Victorian Naturalist
THe JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE: |

OF THE

Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria

Vol. XLVI,
- MAY, 1929 to APRIL, 1930,

_ Hon. Editor: CHARLES BARRETT, C.MZS. _
A ‘ o

‘The Author of cach Article is responsible far the fuets and epiatorns

recorded,

MEL IOURN Te:
MPTCHELE & CASEY PPS. LT, 25 TATIERSALISS LANE.
1930,

The Victorian Naturalist

Vou. XLVI—No.1. - May 7, ‘1929. ; No. 545

_ FIELD NATURALISTS? CLUB OF VICTOREA.
‘The ordinary monthly meeting of the elub was held in the
Royal Society's Hall on Monday, April 8, 1929. The Prest-
dent (Mr. F. E, Wilson, F.E.S.), oceupied the «hair, and.
there were about 130 members and visitors present. =

CORRESPONDENCE: ~ 7 8 ea +
_ ‘There Was no correspondence. to bring before the mocting.

REPORTS.

Reports of excursions Were given as follows: :—Zontogical
Gardeus, Mr. L. L, Wodéson; “Werribee Gor ge, Mr. A. L,
Scott; Botanic Gardens, Mr. F. Pitcher; _ Warburton, Mr.
A, #, Rodda, |

r ELECTION OF AMSIORS. J

Fhe fallowing were duly elected. ond. show of. Hands (oss
apanity, member, Mr. A. Morris, Broken Hill, N.8.W.; and
as ordinary: members Miss: Gladys Ontiemsy Malvera, and Mr.
i. MM Beek, Oakleigh. . ¥

GENERAL, a

‘Mr. > ¥. A Miller drew attention to the iNegat rethovall
of ferns from the Warburton gullies, and moved that
the. Minister- for Forests be written to, urging that ~ more
notices be posted in the gullies near the township prohibiting
the practice, At the suggestion of Mr, H. McColl, a-similar
regaest for the inclusion of the Kinglake district was “Ht-
wnded inthe motion, which was seconded by Mr. A: EB, Rodda
and carried.

Mr. F.-G. A, Bernard moved that a Jester of congratula-
(iow be sent to Sir A, EB. Kitson on his recent. appointment ss
President of the Gevlogival Section of the British. Association
for jhe Advancement. of, Science, Mr, ¥, Pitcher spnoarisd
the, mption, which was carried. “af

BXHIBITION OF AQUARIA. ,

-A very good exhibition of aquaria, consisting ef. fish, newt,
pond snails and aquatic iusects, was shown in several large
glass tanks and other receptacles, Mr, C. Barrett, CMZS.,
introduced the subject, and said that the keeping-of aquaria
was & very old hobby which, until late years, in Avstralia,
had not been much in vogue, Recently there had. been a con-
siderable revival in other States, and it had now eome:. to
Melbourne. :

Mr. F. Lewis, Chief Inspector of Fisheries and Gama, fol-
lowed, dealing principally with small Australian. fishes. many
ar which were hardly known to naturalists, He exhibited

2. Ftetd Naturavais’ Cluib—Proceedinys vor pat
four species which he considered would he suitable for
aquaria..

Mr, H, W. Davey, PES, spoke on’ the "reaping of Japa-
nese and Spanish newts, ‘of whieh he exhibited living
examiples, and gave many useful hints as to their eare and
management.

Several questions from members were answered by My,
Lewis and Mr. Davey.

Mr. F. G, A, Barnard moved that a hearty vote of thanks
be 'teridered to the gentlemen who had spoken, and algo to
Mr, de Norville, who had brought several splendid aquaria for
exhibition. Mr. G@, Tranter.seconded the motion, which was
¢arried with avclamation.

EXHIBITS, ...

_ By Mr. H. P..MeColl :—Flowers of Callistemon lanceolatus,
from a plant that flowers tavice yearly,

By Mr. W. H, Nicholls:—(a) Pterastylis decut’ va, Rogers.
New locality, Mt. Teneriffe, near Riddell, flowering .an-
usually late for a Summar orehid, fh) ‘Cast-ott skin of
Brown Snake, 6 feet 6 inches long, found near St. A)bans.

By Miss C. C. Currie: Flowering specimens of cultivated
Australian plants: Sokmum miculare, Avicia dteaphylta,
Acacia Moidenti and Crotalaria loburm{olia, grown by the
exhibitor at Larduer; also; early flowers of Boronia anemont-
folia, from Sale, and fowers of Melaleuca flifolia and M_ cor-
data, grown by Mr. T, A, Robinson, at Dutson.

By Mr. Thos: Kerr —Flowers of the Garland Lily,
Colostemma purpureum, growing at, Laeton, N'S.W., and
fruiting plants of Rice, from a plintation at Leeton,

By Mr. ©. B. , Williamson:—Speeimens of Babbagu
acrontera, FV. M. and Tate. var, deminuta, I. M, Black,
and Kochia oppositifotia, F.. V. M., from the Pink Lakes;
Alriples companutatnin Benth., Bassia. divarioate, FV. M.,
and Mildura, collected by the ‘exhibitor ; all to be added to

‘the Victorian Cenmis;, also specimens . of Threlketdia salawgi-

= _nosa, for comparison with Boabbagia.

By Mr. F, Lewis (Chief Inspector of Fisheries and Game) ;

Several. species of fresh-water fishes (in. aqnaria).

By,.Mr. H. W. Davey; . P.8.8.—lLiving specimens 0!

~ Japanese Newts

By Mr. De Norville: Gold fishes and. other gpecies, . in
large aquaria-tanks. :

By. Mise J. W. Raff, F.E.S—(a) Life-history of Myrime-
leon inopinus, A Queensland Ant-lon (larva, cocoon with
east pupal skin, and adnlt).- illustrating paper in Apri!
‘‘Naturalist.""| (b) Water Fleas, Snails, Yabbies, ete, (in
aquarium jar), chiefly from the Lake, University grounds.

te) Ruer, Mores ant Habits py Orchids, 3

FORMS AND HABI'IS OF CRRTAIN ORCHIDS.
By vue Rev. H. M:-R: Rurr, B.A,

Orchids, as a class of fowering plants, may be described as
notoriously un¢onventional—a characteristic which at least
in part explains their fascination, There are | interesting
facts, most of which are as yet very imperfectly accounted
for, im contiexion with the forms and habits of .»many Aue
tralian orchids, which seem io be worthy of careful investi-
gation by observers who may ‘have good Opportunities of
gtudyirig them. It oceurs to me that it may be useful to call
attention to, such of these as have come under my own notice.
Except. in ane or Lwo instances, I Have not been able to reach
any satisfactory explanation of them; but a statement of the
phenomena which they present may serve to stimulate in-
terest. I propose to deal with them under the following

headings ;— -* mr,
1. The occurrence of “giants and dwarfs’”: ‘in sertain
species, : =

2, Blongation af the flowering ston after fer tilization,

3. Anomalies of habitat, s 5

4. Anomalies of the fowering season. -

5. Halits in connexion “with basal leaves of terrestetals.

1,-—Granis' anp Dwanrs,

The individuals of any species, of course, vary considerably
in dimensions according to influences easily understood, ‘Suehk
variation, however, does not seem: to account for the consis-
tent oceurrence in certain species of giant forms, differing #
notably from the type in appearance, that were it. not for the
identity of structural detail, specific separation would be in-
evitable, The stant and the dwarf type appear to grow under
precisely similar conditions,.often in the same locality, Con-
aistently diminutive forms also ovcur, but more rarely.
Caledenta carnce, the commonest species of the genus-in the
éastern States, includes both a giant and a dwarf. ‘Travel-
ling northward, the former probably begins on the Neweastle
side of the Hawkesbury River, extending thence right 1ip into
the tropics, ‘and-apparently to Java. Dr. RK. 8. Rogers has
uumed this form var. gigantea. TI have measured flowers, fram
the Myuall Lakes‘district, over two inches from tip to tip of
the segments. The colour varies far Jess than in the type,
heing neually bright rose-pink; the Aower is always strongly
mbsie scented, _ Frequently, the common emall type-form
oncurs—ilt feast ‘in New’ South ‘Wales—in' the same locality,
and it is difficult to suggest any cause for the very striking 5
‘ifferentiation. :

‘ Fay st View Nort
A -Ruep, Mormy amv Habien uf Orchids, Var XL),

The dwart C. xarnca (var. pygmace Rogers) differs from
the type in the opposite direction, the diameter of the flower
from lip ly tip not varying much from 10 mm, It is pale

‘pink o whitish, and almost scentless, Both giant and dwarf
have the characteristic barred lavellum and column ofthe
species. Dr, Rogers records the dwarf from South Australia,

Victoria, and Plinders Island: - 1 have found it in New South
“Wales and southern ‘Tasmania, ;

“Tu ‘Victoria there ovours a giant form of Plerusty'. aeumi-
nate. This seems a paralicl ease with Caladenia carmen ¥.
yiganiva, and one finds it most diffienlt to accept ‘the Vie-
dorian giant as a torm~of the bypically slender and dainty
“P. aguminite; but there is nathimg in the floral struetnre to
justify, separation.

Among the epiphytes, Dendrobium speciosum includes both
giant and dwarf flowers, but there are many intermediates
inking them, One form seems to come between the type and
the Lord Howe Island D. gracilicaule v. Howeanunt; but it
seems unlikely that these two gould ever have been associated,
The form in question far more closely resembles a large
D, gracilicaule than a D. speciosum; but the flowers agree so
exuelly with small-flowered; robust forma of the latter that,
having mixed up theee of each it a box, T was quite unuble to
sort them out, D_tetragdnwm exhibits two very distinct forms
of flowers, one twire 45 long mm the segments as the other, ancl
‘consistently wiore richly coloured, D. tevettfoliaumn possesses
~a still 3 more striking giant flower, the segments being nearly
‘three ‘times as long as in the type. '

Tn all these cases there does not appear to be anything im
external conditions which might cause the preat differentia-
tion. Hybridization naturally suggests itself’: vet if ds se-
“markable that im vo case i theve anything in the character
of the floral structure providing A key to the identity of the
other species possibly concerned.

3— ELONGATION Of HLOWERING-STEM APTER Pervinizarion.

This is.a very interesting habit among some of our terres-
dials. It las been recorded in all our Australian species of
Corysanthes, but is more consistent in some than in others.
The elongated stem ig often coloured a rich red. The New
Zealand species, only one of which occas in Anstralia, also
have the habit, and ‘one elongates the leaf-stem. This Latter
point cannot he explained by the most popular’ theory ~ of
atem-tlongalion, Vim. that it isa device for elevating the ovary
from its position alose to the gréund, in order ‘that the wind
may mora «itectually scatter the seed. T comfss ‘that this

May] |) here, Foniva wut Habits of Crehiits 6

thidory- does not satisty me, and that 1 regard it merely as ad
civics hypothesis, ‘uot, proven.’” | -My reasons are these:
(ic) There/are hundreds of other plants which flower as close
to the giiiind as Corysanthes, yel: sucveed in dispersing: their
seed Satisfactorily without elevating the ovary. (it) These
plants are more dependent upon seed for propagating ‘their
species than is Corysanthes, which so largely uses the vegeta-
five’ méthad ; if elevation of the:ovary were necessary, , we
should expect to find it more marked: in plants which do not
tise, the vegetative method, (iii,) The habit is very inconstant
in! all: but:ohe or two of our species of Corysamthes; 1 have
often seen the ripe capsules of CO, pruinesa-and occasionally: of
C, dicalearata’ (which seems to produce seed rarely) without
atem-clongation. (iv.) C. dilatata in the southern States
often grows high up on fern-tree trunks in sheltered busk
forests, where wird suarcely penetrates; yet. in this position
the orchid: almost invariably elongates the stem;

r Moreover, stem-clongation is not restricted to orehids which
have flawers approximately squat on the ground, In’ Chito-
glottis it is practised by the well-stalked species, and not only
by such forms as ©, Gunnii, 1 have sleo observed i, among
the smaller species of Prasophylinm. 1 out off a stem of
P, éntrivatwm vlose to the soil, when the flowers were well
matured, The stem subsequently grew-up eight inches from
the level where it had beencut. Mr. H. B. Matthews. a New
Zealand observer, states that Pterastylis Atiisonii also has the
habit. It would be of interest fo know whether it occurs in
the squat form of P, oxcullata in or southern, States. Mr.
Matthews has suggested (hat the habit may perhaps in “part
be accounted for by surplus energy stored in the urrent
year’s tuber. hy
as 3.—ANOMALIES OF H ApITAt,

On-the Barrington Tops plateau, in New South Wales; are
countless myriads of alittle blue grey, delicately-perfumed
Diuris (D, venosa), With Prasophyllum odoraium, i, ig the
commonest orchid on those high moorlands, The /rasaphyl-
ium extends freely to Victoria, South Atstralia, and Tas-
mania, The Diuris has never heen seen except on the
Barrington Taps. Why! Ts there any particular reasori why
- jt should not occur at least on similar elevaiod table-lands?

In the brushes of the Paterson V alley, the absence -of
Deadrabsum totraganum is rather remarkable. All the other
orchids with which it is usually associated in -adjoining ldeali-
lies are there, nor does there seem-4o be any conceivable
reason why it shonld nat grow there. For several years 1
have searched for it, as have also other observers; nota trace

ar. Tes te det Vigo, Nat.
& Rui, Morne gud Gebiin op Grdtas. Yo NIAL

of. it can be found. In the lower prt uf this valleys, the
brushes on the eastern side contain innumerable plants of
Barene hiliis livaceus and 8, Hitla, but 1 have only: One seen
S, divitiforns there, and &. faloatus not at all, Tn siqailar
brushes’: a mile or two to the west ot Paterson, the two last
named are pleniiful, while S. olivaceug and 8, Hilli} aye ox-
tremely yare, ‘Other epiphytes are common on both sides.

In 1923, on the western slopes of the Alura Mowntaie, at
Bullahdglah, 1 dousd two spceimena of a Caladenta supposed
to be vestrieted to South Australia and Victoria, and named
by De. Rogers ©. tutelata, Dr. Rogers identified one of the
plants himael¥f, .As far as | know, the species (by no means
Imconspicuous) has never been seen elsewhere in New South
Wales. and the Alam Mountain is probably 700 miles from
its nearest recorded Victorian locality, Somewhat analoxous
is the case of Divris brovifola Rogers, also supposéd to he a
sonthern plant, but forwarded to me, in 1928, from the serub
country behind Manly Reservoir, In this care, howeyer, the
plang might! be taken for a small, pale- flowered form pf
D. sulphuren, unless carefully examined, and its identity Way
net have. heen recognised elaewhere.” .

4—Anomanips or rin Pilowienme §rAson:

The flowering-lime of orchids offers some puzzling prob.
Jems. In cer tain’ species it may he safely forerasted (at, least,
in sothe distuicts Known to me) ‘almost, ta the ‘day? _o'p.,
Calanthe varotrifolia and Sarcochilus divitifiorus.” In others.
such forerasting is impossible, - Tn my fernery L have had
three plants of Cleisostama tridentatwm, all trom’ sitnilar
situations in the same district. One flowered in August, On,
in October, and one in January. Sarcochalis faleatus. and
Cymbidiuin stave exhibit. simtlor strange inrepala ritics. Dern.
drohium Moria and DP, exeumerinum may have two “‘erops”’
of Dowers, separated by ahoot twa months, while D, meona-
phaitlum- -gives the impression of prodneing flowers jost when
it ‘feels disposed, irrespective cl the season,

Lhave seen Spieuloce irrttebilis procuec one or. two floy WOT E
on a stem bolding nimerous very immature buds; ‘which de-
veloped some six weeks afterwards Pterostylis’ part fare,
4 plant, of most perplexing variabilily, appears ta flower in
one locality or another almost thronghont the year. I have
had specimens in Jannary, March, April, May, dune, October,
and December. P. acuminata, Appearing in New South Wales
ag-carly as March, ig a springtime orchid in Vietoria. T have
seen, Victorian specimens of the typieal form as well as the
'oiants?? mentioned. above, — . ne are

Mon . -
ya ; Rye Korivy dad Habits af Urcbits, 7

. ne naturally expeets a flower occurring in both warn aud
egld elimates to be earlier in the former, later iv the latter.
In the case of antumn-flowuring plants, however, ‘the order
appears ta be ‘reversed. Eriochilus’ cncullatis, a characteristic
autumn orchid of our temperate and warm districts, is also
eoiamon in enlder climates; but, there it is, definitely a. summer
Hower . (Burrington Tops, "New South Wales, aad ‘Cradle
Mountam, Tasmania, in January).

5,—Basat Leaves or Orrraty Trrensertan Oravsns.
There are Interesting features in ‘this connexion amon
3070 species of Pterostylis Mr, W, H, Nicholls (see Vex-
- forian Naturulist. December, 1925, and June, 1928), has done’
valuable work which involves sanie treatment of the basal ‘or
“Suvenile’’ Jeayes of the Gruenhoods, but much remains to
be investigated. Jn most of the species which have developed
stem-leaves, the basal rosette so chatacteristie of other Porms’
is absent from the foweving atem, tut is present in a modified
Torn on a’short stalk Mose to it, or even attached to ite base.’

In this case, as in the ease of the rosette actually encircling
the fawering stem, the basa} leaves-are developed before the:
latier. But whereas (with one ar favo exeepticns) the rasette
round a merely bracteate stem persists |hrough the flowering
period, that which. subiends a luafy stem usually pri ishes
before this periad is reached. In eoal, sheltered positions
this may not happom tut ir is the general yale. In two m-
stantes where the plants obviously belong to loafy- stemmed
sections (P. paroiflara and P. Deaintreyuna), the’ stem leaves
ate Very poorly developed. Tr both these plants there is wx
fairly vigorous basal rosette, which sometimes encireles the |
stent and sometimes is separated from it, and (his rosette may
aither perish early or persist tong after the flowers nie
withered,

Th the vase of P, parniftora, on ‘the Bajrhigian Tops,
found that ithe rogette actually did not develop past a Fd
immature stage until after the plant lad flowered,* Some

‘species (P, Ragtistti, P nutans} show a tendency to disperse
the basal rosette into a scattered teaf-growth along the stem ;
in P. Toveyana this tendeney appears to have become’ a ee
nite habit.

In Brinchilns cnertiafirs, the smgle basal leat is Sraquenthy
(espesially in colder climates) extremely immature at flower-
ing-time. Subseqjiiently it develons Cully, and persists for
several months after the stem and flowers are dead. In Spiew-

“Sole—sinee writive Me Above T heye found reakiny te Tos heures
that this ¢ammonty cccnrs alsa with PL poflemy,

8 Rover, 2orme nnd Habits of Ovehias: | ya xt

leon arritabilas, the basal leaves (two to five, more or less fiat
on the ground) ave often said fa be absent at flowering-time.
My experience, in a locality (ullahdelah) where (his orchid
is in great: abundance, was that complete absence of the
leaves was mst exceptional. They are commonly separate
from the, flowering stem, thouzh casos of attachment are not
rave. When not attached directly to the stem, they are either
on a stalk of their own arising from the same root-system, or
heleng &) other plants which are not fowering. So far from
being absent, they haye usually been my surest guide to
colonies af this interesting little orchid at flowering-time:
They persist for some.time after the flowers are gone. .

wt ie -

—_

ETHNOLOGICAL SEOFION.

whe montily mecking ol {lis Section was held at Lathaw Hove
on, Apeil 16th. Mr. A, S. Kenyon in the chair, Phe syluibug item
was'a description of the recently-discovered aboriginal petroglyphs
inv a rock-sheiter or cave, wear Mt, Langhighine. Mr, Kenyon
described the place ami the various rock murkings, comparing
fhese with similar remains in other paris of Australta.

Ta regard to the pictography, Mr. Kenyon advanced the theory
thet the firat. steps in making them arose irom imitating. tracks
or fodtuiorks of animals. such as the kangaroo, emu and opossum:
and that certain‘ markings, in time. becauie conventionally used
and significant of animals themselves. Later they might-buve a
secondary symbolic, or sacred meaning. Corinin signs were
common Le rock eaves—Chusingas, weapons, ground drawings, rock
carvings-and pearl-shell ornaments,

-Photographs of the rock-sheiter and diagtams illustrating the
sigos and, stencilled band. prints were shown, A general discus;
_ sign on ibe genesis of aborigtinl pictorial representation Look
Place, -Mr. Kenyon also exhibited ecranets and poiuts troin Lhe
Mallee, Langhighiran and Nanaambis! Oreck; Mr, V, 4. Miller ca
hanimer-stone, Mr. W. H. Gill, ome fine Chusingas in wood aud
stone, rom Central Australia nnd North-West Australia; Mer, J, A
Kershaw, a South African figured #ourd, a throwing stick and
woomera from the North-West, '

It was dacided io devote next-evening, Tuedday, May 21st, to
consternation of early Atrican culture, for the itlustration of
which specimens are invited. Tt was nrranged to have an excur-
#loh (6 the aboriginal @iorlte cuarries at Mt Wiliam. on May 5.
Before settlement in Victoria, this locality was the chief sunres
of matetial for the making of stone axes of dforite, the compogition
of which made if specially sultable for producing the best, qpe
of "axe in use, The material was widely distribwled ly barter
(orougbow. Victorla ond Riverina

- Satisfaction wos expressed ft the appointment of Professor
Wood-Jones te the Melbourne University, bis interest in ethngiogy
being welt known.

Club wiembers are cordially invited to mectings OC the Section.

May] " Kersean, Swifs Mula, %

UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE OF SWIFT MOTHS,
By Jas, A. Kersuaw, C.M.Z.5

With the heavy raing which fell on April: 3 and 4
appeared unusually larve numbers. of Swift Moths, so called
becanse af their extremely rapid, though somewhat erratic,
fight,

In Victoria there are several species, the commonest in
the southern districta being Prictena labyrinthica; while
Piclus hyalinatus, and possibly iwo ar three other species,
occur in the western, northern and castern portions of the
State. ‘hey are all night-fliers, emerging from their chry-
salides towards evening, usually after heavy rain. .

Their appearance was first noticed on the evening of April 3
among the hills some ten miles narth of Kilmore, - wher
numbers were attracted to the lights of stationary motor,
cars, and dozens of others were.seen on the road, Having
no means of killing or preserving them, J again visited the
locality on the following day, expecting to find them resting
on the tree frunmks; but, although ] saw numerous wings,
the remnants of specimens evidently captured by birds
and other animals, L succeeded in finding only a female.
Large numbers of empty pupa cases ware, however, found
projecting from their underground tunnels, in one place
more than 50 being counted, in a space of a Lew square yards.

Early in the evening » violent thunderstorm occurred,
accompanied by very beavy rain, and just about dark hun-
dreds of the moths appeared, dropping on to the road or
dashing themselves against, and into, ihe car, Moths. were
observed almost continuously, from High Camp (beyond TGl-
more) to Campbellfield—a distance of some 38 miles; and it
was noticed that the greatest numbers appeared in the vicinity
of eucalypts growing along the roadside, The great majority
were Trictena labyrinthica, but.a few males of the somewhat
gmaller northern form, usually known as Prelus hyalinatus,
were taken. The Jemales, immediately after capture, ¢om-
meneed to eject enormous numbers of minute, creamy-white
eggs, which, after a short exposure, changed to a glossy: black.

About the sume time, these moths occurred in several locali-
ties nearer Melbourne, and dozens of their empty pupa cases
were noticed in a paddock at Mentone.

- {he laryae are grub-like in appearance, and dubtebranean

in habit, boring deeply into the hard soil and feeding , upon
roote of trees. They are often attacked by a cuvious fungus

40 1ceReA AW, Steve Alara, Atay he

(Cordicéps), which transforms them into the so-valled “ vege-
fable caterpillars.”* The gorpaec, some of which measure nearly
six inches in length, are furnished with transverse rows of
toothed ridges: on the dorsal surface of the abdominal, sey-
ments, by wicans of which they work their way to the surface

When the roth is ready lo emerge.

‘She occurrence of numbers of these moths, at this Lime of
the Year, 18 not unusual ; but I have never experiéncen, them
in mr and great numbers as on this oceasion:

ry

CYMINDRCACHEYA NOT AN BMBIUD.

oe some votes on Cytlndrachota (Viclortan Naturalist, XLIV.,. op,
266-4), 1 referred ty the difference of opinion raspecting this
curious Insect, Uhé problem it Mais presented to syslematists, Wheu
originally ‘degeribed, it was Dellaved ty be a degenerate: kind of
Mmole-cricket;. but, subseqnentiy, Giglio.Ins expressed the opinion
that Cy tindrachetr mighe be 9 “web-sphiner" (mbiid), Arnutomi-
‘cal evidence that it is a Gryllatalpoid Is given by Dr. G. ©, Cramp-
ton, in 2 fetenl paper (Hrtomolog, Mitteilungen, XVIL, 1928, No.
A, pp. 252-Ti:

Dr, Crampton is i brilliant Anerioan scientist, whese syerial
smbject is insect marphoiagy. He has risa done valunbie research
work on the heads of Arthropods, seckibgs amung the crustacea. for
the jiretutsors of the various insectim sttuetures, His titer
d4neluded specimens of Anaspides and ioonunga, our very prim
tive crustaceans, He maintains that the erusiaeda are like the
Common ancestors of thé inseots and “myriofiode,” from fi atudy
wf tha head structures alone, :
| As regards Cylindrachcta, Dr Crampton considers that the
anatomical evidence is fume to meicate thar Gray, Kirby, aud
otheys, were correct im assigning ‘U to a position among the

Grylfatalpotded. Comparative mornhalogy ainiy shows the re-
Reinblance. Subsequent ta the jiblication ‘of his paper. Dr. Cramp-
ton reeeived specimens of the. Avatralion and South American
Cyliudracghetas—originally, he had ony one borrowed specimen,
which he was using to iusthalte a series of compatisans of Lhe
termi) sitictures of insects im general so wis wmable ty make
an extensive comparison between. tho Lwo types of Gryltatalpoids.

After examination of ample material, Dr, Crompten waa cton-
firmed in his view. ‘here is not the slightest doubt.’ he writes
to me, “that Oylindeackete is o Gryllatalpoid.' Ae urges all
systematists to know a litle of comparative nnalomy, and a grent
deal of thé special anatomy of the group of msects with which they

are concerned.
- C, BARRETT,

In spite of Lhe unpromising weather, cleven menihers, including
two ladics, altended the excursion to Werribec Gerge on March if.
The party processed, by motor, from Racchus Marsh railway stallion
fo the Gorge, where many of the points of geolngical interest
were Inspéated and discussed.

A. b. SCOTT

1328] Barrerr, Dendrogiyphs, or “Carved Trees.” 11

DENDROGLYPHS, OR ‘‘CARVED TREES.”
By Caries Barretr.

‘*Canoe-trees’’ are not rare in Victoria and sometimes are
called ‘‘carved trees’’; but in our State, true dendroglyphs
are lacking. In New South Wales, ‘‘the country of dendro-
glyphs,’’ they have been found in numbers, and the markings
are of great variety. Many specimens have been collected
for museums, but some remain in situ where the trees grew,
or the marked boles were erected by the aborigines.

,

Recently i received from Mr. G. A. Urerkett, of Lake
Cargelligo, N.S.W., photographs of two notable carved trees,
at the spot where Survevor-General Oxley camped, on the
Lachlan River, in July, 1817. Oxley gives a plate (Journal
of Two Exped. into N.S.W.) of the remarkable semi-circular
tumulus, with tiers of seats around one portion of it, which
he diseovered near Gobothery Hill, between Lake Cargelligo
and Condobolin. He has the distinction, as Etheridge states,
to be the first author to record dendroglyphs in connection
with an Australian aboriginal interment.

12 Rarkerr, Dendroglyphs, or “Carved Trees, Si Peeks

These trees (cvpresses) stood, one to the west, the other to
the north of the tumulus. In 1913—nearly a century after
the explorer’s discovery—the spot was located by Mr. E.
Milne, one tree being intact. The stump of the second tree
showed only the lower portion of the original carving. Mr.
Crockett writes: ‘‘These trees signify the site of tribal
warfare, burial and ceremonial grounds.”’

When Oxley opened the first of the three mounds discovered,
he found in it nothing except ashes, whether of bones or wood
could not be determined: ‘‘A semi-circular trench was dug
round one side of it, as if for seats for persons in attendance.’’
On the same plain, the explorer came upon a similar tumulus
—a conical mound of earth, nearly cight feet in length and
about four feet in height at the centre. Within this mound,
deep down in the central portion, he found the remains,
apparently, of a human body. It had evidently been placed
upon sticks. The tumulus was overgrown with plants, and
had all the appearance of antiquity.

Subsequently, Oxley discovered still another mound, which
seemed to be of recent origin. This was the tumulus of the
carved trees, and contained, in an oval grave, the body of a
tall, finely-built man, bent up, knees to the head, and wrapped
in. many opossum skins. Compare the photographs here re-
produced with the trees in Oxley’s sketch of the scene, and
you will see that the carvings on the boles were faithfully
copied by their discoverer.

Dendroglyphs are of absorbing interest to the ethnologist,
and, fortunately, we possess a: finely-illustrated guide to their
study, ‘‘The Dendroglyphs, or ‘Carved Trees,’ of New South
Wales,’’ by R. Etheridge, jun. (Mem. Geol. Survey of N.S.W..
Ethnological Series, No. 3). This memoir deals fully with
the subject; and since its publication, in 1918, little of im-
portance has been added to our knowledge of dendroglyphs.
Doubtless more carved trees have been discovered, but the
problems presented by dendroglyphs are not nearer to solu-
tion. We owe much to the researches of Etheridge, and I,
as a believer in the great antiquity of man in Australia, am
glad to know that his conclusions support that view, which. is
steadily gaining ground, because of increasing evidence.
Etheridge, keen minded and no ‘‘romanticist,’’ ends his
memoirs on carved trees with a philosophical summary. ‘'One
can only conclude,’’ he writes, “‘that this dendroglyph eul-
ture is of immense antiquity. We have before us... a

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST! VoL, XLVI. May 1929

Plate I.

Photo by G. A. Crockett
Curved Tree, Found by Oxley,

et Banoryn Dendroulyphsa, or “Carved Trees," 13

_ 2 9pa99

neolithic people, amongst whom megalithic architecture was
unknown, with an entire absenve of pottery, bat who, at the
“game time, Trepared momiments to the memory of their dead,
‘ot which many ‘may be described as elegant, and all repre-
‘dent’ strenuous mental and physical efforts,’ Whence came
‘this’ culture?”

There's the rub! If you reject the diffusion of culture
theory so brilliantly expounded by Elliott Smith and Perry,
give another reasonable explanation of the ent of carved
trecs in Australia. .

’ Tf it be of native origin, we must admit the antiquity of
‘man in this country ; if not indigenous, then it supports the dif-
fiusionist theory, Dendroglyphs are not confined to Aus-
tralia. We guess and’grope in the mists of old time;
we dispute about shadows. But the dendraglypbs are solid
facts, which may be used as a. base for speculative building.
Even the amateur, with an inquiring spirit, may be @ mtnor
builder; or, ta change fhe metuphor, find tongues im these
trees, and listen to fanciful stories, Science may translate:
‘them into its own language, and be no nearer to their true
meaning than is the reader helped by imagination. The
thetey. of to-day may die to-morrow.

~ The dendvoglyphs have heen.variously interpreted, Some
‘of: the characters are mysterious as Minoan seript, und the
pidture- wi ‘iting of the Maya,

—_

ule wi - A PERN-TREE FREAK,
Branched tree ferns are Dhconnnow in our vanges, anid when tk
‘tail spacimen was seen close to the “steps” on Backstairg -Creck,
during the receny Club exeursion ty Warburton, it immedrately
attracted attention, A closet inspection showed. that the two neods
were of different species, viz. Dicksenia ontaretice and Alsophaut
dusiretis, Li. was diilicul, mt first, te ascertain. which wus the
voriginal, buf) we decided that the Alsupldia, showing the more
vigorous growth, was the parasite. ; A TER

' Will any member, knowing of back numbérs of the Neleralrat,
which mivy be avaiable for pur: chase, please comununicate with the
‘Hon. Ulbrarian? A good price will be pald for Volumes 2) 4, 9,
"33 or 43, complete, or for certuin desires parts of thu volimes.:
“‘Copics of the First Supplement (Additions and Alterations 1929)
“to the Ceusus of Victorian Plants. are bow available, and mi ay be
LObtained from the Librarian.
Si There are still o few. copies of reprints of “The Liliws of Vic-
ipria” remaining in the hands of the Librarians, Price, 3d. (at
‘posted, 4d.)- . a)

14 Parusition bug Fraconid Wasp, vii seve

PARASITISM BY A BRACONID WASP,
At. Upper Beaconstield, one day in March, I noticed, a
peculiar white object hanging from a gum- tree twig, ‘On
(Joser: examination it proved to be the frill. -eyown latva of an
Ean peror Gnm-moth, Antheraeu cucalypti, almost eumpletely
vovered by a mass of white material, like cotton wool.

Thin was the work
of f@ wasp, of the
family . Braconidae
about4am.m-inilength. _,

The femal ez

“Braeonid Jays her ™
“egos in the eater-
ipitlar, and the larva
jeed on the reserve
fat tissue of the host
“without touching the
vital organs, 80 that
the caterpillar Té- .
-maizis alive until they pupate, When filly developed, the
Jarvm bore their.way, out, and pupate, after having spiin a
quantity of silk, which fastens the cocoons together, ;
...00 March 24, the wasps began to emerge, and on the Both
292 were, counted, For the next two or three days, wasps
continued to appear; and when the cocoons were ented,
the astounding total was 9388—all fom the body of dne
parasitised caterpillar! These coeoons averaged about 4 x
1.5 mm,, and opened af one end by an operculum, as in most
Species of Braconidae.

The text figure, of a female wasp, is roaignibed about
ten times, . M. Wane.

BOOKS ON SPIDERS.

Iutetest in spiders has been -stimviated by Dr. Pulleine's da-
lightful lecture befera the Club recently, A standard work tm
the subject, both popular and scientific, is Professor J. Ho Com-
stock's ‘The Snider Book,” and owlng (a the generosity of Mr.
V._H. Miiler, a copy of, this bovk will be added to the Club
Ubrary—still another gift from our Jiberol-asinded friend, .

Mr. -§. Butler, an puthority on Vielorian spiders, supptica, the
following notes:—I.. Koch's Die Arichniden Auatraliens, 1sk4-9,
is the main work on Australian spiders; it Is 9 German book,
rare and costly. Systema Araneerum. by Dr. Alexander, Pet-
runkeviteh, Professor of Zovlogy in the Yale University, publisliéd
in, the Tranusanctions of the Connecticut Academy of Alte and
Scietides (Vol. 26, January, 1928). contains a key to al) families
and &ub-families. aid a st of genera, alphabetically arranged,
under cach sub-family. It is printed in Pnglish.

| Aisran, Moora Stomp’ and, Prediane, 1

MOORA STONES AND TRADITIONS. *
; " By G. Arsrox.

"Originally, to quot!’ an old hative, the aljorigines. of, Ais
tralia lived ‘‘all’a same like dingo.'’ his state of things
persisted until, one day, a man dame from the south ahd
tanght the tribes that the promiscnous mating of men and
‘women, without any method, was not gand for the race.

After a long consultation with the old men, he gave each
family a name, which he called murdu, or, as the tribesmen
themselves call it, matto, and to the oldest man of tach family
she gave an emblem.to represent the murdu. We used ample
aninils. lizards, snakes or camp abjects to name the various
families, The emblems that he gave were usually made ont
of sandstone, each oné differing from the other. They were
always in pairs; the stouter one was to represent the male
element, and the thinner one the female element..

) When he ran out of made-up stones, the man from the south
ised.any material ta hand. A piece of stone, roughly flaked
(a a point, would represent the. male, and a wirragayoo ov
pointing-bane the female element. In one case he “chose a
fine puny! or snake-charming bone to represent some gitls of
# neighbouring tribe, who happened to be visiting a family ,to
which he had given the emblem of the frilled lizard,

The visitor passed on, and, aceording to loeal tradition.
visited and named the tribes right up to where Cloncurry is
now, in Queensland. He then returned, traversing -the
coyntry where the overland telegraph now goes through from
South Australia, and died? near the north ond of Lake Kiyre.
Two stones mark the place where he and his assistant died.
Near by is a hill covered with cylindvies! points, of apparently
lightning-fused sand. Tradition has grown up to assert, that
these puinls were set up by the Moora, hefore his death, tn
cammenioration of each family to whom he had given a monra.

No aborigine will now admit that there are other emblems
than those, made by the Moors, but a study of their traditions
proves that emblems were made and eonferred on families for
some deed they had performed for the good of the tribes;
possibly thése newer émblems were not conferred until some
generations after the people who had earned them had died.
An instance comes toa my memory. One Moora, who was
notorious for hig pursuit and ,molestation of women, 86
annoyed twa Inbras of the Pia Kooti (Black Swan} mntdu,
that they made a kirra (boomerang) and Jdlled him with it
the next time that he troubled them. Jn the course of time
thasé women were granted emblems and thet heeatne Mooras

16 Alston, Moora Stores and Travian, (vic 5 Het:

(KGrramurakoo—the boomerang makers),.and their deacen-
dants claim the two murdus, that of Pia Kooti and that of
the Kirramurakoo. The oldest son always calls bimself
Kirramurakoo, in commemoration. The emblems, in this
case, were two slender sandstone cylindro-conical stones,
almost exactly alike.

So mueh tradition has grown up about these stones that. it
would take several volnmes to give even a brief summary, but
‘the complaint of the old men is that the Moora who named
the tribes did not tell them enough. He gave them names
‘and forbade them to marry anyone of the same type of murdu
as themselves, and told them that the children must always
‘take the murda of their mother; but he did not tell them
where they were to got wives and husbands, when, in the
courso of time, a8 inevitably happened, the whole of each
eamp became of the one murdu,

Tt was this necessity of going abroad for wives and has-
bands that caused the wars and the migration of tribes. In
their wandering in search of wives, a party of young men
would find good water, with plenty of hunting and vegetable
food; they would sit down then, which meant fighting when
discovered by the rightful owners. Jf the interlopers held
their own, others of their tribe wonld follow on, until the
ownership of that ‘water changed hands. In course of time
the voung men would range out further, and the same process
‘wauld te repeated, But no matier how far the tribe ranged,
the emblems of their home tribe stayed at the place where
the Moora had first named them.

Throngh having to go abroad for wives, the home murdu
gradually dropped out and was in danger of being lost; s0
the old men then ordered that the children, while complying
with the order of the Mooras in talking the murdu of their
mother, should also belong to the emblem of the tribes, which,
for the sake of brevity, they ealled the Moora.. So that a
child born of a Red Ochre mather, who was marricd to a man
‘who belonged to the Kadni herde, would belong fo the Red
Ochre murdu, bot would also belong to the Kadni Moora,

The emblems were always passed om to the oblest descen-
dant, male or female, of the oriemal halder, and belonged to
the holder for his or her life. In the event of the holder

_ dying snddenly, nr a long way from homo, the emblems
became lost. - I -an remember many frantic searchings For
Jost, Monras, when the deceased holder had instructed his i-
heritax of about where he had burted the.emblems,: Qne such
Was at Warrawalpina, on Cooper’s Creck. The old man, when

way Atnton, Moora Sioner and Primittions, 17

lying at Nanewna, tokl thar the Moora was buried on the
one sand-hill at Warrawalpina. The day after he died, the
whole tribe was there and searching the hill. Thoy scarehed
for a year, without success. They tell me that; now and
Again, some old fellow devotes a month or two to the quest.
My own idea:ts that some white man has found the emblem,
and either sent it down country or carried it a few miles arid
then lost it.

Any emblems that had lost their identity through having
been lost were valusless-to the finder; he could not know what
moora they represented, and any interference with them
would possibly have some ill-eifect on the finder, Very often,
when a line had died ont, the finished moora was placed on,
or in, the geave of the lasi bolder—-the holder had the right
to have it buried with him, instead of passing’ if on, if he
\iked; lint, in this case, 4 would be due up im a year or two
by its rightful owner, and would be just. as good as ever.

For many years I had seen the bundles vontaining the

mooras, in the possession of various old men and women, but
my juquities Were always evaded, until aboul 1916, when
some oll men sent for me to visit them at their camp. They
were old friends and privileged, so L went to them, wondering
why they had sent for me instead of coming to my place,
When I reached the camp the eldest grested me with: ‘'Pin-
parog, we four old men been talk. No more Ieft belong to our
Moora, so we give bim to you. Him Pia Kooti (Black Swan),
and him Jive al. what white fella call Lake Gregory. Black- :
fellow call him Pia Kvoti Pandoo.*? They then told me the
legends connected with the moora, and asked me not to tell
anyone. hey intended to get the emblems for. me sume day,
but, unfortunately, they all died before they g#ot a chance,
My moors. is still bnried somewhere on Lake Gregory,
‘The legends are all a piece of the Moora mosaic, whieh ran
right through the country, from away down in the south up te
near Cloncurry, and further still, for all that T know. Vurious
authorities give scraps of this legend, but most of them are
really only frapments. No man living knows the whole
of it. :

Sinee I became the official head of the Piakooti Mooras, I
have been shown severe) Mooras; one I bought from o mis-
sion-bred man, who had inherited it, He was dying of a
malignant disease. and all of his children, mission-bred also,
were too civilized to want the Moora; so he sold it to me, to
vet extea delicacies in the way of food,

This was the Kadni Moora, which lived at Kallamucrina,
on the Warburton River. [t was learned afterwards tat the

ard ‘ w ; y Nic. Naat,
18 AISiON, Wnore Staviek and Perdrtians, Vol, NIE

ma..was nob entitled to it, for, though lie belonged to the
Kadni Murdu, he belonged to the Sun Moora, Ditcha, The
Monta really ‘helonged to Kirramurakao, who also was the
holder of the Kirra maker moora. Later, ihe old men of the
tribe here gave me the moora. whoa, belonged to this place—the
Red Ochre Moora, All of his descendants had ched out, but,
luelcily, the burial place. of thy Moora was known to Kir ra-
muralkoo, who Jug it wp and presented it to me, wrapped in
fresh emn feathas and far giving, and s smeared with red
ochre. He told me that the Moora would probably @ive me a
vad time for a while, heeauss 3 would be angry at having
been neglocted for so long.

So manv superstitions have grown up aronnd the original
emblems that now wiv unusual stone is attributed to the
original Moora. .Qne tradition is that a crowd of young men
once eaught a big lizard in the Cooper, The hig lizard—1
presnme jliat if was a croeodile—had drowned and eaten one
of their number, and after they had pulled or knocked out all
of its teeth, they Jet it go. The teoth were buried at Pando
(ake Hope), and in time thoy attained to the dignity of,
becoming Mooras. Anyone w sho was fort. unate enough to eet
ont of these teeth could swim in any water without being im
danger Of the Cnddi-mookra (in¢anny repliles that are sup-
posed ta live in deep water).

Probably: only the actwal erocodile teath, plentiful any-
where in the lower reaches of tha Cooper, were of value
originally, but new anv smooth stone resembling a cracodily*s,
jooth has all of the alleged powers of the original teeth.
These stynes must, in some cases, have hewn carmed about for
years. T have one so highly polished, it scems to have been
dono artificially, But T have yo doubt that it wos polisher:
only by the friction of carrying it in a string-bag for, pos
sibly,. hundreds of vears. They sre still known os Moera
yakhurra “(Moora’s tecth).

I have in my collection 4 fish Moora from Andrewilla.
Diamentina Ttiver. The male glement is, roughly, about nine
inches lorig: by three inches wide, conieal-shuped and a fat-
tened oval in section. The female emblem js a stick of sand-
stonc, about an inch in diameter hy eight inches’ Jong, civ-
cular i in section and blunt at beth ends, Another unkaown
Moora I have is made of dior rite, roughly ground to a enninal
shape, and polished smooth and black with long continited
carrying: This. specimen Js five inches long by three wide,
and flattened oval in section, ic female ‘emblem of this pair
is a shiraight stick of sandstone, about He, same: size as the fish
Moora female embiem,

iy isl Arson, Moore Stoves wad Crediton. }3

our other Mooras, brought to me about 15 years ago, were
Jong cylindro-comical stones, nineleen inches long by one and
a half inches in diameter. They were the emblems of the
Circuméision Moora, who lived at Kalamurrinna, There was
no female element with this Moora; the four similar stones
‘represented the principal and his three helpers.

{Mr. Aiston has 4s very wide knowledge of the customs and
manners and legends of the Wonkonguru and other tribes.
He has lived in Central and Northern South Australia for
many years; morc pigery at Mulka, yia Marxec. Sormerly
he was a member of the Moumted Palieg Pores of South Aus-
tralia, In eollaberation with the late Dr, G. Horne he wrote
a notable book, ‘‘Savage Life in Central Australia.’’ Moor.
stones, collected by Mr, Aiston, are now in Mr, W. H. Gill’s
callection, and are the only specimens of the kind known.
Editor. | \

EXCURSION TO BOTANTCG GARDENS, °

‘This excursion, which was for the porpose of relaling aru
learning sonie of the incidental Instory pertaining ta the easter
Portion nf the Bolunical Gardens. took plies on Mareh 23.
¥he party inct at the office gnte Plans of the present. dorian
of the gurdens, kindly supplied by the director, Mr, Rea, were
handed to each member When journeying to the east side of the
fardens, opportunity was given for o harried yisit to the begonia
conservatory, Where a splendid display of thosu plants, at their
Hest, was seen,

Many sites nnd localities of ivterest were visited, ang inporlaut
events ud iucidents connected wilh the gardens, sine their estah-
lishment 7 1245, were fully commented upon, Some of these
were:—The former South Yarra entrance and enm paddock, ther
adjacent; he geographical an bolanieal groupings af plants by
the late W. R. Guiifoyle; rhe veserveiy structure at. the highcet,
point oF the gardens and Lhe various Water supply schemes im
vege curing the past 40 years; the rotunda, where the band of
the 40th Regiment of Rritish Soldiers pluyed regularly, and where
ocensioually, mocnlight concerts were held; the site where Uwe
Russiwn suns, taken by British Forces in the Crimean Wat in
1854, were for mony years lonated; the site where the Victorian.
(now Royal) Hortleultural Sedety Shows were formerly held ite
marquees; thd arra whith torned the ortginal five aces, fencdd aff
for a Botanical Gardens in 1846, snd which iIneluded the well-
known “Separation tree’; the arena where at faland of two ncres
of Tea-tree originally existed, at rhe east ond of the nresent lake
and the tbree different bridges over the Yarra, which have former
fhe appronch ta the gardens from Wast Melhourne and Bichmoned.
from 1857 to the prezeul hime,

_We finished our tour with a walk to the Lotuslity Lake, wud
a GK about chia plank aud thew separihad. The party, which!
numbers! 40. seemed to have heen plonsed with thy olting, The
weather was fine, Il. PITGHER...

2b Lewis, Native Mishes. (Vis OE

“NATIVE. FISHES SUITABLE FOR SMALL
AQUARIA,

By F. linwis, Chief Inspector of Fisheries and Game |

“There is & ereat varicty of miniature. fishes im Victoria,
many of which are snituble for small ucquaria. There is a
big, untouched field here, however, for experiment and jn-
vestigation, because so Little is definitely known of the lite
histories of these little fishes.

For instance, take the species, Galaxias attenuatus, com:
mon in many of our southern streams, which seems to grow
to its maximum in the Hopkins, and which is there known
by its native name of Turket; both Waite and McCulloch say
that it’ goes to the salt or brackish ‘water to breed. Yet
specimens of smal] fishes from Lake Bullen Merri, near
Camperdown, have been identified as Galazias attenuates.
This lake has no connection with the sea, but its water is
highly mincralised, although Raimbow trout, a fresh water
species, will live and thrive there.

It is vemarkable, also, that; while G. aéfonuatius, in the
Hopkins. grows normally to 6 inches or 7 inchee in length;
im Lake Bullen Merti it never exceeds 4 inches, A few
thousand specimens trom the Lake have been transferred to
Lake Catani, at Mount Buffalo, with a view to providing food
for trout there, and in the hope of increasing the average
’ size of the fish, which has heen decreasing of late years, ap-
parently because they have overtaken their food supply, -

The important, point, however, regarding the little fishes
is this, that while they are said to be very suitable for a
amall aquarium, if they require salt water for breeding,
they possibly could not be bred in eaptivity. This is a pomt
for experiment and elucidation by keepers of small acquaria.

Then there is Pigmy Perch, Nomnoperca Australis, This
fish, which is a typical litfle perch, is found most frequently
in Swamps and lagoons. Jt is very hardy, and is claimed to
be a good aquarium fish,

~The FPlat-headed Gudgeon, Phalypnedon grandiceps, 1s
atiother yery hardy varicty of onr miniature fishes. It is
found in many of sur streams. Specimens extubited at the
Club's aquarium evening eame from the Woady Yallock
Creek af Cressy. It is not so Lively in the aquarium as are
some of the others, and seems to prefer to lie motionless at
the bottom.

MA L hy ’
1528 J Lewis, Nateve Lighes 21

There are, besides the above, several varieties of small
fishes, which I have had identitied, fyom the Goulburn and
Murray River systems, regarding which practically nothing
is known. They are all extremely abundant, and no doubt
form no small portion of the food-of the better kuown sport-
ing and commercial fishes. . v
Besides these native Ashes, the Common Carp and English
‘Perch, are, unfortunately, extremely abundant in most of our
waters, and if a collection is made from a lagoon or. back-
water, it is almost certain to include many specimens of
these undesirables.

BANDICOOTS AT TLACK ROCK,

“Paxtward at Sandringham and Black Rock, and southward 1o-
wards Beiumaris, a consitierable area af serub-owned Jaud, the
"Soudringham Flora" of botunists, etlll Verodins Unspoiued by
hbuliders and speculators, and provides 9 Sletsant snd snc Fetrenc
for same, at least, of tts original wild denivens.

. Tasetts, birds, sill animals, lizards, suakes, eve. abound to on
extent not realized by the casual abserver, owing to the dense
covert of Leptospermiomn, Banksia, aud other shrubs. The presence
of the Bandicoot ju thie aren ig probsbly well known to eld
macurulists, but IT baye not seen any record of the faet in -our
journal during the past thirly years, hence this note, ~

Occasionally, while eoliceting instets, I .bave “fushed” a Bardi-
wok dimest at my feeb, but iy the Drief view obtained was pnubbe
to determine the species. In one case the anijnal had lomined a
neat tunnel a yard i length, in the tangled undergrowth, at the
endl of which was a nest nbout a fool. in oianeter, cmopoted ot
graas, J, C. Guvme.

SOGIAL SAW-FLY LARVAR, .
Walking along the bank of the Gouliiiy River recently 1
came upon a body of jarvae of the Guin Saw-tty, Perga, dursalts
Leach. They were in column, formation, abwut a couple el tocues
wide and a foot or two in lenzth, The tegders wore side by side
with their hinder ends overlapping, Qnd in contact with thasz
immediately hehind, and so on thravghont the column Toe
columns was stationary When J first saw ft, und continied sp. On
being seatteend, the grabs became intermittently active io th-ir
characteristic manner of raising and lowering thely posterior
extremities, tapping the ground ou the downward stroke, and at
the satne time, makleg spasmodia forward movaments. TReturniny
about half-an-bour later, I found the column reformed. I néticert
as I approached, (hat my steps seemed an intentive for a slmul-
taneous tapping along the celumn. and a2 vnited forward move-
ment Of an inch or two, I tapped the ground with my Gngera
a few jiuches ahead of the enlumn, which Immediately rvesnanited
by a& concerted tapping along its length aml another forwatu
malian af an inel or two Several repetitions of the test had a
Nke result
Thix obstrvirtion is Iiteresting, as indicafine that there e037
grubs can communicate with one Another, and that the Nace ati
ention takes the form, visible to ts only if its criideness, of -that
which jo {he abstract we fern oscillation.
J. A. ROSS,

22 Neéula in Captivity, (yi xovi.

NEWTS IN CAPTIVITY.

If a few essentials are supplied, newts Are very easy to keep in
captivity, but if any of these details are neglected, the andimals
Fall to tlirivé, aud ultimately dje,,

The frst easential ia 2 proper receptacle, glass bowls are nol
ot all suitabte, etther for newts or fishes, An oblong or aquare
auisitid will do, providing that part of it is shaded sa as to
prevent n glare of light. Too much Side light in an aquarium
ls always a mistake, and some aquatic plants, such as Velisneri
nivale, Will not live under such conditions; all species will suffer,
tidere or jess. The second essential is a good supply of water-
plants. Personally, I favor, for newts, the common Canadian
water Weed, Dludca canadensis. ‘This plant is very hordy aud a rapid
grower, Another ndvantage of Alodya is that none of iny water
snulls appear to touch Jt although these sonils have completely
eaten out and killed some of my other water-plants.

A wooden tub oy o small cmrent pond afford the idea condt-
tions! but whatever vesset Je deed, steps must ba taken to prevent
the inmates from escaping, if pewts ero kept iy an aguarhim, it
showld be covered with glass; resting om thi pieces of wood, or
covered with perforated zinc, otherwise the newrse will climb opt
ond be lost For ponds, a small fence of plalu gitivanised iron, a
few inches bigh, the tp being turned over aid Inwards, will
effectually preyent newts from wandering—they haye a grent in-
clination for roaming in wet weather, eapectatly if kept shorr af
food. This irresistible urge to wander is a wise provision ot
unture for the dispersal of the spucics: otherwise, they would
Overtake their food supply jn the water in which chey were Ilving,
while, possibly, water in the wielnity woukl he uutenanted by then,

Newts con travel with safety only during wet Weather, and If
the favorable conditions continue for a few days, they may travel
fairly Jong distances, and discover other water suiinble to them.
Newls seek shelter during the dayilmeé, untess it is raining; other-
wise they rest Quting the dny and continue their wanderings ns
¢o0n as St becomes dark. 12 tbe weather becomes hot, and travel-
ling newts have failed to And sinttable shelter, thoy wil] die; but
some will be more fortunate und Mnd water,

Some adult Japanese Newts, Volge pyrrhoyusier, received trom
Japan, have been in my possession for over 16 years: Spanish Newts,
Moige wall are remarkable tor the bony tubercles slong the
side of the body in adult specimens; this is cxuged by the ends
of their wibs projecting; In old specitnens this becomeés very pro-
nounced, This spring { reared three young ones, until they were
just about to Inst their gills, and I have seen un slay of them
stice, and am of the opinion that a small terrapin Imnows some-
thing about their disappearance! The males of this species. unlike
those of most others, does wot display grand colora during the
breeding sensou; yet It is very prettily marked, and marbled in
color shnilar to the fine Dlackfish of Curdies River, in the Wes-
tern District. .

A small terrapin, Chefoding longicolits; was dragged, fagether
wiih some aguntics. ant of 1 Ingoon at Mildura Inst Tune, at which
time ir wus hibernating. It measured oxaetly one and fAivewiehth
ixebes hy Ionath: in the Gourse of a few months lt wore than
doubled ite size This Is a #reat grin, especially when it woe

May) Newts in Ooptivity 28

hibernating when found, and for a long time ulferwards at my
place, It has again (April) gone into its winter quarters, haying
buried itself in a. pot of aquatics. This is a puzzinug thing, how
a lung-breathing animal ¢an remiudn under water for monthe al
a time,

H. W. Daver

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN HANDBOOKS.

Aoutber volume of a notuble series of bandheoks of the Flora
and Fauna of South Australis, has been jssucd, and il ranks with
the best of its predecessors. But all of those so fur published are
excellent and of value for use ib neighbouring States, as Well as
South Avastrulia, tm faces, every Austratnn field naturalist should
find the volumes both interesting and helpful.

The handbooks are Issued by fhe Britieh Science Gilild ¢Sowth
Austrattan Branch}, and published by favour of the Premier.
They are mot at all costly; as commercial ventures, probably
they would be sold at much Wwgner prices. The latest rolume,
consisting of 270 pages, printed on gaod payer, and finely illus-
trated, costs seven shillings and sixpence, Some af the volumes
@re ooly four shillings, others five shillings each. The Galld
and the Government must be commended for their service toe
students and lovers of wild nature. Other States might follow
the example!

¥rom 1922 to 1927, the handbooks were eWited by the Tate Mr.
Edgar BR, Waite, F-L.5., C.M.Z3.. who is. alsn the author of the
latest addition to the serfes, ona an earlier votume on fishes.
Since Mr. Wnaite's death, tast year, Mr. Herbert M, Hals, enrator,
South Australian Museum, has been éditor of the handbeolre.
When he died. Mr. Waite had shmast completed the M.S. of the
Present volumes, “The Reptiles and Amphibians of South Ana-
tralian.” In accordance with the author's wish, Mr. Hale collated
hig notes, and. lu general, prepared ihe M.S. far publication.

_We bave long needed a solentifically accurate but popular zuffe
to our tepttles. and frogs, and this volume supslies it In large
measure. Many Of the species dealt with, of cotrne, ocour beyond
the boundaries of one State; some ace wide-ranging and amonr
rhe commonest of snakes and Hantds. Victorians will bave senrly
ay mutch née for the book as the naturalists of South Australia.

Mr, Waite was a scholarly man, as well as a scientist of dis-
tinction, # leader in his own Specfal field, and he wrote thls book,
surely pot a5 a task, but with plersurc. Jt is admirable; 2 model
for zoologists, who wish to give their kuowledge to the many
father than to the few. The illustrations--nearly 200—are worthy
of the text; they include diagrams, figures from standard works.
original, Grawings and photographs direct from nature,

Those who were privileged tio Inew the late Mr. Edgar Walte
reading thia book, will find the man revealed {n ita pages; ns
Kindly nature, his whimsical humour, his earnes| desire pmo give
frecly cf bis knowledge, to help the novice, aud foster a love ob
wild nature, it is a book that one muy praise nmreservedly, feal-
fng keen regret that its gutbor ip no longer living, CB.

2¢ Eoster Becursion to Werburton. Rar her

EASTER EXCURSION TO WARBURTON.

A party of nine attended the excursion to Warburton during
the Hasver holidays, The weather op Good Friday was dull, aud
the arternvon was spent in walking along the river banks in the
Precincts of the towaship. On Salurday morning, a trip was made
to Cement Creek. It was a day of brilliant sunshine, and, aa
oor Cur sped round Wie ever-ascanding curves, beautiful vistas of
the Yarra valley far below alternated with shady avenues of
gully vegetation and giant tree-lerns, while all the way towered
the straight boles of (ha great Mountein-ashes (Mucalyptas régnans).

At Gement Creck, a strong flow of clear, cald wate; poured
over and around nioss-g'0wn granite boulders in the shade of @ fine
grove of o.d Myrtle-beeches, with an occasional pungent-scented
Ssuthern Sassatras. Giant Mourtain-grass, wilh fruiting stems up
to 8 feet high; grew freely slon® the round cutting, amid the
shapely, straight-stemmed Biderberry Pawax. Mose and young ferna
clothed the up-hill sides of the cutting, and where a smal] stream
erossed the road some plants of the Ray Waterfern {Bicchuwm
fluvietile) were noted. f

In the afternoon @ pleasant walk was taken to the site of Old
Wa;bur.on (uow no more), via Scotehmun's and Backstairs Creeks.
Passing the fish hatchery and "Old Joe's" picturesnue hol. a sidling
track was taken beneath beautiful white-stemmed eucalypts and big
blackwood trees, and shady gullies full of Blanket-leal, Hazel Poma-
derris, Christmas Bush (Prosgtanthera) and feathery tree-ferns.
From the top of the track the old coach road, high up on the
slopes of the souttern range, was followed, affording charming
views of the Yarra Valley, backed by the majestic Yuotga Range,

Other eusy walks extended from near Millgrove, on the west,
to Sunnydale, on the east. We noted the dense grovex of Kutnzea,
Silver Wattles and Lightwoody, over which clambered the Wonesa
Vine and Clematis, Some of the eaprayg of the Kunzeas were
welghted down with clusters of small black fies, like awarms of
tiny bees, which, when disturbed, Alted the air, to otrr discomfort,

. On Easter Monday we visited La La Falls, at the head of a
gully of the creek of the came name. This gully was, burned aut
4 few years ago, but a vigorous new growth of characteristia
vegetation was asserting itaetf. Alone the track, the Hop Goodanin
was particularly dense, and some plants of the White Hiderberry
awd Tough Rreo-flower were notived. The numerous tree-ferns had
survived the fire, and were restored, bet the only group of Myrtle-
heeches ijn this gully had suffered severely, although some were
still alive. Specimens of the Beard-méss, hahging from the branches
of the trees, and Plumte-mosses, on the damp stones, were Laken.

, We did not see any animals on this excursion, and night ex-
peditions to the river with electric torches falled ta revaal any
Platyni, On two evenings the welrd screams of the larger Flying
Phalanger were heard Jn the big trees bordering the river. About
25. species of birds were noted, among them being the Wedge-tail
Hagle, Black and Gane Gang Cockatoos, Pled Streperas, Collared
Sparrowhawk, Coach-whip Bird, Collared Butcher Bird, Eastern
Sninebill and Rosé-breasted Robin,

A. B. RODDA, -

The Victorian Naturalist

VoL. KLVI-No. 2. June 5, 1929 No. 546

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the club was held
in the Royal Society’s Hall, Victoria Street, Melbourne,
on Monday, May 13, 1929, The President, Mr. F. fh, Wil-
son, F.E.S., oceupied the chair, and there were about 90
members, and yisitors present,

VISITORS,

The President. weluomed Mr. Cope, of the ‘Philadelphia
Academy of Science, who is interested in entomology.
Mr. Cope briefly responded, thanking the President and
members for their hearty welcome. He said that a meet-
ing conducted like that of the Feld Naturalists’ Club of
Victoria was unique in his experience, and eould he
copied with advantage elsewhere. Myr. A. D. Selby, a
country member, was also welcomed, and congratulated |
on his exhibit of photographs of native birds.

CORRESPONDENCE.

From the Minister tor Forests, acknowledging a letter
from the Club regarding the destruction of ferns in the
Warburton and Kinglake districts, and promising to
post more prohibitive notices as Suggested by the Club;
also thanking those members who had interested them-
selves in the preservation of our native flora.

From the Council for Scientific and Industrial Re-
search, regarding uniform vernacular names for Austra-
Jian plants throughout the Commonwealth, acknowledg-
Ing receipt af a copy of the Census of Victorian Plants,
and thanking the club for its offer of co-operation in the

matter.
REPORTS,

Reports of excursions were given as follow :—Mt. Wil-
liam aboriginal quarries, Mr, A. 8S. Kenyon; St. Kilda
Gardens, tree planting, Mr. V. H. Miller; Deep Creek,
Mitcham, Mr. F. Chapman, 4...8.; Kinglake, Mr. A. E.

Keep. ‘
ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

The following were duly elected on a show of hands :—
As country members: Mr, J. M. Rush, Yabba North, and
Miss E. Barton, Paynesville. As ordinary members: Mr.
G. W. Brown, Parliament House, Melbourne; ‘Mise J.
Ferguson, Sunshine: Mrs. B. H. G. Newell, Toorak; Mr,
W. Richardson, Glenhuntly; Miss E. Pearce, Glenferrie,
and Miss M. FH. Crabb, Prahran.

2g Field Naturatists’ Club—Proceedings. [Vie Nat

ELECTION OF AUDITORS.

Messrs. J. Ingram and A. S. Blake were elected as
Auditors for the year.

NOMINATION OF OFFICE-BEARERS, 1929-30.

Nominations were received’ as follows:—Fresident,
Mr. P. KR. H. St. John (preposed by Mr. J. W. Audas,
seconded by Mr. G. “Coghill); Vice-Presidents, Mr. C,
Barrett, O.M.Z.S, (Messrs, F, E. Wilson and A. E
Rodda) ; Rev. W. C. Tippett, FVL.S8. attests. Ff.
Pescott and Mr. M. J. Woodhouse) ; Mr. G, Coghill Thing
| G, Noakes and Mr. F. G. A, Barnard). Hon. Treasurer,
Mr. W. H. Ingram (Messrs. A. E. Rodda and V. H.
Miller), Hon. Librarian, Dr, C, S. Sutton (Messrs. H,
B. Williamson and A, E, Rodda), Hon. Editor, Mr. C.
Barrett, C.M.Z.S. (Messrs. E. E. Pescott and G, Cog-
hill). Hon, Secretary, Mr. A. E. Rodda. (Messrs. F. E.
Wrison and T, Greaves). Jon, Assistant Secretary and
Librarian, Mr. H, B. Williamson (Messrs. F. E, Wilson
and W. H. Ingram). Committee, Miss J. W. Raff, M.Sc.,
FBS. (Miss M. C. Rage and Mr. G, Coghill); Mr. J. W.
Audas, F.L,S. (Messrs. A. J. Tadgell and J, Wilcox) ; Mr,
M. J. Woodhouse (Messrs. H. B. Williamson and A. E,
Rodda), Mr. A, E. ee (Messrs, L, L. Hodgson and C,
A. Lambert), Mr. C. Daley, B.A., F.L.5. (Messrs. E. 8.
Hanks and L Jt Bailey), Mr, V, TL. Miller (Messrs. H. B.
Williamson and W. Ramm), ans ©. Borch (Messrs, BE, E
Pescott and C, Barrett), Mr. L, L. Hodgson (Misa J, W.
Raff and F, E. Wilson), Mr, J. A. Kershaw (Mesars; D,
Dickison and A. E. Rodda), Mi D. Diekison pe aers A.
H. Mattingley and A. E, Rodda),

LECTURE.

Mr, A, D. Hardy, PLS. delivered a lecture on “Sand
Dyifts in the Mallee," which was illustrated by lantern
slides of the Malee country, and also of the conditions

revajling in the sandy districts in Egypt and Turkestan,

e instanced numerous cases where the removal of
natural vegetation had resulted in the formation of
menacing sand dunes and the denudation of surface soi]
by wind erosion.

EXHIBITS.

By Mr, A. B. Opperman:-Dendritic markings (very
large) on stone from Blauk’s Quarry, Lilydale.

By Mr. Jas. A, Kershaw, 7.E.8., for National Museum —
Larvac of Swift moth (Porina fuscomaculata) attacked hy
the fungus Cordyceps Guanii (vegetable caterpillar}, eol-
jected at Thorpdale, Victoria, by Mr, BK. &, Mann.

1920 | Field Naturalists’ Clubv—Proceedings. 27

By My. H, J. Evans:—Aborigina) grinding. stone found
on the bank of the Kavanook Creck, Seaford,

By Mr, A. Mattingley -—Aboriginal stone axe-head, from
Bega, N.S.W.

By Miss G. BE. Neighbour.—Five paintings of wild-fiowers
painted by the exhibitor—Angozenthos Munglesit, Dendro-
dium linguiforme, Diuris punctata, Caladenta dilatata, CU.
filamentosa, C, Patersomt, Calochilus paludosus, Diuris pala
chila, and Lyperantiius suaveolens.

By Mr. P. R. H. St. John:—Herbarium specimen of
Lucatyptus puchyphytla, F.V.M. (Yellow-flowered Mallee),
collected near Tanami, Central Australia, by Mr. BE. Officer,
Mr. M. Terry’s expedition, July, 1928:

By Mr. Thos, Kerr:—Speemmen of Convolyulus Hawk-moth
and flowering specimens of J'ecoma australis, var. Lutvobei
and Sida corrugata (tall form), collected by exhibitor at
Griffiths, N.S.W.

By Mr.’C, J. Gabriel:—Five spevies of Tridacnu (Clam
Shells), mostly Australiso—Jvidacna erecea, am; Queens-
land; 2', derasa Bolten, Torres Strait; 7, elongata Lam, Lord
Howe Island; 7, squamosa Lam., Torres Strait; 7, maxima,
var, fossar Hedley, Lord Howe Island.

By Mr. V. H. Miller: —Specimen of Banksia prionetes front
Western Australia.

By Mr A. M. Wade, to illustrate note in the May
Naturalist-—{a) Photograph of parasitized Jarva ot
Emperor Gum Moth, with healthy larvae alongside for com-
parison; {b) adult Braconid Wasp; (c) nine hundred and
thirty-eight (938) Braconid cocoons, removed from the
silky material covering the above larva.

By Mr. E. B. Peseott, F.L-5,:-—Photograph of aboriginal
rock painting and shelter at Mount Mistake, by Rev. ©.
Lang, Ararat; (b) red ochre grinding or pounding stone
used for powdering achré to be used im rock painting, north-
west New South Wales; (c) specimen of Thruntomene
calycina (7. Mitchelliana), cultivated.

By Mr, A, J. Tadgell:—Botanical specimens—{a) Small
grass-tree Lanthorrhoca minor, showing abnormal flowers;
(b) Coast Salt-bush, Atriplex cinereum (male flowers), show-
ing pollen later than usual; (c) Common Correa, Correa
rubra, var. virens, showing abnormal stamens, apparently in
a transition stage towards double flowers; (@) Fat Hen,
Chenopodium album, including a large leaved form, showing
a bright red colour on the young leaves, the result of the
disease (Hacmorrhagia), in which the sap exudes throngh
wounds made by insects.

23 Nigapias, Speotea of Thetymtera, [Vi Bar

NOTES ON CERTAIN SPECIES OF THELYMITRA
By W. H, Nicaouts,

Mor some years now, it has been apparent to the writer,
and to some other observers, that we have in Vietoria and
ther States an old-desoribed Uhelymitra species, the Name
of which has never been included, so‘Lar as can be.ap present
ascertained, in any census of Victorian plants, Yet Thely-
mitra media, R. Br. (fg. 1) is found growing abundantly
in numerous localities.

Judging by various notes which have occasionally
appeared in The .Victorian Naturales, this plant has been
mistaken by some observers for 1. aristata, Lindl, 4 species
with fewer flowers (fig. 6). Others have followed Bentham,
the author of Fleru Australiensis, who considered 7’, media
to be merely a variety of T, camtliaulata, R. Be. Robert
Brown knew better! He was an extramely careful botanist,
and Darwin said of him: ‘‘ITe seemed to me to be chiefly
remarkable for the minnteness of his observations, and their
perfect aceuracy.”’ (a).

~ The mere fact that it is now proved that 2". canallenlata
does: not ogcur in the eastern States, ag stated by Lindley,
Bentham, Fitzgerald and others (see notes on T. canalieulata)
proves also that 7°. media is deserving of full specific rank.
T, media was first collected in 1801, and wag described by
Robert Brown in his Prodramus, 1810. In Australian :
Orehids (Wol. 1), Fitzgerald illustrates an orchid under this
name. He says; ‘‘Having no access 10 Brown's species, it
is with hesitation that I have given the name of media to this
plant, but it is, at least, not inconsistent with the short,
deseription given by him, and is, J think, the species ha
obtained near Sydney.””

Fitzgerald’s interpretation, in my opinion, is a correct one;
his figures agree im all essential particulars with Robert
Brown's deseryplion, and our Victorian formg likewise agree.

Robert Brown's specimens were collected at Pt. Jackson,
NSW. Fitzgerald’s illustration is taken from a somewhat
stuall type of plant; still, we are on safe ground when we
assume it to be a vorroct definition of this beautiful orchid,

It is chiefly to the column that we look when we seek the
identity of a number of these blue-flowered sun-orchids,
outstanding variability here is of paramount importance.
Tn 1. media, the column has a prominent—usually blue—
eda lying across, just below, the upper margin of the
100

The Vietorian representatives, at leas!, vary considerably, '
‘but the differences between individuals are mainly a matter

a) Nrenoius, Species of Tholymitra, 29

of physique and of color, Some of the plants are exceedingly:
robust, others very slender; a white-flowered specimen is on
record (Silvan, Oct., 1929, "WIL. N.). The markings on the
column, though usually blue, are sometinics. brown or green,
even pink markings have been noted. These variations must
be expected, and they are ocvasioned, possibly, chiefly by the
conditions. of environment.

Tn the Dandenong hills, at Gembrook, Silvan, ete., this
plant is exceedingly numerous during Scptember, and
October. It occurs chiefly on the lower levels, in somewhat
dense forest, where the potato-orchid (Gastrodia sesamoides,
RK. Br.) is likewise abundant. In such places, 7. medic
reaches to a height of over three feet, ho flowers are large
and often very numerous; usually deep blue, with purple
markings, the latter color predaminating on almost every
part of the plant. The leaf ts long, warrow, and deeply
channelled, On the other hand, 7’. media is often found
solitary, It grows in almost any kind of soil, and in prac-
tically any situation. little wonder that it varies so greatly!

While wandering over the country close to Mt. Byelyn iv
August. in a storm-swept valley, [ found some debris, growing
in which was a ‘helymiiru. This bloomed two months later
in my bush-house, producing a splendid spike of 26 large,
delicate blue flowers, with light green markings. It was
fragrant (fig, 2), The leaf was wide, very thick, ‘leathery,’'
with the suactace rugase, Similar specimens have been col-
lected. near Postman’s Creek, Warburton (A, B, Braine).
and typical plants have heen observed around Healesville,
Stawell, Kinglake, Riddell, Bayswater, Wonga Park, Mon-
bulk, Taunching Place, and other Victorian localities too
numerous ‘to mention here.

Mr, Edwin Cheel, curator of the National Herbarium,
Sydney, writes (in answer to my enquiries): ‘We have
here specimens of 1. media, R. Br., from Hawkesbury River
(and two othor N.S.W, localities), also from Eilmore, Vie-
toria,"" Dr, R. 8. Rogers refers to 7. media in a letter of
recent date ag “‘a very commen orchid, which J have re-
eeived from many Sacalities,

T, media is méntioned by Bentham (Flora Australtansis,
Vol. VJ, p. 318) ss a possible variety of 7. cunalteulate,
W, Br, but » survey of their respective differences, etc. (in
tle column, chietiy) shows clearly that here we have twa dis:
tinct species. Distribution (so far ascertained) :;-—Victoria;
New Sonth Wales, Western Australia. (under 7. canaliculata—
Fitzgerald). Cb),

T, eanadionlate, R.Br. Gig, 3),—The original deseription
ol this species also'appears in the Prodromus Tn the light ot

a0 Nighots, Spectes of Thetwmitra. [YE PE.

recent experienve'with this orchid, Fitzgerald's interpretation,
in this instance, is incorrect. His figure of ithe plant, which,
strangely enough, is incompléte, is representative of what I
consider to he ‘a form of media, “An identical ‘specimen is
preserved in ‘the National Herbarium, Melbourne (this is
remarked upon further on). Some have even considered this
plate as referable to a variety of T. ixioides, Swartz! which is
probably our most variable sun-orehid (see figs. 10, 11, 12).

~Fitzgerald’s figure (under 7. canaliewlata) certainly has a
general resemblance to Swartz’s specics,, but the absence of
the dorsal crest, and other eyually tmportant features, ars
sufficient, in my opimion, 'to justify separation.

Vitzgerald himself wrote: “It is with doubt I have given
this plant the name of the species represented, ‘but it is the
only one I have found to agrce with the deseription by Brown.
1 therefore think it had better be taken as cunaliculate, than
pive that name to one, the characters of which could not be
reconciled with the description,’’ Fitegerald’s specimen (as
illustrated) was obtained at Hunifer’s Hill, near Sydney
{Sept.). He also obtained a few specimens at Albany, W,A.

Botanists generally appear to have recognised the form
figured by Fitzgerald as distinct from 7. izxcides, bat seem,
on the other hand, to have accepted this plate as representing
Robert Brown's T. canaheulata.

But the original drawings, in the British Museum. show
a different form of colamn, The habit of YT: canalietéate is
variable, as in so many other members of this genus; Int.
usually, the normal specimens are about the stature of a
medium-sized plant of J. medza.

T have carefully examined a perfectly-preseryed speeioen
of ¥, canaliculats, R, Br,, from Dymblezung, Western
Australia (Nov.), forwarded by Colonel B. T. Goadby (fig. 3},
also a Hower from another nodoubted T. canalicilata, B. Br..
sent by Dr. Itegers. The inspection af these specimens {which
were identical) showed a column differing in a consider.
able degree ‘from the colufans of eastern specimens placed
under this name (fig. 4)- ‘

' Tyo specimens recelved from the National Herbariurn,
Melbourne, have also been very carefully examined, One
comes from North Devon, near Yarram (Audas), and the
other from Kinglake (Tadgellj—both Victorian localities
he former specimen is identical with Fitzgerald's iltustra-
tion wnder J' canaliculatea The latter specimen (abelle
‘var, medie’’) is without doubt a typical 7. -media, R. Br.

Mr. Chee] also informs me that there ure no eastern ‘speci-

mens under 7", canalieulate in their collection.

Bl

NIcHOLLs, Sgectes of Thelynétra,

Thelymitia Species,

42 Nrcmorcs, Snovies’ of TRelymitra.- rete

For a Western Australian epecimen, collected by Mr,
A. G. Hamilton in 1902, ‘no specific locality is given, or
even the month of eollecting.’’ Mr. Cheel also says, “‘T
doubt very much if the -Hunter’s. Hill (Fitegerald's
locality} plants of 7. canaliewlata (following Fitugerald))
are in any way different from those of T. media, RK. Br.’

Carefully pressed specimens (labelled "T. canaliculeta,
Tt. Br.*?) received from Paterson, N.B,W. (lev. HM, R,
Rupp) were alsocinspeeted. This type is, I think, referable
to F. lilacina, Fev.M. (¢), whicly is referred by Lindl in
Linnwa, xxvi,, 242, 10 7. camalieulata (hb), It is a very
small (comparatively) slender form, bearing but few
fowers—nsually one to tour (fig, 9). “Tt has been collected
in Victoria also by the writer at Bayswater (Oct.), and on
French Island (Novy.).

The collector (Mrs. KE. M. Baves) reports it is numerous.
Tt is, doubtless, a form of F. dztoides, Swartz. The Howers
of al) the specimens I have examined are without spots, but
Mrs. Haves is positive that many of the specimens observed
on Preneh Island had the flowers spotted, as in the typical
J. jatoides, However, this feature is of little consequence,
as spots have been noted in the flowers of 7. luteo-ciliata,
Pitzg., Wonga Park (F. G. A. Barnard) and at Yarra
Junction (Mrs, E, M. Haves); also in 7. carnea, BR, Br.,
Bayswater (H. B. Williamson)—all in Octoher. The above
instances are. quite exceptional. ‘

The columns from the Western Australian flowers at!
T. canalwulata (previously referred to) certainly agree with
the columu depicted in a coloured copy (lent by Dr, Rogers)
of ferdinand Bauer’s original drawing in the British
Museum. Baner accompani¢d Robert Brown in the Investi-
gator as draughtsman and artist to the expedition, ‘‘These
drawings bear the same date and locality as Brown's speci.
mens, ta which also Brown refers in his “MSS. descr Iptions’*
(80 runs an accompanying note), Robert Brown's type was
collected at King George's Sound, in Western Australia, in
which Ipeality he spent three weeks, Deeewher, 1801 (a),

The flowers of 7, canalicwlata ave blnish-purple, or bine,
with darker bluc longitudinal veins, and the column has a
very rich purple hye, the intermediate lobes are golden, the
extreme marging (‘'teeth’?) whitish,

So it seems that, according to the foregoing evidenee, we
have, in this instance, another case of incorrect determina-
tion, arising From a somewhat close resemblance of twa
plants t each other, but yet having, each of them, when
oritically examined, characters which make them readily
reco¢nisable aS separate species,

3

wo

Hined - + Nromones, Spevies of Thetiymitre. -

Finally, it is. interesting to. record that there is not an
instance on record (to.my knowledge) of 4 rare, or com-
paratively rare, orchid (such as T. canaliculata, R. Br.)
finding its way across from the State of discovery to the
extreme eastern or ‘western Limits‘of this Continent. (Feb.
17, 1929,).

(a) The Life “and letters of Charles Darwin,

tb) Bentham, in- Flora Australiensis, Vol. ‘VI, 7. 318,

(e) T. lilavina; Fiv.M—For the description of this plant,
Y am tmdebted to: the National Herbarium, Melbourne,

— (d) See note in the Biography of Robert Brown, Anst.
Orch., by Dr. B.S. Rogels, p. 48). -

KEY TO PHATE.
Thelymitra Species,

Fig. 1—Thelymitra media, R. Br., Silvan, Oct. j flowers
blue, yar purple markings,

Fig, 2.—Flower from Mt. Bvelyn specimen, pale blue,
with green markings,

Fig. 3—1'. canaliculata, R. Br., from herbarium ‘specimen
lent by Col. Goadby (W.A.). Far

Fig. 4— Column, side view, 7', canaliculata.

' Fig. 5—Formation of lobes, fr, conalicnlatys teniniliate
lobes missing.

Fig. 6—2’. aristuta, Lindl; flower types.
- Bie. 7.—T, aristata, Lind}; head of column from above.

Fig. §.—T. aristate, Lindl; column from side, from a
flower (forwarded by Dr. Rogers}, from W. H. Archeér’s col-
lection, quoted by Lindl (Tasmania) -

Fig. eee form of 7. txiwides, aywarte (7. hluesna,
F.vM.

Fig. 10.—?. daioides ; fiawer whitish ; a im dia. (Bays-
water}.

Kig, 11.—T. fananons flower dark blue; tin. in ase. (Airey’s
Inlet).

Pig. 12.—7’. teisidess typical flowers.
_ Wig. 13—Flower and column of Thelymitra (Whittlesea
and Airey’s Inlet); flower #in.-in dia.; lavender, spotted in
4 Bes manner; at presont included under T. medina,

r

Fig. 34.—-T. txioides, Swartz; column from rear, side and
above. .

. Fig. 15.—T. caneliculata, after Fitzgerald.

Figs. 16 to 21.—T. mpntior types of columns, from various
aspects,

34 Monnia,, Murysvitie and Lake Mowrtein, [We AOE

ECOLOGY OF MARYSVILLE AND LAKE
; MOUNTAIN.

Br P: B, Morris.
(National Herbarium, Melbourne.) .

From 4 géobotanical point of view, little or nothing has
heen done ta group the flora of various districts or sssocia-
tions in Victoria, in order to give an instructive picture of
the sociological structure of our plant covering and its rela-
tion to the. habitat.. I propose to. give, as far as my know-
ledge permits, some idea of the plant associations of the
Marysville Lake Mountain, distriets, especially Echo: Flat.

MARYSVILLE AND ITS VICINITY,

The hilly and mountainons country is, in its vegetation, a
typical example of most of the hill country aryund the Dan-
denong Range area. The principal associations are not. very
well preserved, and have been influenced: by human activity

The ‘Talbot: Drive,*' of about eight miles, follows the, Tag-
verty River to within a short distance of Keppel Falls. On
the left the country is flat and alluvial, on the right the
ground rises, sud is clothed with a vegetation different from
that of the flats, The: Valley Beantiful and the Forest of
Arden, with the Myrtle Beech, Nothofayus Cunningham.
growing in pure association, are charming areas, Further
on, the “forest is mixed with 2 Ducalyptus, as a top-covering_ to
the smaller woody, skrubs, which protect.the herbs, In the
more open forests, grasses and sedges occur.

Eucalypt_ covering; Eucalypins- viminalts (Manna Gnm }
inhabits the moist alluvial flats along the river; EZ. ovata
(Swamp Gum): and 2, rubida sometimes grow in mixed asso-
ciation with it, but they generally persist.on slightly highee,
and, perhaps better, drained and, sweeter, soils. ‘These species
vive rise to H. goniecalyx (Mountain Grey Gum), known
locally ag Blue Gum, interspersed with an oceasional Moun-
tain Ash (Z, regnans) and Messmate (Z, obliqua).. The
two latter species may; have once- been, the, principal-treea of
the area; but. the area, was cut.over. many years ago,, thus
the better timber trees would be used,

Agacia Agsaciation,

A corresponding difference of association and distribution
is found: in:the.three species of Acacia:—A- dealbata- (Silver
Wattle), A. mollissima (Black Wattle), and A. melenoxylon
(Blackwood), A’ .dealbata follows, the rivers and alluvial
soils; andi is found: ‘growing with: seine viminalis ;
A, mollissima ig distributed similarly to HE, rubida, while

Jone Mons. Maryavithy und Lake Monntatn 35

A. melonaxylon follows the lines of EB. ovata, B. goniocalyx
and &: obligna, . E
Shrabs Association,

The, principal shrubs which grow. below, the canopy of
Ruodlypius and Acacia are Leptospermum langerin (Woolly,
Tea Tree), Dlearia lyrata (Snow Daisy-bush), Lomatia ilact-
folse andi: L. longifolia, Zieria, Smithii, (Sandily Zieria),
Native: Mulberry; Banyalla,. Golden Goodia,. Prickly, Cop-
rosma, Blauket-leaf, shrubby species of Acagia—A_ vertr-
cillatau. (Prickly Moses), A. vermiciflua, A. juniperina, and

A, oxypedrus (Spike Acacia). .

' ‘Hlarbs and ferns-consisted of Polystichum aculeatum (Prickly
Shield Wern), Blechoium capense (Soft Water Fern),
Blechnwm discolor (Fishbone, Fern), Aistiopteris incisa
(Batswing Fern), Péieridvum aquilinum (Bracken Fern). and
Alsophila wustratis—otten clothed with layers of Hymane-
_ plyllum, (Wilmy, Ferns). Included among the herbs were
species of Triglochin, Ranunculus, Mentha, Stylidiwm gra-
minifolium (Grass Trigger Plant), and here Poa cacspitesa
(Tussock Grass) grows in dense communities.

AN along the road, Nothofagus Cunninghamt was, to he
seen growing in pure associations on the banks of the rivers,
In places, these trees are very ubundant, and proyide a dis-
tinctive contrast to the Hucalypts, with- which they are sur-
rounded; The difference in relation: to plant life between the
amount and density of light is most strikingly apparent under
tie dense erown of leaves of the Myrtle-Beech; the: ability
of undergrowth to live is: diminished:

Leaving Marysville, a walk of eight miles along the Wood's
Point, Road, leads.to the turn-off to Mount Arnold and Snowy
Mount. he vegetation here has altered’ considerably, on
account of the altitude. The slopes are fern-clad, the trees
are large but few, and represent the remnants of « fine fores!
of Mountain Ash. Passing over Mount Arnold ta Snawy
Mount, large arcas of dead trees were noticed; the result?
of fire, probably started to make room for grasa for a few
mountain cattle. The question of grazing leases in or near
timber-areas is one worthy:ofour Club's consideration, Here,
trees to a height of 200 feet or more, with their charred “and
weathered’ surfaces, stood as. monurnents to the destruction
that can be caused’ by fire: Ascendmg Snowy Mount, the
first Snow Gum association. was reached at 4000 fect. This.
species forms almost impenetrable thickets and makes a_
canopy: for-several plants that appear on- the lowlands ‘as
faivly- large shrubs, but here are wealr andi straggling: Tinke
Mountain Kes north-east, and is. reached after a-climb: over

46 Morris, Murvapitie and Lake Mountain. bias xiet

granite boulders and through thickets of Snow Guin.. The
reading at the highest point of thes mountain. was estimated
as 4890 fest.

Geologically, Lake Mountain consists of large rocky out-
crops of granite. As yet, no detailed geological map of the
area has been published. Even a superficial observation of
the area is sufscient to show that many interesting correle-
_ tions of the plant communities could be made, were more
geological data available,

\ No previous worl hag been published on this area. Owing
to the absence of a properly equipped field laboratory, the _
acope of investigations regarding climatic conditions is some-
what limited, Snow often lies on the ground from May to
October; while heavy falls of snow in November are. not
rare. No regular record of rainfali has been made, but the
data taken at a point corresponding in height, and five miles
north-west of the mount, shows the average rainfall to” be ;
37 inches,

The fora of Lake Mountain may. be divided into three
main divisions—(1} Basal Slopes, (2) Hillside Flora, (3)
Echo Flat, or '‘Soak Blora,"’

Basal Slopes.

. An analysis of the flora of the basal slopes does not pro-
vide anything of great interest. The soil is a black hght
peat, composed of a considerable amount of decaying vege-
table material, Owing to soakage from upper levels and
heavy falls of snow, much of the area is boggy, and some-
times swampy, ground, After the snow melts, these areas
gradually dry as the simmer months approach, A large
amount’ of water is retained. The small herbs, such as
Brathycome alpmna, B, Tadgellii, Caladenta alpina, Drosera,
and other plants appear as the water recedes.

Trees are absent from these soaks, their places being taken
by herbs, sedges, mosses, hepatics, ete. Around the edges
of the soaks grow, Claiium Gunnii, Carex breviculmus, Lugula
campestris, Crasaila ‘Sieberiana, Blechnum fiuviatile, Blen-
nodia alpestrts, Catamagrostis filsfarmes, Danthonia pencil-
lata, Gnaphelium japonicum and G. alpiyenum, Cotula alpina
and Claytonia oustralasics. Most of these areas are sur-
rounded by @ thick raw th of Leptosper mum scopartim and

L..lanigerum,

Hillside . Flora, 4000 Feet.
_. Owing ta protection from wind, most of the hillsides are
well clothed with trees and ‘undergrowth: The trees forming -
the lower division, which graduates to the upper division, ,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. VOL. XLVI. June 1929
Plate II.

Echo Flat, Looking South West.

Summit of Lake Mountain, Looking South,

wee Morus, Maryaville and Lake Mountain. 87

consist. mainly of Atherospermum moschatum, Nothofagus
Cunninghami, Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia dealbata, Hucalyp-
tus gigantea and EH. regnans, These trees desecnd to the
lowest flats of the area, and are found in mixed company, and
occasionally in pure association, Under shrubs are generally
conspicuous, and almost form an impenetrable thicket, The
forests are open, and apparently have been invaded by the
undershrubs, The*chief plants in this section are:-—Bur-
seria spinosa {Sweet Bursaria),- Hedycerya auqustifolia
(Austral Mulberry), Pomaderris apetala, Bedfordie seheima
(Blanket-leaf), Prostanthera lasianthos (Christmas Bush),
and (aprosma Billardiert.

The summit of Lake Mountain is bare of vegetation, except
for a tew straggling Snow Gums and a few patches of Poa
caespitosa, which grows in rock ereviees. To.the north-east of
the summit lies Echo Flat; it is here that most of the flora.
of Lake Mountain grows, Five days were spent in exploring
‘the flat and its flora. _ , )

HIGH SWAMP FLORA,
Eeho Fiat,

Topography.—From 4 point.of view of topography, Lake
Mountain does not. present any features of special -interest-
The mount and the country surrounding appears to be por-
tion of a dome-shaped granitic intrusion, and the features
presented are just the same as those Noted on almost avy
granite area, The water soakages, however, are more exten-
sive than is usually the easc, and occur in an almost hori-
zontal plane, tilting slightly to the south. The soakage
urea is known as Heho Flat, and hes to the north of the
mount.

The vock is only. thinly covered with soil, and tha soakage
line ig very sharply defined, both by the nature of the sur-
face and by the vegetation. Hor some distance around Hcho
Flat the conntry- is comparatively level, the higher points only
rising gently from 50 feet to 200 fect, The physica) fea-
tures do not present any sorious obstacles to one traversing
the area, but the vegetation is a serious diffiulty, forming
almost impenetrable thickets. Mucalypius coriacea is the
only tree of these associations.

‘“‘Lake Mountain’? is realy a misnomer, and is said, to have
, originated from rumours that were heard from time to time
of large sheets of water there. Mr. Keppel, sen., informed
me ihat these rumours were ourrént fifty years ago, and,the
“akes’’ were said by some ta be very, large, and by others
tbe small. ‘here seems little doubt thatthe name originated

.

38 Mouris, Maryauitien and Lake Mowatt. ey vit

from these ramours,. rather than. from the: presence: of any.
real’ lakes.

There’ is no evidence whatever: that a lake- existed: im the:
anda at any time, The, sharp line of damareation caused! hy.
the water scakages does, at first glance, suggest a lake margin;
and the presence of many poola of water in the lower: portions:
adds to the impression, “THerc are no lakes either on: or
hear Lake 1 Mountain, and; in-my opinion; there never -have
been:, The pools, are, similar, to those found in most boggy:
draag,. but are larger, and range from two to three-fect deep
to’ thirty to fifty fect im diameter.

The pools, almost without exception, are on a higher evel

than the stream draining the country; and they appear to
be of: a very: temporary: character. Several of the pools to.
the- north- of Echo: Flat are within two feet of the stream:
andeighteen inches pr more abave it. The water is retained.
enly by & small jine-or wall, boand together by Sphagnum
cymbifolium (Sphagnum Moss), Polutriohwm. junipéeriniem,
Luzula campestris, and other planis, A stroke with a spade
would drain them; there is abundant evidence to show that,
occasionally, these frail barriers break down, and that pools
are- drained from time:to,time. ‘The blockage of the drainage
ways. by. the growth of mosses, ote., which arrests the abundant;
decayimg: vegetable material,, re-establish the barriers, aod’
the, pools; re-form.. The: pools appear to be rapidly filling
with peaty. sludge, and: it is highly, probable that they would
have long since: disappeared:if the retaining barriers, had not:
broken down and allowed) the accumulated material to. be,
carried: away by the: stream.
. Probably the, most, interesting feature is the, regularity,
and extent of the seepage line, and the abundant flow of.
water. from it, Tho rainfall is about 37 inches, and snow
often lies: for six oy mora-months, but taking into considera-
tion, the- small, amount, of country higher than the seepage
line and the shallow, soil, it is, an apterenetig speculation as
to, how. the flow. id sustained;

ECHO. FLAT FLORA,

The effect of the extremely damp and cold habitat is ovi-
deni(* when a comparison of the floristic composition of asyo-
ciations is made. The hilly and’ mountsinous auantry- is
clothed! In-an-abundant vegetation, including trees to a-height
of 200: feet or more. To:a height of 4500 feet trees form: the
chiet ecovering:to:all associations, Where the soil'is extromely:
aemp and cold; trees,are not-found, and Eeho Flat is treeless.
except for dense; bands of Snow. Gum, which inhabet. the
outer-and well-drained! parts. af the flat..

‘ rey — Morers, Marysville ands Lake Mountain.’ ua

The relation of plants,and plant associations to the i
factors of the habitat is very close, and has been found
conform to, certain definite laws, that must not be jonored
by the modern plant sociologist. ‘Chemical-edaphie influences
are an extremely penetrating, and often a decisive, agent for
the distribution of plant communities and of individual
species in eyery natural district of vegetation, The acid soil
conditions, of EHeho Flat and its different flora is a direct
answer to the question. as to the confinement of plants to
eertain soils.

Before proceeding to more detailed explanations, I shall
‘present a list. of the-plants of Echo Flat.

MUSCAE.
Stereodon cupressiforme, Sphagnum cymbifolium, Bryum
apectes.
: ; LICHENES.
‘tena barbata, Parmelia conspersa, and other species.
Lycopidiaceae,
Lycopodium clavatum, L, (Common: Clubmoss).
MONOCOTYLEDONBAE.
Cyperaceae.
_ Carex appressa (Tall Sedge).
Juncacese,

Luzula compestris, var. dusiralesica (Field ‘Wood-rush ).
Juncus Folagtics (Siekle Leaf-rush)-

ORCHIDACEAE.

Caladenia_ alpina. (Mountain Caladenia), found: with one
flower on- Echo Flat, but in more congenial localities it, has
two to four flowers,

DIOTYLEDONAL.
Fagaceae. -

Nothofagus: Cunninghami (Myrtle Beech). A! tree: grow-
ing to 100. feet or more on the deep-soiled- lowlands; here it:
isa prostrate plant, adhering to the lee side of rook:

Proteaceae,

Orites lancifolia (Alpina Orites),

Polygonaceae,

Rumex acetosella (Sorrel: Weed). This common introduced
weed.is. growing:in abundance, It also grows in luxuriarice
on Cradle Mountain and’ Mount Wellington, Tasmania.

' 7 Caryopby laceae.

Stellerta pugens (Prickly ‘Starwort).

i Vie, | Nat,

40 Mores, Mariaville and Luke Mountain. | oy .iyr

is ‘Ranunevlaceae.

- Riihunculue hirtus var. nanq {Hairy Euttenep h This
Jant often forms pure associations around the edges of
pools. It grows in dense mats and seems to be gradually
tetvelping the poals. ,
Winteraceae, |

“' Drimys laneeolata (Mountain Pepper). This aromatic
shrub grows im pure associations among granite boulders,
where it is afforded a certain amount of protection from the
wind.

Crutiferae.

Curdaimine hirxute (Common. Bitter-eress). -

Rosaceae.
_ Aichonntla vulgaris (Lady's Mantle).
'. + Leguminosae.

Pulisnuta Muellert (Fragrant Bush Pea), Daviesia ailieina
(Gorse Bitter Pea), Hovea lpia var, aspera (Mountain
Beauty}, Glycine clandestina.

_Oxalidaceae.

Oxalis mogelianica (White Wood-sorrel).

Rutaceae.

Phebalium phylicifoltum (Mountain Phebalium), Pleuran-

drapsis trymatioides (Star-bush),
Violacéae. .

Viola hederacea (ivy. leaf, Violet).

> Myrtaceae,

" Eucalypty coriacea, var.-aipina (Snow Gum). The only
tree on the area; it grows as a well-defined unit amongst
the granite boulders which surround the flat 20 to 50 fect
below. ~ The"tree branches from near the ground, and here
grows to a hoight of 15 to 20 feet, and torms an almost
impenetrable thicket. The lower limbs are dead, having beer
killed by heavy falls of snow. Snow Gums form a canopy
for smal) shrubs, such as Phebalium and Pleurandropsin.
Leptospermum lanigcrum (Woolly Tea-tree). Found in
small associations in Poa caesprtose-meadow formations.
Callistemon Siebert (Alpine Bottle-brush). Only two smal!
shrubs of this plant were found.

Ericaceae.

Gaoultherta hispida (Waxberry), Watratesaina vaccinacert

(Baw Baw Berry).

- Epacridaceae.
: Cyathodes acerosa- (Crimson Berry), Tebdiabones Hookeri
(Mountain Beard-Heath), Leucapogon virgatus (Common
Beard-heath), Afonetoca elliptica, (Tree Broom- Heath), Bee
cris Bawbawtensis (Alpine Heath).

Tue Monuts, Maryanitte and Lake Mowatiin. 4a

Myrsinaceae,

" Rapanea variadilis (Mutton-woad).

Gentianaceae.

Erythraca australis (Austral Centaury), Gentiana mor-

tana (Motintain Gentian).
Labiatae.

Prostanthera lasienthes (Christmas Bush), growing im pro-
tected Ipcalities under Snow Gum; Prostanthera cuneata
(Alpine Mintbush), a prostrate plant; Brunella. vulgaris
(Selfheal ), a cosmopolitan native plant, r@presenting an
interesting ceologieal study.

Scrophulariacene.

Gratiola peruviana {Austral Brooklime).

Plantaginaceae,
Plantage tasmanica (Tasman Plantain).
Compositac,

Olearia, lyrata (Suowy Daisy-bush), Lagenophora Billar-
diert (Blue Bottle-daisy), This plant was also found ‘with
white flowers. Brachycome Tadgeliu, B. mvalis, and B,
scapigera; Helichrysum rosmarimfolium (Rosemary Ever-
lasting, and the varictics firysoidcun and stenophyllum).
The species and varieties require further botanical investi-
gation, as they grow under the same conditions, and are
easily separated from one another, Hrechtttes quadridentata
(Cottow Pireweed),

The flora of Echo Flat was found to contain 27 Natural
orders, 46 genera, and 51 species; 22 af the genera were
represented by only a single species.

A detailed exploration of Echo Flat has shown the
division of species inta the above categories; it would be
interesting to know if similar Jocalities exist, and the com-
position of their flora. Of course, the question remains to
be solved as to whether this promiscuity, which, in Echo
Flat is not confined to certain or individual species, but
comprises whole communities, is the demonstration of the
inconstance of the species im their choice of sub-straturo, or
whether this inconstanee is anly seeming; that is, caused by
local change in habitat. Further ecological search may give
the answer. In my opinion, the association is due to the
Jayer of acid humus covering and effecting a change on the
granite sub-stratum, or it may be that the washing ont of
humne is the active factor.

Tnfluence of Summit Climate,

The situation of Eeho Flat lends itself to the influence
of weather elements. The summit climate is undoubtedly a
very important, but likewise very complicated, ecological

42 Monts, Meryevilte and Linke Mountain. {ie seer

factor. It is, first of all, cansed:by the action af the winds,
which has 4 great influence on the height of the vegetation
Wind acts not only mechanically, but also physialogieally.
‘Ti auses ‘profuse (ranspiration, :as well ‘as evaporation from
the soil, which has an effect also on ‘the chemical composi
tion. of the soil.

Patches of Drimys lauccoleta, Prostanthera lasianthos, and

Phebalium phylicifolium, wero found dead and reddened; no
race of fungus or insect wag ascertained'to cause the damage.
it is probable that the cause is snow, which lies in a thick
eover over these bushes ali through the winter. The plants
have died for the want of oxygen, indispensable for respira-
tron,
», After five days’ study of Echo Flat, a start for Marysville,
via Buxton, was made., It is seventeen miles to Buxton—
through fairly elear country, Bushfires and cattle have
helped ‘to open end destroy a beautiful forest area of Red
Mountain Ash and Mountain Ash, The most interesting
associations. met were—(1) Aecacta alpine (Alpine Acacia),
i pure colonies, at an-elevation of 4730 feet, mot far from
"Grouse’s Rock; (2) Daviesia latifolaa (Hop Bitter Pen),
growing in the same locality on goad soil. In the lowlands,
this plant is a shrub, generally growing five to eight feet;
here it takes the form of a gmall tree twenty feet or more
in height. All the other plants that grow on lowlands and
hightands had become smaller and more stunted as the altituda
increased, Why has this plant increased in height, size of
leaves and attained a different appearance in an exposed
locality 4750 feet above sea-level? Jt is certainly an interest
ing atudy in plant ecology. “

On the ranges below Heho Flat, Savannab-hice. forests of
iucalyptus oblique, BE, eugenioides, and E. gigantea, wers
studied. Still travelling north-west, over mountainous eoun-
try, we reached a beautiful forest of Red Mountain Ash and
White Mountain Ash, growing in mixed ‘association, ‘This
timber was being ot into, and scemed to be in parfeot eon-
dition for the saw.

I desire 10 offer my sincerest thanks to the Committee of
the Field Naturalists’ Club for selecting me for this work;
to Senator R. D. Elliott, whose foresight has done much ‘for
our Club; and to Mr. F. J. Rae, BAgiSe., who accompanied
me on the trip aud supplicd me with geological data.

(This excursion was financed from the grant made avail-
nhlo to the Clnb through Senator R, D, Elliott —Rd.)

tig A Biegie Red Pore. 43

-A BLOOD-REB POND.

Tn -a.dam, ‘used for watering ‘cattle, ‘and ‘sittated ‘abyut :1.00
yards from the roadside, between -Bundddra ‘and ‘Greens-
borough, and not very far-from the junction with Heidelberg
Road, we found Huglene sanguinea. The water, for about
six feet ‘from the bank of the dam, was the colour of wed
oxide paint,

A'‘smaller dam, connected with the other, was entirely red ;.
the surface resembled a ‘'granolithic’’ polish, and was. very
amooth. ‘This was on April 15, 1929. Beneath the red was
a brown slime, about a quarter of an inch in depth, and)
when collecting this matter in a jar, our hands were stained
a light-brawn colour.

Under the microscope, it was seen that the slime contained
several spherical ’organisms, the majority having bright
emerald-green around the edge, with a granular red contre.
Under white light, many of these organismie changed into
élliptical shapes, and squirmed this. way und that very slowly,
the red colour becoming more diffuse,

The organism was determined as Luglena sanguinea, and -
the two long flagellae were just visible under a 1/6th inch
objective. Subjected to’ red light, the Huglenae remained
Stationery; in spherical form, indeed, these rays not only
immobilized the creatures, but seemed to kill 4 number of
them. A change to green light caused -a greater number to
elongate, and also slowed up the movements of all,

We have often heard of these ‘ponds of blood,’* but this
ig the first time we have seen one, and it is certainly a most
interesting sight, ‘The commonest Euglena we have found
is-the emerald green one with the two red cys-spots, The
verdanl tint is due to the presence of chlorophyll.

The movements are execedingly diverse, and alter watch-
Ing a number of these protozoa, imprisoned ‘hetween tivo
glasses, eXecntée spirals, barrel-rolls, eel-glides, catherine

wheels, and ther rotatory exercises, we find it very diffien!t
to say what is the normal form of Buglena sanguinea —Tl
Rayment and R. Dower. 7
CRESTED GREBE AT BRAUMARIS, ;
arly in Moy, my brother and 1 ohserved-at Beautnaris a Groat.
Crested Grebe, fishing about 60 or 100 wards from the edit.
There were some White-breasted Cormorants nbout-nlao, and the
Grebe was noticcably longer onder water at euch dive, ‘Watch-
ing for halfenn hour, we were able to admire through Aotd-
glasses, (he handsome appearante the birds wade, with the
black ruff standing out from the white neck, the fawn-coloured
bateb at the -back gf the eye, avd the black crests standing up
at ench side -of the head, Uke cars. Uhe “beady colour sppearet
t® be Meht buff beneath, aud Iridescent datk-green back anv
wings. W. HO INGRAM

4a Carabs in ihe Garde. (vor xi

CARABS IN THE GARDEN,

The predactous ground-running beetles beetles family Carabidae,
are.our friends, and should not be crushed under foot as vermin:
confer on them the freedom of your estate, Several speules are
common in our gardens, one’ of the largest being Notonomts

‘ philipsi.. here tigured. Tts.
food fs sume of the pests.
which annoy the gardencr,

The sudden withering ot
one or two plants in a bed
of Antirvhinum bushes is 4
common odetirrence. At the
roots of these I haye some-
times found a Notonomut
beetle. Had the beetle doné
the damage? Froggatt says

- that Calosoma, of the same

family, devours larvae anid.
pupae of cut-worms. When the
Gipsy Moth, notorious for
aeyeral centuries in Murops,
was threatening the crops of
U,S..A/, a. Calosoma from the
dider Continent was iotro-
fuced to combat tf. In
Europe this Calosoma wat
protected by law. I have
seen a captive Nolonomus
eat raw meat. The very.
construction of the jaws sug-
gests: Seizing prey, and not
a vegetable diet. ‘Fabre, in
“Viore Beetles,” gives ~a
graphic account of another
member of the family, the
“gold beetie," Carabus muro-
‘nitens, seiging and deyouring
caterpillars, and slaughter.
ing even many more of those
creatures than wete required for its meal.

Collectors know the sivaze propensities of these Carab beetles;
if placed in a box with others, they deyour small insects and dis-
member large ones. The Notonomus.found at the roots ofa
withered pliant. doubtless, has caten & wire-worm grub, the real
Gestroyer of the plant, ;

With six palpi, instead of four, this family ts distingwishea
from other beetles, For the ventral parts, see dtagram in the
October Natiratist, 1927, This is a Yery abundant group, more than
1600 species being found im Australia, Length of the beetle here

Hgured is 13/16 inch from jaws io tip of abdomen. The: enlour
te shining black, with tinges of inky blue. -

OG, DEANE.
The Hon, Librarian notifies that aio copies of fhe “Lilles of
Victoria” remain {n hand for sale. The words, “Price, 34; if
posted, 4d." In last month’s iseve, page 13, should have been
appended to the notice re Supplement to the Census.

Jung) . _ Bird Revords, , . 4

BIRD RECORDS, |

At Sperm Whale Head (Gippsland Lakes), during Septomber,
1924, 1 kept a note of the diffdrent birds which dame ~ under
ty notice each day of the first week; also tlie total number
of species sean io a week, and, likewisy, during the month,
For sake of comparison, I gecided'to make a stinilar observation,
ia the same locality ja September, 1928,, Last year'y figures
show a #iighbt decrenae in the number of birds to be seen each
doy; and for the week 53 species were noticed, as ogainst 56 jn
1924; but the total for the inonih is 72 apecies, one ts @Xcees
of the 1924 reoord. 3

These figures geem to indicate that, while the same dumper ot
species yet exfat dm the Joenlity; some kinds have decreased
individually; thus, iu a brief perlod, ong now sees’ fewer diftereut
kinds, 18 compared with a similar perind in ige4. OE may men
thon that decrease im bird-lite, out not in species, “was my
theory prior te carrying out my observations Jast year; the
results of my records for the two yefirs seem to coincide with
my belief, It ig apparent ¢hat sotne specfes, and especially small
birds, auch as Thornbills and Wrens, which were nt one time
seen almost every day, now come under one’s notice only of
irregular futerval.

With a sanctuary now provided for the biri-tife of Hoary Whale
Head, tt ig to bea hoped that a subsequent record may show
an obvious. increase, bath in species and individually,

FRED, BARTON, Juor.

BTHNOLOGICAL SECTION. |

A meeting of this Seclion Was held ut Latham Hount on May
21, Mr, A. & Kenyon ja the chair, ‘The subject for the, evening
was South African native culture. Dr. S, Perm gave an addrose
upon the manutacturc of the knife and spear blades in use
among the natives, with the characteristle "marking near ong
side of the blade surfaces. Other exhibits were Knob kerries.
armlets, ete, in use among the: tribes.

‘Mr, Kenyon exhibited mauy specimens af native craft. weapons
ig iron and wood, copper wire, string, leather and fbreworlk
utensils, snuft-holders, & musical instrument ind other artieler
of interest in connection with native life, He showed ftp ttlus-
trations of chipped stones As scrapers, pointe, ete, the simi-
larity of treatment in South Africa fo that of the Tasmanian
stone culture, and of some Australian archipnacts.

Mr. J. A. Kershaw exhibited several kinds of pipos‘in use.
the question arising whether the custom of amoking waa native
ur Introduced among the African tribes. Other exhibits were no.
4omewhal rectangularly-shaped stoe of. slaty nature, probably
weed in sharpening operatians, and u chusingn-ike stone wn-
earthed near Rushworth.

An informal discussion took place over the exhibita. Tf was
decided to devote the evening of nest meeting, on Tuesday, Tine
18, to a consideration of the Maori culture in New Zenland
Members of the Club and friends are invited io be present and
to eaxht(bit specimens af Muaori art.

46 Preursion ta Deep Creek, Vis, i Nat

EXCURSON ''O DEEP CREEK,

This excursion, on Saturday, April 13, waa well aitended, and
the party was increased by a contingent of the Mornington ‘Fielt
Naturnligta’ Club, to about 60. The route taken, after leaving
Mifeébam stition, was due narth wtil turning off along the
Quarry-road. At this corner, situated practically on tae
watershed dividing the Koonung Creek basin trom thal of Deap
Creak, ocension was taken to point out the physiographic features
af the distriet, ond notably the uplified area of tle Deep Greek
to the east of this spot.

Afler a short walk along Quarry-road, the steep-sided valley
was renehed, where & quatry has been evt ovt in the hardened
Stlurian mudstone, To one side of the quarry a pol afforded
some aceupatlon to members fmterested It aauatie life, aud the
leader, Mr. F. Chapman, secured some Interesting amphipods
(Cidltenig) and hemiptern, soch as Nepa, while the water
abounded im several species of ostracods (Cyclocypran) oid
Cyclops.

A challenge was: made to the younger members of the party
to try to discover the first fossils of the quarry, for hitherto
only some obscure worm markings had been found. Bome success
attended their efforta, and many were 800n bngy cracking the
stones. The results were encouraging, for many douhtinl warta
burrows were brought to Ueht, some of them perhaps; allied to
Keilorites, while falné impressious of what appeared to be tte
plume gilla.of the same type of inssi) were detected

Perhaps the most notable find of the afternoon was a curious
Conularialike impression jn the mudstone found by Mr, Wilgon.
This fossil took the form of a long, corrugated band, about two
inches in length and about half ou inch wide. Such an interest-
ing discovery certainly makes it worth while for a further
search for fossils in this quarry, -

: . F, CHAPMAN,

EXCURSION TO MT. WILLIAM.

The Hthnologiesl, Section of the Club, on May 5, motored to
Mount William, Lanecefield. There were shout 3 mémbars ond
friends, tw six cars. The party walked some 200 yards from the
“parking spot” selected to the most Important of the work{ngr-

The outcrops of diabase, which probably belongs to ibe Heathi-
cotian series, and extends from some 10 miles south to more
than 30 miles north in marked Knobs, aceurs in its finest—that 1s
to Ray, its tourbest—form. at the particular spot known as Mount
William, and again at its northern extremity at Mount Camel.
Even in the outereps visited, there is specially desirable atone,
and that portion cf the mass has heen followed down for sone
@istance. It is some £0 years. since tha Club, under the guidance
of Mr. F. G, A, Barward,- visited this: remarkable relic of owe
primitive mari. It js to be hoped thal steps will be taken to
preserve this notable spor, which is on private land, as well a9
the painted rock shelters in the Victoria Ranges and Lang!

Ghiran, near Ararat.
A, 5. KENYON.

qaza] Notes from My Diary. a

NOLES FROM MY DIARY,
(By Fred. Barton, junr., Gippsland Lakes.)

Octeber 1—Planis of Dampicra stricta ench year send up shents
from the roots; these bear flowers, aud die in the followlng yeur,
being Feplace@ by a successivt: e#rowth, aud so on,

October 4—Saaw the nest of 2 Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike; 4.
was placed in the fork of a horizontal limb, and composed almost
entirely of fine Acacia twigs, hold together with a little cobweb and
some tufted lichen; three eggs formed the clutch,

October i4,—A pair of Willy Waetsile has built a nesh about
three fect from the home of a air of Magptelarks, 4 fine
example of the association of these tivo species.

October 23,—Hibbertia aciculoris, Prickly Guiten Flower, which
flowered profusely Iast autumn, is again coming inte bloom.

October 24++A Gang-gang Cockatoo around—the first seen for a
long time.

October 31—In a dead Eucalypi stiinp, about eight fect high,
I found the nest of a Crimson Rosella; six eggs were placed at
the hottom of a vertical hole. o :

November 3—Saw a fine specimen of Ditwynia ericifolid,
Heathy Purret-pen, about five feet in height. ~) a

November 8.—Discovered the nest of a pair of Rosellas, cituatsa
in an ungsnal plaee; a large stump where a shed had ‘once stood,
had a hola @own the centre extending sbont six Inches below
eround tevel, and the female RoseNa hod nid her targe eluteh of
seven eggs on the rotted wood at the bottom.

- Novernber 13.—Whitc-browed Woodswullows, seen and heard
frequently throughout the day, scme fiying at a ereat hefeht,
scarcely discernible with the uaked eye.

December 3—The Rosella’s nest. noted on Sf ultima, now enn
jains six young birds. and I observed them pecking vigorously
at, the long, grey down on their backs; quills are showing on
breast, wings-and tail.

December 5—Bluck-faced| Cuckoo-shrikes have built in the
same tree, and in agimost the same spot, which they chose for
the purpose last yer,

Decemher 14—Founé a nest of an Australian Pipit. It is com-
posed almost éntirely of- dried water-weed, collected from the dry
bed of Lake Reeves, about 80 yards distant: built on the ground,
and partially sheltered by a bunch of Settcornia australts (Glass-
wort), it contained two tgegs, placed an a lining of soft zgrags.
In colour the eggs were almost of a uniform Neht ‘grey, scarcely-
sprinkled. . First Spine-tailed Swifts seen this simmer, -

Necember 22.—Again visited the Pipits’ nest: the bird: flew
whon.1 was about six feet away, and. with its toll sprend in 4
fantike manher, eontinued in fight, Close to the ground, for a
good distance,

December 24,—Otewria giutinosa, on tte coast) -hunmmecks, In
full bioorn. .

43 “Ozleu" Carved, Trees, PYG teat

"OXLEY" CARVED TREES.

Photographs of two carved trees, reproduced in the Naturaltat,
May iesue, have oréabed considerable imterest, Mr, «A. 5.
Kenyon expressed the opinion that the trees were not originals
but probably replicas of the famous ones diacoyered by Oxley,
This proves ta be so; Mr. W. W. ‘Thorpe, of the Australian
Muscum, Sydney, in a Jetier to Mr, Kenyon. anys:—

“These replicase are metal cul, sel th conérete bases, one
capped against weatherms, A monument i stone, with a
tablet, was filse ereoted at the sate tine for therenbouts) to
mark the site of Oxley's discovery, The priginal tree bole, as
represented on p. 11. of the Woturalist, js in the Australian
Museum (RB. 22460); tie other opposite p. 12, ‘waa, restored
from Oxley's drawing, as only the stump remained when they
ane re-discovered by the late Edinimad Miine and pachy in July.
1913,"

LUSE NATURA,

Malformations have always been, says Goebel, & fertile theme
In botanical Vterature. Often they are tnduced by insects when
vutritive conditions have increased the veectative poteney uf the
expense Of the sexual.

At Sandringham recently, ia rare form of Correa rithra wis
found. with many dozens of flowers in @ transitfowal slage be
tween double and single; some stamena were becoming petalwid.
ft wes natural to ratse the gttestiuon, “Why had the flowers be-
come abnormal?" Was it mishirth or disonse that changed the
function or configuration? Did a saturated atmosphere contribute
to the cause, md, if so, why were dozens of plants of the same
apecles, growing, only a few yards away, not oatherwiee than

. normal?

Chorisis if a separation that doubles an orgnn, Had Nature
made a mistake, first intending to construct a sexual organ, but
had converted it info a vegetative farm ot oreated a dunt organ?
Why were four filaments norinaliy alike (subulate). with normal
anther-bearing filaments and «ther fonr filaments tn the same
flowers antherless or with anthers only one-third the usual stze.
curved instend of strnight. the whole Mament lated instcend
of being so towards the base, the anthers plaeed horizontally. not
longitudinally as in normal flowers?

Perhaps nature was coming back to primdrdial form. as stamens
were donbtleds four-angled leaflets, and. in enrler conditions of
their existence, might became Joaves or sexual organs. Thera
Wad ttrdeed a stage wher the developing organ milghh became petal,
stamen or folinge. The critical moment was when the spore
Haste formed,’And then transformation was completed.

A group of Fathen (Chonoyodiuen glbwm) was found In several
forms ‘A dozen plnnts showed fruit and stems In bemutitul blood
colouring. the rich colour pervading the leaves tn contrast to
the norma) zree colouring, The Government Batnnist con-
uidered it wae n case of haemorrhagia. a condition in which the
sap flows through the wounds duc to the biting of aphides and
the flow meching the alr.

A. w YADGILL.

The Victorian Naturalist

Voi. XLVI—No. 3. July 4, 1929 ie No. 547

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The annual meeting of the club was held in the Royal
Society’s Hall, Victoria-street, Melhourne, on Monday, June
If}, 1929. The Prestdent, Mr. F. BE. Wilson, F\1.8,, onenpied
the chair, and there were about 100 members and visitors
present,

CORRESPONDENCE:

From Miss C, ©, Currie, of Larner, drawing attention to ,
the destruction of ferns and wild flowers, partienlarly
Boronia pinnate, in her district. , -

From the Forest Commission, outlining the procedure to
be taken by honorary foresters with regard to the pilfering
of native flora. °

REPORTS.

Reports of excursions were given as follow —Tree plani-
ing at the Anstin Hospital, Dr. FH. Flecker ; Ringwood to
Warrandyte, Mr. A. B. Rodda,

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

The following were duly elected on a show of hands: As
ordinary members: Miss D, King, Malvern Haat; Mrs, E
Murdoch, West Coburg; Mr, H, J. Evans, Kew: aud Mr,
C. Croll, Canterbury. As country members; Mr. Ty. Mueller,
Ravenswood, and Mrs. M. T. Grylls, Dingee. As assouiate
member : Miss V, James, Gardenvale.

ANNUAL REPORT AND BALANCH-SHEET.

The annual report for the year ended April 30, 1929, was
read by the Hon. Secretary, and was adapted on ‘the motion
of Mr. C. Deane, seconded by the Rev. W, Tippett.

The Hon. Treasurer submitted the balance-sheet and finau-
cial statement for the year, which was adopted on the motion
of Mr. L. L, Hodgson, seconded by Dr. H, Fiecker, ;

ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARBRS AND COMMITTEE.

The following were declared duly elected ; Pr evident, Mr.-
P, R. HL. St. John; Vice-Presidents, Mr. ©. Barrett, O.M.ZS.,
and Mr. G. Coghill; Hon. Treasurer, Mr. J. Ingram ; Hon.
Librarian, Dr. C. 8. Sutton; Hon, Editor of the. ‘Victorian,
Naturalist, uy oa Cc. Barrett, C.M.Z.8.; Hon, Secretary, Mr..
ALE. Rodda ; Hon. Assistant Seerctary and Librarian,, Mr;,

50 Pield Naturutists! Clyd—Proceedings, any xihet

H, B. Williamson, F.,8.; Committee, Mr. I’. E. Wilson,
F.B.S. (ex-President) ; Miss J, W. Raff, MSc, B.ES.;
Messrs. C, Daley, B.A, P..8.; G. L, Hodgson, A.B. Keep,
and V. H. Miller.

On the motion of Mr. F, G. A. Barnard, seconded by Mr.
J. Ingram, a vote of thanks was unanimously passed to ‘the
retiring officers, with a Special mention of Mr, A. G, Hooke,
who retires from the office of Hon. Treasurer, which he has
filled since 1923.

‘

PRESENTATION, |

Qn behalf of the elub Mr, F. EB. Wilson presented Mr. L. L.
Hodgson with a handsome barometer as a mark of apprecia-
‘tion of his services as Ton. Reenstaley for Bi Yate’ two and. a
half years,

LE OTURE,

Mr. T. ‘l'regellas spoke of some of lis experiences in the
Mallee country, and showed a large number of- lantern slides
illustrating the scenery and some. of the more remarkable
plants and animals of that area, He particularly spoke of
the wonderful nesting habiis of the mound- “hailding’ Lowan,
or Mallee ¥owl.

EXHIBITS.

“By Mr. A. L, Seott.—Specimens from Lake Keilambete and
Mt. Sturgeon.

By Mr; H. B. Williamson—Collection ‘of fungi from
Beaconsfield. :

By Mr. G. J. Gabriel—Several species of shells, showing
' fractures repaired by the animal; also, several ispecies of
murine shells from various localities, belonging to the genera
Pterocera and Strombus: |

By My. A. C. Nilson —Legless Livard, Delmar frazeri,
Lizard belonging to sub-venus Lygosomi, showing yvudi-
mentary fore legs Dragon Lizard, Amphibolurus muricates.
Young of Lace Lizard, Varanus varius. Black and White
Ringed Suake, Furing dccipiteles; Young Brown Snake, Die-
mento textalis; Blind Snake, Typhlops sp,; Carapace of
Murray Tortoise. Two small Eggs, prohably reptilian ; large
Centipede ; four examples of doors of Trap-door Spiders; three
large Beetles; six types of Land Shells; selection of Water
Snails. from Murray River; example of Galls, common on
Mallee Vegetation; types of Mallee Fungi, including vege-
table caterpillar, Cordiceps; Seeds of Quandong, Fusanus
dcuminatus; Stone Chips from ‘Aboriginal burying ground,
Lake Powell; Aboriginal Stone Axe; Map of Bannerton and
district, where these specimens were collected.

Ty] . —- Rietd Naturaltets' Club—Proceedtngs, 31

ANNUAL REPORT,

Ty the Members of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria,
Ladies and Gentlemen,—

Your committee has much pleasure in presenting the
Korty-ninth Annual Report for the year ending April 30,
1929, and desires to express its gratification that the con-
tinued success of the Club during the past few years has been
maintained,

Of the 53 new members elected during the current year,
22 were ordinary members, 7 country, 3 associate, and 1 life.
The membership now stands at 1 honorary, 10 life, $2 country,
275 ordinary, and 9 ussoniate members; making a total of
279, and showing an increase of 5 above the total of ‘last
vear, Losses of members by deaths and resignations
amounted lo 21, and other names haye been removed by a
juditisus revision of the membership register.

It is with deep regret that we have to record the deaths
of two’ members of long standing in the Club. Sir Aaron
Danks waa a member for 36 years, and Mr. Dudley Besi was
# Foundation member, an office-bearer, and a regular atten-
dant” at meetings, As a result of Mr, Best’s kindly fare-
thought, the Club has benefited by a legacy from him of
£50,.awhich has been invested separately, under the title of
the Best Fund; the accruing interest will be used: for the
purposes of the Club’s library,

The attendances at the monthly meetings have been very
satistactory. The average of over 100, recorded for the
previous year, has been amaintammed; on several occasions
standing room only was available. Papers and ijeetures
were contributed by Messrs. B, EB. Pescott, F.L8.; IL B.
Wilhamson, P.L.8.; C. Daley, F.L.5.; F. EH, Wilson, FES.;
arlton- Rayment; A, 8. Kenyon; ©, Barrett, C.M.Z.8,;
-V. H, Miller; J. Clark, P.L.S.; A. H. Burns, F.E.8.; , Ww.
Davey, F.E.8.; Dr. Sydney Pern; Dr. R. H. Pullen; Dr.
J. A. Leach; and Mr. F, Lewis, Chief Inspector of Fisheries
and Game. The subjects were very varied, dealing with
many phases of natural history, and’ nearly all were ilus-
trated by execllent lanterm slides and well-selected speci-
mens, An innovation was the holding of an’ Aquaria Evon-
ing, at. the April meeting, which was very suecessful; many
interesting and attractive exhibits were shown,

The excursions continue to be a popwar feature of the
Club’s activities, aud are generally well attended. The
programme has been fairly well carried out, and where excur-
sions had tobe canceled, if was on account of unavoidable

52 Field Naturatiste’ Club—Proceedings, — [Pie Ne

reasons. Of the 88 excursions that have bean successfully
conducted during ihe past year, 25 were hali-day trips ‘to
institutions within the metropolitan area and the nearer
country districts; 10 were whole-day visits to plaves farther
afield; and on public holidays, extended excursions of several
days’ duration were made to Bendiga, Cape Woolamai and
Warburton. For-this year’s programme, the committee will
welcome suggestions and offers of leadership,

Our journal has now eompleted its 45th volume, Under the
ablé.editorship of Mr. C. Barrett, C.MLZ.S., the high standard
‘of the Victorian Naturalist has been well maintained. Mom-
‘hers aré again reminded that the Hon. Editor is always
‘anxious to recerye suitable materisl for publication. Mr.
FB, Wilhamson has contributed a valuable series of articles
on the ‘‘Lailies of Victoria,’ in seven parts, and illmstrated

‘by bis own drawings, Anotbor feature is a series of '' Notable

Naturalists,’ contributed by several authors. Many other
articles of an interesting and instructive nature, mostly illus-
trated, have. been contributed by members and others.

The Annial Wild Mower Show was held in the St. Kilda
“Town, Hall on October 2, 1928, and was opened by Miss Irene
“Vanbrugh, the talented. Buglish actress, In additian to a
‘large and beautiful exhibit of wild flowers from nearly all
.the Australian States, there were additional attractions in the
form of natural history specimens. One of the ante-rooms
was devoted to an exbibition of pond Life, microscopic and
gedloyries] specimens, in wharge of Miss J. W. Raff, M.Se. In
another room, Mr. ©. Gabriel exhibited selections Irom his
‘douchological collection, together with ethnological and ather
specimens, lent by the Geological Survey Museum and private
‘collectors. It is estimated that 1704 persons attended the
show, and of the receipta, amounting to £176, 4 sum of £17
was ddnated to the Lord Mayor's Fund for charituble pur.
‘poses.

During the year the Club initiated a strong protest against
the propesal to throw open the Cumberland Valley to sary-
millers. it was thought that the magnificent timber standing
in. this valley should remain as a heritage to posterity and-a
/permanent. example of the vanishing glories: of our mountain
forests, The matter was warmly taken up by the metropolitan
press and the general public, and at the request of the Club,
several other societies, of a more or less kindred nature, enm-
ined in the protest, and were represented on several depu-
tations to the Minister for Porests, As matters now stand,
640 acres are to be permanently reserved, and a thinning ant

Men] Field Naturalists’ Club—Provevdings, ba

of the remaining area will be perimilted.- Any further effort
Ww inuredse the avea of total reservation will be heartily sup:
ported hy the Club.

A vequest was also made by the Club:to the Government to
prrvhase an aren at Cape Woolamai, with the object of pre-
serving ihe mutloo-bird rookeries, mt the reply was that no
funds were dyailable, Uther matters in which the Club éo-
operated with the Town Plauning Association and. other socie-
fies were the reservation of 75 acres of land near Healesville,
and the Dandenong Police Paddock as national parks.

The anonymous donation to the Glub- last. year of £209,
through the good offices of Senator R, D, Ellwtt, has been
further drawn on, providing facilities for exploratory excur-
sions by Club members. Messrs, H, B, Williamson, f, Olark
and F. P. Morris have independently visited remote districts
in the State. Valuable material has been collected, including
several new especies of plants and-imsecets. Asa tribute te
Senator Euiott’s efforts in this direction, he has nnanimously
been elected a life member of the Club. Mr. W, Lawford, of
Benalla, who generously presented a valuable set of Mathews’
Rords of Australia, has also been thanked by election to lite
membership, Our generous fellow-member, Mr. ¥. H. Miller,
has added to his nomerons other. gilts to the, Club by pra-
senting 10,000 prmted envelopes for the Naturalist, and also
a valuable bok on spiders. Other books added to the library
are a Complete Nateral History, presonted: by Miss Best;
Tic Journal af a Naturalist; presented by Mv. E. A- Vidler;
nnd Wanderings i Australian Wilds, presented ly the
author, Sit Baldwin Spencer, IRS,

The committee has acvepted, with much regret, the resi
nation, on account of ill-health, of Mr. 1. L. Tlodgsun, as
Hon. Seeretary. Since his elvction to the office in 1926, Mer.
Hodgson Las not spared himself in Furthering the interests of
the fe Inb in every possible way, and the gratifying imercase
in members)iip during his term of office is in no small degree
die to Lis yntiring efforts.

he committee has again to acknowledge the kindness of
Messrs. Cophill and Haughton, in placing their offices, in
Swanston-street, at the Club's. disposal for committer mect-
ings. Ywelye monthly and one special committee meeting
have been held durisies the year, the attendances. being ag
follow :-—Mr. H, B..W illiamson, 13; “Messrs. I B. Wilson,
P_R. H, St: Jobnand A. B. Rodda, 12: ere _0. Daley and
V, H, Miller, 11; Miss J. W. Raff, 10; Mr. Barret, 9;
Messrs, fa, 1). Holason, A. BE. Kéop ani ‘Gian Caghill, 8:
Mr A. G. Hooke, 7; De C. & Snttan, 6; and Mr- BE, B,
Peseatt, 3.

54 Field Naturalists’ Club—Procecdings. —[ wer NEVE

In ecénelusion, your committee desires to express its thanks
to members generally, and all others who have contributed to
the furtherance of the aims of the Club and the aceomplish-
ment of a successful year. It is confidently hoped. that, the
same leyalty and ¢o- operation may be extended to the .in-
coming committee during the ensuing year.

F, ERASMTUS WILSON, President.
A, E. RODDA, Hon, Secretary.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR .
; TWELVE MONTHS, ENDED APRIL 30, 1929,

RECHIPTS.
To Balance in Bank on May 1], aR
1928 .. .. £51 J1 7-
ad Subscriptions—Town. Members— ie
Current Year .- ,. ., +. £214 4 0
ATVOATS .. 0 4. 4. os ee ee)= 4h 19 OF
In Advance .. .. -. «. 20 6 0
Country Members—
Current ., .. .. -. «, 4412 6
Arrears 4. .. ,.0.- .. =. 11 &
In, Aflvance ., {om F3 415 0
Associate 9Members-— ;
GHrsené iets os cach es a's be 410 0
APT@AIS ch ay by aa ee 9

+ “Wietorian Naturalist’.—
Subseriptions .. .. 4. «. 6 7 §
Cash Sales .. -. 1. we .. 2 1 8
Reprints Charged 1. .. 12 6

. Donations—
To Publishing Fund .. .. 1 0
Spécial 4. ee ek te 0 5

» Legacy from MUstate of the
late Mr. Dudley Best .- 50 0

. Interest from Sayings Bank ; li 14

Saie of Club Badges ., .. 2 3

» Plant Census Account—

Sale of Books Im Year .. 27 7

» Wild Flower Exhibition, 2nd
October. 1928—

Ticket Sales Ye ser 482-7
Cash at Doors .. .. ,. 55 9
Sales of Plants, Flowers .
‘and Refreshments .. .. 80 6
Donations .. -- ,. «a. .. Tob

nm OoOnMmo oom oO

oF
~
“he
aa
Pi

» Transfer from Sayings Bank
ACCOUME 4. ee ne ne te ne 20 0

= . £693 15

ols

- Field Neturalists’ Club—Proceedings. 55

EXPENDITURE.

By “Victorian Sakeralanse-
Printing .. .. .- . vs oe) yoo £25416 11°
Tllustrating .. weve. ~-5226 6
Wrapping, Despatehing “and Postage 32 9 10
Reprints—Free .. , an 17:3 «9
lisa mY tg Pepele.gt tm 019 $3

" ———— £358

» General Printing mm a fe te Wy ot 8
. Ldbrary Account 2. 6. 4k we te ee 2
» Plant Cansus Account .. .. Ly 2 aT
,, Donations to Advisory Couneit tor .
Fauna and Flora .. ‘1d
Rent and Caretaker (for two years) 33 14
» Charabane Fund .. O16 0
, Postage, Bank Oharges. Insurance and : 4 ; :
: Sundries .. 1. 4. 1) ds 1110 6
» Transfers to Investments— _ : ii
Late Mr. Dudley Best Fund ,., .. 50 0 0
Part Proceeds Wild Flower Exhi- . : J
bitions of 1927 und 1928 . ,. 2 0 0
+ Wid Flower Exhibitlon— ,
Hire of St. Kilda ‘Town
Halt .. ae ose) a S14 TE OD
(Phis deposit paid pre-
vious year, £1/1/-).
Purchase of Plants ‘and
Flowers .. .. ,. +. -r 48 6 9
Printing, Advertising and
Postage .. 819 6
Hire, Cartage, Peeks and-
Materials .. .. . 42313 1
109 13 4
Donation of part proceeds
Lord Mayor's Fund for Z
Austin Hospital .. 0 ., i 17 0.0 :
———— 682 3 7
; Balance in Bank on April é
30, 1929 .. 1... ‘ 111 ¢

£69315 0
SPECIAL. TRUST ACCOUNT. ;
To Balance in Hand, May 1, 1929 2 6. |) ww.

Z11ls .6 60

£119 4 0

By Wxpenditure in Year— ; A :
Printing and Charges .. .. .- ., %- ac'.. £5210 °3

- Outlay on Field Work tee ee ee AG BOG
» Balance in Hand, April 30, {929° we det ey ase a SRO 8

£1190 6:

Andttea and found correct.

W. H. INGRAM
A. $ BLAKE Hon, Auditors.

56 Pield Noturatsts’ Club—Procecdings. VooNEen

STATEMDNT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
ON APRIL $0, 1929.

ASSEYS,
Arrears of Subscriptions, £62; estimated “to !
réalisé 1. 24: i490 0 6
Bnglish, Scottish and Australian “Rank, *Cur- . 4
rent Account ., ., woth nap A 141 4
Tnvestments—
Best Fund, BS. & A. Bank, Fixed De-
posit, at 5 per cent, ., bane £50 6 0
‘ "State Savings Bank Debentures, at. 5 "per :
cent. .. « .. 200 0 0
State Savings” Bank, Current ‘Account .. 30 G 6
State Savings Bank No. 2 Account ., .. 72 0 0
mos ; ——_-$—— 392 0 4
Library and Furniture, Insurance Value .. 400 0 0
Stock ot Badges on Hand, Cost, less Sales 918 2
Plant Census Account, - Dilferonee - between |. ; ;
Cost and Sales of Books .. .. - .. 122 6 8
Special Trust Account .. w--- 1) ee oe =e — 20 1 3
Accounts Owing toe Club—
For Reprints Charged .. -- .. -. -. .. O19 9
For Advertisements iat "Naluralist’ .. .. 4 0 0
; (ete 419 9
1950 17 3
LIABILTIES.
Subsetipiions Paid in Advauce .. .. .. -- - -. -. #25 36 9
Jaate Mr, Dudley Best Pund .. -. s. -. a. =. 2. ce) 650 oD 0
Balance of Charabanc Fund .: .. 6. e- 1, ee es ue ee 117
Outstanding Aceounts 2.6 2. 4) ee ee ge ee ae ce ye 22 TO LM
Special Trust Account .. 0. 0. 2. 4, eee eee 2.) BO UE OS
4120 5 2

eerie and found eorrect On June 4, 1825.

W. H, INGRAM
A. & BLAKE Hon, Avdicurs,
A. G HOOKE, How. Tres.

A CORRECTION.

About three years ago 1 wrote concerning the habits of the
Spangled Drougy, at Spertin Whaie Head. Lately. in the hownship
of Forter, 1 have clesely studied some birds—niuidoubtedly rhe
same ag the supposed Drongo at the Gippsland Lakes——-bur wiich
are unmistakahly the English Blackbird. Se it is apparent that
1 was in ,error regarding the identification of the Spangled
Drongu. The birds at Sperm Whale. Head were exceedingly’ shy,
Which did uot facilitate observation, 1 had set then beard . ot
the Blackbird's occurrence anywhere in Mast Gippsland, so, when’
trying to identity these strange birds with what details 1 could
“brain in regard to appearance, habits, ete, the Spangled Drongo
sepmed inost probable, as this species had on occasions heen
noted at the Lakes. 42 483 “=

Soe rg os BRED. BARTON. Junr.

~~

wt

a Report of ike Bthnotagteal Seotton.

REPORT OF SHE EPFAHNOLOGICAT, SECTLON.
eee the beginning of the year, in June, 1928, when My,
§ Kenyon was appointed chairman, and Mr. O. Daley
Hon Secretary, 11 meetings have. heen held, of which two
were at the Royal Society’s Hall. eight at Liatham House, and
ane at the residence of Dy, S. Pern, to view his fine ethno-
logical collection.

Although the aitendanua at the Taeetings has nnt been
numerically great, the witerest in the various subjeets on
fhe syllabus. has been well maintained. The suljects treated
have beencs— ‘Boomerangs,’ by Dy, S. Pern; ‘* Exhibition
of Specimens,’? hy members; ‘Harly Hislary af Man,’” by
Dr. 8 Pern; ‘The Artistie Development Among the Aus-
tralian Aborigines,’? by Mr, C. Daley: *“Lake Dwellimgs,’’
by .Mr. J. A. Kershaw; ‘‘The Future of the Anstralian
Aborigines and the Constitution and Activities nf the South
Australian Anthropological Society,’’ by Dr, R.A. Pullein,
of Adelaide; **The North American Indians and Thoir Cul-
ture,”' by Mr. A. 8. Kenyon; -‘'An Account of the Two
Aboriginal Caves af, Glen Tsla,’? by Mr. A 8, Kenyon; also
of the reeently discovered roek shelter with paintings, at
laanet Ghiran: and “South African Native Culture,” by
Dr. &. Pern.

An evening was also fixed for the September meeting of
the Field Naturalists’ Club, when Mr. (! Taley gave an
interesting Tecturette on ‘‘The Stone Axe,” illustrated with
may specimens of various types. <A. feature of the meet’
ings has been the varied and namerous objects exhibited by
members, Hlustrating every pilase of otlinalag ricutl stardy

At the monthly mesting of the Ethnotogtenl Seation of the
Chub. at Latham House on June 18, -itiere wag 4. poor attendances.
Mr. A, S&S Kenyon exhibited aA varied oollectiont of objects, tlus-
trating Maori culture; Mr, Hyam a figured awoan mat and a
‘hone from the leg of the extinet: Moa: Mr. Mitchel) an onysually-
shaped and hafted axe from Bougainville Isinnd, A general
discussion tnok place respecting the axhibits, their origi use
and significance The ext mechne night will be Tuesday,
Tuy 16,

TREE-PLANTING AT AUSTIN HOSPITAL,

A potty of more than a logon visited the Austin Heenitit on
Saturday, May 18. Through the good offices of My, St, John.
some fine native plats were oblained from the Botanleal Gyidens
These. together with a fow broveht by members, were planted in
lh eonspicnove part of the hospital zrounds, where - heautlftd
garden already exists, containing many native shrubs and tress.
We are indebted to the matron and one of her assistant siklers
for their hospitality and for providing refreshments.

H. FLECEEIL

58 Rayment, Zhe Cuchno-Bees. Ve ye at

THE CUCKOO-BEES, COELIOXYS FROGAT?I
COCKERELL.
By Taviton Rayment. j

When the “great madness’’ descended on the world in
Aumust, 1914, a ‘‘morrain” fell also on the honeybees, At
the first’ onslaught, few people were free of ansiety and
sorrow, so that the mere dwindling of the bechive populations
excited no comment, except among apiarists. Bunt. soon this
gbscuré phenomenon beyan to reveal itself in a very sinister
direction—the home-grown food supply of Great Britain was
seriously diminishing. Scientists realised that, without the
honey-bee to effect pollination of the biossouis, certam crops
would ultimately disappear.

The Government at Jaat tool steps to re-populate the empty
beehives of the land. Bee experts were despatched to Hol-
land to purchase many thousands of straw ‘‘skeps'* contain-
ing the black natave bees of that country. Shiploads of the,
honcy-harvestecs duly arrived in Britain, and the “little
Hollanders”’ at, once set ont to varry on the essential work
of plant-fertilication. The needs of the country were once
more beng satisfied by a natural process.

But what of the cause of the mortality? Did oo one
endeavour to solve the riddle’ Myr, Wood, a progressive
Scottish gentleman, provided the money that enabled Doctor
J, Rennie to undertake the necessary research work,

The honey-gatherers of Great Britain died of suffocation.
That was the verdict of Ds, Rennie, at dhe end of five years of
experimental labour. (rans. Royal Soc. Ldinburgh, Val.
LIL, part 1V., John Rennie, B.de., Phillip Brace White,
B.S¢, and Miss Elsie J, Harvey, ‘‘The Bee World,*’ 1921,
1922, John Rennie, B,Se,),

The cause was no other than a mite, Tarsonemus woods, that
had erawled into the thoracic breathing tubes—trucheal system
—0of the bee, and there multiplied to such an extent that the
air passages became. choked with their bodies, The death of
the honey-bee was Inevitable. Fumigation with & volatile
componund* was proyed to bave some remedial effect.

After Doctor Rennie had isolated ‘the canse, he concluded
tbat the mites had always been closely assotiated with some

*R. W. Frow (British, Bee Journal, Tan, 12, 1928), gives the
following formula:—"A mixture made of one part of safrol oil-
two, parts .of nitrobenzine (oll of nirbave), and two parts petrol,"
Cover tap of hondycombs with a quilt of perows material: place
on this a piece of camphor. Over the whole 1§ distributed from
three to siz pipettes of the mixture. The treatment showld be
fiven preferably in the eveniug.

July, 1929

VoL. XLVI.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST

Plate ILL.

7 ARLTAR Raven

ie

i]
“| et

Jade Comme

zi —=—
WF

eee Mpc oar rod al cane ATU CP

0 pe Ne

: ’
1
:
}

7)
}

i
fa
iy

a

hg

be
ist,

uckoo-Bees,

v
2

€

Fa | Raymurr, Tha Cuckoo Rees: 59
wild hymenopterous host, buv had ‘‘suddenly discovered © that
+ the aiv-tubes of the honey-bee offered very much better breed-
ing quarters, and sa concentrated in those vital passages. The
clis¢overios aroused grent.interest. On the Goutinent, a Swess
scientist, Doctor Zander, declared that there were two species
of this Acarid mite, one kind living in the trachea, and the
other on the exterior of the honey-bee, as normal parasites. —

J have headed my artiele, ‘The Cuekoo Bees,’” and T have
taken you right round the subject to Burope, to talk about
the mites. I have unconsciously imitated the procedure of the
novelist who announces the ond of the story in the firsk ‘chap-
ter, and must clear wp the denouement to the hest of my
ability. 1 bave read that, in India, there isa female carpentar-
bec, which is always accompanied by a mite (Greenia). This
parasite shellers ins ¢avity in the first abdominal segment, on
the dirsal surface, and jthas heen suggested that this cemarh.
able association is $0 aucient that. the mtegument, ot the wood-
horing bee has actually been modified to provide a resting-
place for its unwelcome neighbour. Tam not. impressed with
this effort to find evidence of evolutionary change, because
hundreds of other bees---notably the Furrow-bee (Talietus)
—have 4 similar depression on the same segment, but there is
ne Accompanying mite to take possession af such prepitious
quartors, ‘here ja another fact which makes mo sceptical,
but serves also ta Ining me back to the beginning. _

When I read Doctor Ronnie’s suggestion, that the mite had
deserted some wild hymenopterén, I determined to bear in
mind that observation. -Althongh |. have mude some hundreds
of dissections of hive-hees, which had died showmg every
symptom of mite infestation, yet 1 have never sueceeded in
determining the presenve of the crealures. Judge of my
aclight, then, on migroscopieally cxamining a small Proso-
pord wild-bee from: Booronlaoloa, in Northern Australia, to
find a few Acarid rites ensconsed i in the exceedingly enarse
puncturing of the metithetar, HKinding no suitable abdomi-
nal cavity, such as that of the Catpeniter-bee, it simply availed
itself of any other shelter that offered, namely, tho deep pit-
tings of the integument. Owing to my downright and unpar-
déiable haste when mounting these mites, J lost the minute

hodies—a circumstance much to be regr otted,

“ater T had oceasion to dissect, for the completion of the
plate accompanying this article, a male and female Coeltozys
froggathi, and when removing the front legs of the former,
I was delighted to discern a number of golden-yellow wites
attached Ww the coza'anil the femar. 1 say 1 am pleased to
find in Australia evidence snpporting the BEngtish scientists”

4

60 RATMEST, Tho Cuckwo-Bees- ie x eat!

deduclions. ‘he mites, then, are normally parasitic on the
bodies of wild-bees in England, (he Continent, and Austraha,
The ‘species indigenous to the Jast-tiamed country, and on
which mites have heew observed by me, are Halictus rayments
Goekearell, Prosapis ruficornts Rayment (m.3), and Casino
Froggatix. Cockerell.

The mites ‘are included in the small Family Pirsonemi fae,
‘and they lack the hard exoskeleton of insects, being soft-
bodied. ‘“‘The, females are tracheate, and neually axhibit pro-
minent hairs upon the farsi of the last pair of legs. The
body is more or less segmented dorsally. ‘The mandivles are
needle-like, the palps slender and minute, -The females pos-
sess. in many idstances, between the firsk and second pair of
legs, a pair of delieate rounded or club-shaped organs, which
have heen designated hy Oudemans pseudo-stigmatiu. The
legs are short," with six or fewer joints. They are bedeoked
with a limited: number of stout hairs, which terminate in
claws. The tarst of the first pair possess a single claw, tho
second and third two, The Jourth tarstis varies in the dit
ferent, genera, Suckers are frequent, There may be distinc
xex dimorphism, especially in the genus Tarsenenens”’

An aaarid wite has heen found im the human body, anda
Torsonamus has been recovered from a canecr of a mouse,
a pagrilioma of a horse, and a sov’comae of a dog. Doctor Bruce
White says that the eutrance of 7’. wands to the trachea of
the honey-hee is gained through the roots of thé air-saes.
the female mite often penetrating to the secondary trashad
before depositing her eges, so that infestation of the primary
trweher is inevitable. -This condition is apparent by the
dark bronze feeca) deposits on the lining of the tubes,

My spesies of Tarsonamus answers very well ta the generic
description set out, and it is necessary for me to bestaw on
the partsite a suitable title. Time will provide additiunal
material and a student, so.thatthe heacanites of Austrahba
may ultimutely be placed: intal new “Bemus, hut until some
specialist undertakes the stady: of the group, I propose to
inglude this mite in the Huropean.genns. I have placed the
type in the Melbourne Mustiin, but'owing ta ilifficultjo8" In
securing publication for my ms. description, I now ffive
the specific name of Tursancmius australis,

‘But what of the Cocioxys froggatia! Alas, I do not know
lev haunts. T have been told by az observer in Queenstand,
that he has seen these Ciekoo-bees entering the nests of their
relatives. the leaf-cutting bees (Mequehile). But T have no
doubt that they are lacking in industries, abd are pirasitie
on their hosts, There is plenty of evidence (Oswald Latter,

duly Raymunr, The CuckooBess, Bl

F.ES,, ‘Bees and Wasps’*) that the European species C,
quadridentalu Treguent the nests of the Jeat-cutter bee, Mega-
chile civyeumometa, Y have long known that the habrts of
bees are singularly constant, bemg seldom, if ever, affected
by political or geoxraphical boundary lines. The poet is Gor-
roborated: the, little fleas have smaller Hdeas, and so on ad
infinatim. -
KBY TO PLATE,
i. Adult fenaie of C. jrogyotts Chi, Logs not shown.
2 Serrated edge of enlcar.

3, Strigtt or antenua-clesner of Buropean female, GC comoutycn.
4, Claw af C. froggatit. .

5. Bdge of caleat of O. connider
6 Strigil of Australian €, froggatt.

7, Lebrani appendage of Teunle.

8 Herrult or wing-hooklets of female.

9, “arsal doit of & froggatt, |
f. Tongue or glossa of C. froggrtti.
1. Portion of miezyinent, Highly magnified to shoy [he coarse
: puncerering.

12. Apien) od of shdomen of female G. freugatti: Toteral view.
13, The elyoeus of the female. ?
14. Mnrndible o1 Jaw of female, 7

15, Adolt male & fraggatti: legs not shown. an |

16, Pointed processes of male abdomen,

17, The hairs of tha patches are short, steut, and eh. avactortatt!

cally phamoase.

48, Jaw or mandible of male,

19, Genitalin of 2B, froggetty, a

20. Another view of the male jaw.

21, Steigit of European pyle, C, abwaider,

28. Edge of entear of €. nangided male.

28. Strigil af Australian GC. fraggate. >

24. Edge of ontear af C. fraggeitt.

25. Acnrid mite, Varsenemus australis Tayin.> ventral view,

26. Guay and fener of male O. frogaati, showing the infestmion.

~ SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S SNAKE PARK,

Recently I visited the Zoological and Snake Park, situared at
Outer! Harbour, South Australian. Herein are housed gorgecus
fropicai birds, mammals, also poisonous reptiles, such as tha
Brown Sunke, Tiger Snake. Death Adder, and others. There js
also -a tame. nono-yenomous Pythen in a cage. Any tourist or
visitor te the park is welcome to handle rhis reptile, or,to have
dt gracefully entwined round neek, arms or body. Some visitars
avail themselves of this opportunity, and when soa “adorned”
have a phetograph takon. whith later prabahly is shown to
ndmniring friends! : -

The park was established for the purpose of studying Austra:
linn reptiles, and-for the production of anti-venom serum for
injection affer the bite of any deadly Austrniflan spake. The
curatey is always on duty diming the -daytime to handle the
birds, nuimmals and repriles, and ro explain snakebite treatment,
In a smal} glass recentncle he exhibits poison in the form of
powder, and explains how it is crystallized from the liquid form

motnined from the rantile. ° -
(MISS) S.A, AUDAS.

G2 CoLemax, Pollination of @. Subulata, he sine

POLLINATION OF CRYPTOSTYLIS SUBULATA
(LABU.L.) REICUB.

By (Mrs,.) Edith Coleman.

In previons issnes of the Natuyradist—May, 1927, and April,
1923—the pollination of the small Tongue-or ohid (Crupt-
stylis leptochala) was described. It. was shown that the
flowers of the orehid were visited by the males only of an
jchneurmon fly (Lassopimpia semipunctata) In circumstances
suggesting that, they were stimulated by sex instincts. ‘'l’hese
insects ‘entered the flowers in a reversed position, removing
the pollinia on the tip of the abdomen, instead of on the
head,

The present paper deals with the pollimation of the large
Tongue-orchid (Cryptostylts subnluta), which, I find, is
visited by the same species of insect in even more remarkable
circumstances, -

The normal season of C, leptochila aston from the end
of December to the middle of Mareh (my notebook gives dates
as late as April and May), and its range, in Victoria, is
restricted to the south and east. C. swbulatea has a wider
range, and js common in Jocalities in which C, leptechide bas
not been recorded, It flowers from November to Jate January,
This season it, was not 89 abundant as usual, and, at first,
I experimented .with negative results, Later, with only two
racemes of 6, subulata, T found that they were visited, and
successiully pollinated, by Jassoprmpla semipunctata, which
acted exactly in-the mannet previously described, This
was in December, before C. leptoohala came into dower,

In Jannary, 1929, ewing to the kindness of My, A, B,
Braine, I was able to experiment with 10 racemes. These
were exposed alone, or with Howers of C, leptochtla. Both
species were visited indiscriminately by the male ichneumons,
which frequently entered one species while tarrying pollinia
from the other.

Jn the case of C. dubulots, the removal of the poltinia is
accomplished in a much more remarkable manner, It alighta
on the lamina of the Jabellum near the thickened lobes, at
some distance from the rostellum, and is thus upside down
‘under’? the labellum, Ty this inverted position, it must
“back? a considerable distance, in arder to reach the viscirl
dise to which the pollinia ave attached. This is accomplished
swiftly and accurately, withont any apparent: hesitation,

Some of the smallest insects, whose bodies meastired Jess
than one-third the length of the labellum, remoyed the pollen-
MASSES as successfully as the largest had done

Details of C. subulata flowers, pollinia. etc

64 CoLeMAN, Pollination of C. Subulata., Bae oper

Although, in both species of Cryptostylis, the flowers are
reversed, in visiting C. leptochila, the insect is not at any
time inverted. Moreover, it receives some support from the
upward curve of the labellum, which offers an casy hold.
In C. subulata, the shape of the labellum is not so favourabie
to the visitor, which appears to drop from the flower as soon
as its legs have released their grasp of the labellum. For
this reason, it is difficult to secure an insect in situ for photo-
graphy. As they drop into the killing-bottle. flower and
insect heeome separated. T have plans which, [ hope, may
overcome this difficulty next season.

Using chloroform, without detaching the flower from the
stem, I was not more suecessful. The insect became limp, and
fell at once from the orchid, carrying the pollinia with it, the
dise adhering to its body slightly higher than when it visited
C. leptoehila.

In both species, the structure of the organs concerned with
reproduction follows the same plan. The column is short and
broad. Owing to the reversion of the flowers, the saddle-
shaped stigma lies a little above the anther, its middle lobe
produced mto the prominent rostellum, to which the pol-
linia are attached. The mealy pollen grains are held together
in two compact, bi-lobed masses, attached by short candicles
at their apices to the viscid disc.

Some of our Australian orchids are fitted with contrivances
to secure self-pollination. These are probably, though not
certainly, never crossed. Others have a modified mechanism
for hoth self and cross pollination, <A third group, to which
Cryptostylis belongs, can only he pollinated by outside
agency, and its flowers appear to be wholly dependent for
pollination on insects.

We have good evidence that hybridising between ¢losely-
related species of orchids sometimes takes place. Having
established the fact that both species of Cryptostylis are
visited and pollinated hy the same insect, it is surprising to
find no hybrids between them. 1 have never seen a specimen
which might even suggest hvbridising, nor has Dr. R. &.
Rogers, who is familiar with all the species in the various
States.

Mr. W. H. Nicholls, in Victoria, who has had many oppor-
tunities of close observation, tells me he has seen no hybrid
in the genus.

My notebook shows both species to have flowered at the
same period, in at least one locality. On Jannarv 10, 1929,
Mr. Braine and Tf found 13 racemes of C. subulata and a
few fine C. lentochila within the space of a few vards. Some of
these were visited again, and found with fine capsules. On

Cryplostylis
flower shows position of labellum as flower unfolds. s
The labellum in the fading flower again takes position shown in lower flower.

mature flower and fading flower
Its margins tnen become reflexed as in top flower.
The inverted posi-
flowers, alsa one
and that of

showing later changes in the
the lowest flowers
at the base of the

tion cf the insect can be thus followed.
normal circumstances,

another specimen. were flowering with C. same tree.

AMET

“AL

A

WET aL YA

"LVTX YL,

aanl dpe

Te] Covkathn, Pullinutton of C, Subulata, ° fib

Febrnary 17, wefound'¢(, sabudata and @. teplochila in
flower at the! base of the same trec, and close tegether, in
aiher parts, were racemes of buih species bearing well-set
capsules. ‘We also saw ascveral insects bearing the wnmis-
takable yellow pollimia on the tips of their abduméns.

Although there is a shght difference in the point of attach-
meu t0 the abdomen of the insect, experiments show Wit,
after the usual ‘drymg and contraction of the dise, the pol-
linia of C, subulata project over the tip in a position well
adapted to strike the stigma im either species.

on

lt is possible that anther and stigma in the tivo species
mature at different periods; that polien from one is incapable
of fertihsing the other, L hope to sausty myself on thus pomt
next season. It is also possibile that hybrids between then:
may yet be found, ‘

" Ci'y/ptostyliy ovata, BBr.—a raceme of the West Australian
species (U. avata}; on which only one Hower had not entircly
tadéd—vyas exposed“ with the other two spedes, This one
Hower held ‘a very great attvaction tar the ishneumons, which
hovered above it, and made many attempts to-enter the limp,-
travel-worn “bloom.

Ou such slight evidence, 1 should, not care to make any
definite statement; but fram the actions of the insects, iL 1s
my, beliet that, should dassopuupla semipuncbula oveur in
Wastern Austvalia, Within the range of C, anata, itis respon-
sifle for. the pollination of that orehid.

The plate shows a raceme of the orchid (. subulata, This
was in bad when 4 received it, and was visited by the insects
only wuder my observation, ‘The well-sét capsule shows thab
one Bower has been succeasfiily pollinated. The change in.
the shupe of the labellum as the Hower matures will be
noted, The budy are, at first, erect, As they mature, a
tivist of the oy ay brings them into the inverted position.

f long the lamina of ‘the labellum ‘two: vaised- lines forra
a'donble keel, which expands int) two promjnent, thick lobe .
near the end (see ig. 2). ‘The insect. alights, with vits liead on;
or near, these excrescences, fron which point it! “backs” to"
reach the rosiellom. |=. 1" = eg ;

‘ae

fT! ‘am igroatlysiitlelitcd to May, abltou. Hayuients ie Mal:
bourne, hyitveAoptexist,,f oy the plate, and to Miss Edua Corker,
Bgy ap Brook, for. the apecimen of C. ovmed.

we

Vic. Nat
66 Commman, Pollination of €, Bubddelasa Voi Xvi,
KEY TO ILLUSTRATIONS.

1. Spike of the orchid Cryplastytis subulata {Labill.), Relotb,

2. Lateral view of flower, “

3, <Anterlor view of fluwer

4. Interior, at base of labellum, arrow shows the direction of
the insect’s approach,

6, Sectivn, transverse, of Inbellum,

6. ‘The gurtace of the, labellum ts goverod with elongated
nodules. and the purple pigment fs found in the apices.

7. The pollinig, when first withdrawn, are bl-lobed, but—

8, Shortly after two extensions are thrown oul from the centre.

9. A group of pollen grains: they are larger than the granulen-
from 0. leplochila, F. von M.

19, Apical end of abdomen of miale ivhveumonid (Lissopimnta,

* saminunetata, Kirby), with poliinta from GC. sedate and
aédacague. extruded.
11. Dorsal segmente of abdowen, with pollinta from both orehit:
and numerous Inose grandes. tl

RINGWOOD TO WARRANDYTE EXCURSION.

‘Twenty membhere walked from Tingwood to Warrandyte and
back on Monday, June 3. The rund, after passing the Rintwood
boundary atune, is very picturesque, ag it winds over and around -
Jow-tlmbered bills, with here and there cleared gréas of vivid
green armind small dafty farms or coloured patches of chrs-
santhemums cultivated for the metropolitun markets. From the
bigher potnts, views of the hills were obtained. fhe Donde-
nong. Yuonga and Plenty Ranges, and the distant Mt. Macedon-
showed up clearly, visibility being remarkably good,

Where the toad dipped into the awies of-small creeks. some
of the characteristic gully vegntation was found. Cnssinuias,
Haze) Pomaderris, Christmas-Bush (Prostenthera). Hon Gooderla |
and Silver Wattles were noted, and on the steep banks of tbo—
creeks, tender fronds of Maidenhair Fern grew profusely, wlth
here and there seediing Clemahiz plants, with their beautifutty
veined and coloured Jenves. A feature of the wayside was the
variety of strange and bhenuntiful fungt lo searlet, orauge, canary-
yeliow, grey, brown and chestnut, or banded hy delicate peutesl
tints, At the sides of the road, on the higher parts,’ grew Inrge
Puff-balls, patterned so as io be hardly distinguishable from rhe
stones around them.

Very few plants were In bloom, The pseen variety of Correa
waa found in many places, a few flowarg of the White HRenth.
Sweet Burearia. nud the Common Apple-berry (Bilardicra} were
showing, On the pore, stony soth beside the toad, the Drooping
Cadsnunia hung its riisty brown tassels. The low hills around
.Warrandyte are thickly timbered with a somewhat stunted
growth of Buenlypts, which are badly infested by the Droaping
Mistletoe: reny trees heing killed by It,

BiWes were boiled of a picturesque Iittle flat on the bunk -at
the Yarra. where a sinall island, covered with white-plumed
reeds (Phragmites), divided the’ swift-flowine strain Here
plants of the Prickly Currant Bush (Coprosma), Woolly Tea Tree
and Dodder Laurel (Cassvtha} wero examined. Ationg the few -
birds: woted, during thea walk were the Senrlet-breasted Robin,
Noigy Miner, Striated Thornbill. Bell-Magple, Rosella, White
throated Tree “Creeper ‘and Collared Butcher-bird.,

AER,

et 4 ae Hanne, Sand Drift in the Mallee, a7

SAND DRIFT IN THE MALLEB,
By A. D, Harpy.
(Forests Department of Victoria.)

The ‘‘Mallse’’ in Victoria is part of a much larger area,
whieh extends into New Sonth Wales and Sonth Australia.
The greater part of it is well vegetated, and therefore
“wilderness,'' if you like, but not. !‘desert.’’ It has arid
climatié conditions, but udither in deficiency of rainfall nor
in paucity of fauna and flora does it conform ta ‘‘iWesert’’
im the strict sense of the term. If left alone, or managed
with foresight and great care, it will be one of the world’s
greatest, granaries. On the other hand, the Mallee soil sur-
face is a tenderling watched by a ravening beast. The beast,
for innumerable years, has been held powerless; but. in recent
years man with axe and fire and plough is [raying the leash,
and, with every additional square mile af sandy soi] exposed
by indiseriminate removal of forest cover, the imminence of
Serions trouble, or even disaster, becames the. subject of
gnxious discussion.

The forested parts of. the Mallee bear gencrally several
species of Mallee Eucalypts, helts of Cypress-ping { Callitris),
and Belar (Casuarina), und. scattered among or associated
with these, or forming smell groves, species of Frsanus,
Tittosporum, Heterodendron, Myoporiun, Eremophila, Acaia,
Hukea, Banksto, Melaleuca and other small trees. Where

no forcst is, there are grass plains and shrubberies of Turpen- -

tine and Hopbush, low anil hard barren ridges, bearing
Poreupine and. Selerophilous shrubs. Elsewhere there are
shrub heath tracts and flats, and depressions covered -with
salsolaceous plants and their associates,

Tho sandhills of the Victorian Mallee have, generally, an’

almost east and west trend, ie, at right angles to the direc.
tion of fierce, hot northerly winds, and, with the snrround-
ing country, indicating a wind-blown regidn, explained hy
geolugosts as a raised estuarine area_ At first. there waa

hothing to bind these sands, but gradually the whole area ‘

heeame vegetated, and the humefied ‘surface wax held down
‘until, with axe, fire and plough, man came to till the soil;
Instances of erasion can be seen along the north-western
railways that traverse fhe Mallee district; evidence of the
beast snapping ‘and biting,.as in promise of what may happen

if its prospective prey becomes more and more unprotected! .
Within easy reach of Onyen, on the Mildura line, on the —
Robinyale line, north-east of Lake Vyrrell, dnd in the Tim-

6a Itanvy, Sand rips in the Matec. — [yi xii,

bevoo ‘Timber Reserve, there are conditions which cause any
but the unobservant to speculate on the future with anxiety.
There are wheat-fields with the surface soil blown away,
others with alien sand piled on to them, roads at times stop-
ping the motor ears, which, perhaps on the previous day
skimmed along on a hard survace, and fences buried, There
are cases reporled where a third fence has heen erected high
over the ‘oviginally feneed survey hne,

In the Chinkapovk district I photographed a. section of°
partly bivied fence, with a second fenee erected above it,
and a c¥clone gate with only its upper fourth part exposed.
This drift occurred across a three-chaim road, from a qulti-
vated field, from which a)] Mallee serub had been removed.
The finer soil grains had blown ever so [ar away in dust
clouds; the heavier sand grains had rolled, skipped or
trundled along to be arrested by any obstacle offering, eddy-
ing about ‘its base and piling into a little dune beyond. The
approach to the gate had heen eleared of road vepretation,
hut, where flie native Melee seruh remained on the road
warein on either side of the gate, it had arrested the sand,
hoth as wind-bregk and barrier, and the original fence stood
nnencumbered on the marked survey line:

This, only one of the many affected localities, is south from
Chinkapook, and east. from what is known as Meridan Road
{143 degrees east long.).- In May, harrowing operations in
another field resulted in a long stream of sand duat hlowing
akend of the’ team, parallel to the direction taken by a
drift in s néar part of the fleld, Here the sand dritr
From s field on opposite side of a road had buried the fence,
and piled up over the cultivable area. Between the part
in active cultivation and the sand hill which ocenpied road
and part of the ficld, a wind-swept aren was dotted over
with miniature hummocks, each of which almost concealed
a "'Padymelon” (Cucumis myriocarpns)-

Reclamation work in the andes of France is known \o
most readers, bat the less known enterprise in Palestine
may be mentioned. After the war, an inereased demand for
Jand, and the increased value of any land available in that.
country made it.desirable to reclaim the dune sand area in the
neighbourhood of Guza and Acre, and experiments attendet
with anuch suecess have been carried out during the past
fow vears, It is of interest to Australians to know that, in
addition to the Marram grass (.Ammophila, arenaria), “a
pioneer in,sand fixation, used here and in other parts nf the *
world, the shrubs and trees used most suecessfiily were chiefly

way Harpy, Sand Drift in the Mailed, Bi

of Australian species, vir—Acacin longifolia, A. cyanophylla,
A. melanoxylon, Hucilyptus restratus, Several-species-of Panus
Populus aud Tamarix, etv., were alse employed. Of these,
the pines mostly did poorly or failed, but the Tamarix,
Kuealypt and Acacias gave satisfactory,resulis. Of tbe Acavias, -
tha prime favourite was A, cyanophylla, becanse of. its easy
establishment aud rapid growth, he: seed of this species
was obtained from dune plantations in ‘the island of Cyprus.

The Mallee sandhills, unlike those nf the North: African
and Asian deserts, are ‘indefinite parts of the sand plain on
which they appear as emincnces, whereas the latter generally
rest on hard formations, which constitnte the desert fbor.
It, is an important difference. since; in “Victoria, thare ‘is
nothing to prevent the ase, ant, of snbterranean water, and
thns there is obtained infernal dampness of the dune, and
the resulting permanent cover of vegetation and donseqnent
stubility—at least until interferoniee with the surface gives
the wind a ¢hance to destroy what is $0 laboriously built up,

Firing by man, and trampling by stock are two ofthe
‘maim canosts of the transition from resting-dune tacactive-
duu, and, perhaps, nitimately ta wandering-dane. -Damp |
sand ig immobile, and the surface of the sandhills — is
-danrped hy contact with the humid air without, as well as-by
moisture vesutlimg of capillary attraction within, The
humidity of the air in contact is increased by the vegetation,
which draws water from a considerable depth, aud evaporates
if al or near the surface. Jf we remove this vegetation,
aridity of the jovality is at once increared, If we clear ex-
tensive areas of sandhilt and plain, whether with fre or
axe, the aridity of the whole region becomes intensified, the
sumd dries out quickly, and the fieree northerlies—strong
enough to shift some hundreds of thousands, of-tons.of sand
on to the smiling plains—are invited to their work of devasta-
tion. Who is bold enough to ray that the invitation would
never be accepted t '

he height of coastal dune and inland sandhill is Timited
ivy’ the lifting power of the wind, whieh is generally incapable
of raising sand grains much over 300 feet, so that the dune
comes to rest, but is Liable to demolition by’ the. very. force
which built it, unless it he bound by Vegetelion, and cven
then, if gaps are canzed by man tracks or vattle pads, de-
veloping into wind channels, the conseqient undermining
aud uprooting of adjacenh shrubs und trees may intensify
movement, and the blowing away of the crest. of the dune.

m0 Haror, Sand Drift in the Males. yic- rey

Sandhill formation, in localities suggesting lack of harmony
with the general scheme of things, can be scen on the alluvial
flats of the Murray River on Gunbower Island. In many
places the large heaps of sand appear to have been dumped
down hy an unseen power, and without apparent cvidence
oftheir origin; but the suggestion that they are deposits
from collapsed whirlwinds, which operated during one of the
great dust-storms, is not unworthy of consideration.

. In Mr. A, Hone’s report (made available in m/s by courtesy
of the Forests Commission) there is mention of a homestead
almost, walled in by sand drift, rendering the bonndary
fence of the paddock a mere internal core of a sand dune.
up to 15 feet in height, and with a third fence surmounting ir-

Other instances of the transporting power of the wind
are as follows:—In various Mallee loealities the salt bush,
Dillow bush and other shrubs are perchad—some places 4 feet
above their original ground. Between them and aronnd thom
the wind has seonred and eroded the Jand into the appear-
qnee of a maze, and the missing soil may be miles away.
Some of the sand rewains through the binding section of the
roots and the arresting capacity of the branches which make
a semi-solid mass, at times up to six feet. Such ogeirrrenees
may be scen on the lower Murray plains, and to a less ex:
tent in the vicinity of Lake yrrell, and are on the undulat-
ing or level plain. In dune areas, stich wind channels
begin with the making of man-paths or, cattle pads, and
thera often follaws conversion of fixed-dlune to active-dune,
and consequont damage to the pastoral lands to leeward by
blown, sand littered with uprooted trees and general vege-
table debris.

Under the New Zealand Government auch dime reclamation
work has been done and reported by Dr. Cockayne, and in
‘Victoria, the imland movement of coastal dune sands is
being resisted in: places.

The remedy for sand-drift in the Matice hes in arresting
fhe wholesale and indiscriminate clearing of vegetation trom
the wheatfelds and the roads; and in planting where too
wueh exposure has already been made. No further narrow-
ing of wide roads should be permitted, Continnone belts of
‘Loves and scrub should be kept along both sides of the roads.
Windbreaks and shelter-belts shonld he imsisted on in the
vase of all new ovcupétions, and owners of denuded hoid-
ings Should be compelled ta restore such protection at at least
quarter-mile’ intervals. Where roads have been narrowed,
the strips, in certain eases, should be resumed or the plant-
ing of the lost road width enforced.

jig flora of Soula Awstralia. 7

FLORA OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Srndenty of Australian plats will weleune the fourth and con-
eluding part of Mr. J. M Black's fine work, which bas been pub-
shed by the South Australian Governmont #6 ony of a series
of handbooks issued by the British Scieuce Guild (South Austra-
lian Branch).

Mr, Black is to be songrutatlated nu the completion of a hook

which is worthy of a place amoug the fnest of the world's
‘ deserintive Plurus, aud which is a monument of persistent effort

and cure?ul research on the part of the aufhor.

The Wlora contains deseriplions of 117 families, 780 genera and
2430 species. Of the genora, 680 comprise indigenqus species, nun.
bering 2064. Genera, containing alien plnnts, are 150, with Sié
tiote or less well-established species. :

The Orchids have been fully dealt with to the extent of 40
pagce, by Dr, Rogers, wf Adelafde, the well-known specialist. in
the family, .

Ax alt introduction, a coneise History of Botiny fn South Ans-
tralia is presented, followed by am extensive glossary oT batanieal
terms edvuring ten paged, ond a haudy messurement scalo ls added,
ilesiened for converting the metric aystem Into iuehes and Mies.

Tho indexing is very comprehensive jucluding as it does all
family, genus and species names with xn lotleation of the
accented sylluble, a list of 4)] nuthors of species, ant p shart
iidex of pepular names. Regarding the last it will be felt.
Qmeng members of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, thal
an opportunity has "liven ovisHed for extending the use of manr
ot the vernacnlars given in the census of Victorian plonts to one,
at least, of tha other States. .

As probably over Gwo-thirds of- the wild plants of Victoria are
described in the book, Victorinn collectors will no doubt find
it very tscful,

In the six years @urtne which the Flora wae in courge of mule
Heation, much material enme under the purview of the author,
ond = good deal of revision work bad been done hy hotanists
in Avistralia and salsewhere, po Chat he considered it ndyisable
to make the work upto-dale by un addendum of 33 pages of
“Additions and Corrections." Included fu these area abstracts
from rovisions om Paniown and allies; Stig, by Miss D,
K. Hughes, and Casuarina, by Misa Mackin. ~

In the revision work ineideutal to the comuilatien of such a
hook, discovery of errors in plant names, which bave for lone
escaped detection, is Inévilable, but the correcttin of these, though
likely to cange some inconvenience { Lhe 4élder generation of
collectors, Is just as necessary under the rnuleg of the VYietns
Congress of Betanists as are the changes iu nomenclature. by
ornithologists and entomologiets, Gue examnle mav' be clted:—
A plant’ was described and mamed by Forster fil, Jn 1786, as
Crosnedia wniflone and botauists have been bi ercar’ in folowing
Cassini. whe, in J818 named it Crasacdie Richer. Those who
Claim fo be fiewer-loverr. and not botanists, will nat mind
the change back to the prior name, since they 4til] have the
pet uame “Billy Buttons" for the plant. About a dozen sueh
ehanges. in Jess well-known plunts. have been made jn names
of plants common to both States It appears alsa thet over a
dozen yew nines will have to be listed ff our Vietorian Census
awine ta Mr. Black's investiention of specimens sant to him trem
this State, meaty in cases where he cannnt agree to the keep.
ine tozether of certain Furms tsder ane snectes pane,

The book is printed on art paper, which shows un to adyan-
fage the author's heautitully-exocuted drawlnes. of. which (bere
are nuyarly 400, many of therm fyll-nage {llustrations.

72 Gippsiand's Giant Worms. ia ag BE

i GIPPSLAND'S GIANT WORME.

Size alone has ninde tL famous. snd the Glave Barcthwor,
Megascolides. australis, MeCoy, of Gippsland, fs Lordly an attrac-
tive sUbject for study untess ane is Kees op Lhe anuselids. Su 1
went to South..Gippsland in quest of Meguscohdes, not hecalse my
soul was absurbed with worms (remember Darwin's phrase in n
letter, I fancy); but anxious to secure specimens for the Museum,
ond gain “some first-and knowledge of the iionsters.

My ;Host, at Lach (Mr. L, C. Cook), smiled at the suggestion
of rarity-when ‘the Giant Earthworm was under discussion. In
suitable areas; he satd, the creatures abound, aud next morning
several Tine examples were ubtained from aw very small plot of
moist. ground, “Subsequent diggings «iso were rewarded 1 might
have €ollected 60° specimens, without much exertion, fron: the
flats near the farm. One title creekside “eliff" contalned many
burrows: and trom lt nine or ten worme were taken, some whole,
others i sections: It was impossible to avoid euttiine threugl
anuelid bodies, the tinnela betug eurved and going up and dawn
in any direction “but that whieh the spade wha muda to follow.
Digging our a -sinall specimen was fairly easy; 10 extract o Inrge
one. complete, ai task weeding twnnch cite and patience.

Though Gfont Garthworms extst in thousands m the Dass
Valley, ‘pertect specimens ure seldom collected, If means both
toil and-‘{treauble to secure them, Many. of course, are tuted
up by che plough in virgin soil, bne usually fh soetions.

‘Ae regards tecards, Mr, Cack told me that the fargest Megas-
colides he had acutally seen measured nine feet In length, whtle
fully extended. The ‘largest “reported” measured 11 feet, white
worms six fect long were fairly common. Tha average perhaps,
is four feet—such examples would weasure about hall the length
when contracted, Ever a six-foot apecinien enn shrink to very
moderate size, ~

The Gjant Earthworm has o preference for rich aiver flads; -
it iikey clayoy. ground, but also burrowe Freely in slupes with
soltherly aspect. “Tn audlumna and winter it ts found near the
surface, only a foot below it often; in the sunminer it -goes much
deeper’ down, but n sudden heavy shower brings many to the
surface on the flate They dry up quickly in the sunshine; their
bodies sheinte and. become brittle, breaking casily as a. twisted
tbe, ~uf piss. -

Walking over the Ate or nNewly-ploughed ground, where ihe
plough. has not bee before, one hears frequently the land
gurgling noise made by -Giant Earthworms, contracting im their
burrows, which, vertical or horizontal, are always dnp of
sliiny- and may contin MUCh Wold mud, 02 water, The worms
travel “quickly through their ronnela,

Baze,, of- \Megascolides sare found In numbers. Often they are
picked Up- among the clods in 4 freshfy-ploughed paddock. They
may lie free in loose goil, ar be fixed among erass-rootlels. netted
all over like a moth cocoon enclosed in an open-work silken
casket, Whey are fougn- and herny. oval in shape aud ineasure
from. two to three juches in length, They remdod one of the
iarge pods of a brown seaweed, which children find on. the
beaches arid “explorie’ by etopp sig upon them or erushing be-
tween the fingers When fresh, the egg capsule is of a grecnish
colour, and translucont. CHARLES BARKRIL,

The Victorian Naturalist

Vou, XLVI—No. 4 August 7, 1929 7 No. 548

“FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in
the Royal Society’s Hall on Monday, July 8, 1929. The
President (Mr. P. R. H. St. John) occupied the chajr, aud
there were about, 100 members and visitors present.

CoRRESFONDEN CE,

From the President and Committee of the Victorian Hor-
ticulinral Society, inviting twa representative members of
the Club to their Annual Meeting on Jidy 18, The invita-
tion was accepted and the Club’s Viee-Presidents (Messrs, (.
Barrett and G. Coghil}) were nominated.

Report.

A report of an excursion to the Zoology School, Mel-
bourne University, was given by the Leader, Miss J. W.
Raff, M.Se. c

Euxzcrion of Mimerrs,

The following were duly elected on a show of hands:—
As Ordinary Members: Miss Il. Bailey, MeJbourne; Mrs. B.
Kilvington, Hawthorn, As Honorary Member : Sir Baldwin
Spencer, K.C.MLG., F.RS., ate.

GENERAL,

The question was raised as to the advisability of the
Ethnologieal Section continuing to rent rooms for their
meetings. The matter was referred to the committee.

Luerurn.

Mr. P. R. H. St. John gave an interesting talk on Anas
tralian trees aud shrubs suttable for cultivation. The lecture
was illustrated by a large number of excellent coloured Jan-
tern slides, prepared by My. Reeves for the Commonwealth
Cinema and Photographic Branch, showing flowering sprays
of Bucalypts, Melaleucas, Leptosperms, Callistemons, Aca-
cias, Banksias, and others. Mr. Reeves was heartily con-
vratulated on the beanty of the slides, many of which were
made from specimens i in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens.

74 Field Naturatista! Club—Prageedings, [W195 fat

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. W. S. Abraham.—Portion of jaw of large shark
(Carcharias sp,), showing five rows of triangular teeth.

By Geological Survey of Vieturia, per Mr W. 8.
Abraham.—Two specimens of Tachytite from Spring Til.
Parish of Coeliban. ‘This form of glassy basalt has been used
by aborigines for weapon making.

By: Mr. J. Searle—Some rare, or eurious, erustacea:
Cumeéceat sp., from Corio Bay; Gnathae ferox, from Frank-
ston; Phyllosoma larva of erayfish; six stages in the develop-
ment of the Mantis Shrimp. Sqgwillasp., Anaspudes tasmendae,
Paranaspides lacustris, Koonunga cursor, Mounted spee-
mens of Brine Shrimp. Parartemea Zeitziang, from Lake
Corangamite.

From Melbourne Botanie Gardens, per P. R. H. St. Jahn.
—Fiowering specimens of Ranksia sprreulosa (Smith) Pro-

By €. J, Gabriel.—Species of marine shells, “*Thoriuy-
teaceas, New BSonth Wales, Queensland.
oysters,’’ penus Spordylus, including 8. ftenellus, Reeve, Vir»
toria and Tasmania; S. wvx, Reeve, Ascension Island; S.
auraniius, Lam, Philippines; 8. Imperiatis, Chem., China;
§, maodoriius, Chom., Great Barrier Reef, Q,, and Mauritius,
attached. to coral. ‘“‘Thorny-oysters,'’ inhabiting I auific
Tslands, India, Austratia, ete, veually found in deen water,
adhering to ragks and waral. They bave sometimes bean found
attached to cables brought up for repair.

MUSSELS IN A DAM

Three yenrs age last Mareh youne relaliver [rom the Gun-
hower district, who were ono a visit, broughy. sone freshwater
mussels With them to teinpt the fish in ihe Yarra to bite. A few
of tha molluscs that wore left (six or eight th number) were
placed {n & dam on my property at South Warrandyte. and their
exislence forgotten. Two months ago the dam was drained tor
the purpose of being deepened, nud a faw duys Sater T neticed
numerous iyregular nas, in the mud, and, on tnvestigation, found
that these weve calised by mussels tnoving [rom the drier parts
towards the little water still remaining, 7 was surprised, how-
ever, fo find traces of early 30 altogether, some bring
no more than one inch long, the largest being nbout
faur inches, probably the speciinems chat were originally put inte
ine dru. Semen were just emerstuz from the mud in which thes
had buried themscives, Others hid slowly moved along fll they
reached the very soft mud, where they were again burying them-
selves, 1 watebed those Which were still moving for nu tsmsitles-
able time—they drew themselves along, and the movenwnt was
almost tmpreeptible—in fact, in the course of n Whole day they
Tag moved only a couple of feet. Vhere ora no weads of any
sort in the dam, and the Water duriug the stmmer months ts
almost clear, Tt seems surprising that with su Mrtle angurent
food the mussels should nat only ker olive but actually breed tn
waters so different. from thase of their qeeustomed ment:

Abe. Wako. Ceanmon Shore Grebe 75

COMMON SHORE CRABS OF PORT PHILLIP.
By Melbourne Ward,

The ersb as at organism holds a very high place among
(he invertebrates of the sea, Primarily, it is a scavenger,
and porforms a vory important part in the economics of Nep-
tune’s realm, in ths reapeet, being analogous to the maect
of the terrestrial world, Adult and juvenile erabs are cn-
lirsly dissimilar in appearance, owing to the fact that develop-
ment of the embryo in the egg reaches only an early stage
before the larval crab is cast into the sea to fend for itself
as a nightmare ereature, with gogaly eyes and spiny body.

Some crabs (Dramiatea) have & more direct develap-
ment, tle young appearing from the egg as miniatures of the
adult, ‘hey remain gripped on to the long feather-iike
appendages of the female until they become large enough to
start Jife as separate entities in their perfected state. How-
ever, this appears to be rather an exceptional form of develop-
ment, Most erabs passing through somewhat dangerous meta-
morphoses, during which they swim about in the eerie plank-
tun world at the surface of the sea,

The adult forms are ag diversified as the microscopic
larvae. Moulfled by the rigorous hand of necessity, we find
arabs imitating pieces of. coral, old shells and weeds; others
sheltering in the manthes of mollusea; still others building
tunnels among the roota of mangroves; all the varied species
mesting and overcoming the difficulties of their special en-
vironment. trom the abyssal depths of the ocean to the tree-
jops of tropical jungles, we find ibe crab in soine form; some-
jimes as a amall paper-thin creature, living in the water
canght in the hases of palm trees; again, as large, fierce
animals, capable ol endangering buman life. In size, they
range from minute fornis to the great spidercerah of Japan,
Macrocheira kaempfert, will its nippers spreading to twelve
feet, Joven in our own Bass Strait, there dwells a Goliath
among crabs, attaining the world’s record woight of 30 lbs.

The growth of a crab is effected by a process of moult
ing, daring which the hard exo-skeleton is cast, or discarded,
in one piece, the newly-moulted crab bving a pitiable, soft
weakling, ingapuble of defending its life against the many
enemies Who wait to pouave upeo it, During this dangerous
period the eral) hides itself under stones, or in a crevice, nntil
the new armour bas formed upon the surface af its skin, The
everyday lite of the erah is so fraught with dangers, alarms,
Wattles with its fellows, and hair-breadth estapes from the

; ry 1a -Pornbo Vig. Nat”
76 Wain, Canmimon Shara Crabs. [ver Srv

rapacity of! birds and fishes, ‘thal Nature has seen fit ta
bestow upon it the power of regrowing the limbs and appen-
dages lost during’ such encounters. This power often causes
rather odd malformations, for, when a nipper is injured, a
seeond one may form from the injury, resulting in a erab
with tivo nippers in one. In some of the stnall Tropical Por-
cellain crabs, we find the habit of seizing a collector’s finger
with one of the nippers, and then casting the body loose from
the nipper, which continues to remain uttached to the finger
while the wily little crab makes gond its escape,

Among the hurly-burly of marine life, one sometimes —
comes upon partnerships between organisms of widely dit
_ ferent groups; here a marine worm living in the same shell
as a hermit crab; there, a crab carrying in each nipper #
small sea atemone,

In Arctic and Antaretie regions the crabs attain their
maxionm in number of individuals, but.in the warmer seas
there is a greater variety and numbers of species, and fewer
individuals. And so, in
Port Phillip, we find about
twenty - three common
apecies, most of which are
present in large nvrmhers,

. Now, as it is customary

te diseuss the family ties
and relationships of new
acquaintances, it would
be appropriate for me to
follow the time-hononurtd enstom and introduce our friend
the ervab with a few remarks concerning its family
irec, before getting down to the fauna of the Port Phillip
teefe, beaches and mud-flats.

Racially, the crabs belong to the vast Phylum, Arthro-
poda, articulated animals haying jointed limbs, Inetuded in
this are the spiders, centiperles, millipedes, and insects, as
well as the Crustacea. The erabs and their allies form what
is generally known as the higher Crustacea, or Deeapnda,
ten-legged Crustacea. The order Decapoda is divided intn
two sub-orders, Natentia and Reptanta, meaning swimming
and crawling, respectively. ‘I'he former contains three tribes,
and may be disposed of at once, as they are the prawns und
shrimps. In Reptanta there are four sectians—Palinura, the
coramon vrayfish, and its allies; Astacura, the common frosh-
water crays and yabbies; Anomura, containing four tribes
of quaint creatures, the commonest in Part Phillip being the

Aue] Wau, Common Store Crate. "7

hermit crabs, Paguridea; and, finally, the Brachyura, or true
crabs. Here we find three tribes, with one of them divided
into two sub-trihes, and in these last two sub-tribes we find

our

common Port Phillip crabs.
The following table is taken from that set forth by Dr.

W. T. Calman —

ORDER

DECAYODA
Tribe. Venacidea

SUB-ORDER NATANTIA ; Stenopiden Trawos, Shrimps,
NER ROPNANTIA ( ibaa
SUB ORAEE peer oy \ SeyNorided Salt. Witot «rayiinh pod
sEerroNn PoLINura 4 Ervouidea oie small duen Se
i) us.
SECTION ASTACURA Nephropaiden Yabbier and their kin.
SECTION ANOMUBRA Galiatheldea Smal deep sea types, with

ome simak) specicr on the

tevf at Flinders.

Thntassivinea Small lousier-like forms,
funn ueder stafies on

sruiil.
Poyurider Hermit Cribs.
Hipp ides Nat-shoped eralis, found
Ja, tropical elimetes.
BNACHYURA Drowinora Sponce erahs; ane sp.
reef tif Flinders,
Oxystosurita, Pebble carnhs, mostly
3 dee water.
WERACHYGNATHA sub-tribe Brachyryncha.
n Oxyryncha.

The Dromiacea, or sponge-crabs (fig. 1), so called on
account of the curious habit of carrying a piece of living
sponge ovér the dorsal surface of the carapace, and thus
appéaring as a small growth of sponge on the lower surface
é& the stone under which they hide, show points of resem-
blance to the lobsters, and are considered the most primitive
of the true crabs, There are a number of genera and species
in Victorian, waters, but only one species is common on the
recfs at Flinders. This is a very sleepy little crab, Peta-
lomera lamellaia, marked with green and yellow; it is found
sheltering under stones at the edge of low tide.

The Oxystomata, pebble-crabs (fig. i1,) are globular litile
creatures, with extraordinarily long, thin nippers, chelae, and
fragile Httle limbs, The box-crabs, and AMatutu: of the tropical
coust, are, of course, differently shaped, but the species of
Ebulia and Philyra, inhabiting Port Phillip, are all charac-
teristically globular. The mouth-frame of crabs is roughly
square, but in the tribe under consideration we find that the
frame is narrowed to a point anteriorly, hence the name
Oxystomata, or sharp-mouth.

Most of the species of Oxystomata are denizens of the
deeper waters, but at Queenscliff there occurs Philyra laevis

x / FS . Vie. Nni
18 Warp, Conmsmow Shore Crubs. Vor XLVI

ix Jarge numbers. In the shallow waters, these tiny erabs_
are to be scen feeding und mating. The males perform clumsy
gyrations arownd the object of their desire—a slaw Inve
dance, with waying nippers—that scem to gain no response
from the coy female. Sometimes several males gambol for
the same prize, until, at last, one more successful than his
rivals, seizes his mate in one of his long nippers and rushes
off in true Avrabie style, pursued by the other irate and dis-
appointed sniters. The crab buries itself under the sand
when danger threatens, and leaves only the eyes protruding
above the surface. This operation takes a second ar so to
accomplish, but in the closely allied Mutuie of the fropies,
the feat is perfarmed with a speed reminiscent. of a magician
—at one woment ihe crab ts quietly wandering aking the
surface of the sani; the next, there is a pusE of sani, and,
presto! no sign of the crab!

The tribe Brachygna-
tha, as we have seen, 1s
comprised of two sub-
iwibes, Braehyryneha
and) = Owyryncha: the
members of the latter
A tribe are also known as
* spitler-crabs (fiz, \ii.),
and are characteristic of
<== weed patehes in a Few

fathoms, There are seve-
ral species that also oe-
er on the reefs, and
one, Paranithras nner,
often is found on stones
covered with weed on the reef at Beaumaris.

The common genus of spider-crabs in Port Phillip is
called Naata. ‘There are three species; Nauwrite is the largest,
and occurs in the shallow bay al Swan Island; the ollier two,
N, tumida and N. spinesa, inhabit the ocean reefs at, Flinders.
One of the interesting things about the spider-crabs is. their
wondertul method of eamouflage, which is aceomplished by
the placing of strands of weed; livmg sponges, and other
colonial animals upon the surface of theiy limbs and ihe
earapace. The bodios of the crabs are covered in stiff, curled
hairs, and if the erab is one that covers itself with weevl.
each’ strand is selected with apparent deliberation, and ts
fixed in the eorled hairs with gesture reminisceni of 2 lady
putting pins in her hair. The weed is always fixed on end
g0 that it floats up into the water; and when the crab is com-
pletely covered, Lhe weeds sway wiih the action of the water

tz. I.

oe Warn, Coma, Shae Cypds 1"

In the case of the sponge-covered crab, the sponges grow
80 that the tdentity of the spider-crab js lost; and, viewing
it in its natural habitat, it becomes an integral part of tie
snrroundings. Experiments trivd with weed-erabs have
shown that, the erab is aware of the colonr of its surroundings
to such an extent that onc covered in red weed, when placed
In an aquarium of green weed, imniediately removed ts
eovering of red to don the green that would allow 34 to sink
mto obscurity.

The sub-tribe Brachyryncha is comprised of fourteen
families, only five of which need be taken into consideration
for the purpose of this paper. The first family is the Por-
tunidae (fig. iv.); these are the swunming-crabs, and are
reeognisable by the flattened paddle-like pair of Jegs. Jn
Port Philip there are several genera and species; one, Ov-
lines bipistulatus, 38 a
eireular, ereamy-
White evab, with tro
large ved spots on the
posterioy part of the
carapace. Jt ooours
in shallow water on
sundy beaches, and
offen js talen mi the
fishersnen’s nebs.
Along with it is @
Jarge ved swimming-
rab, Nectocaretorus

wie itt. wegrifrons, usually

not im sich Jarge

numbers; for the usual habitat of the latter are the

orannies undev Jarge stones in shallow Water at the edge of

- the reefs at low tide. At, Flinders. Neetocarvinus tubercy-

fosuy ts found assocjated with N. integrifrons. The edidle
blue evah is recorded From the Bay.

The most interesting Portumd is the English shore-crah,
Carcomedes magies, whose presence in the Bay is really re:
markab)e, Unough it is a widely distmbnted form, <Aloack
(Caroinalngical Fauna of Indin) gives the following note on
ids peographical distribution: “The species has been found at
vurions pluees on the Atlantic coast of the Northern United
States and off the coast of Pernambuey (Brazil); it 1s the com-
mon shore-erab of the British Ssles, und oars in the North
Sea up to almost Arctic limits, in the Baltic, and on the Atlan-
tic enast of the European continent. Tt is common in all parts
of the Mediterranean, and has been found in the Black Sea

20 “Wann, Comnton Shure Mrabe. [yas ee

and in the Red Sea. It is an Indian species, thongh a rare one,
and has been reported from the Hawaiian Islands and from
the Bay of Panama."' He doubts the presence of the erab in,
Anstralian waters; but since the above notes were written, ‘a
good deal of work has been done, and Carcinus, or Carcinides,
is realy present in the Bay in Jarge numbers, It is a hig
evab, and is to be found under stones on the reefs at Bean-
yaris and elsewhere, also on the exposed mud-flats at Port
Melbourne, where it lies half buried in the little pools loft
by the tide.

The family Xanthidae (fig. v.) is represented by three
common forms, one of which, Heteropanope serratifronc, is
to be found under stones on mud at the Yarra mouth. ‘The
dral) colouring and coating of silt assumed by the crab, com-
bined with the habit of feigning death upon detecting the

Fig. IV,,

presence of 4n enemy, make it an awkward quarry to collect,
as one must be very sharp ‘to perceive it, ' The other two
genera are to be found on the reefs, both occurring under
the stones just below low tide.. The larger of the two is
Pilumnus montlifer, whose nippers are covered with a short,
brown pile, and the colour is usually dark plum. At Beau-
maris, these crabs are common in labyrinths of cayes formed
hy the loosely-lying stones. The smaller is an extremely
lethargio crab, Heteropilumnus fumbriatus. Tt is not very
common, and is to be found under stones on sand.

Probably the commonest and most numerous of the reef
types are the Grapsidae [fig. vi.), which dwell under the

ry Warn, Oamimon Share, Grads, a)

stones. Near high tide mark, the smooth Cyclograpsis
audouinat has its lair, and we usually find several onder the
same stone. Their eolaur is dark plum to reddish-hrawn,
with irregular lighter blotches on the varapace and legs.
Nearer the low-tide level there are three species of Pura-
grapsus: BP. quadr identatus is olive-brown, with very smail
black spots. It is very numerous under stoncs on sand, both
iu the Bay and on the ocean reef at Flinders, The two related
ypedies, P. lnenis and P. gnimarda, excavate hiding places
under stones on mud, and the former is very common at Port
Melbourne, Individuals of these species may We separated
by the wider and thicker borly of P. laewis,

On the weed - covered
rocks at St. Kilda, one will
often sree a small dark
green = crab, = Eriochetr
spinasus; whose small size
and sharply square cara.
pare are unmistakable, At
the Yarra mouth there are
low banks of eazy, and
ilese are riddled with the
burrows of Helace tecwel-
Hawits, a smal, heht brown

Wig. ¥. eral, All the Grapsoid
eras arc able to remain
ont of water for considerable periods, enough moistire being
retained in the gill chambers for this purpose. Respiration
is per medinw of leather-like gills, situated in compartments
above the bases of the ambulatory limbs. ho water is drawn
m through apertures at the base of the nippers, and is etre.
lated through the gills and passed out at the anterior corners
of the mouth-frame. This may, at times, be reversed, water
being taken in thtongh the mouth-frame and passed out at the
hase of the nippers; a certaim amount of water wonld also
be drawn in through the narraw space hetween the ede of
the carapace and the bases of the walking legs.

In some of the tropical Scsarma crabs of the mangroves,
which remain for lengthy periods cut of the water, we find
a type of radiator formation. The bodies of those erabs are
very thick, and the walls of the carapace above the nippers
are erogsed and recrossed by shallow trenches, which impart.
the appearance of a grater, Just below the evye-socket there
is & deeper trench running from the outlet apertures of the
gill chambers, and along this the water is passed, and allowed
to, dribble down the intricate grooves, during which, the

ge Wann, Common Share Crabs. Fae Sf SOE
oxygen absorbed by the crab is veplaved and the rejuvenated
water again drawn in at the base of the nippers.

The task of our families. is the Ocypodidac. ‘Two genera
vceur, both of which are mud-flat types—Zelvecius cordi
formis, a purple crab, with long nippers, and Hemzplax Inti-
frans, commonly found on ihe mid-flats at Port Melbourne.
The latter is a small erab, matching the dull colour of its
surroundings perfectly; it digs burrows in small pools, and
is to be seen moving over the hottom behind the breakwater
al St. Kilda,

There are lots. of very interesting and rare types of crabs
in Port Phillip, those here dealt with being the commoner
varieties. If anyone who reads this article would care ta
tuke. up the sindy of crabs, 1 should be delighted tn be of
assistance, Forward specimens to me for identification, and
J will do my best. and return them with any information
desired.

In the classification of species belonging to the disputed
genera, Paragrapsnsa and Chasmagnothus, the work of Tesch,
‘Siboga’’ Monograph XXXIXC., pp, 124-125, has been con-
sulted, and his example followed.

Fig, Vi

EXPLANAVION OF FIGURES,
Tig .--Thoe Snonge-crgh, Petalomerg Interns, the common
Dromiid of the recfs at Mliuders, (SlighHy enlarged).
Vig W—The Common Febblecrnn, Abeta — wndeerspinosd.
Gredged on sand in two or thres fathoms at St. Kilda, (Reducef)-
Fig. UL—Peramithrax miner, a typical Spider-crab, with A
masking coyering of seaweed removed, (Natural size),
Fig. iV.—WwNectocaveinus witeorifrons, the Swinming-crab, Note
ie expanded dactyle, or claw, of the four pair of ambulatory
fegs, which, in the allied genera, become so paddleshaped.
{Natural size).

ee Wait. Ceiilun Slive Deas 83

. Fig. V—Heteropunope serrotrirong. “Lypleal of Che Manthodar,
This spuctes js the comunon viirigly Go Lhe shores at Yaren Mouth
and $iiidlar Jocadcies
Fig. Vi—Oyclonupsna andouiatt, characteristic of thi: Grapsigae
ov Sqnare-frovted erabs—i) eye: (b> frot; ¢c) antoro-lateral
margin; (4) echeliped; (ed posterior margin. 1 -1V, ainbulatory
Jaga,

NEW VICTORIAN BEES.

New species and varieties of Australian bees are desertbe| im
& paper by Professor ‘I’, TD, A, Cockerell, published in Ariertcan
Museum Novilotes, No. 346, April 27, 1929 Part 1, deals with
becs from the Northern Territory. mostly tuaterial collerted by
Mr. G, F. Hill; and Part 11, with bees from Victoria, New South
Wales and Queensland, also New Britatw. '

Additions wade to the Yictorian list includes the following.—

Collamelitta pictr vaniery wilson. new vatiety—Eelthum (PF.
B. Wilson). ‘

Paracotlletes naive. new speckos—Victonia (G, F. Hill).

Huryglossa wlvesignatn, new species—Uamawn (W, by ALI),

Paerasphecodes trigiwrctiias, new specins—Aravan (G, FF Bil).

Hatitus varret(i, raw spectes—Sentorth CW. i Hill}. Vhis
apectas «vidently is closoly allled in a very yemarkable Taa-
manion bee, H, ynucropgs Cockereil, known only in the malé

Dr. Coekerell'’s paper ig an fmportant contstbution te ttnow-
Jedge of the bee fuuna of the Australasian region,

PARROTS KEEN PERCEPTION,

A vosella parrot, which we haye bad for abatt ving years,
usualy auswers when whistled ta, and I naticat recently hat the
bird was remarkably prompr io responding, when 7 used as short
Ag sbarp a2 note ns possible, nnd at very irveauliy dotorvals, his
response, something berweab a whistle and » ¢luek, appenred to
be almost sinvultanteous (a response could not be elnultaneous,
but the interval of time was not pereeplihlc (lo those presenty-
The cage was covered with a cloth, and the bird epuall pall soe
ie person whistling, In siiilar conditions, a human being, using
all his intelligence. could not equal (his. peviormance: in Cael, (he
patrols action appeared fo be retlex. but mugt Inve hean volo.
lary He frequently “reports my ayvival None before the font

door is opened
W. H. INGRAM.

ANASPIDES IN LONDON,

Professor G. DL. Nicholls, who is preparing 4 monograph on the
Fresh-water Crnatacess of Australian. has sueceededt in petting
some specinions of Anuaepides alive to Lando. hey were ox-
hibited at a meeting of the Zoological Sectety, This ‘Tasinanian
shrimp is a “Ilving fossil,? occurring abun(lantly im certain of
the mountsin streains, and his a voty special interest, for stants
of the erustacen. Attempts to bring it niive to Metbouine last
year failed; yet if survived the voyage to Bnglnud!

Sanctuary for Native Game, trom Goverment Gazettr. January
4, 1929:—The property known as “Grassmi'e,” in the Parish of
Berwick, consisting of 287 acres, intersected hy the Cardinin
Creel, has been proclaimed a sanctuary for native game.

~

: Liye ¥4 n ais Vi
8d Usverwib, Notes an mo Nadiorq@uane. VoL put

NOTES ON THE NUDI BRANCHS (SEA-SLUGS).
By Julia A, Underhill,

What wonderful opportunities you have there in Aus-
tralia in the field of collecting, classifying, and giving ta
the world unknown information. I envy the person who
takes up the study of the Nudibranchiata in your surroond-
ings. Perhaps someone of your people might become ware
interested if they Imew how an amateur here, in the State
of Washington, U.S.A., became interested and. curried on her
investigation in this: field of biology.

One day, as L was rowing across an inJand arm of Puget
Sound (leaning over the side of the boat between each stroke
of the oave, enjoying the ever-changing colour and life on
the bottom), a little semi-transparent creature went snapping
by. It was swimming with the help of appendages, bringing
ils head and tail together on one side, then, with a SEED,
together on the other side, I nearly fell out of the boat in
my excitement, but finally caught the creatnye and put. it into
a butlet of sea water in the bout. . Upon reaching the labora-
tory, I placed it in a glass container, so that J-might examine
it more closely, Imagine my surprise when it changed from
the transparent creature I had captured, and showed all the
colours of a Mexican opal. It was the nudibranch, Metsbe
Leonin?. Right there my wove than casual interest was
awakened. I Inoked np all tle books npon the subjeet which
I could find, and discovered that there was no complete
bibliography published.

The balance of the summer I Spas hunting. nudibranelss,
The flat-bottomed, sixteen-root rowhoat finally became
equipped with iwo handled tea-strainers of smal) and large
sizes, two dip-nets, one having a handle abont twa fect long,
the other, five feet; the first had a balloon silk bag, the
sacond, one of fine marquisette. For containers thera were
quart and pint Mason froit.jars, a couple of buckets, and a
small galvanized-covered garbage pail. Ty seemed like a
great, deal of equipment, but it stacked pretty well together,
and while.J might find only one tiny fiairy-like creature, “here
was always the possibility of coming upon a real surprise in
the form of a large Triopha (Also, the person who starts
to collect in oné group finds so tany interesting things to
hring ta the laboratory, that many containers pre necessary.)

Careful handling is very necessary, as one does not, a,
Bret, know just which animals of this group can be safely car:
vied in the same container, Some of these little creatures, if

ae Unperwinn. Noles ow the Nudibranehs, 85

irritated, strip off their beautifully coloured cerata, and
when vou reach home and examine them, you find, instead of
the beautiful specimen which vou had so carefully lifted into
the boat, just a naked little slug. He does this in order to
protect himself from his enemies, and it is a protection from
you, for your first impulse is to dump him back into the sea
from which you have taken him, and where he will soon
regenerate his lost parts. It is therefore wise to have plenty
of containers.

Here, in the north’and, nudibranchs are found on the sur-
face seaweeds, under rocks, and in the shallow channels where
the water flows swiftly as the tide goes out. Others are found
on the piles of stationary docks: underneath the planking on
the floating docks, and often on the blades of the giant kelps,
quite a way beneath the surface. If one searches carefully,

Photo—Julia A, Underhill.

A SEA-SLUG SWIMMING.

and with patience. he is rewarded by findine and identifying
eight to ten families, and many species in each family: and
if he wishes to go farther afield, (here are {he deep-sea species,
found from ten to forty, or fifty metres below the surface.
In this latter search, one must have not only equipment, but
a'so the vo-operation and assistance of others,

The dredging equipment used to secure some of my speci-
mens consisted of a halibut boat (troller) sixty feet in length.
In the stern cockpit was placed a Ford engine, which. in turn.

86 Unpernin, Notes on the Nudibranchs, We oot

handled a drum, upon which was wound a thousand feet of
steel cable. There were two dredges to be used with this cable,
one large one, the framework of which measured about five
by two and one-half feet; the smaller one, a foot and a half
smaller each way. The balance of the dredges were made
of closely-tied cord mesh, such as is used by the purse seiners,
and were about six feet in length. Needless to say that we
usually used the larger dredge.

Dredging is most interesting work, and is best done at
low tide, but takes time, strength and patience. About eight
dredges constitute a day's work, but students are lucky if
they handle intelligently, four to six, Think of the excitement
when the dredge appears at the surface, is swung on board,
the rope which holds that great brimming net together at the
bottom is untied, and the contents fall to the rack on the
stern deck! A ass of algae, or crabs, which seuttle to the
edge of the boat, and drop back into the sea, if they are not
quickly caught; many-rayed starfish, sea cucumbers, and, par-
haps, your prize of prizes, a choice nudibranch,

The wind rises, the water becomes too rough for dredginy :
the anchor is lifted and the vaptain is instructed to sail for
a lone island or reef, which can be investigated only at low
tide, Here you ¢lamber into the boats and row to land, or,
having wisely brought your swimming suit, you dive into
the cool water, and soon swim ashore. Walking and _ slip
ping over wet rocks, your search continues, Underneath the
rocks is vour best chanve, and so vou call on vour friends for
help, and turn over the big ones. If fortunate, your efforts
are rewarded with many nudibranchs.

Your interest may not be confined to this one group of
animal life; if this he true, you will co!lect chitons, cripto-
chitons, big blennies, keyhole limpets, nemertians, ete. When
the whistle blows, recalling vou to the ship, von bend law
under the weight of your buekets, or will impose on some
friend to assist vou back to the boats, <All safely aboard,
the anchor is lifted, and The Medea chues for home. But
your labours are not yet completed.

Upon arrival, your specimens must be cared for, The
best way to keep nudibranchs, | have found, is in a specially-
made box, which ean be kept in the water at the dock. They
will not live long in the laboratory, This container is simply
made, covered with very fine galvanised wire screen, and. his
several compartments. Specimens placed here will remain
alive indefinitely, and may be removed to the laboratory for
intensive study if desired,

433) Uninet. Noteg an the Nuditrenelas, 37

The next day you may take, say, two execedingly dif
ferent nudihbranehs to the Jaboratory for identification, For
(he beginner, the first thing to decide is whether his ypecimens
belong to the Holohepatie ov Cladohepatic group. The
former of these has the liver in a compuet mass in the centre
of the animal; the Jatter has a many-branched liver, parts
of whiel: extend out into the naked gills, or cerata. From
this point, he will take his animal part by part and check with
the descriptions given him in some of his reference books.
He need not bo surprised if he comes upon a species not yet
described, for there sus heen comparatively little wark done
in this group, He must be very careful, though, in deciding
that he has a new species, f'ov mistakes made add to the work
and general confusion, when othery working im the same
group try to cheek up. Careful sketches should be made,
or, perhaps the siudent will wish to make photographic
studies, This jaa difficult thing, but it can be done. .

The equipment should consist of, preferably, a 5 x 7
view camera, with a S4in. bellows extension, a good Bunseli
and Lomh double anastigmat lens of about 8yin, focal jength,
mounted in any good shuiter; a solid, rigid tripad (Na, 3),
equipped with a tilting tripod top and tripod brace for
photographing with the camera in a vertieal josition.

Photographing specimens through water gives trouble-
some reflections, white: ean be remedied with a piece of black
velvet; about 14 inches square in front of the camera, ailaw-
_ ing only the necessary opening for the Jenees. Tt might be
better to photograph specimens one-half to one-quarter their
natiral size, and. then enlarge from the negative. Tse small
diaphragms (32 to 45) and strong Nght, Sunlight is best, I
believe, Txposure of 1/10th to 1/15th of a second [some-
times much faster, for some of these specimens are im con-
stant and awift, movement), WiashWeht power can be used,
but if means tine, patience and much experimentation to
seeute results. Panchronmatic plates and a light filter are
Almost necassary on aseount of the many eqlours, inclading
reds, in your specimens.

I trust that there may be soniething in these pages which |
may help interest. someone there to take up the study of this
group, What wonderful opportunities there are there for
the might person!

(The euthor of this article is an American naturalist,
‘who has made a special study of thé nudihvanchs, The group
hag been neglected by nearly all our convhologists, and a
worker in the Australian field is sssrrad of a rieh harvest.—
Fdisor,)

89 Winson, Concerning Grune WTias. [yeh het

CONCERNING CRANE FLIES.
By F. E. Wilson, F.E,5.

Possibly no preup of insects has reseived Itsy attention
in this country than the Crane Files, or Yipulidac—the
“Daddy Gonglegs’’ of our childhood days. Tha family is
undonbtedly well represented in Australia, although onr
knowledge as to their distribution is, as vot, very imperfect.
This state of affairs ie due largely to their unpopularity wilh
collectors, Vy reason of their great fragility, and also herause
HO Taany of them are small and of unattractive appearance. -
Nevertheless, they are insects of great imterost, that well
repay time devoted to their study.

At certain periods of the year some species of Tipulsdac
possibly outnumber all other imsects combmed, im favoured
lonalities, and from this point alone they merit our attention.
Up to the year 1889 only 21 valid species of Crane Flies
had been desuribed from Australia, although a tremendous
amount of work had been done amongst other groups af our
insocts, in that year, Frederick Skuse, then entomologist
to the Australian Musewm, Sydney, published 4 lengthy paper
on the famoly ise Proceedings of the DLincan Society of
NSW. In this paper over 70 uew species were descmbed.
and at a later date others were added, bringing his total nf
new spedes op to nearly 100. Most of Skuse's species were
secured from the neighhbourhoed of Sydney, some odd
examples only being recorded from other States.

Tntorest in Crane Flies agvin languished until compara-
tively vecently. ‘hen the late Dr. B. W. "Ferguson began
to accumulate material, azam mainly from New South Wales,
and G. H. Hardy did a little collecting in Tasmania, About
this time, De, G. PL Alexander, of U.8.A,, the world’s antho-
rity on Tipulidae, hevame interested in our Crane Fly fauna,
and immediately there was an awakening of jntevest in this,
the Cinderella group of Australian Diptera. Mi, A. Tonnoit,
passing through Australia on hig way to New Zealand, gol-
lected @ considerable amount of material m Tusmania, and
in our Dandenone Ranges, and mostly everything he obtained
proved ta be new. The gens Tonnotromyta, erected by Dr.
Alexander ta contain some graceful little flies belonging to
the family, will always associate this collector's name with
our. Crane Plies,

‘At present our ‘'Daddys"’ are grouped under 54 pencra,
ond’ although IL am pot sure as to the exact number so tar
deserihed, ib must already greatly exceed 300 species, Very

aes Witsos, Coucerming Crime lites, PS]

little is known as to the tife distories of our Australian forms,
and there is a vast field of research open to the entomologist
with time and facilities for sueh work, Some species ace
undoubtedly aquatic in their larval stages, but most of them
appear to live in moist earth, masses, and vegetable debris.
One of our commonest species avouod Melbourne, Mahremas-
teiv hdlii, Alex, named after Mr. Gerald F. Ill, nf the
Commonwealth Burean of sprint ides favours well. watered
lawns for the carlier stages nf its life history. Occasionally
this species may be seen emerging in large numbers in
4uburban gardens,

Rather remarkable is the faet that, sometimes, although
thousands of examples of a given species inay be on the
Wing, practically every example will, upon examination, be
found to be of the one sex. Whether this is .a provision of
Nature to act as a check npon the multiplication of the
spevies or not, T cannot say, but, nevertheless, it is w Lact
that I bave established on more than one oceasion, To sce
the number of eggs that one female is capable of laying, im-
presses one that some check is ecrtainly necessary.

Crane Flies, as already stated, are very delicate insects,
and, unless handled with extreme care, their legs drop off,
and this makes them unsichtly objects. Ut is, no doubt,
mainly for this reason that collectors have paid such scant
attention to our species. Should several specimens be place
in the killing bettle and carried home therein, the result ix,
generally, a mass of lapse legs, antennae, and bodies. The
flies die very quickly im the cyanide bottle, from which they
should be immediately transferred to ingeet envelopes, in
which they carry quite well. Should, howevér, a leg or tavo
become detached, it is then possible to assign it to the corvect
speciinen. The smaller species [ usually place singly, whilst
alive, in gelatine capsnies, and almost invariably they are
dead and ready for mounting by fhe time I reach home.

In many genera, for purposes of determination, it is
necessary to examine the sexual organs of the male, a micro-
suopie alide having to be made for the purpose. Consequently,
when carding specimens, the tip of the abdomen should
nhvays be left free, so that it ean easily be removed if neces-
sary-

You may lool: for '‘Daddies,”* with more or Jess suecess,
from s@a level to the tops of the highest mountains, bul yeu
will be most siecesstal in your search at the higher eleva-
tions, Whilst the brackish, swampy areas at sea level on-
daubtedly harbour many specics, the dark fern gullies of the

Piet Ms
5p Wineox, Concerning Cre Mires. Ling x Se

rangés, and the baggy sphagnum patuhes of the high plains;
are the idea! hunting-grounds for the Tipitlil seeker.
Wherever tree-ferns grow, thers will the Vipul fauna he
found exceedingly rich. This fact was impressad very
strongly npon me when collecting in the Grampians Jast

November. Four or five days’ wandering amongst the hills -

had not been very produetive, so far as Crane Flies were von-
cerned, ‘Then a day was spent in the valley above the Silver
Band Falls, where tree-lerns grew in profusion, and a won-
derfil haul was made, which included several very interest-
ing forms.

When one begins to ascend the high country, a few bim-
tlred fect of altitude will often supply an almost totally dif
ferent Crane Fly representation. Many of the Javger forms
of Tipulides, such as Macromastrin, Clytecesmus, Platyphasia,
Plusiomaia, ete, are, of course, easily detected durimge a bush
ramble," but the smaller types, such ag Ltmnaphile, Mola-
phulus, ete, eve very often overlooked, although possibly pre-
sent in considerable numbers. I have been most successful
in my search for these, by sweeping with the net in likely
places, Grasses and other herbage growing beside damp
drains, margins of ponds, and beside running streams, often
are very productive, Mostly the imsecta are nut seen until
an examination of the net is made, Sweeping the wnder-
surface of tree-fern fronds often produces specialised species,
and many may be disturbed by agitating the masses of dead
fronds ihat neually eneircle the fern trunks. A net passed
lightly over the surface of wet, moss-begirt. rocks and elif
faces, will sometimes bring to light specimens that otherwise
probally woul] not be detected. Oceasionaliyv Crane Flies
aro attracted to lights, but not so frequently as one would
expect.

A t¢harming sight that may be sometimes witnessed 3s
the grace!nl dancing fight of the smaller species. Not all
Crane Plies appear to have this habit, but it seems ta be
rather prevalent, with the genns Jamnophila, A swarm of,
possibly 50 or more flier, moving in close formation, alter-
nately rising and faling, but nat necessarily In unison, 18 the
sight that meets the eye, Occasionally some will drop out
and rest momentarily on a nearby fern frond, to Join again
later in the mad dance. This proceeding goes on for quite
a considerable time, vel the swarm seems to be almost sra-
tionary in # faw eubie yards of air, “Vis somewhat diffeult.
to picluve, hut a mort entrancing seene to watch,

Many especies aro on the wing only for brief periods, anil
white commun one week, may be missiny completely when fhe

”

AU fof Wirsos, Connerming Crane bhes, |

hogs

ganic locality is visited two or three weeks Jater. Ih is thus
apparenf that, to gain an ides of the Tipulid fauna of a par-

ticular district, or single gully even, it is necessary to col-
leet over the ground at fairly regular intervals throughout
the year, Ovane Flies are om the wing in all seasons, and
under almost all weuther conditions. Some species appear
lo he extremely local, and te go 50 or 100 yards away trom,
their habitat, is to get completely ont of their terram. These
statements will serve to indicate what a vast amount of care--
fnl collecting stif] remams to be done, hefore we ean have a
fairly compiete knwwledge of the range of species inhabiting:
our continent. There is urgent need for more investigators

in the Tépeuhid field.

When, ubout two years ago, Drv. Alexander wrote und
asked mie to save any Crane Flies that T ¢ame xeross on mr
wilecting trips, my knowledge of the family was practically
nil, -[ was certainly familiar with a few of the cormon, higs
showy species, as awy ohservant rambler must be, but T had
not the slightest idea that so many forms were la be found
in our bush conutry, The devotion af 4 portion of the time
to the gathering of ‘‘Daddies’’ on each collecting trip, has
resulted in, well over 60 new species being brought to light.
T have no donbt that there stifl remain many new forms to
be looted, even close to our metropolis, The Belgrave dis-
iriel alone i is an extremely rich feld, thal has as yet, heart
but imperfectly worked.

Curiously enough, a habit of Crane Flies, which, on mare
than one occasion, T observed when a boy in the Beaconsfield
district, has. never come under my notice since I have been
paying particular attention to the family. This is where a
ennosiderable mumber Of individuals swarm in a hollow jag;
stump, or talibit durrow, They eling close together, much as
do swarming bees when they settle: in a mass. Should any
other amember of our Club witness such an occurrence, J.
shoul le very glad to reeeive a few of the flies, for puxposes
ol, determination.

One of the most remarkable of our Crane Flies is Chyte-
cosmus edwardsi, Alex., a very robust insect, that J find on,
the wing generally curing March and April. Jt is a striking
fellow —jet black, white and orange im colous, with opaque
orange-enloured wings. ‘Three females before me have a
thoras of rich orange tint, while a male has one of black and
white colouration, Jt is. an inseet that mast people wonld
hesitate to associate with the flimsy-bodied Crane Flies This
species, together with fiwo others not found in Victoria, Dr

Y2 WIRson, Comneriing Crude Fes Veh avae

A’exander considers to be the Tmest Crane Plies in the warld-
A good locahty for Clyjytecosmus is the timber tram-track al
Millgrove, just below the Dee River bridge. Vs fight is
rather laboured, and, ou ime or Live occasions, T have seen tt
ascend to a height of ahont 20 or 30 feet, and mrele for a
considerable time. When flying, it resembles more one of
the large yellow and black Pompilid wasps than a Orane Fly,

One of our handsomest Tipulids js IJschnotoma nar,
Walker, with its yellow body, banded with black, and strongly
onttined Wing venation. In my experience, 4 ig uot particu.
larly common, but I have records of it from Millgrove, Clarke-
field, and the Otway Forest. At Millgrove, we usually dis-
turbed them from aimongst bracken fern, where they were
reste, either singly or in mated couples. Instead of Just
flying away over the bracken tops when flushed, they almost
invariahly rose verHcally 20 or 30 feet, until they Found #
resting-filace among the cucalypt leaves, The same habit T
aiso observed with “au allied Species, J. serrtcornis, Macq., in
the Kinglake distriet. The latter species, which may bé sore.
times taken at Ferntree Gally, is also a lover of alpine coun-
iry, two exdmples occurring to me when collecting on tit
Bogong High Plains. In each instanve, T found them reating
on wet, moss-covered stones, adjacent to a waterfall ; and as
hoth were females, it is highly probable that their bees ate
laid in such situations, Specimens taken in the Grampians,
and olheérs at Kinglake, were, in each. ‘meses, eaptred ‘close
to waterfalls.

A delightful: genus is Gynoplistia, and one of which 4
considerable number of species occur in this State. They are,
mainly, brightly coloured flies, often with more or Jess
moitled wings, and with beautiful flabellated antenna.
&. hells, Walker, one of our sarbest described Tipulidae, is
perhaps the host known of them, as it is a widely-distribnted
insert. Its body is yellow, tipped with black, and its wings
are heavily mottled with black. Tt may sornetimes be found
upon the flawers of Bursaria spinosa, but whother it sips
nectar or not, I cannot say. T found it to be particularly
numerous on the creek at “Clarkefield upon | the occasion of
thé Jast Fisld Naturalists’ Club excursion. to that distriit.
Another fine species, although less brightly ecloured, is G.
wilsonella, Alex. M.S., which 1 captured in some numbers at
Hajl’s Gap, ip the Grampians, during November Jast. One
of the smallest and most, drah-looking “members of the genus,
was distovered in the Traralgon district by our Club member,
Miss Jean Galbraith, and named in her honour by Tr.
Alexander.

ed . Winsor, Condorning Civve Wiies, an

‘the genus, Molophilus, is, from the point of number of
species, one of our most important geneva, anil, so Far, nearly
50. different kinds have been recorded fram Vistoria, Prac
fically all of them are dingey-looking flies of small size, and
with strongly fringed wings. Although many of the species
greally resemble one another, an eXamination of their
Iiypogea reveala strongly marked differences, They ate a
group in which expert knowledge is required for their deter-
mination, The genuz is alao fairly well represented in
Southern South America. By far the most beautiful Moloe-
philus J have seen is one L captured tast February an the
Bencairn-Donna Buang Road. Several examples were swept
from fern fronds at the head of a beech gully. With their
black and white ringed legs, black thorax, and whitish body
and -wings, they constitute one of the most distinctive Molo-
philt known, This little gem is being desiwihed by -Dr,
Alexander as Jf, titanea, his inspiration Yor the mame laying
come from Spencer’s ‘Faery Queen."

The largest Vipalu) we get bere is Semnates tnpere-
foria, Wesiw., a veritable giant, and, im my experience, a
rave insect, I have seen it only on two oveasions, once at
Belgrave, and again at Millgrove, and so far have not sue-
eeetod in netting a specimen. Another Crane Fly of con-
siderable wing spread, but of much more graceful build, is
Plustomyia. ollaffi, Sloise Ih ts a greyish-looking fly, with
darkish wings, relieved with large white patches, and with
particularly tong legs. I have taken jt at Ferntree Gully and
also on the Bogong Wigh Plains, so that it enjoys a wide
range of habitat, :

Two Crane Plies might be mentioned that are. charac-
terised by remarkable antennae, OL-these, by far the com-
monest 1s Macromastrig costata, Swed, in whieh the antenna
are uver fonr times the length of the body, giving it the
appearance of having eight legs. Two seasons ago there wag
an eruption of these ‘Daddies’* at Boronin, where the coun-
tryside seemed to be moving with them, ‘The other species is
Stibadercerodes tasmancnsis, Alex., in which the long antennuc
are plumose throughout their entire longth. This fly is a
lover of dark, moist gullies, and T have taken it at Belgrave,
Marysville, and in the Cumberland Valley

‘Another charming Crane Fly that also favours the dart
recesses of fhe fern gullies is Austrolimnophtla pristina, Alox,,
a targe dark insect, with beautitully mottled wings, When
Aying, it seems to harmonise with its surroundings, and is
most difficult to follow. On mere than one occasion I have

a Wirson, Concerning Crone flies, [y i aft?

disturbed them from the mass and fern bedecked trunks of
tree-ferns. Personally, | consider this the finest Crane Fly
known, to mo; bot, of course, tastes diifer.

One cannot dismiss the subject of Crane Flies without
commenting upon the genus Macremastric, Gencrally, when *
they are upon the wing, everybody knows it, for they appear
in eountless thousands. So plentiful are some species at times,
that T have known pecasions when three or four sweeps with
the net would secure a full-sized breahfast cup of closely-
packed individuals, umelis, Skuse, and fergusonr, Alex,,
are probably the most. common forms met with near Mel-
bourne, <A heatiful species, that T obtained at Eltham last
year, early in April, has |jecn named tuleisubcastata by
Alexander. Visiting the same locality this year, but three
weeks later in the seuson, a whole afternoon's searching oniy
provided me with a single eSample. although, previously, the
species had been plentiful, Recently, Mr. J. Clark collected
a fine new species in Wastern Gippsland,

There are numbers of other genera af Crane Fics that
one could write about did space permit, but I think I tave
mentioned enowgh to show that these insects furnish a most
intevesting ficld for collecting and research. I must confess
that I entered upon the gathering of Tipulidae with no great
enthusiagm, bnt the charm of the ‘‘Daldivs*' fast takes bold
nf oné, and acts as a spur to greater activity in the collecting
field.

TREE-CREEPER’S SLELPING QUARTERS.

For the [ourth year in succession, & Brown Treereeper-
Climacteris candens, has taken up sleeping quarters under the -
verandah of my house, at South Warrandyte. Fram the ealour,
the bird appears to be o male. On bis first appenranee he
selected n spot on the weafherbonrds, immediately above the
front door, but jn the following and third years, ¢hose a corpsr
position nearby. He appears about the end of March in oash
year, and takes his deparlure early in Scptember. His return
each evening at dusk fs heratded by several sharp totes, and If
any person is moving about nutr the door, the bird hovers round
tov a few minutes before going to his accustomed puren. Hiz
departure In the morning is atiowiced in the sme manners
during July file thne bas baen about 7,15 pum,

When he hos once settled down far the night, nothing disturbs
the frer-crceper, smd T have frequently had a torchilght focussed
on him for some time while showing visitors his restlne pince.
‘The boards of the house are of hardwood, stalned and varnished.
and it fs a mystery to we how he manages to cling to them,
ani rennin in the position all night. T noticed one night that
one of bis fert was not under his bady, but was oxtended at
an angle away fran him—tle other foot was Lowards the corner,
and I could net see it. Perhnps some of the Club‘’s ornithologists
may be able to explain what faculty the bird possesses to enable
it lo cling te a hard, gmooth surface, AKA.

Toon The Murray Tortoise, 95

THE MURRAY TORTOISE.

As a garden pet, the Murray Tortoise, Emydura Mac-
quart Gray, is familiar to many people who have never seen
the species in its natural haunts. And commonly it is ealled
“‘turtle,’’ a usage often defended by owners of these rep-
tiles, despite the plain evidence of ‘walking’? feet! In many
Melbourne gardens tortoises are kept; and, since they are
inciined to wander, we get records of the oeeurrence of Mac-
quarii in the most unlikely spots. Several reports of the
kind have recently been made, the latest coming from Caul-
field.

For nearly a year my wildflower patch, enclosed with
wire netting, has been the home of a Murray Tortoise, eap-
tured ont Footseray way. ‘‘Jimmy’’ is happy in his Ittle
realm. He has formed tracks among the plants, has sleeping

quarters beneath a clump of rainbow fern. and enjoys the
pleasure of a pool when he’s so disposed: he takes food, of
course, in the water.

During the winter my tortoise makes rare appearances;
a sunshine morning lures him from cover, and, at the aecus-
tomed place, by the gate, he waits for a meal—raw meat,
chopped small, and softened. He is tame as vou please, and
seems to distinguish my wife, who always feeds him, from
other members of the family. He may not be “‘brainy,’’ but
certainly shows signs of intelligence,

96 The Marroy Tortoixe. ee ort

In the Murray and its tributaries, and in some lakes
and lagoons of the great river basin, E, Macquarti is very
abundant. One summer, when bird observing at Lake Boga,
I observed hundreds of ‘‘mud turtles’’ in the warm, shallow
waters of the lake, and found nests in sand or dry ground
near the shore and many yards away. So plentiful were
tortoise nurseries, that boys had collected quantities of the
eggs, and were pelting one another with them!

Faint tracks from the water’s edge were followed, in
one case, for 200 vards; in another. for 50, to the sites of tor-
toise nests. The number of eggs to a ‘‘elutech’’ varied from
nine or ten to fifteen; they were white, and soft-shelled, and,
as a rule, not deeply buried. It is easy to serape open a
Murray Tortoise burrow, though not so easy to locate it,
unless freshly made.

T watched a tortoise at work, scraping, near the Swallow
Cliff, a hole in the sand which later contained eggs carefully
covered over.

At this season—-October-November—the sun-warmed
waters of Boga, near the Swallow Cliffs especially, were so
well stocked that the tortoises formed jostling crowds
close inshore. Many were leaving the water in quest of nest-
ing sites; scores were returning from inland excursions. The
reptiles were busy with their home-making, and in the low
cliff, round which they wandered, white-backed swallows,
Cheramoeca leucosternum, were nesting. To and from their
burrows and far over the lake the birds were flying, as indif-
ferent to the tortoises as the latter were to them.

C. BARRETT.

WINTER SWALLOWS.

On the morning of July 13 great numbers of Swallows (Uhel-
don neorenn) were observed fluttering a few fect above the lake
at Albert Park, and occasionally dipping to the surface; many
more were perched on the concrete margin or flying over the
grass. It was impossible even to guess at their numbers, but
they must have been in thousands. Looked at low across the
water, the birds appeared, at a distance, as a distinct, dark.
misty band. They were only around and over the southern halt
of the lake. the nerthern half being occupied by numerous sea-
gulls.

On the previous Sunday the swallows were observed in large
numbers around the northern end of the lake, but only a few
were over the water. From the park they extended into the
streets, nearly up to St. Kidla-road. It is known that the Wel-
come Swallow is partly migratory, and the question ts: Are
these large flocks parties of late migrants. or are they wintering
birds, banded together on account of supplies of food becoming
available in certain localities? , A.ELR.

The Victorian Naturalist

VOL. XLVI—No. 5. September 4, ase? , No. 549

-

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB oF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the
Royal Society's Hall on Monday, August 12, 1929. Mr. C.
Barrett (Vice-President) oceupicd the chair, and there were
about 120 members and visitors present,

The Chairman alluded feelingly to ihe deatl: of Sir Baldwin
Spencer, and called on members to stand, as a marly of respect
to his memory,

eT A,
CORRESPONDENCE.

From Sir Douglas Mawson, thanking. the Chib for the‘good -
wishes sent to him in conneetion with his. fortheaming
Antaroti¢ Expedition,

From the Conncil for Scientific and Industrial. Research,
regarding grants to research workers, and drawing attention
to an advertisement nf the position of draughtsman and
attist in connection with entomological investigations.

From Government Tourist Bureau, regarding proposed
Nature Study Camp in the Grampians in September. =

From Lady Spencer, acknowledging a letter of sympathy
from the Club’ in ednnéction with the death of Sir Baldwin
Spencer.

REPORTS.

Reports of excursions were given as follows :\-Natioual
Museum, Fossils, Mr. F. Chapman, AL. 8.5 Beare ts gre
birds, Mr. Wi Ti, Ingram, ar ah. gs

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.’

The following were duly elected on’ a show: of hands: —
Miss M. Cook, Glen Iris; Miss Iyslop, Malvern; .Mr.-D. B.
Adams, .Burnley; Mr: H. Jenkins, Heide:berg, ag ordinary
members. Miss M. Robertson, __ Misternwick, as associate
member. 1 ate MY

GENERAL,

Ethnological Section —It was intimated-thatthe- Comittee?
had decided-that the holding» of separate meetings: by the
Section sas not desirable, but that ethnological subjects would
be.imcluded in. the Jectures: ati the:monthly. meetings; of7the
Club -as circumstances :permitted..Ethnologieal’ exhibits, with:
comments thereon,::would be welcomesatcany Club:meetingiin.*

mg , bial Natratists’ OMdi—Proveedinysd, [iit a

LECTURES.

Miss J. C. Gookson, B.Ssc., gave an interesting iieerteoité ‘On
Ancient Plants, chiefly of the Silurian and Devonian Ages,
illustrated by specimens and lantern slides of photographs
and drawing's of fossil plants) Mr, I. Chapman, A.L5.,
spoke on some Extinet Plants of Later Horizons. His talk
‘was illustrated -hy-lantern slides of dvawings-of Tossils and
restorations of ‘the, forest vegetation of the Var Age,

EX AIBITS,

| By Mr. F. A. Cudmore—Fossii Planis trom Upper Car-
boniterous of Radstock, Somersetghire, Mngland.; | Fossil
Leaves frou below Linda Falls, Leura, Blne Motntains
(Carbopermim); Fossil Plants from Nurzabeen, north of
‘Sydney. (Trias- Jura).

By My. FL G. A. Barnard —CGrowine plant of Mudnwbhrl:
Botrychium australe, obtained at Oakleigh, ‘September, 1887
hits forty-second scason).

By. Mr, Aw EL Opperman-—Growmg plant of “Moonwort,
(Botrychinin australe, obtained at Lysterfield, September:
1938_ |
' By Mx. ©. J. Gabrie] —Marine Shells: Umbraculum carte
aahis Tate, Victoria; U! staicum. Gmel,- Mauritius.

By My. VY. H. Miller —Aborigina] axe, from Trentham.

sy Mr. A. Mattingley —Aboriginal stone axe-head, found
at. Altona last week-end,

By Dr. H. Flecker —Shkiagrams of (a) Ophadurotds and’
(b) Aplysias from specimens collested at Altona by Mr, A.C.
Nilson. '

By Mx. W. Hanks, —Graptolite, Monapraptve colonis Bar-
rande var. compactus Wood, in blae mndstone, the first from
Coburg.

“By My. Fe ‘Chapinan, AL8.—Specimens of Foss)}_ Plants.
by conrtesy of Director of the National Musewm —Car-
boniferotis—Lenidodendsan: ‘Sagenuria; Calanttes; Newra-
“plaris; Alethopteris; Sphenapteris; Peconteris; trom the coal
measures of Prngsia. Cotita—Tuemonteris, Nilssonta;s York
shire. England. Lepidddendran Veltheiminnnm; Car-
boniterous of Mansfield, Victoria. . Lepidodendron . atistvale ;
Star Beds, Drummond “Range, Queenslandi! -PERMOGAR
nOoNtmEROUR-CHoxlant ey; 18 4 Br Otuinacnen from - Alasey,, River,
Tasmania. Ss . ,

By Dr. 0.8. Sutton. —Capaules of Eucotypes Jtanerfinna
‘ind EL. pyr ifor mis, illustrating extreme difference in: sine.

Pat i Fiolt Noturatiats! Clxv—Pruceedings 99

By Mr. ©. Boreh:—Case of Butteifies, Wood-brown
species,

By Miss I. Cookson.—Fossils illustrating: her lecture,

By Mr. BE, BK, Peseotr, F.1.i8. -- Flowering sprays ot Theyp-
dumene ialyvina, from his carder,

By Mr. 8, R. Mitchell:—Baat- bnilcing adae, from Putra
Village, near the confluence of the Fly and Strickland Rivers,
Papua, showing what can be, called the sovket-hole method of
hafting w-stone implement. Several sbrong adzcs of a very
simple fype that have been fashioned by grinding a embting
edge'au one end of long, flat river pabhes,

1

DOU : NATURE TRAILS.

Five yenrs ago » happy thought oeeurred lo De, Tink 3B,
Lutz, curator of the Department of Insect Life in the American
Museum of Niinral History, New York. This was. to form a
Nature Trail near the city im some fract of land of sanetoery
that was Rept in as nearly natuyal a condition a possible. and
where penple. when out of doors, conld be told about Hohn, and
could see living specimens in natuys (h enviroumientta. 7

Phe experinent was Leied of marking Our two Nabare Wrnids
in the Baoiman State Park, Tuxedo,. New York = ,'Phese. trails
were roughly ¢iredlur, and about 1% inches wide, and lalf--mile
In lengih. One wus enlled the “Training Trail" the “ollrer the
“Testing Trail" Qn tht fivst a few of “the ‘easy pid moat in-
teresting things, axpoeiiily those conceming which there ts nopu-
lar inisinforsnitton,” were picked oul—tlhe way ol the bied, best
or inseek, 2 roel formation, the growth of a plant, flower or a
seed, the amemies of plant Ufc, ibe denizens af a swamp, fn break
ov 4 2tream, ete. ete ‘These items’ were selected and iibolied
appropriately, The naderlying iden, “the spirit of rhe TProaining
Trail’ was “that a friend is taking a walk with you and pointing
ot interesting {bings,”

tn the “esting Trail thera were no informative Jabels., but
the visitor wis supplied with Ad omubered qnestious ahout the
plints and the insects, alone the frail, Fle eoulk wrire fhe
noawers. and have their correctiess tested by an official, or test
theny himsai at the end oof the trail by eoniparison with fhe
unswers posted wp fof tha purpase, The Trails were placed so
that they might be easy of secess ro matoving people. hut especially
fo fase trom the tewns ov chty i camps, in whieh thousands
of chilfven every ‘summer are resident, each far a week or more,

In three couitinents the imayvement boas spread, giving zeal and
ho mew outlook to camping excursions. Why should such a com-
mbndable project Tot be instituted in Australia under similar
conditions? Tn Vietori#; Wilson's . Promontory. Sassafras. the
Dandenong Reserve. the Strate forests and similar jveas Snggest
themselves as suitable for the Purpose or even’ Studley Park.
‘Wattle Pari ‘and Royil Park, ‘eleer oi) tand. » Teetuvee «about
ature, museums, und -urticles in looks sant Innyasines are atl
helpful, but. with Nature Trails ibe great. advantage. is that things
are seen aud-at first hand, out-of-doors, studied, and, information
fiven about them can be practically verified,

GITAS. PALEY S

100 Commnmtax, A Now Greenhopt Ovenid. — [ yt xe

A NEW GREENHOOD ORCHID.

By (Mrs.) EB, Corman,
Plerostylis Rogerist, CoMRMAN, NSF,

Planta terrestris 10-20 em. alts’ robustion quam P.
veflena TR. Br, Gaulig papillasus. Folia basilariq Crasu-
lata) absentia dum planta floreat. Folis’ caulina 4-7 a terna
lanceolata’ pene-transparentia basi amplexivanlia, intima
bractacsa, euperiora ad 5 em. longa. Flos solitarius trans-
lueeng albus vel vifreus, perianthi segmentig cotumna, ata
labello rubide-striatis. Galea circa 4 cm. longa, ejng seg-
mentis sub-aeqaule-longis paullo sed non abruptie curvatis.
Labium inferius erectum sinu acuto, lohi 5-6 em. longi in
erectos filiformes apices galeam superantes producti. luabel-
jum ungni irritabili valide vecuryum apice aliquando cir-
cinato per smum profrudente, lamina sipra canalicu'ata
circa 2 om. longa, linea elevata Jongitudinalis in medio ad
apitem longum teres saepe emargimatum vel truncatum,
marginibus anterioribue breviter ciliatis, appendice hasali
ohseure 3-lobato penicillate valide recurvato, Columna erecta.
alae angulo superiori in brevem ereetam oabtusam dente
producto, vix altiorem quam anthera, lobus juferior elongatus
oblongo-obtusnus marginibus ciliatis, Stigma in columnae
medio ¢uleitaferme elongatum oblongo-pvale vel ellip-
ticum, .

W.A—Bunbury and Collic, Miss Iris Banks, Jnly, 192%:
Busselton, Rev. KE. Bryant, June, 1928, and July. 1929. Col.
BR. 'T. Goadhy, July, 1929,

Plant. terrestrial, 10.20 em high, of stonter habit than
P_veflera R.Br. Stem papillose. Radical leaves not present
at time of flowering; stem-leayes 4-7 a lernate, lancrolate,
semi-patent, clasping at the base, bract-like below, up to 5
ent, above. Wower solitary, translucent white or grey, with
rufous stripes an perianth segments column and labellum.
Galea about 4 am. long, the three sepmenta sub-equal,
slightiy but not abruptly curved, Lower lip erect, sinus
acute; lobes 5-6 cm. long, produced into erect filiform points
embracing the galea. Labellum on an irritable daw,
markedly recurved, tip sometimes eircinate, protruding
through the sinus: lamina channelled above, abont 2 cm.
long, a raised Jongitudinal line trayerstng the centre. taper-
ing to a long, obtuse point, the apex usually emarginate or
truncate, its anterior margins shortly eiliate; basal apnen-
dage obscurely three-lobed, penicilate, markedly recurved.
Column ereet; upper angle of wing produced into a short,
erect, obtuse tooth, searcely higher than the anther; lower

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Vou XLVL September, 1929,

Plate V.

=
=
#8:
yA

R.Br.

P:

tard
a
=
ne
~
~
~
°
x
a
>
ad

P,

ey COMEMAN, A New Greenhood Orehtd. 10k

Jobe elongated oblong-obtuse, margins fringed, Stigma in
centre of column, Gushion-shape, clangated oblong-oval, or
elliptieal.

Realizing the very great classtficatory value of herbarium
material, 1 have based the separation of this species’ on such
characters as are apparent in dried specimens, features which
appear to he constant, Somewhat resembling P. reflexa, R.Br,
and P. revolute, R.Br, externally, it, differs from both in im-
portant features, ie, the upright habit of the floral parts,
the length and shape of the galea, particularly of the dorsal
sepal;in the greater length and shape of the labellum, in the
position aud shape of the stigma and colunin wings; in the
acute einus between the lobes of the lower lip, and im the
vegetative leaves.

In P. rejlexo the lamina of the labelium gradQally narrows
{0 dn acute point. That of P. revoluta ts acute, but shorter.
Bentham forind diffienlty in separating these two species anil
grouped them together. Mueller evidently followed his
example. TWitzg¢erald’s A is generally aceepted as the plant:
from which Brown wrote his doscription of P. refleza, His
specimens game from Port Jackson,

The new species is both abundant and beautiful, For this
reason, I think it shonld bear the name of Dr, BR, 8. Rogers,
M.A., M.D., F.L.8., whe has dove soch fine work on Aus-
tralian orchids, and who has been so generons m assisting
gate workers in the same field, both in Vietoria and the other
States-

For my speeimens of FP, Rogersti 7 am indebted to Miss Iris
Banks, df Bunbury; Colouel B, 'Il’. Goadly, of Cottesloe, and
the Rev, KB, Bryant, of Busselton, 1 am also indebted ta Mrs.
Edith Rich, of Rushworth, Victoria, for specimens of
P. revoluta, and to Rev, H, M. R. Rupp, of Paterson, N.S, W..
for specimens of the type form of P_reflexa, for comparison,

The type of P. Ragersii is in the National Herbarinn, Mel-
bourne,

IM Victoyla, ay glaewhere, gpecimens. of fredk fowers are not
mtogether uncommon. Hut such an abnorinality as 1 tound ow
August 25, 1929, at-Greengborough, Victoria. is worth reoordine.
This was 4 Greephoed Orchid (Ptanstyiis conciniga, R.Br). Norinat
as regard size and colour, but with three Jateral sepals, three
lateral, or paired. petals, three colinni wits abd iwo bradts in-
stead of the usual solitary uppermost bract.—W, H. NIGHOLLS,

i

102 Sir Rotiwir Spencer, KOWG, BRS P¥T5 a

SIR BALDWIN. SPENCER,-K-CM.G,, FURS...

The death of Sir Baldwin'Spencer has deprived Australia
of one of her most widely known and distinguished scientists,
and onr club of oné of the most highly “respected. of its
mainhers. His death, ale, to heart failire, occurred on. July,
14, at Ushuata, it the. extreme south of Patagonia, while he
was pursding his ‘anthyppological researches amoung the primi-,
tive inhabitants of that remote country. i

Born at Stretford, Lancashire, England, in 1860. Baldwin,
Spencer was educated at Owens College, Manchester. where
he won the Dalton Prize for Botany and Camparative
Anatomy, He was clected to the open sciences scholarship at
Hxeter, College, ‘Oxford, in 1881, and gained his B.A, degree,.
with first-class honours, in Natuwal Sctagce: Tu 1985 he was!
appointed assistant to the Tinacre Professor of Human and’
Compavatiye Anatomy: ‘at Oxford, and in thé:same year was
alected. a Kellow of the Lincoln College. He was appointed
Professor of Biology at the Melbourne University in’ 1887.
and beld that position, with marked dstinetion, until 1919;
and ‘in the following year was appointed Emeritus’ Professor,

Tmmediately ‘followmy his arrival in Melbourne bis activi-.
fies beeame apparent, The Biology S¢hool, with which his:
name will always be assoriated, was built.to his own design
On July 14th, 1887: he was eleeted a member of the Royal
Society of Victoria. and in the same year contributed his first;
paper, The Anatomy of Meagascolides australis, whieh formed
the first, article published in the new series of T'ruasactions
issued by the Society, In March of the following year he
was elected 4 member of the Clonneil, and immediately en-
fered into the-work of the Society with enthusrasm. - Krom
1889-1898 hevfilled the positinn of Honorary Secretary, edit-
ing the publications and taking a leading part in all work
associated: with the Society, ive scope of his activities war
wide, and, he! was able to bring to bear on scientific-matters a
well*trained, and, keen Antellect and a bigh capacity. for
aviginal research, He was very popular, and soon became
known to évery-worker; | taking a personal interes in ‘their
investigations, ‘and never tio busy to give advice, assistayice
and encouragement,

Through his influence the membership ‘ot the Socicky wax
noticeably «imeressed and:-the scope of research- broadened,
He was elected President of the Society in 1404, and was

also a Trusteg,' He contritinted” nuomerons aMieles on biplogi-

eal and.other, subjects, all. of which bear evidence of that
degree of thoronghness and attention to detail which wats: BO
characteristic of al) his work. -

1929 Sir Baldwin Spencer, KOM. FRA, LS

Tle becanie a_wember of the Pietd Naturalists’ Clib ain
August, 1887. and thronghout the whole of Jris 42 vears’ asso-
éiation with the Clob his interest never waned; Won many
years he attended the meetings regularly, and took a- promi~
vent part in its activities, He was particularly interested in
field, work, and took part in many excursions. He was onc.
of a “party of Field Nataralists which, in November, 1887,
visited King Island—al. that time ut little known amd
sparsely setiled. Notwithstandmg the diffienlties encoun-
tered, the greater part of the island was explored, and as
fairly complete consus of the fauna and flora recorder. ~

Professor Spencer also took an active part, in an expedition
through Crsajingalong in Detamber, 1888, in company with
Messrs. C French, D, Best, 0, Prost and J. Searle, and wrote.
an extremely interesting and Iengthy narrative af the trip:
This was: published ‘im, the Vintaman Naluralat (Val. Vin
1889), together with several of his own sketches—the first!
iMusérations to appear in the Club’s jonrnal. 'Phis’ trips aeen--
pied whout three weeks, and embraced a tramp of more than
300 miles an foot through , ime of the wildest and direst. hae
of Vietoriq., Again, in November, 1890, he was ona af ,
party: to explore the then little know n covintry from Aioves
ville and Woods Point to the Yarra. Falls. Details of all’
these expeditions were recorded, in the Naturadist, and added!
considerably to a knowledge of thase remote districts,

Tle was President of the Ciulr trom 1891-93, and again it.
1895-7; and only a few days before the sad news of his death
was anuouneed he was clocted an Flonorary Life Member:
His, lecturettes were always full of interest and the subjects”
well chosen, Among the papers read at the meetings may be,
mentioned ——

1892.—A Trip to Newcastle in Search of Cer ataduy fVol..
™™,, p, 16).

1895, —Colleeting Notes from Central Jemtionlia (Vo. X1.
yp. WR).

1895..--Preliminary Deseanyriet of a New {Speyen at Apus
(Vol. XI, p..J61). ,

-1899 sBomaeg on a Rare Movatibia) (Vor: x Vl, p. 105).

» 1906 ~The King Tsland Emu: (Vol. XXTES p: “yi9), “y

“1918 —What is Nardoo! (Vol. XEXV., p. 8): °

1918 —Kitchen .Middeans and Native Ovens (Vol: XXXVI
p. 113). ” ; Oral tN

1920.— The “Necessity for an Immediate: and. Co-ordinated
Investigation into-thée Land and Frésh-water Fanna af Anistl
tralia and Tasmania (Vo). SX XVIL, p. 120), ited De tal

104 Si Baldwin Spencer, I.0.M.G., PRS pM NSE

He also wrote memorial notices concerning Baron Sir
Ferd. yor. Mueller (Vol. XTV,, p. 87); Dr. A. W. Howitt,
CMG. (Vol, XXTV,, p. 181); Dr. T. 8. Hall (Vol, XOX NIT.
p. 128}; G. A. Keartland (Vol. XLIIL, p, 48),

Iniluded among his activitics, prominence must be given
lu the part he took in securing the permanent. reservation of
Wilson ’s Promontory as a National Park and Sanetuary for
the native fauna and flora, The proposal originated with the
Fiehl Naturalists’ Club, and was strongly supported by the
Royal Society and other prominent public hodies, and after
manv years of striving with successive Governments, only
portion of the Promontory had been reserved, and.that tem-
porarily. Sir Baldwin (then Professor) Spencer was ap-
pealed to, and at once gave to it his whole-hearted support.
A public meeting representative of the various Soeieties and
bodies interested was held, followed by strong representations
being placed hafore the Government, with the result that the
whole of the Promontory was permanently reserved and
vested in a Commities of Management, of which Sir Baldwin
Spencer was Chaitman from ifs inception until his death.

The Professor joined the Horn Expedition jo Central Aws-
tralia, which feft Adelaide in May, 1894, and was one of its
most active members. More than three months were spent. in
the field and some 2000 miles of the interior traversed,- for
the most part on camels, In addition to uadertaking charge
of the Zoalogies] and Photographic seetions and aditing the
Reports of the Expedition, he dealt with the Mammatia.:
Amphibia and Crustacea, and described several new spactes.
Ho also wrote the Narrative and a Summary of the Zoologi-
eal, Botanical and Geological resulis. In. the Zoological sec.
tion G02 species and 398 genera were dealé with, of which 171
new species wore described, while most of the exce]'ent hus.
trations were reproduced from his own drawings. In the
following year, good rain having fallen, he again visited the
same district and added gonsiderably to the collections pre-
viously thade,

As a result of these trips and his friendship with the late
F. J. Gillen, he became interested in Anthropology. In econ-
junetion with Mr- Gillen, he wndertook an-cthno'ogieal, expee
dition through Central Australia to Darwin and thence to the
Gulf of Carpentaria, their jomit results al this rod previous
work being published in ‘‘The Native Tribes of Central Avs-.
tralia’? and ‘‘ Across Alistralia.'’ In 1914 the Professor pitb-
lished a further contribntion, in “The Northern Tribes of thr
Northern Territory.’? . -

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Vor. NUVI September 1929,

Plate VI.

SIR BALDWIN SPENCER

ey) Sit Baldwin Spencer, WMG, PRS. 1h

In 1912, al the request of the Commonwealth Government,
he aetad for one year as Sperial Commissioner and Chief Pro-
téctor of Aborigines in the Northern Territory, and after-
wards fnrnished a valuable report to the Government dealing
with the existing conditions af the natives and embracing im-
portant suggestions for their future treatment. Ta view of
his intimate know’ edge af their daily life and customs, and
his sympathetic interost in their welfare, a more suitable
selection could not have beén made, and the greatest ednfi-
dénne was reposed in his decisions,

On the death of Sir Frederick McCoy, who had held the
position of Diteetor of the National Museum from its foun-
dation in 1856 vntil his death, in May, 1899, Sir Baldwin
Spender volunteered his services ag Honorary Director, and
his offer was accepted. His first act was to recommend the
transfer af the Museum to its present site, a suggestion which
Sir Frederick McCoy had vigorously and successfully op-
posed forty vears earlier, and within a few moxths the whale
of the specimens were transferred and were being re-arranged
in the large hall previonsly occupied by the Industrial and
Technological Museum.

Pians were prepared for extensive and necessary additions,
the central portion of which was comp’eted in 1908, The
Aoologiaal collections, which had previously been arranged on
2. @eo¢raphical classification based on Wallace’s ‘‘Georrapbical
Distribution of Animats,’’ were re-classified an a Aaolagical
basta. A special feature of the new arrangement was 3 hall
devoted exclusively to the Australasian collections, and a few
years later a Children’s Room was added. His efforts on be-
half of the Museum were untiring, and hiv interest equally
keen in all sections of the Musenimn's activities, The cullec-
tions were greatly enriched by his generous dohftions, the
extent of which wi!l probably never be fully known. In ad-
dition to numndrons gifts of hacks, he quietly transferred the
whole of the Zoological collection, ‘numbering many thousands
of apecimens, including all his types, to the Museum, and
would not permif of even the usual acknowledgnient ‘bring
made,

During his expeditions ito the Northern Territory, Sir
Baldwin collected many hundreds of birds, all of which he
skinned himself, besides numerous small mammals, reptiles,-
and invertebrates. His greatest gift, however, and one with
which his name will always be intimately associated, was his
extensive atid invaliable Australian BEthnolagical Collection.
This not only embraced the various types of wooden aml
stane implements, serémonial and other objects, which be had

14 He Raliwin Spencer, WOME, MRS, Vie MEP

personally collected and which are represented in the Spencer
fall of the Museum, but included the whole ot his photo-:

graphic matorial and phonograph records. THis negatives
alone numbered nearly 1700 aud his lantern slides over 900,
all,of which he had personally catalogued_

He was recognised as the foremost autiwrity on all ipres-
tions relating to the aborigines of Australia, Throughout his»
work is evidence ot that pationce and careful observation for
which he was noted, his great aim‘being to make it as. Lrust-
worthy and free fvom error as was possible. In recognition of
his work on Anthrophlogy, he was elected an Honorary Fel
iow of the Anthropological Institutes of Great Britam and
Ireland, Italy, and Washington, and a Correspondent of the
hpcrial Academy of Seienees at St. Petersburg. For his
researches in Natural Scienve he received fram fhe Royal’
Society of New South Wales, in 1923, the Rabin Branwhite
Clark Medal,

‘Although so widely known as a scientist, his ability as an
artist also was of a high standard, He was a keen lover of
Art, a competent, judge and ‘a friend of the artist, while Ins
influence as 2 patron of Australian art was considerable. In
1926 he was presented with the.annual medal of the Society
of Arts.in Sydney.

Jn addition -to the degrees of MA. and DSc. Siv Baldwin
held the degree of Doctor of Letters. He was President ot
the Professorial Board of the Melbourne University and a’
member of the University Council from 1904-17; President.
of the Australasian Associajion for the Advancement of
Scierice in 1921; Vice-President of the Public’ Library,
Museums and National Gallery of Victoria until his resigna-
tion, Jast year; a Fe'low of the Royal Society of Lindon; a
Corresponding” Member of’ the Aonlogical Soniety, Jiendan,
and amember of the Court of Directors of the Royal Himmane
Society’ of Australia. A keen enthusiast in athletic sport, he’
was for several years President of the Vietortan loothall-
League and first President of the University Sports Club, the®
members of which presented hin with an inscribed silver.
Loving Cup, as a token of their affection and esteem, Ini
recognition, of -his services Lo ‘science. he was created a Cum-
panion of St. Michael’and St. George in 194. and was
Knighted in W16.- 0 or.

Sir Baldwin Spencer Jefi, Ausiralia. for London in Aptil,.
1927, in order -personally-to superintend the publication at;
hie book on “The Avrunta,” issued in two volumes, on the:
completion of which it was lis intention f6 return to Mal-'.
bourne! The great snecess of his hook) however; indinced him

Beet] Sr Baldwin Spencer, K CANO. PIB. 10%

to carey ont an earlier expressed intention to write another
book on the game subject, hat in a wore popular form, ree
vesulted in the appearance, towards tha ont of 1928, “ot
“Wanderings in Wild Australia,’ issued in two. yolumes,:
and protiusely Ulustrated with his awa drawings and phate
vraphs, ,

With the completion of his hooks, his restless nature. even.
at his advanced age, called for further activities in dhe’ field
of vesearch, and this was apparently provided by an appar-
tunity, w hich be could not resist, to aludy the customs of the’
primitive inhabitants of the sonthernmost part of Patagonia,
Here he w is destined to dic, as he always-wished, in the mist
of ‘the work he loved,

His death ix a great lose, and by it the sejentifie ward ie
infinitely the poorer. His work remains an. imperishahle’
vecord, which Ww iN bear fnit and serve to stimulate those who’
strive to follow m his Footsteps. His generons nature, his’
wide sympathies and his. inspiring enthosiasm endeared "hit.
to all with whom he was brought into contact, and his meniéry’
will he held in esteom by aw ide eivele of friends, ;
ie JA. K,

an

att, ; NEW SCALE INSSCTS, :
The follwing Viebovian, Scale Insects (Coceils) have: receaiply::
been described (from specimens forwarded by Mr, . Frenel,
junr., Governinent' Biologist), by FT. Fiine, in Bullesin af Britn-

mélayical Researey, (Vol. XX.. Pro3. May. 792%, lyperial Gureart,
uf Entomology, Londow:—Patinspis syringe, on LilucoKew. Vite
(Cc, b, Plomridge): P. caltitris, on Oalittris—Lake Hatlul, Mallen,
Vie. (J. EL Dixon); Aspidiotus Lorarttha on Lorenithagd pendylas—
Elthain, Vie; Jepldosenteg hivh., on Ravksin Kervate—Bairms-
dale, Vie, (B.S. Wart); Lb. svbntven, on Calycothrin teteagore—
Tm booin,~ Vie: “(C, French, jonr.; Pseu dumidia~ steno phayttag, Ob
Acivie stenopikyieo—Hatluh, Vie (4, BE, Dixon).

The paper. "General Observations at the Austratian Ploin,” by
Mr! J. W. Andas, F.L.S., F-RiM.S,. read before ‘the Austtalian
Assodaiion for the Advateement of Sctence, Hobatt , meetings’,
1928, bas heen published in booklet form. Spectal -features af|
(he flora are dealt with, and ts extent and distribution: the,
most important fninijies wre described, also some of the uoxtous.
weeds; A broad, comparative view of the flora, completes | “the
Hhrochure, ; , \

ir

‘

‘44n' unusual visitor to the vicinity of tho Botnitent Gardena.,
Melbourne, recently. was a Blue Kingfisher, AMYONE aera, The!
bird, perched on a stone on the -bank of the river, was obgervid:
to,rise about hatf an inch on its legs, with 4 jerky motion, every.
fow. seconds. I also 1oted a Java’ Dove, 80 Neatly . black ee
Wat the ring around, Bie neck Was almest invisible - deyaa'4

) ’ Ni ’ (ahs

108 Austrian Foasil Plants Tete et

AUSTRALIAN FOSSIL PLANTS,

[Notes on an address, illustrated by about 30 lantern slides,
given by Mr, F, Chapman, A.U.S., F.G.S., in the form of a
geqnel to the very instructive paper on the oldest known land
plants, here and elsewhere, delivered earlier in the evening,
by Miss 1. C. Cookson, .MLSe,, at the Club’s meeting, August,
12, 1929, ]

Following after the evolution of the Pstlophyton flova, true
ferns and the swamp diving Cardaites came into existence,
In the Upper Devonian, for instance, as at Iguana Oreek.
Victoria, and the Genoa River, in New South Wales, there js
the fern Archaooptens Jountit, another species of which was,
at about the same period, Rourishing in the Upper Devonian
of Jreland, Tha Sphanopterts iguenensis also lived in the
same Vietorian locality at that time, whilst a related species
bas been found in Devonian rocks at the Genoa River, The
Corduites of the Iguana Creek beds is not common. and it
is also found at Rystone avd Eden, in New South Wales.

With the incoming of the Carboniferous stages, the
palaeogeographic conditions in Australia were very different
from those of Europe and North America, where the @reat
coal forests were developed, For here, although the giant
Iveopod, Lepidedendran, has left much evidence of its
former existence, the remains wete never s0 abundant as to
make conspicuous coal-beds, ax was the case in the European
coul-fields. Some of the specimens of a Lepidodendron,
from the Star Series of the Drummond Range, show excellent
woody structure, and as perfect as in some modern trees,

The Atistvalian Horse-tails were, in the Carboniferous, re.
presented by Asterocalamitey and by the genus Calamites
itself, though this latter plant, attaining to the height of treek
in Great Britain, was here very much smaller,

The best-known of owr priaeozoic fossil plunts is un-
doubtedly the once-supposed fern, Glossonteris. Since then
' Dr, Walkom has clearly shown that the presenee of the seale-
leaves indicated the presenea of seeds. and these have naw
been found, and deseribel by Walkom asx Minmmate-
spermium. And not only this, the seeds have heen sectioned
and their internal structure studied. j

The origin of the Bog-head Coals and the Kerasene Shales
has long been a subject for discussion amongst palaeo-
botanists. The Sentech Boghead, Tortanite, the Keroséne
Shale of New South Wales, an] many others. have beeh
générally aseribed to the ageney of a plant thallis; in the
ease af the Australian ail shale, te « snamher of the Volsa-

wept) Awatraiian Possft Plowts, los

cinege (by MOL Renault and Bertrand). Later on the
opinion of certain botanists veered round to the spore origin,
but mieroscopic structure does not support this idea. Rein-
hardt Thiessen, m 1925, compared the organism of Kerosene
Shale with an alga he had identified in the Coorong, of South
Austraia, under the name of Elaeophyton, There is goad
evidence that this view ig correct, and that the thallophyte of
the Permocarboniterons is still forming ‘‘mineral rubber.’

The eo-culled White Coal of the Mersey Vailey, Tasmania,
was in the first place regarded by B. T. Newton as largely
composed of spares. It is more than tikely, however, that
even these may turn ot to bea peculiar form of thallophyte
allied, to Elaeophytan, This, T believe, wilh form a. research
study by Miss f. C. Cookson ‘when she returns to Melbourne.
An intereating fact in connection with the Tasmanife shale
is the occurrence of the thin-shel’ed fosetl, Aviewopecten,
enibedded in the rock. These paper-like ahells must have
been blown into the sapopelie lagoons from the seashore, at
the time of the accumulation of the rock.

The Triassic flora was well represented by stich species as -
the Horse-tail, Sehtzoneura, from the Hawkesbury Sandstone;
carly forms of Taeniopteris, a doubtful fern; the broad- leuved
Macrotaeniopteris and J'hinnfe'dia, a true fern, found yery
commonly in the rocks of the Rlue Mountains, as well as in
the coal beds of Leigh’s Creek, in South Australia.

In Victoria, the Walloon Series of Queensland is seen in
ihe black coal beds of Gippsland. There the predominant
plant of the coal deposits is an Arancarian, Aranearites
Burklyi, and others. ‘he most anciont representatives of the
dicatvledanons p’ants in Agstealia seem to be those from the
Styx River Series, and which, as an other wountries, show a
resemblance, but not identity, with those of Tertiary and
lining forms,

Fossil leaves described by Ettingshausen from Queensland
as from the Cretaceous are now known to he of Tertiary
age. In Victoria, one of the oldest of these leaf-hearmng de-
posits is found ‘mer the older basalt at Berwick. Notwith-
standing the interest of this leaf-bed, the Olub has not, to my
knowledge, vistted the locality, There we find many ‘eenern
of living ahruhe and trees, but of extinct species. The
Euca'ypis alone are of surpassing interest, for they show an
admixtire of archaic and modern types. Associated are re-
preseniatives of a warmer climate, such as Cinnemomun.

Reference was also made to the anvient Eucalyptus of the
Deep Leads, ofthe Dargo High Plains, allicd to our. modern
EB. fictfolia, This and the other associated leaves must have

'

110 dydbiadian, Fousil Plineta. wit? Bet

heen washer (nto, alluvial fans when Hija high levels were
close to. the coast-line,

That our present flora is very ancient was shown by the
-Aigcuve wy of skeleton lanves ta the brown coal af the Moor-
tands in South Australia, by Sir Douglas Mawson, al the New
South Wales Wavatal (cf, Yelapea apeciosissima) and of
Benkzie margerala These were so perfect that, after reeer-
ing them through the post, L amounted them as transparencies
on slides, These leaves must. have fallen’ on the old Jand-sur-
fave at least three million YEMS ALO, since when that area
sank beneath the sta and a’ great deposit of -polyzoal lime-
shone was (leposibed ahave it, Other Tertiary planta of
especial interest were deserihed- ‘amenyst which were the
Ginkga, fram Mrrwell, avi of the-brown coal.

FOSSIL GALLERIES DF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM,

‘The @xyeursion. on Saturday, Joly 37. was well attended. the
Club embers being joimed by a large and enthusiaxtic body of
young nrduvalish from the Morniag ton Kidd Chib wuder the
puidance of the Rev. Ceorge Cox.

_ After examining the more recent acguirements to, fhe: uollection,
such as fhe Teilobites (rom Kinglake, and the vemarkably large

Siluwan stwfiad frou. the pow Lesowned brick-pit at Brunswick,
Wwe fanned to-some of the exhibits fiche adjoining wall-case. Here
4re sven Ane speommens of the Old’ Red Sandsetong tshes, fret,
bronehr to fighl by ie baker-genlogist, Ryberh Diek, und fle
stoneuiteon, Hugh Milka, Dillereiees: fran modern: hashes were
“pointes ant ‘Then the cuvious way 1) which fishes are supplied
with teeth came in for ex shure of enquiry, for some are furnished
with cocth on un endless band. while ofbers live che old Leeth
tuckel awiy an a spite) dentare. aud, ageid, there ave (he
zanoids of the Fupidolus typo, with there mies of teeth arranged
Ih an everascending series of bathons. Some recent, clisooyertos
ot Nageerty, by Mr. EB. S. Hille, of the Universily of Melbourne,
were referred (o, and thely- relationship to rame atharg foune im
Canada. was pointed ont in the wall-tase;

The ghunts of the collection told their shore by their enrtous
tovrmation of jaw, limb and backbone. The kinship of the 3Jfega-
thevium with’ the abnost impossible CYyloden, woe shown by thr
‘form of the forepart of the skull and, although in the one cage
the sninyn! was (Lotheck with tongt skin, in the other it hav a
bony trirass,

(Of ‘the Ausiration foxsils, perhaps tie most. attractive wee the
fine replica skeleton of the ipretadom- This giant animal, por
30 lone age, ronmedt tliroughont, (he leagth and. breadth af the
land wherever there was luscious herbage and moist conditions.
Other objects, exhibifel in thea wall cases, were ancient pearthy:
nautil, corals af the old Silurian reefs, jsea-Wrehins of the ant
_ghove-Hine bordering the Myrrav Gulf, and fe inapatfieent Ble bs
of graptolites.

tn recerding these nales of nm yisit to the fossil Fallerles Y
would like te say “how pleasing tr hus heen. to me during my
official connection with fhe: National, Museum- to have wad zhe
privilege of conducting, so many times, parties of brother Fieki
Maturolisty over the fine collectiang that have been e-mr ehorst
since March 1902, F.C,

repr] , Pascory, Hloro—Broken Aitl to Maotivingec WL

‘ FLORA BETWEEN BROKEN HILL AND |. ©:
MOOTWINGEE. eee
By Dowarp E. Prsvorr, PLS... 1

The flora of the .o-ci)led Desert country around Broketz
TH! and between (hat place and the famous’ Mootwhigee
Range, nearly 100 piles to the north-east, is of great interest
io one coming from the south. The rainfall is very slight,
Broken Hill enjoying an average of only about. JO aneches: a
‘year, while further north the ‘vaintall is ‘eonsiderably Jess.
At one’ place of cat) hatween Broken Mil) and. Mootwingee,
we learned thar na rain lad fallen for more than tive years!
‘And yet such a country and climate has its fora, Par

Here we ser the socalled ‘‘Spinifex,’ Priedta teyttansy Yo
well named by Robert Brown. The toot or twa long, stiff,
‘vigid leaves, each sharply pointed, are irritating enough to
ariyhady. No wonder that the Kookaburra aeroplane’ cond
nit take off in spinifex country, especaatiy as Prodi grows
im very light, thin sand, This plant is the seurea of the
spinifer gum, so frequently ysed by the aboxigines for fas-
tening: their stone weapons on to the woody portions, ov

Uther than this species, at the dime’ of out? visit (March,
‘19295, very little grass was scen snyWhere, Tn most plades
an odd plant of the ever-present Duhthonia showed miosaily
“through its tutts. At Mootwingee itsel!', neaa one of the rock-
pools, same wonderfully fine planh- af one af the kangaroo
PY asses, Themeda manihranaced, were hixuriating
| A notable tree in these districts is the Leopard-wood; Fits.
dersta macilasa, which is both beautiful and ‘yernarkable. ‘Tt
commences Life as no sinall cluster of thorns. ‘Uhese thorns
-and thorn branches increase im sive and’ area, until a small
thorny bnsh, withont definite structnre, is growing in: en-
tangled form. Then presently a central stent shoots bp,
growing taller and taller, carrying with i the thorn masses,
ultimately becoming a shapely tree, often withont any ign
of a thorn at all. These thorn masses usally hang tm ‘the
crotch nf the tree until decay causes’ their disappearance.
The trnnis of the tree is heavtifully blotehed’ and spotted
white and brown, with spote from the size’ of a'shilling pide
aud rauch Jarger, Hence is derived the w oll-desarved name
of Leopard-wood.

Another notable plant met with is € samt bene dteff alien.
belonging to Rubracene, which produces fruity lass than an
‘ineh an diameter, These well-favonred acidulons' fritits are
eoinmon!y nsed for making sninmer drinks, and qtiite palat-
‘able drinks they are, Sir Thomas: Mitchel) refers to this
pliunt im his Journeys in, Tropical Aniteatia”” . it Won dis-
wavered by him in 1846. i ; 44

Another fvniting tree frequently met with, both ‘at tie
vanges and in the npen country, is the Desert Lime, Areme-
citrus Austrelasier, The fruits 4f this wild oratige or Tithe

412 Pew. Fiore—Broken Hat to Mootwingée.

( yee itae

are very small, birt some day a greaz plantsman may develop
them into ¢ommercial gize. .And while we are waiting,

Ameriea possessex nany hundreds of thousands of young seed-
lings of this tree in nurseriss, ettenipting ita development, and
lesting it also for stock purposes.

Two bulboug plants of the Amaryltia, family are ovea:
sionally seen im soft soils; they are the Darling Lily. Crinum
flaccidum, and the Garland Lily, Calostemma purpurenm,
which were in Jower al the time of our visit; the former with
Jarge, white, fragrant Bower elusters, and the latter like a
sinal] rise-pink cluster Narcissus, The bulbs are very deeply
rooted in the soil—to avoid dying ont in drought times—and
several attempts to dig them up failed.

Among the Mootwingce rocks were fonnd plants of the
almost, universal Rock-lern, Chedanthes temafolia, possibly
the nearest wdjacent living witnesses to the remarkable work
of rock carving of the aborigines,

One of the veatly beantifnl plants of the district is
Solanum Sturtit, low plants not a couple of feet in height,
which were simply massed with beautiful yiolet coloured
flowers, biooming in greaf profusion in dry places. This
should make a welcome addition to our garden shrubs, if we
could induce it to grow under cultivation.

Ai, Maotwingee, two uncommon shrubs—or uniecmmon te
sonthernars—vwere seen, They were Petalostyhis lbichoidas
and Abution otncarpum. The Petalostylis' wag a landsome
shrub with bright-green foliage, giving on abundance of rich
yellow, Cassia-like flowers. It is the next genus io Coxsta in
Legumingsae,

. There were ne Orehids, but Dr, William Macgillivray told
ug that the Mitchell -Greenhood, Ptercostylis Mitchet, hack re
zently been collected in the district in the spring time, There
were-many typically Australian plants, including the
Neale, Acaote Leder, a bountiful tree; the Mulea, Bolloek
bush, Needle bush, Belar, Black Oak, and others; while at
Mootwingee the ever-present. Red Gums, Bucalyptts rostrata,
ahowed their white trunks, glistening in the moonlight and
shining in the sun,

Tare plants of the mtrodnecd ova were common around
Broken Hill, The pale’ form of the Mexican poppy, Arge-
mone mexiorna Luteo, was displaying its beautiful open lemnon
eploured flowers, mnch paler than those of the species ; while
Zommon was tho Tobacco bush, Nicotiana glauca,

One mournful riote must. be struck, and Lhat ia, as.a result
of dronghts and over-stocking, many ‘plants ure disappearing.
Notably this iv trua ef the Desert’ Rose, Cienfugosia Staurtit
(Gossypitim Sturtii), one of our most Veautifol ‘ floweriog
shrubs, which is‘growing in Dr. Macgilliveay’s gardén. 4+ is
reported as being extinet in its wild state im these districts,
and in areas further north.

_The Victorian Naturalist

Voi. XA XLVI—-No. 6. October - 10, , 1929 No, _ 550

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the
Royal Society's Hall on Monday, September 9, 1929. The
President, Mr. P. R. AL St. John, orcnpied the chair, and
there were about 120 members and visitors present.

Vhe President alluded to the death of Mr. H. li. Torpy,
a member since 1926, and that of Mrs, H. Hughes, and called
on the members, present to stand for one minute in respect -
for their meniories.

CORRESPONDENCE,

From Sir Alexander Peacock, K.C.M.G., regretting is
inability to be present to open the Wildflower Show, and
wishing it every success,

From Mr, A. K. T, Sambell, of the Westernport and Phillip
Island Shipping Service, drawing attention to the attractions
of Phillip Island as # holiday resort.

Rurorts.

Reports of exeursions were given as follows: :—Freuthmont,
East Ringwood, heath, ete, Mr, F. G. A. Barnard; South
Morang, botany, cte,, Mr. A. J, Tadgell.

Exection or MEMBERS,

The following were duly elected on a show of lands :—As
ordinary members: Mr. C. H. Metcalfe, State Treasury, Me)-
bourne; and Miss A. Janes, Canterbury; as associate mem-
her: Master M_ Blackburn, junr., Essendon.

GENERAL.

AL motion was passed congr atnlating Mi. Chas. Franch,
sent,, a foundation and life memher of the Club, on his at-
taining his 90th bn-thday, on September 10.

Lucrurn.

Mr. J. A. Kershaw, FILS. delivered a very interesting
leeture on **Anstralian Marsupial Forms,” dealing with all
the families, including the Monotremes and the extinct
Diprotoden. His remarks were illustrated hy marsupial
skulls and.bones, numerous skins, and photographic lantern alides. |

| WOXHIBITS.

By Miss N. Hait.—-Specimens of Tall Greenhood, Pterp-
statis longifolia.

By Mr. J. Searle.—(a) Larval stages of the Brine Shrimp,
Porariemia zeatziqna, Saves, (b) Bead armlets, necklets, belts
and other adornments from Durhan, South Africa. (¢) Comb
from Hebrides. (a) Lime-stick from Papua.

By Ms, C, Borech—Specimens of Imperial White Butter-

114 Pied Netavakate’ Olah Proceadungs. put xingt

fy, Deltas harpalace, showing upper and lower surfates and
cold pupal. shells.

The follawing weve shown a5 examples of successtul onl.
{ivedion :—

By Mr. G. Coghill —Grevillea vosmarinifolia, Acacw myrti-
folaa, Eriostemen myoporoides, Micromyrtus ciliatis, phe twa
last being sold by nurserymen as #. nemifolins and Baachea
pilicate respectively Carrer).

By Mr, C. Daley —Dhotzhya alpostris, Thryptomene caly-
cina, Mieromuertus ciliatus, Pomaederris apetita, Bugenia
(fruit), Oleariu argophytlu, Calytrixn Sullivan, Chorisema
cordifolia and Briehysena, sp.

By Me P, R. H. St. John.—Lhotehya alpestris, Snow
Myrtle, from the Botanical Gardens.

SOME ROCK-FERNS OF VICTORIA.

Although half of the 17 species wi ferns growtne on Mt. Bogang
ave found qunong the vock crevices, we ustally issocinte eur rock-
ferns with the family Chrilenties.

Nothoweus (Cheilanthes) distaus. CO. tenrifolia, and O. Stebert,
Inity all be couTused, at. superficially, they are much alike, Near
Melbourne, on the Kellor Plains, may be found in the rocks O, tennt-
Jolle and ¢, @isiang, while we found, at our recent excursion to
Seuth Morne, in theiy rock surroundings €. tenutfolia and CC.
Sieberi. he lostwuaied Mr. P. R. H. St. John drew attention to
en ah excursion to Greensherough ond Eltham 132 monthe aga.
These three ferns are also tommon to New Zealand,

At the You Yangs and other places. the “Rock-Fern” Cf. fenul:
folia}) may be fornd growing very tall and it ig offen robush wilh
a wide Mund half ag broad as tril. Close 10 its roots the rhizomes
are covered with silky s¢ales, and (he stipes, ov stalks, of the
Trends ave tufted (ike the roots), and ate erect, flexible, purpltsh-
binek, polished and slightly hairy below. The piinnie ore nearly
opposite, but mostly alternate, jo prirs; the ripe seed enees or sori
project In black jnnaases beyond the margins. his spectes may be
enid (9 be more anipla nnd compact than the following two species,

C, Sieber? (Crecping Koek-Fern), dike Lhe last species, is only
snaniy laity, was regarded fomnurly age a variety of Co tenut-
folia, and was once Known ae @, Preiasiand, Id is much lovser or
skimpler, and has strong, wiry, densely-tutted stipes, which aro
in crowded rows. Jt {sa abottt one-sixth as broad as loug. In Whee
yvoleapic ground, sid is psually found on rocks where there ix
but seanty soil covering. Its fronds are narrow and erect, wiry,
polished. dark black. only slightly hairy at base, and much of It
is gaked. Pinnoe aré opposite, more pinnate than €, texnifolia
The sor) wnasses névar Project beyond the margins.

N. dittone (RBristly OCloak-fern) is very like G. Siebert. Both are
dwarf, and fove to grow exposed op rocks to the blazing sun, ‘The
trolled fronds of NV, distens ave deusely covered with white hairs
that took Jike tufts of cotten wool JeaMels are broader and
blunter, and the forn frand has a thick and woolly appearance
whereas C_ &tgberi ia Comparatively free trom tire; tle fronds ate
of giev-green colotiv. aimost nuked for half its Jength, Seed masses
have a Very imrolled covering, aud the frond is much warrowey in
proportion ta its longtih. AT

Tesh Chark, Peip to Mie Ges Riya, 115

RESULTS OF A COLEECIING TRIP "RO UTE CANIN
IUVER, BAST GIPPSLAND,
By J. Cuark, 1.8

[This uip (November 26 to December 8,.3928) was one

ol a BErICR, undertaken by different members of the Club, and
financed-from the special fund, a sum of £200 made available
Uirough the kindness of Senator R, D. Ehiott.]
The Journey from Melbourne to the Cann River appeanid
to offer splendid vollectirig conditions us far ay Warragul;
the country containing an abundance of flowering plants,
particularly Leptospennwm. From Traralgon onw ards the
country began to assume a very dry appearance, and froni
Sale it wag evident that much work ‘wonld have to be dont
to get material, Unfortunately, these dry conditions existed
thronghout the whole area; nev ertheless, much valuable
material waa obtained,

No flowering plants wore observed along the Prince's High;

way, Whe flower season having finished same wecks previously,
Qne smal] area of Leplospernvum, whose flowers were long past
their prime, was located near the Cann River, it was here
that most of the main collection of insects was made, durmg
the fest two days. The surrounding country appeared lo
he very promising as a collecting gronnd, but on investigation
it was found to be rather poor. No doubt, during a good
season, this distriet would prove to be a naturalist's paradise;
jodging from the material collected during the long dry
spell,

The Cann River, like most others in this part of the coun; ~
try, is a small stream in summer, but a raging torrent in
Winter and spring, ‘The banks ave deep and steep, with little
or no debris lying about, having been washed away by the
winter floods. Nhe small township js: situated in a large
alluvial basin; no #oeks of stones are to be found for miles
around in either direction. The entomologist is, therefore,
disappointed in losing the fine harbour for groynd insects
afforded by Jogs and stones, The banks of. the river were
the most profitable collecting grounds, but here progress was
slow, owing to the dense jungle, whieh, in many -places, one
coujd only penetrate on hands and knees, In thts river
jungle the Roek Orehid, Dendrobium speciosum, was abun-
dant, making a fine show on the limbs and trunks of ihe
trees. Jn many places, the work of the eoukatoos was greatly
in. evidenve; numerous trees showing only foo elearly where
the birds had been entting out the larvae of woods boring
beetles. From the appearance of the tunnels and pupal
chambers observed, the larvae were those of the Jongivarn
beetle, Tryphocharia. Near the bridge, in a large belt of

- ap "y taser. ‘ie, Nat,
16 Guarn, Prap ta the Caw River. Vo xvii.

eucalypts, the only bell-birds in the district are to be seen
and heard day long. An interesting half-hour was spent in
watching them hunt a kookaburra from the vicinity.

In the jungle, insects were not nunierous, but other forms
of life were met with. Of these, probably the most abundant
everywhere was the small land Crustacean, Valitrus sylvatti-
cus, Hasw, Specimens were found under all debris in shady
places, Land shells were represented by some interesting

Fig, 1. Rusphinetus Airditus, nsp. dorsal yiew of female
* 1s 4 ob >, antenna ts

2. », dorsal view of worker

8. Myrmecia pulehit a, Nap.
3a. 4 fhorax ond node in profile
4. Iridamyrmea Jocans, n.sp. dorsal view of worker

4a. 4 » 9 profile ,, i

forms, which have been dealt with by Mr. G. J. Gabriel.
‘These shels were confined tn a few smalt areas near the
bridge, and were al) taken under debris on the ground, As
the main object was to collect msects, too much time was
not devoted to shells, and undoubtedly other species were
overlooked. Yn the more open country, near the river, several

“ioko] ; Chenh, Prin to thir Onna Biner, 117

frogs and livards were obtained. Spiders af various species
were captured in all lovalities, but not in abundance.

Butterflies were not numerous, either in species or indivi
dnals; the mest important of the group being Candalides
ranthaspiies, Hubn. Vhis is one af the ‘Bines,”' and is ‘a
rave-insect In Vieloria, ut bas heen previnusly taken near
liakes Entrance on two oceasions, The only other ‘Blue’
met with, Veolucta agricola, wag in greut, abundance. “Skip-
pers’' were searce, only one species being found. One speci-
men of Tsiphone was seen, but not captured, Heteronympha
was fairly common. Moths were more abundant, but not
tomerons. Five specics of Geometridae and two of Zygae-
nidae were the most umportant, No new specics in either
group were taken.

Coleoptera were the most numeroas, both in numbers and
apecies, Over 100 species, representing 17 families, were
found. Of these, the most interesting undoubtedly is the
amall heetle belonging to the Pamily Searabseidae, Macchidus
tibialis, Lea. Numerous specimens, also larvae and pupae.
were obtained ip a tetmilarium of Calotermes sedubus, Hill,
All stages were found in the middle of the large monnl when
if was dug into tor specimens of the termites. In addition
to the beetles, many larvae of an, at present, unknown fly
were found in the sume place.

Termites ‘were numerons in individyals, but only three
apecies are represented in the collection, one of these being a
new species, according to Mr G. F. Gill, tp whom the material
wis submitted tor identification, Diptera is represonted by
30 species, in six families, the most interesting being the
erane-flies. Pour species were found, of which two are new,
and one apparently very rare, These have been examined.
and deat with, by Dr, 0, P. Alexander. Asilidae, or robber.
flies, were common. in a few species. . Fifteen species of
Muscidae have, so far, been undetermined.

Six species of dragon-flies were found, all known forms, The
“scorpion fly,'’ Hurpobittecus australis, was abundant. One
species of May-fiy was abundant, hovering over the wuter
during the early evening. Dr. BR. J. Tilyard, to whom this
was submitted, considers that it is a new spacies, and it will
be dealt with later. The residents in. the district informed
me that nb trot, or other fishes, except éels, are found im the
river. This cannot be due to a scarcity of food, as munch
aquatic insect life was noted therr, Hemiptera, or hugs,
ara represented by 10 ‘species, in five genera. Cockronches
were namerons in individuals, hat only three species are re.
presented in tie collection. Hymenoptera were not abin-

1k8 Chink. Tip te ihe Cann iver, (yan seNiL

dant, but 17 speuies of wasps, eight species of bees, and 22
species of ants were found. A few of the wasps belang to
the parasitic groups of Braconidae, and Ichnenmonidae, the
others beme flower wasps. Mr. 'T, Rayment has dealt with
the bees, all ot which are included in his article or the snb-
ject. The anls inelide three new species; these are dealt
with separately.

SUBFAMILY CORA PHACY INAE.
Kisphinetiis Hivsutns, resp.

(M1. 1, Fig. 1-2.)

Worker, Length, 3.9-Samny.

Head, thorax and node brown, or xeddish brown, gaster
lighter, more yellowish, levs and apical stementd of the
antennae pale testaceous.

Head densely punctate. Thorax punctate; these are mich
smaller aud mord widely seattered than on the head, more
abundant on the sides fhan on the dise where it is shining
hetween the punctures, Node and gaster alan densely punc-
tate, but much finer than on the head. he mandibles are
coarsely punctate.

Hairs yellow, sub-ereet. very ablndant, long and pomied;
shorter and more oblique on the antennae anid legs.
Head one-sixth longer than broad, the ovcipital. angles
rounded, sidés feehly convex, almost paralle!. Mandables trian-
gular, “abrnptly bent near their base; the mner horder armed
with six small teeth, Clypeus very short, the anterior border
with a slight rounded projevtion in the middle ; this projection
is yellowish and semi-transparent. Frontal carinae short,
erect, truncate and confiuent behmd, encircling the antennal
Insertions in front; this portion is indented on the tap edge
in front. Carinae of the cheeks hardly apparent. No eyes,
Antennae shart and rabnat. Scapes extend just beyond the
middle of the sides of the head; all the segments of the
funieulns hroader than long, except the apical, which is as
Jong as the five preeeding sezments together. Thorax twice
as Jong as broad throvgh the pronotum, without traces of
Alutures on the dorsam, The anterior border of the pronotum
and feebly margmed, the sides ‘convex ai the pronetim and
epinofum, slightly constricted at the mesnonotal region, not
tmarginate. The posterior border of the epinotmn contave,
the declivitv abrupt, margined on the sides and above. Node
shzhtly browder than long, the anterior border strawht, the
later al and posterior borders convex; in profile it is as high
as lony, the anterior Lace vertical, the dorsum and posterior
faces nnited ma curve; there is a long, broad, sharp pointed

ati? Chak, Vein to the Cho, Riper, i

tooth on the ventral surface in front, directed forward. Post-
petiole 'one-fitth broader than long, broader behind than in
front, the anterior border straight, the sides feebly canvex,
There is a deep and wide constriction between each of the
‘sepments of the easter. Pygidium feebly cmarginate, or
depressed, onthe dorsum. Legs short-anid robiist.

Female—Length, 4-Gmm, «Ergataid,

Similar to the worker, but Jarger and the colonr much
darker. Eyes and-oeellr well developed. The pygidinm is
caneaye, submarginate on the sides.

A small eolony was found ander a log on the bank of the
Cann River. The nest contained abont 60 workers and
5 females: This species is not close to any at present known.
It differs from 2, steinnedi, Forel, in being larger and thore
rohust, and more densely clothed with long hair: The form
of the elypeus readily separates it from all the ofher known
specics, I
; SURFAMILY PONHKRINAE.

MYRMECIA PULCURA, Tsp.
(P), 2, Fig. 3.)

Warker—lLenyth, 18-20mm,

Jtead and gaster black, thorax and both nodes bright red,
mandibles, clypeus, antennae, anterior legs and all Lhe larai
testaceous, the eoxae, femora und tibia of the middle and
posterior lexs brown, ‘the joints lighter. On a few examples,
the top and sides. of ‘the epimotinn are tinged, or shaded, with
brown,

Mandibles shoot and shining, with a few seattered,
shallow, elongate punctures. and a row of large piligerons
punctures on the mner edge at the base of the teeth. COlypeus
shining, finely and irregularly rngose, there are some longi-
tudina)' striae in the depressions at each side of the median
projection, Head longitudinally striate, with a dense micro-
_ scopic reticulation between the striae, Thorax coarsely striate-
rerose, the striae on the pronotum ave longitudinal ly arched,
Lransverse on, the mesonotum and epinotyut. Node rngose,
Wilh a pircular direction. Postpetiale and gaster smooth and
shining, microscopically punctate.

Hair long and yellow. erect, abndant on all the bedr.
shorter and “oblique on the legs, none on the antennae,-except
a fuw 4h the apex of the scape. A very fine short, close-
_ ying pubescence abundant everywhere, but longer and_even
more abundant en the guster, w here it forms a distinct eaver-
ing, On the top of the paster the pubeseence has, on mast
examples, a golden sheen.

120 Crsnn, Urip to the Cuad Wieer. (vii Nat.

Vol. SL"T

Head just a shade broader than long, the oceipitas border
and sides straight, the angles rounded. Mandihles fully one-
quarter of their length shorter than the head, their external
border straight, or very feebly concave; the inner border
convex, armed with eleven teeth, the first. two are small,
third, fifth, seventh and ninth ate Jarge, fully twice as long
and broud as the others. ‘The ninth forms a slight angle,
from where the mandible is rédnecd at the base. Chypeus
widely bit not very deeply emarginate in front, Frontal
ridges parallel, not extending to the anterior ocellus. Dyes
larze and convex, Antennae short, the scapes extend beyond
the oceipital border by twice their thickness; first and second
segments of the fonieulus af equal lenpih, the other subequal
(o the apical, which is as long as the first, Thorax two and
one-third times longer than broad through the pronoatum.
The pronotam strongly convex, flattencd above. Mesonotum
circtlar, Ganvex above; in profile it is raised above the Jevel
of the pronotum and epinatrn. There is a deep and wide
‘oonstriction between the mesonotum and the ppinetum, the
latter ig one-third longer than broad; in profile it is Hattened
above, the deeliyity face abrarpt, steep, rounded inte the
dorsum by « stronz curve, Node as Jong us broad, slightly
lreader behind than in front; in profile it, is almogl as high
as long, the stalk short, only one-fifth of the length of the
node, the anferiar fase straight, forming’ a right angle with
the dorsum, the ladter flattened and rounded behind mtn ihe
posterior fave, Postpetiale broader than long. First seg-
ment of the gaster broader than long. and much hronder
behind than in front. Legs short and «lout.

Femala.—Leneth, 20-22:m, -

Similar to the worker, but. larger and winged. The ealom
is darker, more brownish on the ltead, thorax and legs; the
apical third of the mandibles brown,

Desurihed from 3. small colony, found under a log, near the
bridge wf Cumn River, ‘Mhis species is not close ta any pre-
tidusly doseribed forms. Tx most species of the genus,
Myraeeia ste, the mandibles are as long as, or longer than,
the head, jt in the present species they are mueh shorter,
These, tagether with the rather short scapes and node, tend
to connect. this with M. esuriens, Fab., from Tasmania, hey
are, however, very distinet. Several isolated specimens were
taken on tree trunks throughout the bush in the distric.

My¥RMECIA FORFICATA, Fah.

A wilely distributed and commen species was fund abon-
Gank in the districr, In most cases, the nests were-of the
large mound type. ; re

Pn CLA, CVip ta fhe Gaon iver. 124

MyreMrcia taksatra, Smith.
Cat, Hymn, Bist. Museum, 6, p. 145, 1838, -

A comnion species in New South Wales, where it is gene-
rally known as the “black bull-ant.’’ This species ocevrs
in many places in castern Victovia, but has not previously
been recorded. It is deep shining black, with the mandibles
- and apex of the gaster yellaw. No nests of the species were
seen, bit many examples were, found running on the ground
and ‘en tree trunks,

Mremicia varsara, Smith,
Gat, Lymn. Brit, Musenm, 6, p, 144, 1848.

A conmnion and widely distributed species in South-east
Austrajia,

Myryrcia (ProwyeMecta) Crews, Lowne.
“The Entumologist,’? London, 2, p. 836, 1865,

A common and widely distributed species. It extends
from Queensland ronnd the coast to Western Australia. This
spevies is frequently found swarming over plants and trees
in, flower

Myrauncia (PROMYRMECIA) PILOSULA, Smith.
Cat. Hymn. Brit. Muscum, 6, p. 146, 18568.

The most common and widely distributed species of the
genus. Oviginally described from Tasmania, it is abundant
in all the States.

AnuBLYOPONE AUSTRALIS, Hviehson.
Arch, f, Naturg., 8 p. 260, 1341._

A common and wilely distributed species, being found

throughont Austraia and Tasmania.
CUALCOPOXERA ASPERA, Roger.
Berl. Ent. Zettsche., 4, p. 308. 1860.

A, handsome and not common ant confined to the south-
east comer_otf Australia. Jet is brilliant metalhe green, with
reddish antennae and jegs. The workers are abont half an
inch long. .

SUBFAMILY MYRMICINAE,
Purmorn BomMuauensis, Forel.
Rev. Suisse Zonl., 18, p. 43, 191.0,

Origmally described from New Sonth Wales, this species
was found alone the river hank.

Aryaunogasrer (NysraLomyra.) Longicues, Smith.
Cat. Hymo, Brit, Mns., 6, p. 128, 1858.
Wheeler, Trans. Rov. Sov. S. Aust, 40, p, 214, 1916.

A common and widely distvibnted ant.; The: ants, of, this
fens live-in small colonics underground, ‘They constract a
smal) cratertike Hummel. at: the entrance;to the: nest..'-They

t

6 “\ se AT Fy spoge Vie. lar
122 Chann, fp ta the Caan River Vol. XLAL.

come out at night to forage. During the day a few speei-
mens tan always he observed just within the entrance al the
battom of the crater, apparentiy ‘‘on guard’: they drop down
the tumne] at the Jeast alarm.

SUBFAMILY DOLICITODERINAL,
LEPTOMYRMEX BRYTHROCEPHALUS, Flabr.
~ Syst. Ent. p. 301, 1775.

Cammon in Eastern Victoma and New South Wales. It
is generally known as the “silly ant,’’ from the curious habit,
of rearing wp and' spinning around when disturbed. Several
species of this genus are known to store honey in their bodies,
but. not. to the same extent as doa the ‘honey pat ants” of
the interior. No females have sa far been recoenised in this
genus. Males and workers are commonly met with,

DowreHonenus (Hypocuines) scaprmus, ager.
Berl. Ent. Zeitschr., 4, p. 308, 1860.
A eammon, ancl. wiflely distribnted, species, in south-eastern
Australia, The eolour of the antennae varies trem brawn to
reddish in the members of a nest,
lRipoNYRMEX Detedrus. Snith.
Cal. Hymn. Brit. Mus. 6, p. 30. 1858.

The most econrmon and widely distributed ant m Anstralia.
Té is generally known, as the ‘‘monund aint’? from its habit of
making huge mounds over ifs nest. Tt is the largest species
in the genus, hemg abont half an inch in length.

; TRDOMYRMEX GRAGILIS, Lowne.
The Eutomologist, london, 2, p. 280, 1865.

Common and widely distributed, it is a rather slender
apecies. and runs very rapidly.

IRIDOMYRMUN FORPANS, 7, SP.
(Pl, 1, Fig. 4-4a,)

Worker.—4-5ran.

Blsek. Mandthles, antennae and tarsi brownish : in a few
examples almost black.

Hair greyish, short and erect. very sparse and szatlered.
Puhestenee grevish, very alandant evervwhore, forming a
lizht covering, but not quite liding the seulpture; a Jittle
mare dense on the gaster than on, the head. and also more of
a brownish tinge,

Head, exaludsne the mandibles, as broad as lone, broader
behind than in front, the occipital herder very deeply in-
dented, the angles strongly rounded and Jobe-like, the sides
evenly conver, Mandibles Jarge, triangular, the inner border
armed with nine strong sharp “teeth. Clypeus short, truncate
in front, its anterior border straight. Frontal carinae shart,
extending back to about the middle of the eves, ~Eves large

197 Changs, Prip ty he Came River. 123

and fluiiencd, their posterior border Jevel with the middle
of the head. The stapes of the antennae extend beyond the .
cucipital herder bar barely then thickness. Thorax twice as
limy as broad through the pronotum, the Jatter strongly
convex Oi top and on the sides, one-third broader than long.
Mesonotum circular, strongly convex above. Epinotum sepa-
cated from the mesonotum by a strong constriction, the basal
tgce conver, abnost wlobular, the dorsum and deelrvity united
by a strony eurve, both faces are of equal Jength; in profile
the pronotum and mesonotum are much higher than the
epimotum. Node seale-hke, strongly inclined forward, the
anteribr face convex, the posterior fuca flat, the top edge
rounded. Gaster oval, mivell lonver than bread; legs long
and slender. '

Deseribect fram a coiony nestmg in an ald stump at Cann
River. ‘This-specios cames nearest to J. gihberti, Forel, Tt is,
iiowever, larger aod anuch more robmst tn J. githerta, the
mandibles anc tarsi are red, and the pilosity very abundant,
even on the Jegs and antennae; the sculpture of yilbarti is
dso nuich coarser and the head ts not so deepiy indented
behind, also"the epinotam is as high as the mesonotin,

This aut ents a powerful and pungent odour when dis-
turvbecd, When annoyed, it rushes abont with the abdomen
erect, as is the habit. of many Species of the venus Cremato-
ieestor, dittnsing the fumes: ‘The odonr ean he detected for
a vonhiderable distance, This smell is nich worse than
the visual “vaneid Tiler’? smell given off by most species
in thig gemus-

‘= TROMROMYRMEN gTACOSUS, Forel.
Rev. Srusse, Zool, 18, p. 56, 1910,

A small colony found under bark. his 3s nota vmnamon

aperies, and appears to be confined to Victoria.

SUBPAMILY FORMICINARE.
Casponorts (MyRMosaunUs) surrosus, Smirh.
Cat, Hymn, Brit. Mus, 6, p, 38, 1858,
Common and widely distvihuted throughout the State.
('ampoxorus (MyritppHyMaA) inNrxus, Forel,
Rev, Suisse Zgal,, 18, p. 56, 1940.
Orivinelly described from New South Wales, this species
is. found abundantly in this State.
Camponotus (MyrMoriiy Ma) NicroAgNHUS, Smith.
.. Cat. Hymn. Brit. Mus.. 6, 7,60, 1858, - .
‘Pound abundantly {hroughaut south-castern Australia.
FL EE (Campowy a) _PRMORATS, Smith. ,
4, Cat, Hynm. Brit. Mus., .6,.p. 73, 1858. a
Common aud widely distributed dcnehsat Ansivalia..., ,

424 Raraenxy, Bees fram Boat Ganpalind ee

BEES FROM BAST GIPPSLAND,
By TaArRLton RAYMENT,

Mr J, Clark, of the National Muscum, Melbourne, has
been kind enongh ta allow me the privilege of studying the
bees that he collected when visiling East Gippsland, All of
the honey-gatherets: were working én the flowers of a bepto-
spermum. I was vot at all surprised to find that the species
yarjed from the type-forms, because the flora of the extreme

eastern endl of the State is peculiar, and the climatic con-

ditions. are, in some ways, unique. The Red-bees, of the
genas Bing ghimieller, are so dark that I feel justified in re-
forring ihem to a new variety. The ATalietits, the Peraegies
codes and the Gnathoprosepis are uew.

DIVISION COLLETIFORMES,
Kamily Prosopididae

BINGHAMIELLA ANTIVODES (Smith), variety nigra, n,, Var,

This form is shghtly smaller than Smith's type, and thongh
the remarkable sculpturing of the metathorax presents no
struetural differences, the red of the abdomen is indefinite,
The first segment, is jel-black and highly polshed, and, the
other segments are so strougly suffused with black that the
red is very obscure. Moreover, the wings, too, are muuh more
strongly coloured with fhe purplish-black iridescenec, Speci-
mens of this genus from Croydon, Ringwood, Ferntree Gully
and Kijata haye 4 clear-ved abdomen, with only portion of the
first segment showing any black, ut these Cann River temales
are dark enough to bo called migra, A specimen from West
Australia (Forst) has no black on the abdomen. ype in
National Mnseuin, Melbourne,

GY ATHOPROSOPIS NIGRITARSUS, Lh. sp.

enale-—Length, Gm. approx. Head Black, ordinary.
Face-mars lemon-vellow, pointed helaw. wavy irunaate at
insertion of antennae; trons cloxely and finely pnnetured,
dull; ebypens panetured, but not so closely as froms; supra- -
elypeal area sunnier to front; vertex with wine-pink oeelli:
compound eyes clayet-brown, slightly converging twelow:
wenue With fine striation; labrum black; mondibulae truncate,
bidentate, blackish-brown: untennae subnianiliferm, scape
black, slightly dilated, flagellum black above, ferrnyinuus be-
neath, Prothorax ewollen. laterally, Jemon-yellow, except fine
black interruption at niddle. Tubercles bright Jeman “yellow:
Megothorax unl, black; finely and: closely pimetured; minute
lines joiriing the pundtrres.' Seutellym similar to‘ihaesnthoray.
Postsuutelim “gimiar'to mesothorax. ~-- Mctathoras black,
bright. with .rngae, ‘partly vadiating, of mediwm. sive! Ab-

oe Tavunn's, Bees fiom Last Gippsland. 125

domen = dorsal segments black, bright, closely punctured, bit
not so close as on mesothovax; ventral segments hlack, with
a few short stuff white hairs. Legs black, with a. few short
stiff white hairs, arsi black, anterior and middle with fnl-
vous hairs; claws blackish-red ; hind caleariae pale, finely ser-
rated, Tegnlae black, bright, with the sculpture of the maso-
thorax, Wings hyaline iridescent: nervures hlackish-hrown,
basal arched, just short of nervulus, second interenbilins bent >
eclls: vadtal large, sceond aubital receiving second recurrent at:
apical third; pterostigma. large, btackigh- brown ; hamuli five,
pf weak development.

Locality, Cann River, Gippsland, Vitoria, Date Novern-
ber, 1928. ,

Binlorical data: On flowers af a Laptospermum. TL have a
specimen from flowers of Bucalyptus calophyila, at Sandring-
ham, This bee has a minute creamy spot at the base of the
tibia, and Jacks the fulvous hair of the tarsi. It may be
regarded as variety maculata. i

There js a large group of Anstrahan becs, about- 6mm. in
length, with a bright yellow calar on prothorax, yellow {ace-
marks and tiberoles, and with yellow on the legs.

CGnathoprosopis hacker, Ck, has scapes with a retldish
stripe; yellow om tegs, and light markings on posterior tibiae.
Gnathoprosopis niqriarsis, Raym,, legs entirely black. the
tegulac black. CGnothoprosapis nigritarsus vay. maculata,
Raym., yellow on legs confined to a creamy spot at base of
tibia.

DIVISION ANDRENIFORMES.
Pamily Andrenidie. Subfamily Halictinae,
HALICTUS KLLIOSTI, n. gp.

Female —Length, 83mm, approx. Tace-marka‘ nil: fens
coarsely pnnetured, a few seattered white hairs. Clypews
prominent. coarsely punetiurved. BSuprachypeal area coarser
nonctured, bright, a few white hairs. Vertex with clear glassy
atelli. Gampoaind eyes elaret-brown. Genae punciuved, a few
white hairs; Jabra black; mandibulae black, with obscure
rufous patel; antentiae black, snbmoniliform, Prathorax not
visible from above; tubercles black, a fringe of pale hair,
Mesothorax black, coarsely and densely punctured, a few
white hairs surround the thorax, séutellum hi-gibbous ; post-
stoftelinm with a hight covering of fulvous. hair. ‘ Metathorax
witha large; crescent-shaped area, with coarse andstomosing
cuigae ‘diminishing’ af, sides of truncation. “Abdémen: dorsal
segments shining, hind warging very nar rowly reddish; third
witha shivirig narrow hand “oF cinererdus pubesceatte."a patch

128 Ravwen, Bees from Kast Gigmatond. TY ie Nae

of similar hair at. sides‘of second; ventral segments have a
fringe of white hair. Legs black, with white hair, except the
fulvous ‘hair o£ the tibiae; tarsi with light fulvous hair;
claws’ pale reddish. Hind caleariae: pale yellowish, wath no
defined teeth, but has 9 wide wavy edge. Tegulae dark amber.
Wings hyalime; nervures dark amber; cells normal for.
Hatietus; pterustigma dark amber. Wamuli of moderate de-
velopment.

Locality, Cann River, Gippsland. Date, November, 1928.

. Biological data. Captured on flowers‘ of a Léptospermum.
At the request of Mr, J, Clark, 1 have dedicated the species
to Senator It. D. Elliott.

This species is close to H. lanarwms, Smith, and JT. lanu-
ginosus. Comparing it with a specimen of the former species
determined by Prof. Cookerell, H. eliiottt is blacker, since IL
is. less hairy; there is not any fulvous or light hair about the

4. Caleariae of Halictus Jonaras SmMiTn, with pebble wedged by
' tooth.
2, Caicariae of Halictus efliottiz RAYMENT: I
3. Fine serrations highly magnified to show position of pollen-
granules.

yima; the margins of the sequents are much more narrowly
reddish; lunar area of metatharax iuch better defined;
tupulae ‘lighter ; pterostigma darker ;- anastomosing rngae of
HW, elliotii dinumishes--at sides, that ‘of H, lanmrins is coarse’
thronghont. ‘he hind spur of HZ. lanariius has one prominent
rounded tooth, and a wavy eee diminishing to the, BeUAEs
tarsi darker.

Qn many specimens of bees I have noted the fine ser ra-
‘tions holding pollen-grannies, and, sinte a minute examma-
tion reveals some relationship hatween the diameter of the
grannies and the size of the teeth, 1 suggest that one of the

Ue Rayvuent, Bees from déast Ginnatene, 4127

spurs ig used on the floral pollen-saes. he coarse teeth of
the other spur are undoubtedly used for excayating soil, and
J often fine sinall pebbles wedged tightly between..the tooth
and the spar. Troe exeavators of carth have coarse teath on
one spur, but those using shafts or cells made by others. have,
fiae serrations on both enleariae., The honey-hee, Apis, has
last even. the serrations, and ‘has only a simple smovih pee;

nf caurse, she has no digging to do. Male bees do mit ex-
eavate. ail none bas the coarse teeth on the caleariac

Family Andrenidae. Subfamily Matictinae.
PARASPHECODES AIRTIVENTRIS, Cockerell

The type collected by Turner was described from Avarat,
Victoria, and the Cann River specimen is‘not giite tye,
atl perhays is an eastern race,

PARASPHECONES RUPITAREUS, TBP,

Fumale. —hLength, Jlmw. approx. Mead back, bright,
fayial quadrangle wider than long; faee-marky wil; a fine
carina, reaches more than half-way, to median occllus; trons
shining, coarsely and densely punctured, a few fulvous harrs
radiating from bases of antennae; dlypeus shining, protaineat,
enarsely but sparsely punctured, a fringe of golden hair on
anterior edge; supraclypeal area prominent, shining, coarsely
but sparsely punctured; vertex with numerous finer pone-
tures, a few fntvous hairs; compound eyes blackish, slighily
conversing below; genae slightly aeneas, well punetuored, «
few long whitish hairs; Jabra black; mandilulae biack, and
stronely bent; antennae submoniaform, dark reddish. stape
lighter at base and apex, Prothorax is prominent, with a
Iunate thick tuft of deep cream bair; mesothorax black, bright,
well punctured, a few short, Lalvons hairs; seutellim soulp-
tured and coloured like mesothoras ; postsentcllnia rough,
blaek, covered with a scale-tlike pattern ou which is super.
imposed a striate seulpiore too fine to be'valled rugae. Ab-
dome; dorsal segments, black, right, well punctured. nume-
rous short, appressed black hairs, a faw longer Fulvons hairs
at, sides, a few short creamy ‘hairs at hind margin of
second ; vima, a bare reddish furrow; ventral sezments black.
a light fringe of long whity fair on marging. Legs red, an-
teriir femora and all coxae black, apical ends of median and
Vind femora dlarker anteriorly. with black lair, otherwise the
hair is pale. Tarst dark rod, with fulvons hair, ' Claws
blackish-red, pulvillh laze. Hind caleariae reddish-amber,
with three short nmodaliform teeth at apical and, of a form
nearer. to Nomina than Halietis. Tegulae clear ferruginovs.
Wings dark, reddish: brown, cayryyng much fine black hair:

Pg earyacne io 7p ‘ ‘i Vie. Nat.
12k Rarurnr, Bees from. Bost Gippstove. Vol <UL

yiervures veddish-black, basal, like fish-hook enrve, just shert
of nervulus, first and second recurrents entering the cubital
cells just short of the second and third intereubitus; cells:
radial Jarge, radius nervure rounded on costa, second cubital
cell narrowed at top. Pterostigma large, obseure reddish-
brawn. Hamnli thirteen in muunber, strongly developed-

Vjocality, Cann River, Gippsland, Vietoria, Date, Novem-
ber, 1928. —

Alliey: the smaller P. ploreter, CkIL, has black Jegs, and
the sculpture of the face is quite different. The spnrs lack
the eoarse tecth, Hukcins frankt, Friese, also has some
affinity. bot the first recurrent nerviure meets tlie second »
interénbitns, JT. Attleri, Ckil., has white pubeseenee at bases
of second and third terpites-

Biological data. This female was colleered from flowers of

Antenna-cleaner of female Parusphecodes rijfitursus RAYMENT:
Note the long, spined malus of Halictine form.

Hind spur or Calesria shows some affinity to Nomia. The
noduli-form teeth at tip are not typical of Haliscus.

A lactoral view of the apical end of spur,

Another yiew to show the twist of the end,

Metathorax showing position of the Strige-superimposed on
4 fine sculpture.

, The peduliar scale- like pattern of the integument high! y

magnified,

7

SP Tew NP

a Teptospemmum, and the species is on the border line of
Hatictus and Purasphecodes; owing to the strusture of the
metathorax and the caleariac, I have added it to the latter
genus. Type in Melhonrne Museum. ="
Family Andvenidae. Subfamily Nomiinac.
; Now, sractuers, Smith.

This species has been recorded from Victoria, Sonth Anus-
iralia, and Queensland, but I, suspect there are plenty in
New ‘Synth Wales, since Mr, Clark’s loeality is cldse ‘to the
botder, The specimens from the Cann! River have toré “hart,
amd are slightly larger (han those recorded in the original

sano Raymens, Beea from Last Gipjislune, 125

description; the hair of the legs being lighter: than, that
on specimens identified hy Prof, Coakerell
DIVISION XYLOCOPIFORMES,
Family Ceratinidac,
Exonttta Haminara, Cocierell.

Previously: yecorded from Queensland, where it was, ool
lected-by Mr. Hacker. The Cann River females ave-rypival,
with the exveption of 4 triangular blaek pateh on, firat sep-
ment, and smee there is some variation, in tus: nOkINe patch,
{ do not’ attach any importance to it. Se eee

EXxoNguRA CONCUSNULA, Cockérell,

“Pravitusly recorded fram New South Wales. Bat. thes
bees ave now added to the Vietorian Layna. j

Nota bene: Lhe spetifie descriptions have been "ayatéme-
tisel, and 1 shall wse this form for all fotire work, Tho
nomenelature of the cells and nervures of the wins ,is based
on the arhitvary. method of Rohwer and Gahan, (1946),
Systems based on. homologies with the vems im other, wtderg
ate too cumbersome for use in taxonomy. —. Pte ng :

DR. 7. A. LEACH. ‘ Tnaete t

he late Ov. AL Leach was elected a niettibed of the Otub sin
December, 1903, Pour yeurs later he wes elected to. the compnitter,
and later wis ose of the vice-presidents, becoming présid(at iu
June. $413. However, froding his departinental dniies called “hit
wo pinch away Crom Melbourne, he resigned the position after only
oto Months ooaupnncy, Mir. J. A. Kershaw heing elected tow me
vacancy, .7n Maireh, 390d. he vend a paper concerning the., Anding,
OF the Anopheles mosquito in Vieworin, Whig. form helps to spread
{he maharial Levey of the tropics. bet, fortmnarely; im ‘to the’ resent,
it seemnA to Dive had no effect on the haatth of Vietaria

diy Denner, 1906, Dr. lane fonk the preinetpal part in: AB: Dieagte
sation mined ‘inuageihent, of) Campout al Motniogion, where sony
30 members of the Clb were joined hy about $0 school loarhers.
Anxions ta improve their knowledge of nature study. they lived
under canvas for nbont ten aoys of their Christnas holiduye It
WAS J MOST sucessful gathering, and its doings are fully Netailed
ii the Vietariam, Naturalist (March, 1p0T, Vol. HIM. np, 184).

Dr. Leach’s prineipyl stady, however, was uative bird-life, aud
in July, 1909. wy ‘Dexeviptive List of the Birds of Victoria,” from
his gem: wie issued by the Eduontion Bepartinent af Vieteria. In
181) be: env: An tlushvated dechwe on the Birds of Vietoria (Pie-
tenga Natasa tise, Vol, XXVIT. p. 143), whieh was dater expanded
iho thitt, wall known vole, “Aw Australian Bird Book C1910), in
which every Vietovian bird was Mlustrated, This conftatied 20.
eolorved plites. The book wrs (1 ance a grant success, nud has
feussed through ‘seven editions, Awain, the Education Deparemeut
gave considerable help in the production. Ti. 1922 Dr. Leach placed
before natnre jovers “Australian Nature Studies.” w volume at 50)
pages, with a large teuinbuy of itustrations ont dingrams. For a
reference to its contents see Vielortar Natwraist. Vol. XXXIX. p.
96. Later-te found anereasing duties necesvitated the relingniai-
ment Of Tis membership, bat atcche tiie of bis death he was peat
a member, and had recently attended some of Lhe monthly mertlngs

190 Gane., Shalls from Cana River, Vietoelin, ya set

REPORT ON LAND SHELLS FROM CANN RIVER,
| VIiCTORTA,

By GC. J. GApRIBL,

Although primarily in guest of insect life, it way fortu-
nate, and with guin to the knowledge of wur mollusean fauna,
that Mr, Clark was able lo devele a little time searching for
land shells. This locality, so far as the writer is aware,
had not been previously worked, and our pioneer derives
some satisfaction from the fact that the colJection, though
smath proves of more than usual interest, since the five
species,. dach- representing a genns, include a form, herein
deseribed, new to. science, ;

The area traversed was smalt and in some parts alniost
inaccessible, being difficult to negotiate through the presence
ofa thick undergrowth. Hidden undur decayed timber ane
bark, thé specimens were located in damper ‘and denser
portions. on the-rviver bank. It is certain, with ‘more time
at ove’s disposal, this wonld prove a‘ happy hunting ground
for the conchologist, and T feel confident that further species
remain nndiscovered, and merely await collecting,

One pleasing leature is the establishing of the cxact Vie-
torian locality for Mlemmulina exeelsior, desertbed in 1896 by
the Jate Mr. Charles Hedley. ‘he type oceurred at Mt.
Koseuisko, and in his observations the author remarks: ‘‘In-
a bottle with Cystopelta, lut without locality more precise than
Victoria, Prof. W: Baldwin Speneer has sent me examples of
this species in spirits.”’ Again, in 1912, in collaboration with
thé date Dr, James (. Cox, Mr, Hedley remarks: ‘It is
hikely that the: unlocalized Victorian specimen obtained by
Professor Spencer, and referred to in the original desvrip-
tida: came’ from some neighbouring alpine distriet."" Ts
distribution is further extended in a mutilated example ob-
tained at Tally-pilly gully, Wilson’s Promontory, by onr Chib
member, Mr. E. 8. Hanks,

A displeasing feature is the discovery of a naturabsed form,
the well-known British species, Zyalinia {Buconnlus) frlva,
Mitlor; it is apparently well established, introduced, no doubt,
through the agency of man. The naturalizing of these exotic
forms is a matter for much regret, already severd! species
representing Various genera being on record as having taken
1p their residence in Australia. A suegestion that V7, frtya
way have reached here in parcels of grain seeds appears to
have weight, as European grasses are known to exist at Cann
River and ‘other Gippsland districts. My best thanks are
dile ia Mr. Clark for granting me the privilege of studying

eerat GaBRIEL. Shells from. Cann River, Victoria. 131

this interesting collection, and I am further indebted to him
for the careful preparation of the figures; it is no easy task
photographing these minute shells.

All the species, with the type, are in the collection of the
National Museum, Melbourne.
; GENUS RHYTIDA ALBERS, 1860.

Rhytida ruga, Cox, sp.
1871—Helix ruga, Cox. in) Legrand coll. Mon. Tas. Land
Shells, sp. 24. pl. 1., fig. 5.

1882—-Helix exoptata, Tate, T.R.S.S.A., Vol. IV.. p. 75.

1903—Rhytida (Eurhytida) ruga, Cox, Moellendorff and
Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Agnatha), p. 29, pl. 5, figs. 10-12_

1912-—Rhytida ruga, Cox. Cox and Hedley, Mem. Nat. Mus.
Melb., No. 4. p. 7.

Lov. :—Cann River, under decayed timber, (J. Clark.)

Obs. :--Size of type—Maj. 9, min. 8, height 83mm. This species
is one of our commoner forms, being generally dis-
tributed throughout the State. Comparison may be

132 Gabrinn, Shells from Cann River, Vietoria, wae pee

made with Ahytidu lumpra, Reeve, and &, lamproides,
vox. Krom the former, it is immediately separable by
its finer sculpture, and trom the latter by the absence
of a bluntly angular periphery, which is so characteris-
tic of that species. Consistency of contour is not ap-
parent, as the Cann River examples are a trifle higher
in the spire.
GENUs FLAMMULINA, Von Martens, 1873.

Flammulina excelsior, Hedley.

1896—Flammitlina excelsior, Hedley. Ree. Aust. Mus., Vol.
2, p. 103, pl. 23, figs. 2-4.

1912—Flamimulina excelsior, Hedley, Cox and Hedley, Mem.,
Nat. Mus. Melb., No. 4, p. 11.

Z

Text fig.—Hyalinia (Euconulus) Text flg.—Allodisens cann-
fulva, Muller, sp., from Cann fluviatilus, sp. nov.
River, Victoria,

Loc.:—Cann River, wnder decayed timber. (J. Clark.)

Obs. :—Size of type—Maj. 9, min. 8. height 6mm. The author
remarks: ‘,This very fragile shell of a group hitherto
unrecorded from Australia seems in shape to he nearest
allied to Ff. cornea, Hutton, trom Auckland, New Zea-
land, from whieh its size, colour, and perforation dis-
tinguish it.’’ The angular brown flames of irregular
pattern serve as a useful recognition mark. See pre-
face for further remarks.

GENUS CHAROPA ALBERS, 1860,

Charopa tamarensis, Petterd, sp.

1879—Helix tamarensis, Petterd, Mon. Tas. Land Shells.

p. 30.

Charopa tamarensis, Petterd. Billinghurst, Vic. Nat.,

Vol. X., p. 62.

1894—Endodonta tamarensis, Petterd. Pilsbry, Man. Conch.,
Vol. [X., p. 35.

1894—Flammulina tamarensis, Petterd. Pilsbry, Man.
Conch., Vol. TX., p. 338.

1912—Endodonta tamarensis, Petterd. Cox and Hedley,
Mem. Nat. Mus. Melb., No. 4, p. 10.

1893

oc ' Gamer, Shells from Cann Rece, Mtetoria. 138

Lioce..—Cann River, under decayed timber. (4. Clark.)

Obs. o— Size of type-—Maj, 6, min, 5, height 2mm, This species
enjoys a rather imteresting distribution, having been
truced from its type locality, Tasmama, to many parts
of Victoria, and as far north as Mt, Kosciusko, where
Hedley records rt from Wilson's Valley, at an altitude
of 4500 feet, ;

GENUS. ALLOD SCS, Pilsbry, 1892.
Allodiseus ¢annfluviatilus, sp, nav, figs. 1, 2.

Shell minute, thin, fragile, light brown. colour, faintly shining,
subdiscoidal, riibed, narrowly unbilicate. Whorls about
four and one-half, including a strongly spivally-striate
protoconch. ‘ihe succeeding whorls are narrow, modée-
rately convex, regularly Tocreasing, the last deseond-
ing considerably below the level of the penultimate.
Sutures deeply impressed. Scilpture consisting of
subequidistant, radiate, nearly straight ribs, to the
number of about 75 on the body whorl; these traverse
the base and may be scun entering the wnbilieus; imter-
stices microscopically reticulated by fine growth lines
and spiral striae. Bordermg the umbilicus, several
rather sivong spiral lirae are evident; this is a con-
start feature, and may serve as a useful recognition
mark, Aperture rotundly lunate, slightly oblique
Peristome thin, sharp. regnlarly rounded. Severat ribs
in front of aperture covered by a shining callus glaze,
Dimensions of type—Maj_ 2.8, min. 24, height 1.7mm,

Los.:—Cann River, under logs. (41. Clark.)

Ops. :-—The novelty approximates Helix ofwayensis, Petites,
from which it may be distingnished by its fewer ribs,
and the presence of an umbilicus. Tyne, in Nat.
Mus. Melb.

NATURALIZED SPECIES.

Genus Hyannis, Charpentier, 1837.
Sus-cance Hueonu.us, Reivhardt, 1883.
Hyalinia (Hyconulus) fulva, Muller, sp,, figs. 3, 4.
. 1774-—Helix fulva, Muller, Hist, Verm,, pt. 2, No, 249,
1853—Helix falva, Muller Forbes, and Hanley, Hist. Brit.
Moll, Val, IV., p. 75, pl. 118, figs, 8, 9.
j8454—Helix fniva, Muller Reeve, Conch. Jeon., pl. 122, fig.
732. - ;
18(2——Zonites fulyns, Muller, Jeffreys, Brit. Conch.,-p. 171.
1914—Hyahnia (Byeonnhis) fnlva, Maller. Tarlov, Mon.
Land and FW. Shells, Brit, Isles, p. 118, tivs, 158,
159 (in text), pl. 2, one figure, pl. 15, three figures.

134 Ganatey, Melle from Ounn River, Viebosria, Cet: xB

1922—Buconulis falvas, Muller, Watson, Joven. of Conch.
Vol XVI, No. 9, p. 282.
Loe. —Cann River, under deeaved timher. (4. Clark.)
Obs. :-—Cornpared with specnnens from Keswick, England,
This is a microscopically, delicately-sculptured little species,
and with its glossy and almost iniperforate charaater may not
be confused with any Victorian form. A rather large
synonymy exists, which is: fully dealt with by aylov (lov.
cit.), tds certain to be rediscovered, and to aid in its identt-
fication, the following deseription is here —presented —

Shell minute, globosely turbinate, subperforate, thin, semi-
iransparent, yniform yellowish born-colour, smooth, shining,»
spire elevated, apex rather obtuse. Including protoconch
whorls about 54, narrow, convex, slowly increasing, the whti-
mate whorl well rounded. Sutures deeply impressed. Be-
neath a stvong Jens, an extrembly miniite senlptire is yre-
vealed, which consisis of exceedingly fine xadial riblets crossed
ly inieroscopia airiacg, the riblets being traceable almost ta the
extreme apex, bit are less prominent onthe base.

The base is smooth, very ‘Shining, ‘anil inder high power
exhibits spiral striae, whieh appear fainter than the radid]
riblets, Aperture slightly oblique, Junate, transverse, Coln-
mella subvertieal, » Peristome simple, thin, sharp, not re-
flected exeept upon the colimella lip. — Innér lip Lightly*
callous, reflexed, almast comacaling the narrow perforation,
Dimensions —Maj. 2.8, min, 2.6, height, 2:2inon,

DTNCURSION LO “WHATHMON',

Favourad by i fine day. a gon? pavty of mentbers vmdk frieids mat
Ute lender at Heathont, on August 17, Gav fivxt flod war a pateh
of the Nedding Grennjood Orehld, Prevortalig nyteia, TWis apecios
fa one of the easiest to grow, and it would be interosting Intradue-
tion to the Club's native flower border ar Wattle Park. Tt wes soon
found that fhe coll winter had ereiatly relarded Che Rowertig of
Epnorty and the Myrtle Acacia, whieh ara nevally the foaturer of

this onting. However, enough wk sean to give some blea of Hho:

siaplny n more favourable seacon wonld innke.

Int trying to reigove some stall plants: of fhe Sitver Wattto,
Acach, devlhata, from thei; Jione uear the Dandenong Creck for
hone enltivation. surpvise war crealend when il was found dha the
majoity wore merely suckers fram long voots just below re usure

face, instead of seedlingr. as expected. “Whe native Indign, Huliga- ,

Jara. Anatvalis, was crowded wax Unis, and inom few days wont
make a fine display, but it in bush (hat mush be seen dee wife, the
flowers having no lasting prepertices, Colonies of two species of sa we
fles were boxed for possible rnaring vt homn by an ardent enta-
mologist,

FG. A. BARNARD.

'

rays Furay, The Brush-Tailed Phascogale. 135

THE BRUSH-TAILED PHASCOGALE.
By Davin Furay.

The Tuan or Brush-tailed Phascogale, Phascogale penici-
lata, though widely distributed in Australia, is scarcely a
well-known antmal, ‘Towards the end of March, 1929, T was
fortunate in obtaining a splendid male specimen in the
Newstead district, near Castlemaine, Victoria.

During the past six months, the fierce little creature has
revealed a number of his interesting habits. I have had a
long experience of both the yvellow-footed and NSwainson’s
species, and knew that their movements were extremely rapid,
hut the speed of the Tuan is amazing,

The long black tail brush is seen to advantage in swift
leaps, when it bristles stiffly, and helps the animal to main-
tain his balance, Doubtless, many a sudden leap on unsus-
pecting victims allows the little killer to obtain a tenacious

grip.

Moving with the characteristic jerky motion of the family,
the wary marsupial is sometimes abroad in the daytime, en-
joving the warmth of the sun. Fresh food, in the form of
dead sparrows, 1s always welcome, and, in addition to re-
moving the heart, lungs, and liver, the Tuan seldom neglects
the brain. The common house-mouse is, apparently, first
favourite as a dinner dish, and after a rapid ‘‘serunching’’
of strong jaws, the corpse disappears—hair, bones and _ tail
together.

Tt is most diffienlt to obtain a secure grip on this rat-sized
creature, and one hand alone would result m a severe bite.
My animal has already sunk his teeth with telling effect
through a forefinger and trouser-leg! When he commences
an ominous ‘‘churr-r-r,"’ it is time to make sure of one’s
grip, or replace him in the eage, One day the Tuan became

136 Fieay, The Brush-Vailed Phascogate. ee Pied)

a raging fury, when imprisoned in a small calico bag, and
the slightest movement near at hand was sufficient to cause
the bundle of pugnacity to jump in that direction.

More numerous in the days before the scourge that took
heavy toll of so many of the Dasyuridae, the Brush-tailed
Phascogale is not a common animal; but when present—
especially in the vicinity of a farm—his work is sometimes
seen in the shape of a dead fowl. One of my bush friends
tells of frequent visits, in bygone vears, from a Tuan; and,
as he says, the ‘‘lhurry-up’’ given to sleeping starlings in the
roof was a thing to be remembered.

Recently a dead specimen was forwarded to me. It was
killed in a rabbit trap, and, apparently, after the mother’s
death, a number of voung ones had been born, Probably
finding their way along the hair tracts, the tiny creatures
reached the pouch area, but never became attached to the
teats. Dissection showed unborn embryos. ‘

It is most unfortunate that this female Tuan blundered
to her doom, for quite close to the tree under which she died,
a box-trap was set, in the hope of capturing a mate for the
“brush-tail’’ already in my possession,

ALTERATION IN THE NAME OF A CYPRAEBA.
By J. H. Gatuirr.

In the Vietorian Naturalist, Vol. 32, February, 1916, a new
variety of an Australian Cowrie was named by me Cypraca
iniliavis, Gmelin, var. gabrielt nov, It has been pointed out
to me that a fossil had been named Cypraea gabriel’ by F.
Chapman (Proc. Roy. Soc. Victoria, 1912, Vol. 25, n.s. Part 1,
Page 190, Plate 13, Figures 1-3), and that, according to the
International Rules of Zoological Nomenclature, Article 11,
‘Specific and sub-specifie names are subject to the same rules
and recommendations, and from a nomenclatural standpoint
they are co-ordinate, that is, they are of the same value.”’

T, therefore, substitute the name Cypraea miliaris, Gmelin,
var. gabrielana, Gatliff, for the name Cypraca miliaris, Gmelin,
var, gabriel, Gatliff.

In the Journal of Conechology (No, 11, Vol. 18, July, 1929,
Page 316). H. C. Fulton gives a short paper, ‘‘Notes on the
Named Varieties of Cypraca miliaris, Gmelin.’’ He gives
five varieties, the fifth being:—‘5. Miltaris v. gabrieli, Gatliff
and Gabriel, Hab. Victoria’’: thus making two errors, as
Gabriel had nothing to do with that paper, and the habitat
given in it is Northern Territory, Australia.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vel. XLVL—No, 7. November 6, 1929. Ne. 351.

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA,

The ordifaty monthly meeting of the Club was held in the
Royal Society's Hall, on Monday, October 14, 1929. 9 Mr.
Geo. Coghill (vice-president) octupied the thait, and there were
about 120 members and visitors. present,

- The Chairman alluded feelingly ta the recent deaths of Dr, J.
A. Leach and Mr. A. J. Campbell. Both of these gentlemen were
recdghised as leading orntthelogists, and had rendered iivaluable
service to the clib dunng their memberships.

REPORTS.

Reports of excursions were given as follows:—Heidelberg, Pond
Life. Mr. J. Waileox: Croydon, Insects, Mr. V. H. Miller, for Mr.
F. E. Wilson, F.E.S.; Macedon West, General, Mr, A. J. Tad-
gcll; Bayswater, Botany, Mr. J, W. Audas, F,L.S.; Kinglake,
Botany, Mr. P? F. Morris; Wattle Park, Shrub Planting, Mr. F

G. A. Barnard, for Mr, E. E. Pescott, F.L.S.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.
The following were duly elected on a show of hands:—As ordin-
ary member: Mr. J. L. Gorman, Coburg: and as associate member:

Miss Kathleen Thomas, Wandsor.

GENERAL.

The Chairman announced that Mr, I. Searle had presented six
stereascopes for the use of the Club. and Mr. H. Dicks had given
a copy of his illustrated book on Victorian orchids for the library,
A vote of thanks was accorded to these members.

LECTURE.

Mr. P. F, Morris gave an interesting and instructiye lecture
entailed ‘' Facts About Fishes,’ dealing with some of the commoner
species of fresh and saltwater fishes and edible crustaceans. - The
lecture was iflusteated by numerous lantern shdes, and also by spirit
specimens exhibited by Mr. FT, Searle.

EXHIBITS:

By Miss 2 Kidd. BLA. —Web: of Bag Moth. Teara sp. from
South Australia:

By Miss G. Nokes.—Sprays of Ertwsteman myoporoides.

By Miss E. Hart.—Growing orchid, Sareschilis foloatus.

By Mr. W. H. Ingram.—Mounted Seaweeds from Port Mac-
dorald

By Mr. A. E. Radda.—Photo enlargements from negatives of
nests and eggs, by the late Mr, A. J. Campbell,

133 Field Naturalists’ Elite tppeeeti vot

By Miss 5. Fulletton, —Chiloglotts Cunnii, ‘Const. . Bird
Orchid, from Glenmaggie.

By Mr, C. Daley, F.L.S.—Specimens of lairk anhered on
the Black Range, Western Grampians, Eriostemon gracile, Conos-
permum Mitchellii, Prostanthera rotundifelia, Micremyrtus ciltatus,
Dodonaea cuneata, Calectasia cyanea, Anthocercis myasotidea: and
Grevillea alpina.

By Mr. J- Searle.—Specimens of Fishes. and Crustaceans bri
Port Phillip, including a species of Angler-fish Antennarius striatus
now recorded for the frst tme in Victoria;. also micro-mounts of
Fish ova and larvae,

By Mr, C..J. Gabriel,—Marine shells: Callanaitis’ disjecta,
Perry, Victoria; C. Yatei, Gray, New Zealand; C. Calophylla,
Hanley, New South Wales; C. Plicata, Gmel, Wert Africa. Alsa
serie jLand Snail Shells, Cochlieella acuta, Muller, from
Englan

By Miss J.. W. Raff, F.E.S.—Laving Action larvae, i
Cairns, Queensland.

By Mr, C. G, Hodgson.—Cultivated specimens. of Greville ase
plenifolia and G. aleoides,

By Mr. G. Coghill —Culuvated specimens of Grevillen rasniar-
inifolia, Prostanthera Sieheri, P. nivea, Eriostemon myoporaides, Te-
coma australis, Micromyrtus ciliaius, Leptospermum faevigatum ‘and
Chamaelaucium uncinatum,

By Mr. W. H. Nicholls ——Water colour drawings of some
Australian orchids, including Plerostylis Rogersii, Coleman, and
Thelymitra. variegata, Lindley, just ve-Bicavered at Hall's Gap,
Grampians. by Mr. A. B. Braine. .

EXCURSION TO WEST KINGLAKE, = ~-

‘twelve members and friends took, part im the excursion to West! Kinglake.
The westher was pecfect—a typical Victorian spring day, The motor cars
were left at Tommy's Hut, and the party journeyed along the road towards
Kinglake, About one mile from the road, on the south side, a guily “was
investigated. Here 'Z species of ferns were observed, the chief being Blach-
num discolor, Fishbone Fern: B. capense, Soft Waler-Fera; and Polystichum
gealoaium, Cemmon Shield Fern. “The fusion of the trunks of Todea barbara,
King Fern, and Alsophrla ausiralis, Rough Tree-Fern, was cheerved for the
fest fine by each member of the party. About 20 species of phanermgams were
ebverved | Tr flower.

Birds were fatrly plentiful and we were interested in many of the obser-
vations made by Mr. W, Ingrarm, A fight between a Magpie and a Kooka-
hurra For ownership of cerlain territory, resulied in victory or the former; A
return was made to Tommy’s Hut, and o further walk in a westerly Sisalon
was much enjoyed Ar a farge water hole many birds were ohserved, |
mos} interesting being Butcher-bird, Cuckoo-Shrike, Pallid Cuckoo, and Eine
wong Thanks are due io Mr, Woodfield for the ~eaeniesy whieh he extended
fo the party,

_P. F, M.

vor Nichorrs, 4 Nem Species af Thelyniire. 139

4 NEW SPECIES OF THELYMITRA,
By W. H. NicHoxics.
Thelymitea Merranae, nsp.

Planta terrestris, gracilis, glabra, 15-28 om. alta. Folium sub-
erectum, amgustum, |jneare, canaliculatum, circiter 8 cm, longum,
Bracteae caulinae 2, parvae, vaginantae, subulatae, Flores 1-3,
rato 4. circiter 12-17 mm. in diametro; pedicelli graciles, Ovaria
sub-gracilia, tereha, Segmenta perianthi ellyptica, oblonge-ellip- -
tica vel ovata; petala et sepalum dorsale *subaequalia, cirener 10
tom, Janga. 5 mmm. lata, maculosa, more T. ixioides, Sw.; sepala
lateralia et labellum 9 mm, longa. 4 mm. lata, segmentis cetens
angustioya, Columna erecta urceolata, ciroter 4 mm, longa, basi
purpurea; lobus smedius Aavus, trifidus, marginibus paululo dentatis
superne dilatatts; Jobi Jaterales peniciflan. Anthera apice obtusa,
Stigma quadrangulare. ' :

A very slender plant 15-28 cm. high, Leaf sub-erect? narraw-
linear, widely channelled (in all the specimens so far examined},
reaching to about the middle of the very slender stem sheathing at
the base. Stem-bracts 2, closely sheathing, subulaie, the lower
bract about 214 em, long, the upper bract a httle shorter, A
small scariows bract at the base af the plant. Tubers ovate or
oblong-ovate. Flowers (+3. rarely 4, purplish-blue, about, 12-17
mm. m diameter. Ovary narrow, elongated, with a smal] acute
bract below the short slender pedicel. Perianth segments elliptical
or oblong-elliptioal oy ovate, dorsal sepal and mpetals spotted as in
T,, ixiotdes, Siv., sepals with a broad purplish stripe on the outside,
tateral sepals and labellum narrower than the other segments.
Column erect, about 4 mm. high, purple, with the wings yellow,
samewhat vase or jug shaped, not hoared; tthe mid-lobe tripartite.
expanding oulwards at the summit, farming thus.a V-shaped arilice,
higher towards the front. Margins very slightly dental inter-
lobule bifid; lateral lobes erect. hair-tufts white, projected wpwards
and outwards, teaching just above the wings. Anther prominent
with a blunt point projected forward and over the pollinia, Shema
quadrangular, comparatively small, wider at the base, rostellum
large, avate, situated in the upper depressed margin of the stigma.

I have named this small-flowered, beautiful sun orchid after Mrs.
Merran Sutherland. of Mogg’s Creek, Airey's Inlet, Victoria. From
her much valuable material has been received, having been collected
in the extensive forest area between Airey’s Inlet and Lorne. Con-
ceming the new species of which she is the discoverer, Mrs. Suther-
land writes ae follows:—

“Tt grows in the fine sandy soil that is usual between Atirey’s
Inlet and Magg's Creek, in the marshy parte chiefly, also in some
spots along the old ‘bush road, on a nse just below the 300 foot
red sand hill, where they get all the seenage. Ir is not plentiful,

i. Se.

Vic..-Nat.
[Wir

lumitra.

¢ Thelomi

L
®)

Nicitouts, A Nem Species

{40

A. New Sun Orchid.—Thelymitra Merranae, n.sp.

ay | NicHoLLs, A New Species of Thelynitra: 14h

' |

but is well distributed. over the aforesaid area, » It seems quite as
happy in the open in swampy heath land as nt oe i in swampy Jand
under trees. The flowers expand on sunny days with a tetmpera-
ture of about 80 degrees Fahr, in ithe shade.”

he general appearance of this orchid might cause it to be mis
taken for smalj forms of Thelymitra ixtoides, Sw., which it -re-
sembies closely; this is heightened by the fact of the ‘Upper perianth
segments being spolled. —_Its nearest affinity. however, seems to
be Th: truncata, Rogers (a South Australian species). In frun-
cata the petals only are spotted; the truncate hood (or lobe) of the
column i is composed of a single glandular lobe, wheras in the new
species the mid-obe is tripartite, also widely divergent. On the
other hand, when the flowers are clesed, the new species may pass
for Th. pauciflora, R. Br, or one of the other small-flowered forms,
the flowers of which, as in the new species, open only during sunny
or humid weather.

Airey's Inlet, October, 1927, 1928. Mrs. M, Sutherland.”

(A type specimen is preserved i in the National Herbarium, Mel-
bourne, )
Explanation of Plate.
(a) A Typical Plant, approximately 3 natural size,
(b) A Flower from reat. approximately # natural size.
(c) Colunin from above, much enlarged.
(d) Column from front, much ralaeged.
(c) Coluzon from rear, much enlarged.
i Column from side, ouch enlarged.
g) Section through Leaf.

EXCURSION TO BAYSWATER.

Taking advantage of the fine day, 17 members spent & pleasant ond prohiable
‘time al Bayswater ony September 28. Although rathor arly for most of the
spring Howers, the number of species recorded (45) was very fou. From
Bayswater Station the parly walked in a northerly direction for about a mito,
crossed the vailwsy euclasuve and diverged in a wastecly direction. At the
Dandenong Creek we obtained a good view of Acacia deatbata, Silver Waite,
displaying its wealth of beautiful bloom, along the banks of the stream. Other
Acacias, such as A. ‘sirieta, A. melenoxylon, A. armala and A myrlifolia
were in full bloom.

Everywhere: the Pultenaea Cunnil, Golden Buth Pea, was met with, displaying
‘its gorgeous blooms, while its relative Hardenbergia tronaphylla, with bright
purple fluwers, was equally conspicuous, Sveral fine specimens of the Drosera
Plenchonii, Climbing Sundew, were examined, and found to haye tany
minute insects captured by their feaves,

Three species of Guinea flower, Hihbartia stricta, H. sericea and H. fine-
aris, made a fine show. ‘The search for orchids was rewarded hy the finding
of 43 species viz:-—Thelymitra anteanifera, Rabbit-eats, Caladenia dilatata,
Fringed Spider Orchid, C. congesta, Black Tongue Caladenia, C. Patersanté,
Common Spider Orchid, Gilossodta major, Wax-lip Orchid, Diuris maculata,
Leopard Orchid, D. pedunculota, Snake Orchid, D. longifolia, Tall Diana,
Cryptosiylis leplachila, Small Tongue Orchid, Pierosiylis alpina, Alpine Greens
hood, P. nutans, Nodding Greenhivoodl, P, pedunculata, Maroon-hood, Lyperanthus
sudveolens, Brown-beaks,

1. W, AUDAS

142 _CHanoien, The Caldon Avenger; ea

THE GOLDEN AVENGER.
By L, G. CHANDLER.

ft wall surprise many people, other than naturalists, to learn that
there are insects that prey upon spiders. Yet, such is the ease,
and these foes of the spider, the avengers of the insect world, are
fearless in their hunting Lacties. They include in their ranks a big
group of solitary wasps, and there ts. ane --the giantess of her race

“in my district—that T wish to draw attention to. You will note
that I use the feminine gender. [it is the femates of the wasp.
tribe that do the hunting and all the laborious, work that is necessary
for the welfare of the race. The males are usually diminutive.
fetlows that spend their brief lives in flirtmg and sipping.the sweets
from ithe flowers. Pot

The same rule applies more or less to spiders, and therefore it 1s
usually the female spider thal is selected by the wasp- The wasp
whose habits | wauld deseribe i; about 114 inches in length, with:
nicl pratige and black markings and orange wings. My friend,
Mr. F.. FE. Wilson, ‘has identified 4 specimen as Salivy tuberculatus.
Tt had been placed: at one time in the genus Pompilius, but in ‘the:
National Museum the generic name is now Salins. Mr, Wilson
states that the spectes varies considerably in size. | mention
this because I have had a similar, but much smaller wasp, identihed
under the same name. However, the habits of this wasp are dif-
ferent in many details,

Before I found the correct name of the big waap IT usually re-
ferred to her as the ‘* golden avenger.’” Shevis a lovely creature,
avery Queen of her tribe. Stately and sedate in her movements,
she is the very antithesis of most members of ‘her genus, that are
forever rushing about their task in eagerness and haste, She
displays but little nervousness, and I can watch at close quarters
without fear of disturbing. her. The big field spider, usually
called wolf spider, is ber special prey, and she searches in ‘her
hunt every nook and cranny,

What of the spider, the bold, fearless huntrers of -helpless vie-
tims? With ther poison fangs she should -be more than a match
for my dainty wasp. expected 1o see some terrific battles between
spider and wasp when I began to study theiy habits, and thought
that perhaps the victory would sometimes be with the spider. = [
was hopelessly out in my predictions. With her insect: prey “at
her mercy in the web or in the field. the spider is very bold and
brave, But suddenly faced with they wasp etiemy, her attitude is
one of abject terror. She apvears incapable -of defence, and
her main desire is ta run and hide. . a <4

Except in places where the svider may be firmly entrenched
and beyond the veach of the poison sting of the wasp, the letter

a ' Cyampter, The Golden Avenger. 143

attacks her apparently dangerous adversary without ‘hesitation, It
may be that in an entrenched position the wasp awaits a favourable
opportunity to seize the spider by a leg and jerk it from ite lair.
In the open it would be at her mercy. I have not had the good
fortune to witness a combat of Ithis description, where the spider
would. appear to have a good fighting chance. From the utter
fearlessness. of this species in hee attack on a spider in the open, I
believe she would not hesitate to enter a hole to capture her game,

One day, at six p.m.. 1] was walking through an orange gtove,
when I came upon my wasp attempting to capture a big wall
spider. - The spider, whether by accident or design, had taken up
& position standing on the tips of its tarsi, over a line of small,
black ‘ants. Each time the wasp approached, the ants clustered
upon her Jegs. and she had to beat a hasty retreat to dislodge
them, It was apparent to me that the spider was quite safe, and
as | was anxious to witness the method of attack, I disturbed
it, Withoa rush it ran a few yards and stapped with tthe wasp
close behind, The latter, with flickering wings, now walked
around the spider in slowly lessening circles. As mt came clorer
the spider drew itself up on extended legs. Then a most unexpected
thing happened. “Throwing herself on ther back behind the spider
the wasp wrigeled and twisted until she was be-eath its bady, and
curving her abdomen, she attempted again and again to use her
sting. But as often the spider, by pushing with her legs and
standing a little ‘higher, managed to evade the end. “The wasp
new went to, the front of the thoroughly cowed creature, and drop-
ping on her back right under those powerful shining fangs. con-
tinued the attack from this position,

‘One quick slash from those deadly fangs and the fisht would be
over, netead, ] see the spider feebly pushing her relentless enemy
away with ‘her front legs. Seveva) times, at an opportune moment,
the anider bolted fay safety, but there was no escaping from that
tenaciaus avenger, and the same nrocedwre was reteated. Once
the spider got away before the Salius could regain her feet, and hid
in a crevice jn the ploughed land. For several minutes the now
excited wasp circled around the locality, and «earched on foot.
Finally'she came upon the half-hidden quarry, and without a
moment's hesitation mounted uoan its back, and as the spider lifted
its legs to push her away, like a flash the stine way inserted, -
apparently at the base of the front right Jeg, ‘The bie creature
crumpled up, paralysed!

Having paralysed her game aller such arduous toil—a quarter of
an hour had elapsed from the time that I had appeared—the
wasp settled quietly to her toilet. Her delicale antennae especially
were given clove attention. She moistened her front feet separately

144 Cuannesr, The Colden Avenger. Ly fon BEYE:

in her mandibles, and then stroked the antennae to the end. ft
was interesting to watch the <rovoth movements as she cleaned the
sand from her legs, One middle and two hind legs were cleaned
together, and each time the middle leg became disengaged she gaye
it_a daiity shake, ‘The abdomen and wings were in turn well
groomed by the bind legs, and the thorax and face hy the front
legs. ‘To remove the larger particles of sand she rubbed herself
along the: ground.

After a complete grooming she thrust her tongue behween the
fangs of her helpless prey and for several minutes sucked at the
juices. Presently, grasping a fang in her mandibles, she raised
ahe spider slightly, and stung at about the centre of the thorax, The
sucking was resumed, and again the spider wag stung somewhere
in the thorax, There were then long periods of stillness, when
her anly movement was an in and out pulsing of the abdomen. Ants
were driven off savagely, and three times she moved her prey 4
few feel, and at each halt rested or groomed ‘herself.

At 7 pm. she started up with energy, and Eraspuig the spider
by a fang, and walking backwards, she dragged it up and down
furrows .over the ploughed land, and under vme trellises for 2
distance of thirty yards. Leaving her prey, she rose into the“air,
and dhsappeared over the vmes. In a few minutes she was hack,
and resumed, the dragging at a different angle. This Aight was
undoubtedly lo-survey the rayte and possibly to inspect the burrow.

On two more occasions, after about 10 yard j journeys, she made
these flights of inspection. Darkness was now settling down, and
on returning after her last flight no time was dost in dragging the
spider acrogs the next land, when, leaving it two feet from. the
-burrow, she went below. Coming up, she hauled her victim a

foot closer, and again descended. This extraotdinary procedure
was repeated for a third time, and the epider lefi at the entramee,
Finally it- was hauled out of sight. One thour and forty-four

minutes had elapsed from the lime that | had first observed her.
] waited another twenty minutes. when t was almost dark, and as
she did not Te-appear, il was evident that she intended to ‘spend the
night in the burrow. Her backward course over plouzhed land
and under heavy vine foliage was more ithan 50 yards, IL was
remarkable how accurately she kept her course. For the first 30
yards she was bearing a Jittle to the left, but after the flight of
inspection she walked backwards almost in a direct line ta the neg.

Tihis species of wasp excayates the main shaft of her beiprove
before she begins the hunt. Ik goes down to a depth of fifteen
inches fo two feet, a truly herculean task for a small insect, Ag
she requires them for her prey; a series of lateral cells that radiate

Ae Cuawones, The Colden Avenger, 135
from the bottom, are dug. ] have not yet asttnained the txact
number of cells a completed burrow would contain. The spiders
are stowed away alive, but paralysed. When the young wasp
in each cell hatches from its-egg, it bas living though helpless flesh
Ko, consume. An uwkul fate foxy the spider, and the death of

countless: insects has been unknowingly avenged. ;

Cn | '

7 EXCURSION TO MACEDON WEST. =i
Show Day, September 26, brought together a partly of 20, including 6
"Gisborne Friends, for the wxcurstan to Macedon Weat. On arrival, Mr. ©.
Swinburne, J.P. to whom we are indebted for our outing, welcomed ui, and
later wae the means of our entertainment at tea by Mra. Wiltshire. of Wood-
side. From the Gishorne reilway tation we molored along the Calder higi-
way |hiough the Black Forest, rapidly passing tall, black-holed gum trees as
we Jistened to yarious theories responsible for the sintsler mame given to the
forest, whose darkened shade evidently had a forebnding effect on ~ ofd
country.” setilers of 70 years ago, when hereabouts zaids Were made by bush-

vangeré from their eelrezls on Mt. Mavedon.

_.Afier speeding some miles along’ the ald Blackwood Road, we "went
bush,” and were soon busy collecting till we reached a conning slream, one ol
the: head waters of Jackson's Crock, some six milos out and nol more than
one and a half mies from the Divide, While resting, Mr, W. Crawfured
gave us am interesting address on the geological features patsed through from
the time we had Tefi North Melbourne to wus present surroundings, and
aflerwards conducted portion af the party down stream, where a number of
fossil= were collected. including an unusual and interesting graptolite Didymet
-graptis Coduceus, from the Lower Ordovician Rocko. - ’

Another partly roamed the hillsides and upatream, where Mr. V. Miller
yathered the curious Cape Pond-lily Aponogeton distachyum, with its large,
oblong, flaating leaves, and, as its specthe name implies, ils scented white
fleshy forked or combed perianth is divided jnto jwo segments. One regrens
that this South Africin plant, of which thee ave oeversl Australian sisters,
is table to become a menace in still waters, though Von Mueller, in his
“Select Plows,” pointed oul thas the thers ore edible and the succulent
flowers afford spinage. Mer. G. Lyell, whose vast collection of lepideplera is
‘conniderncd hy leading oxperte to he one of the finest an the world, contnbuted
a pleasing talk on local anacet collecting and illustrated his remarks by cater-
pillar specimens taken daring this outing.

§f the orchid enthusiasts were divappointed, 4 was remembered that the
district, during the past winter, had experienced six falls of snow, and it was
a Jate season here, while we were only three miles from Mt. Macedon.
Snow is regarded in this district, ai im Continental Europe, to be the’ foro-
runner of good seasonal vegelalion, aod the Measys, Wiltahire, our guides,
‘promised the party that by October 27 at could gather orchids in handfuts,
Botanists who did general collacting found 120 4pecies of plants, of which 43
were in Hower. ‘

Although one reads on pape 34 of “Letters from Vic. Pioneers” that in
November, 1844, a severe frost killed “nearly all the beautiful blackwoo
trees that studded the hills’ in the Wannon district of Victoria, hereabouts
‘were Hever seen finer umbrageous ‘apecimens of Acacia melanoxylon, literally
covered with masses of lemen-colowred flowers. | Epacris impressa in bl
tints, was abundant. —§ Hovea ‘heterophylla, in fine, Inrge; meve sprays pleas
the party, and a local enthusiast brodght ys the rave white form whiose sister, A.
Jongifalia, 1 had also collected in white calour on Mt, Bogong. ~ Bitds
abounded, and Mrs. V. Miller was able to identify ot least 40 species..~*

A. J. TADGELL.

"

¢

=“

£446 Crawrorn, Geology pf the Black Forest: Aree. [vice

GERLOGT OF THE BLACK ‘FOREST AREA,
5 ’ By W. Crawrorp.

The Black Forest is situated abour twa smlez south-west of
Macedon and -near the source of Jackson's Creek. Some fea-
tures of geotogical interest seen from “the train on the journey from
Melboume to Gisborne are given as well as a brief account of the
locality visited. “From Footscray to Gisborne, except for a short
section at Sunbury, the railway cuns over a sheet of basaliic lava,
cor bluestone, as it is cammonly called, which as far as Sunbury has.
a fairly even slope to the south. :

In the neighbourhood of Sunbury and beynael it a great many
valcame ‘hills secur. Within a radius of six miles of Gisborne
there ate at least a dozen voleani¢ vents. while probably others
are hidden by later volcanic flows. Usually the course of the
intermittent streams which run over the bluestone is determined by
the edges of the lava flows, Stream sections show that the old
surface now covered by the bluestone was uneven, with low tulls.
and deep gullies. South of Red Rock the bed-rock appears al
the surface, while a guarter of a mile away a well was sunk to a
depth of 360 feet before the bluestone was penetrated, The
lava flows ave many, and while most of the later Rows may be
traced to some hill, it is impossible to ascertain the source of the
earlier anes, which occupy the lowest depresstons of the ald surface.

Over a considerable area of volcanic country near Gisborne
railway station a layer a few inches thick of concretionary limonite,
or buckshot gravel, exists about a foot belaw the surface, The
iron in the hmonite during many alternating wet and dry seasans
has been leached out of the bluestone by rain water, and on the
evaporation of the water has been deposited in a layer near the
surface. Aw Gisborne Racecourse, and several other Jevel areas
on Yhe bkuestone, the surface is sinking. forming roughly circular,
swamoy areas, probably owing to leached out material being car-
tied away by water. In such cases the surface does not sink
evenly, but in smal] patches or crab-holes. so gradually lowenng
the whole,

Two mile: north of Sydenham, in the valley of Jackson's Creek,
there are Cae basaltic columns called the " Organ Pipes”’ Anyane-
‘amuking the journey from Gwborne through Bullergarook to Bacchus
Marsh may se¢ a good example of basaltic columns by gaing about
200 yard; from the road, to the’ mouth of a small tributary of the
Pyrete Creek, called Cataract Gully. which flows south from Mt.
Bullengarook for about three miles over the bluestone before falling
mto the deep gorge which the Pyrete Creek thas cut in the Lower
— Ordovician, vocks to the east of the road. The. columns. are,
on a rough measurement, about 70 feet high

Moy. Craweoap, Geology of the Black Fores! Area. oa?

: Jackson's Creek, the valley of which is a conspicuous feature of ©
the, landscape. from Sydenham to Riddell, has its source Lo the west
of Macedon and its iributary is, Riddell's. Creek, which brings the
drainage of the southern slope of the Mt. Macedon Ranges. For
the first few miles t flows over old sedimentary rocks and probably
this portion dates back to dhe pre-newer volcanic period, but the
@reater part of ils course has been determined by the later lava
Hows, and ‘here # is a young river running in a deep and narrow
gorge. Near Gisborne its direct course to the sea was blocked by
the volcanic hills, Mt. Gisborne and Red Rock, which arose in ite
path, and it had to go nine miles east to Clarkeheld before again
turning. south,

In many places the blwestone has been cut through by the stream,
and wherever this has occurred lateral erosion thas formed a wide
river flat. Naa all the river flats, however, have'this origin. About
‘a mile downsiream from Gisborne there is a flat, several acres ih
extent, at which no bed-vock appears, and it seems that here the
creek has cul right through a buried voleano and the loose and
slagey material near the vent hay been removed while the creek
was outtme slowly downward in the solid bluestone further down-
stream. Near Sunbury tilted beds of sedimentary rock appear in
a culling and are shown to be of Upper Ordovician age by the
graptohtes which may be found in the darker layers.

After climbing through the Sunbury cutting, a long stretch of
low hills with deep gullies may be seen on the west, and beyond
them the level skyline of the bluestone, These hills are comyosed
of old sodimentary rocks, und in some places among them, Upper
Ordovician graptolites may be found. But besides the norma!
Upper Ordevician slaies and sandstones, mn which graptoliles are
almogt the only [ossils, there i5 a serien of sandstones and shales
with impressions of brachiepeds and corals ard crinoid stems- and
joints. Some of the sandstone is much coarser than that of the
normal Upper Ordovician and at one place contains pebbles an
inch in diameter, Similar rocks occur extensively near Riddell
and to the east and south-east of Gisborne. -

In some places graptolites occur in the shales. One of these
localizes is two miles south-east of Gisborne where a creek crosses
the Calder Highway. It is probable thay the whole series is a late
and shallow water phase of the Upper Ordovician with which it
is associated in the field. Passing Clarkefield the distinctive shape
of Mr. William, where the aborigines’ quarrics are situated, may
be seen far away, in the north. In some of the bluestone in the
neighbourhood of Riddell and Gisborne tthere .are great numbers
of -banded secretions of carbonate of lime, which are very ornamen-
tal when shaped and polished.

ia Cuaweonw, Cealopy of the Mach Forest Apex [YF xh,

~ Yo the north-west of Riddell there is a large area of rough
country in which the rocks are chiefly granodiorite, Ordovician
slates and ¢andslone, and a very hard conglomerate known as the
Kerrie conglomerate. Tihe exact age of the Kerrie conglomerate
is noi certain, but just where the train approaches closest to the hills,
about two miles from Riddell, pebbles resembling in every respeel
the fossiliferous sandstone, which thas been described above, mays
on eareful search, be ik in the conglomerate. They eceyr
towards the westem end of the section on Riddell’s Creek Sad also
looss on the cleared western side of the hill. Several outcrops, of
the fossiliferous sandstoné occur near and ithe conclusion as that’ whe
Kerrie conglomerate is partly formed from and is therefore younger
than these sandstones, and at has been proved by previous workers
that the conglomerate is older than (he sranodiorite.

The rocks of the portion af the Black Forest to the sputh-weet at
Macedon, recently visited by a purty of field naturaliels, are of
lower Ordovician age. A deep covering of soil and the absence
of goad sections make much of the atea rather uninteresting goologic-
ally. <A discovery of graptolites was tad, however, in the spoil
from a trench cut across a gully in Sec, A. 2, near Phillips” Bridge.
the mare common being Cardiograptus morsis and Oncograptus yp-
silon. On a subsequent visit another locality was found 50 yards
below the bridge, in badly cleaved hard blue alate, the more ‘com-
mon graptolites being Didymograstus caduceus (variant forms in-
cluding var. manubriatus) and Oncograptus upsilon. Fragments of
Didimograptus v. deflexus, and others also occur, Further search
would probably reveal other forms. The graptolites indicate two
zones of the Darviwill subdivision of the Lower Ordovician. Similar

or identical beds occur to the south-west m another batch of Jack-
son's Creek upztream from the Victoria Slate Quarry,

On the left bank of the creek, about three-quarters of a mile
downstream from Phillips’ Bridge, Didvinograptus caduceus has
been found in full relief in somewhat sandy looking materiel, in
which ithe very pumeérous crustaceans are represented by hard nodules
resembling pebbles. Stull further south, near B.a 69 and B.a. 71,
Lower Darriwill graptolites occur, among them being Didymograp-
tus caduceus (including var. manubriatus and var. foreipiformis),
Oncograptus upsilon, Didumograptus v. deflexus; Trigongraplus,
Tetragraptus serra and Goniograplus speciosus. Tt must have been
somewhere in this neighbourhood, although the exact locality is not
clear, that that fine example of Coniograptus speciosus, now in the
National Museum was found. Atl B 29, near Cobaw 5.S., about
12 miles to the north, Darnwil) beds outcrop, and they also oceur
in the railway cuttings between Gisborne and Woodend, and in
Woadend. “The writer is not aware of any locality between ML
Macedon and Cobaw, where graptolites fave been found. Much

ist: Crawrord, Geology of the Black Farest Atria. 149

of the inteFvenmg couhiry is covered with jgneous rocks and decp
soil, but there: is a lithologiéa) similarity in the bedrock wherever iL
is exposed, throughout the area, which thakes it probable that the
whole is of Darriwill age.

To the Pyrete ond the Djerriwarth Ranges, a.few mules to the
sduth of Macedon, the country 1s more broken, Oncograptus beds
and Tefrograptus fruticdsus beds outcrop within a fraction of .a
iflile.of each other, and at one place Upper Ordovician within 150
ards of Didymograptus bitidus beds.

s EXCURSION TO SOUTH MORANG.

.. This exeursion took place on September 7, and was attended by 25 membere
and fitends, The ftesh day wan an ideal one far walking, and the Plenty
afd Kinglake Ranges, in the near distance, contributed to the interesting sur-
foundings. Two intraduced plonts, the Field Mavigold, Calendula arvensis,
ind the Blue Periwinkle, Vinca major, were abundant in the railway enclosure,
The turbid flood waters of the Plenty River had materially, subsided in the
interval, following an inspection of a fortmght ago, though the Platypus seen
tien was not on view to-day. The river crossing was made possible by the
male members of the party doing a little bush bridge-building. They also
formed a “hand-rail ’ that proved helpful, and soon all of the party were across
the fast-flowing stream.

| A change from pasture country, where the Daisy, Ballis perernys, was scatiered
abundantly in damp situations, soon follawed, and the party viewed the meander-
ing river trans its higher! slopes, where, here and in the hinter country, natural
histary objects were soon in evidence.

Mr. A. L, Scoti could be seen pointing out rock folds on the apposite side
af the rivee. Miss J. Radf narly had a group of «entomologists around her a8
the barked the Eucalypty in her searches, Mesave. Proudfoot and Tanks
commanded the attention of the members to listen to the songs of Various birds
they named, and to note a robbed nest in a bush of Acacia ertiata, Later
they eagerly summoned all of the party to observe a pair of Podarsus Owl
huddled against the bole of a dry “ gum," with necks outstretched and showing
evident distaste al Field Naturalists’ inquisitive attentions,

The botanists noted, collected and named 127 spectes of plants, of which 56
were ma flower, Ten specics of orchids, Howering, were acen with four others
bul of season, There were seven species vf Acacia, three of Mistletnes, while

Rapanus variabilis seemed to. maintain a precarious life among the rocks near.

‘the river. Of much interest, and quite at home on the slopes, wan the prickly-
leaved and stragely “issanthe sfrigosa (peach-heath}, so named from the ros
hue .of the coralla tubes. Mr. Paton kindly procceded further afield, wilk
those wha wished to extend their observations.

The delightful scent of damp moss attracted ys to Thuidium furfurosum,
Féneria cuspidatus and Campylopsis in(reflexus, whieh were collected, .and
gave scope to, the leader explaining the nature of primitive. plant life and its
Origin, while the plant life at the river crossing provided an opportunity to him
to explain changes in the nomenclature Teom former well-known names. Two
Rockferns were found (Choilanthes tenuifolia), wide, robust, with tufted roots
and flexible stews, and C. Siebers, nartow, creeping, with wiry stipes crowded

in crows, xs
r A. J, TADGELL.

*

150- Lyx, Insect Collecting th the Gisborne District, Page

INSECT COLLECTING IN: THE GISBORNE
- : ' DISTRICT, te
By G. Lyeu, F.ES. ;

Most. of you knaw shat I have conhined my natural history
activities to the Lepidoptera, and in the course of the years have
gathered together some thousands of Australian species. “Though
often sorely tempted, | have resisted the urge to collect other orders,
finding it difheult éndugh to provide cabinet accommodation far, the
butterflies and moths, Unless adequate room can be given, the
growth of such a collection is sadly hampered; we should have more
young collectors, and more large collections, were it not for the ton-
tinua! expense of new: storeboxes m which to house the: insécts..

Most of my collecting has been done on spare afternoons within
walking distance of Gisborne. As the years pass and settlement
extends the likely spots within reach are becoming fewer and fewer,
The motning up ul] midday is, I know, the better time to find ‘most
species on the wing, but, unfortunately, business has prior claims and
holidays have been fewer than with you in the city. » Solitary
rambles have been the rule, for I know of no one interested in the
hobby living nearer than Melbourne; if an acquaintance joins. me
once or twice during the seasons it is only for the sake of the walk.
Fortunately far me, business has taken me to Sydney for a week or
so for many past Easters, and the Easter week-end has usually
meant a collecting excursion, These trips have often given me.
mere specimens and more new species than I have bee able to
gather during the rest of the season in Gisborne. -

In August and September I did some beating of Eucalyptus an:
Acacia boughs over an upturned umbrella for Boarmid ‘caterpillars
So far J have had only small success, for the available afternoons
have often been wet or windy, but [have seven or eigh) species now
feeding (October) from which I hope to secure moths next autumn,
Last season I managed to breed @ short series of a moth, Fisera dic-
tyoides, which previously was only known by three specimens; of
these three I had bred (wo over 2() years ago, and it is only lately
that [T have come across the larvae again, The catersillars of
the showy silvery-white Thalaina punctilinca are now feeding on the
leaves of Acacia melanoxylon, and those of the smalley Thaloina
inscripta on Acacia dealbata, Like those of Fisera dicipcides.
they will enter the ground within a few weeks and will not emerge
as moths 4ill April at the earliest,

Pupat of the pretty pink Wingia lambertella are found in the
bough-tios of the peppermint eums late in. September and early
in October, Tn some yeats the birds discover them and tear the
leaf-enclosed silken cocoon and devour its occupant. Adother
shawy moth found at the same time, atid i the same situation, 4s
FPuchaetts rhizobola; the larva joins together three living gum leaves

Nov
1929

Lreet, Insced Collecine in ihe Cisbarne District. 151
for almost their Full length and pupates in a filmy silken covenng
between them. ;

Soon the tree trunks will yield a small harveil of the tiny Gsle:
chieds, the larvae of which often tunnel in the bark; most of them
appear early in tthe spring. OF 189 species of this family in
my collection, 60 ave taken in this district, Other maths are
found on the tree trunks, too, and the best time for such collect-
ing ia after heavy winds, especially when accompamed by faim
Two. years ago { caught, on a tree trunk, a pretly little black moth’
with golden bands across the forewings; this was an undescribed:
species af Borkhausenia, T had caught ficeting glimpses of ‘it
from time to tme for many years past, but i had: always previously
eluded me, Its golden bands make it most conspicuous when
resting on the bark in the sunshine, but it Hies quickly, and once on
the wing, seins to become anvisible. the black wangs and underside
defying the cye to follow them: now that I know exactly what to
‘look for I] have hopes of securing a series,
Some few of the pretty little Orcophorids are on the wing .in
October, and must of them fly in the spring, | have 788 species
oF this large family, but only 247 of them have so far been taken
locally. About Christmas ume we eet two very rare and pretty
‘Geometers testing upon the bark of Eucalyptus obliqua (Stringy-
bark). ‘There are 10 species (eo far known) of this genus, and
al) but these two rest on the ground. But Epidesmiq replicatarta
and E. recessata prefer to hide on the tree frunks, anc, with ther
congpicucus!y white hind wings hidden, they are anything but easy
to find. One disturbs them by beating the irunks, and they at
once fly to the other side and nearly always rise too high for the
net; when discovered resting a very slow and steady approach with
a glass top pill box offers the best chance of capture. These two
species are rarely seen in collections; my own Jong series have taken
a good many years to gather; Jast season six oy seven special trips
for them were fruitless, only five examples being seen and not a one
captured

Oa dark abebtnay—echecsally when thunder threatens—there are
moths to be seen Aying around the bright street lamps, and some
of them come mdoors and may be taken om walls or table, Ip
‘this way some dozens of species haye been added. I ‘have not yet
given colleckng in the bush with a petrol lamp the <attentian it
deserves. My small experience of such work has been, in the
mountains of New South Wales, where was most promising,
-despite the bight moonlight of the Easter week-end. I live in
‘Hiopes of doing more of it, but here is where the need of a brother
collector is felt, Moorhght nights ave ithe poorest, and, on the
dark nights the charms of the distant pathless wooded gullies and
‘bush-clad ills are not so alluring when one is alonel

—
we
t

The Brisbane Rauges. iy xy t.

THE BRISBANE RANGES. .

The outing to Staughton Vale on October 19 was a treat tor thuse who par-
titipated: perfect weather conditiuns prevailed, and much nf owterest was.
obsefved—and collected, ; ‘
ae Owing to the Fact that bul six names were handed in to the lender prior
w thé day. ihe advertised arrangements wefe tancelled and a moto? car
Wate requjsihoned for the journey. Ouy party, which hed increased fo nine bit Sat-
uftlay’ morning; left the Footteray railway station af 8.30 a.m, and soon after
was joined by Mr. and Mrs. V, Miller in theiv car, They willingly aecommo-
dated twa af our party. ,

i) On the platens orchids predominaed the flora, over 20 spactes being in
kom. ¢ mast abundunt were the Large Waslip Orchid, Clossedid, mator,

. Br, very fine; the Rabbit-ears Sun-o, Thelymilra anleanifera, Hk; ithe
Musky Cnladenia, Calodenia festacca R. Br., and the Pink Fingers, Col,
Comes, Ri Bee St : i =
But the outstanding finds were the numerous very fine bushes of the Violet
Baisy-bush, Oleavie twdeehraa, Fw, the discovery of which a few years agu
(by the Rev. A. C. F, Gates) caused some excetement. On a high eminence
to the eaat we found them; both Jarpe ane small hughes, full of bloam, The

vei Daisy-bush, Olearia pannose, Hk., was also at ins best, the Mowers
resembling somewhat the Shosia-daisy of our gardens. The othe noteworthy
find was the Hooded Caladenia, Calademad cucelata, Fitzg, It was very
plentiful on the Lower levels, a small bur stately plant! Swangely enough,
revious specimens collected here havi always been determined as Col. angustata,
Lindl. but it 1 beyond a) doubt the Caladenis that Fitzgeralcl described and
Uhisitated so faithfully. Mrs. V. Miller, who. abserved the birds, writes:

" Thiety-six species of birds were actually observed, several others beng
hoard, Amongst thore hsted were thy Golden and Rufous Whistlers, several

oteyenters, inéluding the yellew-winged ov New Halland, which were very
fumerous; the Scarlet and Eastern, Rosellas; three Robins, including the
Hreded spectes; the Black-and-White and Grey Fantaily; White-fronted.
Heran; and numbers of White-fromed Chats, Blue Wrens, and ‘Thornbills.
The delighttully harmonrous call of the Grey Shrike Thrush was predominant
alt day, Some members of the party saw a Bronze-wing Pigeon, which was
especially injeresting in ¢tew of the grave Joubi expressed in sure quarlers as
to the wisdom of the recent open season, A number of Banded Plovers feed-
int clase to the rudd wes noticed of the homeward jaumey. Nesti were not
mamerous, probably owing to the Jate winter.”

Before sunset we had lefi this interesting locality noting wilh keen
satisfaction the well-kept and beautiful garden of Hower in the adjacent
‘school, and the thriving cropr of cercals on all sides. “Two Jarge snakes were:
seen on the fills, ane 4 {1.6 in, in length was killed

W, H. NICHOLLS.

CENTIPEDES INVADE HOUSE.

A remarkable “ visitation" of centipedes is descrihed in a letter t “ Sun-
raysin Daily," Tram which the tellowme is quoted=--

“A very exciling evening wos spent al the home of Mr. and Mis. T. Smith,
3\Baleatherme, River Darling, N.S.W., on October 4; when Mr. Tom Smith
and fis brother, Roy, were kept very busy kilhng centipedes. We were sealed
‘on the front verandah, on the floor of which a lantern had been, placed Ono
of the Jadies noticed a centipede crawling towards the light, and we knew, of
‘coutze, that it was the light that had brought it there. Being rathe: afraid
of these creatures, we thought Wa wise plan’ to put the lantern om the ground’
a short distance from the house. Soon there were seen, caming fram: differem
Airectivins, Many centipedes, all going towards the hight. For about an hour
we sat there, and during that time 54 centipedes were killed, A very cold
“wind began to blow: then a tercihe dust storm arose which forced us to enter.
the heures. That was thn and af the centipede invaston,”

ELLA . SMITH.

at oe ee

The Victorian’ Naturalist

Vol. XLVI—No. —No. BOD December 4. 1929. No. 552

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the
Roya! Society's Hall on Monday, November 11, 1929. The.
president, Mr. P. R. H. St, John, aceupied the chair, and there

were about 110 members and visitors present.

CORRESPONDENCE.

From Mrs. J. A. Leach and family, acknowledging tetter’
of sympathy from the Club in connection with the death of Dr.
J. A. Leach,

From the Roval Horticultura! Society of Victorna, extending
an invitation to Club members. ta attend their excursion to Mt.
Macedon on November 16, also to their Spring Flower Show, at
the Melbourne Town Hall on November 14.

REPORTS.
Reports of excursions were given as fallow:—-Oakleigh Golf
Links, Mr. P. R.H. St. Tohn, Labertowche, Mr. A. E. Rodda-

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

The following were duly clected on a show of hands:—As
oydinary members: Miss Sykes, Ediuhvale; Miss A. R, Rentoul,
East’ Melbourne; Miss V. M: Fawcett, “‘ Ronalds,"" Melbourne;
Mrs. M. A. Legge, Hawthorn; Miss A. E., Cannon, Elstern-
wick; Messrs, Mitchell and Casey, Melbourne: Mr. A. L. Suth-
van, Ivanhoe; Mr. C. L. Griffiths, Oakleigh. As counlry members:
Miss M. I. Hunt, B.A., Hamilion; Mr. C. F. Swinburne, J.P.
Gisborne. As associate member: Miss Jean Rentoul, Moonee
Ponds.

GENERAL.

Mr. F. G. A. Barnard drew attention to the fact that on this
date (November 11) eleven years ago, the Club held its ordinary
monthly meeting, and on that day the news of the Armistice in
the Great War had just been recetved,

Mr. A. D. Hardy referred to rhe destruction of Blue-tongued
Lizards by being run over by motor cars on country roads, and
sard that this appeared, in some cases, to have been done de-
liberately.

The president, Mr. P. R. H. Si, Jobn. said that he desired
to thank those members who had assisted in making the recent
Wildflower Show a success.

LECTURE. ,

Mr. A. S. Kenyon, M.LE. (Aust.) gave a very interesting
Jecture entitled ‘The Maori.” He referred td the origin of
the Maoris and their traditional occupation of the New -Zealand
Islands. The lecture was illustrated by numerous exhibits of

154 Field Noturalist' Chib—Proceedings, ial

implements, weapons and handicraft, and alo by an excellent
series of Jantern slides of Maon life.

EXHIBITS.

Miss F. Faul—Dned pressed specumen of Thelymitra varie-
gata, from the Grampians,

My, A. D. Hardy —Young hive speamen of Blue-tongued
Lizard.

Mr. H. G, Clarke, per Mr. A. E. Rodda—Small bust of
Maori woman, carved in kauri gum. Auckland, New Zealand,

By Mr. F, Pitcher—Thhirty-seven species of Lycopods and
Ferns of the Southland distnet of Otago, New Zealand,

By Miss A. Fuller, per Miss Neighbour, —Seed pod of
Dutchman's Pipe, Aristolochia sipho, grown in Strathfheld, Sydney.

' By ‘Mr. Geo, Coghill.—Australian plants m cultivation, Ger-
aldtan Wax-Hower, Snowy Mint-bush, Rosemary Grevillea, Coast
Tea-tree, Purple Kunzea.

By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard.—A cacia Baileyana, with gall prab-
ably caused by the Acacia Gnat-Gall fy. Cecidomyca acactae-longi-
foliue, found at Surrey Hills.

By Mr. A. E. Opperman.—Robust stem (18 inches, with
ten flowers) of Calochilus Rebertsona, Brown-beards from South
Warrandyte.

By Mr. P. R, H. St. John.—Specimens in bloom of GCrevia
Sutherlandii, Hooker and Harvey; fram the Botanic Gardens.

By Mr, Tarlton Rayment—Drawings of the morphology of
two new bees, illusirating the large: golden banded bees Trichacolletes
nigroclypleaius Raym,, the queen of digging bees, the heads and
genitalia of T. venustus and T_ nigroclypteatus and the legless bee
Pachyprosopis fulvescens Raym.

By Mr. C. Daley, F,\L.S.—(a) A good example of fasciation
in the terminal shoots of Calytrix tetragona Labill, Common Fringe
Myrtle. (b) Flowering sprays of Musk, Daisy-bush and Haze!
Pomaderris, grown at Caulfield,

y Mr. V. H. Miller.—Flowering planis of Seteochihuy fal,
catus, R. By., from Tambourine Mountain, Queensland.
.. By Mr. H. P. McColl,—Australian plants in cultivation,
Eucalyptus torquata, E. robusta, Callistemon cifrinus, Prostar:
thera ntvea, and Telopea oreades,

By Miss C. Currie—-A large collection, of wild flowers, in-
cluding Boronia Muelleri, illustrating her report on the excursion
to Labertouche, as well as mimber of cultivated Australian flowers
grown at Lardner.

By Mr. C. J. Gabriel —~Marine 'shells from New Zealand:
Zennlia acinaces, Q and -G: Panoped . zelandica, @ and G;
Chlamys-zelandtae, Gray: Chlamys convexus, Q and G; ‘Myodera’
siriata, Quoy:’ Hoaliostis“iris; “Martyn; Murex -zclondicus, O° tand)
G: Astraca heliotropum, Martyn: “Astrace sulcata, Martyn. °°"

ery Rarmeny, The Plumed Bees. 455

THE PLUMED BEES.
By TARLTON RAYMENT.

Fred Smith, working on the hymenoptera in the
British Museum, described many Australian bees which that tst-
tution had received from collectoys in the antipodes, Among the
remarkable insects from the new country were afew black bees, —
having bright golden bands on the abdominal segments. That was
in 1879, when Senith included them in his genus Peracolletes, and
gave them the specific name af marginatus.

Previously, in 1862, Smith had published, ‘in tideuacttile: of
the Lntomological Socicly, London, the description of somewhat
similar females, under the title of Lamprocolletes venustus. These
tao, were black, banded with gold; but he did not mention. a. very
unusual character of the eyes, The large compound structures.
have a number of long, sensory hairs projecting from between
the convex facets, a feature which is found in only one other genus,
Apis mellifera, the honey-bee of the hives. The elements of these
hairs are, however, found in Pachyrprosopis haematostoma, small,
glossy, purple-black bees, whose large eyes, when viewed through
the microscope, exhibit a number of short, stout, peg-like hairs among
the comnules.

Smith's Benus, Lathoracallet, has now been merged, in his
more comprehensive one, Paracolletes, but [ regret the supersedure,
as the chayacters for this genus, and also. thoze for his Leioprectus,
are sufhcient justification for the retention of his generic names.
IMowever, that t. a matter te be referred lo elsewhere. Professor
Cockerell, my mentor in the mazes of taxonomy, in the Annals
and Magazine of Natural History, 1913, reviewed these black
and gold females,, and, noting the hairy eyes, created the genus 7ri-
ehocollets, He had already written to Meade-Walda, at the
Museum in Landon, requesting him to study the camgound orbits
of Smith's Lamprorolleies yenustus, and that entomologist had as
sured him that they, too, had the. distinctive hairs, so the bees be-
came Trichocolletes venustus, That wae the last overseas record of
these large and beautiful Australian natives.

Soon after the Great War had ended, I decided to pay some
attention to these plumed honey- gatherers, which were collected at
Brisbane and Birkdale, in Queensland, seven hundred ar more
mites from my’ home on Port Phillip. I have long refused to be
daunted by distance, and the record from the far north did not
deter me from endeavouring to find the bees close at hand, TIT
waited until the spring month ef October, and set out. for the
hundredth time, to find some plumed bees. Fabre, you will re-
member, told naturale. to keep looking in the right place and

mH Rayment, The Plimed Bees. PMc. Nas,

they would surely find, a dictum to which I whole-hearted)y sub-
acribe, ,

Where, one might ask, ic the best locality? Well, | had
searched, year afler year, the blossums of the Coast Jea-tree, the
Beard-heath, the “* Boobialla,"’ the Coast-hop, the Mesembry-
anthemum, and dozens of other plants comprsing the ** Dandrinp-
ham Flora,"’ and there were no plumed bees on all that sea of
bloom. , Of course, I was not looking in the right place. In
the dense growth I had passed over a few odd plants some three
feet or more-in height, and bearing numerous small, yellow-and-red
pea-shaped Aowers. The leaves are attenuated, sharp and hard,
and these are responsible for the common name “ Gorse-leaf Bitter-
pea’ Daviesia ulicina of the botanist.

Certainly I should not haye neglected such richly nectari-
ferous bloom, for had I not much experience with this genus,
having harvested from it many tons of exquisite, pale, delicately-
flavoured honey, perhaps the most attractive in the world, Never
shall I forget the spiarist who had in his storehouse 12 tons of
honey, al} sealed in thousands of snow-white coms, each holding
one pound avoirdupois. The fragrance of that harvest permeated
the atmosphere. [ say L should not have passed over the Davie-
sia, though where that magnificent harvest was gathered there were
*‘ miles of bloom,"’ whereas, on Port Phillip, I have ta search many
acres to find one plant.

Convinced that I was looking along the wrong avenue, I at
last turned my attention to the rare Bitter-pea. After days of
watching { observed a honey-gatherer-hover for a minute or two
over the blooms, and then disappear with remarkably rapid flight,
It Jooked very like the familiar honey-bee, but its high treble note
made me curious and eager to capture ane. This I did with dif
ficulty, after swuoping through the aiy with my net many, many
times in yan.

However, I have the bee in my bottle, and am able to study
her with my Jens. Even with that low power I am able to discern
her hairy eyes, and the Jong, plumed pale hairs of her body, She
conforms. very nitely to Smith's description in everything except
size; she is larger, measuring some 13 millimetres in hength. She
has bright red legs, the dense, yellow, hairy covering of the face,
and the black abdomen with its galden bands. Smith's dried
and contracted mummy could not be measured accurately, and his
estimate of length might easily be astray. [ am stressing her size

because ] have to use it as a epecific distinction.

Of course, ] was happy to add these fine bees to the fauna
of Victoria, and, after all, such pleasures, small though they be,
are yery genuine, since they are based on a satisfactory reward

e
#

Ba Rayment, The Plamed Bers. (97
for one’s labours. But human nalyre is a complex problem, for
1 no sooner establish one fact than | am again obsessed with a
desire fo uncover another. What of the males? Neither Smith
nor Cockevell say anything about them-

Two years went by before I tasted again the sweets of accom-
phishmeat, It was October. I knew now that the nght place
was the blossoms of the Bitter-pea, so } sat down and waited. i
was a glorious paslime, albeit a little trymg on one’s patience. How-
ever, at ‘Black Rock, for that is where I found the bees, J inhaled
the salt air of the sea and felt happy, Presently, when the air
was quieter, | heard above my head # shrill note far too shighly
pitched for any honey-bee, and quite different in intensity from
the treble note of the blue-banded bees of the Anthogharicae.

Peering into the atmosphere [ observed darting specks of light
and recalled the Belgian poet's words, “shoots like an arrow to
the zenith of the blue” Just so, the males passed lke arrows.
and my net was almost of no avail, Of all bees, this species
has the swiftest flight, and is most difficult to capture, even though
one be experienced with the net of the collector, But I did catch
a specimen, and since no one else has done so, | append to this
essay a description of the allotype. For the moment I am salis-
fied to pomt out that the male of T. venustus is smaller than the
female, for it measures only 11.5 mm. in length. The face, I
say, is covered with dense yellow hair. ‘The range of habitat is
extended from Birkdale, in Queensland, to Black Rock, on Port
Phithp. Permit. me to Jeave it at that for the time being.

I prefer to go once of twice a year into the mountains, where
the broken contours provide a relief from the long, level horizon of
the sea, Mareover, the tall Eucalypts are in strong contrast to
the law: tea-tree of the coastline, and’ the lighter aiy is enjoyable far
a chatiige. I appreciate the mineral waters of the springs about
Daylesford, and the flora of that high country affords me an oppor-
tunity for further work, On the stony nozthern slopes, where the
native granile is broken into small particles by alternate frost and
heat, there ig a gnity soil that feeds a number of small shrubby
plants and a forest of many-branched trees. Behold, among the
former are the Bitter-peas, not the few, scattered gursc-leaf kind,
but large areas of a narrow-leaf species, Daviesia corymbosa, which
has Howers of. similar size and calouy.

¥ walked through acres and acres of Daviesia, \istening for
tre shrill note of the yellow-banded bees, Well, I did hear it,
but I could not get near enough to catch a bee. T secured from
the blossoms three’ industrious females, which, intent on the harvest-
ing of the delicate nectar and the tich ovangé-caloured pollen. did
not escape me: - Lwas spurred to greater effort, but-the weather:

i58 Raraent, The Plomed Bees. [win

turned cold, my patience ran out, the bees disappeared. I left the
hills ‘with regret, vowing that next October T would remain until
I did eecure the objects of my quest.

Alast In the following year influenza robbed me of ay
strength, and pneumonia and toxaemia followed. When. October
opened I lay in the hospital with death lurking on the threshold.
My doctor brought tne back to the land of bees and sunlight, but
a whole year went by before I was again strong enough to climb
a mountain and drink the icy water of the springs.

In October, 1929, the entomologists of Melbourne ‘planned
an expedition to the hills of Macedon. I alone found three miter-
able bushes of Daviesta after some miles of walking. I had no
nel, so sure was I that the Bitter-pea was absent. Well, nght
under my nose I perceived a darting bee wih a high-pitched note.
[ called imperativly for Clarence Borch, and he came running
rapidly. “Strike!” = And in his net there was the long-sought-
for male. Not another was found. I -had now both sexes to
compare with my other specimens, and decided they were a new
species, the chief distinction bemg the absence of. golden hair from
the faces, and the sexes being equal in stature, smce both measure
| 2.3 smillimetres in length.

The Paracolletes marginatus, which Smith described in his
work, New Species of Hymenoptera in the Brittsh Museum, bas
no hair emanating from the eyes, and Dr. Cockerell thought these
bees an example of mutation. According to the theory of De
Vries, this phenomenon may arise suddenly: One of the daughters
of a ‘hairy-eyed Trichocolletes mother hatches out minus the adarn-
ments, and her inability to grow the eye-hairs is transmitted to some
of her daughters. The structural change was not spread over
acons of time, but occurred suddenly, and the work of Mendel
shows that the loss is a permanent ane.

Tt may have been the other way about; the progeny of a
ftaked-eyed Paracolletes may have contained an individual with
hairs between the facets, and this accession ‘has been transmitted to
all its progeny. Could we have had the brood under critical
observation, the number of naked-eyed and hairy-eyed specimens
might have been m Mendelian proportions. ‘It seems to me the
short, peg-like hairs of Pachyprasopis may some day be absent
from a svecimen; or, on the contrary, IT may yet find one of this
genus exhibiting the long sensory type-

When Cockerell made his observation ?. marginatus had been
recorded only from the southern portion of Australia, namely, Chel-
tenham, Victoria, and Bridport, Tasmania, while his hairy-eyed
specimens were described from Queensland. My record, prove
that both bees are to be found on the shores of Port Phillip; but,

~, 159

_ Rayment. The Plumed: Bees.

3 00

|

z
Al
5
c
hes

aAvMonT

160 Rarment, The Plunied Bees. vita

whereas the Trichocolletes is a-wing only during the last of Sep-
tember and the whole of October, and is confined to visiting the
Bitter-pea, the Paracolletes emerges later, during the heat of summer,
and harvests from utterly different plants.

Both species are splendidly equipped for digging, and excavate
shafts weveral feet in depth; both lay down from a broad tongue a
liquid that hardens into a delicate silvery cell-lining of skin, and
place in the cradle a sphere of pollen and honey just firm enontgh
to muintain its shape. The sole brood contains males and females,
and the larvae rest in the earth for ten months. A rapid develop-
ment takes place during the last forinight, and the males precede
the females by two or three days. ;

1. Front of head-ceptile ot Trichocolletes venustes SMITH,

2. Genitalia of T. venustue; the plumosa haics are a remarkable feature.

3, Front of hend-capsule of T. nigroclypeatus Rayment. Note the hair io
tufts on the clypeus,

The nests of T. venustus that | have observed continued down
until a firm subsoil was reached, and the tumuli al the entrance were
so solid that they maintained their volcano-like forms for the whole
of the month, The Peracolletes mound is more friable, easily
blown down, and is levelled within an hour or so, ‘Tihe males of
some Paracolletes make a shrill, thin note when ranging aver the
flowers, but the note of Tyichocollefes is much more intense.

Smith descnbed another genus of golden-banded bees, the
Anthoglossa sericea, and they, too, have a strong resemblance to
the honey-gatherers I have already surveyed, but are closer in facial
appearance to my Trichocolletes nigroclypeatus, for both have whit-
ish hair at the margins of the face. The life-history of Anthog-
lossoe is unknown to me, but the larse strong comb of the -tibial
spurs is unsurpassed for digging, and the bees of both these genera
must be the greatest of all insect tunnellers. I have followed the
shafts of T. venusius down for over five feet, and can. testify to
the efficiency of the pick. The only Anthoglossac | have were

a | Ravmest, Tho Plomed Bees. 16t

pellet on the Grampian hills, and in the National Park, Queens-
and,

The homes of the banded-bees are never so close together as
are the shafts of Paracolletes, which often have only six inches or
so separating them, whereas those of Trichacolletes are many yards. '
apart. An interesting feature is the changes in the coloar of the
hair of the vatious broods. In 1928 all the miales from the only
colony 1 know had deep, orange-coloured face-hair, but in 1929
all the males from the same colony had white hair at the orbital
margins. | know that temperature has a great influence on the
pigment of developing bees, and J have reared a brood of young -
giteeri bees, the progeny of a tan-coloutéd mother, Apis ligustica,
that varied from golden-yellow to black; under normal circumstances
and ah equable temperature, the colour of her children was dark
tan:

‘The spring of 1928 was abnormally dry arid hot, August.
being noted for the vrevalerice of northerly winds; the vernal monthis
of 1929 were decidedly cool, with frequent light showers; The
colour df the honey-bee becomes darker with low registers, but
the males of 7. venustus were paler when the sprite was a cold
one: _ 7 would als remind you that the hills af Daylesford and
Macedon énjoy a cool climate with much tain, and the Trichoeol-
letes of the regions aye distinctly paler in the face hairs.

KEY TO ILLUSTRATIONS (Page 159).

(1) Adult female Trichecolletes nigéalypealus RAYMENT.
(2) Antennascleaner of strigil? Nove the prodiigéd vélum.
(3) Pottion of compobhd: eyé thawing aenaury hain.
(43 The remarkable tibial apusi.

(5) A view of inside the teeth of the apr.

(6) Glosta or tongue with Jofiy pardglataad and palpi.
{7) Maxillary palpus.

(8) Moidible or jaw. |

. (9) Labram of Tip, :

(10) Tassel joints atid rlews,

(11) Antenna-cleaner of Paracalletes plunitsia Smitn.
(12} Tibial spurs of P; tubertitlaus Cockennbt:.
(13) Genitalia of P. faciatis, :

(14) Hind tibial spur of male T. verlsuéiies Suite.
(15) Antéina-cleaner of mole 7. vetstistrs.

In o letter fo Mr. C. French, Jun, Mt; HL. W. Ault, ‘of Lakes Entrance,
writes: =~" On November 2 I discovered ani Etiperor. Math in my cage, which
had “emerged fiom « cocoon placed there al some tinte heiweed April and july, ,
1924, The cocoons wert pulled trom a pidppide-trés, Bhd givait to ine by Mrs.
-Perkins,” . r

_ ft
162 Trichogolleles ‘Nigroctypeatus—Rayment. vie ae

TRICHOCOLLETES NIGROCLYPEATUS.. Sp. nov.-
Female,—Length 12.3 m.m., approx.

Head black y-bright, wider than thotax; face marks nil, a tuft
of whitish hair’ at each side; Frons with a minute shagreen, and
with large evenly distributed | punctures; Clypeus prominently convex,
polished, with sparse ‘coarse’ puncturing, the posterior edge with a
few scattered long light hasrs, the antertor with golden chair, sha-
green well defined; Vertex developed to a shanp edge, with
fringe of long golden hair; ‘compound eyes claret-brown, margins
parallel, with “long straw-coloured “hasrs between the facets; Genae
with long white plumose hair; Labrum amber-red, subtriangular;
Mandibulae dark red: with black tips, with a strong inner tooth;

* Antennae blatk, apical ends of flagella obscurely fulvous.

Prothorax nat visible from above, tubercules obscured | by a
tuft of golden hair. Mesothorax black, bright, with a minut
shagreen and’ with even, but not dense puncturing, a few golden

-plumose hairs surroundings the disc. *Scutellum slightly bigibbous,
similar in colour, sculpture and hair, Postscutellum similar to

“ycutellum:’ Metathorax ' very short, ‘but similar to mesothorax in

‘Yoolour and sculpiure. ~

“l.. ° Abdomen with’ ‘donal segments black, dull, “hind margin’ of
hrst obscurely lighter, the others golden yellow fringed with ‘pale
hair, the segments having an excessively fine transverse ‘striation,; ‘ven-
tral surface similar to dorsal, but with numerous coarse punctures.
Legs reddish-amber,’ coxae and: a large patch on femara black,
with long pale plumosze hair; ‘Farsi redder, the haif reddish-golden:
claws dark ved: ~hind Calcariae red, exceedingly wide, with seven
large, strong teeth’ and three small ones: the Strigil ‘has five strong,
long teeth, and the Velum is produced almasy to a pyramid: Tegulae
yellowish-amber, dark basally and anteriorly.

Wings subshyaline, tridescent, anterior 7.5 mm; Nervures
sopia, first recurrent entering the second cubital cell at apical] third
of its lungth. the second recurrent entering the third cubital cell
near apica) end, basally shghtly curved and falling shart of Ner-
vulus; cells radial, long and narrow, second and third cubital greatly
contracted al top; Pterostiema inconspicuous, sepia colour; Hamuli
thirteen in number, of moderate development.

Localily, Daylesford, Victona, 12/10/27.

Allies: Close to JT. venustus, Snmth. which 33 Jareer, har
brighter bands, and more ‘hair of an ochreous tint; Paracolleles mar-
ginatus, Smith, which has no hair on the eves: Anthoglossa aureo-
fincta.. Cockere)l, which has black legs and which is larger. :

~ Biologiesl. ‘data: I find these females frenuent only the plan!
Davissia corumbose from which they barvest pollen of a dull. orange
colont; and nectar of a deliciously delicate Aavour. No mating
takes place in the flowers,

Dee, The Wildflower Show, 1929. 163

THE WILDFLOWER SHOW, 1929.

This attractive display of native flora, held on Wednesday,
October 2, at the St. Kilda Town Hall, was opened by Mr.
Chandler, M.L.A., who waa briefly introduced by the president”
of the club, Mr, P. R. H. St. John. In congratulating’ the
club on the fine uhow, Mr, Chandler referred to the commercial
possibilities in commectian with the cultivation of wild flowers,

Notwithstanding the lateness of the season and the influence
of dry conditions im the Northern areas, there was a fine display
of flowers, especially from Gippsland, the, vicinity of Melkourne,
the Grampians, and the North-eastermn district, | From the North,
Maldon, Taradale, Red Cliffs and Pingee were represented, but
there were no flowers from the South-west,

From Queensland Mr. Slaughter, of Thulimbah, sent some -
attractive flowers; from South Australia, Mr. Ising, of the South
Australian Field Naturalists’ Club, forwarded a collection, Me.
J. C, Meyers sent Kangaroo Paws from Nartogin, Westem Aus-
tralia, » State whch was very well represented by per-
haps the finest collection ever stayed al the shows, one made
up and iyansported frec of charge by the representatives of the
Shell Oi] Company of Australia. The’ fléwers, some of witich
were bronght from the far north to Perth by aeroplane, were car
ried to Melbourne in coal storage “by baat. They arrived if
excellent condition and were very much admired. - Me. Bryant
also sent flowers from the same State. New South Wales fara
was unrepresented, chiefly owing to restrictions on gathering wild
flowers i in. that State,

. Mrs, J. Grylls, of Dingee, forwarded the Blue peas, Swain
sona procumbens; Mr. L. G. Chandler, flowers of the Cassia, C.
Sturtii and C. eremophila, The Mallee district, on account of
dtought' conditions this year, was poor in flowers. - Among Gipps-
land plants forwarded by Mr. T, Hart, M.A,, was Marsdenia
rostrata, Mr, J. A. Hill, Stawell, sent the large red-Howering
Baeckea. ramosissima.. The Misses Currie, of Lardner, had a fine
shaw of flowers. Mr, E, Cooper, senr., Steiglitiz, sent Olearia
pannosz, not previously exhibited at our shows, and Miss Enica
Barton. Sperm-whale Head, sent Thryplomene Miqueliana, , Miss
¥, Galbraith, Tyers, had a striking display of 120 species, among
which Correa rubra was it glorious bloom. The Gramoians flora
was well represented by characleristic flowyers collected by Mrs.
Miller and Messrs. Miller, Williamson and Daley.

The classification table, with 250 species of native plants,
siaged and named by Mr. H, B. Williamson, was of great
educative value. Miss Coleman was in charge of the Orchids
stall; where, as usual,’ an interesting and dainty display of the

164 The Wildflower Show, 1929, Ae sks a
quaint. and beautilul Vietorian species was tastefully arranged, Lady
members of the club with fiends attended to the various stalls
with their abundant wealth of flowers,

In the room set apart for exhibits in natural history were hutig
Miss A. Fuller's fine collection of water colour studies of Austra-
lian and South Alpican wildflowers, These again. proved a
great attraction. Mr. H, Dickins. showed paintnigs of artistically
grouped Australian flowers. Some of these are the originals of
thé coloured plates embodied in the attractive booklet recently
published by the Shell Company of Australia, Miss G. Neigh-
bour exhibited dainty studies of Australian orchids and butterflies.
Mr. W. Abraham showed some beautifully arranged, mounted
and pressed specimens of West Australian flowers.

Among the other exhibits was a large case of beautiful and
rare minerals from the Geological Survey Museum, kindly loaned by
the Director, Mr. W. Baragwanath, and arranged by Mr. W.
Abraham. Mr. A. C. Nilson staged a varied and interesting
selection af natural history specimens, mostly collected in the Mallee
district The Rev. George Cox, in conjunction with the Morn:
ington Naturalist Club, exhibited an extensivé selection of marine
specimens. The thanks of the Club are due to Mr. Cox for
the fine exhibit, and also fer explaining the specimens ¢o interested
spectators, — =

Mr. A. E- Rodda showed somé marsupial skulls and photo-
graphie studies (enlargements) of Victorian feptiles.

The microscopical section of the exhibition was in the hands
of Mies J, W. Raff. Attractive afternoon and evening displays
were given to large and interested audiences. Microscopes were
provided and assistance given by the following members and frends:
Misses R. Abbott, 7. Barrell, E, Chisholm and A. Kitson, of
the Teachers’ College, Carlton; Misses E, Andrew, M, A. Ball,
A, Flacker, D. Kidd and R. Webb, Messrs. J. Eaton, W. H.
Ferguson, C. A. Lambert, W. Ramm, E. A. Saxton, A. L.
Seott, J. Searle, J, Stickland, A. J. Swaby, J. Wileox, M. J.
Wincebtae arid B. Young, and Masters Donald Bartett and Pat

ecker.

Among the exhibrs were specimens illustrating characteristics
of Riverworts, mosses, ferns and flowering plants, carnivorous and
aquatic plants, fossil plants, living pond life organisms and others.
Sterenscoves, showing views of some of our native Orchids, were
also exhibited. ‘- -

The tearcoms were wel! patronised, The information bureau.
conducted by Mr. Chas. Daley, proved a great convenience, and
sales of nature study publications, ete., were made. This year,

Dee The Wildflomey Show, 1929. 165.

Mr. Hyam undertook the sale of pot plants of mative flora in
great vanety, the results being very successful. The sale of
native flawers by lady helpers was also well conducted. The attend-
ance G{ Aadminnd and interested members of the public and the
receipts were alike satisfactéry,
_ Among other contributors of flowers were Mr. A. I. Pitcher,
Bright; Mr. Dorman, Taradale; Mrs. Stafford, Lima East; Mise
Dyall, Garfeld; Mr. J. B. Hodgson and the Misset
Rossiter; Hedley; Mr, Fred Barton, junr., Foster; Miss
Birch, Tabberabbera; Mr. J}. Audas, Frankston: Miss G.
Nokes. Mr. Lon McKenny and Miss Thelma. Fry, Montmorency;
Mrs. T. Brooks, Maldon. Plants under cultivation were shown
by. the Burnley Horticulfural Gardens and Mr. G. Coghill, the
Misses Currie, Mr. T’.’ A. Robinson, of Duison, and others.

There wag a large number of willing workers in every set-
tian, many of Whom gave up considerable time to preparation,
arraigemeéit Afid dismantling of the disolay——no light task. Mr.
V. Miller jit this connéctton did valuable work. The best thanks
of the Club are due to these workers, a few dnly of whom have
been mentioned, who & willingly and unselfishly co-overated to
riidintain that high standard which 14 astociatéd with the Wildflower
Shows of the Club. .

Interést in native Hora seems to be widespread among sitr
young people, who affended the show in numbers, _ There. is also
an €ncotiraging demand for the many allractive native plants which -
hurserymen are now cultivating with much success,

KINGFISHERS IN PUBLIC GARDENS.

_Far several séagons past p nair of Sacted Kingfishers has nested in» ctvily
high up in the trunk of a willow tree in the. Treasury Gardens, This year
they rani again, but the tree has bern removed. They alaved atound the apot
for a few dayé, and on Navember 20, T lotated aonest, aga in a willow tree.
in the Fittroy Gardens. From the quavermyg aotes which greeted 4n atrival of
the ald birds. the new home evidently was fully occupied. There are at least
3 pairs of these birds now in the gardens 7 -

AER.

FERNS AND PALM TREES.

Walking through the North-castern portion of the Fitzroy Gardens | naticed
how the Common Bracken fav taken root in the rough trunks of the Phoenix
Palms. A particularly bright green fern caught mv eye, and I was surprised
to firid that it was a well-grown specimen of the Batswing Fern (Histionteris
incisa). Oe tsiially aisofiatéd this fern with niountkin gullies, bur doubtless
the consteint ugé of sprinklers in thé dry monthy has made conditions. favourable:
for itt developrient here, ‘

. AER.

166 Datey, At Mt, Byron. Hose,

AT MT, BYRON.
By CHas Dauey, B.A., F.LS.

Two years ago considerable interest wag evinced in the dis-
covery of a new /ullenava at the Black Range, situated west of
the Victoria Range and about 35 miles south-west from Horsham.
A. visit was made at that time by some members of the Club to
the habitat of the plant. (See “ Victorian Naturalist,"' April,
1928.) i :
At the kind invitation of Mr. Harald Smith, of Hersham,
who was the first lo bring the new Pulicnaca inte notice, Mr. J-
W. Audas and I journeyed to Horsham on September 27, in order to
revisit the Black Range in the favourable period of the mid-spring
season, | Next morning, under the guidance of Ms, H, Smith
and his brother, Mr, Wilfred Smith, we motored to the Black
Range, Mt. Byron, the highest summit, being our objective. We
passed the Wimmera River, and later the Mackenzie and the Nor-
ton Rivers, both of which were orginally discovered and named
by Major Mitshel] on his famous expedition through Australia
Felix -in the year 1836.

{n regard ta the Mackenzie, the: result ‘of constructing the
Wartook Reservoir in the Grampians, with a capacity of 1,070,000
cubic feet, and of distributing its waters in open channels to the
thirsty Northern plains, has been practically to deeapi'ate the Mae-
kenzie River, considerably reduce its contributton ta the Wimmera,
of, which originally it was'the chief tributary, and to change mater-
ially the nature of the country and the character of the vegetation
along its much diminished course,

Travelling southward past Brim Paen Station, we get a
fine view of the Grampians, with the prominent peaks.of The Asses’
Ears: Rose's Gap, named afler an early pioneer squatter of the
40's, and the yalley through which the tortuous, Glenelg flows north:
west before breaking through to change its course to the south-
west. The line of the Grampians from Mt. Zero, with the
outstanding peaks and the sharp and imposing summits of the Serra
ard Victoria Ranges, makes an impressive sight. ‘Leaving the
Hamilton Road, we made our way through several paddocks over
lightly timbered country of a broken sandy nature, and at last
camped at a water hole ooposite Mt, Byron. Here the timber
was somewhat better than that seen in the last ten miles, which was
‘af stunted and twisted growth, valueless for use.

A Tittle before reaching the dam we saw our first group of
Emus, three in aumber, which soon were out of sight in the setub.
These fine birds are fairly common sround the Gramniars, On
the previous Saturday our party, which went to Hall's Gav, had
seen two Emus cross the road near Pomoral After Inneh we
made the ascent of Mt. Byron, and on our ramble found Pultenaca

; ae : Barer, Ai Mt Byron 12

patellifolia in splendid bloom, and the shrubs so numerous that it
is certainly a matter of surprise that the plant had remained
long undiscayered or unnoticed. Jn association with 1 also in
fine, bloom was P. juniperina, a showy species.

The beautiful little Blue Tinsel Lily, Calectasia cyartea, and
the clustered heads of the Mountain Conosperm. Conospermum
Mitchellii, were numerous. As we climbed Mt. Byron some
of the distinctive Grampians plants presented themselves, Thrypto-
* mene, Calytrix and Micromyrius, all in fine bloom, while the Moun-
tain Grevillea, G. alpina and the round-leaved Mint-burh, Prosian-
thera rotundifolia, were in unusual cichness of attractive bloom.
Among the rocks the Nodding Blue Lily made a pleasing show, and
the dainty Small-leaf Wax Flower also grew well on the ridge. We
mounted the pomt on which the surveyor's trigonometrical cairn
ig placed, locally but erroneously attributed to Major Mitchell,
who passed west of the range, and named the mount, but did not
ascend the range, ne:

The Black Range, although netther so high or so precipitous
as the Grampians, preserves in a Jess degree the same character—
the massive sandslones, frequent faulling and cross slratification, bald
cliff faces on the one side, with the dip at low angle of the indurated
plate-like surfaces on to the other. In the pecubar rock earvings
of atmospheric graving tools, there are to be seen on a minor scale
the same combinations of symmetry and grotesqueness, At some
places cliff faces can almost be ascended by weakened strelified
layers Itke rounded steps. The formation is arenaceous in char-
acter, being of a hard siliceous texture, and containing quartz
pebbles.

The rangé is a western vestigial outher of a once widely-
spread and lolly formation, of which the greater part has been
removed by long-continued and excessive denudation, leaving the
Black Range detached from the main system, Away to the west
of it lies the wpraised Murray estuary of Tertiary times, A fine
panoramic view is obtainable from the sumimit. comprising the bold
outlines of the lordly Grampians and the Victoria Range limned
against the eastern sky, always a constant source of delight to
the beholder; the expanse of plain to the hotizon, northward,
broken by cragry Arapiles; and westward the plain and lake country,
with the Dundas range to the south-west. One misses on this
range the frequent runnels and clear streamlets of the Grampians,
for the Black Range is rather dry-

We came down the steep gorge where Humea elegan: is
the ¢hief plant noticeable, but not now in dress array, and we
camped for the night.

At dawn a chorus of birds arose around the water hole.
One could hear the Magpies, then the Kookaburra and the Butcher

~

168 Datey, At Mt Byron, Diets,

Bird, after which would come te aarsh cails of Wattle birds, and
the sweeter notes of the Harmonious Shrike-Vhrush, Iobins, Dia-
mond bards, etc. ‘I'he earlier birds, aster their song to greet the
morn, seemed to be occupied in securing their breakJast. This
morning we ascended the range to the right of the gorge, finding
the flowers very plentiful but similar to those of the other side, On
proceeding further nozth along the range the country was more
open, less broken, with sparse undergrowth which was evidently
eaten down by sheep. The prospect from a botanical point of
view nat being so promising northwards, we retumed to camp
along the base of the cliffs, in which two caves, when examined,
showed na signs of previous occupation by aboriginals.

In a dead tree on the slope a colony of bees had hived, and
could be seen busily leaving and entering the hollow shaft near the
base of the trunk. For prudential reasons a closer inspection was
undesirable, The timbered ranges are good country for bee-
keeping, and in the season are frequented by bee-keepers, who
have lo a great extent driven out or eradicated the once numerous
native bees, and thave installed their own bees, which gather
Honey frum the flowering gums, the chief species of which in the
district are Black Box, Yellow Box, Long-leaf Box, Red Stringy-
bark, Messmate, Common Peppermint, Yellow, Swamp and River-
red Gum. Other myrtaceous ghtubs were the Woolly and the
Silky Tea-tree, the Crimson Kunzea, and three Melaleucas, the
Slender, the Mealy Honey-Myrtle, and the Scented Paper-bark.

As is characteristic of the Grampians country, from the foot-
hills sand predominates in the sail of the surrounding country, and
ant-beds ate numerous, some of large extent. Although we did
not see an Echidna or Porcupine Ant-eater, the traces of their
presence were very numerous, most of the Ant beds showing evid—
ences of their activily in excavation after their food.

Traces of Kangaroos were frequent, but although said to be
numerous we did not sec any on this oceasion, Whilst at Junch
we caught sight of seven emu: in the vicinity, making in all 1wenty-
one seer on the visit in four groups. Wombats do not seem
to favour this country, and we saw na rabbits,

tn the afternoon, an excurfon was made towards the south-
ern end of the range, returning slong the ridge. Flowers were
very abundant. Besides those mentioned, the most stiking were
the Shawy Parrot-pea, the Giant Hon-bush, the Bundled Guinea-
flower im vigorous bloom, the Astrotricha or Star-hair, the Oval-
leafed Pseudanthis, the Large-leaf, Rav Flower, the Hairy Correa,
two Tetrathecas, the Horny Cone Bush with very erect habits the
Holly and the Prickly Grevillea. Fourteen species of Orchids
were noted, but were scantily revresented in numbkers,- The
Leguminosae wete well represented by ten Acacias, including the

we) Dacty, Ai Mi, Byron, : “469

Twineleaf,, the Spiny, the Leper, and the Plough-share Acacias,
whilst the moat familiar kinds of Bush-peas and allied species were
numerous, Among the Epactids as was to be expected there
was much variety including the Golden Heath, the Flame, the
eae the Woolly, the Pink Swamp-heath, and several Beurd-
calns,

Among the Composites 17 species were noted, including the
Snow Daisy-bush. Tihe more common spring Rowers of the sward
were in bloom, among which was Drosera binate. The Callitris,
or Cypress Pine grew on the range, and other plants showing the
northern association were the Buloke Casuarina, the Leafless Cur-
rant-bush, five species of Hakea, and a few Silver Banksias, Al-
together 206 species. of plants were listed for this interesting dis-
tict, and as ic is usually the plants in flower that attract allention,
& visit either earlier or later would cerlamly supplement the list
materially.

EXCURSION TO LABERTOUCHE.

Seven members travelled io Labertattche on Cup Day, November 5, In the
hoart of the bush, at the foot of a low range of granite hills, we parked’ Miss
Curtic'a ear, which had mat the party at the Longwarry station. The spol
-was a glade surrounded by giant euvalypta, with a lusty crack brawling, «lmosl
unseen, beneath a dense growth of Fishbone ferns and tall Scented Paper: barks.

All the way, after turting off the Prince's Highway, for about § miles, we
passed through a wonderful profusion of wild-fowers, Dillwynias burned in
flame-like patches anid the tall bracken ond under-gtowth; the pink blossoms
af the Wiry Bauera and Pink-eye showed hose and thera: Nodding Bluc-bilies,
lall Trigger-plants, Chocnlate Lilies, and Tall Sundews contended for the
sunlight, and on the ground floor were the orchids, Some [0 species of these
were noted, five of them, on one occasion, being found within the space of a
square yard,

The glory of this roadside was undoubtedly the Blie Dampiera, growing im
profusion and rivalling the azure of the sky. Among the taller growths, the
creamy drooping blossoms of the Tall Rice-Alower, delicately tinted with pink,
were very plentiful, in_parts. as were also the pure while sprays of the Monukas
and Daisy-bushes. The. main object of our visit, hoWever, was Jo sec the
Borenia Mueller’, and we were vat disappointed. On the rising ground and
the Ilisides it was found in profusion, In places it was impossihle to tread
without crushing adores of acedlings. Thuse plants that had réached the bloom-
ing stage bore beautiful sprays of siavry white Howers, often tinged with shell
pink, but oldey ones, thal had gurvived several srasona, hore thet blossoms in
foamy massés of a more decidéd pink, almost obscuring the bright green, pinnate
foliage, One in full bloom, rust have exceeded 8 feet in height

The counisy passed over varied from dark swatnpy soil to gravelly loam
derived from the granitic hills, and the vegetation way characicnstic of the antls,
In the former we found the Serew and Coral Ferns and Moideshair, also she
Sphagnum and Pigmy Club Moses, The Swamp Paper-barks, in full bloom,
grew in dene patches. On the higher and gravelly ground occurred the Silver
and Hill Banksias, the Shrubby Casuarina, and Cassiniat. The hillside, being
vecy rocky, did pol carry much timber, The slender plants of the Star-Hair
fears were plentiful; and everywhere showed the pink aad light areen

conds of the Gristle Fern. Qown by the gully creek we noted the King Fere
and Elderberry’ Panax, Few birds were seen, but during the day Mr.. Prowd-
foot fisted about 26 species.

170 Mornis, Fishas and the Fishing fndustry, writ:

FISHES AND THE FISHING INDUSTRY.
By P_ F. Mores.

The study and story of the migration of fishes forms one
of the most fascinating romances of the sea, Much has been done
in other countries in keeping in check of the movements of fishes. for
it is on the knowledge gained of their migration that a successful
fishing industry is developed.

' As an angler, [ have been interested in the migration of
Schnapper and Whiting to and from Port Phillip Bay, From
October ta March the former is very plentiful, and supplies some
excellent sport, and when fished for with light gear, it makes ithe
battle with man a fight that gives the fiyh an even chanée, and can
be won by the fisherman only through the exereise of his last
reserve of skill, I have observed that Schnapper, mm the past,
have entered Port Phillip heads as “school” fish, and almost
invariably followed the deep channel towards Mornington, and
worked along the reefs and feeding grounds on the east side of
the bay to Albert Park, then across to Altona, Point Conk and
into Coria Bay. The migration in 1928 was the reverse of the
penera! practice. | The main shoal of fish travelled along the
West and Cole's Channels and into Corio Bay, where vast oum-
bers were caught by line and net early in November, and supplied
excellent sport till March.

Schnapper, in my opinion, remain ‘school’ fish ull they are
about 6 ths, or 7 Tbs. in, weight. A large number of fish between
6-20 |bs. remain in the bay throughout the: winter, but -the small
fishes migrate along the coast to Queensland and New Zealand in
the warm streams and currents of water. The reason why some
of the large fish, that is fish over 6 Ibs., remain with us during
the winter, is one ] have been trying to elucidate. © My opinion
ig that they are spawning fish and were themseives born in our
waters. The time of breeding of Schnapper is irregular, They
are generally found with fully developed yoes from November to
December. As these large fish have stayed throughout the winter,
spawning must have taken place, It is the general opinion that
Schnapper breed in the deep waters of the area known as. the
“Great Shelf," many miles off the coast of north and eastern
Australia,

Whiting affords good fishing during dhe summer months, but is
rarely hooked by line during the winter months. Fishermen say
that " Whiting go blind '’ during the cold months, Small catches
are made in nets dunng the winter months, proving that some
fish stay in the bay throughout the year. J have been unable to

Da Monsis, Fishes ond the Fishing Industry, 71

i
obtain any correct information regarding this fish, It is evident
that it leayes the shallow water for the decper channels. either mside
or oulside the Heads for breeding purposes.

I have been fishing for 15 years, and dunng that time 1 have
noticed that fish are on the decrease. Some 10 years ago, one
could always rely on a full basket of the Ashes in season, but,
nowadays, one is very fortumale to obtain an adequate reward for
the expense and time spent in the sport of angling. The decline
of fish in Port Phillip is due to several causes, and, from my per
sonal observations, I give the following as my reasons for the lack
of sport in our bay ;—

1, Fish are migratory and roturn to the places where they
were born during a seaionul migratory slage or a stage of seasons,
We have not a proper understanding of the migrations and spawn-
ing: habits of our fishes.

2: Our tivers have become polluted by waste products from
tanneries, chemicals, such as soda, from lactories, ete.

3. There is a constant dredging of ovr rivers and bay channels.
The oya of fish is constantly being disturbed and mutilated. The
silt is cared in dredges a jew miles down the bay and deposited,
The prevailing winds, from the south and south-west, drive the
sili- to the eastern. and north sides of the bay. ‘The rock forma-
tions upon which shell fish and algae grew are now covered with
mud many feet deep. These rock formations were the feeding,
and, | believe, the breeding grounds of Schnapper and ather
migratory fishes.

4, This is an Oi] Age. | Motor boats and other motor craft
often accidentally spread lms of oi] on the surface of the walter.
There is an escape also from oil-burning steamers and -oil-carrying
steamers, either wilfully or by accident. Some few years ago
millions of Pilchards sand Whitebait visited the bay, and great
catches were to be made as far as Port Melbourne. These visits
are becoming less frequent, due, in my opinion, to the surfaces of
oil ‘often met with in the bay. Pilchards and Whitebait are
followed by many species of fishes which prey on them. The sur
face- swimming fish is becoming ‘scarce in the Melbourne end of
the bays

Long lines and seine nesting are killing our , Nee and
Suiks fishes, The long lines are made up of great lengths of
cord’ to which are attached shorter pieces of hnes with a’ hook and’
bait ‘placed at regular intervals. “Some long lines are. of ‘reat:
length. ‘and each. cnd js. attached to a buoy. :

Jn, support. of my statements that one on every hand sces Che
results’ of overfishing of many of our species now entering the fish

172

Vie. Nat

Manris, Fishes and the Fishing Industry. vol XLS

markets, I give the following figures from the “ Victorian Year
Book,” for comparison of the years 1904-5 and 1927-28;—

The return of fish caught im ‘Victorian waters and sold
im the hsh markets of Melbourne and Ballarat in 1904 shows that
12,728,764 lbs. of Ash and 20,560 dozen crayfish were sold, In
1927-28 the fish amounted to 11,742,405 Ibs,, and 14,024 dozen
crayhsh were sold, During the period a great decrease is shown
in the fish canght in Victorian waters. although the number of
men working in the imdustry bas increased from 1089 to 1322,
and the number of boats from 654 to 867.

The point [ wiah 10 stress is that we should pot allow our
bays, estuaries and tidal rivers to be polluted or overhshed. It
is my opinion thal the eatch of fish outside the Heads is regulated
by the protection we give the fish inside. [ think that every fifth
year the month of November should be declared a “ closed period ™
for Schnapper, caught in nets or by long lines, 1 ain an favour of
allowing lines with two hooks during the whole year.

EXCURSION TO SMUGGLERS’ GULLY.

Primarily to note the birds of Smugglers’ Gully, about 20 members of the
Club, on Ocicber 26, undertook the walk fram South Morang Station arross
ta Diamond Creek, The day was bright and warm, and the almosphere ao
clear that the grey of the distant mountams stood out m beld relief to the blue
of fhe sky and the bright greens of the valleys.

A walk of nwo and a half miles along the rosd and over fields brought us
to the eastern edge of the great basaltic plain where the Plenty. River has cut
Ws course deep into the sefter Siluvian vrata. On the way seveeal species of
birds were noted, but 4 was at thin point that observations began in cornest, and
many new birds were added to our fist. All were inlerested jn watching 2
Thacebill tirelessly feeding an almost full-grown Fantail Cuckoo.

The river was swollen by the previous nights cain, but crossing was niede
on # sapling bridge. Calling ot “ The Bend Farm.” where the Stutchberry
family are all kean bird Jovors, we were shown our frst nest—a Geldfinch'’s—
cosily tucked away among the leaves and blossoms of an apple tree. To some
exten? aur luck was avi, as Smugglers’ Gully, usaally filled with the song of
birds, was strangely silent. No doubt the humidity of the sir had. made the
bieds drowsy, or sent therm searching for their food on the cooler highland,
However, by the time we reached Tanck’s Corner our bird hist totalled 37
species, From Tanck’s Corner. under the guidance"af Mr, Hl. P_ Dickins.
a three mile walk by road buought the party to Diamond Creck,

Had time permitted, mony more birds and nests might have been discovered.
This distvict generally ytelds something exceptional and unexpected. This
time i! Was a Grey Faleon, Falca fypoleucus, usually an iland bird, But I
was disappointed at again just Failing to get a definite observation of what I
believe is the Painted Honeyeater, Gramtiella picto, On the following ‘morning, ,
Jraversing practically the same ground, 1 nofed 19 species additions} to the Jin,

making a total of 5b, 2 :
H. N. BECK.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. XLVI—No, 9, January 8, 1930. No. 553.

BIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA,

; The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the
Royal Society’s Hall-on Monday, December 9,.1929. The
president, Mr. P. R. tH St. John, occupied the chair, and there

were about 120 members and visitors present.

R EPO RTS.

Reports of excursions were given as follow:—-Macedon
Upper. Mr. E. E. Pescott; Croydon, Mr. F, G. A, Barnard;
Yarra Junction, Mr. H. McColl; Beaconsheld, Mr. H. B. Wil-
Niamson; Wandin, Mr, E. S. Hanks; Botanic Gardens, Mr. J.
Stickland. °

ELECTION OF MEMBERS,

‘The following were duly elected on a show of hands:-~-Miss
M. Cunningham, B.Se., Camberwell; Sister F. Simmonds, Caul-
field; and Mr, QO. J- Lankaster, Malvern, as ordinary members,
As associate member, Master R. D. Croll, Camberwell.

GENERAL.

An invitation was read from the conveners of a meeting to
be held on December 10 at the A.B.M, Tea Rooms, McEwen
House, Melbourne. to consider the Bleakley Repart on the con
dition of the Aboriginals of Central Australia, and inviting repre
sentation by the Club. Messrs. A. S. Kenyon, Geo, Coghill and

R. H. Croll were nominated as representatives.

The honorary secretary’ announced that Mr, F. Lewis, Chief
Inspector of Fisheries and Game, had presented the Club with a
copy of his report on the alleged destruction of marketable fish by
the seals on the rookeries off the Victorian coast.

LECTURE.
Mr. R. H. Croll gave an extreniely interesting talk on some
impressions of his visit to Central Avstralia. The lecture was

illustrated by his own photographs af the scenery of that country
and of groups of the Arunta tribe of aboriginals, which were clearly
and effectively projected by the epidioscope,

(74 Field Noturalis(s’ Clab---Procendinys. Eee kis

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. T. Greaves.—Pitchers of Pitcher Plant, Cephalotus
follicularis. from West Australia.

By Master Pat. Flecker—Live specimen of Murray Tor-
toise.

By Mr FE. EF. Peseott, F.L.5.\—Flowers af Elecocarpus
epaneus. Blueberry Ash, Hibiscus Huegelit, Swainsona galegifolia,
Darling Pea, also prehistoric spear and i arrow heads and drills
from North America.

By Mr. €. J. Gabriel a ea Fan Shells: Chlamys
bifrons, Lam,; C. undulatus, Shy.; C. abtinos, Pett.; C. periflusivis,
Iredale; C. famigeratnr, Iredale: Gj asperrimus, Lam.; Amussiurn
thetidts, Hedley; Cyclopecten fuvus, Hedley; Pecten medius,
Lam. /

By Mr. P. R. H. St. John —Herbarium specimens of Eu-
‘caluptus Langit, Maiden and Blakely, from a tree in a plantation
on Dr. P. J. Lang’s estate, Lismore, Victoria, August, 1921.
Figured in Crit Rev. Gen. Eve. Vol. VIL, pt. 2, 1929.

By Mr. J... Ll. Hodeson.—(a) Christmas Bells, Blandfardia
flamméa, and Flannel Flower, Actinotus heliantht. from New South
Wales; (b) flowering specimens of Searlet Bottle-brush Caili-
stemon citrinus, Musk Daisy-bush Olearia argophylla, Hibiscus Huc-
gelii and Eucalyptus torquata, all garden grown.

By Mr. G, Coghill—Sprays of Burgan. Kunzea peduncul-
aris, grown at Canterbury,

By Miss Dorothy Kidd, B,A.—Plants of Mearchantia show-

ing antheridiaf and archegonial heads.

By Mr. H. MeCol].—Specimens of Eucalypius Lekmannii,
Anigozanthos flavida and Callistemon c#trinus.

By Mr. W. H. Nichoils—Water colour drawings of Vic-
torian Orchids, including two forms of Thelymitra media, R,Br.:
a light blue and purple form from Silvan; also an unusually dark
blue form from Foster, collected by Mr. F. Barton, juor.; fine
specimens of Jhelymitra fusco-luiea, R.Br., from Hall's Gap (Mr.
A. B. Braine), and from Ajrey’s Inlet (Mrs, M, Sutherland).

By Mr. D. J. Paton.—Specimens of the Finger-fower, Cheir-
anthera linearis, {rom Bendigo, and ‘hve Orchids from Boronia:
Pterostylis decurva, Rogers; Pi. pusilla, Rogers; Gasirodia sesa-
moides, R.Br., CGentiana montana, Forst., and Orthoceras stric-
ium, R.Br.

By Mr. A. E. Opperman —Common Leek Orchid from South
Warrandyte. and flowers of Leschenaultia biloba (W.A.), grown
at South Warrandyte..

Sh Wirviamton, Noles on the Victorion Cassia, 173

NOTES ON THE VICTORIAN SPECIES OF CASSIA.
By H, B. Wirutamsan, F.LS.

The genus Cassia is widely distributed throughout the world,
being particularly numerous in America, and contains many useful
and omamental species, The leaves of several species from
India, Northern Africa and America constitute a medicine known
as Senna. The bark and roots of several of the Indian species
have been used as an application te uleers and various skin dis-
seases, as well as internally in diabetes and other dis-
orders. In India skins are tanned -by a preparation made from
the bark of Cassta auriculata. C. occidentalis, a native of the
East and the West Indies is naturalised on Mauritius, where the
roasted seeds are used by the natives aé a substitute for coffee,
and with good effect in cases of asthma. The long pods of C.
fistula contain an aperent pulp of pleasant taste and medicinal
value. ‘[his species, called the Pudding ‘Tree, from the
peculiar pods, is a handsome tree with the foliage of the ash and
the Howers of the Laburnum. The pods are very unlike those
of the other species, being cylmdrical, black, woody, one or two
feet long, and not splitting but marked by long furrows, and
divided by transverse partitions into a number af compartments
each contaming a single seed embedded in pulp, Several species
of this large genus are in cultivation, their foliage being handsome
and thor Howers brigar coloured. The genus belongs ta that
section of the family Leguminesac known to botanists as Cacsal:
pinioideac in which the petals ave not very irregular as in the section
Papilionatae (Peas, Reans, elc-). The petals are yellow, usually
with conspicuous vellis, samewhat unequal, and the ten stamens often
vary in size, a few being sometimes aborted (staminodia). The
leavee are pinnate with no terminal leaflet (paripinnate), but some-
times. the leaflets are undeveloped, leaving only the Hattencd leaf-
stalk €phyllade}, The pod usually splits inta two valves; the
case of C. fistula is an exception, and is divided by more or less
distinct transverse partitions. $$ There are about 30 Australian
species, all trees or shrubs, more than 20 being endemic and 27 of
them. occurring in the northern States. Fourfeen aceur in New
South Wales, four m West Australia, and six have been listed
in the’ Victorian Census, These Jast can be roughly identified ly
means of the key as under:—

1, Leaflets in 6-10 pairs. glands between JeaHets slender, 114-
2 mm. long toes ee ee ay Cy. australis
Jreaflets in less than 6 paws (ex. C_ artemisiwides), glands
clavate, depressed or ohseure ., 1. 0,
2. Leaflets flat or concave
Leaflets flat, in 1-3 pairs . - .. a. Cy desolate
Leaflets concave, in 3-5 pairs ., .. .. , C. Sturtii

Ca)

1726 Waciamson, Noles on the Victorian Cassia. Mavi.

Leaflets narrow-linear, terete or channelled
Leaflets in 1 or 2 pairs, greena stalks often vertically
flatiened -. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2 2... C. eremophila
Leafiets in 3-8 pairs, plant silky white .. C. artemisioides
Leaflets none, reduced to phyllodia, silky white C. phyllodmea

CASSIA .AUSTRALIS Sims var. revolute Bth.

A. {all shrub with paripinnate leaves and rather showy yellow
flawers. The leaflets in the normal plant, which does not appear
to have been gathered in Victoria, are vp te one inch song, oblong-
lanceolate, abluse, only slightly recurved at the margin, while in
the vanety réevoluta they are natrow and acute with rolled-back
margins, The glands between the leaflets take the form of slen-
der processes | to |! mm. long, not often between all pairs. The
pod is 3-4 inches Jong and about '4 inch wide, much compressed,
straight or curved. It must be regarded as one of our rarest
plants. The only Victonan specimens I have been able to inspect
ate Mueller’s original collecting “from Avon River, Gippsland,”
fresh specimens. sent to the Wild Flower Show a year or two ago
(T. S. Hart), and a small piece callected at Orbost (E. E,

Pescott).
CASSIA DESOLATA F-_v, M.,

This and the four other species to be discussed are ‘* Desert
plants confined for the most part to the dry central region of Aus-
traila, [tis a shrub which when young is hoary ar white, becom-
ing glabrous with age. ‘Leaflets in one of two, rarely three pairs,
ovale, obovate or braadly oblong, 44-1 inch lone or more, coriace-
ous, with glands between the pairs depressed but rather prominent,
rarely wanting. -The flowers are rather large. This plant
differs from C. Sturttd in its large and fewer leaflets, and 1 sugeest
that its inclusion in the our Census is due to errors in determination
of Sturtii specimens, although it may have been owing to the true
desolata being labelled ‘ Murray” and “* Murray and Darling.”

CASSIA STURTII, R.Br.

A bushy shrub usually hoary with a close tomentim, and with
leaflets in 3-5 pairs, Jinear-lanceolate, cuneate or obovate 14-1 inch
long, thick, concave. Pod abovt 1 inch broad, very obtuse.
Bentham placed the species in his Key, p, 28), in the subsection
with “glands sessile, flat, obscure or none,’ but in my investiga-
tion in the northern Mallee in October, 1928, all the specimens
which { gathered at Mildura and Murrayville bore club-shaped
glands fram 1 to |'/2 mm. long, and on companng them with
spécimens previously gathered at Ultima, Lake Boga, Pianeil, and
other, places in the North-West, I found the same prominent glands,
Is all these specimens the leaflets. were long, lanceolate or oblance-
olate,. .

fet Witttamson, Notes on the Victorian Cassio, 177

CASSIA EREMOPHILA, A. Cunn.

A bushy shrub, glabrous or slightly hoary, but never so white
as some of its allies. Leaflets are in | or 2 pairs, very narrow-
‘linear or terete, and chanelled above, about one inch long, the
petiole being often longer, and sometimes flattened vertically; glands
depressed but somewhat prominent. This is wide spread through
the N.W, district, and is the only species found within 30 miles
of Melbourne, being an example of the remnant of ‘ Mallee”
flora between Melton and Bacchus Marsh, where there is an isolated
patch of Eucalyptus Behriana, Bull Mallee interspersed with other
plants usually occurring only in the Mallee district. The plant,
sometimes associated: with C. Slurlii, forms an attractive feature of
the Mallee vegetation, ~ Bushes four to five feet high with thelr
mass af yellow flowers, often interspersed with shrubs of Daisy-
bushes white and blue, velvet bush and blue Halganias, the
pink Austral Hollyhock and other shrubs blooming in carly spring
make a gorgeous show in favourable seasons. The name “Baronia
bush,"’ used in some places, has lutle to commend it except per-
haps ihe general shape of the corolla.

C. EREMOPHIZLA var platypoda Bih.

This very distinct form has petioles flattened to almost two
lines broad, with leaflets yeduced to one short pair, a large per-
centage of them being aborted till the petiole is really a phyllode.
1 had specimens with no leaflets raken in Mildura in 1923, which
I placed as C. phyllodinea, but investigation on my late visit proved
therm to be the variety platppoda of cremophila, simce on every bush
examined either a few leaflets or rudimentary anes were present;
also glands were found at the summit of the flattened petioles.
have specimens of this variety gathered at Barton, West Australia,
by Mr, G. Coghill a few years ago,

CASSIA PHYLLODINEA, R.Br.

A rigid, bushy shrub hoary or white with a close, silky
tomentumn, Lhe leaves are all reduced to phyllodes, one. to two
inches long, and about two lines broad, set vertically on the stem,
and having an oblique point. Mueller was disposed to unite in-
one species this, eremophila and five others because of the occurr-
ence of intermediates, | Bentham says that this. would entail for
the same reason the inclusion of several others which are easily
distinguished. Those specimens in which leaflets are suppressed
can generally be distinguished from C. phyllodinea by the glands
at the end of the flattened petioles, amd since the pods of the latter
are broader, and the whele plant silky white, the identification is
not .a dificult matter. All specimens in the National Herbanum
from definitely slated Victorian localities, and labelled C. phyll-

[ bs fo, Nat,

178 Wirtiamson, Notes on the Piclorsan Cassia, OL KLM

odinea, agree with my Mildura specimens, and must be referred
to Cassia eremephila var. platypoda,

CASSIA ARTEMISIOIDES Gaud. :

A bushy shrub hoary or white with a minute silky tomentum.
Leafets in 3-8 pairs, terete or channelled above, sometimes glabrous
in age, with a prominent gland between the lowest pair. ‘This
has been gathered rarely in Victoria, There are specimens from
(a) Echuca, Mr. King, 1906, which may have been gathered in
the Riverina; (b) from “Witmmera,"' C. Walter, and (2) “N.W,
Victoria,’ C. Walter, 1886. I failed to come across k in my
searches in October, 1928.

Although the last five species when taking’ into consideration
New South Wales and South Australian forms, appear fo run
inte each other, the above notes should enable the authentic Victor-
ian species, cremophila, Sturtii, and arlemistoides, to be easily
identified,

BOOK NOTICE.

Open-Air Studies in Australia, by Frederick Chapman, A.L.S., F.R.M.S.,
ete, London: Dent and Sons. = 10/éd.

Since the appearance of the late Dr. T. S. Hall's Miclorian Hilt and
Dale, some 20 yoars ago, nothing has been published, regarding Australian
geology and physiography, of ¢o interesting 2 Mature as the volume under
notice. Like Dr. Hall's explananons of some of nature's puzzles which had
previously appeared in the public press, so. Mr, Chapman essays are the
bringing together of articles which had appeared during the course of years
in the Melbourne Age and Argus. They have been brought up-to-dale, and
new haye the advanlage of illustrations to atd in making clear their several
points. Unfortunately, however, some of the illustrations are on too emall
a scale adequately 4o portray the physiography of the localities discussed.

The volume answers many questions which are liable fo arise at any
time during one’s reading, and is therefore distinctly useful to have al hand
for reference. Some idea of its character may be gathered from the
tiles of a few of the chapters, for instance, The Romance of a Building
Stoné,"" “The Poctry of » Pebble,’ “ Bored Rivers: Their Alluvial Gold,”
“Obsidian Buitons—An <Ausiralian Riddle.’ While the author's remarks
are baséd maimly on Australian evidence, he has in many instances called
attention ta psrallel occurrences in other lands. Thus England, Scotland,
Europe, and other parts of the world are found to yield similar exatnplos.
In this way the volume will be of interest to readers im many countries. and
will, in turn, serve io give such readers an insight into same of the physical
facts of Australia.

Comitig to Australia, as palacontologist to the National Museum, Mel.
bourne, with an enviable yepulalion as an authority on the lowlies! form» of
fossil marine Jife, and as a great worker Mr, Chapman's almost 30. yeare’
acquaintance with Australian forms has enabled him clearly to demonstrate
some of the past history of our great island continent in a most interesting
manner, and many of his fellow members of the Field Naturalists Club,
whatever may be their hobby, will doubtless be pleased to make room for
Open-Air Studies in Ausiratia on their bookshelves.

FGAB,

Nicrsores, A New Prasophyllam, 179

Jan.
wit
A NEW PRASOPHYLEUM,

By W. H. NicHo.ts,

Prasophyllum Morganit, n.sp.
Planta robustiuseata, 20-25 cm. alta, Folium? (imperfec-

tum); basi vaginatum. Spica conferta, circiter 8 cm, longa.
Flores sessiles, virides, yariegali, purpureis, lines vel macults.
Qvaria brevia, turgida. | Segmenta-perianthi subaequalia, circiter
4-5 mm. longa. Sepalum-dorsale Jate ovatum, ereclum, conca-
yum. basi contractum. Sepalacateralia elliptico-falcata, libera,
intusconcava, divaricata, patentia; prope-baén inflata. Petala

patentia, obtusiusculis, apicibus récurva, circter | mim. lata,
Labellum parvum, remforme-cordatum, purpureum, 213-3 mm.
latum, 3-314 mm, longum, recurvum, marginibus integrié, crenatis,
apice-versus pars callosa papillosa, tenuis, Wiangularis. © Calumna
robusta, brevissima; laciniar laterales oblongo-falcatae, obtusa-
abliquae. Rostellum erectum; apice bifdo. Anthera parva, or-
biculata, caudicula brevi,

A plant of robust habit, 20-25 cm. high. Leal? (upper
part missing), its base sheathing, Inflorescence crowded, very
compact, 50-80 flowers in a spike at about 7-8 mm. Flowers
sessile, green, vatiegated, prune or purple markings. Ovary
green, rather large. turgid, with a broad appressed bract at the
base. Lateral sepals, darsa) sepal and petals, almost cyual ir
length (4.5 mm). Dorsal sepal crect, concave, broadly-avate,
acuminate, 2//; mm, wide, contracted at the base. Lateral sepals
free, spreading, ‘glandular, elliptic faleate, curving upwards and
inwards. over the labellum, inwardly concave, inflated towards the
base; apices slightly bidentate. Petals spreading, narrowly- .
oblong, recurved, slightly broader towards the tips, where they are
somewhat blunt. Labellum small, reniform-cordate, an a broad
claw; almost as broad as long, purplish; its widest part 214-3
mm, wide; contracting abruptly ta an acute, often recurved apex:
taembranous part slightly wider than the callus plate; margins entire
or crenulate; callus plate not conspicuous, of a dark prune colour,
somewhat papillose, reaching almost to the tip; apex sometimes bifid, |
Column erect. very short and broad, abour 144 mm. high, Anther
small, somewhat orbicular, pale-coloured; Jateral appendages about
as high as the rostellum; tips rounded, oblique, prune-coloured:
basal Jobe small, ill-defined, betryoidal. Rostellum bifid, Pol-
linia 2-bilobed; caudicle short. Tubers ovate-oblong,

For this Prasophullum (of which two specimens only have
so far been found), | am indebted to Mr. H, B. Williamson,
F.LS. Tihey were collected at Cobyngra. an Alpine station
in the far N.F.. of Victoria. by Mr. H. Morgan; the ortginal dis-
coverer, also of the beautiful Golden Caladenia (C. Hildae, P. and

180 Nicwoiis, A Nem Prasophyllum. vie BH,

N.,- Victorian Naturalist, January, 1929)... Mr. Morgan writes:
“ They were growing on the sunny side of a small ridge running
down to Spring Creek; the soil is inclined to be clayey, with a
litle quartz and sandstone among i.” | Two other species are
also referred to, viz., Pr. brevilabre, Hk.f., and Pr. Suttoni, Rogers
and Rees. These alsa grow in the vicinity.

This plant is well-defined, and hardly likely to be confused
with any other recorded form. It is pleasantly fragrant. Vie-
tora, Cobungra, November 26,°1929. (A specimen has been
forwarded to the National Herbarium. Melbourne.)

Explanation of Figures—Plate VII.
Prasophyllne Morgarii, map,
(a) Plant three-quarter natural size.

(b} A flower from Front,
(c} Labellam from front,
(d) Pallinia

fe} Column from front,
(f) Appendage of coluran.
(2) A flower from above,

ORCHIDS NEAR GISBORNE,

_ Qn December 28 Mr. F, J. Bishop and §£ visited the Pyrele Ranges,
which are distant from the township about five miles in a S.W. direction.
“We were fortunaie to meet Mr. G. Lyell, F.E.S. The weather was ideal
‘for yough walking and the countryside looked its best after the recent rains.
Our first finds were Microltis porrifalia, Spg.. and M. parviflora, R.Br.; the:
next an exceptionally fine specimen of the rare Elfia Leek Orchid Prasophyllum
iniricatum, Stuart. These were rather plentiful on a grassy slope; several
‘had 14 flowers. Very darkly hued and the Jaleral sepals of rema kable
fengih in some specimens (7% mm). :

Continuing our ramble we were soon climbing rocky spurs, and dezrend-
itig. fram one of these we passed over same open spaces. Here I noticed
a strange plant at the base of a fern frond. It proyed to be a specimen
of one of our very rarest Orchids, Spicvlaea Hunliona, F.m. A sustained
search of the immediate vicinity revealed many more. We also found <peci-
tacns of this (new South record) in the depression, and on the followins
spur, Tn all, 40 specimens were collected, Photographs were secured.
This remarkable plant ig known as the Elbow-Orchid. ‘The only other
Victoriah locality 1s Craveneville (/4, B. Byaine) in the far North-East, It
has been fouad in New South Wales (two localities).

Duting the day we found other interesting plants, mcluding the two
Duck Orchids (these also in fair cumbers), Caleana major, R.Br. and C.
minor, R.Br. A. photograph of five plants of the former species was secured?
under natural conditions, Dinodium punctatim, the Hyacinth Orchid, was
in bud stage everywhere. We zeturmed by another route to the. township,
collecting (in another locality) more very fine specimens of the Elfin Leck
Orchid. — Truly this distiet and that of Coimadai, just beyond. bid fair to
‘becorne famous in the annals of Australian orchidology,

W, H. NICHOLLS,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vel. XLVI. January, 1938.

Plate VII.

Prasophyllum Morganii, n.sp.

Jan, ° Nicwairs, Two Variable Orchids. 18

1930,
TWO VARIABLE ORCHIDS.

By W. H. NicHoucs, with Notes and Comments by the
Rev. H. M. R. Rupr (N.S,W.).

_ Divris sulphurea, R.Br. (Fig. 1), is one of our showy terres-
trial species, but ke most plants, it has its varialians; these yaria-
tions, or differences, of form, colour, etc,, are apparent to all
observers, and are usually of lntle importance. Fig. 2 shows an
unique specimen. Though obviously belonging 10 the genus Deuris,
curious to say, the flowers resemble, somewhat closely, those of
another venus, viz, Dendrobium, Sw. But even a casual examina-
tien proves them to be but a foun of Diuris sulphurea, the “ black
eyes" of which species, set off by a sulphur ground, ave one of its
characteristic features. This beautifyl form (of which two apeci-
mens only were found) was collected by the writer on the hills
beyond Coimadai, near Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, an November
5, 1929. On these hills the normal form was mast abundant,
grawing chiefly within the shelter of colonies of the Daphne Heath
(Brachyloma daphnoides, Btls);

The lateral sepals of the form under discussion instead of
being prolonged into tails, a feature from which the generic name
is derived (Diuriy = two-tails) are petaloid. The. transforma-
tion is indced extraordmary! The colouring of the perianth-
segments ig, as usual in the normal type, a bright sulphur-yellow;
the Jabellum is pale orange; the congpicuous markings are dark
purple, and the Jateral sepals in individual blooms are tipped with
crimson, a delightful combination.

Their pansy-like appearance 1s so unique for double-tails,
and the change of form and colour in the paired sepals. thus brought
into conformity with the other segments, together conshtute flowers
so beautiful that to leave them scientifically unrecognised seemed
to me at first like slighting two very beautiful creations of Nature.
and my intention was to describe this particular form as var, petali-
formis n, var. But on November 17 J again visited the locality
and failed to lind additional well-developed petaloid forms. On
the other hand, I found specimens of this orchid showing the
gradual evolution of the petaloid type. (See Figs. 3 to 13.)

The character of the above specimens is doubtless of gyeat
botanical interest, as it proves somewhat conclusively (in my
opinion) that this and Dturis dendrobioides {a plant figured by
Fitzgerald). are but abnormal or teratological specimens of 2. sul-
phurea, R.Br. and D, punctata, Sm., respectively, *

Strangely enough, Fitzgerald also records the finding of but
twa specimens, though. he refers also to an indefinite record by

another collector *] (Mr. A, G. Hamilton)
“(*1 Me. Hamilton was quite definite to me about it.—

192 Necwoits, Tmo Fariable Orchids. wo sctah.

Fitzgerald writes :s—

" Diuris dendrobioides may noi be considered an established
species, as I only found two plants at Cunningham's plains, near
Murrumburrah, and Mr. A. G. Hamilton hag obtamed what -he
considers: tobe: the-esmve plant at Guotawang, near Mudgee, ‘The
two plants obtaimed by me grew close together in a field where
numbers of Dinris elongata laa D. punctata) and D. pendoncal-
ala were in flower, and they may have originated fram a crass
between the two species. They had. however, some characters
very distinct from both, such as breadth? shortness and colour of
the lower sepals, . They are, I think, worthy of a figure and a
name, whether others are found elsewhere or not, If not, it is
very interesting as an example of a very distinct form, of which
two examples at least have existed, and which, if it could establish
itself and become numerous, would undoubtedly be considered a

species.” (Aust, Orch, Val. 1.)

There seems hardly any justification, in my opinion, for con-
sidering these forms as hybrids. If such forms originated (taking
Fitzgerald’s plant as an example) from a cross between a purple
and a yellow-flowering species, one would reasonably expect some
of the colour characteristics of both parents to manifest themselves
in the resulting hybrid.

Fitzgerald's plant had flowers coloured only like D. pure
tala *3, and his analytical drawings do not show any very im-
portant departure (other than the petaloid sepals) from those af
Smuth’s species. | Which, it may be of interest to say, is like so
many of our orchids, of very variable character.

T have seen the flowers of D. punctata *2, ranging in colour
fram the very palest mauve to the yery deepest purple, and cur-
ously enough, I have collected a specimen -having its several Howers
wholly a rich creat colour! The undulate character at the sepals,
ele., shown in Fitzgerald's diawing, 1s occasionally observed in
the flowers at D. punetata, also in some other species belonging to
this attractive genus, ;

‘The other orchid mentioned by Fitzgerald (D. pedunculata,
R.Br.). i¢ one of our best known species, very common, and most
easily recognised; it is always of somewhat golden hue.

The petaloid forms illustrated, and those mentioned by Fitz-
gerald, ate not the only examples on record. (The form shown
if Fig. 2 and Fitzgerald's D. dendrobteides, are doubtless of very
tare occurrence). Sail, there’ is no justification at preseni, in
my opinion, in giving these farms even a varietal name, let atone
one of specific importance. Navember 18, 1929,

A letter received from Dr. R. S, Rogers, M.A.. M.D,
F.L.S., of South Australia, on November 19, contains the follow-

*

Jan. Nicwotis, Tmd Variable Orchids. 183

- D. sulpherea, R.Br., and abnormal. forms,
Collected at Coimadai, Victoria, and from Tasmania and
New South Wales.

14 Nictoits, Two Variable Orchids. Cth.

ing Interesting passage im reference to these abnormal specimens:—
“The petaloid sepals are merely an ancestral reversion, an attempt
on the part of an irregular flower to become more regular in form.
In some instances such reversions occur with such degree of fre-
quency that they’ are more or less permanent and in this respect
may establish their claim to be regarded as a species of variety.”

*2. DB. punctata, Sm,, the flowers of this species are‘not spotled
as the name would suggest, and the species name is therefore te-
garded as a misnomer, but very fine specimens received from the
Rev. George Cox, of Mornington, Victoria, some years age, had,
all of them, a conspicuous line of purple glandular dots along each
side of the callus plate of the Jabellum. Possibly such a feature
suggested the specific name. In New South Wales these glandu-
lar dots are of frequent occurrence.

*3 Colour of D, dendrobtotdes—TVhe plate in Aust. Orchids,
Fitzgerald, in the Melbourne Public Library, iti this. plant (or
rather the flowers) light purple. = My, Rupp refers to the colour
as dark red-brown! — Tndividual plates, therefore, must be differ-
ently coloured (W.H.N.)-

Notes and Comments by H.AL_RLR-

(1) Alter very careful examination of specimens and study:
of Fitzgerald's plate and remarks, I cannot agree to accept Fitz-
gerald's D, dendrabioides as a teratological form of D, punctata,
Sm. Tt may be so, but, in my opinion, My, Nicholls’ exposition
of the petaloid form of D. sulphurea, R.Br., is by no means cer-
tainly applicable to D, dendrebioides as a form of PD. punclata.
T have in my possession.a New England plant collected by the Rev.
F.. N, McKie, which appears to me an analogous case of D. punc-
{2la, developing a petaloid form, but 1 could not rdentify this plant
with D. dendrobieides. 'n calour and in all respects save the
shortened petalotd sepals, the New England plant conforms to D.
punctata, bul T cannot see how this can be said of D. dendro-
bioides, There is no record, so far as I am aware, of D. punc-
fata in any of its variations developing a “ dark red-brown *3
colour, and the foliation of D. dendrabiotdes is totally different.
The lateral lobes of the labellum in the latter species seem to me
relatively much smaller. I have collected D. punctaia in varying
forts in. three Victorian and six New South Wales localities, over
a period of 30 years, but never in a form which would lead me to
interpret D. dendrobtoides as a mere. variety, or teratological form
of this species, In the case of the petaloid form from New Eng-
land, on the contrary, there is’ instant associalion in the mind of
the observer with D. punclata, And this is undoubtedly the case
with the petalaids of D. sulphurea. These were very numerous a
few years ago, near the Launceston golf Jinks, in Tasmania, but

a Nicudits, Tuo Variable Orchids, tB5

though I observed some there almost as pansy-like as Mr, Nicholls’
flower, it never occurred to me that they were other than D. sul-
phurea. While venturing to differ, therefore, from Mr. Nicholls’
conclusions about D. dendrobioides, ihasmuch as I do not consider
it quite an analogous case to the pelaloid D. sulphurea, | amin con-
plete accord with him in regard to the latter, and his paper will be
of great value in calling attention to the occurrence of petaloid sepals
in the genus Diuris, ;

(2) 1 have myself called the attention of several botanists
to the frequent assumption that the name punctala as applied to the
Diuris so named is a misnomer. — The glandular dots on the basal
half of the labellum, shown by Fitzgerald himself and referred to
by Mr, Nicholls, may very well have been the ground of the
nomenclature. They are not, perhaps, sufficiently striking or
constant to justify the author, but neither does there seem to be
justification (apart from the question of priority), for the use of
Brown’s nomenclature name elongata, since that would apply. equally
ta D, alba, and in some degree to one or two others.

KEY TO FIGURES, Page 183.

Fig. 1. A normal specimen of D. sulphurea, R.Br,

Fig, 2. A well-developed petaloid form.

Fig, 3. A flower from a juvenile plant (note undeveloped L. sepals). Wery
numerous at Coimadai in November,

‘Figs. 4-5. Flowers showing diffeveni posilions assumed by the Li sepals (note
large “eyes” in Fig. 5), ‘

Figs. 6-7. Two Wower types (Fig. 7 shows abnormal L, sepals),

Figs, 8-9. Two Mowers with shay:, abnormal L. sepals. '

Figs, 10-11. Twa flowers, showing the gradual development of the psialoid
iype of sepal.

Fig. 12. A flower, somewhat similar in outline to D. Dendrabioides,. Fitzg.

Fig. 13. A characteristic allitude of mature flowers of D. sulphurea, R Br,

Fig. 14. Individual L. sepals from flawers of D. sulpkurea, R.Br., collected
neat Launceston golf links (Tasmama), November, 1921

(H.M.RR,).

Fig. 15. L. sepal from a flower of 2. punctofa, Sm., collecied near Ben
Lomond (New South Wales), at 4700 feet (Rev. E. Norman
McKie, November, 1929).

The lateral sepals as they develop into the petaloid form, as:ume also
a brighter’ hue.

186 Green, Profiles of Thelymitra Columns. vio Ks j,

PROFILES OF THELYMITRA COLUMNS,
By T. GREEN.

Orchids are said to be the aristocrats of the flower world
and some have developed peculiarities which, at a glance, tell
that they are Orchids. The Thelymitra is different. It makes
no showy display of ils class. All species of the genus adopt the
same style of dress, and Blue Thelymitras in the bush are just
Blue Thelymitras until you look right into the very heart of the
flower. Its dress, the perianth, tells us little regarding its species,
and it is in the flower itself—the coluran—that we must seek for
its specific mame. To flower lovers enjoying a spring ramble
in the bush, Blue Thelymitras, without a name, are very charm-
ing flowers, and it matters little to them whether one may be T.
aristela and another 7. langifelia. These are wise folk for they
gather joy at little cost.

Botanists. may be real flower lovers, but, at fads seemingly.
they usually set more value on names than on the loveliness of
blooms. Roughly they handle things of beauty, tearing the speci-
mens up, root and all, to be put between paper folds and pressed
into a flattened mass, ‘and then they march on, louking for another
victim, also to become a flat, dried record of the find. J am
more of the flower lover than the botanist, I treat the Orchids
J. gather very gently. 1 want to get them home in as fresh and
natural a condition as possible, 30 that with my camera I may
secure a much more life-like record.

The: plate illustrates prohles of columns of seven of our Blue
Thelymitras, The columns of Thelymitra interest me as much
for the minute beauty I find in my magnified photographs as for
their guidance in name determination. They are like dainty bits
of loveliness from fairyland—marble caves which might be dwelling
places for fairy queens. | However, the photographs were not
taken to, illustrate a fairy tale, but as a guidance for name. deter-
‘mination. . Until lately 7. ixtoides was known, in Victoria, by its
spots. The coming of T. Merranac makes it, now, imperative for
the collector to overhaul the column also. The illustrations of
these two species need no explanation; they are sufficient in them-
selves to show all the difference that can be seen in a profile’ view.
And it is nat my intention to follow the botanist and supplement
with worded pictures,

Yau will note the great similarity in the general | shape of
the columns (as seen in profile) of T. aristala, 7. longifolia, and
T. megcalyptra, They all have the same type of hood, and the.
main difference to be discerned from a profile view is to be: found
in the character and position of the hair tufts, The tufts in T.
megcalyptra are very distinctive; they stand out horizontally from
the column, like two stiff scrubbing brushes. The illustrations of

THE. VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLVI. January, 1930
Plate VIIL.

helymilra

Th

Thelymitra Merranae Thelymitra pauciflora Thelymitra ixioides.

Thelymitra medio Thelymitra megcalyptra

hy Green, Profiles of Thelymitra Columns. 167

7’. avistata and J. longifelia show how the hair tufts differ in. these
two species. In J’, longifolia it is not, exactly, a turning upwards
of the tufls, but a growing upwards from the columns. somewhat
as in 7. ixtoides, while in 7. aristata they grow outwards and
then turn upwards,

T. media needs no comment. It has a very beautiful and
distinctive column. | cannot understand why this species was
for so long named New South Wales form of 7. ixtoides, as there
is such a marked difference between the columns. At a glance
in the bush TJ. media wight easily be mistaken for 7° grandiflare,
but never for 7. ixioides,

Referring again to 7. longifolia, | wish you to note that the
hair tufts are. mop-like and resemble the tufts of 7. ixiotdes more
“than they do thase af J’. artstata.

(The illustratons on Plate VIII. are from photographs by
Mr. Green, who has taken a ve + extensive series. Many of his
Orchid photographs are unique and of considerable scientific value,
while mumbers of others are charuirg pictures—Ecditor, )

EXCURSION TO YARRA JUNCTION,

A small party travelled by wain to Yarra Junction on November 30,
The day was cool and fine. Such wild flowers as could be observed from
the train gaye promise of nch displays at our «destination. Brumonia cus-
tatis could be seen ia profusion near Wandin, also Kuhzeas, Leptospermum,
and many others. On arrival at ,Yarra function we were met ly Mr.
Lyle and his daughter, Miss Lyle joined the party and showed both «
great interest atid knowledge of the local flora, The coyntry trayorred
was most varied-—Aats, hillsides and ridges—and a large mumber of plants
were in flower. Some curious specimens were callected, botanical and
otherwise, inchiding a pure white “ bluebell”’ A caterpillar with a swna-
her of red parisitical insects aroused much curiosity, The few birds
noticed includerd! Blue Wrens, While-eared Honeveaters and a pair of Bronze-

wings.
H. P. McCOLL.

PINK-BREASTED ROBINS AT MILLGROVE.

Early in December Jast, Denald Basreit, a junio member of our Club,
found «» ueat of the Pink-breasted Robin, Erylhrodryas rodinogasler, at ‘Mill-
grove, There ate comparatively few records of this species nesting in Vie-
toria, though it is fairly often seen, or heard, in the deep gullies, notably of
the Dee and the Don Valleys. ‘The nests are uot easily discovered,

The nest at Millgrove was im the fork of a. bough arching over the
timber track at a height of about 20 fect. The birds ware feeding yotns,
and were clearly identified, the male appearing scyeral times, ils rose pin
breast beautiful in subdued sunlight.

On wo occasions, the late; Mr, A, J. Campbell noted, the Pink Robin
was associated with expeditions of the Field Naturalists’ Club. On the
memorable Yarra Falls trip a nest was Found in the shares of a beach forest,
and the fist authenticated eggs of E. rodinogaster taken on the mainland were
the fruit of the discovery, When a party of Club members was ascending
Mooval Strzelecki, on Flinders Island, a nest of the Pink Robin war observed
in x gully near the sommit of the peak, Wests and Eggs, p, 139,

188 Cheisimas Bush. ays Nate

CHRISTMAS BUSH.

In most countries where the Chnstmas festival and its associa-
tions are honoured, Christmastide has some plant in favour in
connection with its observance, or noted for bursting into bloom
during the petiod,

Thus, holly and mistletoe are typical or symbolical. of the
glad season’ m Britain, In several of the Australian States we
have. flawering plants which have been named as Christmas bushes
from the circumstance of their bmely flowering,

In Vietoria the Christmas Bush is the freely-Howering Pros-
tanthera lasianthes, with creamy petals, which fal) like delicate
snowflakes beneath the bush, a handsome shrub which delights to
have its roots in moist places where rippling. water flows in shaded, _
ferny valleys. J have two shrubs growing in the home garden,
and blooming freely for the first time in three years’ growth.
The roots must be kept moist, or the plants wilt in the summer sun.
Corranderk is: said to be the native name for this mint-bush.

In Eastern Gippsland I have heard the term Christmas Bush
also applied to the Sweet (Bursaria, Bursaria. spinosa, which, in
clumps of fragrant, white or creamy flowers, is in delightful bloom
around Mallacoata and the Eastern rivers at Christmas ume.

In New South Wales the Christmas Bush is Ceratopetalum
gummiferum, an athactive shrub or tree with smal] white fluwers,
having jagged petals. Tihese quickly wither and. fall, then the
calyx enlarges and turns a reddish colour, pleasing in appearance,
The branches are much used in Christmas decoration. Whea
broken the shrub exudes a red astringent kino. This plant can
be readily cultivaled and is highly decorative. In New South
Wales there ate also Christmas Bells, Blandfordia nobilis, a plant
with stiff, narrow leaves, and wax-like flowers, usually found in
moist sand-stone places. The flower stem in the middle of
the tuft bears a cluster of red, bell-shaped pendant flowers varying
in colour from reddish-byown lo yellow.

Then, in Western Australia. we have as Christmas Bush a
tree very different in character from others, It ts Nuvisia flogi-
bunda, belonging to the family of the Loranths or Mistletes, It
has a bulky trunk, and has branches from the stem, covered when
m bloom with a blaze of brijlant orange flowers in great profuaiuti
This distinctive plant is sometimes also called the blaze tree.

In New Zealand there is a Christmas Bush which grows
in the ranges in the yicimty of Auckland, with a profusion of red
flowers, Near the coast it is more shrubby in habit, hut pre
Fuse in athractive flowers, making a fine show,

All of the plants mentioned bloom freely at the festive season,
aad have beantiful flowers which readily lend themselves to de-
coratrve purposes, C.D

jun.) - “Barnery, Noles on Nemopteridas. 189

NOTES ON NEMOPTERIDAE.

No group of insects is moré curious or less known than the
Nemopterides. They are few in species and very rate in col-
lections. The discovery, therefore, of a new Australian Nemo-
plerid deserves a note in the Naturalist.

At Cheerita Station, North-western Australian, two specimens
ol a thread-winged lace-wing were collected by Mrs, Herbert
Barrett, who has a nature lover's interest in entomology. Mr, J.
Clark, entomologist at the National Muscum, to which they have
been given, states that the insects are certainly new. They
will be forwarded to a specialist on the group, at the British
Museum.

Chasmoptera huttt is a Western Australian Nemopterid, widely
noted as an insect oddity, — Its hind pair of wings are not thread-
like, but form a spoon-shaped tail of rather elegant appearance.
The new species has hind wings as slender as any lace-wing an-
tennae, and glistening, as if they were threads of silk dipped in palest
silver, They are shorter and more slender than those of Croce
altenuaia, the Nemopterid described by Froggatt, from Queens.
land. ‘The Crocinae are represented in Western Australia, Tilly-
‘ard states. by an undescribed genus. Is the Chirrita fotm 4

»amember of this, or stil) another new genus?

All the Nemopterids are remarkable, but the most curious,
perhaps, vet discovered, js the cave-dwelling Pierocroce stoseyi of
Egypt. Further specimens of this rare insect have recently been
obtained by the Entomological Depariment of the British Museum,
and form the subject of an article by D. E. Kimmins in Naiural
History Magazine (11, 12, pp. 133-6). This species has a
pecutiar interest for me, since I spent many ‘hours on broiling days
‘hunting for the long-necked larvae in the type locality, near the
pyramids of Giza. The late G. Storey collected larvae in the
fine dust covering the floor of a cave, and bred out the delicate
lTace-wings of the species named in his honour. , They fly at
dusk late in the summer time, the thread-wings streamers, the fore-
wings only being of use for flight, :

I saw only one larva of Plerocroce. Jt was about three-
eighths of an inch in Tength, with a neck like a rod, and longer than
‘the flattened body. The food of the cave-lweller probably con-
sists of beetle Jarvae and other small creatures; the transformation
to the pupa takes. place within a cocoon, and the complete Iife-
cycle may occupy more than twelve months (Kimmins), We
know little or nothing of the earlier stages of our described
‘Nemopterids, and doubtless other species await discovery.

C, Barrety.

199 Insectorium of School of Agriculture: wie ats.

INSECTARIUM AT SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE.
Professor Wadham (Professor of Agticulture), being of the

opinion that, for a thorough training in entomology, students
should have facilities. for handling living insects for themselves,
ane portion (about half). of the Insectarium, which has been
erected in the University grounds, will be reserved chiefly for their
use, as well as for general demonstration purposes,

The students should be able ta work at such branches of the
subject as the follewing:-—

Life Imstories and general bionomres of plant-eating cater-
pillars (noting nutnber of instars, method of feeding, and effect on
host plant; number of broods a season; presence of natural enemies..
etc), Same for suching types, bugs, ete., and for cammon soil
pests,
Rates of Reproduction of Aphis, ¢te., and effects of tempera-
ture and moislure on rates of reproduction. Rearing of some
of the commoner leaf-mmning and gall-forming insect pests.

Natural Parasitism. Collection of caterpillars on a4 large
scale, and rearing for parasites. Same for scale insects and other
forms, noting the effect of parasites on the natural control,

Effect of Aphelinus on the contra! of Woolly Aphis, and
ether experiments on similar lines. Experiments with “* lady-
birds '’ and other predaceous forms on common insect pests-

The second portion of the Insectarium is composed of six
separate ‘““ insect-proof ‘’ chambers, and these wil] be used chiefly
by research workers on special problems. Three of these chambers
have earth floors, the other three having concrete, sa that bath plot
and pot experiments can be cartied out,

EXCURSION TO CROYDON.

This excursion, on Satueday, November 16, was attended by about a dozen
members and frends. The day was rather close, with a threatened thunder-
storm, and we did net cover as much ground as had been planned, Follow
ing the railway Line towards Mooroolbark, we scon found that many of the
epring flowers, owing to the frequent showers, were still bleoming well, and
numerous Ittaceous species, though somewhat common, were noted.

About a mile from Croydon we found a fine patch of the Bloe Pin-
cushion, Brunonta australis, just coming into bloom, This reminded us, of
Robert Brown, Vicleria’s first botanist, whose name if commemmotales, In
a hollow oot far away was one of the plants we bad come tu see the
Sickle Greenheod, Piorostylis falcata. Here they were by the dozen, g owing
almost in water, and very fine specimens indeed, A few plants were
removed for home cultivation, but prebably its liking for a swampy apo, will
make this more difficult than with Pteresiplis rufons, the Nodding Greenhood,
which is easily cultivated, while its very sensilive tongue makes it an inter-
esting object ta these to whom this peculiarity is unknown. The: threatened
thunderstorm now prevented further exploration, and we returned the way
we had came, gathering bunches of the Manuka. Leptosperntum scopartum, and
the smallee grasé-tree, for home decoration,

F. G. A. BARNARD.

rue Lite of Seal Racks. . WI

LIFE AT SEAL ROCKS. ‘

Rich mm tacts that interest the naluraljni, aa wall as oforiwalion chiefly
of economie importance, is, the report of the Chieti Inapeetor of Fishesies
and Game on on investigation inte the feeding habits, ete, of seals an Vie-
torian waters. The investigation, on scientific lines, was mace im conse-
quence of fishecmen’s complaints that seals were interfermg with thee opera-
tions, damaging neta, faking. toll of “* commercial " fishes, and so farth, *

The Chief Inspector (Mr F. Lewis) personally visited Seal Rocks,
spending a whole day (December 12, 1928) on them. He was accom-
panied by Mr. W- J, Kennon, of Cowes, who had been engazed Io con
duct the investigations at this haunt of the Austealian Fur Seal, frefocep-
halus doriferous. The following is quoted from the reporti—- -

-’ Mr. Kennon had a day op so previously set some crayfish pals between
the Nobbies and the Scal Racks. Pive pots in all were lifted on my visit
for a catch of two doven crayhsh. Some pots had Jeathor-jarkets in. them,
which had killed and eater some of the crayfish. Leather-jackels are very
destructive to crayhsh, as is also the octopus. Same of the pats had been
set within (00 yards of the Seal Rocks where there were thousands of seals,
yeteno interference with the pots wad apparent, Ad a matter of fact, only
small seals could ger into the pots, and having once got in could not gel
out again and would be drowned. There were great numbers of seals
swimming and diying about all xround our boat. We anchored ahow 100
yards from the rocks on the western side, and thice of us fished with lines
and jn a quarter ol an hour got abeut 50 parrot fish, sometimes two at a2
time, These are rock fish living in holes amongst the rocks at the bottom,
During the whole of this lume scals were swimeing about close to the hoat.
Mr. Kepnon states that jot fiah Nave always heen plentiful like this in
the virimity of the racks during the past 25 yeas. We landed on the rocks
at 9am. Great numbers of seals were in the water swimming and diving
about, Prartically all of the big -males remained on shore, the seals
swiminitg about in the water apparently bemg females aod young males.
ech old male seal seems to have a definite territory, on which it ic an
offence for any ather other male to frespass, Seals are polygemous, and
fram what F could see each seal has a harem of shou! etght to ten Females,
Nt is very difficult indeed to dvive these old males sway Sram theip ternary.
Tf it is altermpied! they show fight and adopt a very vicious attitude © Each
of these males appears to take charge of an arta of approximately rwenty
yards square, and the whole of the rocks seem to be thay occupied, which
would go to shew thal this cookery is al beeeding lime as fully aceupied
as 13 possible, ‘The present being the breeding time there were preat mutine
bers of pups abour A rough estimate showed at least 1000 of these lying
about in groups, sofme aleeping, some scrambling over one another and same
in small rock pools where they were apparently trying to swim. Quite a
number of these pups must he killed as a result of the fighting of the big
bulls, which on sheir fights with gach other sometimes will blunder right oh
top of a dozen or so pups. The fur of the pepe is a dark, silvery grey,
very soft and silky to the touch 1 should imagine that the skins of the
young ones at ths time of the year would make up well. The acise made
by the big old) mates is a hearse “woof” uttered in a very ferocious manner.
The females have a higher pitched bark. and the young ‘baa’ like lembs.
Two were killed. one a half geown and the other o big neale ‘The
stamach of the smal} ono centaingd nothing but a few bunches of red warms,
and that of the big male was full of Jiquid, nothing else, 11 was interesting
to ner lone adult male seal drinking salt water, laoping it up just like a dog.
Creat numbers of birt, consisting of silvey gulls, ceested terns and sooly
oyster catchers were breeding an the rocks, Pucing the whole period of
our vine there was, ceaseless clamour caused by the fighting males, bellowing

(92 Excarsion ta Beaconsfield. Pat rain

Females, and ihe ‘baaing’ of the pups, together with the calling and
shiieking of the thousands of birds,’

The result of the investigation a8 in Favour nf the seals. The reports of
their depredations have been oxaggerated, and Mr. Lewld does not think that
at the present time there is juntifcanon fur any wholesale slaughter. " The
matter, however, should be carefully watched,” he adds, “and if in the
future the seals show signs of becoming too plentiful and invading the
bays and harbeuys in large numbers, and if it be found that the present
sysiem cannot cope with the matter, the rookeries should be visited by
officers of the Deparment during the breeding seston and the numbers reduced
by the killing of @ certart proportion af the pups, and, if posiible, the
eurplus young males,”

Naturalists will welcome this report, and the views expressed by the
Chief Inspector of Fisheries and Game should meet wilh general spproval.
They ares based upon knowledge, not assumption, and are fair both to. the
fishermen ond the seats

EXCURSION TO BEACONSFIELD.

Tavoured hy fine weather, twemly-two members and friends spenl a
pleasant duy at Beaconsheld on Saturday, November 23. The time before
lunch was spent along the banks of Cardinia Creek, where bell-birds were
inspected at close cyuarters, and the victnity explored for plants tn bloom.
Among the latter were Acacia niollissima, Melaleuca squarrosa and M_ essici-
folia, — Shrtbs of Pomadertix pronifolia “were seen, but pact their bloom.
Fringe Lilies Thysanotus tuberesus, and Porple Bladderwort, Ulricufarie diche-
toma, were also noted, and the interesting function of the root vescicles of
the latier discussed, Close to our Junching place at the creek a nes! of the
Grey Fantail, Rhipidore albiseapa, with its peculiar descending stem, waz
inapected, the silling bird! just assuming a " goodeddysto-you” manner, pierhapi
aware of ‘he efheacy of the barrier Formed hy the cerek between her. and
her visitors. -Atter lunch we' walked a mile or ‘do to the week-end residence
of Mr. and Mrs. F, Hewett, from whose balcony « splendid view was obtained
over, the country tu the west. A sinrt was then made—by invilation—for
Flolm Park, & countey residence of Miss Ada Armytage, on the way inspecting a
peculiar yrowth im a gnm iree, ‘The curiosity is the growth of this lee,
Eucalypius eloeophora, Long-leaf Box, was bronaht under the notice of the
Club by Mr. J. W. Audas, 18 years ago, and a fine photopraph appeared
in the Naturalist of March; 191%, Miss Armytage received the parly hos-
pitably, and after refreshments were served, entertained her guests im her
heautiful home, where thoy were either inspecting valuable antiques or the
nicely kept arounds, or else looking for novelties. in the adjoning wild bush,
On the hedge of Efawthorn round the garden, plants of Loranthus pendulus,
Drooping Mistletoe, were noted, a further proof of the wide range of hosts
selected hy thir parasite, The Crataegus itself war found tu be spreading ©
in the sutrounding obush, any seedlings being noted amongst the wild
shrubs. Those of the party who had so reached hhame early were driven
to the train by Mr, Hewert, while the remainder accepted ihe invitatten
of Miss Amaytagr ta dinner, aftor which they were given the epportmity of
viewing the qunser frot the sumet of the inwer "Though not gorgeous
on this occasion, the sight was beausiful in its greys and pinks With narrow,
silver Jinings picking out the darker cloud-banks, and ji} is no wonder that
our hestess, e+ an enthustastic lover of Nature, glovies in her tutreted castle
in the hills, The most interesting finds of the day were the orchids Chilo-
glattis Cunnit, Bird Oretnd. Calochilus campesiris, Peaked Beard-orchid. ond
Piecastylis dezurva, Summer Greenheod.- named a few pears ago by Dy

Rogers.
H. B. Winiaamsow.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vol. XLVI. —No. 10. February, 5, 1930. “No. 554.

FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the
Royal Society’s Hall on Monday, January 13, 1930, The
president. Mr. P. R. H. St. John, occupied the chair, and there
were about 90 members and visitors present.

CORRESPONDENCE,

From Sir A. E. Kitson, acknowledging congratulations sent
to him as a member of the Club, on his election as president of
the Geological Section of the British Association for the Advance-
ment of Science meeting held jn South Africa,

From the Victorian Forest Commission, regarding Bush-hre
Prevention Week, and enclosing posters and wind-shicld stickers for
distribution. to members.

From the Wild Life Preservation Society of Austraha, draw-
ing attention to the threatened extinction of the Thylacine or Mar-
supial Wolf, of Tasmania. and asking the co-operation of the
Club in the Society's efforts to have this unique animal placed on
the pratected list! On a motion heing submitted to the meeting
that the request of the Society be complied with, was unanim-

ously carried.
REPORT.

A report on the excursian to Gembrook on December 14 was

given by Mr. H, B. Williamson, F_L.S.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS,
The following were duly elected on a show of hands:—Mrs.
C.. Barrett, Elsternwick; Miss K. E. Hall, B.Sc., Camberwell;
Miss C. Glass. B.A., Camberwell: and Miss Graham, Newport-

GENERAL.

Mr. F. G. A. Barnard drew attention to the announcement
of the death of Mrs. Halley, mother of Mrs. G, Coghill, and
widow of the late Rev. J. J. Halley, one time president of the
Club. A resolution that the sympathy of the Club be expressed
to Mrs. Coghill was carried.

A resolution that the congratulations of the Club be conveyed
to Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., on his being awarded the [yell
Medal by the Geological Society of London, was unanimously
carried,

In connection with the jubilee of the Club, which will be
celebrated this year, it was resolved that a suh-committee be ap-
pointed to work in conjunction with the Club committee. The

following were nominated:—Mrs. V_ 11, Miller, Dr. H, Flecker,

194 Field Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings. Wot NEUE,

Messrs. F. G. A. Barnard, EL F. Pescott, F, Pitcher, J. A.
Kershaw, A. Mattingley, C, French, june., and W. H. Ingram.

LECTURE.

My, C. Barrett, C\M.Z.S., gave an interesting aud enter-
taining talk on the work af the recent British Expedition to the
Great Barner Reef. The lecture was illustrated by lantern side.
from phategraphs af the personnel of the expedition as well as of
the flora and fauna of the reef and af the adjacent mainland,

EXHIBITS,

By Mr. P. R, H. St. John.—Herbarium specimens of Hexa-
glotlis virgata (lacq.), Sweet; syn. (Moraca virgata, Jaequin). bam.
Iridaceae; introduced from South Afnca; found by exhibitor in
the Domain near the Observatory, December 23, 1929. — First
record of the plant in Victoria,

By Mr. L. Hodgson—Dried specimens of Christmas Bells,
Blendtorges nobilis, from Port Stephens, New South Wales.

Ry Mr, T. Greaves—Insects from West Australia; Jewel
Beetle, Stigmodera cancellala; and the Ants Myrmecia vindex, Sm.,
M, medtorubra, Forel, M. mandibularis, Sm... and Campanotus
posteornulus, Clark.

By Mr. F, G. A. Barnard.—Remarkable. fungus found at.
Croyden in mid-December, preserved m slycerine and water, ap-
parently .4nthurus Muellerienus, Koch (Cooke's Handbook of
Australian Fungi, p. 216; fig. 103, Castroycetece).

By Mr. A. E. Opperman—(a) Fruiting branch of Acacia
glaucescens (>) attacked by a gall-forming insect; {b) Fruiting
- branch of Acacia pycnanihe, Golden Wattle, bearing an unusual
number of pads.

By Miss A. Flecker —Wattle Goat-Moth,

By Master P. Flecker—Crustaceans from Rickett’s Point.

By Miss B, Bolton.—Large Tongue-orchid, Crbptostulis
longifalta, from Mallacoota.

By Mr, E. 5. Hanks.—Live specimen of Gecko Lizard.

By Mi. A. E. Redda.—Plant specimens from the fore-
share at Geelong: Kachia tomentosa, Sky Bluebush; Salsala Kali,
Prickly Saltwort; Suaeda ausiralits, Seablite; Atriplex cmereum.
Coast Saltbush; Scirpus nodosus, Knotted Club-rush; and Galenia
secunda, the last-named an introduced plant from South Africa.

By Mr. A. Mattingley.—Starfsh from Great Barrier Reef,

By Mr. H. P, McColl-—Anigozanthas flavida and var. pur-
purea; Tristania conferta; both grown at Kew.

By Mr. A. J, Fadgell.—(a) White.flowering , spetimen of
Self Heal, Brunella vulgaris, found growing at Belgrave in asso-
ciation with the normal purple-flowering form. (b) Specimens of
Lythrum flexuosum, Lag., Wiry Loosestrife. a perennial herb intro-

l4 A ; Field Naturalist’, Chrb—Proceedinis; 1%.

duced fram Europe, now recorded for the, first time for Victoria =
closely resembling the native ammal, £, Fyssopifolia, but differing
in its larger flowers, and in six of the 12° stamens being exserted.

By Mr. H. BL Wiliamson.—-Dried specimens of Cassias illus-
trative af the exhibitar's article in the January Naturalist. “These
included specimens of the pods of C. jistula, Pudding Pipe Tree,
and other exotic species lent by the Government Botanist.

By Mr. W. HH. Nicholls —Type specimens of Prasophyllum
Morganii, Nicholls, and Thelymilra Merranae. Nicholls, recen'ly
described by the exhibitor, (b) Coloured drawings of Sprculace
Huntiana CF. v. M.), Schltr. from specimens recently collected
at Gisborne hy the exhibitor,

THE SEASON'S EFFECT ON PLANT LIFE,

1 do not know if the present unusual seasonal conditions may be
cesponsible for @ Tittle upset in the botanical world of Victoria. A changed
season affects humans, and doublless has far reaching results in the plant
warld, Mr, W, TL Nevhrlls recently ‘beheld with pleasure, for the first time,
auc of the varest of Victorian orchids—the Elbow Orchid—prowing at Gis-
borne, comparatively close to Meitbournc. In my own garden a Lomatia
Fraseri—eisier of the native holly—is one mass of cream Howers. [1 is not 2
matter of Ioaking for Rowers, which deen to be on avary conceivable piece
of stem, but for leaves! | ance asked the bee experts why this Lomalia did
pot figure in the Honey Flora, hut waa mformed that no data existed, Judg-
ing From the clouds of winged imsects that rise fiom it when disturbed, I should
say they get Food easily. and honey in abundasce,

-Ar Belgrave <arly in the New Year [ found a number of white-Howering
Self-heal (Brunella or Prunella velgaris), ‘The dolout ts. normally purple,
and I have been teving ta recall, but cannot, if J had previously seen white
flowers. Bul a more pleasing find was an introduced Loosestrfe, Lythrum
flexuosum ayn. L. Cracffera. This is not only the first record of tom Vic-
toria, as the Government Botacist has kindly confirmed the determination and
kep! specimens, bur Wt te alsa the Frat introduced Lythtum we have here.
Ita pretty six rasy petals are large. and if allowed to close naturally they
trumple into the calyx very neatly, doubling op lke a tiny, closed fist) New
migrants are acause of aniely fo stock owners and all ef our Lythrums, both
the two natives and this intraduced one, hoyond being free-seeders, and cava-
ing: many planis fo grow tovelher, are not considered harmfu) or injurtods tor
stock,

The Lythracese or Lylhrum family in Victoria are lowly plants, growine in
watery places, but in some members of the Family we know shnbs and trees,
with the calyx tobulay or campanulate, and about as many teeth as petals.
The family, by the oldce botanists, was redirded an yery close to the roses,
but it will be seem that later botaniste—as indeed by reading our own vensus—
that it has been removed somewhat distantly from that family.

The Lythrums theaselves, of which we have in Victoria the Purple or
Spiked Loosestrife, the Smal! or Hyssop-leaved UWonsestrife, and now the
intriduced Flexwous or Bending Loovestrife, a!) nanves of Europe, Asia and
America, are a family of vety few species throughout the world. One
of our natives—the Purple Loosestrife—is remarkable for its inconttency. It
may adopt st many aa 2ix different kinds of individuals affecting the stamens
ane! styles. Jong, medium and shoct—and. strangely, the differences are accom-
panied by alterations in colour, size and other conditions, as pointed aut by
Bentham. ‘ ALT.

J

198 Coreman, A New Caladenia. ye xvi,

i, Ao A NEW CALADENIA.

By (Mrs.) Epirh CoLeman.
Caladenta longiclavata, n.sp., Coleman.

Planta terrestris robusta, 15-40 cm. alta, hirsuta, Folitem hir-
sutissimum, lancealatum; bracteae caulinae 2 vel 3 foliacea., 3.5
em, longae. Flos solitarius vel
flores duo: - Perianth segmenta
luteuscula = linea fong‘tud’nali
porphyrea in. medio. Sepalum
dorsale 3.5 cm. longum, d.midio
inferiore erectum decinde hori-
zontaliter praductum incurvatum.
Petala ac sepala la‘eralia haud
minus tertam Jongitudinis par-
tem graviter clavata; sepala lat-
eratia 3.5 em. Jonga c'reiler
rertiam longitudinis partem mul
lo dilatata; pelala Jateralia 3
em. longa vix dilatata. Label-
lum ovatum luteusculm haud
mobile sine lTobis lateral bus
latis sicut ac C, dilatata, R-Br.,
marginibus in dimidio posteriore
pectinatis deinde versus apicern
dentats vel serrat’s, apex mul'o
recurvatus, calli 4 vel (ali-
quando) 6-serjati, refexi carnei
linares basi Jongissimi supertus
sradatim breviores vel anter-
jore sessiles, lamina avice nudo.
Column incurva supra
late alata angustius in-
fra; basi 2 glandl's
lute's, Anthera brev-
ter mucronata.

Locality: West Aus-
tralia, Busselton, Capel,
Dannybrook, Augusta,
Forest Grove, Boyup-
Brook. September,

October, 1928, 1929.

Caladenia longiclavata, nsP., CoLeman, '
A. Labellum of = zpnpiellarate Plant terrestrial, ro-
B, Labellum of ilatata 4 i
C Labeln OFC. diloteta, vat. rhomboidiformis, Dust, 15-40 cm. high,
n.var- hairy. Leaf very

he Coreman, A New Caladeria, 197

harry, lanceolate; two or three well developed leaf-like bracts 3.5 .
em. long, Flowers |-2, maroon and yellow, Perianth segments

slightly epreading, except the dorsal sepal, which is erect and

incurved, yellowish with wide, red. central stripes; sepals and petals

lonely and heavily clavate tor more than one-third theiy length:

Jateral sepals 3.5 cm. long, widely dilated for about one-third

their length, scarcely spreading, often pendent; dorsa) sepa] 3.5

cm. long, erect, then incurved; petals also clavate, 3 cm. Jong.

scarcely dilated.

Labellum ovate, yellowish, apex and calli maroon, not tremu-
lous, no wide fateral lobes as in C. dilafala, R.Br.,; lateral margins
pectinate posteriorly, gradually shartening into dentate or serrate
towatds the apex; apex much recurved; calli arranged in four rows,
rarely six, bent. Column ineurved, widely winged above, more
narrowly below, two ycllaw orbrcular glands at the base. © Anther
shortly mucronate,

The new: species is abundant in all of the districts mentioned.
The shert perianth segments with their long clavate points, and the
small yellow and red Jabellum are prominent features, The type
is in the Melbourne Herbarium.

Caladenia difatata, R.Br., var, rhomboidiformis, Coleman,
n. var.

Species gracilis typo: colore similis sed perianthi segmentis
brevioribus fatioribus sepalis lateralibus pendentibus liberis haud
palentibus neque deflexis sicut ac im C. dilatatz, R.Br. Labellum
thombojdale sine lobis Jateralibus latis site etiam conspicuis typi
pectinibus, pars marginis parva anterjoris integra pars dilatata
breviter fimbriata,

Locality; West Australia, Buszelion, Cael, Forest Grove,

Auenusta, Boyuo-Braok, Mundaring. Waterloc. September, Oc-
toher, 1928, 1929.

A slender variety resembling the type im co'our, but with
shorter, broader, petianth segments; Jatera] sepals pendent, neither
crossed nor spreading, not deflexed as in C, dilatata. Labellucn
rhomboidal, without the wide, green Jateral lobes and combs af the
- type; a small portion only of its posterior margins entire; dilated
portion shortly fimbriate, serate towards the apex. Calli thick
and fleshy. © Abundant in all of the Jocalites given, flowering
rather earlier than the type. Specimens of the new variety ate
in the Melbourne Herbarjum.

For specimens, September and October, 1928, | am indebted
to Miss Edna Corker, Mr. C. Hill, Mr. S. Mitchell and Rev.

E, Bryant, The drawings are from moist specimens.

196 Winttamson, Notes on Somme Fictorian Acacias Levelt xvi

NOTES ON SOME VICTORIAN ACACIAS.
By H. B. WiLttamson, F.LS.
THE SECTION JULIFERAE.

ln this section are placed the species having their flowers in
spikes, not in globular beads as in the gital majority of Acacias.
The seclion may be divided into two sub-sections, the frst including
the two with pungent-pointed phyllodia, viz., the common Prickly
Moses, A. verticillata, with whorled needle-Jike phyllodia, and the
equally common Spike Acacia, A Oxycedrus, with broad phyllocia,
not whorled. In the other division we have a small desert snrub,
Mulga Acacia, A. aneura, with linear-compressed whitish pubescent
phyllodia, which has probably not been collected in Victoria, the
only specimens in the National Herbarium being labelled *Mur-
ray."

After eliminating the above nated species, the remainder of
the section may be further divided, placing in’ the frst division the
lwo rather rare north-eastern species, A. Dullachiana and 4. Dora-
toxylon, which have their flowers very crowded in the spikes, The
former, Catkin Acacia, is a tree 20-30 feet high, with large phyl-
lodia 3-6 inches Jong and often 1 inch broad, somewhat falcate,
rounded at the end, with 2-6 more or less prominent primary nerves
with secondary veins conspicuously reticulate between, ‘The spikes
are quite cessile, I-11 m. long, usually in pairs and densely
flowered. It appears to be confined to the summits and upper
slopes of Mt. Buffalo. 4, Doratoxvlon, Currawang, is a. tall
shrub or smal] tree with lang phyllodia, 4-8 in., about 14 “in.
broad, and spikes resembling those of 4. Dallachiana, but distinctly
stalked, Te occurs on the hills between Chiltern and Bee-h-
worth, rarely collected,

It is with the rémaining farms of the section that confusion
has been rife. Mueller enumerated them all as forms of Willde-
now's .4. longifolia, on the plea that many intertnediates occur.
Taking first the two extreme forms, A. alpina, EF. v. M,, and 4.
longissima, Wendl. (A, linearis, Sims) which Bentham in FI.
Aust. /f., pp. 397. 399, places as distinct species, we can separ:
ate the former, a truly alpine species common on Mt. Buffalo,
by ils short phyllodia, 34-1 in., broadly obovate, finely 3-nerved,
with numerous fine reticulations and its short, few-flowered spikes,
and the latter, common in the ranges near Melbqurne and the
Southern and Eastern districts, by its long, narraw phylledia some-
limes up to a foot long and a line or two broad, either strictly
I-nerved or with only a faint accessory nerve on each side.

The Victorian forms enumerated by Bentham in Fl. Ausi,.
71,. 398, as varieties of 4. longifolia. Willd, are hore specially
under review. In Maiden and Betche's Census of Nem South

i] WiitrAmson, Notes on Some tictorian Acacias, 129s
Wales Plants, 1916, p. 95, two of thesé, Sophorae and floribunds
are given as variéties. Later, in his Forest Flora ay New South
Wales, Vol. VL, p. 154, Maiden discusses at length these and
other forms, and states as his opinion that floribunda and mucranate
should have specific rank. As the result of critical examination
of many specimens in the National Herbarium and those recently
collected by myself in the light of the discussion mentioned, 1 make
the following suggestions.

A. Lonerrotia, Willd, var. typica, Bih., form common
in cultivation. Phylledia almost straight 144-34 in. broad, 4-6 in.
long with 2-3 rather prominent longitudinal nerves and several
thinner secondary veins between them,

A. Soprorat, R.Br., diflering from A. longifolia in phyl-
Jodia pvate-oblong very obtuse, thicker and harder, 2, rarely 3 in.
long, 4-1 in. broad, more distinctly nerved, with smaller vers
more prominently reticulate. Chiefly on the coast, often forming
thickets on the hummocks.

A. PHLEBOPHYLLA, F. v. M. (4. longifolia var. phiebo-
phylla, Bth.; A. Sophorae var. montana, F. v. M.), like A. So-
phorae, but with much broader (often aver 114 in.) phyllodia,
more coriaceous, very obtuse and prominently reticulate. © Ag-the
pod of this plant differs from that of A. longifolia and its allies in
being broader and having distinctly flattened margins, not contracted
between the seeds, the suggestion conveyed by Bentham, Fl. Aust.,
H., 398, is here adopted. The plant occurs only among granite
boulders on Mt. Buffalo, I suggest the vernacular name, Buffalo
Sally.

A. FLORIBUNDA, Sieb., different in habit fram longifolia, mare

bushy, with paler yellow flowers, and phyllodia narrower, af thin-
ner texture, more finely streaked with less prominent primary veins,
no marginal gland, Aowers usually more distincl, and pod narrower
and often of less hardness. Apparently from East Gippsland
only, some specimens mistaken for A, glaucesseens, which is not
native to Victoria.
. A. MucRonAtA, Willd. Phyllodia linear-cblong somewhat
broadet towards the end and blunt, rather sHff, thick, usually onder
2 in. long with a short, sometimes. recurved thorny tip, 3-nerved,
scarcely veined between; elands obliterated. Occurs near the
coast of Gippsland and Tasmania,

The three forms following may be placed as varieties of 4
mucronala,

Var, DEPENDENS, Bth., with broader phyllodia (3 lines),
usually with less prominent. nerves; from Latrobe River; Carnet
Inlet, Mueller; Sperm Whale Head, F. Barton, junr., the last
named more acute with more prominent nerves.

206 Wirnramson, Notes om Some Victorian Acacias. Reema tT

Var, DIssiTiFLoRA (A, longifolia, var. diss/liflera, Bth.),
with phyllodia often very long, sometimes 8 in.,-2-3 lines bread,
3-5-neryed, obtuse or acute, Gippsland; Lorne; "A. C, F. Gates,
Hall's Gap, Grampians. Ann interesting case of this form with a
few phyllodia of the longissiina type growing on the lower limbs
was brought under my notice by F. Barton, junr., at Foster. This
seems to justify to some extent Mueller's inclination to: unite longis-
stma with longifolia, and Maiden’s opinion that ““ murrenata and
dissiliflora are inextricably involved."

Var. ACUTA, n, var. Variat phyllodiis tinearibus 4-7 ens
longis basin versus paula latioribus in mucronem fere pungentem
desinentibus. This is a form I recently collected at Hall’s Gap.
and which Mr. P. F. Morris alsa got near West Warbyrion, It
diflers from mucronata var. typica in baving phylledia spreading,
linear, broader towards the base, and with a slender, almost pung nt -
and sometimes yecurved point.

SECTION BIPINNATAE.,
Acacia DECURRENS and Its Alhes..

This plant is placed on our Census as be'ng recorded in all
districts, evidently an error, which is due to A, mollissima being
sometimes considered ag var. mollis of A. decurrens, Willd. As
it appears desirable to keep as separate species these two quite dis-
tinct plants their records for the various distriels require revision.
At the National Herbarium ‘no Victorian specimen of the vay,
normals, recorded in Bentham’s Flora, “* Chtefly From Port Jack-
son, is available, except some which are undoubledly from parks
and gardens. My own opinion is that A. decurrens (normalis)
has nat been collected as a spontaneous growth in this State, ard
that where it does occur it is the result of intentional introductiaa
by settlers ar persons interested in the plant as a shade or ornamen-
tal tree, or for the sake of its bark. The chief distinctions be-
tween the two trees are:—

A. DECURRENS, leaflets somewhat distant, almost glabrous, giv-
ing the tree a_ very green aspect; Howering time September ard
October. ,

A. MOLI ISsiMA. -teaflets softly tamentose. sho-ter and more
clese'y disposed; general aspect, pale green foliage; flowering time
November and December.

A. decurrens is a far more handsome tree, Any informa-
tion as ta the. spontaneous growth of the normal plant as an in-
digencus tree in Victoria supported by evidence of specimens, with
particulars regarding theiz source, would be acceptable at the Na-
tional Herbarium.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLVI, February, 1930.
Plate IX.

(1) Rock Carving depicting an Eclipse (>), Elanora, near Narrabeen, N.S.W.
(2) Rock Carvings, Kuring-gai Chase
(3) Rock Carvings depicting a School of Fish, Kuring-gai Chase.

ret 0. Hornsmaw, Aboriginal Api. 201

ABORIGINAL ART: THE EURO GROUP.
By B. L, Horgnsnaw,

In Kuring-gai Chase, between Cowan Creek and Pittwater,
about 35 miles from Sydney, are to be found some wonderful primm-
twe “art galleries.’ One of the most interesting groups is
situated near Euro Trignontetrical Station. Euro is an abori-
ginal word, meaning kangaroo,

After leaving Sie rough Lack off Pittwater Road, the first
carving fo be seen is one depicting a kangaroo, which is well
executed (Fig, 1). About 100 yards to the west, on a large,
Rat rock appears a hizard and a shoa) of fish, so well done
that it ie an easy matter to determine what the artist sought
to portray. (Figs. 2 and 3.) Adjoiting the last graup 13
an itregular figure, probably meant lo represent a deity. It is
a Very unusual type. (Fig. 4.)

These cxamples of nature art are all petroglyphs ar rock
carvings, but a little to the mght of them was discovered a smali
rack shelter where several red hands had been slencilled. Owme
to their great age and the weathering away of the: face of the cave,
only one hand pictograph is now complete. (Fig 5.)

In this locality usually we lind these hand drawings in cavés
were done with a white or black pigment, so that those referzed
to above may be considered fairly uncommon, Probably the
method employed in. this work was-to hold the hand flat against
the rock and then blaw the pigment (which was often mixed with
human blood) on with the mouth,

We discovered 4 large carving representing a deity, which, on
careful study, proved of great cthnological value. Daring my
20 years” quest for examples of aboriginal art, T have seen no
other carving resembling this one, which is drenly’ cut and measures
about nine feet in length. The upper portion is shaped like the
head and bill of a platypus. The arms are outstretched, showing
clearly a large boomerang im one hand, while the atker points to
the figure of a female. [t is a fierce Jooking figure, and one |
long: to know tts history, though even were its originator alive
to-day ke would not divulge the meaning; that could be learned
only in the tribal mitialion ceremony,

My cenjecture is that this figure represented the totemic deity
of the Kurne Tribe. (Fig, 6.) The female deity referred
to had her arms extended upwards, with a circle attached to the
left fex.

Smaller carvings ef fish, and many others which we could
nol determine, were found some distance to the east of the main
group. Here also were many grooves showing where the abori-
waties had sharpened their stone axes, in the dim and distant past.

D2, Horwsrtaw: Aboriginal Are. PAW hry

After careful examinatiea of these wonderful carvings and
drawings, 1 am satisfied that this place had been used as a Bora
ground for the initiauen of the young men of the tr.be, and that
every carving was symbolic of their beliefs, or of hunting expedi-
tions, regarded by them of great importance, for..their very exisl-
ence depended upon success ins the chase,

Could we have but witnessed a few of the ceremonies that
have been enacied around this Bara-nore, we would have seen same
cruel and harsh treatment-meted out to the young men.

These grounds were established on vantage points, to us rich
in scenic value. In the same way modern peoples erect shrines
and temples on elevated sites commanding fine views, There is
tathing new in our ideas to-day, Much is said and wrilten agait!
the ‘aborigines, We are told that they were practically too lazy
to live. ‘Inspect some of the native “ art galleries" and you learn
to respect the skill of the Lost Tribes.

Editorial .Note.—For same twenty years, ap he tells us,
Mr. Homshaw has been searching for “art” relics of the abori-
gines. He has an unrivalled knowledge of the " galleries "’ around
Sydney, and much further afield in New South Wales his quests
have been successful, Many rack carvings and pictographs
hitherto unknown to ethnologists have been discovered by thix tire-
less amateur student of primitive art. His leisure time is spent
largely in bush wanderings, where of old time the blacks had good
hunting, and where, on sunlit rocks and in caverns they carved
and painted the figures and “ symbols “ that intrigue us to-day.

Mr. Hornshaw has taken a Jarge number of photographs ol
scientific value and general interest, Some are unique. Usu-
ally, he works far from beaten tracks, and, after miles of rough
going may be rewarded by a “ find " which makes the trip. memor-
able. In a recent letter, he gives particulars of the latest dis-
covery made by himself and two frtends, about 10 miles fram
Manly. On a@ Jarge, flat rock are 27 carvings and two nalive
wells, |

“This group,” he writes, ‘was quite distinct from jany
other I have seen. It included pictures of kangajoos, a lyre bird
(and I believe it to be the only one of its kind in New South
Wales), a mative cat, 10 Aying-Rshes, an Echidna, the tail of a
Wvre° bird, ‘a figure somewhat resembling a turtle, but apparently
unfinished (being without the forelegs), 2 citcle with 14 lines or
tails protruding from it, another circle or loop with ne & feet 2
inches jn length attached, a boomerang. and what I think was meant
ta represent the feet marks of an’ emu.” ~

Toterest in aboriginal art ts steadily inoveasing, Any mem-
ber of the Club who may have photopraphs of carvines or peto-
graphs, ‘hitherto unnublished, is invited ta send prints with explana-
tery nates, for the Naturalist. —C.B.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLVI, February, 1930.
Plate X.

(4) Rock Carving, Kuring-gai Chase.
(5) Rock Drawing in a rock shelter, Kuring-gai Chase
(6) Rock Carving depicting a Platypus Deity, Kuring-gai Chase.

ten CoLeman, Pollination of Sume WA. Orchids 204

POLLINATION OF SOME WEST AUSTRALIAN
ORCHIDS.

By {Mrs.) Eprrn CoLeman, '

In a paper-on the pollination of Cryptostylis subulala (Mictor-
ian Naturalist, July, 1929), 1 stated my belief that the ichneumon
fly, Lissoptmpla semipunctala, was responsible for the pollination of
the Western Australian species C, ovata, R.Br. My observations
have been continued by hotamsts in that State, and confirmation
of my statement has come from Colonel B. T. Goadby (past
president of the Western Australian Naturalists’ Club). = Wish
iis permission, | submit extracts from his letters ;—

Cottesloe Beach, WA. 2/12/29,
Dear Mrs. Colemen. 7

1 am sure you will ke interested to Jearn that Ceypiostylis ovata is treated
exactly in the same manner bp the ichneumon fly, Lissoprnpla sermpunctata, ws
described by you in your papers on the pollination of C. laptochile and C.
zubuieta, The following account will grve you details: —

V had three pals conlaining C. ovata in flower. On November 28, abou!
1O .am., the air being warm and still 1 placed the poty in the midat of my
jucerne patch, Before ten minutes had passed | noticed am insect fying iw
a zig-zag fashion about five feet away. It suddenly made a straight dart to
one of the flowers, and alighted with its tail to the base of the flower. Before
tt flew away | saw, with the magnifying glass, the pollinia attached to the
end of the abdomen.

About teu aninutes afterwards o second My approached and settled va the
tabellum of another flower. It placed itself at first with its head towards the
base of the flower, and then reversed itvelf and backed. 1 capiured the fly
and placed it in a boule, Jt was identified hy the Government Fiatamologist
as Lissopimpla semipunctalo. Jn this instance no pollinia were attached—
probably | had not allowed jt to remain long enough in the flower, About
half an hour afterwards another fly alighted on a flower. Afler about half
a mime | removed i with the forceps, 1 found two polknia attached to
the abdomen i the position as illustrated, Fig. 11, in your paper on C,
subulala,

The flower ay nor unbke C, subsicta im shape and size and colour, and
the jnsect is upside down on the labellum, C, ovata does not grow in the
vienty of Cotteslor Beach, lt te réally a aative of the SW. of the State,
from Bunbury w Albany. The ichneumon flies which visited the flower
must, om the other hand, have been bred and hatched in the vicinity of Cot-
teslae Beach, over 100 mules from the locality of the orchids, yct these Mies
are urged to perform cerlain actions, of no wse in-themselycs, in connectiun
with a flower to which they are strangers, and in an exactly similar manner
te that of other meribers of the same dpecies, with orchids of another species,
1800 miles away.

. It is an interesting problem, and one for which I think if is diffs)! to
find a satisfactory solution. What is the object of the procedure? | don’t
yet. accept the “sex instinct theory. 1 am glad to give you these detasls
as they link up so well with what you have already brought to hight:

E(/12/29—1 have put the Cryplostylis oveia out im the garden on lwo
more occasions since writing fo you, bu! the results have been negative. The
josects. have alighted on the flowers, bul no more. .

(7/12/29—Since writing to you last | had an opportunity one morning
of meking some further observations on €, ovata under very favourable con-

204 Cotrmsn,; Pollinalion vf Some WA. Orchids.. (ie.

ditions, und what J saw conterled me entirely to yar views, In Weat
Australia your discovery is now claiming attention from quife a number of
. persons. —

F One fly went straight to the flower and backed smartly to the base of
the Hower, Tt remained in this posilion for some timp, possibly a minute,
itt foreloys clasping the rolled margins af the labellum, ite abdomen pressed
clove ty the groave in the labellum, and the tip of the abdomen pressed appar-
ently into the stipma, Its bead was not im contact with the flower, but well
away from it. . . . . These flies weve ell the time under observation
through a magnifying glass, and all details were clearly. seen. They were
not disturbed by the close proxinsily of glass or band.

Polbnation of Caladenia Barbarossae (Reichb. f.
Beilr. 64). :

While I was on a recent yisit to the south west of Western
Australia, some specimens of the orchid Celedeniu Barbarossae
were sent ta me. On two occasions I saw a small bee. or fly,
visil these flowers, and from their actions I have no hesitation
in adyancing the theory that they were actuated by similar motives
to those of the insects concerned in the pollination of the various
species of Cruptostylis,

No pollen was removed, but had it been taken it must,
from the direct position of the insect, have been removed on the
head oy back of the insect.

Unfortunately, having no forceps or kilhmg kottle with me, f
hesilated too long and lost both insects. Both were much darker
in colour than Lissopimpla semipunctata and more bee-like. They
resembled certain stall Halictus bees that vistt some of our Vic-
torian orchids The abdomen appeared to be imbedded in the
calli ow the Jabellum of the orchid, and though the head of the
insect was quile cluse to the prominent basal appendages, it was
not touching them.

From this, and fram certadin movements, it was cleay to me
that the insect was not interested in edible tissue, nor was the close
wip of the hody on the labellum necessary for the purpose of merely
resting, There could, to my mind, be only one possible reason
for the visit.

I brought the orchids to Victoria on my retumn, hoping to
learn something further concerning the'r voll'‘nation, hut they were
not fresh enough for the ournose. Western Australian botanists
may he able to complete the ohservations. ,

I hope shortly to sttimit noles on the pollination of Caladema
dilolaia, vor. rhomboidifermis, under very similay circumstances.
which is visited by a large black ichneumon fly, the body of
which ts banded with yellow.

The matter of this strange method »f pollination is thus not
so remarkable as we have thoucht, Without ening too deenly
into the reason for the strange behaviour, one micht cons‘der fist
how Title we really know nf imzects and the Jaws that govern

.

“ Coveman, Pollinalion of Some WA. Orchids, 205

them. Upon one thing many of us are agreed, that their actions
are largely mechamcal. They act as they do because they can
act in ao other way. There are certain exceptions of which ¢
hope to write in another paper. There can, at least, be no questica
of applying to insects the rules that govern our own lives.

ne thing seems to me to bear very closely upon the sub-
ject. In many species of ichncumons the males emerge consider-
ably in advance of the females, and im greatly Jarger numbers.
[ have had under observation some egg-cases of the common mantis,
Archimantis latistylis, which had been parasitised by certain smali
wasps (Chalcads). ‘In every instance the male Chalcids emerged
a day, or several days, before the females, and greatly exceede:]
them in numbers.

Under norma] conditions it is not wnreasonable to aszuime
that the actions of these males would be governed by two pre-
dominant needs—food and reproducttoo—and the satisfying of
beth would be largely involuntary or mechanical, not deliberate or
purposive. In almost every instance under my obzervation t'c¢
action of the insect has been swift, without apparent deliberaticn.
Thus, whether they are attracted to the flowers by scent or fancied
resemblance to females of their kind. their actions cap perhaps be
understood. It would be easy to suggest a ‘* popular” theory,
but the ‘subject calls for scientific interprelation.

With but a superficial knowledge of entomology one ia im-
pressed with the remarkable suecess of the insect in almost every
part of the world. 1£ man is to combat their rapid multiplication.
their wonderful adaptability to conditions. prevailing in lands new
to them, be mast shirk no field of research that may throw lig't
on the most insignificant of rheir customs,

The subject of pollination is full of interest—and problems.
Th ig mot suggested that orchids are never visited by insects ‘n
search of edible tissue,

In flowers of Diuris pendunculafa one may frequently find
as many as three or four small Halictus bees, Halfious lanarins.
which are not held fast by viscid matter but appear ta be stupefied
remaining so for several hours after being taken from the flowers.
I am submitting some of there to Mr. Rayment for examination.
So far T think they have all been of one sex.

Tn conclusion, I quote from a letter written by Dr, R. S.
Rogers, M.A., M.D., F.L.S., to Colonel M. J. Godfery, F.LS.,
who has for many years been working on the pall'nation of archids:
Mrs. Coleman and [ are in comoulete agreement with regard to
the facts. and I fail to see wha other internretation can be placed
on them.” (Orchid Reviem. Tune, 1929.)

As I told Colonel Godfervy, ] Fancied that Dy. Rogers

was at first only gently tolerant of my views, and I way very stad

206 Contman, Pallination of Some WA. Orchids, [Nis Qet

to have his confirmation of my theory, as well as that of Dr.
Tillyard, our Australian expert in entomology.

Lord Rothschild, who also had been unable to accept the
idea, in a letter to me on the subject, writes:—'' IT am sow con-
vinced that Colonel Godfery was correct in his ideas, and that you
also are right”” Lord Rothschild offers a theory which may ke
correct, one which would certainly simplify the solution of the
problem concerning the often-repeated insect visits.

20/1/30—Since writing the foregoing I have witnessed the
removal af the pollen from the N.S. W. representative of the genus,
Cruptastulis erecta R.Br., by the insect Lissopimpla semipunctata.
(mh this case the insect is nearly upright, and though it assumes the
direct position the pollen is removed on the tip of the abdomen, as
in the instances previously described. '

It has now been shown that the four species of the genus ate
visited by the same ichneumon.

CITY FERNS,

Some time ago a nol appeared in the Naturalist under this heading, and
it may interest members to know that a small fern is to be sern growing
in # crevice of the stone fence of Scots Church, facing Ruszell Siréet.
Passing along this frontage one day, in the spring of 1926, | noticed a litle
Rreen Patch ayainst the stones, and found that it was a yery small fem, just
two or three tiny fronds. Each tme I passed the spot—at intervals of two
or three weoks porhaps—l noted it, but at last came a day when il was miss
ing, and [ concluded that the summer's heat had withered it) or perhaps it
had been torn off or desteoyed, Last year [ watched For ity reapprarance,
bul it was not unhl January [0, 1930, thay | saw it agai, It is now a much
forger plant, and looks robust. It will be miteresting to see how long ii
will tive in that dry spot—for severat months probably, unless someone, mot o
nature lover, ubserves it and breaks it off.

Z.MeT.

EXCURSION TO BOTANIC GARDENS.

About fificen members, and friends, including sorte member vf the
Aquarium Society, visited the Botanic. Gardens on the afternoon. of Saturday.
December 7. Operations were reatricied ta various parts of the large Take,
and resulted in the collection of some interesting material.

Some noteworthy forms. were taken Protozoa included Trechelius ovum,
in which the cytoplasm is cf an extraordmanly vacuolar nature. Numerous
colonies of Fpistyls plicatilis were also found, This protozoon receives its
specific name from the concertina-like method in which it folds wp on retzac-
tion, These colonies were so old that numbers of yotifers of the genus
(Existes had constructed mbes. on their stalks,

Seme stray feaves of Valltzneria furnished numerous specimens of the
hydroid Hydra vulgaris; and as the protezoon Plumatella repens was also
taken, the difference in the structure of these outwardly similar forms was
explained. Among the other rotifers noted were many colonies of a
Lacinularia, probably 1.. aociolis, and alsa Brachiunus pala. ‘Lhe very boau-
tiful organism, Molvax, which for years past has becn obtainable in the lake,
war conspicuous by itn absence, ateange tir say.

J, Stickeano,

a Mircwent, Barytic Replacement af Marine Fangits, 207

BARYTIC REPLACEMENT OF MARINE FOSSILS,
By 5. R, MrrcuHetu,

Barium sulphate is a somewhat unusual mineral to be found
replacing the hard parts of marine fossils, Examples have re-
cently been found Jocally, and as such an accurence has not hitherto
been observed in Australia to my knowledge, this note will serye
lo place it on record.

During a recent examination of the country north of the
Yarra near Woort Yallock, a bed of decomposed rock was noticed
in which a channe) had been eroded. On the sides and bottom
of this channel numerous hard concretions and irregularly shaped
pleces, ranging in size from 75 m.m. to minute particles, remained
from the washing away of the soft clay, and among them were
some well defined marine fossils. These included smal) cepliale-
pads, fragments of corals, bryazoa, and some internal casts of
smal} brachiopods.

One specimen proved to be a very interesting mushroom-shaped
piece of the coral Favosites, showing perfect preservation of the cell
structure. It measures 45 mms, across, The cephalopads he
long to the genus Orthoceras, and do not exceed 25 mm. in length
and 6-7 mm. in diameter; The brachiopods and other {forms
are far too indistinct for specific determination.

Being engaged in the search for limestone in the district, tests
were made to ascertain whether calcium catbonate was present,
but with negative results. Further investigation, showed that there
was barium sulphate in all of the material examined. Some small
but characteristic rhombic erystals’ of barite were detected, while,
other specimens exhibited the well-defined cleavage and lustre of
this mineral.

The specific gravity determination gave low figures, consequent
on the amount of impurity admixed with the barium sulphate, but
were ‘high enough to confirm the identihcations of this mineral,, in
conjunction with the other characteristics noted. The interest of
the occurrende lies in the fact that the original substance of the
hard portions of these organisms, probably calcium. carbonate, has
been almost wholly replaced by barium sulphate, a form of re-
placement not common in regard to fossiliferous occurrences.

Tn all probability the bed containing these barytic replace
ments was originally a calcareous mudstone, somewhat similar {to ,
those rocks. exposed in the small quarries on the Melbourne road
near Seville. Tt was in these beds that some giant trilobite remains
were found, Atmospheric and ather agencies have resulted in
the alterations and decomnosition of the mudstone to clay, the re-
moval of much of the calcium carbonate, the replacement af por-
tion of it by barium sulphate, and the segregation of this mineral

208 Mitcueet, Barytic Replacement of Marine Fossils. Lar sd

ina cancretionary form. fron sulphide as pyrites occurs in these
beds in appreciable quantities.

Barite as a cementing material in sandstones is not unusual;
specihe instances are known from various parts of the world.

G. W. Dickson (School of Mines Quarterly, Vol, 23, 1902,
p. 366) states that barium sulphate is produced when a bicarbon-
ate sdlution comes in contact with oxidising pyrite, and its. presence
in limestone may be due to a possible coincidence of the tow
reactions. The absence of calcum carbonate m the Woon Yal-
lock deposit suggests complete replacement and possibly the fact that
the mudstone was less calcareous than siliceous. The oxidising
pyrite transforms the calcium carbonate to a calcium sulphate (none
of which was detached at Woort Yallock), which undergae:
double decomposition with the percolating barium solution.

Since the original source of the barium is the felspar and mica
of erystalline rocks, their presence is’ to be infetred in connection
with the Woeri Yallock occurrence... The apparent localisation
of the baryte bed suggests the proximity of an dgneous intrusion,
and it wil} be interesting to examine the area closely to ascerlain
whether such exists. Certain it is that the corals cephalopods
and bryezoa were originally corposed of calcium carbonate th
their hard parts. so that Dickson's senthesis is reasonably applic-
able to this occurrence.

The rocks in the yicinity cf Woori Yallock consist of mud-
stones, sandstones, shales and cquartzites of Silurian age, The
prevailing strikes N. 10 deg. W., with ar almost vertical d'p.
The quartzite on. the flanks of Mt, Toal-besvong contain numeyous
“faint casts of brachiopods.

A London friend of a well known Melbourne surgeon has made repeated,
but unsuccessful, a‘tempis to obtain, for research purposes, seed of Cynoglossum
auavyralvis, Sweet Hounds-tengue, a fairly common native palnt, belonging to
the Borrag:naceag, the Borage family,

The plant is aw erect perennial From 6 ih. to 14 Ft. high, with lance or éblong
shaped leaves, The basa) Jeaves are 4 to & inches long, the upper ones shorter,
and without a stalk, The Bowers are white or pale yellow, very much like
the “ Forget-me-not,” which has blue flowers. The fruit is made up wf four
nutlets, allhough cometimes these are reduced to one or two. The nutlets are
avord, densely prickly on the outer face; they are compressed and joined
fogsther by « cord attached t5 the bate of the head. Another species, C.
~ aus‘rale, Austral Hounds-tongue, has blue flowers, Both the herbs are hairy
and rough to the touch,

| would be pleased if any members of our Club could obtain specimens of
the plant in seed, and forward them to me at the National Herbarium, South
Yorra. The plant was once distvibated throughout Victoria and New Sauth
Wales, bur cultivation has killed most of it.
; P. F, MORRIS

ve Excursion to Matlacoota Inlet. 209

EXCURSION TO MALLACOOTA INLET.

Owing io the difheully of secuving accommodation ay Chriaimas time, unless
early reservations are made, it was found impracticable te include in the paxty
@ number of intending excursiomsts. who gave in their names too Inte. tHaw-
ever, on December 25, nine members left for Mallacoata, by road
journey, Which occupied two days, was broken at Baitnedale, where we had
the pleasure of renewing the acquaintance of a member of the Club, Mr. Ed.
Cox, who hed arranged for the accommodation of the parly overnight. The
lediausness of covering the long distance of appenxinately 340 miles wan
minimoed as for as possible by stops at various points en roule, the more en
thusiastic members devoting the time to collecting specimens and observing,
At our destinalion Were Mr. ond Mei. W. Uanks, whoa had proceded the aim
party.

Teacursions wete arranged for each day, one whole day, and one half-day
being spemt iy visiling other parts of the Inlet by motor launch. An all-day
\tip to where the Bedka River joins the open ocean, some seven miles from the
guest house, proved most interesting and enjoyable. On this occasion, and
also on cthes “land” excursions, the kindly co-opefation of Mr. Hanks made
W peasible far all members of the party to travel in the private cars,

On Saturday morning, December 28, a decided eth tremor wai felt,
accompanied by a remblng snuncd. = Ths was interesting in view of the faci
that a similiac earth tremor was eported to have heen experienced at Flindnre
Island at approximately the same time

Josects:—Miss J. Raff, who was a member of the party, weites:—Bectles
were by far the most common group of insects collortod on the trip, and wore
very plentiful, especially an ihe bleame of the Bursaria, where, the funniljes
Mordeliidae (pintail, beetles), Buprestidae (jewel beetles), Corambynidac
(longicorns) and Chrysomelidae {leaf beetlun) were well represented,
Buprestids were 2lso seen on the flowers of Cassinia {dogwoud), and large-
sized weevils were obtained From an Acacia (possibly A. longifolia) on the
tand dunes néar the entrance. This Acacia was also heavily infested with a
species of lerp insect, which, is turn had its natural enemy, one ‘of the lacly-
birds, feeding an it.

The Eucalyptus seemed particularly healthy. the only insect of ony con-
sequence on them being the saw-fy, larvae of which were’ found tm various
stages af growth. OF flies (other than mosquitoes), the commones! form, wee
a medium-sited Crane-fly, found in abundance among the dow growmy scrub.

The Bug Order (Hemiptera) was represented by large numbers of Ting-
idae or Laze-bugi, infesting the leaves af the Lilly-pillies. Cicada “ skinz” of
huth 2 large and a small species were Found from time to lime, bur the weather
seemed scarcely warm enough (o expect to find the adults.

Ant-lion larvae attracted much attention. At Providence Ponds. on sandy
ridges by the roadside, numbers of pits were noticed, and from these several
Jarvae and wo cocoons were secured. White-ant meats, wr terinitaria, of fair
suite were very commen; generally build agamet the remaing of standing trees,
bul. strangely, these appeared to he unmbabiled, unt) a erological hammer was
weed on the mound, when <ame of the galletices were reached and a few worker
termites were found, The termitaria, in places, lent a digtnclive feature to the
landscape. .

GF shore forms, in interesting “find” was at eatwig (oue of the Der-
maptera) of sandy colour, and with remarkably jong hind forceps on pincers.
Several specimens of these worn secured Srom beneath hourds and pieres of
drift-woad Jyimg altoul on the beach.

Plants2—Report hy Mr. H, B Williamson, Nearly sixty species of plants
were handed to we, the most mieresting of which arc; —Nyrta gracilis; Sowerbaca
juncea; Schelhummera dnduleta {in feuit), a bly rare in the casts the Heron

74 Eyeurston to Mallacaata Intel. anit iat

Bristle-vush, Cherizondra ciynbaria, vecorded fram the SW. S. and East, but
rarely callected; two rare Geebungs found only in the east, Persoania solicine
and /?. linearis; two Xawthosias, X. pusilla and X, pilosa, the latler sather rate
in the S. and East: the little trailing plant, Yylaphara barhata, known only in
Bast Gippsland; a very broad-leaved form of Stachhousio ttanopyna;, Bacchea
finifalia, found only im the East; ather plants ovnst noticeable for their showy
flowers were Scaevala hispida, very tine; Boronia Mueller’, Dampiera strieta,
Epacris lanuginasa, Kunzex peduncularis, Bredemeyera eriemum, Trachymene
Billardieri wud Lomatia ilicifatia, Fruiting specimens of Acacia sutvenlans, A
botiywephala (A, discolor) Sunshine Wattts and the graceful A. subporosa
were gathered. OF Orchids seven species, including Dipodium punctaium,
Caleana mujor and Praseophyllun australe, were taken.

Pirds:-—Pird life warn both varied and numerous. On. The Inlet, large
numbers of Black Swan, Chenopin arate, fod fearlessly on the sohd-banks
undisturbed hy the approach of the motor-lainch. Other acquatic birds noted
were the Caspian Torn, Mydroprogne caspia, Pelican, Pelecanus conspicillatus,
Silver Gull, Lares travee-hollandtac, Pacthe Gull, Cabianus pacifictis, Black
Cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo, and White-breasted Cormorant, _ fascescens,
White-Fronted Herons, Netophioyx novae-hollandiae, and Whire-breatied Ses
Eagles. Aaliacetus Inecogasler were seen.

At Molfra, numbers of Red Waite birds, Anthochacra carunculale, were
observed feeding. an the mayuificent fawertag specimens of Crevillea robusta
with which tho strecls were plonted. Residents allege that this bird is destruc
tive in orchards, The gloriously-plimaged Rainbow Lorikeet, Trickopleassns
molceanus, which ts alao brush-toagued, wai certainly damaging Unripe pedrs
and apples, both at Malfacoote, and at Genoa River. The thyee F'antails,
the Grey. Rhipidura flaheltifera, the Black and White, R. lencaphrys, and the
Rufoua, R. rufifrons, were listed, alse meny small birds, Blue Wrens, Silver
Eyes, ‘Thornbills and Pardalotes. OF Cuckoos, the Black-eared, Omenavis
osculans. as well as the Pallid, Cuculus pattidus, Fan-tailed, Cocomantis fabelti-
formis, and Bronze-cuckso, Chaleilées bastlix, were listed. A netable find was
the moss-coyered nest ond eggs of the Black-faced Flycatcher, Manarche
melenapsis, A good opportunity vf obterving the Gang-gang Cockatoo, Callo-
cephalon fimbriatum, arose theough the finding of a young male «with bright
red crost, which had evidently fallen from the nesting hollow, boil parents re-
maining im the vicinity. Flocka of White-winged Choughs, Coreoray melan-
orhomphus, and Pied Bell-magpies, Sirepera praculine, were conspicuous; 4s
alto was. the Yellow-tatled Black Cockatoo, Calyplorhynchus funerens, Whip-
birds, Psophodes olivaceus, frequented the bracken close to the guest house,
and the Eastern Spinebil). as well as varinus other species of Honeyeaters
frequented the garden, Large Alacks of Starlings were a feature of the whele
trip, Spatrows and Goldfinches also having penetrated 1 this interesting south-

eastern corner of Victoria.
V.H. MILLER.

WISE. FROGS.

The pool at the Flagstaff Gardens in surrounded hy a tow cement border
aecessibte all round, except one portion, wheee a flower-bed comes to the
edge, and is protected by a spiked, iron fonee, Many children fish in the
shallow water with band-nets, and fhe carp ave nearly all gone. On a recent
visit, the protected portion of the bank was Jiterally plastered with lange green
frogs basking in the sunlight. The only way to appresch them ie ta wade
the pool, but any attempt to do go, in the words af a small boy, "sends them

IL popping in,”
all. popping AER

Res Excarston ta <ambrook 211

EXCURSION TO GEMEROOK.

The excursion to Gembrook on December $4 was allended by seven,
members, and wes marred somewhat hy rainy westher. Te many visitors a
day's tip in the fittlhe Gembrook train is anteresting, the diuaky wind-
ing of the narrow steol road being quite fascinating, Lhete are places.
where from vne side a very fine, eatended wew in oblained, and where
st the same tume close proximily of the vegetation on the other side
gtves the boranist a good chance of identifying many of thw plants, this being:
increased by the slow speed of the train, The prevailing features of this
vegetation ate tal] Euealypts, often crowded Bracken and Blackborry tangles.
interspersed with many native shrubs, among which the predominating culours
are White Howers of Blackberry and Cassiniar ( C. aculeata and C_ lonyifelia}.
and yellow masses of Seneciv dryadeus and Cooderia ovata.

A few patches of the yellow Rice flower, P flava and the Wiey Bauer
san be seen, but it is ton fate For the bright yellow or red blossoms of the
Daviesias an¢ other leguminous shrubs, though of Golden Spray, Muninaric, »
few shrubs were noted in rvampy places near the line, The aggressive Black-
herry bids fair to overwhelm everything, and one cannal but sympathise with
those Who are making homes in the hills. Together with the features mentioned,
if we take into account the varied reddish, sometimes even gurgeous, tink; of the
young gum tips, the dark green foliage of the Narrow-leaf Acacias, and the
bluish leaves of the young Silver Wattles, intempersed with the dark brown or
hlack sprays of Thatch Sedge, one can understand why fovers of the bush make
the slow journey without feeling hored, The view of the fne nursories
neat Emerald with the Phormium plantations snd the neat Veronica hedges
makes a pleasing break, but the view when Gembrook js reached ig eather
dappoinling ta the botanist, whe looks aut on wide grazing or cultivation
paddocks cut through here aad thete by remains of fern gullies.

Kt wus to one of these gullies near the township that we made our way,
and in which, after lunch, some interesting plants and birds were noted, Thre
gully ia almost devoid of small ferns, and the iwn common tree fems are not
Rumerous, owing probably to jit proximuy te a railway mation. Notices
prohibiting the cemoval of ferns are tposted. and close by one of these was
seen the decapitated head of w Dicksonin, still fronding, theugh not planted,
presenting What will probably prove tou preat = templation to some visitor,
‘The sides of the gully aro clothed with a good deal of tangled Hazel, Musk.
Austral Mulberry, ele. none of which appears ma very healthy condition,
Two cruciferous plants, Cardamine dictyosperma and C, stylosa, were growing
in profusion, the former distinguished by its pmaate basal Jeaves and larger
flower, and in patches on the compost of dead leaves there: was abundance
of Forest Star-wort, .Stelleria flaceida, Smooth Netile, Australing Muelleri,
and Serub Nettle, Urtica incisa. Plants of White Elderberry, Sambucus
Caudichaudiuna, were just coming inta bloom. The Giant Mountain Grass.
Glucerta dives, was seen up to eight feet in height, and fine Howermg specimens
of the Tall Swurd-sedge, Lepidosperma cladius, with ity pix-foot stems aad
ample panicles. were collected. ‘Large patches of Liverwort, Marchantia
polymorpha, weer showing antheridial and archiyowal bends, and on 4 tree
fern the Green Birdeorchid, Chilogtoitis Muclleri, was just opening in flower
‘Two interesting introduced ‘plants were met with, one near the gully mentioned,
Salad Burnet; Polertum Sanguisorha, and the other while the Incomotive was
taking water, Claster-Howered WVerveim, Verbena bonariensis, a tall, hamh
plant with small clusters of luc flowers, now quite common in the Dandenongs.
Merhena venus, a clorely allied species, collected near Beaconsheld recently.
differs from the former in ‘having its coralla ‘tube bemg scarcely exerted.

H. B. Wosamsor,

242 Silvernyes” Ways. funy

SILVEREYES' WAYS.

Our familiar Silvereyes,” Zosterops lateralis, are charming little birds—
graceful itt movements, dainty in habits. [ enjoy watching a company of
them fossicking for food in the gardens or amongst the sertb But ask for
an archardist’s. opinion! —’ Little terrors for figs and grapes,” is usually the
verdict. Any bird that helps itself, even in the smallest degree, to frait of
the orchard, is generally proclaimed a pest by fruitgrowers, who seémingly
fail te nolice the great amount nf service rendered, im orchard and garden,
hy many of the species,

I certainly admit that the Silvereye is fond of soft Fruits; several times
have | watched one excavating a mice, juicy fig, making a small aperture
at the end, and feasting on the ripe Mesh imaide, until only the skin remained—
almost intact, But fruit forms only a part of the Silveteye's diet. The
title “ Blight-bird," sometimes piven to this species, is certainly justified, as
Silvereyes relish both ihe Woolly-sphis and Fose-aphis. | have seen them
devouting these pests quite readily, pecking them from the brauches with
remarkable nimbleness, The value of a Mock of these birds in the garden, .
or orchard, is incalculable. They must destroy many undesirable insects
hesides those | have named,

Fruit has probably been un ihe Silvereyes’ “ menu" for a great many
years, as the orchard ia not their only resource for this kind of food, tn the
bush they cat various “wild fruits. Recently,’ at Turton's Crock, thirteen
vatles from. Fosier, a number of Silvereyes few from a shrub on the roadside:
I had interrupted their luncheon of Coprosma Billardieri berries! 1 think
the larger frit: of Caprosma hirtella are alsn relished, besitles several other
native berries.

An interesting fact concerning the Silvereye is the close partnership. which
exists between 2 and membera of the Finch family (Ploceidae) [ have
noticed both Red-browed, and Beautiful, Firetatls accompanying parties of
Sdvereyes, and assuciating ws thaugh they were af the same species.

“Zosterops’” is not usually included among our song-birds, Neverthe-
less, its notes ore chetinchve, pleaswat, and are familiar to most country
folk. But do bird observers know that the Silvereye is capable of mimicry ?

Recently listening to what seemed'to be a churuz of distant birdevoices,
| discovered that a Silveieve, only. a féw yards from me, was responsible for
it all, Among the bird-calls imitated [ detected the song of the Speckled
Warbler, the grating cry of the Nankeew Kestrel. the gurgling notes of a Starling
and pestion of the Blackhied's song. The imitations, though feeble. were

remarkably exact.
FRED BARTON, jun.

‘

BABY KOOKABURRAS.

On January 24 two young Kookshurras were noticed in the Pitzroy
Gardens, They were rather weak on the wing, and ote that few to the
rass Wad easily caught. Beyond an indignant peck oz two. it did not seem
ai all alarmed, and remained quiet in my hands. On the Jast two days only
one could be found, Doubtless the half-wild vats which haunt the gully
have accounted for the oiher, The remaining bird ts now (January 30)
strong on the wing, but very clumsy io alighting: hoving only ahowt.an inch of
tail, A volplane to the ground generally ends m oq crash. — Utes cfforts to
acquite the thal song cause considerable anmsement to the lunch-hour habitves
of the Gardens. ‘

AER.

The Victorian Naturalist

“Wal: MLVI—No. II. March 5, 4930. No. 555

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in
the Royal Society’s Hall on Monday. February 10, 1930. Mr.
Geo. Coghill occupied the chair and about 100 members and

visitors. were present-

1: CORRESPONDENCE.

From the Minister for Forests fixing February || as the date
of the deputation in connection with the reservation of the Cumber-
land Yalley as a National Park.

From the Victorian Town Planning Assocation, mviting re-
presentation by the Club at a deputation ta the Minister for Lands
on February 13, regarding reservations at Wingan Inlet and the
Dandenong Police Paddock. Messrs. G. Coghill and A. Ez

Keep were nominated as representatives.

REPORTS.
Reports of excirsions were given as follow:-—-Seahalm,
General, Mr. A. E. Rodda; Flinders, Geology. etc., Mr. S.
Mitchell; Oakleigh Golf Links, Botany; Mr, F. G. A. Barnard.

GENERAL.

_ The chairman welcomed Mr. J. Hill, of Murtoa, and Mr.
A, N. Burns, of Queensland, country metrbers of the Club. In
replying, Mr. Hill spake of the great destruction of game birds,
particularly ducks and quail, in the apen season, and suggested that
greatey protection be sought for them,

Dr. H. Flecker referred to a leaflet issued to citizens by the
Ku-ring-gai (New South Wales) Municipal Council, urging the
protection of trees and shrubs, particularly Amstralian species,
throughout the municipality. He suggested that this example
should be follawed in Victaria,

» LECTURETTES.

“With the abjert of encouraging beginners in the study of
some branch of natural science, short lecturettes were ayer by Mr,

F. E. Wilson, F.E.S., and Mr. C. J. Gabriel. Wilson
spoke on Insect Collecting and gave some useful ie to Begiedad
in the study of entomology. Mr. Gabriel gave a lectureite

on Conchology, which was illustrated by caloured drawings and a
fine exhibit of shells.

214 Field Najuralists’ Club—Proceedings. VoL ME.

EXHIBITS,

By Mr. T. S. Hartx—Speoamens of Spurganium ramosum
collected by Mr. J. W. Rickard on the Mitchell River flats, previ-
ously recorded only from the SW. district; Sarcopetalum Harvey-
anum, Vitis hypoglanca, Tieghemopanax sambucifolius, very large-
Jeaved form, Goodenia humilis and Cratiola peruviana var. pumila
collected at Orbast.

By Mr. A, 5S. Kenyon—Some implements from South

. Africa; stone club from California; stone club head from New
South Wales,

By Mr. H. B. Williamson—Dried specimens illustrating
the exhibitor’s article on Acacias (section /ulifer®) in the Feb-
ruary Naturalist.

By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard—Hyacinth Orchid, Dipodium
punctatum, from Croydon—two racemes with green stems and pale
flowers without dats.

By Mr. A. S, Blake—Eucalyptus macrocarpa.

By Mr, Chas. Daley.—Sturt’s Desert Rose Cienfugosia
habeifalia; Fairy Wax-flower, Eriostemon obovalis, blooming in
January and February, grown at Caulfield by the exhibitor.

By Mr. 8. R. Mitchell—Zeolhites from the basalt, and fas-
sils from the polyzoal |imestone at Flinders.

_By- Master Pat Flecker.—lJLive frogs from Elsternwick.

By Mr. A. N, Burns —Case of butterflies from Queensland,

By Mr. F. Pitcher—(a) Strap fern, Blechnum Patersonit,
collected at Marysville and grown by the exhibitor; Sea Dragon,
Phrylléptergix faliatts, found at Cape Schanck by D. Fearon.

By Mr. W. H. Nicholls —Prasophyllum Archerit, Hooker,
}4 inches high, bearing 22 flowers in a spike measuring 2 inches
by 5/8 inch, collected on the Pyrete Range near Gisborne, January
27, 1930, growing on a very dry rocky hillside. Tubers measured
each | 1/8 inches in diameter, ;

JUBILEE EXHIBITION.

Fifty years aga our Club was founded, and its jubilee is
to be fittingly celebrated in June, by a three days’ Exhibition in
the St. Kilda Town Hall. A jubilee dinner is also being
atranged, and representatives of kindred societies will be invited, —

A, sub-committee has already made preliminary plans for the
Exhibition, which will be on novel lines. ‘It is proposed to have
a number of live exhibits, including a giant earth-worm from South
Gippsland, a ‘thung-fsh from Queensland, Victorian fresh water
fishes, trapdoor spiders, ants, ete. ' .

ase RaFr, Observations an Life History of Saw-Flies. 215
OBSERVATIONS ON THE LIFE HISTORY
OF SAW-FLIES.

By Janet W. Rarr, M.Se, F.E.S.

The following nates represent life history data oblained from
““ captives ‘' I have had from time to time, of the gregarious saw-
~ fly larvae found feeding on leaves of Eucalypts,

Ass is well known, these larvae feed in masses, and when
fully grown, burrow into the ground, spin cocoons of a parchment-
like texture, and ultimately emerge as four-winged, stout-bodied
““wasps."" The female possesses a short, saw-like ovipositor, with
which she cuts the Jeaf tissue during oviposition, and hence the
insects are popularly called ‘* saw-flies,"

The larvae kept by me and followed oul in the experiments
as set out below, were apparently full-grown when collected, They
were provided with leaves of the particular Eucalyptus on which
they were found, and were kept on flawer-pots filled with soil,
and covered with either a wire gauze dish-cover, a glass bell-jar,
or a lantern globe. The soil was made damp from time to time,
and a watch was kept for the emergence of adults.

As will he seen below, in some cases, parasites were bred
out, these belonging to the family of Flies known as Tachimdae.
The existence of these parasites is of interest, since the saw-fly is
one of the worst pesis of our Eucalyptus trees; any form which,
in nature, is helping to keep down their numbers, is of import
ance. [t might be mentioned here, that one species of gum saw-
Aly in Queensland is recorded as a pest to cattle, these animals
consuming. large numbers of the larvae, often with fata] results.”

EXPERIMENT |. ‘
Larvae collected at Warrandyte, Victoria, by Mr, G. F. Hill
in. October, 1928,
9/10/28.—Thirty-four larvae entered the soil for pupation.
Emergences:---
15/3/29—One saw-fly (male).
8/4/29.—Five saw-flies (females).
29/8/29.—Five parasitic fies (Family Tachinidae).
13/9/29.—One parasitic fly (Family Tachinidae).
Total emergencies to daie:—One male saw-fly, 5 female saw-

flies, 6 Tachinids.

¥ See H. Tein in Queensland Agricultural Journal, Sep-"
tember, 1921, page 208.

216 Rar, Observations on Lite Hislory of Saw-Flites. na sci

EXPERIMENT 2.

Larvae collected at Wonga Park (South Warrandyte), Vie-
toria, at a Field Naturalists’ Club excursion, on October 13, 1928.
16/10/28.—Larvae entered sot! for pupation.

Emergences:— !
14/3/29,—One saw-fly (male),
14/3/29.—One_ saw-fly (female).
20/3/29.—Three saw-flies (females).

| /4/29.— Two saw-flies (females).
9/4/29.—One parasitic fy (Family Tachinidae).
Total emergences to date-—Ore male saw-iy, 6 fmal saw-fiees,

| Tachinid.

EXPERIMENT 3.

Larvae collected at Blackburn, Victoria, on October 19,
1928. These were divided into two lots—A and B.
t A—Eleven larvae.
28/10/28,—Larvae entered sail for pupation.
Emergences:-—
31/3/29.—Three saw-flies (females).
5,/4/29.—One saw-fly (female).
8/4/29.—Three saw-flies (females). :
(10/4/29.— Two saw-flies (females),
Total emergences to date—Nine female saw-flies,
Lot B,—Eight larvae.
31/10/28—Larvae entered the soil for pupation,
Emergences :—
30/3/29,— One saw-fly (female).
5/4/29.—-Two saw-flies (females).
8/4/29.—Four saw-flies (females).

Total emergences \o date,—Seven female saw-flies.

EXPERIMENT 4.
Larvae collected ‘at Eltham, Victoria, on September 14,
1929.
11/10/29.—Sixteen larvae entered soil for pupation.
Emergences :—
(2/12/29.—Fiive Tachinid flies.
13/12/29——-One Tachimd fly.
14/12/29.—One Tachinid Ay.
16/12/29.—One Tachinid fly.
18/2/30.—One ‘Tachinid fly found dead; actual date of emer-
gence not known. :
Total emergences to date:—Nine ‘Tachinid flies.

stay. Rare, Observations on Life History of Saw-F lies. 217

From these experiments, all of which I still have under obser-
vation al the University School of Agriculture and at my home,
Kew, the following. points may be noted :—

{a) The depth to which the larvae burrowed mto the soil
for pupation varied between 3 and 4 inches.

(b) The length of time spent im pupation was 5 months or
more.

(c) There was a great preponderance of females, which fact
is of interest since it is known that parthenogenesis
occurs freely in the family, unfertilised eggs giving rise
to either males or females, or more rarely to both sexes,

From the emergences it was found that larvae of three species
at least had been collected. In experiment |, the species proved
to be Perga dorsalis: experiments 2 and 3 yielded two different
species of Perga, the names of which are not yet available. Mr,
J. Clark, of the National Museum, has forwarded specimens to
England for identification. Experiment 4 has, so far, yielded
only parasites.

Larvae of all these forms were preserved, and | hope at a
Jater date: to describe them in detail.

“SPARE THAT TREE!”
Kurring-gai Municipal Council, New Sourh Wales, has issued a leaflet
urging citizens to “Spare that tee.” The municipality, wah its natural
beeuty and silvation, is one of the most favoured districts around Sydney.

“Vs pictaresqueness and health (the teaflet is quoted) are largely due
fo alk native trees, lt is becoming famous because of the devation of is
rsidents to their trees and gardens, If is adapting a new Commandment—
‘Thou shalt preserve those irees.’

"Think twice befare you cui down a tine or shrub-—especially if it be
an Austrahan natwwe. JE removal be unavoidable, take a Jeal from. the
law of the Frenchmaa and plant “two trees where one grew before.” The
title Jap, regards ao beautiful tee as national property—copy him and look
‘ypol your trees with civic pride.”

IN DEFENCE OF THE EAGLE,

Writing to the president (Mr, P. RH. St. John), from Glenorchy, Mr.
A. W. W. Collum says that he also has no sympathy woth atiacks made ow
the Wedge-rail Eagle. “I have been farmmg in the Wimmera for over 50
years, and within 20 miles of the Grampians, the home of the Eagle, and,
moved by observations, have defended it againet the ‘sins’ Said to its charge.
Ht is more beneficial than the reverse. | think this can be said of most
members of the family, The most malevolent of all birds to the sheep
farmer is the Crow, but, unfortunately, it hay developed at intelligence which
protects at from extermination, But the Fagle, bemg slow and apparently
not of high intelligence, makes an eaty target for an indifferent’ marksman.
sheep farmer once told me that he was watching an Eagle perched in a tree
among hia shcep and lambs Ih carried away a rabbil’

206 —— Sitwdy of Austration Thrips Baie

STUDY OF AUSTRALIAN THRIPS.

The Mictorian Naturalist penetrates into all civilised coun-
Lries and it is interesting to note that scientific societies of most
anslocratié standing welcome papers that appear in our Club journal
for ideas on which their eminent members found thew researches.
The Entomologica) Society of London has availed itself of the
articles by Mrs. E, Coleman and published her observations on
orchid “fertilisation, with elaborate illustrations. In a recent
pamphlet, Professor Poulton, of Oxford, has again referred to this
lady's observations on mimicry and. fertilisation.

‘The Latest comphment to our journal and its contributors is
an article by Dy, Bagnall, published im the December Transac-
lions of the above Society, on the Thrips frequenting or inhabiting
the glands of acacia leaves and phyllodes. This article ts founded
on a paper by Mr, A. DB. Hardy on “ The Distribution of Leaf
Glands in Some Victorian Acacias" (Mielortan Naturalist,
XMXIX., p. 26, June, $912), and mamly on the paper by Mr,
Reginald Kelly on “ Observations on the lvunction of Acacia Leal
Glands (Mietorian Naturalist, XXX, pp. (21-127). which paper
Dr. Bagnall quotes almost in extenso,

De, Bagnall, who is a leading authority on Thysanoptera,
describes several minute species of the suborder Tubulifera (which,
he ts of opinion, frequent thesé glands), and establishes two new
genera for the group Rhophaloides in which he includes R. brun-
neus, IR. Kellyanus and R, froagatti, and Froggattothrips, in which
are FF, qeaciae and F. inconscquens, Bagnall shows their relation-
ship to American genera, found mainly on Optuniia (prickly pear).
He surmises thath on this xerophilous plant there are probably
similar glands to those on our Australian acacias.

The study of Thrips is sti] in its early stages, notwithstanding
that since the study of this order was undertaken by Mr. Kelly,
in 1914, over Z00 species have been discovered, ht is inter-
esting to know that; in addition to the discovery of new species
and the systematic arrangements of same, Mr, Kelly has himself
described several new species, and is concentrating on. the phylogeny
of the order and studying its parthenogenetic and alternative sexual
Preeding. ‘This should have a radical effect In suppression of
the pest, .

Specialists at the Waite Institute in South Australia also are
studying the genus Franklinella and-the destructive common species
Thrips imaginis (which, through Mr. Kelly's research in conjune-
tion with Dr. Bagnall, is now distinguished from the European
species 7, tabacia), and endeavouring to establish whether the native
spectes, T. imagjnts, is the cause of tomato will.

Mar.

193m, Banaett, The Creen Tree-Snohe. 219

THE GREEN TREE-SNAKE,

Many of the Australian snakes are attractive, at least to those
who are without prejudice against reptiles, bul none is more desir
able as a pet than the Green Tree-snake, Dendrophis punclulatus
Gray. Shim it is and beautiful in coloration, bright green on the-
upper portion of the body, with a patterning, on theskm, in black
and white, and rich yellow below. It glides umong the foliage
like an undulating tube of tinted glass, and upon the ground is
quite as agile.

Though the species may attain a length of 6 feet, smaller
size is the rule; many | have seen were not over 4 fect. Ree
cently a fine specimen was sent lo me from Bulladelah, New South
Wales, by Dr. H, L. Kesteven. ‘his welcome addition to
my "happy family" of pets had made a long railway journey
coiled in a fin, but arrived in perfect condition. The moment
the lid was lifted, Dendrophis raised its shapely head, which is
distinct from the neck, and flickered its tongue vigorously. Far
from showing fear, the snake eyed me keenly, and was ready for
an offensive when a hand hovered near its head.

Tyee-snakes are chfficult to capture in their haunts, nor are
they readily discovered since their colours harmonise well with
the foliage of trees and shrubs, of the slender bady may be mis-
taken for a length of swaying creeper. The late Mrs, Fllis
Rowan, when flower hunting in North Queensland, was deceived
once by this camouflage. A tree-snake, pendant from a bough
directly above the artist, touched her with its head and was brushed
aside as an annoying creeper! A second time this happened, when
Mrs, Rowan was startled to find that the persistent ‘‘ creeper”
was a ositake!——doubtless D. calligaster, ihe Northern Green
Tree-stake, which, of course, like its southern ally. is non-venorm
ous.

Small birds and, perhaps to a much lesser extent, small mam-
nals, are preyed upon by tree-snakes. Among the orange orchards
on northern rivers of New South Wales, the Green Tree-anrke, 1
believe, is not uncommomn; it is certainly plentiful in the coastal
brushes. An observant orchardist told me that he had no mercy
on these repiiles. because they took heavy toll of his bird friends.
Many nests in bis Truit trees had been raided.

Sometimes one meets with tree-snakes amang the: ferns in
swampy places, and I once found two coiled in a hollow stump.
But they are well named, being essentially of arboreal. habits, “ For
climbing,” writes Mr. J. R. Kinghorn (in his excellent book
Snakes of Australia), “tree-snakes have a special adaptation

220 . Borrert, The Green Free-Snaye. WaT.

in the ferm of a sharp keel ar notch on each side of the ventral
plates."

‘The Green Tree-snake may become popular as a pet. Only
it means trouble to keep one in comfort. These very agile reptiles
are impatient of conhnement in close quarters, | placed my Den-
drophis in a Jarge bathtub, out in the yard, for a sun bath. Soon
tt was ” over the top,"” and a chase was followed by a long search
in the wild flower plot. A glasshouse might: be suitable as a
home fot) tree-snakes, unless, like me, you delight in having litle
frogs among your ferns. ‘lree-snakes also haye a liking for
frogs!

C, BaRRETY.

EXCURSION TO SEAHOLM.

Fourteen members allended this excursion on January 18. Through
the unavoidable absence of Mr. A, C, Nilson, Mr. A. E. Rodda acicd as

leader.

The weather was fine, but a strong south-west wind made conditions on
ihe beach rather uncomfortable. A high tide frustrated our main object
of cxamining the shore life, which, in this locality, is abundant and interest
ing on the extensive flats. For the same reason, a close approach to the
fringe of White Mangroves on the southern bank of the Kororoit Creek.
was preyented. These amall trees were once abundant around the mouth
of the Yarra, but these on the creek now remain the nearest to the cily.

Our first find was the nest of a Dotterel, a clutch of two pear-shaped,
speckled eggs, in a slight depression of the bare ground. As no birds were
sean in the vicinity, the species was not determined. Some tine was spent
in examining the littoral flora on the marshy flat behind the racecourse. “The
Glasswort (Arilirvenemum) here grows into large bushes up to 3 feet in herght,
aod in them some old Chats’ nest were found, [In places large patches
of the Rauttded Pigface cevered the ground with a Vanegated carpel in
shades of green, yellow and red, The Prickly Saltwort, Seablite, Coastal
Saltbush, and Sea Heath were noted, and on the beach the introduced
Tlerned Poppy and Afnean Box-thorn were growme,

A few dead shells, of which the most striking were Phasianclla and
~ Chamostrea, were found, and numergus Fchineids. The pecuniary dentilton
of the latter was demonstrated by Mr. A. L. Scott. Bird life. usually very
interesting an this locally, was scarce, excepting thal Silver Gulls abounded,
We aleo disturbed a fight of about a dozen Spur-winged Plover. = Wath
the gulls were a few Sea Curlew. Half a mile out at sea abvul 30 Black
Swans were seen, a very small flock compared with the numbers usually
seon here. Other birds noted were the Pacific Gull, Black Cormorant,
Deoitercll sp, White-fronted Chat, and the European Skylark.

Under more favourable conditions, and with the assistance of some of
our botanists, this corner of the bay and the district around Altona should
prove a profitable area for a whole day exeursion. ,

AER

ok Rayment, The Pioneer. 224

THE PIONEERS.
By TARLTON RAYMENT,

A kinsman, touched with the fever thal is induced by gold,
and feeling the wander spirit strong within him, saddled his horse,
slung lis packs over the spare animals; and turned this face to the
south, and the range of mountains that cuts Vietoxia an half.

Up and down he went; the Strzelecki ranges proving a [or-
midable harrier, True, no great heights had to be
scaled, but the impenetrable botanical world defied his
eHorts to progress: The immensity of the trees! The huge
silvery boles of the “ white”’ gums made a continuous colonnade,
while the gray trunks of the “ blue gums supplied the contrast
of columns in the shade; here and there the dark umber of the
stringybarks and the mesémates gaye the necessary relief jn colour
and a rougher texture:

The Eucalyptus giants were the tallest screen, and beneath
ihem was yet another level created by the thick, dark foliage of
the Blackwoods, the yellowish tints of the Pittosporums, the sil-
very lines of the Wattles, the Musk and the Hazel. There were
other leyels at varying herghts; the slender tree-ferns with the
Supplejacks twining and draping themselves. At lower depths
the dense Tea-tree and the ™ prickly Moses” effectively stopped
al! progress. But the undergrowth wen! lower still, At three
and four feet the Coast-hop, and the Bottlebrushes managed to
survive, and on the forest Hoor the maidenhair and the cathead ferns
tremblrd in among the Jong hoaked vines of the wild-raspberry.

Surely no other place could be more heavily decked with
life! With his axe my kinsman chopped and slashed his way
into the mighty province of South Gippsland, Finding a few
“ Australian rubies’ in a creek, she unstrapped his packs, and
catching sufficient of the large nalive black fish for his. supper,
he settled down on the banks of the stream, which is called “ The
Ruby Creek." A tree yielded him the timber for his house, and
the fencing for his paddock.

[ went later, when huge squares of the original maze had
fallen to the labours of the setilers. Large fish were in the
creek. Bush hres ravaged many a mile, but much of the virgin
bush was still standing in its pride. Did | find many Apidae in
that prolife growth? Surely that wealth of forest meant an
abundance of neclar for the hees! The sweet, cloying scent of
the Pittosporums must have aflracted the honey-gatherers in untold
myriads |

It was a forest that awed one with its dominating ubiquity.
I feel L have heen specially privileged to behold it, otherwise I

‘

Rayment, he Piotteers, ae,

ha
tw

never would have believed that any land could nourish such a
verdure, But the simple life of that country had its attractions—
and serious disabilities. The science pf the bush was very primi-
hve,

[ remember the ‘homely teas brewed from curious plants
such as the bark of the Sassafras, the most popular medicine being
a kind of native watercress rejoicing in the euphonius name of
* brook-lime."” This was gathered when in bloom, the plants
were boiled, and the water evaporaled dewn until a strong infusion
was secured. Whatever virtues Ht possessed did not outweigh the
offensive odour during the cooking, but it was regarded as sovereign
remedy for all ills,

One of the disadvantages was the “ post office box,”’ which
nestled in a hollow tree, and was visited at any convenient period.
When John Jones received a bill—long overdue—it was often in
the box for a week or more before he called. All knew of his
and the others debts, but few in that young country were
without those incommoding ‘ encumbrances on progress.’

Of wild bees there was none, though the introduced Apis
was numerous. Certainly, I could not examine closely the scanty
lults of toliage that crowned the giants” small heads lowering up
300 feet or more, but I have seen many trees fallen in the middle
of their blooming. and wild bees were always absent From such
feasts,

The axe, the saw and the Rame cleared the richest of the
soil, and of those parts the seed of English grasses was sown to
provide a pasture for the stock that now came in to take possession
of the land. <A raw civilisation was in command, and, among
the lesset followers, were the Thistles, the Flat-weed and the
Dandelions from the old, ld, overcrowded world.

Wherever these plants penetrate the bush there one will find
the. insect pioneers, the advance guards, as it were, of the honey-
gatherers, In much of South Gippsland the naturalist Will go
for days, in summer, and see but a bee or two, but where the
Flat-weed is abundant he will always be rewarded with two or
three tiny pioneers, 1. lanarius, H, subinclinans and H. lanariellus.
These I regard as the early settlers, the forerunners of the hee
Faces. Ot the southern coast line, there are nUrnerous species
of the genera Paravolleies. Parasphecodes and E-xoneura, bul
these Halicti are the first ta “* follaw the flag.”

Halictus lanarius has a broad view of jife and is at home
on many kinds of plants. I find her laden with creamy pollen
from the introduced Veronica, and the nalive gum trees, and Mrs,
Coleman, who studies the orchids, finds this Halfctus on those
hloams.

we Rayment, The Pioneers. 253

Though the habitat of H. lanarius Smith is the States of
the Commonwealth, yet to one has described her nest, Permit
me to fill the vacancy. It ts a rude shaft in the ground, with-
out lining of any kind, and the diameter is about 4 mm. There
are egg-shaped cells at varying levels, and they, tes, are devoid
of Iming, The puddings are regular spheres, and are formed of
pollen moistened on the outside with honey, the inside being
almost dry; it conforms in every way to the specification written
by Fabre.

, What of the generations, I find females from August to
April, and there are sales in abundance during Christmas lime,
}i seems to me that the generations of H. lanarius are similar to
those of the French species described by Fabre. There
are two broods, exclusively females, and the third generation is a
pared one of males and females. say, half a dozen or so of
‘ach.

I have not checked up all the details of the biology of this
Halicius, for ] have now no Turther opportunity to do so, but
she is ubiquitous and I leave the further details of her story for
others to unravel, 1 am satished to record the pioneering spint
that urges her to go forward into the little cleanngs of the settler,
to pave the way fer the weaker members of the race, ’

AN UNFAMILIAR FERN.

There are. few Victotian .recorch of Potytrchum (Aapidium) Aispidunr,,

the Hairy Shield Fern, though 5 grows abundantly where it hos been located.
Ii ts one of our caret species, unfamilias, even to many botanists, aa a wild
plant. Nor is it common in cultivation,

Recently, in ¢ gully near the head of the Bunyip River. My. R. W.
Howling, of Malvern, discovered a fine “ colany ” cf P. hispidum, It grows
“on mossy stones along the waterside, and on tree-form trunks, luxuriantily, Mr.
H. B, Williamson collected the species on the Johanna River, near Crowes;
Mr. P. RH. St. John found it at Hestesville, about thirty years age. “There
are no very recent records, and the Viclorian specimens of the Haiy Shield
Fern in the National Herbarium area from only a fow localities.

This is a charming fern—but are net all ferns attractve> = br thrives

in cultivation, and the fronds, especially young ones, present a varicly of

‘beautiful colour shades, from golden brown to rich bronze-green. They
meature up to shout two feet in length. The stems and the mud-ribs of the
fronds are covered in dark brown haits, fine and long, P. hispidum occurs
in New South Wales and Tasmama; in New Zealand if is. the commonest
member of ils genus, from aca level to 2000 feer. * This species isso plenti-
ful in towland bush,” writes Mr. H. Dobbie (New Zealand Ferns, p. 296),
“that it often covers the ground fas and wide wilh a mal of feathery fronds. . . .
J have encountered it festooning the stem of a tree-fern, with handsome fronds
over Two feet long. the under side heavy with an abundant crop ef seed...
Found also in Victoria, where it ts tare and local.”
CC. BARRETT.

,

224. Evcursion to Flinders. Rota kat

EXCURSION TO FLINDERS.

The excursion to Flinders. January 20, 27, war attended by twelve
mombers and éryyends Weather conditions ware perfect, and the trip was
mast itteresting, especially ta dhose gealogically Gnelined, Praceading by
cor on the Sunday to Simmonds Bay, several miles west of Flinders, the
party examined the very fine coastal tections of the older volcanic series
of the area, A number of distinct: and separate f[arva flows have been
paired out during middle Tertiary times, filling in. a very broad valley, They
ara veparated by cley, which has in all probability vsulted from the decom:
pesition of the more vesicular parts of the flows or of associated tuds.
"Same of the interesting 2wlites and other secondary minerals were noted,
and many. fine. examples collected, The effects of ulmospheric agencies
in the weathering and decomposition of Basalt, of chemical action and the
formation af then vecaliten, atrd many coloured clays ace oneen. iO adyantnge-
Marine erosion has given rise to very fine and tugged coastal acencey, wi
clif#s rising fo w height. of several hundred feet from sea level, Finck plat-
forms are most extensive, and show especaally during rough weether, when
the white foams marks their seaward limit, often hundreds of yacds from
the base of the cliffs.

On the Manday the party visited the limestone depont close te Flinders.
Here a limestone of Miocene age, magetly made up of bryazosl Fragments,
resis on the eroded and irregular surface of the older basalt. Remams of
a basalt shingle is still to be secn between the tormotions, Many fossils
were collected, montly Caleiaponges, Echinoid spines and Foraminifera. This
limestone indicaies that this avea was submerged for long periods after. ite
formation, and would largely account for the wonderful preservation of these
voleatic racks over stich a large portion of the Mornington Peninsula,

8S. R. Mitcuene.

Flora and Fauna. The motor trip from Frankston to Flinders revesh, oh
account of the varying nature of the country, many iyerse types of vogetes,
tion. The hilly country bchind Frankston ws timbered with somnwhal stunted
Eucalypts, among which con be glimpsed, as the vehicle speeds along, Cas-
wgrinas, small Bonksias, Cherry ballart. and Cassinntas The shatlow pul-
Tet generally contain (all growths of the Scented Paper-berks, and where
the arotind is flat and damp the Swamp Paper-barks grow deel Al
Hastings, tte head of a shallow inlet of Westernport Bay 4: covered by the
White Mangrove and asalsolaceaus vegetation-

Ar Flinders, much of the natoral vegetation has been cleared off. but
the old sand dunes overlying the basalt, are thickly covered wath the char-
acteristic vegetation of the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay. ‘This is pay:
ticularly noticeable on West Head, a very high and prominent headland whieh
practically dividen the calm walters of the Bay from the mivbulent surges of
Bass Strait, and which has been very wisely reserved as a public park, Al
Simmonds Bay, fronting the Strat, the high basaltic cliffs do not offer much
reothold to plants, but the silvery, Cushionsbush ‘persists high up on the rock
faces. Fleve, where o trickle of mineralised water oozes through the basalt,
a dense growth af the Creeping Brookweed, with itm delicate pink Mowers
ennght the eye. “Phe talus, sfopos are thickly covered with Tetragonia, which
affords sustenance and shelter ta .many rabbils,

On the ocean beach we found a bunch of Ship Barnactes, stilt alive,
attached to the Fruiting trond of a large Kelp-weed, By the size of these
crustaceans, theie “ship hed been afloat for a considerable time. A. large
fing specimen of the Elephant-shell mollusc wae also found and allowed to
creep about in a small tidal pool, Red and brown Sea Anenmuoncs were
very numerous in the rack pools and readily aceepted crushed shellitth offered
to them, A Seel, From the adjacent Seal Rocks, Was neen close inshore

Birds were not at all plentiful. Tn the trees astound Flinders House,,
a small finck of Grey-crowned Babblers, with attendant Noisy Miners, were
in evidence each day of our stxy, and x few Ronellas were seen, At the
seaside, the two species of Gulls and Terms, Cannels, and a pair of Kestrels
were noted, * A. E.R. Roopa.

The Victorian Naturalist

Vel. XLVI. —No. “12, “April 9. 9, 1930. No. 556

FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA,

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the
Royal Society's Hall on Monday, March 10, 1930. The pre-
sident, Mr, P. R. H. St. John, occupied the chair, énd there
were about 130 members and visitors present.

~ CORRESPONDENCE.

From the Wild Life Preservation Society of Australia.
thanking the Club for its assistance in the Society's efforts to pre-
serve the Thylacine, and stating that, as a result, the Minister
for Customs had since arohibited the expert from Tasmania of
the animal, its skin, or skeleton.

From the Royal Horticultural Society of Wietoria, inviting:
Club members ta an excursion at the Burnley Gardens on March

From the Gavernment Founst Bureau, drawing attention to-
railway excursions io Yallourn and Ballarat on March 24, °

REPORTS,

A report on the excursion to Sandringham on March 8 was-
given by Mr. F. G, A. Barnard, in the absence of the leader, Mr.
Tarlton Rayment., :
ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

The foflowing were duly elected on a shew of hands:—As
ardinary members: Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Cooper, Hawthorn, and
as associate member. Miss A. W/. Kenyon, Toorak.

GENERAL.

Mr. G, Coghill reported on the deputation to the Minister
for Forests regarding the Cumberland Valley reservation, and said
that he felt sure that the requests would receive favourable con-
sideration. Mr. E. E, Pescou, F,/L.S., outhned the proposals
to date, Jor the celebration of the Club's jubilee in June next,
and asked for the earnest assistance of members,

NATURE. NOTES.

Brief notes were contributed by Mr. A. S, Kenyon regarding
the growth of the. Mulga: Acacia and other vegetation in Central
Australia after good rains, and by Mr. L. L, Hodgson on methods
of nest-building ‘ae the Sacred Kinghsher.

LEC FURETTES. - “

The subject for the evening bemg “‘ Ferns,” Mr. H. B.-
Williamson spoke on the sexual and asexual generations and ex-
plained: the methods of classification. His talk was illustrated
by drawings, a classiheation’ key, and specimens,

226 ” Field Naturalists’ Club—Preceedines. Wise.

Mr: P. R. H, St. John followed, dealing with variations in
species, propagation and cultivation, and soils suitable for Ferns
of the various. genera.

EXHIBITS. :
- By Miss B. Bolton,—Fern Cheilanthes Siebert, collected «
5t. Helena, Victoria.

By Mr. A. E. Rodda-—(a) Growing plant of Nardeo,
Marsilia Drummondii, {rom Altona; (b) For Master W, Ellis:
Emerged legless and wingleas female and pupa case of Lictor Case
Moth, from a Melbourne garden.

By Mrs, W.. Hanksx—Marine shells collected at Mallacaota

By Miss J, W. Rafl.—Three forms of Gum Saw-flies
Pisa’ spp.) bred from larvae; also specimens of larva, cocoons
and parasite, ilJustrating exhibitor’s notes in Mareh Naturalist.

By Mr. E. E. Peseott.—-Giant Maidenhair Fern (Black--
stem Maidenhair), Adiantum formosum, R.Br., native to East
Gippsland, grown by exhibitor.

By Mr, C. French, junr----Ferns in pots—Pellece falcata
Sickle Fern, and Todee barbara King Fern.

By Mr. C. Barrett—Polystichum hispidum, Hairy Shield:
Fern, and Triesipterts (annensis, Fern Clubmoss, from Bunyip River,
Beenak,

By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard.—The Rasp Ferns Doodia cau-
data and D, aspera, native ta Victoria.

By Mr. H. B. Willtamson—Dned specimens and diagrams to
illustrate Fern classihcation and micro, slides showing Fern spores
and young Fern plant.

By Mr. F_ Pitcher.—(a} Living plants of Plaltycerium
Hilti, Hill's Elk-horn Fern, Blechnum penna-imarina Alpine Fern,
Druopterts decompasita Shiny Shield Fern, Yodea barbara
King Fern (young); (b) Cut fronds from Pteris um-
brosa Shade Brake Fern. Pellaea falcata Sickle Fern,
Polvstichumn acouleatum, Common Shield Fern, with young plants
developing on fronds; (c) Dried specimens of Schizaca bifida,
Botrychium australe, Blechnum lanceolatum, B, fluviatile, Gymno-
gramme decompasita, Gold Fern of South America, and Cyathea
dealhata, Silver Tree Fern of New Zealand.

By Melbourne Botanic Gardens, per Mr. P. R. H, Su
Jahn. —Twenty-one dried specimens of rare Feme and flowering
specimens: of Leplospermum: scoparidm, Forster var grandiflorum
roseum of New? South Wales.

By Mr. C, J, Gabriel—A series of the Victorian Mutton-
fish shells, Hfaltotis naevosa Martyn, showing stages of growth. —

Inlet.

April ite Tapcétt, Mount Neiton ond Hx Surroundings. 27

.
hese

)MOUNT: NELSON AND ITS .SURROUND!NGS. m
a By Ateneo J. TapceLL. © ok. ee

. es I. : way
\. ‘Fo those who do not know the Alpine regions of the north-_
east of Victoria, Mount Nelson will be only a name. Yet, “as
one looks from the approaches of Ml, Fuinter, a buge bulk, 9,
miles distant, blots out the skyline and horizon, even to the exelusion,
af. Mt. Kosciusko, highest of Australian mountains, and the nearer
Mounts Pilot and ‘the Cobberas, The latter two are almost as,
high as Nelson itself, which is 6170 feet_above sea level, the third,
highest mountain in Victoria.

. The name Nelson ‘appears on our old Victorian maps, and
is corrupted by some to ‘* Nelse, for which, the Lands Depart-
merit states, there is no foundation whatever, And current legend:
is exploded’ when we are informed that there never was anyone
named Nelse who had a “ run" near the district. Stockmen
who use the country around have a boy-like habit of shortening
names, for not only do, they use Nelse for Nelson, but the euphoni-
ous Mt. Flora, is wrongly called Jim. Mt. Cope, to them, is
Jack, and the prettily soundmg Bundarrah they know as the .
river Bundeh. The mountains are in the same neighbourhood.
but appear hill-like in the surrounding country, whereas they are
some 6000 feet high,

Nelson vies with Mt, Bogong itself in bulk, is 3 miles long
and at least hulf a mile wide; treeless on its exposed summit, and
continued from almost Holland’s Knob, round which the snow
poles wind, .towards Fitzgerald's hut and the ‘ Park." It ex-
tends ta the rocky sided) Spion Kop and Tim's Lookout, and may
be said to include the mass called Grey Mount also. Its more.
sheltered snow-gum slopes are almost trackless, and one requires
to’ dismount when he reaches the rugged slopes of Spion Kop.
Cro the opposite side of Nelson, facing the wide valley of the
Big River that later becomes the Mitta ‘Mitta, is the great mass
called Bagong, the highest mountain in Victoria, while under
Nelson, along the river. sheltered at 4000 fect, runs the old mining
pack track to Mt. Wills, once an Eldorado but now of the past.
One can pais by way of Mt. Bogong from a continuing spur tll
Mt Wills is reached, but few know, or care to dare, the difficult
means of access—-some 8 miles—connecting Mts. Nelson and Bo
gong. And while horsemen essay the journey, the few walkers
who have tried it rezard jt as very tough and fatiguing. notwith-
standing the beautiful stream that flows below, and its angling
possibilities, Nr ef

-The valleys separating Nelson from Bogong and Wills are
appalling in their depths. and ruggedness, and- perhaps’ stockmen.

‘
228 “Teoctit, Mount Nalion and tts: Surroundings. Berka

at muttering’ only, explote their fastness, ° They do ¢o-and one
takes off one’s hat to the slockmen of these parts, There was,
until recently, a hut called Duane’s, situated on the northern
slope ‘of Nelson beyond Tim's Lookout, on the Big River fall
facing Bogong: but this hut and our old friend the log hut.on
Mt. Bogong were both destrayed by bush fires (described in the
Naturalist, June, 1926). To many it will be a pleasure to
know that a new hut has been erected an Bogong, nearer Haw-
man’s Falls and about a mile east of its old location, ‘There
is a great desire on the part of stockmen and the members of the
Ski Club to rebuild near the site of Duane’s destroyed hut, but
some difficulty is being experienced in obtaining permission, It
is an idea) situation, would command magnificent views, and
field naturalists would be but rarely disturbed. A neat hut
has recently been erected, by Mr, Johnstone, on Patadise Creek,
under the expnsed southerly end af Mt. Nelson, and can be
readily seen from the end of the mountain, situated about three-
quatiers of a mile distant and forming a triangle with Holland's
Knob. Another new structure is the best-equipped hut on the
plains, 30 ft. x 15 ft.. protected by a sloping hill three-quarters
of a mile fram Mt. Cape on the Nelson side at the head of
Middle Creek, and commanding beautiful views.

Tourists are grateful for the many buts scattered over these
parts beyond civilisation, and one would impress on thoughtless
travellers that carving and writing names does not add to the
delight and abandonment experienced in these boundless, spacious
realms. Someone, we noticed, had indignantly written over the
names in a hut ‘For asses to ponder over.” Even in the Mt.
Cope hut, in bold, large letters, are written names extending over
-both screens. One should not, as a visitor, perhaps be crilical,
but might venture to suggest ta those erecting the huts—if public
bodies—that perhaps the entrance and porch be on the unexposed
or easter, and not on the weather side—-the south or west.

There are several ways of reaching Mt. Nelson. One is

from the Omeo or Glen Wills side, via Fitzgerald's along the snow

pole track, passing close to Nelson and leaving it and Mr.
Johnstone's hut, on the night. Another way is from Mr, Hotham,
passing Mt. Loch, dipping into the-Cobungra River at Dibbin’s
hut at practically the only elevation connecting the High Plains
and the spurs falling away from Hotham, on one side of which
nses the Cobungra, and scarcely half a mile distant, on the other,
a branch of the Kiewa. So-that, standing off on the Plains, one
does not realise that there are two distinct head-waters so close
together. ‘The snow pole line passes Dibbin’s and branches off
quite near to Young’s hut, but continuing, it reaches to Mt. Flora,
or -Jim.* where it junctions with the pole line that comes over

oy ' Fancers, Maunt Nelson and [is Surrotndings. 229
Fainter past the Tawonga hut, and that again, onder Mt, Feather-
top close to the Kiewa River known as Dungey's track, and past
the Tarn up to the Plains.

"All these. lines of snow poles converge at Mt, Flora, con-
tinue on to the turn at Mt, Nelson, going on to Fitzgerald's hut,
3 miles beyond. A more direct route from Tawonga can be
made without passing over Mt. Fainter, for near Mt. Beauty
about 3 miles on the way to Fainter, close to a large, white-
barked Eucalyptus with intergrowing branches, one finds a good,
but. rough track to Ropers hut and beyond, till it comes out
in the Rocky Valley within sight of the snow poles passing Mt.
Nelson. Near where the track comes out Is the site af one af
the sell-recording. current gauges in the river and the Electricity
Commision’s camp, where boring is~being conducted to find suit-
able bedrock for the immense walls to hold back the water in the
great dam or Jake that will once have been the Rocky Valley. Close
to this camp our horses and dogs disturbed a flock of 6 enus—
Dramaius—that hastily made up the steep hill slope.

The camp in Rocky Valley is ‘about 24 miles from Mt.
Nelson, whose approaches we found dry, and we appeared ta
make slow progress to the summit, Several times we thought
the rounded crest had been reached, and, to avoid deep and wide
depressions, we had to tutn our horses towards the heads of the
valleys in crossing the intervening spaces, Indeed, the slopes, as
well as Mt, Nelson range itself, were found Jess interesting botanic.
ally than we expected, though the several gorges were alluring.
‘The mount is composed of: gneiss formation with many white
‘quartz outcrops, and was a fair sample of the difference exper-
ienced from the basaltic with its black or chocolate soil, much of
which 1s peaty in the valleys and well grassed and botanically very
interesting,

On the bleak southern slopes Kunzea, Crevillea, Orites, Pen-
tachondra \ay flattened on the rocks, sheltered from the wind and
warmed by the sun. “ The Silver Daisy was flowerless, with” harsh
leaves, © In the moister places Epacris pctrephila was seen with
occasional FE. bawbawiensis, but both were nearly over for the
season. ‘There was more Euphrasia antarctica than we had seen
elsewhere and less E. collina. The ravest grass was Agrapyram
venti which we found in two other portions of the plains
only. ,

From Mt. Nelson the panoramic ‘outlook is very extensive.
Turning one’s back ta the bulky Mts. Bogong and Wills, north
and tast nearby, one sees on the distant skyline the serrated Buf-
faloes,’ the mecca of so many tourists, and the cloud-like bluff of

Cobbler, round to the Fwins;'while Mts. Loch -and Hotham are an

ve Tancett, Mount Nelson and Jty Surroundings ies

indehnable and apparently joined mass. Other great mountain
billows: loom in the south-west, Feathertop is 15 miles distant
and Fainter a little nearer, with other granite and quaitz masses
up to GOU0 feet, as yet unnamed, but appearing strangely different
from ‘the angle of our viewpoint. In between are the 'High
Plains, 9 miles away, the Pretty Valley, 6 miles, and the Rocky
Valley, 3 miles.” “It is a boundless and expansive view. One
tries in imagination to picture the immense depressions in front :of
him, when seen later they will be full of dammed water in summer
and a thick ice sheet in winter. :

In prospect are seen Alpine sports and the busy throngs of
tourists caming from not only all parts of Australia, but beyond,
to its roof. Aerodrames and runaways must in a few years
be part of the scheme,’ as these Alps will be only two ‘hours by
plane-—not two long days, as at present—from our great capital city.
What a sanctuary these vast expanses of water will be for mmumer-
able waterfowl, and a future generation or two, looking back-
ward, will wonder how their ancestors existed without it. Will
advancing science not cause these vast highlands to become more
useful, as to provide late fruits and whatnots long after the lower
Jands will have had their crops garnered? Australia cannot always
remain a, place of vast spaces, desert and alpine, and the hgh
power generated by this great electricity scheme will produce, here
and elsewhere, many revolutians in living conditions. :

In the Pretty Walley, at 5600 feet, there are lagoons and
some strangely fantastic watercourses, like Sanserit writings. A
branch of the Kiewa holds Galaxias of all sizes that flash, through
the mountain streams. Mr. f, A, Kershaw. to whom I aubmitted
specimens, lakes them. io be the species C. Findlayi, Undey the
top of Mt. Fainter, at 5800, feet, a very cold spring bubbles
forth. TF took a number of crustaceans from its icy Water, black,
active ‘‘ boatmen,"’ as Mr, Maddison, our guide, ‘calls them, and
the more passive brown ones. Mr, Kershaw hhas kindly under
taken to forward same of them to Professor G. Nichalls, of Perth,
with whom Mr. C. Barrett and I spent an enjoyable day in 1929,
when the Professor was collecting in Victoria in connection with
his monograph on freshwater crustaceans of Australia,

In the moist depressions of the great valleys luxuriant forms
of Pretia puberula creep widely with Ranunculus Millan, whose
yellowish green Aiawers were a rate treat to us as they were so
abundant. On the higher banks are <imilar coloured flowers: of
Stackhousia pulvinaris,: rare and more diffeult to collect for her-
barium specimens. as the branches sepayate ‘badly. The’
needle-like leaved rush Oreobolus bears insignificant. fowers in the
once-saturated places,.and. the: golden Callistemon Sieberi is here
found in_swampy country, - :Thelymitra venosa, this year, ds, at

ied: ’ *TxbeELLy Mount ‘Nelson and Jts Surroundings, zi

ats: beat ‘and is a tare sight of Yeinéd blue flowers im the sphag-
num, Swrely Herpolirion movac-zcalandiae never grew mort
abundantly than here.

We collected two Nitellas growing submerged in the Pretty
Valley’ lagoons. Epilebium confertifolivm lines the damp banks
thickly, It is compact and sarer than its sister, and has short,
stalked’ flowers not so large as the more striking E. glabellum,
hereabout 30 general, and when crawded, as one often finds them,
exocedingly beautiful. Microzeris scapigera has scapes 15 inches
long. Colobantins 3 is almost everywhere in damp places. Proi-
ienthera cuneata is a handsome shrub giving a rich floral display
in many places. There is only one Coprosma in flower, the
woody C, siitida that turns black when drying. An unusual
attraction is a cushion formation of more than 100 ‘closely-set
plants of Stylidium greminifolium, dwarf, dense, and all within
a radius of one foot square, reminding one, in its tuft-like nature,
Gf its Grampians sister, 5, soboliferum. Another cushion plant
well distribwied was Ewartia, with pretty, clear white, crisp flowers
act oe its gtéy-leaden leaves,

’ Eveelyptas coriacea var. alpina never looked so fine in flower!
Almow everywhere the small brown Xenicas held revel, as they
did two years ago, on damp flats among the Baeckea, now singu
Iayly, without Howers. The frosted fruits and buds of E. cor-
iacea, in the Alps, give it a distinguished appearance, and the
sirikingly-veined and glossy leaves make it attractive, the leaves
having the appearance of being varnished. But this gloss does
not protect ‘the epidermis and render it exempt from its scald
eneintes. At 5330 feet the leavés are attacked by a scale forma:
tion that gives an open, blistered appearance where affected, and
having rounded, small, brown egg-like galls attached inside. Mr.
C: Freneh, junr., tells me that this gall-making coccid (scale) is
known “as Ascolts précmollis, - Several scales from same height
and trees-aséumed the condition of violet ink splashes. “What they
ate: eid have not’ been” able to: ‘ascertain. betas is

rat “Bne must- not associate always, with 6000 feet altitude pe
and cold. Certainly if there be no’ wind, ‘then: prepare for fos:
if “the ° wind be from the south, then, there is, liability ta snoy
hail. frost and cold, rain even’ in’ February, but if, the north’ wind
blow,’ ‘pléasant’ conditions “thay be" “dépended ‘upon, ~ On this visit
in- January’ ‘and February,. 1930, “we hdd prolonged pleasant wari
dayé ‘ahd’ nights,” Guite the reverse Fram: conditions * of two years
ag6,"Whien ‘Mr, 'F>'E. Wilson was tiny companion. | Dhiring _thid
visit wei dissensed with ‘the, second “Blanket, and ar the, Electricity
Catiinitsion's'‘¢amip iin’ Recky’ ‘Valley, although in a pueeey situas
BernMesMattit’ found: the | teniperatite: oh the’ fight of ‘the “last

252 Tapeett. Mount Neten and Mts ‘Surroundings. [wie XLVI.

Wednesday in January the highest he had recorded, and he ‘has
been taking records for many yeats past.

Looking over to Spion Kop from Fainter, we see ample.
though distant, silver streams sparkling in the sunlight, far beyond
the slopes turned towards us. Naturally, in this broken country
we Jook for waterfalls on come af the numerous creeks that issue
from the mountain, And one does find, about half a mile or
less {rom the crest, the White Rock Falls tumbling down .the
northern slope towards the Big River, between Spion Kop and
Tim's Lookout. But by far the most imposing are the beautiful
Paradise Falls on the eastern side, some 70 feet or 80 feet in
height, well below the shepherd’s hut of Mr. fohnstane, and not
by any means easy of access, Indeed, one finds difficulty in
climbing up on to Nelson from the east side and ts not surprised
to learn that the name '* Tiger" is given to one spur by the locals,
which aptly describes-a difficult and lengthy approach.

The*counting habit is something one must not encourage on
top, far ane finds oneself, on leaving Nelson's slopes; taking leave
as of a departing friend and counting the number of snow poles
to the tum: towards Fitzgerald’s, with so many more to the Ski
Club’s hut and an to Mt. Cope as one passes along the ridge that
separates the waters that flow into Pretty ‘and Rocky Valleys with
their innumerable twists and turns, from these that ran into the
Cobungra or Bundarrah Rivers, Close to the hurdle yards of
Wallace's we found many specimens of Stipa Muelleri, a grass rare
on the High Plains and recorded here for the first time for North-
eastern Victoria. Keeping our eyes open we again found a
flowering specimen of Diuris pedunculata at the great height, for
this orchid, of 5800 feet. This Diuris does not seem too-well at
home in these exposed situations,’ and only in one other place, al
5300 feet, where Mr.- Wilson and I got it Iwo years ago. could
I’ this year ‘find Aowering specimens, and then but twenty plants,
This ‘orchid was nearly past flowering and wauld ‘find its best
floral display in January. Regarding times of flowering of
orchids in these parts, few Coladenia alpitta are found in’ bloom
ia January after the first week: yarely Prasophyllum Sutlonii on
grassy slopes is seen till February. whereas the other leck orchid.
here, P. Tadgellianum, almost. everywhere, but preferring mois-
ture, was flawering in hundreds in January.

On referring a large Pterostylis orchid to Dr. Reeers: aed
Rev,.H. M, R, Rupp, the latter was disnosed to regard it as P
furcata, the former (with spirit..and dried soecimens) -still has #
under consideration. P. furcata is rare in Victoria. -~ P. epcnoce-
phala abundani, ‘and Gastrodia scsomoides. . collected in, Jan:
wary 1928. at 5400. feet. could not-be found again... A large
group of Chiloglottis Gunnii, lowering profusely ori “thes Former

ries -Taneent, Mount Nelson and fis Surroundings. 233

visit, had this time but one Bower, We know the strange vagaries
of orchids. In some of the swamps Carex stellulata (echinafa)
was abundant, and from some specimens I collected in January,
1928, ‘from the same places, the Government Botanist of New
South Wales identified the rare Carex, C, rava,. which I then
“had unknowingly collected. This was at 5500 feet. A con-
spicuous grass we found in swampy country, was Deschampsia
(Aira) caespitosa. Tt can hardly be overlooked as its laxly
pendant, glossy panicles, attract attention and foree the collector
to notice it. : cst
At Wallace's hut, circ, 5600 feet, a creek flat was in-
vestigated, but the only reward was the Bogong leek orchid in
two forms and three colours, with a closely set in mud plant
that I took for a varietal Wiola Sicberiane, with unusual small but
handéome indigo blue flowers. meckly turned downwards, At
first sight it promised something rare, After examination of much
material, I passed or collected it, not as a species, but as a Wariely.
I must thank my friends of the National Herbarium, who have
decided it is a mountain form of Viola hederacea—to me, a very
beautiful form of this species. Midway between Wallace’s and
Mt, Cope, at 5560 feet is a moss-bed adjacent to the Ski Club’s
hut, where Drosera Arcturi was still flewermg, One finds this
peat-bed, never flowering profusely.

Lewer down the sphagnum bed was Restio australis, in com-
pany with Hypolaena fateriflora, both in Aower, Superhcially,
the Restio reminds us of its near relative, Lepuradia Muelleri, but
the ruddy brawn Restio is very attractive, J regard it and the
Geum utbenum, as rare on the High Plains, having found them
both on this trip for the first time, the Restio at 5560 feet here
and very local, the Geum at the Tarn, at 5300 feet and nowhere
else. One might ‘hurriedly pass the Geum for a giant stiff Ranen-
culus lappaceus, or a stray St. John's wort, but one is soon very
- interestedly’ examining the conspicuous yellow flowers of the Geum,
wits its bract-supported ‘calyx and the numerous . elbow-shaped
atyles, =” mot

Mt, Cove, 6027 feet, with a finely constructed cairn, is passed,
and: in the distance Campbell's stockyards are seen. The fossil
bed on the left branch of the Bundarrah cannot be neglected, and
under the fossil bank we collected numerous specimens of Caddis-
fly larvae, which infest the basalt stones in the running stream,
When lifted out of the water the small creatures, in their cases.
move with: a snail-like motion over the stone. Here alio-we found
the neat purple form of ‘Lagenaphora stipitata (Billardieri}, a
Variety’ with very small flowers. A rather rare Victorian fossil
frail’ was taken out of the red bank there at 5360, a few feet
above ‘the basalt-of the'river bed, ‘It’ has’ been: examined by

544 Tabetit, Mount Netsan and Jie Surroundings: [witsity

Messrs. F:’ Chapman and R. A. Keble, .palaeontojogists, who
tentatively refer it-10- Cordia of the family Borraginacede; whigh
has been found at Risdon, near Hobart, Tasmania, in the, upper
Tertiary beds. The genus ‘Cordia hay an indiviable drupe of
“stone Fruit, ahd stil] flourishes in Australia. in the Noythery ‘Ter
ritory: ; se &y ,
“Mt. Flora (Jim) brings us to where the snow pole tine terns
round: towards Dabbin's and Young's huts and passes’ the bold
* Rocky Bluff,” nearly of the same elevation as Mt. Flora. - From
the Bluff runs. one of thé headwaters -of the right branch .of ‘the
Burdarrah, which thas yet .te unite into one stream with its
imate of the fossil bed, some miles below, through deep and
rugged country and travelling down a wide valley of bleached
Snow-gums as it heads eastwards to meet the Cobungra near
its Junction ‘with. the Mitta. Passing over rough basaltic country,
by a narrow tidge towards Young's hut one notices on the left
hand side at 5700 fect a snugly ensconced lake 300 yards by
100 yards, on whose surface and sanctuary rest peacefully a num-
ber of Black Duck, as yet unperturbed by the approach of the
open shooting season. How elad we were, later, to, learn of
lean bags-and less ruthless slaughter of innocents. ‘his lake
and the Tarn towards the approach to Mt. Feathertap are the
only natural Jakes we know of on the High Plains, Although
with. the deviation of the snow poles one follows along to Young's
hut, which. is another port in a storm, it will not be found so
comfortable, or draught-proof on a cold night as Dibbin’s, on
the», anow pole line to Mt. Hotham, so well situated, and with
good water. © One must retrace one's steps, as the track is not
py way of Young’s,.to Baldy, the name Mt. Hotham is known

Standing on*the High Plains with one’s face towards Dib-

bin’s hut and back to Mt. Flora, one traces the high Alpine road °

from Higginbotham Heights and the Chalet over Hotham’s founded
and bare summit, which is above the tree linc. ‘In. the intervenin#
landscape is'seen a network of picturesquely wooded slopés that
form a: beautiful: prospect and whose countless number is at onde
a*cause of awe and admiration. Yet one only of these numer-
ous ridges that fall so steeply frém Baldy leads over the Cobungra
Gap ‘on-to' the High Plains. -By means’ of i¢ the Electricity
Commission's diamond diill was brought, by horse teams “and
sledges;.to the Rocky Valley, where it is now working: ' ‘These
spurs'ate Wild’ and rough journeying in ‘the winter, but-the Ski
Club members’ sometimes -reach the High! Plains thus for thea
snow: sports, though: too offen the exertion from Mt, ‘Hotham
to’ Dibbin'’s,: with ‘shoulder-pack: of 60° Ibs. tsa sttenudils “45 to

ie Tantei, Maint Nelinn and lta Suredundings. as]
pieélaile further effort when this hut is reached..’ Many liave
gone na further, but have viewed their promised land [rom afar.

+ Hithérto .our route ‘from Melbourne has been by way of
Atel ais and Bright; thence by special car (or in. earlier lays.
Waggonetté). over a high range to Tawonga. » ‘A daily-retum
mail: ar how runs Setween Tawonga and Wodonga, so. on our
-1930-trip we. made our railhead: Wodonga. It was a delightful
-60 miles’ motoring, vid Yackandandah and Dederang over Country
Boafd's roads, The wide-and ‘fertile valley of the Kiewa, ‘with
the distant Bogongs in front of us and huge other mountain ranges
of almost unpronounceable names on the flanks, made an inspiring
journey. » By permission of the Railway Department, one may
“make. Bright or Wodonga a terminus or return by either route.

“Ny thanks are, as usual,-due to my friends of the Govern-
ment Botanist’s Department, and also to the several gentlemen
mentioned ‘in’ this account. . My companion on my twelfth visit

_ to the'-Adistralian Alps was Mr. T. Green, whose keenness in
photography has léd to, his unique collection of orchid photo-
graphs being acquired by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew." On
‘suggesting .our ‘outing far - the ‘day. Mr. Green, with artistic in-
stinct; ‘would invariably ask: “* What shall we sec?"' This informa-
tion | could not always readily supply, as, to’ me, in our Alps,
“every prospect pleases." For, hike E. A. Poe, “I love to
regard ‘the dark -valleys. the grey rocks, the waters that silently
smile, the forests that sigh, and the proud wate mountains
mgt Tok down upon all," | «

-, Peon Wy

’

SPIDERS IN THE GARDEN,

o“beateurler’ qs a trivial name suggested- for the spider
Areaens Wagacri, so common in our gardens. Its den, a dead
leaf ‘twisted as one might.cutl a piece of paper about d ‘finger.
is moored by silken ables, and at a ‘glance may seem to be un-
suipporied—an aulurhn leaf stayed in falling. Araneus is alert,
and ¢aptures many a fly and little moth deceived by the swaying
brojwe ‘Teal—perhaps’ aitratted | hy” it! *. ;

a, ae

Eniatel—Febranry Naturalist: p. (98, line 3, anal March disve
p. 214, Tine 12, fot-Julifera tead: Tiere. Page’ 206, line--40,
for Protozoon, read -palyzoon: ...,., agua T

“r * - - a cS

ree at Sie OSE 7a as : 1s eo oyBee s ed

(sais, at “deaflet, entitled jotany am d tts Eéonomia® V ive, vhy
“ udas 2 ‘ate bbteindble fe ‘author, fee: of Sys al
iinel Pasha Melburie, on" ¥ ae

236 Coieman, ‘Pollination of \Cryptostplis- Erectas — [ y/iyXtnts.

POLLINATION OF CRYPTOSTYLIS REL TAY R.Br.
By EpitH COLEMAN,

A shart note on the pollination, in. January,’ of the third
“New South Wales representative of the genus Cryplostylis appeared
in the Naturalist, February, 1930. Further observations, made.
in Februaty, fully “confirm that note. Owing to the kindness of
Mr.“E. Nubling, of Sydney, 1 have been able to experiment with
fresh specimens of Cryptosiylis erecta, and have seen the pollen
withdrawn from a number of flowers, as well as an interchange
Of insect visits to flowers of three species of the genus.

Tt came rather as a surprise to find that C. erecla is eagerly
sought and pollinated by the males of the ichneumonid Lissopimpla
semipunctata, From the extreme breadth of the labellum, as well:
‘as its concave shape, the co-operation af an insect under such cir-
cumstances is remarkable,

In this species, as well as the other three Australian: species
of the genus concerned in this strange inethod of pollination, the
narrow pelals and sepals are insignificant, the greatly modified
labellum standing out as the most attractive part of the flower.
The column is enclosed and partly hidden by’ the folded lower
part of the labellum, and the projecting rosteflum effectively, pre-
vents self-fertilisation.

The labellum extends inte a broad concave lamina, too wide
for its margins to, be grasped by the legs of the visiting insect.
‘Pale green in colour, it resembles a shell, with longitudinal stripes
in reddish brown or purple. Down the centre is a membranous,
vertical plate, and on each side of this ridge the ved lines take
the form of small red spots, or blutches, which correspond with
the glands on the labellum of C. leptochila, Against the light
these’ spots stand out very clearly on the semi-transparent labellum,

In the flowers examined the pollen masses were smaller than
in our Victorian species, and probably les compact and more
’ friable, but this may have been due to the age of my specimens.
C. erecta is the only species in which J have seen the removal
of only one pollen mass, -» In the. other species the insect .with-
draws the whole pollinarium, which includes the viscid disc,

There is certainly some suggestion of mimetic modification,
but everything points to scent as the chief attraction for the insects,
‘a scent so subtle as to elude human perception.

tn January ] serene flowers of C. erecta alone, so that the
bulk of perfume from the-few flowers must have been very slight,
‘The insects at that time were not, numerous,. and it waa some
days before I witnessed the removal of the pollen... In. late
February, on several sultry days, the flowers were . visited: freely.

THE VICTCRIAN NATURALIST, Vol. XLVI, April, 1930.

Plate XI.

——nw

L’ssopimpla scmipunctata, with three complete pollinaria withdrawn from three
flowers of Cryptostylis subulata, in rapid succession. Portion of one pollin-

arium is at the back, and. therefore, not visible. (Greatly enlarged.)

spt Coreman, Pollination of Crpptostylis Erecta. ' 237

‘On, one occasion the insecté were go persistent that 1 begged. assist-

‘anée.to prevent tho loss of all the pollen from the few remaining

flowers, for they quickly fade when once the pollen is removed.
On another occasion 1 covered with butter muslin the flowers

1 did: not wish to be visited, leaving only one raceme above the

muslin, Many attempts were: made by. the msects to reach the

protected flowers.

‘With undoubted evidence that four Australian species of
Cruptostylis are pollinated by the same species of insect, the question
of hybrids again crops up,

In the cas¢ of -the single: isolated representatives in West
zad South Australia these are unlikely to be crossed with the other
distant species. But in Victoria and New South Wales the
matter is more surprising. The two Victorian species. are found
growing intermingled, and the three New South Wales species are
not very distant. My present’ view is that! the absence of hybrids
may be due to the fact that anther and stigma in various apecies
mature at different periods, and that pollen from one species is
incapable of fertilising another; but it is possible that further. ob-
servation may compel inodification of this view.

‘ “There is a marked difference in the size of the pollen grains,
as well as the pollen-masses, of the various species, It is prob-
able that the pollen tubes may vary correspondingly, and rhat the
tubes of one species may be too large to enter the micropiles of

the ovules im another. Under these conditions pollination would

fail to effect fertilisation. On the other hand, there are prob-
ably instances where the pellen tubes are smaller than the micro-
piles and in these circumstances one might confidently expect fer-
Hiisation ‘to take place.

A possible explanation may be found in the fact that we
have hybrids which have inherited only the characteristics of . the

_mother flower, and, bearing no trace of the flower which produced!
’ the, fertilizing ‘pollen, are therefore unrecognisable as hybrids.

' \ Instanees are on record of species having been crossed which
resulted in fertilisation, but “all the offspring have resembled the
mother plant, even to four generations of repeated crossings end
shaw .no trace of the pollen-bearing species. At the present_time
T am experimenting with pollen from the different species of Cryp-
tosthlis, “hut am not yet able to’ write with any authority on ts
germination

“One would like to know something more concerning
the habits of this special ichneumonid. This +eason

there’ were very few about the garden until February. This

may have been due to the delayed rainfall, In a not very wide
experiénce. of ‘insects T find that, in casée of those ‘species which

- undergo snetamorphosis many emerte ‘after a shower of rain, 2 ~

236 COveMan. Pollination: of. ‘Cryplostylis Execia. PAR a

_ The dry season ‘thay’ have delayed the appearance. af the
ichnewmon-fies, — It is certainly'so within my insect cages. I find
emergence conzidérably hastened if a moist .sponge, or pad- af
blotting paper, be kept, in’ the jars.

‘ | . With the evidence before us on this method of ‘pollination
of our Australian species of Cryptostylis it would be interesting to
learn whether the custom extends to the extra-Australian species. ,
Altogether some 17 species liave been described. According ta
Dr. R. S. Rogers (Trans. Roy. Sec. of S.A., 1923) the genus is
distributed from Ceylon through the Malay Atchipelago ta New
Guinea. ‘It has also been’ reported from Formosa, and recorded
in, Java, the Philippines and several South Pacifie islands,

1 -Mr, Nubhng ‘has sent me beautiful drawings of three extra
‘Australian species, C. fulpa (New Guinea and Mandate Terri-
tory), C. papuana (Dutch New Guinea), and C. arachit it
(Java), . Outwardly, these so closely resemble C, subulala tha
one would expect them to be pollinated by. the same agent.

Both in Victoria and New: ‘South Wales flowers of -Cry ta
stylis have been abundant this season, and I-am greatly indebte
Mr, E. Nubling and the Rev. H. M, R,. Rupp for , Benetrons fe
plies. of. C. erecta. for my experiments,

“WIN TER QUARTERS!”

. Whiting. te the Editar from Mulka, via Maree, South Aus
tralia, on March 23, Mr, George Aiston says: “I will try to get
something for the Field Naturalists’ Club's exhibition, but _tearly
all of our lizards hibernate during the winter. I have a pair of
zand-lizards in my bathroom, but ‘they will disappear in a week
‘or two: At the first splash of the water in the morning ,they are
out to catch ‘the small’ beetles and other things that také cover under
ther ‘grating below ‘the bath, “They have been in the’ bathroom for
years.” - Mrs. Alston had a family of lizards in: the goatyard.
They” always 'cdme out’ directly” she ‘started ‘milking, ~ “Every
winter they would dig-in, and ‘she* would nat see them’ untily tHe
waim weathey had ‘settled inc The same thing ~applies'-to° bur
marsupials. I would’ like to+get you some of our tiny marsupial
mice; they are lovely things and very easily tamed. But “T+ have
not seen one+this yeafe-- -We uséd to hind them-jn the “water
drain -every morning, but -they’ seem’ to have ‘disappeared: -' The
dydiight appears™lo“have- Killed off everything except -the- birds.
Mention of birds temindésmé that -T Have! cabour: 20: Seagulls here:
“Phéy- have “been «Hiere - for -about a-nionth; ~ Tihe Sees eh
worried about, thems” saa ain't blackfella: bird.” **"~

4

April

at Hornsnaw, Notes on Native Wells, 239

NOTES ON NATIVE WELLS.
By B. L. HornsHaw.

Recently, in company with Mr. W. Thorpe, Ethnologist of
the Australian Museum, and several others, I set out for a day’s
tour in quest of aboriginal carvings in the Kurin-gai Chase. On
the way, we inspected two Bora-nores, near Duffey’s Forest,
where wonderful examples of native art exist.

The first ‘* art gallery ’’ we visited is described in Coo-ee Talks
(page 86). After studying this group, we went to the ‘ Lyre
Bird’ group, described in Victorian Naturalist (February, 1930).
The party was keenly interested in these unique examples of primi-
tive art. At each group are two native wells, which probably
played some part in the Bora ceremonies. In the first group

Photo by Ro LL. Hornshaw

Fig. I—Aboriginal Rock Carving and Well on a Bora-nore of the Cammeray
Tribe, near Duffey’s Forest, N.S.W.

each well is at the side of a small stream, and eight mundoie or
ghost footsteps lead to them. On the edge of the lower well or
basin is a carving depicting a shield, a sacred symbol of the abori-
gines. (Fig. 1.)

-The wells at the second group are supplied with water only

when it rains. One was still full when seen quite recently.
Around these two wells are many interesting carvings depicting
birds, mammals and fishes. Between these two series of carvings,

and a little to the south, are two more small wells—14 inches in

diameter and 12 inches in depth. (Fig. 2.)

240 Hornsuaw, Notes on Nalive Wells. Tae Nosh

What interested me most was the fact that the aborigines
had cut small grooves or gutters above to carry the water away
from, instead of into, the wells. | Why they went to this trouble
is a mystery. _I believe that these wells were cut out of the solid
rock, and used for mixing a strong drink, composed of honey. and
herbs. This drink was only for festive occasions, after a Bora
ceremony, for instance, when a banquet usually was held.

On a Bora-nore, called Flatrock, near Manly, are three

neatly-cut wells. | The stone tool marks can still be seen. In
this case grooves are cut from a soakage above to carry the water
into the first well. © Grooves also drain the water from one well

Photo by B. 1.. Hornshaw.
Fig. 2—Native Well between French's Forest and Duffey’s Forest, N.S.W.

to the other, which shows that this was a catchment area for
drinking purposes. No running water being near at hand is a
fact which would seem to prove this story.

During the day we were successful in finding many examples
of native art, also 14 native wells. After careful study of the
wells, I would classify them into three types: (a) Those used
for drinking purposes; (b) those used as sacred fonts during
the Bora ceremonies; and (c) those in which concoctions or
beverages were mixed. There is much of mystery about the
use of some of these wells, and I would be glad if any members
of the Field Naturalists’ Club could throw any light on the sub-
ject. I feel sure the wells played a very important Path in: the
religious ceremonies and customs of the aborigines. aes

by ny Birds, at Eitdon W cir. 241

BIRDS. AT .EILDON WEIR.

Siwated just below the junction of several permanent siteams:
with the Goulburn River, the juxtaposition of two outlying spurs,’
named *Mounts Pinninger and Sugarloaf, on either side, of the
Tiver, forms an ideal site for the construction of the great reservoir
that has been recently completed,

An immeénse quantity of water has been impounded which,
étretching far up the valleys of the trbutary, streams, of which
the principa] ate the Delatite, Howqua, and Big Rivers, as well
as that of the Goulbum, forma an impressive serics of water:
ways not to be equalled in the State. he country is very hilly
with the timbered ranges, more or Jest uniform in height, rising
-steeply from the-water. To the south, the huge, shapely bulk
of Mt. Torbreck, with an altitude of 4600 feet above sea level,

<lominates the surrounding hills.

Below Eildon Weir, which at the time of my visit stood
at about 90 feet above river level, cluster the extensive canstruc-
Honal works. Staff residences and huts of the employees, with
mnessrooms, shops, and a school, are on bigher ground. The wide
road, once a highway, but now terminating at.the Weir, forms. the
main street of this mushroom township, and contains many large ~
eucalypts, In these and the neighbouring timbered paddocks was
a wealth of bird life. Perhaps the parched condition of the
country, which had been practically without rain for three months,
accounted for the congregation of birds in the river valley.

From tyee to tree flashed the bright plumage of the parrots.
Rosellas, both the crimson and the green species, were numer-
ous, byt the former were the more plentiful and also the more
confiding. Small flocks of pretty hittle Green-backed Parrots were
always about, and screeching mobs of Green Lorikeets sought the
‘nectar-bearing’ blossoms of the gums. Down stream, where the
valley opened up and maize was grown, White Cockatoos were
frequent and wnweltome visitors, but the grating of the Gang.
‘Gangs waz heard daily in the village. The Black-backed Magpie
was everywhere and its tuneful warble dominated the early morn-
ing bird orchestras. .

Starting a little after sunrise, flocks of Bell Magoies atrived
daily from the ‘hills and went methodically through the township,
visiting evety backyard in search of kitchen scraps. It was
among these that an instance of the sympathy that is known to
exist among birds was noted. One was observed to be minus
‘the greater part of its upper mandible, and, being unable to’ dig
inte the rubbish heaps with its bill, like the others, waited patiently
beside a busy worker and was allowed to marticipate in the find.
To take the food, it had to lay its head sideways on the ground.

242 Birds’ at Eildon. Weir, Vor VES

These birds were: not in evidence after mid-day, buj in the after-
noons White-winged Choughs went over the same ground, Grey-
crowned Babblers in small flocks, and Friar Birds and Noisy
Miners, representing the honeyeater family, were always in the ing
trees,

Around the dead trees standing in the grads paddocks,

“\Meraps the Beautiful." vied with the Woodswalows in grace-
ful’ flight. The stony islands in the nver-bed below the Weir
were a favourite rendezvous for Herons, They fished quietly.

there, but as soon as the men knocked off work on the spoil’

banks and coffer dams, flew upstream to see what had been un-
coveted, Two or three more venturesome ones would always stay
near’ the workmen, to pick up the yabbies disturbed from beneath
the: stones, These Herons were mostly the White-fronted species,
but frequently a White-necked Heron or a Night-Heron was con-
spicuous among them... As an indication of their numbers, on
one occasion 26 were counted perched on a branch of a submerged
tree, with more than asdozen in sight on the islands. | When dis-
turbed they invariably ‘protested harshly. °

‘The climax of bird observation came on a bnilliant April
day, ‘when a motor boat excursion was made on the lake, .Crass-
ng the mileewide basin,” we chugged up the submerged course of
the Goulburn -through avenues of dead tree-tops, -everywere dis-
turbing large flocks of waterfowl, - Ducks and: Teal in hundreds
rose high. above, while Coots, Moorhens, and Grebes splashed
along thé surface of the water. . The. large-headed Musk Ducks
made a more dignifed retreat. - Harriers and Brown Hawks
were seen in-all directions,, perched on the drowned frees or. sail-
ing on aeroplane-wings, sed adding their shrill cries to the clamour
ef the waterfowl. Every now and then a tree would come

into view with its naked branches apparently loaded with, white ,

" fruits.” The binoculars showed these to be either White Tbises,
Spagabills, or the white breasts of the Pied Cormorants. | There
was never more than one. species of bird .an, each tee. ' They
would not allow a close approach, although the ducks, from their
very numbers, were frequently within gunshot. A long distance
shot at a Right of Black Cormorants winged one, but it was aot
fecovered j

At the head of the, flood .water, about 12 miles from ‘the

Weir, the water became shallow and we anchored for some fishing.

- White waiting, a Platypus rose alongside, and another was seen
a_little distance away.,” Later, in the Big River. one was seen
placidly Noating where some big trout were leaping. Here,_also,
a Kookaburra was observed to dash repeatedly into the waler after
small sh. in the approved Kingfisher style, én:
_A. —R.

ft.

’

eri Wicuramson, Some Flanis vf the Northern Malloc. 245
SOME PLANTS OF THE NORTHERN MALLEE.,
{Part [.)

By H, B. Wituiamsow, FLAS.

Under this head I propose to give some results of my field-
work during a visit to the Murrayville and Mildura districts in
October, 1928, combined with observations made al the National
Herbarium in connection with the same,

Many of the plants in those districts are cammon in the desert
country of Central Australia and Western New South Wales,
and might be spoken of as the “desert plants of Victoria,” only
that I do not agree with the term “desert '' as applied to any
jract of land in Victona. Probably the sandy nature of the
belis of country running across Wie north-west part af the State has
suggested the name, lor indeed those belts are almost pure sand;
but unlike a true desert, they are covered with a vegelation re-
markable for its varied character and its attractive flowers.

Of those Victorian plants which extend into the true desert
<ountry of South and Central Australia, all do nof grow in the
sandy areas of our State. Some are found in the Timestone,
and others m the red loam and the good agricultural areas, and
“some indeed in all of these, '

The plants 1 propose to discuss are those either doubtfully \e-
corded. for Victoria or rarely collected or else represented by
wrangly determined specimens in the National Herbarium, = A
great numher of specimens in that valuable collection were in
years gone by either laid aside for determination when more fully
mvestigated in the fleld, or else were, in the pressure of work,

—Tabelled in error, =Many of these are found in what are known
as “* supplement parcels.”’ Fortunately. they have dates and
localities attached, which render them valuable as objects of study.
May I here digress to give a word of warning to collectors, botanical
and otherwise. Do not neglect to place dates, localities and col-
Vectors’ names on your ‘specimens. If I were offered the choice
‘of two similar collections, one with botanical names only, and the
otner with only dates, collectors’ names and localities on the
labels, I would chaose the latter, for the specimens carry deter-
mination data with them, and the other particulars are to the goed.

With yvegard to the determination of the plants I
propose to deal with, it must le done in the light of Floras, com-
piled by enthusiastic workers of recent years—-some of whom
have passed away—and these Floras, together with the aid of
specimens determined by their authors, as well as by the field
work now being carried on, place ihe warker of to-day at an
advantage, provided that he can keep a. cleay head when confronted
with cases where conflicting recorded opinions threaten him with
despair.

’

244 Wiratanson, Some Plunts of the Northern Mallee [ Vie. Nas
Vol, NE_VI-

Leptorrhynchas panaetioides, Benth.

A white cottony form of this plant grows at Mildura on the
voads in the Eastern part of the town, the specimens noted being
only abour 6 inches high, Bentham says it “ has something of
the habit bat aat the involucre of /xiolaena leplolepis, Tt is evi
dently nearly allied to Leptorrhynchus squamatus, but more erect ~
and cottony, the peduncles without scarious scales, and the involucre
more hemispherical.” The outer bracts are thinly scarious, woolly-
ciliate margins and dark centre, _ It has been considered as doubt-
fully recorded for Victoria, specimens being labelled ““ Murray ”’
ur “* Murray Desert.” = As will be seen m the following discus-
sion it must now be placed on the Census for N.W. and S. of the
Stale.

Txinlaena fepialepis, Benth.

Smal] bushes of this plant were growing closely associated
with the Leptorrkunchus, and in my comparative study of the twa
with specimens in the National Herbarium, I found that many
specimens of the Leplorrhyachus were labelled either “ /xiolacna
leptolzpts," “J. tomentosa.” ov “J. tomentosa var. leptolepis,”* and
there is evidence that Mueller at one time regarded these two
species as one. Sondr. in Linmmaca XXV., 504, places /. leptole- -
pis as L. tomentosa var. glabrata. Bentham placed them apart
chiefly on the shape of involucre, but J. tomentosa stil] remained
on our Census, partly becauze of the confusion arising with daubt-
ful synonymy, and partly because of the general resemblance of
Leptorrhynchus panactioiles io 1 lepiolepis. The former of these
grows at [Little River (A,C.F. Gates, April, 1923), and on the
Keilay Plains (C. Walter, 1900), both recorded m the Natural-
ist as J. leptolemis for the South, Some collectors evidently could’
nat reconcile the two plants, for some of the Wimmera specimens
of L. panactoides are labelled “J, tomentosa."’ The following

_ key shows the position of the three plants: —
1. Outer involucral bracts thin and scarious,
with woolly-ciliate margins, brownish tips
atid a dark or greenish centre Leplorrhunchus panactiotdes-

NW. S.
All myvolueral bracts herbaceous or the inner
anes shortly scarious at the tips Ixiolaena (2)
lyiolaena.
2, Tnvolucre hemispherical, bracts and flower :
stalks almost glabrous : i, Teptolepts
, NW. only
Involucre'campanulate, whole plant woolly “YT. tomentosa

‘Not Vietorian~

The Milura soecimens of /. leptolepis have broader and Sess:

cattony leaves, and larger flower heads than those of the Sputhern’
Wimmera.