THE Victorian Naturalist THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE of the FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA ~ VOL. LIT MAY, 1935, TO APRIL, 1936 Hon. Editor: CHARLES. BARRETT, C.M.Z.S. - The Author of each Article is responsible for the facts and opinions recorded - MELBOURNE : Brown, Prior, ANDERSON Pry. Ltp., 430 LiTTLE Bourse STREET 1936 VICTORIAN FERNS No Fern-lover can afford to be without a copy of this little book, for in it are contained descriptions and illustrations of every Fern known to exist naturally in our State, and also where to find them, how to identify them, and how to grow them. It has been published by the Club without expectation of other than a monetary loss, and solelv for the benefit of all Nature-lovers, Copies can be obtained from the- Hon. Librarian, Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, Roval Society’s Hall, Victoria Street. Price, 1/-; posted, ld. extra. ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS CHERRY & SONS PTY. LTD. 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LTD, “Optical House,” 457 BOURKE STREET ~- - MELBOURNE, C.1 Central. 9433 The Victorian Naturalist Vol, LI.—WNe. 1 May 8, 1935 No, 67 THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA The general meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Socicty's JJall on Monday, April ¥, 1935, at 8 pm. The President, Mr. A. 5, Kenyon, M\LE., Aust, presided, and about 100 members and friends were present. Tt was announced that the Committee had decided ta support, on general grounds, the proposals for new sanctuaries, as out- lined t by Sic James Barrett in 4 letter read at the March mceting- CORRESPONDENCE , From Miss M, Haynes, stating she was in “Gloucester” Private Hospital, m Victoria Parade, Eastern. Hill, and would appreciate any native flowers sent her. Jt was mentioned that. Mr. F. Pitcher was very i] in Ste Andrew's Hospital. The meeting expressed the hope that both these members might quickly recover from their illnesses: REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS Excursions were reported on as fotlow: Yan VYean Reserve, Mt, A. 1). Hardy; Werribee Gorge, Mr. F. S, Colliyer. ELECTION GF MEMBERS On a show of hands the following were dufy elected as, meni- bers of the Club-—As ordinary niember: Miss. V, Mietcher; as country member. Mr, M. I, Howie; and as associates; Miss M, E. Argo and Master Tan Atkinson. SUBJECT FOR EVENING Owing to a misunderstanding, there was no paper on the subject arranged for the evening (The Mower and the Bee), ‘fhe Hon. Sceretary, Mr. P. S. Colliver, gave a shart history of the Werrihee Gorge, and described the various geological de- posits in the Bacchus Marsh area, making special reference to the glacial deposits. He concluded with a plea for the better protection of the area. In the discussions that followed, the President mentioned other evidences of an Ice Age im Australia, Mr. W. Hanks spoke on the basalt in the Somerton area and the dykes of the Jervois Ranges. Mr, J, A. Kershaw congratulated the lecturer, and stated thar a plaster cast wf the glaciated pavement, made by the Jate Prof, 4 2 Hreld Noturatiste’ Club Proceedings, Ma Sweet, and-exectlent examples of the striated stones were in the National Museum. ~ ~° ? ‘ > Mr, A. J. Swaby suggested that the Club should take steps to have the Gorge preserved, and moved that the matter be referred in the Committee for consideration, Mr. R. H. Croll seconded this motion, which was carried, The President then thanked the lectucee for filing the gap so interestingly, and adjourned the meeting for the conversazinne- LIST OF EXHIBITS Mr. J. A. Kershaw-—Specimens of Native Bees (Victorian). Mr, Iva Hammett—Sea Urchins from Lord Howe Island. Mr. N. Lothian.- Portion of a cone of 4raucaria Bidunli (Hoop Pine) from tree growing im the Fitzroy Gardens. Mr, F..5, Colliver.—Specimens from the Baechus Marsh area, meluding- Tertiary leaves and fruits frum the Korkuperrimul Creek, Schizoneura microphylla from the Triassic deposits of the Rald Hil); Gangamopteris spatulata from the Carboperniain of Batd Hill} Glacial conglomerate and Lee Scratched Stones; and a dvke rnek (Quartz Felspar Porphory) from the Gorge, EXCURSION TO WERRIBEE GORGE About ylirty-Ave members and friends attended the excursion to Werribee Gorge an April b. The first stop was made at the Korkuperrimul Creek, where we were met by “My, James Lidgeti, The leader pointed out examples of Tertiary leaves in the Ironstone boulders in ihe creek ‘bed. Lt was explained that these were not m sf. Specimens were collected, and the party anade their way up the side of Bald Hill and inspected (he small quarry in the Triassic sandstones, The leader gave a short disconrse on the areca, and, here again, fossil evidence as to the age of these bed was collected. A move to the lower quarry m-the Catho-pernmian of Bald Hill was made. Then we went down to the bed of the creek and followed it for a nile or two, inspecting on the way excellent examples of faults, dykes, ash beds, typical bad lands and canyon country, complete with corors, unoinforniities, and, finally, examples of vertical dykes of basalt through yoleanic ash. We returned to the first stopping place for Junch. The Icader outlined the geology of places visited, and pave a brict history of the area examined, Leaving the ear, we walked to the upper shelter-shed, and from several places close hy inspected various aspects of the Gorge from above, the physaoptaphic fealures beg pointed oul. The more venturesome mem- bers of the party, inclading the oldest present, decided to descend the Gorge, and did so, FS. COLLIVER The contmittee of the Field Natiiralists’ Club of Victoria mayite mem- bers of kindred societies, whoa may bu visiting Melbourne. to anend the Clob's necting. May 5 ' t ‘ 2 1945. ] CoLreman, Pollination ef Arausia sericofera Brothera. 3 POLLINATION IN AUSTRALIA OF ARAUSI A SERICOFER.L BROTHERO By Epiti Co_emMan Many nature-lovers have been interested in the capture of insects by the White Bladder flower (slraujia sericofera Bro- thera), an alien plant which thrives in Australia. It is known also as the “Codlin-moth plant,” in reference to the trapping of these insects. The silky plumes of the seeds, adapted to wind- dispersal, puff up when mature, filling the large follicles with a kapok-like mass. Hence -/raugia’s most popular name, “Kapok- creeper.” We should not place too much importance on the loss of a few insects. Though many moths and bees are trapped in the flowers, the percentage of tragedies is not high in comparison with the thousands of bees which obtain nectar from -lraujia without mishap. During five seasons, a plant in my garden has, I believe, been responsible for the deaths of only twelve bees, five moths and two Tnitterfies (skippers). Yet bees throng the flowers in early morning, and, tn lesser numbers, during the day. This season, ona larger plant in a friend’s garden, were fifteen trapped bees and two plant-bugs, but no moths, I have watched this plant, too, during five seasons, but have never found moth or butterfly caught in its fowers. The loss of fifteen bees in one season is surely not serious when one notes the many thousands that have feasted without mishap in the flowers of this delightful creeper. Certainly other plants are responsible for more moth and butterfly tragedies, Watching my own plant, grown from seed kindly sent to me hy Mr. W. HL. Scott, who first drew my attention to the insect tragedies, | haye seen hundreds of bees and many moths enter and leave the flowers. | have examined the proboscides of many of them and fottnd in numerous instances no pollinia attached. Thus these insects were able to reach the nectar and to withdraw without entering a trap. Placed on a flower to recover from their whiff of chloroform, some of them immediately entered another flower. T have been able to ascertain that a large percentage of the flowers are effectively pollinated, even by trapped insects, and that, in Australia, the pollinary mechanism m slraujia appears ta be quite as efficient as in other countries where larger insects act as pollinating agents. (In Peru and Vrazil, the flowers are pollinated by humble-bees. j To the botanist, the flowers of sfraujia are exceedingly in- teresting, It belongs to a group of plants (.tsclepiads) whose highly developed flowers are second only to orchids in the de- 4 “ i Vie. Nat. é Coreman, Pollinutton ef transia sericofera Rrothero, Nich hie velopment of complex adaptations which serve for pollen- transference. In both groups the pollen is generally compounded into more or less waxy or mealy masses. In orchids the pollinia are usually attached to a viscid gland, but the . iscleptads, instead of stickimy their pollinia to bodies of insects, have clipping devices which clamp them to tongue or feet (according to the position of the nectaries with regard to the anthers) of their guests, In Asclepias, the nectar secreting spots and the anthers are on the same radius round the stigma head. .An insect exploring these flowers will have the pollinia clipped to some part of its foot. We see the same arrangement in the Swan-plant (Gomphocar pus fruiticosus), which is grown in many Victorian gardens. In straujia and others, the nectar-wells are not on the same level, but He just below the anthers. Their visitors will be clipped by the mouth-parts. * The structure of the “column,” or five-sidedd stigma-head, in slraupla, is seen on Plate 1. Fig. J, shows (side view) the gynostegium (pistil and five closely attached an- thers). Beneath the five anther-slits are five re- ceptive stigmatic spots. These stigmatic surfaces do not secrete a viscte substance, as in most orchids. Instead, the pol- linia are adhesive. The grains adhere to a stig- matic spot first by means of their own adhesive covering, and then hy the penetration of their ; pollen tubes. Ripe follicle opened to show silvers Anther - slits which plumes which puff up when dry. form the trap: The two- celled anthers are ex- panded laterally into triangular wings, each wing lying close to one wing of an adjacent anther. The central portion of Fig. I. shows a slit formed by one wing of two separate anthers, the right wing of one anther being almost im contact with the left wing of an adjacent anther. Their juxtaposed edges form a slit, narrowing towards the top. This is the “trap.” The wings being of a strong, horny nature, the slits are in- capable of being widened except under cunsiderable force, such May 1936, CoLmaan. Pollination of Araujia sericofera Brathero. 5 as might be exerted by a strong insect. The upper, narrow part of the slit has a clothes-peg action. Below, at the hase of each anther-slit, ics a nectar-secreting pit. On the stigma head, at the top of each slit, is a dark, shiny body (the corpusculum), in appearance not unlike the rostellar-gland of many orchids, but, instead of being soft, and viscid when ruptured, like the orchid glands, it is hard and unyielding. Lintil loosened by an msect, each corpusculum is seated in a deep depression on the stigma-head, attached securely by a thin membranous flap at its apex. The sides of the corpusculum are rolled inwards, forming a deep furrow. This furrow, which ts slightly wider towards the base and towards the apex, serves as a clipping device. Each dark corpusculum is connected, by means of two ligulate arms (reticulata) with a pair of somewhat flat- tened, adhesive pollima. Though these arms resemble the cau- dicles of certain orchids, they are not a product of the anther, but of the corpusculum, and are composed, not of fused threads, hut of an elastic, gelatinous substance. Upon the corpusculion and its arms (the translatur} depends the transference of pollen, The potinia, to which the arms are attached, do not occupy one anther, but he in a cell of two separate anthers. This is shown in the illustration (Lig. I.), where the corpuseulum is seen at the apex of the wings of two separate anthers. The attached pollinia (not seen) lie beneath the wings, whose membranous extensions (apical) partly cover the corpusculum. Let us now see how pollination takes place. Beneath each slit, formed by a pair of wings, is a receptive Stigmatic spot, and below is the nectary. The proboscis of an insect readily enters a nectar-well. In many instances it is withdrawn in the same way, the base of the anther-slit offering no obstacle. In these circum- stances pollination is not effected. Pollination, first stage: Dut frequently a proboscis explores higher up towards the narrow end of the slit, where it is caught in the lower notch of a corpusculum. Ti no pollinia be attached to the probuscis there is, even now, little difficulty in withdrawing it, but the corpuseulian must be withdrawn also. The pressure exerted unseats the corpusculum from its bed on the stigma- head by rupturing its apical membrane, so that it comes away readily an the insect's proboscis, carrying with it the attached pollinia, drawn from the cells of two anthers. The pollinia are wide apart, when withdrawn. but the arms of the translater, which, like the caudicles of orchids, are hygro- scopte, twist as they dry, bringing the pollinia closer together, increasing, tuo, their hold on the proboscis by closing in the lower edges of the eorpuscular clip, (Figs. Va. and Vb.) Pollination, second stage: Bearing pollinia, an insect now visits another nectar-well, The pollinia, being close together, are easily Rais i ; ‘ic, Nat. tr. CoLeman, Pollination of trausia sericofera Brothero, ee "i inserted at the base of an anther-slit, and, in some instances, are withdrawn in the same way without cffectiny pollination, But usually, the proboscis explores higher up, where the attached pollinia prevent its withdrawal through the slit. Occasionally, if not securely clipped, a proboscis may be pulled through the slit, leaving the pollima behind. Sometimes a proboscis breaks, the clipped portion and pollimia being left behind, Often the arms of the translator snap and a proboscis is withdrawn, with cor- Flowers of 4riujpla sertcofera showing trapped insecets. pusculum still clipped to it, feaziny the pollinia behind. Oc- casionally an insect, unable to withdraw its proboscis, dies in the flower. Sometimes during one visit a translator is pulled off a proboscis by the anther-slit, and a fresh one is attached, As it withdraws in an upward direction it is clipped again by the notch of a corpusculum im sifz. Some bees are found with two translacors attached, In these instances the first translator was clipped to the tongue, but being wedged im the slit the bee was clipped again, on palps or manillae, by the corpuscular notch, as its tongue slid towards the apex of the anther-slit. The second corpusculum could not be removed owing to the presence, on the tongue, of the first translator. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. Lit May, 1935 Plate [ POLEINATION OF cfR1CH ad SERICOPERA, I. Stimmatieliead showing (eentre} anther-sit with corpusculaim at its apes and nectar-well at base. Two more slits and two corpuscula indicated. Ii. Head of bee with pollinin clipped to ligula. TIL. Butterfly ¢skipper) with probescis caught in anther-sht, Above apex of slit is a depression in which removed corpusculum was seated, TV. An anther, showing lateral wings. Edges of adjacent wings gre indicated by dotted lines, Va. Pollinia as removed. Vh. Pollinia, showing position after Lygroscapic movement of the reticulata. May 1935, Coneman, Pullination of raiufia sericofera Brothera. 7 in all of the abowe instances pollination ts effected, and, if the flower be in the fernale stage, fertilisation should ensue, for the pollinia are left within reach of a receptive stigmatic spot, to- wards which, as soon as emitted, the pollen-tubes will travel, In sections taken from pollinated flowers, these tubes are clearly seen under the microscope. Only once have | seen an insect trapped _ whose proboscis bere Pe no pollinia. This was ey the butterfly (skipper) Hlustrated. The cor- at - { eo = pusculum had been re- N+ moved hy ao previous visitor, but the pro- hoses appeared to be wedged by the twisting of its own parts. ITad it pulled directly up- ‘ | ward IT thmk it could ‘ | have escaped, ee. ¢ As may be antici- as ie | pated. the plants pro- =< duce a large number of fertile sveds. The stignui-head being re: ceptive during certain periods, at five differ- ent points, the flower has five chances of fer- tilisation. It is essen- Flowers of Araujia sericefera. tial that pollen should come irom another flower, pollen from the same flower being ineffective. Examina- tion of open flowers shows the efficiency of bees and moths as pollinators. Change of colour (yellowing) usually betokens a well-pollinated flower. In these one finds 80 per cent. of the translators removed, and, in 40 per cent. pollimia deposited on a spot favourable to fecundation. Summing up, pollination of lraujia in Australia appears to be quite as effective as in other countries where larger insects act as pollinating agents. & Mack, New Records of Fishes fram Victoria. ae heh NEW RECORDS OF FISHES FROM VICTORIA No. 2* By Georce Mack, National Museum, Melbourne. Family MURAENIDAE Genus Gymnothorax Bloch, 1795 3YMNOTHORAX PRASINUS (Richardson) Muracna prasina Rich., Zool, Voy, Erebus and Terror, Fish, 1848, p. 93. For an excellent specimen measuring 860 mm. (33% ins,), re- ceived in November, 1934, I am indebted to the Chief Inspector of Fisheries and Game. It was caught on a long line about ten miles out to sea from Port Albert, Victoria, and was one of three seen for the first time by the fishermen of that locality. Ap- parently the specimen lived up to the evil reputation that these ecls have of snapping with victous teeth at anything within range. It is the first record of the genus and species from the southern coast of Australia. Family ATHERINIDAE Genus Atherina Linnaeus, 1758 ATHERINA MICROSTOMA Ginther cltherina microstomi Gunther, Cat. Fish. Brit. dius. iti, 1361, p. 401. Taemomembras microstoma McCull., Zool. Res, Endeavour i, 1911, p. 32, pl. x, fig. 2. This is the common Silverside or Hardyhead of Port Phillip Bay, and numerous specimens have been added to the collections of the National Museum in recent years by Mrs. J. J. Freame and Mr. A. C. Nilson. When re-describing -!. muicrestoma McCulloch (lec. cit.) gave the dentition as follows:—‘‘Teeth minute but distinct, in several rows on the anterior parts of both jaws, none on the sides; a well developed patch on the vomer, palatines toothless.” From an examination of a large series it is clear, however, that there are numerous, irregularly placed, minute teeth on the palatines. Previously recorded from Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Australia. ATHERINA DANNEVIGI McCulloch ettherina dannevigt McCull.. Zool, Res. Frdecarour i, 111, p. 31, pl. xvi, fig. 2. On two occasions Mr. .\. C. Nilson has found a single specimen *¥PFor No. 1. see Viet. Naturediat li, 1984, p. 174. May < : . e . , 1596. Mack. Wew ecards of Fishes from Victoria, ) of Jannevig's Hardyhead on the beach at Altona, Port Phillip Bay, and these are now in the National Museum, As this is considered a deep-water form-ancd has not been collected inshore, it is Of interest to note that of three other examples im the collections two were found on the beach at Mordialloc, Port Phillip Bay, and presented to this Museum in May, 1877; the third was received from Gippsland Lakes in 1908, but there is ng information as to how it was obtained. A new genus to contain this species has been proposed by Whitley? on account of the small scales, and, according to that author, the length of the snout. The Jatter feature is not ap- parent, and the number of scales, which differs in almost every species of these small fishes 1s, 7n my opinion, purely a specific character. Previously recorded from Tasmania and South Australia Family EPINEPHELIDAE Genus Acanthistius Gill, 1863 ACANTHISTIUS SERRATUS (Cuvier and Valenciennes) Pieetropoma serrvtum Cuv & Val, Hist, Nat. Paiss. ii, 1828, p. 399: Quoy & Gaimard, ey. Asiralote, Zool, iii, 1835, p, 662, pi 2. fig. 1. Deseribed from a specimen taken at King George’s Sound, W. Australis, and since recorded from Queensland and New South Wales, it is how possible to add this species to the fish-fauna of Victoria, A specinien was received im 1933 which was collecteil at Mallacuola in the east of the State. Family LOBOTIDAE Genus Lobotes Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1830 LOBOTES SURINAMENSIS (Bloch) Holaccntrus surtmaniensis Bloch, Nat. Asl Fische iv, 1790, p. 98, pi. coxtii. Lobates surmamensis Bleeker, Atlas Ichth, viii, 1876, p. 12, pl. coexi, fig, 4, This 1s a wide ranging species, but so far is known in Australia only from the tropical waters ef the north-east. It is one of a good number af northern farms witch travel south, probably periodically, to at least south-east Australia. It grows to about 30 inches m length, and as a food-fish is stated to be excellent. The medinm sized specimen upon which this record is based was taken at Port Athert, Victoria, and was aeceived in fresh condition, [ 1, Whitley. Free. Natralist, 4.1984. p. 24, ie. Not, 10 Mack, Mew Records af Fishes from Vieloria. — [yis Nat Family SPARIDAE Genus Sparus Linnaeus, 1758 SPARUS SARBA Forskal Sparus sarba Vorsk,, Deser, Antm, 1773, p. 31. Chrysoplrys arias Temm. & Schleg., Foun. Japon. Poiss. 1843, p. 67, pl, xxx3. The Tarwhine ranges north as far a8 Japan and the Red Sea, and it is known from the waters to the east and weat of Aus- tralia, but has not preyinusly been recorded from the southern coast. A fine specimen, taken by means of rod and line at the mhouth of the Broadrib River, Marlo, Victoria, was received from the Fisheries and Game Department im 1932. Family BODIANIDAE Genus Verreo Jordan and Synder, 1902 VERREO OXYCEPHALUS (Bleeker) Cossyphus oxycephalus Bleeker, Versl, Akad, Amsterdai| xiv, 1862, p. 128. Cossyphus uniaculains Giinther, Cat, Fish. Brit Mus. iv, 1862, pp, 109 and 506, Cossyphus belhs Ramyay and Ogilby, Prac. Lint. Soc, NST, (2). ii, ¥887, p. 561- Vv erred oxycephalus Jord. & Snyd., Prac. BS: Nof. Mus. xxiv, 1902, p. 619, fig, 3. Two specimens af the Pig fish have heen received in yecent years, which were obtained near Queenscliff and it Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. The species is widely distributed throughout the western Pacific Ocean. There appears to be no valid reason for the retention of C, belhs Ramsay and Opilby as a separate spectes, The only dif- ference from oaycephalus is the presence af red markmgs on the sides, but these probably disappear after a fairly Jengthy immersion ina preserving fluid, This would explain the lack of such mark- ings in the type of C oxvecphalus Bleeker and C. untimaculatus Giinther, Tamily BLENNIDAE Genus Petroscirtes Ruppell, 1830 PETROSCIRTES ANOLIUS (Cuvier and Valenciennes) ; Blennichis andlius Guy. and Val.,, Hist, Nat, Powss. xi, 1836, P Petrostirtes arolins McCull, Ausi. Zoal, 1, 4, 197, p. 90, phox, lig. 2. Let | - May 1945, Forests Coummission and Mild Life, 8 There are nine specimens of this Glenny in the Museum collec- tions from various localities in Port Phillip Bay, and these con- stitute the first record of the genus and specivs from southern Australia. The marked individual variation apparent ina serics has already been commented upon by McCulloch (loc. cit.). The full de- velopment of the cephalic crest seems to be a peculiarity of the male, Previously known only from Queensland and New South Wales. FORESTS COMMISSION ANT) WILD LIFE, When asked to comment on the discussion on the Future of Game Birds and the protection of wild life generally, the Chairman of the Foresis Commission (Mr, A. V, Galbraith), remarking that the snliject was of great interest and importance from seycral aspects, wrote as follows :— Wild life, flora as well as fauna, forms an integral part of the State's ittural resources from ihe reereational, aesthetic, and educational stand- paints, and, as such, its valuc cannot be assessed. [1 has also a very definite value and importance economically, The forester may claim 1o have a definite interest in the fauna, for it is within the more thickly wooded portions of the State that the wild birds and animals find a sanctuary. The progress af settlement, accom- panied by the clearing of bush land, has led to the gtadual retreat af wild life from many former haunts, and in a few cases this has advanced fo such an extent as to threaten the’ continued existence of certain species. It would be a thousand pities if any of our native birds or animals, anique as they are, wete permitted to become extinct. Apart altogether from a natural desire to see the preservation of forms of wild life from a sentimental point of view, the forester is more in- timately coneerned with one specific aspect of the problem. There exists a vital retationship between this wild bfe, particularly bird life, and the forest itself. Aliliough it may occasionally be a harmful relationship as far as the forests are concerned, generally it is beneficial, The role of bird life in effecting a natural control of destructive insect pests is a very important factor in minimising the risk of serious harm to forest stands, and from this point of view the forester definitely regards birds as his friends and desires their preservation, From a forester's yiewpoimt, ote impartant fact may be emphasised, and that is that the continued well-being of fauna of all descriptions tust he seriously affected by the forest fires which are too frequently a feature of our summers. In a bad season, the destruction of wild life must assume chormous proportions, and if optimum conditions for the preservation of wild life, consistent with the advance of scttlement, are to he preserved, we must do all in onr power to defeat the fire evil. I is not only the direct harm resulting from actual destruction of wild life by fires that is so serious, but alsa the fact that the forests which farm their homes are swept away. In his continnal fight against bush hres, the forester indirectly plays a very important part in the preservation of the living creatures: which inhabit the bushi. ‘ F 2 : : a + Vie. Nat. Ruvr, Liparis habenaring in New South (Wales, wah Pie LIPARIS HABENARINGL FVM. IN NEW SOUTHI WALES ty the Rev. H. M. R. Reuep. Until about twelve months ago, I knew nothing of this orchid Wi beyond its descriptions in Ren- iy 4 tham and Bailey. Then Mr. Ken ‘Y ff Macpherson, of Proserpine, t North Queensland, sent me “remnants” of a raceme which iy he had found on a plant growing ‘y in the company of Geodorum Aik pietum Lindl, The flowers were & strange to me, but appeared to agree fairly well with the de- ‘a scriptions of Liparis habenorima. ” Ae One was sent on to Dr. R. S. ip Rogers, who thought this de- termination was probably right. The material available, however. was too scanty and imperfect to allow of further investigation. Nobody seemed to know much about this particular species. which appears to have been rarely recorded, In February of the current year I received a living plant of a terrestrial orchid from Mr. I. Fordham, of Brunswick Heads, N.S.W., who stated that it ex- tended from that locality at least as far south as Byron Bay. The single raceme was past maturity, capsules being well advanced; but there were two or three half- withered flowers at the top. 1 had never seen a plant like it before, and I realised at once that, whatever it might be, it was “new” for N.S.AV. The flowers reminded me of a sketch 1 had made of the fragment from Liparis habenarina FVM. Proserpine supposed to be ZL. Proserpine, N.Q. habenarina; but the plant itself was unlike any Liparis known N Pages F ‘ . ne : bet Ruap, Liparis habenarinn in New South Mates, 13 th nie, 1 was too busy to go into the matter for a few days, and this proved rather fortunate: for by curious coincidence, within those few cays I received fram Mr. Macpherson a perfect dried raceme, and a living plant with a budding raceme, of the Proserpine Ltparis. { was now able loaake a critical examination and comparison ai the plants and their flowers. The result established complete identity except in ome point- the New South Wales plant had a very definite terrestrial tuber which the North Quecnsland specimen lacked. The later, lowever, was a much younger plant, and upon examining it beneath the small pseudo-pulb, [ found evidence of something broken. eff. The flowers of Uoth plants apreed with the description of 1. Aabenersia as given by Bentham and Bailey; but neither botanist makes any allusion ta the union of the bracd lateral sepals under the fabellur. There is a further discrepancy Roth descriptions say, “Ilabit and foliage neady of £, reffexa,” T cannot see that it is possible to apply this statement to the plant now under thscussinn, L, veflesd is very common in New South Wales amd S. Queensland. |i is ussially classed as an epiphyte, and I have ence seen a srall clump on a tree: but this is exceptional Almost invariably at grows in extensive masses in rock-crevices, on ledges of cliffs, or on the surface of gently-sloping rocks, The leaves are—when fully developed—-long, Haccid. and perfectly smooth except for the shgit channel above and keel below formed hy the mid-vein. The racemes are very rarely as long as the teaves. Jo contrast to all this, the Proserpine-Branswick Heads plant is strictly terrestrial; it dues not grow in massed eolomes; the leaves are short and somewhat rigid, prominently mbbead or fluted longitudinally. Yee if this plant is not faparis hebenortna, what are we 1a do with ie?) Except in the anatter of ihe connate lateral sepals, I could not deseribe the flower more accurately than Ben- tham and Hailey have done in describing L. habenarina. Dr. Ropers states that in fragmentary specimens of this species sent From Dunk Island by the late E. J. Banfield, the sepals were con- nate for barely half their length. Tn the specimens collected hy Messrs) Macpherson and Fordham, the ‘counexton extends for three-fourths. Ido not think we can place their plaril anvwhere but in L. hubenering; and one is campelled to cenjectute rhat some mistake was made in describing the hahit and foltage as nearty those of L. reflera, Bailey's description follows Benr tham’s verbasie, and in the dried state Benthant may have thought the leaves similar to shor leaves of J. reflexa. The habit sti constitutes a discrepancy: L think it may safely be said that £. ‘efleva never grows oul in the open sm) away fom rocks. Mueller’s name fits the Prosevpine-Brunswick Heads plant very well indeed. Mr. Macpherson’s discovery brings the Iabirat 4ime 150 miles south of the type locality (Rockingham Raw) = Mr. Furdhai’s exrends it nearly 700 miles. 14 Ewart, Kora af Kinglabe. Vol nite PROVISIONAL LIST OF THE FLORA OF KINGLAKE NATIONAL PARK, By A, J. Ewarr, DSc. Some years ayo, the Committee of the Kinglake National Park wished to obtain a bst of all the plants to be found growing within its boundaries. Visits haye been made from*lime fo time te the Park by Mr. Thomas (now in Queensland), by Mr. Nicholls (Honorary Curator of the Univer- sity Herbarium), and by myself. As the results of these visils, a number of ‘plants have been collected and identified, and these are given in the appended list, The list, however, is probably very incomplete, and may. not represent half the plants to be found within the Park boundaries. It is felt, however, that if a provisional list ts published, members of the Field Naturalists’ Club, who happen to be visiting the Park, might forward specimens of plants found growing within the Park to the University and in that way a camplete list might be obtained in a shorter time than if left ro individual effort. Tt is for that reason that this very incomplete pre- ¥isional list 1s recorded. FLORA OF KINGLAKE NATIONAL PARK, PTERIDOPHYTA— __ Psilotaceze | Tmesipteris fannensis Bernh, Osmundaceac Todew barbara Moore Hymenophytlaceae Trichomanes venosum RBr. oe © Hamentophylluin tinbridgense L, (Sm.) ; Ff. flabellatuim Labill, A. australe Willd. Cyatheaceae Dicksonta antarctica. Labill Alzsaphila mistratis RB. Potypodiaccae Pteridiunr aguilinun Kebn, Palspodiion Biltardreri C.Chr. ; F. pustutatim. Forst. P. granmpitidis R.Br. Blechnnn Paterson Met. B. discolor Mert. B lancectaiane Sturm, B. caupense Schlech. B, cartiaguenur Sw. Cheilonthes tenuifolta (Burit.) Sw, Aspleniuat bulbiforuat Faorst. A. flnbellifolium Cay, Adiantum acthiapicuny L. ' Peltaca faleata Fée. ‘ Dryapferts decoipasita Kize. Davatlia dubia RBr MONOCOTYLEDONS—Gramineae Tetrarrheng juacea R.Br. Cyperaceae Gahnia prittacorun, Labill- . Lepidosperna clatins Labill. 'Juneaceae — ) Snmreny patvanthentos Buch, J, pallidus R.Br. ~ Liliaceaa Dianella tasinanica Ak.4. Nathorrvinea australis R Br, May 1935. DICOTYLEDONS— Ewart, Hlora of Kinglake. 15 Orcludaceae Urticaceae Proteaceae Santalaceae Chenopodiaceae CaryophyHNaceae Ranunculaceae Montmiaccae Cruciferae Droseraceae Pittosporaceae Legiminosae Oxalidaceae Geraniaccae Rutaceae Tremandraceae Polygalaceae oe ~ Sarcochifus parviflorus Lindl Caladema carnea R.Br, C. dilateta R.Br. Chiloglottis Gunnii Lind). Dipodinm prunctatnin. R.Br. Thelyimilra carnca RBr. T. ixioides Sw. Lyperantlus suaveolens R.Br, Plerosiylis langifelia R.Br. Micretis porrifalia R.Br, Urtica wcisa Poir, Grevillea alpina Lindl. Lomatia Frasert R.Br. Banksia colina R.Br. B. maraqinata Cay, Exacarpus cupresstforimis Labill, Rhagodia autans: KBr. Stetlaria flaccida Hook. Clematis artstata R.Br. Ranunculus lappacens Sm, Atherosperma moschatum Labill, Lepridiuim hyssopifolinm Desy. Drosera Whittakert Planch. W. anriculate Backh, Piitosporvtenn bicolor Hk. Bursaria spinosa Cav, Bilardiera lungtflora Labill, Acacia melanoxylon R.Br. A. diffusa Edwards A, stricia Willd. 4_ yjuniperina Willd. A. suaveolens Willd. A, verticiliata Wilid. A. faletformis DC, A. dealbata Tink. A. Oxycedrus Sieb. Platylobtuns Formosan Sm. Pultenaca scabra R.Br. Goodia lomfolta Salisb. Hardenbergia monophylia Bth, Keanedya prostrata R_Br. Hovea heterophylla A. Cann. Owalts corniculata L. Geranwwni ptlosun. Forst. Pelargontunt australe Willd. Correa rubra Sm, Tetratheca cthata Lindl, Bredemeyera volubile (Steeta.) Chod, 1 Ewart, Flora ot Enphorbiaccac Vie. Nat, Kruglake. Vol. LIT. Amperca spariioides Brongn. Sapindaceae Dodgonaca viscosa Jacq, Rhamnaceac Vpyridinnt parwfolium Fiv.M. Pouaderris apetala Labill, Violaceae Viola hederact ca Labill. Thymeleaceae Pimelea aaiflora F.y.M, P_ serpyilifolia R.Br, Myrticeae Lacoluptus veynans PasM E. abliqua 1. "Herit. Li, gomocalas Fv. E, teacrorthynchoa Fy.M, &. ausiratiata R. T. Baker. Leplaspevnarii scoparia R, & G, Forster Ataliaceae Tieghemopanax scmbsycl- folius Viguer Epacridaceae Epueris tinpressa Labil. Monotora scoparte R.Br, Apocynaceac Lyonsta sfrannica R.Br. Boraginaccae Myosoates suavcolens Por, Labiatac Mentha Palegium Gate.) L. Bignoniaceae Tecnina australis R.Br. Compositac Olearia rata (Sims). Helipleruem australe (Grav) Ostenf. Cassinta cenlcata R.Br Evechthites quadridentata E, prenanthoides DC, Redfardia saticam DC Crmbonateys Latvsontaany Gaud, Ceuttpeder Crntnaneglestiieit FM. ittadmia irilaba DC. Sidgesbeolia ortentaks L. Breciiycome seapifarinis DC, Sehecta lavites Sol. S, velleiaides A, Conn, THE EMPEROR GUM MOTH: EGGS AND COCOON, Has any member of the Clib observed the Emperor Gum Moth actially laving eggs on a leaf? It would be interesting to know what factor deter mines the position and distance from the edge, Almost iivariably, they are im a single line, parallel 1 and abouc + inch rom the edge, It may be mere coincidence that the newly-katched cacerpillars emerge from the end nearer the edge of the leaf, and are just able to reach the edge and pull themselves clear. But how docs the math: place them sere? 1 have licen surprised to. find thar few people have taken the trouble 10 wateh the details of the spinning af the cacoon. Then the value of the spikes is manifest. Ther serve as many feet and rreasures, After the first few snpporting strands are fixed, the caterpillar places the spikes against the threads, and steps with them from one to mother, while the fore feet are working from thread to thread, filling in the space, Perliips the most arresting fealure of the building is the pris with which ihe caterpillar doubles round in the narrow space —A. ), SWABY. The Victorian Naturalist “Vol. LIL—No. 2 2- June 6, 1935 os No. 68 THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. The ordimary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday, May 13, 1935. The President, Mr. A, S, Kenyon, M.LE., Aust. presided, and about 120 mem- hers and friends attended. The President welcomed a distinguished visitor; Dr, Jirt Baum, Assistant Director of the Musenm at Prague, Czechoslovakia. Mr. Charles Barrett, in iuroducing Dr. Baum, siated that he was engaged on a motor caravan tour of Australia and other conutries, with the object mainly of collecting spiders and lizards for the Prague Museum, and of studying the biology of spiders, CORRESPONDENCE, Irom Mr. F. Pitcher, thanking members for good wishes sent him, and stating that he expected to leave hospital shortly. From the Bir d “Dbsecters, Club, regarding a cinema qiaht on May 20, REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS: Reports of excursions were given as follow: Oakleigh Links, Mr. G, ©. Hyam; Studley Park, Mr, W-_ Hanks. ELECTION OF MEMBERS. On a show of hands, the following were duly elected as meni. bers. of the Cluab:—As ordinary member: Mr. T. Holmes: and as associate member: Master Jolm Laurie Provan. NOMINATIONS OF OFFICE-BEARERS, 1935-36. The following nontinations were received — President: Mr. G. N. Hyann. Vice-Presidents: Messrs. Geo. Coghill, S.- R. Mitchell, and A. S. Chalk. Treasurer: Mr. J. Ingram. Librarian: Dr, C, 5. Sutton. Assisiant Librarian; Mr, W. H. Ingram. Editor: Mr. Chas. Barrett, Secretary: Mr. FS. Colliver. - Assistant Secretary: Mr. L. W- Cooper. Corumittee ; Messrs. V. HH. Miter, J. W. Audas, C. Daley. A. H. Chisholm. E, E. Pescott, and H. Jenkins: 18° Hell Nubuvalists’ Chil Prneoedings, aie ie APPOINTMENT OF ALIDITORS, On the mouoy of Mr, Geo. Coghill, seconded by Mr, C, Daley, Messrs, A, G, Hooke and A, S. Chalk were reappointed auditors, NATURE NOTES, Mr. W) H_ Ingranr described how very young spiders "take off” on thelr journeys through the air hy means of silken threats, EASTER CAMP-OUT., The subject for the evening was “The Easter Camp-Out at Moora Valley.” The following members wha had participated in the excursion spoke on different. phases of the trip:— Mr, A. S. Kenyon, Leader, described the trip itself, and made particular reference to the aboriginal rock pamtmgs in the Gram- pians. Photographs were shown. and Mr. Kenyon announced that the Cyclone Fence and Gate Co. had promised to supply, free of charge, the necessary wire and uprights to enclose the Painted Rack of Glen Isla and other sites. The Forests Conmnission would erect the fences. It was also annoutced thai the Club had decidect ty donate the sum of £5 towards the cost of fencing. Mr, ©, Daley, B.A,, FLL.S.. spoke on the geology and-geogruphy of the area- ir, C. S. Satton gave an outlme af the botany of the area, ancl Mr. E, 8, Hanks spoke om the birds seen during the Gamp-Out Mr. R. 1. Croll thanked the President for the excellence of the Easter excursion arrangements, and stated it was one of the best outings which he had attended. Mr, G, N. Hyam added his tribute. The President invited Dr, Bauin to address the meeting. Tr, Barin stuted that he was very pleasect fo be present, A very fine serivs of slices, depicting spiders of many kinds, same shuwing unique postures, was shown, with comments by Dr, Baum, At the close of the lecturette, the President thanked Dr. Baum, and stated he was only sorry that it had been impussible to allow a full might for the lecture. Dr. Baum replied, and the menthers showed their appreciation by acclamation. The meeting then adjourned for the conversazione. EXHIBITS, Miss V, Fletcher.--Fungi, Roletus sp. and Cortinarius archer. Mr. A. BH, FE. Mattineley—Abaoriginal weeklace and totemic breastplate, from Herbert River, Queensland, Mr. C. French —Cypripedinm villosum (Lady’s Shipper rehid), Tidia, Mr. W. H. Nivholls--Orchics, Prasophyllian Mores, Nicholls; and P. Archer’, Hooker fil, collected by Mr. C. French, at Angfesea, April, 1935, r sie Field Natuvatiols’ Club Procerdings, i) Mr ¥V. H. Miller-—Boulder opal specimen, and lard eges. containiig young. Mr. Noel Lothian—Sterile ane fertile [rimdse of Blertinnan lanceolatum, Mr. S. R. Mitchell—Ground-edge axe, chipped-pebble axe, hammer stanes, fishhook files. points, scrapers, ete, from Murra Murang. N,5,W, Mr T.S. Hart,—Aragonite ervstals, from Warrenheip, Casv- arma sp. aft, C. paludesa, from cast of Sumerville; with C, . distyla, irom Caulfield, for comparison, A PRAYING MANTIS BUILDS ITS EGG COCOON - | hadl aiten wralered how the conmion Green Praying Mantis made the eyg-cacoons: Althsagh rhey were to be found in dozens im my garden, 1 had never been present et the building, and. had concluded chat it was {a noelurnal process. On Easter Sunday, however, J discovered one just neginuing, and followed the process through. The insect places itself firmly on the support. The hind Irgs arc held with femurs an Jine and libias at mght angles to them They are kept this throughout, and make the first limiting factor by holding the forward end of the abdomen in one position. First, a mass of frothy maternal 15 extracted, and pressed on the support ing stem. Movement ceases for a while, evidently te allow the founrlation to solidify, The egg-pliciny apparatus ts then muved over the mass with something of the motion of'a paint brush, gradually adding tili a flat face as formed, roughly semi-circulartin shape, The form seems to be determined by the reach of the end of the abdamen; but the arch of the wings may faye something ta do with it, The cerei seem to he very sensitive, and are working over the surface the whole time. It may be mere coincidence that the total width is ahont equal to the span pf the cercns trom the centre, The flat semi-circle is teeted for adhewveness by lappinw near the base, When it is sticky enough, the frst egw 15 wot laid; but drawn oul as the eve apparatns is brought clase up under the eentre of the wing and pressed agin. A few laps along the lenath of the egg, and it adheres ciosely. UL happens that ike Jeneth of theege is just sufficient to place the openitys utider the centre of the wing, Those coming fram one side finish a little shom of the centre, and produce an alternation of prammences with Wo or more eggs to each. After cach set of eggs, the jailing of froth genes on til] the Limits are reached. When the first set of eges fixes ihe centre. the cercus of ane side or the other hes steadily along the centre line as if lulding ro the ridge of firomunerices while the other is working over the surface and measuring, as well as testing the surface, The insect does not move forward as the length atthe cocoon increases. The abdomen secins tu telestape with the lass of distending ascoow material, While the work is going jarward, the mantis is more intent than a sitting hen, The branch was cat, turned in every conceivable posihon, arid thaken gently. The insect was touched, mt showed neither fete nor pug- tacity. After the last exe was placed, the coveriny war pamted on to round the end, aad the triantis became suddenly active—running off and dodging altemmpts 190 capture it, The head, which had remained fixed, became mobile again. The construction took altnost exactly Unree lours, A. J. Swary, Coreman, More Jasers Tragedies. Sa a 2 MORE INSECT TRAGEDIES. Pollination of Nerina: aleanider. By Evita Coteman, Tn the pollination of, Verinnr oleander one may witness many insect tragedies similar to those enacted in the flowers of Aranyia. The white, or pale pink, night-scented flowers invite night-flying moths, Their structure is beautifully adapted to the transference wf pollen by moth agency, Short-tongued insects frequently visit the flowers, Init these ave unable to reach the t:ectar or ta pol- linate the flowers, In October, 1931, T received from My..W. S. Davidson, of Wallsend, New. South Wales, several tins full of Neri flowers, In every flower was a blowfly, gripped by the mouth-parts. in a trap somewhat similar to that of Alrawjia. [ learned from Mr, Davidson that his shrub was responsible for the deaths of thou- sands of these flies. On a sunny day the buzzing of trapped tn- sects could be heard at some distance from the plant. It wag sug- gestern that Nerivne olcander might be useful -in Ay-infested localities, on sheep stations, or near abattoirs. Since 1931 1 have examined many move flowers. each with its captive fly. In March last I received a flower containing a trapped bee—the Arst T had seen. There are some slight differences between Mr. Davidson's Neriun and the common. single-flwered horticultural form of Oleander, Lut the pollinary mechanism m both follows the same plan. The corolla is, roughly, tunnel-shaped. A ragged corona probably aids in deterring the visits of unwelcome gnests. Though the juxtuposed edges of the five horny stamens form a slit-tike trap, similar to that of rareyzia, the general structure of the flower iS quite different A Aattened, dilate, stignia-head, with a cential bi-lobed process, surmoaiunts a long siyle. A. media con- striction divides it into two parts, the lower Jobe only being te- ceptive, The upper part seeretes a thick, viserd subscance. which pro- bably aids the removal of pollen on insecr tongues. The five sta- mens, attached to the middle of the corolla tube, are closely pressed against the swollen stigma-head. The upper cells, only, of the anthers produce pollen. These are situated well above the receptive portion of the stigma-head, so that seli-pollination js avoided, The anthers are lengthened mto hairy appendages, the twisting of which holds the anthers firmly together at their apices, The slits between-each pair of anthers are wider towards the hase, The twisting of the long, fearhery appendages into a dense, woolly mass is probably another adaptation which setves to ward off small insects, useless as pollinators. The space above the stigma-head, enclosed hy the closely-pressed anthers, forms a THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL. 11 Plate Il Pugs. pees Pollination of Nerium olcander Jun m ‘ ‘ Eee Coteman, More Insect Trayedies. 21 cone-shaped chamber. As the anthers discharge their viscid, gra- nular pollen, it is held im this chamber on the tip of the stigima- head, and on the outer surface of the cells, quite bevond reach of the receptive portion of the stigma. To reach nectar, secreted at the base of the flawer, the tongue of moth or bee slides readily between a slit formed by two anthers. Should pollen already adhere to its tongue, some will be left as it passes over the receptive lobe of the sttgma-head. To Nerivat ofeander with trapped bluwfly in one flower. Inset: a flower with part of corolla removed to show how mouth-parts of fly are caught between the anthers. . withdraw from the flower, its tongue must slide over the thickly- viscid upper lobe. Being now smeared with the thick. stigmatic secretion, it can scarcely fail to pick up more pollen as it passes through the cone-shaped chamber in which the adhesive grains are massed. This pollen it will carry to the next flower it visits. The number of fertile seeds in the long, cylindrica! fruits, each fitted with a silky plume, suggests that the pollinary mechanistu in Nerium is as ettective as it is beautiful. ; . ; Vic, Nat, 22 Pitxincton, Orchids of Sandy Point, Galt Li. Key to plate; I. A flower of Nertoin olcander, with corolla removed to show how the tongue of a bee is caught in a slit formed by two anthers, If. A longitudinal section through a flower (corolla removed), showing ovary (0.), style (s.), two stamens in profile (st.), stigma-head (s.h.), pollen (p.), pollen-chamber (p.c.), anthers (a.}, and hairy appendages (a.p.). IIIa. A stamen, outer surface showing hairy pad on the anther. IIIb. A stamen, inner surface, showing masses of granular pollen discharged from anther, also hairs on the inner surface of the flament. ORCHIDS OF SANDY POINT. By Cras, H, Pirkincton, (Communicated by C. French.) Sandy Point an? the surrounding district are of considerable interest te the orchid lover, Sandy Point ts a small peninsula, situated hetween Wara- tah Bay and Shallow Inlet. This country is typical South Gippsland heath plains, while the higher land grows Messmate and Peppermint Gums. Commencing with the autumn orchids, frrechifus antimmafis may be found in the moister parts of the heath plains betore the end of February, This hardy little erchid seems ta defy the summer sunshine, which often parches this light soil in a dry season. A few weeks later Prasophylliu wuricats may be found, thotigh its small, dull-red flower spike will be missed by most people. Pterustylis parvifera is another early autumn species, notable for its stiff, upright growth, During the autumn and early winter thousands of leaves of Acitanthus exsering may be seen, but only a small percentage of the plants flower. In the spring. of. caudatns may be found, but, as it grows close to the roots of scrub or among ferns. this orchid is not casy to find. From April till November some species can always be found in’ the “hunmimocks.”” The first to appear, Bake April, is Plerosivlis abtusa, but this species is not very common. P_ refexra (7) blooms from May until August. In July the first Gnats (Cyrtestylis reniformits) and Corysanthes diemeoncia appear, and both these species are very plentiful during the iext few months. One entirely green specimen of the former was found. Tn Augtst we have the slender and graceful Maroon-hood (Pterosiylis pedud- citfata). Large patches of these orchids occur under the shade of Sheoaks and on southern slopes. I have found a couple of specimens of a green yariety, having shorter sinus pyints than the ordinary ones, In September and October, on the hummocks, Pterostyiis curte and Caladenia [atifolia are flowering: both species are very plentiful. and add beauty to the scenery, Cyrta produces splendid Jarge hlogms here, but I have never seen more than one flower on a stem, although [ understand that in some localities two, or even three, are not uncommean. A little tater we haye Caladenia Meusiesti, but the flowers are not plentiful, as rabbits seem to be very partial to the buds, and also to those of the Gnat Orchid. On the Jow, sandy ridges and heath plains orchids are at their best in the spring. Cyr tostuits reniformis grows here, as well as in the husnmocks, but is later in flowering, while Corysanthes fimbriata replaces C. dicmencia. In June or July the first Nodding Greenhawls (Pterostyls nutans) are seen, but it is during October and Noventher that these graceful species Sie Piretxaron, Orchids ef Sandy Point. 23 are at their best, and growing in thousands, often hidden by thick scrub of leris, 7 From Seplternber onward orchids became very plentiful Presophy lin duscom is an early spring species, and is very hardy, I have found this orchid growing on a bare, urn tract, after Gercee hail showers, the flower beg undamaged. .A month or two later we find P. Arariet, and towards the end of the spring J* aystrate and J? brevifalre are fairly cummon, while Ane or two speentens af PL clarion have been recorded. Tn September we have Blue Fairies (Caladenia deforsis)- The shy-blooming Red-beak (Tayperantine agicanr} may alsa he seen avout ihe same time, especially on country which has been burnt in the previous summer. The damnty Pterostyis nana bipoms freely m clusters about this time, followed by P. borbata. Ti Gerober some of the inost handsoine species flawer. Coledetia curnea, rather rare here, i 1) my mind one of the most delicate of wild Howers, while the demure little flowers of C. cvcullata also are very attractive. C. cordtfornets 35 Sairly common, alzo- C. Patersomi, an aristocrat t¢ the tips of its long petals and «epals, Cy difatata is common, and blogins until well into the summer, Theo there are the Doubletatls, First is Diperie peduncle, conhned here to 2 small patch, hut numerous, 7. fougifelia also as plentiful, though otten dwaried i stature, this. belyie its naine. The handsome ‘Tiger -Orchid (2. sidphareo) srrows to pertection here Calvehilis Robertsonie uly occasionally he Jound, though i is rave. Glossodia major is abundance. ] have seen patches a square yard or more in area where it would be ime jwssible to put one's '‘igot down without treading on several Waxhps, A walk ou a sunny November day 15 worth while. if only ta observe the heauty of the Sun Orchids. The first ta appear is the hittle yellow Tiely- witta Pexvasa, T. ixtedes, varying from pale mauve to bright ble, is very conunent, while 2. fongifoNa is pou far beliad it in imuniber, Occasiatially oue sees 7 grandiflora. 7 carnce in rare, Leek Orchids are worthy of notice by reason of their ability to ‘hale their awh sezainst the plough, They Aounth in slaces from whigh al) other wilt Flowers have disappeared. Ll reter to A¢. porvifultu. JM. atrata, perhaps the wast attracnve of orchids, is common im the nuincrans small swamps in depressions on te plains. lo December and January the low-lying areas produce Cyrptostidis fongtfoka aud Ortkhoceros stricto in considerable numbers In che fertile, swampy area T have found Gostrordia sesomoides and Plovasiytis folenia, but both species are very rare, In January and February the diinuty pink fowers of Sprreaathos instrohs appear. In the timbered country at a higher altitude many orchids grow, hur I have uot explored Uns field to any great extent. In carly spring Pterostalis fangifalia is plentiful, while I have found the oajestic P. grondifera aso, Burvetta ¢nneata has been recorded of this district, also Cotadena comgedia. The besutifl Hyacuth Orchid, Dipedium punctatin, is abundant in the surner. An easy way to mount Fairy-flies is to drap them direct into Xylot, quickly arrange the wings und legs under a dissecting niicroscope by means of two fine bristles set in handles, and mount in Canada balsam. For purposes of study this. is quite. satisfac- tory, though not, of course, for exhibition. All the genera do not react in the same way to any given treatment, and the only way, to become a good mounter is by practice and experiment. B13 24 Harpy, Notes on Leaf-curtity Spader, wt at NOTES ON THE LEAF-CURLING SPIDER. By A. D. Haapy. ~ The following notes are not of general appheation, byt ate the result of observation in my garden at Kew, Victoria, and re- corded after the readmg of Mr LL, SG. Butler's paper, “The Commen and Conspicuous Spiders of “Melbourne” (Micfertan Naturalist, April, 1933, Vol. xlix., No. 12), especially his refer- cuce lo Aranens wainert, - My garden is crowded with trees and shrubs, and in parts shel. tered from strong westerles, but open t the morning sun, spiders are so numerous that newcomers must experience diffi- culty m1 Anding suitable Jovations. If surplys popttlation is sot accounted for by migration, then cannibalism, wasps, the Green Mantis, and other natural causes provide against overcrowding. They comprise several species, two of which construct cir cular snares, one vertical, the other horizontal; another makes an amorphous entanglement, and lurks nearby; a fourth. the subject of.my notes, is the leaf-curling Spider, Arancuy waguert, of Ube family Argiopide. This is my most common species. Several others of Mr, Butter’s Melhourme spiders are present, but are comparatively rare. The adult female Leat-curler is about one inch in length whet naturally fully extended, bat when couposed for a long rest, or is sulicy, she hunches herself up. with her knees near her belly, and is then an eighth of an inch shorter. The belly, paunch, or, more politely, abdomen. as 4 Babre teanslator variously has it, is about the size of a large pea, is nearly elliptical in longitudinal section, and. projects: forward above the cephalothorax, The latter, and Ihe legs, are cedarwood brown; the legs are scantily-haned The spider weighs about four grains, I do not find the colour quite as in Butler's description; maybe bis specimens were immature or spirit-bleached. The followmg applies to the adult female, aiter seeing same hundreds: the ground colour of the abdomen ts‘ dark- chocolate brown, appearing in two antestor patches, three patches on each side, and a posterior patch, which is continued “as a band diminishing Corwards along the back, The rest of the dorsal sur- fuee and sides appears to he a cteamy or yellow dotted area, but that colour is in the meshes of a reticulation of the datk-chocolate brown; the yellow uf-the dorsal surfate muy be creamy, or iyory- white, Iter shape is fairly constant. but her colour varies in detail. . on The l.eat-curler's habits also exhibit variety. She may con- struct-a home or live ina “shack,” The webs are.of the sectoral orh* type, but are inconstant in number of radii and the polygonal *See Mrs. E. Coleman's sketch, Vicfortan, Natuvalrsi, Aigust 1932. Vol. xlix, p. B7- June 1935. Harpy, Neles on Leaf-curliny Spider. 25. concentrics, which are instead of the spiral line of species of Epeira; moreover, the lines frequently bifureate, are often not parallel, and the radii, at times angled, occasionally converge out- wards for part of their length; and there is nuch irregularity and apparent haphazardness in the marginal finish at the missing- sector edges, The radii are 24, more or less, and at angular dis- tance of about 10 degrees; and the concentrics may be 40, 60, or any such number, to over 100, according to along which radius one measures them. She is not only a Leaf-curler: she is a folder and a twister, Photo. by C. Barret. Leaf-curling Spider's retreat and portion af weh. A notable feature of the snares of cl. wagucrr is the large num- ber of horizontal lines or cables, many of them jomed at very acute angles. Occasionally I have seen a curtain of such lines deseending from either margin of the overhead group, a vertical distance of 9 inches, about 2 inches apart, and in this mverted gutter of open wirework a small stick or pencil could be waved to and fro.-- The rough sketch may convey -a better idea than can he given in words. Wut. whether the spider satisfies her require- ments with horizontals, an irregular entanglement, or constructs a Vic. Nat. 26 Harpy, Notes on Leaf-curling Spider. Vol. LIL. Leai-curting Spider and details of home-making. phd Hakoy. Notes on Leafecurting Spider, Pi net for the snaring of her food, she seems toa have grown de- tlependent on a shelter, the material for which is ready, or half- made, and which, respectively, she adopts or adapts. ‘his shelter is placed close to the entanglement, or behind the practical centre ' of the web, sometimes with an opening, where in most “orb” nets there would be a platforin: at others a scantily-webbeel tunnel con- hects, or the snare may be before the opening of the shelter, like a curtain, with notched zone and platform complete The shelter used Ty this Leaf-curling Spider is tisually a dty leaf, necessarily from the ground. since the leaf is often from a species of plant not growing in the immediate locality, but lies there, on the ground, by agency uf wind or yard-broom. Rarely, a growing leaf has been used—so rarely that | may name the species : grape vine, musk, QOlearia argophylla, Correa alba, and a rose. The thin, light, flexible leaves of a bamboo are favoured, and they may he seen suspended between alien plants: rose, Hlac, geranium, plum. tecomit, spirea, correa, crassula, ete. Tree leaves: Encalyp- tus ficifolia, Quercus pedtnentata, and the leaflets af sfracia clatit, are used in localities where the bamboo is not available. The spider's method varies with the size, shape. and pltabilicy of the leaf; the stiff leaf of a eticalypt can be rolled longitudinally, and that is her easiest way in a difficult task; but she sometimes curls it, or folds its sides in “double-breasted” manner, anc some- times essavs a transverse fold, in which case the leaf breaks, and then she remedies the defect with a littke webbing. The large leaf of the grape vine. in situ. bat in antummal extremis, is adapted Dy the folding over and turmng in of only one lobe. and large, withered geranium: leaves are similarly treated. The growing Correa alba leaf, elliptical. with axes about 14 inches and 1 inch, has its sides curved downwards in saddle shape. ‘he rather thin musk Jeaf, about 3 inches lony and 2 inches broad, is in a Jongi- tudinal fold or arch; and small, thin leaves, Hike rose, lilac, plum, diervilla, are usually folded obliquely. Tt is with the bamboo leaf, however, that cl. tugrert shows her skill in construction. Bamboo leaves hie flat on the ground, and, once wetted, do not hlow about, but defy wind and the yard-broom; those which reach the uneven ground of the shrubhery may be slightly concave, twisted. or crinkled, defects which might spoil their utility. The selected leaf is flat, or slightly concave, and straight. Now, I have nat seen her in the act of hauling the leaf from the ground, but the circumstantial evidence is strongly in support. | have seen leaves dangling between ground and web, and have seen part of a slow ascent. without having seen the source of the motive power. The leaf could not have blown up into the some- times 6 feet-high positions where fixed. The usual orientation sugyests the deliberate putting in place, with the finely-tapering enc uppermost; the fact that she oceasionally adopts a snail shell. or adapts a cigarette card or tram ticket, shows her intel- ligence to be sufficient for the task; the snail shell is too heavy to Vic. Nat, Vol. LU [ Harpy, Netes an Leaf-curling Spider. 28 Aranens waynert and its leaf architecture. rs Hanor, Netex on Leal-curting Spider, 29 be blown up, or for her to carry. So I saw that she finds a leaf, convemently below, attaches a thread, climvhs to: the overhead calles. aud attaches the leaf, and hauls it up. so thal, if a snare has heen made, the leaf, when in position. has its opening near the- centre; or, alternatively, that she, having hung the leal, constructs the nut to suit the leaf, and so 1 leave the onus of disprool on unbelievers. Ash tells of similar haulage by Theridian veparinan.* This I know; A. wagneri will accept a leaf, when she is in need of one, and will use it, if placed in the web, even though it be quite dissimiliar from the one from which she has been forcibly, Init gently, disladged, e.g. a flat bamboo leaf for the short. crumpled leaf of the oak. [have frequently watched her making the spiral tum to the bamboo leaf, her method being as follaws: She proceeds about half-way up che left-hand margin of the verlically-hanging Aat, of alniost Aat, leat, and attaches a hae; ther she crosses obliquely to the other margin. about 14 inches higher. and connects the line and hauls tight: this 1s reinforced with several other lines, which are tightened, and the fuvther part of the leaf is now secn to be bending over to the left pll at an angle approaching 45 degrees. Next she goes about an inch firvher glong the right-hand margin, and, from the first pomt {on the Jefl margin) attaches other lines, which are nearly vertical to it, aod gradually pulls the end of the leaf down and round, some- Umes pulling the tip over tu shield the small aperture at the sum- wnt of the thelter. The weight of the spitler is about 4 grains. and her baintioo leaf about 3 grams; the weight of the snail shell, 24 grains, more or Jess, and that of other leaves used: Eucalyptus 12 musk 7, atl oak 5 grains. Soptretinzes she is tn a shelter. especially a small spiral, which she has outgrown, and she appears ludicreais, legs in front. and vulnerable abdomen at rear. Like some other species. the Leaf-curling Spider does not re- turn from a capture, in the web, by the same route. but lets go her hold. swings to and {ro in a few diminishing ares while climbing, reaches the leaf, and backs in until at least her conspicuous!y- coloured abdomen is hidden, or until only the ends of her front two pairs of legs are visihle. A rapid run out, and some quick wark in the net. then the drop. and “one. two. three. four, and home" twa seconds for the outward rush, three tragic seconds, in the wet, and for the drop, swinv. and ascent—less than one secon § Most of these observations have been made by lantern oor toreh- Nght. The sudden application of an electric torchlight did not cause the slightest visible reaction in any of these spiders, ever with the torch almost mm. contact. Sensitivyeness to quick change of tentperature was marked, and tm the circumstances of aw adnll réfiising to do anything on a sunny, bye cokdish, autumn day, when removed from her shelter. and, My time and patience less than hers, ] used increased warmth *"Beitish Spiders," by E, C. Ash, MARA, F-RMLS. 30 Hanoy, Notes ar Leaf-curling Spider, Vor oi asa stnnulant. Having first practised on the bulb of a mercury thermometer. in order ta keep within. reasonable increase and avoid cruelty, I focussed the mild sun rays on her for a rise of a . few degrees, such as might be affected by an obsctiring cloud pass- ing and revealing the sun on a warmer cay. VFocussed on her legs or cephalothorax, this had no noticeable effect, but when the lens concentrated the rays on the abdomen she pradually becane alert, One might expect that, so stimulated, she would run to the nearby leafy refuge to which her lines were attached, but, No! she remained on the horizontals (there was no net}, and eom- menced spiralling the bamboo leaf which 1 had given her, and which she, being an adult, would not have manipulated till mght- Fall. Younger ones will, it disturbed, and sometimes voluntarily, do construction work in the sin on a warm day, and either old or younger Leaf-curlers will venture aut in the glave whet the tele- graph announces a catch. L leave to arachnologists—or should J. say araneologists ?}—the puzzle of an ald spider, which normally works in the dark, and on so cold a night as to make observation irksame, being stinniated. to the same task by the artificial appli- cation of warmth in daylight, J have used the term “cirele” in- stead of “orb” (except in quoting) for a plane figure, and have avoided perpetuating the term “cocoon'’ far “ege-sac’’ or “epe- hag.” since hy definjion a cocoon contams its maker. REFERENCE TO FIGURES. All gures rough sketches only, and reduced to about a chird size, but the spider slightly larger than Jife size. Where the spider's leas are showt they rést om web, not indicated. . Ilustrations Poge 26 ig. 1, Arancus woguert, slightly enlarged, 2 Degeneration in web-making, frequently scen. 3. A rare Structure, twice seen. 4. The quick way hone. ; §, Primitive architecture; oblique jold; bamboo. 7. Suceessiul (rare) transverse fold of eucalyptus leaf, 8 “Double-breasted” long-fold; eucalyptus. Sa. Attempt at spital failed; eucalyptus. 9, Oblique fold of eucalyptus; part spiral, 10, Evealyptus; margins folded in; tip bent over opening, 11, Eucatyptus; defect in closing remedied by webbing. 12, Bamboo; leaf inverted: surplus tied up (3 Bamboo; two spiral tum: inirequent. 14, Damaged leaf used; bamhoa, 14a. Two bamboo leaves used (ane slightly concave) ; rare. 15, Bamboo transversely folded; rare. If, Rase leaf; Jong fold, 17. Growing rose leaf; used after desertion of a dead oak leaf (not indicated). 1145. Wares an fronktene apgeccr. | Iilusteations Page 28, 18 A BC stages a) curling into spiral of a hambon kab As firet at- fackinent: Th: strained; C. second attachntent: Jeaf as siverted (imwsual), ’ 1% Bamboo leaf seen dangling at 10 p.m. and 20, Same leaf in position, with spider hotised 6 ain. next day. TL. On a pilt \eat, after dislodement from onal: leaf; spider reste for tae hours. 22. & 23, Unusaal onentation ci spider in bamboo Seal. 24. Callistemon leaf; house sinall and draueghty. 25. Almost a vagrant, no webbing, 26 27. Acacia alata leaflets; improved by webbing. 28. Resalt of twa hours’ work; bamljou. 29. After disladwement irom onl leaf and Incality, and further dislodge ment; fourth hammhoo leal curled in same posiuan. 30, Evealyptus leat; part folded, part curled; enirance webbed, rare. Vi. Fucalyptus ; traasversely folded and fractured; webbed to strengthen, 42. Cherry leat; Jonyicuclinal fold 33, 34,35.836. Oblique folding of short, thin leaves—teeonva, herria ayrimya, rose, 37, Grape vine Jeaf; lobe folded over ang turnenl ux 38. Bamboo leaf foutsually Horzontal): spider ou eag-beg inside, NOTES ON GAUVLTHERIA APPRESSA, As collectors af our Victorian Alpine flora well know, two only of our plants belone to the Esicarear damily, samely, Conltheria and Het stednin, Both are rare and protected, They are tound in cur north-east highlands. in the Luke Mount district, and on the Baw Haws, ¢enerally at the height of between 4000 feet and 5000 feet. At higher elevations on aur Alps lL have sought for them i) var, Perhaps it will be hard for older collectors to reconcile the changes in some specihe names of Ganlthevia, which the Thrector af the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London (Sir Arthur W. Hill), gives in his recent yterest- we coottibution to Ure Journal of the Lianean Society of Loudon, a capy oi which is to hand. In future our Austrahan mainland representative af the genus will he called Gavlthoria appressa, and with itis a New South Wales variety, ylatea, while the oid aud Jamiliar name, G. hispida, i to be restricted to one of the species in Tasmania, where Robert Brown Arsz collected the species, which he origwally described under that_ name: Sir Aecthur Hill, in 1928, visited the Conynouwealth and New Zealand, and whens i the Dominion invesheated a number of strariee forms of Griitherer, whith proved to he hybrids of several soecios tat had been confuging balanists for a tong time. Some of the problems were solved. Str Arthur Hill, the late Dr L. Cockayne, anit other leading New Zealand scientists thoroughly investigated the genus, and ats ally 14 the held, in that home of Goultherss. On the mainland oi Australia one species only seems to be reeopnised: Angther geuus, Permertya, has xo close an affinity with Gayltheria that it is sometimes canfised with if, so that determiistious have been recorded and generic names transposed, This ally is known in New Zealand and Tasmania, lat is got represented sn Australia. By the recent revision of Sir Arthur and his colleague, Mr. Brian Burtt, two species of Pernettyir are vecorded as from New Zealand, and two species dromt Tasmania, And, aller elinnuating certam Parnettyas and Gaulthurias, it las bees shown that We reengwise six species of Gatitheria in New Zealand, Uwe species wit Tasmania fone being common to New Zealand), aad one species ip 32 Notus ow Ganthheria apprezsa. a eet Australia, ar 2 total of eight species in the Commonwealth nd the Dominion. As our own osain concern in Victoria 1 with Gaultheria oppretse ane G. hispida, it wall be sufficient to state here that the change af names is arrived at, nat se much drom the floral characters, as fram the marked drf- ferences in the leaf texrare and shape, and fo the characters of the hairs on the leaves aud other parts of the plant. So au old iriend has heen miaset- eradms wider a wrote vane, aud, istéad of our plait existing outside our continent, its exchisiveness now envitles it to specific rank. For this we have to thank che investigators of au esvormous amount of material ox- amined iv the Goutse of lengthy researches, ExamiuAlion was made by Sor Arthur Hill of the thateral othe genera at Kew, rhe British Musoum, as well as material from New Zea- land, ‘ffasmania, and the niaitland of Australia, including specimens col- lected? oi Mout Denna Buang hy the author ef the paper Much Vie- torian maternal was also examined, and that alsa included] specunens col- ected by Von Mueller, Liehwann and French, Maiden, Cambage, and Taitell, from the Cobboras, Victorian Alps, Maunt Bogong, Mount I eather- op appyeaches, Mount St. Bernard, aod the Big Riven, under Movi one. “Phe taltawine. tscan abbreviated description of 47. dispide and G. appresse. G hispida (R. Br.).- Branchilets setose; hairs on the branchlets spread- ie; leaves avergetng 54 em. long, and 1.2 em, iread: pedicels pubescent; leaves slightly bairy on upper surface, and inidrib pubescent: leaves thicker and tore ceriaceous. verng deeply impressed oft the upper surtace; leaves narcawer telatively to length, Jancéolate ar ovate, acute ty acga, gradually Aerurate. hearing reddish bristles; peds. covered wath short, dowry. while iairs, G. appressa CA. W. Hill.—-Hairs an the branchlets appressed; leaves averaging 4.9 cm, long, and 16 eq) broad; pedicels pubescent, and with a few scattered, thicker hairs; Jeaves elliptic-obleng, er elliprir, abruptly apiculate. fram an obtuse apes; leaves more or less sinooth above m adult leaves, vems soarcely impressed, wot hairy ahove midril, whieh may he puberulous; on the pedicels are Jong, ¢risped reddish, alsa shorl, downy Itsirs, bristles everywhere appressed, AL J. Tanoeue. EXCURSION TQ NEWPORT Six members attended the excursion to Newport on Satuntay, March 9, Owing to die fact that on the past many rock specimens [ ballast) have heen discharged from the ships af different countries, this locality 1 very suitable for an intraduction fio the principles of petfology. ‘The dulk of the specimens consists of pebbles, which are representative, as a rule, af those more resistant of the harder portions of the parent rock mags vw weathering, some of the specimens collececdt were nos normal types. Peebays they represented parts of the racks modifed by silicifcaiion by post volcanic processes, by preumatolysis, etc,, ar viey may have heen enclaves, honwen- genes ur autoliths, Many specimens were collected, indicating the main charicteristies uf the several rock groups Of she jgitenus rocks Joth abyssal, bypahyssal, and extrusivye types were poted, Logether with several members of the metamorphic type, both dynamic and cantact, and a few sediifientary rocks were collected and described. In a ealcaruouy rock of the latter series Mr. Colliver was fartanare in discovering severa) fossil lrachispeds, among which was a beautiful spirifer. With tha specimens supnlied by the locality the classicatory system of tHe subject was outhined, and a selecred series of hand specinicns assisted ji siusttaluig the raloerat composition of Whe most inipartanr rock forms In dhe evening sce pf the excursionists inspected the collection of Mr. Colliver, aiid further geo- logical principles were discussed. AC Frasriek. The Victorian Naturalist Vol. LII.—No, 3 July 3, 1935 No. 619 THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA The annual mecting was held at the Rovalt Society's Hall on Monday, fune 10, 1955, at 8 pam. The President. Mr, A. & Kenyon, M.TE.. Aust. presided. and about 90 members attended, DONATION It was announced that Mr. V. H. Miller had presented to the Club a stand and canvas cover for the Epidiascape. ‘The thanks of the Club were conyeved to Mr. Miller, - REPORTS GF EXCURSIONS Excursions were reported on as follow —lFootseray Gardens: Mr. G, N. Hyam. for Mr. D. Mathews; Marysville: Mi. F. S. Colliver read a report for the Leader, Mr, W. H. Ingram. ELECTION OF MEMBERS Qn a show of hands, the following were duly elected as Ordi- nary Members of the Club:—Miss V. Y, Kimpton, Mrs, H. R. MeDonal, Miss Higgs, Miss G, Cantphell, Miss O, Mathews, Miss ], E. Sineack, Mr. H. J. Neville Hawkes; and as Country Member: Mr Chas, T. Fletcher. ANNUAL. RIEPORT The Report was read by the Secrétary, and adopted on the motion of Mr..C. Crall. seconded by Mr. A. R. Proudfoot. During discussions on the Report it was suggested ihat an incex to the Fern Book be issued, and the meeting resolved that this matter be tet t 10 the Committee. BALANCE SHEET The Balance Sheet was presented by Mr. A. S. Chalk, who explained the financial position. Mr, V. H. Miller. who moved that the Balance Sheet be adopted. questioned the surviyal of the Charabane Fnnd. Mr, J. |. Freame seconded the notion. Mr. A. H. &. Mattingley suggested that the standing bank account was too large, anc should be invested. Mr. G. N. Hyam referred to the cost of the Natwralist, aixl 4 Ficld Naturalists’ Clit Proacecdmas, Ler Ai stressed the necessity of haying new members, He stated that £400 was a very conservative esiinalte of the value of the Library. The motion for the adoption of the Balance Sheet was carried. Mr. A. S. Kenyon then vacated the chair in favour of Mr, G N. Hyam, who expressed his thanks to the members for electing him as President. After it had been announced that Mr. A. S$. Chalk did not wish ta stand for election either as Vice-President or a member of the Committee, and ihat both Mr. E. E. Peseott and Mr. J. A. Kershaw definitely had decided to ratire, it was found thar no elections were necessary. The following are the Officers for the vear 1935-36 President; Mr.G. N. Ubyam. Wice-Presidents : Mr, Geo. Coghill and Mr 5 RL Mitchell. Treasurer; Mr, J, _togram. Librarian: Dr_€, S. Sutton. Assistant Librarian; Mr. W. 31. Ingram. Rditer: Mr. CL. Barrett Secretary: Mr, F. S. Colliver. Assistant Secretary: Mr. L, W. Cooper. Committee : Messrs, J. W, Audas, A. 4 Chisholm, Chas. Daley, H, Jenkins. V, H. Miller, and A. S, Kenyon (ex officio). PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS Mr. Kenyon delivered the Presidential Address. “Science Marches On.” We dealt briefly with the progress made at the Various sciences curving the past twelve months. The Chairman thanked Mr, Kenyon for his address, and spoke highly of his work during bis term of office. He also paid a tribute ty Mr. E. E. Pescott and Mr. J. A. Kershaw (who has held office for nearly 37 years), for work they have done in past years NATURE NOTES Mr, A. S. Chalk said that he had heard a indgpie mimickioy other birds at Beaconstield. Mr. A. H, Chisholn said that this was possibly the Arst authen- dic revord of vocal intmicry by the magpie from a competent bird student, but he hac received several letters from childrew on the subject, Mr. A. H. E. Mattineley mentioned that wattle-binds were mimerous around Melhourne, and suggested that it was due to the abundance of reddlowermp gums, E. fietfolta. Mr. A. BR. Proudfoot spoke on rabins. Mr. A. 5S. Kenven referred to the “cooee bird,” aud asked whether theve was any such species. Mr. A. H. Chisholm stated that it was a cuck6o well known in Horthern New South Wales and southern Queensland. The meeting then adjotrned for the Conversazione. Jul ho ahh. Annual Report, 35 EXHIBITS Mrs. 1. C. Dyall—The “skeleton” of a Hydrangea bloom Mrs. M. E. Freamie—Marine slielis of the genus Offvie: plant of the Horaed Poppy, Miss ©. C Corrie —Jslackfellows® Lread (Polyporus). wath the fruiting body attached; collected at Larelner, Victoria. Mrs, TL S. Hart—Flattened root of a Banksia grown among rocks near Creswick. Adventitious roots of a Casuarina formed in a split fork of the tree (this is a common occurrence), Batrns- dale: creeper strangling a sapling, Orbost; Desert Nightshade (Solem lacuneariwan), regarded formerly as doubthid jor Vie- | teria, specimen collected by W. J. Zimmer, at Walpolla Island. Murray River, Victorian side. Mr. H. P. Dickens —Greenhood orchids (Pterostylis grandi- fora), from Belgrave. Mr. A. H. E. Mattingley —Young Black Snakes (Psendechis porphyriacus), alive, and shedding thei skins in patches. Mr, Noel Lothian —Male and female flowers, also cone of Cosuartur siriche, from Torquay; cotlected in June. Mr. C. French—Remarkable leaves of the “Seruhby Sheoak™ (Casuarina distyla). The leaves resemble those ot Cupressits Lombertione, and were collected ar Anglesen. Jame. 1935. Speci. mens of the Comb Fern (Sefiizace sp.), collected at Anglesea, June, 1935, (These strange ferns are becoming vather tare in Victoria.) Mr. F. S. Colliver—Photographs (received from Dr. H. Flecker, Cairns) of the male and female Giant Hercules Math (Coscinoscery hercules), aaturval size, also photograph of the North Queensland Rock Python (Payton canatlaystiiss). FIFTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT, JUNE, 1935 To the Members ot the Wield Naturalists’ Club of Victoria Ladies and Getitlemen,— Your Comnuitee has pleasure in swhemtting the Afty-fifih Annual Report, The menthership is as follows --Life Members, 11; Ordinary Members, 247; Country Members, 76; Associate Members, 27; total, 361, This, hetng a decrease of 13 on the figures of the last Report (1954). is to be deplored, but a drastic revision of the membet- ship list has been made. We secord with sorrow the deaths of two members of the Club, Mr. R. F. F. Lush (1927-35) and Mr, L. Mooney (1930-35). Mr. F Pitcher, one of the tew surviving original members, happily has recovered from a serioug illness. Attendances at the meetings have been well sustained, the sealing accommodation on several occasions being fully taxed The second roon) is still in use for display of exlubits. Though 2) Ariuanal Report Mt Say there has often heen raom’ for improvement, both as regards number and variety, some very good displays have been staged Leetures for the year, in their order, were:—"Early Naturalist Members of the Club, Pt. 1—Botanists and Zoologists,” by Mr. E. E. Peseott, F.LS., and Mr. J. A. Kershaw, ©.M.Z.8.; ‘Birds That Bujld Playhouses," by Mv. A, H. Chisholm, CF.A.O.L, ; “Wattles,” by Mr E. E, Peseott) ‘Early Naturalist Members of the Cluh, Pt. 2—Geologists and Ethnologists," by Mr. T_ S. Hart, M.A, BSe.. Mr. S. R. Mitchell, and Mr. A, S. Kenyon, MLE Aust.; “A Poet Naturalist in Victoria,” by Mr. A, S- Kenyon; “Sharks.” by Mr. G. Mack; “The East Coast Brush,” by Mr, A.W, Chisholm; “The Future of the Game Birds in Vic- ioria” (members of the Club, the R.A.O.U., Advisory Couacil for Flora aud Fauna, Gun Clubs, and the Chief Inspector of Fish- eries and Game took part in this discussion}; “The Ice Age im Vietoria,” by Mr, FL S Colliver; “The Easter Camp-Out at Moora Valley,” by Messrs. A. S. Kenyon, C. Daley, B.A, F.LS, E, S. Hanks, and Dr. C. S. Sutton; and, following on this, a short discourse on “Spiders” by Dr, Jiri Baur, a visitor frei Ceecho-Slovakia. Another distingutshed visitor ta a Club meeting was Major Alan Brooks, an ornithologist [rom Canada; who spoke on his experiences in New Zeeland, and praised the H, L. White coliec- tion of skins and eggs in the National Muscum, Melbourne. The various lectures were well illustrated by slides, photographs, e(¢,, and the great value of the Epidiascope is apparent. Two operators have been appomted for the Eptdiascope, Mr. A. C. Frostick and Mr, I, 8. Colliver, who have control of the sachine. Vhe members of the Royal Society have been grinted the use of the Epidiascope, and several times during the last year have availed themselves of this privilege. During ihe year many excursions were held, bul abnormal weather conditions caused the cancellation of twelye excursions, and others were not well attended. Volume LI. of The Naturalist has been issued, and tor some roonths followed on the high standard set by Volume L.; bur owing to unforeseen circumstances the Committee. with regret, had to reduce the size of the journal The Committee regards ihis publication as ane of the outstanding features of the Chub, The Club has continued its activity in endeayourng to pre- sérve the wild fe of Australia, Members keep a watchful cye on vendors of plants and animals, and reports ure made: to the Committee from time to time. Matters that have heen inquired inta include: - Preservation of aboriginal relics {rock paintings) in the State; alleged yandalism in the Cheltenham Park; destruction of bone bed at Coburg; protection of the birds of prey; better protection of the Werrihee tia, Aiinnal Ke post, x Gorge ayea; and provision of more sanctuaries, including Mallacoota, The Cyclone lence and Gate Company offered to supply, free af charge, the necessary wire and uprights to enclose the rock shelters at Langi Logan and in the Victoria Ranges, and this Club and the Anthropological Society have agreed to share the cost uf erecting the fencing. which wall be done by the Forest Cammission and the Rotary Club'of Horsham. Besides the Geological suh-conunittee, which was formed last year, two other sub-committees are now in operation, namely, oné Lo deal with preservation of places of interest to nature lovers. the other a Park Lands sub-committee, Any Club mem- ber knowing of some matter which it is considered should be looked iato by ether of thése sub-committees, is asked to com- ninticate with the Secrettry, Mr. Colliver, Co-operation with kindred societies, ag the Bid Observers’ Club and the League of Nature Lovers, has increased, aud the League has been affiliated with the Club under conditions suitable to both bodies, The South Australian Naturalists’ Club. the North Queensland Naturalists’ Club, Hall’s Gap Flower Show, and the Victorian Aboriginal Group have been assisted by shows ataged, The Victorian Advisory Council for Tauna and Flora, with Mr. C. Daley as Seeretary, is still active, ancl your Committee has again vated £4/4,/- towards its expenses, The Wild Nature Show this year was opened by the Hon. Geo. Goudie. The Melbourne Town Ifall was engaged for three days, and all branches of natural history were well repyeschted, ment- bers having macle spécial efferts for the Centenary. Unfortu- nately, owing to numerous other attractions, and the high rental, the show was not financially as successful as usual. At the Centenary Horticultural Council’s display in the Fitzroy Gardens, this Club made itself responsible for the wildAbwer sec- tion, and 4 very good exhibit was staged, Club members attenced throughout the week, and were kept busy giving Information. Last year you were invited to contribute to a fund to put in order the grave of Baron von Mueller; more ihan sufficient tor this purpose was collected, and the halance has been made the nuclens of a fund which members will be asked to subscribe to later, to pay for a plaque of the Baron to be erected at the new Herbarium, This effort is being shared with us hy the German Alliance of Australia, Wietotian Branch. During the year an appeal was made through the daily press and The Noturalist for relics of Baron von Mueller to be placed in a Mueller Museum at the Herbarium. The Chib has made availahle on loan a photograph showing the Baron's celebrated watchehain. Tt was deemed fitting that soime members of very long standing f " Ver Nar. 38 Auinal Report. Val, Lit. should be honoured, and provision was made in the rules for election to Life Membership of ihose who have rendered signal service to the Clnh. Messrs. Geo. Coghill, C. French, and J- Searle were chosen for this honour. : During the year the Forests Commission invited Club members to subnut ¢lesigns for a badge to be tssued to rangers to he appoitited under the new Wild Flowei and Plant Protection Act. Mr. H. P. Dickens submitted the accepted design, The Librarian reports that numerous books and journals have been hound during the last year, while hooks in (he Library have been better arranged. Exchanges have been arranged with socze- ties and universities overseas, and inquiries for The Naturalist have heen received [romy many cottntries, A vcard index to The Naturalist was proposed, but the Commit- tee found that the work involved would be too cnstly, having repatd to the Innited uscfiness of the proposed index, The Carnegie Institute asked the Librarian to answer a lengthy questionnaire pertaining to our Library This he did, and our |.ibrary is now on the Carnegie list- The Fem Book, published by the Club, is the only popular hand- hook to the ferns of the State, and should have been better received, Members aré asked Io make it at widely known as possible. The hook was published at a loss to the Chub, in order that it might he sold ata popular price. The text of a Sheli Book has been prepared by Mr,-C, J, Gabriel, The matter of publica- How will be vonsidered by the incaming Comniittec. ds delegates to the Australian Association for the Advancement of Scrence for the Melbourne ineeting held this year, Messrs, A. J. Tadgell ancl V. H. Miller were elected. Your Committee gratefully acknowledges gifts made during the year ;—Cash donation, Mi, J. Dixon; Mr, V. H. Miller, a stand for the Epicdiascope; the Shell Company of Australia, a fine Min, denip, teary’ 3h: Period preceding hibernation, 1935. Min. cemp. (mean), 45-7, Peviod preceding hibernation. 1934- Relative humidity (9 am), 92%. Period preceding hibernation, 1935; Relative humidity (9 am.), R29). Period preceding, hibernation, 1934: Rainfall (total), 3 points. Period preceding hihernation, 1935: Rainfall (total). 29 points. Period of hibernation, 1934: Max. temp. (mean). 57 4°. Period of hibernation, 1935: Max. temp. (mean), 604°. Period of hibernation, 1934; Min, temp. (mean), 38-6° Period of hibernation, 1933; Min. temp, (tnean), 44:7°. Period of hibernation, 1934: Relative humidity (9 a.m.), 92%. Period of hibernation. 1935. Relative hunudity (9 am), 82%. Periad of hibernation, 1934: Rainfall (rotal), 39 points. Period of hibernation. 1938S: Rainfall (total). 34 points. The above figures were supplied hy the Commonwealth Meteor- ologist. Melbourne data were furnished, as these relate to the climatological station sicarest to Blackburn. July 28, 1938.—So far there have been wo further periods of hibernation. On July 19, Mr, W. Roe, of Sorrento, told me that he had seen an active Echidna “about two weeks ago.” Paragraphs jin twa Melbourne newspapers rejerred to Moyerents of Echidnas (in natural conditiuns) during June [tig possible that hibernation is only partial even in these circumstances. Wath reference to jemmperature, Stickles emerged. after 34 days of Ihernation, on the coldest Tune day since 1878 - “ : . . Wie, Nut. §2 Ewart, Clessifivotion af Encalypts. he at CLASSIFICATION OF EFUCALYPTS By Peor. A. J. Ewarr In attempting to classify any grovp of plants attention should be paid to the general principles upon which moder classifcation is founded. The earlier botanists classified plants in ways which now appear absurd, as, for instance, into herbs, shrubs and trees, or into groups according to the number of stamens in the flower, fnl- lowing arbitrary dines of division but at least bringing same degree of order out n£ confusiet- Modern classification is hased on the theory of evolution, namely, that all jalants are related to one another in varyiug degree and thar in general more complex forms have been derived from simpler anes and these agai from still simpler organisms. ‘The plant kingdom may thus be regarded as a dense tree having all its living leaves at its outer surface, while the branches bearing them are hidden from view. The leaves may be regarded as existing species and if lobed or drvided would represent species containing varieties. A few dead leaves an the older branches would represent the snown fossil species. The twigs to which the leaves are attached are the genera into which species are grouped, The branches represent the tainilies of plants and the larger branches represent the subdivisions of related families. which arise from the main trune. In dealing with existing species we can only see ihe leaves at the surface of the tree and not any of the branches, but not any of the leaves are alike anid by comparing them we endeavour to judge to which branches they belong. It is obvious that in two branches, which at first diverge widely, some of the twigs at the surface may overlap and make it difficult to judge to which branches the per- ticular leaves belong, Thal ts why botanists often disagree as to the placing of a particular species or the boundary of a particular family. One is often asked to define what is meant br the term “species” JA rough working definition is that it ennsists of a group of individual plants belonging to a genus such as, say, Eucalyplars or -teacia, all of, which have al least three characters in common not shown or not shown nr this combination by atv other species of the genus, Tf somo@ot these individuals have a fourth charaeter, but not others, Chet the species contaras two varieties, In nature, evolution. hike branching in a tree. never follows straight lines. but always fakes a more or less zig-zag course and the chance of the same organ heing alfected ar each stage of mutation is progressively less at each mulahon. Hence, any attempt to found a classification of any gioup of plants pon the variation of a single organ is completely artificial and is toredoomed to Failure, iy; In a painstaking and lahnrions compilation, Blakeley. of the cue Ewaot, Classification of Eucatypts. 0 Sydney Herbartunr, has recently attempted to place the classifica- tion of our native Eucalyptus species upon a sound anid logical footing. Our native Eucalypts undoubtedly are one af the most puzzling groups of plants to the botanist and yet are so umportanc to the farester that it is essential to have their names on a sound and perinaient footing. Hence, Blakelev’s attempt would have heen most valuable if successful. Unfortunately, he hascs his primary classification solely on variations mm the stamens, which variations aré often so slight that even the traimed eye often fmds difficulty in distinguishing them. and by using the obsolete practice of basing all his groups upon variations in a single organ he suc- ceeds in perpetratmg absurdities such as placme together species which even Lo the man fn the street are witlely apart, and in separat- ing into different groups species which are closely related, such as Forest Red Guns and River Red Gum. The former is placed ander “Erythroxyla,” or red-woods, while the latter, which also has a red wond, j= placed under a differently natned sub-section, Even accepting Blakeley's primary divisions based on the stamen, of which he makes eight instead of the usual three, since he has 18 sulalivisions based on the same character anfl Since the plant has ar deast 50 aygans or parts capable of independent variation, the chance of his classification being even approximately correct is 1 in 900. A probable aceiracy of one-tenth per ceul, is iol of much value, Another serious feature is the facr that, according to Blakeiew, the genus Eucalypiyws includes no fewer than 504 species and 138 varieties. Maiden, up te the time of his death. had increased the number of species to approximately 350, excluding hybrids whrich, when their origin is known, should be indicated hy the names of their twa parents and not given new ones: Bentham and Mueller recognized anly some 200 species, snd a large number of the new naines are based. nat on new discoveries, hut on material which has been critically examined by such renowned botanists as these. It is evident, therefore, that Blakeley’s crilerian af a species must approach more to what the older botanists considered to be varieties. Tt is to be feared that the madurn tencesicy to species splitting ts partly due to the practice adopted in botany and zoology 4f append- ing the author's name to each new species, whereas alt that is neces- satv is an indication of where the description of the supposed new species can be found. Nowadays workers in systematic botany find it hard to discover yeally new species and ave tempted to achieve some kind of fame by splitting up old species and giving new names with their own attached. Another cause of trouble in vegard to the scientific names of Eucalypts is the strict application of the priority rile according to which the species name first given to a plant must he retained even if i) was originally ima wrong genus ar even a wrong family. This 64 Ewart, Classification pf Eucalypts. eu oe makes haste jn publication more important than accuracy of investi- gation and gives modern systematists an opportunity, eagerly accepted, of digging into old botanical works aod altering names i ase for a century or more to new combinations with their own naines attached. Such changes are rapidly making alder botanical works uoreadahle and are a serious cause of trouble to foresters and to all.scientists interested in the economic uses of plants. Every forester knows the two Red Gums by their names of #£_ vostrata and E. tereticorsis, and these names have beer in use forover acentury. Yet we are now told they niust he changed m all text-hovks, reports, plantations, gardens and herbaria to £. rovmal- dulensas and £. mmbellata; in the first case because the name appeared in 2 European Botame Gardens list before the plant was properly «described: arict in the second case, because 4 German ‘botanist who received a specimen thought it was a ‘Tea-tree and described it under that genus before ir was properly recogmzed by the Enplish botanist. Smith, as a species of Eucalyyst. A law is only valid if ot is accepted by a majority of the penple for whom it is made, Even if a large mmorily refuse to accept tt, it cannot be enforced. Plant names are made for the convenience of those using them, and it is certain that a plebiscite among all those using the scientific names of plants would reveal an overwhelming majority against these absurd and cantnsing changes of name. The section of the International Botanical Congress which repre- sents Systematists has twice refused to establish lisis of nomena causervonda io preserve the names of common economic plants from alteration. As Evcalyptes is practically a wholly Australian genus. it might he argued that we are justified in taking matters inta our own hands, Eucalypis are now, however, widely grown all the world over; but, on the other hand, it is eontrury ti hotanical prac- tice to establish a new spectes unless a locality where it grows wild ean be given. The suggestion has heen made thar a commmittoe should be set up containing a representative of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, a botanist. » forester, and a horticultural expert or hotanic gardens representative to prepare and publish a hist of recognized species of Encalypts and to investigate all cases in dispute. Such work ts not easy and cannot be done in @ day. Tt iook a committee twelve years aud nearly 100 meetings to estah- lish a list of common names for the 2,000 plants of the Victorian flora. Even if it took four or five years to do the same work for the scientihe names of Eucalypts, it would be time well spent. pro- vided that all Australian botanists, gardens, and Government her- hari accepted the findings. lf such co-operation were assured and the scientific names of Encalypts placed on a permanent basis, the gain to foresters, to the timber industry, to horticulturists and to scientific investigators would be So great its to amply pay for the labour myolved Aug. 1935. Bracknourn, fig Insects. 65 FIG INSECTS Ry 2. BlackBourn Symbiosis, the partnership of two different organisms for their mutual benefit, provides an interesting study. One of the most striking: instances is that afforded by the Fig Insect in relation to the Fig tree. [extermination of the one would inevitably lead to the disappearance of the other. Without the agency of insects the stimulation necessary for the development of the fruit ane the Photomicre. by GO. H. Coulson, Fig Insect, female. production of fertile seed could not take place as, in the cultivated varieties of Ficus, the male and female flowers occur on separate plants and are enclosed in hollow receptacles from which other insects are excluded. The tree therefore supplies special nurseries for the rearing of the voung Fig Insects. These take the form of abnormal ovaries, incapable of producing seed, but which develop into galls after an egg has been deposited in each hy the female wasp, and these abnormal ovaries occur in the same receptacles as the male flowers. Caprification, the process of hanging caprifigs (the variety con- taining male flowers) in Snivrna trees which bear female flowers only, was an old custom based on the belief that fiys would not mature unless it was carried out, Possibly the originators of the custom had no idea why the process had the effect desired. In . - Ses A- Vic. Nat 6 Biackgourn, Fig Insects, Vol. LIL. California it is agreed that the culture of the Snwrna fig necessi- tates simultaneous cultivation of caprifying varieties in which the insects can live. Fig Insects are among the most remarkable of the Chaleid wasps. Sexual dimorphism is very pronounced as may be seen by a glance at the accompanying photomicrographs, kindly taken for me by Mr. ©. H. Coulson, The male is a wingless, soft-bodied insect superficially resembling a termite, with stout jaws, poorly developed middle legs, and a lang pointed abdomen usually carried folded underneath the thorax. The female is more normal in appearance, with prominent ovipositor and well-developed wings. Ter head, long and narrow, is furnished with two flattened processes studded with teeth which she uses to cut her way into the fig in order to deposit her egys. There are said to he 500 species and varieties of Ficus in which the caprifying phenomena are known to vary widely, fiens rox- buryhti may be taken as a yood example. Two distinct fruits are born on different trees, one containing normal female flowers capable of producing fertile seed, the other, male flowers and madi- fied female flowers incapable of producing seed. In both, the canal at the apex leading from the cavity to the open air is firmly plugged with a dense mass of scales. (A fig, as botanists know, consists of a highly-developed receptacle which has grown in the form of a hollow chamber, the walls of which are covered internally with the flowers.) The ovaries of the abnortnal female flowers are well developed and covered with a thin skin easily pierced by the ovi- positor of the female wasp. These develop into galls containing male and female insects, The ovaries of the normal flowers, on the other hand. are covered with a thick tough cuticle quite imper- vious to the ovipositors. The two fruits are outwardly similar in appearance and grow to a certain stage, after which, they wither and fall of unless Pig Inseets gain access to the interior, Upon this occurring. a greatly increased flow of sap is set up with hyper- trophy of the fruits, and the interior of the cavity becomes filled with liquid. When the insects in the gall-fruits are nearly ready to emerge, the liquid dries up, leaving the cavity empty. The males always emerge frst. Each selects a gall contaimmg a female, gnaws a hole through its wall, and, inserting its long tubular abdomen, fertilizes the female fu sifa#. The males then make a con- certed attack on the scales plugging the canal at the apex of the fruit and by dint of numbers cat a tunnel through te the outside, at the same time chewing up many of the male flowers, the stamens and pollen along with other dehris, falling ta the bottom of the cavily, Upon reaching the open air, those males, which are not snapped up by the many enemies lying in wait, fall to the ground and die. Soon afterwards the females emerge through the opening made for them by the nmales, having in their exit become dusted Aug. i ed Riacknourn, Fry fusects. 67 with pollen, and, after a short pause to clean themselves up, set off in search of fruits in a suitable stage of growth wherein to deposit their eves. They appear to be perfectly competent to select one in the right condition and they attack the plug of scales at the entrance to the cavity and endeavour to force their way in, Of the large number that make the attempt very few succeed in reaching the interior. The successful ones immediately search for suitable places in which to deposit their eggs. Photomitra. by GO. H. Coulsan. Fig Trnsect, male. As mentioned previously, in the female fruits the ovaries are covered with a thick tough skin which the ovipositor of the wasp cannot penetrate and the insect crawls about in a futile attempt to oviposit titi] it cies of exhaustion. During the process, hawever, the pollen adhering to the inseet becames transferred 10 the stigmas of the female Howers, resulting in the production of fertile seed. If the fruit entered is a male frit the wasp deposits her cegs in the ovaries of the abnormal female flowers and the stimulation thus caused results in the development of galls and the hypertrophy of the receptacle. So diffetilt is it fur the female insect ta foree her way through the wad of bracts inte a fruit, she invariably loses her wings in the process, together with most af the pollen which she carried from the male fruit. The extraordinary development which immediately takes place in the fruit is probably due to the stimulation provided by the ovipositor in piercing virtiolls parts of the flower in the insect’s unsuccessful attempts te deposit her epys in the ovaries. 68 Winus, Revision of te Avaricaccae. vie Ps REVISION OF THE AGARICAHCEAR OR GILLED FUNGI (Published in the April NVaturalist of 1934) By J. H. Wittis Massee concludes his General Introduction to Arilish Fragt with the following words: “There are no such things as sharply defined families, or genera, or species in nature; such exist only in hooks.” Admittedly a sweeping statement! but not withont some foun- dation in fact, OF all living organisms, surely fungi show the most extreme morphological vartations within a species—-variations of size, shape. colour and habit that seem often to defy all accepted bases of classification, In clealing with remote forms of one species, it not infrequently happens that the systematic botanist is deceived into errors of determination, because he fails to trace any con- nection between these forms, and it is only by long years of patient observation in the fleld that he comes to learn the typical form and limits of cach species, Elias Fries spent almost 70 vears of his life studying the agarics of Sweden and it has been rightly said that he knew them as ne man ever knew them hefore, or perhaps ever will again: records of such work as his are almost beyond censure and will endure the tests of time, Since contributing an article on Victorian Agarics to the Natural- ist of April. 1934, I have prosecuted further studies on the species listed, comparing each of them closely with descriptions in Dr. J. B. Cleland’s recent Handhook, Toadstools and Mushrooms and Other Larger Fung: of South Australia, June, 1934, It is now apparent that I have made severa) mistakes in my article. which may be accounted for by personal inexperience, the lack of available literature on Victorian fungi, and the fact that many of our agarics, while closely resembling old, established species, have been given new names by Dr. Cleland. However honest my mistakes may have been, J feel in duty bound to publish a revision of those species which must be altered in the hght of Dr. Cleland’s determinations and as a result of my own further inquiries. Notwithstanding the change in nomencla- ture of the following 14 species, one cannot he dogmatic in naming Australian fungi and certain other alterations may still be war- ranted, but I believe that the list as now revised approximates very closely to the truth. 1. For Amanita spissa read Al. yriseu. Massee and Rodway. (Cleland uses a Tasmanian name for this common ant variable Continental plaut which approaches .4, spissa Fr. as described overseas. ) 2. For Pholiota puntila read P. sitb-prontita Cleland. (Apparently the same plant which Cooke reeorded from mal Wincis, Revision of the Agaricacear. 6g Austraha as P, pumila Fr, but larger than this. long- established spectes. ) Cortinarius cimmamomers read C. anstro-venettts Cleland. (Cleland gives a new name to what has beer considered merely a preen variety of C. contamonreus (Linn) Fr- and calls the dark brown form C. sub-ctrnaimonens ). Por Russula foctens read R. pectinata ( Bull.) Fr. (Our common creamy-brown and very acrid Russula seems claset ta pectiata than footens, which has a larger pileus, larger spores, and a very pronounced, disagr eeahle smell, Jt differs also from ¥, peclinatoides Cleland, in liaving a very peppery taste.) For Hygrophorus Llewelhise vead Contherellus llacties Cleland ane Cheel. (Though agreeing with Cook's description, and closcly resetnhling a Hygrophorns, this beautiful filae species ts surely the same as the plant referred by Cleland to ihe genus Cantharellus. The writer must also acknowledge an error in the spelling of “A. Lewellimae” Kalch,) Por Flannude sapivea read F. excentice Cleland and Cheel. (Iwo rather closely related species.) For Panacolus papilianaceus read P. retiragis Fr. (This hlack-spored agaric so common on nianure was talled P. papiltonacers after much thought; in Victoria it Seems to lack the moist suriace with prominent rettcu- lations, aserthed to P_ refmugis, hut Clelaud uses the latter name for South Australian specimens of undoubtedly the same fimgus-) For Mycena coccinea read AL. viscrdo-crventa Cleland and Cheel. (The blood-red Australian plant closely resembles AZ. coc- cca (Saw.) Quel, frum which it differs in having 4 glutinous cap and stem.) Tor Mycena flavo-wirens read Leptonta viridte-morginata Cleland, {The writer referred this rare green agaric to a large form of M. flavo-virens Couke and Massee, in the absence of spores—a careless thing todo. He has subsequently found the spores toa be those af a Leplonia (pink and angular) and the plant is almost certainly L. wiride-nargimaia af Cleland, though the gills lack green edges and the spares are much smaller than in the latter species, ) 70 Waris, Revision of the Agaricaceac. Me 10, For Nolanea papillaia read N. pasewa (Pers.) Fr. (The two species are related, but Cleland uses the latter name for our comnion plant, which is rather more robust than WV, Papillata Bresadola, ) 11, For Omphotia fibuloides read QO. chroimacea Cleland. (Cleland adopts a new name for our httle orange-vellow agaric. so common everywhere on bare ground.) 12, For Pleuvotus nidiforids vead P. lantpas Berkely. (The two names are concurrent in Cooke’s Handbaok of Austrahan Funot, bat the descriptions. are very ineom- plete and probably refer to one and the same plant, P. candescens and P. phosphorens are. probably also syno- nyms of 2. Jampas, with which Cleland identihes our large, luminous agaric, ) 13. For Plenrotus fetaloides read P. viserdulns (Berk. and Br.) Cleland. (The Victorian form is doubtless related to P. petainides (Bull) Fr. from which it differs in having a darker, viseid pileus when moist.) 14. For Morasmins eryihropys read Colybia elegans Cleland. (A “horder-line” species between Marasmius and Cal- lybia; it is not quite Mf. erythrapys (Pers.) Fr. {with pallict cap, velvety red steni, and distant gills) and Cleland has almost certatnly classified it aright, ) “AUSTRALIAN SPIDERS AND THEIR ALLIES” In this handy work (published by the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales) Mr. W. W. Froggatt, the veteran Australian entomologist, has added another to his many publications on natural history, Information in regard to Australian spiders is sparse, and not readily available. This little book, written in a popular, pleasing, and informative manner, contains x fund of interesting matter on the subject, dealing with different species of spiders, and the structure, habits, and life histories of these useful creatures, Ticks, Mites, Centipedes, Scarpions, Milhipedes, Slaters, and Wood Lice are also dealt with. the parts they play in the lives of mankind, domestic animals and plants, whether dseful or injurious, being described. Practical adyice as to the treatment of bites, and as to the eradication of nexious pests among the species described is plainly given, The book is well and clearly Mlustrated by photographs and drawings, and a bibliography of popular books on Spiders and Ticks adds to its usefulness : The Committee of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria wivite members of ‘endred societies, who may be visiting Melbourne, 4o attend the Club's necting, : . |e ; : in Easre, Hibernation of the Platypus 71 HIBERNATION OF THE PLATYPUS By Rosert Eanre, M.13E. In my hoak entitled Life gud Halts of the Plat yey published recently, were given same records which T had ptade regardin hibernation. These showed that in the winter of 1933 “Splash,” my tame Platypus, had several periods of what 7 believed to he hibernation, They, admittedly, were not of long duration, but were sufficient to create the belief that the Platypus was a hiber- nating animal. A repetition of this behaviour was looked jor in the winter of 1934, but it was not repeated, Observations made during the present winter (1935) have given similar results, In my hook J indicate that the changed life, environment and food might heing about a chinge in the habits of the Platypus, particularly with regard to hibernation. This reasoning would appear to be correct as che Following elrcumstances will illustrate. During the whele of the, winters of 1934 and 1935 a Platypus has been in captivity in the Sir Colin Mackenzie Sanctuary at Badger Creel, Healesville. This animal is contined in an area which gives ample scope for movement and the enclosure has been constructed so that the conditions may conform as nearly as possible to those in which the Placypus usually exists. when living its normal lite. In the winter of 1934 this animal had several periods of seclusion ancl these, in the ntatter of time, approximated very closely to the retirements of “Splash” in the previous winter. The present winter was, therefore, looked forward to with much interest—for the behaviour of the Platypus would probably determine whether it should be classed as hibernating or not. The result of the observations made leave little doubt about the matter. Correct records have been made—the tines of seclusion carefully noted aud registered. Without going into every detail of these observatrons, it wil) probably suffice to give in general terms the periods irom May 23 to July 22. During the jast week in May the Platypus was seen on only two days. Tn June it was visible on seven days only, Up to July 22 only five appearances have been made, Tt is interesting to note that the periods of retirement are from four to five days, or about LOD to 120 hours, More than the average or normal amount of food is consumed at reappearances. Ih all other respects the Platypus shows ne change from normal sppeer- ance. One would expect to find niore shyness exhibited but there is nO apparent difference in this respect. T am convinced that the Platypus spends a considerahlé part of the winter months in hthernation. In an endeavour to obtain information from other sources I asked several people who are living close to the river haunts of the Platypus for assistance. I 72 Zapre, Miternation of bie Platyins iy re desived tu ascertain whether the Platypus was observed m the rivers as frequently in the winter as in the summner All replies Indicate that the animal is rarely seen in the winter, The statements could, of course, he used ag firther evidence of hibernation, hut it must he rememberecl that mostly the rivers ave i) 2 turbulent condition during the winter. Th these circum stances the observations would be more dificult to make, However. T give the statements jor what they aré worth. Without relying upon any such evidence I ani now quite satisfied that sufficient data ave available ta settle the question—onee and for all—thar the Platypus must be regarded as a hibernating animal. TItas of interest to trove that the mating and nesting season comeides with chese perinds of hibernation. Further. that the Platypsis nests and days its eggs at the same period as all water or weth-footed birds do. The Platypus has web feet, The Tamous “Splash" has now heen in captivity for twe und a half years anc is nearly three years old, — ONION GRASS AND PIGEONS At Black Rock recently T -witnesserl several house pigeons tugging vigerously at Onion Grass (Romalow bullitodiion), They polled nll the flants cane away, exposing bulb and racts, Fhey had discovered the farin- aceons mature of the corms. Our foatpaths and mych of our grasslands are vividly green with what apnears to he long slender tough wrass, but is discovered jo be this Lulb:. codivn. One would, if jacking in experience, hesitate ta stowed the lite fellow up forward under the bit of deck- a ing we had. and haped for the best. I might mention that ™~ the sea at this time was as smooth as glass. After about y five minutes the monster arose again in the same place (coming up just like a submarine), We were about three- 1! quarters of a mile past the Beacon; oi reaching it we ‘ caught hold of the ladder and watched to see what move- ments the monster would make, After watting half an hour and seeing no movements, excepting the head sway- ing from side to side, as if watching us, we decided to make back to tuwn, get rid of the boy, and get a camera, as it Jooked as though the monster would stop there all day. On reaching the jetty wharf, [rang Mr, Jim Gibbard, sub-editor of the Toznseille Bulletin, who picked up a press photographer, Mr. Ellis, and, armed with two : cameras, we once more set out (without the boy}. As the pressmen were getting inte the boat, we noticed | the 5.S. Marella coming araund Magnetic Island, and making for the spot where the monster was, and our hopes % 48 S472 ifear er) oe Ave. Matrinutey, The Sea Seypeni? 75 of seeing it on the surface grew iaint, as the noieé of aur little boat had made it submerge, while the noise fram the steamer would be more likely to make it disappear. [fr took us half an hour to gel ta the spot where it was fast seen, but the steatner hat! frightened dt. On the way out, Mr. Ellis thought he saw too dark objects about 2 feet apart, deep down, and his ynay have been jhe monster, as it put its head tip near a wan fishing if a Small dinghy just auiside ile breakwater, af 3.30 pom; and he lost no tine in getting home You will see, hy the rough sketch sulmmitted, what the monster was like. Whe head rase about 8 feet aut of the water, and resembled 3 hugh ftartle's head. the momh remaining closed, The head was about 8 feet from the back of the head to the front of the mouth, and the neck was arched. The colour was greyigh-geeen The eye (we could sce only one, being side on) was small m camparison ta the ret ef the moister. The other part in view was three curved humps about 20 feet apart, and each one rose from 6 feet i the frant to a litthe less at the rear. They were cavered with buge scales about the size of saicers, ahd alsa covered in barnacles, We could not get a glimpse of the tail, as it wes under the water - A. weele before, 4 monster was secn at Mourtlyan Warbour by a fishing party ita large launel, and the deseription given by them tallied with whet we saw, only the creature made a loud noise as it swam around their boar, bout 56 vards away, A week latee, it was seen around Bowen, and the account in the North Queensland Aegittiey deseribes what was seen there. * week later, the MV. Tresthank, on her way to Canada with a shipmeit of sugar, sent a wireless to Townsville that they had sighted the sca monster off Mackay. Some weeks later, when a motor buat, the Rahata. was coming torth froin Brishatie (to fish for the kingAsh season off Pahy Islatids), ane uf the Crew, a maci named Malls, was an deck, when he saw the manster a few fect off the boat, This was further sowth, near the Barrier Reef. He described in our paper that he saw two big humps about 25 feet apart, of a frey-grectish colour, covered with scales the size of sancers, He did nol see the head or tail. He said that when he liad read of the monster, that, like alot of athers, he drought we bad tou much pum aboued (as it happens, we aire teetotallers), but was quite convineed that the sca monster existed after what he saw, (Signed) Oscar Swanson, My. Swanson further stated that there was no sign of fins and that there was a dark Jine along the back, but as the monster was motionless hie could not discern what power it used to swim. It had wo imane or sten of legs, as jar 4s he could make out, The scales were shiny in the sun and seemed to be butted and perpen- dicular, There were many barnacles on the bedy, seme the size af soup plates: whilst the scales were the size of saucers. On imany occasions I have encountered in the tropical seas of Australia several species of seu snakes mostly under 3 feet in length. When we remember that mast of the land snakes of Aus- traliq are under 6 feet in length and many are venomous, as also the sea snakes whose tails differ from the whip-like structure of Jand snakes in that they are rudder-like and in shape resemble the tail of an cel to enable them to propel and balance themselves in water, then we are confronted with the problem of the shape af the Sea Serpent's tail and whether that creatore, if it exists, is venomous or not. lt would in all probability possess a rudver-like tail as a means of propulsion, and, doubtless, he a constrictor, - 70 Recursion to Sheriraghe Forest, Sag pa EXCURSION TO SHEREROOKE FOREST More than 40 members and friends took part in the Club excursion ta Sher- hracke on June 15, Al) present saw Lare-birds ander favourable conditions, jhe antics af several hirds being closely watched, while their mimicry was listened to with delightful interest. The birds do not seem ta be adversely affected by the inercasing Aumber of visitors (a this accessible haunt; in fact, they appear ta be more approachable each scasnm, The outing proved very successful fram a mycological standpoim. Mr, J. H. Willis waa present, He gaye an informative talk on a wide range of specimens collected, and tater acconypanied an enthusiastic party on a fungus foray along abeut a qnarter of a mile of track, Perhaps the most interesting find was the rarely seen Itbrissea tasmanica, a tiny dark-green “Pinshead Fimigus.” A colouy of this curious ascomycete was located hy Miss Effic Powles, grow- ing unter a fallen log; The number of species collected on the excursion, was AR, against 6% on the previous year's foray. The total number of species yecorded for the area, on the two excursions, is 102. ‘Lhe following 15 the list of Pungt noted and named bye Mr Willis :— Aparics: Arnillaria mellea (Honey fungus), Comtharclins cibarius, var. avrtreli- gusts (edible), Collvbia vandicata, Collybia velutipes C'Welver Foot") Cortinovins caslatiu-{ulous, Cortmartus roturdesporur (nluish), Crepidulus globigerur Flammula excentrica. Rebelana sp. Carpe, densely clus- tered, yellow). Hygraphorns vussita, Hyphalome Jascicnlare, Hyphotoma snb-tatertiaes, Laccaria laccata, Marasotins sp, (hair-hke steni ane very few gills). Marcsmins sp, (long stem, hiac cap), Marasmins sp. (evi) smell, small, white). Miveana cafallavis. Mfweetta epiprervala, Af ycona. filopes. Myeena yalericnlteti, Meena rorida (glutinous stem). Maceno dp. (“Paixie’s Parasol’) Pans styptions (poisanmes) Phollota suh-pumila. Phofata sp). (smouth moist tawny cap and onibo)- _ Paxiiits panuoides, Pleurates lampas (Jamis }- FPicnvatus sp. (pink and shell-like), Psathyrilla disseminala, Psilocybe echisesa, Xerotus Archert, Coral Fungi: Clavaria cinerea. Clavaria crispula (7?)- Clavaria weequalts. Clavavia pytidara, Polypares: Polvporns antivacaghilis Potyparus Cofonse: (with umltifid, flaccid cape), Polyporus pilus. Palyporns tateriine, Polyparis anelanopits. Polyporus rndts. Polysticins beinurieatutens, Polvstietus corvino-nlons. Palystietus carsatilis, Polysticins versicolor (Rainbow Fangs’), Trametes Hintcive-yilva, Boletus Iutevs Cunder pines), Ganaderiia applanata, Miscellaneous: Livdnunr vepandun. Feyaaurs sp. (snow-white), My-vonryetdteant penduliem, Storevent lrederns. Stora lodatia, Stereumt vellevovl LYremalia {ucif{ormis- Rovistella qlabyescens Geastyr (viplen Lycoperdon nigrum CF) > CP unifepalls Octavienia anstrahieuse Oclaviania sp. (white) Leacarpas fragilis (Slone Mould), Lycogale epidendrtan (Shime Mould) Pentophora sp. {(“White-wash Fungus’). » Ascomvectes ; Chlarasplennite mvreganesint, Cihoria strigasa Helolivm sp, Gvhite) Leotia marcidn. “thrissea fasmaniee Cereen “Pie theacl Jtaiygrus”" ) AGH, and HS, The Victorian Naturalist ‘Vol. LIL No. 5 _ September 4, 1935 No. | 621 es THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday, August 12, 1935. The Presi- dent. Mr. G. N. Hyam, presided, and about 90 members and friends attended. APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Mr. and Mrs. .V. H. Miller. The President announced that Mrs, Miller had been involved in a car accident while o1 the way to the last Club excursion. and one of ber ribs had heen, broken. The Hon. Seeretary was in- structed to write a letter of sympathy to Mrs. Miller. CORREPONDENCE From the Federation of Walking Clubs, inviting members of the Club to attend a combined walle through the Sherbrooke Forest on Sunday, Octoher 6. REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS Reports of Excursions were given as follows:—National Museum (Paleontology), Mr. F. S, Colliver read a report for Mr, F. Chapman; St. Kilda Gardens, Mr. G. N. Hyam for Mr, ¥. H. Miller; Aquarium, Mr. F. S. Colliver for Messrs. Green and Simith. ELECTION OF MEMBERS. On a show of hands the following were duly elected:—As a country member: Mr, Melbourne Ward; and as an associate: Edric W. Manning. GENERAL RUSINESS (a) Plaque for Uerbarium.--‘The President gave a short ac- count of this matter up'to the present time, and then announced that to cover the Clots proportion of the cost of the plaque a collection would be taken up. This yielded £2/18/3, The Pre- sident announced, that approximately £2 was still required, {b) Forthcoming Excursions —These were spoken to by their respective leaders. Mr. A, S. Kenyon announced a special Ex- cursion to the Big Desert, fram September 6 to 12, 1935. Ray Nat. 78 Field Naturalists’ Chih Pracecrtioss, Von Lif. NATURE NOTES. Miss C. Currie, a country member from Jardner. sent in two interesting notes: one on a Satin Bower Bird Inulding a bower quite near to the honse, the other on the Starlings. and their valve as nysect destroyers, Miss Chisholm mentioned her recent visit to Koala Park, near Svdney, and stated that the animals were thriving. Mr. A. D. Hardy gave a very interesting note on ihe red snow that recently fell in Victoria, and stated that he had separated the dust from the snow, and had examined it inicroscopically, SUBJECT FOR EVENING Mr. E. I. Pescott, F.U.S., gave a very interesting talk on Lrinish Wild Mowers. illustrated by means of. the [pidiascope, He paid particular attention to the parent types of many of our well-known garden flowers, , WELCOME TO VISITOR The Presidenr announced that Miss Isabel Walker, a meniber oi a Nature Club at Aberdeen, Scotland, was present, and on behalf of the members extended to her a very hearty welcame, EXHIBITS Mr. L. W. Stach—A simall collection of common Victorian Recent Bryozoa, including Scuticella plagtostonw (Busk, 1852) and Amathia inarimata (Macgillivray, 1887), from Flinders, Tri phyllosogn maniliferum ({Macgillivray, 1860) and TubuceNaria Iursuta (Lamouroux, 1812), from Western Port; Colfavia. setigera (Pergens, 1887) and Electra pilosa (Jinnacus, 1758), from Tor- quay, and Caraycapena tube (Busk, 1652), from Shoreham (Western Port), Mr, Noel Lothian-—Sarcachilus falcalws. Mr. C. Freneh—Sareochilis faleatus, from Queensland, Mr. B,. Jenkins.—Grevitiea (Hybrid). Mr. A, D. Hardy—Desert sand front Victorian Alps. GOOD WORD FOR STARLINGS In 2 letter ta the Hon, Secretary of the Club, Miss C. C. Currie, of Lardney, states the case for the Starling; “Personally, we feel very indebted to Starlings, which have cleared ont the immense numbers of- grasshoppers with which we farniers had been contending. "The grasshoppers came at the latter end of October, and were with us miutil the frost. Starlings have done more to help the man on the land wi this part of Gippsland than the raihits (which aré serious pests) have dune harm. At present Starlings are cigeing ont the beetle grubs, cf which there are thousands eating the grasa roots.” Sout, 1535 Canronnu., Recogections af “The Baran? 79 RECOLLECTIONS OF “THE BARON" By Water S. CameseLt When ( first became acquainted with that renowned botanist, F. von Mueller. he held the offices of Government Botanist of Victoria and Director of the Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. At that time, many years ago. the Botanic Gardens presented a very different appearance from that of to-day. They were then in a most unsatisfactory condition, attributable, it was considered, to Jack of funds to support them, as well as nistakes in manage- ment, The Director. although a wonderfully able hotamist, was not a Jandscape gardener, However, he had introduced then many plants of considerable economic value anc interest to those, like suyself, seeking information about both exotics and indigen- ous forms. 7 heard that the Baron desired to afford as much in- formation as possible about economic plants. In the year 1873 von Mueller was deposed from the office of Yirector of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, and J. R, Guiltoyle. o1 Sydney, was appointed in his stead. The public had been grumbling considerably about the condition of the Gardens, and Thost unfavourable comparisons were irequently made hetween Melbourne and Sydnev Botanic Gardens. greatly to the advantage of the Jatter. A change in the management and farge expenditure of money on the Melbourne Gardens was considered ta be impera- tive. Guilfoyle, dovbiless, had recerved an excellent training in horti- culture under his father, who had supervised, or partly supervised, and Jwid unt the beautiful aid extensive gardens of the late Thomas Mort, at Darling Pot, overlooking Double Bay, and known as Greenoaks. He afterwards established a plant nursery at Double Lay, well known to all who took an interest in garden- iny- I visited the place many times, once or twice with the late R_D. Fitzgerald, of “Australian Orchids” fame, At the nursery we were shown sonie plants, suited for planting: in warm districts, including coffee and tea. These were intended for the son (after- wards Director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens) and his brother, who had talsen up land on the Tweed river, in the north- eastern corner of New South Wales: [he two brothers, I believe. engaged in Sugir-cane growing for some time. Before that, at a meeting Of members of the Acclimitisation Society of New South Wales, Mr. Guilfoyle, jun., brought a Srtut of Diospyros kaki, the Japanese date plum or persimmon, the first, 1 think, produced in Australia, now abundant This created a considerable amount of iiwerest, ‘The plant was grawn by My. Guilfoyle, sen., at Doulhle ity. 7 ic. Nat. $i Cambor, Recollections af “Phe Baran” Le nt It is needless to refer particularly to the vast improvements effected al the Botante Gardens by Mr. Guilfoyle, assisted by ample funds. Indeed, the saving was that “the gardens had heen paved with bank notes.” As may well be imagined. Baron von Mueller, who was a very sensitive man, felt his deposal very keenly indeed. Some time after the change occurred my wife and | were enjoying @ holiday in. Melbourne, and took the opportunity of paying a visit to the Baron, whom we formd occupying anything bur pleasing looking quarters. Fle was busy at work ina room. which must have heen very uncomfortable for him, crowded with dried plant specimens fram his huge herbarium. and the atuinsphere was very stully indeed. Te welcomed us warmly, apoligised for his surround- ings, and bis mahility to offer us tea, and we had a long and interesting conversazion. He poured out his troubles about his depasal from the Botanic Gardens, and his difficulties coucerniug his herhartum. He blamed one of the Ministers of the then Government for all that, and the reason for the Minister's action was that the billet of Curator was needed for “Mr. Casey's wife's cousi’! Poor old gentleman! Tt was very pathetic as he almost sobbed out his plaintive story. I felt sorry for him. We produced his insignia, explaining the different orders conferred upon him, of which he was exceedingly prowl, especially that of Knighthood from the British Govern- ment, He begged me to call upon him again, but that was the last opportunity of seeing him. However, we corresponded fur years afterwards, I think he took a faney to me because I had heen a pupel of Dr. Woolls, and net for my interest in plants or nature subjects, ‘he Baron was deeply interested in the vegetation of localities in New South Wales, with which I was acquainted, He liked to hear about the places where different species of eucalypts flour- ished. ancl Uae soils in which they grew, 4s well as about various other kinds of plants which luxunated in the Tweed, Richmond, and Clarence River districts, as woll as in the west and north-west, In June, 1889, De Win, Woolls wrote fo me! “FE have just read the aeconipanying uote front Baron von Mueller, Can you tell me for his information whether the two species of Natiphata ex- tend to the northern vivers of New South Wales? Mr. Bentham records N. gigautea from the Clarence. and joins NV. stellate with it, but you will see that the Baron regards them as distinct, and as easily distinguished” T was familiar only with the species said to he NV. gigantea, and informed De. Woolls, but 1 promised to lool out for these two Nomphaas when I visited the district again. ‘That acenrred in 1892. LE had seen gigantea bere and there abot the Clarence rhe Cana erofections of “The Boren.’ RL River and im lagoons in the north, and also f caught.a glimpse of the flowers in Luchkorbil Creek, w rather large. affluent oi the Clarence, near the village af Woodburn. Travelling from the Richmond River overland to the Clarence, I had to wait half a day for the mail coach. so 1 took the opportunity of taking a row in 2 boat with a friend up Tuckomb:) Creek to see the watertilies. it was a wonderful sight to see the hundreds and hundreds af splendid hlooms standing above the handsome large leaves. I manaved to secure sume yond photographs, ancl on my return to Sycney contributed to the Syediwey Morning Herald an article about the lily. I also, sometime afterwards, when at Woodburn again, collected a considerable number of fine blooms, and brought them ta Sydney in a wooden box in perfect condition. Some of these 1 sent to Dr. Woolls, and others I gave to a seedsiian in Sydney, who exhthited them in his window in King Street. 1 doubt whether such blooms had been seen in Sydney before. Sometime later Mr. Searle, the seedsman, obtained some speci- mens, hacl them enclose in ice, and sent them to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, who, I believe. admired them greatly. Dr, Woalls was much pleased ta see the flowers, and wrote, “My dear Campbell. I am exceedingly obhged ior the splendid specimens of Nymphaea gigantea, which you sent by Mr, Twine yesterday, : .. The specimens of other plants which you sent are highly interesting to me” Shortly afterwards ({Deceniber 2, 1892) Dr. Woolls wrote: “My dear Canyphell, Iam sorry to tronble you just now, as you have su much literary work on hand. but if without going much into «fetal you can satisfy the Baron respecting the Aoynpiiea, you would he rendering him a service, Thad oceasion to write to him an same olher matters. and quated your remarks about the lily, He seems to have heen so much interested in them that instead oi answering my questions he has referrcad eniy to the extract from your letter, and to the specimen of double Dinrts, which young Fitzgerald found on the mountains.” T sent some photographs of the Wympharg at Tuckumbil Creek te the Baron, who wrote; In the latter part af this month, dear Mr. Campbell, T was thrown into deep mourning, and this dis- turhed my mind se much from the duties for soine days that you anly naw receive an answer to your kinel letter, and the expres- sion of my best thanks for sending we the beautiful photograms of Nymtplaca gigantea prepared hy yourseli, also the large Jeai, I knew sinee ‘1839 that it extended southward io the Clarence River, and it does not seem to have heen fotind Turther south- ward, My reason for commiinicating with our esteemed friend Dr. Woolls on the subject arase irom ay idea that perhaps y } fat ; Nie Naw, 52 Cawrurcn, Kecollections of “Phe Barw. vee Li Noymphaa cornea (better known from its more recent name, N stellata) might also occur in New South Wales. Both these superb plants. are companions through jitieh of Eastern Queers- land and Northern Australia, the N. carrw/ea being genceally rather smaller and having the leaves not serrated and cliffermg in some other respects.” When travelling about the northern portion of the Northern Territory many years later, and coumng across water lilies of ditter- ent species, every here and there, in lagoons and creeks and rivers, I thought of the Baron and Dr. Woolls, and gathered armfuls of heautiful and deliciously scented species, and regretted that they could not have seen these. Several times when waiting jor the train to take in water at the Darwin river, J] gathered numbers of blooms of A stellata, and ivok them tu the landlady at the Hotel at Darwin, who adorned her dining-room with them, beimg highly pleased to receive them. Jn 1894 T sent the Baron a pumber of photographs of artesian bores with the water fawing from them. He wrote in acknow- ledgment.: “8/2/94—It is most kind of you, dear My. Campbell, to send me the photograms so aptly and achnirably prepared by you. They give me che first reat idea of regions never visited by myself. IT have your honoured name with ‘fecit’ to each,” The last Ietter I received from the Barow in his handwriting was the following :— 46/2/96. ‘Without wishing to be intrusive, dear Mr. Camphell, I like to mention that Lani reminded of my promise to send to Europe fruits (et very many) of tinsona kgustrina for anatmnic further studies by a munographist of Loranthacea. As this. is. the season when they ripen again L would be so very much be- holden to you, if the lime is not missed, to oblain these fruits. Mr. Moore, through Mr. Betche, obliged me already to obtain roots in aleubol, and as [clo not like to trouble him again, especi- ally at his very advanced age, and Auctuatiog health, so I can's think of anyone else but yourself to fly to in this case. 1 fancy some people at the top hotel on the Blue Mountains must know where the Afhtesonia grows, and a dried specinien of the plant might be seat in them Cur nding the living bushes. Therefore, perhaps a single letter would brmg us this requisite as a result, and J] would willmgly refund the remuneration to the gatherer- With regardiul remembrance. Yours, etc, (Sed) FERD, VON MUELLER, “Do you like (iy join the great Koval Horticultural Soc. of England? 1 wil) vladly be your sponsors.” my Siac Male on Crvptiaule Paliinatoue, &3 NOTES ON CRY PTOSULA MALLAS|ANA, Moll, 1803 (BRYOZOA) By Leo W, Stack While collecting om ihe reef at Riekete'’s Poinr (Port Philhp Bay), numerous pale pink civeulay zoania oF Cryuptacule pallasiang were Jownd-encrusting the under surface of houlders, Specimens examined later in the laboratory proved to be living. anc. the following observahons were made. Protrusion and Relrachon of the Palypide, —The protrusion of the ientacular ring ef the polypide is a slow gradual movement dite lo the steady contraction of the parietal muscles which expand the campensatrix, aod this increase the internal pressure of the find in the body cavity, ‘This pressure gradually forces the poly- pide through the aperture ag the operculum opens bo permit eniry OF Witter into the compensatrix, thus compensating for the loss of volume iin the zoneciuny due to protrusion of the polypide The tentacles are first extended distally as a eylidvical bunch. and ate then suddenly opened) out in radiaving: fashion, facing npward, Counts of the tentacles showed that cher number varied from filleen to seventeen in different polypides, this being a slightly greater range than that recorded by Calvet (1900) trom Mediter- ranean specitnens, which had sixteen ta seventeen tentacles, A slight tap on the contaitte: is suficient. tm cise retraction of the polypide, which ts accomplished by a Tew rapid spusniodic jerks, due. to violent contraction of the strony retractor aniscles which are attached at ome ened to the base of the tentacle sheath and at the other end, to thar proximal body wall. Protosoms Compionsals—Attached to the eetocyst covering the frontal of several of the zogecia, wumerous pervitrichaus ciliates with lone contractile stalks were observed, Several colusial dorms (Zodatiamuian, sp.) were also ieated. The tare occurrence of avicularia or bird's beak appendages iin this species allows then tn remain on the bryozoan without molestation. ‘This association is prohably quite harmless, since the polypides of zoocea eneristed hy these farts funectwored quite as actively as those withaul then, These commensals praliably derive part of their fuod fram dis- integrating excrete pellets. Voiding of tie Feces.—Ting can only take place when the polypide is protraded. The pellet may stay close te the temacular ring mto which it is often drawn hy the currents set up hy the cilia of the tentacles. Tf this occurs, the polypide ts retracted. and then the tentacles are rapidly protrided, thus pushing the pellet away tvom the vicinity of the polypide. : : , . iw Nob, kd Zima, Nesting of the Jat, ak cit Nomenclatwie of the Specics—Magilliveay (1879) described and figured this species under the name “Leprada perfase (Esper), bet a comparison of Maegillivray’s specimens of this iorm with typical Mediterranean specimens of Cryiptosnla. palla- same (Moll, 1803), fyaui Naples shows them to be indistinguish= able. This original wrong identification by Magillivray has caused quite a Jot of confusion in the naming of this species in the collections of’ early Victorian workers on tha Bryozon, since Hippodiplosia perinsa (Esper) is also faisly eormmmon in Victorian waters. Both of the above species are practically cosmopolitan in their distribution. . Crypiosila paliastana 1s peculiar in having no external ovicell, the egg being developed in a membranous sac formed hy a darsal uwgrowth af portion of the sheath, and @n this character Canu and Bassler (1925) erected the genus Cryptosula for its recep- on. Cryptosyla pollasiuna ig readily distinguished Crom Jdippodrp- fosia pertusa, which alone }ias external ovicells, by its elongated aperture constricted close to the proximal rim, the latter species having a sub-circular aperture. : REFERENCES Calvert, L,, 1900, Contribution a ldistoire narurelle des Bryu- zoaires ectoproctes. marins. Srav. fist. Zool. Univ. Montpellier, ms. Mem, VIII Cann, F,, and Bassler, R.S., 1925, Les Bryozoaires du Maroc et de Mauritanie, Part I, Adem. Ser, Sci. Nat, Maree, vol. X, Macgiilivray, P. H., 1879. Bryozoa in MeCay. Pradromus of the Zoalogy of Victoria, decade IV, . 26, pl, Xxxvi,, figs 5, G, NESTING OF THE EMU By W. J. Zrmex Although the Emu is not commonly seen about settled areas iit the north-west of Victona, in some of the more remote areas it is seldom disturbed, and nests successfully. Finding a nest of the imu, despite its size and the fact that often it contains as many as a dozen eggs, is an art. The hest inethod is “tracking up” the imprints of feet in the sandy surface soil, Dense, Jow mallee is a food place, and if rin has tallen, so nuth the better, for fresh tracks are then more easily found, and followed. As ong approuches the nest the footprints converge more farther afield, often they are isolated tracks, and wander about considerably, Tt js not usual to sce the bird on the nest, foy she generally leaves as the searcher approaches, However, once a nest is Sept, : rai ZrmMeER, Nesting of the [imu, 85 located, a very quiet advance may enable one to observe the bird sitting on the eggs. Young Inirds are alwavs timid, and leave the nest if they see anything unusual or hear the slightest noise. Old birds will, however, stay near the mest, and tf the searcher remains still he can obtain an excellent view. Photo, by W. J. Zimmer. Emu's Nest aud Eggs. The nest is composed of a low Jayer of mallee hark, surround- ing the eves, which lie on the ground, Sometimes Porcupine Grass (Triodia irrifuns) is used instead of bark. Foxes are partial tu Emu eggs. and often raid a nest when the owner is absent. J] have seen eggs bearing far as lam able, those wha like to: name and be able to classif y shear collections, | " THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL, Lu October, 1935 Plate VII Victorian Frog-hoppers and Allied Insects pes Evans, Victorian Leaf-Hoppers, Ele, 95 REFERENCES Hacker, H,, 1922. "On the Emergence of two tube-butlding Homupterous insects.” Mem. Queensland Afus. 7 (IV). China, W. E., 1927, Some strange relatives of the Frog-Hopper or Cuckoo-Spit Bug.” Nat. Hist. Mag. 1 (3). Evans, J. W.. 1931, “Notes on the Bialopy and Morphology oft the Eury- meline.” Proe. Linn. Soc. N.S, 56 13). KEY TO PLATE VI. Fig. 1. Caleareous tube containing nymph of findola compacie. 2. Tube removed from the twig. 3. Tube with part of the top broken away ta show the operculum. 4. Nymph removed from the tube: ventral view, 5. Tfindela courpacta; adult. KEY TO PLAVEE VIL. t. Philagra parva (Cercopida). 2, Bathylus albieincta (Cercopidi). éa. B, aliicineta; hind tihia and tarsus. 3. Sextius virescens (Membracidie), 4. Enurvineta ferestrata ClMurymelida ), 4a. 8, fenesteata: hind tibia and tarsus. S. Burynwlops rubrovitiata (Eurymetide). 6. Eurymeloides pitchra (Euryinetide). 7. Payonascapus myrinee (iurymelidzx). 8. Py omyrmer, nvinph; ventral aspect. EXCURSION TO FRANKSTON Thirty members took part in the botanical excursion to Frankston on Saturday afternoon, \\ugust 24. Proceeding in an easterly direction we passed alung the tea-tree bordered road for about a nule. Advancing into open heathy country, we nated the showy Parrot Pea, Dillaynia floribunda growing profusely and fluwering freely; also Mibbertta or Guinea flowers, of which were seen the species Ff. sericea, fascicntala, stricta. and actete laris, The Coast Acacia, sfeacta sepharce. was in full bloom, and in a fourish- ing condition. The heautiful Eye-bright, Euphrasia coatline Cwhich has parasiti¢ roots on grass roots}, was in flower. The Common Flat-pea, Platylobiion vhtusany ita, Pink-eye, Tetrautheeca etltata, Commun Correa, Correa rubra, var. cirens, Showy Bossea, Bessiau cinerea, Common Heath, Epacris impressa, Purple Flag, Patersoia glaica, Common Reard Heath, Lencopoyon virgatus, Common Aotus, lotus vitlosa, and Golden Bush-pea, Pultenea Guanti, made a gorgeous display. Returning hy the same route, we walked in a southerly direction te the Frankston Heights, then a mile or two through heathy country to the Sweetwater Creek, 9 Along its banks the Scented-paper-hark. MJeldlewca squarrisa, ail Swamp-paper-bark, A, ericifelta, were just coming into bloom. The Iucalypts were about eyually distributed, and comprised the silver-leaf Stringybark, fac. cinerea, var. mdiffera, Swamp Gum, Exc. evafa Manna Gum, /fue. vintnatis, and Common Peppermint, Ewe. aus- traliana. Only three orchids were seen tn blogm, viz. Tall) Diuris, D. longifolia, Maroon Hood, Picrostylis peduneulata, and Blue Fairies, Cala- denta defornits. 96 Corton, Anstralian Uiviparous River Syuils. i eae THE AUSTRALIAN VIVIPAROUS RIVER SNAILS By Bernarp C, Corron (Contribution from the South Australian Museum.) Australian fresh-water snails have received little attention from investigators. The present paper deals with those included in the family [ietparide. Commonly known in [kurope and must countries of the Northern Hemisphere as “River Snails’” or “Banded River Snails,” they are peculiar in that they retain the eggs until hatched and so brmg forth the youny alive; the female shell is slightly bigger than that of the male in the European spectes. The Viviparids are gill breathers and have a corneous, conecen- tric operculum for closing the aperture of the shell, The snout is prominent, aud the eyes are placed on short stalks outside the base of the tentacles. Living specimens are commonly found in the marginal mud of slow rivers and in lakes. As might be expected, Australian species are peculiar and readily separable from those of other countries; they are all included in the two penera Notopala and Centrapala. The former differs from the typical Mievpara principally by the microscopic granose spirals found in all Australian species of the genus, which may be, for convenience of identification, divided into two groups, A and B. A. Without spiral colour bands, B. With spiral colour bands. Notapala haulevi Frauenfeld (Fig. 1) is the genotype and occurs. commonly in the | ro Lower Murray. It is a fairly solid, glohose shell with a dark green to greenish brown periostracum, and is of fairly common occurrence on Murray native camp sites, but not so common as the larger and more succulent fresh water mussel, Afydridella australis Vk, Closely related to Notopala hanlew is an interesting fossil species, Volo- Notepala hanleyi pala wanjakalda Cotton (after the native Frauenfeld namie for the type locality), which is found in the Murray River banks at Sunnyside, South Australia, at a height of forty feet above present river level. This remarkable fossil (Fig. 2) shows a complete range from smooth to prominently unicarinate forms which are never seen in living Australian species. 1. Cotten, B. C., Ree. S. Aust. Mus.. V, No. 3, pp. 339-344, 1935, Oct. e ~ Eis . , 198. Cottun, Australian Viviparous River Snaits, 97 Although the next species, Neftepala sublinedta Conrad (Fig. 3) may have some indication of narrow colour bands in some speci- mens, it is usually unicoloured green, and comparatively rather coarsely spirally sculptured. There is also a tendency to acute angulation of the bedywhorl (the specimen illustrated is an extremely angulated individual), but this never approaches the prominent keel seen in Netopala wanjakalda Cotton, This angu- lation does, however, suggest a close relationship to the South Australian fossil, and one suspects that the latter has become extinct through climatic changes, and that the climate of the Lower Murray area may have leen warmer than that of the present Darling River Area when Nefepala waijakalda Cotton was a living shell. A delicate. unicoloured light green species, Notopala twaitfaebatda Vatopala subtineata Cotton, Conrad, whieh vecurs commonly at Tnnamincka, Cooper's Creek, SX. appears te be unnamed, se that it is here described as :— Shell subyglobose, conic, comparatively narrow. rather thin, smooth except for exceedingly fine spiral granose lirae ; unicoloured pale yellowish green; bodywhorl rounded, umbilicus very narrow; whorls four plus the protoconch of one whorl; aperture subovate, a little pointed posteriorly ; outer lip continuous with the columella ; operculum carneous, concentric, a little pointed posteriorly, nucleus subcentral, nearer the columella margin. Holotype Height 21:5 mm., diam. 16 mimn,, Innamincka, Cooper's Creek, S.A, living, buried in river sand. S.A. Museum, 1.11559, 9 Named after Charles Barrett, the well-known Australian naturalist. Notopala politta Marten (here re-named Nofopala gathiffi, sp. nov., after the late J. H. Gathff, as polit 1s preoccupied lay Frauen- feld). from the Baloune River, Queenslind, is very closely allied to Notopala sublineata Conrad, from the Darling River, N.5.W., hut may he distinguished From the rounder whorls. 98 Corton, -tustratian Piviperons River Snails. 1 ene From Queensland comes Netopala alisont Brazier, a micro- scopically spirally sculptured species, recalling Notepala barretti Cotton, but distinguished by its wider umbilicus and darker colour. wl >, te Notopala walerhouses Notopala barrett Ads. and Aug. sp. nov. A giant among the river snails of the spirally banded group ts Notopala waterhouset Ads. and Ang. (Fig. 4) from North and Central Australia, attaining to about two inches or more in height. Although large, it is of delicate structure, dark brownish green and obscurely three banded above the periphery of the bodywhorl. In Central and Lower North Australia, Notopala kingt Ads. and Ang. is found. It has a tendency to obscure band- ing above the periphery, and is evidently a small relation of the former species, but rarely attaining to one-third the size, Another banded species, from North Australia is Noetopata essingtoncnsis Frauenfeld (Fig. 6), to which is closely allied a _#£ tetala essing tonensis Notopala tricincta Frauenield. Smith. Notopala tricncta Smith (Tig. 7) also from North Australia, but on the latter there are three slightly raised dark brown spirals. Notopala australis Reeve is another banded species which some- times shows a tendency to angulation on the bodywhorl as in Oct. = +8 a , ries Corton, -tustratian Viriparous River Snails, i!) Notopala sublincata Conrad. Notopala affinis Marten, from North-west Australia, is vet another banded species related to Notopala essingtonensis Frauenteli. Distinguished by its unique colouring, olivaceaus above the periphery, greenish below, and livid purplish on the spire, Noto- pala dimidtata Smith, an obsoletely banded species from the Vic- toria River, North Australia, is easily separable irom any other Australian species. Centrapala lirata Tate (fig. 8), a depressed wide-monthed, spir- ally sculptured species, is quite distinct from uny other fresh- water shail known, and comes from Cooper's Creek at IJnma- mincka. From a perusal of the foregoing it is evident that some scheme of geographical distribution may be formulated for these river snails, hut, as in the case of all fresh-water mollusca, there is a consideralle averlapping of faunal areas, and alse haphazard dispersal to contend with, which has led to many anomalies in local distribution, ‘Vhe author? has recorded a case of the large fresh-water missel Afyridella aus- ) ftralis, Lk., being carried by the “Black / Dueck” daas superciliosa, and this means ~ could obviously be used to carry a crea- — ture otherwise incapable of passing from <. one area of water to another. Wallis New? cites numerous instances of isolated ponds hecoming stocked with various fresh-water mollusca and plants within quite a short time after formation, Probably the chief factor in enabling this transportation of fresh-water species is their hardiness, River snails, like fresh-water tuussels, will survive for weeks in the dried mud of rivers and Jakes. To quote Wallis Kew again* “an Australian Unie’ . . . having already survived in a dry drawer for 231 days, packed up (after being tested in water) and forwarded to England, reached South- ampton in a Hving state 498 days after its capture, and was sub- sequently ‘restored to its element, with full vital powers.’ in the care of Dr. Baird, of the British Museum.” The author would be pleased to receive specimens of fresh- water mollusea, accompanied with name of locality where found, and, preferably, with the aniunal intact. 2. Cotton, B.C,, S. dus. Naturatist, XV, 4, p. 113, pl. 11, 1934. 3. Kew, W., F.Z.S., “The Dispersal of Shells,” pp. 7-26, 1893, 4. Kew, W., loc. cit. p. 28, 5. Jivridelia austratis, Lk. probably. c 108 FLeay, Breeding of Tasmaiian Dervils. ey eat: NOTES ON THE BREEDING OF TASMANIAN DEVILS By Davip Firay, B.Sc. (Curator, Australian Section, Melbourne Zoological Gardens.) In spite of his ungainly, ugly appearance, his whining snarls and unpleasant smell, the Tasmanian Devil is a creature of many amusing antics and distinctly unusual ways. Moreover, his posi- tion as the second largest of living marsupial carnivores, soon, perhaps, to be the largest when the rare Thvlacine finally dis- appears, invests him with a peculiar interest. Devils vary a great ‘lea! in disposition, thotgh naturally they hecome very stirly tempered and suspicious when disturbed. One small female (eventually sent to Toronto, Canada) was a perfect virago, and she had to he isolated from others because of her obsession to kill both male and female of het own kind, The sound of breaking teeth when two Devils interlock their broad powerful jaws during a fight is indeed a sickening sound. Should two animals take a violent dislike to one another it is safe to say that the sounds of combat are louder and more startling than those made by any other marsupial. Vicious snarls rising to fierce screams, interrupted by the clashing of teeth, are heard from afar in the night air, and unless the animals are separated the quarrel has fatal consequences for the vanquished Devil. Even in the normal course of events the Devils in the Zoological Gar- dens are noisy. They whine and snarl apparently in a “good humoured” fashion when they happen to encounter one another while scampering about the yard, and the noise of bones being crunched also carries for a long distance. Several of the large male Devils are warriors of previous fierce battles, and they show various stages in the loss of their teeth. One unusually big fellow has all four canines broken off completely. Like most marsupials Devils cannot stand continuous exposure to full daylight, Ultimately this causes them to become blind. Nevertheless they are fond of appearing occasionally and stretch- ing out to bask Juxuriantly in the stnlight. The pouch of the female is a very complete enclosed re- ceptacle, and in this respect the Tasmanian Devil differs remark- ably from such other members of its family, as Tiger Cats, Native Cats, and Phascogales, in which the maternal shelter is but a scant open area. In those Devils which I have examined the pouch develops from its resting condition in April, and this naturally is a sign of the pairing season. From this time onwards the pouch is extremely moist, and a deposit of reddish pigment is left on any object coming in contact with its interior. In the mating season of 1934, the male of one pair of Devils at the Melbourne Zoological Gardens adopted a marked proprie- THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. Lu October, 1935 Plate VIII At 1§ wecks, the sparsely haired little Devils, with eyes just open, hang tenaciously to the mammae when turned out of the pouch Photos by D. Fleay Showing that the four young at 15 weeks of age, can still be carried completely inside the forwardly opening pouch sr Piray, Breeding of Tasingiti Devise. 101 tary air towards his smaller mate (the female Devil 1s much slighter in build than the male); and at night, when L visited che enctostire, he would rush forth with bared teeth, uttering sharp angry sniffs, as only a Devil can, and also short conghs, sounding like “Horace !" ay he attempted to jump upwards anc bite. Usually he moved about the enclusure with that clumsy, can- tering movement typical of his kind, but. dike the Tiger Cat (Dasvurus maculeint), Native Gu. anct male Possums (Tricho- surus), he frequentiv “showed off" by dragging his Tandeguiriers on the ground, the tail at the time being held up at an angle, as he sniited, or more correctly snorted, with an air of pure conccit. The female secompaniesl these proceedings with sta tained growling whunes from the direetion of her Jair, raising the yolume sharply when the male Devil rushed up to her as fi to make sure she did not move from the nest. Tn their dark retreat the animals constructed quite a comtors- able bed from various chaff-bags and small bundles of straw which they gathered up and carned in, When one of the animals visited the water dish at night it was hoth mteresting and amus- ing lo listen to the distinct “clop-clopping” noise, audible at 15 or 20 yards distance as the Devil indulged in a noisy drink. On wart days they occasionally emerged during daylight, and wal- lowed inthe water dish; while at night they amnuse themselves by chewing up woodwork and in digging shallow burrows in the ground. The suhsequent notes do not describe the growth and ievelop- ment of young from this pair oi Devils, for none was found in the pouch of the female that season, — . Though not born in captivity, the litthe animals tw to be deserihed Iurnish « fairly complete account, for their mother has sinee (1995) produced another family in captivity From chis jater litter it has been possible to calcidate fairly” accurately the age of those now wnder discussion when in the mother’s pouch they arrived frown the Fasrianian bush in 1934, The mother Devil, a very quiet-tempered animal, entered the coller- tion at the Zoological Gardens on Jul ly 19, 1934, and her ponch contained four very small prilk “‘jocys” (the maximum uiumber) . each of whicls measured one and a quarter inches in length. From thew size and the observatiosts on our present family -of Devils (1935) their age at this time was five weeks, which carries the time of bitth back, approximately, to June 15, as a working date. In passing i is interesting to note that the 1935 “litter?! was barn at lease four weeks earlier than that af 1934, Early in Augiist, at the age af seven wacks, the thick-set haby Devils were two-qand-three-quarters of an inch in length, They were still pink in colour and active in the — 102 Fieav. Brevding ef Tasmanian Desals. ha A inbyements of their small linbs, though hanging tenaciously to the stretched mamma: inside the pouch. The pouch was extremely moist, the "“joeys’ themselves being guuve wet, ald contact with the pouch lelt the tiseal reddish staiti ov. one’s fingers. ‘he young animals mace slight syueak- ing ndises, aad the hindquarters of one projected from the pouch entrance as the mother moved about, She was extremely uervous, made no attempt to tite, and her faste in food was fastidious for a Devil. Raw meat was refused. but Inrds. rats, and rabbit heads were eagerly taken, Towards the middle of Angust, the hitherto pink bodies of the young animals began to show darker piyment, first of alf on the ear-tips; and with Lheir increasing bulls, three of the “joeys” would now bang half out of the pouch when the mother was lifted up hy the tail for an inspection, The pouch, too, became more relaxed with the increasing bulk of ihe family, its interior heing profusely white spotted and glandular. On August 19, at nine weeks of aye, darker pigment was alsa evident on the tai! tips, and the first signs ot thin hair appeared on the head und fore~juarters. The small fect were quite well developed, and possessed able grasping powers, A week later aguin. while the mother dozed in the daytime, the four were noticed lying with their badies completely outside the pouch and heads within, but when she moved about they were completely encinsed and tudden away. However, the more comfortable habit of Iving partly outside the pouch while the mother rested was now frequently noticed, At eleven weeks, the youbg animals meastired four inches in body length, and the dark pigment of the body was most pro- nounced, throwing into prominence the future white chest and rump markings. The quiet nervous mother still accepted hand- ling with no display of resentment, and it was discovered, at vthis stage, that, she had a keen appetite for hen eggs. She ahjected to raw imeat, whether it happened 10 be horse-flesh or beef; bur she heartily appyeciated birds, rats and rabbits, as well as the egps. Usnally the thoroughness with which Dewils treat their meals is remarkable, for fur, icathers, viscera, and bones are com- pletely swallowed, anc reiies of the meal are dificult to find. In faet, an excellent example of the scavenging propensities of the Devil was noted in the apen-topped vard inhabited hy four adult specimens some months ago. One evening a Muscovy dack flew ia Wy acadent, und next mornmine only a iragment of beak and a few scattered feathers were formd, and this on top of the itsual Liberal meal! However, to return to the young Devils, gradually the short black Tur grew on the sthal) bodies, extending from) the Lore THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL. LII October, 1935 Plate IX Male Tasmanian Devil Photos by D. Fleay Young, aged 32 wecks, clinging to the sides and back of the mother Oct. ips Fieay, Breeding of Tasmanian Derils. 103 quarters backwards. ‘The little animals still fitted completely into the pouch during the mother’s nocturnal rambles, and not yet had they heen seen apart from their tenacious grip on the extensile mammie, Strong sucking noises were heard from Fhoto. by D. Fleay. Tasmanian Devils. Photographed at 19 Weeks’ Old. them in the daytime. They were sult blind, but the sensory papi with small vibrisse were already prominent on their heads. On September 26, at the age of fifteen weeks, it was noticed that the young Devils’ eyes had opened for the first time. The animals now measured five-and-a-half inches from the nose to the tail base, and the white chest marking made a marked contrast to the black fur of the body, which was now quite well erown. However, they continued to cling tenaciously to the mamma, and, as shown in the illustrations, though they had attained a considerable bulk, all of them could stil be hidden away within the pouch at once. One photograph shows the young ones hanging outside the pouch, and in the other they are represented by a large bulge in the pouch wall, The position of this bulge emphasizes the fact that in contrast to the baeck- wardly opening maternal shelter of kangaroos and Possums that of the Devil opens forward, or in other words, the rooniy part is antertor to the opening. The first sign of the young Devils relingnishing their tenacious and continuous hold on the mamme and lying iree in the nest 104 Freay, Breeding of Tasmanian Devils. ied aan was discovered on October 1, when they were aged fifteen weeks and a few days. This means that the mother carries her “joeys”’ with her during foraging excursions for at least fifteen weeks. but from this stage onwards it is possible for her to leave the babies in the nest, and thus afford herself greater freedom turing her absences in search of food. However, whether she ‘ues leave them behind at stich times is a matter of conjecture, tor the complete pouch aud the tenacious grip of the young for nuiny weeks yet, provide quite a different case from that of the Dasyures. When lifted away from the parent, the young ani- mals uttered anxious whimpering, yapping cries, similiar to those of & very young puppy, and the mother Devil now became quite ferce and dangerous to handle. The baby animals quickly clung tu the fur of the mother’s sides and back with teeth and claws when released. [The forefeet have unusual grasping powers in voune Devils, ] Ou being disturbed from sleep where they lay in the shelter wi the mother’s body, the little fellows lost no time in obtaiming a grip on the mammez. From here it was almost impossible to ‘lislodge them unless a finger was pressed firmly over their nostrils until they opened their mouths and thus lost a hold. At the age of cighteen weeks they were seen to indulge in playful antics during the daytime, skipping about and tumbling over the inother like puppies. Though of a totally different colour they now resembled young Native Cats in their sharp-featured faces, which lacked the bluntness of older Devils. When separated from the mother they ching in a heap to one imother, yapping vigorously, and they bit one’s hand quite sharply though unintentionally in order to secure a good grip and not he left alone. Unfortunately, one young Devil, the only female uf the litter, disappeared on October 17. It had apparently squeezed through the netting during the night, and no trace of it was ever found. At twenty weeks of age the remaining young Devils were seven-and-three-quarter inches in body length, with small. tails measuring an additional three inches, and they still clung ten- aciously to the mamma when drinking. Some of the traits of their kind were evident, and they now met any attempts at handling on my part with typical sharp sniffing noises, and they uttered high-pitched moaning snarls, while sharp-toothed little jaws gaped threateningly. It was thought advisable at this advanced stage to separate the voung animals from the mother each night. Accordingly they were permitted the freedom of a lighted room in the evening, and their antics at the ‘‘play-age’ were observed. After two or three appearances, the sharp-nosed young Devils vained confidence, and scampered actively beneath couches and 3K Peay. Breedmy of Tosmanten Devils, 15 chairs in all corners of the room, When two of them happened to meet they usually halted a few paces apart, and then mace a mock altack ppan one another hy riyshing forward with open mouths, and adopting a very fierce appearance _ However, they were much more iurtive thay Native Cats '(Daswerns viverrinuus) at a corresponding ape, At the age of twenty-two weeks or, roughly, five moriths, the young animals measured twelve inches in total length, and they were quite big and strong. ‘They had practically ceased to rely ou the mother’s mammary glands for nourishment and adult foad in the shape of rabbits’ heads, buids, beef, etc., was mare and thure appreciated. - Unfortunately the educative process was not methodically con- tinued, nwing to busy werk with other animals, and the little Devils were still semi-wild, It was inadvisable lo ature then ‘any chance of using their sharp teeth, while their prolouged whining howls and sharp sniffs, coupled with the mother's fierceness, made them a’ spittire family indeed. However, in spite of this vigorous resistance to intericrence they were full of fun. and lively spirits, and ventured tar ont into their enclosure during daylight, affording visitors quite a diversion as they played with ane another and ralled over their mother, _ Later they were removed to the new upen-topped earthen “vung provided with woodet) floored “caves” and pine needle ests in the Australian section. Unfortunately quite « tragedy occurred here ity Iste February of 1935. One of the young animals, which had shown signs of sickness, died one evening, and the mother and remaining young showed the thorough scavenging trait of their kind jn falling upon their deceased relative and devouring all of him with the exception of the head, even though @ plentitul supply of suitable fuod was pro- vided as usual, Ta reference to the voracious habits of rhese animals, it is inter- “esting to note mf passing that the late Clive Lord, of Hobart Museum, stated that we was informed by bushmey that Devils follawed up the kills of the largee and daster Thylacine or Mar- supial Woli and devoured the carcases, from which only choice portions liad hee removed. In these scavenging habits and also in their clumsy strong build. Devils bear a resemblance to Hyenns. In May, 1935, the mother animal, which had heen separated trom her surviving young ones, and mated with a large male ‘Devil, produced her second family, On this occasion three joeys were found m the pouch, Wer original young ones of 1934 were only a little more than half-yrown at the age of twelve months, and thus it would seem to be fairly certain that the young’ animals are not mature, and do not breed iu Nature until theit seeoad season, 104 Darey, Chorles Sinort, Early Austratun Belanisi- Ais re CHARLES STUART, AN EARLY AUSTRALIAN BOTANIST By C. Daury, B,A., B15. No feature in the character of Baron Mueller was more out- standing than his facnkoy tor enlisting ready services and arowsing the keen eénthtisiasm in others in the collection and study of native flora. Tn every part of the continent ander the stimulus of his encouragement ardent botanical collectors could be found. One wf the carliest to come under the spell was the subject of this sketch, concerning whose lite very little is known, Charles Stuart was born in England in 1802. Sir Wilham Hooker! states that at various trmes front 1842 Stuart was collect- ing plants in Tasmania for Ronald Campbell Gunn* Mueller, in # letter, menGons mnecting him shortly after arriving in Adelaide, in 1847, Froni that.time Stnart became a collector for the Karon, Maiden, in his Memoirs of Ansiratian Botonists, has a brief refer- esice Lo Stuart. Of his career before coming to Australia no information 13 available, Apparently he was a man of good family and education, a neat and legilte writer in correct English prose, and a careful and accurate observer of plants. Some time ago Mrs, Sinclair, oF Croydon, New South Wales, a niece of Baron Mueller, entrusted to me a packer of twelve letters written by Charles. Stuart from Van Diemen's Land? to Dr. Mueller at Adelaide. From these letters can be gleaned some insight into the life aud character of Stuart while collecting for Mueller, for whom he plainly evinces the greatest admiration and respect. Stuart, it nat a nurserynman by training, seems to haye followed that cecupation both jn Adelaide and Van Diemen's Land, The first. of these letters mentioned, dared May 22, 1848, and easily decipherable although the ink has somewhat iaded, is from Latinceston. The writer mentions having made a collection of plants for Mr. Giles*, of Adelaide. Ele has secured employment, evidenély in gardening operations, with some time available for collecting indigenous plants, and will sere the speciinens obtatned., Incidentally the correspondence shows that Stuart had collected pints in South Australia, probably at first for Gann, and later for Mueiler, who had evidently befriended him. Recently he had gone by the brig “Henry” to Van Diemen’s Land, the stormy voyage taking ten days from Adelaide to Laun- 1. Iiwaker, father amd son, St Williant, Sir Joseph, eminent English botanists, ISth century. 2. Gunn, Roland ©. (1808-81), botanical collector, Tasmania, 3. Van Dicnien's Land, so named by Tasman, 184Z, Was re-waund Das- mania in 1853, on the cessation af transportation thereto. : 4. Giles —-, a botanical collector at Adelaide in the "40's! and “50%,'" int Davey, Charles Sivart, Early Australins: Botowis, 107 ceston, the passage costing £3. It is evident that at this time Stuart was in straitened circumstances, and the Doctor had given him timely assistance, for he grateiully writes, "I shall not easily forget your kindness ta me, and shall endeayour to répay you.” Since arrival, bemg unsettled, he had done scant collecting, “I have not been able to send you anything worth your acceptance .,. but I now send you by the brig [lenry, a box with a few specimens this week." Bad weather and floaded streams had prevented a journey to the mountains. We mentions sending a box of plants and a lelter ro Ms, Giles at Adelaide, anu asks his patrow bo tell him that they would be at Mr, Fairlee’s. Hindley Street, In “the 40's" postal delivery was irregular and uncertain, Enve- lopes were nat yet in use, quill pens were used in most cases, Each of Stuarr’s letrers, folded neatly, has a three-cornered lap uisertion on the back, on which a sealing-wax water is placed to close the Jetter. On the front is the address:—"Dr, HF. Miiller, cace of Messrs. Biittner and Tlenzenroeder.2 Chemists and Druggists, Rundle Street, Adelaide.” ‘This was the frm which first employed Dr. Mueller. No stamps were as yet used, letters heing paid for, or perchance sent in sottteone's charge Jor delivery. Stuart wrices Chat a Mr, Stephens had sale his collection of plants arid gtripowers Muelter to settle with lum, Tf there is wo money to receive Stuart would try and send some on the “Henry's” next yovage. He has plenty of employtrent, but at low wages. He Will send a number of plants shortly, and entreats Dr. Mueller to write to him, and send the names of the plants he was examining at Stuart's departure irom Adelaide. Ele specially asks for the name of a creeper near Billardera, and that of a bhie-flawered linear-lenved plant, also in Puirfo~ sporea, “If you could give me the natural orders of them I think T could remember what is in the collection without the aid of a duplicate.” He is at length settled in a place with conveni- ences for preserving specimens, and has “let slip no opportunity of obtaining them for you and for no one else, as I shall vot de it for profit, but the pleasure of having your correspondence,” ... “I shall he glad if you could write me perhaps hy the “Henry.” She generally remains about a week or ten days at Adelaide, . . - Any directions which yott may give me respecting specimens | will attend to.” He gives the address——“Care of Joseph Bonney, Esq., Woodhall, near Perth, Van Diemen's Land.” The second letter is dated July 24, 1848, from the above address, where Stuart is employed in same plant nursery work, with greenhouses, etc, The letter deals mostly with a request to §. Henzenroeder, H. Calleetes! at Kangaroo Isiand, 1849-31, forty-four plaits previously unrecorded, which were sent te Benthant by Mueller 108 Daves, Charters Start, Barly Anstralian Borgaist, bay bar ‘recover his box and its contents fram Mr. Giles. Some money is due ta him with which he wishes Mucller to pay a debt, evi- dently to release his property, and send him any balance. "J am afraid 1 am giving you more trouble than I ought, but depend on it I shal) use every exertion to collert for you here... . I can leave for a weeX or two when T like in the season, so that I anti- cyte a goad harvest of plants J] have a good many inosses, lichens, etc., ready ta send you by the next trip of the “Henry,” lit am daily expeering a lor of specimens from Hobart Town which do wot exist on this side of the isle (120 ntiles), and which as soon as I recerve I will forward you allogether. T have had some troulle in getting fronds of the Treefern, Cibotium hiliardier’, or Dicksonia of R. Brown, but have succeeded at last. . . . You suy you found Hriochilus autwmmalis, it also exists here plentifully. I see you have named two plants, Daviena ambellatum, and Poma- derras ellipticwms, which are different to the plants known here under those names. which I will explain when | send you speci- mens of then,” He asks thats? Mueller gets his collection from Stephens he will vame ihe specimens as numbered, He promises to secure some diied herbs wanted by Biittner, has written to Giles Tor seeds of Chentitus, and would be plad of soine plants of Drosera whitkekers He has a Claw ov Nitella for Mueller which he has never seen before. "The mosses are hardly in fructification, but by and by i will surprise you with them." In a séparate note Stuart alludes to two plants before referred lo. “T send a bit of a plant not yet generally in flower, which 7 look tu be a Crypiandra trom as habit anti! J found a few tn- tiniely flowers about L foot high, also a climbing plant growing on dry rocks with much the appearance of Jasnzeam, flowers inunature; but you may perhaps recognize it. he foliage on the same plant varies much in some cases, I have ahtained the leaf giute entire, It seems aout of place here, as it suffers from frost,” Yu the next letter, January 8, 1849, Sruare weites that the season has been bad. Snow is on the mountains, rivers are untordable, preventiig a long excursion; but he has collected all available plants in the neighbourhood. He will make up with the next lot, it heing the time ior mountain plants which he desires to show Mueller, There may be sorme species ovetlooked among those he is sending, some of which are from Gunn and others. He reports that the lot sent, mosily Cryptogramts, by the “Henry” was lost with the vessel, and carmot he replaced until the next season. He hopes for better success with Lhe Jot he is sending by the “Tamar,” He has had two letters from Giles, who wrote that he had refused £3 offered him by Mueller au che ground that Stuart had deprived hin) of a Sist of plants made for him. Stuart ikl ' Daas. Charles Stuart, Barly Austrution Butarigt. 109 denier all lmowledge of any Hist, and asks Mueller to pay Giles out ol £4/14/- he bas in hand, £1/14/- from Stephens, and 13 set by Stuart. If Giles refuses he can sell Stuart's box, for he will pay him ho more, for “the excuse about the fist is a rogue's trick,” He is aJraut that the seeds, specimens, books, etc,, in the hox are by this tinte of little worth, but there are letters he would ant like to lose. “1 am really sorry, niy dear sir, io give you so inuch trouble, bur knowing how I am situated | thinks you will exeuse it." Stuart gives Mueller an order for the box, “I will send you seeds by and by of all IL can collect. J shall number them according to tus sending of which I have retained duph- cates. Please send an answer on ‘receipt of this, ag I shall be anxious to bear from you in the meantime. --- You will see many plants heve identical with those ii South Australia.” He asks for seeds of Dania formosa by letters. tf Giles should not take the £4/14/- he asks that it should be sent ta him, less expenses through the Bank ot Australasia. On April 25, 1849, Stuart writes that he is sending a hox of plants, without awaiting news of the receipt of the last, as “the passage is often very long.” “T trust that no acctdent may occur to prevent you receiving them, as f am afraid you might think me neglectful a7 my pro- mise to you, The present box cohtains many scarce plants. antl I assure you, without wishing to magnify my exertions, that J] have had much difficulty in procuring them, owing ta the fact of this being one of the most unpropitious seasons. J have found in the higher regions many’ plants actually killed, and others pre- vented fram flowering by ihe severity of the weather. I have been folerably successful in. collecting specimens of ferns. You will find the greater part of what was known in this island, There Is one remarkably searee one, the Alsopitla, which L spent niueh vie in finding, and then only met with one plant. Lt is arbores- cent, but is never found growing in company. I never saw above three plants, the tallest about 13 feet high in the caudex, Hooker sent particulacly to Gunn for it, and stated that there was not one poor specimen in England. The Schizea is also rure on this side of the island. The Epacride@ have suffered severely front the weather on the mountiins, and they generally flower early. I was unable to procure several plants which 1 wished to do, parti- cularly the diopters: glandulata, which only grows in very remote spots on tlus side of V.D.L., but hope to do so at some future time. Rest assured. my dear sir, 1 will do all in my power for sou.” : ” He recommends as a correspondent a Mr. Archer, of Deloraine, an amateur botanist, who has a calent for drawing, useful in studying the minute parts of Ofehids, ete. “You will please take 110 Moras, A New Grass. ye ie notice that the names I have attached must not be taken for granted in any case, as I have received them [rom various quarters, and without authorities that I could depend upon; but such as they are the names may serve for some little zuide to you in your investigations. Can do little this season owing to much work, Wall look out for Cryptagramys to replace those lost in the “Henry.” The specimens are numbered, and duplicates kept, in case further information re specimens is desired. There are few Musci to be got at the present.” He regrets the Joss of his looks through Giles’ retention of his box. .“Although not of extensive vse to me, they were the best I could afford, so that now I imust trust to my memory alone, as my circumstances will not allow mie to purchase more, as L have to work hard for a trifle.” He asks for natnes of specirnens sent “merely for my own gratification, as I have relinquished collecting plants for anyone but yourself. I think the Alge have been washed away by the floods.” (To be Concluded.} A NEW GRASS—DANTHONIA NUDIFLORA By P. F. Morass. In the mountainous regions of south-vastern Australia and Tasmaiila large herds of cattle and flocks of sheep are depastured during the seasons in which snow does not fall. The species of Danthonia in such localities are often nuich relished by stock of all classes. There 3s much botanical worl to he done to elucidate the species of this useful genos. Mr. A. J. Tadyell, a member of the Field Naturalists’ Club, while on one of his periodical botanical explorations in January-February of 1930, collected on the Bogong High Plains towards Mount Nelson, at between 5,000 feet and 6,000 feet, two small species which he took to be one plant, but dissection proved them to be distinct. One plant is closely allied to the group to which belongs the New Zealand Danthania muda, Hook f, while the other, herein described as sew to science, is allied to D. piloso-lD. penictilata group. Baron von Mueller noticed the botanical differences im this plant and has labelled it with the names D. pilose, R,Br. var. uudiflora. F..M., and later named a THE ViCTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. Lit October, 1935 Plate X Danthonia nudifiera, P.F.M., sp. nov, ion, Morris, 4 New Grass. 111 similar specimen from the same locality (Cobboras Mountains 5,000-6,000 feet) Danthanta fe meilata, The original description and figure Of D. peniellate is given in Lahillardiere’s Plats of New Holland (1804). [have compared Mr. Tadgell’s specimen with the figures, description and specimens, ltt ¢ ocs Hot ryred, Through the courtesy of Sir Arthor Hill and Mr. ©. i. Hub- hard, of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England, I have been able to examine most of the types of Australtan species of Dan- thonia. 1 here raise Mueller’s label name to specific rank, namely Danthonia nudiflord. The other plant mentioned will be dealt with mane of a series of articles on Pauthania to be published later. The figures, together with the deseription, should be a guide in the determination of Danthonia itadifloru, DANTHONTA NUOIFLORGA, P. FE. Mortis, sp. nov. Gramen percune, rhisema breviter nee as, Cubini erecti. vel best geniculatt, rigida, W4-28 ca alit. Polorwmn vaginae tnternodts brvttores, glubrae; Uyalae cdierium minttorum redactae; Laminae Nneares, convolutae vel invelitface 5-10 cut. longue 1-1-5 amt. latae. Racemi 9-15 em. longi: 5-10 spiculati, 3-6 flores. Glamae suh- aequales 10-12 nun, lonyis, 5 jervis, A. perennial grass with short rhizome; culms 14-28 em. high, tufted, erect, rigid, densely covered with old sheaths at the hase, with 2-4 narrow leaves often redticed to 2 cm. long heluw the middle of each culm, Leaf sheaths smooth; ligule a fringe of short silky white hairs; blades rigid, acute, inrolled, sub-pungent, glabrous, 5-10 cm. Jong, often reduced to 2 cm. Panicle raceme- like, narrow, fairly stiff, with 5-10 spikelets. the lowest branches sometimes 2-3 spiculate; branchlets unequal, shart (1 cm.) to very short (Q°2 cm.) long; spikelets sometimes almost sessile to branchlets, pedicels shorter than the florets. Spikelets 5-6 flowered purplish and straw coloured or purple and green; glumes subequal narrow lanceolate, acute glabrous 10-12 1mm. long, lower vlimme 5 nerved, upper ghime with three distinct and two indistinct nerves, glares slightly longer than the largest florets (including the awns). Florets with awns 10-12 mm, long, the awns and upper portion purple, the base (flowering ghiume) straw-coloured. Pluwering elume naked on back, oblong-lanceolate in profile, $-3°5 mm. long. Back of the fowering glume smooth, shining, straw-colunred, the front with two distinct or obscure tufts of white hairs below the mitdle of each side, otherwise glabrous, smoeeth: callus conspicu- ous, bearded; palea hairy on back, linear-oblong, cuncate blunt and notched: ovary glabrous, grain shining, light brawn. Danthonia pilose, R.Br, var nudifora Fav.M,, Cobboras Moun- tains 5,000-6,000 feet, F. v. Mueller (on labels in National Her- barium, Me ype specimen). 2D, penicillata of Mueller, Cobboras Mountains (in National Herbarium, MeJbourne) ; Bo- gong High Plains, Victoria, February, 1930, A. J. Tadgell. +o as 7 Vic. Nat. 112 Coceman, Pollination of Hakea fairing. VoL Rat, POLLINATION OF HAKEA LAURINA By EpitH Coleman In comparison with the beautiful contrivances by which orchids and asclepiads secure cross pollination the process in Hakca appears, at first glance, a somewhat rough and tumble affair. Closer study, however, shows between insect and flower the won- derful co-ordination one has become accustomed to anticipate, Separation of the sexes is Nature’s widely emploved method of preventing undesirable pollination. They may be separate on the same plant (dicecious) or on separate plants (moncectous), Even when the sexes are produced in the same flower (hermaphrodite) they may be as completely separated by their differing periods of maturity. In Hokea, as in many mem- bers of the Profcacee, Com- posite, and some other fami- lies, the anthers open and dis- charge their pollen on the stigma before the flower ex- pands. How, then, is self- jertilization avoided? The shape of the flower in the ‘“Pincushion,” Hakea lauriita, is interesting. A long style terminates in a cone, or thimble-shaped — stigma-head. Each of the four perianth parts bears on its concave apex an ovate, sessile, two-celled anther. In the bud stage the Hakea laurina. apex of the style is closely A. Bud showing looped style (St.} held between the perianth with stigma-head held between lobes jobes, the anthers forming a ap rperanth, shallow cylinder, in the centre B. Expanded flower, stigma-head : : * < (S.) now free. Perianth segments of which the stigma head 15 curled back, anthers empty. inserted. In such a situation self-fertilization while in bud can only be averted by separate maturity periods of the sexes. Owing to the lengthening of the style, while its apex is still held between the perianth parts, it becomes looped. The direction of growth, instead of being vertical, is towards the imprisoned stigma-head, the loop of the lengthened style bursting through the perianth-tube while the stigmatic knob is still held captive by its four lobes. Not until the anthers have discharged their pollen do the perianth lobes part to free the green stigma-head, which is October, 1935 VOL. LIL THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Plate Xi Buds, flowers and fruits Hakea laurina, Oct. 1935, Coteman, Pollination of Hakea faurina, 113 seen to be covered with pale vellow pollen. In such close proximity self-pollination, in bud, is inevitable, unless the sexes be separated by their maturity periods. (Unless the stigma head has been released perfect fruit is never formed—proof that self- fertilization does not take place.) At this stage the pollen is ripe, but the small stigmatic surface is not yet moist or receptive. A touch with a seft brush will remove every grain of pollen, for they are held neither by stigmatic secretion nor penetrating tubes. But even at this stage the stimga-head serves an important purpose in the cross-pollination of individual flowers, either im separate clusters or on different trees, for it acts as a salver, which accepts and presents to its visitors the pollen discharged upon it. When all the hurls F | have opened a cluster of 1 | flowers has the appear- ance of a sphere of styles——a floral pin- cushion. The styles are the “pins, while the cone- } shaped heads of the “pins” will represent the stigmas with their coat- ing of pollen. Not until the anthers are empty do the flowers send out their urgent messaye to bird and bee in a copious flow of nectar, -\ cup, formed by the adjacent bases of | the perianth segments, ix _ seon filled to overflow- ~ ing, Great spheres of Phots. by O. W. Coulson, nectar suspended just outside the nectar-cup glisten seductively In sunshine, and soon both Hive bee with pollen from flowers of Hfakea laurina. birds and bees flock to the banquet. From 10 to 15 bees may be seen collecting nectar in one flower- cluster, and as they scramble over the sphere of pollen-laden stigma-heads the grains are caught and held on hairy legs and undersurface. It is easy to follow the transference of pollen from hairy bodies to the receptive stigmas in older flowers. The bees are all nectar gatherers. A full load may be obtained from one flower, so copious is the flow. 14 LPuldflower Sancinary at Ararat. Val ut One sees no pollen-baskets filled. The bees are obviously not collecting pollen fur the hive, as they serve the purpose of the flowers. This is seen in the photograph of a hee kindly taken for me by AIr, O, W. Coulson. Much of the pollen had been lost in transit through the post. ‘The photograph was taken three weeks after capture of the bee. Heing dry the character of the beautiful triangular grains is not apparent. While nectar-loving birds visit the flowers of the Pincushion- flower, bees are the most efficient pollinators. In this district Wattle-hirds (.4. chryvsoptera) freely visit the clusters, and while, doubtless, pollinating a few flowers, damage inany others, Non- lignification suggests that the flowers are not adapted for bird pollination. Where large numbers of fertile fruits are produced in one cluster, it is safe to assume that bees are the pollinating agents, and that birds are responsible for the pollination where only one or two capsules in a cluster produce fertile seed. Hakea laurina grows freely in the South and Stirling districts of Western Australia, It is widely cultivated in all the States, and thrives in warm sunny situations, where it forms a handsome shruhy ur tree. WILDFLOWER SANCTUARY AT ARARAT Bridal Hill, Petticoat Gully! The names have come to us from the diggers who, under the spell of the “‘vellow curse,” first tore up the virgin bush and left the hillsides pitted with holes, but now the Wattles are blooming there again, and the scarlet trails of “Running Postman,” Golden Guinea Flower, Gold-dust Acacia, Oranve and vellow Greeiliza alpina, and Tetratheca are a llaze of colour. Great excitement prevailed on Ararat in the last days of March, 1859, when word flew round the mining camps that a man and his wife had come on a good run of gold near the old workings at Bridal Hill, first opened by an overland party from Adelaide, named Bridal. In compliment to the lady, the place was called Petticoat Lead. This lead. like those who mined it, is probably forgotten, but any Ararat child could direct the stranger ta Bridal Hill, about two miles north of the town on the Western Highway, Within easy distance of the town, the variety and abundance af the wildflowers there have long since made it a favourite walk on fine Sunday afternoons in the Spring. and now it is likely to become a place of special interest to the field naturalist, for the Ararat Rotary Club, anxious to preserve some stall section of typical bush country in this part of the State for the delight of future generations of Australians, has secured an area of 140 acres as a reserve for native flora and fauna. The idea originated THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL. LII October, 1935 Plate XII Dehiscing fruits of Hakea laurina Left : A bee-pollinated cluster, Right : A bird-pollinated cluster wal Aronnd Raven signod. 13 with members of the Ararat Field Naturalists’ Club, who were alarmed at the steady disappearance, owing to advancing settle- ment, of the natural wildflower gardens around Ararat- The reserve imght well be cafled ain orchid huviters, paradise. In some parts Waxtip orchids are so plentiful as to orm a. inauve carpet, and diligent search will reveal among them at Icast three of the “spiders,” the children’s favyourites—fatersonit, difatata and cordifornus—while of the other Caladenias, deforms, cauctt- fata and carnea are plevtiful, Near a small patch of the magnifi- cent Thelymitra grandiflora, on an old mullock heap, the tiny apiral leaves of Thelyniira a’Allonn were discovered two years ago. This rare orchid, which had only previously been fond in the Grampians and had been lost sight of there for nearly thirty ytars, is now (September) iu bud here again, Other represer- tatives of the Sun Orchid growing in the reserve are srtodes, aristata, piuctflora, rornen, ontonnifera ani Meacurifanin, Helmet orchids, the Nodding.” Dwarf, and ‘Trim Greenhoods, are flower- ing, also splendid spikes of the Tall Greenhood, and later there will be the Bearded Greenhoods, three or four of the Diuris. Caleciilns ReLertsonit, Prasophyltim ramet and Pras. odoraten, In the Autumn sharp eves are rewarded by a sight of the E\phin Leak Orchid and its fatry-like sister, Prasophwlhen nigricans, and then, too, there are other Greennonds, Pierasiylis parviflora and P. alata, . The reserve is hghtly timbered, mostly with Stringy-hark and Yellow Bux and Golden Wattle. Vhere are still a few! Bauksia trees ancl Casuarinas, L. L. BANFIELD. AROUND RAVENSWOOD ! By A, J. Tapnece . mn Ravenswood naturally recalls the fact that the naive onpinated au thy namber of Crows or Ravens, andl these are still Aeard cawing, or their sHailows are cast over one ag they Ay overhead in the glorious sunshine of w cloudless day. Truly, with the Australian poet We say: “High noon and not a cloud an the sky to Dreak the glorious heat’ We substitute aiiother adjective, a5 it is a different time of the year. And the warmth ol Spring with the moisture-laden paddocks 3els one hikmug For miles in a glec. ; We are deposited upon the old narrow wooden platlorm at Ravenswood a lew miles distant irom Mt. Alexander. The clea grass padducks with most of the native trees removed haw: a natural boundary on their horizons im shat, high hills, also cleared Jar sheep pasture, Birds abaund; parrots, crows, cnckatoos, cuckoos, magpies and others call or whistle ulceasingly. Qur way at first leads towards Lockwood (five miles), but we make the main Castlemaine-Bendigu noisy road, no place for one seek- ie rest "Jar from the city’s dust and noaise:," and,'as it seems to be con- stantly. im need of repair, much of its bush traces are lost by the general clean-up. The creek names, with their signs for motorists, du mot seem 116 Aroawil Raven eroded, ey was : cuphoniousty chasen, Bullock Creek and Buck Eye Creck ure plain enotigh, bit have nice mower or gramite-constructed briilges across which Imotor cars or cycles ure constantly rushing int some lonn of pursiit, The road passes at least one or two mansions ser in the adjoining grassy fieldy and paddocks, The long trail Jeads round fo Gur right, and ultimately crosses the big hill adjacent to the half-mile tunnel through st, that las been ihude necessary for the two sets of rails om the thorthern rastway system. ‘There 1 te waThing: (o frespasers fo keep ont of these open spacrs, so We are able to explore the saddened countryside covered with its Spring verdure. [First we find Arava ouma~ sitter Of the Bidgec-widgee—then the Native Hop- hash, Dedonoes, just showme the setter Aowers. Then a frize is promised 4 4 Jaree bush of dark fance-shaped leaves, shining, thal al fist musztcs us, as the cup-shaped light green or vellowish-tinged calyces assume the shape of an unknown flower till seme ave found with attached styles or later Ube falling dowers, and we recognize the glabrous form of Correa tress, always eldome to the botanist collector. A handsotne dwarf purple Sweinsona is abundant in damp places, ani another sieht to behold js the Dwarf White Sunray or sagegroon Jeaved Helipteruin forming masses of star-spancled carpets everywhere. IDroseras oe Suudews of at least three apectes, ineludiag the Cromsen, plisteq i the sunlight, Two species of Grevillig, with rosy oF crimson flowers, are 3b hand. = Tetrathecas are always welcome with black eye-like sacks in the ceive of their red-petalled flowers. Creanty Stackhousias, sometines whitish or pinkish, call to you to notice them, At least Jour species of Araco, inluding A. acinecea, are there, We cross the Steep ridgé at the tunnel, aod what a view! Northward, the City of Bendign, seven miles distant, sproad cut moa magmfcent pan- rama. At our feet ts the flame that js supplying Bendiga’s water from the Colliban, “We feet man aod wift on the silvan painble, and when we ask them do they onjey the country although they life to it, receive a scathing reply that netther would live am Melbourne, dor you cun walk in the bush) and sec beauty all around you aid all the bre, Give them an ambling herse far preference, bur never train ar car whirh rish thrauglt space, atid the sitter sees little but a matleap in a rushing, whirling land- scape. [ agree woth them, and the old-time lovers enjoy birds, heasts, and Aowers, as Lo de in simple aud natural conditions. And is. unt this my purpose in my royndabout walk that will Gautirwe for ayother Urree miles back to the starting paine?) This, too, in gloriqus sunshine on 4 cloudless day in Spring, when everything talks alow! and crict out to the Nature- lover to stay, Who cannot enjov David Grayson and his “Priendly Ryad" under these canditions? Three miles hack to Ravenswood from here, aur chance friends observe, “Yes, you have ample tithe to gel there before sunset.” So with a goodbye to bath and to tear meisy fox terrier Lo resame collecting Wahlenbergia's frst flower for the season, or tall Yellow Stars, or Early’ Nanties, 4 lous! 9 inches hash, im all forms. Orchids are rarc. Only one Caladenia defarwmeis seen, bur Driavis pedimentate abounds. Several Huleragis are coming into flawer, even the tall 4. efatus. Plantage voria are lawerme profusely, and sous Marrencufas lapacens. An add Carer vulgaris is gallered, while of courde at Unis time of year the imiodeced und Komndea bulbicodii abounds in tiny drab white fowers or of beautiful large vieux fose thal make a hand- some setting in the grass. One niust not forget the beautiful sleek white ferred lest hy the rahlater. twit wew pone hush on the creel-side, and which disappears futo a rabhit-hole bewt on a twatuitel feast, A bucolic calls en mn¢, bul recreta he has mo place where fre can heuse Wis yrerty Witte animal. The most jiteresting yhaits sec were:—lirass, tra fea) Poa, Stearn sond belrigna, very close Lo Black's S orabofdes, wo composites, Melp- tore cotula, so like Hy wariabilys and Toxanthus winellos like a oiinute Heliplerun. naa John Fenry Gatlif., Il? JOHN HENRY GATLIFF At the age of 87, on September 14, Mr. J. H. Gatliff died, and Australia lost a veteran conchologist; many of us, a friend. He was a tember of the Cluh for many years, from time to time contributing papers to the pages of the Naturalist. John Henry Gatliff was born at Leeds, Yorkshire, in 1848, and came to Australia when nine years old. With his parents, he resided at Geelong, and at the age of eighteen entered the Bank J. H. GATLIFF. {From a photoyraph taken some years ago.} of Victoria at Ballarat, later joining the staff of the Commercial Bank. For many years he was manager and finally became inspector. In this capacity he journeyed as far afield as Port Darwin. He was a born soldier, and during hrs first occupation was a commissioned officer in the Ballarat Rangers. With solier- ing in the blood, two of his sons served in the South African War, while five sons participated in the Great War, one, Captain Frank Gatliff, was killed in action, Familiarly known as the “Father” of Victorian conchulogy, the late Mr. Gatliff took a keen interest in the subject and was ever ready to impart his knowledge to the beginner; indeed, it was a joy to him and ungrudgingly he devoted many hours in the identifiying of specimens for those who shared his interest. Other 118 John Henry Gailif. + eta branches of natural history had charms for hum, plant life especi- ally, but his inclinations chiefly turned towards the marine mol- lusca. Besides practical research work, he did shore collecting and explored the bays by systematic dredging expeditions, in several instances with the writer as his companion. Containing numerous extremely rare forms, the Gatliff collec- tion of 7,270 species, numbering many thousands of specimens, is among the notable private collections of the world. The specimens are in wonderiul condition, and with its systematic arrangement and a complete catalogue, the collection should prove most valuable to the museum or conchologist who acquires it. In recognition of his work numerous species were named after J. H. Gatliff, and his recent appointment as Honorary Concholo- gist to the National Museum, Melbourne, was a delight to him, “A List of Some of the Shells of the Marine Molfusca found on the Victorian Coast” was his first contribution to the Netiwralist, in 1887, Other papers of note were “Description of Poluta (Amoria) spencertana, from North Queensland ;” "Description of a new Victorian Cone, Conus segravet;” “Description of Twe New Australian Varieties of Cowries;” “Catalogue of Vietorian Estuarine Univalve Mollusca,” The writer and the veteran P aes - ne Ff a _* Golden Bell Frog (Hyla aurea) with tail of Copperhead Snake protruding from mouth after a struggle of 22 hours Photos by D, Fleay Golden Bell Frogs swallowing the same young Tiger Snake from opposite ends Deh * nN * p yHikt. FPLaav, Frogs Dewar Sirakes. 12] ‘The victor nade little progress overmight. Apparently an over- wrought stomach refused to speed up its functioning, and by morning, the now thoroughly dead snake still projected about two inches from the frog's jaws. In the afternoon, twenty-two hours after the commencement oj the struggle, the frox was photo- graphed! with the final piece of rhe tail jus¢ visille. Unmistake~ able evidence of the little snake's resting place showed in the [mt as soon as the clutch 3s contplete, brooding begins, The egys are abour four inches in length, ‘heir colour is unusual for eggs of 2 ground-nesiing bird, being white with brown er dark spots, thus they are visible at a good distavce, owing ta the nest being flat on top, Incubation aceupies ubout a month, Byvolgas can ably defend their young against attacks trom Crows and [lawks. The olf birds keep the young mm the nest for two or three divs alter they hate, and if the weather be cold atid wet, longer still. For the first week. and possibly a longer period, the parents put food into the your ones’ beaks, Spiders, gribs, worms, ete. weil broken up hy the okt birds, are fed ta the young. As they become stronger, the food is dropped in front of the young ones, which pick it up. When qghout three months ald, they can eat anything which their parents can eat, such as frogs, yabbies, small fish, bulbs. or yams; even stall snakes and grain of any kind, When the young birds are out of the nest and following the oid ones, the Jatter eall to them contimally: uotes that sound like “erook, crook," much Jike a hen calling her cueks, “Fhe woung Tgrolgas keep on syucaking just as a young turkey does. 11 one is pic ked up and gives the little call of alarm, the old ones, hearing it, hecome very annoyed and try to bluif the intruder by jumping np and dawn, with wings spread, and calling meanwhile. Brooding is a duty shared by the two birds, They add raaterial 19 their nest all the time until the eggs have hatched. if water vises ina Hood they will build up quickly to get the nest alive level, The young birds seein to stay with ihe uld ones for about ten months. They seek fresh fields, and do not return with their parents in the following season to the place where rey were bres. THE ORCHID SEASON. This has been an wisually good season for orchids in meny narrs of Victaria. Mr. W. H. Nicholls notes the great abundance of Sun orchiis. Near Benalla at the end of October thousands were flowering, At least two few parieties were, collected, a Caladetiim and a Greenhond, and these vill be described in the NV afivalist by Mr. Nicholls, who alsa: has nove] tes trom Queensland and specimens of a rare Swreochilts, Steadily the hst of Australian orchids ts being extended, and when collectors enter the little- known parts of the Northern Territory some fine uew fprms may he dis- envered. Arnhein Land! is a promising field. But even ia the south, as the present season proves, orchid Sunting still may seyeal undescribed varieties. A. comprehensive illustrated work on the orchits af Australia is overdue, fut its production would be very costly. - 4 “4s 7 ok AP Vin Naw Hoo Wine Phat Gefen the Marthe Gani Vattoy Mol. Ltt. TLANT LIFE IN THR NORTHERN GOULHURN VALLEY ' By J, I], Wins In widunin- there are stonks of hay, tise peaches, and grapes it Ttstdous elister's an the vihes; conl nights have tome at Jase, aid the thirsty plains have changed to weicome swards of pretn; sundown leaves the wide honzon with a tystic Jght—pale lemon, pink abd filve, merging toward the zenith into the deeper violet- grey of evening. ~ In wintter—short, fine, ‘crisp days are. heralded hy frost; the citrus trees ave beautiful, all hung with coloring fruits Boxwood fires glow brightly im many a hearth, and perchance ihe smoke irom burning legs of Murray Pine steals hike aromatic incense through rhe night—suhtle, unforgettable, intoxacating smell! Wns spring—the orchard groves are all a-flower, the roadside Wattles heavy with blossom, and the dreamy air invbued with honeyed seents: the young lambe frisk im fields of lush grass or in paddocks carpeted with native everlastings. while over secloded eveek-bends and still lagoons the azure kingfisher skims among the sunbeams or rests, sentineltilee, upon a dead limb, viewing his watery domain of white Swamp Lilies, Yellow Marshwort flowers, and stutely rushes: peace is over all- 4 Th summer—the sim glares down from a clear sky, withering up the grass until the land is parched and brown; the creeks are low, or even dry, the fallowed earth reduced to dust which blows away it clouds ; mosquitoes whine in the stifling air around settlements; whirhwintds often dance anel spin in ctazy circuils; mivages glisters ou the bare, hot sucfaces of roads that stretch for miles without a turning; but, as if i compensation for these harsher mnods of nature, (he crowning elory of the seasons fills the Jand—acres upon. acres of salden Wheat. Such ure glimpses of the Goulburn Valley—a district rich in God's gifts, but not one to be recommended as a hunting-eround for wild flowers; yet, lo a nature lover, the plains are alluring. with a ¢harm all Uieir own, und after runbliay over many miles - in this part of Victoria I have fowl its plant life mtensely inter- esting, 1f not so eofourful or varied as that of the Grampians, Mallee, Alps. Gippsland, and coastal districts. Land selection and cultivation began here about sixty years azo. since when the indigenous flora has heen gradually suppressed by agriculture and the introduction of mimerous weeds, Compara- tively Jirtle forest cover or native herbage now remains, except on such widistirhed areas as river frontages, creek banks, antl rail- way eheloautes, but these remnauts are still sufficient to give one a good idea of the original vegetation. Probably many species of plants have heen last in eansequence of tillage and grazing, others are fast becomiug rare. aud will doubtless vanish hefare long. so THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. Lu November, 1935 Plate XV Casuarina Luehmanmn (Buloke). ‘Tree 60 feet high, at Nathalhia Nov, 1H, Wirnris, Plat Life de tie Norther Goulbirn Mallen 141 the recording of ame information now possible is surely well worth while. i iy Northern Goulburn Valley is meant that area of some 6745 square miles hounded on the north and west by a large curve of . the Murray River, on the south by the Goulburn River, and on the east by the Shepparton to Vacumwal railway line (see sketch map). This area is situated approximately 120 miles due north of Melbourne, and is traversed centrally fron cast to west by the Numurkah-Picola railway (20 miles). which practically follows the course of Broken Creele—a sluggish, but rather large and per- Sketch map of Northern Goulburn Valley area. wianent stream. The natural centre for this district is the lusy township of Nathatia, on Broken Creek, whence I have made imeost af my botanical excursions, A billabong of the Murray, known as Tullah Creek, Deep Creek, Skeleton Creek, and Wakati Creek, alsa drain the area, which is now intersected by several important irrigation channels, . Physiographically the country ts monctonous, being portion of the extensive Murray Basin plains, af some 300 feet elevation, znd interrupted only by occasional small rises of drift sand. The soil varies from sand and hne gravel to reddish loam, with heavy, bluish clay in the swampy depressions; these are sedimentary deposits, overlying the old Silurian bedrock at depths of 100 feet or more, and were formed in late Tertiary times by the uphit of a 14200 Winns, Pho life othe Nerthorn Goulburn Vatloy ne aah shallow sea-floor. Mineralized water is pumped irom bores in several parts of the district. Clinatic factors include a dry almnsphere, high suiimer tem- peratures, with periods of drought, sd an average annual rain- gall of 16 to 19 inches (whith has risen as igh or 25 or fallen as linw as 9 meles in certain years } Sail, climate, and geographical positian each help to determine the vegetation, which is of a xerophytic, wland type, showing inatked similarities be the plant life of the Mallee; this is only to be expected, since the plains of northern Victoria merge climati- cally and geologically into the north-western Mallee plains, both jorming part of one large, geographical unit that extends Tar beyond the borders of New Soutlt Wales aud South Australi, with no barriers to plant mgratton. Prior to settlement, the plains carried a woodland ar Savannah type of forest, consisting chiefly of Grey Bow in mixture with Bulake, Murray Pine, Acacias, and other srl] trees; Black Box dornarect a few low-lying ‘areas, pire stands of Mutray Pine clothed the sandhills, while here and there the trees thinned out, leaying open patches of grassland. Along the rivers and creeks, and partiosarly over the Murray fload-plaiv, magnificent forests of Red Gumi existed, with a sprinkling of Yelluw Rox: even to-tlay the Barmaly Reserve of more than 72,000 acres ys the Jargest Red Guin forest i che State. Dnedergrowtl was scanty, if not absent altogether. and humus aimost negligible, Joagoons and swamp- land snpported a wealth of aquatic plants which are still quite well represented in the distrier, To quote same statistics for the area, J have found 197 species af indiveneus vascular plants, comprising 48 Monocolyledons, tH Dieotyledons and 4 Pteridophytes; these ure distributed in 59 families, ot which 29 are locally monotypic, while 3 (ihe Gra- mane. Logiemiuvsec, and Compastie ) contain more than one-third af the total species. Introduced plants haye heen recorded to the mupber af 75, hut this figure is probably far from complete, and it woud be sate te say that aliens now represent almost hall of the flora. Vhe five largest Famihes af fowering plants are — Composite (35). Grammer (18), Leguratmase €15), Lih- acer (9), Chenopodiacee (8), whilst Orehidacen and Cyperaces have each © Spectres, Ascon other Victoria plams, the native composites and grasses aveupy! al pruminent position, together comprising 27 6% oF the flora; these are ground herbs, largely confined to the rv northern regions in Vietarit, e.2,, dadrapagon portitsus, Avivtida Baleiaua, Chiovis acicularis, Brachyceme basaltica, and Craspedia glabase, The species named last has earned the vernadcilar of “Drum- sticks’ On uecoimnt of its Mrge, globular flower-heads, terminating leafless. stems up to 3 feet long: these galden heads, reared) majes- weed Wuaazts, Phend Life ve the Neriiorn Geufhurn Halley Ab dcally from tufts of silvery griss-like Foliage, qre «guile i Featun: on stiff, swantpy land, Cyperacenr, Juncacde, Luiacee, aru Orehidacece are yeprescnted by, at least 25 species, alt wirlesprearl througlieur iw State. The six Orchids have bees found only along the Nutmurkah-Pivola railway line, they are Prasopiylhem fuscwm (very strongly scented). Theivautra avistite, Mivrotis wiiffara, Dawg pedun- culaia (large, deeply-colouredl form), Prerastylis eyenocepiala anid P_ynfa. With dhe exception of Kachta ctlate, members of the Chennpodinces@ found here are also of wide occurrence in Vittorit. More than half the species of Leguannoese belong to the genus Acacia, viz, A, ocinacea, armata (very rare), dealbata, taplexa, pycnantha (race), brachybatrva, homalophylla and sclerophryle, Ue last three heing true inland forms. A. fomalephylla (Myall) is a slender tree, occuring in dense clumps, several hundred square feet area; though rare in the district now, a few typical clumps are kruwn. and oue such patch of Myall has been foun Far east of the Goulburn Valley line, neat Lake Rowan (15 miles south of | Yarrawonga). Another legume reaching its south-easterly lint here, though exceedingly rare‘now, is Cassia Stertli, Semisone procumbens is irequent na depressions subject to julindaton, and the large, showy Howers of niuive and blue are often seen a1 tablé drains, while its stnaller congener, S. Pehrtana, favours sandy rises. : MAgtacer js represented only by four cucalypts' (rostrata, heat. philow, mellredora and bicolar) and Melaleuca pubeseems—ia small and very vare tree. which apparently lives lo a great age. A strange Jact is (he almost complete absence of froteacer, 2 lurgé group of plants: (ranking third in the Austrahan Plora as a whole) with special adaptations for withstanding dry conditions, fiven in the Miaillee this iauily is poorly represented, while here the only species is JTakeo vittata—a small, slaw growing (ree, with tranks of harsl, dark wood, ap tu 1 foot thick; 1t as distinguished Erom orher Hakeas by the slender, curved-pointed needles, ard is heconing scarce in The djstriet. In passing, mention might he made of the tree life m general, which is yartec] and interesting, At least eivhteen plants attain to the size of trees, and these are distsributed among eight families: Besides Calliteiy rahbusta, Casuarina Luehinannit, Hakea vittatiy Aencia hernalephylta, A. dealbata (of river banks), A. wnplera (near watercourses, and rare}, Melaleuca pubuscers, and the Sour eucalypts already woted, these include Hucarya (Fusauses) acuse- nota (Sweet Quandong), Evecerpus cupressiformis, andl Pitan porum plillyracaides—all very rale—Brirsariy spinosa, Myaporam plarycorpum. (Sugarwood), Af. arartanren (Water-hush), and Stevechus (Lreinaphiia) longifoltus (Berrigan) a—smiall tree: wilh Ganspienaiis, red ane spotted bell-Aowers, One very aged » i 4 Wrags, Plant Life te the Northern Gondiuen lattes Vor 7“ ‘ and isolated Qvandang hac superficial roots of extraordimuy Jength, these being traceable along fhe ground for a distance 03 quite 40 feet trom the tree, which was mo thore than 20 feet av heiglit. Each of the four ferns helougs toa distinct fannly, ated os sig. iificanl m-appearance:—Morsilia Drinmmondi (Nareow) is eam- mon m swampy places, where the cusual observer night casily wustake ifs curwus fronds for a fonrleaved clover; Asolle pine sala isa small, floating annual that often covers lagoons and calm stretches of the erecks with a continuous, soft carpet of red- areen, Fronds of Opiiogtossum cortacewmn (Adder's Tongue} and Chetlanthes temrifolin (Rock Lip Fern) usually appear in: the railway enclosures during late anfuimn, ben dic down each year on exposure to the heat of summer, Mosses antl lichens vonsist of a few hardy, imeprspicuons farms, but. considering the dryness of the distriet. its fungus Hora is rather remarkable. Quite a cursory survey has revealed 38 species of the Jarwer fungi, niost of which are to he foun during rainy weather in aniumn; there are at least 14 agaries, 7 polypores, and 15 gasteromycetes (“puffbalis’). the last group iiuding several rate species that are practically confined Lu wari. dry regions. [f Mucller’s Geographical Divisions of Victoria ire rgidly observed, then the area under consideration lies within the Narth- eastern ¢ivision, and the following LO species, recorded for thy North-west only in our 1928 Consus of Victorian Plants, night now he recorded also for the North-east;— Glycoria Fordeana = Cassta Start Myoparnal palvear- Evcarva acuminata Lucaluptus bicolor PTE A Me KRaehia ettiata Solanum esnriale Goodenty piesilliftora rare ; rare : Calotis concifania Acacta brachypbotrya Lamesella Curdinaua Brochyconr pachap- Acacia homalophviia) Myoparain monta- tera : Acacia sclivapiylia raf fdee Lfeliptenan variable FLASHLIGHT OF FROGMOUTH The photograph of the Tawny-shouldered Frogmouth (Poderyns steig- aidey) al its aest {Plate NVI) was taken hy Mr. Ronald 1, Monro, vt Elsteriiwick, who is teeny interested in bird photography and has been successful with a wuimber of species, His principal Geld is Pearcodale. on the Alarnington Penisula~ The “mopoke’s" nest was huilt ih an Woright tork of & pepperinme gum, at a height of, about thirthfive fect, Early in September it contammed two exes, and Mr. Manre clinmberl the tree several Uines, taking daylight pholowraphs, The birds hegame cuifiding, To seture a study hy niglit, the camera was fixed tu a litnh abuywe Lhe nest, ducised, and left.iu position. After dark, the photographer kept watel from jelow, anil vhen a favourable opportunity occurred, released the shutter by mesns pf along thtead. The flashlight was “fred” sinsulteously with the shuttee a sunchronized exposure, November, 1935 VoL. Lu THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Plate XVI IsdN 2B YINOW FoI pasapynoys-AUME] OAUGK “My pre oy 158 The Late Predevichk Pitcher wae the one in which Charles French the Arst, another of the founders of the Club, had previously lived, Wader Mr, Guilfoyle, he was associated with many oF the reforms and improvements in the Gardens, which were carried oul by the Director, and which resulted in the beamtiful gardens that we have to-day. In many ways Mr. Guilfoyle Jei¢ much of the detail work to Mr. Pitcher, who had excellent views in regarcl io planting and to plant associations. . Qur Jate founder was especially interested in, Australian Alora, and the, success of the section of Australian planta in the Met- hourne Botanic Gardens, which was such a fine astral the finra, was largely due to hts efforts. He had friends all over rhe Com- wlonwealth, arid from them he drew largely of seeds and plants for planting in the Gardens. The “I ust of Australian Plants in the Melbourne Botame Gardens,” pabhshed by Mr. Pitcher in the Victorian. Naturalist about twenty-five years ago, shows how ex- tensively he searched the Commonwealth for the plants he su much loved. He was especially interested in Australian ferns: he studied them extensively, grew heim in his own garden, made a very com- plete herbariun collection of fern specimens, paying especial attention to aberrant, cristate and fusctated fonns., He exhibited many hundreds of specimens of ferns at meetings of the Club, specimens of both living and herbarium plants. He published in sthe Neadnralist about twenty-five years ago a complete. List of Ferns of Victoria,” giving 4 brief description, with -hahitat records, This list was revived a5 a reprint, and was very much in demand. Je was, and still is, valued by collectors, andl T expecially value my own autographed copy. Our late iriend’s knowlerlge of extra-Australian plants was very renvarkable: and I have seen him name off-hand very many rare plants, without any reference to books or ta the herbarium. The heantiful artifeiat fern gullies in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. are mainly the result of Mr. Pitcher’s ‘interest and activities in the fern world. Originally, the lily ponds in the Gardens near Park Strect was a swamp, well grown over with Mfclalenca erict “folia. The averflow fron) this swamp ran-down a gully into the Yatra, 4 portion of the ol river now forming part of the lake system of tic Gatdens near Alexandra Avenue. When it was decided to form the upper swamp into a lily pond,'the suggestion to preserve the natural features of the gully. interplanting. the trees with many iree-lerne and other sinaller species, was a fore- gone conchision, Mr. Pitcher worked with Mr. Guilioyie an this scheme: super- vising the placing of the stones ta form the rocky creek, and generally arranging all of the details. The fern gully is now a delight to all visitors, especially in summer time, and its greca THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. LIT December, 1934 Plate XVIII Frederick Pitcher r ee) . Chassification of Encalypts a] coolness will long remind us of Mr, Pitchers love and energy in this work, As Treasurer of the Club for many years, Mr. Pitcher’s work was always a model of neéalness and correctness, His balance sheets were always well explained, and his efforts were invariably in the direction of forming a permanent fund, so that the Club wold have a good “nest eau” producing interest. Bie if was in the Flawer Shows that Mr, Pitcher displityed very keen interest, As Director of the early shows for many years, he mace these func- tions a very great success, Jn addition he never missed ar excur- sion prior to the Show in order that he might stave a good exhibit, representing the flara of the district visited, When the late T, Moore was Director of the Sydney Botanic Gardens, he created a new species of Elk-horn fern, which he named Platycerinm Ilha. after the late Walter Hill. Director of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Subsequenth, the late J. Maiden, Director of the Sydney Botanic Gardens, reduced the species fo a variety of 2. alcicorne, stating that the yanety only differed from the type in that “the fronds are of a thicker tex- ture. and the lohes broader and shorter”’ My Pitcher very definitely disagreed with this latter determination, urging that P. Hillis should be kept as a very clear species. Only a few weeks ago we were talking about ferns, aud he remarked (o me, “Re sure that you always recognize P, Ally as a separate species.’ 1 met lim) last at our Nature Show. just six weeks ago, and he was ius keen as cver to see the few ferns there staged, Few pioneers of the Club remam among us. Only two of the founders remain, Messrs, Dixon and Bale; while T think that onky iwo others who joined the Club in the first year ave now with 4s, Mr, Geo, Coghill and Mr. Pitcher’s brother-intaw, Mr. Stuickland, We shall all miss Frederick Pitcher. To young and old he was always kind and courteous: his able work as Treasurer will long be recognized: and while we regret lis passing and sympathize with thase who are left, we ace honoured that he has lei( such a valuect and useful record behind. E. E, Prescot." . “CLASSIFICATION OF BUCALYPTS The Editor, Fictoyjan Neawaatics, Sir-- I have followed with some anterest the articles by Professor Ewart anil Mr. Blakely in the Mictoriun Naturalist dealing with the classification of Eucalypts, 1 may say that my first fechngs on reading Professor F.wart's original article were those of annoyance becuuse I felt that Mr. Blakely was being ~ . ees . at. 260 Llassifieglan of Enenthyots tL th made the target at which lo aim a general criticisun of ihe qrescit-day (ives of ‘botanical nomenclature. We may feel persoually that Mr. Blakely has made a mistake in resurrecting wo Jot of old names For well-known Eucalypts and suhshtuting others in their places and think that a horror such as Buealsipiis camaldidetyre for the qnore euphonions and beiter-lniown Encaiyples rostrata should not be tolerated, Mr. Blakely is only oboving the Jaws laid down by the Lliteenational Rules of Batanical Namenclature. however absurd they may seem to many of us. Gite may not see eve to eye with Mfr. Blakely div the multipfication of Species bul the jact remaine fhac Mr. Blakely stands as the Jeading autharity in the world ta-day on the classification of the genus Fncafy ples, Persanaliy, when lam in anv doubt af species I have always called an has aid and never found him, wantin. £ recently received a very fine set ui Encalyptus specamens: from New South Wales collected hy one af the TPortstry field staff and 4 pradvate in Jorestry ‘Phey were named accord- ing toy Blakels's systems and this forester teld me he had very hittle diffiealtyy iu distinguishing the various species in the field. As regards the classification of Fucalypts ifm very easy ty critiaize, bu. thouph ther are a natural prow in themselves, aty attemp! to make a classification ite proups based Oo several jiatiwal characters ws extremely diffeull and if any other: system bin the wae based on anthers alove for the (nsin groups cau he utiized ] am sire that Mr Blakely wanld he the first to welcome if, Mr. Blakely has done a uselul service to Australian botany We has spent a gond deal of his owh tine and ouoney dn piesaine bis budk on the genus /iealypiue and T think the thanks of Avs(ralian botanists qn the whole are sue te hint. L think with Proiesser Ewart that the present jaws are ante hringiog botany inte disrepute among others than purely syaterahic warlers. especially those jn fe larger European and American Herbaria, hut this. does not justify an artack on Mr, Blakely's book.» At regatds the tlomenclatuve of the Eucalypots from the polit of view of commercial and general botanical purposes, the only feastble thing 10 do would be io draw up a check list of impnrtant species for use in Austraba irrespective of the Jnterational Rules, Thar the need for sorme standardization in the nenanclature of aypartunl plats has been recoginzed, at least by systematic hotanists. is evident fram the following extract gnst pubnsted in the Joarnal of the Nez Mork Betani- eal Garden wean account of Sixth Assembly of the Jmernatianal Botanical Congress conyened at Amsterdam, September 2-7. “Among the more significaat undertakings ot the Congress, at least front the viewpoint of appled science. was the appaiittmest of a committee to preparc 9 stavdard weference list af binomials for the intportant ecomeapic ylants of the weeld, in accordance with the cules and monienctature of ie futernational Cade. When compteted, this will mean jan international author- it¥ Jor al) commerceal and sercatfhe enterprises concerned wath the waayes of Wants, This Jist is tose vahd for ten years Jor eeonvorte botanists, foresters. horticultorists, and non-professional hotanists who tase yee plajit Haines: notwithstanding changes in nemeitclature thar may be made by Scientists witiny that period. ‘l’hig is camrying the effeeuveness of the Lntermitonal Code a step jarther and, when completed, will constitwte aap outstanding example of international co-pperation in secinnce.” —Vours, orc, CT. WHITE, Botanic Gardens, Goverment Betanist Queetstane. Brishane, : 13/11/35, The Victorian Naturalist Vol. LIL—No. 9 January 7, 1936 ‘No. 625 THE FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday, December 9, 1935. The President, Mr. G. N. Ilyam, presided, and about ninety members and friends attended. The President referred to the Jate Mr, F. Pitcher, a foundation tiember, whose death was a great loss to the Chib. Mr. C, Daley and Mr. Geo. Coghill also spoke. Members stood in silence, out of honour to the memory of a man who had no enemies, but a host of friends. SUBJECT FOR EVENING The subject for the evening was an illustrated lantern lecture on | “The Western Grampians,” by the Rev. Clarence L. Lang, The President introduced Mr. Lang, who gave a runming commentary on a large number of lantern slides covering all phases of the wild life and scenery of the areca. Many were fine bird studies. At the close of the lecture, Messrs. A, D. Hardy, C, Daley and A. Underwood made appreciative remarks; the President expressed the thanks of the Club to the Jecturer. CORRESPONDENCE From: Mr, Yom Tregelias, thanking the Club for sympathy expressed in his illness, Fron Mr. A. H. Mattingley, thanking the Clib for a letter of sympathy on the occasion of his mother’s death. From Mr. F. Robbins, re orchids collected and sent for exhibi- tian, REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS Reports of excursions were as follow: Toolern Vale—Mr, E, S. Hanks; Montrose—no report; Montmorency—Mr, Ivo Hanimett for Mr. A. R, Proudfoot, ELECTION OF MEMBERS On a show of hands the following were duly elected; Miss R. Hyne (as Ordinary Member) and Miss Agnes Armstrong ancl Master Tom Harris (as Associate Members). 162 Field Naturalists’ Club Proceedings neers NATURE NOTES Mr. J. Searle sent 4 microscopical slide of a newly-recorded bivalved crustacean from Australian waters, together with some Tiolés on the animal; the material from whicl) the slide was prepared had been in lis possession for sonie twenty-five years. This completed the business for the evening and the nieeting adjoined for the conversazione. EXHIBITS Mrs. Fenton Woodburn.—Fossil Coral from Erromatga, New Hebrides. (From ratsed beach now two miles inland and 800 ft. elevation.) Mr, Noel Lothian.—Dturts dongifolia, var, concolor; found at MU. Cannabil, near Bunyip. November, 1935. Mr. F. Robbins (per Mr, E, E. Pescott)—Tangle Orchid (Cleisostoma tridentata), from Orbost, East Gippsland, Mr. G. N, Hyam.—Leaf of the Long-leaved Box (F eleophora), 254 inches in length. Mr. R. H, Croll—Leaf of Long-leaved Box (EF. elevphora), 27 inches in length, Tt was stated that the late Mr. T°. Pitcher had a specimen 304 inches in length. : THE TANGLE ORCHID. 1 owe the discovery of specimens of the Tangle Orchid to Mr. E. E. Pes- cott, who wrote telling me that thirty years ago he had gathered Sarcochilus poryviflarus on Ervestemon trachyphyllns on the Wilbenduck Creek, a small tributary af the Seow River, ahowt-eight miles fron Orbos. I decided to Wut these up, and duly arrived at the most hkely-looking crecic, The people hying in dhe farmhouse there Jater told me that it was called Pipeclay Creek, and that mo ene had ever heard of Oruhids there. However, I decided to ven- ture up ats dry, stony bed, which was frinyed with ferns (mmeluding Prerir nubrnsa and Cyelophorus serpens, Drropteris decompose, etc,), and other plants, After much searching, [ fownd litele Orchids growing everywhere, but tio flowers. I took it dur grauted that they were Sarcechilas pare flarus- Upor revisiting tha creek, I found the Tangle Orchid, in flower, crow- ing in profusivm on dead twigs, branches and living branches of Musk and many olher trees. A single plant of a different specics was found by a mentber of my party. To was Sarcochilus parviflorus, the Orchid 1 had anginally looked far; the ather heing mew to me. Fram the picture in Gwms of the Bush 1 guessed it ta be Cletsostoma tridentatun, apparently not hitherto found in Victoria. One specimen has a raceme of large “'poris™ on vl, Tt was on a deat stick lym in the bed of the creek, and sufferime from its surroundings, Slugs had eaten ifs flowers. We buntel on vain tor More “ponds,” Tangle Orchids seem to love tha moist wir aboye the creek hed, and are often seen hangitia by a yingle "thread" The air roots are ollem quite tangled, and sometimes run two fect along a branch. F, ROBBINS, Orbost. Jan. tance Co.eman, Sarcosiphon Rodwayi in Australia 163 SARCOSIPHON RODWAYI IN AUSTRALIA By Dororny G. CoLeMAN, B.A. A ramble through Sherbrooke Forest early in November, re- sulted in the discovery of a remarkable plant, not hitherto recorded in Australia. Only the flowers appeared above the earth, like a Sarcosiphon Rodwayi (F.v.M.) Schler. littlke amber and red lanterns, two-thirds of an inch high. The scapes, each terminating in a flower, bore a few white, scale-like leaves. A section through the root showed a remarkable system of fungal hyphx formuny large coils among the cortical cells. 164 Coteman, Sarcosiphon Rodwayi in Australia ee a The plant, belonging tu a family of rare, chiefly tropical, sapro- phytic herbs, the THISMIACE/E, was identified by Dr, Ethel McLennan (Botany School, University of Melbourne), as Sarco- siphon Rodwayi (F.v.M.), Schitr., described by Baron von Mueller as Thisoma Rodwayti (Proc. Roy, Soc., Tas., 1890, and Pict, Nat., Dec., 1890), from specimens collected by Mr. 1. Radway in Tas- mania, near the estuary of the Derwent, and, later, on the slopes of Mt, Wellington. The Baron records his astonishment at finding a TAlsutia, “not, as might have been looked for, in North Eastern Australia, but in such an extreme extratropical isolatiun.” . . . “That so remarkable, and to some extent, also showy plant, should have evaded hitherto observation, although since almost nearly one hundred years the region about the estuary of the Derwent has been searched for plants, finds perhaps its explanation in the fact that in all likelihood the flower only is peeping above the soii between decaying foliage, and the flower must be very ephemerous and perishable. Now it will likely be found in other places of the island, perhaps, also, in New Zealand and in Continental Aus- tralia.” (Proc. Roy. Soc., Tas.). In the folder containing speci- mens of the Tasmanian plant, at the Melbourne Herbarium, is a letter from Sir Joseph Hooker to Baron von Mueller, in which he writes: “I have this morning received your account of the Tas- manian Thisnia—it is really like a dream: since any preconccived idea of that genus turning up there would have been scouted by every reasoning raturalist who heard it. Had it been fossilized only it would have revolutionized [our idea of? (D.C.)] the former climate of the Southern Heunsphere.” Now that the Tasmanian species has appeared in Continental Australia, the Baron's prediction has been fulfilled, for in 1903 a new species (with rose-pink flowers) was found in New Zea- land and described in the Kew Bulletin (1908) by Cheeseman as Bagnisia Hillit. The plant bears several synonyms. The genus Bagnisia was described in 1878 by Beccari, who separated it from Thisyia on account of the fusion of the three perianth lobes to form a dome over the mouth of the perianth tube. Baron von Mueller con- sidered that either the genera Ceowttra and Bagnisia should be merged into Thismia or that the Tasmanian plant should be generically isolated as Nodwaya. He preferred the former course, so the plant became Thistuia Rodwayi F.v.M. syns. Bagatsia Rodwayi, Rodwaya thismiacea, F.v.M, In 1921 Schiecter, who recognized that Ragnist was identical with a genus created hy Rltune in describing Sareestphon clan- destinus (1849), took up the genus and re-established the earlier name. Thus the Australasian plant is now Sarcosiphon Rodwayi (F.v.M.), Schltr. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. LII Fanuary, 1936 Plate XIX «Fairy Lanterns” Surcosiphon Roedwayi (Magnified X21) From a coler drawing by Dorothy Coleman} Jan, 1936. CoLteMAN, Sarcosiphon Rodwayi in Australia 165 As Baron von Mueller suggested, these little “Fairy Lan- terns” are extremely difficult to discover. Returning to the forest a week after our discovery, we had almost given up hope of finding further specimens, when, scraping away the soil in the vicinity of the first “find,” we revealed one more flower—fully open, but completely underground This plant was removed carefully with portion of the root of a Hazel (Pomaderris apcetala}, upon which Transverse section through reot showing fungal nephew (H.P,} it grew. The flower was surrounded in the soil by a remarkable bag-like web composed of fungal hyphe and fine terminal roots of the Hazel. The latter contained fungal hyphw between the cortical cells and around the stele. The soil had an unpleasant, putrid odour, not noticeable in the plant when removed. (Blume re- corded a smell of decaying fish about the root of Sarcosiphon clondestinus, Bl) The perianth is very brittle and specimens are easily broken in being removed from the soil. Although too fleshy to press well, the flowers appear to retain their colour when preserved in spirit. Vic. Nat, 166 Coceman, Sarcesiphon Rodwayt in Australia Ya Se A section through the root, is illustrated on page 165, show- ing the coils of large fungal hyphe in the cortex. Fig. VI (page 163) shows the three inner perianth lobes from above, They are fused only where the fleshy ridges meet at the apex of the mitre, the free tips bemg interlaced or plaited. Fig. VII of the sane illustration shows one of the six stamens which are deflexed to form a tube within the perianth. The fila- ments are continued beyond the anther cells into a bi-denticulate structure, from which arises a broad membranous frill (F). This bears four groups of firm, fleshy appendages, each group resemh- ling the rowel of a spur. Ina freshly-opened flower the arms of the three bifid stigmas touch lightly at the tips, giving an arched effect. This is shown from different angles in figs. [V and V. All the matertal collected at Sherbrooke is naw at the University, where the mycorhiza will be examined by Dr. Ethel McLennan, to whom I am greatly indebted for identifying the plant, and for literature on the subject, KEY TO ILLUSTRATIONS ON PAGE 163. TI and II: The plant, bud (B), (x 14); ITI: Section of flower, pollen (P), (x 4); IV and V: The style, (x 7); VI: Inner perianth lobes from above; VII: A stamen (x 34); VIII: Inner perianth lobe (x 4); IX: Section. through ovary (x 10); X: Ovule ( x 80 approx.). REFERENCES Notes on a new Tasmanian plant of the order RURMANNIACEAE, F. von Mueller—Roy, Soc., Tas, (1890-1891), p. 232: Vict. Nat, (1890); Die Thismieac, Schlecter—Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berl (1921), 8: 31-45; Sar- cosiphou, Blume—Mus Bot. Lugd—Bat. I (1849); Families of Flowering Plants, Hutchinson; Flora of Tasmania, Rodway; l‘lora of New Zealand, Cheeseman. IN PRAISE OF WATTLES. In a forty-page book entitled Come Back in ICuttle Time (National Handbook Series, No. 13. published hy Robertson & Mullens Ltd, Mel- bourne), Mrs. Edith Coleman has succeeded in covering a considerable proportion of the Acacias known im Victoria, either in the bush or the garden. The book is not merely a catalogue and key, hut deals with every aspect of many species. The short botanical and morphological descriptions to- gether with a glossary of botanical terms shotild be an aid to identification even for the general reader. The parasitic galls and other pests of the wattle are described and illustrated. Mrs. Coleman also deals attractively with the wattle in art and literature. She pays tribute to the work of the Wattle League, founded by the late A. J. Campbell, For those interested in Acacias as garden subjects, a list of the species known ta do well under cultivation is included. There are hints on the raising of plants from seed, The little book is well illustrated. The photographic illustrations clearly Ulustrate the inflorescence. Diagrammatic drawings of single flowers, buds and seed formation are given. Come Back in [Vatile Trine can be be recommended to naturalists and general readers alike. Mrs, Coleman has again succeeded in combining hotanical description and even ecological and economic data with the attractive popular style which is a feature of her articles in the Wietorian Natiuralist—G.N.H, Jan. p 1886. Nrenionns, Orchid Notes 167 ORCHID NOTES: TWO NEW VARIETIES By W, H. NicHoLLs (1) Caladenia Patersoni, R.Br, var. magnifica, N. Var—This is a particularly attractive “spider.” It was collected at a locality called “Rising Shine,” in the Clydesdale District. The soil is alluvial, When first seen it appeared to be a distinct species, but closer inspection proved its affinity with the type. Unfortunatety Cal. Patersonit embraces many forms, thus this addition cannot, at present, be separated, It is very striking and deeply marked, and well worthy of a name, in keeping with its regal appearance. Plania. robusta, flos solitarius, maynus, flavococcineus, con- spicue ornatus, circitter 20cm. in diametro, labelltan eblongo- cuncatunt, magnum, crasum, margtnibus recurvatis, A fairly robust plant about 30cm. high. Flower solitary, large; the perianth-segments yellow; generously streaked and speckled with crimson; the gland-beset filiform points purplish-black ; sepals and petals about equal in length (up to 10cm.) ; labellumn oblong- cuneate, irritable on a broad crimson claw, almost wholly purplish- black; the lateral lobes densely-veined, marginal fringe long and recurved; calli in 6-8 rows extending to just beyond the bend; mid-lobe thick and fleshy, often circinate, very Jong; margins undulate-crisped. Colutmn yellow, richly marked with crimson. Victoria: Clydesdale, Oct.-Nov., 1932, 1933, 1934 (Miss M. Ritter). (2) Ptersostylis pusilla, Rogers, var. aciculiforiis, 0. var.— Since this species was established by Dr, R. 5. Rogers, several interesting local forms have been found, The following addition is of interest. The name refers to the needle-like sepal points. Differt a typo.. Flores compressissimi; sepala. aciculiforma. A very slender plant, wholly glaucous-green with pale rusty- brown markings. Flowers up to 10, small. Very much com- pressed laterally; the apices of sepals produced mito caude of needie-like appearance. Victoria: Clydesdale, Sept.-Oct., 1932, to 1935 (Miss M. Rit- ter). 23) Pterostylis rufa, R.Br—This coniparatively tare species has been discovered by the writer at Coimadai East. Several plants were noticed in an open space. (Oct., 1935). DETAILS OF ILLUSTRATION, Page 168. Cal. Patersoniti var. maguifica, Flower from front. Cal. Patersonii var. maynifica, Flower from side, shawing long labellwat, Call. from the Labellum-margin. . Call. from the Labellum-lamina. Prevosivlis pusilia var. acteuliformis. Prerastylis pusilla var. actculifarmis. Labellum from aboye. Pterustylis pusilla var. aciculiformis, Labellum from below. BmoOOaAM> ee 168 Nicnotts, Orchid Notes ee ol, LIL. Terrestrial Orchids: New Varieties THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VOL. LI January, 1936 Plate XX aes Banvert, Glossy [bis Nesting in Victoria 169 GLOSSY [BIS NESTING JN VICTORIA By CHarces Barnerr Though there are several vecords of its occurrence in Victoria only onee has the Glossy Ibis (Plegadis Jaleinellus) been known lo nest Within the boundaties of this State. In December, 1933, about 50 pairs were found nesting in the great Ibis rookery at Kerang, Mr, Fred Stewart, a local observer and sportsinan who possesses a wide knowledge of bird life on the lakes and swamps, guided a small party, including Mr: F, Lewis (Chief Tnspector of Fisheries and Game} and myself, to the colony of “Glossies” in a crowded subtirb of the This city. _ We estimared that 100,000 hirds were nesting among the Lignum bushes that form islands, large and small, tn the lakes. Straw-necks (Pivesbiornixs «pinicallis) greatly outnumbered the White Lbises (7. molec), of which there were thousands, how- ever, and it was among the former that the Glossy Thises were at home. A few pairs were scattered widely through the rookery, but numbers of nests containing blue-green eggs were on one Lighum island, several clase together; others between, or surrounded by, pests af the Straw-necked Ibis. A mixed colony of common birds aud rare visitors. apparently on good terms. Mr. Ron Monro, who spent hours in a flattie, round about the colony, observed nothing bul amity, Yhere was no sqtabbling and no pecking at neigh- ours, such as ane sces in a Gannet rookery or among neshug Silver Gulls. But young Stfaw-necks were scrambhng every- where and often a nest of the Glossy Ihis held dusky chicks as well as eggs recently laid. We saw only one Glossy nestling, evidently the visitors hae arrived long after the other two species hegan to nest, for hosts of both Whité and Straw-necked [bises already had ranged. Still, many clutches of dull-white eggs were seen, and chicks in all stages. ; As we approached in flatties, thousands of birds rose from the trampled bushes, among ihem ihe Glossy Ibises, which looked black aguinst the sky. ‘Their smaller forms are more gracefut and slender than thase of the common Ibises, and their flight is beau- tiful. We were reminded of Japanese vase designs, and colour prints and paintings of Old Japan, as the Glussies, with their legs dangling and beak and neck outstretched, flew to dead trees, in which they perched for a while. We poled the figttics perhaps a dozen yards from their nests, and the birds were back again, only ta rise before we could get within camera range. Their nesis were easily picked out from a distance, the lovely eggs, of a.decp blnishereen colour, being conspicuous, resting on grey old sticks, splashed with guano. Clutches of three were most numerous; there were some pairs, and ore test contained five 170 Bane, ‘Glossy Ibis Nesting in Victoria vary aah eggs; often four are laid. There was no difference in general appearance between nests of the Glossy Ibis and these of the Straw-necked species. Using the same materials, and building in the same place, this Kerang colony of the cosmopolitan Plegadis fullowed the architectural style of the rookery, The nests were [rom a few inches to about two feet above the surface of the water, where the strong, wiry Lignum stettis were thickly inter- laced, and. the upper portions of bushes had been trampled down irecly, it was possible to stand Jong enough to take a photograph before water was over one’s feet. Quick work was necessary to prevent submergence of the nests. We secured our pictures with- out an egg being even wetted; nor were there any desertions, as we learned ona second visit to the colony next day. It was interesting to see nests practically at water level, for the Glossy Lbis has usually been regarded as a builder in trees. Thus Campbell says! “Unlike the other two kinds, this bird nests in tcees” (Nests and Eggs, p. 945); and Neville W_ Cayley states that the nest is “generally placed in an upright forked branch of tree" (HWhat Bird is That?, p. 234). The late K. H. Bennett was the first naturalist to take eggs of the Glossy This in Australia. In 1889 he found several nests, placed in upright pronged forks of branches of small. box-trees, standing tn a swamp, on Yandimbah Station, in the Lachlan district, New South Wales, “This specres,” Sir Charles Belcher writes, “differs considerably in its nesting habits from the other Ibis, for it builds a nest of sticks on a tree ina swamp. The Glossy bts breeds in the interior of New South Wales, and never, so far as can be ascertained, in Victoria” (Birds of the District of Geelong, p. 106). That was written more than twenty years ago. Now we are able to record the nesting of the Glossy Ibis in this State, Tn his paper on “New Nesting Records of Glossy This" (Es, Vol. XXXITI, pp. 279-91), R. F. Bailey, of Moree, New South Wales, could give a list of only six places where nests have been found in New South Wales, and one in south-western Queenstand. Tr 1921, the birds were found by the late FP, Morse breeding in thousands ju the Moree watercourse, ten miles from Curragundi Station. It was a season of abnormal rainfall, double the average for the district. Here, as at Kerang, the Glossies were at home among Straw-necked and White Ibises, their nests being built tn the Lignut, In February, 1922, A. Mawhiney visited the rookery, and lic estimated that more than 5,000 Glossy Ibises were nesting there, in Eume or Water Willow trees. I have met with the Glossy [bis in Queensland and New South Wales, as welt as Victoria, and had glimpses of it in the Northern Territory. In Egypt it was observed occasionally dusmg rambles in the Valley of the Nile; for Pleyadis faletinellus is a common Jan. 1986, SEARLE. Bosna aearitimas Eivst Record for Anstrota 171 migrant through Egypt. But it is net the bird that was held sacred by the ancient Egyptians, statements by Campbell and others, notwithstanding. The true Sacred Ibis is Threskiornis ethiopieus, the Ibis retigiova of Cuvier, and Tuitalus ethiopicus of Latham, Though now extinct in Egypt, there is evidence that ihe Sacied Ibis was abundant in the country in dynastic times. Cansider the great number of mummified Ibises that have been found and the mural paintings of the bird brooding, and with young. In the days of Herodotus, we know from his own writ- ings, the Sacred Ibis was a common bird in Egypt. In 1800 Savigny saw parties of eight or ten, also solitary hirds; but not a the neighbourhood of Cairo. Their stronghold was, apparently, about Damietta and Lake Menzaleh, where in 1917 I saw the Glossy Sbis while admiring Hocks of Flamingoes. Tr ts more than sixty years since the Sacred Ibis disappeared from the fand whose people tu ancient times reverenced it as sacred when living, and munintified itwhen dead. It was a symbol of ihe god Thoth. (or summary and discussion of the evidence regarding Thresikernis @thiopucws as a sacred bird, and its disappearance from Egypt, see Nicholls’ Birds of Egypt, 11, pp. 437-8). ; The Papyrus is associated with the Sacred This, and, like the Inrd, that noble aquatic plant has gone frum the laid of the Pharaghs, excepting in cultivation, and in wild chunps here and there. ‘he Ibis dwells in vast Papyrus brakes along the course af the Nile. south of Khartoum, You will not ste the bird of Thoth anywhere above the Second Cataract, though vour drago- man may point to an Egret or a Spoonhill, and declare, ‘'That is a Sacred Ibis, sir." The simple tourist believes, and makes a ramanulic entry in his diary, while the modern Egyptian smiles and thinks of extra baksheesh for au cit-told untruth. he __ ‘ i BOSMINA MARITIMA; FIRST RECORD FOR AUSTRALIA By J. SEARLE Tn 1910, the late BR, C, Joshua, a naturalist well known to our alder membets of the Club, when on holiday in Western Australia, had a dredging excursion to the Abrolhas, or Houtman’s Rocks. On his return to Melbourne he gave me a micro. shde containing - a number of Entomastraca, from material collected on this excyr- sion: On the slide were specimens of Fenifia, and on my asking whether he had more of the material Mr, Joshua gave mea smaii hottle of the plankton collected off the Abrolhos with a tow act. From this I removed the Penifia and such of the Copepoda as interested me at the time. . 172 Seasce, Bosmina aarifimu: First Record for Alusrratic ne nee While sorting through some old collections, I came across the hattle, with its label intact, and thought [ would work through at agai. I had the pleasant surprise of finding that among the debris in the bottem of the bottle, there was a number of the little Cladocera Bosnting maritima, a marine species of a common inhabitant of our freshwater ponds. In searching for the ¢om- paratively large Penilio twenty-five years previously, the smali Bosmina had escaped my notice. Basmina_ maruvna was first recorded by P. EF, Muller in the “Cladocera of Denmark’ in 1868. Hensen next records it in the plankton of the Baltic Sea, in 1890. Stetiross records iv in “Acta Soc. pro Fauna et Mora Fenmicia XI, 1895." These were the only references to the habitat of Boswtiaw known when Dr, C. Apstein compiled the Cladocera part of “Nordisches Plankton,’ in 1901. Since then I have not come across any reference to the species, and am pleased to record in the ictoran Naturalist that Basmina mavitina. was collected in tow net off the Abrolhos, 300 miles north of Fremantle, Western Anstralia, in November, 19106, and the specimens have been in Imy possession—unknowingly— until now. They are the first and only record of the species in the Southern Hemisphere, the bodies of the tiny animals (0-5 ith.) have shrunk oon- siderably after twenty-five years in formalin solution, but the carapace agrees with the figure and description piven by Muller, as do the structure of limbs, ete. THE BROOMRAPE ] read with great interest Mr. A. J. Fadgell’s article on Orubanehe in our November Naturalist, and thought it might he of mterest if I gaye some observations which I made on November 21. I have found Orobanche cern on te eastern slopes of the “Five Ways” cach season for several years, and lonked for it again this summer. Besides a few scattered hlaoms i the usual situation I was: surprised ta find a patch of more than 100 flower heads (mostly aboot six inches high) grawing among grass and clover night on the main road from Kalorama to Olinda, This large patch of Braorurape is of a green embankment at the right-hand side af the Thad as one walks from Kalorama towards Olinda and is just beyond thé plaitation ‘of young pine trees behind the “Five Ways" post offee. J. H. Witte. The Committee of the Field Naturalists’ Clah of Victoria invite mem- hers of kindred sovieties, whe may be visiting Melbourne, ta attend dhe Club's meeting. The Victorian Naturalist Vol, LIT.—No, 10 February §, 1936 No. 626 + - —— er ——_ THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday, January 13, 1936. The Presi- dent. Mr. G, N. Hyam, presided, and about 100 members and friends attended, ‘CORRESPONDENCE From the League of Youth, congratulating the Club on its stand 10 connection with the preservation of National monuments, From Mrs. E. Cotemman, asking assistance in obtaming a half- grown Echidna, to replace Stickles, who had died. Mrs. Coleman has permission to keap the animal. From Mrs. Graeme Thom, of Kowat, asking the Cluh’s assist- ance in preventing the stripping of wattle bark in a beauty spot, atid also an endeavour to have the area protected, The President stated that the Coimmittee would deal with the matter. Mr. Miller suggested placing it before the Council ior the Protection of Mora and Fauna also. DARWIN IN AUSTRALIA The subject jor the evening was “The Gentenary of Charles Darwin in Australia.” The President gave an outline of Darwin's life, from his bay- hood days until his death. Mr. Hyam mentioned in particular incidents in connection with the great naturalist’s visit to Australia. Mr. F. Chapman spoke on the palzontological worl: of Darwin, and his theary of Coral Reefs, and the confirmation of the theory, as proved by the bore on Funafuti, the cores of which the speaker had examined. Mr. FB. S. Collyer read a paper on “Darwin as a Geologist,” dealing with the influence his works had had on other writers, and listing his more important contributions to geological science, He gave a list of the fossils named after Darwin, closing with a recapitulation of his work, compared with modern knowledge, Mr. A. D. Hardy read an extract from the first edition of The Origin of Specics, known as the “Bear Story.” which was omitted from subsequent editions. } 134 Field Naturalists’ Clib Proceedings, yt Hee EXCURSION Mr. and Mrs. J, J, Freame reported rhat the excursion ta Sta- holme was spoiled by the rain, DONATION The President reported the gift to the Club by Mr. C. French af two diferent editions of Darwin's Moyage Round the World, and extended to the donor the thanks of the Club. NATURE NOTES Mr. Hyam referred to a letter received by burn, ancl reports. in the press, m relation to the further vandalism at “Painted Rock and other abonginal “art galleries” in the Grampians, and stated that the Committee would take the matter up immediately with a view ot enforcing existing laws, or perfecting those dealing with this type of offence. Mr. V. HW. Miller spoke on vandalism at Mt. Macedon, stating that gardens and ornamenta! concrete work were badly damaged. EXHIBITS Mrs. Mowbray Reiner —Portrait of Darwin. (Copy made by Her of J-ongstaff's study.) Miss E. i. Turner—Eastern Victorian plants collected at Mallacaota, including Eustrephus Brow, Wombat Berry; Dado- uaa trignetra, Large-leayed Dodonea: Oarwolbinm Uvlobatun, Shugey Pea: Anmsopogen avenaceaus. Oar Spear Grass. Also large winged galls on Eucalypt, sp., collected at Croydon. Miss Bolton---Bechw virgala, garden-grown at Canterbury, Miss 1D, Colemau.—Spitit specimens and color drawings of “Farry Lanterns,” Sarcastphon Rodwayr, Mr, W. H, Nicholls —Growing plants in pots of Prastenuthera Méaitert, Biotchy Mint-bush, propagated from cuttings obtained at Mé. Buffalo. Mr. A. D, Hardy —Copy of first edition of Darwin's Origin of Species, published in, 18573 loaned by Mr. Alfred Hart. Also a honeycomb fungus collected from Nofofagus Cusiaingame in the Upper Acheron Valley, This species is appurently similar ta that figured tm Darwin's Moyage Round the Morfd, and noted lay him an the Beech Trees in Tierra del Fuego and New Zvalanc. Mr. Noel Lothian. —-Liucalyptus phaphtylla, a native of Queens- land, showing adventitious roots {rom flowering stem, Mr. V. H. Davey (Towvlern Vale) —Pink form of Fueadyptns mellindora, Yellow Box. Mr. C. J. Gabriel --Land shells, Wedleyella atomati, var, ber- shaw, Braz, trom neat Lake Tyers; also marin¢ shells from Lakes’ Entrance, includiny Mayena avstratasia, Perry; Bricwsa Keh, 1936. Rupr, 4 Muskroem Nate. 175 papillosa, Swain: Aippouys australis, Lam: Crepidula unguifor- mis, Lam. Mr, F. S. Colliver.—Photograph of Charles Darwin and figures of fossils found by Darwin, Index of aninal species named after him, and photograph of cliff section studied by Darwin. Mr. H. C. Stewart.—Seventy species of plants from Mount Buffalo, altitude 4,000 feet to 5.500 feet, including :—Caltha in- traloba, Alpine Marsh-marigold: Hucalyptis stellulata, var, alpina, Willow Ginn, confined to Mount Buffalo: Graphalium alpigenum, Mountain Cud-weed: Qlearia Guiniana, var., Otway Daisy-bush; alpine form, uncommon to N.E. Victoria; Olearia stellulata, var. frosttt, Starry Daisy-hush, alpine form; Oreomyr- rhis andicola, Andean Carraway; Scacvola Hookeri, Creeping Fan-flower: Senecio welleioides, Forest Groundsel; Thelymitra venosa, Veined Sun-orchid. blue and mauve forms; Veronica nivea, Mountain Speedwell, A MUSHROOM NOTE (By the Rev. H. M. R. Rupp, Woy Woy, N.S.W,) I have been much intrigued during the past two years by the appearance of various mushrooms in the grounds of my residence. Chief among these is a very large form, which appears to belong to the genus Lepiota. [ have consulted the invaluable study of Victorian Gilled Fungi in this Journal for April, 1934, by Mr. J. H. Willis, but cannot be sure whether the local giant is included there. The slender stem corresponds fairly with L. gracilenta, but the cap is far more in keeping with the description of L. rhacodes. ' Three mature specimens were found at the back of the house in 1934. One measured 10 in. across. Recently one appeared hy itself in the middle of the front lawn, and lasied for eight days before it dried off. It reached a height of 8 in., and notwithstanding the slender proportions of the stem, it stood firm through two days of violent winds. The following progressive measurements of the (ameter of the cap during the eight days may he of interest (the figures represent inches): 2, 4,64, 8, 94, 104, 11,94. After reach- ing the maximum of 11 in, the cap became concave above and hegan to dry off quickly. Tn the years when specimens were plentiful, we accepted Mir. Willts’ assurance that species of Lepieta were edible, and had no reason to regret the venture. The flavour was very similar to that of the common pink-gilled mushroom, but milder. In the young stages the cap is extremely convex above, later becoming umbrella- shaped, then perfectly flat, and finally slightly concave. ¢ - i Vie, ‘ 176 Dickisox, Suuthern Serut Robin. eat sia THE SOUTHERN SCRUB ROBIN By D. Dickison Jt was in the great tract of Mallee scrub near the Murray River. in South Australia, that John Gould obtained the first specimens of the Serub Robin (/teyiodes brunnecopygia), Until then the bird was unknown to science and Gould lost no time in deseribing it in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. — It was only one of the many interesting discoveries made hy Gould during his briet visit to Australia. (Photo. by D. Dickiaon,) The Scruh Robin. The Serub Robin is a bird of the dry interior, and ranges from the Mallee areas of Victoria and New South Wales across South Australia to Western Australia. Gould found it to be very plen- tiful near the Murray, and in Victoria, where extensive stretches of Mallee scrub exist, it is still very numerous. In many parts its habitat is being rapidly converted into wheat fields, but fortu- nately, the amount of scrub that borders the wide roads in the Mallee affords many of these birds cover without much fear of interference. The Scrub Robin is not placed in the same family as the com- mon red-breasted Robins, but has been allotted to that of the Quail- THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. Lil February, 1936 Plate XXI (Prete. by D. Diekisor.) Nest and Egg of Scrub Robin it Dickisan, Southern Serule Robne V7 thrushes, » group of birds whose habits are somewhat similar, it is the largest of all birds bearing the name of robin, being fully 8 inches in length. In coloration it ts dark brown above with a light breast. ‘There are some conspicuous dul! white markings on the wings. Toth the male and female are alike in appearance, but the male is slightly larger than its mate. They are very shy in their halts. and, excepting in nesting time. are not easily approached, uring the breeding season, whieh extends from August until about the end of October, they lose much of their tear, and wal! at times become quite inquisitive, especially when they find a camera placed a few feet away from their nest. During several visits to the Mallee scrub in the North-west of Vicloria I have found September to be the height of the Serab Robin's breeding season, The nest is an open structive, built of fairly thick slicks and lined with rootlets and sther fibrous materials. It is always placed on the ground, and is generally fairly well concealed among fallen leaves and dead branches, When sitting on the nest the bird harmanises so well with the surroundings that it will escape notice tnless it hecomes frightened aml flies off. Tt is most unustal to And a small bird whose. clutch does not exceed more than one egg, as suc minimum clutches are generally found among the larger birds. The Serub Robin has never been known to lay more than one egg, which has. numerous brown markings. In spite of its small rate of increase, this is stil one of the common species to be found in the Victorian Mallee. Tt is probably that more than one brood, and perhaps occasionally three broods, are reared in a season. Ti this bird the photographer finds a yery suitable subject, Although it may show a littte fear when the strange object is placed near the nest, if the egg is approaching the stage of hatch- ing the female will soon return without displaying much objectian to the camera. Once settled om the egg she will remain sitting until almost touched before leaving the nest again. When they have young ones just out of the nest both birds will become extremely agituted if danger should appear, There is another species of Scruh Rohin, discovered in 1848, whose range extends fram North Queensland across ta the Nor- thern Territory. The Committee of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria invite menm- hers of kindred societies, who may be yisiting Melbourne, to attend the Club's jeeting. 178 Taountn, Rave Pagal Fungus, atts ee A RARE PUTFBALL FUNGUS FROM THE ALPS. : By A. |, Pangun. In my article on Mount Nelson and its surroundings (1/ttoriaa Nateroalist. April, 1930, p. 234) reference is made to Dibhin's Hut, in the Kiewa Gorge, and to the one spur that leads dawn steeply from Mr. Hotham and up on to the High Plains, while a map 07 the locality in an earlier issue (]vclorian Naturalist, June, 1926) marks their positions. It has now heen founcl that this locality is not only iaimous in being the headwaters of two distinct rivers, under a mile apart. where the water runs iv entirely apposite direc- tions, but # rare fungus has recently been ciscovered there. Some friends of mine kindly left me about fourteen A)pine hotanical specimens which they had collected near Mt. Loch, ‘at about 6,000 feet, I found that the more interesting of thems for the height and locality were Divris peduncilata, Kuphrasia avtare- hice, Epacris petraphila, and a red fleshy Puffball, My friends, on leaving the High Plams, were making from) Mt. luoch to Mt. Hotham. where their car was parked, and were attiacted hy a monstrosity, to them like a sniall octopus in appearanee, a few inches high, which Mr, J. H, Willis also regards as a fantastic growth. The finders lifted it owe of the socket: forinution hy which it was held to the earth, and cealised ther it had 4 most unpleasant adour. “They contemplated! its several delroid tentacletike seements surrounding a cup-like cavity, holding a yaseid substance that gave the impression of tts being a carmtvorous plant or earth-star. and Teady to (wine its aris urvand its prey. This was intensified by the discovery of one or snore live beerles within the cavity. Tk was not an #ttractive olsject—bright scarlet in colour, with appatent scabrous and.carnulent segments It reached me in per- fect condition in an air-cght container, and my first thoughts were of Mr. Willis, whose masterly article ou Fungi, appearing in the Netreals! of April, 1934, attracted such wide iyperest anvong Club members and others, I forwarded it to him, and he jas generously supplied the following very full report: “Your very interesting enclosure, from the Bogong Ligh Plains, certainly u fantastic growth, is elseroc rubra, a jungus helonging to the Phalloid group of Pulfhalls, I have never seen a fresh specimen before, ancl envy your friends their good fortune, The species is rather rave, and ta my knowledpe has not previously heen found in Alpine regions. It has a very interesting history. the first specnmen being gathered in Tasmania by the French lotamst Lay Billardiere, eatly last century; indeed this was the anly fungus wirith he collected during Lhe expedition. Although indigenous (u Australia and the East Indies. Jserve has recently appeared in English hot-houses and gardens. the spores having been present in sov iaken from Anstralia, Fimgi called Phalloids A ing Study of Seaweeds 17 are all curious, fleshy growths, beginning as a soft whilisl: ‘egg’ from which bursts a strange and often coloured receptacle that may simulate a starfish. flower, latticed basket, or netted veil; the receptacle hears a mucilaginous and cvil-smelling mass o7 spores, which are usually carried away by imsects attracted fa the smell. Austealia is very rich in her Phailoid flora, and much painstaking work needs ta be done to elucidate the various forms, About half a dozen kinds (Cinelting your red species and the common white ‘basket [ungus') have been found in Victoria, ut doubtless others occur here. What a wealth of botanical trea- are our Alps have yielded. J am lenging to do some botanising there.” STUBY OF SEAWEEDS Collections of Seaweeds have been exhibited at the Club's Wild Nature Shows, but many of the specimens were unnamed. Jn- terested in marine alge one may be, without knowing even the popular names of the plants which he admires. The study of Sea- weeds is difficult, at least for the general naturalist, and there has long been need for a guide to the Specics aecurring in our seas, Professor A. H. S. (ueas has written papers on Seaweeds for the Naturalist, and. we await the promised book by him. it is one of those to be added to that admirable series. Handbooks of the Flora and Founa of South Australia, Dr. Jasephine E. Tilden, Professor of Botany, University of Minnesota. U,S.A,. has travelled all over the world, particularly through cotintries bordering on the Pacific Ocean, purshing her study of Seaweeds, She visitecl Australia, and collected alge from the Point Lonsdale rock pools, at Portsea, and other places. Much valuable material was obtained at Port Phillip Heads. Pro- fessor Tilden, in her notable book, The Alge ond Their Life Relotions, recenthy published hy the University of Minnesota Press, has many references to Australiz, some of our most in- teresting marine alge being figured and descrihed WNotheve anomala, first callected by the naturalist of Captain Wilkes’ famous experlition, is "one of the niast remarkable Seaweeds on the shores of Australia and New Zealawl.’ It grows as a parasite on other marme forms, rising from the bise of « conceptacle of the host plant. One of these hosts is “a common and very con- spicuons inhabitant of Australian and New Zealand shores." Harminsivra banksii, whose yeilowish-brown fronds consist only of a chain of swollen bladders, like a string of beads. A brown Seaweed, with long sword-like branches. Niphephara hillardterii, helongs to i genus that is confined to the Southern Hemisphere. Dr. Tilden found it at Geelong and Point Lonsdale. and along the shores of Tasmania. -. Vie, Nut, is Siidy af Soureweds Meg Ta. This work by Professor Tilden is an outstanding contebution to the study of phycology, described as “‘an cnorniensly slimulat- ing field! for research.” The object in preparing tt was to pro- vide teachers and students with materials arranged in an orderly fashiou, on the basis of which any desired course might be planned. Adimirably has that object been achieved. Besides, jhe hook contains matter of wide general interest, notably a licid and very informative discussion of the economic importance as food ov otherwise of varions algal species. There are, Dy, Tilden states, marine forms of alge thar actually extract from sca mater and store in their tissues all the chemical elements required as food by man and healthy animals. There surely is need for scientific study of Seaweeds, the only plants “capable af supplying all the necessary food substances which contribute to the health of domestic animals and the well-being of man." Dr. Tiden's finely-llnstrated volume is a model in every re- spect, and deserves the highest praise. [tis an essential work for all who have gn interest ina branch of botany ou which the author 15 ai Internationally recognized authority. She helps the student over a formidable obstacle-—confusion in algal literature; has sim- phficd terms, and reduced their number; and includes a series of Wie cycle diagrams that male clear many things which formerly have seemed to lack meaning. Dr, Tilden is a nauve of Iowa. She reeeiyed the degrees of msc. and w.sc, from the [niversity of Minnesota in 1895 and 1896 respectively, anil for many years has been Professar of Botany at that University, Her published works include Sauth Fovtfie Alga, 1909, South Pacific Plants, 1912; Bibkiagraphy of Pacific Ocean Alger, 1920; Study of Pacific Ocean Aloe, 1921, and es WB. In her new bool, Professor Josephine Tilden has placed some very ititeresting and useful matter in the hands of students of alyac, The frontispiece is a coloured chart embodying a scheme of evolution from the stmplest forms of algae—Cyanophyceae. showing the later paraltel, rather than dichotomous or branching. progress of athe: families, This the Archacozoic and Protero- zoe eras embrace a period which saw the beginning and culmina- tion of the development of the marine forms, and in dhe Jalter part of the Proterozoic ile emergence ni the freshwater forms in the Chlorophycean period. ‘This is followed hy the develop- rhent of terrestrial plants up to the higher flowering. forms nf the early and late Ceiozeie era, The book is profusely ilhistraled = The 257 figures ave draws To an unusually large seale, or rather, scales, siuce the author urges the use of three presertber ecales suite! to the respective subjects. . Airy Auons, Through the Uhipstick Serb 18) Inthe drawings provided and suggested as of standard sree, there seems to he little. if any, loss of detail caused by the ner of bold outlines. Apart Tron Agures illusirating specific forns, there ire many didgrams af life cycles hy which comparisons nay be made. and Dr, Tiklen’s indication of a common essential method of repraduction is worthy of study. Thus che student is shown thar. with much vattatien in detail, there is, in the life eycle of simple algae aud that of liverworts, mosses, ferns and floweriny plants alike, the essentials of the sani syngamy and meiosis, which should appeal to any algological student who hag observed the lide cvelé in, say, an Oedogonium and a lily; one might otherwise he startled to finel in a book on algae a full page diagram of the flower of a angiosperm. Although species of algae, whether marine or freshwater, are for space reusons only incidentally described, there is description of nearly all the fanulies, and in each family at least one character- istic genus, these being mostly casmoapolitan, and therefore of value to students in many countries. including Australia, Algal tood, alzae as food, symbiosis. and algal control are some of the interesbitg matters treated. Even forestry is included. The effect on reservoirs af diminution or stoppage of stream flaw as a result of deforestation of the catchment areas js to endanger the life of. the conserved water. Water supply engineers and algo- logists ate aware that a reduced level a atored water may he followed by activity of objectionable forms of algae and the balance of Ilic may he upset with serious cohsequenees. ‘The effect on fish and humanity is chvious, but denudation. of the dis- tant hills as the initial vanse 9s not apparent. ‘This cannot be indicated too often or with too great emphasis, and, forest authori- lies, as well as students of algae, wil) appreciate the reference, A.D.F, THROUGH THE WHIPSTICK SCRUB By J, W, Aunas, F8.5.4.. Fu.s. (Senior Butanist, National Herbarium. Melbourne. 1 ‘The Whipstick Scrub Jies for the most part to tlic west of Bendigo Valley, extending at first mtermittently from alwut Myer’s Flat past Eagle- hawk, and then continously, about sixteen miles yn atl, to Katmarooka, ity the north, The greatest width of the Scrub is from Neilbornugh eastwards for nearly twelve miles. The area is approsxiniately at aurtierous one oi the confines of the distinctive saddle formations of Betidigo, so rematkable for their regular character and wealth of productive ore. Tn contrast dhe Whipstick country although in the Ordovician belt, is lacking in definite lines of reed; outerops are broken and scattered. Rich patche: have occurred and have been profitably worked, and nuggets of gold o¢casiovally unearthed, Eyen thowe lacking in permanent reefs, the Whipstick las alwavs roc! an attraction for the persistent and hopeful prospector. The name, “Whipsuck,” dates from the early digeme days, when plant re Avpas, Uhrowah the Whipstic® Seyn! ey braiches of the Green Males (Guralyptue vitdrs) were rearlily used as effective substitutes for the whip itself, Tae surface of thr Jand, undulat- ing Wi shallow pullies antl stony rises, ttowtere ol any great elevation, is very dry in-cligracter, }OSSeSsing no péetmahent watiral wWalercotrses, Ts surubby vegetation of dwiarl Eucalyptus, forms a tnarked contrast fo that of the forestal area to the South-east of the Beidign ranges, In regard tu the Hora, Mr, D, J, Pato has made a careful and informa- tive comparison of the Whipstick Serub with the adjoining area (1/teloriuan Natucatiel, Vol, XE, No. 109. Lit its distinet vewetation ail geleral agiear- ance this scrub shows a marked similarity to tat af the Mallee district, éven though there is a wide diversity in their geological features, the Tntrer 4 Tost wart being Werivative fram the Tertiary and limestone of marino aitd esiuarial origi. The clo3e afimity ss specially observable iw the pre- sence of the dwarf Eucalypts and assoccated plants, whlch so definitaly Mistinguish the Mallee of the ainrth-west In the Whipstick we have, for instance, the Green Malle Lwe. erridir) | the Yellow Matter (Eee, sucrassata), the Roll Mallee (Ane. Sifirtame) and the Blue Mallee (Esto. palybreetea), the Weeping Pittasporuin (PP. philly facoides), the Sweet Quandong (Hacarva menminaty), aid iany sfiecies af Campasites with other plants of a Xerophilous jature, in addition to several phyWodinows Acagas of drought-resistant babi The parasttical plat, Cassyiier anclouthe, is also prevalent, These typical Mallee features, amon others. distmauish the Wlripsticle vegetation, In widely separated places m Victoria there are patehas of yeRetation Allied (4 ad rentitiseent of, that of the Mallee. It would seem thal al some romore period the Maslee vegetation sn Victoria was more widespread than at present; but in the course of time, under varying conditions, mostly clinwtic, perhaps also geographical or geophysical, Mallee tractt were gradually contracted jo area, ‘seing showly invaded and under javourme callitions in certail) areas by a mote robust forestal vegetation, In the Whiusticle there is evidence of this replacement at werk, where Excalypts such as the fronharks, Red Stringybark, Yellow Gum, Black Box, and Gray Box occur ir small patches, Ty the hutanist the Serb; especially in springtime, is Trscinating, In the Irsser shrubs there are many dainty flowers such a5 the Simall-leai Waxflower, Rosy Heath-Myttle. Fringed Heath-Myttle, lugether with Croweas, Anemone Boronia. Phebatium, Prostanthesa, Wostringia, Caly- trix, Grevillea, Goedenia, Doonaca, Pseudanthus, Showy Legumes and Guinea flowers clothing the stany ridges with floral bloom said beauty, Excepc ia inseeé life the Scrub fauna is nat very abundant—nmiarsopials arc Wow searce, lizards and snakes not very numerous, hut birds are well represented, Several wurking plants for the distWatio of off from Mallee Eucalypis. are al work am this agea. Having had an invitation from Dr. J. 5. Gorman of Rachester (a great tree Jover), to visit the tarthern and Ieys known arew af the Whinstick wear Kamarooka, in September tasx, T spent four days, mw that localiny, Travelling hy car to the Nartheen Whipstick-~a district situated some twenty odd miles south-west of Rochester, we gceally admired the River Red Gums bordering the Campaspe River. They are wall-shaped, have a wealth af foliage, and are a feature in the landscape, Other Rucalipts, noted en route, were Black Box (Exe. bicolor) and Yellow Bux yee trelliodera), Oevasionally clumps of Murray Cypress Pine (Callin robusta) were seen, and a very tiistial sight, a Weeping Pittosporuam (FP, bkiliyrocoides) growing in the open ta a height of about 18 feet, atiracted oar alfention After passing through the Kamarooka forest reserve, from which large quantities of firewood had bee ct and stacked ready for despatch, we Teached the northern end of the Whipsticls, The display of bloom was comparable to \vhat I have seen in the | iad. Aupas, fireegh the He firbsiiel: Sernts 483 Graimpiaus. The Searlee Mint-bush (Prostanthera vaspalathnides) was a Ilaze of ped. Patches of Londoma Behr, a eagid and slender perennial, were just ready tO liarst atte their golden pennants. Aibbortin aciriwlarts, was Bay with its guines-eold Aowers; while Wunkerous other plaiits, atich as Evfosienon practts, Baeckea romesisria, Clearin levelttolia, Brachy- loma ericowdes, Prastonthera denticedata, Mostringna sigida and Rorenia eanomfohea. made a glorious medicy of coloar. The slirubby Eucatypts, whch for the most part facia the danimani frorticanr of the vegetation, consist of five species, namely! Rull Mallee (Eye Beiriana), Blue Mallee (ur. polybracica), Yelluw Mallee (lsuc. teras- solo), Green Mallee (Ene. virtdts) and Sconied Box 12ine. uatorafa). ‘l'hese occ In Yarvne propartigns ab separate parts of the Seruo, but anly sil a few defrite ylaces are al) five assembtted, and their height varies from V2 feet to 20 feet. Here and there specimens of truly arberescemt species occur; Flack Box (Ene. teolor), Red Tvonbark (knce. Sideruxylow), Yellow Bax (Enc, wellinderal, Red Box (Fae. patyauihemas, Gray Bow (Ene, hemipileia), and Yellove Gum (Enc. loucoaylow) In places where the Evealypts grow thickly, very little undergrowth accurs, except a fow shrubs au mere or less straggling form, seach os Pearle dloudilicarpu, Prewtotins ovelifofius, Melichrysuns obcerdatem, Olcarta tecnlifutia, Oo ramutosa, Mestringia rigida, and Buecken vamesissina, Th Oper parts a dense growth, often dificult ta penetrate, frequently occurs, comprising chiefly Broom Houey Myrtle (Aclalenca ayctitefa), Shruliter Sheoke (Casiuerise distiay, Golden Wattle (Aeucta pyenanrtia). Hakea Acacia (4, llakeotdes), Silky Tea Tree {Leplaspermingn myrsaioides), Wrinkled Hakea Cf. ruyosa), Drouping Cassia (C. avenatc). Common Cassinia (C. aevleata), Swrooth Cassinia {C. camplania), Sweet Bursaria (8 aAiniosa), and Crimson Tloney Myrtle ¢Melatoucy Mergain), the latter a pretty shrub with long spikes of crimson flowers. ‘A metable feature of the hush is the gregarious nature of many Species which are well distfibuted, such as Prisiiathera dentienlate, Begukew eaima- svi, Mirrors tes anstrals, Leweopogom precoder, Dampicra lawceilain, HMydvonthus florthiwdus, Eutrxia wmicrophytla, Crowea evalteta iibbertio avieterts, Choretrium otomteraton, Hestenign rigda, Phebalwem abcorta- tnt, Cryptonden aniava, Dillcoyata ertetfahia, Boronia anenaajalia, Cre- willea alpina aud (- alpestvis—ihe latter a recent addition te the Victorian flora, Many Acacias were seen in full bloom. Those noted were Acerip acinuerw. Ac. avpera, Me lrachyboteya, Ac. obliqna, Ae. pycninlaa, Ale. téleroplivila. and Ar. fiakeoides. The last named, which is a ceniialt shrub ii tis locality, eceurs m two distnct forms: one has narrow ptylodes, the other broader plivilades and larger blossoms, The parraw-leal form capt large arces, antl gives a distinctive charm to miles of the Whipstick cfub, . Tre less densely wanded areas, the Sweer QOuandong LEucarya ariinata) was laden with fruit in the early stages. and luoked most attractive Tn rich soils this species sumetimes attains a Itaght of 30 feet, It has greenish flowers and red (nits, which are edible and the pulp can fie made int jams the seed is very oily and will burn Jike a candfesmut. Emus relish the fruit, In close proximity Pitosporiun philivracordes, with its drooping fulkave and creamy yellow blossoms, made a fine display. This sheuh as worthy oF culvivatian as an omamental plant, and may be grown peadily fram seed. here, also, was rioted the Gram Liuyp-fush [Opdomen viseoso)- dt a9 a cosmopihtan shrub, three (u sax feet in heigl amd us seed a distmbuted hy rhe wind and By birds. The deaves are repiited ta possess amacsthetic properties. Orchids were wor plensiful in this ares, hut Glessanin major Caladenin faruci, C. tedtaceu, Thelyaiiten aristara, T. antennifera, Preresigtls eyeno- erfeala aad P. nina were fairly common. Grasses were poorly represented, 184 Aunas, Chrough the MWhipstich Sern Vie, Nat, Vol at. hit Poa conspitasa, Themeda australis, Stipa pubescens, §: setacea, and Dasthonta pallida were the prévailing species. ; A large part of the Whipstick area traversed on this excursion Cowing to its very poor soil of shallow depth and xtuny naiure) is likely to We left in its natural state, and to retaits its wealth of hardy plants, The following jis an additional list of 59 plants not previously recorder for the “Whipsticle’ — GRAMINEAE, Hanthonia geniculata, J. M. Black. D. seatammedarty, RBr. Dicheluchns erindia, Hook, § Stipa scahya, Tindl. ; &. semihariata, R.Br. S. varialilis, Hughes: CYPERACEAE Yeliacuus apogor, Racin & Sch. CENTROLEPIDACEAE. Brisula gracilts, Hiern. Coutrolepis polygaxa, Hiem. JUNCACEAE, Jrarens bufonis, L. LILIACEAE. farthing sessttifiera, Detas, ehopoyon — fanbriats, J. MM. Black. Stepoudra glauca, R.Br- Thysanatus Mberesus, RB, ORCHIDACEAE, Coludenia dilatsta, R.Br C, Patersowit, R.Br. Prasaphathias odaratim, Rogers P. fatens, R Br, Thelwnitra carnca, R.Br. T. ixioider, Sw. PROTEACEAE. Grewllea alpestets Meissn (new of N.W.). Ci. apna, Late CAROPHYLTACEAE. Stellaria pPungens, Beongt. LEGUMINOSAE Arvcia glanditicarpa, Reader. Ac. montana, Bth, Ac. mhrma, Willd. Dovissia bretifolta, Lindl. Dilkevina floribunda, Sm. Platylobiion abiesengulunr, Tool, GERANIACEAE. hyodien cygnorun, Nees, LINACEAE. Lintuwn. margmele, A, Cum. TREMANNRACEAE, Totsatheca ericifolia, Sm EUPHORBIACEAE, Povantiory aiictophalia, Brongn. RITAMNACEAE. Cryptandra tomentosa, Lindl. DILLENTACEAE.. HHikbestia wraaa, R.Br _ GUTTIFERAE, Aaupericum orumnincwn, Forst, THY MELACACEAE, Pimelen curwiflora, R.Br, 2, glanea, R.Br. MYRTACEAE. Eircalsiptys incoler, A. Cun. HALORAGIDACEAE. Haloragis heterophiila. Brongn. H. wicrantha, R.Br. A, teiregyia, Yoo, f. UMBELLIFERAE, Xauthosa iissecta, Hook, ¢. EPACRIDACEAR. Brackylonia ericoides, Sond. LOGANIACEAE, Mitrusatme paradoxo, R.Br BORAGINACEAE. Cynoglissum sutineolens, R.Br. Mvosaris australis, R.Br LABIATAE. Brunella wulgoris, DC. Prostonmthera detiticwote, R.Br. SOLANACEAE. Salannm nigrum, Ia. RUBIACEAE. Gatitun parisionse, TL. Opercentarta varia, Wool, 4. ; GOODENTACEAE. Coodeme heteromcra, Vw M, COMPOSITAE. Calohs anthematdes, Piv.M. Cassinia coniplanata, J. M. Black, Graphkatien raepomenm, Thanh. Leptarhonchis tennifalins. Pa.M L. Wraitsia, Sand. Senecio lawtus, Sol. The Victorian Naturalist Vol. LIL—No. 1 March 5, 1936 No. 627 THE, FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA The ordinary meeting of the Club was lield at the Royal Society's Hall on Monday, February 10, 1936. The President, Mr. G. N. Hyam, presided, aird about 100 members aud friends attended. The President referred to the death of Kong George, aid all staod in silence for one minute asa token of respect. CORRESPONDENCE From the Victorian Deaf and Dumb Jnstittite in relation to their Jubiice Flower Show, to be held in the grounds from March 24 to 28 inclusive. From Ms, Melhourne Ward, “Pasadena.” Cross Street, Double Bay, Sydney, asking Jor live Victorian Wzards anc frogs, and offering in exchange New South Wales species. REPORTS OF EXCURSIONS Reports of excursions were as follows: Buffalo, Mr. H.C. E. Stewart: Lower Yarra River trip, Mr. G. N. Tiyan. SUBJECT FOR EVENING The subject for the evening was “Common Objects of the Sea- shore,” Mr. E.E, Pescatt spoke an the ‘Plants of the Seashore,” ceal- ing especially with the Tea-tree. He made a plea for the better protection of our urnque coastal vegetation. ’ Mr, C. J. Gabriel dealt with “Shells,” and mentioned many vood collecting localities, anc the Upes of shells found there, ’ Mr. Charles Barrett spoke on seaweeds penerally. Mrs. |. J. Freame deserthed her exhibit of Sea Stugs and other iiarme invertebrates Mr, A. J. Swaby gave a short talk on the ‘Tile History of the ‘Trnticates.” Mr. A. R. Varley spoke on coliecting and preserving seaweeds, Mr. F. S. Colliver discussed ‘Sertularians” and their fossil allies, the Graptolites; and also exhthited and spoke on fossilized or preserved sun-cracks, ripple marks, worny droppings and ertts- tacean tracks, all from the Carboniferous deposits of Mansfeld. Mr. A. H, Mattingley spoke on Sea Urchins and Starfish, and BReéeche de Mer, 1% Field Naturefises’ Ohib Peacecdiugs. tae Pid Mr. Bruuce, a visitor, contributed a popular tally on pearls, real ict artificial, ELECTION OF MEMBER Qn a show of hands Miss Grace Langley was (luly elected as an ordinary member of the Club. NATURE NOTES The President read a letter from a country member, Mrs. Graeme Them, af Kowat, regarding a very tall Clematis, GENERAL BUSINESS The President announced that a conference of all interested bodies would be convened shortly to discuss ways aud means of checking yandalisn. Tn relation to the rules covermg membership and fees, Mr. L. W. Cooper gave notice of motion to alter the wording so that the Club comply with certain postal regulations. The President announced that a specal General Meeting would deal with the matter. Z DONATION The President announced that Mr. W. H. Nicholls had pre- sented ta the Clilza copy of his Monograph on the Sun Orchids; and that The Arqus had presented a mimber of reprints of “The Menace of Water,” by Mr, P. Crosbie Morrison, a capy of which wold be sent te each ember. The donors were thanked. ‘Che meeting was then declared closed and the members adjourned for the cowversazione, EXHIBITS Mrs, Fenton Weodburn.—Sponge, Beach ball, Jdactts per awit, and Lovema sp, ' Mrs. L. M. Kilvington-—Specimens of the Pewal Pine, Leather wood (ycryphia) and Waxherry (Gaultheria), fron: Tasmania, Mr, E. Jf. Peseotii—Nodulat wood growth in the barle of the Queensland Bunya Bunya. Cultivated specimen of the N.SAW. Christmas Bush (Ceratepelatunn guinnugerre), Mr, Noel Lothian —lrodva achslleoides, found at Torquay. Nat previously recorded for south Victoria. Mr. TS. Hart— salt and (b) gypsum forming during cxamination of (c) an algal cell and (4d) pollen grains of the Murray Cypress Pine Coallitzis robusta. and threatening to énmesl these (> about 600), 7, Diagram showing a section of old salt crust, natural size, m which two dry scasons appear to be indicated. The letters g, p, g. p, from bottom upwards, indicate the alternate bands of ereen and pink colour—the preen duc to imprisonment of algae (chiefly Microcystis and Chlorella) and the pink a chemical impurity in the salt. a4 Prseutt and Nachours, Orciints New for i ieiarin, ve ti ON TWO ORCHINS NEW FOR VICTORIA By Enwarp E. Pestova and WH. Nrenoits The discovery of two orelids new for Victoria by Mr, F, Rolshins, of Orbost, isa matter of considerable interest, The East Gipps- Jand flora is very different to that of the vest of the Srate, inasmroch as it represents the southern extent of the rain forest flora which extends from Capé York it the north to Lake Tyers in the south. When living ar Orbost over twenty years aga, EF. EK. Peseote studred the orchid fora considerably, discovering several species. new for the Jecality, Amoug the orchids was the Smal! Sarcoclylus, S, parviflaorns Lindl., whieh grew in abundance at Wilhenduck Creek. Last year Mr. Rohhins saught for information regarding the district orchids, ated his atrention was directed to this creek, After a diligent search he failed to find this orchid. but noted the Tangle Orchid, Cletsestoma tridentatunt Lindl, in abundance. ‘This orchid had beew recorded Tor Orbast a couple of years previously, on the authority of specimens noted by W.-H. Nicholls in the herbarium of Dr. €. S. Sutton. They were very flue examples bearing the collectors’ names (Dr. Sutton and Mr, Gustav Weindorfer) , and the Jocality of Young’s Creek. They were collected ahout 22 years ago, Dr. Sutton dic not remember collecting the orchid. so the local scoutmaster was sent a photograph, with an appeal for further speciinens. He replied that Young's Creek was now cleared out, and tia trees nar orchids were present. Thus the matter rested until Mr. Robbins forwarded his specimens af the end of last year. This orchid was described by Lindley in the Botanical Kegrster of 1838, and was previously recorded for Queensjand and New South Wales. Batley and Rupp record 10 specinens of Cleisostamea for Queensland; and Rupp records 2 for New South Wales, one anly (C. Beckfert F.v.M,} heimg confmed to that State. Now we record one for Victoria, This species now extends from the south- ern Queensland coast, southwards to Orhest Cleostoma tridentatwam Lindl; Stems clongated, slender, twisted; roors mostly aerial torming a twisted tangle, very few of which cling to the host plant, Sten leafy, leaves 2 to 3 inches long, linear, oblang oy faleate. Racemes several, usually shorter than the leaves: flowers very small, shartly pedicellate, sepals and petals oblong lapceolate, about 2 lines long; labellum mmddle lobe very short, obtuse, fleshy, concave: spur rather long, deflexed; column very short, with 2 narrow anterior teeth; oupsule narrow, rounded, 1 to 14 inches long. The Howers are quite insignificant, wholly green, or greenislt with dark ted on the inside of segnients, very Sragrant, and. the seed capsule is very large in proportion to the flower. Flowering lime is iregular, with a central peyiod alyout the end of the year. The plant grows well in cultivation; but 1 hag no horticultural. value. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST VoL. Li April, 1936 Plate XXVII Orchids New for Victoria: Cletsostoma tridentatum and Cryptostylis erecta hy Prscort od Niciwonts. Orchids New for Pietoper, ms The second orehid discuvered by Mi, Robhins is the ‘Erect Tongue Orchid,” Crypiostylis crecta R.Br. This species was de- scribed by Robert Brown in 1810, when he described two other species. It was. previously recorded for New South Wales aud Queensland (near Brisbane). Of the four Australiatt species, three are now recorded for Victoria, the fourth being a western species, C ovata, which Mrs. Pelloe has named the “Dingy Orchid.” a vernacular hardly applicable to a plant that possesses attractive leaves and Howers more delighttully veined that the ather Aus-: tralian representatives of the genus. FitzGerald’s! ptate hardly does it justice, C. evecia is very well nanied, for the prominent labellum is placed in an upward and erect position, Regarding the finding of this orchid. Mr. Robbins wntes as follows :— CRYPTOSTYLIS ERECTA AT ORBOST White hunting for Craprostulis araund Marlo sate in 1935, 1 Happened tm come across a patch of leaves with only one flower stalk in evidence. I placed the plant in my fernery, dot unfortottately, slugs got the flowers while [ was away at Christmas. | thought that it was C shefefo. bur te make sure, 1 revisited the ¢pet on February 8, 1936, and was surprised to find large numbers of C. subefata and also. another Cryprastytiy quite new tome, With the aid of Mr, EB. E, Pescott, it proved io he Craprostyhs recto. not previvusly recorded in Vietorta, . The leaves of both orchids occurred thickly over ali area of half a dozen yards m diameter near the ede of ole of the grast-tree swamps so common on the Marlo plains. The leaves of both are quite similar exeope that C, erecta shows a purplish tint underneath while C. subitate is quite greenish. Not being 30 tall as their lofly neighbours, the flowers of G. orects would be extremely dificult to pick out anioug the dense cuits of Xouwthar- ritoea leaves, unless one were looking very carefully. 1 also noticed that of the dozens of racernes of both these orchids, unt a single flower had become fertilized. This sugwests camplete absence af the pollinating agetts Crhneumon fiies) inthis Jocality, yet J found 4 very nice large specimen of C. svbufata with 3 stakes, with alinost every Hower pollinated, on the hills above Bere Bolong, same 16 miles or so farther up the Snowy River. Cryptostylix erecta R.Be—Similar in habit and growth to C, subuleta Reichb, t. (C. longifolia Rr). but usuaily sherter in habit, with 4 less recurved ovary. Height about 18 inches. Sepals and petals very small and very narrow; labelluin very large, def- nitely hood shaped, broad, always erect. menibranous, with darls ved veins. There is 2 broad membranous and veined plate along the centre of the labellum and almost along its whole length, The broad bonnet-like Jabellum, much veined, and standing perfectly ereet, points out this species very clearly. There is a veddish-purpic tinton the under side ot the leaves l, Australian Ovehids, Vol. 2. REY TO PLATE Fig, A. -Cleizastoma fredentatuns Lal. Fiz. B.C. tridentata A Mower tron droit, Fic. CC. tridentate. Polini Fig D. Cyyptostyhs erectt R.Br. Flower spike and lena Fig. BE. C, erecta. Cola, TYag. Not a Drang, Notes on Miero-hidtopinidue. Vo) LY NOTES ON MJCRO-HYDROPHILIDAF By ©. Daanr During his visit to the Upper Williams River and Barrington Tups, New South Wales, with the party of naturalists that explored that region in October, 1926, Mr. Charles Barrett: dis- cavered a new species of A’yirobins, which is now described herein. The genus, with its alties, is almost world-wide in its distribution. [ have speciniens fram England, Belgium, U.S.A., Canada, Japan, Philippine Islands. Hawaii, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Ajstralia; bur comparatively few have heen named from Arstrafia; they were described by Tea, Blackburn and Mac- leay. The features which distinguish Hydrabius from its alhes are; metas- ternun) not prolonzed into a spine. tars} (feet) not conmpreséed, and last joint of maxillary palpi longer than the third, The beetles of the family Hydrophilidae are mostly water-luving insects, ahd prefer fresh water, I am not acquainted with any species m- habiting waters of so great a salinity as that of the ocean. Perhaps none exist. Some, however, are content with water haying a much greater propar- tian of dissolved minerals than is ; a _ ordinarily found in tresh waters of Fig. 1, Hiudvobas bayvett, ve elags that would be suitable for me drinking purposes. Among these walers of slightly increased salinity are the famous “Rock Pools” uf Europe, which have yet to he discovered in Aus- tralia. They should be found in coastal situations stificiently removed from tidal influence to prevent contact with the sea, but close enough to permit contamination by the air-bnrne salts, as carried in by mists and fine spray during high winds. ‘They are thus rainwater pools which have had their salinity increased im the manner suggested. Any discoveries by reatlers of the }’1c- torian Naturelist of pools answering to: this description would he welcomed by speciglists in [reshwater ecology. The chief town water sipplies of the capital cittes of the world vary in their solid constituency from three or four graitis per vallon up to forty or fifty, while the sea contains something ot the order of 2,300 grains per gallon. Waters commonly termed tat Drans, Noles on Miera-aydreptalidac. x7 “brackish! derive their salinity from direct contact with "salt" water; but in rhe case of “rock pools” there is no contact except through the air. Some members of the venus Ochthebius are dis- posed to adapt themitelves to waters of this kind, while Phyl- y < Jevdyus, as far as known at pre- sent, confines its attention to. the Aye, maecity potp true fresh waters. Hydrobins hovreth, i. 3p. (Figs. 1 to 4). Oval. highty convex, scarcely iti, light wal- nut brown. Heard rather broad, only slightly produced, light hrown, opaque, finely subruguse. Clypeus broadly rounded im front. Eyes below averave size, deeply set, dark brown. Antetinae 9- segmented. brown; last 3 seg- ments pubescent. Palpi short, terminal segment just longer than preceding, Promotum broad, concolorous with elytra, Seutel- lum small, Elytra finely striate-punctute. Legs medium, brown. Length, 3°56 mm. Width, 2-25 mm. Habitat: Barrington Tops, New South Wales (C, Barrett), Type in coll, Wilson. cotype and Canada balsa sides in call, Deane. Anfatina ryt Figs, 2 ta 4, THE HONEY FLORA OF VICTGKIA The Department of Agriculture has recently published the third edition of this handbook which was first compiled it: 1922 by the las F. R. Benhtie. a Club member. The present edition has been revised and amplified by the offers of the Departament im vonjunctiou with the staff of the National Herbariuiw, and has been enlarged 10 136 pares. Whilst at has been produced primarily for the use of apiculturists, field natucalists will find it of con- siderable value a3 an aid to the identification of many plants, particularly in connection with the Victorian species of Eucalypts, of which 58 are figured and 77 described. The figures of 45 other planis are included and 40 species are descriherl, The descriptions are not strictly betanical but are written mm a popular style with the main points of identification stressed and even the novice should have no difficulty in separating the species or varieties Listed, The period of blossoming is given im every case, together with economic details Jn tegard to timber, essential oils and honey flow, The habitats and geographic range is also very comprehensive. Previous editions of this wort: have been popular amongst naturalists and they will find the present issue of still greater value, Gopies may be obtained from the Department of Agriculture or the Government Printer at 1/6 per copy, G.N.H. 20k Swauy, The Norton Mallee, he i THE NORTON MALLEE By A. J. Swany A. few miles west of Horshain, the Norton Créek, fram the western Grampians, enters the Wimmera River. In the comer between the two, preserved by mere chance, lies the original south- ern limit of the Mailee scrubs. When selected by the father and uncie of the present owner, Mr. Egbert Smith (brother of Mr Karold Smith, whose discovery of Pautienea patelifolia surprised the systematists in 1927), the Mallee covered about a square mile, Tt was separated from the continuous scrub by several miles of the rich Wimmera plains. Now, but thirty acres remain untouched. Fortunately, about one hundred acres adjoining this patch, after producing several crops of wheat. were allowed to lie idle. They haye thus been enabled to demonstrate the regenerative capacity of this country if given a-chance, In these and the roads nearby, 88 species of indigenous plauisy have been identified and several others have still to be determined, When the League of Youth of Australia was inaugurated, it was mentioned to Mr. Smith thac this area had special interest, and he immediately offered ten acres, to he chosen by the League, for permanent sanctuary, It is now under a rather infornial per- missive occupancy, dependent upon the sincerity of the people who are charged with the cultivation of a spint of protection in the community. There is little doubt that the whole area could casily be secured for a natural monument. Had this Jucky remnant been in Japan, it would have been the subject of goyermment proclamation for permanent preservation. They have several reserves, selected by reason of their containing the limits in one direction or another of a single species! The Club is likely to hear inore of this shortly, The Norton Mallee 1s almost flat. The soil is nearly all heavy red loam with buckshot, Patches of white sand oceur. In one comer, heavy clay with “crabholes” is found. The eucalypts known as “‘matlees" are notoriously difficult of identification, and the cor- rect names of those growing here huve still to be determined. It does not appear likely, however, that any of ther will prove to be new species. The scrub consists largely of the Broom Money-myrtie (ATela- leuca uncinata), This is a beautiful shrub, always shapely, and at its best in the hottest months of ihe year, It is strange that it has not found its way into cultvation. 1 remember well the exclamations of local farmers when I exhibited a fine specimen in my Horsham garden. One had to he forcibly restrained irom using the axe upon it The idea of having it in the house for decorative purposes was ridiculed, They view jt differently sow. Associated with it, aid strangely similar in vegetative characters, py Swasy, The Norton Malle. 209 is the dainty, slender Raechte Behrit. This is another good garden shrub, offering welcome relief from the heavier types of foliage. Great thickets of Afelaicuca Wilsenit are found, ‘These meke a glorious show in late spring. M. pubescens is crowded beside a shallow water-course, and odd plants of Mf. acuminata are seen. Thus we find one-third of Victoria’s Honey-myrtles in a few acres. Atmong all these, masses of smaller shrubs struggle upward for light. The crimson, pink, and white of the Micromyrtus mingles with the gold of the Hibbertias, the striking blue of Damprera, the blush of Baeckia crassifolia, and the lovely waxy stars of Eriostemon gracile and &. ohavalis, All of these show interesting variation, prohably due to the inhospitable nature of the soib. Friostemon gritctle, in particular, is light and much nore dainty than in the Grampians. The flawers appear like stars canght up ima net of green thread. In the open spaces, Louden Berit makes a mass of gold, Amongst it, many plants of the peculiar Goodenur mm blexans occur. No fewer than eight species of Acacta flourish in the Norton Mallee, These present an interesting study in the variability of the phyllodes. A. spinescens is practically leafless. 4, rigens has grey needles. 4. armata, A. acinacea, and A- oblique, with similar forms, arrange them very differently. .4. bracliwbotrva has ellip- tical silvery-grey phyllodes, Always close to the hases of other plants, and possihly semi- parasitic, the lovely scarlet of Prostanthera aspalathoides enlivens the winter and early spring, Evéaria micropholia also hugs the soil in mats, At the end of September, if is very gay, Here. the species name is justifiable; for the leaves are mere scales. In ather parts of the district, the plant is more ascending and has Iarger Jeaves. The many forms illustrate well the difficulty of making species in some genera of Austratian plants. With extreme forms, separate species seem certain, With all the gradations before one, the only recourse is to lump them, Perhaps the most striking plant in this area is a variety, 1 am informed, of Correa vubra. If so, it is far from the type in all vegetative characters, A compact shrub with small, fresh, green leaves and always very shapely, it reminds one of neatly trunmed specimens of Pittesporum eugentoides, The leaves have a distinct perfume resembling lemon. I have seen it elsewhere only on Mount Arapilis, a few nnles away, and then in large bushes, covered with bells from Apri) on through winter. Daziesta pec- finafa is another strange shrub, with something of the appearance of the anchor plant. Should any reader visit the locality. he should not depart ynti] he has viewed the vista of the Darragon road. a ribbon of dark red, hordered with the indescribable greens of the Broom Honey-myrttle, See it on the fhercest suimmer day and retrember it forever ! 210 y In the New Moebsidas. Asc Mate IN THE NEW HEBRIDES (Summary of lecture given before the Field Naturatists’ Club of Isctaria, March 9, 1936.) The New Hebrides, mm which are included the Torres and Banks Groups, are an incamplete double chain of volcanic islauds, stetch- ing north-west by south-east for 550 miles. ‘The group lies between 12 and 20 degrees south fatitude, and 160 and 170 degrees east longitude, and is reached from Sydney via Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands. The area is about 5,000 sq. miles, and the population GO0100 satives, 1,000 whites, and 1.000 Tonkinese indented Jabour- The natives are Melanesian, with a strain of Polynesian blood on some of the easterly lying tslands. They have the ceputation of savagery and treachery, but since coming into contact with the white race have been dying ont rapidly, There ate many huiguages and dialects. and the Agua franca is Bichele-mer, so that com- Taunication is established by an extraordinary jumble of French, English, Biehe-de-mer, and native dialect. That it steceeds as a vehicle of understanding between the parties concerned speaks well for the linguistic capabilities of bottt sides, Pig is the standard of wealth, in the north especially. Tusked boars and the rare hermaphrodite pigs are the most valuable. the younger, smaller and females ranging lower in the seale. Where the influence of civilization has brought about desocialization, pig, as currency, is slowly being replaced by the more casily handled L.S.D. The Group is classed as unhealthy as a whole; this ts trué of 4 great number of spots, but.on the higher ground, and especially on the islands to the south, aud on their western sides, the climate is beth healthy and pleasant, Malaria, blackwater, aemobie dys- entery, yaws and haokworm are the most prevalent diseases. Dys- entery is losing its terror, thanks to education in public health, and yaws is giving way before neo-salvarsan. The flora and fauna, while not specifically numerous, are numeri- cally prolific, The natives make ase of every tree, hush and vine either for food, clothing, or building material. There is a plenciful ration at hand, and the native gardens supply vet imore variety, and provide the main olsjject in life for them since their desocializa- tion. The native “lap-lap" or pudding, is made hy grating batana, cocoanut, vam, taro into a banana leaf, placing on this crab, fish, pork or chicken on top and wrapping the whole up in the leat, and placing it ma hole m the groimred with hot stones un top. In three hours ur so it is ready to eat, Of animals there are few. Wild pigs, imtroduced by Captain Cook, and ofter called “Captain Cookers,” are common. There are rats, some bats, but nq marsupials. There are also Jew birds— spine, swallow, Zosterops, two or three finches, kingfishers and large hawks being the most numerous, hut there are no crows. a Ae Bony. The Cippsiond Maller, 211 sparruws, starlings, etc The silence in the ravines and gullies is one of the most characteristic features of the New Hebridean bush, ‘There até no snakes, frogs, snails or slugs. so that. fear nf the animal kingdom is abseat, thoweh for some obscure reasort the natives regard the delightful and tame little blue-tailed Hzards as taboo. There ate niambers of geckoes everywhere, and gorgeous hutterflies and dragonties give colour if not song to the jungle Ants are namerous, some very vicious. Lively prawns inhabit the up-land watercourses, Of ferns there ave many, differing from our Australian species, and several orchids may be found. Gamboo, reeds and ¢tane of varying sizes enter into the life of the natives by providing them with houses, weapons, ef¢. The Banyan abounds, as does the Mango, the groves of farge pale-coloured uringes anil emens are met in sheltered spots. these latter obviously introduced by early comers, ant spreading rapidly under advantageous conditions. (Mrs.) J LL, F. Woopeven, THE GIPPSLAND MALLEE, EFVICALVPTUS KRITSQONIANA By R, W. Boxp Mr. F. Barton's notes ou the Gippsland Mallee () 2c. Nat, March, 1996} call attention 1o a rather little knowr species of the wertus Eucalapiets, Tit the past, its distribution limits have been wrecertain, and it has been allowed t pass uler an inappropriate vernacular wame. It appears to he closely relaied to E. ovate, the Swamp Gum, and a0 is suggested that the species originated as a hybrid between thig and another gum. When on a favanrable site, it makes a small tree with a single trunk and a typical “gum hark. more of les persistent nuar the base, Such Matlee-like appearance as it may assume is due wot se much to its natural habit as to the poor, and extremely acid soils to which it ts usually confined, arid to the frequent bush-hres to wiuch this type af coudtry is sub- jecied throughoyt Victoria, Ag is the case with many other gums, the bark 15 ill-adapted ta resist fre, and severe heat kills the cambiom, resulting usually in adventitious growth from the base instead of along the tril end branches, as in hardier species stich as the stringvharks. This, ih ture, causes the formation of & swollen, woody hase which resembles u “Mallee root.” Je is really only the typical henetuber formed normally in youth by must Eucalypts capable of coppicing, enjarged by artificial causes, Similar forms are ussumed by true forest species under similar conditions, eg, £. dives, &, Considerioua, &. copitettata, J2, oveta, and others, The various Snow-gums resemble cypical Mallee more than aloes FE. Kilsoniang, when in exposed, or frequently barnt areas. The name “Dwarl Gum," which Mr, Barton uses, would be much more suitable for this tree. Regarding its distribution, [ have found that, besides hetng common near Foster. Stony Creek, and Meeniyan, it eceurs commonly an all the serub- lands between Leangatha South, Inverloch, and Lower Tarwiy. Le grows at Wilson's Promontory, on the morass nartl fron Growler’s Creek, and 2 variant form was noted near the mouth of Sealers Creek. T have received specimens from as far west as Heywood, and believe thar it has heen collected.on Cape Otway, always comparalively near thy coast, he National Herbarium possesses specimens Jabelled "Cape Pauerson” 1 have set to discover it there, in spite of frequent searching, hut, no doubt. in the carly 242 Eveursion lo Anakic Hulls. bse aT days, this was an indefinite focality, and probably the specimens came from the scrublands south of the upper Powlett. River, In spite of its Jowly place im a genus of Jarge trees, E, ‘Aitsomana may ave a comercial juture if the oil proves to be of suitable quality, Where it occurs, it is offen abundant, the leaves would be nasy to gather, and it