The Victorian Naturalist The Magazine of the FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB OF VICTORIA in which is incorporated THE MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF VICTORIA Vol. 89 January — December, 1972 Editor: G. M. WARD. Assistant Editor: G. DOUGLAS @ MELBOURNE: JENKIN, BUXTON & CO., PTY. LTD. 113 Abbotsford Street, West Melbourne, 3003 Subscriptions Now Due The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria is administered by a relatively small number of honorary office-bearers. . The growth of the club and the expansion of its activities, particularly in connection with the production of the Victorian Naturalist, are con- tinually adding to the burden of work. It is therefore requested that fees and subscriptions be paid as promptly as possible, in order to help lighten some of this burden. The financial year commences on 1 January, 1973. If you will not be paying your fees at one of the forthcoming general meetings, please remit them by post, using the form provided on the reverse side of this leaf. This procedure will save office-bearers' time, and expense, in sending out remirider notices. PLEASE ATTEND TO THIS MATTER NOW You may help further by passing the following leaf on to an acquaintance who is not a member of the F.N.C.V. or a subscriber to the Victorian Naturalist but who might be interested in either. NOTES: t. Membership fees for the year 1973 are as follows: , Ordinary Members ., ss fs aso sa 4 be ae pe se oe vo $7.00 Country Members ... .. .. pe- ë ot 06 le s eg soc of $5.00 Jost Member: sucres se re sooto rt moo ow be ro tke $2.00 Junior Members . .. .. .. .. .. .. 2. s. s. s. 2. 54 $2.00 Tunior Members recciving The Victorien Naturalist as a.s .. aa ee $4.00 Subscribers to The Victorian Naturalist ., .. ne ae we sa mo 55,00 Affiliated Societies .. .. a. ae ra ss ee a se ss s. s. 8700 Life Membership (reduction after 20 years’ membership) .. .. .. $140.00 (Ordinary, and country members receive the Victorian Naturalist free of any further charge.) 2. The scheme of supporting membership was introduced so that those who are able and willing to do so might help club finances, You are invited to become a supporting member by making a voluntary addition to the normal annual fee of any sum you choose, from $1 upward. Details relating to supporting members and their payments are regarded by the treasurer as confidential, and no distinc- tion or extra privilege is bestowed on the members concerned. - (To be removed) ADDENDUM Vol, 89: No 7, p. 186. A space to the right of the text under Frasers Legless Lizard should contain this illustration. U torian naturali 0 D For today... and the centuries ahead THE 5-POINT FORESTS MULTIPLE USE PLAN A plan based on scientific forests management... ensuring that our forests continue to contribute towards man's overall survival and to his individual zest for living. The multiple use plan protects the five critical forest values: WATER WOOD WILDLIFE RECREATION FORAGE Our State Forests provide abundant leisure enjoyment... only one of the five big values. Please help us by cherishing aii five values when you are enjoying the forests ul! 2 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 FORESTS COMMISSION, VICTORIA The Victorian Naturalist Editor: G. M. Ward Assistant Editor; G, Douglas Vol. 89, No. 1 5 January, 1972 CONTENTS Articles: Notes on West Sister Island, Furneaux Group, Tasmania. By J. S. Whinray Ve o4 Cx wanuh AA, Tobe A AS, (END 9 d 4 The Ambulatory Medusa. By H. Bishop .. .. .. .. .. .. 16 Concerning Birds that Store Food. By A. H., Chisholm .. .. .. 20 Mammal Survey Group Bi-Annual Report .. .. .. .. .. ws 22 Book Review: Birds of Victoria — 3 t.t ah VA S X uu or ij) tee 2l Field Naturalists Club of Victoria: Report of December General Meeting .. .. Mi ug te e... 24 Diary of Coming Events .. 9 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 27 Front Cover: This appealing photograph of the Fat-tailed Pouched Mouse was taken by Hans Beste. January, 1972 3 Notes on West Sister Island, Furneaux Group Tasmania by J, S. WiisgAYT The Furneaux Group is part of the broken arc of islands stretching across eastern. Bass Strait from Wilson's Promontory, Victoria, to Cape Port- land in north-eastern Tasmania. Flinders Island is the central and largest island of the Furneaux Group. West -Sister Island. about 1,500 acres in area, lies about two miles north- west of North Point, Flinders Island (see Figure 1). West Sister Island is three miles long from East Peint to the west end. Its width varies from about 300 yards at narra w East Point to a mile and a half near the west end (sce Figure 2), The island js made up of two granite hills, Bast Hill (636 feet) and West Hill. (526 feet). ‘separsdted by a nàrrow strip of low land, This iow land, which forms the central part of the Bland, has sand ridges and a sand beach at its north and south ends, These are the sand ridges ahd beaches of North Bay and South or Home Bay. East Point has a sand beach on is north and south sides, The sand rid&es between the East Point beaches carry an open-scrub** of native coastal species. These include Coast Teatres (Leptospermum laevigatum), Coast Wattle (Acacia sophorae), Boo- biala (Myoporum insulare), Coast Beardheath (Deucopogon parviflorus), White Correa (Correa alba) and Thyme Riceflower (Pimelea serpylli- Jolia). The South Bay sand ridges carry à similar open-scrub, but about one quarter of it has been replaced by *'Terms used for vegetation types are |liose set Out in Chapter Five of The Australian. Enviran- genr, Fourth Edition, 1970, edited by G. W per, i African Boxthorn (*Lyciven Jerocissi- mum). Only parts of the first sand ridges behind North Bay carry open- scrub like that at East Point, The other parts of the first ridges, and the inner ridge, have been fired so often that they carry mainly Austrat Bracken (Preridiam | esculentum). Altogether the sand ridge open-scrub of the island covers about 120 acres. Farming activity has established pasture, of mainly introduced species, on the central strip of Jow land and on the adjoining slopes of Fast and West Hills (see Plate 1). Although this central pasture covers about 300 acres, only three native grasses Were found in it. Wallaby Grass (Donthonia racemasa) Wwas' widespread, but the other-iwo species were localized in occurrence, Spear Grass (Stipa com- pacta) was found only in the pasture just behind the sand ridges of North and South Bays. Tussock Poa (Poa australis sp. agg.) was noticed only as 3 few widely scattered tussocks in one small area, The introduced herbs found -im the pasture included Barley Grass (*Hordeum leporinum), Soft Brome (*Bromus mollis}, Giant Brome (*Bromus diandrus), Yellow Suckling (*Triloltum: dubium) and Common Burrmedick — (*Medicago polymorpha), The pasture ‘varies greatly. and weeds, which include White Horehound (*Marrubium vul- pare) and Smallfiower Mallow (*Malva parviflera), are common in parts of |t, Most of the introduced An ^ preceding & botynival species indlogles an imbroduced plant tFiinders Islant, ‘Tastwania. 7255 Viet. Nat, Vol, 89 grasses are annuals, and these form a closed-grassland in much of the pasture area during Winter, Spring and early Summer. By Midsummer the only live grasses in the central pasture area are the three native species mentioned above and a small patch of Kikuyu Grass (*Pennisetum clandestinum}. A list of the herbs found in the central pasture area of the island be- tween 1965 and 1969 is given as Appendix One. Of the fifty-six species in this list, only eleven are native ones. The major vegetation area of the island could be called — for the pur- pose of these notes — a tussock grass- land complex. This complex, which covers about 900 acres, is very variable and its vegetation types range from open-tussock grassland to closed- tussock grassland. The two dominant tussock-forming species of the com- plex are Prickly Speargrass (Stipa teretifolia) and Tussock Poa (Poa aus- tralis sp. agg.). The Prickly Spear- Brass is exclusively coastal in occurrence while the Tussock Poa is the dominant species of the tussock grassland complex areas of East and West Hills (see Plates 2. 3). The two dominant grasses do not seem to be grazed by the leaseholders sheep, except perhaps when young green leaves sprout after fires. Manv of the herbs of the central pasture area occur in much of the tussock grassland complex areas. Thev grow amongst the tussocks and are grazed by the sheep and other animals. Periodic burning is the only form of pasture control practised in the tussock grassland areas (R. E. Blyth, pers. comm.). About 200 acres of the com- plex on West Hill were burned during the last firing which was in the late Summer of 1967. I walked through the burned area during February, 1968. It appears that the extent of the complex depends on the fre- quency of the periodic burning. It was more extensive when the 1951 148? Scale(miles)|O J5 39° 40' West Sister Island aS Bligh Point East Sister D Island 39° 40! orth Point Flinders Island 148 Figure 1 January, 1972 aerial photograph* was taken, but re- growth of trees and shrubs since then has decreased its area. There is one large patch of shrubby Coast Sheoke (Casuarina stricta) open-forest on the island, and there are some scattered small patches of shrubby Coast Sheoke low open- forest also. Most of these are in places protected, in one way or another, from the full effects of the periodic burning. As well, one patch of tall shrubland, in which only one or two Coast Sheoke were found, is still known to the leaseholder's sons as "The Sheoak Scrub" (R. E. Blyth, pers. comm.). During my visits I walked to all the Coast Sheoke and scrub patches of East and West Hills. AM of them showed the effects of periodic burning and most were partly, *Aerial photograph, Flinders Run 11, No. 34423, Department of Lands, Hobart. or wholly, immature. This can be seen, for example, in the patch of Paperbark Teatree (Melaleuca erici- folia) in the middle part of West Gully, East Hill. It ranges from three feet in height (open-heath) to twenty feet (open-scrub). I consider that the present Coast Sheoke patches on the island are remnants of a more exten- sive cover and that periodic burning. to improve the island for grazing, has been the main cause of its reduction. I suggest that the former main vegeta- tion of the island could have been shrubby Coast Sheoke open-forest and low open-forest. The present Coast Sheoke and scrub patches of East and West Hills cover about 120 acres. Some of the trees and shrubs recorded by the writer on East Hill were Manuka (Leptospermum sco- parium), Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa), Tree Broomheath (Mono- Plate 1 Photo: Author. The north side of the eastern ridge of West Hill seen from behind North Bay, August, 1969. The tall shrubland below the crest of the ridge is still called “The Sheoak Scrub" although there are now only one or two Coast Sheokes in it, Much of it is now African Boxthorn. This introduced shrub is also replacing the native shrubland in the foreground. The central pasture extends up the ridge to the top of "The Sheoak Scrub". Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 toca elliptica), Variable Sallow Wattle [Acacia mucronata var. depehdens), Shrubby Spurge (Phyllanthus gunnii) and the heath Cyathodes juniperina var. oxycedrus, PLANTS Some plants that occur in Tasmania only on Bass Strait islands are known from West Sister. Dr. J. Milligan col- lected the creeper Sicyos angulata there in the 1840’s (J. H. Willis, pers, comm.). The writer collected it at two places near the western end of North Bay in February, 1968, but did not sce it elsewhere on the island. North- eastern. Flinders Island is its only other known Tasmanian locality (Curtis, 1963). M. H. Christie and the writer found the small daisy Indian Cudweed (Gnaphalium indi- cunt) near the south-west point in February, 1968 (see Figure 2), The specimen, lodged af Melbourne, is apparently the first collected in Tas- mania, as Indian Cudweed is not mentioned in the appropriate volume of Dr, Curtiss The Student's Flora WEST SISTER ISLAND a Vest < P. 526! + Guljies--—-~ i-Prickly Saltwort beach. 2-Flate Two taken from here, 3- Indian Cudweed locality. 4-"The Sheoak Scrub." 5-Plate three taken from here, 6-North Bay sand ridges. 7-Plate One teken from here, B-The Homestead(Plate Four). 9-South Bay sand ridges. 10-West Gully of East Hill. 11-Nettle Gully. 12-Bast Point sand ridg of Tasmania. During the same visit we found a plant of Prickly Saltwort (Salsola kali) on a small beach near the north-west end of the island (see Figure 2). Specimens were sen! to Melbourne and Hobart. Prickly Saltwort was found on Hogan's Island by members of the McCoy Soctety, University of Melbourne, only a week before our discovery of it on West Sister (J. H, Hope, pers. comm.). I think that the Hogan's Island record is the first for Tas- mania, as Prickly Saltwort also is not mentioned in The Student's Flora of Tasmania, During my six visits to West Sister between 1965 and 1969, just over 200 plant species have been recorded, Many specimens were sent to ihe National Herbarium of Victorja and to the Herbarium of the University of Tasmania. Some of the plants found were very restricted jn occurrence. Streaked Arrowgrass (Triglochin striata) was found only in one coastal soak at the eastern end of (miles) es. Figure 2 January, 1972 South Bay heach. This soak and the many others around ihe coast carried spectes not found elsewhere on the island. Some species confined to these soaks were Shiny Bogrush (Schoenzs nitens), Swamp Weed (Selliera radi- cani). Small Spikerush (Eleocharis pusillu) and (Liaeepsis polyantha). The Small Spikerush had not been recorded previously from any Bass Strait island. Common Duckweed (Lemma miner) and Water Cress (* Nasturtium officinale) were found in s number of soaks and also in some of the small streams. Apart from Austral Bracken (Preridium esculentum) all the ferns found were also restricted in occur- rence. Necklace Fern (Asplenium flabelfifolium) was found in a num- ber of rock crevices on East and West Hills, Tender Brake (Preris tremula) was found only amongst the boulders at the base of the outcrop above the western end of North Bay, The Mother Shieldfern (Polystichum proliferum) was found only in the damp hed of the Nettle Gully stream. Ruddy Groundfern (Hypolepis ruga- salo) was growing with it. Orchids were very hard to find. There were a few Mosquito Orchids (Acianthus reniformis) and Broad- leaved Caladenias (Caladenia lati- folia) ou the South Bay sand ridges, bul no orchids at all were found on the North Bay sand ridges, Only Broadleaved Caladenias were found on the East Point sand ridges, A few leaves of a Sunorchid (Thelyniisra sp.) and of at Onion Orchid (Mizra- tis sp.) were found in shallow soil at. the edge of 3 granite outcrop in the upper part of West Gully, East Hill, Nearby, In a small crevice under short Paperbark Teatrec, were a few plants of what appeared to he the Tiny Star (Hypoxis pusilla), 1 took three of them and when they flowered in^ @ pot on Flinders Sstand they 3 proved to be Tiny Stars, This species Was not seen elsewhere on the island, A few Blue Gums (Ewcalyprus bicortatey were the only eucalypts found on the island. They form a small group of gnarled old trees at the inner edge of the South Bay sand ridges, The species mentioned above, and others of restricted occurrence, make up nearly a quarter of all the plant species found on the island. LICHENS Collections taken in 1963 and "66 have been lodged at the National Herbarium of Victoria. The most un- usual species which was collected in December, 1966, from two. localities on West Hill, is a small grey lichen called Anaptychia. japenica (Sato) Kurokawa. Mr. R. B. Filson, who de=- termined it, told me that before this discovery it was thought to be en- demic to Japan. At the same nme ! found another unusual species. Mr. Filson considers that jt is probably Teloschistes flavicans, Before this discovery, he had recorded the spectes in Australia only from Queensland and northern. New South Wales (Filson. ! 968), The other West Sister lichens de- termined so far by Mr, Filson ate: — Teloschistes spinosus. (Hook. f, & Tayl.) J. Murray: Telosehistes eliry- sopthalmus (L.) Th. Fr; Cladia aggregata (Sw,) Nyl; Xanthoria ec- tanea (Ach) Ras. ex R. Filson; Dipicicia canescens (Dicks) Mass.; Physcia orbicularis (Neck.) Poctsch ; and Anaptychia pseadospeciosa var. tremulans (Müll. Arg.) Kurokawa. REPTILES Seven species of reptiles were col- lected on West Sister, and specimens of them were lodged at the National Museum of Victoria. The Black Tiger Snake (Narechis Vict) Hat, Mol 89 ater Krefft) was the only large snake seen or collected on the island. One was caught at 11 p.m. eastern stand- ard time in February, 1968. lt was hunting in African Boxthorn open- scrub just east of the homestead when I saw it. Some of the many Black Tigers seen in the extensive Short- tailed Shearwater rookeries were obtained. The smaller White-lipped Snake (Denisonia coronoides Gunther) seemed much less common than the Tiger Snakes. One specimen was ob- tained which was hunting at 9.30 p.m. eastern standard time in Feb- ruary, 1968. It was in African Box- thorn open-scrub just east of the homestead. Only two others were seen: both during daytime. One was in closed-tussock grassland near the south-west point and the other was in native open-scrub on a South Bay sand ridge. Only six live Bluetongue Lizards (Tiliqua nigrolutea Quoy & Gaimard) were seen. All were in the central and western parts of the island. One, collected in August, 1969, had a tick in one ear. It was removed, and determined by Dr. D. H. Kemp (pers. comm.) as Aponoma hydrosauri (Denny). The tick specimen was lodged at the National Museum. White's Skink (Egernia whitei Lace- pede) was the commonest reptile in the central pasture area. For example, nearly fifty were seen during one warm afternoon in August, 1969. In the pasture area White's Skinks were found under old posts, planks and cor- rugated iron. African Boxthorn was also used as shelter and many speci- mens were obtained. In the central pasture area both the Metallic Skink (Leiolopisma metalli- cum O'Shaughnessy) and the Three- lined Skink (Leiolopisma trilineatum Gray) used the same shelter as White's Skinks. They were, though, January, 1972 much less common and few specimens were either seen or obtained. Bougainvilles Skink (Lerista bou- gainvilli Gray) was the rarest species on the island. In December, 1966, one specimen was found buried in loose soil under an old log on the upper part of the eastern ridge of West Hill. Later searches in this and other areas yielded neither sightings nor specimens. MARSUPIALS AND OTHER ANIMALS Small bats are seen often in the homestead when the leaseholder's sons pay their periodic visits to the island (E. T. Blyth, pers. comm.). A speci- men of the Lesser Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus geoffroyi) which was obtained in the homestead on 5 Feb- ruary, 1968, was lodged at the Queen Victoria Museum, Launceston (QVM 1968/1/28-spirit specimen). The writer found it under peeling wall- paper in one of the rooms. The White - footed Sminthopsis (Sminthopsis leucopus) is well known to the leaseholder's sons who call it the Shrew Mouse (E. T. Blyth, pers. comm.). When in the company of M. H. Christie, a dead specimen was found on the homestead bathroom floor in February, 1968; and was lodged at the National Museum of Victoria (NMV C 9566-skull and skeleton). It had not been dead long for when we found it there were still one or two maggots in it. The Red-bellied Pademelon (Thylo- gale billardieri) is common on the island. This population is one of the six surviving island populations in the Furneaux Group (Whinray, 1971b). Fishermen use West Sister pademelons for bait — one crayfish boat was tak- ing between fifteen and twenty a week in February, 1968 — and they are 9 shot for the dogs, and occasionally for the table, by the leaseholder's sons. As well they are hunted by the parties of quail shooters which visit the island each year. During the severe drought of late Summer and Autumn of 1967 the sheep had to be hand fed with hay and grain fetched from Flinders Island. The people em- ployed to feed the sheep noticed weak pademelons feeding on African Box- thorn clumps even in daylight (1. Chamberlain, pers. comm.). Some pademelons probably died during the drought, because fewer pademelons were seen in February, 1968, than in December, 1966. As well, over thirty pademelon skeletons were found in February, 1968. These were almost all in the central pasture area and were especially common around African Boxthorn clumps and open- scrub. The African Boxthorn would have provided the main green feed in the pasture area during the drought. The writer collected a number of these dead pademelons in February, 1968, and donated the heads of those which could be sexed — due to suffi- cient skin and tissue remaining on the skeletons — to the Monash Uni- versity Zoology Department. They were later lodged at the National Museum of Victoria (MEL C 7998, 8012-8014, 8016, 8018, 8019, 8021- 8024, 8026, 8027, 8062-8066, 8072). The Short-nosed Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) occurs over much of West Sister but is common only in the central pasture area. Bandicoots feed- ing at night were watched in this area on many occasions during the 1966, '68 and 769 visits. During the latter visit, one was watched while feeding at the western end of South Bay beach. It dug only where sea weed wrack was buried in the sand. Judging by the number of bandi- coots seen, and the number of food pits noticed, it seems that the popula- tion is not numerous. A personal esti- mate is given at about eighty animals. Plate 2 Y cid Photo: Author. South Bay seen from the eastern ridge of West Hill. February. 1968. The sand ridge open-scrub can be seen directly behind the beach. The West Gully of East Hill is in the top left-hand corner. Tussock Poa Poa australis sp. agg. tussock grassland can be seen in the foreground. 10 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Two bandicoot nests were seen in December, 1966, One was in grassy Coast Sheoke open-forest in the lower part of West Gully, East Hill. The other was under an African Box- thorn bush beside a narrow track through the African Boxthorn open- scrub just east of the homestead. Two others were seen in February, 1968. M. H. Christie found one of them amongst a dense stand of Winged Slender Thistle ( *Carduus tenuiflorus) on the lower part of the eastern ridge of West Hill. It was made of thistle leaves and moss. The other nest was in the homestead enclosure. It was in closed-grassland beside African Boxthorn open-scrub, A bandicoot shot by a fisherman in late January, 1968, was obtained and lodged at the National Museum of Victoria (MEL C 7892 — skin, skull and skeleton). Another specimen, which seemed to have been killed by a dog some months before, was found at the same time. [It was lodged at the Queen Victoria Museum, Launces- skull, ton (QVM 1971/1/7 — part part skeleton). Plate 3 Photo: Author. During the month spent on the island the writer never saw bandicoots in the open during daytime. Occasion- ally though they were seen at dusk beside African Boxthorn clumps and open-scrub. In the central pasture area they seemed to use the African Boxthorn as shelter during the daytime and they ran to it when disturbed at night. Mr. A. E. Blyth, whose father and uncle took over the lease of the island in 1884, indicated that there was never anything said in the family to suggest that the bandicoot was introduced to the island (A. E. Blyth, pers. comm.). As the only bandicoot bones in Mr. D. G. F. Smith's extensive collections from coastal blowouts on Flinders Island were from Short-nosed Bandi- coots (D. G. F. Smith, pers. comm.), the bandicoot caught on Flinders Island in 1832 (Backhouse, 1843; Backhouse & Tylor, 1862) was probably the same species. So the West Sister population could be a relict one. The European Hare (Lepus euro- paeus) is remembered by Mr. A. E. The homestead, built 1896, behind South Bay. Pademelons and bandicoots were seen feeding in the pasture around the homestead. The African Boxtborn open-scrub just behind the homestead was a narrow hedge originally. January, 1972 n Blyth as being on the island at least sixty years ago, and he thinks that his father introduced them to the island (A. E. Blyth, pers. comm.). Many hares were seen on West Sister in December. 1966. Each evening there were always between ten and twenty in the pasture between the home- stead enclosure and the South Bay sand ridges. Apparently the 1967 drought was hard on the population, for only three or four were seen dur- ing the many walks of the 1968 visit. They seemed no more common by August, 1969. The Eastern Water-Rat (Hydromys chrysogaster) has been recorded for the island in late 1929 or early 1930, and in about 1960 (Whinray, 1971b). It is interesting to note that nearby East Sister Island had only the Red- bellied Pademelon (Thylogale bil- lardieri), until two smaller marsupials were introduced by the late Mr. George Blyth (A. E. Blyth, pers. comm. ). East Sister, about 1,000 acres in area, lies about three miles north- east of West Sister (see Figure 1). Pademelons were noticed when the writer visited East Sister in Decem- ber, 1966. Mr. A. E. Blyth (pers. comm.) said that both the Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) in- troduced from Flinders [sland in the 1920's, and the White-footed Smin- thopsis (Sminthopsis leucopus) intro- duced from West Sister Island in the 1920's or 1930's, were present still on East Sister when he paid his last visit there in 1966. BIRDS Notes on some of the species seen are followed by a list of species. This list is not complete because of in- ability to identify the species of a number of the birds seen. Quail, Ravens, Whistlers and Thornbills were some of these. 12 Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor). Only one was seen. It was in an isolated burrow near the north-west point in February, 1968. Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris). There are a number of rookeries on West Hill and they cover about 100 acres. Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor). Although West Sister is so close to Flinders Island, only this species is present. In Kents Group (Jones, 1970: Whinray, 1971a) and on Cat Island, Furneaux Group (Cashion, 1958), this seems to be the only resi- dent Oystercatcher. It is, apparently, better suited than the Pied Oyster- catcher to islands with mainly rocky coasts and no surrounding mudflats. White-breasted Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster). One, or sometimes two, birds were seen over the island on most days during the month spent there. No nest was noticed on the island. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus). Three were seen flying at about 300 feet above the lower western slopes of East Hill on 15 August, 1969. This was the first fine day after a week of cold squally south-westerly gales. They were noticed only because of hearing their distinctive calls while packing my gear in the kitchen at 2 p.m. Using field glasses, the writer watched them until they were out of sight. Up to this time they were head- ing for the north coast of Flinders Island about a mile west of North Point. They were not noticed on the island during the week before the sighting. During this time, practically all the scrub areas of the island had been traversed. Vict. Nat, Vol. 89 Dusky Robin (Amaurodryas vittata). This Tasmanian endemic. was seen often in the central pasiure area of the island. Scrub Wrens, Using Sharland's descriptions in his Tasmanian Birds, I concluded that both the White-browed Scrub Wren (Sericornis frontalis) and Brown Scrub Wren (Sericornis humilis) were present. However, Green (1969) claims the species present as the Brown Serub Wren. Crescent Honeyeater (Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera), This species of honeyeater was the only one seen and heard on the island. The area of suitable habitat, which in- cludes the African Boxthorn areas, is about 250 acres. In Kent's Group, only the Crescent Honeyeater seems to occur on Erith Island (Jones, 1970; Whinray, 1971a) and Dover Island (Whinray, 1971a). The areas of suitable habitat on these islands are about 300 and 900 acrcs respectively. On Deal Island, which has about 2,400 acres of suitable habitat, both the Crescent and White-naped Honey- eaters occur (Whinray, 1971a). It is possible that the Crescent is the species best suited to life on Bass Strait islands which have sufficient habitat for only one honeyeater species. The details given above show that it can live on islands with quite small areas of suitable habitat. Beautiful Firetait ( Zonaegintlius bellus). One bird was seen by M. H. Christie in February, 1968, al the lower part of West Gully, East Hill (M. H. Christie, pers. comm.). This was the only sighting of the species. List of Birds of West Sister Island (1966-1969). This list, of twenty-six species, is sel out after Leach’s An Australian Bird Hock, 1968. An asterisk indicates an in- troduced species and (T) indicates a Tas- maman endemic species. Eudyptula minor Little Penguin. Puffinus tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater, Luray novae-hollandiue Silver Gull, Lorus pacificus Pacific Gull. Haematapus unicolor Sooty Oystercatcher, Labihyx novae-hollandiae Spurwinged Plover. Charadvius cuculfatis Hooded Datierel, Cereopsis novae-hollandiae Cape Barren Goose, Huliaeetus leucagaster White-breasted Sea Eagle, Falco berigora Brown Hawk. Ninox novae-seclandiac Boobook Owl. Colyptorhynchus fünercus Yellow-tailed Black Cockalon. January, 1972 Cacomantis pyrrhophanus Fantatled Cuckoo. Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow. Amauradryas vittata Dusky Robin. Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail. Sericornis humilis Brown Serub Wren, + Twrday merula Blackbird. Epthianura albilrons White-fronted Chat, Zosrerops lateralis Grey-breasted Silver-eye. Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera Crescent Honeyeater. * Alauda arvensis Skylark. * Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch. = Passer domesticus House Sparrow. Zanaeginthus bellus Beautiful Firctail. = Sruenus vulgaris Starling. (T) 13 REFERENCES Backhouse, Jl, 1843. A narrative of a visit fo the — Austullan — colonies. Londan, Page 86. Backhouse, J.. and Tylor, C., 1862. The life ond labours of George Washington Walker, London. Page 104, Blyth A. E, Personal communication. Mr. Blyth is the présent leaseholder ot East Sister Island. C/- Emita, Flinders Island, Tasmania Blyth, E. T. Personal communication, Mr, Blyth visits West Sister Island to do work for the leaseholder (his father), C/- Palana, Flinders Island. Bluth, R. E. Personal Communication. Mr. Blyth also visiis West Sister to do work for his father. C/- Palana, Flinders Island. Cashion T., 1958. The birds of Cat Island, Furneaux Group, Tasmania. Em, Vol. 58, page 330. Chamberlain, J. Personal communication. Mr, Chamberlain was employed to feed the sheep on West Sister during the 1967 drought. C/- White Mark, Flinders Island, Christie, M, H. Personal communication, Miss Christie accompanied the author to West Sister for the 1968 visit. C/- While Mark, Flinders Isfand. Curtis, W. M. 1963. Whe student's flora of Tasmanio, Part 2, page 237, Filson, R. B, 1969. A revicw of the general Teloschistes , . , Muellvria, Vol, 2, Part 1, pp. 74-5. Green, R. E, 1969. The birds of Flinders Islanti. Records oj the Queen Victoria Museen, Launceston, No, 34, page 16. Hope, J. H. Personal communication. Cj- Research School of Pacific Studies, Australian National University, Can- berra. Jones J., 1970. South West Island, aad other investigations in the Kent Group. Victoriwt Naturalist, 87 (12) 358. Kemp, D. H. Personal communication. C|- CSIRO Long Pocket Laboratories, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Smith, D. G, F, Personal communica- tion. Mr. Smith's collections are held at the Western Australian Museum and were ustermined by Mr. Duncan Merrilees. C/- White Mark, Flindezé Tsland. 7 Whinray, J. S. 1971a. A list of birds of the major Kent's Group islands. Tasmanian Naturalist, No. 24, pp. 2-3. =, 1971b. The present distribu- tion of some mammals . Naturalist, 88 (30) 284. Willis, J. H. Personal communication. Milligan’s specimen (No. 563) of Sicyos mgulata is held at the National Herbarium, Victoria, Australia. .. Fictorian Appendix 1 List of heebs ef the central pasture area, West Sister Island, 1965-1969. Species with M. before their scientific names were determined at the National Herbarium, Melbourne. Other determin- ations are by the author. An asterisk indicates an introduced species. Poaceae Pennisetum clandestiiium Kikuyu Grass. * Carapodium rigidum Fern Grass. * Vulpia megalura Foxtail Fescue. M * Pulpit bromoldes Squirreltail Fescue. M * Fulpii myuros Ratstail Fescue. * Bromus mollis Soft Brome. * Bromus diandrus Giant Brome, * Koeleria phleoides Annual Catstail. i4 Poa australis sp. agg. Tussock Poa, * Poa annua Annual Meadowgrass. M = Stipa compacta Spear Grass. M * Aira caryephyllea ^ Silvery Hairgrass. M Danthonia racemosa Wallaby Grass. * Avena fotua Wild Oat. * Avena sativa Ont, M * Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass. M ? Rordeum leporinim Barley Grass, Urticaceae * Urtica wrens Garden Nettle. Vict. Nel, Vel. 39 Polygonaceae Rumex brownii Swamp Dock. * Rumex acetosella Sheep Sorrel. M * Rumex pulcher Fiddle Dock. Chenopodiaceae M * Chenopodium pumilio Clammy Goosefoot. * Chenopodium murale Nettleleaved Goosefoot. M * Chenopodium album White Goosefoot. Caryophyllaceae * Stellaria media Common Chickweed. M * Sagina apetala Annual Pearlwort. M * Cerastium fontanum Sticky Mouse-ear Chickweed. * Polycarpon tetraphyllum Fourleaved Allseed. M * Silene nocturna Catchfly. Fumariaceae M * Fumaria muralis Fumitory. Cruciferae * Coronopus didymus Lesser Swinescress. * Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherds Purse. Crassulaceae Crassula sieberiana Annual Stonecrop. Crassula macrantha Stonecrop. Rosaceae Acaena anserinifolia Bidgee Widgee. Fabaceae M * Trifolium dubium Yellow Suckling. January, 1972 M * Trifolium cernuum Droopingflower Clover, * Trifolium glomeratum Clustered Clover. M * Trifolium tomentosum Woolly Clover. M * Medicago arabica Spotted Medick. M * Medicago polymorpha Common Burrmedick. M * Melilotus indica King Island Melilot. Geraniaceae * Geranium molle Soft Geranium. * Erodium cicutarium Common Heronsbill. * Erodium moschatum Musk Heronsbill. Oxalidaceae Oxalis corniculata Creeping Woodsorrel. Malvaceae M * Malva parviflora Smallflower Mallow. Labiatae * Marrubium vulgare White Horehound. Rubiaceae M * Sherardia arvensis Field Madder. Asteraceae * Gnaphalium candidissimum Silver Cudweed. Cotula australis Common Cotula. M Cymbonotus preissianus Annual Bearsear. * Carduus tenuiflorus Winged Slender Thistle. M * Leontodon nudicaulis ssp. taraxacoides Hawkbit. * Hypochaeris radicata. Cats Ear. M * Hypochaeris glabra Smooth Cats Ear. 15 The Ambulatory Medusa or Walking Bud of Clavatella Prolifera By H. BisHop Whilst carrying out an inspection of material in a small marine aquarium during September, 1969, a number of star-shaped specks were observed on the sides of the aquarium. These were assumed to be smail brittle stars, but on inspecting them with a hand lens, they were found to be entirely different. To make a more detailed inspection, a few of these creatures were removed from the aquarium and placed under the micro- scope, where they were clearly visible, and presenting a fascinating sight. Plate 1. 6-arm Medusa. Photo: Author These creatures had a central body with six radiating arms (Pl. 1). Each arm was branched in the shape of a "Y". One branch of each arm ter- minated in a suction pad and the other branch terminated in a disc covered with stinging cells. The suction pads provide a means of locomotion and are used for walking about on, whilst the section terminating in stinging cells, wave around as ihough searching for food, at times meeting overhead. Small crustaceans coming into contact with these stinging cells, were instantly paralysed. There were six ocelli (simple light receptors), one at the junction where each arm joined the body. These ocellus appear as red spots. A small trunk-like protrusion was Observed on rare occasions, sweeping around under the body. Not being able to identify these creatures, one was taken into the microscopy group meeting. where it was identified by D. McInnes as the medusa stage of the hydroid, Clava- tella prolifera. It appears that these medusa are rarely found, possibly owing to the lack of observation. Mr. McInnes has sighted these before, but the only other known sighting which has been re- ported in Victoria was in 1949. It was the subject of an article by M. E. Freame, Victorian Naturalist 65. headed “The Crawling Jelly Fish” Bud of Clavatella prolifera. This article re- fers to a previous discovery in Port Jackson, N.S.W. in 1893. Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 The number of medusa in the aquarium increased rapidly, as many as six were counted in a square inch (PIII It was at this time that a request was received for a number of specimens to be forwarded to the Emperor of Japan, who is a world-renowned marine bio- logist. Six good specimens with buds were removed from the aquarium, and placed in a small container with some of the water. This was passed to Mrs. J. Watson of the Underwater Observa- tory Group, who arranged for their despatch through the Japanese Consul. Word was received at a later date that the medusa arrived safely, and in good condition. The medusa in the aquarium were kept under observation for the next ten months. A considerable number were always visible. As each medusa developed buds would appear between the radiating arms; as many as six buds have been observed on the one me- dusa. These buds are young medusa, and when they reach a certain stage they detach themselves from the parent, and continue an existence of their own. These young medusa de- velop buds and so the numbers rapidly increase. Plate 2 As many as 6 medusa per square inch were counted. (See text.) Photo: Author January, 1972 It has not been possible to establish what happens to the adult medusa, after the buds break away. “Does it die" or start developing buds again? As they have the power to walk about, it was not practicable to observe one medusa through its life cycle. With the view to making a per- manent record of these medusa a microscope slide was prepared, but it was not a success. The only other alternative was to have a photographic record, and this led to the purchase of à camera suitable for photomicro- graphy. After considerable experimenting. and a lot of failures, a number of good colour transparencies were ob- tained, and from these, black and white negatives and prints were made. Having successfully maintained the medusa for a considerable time in a small aquarium, I was most anxious to see if the hydroid itself would develop. After numerous inspections of material from the aquarium, two hy- droids were found. These are much smaller than the medusa and it was most rewarding to find these. To my knowledge there is no record of these being observed before in Victoria. 17 The hydroid Clavatella prolifera has a slender stem-like body, with four arms radiating out from the top. Each arm terminated in a disc of stinging cells identical to the medusa. A number of photographs were im- mediately taken of the hydroids, in case these were the only specimens in the aquarium. However, quite a few more were observed during the next months. Whilst searching for hydroids numerous planula were observed mov- ing about on the algae. These are small spheres covered with cilia, and under high power magnification an ex- tremely fine flagella was observed sweeping around when the planula moved. Although I had not observed the development of these planula, it seems quite evident that the complete life cycle had been attained, as the medusa, the planula, and the hydroid were all observed in one container at the same time. During the summer months the medusa developed in large numbers, but in the winter months their num- bers were reduced. Specimens were always visible during the ten months that the aquarium was operating. After ten months of continuous operation the aquarium became overgrown with algae, and it was necessary to clean it out. The material gathered to commence this aquarium was collected from Rickets Point, Melbourne, and the medusa were found on the coraline, and algae Enteromorpha intestinalis in the clear pools at low tide. Various visits to the same area have resulted in additional findings of the medusa. During a holiday at Wye River in January 1971 two specimens were found on material from the ocean rock pools, which indicates that they are widespread. The medusa are hardy animals, and 18 can withstand a variety of water tem- peratures, as was proved during January and February 1970 when water temperature in the aquarium reached 82^ Fahrenheit on numerous occasions without causing any reduc- tion to their numbers. They appear to prefer light in pre- ference to darkness, as they always gathered on the sides of the aquarium facing the daylight. 'The number of arms on the medusa varied, and specimens have been ob- served with five (Pl. 3) six, and seven arms. Both the medusa and the hydroid have been kept in a small petri dish for up to 12 days whilst under obser- vation. The water was changed daily and aerated twice daily. The establishment of and maintain- ing a small marine aquarium, did not present any problems, or require special attention. The aquarium re- Plate 3. 5-arm Medusa. Photo: Author Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 ferred to in this article was placed in a position where it received full day- light (no direct sunlight) and was kept constantly aerated by a vibrating type air pump. The conditions were evi- dently favourable, as apan from the Medusa, small crustaceans and micro- scopical forms of life were always in abundance, The following publications refer in detail to Clavatella prolifera with its ambulatory medusa. “British Hydroid Zoophytes", Vols. 1 and 2 by T, Hincks, B.A., dated 1868 and “A Monograph of the Gym- noblastic or Tubularian Hydroids", by G. J. Allman, M.D., dated 1871, This publication is available from the Public Reference Library. Hincks refers to the first sighting of Clavatella prolifera at Torquay, Eng- land. Allman mentions finding specimens on the west coast of Scotland, but does not mention the date of sighting, The information gained from the excellent recordings in these publica- tions, of the life cycles of Clavatella prolifera and its ambulatory medusa, has answered my query on the link between the medusa and the planula stage. As mentioned earlier in this article, I had the medusa, thẹ planula, and the hydroid in a container at the one lime, but I was unable to find out how the planula developed. Both Hincks and Allman refer io this sexual stage, and Hincks’ observation is briefly as follows, Ova are produced in the extreme posterior portion of the body of the medusa, between the ectoderm and the endoderm, The two membranes are separated more widely as the embryos multiply, and increase in size, and the hody becomes éxtended. At last the outer wall is ruptured and the con- tained young are liberated, swimming away in the form of cilated planula. January, 1972 This stage has been observed to take place in the Autumn, The planula settles down on a swit- able surface, eveniually developing in- to the hydroid, which rises from a creeping filitorm. Hincks also refers io ihe develop- ment of the ambulatory medusa from the hydroid, These develop in clusters. on the lower portion of the body, finally being liberated and walking away an their stilt-like legs, to start a new life cycle.. The development of the buds. from the medusa, by gemmation, rakes place in the Spring. The various stages in the lc cycle of Clavatella prolifera are illustrated in the accompanying diagram (Fig. 1), as follows;— 1. Hydroid with young medusa. 2. Ambulatory medusa, 3. Bud on medusa. 4. Young medusa developed from bud (asexual reproduction) - 5, Planula, which develops into the hydroid (sexual reproduction). Clauglelia orte. Figure 1, 19 Concerning Birds that Store Food By A. H, CHISHOLM How much is Known in Australia ol the practice followed in varius countries by certain birds, especially corvids, of (4) smashing molluscs and the like by dropping them from aloft on ta hard surfaces, and (b) the prac- tice of the sanie, or other birds of burying, or otherwise concealing sur- plus food? I have discussed the firsi of these questions (winch relates to secondary tool-using) in the Victorian Naruralist for July 1971. As to the matter of food-staring there is an interesting item an att unpublished letter, held by Mr. T. S, P. Ramsey of Sydney, writ- ten in May 1894 to Dr, E, P, Ramsey by A. M. N. Rose of Buckley's Cross- ing, Snowy River, N.S.W. It concerns what is described as a year-old crow (Corvus coronoides), with a cut wing, that had the freedom of a garden, "When this bird has had sufficient meat or bread", the writer says, “he often conceals some in his pouch. T do not mean you to understand that he is a marsupial, but that he has à receptacle below or behind his lower mandible. Then off he hops, and on finding a suitable place he digs a hole with his beak and empties his hoard into it, and covers it up. He then returns for more, and each time he selects a different spot for his store, often hiding under a bush or at the base of a shrub, and covering it with leaves." It is addéd that on one occasion the bird filled his "pouch" with sunflower seeds, and emptied them in a corner of the garden without covering them. On another occasion, when walking away with a piece of bread he found anotfer piece, whereupon he trans- ferred the first 1 his "pouch", picked up the second piece, and took both to 20 a bush, where he covered them with leaves. A second record is dated 77 years later. If is presented by Jan Gall, a nature writer and illustrator, in the Brisbane Courier-Mail of July 10, 1971. Under the heading, “Old Crow with a very fast brain". Mr. Gall remarks that this species — sometimes jermed "Kelly" — has been said to have a more agile mentality than many human beings. He then relates that an individual of the Kind has been making a habit of visiting = Brisbane sub= urban garden (where a bird-bath is installed), and there "doing a squirrel uel for the day of need" hy obtaining items of food, and burying them. This avian Autolycus has, for ex- ample, been seen to wrench a pecan nut from 3 tree and bury it, with husk complete, behind à rocky border in the garden. Then, "so that no freshly turned soil would be visible to fos- sickers". and perhaps also to give itself the benefit of "a spot marked X". it carefully {aid fine poinciana twigs on top of the disturbed earth. “Is jt instinct for this bird to hide things from his prying brethren?’ Tan Gall asks. “Will he return when the husk has Fallen clear from the nul, or will it be forgotten, just as butcher- birds sometimes forget where they have hidden pieces of bread in tree- forks. or under bark?” Actually, although much has been writen regarding the multitude of food-sathering habits of birds, there are few records in any country touch- ing the frequency with which food- storers retrieve their hoards. The one Australian species that has no trouble on this point is the Crested Bellbird {Oreoica), which collects caterpillars. cripples them, and stores them beside eggs, or small young in its nest Vict. Nat. Vol. B9 book review Birds of Victoria 3 (Oceans, Bays, Beaches) Published by the Gould League. Price: $1.50. The third of these excellent pub- lications is available. To those who have already seen Book 1 and 2, anything said here would be trite; but to others, in- terested in bird study, this series of books should not be overlooked on any account. In Book 3, nine pages are given over to some valuable information on coastal, island, and migratory birds of Bass Strait. Margo Króyer-Pedersen's paintings are again of a high standard. Every bird observer must have this book! F.N.C.V. PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THE WILD FLOWERS OF THE WILSON’S PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK, by J. Ros Garnet. Price $5.25, (discount to members); postage 20c. VICTORIAN TOADSTOOLS AND MUSHROOMS, by J. H. Willis. This describes 120 toadstool species and many other fungi. There are four coloured plates and 31 other illustrations. New edition. Price 90c. THE VEGETATION OF WYPERFELD NATIONAL PARK, by J. R. Garnet. Coloured frontispiece, 23 half-tone, 100 line drawings of plants and a map. Price $1.50. Address orders and inquiries to Sales Officer, F.N.C.V., National Herbarium, South Yarra, Victoria. Payments should include postage (11c on single copy). January, 1972 21 Mammal Survey Group Bi-Annual Report July 1969-June 1971 The committee of the Mammal Sur- vey Group regrets that the Annual Report for 1969/1971 was not sub- mitted for publication. This present report covers the two-year period to June 1971. It is intended that sub- sequent reports will be on an annual basis. Throughout this period the group has experienced steady progress. both in active membership. and consequent field effort. Membership has risen to 39, of whom an average of 12 have attended organised group camps. Nineteen such camps have been mounted in 10 regions of the State. (Details of surveys are given in ac- companying Tables I and IT.) Regional sample surveys have been completed in the Brisbane Ranges (three surveys), Upper Lerderderg Valley (six surveys), Cardinia Creek Reservoir site (two surveys), and the Otway Ranges (seven surveys). Three more papers have been pub- lished in the Victorian Naturalist; be- ing numbers IV, V, and VI of the Mammal Survey Group's contribu- tions.* They were — “Mammals of the Riddell District” (1): "First Record of New Holland Mouse in Victoria" (2): and "The Mammals of the Bris- bane Ranges" (3). Several more papers are in preparation. The discovery of New Holland Mouse (Pseudomys Novaehollandiae) * l. Vict. Nat. 87, 192, 1970. 2. Vict. Nat. 87, 280, 1970, 3. Vict. Nat. 88, 62, 1971. 22 at Tyabb was a highlight of the group's field activity, and has prompted a fuller investigation of uncleared bush around Westernport. This region, including the Morning- ton Peninsula, has been receiving much attention from the group in an effort to ascertain the status of its mammal fauna before industrial, and residential pressures irreversibly alter the present habitats. Surveys are also current in the Kinglake, and Central Highlands regions. The Conservation Council of Vic- toria, whilst engaged in collecting data for environmental surveys of the Mel- bourne metropolitan area, and the Westernport district, approached the Mammal Survey Group for relevant informetion on the mammals, and their habitats in these areas. Such information as was available in the group's records was freely given. A film featuring the activities of the group was produced by the A.B.C., and screened in the secondary school's science programme this year. Monthly meetings have been at- tended by an average of 20 members, and eight visitors, As in the past financial assistance has been received from the M. A. In- gram Trust for the purchase of equip- ment, and other expenses. The group also wishes to acknowledge the assist- ance of the Fisheries and Wildlife Department of Victoria, in whose Rylah Research Institute its monthly meetings are held. Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Summary of Survey Results 1969-70 TABLE I Number Spot- Number of t Locality of Trap- light Specimens* | native species Surveys nights hours identified recorded Lerderderg Valley 3 318 56-4 140 10 Otway Ranges 3 552 69.5 197 16 Central Highlands 3 522 54°6 234 14 Westernport 2 221 37:3 209 7 Caiuinia Creek 2 173 25:5 43 5 Kinglake Ranges 1 92 12:2 25 6 Brisbane Ranges 1 69 12:5 9 2 Metropolitan 1 46 1 6 2 Totals 15 1993 268 863 25 TABLE TI Number Spot- Number of t Locality of Trap- light Specimens* | native species Surveys nights hours identified recorded Westernport 8 1461 48-0 396 12 Grampians 1 727 21:3 220 14 Central Highlands 2 298 1547 250 i5 Kinglake Ranges 2 200 32:1 43 9 Murrindindi 1 77 14-3 17 8 Totals 14 2763 131-4 926 23 *Including daylight sighting. January, 1972 {From all sources of evidence, 23 Readers’ Nature Notes and Queries Vork-Ferms and Lyrehinis at Waratah Bay This nole comes trom Mrs. Ellen Lyndon of Leongatha, For the past few seasons we have been anxiously watching (wo tiny colonics of the Small Fork-fern (Tenesipterir purve) jn a bog just outside of the camping area at Walkerville North. The drought sum- mer of 1967-68 dried owt many of the natural ferneries along the shore and killed off mast of the Coral-fern jungles that made them unattractive fo campers and Lrampers. It is very cheering to find T. parva still well established on the headwater branches of Second Creek and again on those of Blufl Creek. The long Fork-fern (T. billardieri) is also present on Bluff Creek, in some instances on separate treeferas and jn others, im company with T parva. One colony of T. billar- dieri, in a particularly dark and shaded site, has produced fronds up to 30 inches in fength. A survey of Lyrebird activity in that region has shown that the birds are still present, but only just. An old nest con- taining a rotten egg has been found on McPherson's Creek, Then a new nest with fresh egg above Second Creek in the umbered &rea. There are no mounds to be seen and few signs of scratching, No singing at all Foxes are all too plentiful Miss Jean Galbraith of Tyers in Gippsland, writes: Mistletoes are always interesting. | was puzzled by one in Chiliern Forest, which was parasitic om Drooping Mislle- toe (Amyema pendula). It bad the fol- iage of 4. würaculoss (Pleshy Mistle- toe) but had such minute buds that 1 thought it might be a Neorofhixas as members af that genus have pin's-head buds and tiny flowers. This was sup- ported by its habit— parasitic on another mistleloe—a liahir common in Nara- thixos, though not invariable éxcept in Golden Mistletoe (N. subarrevs) which [ have seen on more than one host— on onë occasion on its sister species N. cornifolius. However, 1 knew il was no Notathixos of temperate Australia sa showed it to Mr. Willis who récoe- nised it as Amyema miraculosa with very hnmalure buds. Naturally any mistletoe, even a largc-flowerex species, has smal) buds at first, and this one is not large-flowered, 4 normal bloom would be + in long. Apparently it is not unusual, for Fleshy Mistletoe to parasilise another species A more developed specimen, from another plant, also on 4. pendula, was later sent to me. In this the pais of tiny "buds" (which 1 thought ruled out A. »nirüciu- losa) had burst open, showing each was a Cluster of three, enclosed in bracts Field Naturalist General Meeting 13 December As announced in the November issue the December general rmeeling was de- voted to discussion of suggestions for improving and modernising the club. The large number present almost filled the hall. and included most regular auenders, plus many who seldom come tò general meetings. Club President Mr. [om Sault opened praceedings by saying many members seem to fee] the club is not fulfilling its objectives, With club leaders getting older it is also being wondered where are pur future leaderg, The concern of members about these matters led Lo the setting up of a club improvement com- 24 Club of Victoria mittee, which drew up the questionnaire sent to members in the September issue of the Victorian Naturalist. Qut of some 800 members only 76 filled in [he ques- tionnaire and returned it. He then pul- lined the [urmat the meering would take —opening with a summary of the sur- vey, followed by a number of prepared speakets giving short statements, thea general discussion of the topic before the prepared speakers presented motions on ideas for club improvement. Miss Gwen Piper presented a statis- tical analysis of the questionnaire answers received, and My, Sault read brief summaries of the comments, and suggestions sent in with them. These will be published later. Vici. Nat. Vol. 89 The Club's Assistant Secretary, Mr, Barry Cooper, Was the first set speaker. He felt the club was failing in two areas, The first of these was the lack of worth- while field activity, particularly by way of ecological surveys. The second is that We are Not attracting young propie In connection with the first of these he mentioned the work done by club expe- ditians Lalo remote areas during its early years, He considered a new group waa nected to Min camping expeditions, and hat this would attract young people. He also wanted to see a seclion sel up to iniGaie ecological surveys. The second speaker was Dr. John Hampton, whe felt it wise to be discuss- ing this ippic as some members con» sidered the club's future scemed in doubt. He questioned how much has been achieved ip relation to the ststed Sims of the club. To gel anything done ilwse days one has to put factunl reports to the authorities, he said, and queried -—how much FIN.CV. has contributed 16 this. the extent to. which if has encouraged the study of malura! history: whether in fact the club is giving leadership in its field’ and whether {he journal has become bigger, or better, of sells more capies? He then said that to many of Us IC seems pot 3. question al how to improve the club, but how to keep it alive, and asked jẹ the club achicving what tt-set out to do? Since he doubled that ii was he said he would move thal a sub-committee be set up ro prapase needed changes. Mr. David Munro prefaced his re marks by admitting he fas attended only six general meetings in six years. He has however been involved in Meld naturalist. activities, as a member of the Mammal Survey Group. Though pleased to see [he question- naire he was disappointed at the super- fictality of its questions-—he felt they cuuld have probed deeper, and dis- covered more. As preliminary questions they had aome merit since theic results were disturbing enough to hold this meeting on jhem, In regard tà the chib's slated objective of -stimutating inlercst in natural history he said this can be interpreted in many ways, and asked when, in what direction, uj what degree, and in what manner do we stimulate? One cau stimulat one’s awh anreresk in natural history, and while becoming knowledgeable in a particular field dis- cover some new facts of value. Such discoveries he submitted were usualty January, 1972 accidental rather than planned, and therefore rarely as useful ms Systeri- auically collected information, He des- cribed such people as "casual amateurs” with a self-centred approach, and their contribution to the fund of knowledge on natural history as negligible; and con- tended that the bulk of present F.N.C.V. membership fir this description, He asked whether f.N.C.V. is unravelling amy mysteries of nature, are the amateur members of today pore active than i the past, and wf so why is the serious conrent of the Victorian Naturalist diminishing? We do need more active naturalists he said. No doubl the idea of a held study group involving young people is that iheir enthusiasm will re- vitalise the club. The need however is nol so much to find young people, many of whom are jurnod sway by ihe present slate of the club, as it is to find ex- perienced, reliable, mature people to guide and Genie study group, and field. activities. ter listing the qualities he felt sue) people needed he asked whether FENCY. had such members, and if not whether it was willing to tecruil them, which he proposed be done. On the Vicroriat Naturalist Mir, Munje said even a casual analysis of its content over any 12. issues. shows jt 1s inconsistent in type of article and qualit of writing. is articles he considered fell into two clear cateeories — the first be- We senóus papers, while the second in- cludes club reports and nature rambles, "These two ate so different, he said, that ho doubted if anyone could get equal satisfaction from both, and proposed they be separated, the aller group being published in. a newsletter so as to leave the Vicrorinm Norearaliss exclusively for (he serious papers. . Proposals from the next two speakers were of siner nalure, Miss M, Allen- der asked whether members thoughl attendance st meetings might improve If the vente was changed, Saying the Botuny Group was considering this, as sume peaple did not Tike going to the area of the Herbanum al meit, Mr. .Fairhall suggested having a Jeisured and ipüred group who could meet during the day, because mahy older members did not like going out ar night. The secrgiary, Mr. R. H. Riordan, summed Up saying the ideas put forward are generally noi asking for changes in club policy, bur rather for its ze-dedica- bon to get il gone again Former seg- retary, Mr. David Lee, said F.N.C. V. 25 was set up by Act of Parliament and is a gifl horse for anyone who wants to study any aspect of natural history — what speakers were really asking was how far we had drifted fróm its original aims, All you have to da is use them — do so. A mimber of members spoke on various points raised by the main speakers. Several said the general meetings had at first bored them, but they had gradually become deeply ab- sorbed in club activity, It was however up to individuals to make the effort to become involved, Meetings, it was pointed ont, helped members in getting to know one another, Ideas were put up by two groups, said one — the young and the old, The young it was suggested were selfish in wanting to get out, only frare older members could they gain “pearls of knowledge” on natural his- tory that cannot be found in scientific literature. A young member said on be- half of junior naturalists that many tend to drop out as they get older because nothing was offered them by F.N.C.V, What they want is leadership, ta ga on camps and do research, The tain speakers were then called to move their motions. The first was Mr. Cooper, who moved—“'That — the F.N.C.V. establish a section to initiate and coordinate studies of tne environ- ment and natural history, and a commit- tee be formed to establish this section." The motion was carried. Dr, Hampton then moved — "That the club set up a cammiltee as a matter of urgency to cxamine all reasonable pro- posals for improving the club perform: ance and the furtherance of its sims, and ta recommend any necessary change in structure, Constitution, organization or policies forthwith”, The President pointed oul that a club improvement committee already existed, Whereupon Dr. Hampton, with the agreg- ment of his seconder, amended the open- ing words of his motion to — “That the club improvement committee be in- structed as a matter of urgency" — fol- lowed by the words after urgency on the original motion, With this amendment by the mover the motion was carned. Mr. Munro moved —“That the field survey group investigate immediately means of locsting or recruiting pr- ganizers for study groups”. The motion was carried, A He next moved a lengthy motion pertaining to the content of (he Fic- lorian Naturelist, which sought to Simit by definition the type of material that mieht appear in it, This drew consider- able debate, which gradually became heated, and when the sccretary sought 19 have the motion treated as a serious matter that should be placed an notice for presentation at the Annual General Meeting pandemonium broke out over this procedure. After some time Me, Munro agreed to postpone sls presenta- tion, and put the motion on potice for the Annual General Meeting. This was agreed to by the menting Following which erder was gradually restored, though there was still some heated argu- ment before the next motion could be ut. . à Formal notice of Mr, Munro's motion will be given in the February issue, when its text will appear in full. Mr. Lee then moved, as an addendum motion to that passed in November about joining the Westernport Coalition — “That the use of the name F.N.C.V. by the Westernport Coalition on matters of policy and in public statements be made only with adequate consultation, and with approval of the executive of F.N.C.V ". This was carried. F,N,C.V. CAMP i Australia Day Weekend. It is proposed to bold a survey camp over the Ausiralia Day weekend (Jan. 29-31), either at Mt. Torbreck, or at Mt, Sugarloaf near Buxton. For further details ting Roger Riordan (92 8579). 26 Vici. Nat. Vol. 89 victorian naturalist F.N.C.V. DIARY OF COMING EVENTS GENERAL MEETINGS Monday, 14 February — At National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra, com- mencing at 8 p.m. l. Minutes. 2. Announcements. 3. Subject for evening:—‘Victorian Orchids’— Mr. J. Hyett. 4. New Members. Ordinary: Mr. Michael Coulthard, 47 Westbrook St., East Kew, 3102. General Miss Nerina Du Preez, 16 Thompson St., Glen Waverley, 3150. Plants & Mammals Mr. Noel Disken, 24 Mayston St., Hawthorn East, 3123. Mammals Mr. Gregory J. Hocking, 6 Elonara Court, Glen Waverley, 3150. Botany Mr. Carl A, Hunter, 180 Mont Albert Rd., Canterbury, 3126. Botany Mr. Damian K. Kelly, 107 St. Elmo Rd., Ivanhoe, 3079. Mr. Peter Lawson, 49 Packham Crescent, Glen Waverley, 3150. Miss Cecily Piper, Flat 8, 1419 High St., Glen Iris, 3146. Mrs. Julie A. Rayner, 122 Normandy Rd., East Kew, 3102. Mr. John C. Reid, Lot 10, Mackintosh Rd., Glen Waverley, 3150. Orchids & Birds Mr. Keith F. Westhead, 27 Northcote Rd., Armadale, 3143. Mr. Colin E. Smith, Flat 1, 122 Regent Ave., Springvale, 3171. General Joint: Mr. & Mrs. W. J. Bennett, 2 Hunter St., East Kew, 3102. Country: Gavin B. Haycraft, 45 Ursa St., North Balwyn. Fauna & Botany Miss Rosalind St. Clair, 4 Westgarth St., East Malvern, 3145. Pond Life Miss Rae Trathen, 7 Estella St., Glen Iris, 3146. Junior: ms P d Codling, P.O. Box 117, Wodonga, 3690. Mr. A. E. Spillane, 117 Rutland Ave., Mount Eliza, 3930. Mr. D Wickham, 16 Drysdale St., Sunbury, 3429. Mammal Survey, Marine Biology Mr. J. D. Sherwood, c/o Dept. of Crown Lands & Survey, 2 Treasury PI., Melb., 3002 Mr. Robert J. Gully, 25 McLaughlin Ave., Sandringham, 3191. Mr. Austen G, Redfern, 8-10 Kitchen St., Mansfield, 3722. Birds & Wildflowers 5. Correspondence. 6. General Business. F.N.C.V. EXCURSIONS Sunday, 13 February — Marine Biology excursion led by Dr. Brian Smith, probably to the Kilcunda area. This excursion is a week earlier than usual because of the tide. Members travelling by private cars may join party at Dandenong near comfort station at approximately 10.30 a.m. Bring two meals. The coach will leave Batman Avenue at 9.30 a.m. Fare $2. Easter — 30 March to 3 April — King Island. The plane will leave Melbourne at 6.30 p.m. on Thursday, 30 March, returning at 4.50 p.m. on Monday, 3 April. Motel accommodation has been booked on a room only basis at $5 to $6 per person per day; meals will be extra and there may be some cost for transport on the island. Please book as soon as possible so definite numbers can be given to the motel, bookings to be made with the excursion secretary and $35 forwarded by Ist March to cover plane fare and motel deposit, all cheques being made out to Excursion Trust. GROUP MEETINGS (8 p.m. at National Herbarium unless otherwise stated.) Thursday, 10 February — Botany Group. Mr. A. Fairhall will speak on "Propaga- tion of Australian Plants". Friday, 11 February — Montmorency and District Junior F.N.C. meeting in Scout Hall at Petrie Park at 8 p.m. Wednesday, 16 February — Microscopical Group. Friday, 25 February — Junior meeting at 8 p.m. at Hawthorn Town Hall at 8 p.m Wednesday, 1 March — Geology Group. Monday, 6 March — Entomology and Marine Biology Group meeting in small room next to Theatrette at National Museum at 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 March — Botany Group. 30 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 | The Victorian Naturalist Editor: G. M. Ward Assistant Editor: G. Douglas Vol. 89, No. 2 9 February, 1972 CONTENTS Articles: Feeding of the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo on Cossid Moth larvae. By K. N. G. Simpson Ecology of some Eucalyptus Woodlands near Halls Gap, Victoria, By R. F. Parsons, N. H. Scarlett, N. J. Rosengren .. Amphibian Fauna of Victoria ' By M. J. Littlejohn, J. J. Loftus-Hills, A. A. Martin, and G. F. Watson Punta Arenas and Sir Baldwin Spencer's Grave. By Aldo Massola Book Review: “Australian Shells” Field Naturalists Club of Victoria: Notice of Motion i ^ Report of January General Meeting .. s a .. .. e... Diary of Coming Events .. .. ar ee ee ee eee Front Cover: This photograph of Banded Stilts feeding in the shallows was taken Hans Beste. February, 1972 32 by 31. Feeding of the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo on Cossid Moth Larvae inhabiting Acacia species by K. N, G. Summary Some field observalions ure pro- vided concerning activity of the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhyhcus funereus: Shaw, in searching for and extracting large wood-boring cossid moth larvae from wattle trees; - Three species of Acacia variably infested by larvae of Xyleutes dur- ville’ (H-Sch) (Cossidae, Lepidop- tera) were studied at Tidbinbilla, Australian Capital Territory, The evidence indicates that a dis- tinct routine for extraction of these larvae or pupae from tree-trunks and exposed lateral roots is followed. A discussiot. on possible methods of jocation of larvae in trees by the cockatoo is included, 3 Some local ecological factors limit- ing C. funereus atlack, and tree des- truction resulting from cossid and cockaloo damage, are discussed. Intraduction On 25 August, 1963, four Yellow- tailed Black Cockatoos Calyptorhyn- cus funereus Shaw, were disturbed from a small stand of Acacia dealbata Link, marginal to a cleared valley at Tidbinbilla, Australian Capital Ter- riiory, Examination of the trees indi- cated (hat many had been torn open by the cockatoos in a search for large moth larvae tunnelling in the wood. On 2 September, 1963, a single male Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo was seen investigating A. dealbata saplings i the same stand of trees. The hid was observed through 32 Sim Pson* binoculars fon almost three minutes. atter Which it became alarmed and depatted, These observations, together with subsequent study of the trees con- cerned, give an indication of methods employed by the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo it locating and extracting large wood-boring moth larvae from small acacias, and in particular, an indication of damage caused by both bird and larvae, and some consequent effects to three different species of Acacia, The observations recorded here are an incidental result of frequent and regular inspections of the area be- tween August. 1962, and October, 1964. The author was then assisting in à mammal ecology study conducted by the Division of Wildlife. Research, CSTLR.O. . Previous RECORDS Tt has long been known that C. funereus causes considerable damage to various species of trees whilst ex- tracting insect larvae, but there have been no detailed descriptions of such damage, and little attempt to study the method- by which the cockatoos actually locate or extract wood-boring larvae, The few previous accounts of such damage are principally in the form of bricf nature notes or passing comments in annotated bird lists. Bennett (1834) recorded destruc- tion of small trees in the Yass District of New South Wales by Black *27 Kingswood Drive, Dinglty 5172, Victoria, Vict. Nat. Yol. 89 Cockatoos, Mellor (1906) in Tas mania, and Hyem (1936) at Barring- ton, NSW., give observations ul Black Cockatoos searching for larvae on trunks of newly ring-barked stringy bark trees (Eucalvpius spp-). Fletcher (1808) noted C. funereus m Tasmania searching for large moth larvae in cut and stacked logs of "Black wattle" (presumably Acacia imollissimu Wild) There are also several published accounts of the boughs of trees being eaten completely through by C funereus, e.g. Barnard (1924), Pater- son 11928), Gray (in Crosbie- Morrison, 1949), More recently Tindale (1953) diš- cusses damage caused by moth larvae and subsequently by C. fumerees in experimental plots of eucalyptus saplings grown by researchers of the Commonwealth Forestry Bureau at Taranna, Tasmania. The moth was described later as Oeneris paradiseus Tindale (Hepialidae. Lepidoptera). Structural damage caused to saplings by the cockatoos resulted in losses of Trees in strong winds Tindale draws attention ta the evident culling cíTect among natural stands of eucalyptus saplings resulting from interaction of cockatoo and moth In the same paper, Tindale records some informa- tion from Mr, J. F. B. Common (Divi- sion of Entomology, C.S.I.R.O,, Can- berra, ACT.) concerning damage caused by C, fimereus in gouging larval hepialids from Snow Gum, E. niphophilg Maiden et Blakely, at 5.500 feet on Mt. Gingera, in the Brindabella Range, A.C.T, (the larvae proved to be a subspecies of the same moth, O. p, mornsanus Tindale) A brief nole has been published concern- ing possible damage by C. /unereus ta the Grass-tree Xanthorrhoea australis R.Br., in an adjacent area of the Tid- binbilla District (Simpson, 1964), February, 1972 ENVIRON MENT The main study area is dissected by tributary water-courses of the Tidbin- bilà River, and comprises six approxi- mately parallel, low, and relatively mature eusterty-trending granite ridges at the foot of Mt. Tidbinbilla (Jat. 35°27'S,, long. 148254'E.), The area is approximately a square mile in ex- lent, and is now part of the Tidbèn- billa Native Fauna Reserve. Elevation above sea level is 2,500 fect approxi- mately- This ares of the Tidbinbilla Range is covered with extensive amd rela- tively dense wet sclerophyll forest. Much of the eucalypt forest up to one mile from the cleared valley margin comprises relatively thick secondary growth following heavy slashing, over many years to obtain leaves for a local 2ucalyplus-oil still, The still ceased operating when the area was declared a Reserve. Fairly dense clumps of A. dealbata, and of A. falciformiy DC., occur throughout the region, but more par- ticularly in marginal areas and on the rocky summits of small hills. The groups of saplings and trees may be quite separate, or the two species may adjoin each other, although such boundaries seem tò rémain sharply defined, A. melanoxylon R Br , is also widespread but grows principally as single trees along or near to the water- courses. i A thick growth of introduced plants also grows along ar near to many portions of the water-courses. These are mainly Blackberry Rubus vulgaris Weihe et Nees (R. frwilcosus apg), Ruspherry R. idaews L,, and the Briar Rose Rosa rubiginosa b, OBSERVED FEEDING BEHAVIOUR The male Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo observed on 2 Seplember, 1963, investigating saplings of A. dealbata, did so by walking on the 33 ground between the trunks and giving each sapling in turn one or more bites at or just above ground feyel. The bird paused Lor approximately twa or three seconds only al each tree before moving to the next, It was seen later thal one or more bites (henceforth called “test bites") had been piven to each trunk and 1o any exposed lateral roots. The cackatoo cxamined four or five trees in succession, turn- ing its head to a horizontal plane for the bites to the vertical trunks ("lateral" bites], Following a test bite indistinguish- able from those preceding it, the cockatoo gave several strong, lateral bites to a trunk, removing a large piece of bark and some underlying wood each time, The sap-wood was then stripped off, the bird's head be- ing now held close to vertical in attitude (ie, the head in its normal posilion in line with the body axis) and a downward levering motion adopted to tip out large splinters. Three or four bites were sufficient ta breach the larval tunnel, and it was rapidly enlarged by a combination of lateral bites und downward leverings. A whitish larva was seen to be ex- tracted from the lowest portion of the hole thus made. The cockatoo used an upward pull to stretch the larva, followed by a relaxing ot pressure, a sideways shaking of the head, and a further upward stretch. This process Was repeated once to extract the larva. When free, the larva was transferred to the cight foot and then eaten. The larva was estimated to be some three inches in length, Two more saplings were test bitten before the bird suddenly flew off, calling loudly. IDENTIFICATION OF LARVAE On 6 September, 1965, Mr. M. S. Upton (Division of Entomology, CSELR.O, Canberra) accompanied the abther in an examination of the 34 trees in the arca and à number of larvae were collected. The large moth larvae sought by the Ycllow-tailed Black Cockatoos were subsequently identified as Nypleates durville: (H- Sch) (Cossdae, Lepidoptera). The largest individual obtained was some five inches long and approximately an inch in diameter Larvae of X. dir- ville’ were subsequently obtained from each of the three species of acacia examined. OTHER Insect LARVAE A plump, one-inch long larva of the Hotany Bay Diamond Weevil Chryso- lophus spectabilus Fab. (Chrysolo- phidae, Coleoptera) was also found in a lateral root of an A. dealbata sapling. A cockatoo had exposed the tunnel but had either failed to secure the larva or had rejected it. Larvae of an unidentified ceramby= cid beetle species in some deml or dying A. dealbata in the study area, were believed fo represent añ inci- dental food item only, They were generally situated near to older, empty tunnels of the larger cossid larvae. Some of the cerafubycid tunnels had been opened by C. junereus, bat it sould not be uetermined whether larvae had been secured- LARVAL HABITS oF X. durvillei (H-Sch) A brief resume Of the larval habits of Xyleutes durvillei is appropriate to this paper. The larvae are believed to live in the trees for three years or more before pupating (Littler, 1904, on Zeuzera eucalypti (A-Sch) = X. dur- villei ( H-Sch) ). The larvae excavate lunnels up to an inch in diameter in three different species of acacias in the study alea. A few tunnels are found in branches, but most are situated either in the lower wünk and extending into the lateral Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 roots, or in the roots themselves. This is particularly so where these roots project above the ground. In the re- gion of the lower trunk, the larvae occupy the centre of saplings up to about three inches in diameter. The tunnels are not particularly extensive. At some point in the lower portion of the tunnel, a larger excavation per- mits the larva to turn around. This region may become a point of major structural weakness in small acacia saplings, more particularly if it is situated at the junction of the lateral roots and base of the trunk. Prior to pupation, the exit hole is enlarged and plugged with silk, and pupation takes place in a head-downward position at the uppermost portion of the tunnel. When emergence is due, the pupa works its way down the tube by the action of the tergal spines. EXTRACTION OF LARVAE BY C. funereus It is convenient to deal with the extraction technique before consider- ing the problem of location of larvae by C. funereus. Examination of more than two hundred extraction points on acacia trees in the area indicates that the procedure described is almost un- varying. Small saplings offer little resistance to C. funereus, but larger trees may require a considerable amount of work before a larva can be obtained. For larger trees, often with from half to one and a half inches of wood tissue between cavity and external surface, a very definite routine is prac- tised for the actual extraction of large wood-boring larvae. The best develop- ment of the method is seen on trunks and large limbs, or on projecting lateral roots having a diameter generally greater than about two inches (see Plate 1). February, 1972 The observations indicate that once the position of a larva or tunnel has been ascertained, lateral bites are made directly over the uppermost por- tion of the tunnel and again several inches or more below this point. The bark is then stripped off to form a roughly rectangular working area. Following this, the sapwood is removed by tearing splinters out and nipping each of them off at top and bottom until the uppermost portion of the tunnel can be penetrated. Oc- casionally, further work by the bird may then cease (see below). Normally, however, the cavity is en- larged progressively downard, until the opening is large enough for the larva or pupa to be extracted. The observations indicate that the upper limit of each cossid tunnel is determined and penetrated with great precision — to approximately an inch in every instance examined. Initial penetrations (“inspection holes") had been made by C. funereus in a number of larval burrows in small sapling bases or roots, but work had ceased immediately the interior was breached. An examination of such cavities revealed that they were either empty, the imago having emerged dur- ing a previous season, or that the pupal chamber was occupied by an empty pupal case. In such instances, the pupa had been parasitized and destroyed in situ. On a few occasions, fresh cockatoo inspection holes were found in completely dead branches still attached to living trees. Larval cossids, and the subsequent cerambycid larvae that often frequent dead or dy- ing trees, had long gone from these branches, which appeared to be several years old. LOCATION OF CossiID LARVAE BY C. funereus The location of cossid and other wood-boring irsect larvae in trees by 35 C. funereus may be through applica- tion of a combination of several factors. Larvae may be located by visual evidence on the external surface of trees at times. Trickies of wood were frequently seen on the acacias with heavy infestations of cos- acacies with heavy infestations of cos- sids, and exudations of sap were some- times observed also. Such evidence is dependant on the insect species concerned and the nature of the chawad Lilie w teu Photo by Graeme Chapman. 36 damage it causes. However, where test bites are given to all apparently similar trees in a clump (e.g. of sapling acacias), it would indicate that visual determinations of larval burrow positions are probably not being made. It is conceivable, therefore, that the test bite may fulfil any or all of three separate functions simultaneously :— a. By the purely mechanical effect of pressure and resistance it may indicate the presence of a structural weakness in a tree (e.g. a larval Plate 1. Trunks of Acacia deal- bata trees from which Cossid moth larvae were extracted by Yellow-tail- ed Black Cock- atoos. Tidbin- billa, A.C.T. Vier. Nat. Vol. 89 burrow), This may particularly apply in the case of test bites io small saplings. h The vibration of the bite itself may stimulate the larva or pupa to a response (e.g. movement) de- tectable by the bird, Crasbre- Morrison (1949), belteved tibat cockatoos listened to the gnawings of larvae within the trees. Any rusiling cr scratching of contact between the burrow walls and the scleritized surface of a moving larva or pupa possibly is also aumible to the bird. However this explanation does not account for the observed ability of the bird to locate empty tunnels. c. During contact with the tree (and perhaps as a result of b) the hill and (or) tongue imay act as & sensory organ to detect movements of the insect. Vibrations received via the feet and legs may also contribute. It is known that in many birds, vibrational stimuli may be received exclusively by means of extremely sensitive vibration recep- tors — (Herbsts Lamellar Cor- puscles}, which are often concen- trated in the legs or about the oral cavitv. In. the Pictidae (Wood. peckers), groups of these cells are prominent in the tongue, which is used for probing insect tunnels. It is also known that reception of vibrational stimuli is independent of hearing in birds (A. Portmann (in Marshall, 1960) ). SOME LOCAL ECOLOGICAL FACTORS In ihe relabvely small study area at Tidbinbilla, several variable ecological factors were observed and are outlined below! (1) Degree of infestation oj acacias by cestid larvae — As pre- viously noted, the same species of cossid, viz. X, dyrvillei, was dis- covered in each of the three specjes February; 1972 of Acacia examined. There was, how- ever, a considerable variation in the degree of infestation within the area studied, OF (wo adjacent small patches of A. dealbots, one group was heavily in- fested, and showed abundant evidence of both recent (1963) and prior damage by cockatoos, In the other patch of trees Ihirly yards away, all the trees showed recent test bites, but no sign of any further damage at any time. At the northern edge of the sttidy area, a patch of A. dealbata was infested, but only a few trees in a contiguous clump of A. falciformis contained larvae. Elsewhere, two large A. melanoxylon trees, situated forty yards from a heavily infested clump of 4. faiciforniis, showed no sign of altack by either cossids or * me mK x E = E x x * mox March, 1972 73 reptiles of victoria-5 by Hans. BESTE PLATE 9 Egernia striolata — Tree Skink A robust skink of the inland, frequently found climbing tree trunks, Length: to 9 inches. Head pointed, distinct from body. Snout rounded. Ear-opening large and distinct. Five fingers and five toes. Legs well developed, with strong claws for climbing. Upper slate-grey with several longitudinal rows of black spots along vertebral line, Broad black stripe on flanks from below eye to hindleg. Under, including upper lip white to pale apricot. Habitat; inland under bark, climbing trees or among debris. Best distinguishing features — bulky appearance, short depressed tail; from Egernia saxatilis by grey back and absence of keeled scales. PLATE 10 Egernia inornata — Desert Skink A thick looking skink with a blunt head. Length: to 9 inches. Head blunt, thick, not very distinct from body. Ear-opening large and distinct. Five fingers and five toes. Legs comparatively weakly developed. Upper fawn, Sides pale rose with black bands and spots. Under white. Eye outlined with black. Eyelids pale cream. Tail long, tapering to a point. This lizard excavates extensive burrows with several escape tunnels. Habitat: in sandy areas of the North-West of the State. Often associated with porcupine bushes (Triodea sp.). Best distinguishing features — blunt head and pale pinkish colouration, also habitat. 74 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 March, 1972 75 Victorian Occurrence of the Crab Sesarma erythrodactyla — Hess 1865 by S. W. GUNN The crab illustrated is Sesarma ery- throdactyla. Hess 1865, belonging to the family Grapsidae and subfamily Sesarminae. It is quite plentiful among the mangroves of the northern and eastern shores of Western Port Bay, where it burrows into firm mud. The Marine Study Group of Vic- toria, which has recently completed a survey of the marine life of the littoral belt of Western Port Bay, (and which is now being compiled as a scientific publication), has collected a number of specimens of the animal. The genus Sesarma is characterised by a diagonal grille effect covering the pterygostomian regions (the side walls of the carapace). Sesarma erythrodactyla is a very colourful animal. The overall colour varies from greenish-black to almost black, but the adults may often be found with an irridescently blue-green carapace. Contrasting with this is the bright orange-red of the fingers of the chelipeds. The species characteris- tically has two or three ridges on the upper anterior face of the chelipeds. The most interesting part of this story is that previously the genus Sesarma was considered to have its distribution confined to warmer seas, occurring no further south than southern New South Wales. Sesarma erythrodactyla is the only representative of the genus in Victoria, and its presence in Western Port Bay constitutes by far the most southerly record, not only of the species but also of the genus. Confirmation of this has been re- ceived from Mr. B. Campbell, Senior Curator at the Queensland Museum, and an authority on Brachyura. Plate I Photo N. A. Wakefield Flowers and Plants of Victoria in Colour Copies of this excellent book are still available, and of course would make a wonderful gift. They are obtainable from the F.N.C.V. Treasurer, Mr. D. McInnes. 76 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 F.N.C.V. Excursion to Mf. Napier and Mt. Eccles (Easter 1971) by E. COSTERMANS Everyone had been saying far 4 week that ihe beautiful sumtnery weather couldn't possibly last over Eas- ter—but it.did!—and'at 5.30 on the fine sunny morning of Friday, 9 April, 25 members bearded the copach in Melbourne, and set out via the Wes- tern. Highway for Hamilton. Passing through Ballarat, our driver, Frank, detoured to enable us to view from the bus the progress being made with the excellent reconstruction of the origina] Sovereign Hill mining settle- ment. We then took à quiet minor road past Mt. Emu, a granite outcrop, to. Skipton, where we lunched in the shade of a plantation of Blue Gums (Eucalyptus globulus) in the swim- ming pool reserve. Here an unexpected find was a flowering specimen of Calocephalus citreux. From Skipton we travelled along the Glenelg Highway. Here, the main features of the extensive Western Lava Plain were the many large plantations of Sugar Gums (E. cladocalyx) bor- dering the grazing properties, of such regular growth and even height as to give the appearance, at a distance, of clipped hedges. The suggestion of a brief stop at Lake Bolac was enthusi- astically received. Those with binocu- lars were interested in the large number of Musk Duck on the lake, while. other members studied the plants, which included Ritagodia nutans, the Rush Juncus pallidus, and the sedges Scirpus maritimus and S. americanus, or watched the Grey Fan- tails flitting among the Red Gums (E. camaldulensis}. Shortly afte leaving Lake Bolac, the road crossed (he Hopkins River. Here ihe flat lava plain gave way to March, 1972 a pleasant undulating landscape, with many large and picturesque Red Gums scattered over the paddocks and with the spectacular Serra Range of the Grampians as a back-drop. On reaching Dunkeld at the south- érn end of the Range there was time to take a short run along the Victoria Valley Road, between the majestic sandstone peaks of Mt, Sturgeon and Mt. Abrupt. Here we were rewarded by secing a few wildflowers, such as Ixodia achilleoides, Flame Heath (Astrolomea conostephioides) and the red form of Correa reflexa, still in bloom. Many members were very interested in making the acquaintance of the well-named Scentbark (E. aroma- phloia) and in discovering that the bark really is aromatic: Returning to Dunkeld, we continued our journey (o Hamilton and ihe George Hotel-Motel, where we were ta spend three nights. On arrival we were joined by three more members who had travelled to Hamilton im- dependently, and we were met and welcomed by Mr. Lionel Elmore of the Hamilton F. N. C., who was to he our guide and mentor for the next two days. In the evening he relurned to the hotel with Mrs. Elmore, and outlined and discussed with members the interesting programme they had arranged for us. Leaving the hotel at 9.30 on Satur- day morning and led by Mr. and Mrs. Elmore, we travelled the E miles to Mr. Napier, an extinct volcano (Vic- torian Nar. 80, 162-168). At the base of the hill we had to leave the bus. Here Mr, Elmore had a cattle truck with hay hale seats to help the private 77 cars ferry the party further up the rocky track, over successive layers of aa or blocky lava. The last section was a fairly steep foot track to the main crater and the summit. (alt. 1453 ft.). The crater is about 446 ft. across and averages 80 ft. in depth, with a perpendicular rim, breached on the north-west, From the summit, a forested area on all sides indicates the extent of the lava flows, and some other craters almost hidden by trees were pointed out to us. Except around the main crater, Mt. Napier carries a pure stand of Manna Gums (E. viminalis) with a ground cover consisting mainly of Bracken (Pteridium esculentum) . The scoria surface is very rough and broken. When Major Mitchell, who named Mt. Napier, climbed to the top in 1836, he noted that "trees and bushes grew everywhete luxuriantly" and he had to clear the scrub before he could set up his surveying instruments. Grazing has now denuded the top 300 feet of all but grass, and low herbage. Lower down, the Manna Gums grow tall and straight with smooth white bark, but near the base they become rough barked and more crooked. A Figure 1. Area locality map. THE LAVA FLOWS OF PI'WAPIERwo P? ECCLES Vicl. Nat. Vol. 89 specimen of the multi-flowered, rough barked variety, E. virninolís vat, race- mosa was found and recognized by its buds. A short distance beyond the fecent lava flows, Swamp Gums (E. Ovatu) were growing. Mz, Bimore has spent much time in exploring and mapping almost forty eruption. points on Mt. Napier, which is one of the youngest volcanoes in Victorta, probably last active less than 7,000 years ago. It is surrounded by ihe much older basalt plain. When the Recent volcano became active, there was first a lava Row, followed at inter- vals by successive waves of activity, ejecting scoria, lava, or cinders from various points; so building up thc present cone, On the south-west, three lava streams have extended for some distance. The longest, the Harman Valley fiow, completely filled a former river valley and continues for 15 miles. The others have associated lateral streams, Scott's Creek and Weerang- ourt Creek, We were told that the water issuing from the base of Mt, Napier is the purest in the Western District. About 200 yards below the breach in the main crater is a lava tunnel which we reached by scrambling round the hillside after leaving the summit. At the entrance we were each provided with a candle and Mr. Elmore led rhe way with a pressure lamp as we climbed down to the fioar of the tunnel. Tunnels are formed in a flow when lava cools and hardens on the surface but continues to flow underneath the crust und so drains away, leaving a gas filled cavity, The collapse of portion of the roof provides an entrance. As we walked along the tunnel, Mr. Elmore shone his lamp on the pitched roof 10 show us the numerous lava stalactites with which it was decorated, One theory on their formation is that March, 1972 the burning gases rose from the molten java, and continued Burning agalnst the roof, thns melting the surface which dripped down and formed the stalactites. There was a low opening at the end of the tunnel not conveni- enl asa Way out, so our candle bearing procession retraced their steps to the bright sunshine outsidc. We then made our way back to our transport, admir- ing the distant view of Mt. Abrupt as we walked down the wack, Boarding the bus once more, we drove round the base of the Mount and along a track leading to another eruption point on the north-west Bank, a hill of layered lava and cinders. Here quarrying had exposed the very colourful bright red scoria above the Jayers of black cinders, We had lunch in the quarry and one of the plants noted here was Crecping Mint (Men- tha satureioides). After lunch, some members walked the short distance through shoulder high bracken to the Devil's Hole. This ts an explosion crater 100-200 ft. deep, filled with tall trees and luxuriant vegetation with its own tnicro-climate, well worth preservation and study. Mr. Elmore and a few members descended to ine bottom with the aid of a guiding rope, while others botanized among the rocks above. Finds here included Maidenhair Fern (Adiantun aethi- opicum), Variable Rock Fern (Chei lanthes tennifolia), Necklace Fern (Asplenium flabellifulinm), Mother Shield Fern (Polystichtm proliferum) and Austral Bracken (Preridinm es- culentunt) Returning along the track beading from the quarry we were shown several other eruption points, including à cralér 250 fL. across and 30 fr. deep, and some scoria hills. Then after a very interesting day, We returned to Hanilton. In the evening wé were mvited ta join members of the Hamilton F.N.C. 79 in the lecture room of the town's fine modera Art Gallery. Here Mr. Elmore showed shies, inetüding aerial photos, illnstrating the many features we had seen, and some that we had been un- able to visit, and told us more about them: There were also some interesting rock specimens on display. The even- ing concluded with supper kindly served by the ladies of the Hamilton Club. On Sunday morning our hosts once inore jomed us and after guiding us on a brief tour pf the town led us to the Byaduk (Caves {Victorian Nat. RO, 279-290) the weather still being fine and quite hol, These lava caves, about 12 miles south of Mt. Napier, are formed in the Harman Valley fiow, the flat surface of which indicates very liquid lava. Walking from the bus across the level unshaded surface, wé suddenly found ourselves looking down into a rocky sink-hole filled with ferns and other vegetation. In one side of the hole was the entrance to Harman Cave |, Some of us descended into the pleasant shade of the cave, led once again by Mr. Elmore and his lamp. Here in the walls were ledges left by earlier flows. On the floor was evidence of creatures, the probable existence of owls, which roosted on projections up above, In the entrance Shining Shield Fern (Lastteopsis shepherdii) was found, and nearby grew Austral Filmy Fern (Mecodinim australe) and Blanket Fern (Pleurosorus rutifolius), Also among the rocks on the floor of the eave, well beyond any other vegetation, an all white gilled fungus was growing in the darkness. Other plants found in the vicinity included Kangaroo Apple (Solanum — lucinitiurm), Tree Violet (Fliymenanthera dentata), Nodding Salt Bush (Rhagodia nutans), Shiniag Cassinia (Custinia longifolia), Yaria- ble Groundsel (Senecio laulus), Sweet Bü Bursaràa (Bursaria — spinosa) and Austral Pelargonium (Pelargonium ausirale), A few yards away Was an- other sink-hole with similar vegetation but without a tunnel, Harman Cave 2 Here our eagle-eyed Excursion Secre- tarv spotted an unfamiliar plant grow- ing on a rock, which was later identified as the lichen Parmelia cooperi, the first record of this plant in Victoria. Leaving Byaduk, we drove south to Mt Eccles, another of the Western Distriet’s recently extinct volcanoes. The approach showed us a low bare hill scarred by a quarry. Reaching the shady pienic ground inside the crater, a different scene greeted us as we looked down on the beautiful and aptly named Surprise Lake, surrounded by many trees aud dense vegetation and with steep walls nearly LQ ft. high! Here we were pleased to mect un- expectedly our eld friends from Balla- rat, Mr. and Mrs. Bedegood and members of their family, who were enjoying, a barbecue lunch, After greetings were exchanged we lunched in the shade of the Manna Gums. After lunch we took the upper tack round fhe north end of the lake, giving us a fine view along its length towards ihe scoria cone. The lake, which ts considered to occupy three craters, is 43 fi, at the deepest point and has no outlet. Although the water level rises and falls seasonally it has never been known to dry out Just oif the track we had a look into the Tunnel Cave (Victorian Nar. 81, 64-71; 85, 350.356). An interesting feature here, apart from its almost perfect tunnel shape, are the roots, presumably from the Manna Gums growing abour S0 ft. above, which hang like fringes from crevices in the roof. A little further along the track after leaving (hé cave we saw the heginning of the main lava channel— Viel, Nat, Vel 89 locally called The Canal — of the Tyrendarra Flow, the longest lava flow in Victoria, which continues for 19 miles to the coast and then possibly a further 9 miles out to sea. A channel is a flow which carried large quantities of fluid lava, building up a kind of levee bank on either side as the red hot stream in the centre continued cutting through previous flows, pushing dislodged pieces aside. Leaving The Canal we took a track which led downwards to the lake, be- tween tall trees and quite thick scrub. There was also plentiful bird life in contrast to Mt. Napier. Reaching the waters edge, where the Rush (Juncus procerus) and the Common Reed (Phragmites communis) were growing, the view along the lake brought the cameras into action once more. Returning to the picnic ground above, some members decided to climb to the trig. marker on the scoria cone (alt. 588 ft.). The steep track led past some picturesque old she-oaks (Casuarina stricta) overlooking the southern end of the lake, and then through rough grass and herbage to the summit. From this vantage point we had a good view to the north of the cone of Mt. Napier, its gently sloping symmetrical sides rising gradually from the plain. To the south, with the aid of binoculars, we could trace the coastline at Port Fairy, marked by the sand-dunes standing out white in the bright sunshine. The flat lava flow forming Lady Julia Percy Island was clearly visible, as were the silos at Portland. We tarried here awhile, making the most of the clear air and warm sun, then returned down the track to the bus, remarking on the unusual deep green colour of the lake from this angle. Some of the plants identified in this National Park were Blackwood (Aca- cia melanoxylon), Black Wattle (A. mearnsii), Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa). Blue-bell (Wahlenbergia quadrifida), Cutleaf Cranesbill (Ger- anium — solanderi), Trailing Pratia (Pratia pendunculata), Sticky Boobi- Plate 1. Mt. Napier. The rim of the main crater. The breach is on the right. The tree cover at the left indicates the extent of the lava flows. photo: Author March, 1972 alla (Myoporum viscosum), Creeping Wood Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata), Slender Knotweed (Polygonum mi- nus), Sheeps Burr (Acaena echin- aia), Kangaroo Apple (Solanum laciniatum,), Black Nightshade (S. nigrum), Austral Carrot (Daucus glochidiatus), Ivy Leaf Violet (Viola hederacea), Cherry Ballart (Exocarpos cupressiformis) and Desmodium vari- ans, the last-named being an addition to the Park's plant list. As at Mt. Napier, the only eucalypt is the Manna Gum and again the multi-flowered variety was found. Leaving Mt. Eccles to return to Hamilton, we travelled via Wallace- dale to see the remarkable lava “blis- ters" — or are they tumuli? They are a large number of domed mounds of lava rising 15-30 ft. above a flat slightly sloping paddock, part of the Harman lava flow. There are two suggested theories put forward as to their formation. Blisters could be formed by steam rising when hot lava flows over a swamp, whereas tumuli could be caused by varying pressures of solidifying lava on the still liquid parts of a flow that is slowing down, forcing the lava into hummocks. Tumuli are usually solid, although the centre and the outer crust may be differing textures, and sometimes the "skin" may be split on top. Some at least of the mounds here are probably tumuli, as they have been tested and found to have no cavity. Returning to Hamilton, we partook of the Smorgasbord which is a regular Sunday night feature at the George Hotel, before packing, ready for an early start on our homeward journey. Next morning, Easter Monday, our Hamilton friends were at the hotel to farewell us, and we all thanked them very sincerely for giving up so much of their time to arrange for us such an enjoyable and informative weekend. At Dunkeld we detoured once more 82 into the Victoria Valley for some more botanizing before leaving this lovely district in which we could easily have spent the whole day. However. with a little more time available than on our earlier visit, we were able to explore a little further at our previous stopping place. The trees here, in ad- dition to Scentbark, mentioned earlier, which was in flower, included Brown Stringybark (E. baxteri), Broadleaf Peppermint (E. dives), Manna Gum and others. Five orchids were found, Bearded Midge Orchid (Prasophylum morrisii), Sharp Leek Orchid (P. despectans), Midget Greenhood (Pter- ostylis parviflora), Fringed Hare Orchid (Leptoceras fimbriatus) and Large Duck Orchid (Caleana major). Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata) was in full bloom. There were many plants of Holly Grevillea (Grevillea aquifolium) but not in flower. Other plants identified included Common Flat Pea (Platylobium obtusangulum), Holly Lomatia (Lomatia ilicifolia), the sedge (Caustis pentandra), Com- mon Heath (Epacris impressa), Flame Heath (Astroloma conostephioides), Beard Heath (Leucopogon ericoides), Cone Bush (/sopogon ceratophyllus), Pultenaea sp., Tetratheca ciliata, Bun- dled Guinea Flower (Hibbertia fasc- iculata), Phyllota pleurandroides, Leafless Bitter-pea (Daviesia brevi- folia), Manuka (Leptospermum scop- arium), Giant Hop Bush (Dodonaea cuneata), Tassel Rope Rush (Hypo- loena fastigiata), Ixodia and many others. Reluctantly we moved on. A little later, a short walk ahead of the bus was suggested. Here a Stumpy-tail Lizard was discovered and duly ad- mired, and some empty nests were found in the bushes, posing the un- answered question — possums or birds? On our way once more, Frank suddenly slowed down, having spotted an emu on the road ahead. Another Vict. Nat. Vol, 89 one then emerged from the bushes and as we slowly approached, ran off into the scrub, feathers flapping, A little later we passed a sign “Kangaroos Crossing" — but this time we watched in vain. Reaching Lake Bolac once more, we stopped beside the Jake for lunch. The Musk Ducks had departed, and Hen was seen to take cover in the rushes as we arrived. On our way again, we headed for home with only one stop, at Skipton, as we hoped to avoid the worst of the homegoing holiday traffic. So ended a lovely week-end, with many thanks to Marie Allender for arranging such an interesting excursion with such wonderful weather, there were only a few odd waders around the margin. An Eastern Swamp Mammal Suryey Group (Annual Meeting) The Annual General Meeting of the Mammal Survey Group will be held on Thursday, 6 April 1972, at the Arthur Rylah Institute, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg. Ararai Weekend Saturday and Sunday, 15, 16 April — Ararat. The Ararat Conference will be held this week-end and Miss Banfield will be presented wiih her Life Membership certificate on Saturday evening. There is a choice of two short excursions in the afternoon and an excursion to Mount Cole on Sunday. More details of the program will be in the next Nariralist. A coach has been booked for the week-end and motel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis for Saturday night. Cost for coach and motel will be $12, cheques to be made out to Excursion Trust. BIOLOGICAL MICROSCOPE OBJECTIVES 9X, 40X, 40X water immersion, 9OX oil immersion EYEPIECES 7X, 10X, 15X SUBSTAGE CONDENSER $79.35 MECHANICAL STAGE $27.60 BINOCULAR HEAD $90.85 SUBSTAGE LAMP $17.25 GRIFFIN & GEORGE BEAM BALANCE 2 mgm- 250gm $30.00 WEIGHTS $11.33 8 dram plastic flip-fop vial (ideal for field collecting) 80c. per dozen PLASTIC PETRI DISHES 3%" diam, 90c. per packet of 10 Available from GENERY'S SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT SUPPLY 183 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000 Phone; 63 2160 March, 1972 B3 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria *No General Meeting was held in February due to the S.E.C. power restriction on lighting in Public Halls. Agenda for Annual General Meeting — Wednesday, 15 March, 1972. 1. Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Annual Meeting. ba Election of New Members, 3. Election of Office Bearers. The following nominations have been received :— President: Mr. T. Sault Vice-Presidents (2): Mr. B. Cooper. Mr. D. Lee Secretary: Mr. R. H. Riordan Assist, See: Treasurer: Mr. H. Bishop Assist. Treasurer: Mr. H. Janssen Editor: Mr. G. Ward Assist. Editor: Mr. G. Douglas Librarian: Mr. P. Kelly Letters to To restrict the Victorian Naturalist to purely scientific articles for the ex- peris, would be a retrograde step. To my way of thinking, in order to stimu- late more people into a greater interest in natural history, the magazine has to have some articles for lay people like myself to start building their know- ledge and in due course the more scientific articles will also become in- teresting to us as well as being infor- mative to the experts. If the club wishes to encourage young people to become active mem- bers of the club, the magazine as well 84 Assist. Librarian: Miss G. Piper Excursion Sec: Miss M. Allander Residual (5) Mr. J. H, Willis, Mr. D. Reeves Mr. M. Coulthard. 4. Secrétary's Report. 5. Treasurer’s Report. 6, Speaker — Mr. A- Dunbavin Butcher will speak on “The Western Port Survey”. 7. Correspondence. 8. Announcements. 9. General Business. Notice has been given of à motion relating to the Victorian Naturalist (see February issue), the Editor as club activities should, I feel, cater for most levels of knowledge in the club, and not just for those already well informed professionals or experts. I enjoy the Victorian Naturalist in its present format, and except for the distance from the city and the ties of dairy farming, I would be delighted to attend the meetings as well. How- ever I would not find as much of inter- est if all articles were of a purely scientific nature, and would probably fall by the wayside in due course. Being a relatively new member Y did not feel qualified to voice an Vict, Nat. Vol. 89 opinion on the questionnaire, particu- larly as I have never attended a meeting of the club. Thank you for your interest in my Opinion, and hoping the club prospers in membership and worthwhile ac- livities. Val Lumsden Fish Creek 3959 Dear Sir, As one who spoke strongly against the motion moved by Mr. Munro at the club’s meeting on 13 December, the passing ol which wovld confine the contents of the Victorian Natura- list to strictly scientific articles and reports of investigations and hew dis- coveries, permit me to elaborate’ on some of the vital arguments that T hope will defeat what I regard as a Tetrograde Step when the adjourned moon is further discussed and voted on at the March meeting. Housed in (win system tard cabinets in the club library, National Herb- arium, is an Author Index |o all materia! published in the Naturalist, from Vol. 1 No. 1 (1884) to the Current issue (1972), during the com- pilation of which I have gained a good knowledge of the type of material provided for members' en- lightenment and pleasure ihroughout that long period. Enlightenment came from the recording of new knowledge, ils dissemination within Victoria and scientific circles elsewhere in Australia and even overseas, since from the beginning the club's journal has been ~ exchanged for similar publications emanating from many different sources, Pleasure came from reading of rhe personal experiences of fellow members gained on excursions, whether organized by the club or &roups ur even mdividual trips to unusual places, and the nature notes contributed by keen observers of the animate and inanimate, near and far. Humorous anecdotes, if relevant, were March, 1972 not excluded, amd our journal has been the better for ir. From the beginning the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria has been fortunate in numbering among: its active mémbers many distinguished experts in particular scientific disci- plines, and these have contributed ariicles and original papers that have won for the club an enviable record unequalled by any similar natural history X society in Australia. The Victorian Naturalist has had an unbroken monthly publication for nearly ninety years, and is constantly cited among references in scientific journals over a wide’ field, but this does not mean that ils contents should consist solely of such serious matter Scientists have their own journals, such as the published transactions of the Royal Society of Victoria and ifs counterparts in all the other States, Linnean Society of New South Wales, Kew Bulletin, Australian Journal of Botany, and Muelleria. Our club is far naturalists, a term that includes both professionals and amateurs, and if a poll were taken of our hundreds of members 1 am confident that there would be a huge majority for the tefetition of- the mere ‘popular’ writings such as the recording of club doings —in fact, such reporting is vital to keep a club alive, as many memibers, for reasons of distance, in- firmity and other responsibilities, can- not participate as fully as they would wash, and some allend zo meetings at all, J would remind members that the assistant editor warned that action on the lines desired by Mr, Munro and his small group of vocal sup- porters posed a serious threal ro the continued existence of the Natsralist. Perhaps it should also be said that the club rank and file should not be told how to run its affairs by someone who, by bis own admission, has atten- 85 ded only sx meetings in six years of membership! T have just compiled the index to Volume 88 (1971), in which, for the first time for many years, only two proups have had reports of their meetings published during the year. Scattered in these reports over the years ate many facts thal otherwise would have gone unrecorded, I live in Oaklergh, and am fascinated when [ read Charles French’s ‘Ramble through the Heathground from Qak- leigh to Sandringham’ (Vol. 7, pp. 71-75) recording species that have + * AL the December General Meeting, 2 motion calling for the establishment of a section to initiate systematic field survey activities Within the Club, was passed, A meeting of some 20 members inter- ested in this move was held on 1 Febru- ary. They decided that the main activities of the group would centre on weekend survey camps and a monthly meeting. Meetings will be held on the 4th Thurs- day uf the month in the National Mus- eum, beginning in March, The weekend of 15-16 April was selected for a pre- liminary camp in the Riddell area. long gone from what is now a com- pletely built-up area. Finally, a touch of humour from A. H. S. Lucas, an outstanding double-degree carly mem- ber who recorded (Vol. 7, pp. 31-3) the excursion he led to Portarlington in 1890: “The excursion was, then, an interesting one. A large number of marine forms were observed, ol which some were taken home alive for more leisured observation. It should perhaps be added that the party consisted of the leader only." Yours faithfully, James A. Baines +, + Instead of attempting to cover the whole field of natural history, the first camp will concentrate on a systematic survcy of the Non-marine molluscs, Spiders, Reptiles, as well as various aspects of Hotany. A steering committee has been estab- lished to make further arrangements. Principal Office Bearers are;— Chairman—Mr. Leigh Winsor Secretary — Mr. Barry ‘Cooper Any interested members are welcome to take part in this group's activities, A New Group To cater for the leisured and retired Mr. Fairhall would like to form a new group of members. Are you nervous of getting to mght meetings? The proposed group will meet by DAY, Contact A. J. H. Fairhall, 14 Wallen Rd., Carnegie. Phone 58 2009. The initial meeting will take place on Wednesday, 22 Match, at 10,30 a.m. Those interested should meet at the kiosk, corner Park St. and Domain Rd Lunch and a stroll in the Royal Botanie Gardens will follow. B.Y.O. Hawthorn Junior F.N.C. Annual Report, 1971 Key Office-Bearers 1 January, 1972, President — Michael Coulthard, Secretary —Joan Hindle. Treasurer — Carl Meyer. Editar — Alan Burns. Excursion Secretary — Caroline Durré Program Secretary — Noel Disken 86 The year 1971 saw almost a complete change in Office-Bearers of the Club. However, despite this, membership is heing maintained at about 150, and enthusiasm in the Club’s Junior Council is greater than ever. Vict, Nat. Vol B9 dn August, Mr. D, Melnnes relin- quished the Presidency and in appreci- ation for his service 10 the Chib, he was presented with an engraved tray. Mr, Mefnnes took on the Presidency and the main task of Club organization after the sudden death of Mr. P. Fisch in April. 1962, and was largely responsible for the complete re-organization of the Club ja the 1960's, He has been a Lafe ‘member since 1969. Michael Coulthard was elected Presi- dent at the October mecting. He joined the Mawthorn Juniors tn 1957, as a junior member, and since entering Coun- gil in 1955, has served as Treasurer (1966-7) Barry Cooper retired. as Editor in December after being associated wilh the Club's publications since their beginning in 1962, The Club also lost the services of Jenny Forse as Treasurer. With the retiring of Mr, MeTnnes, Ihe post of Program Secretary has been created to organize a syllabus of speakers for gur meetings. Noel Disken has capably filled this role and also js the Club's unofficial “Property Steward". ‘Meetings over the past year: 29 lanuary—Member's Nighi 26 February—"Planis of Port Phillip Bay Beaches" by ‘Miss M. Lester, 26 March—“Aquatic Insects” by Mc P Genery, 30 April--"Mammal Survey in Victoria" by Mr. A Howard. 28 May—"Fossils" by Mr. K. Bell 25 Juno—"Reptiles" by Mr. P, Rawlin- aan, 30 July-— "Aboriginal Remains from the Chowilla Dam area — N W. Victoria” by Mr, K. Simpson, 27 August—Celehratipn of 28th Birthday, 24 Scpiember—" The British. Badger" by Mr. R. Withers, _ 29 Octoher—'Birds of Prey" by Mr. F. Stephens, , 26 November—Conservation — Film— “Multiply and subdue the Barth’. Excursions: Administration ef Excursions was al- tered during the yenr. In April, an Ex- cursian Committee was set up, but when (hrs failed ta orgamize a trip, the single position of Excursion Secretary was revived with greater responsibilities. Caroline Durré has taken on this position with support From Barry Cooper. Excutsions arpanized during the year. | Augusi— Organ Pipes" (Sydenham) 3 October—Nare Warren/Beaconstield. March, 1972 : 16 October—Spring Gully, Bendigo. 14 Novemter—Kineglake. 5 December--Lerderderg Gorge. Li Euler Camp, The 197] Camp was held at Mt. Eccles and the Lower Glenelg area in S. W, Victoria. A bus was hired and some 58 members allended. The Club camped for one night at Mt Eccles and three nights in the Lower Glenelg. A detailed yepdrt has been published in The nier Naturalist. A special meet ing was arranged on 10 July for the showing of photographs snd colour slides taken on the trip. This was atten- ded by 54 members. The Club has a large group interested in Reptiles and on camps, Council has had 1o ban the collection of venomous snakes for safety reasons. Publications; The Junior Naturalist has completed Volume 7. In July, an article commem- Òralmg the 100th consecutive issue of a monthly magazine, was published. From a single duplicated sheet in September 1962, aur magazine now includes 12 pages each month. Rae Trathen was appointed Asst. Editor during the year and her Nature Crosswords are a regular feature For the Nalure Show, the Club printed a booklet on "Fungi" by Noel Disken, as well as reprinting a booklet on “The Collectiun and Preservation of Insects". Natre Shows The Club organized five exhibits at the F.N.CV. Nalure Show in September, Spiders, Fungi, Insects, Minerals and eptrles. Library - FON.C.V. Library Books have been borrowed by Members since 1965, most Of this time !hrough the elforts of Miss W. Lester, With her December and the continuing interest of members jn the Library, Council has arranged for one of our parents to collect books and arrange borrowing tn the future. Subscriptions: - The Club is intent on retaining sub. scriptions at the present. level, despite price increases. Present rates arm:— Jüniór Membership 80 cents per annum. Adult Membership 71,20 per annum, retirement 3n B? 88 68 [PA TEN NRHA FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB OF VICTORIA Year 1970 Liabilities 422 Subscriptions paid in advance j= ii 397 — Sundry Creditors 3 a 332 — M. A. Ingram Trust grant in hand - ate 72 Special Funds and Accounts— 3,100 Building Fund at .; $3,101 4,770 Publication Fund - .. 5,311 100 Library Fund : = 100 730 Club Improvement “Account $i 923 200 Excursion Account : 200 5,217 Estate M. Wright Legacy 3,217 418 Estate Ruby A. Lewis Legacy .. 418 200 Estate Miss [. F. Knox Legacy .. 200 — Estate C. M. Walker Legacy ., 500 = Estate R. S. Chisholm .. P 20 — Wilfred C. Woollard Fund : 514 1,090 Microscope Project A/c. T: 608 2,212 Flower Book Account .. s 02419 19,531 Surplus of Assets over Liabilities— Balance at 1-1-71 .. 7,013 Transfer from Club Improvement Account 130 Surplus for year .. 0 M 775 7,013 7,918 $25,472 $28,250 We report that in our opinion the accompanying Balance Sheet and Accounts of the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria are properly drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 1961 and so as to give a true und fuir view of the state of the Club's affairs at 3lst December, 1971, and of its operations for the year ended on that date, and that the decounting and other records examined by us have been properly kept in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Melbourne 2) February, 1972 Signed: Danby, Bland & Co Chartered Accountants Auditors 140 2,050 $25,472 BALANCE SHEET AT 31st DECEMBER, 1971. Assets Cash at Bank . .. L861 Commonwealth “Bonds at cost 2,000 Sundry Debtors it i^ |. 1,406 Badges at cost 1 17 Microscope Project Stock at cost . 134 Books for Sale at cost .- x 577 Flower Book Stock at cost .. S 338 Library, Furniture & Equipment àt cost Investment of Funds — Publications Fund— Commonwealth Bonds at cost Book Stocks at cost— Victorian Ferns ta by: ! Victorian Toadstools i 559 Wyperfeld National Park .. 312 Wilson's Promontory National Park . 129 1,800 Sundry Debtors Cash at Bank Building Fund — Commonwealth Bonds at ch SE,C. Stock at Cost Cash at Bank s . I "Library Fund — Commonwealth Bonds at Cost .. Legacy Estate M. Wright — Commonwealth Bonds at Cost .. Cosstick Reserve, Matybqmugh — at cost Flower Book Accoum— Commonwealth Bonds ai cost Wilfred C. Woollard Fund M.M.B.W. Bonds at cost . . 6,333 5,314 5,31] 3,101 100 5,200 141 2,250 500 $28,250 LEE ene nnn ee nn Ő £461 ^piew 68 FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB OF VICTORIA GENERAL ACCOUNT STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1971 Year Year 1970 1970 Receipts Paymenis Subscriptions Received— Victorian Naturalist— 155 Arrears Fs vU i. Pr 61 4,315 Printing 4,238 5,441 Current . 4 m 5,529 727 Illustrating .. 1,013 143 Supporting .. aic ee 134 371 Despatching 309 50 Editorial 20 $5,724 237 Sales of Victorian Naturalist 239 5,580 124 Advertising in Victorian Naturalist . 112 (957) Less Ingram Trust Grant .. 1,000 Interest. Received— 4,580 Library Fund e P E 5 Working Expenses— Bank Account... . 100 179 Postage & Telephone 145 Commonwealth Bonds .. 160 106 Printing & Stationery 86 Bonds — M. Wright Legacy .. 333 40 Rent of Room for Storage 40 495 598 68 General Expenses .. 103 9 Sundry Income 54 Affiliation Fees, Subscriptions a and Amount transferred from Building ‘Fund 71 Donations 106 170 -Part Payment of Rent .. : 175 22 Preston Junior Club Rent 22 72 Natural History Medallion Expenses .. 76 663 Typing & Clerical Assistance 578 50 Audit Group Expenses 50 Audit 50 Rent of Hall, Library & Museum 255 Museum Room .. 283 51 Jnsurance ^ 58 1,547 406 Mammal Survey Group Expenses 305 (406) Less Ingram Trust Grant 305 711 Surplus for year 775 $6,794 $6,902 $6,794 $6,902 FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB OF VICTORIA BUILDING FUND Amount of Fund at 31st December, 1970 id T Interest on Investment and Bank Account 3,101 175 3,276 Less Amount transferred to General Account for payment of rent Amount of Fund at 3ist December, 1971 PUBLICATIONS FUND Amount of Fund at 31st December, 1970 Interest on Investment and Bank Account a ^ ia z Surplus for the year from— Ferns of Victoria and Tasmania -" je a il >: 45 Victorian Toadstools and Mushrooms in "T a" $a 50 Vegetation of Wyperfeld National Park — .., un 4 74 Wild Flowers of Wilson’s Promontory National Park EA .. 229 Amount of Fund at 3lst December, 1971 CLUB IMPROVEMENT ACCOUNT Amount of Account at 31st December, 1970 Sale of Old Library Books and BP Wig Nature Show Profit Booksales Account Profit .- .. 3,101 175 4,770 144 398 e 35312 730 58 227 38 1,053 Less Purchase of Library Books, Furniture and Equipment .. Amount of Fund at 31st December, 1971 .. Rates for Overseas Subscribers Single Copy 45 cents plus 7 cents postage — 52c. Subscription one year, including postage — *£6.00 (Australian Currency) The Yearly subscription has been approved by council and the single copy rate is the present cost of overseas postage. Field Survey Group Thursday, 23 March — Field Survey Group Meeting at the National Museum at 8 p.m. in the small room next to the Theatrette, Inaugural Meeting. Saturday, 15— Sunday 16 April — Preliminary Field Survey Camp, Riddell Area (Contact the Secretary; Field _ Survey Group for details). 130 .. $923 90 Viet. Nat. Vol. 89 U ictorian aturali F.N.C.V. DIARY OF COMING EVENTS GENERAL MEETINGS Monday, 10 April—At National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra. com- mencing at 8 p.m. l. Minutes. 2. Announcements. 3. Subject for evening:—"Weather and Wildlife": Mr. Derek Reid. 4. New Members. (These will appear in May issue). 5. Correspondence. 6. General Business. Monday, 8 May—"An Introduction to Fossils": Mr. Ken Bell. Wednesday, 14 June—"An introduction to Orchids”: Mr. Jack Hyett. F.N.C.V. SURVEY CAMPS Friday evening—Sunday 14-16 April—The Field Survey Group will hold a camp at Riddell. The camp site will be the Barringo Picnic Ground and those wishing to attend and who missed the March Group Meeting may obtain a circular with map and details from the Group Secretary, Mr. B. Cooper. 37 Bath Rd.. Burwood (29 7379). Briefing will be given at the camp at 10 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday. Members unable to leave Friday may join the group at this time. Mr. L. Winsor will be Camp Commandant. F.N.C.V. GROUP MEETINGS (8 p.m. at National Herbarium unless otherwise stated.) Thursday, 13 April—Botany Group. Speakers: Mr. K. Kleinecke and Mr. I. Morrison. Wednesday, 19 April —Microscopical Group. Thursday, 27 April—Field Survey Group. This group meets in the Library Confer- ence Room next to the theatrette at the National Museum at 8 p.m. Monday, 1 May—Entomology and Marine Biology Group Meeting in Library Conference Room, National Museum at 8 p.m. Tuesday, 2 May—Geology Group. Thursday, 4 May—Mammal Survey Group meets at Arthur Rylah Institute, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, at 8 p.m. F.N.C.V. EXCURSIONS Saturday-Sunday, 15-16 April—Ararat. The Ararat Conference will be held on this weekend. and the program is as follows:— Saturday; Assemble at Methodist Hall at 2 p.m. for general welcome; choice of two excursions: 1. McDonald Park, 2. Aboriginal cave. 5 p.m., tea facilities available at Methodist Hall for those bringing their own food. 6.30 p.m.: Meeting of W. Victorian F. N. Clubs (President Mr. A. Fisher). 8 p.m.: Official Welcome: Presentation of Life Membership Certificate to Miss L. Banfield. 8.30 p.m.: Subject of the evening—‘Mount Cole National Park" by Mr. J. Wheeler. 9.45 p.m.: Speeches and supper. Sunday: 9.30 a.m.: Meet at Town Hall then proceed to Warrak Township and Mount Cole, walk to Ben Nevis lookout. Lunch at 12.30 at Victoria Mill Point. (hot water. milk. tea and sugar provided). 3.30 afternoon tea and farewells. 4 p.m. depart via Roylon to Western Highway near Beaufort. A coach has been chartered for this weekend and motel accommodation booked for coach party on bed and breakfast basis. Cost for motel and coach $12.00 per person, payable to the Excursion Secretary by the April general meeting. The coach will leave from Flinders St. near Gas Corporation at 8 a.m. Bring a picnic lunch. 94 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 The Victorian Naturalist Editor: G. M. Ward Assistant Editor: G. Douglas Vol. 89, No. 4 CONTENTS Articles: — Botanical Survey of East Gippsland. By A. C. Beauglehole Fossil Wood from Brighton. By Edmund D. Gill Further Observations on the Mountain Pigmy Possum. By H. Dimpel and J. H. Calaby A New Race of the Butterfly, Ogyris oroetes. By W. N. B. Quick = The Mollusc Caryodes dufresnii in Tasmania. By Ron C. Kershaw and Alan J. Dartnall F.N.C.V. Excursion to Bendigo. By Elizabeth K. Turner Field Naturalists Club of Victoria: Report on Inaugural meeting of Field Survey Group ‘Report on Inaugural meeting of Day Group Front Cover; 6 April, 1972: 96 99 ` 101 107 111 119 98 100 This Southern Elephant Seal pup was photographed at Macquarie Island in 1965, by K. N. G. Simpson. ANARE photo by Ken Simpson April, 1972 95 Botanical Survey of East Gippsland by A. C. BRAUGLEHOLE Botanical exploration in the eastern- most sector of Victoria has been very active during the past one hundred years. A comprehensive report of the Bast Gippsland Symposium was pub- lished in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, Vol. 82 Part 1, January 1969, Included was a Census of Vascular Flora Indigenous to East Gippsland, by J. H, Willis, which listed 1,435 species, of which about 200 were mot to be found elsewhere in the State. Defining the boundary, Willis said: "For the purposes of this list, East Gippsland includes all that part of Victoria on the southern side of the Great Dividing Range and eastward from the Mitchell River Valley and its tributary, the Wentworth River. If, as for other papers of the Symposium, East Gippsland be limited to the region lying cast of the 148th parallel of longitude, then its known indigenous flora still comprises 1,390 species." Despite living at the extreme western end of Victoria, 1 became fascinated with East Gippsland long before 1 was able to investigate the region myself. My introduction to the floral wealth of the region came through two schoolteachers, who lived there at one time and who had an intimate knowledge cf the plants. Dur- ing the mid-1930's, Frank Robbins, then teaching at Orbost, travelled widely and made extensive collections of plants, His tabelling, too, made in- teresting reading, for he collaborated with many botanists, (Hunter, Bibby, Hart, Morris, Willis, Wakefield, and others) and their comments were in- cluded. Frank moved to Bendigo, 96 where he is still a well-known and prominent figure in natural history and conservation groups. Imagine my delight, when, in 1949, he offered to hand over his collections to me, for they included specimens from most regions of Victoria! During the 1940's and 1950's, Norman Wakefield, whilst teaching at Cann River and Genoa, also travelled extensively and built up a herbarium. He was instrumental in carrying out crifical research on several dificult genera: Hibbertia, Cassinia, Helichrysum, Galium, Hydrocotyle, Pomaderris, Juncus, ete. — in all of which he described new species and published these in the Victorian Naturalist. Through his request for material from Robbins’ and my col- lections, we built up a regular cor- respondence, which enabled me to become familiar with many plants. Over recent years the National Parks service has engaged me to carry out botanical research in National Parks, firstly in western Victoria, then in East Gippsland, The built-up pre- liminary knowledge, coupled with the valuable Census of East Gippsland Plants, enabled me to enter the field with rore confidence, In the survey of these parks; along with the Grampians survey for the Botanic Gardens Research Trust, the recommended grid system (of 10 min- utes of latitude and longitude) has been incorporated. Having covered the National Parks, I took full advantage of the opportunity of doing a cross section of all grids within East Gippa- land — no less than 84 involved! The purpose of this was to obtain an over- Vict. Nat. Vol, 89 all distributional pattern of the flora for conservation purposes, 1e. fo select areas having the maximum number of trare and interesting species within relatively confined segments of Bast Gippsland. Melbourne National Herb- arium supplied me with maps with grids incorporated; also large numbers of abbreviated field lists, made out in alphabetical order for convenience, In view of the value of this ex- tended survey, the National Parks Service saw fit to engage me to carry ou! additional work for them. This included athe Proposed Cobberas National Park, Proposed Snowy River National Park in the North, and ex- tensions to existing Parks in the South, Comprehensive manuscript reports with maps have been completed, and when these have been typed, will be avail- ahle for distribution by the N.F.S, In these individual projects, | was ably assisted by Colin Hutchinson, Techni- cal Officer with N,P.S.; Eugene Finck, Heathincre; Keith Rogers, Wulgul- merang; and Jim Willis, National Herbarium. In the overall East Gippsland sur- vey, an average of fifty hours was spent on each of the 84 grids, Several Isis and sublists were made and numbcred, within cach grid, in relation to habitat and/or confined aréa; and these were all indicated on a mapping system, with information about each, so that future workers would know where, and at what time of the year, work was done. After several months of analysis of this field work, an up-to- date Master List was drawn up, em- bracing both native and alten flower- ing plants and ferns of Bast Gippsland. There will be a Master List for each of the 84 grids. When the abbreviated field lists are Keyed to these Master Lists, results can he set out on special grid maps—using a grid map of East Gippsland for each individual specres, As the known flora has been April, 1972 increased by about 120 species (with a total now of 1,550 species of native fiowering plants and ferns), plus the 250 alien species, there wil! be need for 1,800 maps. Thanks again to Mel- bourne Herbarium, these maps are already available for coding. Among the added 120 species are several undescribed species, including a number wf orchids; «while others again are new to Victoria, and this group alse includes orchids. Some of these orchids have already been dealt with in the Netyralist —a descrip- tion of those remaining will came later, Of other groups of plants the most exciting finds were; (1) Brynoniella pumilio, belonging toa family cot previously represented in Victoria — ACANTHACEAE. As far as is known, there ts one colony only in Mallacaota Nationa) Park. (2) The second known accurrence ol Glearia qlenderae, a Showy Daisy- bush (named by Jim Willis, in honour oi Marie Allender, a few years ago from material collected at Wilson's Promontory), It occurred in abund- ance in wet heathlands near Cicada Trail, (between Mueller and Wingan Rivers). Associated with it was a Moss {Trematodon mackayi) new to Victoria. (3) Several other plants recorded, for the first time, East of Melbourne, including the trigger-plant, Srylidium beaugleholei, also named by Jim Willis 1 should not be surprised if it turned up jn N.S.W., for Jim and L found it east of Mallacoota inlet, It was also located in two places on the Marin Plains. and, sirice being named, has turned up in WA! The pleasure of locating new spec- 7e3, at times with the assistance of other naturalists, in no way detracted from the satisfaction of extending the known range of some E. Gippsland 97 planis that were supposedly restricted. This was not surprising in view of the comprehensive nature of the survey. Naturally, there is tremendous scope for furthering the knowledge of the East Gippsland flora, One of the saddest aspects of the survey Was in seeing the spread of undesirable weeds, Blackberries (Rubus spp.) alone are spreading at an alarming rate — ex- tending for miles along a number of creeks and rivers, as well as occurring in jungles, sub-alpine bogs and good- timbered areas, Imagine if these areas are doubled each year! The Great Woolly Mullein (Verbascunm thapsus) is covering hundreds of acres in the rain shadow belt. An area S.W, of Mt, Raymond, the only place in the whole survey where I saw three particular orchids, is quickly being covered by blackberries and the Introduced Trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus}, Several rich orchid areas, including Orbost, Marlo Plains, Cann River, Bendock and Wangarabell areas, are diminishing because of extended farming opera- tions. This is unfortunate, because the survey has shown that the majority of grids are poorly endowed with orchids, and even those grids with good tallies often had only isolated pockets of them, The atea of East Gippsland is approximately 4,000,000 acres, with less than 40,000 acres set aside in National Parks. This represents only ome per cent of the whole, and this is deplorably inadequate! If the Cob- beras, Snowy River, Captain Cook Pack extensions and Howe Range proposals become a reality, the total of protected plants would be about 1,250 species, whereas in the existing Park system only about 820 species are protected, This leayes about 300 species still unprotected, but minor reserves could be established to cater for these. As there is an imperative need to preserve representative areas for the survival of flora and fauna, I urge you to support the extension of the National Park system: and to press urgently for these extensions in the immediate future. In concluding, I do want to extend my sincere thanks to all of those people who have helped me im so many ways over the years. Field Survey Group Inaugural Meeting 23 Murch £972 Mr. L. Winsor chaired the meeting, which was attended by 16 people. Mr. Winser explained that the objects of the group were to survey (he State in a systematic manner in different areas of natural history. Initially, this would be restricted to selected disciplines. so as to cover each field adequately. Inver- tebrate and Botanical studies would be the major emphasis on the first survey camp. Mr. Cooper reported on the wurk done in organizing the group and an- nounced that the P.N.C V had agreed to provide a $50 credit to cover secre- larial and field expenses, Details of the preliminary survey camp lo Riddell—15 and 16 April were dis- cussed at length. Mr. Cooper described the Geology of the area and Mr. Reeves reporied on the mammals and other 93 aspects. Maps of the survey area were distributed by Mr. Winser, . Organization of the group was vested in 2 commitiee, to which the followlug were elected-— Chairman-—Mr, L Winsor Secretary—Mr, B. Couper Records Office—Mr. H. Janssen Residual Committce—Miss L. Barra- clough Miss R. St. Clair Mt. D. Barham Dr. B. Smith Dr. B. Smith, Curalor of Invertebrates al the National Museum, was the Speaker for the evening. He described tha ways and means of doing systematic natura] history surveys and went on to describe how this was applied to his own study of the State's non-amarine molluscs. Vict, Nal. Vol, 89 Fossil Wood from Brighton, Victoria, Australia by EDMUND D. GiLZ* It a8 only when major engineering works are undertaken thai discoveries are made of what Wes at depth be- neath the ground. Extensive tunnels ling in connection with a new sewer main in the southern suburbs of the city of Melbourne has brought to light interesting fossils. Thus in 1964 excavations under Eddy's Grove on both the north and soujh sides of Centre Road, Bentleigh, near Elster Creek, revealed a bed plentiful with marine shells of late Miocene Age, including Tylospira and Miltha. More recently Mr. F. Sarno, a geologist working with the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, brought to the Museum a piece of (ree trunk found 35 ft. (10.7 m.) from the surface in a tunnel in North Road, Brighton, near Bambra Road. It was discovered during the construc- tion of a pump well Above the Silurian bedrock is gravel, which is succeeded by a carbonaceous silty sand. The latte formation contained the fossil wood, When obtained, the wood was wet, RO a part of it was placed in water to prevent it drying 'out, The cells nf fossil timber may collapse on drying, and so prevent identification. Samples. were sub- mitted to Mr. H. D. Ingle of C.S.1.R.0, Division of Forest Praducts (as it was called then). He found that the cells of both the dry and wet timbers were collapsed, making identi- fication of wood structure impossible. This was unfortunate, but neverthe- Jess four deductions can be made: | Our sample from the log is 2 ft. x 7 in. (60 x 18 .cm.), so a tree grew in that area at the time the carbon- aceaus bed was deposited. April, 1972 As the matrix is carbonaceous sand, the immediate environment at Jeast must have been wet with plenti- ful plant growth to provide the carbon. 3. That the wood was «collapsed before extraction from the earth probably means that the ground dried out at some past time or limes, This could happen in a drought. 4. As such wood is partly’ decom- posed when collapse occurs, it ts likely that drying out took place some time after deposition. As the Pliocene period in this area was wetter than now (e.g. beech trees were common) the drying out probably occurred in the Quaternary. Although limited information was obtained on this occurrence, it is recorded because if all such records were kept, a picture of the geology and palacontology would in time be built up. We benefit today by such records made early in this century by Dr. T. S. Hall, Dr. G. B. Pritchard, and other workers, 2 - x Age of Fostil Tree There remains the question of how old the wood is. Bayside cliff sections, records from earlier excavations, and bore logs indicate that the non-marine carbonaceous beds in this area are younger than the marine fossils such as were found at Bentleigh, The former deposits were studied when the age of fossil marsupial bones in the area was being investigated (Gill 1957, pp. 165-189). Carbonaceous beds at Red Bluff (Sandringham) and at Cheltenham yielded pollen and spores including three species of * Depoly Director, National Museism of Victoria, 99 Nothofagus (Southern Beech) and two of the Conifer Dacrydiwn, indi- cating conditions very different from the present, These carbonaceous deposits are post-Miocene and later than the lateritization that occurred mostly in the Lower Pliocene (Gill 1971). They are older than the basalts that date about 4 million years. Thus, if the de- posit containing the wood is one of this series of carbonaceous deposits (as I think it is) then the wood is Pliocene in age, and perhaps in the middle of that period because they occur at the base of the Red Bluff Samds (Bell et al, 1967). Har (1893) found a possible conifer log 5 Ft. x 4 in. x 9 in. (1.5 m. x 10 cm. x 23 cm) at Red Bluff, Sandringham, apparently in the marine bed underlying the carbon- aceous layer (Gill 1957, text fig. 135). REFERENCES Bell, G. ct al, 1967. Geology of the 'Melbouttie district, Victoria Geol, Surv, Vict Bull. 59 Gill, E. D., 1957. The Stratigraphical Occurrence and Palaevecology of some Australian Tertiary Marsupials, afem. Nat. Mus. Vict. 21 : 135-203. Gil, & D, 1971. Laterite chronology. Search 2:32, Hart, T. S, 1893. Notes on the rocks of Brighton and Moorabbin and the Surrounding districts, Vict, Naturalist. THE DAY GROUP REPORT OF INAUGURAL MEETING The Inaugural meeting of the newly formed group to cater for the leisured and retired members and those who ate not able to attend night meetings. was held on Wednesday 22 March, and members, thirteen in all, mei at the corner of Park St. and Domain Rd, South Yarra. Mr. Fairhall, the convenor, was duly elected Chairman; Mr. Roy Dodd, Vice-Chairman; Mrs, J, Strong, Secretary; and Mr. J. Strong, Acting Secretary. Prior to lupch which was taken on the lawns outside the Botanic Gardens in glorious sunshine, a strall was taken to look at the many species of trees which abound in and around the Gardens, The Party then walked through to the Oak Lawn and noted the many species of oak which arc planted there. Mr. Melnnes took us to see an unusiil Chinese Oak tree, Various species of BEucalypt were inspected. 100 Members, all having thoroughly enjoyed themselves went their various ways about 3,30 p.m. Further outings are being planned with visits to the Maranoa Gardens and the Museum in the future. During the winter months. meelings will be held indoors with various members giving talks on dilferent subjects of interest to all members. More members are welcome who are free in the day time to attend these outings and assure them of a most enjoyable and interesting time. For further details of outings, please watch the Victorian Naturalist. The Group meets once per month, E, Strong, Secretary 56 2271 The next meeting of this Group will be held on 19 April at 11.30 a.m. Assemble at the Kiosk, corner of Park St. and Domain Rd., Sth- Yarra. Bring lunch. Inspection of Australian Native Plants will follow. Vick. Nat. Vol. 89 Further Observations on the Mountain Pigmy Possum (Burramys parvus) by H. DiMPEL* and J. H. CatABv* SUMMARY Observations are given on the vc- currence of Burramys parvus in the Kosciusko National Park, New South Wales. The animal is found in patches of shrubs and snow gum associated with boulders in the sub- alpine to alpine zone, The habitat is under several feet of snow in winter but the temperature at ground level does not go below freezing. In captivity Burramys eats à variety nf fruits, seeds and insects. Vitamin and calcium supplements appear to be necessarv to prevent the develop- ment of a condition resembling rickets. Feeding behaviour is described. The large specialized premolars are used to cut up insects with hard cuticles, for opening hard-shelled seeds, and breaking up hard food. Seeds are stored in the nests. Young are born in November- December and are independent by March. The normal litter is four. One captive experienced periods of torpor in winter but hibernation does not appear to be universal in Burramys as it is in pigmy possums of the genus Cercartetus, INTRODUCTION Since the first living mountain pigmy possum {Burramys parvus) was collected at Mt. Hotham, Victoria, in 1966, several more specimens have been taken, and the known range of the animal extended in the high country of Victoria and New South Wales. Dixon (1971) trapped a Specimen in the Falls Creek area, Bogong High Plains, Victoria, in February 1971, and mentions another ibree caught at Mt, Hotham in the same month by the Department of April, 1972 Fisheries and Wildlife. Calaby, Dimpel and Cowan (1971) recorded the capture of three specimens in the Kosciusko National Park, New South Wales, in February and March, 1970. Since that paper was submitted for publication we have accumulated a considerable amount of new inform- ation on the species, which we feel will be of interes! to naturalists and conservationists. Range and habitat im the Kosciuska National Park In the Kosciusko National Park we have live-trapped a total of 19 adult or sub-adult Burramys (11 males and 8 females) during October to March at four sites, Iwo of which were reported by Calaby ef al (1971). The two new ones are: a small un- named creek running into the Geehi River approximately 2,5 air miles north-northwest of Schlinck Pass at an altitude of about 4500' ft., and a small un-named tributary of Whites River about 0.6 mile downstream from the Whites River Hut at an altitude of approximately 5,500 ft. The former of these localities is the lowest altitude at which Burranzys has been found. The distance between the Iwo most remote of the four sites is about eight miles, The hahitat in all cases is character- ized by a tree cover of snow gum (Eucalyptus miphophila), a dense or fairly dense shrub stratum two to four feet high, and large boulders protruding from the soil, The colony at the lowest altitude was at the upper *Division ot Witdife Research, CSIRO, P.O. Box Bá, Lyneham, Canberra. A.C.T. 2602. 101 edge of the alpine ash (E, delega- tensis] zone and tall trees of this species were present in addition to snow gum, The results of much trapping ima variety of areas and habitats at a number of altitudes support our previous conclusion that Buryamys is apparently restricted to patches of shrubs associated with snow gum and boulders in the subalpine to alpine zone. The habitat of the Falls Creek locality described by Dixon (1971) has essentially the same fealures as the three higher sites in the Kosciusko National Park. In spite. of the recent discavery of Burramys as a living animal it is prohably not rare in ils restricted geographical range. Its density is low but. suitahle habitat is common and we feel that it would be found in most likely-looking places if they were trapped sufficiently. The most accessible locality al about 5,000 ft, altitude was visited a number af times during the winters of 1970 and 1971, fn the depth of winter the snow had a minimum thickness of three feet and, except for the very large boulders, all shrubs and rocks were covered. There were small holes in the snow adjacent to ihe protruding boulders, and {racks ot small animals were seen around the holes and on the surface of the snow. With two thermometers, tempera- tures were taken simultaneously in the air and in minways beneath the snow at a range of altitudes and in à variety Of weather conditions. Wilh snow cover more than | FH. & in, in thick- ness {emperalure al ground level never feli below °C. When the snow cover was less than one foot deep ihe temperalure at ground level ap- proached air lemiperature. The lowest ground temperature recorded was -4.5"C under snow one foot in depth. when the air temperature was -11"C Il is concluded that the small eround mammals including Burramys would 102 have no problems in withstanding winter weather conditions beneath deep snow at high altitudes, Burramys in captivity Of the nmeteen animals trapped, seven together with the young of one of them have been kept in captivity, and twelve were released at the points of capture. Three of these were caged for short periods before release. Cages are of wood with glass fronts, and the Ador areas are cither 6 or & sq, £t. They have externally-fitted defachable nest-hoxes, and the floors consist of removable sand trays. The cages were originally equipped with sloping tree branches but later small rock piles were added. The three original animals reported by Calaby et al. (1971) survived in captivity for different lengths of time. The single male died after 18 weeks, and there was no apparent cause of death. The two females lived for 31 weeks 5 days, and 36 weeks 6 days respectively. In both, the limb bones were soft and flexible at death, and in the last few weeks of its life one of them lost considerable weighl in spite of eating normal amounts of food, it became paralysed in the hindquarters, particularly the legs, and dragged itself around by the front legs. The symptoms were similar to rickets in small domestic mammals. The propnetary vitamin supplement "Pentà-vite" was given tà them some weeks before death but did nor arrest their condition With subsequent animals, Penta-vite and calcium hydroxide have been given regularly in honey, With these dietary supple- ments animals have remained healthy and three of them taken into capte vity on 27 Noveraber 1970 as very small young in iheir mother's pouch are alive and heasllhy al this dale (December 1971). In general wild-caught Burronrys Vict Nat, Vol, 89 are very shy amd usually come out of the nest boxes only at dusk or in darkness when it is quiet, When they first appear they usually go to the food containers, pick up something quickly and run back to the nest box. If the cage contains a rock pile they carry the [ood behind nr on to the rocks and eat it there. When handied frequently they may become docile. Burramiys kept in very small cages glireten. down quickly; in such circumstances they indulge in behavi- our common amang small mammals in inadequately small cages, such as endlessly turning back somersaults. Young anes raised in captivity are much tamer, oflen come out in day- light, and ure not unduly disturbed by strange noises, There is consider- able Variation tA temperament how- ever, some animals are quiet and tame when first trapped while others are shy and nervous and bite savagely when handled. Two or more Burra- mys can be kept in the same cage and strange animals of the same or Opposite sexes will share a nest box immediately without strife, Dunng the daytime the animals sleep in their nests with their heads bowed against the chest or abdomen, ears lurled, and the tail curled up like a watch-spring against the body, Af night when not feeding they spend most time on the rocks and it seems clear that they prefer to live among and hide in the rocks. They can climh and tün upside down on the lower sides of small diameter sloping branches, The branch i gripped by both forefeet together alternating with both hindfeet together. A considerable amount of ume is spent in grooming especially when they first emerge. Much of the body i Scratched vigor- ously with fhe syndactylons claws and the forepaws. The fur cs licked, aud ihe face and back of the cars are rubbed with the forepaws after these have been ticked, April, 1972 Except on one occasion when 2 flea was observed, no parasites were found òn newly-caught animals, but considerable numbers of the flea Acanitopsylla ratisehildt rothschildi have been bred from nesting material taken from the nest boxes. This flea is a wellknown parasite of the mar- suplal-mice [Anrechinus spp.) and murid rodents. Food and feeding behaviour As reported previously (Calaby ef nl, 1971) the faeces of our first three specimens, taken from the traps Before the animals had fed, consisted . largely of plant material, with some insect remains, With subsequent ani- mals the faeces have contained mostly invertebrate remains, including worms, beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders. In captivity Burramys have been fed a variely of fruits and seeds such as sliced apple and pear, grapes, soaked raisins, walnut chips, raw peantüts, sunflower sceds, honey, and insects, such as mealworm larvae and moths. All of these are readily earen. The: tail never becomes incrassated as it does in Cercartétus species, even when the Burraniys become very fai in captivity. Burramys takes a consider- ahle quantity of warer, lapping it up with .the tongue. l Feeding trials in the first couple of wecks of captivity indicated that a greater amount of fruit and seeds was eaten than insecl material, After this. period such trials are of limited use, For example, individuals of Cercaürretus nanus would eat only in- sects and honey when firat brought into captivity and starved when only nuts or Fruits were offered, but afier a few weeks they readily ate raw peanuts if no insects were offered. It is probable that in the wild, Barra- mys feed on whatever palatable fruits, seeds, or invertebrates are available. The feeding behaviour of Burramys 103 i& of especial interest because of its possession of large grooved and serrated sectorial premolars. Teeth of this type together with associated den- lal adaptations oconr in a variety of mammals of widely divergent rela- tionships, most of which have been long extinct. There 1s no clear idea of the use of tbe teeth (Simpson 1933) Food is picked up with the incisors then transferred in. and manipulated with the forepaws while the animal squats on its hindquarters: The food may be held in one ar both farepaws. The soft fesh of fruits is bitten off with the incisors and chewed with the molars. The skins pre not eaten and Burramys have been observed holding pieces of apple and grape and removing the last lragment of flesh by pulling the skin with their forepaws against the lower incisors. Soft bodied insects such as moths are usually dealt with by the incisors. With insects having a hard cuticle such as mealworm larvae the animal may begin biting with the incisors but usually the insect is held in the forepaws at the side of the mouth and chopped up with the sectorial premolars, Hard-shelled seeds such as sunflowers are invariably held at the side of the mouth and bitten with the premolars. Usually the seed case is opened with a single bite. Peanuts are mostly nibbled with the incisors but the premolars are used also 1o break Up fragments. Calaby et al. (1971) and Dixon (1971) recorded that Burramys stores food in its nests. Only nuts and seeds are stored iñ thèse caches. In- vertebrates are eaten when caught and jf excess insects are provided they are never taken to the nests and stored, The nuts or seeds are held in Front of the premolars, resting on the lower incisors. Animals may cany peanuts or sunflower seeds 004 for as long as 15 minutes, and indulge in other activities such as scratching themselves or exploring their cages, before taking the food ta their nests, Breeding The cight females examined hy us and Dixon's (1971) single example had four (eats. When the female is in breeding condition the pouch is deep, moist, and pink. The entrance may be almost invisible when the animal does not have young. fn the non:breeding state the pouch appears to be much smaller and relatively dry and there may be some dark scale especially on the teats which are very small, There is a prominent tuft of hair around the teats, which is yelloweshk in colour presumably due to pigment stain, A female caught on 22 October [971 was introduced to a male that had been 3n captivity since 7 January 1971. For the first hour he followed her closely sniffing at her cloacal area but then ignored her. 1 Four females with voung have hecn examined and judging from the size of the young when first seen, the litters of three of them Were born in the second half of November. As we wished to raise the young we handled the animals as litle as pos- sible and never caught and examined them more frequently than once a week. A female caught on 1 December 1971 had a moist tumescent pouch with prominent teats. On the follow- ing day she had four young, Another female, trapped on Li November 1970, had a clean moist pouch and prominent teats. On #2 December one young was seen in the pouch and another with its head in the pouch and body outside. ‘Two days later one young was found freshly dead on the floor of the cage; the other was still alive in the pouch, On 18 December the second young was found Vicl. Nat, Vcl, 89 dead &nd dry and partly eaten, All teats of the female were elongated and presumably it had a litter of four, Difmensions of the freshly dead young were as follows: fesd and body 11.6 mm, iail 12.2, ear 3.3, hindfoot & 5 weight (I.9g. A further female was collected on 27 November 1970. Tt had tained during the night and the temperature was below freezing point. The animal was culd to the touch and barely moved when handled but she re- vived when warmed and was fed honey and water and fully recovered. In her pouch were four pink naked young with head-and-body lengths estimated io be 8-10 mm. Growth was rapid and in three weeks the head-. and-body lengths were approximately 25 mm, On 19 December the mather was lying on her back in the nest and the bodies of three young were outside the pouch with their heads inside. They had short dark fur on the head and back while the ventral surface was naked and pink. The young were never seen in the pouch after 2! December. On 2 January one young was observed for the first time with its eyes open and the following day all young had their eyes open. At this time the head-and-body lengihs were 50-60 mm, the dorsal surface was covered with dark grey fur and there was while fur on the ventral surface, The rufous markings had noc developed bui began to show about a week later when the ventral surface took on a greyish linge, By mid-March the young weighed be- tween 30 and 40g and were considered io be fully grown, At the time the young first left the pouch the mother spent almost all of her time wilh them and ate very little for several days. After that her food consumption increased greaily —up io 28 mealworms, 6-8 peanuts, 36 sunflower seeds and some honey, April, 1972 were lakem daly, When she left the west she spent a great deal of lime cleaning and grooming her fur, Ou 8 January she abandoned the nest and lived under the rack pile. The following day the young left the nest box and went to live with her. The young were never seen clinging to the mother of riding on her back. At the time they left the nest box they began to cat mealworms and peanuts but continued to suckle’ for a few wecks, Two young were re- moved to a separate cage when the only female of the litier was found dead apparently from injuries, When the pouch young are still attached they are carefully groomed by the mother, While squatting on her hindquarters she holds the pouch open with her forepaws, puts her muzzle into the pouch and licks the young. Hibernation Because of Ihe severity of the habitat and the knowledge that hiber- nation is Known in the nearest related genus, Cervarretds (Hickman and Hickman 1960, Bartholomew and Hudson 1962), it was thought pos- sible that Burramys would hibernate, Three of the nineteen animals, two females and a male, were cold and torpid when taken from traps but all recovered quickly after. warming. The three original animals were kept in the same room as three Cercartetus manus, during the winter of 1970. The temperature of the room varied from 5 to 20°C. One Burramys died on 27 July. No furramys showed any signs of torpor. All Cercartetus hibernated for various periods. For example, one animal caught as a juvenile in Feb- ruary remained active to 20 Tune and was torpid for the following four days. In July it was torpid for a tatal of 13 days, including one period of four days, and for single days only in August and September, 105 Three adult Burramys and the three grown young were kept through the winter of 197 in a basement garage in which the temperature varied from ~9-13°C. The mother of the three young was the only one that showed any inclination to hibernation, She was very fat and weighed over 70 g, She did not eat during the night of 28-29 Apri! nor on the next four nights, During this time she remained in the nest box, was ċold to the touch, and the respiration rate was much lower than normal. The respiration rate increased when she was handled, but she did not arouse except that she lifted her head slowly on one occasion when the nest was ex- amined. Some food, less than the normal amount, was eaten during the night of 3-4 May. During the follow- ing week the animal and her nest box were placed in a small wire insect cage On a verandah where minimum temperatures were some- times as low as -4°C. Her food in- lake and behaviour remained normal for a week and she was returned to her usual cage. During the night of 16-17 luly she did not cat and was torpid in thc nest box. She was put outside again in the small cage. This period of hibernation lasted three days, following which she remained active until the night of 28-29 July when she again became torpid. She re- mained so until the night of 4-5 August, a period of seven days, when she apparently, aroused, chewed a hole in the cage and unfortunately escaped, This behaviour is indistinguishable from hibernation in Cercartetus, and providing the animal was physio- logically normal it indicates. that Burramys way hibernate under certain conditions st present unknown. Acknowledgements We are most grateful to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, New South Wales for permission to study protected animals in the Kos- ciusko National Park and to keep Burramys in captivity, and to the staff of the Park For the use of facili- ties and much helpful assistance and advice. The fieas were identified by Mr. D. K. Mardon. REFERENCES Bartholomew, G. A, and Hudsan, J. W. (1962).—Hibermation, acstivation, temperature regulation, evaporative Water toss, and heart rate of the pigmy possum, Cerceerinus aanus. Physiol. Zool. %5- 94-107. Calaby, J. H., Dimpel, H., and Cowan, Y. MoT. (197!) —The mauntain pi&my-possum, Burrimys parvus Broom (Marsupialia), in the Kosei- usko National Park, New South Wales. CSIRO Div. Wildl. Res. Tech, Pap. No. 23. Dixon, F. M. (197i).—Burramys parvis Broom (Marsupialia) from — Falls Creek area of the Bogong High Plains, Victoria, Kicrorian Nar 88; 113-18. Hickman. V. V., and Hickman, J. L. (I960).—Notes on the habits of the Tasmanian dotmouse — phalangers Cercaerus nanus (Desmarest) and Eudromicia lepida (Thomas). Proc. Zool, Soc, Land, 135 365-74. Simpson, G- G. (1933).—The “plagiaula- coid" type of mammalian dentition a study of conversence, L Marin 14: 97-107. Rates for Overseas Subscribers Single copy 45 cents plus 7 cents postage = 52c. Subscription for one year, including postage = $6.00 Australian. currency, The Yearly subscription has been approved by F.N.C.V. Council; and the single copy rate js at the present cost af overseas postage. 106 Vict, Nat. Vol, a9 A New Race of the Butterfly, Ogyris oroetes A new geographical race of Ogyris oroetes Hewitson 1862 (LEPIDOPTERA, Family Lycaenidae, sub-family Ogyrinae) by W. N. B. Quick Ogyris oroetes apiculata, subsp. nov. MALE Antennae approximately half length of costa, black above. very finely banded grey-white at sides and be- neath. Terminal portion distinctly flattened to spathulate. Palpi invested in dense grey-white indumentum, darker at terminal segment, and beset with scattered but conspicuous black bristles. Upperside: Forewing metallic cyan blue. Area between vein 12 and costa grey-brown. Apex symmetrically from costa to termen at vein 4, black. Ter- men from vein 4 to vein la black. slightly convex. Cilia — ash-white, darker at veins. Hindwing metallic cyan blue. Humeral lobe grey-brown. Apex broadly, and termen narrowly, black. Anal lobes black. Dorsum grey, darker towards tornus. Cilia light grey, darker at veins. Underside; Forewing ash-grey at costa shading to grey-brown at dor- sum. Cell dark brown, crossed by two short black bars, each outlined nacreous pale blue, to form two ob- long ocelli. One discocellular bar. black, outlined nacreous pale blue, and extending shortly around cell along median vein. One discal bar, black. outlined grey, and angled towards base in area 1b. Subterminal line black, finely serrate and tapering to- wards apex. Hindwing grizzled grey- brown, crossed by four indistinct and broken brown bands, finely outlined black. Discal area suffused black. Sub- terminal line serrate, black. Length of forewing 19 mms. April, 1972 FEMALE Antennae slightly less than half length costa. Black above, brown-black and very finely banded grey-white beneath. Terminal portion distinctly flattened to spathulate. Palpi invested in close grey-white indumentum, darker at the terminal segment. Upperside: Forewing, lustrous cyan blue. Area between vein 12 and costa deep brown. Apex, symmetri- cally from costa to termen at vein 3. black. Termen from vein 3 to tornus, black. Termen slightly convex. Discocellular bar ill-defined, sooty black. Cilia ash-white, black at veins. Hindwing lustrous cyan blue. Humeral lobe grey-brown. Apex broadly, and termen, black, dentate. Anal lobes dark grey-brown. Dorsum grey, shading to dark brown towards tornus. Cilia ash-white, black at veins. Underside: Forewing ash-grey at costa shading to grey-brown towards dorsum. Cell almost black, crossed by two short, broad black bars, each out- lined nacreous pale blue. One disco- cellular bar, black, outlined pale nacre- ous blue, and extending around cell along median vein. One disca] bar, black, outlined white, angled towards base in area 1b. Base of cell black. Subterminal line diffuse black, finely serrate and tapering towards apex. Hindwing grizzled grey-brown, crossed by four indistinct and broken brown bands, finely outlined black. A dark, irregular inverted ‘V° in disco-cellular area. Subterminal line faint, serrate. Length of forewing: 20 mms. 107 Fig. 1 Ogyris oroetes apiculata, subsp. nov. Holotype male, upperside. Kellerberrin, W.A. Fig. 2 Ogyris oroetes apiculata, subsp. nov. Holotype male, underside. Kellerberrin, W.A. 108 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Fig. 3 Ogyris oroetes apiculata, subsp. nov. Allotype female, upperside. Coolgardie, W.A. Fig. 4 Ogyris oroetes apiculata, subsp. nov. Allotype female, underside. Coolgardie, W.A. April, 1972 109 Type localities: Holotype male, Keller- berrin, W.A. TvPEs—Labelling and location. Holotype male labelled ‘Kellerberrin Wi Ay, 12 Oct. 1958; W. N. B. Quick’; paratype male labelled 'Keller- berrin, W. A., 4 Oct. 1958, W. N. B. Quick’ in the author's collection. Allotype female labelled ‘Coolgardie, Allotype female, Coolgardie, W. A. W.A., 21 Sept. 1967, K. M. Le Souéf'; paratype female labelled ‘Eucla, W.A., 20 Oct. 1967, J. C. Le Souéf'; two paratype males labelled 'Keller- berrin, W.A., 3 Oct. 1958, Le Souéf’, and three paratype males labelled "Three Springs, W. A., 4 Sept. 1958, J. C. Le Souéf', 'Kellerberrin, W. A., 10 Oct. 1958, Le Souef" ‘Coolgardie, W. A., 21 Sept. 1967, J. C. Le Souéf', in the collection of J. C. Le Souéf, of Blairgowrie, Victoria. Discussion In August 1958, while on a collect- ing trip, Mr. Le Souéf and the author discovered at Kellerberrin, W.A.. a number of Ogyris pupae. These were located under loose bark near the base of some large eucalypts on which the mistletoe Amyema miquelii, Lehm. was well established. Several additional pupae were later found in a similar situation near Three Springs, some 200 miles to the north of Perth. In due course, these pupae produced butterflies, a number, all males, emerg- ing during the latter part of the trip. These received only casual examina- tion, and were stored for future attention under the impression that they were Ogyris hewitsoni meridiona- lis Bethune-Baker. When eventually the insects were set, it was noticed that while some specimens were indeed that species, two male insects were quite distinct, particularly on the underside, which resembled that of Ogvris oroetes Hewitson. Unfortunately no female counterparts of these insects were obtained, and it was not possible to ascertain their true status. At a much later date the author learned that Le Souéf had in 1967 retraced much of the 1958 trip. and had succeeded in obtaining additional pupae and insects, subsequent ex- amination of which showed that in addition to O. h. meridionalis, he had one male and two females of the second entity. 110 On the underside of the forewing, these female insects lacked any trace of the scarlet cell-spots, and with a relatively straight discal bar, quite clearly represented a race of Ogyris oroetes. The present tinguished (a) from typical O. oroetes by the broadly black, and more symmetric- ally deltoid, apical area in both sexes, and by the clear blue colour, without purplish or lavender tones, in the male. (b) from O. /i. meridionalis in both sexes by the uninterrupted discal bar of the forewing beneath, and by the absence of scarlet cell-spots on the forewing underside in the female. In some worn examples, the nac- reous outlining of the black cell-bars of the forewing underside may be partly absent, and the cell-bars con- sequently ill-defined. This species has been taken in a number of localities in Western Aus- tralia between the parallels of 29°S and 32°S, and a larva found by Mr. Charles McCubbin on Mt. Paterwerta in the northern Flinders Ranges, S. A., produced an insect* which, although it failed to expand fully, appears to be consistent with this race. Pupae are not readily distinguishable from those of O. h. meridionalis, being chocolate-brown with darker dorsal and abdominal markings, and subspecies is dis- Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 quite characteristic of a number of the smaller Ogyris species. It is inter- esting to note that this race, as in the case of the typical (northern) race, appears always to be associated with other species. The larva located on Mt. Paterwerta in South Australia was accompanied by one of a race of Ogyris genoveva, with which species it is commonly associated in Queensland. Acknowledgements The author wishes to thank Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Le Souéf for their assistance in making their collection so freely available for examination, Mr. Charles McCubbin for his in- formation on the South Australian insect, and Mr. D. F. Crosby, Hono- rary Entomologist at the National Museum, Melbourne, for making this insect* available for examination. REFERENCES Waterhouse, G. A. and Lyell, G. (1914) “The Butterflies of Australia.” Angus & Robertson. Waterhouse, G. A. (1932) "What Butter- fly is That?” Angus & Robertson. McCubbin, Charles (1970) “Australian Butterflies” Nelson. D'Abrera, Bernard (1971) “Butterflies of the Australian Region." Lansdowne. The Mollusc Caryodes dufresnii in Tasmania Caryodes dufresnii (Leach) (Mollusca, Pulmonata) Ron C. KERSHAW* and ALAN J. DARTNALLt Summary An account is given of the history of the study of the Tasmanian endemic snail, Caryodes dufresnii (Leach). Some account of the variation is given with information on the habits and eggs of the animal. INTRODUCTION Tasmania has an interesting fauna and flora not the least of which are the land snails. Many of these have interesting historical associations and they pose intriguing problems of identity, distribution and ecology. Some of Tasmania's unusual animals are known to have lived in other parts of Australia in the past. But among the land snails are two species which, while related to mainland forms, appear to be truly endemic. One of these is Anoglypta launceston- ensis (Reeve), a rare and beautiful April, 1972 snail, which is restricted to the tem- perate rain forests of north-eastern Tasmania. The second species, the subject of this article, is the Caryodes dufresnii (Leach). A highly succes- ful species, it is found in a wide range of habitats throughout the state. Historical Associations In 1772 Captain Marion du Fresne brought his two small ships to an- chor off south-eastern Tasmania. Marion Bay was named as a conse- quence of this visit. A sociological milestone of this visit was the first contact with the Tasmanian aborigi- nals. A cultural milestone, a pointer for the future perhaps, was the death of the first aborigine by gunfire. Less well publicised are the collections *Queen Victoria Museum, Launceston *+Tasmanian Museum, Hobart. Tn Figure 1. Some shell variations: 112 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 made by du Fresne's expedition. The du Frésne collection is now lodged, curiously enough, partly in the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris and partly in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, Messieurs Quoy and Gaimard, naturalists with the French explorer Jules Dumont D'Urville (Voyage Ovutour Du Monde De La Corvetie L’Astrolabe, 1826-29) visited Tas- mania jn $827. They also collected the Caryodes dufresnii, however it would appear from their rather unsatistactory figure (1832) that their specimen was not typical and came from a differen| area, Original Description and Identity Specimens of a snail collected by the du Fresne expedition eventually reached Dr- Leach of the British Museum, They were described by Leach as the new species, Bullimus Dufresni, (Leach, 1815). At the end of his description Leach remarked, “This new species I have named after M. du Fresne, 3n his collection (which is ever open for the use of naturalists) it occurs, Inhabits New Holland". The locality ‘New Holland’ is hardly specific, and in fact led to confusion as Semper (1870) who first described the anatomy of this snail, gave the Sandwich Islands as the locality. Key to l. Rain forest, River Leven Gorge, N- ‘Tasmania. Ja. Rain forest, Strahan, Wst Tasmania. 2, Wet Sclerophyll forest. Flowery Gully, Tamar Valley. 3. Wet Sclerophyll forest, Mt. Welling- ton. 4, Dry Sclerophyll forest, Swansea, E. Tasmania, 5. Dry Sclerophyll forest, Launceston 6. Rain forest, Tarraleah, Central Tas mania. 7. Rain forest, Hartz Mountains, W Tasmania. April, 1972 A tracing from Tab, CXX of Leach (1813) provided by the British Museum (G. L. Wilkins, pers comm. to R. C. K., 1954) has been compared with shells from Tasmanian localities. The form of the shell and the account of du Fresne's expedition leaves little doubt that the type locality is in South-east Tasmania. The Original description, also prò- vided by the British Museum reads: Bulinus Dufresnii Tab. CXX. B. subviolascente-castaneus; — an- fractu basilari fascia e lineis duabus albis limeaque castanea confecta- Hahitat in Australasia. Mus. Dom. Dufresne. TDUFRESNE’S BULIMUS Shell chestnut, slightly inclining to violet; the basal whirl with a band composed of one chestnut and two white lines. The type specinien is apparently lodged in one of the Museums men- tioned above; which has yet to be determined, Other localities given for the British Museum are:— Van Dieman's Land, Tasmania (Oyster Cove), and Patterson's River, N. Australia (sic.). The last locality should read:— N. Tasmania. {The authors wish to express their gratitude for the provision of the above inform ation), Figure 1 8. Wet Sclerophyll forest, Ben Lomond, E. Tasmania. 9. Dry coastal scrub, Greens Beach, Tamar Valley. 10. Dry. Sclerophyll forest, Upper Nile R. N. Tasmania. Ita, & b. Dry forest near Launceston. 12. Wet Sclerophyll forest, Mt. Welling- ton. n Wet Sclerophyll forést, ML Welling- on. I4. Dry Sclerophyl] forest, Launceston. 13. Rain Forest, Tarraleah, Central Tasmania. 16. Rain Forest equivalent(?}, Port Davey, S, W Tasmania. 13 Subsequent. Literature As earlier aulhors have provided references a few important ones only will be quoted here. [redale (1937) recognised the problems associated with this species bul his attempt to divide it info races has not proved successiul, Hedley (1892) figured the shell and gave a good description ol the ammmal, Tenison Woods (1878) save the first illustrated account of the variation, Olive Davies (1914) gave an account of the anatomy. Petterd (1879) also described several variations. The Problem of Variation The variability of the Caryades du- fresnit, was first noted by the Rev. Julian Tenison Woods (1878), His published findings illustrates a wide range of variation in this species. He feli that his observations could not be related to climate or situation. His figures are limited to shells from four distinct localities of which only three would possibly differ import- antly on the knowledge of his day- He did note, however, that the shell colour was almost always a shade of brown with one or more yellow rings about the body. Accordingly, and this is the important conclusion from his work, he inferred the limits of colour Variation in the species, Logically it has led to the study of the relationship between shell colour and environment heing carried out by the authors. In the course of study of a very wide range of shells, some of which are figured (Fig. 1.). the authors have been able only tu distinguish twa possible consistent forms, Many minor variations exist within populations making premature conclusions unwise. In fact the shell may be short and broad. long and narrow, or long and broad; while (he apex may be blunt or sharp, The shell may be thin and fragile or strongly built, Preliminary thoughts sugges! environmental con- trols. 114 A comprehensive programme to investigate the distribulion of the C. dufresnii is under way. This may indicate Whether the observed vari- alton as due to habitat, geology, vegt- tation or climate, or combinations of these factors, The only conclusion offered at present is that specimens from the temperate tain forest are consistently heavier, larger and darker in colour than those from dry sclero- phyll woodland. Logical implications af ths are conlounded by other complications. Studies ire in progress to evaluate arowth changes with a view ta elimina- ting these characteristics from the true variation observed. Jf must be kept in mind that not all of Tenison Wood's specimens were adult, Tt seems apparent from careful study that there may be much less real variation than secmed apparent in the past. An example of the problems met is the presence of an umbilicus in certain specimens. Normally there is no umbilicus present, But specimens are known from the vicinity of Ben Lomond in the north-east mountain- ous part of the State. Recently Mr. John Simmonds of Launceston cal- fected an umbjjicated specimen in dry forest near the east coast, A chromosome count from this animal by Mrs. Jean Dartnall revealed no difference between this and animals from the temperate rain forest. The shell has some resemblance te um- bilicated specimens from the Ben Lomond area, but tg much smaller than the normal rain forest shell, Thé Animal The body of the animal shows some colour variation. Quoy and Gaimard (1832} described the body of their specimen(s) as “brown or almost black. shot with reddish”. The foot Was yellow below. Charles Heg- ley (1892) gave the colour as slate, sometimes with a yellowish fringe with the Foot grevish yellow. Miss Viel. Nat. Vol. 89 Davies (1914) recorded greyish brown colouration with a lighter grey foot. The authors have observed animals which are greyish like Hedley's specimens, brown specimens and animals with a distinct pinkish tint. The mantle is most often pale grey but brown animals have a yellow- brown mantle. These animals have all come from different areas. In time it is hoped to establish whether there Plate 1. Cary- odes dufresnii, (Leach). The largest speci- men is 44 mm (13 inches) long. Plate 2 Wet Sclerophyll for- est in North- east Tasmania, haunt of Cary- odes dufresnii. April, 1972 is correlation between body colour and shell variation. Habits withdraws into its The animal shell folding its body inward upon itself until the mantle closes over it like an envelope. The tail as Hedley noted, is the last part to disappear and the first to reappear. The first sign of activity in an apparently dor- mant animal exposed to warmth is the opening of the entrance to the pulmonary chamber. The aperture may remain open for thirty seconds to one minute or more before closing briefly. This rhythm may be main- tained for some time, but some ani- mals will begin to move almost immediately. Sometimes small bubbles of freshly exuded mucous may appear. The darker coloured, tuberculate body surface then begins to appear. Sometimes only a small amount may protrude which then remains station- ary for an indefinite period. Eventually the animal folds itself ‘inside out’; the foot opening out below and the ten- tacles appearing as the head leaves the shell. Some animals move about boldly without delay. In alien sur- roundings there is a tendency to give up exploration in apparent bewilder- ment. In such cases the animal may return within its shell remaining there until returned to a natural environ- ment. No amount of coaxing has any effect. Placed on grass some will move as close to the soil as possible in a relatively short time. Others may move about briskly without apparent concern. Caryodes dufresnii is a particularly active snail during wet weather es- pecially at night. It has also been observed climbing trees. Occasional animals are seen crawling on moist forest litter in the morning sunlight. However they are not normally visible during daylight. Although there may be many snails in a particular area they are often hard to find. In the course of five visits to a study area twenty five live animals were found and thirty empty shells. This represented only one animal to some 40 square yards of forest floor. They are not obviously gregarious animals and seldom more than two are found together. However one of us (A.J.D.) found nine to- gether beneath bark and leaf litter at 116 the base of a large gum tree. At this site in a south-eastern fern gully, their tree climbing activity was also noted. The most favoured haunt seems to be beneath rotting logs, or within accumulations of litter alongside logs. In addition to piles of litter at the foot of a tree, large stones in piles particularly when covered with litter are also favoured. In such places the snails may be found several feet down inside the pile. There are large areas in which snails are not to be found. However, when studying these animals it is desirable to disturb the natural en- vironment as little as possible. Con- sequently some individuals may escape attention. Only repeated visits es- pecially to densely forested areas bring success. During periods of hot or cold weather the species may be found only in the most sheltered places. In rain forest warm weather after rain often encourages the animals to move about. Much more study of behaviour patterns is needed to ex- plain behaviour patterns in the natural habitat. Eggs Tenison Woods (1878) was ap- parently the first person to describe the eggs of Caryodes dufresnii. The eggs are large in relation to the snail. This is one of the characteristics of the group to which the animal belongs. Eggs are reported as appearing in October and November. An egg in the collections of the Tasmanian Museum was taken from Mt. Well- ington in July, 1889, The authors found a “nest” of eggs in October, 1971. The clutch was found at the foot of a tree fern, Dickinsonia antarctica, in the dense rain forest of Mt. Arthur in north- eastern. Tasmania. Seven eggs were found together just above the ground in the fibrous mat close to the fern trunk. The temperature of the nest Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 site was 8°C. A ihick canopy of dead fern fronds hung beside ihe trunk providing complete shelter. In this dense and prolific forest the find can only be described às accidental. The fresh appearance of the eggs suggested a recent laying abd carcful search revealed two adult snails close by, This lent weight to the idea thal the two had recently mated and de- posited their eggs there, The eggs were elongate oval, 11 mi by 7 mm and coloured dull greyish-white. In strong light they appeared slightly Iranslucent and creamy in colour, N is possible that the egg shell is Rexible and expands and hardens when laid, However egg laying and mating have nol yet been observed. Two eggs were retained by R. C. K. the remainder by A. J. D. to be placed in the Tasmanian Museum. The two eggs retained by R. C. K. were kept in lier maintained at approxi- mately 8°C. These hatched in Decem- ber 1971 between nine and ten weeks alter collection. The following des- cription was made of these specimens at about four wecks of age. Whorls approximately three, ovalely globose, surface glossy pale reddish- brown horn translucent. Body whorl encircled by one pale reddish-brown band and two bale translucent greyish bands, the width of Ihe three less than 0S mm, Shell 10 mm wide, 9 mm high; aperture 8&8 min high, 7 mm wide- Protoconch about half a whorl, approximately 0.4 mm across at widest, depressed below. levei of next whorl with depressed nucleus. Protoconch sculpture obsolete traces of spiral rziblets; colour glassy pale horn, smooth in texture. Subsequent sculpture abruptly com- mencing at end of protoconch, about 18 spiral riblets by end of first whorl, beider at the periphery, Ribleis crossed by radial shallow April, 1972 furrows prodocing a wave like effect and breaking, the -riblets into sligttly elongated tubercules, Interstices with extremely fine radial striae. Animal with foot about 10 mim long, 3 mm wide, under side very pale translucent lemon, upper part of faot pale yellowish grey passing inta black on the upper paris of the body and the tentacles; the whole ornamented will) very weak elongate tubercules. Base of shell smoother with weaker sculpture than upper surface. Umbili- cus minute, deep, partly obscured by the columellar reflection. Feeding Habits The Caryodes dufresriii is apparent- ly vegetarian, consuming decaying vegetable matter and fungi. In cap- tivity the animals live well on a mix- ture of peanut butter, rolled oats and ‘vegemite’ seasoned with powdered calcium carbonate. They will also eal some green vegetable mutter. The yadula possesses about 170 rows of 85-90 simple teeth which would also indicate a herbivorous habit, On three occasions, once in the field and twice in captivity, a specimen has been found with its head inserted within the shell of another in the manner of à carnivorous snail. On the second occasion rhis excited consider- able curiosity because no dead shells had been placed in the container. A day or two later a similar event mc- curred and a search revealed further empty shells- A search for a suspected predator did not reveal such an animal. However the depth of litler may hide a dead animal long enough for the shell to become empty. The close scarch made revealed several in various stages of decomposition. No further cases of intrusion upon empty shells has been seen and the aciivity remains unexplained, Predators Birds and mammals are probably the most obvious predators of ihe n Carvodes dufresnii, Broken shells have been found in "runs" or scattered on the forest Hoor- The first situation suggests animal predators, A collection from such a site. revealed several with a body whorl removed and one with- outa spire. Scattered shells may result from the activities of birds or possums. More observations are needed on this matter, When carnivarous snails are rhe predators the shell is completely cleaned out. It i$ normally found un- damaged beneath a log or other shelter. Species such as Strangestet ruga (Legrand) are commonly found in association with Caryodes animals, A description of the habits of the carnivorous snails is given by Smith (1971). Dead shells are sometimes found in caves. In most cases there ix little doubt that they have been washed into the caves. No ive animals are known to have been found in such situalions, A typical collection ob- tained trom the Mole Creck area revealed only old, worn specimens most likely transported. Many years ago Mr. Edmund Gill of the National Museum collected both shells of Caryodes and an aboriginal implement from à cave at Flowery Gully near the Tamur River. He raised the point (pers. comm. to R. C, K., 1955) as to whether the aboriginals may have handled the shells, These people certainly would have been aware of this large and common mollusc, Origin Many members of ihe Tasmanian snail fauna have close relatives in Victoria, In some cases the species appear identical. There seems itle doubt that during the last Pleistocene glactiation the faunas of Tasmania and S, E. Australia were continuous across Bass Strait It is therefore an interesting exercke to ask why the 18 Caryades dulresnii i$ found only in Tasmania. The acavid molluscs to which the species belongs have a number of representatives in Eastern Australia. They all possess widely different shell forms, but have similar reproductive anatomy and chromosome numbers (Dartnall and Dartnall, 19721. It is possible that the C. dufresnii evolved from an animal like the Victorian species Pygmipanda kershawi losing four chromosomes in the process (58-54). We now need vo look for traces of parent populations that carry some resemblances to the mainland form, It 1s hoped that the study of vanation at present in progress may shed some light on this idea. Fossil remains may also help. Enquiry of Dr. Brian Smith reveals that no fossil Pygmipenda are known in Victoria. REFERENCES Darimall, A. J. & Dartnall. Jean As 1972. "Notes on the Reproductive Anatomy and Cytogenetics of some Australian Acavacean Molluses." ust. 4. Zool, 20 (1). Davies, Olive, 1914. "The anatomy of Carvodes dufresnii, (Leach). "Proc. Ray. Soc. Victoria, 27 (ns) (M): 19-24. Hedley, C., 1892. "On the anatomy of Some Tasmanian Snails" Prot Lirit, E. NSW, 6; 19, Pil, £1, PLZ: Leach. W. B, 14813. “Zorlegical Mií^- cellany” London. 2 154. Petterd, W. F., 1879. "A Monograph of the Land Shells of Tasmania.” Laun- ceston, Quoy et Gaimard, 1832 "Vayase de l'Astrolabe. Zoal, 2 Pl X£I Semper, 1870. Reis. im Phil, ii; p. 103, PL12. E.21-5, PI.I6, F7, Sm, B. L, 1971, “Carnivorous Snails of ile Family Paryphantidae’™ Aust. Nat. Hist. 17: 55-58. Tenison Woods, T., 1878. “On Bulimus Dufresnii Leach". Proc. Finn, Sac. NSW. 3° 89-91, PIT. Viel. Nat. Vol. 89 F.N.C.V. Excursion to Bendigo 16-17 October 1971 by ELIZABETH K., TURNER* Temperalures in the mid-60's, long pertods of sunshine amd a cold wind, kept the 33 Melbourne members in- vigoraled during their visit to Hendigo, The first wayside stop just south of the Eppalock weir disclosed exten- sive blne masses of Glossodia major (Waxlip Orchid} with Thelymitra ixiodes and Rubra (Sun Orchids) growing freely from the quartzite gravel floor of a predominately Red Box and Ironbark forest, Near Spring Gully Reservoir, south of Bendigo, where gold was mined between 1863 and 1890, our leaders, J. W. Kellam and F. Robbins, of the Bendigo F.N.C., had a display of Graptolites set out on the top of the "hoo!" of an automobile. We learned that Linnaeus had named these fossils because of their resemblances to writing on the slates in which their compressed remains are found. Mr. Kellam explained that these primitive animals belonged ta the phylum Coelenterata. and to the Hydrozoa, and lived in the ancient sea some 350- 430 million years ago. The last of these animals perished some 300 mil- lion years ago. They were compound animals, consisting of a number of polyps inserted into cups which budded our in a line from a primary sicula, or conical chamber, giving the appearance of a fret-saw, with the tecth directed away from the sicula. Mud and sand were washed inte the sea by the rivers and the Graptolites died and were covered with layers of sill during the Ordovician period. At the end of this period a great upheaval of the land mass foreed the sea to retreat and ihe alternate layers of sand and mud gradually hardened into sandstones and shales. The lowest of these Ordovician slates and shales are the Lancefield series, and next the Bendigo series as we saw at Spring Gully, The original anima! tissue has been replaced by a mineral such as calcile, carbon or iron sulphide, and in the rocks nearer the surface this sulphide has oxidised to brown iron oxide, limonite. Very soon, at a spot abour 300 yards up the track, figures kneeling on the pinkish-grey shale could be seen and heard hammering away, splitting the layers of rock and crowding around the leaders with specimens for identification. Specimens found -— Didyinograptus nitidus, D, protobi- fidus, D, extensus, Phyllograptus typus, Terragraptus pendens, T. Jiartii, T. bryonides, T, serra, T. fruticosis, T. latus. Mrs. Cameron discovered Sigma- graptus críni'es, which was quite a rare finding. Many people collected their Grap- tolites and then sct off along the water- race lor about a mile, through the dry sclerophyll forest to a hillside of pink Boronia anemonifolia, Along the route was a copious growth of Bendigo Wax flower (Eriostemon verrucosus) and Red and Yellow forms of Grevillea alpina; and so, back to the Shamrock Hotel and a four-course meal, after which some visited friends, some toured the town and others went to bed early. *Ackuowledgement i» made to Miss Le M, White for checking qim te and Miss Dorothy Dawson and others for their identification ol April, 1972 species, 119 Fig. 1, A. Phyllograptus typus. B. & D. Tetragraptus fructiosus. C. Didymograptus protobifidus. E. Bryograptus. F. Sigmograptus. The following day, Sunday, we drove east along Mclvor Road, and near the brick works we crossed the Whitelaw Fault which extends for 30-odd miles in a N.-S. direction, on to the Middle Ordovician or younger rocks where the fossils differ con- siderably from those of the older rocks on the western side of the fault. At Longleat we crossed Axe Creek, which rises in Mt. Alexander and enters the Campaspe river below Axedale. Here, along the creek, we could see how the recent lava flows of approximately 10,000 to 14 million years ago had covered the Ordovician rocks. We turned left at Shingle Hut Creek and were able to see quite large erratics left about in the fields by the glaciers of the Permo- Carboniferous era, some 200 million years ago. 120 Before turning into the Tooleen State Forest we made a brief roadside stop by a mullock-heap, said to come from Costerfield and containing lumps of heavy steel-grey Stibnite (Anti- mony, Sulphide) and here also we witnessed two crows repeatedly swooping to attack a small fox as it ran uphill. The State Forest is a dry, sclero- phyll area of mainly Red Box (E. polyanthemos), Yellow Box (E. mel- liodora) and Iron Bark (E. sideroxy- lon) and several Mallees and patches of Grasstree (Xanthorrhoea australis) interspersed with heathlands on which grew large bushes of red and of yellow Grevillea alpina, some bushes being 5 feet high. Sun orchids flourished and there was much photographing of the glorious red Thelymitra macmillanii. Although we failed to see any wal- labies we found a recent camp where Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 S-i0 animals had been lying in shallow, dusty areas, and we noted also how the echidnas had ploughed up the ant hills (or mounds) in their search for food. A large scorpion, a funnel-web spider and a striped planarian were shown to us by Mr. Bob Allen, Presi- dent of the Bendigo F.N.C. and young Edwin Bedgood successfully led several parties to the haunt of the Sacred Kingfisher in a long-dead eucalypt; later, Mr, Ian Morrison photographed an aggressive bearded dragon, Bird calls were constant in the forest, these being chiefly of the Aus- tralian Thrush, White Winged Chough, Olive-backed Oriole and various Honey-eqters, Specia] note is made about the Mim-Flora which was viewed through lenses, by kneeling on the ground aud bending forward in the salaam posi- tion. These included:— Rutidores parviflora, a. tiny white daisy. Centrolepsis sirigosa, about 2 inches high. Crassula macrantha, approximately 14 inches high. Stylidium despectum, inch tall. Helipterum australia, yellow and about 14 inches tall. Brachyscoma goniocarpa, a charm- ing white daisy about 2 in. high: Myriocephalus rhizocephalus, a small, wooly-headed herb. A field outside the forest boundary was covered with the Stinking Penny- wort (Hydrocotyle laxiflora) and cèn- tained unusual rings of 7-10 feet diameter of Dianella revolta, adopting a growth rather resembling the Triodia or Spinifex Grass of Central Australia. Here also was Cynoglossum suaveo- Jens (Sweet Hound's-tongue) and about + an April, 1972 masses of yellow Bulbinopsis Lily and Podolepis jacinoides, interspersed with myriads of small Vanilla lilies (Arthrepodium minus). Appended are lists of native plants observed by our party on these two excursion days:— FERNS; Cheilanthes fern. Cyperaceae Lepidosperma Sword-Sedge. Centrolepidaceae Centrolepis strigosa, Hairy Centro- lepis. Juncaceae Juncus pauciflorus, Rush. J. bufonius, Toad Rush. Lilliaceae Lomandra efusiu, rush, Arthropodium minus, Small Vanilla Lily. Dichopoagon strictus, Chocolate Lily. Thysanotux patersonii, Twin Fringe- lily, Bulbinopsls bulbosa, Bulbine Lily. Burchardia umbellata, Milkmaids. Dianella revoluta, Spreading Flax- lily. Angutllaria dioica, Early Nancy. Xanthorrhoeg australis, Australian Grass-tree. tenuifolia, Rock lip viscidum, Sticky Loese-flawer Scemed Mat- ORCHIDACEAE: Thelyniitra aristata, Scented Sun— Orchid. T, ixioides, Dotted Sun-Orchid, T. smaemillanii, Crimson Sun- Orchid, T. rubra, Salmon Sun-Orchid. T. ontennifera, Rabbits’ Ears. Cealochilus robertsoni{i, — Purplish Beard Orchid. Diuris maculata, Leopard Orchid. Microtis parviflora, Slender Onion 721 Orchid. Caleana major (leaves only), Large Duck Orchid. Acianthus exsertus (leaves only), Gnat Orchid. Caladenia carnea, Pink Fingers. C. dilatata, Green Comb Spider Orchid. C, angustata, Musky Caladenia, Glossodia major, Waxlip Orchid. Pterostylis nutans, Nodding Green- hood. P, longifolia, Tall Greenhood. P. cycnocéphala, Swan Greenhood. PROTEACEAE: Hakea sericea, Silky Hakea. Grevillea alpina, Mountain Grevil- lea. G. dryophylla, Holly Grevillea. SANTALACEAE: Exocarpus cupressiforinis, Cherry Balar. LORANTHACEAE: Amyema miquelii, Stalked Mistle- toe, CHENOPODIACEAE: Enchylaena tomentosa, Barrier Salt- bush. COMPOSITAE: Brachyscome — gohniocarpa, Daisy. Cassinia arcuata, Chinese Scrub. Halipterum australis, Common Sun- ray. Helichrysum apiculatum, Common Everlasting. H. semipapposum, Clustered Ever- lasting. ` H. bracteatum, Golden Everlasting- H. obcordatum, Grey Everlasting. Millotia tenüifolia, Soft Millotia. Leptorlhynchos squamatus, Scaly Buttons, | Rutidosis multiflora, Small Wrinkle- wort, ' Pedolepis jäceoides, Showy Podol- epis. Myriocephalus - Woaty Heads. 122 Dwarf rhizocephalus, Craspedia uniflora, Billy Buttons. Senecio quadridentatus, Common Fire-weed. Microseris lanceolata, Yam. BRUNONIACEAE: Brunonia australis, Blue Pincushion. CRASSULACEAE: Crassula macranthia, Rutous Stone- crop. CAMPANULACEAE: Wahlenbergia communis, Bluebell. W. gracilenta, Graceful Bluebell. DROSERACEAE: Drosera whittakeri, Scented Sun- dew. - D. glanduligera, Scarlet Sundew. D. planchonii, Climbing Sundew. D. atiriculata, Tall Sundew. D. peltata, Pale Sundew. DILLENIACEAE: Hibbertia strica, Erect Guineas flower. H. exutiacies, Prickly Guinea- fiower. A, linearis, Large Guinca-flower, H. australis. EPACRIDACEAE: Brachyloma | daphnoides, Heath. Acrotriche serrulata, Green Ground Berry. Astroloma humifusum, Cranberry Heath. - Melichrus urceolatus, Urn Heath. Leucopogon. virgatus, Beard Heath. GERANIACEAE: Pelarganium australe, Wild Ger- anium. GOODENIACEAE: Goodena lanata, Creeping Good- eniae. HALORRHAGIDACEAE: Haloragis tetragyna, Poverty Rasp- wort. LEGUMINOSAE: Acacia aspera, Rough Acacia. A. armata, Hedge Acacia. A. acinacea, Gold-dust Acacia. A. diffusa, Spreading Acacia. A. flexifolia, Bent-leaf Acacia, Vici. Nat. Vol. 89 Daphne A. pycnantha, Golden Watile. A. lanigeru, Wooly Wattle. A, verniciflua, Varnish Wattle. Daviesia corymbosa, Narrow leaf Bitter Pea, D. mimosoides. Dilwynia floribunda, Showy Parrot- pea. D. glaberrima, Heathy Parrot-Pea. LAURACEAE: Cassythia glabella, Tangled Dodder Laurel. LABIATAE: Prostanthera Mint Bush. LORANTHACEAE: Amyema miguelii, Stalked Mistle- loe. MYRTACEAE: Eucalyptus Gum. E, hemiphloia, Grey Box. E. macrorkyncha, Red Stringybark. E. polyanthemos, Red Box. E. sideroxylon, Red Ironbark. E. melliodora, Yellow Box. Calytrix tetragona, Common Fringe-Myrtle. PROTEACEAE; Hakea sericea, Silky Hakea. Grevillea alpina, Mountain Grevil- lea. G. dryophylla, Holly Grevillea. PAPILLIONACEAE: Hardenbergia violacea, parilla. Gompholobium huegleii, Karalla. PITTOSPORACEAE: Cheiranthera linearis, Finger flower. Bursaria spinosa, Sweet Bursaria. denticulata, Rough camaldulensis, Red Sarsa- Marianthus procumbens, White Marianth, RUTACEAE; Boronia anemonifolia, Sticky Boronia. Erlostemon verrucosus, Bendigo Wax Flower. Correa reflexa, Common Corea. RANUNCULACEAE! Ranunculus lappaceus, Common Buttercup. April, 1972 RHAMNACEAE! Cryptendra tomentosa; Prickly Cryptandra. SCROPHULARIACEAE: Veronica plebeja, Eastern Speed- well. STYLIDACEAE: Stylidium calcarata, Trigger Plant, S. despectum, Small White Trigger Plant, f Levenhookia dubia, Hairy Style- wort. SAPINDACEAE: Dodonea cuneata, Wedge-leaf Hop- bush, 'TREMANDRACEAE: Tetratheca ciliata, Pinkeye. THY MELAEACEAE; Fimelea — glauca, Flower. UMBELLIFERAE: Hydrocotole VIOLACEAE: Hymenanthera dentata, Tree Violet, la Smooth Rice laxiflora. PLANKTON NETS These nets are made of strong bolling silk. Thay are 1Z inches diameter and 4 leet lang tapering down to a linen cone which holds a copper funnel and tap, Phytoplankton net 180 meshes/inch $21.83 Zooplankton- net 60 meshes‘inch $16.33 POND TOW NETS Conical nylon nets smaller than plankton nels, suitable for towing from a boat or threwing trom the bank, Phytoplankton met 180 meshes^inch. $7,95 Zooplankton net 60 meshes‘inch — $7.95 DIP NETS Squaré, circular or triangular Irames with three different meshes, 20 meshes'inch for larger bottom fauna 60 meshes'inch for smaller animals - eg, Entomostraca 180 mieshes/inch for algae and protozoa Priced from $11.42 GENERY'S SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT SUPPLY 350 Liltl& Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000 123 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria ` Established 1880 OBJECTS: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian fauna and flora. Patron: His Excellency Mejgr-Genécal Sir ROHAN DELACOMBE, K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O. Key Office-Bearers, 1971-1972. President: Mr. T. SAULT Vice-Presidents: Mr. J. H. WILLIS; Mr. P. CURLIS Hon, Secretary: Mt. R. H. RIORDAN, 15 Regent St., East Brighton, 3187, — 92 8579) Subscription Secretary: Mr. D. E. McINNES, 129 Waverley Road, East Mal- vern, 3145 Hon. Editor: Mr. G. M. WARD, 54 St. James Road, Heidelbere 3084. Hon, Librarian: Mr. P. KELLY, c/o National Herbarium. The Domain, South Yatra 3141. Hon, Excursion Secretary: Miss M. ALLENDER, 19 Hawthorn Avenue, Caulfield 3161. — (522749). Magazine Sales Officer: Mr. B. FUHRER, 25 Sunhill Av., North Ringwood, 3134. Group Secretaries: Botany: Mr. J. A. BAINES, 45 Eastgate Street, Oakleigh 3166 (37 6206). Day Graup: Mrs. J. STRONG, 1160 Dandenong Road, Murrrumbeena. (56 2271) Entomology and Marine Biology; Mr. J. W. H. STRONG, Flat 11, "Palm Court", 1160 Dandenong Rd., Murrumbeena 3163 (56 2271). Field Survey: Mr. B. J. COOPER, 37 Bath Road, Burwood 3125. (29 7379) Geology: Mr. T, SAULT. Mammal Survey: Mr. D. R. PENTON, 43 Duke Street, Richmond, 3121. Microscopical: Mr. M. H. MEYER, 36 Milroy Street, East Brighton (96 3268). MEMBERSHIP Membership of the F.N.C.V. is open to any person interested in natural history. The Victorian Naturalist is distributed free to all members, the club's reference and lending library is available, and other activities are indicated in reports set out in the several preceding pages of this magazine. Rates of Subscriptions for 1972. Ordinary Members i Country Members Joint Members — Junior Members wm s "A Junior Members receiving Vict. Nat. . Subscribers to Vict. Nat. 4 Affiliated Societies um 2 2 Life Membership (reducing after 20 “years) . The cost of individual copies of the Viet. Not. will be 45 rents. All subseriptions should be mode payable ta the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, ond posted to the Subscription Secretary, ® JENKIN BUXTON & CO. PTY. LTD., PRINTERS, WEST MELBOURNE the _ 1 victorian naturalist F.N.C.V. DIARY OF COMING EVENTS GENERAL MEETINGS Monday, 8 May—At National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra, com- mencing at 8 p.m. l. Minutes. 2. Announcements. 3 Subject for evening:—^An Introduction to Fossils": Mr. Ken Bell. New Members (March). Ordinary: Mrs Margaret Finger, 45 Emerald Road, Belgrave. 3160 Mr Raymond J. Gibson, 8 Cluney Court, Blackburn Sth. 3130 Mr Jon G. Martindale, 15 Abercromby Road, Blackburn Sth, 3130 Mr John R. J. McDowell, 38 Montpelier Drive, Lower Plenty. 3093 Mrs Mavis R. Taylor, 7 Vardon Ave., Beaumaris. 3193 Miss Janna L. Thompson, 24/119 Atkinson St., Oakleigh. 3166 Mrs E, C. Warne, 147 Riversdale Rd., Hawthorn 3122 Mr J. V. Sullivan, 50 Lyons St., Carnegie. 3163 Joint: Mrs Shirley Armstrong and Peter Armstrong, 39 Anthony Drive. Mount Waverley. 3149 Mrs Sharon L. Janssen, 29A Myrtle Grove. Blackburn. 3i30 Mr Raymond P. King and Mrs Helen M. King, 38 Maggs St., East Doncaster. 3109 Country: Mr Christopher J. Cole, 30 Tourello Rd., Mt. Eliza. 3930 Mr Charles H. Mangle, Box 36, P.M.G., Halls Gap. 3381 Miss Hazel M. Osman, "'Illalangi". Coonara Rd., Olinda. 3788 Rev. C. J. Baulch, **The Manse"’, Penshurst. 3289 Mr Ian R. Power, 13 Hannah St., Frankston. 3199 Junior: Master Shane F. McEvey, 5 Gissing St., Blackburn Sth. 3130 Master Allan Morrow, 62 Moonee Boulevard, Glenroy. 5. Correspondence. 6. General Business. Wednesday, 14 June—^An introduction to Orchids”: Mr. Jack Hyett. GROUP MEETINGS (8 p.m, at National Herbarium unless otherwise stated.) Thursday, 11 May— Botany Group. Mr. T. Sault will speak on “Some easily identified Seaweeds”. Wednesday, 17 May — Microscopical Group. Thursday, 18 May— Day Group. Maranoa Gardens. Catch Mont Albert tram from Collins Street to Stop 54. Walk back to Parring Road. Bring lunch and meet at Beckett’s Park gates at 11.30 a.m. Thursday, 25 May — Field Survey Group. This group meets in the Library Con- ference Room next to Theatrette, National Museum, at 8 p.m. Thursday, 1 June — Mammal Survey Group meeting at Arthur Rylah Institute, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, at 8 p.m. Monday, 5 June — Marine Biology and Entomology Group meeting in Library Conference Room, National Museum, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, 7 June — Geology Group. Thursday, 8 June — Botany Group. Speaker: Mr. B. Fuhrer — Fungi. F.N.C.V. EXCURSIONS Sunday, 21 May — Daylesford. This excursion will be led by a member of the Daylesford and District Historical Society. The coach will leave Batman Avenue at 9.30 a.m. Fare $2.20. Bring two meals. Members travelling by private car may meet at approximately 11.45 a.m. at Daylesford Post Office. JUNIOR MEETINGS May — 8 p.m., Montmorency and District. Friday, 26 May — 8 p.m., at Hawthorn Town Hall. PRELIMINARY NOTICES Sunday, 27 August-Sunday, 3 September — Stawell. Details next month. $ 126 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 The Victorian Naturalist Editor: G. M. Ward Assistant Editor: G, Douglas Vol. 89, No. 5 3 May, 1972 CONTENTS Articles: Excursion to the Flinders Ranges. By Katharine Hough .. ... .. 128 The Self-pollination of foem Rm saa W. H. Nicholls. By David L. Jones .. , : tis - ST oT .. 145 Feature: Readers Nature Notes and Queries sl T " E £a .. 147 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria: Secretary's Report .. 24 S. ic hir e às A .t .. 148 Country Club Report — L.V.F.N.C. .. vd Pe 93g m he -. 149 Group Reports De. ET “js Je ole ots En ie -. .. 149 Cover Photograph: An adult Royal Penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus schlegeli) drowses in the Macquarie Island sunshine. A.N.A.R.E. photo by Ken Simpson May, 1972 127 Excursion to the Flinders Ranges ENCV. 21 August — 5 Seplember [971 by KATHARINE HOUGH With the Flinders Ranges as their goal, and interests divided between batany, geology and ornithology, the party left Melbourne on Saturday, 21 August at 8.00 a.m. The tour of six- teen days was to cover 2065 miles, and as naturalists do not waste time, im- pressive lists of species and many ex- ciling discoveries were made. The first surprise was Ballarat, almost unrecognizable under what ap- peared to be a heavy snowfall. The "snaw' proved to be hailstones so thick that streets, houses and gardéns were white with still unmelted hail from a very heavy storm the night before. The bus reached Green Lake, near Horsham, where great numbers of Wanderer butterllies entertained the party at lunch. In the excellent Rotary Club plantation adjoining the lake, a number of interesting eucalypts and native shrubs were flowering well. Whilst on the way again, a '10 rninute stop’ was made between Kaniva and Bordertown. These stops usually ex- tend |o about half an hour, but are still much too shart for the enthusiasts. Here mallec vegetation lined the road with some taller eucalypts — River Red Gum (E, camaldjlensis), Yellow Gum (E. leucoxylon) and Black Box (E. largiflorens). Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha}, Gold- Dust Wattle (A. acimacea), Spiny Acacia (A. spinescens) and Nealic (4. rigens) were flowering with Flame Heath (Astreloma conustephioides), Fringed Heath Myrtle (Micromyrtis ciliatus), Pink Velvet Bush (Laviopetalunt behrii) and Common Fringe Myrtle {Calytrix tetragona). The Climbing 128 Sundew (Drosera planchonii) was noted, and two sedges, the Clustered Sword Sedge (Lepidosperma con- gestum) and the Black Rapier Sedge (Lepidosperma carphoides), Ycllow- rumped Pardalotes were common with Chesinut-rumped Thornbills, White- eared, Brown-headed and Spiny- cheeked Honeyeaters, The first Black- winged Curraweng (now considered a race of the Grey Currawong familiar to southern Victorians) was seen, and a large flock of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos were the last to be recorded by the party until it approached Ren- mark on the wav home. Crossing the border, we arrived at Bordertown to spend the first night, Another popular activity on these trips is walking ahead of the bus. While walking down the road the following morning, the following birds were scem— Noisy Miners, Striated Pardalotes nesting in à cleft in a roadside tree, two White-faced Herons beside a dam, and White-backed Mag- pies still with us. In the bus again we drove through mallee country cleared for wheat and grazing, but with some large uncleared stretches. A stop in one of these before Tintinara proved rewarding. Broombush (Melaleuca uneinata) and Broom Heath Myrtle (Baeckee beéhri) grew amongst the mallee, three species of which were identified — Oil Mallee (E. oleosa), Yellow Mallee (E. incrussatt) and Bull Mallee (E. behriana). Desert Banksia (B. ornate}, Silver Banksia (B. mät- ginata) and Austral Grasstrees ( Xan- Vict, Nat. Vol, 89 (horrhoea australis) occurred with Slender Westringia (W. grevillina) and the Blue Daisy Bush (Olearia ciliata). The Blue Heron’s Bill (Erodium cygnorum) was a rich in- tense blue in many places, and Tall Greenhoods (Pterostylis longifolia) were found. The scrub was fairly open with a number of tal) eucalypts, and birds were plentiful. A Hooded Robin was seen, and a smal) flock of Striated Thornbills. These must have been near the northerly limit of their range in this area. A party of seven Black Cockatoos flew out of one of the tall eucalypis but gave no calls. They showed no tail colour, and as the yellow face-patches of the Yellow- tailed Black Cockatoo were not seen, i. Was thought they could possibly be some of the small population of Red- tailed Black Cockatoos occurring in the Bordertown area, However, dis- appointingly, exact identification was impossible. At a later stop, at Coonalpyn, a pair of Weebills were busily building about seven feet up in a mallee. Weebills were te be common through- out most of the South Australian part of the irip. The first Crested Pigeon was Seen here — we were to see many more of these. Between Coonalpyn and Meningie, Golden Wattle was flowering so profusely, that the per- fume was everywhere. Three Mallee Ringnecks flew along the road, and a Red-tailed Thornbill was seen showing brilliant colour on the rump. The Common Correa (Correa reflexa) and Blunt Everlasting (Helichrysum ob- tusifolia) grew near Meningie with the Flexile Hakea (Hakea muelleri- ana) and Broom Ballart (Exocarpus sparteus), Introduced Onion Weed (Asphodelus fistulosis) showed masses of flowers in places. edged with Samphire (Arthrocnemum sp.) and Saw Sedge (Ghanla deusta) were hundreds of, Silver Gulls. Ar- May, 1972 On a swamp' nving at Meningie, we travelled alongside the vast Lake Albert dotted with many water birds, amongst them White-headed Stilts and White Egrets. The lunch stop was at the northern end of Lake Albert in an area beside some bare sandy hills, where the introduced Tree Tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) Hourished; as did the Broad-leaved Cotton Bush (Asclepias rotundifolia) with milky sap and interesting Hoya- like flowers. Some bushes had larvac of the Wanderer butterfly, and adult LA PARANA Owirrena Figure 1. Map of route taken by F.N.C.V. party, - 129 Wanderers were fiitting about. A pair of Singing Honeyeaters were feeding young in a nest in the centre of a clump of Boxthorn. Whilst on the road again, numbers of Ravens’ nests were noticed iñ the cross-pieces of the S.E.C. poles. In the Western District of Victoria where Ravens adopted this habit, canny lines- men attached wire baskets to the main poles. The Ravens lost no time in making use of these, and everyone was happy. Passing through thick Murray Pine (Callitris columellaris} we. were soon travelling alongside the Murray. A majestic sight was a flight of eighty Pelicans in V formation overhead. After passing through Murray Bridge we reached the Mt. Lofty Ranges in the late afternoon — very green with litte old stone buildings, beautiful Red Gums, and Fir plantations. Before long we were in Adelaide For our second night, The next day we look the Maln North Road to Quorn, travelling through country mainly cleared for agriculture, with some vines and olives. Lunching in a semi-wild park in the small town of Gladstone the botanists found the Eumong (Acacia stenephylla) with its long drooping "leaves', and two Cassias — the Dense Cassia (C. sturti) and the Silver Cas- sia (C, artemisioides) with their masses of liltle golden flowers. A large and noisy flock of Galahs fed on the ground across thé road, In varying numbers we were to see these over the entire trip. Ravens of course were always with us, and Nankeen Kestrels were common. At Laura we "refuelled" with ex- cellent hot pies, then entered the wide Willachra Plains with the outline of the South (Lower) Flinders to the west, dominated by the striking Devil's Peak, and the southern ‘section of 130 the main Flinders Ranges away to the east. Mulga (Acacia anetra) was in evidence on the plain and clumps of the tangled, twiggy Nitre Bush (Nit rag schoberi), Along the water- courses — mainly — dry— grew the wonderful, nobhty Red Gums so characteristic of the Flinders Ranges. Arriving at Quorn, we disembarked for the night at The Mill, an old fiour mill beaulifully restored with three floors given to restaurant, art gallery. and museum: and adjoining motel àc- commodation, Here we saw our first Black-backed Magpie since entering South Australia — one bird with several "White-backs' on a tennis court. As we travelled north, the pro- portion of ‘Black-backs’ slowly in- creased with a number of hybrids, with a band of hlack across the shoulders, scen south of Wilpena. The most northerly "White-back' was recorded between Wilpena and Ora- parinna. The next section, Quorn to Wil- pena, was a day full of inlerest, We le the main road to do a loop through Warren and — Buckaringa Gorges formed by tributaries of the Willochra Creek cutting through ridges of ancient quartzite. Entering Warren Gorge, the cough hillsides were bright with flowering acacias, Desert Cassia (C, nemophila), white starry mounds of Pimelia Daisy Bush (Olearia pime- teoides), the rare Eremophila santa- lina and. Red Templetonia (T, retusa) with its beautiful coppery red pea flowers, The l[ow-grawing Thorn Acacia (4. continua) covered in rich golden balls was found here and in many places later, and the Spiny Flat Sedge (Cyperus gymwnocaulos) was seen. Just through the cleft of the gorge with its high red cliffs, an area of beautiful Red Gums backed by slopes of Murray Pine was full of bird activity with many of them nesting. A Viel, Neal. Vol. 89 pair of Adelaide Rosellas in brilliant colour — much brighter than usual, with scarlet red breasts — were at a spout in one of the trees. Above them in an adjacent tree a pair of Galahs, one with its head just out of a spout, showed great interest in the watchers. A female Black-backed and a male White-backed Magpie were feeding two very small young in a nest nearby. After a short visit to Buckaringa Gorge, with its long folded cliffs, the bus continued along a little-used road to rejoin the main road at Gordon. The track wound through low rolling hills, the uncleared areas covered with many Salt bushes (Atriplex sp.), Blue Bush (Kochia sp.) and Copper Burrs (Bassia sp.). A flock of twelve Cocka- teil flew beside the bus, and Little Corellas — the first of many hundreds to be seen later — were feeding on the slopes. We passed the grave of Hugh Proby, the founder of Kanyaka Station (the ruins of which were to be our lunch stop), who was 'drowned at the age of 24 while crossing the flooded Willochra Creek on horseback in 1852’. At a ‘10 minute stop’ on top of a rise, Pipits were common and Brown Songlarks and Blue and White Wrens were in the saltbush. Sheets of tiny yellow and white everlastings with some taller, larger white ones, covered the more open spaces, with a few patches of the Copper Red Pea (Swainsona stipularis}. This attrac- tive plant was plentiful later after Cop- ley and at Arkaroola. Arriving at Kanyaka Ruins for lunch, many had no time to eat, due to exploring the fascinating remains of the 16-roomed homestead with its stone walls 18 ins. thick, numerous outbuildings, and old graveyard. The next stop was at Yourambulla Caves and their aboriginal rock paintings. After a long climb up a rocky hillside, with many Acacias, Emu Bushes (Eremophila maculata), (E. alterni- May, 1972 folia), some Sugar Wood (Myoporum platycarpum), the Rock Fern (Cheil- anthes tenuifolia) and Blanket Fern (Pleurosorus rutifolius), the shelters were reached under an overhang at the top of the ridge. The interesting paintings were in good condition thanks to a necessary wire screen in front. Passing through Hawker, where a Fork-tailed Kite was sighted, we crossed a flat plain ringed by mag- nificent mountains and approached Wilpena, skirting the towering Rawns- ley’s Bluff. Here the Murray Pine began to dominate the landscape with Red Gums and the unfamiliar Gum- barked Coolabah (E. intertexta) along the water courses. Arriving at Wilpena Chalet after travelling so long through seemingly deserted country, we found ourselves amongst throngs of people and spent two nights in luxurious accommodation. Some of the party the next day tackled the long hike and climb to St. Mary's Peak, enjoying magnificent views of the mountain-ringed pound, while others took the less testing climb up Mt. John above the Chalet. The lower slopes of Mt. John were a garden — with Acacias (A. pycnan- tha), (A. continua), Grevilleas (G. lavendulacea), (G. aspera) and Hop Bushes (Dodonaea viscosa), (D. lobata). The white bracts of Dusty Miller (Spyridium phlebophyllum) were so showy they equalled the effect of flowers. Many Grasstrees (Xan- tharrhoea quadrangulata) and Mallee eucalypts provided the higher storey, while on the ground Erect Rice Flowers (Pimelea stricta) and Silver- tails (Ptilotus obovatus) bloomed amongst the Porcupine Grass (Tri- odia irritans). Walking into the Pound and up to the Lookout in the afternoon, the magnificent Acacia notabilis with its enormous golden balls edged the track, with Shrub 131 Violet (Hybanthus floribundus) and Lavender Grevillea. Though not flowering, many leaves of the Garland Lily (Calostemma purpurea) were seen, and orchids grew under the Murray Pines which covered most of the floor of the Pound (Pterostylis mutica, P. nana, Caladenia filamen- tosa, C. dilatata). Prickly Templetonia (T. aculeata), the Cassia-like (Peta- lostylis labicheoides) and Adder's Tongue (Ophioglossum coriaceum) were notable finds. The Banded Greenhood (P. vittata) was found by the St. Mary's Peak walkers, and the Rush (Baumea articulatum) was identified. Birds were not abundant, although Weebills were common in the Red Gums near the Chalet, and on the walk to the Lookout. Yellow- throated Miners, Purple-backed Wrens, White-browed Babblers, and Rufous Whistlers were seen. At 8.15 the next morning, we left on our last forward section to Arka- roola. On each side of some of the cattle grids stood a lifelike painted sheepdog cut out of tin. Known as ‘scare dogs’ these are intended to deter the sheep from going through and it appears they have the desired effect. Before long we entered Oraparinna National Park, surrounding Oraparin- na Station, a wonderful area of 100 square miles of cleared flats, gum- lined watercourses and rugged moun- tains. Half was donated by the station owner, and the government contribu- ted the other half. It seemed to Vic- torians that South Australia was much better endowed with National Parks than their home state. Here we en- countered the wrongly-named ‘wild hops’. Not a hop, but a dock better named Pink Dock (Rumex vesi- carius), this is a malignant introduced pest which covers the countryside for hundreds of miles, but the effect of its massed pink-red hop-like bracts paint- ing the mountains interspersed with the yellow-flowered cushions of Twin Leat (Zygophyllum sp.) and grey- green saltbush, creates a landscape of incredible beauty, which was to stay with us throughout the rest of the North Flinders Ranges. Bluish Cattle Bush — in South Australia ‘Bullock Bush’ (Heterodendron oleifolium) — and Weeping Pittosporum (P. philly- raeoides) added to the unreal quality of the landscape. Passing the 'Great Wall of China’, a long escarpment topping a steep hill, we continued to Plate 1. Geo- logists paradise Arkaroola Photo: Author Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Blinman, almost a ghost town. Here an old copper mine has been re- opened and some time was spent by the party rummaging in mullock heaps for prized specimens of green copper ore. Following the creek bed, mainly dry with some beautiful waterholes and majestic Red Gums, the road now turned west through Parachilna Gorge to join the main road north to Maree. With a good distance to go, time would not permit a stop in this gorge, but its beauty was impressive enough from the bus. Here one of the two Peregrine Falcons seen on the trip flew alongside for a short distance. Turning north up the main road, at first across a flat and arid-looking plain, we were back in the mountains with their dock-covered slopes about Beltana and on to the Aroona Dam for lunch. Here a ‘scare dog’ by the cattle grid wore a Tailwaggers' badge. The slanting strata of the steep-sided valley walls red with dock, the still water with a Musk Duck disporting, and again the Red Gums made this a very pleasant place. At Copley we turned east again on the last stretch to Arkaroola. For Plate 2. Euca- lyptus gillii Curley Mallee Photo: I. Morrison May, 1972 many of us this was the most interest- ing country with its outback flavour of occasional sprawling station home- steads, some gibber plains lightly greened over with bluebush, patches of buckshot gravel and always the backdrop of the red mountains. After Leigh Creek Head Station we noticed the first Melaleuca glomerata lining the watercourses, with twisted white papery trunks and graceful greyish foliage. This was to become very common later as was the Curly Mallee (E. gillii), first encountered near Nepabunna Mission. Large flocks of Little Corellas, numbers of Galahs, and a mob of donkeys added to the scene. A ‘10 minute’ (4 hour) stop at Italowie Gorge was as usual much too short. A large Macrozamia Palm (sp. ?) grew on the cliff side — to our knowledge not recorded as occurring here — and Austral Hollyhock (Lava- tera plebeia) and Water Bush (Tri- chodesma zeylanicum) were found. Indigofera leucotricha with dark rosy flowers, White Goodenia (G. albi- flora), Yellow Tails (Ptilotus nobilis) and the first small patch of Sturt's Desert Pea (Clianthus formosus) ex- cited the botanists, while Rufous 133 Songlarks and Red-capped Robins were about. Topping a rise later, the flat whitish expanse of Lake Frome could be seen to the east. At Bal- canoona we turned off towards Arka- roola. Heading into the mountains the track sometimes ran along the dry creek bed. Some of the steep crossings involved difficult manoeuvres for the bus, but our driver was equal to all occasions. At one of these crossings a magnificent plant of the Swainsona Pea (S. tephrotricha) grew on top of a mound, a mass of tall purple spikes. Budgerygahs became common, one flock was estimated at more than two hundred birds. Passing through the Arkaroola Station buildings, we con- tinued a few miles to the motel- camping area, known as ‘The Village’, alongside the striking outline of the rugged hill named simply Griselda. The next three days, though the weather was unkind, were a sheer de- light for all. Set in the midst of the ancient red mountains the area was so interesting geologically the whole party became absorbed. Appendix 1 deals more fully with the geology. We were taken in Landrovers on the spectacular Ridge Top Tour following precipitous mine tracks through and around the wild Mt. Painter Section. The whole property of 225 square miles is now a Flora and Fauna Sanc- tuary, but this unfortunately does not protect it from mining. From the Landrovers perched on top of a mountain at Sillers Lookout, the view extended more than 50 miles over the wildest red mountains flattening out to Lake Frome. Visits were made to beautiful waterholes at Nooldoonool- doona, Bolla Bollana, Echo Camp and Arkaroola Bore. The botanists suffered from an excess of riches. Cassias, Eremophilas (E. freelingi, E. latro- bei), and many Acacias including the intrigueingly named Dead Finish (A. 134 tetragonophylla) were common. The Showy Groundsel (Senecio magni- ficus) was an important decoration. A rare form of fern Gymnogramma rey- noldsii, the Native Orange (Capparis mitchelii), Quandong (Santalum acu- minatum) and the Doubah (Leichard- tia australe) were admired and listed; while Golden Everlastings (Helichry- sum bracteatum), Fan Flowers (Scaevola aemula) and White Helio- trope (Heliotropium — asperrimum) were amongst the ground dwellers. Around the motel area, Chestnut- rumped Thornbills, Zebra Finches and Whitefaces were in numbers: many nesting or feeding young. The Yellow- fronted Honeyeater was quite com- mon. On a trip to Paralana Hot Springs the Cinnamon Quail-Thrush and Pied Butcher Bird were seen, also the Striated Grass Wren in the locality where a type specimen was taken by Mellor in 1911. Among rocks above the village Woolly Cloak Fern (Cheil- anthes lasiophylla), and Bristly Cloak Fern (C. distans) were found. Reluctantly boarding the bus on Monday morning we started our re- turn journey travelling down the east- ern side of the ranges. Between Wertaloona and Tea-Tree Outstation a stop was made to admire wonderful stretches of Sturt's Desert Pea with different red colour forms. Specimens with red and white and all white flowers had been on show at Arka- roola. Going into the beautiful Cham- bers Gorge for lunch, the track crossed and re-crossed the creek. Botanists found Eremophila duttonii, the Dwarf Swainsona (S. phacoides), Round Templetonia (T. egena) and Wild Carrot (Trachymene glauci- folia). On top of one of the near hills a few weathered specimens of Hakea ednieana were covered with creamy flowers. Farther down the road, be- tween Little Bob Monie and Wirrealpa Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 occurred one of those always-to-be- remembered moments for bird en- thusiasts. Travelling through saltbush- bluebush plains with little straggly dead trees, we came upon a mass of birds. No-one left the stationary bus and we were able to enjoy the spec- tacle. The small dead trees were out- lined solidly in birds. Budgerygahs, White-browed and Masked Wood- swallows, and Crimson Chats were mixed together, while numbers were feeding on the ground. A Little Fal- con came along, alighting on a tree close to the bus. It was surprising to see that a lot of the Woodswallows were feeding on the ground while Crimson Chats were perched in the trees. Whether there was some food supply in abundance or whether the Woodswallows and Chats were moving in company and joined by the local Budgerygahs is one of those questions which keep bird people occupied. After passing Angorachina Home- stead the bus was brought to a halt with a flat tyre. While sympathetic, this was a bonus opportunity for in- effectual females to scout around or walk ahead of the bus. The cause of the trouble, a smal] sharp stone, was identified as ‘puncturite’. At Blinman we joined the main road and con- tinued back to Wilpena for the night. From Wilpena we retraced our way through Hawker and Quorn and through the scenic Pitchi Ritchi Pass where Eremophila scoparia was listed, to Port Augusta where we were to spend two days making visits to areas in the South Flinders Ranges.* Here we were joined by Darrell Kraehen- buehl of Adelaide who was to lead us so capably on this section. Alan and Win Morrison also joined us for a few days on their way back from one of their many expeditions around north- ern Australia. * See Victorian Nat. 88 (8). May, 1972 A round trip took us first through Horrock's Pass to Hancock's Lookout and a magnificent view over Spencer Gulf. We passed whole hillsides of Grasstrees ( Xanthorrhoea quadrangu- lata) endemic in South Australia, and many Sugar Gums (E. cladocalyx) growing in their native area. Here it is a large and beautiful spreading tree, easily distinguished on the hillsides from other eucalypts by its reddish- bronze foliage contrasting sharply with the dark green. Tree Martins were nesting in one of the Sugar Gums at the lookout, a Wedge-tailed Eagle circled lazily and a Black-shouldered Kite passed through the trees perching briefly. We continued on to Alligator Gorge. After a long drive down through interesting bush we alighted at the parking area and climbed down and later, up — many steps into the gorge itself. The almost vertical red walls were so cracked and broken one Plate 3. Photo: I. Morrison Clianthus formosus Desert Pea, Red and white form. 135 section was aptly named Hieroglyphic Rock. The gorge was clothed mainly with the Slender Cyprus Pine (Calli- tris preissii) growing thickly on the floor and even up the steep sides. Walking along the stream to the Cas- cades, discoveries included the Shell Orchid (Pterostylis robusta) growing under the pines, and the edible fungus the Morel (Morchella conica). Having sampled the culinary delight of these cooked in butter, the writer found it difficult to pass on and leave them growing. Acacia gracilifolia was found and admired. This well-named graceful little acacia had been lost for fifty years, to be re-discovered here and at Mambray Creek where a speci- men was seen later. On top again flowers and birds were plentiful, and time was as usual too short. Many orchids were flowering including the Mosquito Orchid (Acianthus reni- formis), Blue Fairies (Caladenia de- formis), Swamp Diuris (D. palustris) and Dwarf Greenhood (P. nana). Shrubs flowering were the Mint Bush (Prostanthera baxteri var. crassifolia), Velvet Daisy Bush (Olearia pannosa), Twiggy Bush Pea (Pultenea largi- florens), Hibbertia exutiacies and the Finger Flower (Cheiranthera cyanea) was found, although not in flower. Next stop was at Mt. Remarkable. Walking into the foothills we seemed to be back amongst familiar Victorian birds — Grey Fantails, Red Wattle- birds, Grey Thrushes, Brown Tree- creepers, White-plumed Honeyeaters, and Rufous Whistlers. Yellow-tailed Thornbills were feeding young at a very low hanging nest. Broom Bitter Pea (Daviesia genistifolia) was here, and further orchids listed were Pink Fingers (Caladenia carnea) and the Scented Sun Orchid (Thelymitra aris- tata). Returning to Port Augusta through Port Germaine Gorge the road ran along the floor of the gorge between steep cliffy sides. Mistletoe Birds and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters were common and the Gawler Range Wattle (Acacia iteaphylla) was noted; this was also found at Arkaroola. On the way next morning a stop was made at the Port Augusta Rail- way Station to see a planted specimen of the Crimson Mallee Box (E. lands- downeana) with flowers of an un- Plate 4. Roadside South Flinders Photo: Author Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 usual mauve-porple colour. A group of Pied Oystercatchers were foeding at the water's edge. Further south we stopped at a saltbush flat with scat- tered mallee and a few Umbrella Myalls (Acacia sowdenil) rising to foothills where masses of Dense Cas- sia showed yellow against the hills. White-fronted Chats and White- winged Trillers were in the saltbush area and a party of Chestout-crowned Babblers entertained with their antics, These were fussing about à nest, but whether old or active it was not possible to say. Arriving at Mambray Creek National Park, to find the creek so high it was necessary to wade across the causeway, we found many nesting birds in the familiar old Red Gums, although here they grew lower and more divided. Red-backed Par- rots, Galahs, White-backed Magpies and Striated Pardalotes were all domestically busy, Botanists found the beautiful naturalized grass Golden Top {Lamarckia aurea), Leek Orchids {Prasophyllum patens), Pink Fairies, the Leek Lily (Bulbinopsis semibar- bara), the Tall Sedge (Carex ap- pressa) and the Flat Sedge (Cyperus veginalys). An interesting time was spent with the ranger in his office where he had specimens of a Hopping Mouse (sp. 7) caged for study, Leaving Port Augusta the next morning, and heading for home, the weather, which had been threatening, became very gloomy and by the time we reached Morchard rain had set in. Between Burra and Morgan, through saltbush country which would norm- ally have been of absorbing interest, the windows of the bus were obscured by mud, and the time was spent catch- ing up on sleep, or photographing the May, 1972 patterns made by rain on the mud. The weather cleared as. we approached our second overnight stop of Ren- mark, with its vines olives and oranges, Near the border our first and only Emus (2) and Kangaroos (2) were sighted. We lunched at Hattah Lakes where the lakes were full, but the water birds were absent due to the food supply having not yet been ès- iablished after the long dry period. Between Hattah and Swan Hill Laven- der Halgania (A. lavendulacea) grew by the road and the Dwarf Emu Bush (Eremophila glabra), Stiff Westringia (W. rigida) and Small-leaf Mint Bush (Prostanihera microphylla) — were identified. Around Mystic Park water was lying on the paddocks, and hundreds of White and Straw-necked Ibis, Yellow-billed and Royal Spoonbills, Little Pied and Little Black Cormor- anis and White-faced Herons were taking advantage af ronditions that suited them. Lunching on Bullock Creek at Lockwood South, Fuscous and Yellow-iufted Honeyeaters were around us, a Peaceful Dove was call- ing, and Dusky Wood-swallows fed flying, young. The botanists found the Fairy Waxflower (Eriostemon Verru- cosus) and the Drooping Cassinia or Chinese Scrub (C, arcuta) — making à total of over 320 botanical species noted during the trip, Now it was a straight run for Mel- bourne and home. And so ended, once again with thanks to Marie Allender our hard-working Excursion Seere- tary, an excursion providing quanti- ties of natural history food for those fortunate enough to take part. 137 APPENDIX I GEOLOGY by T. D. The main interest for geologists commenced at Wilpena, Here the aWe-inspiring age of the rocks and the remarkable geo-morphology pro- vided continuing fascination. From any of the high points on the rim of the Pound one could not help speculating on the appearance of the ranges before they were eroded, Did the upturned edges of the Pound once continue in one huge anticline to the Elder and Chase Ranges on the hori- zon? The same strata. are found there but with the opposite dip and, if this speculation were fact, the intervening mountains "would have been high indeed, Ripple-marked quartzite seen in several places inside the Pound was a reminder of the shallow seas which marked the preater part of the history of the Adelaide geosyncline. For one- filth of the total age of the Earth as a Solid body, this syncline continued to subside at an average rate of about one inch per thousand years, and through most of this 800 million years the rate of sedimentation kept pace with it. What a change at Arkaroola! And what a rock-lover's paradise we met there. The 225 square miles of the Arkarnela-Mt, Painter Sanctuary is one vast geological museum. The un- usual ancient granites and porphyries, plus the. arid ciimate. have produced HAGGER a landscape which must be among the most. rugged to be found on the face of the carth, And where else would one find a whole mountain of quartz with such variety of colour and erys- talline arrangements. A hole drilled through this mountain has shown quartz all the way, and also some enormous vughs up to 70 feet in diameter. “Tourists some generations hence may be able to visit these fan- tastic cavities; What a breath-taking spectacle would greet their eyes! Our hammer and pick enthusiasts found their greatest interest in the volcanics near Arkaroola Bore and in and near the granite intrusions at The Pinnacles. Some choice specimens were collected including stilbite and massive and beautifully marked cal- cire at the former, and gem quality translucent orange tlbire at the latter. Other specimens obtained by members were tremolite, actinolite, actinolite marble, large barite crystals, magne- lite, haematite, some beautiful pink and brown feldspar in addition to the albite, tele, malachite and azurite, muscovite, torbernite and, of course, some of the interesting Mt, Painter granites and, last but not least, some Mt. Gee quartz. Even with our lack of expert geolo- gists it seems fair to say that on this {rip our rock hunters had a greater feast than either bird watchers or plant classifiers. APPENDIX I1 ORNITHOLOGY List of Species Because of long periods of bus travel, some bad weather, and limited opportunities for concentrated work, (he list of species ts not extensive, Tt follows the nomenclature and sequence of 'An Index of Australian Bird Names' published by the CSIRO Division o£ Wildlife Research, Canberra, ACT, 1969. 138 Vict. Nat. Vol 89 Magpies were seen over the entire trip but were not recorded unless definitely identified as black-backed or white-backed. The Australian Raven was recorded only when positively identified by hackles or call. Raven was never positively identified it was not recorded, although no doubt it was probably quite common, Key TO TABLE 1 Port Augusta and the South Flinders Ranges. MtoB = Meibourne to Bordertown BtoL — Bordertown to Laura Lto W = Laura to Wilpena WtoA = Wilpena to Arkaroola PA & SF = WtoR = Wilmington to Renmark RtoM = Renmark to Melbourne j single. F = few. FC — fairly common. BM — breeding ( courtship or feeding young away from nest). * — introduced species. Species Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae Australian Pelican Pelicanus conspicillatus Little Black Cormorant Phalacracorax sulcirastris Little Pied Cormorant —__ Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Grebe Podiceps novaehollandiae Hoary-headed Grebe Podiceps poliocephalus White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica White-faced Heron F Ardea novaehollandiae White Egret Egreiia alba White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Straw-necked 4bis Threskiornis spinicollis Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes Black Swan Cygnus atratus Black Duck Anas superciliosa Grey Teal Anas gibberifrons White-eyed Duck Aythya australis Wood Duc Chenonetta jubata May, 1972 Flinders Ranges L W | PA to to & wW A SF = C — common. = nesting (building, incubating or feeding young in nest). As the Little Fl = flock. d g doono " m 139 Species Flinders Ranges L W PA to to & W A SF Musk Duck Biziura lobata Black-shouldered Kite Elanus notatus Fork-tailed Kite Milvus migrans Whistling Eagle Haliastur sphenurus Australian Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus Australian Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Wedge-tailed Eagie Aquila audax Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Little Falcon Falco longipennis Nankeen Kestrel Falco Cenchroides Brown Hawk Falco berigora Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Coot Fulica atra Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Spur-winged Plover Vanellus novaehollandiae Banded Plover Vanellus tricolor Block-fronted Dotterel Charadrius melanops White-headed Stilt Himantopus himantopus Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae *Dornestic Pigeon Columba livia Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus sp. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Major Mitchell Cacatua leadbeateri Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea 140 FC | FC FC FC F 1 Fi 1 Fl Viet, Nat. Vol. 89 Species Galah Cacatua roseicapilla Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Yellow (Adelaide) Rosella Platycercus flaveolus Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius Ringneck Parrot Barnardius barnardi Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius Budgerygah Melopsittacus undulatus Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis pyrrhophanus Horsefield Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis Boobook Owl Ninox novaescelandiae Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo gigas Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans Fairy Martin Petrochelidon aeriel Australian Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii Cinnamon Quail-thrush Cinclosoma cinnamomeum Chestnut-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus ruflceps White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus Brown Songlark Cinclorhamphus cruralis Rufous Songlark Cinclarhamphus mathewst Superb Blue Wren Malurus cyaneus Blue-and-White Wren Malurus leuconotus Variegated (Purple-backed) Wren Malurus lamberti Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris May, 1972 Flinders Ranges FCn|FCn F F |FCbr FC FC FC FG F F S F F Fbr| $ S F Ca F F C FC F F | FC F FC F [o C FC FC FC 141 Flinders Ranges W R Species to Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla Red-tailed Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill F Acanthiza uropygialis Yellow-rumped. Thornbill FC Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis Striated Grass-wren Amytornis striatus White-fronted Chat Ephianura albifrons Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor Jacky Winter Microeca leucophaea Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii Hooded Robin Petroica cucullata Southern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis Grey Fantail F Rhipidura fuliginosa Willie Wagtail FC Rhipidura leucophrys Restless Flycatcher Seisura inquieta Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus Crested Bellbird Oreoica guiteralis Wedgebill Sphenostama cristatum Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus Mistletoe Bird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus Yellow-rumped Pardalote FC Pardalatus xanthopygus Striated Pardalote FCn| FC FC |FCn|FCn F Pardalotus substriatus Grey-breasted Silvercye Zosterops lateralis Singing Honeyeater F F S Meliphaga virescens Fuscous Honeyeater F Meliphaga fusca 142 Vict, Nat. Vol. 89 FC Species Yellow-fronted Honeyeater Meliphaga plumula Yellow-faced Honeyeater Meliphaga chrysops While-plumed Honeyeater Meliphaga penicillata White-eared Honeyeater Meliphaga leucotis Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Meliphaga melanaps Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris navachallandiae Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Anthochaera rufogularis Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata Zebra Finch Peophila guttata *House Sparrow Passer domesticus *Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis *Starling Sturnis. vulgaris *Indian Myna Acridotheres tristis Magpie Lark Grallina cyanoleuca White-winged. Chough Corcorax melanorhamphus Masked Wood-swallow Artamus personatus White-browed Wood-swallow Artamus superciliosus Black-faced Wood-swallow Artamus cinereus Dusky Wood-swallow Artamus cyanopterus Grey (Black-winged) Currawong Strepera versicolor Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Black-backed Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen White-backed Magpie Gymnorhina hypoleuca Australian Raven Corvus coronoides May, 1972 Flinders Ranges Ww R L W PA to to to to & R M Ww A SF FC br m | FC F F F FC F F F F Sn F F F |FCbr FC | FC F F F FC br F F |FCn|| FC c FC FC || FC C FC F FC | FC F F FC FC F F br 8 S S S S Fn | Cn F FC C FCn| 8 j|FCn|| 5 C Cn, C Cc C [e 143 The Self-pollination of Prasophyllum beaugleholei W. H. Nicholls by Davin L. Jones [a this paper It will be established that Prasophyllum heaugleholer W. H. Nicholls is a self-pollinating species. This is probably the first re- port of autogamy in the genus Praso- phyllum, section Micranthum, al- though field observations suggest others may adopt the samc procedure e.g. Prasophyllum aureoviride H. M. R. Rupp. For those who may not. be familiar with the features of Prasophyllum beaugleholei it has.been well delinea- ted by Nicholls in Orchids of Australia 158 (1969). Briefly it is a very slender, diminutive plant which appears aftér summer and autumn rains in N.S.W., Victoria and Tasmania. Ii grows in swampy situations or on well drained hillsides amongst tussocks of grass- The first flowers open when the plant is quite small, As they continue to open the peduncle clongates and by fruiting time may be 35 cm tall, The accompanying photograph by E. R, Rotherham superbly illustrates the Howers of the species and the charac- teristics of the inflorescence, | am indebted to Mr. Collin Wool- cock of Portland for my specimens of Prasophyllum beaugleholei. 1t. was while dissecting one cf these to draw that the writer first became convinced that the species is self-pollinating. I have since verified this process on specimens from Wulgulmerang in North eastern Victoria. My reasons for concluding that the species is self-pollinating are based on the following observations— 1, The flowers are short lived, only lasting 2-3 days. In other species which are isect pollinated e.g. P, morrixii, 144 P despectans, each fiower may last up to ten davs depending on whether it is pollinated or not, 2. The pollinia are granular without much coherence and the individual grains separate casily even while in bud. 3. The attachment of the majority of the pollen grains ro the short caudicle is very weak, Only a few basal pollen grains are strongly at- tached and it seems as if the others are quite free or haphazardly joincd into small groups. 4, The gland where the caudicle joins the rostellum appears to lack any cement. This cement or glue is essential to attach the pollinarium to the insect for cross-polhnation. 5. All of the ovaries on plants studied have swollen and contain seed. Generally with insect pollinated species few jf any ovaries on each plant become fertilized. 6. The final reason is a poor one but worth mentioning. No insect activity around the flowers has been observed by the author or reported previously. The mechanism adopted by the orchid can be seen from the accom- panying drawings. In the very carly bud the column is erect, and the anther, containing the pale pollen, is closed. The rostel- lum fics close to the anther and is inclined at an angle of about 60°. The stigma is quite small and dry, At this stage there is no indication of the method of pollination adopted by the species, The first signs that the species may be self-pollinating become evident in Vict, Nat Vol, £9 the bud about two days before open- ing. The column is still erect and the anther closed. However the rostellum has moved away from the anther, Fig. 1. Sequence of Self-Pollination in Prasophyllum beaugleholei. (a) Columns taken from an early bud, front and side views. (20x) (b) Columns from a bud about days before anthesis. (20x) (c) Column from a flower just opened, side view. (20x) (d) Column from a flower opened for three days, side view, (20x) (e.f) Columns from flowers about three days after closing. (20x) (g) Pollinium showing granular con- struction, (20x) (h) Base of pollinarium showing attach- ment of basal grains to cavdide. (40x). two May, 1972 and the caudicle and pollinia can be clearly seen. The pollinia are now quite orange and even at this early stage the individual grains are evident. They do not give the appearance of a coherent mass but rather a collection of individual grains rather poorly joined together. The stigma is beginn- ing to enlarge and appears moist but not sticky. In the open flower a number of further changes have taken place. The anther is now inclined forward and the anther sacs are open wide. The pollinia rest completely on the upper surface of the rostellum and the an- ther sacs are empty except for a few adhering grains. The rostellum has moved further down and is inclined at an angle of 45° or less. Any sem- blance of uniformity in the pollinia is rapidly being lost and the first few grains can be seen on the stigma. The stigma itself has enlarged greatly and is now obviously very sticky. The major act of pollination takes place over the 2-3 days while the flower is open. In the finished flower about 3 days after closing, the column is hardly recognizable. The stigma is swollen out of all proportion and almost completely hides the rostellum. Its surface is very distorted and sticky and the remains of any pollen grains are barely distinguishable. Only a few odd grains remain on the upper surface of the rostellum or adhering to the anther sacs. The ovary is be- ginning to swell and stick out from the flowering stem. This then is the method of self- pollination adopted by Prasophyllum beaugleholei. These observations are interesting and raise some important questions. The movement of the rostellum relative to the anther, and the open- ing of the anther case serves to bring the pollinia into a position directly 145 above the stigma. How does the pollen actually drop onto the stigma, or does the stigma grow to meet the pollen? Both methods have previously been reported in autogamous orchids. The incoherent nature of the pollinia and the narrow rostellum, both suggest that pollen "bubbles over" onto the stigma. As well a few grains can often be seen on the stigma when the flowers are open. On the other hand the rapid growth of the stigma suggests that it grows to meet the pollen grains still sitting on the rostellum. The grains that fall may only be strays that act as a catalyst for its growth. The question which self-pollinating orchids always raises in my mind is "Why do flowers bother to open at all?" : : AR : Prasophyllum | beaugleholei from Wul- The SIS appears to be hidden gulmerang. Note the swollen ovaries and somewhere in the realms of evolution. small opening of the flowers. Photo: by E. R. Rotherham F.N.C.V. PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THE WILD FLOWERS OF THE WILSON'S PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK, by J. Ros Garnet. Price $5.25, (discount to members); postage 20c. VICTORIAN TOADSTOOLS AND MUSHROOMS, by J. H. Willis. This describes 120 toadstool species and many other fungi. There are four coloured plates and 31 other illustrations. New edition. Price 90c. THE VEGETATION OF WYPERFELD NATIONAL PARK, by J. R. Garnet. Coloured frontispiece, 23 half-tone, 100 line drawings of plants and a map. Price $1.50. Address orders and inquiries to Sales Officer, F.N.C.V., National Herbarium, South Yarra, Victoria. Payments should include postage (15c on single copy). Flowers and Plants of Victoria in Colour Copies of this excellent book are still available, and of course would make a wonderful gift. They are obtainable from the F.N.C.V. Treasurer, Mr. D. McInnes. 146 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Readers’ Nature Notes and Queries This note comes from Mr. A. Fel- lows of Alabama Hill, Charters Towers, North Queensland. A hubbub in a Portciana tree near my kitchen window resolved itself as an atack on a visiting Butcherbird by a very determined Peewit, As both birds normally pick up the scraps put Gut far them on à trav on top of a stepladder, the fracas seemed unusual, Tolerant of each ether amd several magpies— young and old — who also ate “regulars hese, such behaviour needed investigation. Despite my calls to them the chase through the foliage continued until at last the butcher-bird departed to a tele- phone post some distance away. After a few flute-like notes it flew further off. Meanwhile the Peewit, Cheeky by name and nature, had perched high in the tree giving vent to several "peewi-peewit" calls, bur not descending to the food tray. [ looked upwards and all was ex- plained, Until some weeks ago the pee- wils nest had been in a neighbour's tree nearly a quarter of a mile distant, Our last violent storm must have played havoc with all mud nests, E concluded at the time. All birds had been absent for some time after the storm but gradually returned. As 1 watered my fruil trees Cheeky would pick up half-wct grass and soft leaves, and fly far away with a full beak to her distant nest. But lately her returns had heen much euicker than’ usual; and even muddy waste had been transported at times, 1n the period when the bird was absent Following the last storm, the bird had evidently been seek- ing anather place ta build again. Then came the shorter trips with grass, and no wonder. The nest had been built in the tree ever the food-tray. Three smal] boughs that met. in a symmetrical triangle bad been the base, the mud and grass nest embracing the union uni- formly, while overhead about a foot higher, one huge fla! green sprav of leaves Iprmed a perfect “parasol” that would have. turned any heavy shower; and kept the hot sun off the nest toa. As F looked aloft, the pecwit's mate looked down and E realised the reason for Cheeky’s resentment of the butcher- bird's presence, When I first arrived al this place, to prepare foundation stamp-hales, the same bird had stayed around in the hope of setting something to eat. frequently sharing food with me Three well-prown chicks that Cheeky and mate had brought here last year are abseni at present, and may have affairs of their own elsewhere. Recently the peewit found an enor- mous grub, and after a tussle, devoured it. So the good work goes on, and what- ever the other birds think of the change when they return as nature's foods be- come scarcer, it will be interesting to Notice the result. Magpies will bring theiy pale-chested babies, butcher-birds their light brown and white babies also, and stay below the kitchen window looking up Tor morsels to be thrown out; and if the butcher-birds find nothing forthcoming, they give vent to lovely flutelike calls and peer down from higher vantage points as they get pieces thrown up to them on the rooftop, så beating the numerous Magpies waiting below, But whatever comes finds food of some kind, When & erest number of Magpies arrive at times, it seems as if the regulars have made it known to the others. The carolling at times is very lovely and now and then an older butcher-bird may do some mimicry Corrections Victorian Naitrelist, 88 (10) p. 297 —Rsd helid Pademelons (line 4): "Great, Doe" should read “Great g" p Aha 5s rr Spity Anteater, Cape Barren Island (line 3): 1728 should , 283 — Table J, Tuckyylossus sefosus, An "x" should appear [or this species in the Cape Barren Island column. Mny, 1972 147 The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Secretary's Report 1971-72 1971-72 has not been, T Feel, a par- Wcularly good year for Ihe Club. Cer- tainly, it has continued to operate, but the brunt of the work has fallen on a few mombers, and the Club has achieved little of note, However, we do have a number of keen new people on Council —as well às some very serious vacan- cies — and a Field Survey Group has been formed, to enable members to make a positive contribution to one of the many problems of thc day. The pressure of work on the Secre- tary is great. Since July I have spent some two or three evenings each weck on Club business — writing over fifty formal letters; compiling reports; mak- ing about one hundred “phone calls and probably receiving even more; making, collating and distributing some 350 photo copies. Most of this is routine work, but it does not leave any time for tackling the important problems of the day. or even for such mundane tasks as establishing proper machinery and re- organizing the records; though these Ru greatly simplify the work of the u^. The most urgent problems facing the Club. as I see them, are;— n and |. The secretarial work required to min the Club is clearly more that can reasonably be expected of an Honorary Secrelary and Council. The “Registered Office’ (ie. the Library) is totally inadequate, with no space for storage of records or blocks (these are at present scat- tered in a number of different loca- Lions around Melbourne); and 3. The running of the Club is lell to a few individuals, most members being content to come along and listen, or just to read the Naturalist. I feel that the Club must give urgent consideration to obtaining adequate office space, and appointing a paid past- time secretary. Most of the wark could readily be handled by a competent girl, but it would occupy her for at least three mornings a week. These proposals would substantially increase the running costs of the Club, but. unless these problems are overcome, we will have increasing difficulty main- taining our present activities, let alone making any worthwhile contribution to the challenges facing us today. R H. RIORDAN, Honorary Secretary. Meeting of Field Naturalists Clubs Al the recent meeting of the Western Victoria Field Naturalists Clubs Association at Ararat it was decided to call « further meeting io discuss the proposal that a State body be formed to ca-ordinate the activities of the various Clubs, This meet- ing is to be held in Bendigo on Saturday, 24th June, It is hoped that all Victorian Clubs will make every effort to attend this meeting, both to participate in the fonnal discussion and to meet members of other Clubs. The Bendigo Club is arranging a week-end programme of excursions, and further details will be circulated to all Clubs. Defeat of Motion Affecting Victorian Naturalist The outcome of the ‘Motion moved al the Annual Meeting; notice of which appeared in the Victoriam Naturalist for February, was defeated overwhelmingly. This means that the magazine will continue in its present form. 148 Vicl. Nat. Vol, 89 Country Club Report Latrobe Valley F.N.C, Camp-uut. January 1972 During the Australia Day Werk- end the Bairnsdale and Latrobe Val- ley Field Naturalist Clubs combined in à camip-out at Howilt Plains. Mr, Alan Morrisan was the leader and it was due mainly tu his efforts that the weekend was so successful. There Were seventy-three people present, represenling six Field Naturalist Clubs Bairnsdale, Traralgon, Warragul, Victorian, Sule and Latrobe Valley. Mr. Morrison sct Up camp on Wed- nesdav and some members of the L.V.F.N.C. arrived an Friday, with the majority of people arriving on Saturday. Saturday afternoon was spent view- ing the “rock rivers’ and the land- scape, [rom a road zigzagging down the mountain to the headwaters of the McAlister River about 5 miles beyond Howitt Plains. On Sunday morning almost all cumpers set out for Mt. Howitt, The weather was perfect and the flowers were in full bloom, Everyone set their own pace, and the arrival of the thirsty travellers back at camp varied from between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; the leader driving the last vehicle. Every- ave said if was. worth the long walk to see the flowers and the views. Any spare time during the week- end was spent exploring the snow plain about the camp. Although 145 species of plant were already on the L.V.F.N.C. list For the Mt, Howitt area, another 95 species were added over the weekend. Miss Jean Gal- braith's tent was the centre of much discussion, identification, and fellow- ship throughout the weekend. Before breaking camp on Monday the Bairnsdale Club were thanked for their part in the arrangements and Mr. Morrison was applauded for his leadership. It was unanimously agreed that the weekend had been inost enjoyable and rewarding. Tt was sug- gested that there should be another combined camp-out next year to à different area, The first twenty miles of the home- ward journey were slow due to many stops being made to inspect swamp areas or snow plains; photograph views; trek to lookout points, or just a general! reluctance to leave the area. Bon THOMPSON Publicity Officer L.V.F.N.C. Day Group Report Twenty-three members and a visitor from New Zealand attended 1he April meeting of the Group, It was very en- couraging to see the numbers and we hape more members and friends will attend fulure outings, Jt was decided future meetings will be held on the 3rd Thursday of the month and should the weather be unsuitable an alternative will be arranged by the Programme Commit- lec. This Committee met prior to the outing and a list of places to be visited was read out by the Secretary. Members were asked to give suggestions also, We look forward to some interesting excur- sions in the future. The meeting over, hay, 1972 members lunched on the fawns of the Botanical Gardens in brilliant sunshine, after which a visit was made to observe a colony of fruit-bats which had flown in to 1he palm trees some days pre- viously, Some of the members photo- graphed this unusual observation, especially as they have not been secn there for about 18 yeats. The Native Plants Section of the Gardens were then visited and Mr. Fairhall described many of the flowers and planis which abound there, At 3.30 pm. members went their Various ways once again &greeing they had enjoyed a most pleasant and în- teresting afternoon. 49 Mammal Survey Group A.G.M, 6 April, 1972 Ac the meeting, attended by 18 F.N,C.V. members and four visitors, ünder the acting chairmanship of Mr. H. F. J. Janssen, ihe following Group offize-bearers were elected, Chairman: Mr. H. Janssen, 29a Myrile Grove, Blackburn, Vic. 3130. Phone: B8 1080. Secretary! Mr. G, Douglas, c/- Post Office, Riddefls Creek, Vic 3431, Phone: 059 28 5191. Records Officers Mr. B. Callanan, 29 Reynands Street, Coburg, Vic, 3058. Équipement Officer; Mr, D. Barham, 14 Finnigans Rood, Research, Vic 3095. Phone: 437 1791. ^ motion that the committee have the power to co-opt was carried. A motion that a lelter be sent to the secretary of the Fisheries and Wildlife Depart- ment, io express the Group's desire n have a F, and W,D, research officer ap- Pointed to allend afl future meetings and survey camps was also carried. A vote of was cxpressed ta Mr, B, Callanan for his completed con- pilation of the Group's history since its Inception im 1960. ] Other main paints of the mecting were: (D Discussion on the probable con- usidn that may be caused in the Fuürure as a result of the formation of a new group, who have adopted a name similar to the F.N,C.V, Mammal Survey Group, The new group's name is the Mammal Survey Group of Victoria. (2) Discussion on the availability of the Group's equipment and records, which al present are not in the hands of the Group's newly elected committee; Following these discussions it Was re- solved that; (a) Investigations be made to determine the feasibility bt Joining tonces with the newly formed F.N.C V, Field Survey Group. (b) Other than (3) above, ne further action towards chang- ing the Group's name be laken until re- plies are on hand, lo the various letters writlen, regarding this Group's aud the Mammal Survey Group of Victoria's activities, t Future survey camp reconnaissance reports Were received for the Broadford, Momiagtob Peninsula, Mt. Disappoint- ment amd Mt. Baw Baw-Mt. Erica artas As equipment was not an hand, a fixed date Par the next survey camp could not be established. It was decided that interested members join the Field Survey Group camp om [4-16 April, as this would contribute to the investigation mentioned earlier. Geology Group Annual Report 1971-72 An average of twenty members and visitors attended meetings throughout the year, the lowest allendance being filten, and the highest heing twenty-seven, The Office-Bearers for the year were as follis :—- Chatman: Mr, R, Dodds. Serrelary: Mr. T. Sault. Excursient Sreward: Mr, N. Wigmore. Progrumme Steward: Mr. L. Angioy. Most speakers were provided from withia the Group, Only two speakers were engaged from outside, These were Mr. G. Carlos (Geology of Bulla and Tullamarine) and Mr. C. Goodall (The Ballarat Goldficlds). Geological subjects were varied, often several short talks by different speakers, From. within the Group were Mr. E. Nimmorvol (The Geology of the Lysterield-Narre Warren area]; My. G. Lave (History of Nickel occurrences im W.A.), Mr. L- Angier (Bauxite Ore, History of Discovery anl Treaiment): Mr. R. Davidson (Coober Pedy and Andamooka Opal Fields); Mr. D, McInnis (Maribyrnong Terraces); 150 Mr. R. Dodds (Facets of the Lile and Work bt Early Geologists) — (Slide Pro- ject on Building Stones) — (Slide Project on Vplcanics]; Mr. T. Sault (Cerberiay Voalennies). Excueslons were held regularly cach month. excepl on two occasions. These were well nrzamized by Mr. Wigmore. Highlights were a week-end excursion to Creswick organized jointly by the Cres- wick Club and the Geology Group, and a visit to Mt. William lo locate and map the Aboriginal Chipping sites. Two Sur- veyors in the Group (Mr. N Wigmore and Miss L. Bennett) had charge of this operation, Other excursions were to Tullamarine and Bulla, Barfelil, Waurn Ponds, Lysterficld-Narre. Warren, Mati- byrnong Terraces and Sovereign Hill. The Groups contribulian to the Maure Show was a scale model of the Maribyrnang River, showing the Geo- logical and Physiological features in- cluding the River Tertaces, Although most members save valuable assistance m the project, Mr. McInnis was respon: sible for carrying most of the work through |n successful completion Vict, Nat. Vol. 89 Maribyrnong Yalley Committee A “Maribyrnong Valley Committee” of the Victorian National Parks Association has recently been formed to take an active interest in conservation matters generally and in particular the yalleys of the Maribyrnong River and its tributaries. Activity has already commenced at the newly open “Organ Pipes” National Park near Calder Raceway with the clearing of rubbish from the area by members of the group under the direction of the ranger Mr. J, Lyale, to be followed by weed control measures in the near future. Other efforts at rehabilitation such as tree planting are envisaged al a later date and for this purpose and to promote the growing of Australian native plants in private gardens and public places in. the Western and northern suburbs it is proposed to form a local group of the Society for growing Australian Plants, . Members of the V.N.P.A. and S.G.A.P. wishing to join these groups and other individuals or organizations interested in conservation and/or cultivation of Aus- iraliam plants are invited to telephone Syd. Wheller on 338 2893 or call at Tulla- marine Plant Farm, or 'phone Don Marsh on 3794928 or Bab Osborne on 319 6746. C. L, WHELLER, The Field Natüralists Club of Victoria Council 1972 President: Mr. T; SAULT, 118 Gordon Street, Balwyn 3103, Phone 802571 (Week-ends) (059) 86 8188. Immediate Past President: Mr. E. ALLAN, 9 Mowbray Street, Bast Hawthorn 3123, Phone- 20 46651, Vice-Presidents: Mr. B. COOPER, 37 Bath Road, Burwood 3125. Phone: 29 7379. Seeretury: Ms. R. H, RIORDAN, 15 Regent Street, East Brighton 3187. Phone: 92 8579. Assist, Secretary: Mrs. MARGARET CORRICK.7 Glenluss Street, Balwyn 3103. Phone: 8579937 Treasurer: Mr. H. BISHOP, Unit 6, 15-19 Argus Street, Cheltenham 3192, Assist. Treasurer; Mr. H. F. J. JANSSEN, 29A Myrtle Grove, Blackburn 3130. Phone: 88 £080. Editor: Mr. G. WARD, 54 St. James Road, Heidelberg 3084. Bus. Phone: 38 5121. Assist, Editor: Mr. G. DOUGLAS, "Knotanoll", Riddels Creek, Vic. 3431. Phone: (059) 28 5191- Librariun: Mr. P. KELLY, 260 The Boulevard, East Ivanhoe 3079, Phone: 49 5765, Assist. Librarian: Miss G. PIPER, Unit 4, 23 Broughton Road, Surrey Hills 3127. Phone: 89 898| Excursion Secretary; Miss M, ALLENDER, 19 Hawthorp Avenic, North Caulfield 3161. Bus. Phone: 63 7030. Residual: Mr. J H. WILLIS, 102 Male Street, Brighton 3186 -Phane- 92 7761 Mr. LEIGH WINSOR, Flat 8, 4 Rathmines Street. Falificld 3078. Bus, Phone: 51 1451, Exin. 2694, Extn. 2724* * Leave message. Mr. MICHAEL COULTHARD, 47 Westbrook Street, East Kew 3102 Phone: 85 3787. f Mr, DAVID REEVES, Melvins Road, Riddells Creek, 3431. Phone; (059) 78 5312, Mr. DAVID BARHAM, 14 Finnigans Road, Research 3095, Phone; 437 1791, Subscription Secretary (not on Cound ^ Mr, D. E, McINNES, 129 Waverley Road, East Malvern 3415. Phone: 2|] 2427 May, 1972 151 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria " Established 1880 OBJECTS: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian fauna and flora. e 7 Patron: His Eepledey Major-General Sir ROHAN DELACOMBE, K.B.E, C.B. D SO, Key Office-Bearers, 1971-1972. President: Mr. T. SAULT Vice-President; Mt. B. COOPER iton. Secretary: Mr. R. H. RIORDAN, 15 Regent St,, East Brighton, 3187. — 92 8579) Treasurer: H. BISHOP. Address Correspondence to National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yatra. Subscription Secretary: Mr. D. E. McINNES, 129 Waverley Road, East Mal- vern, 3145 Hon. Editor: Mr. G. M. WARD, 54 St. James Road, Heidelberg 3084. Hon. Librarian: Mr. P. KELLY, c/o National Herbarium. The Domain, South Yarra 3141. ` Hon. Excursion. Secretary; Miss: M, ALLENDER, 19 Hawthorn Avenue, Caulfield 3161. (522749) Magazine Sales Officer: Mr. B. FUHRER, 25 Sunhill Av., North Ringwood, 3134. Group Secretaries: Botany: Mr. J. A. BAINES, 45 Eastgate Street, Oakleigh 3166 (57 6206). Day Group: Mrs. J. STRONG, 1160 Dandenong Road, Murrrumbeena. (56 2271) Entomology and Marine Biology; Mr. J. W: H. STRONG, Flat 11, “Palm Court", 1160 Dandenong Rd.. Murrumbeena 3163. (56 2271). Field Survey: Mr, B. J. COOPER, 37 Bath Road, Burwood 3125. (29 7379) Geology: Mr. T. SAULT. ` Mammal Survey: Mr. G. F. DOUGLAS, "Knotanoll", Riddell's Creek 3431 (054-285191) Microscopical: Mr. M. H. MEYER, 36 Milroy Street, East Brighton (96 3268). 7 MEMBERSHIP Membership of the F.N.C.V. is open to any person interested im natural history. The Victorian Naturalist is distributed free to all members. the club's reference and lending library is available, and other activities are indicated in reports set out in the several preceding pages of this magazine. Rates of Subscriptions for 1972. Ordinary Members fem D- 643 € P eu» me deae de 02 cg pee $7.00 Country Members — .. R Aj won aloe eque Qui ER 48 a $5.00 Joint Members sm e " $2.00 Junior Mambers ss s oy = $2.00 lunior Members receiving: Vid. Neh. sv an $4.00 Subscribers ita Viet. Not = _ — $5.00 Affiliated Societies . £7.00 life Membership [reducing ‘after 20. yanri 4 $140.00 The cas! of individual copies of the Viet. Nat. will be a5 cents, All snbseriotions should be mode payable to the Field Watusolists Club of Victoria, and posted to. the Subscription Secretary. 9 JENKIN BUXTON & CO. PTY. LTD.. PRINTERS, WEST MELBOURNE the C © toria natural VIC i2 F.N.C.V. DIARY OF COMING EVENTS GENERAL MEETINGS Wednesday, 14 June—At National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra, commencing at 8 p.m. Subject for evening:—‘‘An introduction to Orchids”: Mr. Jack Hyett. New Members (April)— Ordinary: Miss Dorothy M. Bell, 17 Tower St., Mount Albert. 3127 Miss Jeanne N. W. Freeman, 4 McArthur Ave, Rushall Park, Nth. Fitzroy, 3068 Mr Martin Harris, 1 Campbell St., East Kew. 3102 Mr Peter King, 35 Myrtle St., Springvale. 3171 Dr Robert W. K. Rogers, 629 The Boulevard, Heidelberg. 3084 Mr Terrence W. Swalwell, 356 Burwood Rd., Burwood. 3125 (May)— Ordinary: Mr Clive M. Brownsea, 30 Gissing St., Blackburn South. 3130 Mrs Dora Scott, Flat 16. Tahara Rd., Toorak. 3142 Joint: Mr Graham C. Morris and Mrs Alicia A. Morris, 89 Yarrbat Ave, Balwyn. 3103 Country: Mr Lloyd R, Lobbe, 55 Anderson St.. Dimboola. 3414 GROUP MEETINGS (8 p.m. at National Herbarium unless otherwise stated.) Wednesday, 21 June — Microscopical Group: *Malaria and the Mosquito in Vic- toria" by Mr. P. Genery. DAY GROUP Thursday, 22 June — Field Survey Group. All meetings are held in Conference Room, National Museum, at 8 p.m. Friday, 23 June — Junior meeting in Hawthorn Town Hall at 8 p.m. Monday, 3 July — Marine Biology and Entomology Group meeting at Conference Room, National Museum, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, 5 July— Geology Group. Thursday, 6 July — Botany Group. Thursday, 6 July — Mammal Survey Group Meeting held in Arthur Rylah Institute, 123 Brown St., Heidelberg at 8 p.m. Friday, 7 July — Junior Meeting at Preston in Rechabite Hall, 281 High St., at 8 p.m. Friday, 14 July — Montmorency and District Junior F.N.C. in Hall at Petrie Park at 8 p.m. SURVEY CAMPS 15-16 July— Healesville/Toolangi area. (Details later.) F.N.C.V. EXCURSIONS Sunday, 18 June — Afternoon excursion to Sydenham Organ Pipes. The coach will leave from Batman Avenue at | p.m. Fare: $1.00. Saturday-Sunday, 24-25 June — Weekend Excursion to Bendigo. This excursion has been arranged to enable members to attend the “Meeting of Field Naturalists Clubs" mentioned on page 148 of the May Naturalist. Accommodation has been book at the Oval Motel on a bed and light breakfast basis (cooked breakfast SOc extra). Bring picnic meals for Saturday and Sunday. Cost for accommoda- tion and coach $11.00 to be paid to the Excursion Secretary, by 18 June. The coach will leave from Flinders St. outside Gas and Fuel Corporation at 9 a.m. Sunday, 27 August-Saturday, 2 September — Stawell. The Stawell F.N.C. are planning an itinerary for this excursion and will provide leaders on some of the day trips. one suggested excursion being to the slate quarry which provided slate for Parliament House. Other trips will be made to the Grampians. Accommodation has been booked at the London Motel, room only $4.70. Members going should pay accommodation individually, and the coach fare of $20.00 to the Excursion Secretary by the August General Meeting. Cheques to be made to Excursion Trust. 154 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 The Victorian Naturalist Editor: G. M. Ward Assistant Editor; G, Douglas Vol. 89, No. 6 7 lune, 1972 CONTENTS Articles: Harmony Vale, Baron von Hügel, and an early Victorian Bird Collection. By N. A. Wakefield Notes on some Tortoises collected in Northern Australia. By John Cann Feature: Nature Notes from the Gold Coast. By Alex N. Burns |. Victorian Non-marine Molluscs. By Brian J. Smith Conservation: Submission to Minister for Forests, for Preservation of Mt. Cole Reserve Forest Field Naturalists Club of Victoria: Index to Volume 88 Victorian Naturalist (Removable centre pages) Diary of Coming Events Group Reports Proposed Excursion to New Zealand Front Cover: 156 165 168 169 170 154 172 John Wallis photographed the Black-headed Python which inhabits the North of Australia, and as far south as Newcastle waters and the tablelands of North Queens- land. It may exceed 9 feet in length. June, 1972 155 Harmony Vale, Baron von Hugel, and an early Victorian Bird Collection by N. A. WAKEFIELD* In the bird collection ol the Museum of Zoology at Cambridge University, England, there is a series of spectmens taken in 1874 by A, von Hiigel in the Dandenong Ranges of central Victoria. This information was communicated (1) by C. W. Benson, who for several years has been compiling a catalogue of the hirds in the Cambridge collection.. In subsequent correspondence Mr. Benson provided some bibliographical details of von Hügel, as well as a list of his Victorian bird specimens and their recorded data. "The purpose of this article is to place these matters on record, for they comprise a little niece of Australian bird history which has until now escaped Ihe attention of Incal ornithnlogists, Harmony Yale Acconlng to their labels, von Hügel collected most of the speci- mens in November 1874, at “Har- mony Vale, Dandenong Mts". This locality posed a problem, for Harmony Vale is not a current place name, und the Department of Lands and Survey in Melbourne had no record of it in their archives. Amongst von Hiigel's specimens were three of the Helmeted Honey- eater, and as this species used to live slong Olinda Creek (2) it seemed likely that Harmony Vale might hive been in that vicinity—aboul the north-easlern foothills of the Dande- nong Ranges. This was confirmed by an enquiry to a one-time resident of that district, Mrs, Christina Mawdes- ley, who made these comments (3): 156 When my mother, Sarah Jane McBWin, was a irl at Silvan (then South Wandin), on the Monbulk Road near Queens Road, they were neighbours with the Richardsons, who had settled earlier ou the lower slopes of Mount Dande- nmg, across the Olinda Creek, Richard- sons called their property Harmony Vale. { have often heard Sarah Jane say that Baron Ferdinand von Mueller had 36veral Limes stayed at the Richardson homestead when on collectina tours im the Dandenongs. When the list of von Hüpel's Vic- torian birds came to hand, it was noted that a Miss Richardson was the actual collector of some of the speci- mens, and in this connection Mrs. Mawdeslcy wrote the following (4): Sarah Anne Richardson (as described by my mother and aunts, her contem- poraries) was an attractive personality, with good features, and an abundance of red hair, They (the McEwins). knew the family around 1880-1890. l re- member sécing Sarah Anne in her old age, She and her sister, I should think then both in their seventies, walked across to beyond Parkers Road, Silvan, to sec us—a long walk, crossing at Stony Ford (where the dam ts now), climbing up to Silvan township and along the Monbulk Road about three miles further on. Sur'anne. as she was always called, had a keen intellect to go with the red hair. Baron von Mueller was said to have. thought highly of her; she helped him with his collections when he stayed at Harmony Vale, Her married name was Mrs. Bird. but the Birds passed on, SO years ago or morte leaving no descendants, Harmony Vale, then, was a name for part of the upper valley of Olinda Creck, Its position was at latitude 37° 49' S., longitude 1459 22' E. * Monash Tescher? College, Clayton. Victoris, Vict Nat. Vol, 89 Yon Hugel's Collection of Victorian Birds This list is essentially a transcript of a document sent to me by C. W. Benson (5). The vernacular names were not included in the document, and I have provided them to serve as headings for the data of each species. The catalogue number (Museum of Zoology, Cambridge University) is given, together with colleetion date; and in a few cases the sex or age is indicated. Most specimens — all those listed without qualification — were taken by von Hügel at Harmony Vale; others have the locality and/or collector indicated in parenthesis. The notes with quotation marks are from yon Hiigel’s labels. Comments made by Mr. Benson are in brackets, with the prefix C.W.B. Statements not qualified in any way are my own. Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis pyrrhophanus (Cuculidae) 19/Cuc/1/d/15, Adult. 30 Oct. 1874. "Not numerous. Shy and retiring. Note a prolonged tri, tri, tri, heard a long distance and not infrequently at night. Generally single but also seen in companies of 3-6." 19/Cuc/1/d/16, Adult. 6 Nov. 1874. 19/Cuc/1/d/17, Immature. Now. 1874. 19/Cuc/1/d/21. Adult. | Nov. 1874. Horsfield Bronze Cuckoo Chalcites: basalis (Cuculidae) 19/Cuc/1/a/4. Nov. 1874. June, 1972 Golden Branze Cuckoo Chalcites lucidus (Cucuhdae) 19/ Cuc/7/c/ 13. 10 Nov. 1874. (Miss Richardson.) Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta (Alcedinidae) 25/A1c/8/ee/35. 15 Nov. 1874. (Coranderrk Native Mission Station, Barak Barak.) (6) "Generally seen in pairs on dead limbs o£ higli Eucalypti." 25/ Alc/8/ee/36. 13 Nov. 1874. (Same locality as first specimen.) "Killed on overhanging bough of a dead gum-tree in water hole along the Yarra. First specimen seen near water. Generally found in woods." Dusky Wood-Swallow Artamus cyanopterus (Artamidae) 27/Art/1/b/7. Adult. Nov, 1874, (Dandenong Range.) 27/ Art/ 1/0/9. 1874. Juvenile. Nay, [C.W.B.:—A specimen from von Hügel of A. superciliosus was also found with these two of .cyanap- terus, but it was. merely marked “Victoria, ‘Gaskell’. There were also two of A. leucorhynchus, but these bore no data at alt. Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 27/Cra/2/a/15. 1 Nov, 1874. “Incubation time. Not numerous. Its melodious almost flutetike notes are chiefly to be heard at dawn and dus "v (Cracidae) 157 [C.W.B.:—We have four specimens of this species marked "Victoria 1594" or “Murray River 1894", re- ceived from an A. T. Campbell of H. M. Customs, Victoria, on $ March 1895] (7) Pied Currawong Strepera graculina (Cracidae) 27/Cra/3/b/3, S and 6. Nov. 1874. Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor (Cracidae) 27/Cra/3/c/7. 5 Noy, 1874. "Numerous, but very shy, frequent- ing the tops of high trees in small companies of 3 to 8-12. birds. Note like an ungreased wheel — kiau, ki, kt kiau, ., ." Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris (Meliphagidae) 27/ Mel/1/b/16. 10 Nov. 1874, 27/Mel/1/b/17. 3 Nov. 1874. "Not uncommon, chiefly about fruit trees and flowering Aster bushes,” 27/Mel/1/b/18, 5 Nov. £874, {Dandenong Range.) "Not numerous, Found Peach and Aster bushes." about Red. Wattle-bird Anthachaera carunculata (Meliphagidae) 27/ Mel/2/a/16. 9 Nov. 1874. (Miss Richardson.) “Not numerous.” 27/Mel/2/a/17. Nov. 1874. Helmeted Honeyeater Meliphaga cassidix (Meliphagidae) 158 27/Mel/18/e/1. Female. Nav, 1874. 27/Mel/18/e/2. Male. Nov. 1874. 27/Mel/18/ce/3, Female. Nov. 1874. It was the discovery of thesc three specimens that stimulated Mr. Ben- son's. original communication, After discovering some specimens of Meli- phaga melanops (Yellow - tufted Honeyeater) and M. cassidix in the British Museum (Nat. Hist.}, he made these comments (1) about the Cambridge specimens: When I came across these three from Dandenong Mts, (ie, Harmony Vale] I thought they might be cassidix, but took them up to the B.M. to check this, and Dan Freeman (8) and I got in- terested in them. They seem to agree with your diagnoss (9) of M. rm. gippslandica, though apart from this they only differ from cassidix in being a little paler black above, the black central line on the chin and throat less pronounced, and yellowish white on inner rectrices. only extending, back for about 10 mm. as against 15 mm. In wing-length they seem intermediate be- tween cassidix and melanops.. These comments add another link in a chain of «evidence which will probably lead eventually to a revision of the taxonomic status of cassidix. T remarked on the situation several years ago (10) with the following ab- servation: It may be that our Helmeted Honey- eater is not a distinct species, but merely an extreme form of the widespread Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater [ Meliphagidae) 5 and 6, Nov. Meliphaga chrysaps 27/Mel/18/£/4, 1874. 27/Mel/18/£/7. 29 Oct. 1374. "Stomach small frags Coleoptera. Vict, Mat. Vol, 89 Not uncommon on fruit trees but now rare owing to the earliness of the season." i White-plumed Honeyeater Meliphaga penicillata (Meliphagidae) 27/ Mel/18/bb/6. Nov. 1874, (Dandenong Range.) White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus (Meliphagidae) 27/Mel/20/f/7. 30 Oct. 1874. 27/Mel/20/f/8 and 9. Nov. 1874. [C.W.B.:—No. 7 adult— olive above white below; chin and throat white, rest of head black, with a white band on the nape, The other two brownish olive above, tawny below; crown and sides of head brown, No, 8 has a narrow white band from behind the eye along the sides of the head; but. this is lacking in No. 9.] Noisy Friar-bird Philemon corniculaius (Meliphagidae) 27/Mel/28/g/13. Female. 24 Oct. 1874. ‘ (Tallarook; Dr. Bleasdale.) 27/Mel/28/g/14. Male. 24 Oct. 1874. (Tallarook; Dr. Bleasdale.) “Stomach elytra of beetles and seeds. Commion in pairs and small companies. Note garrulous and very striking.” Superb Lyrebird Menura novae-hollandiae (Menuridae) 27/Men/1/b/3. male. Oct. 1874. fuvenile June, 1972 Southern Yellow-Robin Eopsaltria australis (Muscicapidae) 27/Mus/14/a/8. Nov. 1874. 27/Mus/14/a/9, 4 Nov. 1874. “Abundant, habits much like the British Robin. Remarkably diffi- cult to skin owing to the feathers falling out.” Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca (Muscicapidae) 27/Mus/33/g/2. Male. Nov. 1874. 27/ Mus/ 33/g/3. Nov. 1874. Female. Rose Robin Petroica rosea (Muscicapidae) 27/Mus/41/j/2. No date. (Tree Fern Valley, Dandenong Range.) Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons (Muscicapidae) 27/Mus/48/jj/2; Nov, 1874. Grey Shrike-Thrush Colluricincla harmonica (Muscicapidae, Pachycephalinae) 27/ Mus(P)/ 1/5/16. 2 Nov. 1874. “Abundant, but not easily procured owing to its rather shy habits. Note tu-tu-tui, Local: Whistling Dick." Eastern Shrike-Tit Falcunculus frontatis (Muscicapidae, Pachycephalinae) 27/Mus(P)/3/a/9. Male. Nov. 1874, 159 27/Mus(P)/3/a/10, Male. 28 Oct. 1874, “Scarce. Only specimen seen.” (11) 27/ Mus(P)/3/a/11. Immature. Nov. 1874. [C.W.B.:—Perhaps a discoloured male; might have been in spirit.] Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis (Muscicapidae, Pachycephalinae) 27/Mus(P)/7/p/24. Male. Nov. 1874. 27/Mus(P)/7/p/27, Female. Nov. 1874. 27/Mus(P)/7/p/34, Nov. 1874. [C.W.B.:—Apparently a juvenile male of this species. Above, it is mostly with pale whitish shaft- streaks, though with a few olive adult feathers. Chest similar. Abdo- men plain tawny, lower abdomen white, throat yellowish white. Bill, legs and feet yellowish white.) Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris (Muscicapidae, Pachycephalinae) 27/Mus(P)/7/u/6. Male. Nov. 1874. Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus (Dicaeidae) 27/Dica/5/c/9, 30 Oct. 1874, (Deep Creek, Harmony Vale.) “Scarce. Specimen killed on a young Acacia tree. Habits like the Coal Tit though much less active. Easily approached.” (12) [(C.W.B.:—There are also two specimens of P. sfridtus received from yon Hiigel, but without par- ticulars of any kind.] 160 Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus (Oriolidae) 27/0ri/1/s/17, 18 and 19. Novy. 1874. Satin Bowerbird Ptilanorhynchus violaceus (Ptilonorhynchidae) 27/Pti/6/a/7. Male. Nov. 1874. (Dandenong Ranges.) White-throated Treecreeper Climacteris leucophaea (Sittidae ?) 27/Sit/1/c/9. Female. 26 Oct. 1874. (Lillydale, Dandenong Ranges.) "Eggs nearly ready for exclusion. Common, chiefly about the larger eucalypti, Habits like C. familiaris. Note tui, tui and a trill" (13) 27/Sit/1/c/10, Juvenile. 3 Nov. 1874. (Dandenong Range.) "Caught by a dog at the foot of a white gum — old birds about.” Spotted Quail-Thrush Cinclosoma punctatum (Turdidae) 27/Tur/14/d/10. Female. Nov. 1874, 27/Tur/14/d/11, Male. Nov. 1874. 27/Tur/14/d/12. Male. 3 Now. 1874. 27/Tur/14/d/13. Female Nov. 1874. Chestnut Quail-Thrush Cinclosoma castanotum (Turdidae) 27/Tut/14/b/1. Male Noy. 1874. (Dandenong Range.) Vict, Nat. Vel, 89 As casianoluin is a semi-desert or mallee species, a request was made for a check of the identity of von Hiigel’s specimen, and the following description of it was provided (14): It is immediately distinguished from ihose of punclaium it having the back uniform, without any spots. The upper back is brown. ihe lower back .and scapulars maroon, the rump brown like ihe upper back. The upper chest is glossy black, like the chin and throat, whereas in all four of punctorum the upper chest is grey, with black (in males) on the chin and throat. The identification of von Hügel's castanetum is evidently correct, but it cannot be accepted that the speci- men was collected in the Dandenong Ranges or, in fact, in central Victoria. Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus (Turdidae) 27/Tur/58/b/12. 7 Nov. 1874. "Noi numerous. Note ‘tuhip’, often heard, Procured with nest and 2 eggs whilst cutting scrub (mimosa) and heard but not. seen.” 27/Tur/58/b/13. Nov. 1874. 27/Tur/58/b/14. Nov. 1874. [C.-W.B.:—Apparently — immature, much duller than the first two, and bill brownish horn rather than black in calour, Seems fully grown.] Mountain Thrush Zoothera douma (Turdidae) 27/Tur/70/f/17. Nov. 1874. 27/Tur/70/f/18. 8 Nov, 1874. "Whilst scrub cutting. Very local and difficult to procure. Egg No. 8.” (15) Grey-backed Silvereye Zostereps lateralis (Zosteropidae) June, 1972 27T/Zos'll/aa/18 and 19. 1874. 27/Zos/11/2aa/20. 29 Oct, 1874. “Scarce. Said to be very common and do great harm ta the cherry trees during the fruit season. Local ELI ‘white eye’. 27/Zas/11/aa/21. Nov. 1874. [C.W.B,:—This specimen is surely a juvenile, perhaps not yet fully grown (wing 57 as against 61, 6T, 63 mm. in the other three), More- over. no sign of the white eye-ring. One can note the same absence in recently fledged Z. zenegalensiy in Africa] Nov. Pilot-bird Pycnopiilus floccosus (Sylviidae) 27/Syl/68/a/2, Nov, 1874, [C.W.8.:—Is this a rare bird? The British Museum (Nat. Hist.) has only one skin, We have another one received from a Capt. L, Har- rison, M.D., University of Sydney, received 1 May 1919, and marked "Mt. Wilson, 13 April 1906”,] White-browed Scrub-Wren Sericornis frontalis (Sylviidae) 27/Syl/78/d/4. 1 Nov. 1874. (Fern-tree gully, near Harmony Vale, Dandenong Mts.) "Extremely numerous in low thick scrub, but se retiring and unobtru- sive in habit that it is difficult to procure specimens.” Southern Emu-Wren Stipiturus malachuris (Sylviidae) 27/8yi/81/a/5. Female. Nov. 1874. 27/Syl/81/a/6. Male. Nov. 1874. 161 27/Syl/81/a/7, Female. Nov. 1874, Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla (Sylviidac) 27/Syl/2/h/7. 28 Oct, 1874. "Abundant. Found in small flocks, chiefly on low trees where it flits about much after the fashion of the European Regulus.” 27/8y|/2/h/8. Nov. 1874, (Dandenong Mts.) Blue Wren Malurus cyaneus (Sylviidac) 27/Syl/48/d/10. Nov. 1874. Male. 27/Syl/48/d/12. Male. 30 Oct. 1874. “Common in low scrub where its wren-like song is offen heard. In habitat it is perhaps most like the whinchat." (16) 27/Syl/48/d/13, Female. 3 Nov. 1874. "Common in Tow scrub,” 21/Syl/48/d/14. Female. 29 Oct. 1874. Addendum (C.W.H., letter 28 Feb. 1972): Welcome Swallow Hirundo tahitica neoxena (Hirundinidae) 29 Oct. 1874. Male. (Richardson's Cottage, Vale.) "Not numerous. only by one. pait.” Harmony Vale frequented 162 Baron A. von Hngel —Biographical Sharpe (1906) provides these de- tails of von Hügel and the bird speci- mens which he donated to the British Museum (17): Hügel (Baron A, von) 4 Gannets (Sula bassan) from the Bass Rock. Presented, (73.114, 1-4.) These were presented with the idea of forming a group of Bass Rock birds. Some of the specimens are in the great case in the Bird Gallery. 35 specimens from various localities. T Sent. (73.2.3, 1-33; 7312,26, 13- ) Very interesting specimens of Palae- arctic birds, including the skin of a Griffon Vulture (Gyps falvus). 16 birds from Hampshire, Presented, (74.3.14, 28-43.) 23 birds from New Zealand. sented, (80.5.3, 1-23.) The types of Phálacrocorük stewarti arc included in this donation (cf. Cat. B., xxvi. p. 386). Baron yon Hügel is the son of the celebrated Baron Carl von Hügel, who wtote the well-known work of travel, "Kaschmir und das Reich der Siek". 1840-1848. The donations to the British Muscum were from his collection of British birds which the young Baron made before he went out tà the Fiji Islands and New Zealand. Some of the specimens which he pave to the Museum were of great intrinsic value. Pre- C. W, Benson (5) wrote these com» ments aboul von Hiigel and his Cam- bridge bird collection: Gadow (1910) gave an account of the collections here in Cambridge (18). With regard ta von Hügel, there is a bare entry that there is a collection made by him in Fiji There are indeed a good many specimens (? several hundreds) collected by von Hügel dur- ing May-August 1875. We also have a specimen of the rail Nesoclopeus peeciloptera collected by him there in July 1877, The date of receipt of this collection here is not clear, but ob- viously before 1910. 1 began to come across the specimens soon after I started Vict. Nal. Vol. 89 cataloguing the collectians here in 1965. They had been dispersed and placed with their appropriate families But 1 did not find the collection (19) which is the main subject of fhis leller until earlier this year, when, diunped together in one drawer | came across! (a) The specimens on the allached tist (19), (t) Some specimens collected far von Hügel by onc Cockerel) on the Richmond River in Queensland in as (no month ever given) (20), (c) Some specimens collected by von Hügel in New Zealand between late Dec. 1874 and April 1875. Some of ihe specimens in this drawer are marked as if they were received in 1932, though at that time I have the im- pression that little interest was taken in the bitd collections here. Possibly these particular specimens were reotived on yon Hiigel’s death. Anyway, it does seem that he did a grand tour, first visit- ing Victoria, then New Zealand and then Fiji (where he may have stayed until July 1877, i.e. more than two years! I believe that von Hügel was a Fellow of some Cambridge College, though what his main interests were I do not know. I imagine that birds were only sub- sidiary, The dales recorded on von Hügel's Victorian bird specimens in- dicate the follawing itinerary: 24 Oct, 1874. With a Dr. Bless- dale at Tallarook (37° 06° S., 145° Q6' E.), where specimens of Noisy Friar-bird were collected. 26 Oct, At Lilydale (37° 46’ S., 145° 23' E), where a White- throated Treccreeper was collected, 28 Oct, to 10 Nov. Al Harmony Vale (379 49' S, 145° 22° E.), in which vicinity numerous specimens were collected. The “Dandenong Ranges" of some specimens may sig- nify excursions ta other parts of the mountains, The "Fern-tree gully" of L. Nav., for the White-hrowed Scrubs Wren, may indicate a visit to the present Fern Tree Gully, 6 miles S.-W. of Hatmony Vale. The speci- Jure, 1977 (mens attributed to Miss Richardson are dated 9 Nov, and t0 Nov. 13 to 13 Oct. At Caranderzk Mis- sion Station, near Healesville (379 4Q' S, 145° 31° E), where Barak Barak provided specimens of Sacred Kingfisher. ‘Harmony Vale" Today The original Richardson property is now part of a flower farm, The owner. Mr. Brian Tonkin, calls it Sylvan Vale. The farm is surrounded by a dense forest of Messmate (Eucalyptus abliqua), hut this species gives way to Common Peppermint (E. radiata) a little way down the valley. Near the farm, on a little flat by Olinda Creek, there is a stand of Manna Gum (E. viminalis), and that would have been the habitat of the Helmeted ^ Honeyeater when yon Hügel! was there. Mr. Tonkin, though not an ornis thologist, has been interested in the local birds for some thirty years, and he has not seen the Helmeted Honey- eater, Satin Bowerbird, Spotled Quail-Thrush or Southern Emu-Wren in the vicinity of his property. As lar as is known, the Bowerbird no longer visits the Dandenong Ranges, though it may be seen oc- casionally in the Healesville orea 15 miles to the north-east. The Helmeted Honeyeater, Emu-Wren and Quail- Thrush are still to be found some six miles io the east, in the vicinity of Yellingbo (37° 49’ S, 145° 31° E). The rest of the species which von Hoge! collected durmg his fortnight at Harmony Vale are present-day vesidents of the Dandenong Ranges or else seasonal visitors there. The collection was by no means compre- hensive of the local avifauna but represents something like half (he species that would have been there at the time. 163 NOTES AND REFERENCES i, Letter, 16 July 1971. 1l. This note evidently applied to the 2. See "The Camp Out at Olinda day of collection. Creek". Victorian Nat. 1; 110 12. C,W.B.:—The Coal Tit is Parus ater (Dec. 1884), of the palaearctic. 3. Letter, 18 Aug. 1971. 13. GC.W.B.:—The C. familiaris ob- 4. Letter, 29 Oct. 197]. viously means the palaearctic 5. Letter, 11 Sept, 1971. , Certhia familiaris. 6. Barak Barak (or Berak) was the 14 C, W. Benson, letter 15 Nov. 1971. last of ihe Yarra Yarra tribe. He "m 15. C.W.B. notes that the whereabouts died at the Coranderrk aboriginal of "egg No. 8" is not known. station near Healesville in 1903, Mor E - cr aged about 85 years. See Victorian 16. C.W.B.:—The whinchat is the Nat. 76: 255 (Feb. 1960), palaearctic Saxicola rubetra. 1, A, J. Campbell was the author of 17. See R. Bowler Sharpe: The History Nests and Eggs oj Australian Birds of the Collection Contained in the (Melbourne. 1901). Natural History Department of the 8. D, J. Freeman, who was working at British Museum, vol 2, p. 389. the British Museum (Nat. Hist.). British Museum (London, 1906). 9. Sce p. 177 in “The Yellow-tufted 18. H. Gadow: “The Ornithological Honeyeater, With a Description of Collections of the University of a New Subspecies” (N. A. Wake- Cambridge," Ihis 4, 9th ser.: 47-53 field). Emu 58: 163-194 (July (1910). 1958). 19. These references are to von Hügel's 10, See “Helmeted Honeyealers". pp. Victorian collection and the assa- 119-121 in Naturalists Diary (N. ciated data, A. Wakefield). Longmans (Mel- 20, This may refer to Richmond River. bourne, 1967), - New South Wales. F.N,C.V. PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THE WILD FLOW ERS OF THE WILSON'S PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK, by J. Ros Garnet. Price $5,25, (discount to members); postage 20c, VICTORIAN TOADSTOOLS AND MUSHROOMS, by J. H. Willis. This describes 120 toadstool species and many other fungi. There are four coloured plates and 31 other illustrations, New edition. Price 90c. THE VEGETATION OF WYPERFELD NATIONAL PARK, by J. R. Garnet. Coloured frontispiece, 23 half-tone, 100 line drawings of plants and a map. Price $1,50. Address orders and inquiries to Sales Officer, F.N.C.V., National Herbarium, South Yarra, Victoria. Payments should include postage (15c on single copy). Flowers and Plants of Victoria in Colour Copies of this excellent book are still available, and of course would make a wonderful gift. They are obtainable from the F.N.C.V. Treasurer, Mr. D. McInnes. 164 Viet. Nat. Vol. 89 Notes on some Tortoises collected in Northern Australia by JoHN CANN * After two hundred years of coloni- zation, the distribution of Australian Chelids is far from being determined, particularly in the northern regions. Unquestionably, the remoteness of northern Australia, and the lack of interest in this section of our fauna, are responsible for so little being known on distribution limits, especi- ally to interested students. In September 1971, the author en- deavoured to check for tortoises in waterways with visibility reasonably clear enough for skin diving and it was hoped that the fresh water turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) would be encountered. This species was first re- corded from Australia in 1969. This work was carried out with per- mits supplied by: Department of Fisheries and Fauna, West Australia; Northern Territory Administration, Primary Industries Branch; and De- partment of Interior, Animal Indus- tries Branch, Darwin, N.T. All tortoises lodged in the Austra- lian Museum, Sydney, are identified by (A.M.) “after mention”, followed by the registered museum number. Those still in the "author's collection” are identified by (A.C.) and speci- mens "released" by (R). The total collection from this trip, covering some 9,500 miles, will eventually be lodged in the Australian Museum collection. In the event of a new species, the type specimens will be forwarded to the Darwin Museum, Northern Territory. Our first river camp was at Daly River Mission, on the Daly River, ap- proximately one hundred miles south of Darwin. Unfortunately the river June, 1972 was murky and visibility was restricted to approximately five feet. This made diving dangerous, because of snags, and a stick had to be waved in a circu- lar motion in front and head high, to avoid a sudden encounter with sharp branches and other hazards. Surpris- ingly enough, tortoises were soon sighted, and in one hour and two hundred yards swimming, the follow- ing specimens were collected: Two yellow-faced Emydura Sp. 1 plate 1 (A.M. R31723, R31724). Length along carapace 102mm and 110mm. One Chelodina rugosa ( A.C.). One Emydura australis (A.C.) No. 1. Head quite large. Carapace length 19.5cm. Two Elseya dentata (A.M. No. R31725). One specimen (R). From the Daly River Mission we drove to Clarevale, also on the Daly River, approximately 65 miles from the sea of Anson Bay. Once again the water was murky, caused by rain up river, and the chance to collect or sight Caretto- chelys insculpta seemed remote. Meet- ing a full-blooded aboriginal named Narbour raised our hopes, for he had lived by the river for many years, and when shown a photograph of C. in- sculpta he said he had often caught “Pig-nosed Turtle for food", Subse- quent checking of his fire place re- vealed bone remains of this species, plate 2 (A.M. No. R31717). The following morning Narbour ar- rived at our camp armed with fishing * 26 Yarra Rd.. Phillip Bay 2036 165 line and wallaby meat for bait. He quickly settled in the branches of an overhanging tree to fish and attempt to collect the $10 reward we had offered for the capture of a live Carettochelys insculpta. In half an hour he had caught a fine specimen, plates 3 and 4 (A.C.), and although we remained here for two more days, no further specimens were collected or caught, although every effort was made by Narbour and our party. Narbour was quite familiar with both long-necked and short-necked Plate 1 tortoises, so when he stated he had seen C. insculpta basking on logs at times, is seems reasonable to assume this is a fact; and it is possible this species is nomadic in habit. Narbour knew nothing of the breeding habits of C. insculpta, but a police black-tracker of high intelligence gave us directions to a sand bar on the Daly River where the turtles came ashore to nest. The maze of roads along this river, to- gether with our time running out, pre- vented us from finding this area. Local enquiries made by the author indicate Plate 6 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 that this species. could be found in ihe following river systems: Daly, Darwin, Adelaide McKinlay Rivers. ; Jt therefore would appear C, iu- seulpla May ihabli all large water- Ways in the western side of Northern Australia. At the next camp, namely Edith Falls on the Edith. River Northern Territory, the water was quite clear, and at depths of up to thirty feet Elreva dentata could be collected — two to cach dive, These were all photographed then released with the exception of onc specimen (A.M, RS1728)7. Only one specimen of Emydura australis was encountered at this campy; it was collected (A.C.]. Our next stop was at Katherine, on the Katherine River, Northern Terri- lory, where one Elseya dentata was observed; and downstream from the lower river crossing, one specimen of Emydura australis was — collected (A.M. R31718). It had heen planned to check as many waterways as possible mm North West Australia, but time did not per- mit owing to the great distances be- tween them; thus only a token visit was possible to Ivanhoe Crossing on the Ord River in West Australia. Here one specimen of Emydura ans- traliy (A.C) was collected. Although il was 22.2 cm, carapace length, it had 4 much smaller head than ihe (A,C.) No. 1 specimen collected at Daly River. One specimen of Chelodina rugosa was also sighted at this stop. From the Ord River, we drove non stop to Barroloola, Northern Terri- tory, a distance of approximately eight hundred and fifty miles, Diving for one hour at Batten Creek four specimens of Emydura Sp, 2 were collected, (A.C.) and (A.M. R31726 & R31727). A dried specimen of Chelodina no\meguinere was also found on the bank of Batten Creek, {(A.C.}. Emyduris Sp, 2 are identical and Juno, 1972 ‘forming a secondary palate with specimens sent to the author in 1969 from Setiement Creek region Nornrh West Queensland, Plate 5 shows the variations in characleristics in this species, Superticially, the facial and carapace colour of this species are slmost identica] with Emydura australis, but a close examination of the roof of the mouth will distinguish between the two. In Emydura aus- tralis a horny sheath covering the upper jaw extends to the centre line In Eniv- dura Sp. 2 the horny sheath is con- fined to a narrow band along the edge of the upper jaw- On the sera trip, the Bellingen River, central coast of N.S.W, was checked for specimens. Four speci- mens were collected here and these were lodged at the Australian Museum (A.M. R31719, -20, -21, 22). The author has doubts as to the correct name of these specimens, therefore for the time being will refer ta them as Elseya latislernum, Dr. J, E, Gray published a paper in 1572 on the genus Chelymys, im which he de- scribed two tortoises one of which could he this oval-shaped E. fatister- uum. Yn his descriptions he named one Euchelymys suleifera. the other Elseva spinosa. Both were collected from Northern Australia and have since been declared synonymous with Elseya latisternum, which is why the author has placed them under this name until further work can be carried out on these specimens. If the Bellin- gen River specimens prove to be E. laiisternunt, there are certainly two distinc] farms of this species. It is the sincere wish of the author that students study these specimens at the. Australian Museum, Sydney, On future field trips they should re- member that diving for tortoises ts extremely effective, even in the shal- lows and along river banks. The favourable time 1s morning or eye- M7 ning for study or collecting purposes. Possihly there are other rivers, apart from the Daly River, which nave at lease five species of Chelids in the same waterholc. It is also worth noting, that the author found the five species, Plate 6, in the Daly River within a dis- fance of anly approximately two hun- dred yards. A systematic search of a larger stretch of the river could reveal more populations. This could also apply to many more Australian Rivers. Acknowledgements L would like: to thank Mr. Raymon Mascord for his assistance with this article. Nature Totes jrom the Gold Coast by ALEX. N. Buns Introductory. The area in which I nm living is one tbat is richly endowed with all kinds of interesting flora and fauna: Situated as it is, one can view the southern extremity of South Strad- broke Island a few miles to the north: . Tambotine Mountain embracing Eagle Heighis, North ‘Tamborine, and the southern end of the range to the west; Beechmont and Springbrook to the south-west; and fringing the coast it- self the portion of the Gold Coast from Main Beach (near Southport) to Palm Beach on the highway to Coolangatta, To the north-east and east, can be seen the ever changing Pacific ocean, Across the road from our garden is the Burleigh Heads Nationa! Park; a beautiful still un- spoiled area embracing much fine rain forest and some acres of cucalyp- lus forest, This park is a real sanc- tuary for many wonderful and in- teresting animats, birds, reptiles, and insects. As I write, in a small white barked eucalyptus tree some forty feet from the kitchen window, sleeps a half grown koala. At dusk, up to nine small rock wallabies will come down to be fed on bread and fresh fruit and vegetable scraps. These will be accompanied by a similar number of scrub turkeys who also come for 143 their share of the good things. So fame are these lovely creatures ihat they will take the food from one's hand, Daybreak brings the voices of the currawongs, kookaburras, butcher birds and many other “feathered friends" who frequent this area along with many other fine and interesting species of wild life. Flowers in the garden attract many interesting in- sects representing many Orders; these are a never ending source of interest and delight. Only a few days ago no less than three females of the Rich- mond Birdwing butterfly (Ornitkep- ters priamus richmondius) were ob- served attending flowers of a male Papaya to obtain the nectar so rich in the flowers of these plants. Car- penter and leaf cutting bees are always in evidence on sunny days, as well as many species of Coleoptera and Orthoptera. This initial note is mainly an in- traduction to the area from which my nature observations and notes for the future will be made, Situated 187 feet above sea level with a 180 degree view of the ocean, coastline, and land, it is placed in a wonderful position for natural history observations covering 4 great variety of terrain. Vict. Nat. Vol, 89 Victorian Non-Marine Molluscs by Brian J, SMiTH* Victoria has only one native species of terrestrial slug, and even this is not considered a true slug by many experts, but a shellJess intermediate between a slug and a snail with most features more akin to the snail form. Family CYSTOPELTIDAE Cystopelta purpura Davies, 1912 This is a shell-less mollusc with the tail and visceral mass separate at the posterior end, the tail extending well beyond the end of the visceral mass. The animal can grow up to 25 mm. long and is usually a mottled greeny grey in colour with dark blotches. It is usually confined to native bush- land and has a wide distribution throughout the*forest areas of central and eastern Victoria from a few metres above sea-level to the tops of the ranges. Closely related species occur in New South Wales and Tas- mania. The average size of animals in any particular population and the pre- dominent colour pattern can vary from place to place. Superficially there seems to be some ‘correlation between colour pattern und habitat, a light coloured specimen being found in the dryer sclerophyll areas near the tops of the ranges, a darker animal inhabiting the wetter fern gullies, but too little collecting and accurate habitat data recording has been carried out yet to prove this. June, 1972 The animals are usually found under logs or litter in damp positions. How- ever several times they have also been found climbing the trunks of trees and even in a quiescent stage inside the rolled-up free bark hangings of eucalypts. Drawing by Miss R. Plant. Because of a superficial similarity to the Helicarion group of snails with fragile reduced shells, these animals have in the past been lumped with the Helicarionidae. However, ana- tomical studies have revealed many unusual features. that make such an association untenable and the relation- ships and systematic position of this unusual group of molluscs, endemic to south-eastern Australia, is still very much an enigma, 4 Curator of Invertebrates, National Museum of Victoria. 169 Submission for Preservation of Mt. Cole Reserve Forest This iv a reprint of part of the fall Submission made by the Geelong F N.C. and rhe Western Victoria F.N.C.'y Association. Minister for Forests. Dear Sir, The Geelong Field Naturalists Club, in conjunction with the Western Field Naturalists Club's Association, wish to submit. this submission to you, for the preservation of Mt. Cole Reserve Forest, an aféa of approxi- mately 28,000 acres, situated between Beaufort and Ararat, in central western Victoria. The area of Reserve Forest already has two Scenic Reserves, that of Fern Tree Waterfalls Scenic Reserve with an area of 400 acres and the Victoria Mill Scenic Reserve with an area of 80 acres, and both have been de- veloped by the Forests Commission and allract many picnic parties, naturalists groups and bush walkers thraughout each year. Early in 1969, the Geelong Field Naturalists Club commenced a survey of the fauna and flora of this forest, embracing the three main mountain regions, namely Mt, Buangor, 3247 ft; Ben Nevis, 2876 ft; and Mt. Cole, 2591 ft. The survey tonk almost three years tà complete, and a detailed list of fauna and fiora is included in tliis submission. Apart from the importance of the permanent preservation of particular regions within the forest. we have seriously considered other aspects of management such as the priority for hardwood extraction, and the em- ployment of a local work force, so dependant on the forest for a liveli- 170 Belmont, Vic. 3216. 24th March, 1972, hood, that the recommendations sub- mitted have been kept to a minimum. The recommendations are: 1. The enlargement of existing Fern Tree Waterfall’s Scenic Reserve from 400 to 1200 acres. 2, The existing Victoria Mill Scenic Reserve of 80 acres to remain as at present, 3. The. establishment of a new Flora and Fauna Special Purposes Re- serve taking in the Ararat Reservoir reservation, Green Range and Mt. Bvangor, an area of 1500 acres. 4, The establishment of a new Forest Park, in the areas known as The Glut and Lookout Hill, a total of 2000 acres, 5, The establishment of a new Scenic Reserve on the summit of Ben Nevis of 300 acres. 6. The balance of 23,000 acres we recommend te continue to be managed as a hardwood forest as at present. The finding of several species of plants closely linked with Grampian species, and a magnificent endemic Grevillea sp. covering many acres, is sufficient guide for setting aside special reservations, The future of populations of local Grey Kangaroos amd two species of Wallaby, together with long standing herds of introduced deer, is seriously being endangered by continued plant- ing of pine plantations on adjoining Mt. Lonach, so much so that their Vicl, Nat, Vel, 89 MOUNT COLE RESERVE FOREST APPROX. AREA 28000 ACRES ( J ELMHURST GLENLOGIE (7) Highway SCALE OF MILES Loe SETTING] FERN TREE WATERFALLS SCENIC RESERVE INCREASE FROM 400 TO 1200 Acres VICTORIA MILL SCENIC RESERVE BO Acres (NO INCREASE) TEES PROPOSED NEW FOREST PARK 2000 Acres THE RESERVOIR’ LZ PROPOSED NEW FLORA FAUNA RESERVE — 1500 Adres "7 ‘BEN NEVIS’ Ki PROPOSED NEW SCENIC RESERVE 300 Acres REMAINDER OF MT. COLE FOREST FOR HARDWOOD. MANAGEMENT 23000 Acres _——____ MAJOR ROAD ———— MINOR ROAD mark hacklaton i June, 1972 71 dependance on Mt. Cole forest is of greater significance. Despite the suitability of areas of Mt. Cole forest for pine planting, we consider that such would seriously limit the value of this forest as the natural ecological unit, as- we Know it today. Not only would the planting of pines in this forest represent an un- natural intrusion, but the buffer zones of thinned and control-burned forest to protect pines, would also take a considerable share of valuable natural forest, The recent announcement by you, Sir, of a new Forest Park for nearby Mt. Langi Gheran is applauded and welcomed and we would like to point oui that despite the close proximity of Mt. Langi Gheran to the Mt. Cole Reserve Forest both differ greatly ceologically and each has an entirely different concept, and should have no bearing on any recommendation made in this submission. Listed herein are the full flora and fauna lists as completed by the survey, reasons for particular recommenda- tions, geological and forestry descrip- tions, and all bodies and organisations supporting this submission, conclud- ing with a brief outline of rhe history of this fine area, We acknowledge the assistance at all times of officers and staff of the Forests Commission during the survey. In submitting this application, we trust that the recommendations for preservation as detailed will meet with favourable consideration by your Forests Commission, and that de- cisions made will benefit in general the rightful owners of our forests, the people of Victoria. We are, Sir, Yours faithfully, JoHN R. WHEELER, President Geelong Field Naturalists Club and Convenor of Submission. Gorpon MCCARTHY, Secretary Geelong Ficld Naturalists Club. TouN HUNT, Vice-President Geelong Field Naturalists Club, Delegate of Western Victorian Field Naturalists Cluh's Association. Copies of the full Submission may be E E from the President of Geelong Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Field Survey Group — 25 Muy, 1972 Mr L Winsor chaired the miceting, which was atlended by 18 members. The Secretary announced that the Group was trying to find a Speaker on botanical survey techniques for the June Meeting. In future, it is hoped to have @ Visiting speaker every second meeting. Dr B, Smith invited members to take part im the workdays held at regular intervals in the National Museum Several members agreed to allend. Details of the Mt, Disappointment 72 Survey Camp to be held over the Queen's Birthday weckend were discussed in detail, with Maps of the area being dis- tributed, Further results of the Batringo Camp Were then discussed. Dr Smith listed and briefly described the Non-marine Mol- lusca found on the camp, while Mr. Winsor reported on his study of the Flat Worms. During the last part of the evening, Mt Winsor described the procedures of fixing and preserving invertebrates, before the mecting adjourned lor coffee. Vict. Nal. Vol. 89 Mammal Survey Group The May meeting was attended by seventeen members and six visitors, The Secretary informed the Group that replies had not yet been received to important queries in recent outward correspon- dence: Reporls were received from those members present’ who attended the FE.N.C.V, Field Survey Group camp in April, as part of investigations being made to detenmine. the feasibility of the two groups joining forces. These investi- gations will be taken a step further with the holding, for aur mutual benefit, of à joint camp by the two groups over the Queen's Birthday weekend, 10 to 12 June. This survey camp will be on Mi Disappointment. It should be noted each group will be doing survey work on their own special interest, . It was decided at the meeting on 4 May that those members who had the ability to do so would undertake a special study on a particular mammal. This could be done either as am indivi- dual study, or by a small number of members working together. The advan- tages of these studies are obviously many —it ts hoped they will result in production of field guides for use by the group; and eventually provide it with al least one specialist on each native mammal in Victoria. In order to avoid duplication of studies the Group Secretary is keeping a list of who has Undertaken to study each mammal. The mammals selected for study ta date 8re— Platypus Ornithorhynchus anaiinis Long-nosed Bandicoot Perameles nasuta Short-nosed Bandicoot Isoodon. obesulus Feathertail Glider Acrobates pygmaeus Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinas Tuan Phascogale tapoatafa Bush Rat Rarius fuscipes Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus Swainson's Antechinus Antechinus swainsonii Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatu Enquiries about, or contributions sto these studies should be addressed to the Secretary, Subsequent to the April meeting the cominitiee was able to obtain à loan of the necessary equipment for a survey camp to be conducted at Mt. Hickey on 6 and 7 May. Unfortunately the equip- ment was available for only a short period of time, ind notice of the date of the camp could not be given until 4 May. With such short notice, a smaller number than might atherwise have been expected, were able to attend, Despite this the weekend survey was most suc- cessful. In all, eight native, and three introduced mammal species were identi- fied in the area. The messurement and weight of the twenty animals caplured were taken in the course of the survey, and post-mortem cxaminatians were made on two rats of the introduced species Ruus rattus. In addition endo ånd ecto parasites were collected from captured animals. A detailed report will be published later. The May meeting ol Ihe group adopted à programme for survey camps during the remuinder of the year. Calendar of Mammal Survey Group Camps for 1972 — 10—12 June $—9 July 29—30 Juiy 26—27 August 23—24 Septemher 21—22 October 18—19 November 23 Dec.—2 Jan, 73. Club Improvement Committee Receptly, the Club Improvement Committee recommended to F.N,C.V. Council that a "Reporter" be appointed to write up items of general interest. to members, and make comments on cheb activities — particularly those of Council and the Club Improvement Activity. Council approved the recommendation, and subsequently appointed a club reporter. Below is the first of his reports, which will appear regularly. June, 1972 173 rom your Reporter The Club Improvement Committee has been quite busy, and will be for 4 considerable period of lime. They have been given a ereat deal of work to do, Among the jobs they are doing is a complete review of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the By-Laws of the chub, with the object of recommending amendments ta them. This in itself is a major task, but in addition they are examining ways, lo improve the structure and performance of Council, and the club They are analysing the secretarial workload (o see how it may be better handled, the format of meetings, and excursions; and looking into the need far mare audio. visual aids at meetings, Other things being investigaled include a club equip- ment register. All this does not mean things will change completely, or immediately, but wherever change is recammended, and approved hy Council or a general meeting, it will be iraple- mented. it appears that various field naturalist clubs are looking for a State body to co-ordinate their activities, Could the FN.CYV. be such, a co-ordinating body — it certainly has the status — but has it the means? At present it probably does nol; although all that appears to he required is additional manpower The CLC (Club [mprovement Committee) is lpok- ing al the feasibility of employing a professional person, either full or part Time, to handle routine correspondence, and other tasks such as coordinating meelings. This could well prove to bc the answer. Also, hand in hand with this, is a search for a suitable office, with reasonable rental. Did you know that earlier this year à numbéc of Mammal Survey Group members broke away from F.N.C.V. and formed their own group called the ‘Mammal Survey Group of Victoria? In spite of this the F.N.C.V. Mammal Survey Group is still strong and active, with an average of more than twenty people at cach mecting, Tt is hoped that Ihrough co-operation 4nd co-ordination much will be achieved by both groups. E heard a whisper that the Hon. Editor was running short of material for the Victorian Naturalist — yours pre needed, The Field Survey and the Mammal Survey groups informed me that they would like to see country members, and Affiliated clubs attend thejr survey camps. Interested. members and clubs should contact the respective Group Secretaries for details of future surveys. It is felt that with their lacal knowledge, country members, and district clubs could, by participating. in them, contribute. much to the activities of these groups. It is with dismay that L note that very few, and often as not, no volunteers answer the many requests for assistance in various tasks that are made at our general meetings. The load thus falls on the reliable Few, who are already over- worked. This ts a great pity. Proposed Excurston to New Zealand Sufficient interest was shown in this proposal to justify booking accommodation tentatively, but à greater number of excursionists will be required before this can he regarded as definite, If you are interested please make a frm booking as soon as possible in order that arrangements may be confirmed. The cost ranges from £582 for twenty passengers to $554 for thirty or more. This includes return air fares, all main meals and accommodation in New Zcaland, and all travel specified in the itinerary. A deposit of $40 per person should be paid by the 19 June, Cheques ta he made payshle to Excursion Trust. ame excursion will be based on the following itinerary, but some details may be tered. Saturday, 6/1/73 — Melbourne[Wellingron, Stay at Sharella Motor Inn- Sunday, 7— Wellingtor/New Plymouthi- Travel north thraugh Wanganui and con- tinue on lo the Mount Egmont area. Stay at Moun! House, 74 Vict. Nat, Vol. 89 Monday, 8 — Coach available for local sightseeing. Tuesday, 9 — New Plymouth/Auckland, Continue north crossing Mt. Messenger; en route visit Waitomo Caves. Stay at De Bretts Hotel. Wednesday, J0 — Af Auckland. Thursday, 11 — Auckland|Kororua, Travel south through Hamilton and continue on to the thermal region. Stay at Brents Hotel, Friday, 12 — Ar Rotorua. Your tour includes a visit to a mode! Maot! Village and the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, Also visit the famous trout springs. ln the evening attend a Maori Concert. Saturday, 13 — Rororua/National Park. Continue south through Wairakei and Taupa to the central National Park. Stay at Drumlin Lodge. Sunday, 14 — National Park/Wellingion, ‘Leaving the National Park. you continue southwards through beautiful beech forests and native bush until the country opens up into sheep and dairy farms. Continue on to Wellington, New Zealand's: capilal city. Stay at Sharella 'Motor Inn Monday, 15 — W'ellingronPicren|Nelson. Cross. the Cook Strait to the South Island by ferry to the small holiday centre of Picton, From there travel by coach tò Nelson. Stay at Nelson Hotel. Tuesday, 16 — Nelson]Greymouth. Travel south through the Buller Gorge down the West Coast to the old gold mining town of Greymiouth. Stay at Revingtans Hotel. Wednesday, 17 — Gréymourh]Fox Glacier, "The drive down the West Coast is one of the loveliest in New Zealand. The road climbs around the side of steep mountains and continues south through Hokitika lo Fox Glacier. Stay at Fox Glacier Motel, Thursday, 18 — Ai Fox Glacier. Today there is a guided excursion on the Glacier and a visit to tranquil Lake Matheson, Friday, 19 — Fox Glacier/Wanaka. Brom Fox Glacier the road climbs through impressive forests and mountain scenery to the Haast Pass and then drops down the cast side of the Southern Alps to Lake Wanaka. Stay at Wanaka Hotel Saturday, 20 — Lake Wanaka/Milford Sound. Continue south through the central Otago area unlil you reach Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park From there the drive continues through the famous Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound, Stay at Johnstons Hostel, Sunday, 21 — Launch excursion on Milford Sound. Mandsy, 22 — Milford Sound/Queenstown. We retrace our steps as [ar as Te Anau and "uad swing north skirting Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. Stay at View Motel. i Tuesday,- 13 — For part of the day you go sightseeing by coach 10 Coronet Peak and then tò Arrowtown, once a thriving goldmining town. Rest of the day at etsure. d f Wednesday. 24 — Queenstown} Mt, Cook. Continue north to Otematata and then intà the Mt. Cook National Park. Stay at Lake Tekapo Motor Inn. Thursday, 23— Day Excursion lo Mt. Cook. The whole day in the spectacular Mt, Cook Naiional Park, within its boundaries 17 peaks over 10,000 feet; including New Zealand's highest, ‘Mt, Cook, Friday, 26 — Mr. Cook/Christchurch, Continue across the colourful Canterbury males to Christchurch, premier city of the South Island. Stay at Avon Mator odge. . Saturday. 27— Time will be made available for duty free shopping before you return tö Australia by arr. June, 1972 l , 175 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Established 1880 OBJECTS: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian fauna and flora. Patron: His Excellency Major-General Sir ROHAN DELACOMBE, K.B.E. C.B, D.S.O. Key Office-Bearers, 1971-1972. President: Mr. T. SAULT Vice-President: Mr, B. COOPER Hoa, Secretary; Mr. R. H. RIORDAN, 15 Regent St., East Brighton, 10187, — 92 8579) Treasurer: H, BISHOP. Address Correspondence to National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra. Subscription Secretary: Mr. D. E, McINNES, 129 Waverley Road, East Mal- vern, 3145 Hon, Editor: Mr. G. M. WARD, 54 St. James Road, Heidelberg 3084. Hon. Librarian: Mr. P. KELLY, c/o National Herbarium. The Domin, South Yarra 3141. Hon. Excursion Secretary: Miss M. ALLENDER, 19 Hawthorn HAT Caulfield 3161. , (522749). Magazine Sales Officer: Mr. B. FUHRER, 25 Sunhill Av., North Ringwood, 3134. Group Secretaries: Betany:-Mr. J, A. BAINES, 45 Eastgate Street, Oakleigh 3166 (57 6205), Dav Group: Mrs. J. STRONG, 1160 Dandenong Road, Murrrumbeena, / (56 2271) Entomology and Marine Biology: Mr. J. W. H. STRONG, Flat 11, "Palm Court”, 1160 Dandenong Rd., Murrumbeena 3163 (56 2271). Field Survey: Mr. B. J. COOPER, 3% Bath Road, Burwood 3125, (29 7379) Geology: Mr. T. SAULT. Mammal Survey: Mr. G. F. DOUGLAS, "Knotanoll", Riddell's Creek 3431 (054-285191) Microscopical: Mr. M. H. MEYER, 36 Milroy Street, East Brighton (96 3268) MEMBERSHIP Membership of ibe F.N.C.V. is open to any person interested in natural history. The Victorian Nataralist is distributed free to all members, the club's reference and lending library is available, and other activities are indicated. in reports set out in the several preceding pages of this magazine. Rates of Subscriptions for 1972. Odinary Members ., m" ob Pu - ETT A. Se Ne A E 5 37.00 Country Members ' Aue uude e M n dou » 2. X. LL. " 15.00 Joint Members . 5 on 5 ft - : x J me OQ. . $2 Q0 Junior Members (under 1a years) : M ua on -- AU S - F . $2.00 "Junior, Members receiving Vict. Nat, CP S, "NUT à n:i $4400 Subscribers fo Vict. Nat: Trans only). toon oa m o eri c mirl imacl - "n o0 80 Overseas Subscribers n wet = i M M ae S S600 Affiliated Societies ,. . Ü LL. xd 2. e M poo 1 4 : a . $700 Tuppi n Members . de WW 4€ 0 MD MM. LR. OP rt UD, ife Membership [reducing affer 20. years) .. : 4n ; .. $140.00 The cost of individual capies of the Vict. Nat. will be " cents Im cent — overseas requests), Full-titng Students befween 18 and 21 years pay at dunior Member rates. All subscriptions should be mede payable fo the Field. Naluralists Club of Victeria, and oosted to fhe Subscription Secretary e JENKIN BUXTON & CO. PTY. LTD.. PRINTERS, WEST MELBOURNE he 1 victorian naturalist F.N.C.V. DIARY OF COMING EVENTS GENERAL MEETINGS Monday, 10 July — At National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra, commencing at 8 p.m. Subject for evening—'Reptiles and the need for Conservation’: Mr. P. A. Rawlinson, of La Trobe University. GROUP MEETINGS Botany Group Thursday, 13 July (not July 6 as published in June Naturalist): John Robin (La Trobe University): ‘Sherbrooke’. Thursday, 10 August: Members’ night (including display of 150 Alison Ashby wild- flower cards). Thursday, 20 July — Day Group, Burnley Horticultural College. Swan St. Includes guided tour of inspection. Meet at 11.30 a.m. inside grounds. B.Y.O. lunch. Take Wattle Park tram in Batman Ave. Friday, 28 July — Junior F.N.C. meeting in Hawthorn Town Hall at 8 p.m. Thursday, 3 August — Mammal Survey Group meeting in Arthur Rylah Institute. 123 Brown St.. Heidelberg, at 8 p.m. Friday, 4 August — Junior F.N.C. meeting in Rechabite Hall, 281 High St., Preston at 8 p.m. Monday, 7 August — Marine Biology and Entomology Group meeting at Conference Room, National Museum at 8 p.m. Mr. H. B. Wilson, Senior Entomologist V.P.R.I. — ‘Pheromones” (Hormonal secretion and behavioural response in insects). Wednesday, 9 August — Geology Group Meeting. Friday, 11 August — Junior F.N.C. meeting in Hall at Petrie Park, Montmorency. at 8 p.m. F.N.C.V. EXCURSIONS Sunday, 16 July — Sovereign Hill, Ballarat. The coach will leave Batman Avenue at 9.30 a.m. Fare $2.20, plus admission. Bring two meals. Sunday, 27 August - Saturday, 2 September — Stawell. 26 December -1 January — Leongatha. Details will be published later. 6-27 January, 1973 — New Zealand. See June Naturalist for details. Thursday, 27 July — Field Survey Group in the Library Conference Room. National Museum, at 8 p.m. Briefing for Cape Liptrap/Waratah Bay Survey. Survey Camps 15-16 July — Murrindindi River. 12-13 August — Cape Liptrap/Waratah Bay (more details from Secretary, Field Survey Group). 178 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 The Victorian Naturalist F Editor: G. M. Ward Assistant Editor: G. Douglas Vol. 89, No. 7 5 July, 1972 CONTENTS Articles: " Beach Gravels. By E. C. F. Bird... a 0 a us us s. s. s. 180 Eruption date of Tower Hill Volcano. By Edmond D. Gill .. — .. .. 188 A study of Environment .. ike n" ye ^ E. 2i a .. 193 Notes on the European Rabbit Flea in Visions, By Rosamond Shepherd and John Edmonds .. .. wf 4 AE IU oh .. 194 Honeysuckle Creek No. 4 Aboriginal Shelter. DNA Aldo Massola .. .. 196 An Aboriginal Axe-grinding Rock near Mt. Macedon. By Alan L. West .. 198 Feature: , Reptiles of Victoria. By Hans Beste .. .. ©. .. .. o 0. "186 “Overheard in the Bushes” .. .. wk we su. su. s. s. s. 203 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria: General Meeting and Group Reports .. x ns hA e m 54. 200 Diary of Coming Events .. .. .. .. ee .. .. s. o FB Western Victorian F.N.Cs. Association: Reports of individual Clubs 1971/72 .. — .. 0.3 s s ss s. 204 i Front Cover: an This delightful photograph of the Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) was taken by John Wallis. July, 1972 179 Beach Gravels by E.C F Bio Beaches composed of pebbles and cobbles are quite rare on the coast of Australia, where most beaches. are sandy. By contrast, many of the beaches of south-east England consist of well-rounded - gravels, termed shingle, At seaside resorts such as Brighton or Eastbourne on the Sussex coast, shingle beaches are a surprise to Australian visitors who journey. down from London for a day by the sea, expecting the beach to be sandy. The reason for these pebble and cobble beaches is the abundance of Hint, a hard siliceous rock, in the Chalk formation which outcrops on the Sussex coast. Irregular nodules of flint released by erosion of the Chalk are gradually worn and rounded by wave action. Similar shingle beaches are found on other Chalk coasts, for example in northern France. Beach gravels are also common on coasts Where frost shattering or glacial action have produced stony drift de- posits that are worked upon by the sea, Pebbles and cobbles derived from glacial drift are common on the coasts of Scotland and Ireland, in British Columbia, and in the South Island of New Zealand, In some places the gravelly Material is carried down to the coast by rivers, then built into beaches by wave action. Pebbles washed down to the coast by the River Spey in Scotland are added to ihe shingle beach on either side of the river mouth, and some of the beach gravel which lines the shore of the Canterbury Bight in New Zealand has been delivered by rivers, notably lo Rakaia and Rangitala, in times of flood. Sandy beaches are formed where coastal cliff erosion yields sand-sized material, where rivers are delivering sandy loads to the coast, or where sand has been washed up from the sea floor. Beach gravels are more local- ised, and can usually be explained it terms of some local source of material of suitable size and hardness in the rocks that outcrop along the coast. In Victoria, beach gravels are fre- guently found on basait coasts, and on sectors where coastal rock outcrops include granitic rocks, ferruginows sandstone, er calerete layers which can he disintegrated by weathering or marine erosion into rock fragments that accumulate as beach material. They are not found where the coastal rock outcrops are homogeneous, as on the massive granites of Wilson's Promontory, or on the soft Tertiary sediments which form the cliffs of the Port Campbell -district, On basalt coasts, beach gravels are found where the rock outcrops in cliffs and shore platforms show closely- spaced joints and bedding planes. Near Flinders, polygonal columnar basalt “Reader in Geogiaphy, University of Melbourne Nove; There is gome contusion in the terms used to describe beach sediments coarser Ihia sand (i.e. having grain size diameters larger than 2 On the Wentworth Scale the terms used arc ranules mm}. Gamm), pebbles (4.56mm). and cobbles (56256mm), bul others have defined these terms dificrenily. Gravel is a less specific term, which some have attempted to sestrict to a particular size rangs, but it i& convenient to use jt as a general term com sing granules, pebbles and cobbles as defined on che Weatwosth Scale. The British term shingle usually refers to well-rounded gravel, whereas the American lerm beach gravel can also include angular material. The latter term is more appropriate in Victoria, where beach sediments coarser than sand sre often poorly rounded. 180 Vict. Nat. Vol, 89 Plate 1. Photo: Author exposed on the shore disintegrates to form angular blocks which, under the occasional effects of storm wave ac- tion, become rounded as cobbles and gradually worn down to pebble size (Plate 1). Similar features can be seen at many places in the Portland district and near Port Fairy, as well as at Cape Schanck and on the shores of Phillip Island. Often the larger cobbles have been thrown by strong wave ac- tion to the top of a ‘storm beach’, as on the western side of Cape Schanck (Plate 2). Some such beaches, above Plate 2. Photo: Author July, 1972 the normal range of wave action, de- velop subaerial weathering features, such as pitting and flaking of cobble surfaces, and may be colonised and eventually covered by vegetation. Coastal outcrops of granitic rocks will also yield beach gravels if the pattern of jointing is sufficiently close. The massive granites on Wilson's Promontory do not yield beach gravel: instead they flake superficially to pro- duce fragments which are added to adjacent sandy beaches. On the west- ern side of Cape Woolamai the granite Plate 4. 182 Photo: Author Plate 3. Photo; Author is intricately jointed and yields gravel beaches, and similar features are seen in the cove cut in jointed granodiorite north of Safety Beach, Mount Martha (Plate 3), and on the granite shore north of Mornington. Weathering and disintegration of these rocks yields initially angular fragments, which gradually become rounded and re- duced to cobble and pebble size as they are incorporated in adjacent beaches. Dune calcarenites, produced by the partial lithification of superimposed coastal dunes of calcareous sand, have been trimmed back as cliffs, fronted by shore platforms, on several sectors of the Victorian coast. The finest ex- amples are on the coast near Warr- nambool, and again between Point Lonsdale and Cape Schanck. Within the dune formations exposed in such cliffs are layers of hard calcrete, and lithified structures preserving the shapes of roots and stems of ancient plants (phyto-concretions). These more resistant elements weather out to form broken irregular fragments of calcareous rock, which can be rounded and accumulated by wave ac- tion in gravel beaches on sectors of the shore (Plate 4). Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Layers of dark brown ferruginous stone are prominent in the Upper Ter- tiary Sandstones of central Victoria. On the Bellarine Peninsula, coastal outcrops of this material have dis- integrated to form beach gravels on the shore between Portarlington and St. Leonards. Similar features are seen on the east coast of Port Phillip Bay between Brighton and Beaumaris, at Mount Eliza (Plate 5), and near Mornington, as well as at Crib Point, Stony Point and Corinella on the shores of Westernport Bay. Each of these sectors is subject only to low or moderate wave energy, and the hard ferruginous gravels remain poorly sorted and angular to subangular. Other coastal outcrops which have yielded material to form local beach gravels include Tertiary limestones at Portland, Eocene conglomerates at Pebble Point near Princetown, well- jointed sectors of Jurassic arkose on the Otways coast, pyroclastic material near Airey's Inlet, and Palaeozoic metamorphic rocks in Gippsland, not- ably near Cape Liptrap and at Ship- wreck Cove near Mallacoota. Supply of gravels to the shore by river action is unusual in Victoria, be- Plate 5. Photo: Author July, 1972 cause most rivers enter the sea by way of estuaries and lagoons that act as sediment traps for the coarser material carried downstream. On the steep coast of the Otway Ranges several streams bring down cobbles and pebbles of Jurassic arkose to the shore, and these accumulate as beach gravels (often mixed with, or over- lain by, sand) at their mouths. The pebble spit at the mouth of St Georges River includes material supplied in this way. Beaches fringing coastal lagoons are usually sandy, but there is an excep- tion to this along the northern shores of the Gippsland Lakes. On Banksia Peninsula (Plate 6) and Raymond Island near Paynesville, and on the northern shore of Lake King, beach gravels are extensive. The pebbles con- sist of various rock types, including quartzites, schists, gneisses, and crys- talline and volcanic igneous rocks, all of which can be matched with rock outcrops in their original source area, the highlands to the north. The gravels were brought down during Pleistocene times by rivers far larger and more powerful than those which now flow into the Gippsland Lakes, and spread Plate 7. 184 Photo: Author Plate 6. Photo: Author across aggrading valley floors. Subse- quent river incision has dissected these into terraces. A capping of water-worn and well-rounded fluvial gravel is exposed in the upper part of the river cliff bordering the Mitchell at Eagle Point Bluff (Plate 7), mark- ing a terrace about 70 feet above the present valley floor, and there are similar gravels interbedded with sands in younger river terraces at lower levels on the north side of Lake Vic- toria (exposed in cliff sections near Tannin Point) and on the north side of Lake King. The beach gravels on the present lake shores have been eroded out of these fluvial terrace deposits and spread along the shoreline by wave action. Locally they have been built into spits and cuspate forelands on the lake shore: Point Scott, on Raymond Island, is a fine example of a cuspate foreland with beach ridges marking stages in its growth (Plate 8). With the exception of these Gipps- land Lakes beaches, beach gravels on the Victorian coast can be related directly to local sources of resistant rock material that disintegrate on weathering and erosion into fragments of suitable size for wave working. Vict. Nat. Vol, 89 They are restricted in comparison REFERENCES with sandy beach material, both cal- Bird, E. C. F. 1972, Coasts, ANU. careous and quartzose, that has ac- Paperback. " s Fe MM s cumulated on our coast in such large Steers, J. A., 1966, The English Coast, quantities during Quaternary times. Fontana Library. Plate 8. Photo: Author F.N.C.V. PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THE WILD FLOWERS OF THE WILSON’S PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK, by J. Ros Garnet. Price $5.25, (discount to members); postage 20c. VICTORIAN TOADSTOOLS AND MUSHROOMS, by J. H. Willis. This describes 120 toadstool species and many other fungi. There are four coloured plates and 31 other illustrations. New edition. Price 90c. THE VEGETATION OF WYPERFELD NATIONAL PARK, by J. R. Garnet. Coloured frontispiece, 23 half-tone, 100 line drawings of plants and a map. Price $1.50. Address orders and inquiries to Sales Officer, F.N.C.V., National Herbarium, South Yarra, Victoria. Payments should include postage (15c on single copy). July, 1972 185 reptiles of victoria-6 by Hans BESTE PLATE 11 Leiolopisma mustelinum — Weasel Skink A common skink found also in suburban areas of Melbourne. Length: to 5 inches. Short, triangular head, distinct from body. Movable eyelids. Distinct ear- opening. Five fingers and five toes. Upper grey-brown. Narrow white line on each side of body from just in front of hind-legs, merging into a coppery stripe along each side of tail. Cream-coloured spots on head below eyelevel. Also spots along upper lip. Under white. Usual Habitat: under logs and debris. Best distinguishing features — a cream coloured spot just behind eye and others in front of ear-opening, if present. Movable eyelid separates family from Cryptoblepharus species. PLATE 12 Delma frazeri — Fraser's Legless Lizard A snake like lizard with only rudimentary hindlegs. Length: to 18 inches. Oval head, distinct from body. Legs absent except for scale like hindlegs. Distinct ear opening distinguishes these lizards from snakes in the field. Normal sized scales around entire body. Colour olive to olive-grey on top and sides. Under creamish. Body scales in 16 rows. Usual Habitat: under logs, in triodea bushes (spinifex). Best distinguishing features — ear opening. Head shields. 186 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 PLATE 11 PLATE 12 July, 1972 187 Eruption Date of Tower Hill Volcano Western Victoria, Australia by EpMunp D. GirL* Abstract A radiocarbon date of 7,300 + 150 years B.P. has been obtained for the shells of an Aboriginal midden within the Tower Hill Tuff at Warrnambool. DESCRIPTION OF VOLCANO One of the largest and latest vol- canic craters in Victoria is that of Tower Hill, which stands beside the Princes Highway between Warrnam- bool and Port Fairy, Western Vic- toria. The crater is 3.4 by 2.6 km., with its axis directed N.E. The Tower Hill Tuff is spread over the surround- ing countryside, greatly enriching it. Plant foods are plentiful in the tuff, it is young enough not to be leached, and is of such a texture as to facili- tate penetration by roots. As the vol- canic pipe has been punched through lime-rich rocks, there is no shortage of lime. The geomorphic features of the crater are very young. The rim is sharp, and the walls almost un- changed, although in some places there are shallow rills. The accumu- lation of hillwash at the base of the steep walls is not large. In the centre of the crater is a complex of over 20 cones and craters. These show no ob- vious geomorphic modifications. How- ever, all these rocks are extremely porous, and so absorb rainwater rather than suffer erosion by it. A crater lake is present that varies greatly in extent. The surface appears to be a function of water table, and the extent a result of wetter or drier 188 years. The S.W. part that always has a lake has subsided a little along a fault, and so is the deepest area (Gill 1967 and references). VOLCANO IN ERUPTION The eruption was a fierce one of the explosive type. The activity was more or less continuous as is shown by the thousands of uninterrupted layers of ash and lapilli. No soil was able to form, and not even the mobil- ization of the free lime, which would occur very quickly. No sign of vege- tation has been found between the layers. Long unsuccessful searches have been made for such materials, as they are ideal for radiocarbon dating, and would date a time of actual eruptive activity. By reason of their intense activity, such vents do not remain active for very long, so any radiocarbon date in the tuff se- quence provides a good idea of the time of eruption. Nevertheless, the geologic evidence is clear that the eruption did not simply phase out, as has happened with many basaltic eruptions on Mauna Loa, Hawaii, within historic times (I saw a two-day eruption in December 1969). At Tower Hill the seemingly innumerable layers of ejectamenta are succeeded (some- times with erosion between) by a con- glomerate. This consists of a mixture of tuff, lapilli, pieces of basalt, angular fragments of Miocene lime- stone, Lower Cretaceous arkose, and * Deputy Director, National Museum of Victoria. Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 such. The same kind of conglomerate Occurs on the central island, although the cones there are built of scoria and cinders. VOLCANO CLASSIFICATION When a volcanic pipe is opened up, the superheated gases (mostly steam) roar out at high pressure with frightening force. The molten mag- ma below coming into contact with ground water could provide the immense volumes of steam emitted. This steam often condenses in rain, which probably caused the erosion noted between the tuff/lapilli se- quence and the conglomerate. A simple explosive volcano consisting of a vent and a ring of tuff is called a maar, This type of landform was originally described in the Eifel dis- trict of Germany, where crater lakes lie below forested tuff rings. Profes- sor Martin Schwarzbach of the Uni- versity of Cologne kindly showed me this beautiful and scientifically in- teresting terrain. Such a volcanic pipe works well only when it is of restricted size, be- cause the larger it gets, the more its force is dissipated. So a maar does not normally exceed about 0.4 km. in diameter, and is not nested (i.e. does not contain a central complex of later cones). For this reason, the writer considers that Tower Hill should be classified as a nested caldera (for further comment see Ollier and Joyce 1967). My theory is that the country rock of Portland Limestone is like a slab of natural concrete (albeit weakened by joint planes) that stood firm while the friable marl below it (found in the tuff) was scooped out by the violent eruption. Then the roof of competent lime- stone collapsed, causing a temporary cessation of activity. Pressure built up again under this blockage of the volcanic pipe until the volcano erupted once more, resulting in the formation of the central complex of cones and craters. In the quarry across the road Plate 1. Photo: Alex Wilkins Aerial view of Tower Hill nested caldera. Parts of the outer rim are shown, and the central complex of cones and craters, July, 1972 189 from the exit of the Tower Hill tourist drive, numerous pieces of the Miocene marine marl have been seen, especially in the lower layers. On the other hand, the conglomerate is characterized by pieces of the marine limestone that forms the country rock. Moreover, the ejectamenta of the central complex are exceptionally rich in free lime. A sample of cinders from a quarry in one of the cones yielded 16% by weight of carbonates (Gill 1953, p. 83). These facts appear to fit the theory. AGE OF ERUPTION Since 1950, when radiocarbon dat- ing was invented, the writer has searched in vain for datable materials in the stratified ejectamenta; therefore dating thus far has had to be limited to samples from above and below the tuff. From above the tuff at Tower Hill beach, numerous samples have been dated up to 5120 years B.P. (Gill 1967, 1971). The eruption was some time before this, because at the site a few feet of deposits lie be- tween the horizon of the sample and an eroded surface of the tuff. Only one date has been obtained for a sample below the Tower Hill Tuff, viz., bones from Bushfield that gave an age of 6605 years B.P. (Gill 1971). This date is not very satis- factory, however, because the bones yielded insufficient organic matter for dating, and the carbonate fraction was used. This is therefore expected to be a minimal date. Because bones of various ages have given radio- carbon dates on carbonate of a similar number of years, it is now suspected that a Mid-Holocene pedo- genic activity (that supplied the carbonate) is being dated rather than the bones themselves. Thus bones from a low energy lake deposit covered by a presumably Late Pleisto- cene parna dune gave a carbonate date of about 6435 years (there being 190 insufficient collagen for a date), while the accompanying shells dated about 25,300 years. The site is at Lake Weeranganuck about five miles N.E. of Camperdown (Gill 1971, dates 61, 101). The Ingram Trust has pro- vided funds to help sort out this problem. Last year, during a study of the coast at Warrnambool in Western Victoria, an Aboriginal midden was found in solidified but unstratified Tower Hill Tuff of the cliff top on the east side of Thunder Point. The cliff concerned forms the east side of the small embayment that includes Table Cave. More midden material remains for further tests. As insuffi- cient charcoal could be collected for a dating, solid unweathered marine midden shells were used for the assay. The result was 7300 + 150 years B.P. (GaK-2856). Dr. A. W. Beasley found in the matrix the typical Tower Hill Tuff heavy minerals such as hackly olivine grains. Some dune sand was mixed with the tuff. This unstratified tuff merges on the West side of Thunder Point into a stratified deposit con- tained in a sheltered hollow East of the Trigonometrical Station, but no middens were found there. Over the years the dating of this volcano has Plate 2 H Upper: Tower Hill Tuff mixed with sand forming top of cliff on East side of Thunder Point, Warrnambool. The overlying dune has been blown away. This soil contained the midden dated by radiocarbon, Lower: Close-up view of Tower Hill Tuff that contained fossil midden dated 7,300 years. It overlies the calcrete of a terra rossa from which the topsoil was stripped before the tuff fell. Most of the hard pieces standing out from the tuff are pieces of calcrete, but some are midden shells. Scale; 3 ft. rule. photo: Author. Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 been gradually refined. The date re- ported here is the most accurate so far, but it is still hoped to discover suitable materials for assay from the stratified tuff. ABORIGINAL ACTIVITY Our site proves that Aboriginals collected shoreline molluscs for food about 7300 years ago, and ate them on the cliff top during the period of eruption. The prevailing winds that distributed the ash were south-wester- lies as at present, but Warrnambool is South-East of the volcano, so ash would fall there only intermittently. That is why the tuff is so thin at Warrnambool. This is the oldest coastal midden with marine shells re- ported from Victoria. Older ones are probably now under the sea, drowned by the advancing seas of the Flandrian Transgression. CHANGE IN PREVAILING WIND DIRECTION Many years ago (Gill 1950) it was noted that many volcanoes and lake- side dunes in Western Victoria had their sediments emplaced by West to North-West winds, whereas the pre- vailing winds now are from the S.W. On the limited information then available (before radiocarbon dating) it was thought that the time of differ- ent prevailing wind direction might be the Mid-Holocene. Tower Hill was then thought to be a couple of thousand years old. The new date for Tower Hill (which is oriented to the present prevailing winds) indicates that the time of changed direction is probably in the Late Pleistocene. This is supported by other evidence. For example, a date on charcoal from the base of the dune on the East and S.E. sides of Lake Colongulac near Camperdown (presuming W. and N.W. prevailing winds) has recently been obtained, viz., 20.100 years B.P. (Gill 1953, 1971). REFERENCES Cotton, C. A. 1968. Volcanic land- scapes. Encyclopedia of Geomor- phology, ed, R. W. Fairbridge. New York. Pp. 1193-1200. Gill, E. D., 1950. An hypothesis relative to the age of some Western District volcanoes. Proc. Roy. Soc. Vict. 60: 45-56. Gil, E. D. 1953. Geological evidence in Western Victoria relative to the antiquity of the Australian Aborigines. Mem. natl. Mus. Vict. 18: 25-92. Gil, E. D. 1967. Evolution of the Warrnambool-Port Fairy coast, W. Victoria. Landform Studies from Australia and New Guinea. A.N.U. Pp. 340-364. Gill, E. D., 1971. Applications of radio- carbon dating in Victoria, Australia (Roy. Soc. Vict. Research Medal Lecture). Proc. Roy. Soc. Vict. 84: 71-85. Ollier, C. D., and Joyce, B., 1967. Land- forms of the Newer Volcanic Province of Victoria. Landform Studies in Aus- tralia and New Guinea. A.N.U. Pp. 315-339. Correction On page 133 Vol. 89(5) reference is made to a visit to Italowie Gorge. It is stated that “a large Macrozamia palm (sp. ?) grew on the cliff side." This para plant is well known and is actually a clump of the commercial date a palm Phoenix ctylifera. It is estimated at being about 40 years old and presumably has grown from a stone or stones which have either been washed down the creek, or discarded by some early travellers. Your reporter is quite right in assuming that it is not known from this locality, and in fact the nearest Macrozamias are those to be found in Palm Valley. 192 T. R. N. LOTHIAN, Director, Botanic Garden, Adelaide. Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 A Study of Enviroment A brief account af ( week-end course organised by the Environinent Studies Association of Victoria. This was a course on "Coastal Ecology and Environment” during the week-end of Friday 28 April, to Sun- day 30 April, 1972. About 60 people attended plus about 12 staff. Ages ranged from 16 to beyond 60, but one third to a half were in iheir twenties. We were housed in the National Fitness Camp at Anglesea, with meals included; and attended to light camp duties such as serving at meals, washing up, prepar- ing vegetables. We hooked im between 8 and 9 o'clock on Friday evening, paid the balance of our fees (total $10) and received our study Kits consisting of general mformation re aims and pro- cedure of the study. programme, locality, several maps, all clipped into a neat folder. We paid a modest $1.50 for these kits. They made us happily conscious that we were there to work, not for leisure. , At 9 p.m. the programme started as scheduled with the ESA president (Dr Malcolm Calder), telling us of the purpose of the week-end, and that we were to be divided into four groups, each with two leaders. A list of students in those respective groups was already pinned on the notice board, The four study groups were: Sand dune ecology—Planning coastal de- velopment (dealing with the holiday township)—Forest and heathland ecol- ogy—and Creek ecology. The study area was at Moge’s Creek, about 10 miles west of Anglesea. It is an area that has not yet received much popu- lar use, but heavier use is expected in the future. July, 1972 Ar 9 a.m, on Saturday, alter a briel explanation by the President of the day's plans, we set off in a dozen cars to four the study area. We got out at several relevant spots while one leader or another told us (he activities to be undertaken by his particular group. Thus we all saw typical sections of the whole study area and had an idea of the various ways it was to be studied. Lunch was brought to a shelter in our study area, so we did not have to waste time going back to Anglesea. After lunch we divided into our four groups and set to work. I was with the group on Sand dune ecology. Our leaders were Dr Mal- colm Calder of the Botany School, University of Melbourne, and Mr Alex Mitchell o£ the Soil Conservation Authority. We divided into two par- ties. One party made several plant transects of the dunes and in the other party we made a soil transect. We went in a line from the beach up the dunes and across ihe road to the heathland. We took soil samples at designated points along that line. Our hand-operated auger/bore could go to a depth of six feet, Presence or absence of calcium carbonate, soil colour, and acidity (Ph) were meas- ured and recorded at various depths at each bore, and any additional organic matter or minerals, plus im- mediately surrounding plants, insects, snails. and the like. The angles, height of dunes, and dislances were measured. All was recorded. At 9 am, on Sunday we returned to the job. The previous day we had more. or less found owt what the 193 natural environment consisted of. This day we were to assess man's impact on the area, possible future impact, and devise means of preserving at least part of the area from that future impact. Meantime, the other groups had been working at their projects. The group on Creek ecology tested the creek for salinity at various points, pollution, examined aquatic life, noted plants, birds and insects. Forest and heathland group made quadrats for planis, birds, insects, evidence of ani- mals. Both groups tricd to assess man's impact, Future impact, and how to control it, - In relation to a shire map of the area released for town development, and other maps of the surroundings, the Coastal development group sur- veyed existing houses, assessed fire hazards, and looked critically (and disapprovingly) al some of the see- tions allocated for development, After lunch, again brought out to our study area, a member from each group reported to the rest of us a summary of the findings and recom- mendations of hig particular group. A committee has been formed (consist- ing of a representative from each group) to collate the various findings and produce a co-ordinated report of the entire study. This report is to be sent to members with the next ESA Newsletter, We returned to Anglesea and had swept out our huts and departed by 5.30 p.m. Tt was a very instructive and most stimulating week-end. Interest was high, and eagerness to do the job thoroughly on all aspects carried through to the collecting and classify- ing of litter! And there was some of the best organisation, planning and forethought which I have seen—over- all and in detail. The Environment Studies Associa- tion is planning more study week- ends. Information may be obtained from the Honorary Secretary: Mr J. M. Truram, 191 Royal Parade, Park- ville, 3052. M. J. Lester Notes on the European Rabbit Flea (Spilopsyllus cuniculi Dale) in Victoria by Rosamonp SHEPHERD” and Jon Enmonps* Myxoniatosis in south eastern Aus- tralia is largely dependent on mosquito vectors for its efficient spread. The European tabbit flea was. brought into Australia in 1960 by CSIRO in an attempt to reduce the dependence’ of myxomatosis on mosquitoes for trans- mission and to provide a vector which was thought to have other epidemio- logical advantages as well. 194 The flea was bred successfully by CSIRO Division of Animal Genetics (Sobey and Menzies 1969). Fleas supplied by the Division were first released in Victoria im the Werribee District, in August 1969, Later re- leases were made in the Mallee, Gippsland and North Central regions, ~ *Keith Turnbull Research Station, Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Frankston. Viel. Nat Vol. 89 These releases were purely experi- mental, They were designed to pro- vide information on, firstly, the estab- lishment and spread of the flea and, secondly, the flea-myxoma-rabbit re- lationship. This work is continuing but it is now clear that the flea will readily establish and slowly spread in widely different climatic and topo- graphical regions of Victoria. If we can establish the rabbit flea so readily in our wild rabbits why did it not become established with the original introductions of rabbits? It seems certain that rabbits which were sent to Australia carricd fleas in Eng- land. Sobey (personal communica- tion) has suggested that the care given to rabbits during the voyage from England may have included remoyal of fleas. However, it seems unlikely that the flea did not reach Australia on rabbits during the seventy years over which many attempts were made to introduce and establish rabbits, Presumably no rabbits which car- ried fleas on arrival in Australia con- tributed to the present wild rabbit population. The introduction of a non-indige- nous insect raises the question of the ‘wisdom of (his sort of action, In this case the remarkable host specificity ot the rabbit flea reduces the possible risk to.a minimum. The flea can breed only after a blood meal from à preg- nant rabbit (Rathschild, 1964), not from other mammals. The flea can Jive on, but cannot breed on the Euro- pean hare, Lepus europaeus. Yt occurs as a straggler, generally a starved Strageler, on other animals. HM has been found on cats and foxes in Avs- tralia: on dogs, cals, foxes, martens, ermine and rats in the United King- dom. Native animals are unaltraclive to the flea (Sobey and Menzies, 1969). It is expected thàt in Victoria the fie3 will eventually occur in all except the most isolated rabbit populations. lr spreads from a release site at a rate of about one mile per rabbit breeding season. Even with planned releases and other spread by man it is likely 10 fake many years to reach its final range. Clearly any observa- tions of flea occurrence on rabbits ar on other animals will be of interest. Almost every rabbit in ^Hea' areas carries fleas—up to several hundreds on pregnant does. Ji is likely that even the least observant rabbiter will see them especially as they tend to con- gregate on the head and ears. How- ever, when fleas are present in very small numbers they are usually seen only by experienced observers. Tt is especially important that observations of fleas should he reported and the feas identified. We expect to receive many reports of fleas. Many of these reports will be difficult to check because they will be made by untrained people. We would be very grateful to receive any reports from naturalists, particularly when fiea specimens are available. REFERENCES Rothschild, M, (1964) — Proc, R. Eni, Sos, Lond, (c) 29 |. Sobey, W. R & Menzies, W. (1969) — Aust. J. Sci. 31 404. F.N.C.V. CAR STICKERS F.N.C.V. Car Stickers are now available from) Mrs. Strong, Book Sales Officer, at a cost of 25c each. Car owners travelling in the country or interstate can identify other members quickly in this way. It also helps to advertise the Club. July, 1972 195 Honeysuckle Creek No. 4 Aboriginal Shelter by ALDO MAssoLa* Honeysnckle, or Devil's Creek, rises near the crest of the Victoria. Range, in the Western Grampians, a little more than 3 miles north-east of that peculiar cock formation known as the Chimney Pots. The creek rises in par- ticularly rough country, and at first. descends the western slopes of the Range im a northerly direction, then runs an erratic north-westerly course through heavily timbered and wild country, and finally loses itself in the desolate and swampy ground to the north of Ming Ming Swamp. It is on this remote creek's waler- shed that tbe latest reported shelter bearing Aboriginal paintings bas been discovered, ifs finder being the dedi- cated and well-known naturalist and Grampian "tramper', Mr. Ellis Tucker, - of Brit Brit: and he kindly consented to take a small group of ust to his new find. The ‘shelter’ is a large but shallow ovethang on the face of a huge sand- stone tor about 100 feet long and at least 50 fcet high. The floor is rocky. The ‘walls’ of the overhang were once extensively painted, at least judging by the traces that remain, but the paint- ings have been almost completely faded out by exposure to the elements and ruined by mineral stains caused by water seepage, and only à few motifs can be made our with any degree of certainty. All appear to having heen done in red ochre. The recognisable paintings are divided. into three panels, of which the one on the left covers a space of wall about 3 ft. high by 3 ft. 6 jn, wide, and the design consists of a human figure 12 in. high Ranked by 196 6 perpendicular strokes about 6 in. high. The central panel es 6 ft. 6 in. to the right of the previous, and measures 3 ft. 6 in: in height and 4 ft. in width and shows 2 human figures 12 in. high, flanked by a group of what I have elsewhere called ‘broad arrows, ranging from 9 in. io 10 in. in length. The third panel is 3 ft. 9 in. to the right of the central one and covers a space about 3 ft. 6 in: high by about 2 ft. wide, and consists of 5 broad arrows 9 jn. to 10 in. in length ren- dered perpendicularly in two lines, two broad arrows on the left and three on the right line. These broad arrows are not à new motif in the Grampians, they having first been recorded (and illustrated ) by me for the Shelter of the Camp of the Emu's Foot (Vier. Nat. 17, Nov, 1960), where [ stated their meaning to be ‘a puzzle’ At this new shelter Mr. Tucker ad- vanced a very realistic theory regard- ing their significance. When he first discovered the shelter he became aware of the similarity of the broad arrows to the outline of swifts, a num- ber of which were then rushing through the air overhead, silhouetted against the sky. Swifts, he told us, generally fly around in the Grampians during late February and March when they herald the change of weather, Swifts and weather are associated by many bird observers. who have noticed that thunderstorms are often 4/12 Wolseley Stz., Mont Albert, 3127 tum McCann, of Stawell: G- K. Sith, my brother Divo. and myself, of Melbourne- Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 coincidental with the appearance of swifts; and this observation has earned them the name ‘thunder birds’. In my book, Bunjls Cave (Lansdowne Press, 1968), I have recorded that this belief in swift-storm association was also held by the Aborigines of the Western District. Using as an analogy the recorded fact that one of the totems of the Aborigines of Arnhem Land is the ‘Monsoon Wind’, and that its symbol is a design representing the sail of a Macassar vessel, the prahus, which used to arrive in numbers in northern waters at monsoon time—the prahus and the wind being thus associated by the Aborigines—I am now tempted to impute to the swift the symbolism for thunder, rain, clouds, lightning; in other words, ‘storm’, which, in this part of Victoria, was a sub-totem or division of the Crow totem. If this is correct, then it may be legitimate to suppose that this shelter had some special significance to that sub-totem. When we eventually have enough in- formation to draw conclusions on the function of painted shelters and on the distribution of motifs in the Gram- pians, this theory must not be over- looked. This shelter has been named Honey- suckle Creek No. 4 with some mis- givings, since Mr. Tucker has ex- pressed a doubt that the previous three shelters bearing this name are on Honeysuckle Creek at all. He is of the opinion that they are on an un- named creek situated further south. Mr. Tucker had to drive back to Brit Brit that night, and he therefore was not with the rest of the party the next day at Stawell, where we pon- dered over and carefully examined the air survey photographs of the locality; but we found that the two creeks in question arise so close to each other, in such wild, broken and confused country (“it appears to have been the centre of a conflagration" July, 1972 are the words I used in the paper reporting their discovery, Vict. Nat. 84, July, 1967) that we could not decide whether the three shelters were on the watershed of one creek or of the other. Therefore, with the reserva- tion that Mr. Tucker might be right, we decided not to change the cata- logue numbers, especially since this would create confusion. However, future workers in the area, please take note. Shelter No. 4 is undoubtedly on the Honeysuckle Creek watershed, but much further down stream and about two and a half miles north-north-west of the others. The discovery of other shelters in the region should prove to be of the utmost interest, especially should they depict broad arrows, or swifts! Photo: Author Plate 1. Aboriginal shelter No. 4 at Honeysuckle Creek. (Note size of people in lower left.) 197 An Aboriginal Axe-grinding Rock near Mount Macedon, Victoria by ALAN L. WEsT* The most significant Aboriginal relic within the former territory of the Wurundjeri (the so-called Yarra tribe) is the diabase axe-stone ‘quarry’ at Mt. William, near Lancefield. ( For a description of this site by D. A. Casey, see the October 1971 issue of this journal) The purpose of this paper is to provide details of a sand- stone axe-grinding rock which was almost certainly used by the owners of the Mount William quarry to grind sharp edges on their axe blanks. The grinding rock is situated near Mount Macedon and some 18 miles south-west of the axe-stone quarry. This places the site within the boun- daries of the Kurnaje-berreing, a sub- group of the Wurundjeri, who owned and worked the axe-stone deposit (I). At the time of first European settle- ment this clan was headed by Billi- billeri, a man who was to become a respected figure for at least some officials. Mt. William diabase was of excel- lent quality for axe making. Pieces of the rock were chipped roughly to shape at the quarry site and then traded as blanks, in return for such items as reed spears and animal skins, to neighbouring and even distant tribes. Recipients would sometimes have to refine the shape of the blanks and then they would grind a sharp edge on the stones. In some areas this grinding was done on portable stones but in places where suitable fixed rocks were located these were used and were no doubt preferred. Axe- grinding rocks still exist in the Otway Forest, the Western District, Gipps- land and in north-central Victoria. 198 As the distribution of Mount William axe-blanks has yet to be established it is not being suggested that these distant grinding rocks were necessarily used to complete Mount William blanks. There seems little or no doubt, however, that the grinding rock near Mount Macedon was used for this purpose. Six small stone fragments were collected at the site and of these two have been identified as diabase by Dr. A. W. Beasley, Mineralogist, National Museum of Victoria. The other chips are of quartzite and im- pure vein quartz. The rock is now situated on farm land south of the Macedon range. It is on the margin of what was origi- nally an extensive swamp about 14 miles long by + mile wide. The swamp has been drained and water from it now flows into the headwaters of Rid- dells Creek. The site is on the slightly rising ground which confines the swamp on its northern side. It is nine feet above the general level of the swamp and about 20 yards from its edge. The slope behind the rock is lightly covered with eucalypts, mainly peppermints (E. radiata) and candle- barks (E. rubida). William Blandowski, who was ap- pointed to assist in the formation of a Museum of Natural History in Mel- bourne, spent three months in Cen- tral Victoria in 1854 observing the natural history of the area and col- lecting specimens. During this period he not only observed the Mount Wil- liam quarry (later becoming the first man to write about it), but also made *Curator in National Museum Anthropology, of Victoria. Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Plate 1. General view of the axe-grinding rock (ordovic Macedon, Victoria. In the middle ground the former swamp is evident, Photo Plate 2. Some of the smooth depressions on the rock surface caused by axe-grinding activity. Photo: A. L. West July, 1972 199 notes about the 'sheltered places at the base of Mount Macedon'. He re- ported that in the middle of July this area became the resort of swarms of birds of every class (2). "The nata- tores (water birds) in particular," Blandowski wrote, "congregate in vast flocks on the swamp plains". This whole area would thus have been an attractive. place for Aborigines and the site of the axe-grinding rock which projects somewhat into the Bolobec swamp would have been a most desirable camping place. The rock (Plate I) measures 9 feet by 6 feet and outcrops about 6 inches above the ground. The long axis runs north and south and is slightly tilted beneath horizontal at the southern end. The dominant colour of the exposed surface is dark grey, while that of the smooth grinding depressions is gener- ally a lighter pink to yellowish grey. Thirty-one grinding hollows (Plate 2) mark the surface. The shallowest is a depression of 3/16 in., whereas the deepest measures } in. In length the grooves vary from 4 in. to 14 in., but most are about 10 in. There is a variation in width from 24 in. to 54 in. This is the only axe-grinding rock known to exist in the former tribal territory of the Wurundjeri. Its im- portance arises out of this fact and also from its highly probable associa- tion with the well-known axe-stone quarry at nearby Mount William. Appreciation is expressed to Mr. R. Law-Smith, of 'Bolobek', Mace- don, for permission to visit and record the site and to Mr. D. A. Casey. whose assistance in the field and dis- cussion of the manuscript have been most helpful. REFERENCES (1) Howitt, A. W., 1904. The Native Tribes of South East Australia. p. 72. (2) Blandowski, W., 1855. Personal Ob- servations made in an Excursion to the Central Parts of Victoria. Trans. Phil. Soc. of Vic, Vol. I, p. 61. Field Naturalists Club of Victoria General Meeting, 14 June The President, Mr. Tom Sault, took the chair at the June meeting of the Club, and welcomed about seventy mem- bers and visitors. He also announced the forthcoming marriage of two members, the Treasurer, Mr. Harry Bishop, and Mrs, E. Pedrana, and wished them well on behalf of the Club. The speaker for the evening was Mr. Jack Hyett, who gave an ‘Introduction to the Orchids. This was one of the series of ‘Introductions’ organised by Miss Lester, who introduced the speaker. The talk was designed to be informative to beginners in the subject, as well as to the more knowledgeable. It was illus- trated with a series of slides. Among correspondence received was a letter from the Port Phillip Authority requesting information from club mem- 200 bers about areas of the bay shoreline which they consider worthy of preserva- tion. Mr. Sault appealed to members for help in this, there being a particular need for well documented, factual infor- mation. A full list of correspondence was dis- played on the notice board, as well as copies of several letters. The notice board was introduced earlier in the year at the suggestion of the Club Improvement Committee, and is proving a valuable asset in keeping members informed of Club activities, It is available for use by kindred associations as well as for all Club groups. An innovation this month was the display of a copy of the minutes of the last Council meeting. These will be available regularly in order to keep members in touch with Club business. During general business a Club mem- Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 her, Mr Ralph, spoke on the use of the Polson 1080 Australian Paper Manu- Iacturérs' foresters in areas near Bulga Naliemal Park, Mr. Ralph reported that a cainpdign by local residents has met with only partial success, and suggested that the Clob should look More fully into the meny aspects of this. He said he felt thal there was a great need fm reliable information on the effect of 1080 baiting on native fauna, On the brighter side, Mr, Ralph was happy to repam that plantings on one block ad- joining the park would be of Eucalyptus regnans, instead of pines, as originally proposed by A.P.M. In seplying to Mr. Ralph the president said that the Club had already had cor- respondence with A.P,M, and the Na- tional Parks Authority on the use of 1080 jn this area. but promised to again raise the question in Council, "Mr. Sault also gave details of a pro- posal by the Fisheries and Wildhfe De partment for a 13,000-acre reserve on French Island The proposed urea is he- lieved to include 3 pelican rookery and also ane of the few habitats jn Victoria of the potoaroo. It was agreed Ihat the Glub should write to the Premier sup- postin the establishment of this reserve. ndividual members were also urged to Write to their own State Member in suppart Before closing the meeting the Fresi- dent said he regretted being unable to announce a speaker for the July meet- ing. He proposed the formation of a mall panel of members, not on Coun- cil, to take over the organization of programmes for eneral meetings. This would ease the Secretary's work toad aud assist Council Report of Botany Group for the Year 1977, F,N.C V, Current Offire-Beurers:—í Held office throughout 1971. re-elected for 1972.) Chaieman} Mr, Karl Kleinecke. Secretary: Mr, Jamies A, Baines, Program Steward: Miss Marie Alleuder (1971 only). ANNUAL REPORT Meetings were held regularly cach month, with the exceptian of January, the average attendance being 20 mem bers (with a maximum of 32), in February, Mrs. ‘Margaret Corrick spoke on ‘The Hoiany of the Victoria July, 1972 Range, Grampians’; in March, Mr, Alan Morrison spoke on ‘Uncommon Native Planis'; in April, Mr. Fred Woodman spoke ön his first visit to Kenya and second trip to South Africa, with em- phasis on botanical aspects, bul with cunsiderable coverage of wild game also; in May, Mr. Broce Fuhrer's theme was Victorian orchids; in Tune, Miss Helen Aston continued her explanations of bo tanical terms (begun at the November, (970, meeting); m Joly, Miss Laura White spoke on Proteaceae: in August, Mr. Neville Walters spoke on “The Role of Fungi’; in Sept, Mr. lan. Morrison showed many slides of Proteaceae (the Botany Group's theme in the club's an- nual nature show), in October, Miss Madge Lester spoke on ‘Coastal Plants’; m November, slides taken in the Flin- ders Ranges by Messrs. Tan and Alan Morrison, Mise Joan Forster und Miss M, Allender were shown December meeting was s members’ night, in which the topics dealt with Were: ‘Canberra Botanic Gardens (Mr Y, A. Baines), 'Phyllodes and Cladodes" (Mrs. Phyllis Matches], ‘Simpson Desert and Central Australia! (Mr. Bill Corrick) and ‘King lslaud' (Mr Jan Cameron, who lived there for 16 years) Slides were shown at all these meetings, and a number of speakers had also prepared illustrative charts, Excursions were held as regularly ay transpart Irmilations would permit, some of the destinations being the Botanic Gardens, Seaford, ‘Blackburn Lake, Tecoma and Sherbrooke Forest, South Warrandyte (Mr. W. King's native gar- den}, Dixon's Creek and 'Mt Slide, Wes- tern Port. (Corinella area), Maranoa Gardens. Naiure Show: The groups exhibit was Very favourably commented upon, there being many genera and species dis- played. mainly wath live plants but sume ressed species of particular meresi rom the Herbarium collection, charts by Miss L. White on characters separating the various genera native to "Victoria, and a comprehensive chart prepared by Mr. J, Baines setting out the phylogeny of protsacedus genera throughout the world range of the family, chiefly of course jf Australia and southern Africa Exhibits: Every mectiug pave oppat- hunjties for examining and discussing in- teresting specimens from near and far— tor example, Mr. L, Fell showed a great number af plants he collected im the Flinders Ranges during the F.N.C.V. ex- 201 cursion, aid Mr, A, Morrison many unusual species gathered on fis Novih Queensland and inland trips, Victorian Naturalist: Only lwo reports of Botany Group activities appeared in the club’s jeurnal, as *t was misunder- stood that monthly group reporte were to be no longer published. However, Bulany Group reports will appear mantlily. Mammal Survey Group The group spent the long week-end far the Queen's Birthday, June 10-12, at Mt. Disappointment This was the third visit by the group ta the area. On this occasion Ihe camp was a joint alTair with members of the Field Survey Group. There were |Z M.S.G. members present. ot whom four also belong to F.S.G. In addition to other FSG, members, two M.S.CI. visitors and prospective members attended the camp. Spotlighting on the first night was spoilt by fog and rai, but even though hetter conditions prevailed on the Sun» day results were not particularly good. The only new animal reported for the area Was a bobuck possum, Treichosurus canis, spotted on Sunday avening. Six species Of native mammal Were seen by spotlight, but (he nuribers sighted were so few no pattern could be. discerned in their distribution, The trapping results were far better, On each of the lwo nights 80 1taps were set, and a total of BI anin were caupht—45 on the first night, and 36 on the second, There were no mew species iq the area caught in the traps. All the trap lines pruduced a large number ol bush rats, k. [useipes. Antichinws sheertit was also prevalent in the area, and ane specimen each of Antichinus swainsonii and house-mouse, M. thusculus, were caught, All animals taken in the traps were sexed, weighed, and measured be- fore being returned to the bush, After the success of weighing and measucing animals -at the Mt, Hickey camp in May the group purchased its own equipment for doing this. li was in use at Mt Disappointment, and will be at all future camps. The new four-way ballype trap tags produced hy equip- ment officer D. Barham were in use for the first time at Mt, Disappointment, and proved far easicr tp spot in the bush than the old fat Iriangular anes. The monthly mocting of the group at the Rylah Rescarch Centre, Heidelberg, was attended by 17 members. Seven members presented chance sighting re- poris. Dr, L, Winsor gave a short talk 202 on the symptoms and precautions to be Taken i Cases of ral-bite fever—wohich can be got from biles of erther R. raus or R, Juscipes There was discussion on methods of —mnacsihelising — attimals caughr in ihe bush rp enable them ta be handled mare readily, Mr. J. Seebeck, of Fisheries and Wildlife Department, gave Advice on this, and also om standard methods of measuring animals. The camp at the beginning af Tuly on ihe Morningiin Peninsula will be te- ported in nezi issue, The camp following that, on July 29-30, will be at Siberia. on the Muprrindimdi River near Siberia Gap. Camp site maps will be available nt Ihe grpup meeting on July 6 Oy Group Report n — * Despite the inclement weather |9 mem- hers atténded the Maranoa Gardens, Mi, Fairhall, Leader for the day, gave a brief mstury of the gardens. They orginally grew from a private parden, and over the years enlarged to Y) acres, and Alis- Ulam and New Zealand nalive plants were raised there. The FANCY. have hid a hand over the years In the develop. ment of the gardens, and Mr A, Swaby, a Well Known member of the Club, has laken a leading part, The Gatdens now cover 7 acres and contain 2500 native plants nnd tices, most of them named, After lunch the group jlnspecled Melalewcos, Protens, Grevilleas, Hakeas, Hunksigs and num- erous pther plants which space will nat ermit listing. The highlight of the Gar- ens this time of the year rs a magnificent bush of Buckhavsia. This plarit betengs lo the Protea family and at first sgal resembles a Grevillen. ft is n tropical (lower having banana shaped inflores- cences of many creamy flowers, and is the only one of its gemis in the world. At the conclision af the inspection members discussed the various plants seen At about 3,30 p.m. members left for home and all agreed it had been a most imer- esling day despite the ram. We would welcome any country members. Visiting Melbourne t joi us if they are free on our outing day. June— Despite the heavy Fog in the morning L2 members met at the entrance to the Zoological Gardens atid Were welcomed by Mr. Fairhall: The sun broke throngh later m the morning and members took a pleasant stroll through the new Australian Fauna Section, Many mative trees and shrubs Vier, Nat, Vol. 89 have heen planied with a view io pro- iecling the well cared for animals and birds living in the naturel environment. A Sol of work is going on improving the grounds generslly, and ji is a credit to the authorities, The Australian parrots are beautifully housed and the birds at the moment are in gorgeous plumuge. Lunch was par- taken of in Lhe sunshine, after which the Meeting was held. Mr Fairhall told mem- bers we hope to visit the Burnley Horti- cultural Gardens for our ouling in July, and Mrs Strong has written to the Prin- cipal tà obtain permission to view the various sections there. Mr, and Mrs, Surong will be away in July, but Mr. Fairhall will be in charge of arrange merits. Suggestions for places of interest co visit were asked for by Mr. Fairhall, and Mrs. Strong was able to add some more names to her list. Some of the putings will necessitate the use af cars, and enquiries will be made as ta the availability among the members. Lunch completed, members moved Wound and inspected various imported birds and animals and the mew baby hippopotamus. showed himself having à swim in the pool As il was nearing 3.30 p.m. members wended their way home after a most enjoyahle day, Country members will be very welcome tò join us if they are in Melboutne and free, on rhe third Thurs- day of the month. ‘Overhoard m the Bushes ” This, the second article by the Club reporter, will in future, as for this issue, be entitled as above. The title was selected from many suggestions by the Club improvement committee, and originated from the honorary secretary, Mr. R. H. Riordan. Ar the June general meeting of the Club it was requested that these reports show the name of the author. So be it, However, as reporters will change, and his or her name is not as important as Ihe article itself, 1 have adopted the appropriate nam de plume, “Durran Durra", which 1 understand to be Aboriginal for *mes- senger". The back page of the Victorian Nararaliss is not often read. Please do. You wil] note that there are some sighificant changes to the subscription rates, Two new rales have been intro- duced, one for fulltime students and the other ier supporting members. The benefits are purely financial, for both the students and the Club. Let «ws hope, however, that supporting memberships exceed student member- ships, or else the Club will be on the losing end financially. Supporting members receive no duly, 1972 more privileges than olher members. However, with a smile on their faces ant pride in their hearts, they are really supporting the Club which can well do With additional funds. Not only did | read the back page of the Victorian Naturalist, but the front page as wel Tr stites, “Pubs lished by the F.N.C.V. in which is incorporated (he Microscopical Saciety of Victoria”. This leaves me somewhat at a Joss. Why the need to perpetually publish this fact of incorporation? Old pride? After incorporation the M.S.V. became the Microscopical Graup. Whilst on thé subject of groups, it was good to see the Mammal Survey Gruup again contributing 10 the Vic- toriqn Naturalist articles other than papers, in parlicular the calendar of coming survey camps. These calen- dars should likewise be published by the other groups, M takes very [itle effort, Js it really true that the Entomology and Marine Biology Groups have not had a field survey for over one year? And is it also true that they and the Microscopical Group have not pub- lished a paper for a long, long time? 203 If it is true, then soie achom is urgently needed. How about it? We also have a Geology Group. Also? Yes! The Council of Adult Education has one. Where do we fail the C.A.E, members? Perhaps they could not get in louch with the Group Secretary, His address, unlike the other Group Secretaries, is not pub- lished in the Victorian Naturalist. There are probably good reasons for this, and therefore behind his name I would like to see at least “C/- F.N.C,V. Registered Office". That brings me to another point. The address of the F.N.C.V. regis- tered office is not shown in the Vic- torian Naturalist, either. Mr. Leigh Winsor, organiser of this year's nature show being held at the Camberwell Civic Centre, 3rd to 5th September, is not very happy with progress. More and better co-opera- lion arid. participation is needed. With all the trouble Leigh has to go ta, as did Mr. Dan McInnes in the past, I ask mysclf, do we need it? Council has been approached by an organisation to co-administer a prop- erty which the organisation hopes to acquire for parabolic reflector testing. If agreement is reached this would involve Ihe restoration of some 80 to 90 acres of river red gum near Wol- lert. Such agreement could be mutu- allv beneficial, Both the newly-formed Field Sur- yey Group and the C.LC, are seriously looking at field activity co-ordination. A, news sheet, or publication of some sort listing all present and future activity details of all affiliates und other bodies intcrested in natural his- tory, is being sought. —Durran Durra. WESTERN VICTORIAN F.N.Cs, ASSOCIATION Report of individual Clubs for year 1971/72 ARARAT President: ‘Mr. Stan Kelly. Secretary! Miss Z. Banfield. Membership 15 adults. This year a determined effort was made to cradicate as much of the noxious weed baneseed as is possible. With the help of some of the teachers and primary school children a total of over 3,000 lants was pulled. Again this yesr three trainloads of primary school children (300 children) from Croydon schools: were conducted on nature walks in McDonald Park. BALLARAT President: Mr. P. Fry. Secretary: ‘Mr. R, ‘Thomas. Membership 40 Meetings first Friday in month at School of Mines. Eveurstans Sunday after meeting each month. Interest is being taken in the preservation of local forests and a clase eye is being kept on areas marked for pine planting. Guest speakers have covered a wide range at topics, and excursions held to interesting localities including Sherbrooke Forest, Airey's Inlet, Lerderderg River. Mt. Beckworth and Bendigo Whipstick. A “specimen table" introduced at meetings has proved popular. Several members are compiling flora/fauna lists for certain areas and it is hoped these help in the conservation af our environment. BENDIGO Pres|dent* Mr, R, B. Allen. Membership 120, 1971 was Bendigo’s "Year of the Whipstick". A printed report of this was compiled with the object of pressing for the area to become a Forest Park. Greater 204 Vict, Nat, Vel, 89 Secretary: Mr. P. Ellis; contact was made with Government and local government bodies with mutual improvement in co-operation for both. We joined W.V.F.N.C.A. and have enjoyed the excarsions and these have had a bearing on our thoughts and actions. We look forward to 1972 in the W.V.FN.C.A. and hope to reciprocate with the hosting of a week-end in the fature COLAC President: Mr. R. Missen Secretary: Mrs. G. Skinner. Membership 33 Junior Branch & Excursions. conducted. by Mr, Hodges to places of interest in the area. Diversity has been the keynote in our programme. Travel talks, birds, Victorian native orchids, native freshwater fish, New Guinea, Land Conservation Council of Victoria, opal mining, geology of the Otway coast are topics covered by speakers. Our job as caretakers of Wonga and Barongarook reserves continued. Bird counts at Lake Burrumbete by Monash University are three-monthly and assistance given by members of C.F.N.C. Congratulations to Mrs. L, Wheal on the 'M.B.E. award. The club lost a foundation member, Mrs W., Denny, late this year. CRESWICK President: Mr. S. Williams. Secretary: Mr. H. Barclay, Membership 30 Club meetings attract almost full membership. Speakers included Mr. J. Clements (F. & W. Dept.) —European carp infestation and eradication, Mr. and ‘Mrs. L. Millar — Mr. Cole survey. Members presented prepared lectures and covered a wide and interesting range of topics. Excursions took place to Porcupine Ridge, Mt. Beckwith, and with the Native Orchid Society to dig up orchids prior to clearing to replant them in a forest reserve. A week-end campout with F,N:C.V. geology group showed us the highlights of the mining era and Mr. E. J. Semmens (a club oundation member) was presented with an Honorary Life Membership. W.V.F.N.C.A. week-ends have been attended and interest is maintained in the workings of the Association DoNA 6 President: Mr. J. Falla. Secrelary: Mrs. R, Falla, The main project has ‘been the Mt. Jeffcott Reserve. Members have forwarded pressed plant specimens to the Melbourne Herbarium for identification. Five different orchids. have been found. Mr. J. Proctor spoke on the plants of St, Arnaud and led an excursion to the St. Arnaud hills in October. GEBLONG President: IMr, J, Wheeler, Secretary: Mr. G. McCarthy. Membership 467 April saw 10th Birthday celebrations and a get-together of old and new mem- bers, This month, too, we played host to a W.V,F,N,C.A, week-end. An S,G.A,P. nature show in spring was very successful—2,548 people visited. The Otway Survey Group have conducted six campouts. One also to Steiglitz in the Brisbane Ranges. A mutton bird banding week-end was spent at Port Fairy. Another enjoyable week-end was spent at Labertouche. Monthly meetings and excursions were well attended, The Club has been active in conservation AY principally Mt. Cole and the Otways. A busy year is planned for 1972 and we hope to sce the fruitful autcome of some of our projects. HAMILTON No repart. July, 1972 205 HORSHÁM President: Mr. C; Kroken Secretary: Miss S. Robertson. - Membership 47 Meetings fourth Thursday Horsham Technical School The Club again conducted am essay competition in the primary schools. We played host 1o W.V.F.N.C:A. in October, 1970. Excursions took place to Toolando Aboriginal Fish Traps, Dergholm, Laharum (Cave, proposed Mt. Zera Reserve. Speakers included Mr. N, Wakefield “Marsupial Evolution”, Mrs. N. Cross “A Field Nats Wandering around Australia", Mr. L. Jones “National Parks in USA", Mr. I, Smith “Work of the Forestry Commission in the Grampians", Mrs. Kroker “Noumea, New Hebrides, Fiji", taped commentary by Mrs. W, Pearce “Geological Features seen on a World Tour”, Mr. A. West "Aboriginal Sites of Victoria", Mr. E. Barber "Aspects of Field Naturalist Interest in the Portland District". A function arranged by the Wimmera National Council of Women to which we are affiliated saw funds go to the biological survey of Western Port. MARYBOROUGH President: Rev, E, Deutscher, — Secretary: Mrs. L, Courtney. Membership 66 adults and 10 juniors Meetings first Monday. The most pleasing aspect to report is the growing membership. Meetings, for which we have been fortunate in procuring good speakers, and excursions were well attended. Negotiations to have the Dalyenong leasehold declared a wildfiower reserve are nearly complete. Once again a natural history display was held during the Golden Wattle Festival, Mip-MURRAY President: Mrs, A, Fisher Secretary: Miss G. Willoughby. Membership 43 adults, 7 juniors Meetings third Friday, Wood Wood. Speakers at meetings included Mr, T, Henshall, Mr. F, J, C Rogers, 'Mr. J. H. Willis, Dr. L Stone, Mr. Tom Lowe, Mrs. P. Salau. A Club campout was held at Annuello. Two members, Mr. A. Fisher and Mrs. N. Macfarlane, are presideat and secretary respectively of W.V.F.N.C.A, far the second year. A small area at Boundary Bend is now a Flora Sanctuary. Two Special Purpose Reserves have been declared near and at the Wakool Junction. We hope saon to be able 10 report the purchase of 4,000 acres of mallee country (Wandown Faunal Reserve} principally as a mallee fowl refuge, Two members are still compiling a herbarium for the Club. i PORTLAND - President’ Mr. G. Baker Secretary: Miss J. Collishaw. Membership 35 Mecling: second Friday, Town Hall. Guest speakers at meetings were Mr. B, Hardy "Sea Shells of Portland Arca", Mrs. Woolcock “Orchids of W.A.", Miss L Watson “The Mammals of Australia". Mr. P. Roach “Balance in Nature", Mr. R. Pickard "Gemstones", Mr. C, Aslin “The Bent Wing Bat", Miss H, Aston "From Gibbers to Greenery”, Mr. G, Raynor and ‘Mr. N. Young ‘Bird Banding and Observation", Miss Poole “Orchids of Victoria" and Mr. J. Taylor "Land Conservation Council". Members give fiveaninule lectures on a variety of topics, Excursions were to Mt, Richmond, Mt, Clay, north bank of the Glenelg River, Casterton and Dergholm areas. Our member, Mr. Cliff Beuglehole, won the Natural History Medallion tor this year, ROBINVALE President; Mrs, K. Grose. — Secretary: Mrs. L. J, Arnott. Membership is small and excursions are the main activity. These included ones to Lake Benance, Tammit Station and the Wandown area, 206 Vict, Nat. Val 89 STAWELL President: Mr. I. McCann. Secretary: Mr. N, Bennett. Membership 22 adults and 5 juniors, Meetings fourth Monday, Stawell Technical School. Excursions one full and one half day per month. The Club has continued to be active in supporting conservation projects. Club members supported efforts to have the Deep Lead School Site of 4 acres reserved as an Endowment Plantation to be used for an arboretum, Once again slide nights at Halls Gap over Christmas were conducted, and we are to host Photoflora in March. r SUNRAYSIA No report. (Remainder will appear next month) NEW CONSERVATION SOCIETY The Lysterfield Conservation Sociely has recently been formed, primarily to oppose proposals to use 114 acres of the Lysterfield Catchment area for quarrying. Further details are obtainable from the Secretary — - Mr. A. Hill, Lot 24, Major Rd. Lysterfield 3156 TO BE PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER BUTTERFLIES - OF AUSTRALIA by Dr. I. F. B. Common and Dr. D. F, Waterhouse 480 pages, 27 colour plates, 14 half- tone plates, 25 text-figs, plus 364 distribution maps This long awaited book, based on G, A. Waterhouse's famous What Butterfly Is Thaf?, will certainly be the recognised authoritative reference to the Australian butterflies for many years to come. Price $25.00 POST FREE TO ALL ORDERS RECEIVED BEFORE PUBLICATION (AUST, & TERR. ONLY) Also we offer with each copy ordered before publication, one copy at half price (50c.) of A Label List of the Australian Butterflies. The labels contained in this may be cut out and used in naming a collection. It follows exactly the up-dated names and nomenclature in Butterflies of Australia. Australian Entomological Supplies 14 Chisholm St., Greenwich, N.5.W., 2065 Phone Sydney 43 3972 July, 1972 207 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Established 1880 OBJECTS: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian fauna and flora. Patron: His Excellency Major-General Sir ROHAN DELACOMBE, K.B.E, CB, D.S.O. „Key Office-Bearers, 1971-1972, President; D Mr. T. SAULT Vice-President: Mr. B. COOPER Hon, Secretary: Mr. R. H, RIORDAN, 15 Regent St., East Brighton, 3187. 92 8579) Treasurer: H. BISHOP. Address Correspondence to National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra. Subscription Secretary: Mr. D. E. MeIINNES, 129 Waverley Road, East Mal- vern, 3145 Hon. Editor: Mr. G., M. WARD. 54 St. James Road, Heidelberg 3084. Hon. Librarian: Mr. P. KELLY, c/o National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra 3141. Hon, Excursion Secretary: Miss M. ALLENDER, I9 Hawthorn Avenue, Caulfield 3161, (522749). Magazine Sales Officer: Mt. B. FUHRER, 25 Sunhill Av., North Ringwaod, 3134. Group Secretaries; Botany: Mr. J. A, BAINES, 45 Eastgate Street, Oakleigh 3166 (57 6206). Day Group: Mrs. J. STRONG, 1160 Dandenong Road, Murrrumbeena. (56 2271) Entomology and Marine Biology: Mr. J. W. H. STRONG, Flat 11, "Palm Court", 1160 Dandenong Rd. Murrumbeena 3163 (56 2271). Field Survey: Mr. B. J. COOPER, 37 Bath Road, Burwood 3125. ga 7379) Geology: Mr. T. SAULT. - +. Mammal Survey; Mt. G. E: DOUGLAS, "Knolanoll", Riddell’s Creek 3431 (054-285191) ue : Microscapicul; Mr. M. H. MEYER, 36 Milroy Street, East Brighton (96 3268). MEMBERSHIP Membership of the F.N.C.V. is open to any person interested in natural history. The Victorian Naturalist is distribnted free to all members, the club's reference and lending library is available, and other activities are indicated in reports set out in the ‘several preceding pages of this magazine. Rates of Subscriptions for |972. Ordinary Members - .. . s. 6 4 def see 4 i $ $ $ (S a 0700 Counte- aan bers ie. ua Luo loe ele memo me memo e j j eo oe o M0 Joint Members ,. «o 9 WP op ishi È " " " so 0 482500 duniar Members (under 18 years] X 42-222 - 4: - , a $200 Juaier Members receiving Vict. Nat... s so oe 4 lc 2 oh $4.00 Subscribers to Vict. Nat. bird nly) E I mw Om Ct. v oM ox o h 35.00 Overseas Subscribers EN - - - S C an o -| o 26 AffiRated. Societies T » V À ; i € 36h s (8 0 RAD Supporting Members aK er e v n e =. 0510.00 tile Membership (reducing after 20. years) T $140.00 The cost of individual copies of the Vict. Nat. vill be 45 cents (62 centi — overteds FLA Full-time Students between 18 and 21 years pay at Junior Member rates, All subscriptions should be made payable fo dhe Field Neturaliste Club of Victoria, and posted to ihe Subscription Secretary. @ JENKIN, BUXTON & CO. PTY. LTD., PRINTERS, WEST MELBOURNE F.N.C.V. DIARY OF COMING EVENTS GENERAL MEETINGS Monday, 14 August — At National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra, com- mencing 8 p.m. 1. Subject for evening — "Trees of Northern Australia": Dr. Alan Parkin. 2. New Members: (July) Ordinary: Mr. Alan Crocombe, 9 Boongarry Ave., Blackburn 3130. Miss Joan M. Dixon, National Museum of Vic., Russell St., Melbourne 3000. Miss G. D. Riddiford, 88 Guildford Rd., Surrey Hills 3127. Mrs. Sheila Houghton, 4 Lorna St,, Cheltenham 3192. Miss Monica Ward, 12 Loller St., Brighton 3186. Country: i Mr. Robert G. Taaffe, 11 Boston Ave., Lockleys, Adelaide, S.A. 5032 unior: Simon E. Townsend, 13 Parkstone Aye,, Pascoe Vale South 3044, ( August) Ordinary: $ „Mr. Rodney G. Sullivan, 111 Asling St., Gardenvale 3185. oint: Mr. Geoffrey A. Comber ] , due, Mrs. Laurice A. Comber f 3 Cash Gve., East Oakleigh 3166 Country: Mr. Robert C. Andrews, 8 The Angles, Yallourn 3538, Mr. Paul Kelly, Research Station, Rutherglen 3685. GROUP MEETINGS Thursday, 17 August — Day Group. Cheltenham Park, Meet 11.30 a.m. at entrance 50 yards west of Cheltenham Railway Station. Bring your own lunch. Thursday, 24 August — Field Survey Group meeting. "Botanical Survey Techniques" and briefing for Gembrook survey camp. Monday, 4 September — Marine Biology and Entomology Group meeting in Con- ference Room, National Museum. at 8 p.m. Wednesday, 6 September — Geology Group meeting. Thursday, 7 September — Mammal Survey Group meeting in Arthur Rylah Institute, 123 Brown St., Heidelberg. at 8 p.m. Thursday, eae 14: lan Cameron: ‘Some Aspects of the Native Flora of New Zealand’. JUNIOR MEETINGS Friday, 25 August — Hawthorn Town Hall. at 8 p.m. Friday, 1 September — Preston Rechabite Hall. 281 High Si.. at 8 p.m. Friday, 8 September — Montmorency and District, Scout Hall. Petrie Park, at 8 p.m. F.N.C.V. EXCURSIONS Survey Camps — 12-13 August. 1972. Cape Liptrap- Waratah Bay Area. 9-10 September, 1972. Mortimer Park. Gembrook. Further details and map available from Secretary of F.S.G. Sunday, 13 August — Geology Group Excursion to Bacchus Marsh area. Leader Mr. Stan Rowe. Meeting place. Flinders St., opposite C.T.A. Building, 9.30 a.m. Sunday, 20 August — Geelong area. Subject: Fossils. This excursion will be led by Mr. K. Bell of the National Museum of Victoria who gave the recent intro- ductory talk on Fossils. The coach will leave Batman Avenue at 9.30 a.m.. Fare $1.80. Bring one meal and a snack. Members travelling by private car can meet near comfort station behind Geelong Town Hall. Sunday, 27 August - Saturday, 3 September — Stawell. This excursion will be led by the Stawell F.N.C. and the programme includes visits to Heatherlie Quarry and Warrenmang Slate Quarry, Mt. Zero, Wonderland, Deep Lead, Iron Bark Ranges, Fyans Creek, Wannon Valley and Jimmys Creek. Accommodation has been booked at the London Motel at $4.70 per person, room only. Coach fare of $20 should be paid to the Excursion Secretary by the August General Meeting, Cheques to be made out to Excursion Trust. The coach will leave from Flinders Street near Gas and Fuel Corporation at 9 a.m. Bring picnic lunch. 6-27 January — New Zealand. There are still some vacancies on this excursion. The itinerary was published in the June Naturalist and the excursion secretary would like all bookings confirmed as soon as possible. 210 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 The Victorian Naturalisi Editor: G, M. Ward Assistant Editor: G. Douglas Vol. 89, No. 8 9 August, 1972 CONTENTS Articles: Craggy Island, Bass Strait. By 'M. A. Marginson and S. Murray-Smith .. 212 Further Notes on Kent Group Birds. By Jack Jones .. .. .. .. 223 Seaside Rocks out of Place. By Edmund G. Gill .. T ri m .. 225 A Naturalists Journey to the Flinders Ranges. By L. A. Fell .. je. .. 228 Some Observations on the Den Litter of Foxes in Victoria. By Brian J. Coman ... a .. us ss ss ss ss s. 2M Conservation Council of Victoria - -0 x — m ads UH e 0234 Features: Nature Notes from the Gold Coast. By Alex N. Burns... .. .. .. 227 "Overheard in the Bushes" . La a a +. ets i: 3 . 235 Letter to the Editor . 3 od I 4k "m "m " La “4 AE 236 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria: Reports of Genera] Meeting and Groups .. s5 ‘3 a 2 .. 237 Latrobe Valley F.N.C.’s Report . .. .. .. .. 0. e .. 238 Diary of Coming Events .. s .. we ss ss ss ss s. 210 Fromt Cover: Wright Rock from the north. Note the seal colony on the right. (See pp. 212.) photo: S. Murray-Smith August, 1972 211 Craggy Island, Bass Strait by M, A, Marernson and S. MunkRAvY-SMITH* The 'Bassian Isthmus’ ts a chain of islands, formerly mountain tops and plateaux, which runs across Bass Strait from Wilson's Promontory to the norh-eas| corner of Tasmania. A light aircraft flies out from the Promontory, over the shell-backed Hogans, then across ta the Kent Group some twenly miles south-east, and from the Kent Group to Flinders Island and so down through the Furneaux Group and across Banks Strait to Tasmania, This, loo, is the presumed migration route of the Tasmantan Aboriginals. The largest gap in the chain, and one which has caused some perturba- tion to the crossStrait canoeists who have recently been seeking pew ways of sel-immolation, is between the Kent Group and the northern end of Flinders Ísland. This is a gap of some thirty miles. of open sea, broken only by three small but—tor the early mariners in particular — dangerous obstacles: Wright Rock, Endeavour Reef aod Craggy Island. Inshore of Craggy Island, but set to the eastward, are two larger islands, the Sisters, which lie off the north-east point of Flinders Island. From the thousand-foot elevation of the hghthouse on Deal Island, the main island of the Kent Group, we have often seen the dramatic granite tors of Craggy Island gleaming through the haze, and an sdditional enticement has been the prominent white horn of Wright Rock, offen mis- *Botlt of thé University of Melbourne. We with tà thank Mr. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Armslrong. of Deal island: Willis and Mr. accompany thms article. Previous articles im this series are: Don Island in the Kent Groun ent (Vic. Nat. in the. Kent AE, LN Miss Joyce Wood, and for the 1nst-mei niona article above. 212 Group" (Vic, Nat, R6 (9), September 1969); taken in olden times for a sloop in sail, which lies on the line between the Kent Group and Craggy Island. On the morning of 6 January 1971 we set off from West Cove in the Kent Group in the well-known 48-foot light- house supply vessel Marjorie Phyllis, skippered by our old friend and col- league in many Bass Strait trips, Frank Goold. As we steamed out of Murray Pass and turned south-eastwards we met a long and strong north-easterly swell: no white water but quite enough roll to make us all hang on tight and Some of us reach for our travel tablets. We set course direct for Wright Rock. some twelve miles from the Kent Group and two-thirds of the way to Craggy Island, our plan being to tur back at this point if the nature of the sea and the weather made it seem pointless to proceed to Craggy. Gradually Wright Rock (124 feet) rose up obt of ihe sea on our star- board bow, and as we came closer we saw that it consisted of an immense granite pinnacle rising out of massive foundations, stecp-to on the north- east side, along which we were to pass, but running out lo the south- west, for hundreds of yards, in as nasty a mess of concealed reefs amd boiling water as we had seem Frank fold us nonchalantly that, in his fishing days, he used to trai] his shark-lines out over those reefs as he fished round the rock. The Salling directions. speak of tide races, irregular depths Brian Stackhouse, ot Flinders e T Mr. Frank Goold. of Part Albert; end Mr. Jiin Rex Filon, of the Nalieaal Herbarium, Melbourne, for the identifications Which First Fpoting on a Bass Strait Island; An investigation of EI (E). Augus 19675; ' + an (with Jack Jones), (Pic. Nat, B7 (12), December 1970), the University of Melbourne, very kindly drew the maps both for this article "Further Investiaanons in the “South West Island, and other investipalions Viel. Nat. Vol. 39 and short seas, and succinctly com- ment: “If there is any swell at all, even in fine weather, the place should be given a wide berth".* Matthew Flinders discovered Wright Rock in the final stages of his voyage round Australia in the Znvestigator, on 31 May 1803. Returning to Port Jackson from Timor, with a ship go- ing to pieces under him and eighteen men of his small crew sick below (several "almost without hope"), he had experience of passing the rock at eleven o'clock at night, close enough “to hear the growling of the seals".' The earliest reference to the actual name that we have seen is in the log of the survey ship Beagle for 1842 (“Wright’s Rocks”) .* (This too is the earliest reference we know for the name “Craggy Island".) And as we ourselves lay hove to and rolling hor- ribly in what seemed to all of us (except Frank Goold) quite alarm- ingly close proximity to the great ex- plosions of surf over the base of the rock, trying to organise one hand for ourselyes and one for our cameras, we saw Flinders’ colony of seals taking their pleasure at the same place on the rock, no doubt, that they did in his day. There were about forty seals on the north face of the rock, and more in the water: about four patriarchal wigs, with their clapmatches and the youngsters grouped around them. High up on the north side of the rock, sheltered from the prevailing winds by a slight overhang at the peak, we observed a patch of succulent plants with pink flowers. Through binoculars the patch appeared to be entirely com- posed of the Rounded Noon-flower (Disphyma blackii, previously D. aus- trale); the size of the patch was diffi- cult to estimate, but was probably about twenty feet square—not exten- sive compared with the area of Wright Rock itself, but a fine example of the August, 1972 tenacity of this plant under most rigorous conditions. By now it was clear that the sea was behaving reasonably, that the weather was holding, and that a land- ing on Craggy might be feasible, so we pressed on. A new point of interest soon came abeam, this time on the port side: the long, ominous line of Endeavour Reef, with Beagle Rock standing out some three miles on the Craggy side of the reef. Endeavour Reef, which is about two and a half miles from Wright Rock, was discovered in 1817 by Captain Hammant of the Endeavour brig. As Hammant rather graphically put it, he "saw a reef with two small rocks on it, visible at the rebound of the sea . - . directly in the track recommended by some navigators for passing through the Strait."* As far as one could judge from a small ship giving the reef a reasonable berth, it consists of a con- siderable area, perhaps hundreds of acres in extent, of barely-covered rock: a horrible place to come to grief, but perhaps a fascinating place to ex- plore in a dead-low tide and a dead- calm sea, if you could ever find any- one silly enough to take you near it. Beagle Rock, which is just awash at high water (but was clearly visible as we passed), was charted by Lort Stokes in his famous Beagle expedi- tion in 1842.* CRAGGY ÍSLAND We had had plenty of warnings not to attempt a landing on Craggy Island. Bass Strait folk-lore, which is no more reliable than any other sort of folk- lore even though it has to be taken into account, had it that a landing on its toothed rocks could only be safely achieved on a very few days in the year. As we sailed from the Kent Group a fisherman who had just returned from potting around Craggy warned us that the swell would be un- manageable and that landing from our 213 dinghy would be out of the question. Frank Goold, in his usual imperturb- able way, agreed that we might as well go and have a look. As the island got closer it began to appear more likely that we might be able to use our twelve-foot aluminium dinghy, which had been impatiently yawing from side to side, on the end of its painter, all the way from the Kent Group. The north-west end of the island, with its deeply indented and eroded mini-coves and rock plat- forms, appeared to offer the only 4^ LANDING ^ 4$ practicable landing place, and for- tunately the combination of easterly swell and low tide gave us a good chance here. The Marjorie hove to a few hundred yards from the shore, and our nine horse-power outboard was screwed onto the dinghy. The advance party of our group of eight soon managed to find a protected rock shelf on which it was possible to jump ashore, despite a slight wash. Although probably the easiest land- ing we had made on a Bass Strait island, it was clear to us that, but for Plate 1. Craggy Island from the air. The route of the main party is indicated. 214 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 the flat sea and the easterly nature of the swell, a landing on Craggy would have been much more difficult. Craggy Island, Lat. 39° 41’, Long. 147° 41’, and perhaps two- thirds of a mile long and a third of a mile wide, has its modest place in history. It is easily visible from Flin- ders Island and was certainly well known to the itinerant sealers—many of them escaped or time-expired convicts—who roamed the Straits in the first half of last century, and who named the island “The Stacks". 147°30°'E I Erith | | p KENT | E. GROUP Deal Island Dover | French explorers named Craggy "La Brioche" (actually a kind of bun or bread roll, made of two lumps of dough, the smaller surmounting the bigger).? Whether or not the island in those days supported a sizable seal population is impossible to say, but it certainly appears probable enough. George Augustus Robinson, the ‘Pro- tector, tells of the sealer John Day, with two of his mates (all resident on Deal Island), being wrecked on Craggy Island in February 1831. They had been on a stores trip to Launces- 39°305 BAS S§ | S X RIA VICTORIA Endeavour =: Reef WILSONS PROMONTORY HOGAN GROUP CURTIS GROUP * BASS ¿Wright Rock * Beagle Rock CRAGGY iiu. ISLAND: Craggy Rock: FLINDERS ISLAND Figure 1. August, 1972 215 ton, and were cast away on their return voyage to the Kent Group, being rescued after making smoke.* A visitor to the Furneaux Group in the 1880s reported that "The half- castes still go sealing in the season to some of the small rocky islets off Clark Island and Craggy Island, known as the 'Stacks'."* In 1891 D. Le Souef reported that Craggy was a breeding ground for seals; however. we saw none there.’ Craggy has in all probability never been inhabited, though we have been told that Flinders Island farmers have attempted to run sheep there in the past!": certainly we saw no signs of a building. There has been some shakily-based gossip of Plate 2. The landing spot on Craggy Island, showing eroded rocks characteristic of the island. photo: S. Murray-Smith pirate loot on Craggy (the celebrated case of William Campbell and the San Francisco, in 1805''), but, though we looked hard, we found nary a doub- loon. To anyone who observes Craggy Island from abeam, it is obvious why the sealers called it “The Stacks". Essentially the island consists of four great eroded granite towers, descend- ing in height from the west to the east, linked by saddles and skirted by a talus of fallen rock and granite gravel. From the feet of the towers a glacis of vegetation sweeps down to the littoral zone and then to a spec- tacular tidal zone of water-smoothed granite slipping into the sea, set off by Plate 3. Cape Barren Geese taking off above a typical stretch of Craggy Is- land coastline. photo: S. Murray-Smith Vict. Nat, Vol. 89 eroded, free-standing monoliths along the water's edge. One member of our party summed up the geological ‘feel’ of Craggy Island by calling it a “crumbly” island; certainly we all recognised a venerable character about the stone. For, although all the Bass Strait islands are beautiful in their own ways, there is a special feeling to Craggy that we sensed within minutes of land- ing—a feeling compounded of that sense of ‘age’ we have just referred to, of its isolation, its solitude (this is apparently the first report ever written on the island), the Wagnerian back- drop of the ‘stacks’ themselves, weirdly sculpted and imposing as you stand beneath them, the magnificent panorama southwards to the long north coast of Flinders Island, some twelve miles away, and of its sounds, smells and colours, subtly different to those of other islands we are familiar with. And here, in particular, we will not forget the characteristic sound of Craggy Island—the mewing of the Pacific gulls whose domain the island was. We saw no silver gulls at all, which was again a new experience for us. Our most immediate surprise, how- ever, was the nature of the rocky point on which we had landed. Im- mediately behind the granite outliers and protectors of the little cove we motored into lay an extraordinary tidal zone: a series of wave-cut rock platforms, prolific in marine life, deeply dissected and tessellated; need- ing some careful high-stepping to avoid cuts and scratches, but capable of providing many days of happy hunting to the marine biologist. The floor of these platforms was scooped out in sharp-edged, scallop-like, shal- low cavities, the origins of which would be interesting to learn. Cer- tainly we have seen nothing like them elsewhere. August, 1972 The party assembled above high- water mark, changed into scrub-bash- ing clothes, cached its beer and sur- plus belongings and, splitting into several groups, set off to explore the island.* After leaving the tidal platform the main party (from now on ‘we’) entered a prolific and rank growth of the Coast Saltbush (Atriplex cinerea). growing over penguin runs and a friable and collapsible soil. Here and there in this dense and vigorous growth we found small patches of the Bower Spinach (Tetragonia implexi- coma) and of the Rounded Noon- flower (Disphyma blackii), with some Sea Celery (Apium prostratum), Variable Groundsel (Senecio lautus— the cut-leaf form, dissectifolius, which appears to be in synonymy with S. capillifolius) and the Beaded Glass- wort (Salicornia quinqueflora). At about the forty-foot level we came on a zone of mixed vegetation, which contained all those species men- tioned above, as well as the Seaberry Saltbush (Rhagodia baccata), Bul- bine Lily (Bulbine bulbosa) and a white-flowered hollyhock, subsequently identified as a Lavatera plebeia, the Native Hollyhock. Slightly higher, at 50-60 feet, we encountered the Kar- kalla or Angled Noonflower (Carpo- brotus rossii), Blue Tussock-grass (Poa poiformis) and the Tall Daisy (Brachycome diversifolia, var. mari- tima). At the edge of the relatively flat littoral area there was a sudden cessa- tion of the saltbush, its dominant *The route of the main party is indicated on the accompanying map. is party was concerned with an attempt to investigate the principal areas of vegetation by means of a circular tour, Other parties ascended the two westernmost stacks, and entered a large onen-mouthed cave on the side of the main peak, On this peak (371 feet) a round bronze plaque was found, cemented to the base of a small cairn, and reading: HYDROGRAPHIC BRANCH TRIANGULATION STATION 1945 R. A. N. 217 Plate 4. Coated with yellow Island's third 'stack' here stands as a background for a dense colony of Vari- able Groundsel. lichen, Craggy photo: S. Murray-Smith place being taken by the Variable Groundsel, interspersed with Bower Spinach. Our general impression was that this type of vegetation continued up the slopes of the first 'stack', which was now before us. This impression was not contradicted when we later examined plants brought back from the ‘heights’ by the other two parties. Bearing now around the south of the island, we came to a small saddle, and noted here that the Poa became dominant. The extensive patches of this grass were characterized by their fine stems and marked blueish ap- pearance: the most pronounced tints we have seen in this grass—in the islands we have visited the ‘Blue’ Tussock-grass is rarely blue. Another feature of this grass was the squashed nature of the individual tussocks. We did not have to look far for the ex- 218 planation, for there was plentiful evidence of the presence of the Cape Barren Goose, and we disturbed about half a dozen individuals as we crested the rise. From this point, looking eastwards, the vista was dominated by the mas- sive eroded granite stacks of the island’s backbone. These tors are heavily encrusted with lime-green lichens (Caloplaca sp. (undescribed) ), our attention being drawn especially to a strikingly-eroded pinnacle outlier of the second highest stack. From this point the island’s stacks can be seen sweeping down to the sea, allowing a vegetation zone averaging some three hundred feet in breadth before reach- ing massive wind-eroded slabs of granite, covered with black and bril- liant-yellow lichens. Beyond these smooth, lichen-encrusted slabs there came the water-eroded tidal zone, Plate 5. A dramatic pinnacle standing out from Craggy Island's second-highest ‘stack’. photo: S. Murray-Smith Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 much as we had seen it at the landing point, and then the sea itself. We continued skirting the southern bastions of the two westernmost stacks, and noted for the first time, at the height of about a hundred feet, the Austral Stonecrop (Crassula sie- berana), in small patches on the ex- posed rock surfaces. Somewhat fur- ther on, below the second stack, and at a height of a hundred to 150 feet, we found a large colony of the Native Hollyhock, all of a hundred feet by ten feet in dimensions. We now traversed up the slope to- wards the saddle between the second and third stack (counting from the west), with the object of switching to the north side of the island and making our way back to our landing place. On the way we had a fine view of the north side of Flinders Island, from Cape Frankland to the Sisters Islands. As we climbed well up into this second re-entrant we found our- selves over-viewing a great domain, many acres in extent, of the Variable Groundsel. These lush green bushes had taken complete charge of the whole valley below us, stretching from the island's divide down almost to the high tide mark before being replaced by low-flying succulents such as the Bower Spinach and the Noonflower. We were now between the Ground- sel domain and the foot of the decay- ing granite. The friable nature of the soil, mixed as it was with numerous fragments of flaked rock, made walk- ing difficult, and almost invariably we followed the penguin runs. As we entered the saddle from the southern side the Groundsel ceased abruptly, and was replaced by a pure stand of Native Hollyhock. Immediately be- yond the saddle, and again with striking abruptness, the Hollyhock was replaced by a large, thick-stemmed and woody thicket of Cape Leeuwin Wattle (Albizia lophantha), growing to six feet, by far the biggest plants August, 1972 we had seen on the island, and ob- viously of considerable age. For us, in these eastern Bass Strait islands, this was a new botanical ex- perience: traversing, within a few hundred yards, three quite distinct and well-established domains. Cross- ing the ridge of Craggy Island and suddenly finding the little forest of Cape Wattles made us aware of a real divide, and of the remarkable difference the marginally more hos- pitable northern slopes of the island had made to the vegetation. It was a case of 'over the ridge and out of the wind’, with the difference (to us) that here on Craggy more benign con- ditions had nurtured different species, whereas on islands like Dover Island (in the Kent Group) the same condi- tions tended to give rise simply to a more lush growth of existing vegeta- tion. We struggled through the Cape Wattles some distance down the north- ern slope of the island, and after some fifty yards found the Native Holly- hock invading this otherwise pure stand. Finally the Wattle disappeared entirely, and the dominant vegetation, from half-way down the slope almost to its foot, comprised Native Holly- hock and a lushly growing form of the Seaberry Saltbush, the latter gradually becoming more prevalent. However, at about 75 feet, the Sea- berry Saltbush ceased, and was suc- ceeded by Coast Saltbush, still inter- spersed with Native Hollyhock. The final stage in the succession came about when the place of the Native Hollyhock was taken by the Variable Groundsel, about fifty feet above high water mark. Descending to the rocks immediately above the tidal zone we worked our way some distance east, towards the north-east point of the island. Time being short, and the vegetation show- ing no new features, we turned back along the rocks of the littoral zone, 219 Plate 6. hdc On the north side of Craggy Island a member of the party negotiates a flourishing stand of Native Hollyhock. In the background is a colony of the Cape Leeuwin Wattle, and the central of the island’s three saddles. photo: S. Murray-Smith making for our landing point. There were new delights on this milder northern shore of the island. We were fascinated by a series of rock pools, stained by some unknown agent to a mahogany-red colour. The life gen- erally in this littoral zone was prolific, and we saw many species of algae and some large crabs. We also sur- prised a large, immature bird, over two feet long and with brown and white mottled feathers, and a large. black, hooked beak, sheltering in à rock declivity. This has subsequently been identified as a young Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus). Another pleasure of our journey back along the rocks was to see the uninhibited way in which many plant 220 varieties, already familiar to us from the Kent Group, were here co-existing in small communities in the rock crevices. For instance, we saw mixed communities of the Bulbine Lily (flowering prolifically), Angled Noon- flower, Bower Spinach, Variable Groundsel, Shore Spleenwort (Asplen- obtusatum), Poa, within à small compass of a few square yards, and all obviously happy ium and relatively in their close association. In addition, we collected in these miniature gar- dens two small succulents: the Coast Sand-spurrey (Spergularia media) and the deliciously-named Glaucous (or Pale) Goose-foot ( Chenopodium glaucum) with its tiny lilac flowers Surrounding these little bowers, orange and yellow lichens made vivid splashes of colour on the rocks. Plate 7. One of Craggy Island's natural 'gar- dens’, with a number of plant species growing in unusually close association. photo: S. Murray-Smith Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Rounding the west point of the island, and approaching our landing stage, we returned to the harsher milieu of the weather side, wading through the dense cover of Coast Salt- bush to return to our landing place. Here we re-embarked without inci- dent. The chief pleasure of our home- ward run was to see the play of even- ing light around the cliffs and crags of Deal Island as we made for the south end of Murray Pass and our home haven of West Cove. * * * 5* To the passer-by in the ocean liner or fishing vessel, as indeed to the explorers of long ago, the Bass Strait islands appear from a distance as ‘much of a muchness. Our experi- ence, limited though it has been, is that intimate contact with these islands makes one aware of how different they are one from the other, and what infinite pleasures and profit must emerge as they are studied, as they progressively will be, in greater depth. Our brief reconnoitre of Craggy Island, for instance, intro- duced us to the Pacific Gull hege- mony, to the stands of the Cape Leeuwin Wattle (which, our other parties informed us, grows almost to the top of the island’s main peak), to the eroded rock structure of the island, and to the peculiar nature of the plant domains; with the larger plants, often highly specific and dif- photo: Julie Marginson August, 1972 ferentiated; with the smaller plants, often cosily intermingled. All of these experiences were new to us. And even plants well known to us took a puzzlingly different form here. The Seaberry Saltbush, for instance, in- cluded a small-leafed form which was almost unrecognisable as Rhagodia (though we had seen similar on South West Island), while the Rounded Noon-flower we saw on Craggy Island had characteristically small leaves which moved us to want to christen it "var. minima”. We are no experts in bird observing and no doubt a number of pelagic species we did not see are present on the island. We have mentioned the Cape Barren Geese and the Pacific Gulls; as well there were a number of Sooty Oyster Catchers, cormorants were observed near our landing point. about twelve albatross were seen on the way to Craggy Island, and the island itself was of course well colon- ised by penguins. Mutton-birds were also presumably in occupation. We also saw several quail, with their characteristic whirring noise, a pair of hawk-like birds over the main peak. and several birds of a starling or blackbird type. Lizards were prolific on the island, and we were particularly struck by the number of tiny turrets of spider (?) holes we saw. protruding a quar- ter to half an inch above the surface of the ground. Plate 8 Mycenastrum corium — (see final foot- note). At Left: the fruiting body from un- derneath, with an indication of size, At right: the fruiting body from above. 221 REFERENCES: 1. Matthew Flinders: A Voyage to Terra Australis (London, 1814), Vol. II, p. 271. 2. Public Record Office, London: Adm/51/3559, log of Beagle, 18 May 1842. 3. Sailing Directions Victoria including Bass Strait (Melbourne, 1970), p. 412. 4. James Horsburgh: The India Direc- tory (London, 1852), Vol. I, p. 102. 5. J. Lort Stokes: Discoveries in Aus- tralia . . p. 419. . (London, 1846), VoL Il, 6. Louis Freycinet: Voyage de Décou- vertes aux Terres Australes . . . Atlas (Paris, 1812). 7. N. J. B. Plomley: Friendly Mission (Hobart, 1966), pp. 326-7, 338. Launceston Examiner, 28 May 1883. Victorian Naturalist, Vol. VII, No. 9, 7 January 1891, p. 123. 10. John Whinray, Flinders Island— per- sonal communication. 11. Mercury, 28 September, 29 Septem- ber, 30 September 1944. APPENDIX Plants collected on Craggy Island Coast Saltbush Bower Spinach Rounded Noon-flower Sea Celery Variable Groundsel Beaded Glasswort Seaberry Saltbush Bulbine Lily Native Hollyhock Angled Noon-flower Blue Tussock-grass Tall Daisy Austral Stonecrop Cape Leeuwin Wattle Shore Spleenwort Coast Sand-spurrey Glaucous Goose-foot Atriplex cinerea Tetragonia implexicoma Disphyma Blackii (formerly D. australe) Apium prostratum Senecio lautus var. dissectifolius Salicornia quinqueflora Rhagodia baccata Bulbine bulbosa Lavatera plebeia Carpobrotus Rossii Poa poiformis Brachycome diversifolia var. maritima Crassula sieberana Albizia lophantha Asplenium obtusatum Spergularia media Chenopodium glaucum Lichens collected comprised Xanthoria ectanea (Ach.) Ras. ex. R. Filson; Teloschistes spinosus (Hook f. & Tayl.) J. Murray; Anaptychia pseudospeciosa f. tremulans (Müll. Arg.) Kurokawa; Lecanora aff. sulphurea (undescribed), and the widespread Caloplaca sp. (undescribed). The following correction to a previous article (with Jack Jones), published in the Victorian Naturalist for December 1970, should be noted: Mr. J. H. Willis informs us that the mentions we make (p. 349 ff.) of the Tree Hollyhock (Lavatera arborea) on South West Jsland are incorrect. The revised identification of this plant is that of a lilac-flowered and woolly variety of the Native Hollyhock, i.e. L. plebeia, var. fomentosa. This is an important distinction to us, as L. arborea is an introduced plant, and we were at a loss to account for its well-estab- lished presence on remote South West Island. We should also like to report our collec- üon of an unusual, brown, tough fungal growth 222 on Erith Island during the summer of 1970-71. Gathered on the northern slopes of the Vale of Erith, on the track from West Cove to Deep- water Cove, this has been identified as Mycenas- trum corium, the Leather Puffball. Typically, a plant of arid mallee country, it is unusual in such an environment. Our specimen measured about eight inches across the ‘dome’. In our article “Further Investigations in the Kent Group” in the Victorian Naturalist for September 1969, we reported the Tree Broom- heath (Monotoca elliptica) as new to Dover Island. In fact this plant was reported on Dover Island by Colin Garreau. in the Victorian Naturalist for December 1958 (p. 129). Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Further Notes on Kent Group Birds by Jack Jones This contribution is an addition to the article published in the Victorian Naturalist 1970 (1) on birds of the Kent Group of Bass Strait islands, It has been compiled from information published and personal communica- lions received since then. It names new species, confirmed species and disputed species; and provides brief comment on occurrence of land species in the Group. Srecres RECORD All of the species named below as new or confirmed, except White Egret, Azure Kingfisher and Striated Parda- lote, are records of J. S. Whinray, made during one or both of two visits of u month each in November/ December 1970 (2) and 1971 (3). The White Egret and Azure Kingfisher are very old records, published 1855 (4), of specimens shot by Mr. Belbin at Kent's Group, Bass Strait. The Striated Pardalote was identified by L. Abbott (Dept. of Zoology, Monash University) at a two-week's visit to Deal Island in March/April 1971 (5) concerned with occurrence of birds in the eucalypt forest and scrub, North-east Island was included on Whinrays 1971 visit. New records made there by him were Black Cor- morani. (confirming the species for the Kent Group) and Blackbird, Turdus merula, one bird of each species, and a tentative record of the Nankeen Kestrel, Falco cenchroides, one bird. New Species ` Species not previously named in published records known to me for the Kent Group are — August, 1972 Caspian Tern, Hydroprogne caspia Banded Plover, Zonifer tricolor Austrahan Snipe, Gallinago hard- wickii White Egret, Egretta alba Azure Kingfisher, Alcyone ozureg Spine-tailed Swift, Hirundapus caudacutus Skylark, Alauda arvensix Confirmed Species Species mow recorded for which published records were not positive or for which non-published records known to me were tentative are — Black Cormorant, Phalucrocorax carbo Australian Gannet, Sula surrator Green Rosella, Platycereus cale» donicus Horsfield Bronze-Cuckoo, Chalcites basalis Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, Caora- cina novae-hollandiae Striated Pardalote, Pardaloms Striatus White-naped Honeyeater, Meli- threptus lunatus Each of ihe series confirmed above was named as a Kent Group species in the Le Souéf/ Campbell articles (6) reporting their 1890 visit, but other than for the White-naped Honeyeater the reporting was in a manner causing doubt as to whether or not the species was actually seen (an aspect men- tioned in the 1970 article). A 3peci- men of the Honeyeater was collected at the 1890 visit (the Jocation of the skin appears to be unknown), but th& record remained in dispute. 223 Disputed Species The White-naped Honeyeater was seen by Whinray at close range during his 1970 visit, his description match- ing National Museum skins. He saw it again during the 1971 visir. Abbott, who knows the spectes well 3n its oc- currence in Victoria, saw it on Deal Island during his 1971 visit. Abbott's observations of Acanthi- *idac species mist netted by him at his visit to Deal Island has caused his comment (7) that the Thornbill oc- curring there, Usually identified as the Tasnianian, Acanthiza ewingi, occur- ring Flinders Island, King Island and Tasmania, is the Brown Thorabill, A. pusilla, also occurring King Island, Tasmania, mainland Australia; and the Scrub-Wren occurring there, usually identified as the Brown Scrub- Wren, Sericornis humilis, occurring King Island, Flinders Island and Tas- mania, is the White-browed Scrub- Wien, S. frontalis, also ocottring mainland Australia; but Abbott states '*,. dt is possible humilis is not a good species, in which case varjation of Sericornis over south-east Australia and Bass Strait is clinal . , . the Deal Island population is intermediate in many respects between the Victorian and Flinders Island populations”, Whinray has commented (3) on Abbott's assessment. of the Thornbill; “After examining the specimen which I obtained on Deal Island in Decem- ber 1971 I agree with his opinion. As well, I consider that the Brown Thorn- bill, and not Ewing's Thornbill, is the Species present on Erith and Dover Tslands.” LAND SPECIES IN KENT GROUP The real nature of occurrence of land (including shore) species of birds in Lhe Kent. Group, particularly for the "centre thrce"— Deal, Dover, Erith — of the five islands, will remain uncer- tain until it has been determined (a) which species are usual there in breed- ing occurrence as residenis and as migrants; and (b) the regular and "accidental" occurrence of other species — assessment by David Thomas (8) is that distance from the mainland and Tasmania is only mini- mal asa barrier preventing occurrence of various of possible species from the mainland and recorded in such occur- rence in Tasmania. The uncertainty is likely ta persist, as full-time residence in the Kent Group cf an experienced observer or a succession of such observers for a long-enough period appears unlikely, REFERENCES i. J. Jones: “The Birds of the Kent Group", Pict. Nuteralist, 87: 357-365, 2. J.S. Whinray, “A List of Birds of the Major Kent's Group Islands", Tas Naturalist, no, 24° 2-3. 3, J. S. Whinray, "Further Kent's Group Bird Records", Tas. Naturalist, ne 29: 5.6. 4, Papers and Proceedings of Royal Seciely of Van Dieman's. Lund, 3; 157. (Noted by J. Abboti, and con- veyed by him in personal comment to J. Tones, July 1972.) 5. I. Abbott: Personal comment to J Jones, July 1972. 6, D, Le Souéf and A, J, Campbell, "Expedition of Field Naturalists’ Club ta Kent Group, Bass Strait", Vict. Naturalist, 7 122-191, 132-136. 7. L Abbott: Leiler 6/4/72 to Dr. S. Murray-Smith. B. D. Thornas: Letters 20/2/71 and 30/3/71 io J Jones Statewide Convention A Convention of Field Naturalists Clubs will be held at Bairnsdale from 30 September-1 October, 1972: The venue will be announced taler, 224 Vict, Nat. Val. 89 Seaside Rocks out of Place by Eomunp D. Grir* Nothing looks more conspicuous than à white rock among à multitude of black ones. Between Port Fairy and Cape Reamur in the Western District of Victoria (Australia) the shore plat- forms are of basalt, and the boulders are black. Well above high water level, boulders have been accumulated by sea action, and occasionally among the hundreds of dark boulders a white one appears. Such an exception is intriguing, and it was decided to find out the reason. The white boulders were found to owe their lack of colour to biologic ^ncrustations, viz. the remains of marine animals and plants that secrete white calcium carbonate. The plants arc white calcareous algae. The ani- mals include two kinds of marine worms—Galeolaria, which lives in irregular white tubes that are a con- spicuous part of the life below mean sea level, and Spirorbis, which grows à minute smooth shell, coiled like a pearly nautilus. Barnacles are com- monly present, and if so, usually oc- cur in large numbers. Moluses also are generally present. All are species that live in the lower part of the tidal range. Origin of White Boulders Having discovered what makes the boulders white, it remains to explain from where they came. Galeolaria occurs no higher than mean sea level. Bird and Dent (1966) used it as à marker by which to measure coastal features. Because the life position of this genus is strictly zoned, we can Augusl, 1972 aay with certainly that the white boul- ders had their origin al mean sea level or below. The barnacles, molluses and calcareous algae belong to the lower halt of the tidal range, and some of them to the lowest quarter of it. How- ever, T have found on such boulders none of the species that live only below low sea level, From this it ap- pears (hat the boulders had their origin between low sea level and mean sca level. The Sea as Weight-lifter The sea has a remarkable ability to lit heavy weights. By Archimedes’ principle, rocks weigh less in water than in am, but even so, the weights ihat storm waves can lift are almost incredihle. At Wick in Scotland in 1872, for example, the end of the concrete breakwater weighing 1350 ions was torn loose and deposited in the harbour. The Scots were not amused, and built a new solid end to ihe breakwater weighing 2600 tons (2640 metric tonnes), but five years later this suffered the same fate, On the coast between Port Fairy and Cape Reamur, the basalt lava flow is broken by numerous cooling joints, and so there are no really large boulders. The biggest boulder lifted by the sca ob- served by me in that area was cal- culaled to weigh on the order of 24 tons. However, the white rocks are usually comparatively small, weighing within the range of 50 to 200 Ib (25- 100 kg), *Deputy TXrecior, National Museum of Victoria. 225 A rocky coast can be divided into a series of zones parallel to the sea. One. is the zone from which boulders are stripped by marine quarrying, then hurled higher up the profile by storm waves. The second, higher zone is that in which the boulders are de- posited-—a very coarse sediment! It is significant that the white boul- ders have their origin between low sea level and mean sea level, because that is where the storm waves break. More- over, just below sea level is a rich biotic zone where boulders tend to be anchored by marine overgrowths. Telltale Boulders So the white boulders have a story to tell, and to read their story is to increase our understanding of the coastline — that fascinating place where rock, sea and atmosphere meet. White boulders are tot common on the aeolianite coast around Warrnam- bool in Western "Victoria, because these soluble rocks create their plat- forms in a different way (Gill 1972). However, they are not uncommon on the Otway Coast of Victoria, for ex- ample, and on the South Coast of New South Wales, An interesting in- vestigation would be to gather data on (1) the encrusting organisms— their species, the weight of mineral they add to the rock, and the extent to which they protect the rock from abrasion; and (2) the size, weight and ' lithology of these boulders that the sea has painted white, then heaved ashore, REFERENCES Bird, E. C F,, and Dent, O. F., 1966. Shore platforms on the South Coast of New South Wales. Aust. Geogr. 10: 71-80, Gill, E. D., 1972. The relationship of present shore platforms to past sea levels, Boreas 1: 1-25. F.N.C.V. PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THE WILD FLOWERS OF THE WILSON'S PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK, by J. Ros Garnet. Price $5.25, (discount to members); postage 20c, VICTORIAN TOADSTOOLS AND MUSHROOMS, by J. H. Willis, This describes 120 toadstool species and many otber fungi, There are four coloured plates and 31 other illustrations. New edition, Price De. THE VEGETATION OF WYPERFELD NATIONAL PARK, by J. R, Garnet, Colaured frontispiece, 23 half-tone, 100 line drawings of plants and a map. Price $1.50. Address orders and inquiries to Sales Officer, F.N,C.V., National Herbarium, South Yarra, Victoria. Payments shonld include postage (15c on single copy). Flowers and Plants of Victoria in Colour Copies of this excellent book are still available. and of course Would make a wonderful gifi; They are obtainable from ihe F,N.C.V. Treasurer, Mr. D. McInnes. 226 Vict Nat, Vol. a9 Nature Motes from the Gold Coast by ALEX. N_ BURNS Since the previous Nature Notes, the advent of exceptionally -cold weather for this time of year has caused severa) marked changes from normal behaviour in a number of the fauna creatures which inhabit this area. Colder nights have caused the koalas to disappear from the lower areas and seek feeding and resting trees on higher ground, This has been especially noticeable in the Burleigh National Park where the bears have congregated on and near the top of the ridge that runs from north-west 1o South-east across the centre of the area. On the other hand the rock wallabies are coming closer to civiliza- tion, seeking food and scraps from residents and visitors each day from about 4 p.m. until dusk, Often five or more of these small anitnals come to the edges of the roads bordering the park. Many spiders are stil! active in the bush and gardens; and unusually Plentiful at present are the large Golden Web Spinners (Nephila spp.), whose webs, each with its occupant {females only) are distributed in the More open parts of the rain forest and along its borders. Some of these webs are of long standing—one observed a few days ago held the crumpled wings of no less than three (two male and one female) Richmond Birdwing but- terflies (Ornithoptera priamus rich- mondius [Gray]. The supporting strands to this web extended for fully 20 feet. Late specimens of the Blue Tiger bulterly (Danaus hamata hamata [Macl.]) are still plentiful and in good August, 1972 condition; normally this species has disappeared by the end of May, as also has the Eastern Brown Crow (Euploea tulliolus tulliolus [Fab.]), many speci- mens of which are still i evidence. In the eucalyptus forest especially on high ground, the Mount Morgan or Queensland Silver. Wattle (Acacia podalyriaefalia) is st present in full bloom, some exceptionally fine speci- mens are to be seen, and on sunny days the air is fragrant with perfume from them. Many specimens of the Paper bark (Melaleuca leucadendron) are still flowering profusely. The flowering season has lasted since last January, thus providing à copinus supply of nectar for the honey feeding Lorikeets which are in numbers every- where; the Rainbow lorikeet being by far the most plentiful. On the lagoons at the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary the number of wild ducks is much less than usual for this time of year. This is accounted for because of the amount of rain since the beginning of the year. As the dry season approaches and the smaller lagoons dry up, the birds concentrate on the larger areas of water, One par- ticular lagoon under observation nor- mally has about 500 birds on it in June; to date not more than 300 birds have appeared. One of the most perfect examples of insect camouflage is. present on the native holly bushes | (Hereroden- dron sp.) in the rain forest; these are half grown larvae of the Common Aeroplane butterfly (Neptis shepherdi zheplerdi Moore). These larvae feed on the terminal branches of the wild 227 holly, and in so doing cause the partly eaten leaves to wither and. dey, curling in the process These are greyish-brown if colour, and When not feeding, the butterfly larvae rest am these dry leaves. So closely da the Jarval colours match the dry leaves that it is almost impossible to see them unless one looks very closely, The anterior end of these lurvae is “humped” and much larger than the posterior end, and each extremity bears two short darker coloured appendages which add considerably in completing a perfect camouflage. The butterflies from these larvae should appear on the wing about the end of August. Now that the shortest day is past we can expect eatly spécies ot some of the native orchids to appear in bloom by the middle of July. Plants of some interesting epiphytal species are al- ready under observation. A Naturalist's Journey to the Flinders Ranges An Ecological Discussion by L. A. Perr A Ficld Naturalist, preparatory to making a journey into a personally unknown climatic, geological and eco- logical region, is usually well rewarded for making a prior study of such im- ponderables. as rainfall, temperature and the like. For this reason, an iso- hyet map of ihe area was obtained, and also some general knowledge of the geology and soils. The isohyet map of the Flinders Range for instance, beginmng east of Spencer's Gulf, is one of the most interesting in Aus- tralia. It consists of a huge cone run- ning north and south with the 10 in. line to the west of and south of Arkaroola, the northern tip. On the escarpment at the head of the gulf, the rainfall drops from 20 in. to 8 in. just west. of Port Augusta, in about 30 miles; and at the extreme northern end of the range drops to about 6 in. near Arkaroola. This rainfall pattern is the teasan for the change in the ecology of plants and animals seen on the journey, The area is bounded by rhe parallels of latitude 33° to 30°; and as a comparison Kalgoorlie is 31.5° and Broken Hill 32°. 228 South Australia being a dry State withoul any high country, is floris- tically poer compared with the other States, but im many cases the flora there provides an interesting link be- tween the east and West Australia, By checking against Black's flora with the principal genera, one can define some of the specific relationships between cast and west. One of the most fruit- ful observations in a journey from north to south is to compare the Nora with that of other States in the same latitude and rainfall areas. As might be expected the isohyet lines, rather than the geology, deter- mine the boundaries of the various plant types. D. A. Herbert in the Aust. J. of Science concludes *, . , that the distribution of eucalypts is primarily affected by rainfall, temperature varia- tion, and soil". , . . In WA for ex- ample, the 20in. isohyet determines almost exactly the eastern limits of the Jarah (E. diversicolor}, and in all States the Mulga (Acacte aneura complex) belt in general, is inside the iO in. isohyet. Of course, the soils themselves are modified by the Vict, Nat. Vai 89 amount of rain, when and how it falls, and the temperatures experienced. In locking at this landscape it has always to be remembered that it has been infiuenced by man's interference for at least 120 years, during which time it has been mined, grazed by live- stock, and largely deauded of its tim- ber and natural flora, Compared. with WA and the eastern States Few traces of wild fires were seen—most af the damage having been done by stocking wilh sheep and ill-advised allenipts at cultivation in low rainfall areas, Out- side the wheat paddocks there does pot appear to be much soil erosion by zither wind or water. Following the low price of wool, some of this iland has been given ta the nation for National Parks, and If woo] remains unpayable, more of it will be abandoned. The questions here are who will assume responsibility for its Management, and what will fill the gap left by the removal of domesti- cated grazing animals? The country- side is plentifully stocked with exotic weeds; will they fill the gap, spreading out of control? In many places in the lower rainfall country, responding to tne changed environment, mulga and the larger Fremophilay are dead or dying, Why? Is it hecausc of drought, 2razing, insect attack, fungus disease? Can this tendency be reversed? In far western Queensland the tate Henry Lamont noted that a matore mulga grew 2 ft, in the SQ years during which he watched it. How will mining and tourist developments affect these areas; for both of them defile what they pass over. On the answers to questions like these depends the eco- logical future of the Flinders Range. It is fairly obvious that eucalypt and acacia are the two genera most prominent among the trees and taller shrubs, but it was surprising to find Chenopodiaceae and Azoiaceae (suc- culents) sa well represented on the ground. This was due (o the heavy and August, 1972 widesoread rainfall for ihat season; for iu places the ground was carpeted with these interesting plants many of which were in flower. Twenty-three: species were collected from the Aroona dam. northwards. Similarly, many of the dry country grasses (Poaceae) were seen in flower but not collected, EUCALYPTS. In “Evolution in Euculypis", 1960, J. D. Pryor states: “fram ihis pattern M is apparent that very many species are highly adapted to the site Which they occupy and that they must have been produced by an effective nnd Jong process of selection”. He also states that the eucalypt is extremely sensitive lo tls natural en- vironmen!, If the above remarks are borne tn mind, tt makes il easier to follow the eucalypt pattern in the Flinders Range. Black lists around 50 eucalypts for SA, of which about 9 are endemic. Of these 50, some 16 are found in the Flinders Range, and a further 10 are common to both SA and WA dry country areas. In Austraha, E, camaldulensis js the dominant tree over most river systems, und over most of the clay plain country with a better than 20 in. rainfall; and this paltern is repeated in SA. The further north, the more this tree is confined to the run of valleys with gravelly creek beds where mois- ture is available. At Arkaroola, E. obtusa. grows in the creek beds as a non-tvpical upright bushy trec resem- bling E. tereticornis. Further north, E, camaldulensis is found in the sircam beds with E. imicrotheca (coolabah? eccupying the drier alluvial banks above. Furthee north the interesting mallee E. gillii grows on the dry ridges out of the creek beds, displaying all the characteristics of a survival dry country plant wilh coriaceous and brownish grey leaves with a twisted trunk. Remembering Prior's statement, why should this hush grow only in this 229 area and adjacent NSW? Due enst of Port Augusta on the escarpment in an IS83n. rainfall, grows E. cladocatyx (sugar gum). The fact that this tree has been widely planted for shelter all over temperate Australia seems to refute Prior's conclusions im part. Many eucalypts grow well outside their. natural range (es. E. pauci- flora), but the reasons for this do riot seem to have been satisfactorily estab- lished, AÅ CACHAS 1 Few acacias in the Range are spec- taculàr when in flower, but they pro- vide an interesting group ecalogically. Of the ninety acacias found in SA, twenty-five are also Found in WA; the balance being endemic or found also in the eastern States. Two of the acaclas A. ligulata and A. iteaphylla are found through the whole length of the Range, from an 18 in. rainfall east of Port Augusta to a 6 in, rainfall around Arkaroola. They both adjust to the climatic change by adjusting habits of growth and variations in width and thickness of the phyllodes, Many of the hot country acacias are shy seeders with poor germination. A. gracilifolia 1s in a class by itself, as for some ecological reason it is found only in the Mowbray reserve area, It. may be a relict, and although first determined in 1900, was then lost for 50 years. Both it and A. teaphylla are beautiful garden shrubs. Cassin, EREMOPAILA These are prominent and often beautiful flowering shrubs usually from hot dry climates and tolerant of low rainfall. All over Australia where the climate is suitable, eremophilas are found often as the last surviving plant after continuous over stocking erosion: In the harsh climate of the Victoria Desert in WA there are numerous bushy eremephilas with thick sticky inedible leaves. There are about forty species in SA in or north of the Flinders Range, and it is noticeable that the small tree forms are mostly dead or dying due no doubt to some interference with their en- vironment. In WA, Templetonia retusa is looked on as à coastal or limcstone area plant, so it was interesting to see it growing in the central Flinders Range on hillsides. Very few native animals were seen, and birds were scarce. This is often a function of water supply as mich as feed; but many of these are nomadic, so that in any particular district their numbers vary. The mining companies usually forbid their employces to shoot or to take guns into the areas. Tt appears that a definite plan for the management of this region is a matter of urgency. Conditions are rapidly changing, and the ecology of the whole area is in a state of stress, Thanks are due to Mr. Court of the National Herbarium for help with de- terminations of plant species. Notice to Contributors It is important that material submitted for publication should preferably be typewritten on foolscap or quarto sheets at double spacing, and with a 2.5-3 cm (1^) margin on the left. No underlining of words should appear unless abso- Jutely necessary. Where dates occur, the day should precede the month, e.g. 15 May 1972 nnt May 15 1972, 230 Viel Nak Vol. 89 Some Observations on the Den Litter of Foxes (Vulpus vulpus L.) in Victoria hy Brian J. CoMAN* Analysis of Fox den litler has been used, as an aid in food habits investi- gations, by a number of workers. Er- rington (1937), Scott and Klimstra (1955) and Lund (1962) arc amongst some who have collected and recorded food items found in the immediate vicinity of dens. Although the method has many limitatioris, it is of some use jn Lhe determination of fox food habits dur- ing the denning season. The main criticisms of using such data stem from the fact that large carcases, be- cause they are less likely to be eaten entire, comprise a disproportionately large percentage of the estimated food. Lund (1962) has shown that smaller prey species, especially small rodents and insects, are seldom found amongst food remains at the den but are quite important in dietary analyses based on the examination of facces and stomach contents, Since early 1968 the author has been engaged in a survey of food habils of the fox in Victoria, The investigation has been centred mainly on stomach contents analysis, but from time to time, it has been possible to record food remains found in rhe vicinity of breeding dens. These den litter records do not include any ex- amination o! faecal material but are based solely on the identification, in situ, of carcases and olher uneaten material, All dens mentioned were active when visited and many were subsequently dug out and the cubs taken, From the list of food items, it would appear that smaller manimals, August, 1972 birds and sheep remains are common foods. The importance of sheep fe- mains and small mamma! carcases compares favourably with the findings of Mackintosh (1963) which were based on the analysis of stomach ¢on- tents. The major discrepancy lies in the apparent high dietary intake of birds. suggested from the den litter observations. Most food habits studies based on the ather methods of analysis suggest that birds are a minor item of diet. Such a conflicting result could be explained in a number of ways. Many people are of the opinion that foxes will often kill birds or remove bird carcases without utilising them for food. The careases might then simply be carned to the den and used as a “plaything” by the cubs. A further possibility is that foxes avoid ingesting feathers wheit eating from larger bird carcases. In the absence of feathers from stomach contents (or faeces], bird remains would be difficult ta distinguish, It should be stressed that the presence of bird carcases near a den does not necessarily imply that the birds were killed by foxes. Although the data from these den studies arc limited, there is some pre- sumptive evidence of the opportunistic nature of the fox's feeding. The den examined at Tandara (Dec. 1968) was situated in a paddock of wheat sttibble adjacent to a large swamp. Numerous waterbirds and quail (Coturnix pec- “Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction Board, Department of Crown Lands and Survey. Keith onte Research Station, Frankston. Victoria 231 toralis) were seen in the immediate 1971) were in a well-known nesting vicinity. Again, the dens examined at area of the white cockatoo (Cacatua Sutton Grange (Nov. 1970, Dec. galerita). Plate 1 Food remains and faeces col- lected from a den at Tandara, Victoria (Dec. 1968). Flattened grass is in cubs’ "play area". LITERATURE CITED Errington, P. L., 1937. Food habits of | Mackintosh, D. L., 1963. Food of the Iowa red foxes during a drought sum- fox in the Canberra district, CSIRO mer. Ecology 18 (1): 53-61. Wildl. Res. 8: 1-20. Lund, Hj. Munthe-Kaas, 1962. The red a : fox in Norway. 2. The feeding habits Scott, T. G., and Klimstra, W. D., 1955. of the red fox in Norway. Papers of Red foxes and a declining prey popu- Norwegian State Game Research In- lation. Southern Illinois Univ. Monogr. stitute. Ser. No. 1, 123 pp. Foop REMAINS AT DENS OF THE Fox (Vulpes vulpes L.) IN VICTORIA. Date and Food Hem Minimum Location À Number Sept. 1968 Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) 1 Redesdale Sept. 1968 Mouse (Mus musculus) 1 Kyneton Oct. 1968 Hare (Lepus europeaus) 1 Shepparton Ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis) I Dec. 1968 Black Duck (Anas superciliosa) 1 Tandara Grey Teal (Anas gibberifrons) 1 Blue Crane (Notophoyx novae-hollandiae) 1 Unidentified bird—possibly snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) 1 Quail (Coturnix pectoralis) 1 Sheep 1 Rabbit 1 Blue-Tongue Lizard (Tiliqua scincoides) ] 232 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 (continued) Nov. 1969 Kyneton Nov. 1970 Patchewollock Nov. 1970 Sutton Grange Sutton Grange Sutton Grange Sutton Grange Sutton Grange Sutton Grange Nov. 1970 Kyneton Oct. 1971 Gisborne Oct. 1971 Sutton Grange Dec. 1971 Sutton Grange August, 1972 Sheep Mouse Rabbit Rabbit Unidentified bird Sheep Sheep Rabbit Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) Rabbit Cockatoo Rabbit Magpie (Gymnorhina hypoleuca) Sheep Rabbit Household bones Magpie Rabbit Sheep Rat (Rattus rattus) Magpie Unidentified bird Rabbit “Crow” (Corvus spp.) Magpie Rabbit Brush-tail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) Rabbit Rabbit Brush-tail Possum Sheep (bones) Magpie Cockatoo Hawk (possibly Falco berigora) Conservation Council of Victoria In an effort to make its work better known among its member organisations the Conservation Council of Victoria commenced publication of a newsletter, Conserva- tion News, in June. The limited funds available to C.C.V. prevent it being distributed to individual members of the bodies in C.C. V. So that F.N.C.V. members will know what C.C.V. is daing the last meeting of our council decided an extract of their newslétler should appear in the Mierorinm Naturalis, In the first issue of Conservation News it was reported that the long awaited Western Port Regional Survey conducted by C.C.V. was almost com- plete, and the report on it would be presented to the Western Port Regional Planning Authority before the end of June, The report is to be published, and will be available to the public, The C.C.V. has also produced a policy statement on the Alpine Region of North-Eastern Victoria, It advo- cates that wilderness areas in the region be kept in their primitive state, and that land uses which could damage the environment of country over 4000 feet above sea level be banned. They are im addition taking action to see that an ecological survey will be made of the Dartmouth Dam site on the Mitta Mitta river. In conjunction with the V.N.P.A., the National Parks Authority, and Mr. D. Goode, the C.C.V. has pre- sented to the Parliamentary Public Works Committec evidence on the proposed site of the Mitchell River Dam, and the risk it presents to the Mitchell River Gorge, adjacent to Glenaladale National Park. tives of C.C.V. have discussed with the Chief Secretary the need to amend the Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act to protect sites before their legal declaration. The council has been collecting written submissions on areas in Port Phillip Bay which should be mariaged for their conservation by the Port Philip Authority. These were pre- sented at the end of June, The presi- dent of C.C.V. has urged on the Minister of Forests and the F.C.V. the use of marginal farmlands for pine plantations instead of crown land, which usually carries native flora sup- porting native fauna, Fear was expressed in Conservation News that pressure on municipal councils may, through their infiuence on M.M.B.W., defeat the conservation aspects of the new plan for the future growth of Melbourne. The C.C.V, has recently heard sub- missions on the need for extra pro- tection of Victorian wetlands, and the Viking-Razor wilderness, These were put forward respectively by the Field and Game Association and the Federa- tion of Victorian Walking Clubs. They have also been discussing the desirable In association with Dr. Elder of the limits on Melbourne's population Anthropological Society representa- growth, Notice to Country Clubs It is proposed that the names and addresses of the Presidents and Secretaries of all ENC's should appear in the Wicrorian Naturalist. It would therefore be appreciated if these could be lodged with the F.N-C.V, Secretary when convenient, 234 Vict, Nat, Vol. &9 “Overheard "n the Bushes ” “Gee, isn't it cold." "J hope it won'i cam before we finish." These were much uttered comments at the com- bined FSG and MSG camp at Mt, Disappointment which I attended re- cently. The fact ís, it was indeed cold. Very cold. The maximum tempera- ture on Sunday reached only 40" F. Brr, .. , . and not only did it rain, but we had sleet also. These are the conditions under which these hardy field Nats operate in winter. The weather being neither pleasant nor helpful in their survey activities. The nature of their task is further impaired by the lack of com- prehensive equipment. "What we need is a trailer." These were thc words of the Assist. Editor, Mr. Graeme Douglas, commenting on the equipment and species handling task. I gave this much thought. The work bemg done by these groups not only deserves a trailer, but equally important, it deserves thanks. Thanks that T felt could best be expressed and would be best appreciated by the donation of funds towards a trailer. As a result of this, I am launching the: “DURRAN DunRA SURVEY TRAILER APPEAL" In order to give all members the opportunity of showing their appre- ciatian by contributing towards this appeal, the trailer has been dis- assembled, financially, into five $50 components and one component that is open for contributions of $1 upwards. All contributions will be acknow- ledged in this column. Contributions of $50 and over will be further ack- nowledged on a plaque to be fixed ta the trailer August, 1972 You will now ask “Well, what docs this trailer jook like?” Not knowing whether you meat financially or physically L will show you both, first financially; Axle, Wheels, Tyres and Tubes .. $50 Mainframe and Drawbar Fittings sess $50 Subframe and —Cabimet Fittings $50 Overhead Canvas Cover $50 Electrica] Wing and Special Fittings $50 Equipment to fill the Cubiners SOpen Physically it consists of a normal looking box trailer with a canvas top, However the canvas top can be raised and extended to give averhead shelter. Further, in place of the normal sides, each side will consist of equipment compartments with exlending tops to form à work table around the trailer. The central portion of the trailer will be used to hause either specimens or larger equipment. Thus the Groups can operate effectively, efficiently and under cover — even if it snows, which no doubt, nex! camp I attend, it will. Please address all contributions to: “DURRAN DuRRA SURVEY TRAILER - APPEAL", C/- G.P.O. Box 5169 AA, MELBOURNE, Vic., 3001, or to the Treasürer at the next General Meeting, wwho will pass them on to me. Needless to sav, I thank you for your support. E DURRAN DURRA. 235 Letter to the Editor, Dear Sir, In common with many other members to whom 1 have spoken, I feel it is very unsatisfactory to have unsigned articles. While none of us are likely to doubt the authenticity of these reports, in principle.sost people are very suspicious of the reliability of unsigned articles, Of course the reporter will change from time to time, but. surely, the signa- ture can also change. If a contributor has given of his best he ought to be proud to sign his or her name, and be available to answer any coinments. Yours, L. M. M. BEADNELL Although there may be a sound basis in part for the comments made, T think one should not be too kasty in condemning the use of a pseudonym. After all, the late’ Crosbie Morrison, as editor of Wild Life, accepted the credibility of such contributors as "Scrutanius"', "Safelight", and “The Bookworm”; an excellent guide on bushcraft appeared bearing the author's name as "Wontolla"; and even Thomas Alexander Btowne preferred the name of Rolf Boldrewood for his writings. [Ed.] Request for Intormation Bell-Miners (Manorina melanophrys), The Bell-Miner Mapping Survey of the Victorian Ornithological Research Group is interested in mapping colonies of these birds in the Melbourne metropolitan area, and is also requiring information on colonies away from the Melbourne area. We are particularly interested in finding out the history of colanies — when they originated (if known) and whether they are static, decreasing or increasing. It is fairly apparent that over the years there have been fluctuations in numbers in some areas. Any general notes on the species would also be appreciated. Survey forms are available from Frank Noelker, 10 Kathleen Street, Blackburn 3130. » Ellen M. McCulloch (Mrs.), Survey Convenor, 6 Bullen Avenue, Mitcham, je. 3132. Bendigo Meeting of Field Naturalists Clubs Following a long discussion, the meeting of Field Naturalists Clubs held at Bendigo on fune 24 decided to ask the F.N.C.V. to organise a Convention to be held early next year, A Steering Committee was set up to plan for the Convention and work out an acceptable proposal for machinery for improved co-operation between Clubs, Any suggestions, particularly relating to date and location of the Convention, would be welcomed by the Committee. R. H. RIORDAN, Honorary Secrétary F N.C,V, For Steering Committee. CORRECTION On page 202 of the June Naturalist in the Report of the Day Group's May visit to Maranoa, Buckhausia should be Buckinghamia celsissima. 236 Vict. Nar. Vol, 89 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria General Mecting July, 1972 The Reuse, Mr. Tom Sault, took the chair at the July meeting of the Club and welcomed about sixty members and visitors The guest speaker Far the evening was Mr- Peter Rawlinson, lecturer in Zoology at Latrobe University. who spoke on “Reptiles and ihe Need for Gonserva- on™. The talk was illustrated with an excellent series of slides of Victorian repliles, 1n moving a vote of thanks to the speaker, Mr. Saull said that he felt the Club should press for legislation to protect the Stale's reptiles. Among the exhibits was à colourful tray pf stones which Mrs. M, North ha collected from th= mouth of the Rakai River in New Zesland. Several members alsa displayed specimens of garden grown native plants, Mr. Ross Garnet drew members atlention to a recent ap- plication lor a mining exploration licence covering, à large area of the Grampians, and displayed a map of the area. The President announced that the Club Librarian, Mr Peter Kelly, had tendered his resignation after seven years’ service. Mr. Sault paid tribute to the large amount of time which Mr. Kelly had ut in m the manning nf the library. is would greaily facilitate the work Of his successor, Mr. Sault appealed for a voluntecr tò take on the job, A vote pf thanks lo Mr; Kelly was passed with acclamation. A brief report af the State meeting of Naturalists’ Clubs at Bendigo on 24 lune was given by the Secretary. The Steer- ing Committee formed at the meeting wil hald its Brst meeting shortly, This Committee is to further examine pro- osals for co-ordination and co-operation etween clubs. Tt is hoped to hold a State-wide Convention carly in 1973. During General Business Mr. Barry Cooper, Vice-President and Convenor of the newly formed Field Survey Group, spoke about staff shoriages al the National Museum of Victoria. 1t was resolved to write to the Chief Secretary urging that the Government. appoint more staff, particularly to the Curatorial positians. During discussion it was suggested that Club members should consider donating their collections to the Museum, Unless they were actively August, 1972 workmg on them: Many tare and in- i@resliog specimens were reliined by Private collectors, (hus depriving stu- dents amd others of access lw material mat represented in the Museum collections. Mammal Survey Group On the weekend of July 1-2 eight members of the group carried aut a sur vey on ihe Mornington Peninsula. They, and one visitor, camped by Main Creek, a litle aver two miles inland from Cape Schank, Despite rain falling during thc time the spot lighting parties were at work a large number of animals were seen. The majority were Ringtail pos- sums, Psevdocheires peregrinus, Trap- ping results were also above average. In all three native species were seen by spot- light, and three more, plus two intro- duced species were caught in the 80 traps used. A total of 30 animals was trapped. As at the last two camps all captured animals were weighed, sexed, and measured before being returned tp the bush. A detailed report will be in- cluded in a paper to be prepared about the area. At the monthly meeting of the group on Thursday July 6 colour slides of several native maminals were shown, and six members presented chance sighting reports. Full reports were presented on the camps at Mt. Disappointment and Main Creck, and details were given of access lo the following camp at Silerta. There was also'à report of 4 camp at Rogslynne Reservoir, near Gisborne, carried oul using group equipment by two members working with the Macedon Range Conservation Society. Possible sites for future camps were mentioned. The need lo correlate various grids which different groups are using was discussed, and Mr. R. Warneke of F.W.D. said he would take this up with L.C.C. The fhecting was attended by 15 members and four visitors. Field Survey Group Meeting — Thursday. June 22, 1972: Mr, L. Winsor chaired the mectine, which was altended ty 14 members, The major part of the evening was taken mp by the briefing for the ensuing Murtin- dindr River Camp. Later on Miss Barra- 237 cleugh spoke on the breed vegetation types fouad in the central highlands af Victoria, typically exemplified by the ML. Erica arta. The results of the MI. Disappointment survey were — alsu discussed. Survéy Camj Reports: 1, Mr. Disappointment — fuse 10-12. A joint camp with the Mammal Survey Group was held over the Queen's Birth- day weekend. This was-.the first camp using the grid system, Eight localities were chosen to provide a full coverage of the various geographica] features in the region. Although weather made col- lecting difficult many specimens of in- vertebrates and plante were collected, and & bird list compiled. Non-marine foluscs, insects, and spiders gathered during the survey were lodged with the National Museum, after their tentative identification. Flatworms, millipedes and ceatipode were retained by members for detailed study, 2. Murrindindi River—July 15-16. The second survey done working to the Slate prid system, was held in the Mur- rindindi River area, North of Heales- ville, Despite adverse weather conditions the camp was very successful — 25 localities, including farmland areas, were visited, A feature of the camp was the diviston of the group into two working parties, This enabled collecting to be done at a larger number of localities. The tamp was attended hy 11 members, Details of specimens collecled at both camps will be published later. While the group has a number of people willing fo collect and identify botanical specimens there is a paucity of people suMcient)y interested in inverte- rales to undertake detailed studies of various animals. Mr. L. Winsor is study- ing fiatwonns with zespect to their identification, habits, and distribution. Mc. A, Brooks is making detailed studies af frog populations, Mr. B. Cooper is collecting millipedes for study purposes. The group would like people prepared to carry out work on freshwater life, pat- ticularly crustacea and spiders to join its. ranks. Close association. with the Curators of invertebrates and insects at the National Museum results in expert knowledge and advice berng available to members of the group, whose work is helping io increase sod augment Lhe museum's collections. Latrobe Valley Naturalists’ Report (to June, 1972) President — Mr. T. Moretti. Members have enjoyed a busy and in- teresting half year, beginning wilh à week-end at Mt. Howitt in January ut which all five Gippsland clubs, as well as FEN.CV,, participated. The club organised a successful screort- ing of Photoflora in Morwell in March. About one tenth of the slides shown came from Gippsland with Latrobe Valley members well represented fo April, Editor 'Mrs. L. Padfeld brought out the 100th issue of the La- trobe Valley Naturalist, a jeairnal that serves all Gippsland clubs All aspects of natural history sre covered in its pages, as well as excursión réports, and personal items. Talks have bcen given to the club by authoritative speakers dealing with many subjects, and, when possible, the monthly excursion has been ted by that speaker. There is also an ERE DEREN of speakers between local clubs. 238 Hon, Secretary — Mr, S, Belgraver. A memorial caim has been erected on a high paint north of Tyers in memor of the Iate Jim Peterson, a staunch clu member who was an active conserva- lionist, Rocks were collected and work done an the cairn by fellow members. Several parties attended the dedication of a picnic area at Yellingbo com- memorating ove bird man, the late Frank Jones. The club arboretum, an extensive arca. round the shores of the S EC. cooling pond on the Midland Highway, is nearing maturity. 1t contains a good seleclion of nalive trees. Observers attended the Western Natur- nlists Association week-ends recently at both Ararat and Bendigo, and much en- joyed meeting people with simular inter- ests from all over Victoris. Naturalists from other clubs are assured of a warm welcome when visiting Gippsland. E. LYNDON, for Hon. Secretarv. Vict, Nat, Vol. 89 Nature Show 1972 at Camberwell Civic Centre Sunday 3 September 1.30 to 9.00 p.m. Monday 4 September 10 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. Tuesday 5 September 10 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. ADMISSION: Adults 50c., Children 20c. TO BE PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER BUTTERFLIES OF AUSTRALIA by Dr. |. F. B. Common and Dr. D. F. Waterhouse 480 pages, 27 colour plates, 14 half- tone plates, 25 text-figs. plus 364 distribution maps This long awaited book, based on G. A. Waterhouse's famous What Butterfly Is That?, will certainly be the recognised authoritative reference to the Australian butterflies for many years to come. Price $25.00 POST FREE TO ALL ORDERS RECEIVED BEFORE PUBLICATION (AUST. & TERR. ONLY) Also we offer with each copy ordered before publication, one copy at half price (50c.) of A Label List of the Australian Butterflies. The labels contained in this may be cut out and used in naming a collection. It follows exactly the up-dated names and nomenclature in Butterflies of Australia. Australian Entomological Supplies 14 Chisholm St., Greenwich, N.S.W., 2065 Phone Sydney 43 3972 August, 1972 239 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Established 1880 OBJECTS: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian fauna and flora. Patron: His Excellency Major-General Sir ROHAN DELACOMBE, K.B.E., C.B, D. SO. Key Office-Bearers, 1971-1972. President: Mr. T. SAULT Vice-President; Mr. B. COOPER Hon, Secretary, Mr, R. H, RIORDAN, 15 Regent St., East Brighton, 3187. 92 8579) Treasurer; H. BISHOP, Address Correspondence to National Herbarium, The Dornain, South Yarra.. Subscription Secretary: Mr. D. E McINNES, 129 Waverley Road, East Mal- vern, 3145 Hon, Editor: Mr. G. M. WARD, 54 St. James Road, Heidelberg 3084. Hon, Librarian: Mr. P. KELLY, c/à National Herbarium. The Domain, South Yarra 3141. Hon. Excursion Secretary; Miss M. ALLENDER, 19 Hawthorn Avenue, Caulfield 3161. (52 2749). Magazine Sales Officer: Mr. B. FUHRER, 23 Sunhil! Av., North Ringwood, 3134. Group Secretaries: Bolany: Mr. J. A, BAINES, 45 Eastgate Street, Oakleigh 3166 (57 6206). Day Group: Mrs. J. STRONG, 1160 Dandenong Road, Murrrumbeena. (56 2271) Entomology aid Marine Biology: Mr. J. W. H. STRONG, Flat 11, “Palm Court”, 1160. Dandenong Rd., Murrumbeena 3163 (56 2271). Field Survéy: Mr. B. J. COOPER, 37 Bath Road, Burwood 3125. (29 7379) Geology: Mr. T. SAULT. Mammal EA Mr. G. F. DOUGLAS, “Knotanoll”, Riddell's Creek 3431 (054-285191) Microscopical: Mr. M. H. MEYER, 36 Milroy Street, East Brighton (96 3268). MEMBERSHIP Membership of the F.N.C.V. is open to any person interested in natural history. The Victorian Naturalist is distributed free to all members, the club's reference and lending library is available, and other activities are indicated in reports set out in the several preceding pages of this magazine. Rates of Subscriptions for 1972. Ordinary Members .. Ju dc oe 2$ r Country, Members Joint Members .. Junior Members (under 18 years) Junior Members receiving Vict. Nat Subscribers 1o Viet. Nai. Must, only) Overseas Subscribers Affiliated Societies — . x] " Supporting M&mbers . m Lite Membership (reducing afier 20° years) ate Te Sstenenhas 2588288885 The cost of individual ceples ot the Viet, Nat. will be 45 fet yese cents overseas requests), Full-time Students between 18 and 2! yeats pay at Junior Member rates. All. subscriptions should be made payable to the Field Naturalists’ Club èt Victoria, and posted Ic the Subscription Secretary. @ JENKIN, BUXTON & CO. PTY. LTD.,. PRINTERS, WEST MELBOURNE the _ < victorian naturalist F.N.C.V. DIARY OF COMING EVENTS GENERAL MEETINGS Monday, 11. September — At National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra, com- mencing 8 p.m. Subject for evening — "The Natural History of the Murray River tract between Mildura and Renmark”: Edmund D. Gill. New Members: Ordinary: Mr. F. A. Wilkinson, 4/75 Wellington Rd., Clayton 3165. Mr. Walter A. Dey. 3 Dorothy St., Pascoe Vale North 3044. Miss Rosalie Strother, 14 Hollywood Grove, Carnegie 3163. Mrs, Mary E, Wilson, 940 Burke Rd., Balwyn 3103. Mr. Mark Benjamin, 1 Freeman St., Caulfield 3162. Joint: Mrs. Pearl Whitta and l ; s , Susan and Julian Wana [ 6 Hastings St., Hampton 3188. l j Mr. Dennett Meier and Mrs Toscé- Meier 73 Grey St., East Melbourne 3002. Country: Mr. B. Walters, P.O. Box 71, Corryong 3707. GROUP MEETINGS Thursday, 21 September — Day Group: Monash University. Meet 11.30 a.m. at bus terminus. Bring lunch. Inspection of Native Plants in and around Campus. Mr. J. Cranwell, Curator, will act as guide. Thursday, 28 September — Field Survey Group. Monday, 2 October — Marine Biology and Entomology Group. Wednesday, 4 October — Geology Group. Thursday, 5 October — M.S.G. — F.N.C.V. meeting in Arthur Rylah Institute, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg. Thursday, October 12: Botany Group: Dr. Greta Weste (Botany School, University of Melbourne): ‘The Invasion of Victorian Forests by Phytophthora cinnamomi'. Wednesday, 18 October — Microscopical Group. JUNIOR MEETINGS Friday, 29 September — Hawthorn Town Hall at 8 p.m. Friday, 6 October — Preston Rechabite Hall, 281 High Street, at 8 p.m. Friday, 13 October — Montmorency and District, Scout Hall, Petrie Park, at 8 p.m. F.N.C.V. EXCURSIONS Sunday, 17 September — Cardinia Creek. Leader: Mr. D. McInnes. The coach will leave Batman Avenue at 9.30 a.m. Fare $1.70 — bring one meal and a snack. Saturday, 30 September-Sunday, 1 October — Bairnsdale. A Convention of Field Naturalist Clubs will be held this week-end and we hope as many club members as possible will attend. Delegates from the clubs will hold a meeting but otherwise the week-end will provide an opportunity for members of the various Field Naturalist Clubs to enjoy a combined excursion. A bus has been chartered and motel accommodation booked on a bed and breakfast basis. Inclusive cost $15. Leave at 8.15 a.m. from Flinders Street. Tuesday, 26 December- Monday, 1 January — Leongatha. This excursion will be led by members of the Latrobe Valley F.N.C. who are preparing an interesting week's programme. Motel accommodation has been booked and a coach char- tered for this excursion. The coach fare ($20.00) should be paid to the Excursion Secretary by the end of November, cheques being made out to Excursion Trust. 6 io 27 January — New Zealand. This excursion is filling up, but a few seats remain at time of publishing. The itinerary was published in the June Naturalist. 242 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 The Victorian Naturalist Editor: G. M. Ward Assistant Editor: G. Douglas Vol. 89, No. 9 6 September, 1972 CONTENTS Articles: F.N.C.V. Second Expedition to King Island. By Elizabeth K. Turner .. 246 The Wildlife of Westernport, By W. Davis .. .. .. .. .. .. 255 The Pollination of Prasophyllum alpinum. By David L. Jones . .. .. 260 A Visit to East Sister Island. By J. S. Whinray .. ... .. .. 4. 264 Features: Victorian Non-marine Molluscs — No. 9. By Brian J. Smith .. zi .. 244 Nature Notes from the Gold Coast. By A. N. Burns ho 4M oi my — 258 Personal: Vale — William Giles . A, e jas " al JJ pi 35 s. 289 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria: General Meeting and Group Reports . .. c... s. s. s. 268 Front Cover: - The New Holland Mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) photographed in its habitat by Hans Beste. September, 1972. 243 Victorian Non-Marine Molluscs — No. 9 by Brian J. SMrTU * The common, high spired, non- operculate freshwater snails can be easily divided into two groups. Those which show left-handed coiling (sinis- tral) belong to the family Planorbidae, while those which show right-handed coiling (dextral) belong to the family Lymnaeidac. The direction of coiling is easily determined by holding the shell upright with the aperture facing you—planorbids have the aperture to the left of the spire, lymnaeids to the right. FAMILY LYMNAEIDAE There are two species of right- handed, non-operculate snails with high spires to be found in freshwater localities in Victoria. One is of ex- treme importance as it is the inter- mediate host of the sheep liver fluke. Lymnaea tomentosa, Ptr. 1855 This is the smaller of our two species of lymnaeid and is found commonly in ponds and streams all over the State. It has an extremely thin, fragile, almost transparent shell with aperture and body whorl approximately half the total shell length. An average length is about 8-12 mm. Apart from the direction of coiling of the shell. the lymnaeids also differ from the other freshwater snails in having a large fleshy body with wide flat ten- tacles. Another feature is that when the snail crawls its mantle is often ex- panded into lateral folds which are extended back over the sides of the shell. This species is the intermediate host for the sheep liver fluke and as such is *Curator of Invertebrates, National Museum of Victoria. Figure 1 (a) Lymnaea tomentosa x 6. (b) Lymnaea lessoni x 2. (Drawing by Miss Rhyllis Plant) 244 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 of great economic importance. It can spread very quickly into flooded pasture, where it is easily picked up by sheep, thus enabling the fluke to complete its life cycle, Apart from Victoria, this species is found in New South Wales, southern South Aus- tralia, Tasmania and New Zealand. Lymnaea lessoni, Desh, 1830 This is a much longer; more bul- bous species than the previous one, and usually has a pale fawn or buff, greatly enlarged with a wide aperture. while the spire is very short. Shells can grow as big as 25-30 mm in length, The animal is usually pale in colour, and very soft and fleshy. This species is not an intermediate host of the liver fluke. This species can be found in small ponds in central, northern and eastern Victoria. It also occurs over most of Australia except the southern part of Western Australia and in Tasmania. However, it is not common, and ap- pears to have a very discontinuous opaque shell. The body whorl is distribution. Malacological Society of Australia Victorian Branch FLORENCE MURRAY MEMORIAL FUND First Annual Award In 1970 the Victorian Branch of the Malacological Society of Australia estab- lished a Fund to perpetuate the memory of the late Miss F. V. (Fay) Murray in recognition of her contribution to both the Society and to the science of malacology. Applications are now invited for the first Award under this Fund which will be in the form of a grant of up to $75 in cash or in such other manner as the Trustees may decide, Any person irrespective of age, amateur or professional, who is genuinely engaged in the study of molluscs, may apply. Preference will normally be given to an applicant engaged in the study of the molluscs of South Eastern Australia and more particularly in studies on reproduction as it was this branch of mala- cology in which Miss Murray specialised. : Applications giving relevent details of studies being undertaken and the purpose for which the grant is required, together with the names of two referees, should be addressed to: The Trustees, Florence Murray Memorial Fund, C/- Mr. R. C, Robertson, 40 Jasper Road, MOORABBIN, Victoria, 3189, Applications will close on 30th September, 1972, All applicants will be advised of the Trustees decision in writing. The decision of Ihe Trustees shail be final. September, 1972 245 F.N.C.V. Second Expedition to King Island Easter, 1972 by ELIZABETH K. TURNER Llltosirations by Author) In contrast to the P,N.C,V. expedi- tion to King Island in November, 1887, when 27 men left Melbourne by steamer at 9,25 p.m. and arrived off Yellow Rock Beach, King Island, at 9.30 next morning, and camped near the estuary of Yellow Rock River; this year's F.N.C.V. expedition of 36 persons left Tullamarine Airport at 6.45 p.m. on Thursday, 30 March, by Fokker-Friendship plane and arrived one hour ‘later at Currie, King Island. Here they were met by a fleet of cars driven by local Field Naturalists and conveyed to the new motel over-look- ing the golf links on the coastal sand dunes and the rocks of Admiral Beach, with Fitzmaurice Bay and Cataraque Point at its southern end, This is an area where many people were ship-wrecked and drowned. A sinall map of King Island shows 57 “wrecks in which more than 700 per- sons perished within the last 150 years —surely it lives up to its name of the Marine Graveyard of Bass. Strait! Initially it was difficult to orientate oneself 1o the idea that 55 miles north of the island lies Cape Otway, and 33 miles south lies Cape Grim, Tas- mania—King Island occupying the middle 40 miles. When the sea level dropped in the Pleistocene Age, King Island was joined to Australia by à Jand bridge, and is thought io have separated from it about 11,000 years Before Present. The island is an “inclined plateau of subdued relief", covered by Old dunes and surrounded hy a rim of coastal sand dunes of the Holocene Period. The western flank of the plateau is buried beneath a broad belt of duncs 2-3 miles wide, on which the motel is built. We Visit A Forest Ann FERN GULLY AND THE East Coast As FAR NORTH As Sea ELEPHANT RIVER. On Good Friday, a school bus and some private cars conveyed the party east to Pegarah to the Tasmanian Foresiry Cormtission Plantations, where there are 2470 acres of forest, mostly Pinus radiata. There were stacks of green-stained logs which had been treated with copper chrome ar- senale. We were pleased to learn that there were also 734 acres of Eucalypt forest. The native species, E, viminalis, E. ovate and E. globulus, seemed 1o have frybridized in many instances, and E. obliqua has becn introduced. Along the track were stands of tall Leptospernum scoparium which forms 246 the most common vegetation of the island. Also, there were bushes of Acacia verticillata, A. mucronata and A, melanoxylon, interspersed with tall, green, pointed bushes of Phebalium squameum (Satin wood) and pink- tipped Eleocarpus cyaneas (the Bluc- berry). We were surprised by the height of the Monotoca scoparia (Prickly Broom Heath). one being at least 23 feet high. The party descended downhill through a largely Pomaderris apetala forest to see a large nesl of White-breasted Sea Eagles in an E. yiminalis. Vict. Nai, Vol. 89 Plate 1 Currie Harbour. In the fern gully were soft (Cyathea australis) and hard (Dicksonia antarc- tica) tree ferns and some Austral Mulberry (Hedycarya augustifolia). The large, fallen tree trunks, now covered with moss and filmy fern, Hymenophyllum cupressiforme, sug- gested the presence of a former exten- sive eucalypt forest. There were fine clumps of Hard Water Fern (Blech- num procerum) and the Shield Hares- foot Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis). Plate 2 Currie Coastline and Lighthouse from Motel. September, 1972 In the soft, leafy floor of the gully there were many small diggings made by echidnas in search of food, but no animal was seen. A very large Cordi- ceps (Vegetable Caterpillar) was found. Indigenous Tasmanian birds seen here were the Green Rosella, the Yellow-throated Honeyeater, the Strong-billed Honeyeater, the Brown Scrub Wren, the Dusky Robin and many Ewing's Thornbills. We lunched on a small log bridge over Yates Creek and then proceeded east to the coast just north of Nara- coopa where we had a fine view over Bass Strait and Sea Elephant Bay from Pegarah Hill. Devastation has been caused by the Rutile mine which has poured silt into the Fraser River, completely blocking its flow and kill- ing much of the surrounding vegeta- We then travelled north to the Eldorado Creek where Professor Bald- win Spencer and other Field Natural- ists had camped in 1887. Here there were extensive rolling sand dunes covered by short, heathy scrub. Mr. Paul Barnett introduced us to several orchids; amongst these were Parsons Bands (Eriochilus cucullatus) which grew in abundance in many places and tion. Orthocercus | strictum, the Horned 845; STR Arr Figure 1 LAKE MARTHA GNON SAE IN MILES xs ipie is E. e alle slat ak NEW NENA !. N. ensis mas S es WHISTLE O COUNCELLOR l. T .RuriLE: MINE ja T NARRCOOPR JS D c æ vt uv T CITY OF MEL BOUR v e € Bor? E HER o A Location Map of King Island. GTO«€« Pr 248 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Plate 3 Remains of E. globulus forest, King Island. Orchid. Here also was Sprengelia in- carnata (Swamp Heath), Personia juniperia (Prickly Geebung), Phyllo- glossium drummondii (the Pygmy Club Moss), Pultenea juniperina, Lo- belia elata. Casuarina monalithera, the seeds of Patersonia fragilis, Leucopo- gon ericoides and the dwarf Bauera rubioides. There were dry clay pans where the Tassel Cord Rush (Restio tetraphyllus) was growing, and near- by the Acacia suaveolens. Here we also saw and photographed a beautiful green Tasmanian White-lipped snake. Further north, to the mouth of the Sea Elephant River, the tide was high, covering the remnants of the wrecks of the Kalahone 1879, the Bruthen. 1898 and the Europa 1867. Black Swans and Cormorants were plentiful on the estuary, and we saw several Pademelons and a Californian Quail. On the sand dunes grew the Pig Face (Carpobrotus rossii) and a peculiar, sickly-sweet odour pervaded the ti- tree swamps—this was due to a black fungus on the stems. In the evening, the King Island Field Naturalists and the Victorian party enjoyed a meal and a conversa- zione at the local Chinese cafe in Currie. Jim Patterson, President of King Island Field Naturalists, in wel- coming the F.N.C.V., said he thought that 85 years was too long a period between visits to the island. NoRTHWARD TO THE WICKHAM LIGHTHOUSE, THE LAGOONS AND THE Nook. Easter Saturday was spent in the northern part of the island, beginning with the Wickham lighthouse which, at a height of 280 feet, is said to be one of the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. Breakers far out on the Navarin and Harbinger Reefs were the scenes of some of the most dis- astrous shipwrecks—in 1835 the Neva, conveying convicts to Sydney, foun- dered with the loss of 219 lives, and September, 1972 later, the Loch Leven in 1871. There are two headstones below the light- house. and one marks the grave of the Captain of the Loch Leven. Specimens of black, crystalline tourmaline, feld- spar and mica were obtained from the granite rocks facing the beach. We then drove to Egg Lagoon, now drained, and met Max McGarvie in his Land Rover. He guided us along sandy tracks to Lake Martha Lavinia 249 —named after a schooner wrecked nearby in 1871. The waters of this lake were pale-brown, like weak tea, but tasted fresh; and there was a good stretch of clean white sand at the eastern. end. We had lunch at Pennys Lagoon and were then con- veyed, mostly by Land Rover, over the bracken-covered sand dunes, from whence we walked in single file into the Nook. This is an area of 3800 acres of almost virgin bush, now set aside as a Reserve. Here the Leptos- 250 Plate 4 Shipwrecked mariners’ graves near Wickham Light. perma scoparium grew 20 to 30 feet high and there were some tall Euca- lypts in one of which we saw another White-breasted Sea Eagle’s nest at about 20 feet elevation. Below were the discarded remnants of mutton bird, penguin and blue-tongue lizard. Along the greyish, stagnant water of the swamp were fine stands of the King Fern (Todea barbara), the Coral Fern (Gleichenia microphylla), Fish- bone (Blechnum nudum), Ground Ferns and Blechnum procerum (the Plate 5 Eastern shore of Lake Martha, Lavinia. Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Hard Water Fern). The sharp edges of the Gahnia ieaves made the nar- row tracks difficult at times. Covering the swampy ground were mosses, Sala- ginella and lilac flowering Mazus pumillo and a minute Solaria. The Brush Bronzewing, Pallid Cuckoos, Swamp Harrier, Black Swans and Musk Duck were seen during the day, and a dead Copperhead snake was found on the beach at Martha Lavinia. In the evening at Currie, Max Mc- Garvie showed transparencies of King Island’s natural features, and Jim Patterson had some recent photos of Lake Pedder in S. W. Tasmania, soon to be inundated by water from the Serpentine for the Tasmanian Hydro- electric scheme, with the loss of at least 53 endemic species. THREE ALTERNATIVES: Yarra Creek Gorge — City of Melbourne Beach — Mutton-Birding. On Easter Sunday the F.N.C.V. party split into three groups—14 had an adventurous 6-hour descent of Yarra Creek Gorge where the walls are sometimes almost 250 feet high. No new species were found, but many unusual ferns were listed. 18 members went to City of Mel- bourne Bay, so-called from the wreck of the steamer of that name on its way from Melbourne to Tasmania in 1853. Here rock hounds found quartzites of varying colour, pink slate and multi- coloured conglomerates containing phorphynoids and iron stains, and heavy bags of stones were brought up from the beach. Four members joined Jim Patterson and his family and, with other locals. went mutton-birding near Bold Head. Here there is a vast rookery of more than 60 acres and it was impossible not to fall into some of the burrows in which the chicks, still covered with blue-grey down, waited hungrily for their parents to return from the sea. Wearing a leather glove, the arm was plunged into the burrow, often to shoulder length and the bird with- drawn and quickly despatched and the head removed. Immediately orange- coloured oil poured from the crop which bulged with about 2-4 ounces. This was collected in a drum and is used for treating saddles and harness. Later, the bird was skinned with its thick layer of fat, and the cleaned bird opened out like a kipper and roasted over a fire built of driftwood on the beach. Grilled mutton-bird seems to be an acquired taste, but the visitors found it at least acceptable. In the evening, F.N.C.V. members provided entertainment with a viewing of slides in the School Hall. Grassy AND THE ScHEELITE MINES. On Easter Monday our school bus took us eastward 16 or so miles to Grassy, where a new breakwater, con- structed of overburden from the mine, has extended out into the sea to con- nect with Grassy Island, formerly a Penguin and Prion rookery. Rats quickly decimated the bird population and we saw two penguins only, deter- September, 1972 minedly trying to find a home midst rocks and stones from the mine. A young English geologist, Phillip Phee, conducted us over the mine, patiently answered questions, and by use of his hammer, provided rock samples. Scheelite, a mineral com- posed of tungsten, calcium and oxy- gen, was first discovered on the beach 251 at Grassy in 1911. Since then the mine seems to have flourished during the later stages of the two world wars, and collapsed between them, until the last few years when eventually King Island Scheelite N.L. was taken over by Peko-Wallsend, and appears to be operating successfully. selling ore con- centrates containing about 73 per cent tungsten oxide to West Germany for making such things as alloy steels, cutting tools, and electric filaments. 252 Plate 6 The main street of Currie. We inspected the open-cut over No. 1 ore-body which has been found to extend out into the sea and will later be mined there. We were told that the rocks in the No. 1 ore-body were middle to upper Cambrian, intruded by Upper Devonian granite stock, bearing tin and tungsten. We were shown samples of the scheelite rock fluorescing under ultra-violet light and later, on the new breakwater, we were able to obtain rock samples. Plate 7 A young Short-tailed Shearwater (Mutton Bird). Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Plate 8 No. | Ore body — Grassy scheelite mine. After lunch by the wayside near Mt. Stanley, 550 feet, the highest point in the island, Mr. Paul Barnett led us into a fern gully where we saw Aristotelia pedunculata, a member of the Eleocarpus family which is repre- sented in Tasmania but not in Vic- toria. A television aerial has recently been erected on Mt. Stanley and King Islanders can now obtain their pro- grams from Launceston. From the S.E. end of King Island, the islands of the Hunter Group and Three Hummock Island were clearly visible. Numerous other rocks and outlying reefs a mile or more from the shoreline were visible because of breakers, and it was not difficult to realize why the water around King Island should prove so treacherous to shipping. Our return party of 34 members almost filled the Fokker-Friendship airplane which took 50 minutes to convey us from King Island to Tulla- marine. CONCLUSION The first sentence of the 1887 ex- pedition report, published in the Vic- torian Naturalist, Vol, IV, No. 9, January, 1888, seems appropriate to conclude a report of the 1972 excur- sion . . , “It is a matter for congratu- lation to all concerned that the expedi- tion was a complete success". Appended is a list of 54 species of birds observed during the visit, 31 March to 3 April, 1972, supplied by Miss D. Dawson. A complete list of Birds of King Island by R. H. Green and A. M. McGarvie is available from the records of the Queen Victoria Museum, Laun- ceston, No. 40. In order that the account of this visit may be of some value to other intend- ing visitors, a list of plants has been supplied by Mr. Ian Cameron, former President of the F.N.C.V. of King Island and now a member of the Melbourne Club. This list will be published in the October issue of the Victorian Naturalist. September, 1972 253 APPENDIX BIRDS OBSERVED AT KING ISLAND, 31 MARCH To 3 APRIL, 1972 Brush Bronzewing Little Pied Cormorant Black Cormorant Australian Gannet Silver Gull Pacific Gull Spur-wing Plover White-faced Heron Black Swan White-breasted Sea Eagles White-breasted Sea Eagles’ Nests Brown Hawk Nankeen Kestrel Green Rosella* Fantail Cuckoo Welcome Swallow Grey Fantail Dusky Robin* Golden Whistler Grey Shrike Thrush White-fronted Chat Tasmanian Thornbill (ewingii) * Brown Thornbill Blue Wren Silvereye Strong-billed Honeyeater* Yellow-throated Honeyeater* Crescent Honeyeater Yellow-winged Honeyeater Pipit White-backed Magpie (introduced from Victoria) Double-banded Dotterel Musk Duck Swamp Harrier Spine-tail Swift Pallid Cuckoo Flame Robin Olive Whistler Black Currawong* Little Raven Brown Scrub Wren* Eastern Swamphen Crested Tern Short-tailed Shearwater Ground Thrush Little Penguin White-breasted Cormorant Introduced foreign species Blackbird House Sparrow Goldfinch Starling Pheasant Californian Quail Greenfinch Skylark * Tasmanian endemic species. F.N.C.V. PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THE WILD FLOWERS OF THE WILSON'S PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK, by J. Ros Garnet. Price $5.25, (discount to members); postage 20c. VICTORIAN TOADSTOOLS AND MUSHROOMS, by J. H. Willis. This describes 120 toadstool species and many other fungi. There are four coloured plates and 31 other illustrations. New edition. Price 90c. THE VEGETATION OF WYPERFELD NATIONAL PARK, by J. R. Garnet. Coloured frontispiece, 23 half-tone, 100 line drawings of plants and a map. Price $1.50. Address orders and inquiries to Sales Officer, F.N.C.V., National Herbarium, South Yarra, Victoria. Payments should include postage (15c on single copy). 254 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 . The Wildlife of Westernport by W, Davis The following is part of an address delivered on the subject a! Westernport by Mr. W. Davis. Before mentioning the features of this giant wildlife nursery we must bear in mind that Westernport is the largest estuarine ecosystem existing atong the Victorian coastline. It has a very de- licate ecological balance about which little is known. Ecology is the study of ihe intricate relationships existing between all living things and the en- vironment. Living things, of course, include mankind, Man, whether he likes it ax not, is part of nature’s social union, subject to nature's laws, part of a huge global ecosystem. Man, for the first time in his relatively short history has the capacity per media of his technology to alter or destroy his own environment, This must result in the eventual breakdown of the life support systems of space ship earth — Clean am, clean walter and uncom- raminated food. Returning to Westernport, we find that the mudflats, mangroves and salt- marshes teem with minute animal and -plant life. Microscopic diatoms and alga provide the beginning of a basic food chain which supports juvenile fish, crustacea, wading birds, water- tow, penguins and seals, Most of our commercially important species of fish, shell fish and crustacea, as well as game fish start their lives at the very meeting point between land and sea in esturine ecosystems. Many of them spend most of their life cycles in these waters. Vietoria has few such fish nurseries, and nene of the size of Westernport. Destruction of marshlands in San Fran- cisco Bay, U.S.A., caused such dire September, 1972 depletion of fish and wildlife tat autho- ritiés had to embark on a most expen- sive program to restore them, Cleser ta home at Myall lakes in New South Wales it has been esti- mated that ninety per cent of common fish caught between Stockton Bight and Kempsey commenced their life cycle within the lake system, It is therefore obvious that Westernport i$ of vital importance to the fishing industry and thus to Melbourne man, the final re- cipient of the food chain started in the mangroves. The diversity of fish species inhabit- ing the bay is well known, Several species of shell fish previously un- known 1o science were recently dis- covered, Great potential exists for further such discoveries. Many streams draining into the bay between Hastings and Tooradin contain a rare species ot Native Trout. Victoria's only species of Mangrove, commonly called the White Mangrove enjoys its greatest development in the sheltered North Western corner of Westernport. Twelve and a half miles of this foreshore are now zoned indus- trial. The species ts almost extinct in polluted Port Phillip Bay. A small sur- viving pockei at Barwon Heads may also suffer similar fate. Westernport could well become the Western range limit of this fascinating mangrove — saltmarsh—mudflat association, These plant cóimunities are purticularly sensitive to oil, chemical and therminal pollution. 255 Other botanical features worthy ot special mention are the magnificent stands of Banksigs and other typical coastal plant habitats at Sandy Point and Hans fuler. This vast area is onc af the few viable conservation units left On the Mornmgton peninsula. It is que mile from the 17,000 acres al- loned to industry, Native plants are abundant throughout the Westernport. Several orchids, namely the Duck Orchid, Scented Leak ` Orchid and Onien Orchid are common, although rare elsewhere. The region alsa carries many faş- Cinaling marsupials. Sandy Point sup- ports tremendous populations of Black Tailed Wallabies, Ringtail and. Brush- tailed Possums, The tiny New Hol- land Mouse was thought extmet in Victoria until recently rediscovered at Tyabb, almost at the centre af the ares proposed for industry, Primitive Quail Tsland has large numbers of Echidnas, This wildlife sanctuary adjoins the in- dustrial estate. French Island has ex- cellent habitat for Potoroos, and many commumbves of this marsupial occur there. Phillip Island ts world famous for its Koalas, Mutton Birds, Scals, and unique evening Penguin parades. lt ts only nine miles tram the breeding burrows of Penguins and Mution Birds and the Seal colony on Seal Rocks to industrial areas! As industry expands, ship traffic must increase, and so the ffrreat of ail spillage grows. Considerable research in the region has been directed towards the avi- fauna. The Victorian Ornithological Research Group has had four survey and bird banding leams active since 1962, Combined with work by other observers, a total list of over 220 species has been compiled. The exact status of most of these s known and docu- mented. The mangroves and marshes provide haven and home for shy C:akes, Rails, Bitterns and Snipe. The .adjoming mudflats are feeding 256 grounds for Ihts, Spoonhills, Egrrts, Herons and migratory wading Birds. Swans, Pelicuns and Cormorants feed offshore. Terns, Gulls, Gannets and Albatross ply the bay waters. Four Major breeding rookeries of Ibis, Spoonbill and Cormorants are Known to exist. The Rhyll swamp on Phillip Island is seven miles from industry! Little Heifer swamp on French Island last year Supported over 1,000 breed- ing pairs of This, our greatest allies in agricultural pest control, This and numerous other swamps are a mere five miles from industry, and directly in the path of any development thal may be considered for the area. Two breeding colonies of Pelicans, an endangered species, are known. French Island has the last remaining primitive areas of swamps, marsh and heathlands close ta Melbourne. Mich is ye! to be learnt of its natural history. The unigue Man-made Coolart Lagoon is less Ihan two miles from the new industrial boundaries. The pre- servation of this bird sanctuary is im- perative and presents a real challenge lo planners. Olher species rarely seen near the city, yet occurring at Western- port, include the King Quail, Blue Billed Duck, Southern -Emii Wren, Royal Spoonbill, Brush Bronze Wing, Eastern Curlew and Green Shank, It is inconceivable that this varied array of flora and fauna, and indeed the whole ecosystem should be threa- tened, If industrial development fs not immediately frozen, this will happen. The fracturing of just one link in the food chain could result in the col- lapse of the web of life in this area. Without doubt the greatest initial threat is water pollution, Hydraulic equalibrium studies carried out by Monash University indicate ihe bay is lremendously pollution prone. Eff- luenr discharged aj the Northern in- dustrial zone would travel no more than four or five miles un the ebb tide before Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 being returned almost to the point of discharge on the flow tide. On this basis it 38 estimated ir would take six weeks for the pollutants to reach the open sea. Even experts can only pon- der the effect on the wildlife of à stagnant industrial soup, or accidental oil spillage- H is also worthy of note that man- proves act as important accumulators of fine sediments and ihus form a natural barrier against storms, thereby assisting in the stabilising of tidal flaws, It may well be that the removal of this natural barrier at Westernporn will cause silling up of ihe deep water channel eventually reducing its useful- ness for shipping. Towards the end cf 1971 three cru- cial events occurred, each having a pro- found effect on the region and its natural resources. On 29 October the announcement of a complete environmental- study costing one mil- lion dollars, and taking two to five years to complete, was greeted with great enthusiasm. This is indeed a first for Australia, and it appeared that some sanity had prevailed in government thinking. However it saon became ap- parent that development would not be curtailed during the survey period. Confirmation of these fears came on the 17 November when ihe Western- port Regional Planning Authority granted a permit tö the Independent Oil Company for yet another refinery, be- fore the environmental study had even begun. On Friday 10 December the com- plete hypocrisy of the government! was exposed when the Authority calmly an- nounced il Was zoning 17,000 acres or 27 square miles to heavy industry and port Instillations. Consider this area — Jarger than the entire City of Altona, and almost the size of the City of Sun- shine. There was only passing refer- ence to French Island, although weeks earlier on 18 November the Minis ster for Local Government was quoted in Ihe Age as saying, “The government believes there i$ a case Tor developing part of French Island às an industrial estate while preserving the remainder." To my mind, those af us who pass through life with an active interest in natural history, occupy a privileged position, We are the custodians of our wildlife heritage. I consider this posi- lion of privilege carries a very real moral obligation to protect the crea- tures we profess to love. They cannot withstand the impact of man and his technology atone, They have few allies. lt is up to us as naturalists to ensure if possible, that not one more species disappears from (his earth. We must adjust our priorines accordingly. We must redefine progress in more humane terms and nol in lerts of gross national product. We most abolish as soon as possible, our bulldozer mentality of rapid exploitation of our environment for short term economic gain, at the expense of irreplaceable natural re- sources. It is indeed appalling to think On the crimes against the environment that are perpetrated in the convenient name of progress. Westernport may yet be one of them, ] should like to close by restating the position of the Save Westernpart Coali- tion, and hopefully of all naturalists We hereby call on the government to implement an immediate freeze on any further development at Westernport umil the environmental study is conr plete, no matter how long this takes; and the results made public. Flowers and Plants of Victoria in Colour Copies of this excellent book are stil! available, and af course would make a wonderful gift They are obtainable from the T-N.C.V, Treasurer, Mr. D. McInnes, September, 1972 257 Nature Votes irem the Geld Coast by A. N. BugNs The whole of July up to the 22nd has been fine, dry, and sunny, with nightly temperatures from 4 to 5 de- grees below the normal average for the month, Despite these conditions, many plants and insects are already showing indications that spring is well on the way, Native epiphytal Orchids grow- ig in (he garden are showing flower spikes and even buds; this applies parti- cularly ta the Northern Rock Lily (Dendrobium fusiforme), the Golden Orchid (Dendrobium undulatum), and the large terrestrial Swamp Orchid which used to be under the name of Phains grandifolius. Last year some of the flower spikes of the latter set sced capsules, and from these, in the last three or fout. weeks numerous small seedlings are appearing in the Cys- bidium pals and boxes. These are situated from 25 to 40 feet away. Rock Lily Orchids (Dendrobiiun speciosa) both in the garden and in their natural haunts are showing flower spikes up to 3 inches in length. The coming season promises well for a shaw ol wild flowers, At present, the Sarsaparilla (Hardenbergia monophylla) is in full flower making a finc display in some of the open forest areas: and several of the Bottle Brushes (Cullistemon spp.) are in full bloom, To these flowers, and also to the orange-apricot flowers of the Browallia in gardens, are attracted at least two species of Honey- ealers. Currawongs are becoming active, and may be heard in the morn- ings and iate afletnoons as they con- gregate in the areas where they nest. Magpies and Butcher birds, too, are engaging in nesting activitics, Each Spring, in à group of large Box trees 253 (Tristania conferta) growing in a gully at a bend of the road facing the Bur- leigh National Park, several pairs of Crows nest and produce young. The last week their raucous "carking" has been heard, so they wil! be round for some weeks to come, [s it usual for Crows to nest within 300 yards of the open ocean? The last week has brought an abund- ance of Firefiies (small beetles be- longing to the Coleopterous family Lampyridae in the rain forest arcas. These beautiful little creatures fly only from actual dusk until about 8 pm. A few specimens occur in thé fringes of the rain forest, but as one penetrates to à depth of 50 feet or more, so the numbers increase, but only in localised patches. The production of light with- nut heal is indeed interesting; the pro- cess involved, I believe, being due to the oxidation of a substance Luciferin to Luciferase, The light emitted by these bettles is flashed intermittently only. but in fairly regular rhythm. Adult short horned Grasshoppers (Acridiidae-Orthoptera) are still pre- sent in gardens, but are far more numerous amongst the low bushland skirting the actual seashore, Nearing the end of July these insects are finished and the young nymphs do not normally appear in numbers until September. The common rai forest Jumper an! (Pronzyrmecia nigrocincta) is now en- Iarging the entrances to its nests and lowering the perimeters, a sure indica- tion of the approach of warmer and drier weather, This -weck several freshly emerged specimens of the Green Awl Skipper Butterfly (Hasora discolor mastusia Fruhs.) have ap- Viel, Nat, Val. 89 peared visiting the flowers of the Lan- tana and garden orange flowered Budd- leyia. These large and pretty skippers are usually one of the first spring but- terflies to appear. Their larvae feed on Match Box Bean, a rain forest climber which has pendulous rosettes of lemon coloured pea-shaped flowers: each rosette being suspended by a long thin stem. Vale — William Giles The death of William Giles, natura- list and orchardist of Springside, under the lea of Mt. Canobolas near Orange, N.S.W., has removed one of the most colourful and knowledgeable plant lovers of the central-west of N.S.W. from the scene of life. Right through- out his life "Bill" Giles, as he was uni- versally known, showed keen interest in all forms of plant life, and the experi- ments he conducted at Springside, particularly with the genus Eucalyptus were of inestimable value to land- owners and gardeners in the really cold areas of this State. His spirit of co- operation with fellow workers was well to the fore throughout his life. Al- though he published few notes on natural history, his methodical notes and records on the germination, growth and distribution of plants of the sub- alpine areas of this State, coloured and enriched the works of many writers throughout Australia. I well remember his words of wis- dom on the testing and growing of Eucalyptus spp. on the formerly bare and windswept hillside at Springside. He said ". . . unless a species is able to withstand conditions here without cod- dling, it is of little use to landowners of the cold and almost treeless farm- lands of the State's highlands". That he was able to successfully test and acclimatise so many plants on his windy hillside was a tribute to his courage and the unerring plant sense that was in- built in his nature. One of the early members and sup- porters of Burrendong Arboretum, his yearly donations of plants, cuttings and September, 1972 seeds will be sadly missed in the years ahead as well as his sage advice and comments on plans and layout of the giant scheme. Besides becoming some- what of an authority of the genus Eucalyptus in the central-west, William Giles was keenly interested in the ter- restial orchids of the area. He, ably assisted by his sister. Madge, and bro- ther, Fred, was responsible for many new records for the areas stretching from Wellington to the Blue Moun- tains. He also first brought to my notice the presence of a Prostanthera, still unnamed, from Devil's Hole, Mt. Canobolas. It would be a fitting tri- bute to his work and life if, during the current revision of the genus this species was named in his honour. William Giles was born at Springside on 19 July 1901 and died at his home there on 10 June 1972, just over a month short of his 71st birthday. For the last twenty years of his life, "Bill" Giles bore with great courage and fortitude an affiliction that would have written finish to the life of many a stronger man. Cremation took place on Tuesday 13 June at Orange Crema- torium. The service was attended by relatives, friends and a wide circle of naturalists from the central-west and Blue Mountains of N.S.W. Many members of Bathurst Field Naturalists’ Society made the journey to pay hom- age to one who had contributed so much to the Society of which he had been a member since its inception. G. W. ALTHOFER, Director, Burrendong Arboretum. 259 The Pollination of Prasophyllum alpinum R.Br. by Davip L. JONES” Prasophyllum alpinum, as its name suggests, Is a highland orchid not oc- curring below 4500' altitude. It is found in the grassy sub-alpine meadows of Tasmania, Victoria and south-eastern N.S.W., flowering from January to March and is often locally abundant. It is not an especially con- spicuous species, growing as it does in grassy and having slender spikes of green to reddish flowers. Plants do, however, possess a very pleasant and easily distinguishable fragrance which readily diffuses into the air on a warm day. areas Plate 1 Prasophyllum alpinum from Rocky Plain. Photo: E. R Rotherham 260 Nothing has so far been reported on the pollination of Prasophyllum alpinum, although its abundance plus the large number of swollen ovaries one sees after flowering testify to a very efficient mechanism. Insect at- traction is by means of the perfume and rewards are provided in the form of copious nectar exuded from the callus plate of the labellum. Massing of flowers along the spike also con- tributes to the pollination process but only at close range. I have extensively species over a number of years in Victoria, in areas such as the Baw Baws, Bogong High Plains and alpine meadows to the west of Wulgul- merang. In the early stages the large number of swollen ovaries after anthesis led me to conclude that the species was self pollinating. My views were changed later, however, follow- ing further research on the Bogong High Plains which showed pollen on the stigmas of flowers with intact anthers. This pollen could only have been deposited by insect action; how- ever it was not until recently that I was able to observe the pollination process in the field. The venue was Rocky Plain near Wulgulmerang in late January 1972. The temperature was in the low 80's with little wind and the Prasophyllums were in abundance. In the company of John Fanning, I was checking the variability of the species when a large colourful Ichneumon wasp was ob- served working a spike of the orchid. Closer examination revealed a bunch of bright yellow pollinaria hanging studied the *2 Kathleen Close, Bayswater, Vic Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 near the mouthparts. The insect was kept under observation for a while, but neatly avoided capture. Its ap- pearance injected extra enthusiasm into the morning and the next two hours were spent actively studying all leek-orchids in the area. specimens of the pollinator were seen, three of which. were captured. As well, five other insects were seen feeding on the nectar of the flowers. These included a small brilliant green Chrysomelid Beetle (Edusella trideris). two Dipierans and a Honey Bee, None was considered to be of any import- ance in the pollination of Prasophyl- lum alpinum, although the Honey Bee was observed to pick up a pollinarium on the mouthparts. A surprising dis- covery was the presence of Black Jumper ants (Myrmecia pilosula) on the inflorescences of fhe orchid. Figure 1 (a) longitudinal section of flower Sx indicated scale 1 (b) column and labellum from side 7x indicated scale (c) labellum from front 7x indicated scala (d) column from side JOx indicated scale (8) column from below 10x indicated scale (f) pollinarium 10x indicated scale (g) Pterocarmus promissorius- 4x indicated scale September, 1972 Six more. These were quite common and fed avidly on the nectar secreted by the labellum. Pollinaria were picked up on the jaws. but were wiped off on various parts of the plant. A second reddish species of ant about i" long was also observed to feed on the nectar. All three specimens of the pollina- tor were identified by Dr E. F, Riek of CSIRO as males of the Ichneumon Wasp (Prerocormus. — promissorius). family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Tehneumoninae. This ts a very com- mon insect that is widespread through- out Australia. It is about $^ long and is black with handsome stripes of white and orange. Fhe females para- sitize the larva of Noctuid and other moths, It is a very hardy insect that may be abundant during summer in sub-alpine regions, Liitle is known of 261 the feeding babits bur it would seem that the males àt least are attracted to nectar secreted by flowers. The insects’ behaviour on the inflor- escences was interesting and illustrated the method ot attraction employed by the orchid. Flight Io the flowers wax into the wind as if following a per- fume trail, The insect usually landed on the lowest flowers and worked up the spike in a spiral manner, Only a few flowers on each spike were examined in detail and it appears that these Were at the most attractive stage. The insect worked the spike head uppermost and probed along the label- lum to the base of the attractive Rowers, spending quite a time in each. Pollinaria were picked up on the mouthparts aml the underside of the head. When, the orchids were arow- ing in groups the wasp flew from spike to spike, working each sys- tematically before flying to the next No deposition of pollen was observed: however, this could not be easily seen because of the ventral siting of the pollinaria. It was. quite noticeable that the insects’ activity increased during lulls in the breeze, 1n these quiet spells the temperature seemed to climb quite rapidly and the perfume of the orchids became very obvious, Prasophylvim alpinum impresses me with its very efficient pollination mechanism; in fact, apart from Ruto- gamous species jt is one of the most efficient Australian orchids studied. To gain a quantitative measure of this efficiency, [60 Rowers, randomly sampled from Rocky Plain, were ex- amined miscroscopically Of these & per cent had the pollinarium removed from the anther sac, while 77 per cent had been pollinated, Comparable figures for many other species of Prasaphyllum ace less than 20 per cent. The microscopic study also pro- 262 vided some valuable details about the mechanics of the orchids’ pollination, Of the 120 flowers pollinated, only 15 per cent had a whole pollinarium de- posited on the stigma, The remaindet (some 85 per cent) had only a few grains adhering to the stigma indi cating that a pollingrium had made contact with the stigma but had then been withdrawn by the insect, leaving some grains behind. This reveals the key to the insect's efficiency, for it is large relative ta the flower and thus cannot penetrate to any depth, except with its mouthparts, While Ihe insect js seeking nectar the pollinaria hang in a perfect position to brush the stigma of the flower being visited, Examinalion of pollinatia altached to the insect showed many to be in a State nf disorder consistent with the above results. The development of the ovary in this species is very interesting, and led me to believe for some time that the oichid was self pollifating. For à period after anthests virlually every ovary swells aad appears as if it will produce seed. About three weeks alter flowering, however, it is noticcable that some ovaries are shiny, swollen, and jurgid, while others are dull and not as swollen. The latter are flat when squeezed and are the ovaries of unfertilized flowers. The turgid ovaries are rigid and arise from flowers that have been pollinated. The early growth of the ovaries of infertile flowers is probably the result of hor- monal levels wilhin the plant. Growth of fertile ovaries is maintained by hor- mones produced as a result of the development of fertilized embryos and ihese outstrip the sterile ovaries after about two weeks. Am experiment was set up to verify the various. findings and to test the Telative efficiency of deposition of the whole pollinarium compared with a few grains. Flowers of potted plants Vict. Nat, Vol. 89 weré variously treated to give all pos- sible combinations. Treatments and results are presented in the accom- panying Table. Without exception they verify and add to those obtained in the field. The experiment shows that flowers of Prasophyllum alpinum are self-fertile and will mature seeds if pollinated with their own pollen. Most. significantly, ovaries of flowers pollinated by a whole pollinarium pro- duced approximately twice the quan- tity of seed (as measured by weight) than ovaries of flowers pollinated by a few grains. This is probably an expected result, because it shows that more embryos are fertilized in each ovary if more pollen grains. are avail- able. It does indicate, however, that the orchid has not based its efficiency on whole pollinium deposition as have many other species, but rather has spread its resources widely. This re- duces. the effectiveness of each ovary, for it is not producing viahle seeds at its maximum capacity; however, it does ensure a spread of the genetic resources of the pollen and may ac- count. for the amazing floral variation found in the species. TABLE 1 If ovary Jf swollen | Average weight Treatment swollen in first after 21 af seed days days praduced Anther intact, stigma unpollinated + — nil Pollinia removed, stigma unpollinated + — nil Pollinia removed, stigma pollinated :— by (i) whole pollinarium T + 6.4 mgm pollen (1i) pollinarium brushed on + + 2,9 mgm by other (i) whole pollinarium E + 3.7 mem flowers (i) pollinarium brushed on + + 31 mgm pollen - Letter to **Durran. Durra" In the July issue of the Victorian Naturglist, an article appeared in "Over- heard in the Bushes" under the nom-de- plume of Durran Durra. Among other things a question was posed, "Is it really true that the Entomology and Marine Biology Groups have not had a field survey for over one year?" The inference here is that at one time this Group held field surveys, This is incorrect. The Marine Biology and Entomology Group has never since its re-inception in the 1950's, conducted a field survey. Surely it is important that any article appearing in our Jour- nal should be factually correct, and even more important if it is an article written by someone using a nom-de- plume, J. STRONG, Hon, Secretary, Marine Biology and Entomology Group. Notice to Country Clubs It is proposed that the names and addresses of the Presidents and Secretaries of all F.N.C.’s should appear in the Victorian Naturalist, It would therefore be appreciated if these could be lodged with the F.N.C.V. Secretary when convenient. Seplamber, 1972 263 A Visit to East Sister Island, Tasmania by J. S. WriNRAYT The Furneaux Group is situated in the south eastern part of Bass Strait and East Sister is the northernmost island of the Group. It lies about five miles north east of the North Point of Flinders Island and is about 1,000 acres in area. The main part of East Sister is a high granite ridge which is two and a half miles long and has a summit 615 feet high. A sloping point juts out for about three-quarters of a mile from the north western side of the main ridge (see Figure 1), The landing place, sheepyards, shearing shed and hut are situated on this point. Only sheep are grazed on the island which is leased from ihe Tasmanian Lands Department. The pasture of the island is maintained by periodic burning. I saw most of the island. be- fore and just after the burn of Feb- l-banding place, sheepyards and buildings. east north east of the landing plače. 264 ruary 1967 when about eighty per cent of the main ridge was burned black. The most recent firing was in the late Summer of 19721. AIL my sightings and collections mentioned below were made during a visit on 7 December 1966, PLANTS l landed on the western side of the sloping point at the landing place near the yards and buildings (see Figure 1). Collecting started just in from high water level. The shrubs here were the coastal species White Correa Correa alba, Coast Everlasting Helichrysum paralium, Boobialla Myoporiun in- sulare, Seaberry Saltbush Rhagodia baccata and Coast Beardheath Leuco- pogon parviflorus. Many native and Flinders Fsland, Tasmania, 7255. Figure I Locality plan of East Sister 2-Rise Island. Vict. Nat, Vol, 89 introduced herbs were lound here amongst the fairly open semb. Some of the native herbs were Prickly Spear- grass Stipa teretifolia. Angled Lobelia Lobetla alaia, Coast Colobanth Celo- hanthus apétalus, Knobby Clubrush Scirpus nodosus and Kidney Weed Dichundra repens. The introduced species included Buckshorn Plantain *Plantego cordnopus, and the grasses Soft Brome *Bromus mollis, Giant Brome *Bromus diandras and Silvery Hairgrass * Aira caryophyllea. Three native herbs were then found in crevices of the coastal granite at the landing place. They were Sea Celery Apium prostrate, Beaded Glasswort Salicornia quinqueflora and Coast Goosefoot Chenopodium glau- cum ssp. ambiguum. Three other native herbs grew in damp crevices a few yards in from the coast. They were Waterbuttons Cotula coronepi- folia, Coast Cotula Cotula vulguris var uustralosica and à Clubrush Scirpus antarcticus. The plants noticed in the sheepyards just in from the landing place were mainly introduced weeds. They îm- cluded Common Orache *Atriplex hastota, New Zealand Spinach Teira- gonia tetragonoides, Toad Rush Juncus Aufonims, Searle! Pimpernel * A nagallis arvensir, Sti? Ryegrass *Loltum lalia- ceum and Smallfiower Mallow *Maive paviliflera, From the sheepyards | walked through the pasture ta the small rise east north east of Ihe landing place (see Figure |), Species noticed in the pasture were Climbing Lignum Aueh- lenbeckia adpressa, Jersey Cudweed Gnaphalium letea-albyn, Hates Tail *Luguras uvatus, Rats-tail Fescue "TV ulpia myuras and Fireweed Ground- sel Senecio lineartfolius. The granite outcrops at the summit of the small rise were surrounded by shrubs. Three of these were the same September, 1972 as those found earlier àl (he coast and were Coast Everlasting Helinhrysunr paralium, Boolnalla Myeporuin in- sulare and Coast Beardheath Letico- pogon parviflorus. The other shrubs were Coast Teatree Leprospermun laevigatum, Dusty Daisybush Olearia phlogopappa, Sea Box Alyxia buxi- folia, Dogwood Pomaderris aperala: Green Common Correa Correa reflexa, Spicy Everlasting Helichrysum: arge- phyllum and the heath Cyathodes juni- pering var, oxycedrus, OF the latter Species the Spicy Everlasting does not occur further south in Tasmania than on the Bass Strait islands. Tt was flowering and my collection was the fifth or sixth locality cecord of this species for Tasmania. The herbs re- corded in this serub patch were Short- hair Plimegrass Dichelachne crinita. Coast Swordsedge Lepidosperma gla- dian, Tussock Grass Pos labil- Jurdieri and Scrub Neltle Urtice incisa. From this rise I could sce a large patch of Coast Daisybush Olearia axil- laris on the southern side of the point near where it joined the main ridge. As well, all the north western side of the main ridge could be seen from here. Right along this side were patches of tall Drooping Sheoke Casverina stricta surrounded by low scrub, Tussock Grass grew between the patches, The vegetation of south eastern vide of the main ridge was quite different from this. When approaching the island I could see from the boat about two- thirds of the sopth castern side, WW had no shrubs or trees and seemed to carry Tussock Grass or same other low vege- tation. The walk back to the coast was through a dilTerent part of the pasture. Species noticed in if were Spear Grass Stipa compacra, Sqvirrel-tail Fescue "Kulpis bromeides, Rats-lail Fescue *Vulpía myuros, Winged Slender Thistle *Carduus tenuiflorus, Spear * An asterisk denotes introduced plant species, 265 Thistle Cirsium vulgare and Blown Grass Agrostis avenacea, Finally a different part of the coast was visited a little south east of the landing place, Here were found Sea Box Alyxia buxifolia, Large Quaking- grass *Briza maxima and, in a damp area, the small Swamp Cotula Cotula reptans. Altogether sixly-seven plant species ere recorded during my two hours on the island and a list is given as Appen- axl, j Fauna The Red-bellied Pademelon or "Wal- lahy"t Thylogale billardieri was te- corded for the island as carly as 1928?. Two specimens of this species from East Sister were lodged at the Aus- tralian Museum, Sydney, in October 1929, They are AM M4782 and M4783 (skulls and skins)?, Two other specimens of this species from East Sister are held at the South Australian Museum, Adelaide. They are SAM M2870 (skull and skin) collected in October 1929 and M3553 (skull only} collected in January 1930". These seem to be the only mammal specimens from East Sister in Museum collections. Pademelons were common on the is- land at the time of my visit. Two smaller marsupial species were introduced to East Sister by the late Mr. George Blyth, a former lease- holder. The Brushtail Possum Tricho- surüs vulpecula was introduced. from Flinders Island in the 1920's and the White-footed Sminthopsis or “Shrew Mouse" Sminthopsis leucopus was introduced fram nearby West Sister Ts- jand in the 1920's or 1930's!, The pre- seni leascholder, Mr. A. E. Blyth. noticed that both these introduced species were present still when he paid his last visit to the island in December 1966, {Names in Inverted commas ate local common names, 266 The House Mouse Mus musculus and the Feral Cat Felis catus are common on the island’, Three spare cats were shipped out fram Flinders [sland and released during my visit. Black Tiger Snakes or "Black Snakes Notechis ater and Whitelipped or "Green" Snakes Denisonia coro- noides occur om the island? but 1 saw none during my visit, However I col- lected a Bluctongue Lizard Tiliqua nigrolutea and lodged il at the National Museum of Victoria. As well, two ‘White's Skinks Egernía whitil were secn in coastal scrub near the landing place. Other skink species should occur on the island. as five species have been collected on nearby West Sister ls- lands, There was no time for bird watching during my visit, However there are a number of small rookeries of the Short- tailed Shearwater or "Muttonbird" Puffinus tenuirostris on the island?, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Miss M. A, Todd, National Her- barium of Victotsa, determined nine East Sister plant specimens (the difti- cult ones). Mr. A. E. Blyth supplied much useful information about the island. REFERENCES |. Information supplied by the present leaseholder. Mr. A. E. Blyth, Emita, Flinders Island, Tasmania. Mr. Blyth's brother. George. was the pre- vious Icaseholder of the island. 2. Scott, Thomas. Accown! of the... Furneaux Islands . . . !828, Manu- script A606 held at the Mitchell Library, Sydney. 3, Information supplied by Mr. B J. Marlow, Curator of Mammals, The Australian Muscum, Sydney. 4. Information supplied by Mr. P. F, Aitken, Curator of Mammals, The Soulh Australian Museum, Adelaide, $. Vicrorinn Natwralist 89; (1) pp, 8-9. January 19732. Vict. Nat, Yol, 89 APPENDIX | List of Plants of East Sister Island, 1966 An asterisk marks an introduced species. Species lodged at the University of Tasmania Herbarium are marked h and those lodged at the National Herbarium of Victoria are marked m. Manocotyledons POACEAE h*Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail Fescue h* ¥ulpia myuros Rats-tail Fescue * Bromus diandrus Giant Brome “Bromus mollis Soft Brome *Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass m*Koeleria phleoides Annual Cats-tail hm Poa labillardieri Tussock Grass *Polypogon monspeliensis ' Annual Beard-grass h Agrostis avenacea Blown Grass *Lagurus ovatus Hares Tail h Dichélachne crinita Short-hair Plume-grass m Stipa compacta Spear Grass Stipa teretifolia Prickly Spear-grass * Aira adr yaphyliea Silvery Hair-grass m*Lolium loliaceum Stiff Rye-grass h*Hordeum leporinum Barley-grass CYPERACEAE hm Scirpus antarcticus Clubrush Scirpus nodosus Knobby Clubrush Lepidosperma gladiatum Coast swordsedge JUNCACEAE h Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Dicotyledons CASUARINACEAE Casuarina stricta. Drooping Sheoke September, 1972 h URTICACEAE Urtica incisa Scrub Nettle POLYGONACEAE Muehlenbeckia adpressa Climbing Lignum Rumex brownii Swamp Dock CHENOPODIACEAE h* Atriplex hastata Common Orache Rhagodia baccata Seaberry Saltbush Chenopodium glaucum ssp. ambiguum Coast Goose-foot Salicornia quinqueflora Beaded Glasswort AIZOACEAE Carpobrotus rossii Karkalla "TETRAGONIACEAE Tetragonia tetragonoides New Zealand Spinach CARYOPHYLLACEAE Colobanthus apetalus Coast Colobanth ROSACEAE Acaena anserinifolia Bidgee Widgee FABACEAE h* Melilotus indica King Island Melilot GERANIACEAE m*Geranium rotundifolium Roundleaf Cranes-bill OXALIDACEAE Oxalis corniculata Creeping Wood-sorrel RUTACEAE Correa alba White Correa h Correa reflexa Green Common Correa 267 RHAMNACEAE hm Pomaderris apetala Dogwood MALVACEAE m*Malva parviflora Smallflower Mallow MYRTACEAE Leptospermum laevigatune Coast Teatree APIACEAE h Daucus glochidiatus Austral Carrot Apium prostratum Sea Celery EPrACRIDACEAE Lcucopopon parviflorus Coast Beardheath Cyathodes juniperina yar. oxycedrus PRIMULACEAE *Anagallis arvertsis Scarlet Pimpernel GENTIANACEAE h*Centaurim ? pulchellum Centaury APOCYNACEAE Alyxia buxifolia Sea Box (CONVOLVULACEAE Dichondra repens Kidney Weed M YOPORACEAE Myoporum insulare Boobialla PLANTAGINACEAE Plantago varia Variable Plantain *Plantago coronopus Buckshorn Plantain LOBELIACEAE Lobelia alata Angled Lobelia ASTERACEAB Olearia phlogopappa Dusty Daisy-bush Olearia axillaris Coast Daisy-bush h Gnaphatium lutco-album Jersey Cudweed *Gnüuphalium candidissimum Silver Cudweed hm Gnaphalium purpureum Purple Cud weed hm Helichrysum argophyllum Spicy Everlasting Helichrysum paralium Coast Everlasting Cotulaà coronopifolia Waterbuttons h Cotula replans Swamp Cotula h Cotula vulgaris var. australasica Coast Cotula Senecio linearifolius Fireweed Groundsel h*Cirsiam vulgure Spear Thistle h*Carduus tenuiflorus Winged Slender Thistle hm* Hypochaeris glabra Smooth Cats-ear *Sonchus oleraceits Common Sow-thistle Field Naturalists Club of Victoria General Meeting, 14 August, 1972 The President, Mr. Tom Sault, opened the meeting, and. then handed over the chair to Vice-President Mr. Barry Cooper, who is to leave shortly for five years’ study at Ohio State University, U.S.A. Mr. Sault said that the Club, and in parti- cular the Hawthorn Junior Group, would miss Barry's energy and enthusiasm, and wished him well on his new venture. Dr. Alan Parkin was the speaker for the evening: his topic was “The Trees of Northern Australia". Dr. Parkin spoke 268 from first-hand experience of work and extensive travel in the north, and showed an interesting series of his Own slidės, A vote of thanks was moved by Mr. Ros Garnet. The presentation of a certificate of Honorary Life Membership was made to Mr. Peter Kelly by the President, in re- cognition of his long term of service as Club Librarian. In reply, Mr. Kelly said he looked forward to enjoying continuing participation in club activities. Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 The need for protection for nalive rep- ules in Victoria was raised in General Business, and a motion was passed that the Club make representation to the Chief Secretary, urging the introduction ‘of the necessary legislation to bring this about, Preparations for this year’s Nature Show, to be held in the Camberwell Civic Centre, are well under way, and most Club groups will have exhibits. An ap: peal was made for helpers to attend during the hours the show is open, and also for setting up and cleaning up after- wards. Show dates this year were to be Sunday | to Tuesday 3 September. The Secretary spoke briefly about acti- vities of the Steering Committee advising on the formation of a naturalists’ State- wide co-ordinating body, He announced that a [urther full meeting of delegates and a social gathering would be held in Bairnsdale on 30 September. Mr. Ros Garnet reported an the work being done jn the new Organ Pipes National Park near Sydenham. The Man- agement Committee and volunteers are attempting weed crudicalion sod hope eventually tà replant the area with indi- genous species. Extra helpers would be very welcome at the week-end working bees. Mr. Garnet also announced that drainage of the Edithvale Swamp had commenced, in spite of reassurances that the area would be preserved as a valuable ħabitat for swamp birds, The notice arca at the back of the hall was again well filled A full list of Club correspondence, copies of notices and lelters and Council Minutes were on dis- play. The bookstall was also open. Among member's exhibiis on display were fossils (rom the Bacchus Marsh area, as well as several specimens of garden grown native plants, including a numbers of Acacias. Day Group Report July A sunny morning offset by chilly winds was the weather patletn as nineteen members and one visitor assembled in the drive of the Burnley Horticultural Col- lege. Two student guides, Linda and Sue, bath good “Field Nats” led us to a class- room that had been placed at our dis- posal, Large fruits of the North Ameri- can Osage Orange, Muclura pomifera, and same good cxamples of “bottle gardening" soon became points of in- lerest. After our gronup meeting and lunch, the Chairman introduced Mr. Wil- liam Nicholls from the College staff, Mr, Nicholls took charge from this point. His talk to members covered the history of the College, the scope of the courses, practical work of students both within the College grounds and at re- search stations ai Talura and Mildura, including wark on fruit blocks in these areas, Excellent slides accompanied the lalk. The last shown illustrated the magni- tude of the cut flower indusiry and were centred on earnation growing Mr Nicholls then showed members through the glasshouse displays and propagating rooms, Our Chairman thanked Mr. Nicholls for his informative talk and tn- teresting tour From then on we were free to inspect the 12 acres of well kept ornamental gardens including fairly recent plantings of Australian Native plants. These gar- dens are open to the public ut all times and the Day Group recommend them to other members of our Club. Stop 18 en Tram Route No. 70, Marine Biology and Entomology Group, 3 July, 1972 The meeting was chaired by Mr. Con- dion, sixteen members berg in attend- ance. [n Mr. J. Strong's absence the minutes were taken by Mrs Zillah Lee, Mr. Peter Kelly reported finding 3 small sapling of wild cherry that appeared as September, 1972 though chopped through by am axe, but which had actually been the work of a longicorn beetle, Mr. P. Kelly also ad- vised the meeting of his resignation fram the position of F.W.C.V. Librarian, Mr. Condion thanked Mr. Kelly on behalr 269 of the Group for his past services in this office. The speaker for tne meeting was Dr. Brian Smith, who delivered an interesting address on his observations of Western- port Bay; much of which consisted of aetial views [rom a plane chartered for this purpose, He explained the tide actu- ally observed by the use of float cards showing thai polluted water could build up im the northern area as a result of poor ebb flow, His pictures Showed extensive growth of Zostera (eel grass), which would be endangered by pollution, thereby result- ing in ecological upset to the bay, as Zostera was important tn providing neces- sary oxygen Dr Smith alsa expressed concern for the mangrove zone Which was showing Marked decline, Mr. Condron thanked Dr. Smith for this interesting address. Eahibits; Mr. D. Molnnes nad two Microscopes on the table; under one a sponge showing spicules, and the second showing how spicules build up the wall parts of a sponge. He explained that identification of a sponge is by the kind of spicules, and not the shape of the sponge as Silicous and calcarious spicules can be found in sponges of similar shapes. Mr. B. Condron — an Australian Ad- nviral butterfly larvae, Penesse tea, This was on an introduced stinging nettle, Marine Biology and Entomology Group; 7 August, $972 Fifeen members were in attendance at this mecting which. was chaired by Mr, Condion, Mr. Leigh Winsor gave a report on the forthcoming Nature Show, and dislributed notices giving the times that the show would open and close. A short discussion took place re an article in the July Norurolist under the nom-de- plume — “Durnin Durrah' The Secre- tary pointed out that a reference to Ihis group contained. inference, an incor- rect statement. The Secretary was to write to the Editor correcting this. Speaker for the evening was Mr. H. B. Wilson, Senior Entomologist, Plant Re- scarch Institute, his subject being Phero- momes. He oullined the history of the discovery af these hormonal secretions which were first written about in 1949. Glands were discovered jn female Gipsy moths. Thousands of these. moths were collected, and an extract made from the glands. This extract was used ta Attract males who would pick up the scent from half à mile away. Mr, Wilson went on to say that pheromones arc found in a wide range of insects, eg, trail pheromones are given oul by ants, so that they can follaw one another. A great deal more Werk is still to be done on this chemical. At the conclusion of this most interesting talk, a vote of thanks was moved by Mr. Peter Kelly Exhibits: Mr. R. Condion—a caler- pillar given to him by Mr. MeInnes was parasitized Diptera sp. emerging from it. The moth of the larva was of the family Anthelidae. Mr, McInnes showed, From a sycamore tree, a mass of black insect eggs om an old stocking. Mr. Wilson said thar these were probably eggs of a species of fly which was probably harmless, Mr. Winsor— a parasitic beetle Myo- typhles jansoni. Fam. Staphylinidae. the head of which he showed under his microscope. He explained that the tribe Amblyopinini includes beetles that are parasitic on mammals im South America and Australia.. Myotyphilus jansoni is the only Avusttahan species and has been found in the fur of native fanis sp in Tasmania and Victoria, Mr. J. Strong — a wasp Fam. Helo- vidac. Genus Mononachus, taken at Murrumboena, Vic, in March He ex- plained that therc was not much known about this family. Apparently the speci- fic name of tins ome was as yet to be decided. This insect has a very lang thin gaster, and does not look like a typical Wasp. IL is parasitic an a My Fam. Stra» liomyidae — Genus Pereoides. The adult wasps emerge from the fully grown lar- yae of the fly, Mammal Survey Group The camp at Siberia, by the Murrin- dindi River, over the weck-end of July 29-30 was Allonded by 18 members of the group, A total of 10 species of wild mam- 270 mals wera trapped or sighted in the area, Trapping captured 22 animals of thice nalive species, while five wore seen by spotlight, and two others were seen in Viel. Nat. Vel. 39 daylight, Eight of the J0 species found during this camp were nalive mammals — the two introduced spécies were rab- bits. and ferral cats, Strangely a large number of rabbits were spotlighted. Though cofnmon enough in farming coun- try ii is rare for the group to see them when spotlighting in the bush. . A report on the Siberia camp was given al the monthly meeting of the group at the Rylah Research Centre on Thursday, 3 August, by its chairman, Mr. H. Jans- sen. As there were several visitors among the 21 people present he also gave a briel ouline of the groups working methods in the field. Nine members pre- sented chance sighting reports; Maps were handed out to those who said they would attend the camp al Cape Lipirap on August 26-27. There was discussion on means of cleaning skeletal material collected in the field. The secretary, Mr. G. F. Douglas, gave a brief talk on the statistical information derived from the first three camps at which standard measurements had been taken of all cap- tured animals. Only two spectes of animals have so far been caught in suf- ficient numbers to be of any statistical significance, These are the bush ral, Ratius fuscipes, and Antechinus stuanii. Statistical data has, however, already been collected on a total of 12 species, and is steadily growing in quantity. Camp sites for September and October will be on the Acheron Way and the Bel- lerine Peninsula respectively. Day Group Outing Report August— Lovely sunshine enticed 22 members to attend Cheltenham Park, After a short mecting lunch was pariaken of and our guide, Mr, Fairhall, with members, strol- led through the Park, which 1s a Nature Reserve, The Park is looking beautiful at this time of the year and many native plants are flowering. To name a few: Acacia spectabilis and A. normallis ex- celling, several species of Crewilea with G. rosmorinifalia and G. dallachiana most frequent. Payne’s Thryptomene prows in profusion near the War Memo- rials, Various Callistemons, Sunksias, Hakeas, and a big range of Correos were inspected. A few birds, such as Striated Thorn- bills, Wattle-birds, Tree-creepers were also noted. ; Members left the Park about 3.30 p.m. after enjoying a pleasant and interesting afternoon, BIOLOGICAL MICROSCOPE OBJECTIVES 9X, 40X, 40X water immersion. 9OX oil immersion EYEPIECES 7X, 1OX, 15X SUBSTAGE CONDENSER $79.35 MECHANICAL STAGE BINOCULAR HEAD SUBSTAGE LAMP $27.60 $90.85 $17.25 GRIFFIN & GEORGE BEAM BALANCE 2 mgm — 250gm $30,00 WEIGHTS $11.33 8 dram plastic flip-top vial (ideal for field collecting) 80c. per dozen PLASTIC PETRI DISHES 3%” diam. 90c. per packet of 10 Available from GENERY'S SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT SUPPLY 183 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000 Phone: 62 2160 Seplember, 1972 27] Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Established 1880 OBJECTS: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian fauna and flóra- Patron: 3 His Excellency Mujor-General Sir ROHAN DELACOMBE, K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O. Key Office-Bearers, 1971-1972, President: Mr. T. SAULT Vice-President: Mr. B. COOPER " Hon. Secretary: Mr. R. H. RIORDAN, [5 Regent St., East Brighton, 3187. — 92 8579) © Treasurer: H. BISHOP. Address Correspondence to National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra. Subscription Secretary: Mr. D. E. MANNES, 129 Waverley Road, East Mal- vern, 3145 Hon. Editor: Mr. G. M. WARD, 54 St. James Road, Heidelberg 3084, Hon. Librarian: My. P. KELLY, c/o National Herbarium. The Domain, South Yarra 3141. Hon. Excursion Secretary: Miss' M. ALLENDER, 19 Hawthorn Avenue, Caulficlá 3161. (522749). Magazine Sales Officer: Mr. B. FUHRER, 25 Sunhill Av., North Ringwood, 3134 Group Sceretaries: Botany: Mr. J. A, BATNES, 45 Eastgate Street, Oakleigh 3166 (57 6206), . Day Group: Mrs. J, STRONG, 1160 Dandenong Road, Murrrumbeena. (56 2271) Entamology and Marine Biology: Mr. J. W. H. STRONG, Flat 11, "Palm Court", 1160 Dandenong Rd. Murrumbeena 3163 (56 2271). Field Survey: Mr. D. BARHAM, 14 Finnigans Rd., Research 3095. (437 1791). Geology: Mr. T. SAULT. Mammal Survey: Mr. G. F. DOUGLAS, "Knotanoll", Riddell's Creek 3431 (054-285191) : : Microscopical: Mr. M. H, MEYER, 36 Milroy Street, East Brighton (96 3268), MEMBERSHIP Membership of the F.N.C.V. is open to any person interested in natural history. The Victorian Naturalist is distributed free to all members, the club's reference and lending library is available, and other aclivities are indicated in Teports set out in ihe several preceding pages of this magazine, Rates of Subscriptions for 1972, Ordinary Members -- 57.00 Country Members 5 Joint Members .. .. ab ws 7.00 Junior Members (under J years). .- $2.00 Junior Members receiving Vict. Nat, 54.00 Subscribers ta Vict. Nat, (Aust. only) 55.00 Overseas Subscribers n = eel 56.00 Affiliated Societies ALS $7.00 Supporting Members 2 .. 0. =e = $10.00 Life Membership (reducing after 20 years} ~- $140.00 The cost of individual copies of the Vict. Mat, will be 4S cents (52 cents — overseas requests): Full-time Students befween IB and 21 years pay at Junior Member fates. AM subscriptions should be made payable ta the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, and posted lo the Subscription Secretary: P. Gi) JENKIN, BUXTON A CO. PTY. LTD., PRINTERS. WEST MELBOURNE the ) victorian naturalist ENCV. DIARY OF COMING EVENTS: ` v. GENERAL MEETINGS E +r Monday, 9- October — At National Herbarium,” The Domain, South _ Yarra, com- - mencing 8 p.m. T = ‘ ` | B i "Subject for evening — “The Natural History of the Muriay River. tract between Q8 Mildura and Renmark”: Edmund D, Gill, ~- - da New Members: F X ; - '" --- "at gs Ordinary: ~ x iG -p v Mrs, Esme W. Diianell, 36 Bronte Ave, Burwood: 3125, Mr- Arnold Iañ Dunlop, 222 Patterson Road, Moorabbin, 3189, Mr. Richard Forse, 44 Dunloe Ave., Box Hill Nortt. 3129, Miss Margaret Griffiths, 94 Doncaster Road, North Balwyn, 3104.. - Mr, Mart Hogel, 5 Buxton Road, Mitcham, 3132 i, ' 4 Mrs. Margaret Hulskamp, 236 Old-Eltham Road, Lower Plenty, 3095. ! - Miss Lynne King-Smith, 26 Manoon Road, Clayton. 3165, B Miss Margaret A. MacEwan, 9 gan Re Grove, Camberwell, 3. Miss J. L Webb, 2/551 Toorak Road, Toorsk, fuz. Joint: | 1 ' H Dr. and Mrs. R, B. Jobns, 19 Kawarren Street, Worth Balwyn, 3104. ” Mr- and Mrs. D. Moynihan, 25 Hume Street, Briar Hill, ae È Junior: ‘Adrian Kelly, 9 Foden Street, Wir Brunswick, 3055. Country: Mr. Barry J. Cooper, Mhill High School, Mhill, 3418. Mr. Johni R, Curr, P.O, Box 471, Robinvale GROUP MEETINGS - (To. be held im "National Herbarium at 8 p. m. unless otherwise stated: ): - Thursday, 12 October — Botany ‘Group: Dr, Gretna West: “The Invasion of Victorian _forests by Phytophthora ciinamomi, . `- A e ] Thursday, 19 October — Day Group: Warringal Park, Heidelberg. Meet at 11.30 a.m." on east side of- Heidelberg Station: Bring lunch. Members. of Warringal Con- . -servation Group will join: us. "i : ~ Thursday, 26 October — Field Survey, Vai meeting aj 8 p- m. in Conference Rr: - Nat, Mus. Vict. Wednesday, 1 November — Geology Group meeting. -> E Thursday, 2 November — M. S.G. (F.N.C. V) meeting in- Arthur Ryle Inst., 123 Brown St., Heidelberg, at 8. 00 pm. .Monday, 6 November —Marine Biology and Entomology Group's meeting. Toupduy, 9 November — Botany Group meeting: Members Night, featuring King Islan Wednesday, 15 November —M itrdvcopieal Group MEG j D T " H 4 La JUNIOR MEETINGS | | pm Friday, 27 October — Hawthorn Town Hall at 8pm. ' ^ i G i Friday, 3 November — Preston Rechabite Hall, 281 High St., at 8 M m. : Friday, 10 November — Mpdterórecey: and District, Scout Hall, Petrie. Park at 8 p.m. ` 1 274 T rl" Vict. Nat. Vol, 89 0M o ud The Victorian. Naturalist: ` Editor: 6. ,M. ‘Ward ^ Assistant Editor: G. Douglas, v Vol. 89, No, 10 g 7 E «i 74 October, 1972 ro, ..+ CONTENTS ` Articles: : ' & r ; BE Trees equal Birds. By: Victor Jacobse cr fut cw po REO Ll 279 Plant List for King Island, Bass Strait». <. .. us te 287 . Features: , i ` | Reptiles of Victoria — No. T .By Hans Beste . Me 75 s à “ke "216 Victorian Non-marine Molluscs — Nó. 10. By Rhyllis J, Plant . .. .. 278 Readers’ Nature Notes and Queries - dele RATER JL. . 284 ' Nature Notes from the Gold ‘Coast. By Alex N: Bürns. eos e 285 Personal; > " p ‘ - Norman A. Wakefield, An Appreciation = 2 "os A 7 .. ' 285 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria: Reports of General Meeting and Groups. Be 44 re a Te oma 300 bo. 7 r Junior and Country Reports: ea) $ espt Ge © ate i tul 9" *. 301 Front Cover: ` The larva of the Banksia “Moth poses f for the ptistegrcier, Benke Clyne. October, 1972 et. 20m. 8H... -275 reptiles of victoria-7 | " ` - by Hans Besit Plate 13 Cryptoblepharus boutoni — Wall Lizard. ' A small skink with several sub-species in Australia, also found overseas: ft t "Length: to 4 inches. ^5. ' Depressed head. No:movable eyelids. Distinct ear-opening. Five fingers. and five toes. Black above, with a pair of pale dorso-lateral stripes from above the eye to the tail. A pale, less conspicuous stripe along vertabral line. Small ' Spots between stripes and on sides. Underside — pale grey. ' ' ` Habitat — Among leaf. litter, on walls, fences and òn tree trunks —a good climber. i Best distinguishing features — immovable: eyelids, dorso-lateral stripes, climbing habit. J - _ ° = Plate 14 B reed Gehyra variegata — House Gecko, Dtella. i A common gecko — widespread throughout Australia: Length: to 4 inches. . ; T & D -"Spade-shaped head. Distinct ear-opening. " Five fingers and 'five toes. Colour — variable, depending, on background. Basically creamy-buff with - chequered pattern of brown-grey lines and blotches on back and sides. Two distinct dark lines running through eye. Under: 'ereamish, Tail long, tapering toa point. Habitat — in diiis, under- debris, under bark and not too far from water. — RE Best distinguishing features — characteristic toe structure, Claw and enlarged sheath free and rising from distal pad. 276 pa me Hh ^ Viet, Nat. Vol, 89 October, 1972 27 Victorian Non-Marine Molluscs — No. 10 (by | Ruvr ris J, PLAN T Genus Limax The two species representing this genus in Victoria were originally intro- duced from Europe, and are our largest slugs. However, unlike most of the other species of introduced slugs these should not be considered as pests but could be called beneficial. This is be- cause they feed on decaying animal and vegetable matter, rather than on living plant material. Apart from their large size, the species can readily be separated from all other slugs by à keeled top to the tail. Limax flavus, Linne 1758. Commonly called the yellow slug, this species is a uniform yellowish- green in colour and produces a sticky yellow mucus. It grows up to 6 inches - (150 mm) in length and is found closely associated with man, being us- ually located on damp rotting refuse or decaying animal matter and sometimes , in houses. It is confined to very damp situations and is mainly found active on cool, wet nights, Limax maximus, Linne 1758. This species is called the great grey slug, and is dark grey in colour with black and white mottles on its body. I4 glows to 4 length of 5-7 inches (150- 180.mm) and, unlike L. flavus, ihe mucus is clear and not as sticky. L. maximus also lives in damp areas but. usually away from man in open areas of pasture or large gardens. . These anitnals appear to breed in late summer and autumn by laying clutches ' of 10-15 large transparent jelly-like eggs buried in the soil. The species ap- pears to overwinter either as eggs or juvenile individuals. Both -these species are successful world travellers, and have been re- corded from all the eastern States of. Australia, including Tasmania, They have also been recorded as introduc- tions into North and South America, . South Africa and New Zealand. * Assistant in Invertebrates, National Museum of Victoria. Limax Maxitnites. Fig. l: . (Drawing by the author) Back Copies ot the “Naturalist” (a) Miss Lorna Banfield has a complete set of the “Naturalist” for the last forty years, and would like to know of a library or other body which could make use of them. (b) Mr. Keith Hately, of Kiata, would like a copy of Volume 4, No. 68, of the “Naturalist”. For further information please contact the-Secretary. 278 Vict, Nat. Vol, 89 Trees equal Birds by Victor JAcons ‘The carolling of magpies filters per- sisténtly through dreamy thoughts, and heavy eyelids open in order to peer at the luminous figures of the bedside clock. Only 3 o'clock! Was I dreaming of magpics? .No. There they were again. The silvery landseape that excited Walter de la Mare often activates the. magpies into’ playing daytime. It is somewhat too early for me to rise, so I turn over, à At the dimmest of light. à "Quilp". "Quilp" Honeyeaters are about, and then at full dawn the cawing of a flock of Ravens reminds me that the bird table has no pudding on it, and what is more it will not have until those persistent callers Forget their feast of a week ago. Have you ever made'a bird pudding? If you care to try, here is a recipe, Render some mutton fat to liquid stale and while still hot add scraps of bread, cake, titbits of dried fruit, spare bird seed, cast-off honey, bacon rind, and mix well Turn into a hemi- spherical bowl and compress the mix- ture by applying pressure to a plate on the top. When firm, turn out in one picce and cither hang in à string bag or fix firmly on your bird post. We made them especially for the Grey Thrushes, and they continued to enjoy the delicacics even when the argumentative Starlings, gangster-like Mynahs and impudent House Spar- rows joined in. But when the Ravens came along, they had it all to them- selves, If you wish to feed the smal- ler birds by this method and keep the larger ones away as a local dentist did: October, 1972 indicates that the White-eared . you ean make “mim bird puds". Fes- toon them along a rope away from other perching points, However, this morning there is no feed laid on and . after à cursory glance, the Ravens departed, It was now quite.light, and from the Sallow Wattle which overhangs a gri- velled path, a small flock of Yellow- tailed Thornbills dropped mechani- cally to seek out tiny titbits among the gravel. Their relations the Brown Thorobills and the Striated Thornbills, kept to the thick foliage of the eucalypis or sped directly across open spaces to regain the next sheltered spot, These two species are not usually here so early. Halfway down the block, beside the banks of the tiny dam, two Spotted Turtledoves kept a close attachment. They were originally attracted to the aviary next door by spilt seed, but often used the open spaces to work or rest as a pair. When they found the crumbs of bird pudding scattered by the vigorous attacks of -Starlings and Mynahs, they -awaited the manna from heaven, hut soon learned 3n the absence of the distributors of this heavenly largesse, to ascend to the land from whence it came. Back. al the orchard, a large bird was trying, to wrest free a piece of "Bird-scare". Rather late in the sea- son, T thought. It is a Red Wattle- bird which earlier had been “Hock- hocking” as it fed from the Golden Banksia nnd Bushy Yate. Two Kookaburras laugh from a Mahogany Gum. on the margin, They: . àte frequent visitors but not pets. We 279 noticed, during the harbecue season, that they were more frequent in their visits and no doubt could have been tamed. The garage at the south and higher end was being investigated by a pair of Welcame Swallows. This occurrence is a yearly event but as they cannot solve the problem of entry with the door shut they nest elsewhere. Breakfast time was here. From the study I could hear the squeaky call of a Grey Fantail. Its gyrations and an- , tics were watched until it settled in the green gloom hard against a window. Behind it, a much bolder combination of colours appeared as an Eastern Shrike-tit worked its way along the branches, hunting as it shredded the bark. Haltway down the block a drain- age ditch bisects the area, and long rank grass domes the narrow confines. A tremor of the vegetation was in- vestigated, and a brown, whirring rockel of a Stubble Quail shot away. In the little wood n pair of Scarlet Robins sat in the same tree. They are often seen here in the cool seasons, although usually are perched on the fences, Flame Robins are common on the next open hillside but they haven't Lan 280 yet been seen on the acre. This wood also holds a Golden Whistler whose black, white and yellow are vivid in the morning sun. He seems to prefer the obseurity of the wood, while his mate, that demure female with the chestnut wing-patch moves alone throughout the. black and even up against the house windows. The north fence backs this little wood, and a Jacky Winter uses it as a, base From ` which to make forays into the open paddock, Here, too, a Bushy Sugar Gum in full flower holds a vociferous flock of Noisy Miners. Bird watching here, not always a full time job, is offen incidental to garden chores. While delegating some gazanias to a new compost heap the "whit-e-chu" of a Striated Pardalote was noted, Tt was most likely using thé nature strip trees as part of his roadside highway. Another more penetrating pardalote call impinged on the car as a Spotted Pardalote moved * down the block. We had been aware of the latter's proximity for some weeks. The Grevilléas magnetize the honey- eaters. Heavy bodied Noisy Miners ' and Red Wallle-birds sag the slender branches and make off. There is al- Piatc 1. Third generation magpre at fnod table, Plo. Authur. Viel Nat Vol, 89 ways at least one of these plants in flower. Grevilleas var. Poorinda Con- stance and Porinda- Beauly, themselves usually carry the annual White-plumed Honeyeaters next. re- place the larger birds. Strangely enough the next sighting —a rarity for this area — was the Tawny- crowned Honcyeater! Tt was. not on a grevillea, but on Coryledon umbilicus. The piping call of a slender bird added yet another of this family, the Eastern Spinebill. A few momenls later, the White-eared Honcyeater, not herd since dawn, showed his bold colours. Our little favourites, the Brown-headed Honeyesters had not been seen for some time, A few months aga they visited the garden fre- "quontly each day. Did they come aut of the wood and return to it, or were they on a longer circuit which ins cluded our previlleas? When their ab- sence extended through September and October to November we presumed - that they were family raising and then in January, made the same assumption ' because of‘ extended rains. The dry seuson delayed the usual heavy autumn flowering of their favourite plants. As | strolled along, a furry rte- solved itself as an Australian Ground Thrush, seen more commonly in the wood, and as yet but rarely in this garden, The chicken wire impeded progress, and while it struggled and ‘finally found a gap | had a clear view of its half-moon patterns. Nearby, in the ofchard a Bronze Cuckoo called and appeared momen- tarily From a Bushy Yate to snaffle a large. hairy caterpillar from the fruit- ing trees. A couple of swings of its- beak rendered the prey immobile and digestible. The trilled note, which cuts across the mournful downward note of this caterpillar eater, comes fram the Fantail Cuckoo. which pre- fers to scan its arca from the post at the front of the block, We are October, 1972 banner. , lucky this day, as a third cuckoo is heard. This, the largest of the three, is the Pallid Cuckoo, and by moving from ree cover to tree cover it is possible fo watch it also feeding on hairy caterpillars, and returning to the wire fence midway down the block, On going in to lunch, I heard u wren-like trilling amongst the Cassias and Grevilleas. A tiny brown wren with slender blue quill-hke tail dashed to the shelter of a Cullistenmon, sprang 10 the bird (table, picked up a rninute crumb, and fled back to cover. The Superb Blue Wren has not bred here yet, nor is it particularly frequent or constant in its visits. A lack of Gslahs heading up the Bailey Road valley changed direction at the bottam of Longmeadow and flew over our more wooded area, using il aS a sort Of open tunnel. Our neigh- bour has a pet of this species about four years old whose wings, once shortened, have regrown. His usual flight is a centrifugal one, making an erratic circle with the Jones’ chimney as its centre, and the love of food and. company the restraining radius. As the wild birds approached, the tame one took off and had performed one hysterical circle when the other six joined in, and raucously went round and round till, tired of their fun, they made of leaving "cacky" in the lurch and perched on the garage ronf. Glimpsing a shadow J looked up to see n Brown Hawk fly downhill and pass under a Nankeen Kestrel which hung, wings slightly quivering. over the little pond. ' A Grey Butcher-bird which has adopted us, and has even been seen al the bird pudding, sat patiently on a post of the deck tennis court Ul he rspied food in the grass and swiftly trapped |t there. His carols make him à welcome Visitor — The tall Silver Wattle’ which pro- jects from the little wood had a: bird 381 atop its swaying branches. A Black- faced Cuckoo-shrike sat quietly there. J had seen them flying over this area, bot never perched in the trees until they had reached a height of about 20 feet: Approaching the newly-dug fern trench, I heard the Spotted Pardulote again, and saw him clearly as he sat jn the bare willow. When he called, the whole body moved from the re- laxed horizontal position to a taut 45 degrees. and the head feathers formed a distinct. crest. A rustle in the canopy of the trench itself an- nounced the female, She generally resembles her partner, bul her throat is creamy instead of a brilliant yellaw Almost certainly they have found the steep sides of the fern trench suitable for their nesting tunnel, A swarm of dors high in the sky, swished down and spent considerable time over the area. They were Spine- jailed Swifts, Diving im pursuit of food, extremely fast. sometimes below the level of the trees, the rush of air over their Wings is clearly audible, They quite ignored a Black-shouldered Kite which floated leisurely by, This latter species has been comnton in the locality recently. A flock of Silvereyes were feeding on a Jaden Cotoneaster. Their slender bills pecked tiny portions of the Nesh until they were able to swallow the diminished bulk of the berry, The smaller birds moved away in haste as a dozen Crimson Rosellas noisily swooped in to join the party. Hastily they scooped off a clawsful of npe fruit, dropping as much as they cram inta their beaks. They were restless and soon moved off. Two larger birds, sparrow-sized and heavily beaked, scemed familiar yel out of context. A look in the text- books identified them as Greenfinches; a new fecord for Longmeadow and my first sighling, Their close relative, the Goldfinch, appear on the block - as soon as seeds are available. A stroll towards the little wood proved the point, às a small flock of them flew from the drei grasses beside the drainage dich, and the flashes of red and gold enlivened their more sober plumage, As T turned up the slope, a ‘Ground-feeding Turtle Dove, Pent ARNIN Vict. Nal, Val 89 rustle of wings behind me indicated that the finches had settled again to feed. In a tangle of grass beside an unexpected fuchsia, a pair of Yellow- - faced Honeyeaters were busy;, but there was tio indication of a nest. On the pergola beside the little dam, a black and white Mudlark used its wings like a pump to produce a warn- ing call, and as if in answer, a large grey bird rose from the brimming dam, A White-faced Heron moved on, leav- ing but thtee of our newly acquired dozen goldfish. : Light is fading now, but the gleam of a Yellow-winged Honeyeater in the Bushy Yate is easily discerned, The Noisy Miners in those same Bushy Sugar Gums appeared to have been there all day. Their previously sharp cries seemed to have a “hic” like quality, as if the nectar imbibed had fermented and produced an alco- hotie slur, ' F . In the dusk, the Blackbirds were restless, and quit one roosting place for another, no better. Their lovely calls. from the static position became raucous, as the alarm call replaced theni. : Just after dark, the beam of the lan- tern traced a foggy path to the upper branches of a Mahogany Gum, The light illuminated a pair of Eastern Rosellas, which are newcomers as far as roosting is concerned. Diuting the fruit season they hid in the little wood and made raiding sallies into the archard; but dispersed at night. They had been roosting there about a month. The “day"* was nigh done, and bed- lime was near. Bird activity was nearly at zero, but hour afler hour a pair of Willy Wagtails called back and for- ward across the block im the moon- light. *'The day referred to has been over n perind beginning 9 years ago, when the area was a bare grazing paddock. Now, with the growth of trees, birds are numerous — Hence the title “Trees equal Birds.’ F.N.C.V. PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THE WILD FLOWERS OF THE WILSON'S PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK, by J, Ros Garnet, Price $5.25, (discount to members); postage 20c. VICTORIAN TOADSTOOLS AND MUSHROOMS, by J, H. Willis, This describes 120 toadstool species and many other fungi. There are four coloured plates and 31 other illustrations. New edition, Price 90c, THE VEGETATION OF WYPERFELD NATIONAL PARK, by J, R. Garnet. Coloured frontispiece, 23 half-tone, 100 line drawings of plants and a map. Price 51.50. Address orders and inquiries to Sales Officer, F.N.C.V., National Herbarium, South Yarra, Victoria. Payments should include postage (13c on single copy). October, 1972 283 Readers' Nature Notes and Queries Cydune Prelude From cur constant contributor tram Charters Towers, Mr. Alfred Fellows, comes this note. Herewith a little incident which may interest you regarding the recent cyclone that passed nearly over us here afler its devastating visit to Townsville, Five days previously, a number of the giant cactus blossoms which so accurately foretell our weather-changes here*, had opened one evening after a day of arid temperature. 97 degrees on the dry bulb and 73 de- grees an the wet bulb and no moisture promised for the mext day. At ll a.m. next day we received. word that two inches of rain had fallen over- night just outside of aur immediate area, Later that day T examined the now shri- vcled bluums in case any more were due to open. Then an entirely new pheno- menon showed up. A second number of buds had rapidly developed and were duc to open very shortly before the plant had even discarded the older flowers, This was unprecedented to say the least. Very soon some buds showed their creamy- coloured interiors before sundown. Uns usual again and as if the flowers were desperate to open us quickly as possible, Meanwhile a light misty shower to the north-cast of this locality had persisted for four hours with a weak rainbow vis- thle until nearly sunset, A setting sun just peeped out between two clouds, the upper one with golden edges and the lower one with a bright red edgc to the horizon. After a quick snapshot af the ominous and strange contrast T ofce again looked to the north-east. “See Victorian Naturalis WS (3) p. 79- The last rays of Lhe setting sum had now cleared the clouds im the west and intensified the rainbow in the easterly direction, the secondary bow being equ- ally prominent. The sun having been so low caused the bow-arches 1o rise very high, One strange thing presented itself. Neither end of the bows “contacted” the countey-side as if some contrary con- ditions existed near ground level, Within the arches the bright whitish vapour was extremely prominent but outside of the bows was nearly black in cumpartsan. the contrast between interior and exterior being much greater than is usual Clear as the bows were, our view for over twenty miles in that direction was un- impaired and no rain was closer than that. Unknowingly we were jooking straight into the approaching front of the cyclone stil] far away but with an aunosphere already in Violent turmoil. Whereas the air had been arid a short time before, it now suddenly became very humid and by 9 p.m. only six de- grees were indicated as the difference between dry and wet bulbs. At this hour a quick look at the cactus flowers showed seven Wide open. Others opened soon afterwards. A gentle breeze soon became a strong wind, and by morning the blos- soms were Willing wrecks. After many hours of violence a quick look al the cactus plant showed some more flowers to soon open. That night the heaviest rain of the period fell, and now no more buds remain to give indications, but the shrivelled blooms remain to denote svhat camé and went at such short notice. So what at first seemed contradictory by its signs proved correct, and only one's inability to read all of the signs and all of the time is the dubious factor. Notice to Contributors It is important that material submitted for publication should preferably be typewritten on foolscap-or quarto sheets at double spacing, and with a 2.5-3 cm (L^) margin on the left No underlining of words should appear unless abso- lutely necessary. Where dates occur, the day should precede the month, e.g. 1$ May 1972 not May 15 1972. 784 Vict, Nat. Vol. 89 Norman Arthur Wakefield (An Appreciation) The sudden death of Norman Wake- field is a tragic loss. In the field of popular nature writing, he was per- haps the most worthy successor to the late Crosbie Morrison. His widely read weekly articles in the daily press showed but one facet of his abundant knowledge. His scientific papers, with which most members will be familiar, have been paramount; particularly in re- Bard io mammals and fossiliferous bonc deposits. He was inspired by nature — and hts nature, was to inspire. Time and again as Editor, I had been guided and enlightened by him; his gentle yet forthright manner leaving me with no doubt. The typescripts of his many articles which it has been my privilege to publish, were so meticulously ar- ranged, that any editing on my part was barely necessary. There is no doubt that future is- sues of the Victorian Naturalist will be affected by his death. The thought of the many potential papers which undoubtedly would have come from him is saddening. Indeed, this tra- gedy has left a gap in the ranks of naturalists which shall never be quite closed. On behalf of the members of F.N.C.V. and its Council, T extend my sincerest sympathy to his wife, family and friends. , G. M, WARD. Nature Totes from the Gold Coast by A. N. BURNS The past month has provided a won- derful display of epiphytal orchid blooms; the most abundant and note- worthy being the Rock Lily (Dendro- binm speciosum) and the Ironbark Orchid (Dendrobium aemulum). Other natives which have flowered in the garden are the fragrant Pencil Orchid (Dendrobium ‘reretefolium) and the North Queensland Golden’ Orchid (Dendrobium undulatum). Two very large plants of the well-known Indian Orchid (Dendrobium nobile) which are growing on a large horizontal branch of a gum tree in the garden have over 300 blooms, and another plant in a wooden box attached to a steel fence | October, 1972 post has no less than 186 blooms, 4 truly beautiful sight. The scarlet flowered Bolle Brush (Callistemon viminalis) is now at its best, and on a tree at the bottom of the garden a daily attraction is the ‘presence of several Spine-billed Honey- eaters and small flocks of Silver Eyes. To my surprise à few days ago a male Mistletoe Bird was visiting the flower brushes, apparently getting nectar from them, At the last bend in the road. opposite the National Park, Crows and Currawongs are busy nest- ing; and in the rain forest in the Park, Scrub Turkeys are now laying eggs in the nesting mounds. One such mound 285 under observation has one male tur- key, and up to seven females asso- ciated with it. A local observer told me that he had watched a Goanna [these reptiles are very fond of eggs) in the vicinity of a Turkeys' mound, being pecked on the tail by a male Turkey. Koalas are now active in the white barked Eucalypty along the road bor- dering the Park. For the past week, a female with a small young one clinging to its back, has frequented two trees across the road; and two more, fully grown, have also been oh- Served in the sarne trees, As the wea- ther has been, and is still, very dry, diggings and the turning over of rocks and large stones by Echidnas is a common sight. These interesting animals may sometimes be scen am- bling along the edges of the road in the late afternoon. Any place where there is a little moisture is explored. Insect activity is rapidly increasing, especially among the butterflies, but in- dividuals arc not as plentiful as usual because of the very dry weather con- ditions, Several species of Skipper butterflies (Aesxperidac) have been noted; also a few examples of the Blue Triangle Papilio (Graphiun sarpedon choredon [Feld.]), the Large Greasy {Cressida cresside cressida — [Fab.]). Several species of small Lyeneinidae and Saivrinae are also about, A good fall of rain would increase the insect population many times within à week. The Wild Duck population al the Currumbin Sird Sanctuary lagoon at Flat Rack Creek has increased greatly in the past month, and in addition to these, the Ibises have trebled in num- ber, with numerous other water birds appearing. Egrets, Spoonbills, Herons, and Water Hens are among these, and on fhe udjacent flats, are numbers of Curlews. Today (16 September) a visit was made to Springbrook and Purling- brook, each betwecn 2,500 and 3,500 feet above sea level; and twenly-six and twenty-three miles respectively by road from Burleigh Heads. This area has always appealed to the writer as a likely spot to find the “Cyril's Brown Butterfly" (Argynnina hobartia cyrila W. & L) but over the years it had not appeared. This day however two fine female specimens were noted, which were unusually large, as also are Specimens from near Sydney. This record is probably new as far as the northern distribution of this. butterfly is concerned. It had been recorded from Cunningham's Gap which is not many miles south-west from Purling- brook. On the rocky cliff faces of the gorges in this mountainous area many fine. clumps of the dainty pink Rock Lily Orchid (Dendrobium: kingianum) were noted in full flower. These plants are rigidly protected, and fortunately, most of them were growing on parts of the cliff face remote from would- be collectors. F.N.C.V. CAR STICKERS F.N.C.V. Car Stickers are now available from Mrs. Strong, Book Sales Officer, at a cost of 25c each, Car owners travelling in the country or interstate can identify other members quickly in this way. Tt.also helps to advertise the Club. 286 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Plant List, for King Island, Bass Strait The following list contains tbe names of 430 species of vascular plants, of which 55 are introduced species. Many plants not previously known to exist on King Island have been found since 1956 by members of the King Island Field Naturalists Club. Identifications have been made by Dr. Winifred Curtis, University of Tasmania, the National Herbarium, South Yarra, and our guide, philoso- pher and friend, Jim Willis. A. previous list of plants was pub- lished in the Victorian Naturalist, Vol. IV, No. 9, Jan., 1888, following the expedition of the F.N.C.V. to King Island in November, 1887. It is interesting to note that at that date, the total number of species recorded was 231, of which 16 were introduced "weeds". The discovery and redis- covery of so many species despite the ravages of fire berween 1890 and 1950 is a tribute to the strength of the forces for survival. PTERIDOPHYTA (Ferns, Club Mosses) Ophioglossaceae Ophioplossum coriacewn — Austral Adder's Tongue, Yarra Ck.; uncommon. Osmundaceae Todea barbara — Austral King Fern. Ettrick R. Schizaeaceae Schizaea fistulosa — Narrow Comb Fern. Forestry Reserve, Pegarah: uñ- common, S. asperula — Rough Comb Fern.— Uncommon. Gleicheniaceae Gleichenia microphylla — Scrambling Coral Fern, Fairly common Sticherus tener — Silky Fan Fern, Forestry Reserve, Pegarah. Cyatheaceae Cyathea australis — Rough Tree Fern. Fairly common. Dicksoniaceae Dicksonia antarctica — Soft Tree Fern. Fairly common. Dennstaediaceae Hypolepis rugosula — Ruddy Ground Fern. H. australis — Austral Ground Fern. H. punctata — Downy Ground Fern. H. muelleri — Harsh Ground Fern. Peteridium esculentum — Austral Bracken. — Very common, Histiopteris incisa — Batswing Fern.— Common. Athyrium australe — Austral Lady Fern. Lindsayaceae Lindsaya linearis — Screw Fern, Heath lands: Common. Adiantaceae Adiantum aethiopicum — Common Maidenhair Fern. Sea! River. Pteris tremula — Tender Brake.— Grassy. Preris comans — Netted Brake. Grimes Ck. Pellaea falcata — Sickle Fern. East coast between Grimes and Cumberland Cks. in grove of Melaleuca ericifolia. October, 1972 287 Grammitidaceae Ctenopteris heterophylla — Gypsy Fern. Rocky creek banks, Tynans and Seal River. Polypodiaceae Microsorium diversifolium — Kangaroo Fern. Seal River. Aspleneaceae Asplenium obtusatum — Shore Spleen-wort. Bold Head, New Year Is. A. flabbelifolium — Necklace Fern. Yarra Ck. A. bulbiferum — Mother Spleen-wort. Athyriaceae Athyrium australe — Austral Lady-fern. East coast. Aspidiaceae Lastriopsis shepherdii — Shiny Shield Fern. Yarra Ck. Rumohra adiantiformis — Shield Hare’s-foot Fern, Cumberland Ck. Polystichum proliferum — Mother Shield Fern. — Common. Thelypteridaceae Cyclosorus pennigerus — Lime Fern. Ettrick River, near limy springs. Blecknaceae Blechnum nudum — Fishbone Waterfern. Widespread — rivers, creeks, swamps. B. minus — Soft Waterfern. Widespread — rivers, creeks, swamps. B. procerum — Hard Waterfern. Hillsides. B. lanceolatum — Lance Waterfern, Ettrick River. B. patersonii — Strap Waterfern. East coast, small creek between Grimes and Cumberland. Hymenophyllaceae Hymenophyllum cupressiforme — Common Filmy Fern. Little Grassy River, City of Melbourne Bay Rd. Mecodium australe — Austral Filmy Fern. Jim Hall’s Gully. M. flabellatum — Grassy River. Lycopodiaceae Lycopodium deuterodensum — Bushy Club-moss, In tall scrub, Forestry Reserve, and elsewhere. L. laterale — Slender Club-moss. Penny Lagoon, Fraser Rd. L. carolinianum — Bog Club-moss. Penny Lagoon: very rare. Phylloglossum drummondii — Pigmy Club-moss. Selaginellaceae Selapinella uliginosa — Swamp Selaginella. Banks of creeks; poor heath lands. Psilotaceae Tmesipteris parva — Small Fork-fern. Grassy River. Azollaceae Azolla filiculoides — Pacific Azolla.— Widespread. 288 Vict, Nat. Vol, 89 SPERMATOPHYTA Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton pectinatus. P, tricarinatus — Floating Pondweed. Zannichelliaceae Cymodocea antarctica — Sea Nymph. Lepilaena preissii — Slender Water-mat. Margin of Big Lake. Juncaginaceae Triglochin striata — Streaked Arrow-grass. Creek flowing into Big Lake from N., and in Sea Elephant River. T. procera — Water Ribbons, Hydrocharitaceae Halophila oyalis — Sea Wrack. Gramineae *Briza minor — Lesser Quaking Grass. Microlaena stipaides —- Weeping Grass. *Dactylis glomerata — Cocksfoot. *Catapodium rigidum — Fern Grass, Hard Poa. Distichlis distichophylla — Australian Salt Grass. Sea Elephant River flats (subject to tidal flooding), and on Fraser Rd. Poa australis — Tussock Grass. — Grassy. *Sclerochloa dura — Hard Meadow Grass. Festuca littoralis — Coast Fescue. *F. arundinaceae — Tall Fescue. Ettrick River. Poa poiformis — Blue Tussock Grass. *P. pratensis — Kentucky Blue Grass. *Vulpia bromoides — Squirrel-tail Fescue, *V. megalura — Fox-tail Fescue, *Lolium perenne — Perennial Rye Grass. *Bromus diandrus — Great Brome. *Cynosurus echinatus — Rough Dogs-tail. *C. cristatus — Crested Dogs-tail. *Hordeum leporinum — Barley Grass. * Aira caryophyllea — Silvery Hair-grass. *Holcus lanatus — Yorkshire Fog. * Anthoxanthum odoratum — Sweet Vernal Grass. *Ammophila arenaria — Marram Grass. * Bromus unioloides — Prairie Grass. Dichelachne crinita — Long-hair Plume Grass. Agrostis rudis — Bent. Ettrick River. * A. stolonifera — Creeping Bent. Ettrick River mouth, * A, tenuis — Brown-top Bent. A. billardieri — Blown Grass. A. avenacea — Blown Grass. *Polypogon monspeliensis — Annual Beard Grass. Big Lake. *Lagurus ovatus — Hare's Tail. Grassy Golf Links. Echinopogon ovatus — Hedgehog-grass. October, 1972 l 289 Zoisia macrantha — Prickly Couch. Agrostis venusta — Bent. Danthonia setacea — Bristly Wallaby Grass. D. pennicillata — Slender Wallaby Grass. Stipa teretifolia — Prickly Spear Grass. S. elatior — Spear Grass. S. ? flavescens. *Pennisetum clandestinum — Kikuyu Grass. *Stenotaphrum sécundatum — Buffalo Grass. Spinifex hirsutus — Hairy Spinifex. *Oryzopsis miliacea — Rice Millet. Cyperaceae Scirpus nodosus — Knobby Club Rush. Ettrick River. S. validus — River Club Rush. Big Lake. S. cernuus — Nodding Club Rush, Collyer Swamp. S. inundatus — Swamp Club Rush. S, merrillii — Salaisoi (Phillipines). Eleocharis acuta — Common Spike Rush. Pearshape Lagoon, Yarra Ck. Schoenus nitens — Shiny Bog Rush. S. maschalinus — Leafy Bog Rush. Collyer Swamp. Cladium junceum — Bare Twig Rush. Gahnia psittacorum — Grassy- G, trifida — Coast Saw-sedge. Ettrick River. Lepidosperma gladiatum — Coast Saw-sedge. Carex appressa — Tall Sedge.—Grassy. *C. divisa — Divided Sedge. C. fascicularis — Tassel Sedge. Collyer Swamp. C, pumila — Strand Sedge. Leminaceae Lemna trisulca — Ivy-leaf Duck-weed. L, minor — Common Duck-weed; Restionaceae Lepyrodia tasmanica — Branching Scale Rush. Restio tetraphyllus — Tassel Cord Rush. Near Ettrick River, R. monacephalus — Tas. only. Salorophus lateriflorus — Spreading Rope Rush. Off Fraser Rd. Centrolepidaceae Centrolepis strigosa — Hairy Centrolepis. C. fascicularis — Tufted Centrolepis. Upper part Ettrick River. Xyridaceae Xyris operculata — Tall Yellow-eye. Plains on Grassy Rd. Juncaceae Luzula campestris — Field Wood-rush. Yarra Ck. Juncus maratimus — Sea-rush. J. pauciflorus — Loose-flower Rush. J. pallidus — Pale Rush. J. planifolius — Broad-leaf Rush.— Grassy, 290 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 J, caespiticius — Grassy Rush, J. bufonius — Toad Rush. J. articulatus — Jointed Rush. *J. acutiflorus — Sharp-flower Rush. Pearshape Lagoon. J, filicavlis — Thread Rush. Yatra Ck. J. australis, Liliaceae Dianella laevis — Pale Flax-lily. D. caerulea — Paroo Lily. Drymophila cyanocarpa — Turquoise Berry. Lake Martha Lavinia. D. revoluta. lridaceae Patersonia fragilis — Short Purple-flag. * Sisyrinchium iridifolium — Striped Rush-leaf, Graham Rd., Grassy River. Orchidaceae Thelymitra aristata — Scented Sun-orchid. T. ixioides var. truncata — Dotted Sun-orchid. T. flexuosa — Twisted Sun-orchid. T. venosa — Veined Sun-orchid. T. grandiflora — Great Sun-orchid. T. retecta — Sun-orchid. T. media — 'Yall Sun-orchid. T. rubra — Salmon Sun-orchid. T. carnea — Pink Sun-orchid. Calochilus robertsonii — Purplish Beard-orchid. C. campestris — Copper Beard-orchid. C. paludosus — Red Beard-orchid. C. saprophiticus — Leafless Beard-orchid. Diuris pedunculata — Golden Moths. D. longifolia — Wallfiower Orchid. Microtis unifolia — Common Onion-orchid. Prasophyllum nigricans — Midge-orchid, P. archeri — Variable Midge-orchid. P. australe — Austral Leek-orchid, Chiloglottis cornuta — Green Bird-orchid. C. gunnii — Common Bird-orchid. C. reflexa — Autumn Bird-orchid. Acianthus reniformis — Gnat Orchid. A. caudatus — Mayfly Orchid. A. exsertus — Mosquito Orchid. Eriochilus cucullatus — Parson’s Bands. Lyperanthus nigricans — Red Beaks. El Dorado Ck. Burnettia cuneata — Burnettia. Caladenia menziesii — Hare Orchid. C. latifolia — Pink Fairies. C. carnea — Pink Fingers. Yarra Ck., Ettrick River. C. dilatata — Green-comb Spider-orchid, Lake M. Lavinia. Glossodia major — Wax-lip Orchid. Corybas dilatatus — Veined Helmet-orchid. October, 1972 291 C. unguiculatus — Small Helmet-orchid. Cryptostylis subulata — Large Tongue-orchid.— Grassy. Pterostylis barbata — Bearded Greenhood. P. cucullata — Leafy Greenhood. P. pedunculata — Maroon-hood. Yarra Ck., Mt. Stanley. P. nuians — Nodding-Green-hood.— Grassy, Yarra Ck. P. longifolia — Tall Green-hood. Yarra Ck. P. vittata — Banded Green-hood. P. foliata — Slender Green-hood. Tynàns, Mt. Stanley. P. nana — Dwarf Green-hood. Gastrodia sesamoides — Cinnamon Bells. Sarcochilus australis — Gunn's Orchid. Orthaceras sirictus — Horned Orchid. Casuarinaceae Casuarina monilifera. Formerly C. distyla: common, Urticaceae Urtica incisa — Scrub Nettle. — Grassy. Australina pusilla — Smooth Nettle. Ettrick River. Parietaria debilis. Proteaceae Persoonia juniperina — Prickly Geebung. Mt, Stanley. Banksia marginata — Silver Banksia.— Common B. integrifolia — Coast Banksia. — ? extinct. Polygonaceae Muehlenbeckia adpressa — Climbing Lignum. Polygonum hydropiper. Sea Elephant River at bridge, Fraser Rd. Chenopodiaceae Atriplex billardieri — Glistening Salt-bush. A, cinerea — Coast Salt-bush. Near mouth Ettrick River. +A. hastata — Orache. Rough pasture, Pearshape — (Coastal Salt-bush, Tas.). Rhagodia baccata — Seaberry Salt-bush. Common on dunes, South Road (Climbing Salt-bush, Fas). Chenopodium glaucum — Pale Goosefoot. Whistler Point. Salicornia quinqueflora — Beaded Glasswort. Arthrocnemum arbusculum., Salt March — Sea Elephant River. Ficoideae Carpobrotus rossi — Angular Pigface. Common on dunes. Disphyma australe — Rounded Pigface. On dunes and among rocks. Tetragona implexicoma — Bower Spinach. Common on dunes. Caryophyllaceae *Cerastium glomeratum — Chick-weed. Councellor Is. Colobanthus apetalus — Tufted Colobanth. *Polycarpon tetraphyllum — Four-leaved. All Seed. Sagina apetala — Small Peariwort. S. procumbens — Spreading Pearlwort. Yarra Ck. *Silene oallica — Small-flowered Catchfly. ? City of Melbourne Bay. Scleranthus biflorus. Stellaria pungens — Prickly Star-wort. 292 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 S. multiflora — Many-flowered Star-wort. *S. media — Chick-weed. Counsellor Is. Ranunculaceae Clematis aristata — Clematis. — Grassy. C. microphylla — Small-leaved Clematis. Yellow Rock River. Ranunculus sessiflorus var pumilio. *R. muricatus — Sharp Crowfoot. R.rivularis. River Buttercup. Grassy River. Monimiaceae Atherosperma moschatum — Southern Sassafras. Fraser River in Dolmans' Farm, Pegarah. , Hedycarya angustifolia — Austral Mulberry.— Grassy. Winteraceae Drimys lanceolata — Mountain Pepper. Dolmans' Farm, Pegarah. Lauraceae Cassytha pubescens — Downy Dodder Laurel. On M. encifolia — Fraser Rd. Papaveraceae *Papaver aculeatum — Field Poppy. Fumariaceae *Fumaria officinalis — Fumitory. Cruciferae Cardamine heterophylla. Cakile edentula — Grassy beach. C. maratima — Sea Rocket. Grassy beach. *Capsella bursa-pastoris. * Brassica ? rapa. Hymenolobus pracumbens — Oval Shepherd's Purse. Lepidium foliosum — Leafy Peppercress. L. praetervisum — Peppercress, Rorippa islandica — Yellow Water-cress. Yarra Ck. Droseraceae Drosera binata — Forked Sundew. Little Grassy Ck. D. pygmaea — Tiny Sundew. Off Grassy Rd. D. auriculata — Tall Sundew.—Grassy. D. peltata. Baueraceae Bauera rubioides — Wiry Bauera.— Grassy. Crassluaceae Crassula helmsii — Swamp Stonecrop. Big Lake. C. macrantha — Rufous Stonecrop. C. sieberiana — Austral Stonecrop. Pittosporaceae Billardiera longiflora — Purple Appleberry. Lymwood. Pittosporum bicolour — Banyalla (Vic.). The Nook, Dolmans', Pegarah. Bursaria spinosa — Sweet Bursaria. Little Grassy River. Marianthus procumbens — White Marianth. On rocky Seal Rocks beach. October, 1972 293 Rosaceae Acaena ovina — Sheep's Burr. A. anserinifolia — Bidgee Widgee. Grassy: common. Acaena anserinifolia — Bidgee Widgee. Grassy: common. Leguminosae Acacia melanoxylon — Blackwood.— Common. A. verniciflua. A. longifolia var. sophorae — Coast Wattle. East coast near Cable Station. A. mucronata. — Common. A. oxycedrus — Spike Acacia. A. verticillata — Prickly Moses.— Common. A. suavolens — Sweet Acacia, R. 2 m. from Fraser Rd, to Sea Elephant Rd. * Albizzia distachya — Cape Wattle. Native in W.A. — hedges and ornamental trees. Pultenaéa juniperina — Prickly Bush-pea, Ettrick River, Lymwood (Prickly Beauty, Tas.), P. dentata — Clustered Bush-pea (Button Pea, Tas). Aotus villosa, Fraser Rd. (Golden Pea, Tas.). Dillwynia glaberrima — Heathy Parrot-pea. Daviesia ulicifolia — Gorse Bitter Pea. Bold Head. Gompholobium huegetti — Pale Wedge-pea. Lake M. Lavinia Ck. — near Big Lake. Goodia lotifolia — Golden Tip. Kennedia prostrata — Running Postman.— Not found. *Melilotus indica — Sweet Melilot. Sphaerolobium vimineum—Leafless Globe-pea. Road to Sea Elephant River- Swainsonia lessertifolia — Purple Swainson-pea. Grassy: common. *Vicia sativa var. angustifolia — Vetch. Trifolium campestre — Hop Clover. T. repens — White Clover. T, glomeratum. T. subterraneum. T. fragiferum. *T. arvense — Hare's-foot Clover. — Grassy. * Lotus uliginosus. *L. corniculatus.— Grassy. Geraniaceae Geranium pilosum. Sand hills, Grassy. G. solanderi — Cut-leaf Cranesbill. Ettrick River. G. potentilloides. Pelargonium australe — Austral Storksbill. — Widespread. Oxalidaceae Oxalis corniculata — Yellow Wood-sorrel. Ettrick River, Red Hut Headland. Linaceae Linum marginale — Wild Flax.—Grassy. Rutaceae Correa alba — White Correa.—Not found. C. backhousiana. East coast. 294 Viel, Nat. Vol. 89 Zieria smithii — Sandfly Zieria. Grassy, Yarra Ck. Boronia variabilis. East coast. B. parviflora — Swamp Boronia. Tin Mine Rd. Phebalium squameum — Lance Wood.— Grassy. Polygalaceae Comesperma volubile — Love Creeper. Fraser Rd. C. calymega — Blue-spike Milk-wort. Lake M. Lavinia. C. retusum. El Dorado Ck. Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus gunnii — Shrubby Spurge. Ettrick River. Amperea xiphoclada — Broom Spurge. Lake M. Lavinia. Beyeria leschenaultii. Currie, coast sand-hills. Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia monogyna — Candles. East coast. S. spathulata — Coast Stackhousia. Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa.—? synonymous. Rhamnaceae : Pomaderris apetala. Common in fern gullies. P,? elliptica.—Nat found. P. oraria. — Not found. Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus reticulatus — Blue Oliveberry.— Grassy. Aristotelia peduncularis — Heart Berry. Mt. Stanley. Dillenaceae Hibbertia fasciculata — Bundled Guinea-fl. H. asterotricha — Trailing Guinea-fl, H. procumbens — Spreading Guinea-fl. Hypericaceae Hypericum japonicum — Matted St. John’s Wort. The Nook. Violaceae Viola hederacea — Ivy-leaf Violet. Thymelaeaceae Pimelea drupacea — Cherry Rice-flower. Forestry Reserve, Pegarah. P. curviflora. P. ligustrina — Tall Rice-flower. P. linifolia — Stender Rice-flower. Forestry Reserve, Pegarah. P. serpyllifolia — Thyme-leaf Rice-flower. Yellow Rock River, Ettrick River: common. P. axiflora — Tough Rice-flower. Mt. Stanley. Lythraceae Lythrum hyssopifolia — Small Loosestrife, Myrtaceae Eucalyptus globulus — Blue Gum.— Common. E. viminalis — Manna or Ribbony Gum.— Common. E. ovata — Swamp Gum. Lymwood. October, 1972 295 Leptospermum laevigatum — Coast Tea-tree. Common — Currie, south-west, east coast. L.scoparium — Manuka.— Common. L, lanigerum — Woolly Tea-tree. Ettrick River, Pass River. Melaleuca ericifolia — Swamp Paperbark, — Common. M. squarrosa — Scented Paperback. — Common swamps, M. squamea.— Not found. Calytrix tetragona — Common Fringe-myrtle. Coastal sand-hills N.E. of Grassy, Seal Rocks, Onagraceae Epilobium billardierianum — Willowherb. Red Hut Headland. E. junceum — Hairy Willowherb. Stokes Point Haloragaceae Haloragis teucrioides. — Grassy. Myriophyllum amphibium — Broad-leaf Water-milfoil. Tin Creek. ' M. propinquum — Water Milfoil. Collyer Swamp, Grassy Rd. Umbelliferae Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides. H. muscosa. H, hirta — Hairy Penny-wort, Daucus glochidiatus — Austral Carrot. Apium prostratum — Sea Celery, Sea Parsley. Grassy beach. Epacridaceae Epacris impressa — Common Heath. Fraser Rd. E, lanuginosa — Woolly-heath. E. obtusifolia — Blunt-leaf Heath. Lake M. Lavinia. Sprengelia incarnata — Pink Swamp-heath. Fraser Rd. Styphelia australis — Spike Beard-heath. Common — Grassy. S. parviflora — Coast Beard-heath, — Common. S. ericoides — Pink Beard-heath. S. oxycedrus. — Formerly Cyathodes. S. lanceolata, Not positive — S. W. of Grassy, Monotoca elliptica — Tree Broom-heath. — Grassy, Naracoopa. Primulaceae *Anagallis arvensis — Pimpernel, Ettrick River. Samolus repens — Creeping Brookweed. Sand-hills, near Petrif Forest. Loganiaceae Mitrasacme pilosa — Hairy Mitrewort. Ettrick Plain, S. of Grassy Rd. Oleaceae Notelaea ligustrina — Privet Mock-olive. Grassy Fern Gully, Seal Rocks. Gentianaceae Sebaea ovata. Centaurium australe -— Austral Centaury. Coast N. of Grassy: common. Apocynaceae. Alyxia buxifolia — Sea Box, Seal Rocks. Parsonsia brownii — Twining Silk-pod. Ridges Rd. 296 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Convolwvulaceae Wilsonia ? backhousii. Boraginaceae Cynoglossum australe — Austral Houndstongue. Seal River. C. latifolium — Forest Houndstongue. Seal River, Myosotis australis. *M. scorpioides — Forget-me-not. Garden escape, Kentford Rd. *Lithospermum arvense. Labiatae Ajuga australis — Austral Bugle. — Common. Westringia brevifolia — Creeping Mint. *Mentha pulegium — Pennyroyal. Red Hut Headland. M. diemenica var. serpyllifolia — Creeping Mint. The Nook, edge of swamp. Prunella vulgaris — Selfheal. Kenttord Rd. Solanaceae Solanum laciniatum. S. nigrum — Black Nightshade. S. vescum,—Grassy, *Lycium ferocissimum-—— African Boxthorn. West coast: widespread in hedges. Scrophulariaceae Glossostigma elatinoides. Limosella aquatica. Mimulus repens — Creeping Monkey-flower. Sea Elephant River mouth, Mazus pumilio — Swamp Mazus. Lake M. Lavinia, The Nook. Veronica calycina — Cup Speedwell. Euphrasia collina — Purple Eyebright. *Pareniucellia latifolia. Root parasite, Grassy. Lentibulariaceae Utricularia lateriflora — Tiny Bladderwort. Alf. Buttons. Myoporaceae : Myoporum insulare — Boobialla. Common on coast. Plantaginaceae Plantago varia — Variable Plantain. Rubiaceae Galium australe — Tangled Bedstraw. Ettrick River, Yarra Ck. Coprosma quadrifida — Prickly Currant-bush.— Grassy. Caprifoliaceae Sambucus gaudichaudiana — White Elderberry. Ayton's Farm; Grassy. Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia gracilenta. W. consimilis — Bluebell. W. quadrifida. Yarra Ck. Lobelia alata — Angled Lobelia. Sand-hills, Ettrick River. Pratia puberula — Alpine Pratia. Gatden, Grassy. October, 1972 297 Goodeniaceae Selliera radicans — Swampweed. Penny Lagoon. Scaevola microcarpa. S. calendulacea. Stylidiaceae Stylidium brachyphyllum, 'Yin Mine. S. graminifolium — Grass Triggerplant. Lake M. Lavinia. Compositate Bellis perenne —- Perennial Daisy.— Grassy. Brachicome diversifolia var, humilis — Tall Daisy. Calocephalus brownii — Cushion-bush.. Coast, south-west. Centipeda cunninghamii — Sneezeweed. Sea Elephant River (2 miles inland). C. australis. Craspedia uniflora — Billybuttons. * Achillea millefolium — Yarrow.— Grassy. *Aster subulatus. Big Lake, Gnaphalium indutum. G. japonicum — Common Cudweed. G. purpureum — Purple Cudweed. G. candidissimum — White Cudweed.— Grassy. G. luteo-album — Jersey Cudweed. Kentford Rd. G. involucratum — Cottony Cudweed, Sand-hills on Ettrick River. ? Syn. japonicum. Helychrysum dendroideum — Tree Everlasting.— Common. H. apiculatum — Common Everlasting. H. paralium — Coast Everlasting. — Common. Hypochoeris glabra — Smooth Cat's-ear. Lagenophora stipitata — Blue Bottle Daisy. The Nook. Omatticaria matricaroides — Rounded Camomile. Lymwood. Microseris scapigera — Yam.—Not found. Nablonium calyceroides. Big Lake; The Nook. Limy seepages. Olearia argophylla — Musk Daisy-bush. — Grassy. O. phlogopappa — Otway Daisy-bush. — Grassy. O. lirata — Snow Daisy-bush. Off Fraser Rd. O. ramulosa — Twiggy Daisy-bush. Red Hut Rd. O. lepidophylla. Common, exposed coastal hills. O. glutinosa — Sticky Daisy-bush. Naracoopa. Common oiher coastal sites, O. axillaris — Coast Daisy-bush. * Picris hieracoides — Hawkweed Picris. Podosperma angustifolium — Sticky Long-heads. Senecio lautus — Groundsel.— Common. S. linearifolius — Fireweed Groundsel.—Gragssy. *§, elegans — Purple Groundsel. Yellow Rock Beach; sand-hills, Currie. S. minimus — Shrubby Groundsel. Yarra Ck. mouth, City of Melb. Bay. S. spathulatus — Spoon Groundsel. S. odoratus — Scented Groundsel. S. quadridentatus — Cotton Fireweed. S. glomeratus — Rough Fireweed. S. hispidulus — Stiff Fireweed. 298 Vict, Nat. Vol, 89 *§. jacobaea — Ragwort. *Sohchus oleraceus —Sow-thistle, Counsellor Is, *Taraxicum ? spectabile — Dandelion. Senecio ? orarius, — Grassy. * Denotes introduced species. Check-List of the Bryophytes of King Island (Compiled from collections and records of I, Cameron, P. Barnett, A. Gardiner, J. H, Willis and a Few earlier investigators—most identifications confirmed by Willis). MossES Alphabetically arranged by genera — Acrocladium auriculatum (S. of Yarra Ck.) Acanthocladium extenuatum Amphidium cyathicarpuni Barbula torquata Bryum billardieri sp. (Ettrick R.) Camptochaete gracilis (Ettrick R.) ramulosa (S. of Yarra Ck.) ' Campylopus bicalor introflexus torquatus Catagonium polituin Ceratodon purpureus Cratoneuropsis relaxa Dicranoloma billardieri Distichophyllum microcarpum Ditrichum flexifolium Eriopus apiculatus Fissidens asplenioides lepiocladus Sematophyllum homomallum Sphagnum australe Thuidium furfurosum Tortella calycina Tortula muralis papillosa princeps Weissia controversa Zygodon menziesii Balantiopsis convexiuscula October, 1972 rigidulus (Grassy R, tributary) Funaria hygrometrica Grimmia apocarpa pulvinata Gymnostomum calcareum Hypnodendron "arcuatum" (sens. lat.) Hypnum cupressiforme Hypopterygium rotulatum Lembophyllum clandestinum Lopidium concinnum Macromitrium eucalyptorum Philonotis tenuis Plagiothecium denticulatum Polyirichum juniperinum Ptychomnion aciculare Rhacopilum convolutaceum Rhizogonium distichum Rhynchostegium laxatum taxatum tenuifolium HeEpatics Cuspidatula monodon Hymenophytum flabellatum Kurzia hippuroides Lepidozia sp. Lophocolea semiteres Marchantia berteroana Plagiochila fasciculata Riccardia sp. Riccia fluitans Symphyogyna obovata Trichocolea mollissima 299 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria General Meeting 1H Scpiember About seventy-five members and iriends were welcomed to the September meeting by the President, Mr. Tom Sault. Mr. Ros Garnet paid a tribute ta ihe life and wark of Miss Winifred Waddell who died in August, and members ob- served a moment of silence in her memory. Mr. Garnet also reported on a recent meeting in Maryborough with Mr. Alec Chisholm who sent a message of kind regards afd remembrance to club members, The guest speaker for the evening was Mr. A. f. Reid, and his topic was “An Introduction to Ecology and Ecological Methods". Mr. Reid. is the Education Officer of the Australian Conservation Foundation, and à lecturer at the Bur- wood Teachers’ College. AL the conclu- sion of his address Mr, Reid made an offer to help any group wishing ta wider- lake practical work in ecology, siating ' ihal requests should be inade 10 him through the ACF. A vole of thanks by the president was carried with acclama- tion, Mr. Roger Riordan, Club Secretary. was agaid responsible for a large display on the notice table at the back of the hall. Minutes of Council and General Meetings were on display. also a full list of correspondence, including several nolices Of meetings and seminars Ər- ganised bv kindred associations. Parr- cular attention was drawn 1a the seminar, “The Challenge of Westernport™, to be held al Monash University on October táth, Mr. Riordan was nominated to represent the Club in a deputation to the Minister for Forests to press tor the pre- servation of “Terrible Hollow", near Wannangalta, as a wilderness area, The President Welcomed and intro- duced to members Mr. Jon Martindale, the new Club Librarian The appoint- ment of Mr. Leigh Winsor as Vice- President in place of Mr, Barry Cooper, now averseas, was announced, and Dr. Brian Smith of the National Museum was Welcomed as a new Council member. Mr. Sault called far nominations to fill the Tast r&maining vacancy on Council. Mr. Meinnes spoke about the forth- canting meeting of Naturalists’ Clubs to be held in Bairnsdale on 301h September He urged city members to give the 300 gathering their fullest support, and to make sure that metropolitan groups were well represented. The Secretary read the pragramme for the week-end, which pro- mises to be an interesting one and in cludes a talk on the ihrealened Glenala- dale Nutiwnal Park, There will alsa be a guided tour tà the Park on Sunday, Ist October, Delegates to the business meet: ing will again discuss à proposal for Sinto wide co-ordination of Naturalists Clubs. Mr. Garnel expressed concern uyer the most recent proposals [or quarrying the Lysterfeld hills; he urged members to keep watch on these proposals, and Io be ready to make informed criticism and protest. Among exhibits displayed al the meei- jag were parden grown native plants fram several mentbcrs atid a collection of shells of the New Zealand Canaan Snail (genus Paryphanta) contributed by Mrs. M. North. Botany Group Id May Mr. Kar] Kleinecke presided as usual, and the speaker was the club president, Mr. Tom Sault, who spoke on "Sea- weeds", Jn the short time he has been studying these algae, he has acquired a good knowledge of the Port Phillip species, as well as many from the outer coast of the Mornington Peninsula, Aboul 60 pressed specimens were on ex- hibit, and drawihgs of plant parts of many genera — the Greens (Chloro- phyceae), Browns (Phiwophyceae) and Role Mhodaghi star, all being repre- sented. & Sune Mr, Bruce Fuhrer spoke ðn “Fong” He first referred to nitrogen-fixing bac- teria, and rhizomorphs (fungi supplying nutrients to particular plants), then to the antibiotic: funcions of certain fungi such as Penicillium. He reviewed the range of these flowerless planis From macrofungi down to Tower fungi such as moulds, then dealt successively wath the galled fungi, polypores, coral fungi, Gas- teromycetes (pulfballs and easth-stars) and Ascomycetes. His excellent slides of fungi were Varied occasionally by fine oho oF flowering plants as "visual inter- udes", Vict. Nat. Vol, 89 Montmorency Junior Field Naturalists’ Club Annual Report for 1971 At the Annual Meeting, the following Office-bearers were elected:— President: Mr. R. DeGruchy. Vice-President: Mr. J, Pittard, Hon. Secretary: Mrs. L. Cookson. Hon. Treasurer: Mrs. J, Howard. Minute Secretary: Mrs. D. D'Alton, Committee: ` Mr. D. Clark, Mesdames B. Pittard, B. Woodburn and M. North. Speakers and their subjects were:— Junior President: Laurie Cookson. Junior Committee: . Margaret Howard, Judith Pryor, Gail D'Alton, Julie Cookson, Robert Callander and Peter Gillard. Mr, T. North. Auditor: The inaugural president of ihe Club, Mr, Ray Wilton, was elected as a Life Member. During the year, attendances of 60-70 were maintained at monthly meetings, February — Mr. I. MORRISON — “Nature Walkabout”. — Mr. N. SHAW — "Fossils of the Melbourne Area" Marh .— Mr. W. DAVIS — “Film on Birds". Apri May — Mr, P.. KELLY — “Micro Fungi”. Sune — Mrs, L. DeCOSTA — “Birds of Prey”. July — Mr, P, RAWLINSON — “Reptiles”. August — Mr. W. DAVIS — "Glenburn Dam". September— Mr. E. ALLEN — "Sounds and Slides of Victorian Birds", October — Miss M. LESTER — "Gum Trees and Their Near Relations”. November— The BENNETT Family (all five) — Their “Round Australia” Excursion. December — Members' Night. At each meeting there has been quite a good showing of exhibits by the mem- bers, and it is noticeable that even the very young exhibitors are now willing to talk freely about their exhibits. AII ex- hibits tabled at a meeting are listed in the next month's issue of our “Club Notes", and as well, every member gets à copy of March Tune the excellent “Nature Notes — Ringwood Inspectorate". Considerable interest was shown in the various specimens set up each month under our two microscopes, and many of our young Naturalists have purchased books from the book table. ' Parties averaging about 55 members, took part in excursions arranged for;— — “Water Birds” at Healesville Sanctuary, led by Mrs. Van Rompaey, — Zoological Gardens: Mrs, DeCosta and Mr. Atkinson. September— 19th — Glenburn Dam: Mr. Alan Reid and Mr. W, Davis. October At the Montmorency Horticultural Society's Flower Show on the 27 and 28 March, our Club staged a Naturalist Exhibtion in one of the smaller rooms of the Petrie Park Hall. October, 1972 — Maranoa Gardens: Mrs. Fisch and Mrs. W. Batchelor. Our Junior Club also provided an ex- hibit at the “Wildflower and Nature Show" conducted by the F.N.C.V. and S.G.A.P. in the Lower Melbourne Town Hall, late in September, 301 Maryborough Club Wants Box-ironbark Reservation “Submission Regitesting Appropriate Permanent Reservation of Maryborsugh's Bax-lronbar& State Forest.” {Price S1,30 posted, from Secretary, Mrs. L- Courtney. Catiick Street. Maryborough. 3465.) This is an attractive presentation of Maryborough Club's Submission 1o the Forests Commission and the Land Con- servation Council for the permanent reservation of about 25,000 acres of the local Box-Ironbark State Forest. IL has a pnnted cover and fronuspiece showing ` a typical bush landscape; two pages of printed nature photographs; à locality map; a census of 200 birds and 148 plant spectes, IL local trees; plus spiders, rep- tiles and mammals listed to date Two appendices cover the Maryborough Gold- fields story and Maryborough's splendid example of Aboriginal Rock Water Wells. The Submission has been supported by the City of Maryborough and the Shires of Tullaroop and Talbot-Clunes fin whose areas the 25,000 acres lie), as well as by many local organizations and several prominent naturalists. Originally a sheep and cattle run, thea a goldficlds town, Maryborough is now an industrial city with the unusual dis- tinction of having a higher percentage, of its population engaged in industrial employment than Melbourne. It is prob- ably unique, for ils size, in still having State Forest along nearly three-quarters of ils perimeter. The Submission presents the following points as the basis of the case for re- servation =- (1) ft js an area of ecological and histo- tical significance (2) ht fs & first-class example of a dry sclerophyll box-ironbark forest with a characteristic woodland formation of medium height eucalypls and an undefcover of acacias, various small shrubs and many wildflowers, Much of the soll is marginal for agricul- lural purposes. (3) No substantial permanent reservation of this type of country exists in Vic- toria, and because it is 30 -charac teristic of Victoria's northern gold- fields, and consequently so interwoven with the State's early history, it is um that this lack should he reme- 302 (4) The first gold tush in Victoria oc- curred in this area (at Amherst — originally called Daisy Hill — nine miles south-west of Maryborough) in 1848, three years before the frst "officia" discovery of gold in Vic- toria at Clones. This spot will, no doubt, he recognised in future years as a place of considerable historical importance. (S) There 15 à strong scientific need to preserve native flora in its mative habitat to provide reservoirs of material for plant breeding. Plant bresding with our native flora has scarcely begun. New ar improved plants for fodder, (aod. drugs o1 gar- dening necessitate the bringing to- gether by selenatisis of species from different areas, Wilhout a substan tial reservation of goldfields flora for ihis purpose, the needs of science for plants from every type of piant com- munity cannot be met, (6) The area of 25,000 acres proposed in this Submission is regarded as the minimum required to conserve the greatest variety of Victorian gold- fields flora and fauna and to provide an adequate buffer zone between cul- tivated areas and roads For all wildlife and vegetation within it, (7) Quote from “Nature Conservation in Vittoria’, by Judith Frankenberg, M.Sc (V.N,P.A.). “Western Highlands Between Bendigo and Stawell The major plant communities of this area urgently need conservation These hills are distinct from the Grampians in the west and Mt. Mace- don Range in ihe easi, and reserves representative af the area are almost nonexistent, Large areas of at least 20,000 tò 30.000 acres are needed ta tepresent this distinct environment adequalely. Historical features common in this area are the remnants of goldfields, once a centre of population ij Vic- toria. A reserve including an old Viet, Nal. Vol. B9 goldfield of noie would be a great (b) the only known Aboriginal rock interest to tourists and, at the same water wells in Victoria, made by - man. lice nn eee "he C These, in addition to the features listed Th "which is the ibi t of thi in Appendix No, 1 (Maryborough Gold- & Arpa WHACK: )5 tHE SUDJEC 5 fields Story and Historical Tourist At- Submission includes— tractions) could provide a unique basis (a) the site of the first (unofficial) gold on which to build a reservation of the rush in Victoria in 1848, and type envisaged above. F.N.C.V. EXCURSIONS * Sunday, 8 October — Geology excursion to Sydenham “Organ Pipes". Leader: s R. Dodds, Meet opposite C.T.A. Building, Flinders St., at 9.30 a.m. 14-15 October — F.S.G. Camp at Mt. Disappointment. (Return Camp.) Sunday, 15 October — Dromana-Red Hill area. Leader; Mr. T. Sault. The coach will leave Batman Avenue at 9.30 a.m. Fare $1.70 — bring two meals. Tuesday, 7 November — President's Picnic. Rushworth area. The coach will leave Batman Avenue at 8.30 a.m. Fare $2.40 — bring two meals. Note earlier time of departure. 11-12 November — F.S.G. Camp at Stony Rises with M,S,G. members, Tuesday, 26 December- Monday, 1 January — Leongatha, Saturday, 6 January -Saturday, 27 January — New Zealand. The balance of payment for this excursion should be paid by Monday, 13 November. on numbers booked at present the tota] cost will be $557.00, and this amount, less the deposit already paid should be forwarded to the Excursion Secretary — all cheques to be made out to Excursion Trust. Itineraries are being prepared and the party will be accompanied by Mrs. J, Monahan who is now living in New Zealand. Any members who want to stay a few extra days in New Zealand after the tour ends should notify the Excursion Secretary as soon as possible. We have a group concession on the plane which allows a maximum period of 28 days in New Zealand, including the excursion, and anyone staying on the extra days musi pay for the additional accommodation in adyance and return from Christchurch, ENTOMOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT Butterfly nets, pins, store-boxes, etc. We are direct importers and manufacturers and specialise in Mail Orders (write for free price list) Australian Entomological Supplies 14 Chisholm St, Greenwich, N,S,W,, 2055 Phone Sydney 43 3972 October, 1972 303 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Established 1880 OBJECTS: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian fauna and flora. Pairon: His Excellency Major-General Sir ROHAN DELACOMBE, K.B.E; C.B., D.S.O- Key Office-Bearers, 1971-1972. President: Mr. T. SAULT Vice-President: Mr. B. COOPER Hon. Secretary: Mr. R. H, RIORDAN, 15 Regent St., East Brighton, 3187, — 92 8579) Treasurer: H. BISHOP. Address Correspondence to National Herbarium, The | Domain, South Yarra. Subscription Secretary: Mr. D. E. McINNES, 129 Waverley Road, East Mal- vern, 3145 Hon. Editor: Mr. G. M. WARD, 54 St. James Road, Heidelberg 3084. Hon. Librarian; Mr. P. KELLY, c/o National Herbarium. The Domain, South Yarra 3141. Hon. Excursion Secretary: Miss M. ALLENDER, 19 Hawthorn Avenue, Caulfield 3161. (522749). ^ Magazine Sales Officer: Mr. B. FUHRER, 25 Sunhill Av., North Ringwood, 3134. Group Secretaries: Botany: Mr. J. A, BAINES, 45 Eastgate Street, Oakleigh 3166 (57 6206). Day Group: Mrs. J. STRONG, 1160 Dandenong Road, Murrrumbeena. (56 2271) Entomology and Marine Biology: Mr, J}. W. H: STRONG, Flat tL, “Palm Court", 1160 Dandenong Rd., Murrumbeena 3163 (56 2271). Field Survey: Mr. D. BARHAM, 14 Finnigans Rd., Research 3095. (437 1791). Geology: Mr, T. SAULT, Mammal Survey; Mr. G, EF. DOUGLAS,-"Knotanoll", Riddell’s Creek 3431 (054-28519]) Microscopical: Mr. M. H. MEYER, 36 Milroy Street, East Brighton (96 3268). MEMBERSHIP Membership of the F.N.C.V. is open to any person interested in natural history. The Victorian Naturalist is distributed free to all members, the club's reference and tending library is available, and other nctivilies are indicated in reports set out in the several preceding pages of this magazine. Rates of Subscriptions for (972, Ordinary Members . .. .. .. ye a Wd a bee ate - E 17.00 Country Members... oeo meer dem eee $5.00 Joint Members ., - TE A y 3 T - L oa ; 32,00 Juniar Members (under ia years) oum PT MY Ww S- s a - - . $200 Junior Members receiving Vict. Nat. 5 055] wt 8 E, iod. dno ch 14.00 Subscribers to Vict. Nat. List. oniy) a a -* —! im 4 vh» ~ Ì RP o 15.00 Overseas Subscribers 5 a a a 4 "7 È Jd x 4 3 14.00 etlisted Societies .. Mee eR -R4- 24e Ro bh deb je] et RE a A aan Tapahia Members wl . le ele sleet c ae : eld . ioo Membership (reducing affer 20 years) .. .. X» k eo MA 0 The cost of individual copies of the Vict. Mat, will be 45 md. (s2 cents — overseas requests). Full-time Students between 18 and 2) years pay at Junlór Member rates- AM subscriptions should be made payable to the Field Naturalisls Club of Vicloria, and posted to the Subscription Secretary. @ JENKIN, BUXTON & CO. PTY. LTD., PRINTERS, WEST MELBOURNE F.N.C.V. DIARY OF COMING EVENTS GENERAL MEETINGS Monday, 13 November — At National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra, com- mencing 8 p.m. Subject for evening — "Conservation Education": Mr. A. A. Strom, Natural History Medallionist for 1972. The presentation of the Medallion will be made by the Hon. W. A. Borthwick, Minister for Conservation. The list of New Members for this month will be given in the December issue. GROUP MEETINGS (8 p.m. at National Herbarium unless otherwise stated.) Wednesday, 15 November — Microscopical Group. Thursday, 16 November — Day Group outing: Ferry trip on Yarra. Meet at 11.15 a.m. at foot of steps at Princes Bridge. Ferry leaves 11.30 a.m.; bring lunch. Fare $1.50. There will be no meetings of the Group in December, or January 1973. Thursday, 23 November — Field Survey Group meeting in Conference Room, National Museum, at 8 p.m. Monday, 4 December — Marine Biology and Entomology Group meeting at 8 p.m. in Conference Room, National Museum. Wednesday, 6 December — Geology Group. Thursday, 7 December — Mammal Survey Group (F.N.C.V.) meeting in Arthur Rylah Institute, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, at 8 p.m. Thursday, 14 December — Botany Group. F.N.C.V. EXCURSIONS Sunday, 19 November — Phillip Island. Marine Biology and General. The coach will leave Batman Avenue at 9.30 a.m.; fare $2.40. Bring two meals. Sunday, 10 December — Corranderrk, Healesville. The club has been asked to help in a survey of this area and this excursion, led by Mr. P. Kelly will be on Entomology and General. The coach will leave Batman Avenue at 9.30 a.m.; fare $1.80. Bring two meals. Tuesday, 26 December- Monday, 1 January — Leongatha. Few bookings have been received for this excursion so it has been decided to run this as a private car trip and those already booked should pay the excursion secretary $4.00 for accom- modation deposit. Saturday, 6 January-Saturday, 27 January — New Zealand. Members are reminded that the balance of payment ($557.00 less deposit already paid) is due by Monday, 13 November, and should be paid to the excursion secretary, all cheques being made out to Excursion Trust. Anyone planning to extend their stay should notify the excursion secretary by the same date. JUNIOR MEETINGS Friday, 24 November — Hawthorn Town Hall at 8 p.m. Friday, 1 December — Preston Rechabite Hall, 281 High Street, at 8 p.m. Friday, 8 December — Montmorency and District, Scout Hall, Petrie Park at 8 p.m. 306 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 The Victorian Naturalist Editor: G. M. Ward Assistant Editor: G. Douglas Vol. 89, No. 11 ` 4 October, 1972 CONTENTS Articles: Dung Beetles on the Move (CSIRO) Report from National Seminar on Aboriginal Antiquities in Australia. By Alan L. West m Emerged Marine Shell Beds near Geelong. By' Edmund D. Gill... Ecology of Some Eucalypts of the Gippsland Lakes District. By L. A. Fell Features: Victorian Non-marine Molluscs — No. 11. By Brian J. Smith , Readers’ Nature Notes and Queries Personal: Allen Axel Strom — A.N.H. Medallionist .. de Jl. t A Tribute to the late H. C, E. Stewart Book Review: “Wilsons Promontory” Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria: General Meeting and Group Reports Diary of Coming Events Front Cover: 328 330 306 The photograph shows one of the Mason Wasps (Abispa ephippium?), constructing the entrance tube to one of the many cells contained in the fist-sized red clay nest. Paralysed caterpillars are placed and sealed in each cell, an egg having first been deposited by the wasp. Photo by Graham Pizzey. November, 1972 307 Dung Beetles on the Move Grateful acknowledgement is made (o the CSIRO for. permission to reproduce the following, which appeured in “Rural Research ian CSIRO" for March 1972. Since 1967 the csika Division of Entomology has been releasing dung beetles in Norther Australia, amd several species have become Well established. One, Onthephagus gazella, has spread spectacularly, and already it has apparently begun to control that menace to cattlemen in the north—the buffalo By: The beetles should improve soil fertility too. The Division has now begun liberating new species in the southern half of the continent that should help to reduce the bushfly nuisance. Dr. G. F. Bornemissza of the Csiro Division of Entomology first put. for- ward the idea of introducing dung beetles into Australia jn a scientific paper published in 1960 (see Rural Research 34), and in. 1963 (he present programme began under his leader- ship. He pointed out that in most of the warmer countries of the world dung beetles carry out ihe very im- portant task of clearing away the drop- pings of native animals, They achieve this by burying them in the ground while still fresh for use as food for themselves and their offspring. Here in Australia indigenous beetles do the same with thé pellet-like droppings of the native marsupials, but they cannot cope with the large wet dung pats of domestic sock introduced by Euro- pean Man, Cate and their close relatives evolved in Asia and Alrica, and with them evolved beetles that can use their dung, The csiko programme involves introducing the best of these into Aus- Iralia, and the Organization believes that they will’ have three beneficial effects, At least during the warmer months, they will: free pastures from dung accumula- tion, fertilize the soil, control pests, Cow pais often last for months or even years in Australia, so they cover considerable areas of ground and pre- 308 vent pasture growth, Termites have a major effecL in removing dung, but they take months to do so. Australia’s 20 million-odd cattle each produce about 10 pats a day, so many hun- dreds of thousands of acres. of pasture must be lost annually for this reason. Dung beetles could prevent this loss, As everyone knows, most Aus- tralian soils lack fertility, Fresh dung contains nitrogen, which is lost into the atmosphere when the dung lies on the surface of the ground. In one ex- periment, Dr, Bornemissza, with Dr, C. H. Williams of the csreo Division of Plant Industry, showed that — by burying the droppings.of stock—dung beetles could considerably increase soil fertility. Two major Australian pests breed in cattle dung — the bushfly and the buf- falo fly (sce Rural Research 65). Dung beetles cannot always prevent these insects from laying eggs in the fresh droppings, but if they bury thess droppings before the flies have com- pleted their development then they will effect control. Dung also contains eggs of para- sitit worms, and rapid burial of pats would reduce the number of infective larvae reaching gtass blades and hence the gut of stock, Such are the expected results of the dung beetle iniroduction programme. Tt has already achieved same pro- gress towards these goals, Vict; Nat, Vol, 89 Releases in the tropics In April 1967, Dr. Bornemissza and his group began releasing four species of dung beetles at selected sites, mainly in tropical Australia. They had selected the species from African and Asian beetles previously introduced into Hawaii to control horn fly (a close relative of the buffalo fly). In the three ensuing summers they liberated about 275,000 beetles, and one species, Onthophagus gazella, has made spec- tacular progress. Within two years adult breaks out of dung ball and digs p“ y its way to soil surface 4^ larva it had colonized 400 kilometres of the northern Queensland coast around Townsville and penetrated 80 km in- land — closing the 80-km gaps be- tween release sites in the process. During the first year it proved its ability to make long-distance flights by crossing 7 km of water to colonize Magnetic Island, near Townsville (see Rural Research 70). A year later it reached Palm Island — a distance of 30 km across the sea. adults pair off \ \ wv \ dry remains of crust soil casts tunnels filled with firmly packed soil SS dung balls Figure 1. The dung-burying process — why the beetles do it. November, 1972 309 Other species have not done so well, bul fewer beetles were released and they do not reproduce as fast as O, gazella, They certainly have not yet failed. As a back-up measure, the entomo- logists also introduced three dung-in- habiting histerid beetles from Hawaii and Fiji. and these again had African or Asian origins. Two have become established, Instead of burying the dung, these histerids altack the de- veloping larvae of flies within it. Thus they should reduce fly populations where the dung beetles do not bury the dung fast enough. Since their release in 1967, the in- troduced beetles have survived and fiourished during periods of both cx- ceptionally heavy ram and severe drought, Obviously therefore they can adapt most effectively to the climate of northern Australia. Less buffalo fly Already the Division of Entomology considers that at least some of the objects of the prosramme have been achieved in the colonized area sur- rounding Townsville. Dung disposal has proved much more rapid during the wet summer period, and between December and March the buffalo fiy nuisance does appear lo have abated. The numbers of other dung-breeding flies also appear much reduced. Beetle activity *lows down markedly in the dry, cool season between April and October, and so there still remains a dung disposal problem at this time. Mercifully, buffalo fly numbers too arc much reduced just then. Observations over several seasons show that, with tbe present beetles, bulfalo fly numbers may reach trouble- some levels at two periods; in spring, when temperalure and rainfall conditions have become suitable for fly reproduction, but the beetles have not yet become active enough to dispose of all dung, 30 m autumn, when temperatures have fallen low enough to inhibit beetle activity more than buffalo fly re- production It is hoped that it will be possible to find species to fill these gaps and Dr Bornemissza is now in Africa searching for them. In the meantime the Division of Entomology would encourage any ef- forts by interested people to help spread the beetles. They can be easily twapped — using a bucketful of sand with a cowpat on top, which is sunk so that the top of the bucket is flush with the soil surface — and trans- ferred from one property to another. Any farmer knowing another on whose property beetles have already become established, and who wishes ta in- treduce them on to his own, can ob- tain further information from the Division of Entomology, CSIRO, P.O. Box 109, Canberra City, A.C.T , 2601 Beetles lor southern Australia Phase one of the programme — in- troducina the first dung beetles into tropical Australia — has been com- pleted, Phase two — introducing them inte the southern half — began early this summer, At Pretoria in South Afnca Dr. Bornemissza has set up a laboratory, which he is nosing as a base to search for suitable beetles, Australia needs species for aW its cattle-raising areas. and these cover such a wide range of climates, soils, and pasture types that a hundred or more different beetles may be re quired. Fortunately, there are some 1,800 known species south of the Sahara to choose from. After one season's investigation Dr, Bornemissza had already senl hack eight dung beetles and two histerids (predatory on fly larvae) — now being bred up iñ large numbers in Canberra — and same were released earlier this summer, These should prove suitable Vick. Nal. Vol. 39 for a variety of climates, with annual rainfalls varying berween 10 and 40 in. in temperate areas and 15 and 35 in. in the tropres, One species of histerid suitable for the very wet tropical areas was relessed around Daintree and Tully in 1968, but this has not thrived and possibly à rere suitable species tor this area will crap up later. Any introduction programme of this type will raise fears about intraducing diseases and about the effects of beetles on other endemic fauna. They must, of course, breed rapidty and re- spond well to handling, but they must also breed only in diumg, The beetles ga through a rigorous quarantine pro- cedure so that they cannot carry any disease m with them, and this pra- cedure is described in some detail here Since it ildsirates well the complicated precautions that must be taken before insecls can be released in Australia. Beetles of the selected species hav- ing been paired, the resulting eggs are extracted from the brood balls and surlace-sterilized’ in 3% formaldehyde solution. They are then packed in specially designed containers (sent from Australia) and air-freighted to Canberra, where Mr. P. Ferrar and his helpers wash them and place Ihem in hand-made dung balls of "clean" Ans- talian dung— a lengthy procedure since up io 1,500 eggs may arrive in a single batch, The ican rear the eggs through to adulis that never leave quarantine. They then collect the eves of this generation, cleanse and surface-steritize them, and place them iñ turn in "clean", hand-made dung balls. The edulls that emerge from these eggs are then used for mass breeding for field release. Thus the beetles must pass through one cam» plele géneration in quarantine before release for mass breeding. Slow starters A word of warning — ance released in the field the beetles appear to be November, 1972 slaw stanterS During the first year or so, even when they are breeding well, little sign of the bectles may be visible at the release Sites. After a year or two, however, destruction of dung pats gradually becomes apparent, and sa lack of any sign of the beetles docs not mean that they have failed to be- come established. Almost inevitably those released in the south will take longer to prodnce results than Ihe very successful O, gazellr, since iemperate species breed more slowly. No risk What risk is there that the beetles themselves may became pests? Dr, Bornemissza and his colleagues are confident that this cannot happen, The adults feed exclusively by sucking fluids from Fresh dung — they cannot ' chew anything. They will not reduce reseeding within the pastures by bury- ing the sceds, since they remove all irregularities from the dung and leave them on the surface, While burying the dung the beetles should in fact help reseeding by creating loose, well- fertilized seed-beds. The larvae do have chewing jaws for feeding on the fibrous dung balls, but they die very quickly if these balls are opened and so they cannot break out and feed on other materials. Further reading Could dung-eating insects improve our pastures? G. F. Bornemissza, Jonsnal of the Australicn Institute. ef Agri- culmiral Science, 1960, 26, 54-4. An effect of dung beelle aclivity on plant vield. G. F. Bomemissza and C. H. Williams, Pedobiologia, 1970, 10, 1-7. Dung beetles, CSIRO Division of Emo- mology Annual Report, 1970/73, 80-2, Termites (Isopiera] associated with dung in Australia, P. Ferrar and J. A. Li Watson. Journal of the Australian En- totrologicnl Society, 1970, 9, 100-02. Insectary sludies On the control of dung breeding flies by the activity of the dung beetle, Orhiophagus gazella F. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). G. F. Bar- nemissza, Jonina? of the Australian Emamalagical Society, 1970, 9, 31-41. 3n National Seminar’ Aboriginal Antiquities in Australia Existing Legislation and its Implementation — Victoria May 1972 by ALAN L- WEST An Act entitled the “Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act, 1972" was quite recently passed by the Victorian Parliament and was given Royal assent earlier this month (May 1972), It has yet to be proclaimed but we expect that this will happen very soon, The responsible Minister will be the Chief Secretary, Arrangements are in hand for the establishment of an Archaeological Relics Advisory Com- mittee, for the drafting of regulations, and for the provision of staff and fin- ance. We are hopeful that the legisla- tion will be operating by the end of this year. TM PLEMENTATION The Act will be implemented by the National Museum and the Director, from time to time, of the Museum wil be the Protector of Relics. The Dir- ector in his capacity as Protector will be the Chairman of the Advisory Com- mittee and will be required to discharge a number of functions as set out in Section 10. 1. He will, through the appointed staff, keep a register of restricted areas (called "archaeological areas'), af relics, and of persons holding pri- vate collections. Relies are broadly defined as Victorian objects 'per- Jaining to the past occupation of the Aboriginal people . .. whether or not the relic existed prior to, . . occupation . . . by people of Euro- pean descent’. Handiwork made for the purpose of sale is excluded by definition as are human skeletal remains buried after the year 1834. 2. The Protector shall seek for relics, arrange for their preservation and conduct research in respect of them. He may also enter into arrange- ments with the Minister and certain other persons regarding the general oversight and administration of re- stricted archaeological ateas. 312 3. A final and important obligation on the Protector shall be the develop- ment of a positive education pro- gramme to make available ‘to the public facts and information per- taining to relics and archaeological ateas'. Such publishing of informa- tion will not necessarily mean the disclosure of the location of relics. A further instrument having a part in the implementation will be the Archaeological Relics Advisory Com- mittee consisting of ten honorary mem- bers. The Director of the National Museum and a Museum archaeologist or anthropologist will take two places and there will be one representative each from the Anthropological Society of Victoria and the State section of the Nalional Trust of Australia, Of the re- mainder one shall be an Aboriginal nominated by the Minister of Abori- ginal Affairs, one shall be a member of the Institute of Aboriginal Studies and there will be one member each from the following government depart- ments: Lands, Aboriginal Affaiis, National Parks and the Forests Com- mission, *Held in Conberra, May, 1972, Viel. Nal. Vol. B9 The Committee, as the name sug- gests, has advisory functions only but as well as considering matters referred to it by the Minister it may advise the Minister on all matters ir thinks neces- sary in relation to archacological relics and their preservation. A third vital administrative function will be vested in honorary wardens. These will be private individuals who have shown or are likely to show a kcen interest in the protection of relics. The functioning of these people in scat- tered arcas of the State where they live Will Undoubtedly be one of the chief strengths of the legislation, Wardens will he local guardians of relics. They will have power, when they suspect a breach of the Act, to impound relics; they will he able to demand names and addresses jn certain circumstances; they can require vandals or suspected van- dals and unauthorised persons to leave garelied archaeological areas and they are encouraged by the Act to seek oul the location of newly reported or un- reported relics. MAIN PROVISIONS Legal Protection o] All Relics The Act gives legal protection to all Aboriginal! relics whether they siland on privaie or Crown Land or are held in private collections. A person who wil- fully or negligently defaces or damages a relic shall be guilty of an offence against the Act, Related provisions state that it is not an offence far a person to possess port- able relics, or other relics which he possessed legally before the commence- ment of the Act, but no relics of any category shall be bought or sold with- out the permission of the Protector. Anyone who collects a portable relic defined as “a relic which because of its weight and size is capable of being lifted and removed by hand’ shall iden- (ify and safeguard it and shall report the find, in writing, to the Protector. Archaeological Areas The Act provides for the proclama- tion of special archaeological areas in which all relics shall be the property of and under the protection of the Crown. No one may enter such an area withe out authority. T expect that only a few sites where there are relies of more than ordinary scientific and/or his- torical importance will be declared to be archaeological areas, Certain consents are required before November, 1972 land can be so proclaimed. In respect of Crown Land the consent of the re- sponsible Minisiée must be obtained and in the case of private land that of the owner or occupier. Should a pri- vate person withold consent when the preservation of a unique or ireplace- able relic is involved, the Minister may compulsorily acquire land and com- pensate the landholder, I anticipate thal action under this section will rarely, if ever, be necessary; a person served with a compulsory acquisition nolice bas a tight of appeal, Temporary Archaeological Areas Temporary archaeological areas can be created at short notice if this is necessary to protect a relic, The simple publishing of an Order in Council in the Government Gazette will bring this situation about. Within sik months these temporary areas must be pro- claimed as Archaeological Areas other- wise they revert ta thelr original status. Excavations An important clause places a coin- plete prohibition on. all archaeological excavation unless the consent of the Minister is first obtained. Th granting excavation. permits the Minister may impose whatever conditions he thinks are appropriate. Details of this permit system have yet to be spelled-out in the 313 regulations, but suitably qualified per- sons with a scientific interest in archaeology will, I am sure, experience no great inconvenience in following their professional interests. The casual digging into and plundering of archaeo- logical sites by unqualified people we hope will cease as a result of the edu- cation programme which will follow implementation of the Act. Miscellaneous The Act empowers the Minister to purchase land on which immovable relics are located and he may also pur- chase relics in order to preserve them. A person who discovers a relic has an obligation under the Act to report the find to the Protector or a Warden unless he has reasonable cause to be- lieve that it has already been reported. Should a relic be discovered in the course of any construction or excava- tion, the person in charge must forth- with report the find to the Protector who shall take whatever steps are necessary should he consider the relic worthy of preservation. Victorian Non-Marine Molluscs — No. 11 BRIAN J. SMITH * The commonest and most wide- spread freshwater bivalve, known as the Little Basket Shell, belongs to the family Corbiculidae. Corbiculina angasi (Prime, 1864) This is a small, solid shell with umbos almost central and deep, regular con- centric striae. It is very variable in colour and pattern both internally and externally. Many specimens are pink to deep purple inside and vary from purple to a pale yellowy brown ex- ternally. Shells are usually covered by a straw-coloured epidermis. In many areas shells are frequently found covered with an earthy deposit. Aver- age size is 20-25 mm long. Like all freshwater bivalves the species feeds by creating currents of water across its gills and filtering out the small food particles out of the stream. Its method of reproduction is not known, but this is currently under study at a local university. These molluscs are usually found buried close to the surface of sandy mud in slow flowing rivers or creeks. 314 However they have been found in dams and lakes. They have also been found in main water reticulation pipes where they have caused trouble to authorities by blocking meters. This species has been recorded from all over Victoria and southern South Australia and New South Wales. Closely related species occur in most of the flowing freshwater in the eastern part of Australia and in many of the rivers of Northern Australia. ‘Curator of Invertebrates, National Museum of Victoria. (Drawing by Miss Rhyllis Plant) Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Emerged Marine Shell Beds near Geelong, Victoria, Australia, with Marine Shells Bored into Freshwater Limestone. by EpMUNb D. Gir * Wo better evidence of change tn the relationship of land and sea can be provided than marine boring shells in place in fassi) burrows that penetrate freshwater limestone, Such occur on Hovell Creek, 14.5 km (9 mi) north of Geelong. Victoria. When the Princes Highway between Melbourne and Geelong was being duplicated to provide a divided high- way between ihese cities in 1959, a new bridge was built over Howell Creek. Dr R. W. T Wilkins, then my ‘assistant, drew attention to the occur- rence of these strata, We examined the site, which is shown in Figure 1. Information was obtained from the ex- cavation for the bridge, and from a pipeline excayation a little further up- stream between thé bridge and an old ford. Tutson (1931) noted that on the creek banks there “are some recent marine deposits, which possibly have heen uplifted. If so, they are older than those of the marshy belt. The question of uplift is Jeft open pending further examination." Stratigraphy The relationship of the beds is shown in Figure 2. The Lara Lime- sione underlies all this area as is shown in the Quarter Sheet of the Geological Survey of Victoria (1863), and in the more recent map (1963) published by that organization. Hovell Creek has cut a shallow valley in this formation, which is completely freshwater, It is discussed by Gill (1964) and Wilkinson (1971), Thus, the marine beds are emplaced on freshwater limestone in n valley cut by a freshwater stream, November, 1972 The creek flaws into Corio Bay which is a branch of Port Phillip Bay. At the mouth of Corio Bay there is à bar of basalt, while Port Phillip Bay is almost closed by an aeolianite hay bar, There is therefore a high impedance to sea- water entering Corio Bay, and high tide at Geelong is 3 hours 10 minutes later than at Port Phillip Heads (Brad- ley 1949), A relatively higher sca level is therefore necessary for the sea to reach the Hovell Creek site. The top of the Lara Limestane is somewhat leached, and in it wete dis- covered burrows of the bormg mollusc Venerupis with paired shells still in place in the burrows. In the banks of the creek are outcrops of hard re- erystallized limestone. At the site examined, the Lara Limestone was overlain hy (I) a shell bed a little over a foot (0.3 m) thick containing mixed facies of estuarine and swamp shells, the latter apparently washed in from the nearby marshland. The matrix was brownish-grey fine sand and silt, with a small amount of Coarse sand and gravel. Above this hed was (2) another shell bed about 4.5 feet (1.37 m) thick containing in- numerable — Velacumantuxs — susiralis shells and little else. An occasional Ostrea sintata, Macoma deltoidalis ar Anadara (rapezia was found, Above this bed was (3) a stratum with a dozen or more species of estuarine shells, in- cluding, Afviilus planularus, Norospi- sula, and Kapelysia rhytiphars. The top of this bed was disturbed by human activities, so it was mot possible to determine its original upper limit of “National Museum of Victoria M5 ia is E y d = ali: LL : Ed FW. LIMESTONE [7] BASALT * [e] i g Oo 37 A SANDSTONE Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 316 depasilion, This site was recorded in 1961 (Gill et al.), and the radiocarbon date in 1966 (Gill et al.). Degree of Emergence The construction authority provided a bench mark which had been sur- veyed (rom a railway datum at the: Little River Railway Station (coping al Melbourne end of platform). Sur- veys made from the bench mark deter- mined the clevations histed below which are based on low water mark at Melbourne, Study of the cotidal lines (Bradley 1949) suggests that low water mark in Hobsons Bay would not be appreciably different from that in Corio Bay, Feet Metres Top of water in creek .. 2.6 Top of Lara Limestone 4-1 1.27 Top of mixed facies shell bed .. 523 157 Top of Velacumantus shell bed . 57 297 Age of Deposition At the time of study, if was inferred that the deposit was Holocene in age because of lack of compaction and lack of oxidization. Furthermore, the beds were comparable with others that had been dated mid-Holocene. Dr. T- A. Rafter of the Institute of Nuclear Science in New Zealand carried out a radiocarbon assay of marine shells from Hovell Creek, which gave an age of 5,620+ 90 yr. BP. (NZ-279). The sample was from the Melacse- manius horizon. In age the bed is comparable with numerous others re- corded along the coast of Victoria across a number of tectonic blocks of varying direction of movement (Gill and Hopley 1972), Interpretation There is no evidence of presently measurable movement since $,600 years ago. As any lectonic. movement must be à very small component, and as similar emerged beds are found on all the harsts and basins along the coast of Victoria, these beds are best inlerpreted as a function. chiefly of eustatic change of sea level. Many authors haye described the lecionics of this area and the move- ments that have taken place in Upper Pliocene and Lower Pleistocene time (e.g. Bowler 1963). Movements were never rapid in the sense that they are in New Guinea and in parts of New Zealand, but in the Upper Pleistocene and since, they have been very slow. FORAMINIFERAL FAUNA Mr. A- C. Collins has kindly examined these microfossils (N.M.V, P21369), and reports as follows: “Sample 1. Sample 2. Sumple 3, November, 1972 Upper bed (shell bed with varied fauna, above Velacumantus bed), Washings mostly angular quartz sand, poorly sorted. Some shell fragments and small mollusca. Foraminifera few, Ammonia sp. predominating, with rare specimens of two species of Elphidium. Middle bed (Velacumantus bed). Washings mostly quartz sand, poorty sorted, Shell fragments and small mollusca: Foraminifera more plentiful, Ammonia sp. predominating, more than 99% of specimens, Rare specimens of two species of Elphidiunt and Trichofyalus atf. tropicus Collins were also found. Lower bed {mixed facies, above Lara Limestone and below Fela- cumarntus bed). Washings mostly quartz sand with shell fragments and small mollusca, also three species of ostracoda, Foraminifera much more numerous, Ammonia still dominant, but Químque- loculita, Millonella, one species of Elphidiuny and Trichohyalus present in some numbers. 317 The ecological indication is estuarine conditions throughout, with salinity decreasing upward, as shown by decrease in numbers of both specimens and species, and increasing dominance of Ammonia from lower to upper beds. No indication of climatic conditions other than those existing at present. Species Present Quinqueloculina poeyana (d'Orbigny). This elongate and striate species is com- mon in the western and southern areas of Port Phillip. Specimens compare well with others from the. Caribbean, from whence it was described. Milionella labiosa (d'Orbigny). A common Victorian shallow-water species. Ammonia aoteanus (Finlay) is the species commonly found in both estuatine and fully marine conditions in Victoria. When present in dominant numbers it indicates brackish-water conditions. It corresponds well with published figures of the New Zealand species. Elphidium crispum (Linné) and other species of this genus common in shallow water in Corio Bay. Trichohyalus tropicus (Collins) was described from mangrove pools on the Barrier Reef, and later recorded by Albani from Port Hacking, N.S.W. The present form differs in some respects from the species as described, and may represent a cool-water modification. It has been found in recent shore sand from Altona Bay, Victoria, all records so far being from shallow and shel- tered waters where considerable variations in temperature and salinity can occur." Varied estuarine HOLOCENE fossils Velacumantus layer ESTUARINE BEDS c.5260 yr Estuarine and marsh shells Marine borers (Venerupis) FRESHWATER LARA LIMESTONE Figure 2. 318 Vict, Nat. Vol. 89 Eco.ocy A mare protected site can hardly be imagined, viz. 4 small valley running into an inner bay (Corio), fenced in by a basalt bar from an outer bay (Port Phillip), which in turn is protected from the open ocean by a bay bar (Nepean Peninsula). Protection is con- firmed by the sediments in the valley, which are of stillwater type. The fos- sils tell the same story, being of estua- rine type. So the shell beds eannot owe their supratidal position to a storm surge, or other high dynamics event. Anyway, if ihey did, they would hàve a different structure. The Hovell Creek deposits are the normal sediments of a quiet estuary, emplaced over a period of time yet to be deler- mined. To ascribe the emergence of the shell beds to 3 m of uplift in the past 5,600 years is out of character with the very mild movements of the area. The major factor is believed io be glacio-eustatic change of sea level. Moreover, such an inlerpretation fits the pattern of emerged shell beds found all along the coast of Victoria. Jn adjacent Port Phillip Bay at Al- tona, there is clear stratigraphic evi- dence (Gill 1972 pp. 22-23) of advance of the sca followed by retreat al about this same time. If the beds were due to uplift, then there would be evi- dence of retreat only. My interpreta- tion as that during mid-Holocene times, the sea transgressed the valley of Hovell Creek, stripping the superficial sediments from the limestone, and establishing a platform into which Venerupis bored. The sea then re- treated, as is shown by evidence of decreasing salinity through the beds (Collins report), and the emergence of the marine strata. REFERENCES Bowler, J. M., 1963. Tertiary strati- graphy and sedimentation in the Gee- long-Maude area. Proc. R. Soc. Viet. 76: 69-137, Bradley, J. E., 1949, Tides of Hobsan’s Bay ibid. 6i: 113-122, Gill, E, D., et al, 1961. ANZAAS Cam- mitlec for the investigation of Qua- ternary strandline changes. Aust, J. Sci. 2A: NEU Gill, E: D., 1964, Rocks contiguous with the basaltic cuirass of Western Vic- toria. Proc. R. Soc. Vict. T7: 331-358. Gill, E. D, et al, 1966. Australasian research in Quaternary shorelines. Ausr. f. Sei 287 407-411. Gill, E. D,. 1972. The relationship of present shore platforms to present sea levels. Boreas i (1) = 1-25, Gill, E. D., and Hopley, D., 1972, Holo: cene sea levels in Eastern Australia. Mor. Geol. 12: 223-242. Jutson, J. T., 1931. Erosion and sedi- mentation in Port Phillip Bay, Vic- toria, ete, Proc. R. Soc. Vici, 43; 130: 153. Wilkinson, H. E. 1972, The Duck Ponds fossil marsupial fauna, Hovell's Creek, Lara, Victoria, Australia. Mem. nain. Mus. Vict. 33: 41-45. Notice to Contributors It is importan: that material submitted for publication should preferably be typewritten on foolscap or quarto sheets at double spacing, and with a 2.5-3 em (1^) margin on the left. No underlining of words should appear unless abso- lutely necessary, Where dates occur, the day should precede the month, eg. I5 May 1972 not May 15 1972. Nisoainbar, 1972 31? Ecology of Some Eucalypts of the Gippsland Lakes District 100 years after Dr. Howitt by L. A. FELL - Dr. Howitt finished his long life as explorer, geologist, anthropologist and botanist, at Metung on ihe Gippsland Lakes. He had come to the province in 1860 and to the end of his life in 1907 he roamed widely, making à worthwhile contribution to its botani- cal knowledge especially an the diffi- cult Eucalyptus. In October 1890 Dr. Howitt lectured to the Royal Society of Victoria on the "Eucalypts of Gippsland”, Any discussion of the present status of those Eucalypts is complicated by taxonomic changes and lack of basic ecological information. In the more than 100 years since Howitt cate first to East Gippsland four complete ecosystems have been destroyed there, leaving almost no trace. The first consisted of the sub- tropical vegetation gullies formerly fringing the northern shores of the Lakes, These, the continuation of the warm east coast flora from further north, have been destroyed sn the writer's lifetime. Secondly the open woodland area east of the Mitchell River formerly carrying E. tereticoris and E. basistoana, of which, except in the skeletons of trees rung nearly 100 years ago, not a trace remains. Thirdly that of the three alluvial systems on the Mitchell. Tambo, and Snowy river flats where again accurate record seems never to have been kept of the flora. Finally the 100-mile stretch of plains, east of Traralgon, on which E. tereticornis was the dominant eucalypt, does not contain even one adequate reserve characteristic of the system. Before they too disappear without a trace it is proposed to discuss in 320 some detail the past and present eco- logy of the principal eucalypts in thc locality between the Lakes shores and the Prince's Highway to the north. "This disirict geis from 23 ins. rain on the western cdge, to about 28 ins. at Lakes Enirance, but there are long harsh dry spells every few years, Geologically it is described as Tertiary with lowland soils on clay sediments. Winters are usually mild but heavy frosts occur in the valleys, Howitt was of the opinion that elevation, rain- fall and aspect have more to do with distribution than geological formations, Patton (1930) says "each individual {cucalypt) is present because of some particular set of conditions" and con- tinues “the habitat tg the sum of a large number of factors and all of these may not be known.” In the case under motice, rainfall, elevation and temperature are con- stants so that soil texture and fertility are the deciding factors in local dis- tribution in the absence of biological controls. This woodiand, rich in eucalypts, fulfils the dictum: of Pryor and Johnson (1971) that "although Australia has been subject fo vast changes . . . it still has as remnants, enough of the original eucalypt. papu- lation to enable onc to discern with Some confidence what the original stands were like and to sce clearly the patterns of variation associated with the range of habitats” In the de- signated locality there are still a few pre-settlement trees from 200 to pos- sibly 1.000 years old, but they are fail- ing rapidly and time is short to delimit their original range. Aids to this acti- Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 vity are the memories of old men. records of pioneers and old photos. Prior (1960) pointed out that "the majority of stands of eucalypts with a rainfall of more than 25 ins. do not contain only one species, but are fre- quently an intimate mixture on any one circumscribed site often no more than a few acres in extent. There are grounds for supposing . . . that such mixtures which are often repeated, frequently are not co-incidental that they are an ecological pattern which results because there is bio- logical benefit to the partners." Here in this unique ecosystem is an illustra- tion supporting Pryor. Nowhere else in Australia do E. sideroxylon, E. tereticornis, E. botryoides, E. pseudo globulus, E. cypellocarpa, E. bosis- toana, E. bauerana, E. polyanthemos and E. melliodora come together in a limited area right on the coast. The varieties listed above are treated in some detail in the descriptions fol- lowing: Eucalyptus tereticornis In most of the literature this euca- lypt is recorded vaguely as occurring east of Traralgon with no reference to its easterly extension limit. Ewart records it as growing on a wide variety of soils including sandy loam, gravel and alluvial soils, avoiding acid soils. In the writer's experience it is never found on poor or deep sands nor does it favour hillsides. Anderson (1956) suggests that in New South Wales it favours moderately rich and heavy soils which are often dry and subject to droughts. For some distance east of Traralgon the varieties camaldulensis/ tereticornis mix together and Ewart further states that seed of either tree sown in forest plantations may yield a mixture of both forms. In the area under discussion E. fereticornis is found usually as a tall open topped tree growing on clay, clay-gravel or good alluvial sites. This tree is mis-named the "forest" red gum. Over its range in East Gipps- - Not £o Scale. November, 1972 Lakes Entrance 321 land it conforms to the description in the Natural Occurrence of the Eucalypt, 1953, “as a distinctive tree of particular topographic localities, not appearing in closed forest formations." On the plains country it adopts the typical open twisted appearance of E. camaldulensis as seen on the western plains. General vagueness as to the eastern limits of this tree is found even on the spot, as conversations on its boundaries with Forestry Officers at Bruthen and Nowa Nowa were inde- cisive. It extends to the rises on the north-east corner of the Tambo River flats above Bruthen. Whether it was dominant pre-settlement of the allu- vial flats seems now to be unknown. It certainly was on the Mitchell River flats. It extends to the mouth of the Tambo and where ever there is an area of heavy soil on the hills towards Lakes Entrance. To the north of Metung are some pre-settlement trees possibly up to 322 1,000 years old (Jacobs), but further along the coast it disappears just west of Lakes Entrance, not to re- appear for more than 100 miles away in southern New South Wales. The tree thus avoids the more heavily for- ested stretch of East Gippsland. Few signs of fire are seen on the remaining pre-settlement trees although Howitt says "the annual crop of grass . was more or less burnt off by the Aborigines annually". Many of the dead tereticornis towards the mouth of the Tambo River had been used by the Aboriginals for canoes, and ap- parently no other eucalypt in this area was so used. Its powers of regenera- tion are extremely high. even in grass, so it will never die out. In view of what Pryor and Johnson (1971) de- scribe as “clinical variation" or “geo- graphic races", the varying descrip- tions by botanists of varietal differ- ences and its variability in the field this writer doubts its validity as a species. Plate 1 E. tereticornis (The furthest east tree of this species along the lakes-post settlement). Photo: Author Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Eucalyptus bosistoana With E. tereticornis, once covered as an open forest some 40,000 acres round and east of Bairnsdale. In 1930 Ewart described this tree as in rapid process of extinction and this is now virtually true of this locality. Odd trees are still alive at Bruthen, but all that remains towards the Tambo River mouth, where it was once numerous, are the trunks of long dead trees rung in pioneering days. It grows also in association with E. polvanthemos, but is such a poor regenerator it is doomed. Eucalyptus polyanthemos Found as individual trees or in small groups throughout this wood- land. Penfold and Willis say that it is found on poor dry stony and gravelly soils and poor class heavy soils. This is not so here, where it often occupies good loamy damp soils on gully hill- sides. It was never found on the heavy loams and clays along the Tambo River. Pryor and Johnson believe it merges with E. bauerana as they ap- Plate 2 E. bauerana at Metung. the age of which is unknown. Photo: Author. November, 1972 proach the coast. This is absolutely not the case here. The wood of poly- anthemos is almost dark red, that of bauerana a dull yellow; they grow on different sites and their habit of growth is not alike. A very valuable wood, but in short supply, while it is a poor regenerator. It grows in association with E. melliodora, E. Bosistoana and probably E. globoidea. Eucalyptus bauerana A medium sized umbrageous tree said by Ewart to grow on river flats and loamy soils. This tree grows with E. tereticornis on river bottom lands but it also grows on deep sands along the Lake verges in that district, where it associates with Pittosporum undula- tum. In leaf shape is closely re- sembles E. polyanthemos, but is easily distinguished by a competent observer in the field. A poor seeder and re- generator with a papery brittle in- floresence shedding its seed in the year it matures. 323 Eucalyptus melliodora Found in groups and scattered trees over the district where the soils are heavy, hard and dry. It never grows on poor sands and seldom on river loams where its place was formerly taken by E. bosistoana. North of Nun- gurner it grows as an almost pure stand but the trees are post-settlement. A decorative smallish tree needing plenty of room to spread. The "Blue Gum Complex" According to Willis (pers. comm.) E. pseudo-globulus (Blakely No. 353) is the common blue gum of coastal and near coastal East Gippsland, not E. maideni or E. st. johnii. Metung is its western limit, as it is the present western limit of E. botryoides. At the head of Chinaman's Creek near Metung E. pseudo-globulus is mixed with E. botryoides on the shore and on the hilltop above with E. sideroxylon. Further east it grows on ridges with E. globoidea. Eucalyptus cypellocarpa Grows just east of Metung in damp gullies or on loamy hillsides. Visually it is extremely difficult to differentiate it from E. pseudo-globulus, but the buds and capsules are very different. Eucalyptus sideroxylon Apart from Airey's Inlet west of Geelong the only place in Victoria where this tree grows to the water's edge is between Metung and Nun- gurner. [t is not now reproducing itself. Eucalyptus botryoides A coastal eucalypt except on a few rich loams such as at Orbost. On the mainland does not now extend westerly beyond Metung. It associates with E. pseudo-globulus and E. vimi- nalis/racemosa type, but is not re- producing in the given area and will die out. It will grow on poor deep sands but must be within reach of the water table. Plate 3 E. melliodora, post settlement at Metung. Photo: Author. Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Hybrids Among the species quoted several hybrids have been recorded (Blakely 177, 260, etc.) but most botanical de- terminations vary as to the parents. The original trees are now probably dead and it is unlikely they will recur. In the locality discussed no mention has been made of the Stringy bark group, nor the peppermints, nor the forms of E. viminalis. Nor has a rich diversity of sub-shrubs been yet com- mented on although these make an integral part of the ecology. Before this ecosystem is destroyed like the others, it might be possible at a later date to record it further. REFERENCES Anderson, R. H., 1956. The Trees of New South Wales. Blakely, W. F., 1955. Eucalypts. 2nd edition. Costermans, L. F., 1968. Trees of Vic- toria. Ewart, A. J., 1930. University Press. Howitt, A. W., 1890. Royal Society of Victoria. Trans. 1-2. Vol. 2, 1888- 1890. Jacobs, M. R., 1955. *Growth Habits of the Eucalypt." Forestry and Timber Bureau, Canberra. A key to the Flora of Victoria. Plate 4 E. pseudo- globulus; a young tree near Nyerimelang. Photo: Author. November, 1972 Patton, R. T., 1930. “The Factors Con- trolling the Distribution of Trees in Victoria," Proc. Linn. Society of Vic- toria, 42: 154-210. Pryor and Johnson, 1971. A classification of the Eucalypts. A.N.U. Forestry and Timber Bureau, Canberra. The natural occurrence of the Euca- lypts, 1953. Willis, J. H., 1972. Pers. Comm. Galbraith, Miss J. —. Cane, W. —. Resources Survey. East Gippsland Region, 1954. Forestry Officers: Personal discussions at Bruthen and Nowa Nowa. Allen Axel Strom Australian Natural History Medallionist for 1972 After considering dossiers of 23 nominees, the Award Committee has named Allen Strom as winner of the Australian Natural History Medal- lion. Mr. Strom was nominated by the David G. Stead Memorial Wildlife Research Foundation of Australia, Sydney (of which he is president) and supported by the Victorian National Parks Association, the National Trust of Australia (New South Wales), the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs, Goulburn Field Naturalist Society (N.S.W.), and Katoomba and District Wildlife Conservation Society. He had previously been nominated in 1968 by Illawarra Natural History Society and by Oatley Flora and Fauna Conservation Society, and back in 1959 by The Rangers’ League of New South Wales. This widespread support indicates the broad scope of Allen Strom's activities and recogni- tion of his sterling work for extension of knowledge of our Australian en- vironment and its conservation for all to enjoy — for ourselves and posterity. He is vice-president of the National Parks Association of New South Wales (was its foundation secretary), and has been a leading advocate of and tire- less worker for the acquisition of national parks and nature reserves; secretary of the Nature Conservation Council of N.S.W., adviser in con- servation to the N.S.W. Department of Education; chairman of the Education Committee of the Australian Conser- vation Foundation: editor of the 326 journal of the Gould League of N.S.W., and chairman of the Field Studies Centre Advisory Committee, Sydney. For many years he was chief guardian of Fauna and chairman of the Fauna Protection Panel. He was secretary of the Wildlife Preservation Society, and a council member of the Men of the Land Society, and of the National Trust of Australia (N.S.W.). He represented the Sydney Bush- walkers on the Federation of N.S.W. Bushwalking Clubs. Allen Strom's major interests were originally in geology and geomorpho- logy, then he became intensely inte- rested in the ecological relationships of flora and fauna. He has given in- numerable lectures to a wide variety of organizations, illustrated by his own photographs, and has written widely (often anonymously) in the furtherance of his aims. A diplomate in general science at Sydney Technical College (1943), he was a teacher in primary and secondary schools for 25 years, and a lecturer at Sydney Teachers College for 15 years. Until very recently he lived at Gymea Bay, his present address being Scenic Road, Kilcare Heights, via Hardy's Bay, N.S.W. 2256, The medallion will be presented at the F.N.C.V. meeting on 13 November, when Mr. Strom will give a talk on "Conservation Educa- tion". J. A. BAINES, Secretary, General Committee, Australian Natural History Medallion. Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Readers' Nature Notes and Queries A Bird Note This note abouti Currumbin, Queens- land comes from Alex N. Hurns of Burleigh Heads, The big lagoon at the new develop- ment arca of the famous Currumbin Bird Sanctuary, has to me; always been a con- stant source of interest with regard to the behaviour of some of its feslhered in- habitants. These are many, in the main being several species al Wild Duck, some Muscovies (and hybrids!), Ibises, Water Hens, Herons, Egrets, and for a couple of years, one Jabiru, For the past two or ihree years there has been one Goose, and the masler of them all, a male Black Swan. My almost daily observations cenire largely on this Swan, which, at morning and afternoon. feeding time t3 “first in", and drives off all other birds who come too close to. him. Two years ago we had some 60 Mus- covy ducklings being cared for by two mother ducks, each in a coop and yard with its complement of little ones At feeding time one morning, from out of the blue appeared a small gawky greyish creature, à gosling, apparently without any parents looking afler it. It was therefore placed in one of the Muscovy coops and was accepled by the mother and duck- lings. Very soon it grew ta abour threc- quarters the size of its foster mother who, by that time had become tired of her clutch, so she was returned lo the lagoon area. The ducklings were not dis- mayed and clustered round the gosling who seemed very happy with them all, In due course all Were “liberated” in the 52 acre area with the lagoon, Imme- diately the black swan took a dislike to the gosling who was chased and bitten many times. This dislike has persisled to the present day, and the gàsbng, naw a fully grown goose i$ stl chased (some- times on the wing) by lhe swan, Con- versely, the swat has had, over the past three yeats, a constant friend and tom- panion in the being of a male Wood- duck, These two are always together, either on land or in the water, A year agn a female black swan was introduced io lhe lagoon, and was accepted only half-heartedly at first, but its presence completely changed the temperament of the male black swan. He attacked everything, man and ani- mal, who ventured within 30 ar 40 yards of the lagoon; if he was at the distant end and one approached ihe other end to feed the birds, he would swim rapidly down, come ashore, and aitack even those Who had fed him twice daily for almost three years This year he and his mate nested amongst some vegetation al the edge of the lagoon; eggs were laid, but one night nine inches of rain fell, and nest and eggs were washed away. Not ta be deterred, another nest and eggs soon appeared, only to meet a similar fate after à night pf torrential rain, Again anolher nesting site was selected, and more eggs were, laid. Good fortune prevailed and five cyenets were hatched, Within the first week two of these had perished, but the other three are well and growing fast, Unfortunately one of these had a foot bitten by one of the large cels that in- habit the lagoon. On account of this, the swans and cyznels were placed in à net- led area enclosing part of the lagaon. Throughout all these ordeals the tlle Wood-duck has stuck io its much larger companion. Today, twa black swans. three cygnets, and a litlle Wood-duck form one happy hbird-fsmily Back Copies of the “Naturalist” (a) Miss Lorna Banfield has a complete set of the “Naturalist” for the last forty years, and would like to know of § library ar other body which could make use of them, (b) Mr. Keith Hately, o£ Kiata, would like a copy of Volume 4, No. 68, of fhe “Naturalist, For further information please contact the Secretary- November, 1972 327 A Tribute to the late H. C. E. Stewart On the evening of 24 October 1972, Mr. Hugh Charles Euro Stewart died after a iong illness. Older members will remember bim as a very active member of the Club. He joined the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria in January 1931. He was the first Secre- tary of the Botany Group, and was President (1944-1945). His interests were many; and although Botany was his subject, he found two insects new to science, both of which were named after him. A primitive native bee, (Paracolletes stewartii Raym.) de- scribed by Tarlton Rayment, and an Australian Opilionid, or Harvestman (Spinicrus stewartii) described by R. R. Forster, Director, Otago Museum, New Zealand. Hugh became an authority on Mt. Buffalo National Park. He spent his holidays there every year. The book- let, "Flower and Feather at Mt. Buf- book revievv falo National Park", was written by him, published and issued by the Public Relations and Betterment Board, through direction of the Rail- way Commissioners. About two mil- lion copics were distributed, Hugh Stewart was almost a founda- tion member of the Anthropological Society of Victoria, becoming clected at the second meeting; Professor Wood Jones was the founder, with Mr. H. R. Balfour, Mr, Stanley R. Mit- chell, Dr. R. Wishart and others, Hugh wasa member of the Historical Society and had a wide knowledge of Gippsland, He was born in Sale, over eighly-three years ago. Members may ' be surprised to know that he was a good actor, performing in plays and play readings with the Playlovers* Society, of which he was the honorary treasurer, LYNETTE YOUNG. Wilsons Promontory by J. Ros GARNET Illustrated by Ronald Brooks. Price: 55 cents from F.N.C.V. Bookstall, or 65 cents from bookshops The Promontory, a huge granite headland of 160 square miles; 80 miles of coastline; and 150 miles south-east of Melbourne. As the second largest National Park in Victoria, it’s. à gem; and in this book, in a smooth and flowing style, Ros Garnet tells us so. Lively illustrated with black and white sketches that bear the charm of half-forgotten yesterday, it covers the history since the Promontory was first discovered by Bass, Who were the three F.N.C,V, members who in 1884 trecked for 120 miles through sand wastes and along bridle tracks to the lighthouse; and who per- suaded the Club and others to campaign For the area to be proclaimed as à National Park — what of the Boon-cor-ong tribe of Wamoom and their Dreamtime spirit, Loo-em, who lived on the mountain — and what is pudding granite? These and other questions are answered in this very fine publication. Davin J. LEE: 328 Vict, Nat. Vol. 89 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria General Meetiing 9 October There was a large gaihenne at ihe October general meeting. The President, Mr, Tom Sault, welcomed some new members and visitars, including Muss Ellen Kniep, Assistant Secrctury ot the Field Naturalists’ Club of Western Aus: Talia. Mr. Ras Garnet. paid a. tribate to the life und. work of the late Norman Wake field, Club member for many years, and one time Editar of The Noéturalis. Meni- bers siood While the Sceretary read a leter from Mrs, Wakelield and then observed a moment of silence. The speaker [or the evening was Mr Edmund Gill, Depuiy Director of the National Museum, whose talk was en- titled, "rhe Natural History of the Murray River tract between Maldura and Renmark’ this interesting series of slides Were Mainly taken during the Museums research expeditions lo the site of the proposed Chowilla Dam The jist of the Club's correspondence, notices, and a copy of Council Minutes were on display as usual, The Secretary reported on the recent Conference of Field Naturalists’ Clubs at Bairnsdale, at which it had been decided 1o form a ‘Viclarian Field Naturalists’ Clubs As- sociation’ Tt is proposed that this body will hold a convention in Shepparton on Labour Dav, 1973. Mr Taylor spoke sbout Lake Pedder, reminding members that although the Water is now ten feet aboye the normal winter level, it is not toa late (o drain it and save the lake and its surroundings. The Land Conservation Council's pub- lication an South-West Victoria was on display, and Mr. Garnet reminded mem» bers (hal anyone was entifled ta make submissions for the use of Crown Land in the study area. Mr, Sault said that Council was prepaíing à recommenda- tion and would welcome help from anyone having particular knowledge of the area. Field Survey Group Reports Angust Cape Liptrap Grid: Using Hear Gully camping réserve às 4 base, 10 (embers and friends divided into three groups and surveyed coastline, farmand forest lacali- ties, all representative of habitat types within this grid. Few non-marine mols November, 1972 luscs were found, even in the areas in which limestone occured, On the: Sun- day, same members pf the Batany group joined us and assisted with the identifica- ton of ptam specimens. A new species ul teni was recorded for the area, The group was greatly assisted by in- formation supplied by Mrs. E. Lyndon of Lecngatha, and we seek such valu- able co-aperstion from other members in country areas, Se previ ber Gembrook Grid: This camp was at- tended by 12 members and friends wha suryeyed Tourteen localities am the sou- them hall of the Gembrook grid, A Teature of the camp Was the use of batani- cal survey techniques advocated by Dr Alan Bndeewater, Botany Department, Monash Universily. Invertebrate speci- mens Collected included. freshwater mus- sels and Peripatus leuckaeril, October Mr. Disappointment Grid: The second survey camp jn this grid was attended by |i members and friends. Emphasis was pluced on farm land localities, as the State forest had been previously sur- veyed. Many invertebrate specimens were collected, including freshwater mol- luses, leeches, flalworms and spiders. Information On speciés Of insects col- lected wil) be forwarded io Entomological Society of Victoria for inclusion in their gnd survey data Various members of the group are specialising on spiders (D. Barham), scorpions (A. Burns), freshwater crustacea (R. St. Clair), terrestia} Matworms (L.. Winsor), frogs (A, Brooks), and .non- marine molluscs (Dr. B. Smith, N.M.V ). lt i hoped to begi special botanical projects soon, Day Group Report October Twenty-one Members met at ihe Hej- delhezg station on a Warm, pleasant day. Members of the Warringal Conservation Society joined us and after holding our meeting and partaking of lunch, the pra- ject was explained to us, The area is pari of the Banyule River flats and the Yarra River fuod plain. It has been developed oyver s period of 12 months by a study group of the Society, following concern over the possible destruction of this 329 inique Wetlands complex hy recreational ovals. A plan has been evolved for the pre- servalion and conservational development of the Banyule River flats. Mrs. Holy- well, a member af the Saciety, lauk members tö her lovely home, refreshed them with cool drinks and showed them the area from her lounge and kitchen windows. Discussion took place with others members of the Society and F.N,C.V, members whe had previously visiled à swamp in the arca. The swamp has been built up. and it js heped to plant aqualic and native trees to provide an adequate breeding and feeding place for the number of birds in the area. A list of 150 birds has been made over a period in the area. Among those sighted by members were this, spoon- bills, catile egrets, while-faced herons. and swamp-hens Us the short Lime allotted Us. Space does not permit a full coverage of the project iv hand, and Mr. Fairhall assured the Society members that the F.N.C V. will give all help possible to assist in the wonderful project. It is hoped eventually to establish a nature reserve ofr sanctuary, and to have 4 landscaped area With native trees and shrubs with botanical, educational, and reference value to all nature lovers Botany Group 73 July Mr. John Robin spoke on "Sher- breuke", detailing the methods and re- sults of a group study of an area on a transect — south-west óf “Burnham Beeches”. He dealt with variations of soil, attitude, rainfall, temperature, light intensity and aspect, {hen proceeded to describe the ecology of the study area, showing slides of many species familiar to members on their various excursions io the Dandenongs. The study extended over a full year, so Seasonal changes were regularly observed. 10 Angust This was a members! night. First, Mr, J, Baines spoke ow his exhibit dt 150 wildflower cards — reproductions by (he South Australian Museurn of paintings in many paris of Australia by Miss Alison Ashby. Thess are published trom time 1o lime iñ sets of six, often with a theme (such as alpine plants, cushion plants, Tasmanian endemics, and many unusual species from Western Australia). Refer- ences Were also made to wther wild- flower painters such as Mrs, Fanny Charsley, Mrs. Els Rowan and Miss Margaret Stones. Mr. Alan Morrison showed and commented on slides from Northern Australia (Alligator River, Asnhem Land and the Gulf of Car- pentarta). Mr. T, Sault showed slides of å trip to the summit of Mt. Torbreck (Where a ski run has been proposed). One notable photograpl showed acres of Royal Grevillea (G. vicroriae) in flower. He knows this area ("back of Elldun") "well, having spent his boyhood there. I4 September Mr. Ian Cameron, a New Zealander from the South Island, who managed old mines in Western Australia and. for 6 years, the schéclite mine on King fdand, spoke on the flora of his native couniry, using chacts and a wide sample of slides, many of which were taken by Professor Jóhr Salmon, author of “New Zealand Flowers and Plants in Colour’, OF the 4,000 species known, no fewer than about 2.500 are endemic to New Zealand, There are fo eucalypts (except plantations of Australian bluegums) and no acacias, banksias, hakeas, grevilleas, melaleueas or innumerable other genera common jn Australia. Bul there are 79 species of Hebe wed Veronica}, 58 species of Celmisia, 50 of Epilobium, 45 af Ceprosma, 43 of Ranunculus, 39 of Aciphylla and 38 of Carmicheelia. There are about 800 species af mosses, includ- ing the King Moss (Dawsonie superbo), which grows to a height af two feet! There are 170 ferns and clubmosses (in- cluding the unique Kidney Fern and the national emblem, Silver Treefern or Ponga (Cyathea dealbora), The national floral emblem, Yellow Kowhai (Sophera microphylla, syn. Edwardsia jetraprerc) was among the slides shown. Three types of N.Z., forests were depicted: Poda- carps. heeches (Nothofagus spp, in high rainfall habitats} and kauri (Agathis spp. Flowers and Plants of Victoria in Colour Copies of this excellent book are sill available, and of course would make a wonderful rift, They arc obtainable from the F.N.C.V, Treasutez, Mr. D. McInnes, 330 Vict. Nat Val 89 ce t : n ee = + t Mm victoria naturalist F.N.C.V. DIARY OF COMING EVENTS GENERAL MEETINGS Monday, 11 December — At National Herbarium, The Domain, South Yarra, com- mencing 8 p.m. Subject for evening — Movie Films. New Members: Ordinary: Miss Patricia Bingham, 224 Leicester St., Carlton, 3053. Botany and Marine. Mr. Peter Cox, 486 Lower Plenty Rd., Rosanna, 3084. Botany. Aita Haller, 70 Barry St., Reservoir, 3073. Miss Sylvia Shaw, 12 Jolimont Terrace, Jolimont, 3002. Mrs. W. I. Thompson, 39 Allison Rd., Box Hill North, 3129. Mammals and Fungi. Mr. E. A. Chesterfield, 59 Longview Rd., North Balwyn, 3104. Mr. B. M. Beattie, 57 Mills St., Hampton, 3188. Mr. Brian H. Groom, 631 Orrong Rd., Toorak, 3142. Botany. Miss Audrey Morwick, Flat 4, 312A Orrong Rd., North Caulfield, 3161. Mammal Survey and Botany. Miss Patricia A. Weeks, 4/31 312A Orrong Rd., North Caulfield, 3161. Botany and Geology. Junior: M. Satterly, 36 Holyrood Drive, Vermont, 3133. Country: Mrs. Audrey I. Wakefield, P.O. Box 37, Ferntree Gully, 3156. GROUP MEETINGS (8 p.m. at National Herbarium unless otherwise stated.) Thursday, 14 December — Botany Group. Speaker Mr. Rex Filson. As this will be the final meeting for the year the evening will conclude with supper. Wednesday, 17 January—Microscopical Group. Monday, 5 February—Marine Biology and Entomology Group. 8 p.m., at National Museum, Library Conference Room. Wednesday, 7 February—Geology Group. Thursday, 8 February—Botany Group. F.N.C.V. Excursions Tuesday, 26 December- Monday, 1 January — Leongatha. This will be a private car excursion and seats in cars have been arranged for members who have already booked; any additional members going must make their own arrangements. It is suggested car parties meet at the Dandenong Comfort Station at 10.15 a.m. and travel together, possibly meeting some of the L.T.F.N.C. members en route. Take a picnic lunch. Members are staying at the Leongatha Motel, but anyone who would like to camp should contact Mrs. Brewster, "Nerrena", R.S.D.. via Leongatha, as there is a good camping site on their property. A deposit of $3.00 has been paid to the motel for those already booked and anyone who has not paid this amount to the excursion secretary should do so. Saturday, 6 January - Saturday, 27 January — New Zealand. Those going will receive full details. At time of writing a vacancy due to a cancellation exists. Anyone interested should contact excursion secretary immediately. There will not be a club day excursion in January. Saturday, 10 March-Monday, 12 March—Labour Day Week-end. There will be a combined excursion to Shepparton with other clubs. A bus has been chartered and accommodation booked for the week-end. The cost for the coach and bed and breakfast at the motel will be $24.00 per person. Further details next month. 334 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 The Victorian Naturalist Editor: G. M. Ward Assistant Editor: G, Douglas Vol. 89, No. 12 = 5 December, 1972 CONTENTS Articles: A New Sarochilus species from Northern Queensland. By David L. Jones 344 Ancient Soils at Diamond Bay. By E. C. F. Bird .. vw oa. x. wat 349 The Hatching of Huntsman Spiderlings. By Leigh Winsor .. " .. 355 Four Principles of Conservation, By Edmund D. Gill .. ... .. .. 356 Features: Early Naturalists Writings —1 Y 45. [Reno aM qvo eh: xA .. 336 Nature Notes from the Gold Coast. By Alex N. Burns .. Oe -. .. 347 Victorian Non-marine Molluscs—No. 12. By Brian J. Smith .. — ..:- .. 348 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria: Reports of General and Group Meetings iB oat 131 $85 Who cx 357 Diary of Coming Events... .. .. .. .. .. —.. e u 334 Front Cover: Densey Clyne photographed the colourful and dramatic show produced by the male of the Mountain Grasshopper. December, 1972 335 Early Naturalist's Writings — 1 With the writings of earlier naturalists becoming rare. and because of this, libraries restricting them to the reference shelves; it would be appropriate to devote space in the Vieieriun Nuturalist lo some of these early works. It is proposed lö publish these from time to time, in the hope that both the nostalgie feeling of older members, and the effect of partial denial of the past to younger members may be eased and satisfied respectively. Jt seems appropriate te begin with an extraction from the Ficoran Naturalist, which covers the report by J. A, Kershaw in 1915, of an excursion to Wilson's Promontory, An Excursion to Wilson's Promoniory ON two previous occasions the Club has undertaken extended excursions to the National Park, the first during Christmas, 1905, before the whole of the Promontory had been permanently reserved, when the western coast as far south as Oberon Bay was visited; and the second during Christmas, 1912, when ihe Vereker Range and the adjacent country was explored. On the present occasion, while necessarily covering much of the ground traversed on these earlier trips, some new localities which have been recently opened up by the Com- mittee of Management of the Park were visited. Our party of twelve con- sisted of the following:—Messrs. E. Allman. F. G. A. Barnard, J. Barr, W. Kernot, L. N. Kershaw, L. K, M'Nab, f. G. O'Donoghue, O. W. Rosenhain, J, Shephard, B. L. Stan- ton, H. Whitmore, and J. A. Ker- shaw {Icader), Leaving Melbourne by the 6.30 am. train on Saturday, 26th Decem- ber, we reached Foster (110 miles), where fuoch had been provided, shortly after mid-day. Bennison, three miles fucther on, completed our railway journey, and here we were joined by some members of the Com- mittee of Management, who were also visiting the Park on their annual in- spection. Among the latier were two ef our members—viz, Prof. A, J, 336 Ewart, who represents the Club on the Committee of Management, and Dr. T. S. Hall, representing the Royal Society, Continuing our journey by horse tram for another mile and a half, we reached Port Franklin, a small fishing village on the Franklin River, where we found our molor- boat awaiting us. Transferring our baggage to the boat, we proceeded down the river, We Were fortunately able to leave on a rising tide, the exlensive mud-flats bordering the river to its mouth being still uncoy- ered, and, as usual, swarming with countless numbers of the small Man- grove Crab, Heloecius cordiformis, Here and there groups of birds, in- cluding Curlews, Blue Cranes, Hood- ed Dottrels, together with Pacific and Silver Gulls, wandered over the mud, while on the sand-banks at the mouth of the river were seen numbers of Black Swans, Pelicans, and Cormor- ants. The river, more especiaily on the western side, is margined with a thick growth of the Spurjous Man- grove, Avicenarla officinalis, whose green foliage is a pleasing contrast to the bare, muddy banks, Leaving the mouth of the river, we steered a course for Doughboy Island, where we landed and spent an hour or so waiting for the incoming tide to rise sufficiently to enable us to cross the shaliow sand-banks between the chan- Vict. Nat, Vol, £9 nels. Our irip across had been a rather Wet One, as, besides some slight showers, we had been running against wind and tide, causing the spray to Accasionilly break over our boit, On the Island, however, this was. soon forgollen, und we spent the time at nur disposal on the short, sandy beach. or examining the features of the island. During a previous visil no less than 50 species of plants were noted, and we were unable to add to these on this trip. Among the thick growth of bracken on the sheltered (or eastern) side of the island is a fairly large Mutton-bird rockery, which is now being carefully pre- served, Here we saw several of the parent birds running quickly through the ferns or in their burrows. Continuing our journey, we reached the jetty at the south-west corner of the Inlet about 7 o'clock, and were soon busily occupied removing our bageage to the rest-house close by, While some assisted in preparing our evening meal, others erected one of the tents, and, generally, made every- thing comfortable for the night. On Sunday morning we were early astir, and, while our camp assistant prepared breakfast, we re-packed our helongings for removal to the Darby by pack-hurses. One of the first dis- coveries was a Koala perched in a gum-tree in front of the rest-house, close ta which a Boobook Ow] was observed the previous evening quietly surveying the unusual bustle. Our pack-horses arrived at 8 o'clock, as arranged, and then began the work of loading them with our bulky bag- gage, It ts useless for an inexperienced përson fo attempr to load a pack- horse. H he does he will soon find the packs dropping off one afler another, or the saddle working round under the horse. We were, however, very fortunate in having an energetic and experienced worker in our secretary, December, 1972 Mr O'Donoghue, With the help of our camp assistant, Mr, O'Donoghue superintended the packing, while we afl assisled as far as possible. Our third horse had just been packed, and the straps tightened up, when he be- came restless. Al] attempts to quieten him proved useless, and he finally brought maiters lo a head by an erx- hibition of buckjumping that, while being creditable 1o him, was rather disastrous to us. When he had quite finished there was a circle of swags and packages all round him, while the pack-saddle was where the girth ought ic have been, It was finally decided that he was not suitahic, and we transferred the packs tò a spare riding horse. From the rest-house at the Vereker landing to the Darby (64 miles) is a well-defined track, winding for the first mile or so through the excellent banksia forest already described in the accounts of previous trips. Birds were numerous, among those seen be- ing the black and Sulphur-crested Cockatoons, King Parrot, Crimson Pat- rot, Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, Grey Bell-Magpie, Wattle-bird, and Bronze- wimg Pigeon. The -common Black- tailed Wallaby, Macrojias ualabalus, is plentiful here, and occasional Koalas are met with in the eucalypts. Passing through the gate in the boun- dary fence, the track passes outside the Park boundary, and crosses an expansive heathy fiat, devoid of tim- ber, but. from which excellent views of the ranges to the east and south can iisualMy be obtained, Unfortun- ately for us, a misty tain had been falling all the morning, and heavy mónntain mists obscured the tops of the hills, altogether spoiling our view: but still we could make oot Mount Vereker in the east and Mount Leonard and the Darby Saddle to the south. On our right were seen à row of rather picturesque low sand-hills, 337 once bare, but now covered with grass and short scrub, Earliey in the season this flat is bright with red, pink, and white Epacris and flowering shrubs of various kinds. Quail are common, and occasionally the rare Ground-Parrot, Pezoporus formosus, has been flushed bere. About threc miles from the Darby We entered what was orice a thickly-timbered cucalyptus forest, where, only a few years ago, native bears (Koalas), wallaby, and occa- sional introduced deer might be seen, but which is now only a mass of dead and bleached trees. Passing again into the Park, where the green trees throw a pleasant shade, and traversing the northern edge of the Darby swamp, we were joined by one nf the Park emus—a full-grown bird, which, together with its mate and four half-grown young birds, frequent this portion of the Park. This bird came close to our party, occasionally utter- ing its deep dmmming note and spreading out its long neck feathers, and accompanied us towards the Darby. A very fine view of the exten- sive Darby flat is obtained here, show- ing the ranger's and committee's cot- tages and the rest-house, clearly hacked by the steep scrub-covered sand-hills which separate the flat from the ocean beach, while ihe river is seen winding through the impene- trable tea-tree towards the foot of Mount Vereker, The tack leading southwards towards the lighthouse is seen winding round the steep hills on the western slope of Mount Leonard, Crossing the Darby River at its only brides, which really forms the entrance to the National Park, and from which can be seem Sheliback Island standing out clearly opposite the mouth of the river, a well-formed track winds along the.southern bank of the river to the Darby flat, where the second rest-house is situated, On the river Black Swans, Hlack Duck, 338 Waier-hens, Grebes, Cormorants, Nankeen Herons, and Blue Cranes make their home. The Black Duck, Water-hen, and Grebe breed here, and in the season mav be seen with their young brood on the water, while in the river are numerous eels, Anguillz austtalis(?), Topong, Pseudaphritis urvillei pnd minnows, or so-called Mountain Trout, Galaxias attenuatus. During the process of unpacking, séveral of the party refreshed theme selves by a swim in the river or the ocean, and, after a good lunch, it was decided tu pul in rhe rest of the day here and camp for the night, instead of pushing on fo the Tidal River, as originally intended. While some of the party elected to explore the immediate vicinity of the river, the remainder visited Tongue Point, a narrow, scrub-covered point jutting into the sca about three miles below the Darhy mouth. A well-defined track leads over the high hill separat- ing the Darby flat from the ocean, and winds in and out among low scrub, stunted eucalypts, and sheltered belts of sheoaks. All along this track were to be seen the recent tracks af emus, kangaroos, wallabies, and wambats—conclusive evidence that these animals, introduced info the Park by the Committee, are well eslablished. On the journey an occa- sional wallaby was seen, ami many native birds, including the small Emu- Wren, were noted. The excellent view usually ob- tained Irom Tongue Point, a favourite spot for tourists, was again marred to a great extent by the mists, but sunl good views of the numerous islands, such as the Glennie and Anser Groups, Norman and — Shellback Islands, were obtained. This point is well worth the walk if only to see the enormous weather-worn granite boul- ders, of all shapes aod sizes, which are scallered aboul in greal, confused Viet. Nat. Vol. 89 masses all alang the shore-line. Near the end of the point, at the base, as jt were, of the tongue, the sea has almost cut jts way through and made an island of it, In the great fissure thus formed are stupendous granite boulders which have slipped down from the steep sides of the hill oppo- site, while other similar masses are apparently ready to slip down at any moment. Tbe point itself is thickly covered with short shrubs of various kinds, many of which were in flower. and duly noted by our botanists, The trip was greatly enjoyed, and camp was again reached about 7,30 pmi, where, after a refreshing tea and the usual enjoyable camp chat, all turned in to enjoy a well-earned rest. Monday, 28tk December, — An early start was made to re-pack our harses, which our previous experience enabled us to accomplish more readily, and we were again on the track. Passing through the gate of the - Park, we came upon a fine group of five or six emus, so tame that they would hardly move out of our way. The track led through a fine grove of banksias, B. serrara, thence over and around the slopes of some scrub- clad hills to the timbered slopes of Mount Leonard, which rowered up on our left to 1,860 feet. Here we met with our second. Koala, and from now on these animals, together with the Black-tailed Wallaby, were constantly being seen. The track, winding in and our along rne hill-sides, was in places so steep as to cause those leading our pack-horses some concern; but from the tops of these hills extensive and beauliful views of the coast-line and adjacent islands were obtained, and well repald our exertions. The track crosses hère and there small gullies, in some of which are numerous ferns, the King Fern, Todes, being common. After crossing Whisky Creek, a very December, 1972 steep pineh, and an adjacent gully. we agxended a steep hill, from the summit of Which was obtained an ex- cellent view of the surrounding coun try, In front is Mount Oberon (1,968 feet) and the Bad Saddle between it and the high peak overlooking Nol- man Point. On our left is Bishop Rock, an exceedingly steep granite point overlooking the undulating hummocky country between it and the sea, while on our right is a pretty view of Leonard and Norman Bays, with Norman Island, the Glenties and Anser Groups standing off the mainland, One track leads off to the right on to the beach at Norman Bay, the other to the left over the wndu- lating, scrub-covered sand-hills to the crossing over the Tidal River at the foothills, We followed the latter, and, crossing the Tidal River, mot without occasional sioppages to read- just our packs, We traversed an ex- tensive marsh to the foot of the nor- thern slope of Mount Oberon. Turn- ing eastward we followed the tele- graph line mio a well-timbered and sheltered valley. Here the telegraph line ascends steeply over another bad saddle on the eastern slope of Mount Oberon and descends ilo the marshy country behind Oberon Hay. Leaving the telegraph Jine, we entered the valley between the Wilson and Ram- say Ranges, and reached our camp, situated close by a beautifully clear, fern-bordered creek. The camp consisted of two large sleeping tents and à dining tent large enough to accammodate the whale party, Our surroundings were made as comfortable as many willing hands could make them, and we settled down to enjoy our stay. The clear running stream close by provided us with good walter, both for consump- tion and bathing, the latter being specially enjoyed, notwithstanding the presence of numerous Jeeches and oc- 339 casional scrubeticks. After fixing up the canip, the remainder of the day was devoted |a explnring our immedi- ate surroundings. Tuesday.—Early rising is the rule with our Club camps, and 5 o'clack a.m. was nol considered too early to start our day's operations, A morning dip, then breakfast and away, was our programme. This morning an carly stari was made for Sealers’ Cove, on the eastern coast. The track com- menced not far from our camp, where it followed up the very steep northern slope of the Oberon Range to what ts known as the Bad Saddle. It is here that the telegraph line, which con- nects Foster on the mainland with the lighthouse on the extreme southern- most point of the Promontory, crosses this range. The Sealers’ Cove track proper commences near this saddle, and winds about aloug and near the top of the Wilson Range to a saddle connecting Mounts Ramsay and Wil- son, from where it descends in a gradual and easy prade along the slopes of the hills inta Scalers’ Cove. This track was formed under the supervision of the Public Works De- pariment for the Committee of Man- ugement, and covers a distance of about seven miles, It is about 4 feet broad, and is consipucted for riding or walking. [t opens up some maenifi- cent fern gullies, both on the western and eastern slopes, some of the large Slender-stemmed Tree-ferns, Cyathea Cunninghamt, in the eastern gullies towering fully 50 feet high. The scen- ery along this track is all that can be desired. On the western side of the saddle it commands extensive views over the Tidal River valley and ad- jacent fills and the ocean beyond, with the islands standing out clearly, while From the easteru slopes are ob- tained beautiful views of the Wilson Range opposite. and Sealers’ Cove, 340 with the Cliffy Tsland group, in the distance. Numerous small streamlets cross the track, and well+sheltered camping places have been formed for Ihose desiring to pass the night among the hills. Iu places the track passes among ard under greal tree-ferns, blackwoods, and lilly-pillies, where the Lyre-birds, recently introduced, have already established themselves; or through dense growths of tall hazel, musk, and blanket-wood scrub, and along the old deserted tramway track, finally opening upon the broad sandy beach, immediately opposite .a long jetty running into deep water, on the southern side of which the Sealers’ Creek empties itself, The jetty, originally erected for the purpose of loading timber cut by a saw-mill then situated ocar the beach, has long been neglected and fallen inlo decay, but it is understood this is now ta be put Into good repair. fi will then be possible for parties to land here from the small coastal Steamers, and walk or ride through the Park to the mainland. Although, as a rule, the dense growth of the timber and undergrowth on the steep slopes of the hills on either side of the track would not permit of any divergence for collecting purposes, there were opportunities on the track itself for a certain amount of col. lectina and observation. Bird and plant life was observed as we passed along, while fallen timber, etc., was turned over in search of ground- frequenting animals. Birds were fairly numerous, but often difficult to recog- nize. Among those noted were the Coachwhip-bird, Prophades crepitans, Thickhead, Pachycephala olivacea, White-eared Honey-eater, Priloris leu- cotis, Ryfous Fantail, R&ipidura rufi- frens, White-shatted Fantail, R. albis- ceapa, Striated Tit, Acanthiza lineata, Yellow-rumped Tit, A. chrysorrhoa, White-eve, Zosterops coerulescens, Vitt Nat, Vol. 89 Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus funeteus, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Cacatua galerila, and Gang-Gang Cockatoo, Culacephalon — galeatum. All along the track the common lizards Hinulia quoyi ond H. whiter were exceedingly numerous, and sev- eral Blue-tongued Lizards, Cyclodus, were Seen, The trip occupied the whole day. and was full of interest, and, notwith- standing the rather long walk, none regretted the undertaking. Wednesday.—lt was arranged to devote today tó a visit ta Oberon Bay via the western Bad Saddle. Untor- tunately, shortly after our early start a finc rain came on, and continued at intervals throughout the morning, The first part of our journey followed along the northern foot of Mount Oberon, where, at one time, a nat- tow cattle track could be followed. This had, however, become quite overgrown, and we had ro make a track for ourselves, in some places ihrough tangled masses of scrub and sword-grass reaching over our heads. The wet scrub and the falling rain soom saturated our clothes, while the heavy mists quite obscured the mountain tops, We, however, pushed on, and soon found ihe track leading wp the steep motuntuin side to the Bad Saddle. The long, steep climb was rather trying for some of the party, but, had the day been clear, the fine view tà be obtained would have quite repaid the exertion.’ Descending the mountain on the Oberon Bay side was much more easily accomplished, and we had a good view over the bay and af Mount Norgate (1,390 feet} while winding round the hillsides to the beach. Crossing Growler’s Creek al it mouth, we traversed the broad, clean, sandy beach to a small creek at its southern end, Following this up for a short distance, we entered December, 1972 upon the well-known grassy Hab be- hind the sand-hills, the hame af scares of Koalas, to Fraser’s Creek, where we lynched on the exact spat where the Club's first party camped in De- cember, 1905, A light lunch and a hot cup of lea soon restored our spirils, notwithstanding the occasional light showers and our wet clothes. Numbers of Kowlas were seen, and numerous photographs taken, Atten- tion was drawn to the numbers of dead or dying guni-trees in the flat, nearly all of which had been quite or pariially depleted of their foliage within the last few years by the Koalas which frequent this sheltered locality. Owing to the slate of rhe wenther, it was decided to make an early start back to camp. As we reached the steep slopes of Oberon again the weather cleared considerably, so that a good view of the surrounding coun- try and islands was obtained. Descend- ing the mountain, we varied our course by following along Norman Bay ta the Tidal River, thence across country tà camp. Thursday,—Today seven members of the party visited Lilly-pilly Gully, situated among the hills near the head of the Tidal River; two others explored the Bad Saddle and part of ihe Sealers’ Cove track; while three elected to return to the Darby, and sô save à long walk on the following day. Lilly-pilly Gully, so named from the presence af numerous Lilly-pillies, Eugenia Smithli, was only recently explored by the Committee of Man- agement, with rhe result that a short bridle-track has been formed into it. This has made accessible what proves to be the most beautiful of the fern- gullies in the National Park. The growth of the ferns of various kinds i wonderful, the Polypodium cover- ing the ground and tree-trunks, while 341 enormous lilly-pillies and blackwoods are plentiful. The Siender-stemmed Tree-fern, Cyathea Cunningham, is common, growing to a height of 20 or 30 feet. The gully should be of particular interest to the botanist, and is deserving of a more careful survey than we were able to give to it, It is in its wild state, and, so far, un- touched by bushfires. An enjoyable and interesting. day was spent here, and we returned to camp well satisfied with the trip, Fritlay.—We broke up camp at an early hour, and, packing our horses, relurned to the Darby in time for mid-day lunch. After a rest here we confined our journey io the Vereker rest-house, which was reached about 6 o'clock, Our evening meal, as on a previous visit, was prolonged by a few speeches in which members took the opportunity to express their ap- pieciation of the valuable work done by the Committee of Management in opening up and stocking the Park, ànd the facilities afforded tourists for seeing its beauties. To show their ap- préciation m a practical manner, the members unanimously decided lo Subscribe five shillings each towards providing additional conveniences in the rest-houses, Saturday,— After an early break- fast, our belongings were packed up and taken aboard the motor-boat awaiting us, and a pleasant irip across the inlet terminated an enjoyable eight days’ camp in the National Park. From a collector's view, 1 am afraid that this irip will add little to our knowledge of the fauna and flora of the Park, In zoology, nothing desery- ing of special mention was obtained beyond what has: already been re- corded in the Nateralisr. I am indebted to Mr. Barnard for the Following notes on the botanical 342 features of the trip, He says: —"En- tering the Park at the Vereker land- ing, one could not help being struck by the unique effect created by the niühierous fine banksia trees, Banksia senata, which at a little distance have the appearance of a well-tended erchard, Their flowering spikes in many cases were from nine to twelve inches Jong and proportionately thick. When the seeds are ripe they form a favourite article of diet of the Black Cockatoos. Here and there were fine spikes of the Pink Spotted Orchid, Dipodium punctatum. At the Darby River we found a nice fringe of shrubs and plants along the hank, comprising many species, among which Swainsona lessertifolia was conspicuons by its dark purple flowers. The plants of the Promontory have been so well listed by the two previous Club excursions and the three special collecting trips organized hy the National Herbarium, the re- sults of which have appeared in the Naturalist, that there is no necessity to again refer (o the several species in detail. During the walk to Tongue Point several novelties to the new- comer were seen, such as T'/romosia petalocelyx, a shrub with pretty pink flowers, belonging to the nalural order Sterculiacez; the red-flowered variety of Correa speciosa, Correa alha, and Alyxia buxifolia. Kurzea cortfolia had been making a fine show, but was just over. During the walk to Tidal River the Wedding-bush, Ricinocar- pus pinifolius, was found in fruit, and the reason for tts generic name easily seen, for they resembled in miniature those of the well-known castor-oil tree. Large patches of Coral Fern were seen near the Tidal River, while in the moister parts the delicate purple flowers of the Bladderwort, Utricu- laria dichotoma, were fairly common. it had been anticipated (hat some plants ot shrubs would have oc- Vict. Nal. Vol. 89 cured io sufficient abundance lo have piven colour to the landscape, but at the time of our visit half an acre or so of Hakea pusieniformis, with ereamy white flowers, was the only decided patch we came across. Farler in the season Paltenoca daplmoides and P. Muelleri, which occurred m abundance near the site of our camp, must have given a tinge of colour to that locality, During the trip to Sealers’ Cove, knowing that the list of ferns recorded could probably be aug- mented, 1 devoted some attention to those plants, and added Lomaría fluvi- atilis to the list, IL is quite probable other species will yet be found here, bur our time was too limited to allow us to leave ihe track. Many shady fern-glades were passed which one would have liked to have stopped and explored, but they had to be rapidly passed by. Many of the tree- ferns were clothed with Aspleniuem Hlaccidyn, a somewhat rare fern in the gullies nearer Melbourne. A search was made for seedlings of Cyathea — Cunninghumi, a tree-fern which most of us saw for the first lime in a state of nature: and, though full-grown specimens twenty to forty feet high were fairly abundant, and thousands of seedlings of Dicksonias and Alsophilas, the other two tree- ferns, could be seen alongside the track, only a solitary specimen which appeared to be a Cyathea was de- tected, Was it want of experience, or is the Cyathea a relic of past limes, for no Cyatheas were seen under fifteen to twenty feet high. The ab- sence of the Silver Wattle along the track, and, in fact, the few acacias recorded for the National Park. is one of its striking featitres tò one used to the mountain-sides nearer Melbourne, During the trip to Oberon Bay the Common Heath, Epacris impressa, was flowering freely, but nearly always stunted, and almost smothered by the adjacent vegetation. Trailing on the sand-hills along the coast, Lonis australis, with its pretty pink pea-shaped flowers Was conspicuous in several places. The fual day of our stay Was devoted to the upper Tidal River, where à track had recently been opened Into a tern gully, which proved ta be one of Nature's fairy- lands. Though we were unable to pet very far up the gully, some five-and- twenty species of ferns were noted, the feature of the gully being the won- derful growth of a Polypodium which seems to agree with P, scandens, but as that species and P. pustalatam are sa closely allied, and, in fact, seem to run into one another, it can only be provisionally recorded as new for the Park, However, Aspidium decompasi- fien Was found here, which has mot yet been recorded for the Park, and another record is the variety bipinnati- fida of Lomaria discolor. of which many fine plants were seen, The Polypodium not only grew on the tree- trunks up io twenty feet above the ground, but covered large areas of the ground fo fhe exclusion of other species. These additions bring the fern flora of the Park up to thirty-six specles, or just half the Victorian list; but no doubt other species could be added if more time were available.” The total cost of our eight days’ trip. which includes railway fare, hire of pack horses, tents, provisions, etc., and camp assistant, amounted to £2 18s. 4d. per member, or at the rate of 7s. 34d. per day. In conclusion, I desire to express my thanks and those of the party to Mr. J, G. O'Donoghue, whose assist- ance and advice throughout the trip was greatly appreciated, and to Messrs. J. Shephard, J. Barr, T. G. O'Donoghve, OQ, W- Rosenhain, and B, L. Stanton for the loan of most of the photographs used to iliustrate this report.—J4s. A. KERSHAW. 343 A New Sarcochilus species from Northern Queensland by Davi L. Janes SARCOCHILUS SERRULATUS, D. L. Jones spec. nav. Planta epiphytica, staturae parvae vel mediae, foliis flaccidis tenuibus, ex affinitate S. olivacei a quo differt sic: marginibus foliorum distincte undulatis serrulatisque (haud integris); racemis clavatis floribus congestis; segmentis perianthii usque ad late spathulatis; lobis lateralibus labelli oblongis latisque; calcare prope basin fortiter dilatato, deinde apicem versus multo contracto; callo ciliato, callis lateralibus quam uno centrali paene altioribus; pede columnae curvato. Hotorvre: East Evelyn Tableland, North Queensland, at 980 metres — D. L, Jones, B. Gray & R. Collins, 31 July 1972 (MEL). Isoryees at MEL. BRIS. A small to medium sized pendulous epiphyte with à stem 1-2 cm long. Rools not numerous, slender about 1.5 mm in diameter. Leaves 3-6, 2,5-10 x 0.8-2.0 cm, + Oblong, ovate, falcate, flaccid, deep green; the margins undulate and dis- tinetly serrulate; the tips unequally emarginate. Racemes 2-4. cm long, clavate; the peduncle either shorter or longer that the rhachis. Pedicels 4-5 mm long, straight or curved, subtended by a broad, obtuse bract + | mm long. Flowers 2-10, 12-15 mm in dia- mieter, brown with white and yellow markings. Dorsal sepal 5-6 x 5-6 mm orbicular with à hroadly acute apex, brown with a white base. Lateral sepals 5-7 x 3-4 mm, broadly and unequally spathulate with an acute to cuspidate tip, brown with a white base. Petals 5-6 x 2-3 mm, obovate, brown with à white base. Labellum + 4 mm long white with brown and yellowish markings; lateral lobes about 4 x 2 mm, oblong, slightly curved forward in the upper half; mid- 344 Jobe 1.0 x 1.5 mm, erect, oblong, emar- Binate, thick and fleshy; spur about 3 mm long, + triangular, dilated at base, linear-obtuse in the distal half, callus at the proximal part grooved, ciliate. inclined backward, broader than tall; side calli not much higher than central one. Column 2.0 x 1.5 mm, fleshy; column foot 2.5 x 1.5 mm curved, fleshy. Stign 0.9-1.0 x 1.0-1.2 mm rhom- boidal, concave, Rostellum prominent, obtuse. Anther + 1.2 mm long, ridged, with a pointed rostrum. Pollinia 0,5 x 0.75 mm, orbicular, Stipe 0.75 mm long dilated towards apex. Retinaculum about 0.5 mm, obovate. Flowerlng Period: Usually August to October, but plants from very high elevations may [lower as late as January. Distribution: Confined to North Queensland, in the ranges surrounding and including the Atherton and Evelyn Tablelands and the ranges at the headwaters of the Mossman River, extending at least as far south as the Cardwell Ranges. Vick. Nat. Vol. 89 (I) oS DES rier wur n uo 5. Z X £ Plant — to indicated scale. Figure 1 Peduncle with flowers removed — to indicated scale. Flower from front — to scale x 3, Flower from side — to scale x 3. Median — longitudinal section of column and labellum — to scale x 4. Labellum from above — to scale x 4. Labellum from side— to scale x 5, Column from side — to scale x 5. Column from front — to scale x 10. Dorsal sepal flattened out — to scale x 4. Lateral petal flattened out — to scale x 4. (1) Lateral sepal flattened out — to scale x 4. (m) Pollinarium — to scale x 15. (n) Anther cap from side — to scale x 10. December, 1972 345 Discussion: The correct identity of this species lias in the past been confused with Sarochilus olivuceus Ldl. var. borealis, W. H. Nicholls. The wide disparity between the two species was first noticed by B. Gray of Atherton. This very observant and enthusiastic col- lector has been familiar with the new species for a number of years and brought the problem to my attention following a careful study of Ihe draw- ing accompanying the original descrip. tion of Sarachilus olivacens var. borealis. Upon checking the Holo- lype of the latter, which is situated at Melbourne Herbarium, I found that it was merely the North Queensland form of S. olivaceus, This form has been well illustrated by Dockrill.? Apart from their often smaller stature, plants of 5. olivaceus trom the tropics are identical with southern forms and it is doubtful tf the maintainance of var. borealis can be justified, Sarcochilus olivaceus and S, serru- latus have a large number of differences as shown in Table 1. S. serrudatus can readily be recognized by its brown flowers, with broad perianth segments, that are fairly crowded on the clavate peduncle. When not in flower it can be distinguished by its thin Aaccid leaves that have serrulate margins. The flowers of S, olivaceus may be brown or green with narrow segments, and are scattered along a slender peduncle. Its leaves ate thicker and have entire margins. $. falcatus R.Br, is the only other Australian species to have ser- rulate leaf margins, but its leaves are stiffly erect and much thicker than S.serrulatus. In the field 5, serrulatus is confined to the ranges and Tablelands, and does not seem to grow at less than 762 metres (2,500 ft) altitude. It seems to prefer densely shaded humid areas around small watercourses and may grow with S. olivacens, Acknowledgements The author wishes to express his gratitude to B. Gray of Atherton for friendly hospitality and the supply ot information and specimens; also to J. H. Willis for preparation of the latin description, REFERENCES L Nicholls, W, H., Sarcochilus oli- vaceus, an interesting variety from North Queensland. N. Qd Nat. 8: | (1939), 2. Dockrill, A. W., Australian Tndi- genous Orchids, 730 (1969). 3. Nicholls, W. H., Australian Orchids, complète edn 124, PL 460 (1969), ‘TABLE 1 Contrasting characters S. olivaceus Leaf margins slightly undulate, entire Peduncle slender. the flowers evenly &paced . Perianth segments linear spathulate Lateral lobes of labellum triangular and narrow Spur slightly dilated near base, only shortly narrow towards apex Callus glabrous, the side calli almost twice as high as the central ons Column foot straight 346 S. serritlatns Leaf margins markedly wudulate, serrulate Peduncle clavate, the flowers crowded Perianth segments orbicular, broadly spathulate or obovate Lateral lobes of labellum oblong and broad Spur dilated near base narrowing considerably towards apex Callus ciliate, the side calli not much higher than the central ane Column foot curved Viel. Nat. Vol. 89 Nature Petes from the Gold Coast by ALEX. N. BURNS. During the month of October I had to be absent from the Gold Coast from the middle almost to the end of the month, therefore my notes will cover observations for rhe latter part of September. and for 26 unti] 31 October, The first Richmond Birdwing (Or- nithoptera prions’ richmondius), a female, was observed on 25 Septem- ber; this specimen frequented the garden for two days when it was joined by another female. The next day both were gone, Apparently the spring brood of this fine butterfly was poor; hecause normally, nearing the middle of August until early October, both males and females are seen almost daily. Other butterflies, usually plenti- ful, have also been quite scarce; this applies particularly to the Meadow Argus (Precis villida calybe [Godt.]) and the Australian Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui kershawi [MeCoy]) both of which normally appear in large numbers during ihe early part of October, Sa far only odd specimens of each species have been noted, Up to the time I left the Gold Coast {14 October) the big lagoon at Currumbin was teeming with bird life; a conservative estimate of wild ducks of several species would be 500, the Ibis population grew to about 100, and many other interesting birds such as Spoonbills, Coots, and Herons would make up another 100 or more individuals, Two days after my return the weather broke and torrential rain which delivered 2662 points (from the paupe at the Sanctuary) in 48 heurs completely changed the entire natural history set up of the area, as December, 1972 well as some small parts of (he area itself, The leve] of the big lagoon rose many feet covering a long stretch of the Pacific Highway, and many acres of adjacent Jand with up to 6 fect of water. Almost immediately following thé cessation of this rain, ever! as the waters subsided, the bird life practically disappeared. Two days later, the wild duck population was down to about 30, all the fbises had gone, and of the other birds all that remained were less than a dozen Coots. The two Black Swans with the cygnets also remained together with less than. a dozen domestic Ducks. Although the other smaller Water Lily lagoons had been completely in- undated during the floods, very soon after the waters had subsided, the Water Lilies (mostly tbe blue Nym- phaea stellata) burst into fiower, many hundreds of flowers appearing almost at once, The Lotus Lilies also appeared to have received a "boost", in fact, this applied to all the different lypes of native, exotic and hybrid Water Lilies. Whilst the rains were "on", the Scrub Turkeys, Rock Wallabies, and Koalas in the Burleigh National Park apparently wisely, sought shelter; only one or two bedragsled and water- soaked turkeys turned up at the usual feeding spot. A couple of days finc weather soon brought about a return to normal, and the usual numbers appeared at feeding me. Even the Frilled Lizards appeared again in their usual “basking” spots amongst the rocks. The male scrub turkey who has no less than seven females at the nesting mound has taken over com- plete control at feeding time; the 347 females are driven off in all directions and slices of bread are even snatched from the wallabies. This behaviour is certainly not due to any shortage of food. The last couple of days has brought a return of specimens of the heautiful Regent Skipper Butterfly (Euschenan raffleaie rafflesia [Macl]}, and just after sunset numerous Hawk Moths (Sphingidae-Heteracera) appear at garden flowers, Amongst the latter are examples of the pretty Brush Tail species. (Macroglossum spp.7), An- other fine moth that has also appeared is the beautiful day flying Agaristid, Agarista agricola. Specimens of the beautiful insect have been noted al Burleigh and Currumbin. Victorian Non-Marine Molluses — No. 12 Brea J. SMITH" Genus Helicarion This is a group of slug-like snaifs, helonging to the family Helicarionidae, which occur fairly commonly in all the eastern States of Australia. The genus is characterised by a relatively small, thin, fragile, almost transparent shell, associated with a large animal that, in some species, is too big to completely retract into the shell. The shell is. com- posed entirely of a horny material, con- chin, and it is thought by many that the group is well on the evolutionary way towards loss of the shell in favour ef greater mobility and flexibility. When crawling, the animal has two lateral folds of skin which are drawn up over the shell. The animal has à long tail which is flattened laterally into a sharply keeled structure and ter minated by a prominent mucus gland. The species are all fairly similar and there appears to be quite a deal of in- dividual variation in colour but there are probably only two species in Vic- toria. Helicarion cuvieri, Ferussay, 1823 Shell nearly twice as long as wide and a vellowy-green in colour. Animal grey to buff with large mantle flaps. The animal appears to be fairly slow and sluggish in its movements. 348 This species is Fairly rare and seems te be confined to East Gippsland and southern: N.S.W. and Tasmania. Je may also occur on Wilson's Promon- tory. Average length of shell js 12- i5 mm. Heticarion niger (Quoy & Gaimard, 1832) This is a smaller, darker and more active ani widespread species than the previous one. The shell is almost as broad as long and varies from a dark yellowy red to a deep rufus brown and in some specimens is extremely shiny. The animal grades from a mid grey to black. Average length of shell is &- 12 mm. This species is widespread over the forest and coastal scrub areas of eastern Victoria and also occurs in southern N.S.W. and Tasmania. "Curator of Invertebrates, National Museum of Victoria, Fig. 1: Helicarion cuvieri. (Drawing by Miss Rhyllis Plant) Vict. Nat. Vol, 89 Ancient Soils at Diamond Bay, Victoria by + E. C. F. Biro’ ABSTRACT Ancient soils (termed palacosols) are present at several levels within the calcareous dunes and aeolian catcarenites of ihe Nepean Peninsula, The lowest (ic, oldest) palaeosol in the upper. unconsolidated 33 dune sands contains carbonaceous male E 50 + 110 years B.P. This indicates a Holocene age for these unconsolidated dune sands, às distinct rial which gave a radiocirbon dale of from the underlying aeolian zalcarenites, which date from the Pleistocene. The Nepean Peninsula, extending from Cape Schanck westwards to the entrance to Port Phillip Bay (Fig. 1), consists of a number of superimposed calcareous dune formations. At the surfuce the dune sands are unconsoli- dated, partly stabilised by a cover of scrub vegetation and partly active, especially along the southern or ocean coast, where blowouts have developed and the prevailing westerly winds are driving sand inland. Near Sorrento the crests of these dunes rise more than 200 [cet above sea level, Be neath the modern dune topography, older dune formations have been lithi- fied by secondary carbonate deposi- tion ta form acolian calcarenites, and On the ocean coas| these have been exposed and cut back by marine erosion 1o form rugged cliffs at the back of broad shore platforms ex- posed at low tise, Aeolian calcarenites Cliff sections show much variation in rock type within the aeolian cal- carenjtes. There are outcrops of co- herent. sandstone (typically 50 to 90 percent carbonate, the remainder mainly quartz) showing bedding char- acteristic of the internal structure of dunes, There are intervening tayers of white or brown calcrete, a sandy Jimestone formed by carbonate pre- cipitation at or near the surface of dune topography (typically over 80 December, 1972 per cent carbonate, the brawn colora- lion being due to iron oxide stain ing). Often the calcrete layers are overlain by ancient soils (termed palacosols) containing relics of a Fór- mer plant cover, chiefly root systems preserved in cylindrical — calcrete (termed rhizoconcretions). Palaeosols associated with aeolian calcarenite are generally 1 to 2 feet thick, and red, brown or yellow in colour due to the presence of iron oxides; they vary in texture from sandy silts to silty clays, and show little profile de- velopment. Frequently their contact with the underlying calcrete is irregü- lar, with downward protrusions known as soil pipes, These have been described, and their geomorphological consequences discussed, in a previous paper (Bird 1970). These soils, now interbedded with dune sands, must have formed on land surfaces during phases of topographic stability, when ihe dunes were colon- ised and fixed by a vegetation cover. The underlying calcrete is the result of subsoil precipitation of carbonates dissolved «and leached fram the soil by percolating rainwater, corrosive because of its dissolved atmospheric carbon dioxide, and further acidified by organic acids derived from plant humus produced under the vegetation cover. Upward movement of ground water containing dissolved carbonates “Reader an Geography, University of Melbourne. 349 derived from the underlying calcar- enile may also have contributed to calcrete formation, but this 3mplies a phase of arid climate, which is difi- cult to reconcile with the evidence of a considerable vegetation cover on the ancient dunes. The presence of silt and clay in the palaeosols raises a problem, for the soils have developed on caleareaus dunes, the nature of which can be de- duced from the underlying dune sand- stones. These are usually well-sorted fine ta medium quartz and carbonate sands, with very little silt and clay. In a discussion of this problem, Nevile (1970) concluded that the silt and clay fraction in the palaeosals was of extraneous origin, probably in the form of wind-borne accessions to soils developing on a vegetated and ropo- graphically stable dune landscape. Possible sources included volcanic ash generated by eruptions in western Victoria, or similar material winnowed from the weathered surface of the basalt plains, and delivered to this area by westerly winds, Typical features of aeolian cal- P MELBOURNE JS? "s fe ait y SAY y ^ M, ? GEELONG Bellarine Peninsula. o y X. S 2 E j PI %. eo Shay ck " TEX Dune calesieniie a E ww ee es c Shore pleifarms Figure 1 350 carenite are shown in Plate 1, à sec- tion in the cliffs on the shore of Dia- mond Hay. Near the base of the cliff is a massive calcrete layer (C), rela- lively resistant and protruding as a structura! ledge. Immediately above fhis is a red-brown sandy clay palae- osol (P), some five feet thick, and showing layering suggestive af slaw vertical accretion. Evidence of con- temporary vegetation is present in the form of calcateous rhizoconcretions, Underlying dune sandstone is exposed in the adjacent cliff, where the cal- crete and palaeoso| horizons risé to a higher level, and it is clear that these horizons developed on the surface of an ancient dune: they commemorate an interval of topographic stability when the dune landscape was fixed by a vegetation cover for a sufficient period for soil formation (pedogene- sis) to occur, Thereafter, a younger dune (D) developed, its advance from left to right being marked by succes- sive frontal laminae, preserved as lightly-cemented layers of ‘biscuit- rock’; it buried the pre-existing vege- lation, and the phase of pedogencsis came to an end (cf. Fig. 2 in Bird 1970). Tn turn the younger dune be- came stabilised, for there is another palaeosol, with rhizoconeretlons, at the top of the cliff. This, too, is overlain by unconsoli- dated dune sands (Plate 2). There are many such sections on the ocean eoast of the Nepean Penin- suta, and it is evident that there has been a long history of dune accre- tion, interrupted by phases of topo- graphic stability marked by (he palae- osols, the rhizoconcretions, and the calerete layers. The sequence is one of great complexity. Iu cliff sections the calcrete and palaeosol horizons tise and fall, delineating ancient dune topography; they vary in thickness, are truncated, and sometimes bifur- cate in a manner thal indicales local Vick. Nat, Vol. 89 and temporary development of blow- outs and sand spills during periods of general topographic stability. The onset of widespread instability, marked by the advance of wind-blown sand over previously stabilised dune topography, could be related either to a weakening of the vegetation cover by increasing aridity, or to a change of sea level. A falling sea level would lay bare unconsolidated sands on the emerging sea floor, and if the climate were then arid these could become a source of new dunes. How- ever, the relationship of successive waves of transgressive dunes to the Plate 1. December, 1972 lee of existing shorelines is better ex- plained as a consequence of dune initiation during episodes of sea level rise, when blowouts developed on sandy coastal terrain cut back by wave attack. Dune stabilisation, conversely, is favoured where a humid climate permits the luxuriant growth of vege- tation over dunes, and is more likely to occur when sea level is stable or falling than during episodes of marine transgression. The aeolian carcarenite exposed above present sea level, rising locally more than 100 feet, is only a part of the sequence developed on the Nepean 351 Peninsula. In the Sorrento bore, dune sandstones were encountered to a depth of 428 feet below sea level, in formations interspersed with layers of marine sand, clay, and limestone (Chapman, 1928). Deposition of this thick sequence probably spanned much of the Quaternary time. The dunes now below sea level may have formed during the episodes of world- wide ocean lowering that accom- panied the colder phases of the Pleis- tocene, but they may also owe their position, at least in part, to the tec- tonic subsidence that has occurred on the downthrown (western) side of Selwyn Fault (Keble, 1950). Fossil remains of an extinct giant kangaroo species in aeolian calcarenite near present sea level at Sorrento have been taken as evidence of a Pleisto- cene age for these rocks (Gregory, 1901), and it is assumed that the overlying unconsolidated dune sands (including still-active dunes) include deposits of Recent (ie. Holocene) age. Evidence in support of this as- sumption is adduced below. Unconsolidated sands Sections on the sides of blowouts in the dunes which cap calcarenite cliffs at Diamond Bay show at least three dark grey to black soil horizons, each containing carbonaceous ma- terial derived from a former plant cover. These, too, are palaeosols, though they differ from those in the aeolian calcarenites in their colour and texture, and in the absence of underlying calcrete layers. Carbonate precipitation has occurred locally around plant roots, but the processes which form calcrete layers have not yet been effective here. The sharp con- trast in degree of lithification of the unconsolidated sands and the sub- jacent aeolian calcarenites betokens a definite break in sedimentation, the palaeosol at the top of the calcaren- 352 ites indicating a prolonged phase of topographic stability. The dark palaeosols in the uncon- solidated sands mark phases of tem- porary stability, separated by the ac- cretion of dunes of varying thick- ness. Carbonaceous material extracted from the lowest of these palaeosols in the cliff-top dunes at Diamond Bay (Plate 2) gave a radiocarbon date of 5350 + 110 years B.P. (GaK- 3820). indicating a Holocene age for this soil. The overlying dunes, some 50 feet thick, thus represent about five thousand years of sand accretion. Palaeosols at higher levels are pene- trated by modern roots, but these were not present in the sampled soil horizon. Charcoal from a similar dark soil horizon in dune sands behind Arm- strong Bay, between Warrnambool and Port Fairy, yielded a comparable radiocarbon date, 5120 + 120 years B.P. (Gill, 1967). This was also of interest in that it post-dated the final eruption of nearby Tower Hill vol- cano, some 7000 years ago (Gill, 1972), By the time soils were form- ing On unconsolidated dunes at Dia- mond Bay, the airborne accessions thought to have influenced the tex- ture, thickness, and development of palaeosols associated with the aeolian calcarenites may no longer have been available. Evidence from Diamond Bay may be taken to indicate that the aeolian calcarenites here are of Pleistocene age. the overlying dune sands being a Holocene addition. The intervening phase of topographic stability marked by the palaeosol which caps the aeolian calcarenites may have coin- cided with the low sea level episode that occurred late in Pleistocene times. If so, the development of modern, transgressive coastal dunes is related to the rise of sea level during the past 20,000 years (the Holocene Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 marine transgression), the dunes be- ing initiated on a receding shoreline when previously stabilised sandy ter- rain was cut back by wave attack to expose sand to the action of onshore winds. The first phase of topographic stability in the unconsolidated sands at Diamond Bay thus occurred after the sea attained its present level some 6000 years ago. Subsequent instability has been en- gendered partly by continuing cliff recession, and partly by the impact of man. Cliff-top kitchen-middens con- tain charcoal, indicating the use of fire by the Aborigines. It is likely that weakening of dune vegetation by fires set by the Aborigines led to renewed blowout formation. Since the begin- ning of the 19th century there has been the more severe impact of graz- ing and trampling by European settlers and their introduced animals, notably rabbits; an impact compound- ed in recent years by the arrival of such devices as beach buggies and trail bikes. Dune erosion has become extensive in a phase when, under natural environmental conditions, there would probably have been pre- vailing topographic stability. REFERENCES Bird, E. C. F. (1970).—Shore potholes at Diamond Bay, Victoria, Victorian Nat., 87: 312-8. Chapman, F. £(1928).—The Sorrento Bore, Rec. Geol. Surv. Victoria, 5: 1-195. Gill. E. D. (1967).—Evolution of the Warrnambool-Port Fairy coast, Land- form Studies from Australia and New Guinea (eds.: J. N. Jennings, J. A. Mabbutt): 341-64. Gill, E. D. (1972).—Eruption date of Tower Hill volcano, Victorian Nat., 89: 188-92, Gregory, J. W. (1901).—Some remarks on an extinct kangaroo in the dune rock of the Sorrento peninsula, Proc. Roy. Soc., Victoria, 14: 139-44. Keble, R. A. (1950).—The Mornington Peninsula, Mem. Geol. Surv., Victoria, 17: 1-84, Nevile, A. (1970).—The dune calcaren- ites of the Nepean Peninsula, Unpub- lished Hons. Thesis, Geography De- partment, Melbourne University. The cliffs at Diamond Bay, showing aeolian calcarenites (left) overlain by unconsolidated sands, partly scrub-covered, marks the palaeosol, exposed in a blowout, from which a sample was taken for radiocarbon dating. December, 1972 353 ENTOMOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT Butterfly nets, pins, store-boxes, etc. We are direct importers and manufacturers and specialise in Mail Orders (write for free price list) Australian Entomological Supplies 35 Kiwong St., Yowie Bay, Sydney, 2228 Phone: 524 4614 “Wilson's Promontory”, written by J. Ros Garnet, would be an excellent publi- cation to take on an excursion to this part of Victoria. Price 65c; or 55c from F.N.C.V. bookstall. F.N.C.V. PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THE WILD FLOWERS OF THE WILSON'S PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK, by J. Ros Garnet. Price $5.25, (discount to members); postage 20c. VICTORIAN TOADSTOOLS AND MUSHROOMS, by J. H. Willis. This describes 120 toadstool species and many other fungi. There are four coloured plates and 31 other illustrations. Price 90c. Postage 11c. THE VEGETATION OF WYPERFELD NATIONAL PARK, by J. R. Garnet. Coloured frontispiece, 23 half-tone, 100 line drawings of plants and a map. Price $1.50. Address orders and inquiries to Sales Officer, F.N.C.V., National Herbarium, South Yarra, Victoria. Payments should include postage (15c on single copy). 354 Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 The Hatching of Huntsman Spiderlings by LEIGH WINSOR Huntsman spiderlings are released from ihe egg case by their mother. The female spider cuts perforations in ihe egg case and tears along these to fartn a hole through which the spider- lings emerge. An account of ihis hatching be- haviour (McKeown 1952) does not record the making of perforations. A female Huntsman spider (Delena cancerides) with her egg case, was found beneath eucalypt bark near Healesville, 40 miles East of Mel- bourne. They were taken to Mel- bourne and housed in a large jar con- taining bark and twigs. Water on a cotton pellet and live flies were pro- vided, The female secured the egg ease to the wall of the jar. She re- mained inactive, covering the egg case with her body, except when feeding, In the evening, six days following capture, the female spider, using her fangs, began perforating the egg case. The perforations were 0.Scm from the periphery on the upper surface, During this operation the egg case was steadied by the six fore legs, the spider balancing on the two rear legs. She rhythmically pushed with her fangs, resting frequently, until 2 hours later, à 2 om, semicircular incision had been made. On close examination this in- cision was not a continuous cut, but 3 row of pin-point holes (Fig 1). The female spider then concentrated on the apical region of the perforate incision until a hole 0.4 em. x 0.3 cm. had been enlarged (Fig 2). During this procedure the palps were intro- duced inta the hole and used to re- tract the flap by pressing outwards. Only one or two millimetres o£ case . tore al a time, requiring considerable effort. Perforating the dry, tough, parch- ment-like egg case produced a loud noise which had originallly directed my attention to ihe hatching process. Whilst working, the female spider salivated freely, probably to soften the tough silk and sid penetration. On several occasions tbe egg case had to be resecured tò the sides of the jar because it was dislodged during pull- ing at the flap. Twa and a half hours since begin- ning, the hole had been enlarged and a spiderling emerged remaining close to the mother (Fig 3). Work on the hole continued and more spiderlings emerged, Only to be pushed back in- side the egg case by the mother’s palps. December, 1972 355- The following moruing the spider- lings were covering the egg case, pro- lected by the female straddling them with her body, The spiderlings, 0.4 cnr. long, had translucent pale green abdomens with brown cephalothorax and dark eye cluster, Their legs were brown, translucent, with darker brown concentric rings along their length, These observations indicate the sig- nificance of perforations made by the female, in constructing an exit for Spiderlings in the egg case of a Hunts- man spider, REFERENCE McKeown, K, C.—Ausiralian Spiders 2nd Edit 1952. Angus and Robertson. Winifred Waddell, M.B.E., MSc. Faunder Native Plants Preservation Society Teacher and tutor in mathematics, artist, lover of native plants, indo- mitable and single-mimded in her work to preserve them through the society she founded, and all other means; warm-hearted friend, winner of the Aust. Natural History Medallion in 196¢ (in which year she was also awarded the M.B.E- for outstanding services to natural history) — all that js true of Winifred Waddell, yet it is the barest outline of the woman known to her friends for her almost fierce devotion to the preservation of native plants. Those of us who knew her well will always remember her welcoming "Come in m'dear. Nice to see you", her sympathy and understanding in sorrow or illness, and her enthusiasm as she pointed out some wildflower in her garden, saying with affectionate pride, “The dear little fellow is doing his stuff. Nothing was too good for hèr friends, but they were unworthy of notice i£ she thought they fell short of her ideal of serviee to "Pres." — her usual abbreviation of Native Plants Preservation Society, although they were taken back into favour with warmth and an unreserved apology if she found she had been mistaken. Her friends were glad to work with 356 her — even to the point of exhaustion sometimes—ain helping ta create or protect wildBower sanctuaries, and her appreciation Was generous. For this writer memory brings back many things from a friendship of over thirty years, and any good that has come trom the book, Wildflowers of Victoria, is due to her, Tt was her conception; her insistence that caused it ta be written, and her determination and energy thal resulted in its publica- tion, A memorial is planned for her, and donations toward it can be sent to Mr. D, Dunn, 3 Allfrey Street, East Brighton 3187. There are already memorials in the society she founded, and the N.P.P-S- Wildflower sanctuaries scaltered through Victoria — for so Jong as we can preserve them. Even more endur- ing will be the Jove of native plants in the lives of many who learned it from her, through friendship, through her work with children, and especially through the tmany wildflower sanc- tuaries established and maintained in Schoolgrounds, but if is felt that the Native Plants Preservation Society should establish a more tangible memorial though its form has mot yet been decided. Vict. Nat. Vol. 89 Field Naturalists Club of Victoria General Meciing I3 Navember A danger thai ustal gathering Was preseni for Ihe annual Natural History Medallion award meeting The President, Mr. Tom Sault, was in the chair, and after welcoming members and visitors he announced the death of Mr. Hugh Stewart. Miss Young spoke briefly and a minute's silence was observed in tribute to Mr. Stewart's life and work, The presentation of the 1972 Natural History Medallion to Mr, Alan Axel Strom was made by the Hon. W: A. Borthwick, Minister for Conservation. Mr. Borthwick expressed his pleasere at being asked to present (he award. He said that he regarded il as very important that this year's award had gone to a leacher, aad thal Mr. Strom was one of those responsible for developing sensi- tivity and new value judgments in the rising generation. In reply Mr. Strom commended the Clubs nation-wide approach to -the Medallion award; he said he hoped that this was indicative af the development ut a nalional altitude towards conserva. tion, Mr. Strom later delivered the ud- uress [or the evening, entitled “Canserva+ tion Education". A vote of thanks was moved by Mr, Ros Garnet, a previous Medallion winner. Another holder of the Medallion, Miss Jean Galbraith, was also present. Lists of correspondence, newspaper clippings and copies of same letters were on display, and ulso 3 copy of the Act to establish the Victorian Ministry of Con- servation, which the Secretary recom- mended members to study. He alsa cam- -mented on a letter from the Dandenong Valley Authority, inviting the Club to make suggestions for improvements. to the Edithvale Swamn. The President appealed for nomina- tions for the remaining vacancy on Council, and announced that Council was considering à memora! to Norman Wake- field. Suggestions as lo the form this should take would be welcome. The Secretary invited members 1o a barbecue at his home of 16 December. Tickets Would be $1 each and proceeds would go to the Wakefield memorial. Mr. Riordan also sard that Miss Lorna December, 1972 Banfield's offer to donate a large set of the "Naturalis" had been answered by several lurge ergsnisatrons, aincludine University snd CS.LR.O. libraries, He suggested (hat there may be ether mem- bers willing to domle sets nf the "Naturalist", i Botany Group 12 October Dr, Gretna Weste, of the Botany School, University of Melbourne, spoke an "The Invasion of Victarian Forests by , Phytophthora ctainenoni. This root-rot fungus causes ink disease of chestnuts and other déciduaus trees an Britain and little-teaf disease of pines in Europe, but in Australia is best known as the cause of "dieback" in eucalvpts. Jt has caused terrible devastation since 1936 in jarrah forests. OF Western Australia, where it was studied intensively by Frank Podger, who, when on a. 1969 visit to Victoria, identified it as the cause of the yellowing and browning-oll of gráss-trees (Xanthor- rhoea eustrolis) in the Brisbane Ranges. Very troublesome in Queensland and New South Wales, it reached Victona through coastal East Gippsland, where dicback in Silvertop forests (Encalyptus séeberi) has been severe, Unfortunately it has reached Wilson's Promontory. and obviously it is a major threat to the future of all our national parks and forest reserves. Dr, Weste mentioned a number of methads being tried to prevent iis spread, one drastic way being the clearing of all trees and shrubs in a re- stncled area, decontamination of soil, and sowing to grass, which is immune to attack, leaving the grassland for three years before jeaftorestation. For a full account of this menace, sce Dr. Weste's article in Victoria's Resourcer, Vol, 14, No, 3. pp. 27-30: A Sinister Invóder. Reports were given on the group's second excursion ta (he Coranderrk bushe land adjoining the Sir Colin MacKenzie Sanctuary at Healesville. 9 November This was 2 thembers' night, in which four Contributarg showed colour slides and gave a COmmentary on them. First, Mr, Ian Cameron recalled picinrially some of the highlights of the F.N C.V. Easter excursion to King Island, and in- 357 cluded some photographs he took on à visit loa penguin rookery aftcr the main party had flown back to Melbourne. He then took us visually tẹ South Africa, to enjoy the colourful glories of the Kirsten- bosch Botanic Gardens, and on to Har vard University (Cambridge, Massa- chusetts) t sec femarkable glass-blown "plants" by an Austrian craftsman. Neat, Mr, Tan Morrison continued the King Island theme, not confining his slides 10 botany — for example, a closc-up of the beautiful green White-lipped Snake (photographed while being held by King Island “botanist, Mr. Paul Barnett, whose fine native garden the F.N.C.V. party visited later in their stay), Mr. Jim Baines dealt with Tasmanian flora. most of those shown being endemic species, among them Tasmanian Waratah [Tele- pea truncata}, fitst seen by the January 1965 F.N,C. V. excurssónisls when accam panied to the summit of Mount Welling- ton by Dr, Winifred Curtis, author al the three-volume "Students Flora of Tas- mania", Mountain Rocket (Bellendeno montana), Tasmanian Laurel [Anos pterus — glindulosies), Horizontal (the notorious scrub hazard) (Anodopetalum bighandelosant), seen on the wav to the west coast, Mersey Lily or Christmas Bels (Blondfordia marginata) and various species of Richen, including the huge heath, Pandani (R. pandenifatia), Deciduous Beech (Mofhofagus gunnii) and King Billy Pine (Athrotaxis selagi- noides}. as well as several endemic euca- lypts. This excursion, recalled by some 33 the best of the interstate trips, was unfortunately never published im the Victorian Naturalist, Miss Marie Allen- ders slides of King Island completed a most varied, interesting evening. Day Group Report As it was the fast ouling for the year the committee arranged a very relaxing outing. Despite a train strike, 17 mem- bers joined us at Princes Bridge and bearded "The Jolly Roger” for a trip on the Yarra. Before lunch we travelled down towards the Victoria Docks and Ihe proprictor, Mr. Dyson, pointed out items of interesi. We returned for lunch and held our meeting on the ferry, After lunch we proceeded towards South Yarra, The embankments are looking lovely despite the lack of rain, and a lot of work has gone inte keeping therm in excellent order. We returned about 3.30 and members. went their various ways. All agreed that it had been a very pleasant day and look forward to many mare happy outings next year. Field Survey Group Camp November; Colac Aren The November camp was combined with F.N.C. V. Mammal Survey Group in surveying the Stoney Rises area, On the Friday night, some members travelled 1o Colac and L. Winsor spoke to Lhe Colac F.N.C. on work being done by the group. Liaison with the Colac F.N.C. will con- tinue with exchange of specimens and data, H is hoped thai similar liaison can he established with arher country clubs. On Saturday seven members Visited five localities in the Stoney Rises, The terrain made collecting difficult, as the many inaccessible crevices provided ideal hiding places for the animals sought Night surveying would probably have produced belter results than day collect- ing. Bad weather limited night surveying in the area. and Sunday was mainly spent drying out. Despite the scarcity af specimens, valu- able data on frog distribution was nb- tained by Arthur Brooks, two interesting species of flatworm, sone spiders and non-marine molluscs recorded, und Bar- bara Hooke collected some interesting sedges, The small number of members attending this camp was dug to many members sjudying for exams. The group is very grateful for the help and hos- pitality of Mr. Tom Underwood, on whose property we camped, and ta the Colac FN.C for their assistance in orgamsine the camp, and the opportunity of telling them something of the field survey group- BIRDS OF THE DANDENONGS This 72 page publication written by W, Roy Wheeler and published by the FNCY, lists all birds identified jn the Dandenong Ranges, with a brief description of each and 8 colóur plates, D It should be available during early December fram the club bookstall, 358 Viet. Mat Vol. 89