VICTORIAN NATURALIST
THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE
OF THE
Field Naturalists’ Club of Wictoria
VOL. XLII
MAY, 1925, TO APRIL, 1926
Hon, Critor;: CHARLES BARRETT
2 ——_e
The Author of each Article is responsible for the facts a
opinions recorded
MELBOURNE : RAMSAY PUBLISHING PTY. LTD., 203-5-7 KING STREET 1926
INDEX y vii
ILLUSTRATIONS:
PAGE Adiantum, Dindsaute, Trichmomenés 2. 5. 02 2. 5, 22 22 oe eee BOB Ajuga qustralis,; R.Br... 65 6k ee cb eG Ge ee de bd eb eres 198 Barnard, Mr. F. G AL... .. .. age A, dengpilley wee “er dee -rile Be “Bearded Dragon” or “Jew” Lizard wy ga! ait na bak abel taba nh STE Caleana nigritu .. .. . 6. Boe, Sat. RE. ae Bee. Cockatoo, Young “Major Mitehell” baat Geetet) ee a ote 2d6 Corallum of Uamnastraea sera, Duncan... .. .. -. 2. 1... -. 282 Cormorants, Rookery of White-breasted .. -. 2.00.00. 0, es) es WAR” Cyatheacewe and Osnvundaceae .. 2. 6. 2. ee ee ee ee ee ee BOB Eoacris Buwbawensis, Stapf—Alpine Heath ., .. .. .. .. 2. 292 Drakea elastica .. 6. . be a eth! im et are a Gleicheniacede, Rbpiaembene and ‘ Batuiniacede ce te pe we a BAD Greenhoods, The “Striped” and the ‘Brittle’ .. .... .. .. 4. @2 Hymenophyllacede .. .. . Seslpe ge £4 Et ee ye peces weorase Mursiliaceae and Cuningtossuedy aa LE Nhe tele! eich endef ta te Myrmecia (Promyrmecic) aberruns. Forel fe Bet ase Notholaena, Davullia, Dennstaedtia, Hypolepts, Cheitunthes ., B01 (Meobius naws .. 6. a. we. .. 208
_ Ophicardelus ornatus (Fer), 0. dws. UH. ‘& A Aa), dnd
a O. sulcatus (TT. & A. AG) 2. 2. ee ee ee ce ee ce ee ee ve 269 Pimelea spathuluta, Labill. .5 2. 2) 6. ce ee ee ee ee oe ee 198 Pterostylis, Seedling Plants of Some .. .; .. 6. 0. -. ea es +. 190 Pterastylis acuminata, P. rufa and P. pusilla .. .. .. -- .. .. 144 Spider's Carding Machine, The .. .. 6. 2... -5 2. a. es a. 68, 69 Termites, Victerian .. .. . SE ny a at a te cle Bete. HO “The Stranger’ Rock, Derrinal ere ts ee ee we oe 102 Wittsteiniu vaccinincea, F.v.M.—The Baw Baw Batry: ee ne we) 292
ERRATA:
Page 32) line 4 from bottom—"December, 1902" should read December, 1892.
Page 184, line 19—For “another point,” read anther point, Page 200, line 6—For Considerniana read Consideniand.,
Page 214, line 11 from bottom—For ‘“englyphoides’ read engly- phatdes.
Page 238, line 18 from bottom—¥or “chat” read chert. Page 257, line 18 —For Ricinus read Ricinocarpus. Page 257, line 15—For Hakeus read Hakeas.
Page 259, line 20—For Culex read Prez,
Che Victorian Naturalist
Vou, XLIL—No. 1, MAY 6, 1925, No, 497
FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. The monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society’s Hall on Monday evening, April 20, 1925.
The President, Mr. J. Searle, occupied the chair, and about. fifty members and friends were present.
CORRESPONDENCE,
From Hon. Secretary Australian Forests League, inviting this Club to join with the League in forming a deputation to the Minister of Lands to protest against the proposed alienation of lands in the Otway Forests area. It was proposed by My. F. G A. Barnard, seconded by Dr. C. 8. Sutton, ‘‘That the Club be represented on the deputation."’ Carried.
Messrs. C. Daley and F. (. A. Barnard were appointed to represent the Club.
REPORT OF EXCURSION.
A report of the excursion to Broadmeadows on April 18 was fiven by the leader, Mr. J. Wilson. He said that a party of members had walked to Gellibrand’s Till, over a circuitous route, noting interesting geological features. From the hill beautifal views of the surrounding country were obtained.
ELECTION. OF MEMBERS.
On a ballot being taken, Mr, W. H. Callister, 52 Alex- andra Avenue, Canterbury, and Mr. and Mrs. Dwyer, 38 Brougham Street, Box Hull, were unanimously elected as ordinary members, of fhe Club.
GENERAL BUSENESS,
Mr. C. Oke nioved that the congratulations of the Clvh be conveyed to Mr. P. GC. Morason on his obtaining the degree of Master of Seience in Zooloey. Seconded by Mr. F. G.. A. Barnard and carried. yo
Dr. Sutton mentioned that the Tree Lovers’ League needed more member's, and hé asked the Club’ a help im gaim- ing them. '
4 Field Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings ine otek
PAPER.
By Mr. P. f, Moprig: '' The Need for Growing Softwoods for Paper-making.'’ The author referred to the heavy importa- tions of paper, and expressed the opinion that such paper should be manutactured in Australia. Ixperiments, he con- sidered, should be conducted with native trees that were of little use as timber, to ascertain thelr value for pulping. Large areas night be planted with trees suitable for the pro- duction of paper pulp, The paper caused some discussion, in which Dr. Sutton and Messrs. F. Pitcher, EF. G A. Barnard, CG. Oke and H. B, Williamson took part.
EXUIUBITS.
By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard—Rocks from Derrinal. sonic striated.
By Miss . C. Cameron—Brittle starfishes, belonging to the family Opharidce, from Cowes, Phillip Island, Vie-
By Mr. ©. Daley, B.A—Samples of native timbers from Gippsland; also Gaultheria hispida, Waxberry, from Mt. Magnet, Tasmania.
By Mr, A. EB. Rodda—-Decomposed granite, front Gelli- brand’s Hill, eolleeted on Broadmeadows excursion.
EXCURSION TO BALWYN.
Rain did not; deter abaut «dozen memhers from -meeting at Mont Albert Station on March 31; but it was decided to curtail the programme and visit only the newly-acquired reserve on the White Horse Road. On our way, via Mont Albert Road, to Maling's quarry, some of the features of the surrounding geography were pointed out, while Mr. P. R. H. St. John explained the reason for the presence of the many fine gum trees and pines of the district.
The quarry is of extraordinary interest, being situated on a fold, or anticline, which runs throngh to Templestowe and beyond. The folding was so. intense at this spot that. the rocks of mudstone (Silurian) were crushed and sheared so that secondary (metasomatic) changes took place. and numerous erystals of pyrites were formed. The pyrites (iron _bisulphide) was subsequently dissolved out, leaving its cubjeal moulds seattered through the hard mudstone, In one place a large stack of the altered rock, standing ont at the side of the ‘pool, shows how the seamed rock, filled with
vol Pluns for the “Natusalest" 3
quartz yeins, was squeezed and fractured almost to the extent of mylonisation, This broken and fissured rock would make an excellent subsoil fury the planting uf shrubs and trees, as proposed. ‘his interesting geologica] site of one und a half aeves has been generously given to Camberwell hy Mrs, K. Malling, The mayor, Councillor A. B. Hocking, was prevented, by another elgagement, from visiting the quarry on this occasion. He has already expressed his appre- sjation, and that of the Camberwell Council, of the Club's proposed effort to plant this reserve, when the pround has Ween prepared and the fencing completed. Ax the rain con- tinuecl. the members adjourned to the Jeader’s house. where, hy tneans of microscope, specimens and books, much interest- ing disdussion was elicited —F. CHarmMan,
PLANS FOR THE “NATURALIST,”
With the authorily of the Committee, 1 propose to make some changes in our journal—changes that depend for their snecess upon the ¢o-operation of members with the Hditor. Notes from the field and the study are desived, to fill several pages of cuch issue. Country members, especially, are invited io contribute from their stores of natural history knowledge.
Reeord your observations for tho benefit of others. A paragraph may. be made as interesting as a paper, Specialists could give us glopses of their subjects—not general sum- mlaries, but notes that are ‘““news"’ to the majority of nature lovers.
Hints for the novice, from veteran students and collectors, will be aceeptable—briel paragraphs of the kind that helped to make ‘‘Seience Gossip’’ popular. Indeed we might, with advantage, adopt other features. of that delightful journal, whose passing was so keenly regretted. But a dozen more pages at least wonld be needed, and the present high eost of printing prohibits sueh enlargement of the ‘‘Natyvalist.’’
Ti funds permit, our jownal will be more freely ilus- twated. The ain ig general improvement, though we are not so rich as we could wish, and perforce must hasten slowly towards the goal.
Space for nature notes will be gained by condensing veports of Chab excursions. There rarely is a good reason for making the report of an afternoon outing, or even a whole- day one, lengthy, at least for publication, As a journalist one learns the value of “‘selection.”’
4 Sparrow-hawks at Hume Plat Bet
‘The Vistorian Naturalist,’’ undet Mr. Barnard's cave, has not only become one of the leading publications of its class in the Commonwealth, it coinpares. fuyourably with field ¢lub journals issued overseas. Yet there is room for improve- raent, and the plans outlined here are the fruit of a general tliscussion in committee, T shall be on trial ag Mditor during the next twelve months, and eriticism will not be wnwel- come.—QHARLES BARRETT.
SPARROW-HAWKS AT HOME. By W, C. Tonar.
The home life of the Sparrow-hawk, Accipiter eirroce- piutlus, is not so well known as that of many other birds of prey. Last season (1924) 1 was able to keep a nest and its owners under observation, from ‘‘building-days’’ until the brood had ranged. The nest-trec—a Bucalypt—grows in a gully at Eltham Heights, close to my own paddock. "The Sparrow-hawks. built on a bough abont 40 feet from the ground. The nest resembled that of a Magpie, but the egg- cavity was. shallow, with a lining of green gum leaves.
Ox October 141 climbed to the nest, and found in it. three fresh eggs. On Ostober 22, when the male Sparrow-hawk had been brooding for about two days, the nest contained four eggs, Two eggs hatelied on November 19, another three days Jater; the fourth eve was infertile. The nestlings wore covered in creamy down. Portions of the breast. and head of a small bird, denuded of feathers, were lying im the nest on the day when I first saw the ‘‘tivins,’’ one of whith was peck- ing at the food.
When the vonng birds were nearly fledged, about the middte of December, 1 climbed the tree to take a photograph, A nestling fluttered away, or was knocked off the nest by one of the parent birds. I replaced it; but the female hawk tried repeatedly to knock one or other of the youngsters oft the nest. with her wing, On December 18 the nest was empty when L ‘oalled’’: on the 20th, however, the brood was at home— three fine Little Sparrow-hawks standing on the flattened nursery of twigs, sticks and leaves, When I saw them on December 23, brown streaks on the breast plumage were changihg te bars; and, a few days afterwards, the young birds were scarcely distinguishable from their parents. They were hunting far themselves when five weeks old; on several
1536] ; Rpurrow-hewhe at Home h
oecasions L observed one with a bird, ot portion of one, in its talons,
The parouts were bold and ageressive, Disturbed at the neat, they flew around, uttering eries resambhng notes of the White-plunted JToney-eater, Meliphaga penicilhuta, and others, vot unlike the call of the Sacred Kingfisher, Haleyou sametus. Vo notieed that, durmg the incubation period und whe the brood was being reared, the female Spurirow-hawk’s phonage beaains darker. Parents and youne remained in the vicbuty of the nest until the end of daniary; and 7 saw them abont the paddocks often, for some weeks afterwards,
Several pairs of small birds nested in the nevehbous hood ot the Sparrow-hawls* bome. A paiv of Weaden IMlveatehers. Mytagrt vubecila, veaved a breed of three almost ino the shadow of the hawk-tree,
| Mr. onge ia a keer observer, and his reeord of the home: lite of a Sparrow-hawk family is a valuable pave of bird biography. ‘Me Eltham dishiet is furrly rich in birds. My, ‘Yonge hag listed more thai one handred species, ana the most ot them have vested at Eitham. —Eprror, |
CHECK LIST OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS,
Mie seeond edition of the Official Cheek List of Australian Birds, compiled by s special committee of the Royal Ats- tralasian Ornithologists’ Uuton, will he published some time this year. Bird studenta will notice niny changes im nonien- ature, The ivon law of priority has been observed ietieu- lously, and the passing of some familiar Gouldian nunes nist he lamented. The trivial names, too, have been ander revision, Many of the ehanves made, doubtless, will be welcomed by bird lovers. "lhe total number of species recognised is 708. The list is a bi-nontinal one; but the host of sub-species deseribed ynd named in recent years has uot. heen inored— al] are listed as synonyms, Sub-species are the delight of any systematists; the average field naturalist is wisely ¢on- servative, and holds no brief for tri-nomials.
The new Cheek List will be indispensable ta every stuctust and observer of Australian birds, For wany years it mts! remain the standard; though all the committee's © findings’? may not meet with general approval. The preparation of the List has entailed mach work, ineludinge study of the literate, examination of specimens in State museums and private wol- lections, and the compilation of a full synonymy,
; . “po ROIETARITD TAG 5 View Nar G One, New Austrillan Coleoptera — - Watkiat
NEW AUSTRALIAN COLEOPTERA. (Parr L.) By Cranes Oxn.
( Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, Oth Mareh, 1925,
” Boararipas APEODIN 2, Aphodius. dvconi. spavov.
mM. Black: undev-surface diluted with red; front and lateral mnuveins of prothorax awd elytra (its markings excepted) flavous: legs reddish, in parts intuseated. ‘With short, pale, sub-evect hairs, thick on front of head and margin of elytrit. spu'se elsewhere: prothoax with wo conspicuous. fringe of longer hairs. TWead, protharax and seutellum sub-nitid: elytra sub-apaque, Head with elevated margin. theuryed to middle; base ‘unpunetate, in front and elypeus strouvly and coarsely punuetate. Prothorax transverse (3 x 4) irregularly punctured, a. faint median line on basal third, front. angles diehtly produced, hind obliquely vounded. Byes opaque, dis- tinetly facetted, Tlytra with minute punctures and very fine strum; the odd interstices evenly elevated, the even ones wider and flat. Seutellum sparselyy punctured. Anterior tiblee bi-dentate on the external edge.
g. Similar, Peothorax with median line move strongly impressed and longer; hind angles strongly ualched out. Front tibie tei-dentate. Length. 64 mm.
Hab, Victoria: Lake Hattah (J. 1M, Dison and @. Ola), in stereo.
A variable species in the markings of the elytra; sonre specimens haying most of the elytva black. but not suture ov apex, Most have about half of elytra dark. Qne speeimen has a small black spot on middle of fourth interstice, and three small. faint infuseate Spots on apieal third.
Apparently nearest to callahonnensts (Blkb.) of the deseribed species. but with sexual characters diffevent. I cannot deteat any diftereuee in the puneturation of the pro- notum in the mM. and rv. The puueturation of this part is very nneven in size and distribution in both sexes,
C have wuch pleasure iu namiag this sp. after my friend. Mr. J. B, Dixon, who has taken numerous specimens of if on several, visits to the locality.
Aeie | Okt, New Auytvation Guleopreru 4.
“Types in anthar’s collection.
Paw arate, Stgaka Nhelenw®, sp.nau,
M, Reddish, castaneons, elytra and lees slightly paler, palpi flavows; clothed with moderately long yellow sete, u few longer hairs intermineled, thicker on apex of elytra and on abdomen. Head small. with a deep foveute impression i front, connected with cut (hrough anterior marein ; a few large punctures, Closest on antennal tubercles, Myes large; pro. ininent. Antennae reaching upteal third of elytra; first joim neurly as long as next three combined, second moderate, thud sinall, fourth to eighth snb-equel, ninth and tenth slightly larger, eleventh ovate, one und’a half times as long as tetth. Prothorax cordate. hehtly transverse, wider than head, with sides strongly ronnded and widest at middle, with a strous impression ita hase connecting three fovee, of whieh the wedi ane is He lrrwest and shelitly in advance of the others, and with say oblige Jutenal Dnipvession ueapy base. Mlvtra longer than wide, each elytrou with a small foven at base of sab-sutiral stria and another belind it; dorsal steia repre sented by twa fovor, a small one at base, said oo davecr one behind it; a round fovea at base between sutura and diseal striz: a row of punetures near lateral margin: a curved double row of punctares on epipleurar. Abdomen longey than elytra, dilated fo fourth segment; with a few seattered pane tures: undersurface with a large round Cepression common Lo fitth and sixth segments, a small split granule at bowwon. vent wochanters mirately bi-dentated. Length, 3.25 nm.
Wah, Vietoria = Evelyn fn dune (C, Oke).
This germs, sO numerous in New Zealand, has aot heen recorded dvom the mainlend of Australia. Mo. duew dies desevibed oue species trom Tasman, from which the pre- sent species differs (by deseription) iu foveze of the under- surtace of abdomen, by the front trocharters beme armed, and the Jinel ones rat aarmed, and the unpression an head not hamg continged to base.
Type i anthor’s eolleetion.
Sagola uretovur, sp.nov.
Reddish esatancous, dise of clytra, legs Chnces exeeptod and palpi yaler, clothed with long, yellowish set, a few longer ones infernaneled, ead rather small, with two small niedio-basal foveze, and deeply impressed between antontial Vubereles, ending in a foveate expansion between eyes; the lat ter Taree and prominent; sparsely punetored. Antenna:
g Onn, New listrakan Ooleaplend naam
reaching middle coxz, first joint large, as long as next two combined, second same thickness as first, thirc amall, fourth to sixth sub-equal, seventh to feath trapeaitorny, clevertti ovate, slightly aenminate. Prothorms eordate, slightly longer than wide, widest at middle, sides strongly rounded, with a wide tri-toveate impression nour basal third, the centre dilated forward; the sides. with an oblique impression ; a lorie, round tovee at base, RBlytra quadvate, with seattered rough punetiures; diseal strie widely impressed to beyond middle; base with several suall, indistinct fovew. Abdomen a little dilated io fourth. segment; under-surlace slightly tlattened., Lees apparently unamned Leagth, 2.60 inoan.
Hab. Vietoria; Belyrave, Macedon. Daylesford (CL Oke),
Types in anthor’s eolleetion.
Sagola brevipennts, sp-nor.
w. Reddish castaneous, elytra Hehter, tip of abdomen ane palpi flavous, Head widely and deeply inpressed between antennal tuberales. Antemige shorter and thicker than mm preceeding species, with the joints 45-6 more globular, ane 9-0 shorter and more transverse. Fourth joiit of palpi? sub- fusiform. Prothorax cordate, sides rounded, widest aloeut middle, where width is equal to Jenpth, with ay sul-busal tine foveate tipression; with very fine poietores, iMlytee short, trimsverse. Abdomen dilated to fourth segment; uneder- surface with i nurvow, transverse impression. on fifth and sixth segments, Leneth, 2.85 m.m, (Abdomen cistended,)
Hah. Vietoria: Belyvave (CG. Oke).
Impressions on elytra as in vletorie, but the elylea ate wach shorter, the body narrower, and ihe antennze shorter.
Types in author's collection,
Sagala fornvicicola, sp.nov.
M. Castancous, legs and palpi lighter: clothed with pale ate tather short fine pubescenee. ILead amall, with a toveate impression in front, and two smal) mecio-baxul fovere. Anten- hee not quite reaching middle cox, first joint lounger than WONt two combined, third small, thenee sradually inereasing in size to apex. ninth and tenth transverse, eleventh trrvegu- larly ovate, Prothorax with sides rounded aud constricted near base, With a transverse tri-foveate finprossion, dilated forwarc in centve. Elytra lightly transverse; with a lavge impression at hase of sutural strice, discal stvice represented by two impressions, a small one at base aud a larger one behind 7 Abdomen very gently dilated to fourth semnent, which is Jong: under-surface somewhat constricted hefare
ei OKK, New Australian Coleoptera 9 upex, the wpex itself slightly produeed. Legs uuarmed. Kength, 1,20-1,50 iam, . Similan, bat undersurface of abdomen evenly Goi vex tio NER. : Hab. Vietoria: Pein Tree Gully in nest of Amblyopone diustrais (C. Oke). Distinguished by its small size and its pale, almost, aslo, und short, pubescence. Types an author's collection, Rybiunis. sternalis, sp.nov, M. Dark castaneous, elytra and legs reddish eastancous, palpi tlavous, clothed with short, pale pubescence. Head longer than wide, with two large round interocular fovere, and a gmail one behind; in front of fovew rather coarsely pone tate, behind smooth ; nitid, Antenme long, very irregular; first Joint. stout. longer thay sext. two combined, seqand same length as third, but stonter, fourth longer, eylindvienl, fii lonwer than fourth of sixth, irregularly widened on its inner dee, sixth shehtly longer than fourth, eyJindrical, seventh slightly shorter Init wider than sixth, irregularly widened on ita inner edge. eighth smallest, qnadrate, ninth same length us fourth, nearly as wide as Jong, tenth Jonver than ninth, {ratis- vorse, deventh ovale, nat quite as lone as ninth and tenth eom- bined, with » small appendage on lower surface. Prothovwx transverse, conver, sides strongly rounded, the lateral foveu eounected by a well-defiued curved iMPVesNiOn, sontewhad expanded in middle; striolate in front of Impression, with a few punetures near apex and sides, behind smooth. Hlyta. lightly transverse, slightly attenuated to base; sutaral and diseal strise distinet, the latter lightly curved and diverging, deep at base and vanishing ney apex, each elytron, produced at middle of apex; punctures fine and indistina, Abdomen with a sniall, transverse impression al base of first segment, wnd two strioke cluse to sutural strias af base, but diverging aud yanishine before apex of segment; widersurtiaee with a sinall plate on edee of second sessment, this segment produced, nr entre, over apex of third seuement. Metastemum deeply suleate. on each side of suleus with a large protuberant tubercle. Four front trochanters stroigly dentated; front femora inflated and with a-small tooth nearer base than apes ; front tibia sharply dentate at apieal third, and somewhat excavated froin there to apex; posterior tibis: Hghtly inflated and conpressed to apex, near apex notched, and with a paral-
1 Own, New Ausdredion Coleoptera Pheer lol spur, invisible from most directions. Length, 2,70-2.50 man,
er. Differs in having shorter antemunu, and the fitth and severth joints not widewed as in the male, bat showing a slight trace of Th; mid metasternim, abdomen and lope” not duemedt,
Tab. Victovia; Beacanstield, in grass: Evelyn, in moss (CG, Oke.)
In appearance very like stiigidolls, hat uoder-surfave and legs different. Ja imany respects close to muirebilis, but ster num atid legs of that species, appurcuthy, not armed. ‘The present speeics hag an additional fovea on head. and a siete phate on abdomen, aod. its apex vol exeavate. The abdominil plate ig rather narrow, lightly overtungs the third sewmert. and is bent baek, with its tree eee, winel os vouuded. cdiveeted cgephalid,
Types tieoauthor’s collection.
Varendex crassits, sp.nov,
M. Dark reddish castuneous, much infuscated m parts, abdomen neatly dlack, palpi lighter; with pale subsquanose clothing, darker in patches on abdomon, cdeukely pruietate, Head truisverse, with two mteroculir fovea, and the tront widela aipreased, and coitiived hetween antentual tubereles, which are eouspicuously waised; Wind angeles prodaecad, Antenme jeaching beyond middle coxa, first, joint stout, longer than second and third combined, seco shorter anc stouter than third, third to fitth sub-equal, sixth to eehth decreasing in size, ninth louger, uot quite as wide as lone, tenth quudrate, eleventh ovate, wot quite as long ag ninth aan tenth combined, Prothorax clistinetly taansverse, sides rather strongly rounded, with a shallow medio-basal fovea, and ao foveatte impression on each side. Miytra short, dilated tu apex; sutiral and diseal strie distinet, the latter widely impressed at base and continued to neat apex, Abdomen dilated to third scament, declivious from second, with wide margins; undersurface with a large tound excavation, com- mon to secon! aud third segments, and slightly eneroaching on fourth; the ulfimate sexment somewhat produced and hi- impressed, Metasternam deeply suleate. the sides of sulcus finely carinate; with a lamelliform protuberance at. itt base, between the hind éoxe, at right angles to the body. its lower edge concave. Front trochanters bi-dentate, all the femora are somewhat inflated. and constricted near apex, the anterine
May, ] Oxn, New Australian Caleontura li
1920.
oes With a sharp tooth near base; all the tibia curved, aid obtusely armed at apex, ' Similar, but metastermam only thitened in iiddle and abdomen convex an undersurface. Lenet, 3,25-5.35 wan. Hab, Vietoria: Grampians (C. Oke). Tn aipss.
A larve, robust spacies, distinvaished fron echilanund (ly deséription) in prothotax not having fattened and arnied sides, discal stvimw continnous to apex, and metastemmim. The latter, when viewed obliquely from bebind, appears to have Iwo wedge-shaped teeth with their bases joined together, bat When wiewed trot. in front tt appears to lave a somal) plate With its outer edge pently coneave. On this and the following: species there is a small tuberele on the alypeus (?) overhang- ine the front of the head,
Varcodes vulgaris, sp nau
M. Black, ov almost.so, head antenn (club black) and pro- Notuur dingy brown, elytoa aid Jews (knees infuscated) » red- dish, palpi fliveans. With golden subsquamuse clothing, longer at apex of elytra and two rows down abdomen than elsewhere. Vlead lightly transverse, with two shallow imter- ocitlar fovem, andy deeper one in to.s bind-anyvles prerliyeed downwards dite ai obtuse point; with coarse, devise purie- tures. Antenume passing middle cox, first jot shout, ws dony as Lwo and three combined, second slouter and much shorter than third, thind to eizhth deerensine in deneth, ntath one- third Jonger than eighth and not maeh wider, tenth oa Title shorter, quadrate, eleventh ovale weuntinate, as loi as ninth and tenth combined. Prothoras as ome as wide, at shatluw meédio-hasal impression, and a smaller but, deeper one on eich ot the declivious sides; fvont angles widely rounded aff, wath punctures as on head, Mlytry chstinetly deansverse, dilated posteriorly ; sutmral and diseil stvia: distinet, rhe hatter widely impressed, apd continuous: puretares meh as on head, Abdomen with second and thirc sovments dilated pasterorty, fourth parallelestded, fifth and sixth decreasing’; punretives somewhat finer thar on elytra; under-surfaee with a large exeayithion, Commo to weeond, third and fonvil sce nants, These. sewnents also crasversely hopressed, the second having v fairly wide impression, the third narrower. und the fourth very narrow, the impressions smooth aud nitic. Metastermam excavate and densely punctate, Front tvochanters bi-dentate, tecth equal; all the femora somewhat. mflated and constricted naary apes, [front femora wifh a short. sharp tooth wt base: four
Viol, Nar. Vol, NVA
12 One, New Austrian Colcoptera trout tibie curved, and obtusely spurred at apex, hind tibia leks enrved und mnarmed. Length, 2.6-2.5 iim.
¥, Differs in having antenme slightly shorter, netagter nun Wot so excavate, and abdomen slighth convex on uncder-sur- Sace.
Hab. Vietoria: Ringwood, Pakenham, Killara, Warburton, Kvelyn (CL Oke): Fern Tree Gully (J. BH. Dixen and GC. Oke), Miteham (U4, Nye).
A conimon species in gaass tussocks, Close to deseription of wmgriventros, Lea, but intermediate tvochanters not armed, and undersurface of abdomen deeply exeavated.,
Tmesrphorus caomponott sp.nov.
M. Dark castanecous, elytra and legs lighter, clothed with short, depressed goltlen pubescence ; a. fascicle of hairs on cach side of under-surface of head behind each eve, Head with iwo moderate Mteroeulie fore, front. longitudinally im pressed between aitemrmry ridges; densely puretate all over. Antonna reaching middle cox, robust, first joint stout, as Joug as next two combined. second stouter hut same lenyth as third, third to fifth sub-equal. sixth to eighth smaller sub-equarl. ninth as long as two preceding, sub-quadrale, tenth slialithy shorter but wider than sinth, cleventh irregularly ovate, one all » Dalf times as long as ninth, Prothorax a little longer than wide, widest at apiece! third, sides rounded; with sa shal- low round medio-hasal fovea, and a deeper ote on Gach side; maunetores as on head, Wlytva wider at apex than length, moderately narrowed at hase, sutural strias fairly distinct, diseal strie widely impressed at base. vanishing af apical fourth, shoulders somewhat raised; punetyares a little finer than om head. Abdomen a little longer that, but same width as, elytra, painuetures as on elytra; aunder-surtace slightly fat- tened, apex produced a htthe, Legs lone; four auteriar tibin curved, hind alinost straight,
be. Differs in having joints nine and ten of antenmme same leneth, and under-surtace of abdomen less flattened, and apex wot produced. Length, 2.96-2,92 mam.
Hab, Vietorin: Lake Hattauh (C. Oke), in nest of Campa- hots wigriceps.
Belonging to the division of the genus not having a xpine behind the eve. Close to ew'vipes, Lea, but no basal im- pression on head, antenne not reaching hind voxme, pro- thoracie fovea different, and no impression on yider-sartuce. The base of the abdominal segments only are flattened, the apes of each being normal,
May, 74 1926,
Okk, New Austratiun Coleoptera 13
Types in author's colleetion.
Chaleuplectini, lribis nav.
Bady Jong, depressed. Mouth parts well developed. Maxillary palpi normal, of four joints. Intevmediute coxa sub-globular approximate, posterior triwngular, distarit. Anterior and intermediate trochanters long; posterior shart, Yarsi with first joint vather short, second large and dilated, third, longest, and inserted on the base of the second, Twa well-developed claws. Other characters as in the single gers, Chaleoplectus.
The insect for whieh this tribe anc genus are proposal shows a rather peculiar combination of characters. The shape ot the bedy, and, to a certain extent, the mouth parts, ave sug- postive of the Pavoni, avid its tansal joints ary somewhat as in the anterior tars) of Exeirarthra, Broan, from New Zea fund, bntare the same on all legs. The antenmex, diternediate trochanters, did the inner claw of anterior tarsi being trifial, aes very noel as in Palinrbalos (Tyrini), but the tarsal jomts ahd body, iter alia, would exclude jt from the 'Lytnn,
The intermediate trochanters are only comparatively long; that is tosay, (hey are longer than those found in genera, known to we, belonging to the Drachyseelides, and Jiawe bean compared with thu following gene :—Sagola, Muplectops, Macropleetas, Ploctostanis, Mesoplitus, Butrisudes, Batrixis, Briwra and Rybasix, They are not as long as the comespond- ing parts in Pselaphus, Psclaphophus, yvraphus and Creui- sophas, bat are as longs im Nurcodes, and some of the genera of the Tyra. Aceordiny to M, Raffray’s classifieacion of the family, this tribe would follow Tyrini, before the Schistodactylini, as it is obwionsly a istage before the bilohing of the secund tarsal joint.
Chatcaplectus, genaov,
Body lone, depressed, Tload sab-quadrate, Eyes large, coarsely Taseetted, prominent, situated ow Tithe behind the niddle. - Antenna. elaven-jointed, frst joint large, clah three jointed, bases distant. Labrum broad and transverse, its edie ciliated. Manditblas with basal portion thiek, (he apieal por- tion abruptly curved inwards, clongate and acuniinate ; ane edge denticnlate. Mentam large. not transverse, Mtiasitle well-developed, with the lobes distinet; the cyrule sonaawhat triangular, and finely carinated on, its external edge; its palpi lave, Jour-jointed, frst short, strongly eurved; seeond long, thin atchaae, clivate at apex, bent outwards; third joint shorter than second, slightly longer than fourth, a shart
i hs San ‘ats 1 . View Nee 14 Ob, New Austevalinn Coleoptera Vou XVIT
peduncle anc strongly clavate, the lalter not quite as broact as fhe second, fourth joint avate, with a vey showt peduuele, apex with a mmute membranecous appendage, Proathorax en date, tri-toveate. lMlytra short, with discal stria. Abdomen long of six segments in M. and seven ins fiest short, Invistble, second and third large, sub-equal, fourth largest of all; strongly taceined, Mesostemmon short. mrehusternun long. Lng rather long, Aatemor coxa conieul, prominent, contiguous; inter mediate globular, almost level, approxinuste ; pesterion triaueular, widely separated. Anterior brochaiuters clocidedly long: intermediate one, posterior short. The feniora lightly inflated, and obliquely insertect on the tro- ehanters. Tavs with, first. joint cather short, second longer and dilated, with the third inserted on its base. Anterior tarsi with inner clay trificl im the w., slightly thicker that quter is vs other larsi with two well-developed equal claws. Chalcoplectus depressus, sp.nov.
M. Custaatcous, elytra and legs paler, palpi flayous; sub- witid; with Jong, pale pubescens, Head very lighthy trans verse, With rather coarse retiealate punetiures: widely hollowed hotween antennal tubercles, wid econtiined baek to level of front margin of eye, where there ia a voviid fovea, arel wath, two Tnterocilar taevee. Mandibles reikdenticulate Antonine Jong; first long and stout, as lowe as next three combined, second a Tittle longer and broader than third, fourth to eighth subequal, purth large, Sub-quadrate, tenth larger, lightly transverse; eleventh ovate, as long as nine aid ten eombitiesl, Vrothorax ubout as lone as the avidth at its widest, whieh) is at. apieal third, ia front suddenly iarrowed to apex, and irregularly narrowed to base; a round diseal fovea at Iisal Lhivd, and an oblique foveate inipression on either side; pune tures as ou lead. Givetra transverse (is 4 to 9); attenuated to hase; each elytroh with dixtinet isnb-sutural stiae with 4 vound ‘fovea hetore hase; distal stra widely nel obliquely inpréssed’ with a Tavan at bases 'ypune- Lures fing anc “trdistinet. Afudomen long,’ three flyst (visible) segments’ svidely’ marginecd; with © a! short dimple. ean’ inule | on cither. side of basal ‘segment. “Tather jean the margin, punctures much as on clytra. | Metisteren lightly impressed and excavated posteriorly, sparsely pune tured, Under-surface of abdomen with a few large plinetures, and fifth segment, transversely impressed.’ Intermediate. tro- chanters with a triangular tooth. posterior trochanter With a
a
ei Noles on Beetle Lurtae 15
strong, rounded tooth. Femora inflated in middle, tibie some- what curved. Length, 2.75-2.85 mm.
rp. Differs in not having ‘abdomen’ impressed, and ftro- chanters not armed. .
Hab. Victoria: Belgrave, Evelyn, Bacchus Maash, Coburg (C. Oke), Fern Tree Gully (J... Dixen and C. Oke), Mit: ham (Rey. i. Nye), Mooroolbark (HE. Pischer). Found at base of grass tussocks.
The insect, when alive, is rather sugeestive of a Staphy- linid, more especially in the meaner im which a raus,
Cuctisiva. Cryplomorpha luta, sp.nov.
Dark piceous. brown, tarsi paler, clothed with moderately lons, erect hairs, lead transverse, excluding mouth-parts, with large rugese and conffyent punctures; eyes prominent. Antenne reaching hind coxa, first joint long and stout, longer than next two combined, second small, third a Tittle Jonver, fonrth to eleventh lone stb-equal, eleventh acuminate. Pro- thorax as wide as lone, convex, with the front aneles pro- duced, the produced part rounded; with a feehly-rarsed ‘median videe. Elvtra with the striw coarsely crenulate-pune- tate, and the interstices finely punetured. TFemora moderately inflated. Leoeth, 5 meni; width, 2 m.ni.
Hab. Vietortu: Bendigo, Gypsan) (6. Oke), Inglewood (J. B. Dixon and C. Oke), Miata (&. . Wilson), Maldon (A. C. Goudie).
A broad, distinct spectes, wider than any of the deseribed ones. Most of the specimens are of a dull red-brown abont the base of thorax and base of elytra, others being darker ihere. The Kiata specimen is more ov less of this colour all over.
NOTES ON BEETLE LARVZE, By C. One,
Tlow little ig known veeardine the habits of our bectles! Approximately, 15.000 species have been deseribed from Aus- tralia, and the complete lite listary of none hay been pub- lished vet.
Th is known where many of the Baprestids,, Longicons and Chafers breed, The larva: of waterhectles are casily obtained, and it should not be diffieult to rear some speeies. A few of the Weevils breed iy certain foadstutts, but their tite-listories haye not heen worked ont i detail. Carab
46 Notes on Reetle Larvae [¥en Shi
Javves ave familiar—is Carah larwe;-but who eu idertiey one with certainty? Staphylinid larva: are wot often seen, and “in eaphivity’* they soon die.
Mere are aninbers of speeies—evon whole groups—thal. are quite wekuowl as danve and pupe; for instanee, the large Weevils belonging to the Aaiyetorine, a sub-family cou- tinecdl to Australia, with a eonsidermble number of species. We do not know wheve thoy Ineed, Again, the family Pselaphide hus more than 400 deseribed Australian. species, nocl the larva of none hag bee found,
CUnitortianately, beetles ave, as oa rite, diffe to lreed out; they require conditions not. ersily supplhed, and time and putience must be cevoted ta them. My attempts offen have proved futile. 1 collected two Chater grubs, wbout an neh in Jength, wd thought to rear them without trouble. The larvae of these Chafers live in damp soil, and cat erass- roots. I kept wy speeimens in a tin of damp earth, and pro- vided fresh clumps of grass at regular intervals. More than two years elapsed hefore one larva pupated; the other had died. Beetles do not, usually, live long as pupe, but soo, ‘to’? or emeéree (reo the pupal skin, though the ener gence is vradual. The colours of maturity, and “hardness.’” are nob attained” for some tunce—xeveral months in same cuses.
My Chafer grub, which had sarvived, half-emerged from the Pupal skin, assamed a livht-brown volouwr, and then died. Tt was a. Dasygnatios, aid, had it lived, wonld bave been almost black. At the present time (May, 1925) Tam feeding a large Cliek-beetle larva on termites, which appear to be its natural Food, 1 obtained this specimen in, the Mallee last November, and think it will prove to be Vetrototus fortum, T nay he wrong as to the species, but-am sure of the venus, as T have bred another species, meerruyi. It is only after rearing. o1 trying to tear, a few bettle larvee, that one realises how many are killed by parasites. When a grub has bee kept for some ntouths it is annoying to And a parasite in the breedins-box.
. am unable to give definite aeeounts of the breeding habits.of the beetles ceseribed in preceding paper. ‘I'he life histories of the Pselaphide, to which family most, of my species belony, are still “‘ungarnered gram.*’ As beetles, those dleserihedl live in mosses and gvass-fissoeks. Other species live among rotting leaves, under bark, or clinging to logs and stones; while a fair number of species are found only ip
tos a Concerning “Cushiva”® Plants tii
42h, | ants’ nests. In faet, they yre generally regarded as ants hest beetles; but of the 160 species T have collected mm Vie- toa, fewer than 40 were fonnd in association with ats; while only one was aiong termites.
The species of Aphodius live in dung, and burrow through it 111 all divections. J do not know whether they eat it or nal, m the mature stage; but they torn little hollow pellets of the unsavoury material, and lay then eaes inside. ‘The larva: feed upon the walls of thei cells, papate, and, in dae fine, force their way to the outside world.
The various species of Cryptomorphi are mostly found in, oon, dead leaves; and 1 believe their Jarve are unknown. Other mombers of the tumily, Cucugde, have very peculiar larvie, That of Isuples bicolor, 14 in. in length, and no thicker than a shilling, has a peculiay process on the ond of Me abdomen. These larwe live between the outer and inner bavk of the Bucalypts, hence their flattened form.
CONCERNING ‘CUSHION’ PLANTS.
The Andean and sub-Antaratie Aniwrieaa floras have a special interest for us ou account of their close kinship with those of Australia and New Zealand, and the short account, by 2 W, Peantell, in the last Annual Report of the Acadens of Sciences of Philadelphia, of a botanical expedition fa the Andes anakes one eager for the detailed deseription, whieh doubtless will be published in due time,
Mr. Pennell, who is a member of the scientific staff of the Academy, was chiefly concerned in the vevetation. of the igh pluteaus, or purines, vorresponding to the fell fields in northarn countries, and the pwnas, or ATpine deseyts, of Western Colombia, The parianes are isolated areas, at very high, altitudes, as much as 17,000 feet, or even inore, whose plant cover is chardeteriged by the presenea of villous curious composites, belonging to several genera, and locally , knowin as frvidlejones, associated with scattered herbs of | rosette, tufted or “‘cushion’’-erowth forms. Juch peranye seems to have evolved a fradlejan peculiny to itself, ‘The plants vary ain height, np vo 10 feet, and are densely clothed with silvery or golden hairs or yott wool. In the vase of Rspeletia grandifloia, which is about 6 feet in height ate unbratched, there is also, below the infloreseeiee and upper leaves, an investment of dead leaves as thick aga iman'sy body,
is Concerning “Cushion Plaats nat ere
Of the “cushion” plants, Mr Pennell writes:—'t. . but denser eolories were formed by an Alpine plantain and liv certiin composites and monoeotyledons. One of the last, vrowing at the edge of pools-in the valley’s head, forme rounded eorallineg ¢ushions of almost rock-Lke hivedivess, sul with the outline os precise as any pattern, Althoueh ite share leaves piajected vertied ly, and one walked on (he lewt&-tips, these were so rigid and atrong that vo impress fron the lian foot could be detected.’
Dr. Robert O, Cunningham. in his *‘Notes on the Natural hostovy of the Strait of Magellan and West Coast of Pata- onta,’* had the same experience with the Ewious balsai-boge (Bolan qguonimifera), which he found so compact in. their structure that he was able to jump on them without leaving the print-of hie feet.
liveri stronger proof of their hardbess i8 given by Ur, Reiche un bis ‘'Chiltenffora’ (Rngler’s, Vee. do Mode), regarding the cushions of Azorella amadreparica, another Cinbellifer closely allied to the Bolax, whieh are ‘so hard and solid a mass that if one fires a vevalver at them the ball glances off, being quite unable to penetrate it.’ Skottsherg in ‘A Botanleal Suivey of the Falkland islands’? also refers to their extreme hardness.
Cashion’? planta, or those with a closely-lnit gehenie of branching assuming a rounded shape, occur, of course, in all parts of the world, but the very hard “enshtons,'” hebben ealled “houlder’’ plants, with few e exceptions (seh as Dove alping from Cape Chelyuskin, in the far north of Siberia, about the size and shape of a small apple and not yery close and compact) appear to be confined to the southern hemis- phere, Moreover, they vange only down the Audes, through Pierva del Fuego, the Patkland Islands, Kerguelen Taland, the sub-Antaretie Lslands, New Zealand and Tasmania, oegu- pring, in fact, the remnants of the causeway hy which came. imal probability, the ancestors of the Airtarctie element in our flora, Tt is the presence in our part of the world of this extraordinary growth form and its distribution that adds ta the significance of the kinship between onr flora and that of South Ameriea, and, with sinulsr distritution af other formes ne life, affords strong evidence of a once-initimate Lai ean- nection between the two regions,
Some reference has already been made to our ‘cushion plants, aud their hardness, in a short description of the Cradle
Moe A Concerning “Cushion? Plats 49
Mountain Plova, with a picture, of one of them, KMayurta Meredith, and a general view of the “*eushion’’ plant associa- tion—Vie. Nat. MI, No. 7, Nov., 1923. ‘Four species were mentioned as growme there, and a fifth as otaurring else where in dhe iskind. <A sixth. might haye been added, Gaimardia Pitegeralda, one of the Centrolepids. In Now “ea- land these forms are much more wamerous. The composites here afford at Jeast wine exainples, of which six are Ruoulias, including the celebrated vegetable sheep, I. bryoides and R.. ein, a Haastia and two Celmisias, The Stylidiacea have a Phyllachne and a Donatia, which is identical with the Tus- mania Plant, The Epaerids are represented by a Dracgophyl- lum. A Gaimardia is perhaps conted to the Stewart sand Auckland islands, this and an Oreobolus (Cyperacee) being vathey smuller than the others. A Colobanthus (Caryophyl- lavew) extaids throughint the Southern Istands, and Aaarella selugo 1s only in Macquarie Jsland, but this finds a place also in Kerguelen aid other islands, as well as Patagonia. This perhaps completes the het, though Dy. Cockayne speaks of 58 species of “Scushions’’ or ‘semit-eushiois”? of 22 genera in 14 faniilies.
In Andean and sub-Antaretic Ameena there ate probably ihore species growing in bard-Seyshion’? form than are known Jn New Zealand, bat at present we lave no means of uscertamming definitely, 1 wonld appear, however, that, Wthough-the members of many families have thug shown their ability onder stress of circumstances to assume this very con- venient form, and have come to resemble one another so closely, the composites, at least at this, and the Umnbellifer a the other end of their range, seem to provide the greatest. wumber of examples.
Pnsuriny. almost absolute stability, comparative evenness of tomperature, protection against desiccation, reduction of tran- spivation to (he minimum, and enabling the plant to take complete advantage of tts dead parts for its own nouwrishinent, {lis grawth fom mast make for extreme longevity, anu is an adaptation toa parviicular aud extreme sel of conditions pes-
chaps more perfect than ahi be found elsewhere dit the yere- table world, C88.
20 Notew from Mieth cid Studi a eee spats
,
festosbestecte fecloetacteedrctenfors Ler cieteebedtorsteefhageafeateetenbonlysbeesoteleaee tsetse be een
: NOTES FROM FIELD AND STUDY
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| Members ave invited to contribute paragraphs for this aec- tion of the Natwest, which should become x popular mis- ecllany. Original notes, of course, are most desired; but gleanings Tron scientific literature, unlikely to be seen by thre majority of members, will also he weleomed. |
GANG-GANG COOKATOOS AS BERRY-RATERS-
The seeds of Muealypts are eaten freely by Gang-mainy Cockatoos (Calloceplialon fombriatus), but itt may not he gene ally known that these birds have a strong liking for “haws." and often rob the hedgerows of their autumn lon vy. When I was at Wandilivong, in April last. Man W. Goldsworthy, JP, a close observe of bird life, tald me that Gang-vangs cide every year 10 reap the harvest of Hawthorn berrics. In Mareh on April. as the ‘Shaws*’ ripen the birds appear, int small flocks; and when they depart there are vo ehusters of atimson fruits along the hedgerows. The Cockatoos seen, to work systematicully, stripping one ''seation”? ata time. Thus they move round the district, leaving, at last, fy quest of vnother harvest. They may uot be sean tu the valley again until wutumn once move is preparing the ““feust of haws?' for them. When feeding, the birds display little fear of man, In Bright. where the Hawthorm frows, one may walk beneath the Gung-e gangs at their meal, The local name for this Species is rey Galah,’’ fayouved also in other distiiets.—C_B.
BEETLES AND ANTS.
In a North-Western Mallee cistrict € devoted some time 1 collecting at. night, with the aid of an acetylene lamp. Around the butts of trees many examples of the heetle, Liparochrus gemnatus, Westw., belonging to the sub-family Trogides of the Scarabeide, were secured (prahably one hundred or more were noticed). In all cases they were in the midst of ealumns of small black ants that were travelling backwards and forwards. I watched carefully, but did not orice see a beetle interfered with by the ants—BUE.W.
ark Notew from bield vad Study 2]
In the Fitzroy Gardens one day I saw a rat run across a path, and beneath some shinbs close to the artificial pond. A few minutes later a Kookaburra. (Dacelo gigas) darted from a bough above the slirubs; followed fluttering and rustling in the undergrowth, then the bird emerged with the rat firmly held im its beak, and Sew off among the neighbouring trees—L. L. Honoson,
PUPATION OF THE CONVOLVULUS HAWK-MOTH.
At Murchison, on March 21, 1 collected two caterpillars of the Convolyulus Hawk-moth, Protoparce convolvult.. They were feeding on Convolvulus leaves, and were almost full-grown, 1 placed them in # breeding cage, and supplied them regularly with ‘‘Morning Glory’? leaves. The larger of the two speci- mens ceased feeding on Mareh 28, and shortly afterwards became exceedingly active. Jt would erawl about for 10 or 12 minutes, then suddenly hecoming motionless, remain stretched on the bottom of the cage for about the same length of time, Tt had lost its beauty, heing of 4 yellowish colour, while the distinctive stripes had beeome faint. On the 29th this caterpillar wis still subject to restless moods, alfernat- ing with- periods of complete repose. Sometimes it would Intry itself in the loose soil and debris covering the floor of its cage, having longer periods of inactivity than formerly, Jt was much shrunken in appearanve now. On the 30th it was very active at intervals, but was unable to climb. It was ot a uniform, dirty brown colour; the stripes had eompletely disappeared, and it meusuved only 1 6-8 inches in length. Restlessness, with intervals of repose, continved until April 8, when the caterpillar pupated.
On April 1 the other caterpillar ceased to eat, and behaved in exactly the same way as its fellow, until Apr 13, when it pupated. I failed to find traces of “a soeom, or fastenings of any deseription. ‘These Hawlemoth caterpillars, apparently, do not spin. The larval skin splits completely, at the head. The pupa, shortly after emergence, is very prettily coloured, the head and thorax beiig light green, merging into yallow towards the tip of the abdomen, winch is bright red. The green anc yellow gradually fade until, two days after pupation, the pupa ig of a uniform rich-chestnut colour-—H, W. Davey.
2a Notes from Mield and Study wear enet
BIED ENEMY OF EMPEROR GUM MOTH LARVA,
Some Euealypts in my garden at Darling having been topped, young growth attracted many Emperor Gum Moths, <Antherea eucalypt, which were seen ovi- positing on the tender shoots just before nightfall. The larve of this moth are voracious, and very soon branches were completely defoliated. Many of the caterpillars, about this time, were hali-grown, Then a pair of Black-Paced Cuckoo-shrikes, Graucalus melanops, arrived in the garden, and commenced to prey upon the lar- ve, My trees were ‘‘cleared’’ in three days. As the most of the larve were on [wigs too small to support the birds, they were taken ‘‘on the wing.’? A Cuckou-shrike would perch on a branch of a taller tree nearby, and gaze intently down upon the infested tree, until a larva was located, when the bird would swoop und deftly remove the caterpillar without alght- ing, Lf, as happened occasionally, a, miss was ‘‘registered,'’ the bird would turn gracefully in its flight, hover over the twig, and secure its prey—F. EK. Wison.
CARNIVOROUS LAND SNAILS.
The finest. Victorian land shell is that of Paryphanta atra- mentirut, Shutt, and its tenaiut is a most interesting snail, Last year 1 sent two specimens to Mr. Hugh Watson, of Cam- bridge, England, a brilliant anatomist, who specialises in ter- restrial mollusea. He returned a mounted radula, with a note: ‘*This snail, FY. atramentaria, has a fine radula, as you will see. It is of the specialised type, found only among the carnivorous genera. . . . Paryphanta, of course, like most earnivorous snails, has no jaw.’’ The radula is a beautifnl object, under the microscope. Before I was aware of this anail’s true nature, I onelosed a live one, with two specimens of Helicurion cuvieri, Fer, in'a amall collecting tin. Pary, phonta devoured its tellaw- -prisoners, and spoiled their <deli- cate honey-coloured shells.—C_B.
SOCIAL LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD.
Intensive study of the habits of Australian ants, wasps and bees shonld be undertaken. New species are being described» but there ave very few workers in the vast field. Behaviour, After reading Professor W. M. Wheeler’s ‘* Social
| Life History of Midyes ‘gg
Lafe Among the Insects,’’ arid othor recent books of the kind, one tealises the need for systematic observation of even our most ‘‘familiar’” specics. In Europe and the United States of America, the study of inseet behaviour has attracted many distinguished naturalists. Books on ants and wasps are nearly as popular as those dealing with birds and wild-flowers. Some contain references to -Aus- tralian species; and the deep interest attaching to our insect faula is realised, especially im America, he veteran Myrmecologist, Auenste Forel, has devoted five volumes (pub- lished 1921-23) to a fascinating subject, ‘Le Monde Social des Fourmis compare a eelui de l’7Hdomme."’ This work, judg- ing by the reviews, if translated into Wuglish, would rival Fabre’s studies of wasps und bees, in popularity. Dr. Forel kindly sent to mre a copy of his paper, dealing with ants col- Jeeted by the Swedish Scientific Expeditions fo Australia, 1910-1913. He deseribes several new species of the remark- able genus Orcetegnathus, trom Cedar Creek, Queensland ; and recently (May 2). at Ringwood, I found an ant which closely resembles his figure of O, Mjobergt, A solitary speuinien, it was lurking in moss. It has been sent to Mo. John Clark, of Perth, W.A., onr Jeading authority | on ants, for deferinination, —0.B.
LIFE HISTORY OF MIDGES (CHTRONOMID.Z). By d, SEARLE,
One group of aquatic larve that has received very little attention from our entomologists is that of the Midges, small, dipteroug insects resembling mosquitoes, another branch of the same fami)y.
The cominonest form met with by the pond-hunter is Chironomus, the ‘‘Bloodworm,”’ or ‘‘Weaver,’’ as it is com- monly called. When fully grown this larva is about three- qaarters of an inch in length, and of a deap-red colour—henee the popular naine, “his colour is due to the presence in the hlood of the larva of the substance wmoglobin, the colouring matter of om own blood. “*Weaver*? refers to the undula- tory motion of the body when protruding from the taniel, whieh the larya makes for its protection by binding togethien fragments of vegetation wd debris in an untidy mass. This
4 Life History of Midges ew Ney
weaving motion draws a stream of water through the tunnel, und, tio doubt, aids respiration,
The larva has. a pair of tes attached to the segment follow- itig the head, and another pair on the last sezment of the body; these legs cach bear a crown of numerous recurved hooks. The larva feeds on decaying vegetable matter. Just. before pupation, the rudimentary wings and legs of the future liy may be discerned under the skin of the worm,
The pupa is furnished with tufts of respiratory hairs on its anterior end, and retains.an active existence. while the wouder- ful changes are proceeding beneath the pupa skin. When the metamorphosis is complete the pupa wriggles to the sur- face of the water, the pupal skin splits, and in an instant the imago flies off to meet ity mate and begin another life evele. Chironomus does not feed in the winged state. Tt is remark- able the rapidity with which the imago issues from the pupal envelope. T remember. on one oceasion I was examining the contents of » bottle of ‘nond-life.’’ when I noticed a Chirenomus nvea wrizeline to the surface. I called the attention of a friend. who was at my side. to the pupa, but before he could take the hottle from my hand the imago had emerged and was flymg towards the window,
The eggs of Chironomus sre laid in jelly-lhke masses attached fo surface weeds generally. Some species lay their eges in a spherical mass abont the size of a large pea, others in sausage-shaped strings. The ewes themselves are cigar- shaped, slichtly pointed at each end. Two other groups of Chironomide are common in our ponds: they are the Ceruto- pogon and the Tanypus.. ,
Ceratopogon is a long, footless, snake-like translucent larva; at the caudal end it has eight long sete and a few short ones,
Tanypus are elongate. cylindrical larve, with a long, nar- row head. It is remarkable for its retractible antenne, which jay be drawn hae into socketsin the head or protruded at plsasnre.
Che Victorian Paturalist
Vou. XLIT—No. 2, JUNE 10, 1925. No. 498.
FIELD NATURALISTS? CLUB OF VICTORIA.
] BUSINESS.
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was. held im ihe Royal Society's Hall, Victoria Street, on Monday even- ing, 1dth May, 1925. The President, Mv. 4, Searle, ocenpied the chair, and about fitty members and friends were present.
REPORT OF EXCURSION.
A report of the excursion to Ringwood on Saturday, 2nd May. was given by the Leader, Mr. H. B. Williamson. Dr. C. $8, Suttoi gave some notes on the Huealypts of the district. (See page 27.)
ELECTION OF MEMBERS.
On a ballot being taken, Miss Webb, “‘ Arundel,’? Com- mercial Road, Prahran, and Mr. A. BF. Archer, M. A., Head- master Caulfidd Grammar School, were elected unanimously as ordinary members of the Club.
Messrs. L. Hodgson and J. B, Leslie were unanimously elected as Auditors, on the motion of Messrs. A. J. Tadgell and G@. Coghill.
GENERAL BUSINESS,
Office-bearers for 1925-26. Nominations were made 4s follows :— .
President—Mr, Geo. Coghill (proposed by Mr. H. B. Williamson and seconded by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard).
Vice-Presidents—Mr. F. @. A. Barnard (proposed by Mr. F. Pitcher, seconded by Mr. C. Oke), Mx. A. &. Keep (Mr. Barnard and Dr, C. 8. Sutton), Mr. J. A. Wershaw (Messrs. Oke and ©. Lambert), Mr. kK. E. Pescott, F.LS. (Messrs. F. 2. Wilson and G. Coehill), Mr. P. R. H. St. Joh (Messrs. F. Wisewould and F. Chapman), Mr. ¥. E. Wilson, F.E.S. (Messrs. J. A. Kershaw and ©. Barrett),
How. freasurer—My, A. G. Hooke (proposed by Ma, Oke, seconded by Mr, Pitcher). _ Hon. Librarian.—Dr. C, 8. Sutton (proposed by Mr, Cog- hill, seconded by My, H. B. Williamson).
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26 Fietdh Naturutists' Ciud—Proceehags Lesa
Hon, Wdilor —Mr. C. Barvett, C.M.Z.8. (proposed by Mr. C. Daley, seconded by Mr, Kershaw),
Hon. Secretary.—My. C, Oke (proposed by Mr, Wilhiam- son, seconded hy Mr, Barnard),
Flan, Assistant Secretary and Librarian—Me. HP. Wil- liamgon, F.LLS. (proposed by Dr. Sutton, sceonded by Mr. FL LTughes).
Commattee—Mr. F. Chapman, A.L-S. (proposed by Le. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Coghill), Mr, P. Gudmore (Messrs. Kershaw and Daley), Mv, ©. Daley, B.A., P.L-S. (Mesgrs. Kershaw and Williamson), Mr. DL. Hodgson. (Messrs. Coghill and Wilson), Mr. H. Ebwthes (Messrs. Daley and Pitcher), Mr. C. Lambert (Messrs. Peseott and Gray), Mr. BF. Piteher (Messrs. Pescott. and Gray), Mv. A. Rodda (Messrs. Peseott. and Gray), Mr. J. Stickland (Messrs. Pitcher and Daley).
Otway Forest Area—-Mr. F. EB. Wilson moved, “Phat a letter of appreciation of the Government's action in presery- ' ing the Otway Forest. reservation be sent to the Premier. Seconded by Dr, G.8, Sutton, and carried,
Nature Notes.--Mr. Oke made some vemarks on the ‘Tracks of the Common Garden Snail.’’ Te expressed the opinion that the nature of the surface traversed had little or no effeet upon the charaeter of the “‘trail,’’
Mr, Oke gavé an aceount of a Spider migration. (See article on another page.)
\ EXHIBITS,
By Mr. G. Coghill—Climbing Polygonum, Polygonum baldschawimcum; a pretty ereeper, bul. likely fo become a peat
By Mr. C. Dales—{1) Photographs of Upper Murray dis- trict, Swampy Plains River and Geli, taken by Messrs, I. Cudmore and E. J, Roberts; (2) waterworn pebbles from Swampy River, near the foot of Mt. Kosciusko: (3) sketches made at Gehi, Swampy River,
By Messrs. BH. 5. Pescott and C. French, Jun—Herharium specimen of Long-tongue Greenhood, Pfernstylis grandiflora (R.Bv.), with three flowers an one stem.
By Mr. EB. EK. Peseott—(1) Stone axes, aboriginal, from Geelong, Vie., and Warren, N.S.W.; (2) glass spear heads, aboriginal, from Daly Waters, N.T. (one very large); (3) garden specimens of the Bird Flower, Crotalaria lahurni- folia,
ost | Kucilypts ut Ringwood. , st BUCALYPTS AT RINGWOOD.
Kleven species of Kuealpyts were noted on the oecasion af the exeursion to Rigwood on Saturday, 9th May—s fair Number éonaidering the small area covered. About the station the Silver-leat Stringybark, 7, cinerea, vay, nultiflova prevails, this treo being a feature of the Lilydale road east of Box Hill. The Common Peppermint, HW. australiana, was next noticed, wud the Long-leat Box, 2. eleophora, whose most redeeming quality lies in the occasional bewuty of tis juvenile foliaye, which sometimes closely approaches in likeness that of the Candle-bark Gum, 2. vubida, though generally mich eaarser. Near the Muilum Mullum Greek some rather good specimens of the Swawp Gum were growing, This species, long réparded as i (runnit, ur as &. aeervula, Hook. was desevibed by Baker as HL. puliwdosu, bat eventually eonsidered by Maiden to he Labilhirdiere’s 2, ovelar It is a question, however, whether 2, acervuli is not still mixed wp with, it. Although we saw numerous clunips of suckers with the charming, sleek, prey leaves of the Yellow Box, #. mellio- dore, we did not meet with a tree wit) crossing 4 bend of the ereek, Wvidently its good qualities are recognised, for it has been almost entirely out, out hereabouts.
The Red Stunvybark, /. meererrhynclha, and the Mess- mute, / abliqua, were not infrequent. he Menina Gam, £. viminalds, whose beauty is only skin-deeg. was found on the low ground, and saplings of its twin sister, the graceful Candle- bark, were seen on the drier slopes. The Blue Peppermint, i. dives, was vecoenised. Not until the limit of ony outward walk wus reached, on some high ground, did we encounter the Ted Box, 2, polyanthemos, this being about tha southern boundary’ of 718 Vative in tis loeality, and one-of the few puints wheee 7 touches, wid rarely intepmingles with, the Mealy Stringybark. One fine old tree was seen, and a very handsume sapling with a dense head of clean, bluish-yrey foliage of voondish leaves, even more attractive that, that of the Yellow Box—.8.8.
Ore is uecustoined to reward the Magpiedark (Gialine cuyemilenee) asa peaeeful bird, but it is not always sea. AL Greetishorongh reeently | saw a Noisy Minah (ALyzonthes nielanvcepliaa) fly angrily oul of some bushes at three Mawpie-lavks, and ehase them to the Baoealpyis nearby. A minute later the Grallinas were pursuing several Magpies (Cymnorhina hypolencu), one of which called loudly ag if i Pain, on beme pecked by its pursucy. The Grallinas yematned jn possession of the fheld—A.J.T-
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28 | D'ALTON, Sume Grampians’ Plants [vores
SOME GRAMPIANS’ PRAN'TS, By C. W, D'Ax‘ton,
(Read before the Mireles Naturalists’ Club af Vielorta, 9th Murch, 1925,)
Plants peculiar to a cevtain district, or rarely founil elge- Where, dnd those oceurring in widely-separated localities. are generally regarded with special interest. The Grampians fora contains an unnsnal numbet of the former elass of plants, ancl also compares fuvourably with the flora nf other parts of Victoria, both in number of species and the beauty of their flowers, About 917 species are to be found growing » in its shady gullies, or on its rugged hill-iops, Of the plants more or less peculiar to these ranges, 16 families ure repre- sented by about 380 species, a few of these being found just over the border in the north-western district, in one or tivo isolated patches, aud some others ia more distant parts, ov in other States:
Taking them in order, we find ». member of the Cyperaceix, Uricostulana puiuctflora, or the Needle Bog-rush, grown tia the swampy country near the source of the Wannon Rivur. and a few other places. Then we have three meimbers of the Liliacew — Calectasia cyanea, Thysanotus dicholomus, and Borya nitida. The first, the Blue Tinsel Lily, genorally-zrows in gandy or heathy country, well ont i the open, indstly in the foothills, ‘This is extremely hard to find, except when blooming, when its satin-blne flowers, with bright. yellaw stamens, are most conspicuous among the dark andergruwth Tt is also found, but is rare, in the south-eastern part of South Australia, The next, the Branching Fvinge-lily, also a native of South anc Western Australia, with a delicate, pretty flower, yrows, in this State, only in the vieinity of Mt, Zere. The last L had the good fortune to find recently on Mackie's Peak, at Hall's Gap, at the northern end of the Grampians, At first it was thonght to be an uiudeseribed species, but eventually the National Herbarium pronouneed it to be identical with the Western Australion Boryu aafida, which hud not been recorded previously, except from that State. Lbs existence here provides a puzzle for the botanists, which will be difficult to solve.
Tren comes a Tris, the Blue Grass-flag, Orlhrosent lies nelliflord, wlso a mative of South anc Wostern Australia. aud Last, Wil pot Teast, among the monocotyledons, we have several exaiiples i that most Taseihating of all plat geoapa.
192h, D'Atvox, Some Grenipians’ Plants 29
June
J the Orehidacew. For some veason the Gramps was tor inany years vevarded as a poor place for orchids, and ws most of the older botanists seemed to regard these rugged hilly as 2 nore suitable hunting-growid for plants of larger growth, for a long tinie our‘ known’’ ovchids pumbered shghtly less than 40 only, | have, however, diwsing the last few years, pei cipally through the ussistanee of Dr, RS. Ropers, of Ade laide, whe Mr. J. W. Audas, of the National Herbarium, Mel- bourne, raised the number to 72. As about a dozen others have licen secorded for the South-west, and may possibly be collected here in the future, our record, even now remarkably yood, is likely to be still hetter. Some species, which for a tine were recorded only from heve, have sinee bean found in uther paa'ts, so our list at present'ot those confined to the Granipians anounts only to two or three of the following :— Cilachilus cupreus, or Copper-beards, Uhelymitre imeyculyp- tia, the lilac Sun-orehid, the Veined Caladenia, Co relindata, and Culéane Sullivan, the Speetral Duck-ovelud, The first has, I believe, been reported from the south of this State. and the second from New South Wales; but the other twa are enlirely our own,
Caleuna Sullevini was first discovered by Mr. Suallivun, 42 yours agp, ah Mi. Zero, only one specimen bein then obtained. Lt was not till 10th Deeember, 1924, that T ve- discovered it on Wonderland Ranges, near Hiall’s Gap, and callected six specimens. Jt. seams to like vocky hill-sides, where there js plenty of sun, and grows in the mossy crevices on the “oeks in company with Coleana numor, which it niueli resembles, this likeness perhaps aceounting for its unt being digeovered sooner. Calochalus cupreus is not sub-alpine, like C. Sullivan, bul, grows on the foothills. generally in tutte of short grass, where it gets protection from the ravages of sleep or rabbits. Uhelynutra megealyptra, on the ether hand, is fond ot higher ground, sometimes growing on the top of Winost bare rocks, and ospecially at. Ruse’s Gap, a part of the Mt. Diffieult Range. Caladenia tridescens wis also first tound on this vange, but has since been gathered in the southern districts.
We come now to the shrubs, of whieh we have a very Hie culleetion. Starting with the Prateacea, Greudlen Woh Tronsonn, the Serva Crovillea srows, or once Tid grow, on a ‘foothill of Mt. Abrapt, near Dimkeld, bul as i, has mot been seen singe Mas TL. B, Willimson golleeted it, in 1R9S, ab is al preset Unknown) fo me and perhaps may no loieer exist
30 D'Awros, Seme Grompures' Plants yah ets
there, The other, G. vlevides, the Olive Grevillea, a yery Handsome shrub. with bright sealet blossoms aud fine ollve- greco leaves, is found, nearly abways, high oi the momutaie Peaks. generatly in avevices between the roeks. Lerhaps one ot the most beautiful flowers in the Grampians ts Fer sesstliflord, the Showy Bauera, of the Suxifragaces. This is mer wilh abvays along the banks of watereourses, and. in sone places, follows the crecks for half a niile ov more. aud when in Tull bloom, fron the latter part of September till the Imginuing of November, its long spikes of magenta-coloyeed towers, With black centres. make a very fine show, The next tu be mentioned ig the Orange Bell-elimber, Mariunthius bignoniuceus, bearing pretry bell-shaped flowers and belong- iig fo the Pittosperacess. It is sub-alpine, and generally lognd in gullies wa creeks; also in the Mt. Lofty Ranges and OW Nangavon Plane
‘We are fortunate in having no fewer than five species of Leguminosic, all af the Genus Puitenwa, not hitherto found elsewhere, J?, Bentham is a robust plant, with fine masses of vellow blossoms; 2. costata, a low shrub with ribbed leaves and yelluy blossoms, ofien tinged with red, a very attragtive plavtk when in full blogm, P. Luehmennan and P.. Meidenit ave move slender and less conspicuous planta, buti P. subalpine, or vosed, ag it was tormorly eallecl, ig of a heaut- ful rose-pink, with soft leaves. The flowers of this are remark- athhe in that they turn purplish when fading, so that ii is almost. impoasible to carry them any distance without the colouy changing. Itis found in only two localities, one om the top of Mt, William, and the other on the sunvmit, of Mt- Resea; whieh was named in honour of this rare and beautiful Juaut. In the Rutaceew we have Phebalivn dentalum, ov Uimbellate Phebalium, easily distinguished from the other vegetation by its truncate leaves. Tt grows profusely all over these ranges, being also nok unknown in the Dividine Range of New South Wales, and ity pretty star-like flowers, generally pinkish in colour, make a good show, If seems curious that. out of a seore or more of Eriostemons and Phehaliums oecur- img iar this State, only about four are to be found on the Himeplans, Carrer @avula is another member of the fumils which grows here only, in this State, but also in the Mt. Lofty and Barossa Ranges, in Sonth Australia. What I noght term aur own particular family, the Rhamnacee, eoutains two species. Lrymaliwn D'Altoni, discovered by my uncle, Mr St. Floy D'Altou, a good inany years ago, and Trymakium
phat DYAnoux, Soure Gromgians' Plants 31 ‘dnivstsstim, recently found hy My. J, W. Audas ancl myself, on the slopes of Mt. Difficult. The first blooms ju duly, bet Lhe latter wot till Spring,
The family Dilleniaees is represented by idbertia hun fuse, whieh was first recorded trom Mt. Zero, at the noribern end of the Grampians, and has heen erroneously entered in the Consus of our Victorian plants as being in the Northavest, T lave singe Lonud ih in several localities in the Vietoria Valley, abd aso in the Wild Flower Garden, near Hall's Gap. In the Myrtarea: we have five representatives. Lucalyplies ulpiea grows on most of the higher peaks, and is seldom foand lower than about 2000 feet. It isu rather dwarf Gum, will exceedinely tough brauehes, thereby being abte fo withstanil the strong wiids oeenrring ou high altitudes. Jt has fine ginssy. dark-green leaves, futly large xecd-vessels minch embedded on the stalks, ancl Howers of a mither struggling nature, the stamens being inuch scattered wud distant, 7 believe dhis Huealypt bas been suecesstully vroawn i seme of the alpine passes.in Muvope, where heavy wind storms are prevalent. Melalewen squaanee is a handsome member at the bottle-brnsh family, generally found m swatpps aud dong waturconrses. Th hag faivky jarge pmk blossoms, with white tips. to the stamens, and leaves nyaeh beset with diaolets. It vinwes in two directions, from the Tasmanian mountains ap the eask coust of New South Wales, and by way of the S.W uf South Australia to this locality.
Calytria Sullivantt, or Grampians Fringe-myrtle, is strong erowing, and likes open, sunny situations: ita cousin, the Snow Myrtle, Lhetzkya yenetylleides, on, the obher hand, here hides iis graceful pink flowers in shady plens or between yook-walls where the sun does not penetrate too stvongly. Tn the Northavest, however, it is found in open situations, like the Culytrixs, which is also viol unknown there, Both are easily grown. gardens or parks, where they make fine orna- mental shrubs, Lhryptomene Mitchelliaw:, or Grampian Heathanyrtle, is-also admirably adapted for cultivation, and can, if clipped, he made into a very serviecable hedge. M1 ie also a pood carvvig plant, and will last in water for several weeks, This fine shrub was named in honony of that great expioret, Sir Thomas Mitehell, who discovered and named the Grampians. Another Myrtaerougs plank which might he mentioned, althongh it occurs elsewhere in similar situations, is the handsome variety yrundiflere oof Leptos pernmruat Lanvigerwm, loeally known js the ‘Wald 4pple Blos-
$2 A Revord of Service Aare ea
som’? This has much largar flowers and leaves, grows in ihite different soil, in rock crevices often high up in the snout. (ais, and blossoms a month later than the typical form, which is also always found in swampy country,
Of the Mpacridacex, we have two fine species in Lewcapoyan thynifolius and Brachylomma depressunr, both snb-alpine here, the latter heing about the finest ot the Buichylomas, growing fairly tall and haying fine aprays of ereamy-white flowers, much frequented by bees for honey. Lt is also kuawn from the Rust coast of Tasmania aud the islands of Bass Strait. Labiaty affords only one vather poor exunple in Prostaithera debitis, a sleuder plant with flawers inuch scattered, ar yener- ally in pairs and pale lavender in colour. Laat. ie thal curious little member of the Stylidiacew, Styledian sobolt- ferum, ov Bristly Triggerplant, with its curions rosette leaves flat on the ground, and bright pink flowers on straight. stalks a few inches in height. This genevally grows on uossy banks in moist situations, and should make good bordering for flower beds, provided the locality. is wat, too dry,
Saumming up, we appear to buve wbout a score of plants confined to these ranges, and all but two or three of the others mentioned seem to have come to us from the West, aul here find the liniits of their range in an easterly direction,
A RECORD OF SERVICE.
The retirement of Mr. F. G. A, Barnard from the position of Hon, Bditor of the Veetoriad Naturalist, a1 association which members of the Club had cane to vegarved as perman- ent, marks the close of an apoch, but, happily, not a career of service. An epoch ig a period “marked by special events’? and many evente of note in the Club’s history have vecurred during the period of Mir Barnard’s editorship. Tiis services have been varied and always efficient: he has heen generous with giffs of his “‘Ieisure’’ time for 32 years.
Mr. Barnaad is one of the six original members of the Club who remain with us. Elis serviee in office commenced soon, After avear ou the Gotnmittee in £884, he was cleated Hon. Sceretary of the Club. and fer six years continued to hold that position; then he became Hon, Librarian, In December, 1902, on the withdrawal of Mr. A. FT. 8, Lueas from: the offiee, after vight vears of valued gervier. Aly Barnard consented to act as editor of the Noturalis! ‘for 4 time ’* That time extended ta April, 1926.
June, 1926,
A Record of Service 33
For the vears 1903-5 Mr. Barnard was Vice-President of the Club, and in 1905-7 occupied the Presidential chair, In 1908 he was again installed as Hon. Secretary, and acted in that capacity for two vears, His editorial duties were performed as usual while he held the other offices. His zeal in the interests of the Club has been unabated for 45 vears. Besides discharging official duties most efficiently. he has dealt with subsidiary affiairs, constantly arising, in the same characteristic manner.
Mr. Barnard has edited 7.874 pages of the Valnuralis/, as compared with 1.492 pages published) during the cight years before he assumed the responsible position so recently vacated, He has introduced many improvements in the stvle of our journal, maintaining the high standard whieh gained it repute among naturalists throughout Australia and in other countries.
In addition to editing numberless contributions, many of which bristle with scientific terms. Mr. Barnard has dealt skilfully with reports of Club meetings and excursions, has reviewed books, ete. and supervised the details of pub- lieation.
vate eels Vict. Nat. 34 A Record of Service seen Reis
A naturalist with wide interests. Mr. Barnard has con- tributed many pleasant and justructive accounts of his out- ings and Jonger journeys, and valuable papers on various subjects,
A paper, “‘Are Popular Names for Victorian Plants Desirable?"" xead in Sept., 1906, originated the work of the Plant Names Committee, of which Mr. Barnard was a member, and Ted to the subsequent publication of “A Census of the Plants of Victoria."’
tn a Presidential Address, during bis term of oftiee in 1906, Mr. Barnard dealt with ‘The First Twenty-five Years of the Field) Naturalists’ Club of Vietoria’’ (Nafuralist, Vol. 23), This paper subsequently was supplemented by one summarising the Club's history from 1905 te 1920 (Naturalist, Vol, 37). His Presidential Address, delivered 6th June, 1917, was entitled. “The Facilities for the Study of Natural History in Australasia’’ (Naturalist, Vol. 24). At the Clib conversazione, April. 1885, Mr. Barnard gave an entertaining leeturette on “Insects and their Metamor- phoses.”" Among hig many other activities may be mentioned the management of the earlier Wild Flower Exhibition, as Hfon. Secretary of the Club, in the days when suburban expansion had not obliterated the floral wealth of sernb and bush, then easily reached from the city. Mr. Barnard, from his long experience in the work of the Club, has given valuable assistance to its. officers, and always he has been helpful to members requiring information, assistance. or encouragement in nature study. A valuable adjunct to organi- sation is the ‘* Excursion Programme’ introduced be My. Barnard, who, as leader and adviser, has plaved a prominent part m Club outings. Tle is familiar with all the highways and byways radiating from Melbourne to mountain. plain and streani, :
During Mr. Barnard’s intimate connection with the Chiab its members have. several times. delighted to honour him. Thus. on the oeeasion of his marriag¢, and in recognition of his services as Ton. Secretary, in’ September, 1889 4 Vad. Oct.. 1889), he was presented with an address. a clock. and a purse of sovereigns. In July. 1918, on completion af 25 years” editorship, he was the aecipient of a poeket aneraid barometer. In February, 1925. as a foundation member, he was elected a Life Honorary Member of the Club.
Mr. Barnard has earned into other walks of life that thoroughness and zeal whieh signally mark his career as a
phases Migration of Spiders 36
member of the Field Naturalists’ Club. Suceceding to his father’s old-established business in 1902, he has successfully eartied it on as 4 registered pharmacist, In 1915 he was elected President of the Metropolitan Chemists’ Association. Mr. Barnard, always keenly interested in public affairs and local advancement, has been connected at) Kew with the Public Library, School Committee, Cricket Club, Horticul- tural Soeiety, etc, In 1915 he secured election to the Kew Conneil, and was appointed to the honourable position of Mayor of the nninieipality, whieh, during his term of office. was proclaimed a city. In 1910 Mr. Barnard wrote a history of Kew, dealing with the rise and progress of the district For many years lie has been a member of the Conneil of the Historical Society of Victoria, and he has also submitted jo the Society interesting papers on early historical matters.
Thits, quietly aud mnostentationsly, Mr. Barnard vas hvought to the performace of hia various duties, publie and private, soundness of knowledge and esrnestness of purpose, whieh have ensured success in every way, and Ins genial and kindly nature and eourteous dispositon have brought hitn ~‘honour, love, obedience, troops of friends.*’ The members of the. Field Naturalist;’ Club wvegvet his vetive- nent from the office of editor, so Jong and so faith- fully held, appreciate to the fnll his loyalty and devotion to the Club's bvlerests, and trust that he will be spared for many happy years.
MIGRATION OF SPIDERS,
Walking alony Chaucer Street, St. Milda, in the afternoon, on 27th April, 1925, 1 observed that fences, warden plants aad house-fronts were festooned with strands of spidersilk. Over the reserve facing the street, too, many strands were floating. Though some strands were several feet in length, the most of them were tangled into an irpegnlay, Griss-cyoss mesh, JF eanght several of these fairy ‘balloons,”? Dut oatly one had a “‘ pilot’? or ‘passenger’'—it proved tu bea muitune mali.
Some of the strands alow the fences were examined, and spiders belonging to three different. families were obtuiued ; Gi a nahaved male; another a matured female All these aplecimens may dave heen local spiders, that seized tho threads as they came to test, hoping to catch the owners and edt, them. Tt is generally thought that only the young
36 Migration of Spiders yecmin spiflers migrate, from the place of their birth, in (quest o£ territory wheve they may have a fair chance of living 0, plonty, However, Lf certainly captured one mature male *'ballooning*'; while several others seen floating by were too large to be young ones.
Passing through Guna Park Gardens, T saw, everywhere, evidences of the migration. On pine trees and palms, and on the lawns, were nuiumerable strands of silk. It was the ssme along the Esplanade; clinging to the ramp were thousands of strands, many of them 9 feet or 10 feet in length. And huncreds of the tiny ‘‘balloons’’ were floating over from the direction of the Bay, I went to the beach, and found that the spiders were coming across the water, on a fairly strong breeze, blowing from.a point below the You Yangs—a journey of some miles for the spiders, if this was the line they fol- lowed, But it is possible that they had been blawn over (he Bay, from the Tea-tree scrub at Brighton ot Sandringham, and then across to St. Talda. Even. so, the journey would be three ov four miles—C. Org,
These observations, given at the Club’s May meeting, were diseussed by several members.
Mr, A. L, Seott said that on, or about, 27th April, he lad sven, alone the fences of Elsternwick Pack and of privjte houses, thousands of long spider-threads.
Mr. F. &. Wilson remarked that he hac! heen surprised uno day. while bathiug at Chelsea, to gee large nonbers of spiders’ ‘batloons’’ floating overhead. At the time, le felt convinced that they weve coniing right across the Bay, as the coast-line ut Chelsea was practically straight, anc certainly had wo headland likely to vive spiders a ‘‘sendeoff"’
Mr. Searle stated that, he had seen bushes smothered with wossamer. Migration was the usnal method by which young spiders secured dispersal,
Tn reply, Mr. Oke said that. lw was convinced the migra- tion Was not confined to young apicders. The“'tailed’’ spider. Arachnura higginsi, soractimes bred in colonies, « hundred or more individuals selecting the same tree, and as each ‘spider had three or four capaules af eggs, an mimense number of young ones were born among the boughs, But, the stronwer and older members of the young brigade devoured jmiuy of those less udvanced. Tiras, though considerable numbers did ~‘haltoon,’’ the migrations of this species were not so imipres- sive ag the one he had‘ just described.
THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLII. June, 1925 PuLaTE I.
ee Danny, A View to the Upper Murray si
4 VWISIT 'CO THE UPPER MURKAY. By C. Datnzy, BA, FDS
(Read. before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 11th May, 1925.)
With a fishing party, in March of this year, 1 visited Swampy Plains River. Mr. F. Cudmore, a fellow-club mom- ber, was one of our number. Our route was by the North- Eastern, railway to Wodonga, where we changed to the moun tainous line running eastward as far as Cudgewa, distant from Melbourne 255 mules.
Yo the north-east of Cudgewa les Pine Mount, while an imposing peak to the narth-west is Mount Burrowes, 4181 feel Trom Cudgewa, without delay, we motored in the moonlight und through keen bracing wir to Corryong, a thriving pastoral fawn, around whieh some gold-mining has been carried on iMermittently, with varying fortune. Passing through mter vening hills, a descent was made through the Tawong Gap between the station of the same name and the picturesque Mount Elliott run. Here we obtained a charming and most extensive view over the Murray River fats and adjacent montain panges.
Crossing the Murray River bridge, jnat below where the Swampy Plas River jomes its waters with the main strewn, we passed through the Bringenbrony Station, famous for its excatlent cattle and well-bred horses. We were now on plains of some extant, in the basin of the Murray, and our driver pre- ferred, im the darkness, to take a longer, and safer, course among the hills to the north-eastward, In and out we passed throngh the Khancoban district, emerging on the Swampy River plain; crossing creek after creek, and then the rivet itself. nntil, ab lust, we teached Waterfall Farm, av the Swampy Plains River, Travelling from Corryong to oar destination, we had to open and close fourteen 2 Pates In pass- ing throws the estates, We orossed the rivey over a sus- pension bridge, 150 feet m length and 25 feet above the stream, As we carricd ow: Jageage across in the darkness, the swaying of the wite bridee gave a feeling of inseaurity. A shor! ladder is fixed on each side np the steep boulders, on whieh the bridge is securely any od.
Mi. Scammell's Waterfall Farm, on the high ground, js the farthest-out place on this track towards IKoselusko, The river 1s ¥.stone’s (hrow from the honse, and the noise of its
33 DALEY, A Visit to the Upper Merry) Fy ney
waters passing theough the rapids is soothing and pleasant, The Swanpy vises in Mt. Woserske, and here, at Whuan eyban, coming through the mountain gorge, it follows the base of a line of hills for ming its southern bank, Fon its edee a broadening expanse of “rich Wluvial plains stretches norih- ward to the huls, and westward alony ifs eaurse through the Khancoban and Bringeutrong runs.
After a good night** rest,, following # twenty-hours’ jouliey, We were ready, in the mornitig, to try ouv fortune in the stream. The river, yapid and clear, flows over rounded pebbles and boulders, mostly evanitic ov schistose in character, and varying mi size, bat generally lavger, We noticed, ag we followed the river up to its souree. The Swampy is remark- ally tree from snags, and devoid of anud, the vounded stones in its bed making if awkward sometimes for auc to preserve halanee ti the stream. Rapids are numerous; deap twols, du which the trout love to linger, accur under the steeper bunks. Vegetation along the river's banks usually is not dense enough to be an. obstacle to fishing, and so sportive trout ean be played with » reel and a very lengthy line. No other kind of fish seems to inhabit the river. Before breakfast, one euthusiast returned with a Rainbow Trout which weighed 4 lhs.: and the catch for the day was 27 fish, varying from Toth, to 4 Ibs in weight. Next day 20 was the total: then 32, a cloaen of which were eiuught with the dry (iy by Mr, Cuclmore, the fire largest. weighing 274 Ibs—fine specimens of the Rainbaw Trout, which has heen so snceessfally introduced tite or mowmitain streams.
On Tuesday, with an imposing eavaleade of wine viders and lwo pack-horses, laden with camp equipinent and provisiens, we left Waterfall Farm for the Gehi, about fifteen tiles tistant. At first the bridle-track leads high above and along the side of the steep gorge, gradually descending to a ford From here the country is practically virgin fovest, open and park-like in aspect, with sparse undergrowth, fhe trees being chiefly Blue Gum, 4. globulus, Stringybark, Ff. obliqua, Pep- permint, E. australian, Silverton, /. steberinua. and Gur Myrtle, Anygephora intermedia. Patches of Wild Cherry. Kxocarpus nana (2), and herve and there Sweet. Bursaria, B.
spinosa, in flower, appeared. Along the Swampy Wiver and tts subsidiary ereeks the Woolly “Tea-tree, Leptospermam innigerum, grew, also Manuka, LD. scoparium, with Black aad Silver Wattles. Pultenmas and Grevillias. On the plains. Red
ae Darky, A Visit to the Upper Murray 39
Guam, 4, restrula, and Swamp Guin, £, ovata, were to be seen. Few Introduced plants have, as yet, established themselves. The Autumn Orehid, Hriechilus autwnnalis, was mn bloom, and otcasionally the Purple Loosestrife, Lythrum: saliccria, showed w# strikorg patch of colour amoung tussocks. Pasture wis abundant, and it was ea pleasure to ride through the forest primeval, wntonched us it is by the ravages of fire or the aXe.
Our party bei a large one, animal life was vat very wvident, A fox and a kangaroo, in hasty retreat, were sighted. Fubbits, in some places, were nunietous, alsa Opossums, and uy the edges of the river plains there way evidence af the presence of Wombats. Atter proceeding for some miles, we came to the alnupt Gehi wall, the caste slope of a jure. Mpitous range. Down the steep wall the bridle-track follaws closely the mnie! of a small stream, whieh the lorses lad to ‘negotiate very steadily and careumspeetly. As the little stream inereased in yoluine of water through soakage from fhe Hills, Tree-fprus, and the asnal aecconpantnent of smaller ferns, appeared, while Blackwood, Hazel and Jtanket-teal ilso grew in the saturated vround, but not with the lasnrianece of the gully vegetation of eastern New South Wales ov GQipp- land. The desvent to the rivercHaty being made without opis hap, after easier riding we again met with fhe mis-tumed Swampy, flowing with undiminished force. We crossed several times, on the way to Gehi eamp, situated on the viver-Alat about 100 yards from the stream, with hills and mountains rising on every side. ‘The Gehi frowns hohinel, snd wustward up the river, Kosciusko, 7308 fect, raises its hare, yrev Imad, weatherbeaten and seored by exposure fo dest riue- tive atmospherie agencies through wong of time. Tts lower slapes are wooded; but past the Snow Gum line imposing éliff-faces in succession rear theniselves, devoid of vegetation to all appearance, and presenting, battresslike, a hold front iw the disintegrating elements which ever beset, them.
Mt; Townshend, 7260 feet, to the worth, also stands out badly. The view of the range, logking wp the Swaipy River, iy inepiving. "he eeasclers play of san and shadow vives Trequent change in the aspect af the peaks. No snow 1s visihle front the western side, altliough probably juttehes romain throughout the year in sheltered valley slopes on the sonthern aspect. .
Uver the elevated Kosciusko plateau there is enidence of a series of elactal epochs, of which the mount was nidoubledly
40 Datey. A Visit ta the paper Murray yee the centre, probably in the Cainozoie eva; Professor David suggesis that, in the very late Pliocene, or early Ploistoerne times, the easter coast of Australia, through cousiderable earth movement,.was greatly raised in ‘altitude, the Kosciuska area to a height of 7000. feet above sea-level ; and that, a elacial age supervening, this area had an ice-cap of about, 2000 feet. In the district visited slong the Swampy to Kosciusko the formation of the ranges, as observed, was mostly granitic; 1 some places the rocks were metamorphic in ¢haracter. The rock débris of the river and streams brought down from this great mountain system, is mostly of granitic or schistose origin, and of metamorphic rocks. On the river-flate of Gehi are evidences in dry, houldec-strewn water-courges, as well ag in the running stream, of torrential conditions, perhaps partly very ramote, when flood-gates are opened with the melting of the winter stow on the monntain slopes.
Ti its Alpine and forestral setting. Swampy River is a beainitul stueani, quisk-tlowing, clear and sparkling, as 1b huvries down to the lordly Murray, thirty ov forty miles flistant. deep pools, pebbly shallows, and frequent rapids neciriag in its course. Tt isan ideal fishin stream, partak- ing of the nature of the famous Seottish streams. At the hack ot the cap at.Gehi was a range of hills, and across the river a similay imigeé, well-wooded, the faivly extensive viver Flats extending eastward up the valley. ‘On the southern shank. about. half-a-mile distant, and above a deep lawer of water- worl stones, evidently waar aaelent mver deposit, was a laver ol dark soil, the edge of a flood-plain with good pasture along the river-eourse.
Ow Wednesday an envly.atart was made ander most foyourable conditions as to weather, and move than ninety fish were caught, Me. Cudmore, with the Ay, heing the most. ane- cexstul, Only about one-third of the fish hooked were retained for fond, the remainder bemg returned to the ver. Some of the largest fish were snioked and dried. [fr was uiderstood that no fish under 2 Ibs. was to be kept. The lavuzest fish eanght. neae Seammell’s. was 2 feot in length, and weighed +h hs. the heaviest was about @ Iby in weieht Rainbow Trout. by their agility and alertness, especially when aboul 3 lhs. in weight, test the skill and patience of the angler; Grasshoppers, used fur bait, were niimerons at Gehi, and were easily caught in the mel erass. An éxceedingly heavy dew aceutred each night: it wes preceeded by a fog, which settled down
shal Danny, A Visit te the Upper Marre 41 so ae to hide the mountains, I) the mormniiig it slowly lifted. and became yuiekly wissipated befors the sun's
rays, Whe air being very. elew and braving, “seach dew- laden aiedranght resembling a Jong drauelit of wie.’ There were sane very bewotitfal effects whore spiders had woven then webs between branehes, the wonder- -tnl completeness and symmetry of the design being revealed in delicate tracery by the dew on each separate thread. Bird- life was not abundant, Oceasionally Black Comnorants, Phalactucoran carbo, were seen near the ver, but not i large numbers. The Wedve-tailed Bavle, Urorlus udar, wate frequently observed in graceful fight in mid-air, and a Tew Kookaburras, Dacelo gigas, awoke the echoes with rie
“laughter.’’
The party, in different sectiows, fished alone the river for some miles. The strong current, the cold water, and the pebbly bed of the stream, made wading sometimes difficult. Ov the Thursday the most of our party left Cehi, crosses ane re-evossed the Swampy, scaled the Wall, aud returned te Seamen's. at Mianeobaa, About hullavay on tha jouer. we herd 'niusie low and strange’? whead of us, The pleas tuikling of bells on aw earavan of horses, whieh, undo twa ridors, were on their way, loaded with salt, for the ''licks’’ jn distant eathle pastures near ‘om, Grogean.’s,’* on the Mire Vay.
Twi of ns, on raturn, left Waterfall Parm, diiving abet four piles to cate, Hos Majesty ’s madl, On the was over the pliinns Wwe saw four Brolgas, Antigone mutralasiuna. Pirds were more mumervous on the cpen than in the forest eumnhey grasshoppers providing ample food for then. Ti the paid docks quail were numerous; on the swampy places plovers made shill outery, while the smaller birds of prey, such ns Gould’s Harrier, Circus gouldd, the Collared Sparvowhawk, Aceipiter cirrhocephalus, and the Nankeen Kestrel, Cerchners cenchrotdes, favoured this open country for theiv operations: Black Duck, Anas superciliosa, aud eal, Neti cashiieun, cowld be flushed along the river heave and there, and the Con mon Sandpiper, Acitis hapeleucus, was seen on the edges of the swamps. Other birds noticed durimye onr stay were Streperas, the Butcher-bird, Cracticus lorqualais, White-witized Chough, Corcoran melanor hanphus, Blue Wren, Waduense eyanocklamys, the Blue Mountain Pavol Vrichaglassus oove-hollandwma, the Crimson, Phelycercus elc- gons, and the Rosella Parrot, P. eximvus, the Searlet Robin,
42 Notes from Ficll and Senity woe
Pelroiw multicolor, the Azare Kingfisher, Aleyone azurea, and Pits and Wrens in the forest country, with the Magpies, G, hypolewen, and the Starlings on the open spaces. White Cockaloos, Casatus galerita, were m flocks, aud Black Coeka- tous, Calyplorhynchus funereus, occasionally were sean, We passed over the Khancohan plains throagh the station of that tune, excellent cattle country, On a telegvuph line were assembled about-200 Swallows, Hirundo neovena, an unnsnal ci'eumstance for the time of the year. Crossing the Swampy. we passed through Bringenbrone Station to the Murvay. On the road were numerous ‘tracks of snakes, this run heing noted for snakes as well as for its fine cattle, The Swampy River plains have, to the north, high ranges. such as the Dargil. Past the gorge from which the Khaneoban Oreelc cones to the ‘Swampy is the rugged country of Toolong; and the plains are enclosed between these lofty ranges, on the north, and a lower ranze, at the base of which the Swampy flows. If is bountiful coutitryy, with splendid vistas inv every direction, but espectally towards the east, where Kaseinsko forms the dominant feature.
SS an an 2 Do eae ee ee ee ec NOTES FROM FIELD AND STUDY
eesti feecastunaedetatestucecteeacactduabdatatatadachsbatebedusistaata it
et Og 4
Spat
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eee oe Aa as :
| Member's ave invited to contribrite paragraphs for this see- tion of the WNatwralést. which should become a. papular nus¢cllany., Original notes, of course. are most. desired; but “wunngs from scientific literatnre, unlikely to be seen hy the majority of members, will also be weleomed.]
NEW BOOK ON INSECTS.
Dr. BR. J. Tillyard’s forthcoming book, ““Tnseets of Aus- tralia and New Zealand,’ will be welcomed by etitomologists overseas as well as those in Australasia, Though mainly tt text-book for students, it will be of interest and value also to the ‘‘eeneral’’ naturalist. It will contain, about 590 pages (royal 8vo). with eight full-page plates in colour, and more than 350 other illustrations, All the illustrations will be reproduced from new drawings or frou photographs wade speeially for the purpose. The economic aspect of insect lite will be dealt with fully. Dr. Tillvard is Chief of the
529%, Notas fron Wie! und Study az
Biologiva! Department, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, N.Z. Hig work, “"he Biology of Dragonfiies,’’ was recognised im Rarepe and America as setting a fresh standard for books of its elass. Tis new work is betne published by Messrs. Angus und Rohorison Lid. Sydney. The price will be abont 30/-.
A WATERSOORPION'S WAYS.
The habits of a Water-Seorpion (Vepu rubra) kept in u‘wlass jar have greatly interested me. 'Che insect was eay)- rured in Pebrouutry last oat Mount Martha. The poud-water iv the “‘aquayium’’ was frequently changed, and the Tenanl|, was fed upon blownies (Cellinhora), worms, small water-beeties and tadpoles. The later he caught for hiniseltf, with surprising skill, Water-Scorpiuns inust be a veritable wightimarve to other pond-dwellers! On pet was particu- larly ‘‘nice™’ as regards personal appearance. and spent much dite in eombing and grooming his body with his long fore- legs, Meal-times were a lone-drawn-out pleasure to him, and he would stay for hours with his sucking-beak imbedded in the body of his vietim, until every particle of juice mast have beer extracted. Hedyyis, During three months iF eaptivity the Vepe changed his coat twice, Jt was rather sUrpVising fia see, one morning, a ‘‘seorpion’” almost double the size of the one we had been observing the night before, while the disearded *‘coat,’’ looking exacthy like its recent wearer, Jay at the bottom of the jar It was possibly a third “‘meoult’? that caused the inseet’s: death on 25th Mav 1 would be interested to hear from a student of ponnd-lite whe has noted more than two ‘‘moults’’ m Vepa—w.c.
A DRAGONTLY THAT POSES.
in our garden at Mont Albert grows an English Broom (Sarothamnus scoparius), perched on a bank above the lawn, This, of late, has been the certre of some instructive enter- jainment, on atcount of the curious habit of small dragon flies that have been resorting to it, one might think, for the purpose of ‘inaking believe.’ Thy late summer the ais ub dames is ful! of small flies, and on these the Dravonfly, ‘estes leda, Selys, apparently delights to feed. Coineidenee ar otherwise (we leave that to the argumentative), there are some dry valves of Broony pods extending at a wide dngle from the sti? branches of the bush, Lestes flits to the Brooni-tips and extends its body, with wings depressed, almost at right angles ta the stom, and it is diffentt, at a
44 Notes from Field und Study eet rer
short distance, to distinguish pods fvoi dinwoiflies, The insects at biief intervals dart into the space around, ast ultiost imperceptibly return with something in their jaawa. The vietims are tiny flies, which, in a few seconds, yre sucked dry, when their vermnains fall to tha ground; it reminds one of a parrot! bitine nuts and dropping the braken shells —F. CHAPMAN. ‘
VICTORIAN PUANTS IN SCOTLAND, :
An item of interest tu Vielorian field natuvalisis is tecorded in the 1924 Tranactions of the Proceedings of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, At the March nieeting, among the plants in flower exhibted by the Royal Botanic Cardens were the Scarlet Coral Pea, Nennedyu prostrate (R.Br.). Hairy Pink-eye, Vetratheca pilosa (Labill), while ihe West Australian MKennedya nigricans alsa was shown. Our Club is doing useful work in educating the pubhe in regard to native flowerg for the garden. Jt-is not. long sinee a. Melbontne nurseryman, when nrged io show more native plants in his window, veplied: “I can always sell exotics, bat when J name the Victorians as useful and Dewatiful, I have often met with a vebulf** The ‘Natives’? ave move popular now—A.J.T.
A BOTANICAL ‘WIND.”
Borys witida, a little tufted plant with insignificant inflorescence, only a few inches high, belongs to the Jelmn- soniew tribe of the dry-fruited series of on lilies. In the same section are Staayellia, of one species only, two Jolin- eonias, and two Armocrinums, all confined to Western ans: tralia; and the Bartlingias. six of whieh are also restricted to the westemt State. a seventh extending thence to New South Wales and Tasmania, and the eighth vecorded only from this State, New South Wales and Queensland. The discovery by Mr. C. W. D'Alton of Baryu mtida ad, Maclie's Paak, near Hlall’s Gap, in the Grampians, is. perhaps, one of the most interesting of our botanical ‘‘finds*' in recent vears, It is a far ery to Cape Arid, on the other side of the Great Australian Bight, the nearest point recorded for- the plant in Western Australia—abont 1200 miles in a bee line—and it is still further to Rockingham Bay, in Queens- Jand—nearly 1700 miles—where the only other species in the genus is located. - Bentham, finding only slight stune- tural differences between, this B septentrionalis and its
ae <a] Nates from Field anil Study 45 western ally was, perhaps, coustraiived to state that it is “post, distinctly separated by peographical posttion.’’ It would thus appear that the Borya is really monotypic, und affords another very striking instané of the diseontinuaus disttibution of certain of our plants, which is so closely couneeted with, and only explicuble by the reading of, the physiographical history of the etmtinvnt—C.s.$,
“MAJOR MITCHELL" COCKATOOS,
None of the Cockatoos is more beantiful than the ‘Major Mitchell,’’ Cucatua leddbeatert, and none more engaging, in the wilds or captivity, Pink Cockatoo js the vernacular name favoured for this species by the Checklist Committee of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, In many districts it is called ‘S Wee Juggler’’ but to the majority of bird lovers and bush-folk it will always be the “Major Mitchell.”’ [ts popularity, us a handsome ‘‘tulking’’ bird, has beew tte great- est misfortune. It ts rare now in some parts, where formerly many broods were redred every season. Kron) other localities it has disappeared, owing mainly to the advance of settlement Trappers and nest-robbers wre responsible tor the decrease of (. leadbeater? in certain of ite Vietorian haunts that still remain wild. I have met with it, in pairs, iu rhe Maller country, and know that it nests in the Whyperfield National Park, efore that urea beeame sanctuary for native tauna, the homes of ecoekataos and parrots were raided (reely hy trappers and other porsons. The young bird shew in the photograph (see plate) was one of three borm ma Gum-true hollow, up Whypertield way. Lt was posed for the portrait, and displayed its resentment just as the camera shutter wis released —C.B,
MOSQUITOES OF AUSTRALIA.
The mosguito fauna of Australia and the adjacent, islands, jneluding Tasmania, is represented by about 100 known valid species, some of which extend into New Zealand, New Guinea and the Oriental region. OF these species; only sis are included in the Anopheles group, The actual nuniber of adi- genous species is probably considerably larger, since only a comparatively small area of the continent has been systematie- ally searched tor these insects. Our knowledye of the early stuges and breading habits of even the eonmnoner species is very incomplete, and nach useful researeh in this dixection vemaings to be done. Of the seventecn species known frat
46 Notes from Micld und Shuby von Soy
Victoria, only one is restricted in its range to this State, and, althongh common, nothing is known of its Lfe-bistary. Two of the most ahundant species, ie., Miles comptorhynclvus (Thoms,) and Wedes albounnutatus (Maeg.) whieh are found also in the adjoining States, rival some of the northern species as pests in swamp and bush toealities, while another, Ane- Pheles dnaiulipes (Walls), with a still wider Anstralinn clis- tribution, is of Importanee as a possible, if uot an actual, eartie? of malaria ny the northern States. Of the purely domestic speries. the ubiquitous Culew fatiyans (Wy is prob. ably the best-known anid moat tronblesome indoars. As it rarely breeds elsewhere than in eontaminated, stagnant water near hubilations, its scarcity, ov abundance, is a tairly’ accurate index to the sanitary condition of the vicmiby— FH.
BIRDS OF A SUBURBAN GARDEN.
A few gum teees will attract native .birds around the suburban home. Where T live, at Kast Malvern, many of the original Evealypts ave stunding, and, aus a result, we are never without a bevy of mdigenous birds, to say nothing of the introduced species. In ney neighbour’s yard a pair of Black and-white Fantails, Hhipidiurs leucophrys, last. season reared # brood of two. The youny birds huve gone elsewhere, but the parents we still have with os. Every evening four sedate Kookaburras, Oucelo gigas, perch mm my Wattle trees tor a while before goime to roost, and are delighted when [ provide themewith a meal—seraps of meut. So tame is one that L have no difficulty in approaching within iwo or three yards of it, A pair of Shrike-tits, Malennculus frontatus, Wo have had as_ tenants for several months. They apend most of ther tine prospecting’ ‘the crevices in the bark of the gums for lurk- ing sects. Of White-plumed Hloneyeaters we have quite a flock, and several young birds were veared in the street last season. Nothing pleases them more than to pester the [oaka- burras; they wre always assisted by the Pantails and a pair of Blackbirds. Vhe Fantails, however, are the most couragcons; frequently they alight ou either the head or the back of Kookaburra, and remain for perhaps a minute. When a black ext one day was walking along the top of a paling fence, the Fantails alighted upon its back, and enjoyed a ride for ten yards, scolding their victim yigorously the while. The cat stopped several times, and avehed its back, but its footing was 30 Precarious that it could nat disladge the birds, In the
RetTy Birds and Butterfiies 47 early momung, t pair of Magpies, Gynimarkine hypolouct, wid two or thres Muagpie-larks, Grallina cyanolewca, ave seen hunting tor toud in ow back parden. Recently (April and May) the autumn notes of the Grey Butcher-bird, Cractious lorquatis, have been heard. A pair of welcome Swallaws, Ihirunde neoxzena, spend most. of their resting-time sunning themselves on the house telephone wives. A snrall family of Blue Wrens, Malurus cyaneus, resides in the street, and on rate Oedasions visits our garden, Often at night we hear the monotonous call of the Boobook Owl, Ninax boobaois. When the Enealypts were blooming, about Chrisinas-tine, the havsh call of Red Wattle Birds, Anthectera carunoulatn, were heard all day long, and frequent squabbles. between. these hids and the White Plumed Honeyeaters, Meliphagu pens- cHlatu, took place. The Bronze Cuekoo, Chatetles busalis, und the Fantailed Cuckoo, Cucomantis flabellifarmis, live eich paid us one vieit only. A floek of nine Rosellas, Plaly careus ectinuius, flew over one morning, and an another Geeasion & pan of Gulahs, Cacitae rosercaupilld; the latter birds, probally, ld eseaped from 2 toe] aviaty li. W.
BIRDS AND BUTTARFLIES.
It 38 not unusual to see inseetivorous. birds capturing moths, indecd, certain species, prey upon then freely, especially in the nesting season. But what proof have we that birds are more than “‘easual’’ enemios of butlerfies, that they have been concerned in the matter of yimicry?
Some opponents of the theory that distasteful butterflies are inimicked by other species lacking that form of pro- tection, contend that birds have no speeial liking for diurnal Lepidoptera. Further, they declare that; when butterflies are hunted by birds, no choice, apparently; is exercised ; “plensant’'’ and ‘‘distastelul’’ forms alike are taken indis- eviminately. ‘he subject has been a debatable one for years, and every bit of evidence is worth recording.
Dr. H. Elivinghain, in dis book, ‘Butterfly Lore,’’ gives an excellent summary of facts dud theories in respect. of this subject. “The degree to which a butterfly may be destroyed and eaten by its enemies,** he writes, ‘depends on the state of the destroyers appetite for the time being. A very hungry bird will cat certain kinds of butterflies whieh, less
48 Birds ant Butterfties van Fd
ravenous, it will promptly vefuse”’ ‘All manner of factors, "’ Rltringham adds, ‘Swill affuet the result.’
When butterflies are ninsnatly abundant in their haunts, some birds will certainly take heavy toll of them; while in zt. normal season few may bo taken, Tas sammer, butterflies of several gpeaies were so plentiful around Melbourne and the nearer hill country that oue might seo thousands almost. ata glance in the most favoured localities. It was so at Eltham, in December and January, and some birds, at least, were butterfly hunters every day. Marly in January, Mr. W. CG. Tonge observed a paiv of Leaden Wlycatecliors, Myigra rubecult, feeding their young in the nest chiefly upon Common Brown Butterflies etsronymphu-merope, ‘jamming them into the little beaks, wings and all.’ ‘The diet was varied with a few dragonflies. Doubtless, many broods in Witham, and other districts were reared largely upon butter- flies last season.
Respecting the Wanderers, Danaida archippus, Anderson and Spry state: ‘They foed quite, openly, having no fear of birds on account of a noxious smell they emit.” (“Vie torian Butterflies,’ p. 43.) The species,of the sub-tamily, Danaine, are all ‘‘protected'' like the Wanderer, and they have many mimies, it is claimed, among ‘‘unprotected’’ species of other sub-families. In Australia, and also in Reypt, IT have seen large numbers of Danaine butterflies where birds also were plentiful, but J have no record of one af these ‘‘distasteful’’ insects being attacked by birds.
Danaine butterflies are slow in flight, and birds eonid capture theron easily. Their immunity trom attack, then, apparently, is due to thelr distastefulness,—C.B-
When walking through. the bush at Fltham on 5th October, 1924, I noticed a femalc Rosella Parrot, Platycercus ecimius, fly up from a rotting tree-stump. A hollow had been cleaned out on the ground within the stump, and on the 8th the bird was there, sitting on three fresh eggs. Rain had fallen recently, and the Parrot’ Ss nursery was damp. On the 10th it was wet and deserted, more heavy vain having fallen in the interim. A few years ago, iu a neighbouring paddock, five or six young Rosellas, fully fledged, were found ina vabbit burrow—W. C. Toner,
Che Victorian Paturalist
Vor, XLIL—No. 3. JULY 10, 1925, No, 499.
FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.
The annual meeting of the Olub was held in the Royal Society's Hall, Victoria Street, on Monday evening, June 15, 1925. The President, Mr. J. Searle, occupied the chair, and. 105 members and friends were present.
CORRESPONDENCE,
From Hon. Secretary Victorian THortieultural Socicty, inviting members of the Chub to a lecture, entitled ““Our Bucalypts.’* by Mr, W. Russell Grimwade, fo be given in the Horticultural Hall on June 18.
REPORTS.
1. A veport of the excursion to the Biology Schovl, Uni- versity, on Saturday, May 30, was given, by the leader, Miss J. W. Rafi, M.Se., who said that 25 members had met in the Zoology Lahoratory. The subject dealt. with was ‘Useful Zoology,’’ aud attention was confined to those forms of Invertebrata that are of use to man, both directly and indi- rectly. Various specimetis and preparations dlustrating these were exhibited, and members examined them with intersst.
2. A-vepart of the excursion to Mt. Evelyn, on King’s Birthday, was given by the leader, Mr. ©. Oke, who said that a party of 18 members had spent a very pleasant day in the hills.
- ELECTION,
On a ballot being taken, the following were duly declared to be unanimously elected as‘ ordinary members of the Club :-— Mis, F. Pitcher, ‘“Frechencourt,’? Punt Hill, South Yarra; Mr, G, #. Tl, National Museum; Mr. W. HE. Jones, 28 Clyde Street, South Yarra; Mr. A, 5S. Robertson, 22 Mayfield Avenue, Malvern.
GENERAT.
The Hon Secretary read the 45th Annual Report. Mr. ©. A. Lambert anoved that the report be reeeived and adopted. Seconded by My, F. Pitcher, and carried.
50 Flelé Naturatists' Chaut—Proceedings vay
Vhe Hon, Treusirer read the 45th Atmiual Statement of Receipts aud Expenditure, and drew attention to the follow- thg points of intevest :—
Subseriptions differ by only 5/+ from those of the pretense year, Proceeds from sales of Victoriun Naturalist hav increased-from £2/7/9 last year, to £21 this year, owing to the zealous efforts of the Hon, Libranian. Wild Mlower Show profits, £115, as campared with £107 last year. Various economies have brought about a reduction of £91 for the year in the cost of the Naturalist, and of £12 i general printing,
The Statement was received and adopted, on the motion of Messrs. G. Coghill and E. Hodgson.
Mr. Hooke moved a vote of thanks to the Auditors. Seconded by Mr. H. B. Williamson, and carried.
RLECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE,
There was OY one nomination fo the office of Presi- dent, and Mr. Geo. Coghill was declared duly elected, Mr. A. E. Keep asked that his name be removed trom the list of those nominated as Vice-Presidents. The ballot resulted in the elec tion of Messrs. F. G. A, Barnard and BE, EB, Peseoti, F.U.8. The following (unopposed) wore declared duly elected :— Hon. Treastirer, Mr. A. G. Hooke; Hon, Librarian, Dr. C, §. Sutton; Hon. Editor, Mr. ©, Barrett, C.W.Z.8.; Hon, Seere- tary, Mr. C. Oke; Hon. Assistant Seeretary and Librarian. Mr, U. B. Williamson, F.L.8. Messrs. Hughes, Lambert and Pitcher requested that they names be withdrawn fram the ist of menibers nominated for the Committee. The bailot was then taken, and the following were elected :—Messrs. F Chati- wan, ALS. ©. Daley, B.A., F.LS., J. A. Kershaw, BP R, WwW St. ‘John and ¥. B. Wilson, FES.
Mr. A.J, Tadgell moved that a hearty vote of thanks be aceorsed to the officers and committee for their lahonrs. dur- ing the past twelve months. Seconded by Mr. A. L. Seott, and carried.
Boranice GAagpens—Mr, Ff. G, A. Barnard moved '* That this Club views with alarm the proposal to alienate portion ot the Botanic Gardens for the purpose of a tramway, and (lesires the Committee to forward a strong protest ta the Minister for Lands, and the Town Planning Commussion- Seeonded by Mr. Oke, supported by Messrs. Pitcher and Searle, and carried-:
Trel Meld! Naloretinn Olnvb—Proceedings sb
Srucuan Mreute.—The following minute was' read, and adopted with acclamation——'‘That the Committee and iwembers ofthe Field Naturalists’ Clob of Vieforia. desire ‘to’ plave on tecord in the minutes of the Club their hearty wppraciation-or the continued ad: efficient’ services of their fellowsmember; Mar. FL G. A. Barnard, in! various“offieés of the Club during iD yours of loyal and ative membetship, and especially in connection with’ the Editorship of J’he Vielorion Naturalist, in which responsible offiee Mr, Bamtard has, unselfishly given 32 years of cupable and distinguished service. The general wish is expressed that Mr: Barnatd may be long spared to continue his interest and career of usefulness m the Club’s werk.’’
Apprrss—An address on ‘The Lite and Work. of Hain von Mieller’’ was given by Sir Baldwin Spencer, to mark the centenary of the birth of the Baron. My. G. Coghill pra- posed a vote of thanks to Sir Baldwin far lis most. mterest- ing address. Seconded by Mi. TH. B. Williamson, ancl) ear- ried with seelamation.
Mrs. 1), Coleman and Messvs. F. Pitcher, A. D. Hardy, J. Seurle and WB. Williamson spoke briety of Baron yous Miieilery and his work,
ANNUAL REPORT,
The Hon. Seeretary, Mr. GC. Oke, ruad ther forty-filth Aina Report, 1924-25, as. follows ;—
“To the Members of the Field Naiwyalay Club of Vie- tovia. r
“Yadies and Gentlemen—
‘*In-presenting the forty-fifth report, for the year ended April 30, 1925, the Committee desires to thank members for fle hearty support received from them during the’ period; and to congratulate them ou the continued success of the Chab:' Daring the year 20 ordinary, 2 country and 2 associate members have heen elected, while'the resignations number 14, and 4 deaths lave oeenrred, feayink a total mem- bership of 244.
“With deep revret, we have ta record the deaths of four mentbors. Mr. J. B. Walker, who died in Tone from injurics he reerived in a street, accident,’ at onc time regularly attended onr meetings, but of late years very seldony appeared, As our printer, for many years; he displayed great interest in ihe Naturalist, and spared ‘himself no
Bz, Fletd Nutwratists’ Club—Proceedings yet
trouble to give usa first-class journal. The death of one of our associate members, Master §, J. Walker, wha was developing a love fov natural history. also ceeurred in June In October, Mr. T. B. Thorn, a member of the Committec, died after a very short, illness. Mr. Thorn was well known to members as a collector and a student of butterflies and moths. He was an enthusiastic worker tor the Clib’s good, whose loss we much regret. Also, in October, the Club lost one of its oldest members in Mx. GR. Hill, who was elected in 1884, and had agted us fu member of the Coniinittee for two years. q i "The, monthly. iaabiiian have been held regularly, aiid have been well attended, as usual, the average attondance bemg 50-60 members and friends. Whirteen papers have been read and, three lectures delivered, all both interesting
and instruetive.. They were contributed by the followmg —
members:—Dr. W. MacGillivray, Messrs. J; C0. Goudie, P. F Morris, L. B. Thorn, C. Daley (Presidential adldvess and pupers), A. J, Tadeell, ¥. Pitcher, J. Stickland, J. tL. Harvey. A. L. Scott, B, EB: Pescott and GC. French, Jun. and C. W. D'Alton. The most of the papers have been put lished in the Natwedist, Tt is a pity that thove diseussion does not follow the reading of some of our papers, as nothing’ could add more to the eeneral interest. of a paper than to hear it disenssed by members having, perhaps, divergent views on the subject.
“The excursions ave as popular as ever, and most of theni hive been very well attended. A number of short Saturday afternoon tripe have been made to places atound the metropolis, and whole-dayv trips to Hurstbridge, Beaconsfield, Wandin, Brisbane Ranges, Mornington. Ferntree Guily, and Clematis; more extended trips’were those ta Bendiga aud Wilson‘s Promontory:
‘The annual Exhibition of Wild Flowers was held in the Melbourne Town Hall on Tuesday, October 21, and’ was opened by Sir James Barrett, Although it- was rather late in the season, a very fine display of flowers was staged hy a number ‘of ¢apdble workers, to whose energy the success nt the showy was due,, The Committes desires especially to thank all who helped on that oceasion. The financial result of the show was a profit of £118, and of this amount £55 was viven to the Vietorian Bush Nursing Association. In returning thanks for the donation, the Association invited the Club to
\ a Aida Notwratists’ Upbo—Frocestiay 53
nominate two members as Lite.overnors: at the: Association, ‘and the Committee has nenpjuiltan sep Mrs), Coleman aid . Miss AL Fuller, . i ' we mres oh . “This always « pleasure torsee ovr miembers* names in the University, Graduates’. List, and this-year we Have to con. eratulate Mix P. Cy, Morrison on. taking thie degree of, Master at Science. a -t i
“' The forty-tirst, Palate of The: Viétorian Naturalist has “been completed, and once: again the Club is greatly indebted to Mr. F. G. A. Barnard for the capable way in which he has edited our. journal. To-the regret of everyone, Mr. Barnard tendered his resignation as Hon, Editor, in February, as from the end of Vol, XLY. Although very Joth' fo accept the resignation, the Committee recognised that, as Ma. Barnard had done more than bis:shaie for the Club, it was only right that he should be relieved of the editorial work, after 32 year's’ seyvice, At the Murch ordinary meeting Mr. C. Batrety Was noninated as Editor. No other nomination wag received, ind My. Barrett was declared unanimously elected
~The Committee had under consideration the high eost of printing the Naturalist, and as the printers eould not reduce their charees, it. was decided to obtain quotations from several
“other firms. As a résult, in September the printing of our journal was transferred ta The Ramsay Poblishing Pty, Ltd. The cost of producing the Nebwulist. pow is lower than hitherto.
“Your Conmanittee has given its. eo- operation to several
measures for the ‘preservation of our fauna.and: flora in various loealities throughout the State.
The Hon. 'I'reasuren reports that the: receipts for the year ‘amounted to £399, and Bhi expenses to £387, leaving a ovedit balance of £62,
“The Hon, Librarian edna that he hag thoroughly ovel- jauled the Libyary, rearranged it, and brought the card cata- logue up 16 date. Efforts to fill the numerous gaps in our files haxe met with such success, that, with very few excep tions, the sets of publications being received, by as are now aotiplete. In all, 201 twissing volumes and parts have been obtained. Only 27 of these wert purehased, at a cost af £6/5/-. The renainder huve been donated; aud the very best thanks of the Club are due to the vations Societies concerned for their generosity. The sum of £10/15/6 waa spent in bookbinding, but a piuel greater amount niust be devoted ro
ba Field Noturalioss Club—Proceedings ghey, this -purpose, before even the mare inyportant literature on our shelves is bound in volumes,
‘The Committee desires to express its thanks to J Mews, Covhill and Haughton for the use of rooms for Conmittee nieetings, The attendance at the fourteen Committee nivet ings held during the year ‘has been as follows —Messrs, Searle and Oke, Dr. Sutton, 14; Mr. Willamsgon, 13; Mr. Stick- land, 12; Messvs.' Meagan Rodda and Wilson, 10;, Messrs, Cudmore and Daley, 9; Messrs. Coghill, Hooke, and St. John (elected in November), 7; Messrs. Kershaw (away through iluess) and Thorn (died in October), 4; Mr.. Bar- rett (elected in Mareh), 3.
“In conclusion, your Committee desires to express its gratification at the way in which its efforts on behalf of, the Club have been supported by the members, and trusts that the game support will be given to the incoming Committee.
“On behalf of the Committee, (Signed) J. SEARLE, Prusidert. “C. ORE, Hott, See.*? ENHIBITS.
By Mr. J. W. Audas, F.G:8—Works by Baron vor Miiel- ler, and six speeics of Australian, plants described by his during the years 1853-5: Grevillea confertifolia, G. uiehorii, G. pterospermi, &. Miqueliuna, Hokea rostrata, and Banksia ornata.
By Ma. BF. G. A. Barnarvd—Pauphiet; Reprint from stra Essays on Avstrolian Vegetation, 1866,"" presenta- tion copy to Sir George Stephen; lecture delivered ut the Pyblie Library, 1871, on Forestry, by Dr. Von Mueller sand personal letter from hina.
By Mr. Geo. Coghill—-Letters from Baron vou Miieller. 4884-5; also plants from Phillip fslanicl identified by the Baron, in hig own handwriting, 1886.
By Mis. kk. Coleman—(1) Collection of farns niade by Baron von Miieller. in the possession of Misy D. Kidd. St. Silda, (2) Flerostytis vittata, fronyv Black Rock, ey 6/25: (3) Corysanthes «bicelearata, from “Healesville, 15/6/25: (4) Water-scorpion, with two discarded’ skins.
By Mr. F. Chapman, 4.0.8.—Hoakea laurina, growiw at Balwyn, on silurinn mudstones; tree about cight years old.
By Mr. ©. Daly, B.A, E.L.8.—Two portraits -of Baron Yon Miiellery. and works, by the Baron, from the National Herbarium Library. i _
Apy ; Field Naturulists' Clib—Proceedings 55
By Mr. E. BE. Peseott, FW.S.—Portrait of Baron von Miieller, 1865, photograph of Manrice Heuzenreeder’s shop, in Adelaide, in which the Baron worked; letter from Becker, the explore:, written to von Miieller, 9/3/60; von Miieller‘s list, in his own writing, of his last exhibits at the Jield Naturalists’ Club, September, 1896; letters (1696) from the Baron to Mr, C. French, Jun.; and other items.
. By My. J. A, Kershaw—Ringed snake (Purim ecct- petalis), swallowing Blind Snake: from Pachewillock, Vic- - Loria.
By Mr. Ek. MeLennon—Private interleaved copies of the Jast-and second last editions of Baron yon Miieller’s Selec! Extra Tromcal Plants, with annotations and emendations. The lasi set of annotations has not been published...
By Mr. V. Miller—Double ‘‘Coco-nut’’ or Coea-di-ia. Lodiacera seyehellensis: also. cut and unew. stones from the Rareoo River, Central Queensland.
By Mr. A. &, Rolda— Bean pods and seamunts of Pan- danus fruit, from North Queensland,
By My, J. Searle—Photograph of Di. vow Mtieller as a young mati. ;
FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR. TWHLVEE MONTHS ENDING 30th ARETE Faal
Receipts, To Balance in Londvun Bank on Ist May, 1924 .. .. .. 2. £5 16 7 » Subscriptions— Town Members: Boy a Current year ..., .. £105 0 0 Arrears .- ..-. 4 17 12 6 Tn advance ., .- .. 412 6 Country Members: ‘ Current year... .. .. 17 15 #0 Arrears ., ene, 0) 5 0 0 In advance .. -. .. 2412 6 / Associate Members . . 012 6° ~ £153 & 9 » “Wietorian Naturalist’— ‘ Subscriptions . ., .. § 17 6G Cash Sales .. .. --. 21 9 10 Advertisements .. .. 4 0 0 Reprints Charged .. 3 2 10 _————— oy tf 3 » Donations to Publishing Fund .. 7 &§ O
Interest from Savings Benk and War ‘Loan , BONG a Fy ee a 11 =#69 4
aw
: ' 56 Field Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings pees
To Sate of .Club Badges .. 2. 2. 0. 0. 2k ea 0 5 O 3, Char-a-bane Bxcursion .. .. .. .. 2... 4 3 0 » Plant Census Account— : Sale of books in year .. .. -. ..4-.. 16 8 4 » Wild Flower Exhibition, Octo- ber, 1924— Ticket Sales .. .. .. £37 8 O Cash at doors. .. ., 83 1 0 Sale of Plants, Flowers and Refreshments . 68 2 2 169 12 39% 42 0 £405 8 7 Expenditure. By ‘Victorian Naturalist''— Printing ...-.-., ..., £164 5 2 Illustrating ew 4 . ' 17: 8 7 Wrapping, Despatehing ‘and Postage ,. .. . 1 6 Reprints—free .. ,... 2 710 O Reprints—charged . .. .. 1 3 0 -—_—_——— £200 8 3 » General Printing .-- .. 2. 2. 24 2. ee ee 11 14 «6 » Library Account—-. Periodicals and Books Purchased ., .. 5 1 6 , Rent of Hall, and Fee to Caretaker .. .. 13°10 0 : » Postage, Advertising, Bank CHOFERS: Insur- ance, and Sundries .. .. .. .. -. we ee 10 4 1 , Ohar-a-bane Excursion .. ., .. 2. 2. .s 5.10 0. » Plant Census Account .. .. .. .. .. .. 3°7:~*«O*SG66 ,» Wild Flower Exhibition, Octo- ber, 1924— Charges at Melbourne Town Ha rpms be, Pee £6 3 #6 (Hire of Hall. ‘paid in pre- vious year, £18) Purchase of Plants and Flowers .. 13 5 0 Printing and’ Advertising . 8 7 6 Cartage, Freight and Sun- dries .. .. 5 2 4 Donation to Bush ‘Nursing Association .. .. 5b 0 (OO (Balance retained in Funds of Club, £63/13/10) 87.18 4 , Amount withdrawn to increase Savings Bank Deposit to £150 38 10 8 Add Interest accrued .. 11 9 4 — —___. 50 0 @ | — £387 14 2 Balance in London Bank on April 30,1925 ...-.... 17 14 °~=«=5
"
£405 8 7
re Field Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings 57
STATOMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIPS ON 30th APRIL, 1925-
Assets.
Arrears of Subscriptions, £70/10/6, estimated to realise, say £50 0 0 War Loan Bond .... .. a. 5 SI 20 0 0 London Bank Balance... .... .. 0, 0. cs oe ee ee as 17 14 «#6 State Savings Bank .. .. rhowt st an. 160 0 0 Library and Furniture (Insurance Value) . F 130 0 0
Plant Census Account (difference between sost and sales of books) .... Dyer Dn Np ead pe an, LRT dy <8
Aceounts owing to Club—
Por Advertisements in “Victorian Naturalist” £4 10 0
For reprints charged .............. 8419 9 ~~ 6 9 9 ko44 68 (10
Liabilities. Subscriptions paid in advance .. ,. .. 6.4. -. 2 4. Ge k? 5 @ Balance of Char-a-bane Pund -. 2. 66 fu pe ee ee 5 6 O Outstanding accounts—Nil.
£12 11 @
Examined and found correct on ist June, 1925.
L. L. HODGSON j
J. R. LESLIE ; Hon. Auditors.
A. G. HOOKE, Hon, Treasurer,
NATIONAL MUSEUM NOTES.
Snakn SwauLowing Snakn—A Ringed Snake, Purenu occipitalis, recently forwarded to the National Musenm by Mr. G. Patullo, was taken in the act of swallowing a Blind Snake, Typhlops. When found, the head and part cf the Blind Snake was in the mouth of the Ringed Snake, but was disgorged. After capture the Purine again commensed tu: swallow its prey, and had already ingested the head and fore part of the body when it was killed. Both the Purine and Typhlops were of medium size. They were taken at. Pache- willock, Victoria, in February last.—J. A. KersHaw, Jurator.
Correcnon.—WNaturalist, May, 1925, p. 32, fourth line from bottom, ‘‘December, 1902,’’ should read Deceinber, 1892. . ;
5& Chakk, Ants of Victorin von uri
THE ANTS OF VICTORIA.
Jd. CGuark, F.0.8.
{Part 1.]
Probably the inost interesting, ancl neglected, yroup of inseets is the large family of ants, Fernicade. This great. continent. 18 very rich in large and peculiar speies, which. are tot found elsewhere, yet little or nothing is known concerning them, The habits aud life history of even onr commonest forms are nuknown. ‘This is the more unfortunate because, with the advanee of settlement, the natural bush, gradually, is becoming cultivated land, aid the’ ants, like tuany other native anunals, slowly, but surely, are cisappearing. Before it is too late, Tt would be well to learn all we can of these insects; even now, some species. which are very local, have heconie extremely rare. '
The diffientty*attached to the study of Australian aitla has always been the lack of popular literature on the sub- ject ; unfortunately, such literature does not exist. Most of onr anfs have been described in various scientific journals, published in German, French and Ttahan, To the average nature lover, these recards ave uninterestiug, since they are technical descriptions of the ants. They ave, of course, essential, from a scientific point of view, but make little appeal to one bent on the study of ants in the bush.
Books published in Australis contain very little concern: ing ants. The best of them is Australian Insects, by Wo W. Froggatt, puhlished in 1907. In 1905, the same zealous entomologist published a catalogué, with notes on a few species, of the Australian ants. Mr. H. Tryon, in 7888, pub- lished some notes on Queensland ants, in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland, To the Victorian Noteralist, in 1903, W. Li. Barker contributed... ood paper on Bull- dog Ants; F. P. Dodd contributed interesting "Wye to the same journal, in 1902. The most useful book on ants in general is that by Professor W. M. Wheeler, entitled Anis: Thew Structure, Development and. Belwenour. It is pub- lished by the Cohunhia University Press, New York, '"-5.A.
July , - \ : = 826, ChARK, Amty of Victoria aa
Some quant and weird stories, particularly in connection with our Bull-ants, will be found im literature published overseas. Sharp (1899) writes that the nests are “said to be sometimes five feet high.’ his surely must apply to Ter- inites” nests. Bull-ants will climb anywhere; and it is pos- sible that a stranger, secing huge ants on a high mound. might conelude that. they were the owners. Probably the quaintest story regarding our Bull-ants, is that recorded by Smith, in the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of Loudon (1861), from details supplied to him hy Mrs. Hatton, of Syd- ney, The “‘funeral rites’? of the soldier-ants ure deseribed. This has been dealt with in the Veretortan Neturalist, by Rarker.
1 have kept Bull-ants in captivity for some years, axd find that, far from showin sympathy with the injured, or the dead, they throw them on the rubbish-ieap, where gradu- ally they become covered in the mfuse fram the uest, Ts the bush, other ants would certainly carry suel Wodies to thei nests, and it is possible that Mis. Hatton noticed sone species of Camponotus, xeveral of whieh look much dike Bullauits to the casual observer, carry the dead Bull-dats fo them nests, which frequently ave ticicated only by holes on he surfaes of the ground, When food is being taken lo the nest im abundance there are generally a few ants around the enteanee; this may have suggested the ‘funeral, "’
In an article in Uhe Lntomologist (1865), B. I, Towne dealt with a number of ants seen and vaptaved dummy a two-months’ visit to Sydney, in 1862. Some of his nutes, ure good; but in several cases his obscrvations da not tally with those of Australian observers, In dealing with Myrmecia. gulosi, one of the commonest Bull-ants, he gaye :— “These ants are the most rapacious and numerous of Ass- tralian species; they climb trees in vast numbers, to allack the great’ Anoplognatha, which they pull dawn and bury alive jn the carth: although, in poit of bulk, the beetles bear very much the sane relation to the ante thal an ele- phant does toa man. J have, however. often seen thrae ante bring one of the largest to the ground in spite of all iis exertions. Thetwosting is very severe, bul the palit occasiuned is evanescent?’ ln dealing with Aap nieeia nigracmacla, he says: —'Vhis insect is remarkable for The leapea it takes in fanning, often jamping over a foot-of gronud al a leaps it also Jumps from the tranks of trees upon persois walking neu it, Tts sting is very scvere.’’
60 Cuark, Ants of Victori« Rasigh yi 5
Bull-ants do climb trees, and they will attack anykhing and everything that comes in their way, but why they should pull down and bury the beetles alive is a mystery that Lowne does not explain. There is no veason whatever for such action. From my own observations, these ants carry home every Inseet they capture; but the vietims, as a ric. are honey-bees, and other soft-bodied insects, taken to feerl the larva: in the nest. 1 have never known adult Bull-ants te eat aninal feod, they always prefer the nectar of blas- som ard the exudation of trees, shrobs, ete. Tn my artificial nests the food supplied is honey, sugar in various fortis, anel cake of all sorts. with plenty of water each day: algo at quan tity of mecets and caterpillars for the larve. Although ‘he adult Bull-ant is really a honey-caler, the larva: must have an ingect dint, or they will eak one anobher when elose together, Oy more than une oeeasion, when the food supply Was overlooked, T found that one larva had apparently: beet supplied as food to other two by the ants: anc several times weak, o1 injured, ants have been served to the larva, When the larvie have finished their feeding on the insect budy, tt remains are earvied outside the nest to the rabbish-hewp, Where, in the bush, they are promptly veroved by other ants. Thus, « Bull-ants’ nest very rarely shows siens of food rentains, either inside or ont,
Lowne’s observation, that these ants jump from trees on to a person, is quite correct, as tmoxt hush lovers know; hat the statement that the -haumper, wagrocinetit, can Jip uver a foot of ground requires verification. I have not seen one jump more than tour inches, and that is more thas hwiee the usual length of the Jamper‘s ‘‘leap.”’
Apart from the Bullants, there are many species thitt will reward study. such as the Uarvesting Ants, which eol- lect, and stove in their nests as food, seecl of various plants including grasses, Very little is known concerning ** Hau vesters’? in Australia. Tn other parts of the world, thare are Fungus-srowing Ants. ‘These insects strip the lIpaves aff trees to make the beds on which they raise the fungus. Sv far, this hahit has not been discovered in any Austratian species. 7 ;
The nests of most ants contain numbers of other ingeats, mostly beetles. Although numbers of these insects have been ‘collected in Australia, we possess only meagre knowledge eon cerning them. or the reasons for their presence ii) the nests
an Chauyx, Ate of Vieteria a7
with the ants, Myrmeeophiles, and their habits, offer a wide field to the entomologist.
‘he study of ants is most interesting, and entails very little exertion. Jt should appeal to those whose health cloes net allow of yigorous work in the bush, TH keeps the observer in the open, with his nund fully oceupied, so thar, life’s worries are soon forvotien, while a. store of valuable information is gained. Ants are numerous everywhere. They are easily kept in artificial nests, and make interesting pets. The food required by them is always at hand, and the nests are veadily mude; so that no one should experience much difficulty i keeping ants for observation at home.
At present a bare list of the ants found in Victoria would not be very useful, so 1 propose to give a detailed list of the various forms, with references to the literature, and notes where possible. ‘he Literature is very scattered; besides, much of if is now unobtainable avd deals only with the descriptions of the species. Tniclusion of references to fue literature is the more necessiry from the faet that Frog gatt’s catalogue gives only some 30 species as found in Vie- taria, whereas, thanks to my many entomologival friends, | have been able to see several times that number from (his State. Of course, it wust be borne in nand, that. a number of the early workers couvsidered “‘Aystralia’’? as snfficient indication of Jocality, so that many in Froggatt ’s list should be treated as Victorian. species.
The compilation of this paper has been reiudered possible through the assistance |, have received from cutomologists in Vietoria, particnlarly from Mr, J. A. Kershaw, through whose courtesy J have bee uble to Gxaimine the anis in the Nutional Moseun, Melbourne, and Mr. J. C Goudie, wha has gone to great, trouble to send me the ants ef North Western Vietoria; Messrs. C. Barrett, WH. W. Davey, I. E. Wilson, G. F. (ull and W. PF. Wi, have collected extensively, and sent me a considerable number of new and interesting species. Reeently Mr C. Oke has sent som interesting species; while to the enersy and enthusiasm of the Jate Mr. L. B, Thome I owe nueb valoable material uni information, | am greatly indebted to these friends for their
ABS ALAN EE Family FORMICID.. Sib-tamily DORYLLNAS, Leach, This sub-family is not at present represented Ti the tau of Vietoria. Only three species are recorded for the whole of
'
v7, ry pf 4 , View Nae, ho Ciank. Antes of Vietorid Vol Xb
Australia, and of these two are from Mackay, North Sptindita- land. and one from Lismore, New Sonth Welles, Sub- family CBRAP ACHYINA, B orel,
Wheeler, Psyche, vol. XXVII, 2:3, pi 50, 1920; Proce, Amer: Acid. Arts, Se,, 53, PP. 215. “Abn, VW
figs... L918. Clark, Jour. Roy. Soe, W. Aust., ia 1%, pt. 2 att 72-89, -10 figs.. 1923; vol. X, -75- 89. pls
VI-VEL, 1924,
'Mhis -sub- fumily ia well represented in Australia, nhow! two-thirds of the known forms having been described from this country. At present they are poorly represented in Vic- toria: Only four species have been found, and these had pre- viously beeti eeorded from other States. No donbt many more will be cdiseovered when the study of this interesting group is undertaken, by local entomologists.
Genus Eusphinctus, Emery.
Tn this genus the abdomen is elongate and ‘cylindrical. the segments dre separated trom each ‘othe by well-defined ennstrictiona:; the workers are eyeless, ot with very minute eyes. This yvonus contains two subgenera, based on the number of antennal joints, these in Busphinctus sistr. being 11-jointed, while in the other sub-germs, Nothosphinctus, they are 12-jointed. These are vare ants, generally fonnd in small communities, under logs and stones. Wheeler con- -siders that they ave hypouieie ; their nests and habrtfs cer- tainly suggest that they are so in Western Australia, where ‘L foind one colony foraging in the bush among half-buvied logs. At present very little is known concerning their habits. 4, Busermcrus Sremtnrny, Forel. Belgrave
(BP. TB. Wilson),
Sphinctomyrmex (asphanet iti) Steinheihi, Forel, Ann. Soe. Ent. Belg. 44, p. 72, 1900.9 (mee. # ); limery, Gen. Tosect. Fasc. 1g, p. 7, 1911= Prog watt, Agric. Gaz., N.S.W., p. 15, 1905, -
Sphinctomyrmes: (Busphinctus) fallux, Forel Ann. Soc. Ent, Belg. 44. p. 73, 1900, 3.
Casphinctus (Lusphanctus) Steinheili, Foret, Wheeler, Proce. Amer. Acad. Arts & Se, 53, 5. pp. 22H-228. figs. 1-2,°1918.
A specimen from Belgrave agrees perfectly With the deseription of this species, It is a small, veddish-hrown ant.
THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLII Jilly. 1925 PLAtEe IT
Sash - Ouann, Ante of Vietoria ag
barely- one-quarter of an inch in length. Tt has no traces of eyes, This ant is also fmind in Queensland, New Soutl Wales, and South Australia. .2. Buspainerus Svrmueiu, Forel, var. sepwieai, Forel Feritree Gully (FP. P. Spry). Sphinctomyr mex (Husphinctus) fallax, var. hed- wige, Forel, Rev, Suisse, Zool. 18, p, 21, 1910, 8 9; Eniery, Gen, Insect. Faso, 18, p. 7, 1911. Bull, Gab. Zool. Gen. Agrar. 8, p. 179, 1914. Sphinctomyrmen hednige, Forel, Froggatt, Agrid, Gaz. N.5.W., p. 15, 1905. Aust. Insects, p. 92, 1907. Busplinetus (Busplanctus) Steinheilr, var, hed- wig, Worel. Wheeler, Prog Amen Acad & Arts & Se., 53,3, p, 228, 1918,
Several examples of this variety, in the-colleehion or thy National Museum, were tonnd under stones at Fern tree Gully, by the lave Mr. TP. P. Spry, and noted by bins as rare, Tt js very elose to ihe preceding specins, unel, apurl from colour, which is more uniformly reddish, if is jot cagily distmenished from that. species.
Genus Phyracaces, Emery.
The ants of this genus are most interesting, and way be regarded as the Fovaging Ants of Australia, 35 species are known from all parts of the continent, but concerning: their liabits we have little information. Wheeler has published some notes on species from New South Wales, in his paper. published in 1918; and I have given a few notes ou Western Australian species. From the notes so recorded, it is svideit
_ that the members of this genus obtain the most of their food supplies by raiding the nests of other ants, and carny- ing off the Jarve: and pup to their own nests, where they ure served as food to the Pharacaces larvee.
In some cases the female ig fully winged, as ii post female ants; but in many cases the female is éryatoil, or worker-like, hardly to be distinguished from the workers except by her larger size. In other cases, the female tas the thorax fully developed, but bears no wings. Myen in the winged forms, the wing veination ts more or lesa obaolete Only two species have, so far, been found m Victor, and hoth were previously recorded fram New South Wales
8, Pryracaces varvaros, Wheeler. Rerntvee Gully (FP Sprv); Berconsfidd, Pelerave (FP, K. Wil aon).
li4 CLAagnk, Ants of Victoria ven schat
“Wheeler, Proe. Amer. Acad, Arts & Se., 53, 3, p. 257, fig. 15, 1918, B.
Clark, -Tour. Roy. Sos. W.. Anst., X. p. 83, pl 7, figs. 1-6, 1924.9 ¢. _
Thig species was originally found in New South Wales. but it-appeurs to be more abundant in Vietoria than in that, State. The male and female were described from the material collected by Spry at Perntree Gully; the types of these are in the National Museum. In his notes, Mr. Wilson says:— “This ant is very rare; found under stones.7' [fh 1s »w shining black ant. about a quarter of an inch in ieagth, with, the mandibles, cheeks, clypeus, legs, pygidium arid incisures of the abdomen dark red,
4, PHYRACACES SuNESCENS, Wheeler, Broadmeadows (C. Ole). Wheelet, Proe Amer. Acad, Arts & Se., 53. 3, p. 259, fig. 16. 1918, ¥ Clark, Jour. Roy. Soe. W. Aust., X, p. 87, 1924, 3
_ This species is shehtly larger than the last; and aasily distinguished from it by its greyish appearance, whiet ir receives fron the long, yrey hairs on the body. [t is black. with the wandibles, tips of the scapes, pyyichum aud parts of the legs eastaneus.
BLUEB-TONGUEHD LIZARD AND SNAILS.
Hearing a erunching noise under the floor of the veran- dah of my house at Maldon, I lifted some of the boards quietly and discovered a full-grown Blue-tongued Lisard. Tiiqua scimcoides, making a meal on snails, Helix asperse. which had affixed their shells to the hriek wall. ‘The tizard erushed the sheils with the greatest ease, dud ate the, with their tenants. In country districts Blue-tonzued tizards. and also the Shingle-back, Vrachysaurus rugasws, often establish themselves under the floors of dwellings, ete.; and it Ig a common belief (shared also by the writer) that houses thus ‘‘protected’' are shunned by snakes. Yet these hartm- less, interestmg, and useful reptiles sometimes are killed by persons who think that they are ‘dangerons-lookine, ™'— JC.G.
Wee. Prseorr, Two Autun Greenhuod Orchids 6h
MPOUNOREEAAUAEOUOLDAETUPHUDEAOROOROSSOPORRAAOOD RUAN EDUOGLENDRUUURTLON EN EGAUAURERU BODO, ONRE EELS
De aad
TWO AUTUMN GREENHOOD ORCHIDS.
By Wowarn i. Pescorr, B.S.
itt
ehbenseemesnebeedbadeaibiieas
vbeenhedereehiedenyratineeren
FLAME NA Pe Dra ccHetapbmenrtey ey Ter ere etd TP AR LI A EHEPIP RTT LCR EHT PUN AG UD COCOA HPS NENTERTORTED Tp CCECE PP ERI Hy abeaeora Ate eseaea ts eas encod eng,
The Greenhood family of orelids is with us all the year round. Hardly have the winter species ceased flowering. when the spring types are in bloom, then follow the sunymer forms, and soon those of the autumn mouths. None of the whole family has suffered from so much confusion as the Striped Greenhood, Plerostylis refleca, R-Br. Its variable character, especially in size of the flower, and in height also has been chietly responsible for this. Almost any low-growing, striped autuinn Greenhood, having a fairly large Hower, was classed as this species,
Indeed the Striped Greenhood ifself is variable, atid the southern Viehorian form is a slender, vather tall species, with a medium-sized flower. The type form is very short, not often above 3 inehes or 4 inches in height, with a wide and longs flower, quite out-of proportion with its total height. The type is well known in the Adelaide (S.A.) hills, but os nef common in this State, Our best-known Victorian locality tor the species was livar Lubeck, many miles trom Melbourne. 14, 1s, therefore, of great imterest to arehid Tovers to learn that, this watumn, Mr. W. A. Nieholls, a kkean orchir eoleetor, Lowid a large number of the type fomn of the Striped Greenhood in the plain county, a few tiles north of Melbourne. The planis were so plentiful that then rosettes of folidye literally cavputed the gyound.
Mr. Nicholls and his fellow-collectov, Mr. FL Bishop, are responsible for another, and ever more important, “find,” Collecting on the You Yangs, i April, 1923, they dis covered a Greanhooad, not previously obtained in this State, named Plevastylis trunmcola, Pity. Tt grows al Mittagong, i New, ‘Sonth Wales, and is figured im Fitegerald’s Ars- tralian Orchids. This species was found ti vreat numbers, all over the You Yanys. The plants grow among Rock Fern and Snowy Mint Bush: one patch was found right on the summit of a huge granite boulder, The plant is a few inches 14 height, los a large Hower, and narrow stem lenves. She Iabellain tapers fom points the flawer in ateaped brow,
ti Need jor Entomological Society ee
vreen and white. The two poiits of the veflexed sepale are long ancl thin: so slender in faet that they readily break off, and the proposed common name, ‘‘Brittle Greenhood,"’ has been suggested on that account.
fa regard to the speeifie name, Fitegerald says:—‘i have named this species on account. of the pecuhar truneate form of its dorsal ‘petal’’; that refers to the shortening of the eentral portion of the “'hoad.’’
The illustrations (Plate II) show these two species, tutural size. ?
NEED FOR ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Tn Brisbane at Entomologieal Soeiety has bean formed. Should there not be one for all Australia? [ thinic it is needed. ‘Phe Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Unisn tad smal) beginnings; now i, vanks with the Unions overseas, hav- ing a large membership, and a. journal highly valued by bind students. everywhere.
An Australian Entomological Society would, 1 am cou fident, meet with gradual success. Entomologists may not at present be numerous in the Commonwealth; but a. Society would stinnilate interest in inseet life, and the field is wide enough for hundreds of workers. Perhaps our frizads in Arisbane would be willing to consider an extension of their field, to admit ty membership naturalists in all the States. and make the new hocdy the Entomological Society of Aus- tralia. ‘The move would surely he weleomecd by then inter- state friends.
The Brisbane Society is alwost a pioneer. Onty onee hefore, T believe, has an institution of the kind existed in Australia. In 1865 the intomological Society of New Sonth Wales was founded. Its life was short: for atter the pub- lication of two volumes of Transactions it hecame mereed into the Linnean Society of New South Wales. Its members included Sir Wilhini Macleay and the Rev. R. L. Kine. The ‘Transactions ave much songht after by Australian entomo- logists, as they contain valuable papers, such as Mneleay’s on the Inseets of Gayndah, and Kine’s on Prelaphide and Sevdmenide.—F, FE. Wiison.
duky Morvingtan Nuturatigiv’ Clin a7
MORNINGTON NATURALISTS’ CLUB,
'o4 —_——~
The desive of the Nature Jover to shave his pleasure led fo the formation of the Mornington Naturalists’ Club. The writer calledia meeting of those interested in his prajeen. ‘Nhe Invitation was responded, to by five little girls, wand to thet a scheme was submitted. This was in October Jast; now we have a membership of move than 40 young nature students. The word field?’ was purposely omitted from our title, as much of our study is ‘‘marine.’” Our badge is the shell Sunetta excu- 4wite, Mounted on blue ribbon; members also wear a black sills neckerchief, whiah bears the monogram “°M)N_C. 7" in ved let ters. To pay tor the budve, ete., and any incidental expenses each member contributes 3d, per moth, Meetings for struction ond nrieroscopic study are held. atter school, cn week-day aftermoons. Talks on bine life. and other subs jects, have been given by several vositovs, jreliding Mise (Cooper, missionary from West China,
When the warmer dave came, und membershiy thereased we held our meetings on the beweh, datead of at the leader's house. The usual provramme was as lollows:—A awine. some collecting, impromptu talks, tea (with whieh teanbers caue provided), arranging of future teetings, ae exuursions, a game on the sand; and home before dark. Kur Lhe winter months new arrnngements were made, insteastion in relays at the Jeader’s house —different days for different siifpjeets.
‘Those interested in botany are colleetiiy for a ive harbariuwn; shells aid veological specimens are bemy added to a local eollection, of which the leader's private collection forms the nucleus, For general meetings the ase of the play pavilion m the school ground has been grated. lascarsions eebs been held at frequent intervals. Many Tiave been in (he district. others have takew os farther afield—two trips lo the top of Arthnr’s Seat, by moterwageon, two ourties to Moorooduc, one to Frankston, and two to Malbourne (the first. time with eight members, the second with 28), Members pay thei own fares, a liberal concession being granted on ihe railways. Several members are leaning to nse a tyie- avriter, aud are thus able to type the names on the folders for the herburtam, and on eards for the specimens in the other solleations.—Rey. G. Cox, Leader M.N.C,
88 ButLen, The Spider's Cording Machine eet
"
CHANT EDEN RmET ERE DPOCmnAT EAT EETHEDODONTITIVEACA ALIEN PPT Um EAH OT RD AN EAM OP ET ETCH TAATANSOOROTTEMONDSGRU ENN N CORSO I RUAETI PRMD AGH RAENEOT FOLD
THE SPIDERS CARDING MACHINE,
By S. Burure.
-
SO tHmmTEODONG ORD AHRAGOEED PTenee MMM RSET EEE E EE MED:
MnCrervaqspeewucnayaddceranecyaseOscusuearaqteyTenresyecccdrs psEp ate TbabaapbACAdd aed aranideeeedbdendivenevesbsbberenaeevedprnnti er
Many of the snares made by spiders ave ingenious. ‘They are all. spun from the silk ‘factory,’ situated on the thoor of the ahdomen, Silk of different kinds can be spun at. the will of the operator: the softest down, to eneirele the egyy, a waterproof covering for the cocoon, lines covered with a
Web of a Cribellare Spider. Family Dietynidae, Genus Amaurobius
viscid fluid, that remind one of bird-limed sticks, strang eables to suspend the spider (it has teen stated that four niles of this cable would weigh only one grain). Hackled siaring lines are the work of the carding machine, peculiar toa the Cribellate spiders,
One of our most comnion Cribellate species is the Blick Iouse-spider t is found almost everywhere. Outhonses und old fenees abonnd wilh its webs. It is placed by arachnologists in the faimly Dietynide. anc is named Annaurohius rabusius. The web is easily recoenised. Tt has # tubular retreat, and woven ont from this is the sheet, eom- posed of straight, parallel foundation ropes with the fluffy snaving line latd between them in a zig-zag fashion.
This species is less than one ineh in Jength; and, at first sight, appears. to be black. The strong legs are of a dark rfeh brown eolour. The front portion of the body, the eephalathorax, has a dark steel-iridescence, while the abdomen hears an inconspicuous pattern pocket, The’ cyes
Tee Birrvaet, The Spwer's Carding Machine 69 ure in two straight rows of four each, wnd some are of 4 pearly colour. A. robustus is a fine, well-pi'tomed spider, very active when on the defence. <A few years ago, at Black Rock, a rather formidable wasp was observed, teasing at a web, with the object of tempting the owner outside, and con- verting it into ‘“paralysed provendeor’’ for wasp larvie, yet unborn. Without hesitation, the spider emerged, ready for hbattile. The wasp, with Lightning. speed, darted forward, and I. expected to see the spider drop, fatally stabbed by a poisoned stiletto. Not so; the spider, raising itself, struck with the fangs, which just: missed the wasp as it flew from the scene. 1 waited patiently for half an hour, but the wasp «lid not return.
Amourabius robustus, like all other Cribellate spiders, has. a minute earding machine, which can be observed under the microscope, or a strong hand-tens. On the hind legs ouly, on the second last joint, is a. beantiful little comb. It rannot be mistaken, as the teeth are. as eyen as those of 4. toilét comb, This is the calamistrum (=a comb), ‘Touching the spinnerets, in front, is a small, oval plate, with a central division. This plate is really a spinneret. Highly magnified, it appears as a fine sieve; it is mown as the cribellam (=a sieve). The calamistrum and the eribellym ‘form the spider’s carding-machine.
When a blanket iy woven, iis surfaces are hard and rongh,, as thase of a bran sack. The soft, downy surface is prodiecd by passing it under a rotating drum, covere) with fine wire bristles, which tease out the surface. A somewha! similar result ix obtained by the spider with ia cardi machine.
The hackled suariny-line is spun through the sieve-plate The tao combs then attack this line, and tease out the threads, instead of having the elassy, rod-like nalure of the foundation Jos, it resembles a strand of frayed wool, and fins power ty enflangle prey, A fly that is eagyvht in it Nas small hope of escape. This line is laid in a zig-zag Manner between the euy ropes, and when this feature is visible on a web, you may be certain that the owner hus the comh anid sitve-plate just described.
‘
iy Notes from Kield Gad Study Yicb Abate
eesti bere banter NOTES FROM FIELD AND STUDY ?
Puget ndedysnbotedero eter ttn tntstosnbeteserttetedetetedentedaatetorbetveere b> VERN REPRODUCTION,
The method of reproduction of ferns from spores, familiar to all students of plant life. is recorded as having remained a niystery until it was first discovered by an eminent Polish Naturalist, Count Syuninski, in 1848. An additional method of extensive reproduction is by the development of new plants from creaping stems of parent plants. These stems, or rhizomes, are usually either closely under, or above, the surface of the ground. A farniliar example of this modu is to be found in the Common Braeken Fern. Other examples are readily observable in the Rainbow. Finger, Coral and Maiden-hair Ferns, A method of repro duction in some of our truncated, ov distinglively-stemmed, lative species, such as the King, Wishbone, Rough and Sul Tree Forns, is in development of numerous eraivns, for these, when carefully removed from the parent plant and treated. become well-established plants. Still another method. is by the development of young plants in the form of bulbils at the apex of, or along or at the axes-of the stems (rachis) of the tronds. Mother Fern, a native species, derives its hotanieal name, Asplentum’ bulbiferwn, from this habit o. veproduc- tion. Another, the Common Shield Fern, which is familar to vue fern lovers, adopts a. similar method. Although these bulbils may be removed and grown separately in pote or in the fernery, better vesults are ablaimed by pegging the trands heaving them to the ground, and allowing the bulbils to root. befove severing them from the parent. frond, The object. al this note is to draw attention to the reproduction m the ease vé the well-known Stughorn and Elkhorn Ferng of New South Wales ond Queensland. which many people grow in them ferneries. Tn addition to their ordinary method of reprodue- lion from spores, which they bear in large patches of suri on their fertile fronds, young plants ave borne tu attachment to the older ones, Are they as adjoming crowns to the parent? Ave they developed from the sheath of the pavcnt plant or from the root systen” Ave they developments froin the rhivomes? Are they hulbils, or may they adopt all these tvethads for their reproduetion §—F, Prrerer,
eee
*,
cr Notes from Field und Study rat
SWEFT MOTHS’ LARVAL LIFE.
The familiar large, brown moths, Perini fusdomavulali, Walker, that make their appearance every year, about May and June, - and, attracted by light, are porsistent ii Uieir efforts to get tireugh windows, belong to the fiaily Hepiutidw. All ithe members of this family, ‘eonmnduly known as Swift Moths, pass their larval stages bur rowing 1 timber, and some species, including Porina, specialise in the roots of trees. ‘Phe pupz ot Portiut, when ready. fo aniere, work up through the soil to the surface. Usually the skin ruptures when the pupa is only half above ground, and the moth is hberated.
Ty my garden, at Mast Malvern, some larve Black Wattles, Acicta mollisstina, ave, apparently, badly imtosted by this species, as 1 counted no fewer than 23 pup cases, either Projecting from, or lyine on, the ground beneath the trees. Juate one afternoon | saw a moth eseaping from its case. These moths emerge at the commencement of the raioy seuson, when the ground becomes soft. They would, douht- less, perish in numbers if their season for emergence were sunimer, since the ground would be too hard for them then. Sneh tragedies oceur in the beetle world, The grnbs of one common Cetonids, Bupocila australusic, Dou, whieh live in decaying wood, when about to pupate, econgtrae a rounded case, beautifully smooth mside and rough externally. Dur- ing a long, dry spell, | found a number of these cases at, Seaford. Rach contained a beettie, perfeet, but dead. The gases were very dry utd tard, urd, apparently, the beetles had been unable tn liberate themselves. This probably explains the fact that, during the suiniuer season, Cetonids. generally ave most abundant, after a day or two of rain— FB. . Wirsow.
HABITS OF A MALLEE WASP.
A small wasp belongine to the venus Bembex is common chasing the sumer in North-Western Victorian. Jt haw most engaging ways, dnd one outstanding characteristie, ta which it differs materially fron thist other species of wasps) it makes periodieal visits to its burrow, with food for its off apring. This appears to me to reveal a higher order of tntel- yence than is shown by a wasp that, after paralysing its prey, placing it m a burrow or prepared cell, and laying aij
72 Notes [rom Field wnd Study ee Mh eg upon. it, tvoubles no mores ‘Tlie devotion of the ever- busy, active, Benibex to its-offepring is, ii times, Charing td observe. The wasp shows a§ tach roncern, on returning ta its broken burrow, as do birds of matiy species when their eyes have-lven stolen. | wag particularly “captivated by. the salici-
Adtde tor her offspring, and the utter disiegard tor ‘how awn
safety, displayed hy one wasp, whose’ burrow IT was exanine
ing, As.T excavated with the point of a knife, she did her
itindst to fill in the broken tunnel, her tiny forelegs work- ing foverishly. T had to push her aside’ several times as | Worked, Though in search of knowledge, T was tempted to let the insect.win the day. The pupa is now lonsed in w pill-
box. One summier’s day it will emerge, und when T have
satisfied my curiosity, and further enriehedl my tute-book,
_, Young, Bembex will have the freedom of the sands.—b.G.tt.
tain Tt a
“BILE BATULIE"—A PET OPOSSUM. | !
For nearly 13 yeut's « Silver- grey, or Comemnon, Opossunt f'richosurns ‘vulpeculu, has lived in. captivity. His mother was killed by dogs, and he was taken from her pouch, AN
-.sott; pink‘and grey ball of fur, with bright, bead- like eyes,
Jie har diy filled the ep ot rey hands when pr exerted te me. We had been reading the late Mrs Bilis Rowan’s book, (' Bill Balllic:'? ad the name of her animal hero was bestawed wpuD fhe neweomer. ' :
' On pet was xa young that it BéedsTio a probley't. liaw to feed him. ‘Che’ problem was solved by suaking one ent of a strip of funnel in mill, im a saneer, and viving the other end to '' Bill Baillia,”* He quickly drained the saucer. Later he was fed From a teaspoon. No wild creature ean be per- feetly contented in captivity; bat our apessum beeame so tame that we vealised that freedom, would: mean for him almost certain destruction by dogs. So a large, wire-netted ouclosure was provided for hint, with as much “* wild’? com- fort as possible. There he has lived, since L913, apparently quite happily, during the most of the time: oceasionally We have been conscious of a dumb pleading for. freedors, ane have almost vegretied that we gave ‘Bill Baillie’ the chance of Life in his mfaney, Fle: has ‘heen fed on gum leaves, fruit. vegetahles, wuts, thistles, dock leaves, sorrel, and bead and milk, ov bread and jam. Lately he has shown sims of ageing, his appetite is still good, but he is less active, ancl
yi Nates from Field and Study 73 spends more time now in his giass-lined box. He has just returned from a fortnight’s “‘holiday."’ He had been ill, so we took hin with us to TTealesyille, ‘The change has almost vequvans uted hin, He showed plainly his pleasnre. at. being back in the old. quarters.
Onv experience will deter us from over again caging a wild creature.’ Though ‘“BilJ,’’ doubtless, has lived longer than he would have done in freedom, and enjoyed more eon- fom, too, L think ‘that he would have preferred life in the bush, with all its dangers.—E.C. ;
OUR ONLY POPPY. . :
In the Kew Bulletin, No. 4, 1905, d. Hatehiuson (Con tribntions towards a Phylogenctie Classification of Mlower- ing Plants, V’?) remarks on the paucity of the Papaveracen in the Southern Tenisphere, and refers to the only repre- yenative mm South Africa as Papave aculedtun, aud to owe one species as P. horridwm. "The three chief aveas of con- centration of this family are in California, whence comes Eschscholtzia, the eastern Mediterranean and Western China, the home of so iaty lovely Meconopsis, among which is Tar- yat's ‘beloved Celestial Poppy,’ with flowers of every shade, trom -pure white through all tones of azure, mauve and hlae ta clean pink. Tu the same Bulletin, Braid revises the Alphitonias, a genus of the Rhamnacex, ranging from Borneo to Hawai, and from the Philippines to northern New South Wales. He recognises five Australian species hitherto Jumped in A. excels; this is. well known aa a valuable tree yielding fine timber, good tanning bark and foliage useful us fodder. ‘he leaves, it 18 interesting to note, froth in water, probably from the presence of saponin, and ave used by local- school ehildren to clean mky fingers. The bark from young shoots, especially of A, Petrie?, has a strong odour of sarsa- parilla —C.8,8,
A USEFUL GRASS.
Tn the Journal of Hcology, January, 1925, appears an account, by F. W Oliver, of the grass Spartina Vownseidti, which somewhat miraculously made its appearance in the sheltered waters of = Southampton, more than 50 years ago. Sinee then if has exteniled its range for nearly 20 miles on cach side of the Tsle of Wight, and has appeared also on the
me) Notes frome Meld mud Study hv sed
French coast opposite, where it has spread even more quickly and widely. This grags is described as being better fitted for the reclamation xd stabilising of maddy foreshoves than any other in the world, and it is iwell worth the” eon- sideration of our port. anthorities. ‘he normal habitat of Sparting is soft, tidal mud, extending not, further than three feet below high-water mark of spring tides, where it ousts Zostera nana, when this exists, anc even overwhelms Sew pus mearthimus on the landward side. Colonisation conmences by the appearance of little seattered tufts in the soft mud, avisinz from seed. These extend by creeping stolons, which become anchored by long, unbranched. roots, going as deeply as four feet, and by tufted, bre wehed roots near the surface; especially concerned with nutrition. The tifts. which veach a height of two ov three feet, in time coalesee. the surface is vaised by silting, the mud eventualls
consohdated, and meadowing results. As a fodder the Spar- fine | is relished hy heasls of all kinds, and it ig cut and stacked for their winter use—C.8.5,
GIPPSLAND PERCH AT RALRNSDALE,
While fishing on Faster Monday, above the waterworks, Bairnsdale Water Supply, ny younger son and 1 hooked eight Gippsland pereh, Perealetus fluvidtelis, Stead. All were small, one being only 84 inches in. length, and the others 10 inches, or a little over. From the angler’s point of view the catch was disappointing, buat ag the small size of those, Ox: amples points to the possibility of the species breeding in the river, the matter is of great interest to those concerned in the preservation of our indigenous fishes, Unfortunately, nothing is known as te the breeding habits of this splendid fish, admirahle from both its sporting and edible qualities.—: qr. C.
HOUSE-FLIES AND BUSH-ILIES.
In references to the menace to public health and the almost intolerable annoyance caused by flies, in our cities, suburbs, and canntry districts, two distinet species are almost invariably confused, Few diseriminate between the eammoat House-fy, Musca domestica, and the so-called Bush-fiv. MW. vetustissimét. Both are exceedingly abundant, and }oth are
a Revision of the Hucalypts 75 widely distribnied, the former throughout the temperate and tropical regions of the world, the latter throughout this continent and in India. The habits of the one ave too dis- gusting and too well known to require mention here; those of the other, if objectionable in the extreme, can be enumerated only m part for want of more precise know- ledué.
The Wouse-fly is pre-eminently a denizen of our dwellings, yards, food shops and restaucants, Its abandunee, or scarcity, during the summer and autumn months, is determined by the amount and nature of the filth to which if has access. Wire-gauze would be a drug on the market, imstead of a costly necessity, if our munieipal enactments were sinetly enforced.
The Bush-fly prefers open spaces—suburban streets, gardens, heaches, grazing lands, forests and plains, and even the arid interior of the Continent. It rarely enters houses, und ig never geen on exposed food indoors. It is not dependent upon filth for its existence, and is as abundant in uninhabited territory, plains and tablelands of the interior, and the islands of the Kimberley Coast, as it is In our popu- lous seaside resorts. Very little is known of its breeding habits, but it is safe to say that its numbers would not be materially reduced by the application of regulations designed for the control of the House-fly.
GF...
REVISION OF THE EUCALYPTS.
he sixtv-fourth part of Mr. J. H. Maiden’s Critical Revision of the Genus Eucalyptus is devoted to the daserip- tion of the seeds, commenced in the previous part. As with every other feature in the species of this genus, there is great diversity in these. In size they vary from 4 to 16 mm, long and from 3 to 7 mm, broad, the smallest being derived from FE. dealbate and the largest from 2. calophylla. Tn more than 100 kinds the length does not exceed 2 mm.
Though there seems to be no constant correspondence between size of seed and capsule, those of 2, Raveretiana for example, with the smallest fruits of all, being as large as those
76 Revision of the Bucatypts peyeet
of ony Woollybutt, 2. longifelias generally speaking, the large forest trees appear to have the smaulest fruits and seeds, and the scrubby, dry country species the largest, Ln dealing with their vitality, Mr, Maiden states he has no difficulty in getting germination up to 30 years, though Professor A. J. Hwart “and De, Cuthbert Hall were not so sueeessful, the latter fail- ings to raise seedlings from material older than 185 yeara.
fsuuly the sterile seeds, which serve the purpose of pack- ing, onthumber the larger and darker fertile ones. In the Bloodwoods thete ave only one of the latier and a few of the others in eavh cell, but the nombers in other species ave not Bivett,
[In grouping the seeds into a score of so at series Vir. Maiden has regard to the preseuce of a wing or membranous Trjmec, its extent and position—this feature is most pro- Nouneed im the Bloodwoods—the shape and sculpture, tlie position of the tilum. the eolaur, from light brown to jet black, anid te the nature of the surface. of the testa, which. may be smuuth, striated, pitted or scurfy.
Et owill be news to many that when i sore straits, perhaps only In bunies when even grass seeds and nardoo fail thom, the seeds of at least onc species, a Coolabah, F. bicolor, serve as facd for the uatives of West. Central Queensland, who pre- pare them mueh m the way they do the sporocarps of the Muarsilen.
Tf, is now 22 yeara since the appearance of the first part ot Mit. Maiden's maga opus, and the completion of it is not yet, though it seems to be within nicasurable distance. 'Phree years ago, when part 53 was published, he was of opinion it would take at least 65 parts to deal with the total of perhaps 350 species and to contain all the material required to do adequate justice to his. subject.
However, there ave still more species to be deseribed. 2rr- racoppinensis, Blozsomet and Staert are noticed, which will bring the namber to 336, and no doubt there are others The seedlings, too, have yet to be figured, and, lastly, there is ta come the enormous key which wag his main object in engaging in his formidable task. and will be its fitting and triuinphant etumination, "It is therefore likely that the estiniaté; at least in regard to the number of parts, will be considerably vexcveded,
S88,
Cie Victorian Naturalist
Vou XLII—No. 4. AUGUST 7, 1925 No. 500.
FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Clib was held an the Royal Society’s Hall on Monday evening, 15th July, 1925, The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, occupied .the ehatr, and about fifty members and friends were present.
ELECTION OF MEMBERS.
Qu 3 ballot being taken, the following were duly elected aug members of the Club:—As ordinary members: M's. Geo. Coghil, 17 Monomeath Avenue. Canterbury; Mr 8. I. Mann, Caramut; and My, A. R. Mills, LL.B. 430 Little Collins Steet, Melbourne. As associate members: Muster Colin Weith Wraser, Gharles Strect, Kew, and Master Ronald Tan Wallace, ¢/o Prof, Wallace, New.
GENERAL BUSINESS,
Mi. F. Pitcher moved, “Phat this Club protests against. the proposed desiauction of the trees in Victoria Parade.’ Seconded by Mr. A, EK. Rodda. Messrs. MeColl, I. G@. A. Barnard and .A. D. Hardy, and the President, took part in the discussion that followed. The mation was carried wuans-
niousl yr. PAFERS,
1. By My. Jd. GC. Goudie—‘Notes on the Coleoptera of North-Western Victoria,’* Part XIU, he anthor dealt with beetles belonging to the families Brenthidw, Anthribide, and Cerambycids (several very fine and rare species of Longi- corns were included in the list).
Messrs. C. Oke, D. Best and Hardy diseussed. the paner.
2. By Ma. T. & Hart, M.A.—: The Victorian, Species of Cassytha.’’ The author deseribed the. differences between the five species, thei range, and habits. The paper was dis- cussecl Ixy Messrs, 17. B. Williamson, Hardy, Pitcher and the
President. ‘ EXHIB,
By Mr. J. W. Audas, F..8.—Specimen of Cassythus paaroudate.
By Mr. (. Daley, BA, F.L.S.—Views of Californian Alligator Barn.
By Mo. J. C. Goudie—Case coutaining species of Longi- corn beetles (Cerambyecide), from Sea Lake, Birchip dis- trict, Victoria, in ilustration of his paper.
78 Milk Nutwratists! Cliv—Lyoceedings . Pbhses
By Mie. J, A. Kershaw—WNictilus pompiltus, found on Three-mile Beach, at National Park, Wilson’s Promontory, hy Mv. (W. H. Ferguson, May, 1925. A trvost wnonetal oeaurence.
By Mv. V, EL Miller—Wattle Seale, Lecamiuns bucoulune.
By Mr. GC, Oke—T'hree species of Victorian Switt-moths, Porina australis, P. fuscamaculaty, aud Oncoplera wubrd- mid. The larvie of these moths. feed on grass roots,
By Nb. A. &. Rodda—Pyvomorphite (Chloro-phosphate ot Lead), from Queensland.
By Mr. f. EB. Pescott, P.LS.—Growing plant of the “ Wheat*” orchid, Bulbophyllum Shepherd, Wov.M., in flawee. Native to New South Wales and Queensland,
By Mr. J. Searle—Small Chaleid wasp, and ‘‘shell'! of aphis from which the parasite cmereed, (Shown woder microscope.)
By Mx. PR. ET. 8t. John—Herbarinne speetnens of (1) Adiantum capillus veneris (Lirm), Wnglish Maiden-hair Porn, Mt, Evelyn, 18th Pebruary, 1925 (new for Vietoria) : (2) Casuarina suberosm (Otto and Diet), vasuetar pended, the Drooping Sheoke, from Crankston, April, 1925; (3) Hueaypius phiehophylia (Fo vow ML), Weeping Cabbage (rim, fronr Frankston, April, L925; (4+) Baealyplus acervade (Hook fil}. Red Gum of Vasinania, Frankston, Sth Toby. 1925; (5) Lucalyplus acacieformas (Vean and Maiden). Red Peppermint af New South Wales, grown by Ma. Alister Clarke, Bulla, Vie. 1, 2, 3 and 4, cofeeted by exhibitor,
By Mi, A, B. Williamson, E.L.8.—Photoeraphs of large Dodder-laurel..
THE BATHURST BURR.
One of the troublesome weeds of Victorig, Nrndleiuan spinosmmn, is ubiqiitous, even being found wear Arizae Beach, on Gallipoli. Tt is gouerally considered to be a native of South America, and to haye been introduced into Souther Wurope between the years 1700-1750, Sermi-foasilised fruits have, however, now been found in Neolithic ceposits in Bul- varia. They have been carefully examined at the Royal Botanic Cardens. Kew, anc their identity established. The ‘fruits’? had been collected iu considerable quantily anil stared. as rf for use as food or fodder: The discovery wont indicate that the species existed In Fuvope lony before the date aecepted by Thellang (Kew ‘‘Bulletin.’’ No. 5, 1923).— AT.
‘=
axe Hani, Tho Vielorian Species of Cassydie 7
PUI DEROOLOUPOAN ELE R ADV AG HEER DUTT COHODHOD PDD AT RT RARAT ERUPT RA TAV EH OOME TENT UDPA PORTO TANTO DEED AGH CCAR DEED AMRA ATEN PHI RAH AN RTPA RA HANEE.
THE VICTORIAN SPECIES OF CASSYTHA.
By U8, Harr, M.A,
TONEEMANU ROO OASURDELEODOMBERURD/GUNURBONeRD OO PU NOEELEO TEI DANLELELES PAU ANGEANGAVERTIANAHAIOA PAID PRA SI OOPD RR ANDI OA@PARANOA PUPA RA AARANRT.
Oe
semmeaveroenripanienessanny
Br
Five species of Cussytha have been recorded as Vietarian, hat of these C. paniculata is given only as from the Hume River, and is therefore indicated in the Census as doubtfully Vietorian, The other six Austrahan species o¢eur in Western Austrvaha and the northern part of the continent,
Cassytha melantha, the Large Doddertanrel, and C. qlabella, the Tangled Dodderlaurel, are elearly defined apecies; but the houndary between the other two species (C. pubescens and C. pheolusia) seenis to be dovbtfal, Mie authority for CL plucolasia, Spiked Dodcler-laurel, is 1. vou Muller, Frugmenti Vo OS66). where it appears as a variety of OF paivientuta, or possibly a distinet species. The note muy be thus translated ——' Of thig (that is, pamtedeta) the variety plieolasit, unless by this name isto be weted a dis- tinet species, fron thea coast of Twofold Bay, is ut once to be reeounised by the rasty-tonoantose fruits.’ A bttle later there follows a note.on Co. pubescens, tdi whieh a variety, mucrosiuch ya, is mentioned,
Irom the onemal pole, GC. pleulasw would be expected to have fruits like C. paniculata, except tor the hairs, that is, vibbed fruits, (The tem fruit is used to include the suc- enlent part, not merely the matured carpel.) Bentham (1870), who would, na doubt, be at some disadvantage as regards the dirget observation of the sueeulent frnits, makes a Aistinelion ju the lenethenine of the spike, as well as in the shape of the fruiting perianth; so also Miieller, in the Koy to the System of Vietorian Plants (1888). Without frnit, any lony-apiked pubescens might be mereed in phmalast, Beuthant sixs that @. plveolusia is very near C, pubescens, differing fram it in wiflovescence, and perhaps an the form of its fruit; but he had not seen the trait quite ripe, Prniting pevinatls of Co ph@elasta are given as obo- vod, or pear shaped, those otf CL pubeveens asx globular.
Mitieller, in Native Plints of Wietorw Srecinethy Defined (1879), omits (. pleealasias possibly he doubted it us Vie- forian: pethapsy it is merged dy pubescens, Tf this is nota error in compilmg, it agrees with a hesitation io remove the variety macrostachyo From C, pubeseeus, for this variety is wundeybtedly Vietorian, as will appear helow,
80 Harv, The Victorian Species of Cassy thie wee at:
Having obtained specimens with stronely-vibbect and brownish tomentose fruits, at Hagle Poiat, near Bairnsdale, { concluded, from examination of the deseviption, that ‘these were typieal phealasin, At the same time I read of the variety macrostuchya of pubescens.
The fruita of C. prcbescens, as collectad at Black Rock, though variable in velation of width to heirht, showing both squat and relatively tall forms, are, ax the Baron expresses it in the Mragmenta, “gently-angled ;°? looked at end on, the departure from a cirenlar outline is slight, so that call- ing them globular is not misleading.
Through the courtesy of the late Mr. J. R. Tovey, T was able to examine the National Herbarium. specimens. and found there, in the C. pheolavia package, the following :—
A specimen labelled @. pubescens macrostackyva, trom Portland, one of Bentham's localities for C. phaentasia. T see no sufficient Treason for separating this specimen from tt. wuherncns. No friuits were seen, Elongated spikes are present.
Another, C. pubescens, shrubbery at the coast tear Briznton (1853), F von M. The' spikes have flowers separate in the lower part. Wo fruits. Brighton is one of Bentham's localities for PHaeokusier,
Another, O. pubescens on Ifelateneds, ab the Yarra River (186%), Dr. M, The shrunken fruit in (the packet do not show ribs. The flowers are mostly separate,
These specimens, though mtaiming C. pubescens labels. ave found with C. Pheolasia, indieating a partial acquiescenea in Bentham ’s arrangement; but it is not known to me when they were so placed. They represent C. pubescens, vat. nure- rostachya.
With these I tound two other examples, whieh are clearly the Baron’s pheolasia, namely :—
A specimen Jabelled “Heath ground, near the Womboyne, Drupe Sangular pyriform, brownish, hairy, D.M,, Sept, '60." This has with it a packet from the same loculity Heath grofind, near the Womboyne, Casiytha paniculata, ‘The date is before the separa- Uion of C. phueolasia from OC. paniculata. The dry ttuits show rths. and are brown-hairy,
Another specimen has two labels, “C. phaeotusia, Ferd. Mueller, Bast Gippsland.” and “Cassyta, Womboyne.” The buds ara dis tinally brown-hairy
The Womboyne River is.abmit 18 miles north of Cape
lowe, hence these examples wre not Vietorian. The speci- mens I have from Eagle Point, and other localities about the
“tue. Hawt, The Vietorion Species of Cassytiiu 81 Gippsland bakes, may be placed as OC. pleolasia in the wrigial sense, with these Womboyne speeiniens.
Trping thes t) the Herbarium C. pubescens packet, Nheve ure found C. pubescens, rocky hills near Swagport: a spike ov this shows niany poiuts of altachment of flowers: au elvhth of an ineh, or perhaps more, opart. Also, C. pubescens, R.Br. var. diuisa, Mt. Lofty Ranges, at thu Cutaruct, B.M., '$9; and another Jabel which, translated, reads ''C. pubescens, Mt. Lofty. Bruit opaque, green, very gently six-angled, with an. umbo at the apex.’’ (1 have trans- Jated Latin labels when such occur.) hese may he placed with van. mucrostachya. 1 have not found auy other referunce Lo var, devise.
L then proceeded” to look for long-spiked Co pytescens On low shrubs east. of Black Rock (Khden’s Park), (. piubes- Lveus was in gveal abundance, all plants noted having the lapieal short-spiked jnflorescence, On search in tall lea tree Lorther south, on the incr side of the Beach Road, apikes 1.9 to 2.7 mehes long were found. The fruits were all referable to pubescens.
I. have also found elongated spikes in, Melaleuca sernb at Storveby, and while one pateh had the aspect, on a general view, of a pateh referred ta phaolasio at Kavle Point, and possibly sume fruits were a little more angular, T sia io sufficient, reason to remove the Scoresby specimens from CG. pubescens. Tu should be noticod Vhat the hairs, and often par ‘yea ‘eddish fruits, in C. pubescens wre quite distinct froin those ot phvolavia. In pubescens, the skin colour of the fimit shows through, with minute, scattered hairs. Tn phetolirsia the hairg are denser and brownish.
I have come to these conclusions :-—
That typical GC. pheolusia, P.xv.M., is that form in whieh the fruit is strongly angled, or ribbed, and has a rnsty fementan, Tts frais are distiner in form from those of C pubescens. The National Herlarium, specimens seen by me do not show fas Victorian, but it vecars freely about the Gippsland Lukes. TFagle Point is, so tar, the most inland locality, Shady eonditions may he F Pavcinvable to the elon- gation of the spikes.
As vegards hosts, a few of my notes nention Weak attaah- ments to certain species, and it is not anlikely that. tle para. site flourishes more on some plants than on others. Stact- ing from the soil, the plant is less likely to grow in eulti- vated lands, where it may be destroyed before permanently establishing self. Attachments lo introduced plants ave, therefore, inainly to be expeeted where these pluats have aay
$2 Bart, Phe Vietorian Species of Cassytha yank. Sas wild, or ave under somi-iatural plantation conditions. J have, however, a few examples of its oceurrence om introduced planis.
Mr. A, D. Hardy votes C. melantha on TWurze, Clea Kuropeus at Studley Park. [ have observed the same species on Willows, Sufta alba, on the Mitehall River, above Bairnsdale, but the attack was light conipared with that on the Zristania, from which it had spread. L have observed probably CG, pubescens on a pine, probably P. Larteio, at Creswick, attaching to the needles; and also on Blackberry, it Seoreshy, A Cassythu, doubtless the same species, | saw on Pittasperma. undulation, neds Mornington, atid €. glabellu, attached to a self-sown pine, near Frankston, the pine being stil] small ond amoug the low seb. *
Prof, A. J. VMwart has shown that. cotyledons do vot appear in the young seedling, aud that there is the vevy peculiar absorption of the store of inatertal in the weed by the tip of the shoot. Bentham reeords that the eatyledans ave distinet wat an uarhy sgtyve, though eonusolidated later, agsuming the appearance of a Heshy endosperm. The two cotvledons ean he found on examination, and on sevevul vaturnl seedlings there appear two minute sears, or marks, helow the first seale leaf, whieh may be the original points of attachment of the netyledous. On having laree cotyledons, the seed has & weneral character of the Lauracen.
The suceulent fruit ia clemvec from tha receptacle of the flower, the hard interior being derived from the carpal, and though the family is described as movocarpellacy, a sisxrayed character appears, ot least aeU in the sunumit of this havd portion. The marked. or gentle, sis-angled character. whew seen in the sueenlent d boc is PVeservilg of Agreeing with the six-parted porianth.
LT have taken several seedlings on two beepeoites in the southern part of Moomnunne, south-west of Bairnsdale. These were, no doubt, all Co melunthe, ander whieh they were found: though, as the fruit is probably taken by binds; thay were not necessarily from that particular plant, T have also taken natnral seedlings, either plcolaxia ov pubescens, at Bagle Point Park.
RYSOPSIS OF VIUTORIAX CASSYTHAS. Feust ollipsvid, ved or yellow; Howers in clusters; plant ewlabrons: stems and branches threadiike. CC. glibella. Fruit globular, green; spikes short or almost capitular ; > ! ° plunt glabrous, except the Mowers: stems and branches thick, CG. melrant lee.
She CHaraan, Notes on the Foraminifera RS
Fruit depressed, globular to ovate- globular, often with a , colour timee, very gently six-augled on careful mspuc- tion, minutely puberulent; spikes short or elongated; , plaut nore oO less pubescent; stems moderately thielc.. QC. pubescens. Fruit pear-shaped, mbbed at least in typical examples, dis- tinetly hairy: spike elonguted (? is it always elongated ealy) ; plant more or less pubesecit; stems moderately thick. C. phaoliusies. Fiuit ribbed, glabrous ov nearly so; spike usually eoneated, sometimes byanched; plant glabrous or nearly’ so. C. paniculata (doubttully Victorian),
jpnesnniianninemninnannuniniaaninnennininrtnnnainnnntnnnnannninnnnnnine z = = + 7 = H NOTES ON THE FORAMINIFERA, i = By BF. Oyaremas, ALS, i Fi FS Srvesannnvennancenseaaneaaccennvnnencccnaananeaacaenncsarenacaceeenenanacennagnaanacanenseccrnaccacesevaaccecsensaaccgnsassearnccesenye?
The study of that fascinating group of lewly animals, te: foraminifera, has of lute been brought to the fore by their increasing usefulness in the determination of the age of rock groups, and as coustituting indicators of former geographicul conditions. ‘They have been also useful in oil-finding, as evidenced by the establishment, in America, of at least two flourishing Bureaus for Foraminiteral Research.
The literature on the subject is enormous, but. that should aot deter any naturalist from taking up the atudy of these little shells; for by seeking to know the prineipal ty pos, uscer- tained from text-books on the subject, such as Brady’s Chal- lenger Report and the recent, work by Cushman, published by the United States National Museum, a good working know- ledge can soon be acquired,
It is remarkable to see a decided renascence of enquiry made in réeent year's in regard to the foraminifera. Since this interest has spread even to our own Club, and the fraternal Society of Microscopists, it may not be out of place for an old worker to eontribute a few notes for beginners in this study. Many successful students of nature in the past com- menced by merely collecting. There is very much to be said in favour of this, aid little against it, Gathering and identifying species often leads to a search for further know- ledge, and every one can add to the *‘gairn” of facts,
Since an all-round student of nature should know some- thing of geology, as well as of zoology, it ig assumed that the
BH CHaratar, Notes on the Formnvinifere Botn!
collector of foraminifera desire ta laiow where and how to obtain these tiny shells, both ‘in the rocks and im the living state. Fossil foraminifera are, perhaps, rather diffieul, to fined in Vietorian rocks older than the Tertiary. though most beautifal spesimens ean he washed out of the Chalk of Gingin, Western Anstralia, If, however, one has a trend who collects Tertiary shells, and who is in the habit of bring- ing home large bags of marl and. other shell-rock, he might urrange to take over cast-off siftings, since these will gener ally prove a mine of mierozon, Such material may come from, Torquay, from Muddy Creek, ov from the mullock heaps of the Altona Bay coal-shaft. But in every case ihe position of the bed should also be noted as well as the locality.
Prolifie strata can be found at Torquay, in the lower part of the cliff, as al Bird Rock, but some of the higher layers ave equally profitable. Towards Rocky Point, boyoud Vishorman’s Steps, for example, a soapy mart band comes ‘lown te the share. Thig banc eontains large nombhers of filobigerine, whieh points to ite pelagic, of open sea «harac- ter, In the Miocene pertod, whilst there are some beautiful fornia of Corruspira and Lagena also present,
Tho mails af the fossiliferous beds at Torquay Jo not require much washing, only so far as to remove the Ancenlent clay whieh bwids the particles. After (drying, the forn- miniferous material ean be sifted into grades ta facilitate the sorting.
As regards living forms, probably the viehest shore-line deposit, near to Melbourne is the strand of Altona Bay. Bot the resnits will be variable, according to the season of the year. for sa much depends on the conditions of tides and eurrents, ‘The muda of shallow water round piles and groyres are often a teh source of wonderful glassy Lagena,
No matter where we, obtain our foraminiferal material, something of fiterest is always suio tio be discovered,. and when we examine their vaviahle and ornate shells we cannot order that they were first favourites anrong the older miscro- seapiste, who were then only equipped with an ordinary magnifving glass, or a sitnple mieroseope such as the herbalists used,
Some practical hints as to collecting foraminifer’, may be found in the Naturelist for Apvil, 1910; and the known Victorian species of littoral forms are listed in my paper, ''Recent Foraminifera. of Victoria: Some Litkoral Gather- ings,’' published by the Quekett Microscopical Club, Nover. her, 1907.
nue | Hint, Motley un Victorian Uermites 85
SAVVOPPRETAED hanna ede HLNANAepancenemnmeeiondebeanessonepamnacceoussdpande seni aUbnalbbaaeeatanaeeeneaennaseseareapuarcoaranaenaueregs
THE VICTORIAN TERMITES. By GF. Lint.
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Notwithstanding that ‘‘ White-ants‘' ave frequenily stated t» be the cause of considerable damage to torest, ornanjental, ind eultivated trees, and to fences, buildings, ete. less is known of the Termite fauna of this State than of that of any cther part of the Commonwealth, with the exception of Tas- mania and South Australia.
Tn his hist of Australian Termites, Mjdberg (1920) recorded only five species from Victoria, one of which, Copta termes lacteus. (Progg.), is unknown to me from this State, and is nol referred to in the following notes. The number, ineluding described and undescribed species, is wow known jo be 16, representing nine genera, a& follows ;—Stolotermes. 1; Calotermes, 4; Porotermes, 2; Leucatermes, 1; Conto- termes, 2; Hlinotermes, 1; Mutermes, 2; Ifamettermes, 1; Microcerotermes, 2. The soldier caste of all of the above species, aud the iniagus also of 13 of them, are known from \ietoria,; the remaining three species may be identical with species known in «ll castes from other States.
So httle systematic collecting has been done in this group of ingects in Victoria, that one may safely predict many addi- tions to the above total of species, t though it is inprobable that more than one of the four remaining Aushralin geucr will be found to be represented.
Kew authorities are in agreement regarding the etassifipa: tion of the Yermites, und no system yet devised has heen soneraly aeeepted, though most of the genera, and nuany of the species, are easily reeownised. The following notes und fiwures (more or less diagrammatic) will be found sufficient ts enable one to identify most, if not ull, of the speries unumerated, without reference to the long, technical descrip- tions often soa necessary for the differentiation of all the apecies of a faunal region,
Jt should be mentioned, however, that in some genare, ey, Coptolermes, Khinotermes, Microcerotermes, specific determinations cainot always be made trom soldiers und workers only; that while the imagos of a give species rarely vary appreciably, soldiers, even ‘fom the sume colony, may show marked differances in the size and shape of the head. caz., Celatermes, Portolernies, Mierocerolermes; that in some species there mux be two dissimilac forms of soldiers ty thr.
eyeverie.
RUA TTCERTOREP DD neer rene.
PT al
BG HLL, Notes on Victorian Termites Mgt
same colony, #.9-, Rhinatermes and Mulermex. that from two to five distinet specios may be more or less closely associated in the same colony; that in species in which two forms of soldiers are nermally present one may be absent, e.g., 1 young colonies of Rlinvlermess,and that the funetions ef a frae king and queen (i.¢e., reproductive forms derived from winged imagos) may be performed by apterous ot brachyp: terous adult males and females, or by one to several true kings mated with from one to a bundred oy more apterous females,
As a rule, the genus is most readily deiernined from the soldier caste, and the epocies from the image, Mhe worker caste (absent in Catotermes anc Parolermes) generally pos sesses good generic characters, but 1s often practically nae less in atlempting specific determinations.
The following list of species, with brict descriptions of
ach, comprise the Termite fauna of Vietoria, as at present. kuown to me. Measurements are given in millimetres (approximately 1/25 ineh) —
Stoloternies victortensis, Hal: Tnage, leneth with wings 11.00, withont wigs 6.5; a small, dark-brown gpecies, with fuscous wings, very small pronotwn, no ocelli; eyes small, prominent; antenne 16-joinled: anterior margin of wing with several short, stoul veins, running diagonally wpwards to the costa; cerel Sjointed. Soldier: Total length, 7-9.00: head with mandibles, 5.30-3.60; head mueh flattened, jaws bent downwsrde slightly. with two broad and one narrow teeth on left aud two broad teeth on right: teeth lange, leag- ‘like, and directed forward; anjenne 16-jointed; oyes black and very distnet; pronotum srnall; cere: S-jointed. Found in small eolonies in rotten loge, in damp, heuvily-timberec, hilly, or mountainous country; winged imaros present i January, ‘Che four retaining speeles are fron) ‘Casmania (t), New Zealand (1), and Queensland (2),
Calotermes (Figs 1 and 8): Small to very large specice- imago with oeelli, pronotum large, reniform. arehed, wing marems without hairs, Jarger veins crowded towards anterior border (sub-gennus, Veolermes), remaining veins usually very indistinet, empodinm present between claws, cerei 2-jointed- Soldier: Head large, much longer than wide. more or tess parallel on sides, mandibles large, with stuut teeth on the inner margin, pvenolum very large, veinform, wider thad head, very few hairs on head, thorax and abdomen. empodiun present, cerci. two-joiuted
Calotermes insularis (White): A large, yellow species: length with wings 25.10, withonh wings 14.00. expanse of
one Hi, Noles on Victorian Termites RY Wings up to 45.00. Soldier: Total lenyth about 15.00, head with mandibles 7.00; head orange-rufous, with long, slender mandibles; antenne 14-17 joints, third Joimt vary bibtle larger than second and fourth (subgenus Veotermes),
This is the species veferved to by French in ‘‘ Destructive Insects of Vieloria,’’ Part 2, as Termes australis, Walker. Lives in small colonies in living trees; found in yarious parts of Southern Victoria; winged forms present in Jannary-
Calotermes oldfields, Wilh: Length with wings 15,00. withont wings 9.00; a yellowish-brown species, distinguished from the preceding species iy the winged form by iis smaller size, the median vein of the forewing midway between the cabitus aud radial sector, weakly chithyzel (sob-genus Calotermes), and in the soldier caste by its smaller size (total length 11.50, head with mandibles about 4.40)) anteinw 13-18.joited, third joint meh larger thun second wid fourth, eluilshaped (sub-genus Culoteries)
Lives in living and dead trees; winged Lomne present Crum February t July; has been found at Iseilor and iy the Mat ler district,
Onlatermas sridipennis, Froge: Length with wines 11,00, Without wines 7,00; antenna t5-jointed. Distinguished tron either of the above by its smaller size, very dark-browr colour, dark iridescent wings and absence of short diagonal branches from the radial seetor towards the costal margtt (sub-genus Glyptotermes). Soldier; Total length 9.00-10,00, head with mandibles 3.15-4.10; lead orange-rufons, long and evlindvieal, mandibles short and stoun; antenng 13-15- jointed. Distinguished from the preceding species by its smaller size, vylindrical head and shorter mandibles.
Found in living and demak trees, in fairly large colonies, venerally with several kings and queens. It is a destructive species in the public gardens of the eity and suburbs, aid has been found at Beaconsfield and Frankston.
Calotermes tufinetum, Hill: Length with wings 9.00-9.30, without wings +.50; head and pronotum orange, wmgs davk fuseous, reniainder of insect nearly black, Distinguished frum (he preceding species by its snuller size, colour of bead and pronotum, and presence of short, oblique ycenis extending fram the radial sector towards costal margin. Soldier) Total length 6,50, head with mandibles 2,20; head long and nurrow, eylin drieal, mandibles shart and stout,
Lives in gniall eolayvies, in living of dead trees; sometimes iitucks building timher; has been taken in the vieinity of Mel- hourne, Gembrook and Lakes Entrance.
88 Hira, Notes on Victorian Termites preter
Pavotermes; Medium to jarge, light-brownish species, almost devoid of hairs: Tmago withont ocelli, pronotum amall, reniform, not markedly arched; principal wing veins crowded torether near costal margin; mlinerous small, obliges yelus extending from the radial sector iowards the eostal margin; no empodinm hbetiveen elaws; cerei, five-jointed. Soldier; Meduum to very large size, with broad, flattened head, powerful mandibles, with two very large teeth on apical lal of cach; eves pale, rudimentary; pronotam of moderate size, bat much narrower than head; no empodium ; cere five- jointed.
Povotemmes edumsant, Frogg: Length with wings 14.00- 15,00, without wings 7.00-8.00. Soldier: Total leneth §.75-11.25, head with mandibles 3.36-4.67,
Lives in colonies of moderute size, in living or dead irees; winged forms present in March. Tay been found i suburbs of Melbourne, and at Ringwood, Tarwin, and Lakes Rntranee,
Poroternes grundis, Holmgren: Winged forn: nat known, Dealated imago (king and queen): Length 9.00-13.24; other- wise sinilar to preceding species. Soldier; otal length LO,50-14.50, head with mandibles +,.20-7,00: otherwise similac to preceding species,
Found in the mowitein and tally districts of South and South-eastern Victoria. xecedinuly destructive to Kuea- lypta; remarkable for the variation in size and shape o? heact of soldiers ; possibly a mountain form of the preceding epecies. Ono species is known from ‘Tasmania, one from South Africa, wid one fram Chili,
Leucotermeées ferow, Froge: Length with wings 10.25, with- out wings 4.505,15; small species; upper surface very durk brown, lower surface and legs vellowish: wings fuscons. stumps of forewings much larger than, but not overlapping, those of hindwings; elypeus strongly eonyex. with medium sufive; head vound: eyes very small and not projecting; ocelli very stuall (in certain speeics only a proportion of the tmagos. have ocelli, but in this they appear to be invariably present) ; fontanelle sinall but distimet, cireular, situated pos- teriorly of n imaginary lime joining the posterior margin of the eyes; arlenne 16-jointed: pronotum moderately large, slightly narrower than, head, and « little wider than long. Soldier (Fig, 2): Total length 5,00, head with mandibles 2.50; head yellow, long and narrow, with long, sabre-shaperl mandibles, withont teeth or serrations, excepting at the extreme base of the left mandible, where there ts a large thorn-like, blant tooth only visible in cleared or disserted
Aug. His, Notes on Victorian Termites 89
apeeimens; labrutn very long, celie-shaped, early half as Jong as mandibles; fontanelle a3 im imago, situated. abort, midway between apex of mandibles and base of head; anten, ne 15-juinted (rarely 16-jointed).
Found in sina) colonies in dead trees, building timber, under stones iid Togs, and sometimes in the cuyoy walls of Coplotermes’ mounds. It is known from Victoria, New South Wales arid South Australia. Hight other species are reearded, from Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
Coptotermes: Small ta medinm-sized species, very dark- brawn or yellowish; head, body, and cspecially wings, very haity; L9-jointed anton in nage, 16-jointed in soldier, third joint very small. Imago with short, lead Jabrim, indistinct fontatelle, very short elypens, without distinet median suinye; laree eves and ocelli; pronotum large, a litle narrower than head and rather wider than long. stumps of the forewings much Jarger than, and partly cover- ing, those of the hindwings. Soldier (Fig. 3): With oval, oranve-yellow head, black mandibles, Jong cone-shaped lab- tam; large fontuelle opening behind the base of the ely- peus; long, sabre-shaped mandibles, without teeth ot seria- tins, exeept near the base of left mandible, where there are a few serrationg and a long, thorn-like, blunt tooth, visible only in cleared or dissected speemrens.
Hasily chstinguished from all other genera by the pre- sence of a globule of white, milky seeretion from the ton- tanelle.
Coptotermes sp, (near acinuictformis, Froge.) ; Length with wings 13,00, without wings 7.50; uniform yellow in volo, oxeepting head, whieh is suffused with brown, aid wings, which are whitish, with hght-brown anterior veins” Soldier: Total leneth 5.00, head with mandibles 2.40. From Northern Vietoria.
* Coptotar oes sedulus, Hill: Length wilh wings 15,00, with- nut wings 8,00. very dark-brown above, somewhat paler below ; wings dark fuscows. Soldier: Very similar to What, of preivod- ing species, but smaller; length of head with mandibles 2.00.
Fron Southern Vietaria. The large earthy ingands and éatth-flled exravices and hollows in trees, commonly found the Fermtree Gully and Gentbrook districts, ave dun ta the wirk of this species, The winged forins leave the colonies 1 jiimense wumbers on their annual eolonising Aight, diuviig the day and early evening, about. the middle wf September The genus is widely distributed, and contains a latee wumbher of elpsely-allied and very destructive species. The species
au Uihin Neder on- Victorian Terniites Vou Lit
nnder notice has bec generally confused with C. lacteus, Trogg,
Rhinotermes: Small to medium-sized species, of uniform yellow eolour; wings clear and retnarkably teticulated with furrows anc small veins, the principal veins yellow. ayes and ovelli yery large and prominent; fontanelle ronnd, distinet, in line with the ocelli aud connected with the elypeus by a dis- fmet furrow; clypeus large, with median suture; head almost hairless; anténnwe 20-jointed; pronotaum large, and a Little narrower than head; stumps of the wings hairy, those of the forewings much larger that those of the hindwings, and reach- ing the base of the latter. Soldier (Fig. 4): OF two distinet iorms; head more or less 4nadvangular; fontanelle civeular, distimet, in line with the insertion of the antenne, a deep fur- row passing forward from the fontanellé through the cly- peus to the apex of the very large labrum, the latter cover- ing the greater part of the mandibles; mandibles long and powerful, with two teeth near the apex of the left and one near the apex of the wight. Very easily distinguished fram other genera by the above charactors,
There aré two described, and several andeserilied, species in Australia, the goldiers of which are very much alike Cyne unidentified species hag been fonnd in North-western Vie- toria. ‘The genus is widely cistiibuted, and contains very destructive species. Nothing is known of the breeding habits, gueens or nests of Australian species, ‘he winged forms leave the parent colony in small trambers, at night, during a pecind of two or three months.
Hudermes (Migs. 5 and 9): Small to medium-sized species, with medium vein distinetly nearer cubitus than to * yadius; chypens large, more than twiee as wide as lonw, and with indistinet medinyn suture; eyes large and prominent; weelli large; fontanelle elongate, forked anteriorly; antenna 15-jointed; prouotum. large, slightly narrower than ligad. Soldiers with pyriform head, prolonged anteriorly into a Tostrani; mouth ‘parts concealed by rostrum. Rutermes funagatyus, Braner» Length with wings 13.5, Without wings 6.00, dark-brown above, head and wings nearly black, undersurface yellowish-brown. Soldier: Total length 4.50, head to apex of labrum 1.60; head vellow, with orange-T0 fous rostrum,
This species is found in southern and South- euathrd Vic- lorig, generally under logs and stones, it small colonies. The winged tovins are present from Telrnaty to May, Very little is known of its habits, and it is probable that it
9
VICTORIAN TERMITES.
Heads of Soldiers: (1) Calotermes; (2) Leucotermes; (3) Copto- termes; (4} Rhinotermes; (5) Eutermes; (4) Hamitermes; (7) Microcerotermes, Typical Wings: (8) Calotermes (sub-genus Neotermes); (9) Eutermes.
UK i T9286,
Hru., Notes ai Vectaridn. Termites 41 differs specifically from the New South Wales species deseribed by Brauor. ‘There ave several yery closely-allied species in Avstralia, most of which are difficult to separate jn the soldior caste, bul, are markedly different in the winged form.
Eulermes egitiasus, Will; Length with wings 25,00-26,50, without wigs 6.50; head very dark-brown, nearly black, thorax and abdomen ehestnat brawn, elypeus and nder- surface yellowish, wings light-brown, with yellowish costal Wargin; eyes and ocelli very large.
This species ts found in Western and North-western Vie- toria, Where it builds small, woody termitamia ov qouwnds genierally over the remains of a tree-stump or root, There we several celosely-ullied Australian species with widely- different, habits; some of these have been mistakenly ideiiti- fied as W. funtipennis, Walker. The species umider yotice extends i Western Australia,
Hanvitermes wilsow, var. victoriensix, Till; Length with wings probably about 12.00-13.00, without wings 7.00-8.00 ; liwad, thorax and abdomen dark-brown, clypeus lighter In‘own, Jabrum und levy yellowish, wings probably dark fnseous; wntennse 15-jointed; eves small, but very promiment; acelli small and not very near eyes; fontanalle aval; ¢lypeus large, ij Vithle wider thaw long, with distinet median suture, but tot strongly bilobed; pronotum triangular, Soldier: Total length 5.00, head with mandibles about 1.90; head pale yel- low, a little larger than wide; elypeus strongly bilobod: Jab- rum large and covering about one-third of mandibles; man- dibles sickle-shaped, with » large tooth on each, about the middle, (Pig, 6.)
An imperteetly-knoawn species, found in small colonies, under stones, rear Preston,
Microcerotcrmes: Very small species, with snvell eyes and amall oealli; no fontanclle; 14-jonited wntenne, and narrow fuseous winps. Soldier (Fig. 7): With tong, narrow head, livge conical labrum, 13- jointed antenme- Tong, slender, vurved manctlibles, finely serrated along entire leneth af inner margin, but without teeth
Soldier and workers only of two species have been found in drier districts of Vieloria. In these castes they appears to heidentieul with Northern: Territory and South Australian spogies, descriptions of which have not yet heen published Mourteen species are kiigwn from Australia, many of which are very destructive. All are wood-eaters; sonie build small cone-shaped, svoody hermitaria.
#2 Govwrs, Coleuptera of North-Western Victoria [Yor seit
evOWOnVenesaunmAddyadbeWWROFOTHTPDRWWTTAOOTERNNVINE APE DOODDIFHERAANHTHRRWHOOYPRRAHTTASHANTIPRROERRENNHHTARHNT VFR RO RIDE HOG0S Mesennes pen
NOTES ON THE COLEOPTERA OF NORTH-WESTERN VICTORIA, Part XII.
By J. ©, Gouprr.
rapgonphaduongegnosng nysenehtonsconsardacartcnassesesebipsnsh OO Apr eEAMAbARA bad an awe evadtaabireTesTeuenALYndasusesh sbacdsensebes))¢)
(Read before the Pield Naturalists’ Club of Veriorto; July 15, 1925.)
_ CURCULIONIDA, Belus findersi, Blackb. This species was 8 omitted from the list in a previous. paper. BRENTHID i.
5639 Cordus hospes, Germ. The only representative we haye of this family, which is closely allied to. Cureu- honids, differing in the position of the rostrum, which is not turned down, and in haying moniliform, non- angulated antenne. Tt is about 4-mceh in length, very narrow, of a dark-red coloir, and often occurs in ants” nests.
.
(PPNOW EACOA Mae seenreneeseennaton SOOVTETTE ANT esd evesesenraveNtrarsese
ANTHRIBIDA,
o670. Araecerus fasciculatus, De Geer, var. sambucinus, Boisd. A small, brownish, mottled beetle, found under bark on dead trees, Another species, as yeb unidentified, was obtained from the «dried stems of Marsh Mallow, Gavateru plebeja, at Gieen Lake.
CERAMBYCID,
The Larve of Longicorns are wood-borers, tunnelling in the branehes, stems and roots of many species of trees and shrubs, often killing them outright. It is a common oeccur- renee to find a saplirus, or a long braneh, tunuelled throagh- out. its length by a single Longicorn grub. Being very numerous ‘and widely-distributed, these larve do great damage to our native timbers, as often they exist for two or three years in the wood. They pipate ma chamber, formed generally at the end of the tunnel, the perfect beetles enayw- ing their way out in the spring or summer. The oval-shapeil exit-holes are characteristic signs that a tree has heen attacked by either Longicorn or Buprestid beetles. The lurve of some species ave preyed upan-by a small Ichneumon wasp, which, with its long, bristle-like ovipositor, is pable to Pieree the bark and lay its eggs on or in the bocly of its vietim. From a pupa of Scolecobratus variegatus, Blickb.. | once obtained six of these parasitic wasps.
AUS] Gauare. Coleoptera of North-Western Victoria 98
Some of our largest and most formidable-loaking beetles belong to this family, as well as many of slender and vraee- ful appearance, They are generally noeturial in habits, at least so far as the use of their wings is concerned, beiny Found, by day, either clmging to the branches of their food- plant, or hiding under the loose bark of trees.
5680. Muacrotome servilis, Pase.
5691, Cnemoplites impr, Newrm.
These are two of our largest species, measuring up to 2% inches in Jength. They are similar in appearanoe, being of a dark-reddish-brown colour, and haye the outer mangins of the sub-quadrate protkhoray fimely serrated. hey breed in Mallee-butts and roots, algo in the Blick Box, H. bicolor. The large, yellowish-white lary were considered a bon bouche by the blacks, while anglers find them a useful bait. H5TIS. Pachydissus sericus, New, A fairly common, coastal
species, of which } have taken only one example in the Mallee; this 8peeinen measures finch, which ts abowt half the size of typieal specimens. Tt is dark- brown, with a silky sheen.
5726. Phacodes obscurus, Wabr. A brown beetle, aboul Linch in Jength, with greyish, mottled markings on the elytva, On the dise of the stvongly-rounded pro:
. thorax are three small but distinct tubercles.
5729. G@burina tristts, Pase. A+small, narrow, brawnish Insect, with short, sleider antenne.
Phoracantha posticalts, Blackb.
5743. P. punctatu, Don. . !
5744. P. guinariu, Newn. -
5T4h, P. recutud, Newin.
5146. P. semipunctuta, Faby.
P. senio, Newm,
5748. P. tricuspis, Newm.
The’ species of Phoracantha are, perhaps, more coni- monly met with than any other of our Longicorns, Under the loose bark of trees, especially those in blossom about midsummer, some of then are foand in numbers They are mostly of a yellowish tint, with durk-brown, or black trans Verse, zig-zag bands om the elytra, The Jong, slender antennae are amied with acute spines on many of the joints, and there is a lateral spine on the proilorax. P. dricuspis, one of the largest, is about 14 inches in Jength, Ef breeds im the Black Box. he other species also attack this tvec, as well as the Mallee; in faet, hardly a freo of any ltd escapes them,
4 Gover Coleoptera of North-Western Victoriw [voit
55. Lvypochuria odewahni, Pase. This is vare locally, it ig 14 mehes in length, dull dark-brown, without mark- ings, tuvose and strougly punctured.
5761 Attest angst, Pase.
A. tatet, Black.
hese are suinilar in appearance; slender, veddish-brawii: with an inconspicuous yellow spot near the middle of each élytron. A. angasi is J-inch in length; A. tatei, smaller, and much darker, the yellow spot more obsolete.
5767, Coplocercus aberrans, Newm,
S773. C. rubripes, Bod,
C. aberrans is long and slender, tieavly 1 inch in length, pale veddish-yellow, with three irregular dark bands acrpss the elytra. C.rubrepes is smaller and davker, about one-third of the apex of elytra (except a very small yellow spot at extreme apex) being nearly black. All the femora aré much ilickened, and ved.
4780. Stsyrium ibidionoides, Pase. A small, pale-yellowish species, with head, apex of elytra and two ante-medial spots black, of whieh 1 obtained a single specimen.
5799. Callacdiopix seutellaris, Pabr. [gs uniform dark-reddish-
brown, 4-inch long, The small, but distinct, yellow seutellum helpg to identity this species. Apostles niger, Blackb. A decidedly rare species. Tt is uniformly dull-black, long and slender, with pro- minent mandibles and eyes, and is upwards of am imch in length, The antenne are flattened, exch joint, exeapt the two first and last jomts, produced at apex to form a short spur or tooth. Taken on the wing at. dusk,
5828. ELaereta wricolor, Pause, [ have found this beetle breed- ing in the wood ot the Bull-oak, Casuarina luchmanni. it is pale-vellow, without markings, and is about 3-inch in length.
ASSL. BKebius filifarmis, Pase. One of our smallest species.
beimg shghtly over taneh in length. very narrow and ‘iimost parallel-sided. It is lightreddish-lbrown in coloul. Seolecobrotus variegrtus, Blackb. By many eol- lectors this is vegarded as merely a yariebs of 8. westwoodi, liope, one of the most destruetive at the ‘“braneh-eutting'’ Longicorns. Lt is about, 1 ineh in length, reddish-brown, with a dark blotch on the ely- tra behind the shoulders. In the males the 12-jointed untennm are stronely serrated,
ar
4
Ay | | Gubvan, Coleoptera of Narth-Western Virtorie 35 ty
Many years ago D_ Best gave a very interesting aecount* ot Whig beetle, and the lavva's method of working. He stated that, although the beetle is fairly common, yet ii is rarely euptured in the ordinary way, bat must be veared from, the wood. This coincides with my experience.
Uracunthwes albatus, Lea. U. discicollis, Lea. U, loranthdt, Lea.
5840, U, strigosus, Pase.
5841. U. triangulanis, Tape.
In his tabulation of the Utacamthidesy Lea records 25 species of this genus trom various pans of Australia and Tasmania. They are long, narrow beetles, generally of some shade of reddish-brown, with pale clothing, taking the form. in some species, of villi on the prothorax or elytra, or both. U. tiangularis is readily distinguished by a bare, triangular pateh on the elytra behind ihe shoulders, Tt is about 1 inch in length, The other (loeal) species are smaller, Vhey bree in the wood of various. Wuealypts, Watdles, ete; U. hariaatha in the small branches of the Bull-ouls; L!. disetealles, in the Broo) Ti-tree -
0845, Rhagiamarphia concolor, W. $8. Mae). This puwplish- red species, which measwres }incli, has two fuint, pale vittaz on the elytra, near the suture, The first joint of antenne long, abruptly thickened at the apex; second joint very short; third nearly as Jong us first, with a tuft of black hair at apex, Tt is vare in this dis- trict, but common about the Dividing Range, where often it attaeks the Blue Gun, EB. globulus,
5855. L'ritocosmia paraded, Pase. A very rare species i this district, though if occurs more frequently in Gippsland and in New South Wales, Jt is black, with the elytra, which ave distinctly ‘ribbed,’’ pale-yel- lowish-red, The antennue are thickened at apex of first. and third joints.
5g69. Sylietus gramnicus, Nowm. A very slender Longicorn, 4-inch in length, with a dark-red prothorax and. head, the elytva brown, with three thin, grey, lonzitudinal lines on cach. IT have taken it on the flowers of the Black-thorn or Prickly Box, Bursarta spinosa.
5892, Binviw hicolor, White. This fine species is seldom seen, Tt is about 1 inch in length; the anterma, middle parti of head, dise of prothorax, scutellum, hind legs, tibe and tarsi of other legs and under paris of body black,
*Vic. Nat, Vol. XIV, p. 146. (Trans, Roy. Soa, SA., XL, 1916, p. 368.
‘
Mi Guns, Coleoptert of Norti-Weatern Victoria [Yoh XE
the elytra, which are of a thin, “‘papery’’ texture, and the remaining parts being pale orange. Et breeds in several species of Mallec, its presence being indi- sated by ronehly cirevlar depressions, about I+ inches in diameter. The bark having been eaten away, the wood is exposed, and in the centre of the depression will he found «a small, phigged-up hole, where the eruh has entered the wood. <A coloured plate in French's ‘‘Destructive Insects of Victoria,'’ Part TV, of B, fendrelis, Wustrates this process, the habits of both species being the same, B. bicolor usually appara in September.
O899, Agaupete kreuslem, Pasc. On a casual inspection this species nught be mistaken for one of the Hymenop- tera, the short, pointed, pale-coloured clytra leaving the fligltavings, which are not folded when at rest, exposed. If is 4-inch in length, black, with the head, front of prothorax, and a band aeross the abdomen reddish-yellow. .
5902, Havinus mimulus, Paxc,, var. wnrifaserata, Lea A pretty dud searee Longicorn, taken on Mallee blossom. It is t-inch in length, with black head, legs, und antenna, red prothorax, and dark-blue elytra. Marked at about apieal third with a transverse vellow band.
NOLS, Hesthestis cingnlata, ivy.
0923. HA, plorator, Pase.
These entions: beetles sec. to have been clesigned by Nature to pass as Flower-wasps, the shoxt, almost obsolete elytra, long fight-wings, black and-white vinged hody beiiug well calculated to deceive, espectally when the insects are seen on fldWvering shrubs, as is usual. Cinguldte is abort 1 ineh in tength: plorater much smaller. Both are rare. S931,. Diskechoceru prr, Nowm. The male of this vare species
* has flabellated antenme, which are thiekened towards
the tips. [ have taken only one specimen, which meagures Finch. It is dark-chocolate-brown. with faint whitish yitte on prothoraxy and elytra, the lather being werrowed to apes and strongly earinated.
5934. Eroschema powert, Pase. This species 18 black, with yellowish-red, ribbed elvtra, Several of the bnsal jointy of the antennte are clothed with tufts of black han, Superfielally resembles some of the Malaeoder- mid, in whose company often it is fuund. on Howors; it is 2-inch in length — - = sal Brachytvia thoraciea, V. de Poll, One of aur virest Jind fivettiest species, measnring ahoni g-ineh. The
‘tye Goumik, Coleoptera of North-Westerh Victoria a7
head, front of -prothovax, femova (except tips) and basal part of elytra are reddish-yellow, remainder of prothorax and legs black. Abont the middle of elytra is a whitish, transverse baud, from which, to the apex, the colour is black, with shades of purple. My single Apecimen was obtained from 4 dead branch of the Bull-oak.
5ut3, Pempsamacra dispersa, Newm. A zgreyish-brown, mottled beetle, with comparatively short antenna Tt is 2-inech in length, and is found, during the day, on flowering shrubs. i
SYST. Ischnotes hukewelli, Pase. A narrow, dark-brown beetle, about #-inech in length; somewhat eylindrieal in shape; rare in the Mallee.
GOlI_, Microtvagus mormor, Pasc. This species is renvark- able in that it resembles, both i appearanee (éseept the antennw) and habits, the Amycterides, op ground Weeyils, 1t 1s about 1 mech m length, rather stoutly but, of a greyish-brown colour; the protharax rugose. strongly punctured, with a short Jateral spine, he elytra have cach a prominent tubercle at the base, and (wo almost fubereulate, curved tidges, not reaching apex. Jt is apterous, and lives entirely on the ground, on. or under logs, in which the larve feed. When yeady to pupate, the larve enter the soil, and form oval cocoons composed of gnawed wood and sand, from which the perfect, bectles emerge in February. ‘The species has a wide range, being found also in Wester Australia.
GOT9, Anetla (Hebecerus) maryimicollis, Boisd. Like wank other insects, this nsed to be common on the wattle acral), but with the cleaving of hundredy of square miles of Mallee ig now seldom seen. It is wider $-inch iy length, mottled and speckled grey and brow, and has the outer marging of prothorax yel- low.
6128 Symphyletes lateralis, Pasc.
6135. S. pubiventris, Pase.
6146, S, vestigialis, Pase.
These handsome beetles have a decided preference for the aeacias, the larve boring in the branches. and the beetles subsisting on the bark, 8. lateralis, which is (or was) fairly common, is about -ineh in length, Jight-reddish- brown, with a paler, irregular stripe on the suture, and a silvery stripe on outer margin of elytra. S. pubsverntris 1s Jarger the general colour grey, freckled with small black cpots, and marked on the elytra with te white spots, twe
95 Gouin, Coleoptera of North-Western Victoria [Ui Neh being on suture. A rare species, S_ vestiyialis, wubowh the same size, has the prothorax marked with altemate rings of black and white; the elytra ave thiekly speckled with black spots, and have a narrow, silvery stripe, on outel margin. Lt breeds in the Umbrella Acacia, 4. usweidli, cutting pertect rings in the bark vound the smaller branehes, so hat. the portion above soon dies.
G151. Platyomopsts aenetula, White. Fresh specimens of this ale very attractive in appearanec, being of a creamy-grey colour, with dark, oblique markings in the form of an X on ‘basal half of elytra; there is a transverse band at about apical third, and a large black spot near the middle of outer margins of elytra. Which are also studded with seattered clamps of small black spines or tubercles. Lt breeds in the smaller branches of the Black Box, Lucalyptus bicolor, a tree more commonly known as the ‘“Swamp-box."" ‘The beetle measures ‘finch in leneth.
HtG1. Penthea picta, Pase. This species is of rare veenr- renee! the single specimen in my eullection was taken on a Salt-bush plain at Ballapur. It 2 23-inch in length the general colour greyish-hrown, the anten- um other short. Front of prothorax marked with « whitish ring, The elytra are mottled and blotched with dark-brown, and have two silvery-white, trans verso markings (reaching outer margins but not situbré), and another of the same eolomr on the base,
GIT6. Khytiphora latifasciata, Pase.? I have a specimen
. Whieh may he this species, but as it is in poor eontdi- thon, having been found dead and broken, in its tun- hel in a branch of the Black Bos, a doubt mush be recorded. The insect is chocolate-brown, with a wide. pale, transverse band extending from behind shoulders to about apieal Hird of elytra. It js about an inch in length.
6198. Corrhenes paulla;Germ. This specics breeds im the vattles, such as Acacia hokeoides, It is 3-nch in length, lawn-coloured, with dull, white markings on the prothovax and elytra. Some specimens have a distinet, dark oblique mark ut about apical third of elytra,
In addition to the above thera is a species of Bethelium, whieh breeds in the Murvay Pine, Callitris verrucosa; one of Uracanthus; one of Phoracantha, and one of Didymacanthea, which have not. been identified.
I am indebted to Mr. Chas. Oke for the names of some species in this list, and for other assistance generously given.
hE Davey, Ante and thee Greets 94
ee
ANTS AND THEIR GUESTS. By H, W. Davey, PASS,
SPURL ene Teh PDLDPAMAACELAGLTAIAAACEEIOPDDDAAAERADDE DD AAG ACEH REED GT CAEET EEDA DESL EGR SNMP RA CMd CERO RH RIWET CARBO ODN ALL =
TV CEDNHODPR NNR RENE
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i
The study of Myrmecophiles, or Ait-guests, is fasemat- ing. The field is wide, and we have tilled only a small corner of it yet, in Australia.
When one exainines an ants’ nest for the first time, in ques=
uf “evests,”’ it is to experience surprise that so many Little
wreatures dwell among ants. Some are -perseeuted, others tolerated, or welcome, boarders. Probably, im many instances, aveatids will be most in-evidence, when » vest as opened or uncovered. It is, perhaps, the preserice of these mites, in large amambers, that. makes beetles, such as Veplaris of the Colvdiide, and Polylobus, Dobra, oud others of the Staphy linidw, welcome, vuests,
When J was working onf the symbhiotie relationship exist- ing betaveen. the layewnid butterfly, MWietus tynatu, and whe ant, Iridomyrmer natidus, it was necessary to keep evlonies of the ants in captivity, Proof was obtained thal the ants could vot, oy would not, free themselves tron, the attacks af mites, Jn the course of a few weeks some aots had so nvanty mites Tastened to their legs and body scéements us alma to prevenk them from walking. Yet they made no attempt Whatever to dislodge the pests; mor were thew way signs of mutual aid. The explanation aay be: that the ants, in maitaral conditions, depend upon inqulines to remove the parasites.
Whe association of Adiletus itynila and Lradonarnten nitidus atfords an excellent example of Syrnbioris. Phe gaverpillars of fis butterfly feed at might, on the leave, of the Golden Wattle, ceed pycruotha, vod ave accompanied by ants, which veturn with them later, to the nest, where the vaterpillars renin during the daytime, clustered tovelher in one of the lower galleries. ‘The symbiotic: velationship is ag follows: The caterpillay is shetiered in the ants’ nest dure ing the larval und pupal stages (emerging direct from the nest, in due te, as a butterilhy), and protected at aight, when fevcding, from attacks by predatory fiseets. In pay- ment tor this servies, the ants enjoy meals of ““honeydew, ' exeveted from the anal segment of the eatexpillar, But in this, too, the ants ure serving theh guest, for if the exereted hqmid were vot removed from it the caterpilhie’s body would become fouled, ane would be attacked by entonogenous fungi, resting in death.
View Nal. Vat, NULL
100 Davir, Ante aad thoir chests
Tit the nests of some species of atts Colleinbola, or Spring- tills, igure species, for exaniple, are found. Mie hysa- Hua, of the same order, Apter, are often represented (iy a species of Lepisma, These insects ave unable to jump, but they arn switttooted, These iiseets, and the blind beetles, feardwayies, of the family Trichopterypida, appear to he wel: fone @ieste, and may benefit the ants by keeping down the growths of moulds and other fungi in the nest.
The Peelaphide and Staphylinickee are, undoubtedly, set une euests, auc probably the Sey cinwnicler wire. tao. Beetles of the first two fumlies may supply excretory inatter, upon which the ants feed, but are possibly inost. useful in keeper down mites, ele The species of Chlamydopsis are mast eer tiny hostile, although theie epanulits have the appearance of exeretory orvans. Tf they are not hostile. it iy difficnit tu tinderstand the need tor protection: they ave able to tuck away tarsi and legs completely, also the head and antenna: lune addition, species are wonderfully protected by mimiers, hoth in shape and colour. Chianaydopsts qvanutata, Lea, wher frightened and “closed up,” bears a atrong resenrblance tu the large head of a Pheidals soldier wnt of the species, in a, nest of which it Tives.
Beetles of the families Ptinida and Dovmestide: probably ure scavengers. Species of Ptinide are, occasionally, plenti- fiulin many nests; the family Dermostide often is represented Hy lavves only. Large nests, espeeially those having old-estab- lished ant-cerneteries or dumps, are freqnented by these insects.
Among myrinecophilous insets way be mentioned the curious lvetle Cordus hospes, whieh oceasionally is so qiwmerous as to form patches of colour in the nest. Lt is diffiealt to deter. mine whether these Brenthids are friends or foes; probably they are Weleome guests, Beetles belonging to the family Tevebrionide may be found oeeasionally in ants’ nests; the Searabeidse treqnently are represented by species of Cryp- lodus, the lutvar nf whieh probably feed on the veyetable matter im ats’ nests,
Whe order Flynenoptera is represented by tiny Chaleid waspe: there need be little coubt as to their intentions. Crthopterons insects often ave fo be seen running throngh a vest, the conmonest being a sinall, stouth~-built, but pallid, erieket, aud same small latte. ‘Mie Jatter way be wel come: for bees allow a sinull species of cockroach to walder theough their hives unmolested,
Diptera may be present in the shape of larvae of one of the Syrphid files of the Microdontine. Walhalla appears to be
5) 7 “ee Stranger’ Rook, Derrviat 101 mach favoured by these extraordinary Javve, ag on several o¢easions I have found them in nests of Lhe small black ante so common in that locality. They ave so unlike the larva of any order of insects that, when first discovered, (hey were supposed to be small inollases, and were actually desuribed as such, wider the generia names Pamala and Seutellagenn. 1 reared a seties of Microdun karve and pupw, found at Ararat; and the flies Jater were deseribed by the Bureau of Entomology, Washington, D.C, being named Mirerodon Diveyi,
“nviows little creatures of the class Avachnida, of the order Phalangidea, T have taken from the nests of the binge Bull-dog Ant, Myrmecw forficatu. These THarvestmen muy have been present accidentally, but as they have heen found ov three or four occasions, in nests of this ant, it appears hikely that they vistt the nests in search, of acarids, ete, Their stink-glands wanld protect them frow attack hy tie ants,
Of {he many peculiar acarians inhabiting ants’ vests prob ably Plochurus Daveyi, Silvestri, is one of the most aberrant, owing to the very unsual leneth of the first path of Jews.
th is vot surprising fo find anembets of the Coccidm in antanests, as with many insects belonvine to this temily, ants Nive a xvinbiotie relationship.
“THE STRANGER” ROCK, DERRINAL.
Thirty-three yeavs ago the late Dr. ‘TS. Hall read betore our Club a short pauper on “The Glacial ‘Beds Near Heatheote’? (Victoviun Naturalist, viii, p, 172), and in it referred to the ‘‘Special Report on the Glacial Conglomerate of Wild Duck Creek,’ by Mr. E. J. Daim, F.G.S., of the Mines: Department, Vietoria, and the yoek at Derrinal, known as “The Stranger,’ On Easter Monday last Mr. and Mrs, V. Miller, Mid, HW, Warves, aud 1 visited Derrinal, travelling by rail to Heatheote.
The UWentheote distriet possesses maaiy eeologieal fea tures of great interest, which have been dixenssed in various publications from thne to time. Derrinal is five miles away. ‘‘The Stranger’' ts a stranded rock, about a ile ane a half from the station. We started off along the railway line (in the divection of Bendigo), Soon after erass inw the Mount Tda Creek, we saw evidences of glacial action in a small cutting, through which the railway passed, striated
ine ~The Stranger’ Roevk. Derrined [yor net pebbles and pieces of tock embedded in tho glacial hill A little Curther ahead, on our left, was seen 4 large, flat stone ou the slope of a hill, whieh proved to be ‘'The Stranger. ' It ts a tabtdar masa of coarse-grained granite, about 16 ft Gin by JO ft. 6 in. ancl 6 £t, thick; estimated weight, about 30 tons, The remarkable feature of the rock is the smooth- ess of its Present upper suctace, which is attributed to the Fact that it was planed by iec action many thousands of veavs awwo, Round about wave several other faimsized stones, evi- dently of the same origin, and hence known as ‘‘ Brratics.’! Quite tiderneath the stone grow plauts of the little Neck-
luce Bern, Asplenuon flabellafolaut, apparently in sueh i pesition as to receive no moisture, except from au very drive ing south-west rain.
Ascending to the sumunit of the hill we reached a plateau, which had at one time been cultivated. Here we found humerous specimens of striated pelbles, and pieees of roel, bunt the most of them were too heavy to carry far, previous visitors having probably seleeted the more portable spaci- mens. ‘**Dimm’s Rock,’? a striated surface of Ordovician, hes about two inles away, to the west. It was named hy Sir Baldwin Spencer, after My. BE. J. Dann. Some members of ant party reached the suns of a sandstone house of fhir
Sue. Nadwanel use Noles 103 timensions, on the crest of a hill overlookiny the Wild Duck Creek valley. This had once been the homestead of Moor- yabec Station, held in 1853 by Mr. J. H. Patterson (sec
“Letters from Victorian Pioueers,’? page 16). The sand- stone of the house was obtained from a cliff.on the Wild Duck Creek, not fav away. ‘Chis yantage point, about 1000 Ft. above sea level, affords a fine view of the surrounding country: Mt. Alexander, near Castlemaine, the Green THI, nesbt’ Kyneton, and the western end of the Macedon ratige. The illustration of ‘The Stranger’! sives its appearance, us seg. fvom the sonth-west.—F. G. A. Barnanp,
NATIONAL MUSEUM NOTES.
“NAGINLUS FROM VICTORIAN WATERS,
‘he unusual oceurrence of two species of Manilus ote the Victorian coast, is interesting.
In January, 1920, two very hadly-broken shells were found by Miss G. Nethercote, on the ocean beaeh, on the isthmus connecting Wilson's Promontory with the maindaud. One of these, wow in the possession af My, C. J. Gabriel, proves to be Nuwdéilus macromphalus. Ty May last another specimen (NV, pompilius) was found on thé thrce-niile beaeh,, on the eastem1 coust of, the Promontory, by Mr. W.-H. Ferguson, and given by him to the National Musenm. The shell, though unbroken, was much abraded und quite devoid of the uauil colowy mar kings.
Mx. Gabiniel infomms me that he reecived a desexiption. of a shell picked wp, a few vears ago, nem the Nobbies, off Phillip Island. Kvom the deseription, this, im his. opinion, was undoubtedly a species of Nentlilus, Soa far as Tan aware, this animal lias not heen found ima living state on the eastern const, Tether south than North Queensland, One apecios (NV. pompilias) i recorded from West Australia.
The question acises as to The oeemrunee of these sholls so far south on our edast. From personal obseryations, dur- ing the Jast 15 years, inatertal thrown overboard from. the eastern coastal boats, and those from Tasmania, after passing the southern end of Wilson's Promoiitory, is washed wp on the beaches from Oberon Bay to same miles north of Darby River. Frequently great quantities of fruit, sucle as bananas,
Pastore eyybae Lake Rd 0 Vic. Nal. 104 Mpictians in Bivadtend Vou XTi
avanges, ote., among other objects, are washed tp on the heuches, showing that the trend of the current is in this direction, During the recent war C, personally, found, along these western beaches, a wunber of hottles, containing votes from departing soldiers,
he ference, therefore, ig that these disearded shielle, whieh, as'shown by experiments, would flow in deep water tor a considerable time, have been thrown overboard from sone vessel =presnmabhly trom the northerre states—and have deitted tu the loealities stated.
Jas A. Kerseaw, Curator.
EVICTIONS IN BIRDLAND.
li w& secluded ely near the Obuda voservais, Moordol- bark, it male Owlet Nivhtjar. Wqatheles nowee-hollandio, had its home. in a hollow limb of a stall, dead tree, Lor more than two years it was Aushed, at intervals; but one day there was no response to my knocking on. the tree. Look- ing into the hollow, 1 saw two eves of the White-throated Tree-eveoper, Chenacteris scandens. They were partly covered with opossum tur, but weve cold. The Tree-creepers were not secn. A week later the ergs. were still there, con- pletely covered in fur, and pieces of charcoal from the inner wall of the hollow. There wag evidence that another hire had been camping there, as the material covering the eggs was well pressed down. Tt now appeared obvious that, cdur- ing the absence of the Owlet Nightjar, a pair of White- throated Tree-creeperg sclected the hollow for their nest, but after the eggs had been deposited the former oceupant reappeared and forced the intruders to seck a new “hame.’* A few weeks later the OQwlet Nightjar again took possession of its old home, and remained there for several mouths, wiutil (lie tree way destroyed hy fire. Mar A. J. Campbell veeords a similar jngstanee of an Owlet Nightjar taking possession of a hollaw after a pair of Tree-creepera had laid their eges in if. These records indicate that the Owlet Nightjar is often the enemy of sinall birds who rear their brood in hol- low boughs—D. Dickson.
Mr. CG. Oke's name should have been included in the Jist of authors 6f papers. given in the Annual report published in July, 1925, Neturafist. In bis paper, “New Australian Coleoptera,’’ May issue\ p, 14, line 5. should read “six segments in F. and seven in M.”
Che Victorian Paturalist
Vou. NLIT—No. 5. SEPTEMBER 11, 1925, No. 501,
FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.
The ordinary;monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society’s Hall, Vietorig Streét, on Monday evening Aupust 10, 1925. The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, oce upied the chair, and about 45 niembers and friends weve present.
CORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS,
A bireh-bark post-card was received drum Miss R- §, Chisholm, Canada, who sent ereetings to fellow-imeinbers. My. F. Pitcher read a report of the excursion to Mount Mor- ton, and the President spoke of the outing to Mitcham.
LLECTION,
On a ballot being taken Miss G. Siinpson, 42 Gleideary Grove, Malvern, was elected as an ordinary inember of the Club.
PAPER.
“Habits of the Sand-Wasp,’’ by lL. G. Chandler. The author described the hulits of a common wasp that. bumn:ows in the sand, and paralyses “‘ent-worm’’ caterpillars, as food for its larva. Messrs. Coghill, C. Barrett, C. French, junr., and C, Oke disctissed the paper.
PRESENTATION TO M&, BARNARD.
The meetms adjourned to the lower hall, where refresh- ments were provided, and a presetitation was made to My, F. G, A. Barnard, in reenenition of his helily-valued services io the Club during nearly 40 years,
The President said that members had gathered to do honow: to # fellowsanember, who was a“ Father of the Club. He had served it i) various offices, aud for 32 years as Hon. Kditor of the Naturalist.
Mr. F. Pitcher, an original member, spoke of Mr. Bar- nard’s splendid work for the Club; of his readiness always
106 Piet Naturalivts' Clwb—Praceedings Bin an
to give advice and help to others; ancl his unvivalled know- ledge of Clib history, ete.
Mr. C. Daley read extracts from several letters selected from a number received, all written in appreciation of Mr. Barnard’s services. Mr. Daley then, on behalf ot the sul- Scribers, presented o wallet of notes to Mr. Barnard.
My, Barnard, in retarning thanks, said (hat the Club had been his hobby, It had been a pleasure to serve it, He related some ineidents in the Chih’s early history.
Mrs, Barnard also spoke.
EXHIBITS,
By Mr, BR. Chapman, A..8.—A Miocene Claral, Orbicella tusmaniensis, Divean.sp., from Flinders, Vie. A first reeore (by Rev, Geo. Cox) from this locality; alsa Green Flowering Gum, Bucatyptus Lehmannis, grown at Balwyir
By Mr. © French, Jan—Five specimens of a remarkable Goecid (scale insect), Apiomorpha muniia, male and female, collected in the Dandenong Ranges, 18/7/25.
By Mr, HE. RB, Uatnmet—-Seed-pod of Cassia, grown Kilkevan, Queensland.
By Me. V. Miller—Fungi from Sherbrooke Gully, Belgrave, Vic.
By Mr. F. Pitcher—Distinctive pink and white form of the Native Heath, Epacris tmpresse, collected during Mt. Morton exetursion, 18/7/25.
By My. A: L. Scott—Quarta orystal from garden in Caul- field, the imperfeetly-formed faces being worthy of notice,
By Mr. H. B. Williamson, I.0,8.—-Wild-flowers from Foster, ineluding white specimens of Sprengelia incarnata, Fiv.M., the Pink Swamp Heath, collected by Mr, I’. Barton, Tun; also specimens of Puwtenea styphelioides, Fv.M., and species recently described; Pultencen subfernalu, LB. W., N.S.W.: P. trichophylla, H.B.W., S.A; and P. pubescens, H.B. W., §.A.,. and Vic.
By Mr. E. BH. Pescott, F.L.S.— Herbarium specimens of the Western form of the Banded Greenhood, Pterostyliys wil- tuta, F.v.M., from W.A.; flowering specimens of the Gram- plans Heath Myrtle, Z'hr: yplomene Mitchellianu, Fv.M. {eul- tivated) ; various specimens of aboriginal stone axes, some grooved for hafting, from the Southern Coast of Vietoria (recent collections).
ea | Coiannhor, Aq@uits of Mot Sapd-Wasy 107
ET a)
HABITS OF THE SAND-WASP,
By f. G. Casper,
ERED TEA EE TEND AH AHA MECHRURONIN TIF ED
(Communicated by C. Bavrett,)
TUPERETETERITETETEOE MAentteNeErte esas
Seaunenvescaveveavscosuavevsduscacaarsyenscocnsvepsesepecssatnscescnerdvceceanepsasepercreygusespulesvesvereccvecuesvant (avecrescssrse
(Read before the Wield Nuturatists’ Club of Victoria, August 10, 1925)
North-west Victoria is particularly xieh in wasps and other insects of the order Hymenoptera. The genial cliniate of this sunny corner of the State is, no doubt, the main cause of their presence in sueh numbers aid variety. Wasps, though fascinating insects, have bad little attention paid to them in Australia,
With the object of interesting especially the younger members of the Club, J shall describe the habits of the wasp, Annophila suspiciosu, My notes, by ne means complete, for they bave been gathered in moments stolen from pressing work, nay serve as ail introduction to the study of the species: Ammoplhila mens ‘‘lover of the sand.’? Jt is a title euphonious and well applied; though perhaps almost any species of wasp that burrows in this region eould, with jJus- tice, bear the same name.
The Sand-Wasp, like most wasps that dig a. perpendicular burrow, prefers a firm, soil im which to begin its excavating, and the eaten paths used by man, and the head-lands in a, yineyard, are much favonred by it. The Joose, sandy soil of the vineyard itself, is one of its favourite hunting grounds. ‘Aud as its prey is invariably a caterpillar of the Bozong Moth, Agrotis spina, or allied species, known to the man on the Jand as ‘‘eutworms,’’ iL 1s obyious thal. the wasp is of eeononue nopertauce. About September, when the vines are beginuine to shoot, the cut-worm pest, especially in a newly- planted vineyard, frequently assumes serious proportions; and were it not fov the effective check kept upon these cater- pillars by certain species of birds and insects, the lot of the arawer would he unbearable. The same applies, bui with even ereméer Tores, to the wheat-grower, for, unlike the horti- eulturist, he eannot protect himself by the application of poison-baits and sprays.
The “‘balance of Nature’? is yery wonderful, and almust sinuultaneonsly with the appearance of the ent-worm cater-
ibs GUANOLER, Hedtls of the Sund- Wasp Rosiean
pillars Anmophila leaves her winter's prison in the ground aga perfect insect. Perfect, that is, in all but wing-develop- ment; and very soon the tiny, double wings beconie expaided to their full sige. Loveanaking over, the wasp, between visits to flowers mm search of nectar, applies herself Lo the eap- tare and paralysis of cut-worms, and the perpetuation of her race, Should the day be cold and cloudy, her activities us a hgutress are temporarily checked, for, like butterflies, wasps are lovers of sunlight, At night they take shelter in post-holes and hollow tirees, and, on cold mornings,. remain concealed wntil the aun tempts them forth,
The cut-worm larva is a night-feeder, and before daylight it burrows into the soil, perhaps a quarter or half an ineh below the surface. In a vineyard the hertieulturist ean often note its presence by the cdistarbed condition of the soil; but the wasp apparently finds it by some other method, in which her antennm play an important part,
When hunting, the course of the wasp, to au onlooker, appears to be very erratic. In her wanderings often she goes over the same aren again and again. With antennz tapping the, ground, she patises, burrows, moves on, burrows again; and sa the huith eontinnes—sometimes truittessly if the gaine be seavee—tfor half an hour or more, Tt seems fairly certain that where she burrows a éut-worm has heen congealed, ov ig then in hiding, but probably at Loo great y. depth for her to make a successful capture. So far, I have failed to find a cut-worm at such plaees, but with other species of wasps, particularly a small member of the genus Pompilius, a spider huntress. [ have hid sufficient. proof to eomvinee me thal the wasp has a sure method of loeating her hidden prey. Jt is probable that the inscet is endowed with a sense of which we have no knowledge. Those delicate. wav- ing antennw surely hold the secret that baffles my under- standing!
The presence of her prey can hardly be detected by the wasp by sound, uttless her organs of hearing are extremely delicate, for ihe ent-worm lies perteetly still, On the other hand, it is doubtful whether scent is the determining factor. Time and again, L have placed a cut-worm in the path of a wasp inteut on hutnting, and she has passed within a few inches. or walked right across it. On the surface af the soi), said quiescent, the caterpillar was merely an obstryetion in her path, Lad it moved she night have recognised it as her usual game. Lf simell were the deciding sense, she twoulil have imtnediately seized and paralysed the cut-worm when
Teen, | Guayowen, Habis of the Sand-Wasp 109
walking across its hady. That. she did not recognise her prey hy sight alone is not strange. The sight of a wasp for stilt objects is not particularly good, and, moreover, her instinet tells her 1o seek tor the cut-worm beneath the soil, ‘The soil iff conjunetion with the antennw ucts as a medinm whereby the presenye of her quarry is transmitted to the wasp’s brain, but.in what way I do not know
Anno phil suspeciosa 18. a solitary species. Provided thai the acil is firm enough io burrow into, her wants for the site of the home for her grub are satisfied, She first captures at paralyses her game, and then, within a few yards, exea- vates a perpendicular burrow about au inch and a half in depth, Branching off at the bottom is a cell just large enough to accommodate the caterpillar. The varying methods lopted hy individual members of Lhe species from the time when (he caterpillar is captured until the barvew is finally closed) aie somewhat remarkible, When | first observed these variations, T thought, maybe, Thad met with wo diss tinet species, but a close examination revealed the wasps te he identical.
In this variation of habits, there is one outstanding feature. Ii one case the wasp, after she bas paralysed her prey, places it off the ground, on vegetation, while she cons structs the burrow for its reception; m the other case, she buries it temporarily by raking sund over it with her fore. iret. J have had to avidence as yet to show that the one individyal is capable of adopting either method aecording te her faney, and, nvfortunately, T have not had the necessary time to devote io continuous observation and experiment. wherehy this point might he settled. 14 is certainly full of delightful possibilities, as it would go a lone way towards proving whether thé wasp is bound rigidly in her actions by instiuet, or whether she is guided to a limited extent by reason.
Quoting from my note-book, J will deal, first, with the case wf a wasp that temporarily huries its prey :—
8/11/24—‘ Aho, 4.30 p.m. 1 noticed out-worm wasp digging a burrow, She was bringing up pellets of earth sup- parted between Ter anandibles and front Jegs, aud as she reached the top of the burrow, walking backwards, she wonld theow ihe cam hehind her with a quick aetion, and immediately 2o below again, As the burrow neared eom WWetion, it tnok ber from four to seven seconds per trip, Several times she left her task, and took aimless walks arannd {he neighhrurhond pausing oecasionally te sun and groom
116 CHanpter, Habits of the Sand-Wasp Neg 2
herself. On returning to the buerew she exhibited signs of nervousness, and seemed afraid to go below. J was puzzled by these actions until 1 observed a small, brown att near the ontrance to the burrow. The wasp was very seared of the tiny ant, and jumped into the air when she saw it at close quarters. The same thing happencd when she blundered aevoss a line of ants in her wandering, Tinally, she came back to the burrow, made several attempts to go below, hesi- tated, descended ahout half the length of her own body, and backed out and resumed her wandering. I was surprised when she stopped at a snail heap of sand an inch fromthe burrow, and, after sevatchiny, a paralysed eut-worm lay revealed. ‘This was my first glianpse of this procedure, for previous wasps that I had studied had placed their game on vegetation
“Seizing the cuf-warm by the hody near the head, dnd glagping it belly to Welly with the aid of her front leys. she davried ip to a distanee of about four yards. Placing it on the ground, she again raked sand over it with her fore- feet, and after more wandering she returned and began a burvow two Inches away. I accidentally disturbed hem and she hegan on another, After ten minutes’ work she aba- cloned this also, as apparently not to her liking—perhaps a root had interfered with her work--and resumed her Wandering, <A fussy, particular wasp, thie! Ina few more minutes she pieked another spot, two feet from caterpillar. and dnetgetically set to work. The mandibles and fore-feet are used in conjunetion, the fect—unlike a dog, that scratches the earth buck one foot af the time—being operated together.
‘As she bit at the earth she bummed, but the humming ecascd as she hacked with her load ov swept tt away with her feet. Three times during the excavalion, which ocenpied half on hour, she carefully groomed the moist sand from her face, body. lezs and antenn#. Tn her endeavour to clean her hind-legs she frequently overbalaneed and fell on her back, “wing to her legs heeaming temporarily entangled. Ter middle pair of legs are cleaned independently by the front pair: likewise the face and antenue:. Balaneing on the front. pair of legs, and one middle—nsnally the right middle—the hind pair of legs, together, would be rubbed np and dawn on the fige middle leg. and to vain additional balance the wasp often put its head on the ground. It was while engaged in cleaning this back pair of legs that the interlocking of the jdints happened. and caused the upsetting of her equilibrinm,
“Purine these grooming operations she wandered within
Bxph Cia suid, Audits of the Sund-Wasy Ti 4 radias of several feet from the burrow, and at times scratched more sand dyer her capture. The Wwoist sand adher ing to her amioyed her like water sometimes ‘amoys'a dog. wAs the dog rubs itself on the gauss te remove the water, so the wasp rubbed herself against the dy, sarface sand, with _ the abject of removing the moist sand, When sunning hat’ —selfé, ahe kept her body flat om the eround, and the iniddle pair of legs, and frequently all the leos were held ataw anele above the body.
“At Lwenty minutes from the time of begivmming the bur row, she gaye jerself the second conrpiete cleaning; and, after a brief Wander, cume to the caterpillar, partly uncovered it as though to assure herself that it qwas still there, and then covered it again with sand... Returning to the birrvaw, she bronght a few move loads of earth fram below. ATL the earth was deposited on the one side, and, unlike many members of Jer species, she did not trouble to rake the pile backward to clear 4 space for further deposits. Coisequently, as she descended, she occasioially took as mach down as she brought to the top. However, the job was eventually completed to her aatisfaetion, and, after another arooming she spread her legs at an angle above her body, and, except for a. eoutinual movement of {he abdomen in and out, lay motionless, vest- Wz and enjoyng the sun,
“Suddenly she went to the ent-worm, dettly aheuvered it, and, seizing it iu the same position as before, she trans. ported. it to the Imrrow. <A little manwuvring to place the head in position over thé burrow, and she squeezed past and descended, head first, to the bottom. In a few seconds she ascended, for the first time, head frst, and, grasping the para
lysed creature by the head, piled it by ‘low. Ai miniite passed, and she had arranged the provender in the desitud qosition, laid an cgg upon it, and-aseended to the surface. “A amall quantity of earth was swept backward ito the hole, and she descended to-push it inte-position with herthead, This pyro- cedure -continued until the borrow was ‘elmest fill) when she selected small. pebbles and bits of chips, ands placad them, one by one. into the hole, raking-turther loose earth, between the trips, with the larger fragments.: Several times, while holding.a.small.chip in her mandibles, she. pressed the soil into position, often picking up the same piepe oy using another bit that happened, to be closer, A final sweeping of abeaut two inches from all sides of, the burrow, and ihe job
vas, finished. All. traces of the burrow had disappeared, avd the. wasy), rething a few feet, aggin. completed, lear toilet hefore flying away,”’
112 (crtannixr, Hubite of the Sund-Wasp [ veuxennt
The most interesting Iact aboul this observation is, Lsat the wasp is, in reality, an implement-user,
The Peckhams, in their admirable work ow Atneriean wasps ("' Waaps, Social and Solitary’’), deseribe huyw Aso- phila urnaria yses a stone to pound down earth over her nest-burrow; “She improvised a tool and made intelligent use of it.’ “
There is a considerable difference in the methods of wasps at work, Some are particularly fussy about their toilet, and often excavate several burrows before they are satisfied with _ the conditions. Their dread of ants, whieh frequently raid their game at the unguarded moment when it is Iymg exposed, is often responsible for this, and some resent the intrusion of a human being. The ants, once they have a good grip on the leg of a wasp, are hard to dislodge, and the wasp has probably had experience on this point, Other specimens T have woted ave very thorough in their work, taking eare to sweep the soil well back from the burrow, 80 that there is ample room for fresh deposits. Of their toilet. they take little heed ; the work in hand is al)-absorbing for the moment; ‘and all theix movements are methodical and thorough,
It. seséms strange, on first thought, that wasps should be $0 particular in the choice of their game. Nearly every order of insects, and also spiders, appears to have its own special wasp enemy. If there ts any variation at all ag regards the kind of insect captured, if will be found, in most eases, +0 be a species closely allied ta that generally favoured, The reason for this is apparent, when wa consider the hunting methods of the wasp, and particularly her manner of para- lysing her prey.
Describing the nervous system of en insect in ns book, ‘Insects: Their Life Histories and Habits,’’ my friend, Harold Bastin, says:—‘‘Beneath the digestive canal (nut above it, as in the case of vertebrate animals) passea the wentral nervous chain of the imsect. This is eomposed of twin cords which conncet. a series of paired knobs called ganglia, Roughly speaking, each pair of ganglia may be likened to a minor brain, which governs the uctivitios of the parts that immediately surround it. This arrangement accounts for the curious disconnectedness of action, which is observable in a maimed ingect.’’ By her marvellous instinct the wasp has a full knowledge of the vital nerve-centres of her gamé, but apparently only within the limited range of a genus, wherein the nervous system is more or less identical
4
Site: Cranxorer, Habits of (he Sand-Wasn 113
his explains why her choies 3) selection is limited to certain species.
In some inseets, owing to the grouping of the zanglia being close together, one stah is sufficient to cause paralysis. The slayer of such an insect, if faced with the jwobleay uf reducing a cut-worm to a stage of helplassness, where the prey has io be stung in several nerve-centres it) succession, would have no knowledge of how to proceed. Her urt in the use of the sting, so perfect and uncanny in its applica- tion, is highly specialised, and therefore limited in scope, But let me proceed with the method of the Ammophila, and the variations that accompany that method.
The actual paralysis of the victim is produced in two distiict operations. But first there is the digging out nf Lhe aut-worm. Haying located ils position, the wasp sets ta work, in frenzied haste, biting and pulling at the soil, and roots of erass, elc., that obstruct, and throwinw the soi behind her ia a shower. Foret on one side, then on the other, she digs, withont parse, until the eut-worm lies exposed. Then, with- out a moment's hesitation, she seizes the writhing ereature near the head, and, curving her abdomen, plunges the sting between the first and second pyar of legs. Now, withdraw- ing her sting, and hending her body a, littl: mure, she attacks the Arst segment near the base of the mouth. The eut-avorm is now at her mercy. [t can still wriggle the hind portion of its body, but it cannot move from the spot. The wasp, as though reulising this, leaves it for a while, and arranges her toilet. Iw the struggle, and hast} digging, she has numerous evaius of sand adhering to her; and, as deseribed earlier, she has tertain ways of removing the annoyance.
Fabre, who has explained the habits of French wasps sa lueidly, considers that the rolling aboul of the Ammophila, after the close of the first act in the paralysis of her vietim, is, in effect, ‘‘a manifestation of delight’’ in the conquest, I cannot agree with this, for | have seen the same man@uvre when the wasp was merely engaged in cleaning herself As stated previously, it is simply an interlocking of the joints of her hind and middle legs, and this upsets her balance. Her toilet completed, she again mounts the cut-worn and stings it between the second and third pair of legs; moving # little, she tales a fresh grip with her mandibles, and stings jé in the next segment. StiJ] another movement backward, and the sting is jnserted between the first and second pair of pro-legs. Sometimes only four nerve-rentres are attacked, never more than five, according ta my observations. As ta
4 Bacursion lo WMawnl Movlon, Belpre MA Coal fe the exact points attacked, | find that IT have the ahove posi- tions stated in three places in my note-book, bat on aceount of the sting being thrust nndernéath the caterpillar it is difficult, to deternrine the exact spot where it enters:
The paralysis complete, the wasp gently squeezes with her mandibles neau the head of thé game, sometimes from above, sometimes laterally. This action canses sickness nt the ent-worm, and for several minutes the wasp eagerly laps up the jnices with her tongue. T have observed a wasp, on veturmng to the leat where she had placed her game, and, finding it not quite paralysed to her fancy, again sting it in a few places. One wasp began at the anterior end, but, seem- jue to realise her mistake, “she turned around, and attacked ik in the orthodox manner.
That sone wasps are loss skilful than others is evident. I have kept numerous paralysed caterpillars to determine the period of hatching of wasps’ eggs, the method of feeding of young wasp, ¢te. In one cuse the stung creature partly revived, and, turning completely over, detached and damaged the ege. Tn another instauee the young wasp hatched, aud began ifs meal: but it was obvious that the provender was dead. In two days the’ young wasp was also. dead, poisoned by the decomposing food. This is the only note I have where Ihe wasp had made such a fatal mistake. J did not observe the stinging in this case, so tliat I am unable to account for the blunder.
In order to determize whether the wasp is ekpable “oF reasoning, I have, conducted certain experiments. A reeord of these, and an account of the. development of the wusp- grub to the adult stage, ete,, may be given in a future article. My thanks are dae to Mr, P. B. Wilson for identifying speei- mens of wasps that T have forwarded ta him.
pxcuRsion : TO RouMt MORTON, BULGRAY BE. a lin pe Four! a Ses tdok? part’ in ‘the éxetesion to Noun Mor- jonyron 18th August. “We followed’ the pathivay from the east eid of Beleraive station, by” Wwitich’ the road journey te South” Belgrave is ‘shortened’ to! thé extent’ of” about K mile. This pathway paskes the recreation idserVe, ‘ond Jeads on to the _nucen tly: Heviatett Cotintry Rorids' ‘Beart road | to! ‘the bridge over
st wat, yuna spend rey oot We
et Excursion to Mount Morton, Belgrave Wi
the Monbulk Creek, about half a mile below the Monbulk Reservoir. Crossing the bridge, we made a short cut up the lil] through Loslwood Estate, to a orveek, and ascended the hill which leads up to Mount Morton. On this hill-slope, ta the north, is one of the finest heath grounds among thesa eusily accessible from the city. In June and duly the white, pik, and deep crimson native heaths, and their various shades, ave to he scen in profusion. One form, in which pink and white flowers appear united, has been very pronouneed, although not abundant, each time T have visited the hill. This area, about three miles by road from Belgrave, has hitherto been preserved from destruction, but now that a motor-car track, branching off from the main road to Narre Warren. has been formed to Mount Movton, it may beeame less attractive ta heath lovers.
Walking throngh the heath, in a westerly direetion for nearly half a mile, we came to the cone-shaped peak of Mount Morton, which, with the exception of a few sniall Blacks Wattle and Blackwood trees, and ''Mannka”’ shrubs, Leptospernun scopmaiain, seattered about, wud grass and bracken, is bare of vegetation. The mount, computed to be between 800 feet and 900 feet in height, was, until *ecently, owned privately, fut the Ferntree Gully Shire Council wisely purchased an area of four acres, including the mount, and yeserved it, for public use. The view trom the summit ie extensive, embracing French and Philip Islands and Western Port Bay, the Strealecki Ranges, the Baw Baws, portions at Warburton Ranges, Dandenong Forests, Macedon, Mel- bourne, Port Phillip Bay. the You Yangs, the Heads and Mornington Peninsula, with all the iitervening areas.
Nothing unvsual in the mountain and valley vegetation was noted, and very few flowers were seen, exeepling the heath. Some healthy youns plants of the Myrtle Acacia, A. myriifolia, were observed in fnll bloom and bul. The pre- domMating acacias in the district traversed, in addition ta the Silver Watiles im the valleys, ave the Leper and Hop Acacias, A, lejresa and A. stricta, and Prickly Moses, A- vertiollata. Instead of returning by the new road, we took the nld one, from Monbulk Creck, aud for nearly a nule of the journey were serenaded by Bell-lirds, Manorhane mielanophrys, Whose haunts are in the vicinity of fhe reser- voir which we passed. Their masical notes were dehehtful.
F_ Prromnr.
ué Lesttn, Mosses of Wilson's Prowontory Rey
INVEVEAATAUETERT UR RELI CTYR TNE NYTnEretome ured yr verwenaTTEOTTPWO pI HUTHEMMAAULD OAM LomitieseensmmeeeeeerermennnerurT ANNE TyTN TINITINNE
: MOSSES OF WILSON’'S PROMONTORY. : By J. R, Leste.
Flea emnnennnennannennmapenl
AT TVELT TERM ATTITELRRATENTOEEPRT ACE OAL RVD DA SurreermrrresesayumarRrOOESHYOPLOLASHDVH/T/CRNIEDD IAL CCtPDIDAAbASeP EAS NaE ei eter Pe eneten
T had originally intetided to present this paper on Mosses, eollected during January, 1925, in the National Parks, Wilson’s Promontory, some time in February, but in attempt- ing to work up the species found tho task of identification much more difficult than T had expected. Very little is layown of Victorian Mosses, and what has been recorded is dispersed throngh various journals and fragmentary publi- cations, which often are difficult of access. In the deter- mination of the following species, I have made considerable use of Rodway's excellent ‘‘Mosses and Hepatics of Tas- miuinia,’’ as being the most reliable euide having any close con- nection with the Victorian forms, I have also referred to Braithwaite’s ‘‘British Mosy Flora,*’ ‘‘ Hookers’ Flora Tas- maniv,’? and, for some generic determinations, to Engler and Pranhl’s ‘‘Pflanzenfamilien.’’ Although every care has been. taken, a few errors probably will have erept in, and must be corrected later ;
The humid, forest-elad, castern slopes of the National Park form ene of the finest areas In Victoria for the growth of Bryophyta (Mossey and Hepatics), and we may confi- dently expect to find about 400 species (including Hepaties) within if, The Park has practically never been explored for non-vascular jeryptogamo, and future investigations will doubtiess lead to very interesting results, The only instance, so far as I am aware, of mosses being definitely recorded from the area in question ig in Baron Von Mueller’s Aus- tralian Mosses—a work of 20 well-executed plates—where two species, Hypnwmn callidioides and Conastamaume per- pusilum, are vecorded'from Sealers’ Cove; neither of these species was collected last January.
T have not, attempted to give popular names im the sub- joined preliminary list as these are not very definitely applied, and usually suggest little. The Hepatics have been axcluded —although about 80 species were collected — on aecount of the great difficulty in determining the species satisfactorily, ‘There are still some 20 species of mosses reriaining to be identified, but these must be added to the list at some fulure date. Among them are some very interest- ing, and possibly new, forms.
ms Lisise, Wosses uf Wilson's Promontory Wi TORTULACE FUNARIACEX
Barbule rubella (Hoff.), Mitt. Punaria hygrometrica (L.)
Werssia, sp. - ‘ Sibth. DICRANACEX® HYPNACEKE
Ditrichum affine, CM. Campylonus pudicus, Hornsch torguatus, Mitt. eapillatus, Hf et W. Divranum spp. (none collected) Ceratodon purpureus (L.), Brid. LEUCOBRYACED
Leucobryum candidum, Hope.
GRIMMIACE ® Grinvmia, sp. Orthotrichum, sp. Zygodon, sp.
MNIACEZ® Rhizogontum distichum, Brid. Hymenodon pilifir, Hf. et W. Leptotheca Gaudichaudii, Schw.
FISSIDENTACE Fissidens pullidus, H.f. et W.
BRYACHZ Brywm bimun, Schreb.
BARTRAMIACEX Barlramia, sp.
SPLACHNACE#
Tayloria octoblephara (Hook) - Mitt.
Mniodlendron comosum (Lab.) comatum. (C.M.)
Hypnodendron spininervum
(Hook} Rhaphidostegium homomallum
(Hpe.} Hyprum dristatum, H.f. et W. Ptychomnion aciculare (Brid.)
Mitt.
Thuidium, spp.
NECKERACEAG Hedujigidium imberbis (Sm.)
PUTERYGOPHYLLACES
Pterygophyllum nigellum (H.fW.), Jeg. Distichophyum microcarpun (Hedw.)
LOPIDIACER
Lopidium pallens (Hf. et W.)
Racopilum cristatum.
Cyathophorum bulbusum (Hedw.), C.M-
POLYTRICHACL A
Catharined Muelleri (Hpe. et C.M.) Polytrichadelphus majellanicus (Hedw.), Mitt. Datwsonia superba, Grev, Poytrichum juniperinum, L.
REPRINTS FROM NATURALIST,
The author of a paper published in the Naturalist is mititled to reccive 25 reprints free, if the Editor has heen notified not later than a fortnight after the meeting at which such paper was read, But, in view of the high cost of print- ing, the Committee hopes that reprints of general papers, such as accounts of holiday trips, will not be asked for by the writers. In future, reprints will net be supplied unless they are ordered.—Hptror.
318 The Mora of Bass Straw Alf
SPOteenaMere ce cnonenvyreneragamenceens gecmmeRgrrtHoeneND enn en itfrmaneRAioneemeneracresam@ecc ds ccemens cnccmecnecinoomecnanocsemansent®
THE FLORA OF BASS STRAIT.
“Tusnueecatnnsasnavnwgeqqsnanyngeasionoyvnaceuuevennnyaueusnnennnnacauesyaaynccsunaayyysanu nn nncresenn nHAAHENN DN ANNAN ANON
OTE T TREE DTTP RHEE EDR DES: ae
On the Fdbaston ot the visit of martbens of the RB, AOL, to the Furneaux Group, in November, 1912, the writer was one of the party which camped at Lady Rarron; on Minders ‘Island. As the resnlt of excursions made in the southern part of the island from a point east of the eanrp to Straciecki ‘Peak, vather more than 300 plants were noted or cal- lected. Sinee then a seareli, which cannot be said to he exhaustive, was made for records of plants from this and the other islands of Bass Strait with the objeet of eumpiling a ecnsus. ‘this has been done, and, though it cannot find a plaee here, it seems worth while to set. dawn the sources from which data were obtained, and to male some remarks regard- -Ing certain species and theiv distribution.
From the Mlora <Austrealionsis one’ gathers that Robert Brown, Gunn, Milligan, Bynoe and others weve the earliest collectors in the islands. Brown ard Baner, Baron von Muoel- ler tells us, were in Ging Island as carly as 1802. Backhouse, in his Narrative, mentions about a down species seen on Flinders Island during his three visits there, in 1832. ‘Probably the first list of plants from any of the islands to be published accompanies the Baron’s paper on ‘‘The Vegetation of King’s Island,’’ in the Proceedings of the ‘Royal Society of Tasmania for 1881. This was made from Taaterial sent to him by the light-keeper there. In the 1884 ‘volume of the same ‘‘A Complete Census of the Flora of Deal Tsland’’—60 speeies—appeared, and doubHess here: also the light-keeper was prompted to make the collection.
The reports of three excutsiohs undertuken by the nvem- berg of this Club eantributed greatly to our knowlecde of the. natural history of the island, and though the bird life seems to have engaged must of the attention of the visitors, plants were not neglected.
The first of these exenrsions to King Island, in 1887, resulted in the colleetion of such plants as enabled the Baron to publish in the Naturalist a list. including 16 introduced weeds, of 204 species which considerably exeecded that pre- viously made by him. The item most interesting to him was a small composite Nablonium calyceroides, described by Cassini, in 1825, from a specimen from the same locality:
AN Tg
Al
LOA
AHL
LOLOTA
€
“ESTIVAEIEV NX XVI
Vix
‘oqmaydos
UL
‘
gas. | The Flora of Basx Strast vy
The second excursion was to Kent Group, in 1890, when the material sulinitted to the Baron Jed to the addition at 23. species to the Deal Island censns,
The Visit to the Furneaux Group, in 1893, was tot su fraitful in plant records, for of the colleetion submited tu the Baron only a dozen were mentioned as being the more important.
In the account of the late Mr, BE, D. Atkinson's visit te the Three Hwnmocks Island, in the Naturalist for February March, 1890, the names of four plants oceur, and 10 in that _ of the late Mr. J. Gabriel’s risky yeuture to Albatross Island,
in the Naturalist, for January, 1895, The islands, belonging politically to Tasmania, their plants are included in Rodway 8 Tosmenian Flora, but only the minority are deseribed vaguely, as from *‘Bass Straits’? Spicer, in lis Hondbvok, is tore definite, and generally aimentions the partieulsr island in which the species oceurs.
Prom these sources, then, one is able to make up a dist of 458 plants indiwenous to the islands—340 securing in the Furieanx Group, 214 in Ning Island, 121 in the Went Group aul 14 in the Hunter Group. The particular Toealines of some ten are still andefiied,
These figures will, of corse, be greatly meressed wher the northern part of Flinders Island, the southern, mure densely forested, portion of Wing Island, which was Wot explored by the excursionists of 1887, Cape Barren and other islands, ore more closely investigated.
On oxamining the list we find, as might be expected, Hal the great majority of the species are common to the adjacent parts both of Tasmaiia and the mainland. Those whieh are nat—and as will be seen twenty-one do not oxtend to Tis- mania, and ten are not found north of the Strait—appear below. Two only are known from a single island,
Other species appear to have ‘‘jumped*’ the coastal dis- tricts as, for example, Zygaphallum «epiculetumn and Spy- vidium ertucephalum from our North-West to Tlinders Island and Papover aculeadtum to Wing Island,
It js interesting also to find Miewocarpus vehenlitus, fron the oe side, and Phayllacladus vhomboidalis, frum the other, meeting in ii nig Tsland, The presenee, again, of Melalence squamen, M. gibhasa and BM. ‘eeassate in Plindevs. Tsland is nhexpected,
Oeeasionally records rive vise ta sane doubt as when we sec Leptospermum myrlifolium, Oxolis magellanica and Epacris hetermmens attribated ta Flinders Ysland. ‘The lat- ter is also supposed ta yield two Acacias, one absent from
Pranr
Zygophyllum apiculiutwn, Fiat... Myoporun humile, RBro.. .. .-
Auked. flexilis, Fivdt.
*Acacia oxycedrus, Sieb, AD. Tsopugon ceratophyllus, T.Bro. 2 ow. Scaevole wierocarpt, Cav. ..
*Meluleuca decussata, R.Br. ..
*Thelymitra grandiflora, Pitz. Pseudaunthus ovalifolius, F.v.M,
Pimelew uviflora, Pv...
Zoysia pungens, Willd, .. ww... Polypompholyx tenella, Leh, .. Cotula filifolia, Thunb, .. ., Sicyos angulata, Le. 6...
*Scuevala suaveoleus, KBr. ., ., Alueocarpus reticulutus, Sn ..
_ Podotheca angustifolia, Cuss. .. .. .. Casuarina bicuspidata, Benth ,. ..
Auacia erussiusculd, Wendl ., .. 65 ue ue
Didymothecu thesivides, Hook. .. Teioltend supina, Fy Mw,
Lasiopetalum discolor, Hook,
Hibbertin hirsuta, Benth,
Nabloniunt calyceroides, DC. .. Schoenus fluitaus, Leo. .. pe etn Lomatia tinctoria, R.Br... 6... Ozothamnus Gunnii, Hook. .. Bedfordia lineuris, DC... ., Pimelea cineréa, R.Br. we 4 bed Phyllocladus rhomboidalis, Rich, gs Thryptomene micrantha, Hook, Ceutrolepis pulvinatu, Desv. .. Pratia irrigua, Benth, ..
ISLANDS AUSTRALIA Flinders W.A., S.A. Vie. N.S.W,, Q. Py WA, S.A. Vie, N.S.W, if A, Vic. N.S.W, ” S.A., Vice., N.S.W. n $,A,, Vic.,! N.S.W, 7m 8.A., Vic, N.S.W,, Q. ” $.A., Vic. 9 S.A., Vie, a Vic., N.5.W., @ it Vic., N.S.W. King, Flinders Vic., N.S.W,, Q, a W.A.,, S.A., Vie. 7. W.A., S.A, Vic., N.S-W Sister Islands Vic., N.S.W, Q King S.A., Vic., N.S.W., Q * Vic., N.S.W.. Q-. iy W.A., S.A, Vie Flinders W.A., SA. ” N.5.W., Q Kent, Flinders W.A,., S.A, Kent S.A. Hummock Tsland W.A., S.A. Flinders S.A. King, Flinders — Flinders —— ” > Kent —_—— Islands, Bass Strait — Kent —
w.gg sspg {0 DOL. auz oOgL
{VIX “TOA “VUN 'OTA
Fra The Mara of Bass avait 121
our State, A, crasaiusculus, Wenul., which is perhaps A, adunca, A.Cnuun,, and A, siculifornis, no found in our southern districts.
A very striking shortaye in species of Wuealyptus is evi- dent. In Minders Island we noted only 2. wnyydalinn and BE. ylobulus, the former sernbby but the latter making a fine unmixed forest, averaging perhaps one hundred feet hieh, These two, with EF. vnvinalts, ave reported front'King Island, and the first-mentioned and J7, obliqua from the Kent Group,
A most interesting deficiency shared with 'Casmania ix the absence of any Loranths in the islands, and ulso of the beautiful little bird, Decalwm hinkndinacéum, whieh is cou- sidered ta he vesponsible tox the spread of the pest,
A matter worth mentioning, perhaps, is the oeeurrenes ut Gaedenwr ovata, always am unattractive shrub, in a pag licularly objeetionuble shape. m the northern slay of Stree Jooki Peak, Hero, au rocky, broken ground, it was erowing thickly over a wide area, with single, anbranched stems; abotit tour or five feet bigh, quite trelike the bnvshy Jorma it assumes with us, aid it proved extremely diffleult ta traverse.
Until more complete plant lists of the island are wvail- able it ig rather futile to make comparisons. ‘he fauna is considered more akin to that of Tasmania, bul the florea appears to be rather Austrahan,
The plant covers of the islands are scemingly reranants of the vegetation oncé eontinuons aeross the Strait, and the 33. plants listed above represent brokenly the limits ot the range of rhe species-—O.5.5,
NATURAL HISTORY IN AUSTRALIAN ENOYCLOPAEDIA.
Many articles on the native fauna and flora are included in Vol, T of the 'TMlustrated Australian Encyclopedia.’’ an invaluable work recently published by Messrs, Angus and Robertyon Ltd, Sydney. They are by leading authorities, and are finely illustrated, Descriptions ave given of a large number of plants, manmnws, bicds, reptiles, insects, ete., and many species are figured. ‘There are coloured plates of birds wid birds’ eggs, typical iuscets of different orders, lizards, xnakes and frogs, fishes aud Australian seaweers. As an example of the articles, that. on Beetles may be mentioned. Tt oecupies about five pages, and 12 species are fignred on a half-tone plate. The whole work is admirable, and the natural history sections should do much to popularise onr favourite subjects throughout. the Commonwealth—C.B,
342 Pescowr. Aboriginal Stone axes [yarecie
SUC RTETTHPACTAT TTT PEMECETaNaNACebsdiAeanuntananeneeyyembundtonerensvenereyerNGAsACAbLANAHAIAHRLUEVADDIRAGNIAL ASIEN BAAHEY
ABORIGINAL STONF-AXES.
By Upwarn Jo. Pescom, PF 0.8.
WTERAAR DADE RED ELD DME CTT EAE GEE EE AEERERERERAOONEEEE LED EH URNCCTRERERD DPPH AEED OED E POAT PRELOEPHUANNRFOR DUNT RTOF DUVET RRORENOWECOR ONT OR PRE ON”
= ee een ADSL Tal
Axe" is a term generally applied by the average mun to airy pieced of stone which an aboriginal has taken, and, sharpening, more or less, one end, put to the various Uses to whieh, in his so-called pritiitive mirc! it would, be of viltte to him. ‘The aborigimal might ueed to hollow out a charred log for a cance, or un elbow of a free for a eoolamet,*’ make toe-grips in a tree for Climbing, or stuip off slabs of bark for his canoe, or toy his mia-mia. Ae wotild, in all these ard other eases, use the implement which we collec- tively call an axe. Being a ‘‘stone man,’’ his iinplements or axes are all made of stone.
“Any stone will make an axe,*’ seems to have been the motto of this ‘‘stone man,’’ for he was able to take and use any piece of stone, and shape, nat “‘mould’’ it, to his pur- pose. If he were in hasaltie country he would smash off pieces of basalt and seleet those that seemed to hint most shapely; diorite stone was especially favoured, and of this stone many very fine axes were made. Any -hatd stone that came in his way was used; thus we lave axes of chiastolite slate, gneiss, hard sandstone, limestone cores, and even Hint. The Murray men and the imland tribes used water-worn pebbles of all sizes, ‘‘gibbers’' from the desert country, and hard sandstone pebbles fram the open plaing.
The making of an axe from a water-worn pebble was a sinyple matter. The craftsman would simply select an. oval, ov elongated, pebble, and, by rubbing both sides of one end om a hard or vongh atone, gradually work it down to an “edge.’’ his grooved, grinding stone he, perhaps, earrvied about with him, or he may have had some rock-face to winch he regularly repaired, a permanent sharpening station,
Usually the stone was ground down on both faces; but occasionally a wedge-shaped axe is found, made usually from a water-worn stone, which has been ‘‘sharpened’* on one side only. Sueh axes are uncommon; and one of this kind in my collection has had the wedge-side chipped down instead of being ground. Such implements are more akin to the New Zealand axes and chisels, which ave almost invariably chiscl- shaped, instead of having both sides worked dawn.
i. | Pescorr, Aboripinat Sto: Aves ies
The ‘'modern'' axe-maker—called the Neolithic tan— would, after grinding down his uxe-edge, bring Uf to a state of very smooth polish. Some of these axes have been polished jw an almost incredible degvee of smoothness. Diovite axes were very frequently polished. Some have the whole suy- fave beautifully smoothed and polished. These were evi- dently nsed as hand-axes, wid were not ‘halted?’ on “handled,’’
li some parts of. Australia there were tribes which included some very elever avtificers, for the axes earry gvoove Which has heen chipped or hanimered out with a piece of stone, the groove completely circling the axe. This. groove mutevially uesisted tn gripping the handle to the stane. In the Melbonrme Museuin there is such ai axe having two grooves, the maker af whieh was truly a Tubal Cain among his associates. Other axeg made by superior eraftsmen had the whole of theiv surface 'Shossed’’ over, the toalkew teu. niering it with @& stone, as a stonenason hammers and works down the rough surfaces of stone. Then the edge was. grvund dow and polished,
The hafting of the axe, or the fixing on of a handle, was. ase IM portant operation, A fairly thin strip of plant tree- stem, averaging from 18 inehes to 20 iiehex in length, and about an inch in, width, was flattened somewhat on one edge. Yn Northern Queensland cane from the “‘Lawyer™* palms Was used, This strip was yendcred supple by heating, and ‘then bent in half, the axe being folded’ in the bend. ‘I'he handle thes was tied in position with string made from geass fibve, or from: animal ox human hair. The ‘hatter’? nest heated near the fire some of the gum, or resin, whielk he had collected as an exudation from. the grass-trees. his graas- tree gum, atter being well kneaded, was fastened, by press- ing, all over the bult-end of the axe and avound the handle, hoalng worked and plastered nti] the stone axe was firinky fixed to the wooden handle. Oveasionally the'axe and handla were smeared over with red ochre or white limestone. Then it was ready for use. *‘Hafted’’ axes are very rare, the woorl and resin readily disintegrating aud decaying in the soil in a. few years.
Axes ave to be found almost all over Victoria Along the coast where ““middenk’? abonnd, the places where the blacks fed on shellfish, Jeaying the remains in. great heaps; Wherever ther had their '‘kitehen’’ or “‘hurial'’ iiddens: wherever auimal-life was abundant, by rivers'and lakes, where ‘fish could be obtaimed—these arc the places whete wxes still
12t Like with tke Past ich Son await the collector. Whenever they are found they should be treasured, for, with other stone implements and weapons. they are the sole monuments or memorials of a fast-deeryiug
race—the “‘stone men’’ who lived in the days of modern électric and steel eva.
LINKS WITH THE PAST.
‘he National Herbarium, Melbourne, has an extensive eol jection of Australian plants, gathered by Siv Joseph Banks and Dy. Solander. These links with the past were presented by the British Museum authorities,
On 28th April, 1770, Captain Cook’s scientific companions of the famous voyage botanised on the shoves of Botany Bay. The first specimen collected was one ‘‘which was large, yield ing a eum, mmeh like Sangtiis draconis’’—probably a Buea- lyptus species: Several trees, which bore a fruit of the “‘Jambosa kind (Eugenia) in colour, much resembling cher- vies,’’ were also noted on that day. By 3rd May 200 quires of blotting paper had been used for drying the plants col- lected. The paper was made into book form. |
The voyage was continued northward, and, landing at Bustard Bay, Banks and Solander collected Pandanus, Fecus, Heieropogon, vontortus, ete. On 10th June the “‘Endeavour’’ struck a eoral reef, part of which beeame embedded in her planks, thus preventing disaster. Many of the specimens stored in the hold were badly damaged. Tt was necessary to beach the ship. on the banks of the stream now known as Endeayour River. ‘The accident. proved to be a blessing in dis guise, as it gave the setentisis much time for collecting plants- Once, their specimens were jn danger, owing to a fire lighted by the aborigines.
Among the numerous species collected were the follow- ing:—I/ibiscus tiliaceus, Semnecarpus australiensis, ‘The Marking Nut,’’ Glycine spectosw, Tetragonu cornuta, Ficus caudiciflova, Cycas media, Luristonia australis, Lucalyptu: species, Lanthorrhad, Casuarina subernsa, Trichodesma zey- lanica, Stylidinm. graminifolium, Isepogon .anemonifolius, Beyeria apaca, Helichrysum apiculatum, Callistemon lanceo- latus, Banksia serrata (a genus named in honour of Banks), Cassia mimosioides and Adiantum ethiopicum, ‘Maiden Hair Fern.’’*—J.W.A. and P.F.M.
ae ® Notes rows Pield and Sinily 128
BIRD ISLHS OF GASS STRALT.
Australia has its bird isles, not less wonderful in their way than those of Pert, concerning which a book has heen published recently, Our Chib, in the days of its youth, vevealed a spirit more adventurous than that of its middle age, and carried out expeditions to the Bass Strait islands- The results were notable.
Why should we not go again to those isles of the sea? 1 have been twiee anione them, and conunend the voyage, with many landinys, io Club members, who would see “‘at home’’ Ganuets and Gulls, Alhatrosses, Petrels and tho big. seafaring Cormorants, that long bore the name of Gould (priority has decreed the change from Phalacracaraa govldt to P. fluscescens.)
On Cat Island the Gannets, Swe serrater, vest in um, bers, a8 they did more than 30 years*avo0, when a party’ of F_N.C. members explored the Furneaux Group. Three bird isles he off the east coast of Flinders—Babel, Cat and Store- house: the Jast-named is a nesting haunt of White-breasted Cormorants. Our pionser fellow-members of the 1893 expedition saw them there, among the nests on granite ter- races; and when, with other naturalists, I landed on Store- house in November, 1908, the rookery was in oeenpation, Per haps it is flourishing still; though there have been many changes in ‘‘island life’' during recent years.
From 300 to 400. nests formed the Cormorants’ rookery im November, 1893, but in 1908 the number, was about 150. The population, doubtless, varies much from season td season. Nature herself may take toll of the birds, in variaus ways; and Cormorants are not protected against hnman enetiins,
The gvoup-photograph (Plate TV) was obtained after eavefgl stalking. The Cormorants were wary; yet their neighhours, the Gannets, of Cat Island, declined to leave their nests when we walked among them,—C.B,
a ; 7 . - Wier, Naa, iis Nares frou Miels and Staty (var xcit
BEES’ WINTER HARVEST.
Some years ago, on a sunny day in late wuiter, scholars under my charge af Aawkesdale, in the Western District, noticed bees (a colony was always kept ia the school garden) tying in great numbers around the Golden Watiles, slacein pycnantha, in the garden, <A boy picked a phyllode and put, it to his ips, Ltis shout, '' Floney !'° was the signal for a rush of scholars to the trees. Investigating, L found that sweet liquid was exuding from the gland, a little swelling on the edge of the phyllode. 1 mentioned the matter to the late Mr. L, T, Chambers, an expert in bee management, who stated that he had noticed a sirnilar occurrence at one of his apissies, but the result of my subseqnent engniries shows that few people have seen bees feeding on nectar from these glands. In w fraper contributed tothe Naturalist (Nov., 1913), Mr, Reginald Kelly gives his views, and the results of his ohservations on the funetion of Acucia leaf glands. He failed to doteet any sweet exudation, and his couehjsion was that these ormans perforn) oxeretory functions, that the secretions are neither fluid nor viseid, aud that they sre not strictly glands or nectarics, in the sense that the ternt gland ov nectaty dows not acemvatel’y describe the nature of ‘the growth. Tfe sug gests the namie * ‘vents,"” and writes of then as mere “‘fune- tidnlers relies, ‘W—H.B.W,
>
HOW THE RLACK AND WHITE VANTALIL BUILDS ITS NEST.
Probahly none of the smaller native birds has been more vlogely and lovingly studied than the Black-awnd-White Fan- tail, Khipidwra leucophrys; tat I have read no account of one of its unique habits in nest-building, Since the end of Septem. bev, 1921, I have made notes on eight nests, all, T believe, built hy the same pair of birds. Nine nests sere constructed. but T. was unable to find the se¢ond one of the season, 1922-28. Tast season three ‘nests were built, one early’ ii October. the next in November; and the third at the end of December All but tavo of the nests under observation were built in pine trees, Pinus anrsignes, one oF other of a growp, wsially af a neivht of B feet. ‘ 4
The felt of cobweb, whieh forms the nest foundation ina
‘looks fike a alight thickening af a thm, grey branch, is spread in position by the tird’s head,» Very often Dhave wateherd a Fantail; airpported on swittly-heating Wings, catherine cab- weh from the wall. A sudden dart’ forward, a quick twist
tie Nules from Piett and Study 127
of the head, and grey strands of web lay across the black feathers. When this maneuvre had been repeated two or three times, the bird would fly swiftly to its nesting site. It was, uf course, impossible for me to reach it as quickly aa the bnilder, One had either to wait by the wall, to wateh the gatherinp of material, or at the tree to see it placed in position, Obviously, there was only one way for this ia be done; the head was wiped up and down or across the branch until all the grey fell was safely transferred ta the growing home. Tater, of course, stvavids of hair, ete., were ased.
Always the neat was moulded by the birds. as they sat wm the nest, turning and pressing to shape it with their own curved breasts. The finishing of cobweb was spread over the nest in the same way as the foundations were laid. 17 was ever able to wateh the actual beginning, nor be sure when the list toneh was given: but building seemed to vecapy ahout a week, The cegs. asa rule, were not laid on consecutive daya: and although three formed the nsual ehitel, some- times only tavo, sometimes as many as four, were laid. Ineuba- tion oeeupins exactly 14 days; and, if undisturhed, the young remain in the nest for about the same length of (ime, then leave home, and do not retam.—-J.G.
WORKS ON THE FPORAMINEIFERA.
Mh F. Chapman, in his ‘‘ Notes on the Voraminifera’’ in the Aurust number of the Naturalist, recommended certain works io the beginner. but a notable omission from these is his own book. ““The Foraminifera: An. Introduction to the Study of the Proatozoa.'' This book is obtainable in Melbourne, and sone knowledge of its contents will be found essential when the worke of Brady, Cushman and other snecialists ave being studied, To the more advaneed student, ihe artide by J. J. Lister, F RS., on ‘Foraminifera,’ in Lankester’s ‘Treatise on Zoology” (Sceand Faseicle, Part 1, Intradnection and Protozoa), is reeommended. Dr Brady's ''Challenger Report’? is now unpurchasable, but may be econsulled in ouy Public Tabrary. The monovraphs of Dr. J. A. Cushman are ihe most easihy abtained of works on the foraminifera, Sane of these mas he purchased from he Gavernment Printing Office. and others trom the Carnegia Tnstitution. both of Washington, T.S.A. They ust surely rank among the lawesf-pieed scientific papers issued, but on account of the demand for them by those interested m oil geolory, copies of his later works only are now held in stoek,--W 7. Parr.
198 Notes von Xd
“THE SCIENTIFIC NAME OF OUR CLUB'S BADGE.”
Under this tithe appeared in this Journal (Vol. XLT, p. 220) for April, a review by Mr. F, Chapman of the nomina- tion of the shell utilised as budge by the Clab. Ten years azo, [ indicated the fact that the popular name in vogue was technically invalid, and, knowing of no substitute, ET pro- posed what I regarded as » suitable equivalent. This name is now championed, somewhat late in the day, as. science keeps moving, whether we move or not. Recently, when working through some Western Australian material, J recog- nised the Victorian shell, and, referrime to Menke’s Mol- luscorum Nove Hollundie Specimen, published m 1848, IL found that om p. 21 he included Buccimwim fasetatum, Lam, and, giving a deserrption, added the information: ‘* Buect- num. pyrrhion, m. olam. inv lit. his means that. before Menke recognised that the shells belonged to Lamarelc's species, he had given them the name noted above, aud had sent specimens out with that name attached. Under the Laws, as soon as Lamarck’s name was invalid, Menke's name became valid, and therefore the correct scientific name of the Club’s badge becomes
NASSARIUS PYRRHUS (Menke).
1 have very carefully compared Western Australian shells with Victorian specimens, and they are nndoubtedly con-specific.
Tom Trepal.r.*
*By permission of the Trustees of the Australian Museum, Sydney.
NOTES FROM THE NATIONAL MUSEUM.
A FOSSIL CORAL.
The discovery of a new locality in Victoria for the imterest- ing reef-forming ‘‘star-coral,’’ Orbicella. tasmaniensis. has lately been made by our member, the Rev. Geo. Cox. The locality is at Minders, on the Cape Schanck Penmsula, where a small exposure of foraminiferal and polvzoal limestone necurs. resting on the older basalt. A good description of this important fossil bed was given by another club member,
“ti _ Notes 129
Mr, A. B, Kitson, C.MLG., in 1902 (Report on the Bryozoan Limestone ‘at. Flinders. Ree. Geol. Surv., Vie., vol. 1, pt. 1, pp. 49-51, and text-fig.). There is probably a danger of this fossil deposit being seriously damaged, if not entirely obliterated, by some projected “‘impravements’* to the Golf Links.
The chief interest of the Flinders Limestone is that it coutains an abundance of the curious group of the limy sponges known as the Lithonines, which are still living in Japanese seas; although until Dy. Hinde described speci- Mens sent to him by Dr, TT. 8. Hall they were not recognised as fossils. As regards the previously-known localities for the above-named coral, they are rather widely separated, and since it is a shallow-water organism, it helps to supply data im relation to the former trend of the coast-line, in Miocene times.
The original locality from which Dr, P.M. Dnnean obtained his type specimen. is ‘able Cape, North-West Tas- mania. Simee then T have recorded if from ithe tossiliferous
ironstone beds. of Flemington, whilst Dr. T. Griftilh Taylor and Messis. F. A, Cudtvore and J. A. Kershaw have eol- leeted it from the ferruginous limestones of Ooldea, on the East-West Railway, South Australia. Quite recently Miss 1, Crespin has ulso recorded its occurrence in the Janjukian ironstone of Green Gully, Keilor. Mr. Cox’s specimen is exceptionally well preserved, and he has presented tb to the Museum collection.
F. Crareman.
PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THE NATURALIST.
ft is proposed, while funds permit, to include one piate at least in each issue of the Naturulist. Members are invited to submit prints for consideration hy the Editor and the Publishing Committee. Unusiial subjects are desired, nof photographs of scenery, etc. Writers of papers might submit photographs suitable for illustrations.— Editor.
All contributions for the Naturalist, and letters to the Editor, anguld be addressed:
CHARLES BARRETT, “Maralena,” Maysbury Avenue, BHisternwick, Vic,
130 Census of Vicloriun Plants
Vie. Nal, Vee May
PO
VENLESTOCTOAPAPADIGIAPNTY APHLEOD Uj ueWeEEERTIOLEACHROTTTPONRHONEDAYANOL BOO TMAnEED
CENSUS OF VICTORIAN PLANTS. Supplement No. 3,
‘Avausoueuseueeesepuasonaae
SATUDHULOLNGHA RAED AER EWOAAEHETCALA Ny RHerreooaNd tne eereaaay AL PAA eeeeaaTUV EASE COOTTVNTAAT Cesta hemecraaeatmeerrarineenceryyal padeeeraaeess ,
The following additions and alterations have been made to the Census of Victorian Plants by the Plant Records Commit- tee of the Ficld Naturalists’ Club of Victoria—
‘Nat, Herb" indicates that dried speciniens have been found in the National Herbarium; 'B" refers to those determined by Prince Bonaparte.
Page 1.—<Alsbphila Cooperl, D.v.M, -- Codper Tree Fern . S&S. Otway, Nat. Herb. (B) A. Rebecewe,, Wiy.M. .. -. -, Wig dreae Fern .. & Bemm R, Nat, arb. (B) Dryopteris queenslundica, Do.- Northern Shicld 8. Moe, Nat. Herb) TITDTinn aa) cn cades leis go] pred ojo noe Bern, §. «5 j.s-05 4 ({B) 4, troplek Domin. .. .. 2. ,. Tropical Shield ern bi, genen, Nat, Herb, (5 D. glabella, G. Chr. ,. .. .. .. Smooth Shiald Pern ae iia Nat, Herb,
Pease %3,—Adplenium adiantoldes, ©. Chr. Pointed Spleenwort Te Nat. Horb, ) Polystichum aristaturu, Presl Awned Shield Fern var Nat, Herh,
Blechawn serrulatum, Rich- Serrate Gristle Pern 8. Toolebewong, P. @rdg .- 2. 5s ek ee te ee 8t. John,
Li, laevigatum, Cay, .. ., .- Leather Fern,. ., 8. Dandenong Ra. Nat, Herb.
Page 3.—Adiantum caplillus-veneria, L. British Maidenhaiy S. Givelyn, BP, St.
FeErM we ce wy ae John (1) Page 4,—Cyclophorus rupestels, C. Chr. Hock Poltypady ,, B. Gee. Nat. Herb. Gloichents. flabellata R. Br, Wan Fern -, .. ,, S,U. Nat. Herb. (8)
G, Jaevigate, (W1Id.), Hk, .. Spreading Fan Fern All but N.W.
Page 14,—After Bartlingla add—
Borya nitida, Labill, ,. .. Shining Borya . .. S.W. Hail's Gay, Cc. . D’Alton, Page 18.—Prasophyilum Colemanae, Lilag Leek-orchid S. Bayswater, Mrs. FROROTSE a Si wee ee Coleman. PF. gracile, Rogers ., 4. -: $. Ringwood, €. French, Jnr. Puge 19.—Micretis oblonga, Rogers -. S.W., S.. NvBL, EL EB, Pescotth 7. 26. —Pterostylls decurva, Rogera - SS. Ferntree Gully, Bake i f. E. Pascott, P, truncata, Fitz... ., .. ., Brittle Greenhood .5. You Yangs, W_ H, Nicholts.
Revision of the Genus Bassia, CAncderson, Proc, Linn, Soc. N.S-Wi Vol, XLVI11, Pi, 3.)
Page 26.—For Bassin diacantha read B! unifiora (R. Br.) F.v.M.
Delete B. lanicuspis, B. siflora, B, dlvaricata, B- echinopsila, and B. enchylaenoldes.
‘Sept. - ra a 7 1926 A Census of Victorian Plants ; 131 Add By nytedtiousptg, Ander- Sprending Salthbush M.W. Nat, Herb. son -- ea 7 ry G. treuspts, Lede M.) Andeéer- Three-spinéd Sult- N.W. Nat, Herb. som .. +. ve Ref Bee bush .. 25 B, parvilttora, Abdebsar . .. Small flowered Sale- NOW. Nat derk.
bush 2. 2k ee Kochi briuchyptera is naw Bassia brachypteea, (v.M.), Anderson.
Page Ga.—-Acaoia fateiformis, DC, -- Sickle Wattle -. .. SAW. Nit. Herb,
Reyisian of the Genus Pultendsa, (WiUiamson, Proc. Ray Sum, Vie Vol, SNAXVIS, Pe. 1.)
Pultenaga pubescens, A.B3.W. Downy Bush Pea . S.W. Portland, Nat Herb.
Page i8.—Pelargonium inodorum, Willd. Sventless Stovksbill All, Nat. Herb. Fortieviy includeA in PL awsteale, Willd.
Rowiston of the Panily Loranthacege, (Blukely, Proc. Linn. Soe, N.S.W, Vol. NLYIL, Pt, 2)
Delete Loranthus celasuraides, and substiouca:s—
Page 24. “oF beyetantiras nalastrofdes, Coast Mistletoe ©. SW. S. NW. eAOHS, 24 -, us es ays LP. cuealyptifolius, nel. .. -- Comimen Mistletne, Ai, Loranthus Miquellf, Lehin, .. Long-teat Mistletoe S.E. Na\, Herb. I, Prefssii, Miq. .. 2. -- ., Wive-leaf Mistletoe AIL Fer lL. longiflorus, Desy, read To. vitellimus, Sieb. Wi. Genoa, Ryv. A, J. Maher. Page 34.—Acseia argyrophylla, Wook — Silver Mulga ., ., NW, Nat. Herb, A, brdchybotrya -. ., .. .. Grey Mujea -. .. NW, Page 46——-Eucalyptus nee Jarier ate, Grey Stringybark — &, PL ost Toho, Maiden ,. - ee. E, Dalrympleana, atalden -, Mountain White XE. P. R, Sims. Gwyn in eo
Pige 48—Wucalyptus phellandra, R, T. Mountain Pepyper- 8. P. Sr John. Bakker .. 4- 42 23 =p ey ee mint. .. + 4.
BE. untalata, R-T.B. .. .. ,. Istand Binge Gum , 5S, Phillip £, Dr Heber Green.
NEW LOCALITIES,
The following are the sdditions tu the regional Qistribution utd are listed under the districts S.W.; N.W.; S.; X.b., EL. with the mames of the field workers who have made the reeord posible, The figures vefer to the pages in the Census.
S.W.—(18) Prasophylui: aArcheri, Hk. £3 P, brachystachyum, find); PF, fim- briatum, R. Br.; P, odorsatatny Rogers, (19) Catoctilus campesirig, R. Br.; Microtis paryiflora, R, Br,; Caleana minor, R, Bs; Caladenia filanyentosa, RH. Isr; C, leptechila, Hite; , reticulata, Witz; . angustata. Fitz. (20) ‘Ptarostylis concinna, KR, Bre: P. parvittora, R. Br; (22) Casuavina Luchmanni, R, T. Baker, (24) Grayjtlen rosmovinifolia, A. Cunn; G. repens: Fiv.M.; Persbonia rigida, KR. Wr (24) Ranksia ornata, P.v.M. (42) Acavia armatsa. Ry ir. (33) A, penninervis, Sie, (46) Dillwynnia. hispida, Lindl, (39) Eviostémon differniis; A. Cunn. (44) Hibbertia homifusa, Flv MM. (45) Pimelea axifiora, PivM. (49) Callistemon rugutosus, DC, Meltleued neglects. Ewart and Wood.—Grampians, Chas, D'Alton.
(46) Wueatyntas Gtaxfandh, Matden and Cambage.—Graiipians, o. W, Autas.
N.W,—(20) Diuris punciata, Swrith; Wail, Miss TJ. Prancis.
§.--(18) Garex polyantha, W v.M-—Lerderderg. H. TR, Willlanisen. (20) Caladenia reticulmta, Fite—Gelgrave, B. BE. Peseott, (36) Pulltenaea, D'Alion, HB.W.—Brisbane Ranges, Dr. Sutton, (47) Mucalyptus nitens, Maiden.—Donna Boing, P, R, St. John, (68) Heliprerum pygmaecum, Bth—You Yungs, A. C. Gates.
132 Ceusus of Victorian Plants vine as
N.O—{19) Thelymitea pruciNora, R. Br. (20) Caladenia cordlformis, Rogers; QOlearia Gunninns. Hk £—Geechworth. Miss 4%. Galbraith.
(20) Unladetia angustata, Fite, Nat, Herb.
(46) Boucalyntua Bridgesiann, R.T.BL (43) G. Smithii, #,7.B.; BL cam- phorn, AVG. PB. R. Sims, a
n (2) Olearin flavescens, Hutch.—Alps, A, J. Tadgell.
B—C) Damasonium minor, (R, Br}, Buch, {11) Cyperus exaltatus, Retz; tc. Gunmi, Hk, ft (13) Carex pélyantha, Piv.M. 615) Juncus palindus, R. Be, (19) Corysanthes fimbriata, R. Br (31) Drosera Planchpnii, Hk. t (Menaziesii). (38) Acacia Mitchellil, Bth, (53) Brachytonia daphunides. Bth. ($7) Ajuga. australis, R. Br. (f8) Selllera. radicans, Cav. (64) Calocephalus Jacteus. Less.—Bairnsdale, VT. S. Hart. (20) Caladenia Iatifolia, R. Br.; C. cardinchila, ate; (49) Hibbertin fenstfines; (54) Sevaee albidifiorn, T.v.M. (G1) Pratia platyoalyx, Bth. (65) Reachycoone stricta, D.C.—Spery Whale Hend, F, Barton, Jr,
(315) Mierotis purvyitiora, R, Br. (20) Culadenia Menalesii, BR. Bri; C. tes- tacea, R. Br, (. angustata. Fite; Diuris palachila, Rogers; Pterostylis nan. RB, Br (a2) Acacia arimata, R. HKr,, A, Dyenantha, Bth.—Tyers, Miss J, Cialbraith,
(85) Widens tripartita. f.; Snowy BR. only in Census.—Newry, D. J. Maher, (49) Kungea eortialla, Reichb.—Wuson’s. Promontory, Dn Sutten.
CORRECTIONS.
The following corrections should be made:
Supplement No. ¥.—Delete Prasophkyllum album, Rogers.
Pawee 34—Crllistachys elliptica. Vent, C, alyestris, Ktze., C. procumbens (Mv. M,) Engl, C. criinia, (Fv. Mi.) ingl, fee Oxylobiunt app.
31—Drosera Plamchonli. Hk. f. far fi, Mengiesii, R.Br. ") 34 —Avveit Victoriae, Bth. for A. sentis, Fv.
» %6—Dilbeynnia uncinats, (Lures) J. M. ‘Black, jor D, patula, Fev al. 40.—utaxia micrephylla, (R.Br) J.M-L. far i. eiipetecifolia, Schlech, j7.—-renpletonia stenophylla. Pov. ML for Ty Muelleri. Beth. 368.—ranspese Geraniuin pilosum, Forst and G. dissserum, L. 30.—Fhebalinni squameumn, (Eabill,) Mngler for PL, Billardieri.
+» #1—Gymnaeper|a tor Celastrus,
40.—Correr tubta, (Sinith) .. M, lack foreC. speciasa, Andr, Red, Correa, Ai) ©. rubra, var virens. Conon Correa (Green),
“4U—Sinekhopsia nionggyna, Labi, for S. linarifolia, A. Gunn. 45.-—-Callisteion citrinus, (D.C.) StapL for €, lanceolalus, D.C. Ty.—Thryptonene célycing, (P+, iM.) Stapf: for 'T, Miteahelliana, My. iF. vi.—Barischia for Rarcts's, Bellardia ‘Trixage for Bartsia Vrixago. Sinapis urvedsis for Deessica Sinapistrum, Fiu—Pestucn myyres for BF. reyurits. 78.—Glauciuty flayuny, Crantz, €or CG. luteum, Seon, 79.—Melilotus imiieus, (To) Allian. for M. Parytflora_ “Melilotus albus for A alba. . S2—orendpus preeumbens, Gilib. for Senehiern coronopus, Pois, Cc. didyma. (L.) Simith for S. Wldvmus, Pere Meidjcago arabica. (h,) Willd, for M. ‘naculata, Medicago Nispida includes 30 denticulata, Delete fatter. » T&.—Silybum Marianas. (h.) Gaertn, for Carduus Matisnus, I, Cirsium arvense, €0.) Seop. for Cardwuus arvensis. L. Cirsium Janceolatus for Carduus lanceolatus, Scop. &i.—Lochnern rosea. (4) Reietb. For Vinca rosea, Le
Che Victorian Natiratisi
Vou, XLU-+No. 6. OCTOBER 9, 1925 ‘ No. 502
Vogreaes : wr fc ots fa
FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA,
he ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the*Royal Society’s:Hall, Victoria Street. on Maxtaey eyell- ing, Setember 14, 1925.- The. President, Mr. Geo..-Coghill, ceeupied the chair, and about fifty members and friends were present. , : CORRESPONDENCH AND REPORTS,
.A letter trom the See retary of ‘the Gat den- week Comunit- tee, inviting the Mlub to take charge of the Wild-flower See- tion at the Garden-week Exhthifion. was reeciyed anid referres toa Committee.
Reports were given as follows: -
_ Mx... Daley, excursion to You. Vanes on August 15; My. Stickland, cexeursion to Kilby, bageon on Ansust 20, My, A. i. Rodda, excursion to Studley Park on September: :3.; and, Ma... FE. BE. Pese -ott, excursion to Diamond Creek on Sep- tember 12. qe:
GHNRRAL.,
‘
It was fphol yed on the aiation of Messrs. Daley and H..B, Williamson, that: the. thanks of the Club be sent to.the -Minis- ter for Lands,. the Hon. A.W. Downward, for his action in seenving the, reservation of Mt. Drummer. . ow
Mr. A. J, Tadgell moved that the thanks of the (lal; be jendered to the Plant Records Conwnittee for Cite work in vompilimg the additions to the “‘Census.”’ , _f Pitcher seconded the, niotian, which was earned cdagintaly sake
Mn. Ci. Barrett said. that. he had. heard. that -it was -pro- posed to form, a parking area;tor motor ears at the entrance to Beletave Gully. and, if this were so, he thought that ,the Club should protest against wy encroachment -an the area resevyed,,
Mr. C, Oke moved that the tatter be rétenved to the C ammitter, Mi. Pitcher to make enquiries at Belgrave as to
wt Field. Naturalists’ Clui—Praceedings yeh New
# bf ce ; Vol, XV
what Wad proposed, and report to the Hon. Seeretary,
Secanded by Mr. Wilhiamson. and carried. — 52. ELECTION,
On wv ballot being taken, Mrs. F. Chapman, Threadneedle Street. Balwyu; Miss Jean Harvie, Chanal Street. Hast Mal- yern; and Miss C. Pipet; Black Street, Brighton, were duly declared elected as ordmary metnners af the Club.
PAPERS.
1. ‘The Royal botanie Gardens, Kew, England,'' by"Mr.
A, I. Keep. The author gave a history of the Gardens, and
deseribed features of special interest: Tle also veferved to ae a species ot Australian plants growing at Kew.
“Vietovian Ants’? (Part. TT). by Mr. J. Glark. Owing
to the lateness of the hone when this paper was ealled- if Was taken as read.
EXHIBITS,
By Mr. G. Coghill—@€revillea rosmearimifalia, G. ucemdes, G. thping, Thiyptomene Mitcheliana, Micramystus aminro- phylla, Wriostemon myaporaides, Acacin martfola, A. acinaced, and HMardenberqii jronanhylla; all grown at Can- terbury.
By Mr. -J. R. Leslie—Mosses from Wilson's. Promontory. in ihistratian of article im September Vahurulist.
By Mr. V. H. Miller—Cyrtoshylis renrformis and Cary- santhes pruitosa, from Black Rock.
By Mr. F. Piteher--Author’s presentation copy to Mrs. Flova Martin, of Cooke’s Mandboak of Australian Fungi: with a letter to Mrs. Martm fram the New South Wales Government, intimating its contribution of £105 towards cost of publication of the work.
By Miss J. W. Raff--Living Gand Planarian. Bipaliun. from Queensland, and two well-developed voung, produeed by fission lasi Sune: also fresh fragment, just beginning to form a head. Collected by Mr. 1. F. Thomson near Bris- . bane, May, 1925.
By Mr. A, BE, Rodda—-Shells, Organ-pipe Coral and Flat Sea Urchin, from Cairns, Queensland: also Miocene Fossil Sea Urehin. for comparison with Queensland specimen.
oor Cuark, The Auts of Vietoria 135
m
aS teeeecdannaaveretaveannanvaucaraseseeyyenyayyideqated ney eQivaeqca cranny bAGenneran page censven puveaneneeusenueUNeeuedPUNeAReneryggnen:
THE ANTS OF VICTORIA. By J, Unars, B.S. [Parv JT. | (Commiunieated, by C Y. Bavvett)
Sod seeareandsALdhocnpeddedeaveascevivenrenaicecececsuasévercuerecsnarpovdedecaazprcedercennridteerynidndudcror iia) yhiNnepynd et tnges
PUCTOOOUNUANA RE Ap EaaE OA ANGE Vadberenrenpesvenesneacnsy:
Read hefire the eld Naturalists’ Club of Vielurra,- September 12, 1935.
Sab-family PON RINAS, Lepeletior.
Yhe ants of this sub-fanily are kivge or of moderate size, and the workers and females are armed with # foounmidable sting. The petiole is composed of only gne joint, ov node. Ju some veers the post-petlole, or first segment of the . abdomen, is: -greathy constricted behind, as in Wy mec, making this section appear fa be: -fwo- Fourted, tn other genera, ‘as Amislyopone, the 1o0de is attached to the post- petiole throughout its entire posterior surface, with the vesult that these ants do not show a distinet node when seen in pro- file. _o8
The Ponerine are the snust ancient group OF ants, and ave the stoek from which the higher, speeialised sub-families arose. Nowhere are they a dominant @‘oup, except ins Australia, where, according to Prot, W. M. Wheeler, ‘‘these ancicit insects occupy a posiiga anoneysl. ats aniilogoas to that of the monotvemes aid marsupials among - animals, and the Rhynchoeuphalia among reptiles, And if is especially the wenus Myrnieeia, conipr ising the ‘Bull-doy Ants,’ whieh may be said tu characterise this fauna, and, at the same time, to yopresent the prototype of all ants.”?
All the species form small colonies, usially in the ground, wader Joes aid stones. Some, however may be found nesting in rotten lows, and in tree-stuinps. The lite-histury and habits ot most of our species are noknown, but they may he segiarded as being insectivorous. Many species, of several genera, May he found hunting o1 frees amd shrnbs in Hower, “where they abtain numbers of small iseets. Mrequently they ave seen sipping the nectar of the blossoms, This applies particularls to Adyrniecia, Rhylidopouesa, and Chalcapaner au. No species has heen observed attending aphids. seale-insects, GF mealy-
CLARK, The Ants of Vivtorla
Vict. Nai. rhs +3 yre TA £ mt Mater dg Full
bugs ou the trees ; but at least one &pecies, Batporert Lute, generally has 2 a Vinge” hinither uf meal y -bugs in its nest.
Pheeat)
The nest? “Of Pontriia are Huck B crtiiyhitieh by other insects, Colonies of Chalcopanera and Eupanerit ave rarely without. visitors, inseets Of sonie of fhe uther orders, Other “Arthropods, such as mites. pill- husks, ote., are alsy commonly found in most nests. ; ;
The sketch reproduced here tlusteates the priteipal por- tions of an ant. Tt he ten 1s (and the positions indicated) dre
ol ' : ve ode ain
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a Lg 4 +
= > wt =
: = z +
Na z = = 2 fai =
=< 3 2 S we Ser Fe <3
= BOS =, a Fo a3 =! . a c o 2 iS a4 “ br a* 3. 8 a J eo A" rr oe x > oS ae Se it mbes: 4 &, ba em = Ss 8 E> -%& aw
\ z! S © or vw 2) By, Ry F . b
« . a = c 7 wy { wa a le mz
THORAX WETIONS ABDOMEN
4 ' 4 ! iF ! | |
<—$__________ -Torat Lewer
game fh, ea -
those generally used | in Hterature, ancl will be adoptert | A these atticles” er :
Tribe AMBI, YORONIT.
This tribe is represented in Nustraliz by fio wenera, namely, Amblyapaie and Myopopone: only the first, however, bis “ko fav heen ‘ford in’ Vietoria, 7 (Fae
Genus, Amblyopone, Brichsoi. Evichson, Aveh, fur. Nature. vol, MH. pp. , 260; pH ’ fig. 71841." Wee, Emer ry, Getiera Insectorum. Mase. (18, 1911.
In this genus the petiole consists of oue joint: this is artienlated. over tbe whole of its posterior surface with the
thes \ 4
itt.
“Voec| Grarn,, The Ants of Victoria 137
first segment of the abdomen. ‘The mandibles are long and nivrow, with few teeth on the inner border. Eyes very small, Antenne 12-jointed. «
‘I'lese are primitive ants, living in sina! colonies in the ground. They may sometimes be found wider logs and stones. I have several times found nests in rotten logs in S.W. Aastralia. These logs always contained colonies of Termites, aud the larvae of- Lamellicorn beetles, upon both of which, vo donbt, the Ambly yopone depend for food,
Ants of this genus do not expose themselves during the day, nor haye I seen them on the surface of the gro ound, They shun ‘ho light. ‘hey travel long distanees under half- buried lows and stones, and have tunnels diverging in all directions, The aetnal nest is rarely seen im such situations, being generally deep underground. JI have found the queens aid the byood only in rotten logs. Pyrequently several fertile females may be present in one colony, The winged males and females are observed in the nests, runuing: with the workers, durmg January and February.
At present. little ox nothing is known concerning these aunts, The fact that, generally, they are found in compara- tively moist, or damp, situations, where beetla and other larvie abound, suggests that they prey on these; brabably also. on Termites.
5, AMauyorone AusrRanis, Uvich. Ferntree Gully (F. P. Spry, J. E, Dixon, L. B. Thorn, GC. Barrett): Beaeonsheld (F. I. Wilson).
Evichson, Avch, fur. Naturgi, 8, p. 260, pl. 5, fig. 7, 1841, a Smith, Cat. Hymn, ie Mus, 6, p. 4 09, pl. 7 , figs, 21-24, 1858, 938, - Amblyopanane sistenbis, Tir,, Tromeits Agric Gas, N.S.W., 1905, ; AiBlyopens dustratis, Ey, Kam. Andre, Rey. d’Ent., 15, p. 260, 1906, 3 ®. Kimery, Gen. Tnsect,, Mase,, 118, 1911.
Originally deseribéd from Tasmania, this spucies is found throughout Southern Australia. It is about one-thitd of a wich in length, aid, varies in ‘colour from light fervuginous to durk brown. The heads coarsely, hut not densely, punctate, except in front. The thorax is snwooth and shining, aiid has a few peatter edd punctures. "The mandibles are long and jar-
138 Guaitk, Lhe Ants‘ of Victoria bape al
row, with 5-6 teeth on the-inner border. The eyes are very small, and there are no ocelli. The antenne are short, the seapes not reaching beyond the eyes.
+ The female is larger than the worker, and is winged. She has larger cyes, and three well-developed ocelli.
The male is black, with the antennz, tibia, and tarsi yel- lowish, The mandibles are small and’ triangular, The anfenn® ave 15-jointed. ‘The thorax is densely punctate; the node almost. smooth, The worker and the female are pro- vided with a large and powerful sting.
6. AMBLYOPONE AUSTRALIS, Er., var. opscurA, Smith. - Perntree Gully (F. P. Spry); Belgrave (F. BE, Wil s0n).
Amblyopone obscura, Smith, Cat. Hymn.. Brit. Mus., 6, p. 109, 1858 & ¢.
Amblyopopone australis, Er., var. ORScURA, 8m. Frog- gatt, Agric. Gaz., N.S.W., 1905; Forel, Rev. Suisse Zool,, 18, p. 2, 1910, 2; Emery, Gen- Insect:, Fasc,, 118, 1911.
This variety has a wide distribution in Eastern Australia, vanging from Tasmania to North Queensland. It is niuch like australis, but is lavger and darker in colour. “Che head is more densely punctate behind, and more definitely striate in front. The epinotal declivity, in both the worker and the female, is inclined to be transversely rugose; in australis it is smooth and shining,
The male differs from the male of australis much more than the workers of the two species differ. It is much larger and more strongly sculptured. The thorax and
node are densely punctate. The antenns and legs are darker in colour.
7. AMBLYOPONE FERRUGINEA, Smith. Ferntree Gully (FP. P. Spry) ; Belgrave (F,, &, Wilson) ; Woori Yallock (1. B. Thorn). 1 Smith, Cat. Hytnn., Brit. Mus., 6, p. 110, 1858, #. Froggatt, Agric. Gaz., N.S.W., 1905. Ern. Andre, Rev. d’Unt., 15, p. 261, 1906, 4 2; Wmery, Gen. Insect., Fase., 118, 1911. A small species, barely a quarter of an inch in length. ft is yellowish, or reddish yellow. The head and pronotam are
thes, | 1 Crank, The Ants of Victoria 139
finoty, and Jongitudinally, striate. he remainder of the body is smooth and shining.
The female is slightly larger than the worker, and 18 winged, ‘he head, thorax and node are browimsh black; the man- dibles, antenne, legs and abdomen reddish, or yellowish red. The male is unknown,
This species appears to live im small colonies, under stones. At present nothing is known concerning its life his tory, nor habits.
Tribe MYRMECIINI, Emery.
Thig tribe contains only one geuus, and is purely Ats- tralian.
Genus Myrmecia, Fabr. Fabr., Syst, Piez., p. 423, 1804,
This is a large genus, and, with the exception of one frum New Caledonia, all {he species ave found only in Aus- tralia and Tasmania, They rank among tho largest of known muts; some examples measurmg up to 1} inches. They are very conspicuous, and most of the species are very aggres- sive. They will generally follow an intruder for some dis- tance, if the nest is disturbed. The genus is well represented throuxhout. Anstralia, but is more abundant, in species and individuals, in the coastal areas than in the dry interior.
Some species, however, vange far inland, and a few appear 1o be vonfined to the interior. Some of the species are widely ' distributed, while others are very local. When searehing for food, in the trees or on the ground, these ants are fearless, attacking every living thing they meet. Even man himself they do not fear. They seem to have a strong objection to pienie parties, and, perhaps, have disorganised more pienies than, all the other animals of the bush together.
This genus has heen divided into four snb-genera, based mainly on the size and formation of the mandibles and the antenne, This division, however, is not very satisfactory. Simery, in the Genera Insactorwm (1911), erected two sub- genera, Promyrmecta and Pristonarmecia, to contain some species which were certainly out of place in the genus Myr- nieeia, 8.sty, Both of these sub-genera. contain only jump-
ing species; birt, apparently, Emery did not know that half the species of the whole genus gre jumpers, The Mayrmecia,
149 Crag, The Ante pf Victoria veiaerne
’ r s.str,, do not jump; they are walkers, or runners. Wheeler*, in dealing with ‘jumping ants,'’ noted that the jumpers had not been separated, sa he erected another new sub-genus, Halmamyrmecia, to contain these, with MW, pilosula as the “type. Something had to be done to correct the distribution made by Emery; bnt it is doubtful whether tho new sub- genus tends to improve matters. Both the sub-genera erected by Emery are composed of jumpers, and the anatomical details are not sufficient to warrant such separation, as, under these conditions, it almost becomes necessary to erect a sub- menus Tor every other species.
The variations in the formation of the mandibles and the lgnath of the seapes is very great among the jumpers. In many eases Tt is ainvost impossible to say definitely in which - of the suh-enera some of the more obsenre forms should be placed, 6 avoid further confusion, | maintain only two Givisions of the genus, and separate them into Gressaria, Myrmecia, abr. astr., and Saltatoria, Promyrmecoa, Mmery-
The Gressoria contains M. Gulosa, vindex, forficeta, and their allies, all of which are species with long legs adapted for walking only. The Saltatoria contains M. (PF) aberrans, pilosule, mandihularis, and their allies, all of which have short legs, and Lhe posterior pair adapted for jumping. They have the fernova of the hind legs slightly thickened, and are able to leap some inches along the ground. The formation of the mandibles is variable in this section, but the, antennal scapes rarely pass the oveipital border in the workers.
The Gressorea are the largest of the Bull-dog Ants, and genorally construct their nests in the ground. When the nesb is undervround thev raisé 4. more or less cone-shaped mound on the surface with material excavated. The entrance usually is at the summit. and is an irregular opening, from ve )to. fous inehes in diameter. Oceasionally. nests are found under lags or stones, and, in some localities, even in rotten logs, The colonies are small, rarely numbering move (iw) 200 individuals. Sometimes the number is. greater. but more often ubout 100 individuals comprise the colony. j
‘The grotund-nest usually goes down two feet, almost
- terticnil., There is, a series. of three or.four pockete-on the -ground lnvel. just. under the mound. Similar, poekets: opeur
_' Wheeler, Observations on’ Gigantiops destructor. Fabricius and ather Lespine Anti, Biological Bulletin, Vol “XLU, Na. 4. 1922.
Ye ~*~ “tr ave int A ab we Sane Oe yy
Vahe
a1" it Crank, The Ants of Victoria 141
at intervals down the shaft, which terminates in a large ehaniber, During the summer months the brood, more par- ticularly the pups, generally is in the surface pockets, Af the first alarm the brood is carried to the bottom chamber,
The winged males and females are found in the nests during the summer. Usually the nuptial flights take place, during the afternoon, 1 the period trom February to April. After the fight the male dies, but the female, using her legs, breaks off her wings. She constructs a cell under a log or u stone, in which she deposits her eges. Sometimes three ur four females, with their eges, are discovered in one cell, under a stone. When the eggs hatch these females fight with each other until bnt one remains alive to found the new colony. There is only one gueen in a nest, In many Listaneus ergatoil females have heen found in, the nesls wilt queens. ‘hese females differ from the workers only ti hav img the thoracie selevites move developed; sometimes wing- pads are present, but na wings.
Theae ants hint in bright. sunlight, rarely, if ever, eom- ing gut at night. The food consists mainty of the nectar and exudations of trees and plants, The larve, however, are Insectivorous, ahd ave supplied with inseets and daterpillary ag food.
8. Myraircrs GuLosa, Mabry.
Formica gulosa, Faby, Syst: Wnt, p. 395, 8, 177s. Myrmecie gulosa, Wabr., Smith, Cat. Hymn., Brit,
Mus., 6, p. 148, 1858; Lowne, Entomologist, 2,
p, 1865; Mayv., Jour. Mus. Godef,, XII, p, 94,
3876; Froggatt, Agric. Gaz, N.S.W., pp. 5 and
\ / 9, pl. 1, fig, 3, 1905; Emery, Gen. Tirgaevarni, oct 4 Fase, 118, p, 21, 1911, , . an]
CBs specie ‘was selected yet inaty asi the type of tha’ venus. STE ‘does “Nat appear ‘obecamon im Victorias although ‘pentifuke in all the’ ofherKastemn States. Tha’ workers: “Measure from 4 ta fully liineh' in'terigth. The head! and most iogetha: hody ave reddish-yellow’; the three apical: saginen ks: of the’ ‘abdomen are blaek!:°/Phé first: segment of the. abdamen'!igyelowish, like theibody. The jaws are yellow, an dite teeth sbrownish. 6 outs ra Ean ont!
9. MyrMrcia wierisuara, Roger. pheternan (Cc, ‘Balt? relt); Belgyave (Pf P. Sy BEY) ‘born ) = Grey, fown (J. He Dakin) POPLAR, WW Davey)
4 ; > ' - : Vieto Nant, las OLank, The Ants of Victoria Voll xt
Roger. Beryl. Ent. Zeitschr., p. 33, 1861, ¢ ; Maye, Verh. Zool. Bot. Ges. Wien, XII,-p, 723, 1862, 8 ; Froggatt, Agvie, Gaz, N.S-W., P 1905, 85° Mmery, Gen. Insect. Waee., 118, p. 9, 1911, §-
This species is ver y close to the preceding one. The colour. is a little darker, more reddish. The antennal scapes are blackish brown, ‘he apical segments of the abdomen are red- dish; In gulosa they are black. The workers measure from 17 mm. to 26 mm.
The female closely resembles the worker, but is larger (26 mm. to 29 mm.). The eolour is darker, and the seulpture stronger. ‘The head is broader behind, nearly square. The antennal scapes do not extend so far beyond the occipital border as they do in the worker. The node is more strongly rugose. The wings ave hyaline.
The male (length 15 mm. to 18 mm.) is differently coloured from the worker. ‘he head is reddish, with the aecipital border and the sides blackish. ‘The pronotum and: seatellum ate blackish, tinged with red, The remainder of the thorax, node, first segment of the abdomen, legs and antenne are yellowish red. he mandibles are yellow; the wings hyaline,
This ant has a wide range, extending from Bunbury, Western Australia, round the Southern Coast to Rockhamp- ton, Queensland. !t constructs the usual dome-shaped mound- nest, but oecasionally nests under logs and stones, The deiilated* females may be found, during May to July, in cells under stones, with their eggs. The eggs are small, slightly under 2 mm. in length and 1 mm. in width; they are yel- lowish-white. Fyom five to seven egos ave laid at a time. The eggs hateh in from six to nine days, but six to seven ‘uonths elapse before the first ants appear, These are always gmall examples, owing no doubt to the scarcity of food: The first brood are raised entirely by the female. While rearing this small family’ the; queen devotes inuch time to excavating a nest. By the timé the’ first ants appear she generally has a small nest, about’ 6 inches underground, where the larve and pupe are stored. On the arrival of the small° family the female stops all work and devotes her’ “energy” Sain to egg-laying. fod Whe :
‘Females which havefdropped iheir wings- Vite; rae
rd eee Craun, The Ants of Victoria 146
_ The new workers at-onee enlarge the nest, and attend to all future eggs, larve and pupa, The second, and subse- quent, broods usually are normal size, as the workers pro- eure the food. Sometimes a few small workers may be found, partieularly in spring. These are vegarded by some naturalists as minor workers, but I consider that they are morely the result of a scarcity of food during the winter inonths.
10. Myrurcia vinprx, Smith. Sea Lake (J. C. Goudie) ; Mallee (J. E. Dixon). Smith, Cat. Hymn. Brit. Mus, 6, p. 147, 1858, 9 ; Mayr, Verh, Zool. Bot. Ges, Wien. XII, p, 72, 1862, %; Froggatt Agric. Gaz, NSW, p. 10, 1905; Emery, Gen. Insect., 118, p. 11, 1911; Crawley, KNnt. Mon. Mag, 3, IIT, p. 119, 1922.
_ ‘This species was ortginally deseribed from Western Aus- traba. EH is, however, widespread through Southern Aus- tralia,
The worker (length 16 mm, to 25 mm.) i§ rather slender. The ‘colour is reddish-yellow, with the whole of the abdomen shining black. The mandible and elypeus are a clear yellow, with the teeth brown.
The female is larger (238 mm, to 27 mm.), but elosely rasembles the worker. The wines are lone.
The male (15 mm. to 18 mm.) is coloured very much like the worker, but has the first segment of the abdomen also reddish-yellow. In this sex the mandibles are small and tri- angular, with only three teeth, _The antenne are 13-jointed, and almest as long as the body; the seape is very short,
The life and habits of this species are similar to those of the preceding, but.the workers are more pugnacious. They drop off trees and plants on to the passer-by more readily than do nore other species.
1, Me oerora vinnex, Smith, var, prserrorumM, Whiceler- Maldon (J. CG. Goudie); Mallee (J. E. Dixon). Wheeler, Proc. Ray. Soc., 5. Aust., XX XTX, p. 605, 1915, ®. This variety was described from specimens collected at Todmorden, South Australia. It is widely distributed in the inland portions of West Australia, South Australia, Vie
ita CHARK, The Ants of Victoria vorenri toria,, dain New South Wales. It varies much in size and slightly in colour, It is of a mueh lighter yellow than winder; the head and abdomen ate dark brawn, sometimes almost black. It is slso more’ densely covered with fine hairs than vinden: ; while the striation of the thorax and iode usnally 1 is not so strong,
The female resembles the worker very closely, but 1s slightly larger.
The male is very inach like’ the male of vindes, but the first abdommal segment is black, not reddish, as in vindew,
In-Central Western Australia this species generally nests in the roots of trees. My friend, Mr. J. Hickmer, of Jigalong, states that the natives call it “Poon -jee,’’? and treat if with gveat respect.
12. Mvrvecta vispex, Smith, var. nicriceps, Mayr, Chel- wenham (CG. Barrett); Ferntres Gilly (Bh. P. Spry) ; Portland (A, W, Davey),
Myrmecia nigriceps, Mayr, Verh. Aatle Bot. Ges, Wien., XIT, p. 725-788, 1862, % 3 Feoxeatt, Agrie. Gaz., NSW. p. 9, 1905.
Myrmecia vinder, Sm., var. nigriceps, Mayr. - Forel, Fauna Sud-west, Aust. 1, 7; By 264 266, 1907; Emery, Ger. Insect., 118, “11, 1911: Vieh- meyer, Arch: fur, Naturg., 79, pb. "98," 1943, 2.
This yariety is distributed throughout Australia, Tt is slightly larger and darker ‘than vindex or desertorum, and the sculpture is stronger than in both of these; the head 3s broader behind, In all.cther vespects it is much hke vindex,
Vichmeyer described, with doubts, a single male from South Australia as the male of this species. According t» hig description, tha speciméh most certainly does not helom: to this species. The male of wigricens is almost identical with the male of vindex, differmg only in its slightly darker colour.
{ have, growing in my garden at Sandringham, a Myrtle- leaf Acacia, A, myrtifolia, 24 inches in height, and bearing 12 flowers. This, I consider, is almost ‘a floral reeord for aeacias. In June last I brought from the Dandenongs this seedling, Which is thriving in its new environment.*~A.J.T.
- Pin. 1) PTEROSTYLIS ACUMINATA Fig. 2) PTEROSTYLIS ACUMINATA
(Magnified about 2 diam.) ROE ey petiae
Fig. 3 PTEROSTYLIS RUFA Fig. 4 PTEROSTYLIS PUSILLA One Side Cut Away (Galea Cut Away) (Magnified about 3 diam.) (Magnified about 3 diam.)
Photos by T. Green
tons. +e The Flower Show 445
eeeeewwrbteavanpuvensenaiernadiederanrrmeseesdubMadGPTUECOvenbomubereUbMemedlLAOEEP RAM BOETT ON (HRPOmOE FOOTE UACAHEEIIEIIEGndactioeneng
POORER
THE FLOWER SHOW.
AAP AA HIRORONEODONENE
SLL ri
WAOTNALARUAGRANANVUNMAGENOUAUD HAAG SHEA PpRNANSEANODINEAGGIQUBORGUGPHONDUAONAOUI HOOD NSWHErAvaRAGKGEDIIPRHG CONC EIEDRY CC GH HORS TONFAL GQ CRE
In spite of the dryness of the past winter and a conse- quent late season, this year's Flower Show was considered by many to have been the best yet held.
On account of the recent destruction by fire of the Town Hall in Melbourne, that of St. Kilda was chosen for the display of the beauty of our bush, and, in spite of its dis- tance from the clief civic. centre, the Show was successtul, the attendance being greeter than the Committee had dared jo expect.
Flewers came from widely-distant places, and Queens- land was the only State unrepresented. Froin Wesfern Aus- tralia, was sent a fine collection of curions and beautiful species, the most notable being the lovely purple Plotythece galeoides, kin to ont own lavely Tetrathecas. two Nangaraa Paws, Anigozunthus Manglestt and A. humilis, Laanbertta malliflura Swnsia latefolia, the Blue Tinsel Lily, Calec- tasia cyanea, Tsopogon ‘rosea, Hibbertia stellaris, Velrophila linens, and many others.
New South Wales supplied its incomparible Waratah, Telopea speciosissima, the most regal of all our flowers, the lovely Flannel-flower, Actinolus Heltanthi, the charming, but badly-named, Native Rose, Boronia serrata, and the fine hance-leaved: Crowea salignm
’ From Broken Hill were the Sweet Quandons, Fusanus acwoninatus, with grey foliage and attractive bright-red frivits, the gloridus Sturt’s Desert Pea, Chanthus Dampieri, the rare Oryptandra propingna, fine blooms of Fremophala aliernifolia, the Silver Cassia, C. artenvisicides, our only blue Boronia, B. cw@raulescens; two really handsome salthushes, Kachia tomentose and Bassia cvtacanthe, and several notiee- able composites, of which Helipterum polygaléfolir, the Milk- wort Sunray, and three Asters, Olcurta magniflora, O. rudis and O. pimelioides, were particularly good.
‘Of flowers. from, our own State, about 200 species were staged ‘systentatically.’ ‘The acacias were, perhaps, ‘better
Ab The Flower show Youle ial
representéd than usual by two dozen species, the great’ majority of them familiar to most of us. The most novel wert A, epinescens, which deseribes itself and is obviously from the dry North-West, A. microcanpa,.the Manna Acacia, A. colletioides, Wait-a-whilé, also armed with defensive spines, the very beautiful A. buzifolka, with grey box-like leaves, and the ahnost equally attractive A, brachybotrya, the Silver Mulgs, all frora the same district, {wo others not so uncommon were the Woolly A. lanwgera and the Narrow-leaf Aeacia, A. linewris, from Foster. Gippslund furnished more flowers than have come to us in former years fron that quarter, and a particularly good lot, of seveuty species, from Pakenham wis effectively staged, Amoane these was a fine bunch of Epacris nrcraphylla, the Coval Heath, Other Heaths from the east in good form were the Corman, the Woolly and the Blunt-leaved.,
Yaradale, in the north, yielded the ever-weleome Fairy Wastlower, Eriostemon ohovulis and Tetratheca, two pretty apacrids, Leucopogon. juniperinus, the Prickly Beard-heath, not often showin, and Z. ericoides, the Pink Beard-heath, as well ag our best Grevillea alpanc.
Swarnsone procumbens came trom further atield.
A yood supply of material was sent trom the Matlee, Ouyen being vesponsible for as many aa five boxes. Of the many species only a few can be detailed, such as Pitlosparum. phillyra@oides, the weeping member of its genus, a handsome specimen uf which, by the way, ean be seen iw the Melbourne General Cemetery, two Prostantheras, P, chlorantha, the eurious Green and P. aspulathoules, the Scarlet Mint-bush, the Silvery Phebalrwm bullatwm, the Pink Velvet-bush, Lasin- petalum Behrii, the very blue Lavender Halgania, Butama, the Desert. Cassia eremophela, the Three-winged Blue-bush, Kochia triptert, and several composites, amongst which were the Soft Billy Buttons, Craspedia pletocephala, and the Olearies pimeleoides, rudis, ciliata and Muellert. _
- Ordinarily we depend vreatly on the Grampians tor our success, and again there was the cuslomary showing of its floral magnificence. Thryptomene (Mifchelliana) calycina: Mieromyrtus (Thryptomene) cilaatue, the Fringed Ieath- myrtle, Lhotzkya, and Pink Swamp-heath, with the Olive Grevillea, the Boronias, B. pinnata and 8B. pilosa, the Slender Conosperm, and many others, the arrangement of which was greatly adnired, It is gratifying te find: the first-named plant,
til The: Flower Show 1at
the Bushy. Heath-anyrtle, becoming ‘so popular. Soon no garden will be without a plant, as i1 is so easily grown. At the Fyankston golf links it is sown broadcast, and in one vase a thick sernb of if js coming along in most robust fashion.
Undoubtedly the miaat popular section of our flora is that of the orchids. Quite a number of people are devoting them selves to theiy study, and they are being photographed quite exhaustively, This year's display was, as ever, the centre of attraction.
Unfortunately the late rains and the early date of the shiny prevented the exhibition of as many speeies as on forniey cveasions, bat the very best yse was made of the seanty supply of blooms, The most interesting were tw frum Westetn Anstraba, Drakea elaslica and Caleane aigrita The best of ovr own came from. Rushworth, Wonga Park awd Nyora, and, generally speaking, all were very well packed for transport. Nine Pterostylis, mainly curlu. nutans, alpine, dongifolia and pedunculata, domimated the tables, and their green wus mainly relieved hy the Wax lip, @lossodia major, and the Snake Orehid, Dzwris peduncu lata, Only twenty-six species in all were represented, and same of them, hke the two Typeranths, Cyrtostylis, the ‘Tall Leek-orehid, Prasoplallum elatum, the Fringed Tlelmet orchid, Corysunthes fimbriata, the May-fly Orchid, Aciwnthus caudetus, the Brownbeards, Caloclilus Robertsoni, and the Connon Bird-orehid, Chiloglhiitis Gunn, eould muster only from one to very few blooms, There were very few spear mens, too, of the six Caladenias present.
The selection of cultivated plants from our own Botanic Gardeng took, as before, pride of place at the head of the hall. Many fine flowers were shown, the most. noticeable of which were the New South Wales Waratah, Bauera sessili- flora, Grevillea Hookert, and G. Caleyi, Chorizema cordalum, Bruchysema lanceolata and Chamelaucium,. the Geraldton Wax-flower, the last three from Western Australia, Briaste- mon myoporoides, Acacia montana, A. myrtifaha, Pamader- ris taniyera and several Pultenmas.
Apparently there were few novelties amongst the Vic- torian qiants sent in; only the above-mentioned +Leacie epiresdens. did Hochta teiptern were svoted,
Ts ihave not just a Jitte danger that in time cur show inay become somewhat monotonous and lose the interest of
} Vie. Brat. 148 The Flower Show Vol. Xt
t
some of the public in’ consequence? Quite a number of our best flowers have never yet been put. before city falk. We do not remember to have seen, so far, our own Telopea, the Sassafras, Howittia, Prostanthera spinosa, Pholidia giblost- folia, Tumea elegans, Fucryphica, the fine variety aspera, and Havea longifolia, from Yarra Junction, nor even Diplan- héna Morea, which is common at Lower Ferntree Gully, on our tables. We will have to make a point. of seeuring one or more new things at each show, and draw particular attention to these. Perhaps on some future occasion we might even hold the show in January, and let. the people sec what beauties the mountains afford.
With ITelichrysum rosmarinifolium and H. Stirlingii, Grevillea Victorie, Beckea crenatifolia, and B. Gunniana, Boronia algidu, Bossiea foliose, Oxylobiums, Prostantheras, Celmisia, the upland form of Leptospermumn lanigerum, Veranica niven, Epucrids, Gentiana, Richea and Gaultherta ~ as a basis; what a fine display we could stage, and this idea stems worth serious consideration.
The following is a list of contributors of flowers, with the localities whenee they were gathered :-—
NEW SOUTH WALES, Mr. ©. @. Brown, Sydney; My. A. Morris, Broken Hill. :
SOUTELD AUSTRALE.
Master Colin Jenkins, Keith; Mr. EH. H. Ising and Mr. Hann, Adelaide.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Miss L. Hanson and Rev. Mrnest Br yant, Banbury Mr,
fliggins, Perth. “TASMANIA. o Ui wre - Mis. Walker, Mt. Magnet.
VICTORIA.
Mallee.—Mr.[*. Holt, Ouyen. el
» Northari—-State School: Bnsh Semming: Contre. Gately
children, Dingee: Mr. H. Dorman, Miss Dorothy Dorman, Miss, Jean Diss, Mrs. C. Hanstord, Miss. Amy Ulansford, Taradale; Mis, Rich, Rushworth; Mrs. Brooks, Maldon; Mr., Reeves, Bendigo; Boys of State School, ‘Elphinstone. +
et on
ite i The Klower Show Hg
North-Bastern ——Miss Warr, bide Metter Miss deffrey, Molesworth; Mrs. Itvans, bima Bast; Mis, J, W. Boucher, Chiltern.
Gippsland—Mrs, W. F, Dyall, Drouin; Mv. EF. Barton, Foster; Miss J. Galbraith, 'yet's; Miss Fox, Glengarry; Mr ¥. Wilkinson, Dronin; Mr, T. Wiliams, Drouin; Miss Ros- -siter, Hedley; Mr. R. Peuny, Briavolong; Mr. T. Hart, Bairnsdale; Mr, Campbell, Glenaladale; Miss L. Dyall, Gar- fied; Mr. PF. Wisewould, Pakenham.
Southern.—State School, Torquay; Mr. P. Davon, French Ysland. be.
South-West.—Mr. ©. D’ Alton, Grampians; Miss Heal, Staivell; Miss F. Allsop, Dreeite.
Melbourne Distviet—My. and Mis. V. Miller, Bearons- field; My. G. Higgens, Rel Hull: Mr. J. Young, Muntrose; Rey. G. Cox, Mornington; Mr. W. FW. Hayes, Moranding; Mr. W. Operman, Croydon; Mr W, Tonge, Eltham; Miss FE. ikernedy, Vrankstow; Mis. Allan Yeo, Pheasayit Creek, Ninglake; State School, Wonga Park (Mr. L. Dyeri, Master KR. Foubister, Panton Till; Miss Nokes, Sandrinehan.; Mrs- Hill, Sandringham; Mrs. Kh, Coleman, Blackburn; Mr. F. Pitcher, Belgrave; Mr. i. Peseott, Mr. G. Coghill, My. d. W. Audas, My. St. John, Miss Roberts, of Nyora;, Mesdumes Daley and Hughes, Frankston; the late Director, W, Laid- law, of Melbourne Botanic Gardens.
The Committee ig indebted, as in former years, to the proprietary of the ‘‘Age’’ for the paper required to eover the tables; to that of the ‘‘ Areus’’ for the fine notices which enitributed so largely to its suecess in the way of the attend- amee; and to the Messrs. Keep Brothers for their kind loan of motor lorry and driver for the carriage of the parcels of flowers, ete.
_ Notes on the Dryopide (Parnids),
The genus Dryops of Olivier (1791), bemg one year prior ta. Parnus of Fabricius, gives its name to.an interesting family of heetles. They are found in fresh water, attached to sub- _merged sticks ov fhe underside of stones, for which their unusually Jong and strong elaivs are especially adapted, bat are unable to swim and are very slow m their movements.
150 Notes om the Dryopidae (Parnidae) laa ace Es
They have little anatomical affinity with true Water-beetles (Dytiscida, Hydrophitidie or Gyrinide), being more closely related to the Dascillidee. Their larve are said to live in damp earth, under stones, and to resemble fhe larwe of cer- tain Elateridze. . Their affinity with the Daseillide ig also in accord with the habits of certain species of this family.
Mr. A. M. Lea has lately deseribed Sclerocyphon aquati- ous (Dascillide), of which he and I found three exanuples on logs that were submerged in water at Waratah, Tasmania, in company with Helis tasmantews. These beetles want close looking for, as they are small and often remain - still or move very slowly, besides being halt-covered by a film of slime. This is probably the reason that they have so elnded our naturalists, though probably many species occur in our rivers and creeks. In 1864 the Rev. R. L. King described mine species belonging to three genera, in the Transactions of the Entomological Society of New South Wales (the precursor of the Tinnean Society of N,S.W.). Since then only three species have been added, one each by Grouvelle, Blackburn and Lea. T have some five or six new species, Gither in the press or in MSS., and should be very vlad to receive further specimens for examination from col- lectors, as well as any observations on the reproduction of any members of the genus. <All that T have examined with a Zeiss binocular belong to the genus Helmis (formerly Elmis), which seents to contain the greater number of our species.
These bectles are able to breathe by carrying with them a film of air attached to the villose clothing of their abdomeéit; but little, if anything, is known of the life-history of the Australian species, he family is thus classified in Mowler’s Fauna of British India :—
!. Abdomen with five visible ventral segments.
1. Anterior coxe transverse. with distinct tro- chantius, Sub-fam.:: Dryopine. li, Anterior coxm-globular, without trochantius. Sub-fam.; Helmine.
If, Abdomen with six or seven visible ventral segments. ‘Sub-fam.: Psephhenine. - The last ic so far nnrecorded trom Anstralia, their larvie
are abundant in the rapids of Niagara. rt B. J, Carrer.
- ae | Botanical Notes Tat
In the Proveedings of the, Linnean Socicty of NS.W., Vol, 1h, 1925, pp. 299-310; the Rev, HW. M, R, Rupp com- ments interestingly on his collection of thirty-two Pterastylas. giving ten good figures in the text, amongst which are those at Pt, furceta and faleata, decurua and squtonate, ufo, Mit chelle and vitlaty. In the same journal Dr. E- G. Chisholm fives a fine account of the flora of the Comboyno Plateau, wilh inap, and a List of whe plants growing there.
Another Callistemon, or another name whieh will prob- ably lave io he added to the list of Victorian plants, is C. pallid wa, Sm., which Mr. Mdwin Cheel would dissociate trom ©. salignus, Sm. Though it resembles the latter in general appearance, its brauehes are less drooping, its young leaves are clothed ip silvery, not rufous, hairs, and at maturily are pallid greeu, or somewhat glaucous, terminate in 4 sharp macro, and are thieker in texture, with less prominent vene- jion. Forms of this species have been obtained at. elevations above 2000 feet in N.S.W. and Vivcteria. and the Ruffale Range (FB. y. Mueller, 3856) and Granite Hill, Wilson's Promantary (d. W. Audax, 1908) are given as localities in this State.
A new species, C. Chisholmz, fram North Queensland, is also described by Mr, Chee] in this number, which bas much interest ta botanists. This has blood-red filaments ald azithers. and grows into a small tree,
In speaking of ©, subulatus, a comparatively recent addi tion to our flora, Lound by Mr. A. B. Williamson at Tonghi Creek, Mr. Chrel describes it as somewhat lke our alpine G, Siebert, the leaves being narrow and sharp. The filaments and anthers are richly erimson, and, in his opinion, it really has closer affinity to C. lanceolatus, from which, hawéver, it differs in ita erowded fruits and its smaller, thicker, grey leaves, It is feund in many places in New South Wales.
152 Boleniont Notes YG New rol.
Mv. Cheel describes a new species of Boronia in the Journ and Proceedings of the Royal Soctety of New: South Wales for 1924, This, 2. sufrolifera, is from the coastal clis- trict, of N.S.W., north of Sydney, and superficially resembles B. flartbunda and B. pranvaten,
He also discusses the Jatter; and sone of the many forms which Miieller included in what was, ta him, a very paly- morphic species, Mc. Cheel regards all of these as well- marked speeics, and even gocs further im declaring, after examining specimens eellected by the Baron onthe Runvip Creek, und by Mr. P. R. A. St. John at Lanertouche—the variety Muellert of Benthamhat they are distinct from the B. pinnata, Sm., common in the Port Jackson district Beyond pointing out that the oil of LB: Wuelleri has a pleasant
‘fragrance, whereas that of 2. pinnate is wnpleasantly aerid. he does not desembe the differences between the two plants.
As the result of his researches in the genus Melaleuca, Mr. Gheel reengnises JZ. eruhboscens, Otto (N.8.W.), WM. Gunniona, Schauer (‘Tus., Bass Strait and Vie.) and ©. tornifolia, F, v, M, (N.S,W,), all formerly included in M. ee abe) Sm., as distinet species,
From material derived from Lord Howe Island, ‘and #0 Ta regarded as M_ ericifolia, he creates M. Howeana, and a plant af N. S.W., with larger yellow Howers, nol concave leaves, akin to WM. squanea, he desevibes as M. capitaia. He alsa tlis- tinguishes a new ‘variety, glabra, of M. squamen, tn, addition he raises the yaviety alternifolia, Maiden and RBelche, af af linari{oliz, ranging from N.8.W. to Queensland, to stecitic rank,
The item in his paper which is of more partienlar interest to us is M. Guraniana, speciraens' of whieh, in the Sydney Herbarium, from the Upper Yarra, Port Phillip, Mordialloe Metunga and Narrowarren, ave, nm Mr, Cheel’s opinion, dis- tinet {rom M, ericifolia, Sm., with which they have been pre- viously confused.
A matter worth mentioniag also in this Journal is the description by: de Benzeville and Weleh of a new Hidalyptus from the main divide at an elevation of 4000 feet, near Cooma, in NSW. This B, Badjensis is 4 large forest trée of 100 feeb or more, kibwa Jowally as “Cully Ash.*” [tf resembles
vies viminalts, ‘with whidl, if ig associated, but differs mainly in its smaller, conical, ‘Séssile ‘fruits, which - ‘Are, however,
r La -
tty y Botanical Notes Lis
ranged, in the erueciform fashion so characteristic of (hut species, “and its baivawen anid duller ourecn lea vos,
The finding of Publenad graveutens, Tate, ol, Steigline un the oeéasion ‘uf the Club excursion Lo the. Brisbane Ranges” on, October 3, clears. ap, the doubt thist existed as. iu the exact habitat af the plant ih-thik Stare”
Tn 1885 specimens Were sent to the National Herbariaiu by Myr. 8. Johnson. of Meredith. These were found by, Mr. H. B. Willamson, when engaged in, the, revision of the genus, in the parcel containing P. mollis, where, they bad been placed by the late Baron VOU Mueller, "Several. plants were noted on a rocky, sterile hillside near the, almogt- deserted towiship of '‘Steiolitz, in the low, open “forest, ‘of. ved 1VO}!- hark, yellow sum, ved stringy bark, miessmatc : “suaid ved bux. Thera was Very little undergrowth, the er round being alist devoid of vegetation over quite large aveas. The Pultenai is an “unattractive, unkenpt- looking bush about. three or four feet high, with downy stems and. foliage of small, narrow, ineuryed , Jeaves, and was still m, bud.” “When, ey ‘shed, the leaves. yield an aroma whieh is certwinly ‘not “unpleasant— aud go it belies its. nawe—hut is diffieult to describe, though My. T. M. Black finds in it a vesentblance to crean cheese,
From the nature of the country around Meredith, it ts certain Ma. Johnson did vot collect the plait near thar place, but most probably from where ii was found ly ua.
TELS “RUINA GROUP” OF GRAKNHOODS.
The group vf Greenhoods, known as the ‘ruta group’! of Ployestylis, which doey not inelade the Banded Greenhood, (. urttuda; has given rise 10 much contusion amon eal lectors, as, superfie yally, the species are much alike. AN aye reddish or wveenish-reddish. i in colour, One onky of thez ered)! is cleseribed ty Baron von Miiellur', in his key, at page 419, hut Dr RS, Rodgers’ research haw “ redited at Teast foray Mt Victoria—the Rnddy- hood. ‘the Rusty. hood, ‘the Sealy (eel, houd wud the Mitchell Greenhood, Phese ae fully cesar ibe! hy Dr, Rogers, on page 153 of Mr. ad. M. Black's Flava of South Aastiul, 1922.5 a8 , P. pusilla, B. puta, V. sy rentals wind P- Mifchella.. ;
Pein) Vict Nat, 164 Botunicel Notes ae pit
Nie photographs (Plate V) show portiony of the Hawers cut away so as to display the mevked differences between I, mf and P. pusilla, Po orefi usoally is a tall species the lower part of the flower ending in Jonge theend-Tilkte brik. The tongue is thinner than in FP. pusilla, w vith loliger hairs on the anargios and with usally two very dog hairs ab the base BP. pusibie is vichly coloured jn'shadines of brown, green and ved. tt ik usually slender and sonrewlat dwant Uhe tongue (labellum) ig Hesh-like. with a fow fromh meareinal hairs
hi one photagy aph the Pointed Gaeenhood, PL aenrahunti. is shown titach; in another, the same flower with. otte site af the hood removed. ‘Nhis urehid hax sometimes heen thought to bea hybrid between the Nodding Greenhood wud the Blunt Croenhood, Po nutans and Py curta, wid was so wal- lected by the writer of these notes, at Mordialloe, mi Aiweust, L910. Flowever, last vear Mr. W. bl. Nicholls submitted the specie photographed to Dir. Rogers, who fully estab ished its identity. Mu. Nicholls is wall knowi to menbers ot the Glubas a1 keen worker on Victorian orehids, who Tats delineated much detail aceurately and naturally for, let us hope. a Fortheomine hook. —AT.T.
Me. J. A. Ross, Nanneella Mstate, via Rochester, writes ;— ‘Re * Boees’ Winter Harvest in September issuc, The seere- tion of neetit by the wlands on the phyllodes of the Golden Wattle was mentioned sone considerable time ago ia vonplo af the Apicullaral Journals, and is nof wiknown to bee- keepers, As with all other neetarproducing plants, the umount of seeretion seems dependent an ¢élimatic conditions Ly seasons when conditions have bee, and ave, suitible. | have noted'the bees ‘roaring a [reat’ i Golden Wattles well isolated from ang other trees or nectar-procucimne planis—
vase Notes from Mield and Stuelay 15h
working the glands ravenonsly; and this some time befor the first flower on the trees had opened. How the bees find i I know not, but it seems a lure spread for then and other pollinating insects to sive a chance of fertilisation to the earliest openiny flowers. Onee the trecs start flowering the secretion from the glands seems to cease. his is a point | have not previously see noted. Perhaps these elanids would have made a good illnstrafion far Darwin.’’
“WINNING WELD BIRDS.
During the past 4In'ee years, while living ul Pakootain Upper, I have been impressed by the tameness of bush birds, when not hunted or_othenyise molested. Ty my garden and orehawl is a friendiy feathered company. lia a pine tree, 15 paces from the back door of (he house. a pair of Magpies, Gyniorhind hypolence, ave nestitiye now (Septem her) The birds do not -attaek ny; indeed. do vot take any notice when we pass the tree. For geveral years thede mag- pies, or their progenitors. have frequented the garden. nest- ing in trees beyond the fenees, and heingine their broods about the house for food, This year they and their friends have come ‘home’ to nest.
Buteher-birds, Crretious larquatus, and Mawpie-larks, Crating equnoleuca, cone to the tin plate placed at the back door with food for the house clos, and fake iniy seraps that he way Jeave. he Buateher-bird has developed a liking for frait luncheons, One has been observed frequently taking Mmulbermies, At fimes the Gawllings dvink unlk from the eat’s saucer, wieht al the door. Last vear, and: this soasou the Butcher-hirds built in an seacia growing by the orehard fenee. They are so friendly that they perch on the vose and dahlia stakes, close to Ter, as soon as iny wite appears in the flower warden; aid, as she walks around, hoeing or weeding they follow. They hop near ber hands, or on to the jine and Wek up grubs that are unearthed.
The Kookaburras, Dacela gigas, fov several vears in sie cession, have nested close to the house, bringing their vouny to ne as soon as they could fy. We have sometimes seven or eiwht Kookaburras in the garden at one time. One pair. the grand-parents no doyhbt, follow us avound, TH a erub is i sight, atid not offered-to them, they will fly dawn, vight
=> eet ype Ff ge bie i ie 156 Nolés from ‘Piela and Study Ba eek begide us, to seeure.it, Both these old birds ‘will ‘take er iil)s from ‘our hands. The male is so confiding that. if L hold a eeab on the palm of amy hand,.out ot reach frou. his per ‘chy on a bough, We will fix on fo my arm and take the morsel.
The confidence of small, birds, also. has buen wou. + Grey Vantails, Rhipidura flubellifera, at times enter, the house through doorway oy window, and capture flies. Without the least sign of fear, they will perel on one’s bead or shoulder, Nov ave any of out bird-friends alarmed when we shoot at the parrofs eating huds off the altnand aud other fruit trees. They seem to know that the shots are not meant for them. We have three species of parrots im our territory. It is Worthy of note that the beautiful King Parvot, Aprosmictus scapularis, his been present in numbers this year—F, WISEWOULD,
SERSCRO RE RATES AND KUDRS.
Atténtion is directed tp the following list of rates atta extracts from the rules relating to aungorip lone —
Ordinary ineibers, with Journal ry wee ee 20/-— Ordinary wWembers. without Journai Gvbere more than one in # household) -. 16/- Cauntry members, with Journal (residing out- + atde 16- mile Melbourne radius) +e =, 13/6 Aksociate members (over 16 ‘nae unter 203) ‘vith Journal} .. : 5 t/t Assodiate.. niembers (eGar 16 and uiider 0) 5 . Without Journal) .. 9°, . 5/-
3 e E Pe > ,.5, All subscriptions shal) become due on the first day of May in cath year. fi. , omg person. who has .been elected shall be ontitled to the privileges ot a member until his subscription shall have been paid, or hips his subscription is in arrears, a
aPersons elected after the Ist November shaliwbe entitled to the piivilefes of memborship on payment | et hate the annual subscription.
Ff
Che Victorian Naturalist
You. XL11—No. 7 NOVEMBHR.6, 1925 No, 303
FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA.
The ordinary monthly. meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society’s Hall, Victoria Street, on Monday even- ing, October 12, 1925. The President, Mv. Geo. Coghill, oecu- pied the chair, and about jiffy members and friends were present.
REPORTS,
Heidelberg, Sept. 19.—Mr, J. Stickland reported that 4 sinall party of members spent a pleasant afternoon around the ponds, but nothing of note was collected.
Ringwood, Sept. 26—Ten members attended this excursion, Several good ‘‘finds'’ were made, the most interesting, perhaps, being a colony of Termites. When a a large piece of bark on. an old stump was stripped off, the Termites were vevealed, running up and down in files; very few failed to keep in the navrow tracks. Another stump con- tained a nest of the Wood-ant, Iridamyrmex nitidus, the auts with the peeuliar sweet odour of which cats seem so fond. Everyone agreed that the odour was of a decidedly sweet nature. but not one that cats would be expected to like.—C. OK.
Brisbane Ranges, Oct. 3.
Bendigo, Oct. 10.
(Reports appear elsewhere in this issue.)
GENERAL, ‘
Sale of Native Flowers.--My. EH, E. Pescott said that, as requested by the Committee, he had made enquiries regard- mg the granting of permits for gathering flowers in the Grampians. A member of the Forestry Commission had told him that no damage was being done, as the area in regard to which permits had been granted was far-from the Wild- flower Garden, and seldom, if ever, visited by tourists. The Tourist Bureau and the Railway Department had each sent an officer to inspect the area, and bei had ¥eported that no diumuge was being done,
168 Fivld Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings Hite Nas
Destruction of Fairy Wax-flower at Bendigo—aAfter sone discussion us to what steps could be taken to protect the Wax-flower at Bendigo, on the motion of Mr. A. Wi. Keep, seconded by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, it was resolved that tho Hon. Secretary should write ta the Mayor of Bendigo calling attention to the destruction of the plants, and asking whether anything could be done to protect them and prevent the sale of blossom on Picnic Day.
PAPER,
“Two Weeks at Bethanga,” by Ma. A. E. Rodda. ‘The author gave some account of the eountry around Bethanga, and the fauna met with during a recent, visit.
EXHIBITS,
By Mr, Geo. Coghill - Plants grown at Canterbury, Lep- tospermium lavigatum, Micromyrtus ciliatus, Grevillea res- marinifoli, Tecoma australis and Daviesia latifolia.
By Mr, Ff. Chapman, A.1..8.: Original drawings of fossil Foraminifera, from the tertiary (Baleombian) beds of Port Phillip; to illustrate SS paper shor tly to be published by Ff. Chapman and W. J. Parr.
By Miss C, C. Fraapigs Two eggs of the Gippsland Giant Harthworm. ;
By Mr. I. iB, Dixon: 72 species of Coleoptera collected in the Lake Hattah district, NW. Vietoria, during September,
Ry Mr, T. Hodgson: Seven species of native flowers frait fhe Whipstick Serub, at Bendigo, Eriastemon obovatlis, Backea diffusa, Beckea ramasissimu, Colytrin tetragona, Daviesia ulicina, Olearia asterotricha and Grevillea alpine.
By My, J. A, Kershaw: Octapus bosewd, edllected at Port Melbourne, 20/5/5.
By Miss F.. Smith = Sarcochilus falcatus, tvom-Cann River district, Vietoria.
- By Dv. C.'8. Sutton: Pullenwa graveolers, Proslanthera decussata, Grevitlea floribunda, Pamaderris ferruginci, ete, from: Brisbane Bingen; also Ruppia maritima, From Little River.
‘By Mr. H. B. Williamson, FL, S.: Acueia dor atoxyton, Pulteniea styphelioides, 1 clipter wm. incanum, Dilwynia ertei- folia, and a dried specimen of the’ Narrow-billed Bronze Cuckoo, from Chiltern, N.E. Victoria,
“yous. | Excui'siun to Me Brisbane Ranges 154
HOVADHRATANAREDDUANDPOHHAPHDRURHNNK ADE MUeBaravedgpunenaaenauenecsceceeboarsAtlttEbdbepersnneen nde iid TLULDD) TT CCUIIOT ID CITUTOT beg
_ EXCURSION TO THE BRISBANE RANGES,
savneveccensunvonnvnceodasnunersevevenscausescousasneresconensnacaneeveonnosvecrousaveerecevenesreavensescasruensseusavrananesienns
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SHAH EU REA REHMRHRAH AVENE ULL
for the exeursion to the Brisbane Ranges on October 3
und 4 two members took tram to Lara, where they were joined by the Rev. Mx. Gates, who very kindly motored them to Anakie. Before leaving Lava, however, a short visil was paid’ to the railway line towards Little River. Here the resorye Was unmsually gay with flowers, wmnongst them many (C'mn posites and Pimeleas, Velleya paradexa, aud in particular Prasophayllan Odoralum and Thelymitra arisiata, Time did not permit going further on lo where the Black Brittle-rush, Chovizandra enodis, had been discovered by Mr, Gates—the only loeality so far known for this plant in the southern dis- trict.
Arrived at Analie, the car Wwas left al the foot of the range, and atter going alone the Anakie-Durdidwarrah road for n dhoet distance the first track to Steiglitz was follawed. From this point to a little short of Ateiglitz the snbstratuni is composed of sand and gravel, and the same plant associa- tion continues throughout, with occasional slight variation. —
. The tree growth is composed maimly of Red Stringybark, Messmate, Yellow Gum and Tong-leaf Box, and, not infve-— quently, Red Box, Red lvonbark and Common Peppermint, with an occasional Black Sheoke. YXoentherrhea australis and Athbertia striciw stood out beyond all other plants of sinaller size, both in frequency and continuance, and the Golden Wattle was also persistent and abundant. Except the Hedge Acacia only one other made much of a show, and this, A. pycnentha, though just past its best, was still a Plonous sight, There are halt-a-dezen Greyilleas in the Ranges, und the finest of these, G. floribunda, the golden, was never quite ont of the picture. G. resmarintfolaa and G. aquifoliwn, the prickly, were also seen, the latter not yet in flower,
Mive epacrids were noted, but they were not conspicnons, The Common TTeath was here net very common, but Mx, Cates, Who returned from Steiglitz the same day by the move porthorn track, noted an abundanee of it on. the way, show-
160 Excursion to the Brivbane Ranges Boe or
ing particularly fine colour, dtom the palest to the deepest pink. The Peach Heath was very good, a8 was also the Com- mon Beard-heath. Monotoca scopuria and Acroiriche sertu- lata were, of caurse, not in flower. The only myrtaceaus plants seen, apart from the #ums, were Leptospermum sen-
partum and. L, marsinoides, Whieh would be more nonspictious at a later date.
Two. isolated patches of Riiosteinun obovales, neither very extensive, were encountered, bat ihe plants are neither so rabust. nor so floriferons as those in the Bendiga district. Of the leguminous apecios, only Pulteran laplnorwies anil Pilhwyniw erietfola were i full bloom, D. floribunda was - anly commencing to shew the beautiful colour whieh dis- tinguishes it in this locality; sompholobiam, Dewiesin carymboasa and Pullencea Inimeutis, all abundant in the Ranges, were still in bud, Tt ix interesting to record that the Hon Bitter-pea is quite rare hereahouts.
OF the orchids only Glossedia major and Caladenia cerulea were THIMeroUs, Phovastylis autuns and P, wane were dis- covered in oné spot only, growing in company. Oveagional Pink Fingers and a few Leopard Ovehids completed their list. Dho Liliaeem were nat tauch in evidence. Bartlingia sessiltflore was a notable fined for the locality. Dianella revd- lute was yet to flower, Only the appedline and everseharn- ing Barly Noney fullw represonted the family.
Nhout Steightz the Ordovician vomes to the surface, and there is neh bare groand between the gums Here the Yellow Box appeared for the first time. Red lronharks were ree frequent, and along Sutherland's Creek Manna anil Swamp Gums were present, "Here, too, by the lsindness of Mr. Cooper, a loral resident, who is well acquainted with sli the plants and their virtues, we were introduced to what was the mast important plant noted dari ing the outing—Pultenca graveolens. Unfortunately it was still in Ind, ‘but Mr. Conper promised to scud flowerng specimens and seedlings to town, sa that eventually this rave speeies mai: perhaps be seen fouvishing in the Botanie Cardons. -
Though there is a dclicensed hotel in Steiglitz it does pot. ifford secommodation to visitors, but lodging was found ina deserted house, where, with the aid of a good fire, and some chait bags, a comfortable night Was passed, On Monday metning Mr. fooper, after showing us, amongst other interest- ing things, 2 fine specinen of Qhearia pannosa growing in his
td Hrwurgion ta the Brisbane Ranges 161 f
garden, u bush of Pomvdderres ferruyine in Tull bloom-near
the ereek, and i valiant pear tree which, though ring-barked ,
jnost,. thoroughly, was still flourishing and making an effort to
bridge the gap in its stem with new park, Was wood enough, to
pilot us across country to the Meredith road,
Brom here on to the Moorahool the vegetation did not. invite exeursions from the rod. There was very little ander wrowth, and sothing that had not previously been noted wae ster, Acroia tenufolia here tool pride of place in its genus, though A. pyonarthu still occurred, and sume fine mats of i, covered with golden blossoms, were particularly admirable. Cushions of the Green Growndeberry were also. move Fre- qnent, and small stoneworts, wumte penny worts, por antheras and nvilotias scantily covered the sterile eround, aud were only distinguishable on close serutiny, After a time the Crass Trees reappeared, and with them a slight: inereuse in. the nmbex of species, but mis did not last Jong, and the descent ta the river was ouly broken by uw pause to cdllect. again Pomuderris fervuginea by the roadside,
At the Moorabeol the Blaeék Wattle, Woolly Yea-tree, Swamp Bottle-brnsh and Burgan, Kunzea pedunculurts, had ol yot responded to the, as yet, frigid advances of Spriny, wid the billy was boiled and_a frugal luneh eaten without florzl distractions, ;
Beyond the river (he vegetation continued fo he widnteresting, aid a wide ditour am each side of tu road, jest before the termination of ihe forest, resulted in the dis- covery of nothing more notable than a recurrence of the unzeu,
Thereatter the only matter leading to a diversion from the highway was the appearanee of a wide expanse of ‘Hat, wel ground, covered with a low, close growth, of a reddish colon, which on exwunination was taken to be Jlautaga cure- nopus, practically unmixed. with any other species and stunted by the sourhess of the soil—t.8,S,
The Butterfly Flag, Dipleprhaw Moen, is not Touwd Heurer to town than about Lower Ferntree Gully. At; Upper Pakenham 16 is qnite common, anid, previous to ow latest Show, at the date uf whielt it was not yet m bloom, it has figured tor the last six years in Mr. Wisewould’s exhibits fran) that place,
7" sa} M Viel, Nw 162 Kixcursion lo Bendigo Val eer
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EXCURSION TO BENDIGO
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Six Members journeyed to Bendigo on Saturday, October LU, and proceeded to the runges to the sonth of the city. Mere, i sone parts, the bush was gay with the Mary Wax tower, Lriostenon obovalis. Pink-eyes, Tetratheca ciliutas were villiant in purple colouring, and the golden blooms of vicueia pycnanthi, A. armatd, A, diffusu, and A, aspera, made a pleasiy contrast. The Native Undigo, Lucdigafenun wustrnlis; and the Gorse Bitter-pea, Duviesiw wlicina, were in full bloom, as also were the Daphne Heath, Brachylonia daphnoides. The vanges were very dry, and moisture-loy- ing plants were few, ‘The only orchids scen were the Wax- lip, Glossodia major, toirly numerous, aud solitary speci- mens of Pink Fingers, Culadenia curnea, and Brown-beards, Catochilus Robertsonti, the Cuvr'ant-Bush, Leptomeria uphylla, was in. truit, ‘After an enjoyable ramble amid the Wax-flower undergrowth, One-tree Hill was veuehed, whenee aswidesproad view of plains, undulating dountry, and ranges way obtained. Then the course was oiade westward through the Ironbark ranges, amid a profusion of wald-flowers to the Spring Gully Reservoir, thence baek to the eity
On Sundays a visit was mada to Flagstaff Ub, about seven miles past Waglehawk, in the Whipstick Serub. ‘The county here, was also very dry, aid floral wealth tot so evident as on the oceasion of w previous vit) The serub consisted mostly of Green Mallee, Wicelypeus viridis, anil Melaleucas, the Broom: Honey-myrtle, I. weinate, the Cross- loat, MW. decussita, and the Critson, M. Wilsonii, Here aud there amid the serub was-u-fine variety of flowers. Most noticenble were the pretty Uicvomyrtus microphylla; the dainty Beckea vamesissima; the pungentlyseented Boronia unemonifolia, just past its loons ; the purple Prosterthera freavbuleas Grevillias, varying un palony from white to ved; Olearia teretifolia; the rave Westringie rigrda; ane Astro. tricha ledifolia, Nhe Wax-flower docs mot grow robustly in the Whipstiek. The Common Pringe Myrtle, Cabythrv: tebragona, was im bud ancl flower in great quantity. The hlue Danpiere lanceolatus was also in flower, with several Composites, Hibbertias and Goodenias. Nearly sixty plants
ae | Becursion ta Beidhgu 163 in all were observed in flower, but no plants previously un- listed were noted, The Tefless Curtint-bash was aw fruit; and the troublesome parasite, Cassytha melantha, with steang ling grip on scrub and tree, was in flower and [vuit, Before returning to the eify we inspected in operation a plant for the distillation of of from the Jeayes aud youre branches of the Green Mallee, MW. viridis. A pomt very noticeable about the old walayial workings on the minhig areas is the widespready growth of the Chinese Sarah, Cussinte arcuata, to the exclusion of other growth. The Fainy Was-ilowes his a general popularity, the evidence of whith is shawn by the wholesale manner in which if is vathered for gale at Bendigo and at, the railway stations eu vente, especially ob Kiphinstone, Continuance of this will eventually tend to its disappearance in some areas.
THE VSTICh-PAST FLA TN NOR TTENTEN TERRITORY
The “Stiek-tast’* lea, Zchidnophaga Gultinaced, West- wood, known in Western Australia since 3914 ond more recently. from South Australia’, now appears to have becoine established in the Northern SVermtory, where it has ‘been found recently on sboriginals’ dogs in the yienuty of Cape Don Lighthouse. Tn a communication, forwarded with speei- mens, My. Hugh W. Christie, until recently head lighthouse- keeper at Cape Don, stated that -the pest had appeared only veeently. The locality is about. 100 miles north-east of Part. Darwin, where Mr. Christie has had over 20 years’ experience in charge of the Lighthouse at Cape Charles, and is inhabited only by the lighthouse staff and their families and a few aboriginals. Whence the fleas came cannot be stated, but whilst, it is possible they wexdjtintrodueed from Western Aus- tvalia, it may be vecalled that some of our worst pests have almost certainly obtained their foothold in Australia from direct importationg into the Northern Territory from the East. The fact that dogs belongig to nomad aboriginals are heavily infested suygests ready means of wide distribu- tion. “Werguson, Aust. Zool. LIT, pt. TI, 1923.—By G_ PB, Hinz, Entomologist, National Museum, Melbmnnor
[For illustration and note of this flea, see Vie. Nut., vol. XL (October, 1923), p. 119,]
184 Rowns, A Netwradist at Bethanga Bie, A
TPIT ERNT OLN TATERITSRORPATHFONYRYNY ON ReeeaueTarernenapNasevantraDNeNeterneyteneorenrremperrectraatphpaurenpnqnfereeren ape ar ape ieeneg”
A NATURALIST AT BETHANGA. By A, 4, Ropna
SOPETTDIPDNODAAAODEDDA LA aA CeneoumECereedenbunndeeeneaPuAUePeds eG NNsGUGSHOEHONTADULORNOOASRNUGKOUEDIVUPAOEARISAUROOOERI BORA OTERO NINE
gre eareeneneteneirenesieny SUVPPP Nand eeenpernaeeeneyven”
‘(Heat before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Vietovin, Seplember Li, 1923.5) \
The object of this paper iy to reeord some observations made during a fortnight’s visit, in Lchruary.and Mareh last, to Bethanga—a district that eombines much natural beauty with opportunities of observation not generally met with on this side of the Dividing Range.
The journey 6deeupies the total length ot the Novrtii- Hastern railway line to Wodonga, and then a distance of nine miles along the Cudgewa line, as far as Bbdeu. Lenying Wodonga, the ‘line goon passes into hilly country, sparsely timbered, except on the higher ranges further back. ‘The Tawrrow valley of the Miewa: River, with its attendant billa- bongs (& characteristic feature of the rivers of this country). is crossed on a long bridge, Two small stations, Bandvanna and Bonegilla, are name only, 10 signs of habitation being visible, and, as nantes, are relfeved from absurdity by their obvious aboriginal orig. They are passed without stopping.
The next station is Ebden, whieh has at least fone build- ings, including the railway station, Heve the train iy left for a - five-inile drive on a gravelly road to Bethangn, ‘The ~ voud is of the switehback type—up hill and dow dale— with a level stretch of a mile.across the valley of the Mitta Mitta aud its many billabongs. Beyond is a nacrow valley. down which flows the Bethanga Creek, a very small stream, considering the area it drams. ~Another mile ‘or so of switel- back and the valley widens out to disclose the village of Bethanga nestling at the head of it. Ail around are-high, bure hills, topped, im some cases, with Inr¢e, pinkish boulders of gneissose schist, and pierced by long gullies, cach with tts frickle of water contributing to the-main ereek. What timber ever grew on these hills has long since been vemoyed for the requivements of the mines, “eviderices of which still vemain im the forn of monidering poppet. legs, tall and
ar Rows, A Netnvalist at Bethange 165
arunibling boicgk chininey stacks, and preat heaps of brow uinlloel. '
. ‘hese hills, surrownding the villaye, were, at this season, revered with a thielk mat of grass; they form a grazing comuion tor large numbers of cows, on the prodnets of which the inhabitants liye, as there 3s no cultivation, excepting a few small patches of lucerne in the gullies, Practically the ouly trees vemaining ou the hillsides in the vieinity of the village ave a fow Curvrajongs, Bruchycliton populneus, which serve wis ck stall reserve of emergency fodder in the dry season. The currajong 18 considered Iocally as the indestanctable tee. The specimens in question have been Jopped to ihe bare branches time and again, and still pot forth a miss of succulent foliaye, which is all the deuser om account, of rigorous pruning. The soil of the valley is. vary deep and in places where the aeek has cut through to hed yock, the section shows over tweuty Tee of eravelly svil,
Bethanya, shaving the fate of many mining townships, tan now be designated as “of the pust,* At one time th was the scene of much aetivity, bot the auviferous ove Js of 2 vetvactory nature and could not be treated hy bulbery process; necessildted a Jarge roasting and smelhing plant whieh temains naw int practically the sathe condition as when iu use, save for the ravages of time. Below the warks, on the ereek bank, ave great danrps of purple sand from, the pyrites roasters, now tunnelled in, all divections by rabbits. Glose by are larwe heaps of iridiseent slaw from the sielters, many great lonps still vetaining the eclmieyl shape of the lave cast-ivon wheel-lndles. Where the éveck skirts the sluz-heaps, the copper solitions draining into it ave pe cipitated a. beantifnl blue-green earbonate, whiel coats all objects beneath the clear water, So highly mineralised is the water of the ereak that it is considered mifit foe haiman consumption, although stock seem to relish it. The paddocks of ore stacked about (he works, and sparkling with copper and arsenieal pyrite, are destined, perhaps, never to be trealed. The pyrite is slowly decomposing in the weather and forming white crusts of arsenigus oxide.
The walls of the machinery-houses are dotted with what appear to be bobs of cay, fhrown ap by mischievous boys, but are really the nests of nvud-building wasps, or “‘hornets,'’ as they ware locally called, These nests eonsish of elongated eells of clay placed side by side, and are packed with eoma- tose or defunct spiders, among which unsavoury surroundings
16h Rooo\, A Vaterotise at Gethanget att
lives and feeds the yellow larva. The elay cells, when just completed, ure heautiful examples of insect architecture. but ure soon plastered over with irregular pellets in a moannd- shaped mass. Slangiug from the rafters ave other elegant examples of insect industry, in the form of the hancyeomb homes of paper wasps, well guarded hy their vieious owner's.
On the hillsides, wherever the voeks outeroy, 389 found the eonnmon Roek Fern, Cheitlunthes tenuefole, and the Necklace Pern, Aspleniun flabellifolrun. These, with several small patches of Bracken, whieh does not seen to thrive tu this soil, are the onl ferns common in the disteied. In the niouths of several of the old mining tninels, Fairy Martins, Petrochelidon ariel, have vested freely, bat the nests have all been destroyed by boys. The birds were Aying in ane ont, and if was found that they had profited by their nn- fortunate experienec, and had nested fnrtherv back, in almost complete darkness, where the sniall boys dave not venture. Even thus Jate iy the season, brovds were being veared. Among the Martins’ vests were several empty nests of the Welcome Swallow, Chelidon neoatna,
Other inhabitants of these taivels wete bats and au owl, both of which retreated to the davker depths while the dis- tuched swallows, sought the opeu air. Possibly foxes also: dwell there, ag several were heard barking on the hillsides
in the evenings, Amoug the outeropping rocks rabbits have -
their burrows, and into nnpregnable cracks in the larger boulders skink lizards of the Wgernia family insinuate them- selves—they ean be vemoved only in pieces,
Following the winding guily-road up past the old mines, i low saddle of the rumge is reached at a place, of course, called The Gap.’ Bron, here a magnificent panorama of the Murtay Valley is opened up. Phe noble aiver winds about amid a perfect maze of billahbougs, through a fertile valley dotted with magnificent red gums, Mucalyptus rustratn. To the west can be seen the towns of Albury and Wodongs. and straight across, only four miles away, are the great Quarries and earthworks of the Flume Weir, his; wher completed, is destined to turn the whole of the valley int sight, and also that of the Mitta, ito a vast expanse of wealth-giving water, ‘Fhe twin townshops of the workers, one on either bank of the river, present an orderly array of neat frame-houses, Jrouted by lawns and wardens, and laid out inte regular, tree-planted streets. Schools, shaps, and veeveation halls ave provided with cheap electric light, and
ars Rays, A Naturalist at Bethang 167
an unlimiled water supply. Beyond the _Muniay Valley Vise range after range of lehthy-timbered ills, on the New South Wales side; and, looking back into Victoria, an even anpre bewildering array of mountain peaks is seen, anh ating in the dim blue heights of the Australian Alps,
A dive up the Murray Valley, vie. Talgurno, and slanting the river inost ot Gre way, was enjoyed.’ Coming dows From the hills, the undulating countey becomes thinly-timbered with well-erown trees, mostly a species of box, with tts chavacleristic greyish foliage of round Tetves, aid a few stringy-barks aud peppermints. Near Talgarno a sinall pd dock, close to the road, contained six ostriches: — On the viver-Huts are Magnificent red gums, sturdy ty Wale aad wile-spreading in branch. Here is the bird-lover's yaad ise Rusellas, Plulycercus extmius, lovikects, Glossapsulaeus cor- ehvneas, and the dainty ttle red-backed pavrukeet, ?sephotusy wemadanohes, fy sereaming from tree to tree, and wes parrots ave flushed in pats from the coarse tussocks, The wsnal dozen of grey-crowned babblers, Pomatorhinias super eiltosts, leap excitedly among the branches of a wattle tres, dud a company of white-~vinged chourhs, Corcoran melunor’- hamplus, jake Wiehl, with mourntul, though melodious, flutelike whistles. In tieht they show the white wing paulehes Hat muinhy: distinguish thon trom their sable cousins, the arows and ravens, enwing rayeoualy overhead, On a bare hillside a small flock of rose-breasted gulahs, Cucutue vusercopilla, cones to rest, and a dew white vurkatace, C. galerifa, ave screaming amid the timber higher up, These are many small birds about on the flats. ‘I'vee-creepers, Chimacteris, of two kinds seemingly defy the laws of yravity by taking impossible-looking hops up vertical tree-tritks, and red-browed finches, Agintha fempuralis, are busy amare the Bursaria lushes, where some of they q@neainly nests atill remain.
Tn places the foothills come. steeply down to the river or jig billabongs, and the road passes through them di sidling cuttings. Magnificent lagoons some of these Dillabotiws ave; wire, still, and deep, hordered on ane side with the pik graniiie rocks of the hillside, and on the other with dense heds of reeds and bulrushes. On the placid waters float teal, Virwgo ythbersfrons, and black duck. Avus supercilrosd, hut not nian, as, although the season is uot yet open, the guns have bean busy wnone then for weeks past, Where the water shallows, it is thickly covered with aquatic vexe-
168 Rowws, A Naturalist at Bethanga te ey
tation, among which waterv-birds of severs| species prospect busily, taking little notiee of passine vehieles. Stop the buggy, however, and descend, and instantly every bird séuttles, with loud splashings, over the lily-pads to fhe shelter nt tho reed-beds, Smaller waterholes, that. are drying wp, are tenanted by herons of four species, and their kindred. Among the birds uoted here were the yellow-billed spoonbiil, Platibis flavipes, white ibts, bis malnece, and egret, Garzetta aignipes. ,
Looking up the gullies, down which flow feeble streams ovel coarse granite gravel, one is stiuek by the lack of under- srowth and other vegetation generally characteristic of mountain ereeks. Only grass and thistle-beds clothe . their banks. Towards the heads of the gullies the timber becomes thicker, and the bright foliage of the eurvajougs and watties velievey the prevailing sombreness of: the eucalypts. From an outerop of rock, a large lace lizard raced across the read ta a deact tree. . Only cne snake was seen, and that a large black one, on the flat;-it promptly disappeared down a deen and impregnable hole in the viver-bank.
Leaving the main road aid erossing the flat, wii enornnoas lavoon, almost a lake, choked with aquatic vegetation, was passed. This was the haunt of half-y-dozen, * pelicans, Pelecanus consmoellatus, which, with the cormoraiits, mst find good fishing in the shallow open water spaces amid the rushes. Of the cormorants Phalacrocoras carbo was the more ecammon, On another pool.a flock of cleven black swank, Chenopsis wtrata, civeled uneasily when approached, aud took veluetunt flight towards the river
Our destination was a farmhouse on the viver-bauk. This place, together with several others passed on the way, is destined to be inundated to the roof-tree when the great weir, a dozen miles down streani, is completed, The farmer. however, is a philosopher. ‘Time enough to think about Hhat in six years’ tinie,'’ he says.
Rabbittrapplug is a profitable sideline ou this farm, and we did 4 night round with the trapper. The air is per(eetly still and no sound was heard save the swish of feet through tho long grass, the oecasional ery of a night bird, or the distant yapping of a fox on the hillside. Rabhits rarely make any noise in the braps after the first sirnggie, but the irapper seenied to have no diffieulty in finding all his sixty my seventy traps seattered ayer a considerable area. Wher
eh Roopa, A Notnraliat at Bethauye 164
taken ont of the traps, the rabbits were killed and the wins carefully re-set. ‘I'he bodies, with the ears attached, were left for ihe foxes, cagles, and crows. Foxes, in the experionee of- our trapper, rarely touched trapped rabbits, but not infrequently are caught in the traps, whieh they will pull up und carry away for a eonsiderable, distance, but can wlways be found by the keen-nosed dog, Eagles, on the other hand, will destroy the rabbits, and are given sean merey by the trapper, who sometimes earries a light vifle on his day rounds.
Several days were spent on fishing trips, chiefly to the Mitta. As the rivers were running strongly and were full of snags, it. was move comfortable and profitable to fish im the billabonge. which, in themselves, were sluggish streams, being fed by small creeks aid springs from the near-by hillsides. English perch, carp, catfish, Murray perch, Murray cod and tort oises, nunterically in that order, were taken, True, tortoises are not fishes. but they take any kind of natural bait. They were the short-reeked, ov Murray tortoise, Lmydara mucqueri«. The tortoise. is a very shy reptile, and usually shows no more of itself than the tip of a oshuzp-pointed nose, and a pale yellow vye probruding above the surface of the water. When it thinks it is observed, it makes a backward stroke with its webbed feet, and dis- uppears, leaving searcely vw ripple. During warm weather it will sometimes bask on a log above the water, but always remains wide awake and ready to slip in sideways, ov either end foremost, whichever is most convenient. There were plenty of tortoises in the Mitta lagoons, but only two were caught.
While fishing in the billabongs, one is able, betweon fish- lites, 10 admire the’ beanty of the deep, placid water, fringed with aqnatice growths of great vamety, or, passing trom one ta another, te observe the abundant bind lite. Herons, ihises, and cormoranty continually pass overhead, and vecasionally a flight of Teal or Black Duck dashes past an whistling wings, or alights with a loud splash, to rise azam in panic on discovering the too close proximity of man, On ane reedy pool was wv mother duck und a brood oof six Happers. The parents splashed away, simulating a bvokem wing; the young ones dived and, apparently, did not conte up again, though one knew that they had quietly risen within the shelter uf the reeds.
”
"0 A Nyety A Viet, Nat 118 Rovpa. A Naturalist at Bellona vol XUld
In the great gumy the Leatherheads or Friar Bincs, “ropt- dorhynchus corniculatus, uitered their quer jargon of notes for which the children name them ‘‘chinkies’’ or “ehow lirds,*’ Magpie-larks. Gralling picata, were everywhere, and their mud nests were visible in alnvost every tree uear the wuter. Hawks of several kinds soared above the trees. ‘The stirill, langhing call of the Brown Hawk, Meeractden orien- lates, was frequently heard above the shrdler notes of the Kestrel, Cerchneis cenchroides. Among the bratiches of doad frees on the hillsides glided Rainbow Birds, Merops ornalus, wnd Wood-swallows.
Hories of starlings, whieh at this tite of the year go it large flocks, come from all quarters to voost in the reed: beds, They cirele und wheel in perfect order, anc alight for.a few moments on the branches of a dead tree. Ju their wake comes winged death in the form of a Black-checkel Falcon, Falco melanogenys, swiftest and fiercest of the. rap tores..- Starlings, in flight, will turn and pursue their enemy uwiutil his superioy speed outdistances them; but when they have perehed, the hawk makes his dash to pitk off a rising bird before they can get into formation. Several times the falcon attacks, but the starlings rise too quiekly, and wheel to meet him. Winally, with a magnificeps swoop, he gets among them as they leave the dead tree, and secures a victim, The impact of the-strike can be plainly heard. and, with his sereaming prey gripped in his sharp talons, the hawk glides te the ground. The starlines pay vo liced te the tragedy going on bengath them, but cirele ys before. Now they dash with buzzing wings into the veeds, which rustle and bend under their Weight, stay a while, with much {jvatrelsonie chattering and flapping. g, and are up dn the wing oreo more. This performance is repeated many Limes antil, finally, all ind perches; and, although the sereaming is kept up a while longer, they do not rise again.
Mramnctephara barbeta (Kanp}—The heardad oy Jew Lizard is found mostly in the Mallee and on the plains north af the Divide, Tt is known in all the-States, but is race ubont Melbourne. Te may attain-a leneth of 18 inches, is very quiek In ifs movemertts, and hisses like a snake when alarmed.
THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLII November, 1925
PLATE VI
(Photo by Chas. Barrett)
Nov. |
1936, Keep, Che Royal Botunice Gardans a
TAPIA TORE PEDLECOTTRO HOTT DETTE DEED TONER TR DDOLADNCH CORIO UDD EDA DEPPEDD ODOR DAA CE RAPE PDOUDNTHTIDEDD DOAN PHRAT PERI IORAT RIEU LA ROMRAERHRAT ER”
THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS.
be * yf r vie 5 By A.B, Ware PORAPRMARUTORDPPRUARAEP LARIMER ADPAD EPR ARRAPERAAAMAR ELAR RREDAR APP ET RAAT IDES OAARTARARAR AEN LI TARTAREE PATE RRAD EASE AN TNE GPRREAR ESL EAR Rae
'
(Extract from a paper read before the Iield Natuvalists' Club of Victor, September 14, 1925)
1
erie
TENE HERR OnRAHEIEHEEE
ye
That world-renowned seientifie centre at Kew, knuwn as the Royal Botunic Gardens, is a kind of Mecen, towurds Which ‘the steps of every visitor to London, whether a &tud- wot of botany, ow like the writer, one claiming yo scientific knowledge, but. loving trecs and flowel's, wataralky tins,
For uearly a century before Kew Gardeis were thrown. open to the public, they were a Royal domaim. In fuct, their foundation dates from the times of the carly Georges, Queen Caroline, wite of George 11, spent money lavishly on their envichtnent, while the Dowager Prineess Augusta of Saxe Gotha, the mother of King George Ii), may be considered ag their practical founder, ina botanical sense. King George Ti .and Queen Charlotte lived inveh at Kew, and, in a wing of the Royal Paluee, which les to your right as you yuss through the main gates, the old, bland, mad Gig was con- fined, in the days of Regency. In faet, like most other grat British institutions, Kew is steeped in, bistery, and eloquent of uw storied past, and to the writer, this constitutes one af its prineipa) eharnis. It is this association. with great names that gives that impression of dignity and spaciousness that the visitor to Kew, Gardens, seemg them for the first time, wall assuredly carry away. Beneath the exivencies of ruinous taxation and heavy probate duties, the beantiful pleasure grounds that surrounded the ‘‘stately homes of Kugland'' are fast disappearing. They cost too much for niaintenunec, Happily for the nation, however, Kew Gardens, with their wide vistas, avenues of maenificent trees, terraced flower- beds, and broad walks, remain a lasting memorial of the past. To quote Siv W. Thiselton Dyer, who, fron 1885 to 1905, was their director, ‘‘Kow Gardens posséss the graud manner which can be inherited, but not acquired. Wealth can be lavished on a garden, but cannot sive it that dignity which js only derived from centuries of growth.
My first visit (o the gurdens was on April 29, 1924, live days after my landing, The spring of 1924 was wet and
iyz Kee, 2he Royal Botamic Gardens big Le
lackward in England, dud for this reason the Azileas and Rhododetidrons, asaally such » notable feature in this month, were viot Tu their fullest bloom. TE was to see them later in all their glovy, i the gardens of the Villa Carlotta, on the shores of Lake Como; such a. veritable’ feast of eoluuy as memory loves to dwell upon.
LT remember the broad walk, whieh is thirty feet in Width and leads ap to the Paln House, which, with its watev-tower behind it, may be considered as the central pont of the wardens. In front.of this Palm House, which is of notable dimensions, ig a broad terrace with stone flags, set with ilawer-heds, stone steps and balustrades, descending to. an artificial lake, From the Palm House three great, grassy avenues, or vistig, radiate, of which two, the Pagoda vista, to the south, and the Siow House vista, to ile south-west, ate each were than 1000 yards in length. and of & teble breadth, Hanked by avenues of maguificent elms, oaks, chest- nuts, limes and beeches. The spacious @reen sward, as I si it, was studded with danciig daffodils, a veritable field of the eloth of gold. Of eonrse the consuminate art of the landscape gardener is there, but it ts the art that conceals art, and gives the appearance ot the flowers growing wild, Elsewhere in the Duteh, the herbaceous, and more reeentis constructed rock-wardens, you may sce fowers: planted with formal precision ; but, in faet, every form and period of the gardeucr’s art, in its hightest attamment of skull, can be studied within the boundaries of Kew Gardens.
OF course, as un Anstralinn of sont 40 years vesidener, I naturally made my way to the Temperate House, to see pute more the familiar TMucalypts, Acacias aad Troo-terns These ai‘e to be found ehiefly in the middle block of the ‘Vemperate House, kuown as the Winter Garden. This blocks is rectangular iu shape and coverg an area 216 feet in length by 140 feet m width, the apex of its reof being 60 fret from the ground. It was completed in 1862, at an approximate rost of £29,000. In this Winter Garden the trees that attract mosh attention are two specunens of the Bunya Pine, Araucayia Bidwilli These trees have constantly to be reduced in height, lest they should grow through the roof Specimens of the Norfolk Island Pine A. excelsa, Hoop Pine, A. Ciaatughanit, and New Caledonian Pine, A Coaki, can filsa be sven.
The Muealpyts, owing fo limited space, can be represented mily bo viung speeamens. The winters at Rew are too
Tose ] Keer, The Rayot Bokrmic Gardens 173
sevore ta allow of yum trees beme grown in the open air; Aliiough further south, notably in sheltered positions in the waidens of Comiwall, ind along the south coast, some varieties of Acucios. ‘and Yiealy pts do quite well, The flowering season of the Acacias lasts, in Rngland, ftrov February to April; so, when To was a Kew, it was almost nver, only a few trees in the Winter Garden still had bloonts upon them. Wattle, or as i ay termed in England, “Minosa,"? is sold a good dealin the flower shops and streets of London, According to Mr. W..d. Bean, flowering branches of the Silver Wattle, sci dealluta, to the value of 400,000 fvanes a year nreesxported to Enelind from Franee.
Treeferns, both Dicksonin antureticu and Alsophila, are to be seen gvowine in profusion in the Winter Garden, elietly lining: the main central path, but others are’ seatteved in ¥arious purts of the house. It must be remembered that the plants atl Kew are not grouped according to country of origin; therefore, the representative specimens of Australian flova will be: found growing umidst the vegetation of China and Japan, North aid South Africa, the "Southornt Upited States and Mexico. the warner parts of Chile, ‘the jniddle alevations of dhe Wimalaya and the Andes, aud most of the high mountains di the tropieal regions. They are, therefore, somewhat hard to distinguish, and lave not the’ familiar Hapect of the Bush,
{t was with quite a Fuel ig af friendliness, as of an exile frum home, that 1 came “acrosy a pot specimen of Banera rubindes, and also a magnificent hanging basket of Sturt's Desert Pea, Clawthug Dampier’, the latter in full ‘low er, While on this suljeet, T might mention that the Gippsland wildflower, Zteneee eleqin, known in England as the ‘Sneense plant,’ is nena iy Wneland as a backeround for herbiceous borders. T did not see i at Mew, as if was too curly in the season, bat at Hampton Court, where also there are most extensive gardens, I noted many clamps of it, with its long, feathery planes, and characteristic odour.
Tn the Temperate Wouse will also be found the fine eol- leetion of Protcaces, such as Grevilleas, Banksias, Hakeas, and others, donbtless deseended from [he seeds which Peter (ood and Allan Cunningham sent home from Austrilia, 1 the first deewdes: of the nineteenth eentary.. In the great Palo: House will be found all the prevailing types of tropical vegetation, such as palms, bananas, cyends, serew pies and
174 Kene The KReoyel Botanic Gardena bp fara
glue Iwtinbeds. Designed by Deemer Burton, wel GOM- pleted ta L848, ib os built upon uost graceful lines, and is a noble building. Tts total tenyth is 362 feet, the transept 15 100 feet 10 Width and 6G feut in height, and euch Wille is 0 Feet. in width by 30 feet in height.
Onginally some nine aeres in extent, Kew Garceus have Wow at acea of nearly 300 acres, ike oar own Botanie Gardens, they ave situated on the bank of a viver, but they Jnele tha wndulitions which give sneha oveat natural advatt- tage fo the Melboumie Gardens. Kew is a flat plain, and giteh variations of contour as ik possesses have hean produced altitigially. Nowhore has the avt of the landseape yardener laut to contend with ereater difficulties, The soil is hungry, suds umd gravely preclominating, aad beds of alimeast Mipel'viods clay. The transforming of such an unpromising area into a veal of boanty is a trionph of human skill ane persevery ned,
Ku possesses 16 miles of puthways, three separate museums, acherbaritim with fwo nition specimens, andl a library of some 24,000 volumes, There is also the Jodrell Laboratory for research work in plant phyaiolovy; theve are at least 10 elasy-houses, all open to the pubhie, and the North’! gallery of paintings of flowers and nature seenss, containing more than 800 pictures. Add to these attractions the Rose Garden, the Herbaccous Garden, the Rock Garden uot ta speak of the Alpine House, the 70 acres of natural woodlands, the artificial luke, some 4) »eres in extent, the Pagoda, the Temples, the Ruined Areh, and other velics of an interesting past, and-I think vou will adinit that there is a little too much to be seen in two brief visits, or ro te deseribed in the limited space which our Mdito: ean afford ne.
No visitor to Kew is likely to forget the widant Aagstaft formed of a. single piece of Douglas Fir, better known in Australia as Oregon, Pseudosugn Douglusti, This tremen- dons baulk of tinvber is 214 ft. in height, 2 ft. 9 in. in diame hee at the base, and 12 in. at the top. This is Hagstaff number hwo, ‘The first was pnt in place by the officials at Kew, and a@ Wigh wind ineontinentl: blew if down, happily withont much damage. Profiting by experience, the Director geenrext. to erect the second flagstaff, a detachment of sailors from Portsmouth, and the “Shandy men.’’ being well acestored to masts and rigging, this rime made a secure job of it.
see Krier, the Royal Botunic Gardeug 5 ATs) a a
Growing on the lawns and around the lake will be found wtany beatiful trees auch as the Holm Oak, Quercus lew; the Ser- vice Berry, Amelinclider conadensis; the conimow Line, Ulu vulgaris, and the White Lime, Thin aryenter> the common Ash, Pracimus eacelsior, and the london Plane. Llulanus woertfolus; Common Beech, Faygis sylvitiea; Oriental Mane, Plajanus orventalts. Many fmne Horse Chestnuts, le sequles Hippocastanum, and Spanish, ov Sweet, Chestnuis, Castanea: savived, can also be seen, while one Cedar of Tebanon, Cedrus Libunt, is no less than 64 feet in height, with a trunk nieasur- ing nearly 15 feet in girth. -
Not onky was Royalty intimetely associated with the development of Kew Gardens, but great uames in the world of Botanieal Science cluster around them ylsc—Sip Joseph Banks, whe accompanied Captain (nok whi he Janded at Botawy Bay in 1770, Wag one of their earliest, divectors. The there were the Aitons, father arid sou, who were associuted with the costinies of Wew fur more than 80 years, Thea eame Siy Willian, and atterwavids Sir Joseph, Hooker, both of whom were directors of the Gardens. Australia alse fips played its part in then euvichorent. aud, owing to the taitir- ing labonr of collectors Tike the Conninghans god Peter Good, its uniqne flora is well represented. Myr, C. Daley has fold us of the immense quantities of material Ghat our own Baron von Mueller comtinued to send for move than 40 years. For the compilation of Flora Austrakiensis, published in 1878. the Iaron despatched in instalments no less than one Vanidied thousand specimens to Georse Bontham ut the herbarium. at Kew.
More than three million visitors pisa through the gates of Kew Gardens avery year, Here you ay see the student. of botany, with his note-book, earefully studying the Jabele of the trees and plants, the painter with his easel, and the far Jarger class of photographers, with their caneras; but fay ouhiumbering these, one notes, with pleasure, the muylti- tude of ordinary citizens of London, people whose every- day lives are perforce passed amid sordid surroundings and mean streets, but ave here, for a while, enabled to experience the joy of open spaces and the charm of woodland glades, the infinite variety of the forms and eolours of flawers, and to walise something of that superahundant. loveliness of Nature whieh, as Thomas Hursley has said, disarins pessiinisin,
136 ; Mrs. Wore Martins Work ye ay
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A STUDENT OF FUNGI—MRS. FLORA MARTIN’S WORK.
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We ave led, by dtreet and jindirvcet evidenee, to ‘believe that or Clu has done much to encourage and advanee the study ot Natural Science in Victoria. Many members have been, and still are, prominent workers; others, not sa pros mown, ave done exealleut work, too; while there are some non-members, who are domg thoir shave in the varied realms of Natuye Study, encouraged by the Chib’s activities.
Mrs. Flora Martin, who died at Drouin on March 14, 1923, was associated with our Club, and recently 1 beeame possessed of special evidences of the enthusiastic work curried out by her from ihe tinte when she left Melbourne for Dronin, owing to her Iushand’s retirement there for health and other veasons.
Mus. Martin, in her young days, was a lover of plants. and a diligent strdent of botany. lo her early association with the Club she devoted muuch time to the study of Fungi. In 1892; when I was erranging the Museun of Heonomie Botany in the Melbourne Botanie Gardens, and had pre- pared a showease of some remarkable specimens of Fungi, donufed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Mrs, Martin contributed a collection of named Victorian species for inelusion in the case. Mvidenees of this lady's continuous and devoted seientifie interest, wud excellent work in her ehosen field, are to be found in a number of volumes, which, but for the kind offices of w relative of mime, who owned the property adjoininy Mrs. Martin's faem, might, with numbertess botanical ‘specimens, sketches, coloured plates, and drawings of fungi, have been destroyed as valueless, atter the disposal of ather property.
While spending a week-end at Drouin recently, I looked through a pile of coloured drawings and illustrative notes of fungi made by Mrs. Martin during her studies, ‘and put a large number of them together; in case: they might he of service to the Agvicultural Department, ov members of the-Glab, A presentation copy to Mrs. Martin, of- Cooke’s Handbook of Australzan Fungi, has the tollowing inseription
Noga. | Mr, Flora Martin's Work ba sumed by the yduthor over his photograph—‘Ty kindby “remembrance of the good offices of Mrs. Flora Martin iy “advancing this work in the colonies, and i securing its ““affieial recognition, my thanks are ever due." This yvohime wus exhibited by me at the September, 1925, ineeting of tlie Olab, together with the Jette fron the New South Wales Government to Mrs. Martin, intimating its. decision to con- tribute £150 towards the cost of the work, '
Another interesting volume is a eopy of Synopses of the (ucenstand Ilora, by EF. M. Bailey, presented with the wuathor’s compliments to Miss Flora M. Campbell (Mrs. Martin's maiden name), dated 4/5/83. The same auther sent his later publications, down to March 28, 19138, when Mys. Martin veceived a copy of the beautifully iWlustreted work, Comprehenstwe Catalogue of Queensland Plants, with the following inseription—‘*To my old friend, Mrs. Martin, who has doe such good work in eonneetion with Australian Fangi.'' A yolunie,, much studied, judging by the muiti- tadincus marginal notes, and underlings throughout, ts Balfour's Classbook of Botany (Part 2, Physiological Botany) insevibed-— ‘Flora AT Campbell, 1874," while a eopy of Outlines of Brilask Mungology, by the Revd, J, M. Berkeley, was freely annotated by Mrs. Martin, and marked off with numbers, probably corresponding to specitiens in her possession. Many ofler books, such as Diseeses of Plants, Timber and Some of its Diseases, noth by Marshall Ward; De Bary’s Comparative Morphology and Biolugy of the Pungus, Mycetozow and Bacteria, and British Prengt, Licheus, alc., Holmes aid Gray, together with a eonmplete set of Bentham’s Flora Austrakiensis, testify to the thoraugh- ness of Mis. Martin’s stadics. My relative at Drouri states that Mis. Martin had gorvespondents on botanieal iatters all over the world, that she was always experimenting with plants on ber farm, and that she never possessed a picee uf dead wood without inspecting in for Fungi, Part of her fan wae left in its natural state, pur posely,. ago sae ULy loth for hinds und plants. —F, Pitcher.
Ovehied studants are renunded that-this is the tie te look for the wiusual form of Calochilus which appeared two seasons ago. The absence of the ‘‘beard’’ wag i{% wdst marked characteristic. The plant was somewhat stouter than that. of C. Kobertsoni, and it bloaned rather earlier —B.C
178 CHatbuan, A Vietarwa, Geoloyicul Pioneer Meters
MLL ePPrEr eee eee eee ed
A VICTORIAN GEOLOGICAL PIONEER.
By WEL. Grav rarnds,
AVERAAU TP EORAD RABAT PORE RARAY
= =
rnane
4 Tenresavendeenbenedbyntddead kD yd ePCCEAOEEVNEAHEEDORTROEGHERTTEDODPNOHHACEORDST, | LUCEEPED RDU MACCKOMDEDACKEIN TIAN CKCEAL Pang TAKE ni pebmnes
One of the outstanding and praiseworthy objects ofthis Club i the past has been the recognition and memory of the pioneat in science and natural history venerally. especially m regard to Vietovia. Although the pircsent subject of notice was not a menber of the Clah. that body has derived indirect, but none the less substantial. benefit, trom the knowledge accruing from his work. And with this in mind the following notes are offered® ——
Regmald Augustus Mrederick Murray was a native of Perthshire, Scotland, and came cet with his family in 1885 to join his father, Capt. Virginius Murray, who was Warden and Police Magistrate on the goldfields. When, on the death of lis father in 1861, the fanrily veeressed the sea, young Murray remained behind. He jointed the Victorian Geo- logieal Survey, under Selwyn, at the age of 16, and found his first experience in the Wilkinsou-Daintree feld party engaged in surveying the Baeshus Marsh and Ballan dis- tricts. When 18 years of age he is found explovine the almost unknown Otway Range country under Wilkingen, their route being from what ts now Lorne (Loutit Bay) to the mouth of the Gellibrund River, and thence to Warrnany- bool. Wilkinson and Murray also made a secondary trip at this time, penetrating the forest from the mouth of the Aire to Irvewillipe, west of Colae, when the Beech Forest was diseoveved.
As a junior assistant of the Survey, in 1864, Murray ivas eniploved in surveying Steiglts and Meredith, and slong ihe Leigh River to Buninyons. This work terminated in 1869 with the abrupt ending of the survey. Subsequent years find R. A. F. Murray engaged in surveys for Commissions, ete., at Ballarat and Alexandvia, and in 1871 he way appointed br the Government to make a survey ot the Bendigo guirlfield. His later years in the field were mainly spent in Gippslatid, where he did such fine exploratory work ‘in the they thick forest country of North nnd South Gippeland. Murray was
at Charman, A Vichorian Ocnloyicul Pioneer 178
appoitited Government Kaciogiat in 18814, which post he resigned in 1597. The large and solid amount of work cased out by Mur- ray is seen in the long list of reparts and maps compiled by Mv. D, J, Mohony, M.Sc, as an-appendix to-Mr. Duin's admirible weeownt of Murray’ s life and achievements. ‘This list comprises about 154 reports and 38 geological maps and sechionis,
But Reginuld Murray will, perhaps, best. be remembered by his practical and conscientiously-written handbook on the Geology and Physieal Geography of Victoria. 3a well- balanced were Murrays views of the different authorities when this was written, that it had been taken as a basis of knowledge of Victorian Geelogy up to the date of ifs pub- lization. Its value wag appreeated by so emment a eritic ag Sir Archibald Geikie, who relied chiefly on Murray's text- book for the written paragraphs on Vietoria m his widely- maid ‘“Text-book of Geolowy.
And here the writer wonld like to say how fundamentally useful Murray's work was to him when becoming arquainted, Whilst in London, with the details of VWietorian geology. Investigating the ocenrrences of the Tanjilian fauna an Gippsland, which wre characterised by the large, oorkiw dike shell, Panenka, discovered by Murray at Tanjil, the writer was assis(td by further notes. from Murray. Tt was pleasant to have met hin on one vecusion, @ few yeurs siee, and to have had opportunity of expressing one’s appreciation of bis Jong Lfte’s work. Tn a recent letter to the writer, Si TW. Kdveworth David expressed himself ag haying u. hizh revard tor Murray's work.
Duiine the last 20 years this geoloyieal pioieer of the Selwyn rewime had lived in sechusion. at Waillowgwove, on the Tanjil River. He passed away at Caulfield duving the last month at the good ave of 79 years.
Fossil species named atter Murray, whieh will help to keep hig memory green, ave the Tryplasing marten, Mthsil., a osihurian coval from Waratah Bay, and the Sabishurie nergy, Of MeCoy, a Ginkgo leaf from the Yortiary at the liwead of the Dargo Raver, “Phis Jattcr, however, js sbill an MS, name,
*Yhe writer is largely indebted to ihe Biographical Sketch of Mur- ray, wrilles by BE. J. Dunn, F.G.8., to which is appended a foll list of Murray's publications, by D, J. Mahony, M.Sc.—Bull. Geol, Surv. Viet, No 23, 1910,
Vie. Siel-
180) Noakes from (eld wind Study Vol NLA
WIRH-PENCES DEATH-TRAVS FOR BURDS,
Sines the establiahiment wt settlement or Vietovia, the native fanna has beer contending with many enemies. Apart fron the destruetion eaused by foxes aintd ‘wild’! domestic esta, the bask amd plain-wire fences have tale toll of oe birds wid aniniuls These tenees often ave conecaled in cense eure, or log gras, and ye constantly proving claath-tra ps ta many wild birds, Reeerthy, in the seruh at Moovoolbark, Eeame upon a fence whieh had jast added another vietim ta the list. Suspended by the right wing fvom the top barh- wite was & Laughing Kookitbutra, Dacelo gigas, who had heen eang@ht and firmly held by one of the pointed barbs. The feathers at the wound had become so twisted and knotted that the unfortunate bird was uhable te free itself, Here it trad finwered for at least two days before dying. When dis- eovered, about three days dater. it presented a starved and migerabla appearance. With the exception of the wotnd at the wing, and w little skit off its legs, no blemishes were visible. Although the pointed barb bad potictrated jast , under the skin at the elhow of the wing, yet- the bied was held st fiemly that I had diffieulty iit removing it from the wire-— DD. .
NATIVE CATS NEAR MELBOURNE.
The Groat Spotted-tailud Native Cat, Dusyurus wien, laives, ov ‘Tiger Cat o* ag it is commonly culled. is now vane in Victoria, but the Common Native Cat, D, viverrinus, has adapted itself tu changed conditions, and oceurs still even close to Melbourne. The: Natioial Museum. reecived speet- mths from Studley Park, fairly recently, and ou Oetoher 26 last a young one was captured ina coachhonse al, Lvaaihoe. it was diseovered carly ig the moruing in 4 echatt-hin, and later entered a wWire-trap. fg eaptois presented at to ihe Zoological Garters; where [ stalked it with a Graftex camers.
“icel Notes from Field and Study 181
Mr. A. Wilkie, the divector, had the little marsupial placed. in a large enclosure, and, with much trouble, a portrait. was obtained. The **Cat’’ was so nimble-tooted and eleyer at
dodging the lens that only one of six snapshots was snecess- ful. We admired the animal's boldness. Jt displayed. anger,
not fear—a. fierce nature. These small Dasyures ave known
to he poultry-killers, and in some districts many have paid the penalty for raiding. —C.R,
THE BLACK-FACED WOOD SWALLOW.
Has the Black-faced Weéod-swallow, Artunas amelantaps, been recorded for Victoria? During the Tast twa years |. have seen odd pairs throughont the year, in Red C lil dis- trict. It is apparently a resident Apecies, or perhaps niare earvectly, nomadic. Ite fivonrite haunt 1s along the roads, and it nests in treesponts anid on the tops of stuimps. In the @reunstances its chaneey of veainge youny! ave sliwht. for
‘ school-children have no cliffieully in finding such exposed ness. In nests thal V lwive examined, two vegas have formed Wie eitteh—L.G.C,
’
HIRD STRATEGY, ‘
The White-cared Toneye ater, Meliphuga laucolis, is a waster strategist, Tl. is true that his clear call, “ We-vook,”' soundine al) day long, nay guide vou toward his home; but - he calls from the tree tops, while the nest is 7m the bushis below, aid how silent he is when he «approwehes it! Should some thoneltless human step too pear, the bird will dvop like a stone, and Antler along the ground with dragging wing, Vf the wateher refuse to be lured away, the bird eriee plaintively; no Tang, Lpflranwe albifrons, could do better, and anes are masters of this art. Should you, the dreaded intruder, retreat a. few steps and hide, anxiety conquers wisdow, and the, haney-eater darts ta the: nest to make ‘sure that. the hrood is safe. Yon move, he is yone; yo approach the pest and he is fluttering again on the ground, while, within a cap of bark and hair, two nestlings that, a moment ago, ealed, with outstretched heads, for food, crouch flat and still, two patches of striped-grey down, almost! invisible from: uw step away. You touch them, and the parents, secing there is no longer hope of misleading you, dart down- ward, in fear for theiy offspring. Apain and again they strive to drive the intruder away, but if this avail nothing, they
1R2 Botanical Notes vm ber
will noi allow their own fear to harm the nestlings, but, even While a strange hand touches the nest, they doubtfully hop toward it, from branch to branch, with food that they place at last within the wide months, whose owners have for gotten eantion in their hanger.
While the young are still im the nest, the parents ean do vo more than this, yet this is only the beginning of their eave. When they first feave the nest, 1f you approach Loo nea the first triek is vepeateds and, be it noted, so far as 1 have seen, once the nest is.fownd the birds do not try antl lead you away, but as soon as. there ig soinething new to hide they try again to mislead. If this fail they have another detener, IF have seen a pai, with a young bird, fly most noisily and ostentatiously aevoss a paddock, flying low and turning sharply to return to the bush they left; but only the pavents veached it. Walking to the point at which they had iqrned, T discovered a large tussock, and behind it, flat. and silent, the young bird. I bont down, bith with a last of tiny Wings the fledgling had retuned to its parents. —L followed again: would have touched that young bird, byt. between my hund and its body, darted two trmous birds, with mandibles, too angry, it seamed, to fear; and, in rdavvation, I lett thom alone-—J.C.
TLCS
TWO ORGHIDS OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA,
The ilhastvations show two orchids of Western Australia whieh were exhibited at one Flower Show on September 22. Neither, so far, has been recorded in this State; though, being very small and not brightly coloured, they may easily have been overlooked hy the collector,
Caleuna nigrite (Lindley),
Th this species the labellom hanes poised above the coluiin ou the same peculiar strap-like hinge, whieh we note iw our
Noy. aay Noiiew LODE: Botanicul Notes ; - 183
Victorian species of Caleana. ‘The flower is inverted, the labellum being above, instead of below, the column. My Rpechintry although gathered some days before September 22, shows no sign of fading. Jt is probable that, as in the
CALBANA NIGRITA (H. P. Pickins, Del.).
case of Caleuna aajor, which often temaius in flower for six to ten weeks, this is due to non-fertilization. At first glance tha flower seems to be cleverly ‘adapted for cross-pollination, and no doubt it is oceasionally fertilized by visiting insects,
but closer examination would show that this may not ‘be so easily effected as appearances indicate.
184 Botontcat Notes Vick Sac:
The tesemblanes to the flying duek in Caleanu nigrita is Hol so pronounced ag in the Victorian species of this geitus. in whieh the broad, hollow, cup-like formation of the hack part of the labellum, and the navrow, beak-like, shape of the vont park make uw faithful copy of the head of the bird.
Prakwa clustica (Iindley ),
Though this orchid is not on the Vietorian list, we have two clogely-allied species, which were formerly clasued us Drekeas; but Lindley’s genus, Spieulewa, baing reinstated, these have become Spiculea Huntiana and Spicule soviti- hikis.
In Drakea elasticn the hammer-shapec. labellam iy very sensitive, und the long column is characteristic of the genus, The lamina of the labellum is divided into two snegtial lobes by #& constriction near the insertion of the claw. Toner lobe markedly glandular; hairy im the basal half,. elyewhere sinooth, upturned at its free extremity; shorter Jobe hairy and very elandniar.~ Anther blunt, but rostellum mueh prn- longed #oO ay to simulate another point.
From first-hand knowledge T can say little of Bvt alesiica, as this is my introduetion to it. The above is Dr KR 5. Rovers’ description, which would, T think, be better that that of either Witzgevald ov Benthaut.--S. C.
Part TH of Ma. J. AL. Black's Flova of South Australia is veady for the printer, but must wait its tur with other pab- licutions of the British Science Guild Mr. Black and Da. - &. Rovers have ungrudgingly viven 4 great amount of time, with their only teward, appreciation by fellow-workerg in the field, South Australia is fortunate in having scientific men. who have both leisure and ability for such work, In Vic- tora we have provided an up-to-date census of plants, but figures and destriptions are lacking.—A.J.T,
The Kew Bulletin, No, 3 1925, refers to the effort being inade by the Conrinittee on Australian Botatical Nomenela- ture to conserve the generic names, Muchlenbeckta, Den- hamia, Orcamyrrhis, Leucepogon, Olearia and Angiunthus, Which are all ante-dated, the first threefoldly. The reasons for vetaining them-are published in the Journal of Botany, July 1925, pp. 210-215; by Mv. M. Black, seevetary of the Contmittee, wad it is to be hoped that the next International Fotanieal Congress will see fit to add them to the iat, of Nomina genertca conservanda.
Che Victorian Naturalist
fee tt hoe ae | oi er eye wets oy Vou. XLN—No. § . DECEMBER 11,1925 = No.50¢4
_- FIRLD- NATURALISTS! CLUB OF) VICTORIA... .
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society’s Hall, on Monday evening, November 9; 1925. ‘The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, occupied the’ chair, and about. fitty members and friends were present.
CorrRESPONDENCE.
A letter was received from the Hon. Secretary of the Bass Park Trustees in reference to the interesting line deposit in the Park. He stated that the Trustees were pro- tecting fhe deposit for scenie reasons, and had resisted several attempts 10 have the lime removed.
Thi PORTS,
Reports of excursions were given :-—Ringwood, Mrs. K. Coleman; Spring Vale, Mr, H, 'B. Williamson; Greendale, Mr. 1. G. A. Barnard; Belgrave, Mr. I. G. A. Barnard. A vote of thanks to Dr. and Mays. Shuter and Mr. and Mrs. Coghill tor their hospitality to excursionists on the Greendale and Belerave excursions, respectively, was carried unani- mmously, ¢ oN ,
Evrcrioxn or MmMpers.
On a ballot being taken, Miss Milbourne, 257 Beaeons- field Parade; Middle Park, My. H. 8. Hanks, 736 Sydney Road, Coburg; and Mr, L. RB. Williams, Glyndon Avenue, Brighton; -were elected as ordinary -members 3 and Mr. aud Mrs. §. 8. Strutt, ‘‘Hemslett,?” Taner as country members of the Club.
GENT: AL.
Mi F. Piteher reported thar he bac obtained Pea the Trustees of. the National Park particulars of the proposed parking-area at Sherbrooke. They stated that the spot .was outside the. area under their control, and that no damage would be done to the Park or adjacent beauty spots.
186 pield Naturalists’ Ciub—Proceedniys Wie. Nat.
Vel xteat -
Lucrure.
“Central Atistralia,’’ by Mr. Lance Le Souet. The leec- iurer deScribed various parts of the interior, in.” Western and Central Australia, sketched phases of life on the stations, and gave an account of the ‘desert’ country's progress and praspéets. Vast aveds, popularly supposed tdi be! tvorthleas, ov nearly so, were in reality well suited for sheep or cattle. There was a great future before Central Australia when wiodern transportation facilities were provided, and adequate mneand\ for obtaining thé water that. éxisted underground: The lecturer dealt with plant and animal life in the interior, mainly, from .the eeonamie standpoint. Several members éxpressed keen appreciation of the interesting and enlighten. ing lecture, which was illustrated by a numbér of-excellent lantéim slides, On the motion of Messrs. Pitéher and Barnard, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Le Sonef.
MXHIBITS, ~" By Wi F&A. Barnavd: King Fert, Todea (Osmunda) Tinea Preevee. al
_ by Mr. PL Chapman, A.L.S.: Tertiary leaves from ‘Pen- nylle Creek, Navracan, . By Mr. Geo. Cowhill: The following flowers srown at
Canterbury —Grevillea rosmariuifolia, Viola hederacea, Swansona, sp., Prostunthera rivea, Kunzed parviflora, and the New Zealand Manuka, Lepbospermum, sp. ue
_ By Miss Carrie, of Lardner: Cocoons and perfeet inseets af a small Chaleid'fly. | _., By. Mr. J.-E. Dison: Remarkable variation of Mdcrohelodes erassus,.Blackb., a beetle of the family Daseillide, abont 30 varieties from Trankston.
By Mr. Latham: Blooms of Callistemon flumdceniatus.
by, Mr. A. EB. Rodda: Tall growths on branch of Acacta, fron You Yangs. - ; “By Wy. H. B. Wilkiamson, F.L.S.: Specimens of Pimelea Ereyveudt (Evy. M;), Ewart and Rees, Tallangatta, Oetober, 1025... Mowering specimens of Pulténan greveniers, - Tate, Steiglitz, Mr. Fi. Cooper, snv., previously gathered-only by Mr. 8. Johnson, of Meredith, in 1893, and placed with speei- mens of Pultenws villosa, Willd. Specimens of -—Casuarina Léeukmannti, Ro T. Baker; Myoporum deserti, A. Cunn-: Julatis -anthemoides, Pay M,; Brachycoms basaitiea (yar. gravilis), FYM.; Rumen crystellinus, Lange, from the plains ofthe Lower Ovens; Halorraghis elate, A. Cuniiy ‘Warby
= -t ve : r . Coad tty =
Bet Field Naturalists’ Cub—Proceedings 387
Ranges. ‘All collected by the exhibitor, and new for N.E’ Burnettia cuncala, Lindl, and Thelymitra grandiflora, Fitz., eollected by Fred, Barton, jr, at Foster; new for East. Prostantheru decussata, F.v.M., Brisbane Ranges, collected _by Mr, Boardman; new for S.A serap of this plant was obtained in 1923 by the Rev. A.C, P. Gates,
TONNNNNOM MAOH EHO mmORENNNDHTNCONHHOOHROOmENOLONDDObanonnnOgenemNmesEtONONNONAMASGAOOOAAOMNACaLLOLEoO@TTONONOHOOoAN TON tteCOaNpOnOOO eNO
THE PROPAGATION OF OUR PTEROSTYLES. By W. HB. Nicroxzs,
FicameseeeesenunenessevauweseapepuensauseneevannnreneqnsynanncensesprunadedreaveneynenenensspepaueeeuasesaMaQlaeeaembAliRssee@HaRAdE
MOOT NOOROTMHB ATRL EO EHALenshdidobey
yy LLL Le
ea
(Communicated by A. J. Tadgell)
The pollinary mechanism im our orehids, especially the well-known Pterostylis, popularly called. Greenthoods, is of a highly specialised nature, and is deseribed by Dr, R. 5. Rogers in his “*An Introduction to the Study of Sonth Aus- tralian Orchids,” 1911, As there is no authentic record of the finding of seedling plants, especially in. the very early stages of their existence, the discovery this spring of a number of undoubted seedlings is of interest to all who love ta study these-curious and fascinating flowers.
It is a welllmown fact, or a natter of general belief, that most, and perhaps all, terrestrial orehids propagate their kind chiefly by the vegetative.development.of tubers on the main yoot or ‘al the terminals of the wandering roots. Ina state of nature these Pterostyles. are found sometimes solitary, sometimes in small seattered groups, at other times in colon- ieg so dense that the ground for yards is carpeted with their rascttes, as is the case with' Pierostylis conetiuia, R-Br,, P. nutans, R.Br., and P: pedaglossa, Fitz. ‘These three species ave cited as being common plants in the neighbourliood of Melbourne. P. concinnu is quite the commonest orchid under the tea-free along the coast. P. nwians is found there, and practically every where else, while P. pedaglossa hides ith frail charms among the stems of shrubs that flourish on our sandy heathlands.
ln September Jast the writer received from New South. Wales an exeellent example of the above vegetative process in P, curta, R.Br. This specimen wes colleeted by the Rev. H, M. R. Rupp, on Hungry Mountain, in the Pater-
pity Nicnouts, The,Propagation of Our Pterostyles [pics
Boul} distriét, The plant produced four tubers. It appears bo he -pléntifal in that district, growing intermixed with P. mitins,” On the other hand, it oiust not be conceived that thé wonderful mechanism perfected by nature to ensure pro- duetio of fertile seed, is peculiar to the Greenhoods, or with- out result, This, indeed, is fax trom being the case, for sutf- elent proot is available to show that sced production is at pirumount importance for the spread (if not the existeres) of this and many other generz.
An eXainivation of the plants of the various. species in different seasons proves that many of them, with their limited rool, systems, are qitite ineapable of producing more than a single tuber each year, duel tuber being for the suatenaies of the plant when next it vegetates. [1 will be found that the majority of these produce seed capsules freely or f{re- quently, The, _hest known instances are Pterostyles longi- folia, R.Br, FP, alpine, Rogers, P. rufa, R.Br, P. abtasn, R.Br, 'P. bar'bata, Lindl, P. mutioa, R.By., and P. dane, Rogers. These species wo rarely found other than as soli- they species, or in small groups, though one may oeca- stonadly find, as for oxample, when m 1923 and 1924, we evogsed the Baw Baw Plateau, Pterostylis olpime accurving very pleutifnlly, the plants heing huddled together in large groups-as if for protection from the icy eald of these regions,
‘A visit now to any of the coastal districts where we find Prerostylis concinne, R.Br, P. nana, R.Br. or FP. alta, Reich., growing, will show that even with these types whieh chiefly propagate their‘kind by the underground production of tubers there is abundant seed produced, That plants are produced from this seed is evident by the hundreds of very amall plants which are observed in sonve seasons. Pterastylis Toveyune, Ewart and Sharman, a very rare coastal form, is an undoubted hybrid. the Prien Plants being Plerostylis can- comma and PB. alata.
” Oceasionally, when the season is suitable to their growth, mminy of our rare Pterostylis appear in considerable numbers in gonie districts, An instance of this pecurred during the apring of 1923, when near the Bayswater Railway Station we found Péerostylis acuminata, RByv., growmg in large numbers. Prior ta this discoverey it was very rare; this year we found one at all,
‘Specimens collected at Bayswater, NW. Victoria, Cravensville and Mordijalloc, ave identical in all respects, but those from New Sontl Wales and Queensland differ in hav- ing-a more Acuminate labellum. The months of. bloomang in
Pans | . Nicnous. The Propagation of Our Pterostyles 139
New South Wales are March to June; in Queensland, July ind August; and in Vietoria, August to Deeember,
Dy, Rogers, who ts familiar with the types trom the other States, wiites: “Tt is not.a hybrid, but P.. acuminata’? We alsa mentions ihe slight difference in the Jabellm, and in the flowering times. It will thus be seen that this orchid is found in flower, in one place or anatter im all wionths, except January and February.
Ou a recent, excursion to Gis abdand the writer had the
“wood fortune to locate a eolony of Pterast ylis longifolia. | While his paity vested by the roadside, the writer examined | a likely-looking epat tor orchids under 2 grand old Euealyp- ' tus tree. A thiek earpet of wet. leafmould lay upon the ground, Growing in this were many plants of this species in all stages of developinent, fron) minute seedlings to flower- . ing plants. Many of the smaller seedlings vested on solitary leaves, their rootlets searching, through evacks and ovey the edges of the leaves, for the enol moisture beneath, None . of these plants were rooted in the sail proper, and specimens (of all were veudily removed without damage. These, ' together with specimens found wt Mount Myelyn and other | places, form the sabject of ou illustrations. | On the basalt plains not far from Sunshine there is a ‘ lavgish eolony of Pterasighis reflena, R.Br. A reeent visit ' yevealed further interesting evidence, proving heyond all doult that those species which ate found in colonies do pro- duee abundant aud fertile seed. Within ten feet of a carpet of large rosettes, and a little below, there is\ a deep asd widely-cut drain, Lining the bottom ind sides were numerous sitall rosettes. They could not: be other than plants of the , above species, which had originated from seed, as, upon
enquiry, | found the drain. to be of comparatively recent * wemstruction. All of these plants and those in the immediate ‘ vieinity were quite small, many rosettes measuring but a
quarter of an inch seross,
In this locality the grass grows very tall, and burning-off is practised nearly every summer, Possibly the heat and the after-effects ute beneficial to the germination of fhese minute bodies, which probably had been blown ov washed ito the divin, and there found as ideal hame in the Loose, unoceupied surfaive of the sotl..
. Tn the B.A.A'S. Handbook of South Australia (1914), Dr. Rogers writes: **. - — that during seasons following ex- ‘tensive bush fires, the hills become veritably carpeted with
—-
190. Nicwtorts, The Propagation of Our Pterostyles | Yishsoyyi
192A: Nivuoies, The Propagation of Our Prerastites 191
orchids, many of the species being comparatively ile at other times. "Mie plants are far too munerous to-be accounted for by stimulation of the buried tubers, aud the probable explanutian appears to be that the fires have created eon. ditions favourable tor the gemnination of seeds darmant frayn fornier scasons. |!
Other discoveries could be cited relative to the growths. and spread of our Pherostyles in this manner, but enough hag bee written to show that these special contrivinees (80 dearly deseribed ly Dr. Rogers), and charunterisiie of all orchids, serve a yery useful purpose. and that, without fertile sed, many species would soon be lost for all fine.
KEY TO ILLUSTRATIONS
ab Ge—Seedling plants of Pl. veflewa, Sunshine, June, 1925; det.— Seedling plants of Pf, lungifolia, Drouin, October, 1925; 2—Seell- jing plant af PL vittute, Black Rock, May, 1924; h—Tall seedling plant, of Pt. lunyifelia, Dronin. October, 1925 (note thea “feathery” vootle.d: ijkioo—Seedling plants of Pt. longifohu, Drouin, October, 1925; n.o—Seedling plants of Pt. purritlora, Mi, Lvelyn, Sepeamber, 1925; p—Enlarged root, system of seedling plant of Pt. Tonyifolin
PLANTS VROM MALLACOOTA DISTRICT,
(in # recent visit to the Mallacoota distrie(, Bast Gipps- land, Mr. V. Miller found the beautiful crimson-flowered Crevillea, Victorde: but it is not recorded fimm East Gipps-” Janct in our Census, which will now read, ‘'N-E., B.??) On Mount Bogong the leaves of some plants of this species ave very Jong, while on others they are shorter and more ovate in shape. Mallacoola specimens ave referable to the form known as G, Viclorme yar. brevifolia. This Royal Grevillea evoked an outburst of enthusiasm when.first found by Baron von, Mueller (who regarded the Alps as its proper home), when he wrote to Sir Wilham Hookers “What an introdue- jion to Kew this plant. would bea plant that requires no protestion in Bnegland.?’ Mr. C. Barrett brougy, back from Mallacoota, among masy other interesting plants, the Short. Bristle Fern, Z'rrchomanes himile, only recorded pre viously from Mount. Bogong and the Dandenangs. Thus the Jensns should be altered to read. ‘S.. N-M., BE. A. J. Tanga.”
qn? The Lite Ae, fuseyn bberecy Maiden by peat
’ HOHE TCCPPU PANY OPE RTSSSUSN TOE Y OED yaI NN NCSU OS STSPE NSE CH OURAN A DaRA sate RTE Rpaneea eave canea hth PEATAT ERT OA TAT EN RMT RA TELA OWRERATERE
THE LATE MR. JOSEPH HENRY- MAIDEN, 15.0, FRS. FLS.
eneneedtAPAGLLODEDATEAAECEDOOVURACCCTHZ ORDO IV ERERUET EON NOROEI DOA NOLO FRORGGa RET HONrERGAT OVE LENTTVERVTAOVONEORYONSHOO NDOT RNNT TOV OOP EYE.
TVET TPA HE RH HITE LOE EE PARI OORE OH RT TEE PERE
The report of the death of Mv. J. H. Maiden, at Tarramnurra, N.S.W,, on November 15, at the age of 67 vers, was received with very vreat resret, both by those who had the privilege of knowing him. parsonally, and those who knew him only as Australia’s leading botanist, and had been tollowing with so much interest the progress of “his areat work on the genus Hucalyptus,
Many of aS were nhaware that, for a long time, Myr. Maiden had been so seriously evippled in health that he hwid been greatly hanypered in his task. His heroie struggle, in face of his painful disabilities, to bring it ta completion, avonsed deep admiration in all his (ricnds) and, although his end, as the result of heart failure, did not came as o eom- plete surprise, yet it caused a feeling of regret andl disappomtment that he was wot permitted, by the publi- cation of the final number of the ‘‘ Revision,'’ te erown what fie has deseribed as his lite work.
The decision of the Minister for Morests to terminate the nablication of ‘'The Forest Flova of New South Wales,” which was begun in 1904, and had reached its 77th part last. year, must have been a4 matter of regret tu Mr. Maiden; but in the distressing circumstances in whieh he was worlang, perhaps he was not altogether sorry to have been relieved of its responsibilities, so that he could devote all his remain ing energics to lis main objective.
Until his death, in 1896, Baron von, Mueller had been Ue andisputed authority tn all econeerning the Australian flova. Indeed, he had for so long océupied this position thal. he had come to look.upon the field as his own domain, and. perhaps with some justification, was even inclined to regard the description by another of any new species, more par- ticularly in his pet genus Hwealyptus, without his imprimatur, as an intrusion within his provinee, and even as something perilously verging on an impertinence. Just before the Bayon’s death, however, Mr Maiden, in conjunction with the late Mv. Wenry Deane, had commenced to participate in the elucidation of our great and perplexing genus, and the fleseription of their first species, H. propingua, appeared in
ees THe Lete Ar. Foseph Henry Mittden Ws
ilies Procecdinys of (he Linneun Society of New South Walvs, in 1895, Uy till 1901 nine papers by these gentlemen, ontitied ““ Observations. on the HKuealypis of New Sonth Wales,”’ had appeared in the sane publication, wid, us the reat of their collaboration, 14 species were ercated.
Mi. Maiden thereafter published most of bis species inde- jiendently, and has created altogether some 88, He wus, however, joined with others, notably with My. R. H. Gaw- bage, and with Mo. Blakeley, in the differentiation of 23 additional, and, aécording to reporl dea paper yuite recently siven to the Royal Society of New South Wales, a forthe 16 species are fa be credited to him and the lattee
In 1893 the first purt ut “The Critical Revision of the Genus Encalypius” came from the press. With the excep- tio of 1906 and 1909, eaeh year has Leen murked by the appeirance of une ov more parts, even as muy as Aevel being published in 1927. and six the following year ‘Vhis year the 64th beuirie wvailable to us, In these Mr. Maides| has clealt with the yvemds in the most exhwnstive nmumer. and the Jatest species admitted by hin brogeht the total of these considered valid to 361. Apparently oly the vest mf the seeds, the deseriptions of the seedlings, whieh are tu he figuved in colour, and the key retnained fo be published. Seeing that this Just was in his awo words “really the inain objeet in write the work,’ if is po relief to learn thal he had conpleted it before his death, and that at is waw in the press, and will ultimately be pivblished, Even from the tine of his arrival in Sydney, 44 years ago, Mv. Maiden’y life was always uclively devoted to the cause of science. He was at first assistuat to the late Professor Beatte, bul wis soon appointed the first Curator of the TNeehniesl Museu in Sydney, in 1881, holding this office wil 1896. In the interval he also acted for a time as Superintendent af’ Technica) Education and Consulting Botanist to the Departments of Avriculture and Forestry. Jn 1896 he beeume Government Botaiist, Director of the Botanic! Gardens, and offteer-in-charge of the Contennial Park, ane held these appointments until his retirement last. year, hay- ing in this period originated and built up the very fine National Herbavinin, now existing in the sister State.
In addition to his offielal duties, Mr. Maiden undertook many of an honorary charaeler, aid was, ceiling only the morn important—Permanéent Honorary Secretary, and jocal Hon- qvary Secretary for New South Wales, to the Australian Association for the Advancement of Science for 14 years, resigning on account of ill-health in 1921, and being then
Ide THE hate Mr. Tosh Henry Maiden pa apPo 1
eleeted ain Honorary Life Menber for his valuable services. He was for some fime Honorary Sceretary ta the Reval Suciety of New South Wales, President of the Hortieultural Society of that State, President of the New South Wales Poanch of the Australian Moreat League. and helped im the Migination of the Wattle Duy celebrations. ~ Bosi(les the two large works already referred to, Me, Maiden was the author of the well-known ‘Useful Plants of Anstratia,’? “lustrations of New South Wales Plants,?? a "Lite of Siv Joseph Banks.’* and, with the late Mr. Eanest Betche. A Consus of New South Wales Plants.'’ Tle wus, innreaver, responsible for 45 papers in the Trensachons of the Moyul Sociely af New South Wales, 95 in the Trans- HetONs Of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, and for wany others in the ‘Agmonitural Gazette of New South Wales, and tn this wad similar joamrndhs. That My. Maiden*s work has been recognised, ard that iL has not gone without honour, is evident when we remeber that he veeeived the Linnean Seeiety’s medal in 1915, being the first to be so distinguished in this country; that he was eleetect a icllow of the Boyal Society and ulsa received the Imperial Service Order it 1916, the Mueller Medal from the Australian Association for tho Advancement of Seience in 1922, and the Clarke Memorial Medal from the Hayal Society of Neay South Wales in 1924.
Me. Maiden's kindly disposition endeared hint to all those with whom he eame in contact, his devotion lo duty in spite of long continued ill-health earned him nnivergal respect: wud. the loss his death has occasioned will not be easily over- ROME,
BAY COOT KFREUING,
At. Take Wendouvee, Ballarat, last Deeember I was interested in watching the aquatic birds through binoculars. ‘. Bald Coot, Poarphiio melenolis, petehed of a tangle of weeds, was tugging at the fower-stem of « large plantain- Tike weed that grows thiekly in the lake. The stalk came away suddenly, and the big blue bird fell backward itito the water. Recovering Ins perch, te helel up the stem with one foot and peeled if, with his bill, as-one would peel a banana, afterwards feeding on the sueculent centre. I have noticed Coots, Publica «fra, diving for, and eating, weeds in other waters. Doubtless the birds of this familie are lse- tul in helping to keep down these tronblesonre srowths— A, I, Roppa,
on
th Tate oot Memdice aad Readity sg
AN ISLE OF ROMANCE AND REALITY.
Jit a natanalist’s life romauee is mineled often wrth reality, though ‘same men are slaw to admit that they have gained pleasure, stepping aside from the straight path of keience, Fuets alone, they say, are worth reniembrance, anu should be recorded starkly. But many of ns are nature lovers gather than seientifie vatnralists, and in beholding the ea uty of wild life we may win—and be the richer for it— glimpses of romance. There is true romanee i the story of Duk Island, as told by the J hate, Mr. I, J. Banfield, in. ‘The Confessions of a Beacheomber' and other hooks. Bat not romance alone. Wor their author was i keen and faithful observer, and missed none of the oppar- tunities offered by Hortane lavishly.
“Last Leaves from Dak Ishind,’? published in November iy Mossta., Angus and Robertson Td. (Sydney), is a notable wddition to Anstratian books of the open ain he “loaves? will help to keep wreen the menor of a see and “wot. Hearted man,” whe loved aatnre tioke that &eiaies, who wrote wisely and with a golden pony yc mide his osha home renowned in ony counties besides Australia, Since Thoreaa’s tine no vatuyalst-recluse so nemarkahle ax i. J. Banfield has told the world the story of tis Tife with wild nature, und recorded dis thoughts, observations, an expounded his rieh philasoply
In his SOAS HON, written) With mare tasivhl and svn. pathy, Mer, . Chisholm gives a brie!’ biography of tho selLatyled a Sbacheaben ** who, with his wite, lived on Dunk Island for 25 years. he tropic idyll muted, as all idylly must, sorrowfally. Death came at last to the tropie isle, Some whiong us huve been on Dunk Tslund; few have not read the Beachcomber’s books. Nothing in. Australian literature i more distinctive than “The Confessions of Beacheomber.’” Its authov has enriched our national litera. ture, and, alsa, he has added not a Little fo the knowledee of plant and animal life in North Qneensland—his territary an isle of vomanee. His bird biographies are perfect in their way; of beach plants and trees ard flowers of the jurele he wrote as excellently. Birds: were favourites, vel our friend, especially in his later years, wis most loyal to botany. Like all true naturalists, he declined to be exelusive, Whe specialist bas his place —a high one; but the great men have newdy all been general in their studies (apecialisiny. foo, maybe)—as Darwin, Bates. and Wallace —C. Barrier
186 Winctamson, Three Specius of Pimetea. vig Her
Ls
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THREE SPECIES OF PIMELEA.
By El. B. Winttamsos. yas.
ST CLL TU ee es
q VOwUUNEREEEUOHUARCA) HVIAPWOsUNaseaLerPOANCCGEESS AEA NCAT TEED VREAACEHIIPERUAMNCORTINW/FEAUESORERLIDUUUS( EX STFU FOORRCO ENO RECENEFEmiIOD
a
The venus Pimelea belongs to the family Thyimeloaces. whieh ineludes the Daphne of the Northern Tlemisphere- fiaidium and Struthioke of S, Africa, and the prostrate alpine shrub, Dranetes, of the Tasmanian hiellaids and the Australian Alps.
The members of the family are noted For the great tenaatiy of the mer bark, and the genus Pinrelea, which is limited to Australasia, has been referred to under the ver- uneular “Tough-barks.’" The genus contains 78 speoies, 22 of whieh oceur in Victoria, one of which, PL siniplesx, how- ever, appears to have been wrongly recorded for the State. Of these 22 species, 14 have been recorded for the Melbourne distiiet, one front the Mallee and the S.W. and S. coast. ancl the veniuining seven are ench limited to one distriet. With the aid of Mueller’s key, and the information regarding distribution given in the Census, a beginner should not have ereat difficulty in making out any of the common species. Mueller's key to the genus is well set ont, ancl is as easy to follow as any in the book, the distinctions beg based on the leaves—whether seattered or ulternate, ineurved or recurved, calyx and bracts hairy or glabrous, flowers term ial or axillary, ete.
Certainly P. huwitis, Po glawer, PP. collina, aude P. sputhiuleta present some diffioulty, but, yenerally speaking. the first-named can be known by its hatry flower stem. the second by its aturrow leaves promingntly veined below, and distinct marginal vein. he third eau bo separated from the fourth by its ineurved Jeaves, P. linifatia having flat loaves irving recurved.
Pimelea Treyuanedii, Wyw.M., Mwiet aid Reos, Grey Rice-tower.
Tn 1893 the Tate Mv, A A. Preyvand, when ju charge of the Cudegewa State School, discovered this plant on the hills, seven miles to the north of the township. Baron von Mueller merely labelled it, and **Pemelea Treyuaude’” rehiained as an MS. name for 20 years.
Tt. was then taken in hand by Professor Ewart, and the deseription and figure were published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, Vol. XXTV, March. 1912.
Biss WitataAmMaon, Three Spceies of Porelex 197
It would appea* that Mr, Treyvatid eolluctad this species.
only onee, and then took only two specimens, oue of whinh he kept, while the other coustituted the type which is still in the National Herbariam. J understood fiom Mr. ‘lrey- vaud that he had not been able to find the plant again. Wath «faint hope of rediscovering it, T set out for Cudgewa from Chiltern last month, but, by mistake, boarded a train on a Monday, a day om whieh Cudgewn has no train serviee, so was forced to stay in Tallangatta, Advised by Mr. Pervy the local forest raiger, where 1 might spend the day dost. peoitably, 1 followed a biid)e-track over u saddle of Mi! range towards Granya, and, near the top, found many speci- mens of the rare Pamelew, Retumming by the vew roadl, several miles alone the range, T found the plant again ip eveat abundance at about the game altitude. Vvidently a is rather widely spread, after all
As] vathered, on the same range, specimens of Pudtencwa polifolia, only recently recorded for Vietoria (Mitta Mitta, 5. Clinton), and some plints of a Greville and a Brachy came, both col whielk appear to be undeserihed species, th would seem that the place has uot been systeniatically arched by an experienced eallectar,
Mr, Perry has sinee then sent nie move advanced speai- mons of the Povelen, and their state Indicates that the flower- ing time is profonyad. 7 should nol be surprised to find llowers at the end of November. Like most of the Pimeleas, this species bears wumerous flowers on a common receptacle, as in the family Composite, and they bloom from outer to mien, those year the centre appearing last. Assocuted: with this plant was a congener, P. spathulata, of the same size and habit, so that one might easily pass them by as being identical , but exuminadion of the involueres at onee teveals the difference. The head of P, spatidate is survounded by four broad bracts, shorter than the flowers, while that of PO Preyuaudia Was on involuere of cight ov nine narrow hracta, as lone as the flowers. Only three other Victorian species have more than four bravts—P. oclophylla, P. phalr- cedas and the variety Iapertcina of PL ligustrina.
Pimelea spithulata, Lain, Spoon Race-flower,
Waring the same trip to the Ni. il was iny good {ht fue to see w wonderful display of the Wows ot this Rice-lower. 1 would searecly have believed that a speoirs of Pimelea could make such a show, though To know ihat the Western Avstraliad species, 2. suavevlens, P. speutubilis,
be
He , 5 PY) pares oR Nien Hy " ‘View, Nat ahs Witiasnos, Thrive Species of Limalea | vol Shr
Poyosea and PB. Luehmannit, can suvpass any of those found in. Vietoria for size and heanty of individual blooms. ‘he ¢hain .of- low hills extending Srom Gleurowan for twenty thiles north towards the Murvay River, and in the atorthern half running parallel to the Ovens River, ig kuown as the Warby Range. The range has been noted i) its ussoclation with, busheangérs, for at Peechelba, nearby, Morgan avas shot: and later, at Glenrowan, near, the southern point, hill named Morgan’ 5 Look-out, the Wellv gang met Ths Waterloo,
“Ascending the rocky side of the range near Puechelha, and Jamenting the unfavourable aspect tironght about. by sheep, rabbits aud fires, T was agreeably surprised On reac ing the sumyut, to find the large shrubby form of 2. sprithe- kita thickly @lothing the hillside and ride There was a wealth of white blossom, such as | had never seen displayed on any other Vietorian plant. Acres wore coverod with bushes: three or four feet bigh, cach bein a mass of bloom: Resides these, and » few fieree and eloomy-Innking pe ie of sLeactu triptera, there were na other flowers,
s
_Pimeleu ligustrina, Labitl, Tall Riee-fMfower:.
This species, which, like the last-named shvub, is wide- spread through the Stat te, has large leaves, and its heads of flowers are surrounded by four broad bracte—except in the ease of fhe varioty ley pericina., mentioned above. Tt ig the finest of our Victorian species, and is one of the features of the Journey along the Great Ocean Road, fron Beech Parest to. Moonligirt Fead and the Gellibrand Riv ev, sharing witht: i Satinwood, Phebahinm squamewm, and Balin Mint-bush. Prostanthera melissifolia, pride of place for floral pageantry. Tt is known locally as ‘*Curvajong,’” a name which can be traced:to the abori imines, who applied it to plants with wseful tough bark, but. the use of which we restriet to. small tree indigenous to the N.K. of the State. '
Pho Parple Evis,- Patersonio longiseapi, Was tourtshudl luxuniantly this. season around I'rankston, Langwarrin anu Mornington, Lt does not seem to be genurally. known that the flowering apparatus of this plant works on the “‘maga- zine’’ principle. Tf a spucimen is kept im water when the flower dies off, others will appear in succession, the number varying according to the stage at which the stem was picked. —G. Cox. \
THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLII December, 1925 PLATE VII
Ddieee |
192. Kecurston to, Grecudale 134
PTOI eC eet
EXCURSION TO GREENDALE.
*
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NITOETORECDEPDPNUNUROTOREDONTOCORSEOAINAGBAOUTO DNAS LRN EUR OI NALA NDGRGHREAT COUNT EOSD HIN CEANETORMAWE ROSA DANII AAREL BORO NNTrarraneeNa ney
Mie exetrsioniats to Greendale on Oetoher 30 were favoured with delightful weather. Phe party was amet at Bacehus Marsh ba Da. Shiurken, oA detour was made fo a point on the road whieh passtx over the shoulder of Morit Blackwood, whence was’ wide wandening for the ereediost eve?’ To the worth Jay the extensive Wombat Porest, reach ime from near Gishorne to the viemity of Dyylesford, amd brokew only By one visthle pateh of eolfivation at Black wood. To the west, Mount Bininyvoue was the most potable alevation, As the oye twimed south, the Pyke’s Creek Reser vor was seen glenming in the saa a Tittle more than four milus away. Dune south the low uitas of the Brisbane Ramen. the Anakies, and the You Varnes were piekodl out. The Taze prevented sight-of the sea and the city, bat the Dandenoues and Mi. Macedon cotpleted the round of prrospeet.
At Greendale fhe fine conifers surrounding ln. Slater's hose were admired. ‘he house, of logal sandstone, was Imilt by Dr. Shuter’s father about TO years avo, and the ‘trees presumably were planted at the same time A Jas Caniriensis about TO feet ju height attraeted mueh attention; on the young fruits of this tree, our host told us, Black Cockatoos are fond of feeding, and appear to hecome quite mtoxieated ax the result. Another yine, the clhister, P. pinaster, wis a good specimen of ity kind. This tree is grown in the andes, to the sonth af Fvanee, and provides much of the turpentine is use. here were also several huge specimens of Cupressus macrocarpe, the Monterey Cypress, vod annither rare species of the same venus, C. thamferd, alao North Aimeriean. “to complete the list were several particularly well-erawiy speaimens of Piven radicka, We Monterey Pine, This species ts almost entirely composing the plantations wow being made at onr State Schools for endowment purposes. yet for the best of those at Greendale, one with a stém diameter of niere than four feet, eivht shilling has been offered four milling purposes! Olive-backed Orioles, OGrialus sagitfatus, were noisily achive in the topmost branches of the pines.
The forest approvehes to within a short distinee of the honse, and was entered after Junch. Tt was composed mainly of the Messmate Atrinevbark. A. oblaqua. the Common
View Nat. Vol. XLIT
a0 BEveurston to Greendale Peppermint, LZ. australiane, the Swamp Gum, L£. ovata and the Blue Peppermint, /. dives... Tho last-named was, in some places, very abundant, Tt was flowering, ‘as is*its want, at its very early growth, und someé unusually large trees were noted, A few specimens of the Apple Box, fn. Stuartianay and the Yertchnk, 2. Consideriana, were reeoynised by Mr. P, R. H. St. John. The Yertchuk was, perhaps, the most rtareudiig item noted during the day. ‘Chig tree was first discriminated by the late Dr. A. W. Howitt, who veferred tO it as a broac-leaved forn of KF, ame ydatina — his Lt. wnyodaling (d)—in his ‘'Rucalypts of Gippsland,’ Zrens. Roy. Sec. Vict., ti, 82-85, and there noted its oeeurrence Fran udar Walhalla to the Delegate River. ‘The late Me. J. H. Maiden deseribed the species in Part X of his ‘Critical Revision,’’ and gives its range in New Sonth Wales, as from Gosfor d, north of Sydney, to Nelligon on the Clyde River, within the eoustal distriets. Later “Mr. St. John recoenised it at Witham, Wareandyte and Lilydale, and Mr. Tt. S. Flart found WW xrowing neav Creswiels tt ig wot abundant at any of these places, and as it provides such good timber, that some foieing at Eltham composed of it is still sound atter G4 years, it soems fated to disuppear from these loeglities. ~
he grouud within the forest was very dry, few flowers were i bloum and most of these had pissed their lest. Nothing unexpected was noticed, and the only species wort neubioning wagon torn of the very variable Foathy Pirrot- poi, Dallwyria ericifolia, seen also recently near Steiglity, Wi vhich tle ends of the branchlets terminate im sharp spines. Returning to the house through a most pieturesque pacdock. in which gone noble Manna Gams and Red Gums were grow. ii, the purty was again provided with vefreshments. Dr. and Mrs. Shuter were thanked by Messrs. St, dohn and FP, CG. A. Barnard, on behalt of the party. for heir gracions hosynitality.—C.8,8. '
No hotanist is move familiar with the tlora of the Gram- pians than Me. 7. W, Audas, PIS, and his. book, “Ono of Nature's Wonderlands,’' recently published. is a pleasant and useful eampanion for the field naturalist on holiday it those mountains, he volame is illustrated with a coloured frontispiere and a number of half-tone plates fram plote- graphs (chiefly of plants). One short chapter is devoted to the zoology of the Grampians. More books of this Kind, dealing with special revions, would be welcomed by Victorian nitie lovers.
Dee Our Mallee Seaketiary oh
PRITPIUICIIPTIITT Tre Ch Re OOOO
OUR MALLEE SANCTUARY. :
PV eenneannenet tre ney
Teas OE TTTROAPECTE RUPE ATH PEE ALEC LTTE RESP PREC EE RERER ATARI EATPNRRTFEEUT HIN RALY DCRRCESPA FRAC PT ER PAN CAT THT REATTRSPIAAPPERMRE PERE CHECEE ARES
The scrub-roller is the Juggernaut of the Mallee, passing over snimal Jife—the ‘‘sniall deer’’~as well as break- ing down plants. Before its advance birds and animals must setreat, losiny both home sites and hunting grounds. Birds suffer most, since many nests, containing eyes or hvoads, are erashed by the big rollers, Yor by year the ineult area shrinks, as the wilderness is transformed dnote wheatfields.
Only the true desert is safe fran eneroaehment — the region of desolation, where great dunes of white or aroy sand lift their shoulders like waves uncrested with fou and held motionless, mysterioasly. The Mallee Tands of Victoria, wherever wheat will grow, to wheat will be gin over, and eventually the native fuliia and flora will be homeless, beyond the beundaries of the desert, anid avens that ure reseryed ag sanctuary.
Half a million weres, perinanently reserved ja natural state, would ensure the survival, in fair nimbers, of Mallee plants and animals that should be saved, sine mary species: are unique, or of very special niterest to botanist, biologist. and the field naturalisi, who desires that. no Australian native thing should dissppear completely, We ea hope for no such generous portion of the Mallee, but, at least. we have, in Wyperfeld Park, a ‘‘poeket’’ sunetuary. Between Yapeet and Pine Plains, 25,000 acres has, for some years, been per- manently reserved, and recently arrangements were made towards better guardianship of this wild Park. 9 Si js, of course, unfenced, and, lacking funds, the conmnittee of management Is unable fo appoint rangers ta patrol Wyper- field. Now grazing rights ave to be granted, and the holders will keep wateh tor raiders—hird dreappers, pot-hunters and their kin.
lo the past our Mallee Park fis been a contre of bird- trapping, wiih: spaortamen have taken toll of duels within the boundaries. in the shoutiny season. Parties in quest of Aedgling parrots and cockatoos were wont to visit Wyper- field, and depart, with scares or handreds of viclins—doomed to captivity: One day, on the shore of Lake Brambruk, | saw oa, bird-trappers®-caimp. ‘The owners were absent. but cooped in tink and boxes were many miserable young
202 Ow Wullee Saretwary Vor xtra
bivds, including Regent Parrots, or. ''Simualers,”? Polylelis anthopentlus, und other protected species The poliee were infornied, but wher a trooper veached BGrambruk the raiders. had gone. Tt is not easy to ‘trap? on Iied-trapper, who is Nouting the game laavs.
Wrvpertield ts the nesting headquarters of Regent Parrots iw Vietoria, while the Majov Mitchell, or Pink Cockatoo, Cocahua leadbeatert, by no incans a vonumon bird, breeds thore toa, Other species of parrots more abundant than the Regent are tenants of the Park avea, The Lowan, Letpou avellatu, overs there, too, and perhaps a bird bist with 100 hanes could be compiled tor Wyperfield, Tt is, therefore, a bit of Mallee country well suited for sanctuary, ancl, while it remains as it ds to-day, we should be thankful. Miay nance of its wildness ever wilt, touched by the hand of progvess.
Of Wyperfield for hotany T am not competent to write. peyond giving an opinion that the ares is representative. There ave lekes—one of fiir size—and, in a year rich an raintall, the Outlet Cveek flows through the Park and fills them, rarely to an overflow; you may see on the tree trunks the tice marks of forgotten flood-seasony, ‘Ihe course of the ereck ig marked by river-gums. Then there are dend and living evealypta in the lakes, and on dry hind, as a frame abort then. ‘Che coekatoos and parrots nest in tree-hollows: some veteran wounw provide home-sites for nearly a dozen pairs of hitds: others for two or three only. Tu the treghess fyacis, and on the Pine-ridges, one notices fainiliae Mallee wildflowers, When Twas there, on October aliys, the hime of blossoms was strong enough to divert me for a whilg from, bivd observing; bushes were alight with flowers, atid of lesser plants there seemed ta be a, wenerous variety.
Not a grent area, 25,000 aeres, for a National Park—nwe quarter the size of Wilson’s Promontory reserve; yet i is a brreroeosn, of the Mallee, and every Vietoriin naturalist ahoulcl visit ib We spring or carly suminertime, if possible. aud when the lakes are nearly brimming, Tt’s worth the journey trom Melbourne just to see Regent Parrots in their nesting haunt, Miese are noble bivds, happily tamed anew, for Repent surely is a better tithe than ‘‘veck pebbler,'' om “Tamoker’’ The male, in the prime of plumayve, flies in sunshine as a golden bird. And in shadow even, with no gleam of i}lusion, he is beautiful in olive anc srreenish-yellow, with a tail not really black, but iridescent, and a fine seartot bi, The fomale has duller plumage,
BACs Onr Malo Sanehwury
WS J ei
Wonga Park we called our Mallee reserve, ‘until we remembered that another area in Vietoria has prigk right to the nrusical first word of that title. Rather w pity, for Wyper- field is much less plessing, and Woneu. is the name of an Australian pigeon, whose Gall notes echo sometimes near the shores of Branvbruk--a Park Jake and one of the lrigttest: eves’! of the Mallee. But Wonga or Wyperfield, the sanctuary is ours to have und to hold, Mn perpetuity, unless foolish cowrei should prevail with some futive Governiudit.
We should, J think, all Clob members will agree, inake the guarding of Wyperfield Park against encroachment our concern—vresard it as a natural heritage. Tf is seeand only iw wnportance to Wilson’s Promontory, and, weve it more vécessible; would perhaps reeeive ag miiy visitors as) that fanidiar plaee—wild Nature’s own territory, by man alnost ntinarred —CusRLEs BARRETY.
PA Ce
NOTES ON FUNGUS BEETLES.
Ns
openeeneepreme iit
A world of insect life is associated with the various formes ot Fyongi, but Tshall mention oly sone of the foneus bectles that may be found commonly in the vicinity of Melbourne.
Me braeket-hke Polypori, particularly the large white species that grow upon the Mucalypts, provide homes for many handsome Tite beetles beloneimg to the family Krotylide. Perhaps the commonest of these is Thallis jan- Thing, some 3-16 inch im length and of a rich wreenish-blue xcdlour. 1 heave, on occasions, scen huge fungi completely riddled by this species, and it is usual to find lary, pup, mid the madare iusects in one plant. Another species, of about the same size as 2’. quathinu, but differing from it an _ being doll red-yellow and Whaish-blach, is Thallis winula, his beetle also is Faiidy abandant in Polypori. Some lary, feed- ing na fangus, that t had eonfined in a large inhe lett their natural food and attacked the cork, veducme the greater portion of i to dash Two large speeies, which are wore rarely found, are Thaliis ansuela and 7 mielunchotica, the former vellawishved and blaek in wolour, and the latter, as its tame somewhat Implies. of w dull Dlael- ish hue. Jn all, seven species of the genus have heen aner with by ine within a 40 niles tidiasd of the ene
'
Viet) Nar
“204 Notes on Fungus Beettee Vol Nit
The mouldy fungus growths geucrally found under logs in damp situations frequently vield some delightful litte beetles belonging to the fiunily Seaphide. ‘Phese may. be veadily recognised by their generally oval form, terminating posteriorly in a sharp point. The largest, and best known, is Scaphidwm. quadripustulatium. Chis species is a little less than 3-16 inch in length, has two black spots on its prothorax, and four lighter-coloured tharkines ou ite elytra, Most of the smaller species belong to the genus Scaphisonie, ‘some of them being less than 1 onmem. in Tenpth, but fre- quently they are beautifully turked.
The toudstoals often shelter several sprees of weevils aud coachhorses, Staphyliide. Sometimes toadstools are found with the gills almost ‘‘alive’’ with Staphylinids.
One of the largest and {mest of the fnugus beetles must be looked for in those brown-topped, vellow-fleshed fungt, that ave of uw slushy nature, and commonly grow bencath pine trees. This ‘beetle is Onthophigus dunningt, of the fanily Seara- biden, So far as J know, if is the only species of this large dung-eating venus that favours rotten fungus. It js a dumpy beetle of a uniformly shining black colour, and sometinies nearly 4+ inch in Jength, It is readily distip- cuished by the elaraeter of the male, which has the pro- thorax ecorutinued over the mouth parts in the form of a long and streng horn, and the elypeus furnished with a more ov Jess upright, though much smaller, horn. Among other families of beetles rather frequently inet with in funy may be mentioned—Nitidulids, Coidm, and Cryptophagide:.
Any fungus showing sigs of being attacked by insects is worth bringmg home to be plieced in a eovered bottle, for many most interesting forms of, lite may be easily reared from it—I’. Bf. Wirsox,
“QUERY" PARCELS OF PLANTS.
Any membor desiring at any time to ascertain the names of any nufive plants is invited to send specimens, addressed to the Club at the Royal Society’s Hall, when they will be duly determined by one or another of the members more par- ticularly interested, and a list of the names xveturned, Each specimen mnst have a number attached, and duplicates. with eorresponding numbers, should be retained’ by tho sericdet:
é
ere Some Octuber Bard. Notes 205
TOEATUIEUD TEP UTEDERN TVET PEPPRPAORECHI ODD DPR CHNNCUDANERNPALRDARAAAAN ARCA OPP DDDIDMRAT EI DI RAIHEC HUD DANN RNR CRU EEGN TINE ORE OOTERNAMHWAES
"
: SOME OCTOBER BIRD NOTES.
5 y
PODECHNEADsmechetaeaaay
HOOEEMAODEODDOREDETRODDIM ODODE DD DRDIALNGHAAE OHI RAALGEG ODED IRADPDODNDINIMIGKHOEEOHEAIADUNGLADAD DEENA AAAADAN DBA ABAN GEENA ACCCHORDODE TG
‘Me following notes were made fu three different lovalities — Ashburton, Melton, and Mooroolbavk— which I visited Trequently jo October last. Tine, warm wea'ther prevailed dusting the month, and bird photovraphers enjoyed numerous opportunities of obtaining good pictures. The subjects alsu woe more varied, for some injand species came south and neated freely around Melbourne.
ASHBURTON.—The Sordid Wuooid-swallow, Arlaneius sor- didus, arrived here much later than in other years, On ‘Oetober 2a few were seen soariiy, hese flights vetorally ave madeoon the birds! arrival, ov just priory to theiy depat- ave in Antumoa. For the first time for many Vveurs a pate of Gray Thraghes, Colluriciaela ammenicd, sneceedad in rear ing a brood at Ashburton, On October 1 the nest was foutd, concealed jn ow tingle of bushes, and con, taining three egies. Ten days later the young wer hatehed, und by the 24th they had left the nest and were able to ity well On the 24th a nest of the Tawar Brow mouth, Podargus strigoides, was looated, on a farve hori- zontal limb of a box tree, Ten davy later the two egas had disappeared, probably shay were taken by one of the many parties of boys, who reeularly visit this part in ques} of eves, A nest of the Bluck-and-White Pantaal, Rhipiduren matacilloides, containing the unusual elutch of fonr eggs, also was robbed. In the topmost branches of a tull lox sapling a pair of Crested Shrite-tits, Melcunculaes frontafus, had just; commenced to. build a nest on the 15th. and a few days later if appeared to ‘be completed; however, on the 29th, portion of a broken egg-shell was found on
-the ground beneath the nest-tree.’ Tt was evident that dur-
ing a wind storm the eges had velled out of the nest, The birds were not seem near the nest again, and a few days atterwieds had moved to the north end of the paddoek Owing to dvy conditions in the northern parts of Vietoria.
‘several specics moved saath towards the sea coast. Amour
birds that arrived in large numbers were White-browed Wood-swallows, Artamus superertiosus, A few pairs were first. noticed on the 24th, but soon there were hundreds lmanediately on their arrival they commenced te nest. Phe
Vint Nat
206 Same Geaher Bird Notus MON EN YY conmiie of these birds eausad the Sordid Wood-swallow ty vo olsewhere: the two species do not appear to like eaedr others” company, A White-shouldered Caterpillar-cater, Campephagie haonerdlis, was seen on the 28th, and on the sane day a pai of Rufous Sony-lieks, Cinelorhamphus rifescens, took up their abode in the sume leeahty as bhat “woloeted’’ by a que fi 1923
Meruion,—The cry vidges alone the Deep Creek have always been a tavonrite hanul of u lavee nuntber of species during this time of the yeas The beautiful Yellow-tutted Honeveater, (hilalas wuriwonis, preclominates, and an one afternoon four nests were found, all placed among clematis in flower, [fforts to photograph the parent, birds at two of the nests coutaiuing vous proved wasueccsstul, as the binds were timid and would vot approach within several vurds oat the camera. On the 1th an Australian Choshawl, Asti appromimuns, coulcl be sean sitting or its vest more thin 40 feet from ihe ground. tna fall Baadyvpt. Mis nest las had many tenants in its tirae, Onee it was nuked by a Tawtiy Frogmouth ; then a patr of Goshuwhks reconstructed it. Later in the sume year, a Whitedvoutecl Heron, Notoplioya aoare- hotlandio, Nattenedl it out, ated laid four ewes. In the tollow- ie year the Goshawks aut vebuilt it, aad they have rotained ownership since, A few aniley down the ereck the shrill enies of another Goshawk ware heard in sane tall fitiber, but its nest was ot loeated, :
Redebacked Parrots, Psepholus hwmatonolus. were often sven in pairs searching Por suilable nest hollows. Like most parvots, these birds selclom commenee nesting in southern Victoria before October, Another conunon bird of this part, is the Red-tipped Pardalote, Purdalotius striatus, whore wonotonous note is heard throughout the day. A. few pairs nest in small hollows in trees, though a tured ii a river- bank is thet vanal nest-site. Many of these burrows are found in the banks of the Deep Creck. Brown Fawkes, Hiernaciden berigara, are numerous still ou the open plains between Sunshine and Melton, where, from the train, as many as hall w dozen may be seen in alifferent spote.
MooroouwanKk—The serub birds iu this locality wasualls ave early breeders, and this vear proved no exeeplion, as hests of several species were found to contain young at the bevinning of the mouth. A nest of the White-eared Honey- eater, Péloliw leucotis, was ready for eggs at the ond of September, A fortnight later, however, there was only ane veo in the nest, which appeated fo he deserted, and was
'
208 The Spider, @cobius navus Meh STAT Vie. Nat.
THE SPIDER, G:COBIUS NAVUS.
PE eLO ‘Taveaaueoneceneneredt
This little spider, 1-10th of an ineh in length, is the only known representative of the family, Gcobiide, in Australia. Only 15 species have been described, all belonging to the one genus.
“Hcobius navus has been recorded from the United States of America, Venezuela, New Caledonia, Japan, Australia. and the islands of the Atlantic. Its wide distribution has been attributed to the agency of commerce. The Jate W. J. Rainbow reeorded it for Svydney—a specimen way collected
on the Australian Museum Building. Dr. R. H. Pulleine. of Adelaide, found a specimen (which I have photographed through the microscope), on a wall of his house, whilst T have collected it on the walls of my own house, opposite the St. Kilda Town Hall. Evidently it is well distributed in Australia.
The faet that this spider is found in houses suggested the evenerie name—from the Greek othkobios--house-dweller. The web ean easily escape notice. Measuring about one inch,
We | Some October Bird Notes 207
being pulled to pieces by other birds needing material for their own nests, Some vears ago Coachwhip birds Psuphodes érepitans, were fairly numerous in pairs in this district, particularly along the Olinda Creek: but with the clearing ot the serub they have beeome searce. The Ground-bird, Cinclosoma punctatum, too. is varely seen now. though a few years ago several pairs were known to exist if eertaim paddocks.
Karly in the month a few Caspian Terns, Slerna caspin, and numerous Silver Gulls, Zarus atove-hollandia, were much in evidence on the Yarra River. but disappeared as the nesting scason approached. The Gulls also have vanished, all but a few, that may yet be seen hawking over the Yarra or standing on the bank of the Maribyrnong River at Footseray.—D. Dickison,
LAND MOLLUSC NEW FOR VICTORIA.
During a recent visit to the Mallacoota district, Mr. Charles Barrett spent some time searching for land shells. but, owing to the continual dry weather, little suecess was attained—three species alone appearing, However, one of the forms provides an interesting record for Vietoria. The shell referred to is Thersites jervisensis, Q. and G.. sp. From Jervis Bay, N.S.W., this was deseribed as Helin jervisensis, by the French naturalists, Quoy and Gaimard, in The Voy- age de Vastrolabe, Zool, Mollusques, 1832, vol. ii, p. 126, pl. and figs. 18-21, With such well-executed figures, one may readily identify the species. The loeating of this molluse, so far south, is rather an interesting extension to the already wide distribution. The late Dr. J. C. Cox remarks: ‘*There are many varieties of the species. In New South Wales it is almost confined to the eastern watersheds. It first begins about Eden, north of Liverpool Range, and extends all the way up the coast. even to Port Denison. Queensland.”’
One specimen only of this form was obtained by Myr. Barrett. on a hillslope near Stony Creek, a tributary of the Genoa River. The dimensions of the shell in mim. are: Length, 18; breadth, 16; height, 14. A useful recognition mark of T. jervisensis is the carination on the body-whoil. Hitherto. Victoria has been eredited with a poor representa- tion of land mollusea, particularly in the larger forms. The writer is confident, however, that, with a little diligent search, further species await discovery.—C. J. GABRIEL,
red H Tis Spider, Weobius nuvus 208
<
it is, as 4 rule, spun over small depressions on Walla or iy angles. Beneath it the spider lurks, rumiing away, when _ disturbed, with remarkable rapidity.
The main eharacterisie of this fumily of spiders is the position of the eyes. Unfortunately, the photograpl does not, show this detail, as there is so little contrast of light and shade af the ovular area, which fs placed in the eentre of the front half of the body—the eephalethorax. Iu the nutjority of species, spiders have their eyes situated well forward on the front portion of the caphalothorax. ‘lhe only outstanding featare peculiar to this family, which is visible in the photograph, is the shape of the cephulothoras, which js bronder than lony, instead of being elongated,
®eobins is a Cribellate spider, possessing the sieve plate splimerett (the eribellam), also the comb (the ealamistrum), whieh ean be found on the seeond last joint of the hind leg. To view this minute detail, one needs a goad Canada balsulin hint of the specimen and first-class oplical equipment, as the ealamistrum is but feehly developed.
Aceording ta Rainbow, the eoeoons of Ceohius are floeculont, tither transparent, plano convex, fixed, and each eons seven or eight von-agglutinated eggs.--8, Burier,
To those who are familiar with the fomm of Ajuga «ans- toradts, I, Br, , Bugle, which occurs near Melbourne, the farm colimen i the north-west will be seareely yecoonissble as the sane species. The latter is an elegant plant uy to 18 inches in height, well branched, covered with a whitish indamen- tum, and having long, tubular light-blue flowers. The speries as determined hy Bentham is very variable. Hae tells us that he had decided to ‘set up four species til] he found, from the éxamination of a series of 80 specimens from various locali- ties. that he was obliged to refer them all to the singe species, A, mistralis, R.Br. ‘Neay Haysdale, on the Murray. on a
210 Field and Sthuty. - pay Kes
amall rabbit-infested hill, where the only other plants were the introduced pests, Trea Tobacco, Nettles, and Stinlewart. T found a large pateh of these beautiful plants. Apparently; they are not relished by rabbits—H. B. Wintiawgon.. :
MAGPIES AS PEAQHMAHERS.
The White-backed Magpie, Gymnorhina hypoleucu, has néver been famed as a peacemaker: yet, warlike though he is with human intrnders, peace is enforced between bird and bird, Ou July 21 I noticed tivo Magpies attacking each other fiercely and persistently, Soon there appeared from every direction more, and still more Magpies, calling to ench other as they Hew. More than a dozen birds alighted about and between the combatants, one of which rose indignantly while his adversary remained with the newcomers. They, as with deliberate mtent, seattered over the grass, and com- meneed a carol of triumph First one and then another repeated the same sweel. phrase of song, tossing it back und forth, and joining at last in a grand ehorus, Meanwhile the Magpie on the wing dropped to earth on the far side of a evyclone wire fenes, The second bird hopped through the wire and the fight ivas resumed. “One by one the pearce- maters Followed through the fence, und again stopped has- tilities. This time both the fighters flew, and soon the whole company was lost in-the hlue,,
Fixactly one year later, July 31, 1924, I witnessed another frustrated quarrel. The combatants were most determined. and continued their fight in the air, where they were parted again and again by the equally determined peacemakers. At last they flew away, and at onece'the remaining birds settled in 4 group of pines nearby and carolled in chorus, On Murch 18 Just still anothe peacomaking act was witnessed. The cause of the quarrel was visible; a sedate-looking Female, whieh stood aside while each of the two males bent his energies on upproaching her and preventing a like action on the part of his vival. The angry birds were parted, and the usnal chorus of triumph came from the peacemakers’ tauks. Wy were two males quarrelling over one-female in March?—J. Garprarrs, :
WALLABIES AND ROOK ORCHIDS,
When jn Bast Gippsland recently Mr, V, Miller and I visiied u spot far from the track of the tourist, where Rock Ovchids, Dendrebiwn speciasum, grow in profusion. Summits
al Puett ant Stauty 211
ene
ad. steep faces of granite creek-elifls were ulmost covered in the, epiphytes. : Tt ‘was not a floral display, for: nearly all the plants, had finished flowering, and many were lack: ing in foliage. Wallabies, our guide stated, had been feed- ing ‘freely on the ‘rock lilies,’ ; “The orghid- rocks apparently are, a fay ourite resort .of wallabies, and at one meal the mar- supials must do more damage than a ‘‘commereial’’ plant. collector. But the Rock. Orehids of Stony Creek are not likely to be exterminated, for even agile wallabies may not reach the scores of fine specimens that cling to'-a-wall of granite rising almost sheer fyom a sloping bank, where the plants ‘are out of reach, both from above und below. — - Baker.
MORTALITY AMONG STARLINGS,
During the past three years, in the months of Angust, September und October, 1 haye fveyuently found aa many ak six dedd starhig when walking round my warden, wo of my neighbours have had a similay experience. Although T have sometimes picked ap sparrows and blackbirds, 1 find that the é¢ats eat them with apparent relish, but they wall, not Gongumne the starlings. With regard to the sparrows, death is accognted for by the presence of poisoned wheat in the gullets, bat that does not affeat the eat, T have held post mortem exanvirnitions ou the starlmes and failed to trace any apparent canse of death; all the bids were in good condition. On mentioning ‘the iatter to am old Enelish farmer, he said: ‘You should cut out the backbone, as that is very bitter.” ‘He informed me that when he was young, hundreds of starlings pwere kKMled aod’ eaten by the family atter the bitter part, ‘of each bird had been removed, Perhayis cats hive discavered that. the baekhoue only iy gnpleasanit eating —G, A. KRARTLAND,
RIOLOGY OF ANTS' GUESTS, men
‘Fields’? almost untilled ure not few in the realm of entomology in Australia. One that needs more workers is that of ants’ guests—not mere collecting, not deseriptions of new species, but the study of behaviour, ete. A distinguished European student of ants and their guests, in a letter to a Melbourne naturalist, says: ‘There is no doubt that you may du very much for this: seienee in Australia, Many dozens, ol, vather, hundreds of species of coleoptera have been col-
218 Hield: ands tied wer ca
lected there alveady. . \....-But nobody: has “tried -hitherta to explore their, biology. The: relations: of ‘these ‘nests’ to their hosts are. nearly wnknown~yet... 2° 'You-vmust have cor- strueted for this: some artificial npstt whave the ‘ants feel quite. well, and, behave as if they were at ‘home. -'Theve have heen. proposed and. built different - ‘types: of this- kind that ave :all -apt, for observing -the arts and their guests. _ The ‘most simple of them: are “galled Livbbock nests.’
t= 4- 4
Ornithologists ; are_often apt: ito. 1 poaiarpanttpns of 'eon- tour soil and plant cover, which are suvely determining factors in the oceurrence of bird life, when deseribitrg the avifanna of any partienlar locality.
It is, therefore, gratifying to note that a description. of the vegetation of the northern end of Younghusband’s Pen-- , insula, by Professor J. B. Cleland, accompanies Mr. J. Sutton’s interesting account, in the South Australian Orni- thologist of July last, of the visit. of a. party to the Coorong.
BPining and grazing have resulted in the destruction of most of the serub, which auee covered the Penmsula, and the shifting sands are Hkely to overwhelm: what remains- The total number of plants present does not probably exceed 100, and is made wp of those commonly met with in the coastal beet. "The most interesting of those mentioned are Calostemme, Acacia ligulata, Kunzea pomifera, Meloleuca parviflora, and- Aster subulatis.
PHOTOGRAPHS FOR “THE. NATURALIST."
It is proposed, while funds permit, to include ote plate at Teast in each issue of the Nuaturdlist, Members are invited to submit prints for consideration by the Editor and the Publishing Committee. Unusual subjects are desired, not photograpbs of
scenery, ele. Wreiters of papers might submit Dhotographs suitable for illustrations—Bditor,
All contributions for ihe Naturist, nd letters to the Editor, shonld be addressed:
CHARLES BARRET?, “Maralena,” Maysbury Avenue, Etsternwick, Vic.
CORRECTION.—Page 184, Drakaen elastien; end of second para- graph should read: “so as to-simulate unfher potut,”
Che Victorian’ Haturalist
Vor. XLII—No, 9. JANUARY 8&8, 1926 No, 505
FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society's Hall, Vietoria Street, oo Monday evening, December 14, 1925. The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, oecu- pied the chair, and about fitty members and friends wert! present.
Lave Mr. J. H. Maren.
The President referred to the death of Mr. J. H. Maiden, who, he said, although not a member of the Club, was well known {o many members. He had contributed papers to the meetings, aud regularly sent wildflowers to the Club shows. My. Covhill proposed that a letter of sympathy from the Club be sent to Mrs, Maiden and family. The motion, seconded by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, and supported by Mh. H. B. Williamson, was agreed to in silence, menrbers standing.
Corresronprencn.
From. Hon. See,, Vietovian Bush Nursiug Association, Sir James Barrett, returning thanks for donation (£56) veceived from. the Club, and inviting the Club to nominate three Life Governors on the ‘Association. Mr. C, Oke, Hon. See., said that the Clih Committee had considered this matter, and had decided to nominate Miss Wilda. Gabriel, Mr. Geo. Coghill and Mr. F. Pitcher. He moved that these three names be forwarded on behalf of the Clnb; seconded by Mr, C. Daly, and carried unaninvously.
: Rerrors,
Reports of excursions were given as follows:—Fltham, My, W. C. Tonge; Frankston, Mr. “H. B. Williantson ; Bunyip, Mr. Wilhamson; Kororoit Creek, Mr. A. E. Radda; Sher- brooke Gully, Mr. 1%. E. Pescott; Lilydale, ‘‘Ruddocks;’’ Mr, F. Ghapman., .
A vote of thanks to Messi. F. Thomas, M.A,, and My, Holgate for use of cars and hospitality to exeursionists to Runyip was earvied unanimously,
GENERAL.
The statement that motor cars’ were entering the National Park at Sherbrooke, and approaching the falls was distuased
214 Field Naturalists’ Club Proceedings. vite
by several menbers. Mfrs. C, Bage moved that the Wratten Ne left in the hands of Mr. Barnard and the Secretary, to mule, on behall of the Club, a strony protest fo thie wutghories int charge of the Park against cars having wecess to the reserve, Seconded by Mv. Williamson, anc carried.
PAPERS.
1. By Mr, I. Cuttnore—’ A Complete Corallum of the Vossil Coral, Vhamnastren sera (Dunean).?’ Whe anthor gave an seeount of the finding of the Corallum ov the fossil-beds at Table Cape, Tasmania, and briefly deserihed this: interest- ing “‘find,”’ ;
2. By Mx. J. A. Bioss— "The Ameebe and Thew Strue- ture,’’? The author stated that he did not accept the defint- tion of the structure of the Ammbew, as given in most of the text-books. He thought that they had 4 defined pellicle, and that the ectoplasm and endopiasm, although not elourly differ- entiated one fron the other, were really- distines parts of the animal, snd were not interchangeable. ‘Fhe paper contained an. account of numerous experiments and observations, and conelusions arrived at.
Mr. W, Sticklanc spoke of Mr. Ross’s work.on the Amelie, discussing the points on which he diffeved from. the writers of the text-hooks.
Mr, Williamson made some remarks on collectme and pre- serving’ ferns, aud recommended the study of the planis to members who were desirous of doing useful work in the field of botany. He then gave 4 brief outline of the classification of the ferns, illustrating his vemarka with a number of drawings,
Exurerrs. ; By Mr. F. Chapman: Christmas Bush, gvown at Balwyn: Fossils from Lilydale, Romingeria (eoral), Sthruplonela engly photdes.
By Mr. F. Cudimore: Corals, Plestustraea wvillel, from Beaumaris (recent).
By Mr, C. Daley: Native axe from Wongaara, Grent Ocean Road; flint core, with chipping edge, from Kennet River, Great Ocean Road; Leaf impressions in shale (Jur- assit), from Louise Falls, Grany Creck, Great Ocean Roact.
By Mr. J, A. Kershaw: Views of the National Park, Wil- son's Promontory.
By Mr. A. BE. Rodda: Fruits, leaves and serial roots of Mangtove, Avicennia officinalis, from Koveroit, Creek; star-
prey Bacur sions. aH
fish, ecu-urechius, Philine aperty, with internal shells-aud giz- zurd plates, all from Raeecourse Beach.
By Mr. H. B. Williamson; Specimens gathered at Bunyip ; snécimiens of ferns, Wymenophyllucea.
The meeting elosed with the nsual short conversaziond,
EXCURSION TO BLTHAM.
About 20 members visited Eiham on November 4, Arter walkin# a mile alone the road towards Glen Park the party turned into the paddocks and crossed the creek. ‘The call notes of Rufous Whistlei's, Puchycephalas rufiventrus, Grey Yhrushes, Collurieinela harmonica, Cuckoo Shyikes, Greucu- lng malunops, several species of Woney-eaters and 'Tit-Warh- Jers, were heard. The first hall, was at. the reeentlymacde vest of a paix of Olive-backed Onioles, Orioltia suyttiatus, Several piairs of these birda come from the north every spring, and nest near their old home-sites, The west examined was on the fork of the swinging hough of a Box sapling near the ereek, and contained three egys. The cees were hutched on November 16, sixteen days after the last egg was laid.
Two Regent Honey-eaters, Mellphaga phryyia—flocks of which have fayoured Eltham with their presence for several gcasons in succession—were putting the finishing touches to their nest, high overhead, in a fork of a, Stringy-bark tree. Not many yards’ away a pair of Butcher-burds, Crachteus destructor, had nested in w sapling. We walked on up among the timber, where the White>inged Choughs, Corenrax malinorhumphus, had their mnd nests. ‘Working back to the creek, we passed another Orioles’ nest, ina swinging sapling: the young birds had recently flown, Close by, on the hori- zoital branch of a tall White Gum, was the nest of a pai of White-tronted Flerous, Nulophoyx nove-hollundia. Two young had bean reared, the third having fallen on misfortune. This nest has heen used for two years in succession, being rein vated this season.
Among the timber avuin, on the gully sidings, we observed anestin a Stringybark containing three fully-fedeed young Clioushs, Mey were feeling the heat and were anxious to try thei wings; two of them came to the gvound. On the fork of a Stringybark branch a Tawny Troginouth, Podargis striggides, and two young ones, nearly fledged, were sittuig
\
216 Exeursions, Vict, iat
motionless. On the way to Uithan Tleights, and the leader's house, we inspected the noesting-hole of a pair of Spotted Par- dalotes, Perdnlobus punctubus. W. ©. Toxsn,
EXCURSION TO FRANKSTON.
On Novenvber 21 abont a dozen members travelled by train to Prankston, and were joined there by the Rev. G. Cox and 18 juveniles, members of the Mornington Naturalists’ Chib, ‘The walk alow the railways towards Laugwarein proved interesting, Fone species of Guinea-fowers were gathered, but not all in bloom. Four species of Suncdew alsa were found, in the woiste: places, Both Diauellas and the beantitul Golden Spray were adinived. The two Bladderwerts and the Tall Yellow-eve were seen, but no orchids were reported to the leader, he feature of the onting was the presenes of the juveniles, and their keenuess was admiruble, cousidering that they had. Dee» ont all day, Mr. Cox is to be congratulated on the fine work he is doing af Mornington. He gives up matty of his Saturdays and some of his evenings to the voung folk, and has. instilled inte his pupils a love for the things of Nature. H. B. WinnrAMsaon.
EXCURSION TO KOROKOI?Y CREBK,
Owing doubilass to hot weather on November 28, and the claims of another excursion, only three members took part in. the outing to Racecourse Boach und Koroit Creek. he tide had receded, and an hou was spent in dxploring shallow pools- Many molluses, including a species of Phaline, were noted, The tracks of "such specios as the Sea-snail, Vatiens and the Buabble-shell, Budla, could he followed, sud thie erea- fures discovered, slowLy provvessing Star fish, sca-urehins, several gpecies of crabs. prawis, and the aggressive sra-lice were observed. Little founders, coloured ex: ietly like the sandy hottom, sprang from invisibility and sometimes sunlit shelter beneath our feet, About 20 Sea-eurlews, Nremenius cyanopus, were seen, In a floek, and with them as auinher of Sandpipers of two specics, too distant for eartain idenitifica- tion, At the sea-edgo were two Black Swans, as well as Silver Gulls, Terus and Cormorants.
Leaving the beach, we crossed the low. marshy Aut to the ervekside, This flat is covered maimty with lame bushes of Samphire or Glasswort, Salicorna, ‘ul other salina vegeta- tion, The spaces betw een the bushes were everywhere bridged
+
Jum, hd er propa O4 Ty WES Ds oe 1926. \ Dreursivns. 207
by the tough threads of a peenliar ‘thorny?’ spider (Gastera- cunthu sp.), present in great numbers, A few nests of the Tang, Ephilianurn albifrans, were fowid, aid several of the birds were seen Hitting, in jerky fight, from bush to bush. hy ihe quiet water of the creek a Great Crested Grebe, Dodieeps cristatus, was swinnning and diving. A nomher of Mangrove trees, Avicennin affizmnalis, still vemain on the eastern side of the creek, aurronnded by a stubble of upright acrial roots: whose lungth is governed by the vise of the lide, On the oppo- site hank a pair of Spurwinged Plover, Lobitya -uaute-Mul- land, sere yeen, Othey birds noted were Dottevels, Sky- lavks, Pipits and Goldfinches, A featmre of the return jomrniey was the large mmunber of brown butterflies, seeking sheltered nooks in anticipation of the hurvicane that burst upon us hull wi hour Jater, whem we had veached the Seaholme station, A. TH. Rowpa,
BXCURSION TO RBUNYTP.
On November 28 eight members were met at the Bunyip riilway station by Mr, FL homas, M.A,, and Mr, TMolgate, who motored to Mr. Thomas” home, alu two Wiles aocth of the township. After an inspection of the garden, where the presence of native plants testified to the ownet’s Australian, spirit, the party weve driven a male further north, and then an enjoyable walk westward brought them to the foot of Mt. Cannihal, 'fhe ramble led through country where the Short and Long Purple Flags, Patersani glauca and P, lonyiseu pe, ware tound togethor, “and representatives of the Laly family. were mach in evidence, Pale Grass Lily, Cista parviflora, the beautifal Bringe Lily, Thaysanatis hubor osus, the Tufted Lily, Stypundra cuspitose, and the Smooth Flax Lily, Dianella. lewis. The Swamp and the Spreading Bush Peas, Pultenwa, Weindorfert and P. Readeriana, and the Pale Wedve Pea, tompholoboin Huegelti, were aleo noted, Mt, Cannibal was then ascended. Large flat vranite rocks formed a character of the sanunit. Deseending towards Garfield, the Cannibal Creek was reached, where the Broad-leaf Water - Milfoil: Myriophylhium amphibaim, was gathered. Thig vlant has not. vet been reeorded for the South, On the lower slopes of Mi. Cannihal the poeuliar Wiry Spear Grass, Slipa Muelleri, was gomnon. It is 4 tall grass, with varely more than one spikelet in its Hower head. he Euealypta noted were Swamp Gum. f. vonta, Mountain Grey Gum, 2, gontvcalyx, Pepnermint
218 Broursiona. Vou Sit
Guin, L. austvadians, Messmate, 2. vbliqua, and White Stringy
Bark, @. eugenioides. Scedlings of the last-named were foand ou the dry hill- top, showing the interesting ligno-tubers well developed. H_ ‘E. WInLtamsoan.
UEXCCRSION TO SITBRBROOKE GULLY.
A party of six took part in the full-day exeursien on December 5. Sherbrooke Gully wags approached by the hill- road from Tecoma station, whenee the mamuificent pattoraina, from Beaconsfield, Westernport to Pot Phillip, was viewed, Many birds were observed in the Gully. othens were noted by their culls—tha Coachwhip Bird, Psophodes crepitaas, mic the’ Béll’ Miner, Manorhina melanophrys. lowers were searee; the chict ones noted being the Clematis and Christinas- bush, Prostantherd, Nothing of special note was sean, the day being a quiet one of general observation.
B. &. Prscary-
EXCURSION TO RUDDOCK’S QUARRY, TINYDALE,
- Thirteen members and friends visited Ruddock’s. quarry on the afternoon of December 12; and an hour was spent cal- lecting the Silurian fossils which are here very ahundaut. The details of a previous excursion (see Victorion NVotueuhst, vol. XXXVLIL, p. 122) vive a sood idea. of the richness of this mudstone deposit, On “the presenf occasion we fount) such eavals as the parasitie Pleurodictyum, the rambling Roman- gerug and the turbinate Lindstramic. ‘lhe lamp-shelly com. prised the genera.Orthis, Strophonella, Spirifer, Leptana and Nucleaspira. Sore interesting bivalves found ineluded Gram- miysia and Gontophore, Of the Gastoropods there were Bel- lerophon, Pleurotomaria, Murchison, Laxonema ancl Carinu- repsis, Portions of the straight nautiloid, Cycloceras, ropre- sented the cephalopods. ‘lwo examples of the ancient goose- barnacle, Zurrilepas, were found, as a separate plate and some connected ones. And last, but not least. was a free elieek, with attached facetted eye-lohe, of the trilobite, Phacops, The specimens found were named on the spot, and as the leader wind Mr. ¥. A, Cudmore, brought some illustrated papers on the fossils of this particular bed, members could see the actual figures: ‘lo several the treasures of this little qnarry were ’ distinet surprise, and the expression of having enjoyed a Pleasant afternoon was nnanimous.
F, Gakrman.
70 Wraranaox, Vietovian Ferns. 219
IOOEUNERASCOTEUNAALGERENDSRALAECOUOUONAODDOESGDAGURDOUEATYRNGUPASONUNDATONASRAUYRNOORORETAEDHTFOSEGRDENENCROHESENHOTLT OVEN DDBNRAP URGE Ba:
VICTORIAN FERNS
By H. B. Winuramson, F.L.8.
SSOLHeRPAPPARU TRACE RELVUANOAOOEpAURURNATOEpeNRD ARAL CURED TOCA HUET ECO ED | ACPEGEEDDDNALA TORN ODINNNHGGU SERIAL eoReLoaUINNOHeeReeanMRAATEDEES
Part I,
teen
Dentvrinmeveseserennveerery
PULL
Ferns have always enjoyed much popularity on account of theiv decorative value and the attractive appearance they present. when pressed and dried. Sone people consider that no gaxden is complete without a fernery, and many house- holdevs who cannot have a garden manage to have a pot fernery, where they can tend some of these graceful plants. And what is move restful to the eye on a glaring snammer day than to wander among ferns in a shady grove? Besides those who nse them for making home beautiful, there are some who delight in seeing them in their natural habitat, studying their wonderful lite, lustory and perhaps trying in Classify them and lear their names. Especially to these Tast. my notes are designed to appeal,
Of the Victorian ferns very few may not be found within 100 miles of Melbourne, and there is uo veason why ferns, ag objects for study und eollection, should not be as popular
_as orchids, excepting, perhaps, the fact that the latter are
Fomid in all kinds of places, while ferns, as » rule, are restricted to the mountain gullies.
_ Collections of dried ferns are easily made; all that is required being a supply of newspaper between stout ecard covers of 2 convenient size, say 15 inches by 11. inches. Bronds should be placed in the portfolio as soon as picked, and pressive applied by means of two leather straps. On veaching home, the fronds should be placed between dry paper, under a weieht of about 30 Tbs. A little attention every tivo or three days is needed to transfer them to dry paper, and to see that the fronds are spread properly,
In gathering ferns, look for fertile fronds, those bearing on their under-surface reddish masses of spores. These are important for the purpose of classtfication. When quite dry, the ferns nay be inounted in albams, or on sheets of stiff paper, either by placing gummed stvips across a good many parts of the fronds, or by fastening every portion of them
.
220 Wirtiaarsos, Vintorian Ferns. ects ey down on the paper with ghie, a method which makes a permn- nent mount, able to sland inach handling, This is the method which IT have found effieicnt for school collections, and wii using with the collection of ferns that I am offering to the Kield Naturalists’ Club for the Library. T shall be glad to wive later the details of the method, if it i desired. In mounting ferns, especially if the glueing method is used, itis important that a part, at any rate, of the frond be mounted with the under side appermost, so that the arrange- tient of the frnit-masses ean be studied,
Im dealing with the classification, [ do not propose to labour the descriptions, or to use many scientific terms. Tn the seientifie treatment of the classification of plants, one is supposed to start with a kev to the families—Natural Orders, we used to call them—and learn the characters. of these. Then a key to, the genera is to be used, and after that a key to the species in the same wis. Tf I do not follow that method I hope that the saevifice of scientific principles will be more than eompensated for by the value of these notes to the novice. It would be well if Mucller’s Key, Part I, were used ii conjunction with these notes, arid that the drawings at the end of Part Tl. were at harid for reference. The last 28 pages of the latter wre well worth studying,
The following are definitions of some vf the levis with which fern students should be familar —
Frond, leaf springing from an underground stem | (vhizome) or from the summit of an erect trunk.
Pinna, primary division of a frond.
Secondary pina, division of a pina. Called a pine mule when the frond is bi-pinnate only.
Pinnule. the nitimate division of w frond or a pinne.
Sorus, pl, sori. Fruit mass or eluster of sporangia.
Sporangium, spore-cases roundish sac or pouch, hold- ing fie spores.
Indusiun, Involuere, Fruit-cover, Fruit-cup; the mem- branrionus lid. enp or border over or arotind the sorus.
Dorsal, wnider-surface, away from the edge.
Receptacle, the seat of the. sporangia,
The classification of ferns into families and genera is
hased on ‘the nature of the sporangia, whether stalked or sessile, large or small, and on the nature of the ring, if any
sted WILLIAMBON, Vidtoran Marna, 221
18 present; on the disposition of the sori, whether m lines or in voundish masses, terminal, marginal oy dorsal; on the presence or absence of an indusium, and on the venation of the pinnules. The structure of the sporangia is interesting, although a. hand Jens is seareely capable of revealing the detail; jut. xs the Glassifieation, sometimes depends oi it, it had better receive sone attention, It is seen that the sporangmun is otten ‘surrounded by ay annulus (ring) of thickened cells, which forms an elastic organ, which, on drying, contracts, and causes the cuse to be split open, setting free the ripe spores. This ring muy be perfect or incomplete, horizontal, oblique or longitudinal, or absent, as in Osmundacex and Oplioglossacea,
The following is a list of the characters of the several tisnities:-—
AY MENOPHYLLAGEAL. rangia sessile, placed on a bristle-like axis, in a eup-like nidusium on the edge of the frond.
Ovarnescuar,—Tree ferns, fronds large, sporangia, in youndish masses on the under-snrface of the frond; indusium sumetimes present,
OsmuUnbDscesn.—Ferns with thick trunks, tronds large; sori without. indusium, often covering the dorsal surface: of the lower pinnules of the frond.
GLEICHENTAGEA.—Sori dorxsal, sporangia, few, 2 ta B in cluster; fronds dichotomous (for ied in tivas).
Sonizasacwas. with small terminal pinnules; sporangia sessile, with complete ring at the summit, no indusium.
Sauvr~ackan—Small, fern-like, floating plants, with spor angia enclosed in sporocarps (capsules).
Maksireacvan.—Marsh plants, with fronds springing from creeping stems; sporangia in hard sporoearps,
OPHIOGLOSSACEAR,—Young fronds not ciremate (rolled imvards at the top). sporangia large, sessile, in two rows. on narrow, fertile fronds; no iIndusiun.
Po.yropsackark—sori dorsa) or marginal, rarely terminal, usually stalked, some with indusium.
Jt so happens that the first and second families named in ihe Census represent the dwarfs and the giants of the fern
[yait: Nat: Vol, XLIT
WILLIAMSON, Victorian Ferns.
222
o
Bd,
BY del,
Pamily HYMENOPHYLLACE SD.
4336 4 WitLiasisox, Vieroriin Merny, 293
world, members of ‘the’ first family being no higher than an inch or so; while the second numbers among its members plants over 60 feet high. T shal) deal with the dwarts first.
’ Punily, WYMENOPHYLLACE AB (Tender- or Delieate-leaved). .,
This family inehides those tiny fers which, in our fern gul- lies thickly clothe the trunks of tree ferns. Fallen logs and mossy vocks also may be seen completely covered with their translucent. fronds, which have been likened to shiny green silk, Rarely do we see them in ferteries, for the conditions under whieh they grow ave difficult to obtain artificially,
Genus TRICHOMANES,
The name alludes to the bristle-like axis on whieh the spore-¢ases are set. This axis ses from the bottom of a eup- like involucre set on the edge of a pinnole,
TRICIOMANES veENosuM, RBr. Bristle Fern-—This: is very ubundant in almost every fern-gully, and is easily known. by its simply pinnate fronds, the pinnw of which are forked- veined, and by the truit-eup being embedded in the pinna (immersed) near the base on the inner side. The eup has a short, spreading border. [ft occurs in New Zealand and all the States except West Australia and South Australia.
T. Homine, G. Forst. Short Bristle Fern.—This tiny. plant has rarely been gathered in ovr State. he ouly Vie- lorian specimen T have seen was gathered in the Dandenoug Ranyes in 1876, by Ma. Robt. Lucas. It has recently been yeported by Mx. A, J. Tadgell, from Mt, Bogong, and among speaimens brought from Malacoota by Mr. C. Barrett. It ciffers from the eomnion Bristle Fern in not having any forked veins, The fronds are not simply pinnate, but are douhly pinnatifid (segments not divided right to the mid-rib). The truit-eap is scarcely embedded in the pinnule, and has no spreading border. Jt occurs in New South Wales, Asia, Polyiiesia and New Zealand.
vents Hy MENOPHYLLUM,
In this genus the arrangement of the sporangia js the sue as in Trichomanes, but the fimit axis is not exserted, avd the eap has wot an almost cutire edge, but 1s li-lohed. and sometimes deeply cleft. he lobes are job easily seen, for when the fern 1s pressed the lobes are pressed tagether.
ta 4s Co
Wridsartsox, Victorian Karis, sia plate 3
FyaysorrybuuM vuNRRipceNnse (b.), Smith. Taubridge Filny Werw.—'This. feru ‘is very widely spread, having been avecorded from every continent and every part of Austrilasia, except West Australia. Ls is kuowt, by its pinnules being finely-toothed, and by having fruit-enps at the base of the pinnules. the lobes of the cup beige also finely-toothed,
H. sustrane, Willd, Austral Filnry Fern.—This has fronds 3 mches ov 4 jnehes long, twice or thrice pimnatifid. Tt has its frond-stalk winwed throughout. It oceurs in Asia, Polynesia and New ZenJand, as well as in all States of tAns- tvaha, except West Australia and Sonth Australia.
AL vidsenuavom, Labitl Shining Filmy Pern—Phis is known from the preceding by its atalle being filiform, through- ont, and nof winged, and by its pinne being more fan-shaped.
Its distribution is the same, except that it is uot recorded from Asia.
FE. raxnum, R.Br. Rare Filmy Vern. ‘Chis fern is not ineluded mm the Census, but specimens collected by Mueller at Apollo Bay—no date—prave to be this rave species, 1 have some doubtful specimens gathered at Lorne in 1922 by Rev. A. C. Gates. It is econmow in New Zealand and Tas- mana, and has been recorded from South Africa and South America, Tts fronds are narrow and simply pinnate, the Pinne being 2-S-lobed. J1 one of the pimue of H. australe were lengthened out and provided with a Aliform stalk jt could casily be mistaken for Al. rarwn, ts delicate pendent fronds, om capillary stalks, may be looked for on fern trunks im the Otway Ranves.
Pomily CYATHEACE-35. Genus Dicksonra,
In Vietoria all the six species whieh develop tall tumks belong to the fanily Cyatheaeem. The yenus Dichksonin is distingnished by having sori roundish, marginal, anc sur- rounded by an indugiam, fowmed, partly by the incurved margin of the frond, and partly by an inver mombrartous valve.
D. AN CARGTICA, Labill - Soft, Tee-fern,—This ig out great tree-fern, reaching to a height of 30 to 5O feet, and with a trunk of several feet in diameter, including a mass of matted rootlets. This elegant fern, togethe: with the species next to be mentioned, impresses pypon our shaded forest giades &
‘
Sat, |, s. Vretar vy wos 1926 | Winrgagson, Vretarian Peris, +h
206 Wintdarsox, Vietorid Berns, beat
tropieal grandeur and grace of foliage which Buealypts can- not give, but the tall gum trees play their part in forming and preserving the fer wullies hy providing shade ‘and con- serving moisture, and it is only in the country of the giant gums that tree-ferns flourish aid support their dwarf allies.
Genus Arsorrina (grove-lovine),
Thig genus is easily known by the tound fenitenissses, set well away from the edge of the pinnule, and hy the absence of an indusium,
ALSOPHILA AUSTRAWa, R.Be. Rough ‘l'vee-feru.—This is the only other tree-fern common in Vietoria. It is not quite so ‘robust, but is generally taller than the Dicksonta, and 1s often seen on hillsides where there is 4 very good rainfall. Along the Gippsland railways one may see specimens of this fern up to 30 feet or 40 feet growing among the potato crops, but J ain not optimistic as to the long continue of the species tf deprived of its natural shelter by the settlers of the forests.
A. Reprcean, Fay.M. Wig Treefern.—Reeently 4 speci nyen of this fern, colleeted by Mr. Sayer some years ago at the Benim River, Mast Gippsland, was found in the National Herbarium. It had been determined by the late Prince Bonu- parte. It is very distinct from its congeners, having its secondary pinna undivided, simply serrate. As this fern is a Queensland species, aud has not been found in New South Wales, the ve-discovery of it at Bemm River will be looked forward to with interest,
A. Coovrrt, F.y.M.-—A specimen collected neay Cape: Otway (CG. Waltev) was determined as A, Coaperi. This species was assigned by Dourin to a variety of A, exedlsa, which approxches . australis very closely in foliage, but. is easily distingnished by its stem. TL consider that a determination of this species on an examination of a small frond segment cannot be accepted, so that the addition to the Census. ig in error. - may say that Mr. Morvis, of the Herbavinin, agrees with me im, this.
Genus Cy sins,
In this genus the sori ave round, and set away from the edge of the frond, as in Alsophalie, but they are provided with a cup-shaped indnsium, which, in the young stage, 1s .almost elosed, and later bursts OPCTL, ‘aid leaves a enp or complete ving round the sorus.
an. Winttausox. Victorian ferns. ; 227
Cyarans Cunnincuamir, E.y.Ml. Slender Tree-fern— This fern is remarkable for its slender stem, whieh is some times 40 feet high and only 34 inches in diameter. It is common in New Zealand and ‘Tasmania, but it has not often been gathered in our State. In 1888 Mr, Johu Baldey sent fronds to the Herbarium fron ‘Sa oveek that rises in Arthuy's Seat, and flows into the sea near Cape Schank.’’? He deseribed it as having a stem about 4 feet. high and 2 inches in diameter, clothed to within a few inches of the ground with the persistent dead fronds. In 1903 1 noticed a few on the roadside near Mt, Sabine, They were about 35 feet im height, and not more than 4 inches in diameter. Settlers called it Maori Fern. When first sent in by Mr, David Boyle, in 1879, from the Hastern part of the Dandenone Ranges, Baron von Mueller named it Cyathen Boylci, but afterwards identified it with the species he had ceseribed in the Sothern Science Record as ('. Cuntinghaniti.
My. PLR. St. John informs me that 50 years ago specimens of this fern fram the Dandenong Ranges were sold in the Melbourne streets as the rare Cyathea Boylet: one oxplann- tion of its tare aceurrence now in that district.
C. meputiavris (Forst.), Sw. Blaek Tree-femm—lhis is one of the kings of the fern family, reaching, in New Zealand, w height of over 60 ft, Tt is more robust, with larger and coarser fronds, and a thicker. black stem. The troids ave often seer extending over 36 feet—truly a. ‘monarch of the yvoave,’’ Tr may be known by the shiny black bases of the front stalks persistent at the summit of the stem. Tt is found in ‘Tasmania, New South Wales, Asia, Polynesia and New Zealaud, A Tew specimens have been geen in the Otway Ranges.
Family OSMUNDACE ZG. Genny Topra.
Yoora BARBARA (L.), Moore. Kine Fern—Although not counted among treé-ferns, siiee it does not produce a tall travis, vet itis one of the giants of the fern enllies, for what it loses in height it makes wp in breadth. the stem often exceeding 4 fect in diameter. Colossal specimens, weighing aver a ton, without the freids, whieh were very large, and numbered over a hundved, have been seen in the Genibrool: Ranges, The plant belongs to a souill family, which is clis- tinguished by its sporangia having no ping. Its fronds are of » tough and firm textuve, and the sovi ure crowded on the
228 WrilaaMson. Victorian Ferns. Pb forked yeins of the lower segments of the lower pina, some- fimes covering the whole of the lower surface of the segment. Ht is distuibuted through South Afvica, South-east Australia and New Zenland.
EXPLANATION OF ULLUSTRATIONS. Family HYMENOPHYLLACE®.
Mig, I.—Trichomanes venosum, frond and fruit cup.; (a) spa-
Trangium ot Trichonianes and Hymenophyhuyum. Fig. 1.—T. humile and fruit cup. Fig, 11.—Hymenophytlum tunbridgense, and fruit cup, Fig. IV.—H. rarum and fruit cup. Fig. V.—H. fabellatum and fruit cup. Fig. VI—H. australe and fruit cun,
Family CYATHEACE.S.
Fig, -L—Dicksonia antarctica; (a) pinna; (b) pinnule; (ce) indusium showing sporangia; (d) sporvangiuni-
Fig, 11.—Alsophila australis; (a) pinna; (b) pinnule enlarged; (c) pinnule showing a serrate form; (d) sorus: [e) sige view of same; (f) sporangium of Alsophila.
Fig. Ill.— A. Rebeccae; (a) pinna; (bh) enlarged portion.
Fig. 1V.-—Cyathesa Cunninghamii; (a) pinna); (b) enlarged por- tion; (c) side view of sorus of Cyathea.
Fig. V—. niedullaris; (a) pinna; (b) spyorangium of Cyathea.
Family OSMUNDACE.®,
Fig. VI—Todea barbara; (a) portion of pinna; (b) portion of pinnule emarged; (c) sporangia.
: & NOYE ON PHYILINE,
The molluse Philine was found in numbers on the sub- meryed sand at the Raeecourse Beach, near Seaholme, on the occasion of the Club excursion on November 28. The desexip- jion given by 8, P. Woodivard in his **Manual of the Mol- lusea’’ of the type species, Piuline wperte applies very closcly io the subject of this note. It reads as tollows:—- Shell internal, white, translucent, oval, slightly convoluted, gpire rudimentary. Animal pale, slug-like, mantle investiny shell. Head oblong, eyeless, foot broad, lateral lobes large bat not enveloping. Gizzard with three longitudinal shelly plates.”’ The movements of this creature are so slow as to be almost. _ imperceptible. Held in the hand it appears to be inanimate, but after a while is ‘seen to have changed its form, becoming less flattened. It is very conspienons on the sand, and inust be distasteful to birds and fish, otherwige it could ior exist so plentifully—A. 1. Ronpa.
quae CHAPMAN, Tle Fossil Hucalypiik Weoord. 224
TAPOOEEEELEEOM EAT HEEAIOUUH ERAT EREUHCUDERAAERACAITERSEAONNUAUTEDUABNAUE SUL ORUABUAIORNOAUOHOLEDEOHOAUBANDELEAL HON ;EANY RNY RIOUEENNHH ENA ERL
THE FOSSIL EUCALYPTUS RECORD
By Frank, Cyarman, ALS.
iV OEENEROR EH DURRANT OUOEER RUA EUACODPOPHOVCHEOEEDD OV (CEL EODERDVACCEOTEDYTAPAAHATEOPMACHOAC DIO AIMANGY FURS FOUEOBOOSONORAGREZOZEANS WREST
Om eeRET TEEN EET ROMtEe®
a
Although J, A. Maiden, in his ‘'Gritival Revision of the Genus Mucalyptus’’ (see vol. “VI, part 3, 1922, p, 244). makes no claim to be a palxobotanist, yet his great- knowledge of the venus Wyoayptus wives a distinet value to hig opinion on the much-diseussed question. as to the occurrence of that wig ju fossil deposits elsewhere than inv Australia. Those who ave interested in Australian Vertiary paleobotuny will fill it an advantage to read and weigh Maiden’s eritical remarks on the foreign veeords of Eucalyptus, whieh. will be found in the part of his work quoted above. Parthermore, the summary of recorded Australian fossil species, by Ettingshausen and Deane. are there presented a ah extremely handy :forn, and Maiden has spare no pains to make hig quotations complete to the date of publication (see Grit. Rev, val. V1, part 1),
Regarding Mitinyshausen’s reference to bis species pt the Queensland and New South Wales fossil Eucalypts: as of Cretaceous age, Maiden quotes the arguments given by Henry Deane, and later by the writer (in this Journal, 1921), from the standpomt that the type of venation indicates a miuch later and fairly modem ovigin, and could hardly have heen evolyed during the earliest stages in the appearance of the dicotyledonous flotas. .
Of the three species of the supposed North American fossil uealypti, Maiden is in azreement with Professor BE. W. Berry, of Baltimore, who says:—' Among the numerous Gretaceous fossils from North Amenca now referred to Eucalyptus, there is not a single one that does not show characteristic features of Eugenia or Myrcia, especially of the latter, a fact greatly impressed on me in handling a large amount of recent material during my study of the American “tertiary forms.’’ As reyards the reference to what Maiden terms ‘the very American genus Myrciu,’? the latter rightly exercises some cantion. As far as present distribution imdi- gates, Fugenia is the mory aniversally dispersed, being found im Asia, Jidia, Australia, the ast ludios, and in Central
230 CHapaan, The Fossit Kucatyptus Record. poate
and South Aimeviei; and m this respect Rerry’s reference to the gens as a fossil form will be of interest to future workers.
In Part LY of Maiden’s ‘‘Cvritical Revisian,’' there has been brought together for the fivst time practically all the information ubout the supposed occurrence of the fossil species of Hucalyptus in extra-Australian localities. Added to this theve is the great advantage of the excellent repro- auctions of figures of the leaves and frnits given by previous anthors, such ax Heev, Ettingshausen, Saporta, Lesquereux, Newberry anc Hollick. Tu the explanafion to the plates, Maiden has given his own notes succinctly, but none the less valuahle. As, for example, under 2. Geinitez, Heer, pl. XLV, figs. 4-9, and pl. NLVI, fig. d—‘are certainly not represen- ‘tatives of Lucalyptus trutts;'? whilst we note that authorities like Saporta and Newberry have veferred Heer’s Eucalyptus fruits to. those of a conifer,
Coming so suddenly atter the death of ow friend and fellow worker, Mr. Henvy Deane, M.A., the loss of Myr. Maiden is the more severe, since both were indefatigable investigators in the botanieal world, and their places avill he hard to fll,
The following is a complete list of the Australian fossil Luealypts, of which the description of the omginal anthors is quoted by Maiden in his ‘‘Critieal Revision;’’ besides which he gives reproductions of the original figures. Fav the age ot the becls the present writer is responsible —
ELucalyplus Pluti, MeCoy. Deep Leads, Daylesford, Vie- toria. Pliocene. ~
&. Kaysert, Johnston. Mount Bischoff, Tasmania. Phocene.
E. Malligani, Jobnston. Mitequarie Harbour, Tasmania. Pliseane.
1s. Delfti, Kttingshansen. Dalton, New South Wales. Miocene.
E. Diemenw, TEettingshansén, Emmaville, New Soath Wales
. and Areona, Central Australia. Miocene.
BE. Hayi, Ettingshausen. Emmaville, New Sonth Wales, Miocene.
B. Houtmanatz, Ettmegshausen. Eminaville, New Soath Wales,” Berwick. Victoria. Miocéne,
E, Milchelli, Ettingshausen. HEmmaville, New South Wales.
: ‘Blivabeth River, Centra] Australia. Berwick, Victoria, ALiocene.
ate Craruan, The Mossil Eviculyptus Record, — , 231
£, cretucea, Wttingshausen, Darracand Oxley, Queensiand. Miocene. ;
EB. Davidsoni, Ettingshausen. Oxley, Queensland. Miocene.
EE, Ozleyana, Mttingshansen. Oxley, Queensland. Miocene.
E. scoliophylla, Kttingshausen, Oxley and Darra, Queens- land. Miocene:
E. Warraghiane, Wtrtingshausen, Darra, Queensland, Miocene.
EB. precoriacea, Deane. Mornington, Vietoria. Miocene.
). Mermant, Deane. Berwick, Victoria. Miocene.
EB, Hounitt, Deane, Berwick, Victoria. Miocene.
E. dGitsont, Deane. Berwick, Victoria. Narrvacan, Victoria (F.C,}. Miocene.
B}. Suttoni, Deane (olim Mielleri, Denne non Moore). Ber- wick, Victoria. Miocene,
It. Woolsit, Deaue (re-named #7. Chapmani, Deane, for sup posed pie-oceupation by #. Woolsiana, Baker). Ber- wick, Victoria, Miocene,
Maiden refers to provisional determinations of fossil THuecalypts from Australia as follaws:—-
&
). abligua, li’ Het. “MeCay, in Prog, Rep. Geol. Surv. Vici., vol. 1, 1573. (This form. appears to have been after- wards named by McCoy as lk. Plati—¥.C.), From Malmsbury and Daylesford. Leaves in clay, iter calated with lava or overlain by Newer Voleanic.
Probably Pleistocene (F.C.).
i. wmygdaling, Tabill, eaves recorded by Chapman as probably Miocene. TWrom the Jronstone of Redruth, Casterton; coll. by the Geol, Surv., Vict,
Ji. melliodora, A. Cunn. Silicified wood, deseribed by Chapman, Bruthen, Victoria, Miocene or Photenc.
LE. pipenita, Sm. Silicified wood, described hy F.C. Malla- coota Inlet, Gippsland. Miocene or Plocene.
Hucalyptus sp. Leaves in voleanie tuff, Warrnambool, Vie-
toria, late Pleistocene.
Great. nnmbers of the Goose-neck Barnacle (Lepes),, of small size, are to be found along the beaches about Morning: ton, attached to pieces of sponge, cuttlefish, wood, and all kinds of debris. These J have not noticed in this loeality, previously, thonyb the common Rock Barnacle (Balanus) abounds,—G. Cox.
2 ‘CDATORE ah a : Vict, Nat. 232 ; Cupsonrn, Thamnastraca sera, Duncan, Vol. XLII
CRSA UVEDTRAUCUOGUDOUCUOAPO POND DOREOCHVOPRDTOUGUAPONDTUGROUOGSOPPNTEORSECHVUNOD ECHO APA GEDTOEED OP RODDEMOGAOTOREGUOTEVRCUT Op ReeTSsANEC.
A COMPLETE CORALLUM OF THAMNASTRAEA SERA, DUNCAN
By F. A. Cupatore.
qéraenqanauretegpieengeranyy
bleh be oh de J
SSESUTOGASURUMOCOUOEOEOCEGUOVNLUROLESONDMAUOSUDASDOVANEBSORTOREROUHOURNREPSLONYOESSSOSOCIFEORURAERUOOESSUAPRONERNOVRGTORESUERUSI ESS
(Reud before the Pield Naturalists’ Club af Victoria, December 14, 1925.)
The unpartauce of the present specimen of the fossil coral, Thamvuisepea sera, Dunddy,! which is a true reef-build- ing coval, lies in the fact thd#!i€ is a complete corallum, whereas all the previously-recorded specimens appear to be fragments, It 3s of considerable interest to note in this example the character of the epitheca, or outer limy covering of the coral, which appears to be quite lacking in specimens hitherto found.
Marre —— 7 A
Nearly Compjete Corallum of Thomnastraeu sera, Duncan. B.C. tecit. Cire. % nat size.
The covallum, which measures 94 x 84 inches in diameter by 64 inches in height, presents a dome-shaped appearance, the apieal portion being slightly oblique. The more ov less broader or flattened side of the corallam shows the best pre- served surface of the epitheca, Near the apex this epitheca is abraded, and the ordinary appearance of the septation of
ate] Cunmtokk, Thamnastraca ser, Duncan, 233 the corallites, as iv those figured by Dunean, is elearly seen (1), The largest diameter of the corallites seeu on bhe apieal portion average about 15 mi. The epithved js fairly thick, and shows move or less wavy and concentrie ruga., Under a lens the epitheeal surface 1s seer LO be finely, but distinetly, radially state, and these aire are crossed by finer coneentrie lines. The corallum appears 10 have beew bored into by pertorating sponges and other boring organisms, while there are indiedtions of attached organisms, including a swall oyster and the basal part of three Vermkeutaritu, Ji 1875 the Rev. Julian Woods sent to Professor P, Martin Duncan a parcel of fossils from, able Cape. ‘Woods had yre- viously puinted out that the strata were of similar ave to those of the mainland: and Dunean showed that the fossils received proved that they were from a httoral deposit and vhat a warmer climate ninst then have existed in the Table Cype area, Danean says: Thamnastuea, 80 common be the daras sie ages, was then a veefynilder and a littoral form, and after a greal mumber of species had been evolved, it heewne rare i the Nummutitic period, and died out in the subsequent veological age in the Australian region, laving been probably destroyed in the Huropean areag ly the changes whieh onsued upou the destruction of the Mocene reefs?’ About a score of different species of corals ave ovown front the Table Cape. beds. ‘Nhe eoral-isotherm of 74 dovrees passer 16 degrees too far north to allow the reef-building corals to flourish in Bass Straits. Although the region is nl a cory] Teel wreawt the present day there is an interesting rermant of the coral reef fauna still existing, as shown by the quite large massed of the Astiwan coral, Plestastrna ysvilte’, Md. et Haine, whieh oeaur, at all events, on the Vietonian and Sonth Australian coasts. Thus Howehin has veeorded a block 7 feel long, 44 feet wide and 38 feet thick; this was found in the Gulf of St. Vineet, in the course of constraeting a break- water af Glenelg, on a sandy bottom 13 feet below low-waler level, Sonte portions of the corallaan were still alive, bot the main muss Was dead, ~ Occurrence: Basal portion of Crussatellites Bel, Table Cape, Tasmania. danjuian (Miocene) age. Now in the Wall Case, National Mise; colleedert wad presented ly R.A, Cadmove. Rea. Ne. 731.53.
(j—"On = Some Pose) Reelebyiteing Cape front ihe ertiney
Deposits of Tasminin,” Quarterly Touwenal of Geulogioal Suciety, Vol xaxui, P. 3, No. 147, 1876; with plites,
244 Pielh dyed Spudiy- ay Laser
Nearly a dozen frogs ave at hone ju iny shudehorse, ane cau their judging as enemies of slugs and ‘‘slaters,/’ cater- pillars, and other pests among the feros, Several af my pets are Golden Bell-trogs, Myla wurea, one of the hand- sommest of all known species: others are Conunon Brown Tree- frogs, H. ewingit. Tho latter are the most confiding; bot three of the geceu and golden frogs, domiciled in the fecnery about a year ago, are so tame now that they rarely attempt. to Jump when tonched ov taken in the hand. Recent arvivais ave wary: The early inhabitants have favourite spots, where they vest during the daytime—their hunting ig done siter dark. A hanging basket is the “habitat’’ of one Brown 'lree- frog. It is seen there every day, with green, fronds all abont it, WH. vwrea is said to inelude small frogs in its diet ary, but, so far, none of the examples in my shade-house has eaten a dininntive neighbour, Tree-trogs especially make interesting pets, anc some of the Anstralian species aré dainty and beautitul—O. Barrer.
THE BACTSTOC GULL,
A bird tamiliar in Port Phillip Bay, the Pacific Gull, Cabianus pacificus, wniil recently -was lacking froin the vollection of the Ameriean Muscuin of Natural History. A specimen has now heen pvesonted to the Museum by the New York Zoological Society, in whose gardens, for va. time, it was exhibited alive. The aeqnisition is recorded in “Natural History’’ (Vol. XXNV, No. 5, Sept.-Oct., 1925). the journal of the American Museum, aud it is stated that the species is represented by only six or seven adulf specimens in all the rouscums of the United States and Canada, Pacific Gulls, huth jwwature birds in the dark, mottled-brown plamage, and acitit oxamples, may often be observed fram our Bix
ret Wield and. Stralyy, 235
Hoaghes; bak thay are vol confiding, dike the Silver Gulls, Lis woud-hollandia whieh will cone within a yard a twa of pienickers, luved by seraps ot food. ‘here is bul one species of the venus Gabienus, and iu. ranges wloug the eustern and south-western coasts of Australia. JT have found it nesting on islets and the Javger islands of Buss Strait. On Cat: Island it is an unweleome neighbouw of the Cuunets, since it vaids the raat rookery there, taking both eves and westlings of Sula serrater—C. Barmy,
EXPORT OF AUSTRALIAN BYRDS,
Agrieulturists overseas naturally are anxious to obtain Australian parrots and other birds for their aviaries, buat it slwulé be our aim to have export of dl] but the most abundant: species completely prohibited. Jiven the conmon forms weed song imeasure of protection, Sor they may decline, as the eracciul and exquisiely-coloured grass-pamakects have done. vutil they approach the boundary of extinelion. We cannot spare & specimen of any of our rarer parrots, even Lor Zoological Gardens in Hurope or America, countries to which so many have beer sent in the past. he enrichment of private aud public collections overseas inrpoverishes us. Why should we lose our splendid birds, whey itis possible to keep them in their native land? i
In the new Cheek-list, compiled by a committee of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, and to be pub- lished: shortly, there are unpleasant lines to read—they fore- tell the fate of several of our most interesting and beautiful species. The Paradise Parrot, Psepholus pulcherrimus, of Queensland, is “approaching: extinetion,’’ the Turquoise Parrot, Neophemu pulchella, is ‘extremely yvare;?’ and the Searlet-chested Parvot Neophenw splendulu, “yery vare.’' Formerly one of these doomed species, the 'urqnoise Parrot, was fairly common in certain Gippsland districts, including Berwick. It has not been observed in any part of Victoria for many years—at least T ean find no vecord of it.
High prices for some Australian birds prevail in Hneland. The following figures are quoted from, a dealer’s list, pub- lishad iy November, 1925:—King Pariots, £8 each; Rosellas, £2/10/- each; Permant’s (Crimson) Parrots), £3/10/ each: Galahs, £2/10/- each; Leadbeater (Mujor Mitchell) Cockatoos,
a6 Field and Studi. Banger
£6 each: Au example of auy of the rare species, such us the Turquoise Parrot, doubtless would realise in London, or New York, £25, ov more,
C. BARRETT.
DELE-MINERS AND CUCKOG,
We have been interested in a pair of Bell-eminers, Ieaneor- hand melanophrys, that reared a Fantail Cuckoo. Cucomiuntes flabelliformis. One day vine Bell-miners chased the fledge- ling from a tree, and when ii, flew to another, the foster parents fed it, I was attracted, on December 11, by a great chattering in one of the chicken-yards and hasteited to the rencue of what proved to he the young Cuckoo, now in adult plumage, and somewhat the worse of the treatment it had received at, the bills of the numerous Bell-nriners. The latter birds scarcely minded me, even attaeking the Cuckoo. while it was in my hands, flying from aver my head, where they were perched, ina peppermint tree. The attack lasted for some minutes. TI counted 40 Bell-miners, and there weve as many more on the other side of the tree. Mach time T called they desisted for a moment only; at last their attention was’ trans- ferred to a Gaughing Kookaburra, Dacelo gigus—C. 0, Currie.
PHOTOGRAPHS FOR “CHI NATURALIST,”
It is proposed, while funds permit, to include one plate at least in each issue of the Naturalist, Members are invited lo submit prints for consideration by the Editor and the Publishing Committee, Unusual subjects are desired, not photographs of scenery, etc. Writers of papers might submit photographs snitable for illustrations —Editor.
All contributions for the Nuturedist, and letters to the Editor, should be addressed:
CHARLES BARRETT, “Maralena,” Maysbury Avenue, Histernwick, Vic,
Che Victorian Naturalist
Vou. XLIT— No. 10,- WEBRUARY 5, 1926, No. 506
FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club waxy held in the Royal Society’s Tall on Monday evening, January 18, 1926. The President, Mi. Geo, Coghill, oceupied the chair, and about 50 members and friends were present.
REPORTS. National Park, Wilsoi’s Promontory—The report given by the leader, Ma. Cy Daley, appears elsewhere in this issue. Spring Vale, dan. 16—Atter the leader had read a short piper on the econome importance of vrasses, the party, ten in number, proceeded alony the raibway Jie towards the Springvale Cemetery, then across grazing paddocks to the Dandenong line, In the vailway cuclosure Kangaroo Grass ‘and Wallaby Grasg weve very plentiful, but in the paddock seareely a plant of these was seen, stock beige very fond of them. About 10 native and 20 introduced erasses were found—P, I, Morris,
' ELECTION OF MEMUET.
On a ballot bemg taken, Master Oliver Streeton, Fairlie House, South Yarra, was duly declared eleeted as an associate member,
GENERAL,
Mr. H. B. Wilhamson submitted proposals for obtaiminy’ permits for collecting ferns from reserved aveas for herbariuin purposes. Soine discussion followed, in which Messrs. Hardy and Pitcher joined. The matter was Ici't for fulare discussion, t
Miss Nokes drew attention to the fact that the Monnt Dandenong Progress Association was trying to obtain an area of about five acres on' the top of Mount Everard for permanent reservation, aud asked for the assistance of the Club. After some discussion had taken place, Miss Nokes
238 Meld Natyratists’ Clhudb—Proceetings | vou'xtni
was asked to write to the Association tor turther infora- tion.
Mv. ff. B, Williagison veal a newspaper clipping adyueat- ing the veservation of Sperm Whale Flead os a Ng ay y tor Eastern Gippsland. The chairman invited Mr, Barton, of Toster, to speak on the subject; and give flier informa- tion in regard to the site, and as to what had already been done in the matter. This he kindly did, and, after some dis eussion, the matter was veferred to the Committee, on the motion of Mesats. Hardy and Williamson.
PAPRR,
“Mints and Their Origin,” by Mr BP. Chapman, AS. ‘In the paper the author wave a bueft ancl popmlar aceoutt af the formation and ovecurrence of fliiits in Euvope and Aus- tralia, and the various uses to whieh they lave been put. Several members joinecl in the cliseussion that followed.
The meeting closed with the usual short eaiversazion:
ExHtprts- By Miss Bolton: Clematis microphylla, grown at Canter- bury. “h
By Mr. F. Chapmay, A.L.S.; Plints in illustration of his paper. (1) Cone structure in flint, from Isle of Wight, (2) Vraetured Miocene flints, Over Bird Rock, Torquay, Victoria (3) Chat, with sponge remains, Upper Gh eensand, St. Law-, renee, Isle of Wight. (4) Flint (Cretaceons), with mollus can remains, Watfor ad, Herts, Mugland. (5) Watersvorn Aints front Tevrace Gravel. Foundations of the Victoria aud Albert. Museum, South Kensington, Loudon. With euclosed Sea-urehin, (6) Sea-urchin (Ananeliytes). from the Chalk. (7) Sea-viehin of the same genus in Flint, Bngiand. (8) Au Upper Chalk Flint, with. Polyzoa (Heteropora), Mar- gate, Kent, ngland. (9) Tertiaryy (Mioeene) Flint, Flinders, Victoria, (10) Rose-coloured Flint, from the Chatk of Swanage Bay; Studland Dorset, England.
By Mr. ©, Daly, B.A,, FuG.S.: Series of Flint Cores, with cutiine man aid Flint chips from Kitchen-middens along Victorian coast, Also a very robust. specimen of the Trigger plant, Styhdiwy gramintfolium, from. Sealers’ Cave.
By Mr. L. Hodgson: Herbarium specimens of MTelichry- sip senvicpapposum, Pimelea ligustrine, Gynapoyon hivinis folius, Calocephalus Brown, Hedycarya angustifolia and:
Vise) Field Natnrahivis Clud—Proceedings 239
Veronica dermentiu, trom Lorne distriet. Colleeted January, 1926.
By Mr. P. Ci Morrison, MoSe,: (1) Twa specimens of the Crustacean 7hilassinn, Anomela, a transition form’ between the crayfish (Macrura) and the erabs (Brachyura), and fomning, with the hemmt muabs and two rarer gioups, the sub-order Anomura. Specimen ji was taken. alive on a. mud-flal near Bowen, North Qneensland, where numerous niounds abont a foot. high bear testimony to its powers of burrowing, Specimen i was found as a fossil al Bathurst Istand, near Port Darwin, and, in spite of the damage and distartion, it is seen to be speuifically identical with speui- inn 7. (2) A groop of young specimene of the solitary coral Pungia, which grows from a stalk, breaking off aan hevoming free-living when adult, ‘The old stem will give risé to a fresh animal, the marks of two previous individuals being visible on the largest stem, ‘Che other two stems are produeing eael: their first individual, Specimen from Stone Island, Reet, North Queensland. (3) Periaphthedinus, one of the buny fish, found commonly among the mangrove aWwamps in the tropies. The eyes are placed on top of the head, giving the animals their popular name of “‘stargazer.’ Ti is a common thine for these fish to emerge from the water and chaub the roots ot the maneroves by means of their avm-like peetoral fins. They will remain thos in the air for a considerable time, with only their tails in the water, and it is believed- that ‘respiration. may be carried on partially through this organ. (4) wo small coral blocks from Hay- man Tsland, Great Barrier Reef, Mavia speciosa is perhaps the most beautiful and delicate of the corals, and is by no means uncommon, while Calucerus Muyort is umong the varer covals. (5) A series of camera studies of the Saoty Tern, Sterna fuscuto, which comes in thonsauds every year to Michaelmas Reef, on the Outer Barrier, some distance north of Cairns, to b'eed. Tt was impossible to walk across the sand cay, without taeading on eges
By My, Y. Piteher: “he Brect Clematis, 0. alycinotdes, in flower; and frond of the Common Shield Bern, Puly- slichiun (A spadium) aculeutun, showing one method adopted for repeoduetion, in various stages of growth of young plants.
By Mr. G. B. Williamson, F1.S.: Mounted specimens of 24 species. of Ferns, the first instalment of a set of the’ Victorian’ Mears to be donated by the exlibitar to the' Clint
4 “Ox . here 4 Vict, Nut 210 WILLIAMSON, Victorian Ferns Vol. X LIE
AVUEDODEOUSONASERUOES LUNSOVEONENSNUERTOISGHYGESUOU OLSEN EVORF OVE SOTA FTES SSVEVNOWONN AUER DONNALGLEZEO POA HANANUOA#PRALSSIR PARC CRSP MASE OTS
VICTORIAN FERNS By H. B. Witntamson, F.L.S.
PUREE RA ALADADDEGUASOO ANS EN AA ANDO PANDA ESHPAOE DD EAU BOOMER D NCH TOG SOROTUANOAU SAUDER ED END
ueeranausnncerrerrsareee
PEUDUPPEPOPDDERODTE RH ERAD ONE
r
Parv D1.
Ramily G LDEICHLENTACE AR, Genus GLICK ENA.
There ave four species reeorded for Victoria, two of whieh ave known as Coral femis, and two as Man ferns. They ave all distinguished by the cichotomons branching of the fronds, the small nanber, 2-8, of spore cases iu the sori, and the absence of ai indusium. -
GrwcHeNia cmcixara, Swartz. Coral lern—Wide- spread throughout-Australia (@x, W.A,), New Zealand, New _ Caledonia and Malayan Archipelago. It is found sevambling among undergvewth im a tangled mags, sometimes toe 12 feet, with trond pinnutes at right angles to the branches, ancl divided to the midrib into numerous. semi-cirenlar seements. about one-eighth inch long. These segments are flat, or have their edges somewhat rectrved, aud the sori are near the upper inner angle. with three or four spore cases.
GQ. picarva, RB. Wirry Coral Fern.—Distribution the same as that of (. ciremuta, except that it is nof found in S.A. Tt has the same habit and general appearanee as the last named, but may be distinguished from it hy the smaller.
segments of the pinnules, which are mostly under one-tweitth inch, and have their margins almost closed to the midrib, forming a kind of bag, searedly any of the nnder surface of the segment being visible. Mo or three Spore cases almost, fill this space.
G. ruapruyats, Rr, Tan Pern, Tas., N.S.W., Q., N-%., New Caledomia— The fronds of this fern are fan-shaped, with pinnules slightly toothed. mot deeply divided, and not at right angles to the stem, but at about 25 degrees, rarely above att inch long, one-tyelfth to one-eighth broad, The spore casas are in groups, mostly of four, along the lower half of the pinnule, away from the margin. Its distribution in Vietoria ig rather doubiful, for Mueller ineladed. with if
Wott > Wa.raMsox, Vretorivm bern 241 specimens which are now accepted as (, leogadi (syn, Jlagel davis). Few of the specimens in the National Herbariam are Victorian: Those from Tyers River, Mt. Pleasant Creek and the Grampians are apparently correetly named, and have been confirmed by thy late Rev. W. W. Watts. Authentie recoils of ity range ave needed, and it is suggested to collectors that specimens Thought to be {t, fubellaty ‘should. be sent to the Her barium for verifeation and district record,
G. wavniava CWilld.) Ak, Spreading Fan Ff un —Dis- ‘twibution the same as that of G@. Habelluta, This fern differs ‘from the last-named in having larger and broader pinmnules, not toothed, wid set at right angles to the branches, with thea ‘buses, dilated, 1} is often of a glaucous hue, while G fabel- dati ig penerally of a bright ov a dar green, -lt is camimon ut the Grumpians and the. Dandenony Ranges; and ‘the writer has gathevred-, on roadside cuttings in, the ‘highlands of the North-Hast, and also between Cann River and Genoa... Fanily SCHIZBACK.%, de
Genus SCHIZA%A, te
Seiasy mercnusa, Lab. Comb Pern, Vas, B.A. NAW. NZ, As. At, Polyuesia—This peeuliat plant, often scarcely recognised as a fern, consists of a single threadl- dike stem, about 30 inehexs high, surntounted, when fertile, by » goanb-lke frond about an inch Jong, with as matiy as 20 pinnules, about one-eighth Inch long, bearing sori, with. trove tour to eight pairs of spore eases in:cach, The whole plant is of a reddish colour, and ig easily overlooked. 1+ has been wathered at Oakleigh, the Dandenong Ranges, the Grampians gid South and Bast Gippsland,
S. puema, Willd. Forked Cowb Fer, District the same as that of &. fistidosa, except that it is vot found in §.A.—I1. is similat to 8. fistedasa, and often grows in association with it. Jt can easily be distinguished by its forked stem. ‘Lhe voubtike fronds ure shorter, but the pinnules are about, three-cightins-ineh loug and are narrewer and fringed with Tong: eilia. L
Family SALVINIACILA. Genus Azous.a.
Tndnded by Benthan. ander NO, Lyvapaduicee, but now counted among the fees. Small floating plants, often cover iny the surface of lagoons with a red or green carpet. The fronds are branched and the scements are very small, and
t4y WILLIAMSON, Victorian Ferns bated ry
IIR ERE |
Family GLEICHENIACEAD (J—1I—1iil—lvV)- Family SCHIZACEA (V—V1), Family SALVINIACEAE (Azoila) (VIE—YVII1),
fora - Winiiaasus, Vielorian Berns 243
unequally, two-lobed. The spore cages are of two kinds, and ave in the axus of the main branches.
AzOLLA PinNaTA, R.Br Ferny Azolla, 5.A,, N-S,W., Q, As, Ai.—Theé floating fronds are regularly pinnate, some- times twiee pinnate, broadly ovate in outline, about an ineh jong, and provided with numerous sxeotlets, at first entire and dilated, but when alder prettily feathered. It appears to be common in the Goulburn Riyer flats, and muy some- times be seen on the Botanic Gardens Lake. The writer gathered it years ago on a pond in the Burnley Gardens.
A. FILIcuLonEs, I., var. rivera ({R.By.), Diels; Red Azolla, S.A., Tas, NUS.W., QQ. N.Z—This is a much con- moner species, and may often he seen thiekly massed on the surtace of ponds and lagoons. The brick-red appearaiee of water-holes is due often to this plant. The fronds are not regularly pinnate, but are simply branched, short, and with few yootlets, which sure siniple, nol feathery,
EXPLANA'NON OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Fig, I.—Gleichenia circinata, (a) Segment enlarged «b) Spare” tase of Gleichenia.
Fig. H—G. dicarpa. (a) Segment enlarged.
Fig. Il1.—G. flabellata. (a) Pinnule enlarged.
Fig. IV.—G, l@vigata, (a) Pinnule enlarged.
Fig. V.—Schize@a fistulosa.
Fle. VIS, bifida. (b) Spore case of Schizza,
Fig. VII.—Azolla pinnata. : Fig. VIN—A, filiculofdes, vay. rubra,
Tue Late Por, A, Denny, O.8e., FRS—T'he Journal of the Quehkett Mterascopical. Club Cuondon) for November lust contains an appreciative obituary notice of the late Professor Dendy, who passed away jn London earher in the year, Dr, Dendy was well known to many of the early mem- bers of the Field Naturalists’ Clab, whieh he joined in Mav, 1888, soon after his arrival in Melbourne as assistant to Prof. Baldwin Spencer. the then recently-appointed Professor of Biology at the Melbourne University. He soon took an active interest in the Club, and, after serving several yearg on the - Conimittee, was elected one of the viee-presidents for 1593- Tu. 1894. he was appointed Professor of Bislopy at Canter- bury College, University of New Zoatland, tia 1903 he reecived the appointinent of Professor of Zoology im the
O44 CHATMAN, F'lints and their Origin, Veet
University of Capetown, whence he vetutned to Lon- dou, in 1904, to take up the professorship of Zoolovy ut King’s College, University of London, which position he held np to the time of his fleath. He was one of the visit- ing members of the British Association for the Advancement of Science to the Melbourne meeting in 1914, when he renewed his aequaintinee with many old friends.~ He con- tributed several papers to the earlier volumes of the Naturalist. inainly on eryptozoie zoolowy---peripatas. Placarian wortis. ete. That he lost no time in starting his investigations is seen hy the fact that in the wumber for January, 1889. he deseribed two species of Peripatus whieh he had just found at Warburton, . He wae jomt author, with Mr. A. TL. 8. Guess, MLA. first Eelitoy of the Nuburalist, in the production of that well-known students’ text-hoolr, “An Introduction to the Study of Botany,’ which was dlesigned move especially for Australian students. In later yeats he devoted considerable attention fo sponges, on which he was a vohumindes wr iter, and, at the time of his death, hac become a world-wide authority on that group. He was for four years president of the Quekett Microscopical Club, and his death, at the age of 60, is a severe loss toa zoological reseureh work —P.G.A.B. |
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FLINTS AND THEIR ORIGIN By F. Carman, ALLS.
scene VuAcenaanesesebeorrasdanscnserannnesestennagnysnrunsan cauedscerestanecsunserti pas srvnasesn svg eeceasnnnecnepanesayy¢ycussapae
Pha DLpEaDece HO pI peneeere TEEN aDERP RMP EaO DDT EN p:
Pd
Many refereuces may be found in literature to the hared- ness of flints, in illustration of the lack of charity or miserh- ness m certain characters. hus we read of Antony's friend, Mnobarbus, addressing Cleopatra :-—
“Thraw my heart Against the flint and hardness of my fault: Which, being dried with grief, will break to powder."
And we also rementber that Dickens’ Mv. Flintwineh was not a particularly mild-hearted personage, especially when his wife, Affery, had dreams.
ee CHAPStAN, Fints and their Ovigte 245
Whilst admitting the hardness of fits, there are other minerals that are harder, but none so common ; and this may account for the generally popular idea concerning them. Por flints have a wide distmbution both in Europe and Britain, and are usually found avearrine in bands in the chalk of the South of B nglaid, as well as in Yorkshuv'e. Bast Angha and the North of Ireland. Flint hus always been a favourite material, where found, for use in building, Wye stones atten being disposed i in patterns. A fine speeimiean af Mintework still in existence is in the Old Bridewell by St. Andrew's Church. Novwich, dating about AD. 1400, According to Blomefielll this ig “esteemed the nrost curiots wall of blaek Hints in all Noyvlund for ts neat work and look, its stones Deine broken sa smooth and joined so well”?
Just asa petrified frott may be vrevasted ty oir layer of hardened voek, so haye many of the terms we commonly ase been wrapped in a uew coat and have Jost thete orienial meaning, This name lint, tor example, is merky the Anpio- saxon for a reek, And this ells to mind its allaston in the town of Mint, by the estuary of the Dee, in North Wales. where Flnt Castle stands high upon the rock which was left asa “intte’? whem the sieroinding’ eomitry was. washed away. ‘Che Sewndinavian word ““finta’’ is a simile tem, Hallafiinta, indeed, is applied by geologists to the intensely tough, cherty rock sometnnes used as a touchstone for lasting gold. The Greek plinthos, meaniny a brick or shaped stosve, alsy shows some kinship to the same word.
Our ancestors were well acquainted with @inn ji conjune- “tion with the tinderbox, before the days of the Jaciter and -satetyomateh ; and the Hint and steel was a common eunip- ment until the carly part of last century. Ln these cayxs, when Japatiese matelas fail to do their duty, we may wii eonsolation by picturing a man of the middle ages who wanted to light Wis pipe by the tedious tindey-bos, Alt and steel, '
This use of flint reminds uy how, some years ago, whilet walking over a. ploughed fleld in, Surrey, Enpland, we picked up a squared piece of flint, thinking it to be an ancient palwolith; Dit we were assared hy oa well-known ethnolowist that dtowas probably a ostoke-a-leht thrown away hy wn aL enltaral labourer,
In the old Mini-lock gun, Invented ia the ently part of tye ih Centary, there isa flake of flint held in (Th cack, whieh
246 Cavraax, (Ante and their Origin yist Rat
cones dowit wpow the steel cap of the pan eonvtainme the mong. These Hint flakes were, until reeenthy, still beme wiiutictured tor exportation to Africa, and this ** kiap- ping’? Tnilnstry flourished antil quite lately in the Nariollk village of Brandon. But fur older still is the tidus- try of making tint implements by the eolithic, palwolithic and neolithic incn of Murvope. ing was preferred beeause of its good workable qualities, honiogeneity and hardness, producing, by pereussion, u more dr less pevfeet eonchaidal fracture. But that leads us into the wide field of ethnology.
And now as to the oveurrence of these {iints, “When nearing the white cliffs of Dover, the ‘ Albion’? of tho puets, ane may notice the bands of black flints which there vom. almost horizontally at intervals of one to six feet apart. © The intervening chalk is very like a modern deep-sea ooze, when seen under the mievoseope, since it. is mitde ap for the most part of the tiny shells of Globigerina amd the reniains af microscopic plants, with a sprinkling of siliceous diatoms and sponge-vemaius, As the fiints themselves coutain the same organisms as the surrounding ooze, they must. have beer formed ur the place where they are now found, and the general consensus among geologists and physicists at prescut is, that the flinty matter in solution, in the form of a ‘water: giass,'" has spread along the sea-bed, and whore it has been stoppecl from sinking by the preseneee of an Impervious ayer has formed stings of flint nodules.
Tn. England, Novth Ameviea and elsewhere, exeapt in Australia, flints are enriously enough eoufined to the White Chalk of Cretaceous age. In this land of anomalies, how-
‘pver, althongh we have rocks of the Chalk age. we do not there find the flints. They neenr, strangely enough, in the Miocene Tertiary of South Australia and Vietoria.
In a letter sent to ‘“Nature,?” and published Oetoher 4, 117 (in-a symposial discussion on Flints startecdl by Rar Lankester), the present writer offered same eonelusions én the Australian aspect of the subject, fran. whieh if will be apposite to make the following extrack:—
“These cainozoic flints [of South Australia and Vieteria} appear to be confined to the Miocene (Janjukian) beds, aul ave closely associated with the polyzoal limestone, a Whyte, chalky deposit, consisting of polyzoa and foraminifera. ‘Lhe evidence of a. microscopic oxaminalion, of these Ainks gues bi prove that the position held by Prof. G. A, 7. Cole, that - chalk fliuts cepvesent a more or less complete replaeement al
Vb Oearway, “lants and their Origin 247
the chalky ooze, is the only one tenable from the Austeatian standpoint, The Australian tints are often crowded with the silicified remains of polyzoa, foraminifera, shell fragments and oecasional sponye-spicules, the latter merely inielnded as: u component of the ooxe, and not as selected material, Our ing the formation of the fling the caleareous bodies are fre- quently chssolved, and only remnants ave seen, in some eases, mM the Hint sections. Another point, in corroboration of hg Caole’s contention! (based on Liesegane’s experiments), the presence of an impervious hed underlying these rerthanty flint layérs, This was pouifed. ont long aga hy ‘Penson Woods, who stated that. well-sinkers in South Austvalla lave oliseryed that a layer of Aint ia alway's found immediately above the water-level. The factor of an impermeabic layer indueing deposition of diffused siliet is ant dnportint one, dial is strongly supported in those instinees where | hives had an opportunity of observing it.”
From the faet that flints ave almost piwre chileedomy or evyptoeryetalline silita, ad without iron jupmritios, they ave valuable for glass aking; and the fine Aint glass fron whieh ent-glass is manutachwed ts produced trom pulverised flints, carbonate of potash and oxide of lead. The siliea of flints, heing deposited in the first place ag a jelly ar colloid, it is not surprising to see it translucent. in thin flakes, althongh in the mass it looks black, The white outing, more- over, which jx nearly always found on fltuts, Nas really nothing to do wilh its being formed in a matrix of white, ehalky Jimestone, This whiteness is entirely due to the fine atmospheric powdering, so to Speak, of the skin of the Mint, and is caused by the homogenous flint luving been Loken up inte numerous reflecting surfaces he the sane way as when a piece of brown bottle glass beeames white when powdered. When flint nodules have been exposed to Weathering, and perhaps to alkaline solutions for a very lone time, this white: coat inay extend nearly, or quite, inte the centre of the stone. In illustration of this there is the remarkable bed of Hit pebbles in the Tertiary sands of the Bournemouth Cliffs, Hampshire; und when these pebbles are split with a blow they vot infrequently show the white appearance meht to the centre.
Oy the economic side, {links may be ai indication of water supply: Whereas the nodular form of flints seen to be due
‘Cola, G. A. J, “The Rhythmic Deposition of Flint,” Geological Magazine; 1917. pp. 164-168.
248 CHavaas, Llints and bein Gvighe you erat
to the gathering of the ‘silien around au etganic mass or entre, the tabulin flints probably owe them Lormation to the raturation of a layer immediately above an inperviows marl hand, by reference ta the bureds of trot aeeurring in the palyaal rock of Port Maedoucll, Tenison Woods remarks — “They oeeur in sheets af very real extent and about tive er three iiehes. thiek, and are quarried and nsecl ag Hage.”
A. similae band of Aint. but in Victoria. was stunel some woars avo it the Mallee whilst boring for water, 1h wig met with at 600 feet, and, owing to the resistanee, to todls, nade the hoving lao expensive to'carty through with the ordinary appliances, Probably, had this flinty layer been pierced, a. poranent supply of water inivht have heen tapped; Tor ‘Vonizson Woods has stated, in hia ‘Geological Chservations in South Anstralia,’? that the well-sinkers in South Australia observe that a layer of flints is always found immediatels - above the water level. 'Phis helps to confiem the writer’s iivpvession that, as also ome the Tnelish chalk, an imper- menhle daver indyees the deposition of an averlying hand of diffused sihea, resulting in the formation of flinis.
It is obvious, in this question of the origin of flint. that uch light has been thrown om the problem by the Australian, dlata obtained... No well-direeted effort of reseaveh ear be tit vain, and, even in the subject we have discussed. the economic aspect has heen placed tn a cleaver light by showing how elosely connected is detuiled stratigraphical jwwork with attesiaL water supply.
Like the early Hiumopean inhabitants of the north, the Australian aborigine had ait instinet for diseoverinu: flints front which to make his artefacts, At various places along the Otway Coast, und at Cape Liptirap, these flints appear to be washed out of the Tertiary limestones, sued there. ov in the viehvity, thei flakes and worked tools can be found. Bat since the native wag viven to barter, these worked Mits are generally widely distributed. At Altona Fux, for instance, the synull flint knives, made from stone, found ae far-off as Cape Liptrap, beautitully notched: and pointed, ey be found in some number's,
Alas for the romantic side of things! The abovigine takes the path of least resistanee, for, as Sir Raldwin Spencer remarks. the black mau. associating with tha white, drops his thne-hallowed enstom of using Mints wid niakes bis fobs of the bottlerdags ready to his Hand.
THE LOMA'TIAS.
The Lomatias, with denticled, holly-Hke leaves, ave close yelations of the W avatah, and are among onr frequentiy-niet native shrubs. The lonedeaved species prefers the river banks, and the other two are qnite at home on the drier hill sides, even the salty air of the sevside not mterferiie with them. ‘wo of the genus are met aith atin allitade of qnite 4,000) Feer,
Though handsome and wordy of evarden volume, J clo nok votive them, iu the Honey Mora dist 1 an disposed to think. however, that before lone they will fhid a piace there, although, like some of the Wuealypts, they do not flower equalby well cach year, and not as they are doing this season, A nine-feet-hieh Lomate. Mrasert growing in my garden is- beuvime its 100 racemes of flowers.
' Busy insects gather round and extract the honey from the qnaint, almond-seented, creamy Hower. One warn day I counted as many as 12 different kinds. Some 7 did not attempt. to eateh, others 1 seeured for examination. These: consisted of a red-headud Jrymenoplervus imsect whose abdominal extremity eorved while resting; sevelal repre sentatives of the apis famnly, inelucing a large, brown, hatvy fellow with a large X on hig back; another, a stubby hee with « greenish-brown head. hardly distinguishable Crom the resh of his body; # lony-bodied, banded dipteron, with sur- Piisinely quiskanoving wings, which hovered long and often betove deciding to drink. A) chivk-colouned, bhlrek-haired, bee-like insect also extvacted as shove of the nectar, Even wv sinall connmon blowfly wae seen in eourpany with the eomn- mon house fy and a small blue fly ahont the same size. ST hexe three last seamed to make things nncomtortable, in prevent: ing front Jandiuy a dainty, very small, green-winged’ ant, whose large wings seemed out of proportion to its body..
5 ron igs “ ; Viet Nal. 250 Notes trom Mield and Studar . bvat xe
hese it Kept extended both in flight and when at vest. No interference was shown, however, to a husy little black ant, who evidently knew well where the best results were to be obtained. 4
Me. G. Mreneh, Jnr, identified some of iy. visilors as frdomyrmes rufiniger, Calliphorn villosa, Sepsis sp. Tepliritis sp., Musea, 2 sp., ete.
“Last vear TI thought T had some mature seed saved From this plant, bit, on piekinu the pods, fowid the eortents, as usnal, beautifully arvanged, but with them an oehvey-yellow ‘swhstance had formed that t took for a fungoid growth, Me. D. B. Adam, however, considered it to be acieular erystals ot some organic compound, with a brownish Jayer of cistin- tegrated dead tissue cells. ‘Thus, theugh externally the seed pods looked normal and ripe seeds might be looked fov, sone form of blight had ldlled all of then in their many eases.—A..T. °
NATURAL HISTORY OBSERVAXIONS BY NIGHT.
Wishing to see what was happening in the insert world during the hours of darkness, [ toole the opportunity veeently, whet on a visit. to the mountains in the vicinity of Warburton, to make an nivestigation. Armed with a powerful acetylene bieyele lamp, [ set off along a narrow timber tram line nto the heart of the forest. he first things to attract my notice were hosts of small, brown eaterpiilars, with their heads all turned in the same clirection, hurrying along the tram vaily. For about 200 yards they eould leo seen everywhere, and were all making north. The only reagan 1 could assign for this migration, it one eould call it sunli. was the tact that extensive bush fires were vaging some two ‘miles to the south, and the scent of burning scrub was very strong. Several large Crane flies hovered into the beam of light, probably disturbed from their slumbers, as they are ‘typical day-flying insects.
A Jarge weevil of the genus Poropterus was found lnesily drilling a hole into a dead limb of a Beech tree. Many ald jogs were carefully examined, and upon most of them were seen oany of the Tenebrionid beetles, Apasis howitl:. Dur- ing the daytime these insects are always concealed under or inside rotten logs, but, durmg the dark hours, they beeome wery active. Some examples of the somewhat rare Carab
ay ss Votes from Pield dnd Stiuda 281
hectle, Melisoderw priefpewnis, were found crawling: om te trunks of stringy-barked Hucalypts.
Directing the rays upon the ground, several spiders wery seen harryiwe through the earpet of fallen Jeayves, and a fair- sized ceutipede noticed holding one of the previously- moemhoned brown caterpillars im its mandibles. The next object of interest was a beautiful tree frog (Hyla), whieh Was vesting upon a stall limb of a musk tree. The bright fight apparently did not inconvenience him, as he appeared eontunt to stay there ag long as I wished to view hin. Several specinens of the dark form of Adrium artifex, 2 small Longicorn beetle, were observed upon a treshly-fallex eucilypt, where they were no doubt seeking guitable situa- tions for depositing their aves, .
The light next revealed a heautiful moth resting upon the lrank of a Sassutyas tree. It was a species of the genus Colussau, and, with its brightly-shinmg eyes, quivernur feathered antenne, aud wings resembling rich brown velvet, it was indeed a thing of beauty.
A rustling sound anionyst the leaves of a Hazel tree drew my attention to a pretty little Rine-tailed Opossum, and he remained perfecily still, apparently dazzled by the bright Night. Some snail black ants were harying up a dead tree, each bearing a papa, whilst at tha foot of the tree there was & apecbuen of the bralliant-hued Carab beetle, Votone- mus opilentus, Mie sound of runing Water suggested look- ing for aquatic inseets, but the ovly things moving were aome small, very active, shiinp-like erustaceans,
As my light. was now beginning to give out, I had 16 relinquish my investigations, lat L an looking forward to spending another interesting evening when an opportunity uffers.—I, E. Witson,
PARASITISM. IN THE SANTALACHKY,
Root parasitism has already been proved in the vases of Imany santalaceous plants; of Australian species notably in Karacarpus cupressiformas, by Dr, Benson, aid im the Sandal- wood aad the Quondong, by Ma. D, A, Herbert. Suspicion was doubtless directed to these by the inypossibility of transplant \n@ them, successfully, or of cultivating them fron) seed,
In the Jawrnal of the Royal Society of Western Austrutia for 1924-25 Mr, Herbert conviets seven other members of the
258 Notes from Biel@ and Study Bb eri
family of the same degrading habit. These are Funsanws spicatus, R.By., &. vouminetius, R.Br, Geplomeria preissiiona, D.C, L. spinosa, D.C. Charetrum laterifiaermn, RB! Econ pus @phille, RB, and J”. sparted, R.Br. Atl were found to- develop numevous lateral haustoria, which penetwated the reats of the host planty more or less deeply, but, not attacking the wood. All algo seemed to-be suto-pavasitic. ‘The haustoria varied greatly in size. In Leptameria preiwsiana they attained nu diameter of one-third of an ineh, im Peocurpus aphylla a quarter of an inch, In. eupressifarwes, a much larger plant. they had been fownd so sinall as to be discernible only with- the aid of a lens. Ouly in LZ. spartea were they developed apart from, the presence of alien roots.
Leploneria spinasa alone showed disermmination in the choice of a host, the others not being at all particular in. this. respect. While some species like Axecerpas uphaylle xvow in such elose proximity to another plant, ov even appearing to: grow out of it, as te at once suggest parasitism, others like Fusunus agciuninatus, by its isolated position, seemed to dis- arm suspicion until the length of its roots, sometimes extend- ing for a distanee of twenty yards, ghawed its ability, in spite: of distance, to reach those of its victims, As in others of their kind. root hairs were almost or entirely wanting. —-C.8.5
PHOTOGRAPHS FOR "“PHH NATURALIST.”
It is proposed, while funds permit, to include one plate at least-in each issue of the Maturalist. Members are invited to submit prints for consideration by the Editor and the Publishing Committee. Unusual subjects are desired, not photographs of scenery, etc. Writers of papers might submit photographs suitable for illustrations —Editor. -
All contributions for the Naturalist, and letters to the Editor, should be addressed: CHARLES BARRETT, } “Maralena,” Maysbury Avonue, Blsternwick, Vic-
Che Victorian Naturalist
Vou. XLIT—No. 11 MARCH 5, 1926 No. 507
FIELD NATURALISTS” CLUB OF VICTORIA.
The ordinary monthly necting of the Clab was held in the Koyal Society’s Fill on Monday evening, Pebraury 8, 1926. The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, occupied the chair, wad about HO members and friends were present.
REPORT.
Mormmeyton, January 30.—The Jeader, Rev, G. Cox, far- warded # report of this exeursion, whieh showed that though very Tew members availed themselves of this opportunity of visiting Momington, nn interesting programme was carried ont sueecsstully,
BWLECTION OF JOM TRIER,
On a ballot being taken, Master Pred. Bartow was duly Avelared elected as ai associate member of the Clnh.
GENERAL,
Bush Fires. ~The Won. Secretary, Mu, C, Oke, referred to the widespread bush fires. Lilo had bea, on the previous day, al, Warburton, where Lirge areas along the vaihway line, par- fienlarly between Mt. Evelyn and Wandin, and between Mill- wyove and Warburton, had been swept hy fire. The whole of Mount: Littte Joe, as seen from the line, appeared to have been burnt out. He thonght that an article might be published in the Natuvalist, indieatine the extent of the areas devastated hy the fires. In future years it would fom a reference, and would also enable some idea to be formed as to the time required by a fire-swept area to regain its normal state.
Mount Byerard Reservation —Miss Nokes stated that’ bush fires had been burning on the monntain, and probably had swept. the ares. it was proposed to reserve. Vi such was the ease, the loeal, Progress Assocjation would, most likely, let the project lapse.
254 Bvcursion to Mornington Vatcxnatt
LECTURE.
‘Along the Queensland Coast—-A Biological) Tour,’? by Mar. 2. CL Movvison, ALSe. ‘This lecture was. iustrated by a large winniber of excellent Jantein slides, showing various fons of wunial and vewetable life, also some very interesting views alone the Queensland coast, Several members: spula in appreciution of the leetnve and the laitern views.
The odeting closed with the usual short comversaziane.
EXHIBITS, ty Rey. G. Cox: Mossil leaves of Lanietio, Neyhelltes and Hollivedia, tron Balebmbe Bay; also lignite from the: same loeality:. :
By Mv. J. Tt. Leslie: Bifureation in frond of Lamaria.
By Mr. P. C. Morrison, MSe.; Plates fram the carapace of the Jarve Queensland taurtle; corals from the Great Barrier Reef; and aboriginal weapons from Queensland.
By The National Herbavinn, on behalf of the Rev. A. C. FP. Gates, MAA.. of Tava, who has-been botanising on ML. Brien and. sarroanding aregion:—Barcker Guarana, Sehawer, Mountain Heath Mirtle; Bieekea, probably uew ta seienee; Callistenion Sieberi, D.C., Alpine Bottle-brash; Senecio wags, Fiv VL, Saw Groundsel; Senecio peclinalus, D.C., Alpine Groundsel; Aehehrysum rosmarinefolius, Less, Rosemary Everlasting; Olearia florthuada, Bth., Heath Daisy-bush: Helichryswm lepidephyllkem, Tovey anc
' Morris, Clubmoss Daisy-bush; Celnisia longifolia, Silver
Daisy; Gentina (stcosa) montana, Forst., Mountiin Ger- tian: Pavsophyllian Tadgelhonen and P. Sutton, Rogers and Rees.
EXCURSION TO MORNINGTON
‘Che programme of the Holiday Week-eud Exeursion hegan with the departure from Mornington on Saturday. January 30) at 9 asin, of 11 members of the local Naturalists’ Glob, three visitors and the leader. At Mooroodue the arrival of the train from Melbourne was awaited. but tio B.N.G. members came by it. After lineh the party walked to the large quarry, where a wonderful face of rock of Ordo- Vician age. is exposed. By means of spécially-prepared curds, and the external evidences in the quarry itself, the leader explamed the relative age and formation of the vock mass.
pil Exoursion. to Mornington n 235
Mt, liza, at the back of the quarry, Wak ascended, and from the summit a fine parioraniie viva was cominanded, A walk along the vidge, through the bush, brought us to a granite outerop, wlieh has been partly opened op. The stone appew's to be of very fine quatlity, and greatly resembles the well-known Hareourt grauite Jelear avhite felspar and black (hbiolite) umeaj. A ramble in another direction led to the banks of a veservoiy (nearly dey), from wieh nunibers of valves of the fresh-water molluse (Pistdtum spo) were collectad. A bush traek Jed back to the quarry. Ou the wiry to the ‘station several interesting hotameal species wo gathered, eluding ad tine spray of Dianella fwuts, with purple seod- berries, A halt awas dade at a wayside pool, on the sare face of which floated water-lilies, in tall bloom, Among the Waler-weeds skirbing the pool a eh harvest might have bees gathered for pond-lite study,
The irain by which we retarned ty Mornington Wrought two dady menibers of the Chib, After tea, fwinkoreed ha Te vouny inen, visitors, the party attended, by invitation, at the loiden’s home, A collection of aboriginal Weapons and iniple- ments (about 160 pieces) wag exeunined, the leader viving a deseriptivetalls; then the local Club?’s collections wore viewed,
Sunday was spent according te the individual tastes of Wembers. On Monday the first party, consisting of 1s local members and two visiting members, assembled, at 9.30 am, tnd walked to Fossil Beach. Here a camp was established, und the party dispersed over the Baleombian fossil beds. Meanwhile, the leader veturned to the station to meet the Melbourne train, by whieh arrived three lady members, who were driven out to join, the advance party, Adtter laneh the party set off for the Baleombe’s Bay leaf beds (Atioeene), passing en route the brown coal deposits, and turning aside to visit a gully in which foorishes the Phame Uninea (7, elegans), now only in bud, ‘Phe spot ow whieh Captain Mart- thew Winders Iagded, jay April, 1602, wis seen. Mie wiry led over several rocky outevops, among whieh (as the tile was very low), a number of chitons wos taken. Most ot the species sean at the leal-heds were fragmentary, though some wood speviinens have bean obtained deve on loeal Club OXCMESTONS.
Some menithers of the MNCL had erected their tents on the beach, and afew of the younger ovies enjoyed a swim, After returning und resting of the damp? another visit was
25h Becersion bo Wilson's Promuntarcy ven ett
~
| nh ‘ a made to the marine shell beds. No great finds ean he chronicled, though a good tssortinent of the species charac- taristic of the beds was found. Amony the living types ol interest taken were si fine large hermit crab, and the boring wolluse (Barred obtiuramentiune), in burrows i the lay, The day was ideal for solleeting, the tide being so low, and the water perteetly still he ehildren joining the loeal Chib lave proved themselves experts at eolloeting, one gith, V1 yours of age, having recently collected nearly 100 chitons during ant afternoon, many of them hardly visible to the naked eye, aud none of thet over three-quarters of an inch in length, A number of hotanical specimens clabned notice dure the das. Lut no mew or tnusual types were recarded—Ruv, G, Cox.
EXCURSION TO WILSON’S PROMONTORY
The sisth Chah exeursion to Wilson’s Promontory took placa during the New Year holidays. On January 2 eight members travelled in a covered wageon from Pish Creek, Passing through the western extremity of the Hoddle Range, ovo, an area bearing everywhere evidences of the rmithless destruction of the once dese forests and luxuriant fem eul- lies, the low-lying heath or moorland was erassed, to Lisher- nau’s Camp, thenee down the beaéh to the Darby River,
At the Iitot Sabara-tike stretehas of saud intervene when the tide is out, his coast is interesting in showing phases vE the dewudation of land and cneroachment of sea, varied hy suecessful resistance und approach by sand-dunes apainst the action of wind and tide. In the formet ease the planing dowu of whit appear to be either old swanrp-beds. with peaty battoms, or extensive carbouiceous deposits. cerived “from seaweed, dnd the inroads made on the clumps of Bank Nias, many tvees of whieh are avashed right out un the vere of the sea, are evidences; in the other, the heaping up of the sand (i the shallows around the slightest obstrietion, the eerawth Of gruss-fatts, then tassoeks, and, further back, coastal xerub ag siuid-stays, consolidating and extending as dines the line of defence and advance, ave equally striking,
During the week we vantbled in the neighhonrhood of the chalet and the Darby River, Tongue Point, and the Darby spor and saddle. as far as the sothern limit of Noarniuan Bay, and elong the telegraph track to Bad Saddle. with
By ‘ Becnrsion to Witsea'ts Pranmantory 257 deviations therefyony to Lilly-pilly Ghally and Sealers’ Cove rospaeclivahy ; the hatter a twaedays’ journey. Sinee lash year ao het has beet huilt af Sealers’ Cove. and. “uiother ot relat River, tar the convenience of eanmpers, The trucks are mW vou orders fat to Lally-pilly will ultimately he extended fo the head of dhe Gilly, where a waterfall abont 15 feet an height adds to the beauty of thig sylvan retreat. Do a home paddock two ov three kangaroca or wilabires and an emu are kept for observation by tourists who are unable to make lane excursions, The seuson for wild-Howers was alinost ended, but 76 species were noted mm bloom, some only seantily. Ruryarvin sporosa, Cassie aculeata, Lotus australis, Tlonuise pelilocahits, Senecio lautus, Scavolic surveolens, Lobelia prur- quecasceus, La wanes, Olcaria cnillaris, Viineniaria demwndiutir, with the Banksias, Hakens and Nanthorrheas, were more pra- fase in fowerme. Among the orchids, Dipadiwm prenctlafron Castrodia sesumpides and Uhelynetratangifole were in Mower. Most. of the leguminous plants were fu finite as were Afeda ies pinifolius, Levenpoqan Richer, Meocerpis sthicli, ote,
There ia a noticeable tendency to comimunal growth ti the National Park. ey. the dense vrove of Casmapinag on the Darby spur, the fine Banksip groves beyond The densely elnatering Melaleueas and Leptospermoins of the river fat, the Buposing avvay of wrass-trvees on varinns areas, the pro- fyston of Lilly-pillies in the eully ppproapriately bearing the name, the extensive thicket of hazels tharking the approaeh wud rome pant of the slope in the descent te Sealers’ Cove, and then the distinctive fan-zully vegetation of that moist and sheltered area. This chavactevistic may be noted alsa in the species of Mnealypts, and in the wrouping of avornss and swamp Veretation,
The tap to Seiers' Cove was completed he fore ia heavy rain-storm, Tt was noted that the growth of Myrtle Beech is voryv mneh more extensive than was thought fa be the case, sainy voung plants gvowing im the rieh soil. At the Cove an cnstarly wind, with a heavy sea, beat mto the bay, while the rainstorm had for precursor the gathering of thick clowd- whieks on the nountiins enclosing the Cove, Several birds. Including two LitHe Penenins, Eudyptada minor, were found dead on the beseh, Portunately the ain kept off until our vernyi , :
Dive our stay at the Park three or four kangaroos ane about 10 wallabies were seen, the Blnek-baekod Wallaby,
9 RY fge ‘ 4 , " r Vict. Nat. 258 Eiccarston te Wityon'y Prone they wor XLrt
Magrapus (wilabatus, beng the more plentiful. In some Tistiheey Tl admits showed little tense ob gbservers, Or comrse, o stile individual has the better chaneae of svete MMOS, Which a large party will distial. About hali.a dozen Koalis were observed, chiefly ow the blae gums. Ore. al Sealers’ Cove, was perehed at a great heiwht, Wvideuees af the presence of wonrbats were ndtieeable, It was intetrestine to hear fram two independent welness#es of mi animal having been sean ab lilly-pillv which auswered to the leseviption oft the Bush-tailed Rat or Tum, Mr. Plaids, on a visit to the Lisht- hovge. sw theough the ghias about 20 seals disporting un a rocky island fo the westward. A fow gmall snakes were seen, tive of Wwlieli-eopperheads—avere despatehed, AL visitor reported having seen an antlered deer towards the Verekeu moive, There ave deer ou Sauke Ialvud, but fam not aware that, deer lave been tetveduead fo the Prouovntory. he fivard, Agerwa iehite, wis munerons, and sustained the pepiu- tation previously edrned tor friendliness. Oie Was alinast reduced toa torpid state by cathig to repletion of March-fias, supplied hy Mr. Vo Miller; while another pretty, copper colourd lizard fearlessly caught flies-on the weiter’s land ane coal-sleeve. Galaxians, or mountain-trowt. are munerous in the eveeks. At Gilly-pilly Creek they ate eceedily the serays thrown into the stream, and allowed Mr, MLiller to stroke their sides gently with w switeh, ‘The hirgest seen was jnat over six inehes in length.
Birds were very numerous and tuneful. especially in the sheltered hill and river serub wear the chalet. At daybreats one eal hear the foll, vieh notes of the Marmonious Vbiash, the matutinal song of the Moypie, the passionate cull of the Goach-whip Bird, the harshor eries ot Honey-eatens, the eheer- ful tavitter of Aganthizas anc Serub-wreng, the dour note of the Bronzewing, and the challenging sone of the Buteher-bird. Blue Wrens ard at home at, the whulet. The Swallow still vets broods wader the-back verandah, and a Mookaburvi taxes stock of visitors from a neighbouring post. We heel We: mournful cadence of the Pallid Cuckoo, and alse the Bronce Cnekoo's note. Ovex the river an ‘occasional Cormoraut flew. a White-tronted Heron lazily changed his location, or a tev Ducks followed the windings of the stream. A Fyyre-bird was seen neat Sealers’ Cave, and their initative calls avere alse heard. Special observation was made of the birds, more this 50 species heing noted by the party. ancl listed earefully hy Mies MeMyhon and Mv. Hughes. Anong these were the Black
rs ou o
bt Aeenrvainn ta Wilsau's Proutentovy Cockutoos, which, with Wattle-hirds, affect the Banksigs. A éolony,ot Manewrenus was Joeated by Ale. Wanks neav Whisky Greek. aiid amous the Parrakeets’ Crimson Parrots were Humerus, Streperas were see ti timbered country. Aqnony sea-birds, fhe two species of Oyster-catchur, White-hellied Soa- angles, Peliews, Pacifie onlls and Australian Corlews were dhserved.
The Emus introduced to the Park favour the more open, evassy country, They have prospered, and are a sourec of attraction to visitors. Th isa pine to find that, durnig: the lant year, clutches of voong have heen almost destroyed by foxes, ane of which was scen at Sealers’ Cove. As with dingoes in the past, the inerease of foxes is favoured by the eharacter of the eounteyv, Tn regard to mtroduced birds.
three of the party recogutsed the Blackbird’s song, bur the bil was not seen. The Goldfinch is travelling southward , it was seen at Pish Creek,
Fiiseet life seemed mimerous. verted and vieioie. Sand- flies and March-llies overpowered toarists with conaweleni attentions, whilsi Culex gerduns was winisually aber
dy a previons repart niention was made of the wreekage ast 1p alone the Western coast, against whiel the prevail inv (hitt enrrvenr strikes in tts eustweanl course On (he shores of the bay lies a considerable quantity of timber, pine and blackwood, with scores of beut. ris, tn sets, for bageles and other vehicles, This is from the wreck of u vessel carry- ing timber, which foundered, Jess than a year avo, near Cape Liptaap Aluny wood, but enmpty, barrels are cast up on the shore. ; _ We veturned to the city on January 11. 1 would sug> vost a wellorvanised excursion by boat on some tuture occasion to the Easter coast. of the Promontory, with Sealers’ Cove ws a base for eperations—-Crarees Dany,
Mr. Charles French, sent., one of the founders of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, and formes Government Hritomolopist, will contribute several articles to the Vuturalast. They will deal chiefly with the early days of natural histery in Victoria, and, besides relating his own experieices as ad entomologist and botanist in the held, Mr, French will give memory pictures of other pioneer naturalists. ‘The articles will be Whistrated with portans. ;
‘ “ =v. Nae 26 Ato me Queens Caast Yann
ALONG THE QUEENSLAND COAST
A BIOLOGICAL, TOUK
TOPE TERREDHNEN RAY AMR Tee
3 ow
UL
(Noles on a lantern lecture delivered befare the Pichd Mielurabishs’ Clib of Victoria, Pebruary 8, 1926)
By P. Crospin Morrison, M.8¢.
Tinvellers of the Seven Seas two centuries ave retariect lone with tales of fainy islands where every praspeet. pleased > where one hac only to enjoy oneself: where choice truits-— satislyine food—danglecd temptingly frome every tree; and fuaey-haived beagties were waiting to danee attendance upor | Ihe fortunate traveller, And whenever the hearers, becoming guraptured, seemed to forget the fortitude of the narrator, he had but to dwell for a moment upon the awful dangers of the coral, lo make them turn pale with fear, and mnrmur prayer of thankfulness that theirs paths led away frow tropi- eal waters, and that they still held to foggy England.
Coral was the droid speetre in the life of the mariner. Many a proud atiminal ground out her life againat the troucherous horns of some hidden reef, and sont was the heart of him who would seek out new lands among the Coral Saeits.
in 1770 Captant James Cook had the experience of inini- Henk shipwreaek on the Mudeavour Reet, close to the town Which now bears his name; and only by beaehing his ship for repairs in the Endeavour River was he able to pursue his home- - ward course, Thirty years later Captain Matthew Flinders saaled rivht along the Great Barrier Reet. and chartered fairly weentately the 1600 miles of its westeru fringe. After that date the Reef was touched upon intentionally only ‘by a few naval suryes vessels, such ag the “‘ Thetis’? aid the “* Rattle- snake.’’ and unintentionally hy a few of the carly inmmigvant ships, such as the ‘‘Wansfell,*” whose perilons. trip in 1861, when she arrived irom Wugland three months overdue, carry- ing a full coniplement of itiimigrants all on the verge of starvation, has been numortatised by iuiecrous entries on ihe Admiralty chart. of the Coral Seu.
As time went on, it became: increasingly evident, that the charts of this region—mainly those of FHudevs, whieh have rentiined almost untouched for move than a century — con-
face Aluny the Queensland Coast 26L jwined aw munber of Imaccuracies, he action of the Adinivalty in sending out speelally-equipped survey ships tu undertake charting work on the Reet for aw indefinite period, so uboused public interest in the Jess fearsome and amore Interesting axpeets of this nique xeoeraphical possession of ours, that the Great Barrier Reef Committee was formed, with headqnarters in Brisbane, to undertake and direct. the scientific myestigation from yarious standpoints —imainly veological and biological. Jt was in the latter eapacity that the waiter was sent to Brisbane in 1925, und thence to the Vitious points of interest along the oust. The work cone was Mainly wievoscopie, and, sinve the macroscopic material obtained vontains nothing new to seienee, only.a few aotes on the nwre interesting features of the general work are given Tere,
Travelling overdand from Wietoa to the Novth, little difference iy noted im the geneval aspect of the countyy he sime types of Moealypts seem to follow one fron Wilson's Pronioutory to Cape York, with small breaks of Lrupical jungle of paling and tig, and Tewyer-cane in the wtoist parts, sveh as the coastal region from Cardwell to Cooktown, and upon, the Atherton Pableland, Nunthorrhows af sliptiily differiie species Spread before one all the way Gp, anid the aspect of (he dria plain countey iscthus fairly unitorns, in spite of the hinge tke tropieal latitudes.
One surprise for the traveller ds the qine-clad slapes of the contimentol ishurds of the Whitsunday and Hinchinbrook Groups, huidreds of miles north of the Tropic of Capricorn dan the distunee these Argucarias cestable the Northern pines, amd one i faced with o. sub-aretic seene with a shade tem- peramare of over the LOO mark. ypien) plauts seb. their math on different areas, and on liebtly-tinbered country one seos aunbers of the palm-like “serew pine,” “bread finiit,”” ov Pandenas, a lonely redie of the group Pandanaeces, which Hourished ina bygone ave. Then the stand flora includes suell plants as the spiny-steded Pribidus, the yoats-foot. Con- volvulns, Jpemen pesecaprt, the Candle-ut tree, the Goral TLabupnuimn, Vownefortia, Scemudla, Hibiscus, and Mormda, aM) of which formu a detise backeround of shrubbery throneh which tower the gopecetal stenw of the coconut paling, Cocus woeferg, he coronal, by the way, is voto native, bat ts phinted ou practioally all the ishiids aloe the coast for the benetit. of men who tev be east away with ae otter ieans of sTistenaners,
A ppg a? 1 e Virc. Nee age Mend Mie Gueenstind Ceriee von Xtit
The anud flora is always vers trpieal, too. POHSIstine Of the threes main Mangrove. genera. dace. Aluzophara vid Bragiwera, securving i belts trom sea. to-shore i, frat oder Associated with these enriously-speotaligod treas we find a numher of saaller salt-resisting plants, of avhieh the ios romney i the holly-loaved sbeanthia iieifolia, Stretehes of hare snud in a Mangrove swamp enn abyars be depended Upon to yield, besides the sandflies ancdenosqeitoes, a whelke like Velexcoptum and a Crapsoid cuih., Jelopograpsus wessors and usally the whole of the dead wood ts vtddlod with the boring molluse, T'eredo.
The coral reefs are a disappatmtinent if one sees them in- covered by an exeeptionally low tide, for than all the polyps cloxe, avd the gorgeous colons largely disappear. But dive ito The Jagoon when the reel is covered, and the waudinoss igcatnuaing, Clashing colours om every sice-tiiake the scene appear as a taken from sone extravaganza, amd the specious heanty is a thing never likely to be forgotten. Although the natin part at the creat will be of all one type of eoral, such dix the niagsive Farthes, or the atag- horn Aleropom and Pocillapora, the holes ave a shelter for the muonerous move deheate forms, and gronped toxether one way see small knobs of Mavin, Calloceris, and Ieandrina, in, the shullawer parts; niet. a little further dowatl. the delicate stag-horn, Seniutepord, the carnation voral, Buplayltia, and such others as Crake, Hiydnapara, Parana and Mangia.
Qn these veefs, too, one finds Becho-de-mer, Uridacnd, te wiaat elam, with. the largely undeserved veputibion for drawning paople; Diatenia. a setauehin with nendletlike spines a foot in length and charyed with a patatul potsouw; Cina, a bivalve. which swims actively by Napping the valves of the shell together: Deiliiant polyehaete worms with crowns of gaudy tentaclos; and the want sea-ancmang, Discosanu, whieh attains a diameter of 15 inehes, and shelters ingnr smalley animals as Commensals within its coelenteron,
The crabs in the veel region inelude three gregarious types, which are of interest, The first, dyctiris (ongicarpus, has a. elose velutive to be found im Jarge numbers round hont Blnek Rock, Port Philip Bay, where an arty of some hun- dreds dig. into the sand whe distavbed, inarking theit veshne places with typical rosettes, The avmies in the North ave sinilar, bat many thousauds stroug, aud thei progress oan he heard from & considerable distance
Brey Along the Quecnsiand Coast 68
sonnding Lke the loud rustle of leaves in a wind. Then there js Scoprmera taiflatu, the Sand-babbler Crab, which feeds on the organic particles adherent on the sand grains left by a reeeding tide. All the used sand is rolled up by the thela junto Little spherical pellets, which are cast awe iy radittine lines route the barrow fur a radius of about ten Inehes. © Ueu aerionis, the Calling Crab. also is a bur vowing form; {he male has the welt chela enormorsly developed, so that it hides the whole of the body a& seen, tram the front, aad coloured uo brilliant ovanee. A crowd of these crabs on the beach resembles a patch of orange beans, and a chanee movement on the part of the observer acts like the wave of a magic wand. A thonsand brilliant claws ave bran- dished in the airy in a beckoning fashion, . thousand chele obiye Hs many loud ‘‘eraeks,’’ and lo, the flat is bare of colony, as, with inerechble swiftness, the crabs tamble down their hierows, .
The thousands of Sooty Terns, Sterme fiscati, seen jreeds ing oon Oyster Cay have alveady been deserbed under ‘exhibits’? ina previous “Natovalist” ‘Whe fturrle-hanting was mueh the same as that enjoyed by all visitors to the Reet; and the Green Ants ate ite {here. These **paper- hap?? ants live in bay-like nests, made by fastenine togethoar doinhnber of Ipiyves. Neyer have J seen more agressive jnacets; a touch af the nest is sufficient to call out the guard, Wl steading te veach the intruder. Qoee To had the mis- fortune to ran my head into a vest in. the undergrowth, and had to disrohe completely in order to rid wyself of the vindictive little creatures. Their grip is so tenacious that oye inay pull them xsunder before they will release the skin vrasped between their mandibles. Gauge have I to remember the Neerrikudi name tor this wsect—anan.’? Obviously some aboriginal etyisologist, jn early times, had liad my expaerienes, and was verbally mspired,
The Editor agai appeals to members to contribute nature notes suitable for the Wield and Study Section of the Vaturalist. These paves, he has been assured, are popular, but more variety would be weleame, Paragraphs reeording personal observations: ave most desired.
264 Wiitiamsox. Victorian Ferns. Ades
HOUPPOVTTTCTT DMNA NTP netTenan ttre oertitereecrspevaensiaeds jyuabeaaayp i rt pe ecany dd peepelabdsgrerertupyrreseaaeebberpaypperegayyecers yyy
VICTORIAN FERNS
By Uf B. Winnuausox, P68.
PUPTONUOTUATOPROOTOCEAUCOPHCTOROCTI EN OATCORA TIC PRUCTOUATLAMGLIUAN IEE CEE re OOeTCon danse Ad TOA TET ROT Acne eens teat ta RN Pete Lee renee tenant an ae
OE Cd econ eD UMA reH Teen Ire Erte
Pare IIT. Family MARSILTACH As.
Ti this family frauds spring, as ut miany ferns, from a rhizome, wane are volled inward at the top (circinate) when young; aud, like some ferns, Marsilia produces stevile ard fev- tile fronds. the latter being developed trom the lamina. of the frond, whieh is recurved and elosed to form oa wtricle ov invaluere (offen called a sporocarrp), enclosing the spore eases whieh ave of two kinds, and are attached as sori te the wnderside (iisicde) of the artriele,
Genus MARSA.
The name of the genus is from the latinised forme (Mar- silius) of the vine of an Italian naturalist Maysi¢h, ; — Ta variots species the name ‘‘Nardoo’’ has been applied, and sporocurps bave been usecl among the hhacks as fuod. Burke and Wills tried to sustam their lives by the aid of Nuvdoo, A. Brann in 1870 indicated as aiany ag 1+ distinet species, many of whieh were meluded by Mueller under the name HW. quedrifolin, L, Benthant and other hotauists have failed to appreciate Brannu’s distinctions, aud it is prolable that only half-a-dozen Australian species at most can he sustamed, The Victorian forms seem to le within the limits of the descriptions of the two follawing species,
Marainta preaMospu, A. Bia Nardoo (Big. 1). This grows in femporardy inundated depressions; sometinies itt water six or cieht inches deep, with its pretty reddish-green sterile fronds floating on the surtace. These frouds consist eich of four -seainents, reminding oue of elover leaves. [1 drier clay flats the fronds are tnuch shorter, and the seg- ments sometimes only a quarter of the size indieated, and often very hairy and Tobed ov erevated (Tig. IL). ‘When one looks at fhe extreme forms they eau seaveely be aceepted as the same species. but when one tries to separate the com- plete chain of intermediates one ean realise the diffieulty
Mare, f — Wiiiauson, Vietortan Poms 265 1926
O88 WIntiassox. Vintoriian Merk Present
whieh exused Mueller to Tump them as toring of AL. quadrr- folia, La, the distribution of whieh is given in ibe poole Consus, TSS9, as all States of Australia, und As. AP. aud bhaivape, ;
M. ninsces, RBy, (Rig, TTD). Shovt-frait Nardoo. hiv is a form with the sporocarps sessile or nedrly so, otherwise seareely to be distinyuished from the preceding species, The regional) distribution recuaires investigation, as it was for- merly pliced as a form of IL. quadiifolia. We have speci- mens from the North-west and from Geelong district.
Geuus Priianta,
This genus diifers from, Marsilia in having the sterile fronds filiform instead of beng, expanded inta Hat leaflets,
eae LARLA NOV: aur Lannie, A. Brann, Pillwort) WA. S.A., Tas. NSW), EL, As, Af. NLA, (Fig, 1%), This plant, owing to its small sn is rarely gathered. [tx rhizome ereeypy under water, and it has thread-lke stele fronds about hatf an inch Jong. Uts fertile fronds are the pill-like sporocarps about one-tenth of an ineh in ditimeien on shart stalks, Tt indy De looked for on the muddy beds of devine water-holes in, the N.W.. SAW. and 8. of our State.
Fanily OPHTOGLOSSAC KEAN,
The plants of this family have not their vounye trouds viveinate as in other fanrilies of ferns, and their spore-cases wre eompuratively Jaree, and ave set in two rows on dhe simple or branched fertile fronds,
Genus OviptodrosstiM.
Oro nossou. comacnua, A. Cun. Acder's tongue. (Mig. VIT). Very widespread through the world,
This curious little fern does not favour fern gullies, but may be found im damp eliay paddocks in carly spring jn all distiiets of the State. The author has gathered it ou the alluvial flats af the Murray at Mildura in patches of elay showing little grass or other vegetation. A barren lanceo- late frond an inch or two long and half-at-inch broad, of vather thick fexture, anc a linear fertile froncl bearing two rows of spore cases, spring from the single stem. The latter has a fancied resemblanee to a sviake’s tonene,
Genus BorrycHium,.
This genus cliffers from the last-named by» having its’ fronds maeh divided Inta scements,, and is wamed tran the Greek botrys, a cluster of grapes, veferring to the arrange- ment, of the spore eases.
tbe Witetamsos. Vitorion Penny 267 weer LEN ARIA (Li) ) Sw. Moonwort, Tas.. NS AW. m, As. Af. (tiv V). This, the * yeoman? of the oht rea is yare in Vietotia, having apparently been wathered ouly by Aftueller, Cobunera (Bright to Omeo), “Snowy Plains. on _the Ovens, Goulbum, Cabos: and Mitts Mitta Rivers,?* Spore cases ave pr odnced on a branched frond 3 to 5 mohien long, and its barren frond has semiscivewlar seg-
ments (moon shape) pinnately arranyed.
B, sTyrave, RBe. Aleadow Moonwort, Tas, V.. NSW. )., As. Am, NOZ. Gig. VL). his tern has been recoreded from all districts of the State except the north-west, thonel it has heen frequently overlooked. Ma. -¥F. G. A. Barnarel has in onltivation aw specimen, ‘Bathéred at Oakleigh, ji’ pulse 1892; it has been exhibited at severu! meetings of the Cloh, Mr. FL Piteher reported the species from Lima Enst, in 125. aud Dr. Heber Green found it at Mooroolbark recantly, It ts rammon on the western side of the Snowy River mouth.
lis barren fronds are feralike, divided dite three priv. Pioae, whieh are again piinate with segments cdeintienlite. The yoins ave almost conceded in the thick texture of the fronds. The fertile tronds are mich branched, the branches Hesse hinee apore vases sessile dy two awe,
Ih the course of eXeayalion ata briekyard ia the village of Predmont. some 100 miles north-oast of Vienna, a remark- alig discovery was made, At a depth of 14 feet, in a bed of Janes, formed of the debris from ghiciation of a lime-stone out-crop nearby, Professor D. K. Absolon, of Prague Uni versity, curator of the museum at Brinn, found a tom) cone taining 20 humint skeletons. One wall of the tomb is com- posed entively of the shaulder-bones of mammoth elephants, showme that these prehistoric people were ‘imyghty hunters. "* Professor Arthny Weith, i an article in the London ‘Daily News." of Oetuber 31, 1925, deseribes this aheient. hinting station as the most vemarkable and extensive known, Fron the skill measurements, Professor Keith states, the men belonged to the Auragnacian poriod. which datos back at leust 15,000 years. The tomb was covered by av heavy layer of stones 16 inches thick, evidently to proteer (he pemains from hyenas and wolves. How did man, in those remote days, with hig ide stone weapons, imanave, contend with. and kill the mammoth elephants in such numbers as this ton betolwos JAA WAN,
Vict. Nat,
208 Lenpare, Three Viclorian Species of Ophicaridehes ene
COSOUPTUALRANADAADH AAAS DLCO ANU AAPSODa PPA NAN EADSEDA DEP EEPODYAINERESES DAE ELILECI AFI RAARIASSUNESOSORDANTLOOPDURE NOR DAEROFOT OOP ON ERH ETO pS.
THREE VICTORIAN SPECIES OF OPHICARDELUS (CLASS MOLLUSCA)
By Tom Teepane."
Db LepLeD DADO ARUN y CHL ED Edad Cade.
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1
Twenty vears aga Me, J. WH. Gatliff published m= this journal a Catalogne of Vietorian Estuarine Univalve Mol- tusea’’ (Vol, NAT. pp. 15-16, 1905). and TL eannot tind that much has been added thereto gine Twelve species were listed, and under the genus name, Oglicardelus, one species, OD. dustraiis, Qaoy and Gainare, only appears. As localities. at that time known-—Back Beach. Williamstown, Port Phil lip. and Hastings. Western Port—only are eited, probably many others ave now know.
At Lakes Entrance, Vietoria, Roy Bell collected throe tlearly distinwuishable species, and fhese were easily identi- fied at the British Museum as O. stulechburye, O. quoyd and O, eraatus, Hedley, in his Check List of New South Wales Matine Mollusea, included the Estuarine forms, and there two specics were ranwed under Phyftta arngte and suleata. '
At Church Point, Broken Bay, New South Wales. I eol- lected three species, determined as ernest, sulcala and quey?. Comparison showed that. {he Specimens veferved to as sulcaly agreed with those determined as séefehbiryi, aud eonse- queutly these nanies ave synowymons. As the latter was described from Povt Curtis, Queensland, if extends along the east coast from there to Lakes Mutranee.
Hedley was of the opinion that quayi lad been erroneously-recorded from Port Jackson, and that it occurred in New Zealand. While it is common. here, the New Zealand shell varies, and lus a name already, cestellaris, Avain Movsson’s two species, which Hedley stegested were synonymous with ornatis, 1 determine as gioyi.
Tn order to clarity this matter, T present figures of ile three species, with thei names and distribation ~—
OPpimiGarpents ORNarcS (Mérussac). (Wig. 1,5 alLnreula ornata, Pérassac. abl. Syst. Anini Moll, p. 198, 1821: fab. (2)
aRhy permission qf ihe Tymstecs of the Austratinn Miseum
aa UEDA ThPee Kietorinn Speeien of Ophicurdenes 269
Aurteule outa, Gray. Spicilegia Avoluvied, prod, p. oO, pl. 6, fie, 21, 1828: -*Sonth Sea Island, Stutehbury.7? Fra- bably Sydney, N.S.W. (Not A. veel, Lan, 2806.)
Awvicula australis, Quoy and Gainiard.- Voy. Astrol. Zool, Vol. 11, p. 169, pl. 18, figs, 34-85, 1832: °° Western Part. Vie, and V.1.L.”’ ;
Ayicula bidens, Potiez, et Michaud. Galerie Mallusques Dona, Vol. J, p. 201, pl. xx, fig. 9-10, 1838; ‘ Nonvelle HolNande.’’ j
Cremnobutes curnea, Swainson. Papers Prov. Ruy. Soe.. V.D.L., Vol. 111, pt. 7, p. 43, pl vii, tiv. 1, Jaw, 1850; near Hobart Town, V.D AL.
Ophicurdelus australis, Tate and May. Proc, Linn, Soc, N.S.W., 190], p. 419; Tas.
Ophacardelis australis, Gatlift. Vie. Nat. Vol. NNUY, p. 16, May 4, 1905; Vie.
Ophiacardelus ornelus, Hedley. Proc. Linn. Soe, N.S.W.. Vol. XXXVI, p. 334, 1913,
Phaitia ornate, Wedley. Cheek List Marine Fauna, N.S-W,, Moll, M. 95, 1998; NSW. May, Cheek List Moll, Tasm., p. 88, 1921; Tasm. IWuste. Index asm. Shells, pl, 40, fie, 24, 1923; Tas.
Wasily recognised by its shape and lack of seulprure; an ineised Jine showine below the suhue on the earlier whorls only; sheht depression behind the amer hp; outer lip sharp, not thickened nor toathed,
Specimens eximined from New South Wales, Vieterta ate Tasmania,
as
27) Ingvar, Three Vietorten Species of Optiecerdelics f wie ‘oh, ert tt ;
OCHICARDELUS Qeoyt, He. and A. Adams, (tig, 2.)
Ophieardelus quoyi, FH. and A. Adams. Proce. Zool, Soe. (Lond.), 1854, Dp. 34, Jan. 10, F855; Moreton Bay, Queens land,
Melumpus tetricus, Morelet. Journ. de Coweh.. Vol NT. p. 290, -Takby 1, 1864; * Noavelle Galles de Sad."
Ophicardelus irreguilaris, Mousson, Journ. de Conch. Vol. XViIL, p. O4, ple vw, fig. 2, Fan. i, 1869; ‘lace Pom-Pom, pris Wollongong,’’—Tom Thumb Lagoon, neae Wollon- gone, New South Wales.
Ophicardelus mina, Mousson, Journ, de Coneh., Vol. “XVIL p. 65, pl. v, fis. 3: same locality.
Ophicurdelis quart, Hedley, Proce. Link. Soa, N.S.W,, Vol. XMAXAVITI, p. 533, pl xix, fig, 87, 1915; N.S IW,
A shorter, broader shell, showing irvesular zrowtih vidges on test whorl, an iueised line below the suture present on all the whorls; no perforation, but a depression behind the reAectocl 1 inner: lip: the outer lip thickened, and With in indis- inet tooth medially internally.
Specimens exinined from New South W ales wud Victoria.
OPHICARDELOUS Surcaris, H. and A. Adams. (Big, 3,)
Onlacardelus (Liinidlonte) sulcata, He and A, Adams. Pine. Zool. Soe. (Lond.), 1854, p. 54, Tan. 10, 1855. Hab.: (7?) Probably Syduey, N.S. W.
Melampus (Ophicnrdelus) stutchburyi, Pfeffer. Pree. Zool. Soe, (ond.)}, 1856, p. 39%, May 38, L857: Port Cnrtis: Queenstand,
Ophicerdelus sulédatus, Hedley. Proe. Linn. Soe, N.S.W.. Vol. NAAVII, p. 383, pl. ix. tig. 86, 1913,
Ophicardelus stuéch bury, FHedley: Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W.. Vol. XXNVII, p. 334, pl. xix, fig. 88, 1913
Phytin suleata, Heclev. Cheek List Marine Fauna, N.S.W. Moll. M. 95, 1918; NSW. : ;
Strongly sculptured with vevolviny lire: less inarked ou the hody whorl: a small perforation persistent behind the reflected inner lip. |’
Speeciuens examined from ‘Queenslind (Port Curtis)
New South. Wales and Victoria.
Mar.,” nO. Bp pe: 72 1926 Aquatic Insects 272
AREY HAPLLALEMNCHEU DENVER EN EDPURDMACHPARA AI ARUEDADAPOB EON ERUREPAUARAAUDEGA UG RADARS LUND ALONE UH EUTAUOA OD OAANAO DEA AOTOMEAEO DOR RU DOH OO ES
AQUATIC INSECTS
HULL
DH COPEPED PDEA CE OREO
BAYS EUREA LALA PAARDHAALAAAANAAOARAPA AMAA RASE
snewaqenee
SAPO UUANASOR NEES AU RNAS
DOO es
It is surprising that more members of the Clab cdo not devole themselves to the study of aquatic inseets. Te ter- vestetal forms claim tansy collectors (thonph aot many real workers), probably beeause they force themselves amder our notice by their briliaucy, or, maybe, their quaintness. Bul very few members think of exploring our Jakes. ponds ate streams for the wondertul forms that live in water. The sindy of aquatic entomology has, in fact, been almost entirely neglected by members, and the youny entomologist who will devote himself to this branch ofnatural history 1s sure of a rich reward.
The dragonflies have recived some attention Teawt State. but more in New South. Wales, as Dr. R. J. Tillyard’s splendid monograph on the Odonata shows, Dro Villyavd) dias olse studied the ewddisiies, Dat Che other Orders of Taseaty have received very little attention. Oeensionally one sees a [ew water-beetles in a collection, af asects, but generally they are species that fly great distances at night, and ave attracted by street. lamps—and so find their way ito the -coleopterist’s apbimet, There are many species of water beetles that ave never sven out of their native element. Sume of these wre of erent interest, others extremely rare; aud they await the enthusiast who, armed with. a collecting net and drae-hook, with whieh ro bring ap weeds from the bottom, of deep pooly. seta out to make bimself famous, perhaps by the discovery of unique specimens.
I admit it is less easy to vear aquatic Taanvix Than ih is ter restvial forms, but if the larva are taken when nearly fully evown the task Is not so diffiealt, and many imteresting tacts anuy be’ vecovded. The life-cycle of some aquatie beetles, frou eee fo Imago. sometimes takes several yedrd to wecom- plish—a long time to wait: but what valtable dnfomuation concerning yw Npecies one would gain, if its Titeevale wore worked out! A much quicker way is to place the beetles Wan aquanaun——coyered to prevent their escape by tiehim wnt wateh carefully wntil the female bas deposited har eyes,
“Same beetles wttach ther eves by an adhesive tothe under aide of leaves of water-plints; others make incisions in the ettiele of the stems. where they deposit their cugs, One hire
Viel Nite Volant
Bye quate TH acces Hydrophitus makes a watertight eocoon, in whieh she lye her eves, ‘Phis is attached to the under side of a dent, aud Tas a ventilating shatt, or tuunel projecting above the water Another species, a small, bliek beetle, vesanbline the ter- vestrinl “sun beetle’? incappearanee, entries her cays. about with hor in alight web attyehing to the potot at tie abdomen.
Wheto the young lavwe appear theit shape should be voted und figured, as they sometimes alter after eedvsis, or moult- ine. Wher vou are assured of the general appencanee af the larva. neatly adult foriwis way be Galea in ponels, ane if these ave placed in the aquariun you may sueececd in obtaining the pupa, aud daterethe image, aud sa observe alk the changes that take placerdulbihe the life history.
The smattor beetles are found. weneralby. on watercweedls, und these onst be carefully examined. Often the avd of a pocket. lens is needed to detect the beetles, as thes eling to the weed, Small eureulios are often thus found, Other kinds hide wader debris aed stones, or dary themselven in the mud at the bottom of the pool, coming to the surfaec at iutervals te breathe, ‘Che tip of the abdomen is held just above the sur faee-skin of the water, the elytra aaised the mevest fraction. ls allow the exchange of exhausted wir for a fresh supply; anel the insect dives to the bottom again, Some of these small heetles—Pelobius among others-svake we ehieping noise while thas onedved, "This chirp’ is made by rasping the tibia over the edee of the elytra. Ao simile sound os produeod ly Corivcu—one of the water-hugs—and in the same manner.
The vobeetor with soon heeone tamiliae with the hannts and Wabity of aveter-heetles. and with the knowledge thus eined will saan have a well-Alled eahinet of specimens, and vote-hooks filled with dutails ot life histories,
Aquittie TLemiptera also are worthy of study; the early larval forms of Votonecta and Cortnn make beautifhil objeets toy mieroseopical study, especially undew dark ground illumination, Their evgsalso ave interesting. Siwall TLyimen- optevans insects that use thei wings under water as if they were tying—-and they progress tainly rapidly——ave occasion- ully. found. Nothing is. known of their lite history, nor of their anatomy. One species has a remarkable organ on the wines, whieh T believe to be Yespiratery dv character, 1 have shown this, under the microscope, at Clu mectings.
There must be large numbers of midges and other fiies still tndeserihed: their aquatie larvae ave very beautiful,
Mar. 7 1926
“wen
Aquatic Insects ; ood
and have remarkable structures. J was fortunate enough, on a Club excursion to Nyora, to be able to yeeord as new for Australasia one genus, Muclonia. Other members of the vyoup, Corethra, Chironomus, Cerutopogon, Tanypus, and many others, ave to be found—-sometimes in great mumbers —in their larval staves in our ponds, and only aryait des- eriplion— a. SRARLE.
THE HOME AQUARIUM.
Aqguitia have long been popular with vw small number of nature loyens, mostly resideats,of Adelaide and Sydney, bn both these cities Aquaria Clhabs.exist, and the miterest i the
hobby is steadily inereasing. Should Melbourne lag behind |
her sister capitis? When in Sydney recently J went ty Farmer's to view the famous “‘Fish Alley.’ It has become an institution, a delight te both adults and children: while several dndreds of tanks, 1 believe, have been pur: vhased by citizens. .
Mh. H.. Winekh. the vetemn aqnarist, kindly showed nt Ins wonderful private collection of fishes, amphibians ai! implatie plants, that thrive in amany glass-tanks and gardin ponds at his home, Raglan Street, Mosman. He has a long record of success, and his enthusiasm for aquana bas never waned, ‘The frows and newts, and many of the lovely little fishes that he cherishes, are tame almost as the pet parrots and pigeous and kookaburrvas of the yard and garden. Lt was sure prishig to see two of the quaint Jdumping-fshas, Pertuphtlat mens, tlimb, with their fins, on to a flake of rock in the tank, and take food from their owner’s fingers. (Often in North Queenslynd lave J vainly tried to capture specimens of these Ghusive Tittle fishes among mangrove roots.) ;
Wo have, in Anstvaba, some freshwater fishes, suitable tov the home agwrium,- and desirable foreien species are Ubtait- able, sume-at-small cost; though. others are expensive. Ff one commences an the yieht Imes, and continues tu follow them. any aquarnim, J was assured, will be w conitwal source of instruction and-pleasure. [bf is wrong: te keap fishes in at how]—they require a properly-constructed tank, ov a pord, stocked with plants that have proved to be the best for aquaria. The plants themselves are beautitul and interesting - andl Mav Teingk has cultivated some remarkable species that. are too Jittle Kiown in. Australia —C. Barre,
bd
rye \ ants r ; Viot. Nat. 27 Noles fram Buetd nad slinky whe UIE
NOLES Fee nes, di
THE MANDALOTES W REVITS.
Among the largest wonera of the family Curenlionide, Which compiises all those beetles known. ag weevils. is Mawmdolotus, Al the species are small, and all ave of dingy uppearuiee. but they are volable for wonderful vaiiehy on SHehie
Mendnlotus occurs in all parts of Australia and ‘Cas- Moniv, and om many of the adjacent islands, Dut possibly nowhere are these beetles move plentiful than in Victoria. The majority of species are covered with a seale-like sub. stanee more ov less interspersed with short seta, but there uve a tew that are quite smooth and shining, One qtr lieularly fine species ‘has its lime lees covered with a vers long pale pubéscenee. For some years T have paid mueh attention to this interesting geius, und have a fine collection of apecimeng, Although so many speeies had boo previously deseribed, nearly all 1 secured proved ta be new to scteree.
Miendidotus may be sought for with most success in moss and #raas-tussoeks, but leat. debvis also often provides a rich havVvest. Jn tuet, aecording to Mr. A, M, Lea, who has vecontly completed revision of the genus, the finest species of all Was one - obtained by sieving leaf debris tron’ beneath a tree-fern growing in the ranges above Millgrove. = It 1s vemarkable on account of the curious armatnees of its Hine tibia. ‘Two species, crudus, Urich, and ventralis, Blaeleh.. occur rather frequently aning the vools of Marram grass on the sea beaches at Lorne. Another vather plentiful species is arnevartus, Lea, which may be obtained fron. mois at Ferntree Gully. Our Editor, at my request, brought some grage-tussoeks from, the summit of Mount Feathertop, frou whieh T seenved several examples of decipiens, Lies, te smooth, black, shining speeies. This beetle evidently is a
pa LAG
Natey from Wielt and Study 295 lover of high places, us the only previeus records of halyttal are Mounts Baldy and Hiotham. One species, Cromfordi, named by Canon Blackburn, is credited with ‘doing congider- abla damage to growing cer tal erops in the Mannan distriet of South. Australia, As far as ] am aware this is the only black mark recorded against any member of the genus. _ One of the largest species is posticulis, Lea, which T have taken oceasiowally in moss at Belyrave. It is a dumpy beetle with a somewhut mottled clothing, and, Jike most of its brethren, very lethargic jir its iovenients. In fact, this latter characteristic leads to many specimens of Marneado tis
being frequently overlooked, even by experienced collectors —F, 1. Wison. - yh a
AUSTRAIJAN REPTILES AND AMPHTBEANS.
A Cheek’ List of the snakes of Australia is beiny prepared for publication by Mr. J. R. Minghorm, CALZ3S., of the Aus tralia Museum, Svduev, who, diving the past few yoans, ius done nich to iercase knowledge of ony reptilian fan. About 170 species of Australian situkes have heen dese vibed. and at is probable that more will be distovered, but mot nun. siiee the Order, as represented in this country, is fairly well known. The latest novelty is a sea snake from Northen Australia, and Mr, Kinghorn’s ceseription of i will be pub- lished shortly in the Proceedings of the Zoolovical Socieny, London. Jts appearance is almeast repulaive ; thoriy seales project from above the eyes.
Durme a recent visit to the Australian Museuin J eleaned some facts concerning that istitutiou’s dine colluction of rep. tiles and amphibiaus. Each of from 9,000 to 10,000 voyixtra- violls is carefully noted on a catalogue cava. The specimens on the shelves are du lettered: divisions; each shelf ti-dwen beating an ides letter, and uach tier of shelves beiug lettered: The eatds ave arranged systematically, and an index of svenerie nanes tells one where to look, c.g. the Black Snake Pseudechis, Both cards and specimens -will be found in division B, 7, A. 13 equals bateh of shelves; J. the shelf; A, first division. ‘Such an arvangement means that any speei mon presented, fram. the earliest dawvs of the Musgeunt until today, providing it lags not been destroyed or sent wway, Gan he found jn a few seeonds.
There ave some 80,000 bottles, eaeh containing an aver of, suv, six specimens, in the * ‘Spirit Flouse''; that is, reptiles,
~ 296 " Notes from Pietd and Study vie: i
fishes, erustacem and other groups, and each proup is arranged and catalogued in the same manner; a work whieh took nearly 12 years to complete, The veptile collection vontains many valuable and unique forms, as well as many which are vet to be examined, with the possibility of now species ar varieties.
At the present tine Mr. Kinghorn is working on a mono vrupl of the reptiles and amphibians of the Solomon Lsalinds. -—0. Barrierr.
A PAMITLIAR, PROG.
Widely distrilmted over the southern portion of Aus- tilia, the Brown Mroglet, Critia siqnifera, is one of The most fumiliae amphibians around Melbourne. IL have found scores of Specimens under stones and logs, and always in damp places, Leas and Le Souef desarihe this Cystignathia frag as un “‘aetive litthe creature’? (‘‘ Animals of <Ana- trahia,’’ p. 275), but it is easily captured, and often has indolent moods. T met with if in January last at an altitude of 5000 feet on Barrington Tops (Mount Royal Range), NAW. One example was found hidiue under a lage on cry ground, ucurkly a mile feom water, In a eylly of the low. lands, where a creek flows in good scason, but parehed now, another Brown Froglet was discovered amony stones and withored ferns. Tt was tidine over a dry xpell. not. too happily, heine im poor condition and inaetive—C.B,
Mr. ugh Watson, of Cambridge, England, who has been shying the anatomy of several species of land molluscs ftom Vietoria, makes the tollowing conmments ii a reeent letter: —The radula of Sucetred australis, Fér, is of a fao'ly usual type; but the jaw is very characteristie with ao, dorsal plate such us is found owy in the Suecineider, and in those strange shlags—the Atheracapharide. Like most carnivers ons snails, Rhoylida ruga, Cox, has wo jaws but the long narrow raduala, with very lavge pointed teeth, is perhaps even 4 little move .highly specialised than that af Paryphanta atrvamentaria— VO. Watson hus kindly sent me a mounted ‘mdula of each of the species mentioned. That of Wi ruge is a beautiful object for the mieroseope—C. Barrer,
»
Corrigendias.—Naterallat, Jan 8, L686, p. 214, ‘line 41 from bottom: Tor “engiyphoides,” read “englyphoides,” Feb, 4, 126. p. 238, line TX from battam; For “Chai, read “Chert.* .
Che Victorian Naturalist
Vou. XLU—No, 12 APRIL 9, 1926 No, 508
FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA,
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society's Hall, Victoria. Street, on Monday even- ing, March 8, 1926. The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, occupied the chair, and about, 50 membeérs and friends were present.
CORRESPONDENCE.
From Hon Sec., A.A.A.S., giving information regarding the next. meeting of the Association, to be held in Perth, commencing on August 23, 1926, and inviting this Clab to appoint representatives to the General Couneil, On the motion of Messrs. F. G. A. Barnard and F. Piteher, Messrs. Coghill, ©, Daley and J. A. Kershaw were appointed.
REPORTS.
Reports of excursions were given as follows :—Botanic Gardens, Mr. C. Oke; Black Roek, Miss J. Raff, M.Sc.; Frankston, Mr. A. LU, Seott.
Mr. Harvey moved that a vote of thanks be accorded to the Committee for having entertained members at the Botanie Gardens. Seconded by Mx. Pitcher, and carried,
GENERAL,
The President drew attention to some very fine plates depicting the Forest Flora of South Australia, which Miss Hart had presented to the Club, and moved that a vote of thanks be accorded her. Seconded by Mr. LB. B. Pescott, and carried.
; PAPERS. _ 1, “Additional Microzoa from the Red Limestone of Grangeburn, near Hamilton, Vie.,’’ by Mr. W. J. Parr.
In the absence of the author, this paper was read by Mr. Chapman, who gave a brief description of the country around the fossil deposit near Hamilton, and referred to the more interesting parts of the paper.
2. ‘‘Two Entomologists in the Mallee,’? by Mr. C. Oke.
The author gave some account of a holiday spent in the Mallee, and referred to many interesting insects which he had found there, notably species found living in the nests of ants.
278 Meld Naturatiasis’ Chretd—Proccedinge [vai ssyat
» Messrs, Coghill and Fy Bo Williamson and Dr. C. 8. Sutton took part in a diseussion following the reading of this. paper,
NAIA BIN TORY NOPE.
Mr, Daley read a note on a very common garden spider, which he had tound sitting ou its-cee capsules in his garden, He wondered whether the spider was helpiug to incubate the eves, My. Oke Said that the species was known as the Birds’- droppiug Spider, Selena excevata, and was not assisting the inenhation ot its eggs. but was, like Mr. Micawher, waiting for “‘something to tum, up.'
4 ENELLBITS.
Vor. BL G. A. Barnard: Botrychiwn mtstrale, Meadow Mooiwort. Collected at Oakleigh, about 1888. © First exhibited ata meeting of the Chib in July. 1892. Now show- ing new ere four weeks old,
My. J. AL Kershaw: Cermnodaclylus danacus, Luc. and Frost, from. ‘hea Clitts. A lizard new to Vietoria, previously recorded trom Central Australia.
Mr C. Oke: Case of Coleoptera, from North-western prion: -
Mr. E. EL Peseott, W.L.S.: Aboriginal basalt axe, recently collerted! in the Western District, Vic, made fro2 limestone “flint.’’ showing {wo grooves for hafting; three “knives'' or serapers, Tron. the same loeality, showing secondary edve- ehipping.
Mr, A. tL. Scott: Hand specimen, of pink granite Frou Mt. Buffalo, Vie. Also micro slide of Mt. Buffalo granite,
Nove—Under a low power, using polarized ligt. it ts revealed that the apparently simple rock, granite, is really a very complex structure, Using a higher power, it ix sun that, when the quits, the last to solidify, became solid. 7 entangled m itself, in the form of innomerablesmall babbles, the eases that had not been able to eseape. or to enter into, chemical combination to form minerals. The degradation of the felspar into kaolin is also shown. In the hand specimen the felspar is identified by its regular ontline and its pmk colour. The quarts, owing to its “transparency, is best secu near the edge.
CORKRIGENGBA.—In Repori of fxcursian ta Mornivston, “Natanwtist'! March. 1928, p, 254. *‘Fhuine Humen (A. clenyas)) sheule rend: “Showy vansimin €C. spertabilis),~
ysl Kk, Teo Hrtoheoloyists iW the Wullee 274 wou.
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TWO ENTOMOLOGISTS IN THE MALLEE, By C, Otcr.
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(Read before the Field Naturalists? Club of Victoria, Mirch 8, 19236)
My friend, Mr. J. HW. Dixon, had often told te about: the thick Mallee scrub along the raihyay line between Gyp- sui Siding wid Bronzewing, whieh he had noted as very promising beotle-eountry, while retuming from his mamer- ous visits to Luke Tattal. Soe, when he asked ime tu visit Gypsum for a week or two T way very pleased to ae@eompary hin
Leaving Melbourne by the 6.906 pom. Mildura drain on October ul, L924, we arived at (avpsum (274 awiles) about Aootchoek next morving, Phere is no station at Gypsum, merely a siding for the loading of eypsum, or kopi, whieh occurs freely in fhe veighhbourheod, On the ware occasions When a dady passenger wishes to alight Erom the teal, a short ladder is produced, but aman has to dvop off as best he ean.
It was still too dark for us to seo our way about, so. we sab on our packs and waited—not long—for daylight. What ho pavadise was revealed at daavn, AD around was a dense yrowth of Mallec and shrubs, including the serubby Mallee Pine, Hakea, Greville (3 sps. ), Acacia, Cassia, and, in parts, patches of Culylria tatrayonu, whieh was blooming to ‘per- fection, Bushes with dark-pink and pure white flowers were vrowing aide by side, and, iy plaees, intertwined so that 7: seenied impossible that, any constituent of the soil had helped tn prodnee the coloar oF the iilossonis, Though, where grow- ingoon the white sandy ridvesx, most of the plants had white flowers, an occasional plant ving deep pink flowers was met with ever there, . .
We strolled alone the raibvay line, then followed a, foot- track into Tw sernb. We soon eame peross some Lentosper- mewn wn flower, and conmmeneed to look for beetles. Me first species to be take was Shigmadera eldui, and soon atter- wands S. elwngulida and S. vith were found. A strony swell was traced to it source—a lone-derd fox—which was turned over with a stick, Undaneath were two species of Caumion-sehaters, “row aavirulasia and 1". velutinus, and a pie of that weeping lover of bad smells, Piomuphala lachry- mosa: Lis tears’! ave anore evident than those of the eroco- dile, being Tittle, black, vaised spots on the ‘reddish wings, whieh bear a somewhat funeiful resemblanee to tears. 1 had
280) Oke. Two Natvmotveiaty in the Mallee b Sacha
thought to get some Staphs. on this carrion, but Pailed to find a sign of them
Not. far from the fox I noticed some ants running across the track, and, as they looked familiar, I picked up one, and ut onee recognised it hy its sweet odgur as Tridomeyr nis witidus. By following the ants the nest was soon disenvered it some sticks and a stump. Lacking a tomahawk, I had to be content with a look around the sticks. However, J was forttinate |i finding a nice little Staphylinid, Dabia nitida, Lea, This jnseet, although it closely resembles the other species of Pubia, can hardly remain in that genus, as vharac- fevised by ONL, as none of jts antennal joints are trans: verse. As it wag impossible to break open the sticks, the direction of the nest was. marked on the track with the intention of working it another time. Unfortunately, this was nol done, so its treasures remained ungathered.
As accommodation is not procurable al Gypsum, we had brought a tent. A camp site opposite the 274-mile post was selected. This we thought. to be the best. spot, as it was hear the ‘‘station,’’ aud right in the serub and collecting ground, but-we had to walk a mile for a billy of water. Still, to camp at the ‘‘tank’’ meant to be on cleared paddocks. ithe draw- back in being so far from water was the luteuess of morning and evening meals, the midday *‘sneck’’ being daten m the serub, without a-dyink, Of course, a couple of miles” straight walking + ig not far, but we persistently took “short eute’’ through the Mallee, Here the temptations to delay were innumerable, and the going was very slow. As a matter of tack, same of the best beetles of the trip were taken while we were ““iunning the billy.’’ Perhaps the finest species taken at Gypsum was Carentdium superbum, Cast. This isa large black Carab, an dieh aud a quarter in length, with a decided waist, and jiaving beautiful purple reflections on the upper surface, amid er eenish around the margins. I caught this beetle While returning with the morning supply of water, and, im the excitement of the chase, wpset the tilly, and had to reburn to refill it—ahout three-quarters ofa mile. We had a late break- fast that morning! Another fine Carab, found on the way to the tank, was. Carenwm wnttater. SL. This insect is about an inch in length, black, with pronatum and elytra green. Yet aiother species, found under a Mallee-root, was a pretly colour variety of Caren anthricintin,, Macl. This specnnen was blavk, the elytra with violet and bronze reflections, and a Narrow green margin,
On the secand evening, while going for water, I tarred over a plete of wood, and, seeing that it covered a pest nf
Apral \ Ox, Two Entomolovists i the Monee 23)
lridamyrmon rufoniger, an ant that is the ““host'’ of many “‘ enests,’? 1 searched carefully all around the nest, Very son L found a small guest Later 1 had the pleasure of secing a second specimen in one nf the little connels ot the yest; it had apparently been hiding under somes rubbish in the nest, and was now making its way uiderground. ‘Lhese beetles proved to be the greatest treasures of the tiip, They belong to the family Pselaphidse, but are very distinct from any species known to me in nature or deseription. [ have named the species Meulleecola myrnecophila (M.S,)—the ant-loving dweller of the Matlee. 1t is about 24 mm in length, and of a pale castane- ous colony, The head has a number of carme, or raised ridges. whieh divide it into distinet sreolets. There is 2 wedge-shaped projection through the hind margin of the eye, the latter being unusually prominent, The antenna: are eleven-jointed, but the ninth joint, though wide, is so thin, aud elosely applied to the tenth, that it might easily be overlooked. The prothorax has three longitudinal caring and peeuliar wing-like flaiges on the sides, “he lees are also very unusual for a Prelaphid, being flattened sideways and angular, somewhat as in the Histerid genux, CAlamydopsis.
While I was geiting these new beetles Mr. Dixon found another nest of Indomyrmnex under av old bay, and in this several specimens of Peussoptinus laticornis, Lea, were froma. This species has, T believe, only been recorded us an ingniline of Iridomyrmex nitidus, arcant with which T have wat found it associated ; but we found it here (and also at Beudigo) with two other species of that genus, viz, 7, rufoniger and 7, gre- vitts, Mr. A. M. Lea considers this to be the finest species of Ptinidie in Australis, and I agree with him. Lt is a beautiful little beetle. especially when alive, wid manning wround, wavihg its wide, but flattened, antenne from side to side, or np and down. Tt would be tiresome to give the details of each day's work. I say work, for, beleve me, we wurked, Vhis was tio loafing holiday, but a contmmued hunt for hectles,
The camp was situated on a dull-ved, sandy fiat, through which shallow trenches had been dug in all directions, m the search for “‘Itopi,'’ which ts whitish, and oecurs in “‘pockets’' all aver the flat, Gypsom erystala oveur in sinall patelies, hob not very freely. Jn all directions sund ridges are seen, some large, others small, A series of ridges, about half a mile on the Brownzewing side, seemed to us te be partiealarly inviting, and here we spent many delightful hours.
The vegetation arcund the camp vonsisted of two spevies of Mallee, hundreds of very sinall Murray Pines, with an Nnecasional Large one, ‘©Pyrpentine tush,’’ Hakea, Grevillea,
BBS Oink, Tred Raloniotagiety in bie Meatice yea
Acueii, and that abomination of the Mallee country— Porcupine Grass, ‘This last isca vonbiiual source of ‘Annoy- mee whet ore is collecting, and makes the weartng of log- gings almost a necessity, Several tines, when chasing flying insects, LT cuine in violent contact with chumps of Titeden, some of the points piereing my legs, These potits stip off— pieces wbont one-eighth of an iieh i leneth—and ease nita- tion of the skin; when fresh, they ave rather diffienlt to ramove, ‘The bust plate is to'leave them for y few hours, whet the flush about them bevins to fester, They are then easily pressed out betwoen finwer and thamb, and thu Koves hil as quickly as they developed.
here wosea Tain amouat of animal life on dhe (hit) though if consisted mostly of smull inseat forms, ants (iv particular) and spiders predominating. ‘The exeentiony ii. sige were Hints Seyertl were seen, sometiues fegethar, sometinies sulfites "Twiee Tosaw a bird, probably the sarae ong, with ehirke. A pan of Butcher. Livalss, Craetious (angie. lial Hhetr nest within a dozen paces of Mae station’ camp, he cing birdy were able to fly fairly well, but were just lewn- Hue che wer of wihtattine, and very amusing they were tn their altenpts te imilate theiv parents; breaking off ty the middle of eall, ane looking aroniucdl ina Startled way, as though afraid ef thot own temerity. ‘we oor three of them were offen sO be seen daa aver Pine tee, having choral praeviee, mick apparently chiding one another on their voeal powers Two specits of Wren-warbler, not found in the Melbourne dis- (er, were to be seat flitting ainonge the serub, hut more otter around the Calytrc: telragaua; they were the Black-backed, Mealurus melanonoins, and the Purvple-backed, AZ, igstinitles- The former. a beautiful study in blue wel bliek, was as con- fiding as ifs congener, A, ci/iatens, whieh ts so plentiful ie xotne places near Melbourne. The Purplo-backed Wret- warbler, which iy go casily (listinguishedt by the veddish patel on the body around the whigs, appears to be very shy’. wnd takes fight on the slightest movement wear it.
Spiders. as 1 have already suid, were wemerois, and trap- doors were plontifal all over the flat. Bat ouéarly all of them were owned hy Wolf-spiders—Lyeosidec. In fact. 1 suceeaticd in finding only one belonging to ane ef the trae Triip-door Spiders—Avieularidie—and this was quite samt Pheve are tive spceies ot Lacosidee inhabiting trap-door posts hore, One is of & dingy grey-brown eolonr, the other appears (the appeavanco is entitaly due to the hairs with whieh it is clothed) to be a pretty, silvery-grev. with distinet Dlick stripes. ‘THe latter is the more. connon of fle tivo. “Tt 1s
Aye |: Oke, Tite Maedomologists in thas Wetlee S33
anusing to walk qutethy around, keeping a sharp look-out for insdets on the graund, and see the lids being: pulled dowar by the spiders inside, or, again, just to catch a sense of movement ita eertiin spot, and rush forward expecting to see sonve insect, and find—nothing! And very eavelul scrutiny of {ho spot, as a rule, is needed to loeate the door, Vt is Sorp lining how quickly these spiders race across the ground, jump inho, their holes, and close the doors bebinel thew, To what jutse is this raviivkabla diabit attributable? Tf -it is really a habit developed front the blind instinet of self-presenyition, then ob eertainly fhink that wasps must bave heen the @ienies most dreaded. ~ But we were tod carly in the season to dee those interesting inseets at work.
L found a most remarkiuble picee of wark cone by one ol these spiders beside (he vailway dine ‘The vongers Trad been eubting out sone rothing sleepers, aad had thevawo then hesicde the line. O08 turiime over ote piece | aoteed a hriwe fornale Wolf-spider, She was ina defensive atfitde, dia small, round chamber, mnel as there ig ar the bethom af a tunnel from a teip-coor, bat there was no apparent exit, | could deteét no means whereby she could Jeave her retreat, ‘so Tearefully replaced the log, und searehed all arowid oh for the exit, bet stil) without sucess. 1 them raised the sleeper my tis atte aguin, und looked underiuath. Al! There th-was! Straight. over the spider was the pinhole for bolring dawn the rail, but, looking up the hole, 1 noted the light wag aot wisthle through’ i, as is usually the ense. So} lookeul aleny the top,.lut failed to see the “door, and it was only after pushing a twip dhivowgh the bole aod openinp Ae *dawe’? that way, that: 7 could he sure of seeing in, Where the hole hand been tarde, there was a small tidge on the sleeper, aiid (his hud beew eirefally carried aerosx dhe ‘door’ by the spider. Waa this merely blind ometineb? versie const Toro, of Guat Doane, the splintery appearance of an old sleeper . Well) this had een imitated to a rteoty, and the Mallee vel dust had fallen on it and eompleted the work of Ahis niaster erattsman.
Around the eawp a few Carubs were taken, cieliding? Kuryscaptis diladatas, Mael, Carenian cardipenue, Sh (ane Was taken drom a breroy aearhy three feet i Tengtih), C€ elegans, Mact., Coratulus senivialacen, Cast., and Sartious dixon Sl. Beating the flowering Mallee, we obtamed com- paratively few bettles; still two “youd spucies of Stipmadera were obtained by this means, Stigmedera moarthinda, Tt. and S. siqgnata. ‘he Leplosperunn, as asnal, proved potter, and from Wt we obtained Strynteders utthula, -elougaliul,
284 Oxn, Two Katomologiate im the Metter Macey
elderi, octospilota, argillacea, cyanicollis, amphichréa and aueicorms. Of these, argillacea is probably the prettiest, with its eoppery thorax, which is margined with yellow, the Wwing-eases pale reddish, with blue markings. 't is close to ortospilota in markings {but not colony) and outline, bub the apieers of the elytra are distinet, much as in eldert. Other heétles taken here were a few Cleridy and Malacoderms; atnong the latter was-a new Mfypattalus (but as it is a female it will have bo stand -over) and Mefrionvhynchus occidentalis, alkh., whieh was ‘ew?’ to me. Some beetles ocurred in great numbers, particularly certain of the small weevils, Ohrysomelids and Anthicids. ‘The Calytrix had Very few beetles on it—a few small species that were common on any- thing; but. one pretty exceplion was Aonychus hope, a beauti- fol little weevil, with patehes of pure white scales.
Bach day a visit was paid to one of the sand ridges, and here we did better with the fluwer-frequenting beetles. especially on the Leptospernum, which grows much fiore freely on the sand ridges than on the flats. Fron; this we tank four species of Helohasis, visi, purpurasvoms, Julyurans (several varieties), ceuprifera and gratiosissima, the majority of the last-named species beine very fine, large specimens. Fulgurans and qradisissina were both very Lively, and tk was almost useless to nse the umbrella fot them, as they flew off almest hefrre touching it: so picking them off the flowers had to he resorted to. A few longicorns were obtained liere, such as Uricentits atbatus, U_ discienllis, 0. sbrigosus, Uap. ; Titi cosnia paradona, Hroschemea powerd, and Atesta, sp.
Up on the sand ridges the Hakea was coming inte flower- and on this we took Stegmedera jekelé and 8. robusid (7?) Stigmoderd attrieoilis was taken from Hakea and Lepte- spernum, Eram a smal) Cassia I shook three specimens of a weevil ‘new’ to us— Eves crasstroshs, Pasc., previously recorded from South Australia only. Shrubs of several species Were persistently shaken, as it was thought they must prodnze something; but in several ¢ases without result, A mamber of young “Ming?' trees were shaken in the hopes of getting one of the species of Curis that have been taken on this plant, but the only result in each case was a shower of small weevils:
Tn the big sand-ridge eountry; half a mile trom the Siding, there ave plenty of kangaroos, and their tracks wete to be-seen In every direction, Birds were more numerous. here than on the flats, but T do not remember seeing any species, that is not known «lown south, with the exeeotion of the Lowan, Loijow odellatn, and the Crested Bell-bird, Oreoien gutturalis- The lntter_ of corse, was beard everywhere. On the edge of
ine. Hen, Toa Entomologists in the Mallee 235
the sand-vidge eountry were a oumber of nests of an ant, Euponera lutea. They were searched diligently, but did not praducé much material. Crickets und cockroaches could have heen ‘had in plenty, but a shortape of bottles prevented the eglfecting of these, or spiders, in any number, he ouly beetles taken With this ant were Hupines flavouptcalts, Lea, Vmesiphwrus formicinus, Macl., Rybaxis electrica, and Calo- dera, sp. While in a nest of a small black Iridomyrmex I found a real prize, Yetrephekingi, described from Western Australia, but previously taken, one specimen each, by Messrs. WH. W, Ihivey and J. C. Gondie, at Sea Lake, Vic. This little beetle belongs to the Ptinidw, arid is of a reddish cheat- nut calour, with a broad, jointed antenny. Another good find was the Ptinid, Polyplocoles carinaticeps, Lea, in the nest of the ant Crenastagaster Teviceps. This beetle was also described from Western Australia, and is now first reeorded from Victoria. ‘Twa other good inquilines. that were taken with €. deuiceps were Articerits créemastogastari, Lea, wid Nepharinus goudiei, Lea.
In a nest of tha Wood Ant, Jridonurmen sitidus, T obtained a species of Articerue which 1 had long wished to possess—.4, constrichvornd’s, Lea, a small Pselaphid, with a stngle [visible) jomt, to the antenne. This one join is of a verrarkable shape, being constricted in the middle, lat the outline varies with the surface and angles from which if, is seth, Not far trom this nest 7 took another Pselaplid new to science, Neopilimbolus goudiet, Oke (M.8.8.). Tt .is close la Palembolus, but the maxillury palpi differ in being longer, with the joints thin at their base. The male is without arma- ture on the legs, which also ig at variance with the deseribed species of Paliinbolus-
Tuesday evening rain bevan to fall—a passing shower, we thought—but it was after 8 aan. next day before we could leave ovr lent. Steady rain all night, and we had only a light calico tent and our unrbrellus. These latter we put up m™ fle tent, and they kept as dry for some time. However, before 10 p.m. 1 was damp, and an hour Jater wet! Raiy had filled the channels all around the tent, and 1 thonzht that we wuuld foat off, but morning found us still there, and the saw break- ing lhrough the clouds. hat evening. as it Uhieatened tu rain again, we struck deni and made a camp onder a tar- paulin from one of the trucks. It was well that we did so, for rain fell incessantly through the night, We determined lo leave Gypsum, and 4 am. found us packing up. We caught the morning train for Hattah, which is 36 miles further on, Arriving, we were surprised to find that here
B96 Dien, Tico Lalomotogists in the Mallee [vonxtat
thave had been only a light, misty rain, but, ae Th looked rather threatening, wo deeided to stay oear the stathon for a voaple of Whours. LC inade off down the tine to a patel of sevul, nud Was soo Geeing ob a Chae biceiowe, whroses oeonpait proved to he Co efeqaus.
Under a senall stone J found a west of frtdonipe Head Af he and wis Torhioiite too ged two speeimerns of a new Pad, Which C have named Polyplocotes apiealis, Oke ( MAS.) Tt is rather like Daplocates fovetcollis, OL, ti the body, bart tho antenoe has only 9 Joints, and the eleventh iw vhey lnvge, Not tar away, in another west of the same spories of ant, C eaught two epecnners (82) of Diplonofas (Deeen- plncales) strigicollis., lien. This heetle las orhy 10) joints in its: qhenin
About 10 0 'etock we sturted to walk out to Laky Halal, a distahee ot S34 miles: Some very interesting eoumtey les between the Hattnh Station suck the Mileluean Hac, and ve was only by the promise ut a full day aloug this teneh (at promise not fulfilled) that Lo was persuaded wot to wander off inte the serub. However, a little: colleeting was dete. The resulty were rather disappointing, the only beetle wortl raking bein a specimen of Kelis flindensi, There is a great yanety of vegetation here, vod this should be good insect commbey all the year round, but-especially in the early: sprivus, When the various Acacias are iu bloom. ‘Phe only shiuits we fond in flower were three species of Mallee aad ALyoperim pladucarpwune Several bushes of this latter species were shaken inte the wobrella, bat the only beetles obtained were Monolepta divisa, Bicb.. WZ. modesta, BlRh., and Ditro- pidus apieiponnix, Vea.
It Had been arranged that we would stay with dtp. Alf, Jones, aw friend of Mr Dixou, wha is fhe ok vesident pieht an the lake, with the exeention of Seatty at the punrpiige stution, whieh supplies water fo the railway station ane vosidents in Eattah, When we were there Mu, ones had his camp almost within a stone’s-throw of Hie water in fake llattah, On the other side of the eamp Lake Brockie was obly dt Pew bonded paees away, and, straight in Front about nt (quarter of a mile, was Little Hattah, In cliy weather they are distinct lakes, but in flood ave all joined toxether,
Avound the lakes isa fcinge of River Guns, and on the flat between and around Lake Brockie are a few Black Box. bat these, like most of the vegetation, seem to be dving out, This is particularly the case with the Hop Bush anid the Moonah, OF fhe latter only a small chump oaf-sts or seven fair-sized bushes remain; of the former, uot a bush was found neay, the lakes, and yet both species grew plentifully f few vears ago! Ts it. not the same everywhere? The vese-
* ~~!
ari OK, Teo Batomotagists ie the Alaiier uh
Hitlon ts Killed, and no young shrubs or freed grow 6 tuke the place of those destroyed, The beetles collectod af Hattah night be divided into four gvoups: (1) Those tuken at the waber’s edee; (2) those taken on the flats around te Takes; (Gh) those take our i the Midlte sels and (4) those taken Th als” nests,
Naturally enongn, after the dryness of the Gypsum aand- rides, (he water atheaeted os at Lattah, and we gpanr one (rst day as well as several half-days there. As wig expected, ihe most woietrtous dy speeies aid individuals af the heethes were Capabs, Sume kinds well known around Melbourne Wore Gmele the most abundant here, viz: Phil yids vide yhnelius, For, Cideenhes onstealis, Dojo, Aeuyedalhaaa: wen higuas, Vives and CGatadronas lacardairvet, Boise. Othe apecies ¢anuiany gough here, but wanknewn in the Methourmy distriel, were fPhgtisferuis Linibatus, Mads Chlrenivelins muhhyt, Montry., Pheropsvplas vertialis, Dej., Catadenmans eleva, Vseh 5 and Benhidiion jacksonense, (ee, whe ols aie or two specimens of the followin were taken: Kathermerta meryonensis, Bb. aAarbtystanius canalis, Bho 2 pares, Blkh.; A, lactis, Blkb.; Meeyclothoran cartis, BL, Te pa fatae, Sl, and Aucandeus austruliensts, SL A fey Staph. linia: were takew vlong the Water's edwe, teludivg dl fivediern semrirahrn, Kol; Plalonthas subcingulatus, Mael. Uheayeo cephalus chulevplerus, Weriebs., "sp. nove, /inegtalus meventrrts, Bol, 5 aps. of Lathvobiuin, 9 aps. of Seyibalivm, and Dawenn lorrenseusis, Bikla, not hitherto reeordad os Victoria. Weater-heetles were searee, aod only loa spss. of Vvdvophatida: wore obtained, Pselaphida: also were seivee, | wid only font apecias were taken: Mupinodm spor Cbentsapihas lonyicornis, Lea. and two other undetermined spectes.
Several of the fopms mentioned were found only at one point—on Lake Broekie—where rild flood eonditiviis existed, Had we collected at this point on. our first deve we would probably bave done wnel better thin we did. As ft wits, we tried for a while on the second day, and gave it up as the
day was too windy. T did aot try there again aati the daa
before we left, and by then the beetles were vonsiderahty
rednead in uioibers. To think this was dae, primenully, to the number of Gecoes and Seorpions that had concentrated arawnd thas spet Nyery stick or pieee of lark seomed to he harbouring ai Jeast one seorpion. Under ave pivee of bark, about T& inches in length and five or «iN anehes 1 wislth. there were seven of them, They were a fairly sina species, of a dinwy, yellowish colony, variegated with blaek
spuls, aid wer probably Tsemetris maculatus, Do Geer,
In the ext etroup—those taken ou the flate—Curabidie wars well copresmuted bea alse The laygest species fornd
iss Oxe, Two Enlomologists in the Mallee Mayen
was Philascaplus tutércubitis, Macl. This is a very fine inseet, 1} inehes in length, jet black, with rows of small tubercles on the elytra. ‘he jaws ave very powerful-looking- and the front legs are well adapted for ¢igging. [iy is usually found sitting In the entrance to its burrow, whigh is only fow or five inches in length, under logs. Two apect- mens of Geosceptus cacus, Mach, 4 brilliantly-polished apecies, somewhat like Cim'enwm scaraphites, Westw. Undoubtedly the most showy Cavah we found here was Eyton tinetillation, Newn., of which we secnrved several specimens 1 two distinct sizes—20 mm. and 144 mm. Looked at. from one angle these specimens are of a bewutiful violet hue, but when scen from another angle they appear a bluish- preel, ;
The rarest find in Carahs tor the trip was T'rickecareram custelmanwi, SL, a smgle specimen of whieh I found shelter- ing under a chip of jood—without a sign of a burrow. This interesting species wag deseribed as from Roebuck Bay, Western Anstralia, from a single specimen in the French colleetion, and my specimen is, apparently, only the second one to be taken. <A specimen of Mecyclothorar lateralis, Cast., was taken under some rubbish, as ulso were some Siniondantus mandibularis, Sl. Two species of Pausside were taken—-Arihroplerits wilsoni, Westw., and A west- woodt, Macl—under cover on the ground, but never in ants’ nests. The latter species was not wicomman, and ene was takerr in the serub, two miles away from Lake Brockie. A few interesting spesies of enchrionide were found orenr- ring on these flats. including species of Pterokelwus, Holes, Sarnaqus and Adelnwun, Wypaulac orcus, Pase., and several gpecies af Chalcopterus.
Another good ‘‘find’’ I made here consists of a pair of Metriorrliynchus apterus, Lea. They were taken on @ log, and on opening up the log several pups were obtuined. Unfortunately these did not emerge property. This interest- ing insect is, as its name implies, wingless in the ?. The é 1s, I believe, still undeseribed. I obtained a single’ 3, Which may belong to this speeies, as it was taken near this loz, lut it is winged. This species was described as from the Darling Downs, in Queensland, and I am not aware of its having been taken elsewhere, su this is an interesting extension of ifs habitat,
The Black Box was well worked, and several nice weevils were obtained from it, inchiding Ozyops bilunaris, O. alphe- betica, Lea, O. sp.; Bryachus sguamiicollis, Pase.; Rhinaria tebialis. Blkb.; Haplonys spenceri, Gyll.; A. fasciculatus, Bok., and a variety of H. sp. nev—steucturally near lowg?- pilosus, Lea, The River Gums were much too high for us
Agel Oxx, Two Entomologivts in the Mater 289
to discover what might be on the foliage, bul every piece of loose burl within reach was stripped off. The only hectle that was af all common here wus Diphobia famaliaris, OLL, and they were both with the ants aud under bark, or om the ground by themselyes. A few Carahs were taken, bul very sparingly—Adelotopus cylindricus, Ch.; A. uphodzoides, Westw.; A. micans, Blkh.; Sarothracrepis sauws, Bikb., and Anomaturus minor, Blkh, Amongst other tamnihes were a Clerid, Lewnidia vufa; a Chrysomelid, Monolepta artda, Lea,, and a Ptinid, Pty sp., near mediogtaber, Les
Only three trips were made back into fhe Mallee serub proper one bein te sane lave sand ridges about two miles nway; Uhe second, uround and beyond the puriping station and out onto the Mildyra road; and the third to some pad- docks that had been ‘'rolled,’’ and then left. ‘This latter was a most meterosting day’s colleeting, As the morning way bright and warm, an early start was made, the way being over the wndulatiug land, covered with white everlastings, fowutds the Milduva road, up the slope to ' Wilson's Selec tion,'' throngh the Pine and Bull Mallee belt, and on into the sevub. Though the idea was to get. to the rolled paddocks as quickly as possible, and nat to loiter on the way, we had not Teft the camp three wanutes before a Ing was notined that had not been tus‘ned aver, and, of course, we could not resist. the lemptation of having a look underneath’ it, And sa it continued. A specimen of Lutoma. tinctillatwmn under ove log, a Heloeus under another; perhaps a Termite’s nest, of a nest of some ant would be revealed and searched through for “‘pnests.”? Here, in a Termites’ nest, 1 found a few specimens of an apterus Staph, belonging to the sul-family Alesehavime, which, Mx. les informs me, is vivaparous. It is a pretty little thing when alive, with its head, prothorax and elytra a dark wine colour, and the abdomen and appen- dages mueh lighter. It is very qnick in its movements, and ig apparently on, the best of terms with its hosts: It is probably new to science, but has not yet been fully worked nue,
On the rise are some Mvalls, and from these a few weevils were oblained, while tle leayes underneath were smothered with a smal] species of ladybird. Every few steps there was something to de: a Jog tu be turned ; some bark to be stripped ; some boughs on the eround ty he shifted; or some bushes to be shaken into the nmbrellaa. That nothing may escape being taken, a eollector has ta try everything, and every way he ean think of Here, and in other parts, we found quantities of a Mallee in flower, I believe, the Yellow Mallee, BE, incrassata, on whieh hardiy a beetle was to be found. The Mallee in question has large clumps of flowers, which are of
‘
248 ORR Pu Entamdlogiey te Ube Mitten bh Se
a decided yellowish colour, and the individual flowers, as alsd tho leaves, aro vather larger than usual Whe nwers euit «strong, overpowering smell of howey, wick. after beat- Ing a quantity into the umbrella, the inside sumtince Decors sO shieky that it is teeessacy to wash tha umbrella, And yet hardly a beetle, or bee, will go near the plots. Tho pat knew the reason, birt there srgst he someting wiplomsiant in Wie taste of the neetar,
Shaking the shoots avoand the stumps of some Full Mallee we obtained some nice Cheysomelides, Crypioerpain ius wafer Loa; Co scabressys, Olive, ve, reegifr ons, Chp, C. 8 Caelanres histmonious, C Ny., nda few species of Paro bees “While shaking a elump of shoots L obtained a pate ot anialk weevils that T thaneht were “Snew?? bo ine, cine Tospent over halt-an-hour trying ta get anore, diet only obtained ane. Tinagine my disgust when, ater. 1 fond that they were only the Grain Weevil, Culendra qouenuriv! Krona young pices of the white Mallee C obtained the green caterpillae of the rather rave moth, Ayleora eer, yptt, anid this was subsequently bred ont, What a change in enour! Nhe exterpillar is aw beautitu enu-ce-nil with a white stripe flown the sides; the pupa black, and the perteet, inscet is A fine study in browns, whieh, on the forewings, ave lirieately iiturwovens the hind wings are pen white with vellow- brown teres.
Orn reaehinge {he “rolled” Murloc we tied ovarviling, thoneh the “spring-bicks’’ were Qu niin ohjeative, vial. from these, we obtained some beautiful species of Parcysts, But how disappointing these beetles arel One we emeht was 4 larve species of acbeanutifal goth shade of green, With a wionth it was a ciney yellow. Apother with a wreow bind fround if, and red and golden markings faded. taal Tas A veeat pity that these beetles will wot retain thai colours, THeve we obtained T'tarahelweus thymalnides, Mael,, and three Species of Langi¢orns—eltestran angust, Relius filiforonis, and Lschiotes bakewelli, By one ofcloek the sand had heeanie so hot thal it almost burnt the hand when touched, We fleeided to have hiveh, Tor a cdeink we went over tu Wil soi’s tank, Lf containad only a few inehesx of mud, 8 we seloatod the nearest approach to a abudy nial that wits ta he founc, wd hunched without water.
A tew stunted Myoporums and a little White Mallee were Lhe only flowers woe fannd my resume work after luneh. On the former were a Pew Antilaria, and oa sinvle
. Psendoantaria purpurcicallis, whieh max he its usual tine
‘here, bret some that we bred ant of stieks at home did et
appear till February. ‘The’ Leptosperntun was just abont > finistied at Hattah, ‘and. what little was left had ver y few
Aw One, Two Lutomotoyists in ine Mallae 291 Stigs, oh it, and ouly one was added to our lst—Stigmadere gibbicallis, Saand, About 4 pan. a start was nade For ennp, ind sthiking thraugh the serab, we vetumed by a different rote On the edge of dhe sevob f toule a, speciinen of tat very Uiterestings lorigicowm—Maerolragius mormon, Parse. Mis Jonwicomn looks very dike ane of the shovt- ainited vpound weavils That hax. grown lonp antennas.
he fourth group of beetles—those taken in ynis’ wests— provided pore interest und took fonver to eateh Than nigh be thonght by taking a casual look at our ‘entel.'’ or Vhouph they are gnostly small, there is osually something of speeial interest in each species. ov example, take Tierigtosomee Hibivele, Lea, of which 1 collected a few specimens i iests of a small black Jovdomarimec in the saud-vidve cvontey This beetle, which is 237 mm. m Ioneth. belongs to the Tenehrionidke, is withouk eves and wings, aad Nel ratios from Geraldton, W.A., to Hattahand Natya. in Vieloe,
Ou in the serd-rrdwe commten PE obtatened. a few ree apeimens of Malleecola myrmecophilt, Diplocales strigkeullts, Moliplocotes upiealis, and another very intersting Paid Delooping fo the Metrephing, for awhiell a ew gens, or sul eons. Will have to be erented. And as the wiitenme have Oviy Pao joints, the second Deine wedge-shaped. (Tse eallad iW Mtrephes cuenformis (MLS.S.). FT consider this to be vue OF the most interesting specios of Ptinidw known In Aus tral. Though it might be vo moor point whether the boaadening, of the jolats—as in Paussapedeus—or the vadve- tion af the joints from the uznal cleven to two, as tT the presan species, is the more Tnterestive. An inwrmedute Position is oeanpied by ctrephus hinge Naving thie be oadened antenme, bat only five or six jomts Ariiverey were scree at Hattah, but two speeimens, (¢ 8) of A. dantipas, Lea, were found with Fridomyrman ruforiger, and several specimens of wnother species, not determined yet, but certainly new to Victoria. ; :
On starting for this trip | determined to try to obtain (wo beetles that had been collected in North-western Vietoria —Pheidoliphila ourbo, taken at Sea Laké from a nest of Pheidole, and Companytophilis fimbricallis, described From Beverly, W.A., of whieh Mrs Dixon had alvendy obtained twa specimens i vests of the common Sugar Ant, Com pono- ius wgriceps, at Hattah, OF the first, no sign was seen, though no effort was spared. Pheidole Ants Were rather searee, bub those nests fond were looked over most car filly ward revisited several times,
7 Hunting for the sceond species proved the most intarost- jer ite of ovr whole prograntme, The ants. dwarited var ‘evry thing all avout the Jakes. and every bib of cover thus
292 OKs, two Entomotogiats ix the Mallee Vita Rad.
did not have a nest of sorhe other ant under it, had a nest of these Sugar Ants, but it way not till the fourth day of our visit that UC sueceeded in finding one of the beetles. T had looked in 236 nests without finding a specimen! When I aay vests, T do not mean that all were separate colonies, For instanee, two pieces of bark lying on the ground, say a few feet, or even less, between, and covering numbers of these ants and the tunnels leading down to their nests, would show on the surface, no connection whatever, but underground would almost certainly be linked, Yet I would have counted these as two nests. And, again, some nests were looked in twice, a few three times, and these visits were counted in. However, on furning over a piece of wood, aid exposing my 257th nest (we had both tooked in this nest, but on different oeeasions), I was at last rewarded by seeing one of the long-coveted beetles.
Camponotiphilus fimbrivallis, av, to give th its English equivalent, The Wringed-sieck beloved of the Sugar Arta is a Mavk-redilish, ehestoot beetle, shehtly wnder halfantneh m length, with a fairly conspieuous fringe of pubescenee around the pronotum. Victorian speeanens are slightly laveer than the only two specimens I have seen from Western Anstralis. Mr. Lea gives the length as 84-94 mm.; my exaniples are 104-21 mm. That the beetles live on very friendly terms with their hosts there can be little doubt, as the ants made ud attempt to molest them. When nests are opened, the beetles are very lively, and immediately make for the tannels. In their hurry often they will try io rou between the legs of their hosts, resulting in the ants coming ‘“evoppers,’’ which the ants apparently take in the spirit of ‘no offence meant.’” The ants often get nual of the way of the beetles, and geen Ag ansious ag the beatles themselves aré to got out of sight,
Twice, on finding one of these beetles. in 4 rest, and niok- \ng which hole it was mating for, I plugged the hole, an inch or two down, with my trowel. The beetle dived into the hole, bat corld not get down, and then there was excitement! Several ants rushed into the hole, pushed their way around, came out, looked around, as though for fresh ingpiration, and then mmshed back again. Did they push the beetle ont? Or did it come out of its own arcord? On the first occasion L thought the beetle mished cut of its own free will; it tan towards another hole, when T picked it up and put it in the killing-bottle, On the second occasion it appeared to me that the beetle was foreed put by the ants and directed towards another hole, in much the same way as a dag will drive sheep. Only, instead of one dog and many sheep, it was several ants and one beetle T tried to
THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Volt. XLII
April, 1926
HEATH, Epacris Bawbaicensis,
ALPINE
Wittsteinia
THE BAW BAW BERRY,
Stapf.
a, Fiv.M.
J. Bishop)
by F,
egatives
tN
ee Oxe, Tio Entomologists in the Maltec 288
block the second hole, but the beetle was tou quack for me. I tried to dig it ont, but, on digging a small hole, such a labyrinth of passages were exposed that 1 was at a loss which way to proceed, and, as the clay was very hard for a trowel, T gaye Wf up.
‘The ‘time spent on opening the nests, before the first **Pringe-neck”’ was found, was by no means lost. Far from it! Bor other inquilines were acen and noted. Twa other beetles were secu im the nests, One was a Staph,, belonging to the genus Conosnme, but, ag some specimens were obtained away from the nests, they may not be true inquilines. The second was a “new'’ Pselaphid, sinee desevibed as Z’mesi- phorus camponoti, Oke. This species was not uncommon, but, not many were taken, as I qistaok it, in the field, for T’. formicinus, Mael.
An unexpected guest to me, if not the ants, was a pretty little bluish spider, belonging to the family Attic, Numbers of this spider were seon by both of us, but neither saw ane outside of the Sugar Ants’ nests. Several kinds of mites were noted, and a amall yellowish fly was not un- epinmen, But the most teresting and peculiar guest was u kind of Froghopper (Cereopidw). All the species of this Painily Iitherto knewn ta me live on bushes, prin¢ipally youn Eyealypts, and live ou the juices of these planta. Two apeees of this family, Burymola distincta, Sign., and EB. rvebrovittata, Am,., are very common on young Euealypet ivees, Where they ave always attended by ants, particularly the Sugar Ants and Meat Ants, Tridomarines detectus, But we found this species living in nests under the ground, and, from what we saw, il seems very doubttul whether they ever leave ,the nests, exeept, perhaps, to ehange from one to the qther. The insects were found in all atuges, except they eyes. Little larve from slightly move than 1 mm, up t fully matured imagines were ‘seen in the same nest, and the ants wuarded them wo carefully it would appear that they spent, their ves in these nests--uniess they are taken out at night to feed on the trees, Unfortunately, our acety- lene lamp was ditnaged, heing dropped off ihe train at Gypsum, and I was tinable to do much observation work at night. T did glance aronnd one or two nests at night, but did not see any Proghoppers outside them.
That these froghoppers. are used to being carried by the ants is evident. On volling over the covering log From one of the nests sometimes a dozen or 2) of these guests will be revealed. They seem to be greatly agitated, and quite unable 4o make up their minds which way to ran. Any ant meeting one of the guests will immediately ‘seize it by the thorax and earry it down qne ofthe holes. Or, if the
204 BRK, Teo Aatamolagiats én the Matlee a kat
wiiest hud been on the tog, the aint would take. it inito any evack or qveviee and hide ik Che auts invariably Carey the Trvoghoppers otf heacl foremast. and generally tam then aver with their feet uppermost as soon as they take Told af them, if thes ay Not, the trorhoppers will gree them- silvex over in Hie ants’ mandibles. The veasaw tov this is misily wnderslool—it is heeuse the froghoppers’ ela eateh i everylhing when tuned down, tat are not nearly so likely fo do so Wi the reversed position, Did the ants of the frog lroppers ciiseover this faet first?
T greatly regret that UC did) not: brine honie mummy live specimens of ants and their guests. One inight have been aWle ta dis¢aver nore about them. though fant afvaicd it would he necessary to have them iv their amtural saetound- igs to see ¥oIne Of the interesting details. It may be possitle to latrn whether the froghoppers ave fed by the ants. 1 clue out ove fine neat (covered by a tog and a sheet of bark dhont 5 HF fect it levgth ynd 2 feet in width) to a depth of aver
3 fet to see whether the enests cotld be obtained far dawn ii the nest, Ags To had taleen one 'Wringe-neck!? on this ist, F had Tepes of finding sore specimens of. this heetle iJowa, in the nest, To was disuppotited. but vieht at the bottom of the hole obtained one af the spiders anc several Feaghoppars.
We brought baek with us a dundle of sticks, and from (hese bred a few longicorns, including: trom Mallee, Seoleco- brotus udrieqatus, Bikh.; trom Aeacia, Sapmphaletes luteralis, Pause, 8, veshigatis, Pase.. Mlatyomopsis obGqua, Don.; and front Black Box sticks, Atosta mayast, Pase., A, lated, Buch. anil Atesta sp. nay.
Th was fared to depart trom this dclighttal courts, with its inany juterestiny phases of anima life, but Pusiness demanded that t should retura to the city, and so we hud to make an early start on Saturday morning to eateh the lenin at 8.22 fram Hattah, Arriving af the ‘station, with a few minutes to spuve. T had tive to try a few pieces of Myoporin platycorpun, whieh were out to perfection, and from which [ obtained a single specimen of Neneuris disea- Mavuan—imnw last eateh for the trip. "7
Altoyether 364 species of beetles were taken, cand I believe a few common species were passed over; butt, sill T think we obtained a very faiy number for 14 days’ colleat- ing. - T any wreatly indebted to Mr. A. M. Tea for identify- ing and echeelking my identifications of a namber of the hietles obtained, and to Mr. YT. G. Sloane foe identifying many, of ‘the Carabidae: and the Paussidie, To both LT tender inv best thanks.
'
Eyal Presdorr, Taso Rare Native Mountain Heatie _ 2396
SUNNAe NA mANAN ANTHEA TODGENONADAAUOEEDOLAMRTOLONeANAU REC ET OAANIAUO NATO GA TORTONAYOEDOGeea Mate AbeNANP Ne HSEOt ION RHAT er rer PANDO NOtsemeene metre
TWO RARE NATIVE MOUNTAIN HEATHS.
By Epwarp K, Pracorr, 3°.,5.
veveeennne
POO
The hbeaths whieh we usually prow i our gardens. are either species ov hybrids of the mative South African Teaths, _ and belong to the family of Mricacer, the members of whieh, ave often called the ‘‘trac heaths.’’ The heaths which make ibe Australian bush and moovlands so gorveously beautiful in winter and spving belong toe the 4 family of Mpacadea. Mere ave several botanies) differcmees in the families, the imain distinetion between the two heing that an Baicacee the withers are always one-colled, and in Kpacmdee they are always two-eelled. Representatives of hoth families ave found in Vietoria. but, winle we may find nore than 40 species af Epacrides, there are ouly two native species of Krieacen. = Baw Baw Brey (lieve)
The species allustiated, Willstemma vacetidced, Riv, is known as the Baw Baw Berry. Tt is found only on ihe hope of the Baw Binw ancl adjacent mountaing, and is there fore very rarely seen by plant lovers, A wood-bloek fleare of this plant is piven in Muellar’s ‘sey?’ but it is very formal, and hardly shows the true character off the plant, The bushes stow to a height of tao feet or three feet, and the dulicute, wreenisi-white, waxy bells ane uxceedingly dainty. Unfortnmately, the plants were not. fruiting at ie time the photograph was tken; the fruits are small, gveenish- Vellow or reddish in colour, and are classed as edible.
Yo the Bricaecs belone the blac betmes, hucklebernies, anil other edible berries so common in North Amer jen; they Vield hirge avops of bervies anmually.
Yom Aver: Hare (i eacripieat)
hpacrs Bawhawonsis, Stapf, for many years was Glas sifted ais Hy heteronenat, Labill, avid wider that name. is deserthed at page 378 of Maeller's ‘Ivey. '' Lt is purely alpine heath, growing fiitrly abundantly on the Baw Baas, beeom- ing qnite a tall plant, having white flowers evowded towards the top of (he branehlets, as shown. in the photograph, ‘The kvealities of 0, heteronema, as viven in the “Flora Aus trahensis,’” page 239, are not only the Baw Baws, but Mount AMievdeen and the Mitte Mittas; vreeords also showin it, te acear i Tasmania and New South ‘Wales. ' In 1909, when studying a heath that hud flowered at Kew Gardens, England, one of the botanists, Mr. 0. Stapf, came
298 Prscorr, Ton Rarc Native Mounlain Heaths | YSN to the conelusion that NM. hetevonema was 4 very Tl-defivied Species, especially as Bentham had stated that E. dubza, Lind]., might be a variety of this apecies,
As a result of Mr. Stapf’s investigations, it was found that, while 2, heteronema was a valid spevies, the Baw Baw specimens differed very considerably Zrom the type clescription. Indeed, from all the plants known as &, khelerovema, four separate specios were deserihed, the determination resulting in the exelusion of that species
from Victorian Mora. ‘The Buffalq and Mitta Mitta speci- *
mens Were named EF. brevifiora, Stapf; the Tasmanian fort was named £. Stuart, Stapf; while the Baw Baw plant was named after the mountains on which it grows. This species was published in the Kew Bulletin of 1930, and its only locality is the Baw Baw Monntuins.
The main differences between the two plants may here be noted for the use of the general collector. In &. hetero- nema the style is as shott or shorter than the ovary, and it floes nol protrude trom the mouth of the corolla; while in E, Bawbawensis the style is several times Jonger than the ovary; it is distinctly protruded from the mouth or funnel of the corolla tube, In the former the filanients whieh sup- port. the avthers are very much shorter than tha anthers; while in the latter the filaments are much longer than in the former,
In the photograph reproduced, the protruding style can elearly be seen in the centre of some of the flowers.
he illustrations are from negatives by Mr. F, J. Bishnp, whose beautiful photographs, which so traly delincaté the characters of the native flowers, are widely known.
THE PROVIDENCE OF A THRUSH.
We often read of animals laying food aside for future needs, but I do not remember hearing of any bird deing so. Nevertheless, I once saw a Grey Shrike-Thrust, Colluricincla karnionica, thus provide for himself. The friendly bird eame avery day to our verandah for crumbs, and once, having evi- dently satisfied his hunger for the time heing, he picked up # piece of bread, and, carrying it to 2 post near by, carefully pushed it under the edge of a sack which wag hanging there. Yorttinately, [ happened to go ta the door, just ds, later in the afternoon, the Thrush returned for his fodd. With- out hesitation, he flew to the post, and picking his bread from beneath the edge of the sack, he flew off with it. On wnother day he carefully pushed a large erumb into a cleft in 2 log. 1 did not see him return, but a few houts later the crumb had gone, and presumably he had taken it— J, Gavaraira, ;
;
fee | Regeneration of Burnt Worest 297
RETIN T ERED EET RD RGIOFE TPE DI DIOPET AT UALEND EA TERIDE AION CNTEFEEDHEREOUEETFETETERUETPIFENOS EMER eevee DdLesad iis eeseeeanauyessyspree
REGENERATION OF BURNT FOREST.
AOPTETTTEH EDN NRA Wh EE VETTEL AACCERT Fete,
TEL ECOPPOOTIETEL UL OPA AERRLER CU CLITED Rpt dc eredd te ce COLLET C LED ET A peak AEE LEED Gmc AED GA Prec RHEE Re Oart OLE rete bedi eden ey
No records appear to have been published im this State of the effects of fires on ou various types of forest, and of the measure of regeneration which has followed. The results of the many fires whriel: have periodically, devastated our timber resources are doubtless known to Iorest, officers, but nothing of a systematic Kind has been made available for publie informidion.
It is, of course, generally known that a forest suffers according to the nature and intensity of the fire and. the kind of tree, or trees, and attendant species composing It, Tt is known, too, that the result, of a tire, even if the trees are not killed, is to render them more valnerable to borers, fungi, and other destructive agencies; that the humus is destroyed and the ground bared, with the consequent denu- dation of the soil by rainfall when the slope is preat enough, to the detriment of both the forest and the streams draining it; that the constitution of the forest is invariably “altered inare or less, certain species being killed outright and after wards replaced by wattles, bracken or others dubbed “fire. weeds. 7’
To remedy, im some slight measure, this lack of exact information, it is proposed that two burnt areas, differing, if possible, in the nature of the cover, shall be selected for purposes of periodical observation and record by a team tomposed of members of the elub.
Tn the first place, surveys of the burnt areas would need to be made, the immediate effects of the fire, the nature of the surface and the soil, the presence or not of humus, the altitude, slope and exposure, and the fauna-and flora still existing noted. The date of the fire, and the dates and amount of the precipitaticn occurring mm the interval, would be ascertained, and any evidences of regeneration recorded.
By an examination of areas adjoining the burnt ares, its condition anterior to the five would be asdertained, and a list Of its fauna and flora dvawh ap with a reasonable degree of approximation. Subsequently, monthly. visits by one or other member of the team might. be paid, their obser- vations being duly recorded, generally for the’ whole area, and partienlavly for ecortain specially selected quadrats,
ie ' ihe ‘ N . 248 Modganigahion of Lund borese wie or
The Botunical Department of the Oniversity of Melbourne has the intention to carry ont similar work jn the vieiwity ut Tealesville, and our members will doubtless be vlad to adhere to whatever scheme is adopted by if, and work on sutiilay lines,
With. the view of seeking suitable uvens for the purpose iientioned, Hwo matuhers of the Club visited (ppur Perutiec Gully on Webruary 28, and provisionally tixed on one close to the station, whieh had been fire-swept on the tS5tioat phe mouth. his inewsures vrouehly between 20 aeres and 30 aeres, and ts bounded by three roads—that fren the main roud to the Pavilion: fram there towards Cerny Creek, and the thitd, down which a telegraph line rus, joie these, With the exception of a small pateh near the apex of the triangle, the serub has been completely burnt, and a eursovy examination. enabled only Goodenta ovata, Acacit verticcllaty and Glycine clandestina to be identified,
Of the trees, Muculyplus eleophora largely predominated, and KF. abhiqua and BL dusttaliana wer also prescit. Nithough all their leaves were dead, uoie of. the trees appeared ta tave heen killed, and these will doubtless recover, their bark having been otily superficially chaerect Already stens of recovery were evident in many of tem in the shape of adventitious shoots at the bases of saplings and alone their stems. Other siens of Jife were noticed in the tussocks of Cuhata, sp., and lepidospermea, ap. ‘The fire had, seamingly, been, trsufficiently severe to consume the nmeuy logs which strewed the forest—perhaps relies of previous fres—and uwuder these avere oceusional lizards, ond numerous spiders, ants and froghoppers still wlive.
The work proposed by the committee aud the Botanical Department oF our University will bea stall step ino the application of plant eeology to practical use. AlL whose business. if is to gzrow things, be they forest trees, frit trees, grain or athay crops or pasture, pub the principles of plant ecology into practice to a greater ov lesser degree. Mostly. like the man who was surprised at finding he had been talkiny prose all his life, they are doiite so quite mn- conseiausly. Ther work empirically or by rule of thamb, Many sueeead in spite of this, Wat if is vers certain that, “of they clearly understood the factors respanstble for the srowth of their craps. and the influences which niilitates against than, their success would be the greater—C 3.8.
Ame WILLIAMSON, Victorian Ferns 299)
Re
VICTORIAN FERNS
By H. B. Wintatamson, F.L.8.
CUAGUOCGUREUSAOCHCLEAAQGLANREOEA SOO GURNOELOC EO NNL
Auvpesen Pn peenusgssekacuines.
Thatpeqeqqaassgenenyecneeonay
POON OATORCOO ONO UONRTENAACANEEVUNUAOREATEN ned eH eeTEEDeedd reer herr tad dete
Parr I,
Family POLYPODIACEA®.
: Key to the Genera. (a) .Sori marginal (b) Indusiun absent .. ., .. .. .. Notholaena, 1 sp- (b) Indusium present, gomiatimss tot apparent on the old fronds. (c) Indusium short (d) Indusium cup-shaped, opening outwards
(e) Fronds firm .. .. .. .. .. Davallia, 2 spp.
(e) Fronds tender _. .. .. Demnnstaedtia, 1 sp.
(d). Indusituan formed by the incuryed margin of lhe frond
(f) Fronds 4 to 5 ft... .. .. Hypolepis, 1 sp,
(¥) Fronds under 1 fl... ., .. Cheilanthes, 1 sp.
(dq) Indusium an incuryved = reniform membrane developed from the edge of the frond, but dis- tinet from it .. ., .. Adiantum, 4 spp.
(c) Indusium elongated
(g) Indusium opening outwards .. .. Lindsaya, 2 spp-
(g) Indusium opening inwards
(bh) Indusium double .. .. ,. .. Pteridium, 1 sp. (h) Indusium single (i) Fronds dark green on both sides Pteris, 4 spp. (i) Fronds paler beneath (j) Fronds bi- or tri-pinnate, 2 2 to 4 ft. Histiopteris, 1 sp. (i) Fronds simply pinnate, 1 fl. Pellaea, 1 sp. ot) Sori away from the margin (k): Indusium absent, (1) Fertile and sterile fronds dissimilar Cyclophorus, 1 sp- (1) Fertile and sterile frond similar (m) Sori linear, along veins, very hairy plant Pleurosorus, 1 sp-
(mm) Sori covering most of the veins, fronds glabrous,
very (hin .. .. .. .. .. .. ANogramma, 1 spe
“Vic. Nat,
300 Werramson, Victorian Ferns Val Nie
(m) Sori roundish, fronds entire or pinnatifid Polypodium, 4 spp- Fronds. repeatedly pinnate Dryopteris punctata (see below) (kk) Indusium present (n) ‘Sori elongated (o) Sori in a continuous line along both sides of the Thidrib .. ., ... ... .- .. Blechnum, 9 spp. (o) Sori alane Velas diverging from the midrib Asplenium, 8 spp, (n) Sori oblong linear, paraliel to the midrib on veiniets connecting forked yeins ., ., .. .. .. Doodia, 2 spp, (on) Sori shorter, slightly curved, mostly a the forks of veing diverging from the midrib, fronds very
' tender, 3 to 5 ft... .. .- .. .. Athyrium, i &p.
(n) Sori roundish : (p) Indusium pellate .. .. .. .. Polystichum, 4 spp. (p) Indusium attached at the base (absent in D, punetata) .. .. .. .. .. .. Dryonteris, 3 spp. (p} {ndusium ovate, with sori attached to base, 6 to 9 inches .. .. .. .. ., .. Cystopteris, 1 sp.
Genus Normonana (Page 301),
NotHoLana vistans, R.Br, (Fig. 1). Bristly Cloak Fern, W.A., S.A. V., N.S.W., @., P. (Polynesia), N.Z. Fronds Bin. to 10in., with distant pairs of pime (Ib) densely covered. with long hairs underneath, almost concealing the sovi, which form a continuous line along the margin.
In the young state the margin may be somewhat. curved over the sori. This species ig not, often gathered, but, since the Census of Victorian plonts was compiled, specimens have been seen from.Wodonga and Broken River (N-E.), Macal- lister. River, aud recently Mr. D. J. Paton collected it on granite rocks on Big Hill Range, Bendigo (N.W.).
Genus Davattaa (Page 301).
Davathsa vuBta, R.Br, (Wig. 1). Rainbow Fern, T., V., N.S.W., Q. Very widespread in Victoria. Fronds large. and firm, resembling the Common Bracken, but less rigid. Fig. Ila shows a secondary pinna. Sori are at the base ot the blunt teeth, which are often in age curved over them like those of Dicksonia (IId), but there is no upper valve as in that genus. The indusium is attached by a broad base to the pmnule, and does not cover the sorus (IIc).
———Nothileni; (£, 111—Davallia,; 1V—-Dennevadtia, V—Hypolepis; Vi—Cheilanthes.
302 — Witaransox, Victorian Beyis werent Davauiia wysipata, Cay. (Big, UL), Hare's-foot Fern, 7, NSW. QP. his is & smaller and more tender tern, he to 1 foot in height, and may be distinvuished frony Bp. dubli by its indusiam being a-:cotuplete evap or aylindér, longer than broad (WTe); whew young almost imnierscd’ in the pinnule. . ‘There- appears to he uvuly one Vietorian speemmen i) the National Flerburiuni—that fram, the? Gram- pias. It has been reeorded feom East and South, iid sprees mens would be acceptable at the TFerbarium.
Genus Dennsraivria (Page 501.) \ Dovavariowes (R. Bv.), Moore (Fig. LV). Creeping. Lace
~ Kern, V., N.B.W..Q,, Ak, NZ. ‘This is a beautifal Porat with
tender, pitiehediviced fronds, up to 5 feer, springiig From
- 4 vhizome, like bracken. Tt has its: spore: cases i a -cup- shaped tuvoluere with almost entire sedges set at the! base of
the upper sides. of the very small teeth of the pirruvtles (1 Vbe). It i8 common in the jogle-lke erock bottans of Kast Cappshind, and there gre speciniens from Johanna River, yay Cape Otw ay. -- \ ‘ : ' \ Genus Hyro.t tus, (Page 301). A , at
Hyon: Pid renuivonia (Mart), Beval, (Pig, Vo Sot
Hypolepis, V.. N.S.W., Q., As. 2, .N.% This form bears a
remarkable vesemblanee to the common Dryoplerrs punctata, aud, avhen the indusimua has withered, en seareely he cik-} tinguishad from that fern. Tt has fronds springing front thizome to a height of 4+ or 5 Feat, somewhat ‘peso | Davaltia dabin. . The sori ave at the edge of the pinnules, between their teeth, and the thdusium consists. of the retlexed seale-like margin of the pinnule (Vbe), at fust often eover- ing the sorus, bul ait an advanced. stave almost eoncealord ander it, ov qnite withered away. There are specimens in- the” HWerbarion fronv few Vietorian Toeali Lies ; “Curd” River.”” ‘Otway,’ and “Ravnoud Creel.”
Genus Gane, ANSTHES (Page 301). . CUMILANTAES vexuivoua (Baro) Sw. (Fig VL). Rock Foren, all States of Australia, As. P.. NLA. This species is Found i all parts of Vietoria, and ix sometimes seen thickly spread Ovdn granite Tillsides auder eonélitions whieh of woes not usually assoekite with fers. with the exeeptima: af the Svackeon. Nhe fronds grow to almost a foot in height, aud the vdees of the pinnules are revolute to form a cover for the sori, whieh are- sometimes contisuous, with the small rounded teeth or lobes bent over them.
ea WiLur arson, Witdnin iervas bbe
.
ua Wituramson,’ Victorian Merng ett
Genus AntlantTuM (Page 302),
AoaANTUM asrecoricuM, L, (Fig 1}, Common Maiden- hair, very ‘widely spread through every eontinent and the islands of the Pacific Although found growing under ovdmary conditions in serub land, if is a favourite on account of its fairy-like appearance, due to the capillary stalks of the pinmules. It 1s the only one of the four species which has its pinogles not dimidiate (obliquely set on the stalks). Tt belongs to a section contaming the old-world A, capillus-Veneris, ‘Tine Maidenhair,’? which has been ervoneonsly recorded for Vietoria in Supplement 3 to the
- Census owing to un error in determination by the late Prince
Bonaparte of specimens of Vietorian forms of A, whhiopicum., I{tlustrations of the pinnules of A, cupdlus-Veneris are given for comparisua (Tlab). Tit willbe noticed that the pinnules ate rather deeply lobed, and that the indusium. extends further along the edge than in A. ethiopicum.
A. rormosuM, R,Br, (Mig. [11)| Giant Maidenhair, V_. N.S.W., Q., N.Z. The trouds are large—up to 3 feet—with shiny blaek stems, wile its pinnules are almost leathery, finely streaked, and minutely toothed at the upper edge. Its secondary pinne have hairy stems, It is found only in East Gippsland. where it grows thickly on periodieally-flooded river alluvial, The author has gathered it at Cann River.
A. HISPIDULUM, Swartz (Fig. TV). Rowsh Maidenhair, ¥,, NSW. @., and all other parts of the world, except Kurepe. his fern also has been gathered oily in Fast Gippsland. Its fronds are pedate (foot-like), having a fancied resemblance to the foot of a bird, instead of being pinnate, as in the iwo latter species. ‘The pinnules are dis- tinetly dimidiate, closely set, finely toothed, and hispid with short hairs on the under-surface. Lt has been collected only in the extreme East, Genoa River (Rev. A, J, Maher) and Oupe Howe (C. Walter).
A, DIAPHASUM, Blume (Fie V). Filmy Maidenhair Pern, V.. NS.W., Q,, As. NZ, P. The-fronds are pedate, ender one foot, as in the lust species, irom which if ean be distinguished by its membranous pinnules, fewer sori set (leeper from the edge, and the few minute black getie (stiff Whorn-like hairs). on the longer edge of the pinnule- This last is quite a characteristic feature. Tt ig remarkable thik this fern has been collected only once in our State, and that within 50 miles of Melbourne —Lang Lang River, 10 miles west of Dronm. (C. French, senior, 1884.)
Spe], Wititamson, Victorian Perne 305
Genus Linpsava (Page 302),
Linpsaya Linuarts, Swartz (Wig. VI). Serew Fern, all States of Australia; P., N.Z This little fern is common among sernb near Melbourne, especially in damp, sandy. soil. Its sterile fronds (4) growmeg usually 6 inches to 8 inches in height, are simply pinnate, the pinne being fan-shaped and opposite. The fertile fronds (b) have sori in a continuous ling under an indusinm opening outwards on the outes edge of the segment. ‘These fertile segments are often found folded or screwed up, hence the vernacular ‘‘Serew Mern,”’
L.,cunrara (Iorst), CG. Chr. (Fig. VII). Wedge Fern, ‘Tas., V., N.Z. The fronds are 6 inches to 8 inches in height, bipinnate, with pinne about an inch long obovate or cuneate, having sori and indusium much like those of DL. Iinearis, Vhis term was umrecorded for Victoria until Messrs. Audas and St. Iphn collected it near Sealers’ Cove, Wilson’s Promontory, m October, 1909,
APDITIONAL NOTES.
TRICHOMANES cAUbATUM, Brack. (Fig. VIII). Tailed Bristle Fern, V., N.SJW,, Q. The specimen of Trichomanes taentionerd in Part 1, p. 223, Mallacoota, C. Barrett, proves to be T. caudatwu; new for Victoria. It differs from 7’. humile in having pinnate fronds (a). One of the pine is shown (b). The frnit-cups (e) are much like those of 7, venosum in shape, with the similar long, but often thicker, receptacle (d) Tt was gathered well this side of the border, pendent from the tiunk of a fem. ,
TRICHOMANES wUMILE. Another scrappy specimen — with no date or collector's naine—has come to light. Tt is one trom Gembrook, the locality of Mi. Lucas’s specimen. Collectors visiting Gembrook should starch carefully for this rare fern.
ALgsorHiLA Repnocom, F.v.M. Part 1, p. 226.
Vrom particulars supplied by Mau. C. French, senior, who knew Mr. Sayer well, and who, with Baron von Mueller, went through all that collector’s specimens, it seems. certain that - the record tor Victoria is erroneous. This tree fern is. very dhstinet, aud no authentic record exists of its oecurreies iT Queensland, S. of Roeklampton, or in New South Wales. The mistake has evidently occurred through a labelling error
* Woe { S0f Noles fron Fic wad Stucky (Fics NE
Vt is perhaps ot wirusual to see birds defending their young: but a contest between a. Elawk and a paiv of Mawpies mecently at an altitide of 5500 feet gave us sone ontertait- nent ny the early inorming elose to Monnt Manter, N.S, Victoria,
A pair of Magpies, Gynunorhind Tenconota, sud their voung were foraging ono flat among the ‘ormesshoppers, Tinerdas and Monistrivs, A hawk of some speeics skmumed low and teied to ent off one of the young hires. Ninrediately @ime a warning vote from one pareut. want the youu maypies closed in, Again the hawk swooped, but rhe old biel was waiting, and rose to meet its enemyowith ge shiny smiy) OF the bill, pursmine the haw tate a ueighboutine trae. The patience of the hawk was admirable, and the Mescpie returned to ith family by a prethy, geaeetul curve,
Lit due couvre tho hawk came dgan at ita qearry. aby to fod aw defender wailing, Pive timas theehawk BWwonpudt unsuccessfully. What a quick eve the parent bird bad, and how eoufident were the voune ones, which ran about feeding, vblivious of the enemy. One of the parents vemainect on the ground all the time with the fledg@lings, while the other was ready to vecept the ehallenge. To na, from a distance of 100 yards, the Magpie sovtned to rise fest, and anticipate the hawk leaving the tree-perch.
Both birds rematned-on the same tree for some tine after an attack, evidently, like practised prize fighters, waitin: Far wn opening, When the Magpie deemed ih prided. he
“returned to the home etrele, till the hawk xesunied Ths quest. Kinally, the Magpie family few to the wooded comutry hear bhe hint, the parents on the ortside and the young gies inside; but the foiled hawk remained for sore time ov the bree, having abandoned the hut. Some time biter the cries of the young Magpies among the tree-tops showed that food was being brought to them.—A.J.U. and A-G.H.
Aut \ Noles from Field and, Study 307 56.4, 4
RUVOUS-RRKASTHD WHISTLER AS A MIMIC.
Minicry ix prachsed by suine birds to whom that power 18 NOt Usually-attibuted. Often the imitation, is not docep: tive, or js so only for a moment. At other tines the strains perfect. I votiewd an example of this at Lake WKerferd, ‘iear Beeelhworth, ia Noveniber, 2924. While following a. pair of Robins, Petrotca goudenovit, through the serub, J heard a Grey Thrush, Follvricinedi leur monacu, call elearly several times, The vetes. were wimistakable —*Oh-lam-dourBoyee’’— yet. with caeh repetition 1 became more doubtful. | The strain Was putea, the pitch exc, yet au tndefinable differauee i the quality of the notes set me in seareh of the singer, He wus soon found, and proved to be no Thrush, but a Ruafous- breasted ‘Whistler, Pachiycephadu riefiventets. A. thomenit Jater he broke into his wsanal wear call—‘umela, curicta, Heleriehk-ciek’-’—and did wot, tha. 7 heirs qLaI repeat hes Thrash notes)... Gann arn.
SOME BIRDS OF THE MOUNTAIN (LOPS,
A fitend, whois used tothe plain country, once expressed surprise that Crows were to be found on the summit, of Mt. eathertop. Daring a short stay atan elevation of befween 5000 #eut and 6000 feet above sea devel, in the early part of Mebruavy, we were interested in noticiny some of the birds that. inhabit these: high altitudes. No doubt some, or most, of them advance to the highlands as the climate becomes diier down country, and in the same way Jeave the highlands in ihe antumn, as the weather erows colder, .
Although we did not sve Minus, it is common knowledge that they’ frequent the Bainter Hivh Plains at 5600 feet We saw at 5500 feet as poi ax 200 birds in a flaght of Crows, aod could not understuid why the earease of a beast was lel, untouched for aore than a ‘week, close by. Hawks were Goninon. Jin one place on the High Plains, at 5800 tect, four -eiveled over as for a Tony time, “while we endeavoured 40 find a reason: but eventually the birds were driven off reluctiuthy and watehed us at a distaiee from their rocky pereh. Kagles were seen soaring higher than the highest inountains, 6100 feet, but never two together. Plover twitted during the day at 5800 feet.
Many Qnaily were seen, sbrgly, mm quick, short. fight, at SHO feet, A Liace of Ducks rose (rom the Kiews River, in the Pretty Valley part oof the Migh Whips, at 5500) feet. Pipits, Anthus australis, were frequently met with at, 5900
1048 Notes from Field and Study vick. Mat
feet. Flame-breasted Robins, Petroica pheniced, were at home resting on the roof of onr hut, or on that of an adjacent shed, at 5500 feet, Crimson Par rots, Pluiycercus elegans, were present in groups, feeding noisily on the seeds of Snow- #ums, ab 5700 feet.
Clumsy Gray Bell-magpies, Sirepera versichlor, rade themselves heard, as usual, with their ‘‘Choek, Cho¢k’* aalls through the timbered country, at 5600 feet. At 5600 feet a large, grey, heavy, silent. and shy bird, that seemed ever on the watch for our approach, but never uttered sound, flitted quickly and noiselessly from tree to tree, hiding itself in the same coloured dead Snow-sums. Again at 5500 feet there was a brisk, merry little bird which warbled, but kept aut of onr way as we followed to observa, It frequented the tree branches of the smaller Snow-gums, and was d& large as a sparrow.—aA.J.T. and A.GLH,
AUSTRALIAN INSECT-GALLS.
Dr. Van Leeuwin, Direetor of the Botanic Garden, Bui- tenzorg, fava, who visited Austvalia to attend the Pan- Pacific Science Congress in 1923, was much interested in galls of native trees, While the Congress was sitting in Melbourne, Mr, ©. French, junior, and Dr. Leeuwin visited Sandringham, Cheltenham and Diamond Creek, in séarch of insect-galls, and collected a number of undeseribed ‘species. In a recent publication, “‘Revista Internazionale de Cecido- logia,’’ vol. 21, 1924, most of these walls are illustrated and described, ‘lhe publication is in the library of the Govern- nient Entomologist, Science Branch, Department of Agrieul- ture, Flinders Street, Melbourne, where anyone interested in these most remarkable msects are at liberty to consulf it. The galls. were found principally on Banksia, Persoonin, Casua- rina, Lucalyplus, Acacin, Cassytha and Leptaspermum, The paper forms a valuable contribution to the study of galls.
The Editor invites tiembers to contribute nature notes suitable for the Field and Study Section of the Naturalist. Paragraphs recording personal observations are most-destred- Bach issue of our journal might contain four or five paxes of notes.