 4th October, the oeeasion of the Railways
Piece was taken advantage of. and five members of the Clnb
journeyed to Bencixo ly an carly train, where they were
met by Mr, D. J. Paton. After dinuer, from the terminus
of the train line at Back Creek, the party proceeded in a
soth-easterly direction through the rages. The country
was looking at its best, the carly iains having had the effect
of inaking the wildHower season carlier than ysual; lenee, the
(iolden Wattle, cleaem pycnanthe. except for a helated
Loom or (wo, was in the fruiting stage, whilst the Fairy Wax-
flower, iiostemon obovalis, was past its best. These two
plants, amid the Ivonbarks, @ucalyplus sideroxylon, ave the
‘glovy of the hills when in full bloom oO. September. However,
the Wax-flower still mace @ fair show, whilst the Pink-eye,
Nelratheca cileate, with its ever-attractive flawers, varying
almost trom pink to magenta in colour-shading, was very
fine. ‘The Narvow-leal Bitter-Pea, Dawuiesia corymbosa, and
the Gorse Bitter-pea, D. wlicina, were in good flower, as also
the Riee-flower, Pinelee spathulata. Orchids were scares,
but the Wax-lip Orchid, QGtossedia major, still lingered.
Trroseras, Helichvysums, and a few eomiposites, were flawer-
ing, An evidently mtrusive patch of Comman Fringe-Myrtle,
Calylrre telragone. was met with, its chastering pmk flowers
being very fine. The Digeers” Speedwell, Veranica par-
foalinia, was in bul. Thi the vieinity of Peiner’s Hill, near
the Strathfieldsayve Road, the serub flora improved. Crossing
the road, the Sun Orchids, Mhelymitre uristata, avd T. torgi-
folia, were numerous, and of large size. ‘The Geebung, Per-
soon juntperina, was in fruit, ‘he Mountaim Grevillea,
@. alpina, varying in shade from almost white to red, was
abundant through the ranges; also the Coiminon Fringe-lily,
Thysunolus tuberosus, and the Wlax-ily, Dianella revoluta.
A diversion was made to the Grassy-flat Reservoir, and past
St. Aidan’s Orphanage on the homeward track, about six or
seven miles being traversed in all.

On Sunday the party proceeded by motor through Kan-
gatoo Flat, the fine avenues of elm trees and Blue Gums ca
route being much admired. Near Kangaroo Flat the gums
on the roadside have not been much interfered with, and
provide both oviament and shelter. Reaching the Gap at
the Big Hill, our destination, we left the motor, and climbed
up the hill to the highest point, the aneroid registering 1620
feet above sea-level. Fyvom here a most pleasing and exten-

tral Excursion to Bendigo 146

sive panorama of great extent was before us. Southwards
wis Mt. Alexaader and aeighhoutinyg ranges; further west-

wards, avid not fav distant, the Mt, Vareaneower ranves, the
' ? Yr a

Daylesford Ranves wt ihe farther cdistauee, wed on the hori
yo” the ontlne of the Pyrences. ast iitervening ranges,
Monnt Hooghly, ucar Dunolly, and Mts. Moliagul and
Wavurra stood ont, then Mt. Kerowys, tu the north-west, and
over the plam conntey Pyramid Hill, due north. Bastward,
the irees obscured the view somewhat, bot the ranges. of
the Heatheote and intervening county were visible, whilst
seven duiles nway, amid its hills, lay the city of Beridigo.
Here and there were glimpses of settled places, and water
conservation. ‘The whole country, owing to plentiful raiis,
was verdant rom Big Will cyan be seen in marked contrast
the striking cbfferenco between the fiova of the granite areas
with their open. pakke aspect on the eusterm side, and the
denser forest growrh of the more braken ranges of the Ordo-
vieian menses on the other Towards Ravenswood, a Jittle
distanee away, at the foot. of the granite hills, and along the
valleys, were extensive pitches lookiie like snow amid the
green sward. A visit ta one of them showed that the white
patches were caused by cowntless mnbers of the composite
Relipterun catia After lunch on the sunaait of the hill,
a -fonrse Was taken through the slopes and valleys, eastwards,
Warx-fower was agit) searee. Orchids represented were,
Glossodia major, a specimen each of the Snake Orchid, Druris
peduacilata, wid the Musky Caladenii, (. testucea, three
flowers of Pink Fingers; C. carnen, completing the List. OF
Acacias, only A, armatu was in loon. The Priekly Gre-
villea, G, ugurfoltem, with blackish flowers, is found growing
freely in this area; alsa, seantily, the Purple Swainson Peu,
§. lessertifolia. . Creamy Stackhonsia, S$. linarifolia, with
flowers varying from creamy to yellow, was abundant. We
were fortunate to gain the shelter of our conveyanee at
Cherry-Tree, just before the bursting of a sturm, whieh had
been long brewing, and to reach Bendigo without heing
drenched by the vain. The number of species of plants seen
on Saturday was 63, and on Sunday 94total, 118. The
week-end was most enjoyable, weather and other conditions
being favourable.

This wag the seventh Club excursian to Bendigo. and there
are atill areas unvisited, which will well repay inspection,
Time was found on Saturday to visit the Conservatory and
Fernery, both of whieh have attractions, and ave in good
order, whilst the results of tree-planting in the streets many

Vict, Nat,

146 Vol. XL.

Excursion fo Mornington
yearg§ ayo gave frequent causé for admiration of this wise
' policy. “Tt was noticed that in the streets the Wax-flower and

other wildflowers were on sale, this growing practice being
much ayainst the preservation of the native Hora.

The following seventeen plants have not been recorded
previously ou these excursions -—

(HRA MLS kav
Stipa setivcea
Ovrrr ich a—
Lepidosperina filiforme
LIGGAGE-E—
Dianella levis
Lonmandra filiformis
Portunacack—
Claxtonia augtralagiea
Lieu Mixosa—
Pultenma
pilosa
Swainsona lessertifolia

lastilor = var

Gut rir eR a—
Hypericum
Boracteackm—
Gynoglossum sauy eotdna
SCROPELULARTACK: T:
Verontea perfoliata
GoonexracKha—
Velleia paradoxa
Brecxoxtacna—
Brunouis. australis

japonicum

Compose —

Toxanthus Muellevi
Helipterum cotala

GHRAXIACKE-—
Evediun cergnoram
CALLUITRIGIACK.Z— —__
Callitviche verna

Helipternm exiewunm
Guaphahuanm Intea-alhurn

D. J. Paron.
Cras. Davey.

’

_EXCURSLON TO MORNINGTON,

A party of ten members canght the 845 am. train ou
Tuesday. 4th November (Cup Day), for Mornington. On
arrival there four loeal friends jamed the party, which then
followed the coastal road in a southerly direction towards the
Fossil Beach. About two miles from the station a sign-pust
marks a track, which descends throngh the serub to the sua.
ables and seats. sheltered by the trees, have been erected
hy the local Progress Association on a small cliff overlooking
the bay, and as the track has been rendered suitable for ‘cars
this spot is rapidly becoming a favourite pienic spot. At
one fine a Ceinent works was established here, but the long-
disused lime kilns are now overgrown by trees. On the beach
can be seen the outcrop from which the limestone was
obtained. After having boiled the billy and had lunch, the-
party walked along the coast for some 200 yards towards
Mornington, until.the best exposure of the fossiliferons clays

Dew
4934

Excursion to Eltham 147
Was vouched; Where a-seurch was commenced for fossils. Geo-
lovical. hammers and a pick were used to Mg up the clays,
when the fossils, which were plentitul, were extracted m
perfect condition with the aid’ of knives. A specimen ut
Aturia Australis, WeCoy—a. cephalopod shell allied to Nauti-
Ine—was obtained; a very closely related species. is common
in roelks of a simiay age in Burope. The rave Nautilus Bali-
conbensts, Chapman, was represented by some fragments.
A specimen of the bivalve shell, Cucullaa coriacnsis, MeCoy,
war the largest the leader bas seen from what locality, and
was of partieular interest, as if showed the carhonised
remains of the hinge ligament. Species of corals, cones and
volnies were conunon, while the cowries collected included
a sinall, vidged form, Trivia avellanoides, MeCoy, which is
still ving off the N.S.W. eoast in deep water. “A fine speci-
men of Cyprea gigas, MeCoy, was exposed hy the pick, and
is exhibited to-night. Whig is the lareest species of cowvie.
living ov fossil, in the world, and is considered a gical And
by fossil eallectors After having spent i ennle of poms
ciulecting, {he party returned 10 the pienie tables fay afte:

noon teu, later walking back to Muminglon to culel the 500
train to town. With the exception of one shower, the vain
held off nuti the party had returned 10 Mormmmeton, aid 1
think members enjeyed the outing —I™ Conuore:

EXCURSION TO LETH AM

The afternoon of Saturday, 8th Nuveniber, was Hor lan pra
misitie for ornithology, but about fifteen members turned
oul for the afternoon's outing. "he bridge leading lo our
destination belne under water—the ereek bein in heavy
Nlool—we were obliged to make a detour along the riadway.
whieh caused some delay in getting ro oar workite @ronnel,
The distviet is vich in bivd-hte, but the Wirds were unusually
qimiel, which is nok usuil after rain. However, as we
approached the éreel agai there was more cvidetiee of some
species; at least: ‘The first interesting cvent was Hie approaeh
of three White-frouted Herons, Votophoye nowee-hollandine,
which alighted in a dead tree, and assumed atitndes resend
lijgathe dead branches; Ove of the parts’ was wot long
in locating a nest of the birds high wp in the hon.onta!
linh of a tall River White Gum, Fueadyplis rodtote. sand
eontmniug one youne bird perched motionless nn the eilye
of the est. Passing along the siding of the willy. from

143 Excursion ta Eltham eae
whieh some orchids and other wildflowers, were gathered,
the negt of a pair of Hazel-eved Crows, Corvus coronoides,
was neted about 60 feet up in-a Stringy Bark; some of the
birds being distnrbed from about the nest. Close by, on the
horizontal limb of another Stringy Bark, a paiv af Choughs.
Corcorec nelanorhamplvus. had their nest, coutaming voung
binds. After a little delay we succeeded in locating an old,
decayed stump, where, in the carth at the bottom, a pair ot
Rosella Parrots, Platyeercus exineius, hac cleaned out a hole
for a nest on 5th October. On the 8th there were three eggs
in the hollow, with the female sitting on them to keep them -
div, but, owing to the heavy rains “att the time, they were
Inter atantloned, A little farther on anothey Chough’s nest
was noted. also buill, on a limb of a Stvingy Bark. Not far
away a@ pair of Sparrow Hawke, Accipiter cirrhocephalress
ltd their west of twigs and leaves Init, about Y5 feet wp in
a Stringy Bark tree, the nrale bird cloing a faiv share of the
siting, While watching one of the birds sitting on the nest,
its mate was sailing abont overhead with a small hitd in its
Lilons. evidently for the sitting bied, In tha gully close bs'
we came to the nesting hole of x paiv of Spotted Pardalates.
Pardulatus punclalus, from which the young birds had flown
early in October. Overhead a male Rufous Whistler, Pachy-
cephalic rufiveatvis, was giving « fine exhibition of its voenl
powers. The party then proceeded up to the house, and had
atternoon tea, after which a few move nests near the house,
including the snng little nest of the Short-billedl Tree-tit-
Snicronnty brevirostris, built low down in a hanging bough
of Red Box; the nest of o pair of Brown Fly-eatechers.
Microcca fascimans, and other nests were examined before
leaving for the station—W, C, 'loxer.

THe Tagsmanrnan Narirauist—This journal, which bas
heen missing front our exehanyves sinee 1911, owine to the
inability of the Vasmanian Wield Naturalists’ Club to over-
come the greatly Increased charges for printulig and publish-
ig, has reappeared as No. 1 (New Series). for October, 1924.
it consists of twenty-eight pages (double-column) of articles
by Tasmanian naturalists. Mv Clive Tord writes on the, fish
fauni of thé State, also Tasnjianian reptiles, parvots and
whales. Mr. A. N. Lewis deals with outlines of geolazy. as
evidenced in Tasmania; Mr, L. Roclway with gum trees. Alto-
gether a useful contribution for oahive students.

ese Exhibition of Wildflowers 449

WXHLBITION OF WILDFLOWERS,

The Avnnal Dxhibition of Wildflowers was held in the
Melhourne own Hall on ‘Tuesday. 21s October, 1924. ‘The
dite miontloned was the earliest in October on which the hall
could be obtained, and in ordinary seasons would probably -
heave proved much too Jate to make a good display of our
native flowers, but, fortunately, the season turned ont so
wonderfully cool, with frequent showers, thal when the day
arrived it was fouud that the display was quite up to the
average of previons years. A late date has its compensations,
for it enabled flowerg to be exhibited whieh do nat bloom
till after the nsual date of theae oxhibitions:

The exhibitivon was officially opcued by Sir James Bar-
rett, President of dhe Victorian Bush Nursing Association,
to which society if had been annonneed that half the wet
proceeds would be given. In declaring the exhibition open,
whieh he did with a very brief speeeh, Sir James Barrett
said that there were three things to be gratefnl for, viz, thal
we had sich beantitul flowers, that the publie took sueh an
iterest in them, and that the Bush Nursing Association
would gain in funds by the holding of the exhibition. He
enzratiiated the Clab an the execllanee of the display, and
the fine utrendunece at visitors.

Lwing to the generosity of 4 meniber, tivo portable stands
were erected in the centre of the hall, and enabled large
quantities of flowers to he displayed to better advantage.
The nearest to the entrance was fled with the Fairy Wax-
flower, Lrivstemon obovelis, and other flowers from the Tara-
dale district, specially collected hy Mr. G. Coghill. A fine
display of Australian flowers, grown at the Melbourne Botanie
Gardens, was, by the courtesy of the Director, Mr. W, Laid-
Jaw, B.Se., made by Mr. P. R. HH, St. John, whose interest in
the Australian flora is well known. Anong the fifty or soa
species exhibited may be mentioned the erimson flowers of
the Queensland Spear-lily, Doryauthes palmeri; several spe-
cies of Crevillea, from various States; Boronias, Pultenwas,
Dillwynias, Kuuzeas, Wesiringias, Chorizenjas, Swainsonas,
ete, the whole making a brilliant and cffeetive display.
Included in the exhibit was a quantity of Beronia pinnata,
fron Lahertouche, West Gippslind, a charming shroh, which
is deserving of extensive trial in our gardens. From the
gurdens cinie also a quantity of native foliage, whieh ereatly
helped in the decoration of the hall.

150 Exhibilion of Wildflowers Nal oe

The orehid display mace ‘by Mrs. Coleman, of Blackharn,
and friends, was a centre of attraction. Here, at least fifty
species of orchids from all parts of the State were displayed.
The genus Caladenia was vepresented by a doze specivs,
ineluding C. alba, angasteta, cucullata, cordiforimes. cridae-
ohila, dilatatu, leptochila, reticulate and testacea; ten species
of Sun-orchids, Thelymitra, including U. epipactoiedes, granda-
Hora, macmillann and panciflonn: ten species of Llerostylis
(Greenhoods). including 2. alpina, barbata, filet, mutica,
pusilla, and apparently » new species or variety, probably a
hybrid between #. foleata and P. nutans. Others were Surco-
chilus paverforus, Calochilus Robertsoni, Lyperanthus aigri-
cons, L. sanveolens, Dinvis longifolia, and Micratis parvi-
flare. An interesting plant of Caladenia dilateta, with a
flower-stem eighteen inches long, was exhibited by Mrs.
Flowie, of Vermont, the leat and flower being proportionately
large. Some of the exhibits sent by State Schools consisted
largely of orchids, that by the Mmerald School beiuw especie
ly good, while Master R. Moubister, of Pantow Fill School,
sent a most carefully collected sevies, in splendid condition.

Owing to the late date of the exhibition, Glossodia muior
(id wat male that splash of ealour whieh usually sets off the
orehid (splay.

A long tihle was set apart ae a ‘'Classifieation ‘Table.’
On this Mv, H B. Wollimnson, F.L.S. grouped towether
gnpecimens of certain orders, such as Proteaceae, Caniposite.
TLeguminose, Myvtacem, from all parts of the State, so that
Hindeits might be able to seé ar a glance the velotionship
lwiween the various genera.

The exhibition was vider the mayagement gf Me Pit
cher, to whose enthusiasm much of ite snecess is doe. He
was ably assisted by Mr. H. B. Williamson, F.L.S.. Dr, CL 8,
Sutton, and Mo. (t. Coghitl, to whom fell the impossitle tusk
uf trying to name the specimens me time far the udiittanee
of the geneval public,

Tnéluded in the display of Western, Austtaliah flewers,
kindly secured through the good offices of Miss Ani Fuller.
weve a numbet of very showy species, several of which had
not been seen at previous exhibitions. ‘The ever-popular
Kangaroo-paws from that State were in great Gemand. and
likewise the Waratahs from New South Wales. Perhaps the
greatest novelty in the hall were some double fowers of the
Fairy Waxflower, Mriostemon obavatis, sont by Mr, Semmens,

tr g Exhititian of Wildflowers 161

Torest Inspector, Bendigo, from a plant growing near his
hase,

Flowers were received from a wide range of luculilies,
bur it ig impossible to more than name the loeality and gender,
Several packages were without the wane of sender, or place
éollected, Contributions were also receivad from several
Bush Nursing Centres, while collections from State Schools
i various parts of the State showed the widespread interest
crated by the exhibition. As fav as could be uscertained,
the following is a list of localities from which packages were
gent, With the aame of the contributor, where given :—

North and North-west—'Taradale, Mr. @. Coghill, Mr.
C. Hansford; Bendigo, Mrs, W. H. Warren; Korong: Vale.
Miss 1. M. James; Maldon, Mrs. Brooks, Mr. A, WeArthur;
Tempy, Bush Nursing Centre; Rushworth, Mrs. Rich.

South-west—Beaulorl, Mr. 5, Young, Stawell, Mr, J, A.
Hill; Grampians, Mr. C, W, D'Alton,

seuth—Porrest, Bosh Nursing Contra; Brishaug Ropes,
Rev. A, GF. Gates: Wallan, Rev. W. PB. dart; Diamond
Cyeck, Mrs: Saunders; Witham, Wr W. Tonze; Wonga Park,
Mr. Dyer; Doncaster Kast, Mo. FG. A. Barnard; Ring-
wood, Mr. Jamés; Montrose, Mrs. G, Richards; Mt, Dande-
nowy, Miss @. Nokes. Miss Miry and Jessie Young; Pakenham,
Mr. F- Wisewould; Moriinyton, Rev. @. Cox; Red Hill, Mr.
RB. Haig, Ma. N.C. "Higving; Pi: ankston, Mrs. JO. Reid, Mr
J. W. Audas, Mr. V. Millen. Cheltenhum, Mr, 6. Daley;
Biighton, Mrs, Ballard, Middle Brighton, Miss 5S. Kinwie
Keysborough, Mx. H. Diekens.

Souldi-cast (Gippsland) ~-Carfield, Miss lu. Dyall, Dronin,
Mr W. . Dyall; Lovdver, Miss C. G. Corrie; 'yers, Mass
J. Galbraith; Heyficld, Mors, McHavlane; Briagolong, Mi, R,
R_ Penny ; Bairnsdale, Mr, U', 8, Hart; Paynesville, Mi F.
Barton, Juur.; Hedley, Misses L, and E. Rossiten.

North-east —Navambic, Mrs, Cameron; Wattsville, via
Dookie, Mr. O’ Dowd; Lima bast, Mrs. Evans; Beechworth,
Miss M. Scott; Springhurst, Mes. J. D. Read; Chiltern, Mrs.
W. Boucher.

Flowers were received from the following Stale Sehouls:—
Patton Hill, Queenstown, Wonga Park, Healesville, Ma, hye-
yn, Emerald, Langwarrin, Red Hill, Black Toek, Newry.
Nowa Nowa, ‘Orbost, Middle Tarvin, Macedon, Deep Sead
and Castlemaine,

Cattivated native lowers came trom the gardens of Mr,
J, Watson, ““Muraroa,"’ Balwyns Mr. G. Coghill, Canter

1b2 Exhibition of Wilddowers. va La.

bmry; Mr, b. Hodgson, Canterbury; and Me. W. Robinson,
flowers of Vietorian Waratah, grown at Kinglake.

A display of about 350 water-colony drawings of Ans-
tralian and South African native flowers by Miss Anry Muller
attracted considerable attention.

A volume of dried New Zealand Ferng exhibited by Miss
Taylov, of Brighton, proved interesting to many yisifore.

Interstate flowers were reccived fron -—New Sonth Wiles.
—Mr. Chalker, Hall Top. South Austealia.—Miss TE. Mack-
Jin, Adelaide ; Mr. J, Davies, Hutt Street, Adelaide. Western
Australia.—Mors, D. Kelvington, Hawthorn, Perth, and Mr,
T. H. Morean, Darlington, Unfortunately, the flowers gent.
by the Field Naturalists’ Society of South. Australia were
delayed in the post. unc were too late for the exhibition.
Owing to tle severe drought at Broken FLill, the Barrier
Naturalists’ Club was unable to forward any flowers of
Sturt’s Desert Pea, an attractive flower, which is always in
demand. at the sales table,

Pot-svown plants of native species were on sale, and with
the sale of bunches of flowers brought im a considerable
amount. ‘hese sales were eondueted. by a vumber of ladies,
headed by Miss A. Fuller, while Miss El. Gabricl and other
Indies had the management of the refveshment tables.

Severnl members and friends provided microscopes, nider
whieh Were shown botanical objects, These proved i great
souree ot attraction and wonder.

Ui is expeeted that there will be at loast £100 to share
hetween the Club and the Bush Nursing Association.

Tout Crveiocams orf tHE Hoursrerivgh lxcoiesras—
The distiiet traversed was not very favourable for the
growth Of Ton-vaseular eryptagamns. Of Hepatlicae, several
Laphoeolen and Chiloseyhpi, Pimbrianwn Druonmonddic a
species of Frullania, ane the couunon Austral Liverwort,
Marchunhia cephuloscypht, were noticed, whilst the following
nosses, with several others aot gathered. were common, viz.
Bryum bomuen, Brenfelran affints, Cerutodon purpwreins.
Nunarian wygronetvica Taylovia actoblephuria, Torbula prir-
ceps, Uhutdium furfureswn and Triqnibrella papitlata.
Funei ware alse searee, a few Agavies and Coasters ( Barth
stars) only being noticed. Little attention was paid to
Liehans, but those seen were probably identical with those
found in sinvlay places round Meclbourne—ZJ. R. Leste.

ord HARVEY, Brivhans fo Mattand iit
NOTES ON THE COASTAL RAILWAY JOURNEY
WROM BRISBANE TO MATTRAND,

By J. UL. Harvey, PR.VIA.

(fécad before the Field Natwralists' Club of Vietoria, 10th
. November, 1924.)

Leaving Somh Brisbane, the inner suburbs ave passed
through for about six miles, good views of One Tree Hill
being obtained until Morovka is reached; then hilly country
wives place to undulating landseape. After passing: Bethanit
dunetion, the line skirts the Albert. River, afterwards eross-
nig it, The country now becomes more hilly agaiz, the
formation consistiny of sandstones and shales, the land bemg
cleared and cultivated. Much of what appears to be Paper-

ark Tea-tree of a dwarf trpe is passed through, and at
about thirty miles the bush is entered again. ‘The Comera
River, a tine stveail, 1s ¢rossed, the river Nats beg rich, and
ill well-cnltivated, apart from the Mats, the soil is poe r-look-
ing. At 47 miles (ynest Junetion is reached. Here a
branch line rans off to South port, a fushionable watering-
plave, Fvormn tear here the cable is take io Norfolk Island.
Banana-growing country is now entered, and approaching
Mudgeeraba ave fine and yery extensive flats und dairy farms.
The decomposed shales and sandstones still persist. To the
south-west the pieturesque MePherson Range is now plainly
seen, and after passing West Burleigh the lme runs over
sandy flats, followed by swamps, the oeean being only about
100 yards distant, until, at Coolangatta, on the New South
Wales border, and 69 miles fron. Brisbane, the train draws
ap. Half a mile further is ‘Tweed Heads,’’ which is really
the Levminus. -

Tweed Heads and Coolangatta are virtually the same town,
only being in different States. The “‘border line’’ is a. piece
of neutral land, only a few feet wide, along which are two
fences, one on each side of the real dividing line; these are
eattle-prool fences, to prevent ‘tiek-infeeted cattle from
Queensland entering New South Wales. he two form
rather a vood town, clectric lighted, possessiny good picture
theatres, and commodious tanily hotels; it is really 4 water-
ing-place for Brisbane, Lismore aud the back country. ‘The
geologiea! formation lieve is basalt, which runs ont into the
sea on the north, forming Greenmount and Pt. Danger, and
ends on the south in another headland, Pont Wingal, on

164 Hakvey, Brisbane lo Maitland big “rx x
which 18 W hghthouse with # revolying light. ‘The Tweed
River spreads out behind the town ito a large lagoon, From
the suwnmit of a hill callect the ‘‘Ravorbaek ’’ the seene is
fairy extensive, ond the topography of the country around
may be easily studied. ‘Nhe Tweed is navigable as fas ae
Murwillumbah, a avun of three to four honrs by the river
slenner, and there’ is a good steam service, also a niobor car
service, the clistance by road being 20 miles. I chose the
steamer. Leaving Tweed Heads at 7 a.m, on a bright marn-
ing, we passed between plantations of bananws and sugar-
fane, and these were varied with luxurious snb-tropieal vere-
tition. ‘Mhe hanarta industry was, until a year or tw azo,
», very flourishing one; it Was uo Wicemmon thing For some
of the planters to net £100 per week trom. bananas; the @
disease known as ‘binichy-top'’ developed, and large num-
hers of the planters were rmmed. Many trees whiely had
heen uttacked were pointed out to me as the steamer went
along. Ata place called Cudgell is a sugar inill, the vailwiy
fines from which run out 14 miles into the planiations. The
growing sugar-cane is eo light pea-green in colour. aud looks
jot wnlike maize; it grows to wu height of about 12 fect, Fhough
T was told that, it is no nnnsual thing for it fo Abhain a height
of 18 feet at times, with a thickness of 12 to 24 inehes. The
hills ave voleanic, and the soil on the flats is clecp and rich.
Voring the whole run, the fantastic ontline of Mt, Warning
provided fine hackeronnds to the hundyved pictuves whieh
aponad out as the steamer progressed.

The ran fron Murwillambah to Lismore is done by tram,
pe basaltic country of a broken and very petieesqne

nature. with fine. vieh brush foliage along the banks of the
mecalte which, as well as tunnels throagh spurs, ave plentiful.
There must at one time have heew very dense fovests all
through here. The teain left at @ am, and the manner in
whieh the Wills und sullies were picked ont under the carly
morning sun formed an encless series of pictures, Dairy
farniing appears to be the staple industry, while banana
farms are plentiful ou the hills. The approach to Byron Bay
ig over a movass-like avea, amd the bills which run out into
the sea there fovm a bliff on which the lighthouse is ererted.
Al Byron Bay there is a butter factory, snid to he the largest
iu New South Wales (some say in Australia). Leaving
Byron Bay, a steep hill is climbed, aud the same kind of
pictnresque scenery ig noted; the general look of the country
was not unlike much of the Western District of Victoria.

Det, | HARVEY, Prish, aneto Maitland 186

Passiny through Bexhill, the iwnedus eounthy gives place
for o short. distance to slutes, and a firebuick factory is noted.
The shale formation is soon left, and the yoleatic soil
éenoduntered again,

At 62 miles from Murwillumbah, Lismore 14 reached. Lis
Move is On A Hibutary of the Richinond River, antlos a very
well-built, lively and prosperous town. ‘This rin was the
Most charming vail journey that 1 had had for a long time-
The town is built on a flat, which is sitwated ti an alluvial
basin, ond has &@ pretty set file. Il is connected with Nort
Lismore by a good bridge, Ocean-going steamers trade
belveen the town and Sydney, and other paris, the wharf
being 70 miles from Richniond Heads; the distanee by road
is 20 miles. ‘Whe town was a great place when the cedar and
other vsefal timbers were plentiful ; bit things have changed,
and the means of trade have to change with ten,

Leaviny Lismore, the hills are contoured by the line for
same distahee. They are very steep, and were xpparently
well-timbered at one time. As the fine began tu vise ont of
the valley, it was noted that dairy farms were abundaig, and
the soil was good. After leaving Beotley, a tanned os passed
throuvh. and we now began to rise ont on to the plain, After |
the Richmond River flats ure lett the country is iol worth
travelling, as far as seenery is concerned, ancl The soit passed
through appears rather poorer, thongh now anc then a hefher
pateh is seen. About five miles before veaching Grafton a
glimpse of the Clarence is obtained, but the eountey ts stil
fiat and uninteresting (Ti mast be understood thal I was
out for scenery: J took but little wotiee of the economic value
of the land.) Grafton, although go old a towu—and a cathe-
dral town, too—is exeeptionally quiet. Every day there
seems almost, Ake Sunday. he streets are wide, and are
laid out at vight angles, and the principal shreets are planted
—some having iwo rows. These saute red and white cedars,
camphor laurels, planes, fame trees and grevilless. In Prince
Strectis a plain brick clock tower, about 5b feeb lugh. very
oue of {hese towns hag its pieture theatre. Th din street,
leading from the railway station ta the town thee is an
avenue of jackarande (trees, which were in full bloam as 1
passed through. Some of ihe buildings are goad, eapecially
the Post Office Court Flouse, two or three bails. and the
Roman Cathedral, The sver js said to be TAN yids wide,
and connection with South Gratton is maintajned by steant-
ferry, Singular to relate, there ig no electric light tn Grat-

16 Harvey, Brisbane to Maitkind vit at:
fon, Which is gazliglted, but the eleetrie Heht is :in ase id
South Gratton The town ts certainly old-fashioned, It is
about KO miles by river teom the eity to the Heads.

At South Grafton the Lrsin was picked up again, and the
eountry soon changed, the part now entered showing shales
and sandstones containing concretionary ferruginous bands,
the seneral appearance being very similar to that of the
Hawkesbury sandstone formation, and this contimmes tor
the greater part of the way from here to Sydney, broken
enly occasionally for short distances by sandy flats and
marshy-looking patches here and there, and by short igneous
intrusions. In places the hills and escarpments remind one
at parts of the Kangaroo Valley, and other portions of the
aff-shoots of the Blue Mountains, although uot quite so dra-
-mmatic in appesruuce, After passing through Glenreagh,
same of the bluffs are very bold. The streams that are
erossed. ond skirted are lined with rich brush fohage, and
as much of this was in bloom many of the galliés presented
a very gay appearance; it gave one an idea of what stores
of miles of this country niust have looked like before it was
denuded; the tinvber mnst have been very rich in parts of it
Suddenly, just before reaching Coff’s Harbour, a chain of
steep hills is passed through, and in these the brush and
undergrowth, palms, elk-horn ferns, and vines grew quite
luxuriantly; the whole place is a veritable jungle. At Coft’s
Harbour works to improve the harbour are in progress, and
on one of the heads a large quarry, in what looks like a
bloff of basalt, provides useful material for the work,
Through Urunes to Macksville the rough country continues.
Macksvillu is practically a wooden town, and the streets,
such as could be seen, as it was alrnost dark, seemed irregular
and narrow. Here we were hurried into 2 fourth-class hetel
for tea, und as I had been told that there was only tame
country between there and Taree, on the Manning, IT went
on to the latter town through Kempsey and Wauchope, 108
miles, in the dark. With that exception, T saw the whole
of the country by daylight.

Leaving Taree at 9.30 next morning, the country resembled
that in the locality of Penrith, east of the Blue Mountains.
Soon the sandstone hilly country was met again, and the
luscions foliage lining the streams that were erosgsed, with
flaine trees and other trees in full bloom, provided magnifi-
cent pietures whieh wonld have captivated any eye. The
lint runs along a valley, in which farms ave plentifal, and

MAS Hanvuy, Brisbane to Maitland 157
between Mt, George aiid Somerset. the Manning is crossed;
after this a streant was passed oyer, the jungle oi which was
so dense that (hu water could not he diseerned, and the whole
af the gvowih along it was a blaze of colour, the pale yellow,
owuize and red bloom being exceedingly prolific, Farms
wore seen beside the line, and flame trees, all scarlet with
bloom, were plentiful; the richness of the foliage reminded
me of thal of blackwood, though what it was Lam unaware.
The landseape is now eroded tnto abvupt hills and V-shaped
valleys, and bold ranges appear berween the vine and the
coast. Some time before Gloucester is reached the line skirts
the Barrington River, and loyely views are seer. Swamp
oaks, apple tree, spotted yum, box, grey gum, white miuho-
gany and blackbutt. abound. The coutry continues moun-
fainous, and near Gloacester is plenty of ironbark and tallow-
wood, the latter favoured for street-blocking sid for Aoors,

Near Dingadee the vaad is seen winding throngh the
seamnaly-antenminable sandstone, und after passing through
another tunnel, abual 700 yards lone, the eountry resembles
that about Picton on the sonthert line, the rich-looking pad-
dowks and patches of luscious foliaze recalling the sconery
vf the Wlawarra district, Passing through Dongoe, the same
sceuery eontinurs, and, at 211 miles from Mackaville. the
pretty town of Paterson is reached. The river flats are very
fertile, and support extensive dairy farms. The Hunter is
erossed teal Okehampton, and at 224 iiles West Maitland
ix reached: heve the main northern line is joined, and as far
as J was concerned the journey wag aver, as T had traversed
the route between there and Sydney so frequently before.

Very little bird life was noticed during the whole of the
journey: this toay have heen dne to the extremely high tem:
perature that prevailed, or to the comparatively dry eondi-
tint af the eonniry——perhaps to both.

Regarding the tapoprapbical features_of this route, it 4s
of a far more picturesque and interesting nature than the
ywain northern line, via Armidale and Tenterfield, for
tourists who desire to observe scenery, and 1 hope to go over
it awain some day, under mare favourable weather conditions,

THE Easrern Warer-Deacos, Physignathus lesuew'%t—
The three photographs of the Water-Dragon Lizard exhibited
ti-night were taken on the Aberfeldy River, Gippsland, The
photographs of two other species of Dragon-Lizard are shown
for the sake of comparison. Lueas and Le Sauef, in their book,

188 Ropoa, The Lastern Waler-Dyviger yee
““Vhe Animals of Australia,’’ deseribe the Water-Dragen as
follows:—'' Tail, strongly vonpressed. Body, davk olive
above, wuts darker and bLehter erosshars, most marked an
the fails a brogal dark lene wrongs frei the eye, over The ear.
to the shoulders. fhe cheek pouch 3s barved with lines of
yellow and blue, bength. to over three feel, Habitat,

Hestern, Anstralia.”’ The Water-Deragon belongs to the
farnily of eect most unembers of which are unjustly
knowin as ‘Bloodsuckers, ' ‘he above-nuentioued authors

adopted the name of Dragon Lizard"? ay being move appre-
prialce Tie Water-Dragon is the most distinetly aquatic
livavd, aud frequents the banks of eveeks and vivers fram
Gippsland ta Queensland. L have observed it only in the
Thomson and Aberfeldy Rivers, where if appears lo be very
loeal, extendine only for a couple of niles from the janetion
of the two streams. being move plentiful br the clearer, and
warmer, waters of the Aberfeldy. In other streams of a
similay character dr the same distries it is absent. It is fond
of basking on u log ov rock close to ox in the stream, and
there cat be approached very closely 7@ ino quiek movernent
is made. Oni being clisturbed. tt divea in, te re-appear almost
immediuely, swimming on the sarfaee If forther motested,
it cives and stays ou the bottom for a considerable time. It
swims With a serpentine motion, bat not very rapidly, using
the tail only, with the limbs pressed elose to the sides. The
food seams to causist mastly of Tiseets and smalh animals
flouting on Lhe surface of the water. Prom its resting place
iW plunwes into the water to secure w drowning insect. and
returusy immediately to its look-out. Small dead ov disabled
fish inay vlso he devonred, Wut 7 should say thal af is not
quiek enough in the water to catch healthy ones. [ once
‘hooked one en a devon spinner in the Thomson, and on am-
other oeeasion, while still fishing, 4 large one, after attempt-
inw fo swallow the carle floater, dived down, and. tool the
earthworm bait. ‘his specimen was sent to the Melbourne
Zou, where it lived for nearly a year, The Water-Dragon
i a gwith minner, anc on a level surface will sometimes
ASST Oo SeMmi-erect Posture, ancl tun for several yards on
the hind levs alane. ‘This peculiar gait is also characteristie
af its distinunished cousin, the Prilled Lizard ot Queensland.
Iam not aware that any of the other dvagons <o this, bret
the Long-taded Racer Deagon, common in the Waster n serubs
of Port Phillip Bay, may “do so. “Chis Jatter is undoubtedly
the vhainpion sprinter of the tribe. The eges of the Water-
Dragons are buried an the moist sand bordering the water,

.

Ary “In the Kotunle Gardens” by
dnd the newly-hatehed young gnes are shart-tajled, and yery
atageish. hoy shelter amonest the loose stones, the colour
wf which they elosely match, being in shades uf call brown.
On account of this protective coloration and slow movements
they are not easily discerned, and thns escape many enemies.
They do not enter the water at this stage, as, doubtiess, they
would be Hable to be devoured by adults of their own species
there, Dragon lizards are easily tamed, and, it handled fre-
queutly ancl gently, will not attempt to escape or bite. The
teeth are sinall and blunt, and a bite from a large specinien
would hardly amount to more than a pinch—aA, K. Ropp.

10th November, 1924.

“Jn vnE Borasio Garnens.’'—In this hooklet, of abou!
eiphty pages, the author. the Han, Wrank Clavke, MLC.
has written a chatty and appreciative caesesiption of on
Melbourne Botanic Gardens, and the dozen Wastrahans. lis
Sears inerease the charm of the production. Whether resi
dents of other States and countries will agree (vith one of
his opening sentences remanis to be seen He says—" There
is nothing to eqtal the Gardens in all Australia, mor i
Torope either’ Before bevinving his pilprinage of the
Gardens the author gives a brief account of heii establish
went and history to date. Attention is ealled througtioul
to notable trecs, plants, ele, and one of lus best twelve is
Melalenca styphelioides, the Pricklytleaved Teatree, of New
South Wales, prowing on yhe Prinees’ Lawn, where its white
traik, surmounted by plumes of small durk pveen foliage,
makes a perfeet picture. The anthor seems fo prefer to
write ‘“titree,’? which the late Prot. 4. 1. Morris, in ‘' Aus-
tral-Wnelish,’’ regardecl as an erroneous spelling, and, more
over, Without justification, as ““tea-tree’’ is derived from the
use to which the leaves of one vr more of the Melalencas, anil
Leptospermums were put by sailors during the early voyages
of discovery to Australia. The publication is admirably
adapted for sending to friends at # distance, to give them
some idea of the picturesqueness of the Gardens and their
contents, or for overseas visitors to add to their collection of
yeminiscences. of their travels. The author’s enthusiasin is
shown to the end, and his pleasant chat eonrlndes this —
“Our Botanie Gardens are the rarest thing in all-broad,
betaved Australia.”

“pe Vey site tage 1 soda? Viet. Nat.
LéO The Vertehrate Animals of Tras iatibia Va SLL

Winn Lire os Moun Kiyxernsr—Our friend, Me. A, &,
Keep, during his visit to Fngland has not forgotten the
Naturalist, and its editor's troables in securing short, interes! -
ing paragvaphs. He sends a cutting from the Tinos {Lon-
don), of 29th Tuly last, in which Major R. W. G. Hingston
veeords some of the fauna found at nearly 20, 000 foot iove
sea-level, Mani-can -exist avithont distress at 28,000 feet; a
wild sheep, a small hare and other mammals are trequent al
17,000 feet. Snipe have heen flushed at 15,000 feet, Mhe red-
star has heer seen at 18,000 feet. Chousha have been seen
flocking vound a peak at 24,000 feet, “Pibetans consteet
villawes wp to a’ height of 15.000 feet, beyond which they
are unable to fill the. ground. At. this heivht heetles may be
found ‘sttelterine under stones. Bvew a colony of ants has
been dowd, bat. both these insects-exhibit signs of the intense
end, and hard conditions of the locality. Mven butterflies
and vvasshoppers have. been, sen wp tio 17,000 tect, Lond-
life also exists at 15.000 feet. Major Hingston eoneludes -—
“Ts there any portian-of the earth's suvface, devoid of living
creatures? ... . Here tn this most ‘bleak and inhospitable
verion, fav aboye the last traces of vegetable existence, living
eveatures’ spretcd themselves abvond over“the white wilderness

of STHY anc a ice.”

A Syxorsis of YHE VerrEesrarn Awmtacs oF TasMANta-
By Clive Lor. F.L.5.. and H. H. Seott. Hobart: Oldhan.
Beddome and Meredith. 1924: 21/.- 340 pp. (5 « 84).

This volume will be found useful by naturalists ow both
aides of Bass Straits, for. many species recorded are found
iu Vietovia as well ae Tasmania. It deals with all-forms of
vyeutebrate life, fvom Laneeolets to Bats, aud ineludes-a brief
reference to the aboriginal inhabitants of Tasmania, now
unfortunately extinct. A systematic, list: of the élasses and
orders ig followed by brief notes about weach species, some-
times secompariied by an illustration. such as an,ontline-
drawing of the’ complete fish or animal, or, in ther case of
birds, the head only. Unfortunately, the vohime lacks an
index to the figures and plates, the latter not always being
adjacent to the letterpress concerned. A glossary of terms
used, and a brief outline of the geologica) succession of animal
life, pash ond present, will be nsefnt. Ar index of common

hamies, and another of the elasses and genera are invlniled,
i!

Che Victorian Naturalist

You. NL1—No. 9. JANUARY 7, 1925 No. 493

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.
The monthly meeting of the Club was held .at the Royal
» Soeiety’s Wall ov Monday, 8th Deeember, 1924,

The President, Mr. d. Searle, occupied the chair, and about
siINty Members and visitors were present.

REPORTS.

A veport of the excursion to Altona Bay on Saturday,
15th November, was given by the lender, Mr. A. ©. Rodda,
who reported an interesting afternoon, when attention was
called to various aspects of natural history, silicified lignite
being seen at the disused brown coal mine, quite a mamber
of hirds heing noted in the coastal sernb, while a freshly-
caught specimen of the Port Jackson shark afforded an
opportunity for elose inspeetion of its peeuhar dentition.

A report of the exeursion to the Rotanie Gardens oan
Saturday, 22nd Novyeniber, for pond life was given by the
Jeaderv, Mr. J. Searle, who reported a fair attendance of
members. He said that many forms of pond lite were very
ahundant, but nothing of special interest had been noted.

A report of the exeursion to Black Rock on Saturday,
6th December, was given by the leader, Mr. H, B. William-
son. F.L.8., who said that an instructive afternoon had been
spent among the plants found only in the neighbourhood
of @ Sta beach. Owing to the low tide, a large area of grass-
wrack (Zostera) was exposed, and could he examined at
leisure,

ELEACTION GF MEMBER,

On a ballot being taken, Miss L, McMahon, Whitehorse
Road, Miteham, was duly eleeted an ordinary member of
the Club.

QENERAL BUSINESS,

The President announced that Miss G. Nokes, «2 well-known
inember of the Club, was about to spent a short holiday in
New Zealand, and on hehal! of the members wished her
han voyage. Tt was decided to pive Miss Nokes a letter of
introduefisn ta kindyed soeictes in New Zealand,

The Hon. Librarian veported that he had received front
vanions societies and institutions a mamber of parts of publi,
cations required to eomplete: the series in the Cluh’s library.

162 Ficla Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings, veoh ne

He alsa anounced recent additions to the library. and
requested members borrowing books to observe the library
rules.

PAPERS RWAD.

1. By Mr.J. (, Goudie, entitled ‘‘Notes on the Goleoptera
ot North-Western Victoria’? Part NE.

The author gave a list of the species of beetles belonging
to the families Mordellidae, Cantharidae, (Hdemeridae, and
Curculionidae, which he observed in the Sea Lake district.
the last-named family, which is very numerous throughout
Australia, being vepresented by over one hundred species,
some of which have not yet heen identified.

Some remarks were made by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard ‘ews
read the paper in the absenee of the author) and by Mr.
GQ, Oke, who spoke of the value of Mr. Goudie’s painstaking
work on the beetles of his district.

2 By My. ©. Daley, F.L.S., entitled, “ Avound Noojee.’’

The anthor gaye some aceount of a week spent recently
with Ma, J. W. Audas, F.L.S., among the hills and fern
gullies of the Noojee district, situated in the Latrobe Valley,
about thirty nviles aorth of We irrasul, Attention was ealled
to the threatened spoilation of ove of the beauty spots of the
distrieh known as Myrtle Bower, hy the extension of a saw-
il tramway A. list of the trees and plants observed,
mintbering about two Taindred and fifty, was appended, '

The Chairman and Mosers. A. G. Brown, FL Pitcher, and
Mm, Te. Pesentt, 7S, spoke as to the interest of the paper,
and the need for move careful cousideration of beauty spots
by the Forest Department when authorising the eonstruction
of timber tramways.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTE, : ;

Mr. P. H. St. John catled attention to his exhibit ot
tivo vaca te Kuealyptus hitherto unrecorded for Victoria,
whieh he had recently collected in the Mt, Toole-be-wong-
Ben Caivn district. THe also gave an aceount of ap. fight he
lack witnessed between two male Lrre Birds in the same
lnentity,

EXHIBITS. {

By Mr. CG. Barrett, C.M.Z4.8.—Two species of ‘Byed’’
Bilaters (click beetles), genus Alans, from United States of
America.

ire Micld Naturatists' Club—Proceedings, 163

By Mrs, Colemun,—Flowers of following orchids —-Cryp-
lustylis longafola, from Blackburn, 8/12/24; Ptlerostylis
pusilla, cultivated specimens grown at Blackburn, fourth
tiie of flowering; Plerostylas decurva, trom Fern Tree Cully,
7/12/24; Plerostylis deeurna, albino torm, found growing
jn the open iv strony sunlight at Fern Tree Gully, 7/12/24.

By Mi. F, Cudmore—Fossil teeth of extinet species of
Cestracion Sharks fron: the voeks of Beaumaris. Four
Species represented. viz.: Slrophodus cocenicus, Tute; Ces-
fraction catnozoicus, Chapman and Pritchard; GC. lougidens,
Chapman and Cudmore; and C. NevaeZealindicus, Chapman.
A species of Cestracion, the Port dackson shark, is still living
iu Australian seas,

By Mr. J. i. Daxou.—Sixty-seven species of beetles col-
lected at Gypsum Siding, and Wake Hattah, North-West:
Viclovias also specimens of “opi”? £rom Gypsune Siding.

Bye Mr CL Preneh, juntor—Speeinens of a seale insect,
wont Palvinavia, probably new to seienen. Colleeted at
Kewell (Wimmera), by Mr. dos, Le,

By Mv. A. 3. Rodda—Specimens of Sieitied Lignita,
shewing minute quart, crystals, lower jaw, dorsal fins,
spines, and ove-case of Port Jacksun shark, collected on
Altona exeurston,

Ry Mr, A. Ty. Seott-Photosraph of Black Rook oxeursion
party, and of White-ftronted Heron (in tree).

iy Mr PR, AL. St. dohw—Terbariam specimens of
Bueclyptes agylomerata, Maiden, trom Buuyip, 19th Octaber,
1924, and fram Mount Toole-be-wong, 5th Deeenber, 1924,
Wirevorded for Vietoria; Mucelyptus Blaxlandii, Maiden,
Blue Stringybark, from Bon Cairn, Millgrove, Sih December.
1924; juvenile foliage of Shining Gun, Muculyptus qlens,
Maiden, not before exhibited; Blechnawn leeuigntum, Cav,
from Mount 'Poole-be-wone and Ben Cairn, Sth Deeentber,
1924, first record for Victoria,

By May. A. J. Padeell —Red Brome Grass, Brunia rubens
(ineroduced), from Mt, William, near Laneefield, collected by
exhibitor, November, 1024. Previously collected by exhibitor
on the Keilor Plans and beyond Sunbury, 1923. This grass
is closely allied to Bromus Mudritensis, hoth species being
of Mediterranean origin, Red Brome Grass differs ftom
BR Madritensis m its pubescent stems, and dense ovoid pur-
plish punieles, with very short branches, the purple heads
giving if a very distinctive appearance When growing.

After the usual conversazione the meeting closed.

i64 Nacursion te Brisbane Ranges, [Sis soak

EXCURSION 0 THE BRISBANE RANGES.

Only Messrs, Uuoke and Miller joined the leader in the
esetrsion to the Brishane Ranges og 18th and 1th October,
which, an account of perfect weather, was tiost enjoyable.
‘Vo suve time, the ruther wiintevesting cwht acd a halt wiles
of very bad voul between Baechus Marsh and MePhail’s was
covered by car. From the latter place the road threngll
the northern cud of the Ranges was followed, and the billy
was boiled for hineh at the usual picuicking spot at the big
yook onterop. At the farmhouse on the right, now deserted,
the party turnect south, passtug to the east of the Berenboke
seftlement, and, after going soinewhat astray, crossed
Reilly's Crvek, anc arived at Durdidwarrh just at dusk.
Here wceonimmodation was obtained by the kindness of Mo.
Bradley, the eavetaker of the Reservoir (Guelong’s. water
supply), and on Sunday morning the walk was resumed.
After passing through the water reserve between the road
to Steiglitz aud the aqueduot, and lunvhing below the lower
dam, 2 course was taken along nm track leading to the
Steiglitz-Durdidwarvh Road, aud then by another, which
finally brought the purty to the Meredith Road, about twe
and w half males from the Moornbool Biver, At the river,
tea was consumed by the light of the fire that boiled the
‘billy, and the walk vesumed in darkness until Meredith was
reached at about $30, About 36 miles in all was covered.
wicl the small party returtied ta town Ly the early train on
Monday anovnine thoroughly pleased with the outing, and
firmly resolved to repeat. it next Spring.

For those who baye sot visited the locality, it may be
stated that the Ranges, which are conunposed of slates and
sandstones of Ordovician age. covered as to the southern
half partly by gravel deposits, maiiiains au average height
of about J200 feet as Lar as Anakie, just surpagsme 1400
feet al the highest point. Tron. Anakie the height falls
to about GOO feet at Mande, whieh may be said to mark their
southern termination,

Separated from the basalt pluiug by gentle alluvial
slopes, the abrupt eastern fave of the Ranges, known js the
Rowsley fault. runs almost die north and svath, aud is much
dissueted by small, gorge-like water eonrses, the most iinpor:
tant of whieh are the nain brauch of the Little River
debouehing at Stauzhton Vale, and a smaller branch, the
overtlow from the Reservoly mating its exit by the Anakie

Jen, Baoursion to Brisbane Ranges, 165
Gorge. To the west, the surface passes into the Ballarat
plateau,

ly spite of the sterile natwre of the ground, the rainfall
af about 23 inches, well distributed thronghout the year,
conduces to 4 yuite dense and varied vegetation, cxcapt im
sane of the steeper slopes where the taller growth 1s
associated with the seantiest of ground fora.

About sixteen species of Huealyptus, generally of quite
inoderate size, with oeeasional Casnarinas, Exocarpus aud
Acucias, compose the tree growth, with larger shrubs of
Bursaria, Hymenanthera, Lepiospermum, Cassia, Hakea,
Aeucius (about. thirteen in all), Dodonaea, omaderris and
Jaltistemon., ‘The total nuniber of flowering planig and ferns
probably amounts ta about 400, and amongst them ave many
interesting species like Olearia pannosa, O. clliuta,
QO. godechrow and O. terelifolia, Helichrysum obtusifobium,
Malipterwn antheneides, Acoea aspera, A. Mitchelli, and
A. vomeriformis, Bosstace neeraphylla, Pudtenaued huamnilis,
P lavifolta, Cabylite faltragenu, Grevillea pavviflora, €. flar-
bimda, @. aquifativne and 6. leugera, Lriestenon obovulis,
Boronia anenoawifatia Pseudanihus Civaricatissanus, Phyll-
aithus thymoides, Billardiera eymosa, Prostantheru denti-
culata, Pomadaints ferrugined, atid P. priwnrfelia, Leuce-
pager glucaulis ani Choristeman hunks, whieh are rarely
ov tiever seen sy close to Melloorne.

At the worth end of the Riiges the operations of waad-
cutters and the arenrenee of. fire in the previous year have
alieved the appewranee of the yegetation. Gum saplings are
gvowing thickly, and Lrachynidie Bilavdiert in partienlar,
amd a handsome, introduced species, Selaga corymbiflora:
with white jlowers looking Lke an Umbelliter, but. belonging
to the Seronhalariaceae, are growing most abwadantly,

In the water reserve the most noticeable and prevalent
plants were Dilleywin flombuwida, Plutylobium obtusan-
guint, Libbertin ateicta, and Tetrittheca erictfolia, all of
which were in finer form than the writer had previously seen
them. Still more prevalent, but not so noticeable, were the
weedy Holorrhagus telraginua, Opercularia vnria and Drosera
mueviculatu, and Stechiousia linarifolia, OF orchids, eighteen
were noted out of about forty-three recorded, the most fre-
quent being Phelwitra autenniferu, Calndenu testaced, aud
(_ ddatatu, Glossodia innjav, aud Diuris louyifatia

About the aqueduct the charming Pultenact pedunculita
eovered Wide areas with vreen mats adorned with bright

166 Daugy, Arownl Noojee. Ren Poy

yellow flowers, and is suggested ss being admirably adapted
for hiding the bare rock in our railway cuttings.

The most, notable find during the exeursion was another
Piltenaca, as yet idetermined by Mr. Williamson,

For further information ahout this interesting ‘locality
members ave referred to the papers by the late ' Mr,
OM’Dovoghne and Mr. St. John, which appeared in ihe

Naturilist, Vol. NXNVI, p, 15), and Vol. XATX, p, 180.

AROTND NOOJEE.,
By Cras. Daury, B.A, FLAS,

Ieeatl before Field Naturalists’ Club of Veetorid, 3th
December, 1924.

On Saturday, 25th October, Mr. J. W. Audas and niyselt
left Melbonrtie by the early train, with the intention of
spending a week in botanising in the vicinity of Noojea, an
outpost. of settlement at the junction of the Loch River with
the Latrobe. At Warragul we were joined by another eluh
muember, Mr, A. G. Brown,

Noojee Jies almost due north of Warragul in well-wooded
mountainous country, about 274 miles from the main Gipps-
land railway, and is reached by a cackspur Ime, the journey
from Warragul taking three howrs and a half. the speed of
the train, including the happy-go-lucky stoppages. at every
embryo station et route, being nearly eight miles per honr. Av
one time this district was heavily timbered with towering
Mountain Ash, Lucalyplius regnans, and Silvertop, 2. siebert-
ane, but for many years axe and fire have been ceaselessly at.
work, and the once densely-clad hills have on every side been
niereilessly denuded of their tuuber, ‘' You mast ent it
down to get grass,” said one farmer, in surprise at my
expressions of regret at the passing of the forest. Grass,
ves—and bracken, ton—which, however, has one merit, it
serves to keep the rich soil of the hills from being trans-
ported by the heavy rainfalls into the despoiled ereeks and
streams, which, once amid their fem gullies, were as hbeanti-
ful as those of Fernshawe or Marysville. One tree, however,
which escapes the spoiler’s. axe: ts the Blackwood, Acaia
nmélanoxcylon, the specimens of filis treé throughont tha
whole district bemg especially large, shapely, and “beautiful,

1335] DaLex, Around Noojee, tit

The question in the wit is an ecauomieal one, Which
is of the grenter value ta the State—Wise and careful cai-
servation of forests providing abundant supplies of good
timber for uges to cone, and, whilst preserving the natural
features. yielding wlso, as im old-world countries, » hand-
some revenue; ot—eomplete Ucuadation, with grass in
plenty, dairy produce, fal. cattle, potatoes, onions, bare hill
sides beset with vain and wind, swollen streams, widespread
silt, deposits, Treqnent floods, climatic changes, andl an ever:
growing seareity of timber? Is no happy anediunr possible?
Vis problem sugvests itself as we pass through the bare
hills of the Neerim: distriet, once famous for its forest giants.
some of which were over 300 feet in height. The rich,
volennic soil and ubundaut vainfall produced prolific zrawth.
Nearer to Noojee, at Nayook, the Inghest point on the line,
1413 feet above sea level is reached, some extensive and
beautiful panoramic effects heing now observed alony the
Latrobe and its coutrilatar valleys, the finest being towards
Mi. Tooronvo aml the Baw Baws. Approaching Noojee the
heads of some of the valleys have heen spanted by Jnge
wooden trestle bridges, the lougest of which, commanding
4 splendid view, is sail to lw 300 feet, and about 100 feet
above the ereek hed below Near the head of the Tavago,
not for from Nayook, ts a beattifol fomi-wolly reserve w hich
ig, much freruented hy tourists. Alone the course of the
ruilway the vegetation liad not been very striking, the mast
frequent plant in bloom being the Priekly Bush-Peu.
Pultonuen juniperina, which is quite a handsome shrub, with
a great profusion of showy flowers—in the muss quite “Old
Gold’? in hae, Tu some nistanees the foliage belied the name.
being quite soft to the toneh; in others, true to type.
Coming nearer to Noojee, where original scrub was more
evident, the common Cassia, OC. acadeata, with brownish
bad elusters ready to bloom, and the Hop Goadenia, with
its yellow flowers, grew abundantly; whilst at the top of (he
cuttings would occasionally come fo view a delicately-
tinted clump of Blue Dampiers, D. strete, whilst more
Dequently the traly Tlatdsome Plat-Pea, Platylodbiun
formoyum, mide a pleasing show with its rich, fed-tipped,
yellow pea-flowers The Wiry Bauera. Bo rabioides, with
flowers varying from white to pink, justified its name, send-
ing its many wires down the sides of the cutting for a
distance of eight or ten feet, suggesting that it night be
planted elsewhere to advantage on bare oping sides of

Viet. Nar,
168 Datey, Avaund Nonjce. Wee Ree.

yailway enttings. Tho only Acacia with a lingering
semblance of bloom was “Prickly Moses,'' A, ver/iedlatgs,
Crossing the heads of the valleys, the vegetation of tlie
woister and more shaded plates, such as Tea-trees, Hazel,
Christinas-bush, anc ferns, was notieeable. Noojee is
situated near the junetion of the Loch River with the
Latrobe, in a low-lying swanepy area, the railway station
being placed halt a mile further on. Some private residences
are also built on the mueh higher hill sites shove the vailway
ine, Still im the somewhat primitive stage of settlenjent,
Noojed shows sigs of ploeress and erowth,

Af, the railway station we parted from Mr, Brown, who
was vor to the Toorongo River, Mv. Audas aud 1 driving
about two miles up the Loch River to Mis. Preseott’s
accommodation louse. ‘he voad after retent rains,
especially at the soaks from the hills, was bueyy and rengh.
In tront of the house ave steep and high hills, partly
timbered, partly cleareil, at the foot of which flows the Loch
River amid a prolife and varied growth of vegetation ov
either side. Bohind the hanse is a parallel ridge of hills
epvered with scrub aud fovest growth. The voad up the
valley passes the honse, aid on the other side of the river
is the tram line to the sawmills some miles further on. Our
position was thus a. vood one for our investigations. Onr
first outing along the voad eonvinced us that not many
species of plants were in flower, but that those that were
shawed wansual profusion in bloom and richness in colour-
ing, The under-serub was a dense tangle overran with Wiry
Bawera, the Llandsome Flat-Pea, and the Prekly Pultenaca,
all in fall Iuxuviauee of growth, The Dusty Miller, Spyrtd dum
parvifolaun, and occasionally the Golden Bush-Pea; P. Gunni,
the Blue Danpiera, and the ever-weleome ‘Pink Wve,”
Vetnitheca ciliata, were also in flower. Crossing the river
next day we climbed the steep hill to find that, as we left
the viver slope, the bracken covered the hillside to the
exclusion of other plants. We followed fhe tram truck
round the foot of the hills to Peacock’s Mill. finding a good
variety of plants affecting a fluviatile area; rushes, sedges,
and grasses of many kinds, among which might. be mentioned
the ‘Tassel Cord-Rush, Restia fetraphayllus, whilst the Wive
frags, J'etrarrhenn stipotdes, proved an effective entangle-
nent amidst the river vexetalion. among which grew freely
the Rough Tree-Fern, Alsophila «australis, the King Fern,
Todea barbara, and several species of Blechnum, the Coral

Tan, |
1020.

DaLey, Arona Noolee, ie
Fern, Gleichewa ciremnaaty, the Conmon Maiden-Hai
Adiantum oethiopicum, the Necklace Fern, Asplanium flabel
tfelium, the Common Bracken, Pteridium aquiliaamn, anit
wllicd species. Small fers of several kinds, fungi and Clit
Meses vrew freely in the porous soil in which the Blue Squill
Chameaseitla corymbosa, Milkniaids, Burchardia wmnbellati
the Tufted Lily, Stypandse caespitoxa, a few Purple Plags,
three species of Stellavia or Starwort, the Cutleaf Cranes
Bill, Goruniwn dissection, Yellow Wood-Sorvel, Oadalis cornet
enladir, and Bidgee Widgee, Acvenu singuisorbae, found eon-
genial conditions for growth.

Along the river course grew the Blick, the Harly Blaek,
and the Silver Wattles, Prickly Moses, and the Narrow-
leat Acacia, A. linearis, with many fine Blackwoods, The
Scented Paperbark, Melaleuca squarresa, was in full lower,
aiid Jess seldom seen were the Swamp Paperbark, M. eric
folia, Manuka, Leptospernaun scepurium, and the Woolly
Tea-Tree, LD. lowigerwn. Two attractive shribs in inl
wealth of Hower were the Snow Daisy-Bush, Oleerin Lyrela,
ahd the Tiuneate Phebalium, P. betobion. Tn this ich,
peuty soil, especially towards the uatrohe River, lusurianec
in growth is seeuw in the vast wamber at young Iuealypts.
niestly Common Peppermint, Mountain Grey Gam and
White Mountain Ash (A. custratiuna, 2, gawioculyn, and &,
veywous), of Hazel, Ponadervis apetale, and of Christmas
Bush, Prostunthera lasianthos. with graceful, slender, and
slraivht teuunks stretching in close array upwards to the
sunhght. Among other plants voticenble, Dut not veer
frequent, were the, White Elderberry, Storhucius Cade
chaudions, the Common Correa, C. speciosa, and the hand-
some Mountiwin Correa, Co lawerenciang. Here also were two
ov thtea threes of the Muiton-Wood, Rupanen (MLyrsine) varet-
Inlay. At Peacock's Sawmill, on the Latrobe, we found that
niost of the timber from the White Mountain Ash, &,
reqnims, Was Deine sawn ul present for Trait eases. Th eon-
versation with one of the employees, who had a good Inow-
ledwe of bush flow and fauna, he referred to a cluster
specinen of Clinielis aristale as ‘Woodbine? a vernacalay
name whieh seems appropriate. We also showed us some fine
apecamens of figured Blackwood, Crossing the river on a
fullen tree, we passed uphill over the tramway line to the
sermb above the eatiine the ehief botanical features of
Which have been wentioned, Baiiera. Platylobium, Senecio
and Dampieva wore esperitly fine, On this slope grew the

Thi os : Viet. Neat
id Datey, Around Novjre, Vol xt

‘Gyass TrigeoPhint,’’ Stylidiun granandfoliim, ‘the bent
Goodenia, , gewicnlila. the Anstiral Blachell, Wallenbergie
gracikis, and. Tall Lobelia, L. gibhese, We returned by the
road, noting u fire festoon of Clentatis an the Way.

fn a later walk along oo ilisnsed tran line ly the yer
tuwards Noajce the luxuriance of growth was cqtially
marked, A schoolboy joined us, who vave us the name of
"Bootlice Plant’ foe the Tough Riee-flower, Pieler as-
flora, the strong fibvous bark bemeg used in default of laces
or string, This was plentiful, as also the Tall Rice-flower,
P. figusteina: aud the Sernb Nettle, (rhicu inedsa, made
its presence distinetly felt. Sweet Bursaria, 2. spines, had
not yet sent aut its ereamy blooms, We noticed both Purple
and Common Appleberry, Billardwera longifiera aud 2B.
scandens, In trait, anc the Wonga Vine, Vecoma australis.
A aueh more vobnust ehinher was the Twining Silk-pod,
Tyousia slrentner, with its vegetable cables, Hunvbler
moaisinre-loving plats such as Water Milfoil, Aayriaphyleun
titermediuay, the Hairy Willow-Herb, Mpilobtiun junceun
the Yellow Mavsh-Hower, VWillersie wniformis, the Greet
Ground-Berry, Achrofriche serrulata, Brookline, (tratiola
peruvniend, Broom Spurge, -byaperea spartioides, the Ganynior
aud the River Buttercups, Raauwncikus lappacens, and
KR. pvuluris, were abundant, whilst the lowly Violets, V.
haderacea, and V. steberiane, Frequently grew in spreading
tats over a Considerable space, Untrodueed plants are not
as vet very numerous. Qnite at home and rather a steiking
phint in a fey glade grew a new arvival in Victoria—the
Hinialayen Floneysuekle, Leycesira [orneawe,

On the ranges behind the house, amid the Buealy pts, were
found a few Jate flowers of Common Heath, &pacris
aipressi, also a vestricted patch af the Yellow Tlie,
MN, nodosa, whilst the Holly Lenintit, &- 2deifolia, which is
well distributed, had for company the less frequent Tree
Lomatia, DL. Praesent. The Prickly Geebony, Persoonta
juniporing, was algo in trait. Tho Cherry Ballart,
ELxocir pis eupressifarnis, seenced to grow hetter on this side
of the river. A few finowers of the Blue Pinenshion,
Rrwionia australis, were seen, and, restricted to a small
area, Was & eolony of the Wrinkled Daisy-bush, Oleuria
rigoese, With beautiful auc attyactive spraying blooms. Also
on this aven we seetued five specimens of the Great Sin
Orehiul, Thelumitra grandiflora. The season seemed over
for avchids, not. ever a Glossodia ar Divris being seen,

3586, |

Datey, Aronwad Nousee. 171

A day was spent in visiting the upper part of the Loch
valley, Mrs. Prescott kindly arranging to drive ua up. A
woll-constrncted tvan line follows the course of the stirciun
for some miles on the right bank with a twofold divergent
track from the left site of the stream, The engine and the
bodies of the trucks on this Jine were af one time part of
the equipment of the vailway froin Somento, plying to the
Baek Beach with holiday makers, vow truly justicutine in
the forest country in fax other, but still useful, employment

Passing up the’ Loch valley same fine holdiigs are seen,
inosk of the big timber having heen cut out. ‘The inner flats
and slopes are under cultivation or used for dairying
ocenpations, A few miles wp the graniie outerops are more
clearly defined, The road im places is bad, and at certain
spots of the consistence of glue. Leaving the Lrap al the
Loch River school, we pursued the way on foot, then passed
over phe river to the sawmills, at which littl: work was being
done, pending parmission to eross the Loch River into the
torest’ beyond. Before resaminy, we Juneled, and then
followed the tram trick, a delivltfal walk, vnlil ir evossed
the river into the Myrtle Bower, The eharaeter of the
vepetation here is something dike that of dhe AMlarysville
streama, tat more dense. In approaching tha river, the
tran track had, of necessity, to be cleared, blackwood wid
mytile-beech trees of considerable size having heen cut down,
A large tiger snake on the line, startled at our coming, got
sately away into the debris of fallen timber, ‘Nhe Tine at
present ends a few yards over the river. TH is a great pity
that to reach the timber available for eutting beyond {he
river the area forming tha Myrtle Bower Jas to be eitered.
for, admitting the charm, of an old timber traek it mountain-
ous country, and the heauty with whieh nature i tine secks
to repair the vavages of man, ih is veeretshle thiut places with
such interesting and distinctive types of vexelation cannot
be kept in their pristine state, tntoueled by the spoilers
hand.

The Myrtle Bower extends sone distance up fowards
Peischack's selection, and on cach side of Vhe river. Th tle
moist and peaty soil there is a luxariant growth, The
Myrtle-beaches, Nothofigus Cunningluonet, are excecdmely
fine, sometimes. fantastic in the shape of their holes and
lofty trunks, adorned with mosses, lichens sii epipliytal
ferns. The light-oreen leaves of spring at the tips of each
Iwanech of dark-green leaves added to then atiractiveress.

W2 Darev, dyvnund Noujee, | Yount,

Alsoplhilas, ‘Todeas, ‘anc nlost of our sully terns grew pi
fusely amid the usual thickets of huzel, niask, “christmas
bush, acacias, sassafras, blanket-lea’, Bedfordi sulicina,
and supplejack, characteristic of the myoultain streame’
Nora

Also in association, bit much less munerous, vere Elder
herty Panax, Tieghemopanax sambiectfolaus, the Sand-ls
ierla, 2. Nmathai, the Privet Block-Olive, Notelaea
Hgustrina, and the Small-leuf Bramble, Rubus parvifolius.
whilst Mountain Correa, P?, Cawsencivna, ain oceasional
Mutton-wood, the Prickly Curvrant-Bosh, Coprosma Bil-
lardien, and the Rough Coprosnra, C, hartelda, were repre-
sented; and the BanyaHa, Pittasporium bicolor, with pleasing
foliage and yellow bloom was noticed,

Under the shelter of this vegotation, in sand apon it. and
under our feet, also on vocks and atenis, grew the smaller,
but hot less interesting, flora of the moisture and shadetloving
plants, in coujunetion with mosses and ferns forming an effer-
tive green mantle. The chief eucalypts werr Mountain Ash.
Mountain Grey Gum, Mesyimate and Silver-top. The only ether
urchids obtained were the Large Telmet-Orchid, Corysanthes
peuanest, and the Common EGird-Orebid, Chilogletits
Crrenanre, ‘both at Myrtle Bower. Atter spending as much
time as possible in viewing the beantios of this .attractive
river Hora and the eversparkling stream, we reluctantly
returned aloug the team track past the sawmill., A soime-
what overgrown tourist track passes through the Myrtle
Bower country. aud connects: with a track past Petschaok*s
abandoned selection over the divide and along Aldernian"s
Creek to Walsh's Creek ni the Yarra valley, an jateresting
excursion for walkers and travellers. Returing to our trap,
we were it time to see the schoolmaster killing a. copperhead
snake. On starting out, Mr. Audas had previously killed ane
which was on the track. Being desirous to sce the Tooranga
River Valley, we drove through the towa of Noojee over a
fine stretch of roac, passing a sawmill at work, and also the
Hydro-electite station which illuminates the townships of
Noojec. Neerim and Warragul. The water power is brought
for a few miles by an open eluamel alony the hillsides from
the foot of the Toorongo River Falls to the plant where
the electric power is generated. The Toorongo River valley
is deep, fortile and narvower than the Loeh. Not fay fram
the road we net Mr A. G, Brown, who haga fine property,
Wieluding hill slopes anc alluvial flats. through whieh the

ee Datey, Avownt Noojee. 178

rier flows. We were interested in seemg the Waurialt
erowth of the intradwecd Water Meadow-grass, Poa aquatica,
winch has firrnly established itself as an effective agent i
aiming swanipy land, as well as providing 4 wood fodder
tor\stork. Ag vesult, the roots of the grass are now in
denwnid, and widely distributed for plantmg im swampy
area, .

Fibm Mr. Brown's residence, and under his guidance, we
ascenfed the hill slopes us fav as the water-race, alone which
we ploceeded a considerable distance, the hills: having a
good forest growth of Messmate, Silvertap, and Peppexmint,

with 4 little Mountain Grey Gum and Yellow Stringy-bark,
also Black and Barly-black Wailtles, Blackwoods, Varnish

Wattle Acdeda vernicifiad, and Prickly Moses. The serul
veretation was similar to what has been deserthed. At one
place ak unosaal number of tree-fern trunks had heuthy
blackwodds, and in. one dnstwice a Banyalla, growilig from
them, fine prospect of this pieturesque valley was
obtained} with the road going away over the hills towards
the Punna country, The valley is mostly cleared, but the -
Swamp Cam, 7. ovata, and the Manna Gum, 2. wvinninedlis,
grow on the flats. Alouw the watercourse, here and there,
as on the blopes to the uch River, we weve strack with the
unusual giowth of the Giant Mountain-trass, yearn dives.
to a height of seven or nine feet. Ag it germinates rapidly
after a fdtest fite, frequently valuable timber has beer
burned by|the settlers and others to eneourage its growth
for feeding stock; although without the protection of the
forest. the krass wonid soon disappear he ‘ree Mverlast-
ing, MHehich\yswm feruginawm, grew well alony the water
ehaunel, wy we were interested in observing that ‘the
Conon Ciksiiue gave evidence of heteraphyily. In some
Wants 1s lejves broadened and appeared to tmitate closely
the foliage ohthe Helichrysum.

Rabbits an wombats are found along the watercourse.
Here, us in He Loeh gullies, we heard the Lyre-bitd calling,
Alid saw tracy of its presence in numerous seratchings.
Trom the vaca we went to the valley road past some ecm
fortable hotuesbads, und. on a well-chosen spot overlooking
the stream, andeommanding a fine view of the valley. with
towering hills s\otting if ny an either sede we reached the
aeconmnodation louse. oul destinarion for the night, Adter
joneh, Ate, Grows left ys, and then with Mv. Riehards, who

Wes Darey, Arownd Noojed. Pe. ne

has the oversight of the waterconrvse, we started for hn
Falls,

As the result of long periods of surtace denudation,
underlying pranite, which had come mto view Tn the va
was now freely exposed in mass in the composition offthe
vanes. A pleasant walk alone a track by the race, /and
above the river course, skirting a Tovest-clacl hill, led tg the
foot of the Falls, Up from this valley, into whieh trjtkled
or ran the water fron a thousand ills, eame with fevery
breath of wind that subtle bash fragvance from “the Yeusers
ot the Mountaiti Musk." The atiractive Snow Daisy-bush,
With imasses of white flowers, and the yellowish tihge/d! the
new folinge on the Blackwaoods, velreved the darker fordure
bordering the viver. Among niany species of frasses,
Vussock grass, Pow cuespitosa, Wallaby grass, Dquthonia
penicdkitd, and Weeping grass, Wierolienn shipoudes fare evi-
dent. On the track an intrusive dioritie dvke eamd through
tha granite, Che watereearse is patrolled rewulafly. trees
and boulders sometinies falling athwart or in thf stream.
From the foot of a series of cascades. crossing. a rustic
bridge, we made our way through a deuse (hicke? of gully
vegetation to the Toorongo Falls, a strong body! of water
procipttating itself over huge granite boulders./ his is
widoultedly one of the finest waterfalls ia pur State.
Climbing higher with some difficulty, we reached the top of
the Falls. the stream coming steadily out from fhe clevated
plateaw bevoud. Retvacing our steep course. wd trirned up
near fho Vitthe chalet, to the other branch of thaming cas-
cades awiftly mashing in and among the rourflod yeranite
boulders, the spray eonstantly falling on yoels, logs ‘and
treé-tranks, stimulating to aetive growth all/the minute
forms of veyretable lite, which love such eofditions and
vivify the scene with theiy emerald hue. Hieler up tm this
gorne ure the Amphitheatre Falls, forming 7 fine picture.
the dense veeetation from lowly mosses, lichenf fungi, fers,
ta overshadowing trees, providing a beauiitulsetiing for the
swirling water hurrying anid granite bowders smoothed
and rounded by constant attrition.

Beyond the Toovongo Vulley lie forests of Mountaty Ash,
through whieh Jittleknown tracks lead t7 the Baw Raw
Plateae. wor yet accessible to the ordinary tourist; but just
us the railway has opened up the Noojd forest country,
from its terminus a new road is bein built onward, a

iss DALEY, Avon Noajre, 175
probable precursor of extended railway facilities into the
Jair valley of Tooronge and the heart of remote Fumina.
The ‘Toorango rises to the cast of Mt. Horstall, where the
big, tinber still exists, and east of it. ig the basin of the
Taneoil, draining also to the Juatrobe, Although the
peglowical features vary throagh this area, Ordovician or
Silurian measures resting or abutting on the granite, and
Nich, voleanic soils derived from ancient lava flows overlying,
as ingnany parts of Gippsland, the ringes, there is nowhere
ay marked difference in vegetation, for the areas insensibly
yeplace each other, and the resultant soil, mostly of voleanic
origin, 38 so Mech that with so copions a raimifall differences
1) (love can hardly be found as in diriex areas.

Up the Toarongo River birds seem co be numerous and
tuneful; King Parrots, Lovies, and other parrots flashed
here and thete. The Gane Gang, Sulphur-ciested, and
Black Cockatoos were seen, The Satin Bower-birds are
somebines very numelols hi the Loch Valley, and the more
common birds, includiuw the Coachwhip Bird and the Tar.
monious Thinsh, are in full song. The Bell Miner, whieh
one would expect. to find on these streams, was not noticed,
although numerous on the Lower Latrobe River,

Tn both mvers there is goud trout fishing, and crayfish are
unusually hivee, Leaving our pleasant haltmy-place at
Toovango, and ifs-ever-running waters, we took a tiack lead-
ing over the race straight upwards, with hardly a deviation,
10 a voud 1000 feet above us, 1. was partly overgrown with
bracken and syeasy under foot, and in consequence was. ut
stiff climb, necessitate pity spells.

Reaching the goal of onr efforta—a bash rovd—we left it
to head another uneertain track downward ta the loeh
Valley, which Jed us into an aren, where, uffer a watm
strogele throneh intervening, JIngh and dense stveteher of
bracken, we reached a sawmill not very far distant from ou
destination, .

Next. inorning we lett) Noajee by the early triui, tuok ont
last logk from the lofty trestle bridge at the favored valley,
wid retuned home after a very pleasant and imtereshng
excursion in this fertile district, in which (he fours, and
native-tlover alike cin find mueh to oeeupy their time ard
allention as well as to minister to their pleasure,

ne Wy Wanj Viet. Nat,
176 Dauey. Around Naajee. VolXLL

This district was the scene of a Club excursion at Christ-
mas, 1919, and a report of the visit will be found in the
Naturalist for Mareh, 1920 (Vol. XXXVI, p. 153).

Tn view of the recent changes in many specific names, and
the addition of vernaculars for all our plants, T have thought
that the following ist of the plants seen during the trip may
be found nseful —

LIST OF PLANTS COLLECTED OR OBSERVED.
Plants marked * were in flower; those marked + in fruit,

FALIGALES,

Trichomanes venosum, R.Br,, Bristle Fern,
Hymenophyllum tunbridgense, S8m., Tunbridge Filmy Fern.
Alsophila australis, R.Br., Rough Tree Fern.
Dryopteris decomposita, Ktze.,, Shiny Shield Fern.
Polystichum aculeatum, Schott, Common Shiela Fern.
P. adiantiforme, J.Sm., Leathery Fern.

Dayallia dubia, R.Br., Rainbow Fern.

Lindsaya linearis, Sw., Screw Fern.

Asplenium flabellifolium, Cay., Necklace Fern.
Pleurosorus rutifolius, Fee., Blanket Fern.
Blechnum cartilagineéum, Sw., Gristle Fern.

B. pattersonii, Mett., Strap Fern.

B. discolor, Keys., Fishbone Fern.

B. capense, Schl., Soft Water Fern.

B, Lanceolatum, Sturm,, Lance Fern.

B. fluviatile, Lowe, Ray Water-Fern,

Pellaea falcata, Fee,, Stickle Fern.

Cheilanihes tenuifolia, Sw,, Rock Fern. :
Adiantum aathiopicum, L., Common Maiden Hair.
Pteris umbrosa, R.Br., Shade Brake Fern,

P. tremula, R.Br., Tender Bracken Fern,
Histiopteris incisa, J.Sm., Batswing Fern,
Pteridium aquilinum, Kuhn, Common Bracken.
Polypodium Billardieri, C,Chr., Finger Fern,

P. grammitidis, R,Br,, Gipsy Fern.

P. pustulatum, Forst.. Kangaroo Fern.

Gleichénia circinnata, Sw., Coral Fern.

G. laevigata, Hook, £., Fan Fern.

Todea barbara, Moore, King Fern.

, LYCUPODIACKE Ay. ‘
Tmesipteris tannensis, Bernh., Fern Club-moss_

SEY,AGINELLACEAR,
*Selaginella uliginosa, Spr., Swamp Club-moss.

GIA MINE AL.

Impérata cylindrica, Beauv., Blady Grass.
*Themeda triandra, Fort, Kangaroo Grass,

1324 | Darey, Around Noojee. 177

*Setaria viridis, Beauv., Green Pigeon Grass.
*Microlaena stipoides, R.Br., Weeping Grass.
*Jetrarrhena Juncea, R.Br., Wire Grass.

*Stipa pubescens, R.Br., Tall Spear Grass.

7$. setacea, R.Br., Corkscrew Grass.

*S. semibarbata, R.Br., Fibrous Spear Grass.
*+Echinopogon ovatus, Beauy., Hedgehog Grass.
*Calamagrostis quadriseta, Sprene., Reed Bent Grass.
*Dichelachne crinita, Hook, f., Long-Hair Plume Grass.
*Danthonia penicillata, F.V.M., Wallaby Grass.
*Pappophorum nigricans, R.Br., Niggerheads,
+*Phragmites communis, Trin., Common Reed.
*Eragrostis Brownii, Nees., Common Love Grass.
Glyceria dives, F.V,M,, Giant Mountain Grass.

G. fluitans, R.Br., Manna Grass.

*Agropyrum scabrum, Beauv., Common Wheat Grass,

GLYPERACE LE,

+Cyperus Eragrostis, Vahl., Dark Leaf Rush.
=C. rotundus, L., Nut Grass.

*C, lucidus, R:Br., Common Leaf Rush.
“Heleocharis acuta, R.Br., Common Spike Rush.
*Scirpus inundatus, Poir., Swamp Club Rusb,
*Schoenus apogon, Roem. and Sch, Fluke Bog Rush,
*Cladium glonieratum, R.Br, Soft Twig Rush.
*Gabnia Radvla, Bth,, Thatch Saw Sedge,

*G. psittacorum, Labill, Brickmaker's Sedge.
*Carex inversa, R.Br., Knob Sedge.

*C, Gaudichaudiana, Kth,, Tufted Sedge.

*C. appressa, R.Br, Tall Sedge.

*C. pseudo-cyperus, L., Galingale Sedge,

LEMA AGIAN.

Lemna minor, L., Common Duckweed.
RESTIACE A.

"Restio tetraphyllus, Labill., Tassel Cord Rush.
*Leptocarpus Brownii, Hook, f., Coarse Twine Rush,
*Hypolaena lateriflora, Bth., Spreading Rope Rush,

WUNCACK AL,

“Luzula campestris, De, Field Wood Rush,
*Juncus planifolius, R.Br., Broad Leaf Rush;
+J. bufenius, L., Toad Leaf Rosh.

=J, polyanthemos, Buch., Common Leaf Rush.
*J. pauciflorus, R.Br., Loose Flower Rush.

LILIACH AL.

*Burchardia umbellata, R.Br., Milk maids.
*Chamaescilla corymbosa, F°.V.M., Blue Sauill,
*Stypandra caespitosa, R.By,, Tufted Lily.
*Lomandra longifolia, Labill., Long Mat Rush,

7 .
7 ALEY. 9 ; Viet, Nag.
178 DALEY, Around Noojee. Vol XEL.

*L. filiformis, Britten, Wattle Mat Rush.
Xanthorrhoea minor, R.Br., Small Grass Tree,

’

IRIDACKAS,
*Libertia pulchella, Spr., Pretty Grass Plag.
*Patersonia glauca, R.Br,, Short Purple Flag.
*P. longiscapa, Sweet., Long Purple Flag.
ORCHIPACEZ,
*Thelymitra grandifiora, litz., Great Sun Orchid,
Chorysanthes pruinosa, K.Cunn., Large Helmet Orchid,
*Chiloglottis Gunnii, Lindl., Common Bird Orchid.
FAGACE®.
Nothofagus Cunninghamii, Oerst., Myrtle Beech.

URTICACE®.

*Urtica incisa, Poir., Serub Netile.

*Parietaria debilis, G. Forst.,, Forest Pellitory.
VROTEACE AB.

yHakea nodosa, R-Br., Yellow Hakea.

Lomatia ilicifolia, R.Br., Holly Lomatia.

L. Fraseri, R.Br., Tree Lomatia.

7Persoonia juniperina, Labill,, Prickly Geebung.
SANTALACKE,1,

Exocarpus cupressiformis, Labill, Cherry Ballari.

CARYOVEYLLAGEAS,
*Stellaria pungens, Brong., Prickly Starwort.
«“S. fiaccida, Hook, Forest Starwort. -
*S. multiflora, Hook, Many-Flawered Starwort.
RANUNCULACUA,
*Clematis aristata, R.Br,, Clematis.
*C, microphylla, D.C., Small Clematis. .
*Ranunculus lappaceus, Sm., Common Buttercup.
*R. rivularis, Banks and Sol., River Buttercup.
ALON IMIACEAS,
*Hedycarya angustifolia, A. Cunn., Austral Mulberry.
Atherosperma moschatum, Labill., Southern Sassafras,
LAURACEAS,
;Cassytha melantha, R.Br., Large Dodder Laurel.

CROUCIFERA.
*Cardamine dictyosperma, Hook, Forest Bitter Cress.

ie Dany, Around Noojee.

CRASSULACEA.
*Crassula Sieberiana, Ostenf., Austral Stonecap.
*C, macrantha, Diels and Pritz, Rufous Stonecrop.
SANIFRASACEA.
*Bauera rubioides, Andr., Wiry Bauera,

PItTOSPORACEAS.

*Pittosporum bicolor, Hook, Banyalla.
*+Marianthus procumbens, Bth., White Merianth.
#LDursaria spinosa, Cav., Sweet Bursaria.

{Billardiera longiflora, Labill., Purple Appleberry.

*B. scandens, Sm., Common Appleberry.

ROSACEA.

*Rubus parviflorus, L., Small-Leaf Bramble.
*Acaena ovina, A. Cunn., Sheeps’ Burr.
*A. sanquisorbae, Vahl., Bidgee Widgee.

LEGUMINOSAS.

yAcacia diffusa, Edwards, Spreading Acacia.
*A. decurrens, Willd., Early Black Wattle.

yA. dealbata, Link., Silver Wattle.

+A, linearis, Sims, Narrow Leaf Acacia.

7A. melanoxylon, R.Br., Blackwood,

A. mollissima, Willd, Black Wattle.

A. pycnantha, Bth., Golden Wattle.

+A. verticillata, Willd., Prickly Moses,

yA. verniciflua, A. Cunn., Varnish Acacia.
*Pultenaea Gunnii, Bth,, Golden Bush-Pea.
*P, juniperina, Labill., Prickly Bush-Pea.
*Platylobium formosum, Sm., Handsome Plat Pea.
*Bossiaea prostrata, R.Br., Creeping Bossea.
Goodia lotifolia, Salisb., Golden Tip,

7Glycine clandestina, Wendl., Twining Glycine.

GURANTACEAS,
*Geranium dissectuin, L., Cul-Leaf Crane’s Bill.

OXALIBACKAS,
*Oxalis corniculata, L., Yellow Wood Sorrel.

REVACEE,

*Zieria Smithii, Andr_, Sandfly Zieria.
Phebalium bilobum, Lindl, Truncate Phebalium.
*Correa speciosa, Andr,, Common Correa.

*C, Lawrenciana, Hook, Mountain Correa.

TREMANDRACEAL.
*Tetratheca ciliata, Lindl, Pink Bye.

17%

180 Dauey, Around Noojee. [¥or" wht

POLYGALACE.E,

*Bredemeyera volubile, Ched., Love Creeper.
*B. ericinum, Ched., Heath Milkwort.

EUPHORISY ACH AG,

*Amperea spartioides, Brongn., Broom Spurge.

REAMINACEAR.

*Pomaderris apetala, Labil]., Hazel Pomaderris.
*Spyridium parvifolium, F.V.M., Dusty Miller.

MALVACK AL.

*Plagianthus pulchellus, A, Gray, Common Hemp Bush.

GUTTIFERAE.

*Hypericum japonicum, Thunb., Small St. John’s Wort.

VIOLACEA.

*Viola hederacea, Labill., Ivyy-Leaf Violet.
*V. Sieberiana, Spreng., Tiny Violet.

THY MELASACK A.

+Pimelea axiflora, F.V.M,, Tough Rice Flower.
7P, ligustrina, Labill., Tall Rice Flower.

MYRTACE.t.
yEucalyptus australiana, Baker and Sm., Common Peppermint.
7E. goniocalyx, F.V.M., Mountain Grey Gum.
7E. Muelleriana, Howilt, Yellow Stringybark,
+E. obliqua, L’Herit., Messmate Stringybark.
7E. ovata, Labill., Swamp Gum.
7E. regnans, F.V.M.,, White Mountain Ash.
+E. Sieberiana, F.V.M., Silver Top.
7H. viminalis, Labill., Manna Gum.
+E. elaeophora, F.V.M., Long-Leaf Box.
+Leptospermum scoparium, R. and G. Forsfer, Manuka.

*L,; lanigerum, Sm., Woolly Tea Tree.
*Melaleuca squarrosa, Donn., Scented Paper Bark.
*M. ericifolia, Sm., Swamp Paper Bark,

CANOTHERACESE.
+Epilobium junceum, G. Forst., Hairy Willow Herb,

HALORAGE A,

*Haloragis teiragyna, Hook, f., Poverty Raspwort.
+H. teucroides, P. DC., Germander Raspwort.
*Myriophyllum intermedium, DC., Water Milfoil.

Jun., ' a 7
yes Datey, Around Noojee.

ARALIACEAS,

Tieghemopanax, sambucifolius, Viguer, Elderberry Panax.
*Astrotricha Jedifolia, DC., Star-hair.

UM BELLI RAS.

*Hydrocotyle vulgaris, L., Common Pennywort.
*H. geranifolia, F.V.M., Forest Pennywort,

EPACIIDACEA

yAstroloma humifusum, R.Br., Cranberry Heath.
+Acrotriche serrulata, R.Br., Green Ground Berry.
yEpacris impressa, Labill., Common. Heath.

MYRSUNACEA.
Rapanea variabilis, Mez., Muttonwood.

OLEACEAE.
*Notelaea ligustrina, Vent., Privet Mock-Olive,

LOGANIACEAL,
+Mitrasacme pilosa, Labill,, Hairy Mitrewort,

GENTIAN AGE,

*Sebaea oyata, R.Br., Yellow Centaury,
*Erythraea australis, R.Br., Austral Centaury,
*Villarsia reniformis, R.Br., Yellow Marsh-Flower.

APOCY NACEA.
;yLyonsia siraminea, R.Br,, Twining Silkpod.

VON VOLYULACHA:,
_*Dichondra repens, R. and G, Forster, Kidneyweed,

BURKAGINACL AL,
*Myosolis suaveolens, Poir., Sweet Forget-me-not,

LABIAT AS.

*Mentha laxiflora, Bth., Forest Mint.

*“M,. saturejoides, R.Br., Creeping Mint,
*Brunella vulgaris, DC., Self-heal.

Prostanthera lasianthos, Labill., Christmas Bush.

SOLANACEA,
Solanum xanthocarpum, Schr,, Toothed Nightshade,

181

Viet. Nat,

182 : Dausy, Around Noojee, you SLE

SCROVEHUDLABIACEAS,

*Mimulus repens, R.Br., Creeping Monkey Flower.
*Gratiola peruviana, Lindl., Brooklime. :
*Veronica calycina, R.Br., Cup Speedwell,

BIGNON(ACHAY,

*Tecoma australis, Wolga Vine,

RUBLACEA:.

Coprosma Billardieri, Hook, f., Prickly Currant Bush.
C. hirtella, Labill., Rough Coprosma.

OAPRIFOLCACRAS,
Sambucus Gaudichaudiana, DC,, White lderberry.

CAMPANULACLAL.

*Lobelia gibbosa, Labill., Tall Lobelia.
"Wahlenbergia gracilis, A. DC., Austral Bluebell.

GOODENIACE.E.

*“Goodenia ovata, Sm., Hop Goodenia.
"G. geniculata, R.Br., Bent Goodenia.
*G. lanata, R.Br., Trailing Goodenia.
*“Dampiera stricta, R.Br,, Blue Dampiera.

BRUNONIACE,

“Brunonia australis, Sm., Blue Pincushion,

STYLIDIACEL,

*Stylidium graminifolium, Sw., Grass Trigger Plant.
COMBPUSIT AL.

Clearia argophylla, F.V.M,, Musk-Daisy Bush.

*C, lyrata, Hutch., Snow-Daisy Bush.

C. myrsinoides, F.V.M., Silky-Daisy Bush.

*C, rugosa, Hutch.,, Wrinkled-Daisy Bush,

*Lagenophera Billardieri, Cass., Blue Daisy Bush.

*Colula coronopifolia, L., Water Buttons.

*Cassinia aculeata, R.Br., Common Cassinia.

Helichrysum ferrugineum, Less,, Free Everlasting.

*H. apiculatum, DC., Common Everlasting.

*H. obcordatum, F.V.M., Grey Everlasting.

+H. scorpioides, Labill., Curling Everlasting.

*H. semipapposum, DC,, Clustered Everlasting.

*Gnaphalium japonicum, Thunb., Common Cudweed,

*G. luteo-album, L., Jersey Cudweed.

*G. purpureum, L., Purple Cudweed,

wee. Datey, Around Noojee.
*Erechtites prenanthoides, DC., Shrubby Fireweed,
*H. arguta, DC., Rough Fireweed.

*B. quadridentata, DC,, Cotton Fireweed.

“Senecio Jautus, Sol., Variable Groundsel.

+S. vagus, F.V.M., Saw Groundsel.

*S. velleoides, A. Cunn., Forest Groundsel.

*S. dryadeus, Sieb., Fireweed Groundsel.

S. odoratus, Horn,, Scented Groundsel.

*Bedfordia salicina, DC., Blanket-Leaf.

*Oymbonotus Lawsonianus, Gaud., Austra] Bear’s Ear.
*Microseris scapigera, Sch. Bip., Yam.

Avex Phant’s Recouwen as Natcramsen 1X Vroroura.

Anagallis arvensis, Pimpernel.

Anthoxanthum odoratum, L,, Scented Vernal Grass.
Briza maxima, L., Shell Grass.

Calandrinia caulescens, H.B. and K., Purple Cajandrinia,
Carduus lanceolatus, Scep., Spear Thistle.
Chrysanthemum Jeucanthemum, L., Ox-eye Daisy.
Cryptostemma calendulaceum, L., R,Br,, Cape-Weed.
Dactylis glamerata, Cocksfool Grass.

Festuca bromoides, Brome Grass.

Holeus lanatus, L., Yorkshire Fog Grass.

Leycesiria formosa, Wallich, Himalayan Heoneysuckis
introduction to Victoria).

Lolium perenne, L,, Rye Grass.

Mentha Pulegium, L., Pennyroyal.
Nasturtium officinale, R.Br., Water-Cress,
Paspalum distichum, L., Golden Crown Grass.
Plantago lanceolatus, L., Ribwort Plantain.
Trifolium minus, Rel., Slender Clover.

Vicia sativa, L., Vetch, or Tare.

Rubus fruticosus, L., Blackberry.

Rumex Acetosella, L., Sorrel Weed.
Ranuneulus muricatus, L., Sharp-pointed Crowfoot,
Silene gallica, L., French Catchfly.

Papaver hybridum, L., Wild. Poppy.

Brodium cicutarium, L’Herit., Stork's Bill,

183

(New

Agropyrum repens, Beauy., English Couch, or Quitch Grass.

184 Hotes, Glee at

ANOYHER Day os Mount Disarpotnratent.—When I saw recently
that the people of Upper Plenty had opened up a track from their
district to the summit of Mount Disappointment, and that, in con-
nection with the Hume and Hovell celebrations. they proposed
ta make a bie excursion to the top, 1 fel that I should {ike to
join them, as I had some fourteen years before succeeded in reach-
ing the top fram’a differant starting point. On that occasion, which
was the subject of a short paper in the Neluralist for Apri], 1911
Vol. XXVIT. Dp 228), L was accompanied by two other members
of the Clib, and we fought our way up mostly throvgh bracken
as high as ourselves, from the Towrourrong Reservoir, about three
tniles north of Whittlesea. We fotund little reward for our exer-
tions, aS a perusal of the papery will show. My starting place on
this occasion was the end of the road which runs up the valley
of Bruce's Creek, on the eastern side of the creek, and distant
about five miles easterly from Wallan, This time a Darty of ahout
seventy-five attempted the trip, and most of them stcceeded in
reaching the highest point, 2631 feet above séadtevel, but as our
starting point had an elevation of about 1000 feet, the climb, when
gpread pyer a fistance of about five miles, was not very stren\ious.
Neither did it reveal any remarkable points of interest. The way
wus tToxtly through the State Iorest Reserye, and advantage was
iaken of the extensive series of fire-braaks, which have been cut
for the piurpose of forest. protection. Towards the summit some
planting of Pinus insiguis have been mide, but they are not Mak.
ing much headway, From the giant (ree-stuinps seen from about
2001 feet upwards, some immense trees must have existed on the
Tich granite soll years ago, their trunks having been converted inta
palings and other building material, but few living specimens now
yemain. To the advantage of the tourist, water is procurable at
two or three spats. The view from the summit on Saturday, 6th
December, was obscured by clouds, especially to the south. It had
been my intention te visit some falls on Bruce's Creek the following
day, but as the day promised to be very fine T changed my mind,
and repeated the climb to Mount Disappointment, this time getting
u fairly good panoramic view, but the plateau-like sunimit does
not provide a good yantage-point, Thea only flowering shrub of
interest was the Balm Mint-bush Prustanthera meltasifoha, which
occurs sparingly on the northern slope during the last two hundred
and fifty feet; its flowering season was, howeyer, nearly over,--F, G,
A. BASNARB.

Che Victorian Naturalist

Vou. XLI—No. 10 FEBRUARY 5, 1925 No. 494

FIRLD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at
the Royal Society's Hall on Monday evening, 12th January,
1925.

The President, Mr. J. Searle, oectipied the chair, and
ahout fifty, members and visitars were present,

CORRESPONDENCE,

From the Forests Departinent, stuting that overy aire
was bemg taken in planning’the timber tramway af Myrtle
Bower, Loch River, so that the natural beauty of the district
would be jnterfered with as lithe as possible.

REPORTS.
A report, of the visit to Beveridge Hill on gee,
13th December, was given by the leader, Mr, F, G. A. Bar-

natd, who said that the attendance was rather nal, probably
owing to the extvemely hot morning, but fortunately for
those who went 4 cool change came up before they reached
thei destination, Beveridge Hill has heen visited several
times, and those who. saw it for the first time on this exeny-
qion Wore greatly impressed with the sight of the well
pieserved “crater which it. exhibits, According to the
military survey of the distviet now in progress, the hill
“covers an avea,of 300 acres, oy-about three times as much
as the University erowids.: Hs highest point is 1400 feot
above seu level, or 400 feet above the plain on which it stands,
he crater 1s ubaut a quarter of a mile across and 250 feet
deep. Wis season, on account, of the Dumerous. showers,
it has contained a fair sheet°of water, In addition to its
veological and physiographical interest, the hill is notable
us being the first vantage point visited by the explorers
Flume and Hovell on the southern side of the Dividing
Range on their memorable journey from New South Wales
to Port Phillip in November and December, 1824, the tollow-
ing day to our excursion heing the céntenary of the explorers’
visit. An attempt was made to photograph the erater, but
without suceess. The party was indébted to Mrs. Smith,
of the farmhouse at the foot of the hill, for hot water to
inuke tea, and for permission to have thei evening meal

ERG biel Naturausts’ Clu b—Proceethiut/s Wet XL

on her lawn, atter which the return was made to the train,
und thence to town, .

A brief report of the camp out at the National Park,
Wilson's Promontory, om January 1-8 was, in the absence of
the leader, Mr. C. Daley, F.L:5. (who was delayed by a heavy
shower, ata arrived later) given by Mr. T. James and Mr,
L, Hodgson, who said that the party was favoured by splen-
dict weather, and had a most enjoyable time.

4) 6h ELECLION OF MEMBER.

On a ballot being taken, De. R. , Shuter, Greendale, via
Bacchus Marsh, was culy elected a country member, and Miss
Margaret Jeffry. 2.0. Molesworth, an associate member of
the Club.

GENERAL BUSINESH,

Mr, A. Blake said that diving o veeent holiday in the
Uppee Goulhum: distriet he had heen surprised ah the nugae-
ber of fixed lines being used in various parts of the river,
more especially between Granite and Molesworth. He movedl
that the matter be brought uuder the notice of the Disheries
and Game Department, with a view to having the practice
stopped, This was seconded by Me. F. Pitcher, and
earried unanimously.

PAPER READ,

By Mr. A. L. Seott. entitled ‘Some Victoriam Holidays."
The author gave a number of reminiscences of haliday
trips spent im different parts of Victoria when in search
af natural history objects: these were illustrated by some
excellent farsi views, comprising scenes alonm the Baw
Baw track, at Lorne, the South-West Coast, -Wandong, ete.
Messrs. Coghill, Barnard, Brown, Searle, and William-
son spoke of the interesting natuve of the author‘’s remarks,
and the fine pictures exhibited. Mr. G. Coghill said that
he was always ou the look-out for new collecting districts
for the Annual Wild-flower Exhibition, and asked Mr. Scott
if be conld give any information sbont the flowers he
noticed in the Anglesea district. bat the author said he had
not sufficient botanical knowledge to give definite details,
Mr. C. Frenueh, junt., satd that a list of the plants of
the Auglesea district had been published some years azo
by Mr. W. E. Adcock in the Geelong Naturatist, and
probably further information vould be found in that journal.

“gees Nield Vuluratists’ Club—Proceadings 187

- WATURAL HISTORY NOTLS,

Mrs. E, Coleman said that several members had for the
past three seasons been interested in a ‘ greentiood’’ orchid
which had been collected in certain localities, which sug-
gested a hybrid between Plerostylis falcata and BP. nutans,
This has now been identified by Dr, Ropers, of Adelaide,
as P. acuminate. Several of the flowers were esxsibited at
the recent Wild-flower Exhibition, together with apeciniens
of PB, fuleata and P, nadins.

Miss J. W. Raff, M.Se., F.E.S., read a note on the ege-
luying of the Caper White Butterfly, Belenots junu teulonie,
whieh she had observed in the University grounds u few
weeks before, ‘lhe note was illustrated by a photovraph ot
the ege thisters on the leaves of the food plait, a species
of enper, probably Capparis Mitchella, taken by Mr. A,
O'Brien, University Agrieultaral Sehool.

RNUIBITS,

by Mrs. 1. Coleman—Specimens of Inperial White But.
terly, Delies hiarpolyce, taken at Healesville, 11.1.25; colored
(rawies by Miss Dorothy Coleman of pupae of same batter:
fly obtained 26,8.24, and of imagoes which emerged on 15.9.24;
flower spikes of orchids, Microtis oblonga, Rogers, Crypto-
slylis longifolia, RB, and Spivanthes australis, Lind),
collected at Healesville, 1J.1.26.

By My, C. Daley, P.L.8:\—Dricd specimeis of Saw
Groundsel, Senecio -unyus; Seented Groundsel, 8. odoratus
Myrtle Beech, Nolhofaqus Cunninghanii; Treg Lomatia,
L. Fyaseri; Saw Banksia, Banks serrata; Seented Fan-
flower, Scaewola suaveolens; and Grass Trigeer-plant,
Ntylidwun. grainimefolinm (very fine), collected during
excursion te National Park, Wilson’s Promontory;
Aboriginal scrapers, ete, of flint and quartz, bamumer-slone,
and fragment of stone ase fron. kitchen middens at Wilson’s
Promontory,

By Mr, C. Wreneh, junior, Government Entomologist
Small braneh of Coast Teatree, Leaptospermane lacwigaton,
Biv, with $87 larva-cases of Hubner’s Case-Moth,
Thrdoplerya hubueri attached, from Carrmnm,

By Mr. T., Hodeson— Specnnois of the Pale-fruit
Ballart, Hxocdipin strictd, K.Bt., with fruit attached;
flowers of Saw Banksia, B. serratus; bark of Swamp Paper-
bark, Melaleuca ericifoling also shells collected at Sealers’
Cove; ege-shaped pebble of waterwor granite fram
Wilson's Promontory exenrsion,

188 Field Naturatists! Ctub—Proceebings Vige. rel

By Miss L. MeMahon—Marine shell, Chaone casjece,
from Wilson’s Promontory. ,

By Me. V. Miller.—Shells collected at Sealers’ Cove,
Wilson's Promontory excursion,

By Myr. F. Pitcher: ed fronds of Sott Water-tern,
Blechnum (Lomaria) capense L. over four feet in lenath,
collected at Snobb's Creek, Alexandra, 3.1.25; hlooms of
Erect Clematis, (, glycinaides, erown ol feyec at garden
at South Varra; beetles, Diaphoniw (Schizorrhina) dorsalis,
found burrowing i in large numbers in garden at South Yarra.

By Migs J. WW, Rail, M.Se., F.E.S —Photograph of eggs
of Caper White Butterfly, Belenots java tentonia, laid oi
leaves of Capparixy sp. in Umversity grounds, Parkville.
December 15, ee in illustration of note.

By, Mr. A. Rodda.—Wooden tovs of native make.
carved” tron ‘Niatsead from Beehnanalind Proteclorete,
South Africa.

By Mr, P. R. H. St. John—Herbariim speeimens of
Eucalyptus phellandra, RK. C. Baker, Mountain Peppermint
Gum. of New South Wales, eollected at Monnt Toole-be-wong.
near Healesvillo, December 5, 1924, new record for Victoria;
Blechntim serv nlulum, Rachards, Saw-leut Gristlefen, of
New Sauth Wales and Queensland, enllected at Monnt Toole
bewvong, December 1, 1924. also new for Victoria, Buca
ly pias umygdelina, habill. Black Peppermint Gam of Vie-
tovia and Tasmania, from Mount Toole-be-wong, December
4, 1924, not comnion in Victoria.

By Mr. H. B, Williamson, F.L.S~-Dried specimen of
Piltennea D'Altonit, IT.B.W., collected by Dr. Sutton at
Brisbane Ranges, October, 1924, previously known only from
Nhill, Novth- Woat Victoria. collected there bw Mr. St. Blay
D'Alton, ; ;

Aftey the usual ednversazione the meeting larninated.

A Norienr Brourapay .—The vecently-issued Wieturien
Historical Magazine tov Nevember, 1924. contains the eou-
cluding portion of + valuable paper by Me. Chas. Daley,
B.A. F.1.S,. on the life of the late Baron Sir Ferdinand
yon Mueller, K.C.MOG,, Government Botanist of Vietovia.
Nothing so complete in the way of the story of this great
scientist's work has hitherto been pubhshed. Tn view af
the interest. of the subject, the author has arranged for its
publicanon in pamphlet form. Copies witl be available in
a few days ‘on application to the author (Clarinda Road.
Caulfield) at one shilling each.

isze'| Beeursion ta Alton 189

EXCURSION TO ALTONA

Notwithstanding threatening weather, ten members took
part in Che gxeursion’ io Altona on Saturday #ftiernoon,
lath November. Nhe first place visited w as the old Altona
Bay Brown Coal Mine, now showing signs ot the years of
disuse in the dilapidated housings and rusting machinery.
Clinbing the mullock dump, aceéss was gained to the
landing braee, and from there an extensive view was
obtained of the level basalt plains, with three shallow
Jakes on the north, west and south, in the middle dis-
tanec, Purther away to the south, the irregular out-
lines of the You Yanes breaks the skyline. while the
gea filly the horizon on the , east. A line of bores" put
down between Werribee and Yarraville some Years ago
ciselosed am extensive bed of brown eoal; that’ at Altona,
after passing through 20 feet of basalt and about 300 feet of
basal) limestone, chiy and saand, being revtehed af S48 feet,
and proved a thickness of 74 feet of brown coal, After col
leeiing some specimens of silicified Jiznite from the old eoal
dump, a move Was mude towards the seashore. Some low
bracken-covered sand dunes yielded a few late spring wild-
Howers anc algo some chips of Chert of aboriginal origin.
Close to the beach was a dense growth of Atrican Box-tharn,
umongsl which were many plants of the introduced Evening
Primrose, displaying large lemon-yellow flowers. ‘A eold.
custerly wind had made the sea rough, and, the tide being
full. the breeking waves were churning up the mud* and
decamposiug sea- ~wiinck which, in places, was piled ap in
thick masses on the beach. The wtmosphere being somewhat
tainted on this aceount, oe time was lost in attaining a more
saluhitous neighbourhood, pausmg only to examine nome
plents of the Hom Poppy and the amarisk Lrees that extend
all slong the foreshore. Beyond the jetty the sea was caliner
ud the beach cleaner. Several dead specimens of the Port
Jackson Shark (Cestracion) were observed, and a freshhy-
eaught one was eloxels examined to note the peculiar denta-
tion and the two dorsal-tin spies. Bird fife was tot plenti-
ful. probably on aceount of rhe eolel wind, the Bnglsh Sky-
lavk being most in evidence. Pour Black Swans “passed in
Right almost overhead, and w few White-fronted Chaty were
seen. On the sands a couple of Dottrels foraged anony
the seaweed, wd on a small island, formed of large boulders.
half-a-dozen Black aud Pied Cormorants were roosting.

Viet, Nat
VoloXts

190 Excursion to Blaek Rock
Neaithe racecourse a small flock of waders of the Sandpiper
faniily took rapid thght, and ‘the sea marsh was full of star
lings: Passing the marshy atreteh, where Salicornia, Mesem-
bryanthemum. and other saline plats were luxuriating, al
attempt wax made to reach the' month of the Wororoit Ciwek,
where some Mangrove trees! still survive, but time Would jot
permit wnd the party returned to Seaholn station. —A_ FE
Rona.

EXCURSION TO BLACK ROCK,

© A patty of about fifteen orermbers assembled for the
excursion to Blaek Roek on Saturday, 6th Deeeinber, and
were favoured by a fine day. A number of iuteresting plants
were voted, and a profitable aftertoon. was spent. Above. on
the cliffs, the Twiggy Aster, Olewria ranuidosa, and the Chass
Daisy, Brachycome graminea, were found in bloam, bat vo
orehids. At the toot of the cliffs the Roune-leaf Spear-veass
in large, teddish tussoeks, and the Coast Saltbush, Atriples
cmereum, with whitish foliage, contrasted with the darker
green of the Sea. Box, Cynopagon (Alysie) burtfola, the
Coast Beard-heath, Leucepogon (Styphelia) Rickei, and the
Bower Spinach, Yetragonia implenicame. Two. urteresting
-ntroduced plants, both with whitish foliawe, were fownd at
the foot of the clifts, the Horn-poppy, remarkable for its
long liorn-lke pods, and the Sand Lyine-vrass, tesenbling a
lacve form of Rye-grass. The fleshy foliage whieh eharae-
terises the rea-beach vegetation was exenplified by the Sea
Celemy, and plants of the Goose-foot family. The tide was
verve favourable for the investigation of shore lite, bein vers
low, and a Javge extent of Grass-wrack (Zostera) was
uncovered. On this link, between the Howermgs plants and
seaweeds, innumerable snails were noted, and several species
of Chitons were collected by one of the party. Plants, often
submerged by the salt, water but now Jaid bare, were tound
flowering, such as the Trailing Joint- weed, “Hemichraa
(Polyenemon) pentandra; Common ‘Sea-heath, Frankende
punetflora; and Creeping Brook-weed, Sumolus repens, all
with white flowers.

Law indebted to Mr. A, EB. Rodda for some further notes
on the enting. He says:—'' Advantage was taken of a very
low tide to explore a number of exposerl sandbanks and
rocks, The rock ‘formation here is highky fervuginous, ane
contains numerous limanitie coneretions. in many strange

eral Excursion lo Blich oak: =f

shapes, such as rods,-tubes and spheres. Sune very good
examples of “pot holes,’ eansed by the grinding action of
loase stones in eivcular depressions, were hotieed, Sone of
fhe sdeks were almost covered by dense colonies of Ihe tube-
building worm (Serpulej, aud specimens of the tiny spina!
form (Spirerhis) were found on fronds of seaweeds, ‘The
Juose stones sheltered numerous small crabs, some of whieh
envied masses Of tinte purple eves held between the body
and tail, Several specimens of a flat planavian worm,
yesembling pieces of animated kelp, were turned up, and alao
a few of the sea centipedés (Néreis)—an active worm beloved
of duwlers, In the sand pools, Sea Anenones, of 4 doll vreen
ov grey ealour, with banded rays, were ainirerous, and a few
of the black vasdety were seen. A capture that may prove
to he a varity, since it was new to all who saw it, Wasa snmiali
hoiry. teddish-vellow crustacean, vesembling a crayfish,
Shelish were in quantity bat not quadity, auly eommon
forms, sach os lingpets, whells, zebra and top shells (gene
ally known as periwinkles) were noted. A niyeb vreater
variety of:.dead shells could .be found amongst the drift
Vetemal oat tighetide mark, Chitons, or mailtish, were
found under stones or tt sheltered crevices, Their overlap-
Mog valves resemble the joints in snits of annour. On the
firm wet sand, strange-looking -markings,.-suyeestive of
ancient inscriptions, excited our curiosity. These proved to
he the tricks.of a sinall whife cockle, which ploughed a tiny
furrow in fhe sand. Only one species of sca bind was noted,
that being the Pacifie gull, in hoth the matare and immature
plumage."

The party returned to town well satisfied with the atter-
yoo ’s Outing —H. B. Winiyamson.

A Kay ve rag Bucanyrrs.—The Minister for Forests of
Western Australia has, says the <Australzan Forestry
Journal for November, approved of the issue of a key to
the Buealypts. his has been devised by Mr. 8. Ly, Kessell.
Conservator of Woreste. in conjunction with Mr. GC. A.
Gardener, Me key resembles the Dewey system of Lbeary
catalopaing, monbers being used, each signifying a differ:
ont characteristic, the combination of the different numbers
Indicating «a certuin species, thas 4268:1354 might stand,
aay, for A, vegnans, The key has been Aeviser! for the
speeies found tm Western Australia; whether it would be
applicable to all the species of the genus remains to be seer

-_

192 Gouve, The Coleoptera of N.W. Victoria. Na Site

NOTES ON THE COLEOPTERA OF SORTH-WESTERN
~ VICTORIA.

Parr XI. |

By J. C. Goupm.

(Read tefore the Field, Naturalists? Club of Victoria, 8th December,
‘1924.)

MORDELLID,

These singitlar beetles are easily recogiised. They are
mostly of small size, black,’ with white spots.and markings;
in shape, broadest in front, tapering behind, the tip of the
body bemg produced to a sharp spine. They frequent -the
blossoms’ of trees and shrubs, often in large numbers.

4317. Mordella commamis, Wath.

4524, MW, lewcostiele, Germ,

CAN'THABRID.X%.

This family inelndes slender, graceful beetles, with
fainly long antennm and legs. The head is narrowed behind,
forming a distinct neck. They are not often seen in the
Mallee country; specimens have heen taken flying slowly
near the ground, ov resting on leaves or grass-stalks.

4357, Palestra rubripennis, Cast. Black, with dark-red,
strongly-vibbed elytra, Tt. is nearly three-quarters of
an inch long:

4377. Zonitis Lutes, Macl. Antenne anc legs black: head,
prothorax and elytra yellow; half an inch in length.
4. mystica, Blackb. Head, antenne, tarsi and tibue

_ black: prothorax and femora» (except the tips of

latter) yellow; elytra, blue.

4391. Z. splendida, Wairm. <A fine species. Anu example
taken on the wing hear Birchip is half an ineh in
length. It is much broader than the other loca! species,
the elytra bem widest wear the apex; black, except
elytra, which are metallic green on hasal halt, purple

gto On remainder.
ye aie

+

(HDEMERID®.
These are long, slender heetles, with soft elytra, having
a slight resemblance to some Langicorns met with on flowers
and foliage.
4403, Oxncis (Annnea) wustralas, Boisd.
O. pieticeps, Hea. Tr. Roy. Soc. S.A.. NGL, p. 313. "
4407. Copidita (Ananen) puncta, W,S, Mael

tone Garvin, The Coleoptera of NW. Victorin 193

CURCULIONID2E. :

Although much varied in form and size, the beetles of
this family are very easily reeognised, the well-developed
rostrum, on the sides of which are placed the angulated or
“alhowed’’ antennw, and fonr-jointed tarsi, being unmis-
takable characters, It is one of the largest groups of beetles
in Australia, over 1200 species appearing in Master’s Cata
logue, and a great many have since been described by Messi.
Blackburn, Ferguson, Lea and Sloane. Owing to the dull
colours and general absence of distinctive ujarkings of the
loca! species, I have refrained from attempting, to ‘‘deseribe’’
them, excepting a few of the more conspicuous. None the
less, they are a very interesting group, aud some of them
remind us of their existence i no uncertain manner, the
Apple-root Borer, Leptops squalidus(=hopei), and the Grain
Weevil, Culauira graenuria, belug familiar examples.

As to their habits, they are all vegetarians, the arboreal
species eating the tender bark of the twigs and epidermis of
the leaves of thei host-plant, while the terrestrial species
subsist on grasses, etc.

4423. Prasaylens comoesin, Germ,
4424 P. dispar, Germ.
Titinta bicolor, Blackh,
T. eremite, Blaekh.
4464. 1. ignarta, Pase-
4551. Polyphrades langipennis, Pasc. ey
Essolithna vittaticeps, Blackh.
4622. Leptops tribulus, Pabr.
4596. L. squalidus, Boh. —hopei, Fahrs.
4639, Zephoryne (Hypheria) assanilis, Pasc,
| #£. yeometrica, Tiea.
4640. Ethemuia adusta, Pase.
4643. 2. sellaia, Pase.

Sub-Fumily—aA MYcveR wes,

This is a well-defined vroup of weevils, characterised by
the short, broad rostrum, apterous body, very hard elytra
“soldered’’ together, and the funicle of antenme: six-jointed-
Dr. FL W. Ferguson, in his admirable *‘ Revision of the
Amycterides,'’ saves that: ‘Al the Amycterides are ground-
dwellers, being found under logs and stones, while ane or
two may be obtamed from the poots of grass-trees
(Nanthorrhea). They are essentially dey-rountry inseets,

*Proc. Linn. Soe. N.S.W., 1915.

TOA Govnm, The Coleoptera af NW. Viekoria rate

and seam capable of stoving up the vegetable material on
which they live io their abdominal cavities for long perioils.

“Tn regard to their life-history, we ave no further
advaticed than in Sir William Macleay's day, and nothin
is known of the larval or pupal forms of these insects.”’
For the subjoined note on the Mallee species, 1 aim indebted
ta Dr. Ferguson, whose valuable memoirs have wreatly
enriched our kiiowledyve of these singular beetles.

“Phe Amyeterid fauna of the Birehip and Sea Take
listrict is an intevesting onc. As might he expeeted [rom
its geogvaphical position, all the species found—or ao tar
-recorded from the distri¢ct—are also inhabitants of South
Australia. Fvom this, 1t follows that the genus Selerorinus
is the oue most vepresented by number of speeles, there
being six representatives of that genus. The clistrict fauna
is further of uiterest im relation to the fauna of the nove
southerly portions of Victoria, comprised within the Ras-
tian sub-region of Spencer. If we take the genus, Sclerorinus
we find that it is represented chiefly by species of the tristis
type, which: are members of -the first section of the genus,
aceording to my classification, the exception being S. sib-
lineatus, Germar, of which I have a. specimen labelled Mel-
bourne, This first section is not represented at all in the
Mallee districts, thougl it is the typical section of the venus,
abnidantly in South: Australia, and apparently of Exrean
ovigin. From these considerations, if seems that the parts of
Vieteria comprised within the Bassiat snb-reeion have heen
populated from the coastal and mountainous revions of South
Australia, and not from the more northerly portions of
Victoria, belonging to the Kyrean sub-veginn.**

Psalidura flavosetasn, Pere, Proc. LS, N.S,W.. 1915.
p. 761.

This is the largest of the Mallee gronnd weevils. measur-
ing over an inch in length, The males of this venus have
atrong anal ‘foreeps.

A738, Talautinus riverine, Mael,

4753, 7, squamosus, Macl. A Murray River species,
Sclerorhinus dixoni, Vere. Proc. Roy. Soe. Vire.. 27,

p. 255.

4786. 8S. germara, Mal.
S. goudiet, Ferg. LC, P. 254,

4803. 8S. riverine, Mact. = ulternus, Mact.

4811. 8. sublineotus, Germ, = numrginains. Pase,

4817, S. vestitus, Mae), = mueronctus, Mal.

Rt crs Gotme, The Colecptern of NW. Vietoria 195
J a

4834. Acantholophus crenuticollis, Mac.
4852, A. planicollis, Waterh.
4875. Cubicorrhynelus muculatus, Mac.
C. tatnius, Black.
Mythites, sp. Portions of a beetle, evidently, belong-
_Ing to this genus were found at Sea Lake.
4918. Amorphorrhivus australis, Germ. _
I have found this species at only one locality, viz. near
the southern end of Green Lake.
Ophiryota nodosa, Bluckb.

Though not an Amycterid, this species 1s taken on the
round, usually under the shelter of a salsolaceous plant
known. as “‘Saltweed.’’ ;
4982. Oxyops fasciatu, Boisd.

4985. O. gemella, Pase.
4987. O. irrasu, Pase.
0. obscura, Blackh-
QO, scopurid, lea.
O. serricollis, ea.

The species of Oxyops are convex, rather thick-set,
beetles, under half an inch Jong; fairly common, and take
wm Mallee shoots.

Pantoreites najor, Lea.
4972. P. (Oxyops) arctatus, Pase-

Syarbis brewcornis, Lea.

S. goudiet, Lea.

These are met with in the porcupine grass country, on
the Broom Ti-tree. P, major is: greyish brown, with a white
vitta on head aud prothoras. The elytra have the suture
ancl two lateral vite white ; it is one-third of an inch in
lenvth.

The species at Syurbis are much smaller, very conver,
and although the tarsi are not armed with class, the beetles
are able to cling very tightly to the fwigs—so much so that.
shaking will scarcely dislodge them,

5017. Bryachus squamitollas, Pase.

5040. Strongylorrheius ochveceus, Schon.

O67. Pelovorrhinus sparsyus, Germ.
Rhinaria tibwiis, Blaekh.

5092, Ligus mastersi, Pase,
Orthorrhins cylindrivostris, Fabr.

Two specimens of O. cylindrirostris, taken on “lignam,’’
are very mueh smaller and paley than southern examples,

rn

”

196 Gov, The Coleoptera of NW. Vietoria [Yi Sah
Desiantha major, Blackb.
D. parvd, Blackb. 1
P. sericea, Blackb. = *

These arc taken on the ground, under logs, ete, in
awampy localities.

Diethusa (Lybeba) Hivauebien, Lea.
D. pretiosa, Lea.

D. squanmivaria, Lea.

D. trifasciata, Gea.

The species of Diethusa are pretty little red andl vellow

mottled on faseiated weevils, found usually on wattles.
Misophrice, sp. A minute, green-scaled weevil, taken
on Casuarina. leaves.
Bagous australasie, Blackh.
Frisius sétasus, Blackb.
Symobothivus squalidus, Blackh.
Antyllis allernatus, Blackb. '
Eipamebus ztczac, Lea.
Cyltalia erichsewt. Pase. A blossonmr-frequenting
species,
5225. Belius bidentatis, Don.
4234. B, filiformis, Germ.
5253. B: suturalis, Boisd.

The species of Belus ave long and slender, with thickened
front femora, and the elytra produced into a point at the
tips. The elytra are usually reddish-hrown—in some species
spotted ov mattled; the ventral suiface of body often clothed
with whiite scales. “They feed on the bark of vartous Acacias.
5263) fsacantha dermestiventris, Poisd.

5269, Phinotia ha@mopteria, Kirby.

~ These somewhat resemble Belus,. but the elytra ave not
pointed behind, FR. hamaptera bY oeds i in the mistletoe. Loran-
thas pendulus. It is five-etwhths of an inch long, and is red.
with two blaek vittt on the prothorax: i some specimens
the margin only of prothorax is red.
5302. Ayletes suturalis, Waterh.
5923. Lemosaccus electilis, Pase.
cay DL. narinus, Pase.

334. D. querulus, Pase,
336. L. subsignatus, Boh.

L. variahilis, Lea.

re ; Gocmn, Lhe Coteoptera af N.W. Vietoriu ANT

The species of Lamosaccus are found mostly on acacias
or eucalypts, with the exception of L, electilis, which feeds
on the Cabbage-bush, Heterodendron olefulium. Tt is black,
with much witite about the under- surface, and is about a
quarter of an inch long. $
9347. Zeophus storecides, Pase. A small brown cureulio,
with a long, curved proboscis. 7°" |
536]. Huplonyx centralis, Pasc.
5352. H. cionoides, Pase,
5355. H. fascrculatus, Boh.
H. meestus, liea.
A. orlicilutus, Les.
H. servicallis, Tea,
9580. H. spencei, Gyll. ;
H. wnafarmis, Lea. °
The Haplonyeides are small. very conyex, “‘dumpy"’
weevils. found generally on ecuealyptus foliage.
Melanterius amplipennis, lea.
AI. cardiopterus, Vea.
5402. A, uinasus, Pase.
«. The last-ramed species seems to prefer the umbrella
acacia, A. oswealdi, as a food-plant. It ts dark purplish-red,
the elytra strongly punctate, and mottled with yellow, and
is abont a quarter of an inch in length.
5438. Metyrus (Cryptorrhynchus) albicollis, Germ.,
This is considered rather a prize by ioetle-cobiedtetrs.
If is three-eighths of an inch long. The elytra black, slightly
tuberenlate. The prothorax, with the exception of a small
space in the middle of base, is thickly clothed with white
seales, and parts of ventral surface and fenrora. are similarly
elathed. It breeds in the stem: aud large: branches, of the
Drooping Mistletoe, Loranthus rendulus.
Rlecgna nodinennis, Liea.
A008. Clietectetorus clittelle, Pase.
5516, Achopera lechryimnosu, Pase.
Culandra granarin, Linn (introdueed).
5601. C. avize, Linn. (intredneed).
Homotrirchelus wustralasie, Faust.
Thechia pygmed, Pase.
Geosonius macleayi, Faust.
Ta addition to the above, there are about a -dozen
unidentified species belonging to various genera, making a
total of over 100 species of Curculionidae.

+

1s Bust Hants in a Cary Garden. yt ay

BUSH PLANTS IN A CITY GAKDEN.

The first to respond to the call of spring was the pretly
Fringed Heath-Myi'tle, Micromnyrtus ciliatis, whieh, after
sending out its graceful, green, tasselled spikes, hedecked
each stalk with its small reddish flowerbuds, which later Wor-
geohed out into elusters of dainty white flowers, tinged with
red like the blush on a maiden’s cheek, This Micromyrtug
from Flall’s Gap has bloomed for three years,

The Bushy Heath-Myrtle, Uhryptomens Mitohelliann, is
near relative, now in ‘its third year of vigorous growth,
was also putting out its light. green foliage, and then inave
slowly burst into bloom, until, under the genial inflacnee
of moisture and senlielit, it beeame a heaitiful shrub, with
a profusion of futey-like white flowers. ‘Uhis year, im oar
Melbourue -strcets and suburbs, these gravel sprays have
captured the faney of fower-lovers.

Then the Grampians Pringedyrtle, Celytrie Sullivent, a
beautifnl plant, five feet in height, with darker ereen foliage.
algo projecting in growth lighter green, scgmeuts, cach laden
With elosely-packed buds of promise, bloomed costly at first
in ats white fringed fowerets. unttl the rough wooing of a
hlusteriny north wind brought in respouse a quiekenine of
bloom, so that it is now a sight delightful to the eye, This
Calytrix is Cron Stouy Creek,

Two years ago T brought, casually, a young plant fron
the Whipstick Semb, which had grawu well during the Last
year without blooming. A fortnight ago, it broke inte
Lursting bad, and its delicate pink flowers showed it ta be
ab old friend. the Common Fiinge-Myrtle. Gabylrin tetiva-
“ong, now a mass of graceful flowering sprays, When the
petals fall, the darker calices of the fadine blooms, still
With their reddish tinge, render its appearaiice attractive,
us ina lesser deeree also that of Calytrix Sullivani whitst
Mvyerornyrtis and Thryptomene fake ow also uy brownish
tinge as the petals fall from the florets.

Grevillee linearis, a vzracetul shrub, is covered with ts
attractive flowers, ancl will bloom for several months. Just
tinder its shade is a soft-leuved Pultenwa, which has not vet
flowered. ‘The Lurge-leaf Pultenea, P. cdaplotoides, asrer
Nooming freely tor two years, died last. season, A small
plant of Conumon Lleath, Epacris inepressa, in company with:
ao unrecognised friend, put ont a few while Howers, The
Long-leaf Waxtower, Eriostemon myoporeides, with its urn-
like buds, and starry white flowers, makes a pleasant show.
Above jt grows vigorausly a Brachysema- with deep ced

toe | whe Cuper White Batter fy 199

pea-fowers. aid nearby a hitle Lemon Crowoa, Asterolasta
Muelleri, transplanted six months ‘ago, from a eool dell in
the Plenty Ranges; is showing its yellow blooms for the first
Aime, whilst a frageant Boronia, by ws porfume, invites.
attention.

Under a sheltering Musk-tree, or Daisy Bush, Olewin
aryophylla, ten feet in height, grow ferns trom distant
gullies; a yoyng Monntain Pepper; from Warburton; a Glei-
chenia, ov coral fern, from Wallaby Creek; a Creeping Poly-
pody, Cyclophorus serpens, trom the Cann River; a struge-
ling Golden ShayeyPea, Oaylobiion ellipticum, trom near
Black Sands Creek. Wach bush plant has its own interest,
derived Prom place, mreideit, oF civenmstanee, eg., the Musk
Daisy-bush, now a sheltering tree, was really a foundling—
an invited wuest, Its foster-mother was a fern bronght
from a Lorne fern golly. The fern died, and from its
remains, Phronis-like, sprang ap the Musk-tyee, a nionument
to iim foster-mother.

On the lawn, a Caly-pilly, agente Sela, gives prose
of healthy erowth, whilst three Snowy Mint-bushes, Pras
tauthera niven, trom the You Yangs, are sprouting fresh:
foliage. preparatory to blooming iy ercamy flowers. a little
later on in the season.

Many of our wutive plants respond to eniture and allen-
tion, and an inspection of the Australian section of plants
in the Botanical Gradens reveals the variety and the sheauty
of bush plants that might eladden onr home gardens.—C.D.

The Carrer Wares Bowrermiy—During the flight of
the Caper White Butterfly, Belenois jawe teutoned, around
Methourne Jast December (1924) T was fortunate in hav-
ing the opportunity of observing the process ot egeg-
laying by this botterthy: on Cupparts spp. in the Oiviver-
sity grommds. The. elongate JIuted eggs when first laid
were of © tvunslucent pale-green colour, but later turned
oranze-vellow. The young twigs and both the wpper
and lower surfaces of ihe solter leaves were chosen for eve
placing, and the yegulanty with which the eggs wore Inid
was reniarkable, The act of laying each egg toak, an ait
average, four seeondk, and the interval of rest between each
Gyiposition was twelve seconds. One of the leaves im the
photograph exhibited to-night carries 150 eggs, whieh, judg-
ing by the unizermity of the series, | should say were laid
by wu single female; another leaf shows 125 eggs in similar
unitoynity, but time did not permit of determining the

206 _ - Why Birds Become Eutinet Lied
maximum ouniber laid by any one female, One butterfly
captured on the wing was placed in captivity, and laid 85
eges, but this probably would not represent the maximum
number. Tn referring to literature on the subject. I find
the following -—Anderson and Spry in Vactortan Bietter-
flies write: ‘The eggs are deposited upright in palehes of
40 or 60 upon the upper surface of the leaf:*’ Frogatt, in
the Aymeutural Gazette of New South Wales for 1899
deseribes them in clusters of from 20 to 40; while Rainbow, m
Australian Butter fires, says? “There may be a dozen upon a
sinwle leaf.’’ The larger numbers of egzs on a single leat,
as observed hy me, may be a matter of interes! fo some.
Hatehing was observed lated, and the mass of little orange-
yellow larvae soon deniolished the thm pale-greenish egg-
sholls' from which thay liad hatehed, The head of Hie Tava,
Whieh is blaek, was noted to he situated at the apex of the
ege, im. at the upper end. The adults weve very active on
the wing, and were apparehtly feeding on lucerne and other
plaitts. The species of Capparis cannot be determined wit!
accuracy until the Howering season, but one of them has
been indentified at the National Herbarium as, probably
Capparis Mitchelli The wees were planted many years ayu
by Professor MeCoy. Towards the end of the year 1924
larvae aud paopac were collected by me from these plants—
Janne W. Rarer, M.Se., F.WS., January 12, 1924.
v ;

WHy Btrbs Beco Excrsce—That many mure birds
will vanish) trom the face of the earth ag tine vores ov seems
inevitable. In the Austrakin Museum Iagesane for October,
Ma, ‘Lom. Tredalé telly the tales of the tragedies which have
oeeurred around Australia. The first visitors to Norfolk
Islanck and Lord Llowe Island, those two lovely spots in
the octan a few days sail wast of Sydney, mice possessed i,
wealth of bird-life of various kinds, bnt as Ma. Tredale
remarks, the birds were ““good~to eat,’ henee vheir
disappearance. The same diminution of bird-lite is going on
inoNew Zealand, though ‘there it 1s attributed more to the
introduction of foteien birds aud mammals. Australia has,
so far, only a small-list of extinet birds. but no doubt others
Will follow the fate of the Kangaroo Island Emu, and its
relatives in King Island and Tasniunia. Of these. only a
few sking and skeletons are known to exist, actompanicd’ by
drawings made during the early voyages of diseovery. Let.
us bo up and doing. and see that our Lyre-bird does’ not
follow,

Che Victorian Paturalist

Vou. NLI—No. 11. | “MARCH 5, 1 , 1925. ~~ Noe Yo, 495,

FIELO:NATURALISTS’ CLUB OW VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Clob was held at
the Hortiewtural Society’s Hall or Monday, 9th February,
1925.

The President, Mx. J. Searle, occupied the chai, and
about fifty members and visitors were present.

CORRESPONDENCE.

From the Victorian Bush Nuvsing Association thanking
the Club fur itsidonation of £55 to the funds of the Assaci-
ation. being halicot the prueseds of the Wid Mower
Bxhibition held in OQetaber last, and inyitne the Club to
nominate two members for the life membership of the
Association.

The Hon, Secretary announced that. the Committee had
nommated Miss Any Fuller and Mrs. E, Coleinan for life
membership of the Association, and that the nominations
hal been accepted, Miss Fuller wrote returning thanks for
the honor done her. .

. REPORTS. .

A veport of the exeursion to Quean’s Park, Moonee Ponds,
for pond-lite, ov Saturday, 17th January, was given by
{he leader, My. J. Stickland, who reported an interesting
afternoon, A large number of forms had been obtained,
Vhough none were of particular ravity.

A report of the excursion to the Oakleigh Golf Links’ on
Saturday, 31st Jaunary, was given by the leader, Mb. H.
B. Williamson, F_L.S., who said that a fair number of
mentbers had spent a very pleasant afternoon jn inspeect-
ing the reat variety oF Australian trees and shrubs which
had teen planted about the Club’s property.

On the motion of Messrs. ©. Daley, Fi1.S, and FP.
Pitcher, it was decided to seud to the Golf Club, through
Mr. © €. Plante, a letter of appreciation of its efforts to
foster the growing of Apstgalian vevetation for decorative
purposes.

A report of the excursion to Ferntree Gully on Saturday,
ith Febimary, was given by the leader, Mr. C. Oke, who
stated that only a few members. mude the trip, and that the
results in the way of entomology were not very important.

202 Piet Naturalists’ Cheb—Proceedings Sate ea

BLECTION OF MEMBERS,

On a ballot being taken, Miss A. Robertson, Presbyterian
Ladies’ College, Mast Melbourne; Mr. Harold Tt, Clavk, 27
Moorehouse Street, Mast Camberwell; aud Mr. J, de le
Forth, 476 Collins Street, Melbourne, were duly clocted
members of the Club.

GENERAL, BUSINESS,

The President, on hehalf of the Club, wished Mes,
Thompson bew vayage on her projected trip to Englancl.
where she inteided to spend about twelve months; snd
expressecdl the pleasure of the members at, the presence of
My. A. E. Keep on his retarn to Melbourne after his
Kuropean holiday.

The President offered the Club’s conwratulations (in
absentia) to Mir. G. A. "Waterhouse, BE. F.L.S.. on his
obtuiming the. degree of Doctor of Sciences. .

Mr, G, Coghill called attention to the unsatisfactory state
of the finances of the Club, and said that the subscription
of 15/- per wnnum, which was sufficient. vears ago, was now
too stall to maintain the Club io an efficient state, wid gave
notice that he would move at a special meeting of the Club.
to be called for the purpose, that the annual subseriptiou
be vaised to 20/7.

Some little discussion ensued, and it was generally agreed
that some such step was desirable.

Mr. I. 1, Peseott, F.L.8., referred to Me. Daley’s recent
contribation to the literature relating fo the late Baron von
Mueller, K.C.M.G., for many years Government Botanist
of Victoria, and one of the leading botanists of the world,
the centenary of whose birth would oeeur on 10th June
next. He considered that the Club, which, in its early days
hed been greatly helped by the late Baron. should in some
way celebrate the centenary, and asked the Comittee to
consider the suagestion.

‘The chairman replied that the matter had been mentioned
at the last meeting of the Commiftes, but a definite scheme
back not yet been drafted.

A vote of thanks was carried to the Victorian Harti-
ceultaral Society for haying allowed the Club the use of its
hall during the carrying ‘out of renovations. at the Royal
Suciety" '§ vooms-

ta Kield Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings 2S

PAPER READ.

By Mesars. 1. E. Pescott, F.l.8,, aid C. Prench, jror,,
entitled “''The Orchids of the Rinwwood and Healesvile
Hills,’’

In view of the fact that owing to the spread oi hahi-
ations, cultivation, or grazing, localities once abounding ju
orchids and other wild-flowers can no longer be: rezarded
a8 good eollecting grounds, the authors submitted thei
puperas one of a short series detailing experiences of Witt)
years orchid collecting around the metropolis. 1 the the
hilly country around Box Hill, Rinewood, Lilydale, and
thenee to the Dandenongs and Healesville, was dealt with,
he paper was well ilustrated with lantern shdes of many
of the species mentioned, and was accompamed by a let
of species and localities for pubhieation and receril.

Messrs. Williamson, Barnard, Coghill aud Searle, spoke
to the paper.

EXHIBITS,

By Mr. A. 8. Blake—Plowering branch of the Western
Australian sum, Kucalyptus macrocarpa, grown at dvanhoe.

| These were exceptionally fire, Measuriie early two and
a half inches across. Ed. Vie. Nal}

By Mr. F. Cudmore—tLarge fossil shell, Voluti dortond
‘Yate, from the tertiary (Balcombian) of Griec's Creek,
Frankston; recorded in Dennant’s and Nitsan's st. onls
from Muddy Creek, Hamilton, Vie. (Baleombian), and from
Table Cape, Tasmania (Janjukian),

By Miss €. C. Currie —Flowers of orchids, Uryptostylis
leptechila, Small Tongue-orchid, and Spiranthes australis,
Austral Jady’s Tresses; Larva of Cole’s Gum Moth.
Chelypteryxs Colesi: and piece of Messmate timber contain-
ing larva of a longicom beetle, all from Lardner, Gippsland.

By Mx. CG. French—Nine coloured drawings of Gram-
Pians orchids by Myr. W. Foster.

By Mr. G, Tlodgson—Twenty-one photographs taken
daring the exearsion to National Park, Wilson's Promontory.

By Mr. J. Leslie-—Dried specimens from Toxraania
ilustrating gradation of uculypins Hesdont trom FE.
mrygdulinns Wroe Victorian specimens showme viriability
in Nucalyplus amygadatina, Lab.

By Mr. BE. TS. Pescott, P.L8—Mowers of the Queens
land terrestrial orchid, Calanthe veratrifolia, R. By. trom
pot-grown specimen grown at Cumberwell,

“Od Mield Neturahists’ Of b--Procecddings ait reat

By Mr. A. kK. Rodda,—Carapaee of Box Tortolse, trom
Sonih Africa,

By Mar. J. Wilcox, —Flowers of New South Wales Chiist-
inas-hnrst, Cerataphylhion quaomiferum, grown at, Camberwell,

The following exhibits showld have beew ineluded in the
January List of page 188:—By Mr. J, eshte —Dried plant
specinens collected on National Park excursion, ineluciing
White Cunzea, A. corifolia, Reichb. (new divisional record) ;
Austral ‘Tretoil, Lotus austiatis; Paper-flower, Zhomresin
petulacalyn, Bieldia, Pieldia mistruliss mick Fovest Spoed-
well, Senecio odorates,

Seasonan Recorps.—The ‘Nature Notes’? column in the
Agus often contains notes which are helpful to the student
of bird or tuseet life, Por instance, on several oecasions
lately the Orehid Papilio baiterfly has been mentioned from
various parts of the State, without such records this butter-
tly would have beeu regarded as very vare in Victoria, ut
so Than Hotiees appear to indicate that with the increase of
eitrus cultivation, this fine butterfly is likely to be more seen.

EXCURSION TO THE NATIONAL PARI.

The fifth Club exeursion to the National Park, Wilseat's
Promontory, took place during the first week of the New
Year. The party consisted of Mr. aud Mes, L. Hodgson.
Aly, ancl Mya. WV. Miller, tied L. MeMahou, and Messvs. (<-
Hatfield, 1 J. James, J. BR. Leshe, C. Ralph, aid C, Daley
(leader), six of whom were members of the party for the
1923 excursion, Lt was greally regretted that, owing to
illness, Mr. J. A. Kershaw. secretary to the Park Com-
niltes, was unable te goa as leader. but. notwithstanding the
matual disappointment thereat, Mv. Kershaw had nade
suitable preliminary arvangements for the visit, the offer of
a Foster Matar Co. to take the party by motor-wagvon from
loster to the Darby River being uecepted.

However, on a trial trip about ton days hefore New
Yoar's Dav, the motoravaggon vot info upstable sand almust
withia. sight of its destination, was overwhelmed by the
ineominy tide, and definitely put ont of action, he eom-
penny: then arranged to take the party through in w eapacions
cream waggon. Finally, two days before departure, a tele-
rram ‘avrived from the Chalet directing us to disentrain af
Fish Creek. On arvival there we found that two wagwonettes
were to convey us via Shallow Inlet and the beech vente

ey Lxcursion ty the Nationul Park 20

ua

‘Leaving town by the carly teag: on New Your's: jor
ing, we avrived at Iish Creek (99 miles) soo after noon.
After a somewhat hasty dinner, tidal conditions wecessiteting
speed, we set off for Mishermen's Cump, about 12 piles
distant. The voad leads thromeh the bills west of the Moddle
Range, the hills as usual being almost bereft of thei untaral
forest Protection, presenting, in some cages, ad picture of
hina desolation. Nor far out, in a Bloe-gumt by the voad
side, we saw a Kowa with ber yorunmy one in @lose mnbrice,
uneoneerncdly viewlny our paskiwe. Adter leaving the hills
behind, the Waratuh Bay voud passed south-west aver wind
swept heathy country, the veeetaton being low woud serubby.
A dwart Euealypt met with proved to be 4. Witsontana,
The Common Heath. Mpucris aupressa, the Scenteal Pauper:
bark, Melalenca squarrasa, the Coast. Tea-tree, Leptosperinweni
Inewigatian, the Strall Gthass-tree, Viaelhorihoen miner. the
Long Purple-Flig, Piternsmnd longiscapa, weer vbsersiat ot
flower; and generally, the dwarfish flor was that of 4
sandy and exposed coustal moov, Th the moister places there
were patches of twisted Kuealypts, Acaciig, Casnarinas. and
Binksiny of anediun bemht. No doubt, te spraetini phar
would be a great profusion of Aowers on flis heath
countes, Approaching the vost, a diverwoner wars ipl
from the Watitah Road. Along the creek the vegetation
erew toore thiekly and the timber more robust jh habit the
Coakt, Banksia, Bo integerfolae, growing well.

At Wishermen’s Cuimp were six saddle-horses, whieh) lad
been ridden, from. the Promontory by returning vistors of the
Walkers’ Glob, so six of us mownted, the raneining four
proceeding with the ligeage fie the two veloeles, Wish Creek
here embourhes to the sea. Although we had come ata geod
pace fron) our starting point, the tide was setting in, and
it Would tale all our time to reach the Darby, via the bead
Shallow Jnlet is fitly wamed, and a favousite Mehine ground.
For the most part the shallows are increasing, the sea-front
being partly reelaimed, as sand-stay vegetation, even of a
tuft of vrass, wets a footing, and assists as a sliwht barrier
ayainst the tidal setion, thus helpine to eheroaeh pou the
sea. In other places the sea is wearin away the shore, as
is esident by the wamber of up-ayoted Banksia wished ov,
from their hold on the eoustel Imnioeks. ‘Mhus the iota
processes of wear down and building up aee continmovesty
in operon. Th many places along thin const is a black,
peaty deposit of icertain age and varying depth, probably

206. Bxowision ta the Nationul Park bale are ke

the bottom of anieient morasses ov swamps uf vonsiderahle
extent—a further indieation of eneroachment by the aeent
un the uncertain lind surface of this. coast

Another featnte is the very great extent of wind-blown
siod hammocks stretehuie inland, amid whieh is a succession
of “kitehen middens,’? the coastal vicinity being formerly a
ssontee of abundant food supply to the abovigines. Tlere and
there in the shillows ave extensive deposits of shelly washed
tv. by the tides. At gome parts of Shallow Inlet the oeean
wrist, af low tide, be distant about a nile from ity position
at Rivh fide. Tlare was sean a large dead seal, whieh had
beet stranded hieh aud dry on the shore. ;

Our race ogaiust the tide was lost, for before we
eould ruach the clifia, north of the Darby Rivev, the waves
were at them hese, so that we had to tari into the serab
between some sabd hills. and, be a lengthened voute, make
our way to fhe entvance-eate of the Park, and thenee hy
the road fo tlie Chalet over the Darby Biidge. Passing over
the open downs within the enelogure, we suw two flocks of
Tinus evaging, about a dozen birds in all, some of large
give. This pat oot tha Park ws thete favorite haunt.
Approaching the Darby Bridge. wo pissed the camp of the
walkers and tourists. cightecn of whom had gone to the
Promontory oo Nias Day Dy the coast ih the crear waggon,
provided, in lew of the motor-waggon, which they had
assisted ju salvaging an route. We arrived about 6.30 p.n.,
and found the Chalet full, the single nombers of our party
having tosleay ty fre Rest House near the Bridge, as on the
peevious excursion, Details in regard to the Promontary
have been piven iu the report of the 1923 visit (Wie. Nat..
March, 1924, vol, XG, p.-212), aad mnch inFoemation in
regard to previous excursions is available in previous volumes
et thi Meaturelist

We were hot able to break any new aroutd, hat had
daily excursions to some of the sandy bays, buttressed leacl-
lands, open moors, or timbered slopes. An enjovable ail
interesting tmp wats made to filly-pilly Gally, with its
shady eroves and eloar sparkling streams, io which the
manntain trout disparted themselves. Lailly-pillies, Mugen
Snrithay, are esecodingly numerous; from seedlings a few
inches high up to veterans of «reat age and size, with trunks
beset with mosses and polypodies. The chief exeursion
vuidertaken was to Sealers’ Cove, a distance of about twelve
miles; avai a most delightful experience, not only for the

uel Excorsion to the Netianul Park 207
miviety in types of eontty passed over, but also for the
luxunmance qind saltvaetiveness of the flora on the eastern!
slope of the Park. After passing through the dense Hazel,
Pomaderrixs apetale, thiekels on the saddle between the
Wilson Range und Mount Ramsay, we found the track,
although noticeably drier thin the year before, in very good
order, the encroaching Sword-grass being kept well im hand,
ned the obstiaetionk vemoved. The slopes of the rages,
whieh fom an aiphitheatre enclosing and sheltering the
Cove, are densely clothed with vegetation, Pteridophyta heme
specially novicoable. nearly every fer. in the census being
well represented; Mosses algo were very numerous, Amid
the chammeterisne fern-gully verelation were sore handsome
trees of the Myvtle-Beeeh, Nothofagus Cunningham.

One is puzzled at the aboandance of dead tree-tiniks of
ero. height whieh eeour in this area. Were they killed by
fire as the yanger opines, or have they, affey unusually vapid
oy abnovmeal Krawith to wahurity, died slowdy feom the tap,
Having exhausted both thei available nourishment and their
vitality? Stpport is wiven to the Jatter theary fiom the faet
that where may fairly high-lvine euri-trees still vemain, the
top branches ere dead. ‘Phe seores of hope trecetronks which
lie uprooted also show, on examination, a shallow and seam-
ingly ineficient root system in propertion to the extreme
heipht and bulk of the teeas, Ceranite ranges do not give the
soeHity for firm rooting which is su heeassany for very lofty
trees, growing on such stecp slopes; hence the tendency to
erash dowow neds: whith 1 a feature of this area, We camped
forthe wight at the Cave. The heaah isi wood oie tom shells
of mans. species. Sealers’? Creek tas a eonsideruble yvolunie
of water, Its hash) heing extensive and the watershed high
Tt Wises tear Mout Gatrebe, 2454 feet, with an afflueut fram
Mount Wilson, 2350 feet, thas dvainine an aven of about ten
square miles. having a gta yainfall, Monitain tryout avd
Waekfish ave im Elis stream, and with (dal interchange salt
water fish will be foul near its mouth, Direetly east of
the Cove. on the herizon, He four islands, one of whieh, Chitty,
Islnod. bas a fighthoure, We also saw a red dieht te the
south-east of the Cove, bat were anable to determine ifs eause.
After’ short thotieh pleasait sajourd at this attractive haven,
we Jeft nest day, and returned in goo) time to the Chalet.

The weather tid been deliehtful, but on Wednesday a
Musty vain fell, and the projeeted exetasion to Norman Bay,
Win whieh Tidal River flows, was abmidoned tor two shorter

208 Exeursion to the National Park vit Scag’

exeursions aosar at dum. On one of these we went south
alone the snminit, of ihe vuoges, west of the Darby saddle,
through the fine Casuarina graves. and amid huge granite
boulders, Kine views of the- Tnlet, and of the pretarescue
western coust and islands are bere obtained. We then took a
cut through thick sernb to the little bay on the northern 4ide
of the track to Longue Point. ‘The tide being tutly aut, oppoer-
troy was taken to exiumine with mterest the abundant shore-
life deft in dhe deeper holes among the wranite outliers,

On Thaesday morning, 8th sania, with av outvoing tide.
after an carly start, a safe return to Pigh Creck was made
The great oxtent of sand surface at Shallow Inlet, left hy the
receding Fide, was now very evidant. Pour of The party,
hawever, stayed uutil Priday in order to make an excursion
on horseback to Obevow Buy. It was vather disappointing
to see so Tittle wild-life in the Nattoual Park. No kangavoos
were visible. The Koalag seem to be faily numevous, about a
dozen inal, Melding two babies i arms being observed.
An Mehidna was seen by one of the party. Block-hacked
Wallabies oecasionally bounded into sneoont of view. A Pew
vabbity aud a fox showed as uniwweleame intraders. “Pwo or
thee snakes. copperheads and one brown shake, were
reported, whilst small lizards were numerous. Bird fite wis
wall represented. Kloeks of vociferous White and of Blick
Coekatoos were Frequently scan and heard, whilst Waltle-
binds, Derwent-jackosses, Lories, and Penuant-parcots
haunteck the Baaksias ane coastal werub. At euele mar
near the Rest louse the tunetul and varied uotey of many
birds were heard from davbreale onwards—a, pleasing relief
fiom the rancous orien of city iittionen at dawa. A] Derwent-
jackass and ao Whip-hird. respectively, gave daily exhibitinns
of them vocal powers, near the Rest House, both at the open-
ing and close of day.

Evidenth the flowering season was about a imenth
earlier at the Park this year compared with last, for many
planty m bloom lust yeay at this time had passed that stave
About eighty species were noticed uy flower, as against one
hundred and four last year. The introdaeed Purple Senacio.
8, elegans, with single wid also double flowers ou tho same
ated. was one of the first to atteact the eye; White Runzea.
NK cortfolwa, and the Coast Vea-tree, Leplospermnum lneve
gation, were in fall bloom. Austral Trefoil, Lotus acustindis,
and Purple Swainson Pea, 8. lessertifolia, were conspicuous
in flawer and pods. Myrtle Acacia, AL myrtifolta. scantily

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XL1. March, 1925

PLATE VI.

CUSHION-BUSH, Calocephalus Brownti
With C. Daley, F.L.S., leader.

o

“lars Baecursion (a the Nation: Park 20
bloomed; and the Coast Acacia, A, sephorue, and the Spike
Acacia, A, oxycedrus, were in the fruiting stage Sweet
Bursaria, B. spinose, and the pretty super flower, Teves
petilovalys, the Jatter, abundant on the Tongne- Point tra “ts,
were flowering well, Oleariis were dnusthy an ee i tl tow
Gomposites in bloom. Phe Prlefrut Balhert, Lcocarpus
striata, with its berry-like fruity, made: aa. Ae DIOL Ivey show
Bideos'Wideee wos eg Coustant annovanee, WS beown balls of
heoked seeds pomlinaciously elibedi to one's nether eau
ments. Coast Beard-heath, Leucupegon Aiehei, provided
with its fruit an abundanec of toad tov the hires. At
Sealers’ Cove, the vegetation under exceptional conditions
for erowth,-is unusually vigorous: Speeially noticeable were
the ver: fine folhuwe und towers of fhe Gaass Trier phan,
Stalidiin gianinifolinn, with ab wvasual niviiber of bloots.
excellout in colowmng, and of verv pobust huahtl. dts tine
Appearanee would scem to promise distinet miapravewment of
Plared under expert vultivation as a oparden plait, The
Seented Fai-flowen, Scacvela srulbsesterte, was exceptionally
fine m leaf and fiawer, Anothar species of Tstiyl sive ancl
athietiveness was the Mopest Gromidsel, Sena velledotdess
the Saw Grovndsel, So ounyaax, and the Seentec Chonpidsel,
S. adurdtus, aleo showed sinilar charseleristias, OF Opelids,
a single speaimen of the Hyveinth Otehid, Dipoddua pienete
fw, and one of the Potato Ovehid, Gustrodia sesimvides,
were seen, the kites a very fing plant two feet igh with
about twenty flowers on the steay Most of the ojyutsture
loving plants hac passed the flower strve, beet Voaeeeprie
deuvudate stil showed its golden sprays. The Barkksias, of
whieh four representalives grow at the Promontory, were
much admired, and seem to have ideal eonditions tar
growth. The Cushion-bush, Calocephalus Brownii, was in
Wany plices close to he sea, quite loxwitonny, as the aecont-
panyiny iWustration shows.

very day was well oeenpied in the cpen, the variety ar
seeaney by sea and shore, co the thobered ridges, in fern-
clad gullies, by shaded mountain ereeks, on the heathland,
and over sandy, stony, @iattie or carpeled, Jeaf-strewn
tracks, in touch with nalure, animate amd inanimate, being
a souvey oF contirdal dferest fo as, In reward to the fauna.
that whieh left the mest lusting impression apon us was
the Sandfy, Ceratapagon molesics, unobtrusive but ofteetive
in its operations. Tt was in ifs thotisands aear the Darby,
and very aeveressive. The accommodation at fhe Chalet was

'

y Derpte r . ‘Vint. ‘Nat
210 Hiatal shoal Park, Moones Ponds Val, NLL

vory satisfactory, nad ‘the popalarity of the National Park
as a tourist resort is.ereatly inereasing. Despite mostitoes,
Mareh,, flies and’ sani: flies—niinoy discomtoris—ve had 4
vary intovestine and pleasant excursion, Owine to delay in
definitely marking out a vowte, the constraction at a road
through the isthrous hag not vet been taken im hand. Only
“4 wood road 4nd -aineveased\ accommodation ave required to
ensure the popularity -of the National Park for visitors.
Rest Houses:an'e to . be! -erected at Sealers’ Cove, Titania
Creek, and, Oberen , Bay. These wil be of material
advantage to,cumpers, Tracks, geverally, are wood. Bad
Saddle maght to advantage be regraded. The planting of
some cuick-erowing wams for shade and shelter wear the
Chalet vould be an advantage, and relieve the barenesa. A
200d, bout on the Darby is badly needed, Members viattins
the National Park ean be assured of every attention to their
needs, and viding and pack-horses are always available Lor
lone jotrueys.—Cras. Daury,

EXCURSION TO QUEEN’S PARK, MOON(IIE PONDS
About a dozen members anu obhers visited Queen's Park

ou Satueday, 17th January. in search of pond organisms.
Although the material collected was fairly good, some
interesting, pratozon obtained on a previots visit Were Waat-
in om this cecusion, VThe.estensive lily-poud was the first
scene of operations, and most of uumerons tarms noted were
abtained there, protdzoa being in the majority. A red
Stentor, although doubtless S- ignens, dilered considerably
from the type ag fiturved ine Went’s |! Manual.” being mueli
Tonge iy proportion to its breadth, Tt wag very numerous.
Three species af the genus Traehelomonas were found, ane
benving & remarkable “resemblances” to a (loafing bottles beinw
specially interestiny. This LT take to be a very laree Porm
an T eylindiea, Elire 1t.i8 seemingly generally ta be true
in this poids although fav from common, A snail) gathering
af mess! (Pimaria) from near the water's cdge vielded
representatives ot three genera ot Rhizopoda and a lavee
vioty of, diatome,: The large lake in the Park reecived
ANGULO WEN, ands proved to be swarming with Mntameas-
trac. aclange torm of. Daphne curinata beng very plentiful.
Tn this Inke Wwe wane surprised to find wo number of colonies
a the free-swiniming votifer, Laeiwulerta elliptica, Shep., the
vater heing practically devoid of vegetation, The Rhizopoda,
Difhugia Tobostoma, Leidy. was fonnd in some sediment

Aist.i] hiawursion to Gaklwigh Golf Links ‘ail

taken fro the bottom of the lily-poud. The weather being
delightful, a very pleusant afternoon was spent—J. Srick-
LAND.

EXCURSION TO OAKLEIGH GOLF LINKS.

An enjoyable fime was spent aii the Metropolitan Golf
Links at Oakleigh by menthers who attended the excursion
on the »fternoon of Saturday, 3Ist January, The party
wis veceived by Mr. Shaw, the manager and sveretary, who
escorted the visirors round the grounds, and at was soon
realised lay then that the Golf Club was dome a great deal
towards: fostering the planting of Australian trees and
shrubs. Jn all parts of the 166 acres these were to be seen,
some being in bloom. The tree that attracted the most
attention was the West. Australian Crimsou-floweriue Gum,
BPueedyptus ficifolia, many specimens of which Were con-
spicuous amony the native scrub, The glory of them all
was ho be seen i the splendid speeinvean in tron of the Chih
House. ‘This tree. which is thoweht to be the finest in
Australia, is worth goinwe a Jong way fo see, Th was nat
quite in tull bloam, but manbers who saw it on that day
carr well believe that the beautiful coloured plate that
appeared in the “Gam Tree’? last year is a fuithtul vepre
sentation of if as it would appear a fortnight later. -All
the lo¢nl native plants outside the fairways and greens are
protected, mid, iv sprig, shonld present. a fine show of
hloom. A few were found still fowering, such as two of
the Giinea fowers, the Tatted Grass-Lily (Stypandra), the
Golda Goodia, the Blue-spike Milkwort, and a few others.
Mr. St. doh directed the attention of the party to twonty-
five species of Acaeias anid cight. of Kuealypts, several of
Which wore in bloom, vizi; Aedete prudnosa, decurrens var.
nallixs, oaluta, thetinedes, lnearis, Eucalyptus — ficifotia,
cdhophyll (both iv various shades of colour), belryoides and
the local atmtnals and ovata, The fine avenne of Cupressus
mieerocn pus of North America, leading trom the vate, and
the benurifal Crosse grandiflora wid Virgilia capensis were
nineh admired, After the ramble. the members of the party
were wvited (oO afternoon tea, at whteh Mr, Shaw was
avourded wa. hearty vote of thanks for hig hospitality, on the
‘notion of Messrs. C. Daley and F. Piteher, both of whom
eongratnlated the Clu on the fine work it is dome im popu-
Javisiiy the growth of Austrahan ornamental vegetation. —
ht, & Witwramson.

212 Scorr, Same Wietovian Holidays ewe a

SOME VICTORIAN HOLIDAYS.
by A, ty Scan.
(Read before the Mild Natavatists’ Clib af Vacloria, Vth
Janney, 1925)

The slides wheh ( ai about to show vou to-uteht repre-
sent the erean of the photographs faken during the hottdays
of many years, -

Karly in P9293 a fvicnd ane anyaelf agreed that for ove
next holidays we would attempt the walk aeross the Baw
Bras, from Warburton to Walhalla, We were able to
obtain simaltaneens leave in, Deeember. Shortly hbetora the
date upon which, we tad arranged to start, we were
informed by the tonvist wuthontics that the track was tn a
back coudition, and were advised to wait for # month ov
so until repairs had been effected, We decided ty risk it.
Imt we took extra provisions in case of trouble, We
thought we had arranged for a vehicle to take us the twenty
miles between Warburton and MeVeigh’s, lut it faited to
materiahse;: however, we were eiven a Lift for some miles
ina motor by some Board of Works offivials. They Janded
us ata “elnepot’’ near the O*’Shannassy works, and we
humped our swazg an to Walsh's Creek (McVeirh's).

Next day we followed the track up the Yurra valley,
evossing ATderman's Creek, and lunching in a detigehti
spot alongside the: clear waters of the Yuirra some distance
heyond Contention Creek, where a little miting was at one
time earned qu. Long years ago, before this. track was opened
np. | was one of a party that made anu attempt to reaeh
the Yarra Falls. and retary to Melbourne during the four
days of the Christmas holidays. We attetnpted then ta
follow ridees, hut got. into difficulties somewhere in tha
direction of Mount Horstall. We were wise enoneh Lo
abandon the attempt and teturn fhe way we had came,
ttherwise a reseue party might have been required.

We have the track now. and on this occasion reached
the ‘'Falls’’ hut in nice time to get died and have tea by
the light of onr tite. Tor we had experienced soaking rain
for some miles, and the fem fronds had unladen some of
the moisture they carried on to our clothing. Next day
we yisited the Falls, whieh are situated on Mall's Creck,
some little distanee from the Yaria, taking thines easily
in anticipation of trouble, There was a stomn that night,
hut the morning broke fine, and we had no more rain until

Maxed Suorr, Sone Vietonian Aolidays 213
after owt cudven fo Melbourne. he crossing id Fall's Creel
is it lovely spot, but from there for some miles the traek
js a pertret switeh-back. Looking back on that duy’s walk
T know we anust have had considerable stretches of elena
track, but To see ih as a aightinare of steep uphill pinches
am) gntermiuible sevambling over lugs—loes of all sizes,
gometimes almost too big fo climb over, sometimes singly
like the giant shown, sometines in twos and threes or even
fours mud fives. sometimes like a giant’s ill-made piece of
corduroy. Neither of us are part tussalindly young, aud neither
had been “on the wallaby’’ sinee before the war. Needless
To say we wete thankful to teach the Whitelaw hub in time
fo draw owe water before dari,

This hut, as yon will see by the shde, was deeidedly rant-
shackle. So we decided if rain came on during the night
we would shaft oar bedding to under the table. We had
seen muneh beautiful forest scenery diving the day. The
crossing over the head waters of the Yaoma wis extremely
beautitil, while it the Thompsm bridge one had a strong
feeling that there should be a country town within a nile

or so, Probably its comparatively open situation, combined
with the camping gboind and a plentiful display of old
Kacduk cartons caused this idea At the Whitelaw Imi
(4500 1), we bad oo fue but eold night, and next day we
found snow jn places alone the track. We made.our Junch
tei with melted snow, succeeded in crossiny (he swaps
without mich difficulty, and reached the Eriea lut. in good
time. From there the panoyama is magnificent and strongly
reminded ws of the views at Mt. Buffalo, the eranite tors
strengthening the resomblanes, The wagnifieent forest-elad
deseent. of Mount Lriex marked the end of the interest of the
trip. From mere ta the heautitul valley mm whieh Walhalla
lies there is little of interest but the signposts, which were
aften eonspiendus by them absence. This is a defect. which
should be semedied. Tt east ns aneh heatbuming and a
eonple of hour's delay, aad doubtless other tourists bave
had similar experiences. Since our trip 1 understand the
track has been greatly improved, and the huts replaced by
yew structures. Perhaps signposts lave been put al each
paint where the timber tramway cuts the ronrist tried

Another improvement which would be uppreeiated by
visitors would he the ereetion of siRMpOStS uf thase pie
trvesque creeks, not marked on the map in spite of their
eanty. whiel ae erossed between Contention Creck and

24a Score. Some Victorian Holidays siete any

the [all's hut. ‘hey should show the name wf the Creek
anid the distances to Pall’s Croelc aud MeVeiph’s vespoetively.
he ‘Tourist Bureau authorities ave always willittg to supple
Tips of any pitted of the Stale for which they have been
published, and to add any other inforination which they
heppen to possess.

Our southern coast coutaiis secuery of Anke a differ-
elt ehavacter to what LT have just shown. Evou Geelong
toe Koroit was covered by tivo trips, one, a lone hand, froin
Geelong to Lorne, and the other with ‘billy? and swag andl
a companion trom Noroit te Lorne. f arrived at Geelong late
one evening, haying travelled nearly all ihiy, tired and
hungry, T slept the sleep of the just, and next morning
sallied forth to see the qneen eity of Corio in a whirling
dust storm, soon to be followed by heavy rain. wich
presently blew over and was followed by cleav watery san.
light. Barwon Heads, at the end of the first stage af my
jeurney, looked elean and attractive, the fishing boats at.
the mouth of the river making a pretty pietare: but it
seemed a deserted village. A. solitary smoke Iecl toe ta a
store, where aceommodation was enquired for, The hotel
was suggested. ‘1s it not shut up for the scason?’’ Oh,
na, only lke every place else, it has been shut up. for the
dust storm."’ hither the traveller hastened, anticipating
dinner and other comforts, The comforts were there all
right, but no dinner, only tea.

Next day, along the coast towards Torquay was desolate
in the extreme. Damp sand sizzled against one’s leggings
with a steady drone. Blank sea to the left and high sand-
hills to the right, ‘Twice T cssayed these, but the dismal
spectacle of sand-buried fences and bleak lands, together
with the annoyguee of a dry sand blast in the face, drove -
me back to the Inxury of the beach. To add to the cheer
fulness of this ancheerful spin, there lay in one place the
must of a sizeable vessel, a keteh I think, and in another.
the half of a fishing boat. -At picturesque ‘Torquay no warni
dirmer awaited me, only a common or garden tea, Prom-
the uplands beyond, on locking back, one hax u splendid
view of Port Phillip Heads and Cape Schanck, while a
pleasant bush walk fed me into Anglesea, shortly after the
departure of the eoael, 7 enquired for dinner, Vor
sorry.'" said my hostess, ‘'we only bave loneh.*’ However.
that lunch wus better thau many meals served under the
more ambitious title. After Iuneh giy hostess directed me
to the old coueh road towards Lorne, and a section of that

Mar, Sours, Some Victorian Holidays 215

ysl.

walk sticks in my memory, ‘he track was through #
earpet of wild Huwers, while the high vidge along whieh it
yin Gcommasded, on one side, a view of distant hills,
wid, on the obher, the deep blue of the ocean, Hi which,
lo ony mystifieation, sailed glorious purple patches.
Later, I found that these: were’ the reflections ‘of the! pret
wool-puek clouds sling aeross the bight bhae skys »

That night, at Anderson’s, at Airey’s Juletyethey’ showed
ine the Lonsdale‘und Sehanelke lights, forty miles away. he
next, afternoon J] reached Jiorne, and in the inoriiug a guest,
of the house very kindly took me to the ‘Sanetuany’’ before
breakfust, and | afterwards joined a plenig party and
visited the Pliudom Falls: and other beauty spots before
catching the roach fox Dean's Marsh, snd thenee to tow
hy train, ‘

The followmp year- our journey’ svaa' from Woroit ta
Lorne so as to include ower Till’ Near Nirrunida we
tamped by a sea cliffs There was a handy watethole aud
a broken fence. *'We will shaw then at home hoi a tent
should be pitehed, and we will phote it to-horrow.."' Never
pot olf, ete. Before midnivht we had dvessed attain and
packed our swavzs, und were sitting wondering whether the
wale would carry oar borrowed tenf into the sea, When
mormninp came it sill stood. The fence had saved it, but
we did not take that photo, it looked too disconsalate.

The views, you will notice, show sothe interesting
examples: of coastal weathering, How thejémis itm the
rocks help the sea in itis work of destruetion, and how, in
spite of the tivy of the waves and their waderiining
action, there ave places where the wind and rai are more
destructive than the oecan. The coast hereabouts bis jcon
a grayveynid for ships in the olden days. ‘The story of the
“Taeh Ard’! ig well-known, but there were maary olhers—
the "Iaji,’’ the “‘Marie Gabel,’’ the ‘'Hrie the Red,"’
ete. Nesy Moonlight Head tho tertiary coustal plains give
way ta the mesozoie of Larne. with its rounded bills falline
Veght down to the sea.

On the western side of (he Otway the cliffs are vrander
amd move forbidding than those of the famous watering
place. Being unable to get the desired view of Moaanlivht
Head in the camera. with the ordittary Jens, [ fell back on
tht Zriend of our childhood days, the pin- Hole, (vith some
suecess, a8 you will notice. These heaches ave very Lieaphen.
ous, und visitors would do wall to inake eheanics us 10
places of ascent and deseunt, and keep a look Out Tor king’?
waves. After wading: the Aire River mid-thigh deep, we

316 ay Spite Victorian olidans yee. ,
picked up the track to the Otway lighthouse, threading aur
way throwgh, ‘nterminiable sandhills. Tere we gol a Eviendly
welcome, and, atter seeing the sights. departed with same
of the best-bread in our, packs we had ever tasted. We
camped that arivlit iu the shelter of the tea-trea, and next
day dined at Apollo Bay, reachnyg the Keunet River by
ght ult Between Rivernook and the oun, onic again
near Apollo Bay, we learned tho real significance of (he
ror “mud. ‘Thence we went by the. beach as far as the
Cumberland River, Between the Jamieson Creek and the
Cumberland the beach is under water at high tide. Th is
tough but picturesque, and well worth seeing, but vigitors
should le sure of the tides, and not venture there alone
From the Cumberland we took the track over the hillls into
Lome, where we spent enother very luteresting week,

With the hope that the Wauudony district may prove
interesting enough to provide an exenrsion locality for week
end lips, T give a few slides of an outing there, from
whieh vou ean perhaps judye of its eapabilities. With the
ndcition, of » camera to one’s packages, nuture lovers can
alc greatly fo fhe interest” of their holidays away “fram
home, and bring back vivirl recollections of many happy
hours spent in imouitain elen or ly the sad sea waves,

[The author ‘exhibited a fine series of Jantern slides
depicting seenes in differen! parts of the State. Eel, Wie.
Nat}.

Link or Barox yox Muriuter.—Thé repriuts of this
article referred to in the last Nadwralist have been delayed
in the press, and will be forwarded to applieauts as early
ax possible. Copies will be obtainable. as -before stated. on
reccipt of one shilling; postage, one penny extha.

THR Demand ror Woon.—The president of the American
‘Tree Association, Mr. C. i. Pack, speaking at Washington,
T.S.aA., veeehtly, says that now 16 the time to interest people
in timber growing, which must shortly become an inyportant
industry, as nataral supplies are fast diminishing, The
United States alone uses eight million tons of paper, made
from, aood pulp, yearly, This is a serious drain on its
resoutees, and it has ‘beew calenlated that the world
uses 4.675,650,000,000 wooden matches yearly, for whieh
£40,000,000 are paid. Some reader may have the patienre
to work out the weight of wood, in'the matches used daily.
us a change from the weariness of eross-word puzzles.

Che Victorian Naturalist

You, XLI—No. 12. APRIL 16, 1925. No. 496.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF YICTORIA..

A special meeting of the Cla was held at the Royal
Soctety’s Hall on Monday, 9th March, 19265.

Vhe President, Mx, J. Searle, occupied the chair, aid about
fifty members were present,

~ Phe Chairman stated that the meeting hed heen called by
the Connnittee to consider proposed alterations to the rule
relating to subseriptions.

Mr. G. Coghill moved: “That in Rule 4—subseriptions—
the word ‘fifteen’ in clause (b), ordinary members, be altered
to read “twenty,” and tf this be agreed to, consequent. alteria-
tions be made iu the rates of subsernption aah eountry meni-
bevs and assuciates.’’ Seconded hy Mu. F. A. Barnard.

Messrs. H, B, Williamson, C. Lambert ne FP. Piteher sup-
ported the motion, which was carried uanimously.

Mr. G. Coehill moved: “That the subseription for counter
members be increased yo tavelve shillings and sixpence, and
that Clause (c) he altered accordingly.’? Seeonded hy Mv.
WW, B. Wilhamson und carried.

Mr. G Coghill moved: “That the subscription for
associate members remain as af present.”’ Seeonded by Mr,
©. Oke, and earried.

The special mecting tien closed.

ORDINARY MMR TING.
CORRESPONDENCE.

The Chairman read a letter received by the Coniunittec
from the Hon. Editor, Mr. WF. G. A’ Barnard, tendering his
resignation of the position, which he had held continnously
fou oa period of thirty-two vears, and statine that he wenld
bing out the April mamber of the Mefniahist, the eanelyeing
issue of the current vohime-

The Chairman said that the rasignation hid heen
accepted dw the comanittee with very great regret. Min
Basnard’s services had been of great value to the Mub, and
he trusted someone would come forward to fill the vacaney.

Dr, Sutton moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Barnard
for hig lone service, and eoueritulated hint ou the very: fine

- ‘

218 Pield Natwrulists' Club—Proceediays voi Sehe
journal he had given to the Club for so inany years, The
motion was seconced by the Chairman, and eavried unaai-
mously~

My. Barnard responded. and thanked the members tov
thei very kind appreciation of his work.

Mv. F. Pitcher moved = ‘Phat the Committee traime a snit-
wble resolution expressing the Wlaub’s indebtedness to Mr.
Barnard tor bis valuable services foy so long a teri; such
resolution to be reearded in the minute-book of the Club.”
This was seconded by Mr. A. B, Rodda, and carmed unani-
ously. ; ;

The Chunwiaat satd it would be necessary to apport vate
Niditor, whose duties would commence with the fest number of
the new volume—May, 1925,

Dr. Sutton proposed that Mr. Chas. Barvett, C.MLZ.S., be
Lon. Kditor, Seeonded by Me. P. R? TL. St. "John. ‘There
being no other nomination, My. Barvett was declared nly
vlected.

* My. Baerett returned thanks for the bonaur dane ini, are
seicl that. with the help of the members, he haped to be able
to produce a satisfactory journal, ‘

REPORT.

A report of the excursion to the Botanic Gurdens on Satur-
day, 14th Febuary, was given by the leader, Mro P. BR. U.
St. John, who said that there was a large attendance of meu-
bers. The afternoon had heen devoted te an inspection of
the vations conifers in the Gardens. Of this group of trees
there is a very fie representative colleetion, iachading, per-
haps, the finest specimen of the New Zealaud Nati Pine to be
fonnd vrowing outside New Zealand. A short leotarettie on
the subject had been given explanatory of the trees cee [

A vote of thanks’ was passed to Mrs, St. John for her
hospitality ot the oeeasion.

PAPERS READ,
1. By Mr. ©. Oke, entitled “‘New Australian Coleoptera’
(Part T).

The authoe rceorded as new a ypecies. of Aphodius belong-
me to the family Searabide, and several Prelaphide helong-
ing to the genera Sagola Rybaxis, Timesiphorus, and Nav-
eades, He also proposed » new genus, Chaleotarsus, to inehide
i. Species Which cannot be placed in any existing tribe of the
family defined by Raffray, consequently the naive Chaleotar-
sint had been selected for a new tribe.

a Miett Notwralisty’ Club—Proceedings 219

2. By Ab. C. DiAlton, entitled ‘‘Plants and Shrubs

peculiar to the Granypians.’’

Thy paper was vead by Mr. H. B. Williamson, in the
absence of the aathor, who in a series of interesting notes
mentioned the most important plants, whieh are found only
in the Grampians.

Dr. Sutton, Messrs. H. B. Williamson, Ff. G. A. Barnard
And d. Senrle contuibuted ty a short discussion ow the paper.

+f
{ EXHIBITS,

By Miss E. ©. Cameron—Marine shells, Vewus lumellutu,
from Bridport, Tas.. and Solew vayenoides, trom Brown's
River, Tasmania.

By Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S.—Flowers of Grevillea aspleni-
folig, grown at Balwyn. Plant purchased at Wildflower
Exhibition, October, 1922. :

By Miss ©. C. Cusrrie—Mounted speemmen of Switt. “4

Ry Mr. V. Miller—-Pod of Matech-box Bean, Wotieaeda
scandens, from Qaeeusland. about 18 inebes Jong; aboriginal
stowe axes quartzite fram Devon, Enialand.

By Mer. C. Oke—Twenty spectnens of Beetle, Stiymiudera
vuriahilis, Dou, showing vemarkable variations as to colony,
warkinus and sine.

By Mr. A. 1. Rodda—Specimen showing attuchment of
young Mistletoe plant. Loranthus sp., 1oend of a small branch
of vy Hucalypt.

After the nsnal cotiversazione the meeting terminated.

EDITORIAL.

With this number of the Nataratisé J velinytish, with
some Yresret, my post as Kditor, During the long years I
have followed the varying fortunes of our publieation J
have derived mueh pleasure from my association with it,
wid have made many lasting friends, and possibly some
enemies, whom J know not. The duties of the position have
become more exacting as the years passed, and, uot bemg
woman of leisure, there seenied ta be no other alternative
thin to ask some one else to fake up the reins; after a Jong
run like this a change also is likely to be of advantage.
1 trust my sucecssor will receive the support which such a
position demands, and that iW aay be many year's before
the final issne of our Club’y joumeal is printed —F. G. A.
BARNARD,

“ » Solbatifie N ae ane yA ,
236 The Setentifie Name af Our Chios Rake wists See

THE SCIENTIFIC NAME OF OUR CLUB’S BADGE.

The vane of the shell adppted some years avo as the
haclwe of the Pield Naturalists’ Club of Victoria has long heen
kuown as Nassa fasciata, the Banded Nasso. ‘This
name seemed so appropriate that we feal we would. like te
vetain it. But this the priority erities will not allow. And
quite a storm in the nomenclatorial tea-cup bas maid raged
aver the invoeent little shell,

As far buck as 1799 aimilar venerie forms to ours were

named Nassa by Lamarek; but Bolten, only one year hefore
Lamarck (1798), named another shell, not congenaric, as
Nassu, erefore, a later generic nanie to ft our specics
has fo be sought. This later hamé is found th Dumevil's
Nasgavins, 1806, and this, theretore, satisties tha demands of
priority,
. The controversy, however, does not cud here, for the
Nassua of Lamarek ineluded a section, Alectrion, inade liter
be Montlort (1810), to denote similar torms to the above;
bet this has been regarded by most anthors merely as a
snbgeneria name. Unfortunately other awthors desire 10
place owr southern forms in Alectrion as a genus rather
jhan in Nassuvius. Hedley, Gatliff and Gabriel, lowever,
uphold Nasszrius,

As tegards the trivial name, ‘‘faseiata’’ (i.e, banded),
this also cannot be vetained under priority rufos. The
origin reference is to Lamarek’s ‘‘Buecinun fasetatum’?
(1822), But here comes the difficulty; O. HW. Avtiler (1774)
hac already ces@ribed a different molluse sas ‘‘Bueeitiun
fyseiatum,’’ which interesting but disturbing fact is pointed
ont by Tvedale (Trans. N.Z. Inst.. Vol. NLVIL, 1915, p. 467).
Ivedale therefore proposes “‘vietorianus*’ as a new waane,
and remarks, lec. cit. under “‘Alectrion vietorianngs, non,
nov.’’ **T believe this shell is the badge of the Field
Naturalists’ Chab of Victoria, and for this reason have
formed the above specific name.”’

After duly considering the claims of other authorities,
the present writer cannot sce trom the above evidence any
valid reason why our well-known shell should not be referred
lous Nassarits vieloriniwas, Tredale sp. —! KeDK
CHAPMAN,

mia Peco! awh FRENCH, Thirty Year's’ Orchid Cullennny 321
THIRTY VYWARS’ ORCHID COLLECTING, ||.
Parer I,
ORCHIDS OF THE HILLS AND MOUNTAINS.
by WW. KB, Prseorvy, FLAS. asp ©, Brenan, dae.

| datroduelury Note—No keener collectors of orchids have
been kiown i this State than the two Freneh‘s—tather and
son. When travelling facilities were rave, they walked tor
liiles in different parts of the State, und wero well-known as
authoritues on this family of plints, They would take the

“win td Box Hill, walk ont through Ringwood, Melyraye and
the Dandenongs tn search of these flowers, No walk awas
too tiv tor then when in quest ot orchids. C. Preneh, Senv.,
veeorded lis observaimions In the ~ Southern Seienes Record,”’
and in the early volumes of the ‘'Vietovtan Nataraist,”
forty years ago, He was the first to eullivate these orehids,
and had wv fine collection wrowins in pots ia the Melhourne
Botanie Gardens, where die was enployed tn those days. C.
French, Jon. is Knawn anore for his colleetions and recurs,
his first paper being a reeurd of collections. preblishect in
1895.— EP]

The wapid expansion of the suburbs of Melbourne, the
yrodern fyehties for yuatek transit, and the extension of
homes to the mounhaie areas, are Teter in the difflentty: of
orehid eolleetiny in these nvederm times. Tit the dirys of col-
lecting of Co. Wrench, Sea. orchids were Golleeted i the
Botune Gardens domam and an Caulheld racecoirse; Weh-
inond, Hawthorn, Kew, Elsternwick, Canttield and Urighton
yielded their treasares also. Now these distri¢ts ard (hiekly
populated, and easily-veachcd localitucs no loueer exsist.

The diffienliies connected with early ovelhid collect
included the difticulty of nomenclatare. No veal aulhoriky
existed here, and luaul botamsts were niore inferastad in ihe
bonspiguous and hardier types of plants. Thus ai ts not sie
prising to'find that. Pferostyles Toveryarwe was culleeted hy
French, Sent, ar “'Gypay Village? new Chelven}ien, in
1S$87, but was not recoemsed as sew, bene classed us 7
reflexa, Also, Corysanthes bicalaiila wos collected lye ae
it Dealesvile many years aye. aud was iimned, by aathorits,
as G. prninesu, Ju 1892, C, Frenel, dim, collecter|, om the
Baw Baws, a Culedenia, whieh was uae as a rou tin)
variety of C. carved, Now this flower bas bea teeotteetor
on the same mountiins, add is to be given specie mink.

This paper notes the orehids calleeted a a sees af cis
(iets, nore or tess Iihy, ostending from Bos TW, tieoupgh
Biyekiin and Ringwood, imeladine Wareandste, fo the
Dandénonw Ranges, and then theeagl Crovdor te Warbur-
ton. aid Healesville. di the fable attached loealities aye

ad
be
be

Prscorr ann Rrewon, VAY Fels’ Orchid Collecting [Var ecr,
given, with the name asa centre of a large vadigas; thus Ring
wood would inelade Mitcham, and so on,

During the years onder review we have collected, in these
distvicte, 95 species ont of the 135 species veeorded for phe
State. Mueller’s ** Key’* records 73 species, and of the naiuy
species since added ta the list, quite a nunibey of thease have
lean listed ad a result of aur uetivities, This Ja species dots
not inelade varieties; many colowe and ofher vaviotivs have
hue so collected. Oat best “bar? was taken i few soars aga
ut Kingwood, when we collected 25 species in fd) ewer,
soveral other species heme noted in foliage ag woll. ‘Uhis
locality ix now being sub-divided for country homes,

Sarcocniucgs.—The one loeal spevies of this epiphylie
vents, 8. pieiflomis, is still ta be eollacted ak Pern Trai
Gully, Bayswater und Belgrave. Inone gully about sis vests
igo, we saw Blackwood tree carrying, in September. wcarhy
gue hundyved Hower spikes, ‘This vear (1925) ove cullerted
five plants in full flawer, early au danaaey, in a Bolenave
ruddy, Thowoild seen ais fin the cooler gullies, the flowering
season ts muh later than those fiero north or west. This
Speeies is Hot at all pavtioular ax to its host, We fie eal
lneted « herve an Blackwoud, Musk, Sassafvasy. Pittospurmion,
Blunket-loat did Muenlyptas,

Divoorum and Casrropns. observations extending aver
several yous load as to conclude that these Heahy-roated, leat-
less species lo not flawer for some time after gathering. A
fine healthy spike of Costiodia sesanioidis was. colloated in
123, Te V02! ane L925 the spot was revisited, batt to Hower
jie growth was noted. This ovehid, like Sarcouhilus pera
florus, flowers late in cool aveas: it is to be colleetect in Sher-
brooke Golly in dani, while it is an October to Noveniher
flower in warmer spots,

Cryperosty ois and Svirnasverns—These Heghy rootect, leaky
orchids ave becoming sire. Craptostiylis lepfachily wos known
at Belevave, and always vielded a few flewors aimaually: but
this year the Roads Board graded the road ond deposited
Ihe clay on top of our pateh. ‘Ths it is lost for all tiine.
Similarly oar loeality at Woort Vallock, whieh vieldod a
hundied spikes of Spirandhes austrulis w fow years ude, has
become » stock paddoek. and owe arehids ave onc,

PrasopryLouM.— Mis venoas vielded us tHhiit species rare
at any fime, P. flavwni, at Belgrave. [ts vellow flowers,
eonspicnous in New Year, are vasily sear, hut it has only
been recorded half a dozen fimes for Vietoria.

We could never forget the day when we found twa neo
speeies at Ringwood. evowitu in the same packlock—ome
green ond the other with a large white labelluo, The white

Aerik] Pascovy xn Frenan, Thirty Years’ OFchid Collecting 223

ond was determined as 2. odoratuin, var mdbum, new for-Vie-
tora; and the gree one was new to sefence (seo Fig +),
Af onr vequest, Dr R. 5. Rogers named this P. Braanea,
houoge of Mr. A. B. Braine, who had done ns a sinvilar
honour a few years previously. '

On the same day a fine clunip of six stems ot P, Pienchii
was discavered, new for this distriel. This was a uotable
day, fox we also found Acianthus coudlatus (see Fig. 3) in
the same locality: this orchid never having been reeadad
nearer! to Melbowrne than Wealesville, where ii grew
alundaan hy.

Prasuphyliion alpinwen wag eolleered many yeava nei ity
various Toealities. ‘This species ik sometimes united by
botanists with #. fusewn In ‘lava Austealiensts,'” Ben-
tham reuarks that 22. fesertoe has free sepals, thonwh other
botanists differ. He olso repeats Gunn's observation, that
P. fuse if inadovons, while Po alprina is stronuly Ppa
rent. Were, we fod that 7 fuser a& alwies sweetly trap
rat,

PuREy Mera —Onw the day previcwsly imeutioned we alse
enected Uhelymitea pineiflorn, whieh has at vew record for
this State. A week liter we found this “new? species ay
Cheltenham, Ringwood, anc indecr many of the lowar loeali
fies from Box Hill onwards, are abundant in Thelymitras,
the nove ohbundant species beinw 7, avisteta, 7. antlennifern,
VT. Thenwsa, U cond, TT datoldes andl To langifebia. Ona
fow oceasinis 7. grandiflora has heen found.

Miocromes.—-For years ouly two species of this penus were
fonnd here—M. porvifolia and ML erate, Vater, AF. pari
flare wos added. Bor years au Mierotis was very abuindaint
in, several localities, whieh was labelled as WZ. porrefalin.
Recently its variation was noted, and was named If. oblonga,
on account of the shape of the labellam.

The periodie disappearance of orchids is often a matter
for emument. In December, 1928. we observed Mo uhlonge
by thousands, of all heiwhts—some two or threa inches tall,
others nearly two feel—tor miles along one of the tracks to
Sherbrooke Falls. Yn the Belgrave distriet, too, that orchid
was quite comiean diring the sane season.

"These localities were visited in the vwext season, Deen ber,
1924. when it was fonnd that this species was exceedingly
rare, only ca few senttered plants bene found

Th the Sherbrooke Cully, wy January fest. ay unusual
arehid was observed growing upd oa free fern, about eiaht
feet from the evonnd, There were twe plants. Another
plant was observed ia similar position. or a form, abont
half a nde away von the others. The three plants were

)

ey, PRRCOL AND Puendn, Phirty Years’ Orehid Callecting | Yas 2h

Hrowing vi tle western side of the forns. It took some tinuw
to determine that they were either Prasuphyllum or Aieratis,
ax they were not in tower They were probably Micretes
vblongd, ak that species is coaunow on the hillsides of the
gully, facing the ferns, and they were probably the produce
of seeds which wiay have been blown over by the wind. This
is.one of the rare oceasions that we can definitely assume the
xeowth of orchids from. seed, and we think it is the firse
reeord vf a Aicreftis bemg an epiphyte.

Corysastars.—'This genus has yielded us four species,
two of which ate cammonly epiphytes. Coryswnthés prieinasa
und C. furbrinte are often found on tree forns in the gullies.
They possess, wotiz with Chilaglotles, the peentiae property sf
prolongine the Hower stem (pedanele) after flowering. At
the flowerime staze, the flower stems of these orchids ary
usually not one ineh in length. Attey fertilisation, the flower
stem begins to elongate, and the capsule ineveaseg tn size.
Before the enpsule dehisees and seatters the seed, the etems
ane Frequently mine or ten inehas in length Natapea bas pros-
sibly given the plants this gift, in order that the seed mus he
scattoved fav and wide, as the sead capsule sways iu the wid,

C. bicalearute was collected at, the Blacks’ Spurs and an
exciting “arteh?? was made at, Pemishawa, when G. maguten-
lade was found in S97, an interesting reeord of Lhis species
boing found i a monutain area.

ConapENO.—This genus provides us with some wilerest-
ie rerolleeiiings. One has. previonsly heey meheerod ta iu
reward to Cabulowta Ociasianda. (See Viet, Nat. Vol. 37, p.
108.)

Matt verbs ago, Baron vou Mueller prapdsed to combine
many forms, tnehicing Caladenia Paterson. inte one species,
to he called C. nulcherimna. Thus, the species aw kiown 9s
OC. clavigern was inelided in this group, stbsequenthy being
gvouped with C. Palersoni. Th has sinee beew restared ta
specifie rank. This specter we have often eolleeted iy the hiil
country, ‘Nhis is also the ease with C. reMeudta, This species
we collected Afteen vears aga at Nvelwn, as ong of the varieties
ut CL Paterson, ft was found last year at. Belyrave.

Caladenie alba is one of the varities and is referred to in
the above-mentioned paper.

Cerognors—The hill species of this veuius are lilerest-
ine ws beiug both epiphitie and terrestrial C. (Mime ty
istally tevvestrial, and C. Afwellert epiphytic, Meensionally
the Farmer is found vrowing on tree ferus: the latter has
always been known as eniphytic until January, 1925, when we
fmind two large colonies rowing as féertestrial at tlre head of
Sherbryoke Gully. These two speoies have the property of

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLI April, 1925
Phare VII

Pterostylis

NHOOD,

Pterostylis

Fig.

3.—-MAYFLY ORCHID, cteleuthars
R.Br.

(Negatives by E. EF. Pescott)

cadatus,

in

4.—GREEN LEEK ORCHID,

Prasophyllim

Brainei, Rocers, and SWEET LEEK ORCHID

(var.), Prasophyllum odoratua
Rockers.

var. albacit.

14

rtd _Prscort anh Prasen, Thirty Yeurs' Orchid Collecting 226
prolongation ot the leaf stems, but ustutly onty when grow-
ing on tree ferns. In the two large terrestrial colonies of
Co Mueller found this year, not one of the truiting specimens
nade any attempt to inerease the length of its stem. €.
tiphylla (refleca) was tound at Mernshawe many years ago.

For veurs we collected Dawus pulachile asa yellow form
uf JD maculata, Bobacitetely it was found fo be another
spenics

PrERostyLis,—This voudertal venus has provided us with
nina vhanves and surprises. Many years ago, P. cucullata
was found and named. Then it was lost. lu latér years a
tall, larwe-Howered orchid was collected, which the Baron
manned as FP. cucullate, but which was really u new species.
After this, the time P. oucullate was again collected, but mot
mvegrised ; so the Baron named it P, MachHéhbini—a seeond
titine Tor the One plant. Meaotimg Ma (. Wretich, da, eal-
leeved th the panes a slender, smallerflowered speeies, whieh
the Baron named P. cuewlata, var. Alprue,

In took yous to find someoe who would onravel the
obvious tangle, Subsequently Dr. Rogers yestored 2.
Machibbon as ( ccncdlifa. The usurping spevies was
Hannes WP. fileati, and its alpine form, Po alpina, At Holes:
ville, on fhe spol where the new reservorr is being built, we
could always rely on vetting ane or two blooms each seas 3
bnt 4 few veats ave we were astonished to fined a spot on
Dandenong Greek where lundiveds were in fall flower, One
whine phat wis noted.

Another ‘find’ was the astonishing appearanee of -P.
witintied, Wealesville. This is purely a coastal form, aad is
ravels foond in the hill country,

Another aur prise was the finduw at Belprave of 7. ronda
flord (see Fig. 1), a speeies that Tad bean ‘lost’? far years.
The beautital 2. deemed is mre of the latest new speeies
(see Iie, 2). Its dainty, slender form, combined with the
delicate colo and aich ved tongue, make it a iach-desived
Hower Mi. Alistey Bamis first directed onr attention to this
Sjeeies. having seen it af Pern Tree Gully. Ti was missed for
Venn on aceoit of ts late Towering season, betng@ at its hest
Hl Deeomher mul danaary,

The table following inicdieates: the localities ino which we
have tullectod these and other orchids. We make an earnest,
appoa) to orehid eolleetors anc Jovers not to unduly vather
the fawers, Mey are frugile plants. and are fast disappear-
nz We should consider them as an heritage, vather thaw as
a personal eft, doing all we can to protect thew and pass
them oun fo athens Ty vedas fo eoine,

226

Pliscort vxp Faeinou. Thirty Years’ Orchid Collecting | Wet cay

ABBREVIATIONS OF Locytirrks

Bayswater—Bays. Croydon—Croy.
Belgrave—Bel. Dandenong Ranges—-Dand R.
Black Spur—B, Spur, Byelyn—Ev,
Box Hill—B.H. Fernshawe—Fern.
Scientific Name. Common Nanie
1 Sarcochilus parviflorus (Lindl,)—Small Sarcochilus
2 Dipodium punctatum (R.Br,)—Hyacinth Orchid
3 Gastrodia sésamoides (R.Br.)—Potatoa Orchid |:
4 Frasophylum Archeri (Hk-f,)—Archer Leek-orchid
i ¥ Brainei (Rogers)—Green-lipped Orchid
6 te brevilabre (Hk.fil)—Short-lipped Orchid -
7 ne despectaus (Hk.f.)—Tiny Leak-orchid
8 ae flavum (R.Rr.)—Yellow Leek-orchid
5 et fuscum (R.Br.)—Tawny Leek-orchid :
10 sé Frenchii (Fyv.M.)—Stouft Leek-orchid 4
1L of nigricans, (R.Br.)—Dark Leek-orchid t
12 nf odoratum (Rogers)—-Sweet Leek-orchid
13 i" patens (R.Br.j)—Pale Leek-orchid
14 ts intricatum (C.Stuart)—Elfin Leek- orchid
LA tu austrate (R.Br.)—-Austral Leek-orchid
16 iy elatum (R.Br.)—Tall Leek-orchid
17 alpinum (R.Br.)—Alpine Leek-orchid .
18 Calochits canipestris (R.Br.j—Peaked Beard-orchid .
19 « Robertsoni {Bth.)—Brown-beards x
20 Thelymitra aristata (Lindl.)—Scented Sun-orchid
21 e antennifera (Hk.f.)—Rabbit-ears -
22 o's carnea (R.Br.)——-Pink Sun-orchid
23 "2 flexnosa (Endl.)—-Twisted Sun-orchid
a4 a grandiflora (Fitz.)—Great Sun-orchid
25 A ixnioidss (Sw.j—Doatted Sun-orchid .
26 Fy longifolia (R. and G. Forster)—-Common
Sun-orchid
27 n Macniltlani (Fyv.M.)—Salmon Sun-orchid
28 ay pancifiora (R.Br.)—Stender Sun-orchid é
29 canaliculata (R.Br.)-—Pale Sun-orchid
B80 Microtis porrifolia (R.Br.)—Common, Leek-orchid
31 if atrata (lind).)—Swamp Leek-orchid
R2 be parviflora (R.Br.)—Slender Leek-orchid
33 oblonga (Rogers)—Broad-tongue Leek-orchid
84 Caleana major (R,.Br.)—Large Duck-orchid ‘
35 Corysanthes priinosa (R.Cunn.)—-Large Helmet-orchid .
36 f bicalearata (R.Br.)—Spurred Helmet-orchid
37 rn fimbriata (R.Br.)—Fringea Hetmet-orchid .
38 te unguicwlata (R.Br.)—Small Helmet-orchid .
39 <Acianthus exsertus (R.Br.)—Mosquito Orchid
pall im Caudatus (R.Br.)—Mayfly Orchid
41 Cyrtostylis reniformis (R.Br.)—Gnat Orchid
42 Lyperanthus suaveolens (R.Br.)—Brown-beaks
43 Briochilus autumnalis (R.Br.}—Parson’s Bands

April,
1924,

1 Prescorr ann Prenou, Thirty Yeurs' Orchid. Collecting

ABBREVIATIONS. OF LOCALITIES

Fern Tree Gully—F.T. Guy Wandin—Wand.

Healesville—Heal. Warburton—Warb.
Mooroolbark—Moorol, Warrandyte—Warr.
_ Ringwood—Ring. Woori Yallock—Woori Yat.

wor

wre)
Hot AN Oo

i)
Nm

a
oe Ow

ay
ac

18

H
o

20

bo ba
Ne

23

No b>
co

b

bo
an

27

wen
own

Localities.

Dand: Reges., Bel., F-T. Gully, B. Spur, Bays.

B.H!, Croy., Heal., Ring., Dand. R., Warr., Ev. Wand.

B.H., Croy., Heal., Bays., Ring., Dand. R,, Warr,, Wand-
Fern.

Ring., Croy., Heal., Warb., Warr.

Ring., Bays.

Heal.

Ring., Bays,, Heal., Croy., Warr., Dand. R.

Bel.

Bel., Ring,, Warb., Heal., Dand. R,, Warr,

Bays., Ring.

Bays., Ring., Croy,, Heal,, Warr.

Bays., Ring., Croy., Heal.

Bays., Ring., Croy., Heal., Fern., Dand. R.. Warr.

Bays., Ring., Croy., Heal., Warr.

Heal.

Ring.

Ring., Dand. R.

Box Hill, Croy., Bays., Ring., F.T. Gully, Bel., Heal., Fern,

Box Hill, Croy., Bays., Ring., F.T. Gully, Bel., Heal.,
Fern., Dand. R., Warr,

B.H., Croy,, Ring., Heal., Warb., Warr., Fern,

Ring., Bays., Mitcham, Warr., Heal.

Ring., Bays., Croy., Heal., Warr.

Ring., Bays., Croy., Heal., Warr.

Ring.

Ring., Bays., Croy., Heal., Warr., Fern,

Ring., Bays., Croy., Heal,, Warr.

Ring., Warr.

Ring., F.T. Gally.

Ring., Bays,

All districts,

All districts.

Ring., Heal.

Heal,, Dand. R.

Rirg., Heal. -

Ring., Heal., Fern., aud Fern Gullies.
Fern., Heal.

Fern Gullies.

Heal., Fern.

Ring,, Heal., Warr,, Fern.
Ring_, Heal., Warb., Fern.
Ring., Heal., Ranges,
Ring,, Warr., Bel.

AU districts,

2

27

228)

Prsaqve axp Froxen. Thirty Years’ Orchid Collecting pYiet, Nat,

| Vor.) SLL.

Scientific Name. ; Common Name

Caladenia alba (R.Br.)—White Caladenia -
4 cucullata (Fitz,)--Hooded Caladenia
" congesta (R.Br.)—Black-tongue Caladenia
h coerulea (R.Br.)—Blue Caladenia .
at cordifermis {Roagers)—Small Spider-orchid
gt ~carnea (R,Br.)—Pink Fingers
" deformis (R.Br.)—Blue Fairies
- dilatata (R.Br.)-—Fringea Spider-orchid
ie latifolia (R.Br.j}-—Pink Fairies

hegate Menziesii (R,Br.)—Hare Orchid

a Fatersoni (R.Br.)—Common Spider-orchid
Mm testacea (R,Br.)—Musky Caladenia
a clavigera (A.Cunn.j—Clubbed Spider-orchid
reticulatu (Fitz.)—Veined Caladenia
Chiloglottis reflexa (Cheel.)—Autumn Bird-orchid
16 Gauni (Lindley)—Common Bird-orchid
Muelleri (Pitz.)—Green Bird-orchid
Glossodia major (R.Br.)—Wakx-lip Orchid
Diuris alba (R.Br.)-—White Diuris
- punctata (Sm.)—-Purple Diuris
- palustris (Lindl.)—Swamp Diuris
By maculata (Sm })—Leopard Orchid
ie palachila, (Rogers)—Broad-lip Diuris
s pedunculata (R.Br.j—Snake Orchid
" sulphurea. (R,Br.)—Tiger Orchid
longifolia (R.Rv.j——Tall Diuris
Orthoceras strictum (R.Br.)—Horned Orchid
- Cryptostylis leptochila ({F.vM.)—Small Tongue-orchid
¥ longifolia (R Br.}—Large Tongue-orchid
Spiranthes australis (Lind!.}—Austral Lady’s-Tresses
Prerostylis alpina (Rogers}—-Alpine Greenhaod
st acuminata (R.Br.)—Pointed Greenhood

e barbata, (Lindl.)—-Bearded Greenhood
- concinna (R.Br.)—Trim Greenhood
rt curta. (R.Br.J—RBlunt Greenhood

‘1 alata (Reich.)—Purplish Greenhood

"9 decurva (Rogers)—-Red-tongue Greenhood

" falcata (Ragers)——Sickle Greenhood

1° longifolia (R.Br.)—Tall Greenhooa

" Mitchelli (Lindl.)—Mitehell Greenhood

1 nutans (R.Br.)—Nodding Greenhood

iy nana (R,Br.)—Dwart Greenhood

‘7 obtusa (R.Br.)—Blunt-tongue Greenhood

. pedunculata (R.Br.)—Mazroon-hvod

- parvifiora (R.Br.)—Tiny Greenhood

7 rufa (R.Br.)—Rusty-hood

te grandiflora (R.Br.)—Long-tongue Green-
hood

ty vittata (Lindl,

a fureata (Lindl.)—-Forked Greenhood

iY pusilla (Rogers)—Ruddy-bood

” refiexa (R.Br.)—Striped Greenbood

" revoluta (R.Br.}—Autumn Greenhood

‘

“toas. | PEScorr AND Frencu. @hirty- Year's’ Orchid Collecting 229

Localities,

44 Near Croy.

45 Dand. R., Heal.

46 Ring., Croy., Heal., Bays., Ranges!

47 Warr. 4

48 Ring., Heal., Fern,

49 All districts.

50 Ring., Croy., Heal., Warb.

51 ©All districts.

52 Ring., Bel. .

53 Ring., Moorool.,-Warb., Heal., Bel., Wand., Ey., Dand. R.,
Fern. ,;

54 Al) districts.” ~ -

55 = Ring-., Moorool,' Croy,, Heal., B.H., All districts.

54 Bays., Bel.

57 Bel. ,

58 Ring., Heal., Fern. ,

59 Ring., Heal., Bel., Dand. R., B.H., Wart., Fern,

60 Heal., Bel., Emerald, Gemb., B, Spur.

61 <All districts.

62 Croy. ‘

63 Ring., Heat., Moorool, B.H,

64 King., Croy., Warr., Woori Yall,

65 AT] districts. ‘

66 F.T. Gully.

67 All districts. ;

68 B.H., Croy., Heal., Warb., Heal., Warr.

69 All districts.

70 Ring., Bays.

71 Dand. R., Bel., Gemb., Emerald, F.T. Gully.

72 ~~ =All districts.

73 Yatra Glen, Woori Yall., Heal.

74 Dand. R., Heal,, Ring,, B, Spur, Emerald, Aura, Fern. |

75 Heal., Steele's Ck.

76 Ring., Warr., Bays.

77 Ring.

78 Ring., Warr., Heal., Dand. R., Fern., B.H.

79 FLT. Gully.

80. Bel., F.T. Gully, Ring. -

81 Ring., Heal,, Warr., Lil., Bays., Warr., Fern., Dand, R.

82 All districts.

t oa a)

$3 Warr.
84 All districts.
85 Rirg-

$6 Warr., F.T. Gully.

87 Ring., Heal, Bay., Croy., Warb,
88 All districts.

89 Warr,, Warb.. Dand. R.

90 Bel.
91 Heal.
92 Aura,

93 Box Tiill to Bays.
$4 Ring., F.T. Gully.
95 : Ring., Bays.

{The paper was iNustrated by lantern slides, depicting many of
the above species—Ed, Viet. Nee]

230 Narra VOUXLT

“Tie Trans-Ausiianion Woxprrktanp,*’'—Some months
ago, June, 1924, o notice appenred i thexe pages of the first;
edition of Mr. A. ©. Bolant’s booklet dawling with the
natural history of the Ooldea district, and th must be very
gratifying to the author that he has beew eompelled, by ihe
demand for hig littl volume, to issue a third aod enlarged
edition, ‘The present. volume extends to one hundred and
teri pages, aud is eloth bound, so that it is a ‘worth-while
Addition to one's bookshelf, We congratulate Mv. Bolum on
Hho interest He has ereated in this out-of-the-way, but interest-
lay, district. The Ooldea distviet, situnted on the Trmns-
GCoutinemih dine Just ou the eastern ede of the great
Nillabor plain, some 427 niles west of Port Augusta, and
politieally still in South Australia, has been fortunate ie
Having had such a man stationed within its boundaries, and
the \orld is the wainer by the fact that Ma. Bolam had
enough tuterest in what he saw to put his observations ito
Writing, and atterwiards into print. Such actions cleserve
commendation whenever sel with, and no matter tow trig
ling, add to the gradual accumulation of human knowledge.
Brom the Ulustrations one would wot think that such fas-
Cinating notes could be gathered together, and the author
deserves all the more ereclit for his suecess, for it must be
remembered that sneh notes can only be result of years of
observation aud study. Another facet which adds to the
wonder of the story is the absence of water im the district,
for no suél thing as a streanry of lagoon exists for handresds
of miley in auy direction, he vanitall is less than ten Inches
per annin, auc dissppears into the soil direetiy it falls.
At certain plices there ave “soaks,’’ where water can be got
by those who know how, bit where do the birds andl animals
of the dlistriet derive the moisture they require to keep body
aid soul towether? The elimate is naturally dey, with cool
nights, and is not diffeult to bear, Owing to the radiation
of heat hemg so rapid, and the absence of clouds and other
emises detriinental to the formation of dow, the aiv at night
remains calm, saturation takes place quickly and dew is
precipitated. The vegetation, such ws salthush, bluebnsh,
ete., absorts dew quickly, and thus gets its necessary
moisture as inuch from the air as from) the ground. The
animals of the distviet, in like rmaanner, utilise the dew by
licking it off the leaves of the plants and shrubs. Con-
siderable space is given to remarks on the aboviginals, and
the outhor remarks on wonderful powers of vision they

Absit ; Nertas 2g4

possess, No white inn, not even an old sea captain, he eays,
ewn approach a black in keenness of sight. A native can
sec the smoke of w locomotive furty-five miles wway; this
is partly due to the extreme clearness of the atinosphere,
move pronouneed at certain seasons of the year, The book
is well ilbustrated, and nature-lovers will find in it a mine
uf Titerestine information.

Tre Dirroropox—Many parts of the world have fur-
nished remains of gigantie animals which onee inhabited
that particular veazion, und not to be behindhand in that
respeet, Austraha has supphed the world with remains of
the Diprotodon, the largest niarsapial known to have existed,
The Austrian Musewn Magazine for October Jast reyno-
duces in photograph of a group of Diprotodons recently set
up in the Anica Museum of Natural History, in New
York. ‘The qidimals, io their restoved form, look lke huge
wombats. 11. 18 more than mnety years since the first frag-
iients of the bones of these gigantic animals were found im
the Wellington Caves, New South Wales. At that time
scientists were in doubt as to the aetnal shape of the
animal, but all doubts were set at rest some few years ago
ly the finding of a wondertul deposit of Diprotedon remains
at Lake Callabonua, in Sout)) Australia, abont 600-miles north
of Adelaide. These were embedded in the mud of a salt
Jagoon. about three fect below the surface. Hundreds of
more wr less complete skeletoiis were dug out under the
supervision of the late Professor Stivling, Director of the
South Australi: Museum. If js supposed that the animals
Demme hogeed in Ghe soft mrad, probably when seeking
witer daring a dry season, Front the bones found, which
inelnoded those of the teet, whieh had hitherto been inissing,
this last find enabled a complete skeleton to be set up, and
the winiel vestored ta something like its original appearance.
(asty were seit fo various muscunis, hence the group in the
New Vark institution. The name Diprotodon is derived from
Whe feel that the animal was remarkable for its trout teeth,
aud the discovery of food temains of Callabonna shows that
it lived on saltbush and other shrubs resembling those grow.
hee yy Whe district to-day. Remains of the Diprotedon have
boon fond in other States, but nowher mm such quantity as
at Lathe Callabonna.

232 CopRecrioxs | Beste ites

Corrucrions.—The following corrections should be made in
the article “‘Avound Noojee’’ in the January Naturalist -—

Page 168 line 4 from. bottom — For ‘‘stipoides *’.: toad
“qunced.’ ; . owed
744 . 170 » 20—For ‘uniformis?’? read “‘rentformes,*’
“va: TO 4 AG: front hottom — For “ Heycesitra’? read
* Reycestert.’?
» IF, 10—or oe Lawrenciane’? vead ‘C. hewren.
ciana.’
173), «44 fron bottom — For << Femegineume’ real
a “fermugimeum..?
«5 V3 ,, 12 from botton: — For “‘heteraphylly’’ read
. ~ heterophy lly."?
» 1li6 ,, 22—For * ‘Pattersonii2. read “Patersouti??
» 116 ,, 25—~For 'Lanceolatun’’ read ‘“‘Taneeolatum. ;
» ATG ., 35—Por ‘‘grammitidis’ read ‘‘ gramitidis.’
176 ,, 387—For ‘‘eiveinnata’’ read ‘‘eireinata.’
-. i6 , T from botteom—Ior Iivcoroptnacesas”” vead
**Psruovactam."?
7 , 38—For ‘‘Juncea’? vead ‘“juneea?
7 y, 10—For “F.V.M.” read “F.v.M.,’? alse in
other places.

» ATT. (For “Guyerracma:’’? read ‘Cyvperaces,’?
» ATT 4 T from bottom—For “bufenins”’ read **bu-
i fonius.’

, LS. 9—for ‘Chor ysanthes”’ read, ‘Cor vanities

» 179. 2—For ‘‘Stonecap’’ read “Stonecrop.”

oy, 179 4, 15—For ‘‘sanquisorbe” read ‘‘sangnisorhe,’’

» -O ., 4 from hottom — For ‘HAvorAcea’’ read,

“TT ALORREAGIDACT AR. *? :

780 .. 3 from bottom — For **Haloragis’’ read
*fTalorrhagis, ”

82 . 15 from bottom — For. **Clearia’’ read

*Olearia,”’
. J82 ., 12-14 from bottom—Mor C0? read (OL?
» (3 ,, 6—For ‘‘velleoides’’ read *‘velleioides.”’
183... 16 from bottom—For ‘‘ Leyeestria’’ read ** Lev-
cesteria.’?
. 283, 11 from hottorm—For * ‘Golden Crown Grass”?
vead “Silt Grass,’

Nove.—In many eases hyphens have been mser ted? in the
wrong places, e.g., page 182, ‘* Musk-Daisy Prisiy!ahouleh read
*‘ Musk Daisy-bush.’* beth