THE Victorian Naturalist THE JOURNAL, AND MAGAZINE of the ) FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA VOL, 60° MAY, 1943, To APRIL, 1944 Hon. Editor: A. H. CHISHOLM, F.R.Z.5. The Author of each Article is responsible for - the facts and opinions recorded MELBOURNE: Brown, Prior, ANDERSON Pry. Lrp., 430 LITTLE Bourke STREET 1944 THE CLUB’S PUBLICATIONS VICTORIAN FERNS, by Richard W. Boud, slioull be iy the tunds of all fern-lovers, as it contains descriptions of every fern known to occur maturally in our State, fells where to lintel them, how to identify them, and how to grow them, Price, 2/-, FPICTORIAN FUNGI, by J. IL Willis, a beautifully iMystrated and highly Tnfontative a¢count af the Mushrooms and Toadstools of the State. Price, 2/6, A CENSUS OF VICTORIAN PLANTS, by the Plant-names Coniuittee of the Club, contains the vernaculars of all our plantas, Unliouad copies only from the Hou. Librarian, price 1/6, posted del. extra. ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS CHERRY & SONS PTY. LTD. 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Cateloguen of 6,900 New and Senondhond Notural Wistory Books eelit trte ox apnlination. ' N. H. SEWARD PTY. LTD. 457 BOURKE STREET, MELBOURNE, C.r .. . . MU 6229 The Victorian Naturalist Vol. LX.—No, i May 6, 1943 No. 71 PROCEEDINGS The ordinary meeting of the Club was held at the Roval Society's Hall on Monday, April 12, 1943. The President (Mr. DP. Crosbie Morrisou) presided and about 80 members and Inends attended. WELCOME TO VISITORS The President welcomed to the meeting. Lieut. Lee Burchant, of the US. Marines and a forestry graduate from the University of California, Other visitors inchided Miss Leumann from S.A., Mr_ Rieschisk from Doncaster, Mr. \V. Burrows, several members In uniform and Mr, Ludowici, a member from Sydiey. Mr, Ludowier brought ¢reetings from the N.S.W- Naturalists’ Club. SUBJECT FOR THE EVENING This took the forni of a symposium on the subject of “Soil Conservation’ and was dealt with under the following heads: “ (a) General Introductian.— Mr, Mortisou, m his remarks sander this heading, pomtecd out what crosion has rlone in the more ancient cowutries, as China and India, and drew a parallel between them and Australia. (b} Botanseal side of erosion—Mr, P. F. Morris pointed out that 1t was removal of vegetational cover that caused crosion, and said that in many cases it was pioneering and advancing civiliza- tion that lad starfed it all Forests were cut or burned down for crop Jands, often ian the most unsuitable areas; stock was intro- duced and greed caused over-stocking and siibsequent cating gut of the flora, Besides these factors, rabbits played a large part in land gespoiling, due to their habit of eating roots. (c) Erosion Results—Mr. I, S. Colliver spoke on some out- standmg geographical featnres clue to erosion, mentioning and showing illustrations of moving sand dines in Egypt, desert country in Peru, great chasms im the locss formatiois of China, bad lavids if parts of America, effect of wind on the slime dumps of the Rand, etc. Ile pointed out that similar features could and would eventuate in Australia, Wind influence was miesitinned as the wnat insidtous and therefore ost dangerous form of erosion. (d) Small-Seale Remedial Measures——Mr. iyo Hammett, tak- ing his own garden as an example, spoke of the dangers of wind A oe en iel. Nat, ? The Fitvqetald “Syunpasian beg a ernsian, aud descitbhed how he had overcome the effects by a.cappinig of gravel. He also remarked that since the gravel was spread mast of the native plants had produced an abundance of seedlings. A series of slides showing native planis tmder cultivation, in the Mallee and at Ivanhoe, and sections showing how the beds were built up, illustrated Mr. Hanimeti’s remarks. (©) Large-Scale Remedial Measures——Mi, P, Bibby showed Wustrations of contour ploughing and terracing for hiil slopes, planting of willow and ather trees for river banks, various nieans of diverting river flow front erosion areas, brush layityy anc subse- quent planting for wind-swept areas, and the various means ior reclaniation of eraded gullies. In the remarks that followed, Mr. A.D. Tardy and Lieut. Lee Burchain spoke ont thei experiences in conservatiow matters nyer- seas; and Messrs. Lidowict, Gates, Hyaa and Jenkins contributed ta the discussion, REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS Ryports of Tixenrsions were given as follows: Botanical Gardens, Mr. H. CLE. Stewart; Studley Park. Mr. P. Bibby. ELECTION OF MIEEMBERS The following were daly elected as ordinary meinbers of the Clu; Mrs. E, BE. Lord, and Mr. R. Whitworth; as Country Member, Miss Ruth Bennier; as Associate Member, Miss Colleen Chuge. GENERAL BUSINESS Plant Names Subl-Committee—A recommendation from the Committee was as follows: “That the Plant Names Sub-Committee be re-constituted with the follawing personel: Messrs, P_ FP. Morris. J. H. Willis, P. Bibby, E. I. Peseott, Noel Lothian aud Dr. CS. Sutten, and that three be.a quorum for meetings.” This recommendation was adopter, THE FITZGERALD "S¥MPOSIUM" ° Since coutribetors began te express their views (in the January nambler of this journal), neither Mvs. Messmer, Mrs. Maller, nor Mr Rupp has made any reference to the great Australian orchidologist's ows bandwriline. Several o€ his letters to Baran yon Mucller are preserved at the Melbourtie Flerbariam, ate in these he unqbestienably sions his-name with a capital “O" Echoing Mr. Rupp’s sentiment. if an edocated man eannet write his owl name correctly, thea who can? Mrs, Meéssmer’s precedenr in restoring: the capital "G" is entirely justified and there shoukl be no two ways shone any future citation al “FitzGerald” wn hotanieal literature, James fl. Wiis. ae Emin Corewan, The Story of My Honay-sers 3 TIE STORY OF MY HONEY-BEES By Enirn Coreman, Blackbum, Vic. For several reasons it scemed ne more than poetic justice that a swarm of bees should settle in this garden. As the daughter of my father 1 could aot fail to be interested in them, for there had always been a hive, sometimes two, in his garden. Moreover for years J had been filling the garden with Vnglish heths and cottage flowers which for centuries have been regarded as “bec-flowers,” The bees came in late October, 1041, to & garden full of blossam- When discovered, the fabric of their waxen city had already taken shape. lt was about as large as u child’s football, somewhat flat- tened—three collateral Jeaves of pure white coml with several others staried. It hung from ithe top of an apple-tree, and as it widened and lengthened it suggested a waxen cave-shawl, or a shaw] such as a sculptor might chisel. The hees were not molested for if seemed a golden chance tu note their behaviour when free to follow natural instincts, to work: without restcaint or supervision. Tlere was living proof that the honey-bee (Apis melfifier) after centuries of exploitation, is not yet fully domesticated, and in this reversion we were privileged to read something of its ancestral ways. The swarm had. come to rest like the Assyrian bees of Isatah. They had settled as the Jurge prmvitive bee (4 pis dorsafe) settles to-day in Eastern lands where forests literally flow with honey, as it flawed in those far-hack days for the men of Israel, when Jonathan reached up his rod “and dipped i. into an honey-coinb,”” There were minty cold days in December, 1941, and January, 1942, with aweh rain, and hoisterous winds that littered the gar- den with broken boughs. The hees in their naked nest crowded between the leaves of comb, wings extended otttward and down- ward, so that water ran off the tps. One could sce the inner hees move out, as if to give the outer ones a chance of some warmth, It seemed that they must perish iv their unprotected slate. Later, on Mr. Hatmnett’s suggestion, they were covered with a water- proof ground-shect, and soon it was evident that ali was well with them. The combs inercased; their amber colonr and honey scent Lore witness to goad work among the flowers. The apple-trees were humming with bees and every flowering plant was a tavern to scores of unresting Deborahs, “victints of a tyrannical jnstinet for labour,” inheritors of a long pedigree of toil. Ceaselessly they foraged, and laboured on the combs, to die oulworn at six weeks or less, As Bridges laments; “Forty days; six unsabbath'l wecks of fever’d tol wasteth and wearicth out their little frames.” The nest was freily open to the East and West. H seentect 4 Enrrit Coceatan, Tho Stery ef Aly Money Hees bag te strange that bees which, under doniestication, had loved to work in almost total darkness, should carry on in full sunlight, At no time did I see any fanning; but this is not surprising, for, as Professor Romanes points out, fanning is not an inborn tendency, but is evoked by discomforts imposed upon the bees by the hee-keeper. Fanning almost ceased when Huber housed his bees in a large hive 5 ft. high. The smell of the honey was delicious. ‘To take it Srony a naked hive. however. reyuired more enurage than I possess—hue TP did study. ways and means! ROBBING THE BEES it seemed one had only to so alarm the bees with a puff of smake and, in their eagerness to save their stores, they would fill them- stlyves.too full of honey to curve the body to sting. That process sounls easy, but tey it on an un-walled host free to rush to the attack from four directions! An old way was to suffocate the bees in a sulphur pit. Hardy, who had made a study of the manners and customs of rural “Wessex, describes this cruel method of rebbing the bees. When Fanny (U/nder the Grecnmood Tree), protests agamst the cruelty of it, her father says: “JF you suffocate them they only die once, Tf you Fumigate them in the new way they come to life and die of starvation, so the pangs of death be twice upon them." Loudon, in his mammoth compendium of facts tor gardeners and hushandmien. states that La Grence “has the merit” of having shown that there is neither proht nor humanity in saving bees after honey-taking. Mercifully bees are no longer allowed fo starve after honey-taking. In his Malay Archtpeluga, published 74 years ago, A, R, Wallace describes the large natural nests built by of pis dorsate on branches 70 or 80 feet from the ground. These nests, 3 of 4 together, were built on the underside of a horizontal branch and were often 4 ft. in diameter. He fells how the nalives robbed the nests at night with the aid only of torches. Enraged bees chased the sparks instead of the robbers; hut the men did not gn unscathed, nor did Wallace, Professor Romanes quote; a significant statement (Nature, Vol, xvi p. 373) that European bees when transported to Australia retain their industrious fubits only for the first 2 or 3 years. After that they gradually cease to collect honey until they become quite idle, anid the same: fact is observable with bees trans- ported to California. Tt is obviated by abstracting the honey as it is collected, There is a similar statement by Dy, Erasmus Darwin that bees transported ta the Barbadoes, where there is io winter, cease to lay up honey So it appeared that T must take the honey or entertain idle bees! Perhaps they would reyert to nomadic habits and follow the flowering of Eucalypts, wy ae suerte Coneman, The Stange of My Hantey- Bees ‘1 had always been interested in the work of bees in pollination, bur this was a new experience full of promise to a novice, full of Surprises, tou! As inight he expected, the bee: presented maty problems, TITIE SWARMING As the combs increased emerging young filled them to. overflow- ing, taxing all the energics of the comb-builders, it seemed. Swarming appeared-in be imminent. It hecame advisable io take some steps to persuade my swarms to settle in other parts of the garden. I looked up authorities on “casting,” including the quamt classics af ancient bee Uteralare which ior sume years f had been “collecting” as small heys collect tiatch-box tops. with nothing define im view, but for pure delight in them. I learned that, within certain limits, one was allowed to follow one’s bees even to a aeighbour's land, as one drummed with key on pan! Must I really drum them? What would the neighhours think ? “Bees,” says Burton, discussing the response ta music of man and the lower animals (4natomy af Melanchaly, the only book that had power lo keep Dr. Johnson awake all might), “bees wher they hear any tingling sound, will tucry behind?’ On the other hand, Lawson, the Isaac Walton of gardening and bee- hushindry, insists that “ringing in the tune of casting is pure fancte,” Modern writers have suggested that drumming, or ringing, drawns the slnill piping of the guteen, and so prevents the swarur from following her too tar, This might necessitate some steps to secure another queen, Tt seemed tmperatrye that J must drum my swarms 1 gathered from Blackmore (Springhawen) that when a man is touting for his neighbour's bees the pau must be struck sottly at first to tone with the murmuring mob, | need not have anticipated. “he bees knew better than J] what they would do. This “sipping-garden” apparently suited then and they meant to stay, Twice the commmity appeared ta break up a little, but in a week, by so cmerging young again filled the contbs, Av night could be heard an elfin buzz as typical of bees as the perfume abour the nest. Macterlinck and others have stated that bees renonnce sleep; but. do they? Taking a torch | several times surprised my bees perfectly motionless, due perhaps to the new, or rather old, conditions uncer which they were living WINTER BEHAVIOUR ‘During the witiler the bees were covered with niure sacks, On very cold days they appeared not ta move: then, when the weather was kinder, they indulged in short flights near the combs. ly was presently obvious that these were cleansing flights, serving two wonderful purposes, Excremerit 3s never, except in very rare 4 Busan Coneman, The Story of My Honey- Race Lara ae instances due to iness, voided on to the combs. After centunes of necessary suppression im tnseasonable weather, evacuation is now stimulated only in Aight. “ES It was noted that the bees returned to a fresh fold af the comb where cells had net been tapped, doubtless having exhausted the honey in those over which they had previously been clustered, Even tm sunty Ausuaha Winter is a sad time for bees that are ~ not protected, and many perished daily, leaving just enough to feed the larvae that were to augment the community in the Spring. On very cold days the bees clung topether im strings: not the living ladders which are sometimes formed, on which they ascend or descend {o reach inaccessible parts of a hive ; but almost lifeless strings froin which they dropped and disappeared. It was then that one understood the poetic references of ancient authurs to “garfands of bees.” Later J was able to accept Southey's mare fantastic iimagery—''a bow string with bees.”” Not untl now had I been apprehensive of stmgs. While the hive was populous and prosperans [ might safely stand within a ivat of the cambs, although the bees always seemed “edgy” doring windy or thundery conditions. Om June Sth, 1941 (a windy day) 1 tnak my frst photo, of the impoverished hive, for which, unfortimately, it was necessary to harumer stakes into the sloping grind to support my camera. Very soon, then, | was stung on a hand, Haltan hotir later another sting was lett hehind an car, and next day one caught the hand that snapped off a tiny twig which inpeded my wew—three brave lives lost in guarding that wonderful city. IT have never grudged them those stings. Jn cach itistauce I saw the bee speed straight as a dart—a bee-torpedo—to my flesl. felt that T had discovered a better explanation of the ternt “bee-line” than the aecepted one af homing-fight. Quitby disagrees with those who say ther a warning is always given before attack, and Tam meclined to agree with him, After this the bees seemed ts blame me Jor any untoward llappenings—unscasonable elements or wind-tossed sacks. Lt must be confessed that there was some change in my own attitude and for a few days “all: the world went softly” about their domain. T had discovered that lees tre captions folk, “quick to turn against the lubber’s. touch.” TAMING VICIOUS BEES Tt looked as if the bees would rule the garden. Could T time them? Pettigrew (1875) tells how to tame and domesticate vicious bees by getting: then used te the human form. He placed a Scotch bogte (scarecrow) in front of a hive which he dared not approach. Although they at first attacked it his bees soon grew quiet But then my hees might grow fond of their bogle and blame me when 4 Faith Cormaran, The Story of Ay Flouey-Bers 7 it was removed! Tf read of other methods, buc thoughi it saler nal to test them; and so perhaps I missed the chance of going down 1a. posterity as a woman bee-tamer. According to Professor Romanes. (1883) who sifted records from imany sources, bees do recugnize people. [Te quotes Bingley’s stalement that they even send themselves to tuition, and ihat Willman contd cause a swarth to settle oh Tis face without sting- ing him. He could marshal them into companies and battalions waiting for his order towarch! He even trained them not to sting admiring onloukers ! H. A. Page, in his life oy Thoreau. tells of a clergyman named Cotton, sa of a gavernor of the Bank of England, who togk bees to Australia and tu the islands of tke Pacific. ‘fo the wonder of all in the ship the bees would enme when he called them and covered hin) as he Jay. After fondling then he would gather them lagcther, as one would gather a mass of loose worsted. into. a hall, take (hem close to the hive and give the signal for them. to retire, Remarkable ay it se¢ents, there must be some truth in these glories if we way trust another clergyman, White of Selhorne. Writing in 1788 he tells of a Hoy whom he knew who would fill his shire with bees. He weuld rap ona hive, as birds are sail to do, ant take the bees as they energed, fo remove theiv srings ind suck the linney, Mipling's hee-boy who could pick up ewaris. in lis naked hands was probably based on White's hee-sucker Marv Mitford, too. nvust Nave had “a way” with bees. "Yo’se ne of ‘they as the bees love” said the bee-master who Inoked after Dr. Mitford's bees, “and that’s a ducky thing to be.” This man could foretelt changes in the weather fran the behaviour of his bees. Certainly the temper of the bees inay be gauged from the state of the weather. They are said to attack thase who go to them in anger, or in a state af nervous excitement, One thing stands aul in the litera- tre of the bee—they love qtiet. In primitive times a personality was ascribed to them. They nist never be angered or grieved or Wl would hefall those responsible, They must be treater! with affection and vespect. Old hee-masters demonstrated this hy taking off their hats to the hive Even to-day bees are-said to be as itch influenced by the bearing al the bee-keeper as by the weather: "Nan dow von await wherc bees ale When the Hohkbangs play; ~ Nor dawt san hate zohore bers nie, Ov alse tury'lt pine acciays,! Waplng, who rook great interest in bees, knew this, When Tom Shoesmith (Puch of Pook's Ail) tells the children how the frightened fairies of England crawelect into the marshes during B Longevity af Leguaniiincs Serids OL oe the turmoils of the Reformation, he adds: “Goodwill among flesh and blood is meat and drink.to fairies and ill-will ts poagon.” "Same as bees,” said the bee-boy. “Bees wan'l stay by a house where there's hating.” Not so fantastic as tt sounds, perhaps. Harmony among humans as well. as their animals was once regarded as essential to success on the land. A man who il-treated his wife would influence both animals and bees. Again, not ga fantastic as it sounds perhaps, for bittemess and bickering affect humans physically as well as mentally and, doubtless, react on any animals under their control. This theary of health and harmony in the farmer's family as well as among the farm aninials is ove of the planks ow which Dr. Rudolf Steiner based his system of agriculture which is practised m many parts of the world to-day. (To be cavtinned.) LONGEVITY OF LEGUMINOUS SEEDS For fuse over a rear a considerable acea of the Kings Damam. north from the Shrine of Remembrance (Melbourne) Jias been diszected) by a complicated slit-trench: system: of afr-raid shelters, aud as these ara tow heing filled in it is opportune to sav something abaar the plant-lfe which had so quickly colonised the freshly-turned mounds of yellaw clay subsoil, A wholesale invasion of erasses from the siersuuding areas of rndis- tarted law was the most prominent feature, Indian Couch, Creepme Bent, Pigeon aiid Rye Grasses being the principal competitors. But mast interesting of all was the appearance of healthe plants (same nowy a foot hich} of the four native Jegumes, Acacia tallest, 4. pucnentha. AL longifolia, aud Kennedya prostrate: it ie highly inlikely that the heavy sced of (bese was deposited by: wind and, as it is ten years sinte the Shrine approaches were fevelled off and planted with tawn grass mixtare, the leguminous seeds have apparently remaited deep ii the ground and viable for at least a decade, probabiy muvty donger, The longevity of wattle seed is well attested, Mr, P. F, Morris recalls a fine crop of Acacia mollissime whielt follawed the demoliuew af a house wearly 90 vears olin Park Street, South Varra, Juans H. Warnes, DEATH OF MB, THOMAS R.A. ROBINSON Menibers of the LN.C. will jom im paying tribnte i the memory of Thamas Alfred Robinsan, who died ar “Chorizema,” Dutsow (Vic.) on April 23. He would Wave been 91 vears.of age on May 1. Born at Colfineweod an (as his age tudlieates) the days when that now-populous area was a paradise af wild fowers, Mr, Robinson (a Melbourne Grammar Sehoul hay) became a texeher mw the Education Department and_afterwards a former “‘Whrourh- out his lite he retained the keen interest in native plants acquired pi youth and at “Chorizema’ tie had remarkable success as a grower and propagator. Tiere are, perhaps, SN species of native plants growing freely on the property. Mer, Robinson bad fone been a meiner of the FNC. and continued to the gual bis aterest m the Club's activites. Pe Teaves one san and four daughters, to when the svepatis of all Victonon satarnalists ix tendered. bs ‘ Warren 5. Caarprntn, Gaglinh Spareac in elusteralia 9 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AUSTRALIA By (the late) Wavrer S, Campssu., Sydney* It 1s not possible, FE think, to determine how or when the sparrow was introduced into Australia, He anust have been brought out intentionally ; not Jike rats and mice which are volyntary intruders. Some sixty years ago sparrows abounded in parts of the colony —now State—of Victoria, more particularly about the City of Melhourne and suburbs, where I saw a sparrow for the first time in my life, These hte migrants were quite at home in the city Streets, enjoying to the full the streams of water which at that time were kept coristantly flowing in the wide stone gutters at the street sides, to carry to the river Yarra a considerable proportion of the city sewage matter. Doubtless the sparrows found in the perennial streams abundant varied morsels of choice food on which to regale themselves with ease” There, chattering, hopping about, quarrelling, and with a general tone of impudence, were hundreds and hundreds which greatly interested me, for [ had never seen anything hike it before m bird hic m Australia At the time to which J refer there were 110 Sparrows ahout Sydney or suburhs. nor I think about any towns or settlements it N.5.W_; hut before very long they appeared, became quite at home at once, and increased ramidly. This invasion was regretted by tatty persons mtecested in our ative birds, because 1 was ¢ot- sidered that the whiquitous and protific sparrow would onst or thin ont many of the beautiful, smaller, iudigenous species beloved bv Australians. 50 greatly have sperrows mcreased that same are to be met with in all the ihahited extra-tropical parts of Australia, if not within the tropics also, In the great wheat-growing districts they have become deslructive pests, consuniiy considerable quantities of grain, and spoiling a great deal; particularly amongst varieties of wheat the grain of which “shakes out’ casily. thus causing con- stderable losses to wheat-zrowers. At railway stations to which wheat is umiveyed in bags for transmission to markets, large open sheds have heen erected for the storage of this wheat, These are covered wath galvanized coreugated iron enpposed by strangers to Australia to be tin In these sheds the wheat is stacked and frequently remains there for some time, The sides and ends of the sheds bemg open, sparraws in hundreds, if not in thousands, hive free access to the wheat-bags at which they peck and peck until large holes are made through which wheat pours to the ground. Many times 1 have seen con- siderable losses caused in that manner hy sparrows “Mr Campbell, sometime Director of Apriculwure in NWS W.. who died a frw YeaTe sco wt the see of paol-00 years, mive me those notes in Syducy about ORO. Ho had intunded to reviso them. Tater. but thy apportunity did wot ocene —Editor ‘ ane ree IN : Vogt, Naot 10 Warrae S Casvnsun, Siylish Sparrow me lastealio Wel: Lx During his remarkable anc successful cxperanents i the taking of high quality wheats for Australian conditions, my friend the late William Farrer was considerably impeded and annoyed Ixy the attacks of sparrows au yalualile varieties of growing hybrids, some of which have iurned out to be worth hundreds of thousands, if sot millions, of pounds sterling ta the various wheat-growing Siaces of Anstralia. Prison was of little or no avail, and resort was necessary to powder and shot, but even then it was difficult to ‘keep the Jittle pests away. They are becoming rémarkably cunning and ever aii the watch to destroy {le Weasures so (ediously created by Mr, Farrer: Abou the city of Sydeey and suburbs at the present time sparrows abound in thousends, They seem to be ever breeding: if one nest is destroyed they set to and build another, Whether they are more prolific here thay in England—as seems prohable—I sun OL Aware, The habits of this hird seenr to be just the sume as they are m England, notwithstancing the change fo a more genial climate. where throughot the vear pletitiful supplies of seme kinds of grain, as well as of insect, foods are abundant and easily available. No doubt some kinds of grain are preferred to others such as wheat to various grass-sceds. ‘They are remarkably fond of sunflawerseeds, and also of seedlings of andialsesirange to say Only those jlanted out, self-sown seedlings being seldom attacked, J anv obliged to protect any seedlings of poppies | may plant in the garden. oy sparrows will speedily make short work of then, whereas lhundreds of plants close by, self-sown, remain witouched. The birds know the time to a minute—tour o'clock mo the afler- noon—when I feed my poultry with wheat. There are dogets of then: siting on the fence or amongst the trees, on the Jook-ont to ghtaim ther share, (I say, perhaps, interpolate here that a number of pold-fish which (hyive remarkably well 7 a waterhole in my garden, are just as well aware of the time of feeding as the sparrows ;-Chey are waiting for me with opening jaws, and some will lel ine rub their hacks), One day I heard ir ny yard a great noise aimongsy seme spar- vows. 7 Jooked is and witnesses a curious sight. On a patch of a fei square yards of grass (which T put dawn for my dogs to roll un and where they may enjay meat bones) was a rather large rib-lone and ahaut six feet away was a young sparrow with its father standing close by. Peeking away at the bore was the mnther. whe, as soon as she had detached u small piece of meat. Hopped up with il yo the youngster, who, atter calling out ag loud as it cold, opened ws heal wide and ito its throat the mether popped in the meat. She kept up this performance for several iniiyles, hopping frit bone to offspring and from offspring to May 14k Warren & Campuens, Jingliah Spaeran 2 elustralia i bone all the time, T have pttazled myself to know why at was the farher and child did not stand «lose to the hone! Sparrows are exceedingly useful as scavangers about cities and towns clearing away adds and ends of bread, meat and other fubbish from yards and streets. 7 frequently see them carrying away from garden plants, caterpillars of various kinds, They also attick green aphis on rese bushes and insect scales on tees and shrubs. During the ttmes when white-ants swarm and those fur- mished with wings Ay about, sparrows iuvariably attack and make use of them for food, Moths andl hutterfies of various species art nsed frequently, Occasionally, at Jong intervals, we are visited by thousands of butterflies, flying from a south-westerly direction te the north. They remain about the suburbs for a Tew days, resting amohgst the native shrubs aud fying about here anc there. During that period the sparrows are remarkably active m pursuit of this new game, which when caught is made nse of as food I have watched a sparrow chasing one of these whitislygrey butter- flies fav more than a quarter of an heer. The speed kept ap was remarkable. Tn such hunts the sparrow was semetinies sntcessfnl jn catching thé butterfly, but at other times the butterfly escaped; probably the sparrow was exhaysted. But the most remarkable subjects of atlack by sparrows, during spring and summer. are species or varieties of cicadas which aboune and keep tip a continuous chorus of sheild) music during the period they remain with ts, It seems remarkable to me that sparraws should select such Jarge and pgugh creatures for their tood, The male sparrows in my yard frequently have severe fights amongst themselves, pecking and clawme at each other auc rolhng over and ower ia the dustiest place they can selecr. 1 douht whether any are killed in these cneoutters; occasionally T find a dead one on the ground, but those may dre from old age. The aged anes become very feeble and unable tu obtain a sufficiency of food. One poor old creature used ta come (to me, when | was cracking up biscuits for my gold-fAsh. appealing for a cnunb or two. Tt was guile pathetic to yee Ing ineffectual efforts to hop fo the top of the box on which I cracked up the biscuit, GOATS AND GUM LEAVES Was anyone heard of the Ieaves of the supar-gamr being injurious tn joats ¢ A country teader says that a jew leaves were pivels Lo each. ol iotiy BORLA tied in a yard and hevmg access to nothing else injurious. In less that two haurs after one died in great ayony, another was almost dead, faut recovered, and the other two were not affected. These Jasi two had eaten the lady vartow Jeaves of the @um, white the goals poisoned had talken the round leaves, Qn examination the one thal died shawed no trace of ircitativn of the stumach, but the luses and heart were alinost ‘black. and fill of cangealed bloc. j2 F, S& Cocesver, Plant Restuins from Mansfield ped ~~ ON SOME PLANT REMAINS FROM MANSFIELD, VICTORIA - By F. §. Coutiver, Methourne The impressions herewith figured and described, and apparently of 4 difterent type from any previously recorded from Mansfield, were collected during a short visit made with Mr. F. H. Salaun to the districe at Easter, 1942, They were not. found in situ. but were taken from a pile of large stones al thie side of the road ta the Broke River just past the Barwite Road turn-off, At this spot the road is cut through a small hillside and doubticss these rocks “came trom road repairs that appear to fave been made fairly recently On the law side of the yoad a sectivn across the beds enabled jraspectiug to be done, and although no similar specimens were fond, small pieces carrying the enamelled scales, ete.. similay to those obtained at Fish Mill overlooking the homestead, were collected. Time and position did not permit a thorough investie gution into the conterts of the rocks exposed. The specimen figured is without doubt of vegetable origin and the general habit first seemed to indicate one of the marine algae generally referred to as Bythotrephis or Chondrites, Unfortunately the preservation of the specimen is not good and ali important details are not shawing; thus determimation must he doubtful. Of these two genera, Bythotre plity is fatind in Ordovician and Silurian deposits, and Chandrites ranges from Palaezoie to Meésozoic at Jeast, and thus the age docs not adit intich toward the determination of the specimens. The beds from whicl these vocks were taken are certainly of the same age as the red sandstones of Fish Hill, and indeed appear ta be portion of the same series ' ‘These beds, on thei fassil content, uaitly fish and Lepidoden- dron, have been referred to as of Lower Carhoniferous age, aud the genera of the fish, lovether with the association of lancl plant remains, scems to sugpest al leasr estuarine conditions when the deposits were Jaid down. Myron this it is thus quite possible for marine algae to be found in association with these other fossils. However, looking further into fossi} plant forms for compansons, the genus. Sphenapteris in some of its fornis (eg., S. afiurs, L. et H.) seems to approach closely to the specimen under ciscus- sion. This genus, according to Seward, is “one of those extremely useful pravisional generic terms where we have no satisiactory proof of precise botanical affinity,” add as such may he used to desipnate the specimen until some better preservedt ciaterial is obtained, THE Victorian Naturalist THE JOURNAL, AND MAGAZINE of the ) FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA VOL, 60° MAY, 1943, To APRIL, 1944 Hon. Editor: A. H. CHISHOLM, F.R.Z.5. The Author of each Article is responsible for - the facts and opinions recorded MELBOURNE: Brown, Prior, ANDERSON Pry. Lrp., 430 LITTLE Bourke STREET 1944 THE CLUB’S PUBLICATIONS VICTORIAN FERNS, by Richard W. Boud, slioull be iy the tunds of all fern-lovers, as it contains descriptions of every fern known to occur maturally in our State, fells where to lintel them, how to identify them, and how to grow them, Price, 2/-, FPICTORIAN FUNGI, by J. IL Willis, a beautifully iMystrated and highly Tnfontative a¢count af the Mushrooms and Toadstools of the State. Price, 2/6, A CENSUS OF VICTORIAN PLANTS, by the Plant-names Coniuittee of the Club, contains the vernaculars of all our plantas, Unliouad copies only from the Hou. Librarian, price 1/6, posted del. extra. ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS CHERRY & SONS PTY. LTD. GISNORNE (Vie,}, nud 231 SUSSEX STREET, SYDNEY. Lvtiunalagien) Pins—Curred Forceps—Cabinete—Store Boxes Poelect Bixes—Post Boxes—Glossfrent Wall Cases—Lahels, ote. . Write for onr Price Card. BOOK LIST FOR APRIL THE ART OF ALBERT NAMATIIRAS-A member of the Arunta Trite— contain- ing water-coiour repredietions and black and white drawings: the Jobter-ninet by C. 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Dourly)—Explaration, Adventure, Antaretic A/t, peat. ht PITYSIGGRAPHY OF VICTORIA (Hille). 4/6, post, 6d. : CONQUEST OF THE SOUTH POLE [|Hayes). 12/6, peat 64 _RARLY TASMANTA (Walkerl. 7/- post, 64. THE UNiviRSe OW LIGHT (Beaez). S0/A, woan. ed. TAR COLT OF THE AUDGERIGAR (Watmonch). 14/-. mest. 6d. SPIDERS ANDO SCORPIONY (Doncai, 2/5, post. el. BRUFTIVE ROCKS ¢Shand), 33/+, post. Gd, THE DINOSAUR TN WAST ATRICA ¢Perkimson). 9/6, post. fd. ' THE MYSTERY OF THE MOA [Bulek), 18/-. post. Sd. WONDERS OF THE EARTH'S CRUST ¢'Taytor). 4/6, pest, ad LET'S VALK (Moher & Barrinon)—letighttul bao of Innowaze for chilitren, D/H. port, Od. CONAN DOYLE (Peureon). 20/6, poot, 6d. Cateloguen of 6,900 New and Senondhond Notural Wistory Books eelit trte ox apnlination. ' N. H. SEWARD PTY. LTD. 457 BOURKE STREET, MELBOURNE, C.r .. . . MU 6229 The Victorian Naturalist Vol. LX.—No, i May 6, 1943 No. 71 PROCEEDINGS The ordinary meeting of the Club was held at the Roval Society's Hall on Monday, April 12, 1943. The President (Mr. DP. Crosbie Morrisou) presided and about 80 members and Inends attended. WELCOME TO VISITORS The President welcomed to the meeting. Lieut. Lee Burchant, of the US. Marines and a forestry graduate from the University of California, Other visitors inchided Miss Leumann from S.A., Mr_ Rieschisk from Doncaster, Mr. \V. Burrows, several members In uniform and Mr, Ludowici, a member from Sydiey. Mr, Ludowier brought ¢reetings from the N.S.W- Naturalists’ Club. SUBJECT FOR THE EVENING This took the forni of a symposium on the subject of “Soil Conservation’ and was dealt with under the following heads: “ (a) General Introductian.— Mr, Mortisou, m his remarks sander this heading, pomtecd out what crosion has rlone in the more ancient cowutries, as China and India, and drew a parallel between them and Australia. (b} Botanseal side of erosion—Mr, P. F. Morris pointed out that 1t was removal of vegetational cover that caused crosion, and said that in many cases it was pioneering and advancing civiliza- tion that lad starfed it all Forests were cut or burned down for crop Jands, often ian the most unsuitable areas; stock was intro- duced and greed caused over-stocking and siibsequent cating gut of the flora, Besides these factors, rabbits played a large part in land gespoiling, due to their habit of eating roots. (c) Erosion Results—Mr. I, S. Colliver spoke on some out- standmg geographical featnres clue to erosion, mentioning and showing illustrations of moving sand dines in Egypt, desert country in Peru, great chasms im the locss formatiois of China, bad lavids if parts of America, effect of wind on the slime dumps of the Rand, etc. Ile pointed out that similar features could and would eventuate in Australia, Wind influence was miesitinned as the wnat insidtous and therefore ost dangerous form of erosion. (d) Small-Seale Remedial Measures——Mr. iyo Hammett, tak- ing his own garden as an example, spoke of the dangers of wind A oe en iel. Nat, ? The Fitvqetald “Syunpasian beg a ernsian, aud descitbhed how he had overcome the effects by a.cappinig of gravel. He also remarked that since the gravel was spread mast of the native plants had produced an abundance of seedlings. A series of slides showing native planis tmder cultivation, in the Mallee and at Ivanhoe, and sections showing how the beds were built up, illustrated Mr. Hanimeti’s remarks. (©) Large-Scale Remedial Measures——Mi, P, Bibby showed Wustrations of contour ploughing and terracing for hiil slopes, planting of willow and ather trees for river banks, various nieans of diverting river flow front erosion areas, brush layityy anc subse- quent planting for wind-swept areas, and the various means ior reclaniation of eraded gullies. In the remarks that followed, Mr. A.D. Tardy and Lieut. Lee Burchain spoke ont thei experiences in conservatiow matters nyer- seas; and Messrs. Lidowict, Gates, Hyaa and Jenkins contributed ta the discussion, REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS Ryports of Tixenrsions were given as follows: Botanical Gardens, Mr. H. CLE. Stewart; Studley Park. Mr. P. Bibby. ELECTION OF MIEEMBERS The following were daly elected as ordinary meinbers of the Clu; Mrs. E, BE. Lord, and Mr. R. Whitworth; as Country Member, Miss Ruth Bennier; as Associate Member, Miss Colleen Chuge. GENERAL BUSINESS Plant Names Subl-Committee—A recommendation from the Committee was as follows: “That the Plant Names Sub-Committee be re-constituted with the follawing personel: Messrs, P_ FP. Morris. J. H. Willis, P. Bibby, E. I. Peseott, Noel Lothian aud Dr. CS. Sutten, and that three be.a quorum for meetings.” This recommendation was adopter, THE FITZGERALD "S¥MPOSIUM" ° Since coutribetors began te express their views (in the January nambler of this journal), neither Mvs. Messmer, Mrs. Maller, nor Mr Rupp has made any reference to the great Australian orchidologist's ows bandwriline. Several o€ his letters to Baran yon Mucller are preserved at the Melbourtie Flerbariam, ate in these he unqbestienably sions his-name with a capital “O" Echoing Mr. Rupp’s sentiment. if an edocated man eannet write his owl name correctly, thea who can? Mrs, Meéssmer’s precedenr in restoring: the capital "G" is entirely justified and there shoukl be no two ways shone any future citation al “FitzGerald” wn hotanieal literature, James fl. Wiis. ae Emin Corewan, The Story of My Honay-sers 3 TIE STORY OF MY HONEY-BEES By Enirn Coreman, Blackbum, Vic. For several reasons it scemed ne more than poetic justice that a swarm of bees should settle in this garden. As the daughter of my father 1 could aot fail to be interested in them, for there had always been a hive, sometimes two, in his garden. Moreover for years J had been filling the garden with Vnglish heths and cottage flowers which for centuries have been regarded as “bec-flowers,” The bees came in late October, 1041, to & garden full of blossam- When discovered, the fabric of their waxen city had already taken shape. lt was about as large as u child’s football, somewhat flat- tened—three collateral Jeaves of pure white coml with several others staried. It hung from ithe top of an apple-tree, and as it widened and lengthened it suggested a waxen cave-shawl, or a shaw] such as a sculptor might chisel. The hees were not molested for if seemed a golden chance tu note their behaviour when free to follow natural instincts, to work: without restcaint or supervision. Tlere was living proof that the honey-bee (Apis melfifier) after centuries of exploitation, is not yet fully domesticated, and in this reversion we were privileged to read something of its ancestral ways. The swarm had. come to rest like the Assyrian bees of Isatah. They had settled as the Jurge prmvitive bee (4 pis dorsafe) settles to-day in Eastern lands where forests literally flow with honey, as it flawed in those far-hack days for the men of Israel, when Jonathan reached up his rod “and dipped i. into an honey-coinb,”” There were minty cold days in December, 1941, and January, 1942, with aweh rain, and hoisterous winds that littered the gar- den with broken boughs. The hees in their naked nest crowded between the leaves of comb, wings extended otttward and down- ward, so that water ran off the tps. One could sce the inner hees move out, as if to give the outer ones a chance of some warmth, It seemed that they must perish iv their unprotected slate. Later, on Mr. Hatmnett’s suggestion, they were covered with a water- proof ground-shect, and soon it was evident that ali was well with them. The combs inercased; their amber colonr and honey scent Lore witness to goad work among the flowers. The apple-trees were humming with bees and every flowering plant was a tavern to scores of unresting Deborahs, “victints of a tyrannical jnstinet for labour,” inheritors of a long pedigree of toil. Ceaselessly they foraged, and laboured on the combs, to die oulworn at six weeks or less, As Bridges laments; “Forty days; six unsabbath'l wecks of fever’d tol wasteth and wearicth out their little frames.” The nest was freily open to the East and West. H seentect 4 Enrrit Coceatan, Tho Stery ef Aly Money Hees bag te strange that bees which, under doniestication, had loved to work in almost total darkness, should carry on in full sunlight, At no time did I see any fanning; but this is not surprising, for, as Professor Romanes points out, fanning is not an inborn tendency, but is evoked by discomforts imposed upon the bees by the hee-keeper. Fanning almost ceased when Huber housed his bees in a large hive 5 ft. high. The smell of the honey was delicious. ‘To take it Srony a naked hive. however. reyuired more enurage than I possess—hue TP did study. ways and means! ROBBING THE BEES it seemed one had only to so alarm the bees with a puff of smake and, in their eagerness to save their stores, they would fill them- stlyves.too full of honey to curve the body to sting. That process sounls easy, but tey it on an un-walled host free to rush to the attack from four directions! An old way was to suffocate the bees in a sulphur pit. Hardy, who had made a study of the manners and customs of rural “Wessex, describes this cruel method of rebbing the bees. When Fanny (U/nder the Grecnmood Tree), protests agamst the cruelty of it, her father says: “JF you suffocate them they only die once, Tf you Fumigate them in the new way they come to life and die of starvation, so the pangs of death be twice upon them." Loudon, in his mammoth compendium of facts tor gardeners and hushandmien. states that La Grence “has the merit” of having shown that there is neither proht nor humanity in saving bees after honey-taking. Mercifully bees are no longer allowed fo starve after honey-taking. In his Malay Archtpeluga, published 74 years ago, A, R, Wallace describes the large natural nests built by of pis dorsate on branches 70 or 80 feet from the ground. These nests, 3 of 4 together, were built on the underside of a horizontal branch and were often 4 ft. in diameter. He fells how the nalives robbed the nests at night with the aid only of torches. Enraged bees chased the sparks instead of the robbers; hut the men did not gn unscathed, nor did Wallace, Professor Romanes quote; a significant statement (Nature, Vol, xvi p. 373) that European bees when transported to Australia retain their industrious fubits only for the first 2 or 3 years. After that they gradually cease to collect honey until they become quite idle, anid the same: fact is observable with bees trans- ported to California. Tt is obviated by abstracting the honey as it is collected, There is a similar statement by Dy, Erasmus Darwin that bees transported ta the Barbadoes, where there is io winter, cease to lay up honey So it appeared that T must take the honey or entertain idle bees! Perhaps they would reyert to nomadic habits and follow the flowering of Eucalypts, wy ae suerte Coneman, The Stange of My Hantey- Bees ‘1 had always been interested in the work of bees in pollination, bur this was a new experience full of promise to a novice, full of Surprises, tou! As inight he expected, the bee: presented maty problems, TITIE SWARMING As the combs increased emerging young filled them to. overflow- ing, taxing all the energics of the comb-builders, it seemed. Swarming appeared-in be imminent. It hecame advisable io take some steps to persuade my swarms to settle in other parts of the garden. I looked up authorities on “casting,” including the quamt classics af ancient bee Uteralare which ior sume years f had been “collecting” as small heys collect tiatch-box tops. with nothing define im view, but for pure delight in them. I learned that, within certain limits, one was allowed to follow one’s bees even to a aeighbour's land, as one drummed with key on pan! Must I really drum them? What would the neighhours think ? “Bees,” says Burton, discussing the response ta music of man and the lower animals (4natomy af Melanchaly, the only book that had power lo keep Dr. Johnson awake all might), “bees wher they hear any tingling sound, will tucry behind?’ On the other hand, Lawson, the Isaac Walton of gardening and bee- hushindry, insists that “ringing in the tune of casting is pure fancte,” Modern writers have suggested that drumming, or ringing, drawns the slnill piping of the guteen, and so prevents the swarur from following her too tar, This might necessitate some steps to secure another queen, Tt seemed tmperatrye that J must drum my swarms 1 gathered from Blackmore (Springhawen) that when a man is touting for his neighbour's bees the pau must be struck sottly at first to tone with the murmuring mob, | need not have anticipated. “he bees knew better than J] what they would do. This “sipping-garden” apparently suited then and they meant to stay, Twice the commmity appeared ta break up a little, but in a week, by so cmerging young again filled the contbs, Av night could be heard an elfin buzz as typical of bees as the perfume abour the nest. Macterlinck and others have stated that bees renonnce sleep; but. do they? Taking a torch | several times surprised my bees perfectly motionless, due perhaps to the new, or rather old, conditions uncer which they were living WINTER BEHAVIOUR ‘During the witiler the bees were covered with niure sacks, On very cold days they appeared not ta move: then, when the weather was kinder, they indulged in short flights near the combs. ly was presently obvious that these were cleansing flights, serving two wonderful purposes, Excremerit 3s never, except in very rare 4 Busan Coneman, The Story of My Honey- Race Lara ae instances due to iness, voided on to the combs. After centunes of necessary suppression im tnseasonable weather, evacuation is now stimulated only in Aight. “ES It was noted that the bees returned to a fresh fold af the comb where cells had net been tapped, doubtless having exhausted the honey in those over which they had previously been clustered, Even tm sunty Ausuaha Winter is a sad time for bees that are ~ not protected, and many perished daily, leaving just enough to feed the larvae that were to augment the community in the Spring. On very cold days the bees clung topether im strings: not the living ladders which are sometimes formed, on which they ascend or descend {o reach inaccessible parts of a hive ; but almost lifeless strings froin which they dropped and disappeared. It was then that one understood the poetic references of ancient authurs to “garfands of bees.” Later J was able to accept Southey's mare fantastic iimagery—''a bow string with bees.”” Not untl now had I been apprehensive of stmgs. While the hive was populous and prosperans [ might safely stand within a ivat of the cambs, although the bees always seemed “edgy” doring windy or thundery conditions. Om June Sth, 1941 (a windy day) 1 tnak my frst photo, of the impoverished hive, for which, unfortimately, it was necessary to harumer stakes into the sloping grind to support my camera. Very soon, then, | was stung on a hand, Haltan hotir later another sting was lett hehind an car, and next day one caught the hand that snapped off a tiny twig which inpeded my wew—three brave lives lost in guarding that wonderful city. IT have never grudged them those stings. Jn cach itistauce I saw the bee speed straight as a dart—a bee-torpedo—to my flesl. felt that T had discovered a better explanation of the ternt “bee-line” than the aecepted one af homing-fight. Quitby disagrees with those who say ther a warning is always given before attack, and Tam meclined to agree with him, After this the bees seemed ts blame me Jor any untoward llappenings—unscasonable elements or wind-tossed sacks. Lt must be confessed that there was some change in my own attitude and for a few days “all: the world went softly” about their domain. T had discovered that lees tre captions folk, “quick to turn against the lubber’s. touch.” TAMING VICIOUS BEES Tt looked as if the bees would rule the garden. Could T time them? Pettigrew (1875) tells how to tame and domesticate vicious bees by getting: then used te the human form. He placed a Scotch bogte (scarecrow) in front of a hive which he dared not approach. Although they at first attacked it his bees soon grew quiet But then my hees might grow fond of their bogle and blame me when 4 Faith Cormaran, The Story of Ay Flouey-Bers 7 it was removed! Tf read of other methods, buc thoughi it saler nal to test them; and so perhaps I missed the chance of going down 1a. posterity as a woman bee-tamer. According to Professor Romanes. (1883) who sifted records from imany sources, bees do recugnize people. [Te quotes Bingley’s stalement that they even send themselves to tuition, and ihat Willman contd cause a swarth to settle oh Tis face without sting- ing him. He could marshal them into companies and battalions waiting for his order towarch! He even trained them not to sting admiring onloukers ! H. A. Page, in his life oy Thoreau. tells of a clergyman named Cotton, sa of a gavernor of the Bank of England, who togk bees to Australia and tu the islands of tke Pacific. ‘fo the wonder of all in the ship the bees would enme when he called them and covered hin) as he Jay. After fondling then he would gather them lagcther, as one would gather a mass of loose worsted. into. a hall, take (hem close to the hive and give the signal for them. to retire, Remarkable ay it se¢ents, there must be some truth in these glories if we way trust another clergyman, White of Selhorne. Writing in 1788 he tells of a Hoy whom he knew who would fill his shire with bees. He weuld rap ona hive, as birds are sail to do, ant take the bees as they energed, fo remove theiv srings ind suck the linney, Mipling's hee-boy who could pick up ewaris. in lis naked hands was probably based on White's hee-sucker Marv Mitford, too. nvust Nave had “a way” with bees. "Yo’se ne of ‘they as the bees love” said the bee-master who Inoked after Dr. Mitford's bees, “and that’s a ducky thing to be.” This man could foretelt changes in the weather fran the behaviour of his bees. Certainly the temper of the bees inay be gauged from the state of the weather. They are said to attack thase who go to them in anger, or in a state af nervous excitement, One thing stands aul in the litera- tre of the bee—they love qtiet. In primitive times a personality was ascribed to them. They nist never be angered or grieved or Wl would hefall those responsible, They must be treater! with affection and vespect. Old hee-masters demonstrated this hy taking off their hats to the hive Even to-day bees are-said to be as itch influenced by the bearing al the bee-keeper as by the weather: "Nan dow von await wherc bees ale When the Hohkbangs play; ~ Nor dawt san hate zohore bers nie, Ov alse tury'lt pine acciays,! Waplng, who rook great interest in bees, knew this, When Tom Shoesmith (Puch of Pook's Ail) tells the children how the frightened fairies of England crawelect into the marshes during B Longevity af Leguaniiincs Serids OL oe the turmoils of the Reformation, he adds: “Goodwill among flesh and blood is meat and drink.to fairies and ill-will ts poagon.” "Same as bees,” said the bee-boy. “Bees wan'l stay by a house where there's hating.” Not so fantastic as tt sounds, perhaps. Harmony among humans as well. as their animals was once regarded as essential to success on the land. A man who il-treated his wife would influence both animals and bees. Again, not ga fantastic as it sounds perhaps, for bittemess and bickering affect humans physically as well as mentally and, doubtless, react on any animals under their control. This theary of health and harmony in the farmer's family as well as among the farm aninials is ove of the planks ow which Dr. Rudolf Steiner based his system of agriculture which is practised m many parts of the world to-day. (To be cavtinned.) LONGEVITY OF LEGUMINOUS SEEDS For fuse over a rear a considerable acea of the Kings Damam. north from the Shrine of Remembrance (Melbourne) Jias been diszected) by a complicated slit-trench: system: of afr-raid shelters, aud as these ara tow heing filled in it is opportune to sav something abaar the plant-lfe which had so quickly colonised the freshly-turned mounds of yellaw clay subsoil, A wholesale invasion of erasses from the siersuuding areas of rndis- tarted law was the most prominent feature, Indian Couch, Creepme Bent, Pigeon aiid Rye Grasses being the principal competitors. But mast interesting of all was the appearance of healthe plants (same nowy a foot hich} of the four native Jegumes, Acacia tallest, 4. pucnentha. AL longifolia, aud Kennedya prostrate: it ie highly inlikely that the heavy sced of (bese was deposited by: wind and, as it is ten years sinte the Shrine approaches were fevelled off and planted with tawn grass mixtare, the leguminous seeds have apparently remaited deep ii the ground and viable for at least a decade, probabiy muvty donger, The longevity of wattle seed is well attested, Mr, P. F, Morris recalls a fine crop of Acacia mollissime whielt follawed the demoliuew af a house wearly 90 vears olin Park Street, South Varra, Juans H. Warnes, DEATH OF MB, THOMAS R.A. ROBINSON Menibers of the LN.C. will jom im paying tribnte i the memory of Thamas Alfred Robinsan, who died ar “Chorizema,” Dutsow (Vic.) on April 23. He would Wave been 91 vears.of age on May 1. Born at Colfineweod an (as his age tudlieates) the days when that now-populous area was a paradise af wild fowers, Mr, Robinson (a Melbourne Grammar Sehoul hay) became a texeher mw the Education Department and_afterwards a former “‘Whrourh- out his lite he retained the keen interest in native plants acquired pi youth and at “Chorizema’ tie had remarkable success as a grower and propagator. Tiere are, perhaps, SN species of native plants growing freely on the property. Mer, Robinson bad fone been a meiner of the FNC. and continued to the gual bis aterest m the Club's activites. Pe Teaves one san and four daughters, to when the svepatis of all Victonon satarnalists ix tendered. bs ‘ Warren 5. Caarprntn, Gaglinh Spareac in elusteralia 9 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AUSTRALIA By (the late) Wavrer S, Campssu., Sydney* It 1s not possible, FE think, to determine how or when the sparrow was introduced into Australia, He anust have been brought out intentionally ; not Jike rats and mice which are volyntary intruders. Some sixty years ago sparrows abounded in parts of the colony —now State—of Victoria, more particularly about the City of Melhourne and suburbs, where I saw a sparrow for the first time in my life, These hte migrants were quite at home in the city Streets, enjoying to the full the streams of water which at that time were kept coristantly flowing in the wide stone gutters at the street sides, to carry to the river Yarra a considerable proportion of the city sewage matter. Doubtless the sparrows found in the perennial streams abundant varied morsels of choice food on which to regale themselves with ease” There, chattering, hopping about, quarrelling, and with a general tone of impudence, were hundreds and hundreds which greatly interested me, for [ had never seen anything hike it before m bird hic m Australia At the time to which J refer there were 110 Sparrows ahout Sydney or suburhs. nor I think about any towns or settlements it N.5.W_; hut before very long they appeared, became quite at home at once, and increased ramidly. This invasion was regretted by tatty persons mtecested in our ative birds, because 1 was ¢ot- sidered that the whiquitous and protific sparrow would onst or thin ont many of the beautiful, smaller, iudigenous species beloved bv Australians. 50 greatly have sperrows mcreased that same are to be met with in all the ihahited extra-tropical parts of Australia, if not within the tropics also, In the great wheat-growing districts they have become deslructive pests, consuniiy considerable quantities of grain, and spoiling a great deal; particularly amongst varieties of wheat the grain of which “shakes out’ casily. thus causing con- stderable losses to wheat-zrowers. At railway stations to which wheat is umiveyed in bags for transmission to markets, large open sheds have heen erected for the storage of this wheat, These are covered wath galvanized coreugated iron enpposed by strangers to Australia to be tin In these sheds the wheat is stacked and frequently remains there for some time, The sides and ends of the sheds bemg open, sparraws in hundreds, if not in thousands, hive free access to the wheat-bags at which they peck and peck until large holes are made through which wheat pours to the ground. Many times 1 have seen con- siderable losses caused in that manner hy sparrows “Mr Campbell, sometime Director of Apriculwure in NWS W.. who died a frw YeaTe sco wt the see of paol-00 years, mive me those notes in Syducy about ORO. Ho had intunded to reviso them. Tater. but thy apportunity did wot ocene —Editor ‘ ane ree IN : Vogt, Naot 10 Warrae S Casvnsun, Siylish Sparrow me lastealio Wel: Lx During his remarkable anc successful cxperanents i the taking of high quality wheats for Australian conditions, my friend the late William Farrer was considerably impeded and annoyed Ixy the attacks of sparrows au yalualile varieties of growing hybrids, some of which have iurned out to be worth hundreds of thousands, if sot millions, of pounds sterling ta the various wheat-growing Siaces of Anstralia. Prison was of little or no avail, and resort was necessary to powder and shot, but even then it was difficult to ‘keep the Jittle pests away. They are becoming rémarkably cunning and ever aii the watch to destroy {le Weasures so (ediously created by Mr, Farrer: Abou the city of Sydeey and suburbs at the present time sparrows abound in thousends, They seem to be ever breeding: if one nest is destroyed they set to and build another, Whether they are more prolific here thay in England—as seems prohable—I sun OL Aware, The habits of this hird seenr to be just the sume as they are m England, notwithstancing the change fo a more genial climate. where throughot the vear pletitiful supplies of seme kinds of grain, as well as of insect, foods are abundant and easily available. No doubt some kinds of grain are preferred to others such as wheat to various grass-sceds. ‘They are remarkably fond of sunflawerseeds, and also of seedlings of andialsesirange to say Only those jlanted out, self-sown seedlings being seldom attacked, J anv obliged to protect any seedlings of poppies | may plant in the garden. oy sparrows will speedily make short work of then, whereas lhundreds of plants close by, self-sown, remain witouched. The birds know the time to a minute—tour o'clock mo the afler- noon—when I feed my poultry with wheat. There are dogets of then: siting on the fence or amongst the trees, on the Jook-ont to ghtaim ther share, (I say, perhaps, interpolate here that a number of pold-fish which (hyive remarkably well 7 a waterhole in my garden, are just as well aware of the time of feeding as the sparrows ;-Chey are waiting for me with opening jaws, and some will lel ine rub their hacks), One day I heard ir ny yard a great noise aimongsy seme spar- vows. 7 Jooked is and witnesses a curious sight. On a patch of a fei square yards of grass (which T put dawn for my dogs to roll un and where they may enjay meat bones) was a rather large rib-lone and ahaut six feet away was a young sparrow with its father standing close by. Peeking away at the bore was the mnther. whe, as soon as she had detached u small piece of meat. Hopped up with il yo the youngster, who, atter calling out ag loud as it cold, opened ws heal wide and ito its throat the mether popped in the meat. She kept up this performance for several iniiyles, hopping frit bone to offspring and from offspring to May 14k Warren & Campuens, Jingliah Spaeran 2 elustralia i bone all the time, T have pttazled myself to know why at was the farher and child did not stand «lose to the hone! Sparrows are exceedingly useful as scavangers about cities and towns clearing away adds and ends of bread, meat and other fubbish from yards and streets. 7 frequently see them carrying away from garden plants, caterpillars of various kinds, They also attick green aphis on rese bushes and insect scales on tees and shrubs. During the ttmes when white-ants swarm and those fur- mished with wings Ay about, sparrows iuvariably attack and make use of them for food, Moths andl hutterfies of various species art nsed frequently, Occasionally, at Jong intervals, we are visited by thousands of butterflies, flying from a south-westerly direction te the north. They remain about the suburbs for a Tew days, resting amohgst the native shrubs aud fying about here anc there. During that period the sparrows are remarkably active m pursuit of this new game, which when caught is made nse of as food I have watched a sparrow chasing one of these whitislygrey butter- flies fav more than a quarter of an heer. The speed kept ap was remarkable. Tn such hunts the sparrow was semetinies sntcessfnl jn catching thé butterfly, but at other times the butterfly escaped; probably the sparrow was exhaysted. But the most remarkable subjects of atlack by sparrows, during spring and summer. are species or varieties of cicadas which aboune and keep tip a continuous chorus of sheild) music during the period they remain with ts, It seems remarkable to me that sparraws should select such Jarge and pgugh creatures for their tood, The male sparrows in my yard frequently have severe fights amongst themselves, pecking and clawme at each other auc rolhng over and ower ia the dustiest place they can selecr. 1 douht whether any are killed in these cneoutters; occasionally T find a dead one on the ground, but those may dre from old age. The aged anes become very feeble and unable tu obtain a sufficiency of food. One poor old creature used ta come (to me, when | was cracking up biscuits for my gold-fAsh. appealing for a cnunb or two. Tt was guile pathetic to yee Ing ineffectual efforts to hop fo the top of the box on which I cracked up the biscuit, GOATS AND GUM LEAVES Was anyone heard of the Ieaves of the supar-gamr being injurious tn joats ¢ A country teader says that a jew leaves were pivels Lo each. ol iotiy BORLA tied in a yard and hevmg access to nothing else injurious. In less that two haurs after one died in great ayony, another was almost dead, faut recovered, and the other two were not affected. These Jasi two had eaten the lady vartow Jeaves of the @um, white the goals poisoned had talken the round leaves, Qn examination the one thal died shawed no trace of ircitativn of the stumach, but the luses and heart were alinost ‘black. and fill of cangealed bloc. j2 F, S& Cocesver, Plant Restuins from Mansfield ped ~~ ON SOME PLANT REMAINS FROM MANSFIELD, VICTORIA - By F. §. Coutiver, Methourne The impressions herewith figured and described, and apparently of 4 difterent type from any previously recorded from Mansfield, were collected during a short visit made with Mr. F. H. Salaun to the districe at Easter, 1942, They were not. found in situ. but were taken from a pile of large stones al thie side of the road ta the Broke River just past the Barwite Road turn-off, At this spot the road is cut through a small hillside and doubticss these rocks “came trom road repairs that appear to fave been made fairly recently On the law side of the yoad a sectivn across the beds enabled jraspectiug to be done, and although no similar specimens were fond, small pieces carrying the enamelled scales, ete.. similay to those obtained at Fish Mill overlooking the homestead, were collected. Time and position did not permit a thorough investie gution into the conterts of the rocks exposed. The specimen figured is without doubt of vegetable origin and the general habit first seemed to indicate one of the marine algae generally referred to as Bythotrephis or Chondrites, Unfortunately the preservation of the specimen is not good and ali important details are not shawing; thus determimation must he doubtful. Of these two genera, Bythotre plity is fatind in Ordovician and Silurian deposits, and Chandrites ranges from Palaezoie to Meésozoic at Jeast, and thus the age docs not adit intich toward the determination of the specimens. The beds from whicl these vocks were taken are certainly of the same age as the red sandstones of Fish Hill, and indeed appear ta be portion of the same series ' ‘These beds, on thei fassil content, uaitly fish and Lepidoden- dron, have been referred to as of Lower Carhoniferous age, aud the genera of the fish, lovether with the association of lancl plant remains, scems to sugpest al leasr estuarine conditions when the deposits were Jaid down. Myron this it is thus quite possible for marine algae to be found in association with these other fossils. However, looking further into fossi} plant forms for compansons, the genus. Sphenapteris in some of its fornis (eg., S. afiurs, L. et H.) seems to approach closely to the specimen under ciscus- sion. This genus, according to Seward, is “one of those extremely useful pravisional generic terms where we have no satisiactory proof of precise botanical affinity,” add as such may he used to desipnate the specimen until some better preservedt ciaterial is obtained, Photo.: H. T. Reeves Sphenopteris sp.. fram Alans ficid, ALV Id HHL LSVIVYALVN NVIBOLIOB toy] trol wy FOS. Contaven, Plant Roveins tram Mansfeld 13 Thus J stiggest the speeinen be known as Sphenopterts sp. This genus is common in the Carboniferous, and forms closely allied to the figured specimen occur in England and Europe. As a further indication oi the estuarine and tidal conditinns Jusiny Use laying down of these sediments may be mentioned the smalt Britde-Star described as cf. 4ganaster gregmins (Meek and Worthen) (Proc. WS. Vie. Vol. 47, Pt Lp. 207), wich was found at Maindawiple Park, Mansfield. The photograph here reproduced was taken hy Mr, Jt. T. Reeves, using 3 very low angle and inereury vapor as the mliumistat, The detail of the photo. actually appears better than that shown on the specimen, To Mr. I. Chapman, AVS. ete.. for reading aver the above and suggesting beiter terimimology, and to the staff of the National Herbarium for faolities in checking references and examining specimens of alaae, the wiiter extends his cordial thanks. FURTHER NOTES ON PHALANGERS By B. Carrarw, Portland In a recent issue of the iietonan Naturalist there appeared a yshotograph of a Phalanger being hell hy its owner, Josie Aldridge of Heywood, This week (April) Josie and her sister Syivia came along tu see me and had a surprise to tinfold, The fact is, “fermyn’ has had another set of twins. They were but » few days ald and, after! vigorously partaking of a drink trom their unother, tiey tueled themmélves away iu her pouch with astonish- ing speed, . Here are some of Josie’s notes on her pets: “We lave given ther practdally everything to cat and the only retusals arc: frogs, earthworms, and siugs. They love almost any kind af mot, bit do not take to the white cabbage mot, They were very fond of the black grubs which were so plentiful about Christmas time. Qf fruits, perhaps the teisata takes first preference, especially the seeds, Tt is veally marvellous how they can detect by smell the things they like; they come out very quickly fur, s2y, a tomatu, whereas if the offerimg’ 1s nat their favourite Eoad they wont hurry in the slightest. The white grubs, so plentiful in our forest, ate Tivst davourite of any of their Inods. ‘Vhey drink plenty af colt water Ther also had a helping of Christmas pudding, but did not get 3d) “Jermy ia a cunning litle scamp and if flies are plenuful ste will nor worry to iave off inv shoulder, for she knaws full well that we will catch then for er. “Lhe frst lot of twins arc now very beautiful and the fur really lovely. but they have become a little wild, no dawht on account of my being away on a holiday, Up to this they were very taine. “Flere is, the list of things they have ‘sampled’: cherry-plums, greengage Phinws, Slackberries, mulberries, cooked meat, raw ment, covked or raw fish, apples, grapes, carrots, cakes, jam, honey, milk, heeiles, black grubs, white ground grubs, fies, moths, and white wood-grubs, “Termyn' will be five vears old next month and alrhougl the babies are Jovely she still takes pride of place as our favourite,” 44 Remy asn Wittis, ¥eree Bend Pate Birk aa se TAT ¥ARRA BEND PUBLIC PARK Ry MON. Brrey ano J. H- Won, Natianal Herbarium, Melbouric The 20. ojenibers and freends who assenthled at Johnston Street Bridge an Satureay, 10th April, were favoured with ideal escursian weather, Mr. FS. Colbver, io giving 2 prelinnitary explanutian ai the peolapical history of Studley Park region, led our party up the left bank of tbe river co Dight’s Balls. lxcellent clitf-face profiles ol the Silurian serlamentary hevrock (upon which Melbourne largely stands) were briefly examined and rhe intricate folding, faulting, displacement and pinching of strata, the effects at billside cree aud other interesung features were noted. Botanica) observations occupied the remainder of a pleasant sfiernoan, Im aceardatice with the Cluh's projece to male hotanical surveys of the turested country sul) remaining withy greater Methourne district Ca Inudadte aac iow that dransport ta more distant Inmting-grounds is sa restricted), Farr Pend was chosen os the fret reserve to have a series of quarterly Visits. The pame Studley Park ccased ta have offieasi status ap 145 when the Lands Department icorporaced that area so atesignated in a larger reserve af SR? acres (excluding over S42 acres pecuped by the Yarra Boulevard}, which flow cmbraces. the coubtry araund Fairfield Hospital—between Merri Creek oan the west and Mew Mental Asylum to the east, Pac convenience iit compiling Botanical starigties, the whole Yarta Bend Public Park is best divided ate thrée distinct sections, viz, “Studley Park" as previously undyrstead, “North Rast’ section between Kew Asylum and the river, and "Central" section belween tae Yerra, Heidelberg Road, aud Merri Creck—this Iast and largest division is the Jewst interesting’ Aoristically, ince it cuver? newer basalt prassiand north of che Yarra whick has beer manifestly altered thraugh grazing aud consequent reptacemnent of the original vegetation by alien weeds, Neomore than three traverses were undertaken i tho couple of hours of daylight available; these embodied the slopes and river frontages irony Toluaton Street Bridge ta Dight’s Falls, fruin the Falls past the Grimes memerint io steep cliffs near the Ferry stage, fram the Boulevarel alnve the Ferry past tbe Reservoir ant aloug the river escarpiemt again to Gipps Strect foothridee, Notwithstanding wus anusualiy dry aucumn 3seasay whieh had withered the leaves of tlany shrubs Cnatahly Myoporun wiseosim and Cassima acivesio, grownlg on exfoscd stony preund), no fewer than 140 higher plants (88 yatives and 32 ustablished aliens) were listed during. the atter- noon, aid of the (4aore than a *-Ciirrent 2.°., .. 05 2 ts 202 14 6 In Adyance .. 2. 62 we ee ee 2410 4 Cash Sales of— Victorian Naturalist -.. 4 6 8 3 Publications .. 6. 6. 2. we ee 416 11 Badges .. ., 4. 213 2 Crockery ,- 5 5.4 Advertisements in Victorian Naturalist . .- . Interest Received— “Best Fund,” Fixed Denese, £50 @ 24% 1... z] 2 64 Fixed Deposits .. .. wa eh ie egy dy oe Be Commonwealth.Loans ., .. .. 20 3 @ Balance at Banks on 30th April, 1942— State Savings Bank credit .. .. £260 7 9 0 6 Py ~ fo foxy ~ = 22:10 0 £332 4 8 231.7 3 £563 IL I EXPENDITURE Fidtortan Naturvatist— Printmg .,' £173 5 4 ‘Tilustrating 2... 0... 4218 9 Despatching sat 1 be beet te § 71l 7 Resting Jt Jap ordep dooap fete seep end Postage and Freight . ef tiopront General Printing and Stationery fig tt cy By Library .. .. . Acewe ee “BE ee cee we BD Rent and Caretaking - tL Le Affilation Fees .2 6. 1. ek ee ee ee General Expenses .. . Invested in Commonwealth Loan .. .. .- .. Balance at Banks on 30th fist 1943— E.S.& A, Bank - .. .. £23 8 10 - State Savings Bank veal . 47 16 6 ah] f ST ATEMENT OF: RECEIPTS © AND EXPENDITURE FOR 12 MONTHS ENDED: 30th APRIL, 1943. s te . _ OF ee SE se ot bho oo MN 200 it NOS ~w onr PAN DOL danpipuaday jn sjfioay fo pants! XT vA] ‘UN 3ILA FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA BALANCE SHEET ON 30th APRIL, 1943. : LIABILITIES ASSETS Late Dudley Best Fumd ,. .. -. 2. 2. 6, 4: £50 O @ | Arrears of Babs fide 2007 48/ Subscriptions paid in advance .. .. . 2410 4 Estimated to realize .. 1... sides aces 440 0 0 Special Trust Account (in Savings Bank) . 1215 3 State Savings Bank— , -——_— General Account .. .. .. .. .. £57 15 6 £87 5 7 ‘Special Trust. Account ba er 12:15 3 Balance, being surplus of Assets over Lia- ~f i 70 11 9 bilities 2. 1. ue ne ce ee ee ae ee ve eels) «E840 15 0 ES. & A, Bank— : : General Account .. 4-0-1 ce op eee a ee 23° 8 ‘10 Investitents— ES. & A. Bank Fixed PRPORRY “Best Fund’... £50 0 0 General .. 1 aber 3020+ «0 Commonwealth, Bonds ~_ Face : yalue .. .- . 650 6 6 (Market value. ‘at "this “date £691) ‘ . 750 0 0. Library, Furniture and Epidiascope— At Insurance Value .. .. Wea 680 0 0 - Stock on hand of Books and Badges— ; At Valuation— Feyn Book .. .. .. .. .. .. #46 0 9 ; Fungus Book .. .. .. ,. ., 20 0 0 Club Badges An oS EES Se 40 0 64 0 0 £1,628 0 s? £1,628 0 7 Audited and found correct on 14th Ie a 1943, ¥! ; a BE baie «=| RE ED Hon, Auditors. E, E. LORD, Hon, Treasurer. [ae Jeppuod ery pid sygraiay fo juaueajoys ZB Kure a New Sprcieg 0) Caloehilny (Ordadeccar) Va te A NEW SPECIES OF CALOCHILUS (ORCHIDACEAE) (C. gramllinms, sp. nav.) By the Rev. H, MR Rype, Northbridge, N-S,W, Planta gracilis, 20-35 om alto, fotio eangusta canelwulate. Canis diacleae 2 Flores 2.8, aliquanta porci, Sepalwmn dorsate late fancedlatiu, encullotiun, cirettcr 1 cen. fongum: sepata lateralia lanceolata, vix 1 cm, tange. Petala anulta brevicra, Jere rhombordalia, fusca cen fineig viebras purpereis, Lobelluns gracilltmuns et longissiimiem, tilts logis riebyo-purpureis dense fimbrintunt: lamina ad basem omning papillose, ad opicem flamentcsa, _ pilose, Columma brevis, ad base cin glandibus saporaiys parrvis duodus ; antiera mfons. Ouariuny magni consplene costatun, ; A slender plant from 20 to 35 cm. high, with a narrow channeiled leaf sometimes hardly reaching the inflorescence, and’ twu sheathing slem-bracts, Fluwers 2-8, rather small, Dorsal sepal hhyroadly Janceolate, cucillate, about 1 ecm. long. Lateral sepals rather narrowly lanceolate, scarcely 1 ¢in. long. Petals very much shorter, almost rhomboid, after expansion soon turning inwards in front of the colunm, brownish with deep reddish-purple striae. Labellum very slender and vecy long, densely fimbriate with long reddish-purple hairs; lamina at the hase wholly papillose, the papillae gradually lengthening till they blend with the hairs; apical portion not a bare sibbon, but the lamina gradually becoming finely filiform, and beset with hairs almast to the ti Cohlimnn short, with two small very dark unoomected glands at the base. Each gland has a very short vein entering if from above and front below, and about midway between the glands is a dark-colowred swelling, Anther much bent forward. oftet emalginate, Lower margin of stigma conspicuous, dark; upper margin obscure, Ovary large, conspicuously ribbed, Blackwall Mountain, Woy Woy, Christmas Day, 1933, H. MM. R- Rupp. Motnt irvine, Blue Mountains, January, 1934, Mrs. C. A. Messmer; January, 1943, Misses J. P. and G, J. Scrivener As will be gathered from the above data, the new species has heen actually known for over ten years; but from various causes iis deseription hag heen delayed. Morphologically the flower is most nearly related to Bentham's C. Robertsond, but it could nor be included in that species. Its outstanding ‘charactéristics, dis- tinguishing it from all other species yet discovered, are: {1) Flowering season—tmidsummer. (2) Extreine slenderness and great length of the labellum. (3) Anterior portion of labellum not contracting into a bare ribbon, but gradually: becoming filiform, and clothed with hairs practically to the bp, The specific namie is in particular allusion to the Jabellum, hur is almust équally applicable ta the whole flower, The isolated dark swelling between the basal glands of the calunw: is interesting, and may passibly represent a third gland; but at is ill-defined, atm Baney Meat of We at. F Kenyon Fa DEATH OF MK. A, S. KENYON Acustraha lost a notable and highly uselul cituzen When Mr. A. S, Kenyon itd, jure a jengrhy ilness, at ts home at Heidelberg, Melbourne. on May Alired Stephen Kenvon was bari on Deeember 7, 18467, at Homebush, near Maryborough (Vic 5, where his father. Alired Hendersou (Kenyon, had for some lime a general store. Afterwards (in 1869) the father established chain stores at Beauter?, Avarat, Stawell and Horsham In 187$ he weit. ise farming at Bulgana for several years, until the oxceps tional drought which culannatedein 1883, and the educational needs of his family directed fir to Melhourte, where he started in business as book- Seller, Stationer, ote at Bridge Read, Richmond. A. S. Kenyou attended St. Stephen’s Grammar School, Richmond, and alter wiatriculatioe conumenced the course for civil enpineeriue at the Melheurne University; but, accepting the opportuniiv of obtaining practical experience, in [S87 he entered the Public Works Department wader Messes. Cheeehi and Catani. Next year he transferred as draftsman to the Victorian Water Supply Department, and in 1898 was Assistant Engineer and in 1901. Engineer-ia-Chatge of Towa Supplies and New Proposals. Lu 1906 Dr Cherry, Director of Agnculiure, induced him to join Ins Department as Enginesr of Agriculture. in which acuve capactly he wat employed im the important task of developing the Central Mallee district, wath its difficult prablems of water supply and recfamation, clearing and cultivation e by traction power. In addition, lectures were giyeu in all the agricultural districts, and informative articles published in the Journal of Aericultuce. At the re-orpanization of the Department in J91], Mr. Kenyon was appointed as senior engineer to the State Rivers and Water Conimissian, for which his varied experience was invaluable. In 1932 followed appoint— mebt as Acting Conimissioner, and shortly after as Conkmissioner, Retirement from the Public Service (in 1933} direrta) bit sbundand energy elsewhere. Having for some years been Jronorary Nonitsroatist at the Pubhe Library. he was appointed to take chayge of the collection permanently and later to be Keeper of Antiquities. The present excellent candition of these departments shows his thorough knowledge af the subjects. painstaking ability, and capacity for organization. His secios of lectures on both sebjecte were appreciated for their lucidity and \vealth of information In the subject of Ethnology Mr. Kenyon was an undoubted expert, having through his outdoor work over so exterstve au area ili forese, plain, and d¢cert, niet und studied the aborigines and. the reniains of dhe Stone Age in Australia closely and intelligently, avd with an jotultion that was remarkable, In the comparison and relation of stone artefacts from all parts of the world, and in all ages to the prezent, his arrangement js most iluminating. In this subject also he gave many striking lectures and wrote informative articles. His kiowledee of the pkysiography, geography and natural features of Victoria was comprehensive, especially so in regard to the Mallee and the Murray River and its affluenis, his keen observation being shown in his knowledge of the weology, Aora and fauna of the country, on which he sould always vive first-hand information as a feld naturalist. As a tenibey of 4he Histofical Society of Victoria for tore than 30 years, he devated much time to the study and conpilation of the history of Vietoriz, more particularly of the pastoral period froin [834 to 1860, of Which he made a comprehensive survey. With Mr. R, V, Billis he published Pastirce New (1930) and Postorat Pioneer's of Part Phillip (1932), whilst . . - oe Viet. Mat x Dianey, Death of My, A, &. Reagan Vol. LX Phe Story of the Mallee (1014-15) vividly and conipletely presents tal remarkable area. In these warka a3 @ feliable and enduring record of rhe jastoral pioleers, For some years My, Kenyan, altervatively with Mr. C. Daiey, gave monthly lectures of) Australian history at the Melboume Police Library. Mr. Kerryon also published short histories or analy of places, euch as The Story of Meibnurne, The Story af Austrate, Merdelharg, the City of Shes. also of Swan Mill. Kowree, et), He alsa, as me of the Histarical Sub-committee for the Centenary Celebrations, collaborated with Messrs. A, W. Greig, C. Ro Lone and C. Daley in writing Mtetorie, the First Cenxlury, the official history in 1934. Mr, Kenyon was on the Connnittc. af the Histories) Society for many years, and aceupied for two yours each Ue positions respectively of President, Hon. Socrerary, and Editer. Besieles the wovks above mentianed he contributed many articles, historical, éciettific, edgidecring and sereral, to the Press and magazines, arm) lectured. to societies and clubs on vatigus subjects. Mr. Kenyon wat a member ef siany societies and clubs of cnitural character, in all of whieh he gaye some official service and hely, OF these Tay be menthianed tke Field Naturaliers' Clo of Virtorta, the Antoropolagical Sociely, the Institute of Engineers (Aust, of each of which he was ex-Presidemt. Other societies in which he tavk part were the Avstraban and New Zealand Association dor the Adwancetnent of Seivime, the Society ot Geneulopivis, the Royal Society of Victoria. Wie Auberalasial) [petctirte of Mining and Metallurgy, wilh many kindred societies in ihe other Srates and in Ameérica—a widespread connection . Mr. Keayent inp 1895 married Miss Alexandrina Leontine Deéléyine. who died in 1905, Their daughter, Justine (Mrs. O. C. 'Vyrer). the devoted help-mate of her fsther, avrvives the double boss. In Mr, Kenyon’s nutable career’ in the Public Service of Victoria 4s welas in his honerury assocvation with useful jogjetles ang institatians, his work. official or otherwise, waa invariably churacterized hy full knowledge, Muture judemicnt, ptirpase, niethad, precision, alkl effeiency, ensuring its success, Wersatle and resourceful, he was dismayed by ne dificult: Giitedl with a very retentive memory, tinged witha keen sense of humour, from 3 wisely garnered store of varied knowledge. alrost encyclopertic i character. Mr. Kenyon always derived pleasure in supplying with facility and readiness useful and accurate tifernialon t cuqmirers over 4 wile range of thought, A clear aid lagical thinker. it considered opynons on matrers of moment always carried grest weight, Genial and open-hearted in neture, casily approachable and respanstye, 4 gond raconteur, with 2 hraad, tolerant, and uintlerstaniimy outlook on. wen and manners, Mr. Kettyon retaiied a wide circle pi friends who appreciated his distinct ond aitroctive personality, valued is acyuauuanee, and new sincerely mourn his loss te the community, The funeral took place on May 15, to the Weietelhorg Cemetery, where a service Was conducted by the Rev. ( Larlaned (Presiyterian) in the presence of a large number o} mourners, Represatadves of the PN. included the Premident, Wiee-Presidents. Secretary, Eeitot, and other meinbers, © Datry, Metbers al the FIN LC. will sympathize warmly wih Mr and Mrs. WL Ae Nicholls, whose daughter Doris (Mrs, Panlet}) died on May 19, after an Wess of several months, at the age of 21 years. Mrs Paulet (whose hshand ts in the ALLE.) had been miartied less than oye vear ery Mors axn Pescotr, Poisoning ly Encalypts 51 POISONING BY EUCALYPTS ConsHlerable attention js now being directed to the presente ot Inydrocyatlic acid (HCN) in poisonous amounts in-various plants. Many species of both wikl and cultivated plants in Australia are capable in certain urcuntslances of developing hydrocyame acid, also called prussie acid, whiel is highly puisutienis. The gugutity of poison that ca be formed in plauts anay vary considerably with th: stage of growth, climauc conditions, and soil, In general, mature plants contain a much smaller percentage of potenual acd than do young plants, James TF, Couch, an American chemist, bas shown that sorghums grown in the warmer Souchern States ot America have nat poisoned Jive stocle so much as thase grown farther north, The reason, far the differcnes, he states, is probublly climatic; bet litdle is known about the exact causes of the tormauen of tue poisonous acid in this ise. Futcalvptns cladovalyx, Fiv.M. (Sugar Gum) hias: often been the cause of many deatha in gli classes of staule, especially whey Lhe Lrees are lopped for windbreaks, Both juvenile and mature leaves have been found w be toxic. As iu most cyauogenetic plants, the young Jeaves contain the highest percentage of ACN, The Poison Plants Committee of M.S.W~ wives the results of extensive expernmental and practical work) on the subject. Finnemore, Reichard snd Large have isolated a glucoside which they identified as a pranasin previously found an other platy. Fresh suckers vieldedl 0-599 TON , Euvcalypius vianinatis, Lab, (Manna Crum), has been suspected by me as the cause of deaths in Koalas, especially aiter fre and other penads of quick growth when HCN is likeiy to develop. Fiunenore, Reichard and Lange tested Jeaves collected trom Braidwood, .S.W., amid Bot & begative reachion. Other samples _of adule and juvem'e leaves {rom wie different localities gaye positive reaetivit and yielded O 09% TC. Tr nev opinion the chief causes and pernads of devclopiient of ACN are: (1) after fire, (2) after drought foilowel by cain, (3) after a very cold snap. (4) worked-ont soil, (5) soils deficieut in dime, (6) plants that have heer injured, ye i The timber of Evecalypins leutpivaia (Grey Bax) and Jb. maculata (Ssoued Gum) are susyected of censing skin irritation in busiwarkeyrs and salwinillers, i PL F. Monnts. National Herbariunr. Vhe note in Jast month's yesuv enquiring avliether the foliage al (ny Suvar Gum is injurious to goals reminds me that this gum, Eucalypias clodocalys, is definitely classed a5 a poison tree—younp and old foliage alike carnmving TICN, Jfataliticy are more covrnon among stock during draught : - ‘The earliest record goes back to 1908. Tr 1929 at Alleena, in Now South Wales, a horse and a cow were poisoned. Tn Deniliquin in (935 sheep and cattle were killed after eating the lopped foliage. In 1936 a flock of sheep suffered severely at Narriudera aid 30 of the avimals died, Reeards of the Poison Planis Convnince of New Sout Wales show poisoning of sheep, cattle and herses, but goats are nat nientioned, Fran May to July seems to be the danger period, Osier Eucatypts ace known at tives to contain poiton fh the Tha. Tor jiatance, the aborigines (would throw branches of the Conlaball (Eucalvplas wicrofhece) into water in arier to poison ssl. os , EF, E. Pesewrr. Cuarwan, The bate T. A. Rediison Sie ho ft THE LATE T. A. ROBINSON A note in the ie. Nat. of last month rclates to the passing of that reat Jover of our native flora, Thomas Alfred Robinson, in his 91st year J remember meeting hint by appaitnent, on the top of One Tree Hill, Balwyn, about four years ago, to show him something of our natwe garden {Maranoa) adjoinme Beckett Park. I was astonished ta find him keeping his promise mm a blinding sheet of tain. He must ten have reached the age of 8&7, His knowledge of the socrets of native plant propagation was most impressive, Nothing seemed beyond his. skill in the making of twa or more plants grow where only one grew before, When he retired trom school-teaching Ic purchased an inferior plot of land (according to his friends) at Dutson, near Sale. Having faith and "green fingers” he succeeded even btyond his own expectations. He rightly named lie praperty “Chorizenza,” for le cvidently made it sing for joy. For my own part 1 have to ery peccew. for when some years ago in company of the Director of the Geological Survey (Mr. Baragwanath} 4 visited the limestone quarry at Duison. I referred to the owner as Mr. Rohertson, and 40 the spot passed! down to posterity in my geologi¢al report as “Robertson’s quarry.” At the time my eyes were Alled with the tiny shells. called forams, with which the quarry 2hounds, and Tf failed ta visit the Owner's. wonderful garden, ta my everlasting regrct. Some years later, Towevet, 1 had the chance of offering my apologies for the ereor to this grand old @ardéner. F. Crararar. APHIDS WANTED A note from Mr. Hubert Jarvis, the Queensland entomologist. tells an interesting story hased on a paragraph in the {/fc, Nat. by Mr. W. Hunter on the pine Podocarpus alpina. As a special aphid occurs on a species of Podocarpus in Brishane. Mr. Jarvis asked My, Hunter to send aphids front P. alpina, and these whet received were found to include a winged aphid af an entirely new species, Probably this is the first purely Australian aphid yet discovered, al] the others {more than G0 species) having been introduced. Now Mr. Jarvis suggests that possibly members of the F.N.C. would he good enough to send hint more aphids from any species of Podocarpus. and neare particularly PF. alpraa. This merely means plicking a leal or twig carrying the apliids, enclosing it in a tin. and posting the package in Mr, Jarvis at the Department of Agriculture, Brishane—A H.C, HAVE YOU ANY QUESTIONS? Arrangements have hect nade to constitute something in the nature of a Natural History “Brains Trust” at the July mecting, That is to say. questions are invited—preferably to be handed in at the June mecting—ani these will be discussed by members of the panel. The subjects and speaktrs atu: Insects, Miss Janet Raff; Shelis, Mr. C. J. Gabriel; Rocks. Mr. 4. C. Frostick; Fossils, Mr. F. S. Cofliver. MOSQUITO BITES A correspondent in N.S.W. says that mosquite bites affect him painfully, heing irritable for days, and he found that a piece of washing-soda. abont the size of 3 hazel nut, dissolved in an egezcupiul of water, made a very food lotion. The poisan of most insects 1s, uo doubt, an acid similar to the frrmic acid of ant bites, so any alkali neutealizes at. The Victorian Naturalist Vol. LX.—No. 3 _ * July 7, 1943 No. 715 > PROCEEDINGS . The Annual Meenng of the Club was held on Monday, June 14, 1943. The President (Mr. P. Crosbie Morrison, M.Sc.) presided and about 80 members and friends attended. BEREAVEMEN TS The President announced the recent death of Mr. A. 5S. Kenyon. an ex-president and a member of many, years’ standing, and also that Mr. W. H. Nicholls had recently Jost’ a daughter. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect. : ee ¢ GENERAL BUSINESS The President announced that a Rural Reconstruction Com- - mission. had been formed and is meeting in Melbourne, and that the committee would watch the evidence given before it. Mr. F. Lewis, .Chict Inspector of Fisheries and Game, wrote stating that a proclamation would shortly be issued giving full protection ‘to the Grey Butcher-bird. REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS Excursions’ were reported on as follows:—Ferntree Gully National Park, Mr. J. H. Willis; Royal Park Cutting, Mr. F. 5. Colliver; National Herbarium, Mr. P. F. Morris; Botanic Gar- dens, Mr. H. C. E. Stewart. ‘ELECTION OF MEMBERS The following were elected as Ordinary Members of the Club: Mr. and Mrs. &, R. Stewart, Messrs. J. Ferguson, C. F. Hulett, E. W. Rieschieck; and as Country Member, Mr. M. M. Furze. J ANNUAL MEETING The Annual Report was received and adopted. _ The Balance Sheet was explained by Mr. A. G. Hooke, who paid a tribute to the Hon. Treasurer (Mr. E. E. Lord) for the 34 Field Naturalists’ Chab Procerdings ar ‘ ee work he had done during his first year in office. Mr. Hooke moved and Mr, Chalk seconded the adoption of the Balance Sheet, and the motion was catried. The President returned thanks to the auditors for theic work. The retiring President installed Mr. P. F. Morris as President, and mentioned that it was just 25 years since Mr. Morris joined the Club. Other officers were elected as follows: Vice-Presidents, Mr. H. C, E. Stewart and Mr. Ivo Hammictt; Hon, Editor, Mr, A. H. Chisholm; Hon. Secretary, Mr. F. S. Colliver: Hon. Assistant Secretary, Mr. Noel Lothian; Hon. Treasurer, Mr, E, E. Lord: Hon. Librarian, Mr, P. Bibby; Committee, Messrs. A. S. Chalk, G.N. Hyam, H. P, Dickins, J. H- Willis, H. T. Reeves. ' NATURE NOTES Question by Member Question: The innermost claw of the Cassowary, unusually long and straight, is said to have been used by certain aborigines in one of their implements. Does anyone know in what implement the claw was placed and if its use was limited to tribes in those regions in which the Cassowary is found? | Discussion: Mr. Chisholm stated that the claw was quite possibly used as an implement by the natives, and mentionéd that proof of the strength in the claw artd foot of the bird was a record of a Cassowary kicking’ a boy and severing the jugular vem, Mr. Colliver suggested that the claw could he a highly specialized tool, and added that in certain districts the churingas were carved with a fool consisting of a possum’s skull with one incisor left in. Mr. V. H. Miller, correcting a published note, stated that St. Kilda Road should have been given, instead of St. Kilda, in the reference to the lack of birds’ nests. RETIRING OFFICERS The President expressed the thanks of the Club lo the retiring committee, and paid tribute to Dr. C. S. Sutton, who felt unabie to carry on as Librarien, after 19 years in that office. In thanking the retiring President, Mr. Morris stated that Mr. Morrison had set a tagh standard to follow. PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS Mr. Morrison spoke on the subject “The All-Round Man.” The address was thought-provoking, and a fitting finale to the programme of lectures given during the year. A natural colour fil: of the gleanings oJ an all-round man illustrated Mr, Morrison's yemarks. i on ; ‘Ananal Repors 35 SIXTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT. The Commitice of the F.N.C. has pleasure in stubmitting the 63rd Annual Report. Membership is as follows: Honorary Members, 16; Ordinary Members, 230; Country Members, 79; Associate Members, 14; total members, 339. This represents a decrease of two on the figures of the last year. Many of our members are with the services and the following we know to be in uniform: K. Ash, E. V. Barton, T. H. Brunn; C. A. Burley, W. R. Cover, G, I. Dundas, J. Firth, D. C. Geddies, D, E. Greenwood, Keith A, Hateley, M. F’ Leask, N. Lothian, R. G. Matthews, F. N. Morley, C. C. Ralph, B, M.' Sloggett, N. A. Wakefield, J. Waterhouse. Possibly there are others, and we would be glad to have their names. We record with sorrow the death of the following members: Miss E. L. Keartland (1926-1943), Mr. A. S. Kenyon, M.J.E. (Aust.) (1927-1943), Mr. Chas. Fletcher (1935-1943),° Mr. Fletcher Jost his life with the Air Force ‘somewhere in Australia. An old friend and past member, Mr. T. Robinson, of Dutson, near Sale, passed away recently at the age of ‘almost 92. ~ All things considered, the attendances at the Club meetings are well sustained and interest’ has been maintained with a worthy series of lectures during the year, Exhibits have fallen off son‘e- what, but this can be ascribed to the time of our members being taken up with various home defence activities and long hours in work, ' ‘The Air Force has taken over both the lecture room and library room as class rooms and a certain amount of inconvenience to members has tesulted; but as this is the only upset we have had so far, we can be thankiul that we still have the use of the rooms. The Excursion List had to be curtailed somewhat ‘this year; and alterations and cancellations were necessary; nevertheless 2 good programme was arranged and many of the excursions were well-attended. Vol. 39 of the Fictorian Naturalist has been completed, and again the war-time paper restrictions have operated. However, a good series of scientific and popular papers has been published and our journai’s place in scientific literature has been maintained. Additional overseas and local institutions have been added to ovr exchange list, and many haye been the calls for back numbers. Tn this matter it is of interest to note that a series of articles by Mr. G, N, Hyam on “Vegetable Foods of the Australian Aborigine” have been sought by the Navy and the Commando headquarters, , ; War conditions have prevented matters pertaining to protection 46 Aitnual Repor! Wet. ie f of flora and fauna from receiving full ‘attention,’ tui im many matters recommendations and reports have beer passed on to the proper authorities. ; , oP * We are still m association with the Department of Information and expect so to continue;for the duration, Business relating ta the Australian Natural History Medallion is still'in. the hands of the Club, and we record with great pleasure that the last reciptent was Mr. David Fleay, B.A,; Dip.Ed., of the Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary, Healesville,. The presentation of the medallion took place at a function arratged by the Bird Observers’ Club and the Leach Memorial Club. . ; zo LG No Wild Flower Show was held this year, due to Jack of halls and manpower, hut we look forward tothe time when this ‘part of the Club’s activities can be re-instituted. ‘This year the Plant Names Sub-Committee has been re-institubed and many problerns of plant nomenclature are now receiving attention. a The Junioy Branch of the Club at Hawthorn is in process of formation. To illustrate the working of the Club a display «was staged at the Hawthorn Library rooms and this created consider able interest in the district. p } During the year honorary membership certiicates were printed and sent to the members so designated. The simple yet dignified certificate received general approval, At the Jast annual meeting Mr. Geo. Coghill retired from active membership atter some 48 years of service in vanous offices, and Messrs. J. and W. H. Ingram retired from the offices of Hon. Treasurer and Hon. Assistant Lihrarian, positions they had held for many years. At the last committee meeting Dr. C. S: Sutton tendered his resignatioi as Hon. Librarian, a position he has uccupicd for nineteen years. To these grand old members we éxtend the thanks of the Club for fine service, — During the year we have welcomed to our’ meetings visiting natiiralisis and members, of the American Forces, stationed here. From time to time, too, we have been pleased to seé some of our country members, To Mr. McCrae Howett we give our best thanks for the continued use of his rooms as a committee mecting place, A comprehensive expression of thanks is extended to all who lave givet’ of their time and energies (oward the advancement of the Club and its ideals. ; ! Mr, Charles Daley writes that on p. 30, Tine 27, mi the Pie. Not, tor Jane "1903" should be replaced by ‘3940. rhe | ' Morason, The All-round Man av THE ALL-ROUND MAN . Portion of Presidential Address to the P.N,C., June, 1943. By P. Creossre Morrison, M.Sc, People in the old days made jokes about the all-round man [ recall one of them. “Drs So-and-So... Oh, he’s a good all-round man. The doctors say he’s a gaod golfer and the golfers say he's ‘a good doctor!” TL is only more recently that the specialist has come itt jor his share of the bantering, as the man who knows more and more about less and less until he knows everything about nothing; while, of course, the all-round mas is oné who knows less and less about more and more, until he knows nothing about cverything- y There is. indeed, much to be said for the al-round man. After all, he is the une who sees most of the game, ‘To take an analogy from some of the homely trades, a new house to the plumber provides examples of something new, or somethitig to be criticised, in (he arrangement of the sewerage and the water supply, The bricklayer's eye is alert for the courses that are not ‘quite true, or delights in a periect job. The eye of the carpenter ‘and of the plasterer cannot fail to be held by the work that pertains to his own speciality. The architect may criticise the general ‘planning., But it is the man who is louking for a hame—the all-round man, the man with an unjuiudiced eye and an unbiased mind—who sees the house as a home, to be lived in and loved. True, he may have to call in all the specialists, one after another, to advise him un special points that might escaje his inexpert eye, but the fall enjoyment of the house is kis, and his alone. ° : ‘We may apply the analogy fairly completely to our work as naturalists. We cannot do without ovr specialists, and 1 would he the last to disparage one of thei; hil in their own, specialities they have their reward, and it is the all-ruund man wha bas the ‘fullest, most complete enjoyment of nature as « culrural environ ment. : _ But to-day the matter goes deeper, far deeper, than that. We have ail been’ living very close to our Work, So much is being learned day by day that one human mind cannot compass it all. It is only comparatively recently that a choice few of the world’s great scientific minds have laken time to deliberately stand off and view the whole edifice. and what they have seen has made them inarvel, **. We have become accustomed to regard evolution in terms of “Satural celection”"—in other words, “‘the survival of the fittest,” Every living thing, plant or animal, is born with slight differences ‘(or. im some cases. marked differences) from its parents and its 38 Morrison, The All-round Maw bs a fellows, while retaining a strong family resemblance. It these differences are favourable to its mode of living, says Darwin, they are perpetuated. The most efficient antmal has first choice of a mate, and first pick of the food, while the least efficient goes urider, and may never perpetuate its kind. So evolution goes on toward a grand climax yet to be seen. _ There have been difficulties, though not insuperable dificalties, in applying this [heory to our known experiences in the held. No one has felt quite happy about them, though all have hoped to clear up the fast little discrepancies. But the arrangement of our SO-odd elements is no less logical and orderly, yet they are not endowed with life; they are not subject to the processes of natural selection, or of survival or echpse. Professor Lawrence Henderson, of Harvard University, pointed this out some twelve or mare years ago. As a biological chemist—and a self-declared materialist, therefore unbiased by relizian—fie remarked how uniquely the elements carbon, Syston and oxygen were suited to the creation and maintenance of fife in animals and plants—three elements out of nearly 100, with properties incapable of heing provided by other eclemerits on other planets, Henderson remarked further how the unique suitability of carhon dioxide as a starting-point in the building up of plant tissues depended upon the action of chlorophyll and upon the alternation of light and darkness, and that, of course, brings the astronomical sciences into the picture—the strangely purposive arrangement of the Solar System. Now, receritly, aur own Professor Wood Jones—we like fo call him “outs” because of the stimulus he gave to the scientific cotn- munity during his professorship in Melbourne—has carried the matter a step further still, In brief, he says if we can only stand far enough off to see Nature as a whole, in the light of all that modetn science and specialization has taught us of its component parts, we cannot fail to be impressed with the design and purpose behind it all. Jt is not a religious view; on the contrary, it is a strictly scientific view, which provides immediately a clearer sight through difficulties which. have puzzled scientists since Darwin's day, and chemists since the announcement by Mendeljeef last century of the periodic classification of the chemical elements. But though it has been reached in distinction to the views of religious writers and thinkers, it brings our science of to-day almost within reach of the jundamental ideas behind practically all ‘religions, whether Christian ar Mahommedan, Taoist or Buddhist. Wood Jones comes down ta this in his Purser Lecture delivered at Trinity College, Dublin,.in December, 1941, published under the title nf “Design and Purpose.” ‘The conflict between religion and science, of which we have heard so much, especially in the re 1 Morrison, The All-round Man 39 biological sciences where the wame of Darwin Js used, becomes now, according. to Wood jones, an attempt “toe reconcile the findings of an imperfectly understood science with dita of at impertectly understood religion.” This is the problem that assails the modern youth, who finds religion being reduced ta an absurdity in times of war when (again to quote Wood Jones) “every belligerent country held days of prayer in which they dictated to the Akmighity the justness of “their eange, and demanded His support in order ta supplement the Jethal effects of their weapons of destruction.” He quotes the Bishop of Bradford (Dr. A. W. #. Blunt) telling a’ Youth Rally that “God was not just a referee watching and controlling the game from aloof, but rather was He the centre- forward of the home team, helping to shape its course.”’ “It would,” Wood Jones adds, “be difficult to frame a conception of deity more stultifying to the aspirations of youth ¢ m its search for, some grander realization of the ordering of “things.” } And that is why [ say that the present and the futuce are with the all-round man. The specialist 19 needed more thatr ever he was, but the study of nature to-day, guided hy such great thinkers as those I haye quoted this evening, holds the greatest rewards of happittess and hope in store for the man who can see nature not most minytely, butt most. widely, ' '- EXCURSION TO FERNTREE GULLY NATIONAL PARK The party af Club members who entrained fur a funeus and lichen foray an Saturday afternoon, May J5th, was increased toa nearly 7 by the presence of first-year trainees rout the Teachers’ Training College and representatives of the Workers’ Educational Association. Such a large nanber of excursionssts prevented the digression from suai tracks to follaw the quest after smaller cryptogaing; but, in spite of prevailing grey skies, much mod, and” the impossibility of keeping everyone to a team witht earshot, we believe that the outing was generally appreciated. ‘The long dry autumn was reflected in a paucity of fungi, usually so abtinidane ay wis season, and out of the total uf 230 spectes collected hereabauts during past excursions tio more than 44 were observed on this accasioh. A curious stalked pufball, Mitremtaices fused, and velvety brawn rosettes of Sterenm alegans were, however, listed for the first.time. Among lichens, the mast attractive species observed were the pink terrestrial Roconvyecs fungories and Sticto fessnlata, a wood-inhabiting species with Rattened fronds of emerald green it was with great satisfaction that we noted four Lyre-birds, lusty scratching beside the track and quite imperturbed by human canypany ; none exhibited the plurnage of an adult male, and it is presumed they awvere either fernales of young birds—J. HOW. and P.NUS.B. ‘ Viet, Wet, 40 Was, Trackin and Peiisnce Veto LX TRACHYMENE AND PLATYSACE (With particular relérence to gmembers of the former Genus) By James BH. Wiiits, National Herbarium, Melbourne Rudge! vstablished the genus Trochymene in 381), selecting T. wcise as his type from specimens collected around Port Jackson by Kabert Brown, 1902-05, De Candotle? (1828) substituted his nen generic Warne of Didisces for the same growp as Rudge's plant, in the mistaken belief that the latter was referable to Labillardiére’s Azorelle, whereas Turczaninow (1849) and later Mueller used the genus Dietopta for several mew congeners of T. ¢ncisa, Rudge. Although Hentham recognized the just chiims of Trachynene and correctly applied at in fs treatment of the Australian Umbdellfere tor “Blora Australiensis” (1856), Vol. 3, followed by Bailey* and Rodway, viher recent botanists have Favoured tbe laler Candolleaw name of Didiscus, eg, Mueller® iin fis later works, Domin,® Maiden and Betcle,? Black? Gardner,? and Ewart,19 Within the last decade C. Norman, F1.,5,,7) has again opened up the involved) question of correct nomenclature for this group, finely sifting the interpretations of previous authors and emphasizing the undeniable priority, claim of Jrechyretc as described and figured by Rudge. P. Buwaldal® and B, L. Burtt? have since come forward to endorse Norman's opinion and to make the necessary new combinations for all speciey described under Didiscus since Bentham's day, This.is very briefly the history of genuine Trachymenes. _ Meavwhile the name “Trachymeus"” had been wrongly applied - in Australia to another group of Umbellilerae generically distinct from Rudge’s tyme. Normanl! shows clearly that the oldest valid epithet far this secand group is PLATYSACE (syn. Siehbera, Reichenbach), based] on the West Australian P. cirrhosa of Runge, 1845. He consequently conibines the 22 appropraate species under this correctly restored genus; Wiree species only are present in Victoria, so in liew of "“Trachymene" these now beoome Platysace heteraphytia (Benth) C. Norman, P evenides (Sieh. ex D.C © Norma, and P. Jauccofata {Labill) Druce, Trachkymene Rillardies, Fiy.M., being a synonym of the last-named. As properly understood, Trachymewe uow consists of 40 species, ranging aver the whole Australian continent (two-thirds of the total spccics), New Guinea, and the more casterby spiee islands, with one representative as far north as Borneo and azother in New Caledonia, New Hebrides and Fiji, the twelve oceerring in New Guinea and/or Celebes mountain stations are of comparatively vecent discovery, and without doubt still other undescribed entitles await the more imtensive exploration of that region, Following is 2 complete Uist of species as combined by Bentham, Buwalda, and Burtt, with the ottes that alfect Vietoria designated by the svinbol ft: AUSTRALIA TFunisvoarpa ('Turez,) marraphytta Burtt, (syns. Ber. (Bomin) Burtt bare? ae a thai, australis, (ayn. onstrats, in Sty anopetate “ an. ast} Hos (® M.} montat Torn vM enillasir MM, (P.yM 4) Renth. ; evga (F via) Benth qiaced, S. More, orpatis (Endl) Drace- (syn. erincorpa,). Crowntana, Fie. elachoearpa CP .e.M.) Poirte. ‘enernles (Hooker) ‘ Grahaia. *compasita (Domi) Bortt (= optsv- varpa, av). Glanecifolia (TE .vM.y Henth, : Fhiciaia (Dorin) Burtt. ‘ aleracce (Domiin) Burtt duly 1843. Wires, Trectymene and Platysace 4h inctsa, Rudge TYPE sciosa (0. Sclrwarz) MOVO@Guineeears procumbens (Fv.M.) Burtt. Damin (Buwalda}. Benth. Puseri (Demin) kocbrensis (Gibbs) wuicraceplrala Burtt, Buwalda. _ (Domin) Burtt. yeramiioio, Fo M. tigida, Buwalda. ennifotia (Domin) ~ Bailey, ucrolriche, Buwalda,, Pruitt, erodioides, Buyalda pimapinedtiota celebica, Hemsley. (Demin) Burtt. “ POLENESTA Sarasinorunt 7 ttaunilis (Fools f.) Crssonw (Montrau- CWolff) Buwalda- Benth. zier) Burtt. ; déertfola, Norman. scafigera (Domin) (sys. Hones, arfahensis (Gibbs) Bortt. ausire-caledanica), Buwalda. Gillewnae (Tate ex adenndes, Buwalda, Donin} Burtt. NEW GUINEA- papillosa, Buwatda, didiseotdes (Fv.M.) we Bureet “Crte ‘pan CELEBES carpfa). saniculifotio, Stank. “Benthan bestowed the new namo “australts” on the Trachymené slready” described by Turczaninow (1849) as “Dimetopia anisocarpa’ and gave as its chstmbution Queensland, New South Wales, Vistoria, Tasmauia and. West Australia. In 1906 came Damin®, who added to the confusion bw splitting Bentham’s gustvolis inta three species, each with a new epithet, viz.—Didisers Bentham, fram West Australia, D. macrophylius and D, compositus, irom the eastern States: Bewthanni is keyed out (in Latin) as having "simple umbels, not disposed in inflorescences {ike cotnpound umbels,” whereas ¢omtposilius is stated to have “umbels disposed in info. rescences which are like very compound umbels.” After examining considerahle material from West Australia and campar-- ing it with coastal Wictoriin and Tasmanian samples, f cannot agree with. Domin’s separation; tn both eastern and western collections the inflorescence varies markedly—sometimes iambels are quite simple, sometimes slightly branched, and at other times highly compounds the fruits and foliage apptar indistinguishable. Mr. C, A, Gardner, Government Botanist of Western Australia, fends support to my contention that Senthemit and. compositus are cne and the same species, but the corfect mame for our common “Wild Parsnip’ muse henceforth be Trechament antsacerpar (Turez.) Burtt I have gathered (1937, 1940) Traciyyntenc bialata (Domin) Burtt. an Mallee sandhills stongst Porcupine Grass at Red Clifts (a new record for Victoria) and also in similar country just over the Murray (near Burtundy, N.S.W.), This species is recognized by the double, very narrow, serrated wing edging the ripe mericarps, otherwise there is a close affinity with 7. glancifotia (F.¥,M.) Bemth Since the latter is represented in Melbourne Nations! Herbarium from nearby Wentworth, doubt arises as- to the specifiy merit of T. bialata,; it may be merely 2 form with aberrant: fruits, and field research over a wide area is necessary to prove the constancy (in association with other characters) of the mericarp wings. REFERENCES ‘|, Prams, Linn. Soe, 10 (1814), 300. 2. Bot, May, (1828), T. 276. Also Pradr..- 4 (sasay, 7 & Qiland Flora. pt. 2 (1900), Nt 4, Tas, Plora (£908), 68. 6. Kem to Syst, Vie. Planta (1857), R68. 8. "“Mondgr- of the Gants Didweur (1406)~ 9. Ceneun N.S.Wi Planta (1918), 160. §. Mora South Aust. (126), 487, 9. Bide. Plant, Avnet. Ore. (1930), 100) 10, Flora of Wie. (1980), 897. Ah. foyrn. Rotanye 9 (19S), 28%: olyo 77 (193A), QO, 12. Blidmed, Vol B (1930), WB, 13, Journ Botany, 74 (1941), 44, 2 42 Waxerrato, Veuw Spectes af Hypolepts Hate A NEW SPECIES OF HYPOLEPIS By N. A. Waxerrreto, Genoa, Victoria HYPOLEPIS MUBLLERI sf. nov. Rhisomale fate repextes frondilmes asterulis, triffinmatic, rachktbns et stipitigus aliidis vel eureis, sublaewibns, falyentrbns, ferentibus selas parvas sparsos albidas rigidas } pinnwlis poltasiz vel adnatis, lobatis, ferensibi setar alias «atringury lobis sualté-veniolosis, pleramqne integris, cache soros phuves forentibus; sorts permadiiz, parvts, suche nom marginatibis, plorwnrgre sine spurtts indwsins. The type description is taketh from a Victorian specmien CMount Drummer, East Gippsland, in a shaded hillside brush: 6/7/)941; NAW.) Inu the Melbotrne National Herbarinm, there are specimens fram “Rocking- ham Bay"—F. Mueller (Queensland); “Waratah, near Newcastle—W. Woulls,” “Botany Bay—tulliver," “Mount Dromedary---Reader” (New South Wales); “Forests of Dandenongs—Feb. 1875+ F_ Muvlter, “Near Moe—1884—D, Spener,” “South Gippsland—1293—A. F. Stivting,"” “Genoa Rivér—Rearder," "Near Arthur’s Seat—20/1/1942—0, Sineleton" and “Shady wet banks of Latrobe River—May 1853" —F Mueller (Victoria). Mueller labelled the last-mentioned specimen as Palypoduan Keppitrianun, bul this manne was never publavhed; so tt fas heen deemed smtable that the Jat should have is specific epithet. derived from the name of the great notanist whe, a1 Jeast once, consedered it la be @ distiict specife forn. The present gens Mypolepis was umversally adopted only after Hooker's Aipecies Hilicnm (1862), in which many species were transferred ta it irom the old gene Cheilanthes. These were the true Fivpolepts species, with conspicuous scale-like indusig, or well developed spurious indusia consisting at refiexed and slightly altered lobes of the inargins df the pinnules. Other Shectes, with the sort nat so conspicuously protected, remained for the time in the genus Polypadinur together with some ex-indusiate species maw placed in the genus LDryotterss. The species cancerned, which have no indusia, can be placed generically by reference to their vestiture, which tt the case Of MW ypolepir is a pubescence of jointed hairs ar setae, whereas species of Dryapterts bear flat scales or paleae Christensen's Dryopterty punctala (the present Hypolepis punctate) incladed numerous forms irom many countries, OF these, there are three in, Victoria which have provetl to be speciGcally distiact—one is almost typreal Df. putefota, the second 3 A. sugesido, and the fast is the newly deseribed A, MutHeri- ee _ Throughout their ranges, ench species showy considerable varjalion wn size of ironed. degree of serration af pinnules and lobes. devclopmient of the spurious Indusia and di) vestituré. However, the three Victorian species can always be distinguished by the combination of most of the characteristics givers bere for each. Fiypolcpis punctate (Thunb) Mett. Kuhn, Fil, Afr $20 (868); Palypodium Thunberg. Fl. Jap. 337 (1784). Rhizome very robust widely ereeping; stipes and tachises thick, sticky-pubescent, fronds 2 ta 9 (1, high, deltaid, 3- to 4-pinnaie, green when fresh, brawn when. dry. dull. weak, viscid on bot! sides} ultimate lobes almost entire bul distinety serrulate. mary-vetnel; sori marginal and generally subtended by small pointed spurious indusia, Abendant ot Vieturia, New South Wales and Quvens- land, and extending to the Hienalayas and Japan. Iw the easter) brishes, in hut shaded concitions, the speries is hest developed: and yeey pubescent; but in more open southern parts (Dandenongs, ote) if is smaller and loses much af its puhescence, Hypolems Mvyollert, sp nov. Rhizome extensively creeping, branched; fronds deltoid, | to 2% fr, high, tripinnate, slightly harsh and stiff: stipes and rachises whitish on pollen, rather smooth but often slightly tuberculate, ian Waxertetp, New Species of Hypolepis = shining, bearing a few scattered stiff whitish hairs; pinnules stalked to adnate, lobed, bearing tiny white setae on both sides; lobes many-veined, entire or almost so, often soriferous on both sides of the costule; sori numerous, small, often away from the margin and generally absolutely unprotected. In eastern districts of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria; generally in rather dry shaded brushes, but often in open swampy places where plants are sometimes in dense clumps and with fronds stiffer, rusty-coloured and much reduced in size of frond and sori. Hypolepis rugosuta (Lab.) J.Sm., Bot. Mag. 72 Comp. 8 (1846), as "rugulosa” (from Polypodium, Pt. N. Holl. II 92 Tab. 241, 1806), Rhizome thin and shortly creeping; stipes and rachises reddish, tuberculate and sparsely reddish-hairy; fronds small, rather narrow-triangular, 2- to 3-pinnate, 1 to 2 ft. high, dull, light-green, weak, pubescent but not sticky; ultimate pinnules with a few one-veined lobes; spurious indusia well developed. Plentiful in Tasmania, Victoria and eastern New South Wales, but also in South Australia (Mount Lofty Ranges); generally in very wet soil. Small plants in dricr brushes are very pubescent, but in Tasmania and the Dandenongs the common form is rather attenuated, stronger and almost glabrous. Figure 1—/7. rugosula. a, b, c and d: Variously shaped pinnules showing the constant features (X 2). e: rachises showing setae, etc. (X 2). f: Setae (much enlarged). Figure 2.—H. Muelleri, a, b, c and d: Various pinnules showing the almost entire, matty-veined lobes, etc, (% 2). e: rachises showing stiff setae (% 2). f: Setae (much enlarged). Figure 3.—H. punctata. a, b, c, and d: Pinnules, note serration ( 2). ¢: rachises with dense pubescence (X 2). £: Setae (much enlarged). (Sporangia removed in some cases to show venation, position of sori, etc.) 44 Buack, An Aboriginal Ceremonial Ground thos We; AN ABORIGINAL CEREMONIAL GROUND By Linpsay Biack, Leeton, N.S.W. On 25th April, 1943, Mr. Forster, Inspector for the Milparinka Pastures Protection Hoard, stationed at Tibooburra, took the writer toa large aboriginal ceremonial ground on Tuerikia Station. This property is owned by Mrs. Davies, and once formed part of Connulpie Downs Station, at that time a very large property joining the Queensland border north-east of Tibooburra, This ceremonial ground is situated about one mile north-west of Tester’s Tank, close to the Bulloo River floodwaters, and about eight miles south-east of the Adelaide gate on the Queensland border fence. The Adelaide gate is really an historical place, being one of the recognized official places of entry for stock between N.S.W. and Queensland. This very extensive ceremonial ground consists of a series of stone arrangements situated on flat ground between two low hills which are covered with small stones, commonly known as gibbers. From the top of the hill on the eastern side, which at no place would be more than 100 ft. high, one can look over the flat grey flooded country of the Bulloo River. It is, however, only after very heavy Queensland rains that the floodwaters come through and spread over this flat country, and at this point it is about 30 miles wide. The ceremonial ground extends for about 40 chains and contains ten separate stone arrangements. About 70 yards distant on the south side of some of the formations is a small round lake, 100 yards in diameter, which would hold 6 feet of water. When full this lake would provide water for those camp- ing here for a cofsiderable time, and it probably affords one of the reason for the position of this ceremonial ground, as sites of this kind are always close to a good watering place. The Bulloo floodwater country being so close would also mean a good food supply, as there would be plenty of game. One hundred yards west of the northern portions of the formations are a number of old fire-places, and around these and the small lake we found a number of grinders, hammers, and flaked implements. Arrangement No. 6 appeared to be the main centre; it is most extensive and was made from stones up to 12 inches in diameter. Arrangement No, 7 is also very extensive, and there are many of the small heaps of stones always found at these areas. Amongst some of the formations we found well-fimshed flaked implements, some made from flint and others from quartzite. Tlus is the first time T have found so many white quartzite implements, as. generally material of a more suitable nature was used, THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vou, Ls Jyiy, 1943 PLate III Stone Arrangement No. 6. Circle at left base is partly cavered by sane. Central partion af the Circles, looking tram suuth ta marth, Photos. by Lindsay Black. ord . . Alevoren, Goonoe Forest—Floral Wanderlond 45 Some of the seclionis-had their cireles, yards, races-and arrange- ments made from smali stones not more than about 5S inches in diameter, but others had stenes up-éo 12 inches in diameter.’ The surrounding hills must liave been picked ever for these large stones, as on the Slopes around this areca the slones-are generally only 3 to 6 inches in diameter. It is hard to say how far these stone arrangements extended; as some have been partially covered with blown sand. Many of the larger stones are practically buried in the sill washed down from the hills, which accounts for the formations being so well presetved, Sorae stone arrangements are found in South Australias and have heen described by Mountfart and others. The only part of New South Wales in which these Jarge ‘atone ceremanial grounds are found is west of the Warrega River and north of a line drawn west from Bourke. The sriter inspected another large stone arrangement of the same type as the above on Duolop Station, near Louth, and E. B. Dow has deserihed others mm Monkind (Vol. 2, No. 5). GOONOO FOREST—FLORAL WONDERLAND By Geo. W. Auruorrr, Dripstone, N.S.W. The Goonee forest area, which is situated between Dubbo and Mendooran, central western N.S.W., is a treasure-geqund for nature-lovers. A bewildering variety of wild flowers—mosily ot shrubby type~-paints the Jand with beauty during the spring and early suriner, The gently undulating country is mostly sandy, with here and there low. ridges of ironstone and sandstone conglomerate, and is covered with a fairly thick growth of Ironbark {Zuc. sderoxylon) interspersed with patches of a tall Mailec (Buc. viridis) and of Casuarina and Acacia species. My brother Peter and I spent an all-too-short day there in early Seprember of lasr year, and many were ihe rarities we noted, Tt may be snentioned in passing that each tidge usually had one species ‘in abundance, and in many cases that species would he confined to its particular ridge. The Acacia group was well represented, though we were tco Jate for, the Howering of many species. The first one noted was A, doratoxylon, here 25 to 30 ft. high and Iquded down with golden fingers of fragrant bloom. ‘Then came a small tree, past the flowering stage; it is of upright habit and 12 to 15 ft. in height. Sydney Herbarium places this as'a form of A. acinaced, but when it is possible to olitain a flowering specimen I’ feel confident it will prove to be something quite different, Not flowering, but very lovely with its smooth stems and very narrow Vict, Nag, a6 Autores, Goons Forest—Florat Wonderland ras phyliodia, was 4. subelata, This plant, very rare here, has previously been recorded only from the Upper Bunter valley on the eastern fall of the Dividing Range. Another extremely rare Acacia seen was 4, Havilandit, a lovely low-spreading bush very much Jike A, ealamifoha. One of the feather-leaved types, A. cardiophylla, was toted, and theugh usually a tall shrub, it was almost prostrate here. The gem ef all the low-growing kinds, however, is 4 BSrawms, an inland adaptation of 4, juniperina, forming shapely hittle bushes 2 to 4 ft. high, with pungent dark- green phyllodia and extra large, deep golden flower balls, 4, lineata, a low bush: A, conferto (Golden Top), in dense-thickets ; A. flegifaie; A, iriptera, with its recurved “wait-a-while” phyl- lodia; and A, wadudifolia, iot unlike a dwarf A. podalyriaefotia, were all more or less common. Grevilleas were represented by G. floribunda (everywhere abundant), with its strange, goblin-like fowers, and G. obtustjlara, a rather straggling shrub with green and red flowers. The Blue Pincushion, Brunomia gustralis, carpeted the ground in many places with colour, As far as the eye could see were undershrubs in profusion, amongst those cbserved being Calytrix tetragone (up to 6 ft., and always attractive with its wealth of starry pink or white blossoms), [tbbertia stricta, Dampicra lanceolata in huge clumps of violet-bluc, Baeckea densiflora, Westringia rigida (the most profuse flowering member of the genus I have yet seen), Leptospermum trivalvum, Melaleuca glomerata, M. uncinata, M- pubescens, Myoporwm desertt, Dodonea peduncularis (an ex- tremely dwarf form), Pretenca microphylla and Daviesia acicu- lorts. The rare Mirbelia Jeane, recorded previously only front Penrose (near Goulburn) and the Nepean River, was located alsa: In a number of places that lovely plant Piitlotheca anstralts was prolife, Individual plants showed flowers much deeper im colour than the average, and they ranged from nearly pure white, through pinks to lilac, purple and blue. Phehalism stenophylla, covering hundreds of acres, was a very striking plant. Many mdges were a sea of yellow where this species With its masses of star-shaped flowers grew in rank profusion. The Boronias were hereabouts represented by .8. rasmannifolia, a straggling undershrub, though 30 miles away, on the other side of Dubbo, we found B, ledifota var. glare, surely the most striking of all Boronia’ ; its drawback is the strong “foxy"’ odour given off by the Ieaves when touched. .Shapely bushes 5 ft. through and about the same in height were seen, literally covered with deep rose-red blooms. We estimated that the larger plants carried up to twelve thousand open blooms. A lovely Prostonthera was P. empetrifolia, plentiful and gay pin 4 Pzscort, The English Sparrow in Austratia 47 with violet flowers, On one ridge we came across a strange Prostanthera in fair quantity. Smali shrubs of no more than 3 it. had flowers of a pale bluish-green, looking for all the world like resting moths with folded wings. This species'is hke P. Leich- hardtu, but differs slightly in the formation of the leaves. It may possibly be distinct, since P. Leichhardin is a very tare plant and bas previously heen recorded once only in N.S-W.——from Cobar— and from another Jocality in Queensiand* - Many other species were seen and the end of the day came all tov soon. A thorough exploration of this huge areca would doubtless yield many more. wonderful .plants and some rarities. The description tallies with Prostinthera chlorantha (Green Mint-bush} which is not tmcommon in parts of the South Australian and Victorian Mallee, notably Mildura district —Editor. EXCURSION TO NATIONAL HERBARIUM Mr. P. F, Morris reported that the visit to the National Herbarium on June S was well atténded, a party of abowt forty members and friends availing themselves of the opportunity of seeing the collection and library. The Director and Goverinment Botanist (Mr. A. W. Jessep) gave a lecture on the drying of botanical specimens and the methods of keeping “and working the collections. Visitors interested themselves in the rubber plants amd sujber substitutes, quinine and Australian barks which are now bcing used in malaria and fevers. The interesting exhibits were mostly of an econoimc naiure and reminded members that there is a luture for Australian plants in commerce, - - oe + Specimens callected hy Banks and Solander during Captain Cook's voyage it 1776 and Petiver’s Indian and American plants of 1696 astonished members by their excellent state of preservation. The Herbariune was established by Baron Ferdinand von Mueller in 1857 and ranks amongst the larger herbaria of the world. n THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AUSTRALIA Referring to the notes of ihe late WS: Campbell as published io the Vic. Nat. for May,-the writer stated that he saw his fiest sparrow at Melbourne about 1870, when they were present in “hundreds and hundreds." He remarked that he did not think it possible ta determine how ar when the sparrow was introduced into Australia. _ The sparrow was definitely introduced into Victoria in the early ‘fifties, by the Zoological and Acclimatisation Society of Victoria, when AQ birds were released at the Eoyal Park and five at Ballarat. It is generally considered that an error was ‘mate in introducing the English house Sparrow and net the field sparrow. a: . About the year 1856 two boys found a sparrows’ nest in a street tree at Warriainbool, and they were Aned £5 for destroying the eggs! Many of us would Jike to collect a similar sum for cach pf the sparrow nests and eges we have destroyed —E_ E. Prscorr. 4s Supplement toa Index. bite. Natunriish Mol. LIX $4 wa SUPPLEMENT TO INDEX, VIC. NATURALIST, VOL. LIX The fotlowing alterations and additions are nécessary in the Botuncal Section: For “Cyathea acerosa”’ read Cyathnrles. acerosa: Pack For “Cyathea mortscus” read Cyathea marcescons Add iscavia anstralis, Distribution of—J. H eh willis a Add Domestic Botany—J. FH. Willis ., .. -. .- . wey = te 212 Add Manna. Value ofA. H. E. Mattingley Ot dee ie 1 oR 8 SO For “Orywnoanthus” read “Drynioantites, . Add Plants of the Bayside—H. C. E. Stewart - \ 4 t44 Add Plants of the Marshes—]. H, Willis -. .. 44 A nenminela var. robust comb. nay “Aline Podolepis— WUhS .. se ee ee a. 9 Add Pomadcrvis uchitina—J, H, Willis. ae tae) oot After “Prasaphallum™ insert in brackets, thus ¢ Section G cnoplesten). Add Prasophylhon diversifiorwn and P. Beaugleholed Spp. Hey, (ill) —W.H. Nicholls .. .. a nee: Add Rhannacee, Notes on Victorian, Pt ‘Ey. H, Willis - ret 67 EXHIBITS AT JUNE MEETING Mrs. M, E, Freame—A_ series of marine biological sperimens, including sundry polyzoa, Hydvactinia, Sortularia, C FPG, Aste, Pannettila, ete Mrs. C.. French—Garden-grawn vative plants, including Correa re flog var. rubya, Olearia (Aster) ramnilosa, Leptosbermaom scoporiton Welkert. L. scoparienn Sandoret,. 2. scopantin Keatlevi, Bucalyptes tovanaty, Mr. H, P. Dickins—Water-colour of the Australian water-lly. Mr, J. 4, Willis—Living soaciinene of the threes King William pines of Tasmania (4thromsvis sclaginaides, A. cupressordes, A, Invifolia), together with samples of the timber shawitg the exceedingly close annual rings. Mr. R. G. Pamter—Garden-grown native flowers, including Correa Lawrencions, C. veflexa, C. refleva Nae rubra, C. raflexa var. pufchotte, Grevillea rosmarinif{olie, G. olcaides, G, olcaides var, dimar ‘pha. Mr. Iyo Hammett—Garden-grown native flowers. including Carre puicheila, Cassia artemesoides, Pacchea crassifolia, Dompiera. faneceulata, S reetles linifolia, Greaitles stenomera, Banksia colli, Corren eflaxa var, rubra gts F. 3S. Colliver-—Sinall series af terttury fossils frony Royal Park uttin Mies Janet W- Raff—Samples of autunin-swarming fies {Semtopse sp.) found elustering im rag masses on. Acocia vertictlata and other tative plants; collected by Mr. T. S. Hart at Croydon, Vie- BOTANICAL COLLECTIONS AS PRESENTS TO SEND HOME Parties desirous of transinitting to their iriends collections of the Howers of this district, but more especially those collected during his late excursion to Adelaide via the Murray River, and retuent froin there by Lake Alfexan- dfina, and the coast line, among which will be found many borh new and interesting. The undersigned will be happy ta supply cases at prices to suit the cotvenience of purchasers.- The collections are botanically arranged and named. and the parcels of Seed accompanied with a corresponding specimen of the plant in blossom. Apply to dhe undersigned personally, at the house lately occupied by Messrs, W. Hull and Sons, Flinders Lane, Melhourne, or to Mr. Danicl Harrison, Stationer, Geelong, DANIEL BUNCE. Flinders Lane, Sept ‘5, 1356, |The above advertisement is extracted from the Melbourne Argus of September 18, 1850.] The Victorian Naturalist Vol. LX—No. 4 August 5, 1943 "No. 716 PROCEEDINGS The ordinary meéting of the-Club was held at the Ciub Rooms. Royal Society’s Hall, on Monday,. July 12, 1943. The President, Mr, P. F.. Morris, presided and cheat 80 members.and friends attended. APOLOGIES Apologies for non-attendance were received from My, E, E. Lord and Mr, }. H. Withs. SUBJECT FOR THE EVENING This took the form of a. Natural Histery “Brains Trust,” the panel of experts and their subjects bemg; Miss |. Raff, Insects ; Mr. C. J. Gabriel, Shells; Mr. A- C. Frostick, General Geology and Rocks; Mr. F. S. Colliver, Fossils. The President invited Mr. P. Crosbie Morrison to conduct the session. Question 1. To Mr, A. C. Frostick: “Could gold be found along Domain Road, South Yarra?’ Answer: This. is debatable, as the western end is in the tertiary. sands and the eastern end in the silurian sediments. The nearest Jocality where gold has heen recorded is Dights Falls, ‘Studley Park, an assay of the small quartz leaders in the locality giving a result of approximately 2 dwt. per ton. There is a possibility of fmding gold in crush zones that are possibly hidden under the tertiary beds of the area, Conunents: The President stated that small quantities. of gold had heen found in a shaft some 80 feet deep at the eastern end of Domain Road in the early days. Question 2. To Mr. C, J. Gabriel: “Are there any poisonous Victorian shell fish? This question to be answered in two parts! (a) Have we any shell fish which have a venomous Inte or sting like the textile cone of the North Australian waters? (b) Have we any shell fish that are normally poisonous to eat? Answer: (a) As far as is known, no Victorian shell fish is eapable of giving a bite or stig with injection of poison, but as «ertain cone shells of northern waters are known to be capable of so acting, it would be imadvisable to eat or even handle the Victorian members of this genus, © St Field Naturalists’ Club Prococdings ie * (b} Various shell Gish are credited with the property of affecting the digestive organs, ele, but it can be stated that this is not due to any active poison poncipal. Comments: Mr. F. S. Colliver stated that at certain tunes in certain parts of America clams and oysters were a means of transmitting typhoid fever, Miss Raff stated that rhe idea that mussels collected off pier piles were mht to eal probably arose at the Gime when drains were carried along the pier piles. The President stated that he had been stung on the lip when eating a limpet. Qnestion 3. To Miss Raff: “Are bees colour blind, and if sa, to what extent? Do they have favourite colours among the flowers they visit?” Answer: Bees are sensitive to colour, the range extending from between the red and orange to the ultra-vinles, and apparently they cannot distinguish between red and black. Regarding the favourite colour of bees, experiments seemed to indicate blue as favourite. Conunents; Mr. Sherwin stated he had read of bees responding to colour training. Question 4. To Mr, F, S, Colliver: “Have fossil cyeads been found in Tasmania?” dnswer: Yes, at least four species belong- ing to the cyeads properly are known—Cycadites dowliwngi, from the Launceston tertiary beds, but thought to have been derived from beds of Mesoznic Age; Cycedites mecrophylia. described from the tertiary of Mr. Bischoff by Johnston; an undescribed species noted from the Mesozoic of Lards Hill by Walkom; and another specimen from the same tJecality referred to the genus “Pado- zamites.”” Question 8. To My. C. J. Gabriel: “Haw is the shell secreted by the female paper Nautilus? Is the shell present in all adult female Nautili, or 15 it merely produced ar and discarded after the breeding season? Do Nautili breed regularly?” Answer: The shell is secreted from glands in the inner side of the large expanded webbed extremities of the two dorsal arms, the so-called shell serving as an ege-cradle and as a temporary retreat for the female,:and is discarded after the breeding season. The shell is present im all adult female Nautili, and once the female provides ova she dies. Conunents; Mr. Colliver mentioned that fossil sepia hays were nal uncommon at Lyme Regis, Dorsetshire, and that the Batish Museum possesses several sepia prints that used this fossil material as the colour medium. Miss Raff mentioned that carefully turning the slicll with the animal in upside down, then waiting a few minutes, and a sudden jerk would dislodge the animal from the shell, Question 6. To Miss Raff: “Why is the Emperor Guin Moth called the Australian silkworm? . Has any use been made of the Fen | Field Naturalists’ Club Proceedings 51 silk of any Australian moth?’ Answer: The genus of the Emperor Gum Moth is one of two thai are well known as silk producers, but in this case, owing to the amount of gum in the cocoon, the silk is of little use. Further, as the caterpillars are winiercrs in habit, they would be difficult to breed to compete with the commercial siikworm. Comments: Mr. A. H. Chisholm stated that he understood that woven silk samples from Emperor Gum Moth cocoons had been exhibited at the Crystal Palace,, London. The sesstun then closed deft, and will “nities next manth with the following subjects and leaders : Rotany, Mr. J. H. Willis; Ornithology, Mr. A, TI. Chisholm; and General ea. 3 Mr. P. Crosbie Morrison. REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS Reports of excursions were given as follows: Zoological Gar- dens, Mr. F. Crosbie Marrison; Sherbrooke, Mr. A. TI. Chisholm. ELECTION- OF MEMBERS On a show of hands the following were duly elected as ordinary members of the Club: Mrs, D. W. Lyndon, Mrs. R, A. Lewis, ‘Miss V. Wheeler, Dr. William Gerce, Mr. Peter Gamer; and as Country Members, Sgt. M. F. Leske and Mr. Eric Muir. GENERAL BUSINESS Australian Natural History Medallion—Mr. P. Crosbie Mor- rison reported on the committee’s discussions on this matter, and Stated that Major Wilsén, recently of the Teachers’ Training College, had been suggested as the Club’s nomination. NATURE NOTES Mr. ivo Hammet drew members’ attention to examples of the Queensland Bean recently sent down by Dr. FPlecker for distrt- breton to members. Me. R, G. Painter reported on flocks of the White-pluined Horiey-eater, and stated he had not scen them in such numbers previously. Mr. Chisholm, commenting, stated that such flocks were of common occurrence, , Mr. H. Jenkins asked if the drab birds seen with Blue Wrens were females or immature males.- Mr. A. H. Chisholm stated they were probably immature males. Such birds lose their blue colour each winter for at Icast four years. Mr. H, C. E. Stewart asked regarding the calls of the Lyre- birds, Were they all imitative, and did some at least belong to now extinct birds? Mr. A. H. Chisholm stated it was possible 2 hold Naturalists’ Club Proceedings bate ui) that many of the calls were copied direct from their authnes, hut witit respeet to the hirds of the Sherbrooke Forest he thought that they learnt the calls from one another, and thus all the birds of the district had similar calls, He further stated that some-of the calls heard in Sherbrooke are not heard in New South Wales, i Mr, L. W, Cooper reported that recently thirteen Lyre-hirds were seen along the track from Cement Creek to the top of Mut, Donna Buang, EXHIBITS > Mr. Owen Suigleton: A comprehensive sevies: of the [ossil Australian Cowries. ‘Che exhibit included most of the deseribed species, a series of the largest cowry known (C. gigas, McCoy) and the largest example of the three perfect specimens Itnown of the flanged cowry (C, gastroplar). Mr. C. French: Bead or Tassel Flower { Carmya, elliphica) frum Califoruia. Mr. €. J. Gabriel: Marine shells “Cones” from Vietoria, Canus anemone, Lam., C, rntilus, Menke, C. segrawet, Gatlift; frau) various localities, C, aulicus, Linn, C. geographus, Linn, C. fineafis, Chem., C- marmoreus, Linn, C. textile, Linn, C. tubipa, Lam, Also Argonareta, nodosa, Sol., fron. Victoria, ‘and Nantilus pomtpilsycs, rep from North Australia. Mr. R. Painter: Garden-grown native flab including Epacris sibreed Banksia colina, Correa reflexa, Correa. raflexa var, radra, Grevilea Dallachyant, G. oleoides var, dimorpha, G. rasmarintfolia, Pamela sp, Thryptomene calycing, Leplaspermeam scoparium, var, grandiflorwm roscurn Mr. P. Fisch: Winter-flowering Greenhoods, Pterosiyhs nutans aud P. concinna, Mr. P. Crosbie Mornson: “Vegetable caterpillars"—caterpillars of Ghost Moths (Hepialidae)—affected by the parasitic fungus Cordyceps sp. The spores are‘picked up in the soi) by burrowing larvae, whose Lissies are gradually absorbed and replaced by fungal tissue without altering the general contours of the victim. Finally the fungus sends up a fruiting body which projects above ground and spreads spores to infect the next generation of caterpillars, The fruiting bodres are specially prevalent just now in thany paris of the Dandenongs, and recently I saw many thousands under pine trees at |Kalorama, but there were only two pupa-cases on the ground to show thal the owners had escaped the plague. “To the Hepialid population, ft must bave bee a greater scourge than the Great Plague was to Londoners of the 17th century, ; 2 7 lL. i ert Jeaw Gatornivi, 4° New" Bird Finds Ow Valiey 54 A “NEW” BIRD FINDS:OUR VALLEY. ° + “By Jean GarsrattH, Tyers (via Traralgon}. Victoria ~ After many years oi hird watching in-one valley, the years still bring delights; but it is: rarely now that we sec a new bird, so the visit of a flock of White- backed Swallows lase spring was memorable. . I knew (and know). very . ‘little about the spécies, heytnd the notes tn reference books. They do not come into any bird hiterature with which [ am familar, and we are wondering rather interestedly whether they ‘are-rare or merely unnoticed. - On the ‘Dh. of October -last year I spent a day at the Tyers River, with a companion equally interested in birds. It was a mild day, with intermittent showers, and the riverside was alive with sounds and songs. But though all-delighted ws; none of the birds we saw was the least bit unusual, Our chicl entertainers were White-browed Scrub-Wrens and Yellow-faced Honey- eaters. When it was almost time to return home I heard a strange nate, a single indescribable call which might have been iigde by a frog or a bird. At the same moment my companion saw the hirds. She thrust the field glasses int my Hands. “Look quickly,” she said. “They're swallows of some kind, but they're not ordinary swailows.”’ She saw them hetter than 1 did; bur for so long as we dared stay we watched the small flock of swallow-hke birds hawking up and down the river, ‘apparently dipping in the water now and then as they skimmed over it. >They were swallow-winged, fork-tailed, dark, with tonspicuaus white backs, That, afier long watching, was. all we could say, for a dense tangle of blackbérries kept us from drawing nearer, ‘and the birds passed so’ swiftly that it was hardly possible to focus the glasses upon them. We could not name them, but when we reached home the reference books: left us in tg: doubt. The opposité (eastern) bank of the river was vertical and gravelly, the water shallow etiough for wading; and we had learned that White-backed Swallows nested in tunnels in:such banks, so I eas high hopes of finding nests and watching the birds go in and out. . A week later I visited the eastern bank and hid imnder a’ bush. watching for the swallows. J saw dramas and comedies: a-Fan- ‘tailed Cuckoo two yards away seemed to be calling from half a dozen ‘different places, while ‘T: ‘watched his throat shiver at every trill; a Whipbird ‘in the thicket opposite-called intermittently; & flock of Beautiful Firetails retreated before a ‘charm’ of Gold- S4 Jean Garararma, 4 “New” Bird Pinds Our Valley Ce x finches; and a pair of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters wert disturhed by a confident fertiim quid. Welcome Swallows skimmed the river up and down, but not one White-hacked Swallow did I see, not ome nesting tunnel did T find. At last, with eyes blurred with watching the moving water and the hirds, I turned homeward. The swallows mst have been a flock out hunting, not a nesting colony as we had hoped. That “seemed, for the time being, to be the end of the story, It wasn’t—quite. On November 10th 1 was cycling through ‘open country, about four miles éast of the Tyers River, when several White-hacked Swallows skimmed over the road in front of me—flymg so low and so close that I looked down on their white backs—disappearing toward a creelc half a mile away. There seems no doubt of the species, though I am disinclined to be positive when I have never seen a named specimen for compatison, We have not seen another one. Perhaps we never “will, But that discovery last spring remains a pleasant memory and an encouragement still to expect unfamiliar visitors to our familiar valley. SPIDERS ASSIST BOTANISTS Normally I do not tike spiders, althowrh 4 admire ther handiwork of -web weaving, At the Whipstick near Kamatooka in mid-May, Mr, Perry and I set out to find an elusive botanical speciinen whose name we wished to confirm. Mr, Perry was cager to show me Nephila of the golden web. TF did not like the jook of hor, less still after running into her net or parlour. We found Nephila on the alert but not: spiteful; one thing we noted was her Cleanliness about her house, for all the refuse of disused or unwanted food was gathered into a long waste bag and fastened on top of the web. welt aut of the way—quickness of movement was so necessary for catching her prey. There were other spiders. with grass-like webs sometimes nearly a foot lang, the interwoven pieces of grass looking like nests in the shrubs, and on ont of the lower shrubby plants we made our find, The plant we had searched for as “Dadenara procumbens,” although sticky and extraordinarily ‘hike it in foliage and general appearance, had stall “nests”? in which were tangled the unmistakable achenes of a composite. Our “Dddanaea" had cast fits flowers except the six involucral bracts, but affixed to the web-grass "nest"? was the cast material which identified onr plant as Olraria decureces, rather uncommon about here, for although we had walked a mile in a circle we saw only a few plants, ? * Without the aid of the spider, its nest and the bristles of the achenes -hotding firm to nests within the bushes, we should not have had our reward. Deletion of Dadonaga proctimbens will be necessary and Qlearia decurrens aubesiisted in my note, Mictorian Nafuralts!, Vol. LIV, No & December, A.J, Tancetr. Ase, W. H. NieneLes, Gur Perplesing Sun-Oveluts SS OUR PERPLEXING. SUN-ORCHIDS A New Variety; Two Reductions in Status; the Evolution of a Thelywitra Column; and other Notes, By W. H. Nreports, Melhoutne, I. THELYMITRA TRUNCATA, Rogers and THELY- MITRA MERRAN&, Nicholls, According to my own investigations over a number of séasans (since the spring of 1930) these are but forms of the well-known Thclymitra txioides, Swartz.) Th. truncata was first found in South Australia (at Myponga) in October, 1917, Rogers reports it as very rare, Th. Merrane was recorded from Aivey’s Inlet, in Victoria (October, 1927-28). In a large collection of Thalywitra specimens collected in the hill country encircling Mount Cobbler (5,340 ft.) in Victoria during January, 1936, and brought home for stiidy, quite an array of 4. - “ANTING" WITH APPLE-PEEL ree cia Some time ago, when the problem of birds’ “anting” themselves was being discussed, a vorrespondent told of a cotkatoo that rubbed apple-peed on itself, and the question was raised as to whether this would have a cleansing effect, Information an the point is-given by Dr. Charles MeLaran, a Presbyterian otedical missionary, who has just published in Melhourme a booklet entitled Eleven Weeks ma Japanese Prisow Coil, Dr, McLaren zays that in the absence of any water for washing in his prison he touk to rubbing himself with apple peelings, and he found that they were very cleansing and alsa “an excelent and very arreenble dentifrice” He suggests, therefore, that in addition ta keeping the clortor away an apple may also enable one to dispense with the dentist and the wash-basinI—A.H.C. POISON OF THE STONE-FISH This interesting note has con fromm a Cloh member, Pilot-oficer C. €. Ralph, Somewhere in New Guinea; “One of the fellows in the camp here trod an a stote-fish a week or £0 back. Ac first there was little pain—so little that le was persuaded hy his companions that he hael merely scratched himself on the coral, But-in-a ‘short time pain developed and the lez swelled up, and although he ts & very tough Individual he was screuming and half mad with agony, It -was twe hours befare he could be got to 2 doctor anc he was treated by placing the feat in water sa hot that the skin ultimately peeled of The actite pain lasted for siv hours in spite of heavy injections of morphia and the -lee was in some degree of pain fur about 36 hours. Incidentally he was walking on 2 sandy bottom with just-an odd- piece af coral here and there" ~~ ~ ; > U n Viet, 8 CHawars Baranry, “The Certitorens Phreta’ a bi-vs “THE GARNIVOROLS PLANTS"; A NOTABLE BOOK _ The Club's Library has been enriched by 3 review copy of The Carnivorous Pienis, by Dr. Francis Ernest Lloyd, Emeritus Professor of Botany, MoGill University. This avtable work jorms volume atine of “A New Series of Plant Soeice Books,” edited by Dr, Fraus Verdoorn and ‘published by lhe Cronica. Botanica Company, Waltham, Mass, U.S.A. The author yesited Australia im 1936, when he delivered a memotabie lecture on the subject which he has made his awn-the carniverous or insectiverout plaints Learniig Was lightened by humour, while Dr, Lloyd's sketches, moving pictures and Tantern slides were of che same quality as hi, vivid descriptions of the mechanism of Viricn/uria traps and other macvelé in a Plant World province known to'very few of our botanists. . . Tr was my privilege tu see much of Professor Lioyd during has stay 4 Vietoria} and he readily acceded w a request that We should write for the Club's journal a paper on Ltriewlarca, with special reference to Australia {See iictorian Naturalist, Vol LITT, Ne. 6.) Besides giving a general atcount of the Bladderworts, of which. in certain directions, Australia possesses a larger and more varied assortinent than any other gedgraphical ‘regial), Or, Lloyd described four new species, one heing wamed LU tricwWaric Dunston, in honaur of Mrs. William Dunstan, wofe af the General Manager of the Herald & Weekly Times Ltd) One may search throngh fifty valtmes ot the Naturalist without findmr a more interesting and amiporlant botariwal article than this hy the author of dhe book now being reviewed The Cantivorors Plants.15 a finety-printed, well-lilustrated volume (there are 36 plates on srt paper), priced ar B35, an expensive book in Australia qwing to foreign exchange, Jt is essential tn any s€nous student of Biadder- werts, Droseras, Cophototus, Syblis, and other "insect-eatiug” plants, melud- ing Funed (Cordyerps, Zoophirgus, ete.). “An hrstolica) Teview and simintacy of -ouF present knowledge about canmivprons plants, of whieh there are some 450 of more species, represent= ing 19 geners, is given by Dr, Lloyd in a work that’ is Wot only an outstanding contribution to scientife botanical literature, but alse possesses great interest for the field ssruvalist. ‘ i y “aa Australia has a prominent place ai The ‘Carnivorous Ploits. oA whole chapter is devoted to the Western Australian Pitcber Plant {Cupholotns fofiteulares)+ another to Bybhs', of ahich ailly two Species‘are know? B, Bizantea, of Western Atstralia, and- 8. Hnifelia, native to Arnlem Lani, in the: Northern Territory: ‘Our Sundewe, of coursd, receive full attention, jor the genus Prosera, with more than 90 species, reaches ils greatest development in this coutttry. For more than a decade before he commenced work ot his great hook, Dr, Lloyd Imd been studying the carnivorous plants af the world Iw 1929 he made an observation of importance in understanding the mechanism, of tie Uirretaria t#ap, when examiiting a species related to Lf) gitbo, ‘This created a desire to siudy other species of the genus. primarily ta determine the Validity of his conclusions; and’ the professor's feeling thal research 21} this field appeared promising was strengthened’ hy the discovery that :the pertinent literature was singularly barten lof the infotimation. mast weeded! that is to say, precise’ accounts of the sttucturerof thre entrance mechanisms ‘of the traps. Hevbarium material, meagre in, the underground parts. of terrestrial forms, was of ‘slight value fot Wis purpose} go Dr. Lloyd songht, {roi al] parts’ ot the world, adequately preserved specimens. Ther: he foiind it necessary td 'travelin order to study carnivorous plants as“they grew: His travels jncluded a journey to’ Africa, and ont to Afriga and Australia! The yint to. Albany was in) the nature’ of 3 pilgrimage te the home of = world-iamous itsectivoraus plant—Cepiatattis. ‘Best. 1943 Cranes Baprert, “The Curnivarons Plants” 79° Byblis gigantea was the ather lure to the West: this insect-catcher' with lovely Aowers, called “rainbow plant" by children, grows freely in a swampy place not many miles to the south of Perth, The other knowis species of Byblis has been recorded only from North-castern Arnhem Land, and the professor, m this case, must ileeds be content with dred material, Few specimens of BH. hinifolig have heen collected since its discovery’ many years ago. When exploning, with the Rev, T. T. Webb, H. Shepherdsan and three aborigmes, an unknown river of the Aboriginal Reserve. Arnhem” Land, I found B. vintfolia “growing abundantly around’ rocky pools. The specimens callected were sent to Professor Lloyd long afterwards, and reached him in peor condition. However, he was able clearly to see in ther how the Jeayes an this species are outwardly civcinaté- "a somewhat surprising fact,” : Swampy country round p~bout Darwin, and farther afield, is rich in ‘ species of {(/tricwlaria with traps of various structure. Some of them are searcely known outside Australia, and had but recently been described when - Professor Lloyd caine here to prosecute his studies. How the mechanism oft the Bladderworr trap works was for many years a puzzle, The key to explanatign was found when Dr, Llovd discussed how the door was rendered watertight, The door is latched and waterproofed around, When the latch 1s disturbéd ‘by a Very small agiatic animal, such as 3 water-flea (Daphnta), the sides of the teap caty spring out (like the sides of a rubber ball) and pull in the door and a stream ot water in which the srumal is carried. Ther the door closes. the walle pump out the water, and the trap is fe-sed within kaif an hour. Dr. Lloyd has made moving pictures of Uivieniarin traps