THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE OF THE Hield Naturalists’ Club of Hirtoria VOL. XLII! MAY, 1926, TO APRIL, 1927 fiun. Editar: CHARLES BARRETT j a The Author of each Article is responsible for the facts and opinions recorded MELBOURNE : HORTICULTURAL PRESS PTY. LTD., BANK HOUSE, BANK PLACE 1927 INDEX ¥ PACE PAGE SANCTUARIES AND RESERVA- Thrips, Notes on ,. .. 330,360 TIONS— | Vertebrata, Extiftict, From Sperm Whale Head 1, 61,161, | Beaumaris ....-. .- -- 311 ! Wasps, Two Mallee ,. .. 202 Sherbrooke Gully . ./-.. 129 | Wisewould, Frank .. .- .. 272 Dandenong State Forest 193, | Xiphocaris compressa... .. 332 , 220 | Yan Yean, Around the .. 184 Thrips, Australian .. .. ., 288 | Zoology, Marine .. .. .... 6 ERRATA: Page 2, line 6—For “diurantioa read “auruntiaca.”' Page 40, line 5—For “(oxylobium) elipticum” read “‘(Oxzylobium) ellipticum.” : Page 41, liné 8 fram bottom—For “Nove Zealandiz” read “nove-zelandie,” ' © ‘ Page d6, line 1—For “subulata" read “subulatus.” Page 53, line 11 from bottom—For “Dulicina” read ““D. ulicina,"- Page 54, line 6—For “Xerotes’ read “Lomandra,” and at page 56, line 22. Page 55, line 12—For “Asiroloma” read.“Acrotriche." Page 55, line 20—Por “exertus" read “exsertus.” Page 56, line 3—For “Bredemeyra” read “Bredemeyera,” Page 68, line 11 from. bottom—For “Thryptoccens Mitchelliana"” _.__read “Thryptomene .calycina,” - Page 77, line 4 from bottom—For “Menzesti” read “Menztesii," Page 90, lines 4 and 7—For “fluviatilis”. read “fivviatie.” - Page 121, line 183—For “‘vacoinacea” read “vacciniacea.” Page 123, line 5—For “Platycerus” read “Platycercus,” Page 123, line 25—Tor “macronryncha” read “macrorrhyncha_!’ Page i30, line 17 from bottom—fPor “ciliatus Stapf." read “ealy- cina, Lindl.” ; Page 133, line 21—For “latifolia” read “lotifolia,” Page 153, line 26—Tor “Calyptorhyncus” read “Calyptorhynchus.” Page 137, line 28—For. “Spiculoea” read “Spiculea." Page 144, No, 13, on Plate, “Burnettia cuneata Lindl.” Page 162, line 13—For “rosemarinifolia” read “rosmarinifolin,” Page 162, line 1h—For “Chorozema” read “Chorizema,” and jine 2 from bottom, : - Page 162, line 2 from bottom—For “Mitchelliana” read “calycina,” Page 218, line 5 from bottom—For “diversifolium" read “popul- news. af: Page 219, line 24—For “lopantha”’ read ‘“lophantha.” Page 230, line 17—For “Chiloelottis” read “Chiloglottis,” Page 237, line & from bottom—For “vilessa” read “villosa.” Page 238, line 21—For “‘Anigosanthes” read Anigosanthoa.” Page 239, line 16—For “Ricinocarpos” read “Rictnocarpus.” Page 254, line 5 from bottom—For “Pallied” read “Pallid.” Page 263, line 10—For “ericifolia" read “squarrose." Page aia ine 5 from bottom—For “Crytostyliw’ read “Cyrto- stylis.” t Page 298, line 20—For sepia” read “sepium.” . Che Victorian Naturalist Vou; XLUI—No. 1 MAY 7, 1926 No, 509 FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. The ordinary monthly nieeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society's Hall, Vietorma Street, on. Monday even- ing, April 12, 1926, The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, neeupied the ohaie, and about fifty members and friends were present. ' _REPORYS. Reports os excursioiis were given as follows:—Zoological Gardens, My. F, Pitcher; Observatory, Mr. C. Oke; Botanic Gardens, Mr. F. P. Morris; Hopkins River, Mv, V. Miller. Mr. Pitcher inoved that a letter ot thanks be sent to Mr. A, Wilkie, the Dinrvetor, for hig kindness and attention ta the pasty whieh visited the Zoological Gardens... Seconded by Mr. C. Daley, and earvied, Mr. Oke moved that. a letter of thanks be sent tu My, Meaficlel for Wis kindiess in devit- ing an evening, and the attention he had paid to members visiting the Observatory. Seconded by My Harvey. and carried. TELECON. Qn a Ballot being taken, Miss doan Harper, **Noojee,'” Avalon Road, Anwadale, and Mr. T. Greaves, ¢/o Mrs. Hallett, Park Road, Cheltenham, were elected as ordinary members, and Mr. C. J. Daniels, 602 Isiewa Street, Albury, NSW... as a countasy mentber of the Clab, PAPER, “Sperm Whale Head asa Sanetuary,’’ by A. D. Hardy. The author gave a general description of Sperm Whale Head, * and urged the desirability of having it reserved as:a National Park for Bustern Gi ppsiand. He showed ‘a nuniber of lantern slides depicting yavious shrubs and trees, also the different types of conntry and vegetation inet with on the’ ‘Head’? and adjacent parts. At conelusion of his paper, Mr. Hardy wioved that— , ‘he the opinion of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Vie- toria, such Crown lands of Sperm Whale Head Penin- sula, 1 gine Gippsland, Lakes, as are situated north- east of S, E. Barton’s Allotment 21, Parish of Boole Poole, should be reserved as p National Park, and proclaimed us a sanctuary for native aninyals,? | The motion was seconded by Mr. Williamson and carried: ynanimously. Several members, including the Pyesident,: to d. retary Hens: Cinb— FadTh inne Wiel. Nnt Field Naturglishs® Cid Praceudthngs wet a Mess's. H. B, Williamson, C. Daley, C. Barvett, and FF. Piteher spoke in support of the project, and it was deeded t appoint a sub-committee to further it. The following were elected :-—Messrs, A. D. Hardy, F. G@. A. Barnard, C. Barrett, C. Daley, A. Js. IKeep, C. Oke, and H, B. Wilhamson. ENPIIBUTS, By Miss E. Cameron: Osage, Maclurn jwurdntice (North Anverita), fron Buchan, Gippsland. Mor. C. Daley, B.A. FLLS.: Acacia discolor, the Sunshine Wattle, from Nowa Nowa; also seoriaccous stones Eroin erater ar ‘Bower Fall, Victoria. By Mr. &. Hanks: Nests of the following birds fron Wandin, Vieloria:—Yellow Robin, Dusky Wood Swallow: Grey Fantail, Brown Flyeatcher. Yellow-facec MMorteventer, atid Goldfineh. By “Mv, A, KE, Rodda: Heid and neck of Brown Snake, Weanenia textias, fron. You Yaugs. November, (925, By Mr, 2 Searle: Aquatie larvae. a—larva of Cerotn poynm sp. (ore of the amdges): b—beetle Jarva with long branchial processes, By Mr. A. L. Scott: Microscope fitted with a Bertrancd’s quartered quartz plate for measuring extinetion angles .of minerals WW thin section. : Nore—The use of this deviee is to attain a ereater accuraey than eau be obtained ordinarily in determining the position of crossed nicols, and also mM teaanring wxtine- How angeles OF minerals in thin sections. TL this ogatar be phiced between analyser and polariger, and one of these latter slawly votated, the quadrants in the eyepiece will change golour. At certain positions the colours ean be matched, and the position of exacl inatching is the pasition of crossed at parallel nieoly as the case may be. Th measuring an extine- tion angle, the mineral is placed so as to appear lying aerosg one parallel to the other of the dividing lines of the quad- rants Which have been previously calibrated to the nigel uxes. The position of the stage is noted, and the stage rotated until the eolours of the sections of the mineral in the two quadrants match. The stage position is again read, aud the difference of the reading gives: an extinction ante. By Mr. T. G. Sloane: Specimens showing the state of the fohhage of nine-tenths of the red gum trees. F. rostrata, along the banks of the Murray River af Mulwala in March, 1926. Collected 4/4/26 by T. G. Sloane. Also Cuallistemon patu- dosus (Swamp Boftle-brush) on which Loranthus pendrulys. the Drooping Mistletoe, was growing, May paourates 196, UEBTONGE ; 2 EXOURSION TO WARRNAMBOO),. Light members of the Cloh inustered for fhe. exenesion ie the Tlopkins River On the railway journey ta Waornsm- hioal on April 2 the extremely diy native of the season wis vyldant othe absence of verdure, the Western District hav- ip as vet rewived very little vain. Tn several parts of the iMway Forest volumes of smoke showed that bush fires were sill a menace, The grass is not yet springing on the rich vwileanie soi, which everywhere shows striking evidenee of bygone Voleania activity in whieh Mounts Moriae, Elephant, Nadal, Rouse, Ceura, and other vents took such a prominent part. Qu aryvival at Warrnambool the party proceeded to Mrs. Primdfoot’s, at the boat-sheds, a resort favourably sitnated about two iniles out on the Hopkins River, and well known ty anglers throughout the State. Tha Hopkins is an example of a drowned river valley. xml for about six niles up-stream ts a. fine siver, sometimes linedveds of yards it width. Dia most coastal streams, its wouth is bared with sand. The viver is frequented by fish. uspeentily bream and mullet. Bxcniisions were made by hoat to the mouth of the river, where, in the cliffs, some ald kitchen middens were examined, and on the other side af the entrance alone the beach specniens of seaweed were eathered at the request of Mr. Leas, of Sydney. Two pleasant (rips were made by motorboat up the river, in each side of whieh, for about five aniles, rise steep, broken, honey-combed eliffs, very scantily vegetated near the stream, the bills on each side being bare and treeless except for an orcasional Casnarina. The composition of these hills is the prevailing, widespread, dune sandstone, bedded and eonsoli- dutvd with a ‘top-dressiny’’ of voleanie soil varying in dapth, Draping the elifis here and there ave graeefal nats of Mesembryonthemun, whilst a few Casuarinas, Boobyalas, stunted Acacias and, the Kangaroo Apple maintain a pre- carious footing ; The comparatively treeless nature of the sod covering the dune sandstone or limestone is a chavactéristie of these Wes- tern District plains. There is, strange to say, a striking ahsenee even of Muealypts. only a few stunted specimens being sein Sheoaks grow well about five miles up the river, The trees svhich, from their spreading roots seeni best adapted for growth, are various species of pine, especially the Arauearia or Norfolk Island pine, which flourishes well in and around Warrnambool. 4 Ercureionk Viet. Nat Val, NBM Jubilee Park, about six miles up the river, is wall plauted With pines, whieh, with the native Casuarinas, give shade wid shelter wi the Camping-ground. Above this the river heeomos shullnwer, and, beyond tidal inflvenes, an intrusion oe buatlt iw the stream,, niakes progresa up stream more Jiffieutt for hoats. Water-birds were namerous on, the wide stretehes of the river. About two hundred or more swans frequented the shallows ubout o quarter of a anile. in front af the boatshods, while seagulls, cormorants, black duck, teal, coots, and other birds were seen from titne to time, and white- fronted herons, as Jone fishermen, were frequently observed ilaug the bauks. About 30 species of birds were Listed, A yisit, wag paid to the loeal Museam. which has a good. if somewhat incongruous, collection of specimens, here is a fine and characteristic collection of efane axes and imple- ments, Showing how, im the absence of better material, basalt was extensively used by the south-western tribes. of Vie- lovta, especially for the grooved axe-heads. An interesting alah of ganddstone Prom one of the quarries, showing the tan impressions like footmarks and other supposed evidence of nuin’s presence. is on view. This exhibit, when discovered, was the subject of much discussion as to its genuine nature. vic ag evidence of the antiquity of wut in Australia, ‘he chief excursion was that on Faster Monday, to ‘Lower THY, on approueching whieh may he seen the rich land result. ing fron its Outpourings when in action ages ago. dn the riad cuttmes ave stratified Javers af voleanic ash. forming the tack surface juat beneath the overburden of soil, We agcendicd ihe highest pavl of the extensive voleanic basiy— w Gonieal bi) 383 feet in height. This remarkable erater is about two miles in diameter, and al one tine contained asi expanse of water, wow anuch reduced. A fine view is obtained from the Phil, which appears to have been the centiial foeus uf eruption. aimong many other vents within the whole area. A hard. voleante plage from whith erosion has. taken place evidently gives the FUL its conieal shape. Right on the surn- rit. within the space of a few vards, quite a collection af insects was made-—- moths, heetles, flies, slaters. ete., also spiders, being found. A few hundred yards away was a erate: of perfect shape probably more than 100 feet deep. its steep sides being loose. seoriacedus material, Java and ash. Some cf the party descended to the bottom, which was caked with black mud, on whien eyew varions, plants, inehiding the thistle. the comynon hul- rash. various grasses, the stinging nettle, otc. On one side was a clump of Boobyala, and half way ap the -cindery jJope was a solitary Casuarina. ‘he extensive crater. 50 May 7 = Elncureions Fi 1826. Cepitinl in producing the wonderfully rieh soi ol tite sty ronnding district, was probably the most recen}) of the vol- qauioes Which powred their lava flow over so Wide an aven in western Wietoria. Opportunity was taken to wet the rough, distilegrating elifts at, ninder Point and Shelly Beach, and also the Breal- Water, the protective mass of masonry at the entmiuce vu Wartambool! Bay, in which, some years ago, a sudsidenee, with fractures ih the huge wall, occurred. A visit was als mide to the Cemetery, where, in the twisted, fraechired, or inelined positions of some of the monuments snd tombstones, Way be seen the result of an earth trenioy or movement mearded a couple of vears ago, und evidently foensing 1m the avea on whieh the Cemetery is placed. A retorn to Melbourne was nade on Tuesday, after an myjovable ouling.—-C, Dauey, V. Mu.ier. MARINE ZOOLOGY. Despiie the forecast of stormy weather, it party oy iwetiralists assembled on Port Melbourne Town Pier on Satuc- thay naming, April 24, for a dredging excursion. The sky was vtey-clouded and a slight mist was ove the Bay, The wind; boistevous during the night, had dropped to a light hreeze that carvied ony craft at about five on six knots an how across the Bay towards Altona, After rounding the black buoy that marks the end af the reef, and heading for Point Cook, we cast the dredge for a trial haul. The bottom, proved rough in. patches, and our first couple of easts ail little more than ““hop-scoteh’’ over the stony bed and gathex up a (ew mollogses and a fine collection of stones, from eye xize to one weighing several pounds, and almost filling the mouth of the dredye, We soon got away Soni this formation, and then the dredge hrought up u plentiful supply of weed filed with all kinds of marine lite, . Crested Weed-fish, Cresticeps, of brilhiant hues and marvellous shapes; Leatherjackuts, an iid ar two in length, with a formidable-lookine dorsal spine, the reomiant of the dorsal fin, from which it takes its generic iuine, Monocanthass Parrot-fish, with varied coloured, stripes; “Cobblers,°* the locul name for the Fortesque, so dreaded by fishermen for the possession of spines af the side of the head, whieh can be eveeted al will, and inflict 2 nrost painful Winind ; aud a snigle spectmen of the curious little Sea-dragon, Pegusus draconis, were among the numerous fishes brought up by the dredge. Long, varvow, green IJsepods, resembling the Zoster amonge which they live, nimble amphipods, Mysie-like shrimps: ‘ Sreursions: | Viet, Mat 6 Ercursions Lor eur eurions little snapping shrinips, and larger prawns were found wong the sinaller crustavea, There were crabs of ail shapes und sizes, quaint creatures with long swimming legs, flattened at. the efids, like outs, attached to a triangular carapace about. half an inch acrosy anc scaveely more than one-sixtedith mn Ifiekness: shart-logeed, nit-shaped erabs, almost covered with a sponge, or 4 colony of queidinns; larger Spidev-erabs, with ‘a complete covering of alyit of many ‘kinds on their cara- paces anid limbs, that formed a canning disguise, either fal; pratection {rom foes ov_to gnable the crabs to stalk their rey. : nt Ueryuls betweeu the weed-beds would be bauks of tlead shells anct sand, from which the dredge invariably broaglt up numbers of the small Steart urchin, an eehinus vesenibling the fossil exsts of Levanta, so comnion at Reau- lusris. Ln other weed-beds were found the little Sea Horse- Tippocmaapus, aud its near relative, the Pipe Fish, Syngau- thus. Growing on many of the seaweeds were numerous colonics of Hydrojds, such as Planuidarie oblique, Canpmuu- farina, ind others: and Polyzos, Cristie fonsus, ete. Worms weve frequeitly brought uwp—Terebellide, Nemevtine, Nevies. Polychwts and Polynce, with its enrious coat of mail. Star- fish were many and various; beautiful Feather stars were iminerous, These erinoids can swith fairly rapidly, and ave then abjects of grace and beanty, the five biramous arms alternately heating in unison; flat, hard, biseuit-like stars ; “the common: dierk-eolowred, leathery stars, large $-10 rayed stirs, ten or twelve inches in diameter, were numerous. Grittle stars were less plentiful. Eehini, other than the Heart avchin, were seldom brought up; the lareest noted was i Ved-coloured une, about 24 inches across, with nomer- dus yery thin spines. Tater it the afternoon the wind freshened aid there were strong indications that the forecast might eventually be tul- filed, so our bows were tuned homewards, and Port Mel- bourne was weached at B pan. (justoas the rain commenced), Flere the party separated, each laden with bottles eontain- ig ample material for study at home. It ia a pity dredg- ihe eXentsiols ane not more frequently avranged. The work 4 Intensely interesting, 1f at times arduons, aud the amotiit of material collected is marvellous. A great deal of work romeitts ta be dene. and it is work that owe Club shoywld uidertake If the Bay was marked out in sections, and each thoroughly worked over, and the eollections handed to specialists for identification and description, we would soon have a good knowledge of what onr Bay contains. while ow Museu would be emiched by a good collection of local specimens.—F. Srarur, May Ast. Vieturian Chitons ? ‘ PLL SOROGEAWALUGTORONENHAYUDORSEO LUNN ORTON EOHOD DOHC ROE OOD DANN GHEE OE DONNA TEHOOR DEN DMEEOUONEDANT TC OOODDRMWHO TOTES VICTORIAN CHITONS By Mainvin Asemy, 1.0.5., M.B.0.U., lve. AUEEMODROELERNEDIDREREEETORE ROR EETONERANAMOEOODSY hep is GbOdpmanddddaed sd dade hsb) } bameeannns AUDA LL ppmeer tenons: WHHHAE THEO PO tneeeD “Teaewna Denne NMAF VAY TENN hE erensenaued! The study of Chitons showld appeal to Australians, andl especially to those who reside in Victoria, tor'the follaw- ing reasons :—. (1) Ag Dr. 8. 8. Berry, the well-loiown American con- vhologist, state in a Jette: to me some years ago, “‘The metropolis of the Chiton world is to be found either ty Australia or the western coasts of North and South America."* Tt seems almost certam that Australia holds the first. place; but this can only be determined when a ereat deal more affective work has been done around our coaste. (2) Although the records from Vieturia do not. equal those from South Anatrilia, and barely those of New Sonth Wales, i should have representatives of the fauna of wach of thoae States within its boundaries. New South Wales has a fauna peculiar tou warn equatorial current, which impinges on the Austrian coust a little north of Brisbane, and flows southwards dewn the coast of New South Wales; and probably the influence’ of this ocean current extends to a point a little below Mallaeoota, from which loeality Mr. Charles Barrett hus vecently brought specimens of Tschae- chiton (Haploplax) lentiginosus, Sow., a familiar N.S.W. ypades, which is decorated all over with blue spots: Then, the western part of Victoria is washed by the great, wold earrent that flows trom the west along the southern voast of Australia. the main stream turning a little south- ward down the western coast of ‘asmania, The late Mr Dillon, of Portlund, has added several species ta-the known fauna of Victoria that were heretofore eamsidered peenliar Ww the adjoininy State of South Australia. NGOLoGy Some knowledwe af the conditions favourable ta Chiton lite will be wecessury before one air become 2 suecessful collector or student. Most species ave littorine, living ijn womparatively shallaw water, and dan, Wherefore, be reached at low tide. They adhere to rocks, which, by preference, must he smooth on some parts of their surface; hinestone or sand- stone, wnless the grain is very fine, is not favourable; those rocks whieh have some fiat surfaces, are piled oue on the other and are not too large to turn over, will prove to be the best hnnting ground, Slate (mudstone) rocks for this 8 Asuny, Vietorian Chitons Vist, Nat Asn Victorian Chitnns aah aa reason have the highest vecord, and next to them come some of the igneous yocks and hard, close-grained sandstone. — , One group, the Stenochitous, lives on sea-grasses, those, marine plants that are so often called seaweed (alge): aljhough they produce flowers and fruits. his group of plants covers miles of the shallow waters avonnd the Aus- tralian coasts and inlets. All the five known species of Stenochitaw are found in South Australia, but of these only, two have, np to the present, been vecorded from Victoria, Tt is almost certain that at least two others will ultimately be found in that State. Only one of the five is a deep-water farm, 8. pallens, Ashby; the single example feom Victorian, waters was dredged by Bracebridge, Wilson, near Port Phillip, Heads, many years ago. S, longicymba, Biainville, retires during the daytime inte the brown sheaths at the base of the stems of Ribbon-weed, Posidonta australis, and the almost transparent torm, S. postdoenialis, Ashby, just above the brown, half-buried sheaths; the little hamp-backed species, &. cymodoctalis, Ashby, ig tourd on the eylindrieal stems of the other common sea-grass, Cypmodaces untaretion, Rock Forms The best-known ehiton is the vreat Plaviphova abide, rain. This is found in Port Phillip on large exposed rocks, bet will also he seen on rocks facing lhe open sea; with their strong armour and well-protected girdles, these chitons arc able to fare the surf of the breakers, The girdle is covered with bristles, and the whole animal, move often than not, with seaweed. The sculpture varies from perfectly smooth specimens to shells covered with coarse wrinkling, with one or two diagonal ribs. For years I have been col- Jecting specimens of Plaxiphara, from all ronud the Aus- tralian coasts, and I believe that every stuge of intermediate form still exists, from one extreme to the other, and I am, therefore, inclined to consider them as varieties of one species, P. albiida, Blain. ‘he extremely sculptured form, consperse, Angas, the iwo smooth forms, tasmanica and bednalli, both of Thiele. all are varieties of albida. But, until an exhaustive examimation has been’ made of the complete series, collestars must please themselves as ta whether they recognise these as good species, or as mare yarienty of one very variable species. It wall help much towards reachme x trie solution of the problem Hf collectors will endeavonr to abtain a gaod series from as many localities as possible. Perkaps the handsomest species of Australian chitons, excepting those whose beanty is revealed by a packet-lens, May ] Asiuy, Vietoriaa Chitons 4 belone tn the sul-genus Meysseplex, whieh forms a section of the geuus Chavon. ss. Gf'the nembers of this genus the whe most often met with in Vietorian waters is FR Jugosus, Gid,, a Yery deeply-keeled shell, reaching over 14 inches in length, and handsomely sculptured with calowred longitu. dinal ribs. Jn the westerm part of the State another charm- ing forin, FR, trieostalis, Pils., ig fonnd. in which the longi- tadinal pibbitn is less conspicuous, but if las three to four very coarse, uodulose lateral vibs; the shell varies in colour into: many "hades of brown, red, and yellow. Both these apectes preter rocks in deep, lean poole; rocks upon the Tepper side of whieh brown skaweed grows—the chitous will be found on. the sides of the -rocks. Most. chitons with not™face rough wuter, for the rollin aver of fhe stones by the sea waves crushes them; therefore at is only those forms that have exceptionally strongly-built shells, and strony girdle attachment, that cam face these ddds. 'Nhose that are not so strongly furnished perfore; lave fo ehodse sheltered waters. av take refige ander the Imger vocks of a pile, or on the under-sides of toeks um- bedded Th a-sandy bottom, In Port Phillip, at Momiteton, and elsewhure, a Title lutied-elinon, Anunthochitom retragectius, Pilshry, is cornmoy an Lhe stones that ave almost eovered at half tide. At the same fide level, on the undersides of stones vestine on a xands bottom, will be fonnd i numbers two species of thin shelled ehitons, Tsclmechiton linealatus, Bl, and the smoother torn of /. vthinsent, called Lincolnenses. Representatives ot both these species vary in colour from. bluck to white, aid Wiough a viwiery of whades of reds, vreelis, ete., ther oolour pattern is quite as viiiable. Lineolatus has the seales of the gird: muel Jarger than those of the other species. Jn water. littl: deeper, that is, In shallow pools at lewest spring-lide, ander the botiom rock, a large blaek ebitan, fachnoradsia evanida, Sowerby, ovcurs. The largest I have is 34 inches. loneth. They are very numerous at San Remy, Init wherever smooth, sheltered rocks exist vound the Vie- tovian coast the species should be met with, The little Kopionella matthewsi, Tre., looking ontwardly like a-snial) Plaziphora, has recently been found. at Monning- tun by a gi just 11 years. of age, This chiton, when examined atten a poeket-lens, is found to possess, in addition to two vather ordinary forms of etiele bristles, a third kind of glassy, slender bristle, sarmoaanted by a white swollen head, shaped inuch like wu paddle blade, This peeu- liar feature was discovered by the writer some years ‘azo, and suggested the name of the genus, Nopionella=a, little oar, i Asta. Kieloviin Ghiten Viole Nat. Awsetia, Vieloriine Ohitony —. yar een The tail valve of this species is turned mp uvach as in the genns Lorian The Kopionella is to -be searched for in pools wt low tide, and will move often be found on the sides of the Yoeks than underneath them, ; wo specimens of Kopiondla Were vollueted this Jangary at Mornington by Dorothy Green, » member oat the Mornington Naturalists’ Clib, which is doing good work under the guidance of tho Rev. George Cox, With the exception of a specunen. in the collection of Mr. C. Gabriel, which came from Portland, this is the first reeord tor. the State, Tn similar situations will be found, vii Vietovian waters, a highly-seulptured chitin galled Callistachilon meridionatts, Ashby. ‘Che pleural area is a beautifully executed network, and the lateral areas ave fatnished with two lifee nodulose ibs... The two handsome chitons, Calliozona and exoplunda, the former green, the latter pink, both have to be searched tor in deep pools below lowest tide mak, and on rocks party bedded in coarse, glean sand. The great and ivory speries, hednalli, was dvedged by Bracebridge Wilson, near Port Phillip Heads, anc seems to frequent ‘pools too deep tor the wader to reach. Tt will be gathered that, trom halt-tide down to '3 feet below lowest low-vater mark each foof or tivo of level wilh have its pacticular species of chitons, and Professor Harvey Johnston used the Qneensland chitons to distinguish the ‘arioug zones. at which other forms of warine Gfe are to be found, While some forms of Acunthochilons (chitons with tutts of bristles at the sutures) are to be found in large numbers in shettered shallow water, there is another group of the sane genus that occurs only below lowest. tide-mark, and then rately. The three Victorian species; AL. wilsont, Sykes, A, pilsbryd, Sykes, and A, gatliffi, Ashby, oll belong to this group, and are only tound in the situation mentioned above, or dredged. At least many forms as yet unrecorded from Victoria will be fonnd, with the addition of some that wae quite new to science, if 4 new race ‘of earnest workers ean be stimu- lated into action. These intending students must be pre- paved to dou old elothes and work owp to the middle at lowest. tides. An ivan bar, ov-hook, will gveatly help in the turning over of the larger rocks. I+ means work, but, at least during: the surnmer’ months, the experience is a delight- ful one and within the reach of all. “ky > Asmiy, Victorian Ohituns i ’ STRUCTURE AND OVER CHARACTERS, Betore dealing with the evolution of chitons, sate brief explanation seems needed ag to the lite Nistory and the ebaraeters of the animals and theiv shells. Tn common with the Gustropeda, they are stonmch-footed, have a separate head, which is furnished with a tonznue (vada) amned with numbers of hook-like tovth, by menos of which the animal rasps off foud, The body is. furnished with gills, placed alone the sides in varyitiw positions according to the genus. The Juvenile chiton is free-gswinuning, but very early commences io form its eoat-ofanail shell, eonrposed of eight! sepurate parts (yalves), which are beautifully hinged tovether and tied, on their oater margin, to the leathery girdle. ‘Nhe sivdla, in most forms, is eapable of great) expansion and is variously protected and ornamented with Hlasslike seales of wreat heanty, glassy bristles mm varied forms wind chalky spines -hlant av otherwise, The ornamentation of the shell has been apthy termed ‘sculpture.’ While the designs are extremely vamed and atten inteieateé th detail, thay always conform, iy some measure, Lo a conmon plan, made up of three areas: a4 Veshape dorsal ara a Veshape pleural aren, and aa inverted Veshapa lateral area. The ¢haracter of the sealptiural ornarnentation ut the shell, and that of the virdle clothing, except when supported v obther Jess superfieial differences, are conmdered by authorities as specific characters only. ‘he most important geuvvic istinctions ure to be found in the changes in the *“nsertion plate,’ whieh is an outward growth of the inner laver of shell, forming a sort of ‘“Fang,"’ to which the eirdle is aldached —in the pasition aid numbers of the gills, aud in the dentition of the vadula. These are supplemented, im a few genera, with alterations in the shell and girdle, which correspond with speeial strnetural features in the animal. ‘Khe colour sehomnes have practically no specifie value, varying, as they do, io yw smele species from white to black. through pimk, red, yellow, orange, green. and blue, with a wide varithion in putlom, mostly made up of geometric designs hilaterally aniform, Bvonunon oF CHvONS, Chitong ave found in the Pakeozoie rocks of the Northern Hemisphere, and oecur im these primary vorks m quite an adsaneed stage of development, as regurds sculpture and fom; but in all the known primitive genera, the insertion plate is absent, whereas in all living forms, with the exeey tion of the Lepidopleuridm, the insertion plate is present, ‘ - opr eyi ia + eat View 3 19 Asn, Figlorian Chatons vo). XL ra The tisence of this feattire moans that Lhe girdle is easity tletached by the rolling over of the rocks, to which the creative is adhering, hy the Vaves, and serious, if not fatal, injJuvy done to the antral, The move strougly the girdle is. altached to the shell. by so much is therdesres of risk*to the animal lessenect: tins, in the development of the insevtian plate. we have a most Importint survival faetor, and in the ingenious devices adopted io this end, we can read. ax in a hook, the history of the avolution of chitang throughout the ages of the. past. Lia aware that Teedale ail Mull in w recent publiestion, lwve stutzested Chat fhe absence of the insertion plate tl living members of the Muamily Lepidoplenrids, is due to degeneration, brut, as this hypothesis is unsupported, as rorards the genus Lepidaplewmus, by arty laportai, factor, 1s seems to contuse classification, Two, if uot threa, species of Lepidoplenrus live in the shallow witurs of Victoria; a litthe eredin-eoloured shell about half-an-ineh in Jeweth; a smaller one, with blood-red body ond very fragile, highly ormunerted shell; anc a still smaller 4pecies, with coarser seulpture than the last. - These are called, respectively, Hradas, mattheusianus, and badius. They live niderneath the bottowr roeks and stones, whevce one or maw are yilecd on top of each others tt is undoubtedly this habit of sceretiny themselves i sueh protected situations that has enabled members ot the Leputopleumdce to survive down the ages, in spite of thety iinperfest girdle attachment, In Australian waters several other members of this genus exist, bub all ave deep-water species, only obtained by dredging. their survival being accounted for from the fact that the depths at whieh they live are undisturbed by the atarms which are a serious menace to littorine fornis: Then, ax we follow up the scale of development, start- ing with the wentis ‘Lepidoplewus, Whose tembers Nave ne insertion plate, we have, jn the Northern AHenisphere, Wan- leya,. with the insertion plate in the anterior valve onby ; un Anturetie venus, “Temiarthewn, with insertion plate in the two end valves ‘only; then forms with dnsevtion plates in all valves. but ho slits, Note belonging to this stage of development, however, have yet been found in Australian waters. ‘The genus Choriplax, whieh is represented by twe species, ‘gray’, Ad. dnd Aug. from Svdney (one example only), and (. patitsont, Ashby, from Sonth Agastralia (one exumiple), .This genus has va slits 1 its tnsertion plate, and was thought by earlier writers ta.helong to the Lepido- pleunidres but T have shown, i an earlier paper, that tte trne place is much higher ap mm the genetie-tree— that tH . Tare. | ASHBY, Victorian Chitons 1Z really hag highly developed insertion plate im which the slits have been suppressed, owing probably to the peeuliat environment in which it lives, The next stage is one in which there ave insertion plates in all valves, and these plates are deeply slit, thus enabling the mauseles ta tie the shell to the girdle more strongly. The Isehmochitons. of which a number of species can easily be obtained round the Victorian eoast. well illustrate this stage _of ehiten evolntion. . ‘2. Then we have itt the trne Chatons, which in Austraha wre known tnder the sub-generic name Ehyssoplax, in uddition to the slits in the insertion which divide it into what ‘are technically known as ‘‘teeth’’ (although serving a very ‘different purpose), a fine servation of the edges of the teeth is “present, which still further increases the “strength of the attachment of the girdle. Tn another gems, represented in Victoria by Cullistochiton meridionalis, Ashby. the sides of the slits are ‘‘ festooned ’’—ourved outwards ; i in Callochitan represented in "Victoria hy three species, the ‘‘teeth’’ are fluted. All these ehaiges, we believe, have been brought abaut to strengthen ‘the attachment, of the girdle. Chitons possess- ing these iinprovements are able to venture out of the pro- tection of sheltered holes. and the undersides of more or less buried roeks, into nueh more exposed positions, and some forms even iuto the rough and tumble of the oesan surf on the rocks exposed to the fall foree of the waves. It is by meas of these “survival -factors’' that the “expectation of lite’? of chitons has been imereased, and they have been enabled to venture into feeding grounds which ave still closed. pastures to the more primitive forms. LOCALITY LIST OF VICTORIAN CHITONS, Class AMPHINEURA. Order Polyplacophora. Family DLEPIDOPLEURIDE, Pilsbrs, | Genus Lepidopleurus, Rissa. Lepidoplewws beatus, Ad. and Ang. Port. Phillip Heids, Orean Beach, Phillip Islane ¢G. and G.}. -batiws, Hed. and Hull Torquay and Pornand ((, and G,}. ; : profundius (Ashby M-3.}, May Dredged Port Phillip’ Heads (J,B.W.). i iets rolumnarius, Hed and May. Dredged: Endeavour, Bass Strait. t 1 x . Pietoriu it q View Nat 4 ASHBY, Victorium Chitons Vat cat °*Family PROTOCHITONIDE, Ashby (Fossil only) Sub-order Chitonina, Thiele. Fumily ACANTHOCHITONIDA®, Hedley. Sub-family AKOSSOCHITONIN, Ashby (Fossil only} Sub-family ACANTHOCHITONIN®, Ashby. ; Genus Acanthochiton, Gray, em. Avanthuchituy suduri, Blainville, syn. asbestoides. Smith. Wilson's « Prom., Kershaw, yranostriatus, Pilsbry. Biack Rock, Sandringham, Port Phillip, Portsea, Torquay, Portland. bednalli, Pilsbry. Port Phillip Heads (1.B.W.) pilsbryi, Sykes’ Western Port, Shoreham (G, and G.). Port Phillip Heads (J.B.W.). komberi, Torr. Torquay, Portsea and Portland (G. and G.). retrojectus, Pilsbry. Coasts generally. variahilis, Ad. and Ang: Mornington, Torquay, Poruand, and Shoreham (G. and G.)- gqtligtt, Ashby. Port Phillip Heags (J.B.W.). Poin\ Cook, Port Phillip (G. and G.), dredged. Genus Notoplax, H. Adams. | Notonluz wilscm., Sykes. Port Phillip Heads (J.B.W.). glyptus, Sykes. Port Philip Heads (J.B.W.). Portsea; Western Port; \off cable, Bass Strait (G. and G.). mutihemsi. Bed. and Pils. Port Phillip Heads (J.B.W.). yneciosis, H. Ad, Westernport;, Partiland; off Piles, Part- sea Pier (G. and G.). Port Phillin Heads (J.B.W.). Sub-family ORYPTOPLACINE, Thiele. Genus Orytoplax, Blainville. Cryptaplax siriatuy, Vantarek. Port Phillip, Western Port (G: ‘and G.). ' *Pusbry places the Ischnochitonida and the Mepaliide earher than the tts? ' mee Mount Painter was now a mile distant, wha the travel Jing became very yough. From the ‘sideling along which our track Wound a splendid view was obtained sorth-véat. look- ing back down the West Keiwa’ valley and Westward ‘over the Ovens in the ditestion of Br ight and Prechurah, ‘Our guide saw “a. fire startiiyg | near his hanie, and Was, caused some *“ausiety. Ten days later this fire Was still burning fiercely, shrouding the Tawotiga valley in“a dense! ‘pall of amoke, At Bogung . Jack's saddle, about midway “between Bogougz Jaek’s Hut: and North Mount Fainter, the surveyors have byought’ the trdtk over trom, the ester to the eastern alape; Here some unpleasant climbing! was expetienced, but at each Frequent, Tele WV woiidertul ‘Panaraina exetted af Tapeh, Mownt Meainter requnel Vink Nat, ADGKLL, Maunt Faimter and Reyne yt xpi idmivation, As wo, stood there we felt it would be: tany uw day yet befure the mountain fastiesses would-be clistucbed by the noise of thre Inotorist and the apne o£ the iwiunintains Ohased away. 6, a Tt leenme necessahy to. dismount und ive ae hofses as long a rein as possilie- The tootine was ditfieul! for man and beast. even when walking wp the large fited, and nearly as Jarge, loose stones on the unpraced track." “Steps of Shairg " this portion of the track has been “ealléd for’ a good halimile. ut the _ Steps: are invegulaw ‘in height and size, wind the stirs ave ‘‘evegsy,”’ whether going up or ¢om- ing down. .We, did not mind the time taker or the care necessary now, bub it} was just as well that the bush-fire did wet cateh uy heresbouts on our vetaen, Tr due course: Mownt Painter was reached. ‘Iwo peaks mark the surnanits- North Mount. Bainter, at 6160. Feet,:ands about aw mile dis- tant, a little to the Gast, South Mount Fuinter, 6000° feet. Tt is clear. swys the Jate Mr. R.A, F. Murrag that the ranges Cowpituy the ancient, watershed lines, of whieh Mounts Feathertop. Hotham: Gape ancl other mountains ave probally remains, were even of tar greater elevation than-ihey are now. and have been reduced by cenudatiua hundeeds. per- fais thiasands of feet, during the-time that-the same action fas taken fo erade the deep, valleys at their bases; At the north end of the range, from what vemaihs of the eam on the highest pont. and“just at’ the edge of the mount, there are glovious | ‘glimpses of unstudied nataral anlendou. "North of west 25 miles ave the serrated Buffalo: mountains, wid, Tike clouds on the south-west hovizon, the rigged] Mounts Cobbler, ‘Howitt and Buller, Toi de five miles east ave the: pointed ‘Mount MekKay and the massive Mount Nelsons while beyond then, far away, ave Muwnt Kosciusko and sister ranges. At our-feet the awesome gorge. of the Kiewa, some 38000 feet below, separated us from Mount, Feathertop that we know, so woll (see Vic, Nat; Wol. 38., Web. 1922). ‘here seen buttressed up by a long spur, Often we had gazed on Bainter’s bold granite and basalt onilines, and had picked ont with our glasses: the two eajns, wondering, Tike muiny. other people, what lay Son ‘the other side of the hill.2? To climb down the steep slopé of Painter and op the’ Ting Teathertay spar te the recenthy-ereeted chalet, two wiles’ aver the top, would, we considered be not too diffi cenit an nndértaking:: We knew something: of these spurs, and hacl essayexd Blair’s hut frony the other side in 1922; lait When-ovle climbs down these mountain slopes for more: . jaa TAWGHIL, Mawar Fuintér and Beyond 37 than a nile. they ave found to be disrupted and appareniby igferminable . Mien the nuknown holds ont Wack, said, jist where one would succeed. one fails in the final effort, We had elinbed down the ‘hut’? ‘spur under the Razorback, td got close ta. the rocky bed of: thee D4amentina—hul _, the unknown—so we retried on our tracks. ° Blair's ‘tut ean be.reached from Feathertop, aud so ean The Pawong Hut, onder the High Plains. Thig season was not 4-nornal one, and, although 70 fires had so far reached np its slopes, Mount Fainier night not ma fanness le judged from what we saw of it. The watereourses of the now ‘dried-up springs had cut deeply into the mountain-sides, where Orites, Silver Daisy, Marsh Mutigold and Cushion Carraway abounded. The pile car- pet-like sward of Poa caespitosa gradually fell away for 160 feet HU South Mount Fainter was reached, Here, nark- ing the second summit, was the usual cairn and, like a play- evound of the gods, an. elevated flat of. some 30 feet x 15 feet, very evenly paved with basalt eobble-stones. As was our custom, we rebuilt the cairn. On this summit were mountain planis, snch as the Snow,,Coarse, and Wringed Daisies; white Huary Sanray; Wie Snow Bent, and Bristle Grasses; the Alpine form of the Wallalryy Grass; Knawel; dark, stout, -ovoid-headed Woodrushes, so wilike the weet Lazule can- peatrés ot the lowlands. Under tie Sunnnit, some 15 feet, 20 yeals ago a party of miners had driven ao tunnel on the alluvial bed, and, according to reports, hed won good gold. The winter at 6000 fect is severe, as show may fall ah any file hebween _ ihe months of Mareh and November; consequently, wark Was snapended till the following spring, and later abandoned, when, on attenpting to resume operations, it was found that. for want of timber, the drive had fallen in. Thig alluvial is si#nifienit, as it points to the oxietence of an ancient river at a considerably relative higher elevation than the river-beds of the present day (Report. V, Geo. Survey, Vie.). Tt was eonjectured by the late Mr. Murray that a myer ran south-east from Mount Fsinter and connected with the fossil-hed formation on the Bundamnah River, 9 miles away: whetcus the Kiewa, nowadays, rans almost due north. Tit is even thought that the river was tha Dargo, whieh, in times past, might have had its course wear Mount Fainter. instead of under Meunt Hotham, 15 miles distant at the Present time. Mr. FL Chapman has identified, among the water-worn stones I brought from the alluvial workings of Mount Painter, lydite, quartzite, quarts-felsite, felspathie- gieies, and seldet- 38 Texpouey, Morn Katater dad Bayon? Vist Dnt. What is known to the stockmen as the fainter Rango ritis for a mile long by 3 miles in width, Well down on either side are found. rushing waters that siell aie hranal or other of the Miewa, and hoght well coustitate sual! indepen- dent. rivers. Thiteresting plant life is tonya from 3-300 foot under the mount, and a marshy fat spreads out on- the south side. In the sandy geavel are found dwarf epacrids, with the dark, chocolate- lined Pr esophyllum, exocarpus mitra, the Alpine-flowered and Rope-Rushes, and Richeu, with long, ereamy flowering spikes. Here, aid also wear the hut, we found plentifully the aster, Olearia remadosu, var. conmuunts, now merged in O. _ floribiendit (Benth,), The stream that. runs through this marsh was turned into an adjoining valley by old-time miners, and, over the rise » mile distant, the confused banks tell their own’ tale. We had considerable diffeulty in tracing the origiti of the name given to Mount Feiuter. Many, tneluding local sources from which we had expected mformation, yielded no help; jt, as usual, our guide knew his distriet. It would wppear that, in the early days, there was a mai partial’? to hovses, who workecl between Omeo and Tawonga, and, on one oécasion to avoid an ‘‘interview,'' he was hard- pressed on foot, to get to his Int, on a flat neat the top. He had nearly sueeeeded in reaching the summit, when he fell, exhausted; and, on coming vound, lie explained that the stecp mountain side had put too great a strait on his heart. Jt is also fittingly added, that he and a mate lost theiv bearings i one of the fogs eonymon to these altitudes, and separated, each going in the direction in which he thought the but Jay. ‘The mate reached the hus, but the *hero’? was wever heard of again. — Hazlitt says that ntieknanies have governed the world aud set ii mnotion man’s prejudices. doing their work ‘more effectually than veason, besides getting through theiy job with, the least time and trouble. Such wore our thoughts as we reflected on the origin of fhe ames Feathertop atid Fainter. Weathevtop’s name might have originated from the feathery clond that is sometimes seen over its summit, or from the feather-edge of the razor-back approach fo its earn. The latter is. indeed, se apparent that, on my first attempt to get to its top, I decided to climb up a very steep side- rather than-take the ditect track up its narrow- ig crest. What a name to bestow upon such a aplendid Toass of ‘Nature’s handiwork, a creation of countless miles of craceful spurs and buttresses, when Feathertop is viewed in the distance from the Bright-Harrietville road! Faipter; also—how inadequate and expressionless & name for majestic Tu at £959) Taiukou. Mount Poiuter and Beyotut 34 wud rugged -beawiy! In both cases the prejudice of false iapressions haunted the imagination, so that dea and a8s0- ciation could mot ‘disconnect them. Leaving the well-watered ‘Little Plain’! at 5700 feet, and the grassy i\usteriny-flat olose to Mount Painter, there ave two tracks. that lead to the Tawonga Hui und Painter High Pisins. ° One, cpen, thongh youky and mort suitable for the packhorse, continues along the rough sutveyed track, passing ‘weeping rosk’' through a huge, rugged and sterile sranite rangze—little short of 6000 ieet—to ‘the stock-vards, ander ‘ “Nigger head,” and the’ snow poles, when the hut nay be seen. The newer deviation by which a mile and a half ig saved, branches off at the creek, all upturned by the miners. A dilapidated Wailding alone revnains of the onee- busy camp, While resting, we watched a fine fox lope along within easy vange of a gun, aud disappear into the bush again. Two beautiful streams were crossed, and the traek, though good, was somewhat inconvenient from overhangmg and fallen bushes. Snow Gums, Greville vieloviae, and Olearia fluvescens hold sway, and, along the granite-strewn track for nearly 4 mile, bushes of Boronia algida were met with for the first and only time, in company with the sealy Phebalium squanadosun. This was the only Ertostemon seen, excepting the leathery Pleurandyopsis trymualioides collected on the Pretty Valley fall of the High Plains. The former species likes some little protection, while the latter prefers the exposed uplands, and this is seen in the adaptability of the forms of the leaves in both species. Quite unexpectedly, the hut was reached on turning the corner of the track, close to an ideal mountain stream. At the hut there was a-eveat commotion, and we eounted 200 erowe in one flock. This was the greatest number of these hirds scen by us together, yet they did wot appear ta be hungry, as the carcase of a beast had lain untouched for a ~eek outside the stoekyard. From the hut, at 5500 feet, we made several excursions down the rushiiig mountain stream, whieh becomes an affluent of the east branch of the Kiewa, and help that river on its journey of 84 miles. In its. course over a vacky bed, sand and siones have worm many large, circular holes two feet deep, Robust bushes of stout, golden-headed Callistemon Steberi, with glongated filaments and vich- coloured flowers of the Trigger Plaut were seen, as well as pale, rose-coloured Austral Bluebells, unusual, T think, and somewhat a misnomer here. The very rare Alchemilla, vul- aris lined the banks at frequent intervals, showing the 40 Tannen, Moun inden us Vigt Nab At i, wk Farmler and Beyont wi eat “Tadies” mantles’? in yellowish-browi profusion; aud ain theiv company was the rare rush, Heleocharis multicuntis. A scale and a furs were found, and' have been Iindh identified hy Messvs. C. French, juny, and ©. Brittlebank. hat eolleeved on Callistachys ( oxilobiwne) elipticunt, among the vocks im dry places, was the white mussel-seale (Chionas pis Dugeniae), with pretta, white, dispersed spore sacks, not vnlike coval, The luxuriant Bruchkycome decipiens, overhanging the water's edge, with large flowers on a long seape, bore on, its leaves and stems the ‘eeidium of Puccinia ' Brachycomes. The latter was a clustered, cup-like fungus af pretty orange eolour, with dusky inembraneous odges, Ay own Brachycome, with toothed leaves, was very common, and quite at home in the mud of the rocks, ng it wag in the grassy depressions adjoining. Among the rock ereyices and on the banks, grew the yaro Juncus falcetus, and the raver Carea tchinatus. . The former has blackish infloreseence and blacktipped, grey- ween, gvasslike foliage. ‘The Carex will now have to be added to the Club's Census, Fine specimens of the tea- tree Lepltospernvum lanigerum, worth all the effort to reach them, were growing 100 feeb lower. We did tot find any Jar've waterfalla ag expected. Jt is not an easy matter ta climb for a mde up and down the bed of an alpino creek. We yaussed smail waterfalis, cataracts and templing Venus” baths aa we went swingmg from one aide to the other, by ineans of perhaps the best specimens I have ever seen of the Mountam Plom Pme, Podocarpus alpina, with stems that, measured & inches in diameter, ‘This always reminds me of a dwarfed and spreading Japanese Pine, of pot enliure. Ferns were scarce, excepting the Alpine Blechuum. ‘The Tunbridge Filtay Fern was met only once, on a eool rock- face, close to a waterfall. The small form of Hyperi LCUM japonicum, perhaps confined io the Alps. was abundantly in flower, It seemd an intense Green. than the large form of the lowlands, and a waterdover, which does not charaecter- ise the var graminea, Sphagnum beds abounded, and, in them, odd-fowering spécimens. of the Vemed Sun Orchid, Orchids were rare, owing perhaps to the season. The prasophyll’, called by Dr. Rogers after the two male miembers af aur Club, were the exception, The common Bird Orchid wag difficult to locate,-as it hid in the undenserub, as is its wont in these parts. Less than a‘mile fiom the Tawonga Hnt. on the hill- aide leading up to the High’ Plains, there is, at 4800 Feet, . ’ La TADGELL, Mount Wainter ant Kevoud 41 a curious basalt formation, which we termed ‘‘ Our battery.’’ Thirty or more columnar stone slabs, or lows, as the late Mr, Murray \yould have ealled them, ave to be seen together. These stones are about as long as a house windowsill or stone step, and as truly shaped as if cut for some purpose with the chisel, and then abandoned. ‘They are four, five, and even six-sided, and lie half embedded in the earth, laok- ing in the distance like guns elevated into position ready to be fired. It neaded little imagination to see gunlayers’ work of a howitzer battery; each gun had & recoil jacket ou top and below, while; to coniplete the illusion, the balls for charging the numerous guns lay around. These stones are uneven ou their surfaces, and render the slope of the hill difficult of approach, as, in walking over them. one needs ta be gareful of foothold, owing to the Mountain Plom Pine concealing the spaces. between them. Sometimes an nnexpected pause, or an obstacle, will pro vide a prize for the natural history student, It was in this way that, hereabouts, we found a number of specimens of the rare Geranium sessiliflorwm, just going out of flower. This ylaut is a good example of pilosiam, 4s the leaves, in this exposed position,” are thick and rough-hairy, while hydvoetropism ig seo iy the long, thick, tap-roots, sugges- tive of diffieulty in the search for moisture in such a season ag the present one. Beyond ‘Onur Battery'' on the Wiech Plains, about 24 wiles from Hic Tawonga Hut, a promin- ont Soature on the landseape is Mount Flora, or ‘'Jim,'’ as the locals call it in contradistimction te *‘Jack,'’ their name for Mount Cope, 24 miles further to lhe south. Mount Tin rises fo 5900 feet—the extrenie height of the High Plains —and, at a distance, attracts attention because of the pleas- ing appearance given by its cover of Snow Gums, Hovea, and other shrabs. Masses of Hoary Daisy bushes and the Alpine Mint Bush, both a wealth of large, whitish-pale blue coloured flowers, ereated a veritable floral feast such as might well adorn a eultivated garden. These, with the Mountain Plum Pine, covered the lower rock formations, extending for many acres around. One marvels again whence come these untold square or several-sided bleaks of basalt, in such shapely sizes. A closer examination, of Mount Jim veveaJed two large vent-like openings—huge quarries iy appruraneé—on two sides, as though masons had been at. Work for months with square, chisel and mail, Our enide allud the openings craters of extinct voleances. They ure certainly like them, but the late Mr. Murray refers to similar basalt formations as landslips, Their low height now would jot give that impression to the layman, who $2 Tancent, Mount Pyriates and Beyond Wick, Nat, Vou xt mm looks. for some reason why. the large openings are aittnalant and asks whether frost. could split up the basalt so evenly. No doubt the landslips,oceurred ages prior to the time when the fluviatile and atmospheric actions seulptured the country to its presentiform, Once again we found difficulty ia-walking over the stones from which the water had washed all traces cof earth. ° But. they certainty ave nseful to drain the slopes.» 4 Snow nahée, 10 fect in height, at frequent intervals matk the track trom the Tawonga Hnt, at S00 feet, across the wide flat, furrowed in many places by our creek and its branch. Mountain Heath-myrtile, acres in extent and flower- ing in wild profusion, is a souree of attraction ta countless small lepidoptera. whose name we could’ hot ascertain. We thought that we had sent good specimens, but cur inexperi- eee as entomologists evidently put the specimens out of court for identification. We passed the slip-panels and large stockyards,, capable of holding 1000 beasts and more at one time; and the line of snow poles wound out, with the “Nigger Head’ on ovr vight, to the High Plains, at i700 teet. Gur immds try to picture the autumn mustering of the 8000. to 10,000 head of cattle now on the Plains: the noise of men, of their cracking stoeckwhips, the barking of dogs and lnw- ing of cattle, as mobs, with all kinds ‘of brands, ave cut eut and allocated to the oyany otwiers. The fiyst snow 1s the warning to collect the stock. Snow, at time, comes unexpectedly early, when a way must be ‘dug through the soft. dvift, and the track exposed for the mile-long stfing 42 cattle trekking hack to the lowlands. The “Nigger Hesd"' range, so named becwouse the basalt outerops resemble teuseled black hair, rises to 5900 feet and overlooks our hut, also the West Kiewa, Mount. Feathertop, and its exten- sion along the Ragor-back. It was the ““Nigger Head?’ we climbed to watch, with misgivings, the progress of a hush fire that swept up out of the valley,.2000 feet below, over this range, well down our side, and caused us dain the ercek, carry water to the hut, and prepare bags for beating wut the invader. Twiee we saf up till midnight, watehing -till the fires had sunk low. We found that the fires con- sistently burned at their lowest at midnight, but the smouldering, thick roaot-stock of the grass held the fire, which revived with the morning breeze, On arriving at the High Plains the snow pole ‘tine divides, one branch turns to “the right, zigzaggiug and skirt- ing the opposite bank of the 1 Nigger Head Creek and along the Kiewa under Feathertop, with numbered poles, -till Dungey’s track is reached. This track commences at Free- sunt LAMHEIL, Holt Malate dad Beyord 45 Inuveh, ea? Bright, winds up the deep garee of the Kiewa, aid eonivnes towards Mount Hetliany) and over the Cobungra Gap. It is worth while turning off Dungey's track, nea Blair's lul, io lool at the small, tarn-like lake, with jis three precipitous roeky sides and moss-bed ontlet. The Joft-hand line of poles extends across the High Plains, past wooded Mount Jim, to the dome-shaped Mount Cope, 5 wiles out, und still beyond, heading towards Glen Wills, On the Lbgh Plains we had expected’ open, grassy, Alot country, and were considerably surprised to find a very undulating area, some 7 miles by 3 miles, exposed, almost treeless, and wenerally grassy, but sometinjes racky and ‘liffieult to walk over, he Plaing rise to 5900 feet, but fall away 3 to 400 feet into Pretty Valley, and, aboxt 2 miles further on, inte Rocky Valley. The former is about 14 times the extent of the latter, and fogether they ageregate song: 12,600 aeres, which, it is probable im the future, will be converted by the Electric Scheme into what will prove lwo beautiful lake-like reservoirs, by oleans of high dams, 6S feet wand 55 feet above the viver-bed. At present thera are two survey camps collecting data for the Blectric Scheme—one under Monnt Feathertop and the other near the Pretty. Valley, under Mount MeKay. 1 am indebted to the Blectricity Commissioners for use of the map attached to their 1920 report, ta serve as a guide ta the locality. The Bast Wiews, which Aows tlirguzl the valleys and rung over a xoeky bed of eneisses, mica-achists, and quartzite, 1s nearly the, game size as the Watls at Fernshuw, ov the Badger at Coraudervk, without the overhanging vegetation. We found much to interest n& in the well-named Pretiy Valley. A braee of duek rose from the river at our: appreacl. Beautiful loenstidar of electric-blue sheen. and with lauky' magpie-coloured legs, lawily showed off their colour and palloon-like wings and invited further mspection. Tn fact, many natural history objects insisted on attracting attention. Rare plants were gathered, such as Ranwiculus Melani’, Protia puberula (Lohelia Bentham), interwoven with tiny rush, Juncus’ pusitlus. Herpolirion-Novie Zeatan- diae, in damp “round, was a picture of large, pale-blue, almost stemless, flowers, rising out. of the rigid, grass-like Jeaves. The -pletty Violet-streaked Euplirasia antarctier was found, and will also have to be now added to our Census. A part of the Pretty Valley, under the High Plains, is a> hoge moss-hed, and innuinerable mountain trout, Galuxias, seemed quite ablivions to the drying water-pans, m whieh we foand #4 Tanoria., Mount Painter and Beyond | Vou xfany im flower the rare rosh Juneus orassiusculus, and its ¢lose sister, J. fluctans, . We waridered leisurely over the Plains past Mownt Jim. and iso ‘‘home.’’ Stackhousia puluinaris, another rare plant (just finishing flower), revelled in the gravelly watereourse, and vied for inmost exposed position with the annual. Kuphrasia, epacris petrophitn (in sere copses), and Rartun: eulus Muellert (sheltering under the last-named). , The Pratia, with us lage. single, white flowers and sanceulent stems, crept along the depressions of the High Plains, also ws high as. 5900 feet, and Myriophyllam pedunculetium. gave the waterpahs # reddish tint. While exanuining some Steck- house pulsaneis plants in fruit, with which was associated ihe rare dwarf grass Agrostts Muellest, we found that a snake, ‘20 ineles in length, had ased two good-sized stones for sloughing—it had squeezed hetween them. Mr. JJ, A. Kershaw rovards this as the White-lipped Snake, Denisonta caronoides, : Actphylla gtactalis, found between 5600 feet and S800 feet, was less cammon about Painter thun about Meathertop, Bushinen call it “native eelery,’” because of its Aowers. It has stiff, sharp-pointed leaves that would not.appear fo con- fain invch nutriment, so we wondered at its rarity, Onr guide offered a possible’ solution, stating that cattle are fond wf it and will almost cat it out. He had noticed a white flnid, of a niulkty natere, fall from their mouths during mastication. An acre of Podolepss longipedata, var. robusta, and adjoniing an aere of Helipterum incaniwm, var, alpina- album; were a wealth of beauty on roelky slopes. ‘lhe Rundarrah tiver, a tributery of the Mitta, and 25 miles in Jength, has its soureé under Mount Jim, by a seareely perceptible, shelving, grassy depression on the High Plains. Whew a mile had been covered, tle contracted rock. hed had steep banks and took 2 sharp turn Its bed was marked by stones devoid df earth, showing how great at. times is the volume of water that rushes along, tearing throngh all obstacles. Close by were many flowering examples of Brachycomé scapigera, at 5600 feet—the only plants we saw of this species. At present. there was so little water thatyour guide had never. scen the river so dry near its sonree, and two fishermen showed ws a couple of dozen Golazws which ‘they had easily caught, to bait the More vovacious imported rainbow trout, in the waters of the West Kiewa. ‘Troat need no tickling in these clear mountain streams. We watched one fine fellow siini up and tuke the bait, and his subsequent struggles for freedom. Some 4 miles from the Tawonga Hut, at 5360 feet above June _ Tavesa., Mound Mainter and Bertone. 4b - - 4 . sea Invel, or half o niile fron, the sharp tarn in the Bure darrah above refered to, 1s *‘Redtank,’* where the river has town its way through enclosing banks, and 40 feet of yellowish beawn clay is exposed for’ 30 fret abaye the loose stones in the river. Here is a fine fossil fnrmation, 7 feet. 4 mches from the grassy surface, lying on cement conglom- erates with a primitive coal bed'18 inches thiek; on top of 15 -juches of Jaminar clay, containing leaf impressions. Tligher up the stream 100 yards ‘is a similar bank, showing examples of petrified wood. Mr. F. Chapman ldadly made 4 eursory examination .of the foliated clay we broughi, back. and we hope that he will find time to give a detailed report on this interesting collection of plant life in bygone tines, which he considers of Miocene uge, perhaps of Queensland rather than of Victorian. Mideene assemblage, In, the zenene list he has supplied us with he ineludes -tiva species of Fucalyplus, a Banksia, Nothofagus, the fern Lustiea Dur- gasnsis, and refers some of the other inpressions to Vephe- lites, Lomalia, Calittris, with 5 probable Sombex, slao Eucalyptus and other fruits and veed-like plants. Ma. Chap- nian finds that ihe sample of livnite is well qTiveserved and burns with a faint odour of india-rubber, while the speci- men of coal shows leaf and stem semains. We found on the banks of the river alouy thie vogley edges the rate Miehlewbechia axillaris, a relation of the lignums. It js interesting ta note that the ferns at present growing in lhe vietnity of the fossil bed) are Blechawn pennies maving, Polystichwn devleatum, and Asplendum flabelté- foivwm, while ahont three miles away on the “Nigger Head,”' ata height of 5800 feet, we found Diekseuia wadturetion, well- srown but without son, This is, 1 think, a reaord height for this fem, whieh sheltered am the large hollow made by a watercourse. The species of Fucaly phi now prowing here- abouts are the Snow Gin, JZ, comaced, var. alpina, and, at 5000 feet, HW. Gunntt; while a few onles north grows EB. Sicberiana. We carried no entaiolegieal tollecting ontfit, and, as Mr. Hooke took exception to my crude methods, he is not to be held particeps criminis for the innocent Insect lives taken, more especially those of the collection that praved unidoutifiable, consisting of additional nocturnal Jepidoptera and aiter- Locked ground spiders, the latter caught while Wetng attaeked by a wisp. Mr. G. FB, Hill, through My, J. A. Wershaw, has kindly identified some of the specimens found at 5500 feet as follows:—Scarahwide, Diphucephula elegans; Chry- somelide, Peropsts sp; Loenatidze, Tingeda albosignata; Aervida, Monisivia grossa; Gryllidw, Acripesa reticulata; 46 Tanorni, Mount Baialer and Beywad ~— [Viet Wau Vol. XUILI Strafiomyide; ai apterous female, Boreoides sp,, near stelt- lata. Tabarade, Tabunus, near circumidaius. In reply to ul enquiry as to the pest so fond of riding ou oar baeks, ib wonld seent that AMiscu vebustissima. was the culprit, We were iivterested In noting the number of these flies necessary ta provide a meal for the tame, sleek lizard’, whieh, when driven into the treek, found no difficulty in regaining the bank, searcels touching the water, aver which they appeared to glide rather than swim One of aur experiences, on returning, will not soon be forgotten. Por some days we had seen many miles of the great Kiewa. Valley burning fiereely between Mounts Hotham and Feathertop. Messrs. Galbraith and Guy, officers of the State Blectricity Commission, accompanied by our guide, had gone back to Tawonga by way of Feathertop and. Blair's hut. via Dungey’s track. They had sensational experiences. Qur only other route lay along the Kiewa-Omeo track, by whieh we had come. Hints had reached os, but we were not prepaved for the blackened and smovldering eountry- side, Fortunately, we had begun preparations at daybveak, and tiade an early start. On rounding Mount Fainter we noticed the fire on the track-side, and w heavy bank pf black smoke immediately ahead, The wind on top had increase) to a gale and whistled among the dry Snow Gums, remind- ing us of the noise through the cordage of a '' windjammer,”’ We kept steadily gong till Bowong Juek’s hut was reached, when we decided, in council, that George, one of the two young guides, should vide ahead cach quarter of a mile aid retuim to report, while Walter, who had charge ot the packhorse, would urge ‘Sam’ to his utmost. We also consideved thet it would not be possible to get down Lhe steep moutitain-sides through rocks und sernh, as we . were still over i000 feet up, and it might evan he tecessary in cut fhe packs and get through without encumbrance. A few vards inside the track the fire fiend voared fiercely up the slope, literally jumping from oné gum. tree to ‘another. Dense clouds of smoke rolled over us. and the stim’ when- see was of copper, ‘For 2 mules we vaced, and our packs. thanks to Walter and George, stood the test so that we won hy a narrow margin. We did not pase, however, up the steep and stony track, as we were entering, at about 4000 feet, 3 miles of ‘‘Silvertop'' (or. as the stockmen’ wrongly * call it; ‘Woollybutt’’): forest, and now, half a mile down tha. Valley, wag the fire following up. Few scents are sweeter than that of the leaves of: 'E. Steberiana, but a Eucalyptus forest, when the upper portions of the holes aie ae J Tamu, Mount Foluter omni Beyond, 47 bandite ominonsly aud straining in a gale, With stray branch- lots fallmg, is iol at such a Lime’ inspiring, especially when the yronnd is strewn with 20 stately giants close to your tracks—a memory ‘of a former wind, The uppermost thought jis épt to be, seabething might happen! iConung through the blaze we had time, monientarily to uitice the pagic-stricken hirds that contrived to make weak music. ITnevets, in their efforts to escape the eoammon enemy, scurried over the track, causing us to think of them. What instinct. told them of the impending danger? [Was it the amell of the burning leaves, or do insects hear ,the paride- moniam caused by a’ raging bushfire? Yo their kind pive jclepathic Warning t@ other members of their world? - Altogether, at aver 5000 feet, we collected 170 species of plants, as well as a number of varieties, and seven weeds. Ouateed from the Ceusus, which will now be added are the fallowine :—Duphoasin antaretica and Caren stellulate (Cc, echinata). Very rare: Alchemilla wuigaris. Rare: Juncus pusillus, J, falcitus, Heleocharis multicaulis, Scirpus cres- siusculus, Muehlenbeckia axillaris, Geraniuwn sessiliflonem, Pratia puberule (Labetur Bentham) The last two recorded previously only from ‘‘Whe Cobberas.’’ Alpine only) Siack- housia pulvinwis, Acitphylla glavialis. NE. and Baw Baws only: Callistemon Srebert, as well as Scleranthus winiwuroides, 8. brflorus and Diander. Aslelia alpina, Exocarpus nana, Nertara depressa, Men- tachondra pumila, all sivictly alpine, bore pretty searlet fruits as well as flowers. The factof our being without. horses on top, except for one day, was not without advantage to us as collectors. Hands and knees were in evidence, and consequently close examination and careful handling : made for better inspection, One caunot make exact determinations from distant observa- tion, either trom eoach or horseback. Some may do it, but it is bad, as a rule, I am indebted to Messrs, J. W. Audas and P, Mortis, of the National Herbarium, of whose assist: ance the Club’s botanical members are always glad to avail themselves, Messrs. L. T. Guy and W. Maddison kindly helped me to place some of the features I have added to the map, Some, not naturalists, have asked us what we do ou our outings and how we employ our time, and think, like the fox in Galsworthy’s veverie, ‘‘that man is a kind of fox and should kill for the love of killing.’” I think we have shown that the naturalist’s time can be fully oceupied on an all- tov-short holiday. 48 GOA Keaurnann Vlot, war Vol, NPa G. A. KEARTLAND The death of Mr. G. A. Keartlaid has vermoved trast ainongst us one of the early members of our Club, anil ona of its most loyal and enthusiustic workers during a period extending over 40 years, He has told ug how, in his younger days, he spent his time in studying the habits of our native Fauna, oxaniining nests, collecting eggs, and capturing mammals, birds avd reptiles to make pets of them, and visiting the Museum to find out their proper names. One day in 1886 he saw a notice of a meeting of the Field Naturalists’ Chih, and, coming into contact with Mr . French, senr., wae viominated by hin as a member, To use his own Words; ‘I attended the next meeting (early in 188%) with very anxious misgivings, and walked past the wate af this hall twice before mustering egurage to enter.’ Once inside, however, he found hinvsel£ im congenial sur- roundings, aud’ received trom the older members help ana encouragment such aa in later years he pageed on to junior members. “T. started home,’’ Ma. Keartland says, “‘from my first meeting with a fixed determination to: stady, all branches of natural history. However, after attending a few meetings and excursions [ learned how. vast was the contract I had undertaken, wid decided to confine my attention to une branch, Ornithology, which had always oceupied the chief share of my ‘thoughts.’ He wisely lost. no- opportunity of faking park in the Club excursions; and thereby Tearnt innel from ofher Workers with whom he soon became intimate— Forbes Leith, A. J, North, CG. French, D. Best. W. Ker- shaw, J. A. ‘Kershaw, A. J. Campbell, F, G. A. Barnard, Di. W. Macgillivray, J, Gabriel, and others —and at the same time came to rank amongst them asa lewding member of the Club, and rendered it most valuable assistance, which was recoenised by his election fo, the committees, and finally to the Presideney in 1907. ; His early field work stood Mr. Keartland in “ood stead, as was shown, in his first paper published in 1890, in which. contrary to the opinion of Gould, he affirmed that there were two species of Teal. Ele says; “I read a paper on the sub- ject and produced specimens shot in the month ot June in _ support of my contention, which has since been fully reeng- _ nised as correct.’ THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol) XLHI June, PLATE IT G. A. KEARTLAND 1926 wp G. A, Kraur.axu 49) Mr F G A. Bernard, in deseribing his first meeting with Mr, Keartland, velates how, as leader of an excursion, when the weather wags unpropitious, he was rather nen- plussed by fiiding that only one member of the Club, then nnknawn ta Inn, turned up. He was. evidently rather lanie, and -the leader felt somewhat anxious about, the capacity of his companion to.walk and climb. Before the wet. afternoon was over, his dotbts on this point were completely set at Yust, and he sdon found that enthusiasm and strength of will dvinmphed over any slight physical infirmity, for his conipanion conkd walk and climb just as well as his leader. The first time that the writer eame m contael with Mr. Keartiand was on the occasion of the Club exeursion to King Tstund, in 1887, At that time the Island was occupied only by tava lighthouse-keepers and a solitary wallaby hunter. There were no roads: the hunters of the sea elephants had left it just as primitive as when Lesneur and Péron, the neturaists on Baudin’s expedition, visited it in 1802, except that, unfortunately, its wombats and enios bad been roth- lessly exterminated by thehunters. On this expedition, though uo néw forms of animal of plant life were secaved, the members of the party gained valuable expoviente, and, ti a later expedition to the Went Group in 1890, Mr. Keartland had special facilities for studying the sea birds of Bass Strait, From the point of view of natural history, perhaps his most important field work was done as a member of the Horn Expedition to Central Australia in 1894. Hig main work was the colleeting of and taking notes on the birds. 4t was only rarely that move than one day was spent m the same camp, but he was indefatigable, and, trder eon- ditions that would soon have damped the ardour of a leas enthusiastic and conseientious wovker, he secured o large collection representing typical and varied examples of 73 speeius, together With most valuable field notes in regard ta them, and 20 other species that he knew well. In the winter months in the Maedonnell Ranges the nights ure often bitterly cold, but this made no difference to him, and how: after hour he used to work away by the light. of a flickering lamp, with a rug wrapped round him, and the water frozen in a billy-can. The skins were beauti- fully prepared and deseriptions of them, togother with the field notes, were published by Mr. A, J, North, Amongst them were four new species, the name of one of which Pilotis: kearllundi, together with that of a plant Gardenia keartlandt, avd of a, physical feature, Mt, Keartiand, testify to the zeal af the naturalist. D 54 G. AL Knartoarxn Viol Wat. Vol. SLICt Hs. work. on the Horn Expedition ledvto RKeavtland’s séleation as, naturalist. on the ill-fated -Calverts expedition ta mvestigate the desert vegion i north-west Australia i 1896. Warburton, Giles, Povrest and the Hilder expedition had erossed from.cast to west,-fiuding na perrianent waters os gand eountry, Great lines of rolling gandhills van tvom W.N.W. to, B.S.8.. andthe early explorers travelled in the valleys between-them. A gap of 300 miles lay between the tracks of Warburton and Giles, and an attempt was now to be made to eut if at right angles. ‘Che expedition was under the charge of Lo A. Wells, who had with him four white men, his cousin, C.F. Wells, G. li. Jones, geologist, G, A, Keartland, “naturalist, and Trainor, cook. Tt was an arduous and perilous undertaking, and only three returned, Thy the Vohwrolist for 1916 Mv. Keartiand published 4 few hotes, ut ao foll account of the expedition hus apparently been written. Leaving Mulawa, inland from feraldton, in June, the party started off with 20 camels. Early in Sep- tember they were well nito the desert. aud crossect altogether some TOU males of sandhill country. ‘‘Sometimes,'’ says Keartland, “half a mule of flat divides these sandhills, hut oerasionally — they were so tlose together that the leading camels in the caravan were aseending another before the Jast of the team had descended the previous one’? After long travel, C. F. Wells and Jones lett the main party to examine country to the W.S!W., with the intention of cutting the jracks of the latter near Joanna Springs, but they weve never seen alive again. L. A, Wells and Keartland travelled on as arranged to the Fitzroy, but it was a perilous journey. Telezgraphing from the Fitzroy on November 10, Wells says that from Mt. Bates to within 52 miles of the Fitzroy, a distance of 500 miles, they passed through a wilderness of continnous, high, steep said vidges antl spinifex. The heat was sG intense and the work so arduous that the camels collapsed 170 miles from the Vitzroy, Of the latter distanee 50 miles was traversed on faat by moonlight, and 120 by starlight, ‘We were ablived, ” says Wells, *'to abandon Keartlana’s and Joneys’ collection, all equipment, provisions and personal effects at 160-170 miles back, only taking absolute necessities 1a eatry us through to the Fitzroy.” There was, however, one personal effect which Keartland —and if was very characteristic of the man-~did not abandon. That was a gon lent to him by a friend, and that gun he carried day after day as he trudged acvors the sandhills; brought it safely back and handed in to his friend without a word of what, it, had cost him, aus i G A. Kealinane si Tr is only eight, in conuection with these expeditions, to refer to the fact that shortly after his arrival from England at an eatly age he entered the serviee of the ‘Awe’? aid Was eniployed as a compositor fov more than 50 years. Vhe proprietyrs of this journal, recognising his intefrity and single-minded devotion to natural history, treated him with great consideration and generosity, granting him) leave of absevce for his expeditions, and absolving Jin fron hurd work in his later years. - Keartland was mmeh more than a mere collectnr, His great delight was to watch and uote the habits of the ving birds, many of whith he reared. A typical example of this is to be found in’ the Natu: whist, March, 1899, Lt refers to two quails, thet he placed in an aviary with cockatan parrots and a green leek parrot, and showa his keenness of observation, Adter hiding under grass for a month, ther selected, he says, a Gapping place and began to show then selves. Beven eggs were laid. The green leek showed great divlike ta them, so, after a week, it was removed, and the Hen bird san in peace, A elanee at her when sitting shawed how these birds Manage to cover such Jaree elutehes. ‘The lang feathers ou the side of the breast spread out at right angles until the bird would hide an ordinary tea saveer. The Male bird 400K no part in inenbation. ~ When the elicks appeared he kept away from his family, perching with the parrots, but, liter on, says Kesrtland, his mind ehanged, and he was Ti oonstant attendanee on then. » One of the tost interesting of his finds on the Llorn YVxpedition was the rediscovery of the lovely Pineess Alexandva parakeet, then known as Polyteles ulenandrae. Ti had been found first by Waterhouse, during MeDouall Stuart's expedition in 1861, at Howell Springs, far wway in the north, and had practically disappeared. To quote Keartland’s own notes; “‘They were only onee seen in desert oak forest between Glen Edith and, Deering Creck, The advance party had halted for lunch, and, ov my arrival, Professor Tate said he had seen a strange looking parrot in the oaks. 1 started off in the direction . indicated and saw what appeared to be a cockatoo parrot yng towards me Having carefully noted the braneh on which it perched, 1 hurried forward, but, nothwithstanding the sparse nature of the foliage, I had to ook carefully for some: minutes before IT tound if... , Five birds flaw jnto one tvee, and I had to walk round three times before J saw them. At last four heads were Visible just raised from the thick limbs, the bodies and tails lyme horizontally along the timber.’ oY G, AL Kmane ann Viot, Wee, . Vol, MUL Wired. by Keartland’s enthusiasm, every man in eamp went, out-—whites, blicks, Afghans,.cven the old. camp cook forsook his pots and paus and took part in the Polyteles pursuib, f have a suspicion. that IKearthand very wisely directed 11s to spots where it was unlikely that specimens. would be found, and went away quietly by himself to where he thought the tloek was foeding. I only judge of this from the qiaint, enMous twinkle m his eye when we returned hirdless, and feuncd him busy skinning a Wwumber of specimens which, later on, Mr, North gaicl were '‘all im splendid plimage and eortdi- tion, ane form the finest sories of cabinet skins of this species yet secured.” [t was this series thaf showed the presence of a. spathulate second primary feather in. the wing of the niale bird, so that a new generic name, Sputhopterus, had te . invented. Later on, from Messrs. ©. EB. Cowle and P. Byrne, and other friends in central Australia—and he site andl anthused friends wherever he went—he veecived living specimens and eges and was able to determing their cliatribution. Tt was not only that kind of work in whieh he was jaterested, When the question of Whe veservation of u reat national park at Wilson's Promontory eanie before the Club in 1907, he was chosen as one of ifs representatives to place the matfer before’ the Government, and, duriue the same year, he acted ag a member of the Club's committee in hegotiations regarding the working of the Game and Fisheries Act. He was our sveaatest authority: on questions of the close season for opossums. ducks, quails, ete., ard in (hese matters his first-hand knowledye has heen of the wreat- fst value and has indeed had much weight in guiding and determining legislative action. - To all of us interested in the natural history, of Aus- ‘hratia, Keartland represents the highest type of a tro naturalist, but he was indeed more than this—-he was a brave, sveat-hearted man.—W_B,S. At the entrance to the St. Kilda Town Hall drive, recently, portion of the asphalt was raised about four inches and cracked in several places. When the layer of asphalt was removed a group of mushrooms, about 12 inches in diameter. was revealed. Undisturbed, they would probably have foreed their way completely through the asphalt.—-Svem Hrymanson, ‘ June GavsramsA, Forest Hegencravn an CHipps tend 5g “ AALLAAOBUCUEVUAQH @OOGALLAALSOIEMRASDS Fog nbrs 44) f>WBRDURIECPAALU ELE chet yas SMETELERAIAAIES ECSU TPE GHS LAE SD oh NApoaaty ade - Forest ‘Regenekation- in ace ‘By Miss‘ J, GaLBrarTi, vomsrensenvcensesnainenevonsstnonnsnenanaesesssiisonenesstonsuineinyeusienensotneesannssontnanesey SUE ECTCUTTTT NY Yee Tomei hina he following notes jrenedhsperily jnooritplete, as. Visits to- Lhe locality desembed were made at steh irregular inter- yalé, and were’ of such short duration, that it was impossible ta keep full records. —'The area over which the effects of the firs were tioticed—siveral square miles of hilly eountry east ot thie Tyers River—jjas poor soll overlaying silavian limestone, with, for ifs pastern boundary, a narrow ivon-stone ridge; and, for its western limit, a flatter sandstone ridge, The northern side ends ina dong gully, running at right angles io these pidges, whieh ended on the south in another gully, pavallel with the first. This second gully reaches the Tyees Hiver, whieh here bends sharply, jasi- within the western litiit of the area. ae ; The hilltop vegetation, before the L023 five, consisted of Nuealyplus Seberiana, with small patches of HK. oblique and Wy vapitelluta, invd boneath them a dense evowth of shrabs and sinall plants. "Acacia levearis’ secmed ta be the com- Hionest slaub, but Mhiekets of Dawtesta ledifola, Qoodenie ovata, Cassinia aculeata and C. longifolia were hardly less numerous. Melichrystum oblongifolium, in many plices, grew among the Caussinia, Lomutia dicifobia and Olearia myrsina- ides were seattered through the other growths. Bracken was common, and amongit grew Tetratheca ericifalia, T, eilt- ata, Dampiera stricta, Epacris impresse and Pulteroga Garni, Th a few places Platylobien obtusangulnr and Goodewa qenicudatir carpeted the ground, while Zsalwinn fluviatilis filled the roadside hotows, On the ironstone slope Mucalyptus polyanthenas erew, wud in the valleys 22, guatocaly ac was the oly uoalpt. 2. globulus grew near the river. Orv the iron- stone both Duviesia corambosa and Dahienien eres -and with them Goodenia ovate. and. Cassinia longifoli«, Kew small plants were found there, and little bracken. ‘Vhe emmmonest small growths were Brachycome multifide wid stunted bushes of Correa rita. The. gully vegetation needs 10 deseription, since it yet remains unburned. The ouly orebids noted in the avea; before the fire, were Dipodiun punetatum, common, and Pyasophyllum brevilabre, int only one place, The fire of March, 1925, Jéft the groind, excep! i the gallies, bare and black. Only the large Euea- Jypts rempined, black, and bare of green. We did not, a Ganansire, Maresh Regeneration im Gipson [le NS Tee after the fire, visit the locality until December 23 of the sane year, Livery tree was then covered with a clasterinyg growth of adventitions branehlets, In many places were low thickets of clewota linearis. Lomatiag ihetfolin was eoitien everywhere, flowermg profusely. Bracken was evarywhere, mud with if short tufts of Verotes, sp? Yenthor- haw miner on every side uplifted fading ‘spikes of loom. A few plants of /elchrysum leucopsidtiun were yoted. Cults of Amparea spartioides und Damprerw stracla. dotted the hill- tops. Olearin wuyrsinoides was seen, with a few apen Ihiwers, while in many places the earth was blue with blossoms of Lobelia yhombifolia, ov bright with leaves of seedling Magu- lypta, chiefly £2. Sieberiane. Tn a few roadside hollows tiny Plants of cwou, verlicilata were seen. “The change in the bird life of these hills, was mut vo ereal as that wy the ‘vegetation. Small birds, Thorubills, Blire- wrens, ete.) had been commou, but now were rarely seen or heard, while the larger species, Hoeyeaters, Rohins ebe,, secsined only ‘to have. retreated to the gullies, where algo Bustern Whip- birds ad a Lyre Bird were hoavid, ‘Tree- ereepers,- Chmacterts leweophace, and Gaiig-ganes, Calloce phalow fimbivatus, hack vetucned te the Mucalypts on the hill- tops, where the Grey Shvike-thrash, Collurieinela har raping agin made nivsic. - Our ‘NeXt, visit, January 22, 1924, reyealed, a furttier change iit the vegetation, of the area, Dipadinm punctatwn. was nasdally comman, and its spikes of bloom were large ancl deeply eolaured We saw hardly a flower ond yery few plants of Lobelia rhambifaliv, bat wheve it had bee grew its even lovelior sistor, 4) gibbasa, now in blodm. ‘Che ‘plats were very find; Some measured were two feet high, Thysanetus tiberoxus’ was common and flowerliz freely,, while through teni-all Leretio: still bloomed ‘Dn the gundstone yidseb, Whieh' we had riot’ visited in ‘Decéniber, ‘the Howers were wort: derful’ Beside species already mentioned, and long prortrate sterhs Of Céadenté géntowata aiid Dampiera stricta, there were stretches of the hillside hidden by the lovely white and rose blodnis of Helichvysiin Tevicopstdinm “Many chains of the roadside were blue with ‘great; bushy, flowering” plants of Wohlenbergia gracilis, mingled with Weeping-grady, Mtra- lnana. stipeides, and a Few tall plants of Eriaphidiam Jepont- mwas? Tere the: varying’ ‘forms of Bluebells were vary iotice- ahle as they grew in distinct patehes, blue and white: large ayid-gmail, with petals’ pointed or rdund. ~Rvery' bush of Oleari- nyrsinoides—and here there were! “maty-—Wwas? White with flawers, tn Gee vt reise Garman, Forest, Reyeneration in, Gippatoid 55 Visi ting. The arta, exeept. the, sundstone ridge, on Sep tember 27, 1924, we found little but thickets of Acueta line avis, Goodewid’ ovele, Doviesiw latifolia and Eucalyptus Steheriane, all from ‘three jo sin feet high. -, \ e On ow next, Visit, October 16, we examined the ironstone ridge, Except, in that, place little change was noted in the vegetation. Sinall plunts ot Acacia mynlifoliu and Daviesia ulicing were secu in an pen space. ‘Near ihe-roudside we notided Cussinia Jorgifolia und Hélichrysum, oblongifolium, Growing in the,poor goil,amid the outerops of ironstone, Daviesia latifolia and D. esrymbosa were flowering, aa was Red Box on the western slope. Brachyome multifida, Astro loin serrulata,,: Tethratheca ericifolia, and Loniandsa, fils: fonds, all growing strongly, were in full bloom. The broad- leat form of Hibben tia. linearis was unclosiug its first flowers. Oleevia myrsineides promised a wealth of summer bloom, and Hardenbergia monephylla was losing ita last. flowers. Where the eatth was still black and almost bare, ten species of orehids flowered, and large spaces were dotted with leaves of Corysanthes prumosa and Actanthus emertus. We ust have seeh dovens of large pitehes of Chiloglothis Cuand. AN the plantes of this teh were unusually large, many being four inches high. Caladentu ear ies and C,, fes- tacea were very common, while congesia and C. ungustaia. were hardly less numerous, Only two specimens of (ditt tata were seen, and one each of Dinris longifolia ana Cuto- chilns Robertsondi. Several small svoups of Thelyinitra, sp.® were'seen. Giossedia wag common hereas in al? open parts of the bummed area. On our next visit, January 26, 1925, we found Acacia linens ad Daviesia latifolia growing nxuriantly. On the sandstone ridge was a dense growth of Hucalyptus Sieberiana, four to six feet, high. Depedrwmn punctatwm was again common, but we saw only a few plants of Helichr: ys “Teucopsidium, while Lobelia gibbasa and Wuhlenbergia gracilis were. ever more vare. Loinetia iietfolia was not fisvering, and the few visible bushes of Oleavia. myrsinoides carried only one or. two small Aowers, Goodenia geniculate and, Dampierun strcte were flowering freely. Near the river was a nwuber of small Blue..Gums. vel A’ visit In July showd little change in, the verobution. Birds were nore numerous. Peaceful Tloves were hoted #3 new arrivals. 2 Me ~ On September 18 we again examined the ironstone spur, Despite carefyl search we found ne sign of any orehid save Caladenia carnen. Oessinén, three species of Doviesia, Acrein Bb Garaaaitu, Forest Regeneralion in Gippstand [i xual lincaris and bracken covered the hill top. Through the whole aver Lucalyptus Sieberiana was towering. Hardenbergia wonopliylla, Bredemeyra volubile, Uetrutheca ericifolia and Pultenraea Gunnti were fAlsweriug amid tha shereia aru Daviesia, also it bloom, At the time of one next visit, January 28, L926, all wos much the sane as 4 year before, with taller sheulg-and stall fewer small plants visible, ‘Cussinia and H elachraysum oblangifoltiwm were wuch in evidence, Blackened tree-tranks atill tufted with adventitions erowth, were almost the anty signs of the passing of the fire, . , On Pebruary 23 wertound the trees again without #rten, aud the ground black and unbroken by anything but one ar two loys, from whose plowing hollows smoke still rose. Some of the young trees, which had grown Sinec the 1923 fire, still stuod, dropping their brown leaves slowly to the growed No birds -were:sean, but fax overhead we heard a Quang: FFA N YEE crying as it flew. Visiling tin .acea an April 5,we found the ives, young wud old. w resthed with adventitions growth, Beneath then iisickent was already a foot, high, and the black earth was spotted with tufts of, Paros Bp, i “THE WAYS OF POUCHID: MOUSE. The Yellow-footed Pouehed-mouse Wiss referred to ji a isntative way in my letter to the Editor (Naturalist, Septem- Her, 1924)\ when T invited information. Near Everton I-had seen this hasy little insect-eater, in a Red Box forest, appar ently secking its food on the rough: bark of the stent.and branehes’ of the low- Spreading * ‘trees, Recently tad an opportunity of improving aequaintance in fhe forests of Grey Box ‘and Yellow Gum tear Béaliba. There, in an area undergomg improvement, and in a pert of it denuded of trees, T saw the marsupials moving about and in and out. of ale stumps. “Not easily “observed at any time, they ave seen after an alarm by, patiently watching the crevices and knot-holes where presently two. timy points of light indli- cate the fact that the wateher is watched.” From enquiries made among forests workers, [ learned that the young of this mouse rarely number move than’six, An intevesting note Walle given ‘me by Mi. Coburn, of the forests service. He examined a nest of one of a fleck of birds (whieh, from his deseription, I take to7he the Apostle Birds) and found therein. a marsupial. mouse comfortably domiciled with her five’ young ones. —A. DP Farpy. auney WHaMson, Victorian Ferns si SP POPEEEORRTNAA INA HIORORRRRRERRAIAAAAAAAAAHAORRAEEEEEEREGHIGANAAAAASYIORORELALBEOROLAAAHVAN HOA SRARAROEERAHHNHNN HOOPER REREDD RIA I TTTTTYY HOME VICTORIAN FERNS By BH. B. Winutamsan, F.L8. SU ORTEARSURURETEAPRRARGEOVERDANUERTEOOTPEEROREOEEEATERFTLAUATOREOOEETOREOROOREIALIROESES EEE AUANTOOREDAPRAASOR ECHO TOOTERCAETUNSRA Gea dg Pai! VI. Genus CYGLOP HORUS, CyeLoruorie srerpens (Borst.), ©, Chir. Oreeping Poly- pody (Fig. 1), V. NSW, Q., PNZ, This is a strange looking fern found growing in matted patches on the trunks af ferns in 1). Gippsland, The fronds spring froin amply-rambling rhizomes, and are generally grecn above, and of a silvesy white or yellowish below, and beset with ininute starry hairs which require the use of a microscope to-reveal their beauty. Bairen fronds are shorter aud wider tha the fertile gnes, and the. sori ave irr egularly erowded among the dense stel- late hairs, sometimes running together when old, wand cana: ing the upper surface of the frond when narrow to eur huekwards until the surface is seareuly visible. It appears that the form that we haved in Victoria is the variety rupestyts (R.Byr,): Demin. 7 Dertereeerteeesonnwenteeetee VUVEAADverncererrenrem Pal Genue PLauRosoRrvs, PiLERosorDS nunrouus (R.Br), Fee. Blanket, Sern (Mig. TT): ~All parts of’ Australia, E., 5,°Am., NZ, ‘This is a common fan growing in.all districts of Vietovia, and is often seen inassociation with -Cheilanthes and the trailing Asplenium flabellifolium. The fronds are tufted, 4 to 6 in, long, pinnate, The pinne are obliguely fan-shaped, ‘about 5 5 inwhes long, toothed .or lobed, and esat. with dense, brown, eealy hairs oceasionally glandulay, the upper surface less so. TP he soi are Jinear, -masthy ahout the middle of the pina, scm e- Limes almost covering the su ‘face: y the 7 ‘ ie Gams ANOGRAMMA. “ _ & -Awoctaious “upp YOPR YLLA (L.),. Link, . Delicate Rue ‘ Pern, (Big. TL). “Ty Vy NS.W., W.A., and widespread thr onghout the world; - This. delicate little plant, vominding one: of. a Filmy Pern in texture and yeining, ‘yaely reaches mare than 3‘auches in height. In his Botunic Teachings, ', Mueller writes:—'!'This- is-the smallest and-mest delicate nf all opr Polypodiaces, and it is farther remarkable anoug them for its transparent. tender- membranons fronds. It is of very sparse occurrence, for which searcity its merely aimimal duration 50 miusaal among feris sues to account.’? The . j Hthemite de! ; | 38 Winceratsox, Vidlorian Ferns Vol, XLIC1 VicL Nat, 18.W, dil \—CYCLOPHORUS. If—PLEUROSORIS. .If—ANOGRAMMA_ ' IV, V,.VI, VII—POLYPODIUM. (6% “=, ate * + le ae rere Writtassex, Tieroniun erng 59 segments are numerous, oblotig or cuneate, about 4 incl long, “more or less deeply loved, with usually a single oblang savits on each lobe, often covering the whole surface. Tt has bee found on the Yarra River, at Hexham, Skipton (Whan), ML. William, Lorne, Otway ra ovest, Lake Purrunibéet (T. 8. Hart), and at Heathcote. Genus Por Poon. The, four species we have in Victoria ave’ found growing ti plaves away from the ground, and seem to need no goil toy their growth. ‘Their fronds spring from a thizome attached by its-rvots to logs or trunks of ferns or trees, and in the vase of the two larger anes the rhizome often ereeps upto 4 great height. The sori have no eover, and resemble those of Al sophia, except, that they are net raised above the surface of the frond. In the ease of the two lerger #pecies, the sori are so sunk into the frond (immersed) that they show on the upper surface. The two sinaller specins helong toa section with veins diverging from the utidrib and gimply, forked ov branched. One of these, BP. Billardiers. has entire: fronds, while the other, P. gr wnt, has, divided fronds with its seginents lobed. oR »The-veiming of the two larger species is reticulate Vetiveen the move or less parallel primary veurs, with a small, “free, usually elub-shaped veiilet’ in many of nhe arnales (spaeos or meshes in the veining). P. BILLARDINKE (Walld.), CG. Chr, ” Finger Pern (Pig. 1v). T., V., N.S-W,,:Q., Am... NZ.- The fronds are entire, ‘uudally 3 or 4 inches Jong, and + ineh~broad, of leathery: texture, which. conceuls the. veins. Sori are oblong or linear, rather long, ‘oblique, and parallel in-a single row on cach side of the midrib, ind, when old,. often confluent, covering nearly the whole’ surface. ’ It has been recorded fom alt “distr lets of Victoria. ‘ |, Py Gramm, R.Br. * -@ipey: -Fern (Fig. V \. iT. “¥., N3.W,, Ne Z.. Fronds‘are“about -6inches long, rather: thinwier in “textule, ‘than, those of P.. Billiirdieri, pinnutifid, with segments Tobed™ and_ sometimes piniatifid. Seri as-sin Po ' Biltardiers, Tei is eommon in the_ south and east. \, 4 P. ‘, DIVERSIROLIUM, Willd. Kauugaroo Fern (Fig. Vl), Ds V. NSW), Q, NZ. This is the large, leathery ‘feni 4o common on tree trunks in our fern wullies, and whiet Some call thé Staghorn ‘or “Elkhorn—names that should he festricted to, the- genus: Platycerium of Queensland and New South Wales. It:bears fronds! wp.jto 18° inches long usually pinnatifid with few segments, but sometimes entire and fin Vines aso, Fetortun herns Vict. Nat \ WSO, Vaetorte c Ye NOME Aliout 8 in¢hes log, Seemouts are mostly sharp-pointed, 3 to 6 inches ‘long, and about 4 ineh bvoad, confluent at the hdse inte u broadl- winged rachis. The. veining 1s net-like, with free veinlets in the avcules, ‘The sori are orbicular, ritther linge, ¢ligtant in a Single vow. on each side of the inidrib, and so uinch immersed in the trond as to show raised “hlisters** on the upper side, hence Forgter’s uame: “‘puatulatim.’* It has heen reeorded in all districts of. Vic- loria but the’ north-west. P. PusTuraroM, Porster Seentedl Polypody (Fig. Vinh. Vv. NSW. Q, P) NZ ‘This fern is much urarer than the last-named, and i is distinguished from it by having fronds. of a niuch thiuner, texture with shorter and narrower seg- ments, fragrant when tres, According ta Dobbic, Vew Zealand Mari ns, the Maoris formerly used it; for seenting oil. The pasties ty. the wper surface ure less apparent “than in PB, divensifoloun, and, having narrower segments, the sori Khe teaver the edge, ane eecupy a relatively “wreator portion at the fraud surface, - —_—— SC NEW AND RARE LAND SHELLS. Many lind shells were collected at Byfield, near Raek. hainpton, Quecnsland, durine the Royal Australasian Orni- thologists’ Whion camp-out im 1924.° AL the material has: uot yet -been studied, but T understand that it tieludes two new species unc several rare forms. Recently: Mr. 8S. W. Saekson, who has collected laud shells in many parts of A18- tralia, and made notable discoveries, kindly sent me two- Layfield shells found by Mr. H. G. Barnard, in March, 1926, One species, a large end handsome shell; -is wew, My. Jaek- son informs me; and the other. Uhersites curtiswna, var. pallida, Hedley, was previously known only by the type specimen, im the Aystralian Museum, colleeted by Mr. C. Hedley, near Rockhampton, in 1889. Mr. Barnard’s speci- inens were obtained in the vitié scrubs after very heavy rains. At Byfield. with the ornithologists, t devoted some ‘time ta shell shunting, with eansderatile sviecess. = Ttimatare specimens of 7. curtisidna, var. pallida, were found under i large stone in a damp apot, fand, with other species, it a, bana plantation: - Banahd lenves, rotting -on thie grownd, conedaled many snails—miverthan did’ jungle dehris, old Jour, te Vhree excmasite Hoticn tibia. Usp.) shells, were found in ‘a wioist cavity in the’ forkéd! trunk of a tree. Beneath damp bark on boles and: fallen boughs, séveral minute snails were discovered, ~~ ' ‘ Che Victorian Naturalist Wot. XLITI—No. 4. JULY 5, 1926. No. 514. FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA, The anual meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society's Hall, Victoria Street, on Monday evering, June 14, 1996. The President, Mr. Geo. Coghill, oceupied the ehair, and about 60 members and friends were present, Late Mr. G@. A. Krarruann. The President referred to the death of Mr. G. A. Keartland, who lad been a mentber of the Chib for 40 years, and asked members to stand as a mark of respect. The President also mentioned that another member, Mr. W. H. Callister, and Mr. J. 4. Pletcher, of Sydney, had died since the last meeting. 14 wus resolved that letters of con- Jalence he sent. ta the relatives. CORRESPONDENCE. Kron Mr. F; Lewis, Chief Inspector of Fisheries and Gane. regarding Spem Whale Head. Mi. Lewis stated that he jad had the mutter onder consideration for some little time, and was only awaiting definite details asx to what were likely to be the best boundaries 1 order that action might be taken to have the avea. definitely proclaiued a sanctuary. REPOR''S, Reports on exeursions were given as follows: Nutional Maseum, Mv. FB. Chapman, A.L:8.; Mount Evelyn, My. L. L. Hodgson. Mr. F.G. A. Barnard referred to the social evening held at 17 Monomeith Avenue, Canterbury, on May 92. when the President and Mrs: Coghill entertained about 30 members, who spent 2 very pleasant and interesting evening, Ma. I. Pitcher moved that the thinks of the meni- hers who attended the function be tendered to Me and Mys. Coghill. The motion, seemided by Mr, Barnard, was carried Wiannensly. ; ELECTION OF MMALBERS. — Ona ballot being taken, Miss Gottrell, 30 Davis Avenue. South Yarra; Miss BE. Powles, 49 Rowell Avenue, Camber- well, Miss M. EK. Simytheman, 30 Davis Avenue, South Yarra: Miss Bdith Raft, Banool Avenue, Kew, Mr. W. H. Nicholls, 152 Geelong Road, West Footscray; were elected as ordinary pier: and Mo. D. Orchard, Kinglake. asx a eouittry meni ber, £2 Meld Naturalivts! Chob—lrocecdings VaR in CRNERAL. Mr, A, J. Tadgell read a newspaper report velatiye to the cutting of grass-trees (Xanthorvhed) in the Grampians. Sueh operations might involve the destruction of much of the native Hors. He moved that the matter be referred to- Messrs, C. W. D’Alton and #. Db. D'Alton, at Hall’s Gap, Gouirplans, far information, Me, Keep seronded the motion, whieh was. casted tinanimously, Mur, Pitcher drew attention to ihe presence of Miss Cyt- hell and Miss Smytheman, two teachers from Migland; whe had joined the Club. ‘The President welconiad these latiies. Vhe Hon. Seevetary vead the 46th Avouul Report Mr. Pod Motrig moved that the report be received sind adopted, Seconded by Dr, A Green aud carried, ASNUAT) REPORT. “Poy the Members af the Piel Naturalists’ Club uf Vir- toria. “Ladies and Gentlermau— ‘hy presenting the 46th report, tor the year ended April 30, 1926, the Committes cesires to thauk members for the hearty support-received Erom them during’ the year, and te congratnlate them on the continued sucess: of the Club. During the year 30 new members were eleeted, consisting of 22 ordinary, + country and 4 associate members, while there have been 20 vesignatious, leaving a membership of 254, The monthly meetings were held regularly, and were well attended, as usual, the average attendance being about 60— members and friends. During the year il papers were read, and 2 lectures and 4 address siven, all of which, it is hoped. the members found interesting wid instiretive covering, a& they did, a wide range of subjectz They were contributed by the following:--Sir W. Baldwin Spencer; Messts, L. G. Chandler, TY. Chapman, A.OS., J. Clark, ©, Daley, B.A. PLS. J. Co Goudie, A. D. Hardy, T. S. Hart, M.A. A. LB. ‘Keep, P. C. Morrison, M.Se., C. Oke, Wo J, Parr A. E. Rodda, and Canee te Souef. “The excursions are always popular, and us uswal, most of them in the past year were well attended. A number at short, half-day trips were made to places around the metropolis, and whole day excursions to the You Yange, Greendale, Brisbane Ranges, Belgrave, Labortouche, Bunyip. Sherhrooke. Macedon and Mount Evelyn, while more extended oxeursions were made to Bendiga, Wilson’s Proimon- tory, Mornington and the Hoplnin's River. . “The Annual Exhibition of Wild Flowers wag held in the St. Kilda Town Hall. on Tuesday. September 22, and was ae J F Field Naturalists’ Club— Proceeds 53 opened by the Hon. F. W. Eggleston, Attorney-Cenecal. Although it was a little earlier in the season than usual for our show, a very fine display of flowers, ferns and shrubs was staged by a number of capable and energetic workers, to whom much of the success achieved was due, The result, was a profit of £112/6/7, of which amount £55 was given to the Victorian Bush Nursing Association, In returuing thanks for the donation, the Association invited the Club to nominate three members as Life Governors. Miss E. H, Gabriel, Mr. Geo. Coghill, and Mr F. Pitcher have been nominated. “The 42nd volume of the Nituralist Nas lee come pleted, and we are indebted to Mx. C. Barrett for the eapable way in which he has edited our journal, Fortunately, funds have permitted a larger journal and more illustrations than usual, and it is proposed to have at least one full-page illus- tration in each number as long as funds permit. “The Hon, Librarian, Dr. GC. 5. Sutton, reports that the library was nade use of by members to a fay extent daring the year. Several new publications were received in exchange for the Nadlwralist, The binding of some eighty volumes is in progress, and it is expected that these will soon be available for members, “Your Committes has given its consideration to several measures for fhe preservation of our fauna and flora, und more especially to obtaining the permanent reservation ot Sperm Whale Head as u National Park for Southern Gipps- land. ““The Committee desives to express ita thanks to Messrs. Coghill and Haughton for the use of rooms for Committer meetings. Attendance at the twelve Committee meetings held during the year was as follows-—Dr, Sutton, Messrs. Oke and Williamson, 12; Myr. Coghill, 11; Messrs. , Bairett and Chapman, 10; Mo. Pescott, 9; Mr, Daley, 7: Messrs. Barnard, Searle. St. John and Wilson, 6G; Mr. Kershaw. 5; Mr. Hooke, 2. “In conelision, your Committee desires to thank all wha hive helped forward the work of the Club during the year, aud trusts that the same generous support will be given ty the new Committee, allowing fresh opportunities for the study of natural history in its many branches: “Yn behalf of the Committee, “ (Signed) GEO. COGHTLIL, Charman. “CTRAS. OKE, Han See’? Melbourne. May 26, 1926. 4. , Viet, Nat Ge Pield Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings Vol. XDA The Hon. ‘l'reasurer submitted the 46th Annual State- ment of Receipts and Expenditure, and drew attention to the following points of interest ;— FINANCIAL REPORT. ~ The Financial Statement for the 12 months ended April 30, 1926, reveals the following facta in comparison with figures of the preceding year -— ; Subscriptions have increased by £45, from £153 to £198. This inerease is clearty a result of the raising of subscription rates, which took effect from May 1, 1925, as the ineome under this heading averaged £155 for the 3 previous years. It was estimated at the begin- ning of the period that the new rates would bring in £192, provided that no members were lost on this account. , Sale of Clab- Badges. te ar 0 2 9 , War Loan Bond withdrawn ‘on maturity = 20 0 0 » Plant Census Account— Sale of Books in year .. .... -. .. 24 4 10 » Wild Flower Exhibition, Sep- tember, 1925— Ticket Sales .. .... 28 3 O Cash at Doors ... 63.17 O Sale of Plants, Flowers and Refreshments . 74 8 166 8 9 —— 45412 1 £473 & 6 Expenditure. By “Victorian Naturalist’’— Printing .. .. .. .. .. £180 12 6 ilustrating |. . 28 0 0 Wrapping, Despatching and Postage .; .. ‘ 27 $ 5 Reprints—Free ........ 9 0 0 Reprints—Charged .. .. 5 8 6 £250 9 5 66 Field Naturalists’ Clib—Proceedinys By General Printing .. 6. .-.. 22 uu 2. ee 15 8 9 , Library Account— Purchases and Binding -. PF nt. 16 9 9 » Rent of Hall and Fee to Caretaker te fe 13 10 0 , Postage, Advertising, Bank UberEee Tnsur- ance, and Sundries .. .- -- .. .. -. 1012 10 , Plant Census Account .. ,- 2. «2 6. ee 1 6 0 » Wild Flower Exhibition, Sep- tember, 1925— Hire of St. Kilda Town vs EW 9 Se nO $ 8 O Purchase of Plants and Flowers .. . 18 6 #J Printing and Advertising 13:19 & Cartage, Freight and Sun- dries ... 16 13 0 Donation to Bush ‘Nursing Association .. 55 0 0 (Balance retained in Funds of Club £54/2/2) —————— 112 £6 7 » Transfer to State Savings Bank .. .. .. 25 0 0 , Balance in Bank and cash in hand on April 30, 1926 .. Vol. XLILI Vier. Nat 445 3 4 "28 38 2 £473 6 6 STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ON 30th APRIL, 1926. Assets. Arrears of Subscriptions, BET LT LB Grimated to realise .. £50 0 0 ELS. & A, Bank Balance .. .. —.. £28 2 11 Cash in Hand .. .. 5 By ae cin re oe 0 0 8 —-- 28 3 2 State Savings Bank .. 17F 0 90 Library and Furniture (Insurance Value) 136060 (OO Mounted Badges on hand .. . 1 2 6 Plant Census Account (difference ‘between. cost and "sales ot books) .. .. Meng ttt FS. tious oe 6 «245° 8 (10 Accounts owing to Club— For Advertisements in ‘Victorian Naturalist’ £5 0 0 For Reprints charged ., .. .. .. .. .. 4 14 #O ———_— 9 14 0 £539 6 6 i Liabilities, Subscriptions paid in advance £9 2 6 Balance of Char-a-banc Fund 5 6 0 Outstanding accounts .. 34 4 2 £48 12 8 Audited and found correct on June &, 1926. C. A. LAMBERT ) gq. be HAN H. HUGHES 5 Hon. Auditors. A, G. HOOKE, Hon, Treasurer. ther Field Noturitists' Cleb—Pruceedings a7 The statement was received and adopted on the motion of Messrs, F. Pitcher and J, A, Kershaw, ELECLION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE. The following (unopposed) were declared duly eleeted — President; Mr, KE, E. Peseott, F.L.8.; Vice-Presidents, Messrs, ‘A, E. Keep and P, R. A. St. John; Hon. Treasurer: Mr. A. G. Hooke; Hon, Librarian: Dr. C. 8. Sutton; Hon, Editor: Mr. C) Barrett, C.M.Z.8.; Hon. Assistant Secretary and Librarian: Mr. H. B. Williamson, F.LS. - A ballot was taken for the office of Secretary, and resulted in the election of My. L. L. Hodgson. Phe following were elected members of the Committee as a result. of a ballot: Messrs. J. W. Audas, F.L8.; Chapman, A,L.S.; C. Daley, B.A. F.L.8.; J. A. Kershaw, and €. Oke. Mr.” Pitcher referred to the valuable services of Mr. Hooke, as Hon. Treasurer, and said that the thanks of the Club were due to him. Mr, A, EB, Keep moved that the thanks of the Club he extended to Mr. Oke for his valued services as Hon. Secretary during the past five years. Seconded by Mr. A, J. Tadgell, and carried unanimously. PAPHR. At this stage Max. Coghill vacated the chair, and Mr. Pescott assumed office. Mr. Peseott thanked members for Meeting him as President for the ensuing year. He also paid a tribute to the work of the retiring Pyesident, and moved that the thanks of the Club be tendered to Mr, Cog- hill, and the officers and committee for their past services. Mr. Keep seconded the motion, which was ‘carried with acclamation, Mr, Coghill veturned thanks on behalf of himself, his tellow officers and the Committee, and specially mentioned Mr. Barnard, who was retiring from office after 42 years of service. Mr. F. Pitcher moved thet a hearty vote of thanks h- accorded to Mr. C. Barrett, the Editor, for his good work mm connection with ‘'The Victorian Naturalist.’’ Seconded by Mr. Williamson and carried. unanimously. “The Amoebae—Their Structure, ete.’’ by Mr. J. A, Ross. Tn the absence of ihe author this paper was read by Mr. Stickland. 14 Are ed b— Proceeding: Viet. (Nal 68 Fielt Naturalists’ Chid—Pracéédings $e, ET EXHIBITS, By W. H. Nicro.ts; Bight water-eolour drawings of Ans- tralian orchids. Amc.ig these were Prasophyllwne intricatun, Stuart; Pterostylis ophioglosse, Pt. decurva, Rogers, and Pf. truncata, Fitz. Photographs of the White Bog Orehid, Bur- nettia cuneate, collected at Athlone, October, 1925. Many details, in water-colour, of rare species, including two unde- seribed species, now in the hands of Dr, BR. §. Rogers, Prasa- phyllum ITurti, from Bairnsdale, and Caladenia alpina, Alps and Baw Baws, Prasophyllum fusco-viride, and others, By Mrs. &, Conrman: Pierostylis grandiflora, R.Byr., Bel- grave, 13/6/26. By Rev. Guo. Cox: Seeds of Mango-tree, found by mein- bers of the Morningtox Naturalists’ Club, washed up on leeal heaches. Mr. P. R. H. Sv. Joun kindly supplies the follow- ing information :—‘Seeds of Mango-tree, Mangifera indica (Linn.), Family—Anaecardiaceae, SHabitat—Hast Indies, Malaya, ete. This tree yields the Mango, a large drupe, variable in colour and size, of a perfumed and sugary-acid taste, becoming purgative when eaten to excess, but whieh is one of the best tropical fruits: Its bitter aromatic root is used medicinally, We have one small tree in cultivation at Melbourne Botanic Gardens.”’ Mr. J. Searle: (1) Several stained and mounted specimens of Amoeba, showing extended pseudopoda, nucleus, ingested diatoms, ete. (2) T. 8. of pinntie of a ‘‘ Feather Star’? (one of the Crinoids), showing ovary. axial, nerve-cord, radial nerve, ambulaeral vessel, ete: Mr, IE. E. Peseott, F\L.8S.: Flowering species. of Conl- gardie Gum (Hucalypius torquata), and Bushy Heath- myrtle (Thryptoccene Mitchelliana) ; algo aboriginal stone weapon. Mr. H. B. Willismeon, F.L.8.: Specimens of species, ilins- trated in Victorian Ferns, Part vi, Flowering specimens of the only yellow species of Brachycome (B. chrysoglossa, F. v. M.)—Golden Daisy—collected by Mr. J. Williams, at Donald. Mr. ©. Oke: Vegetable-caterpillars. Mr, G, Daley, B.A., F.L.S,: Case maths. = - Mr. V_ Miller: Aboriginal grinding stone, from Malla- CoOL, Mr. J. A. Sershaw: Young Tiger Snake, double-headed, Tuy ’ Nieuans.s, Greenhood Orchids of Vietaria - 63 | ShPPPUEDO LO enenpeeenomannsenereenunectnnwemartineerannneeeeetMBUalissasbambieltetiymnmetittte nan wchetsarascccebtqnsencocsscesemmyss _Greenhood Orchids of Victoria By W. H. Niceorzs. HOWHA OHA NAAM HOAUNHRROAREOO HOM ONAOVENRBENT ABD RY VANANAHATONAARARH AD DOAHIKPNATATONPIFARAUARONEA ANNA BOSANE RGU HeNNNORUEHREGSE¥ERN OP men OED Part 1. Peal avennerpessvvvrsesdty e Serereeeny The Pterostybis group. of terrestrial, orchids is probably Lhe mast interesting, if not the most populay,-gerrus. of all our Orehideces, The Greenhoods. are not beautiful, when compared with some of the other genera or families, notably Thelynitru and Caladenia; but some of the species are at- fractiye, and dainty, notably grandiflora, revolute, falcaéa, decurva and alpina, each with its own peculiar charm. ‘These plants ave widely known as. Greenhoods, but *‘Hooded’’ orehids would be far more appropriate, as a fair number of the species are more brawn Chan green, as-vittate, pedunenlata, rufa, Mitchellti, truncata, pusilla, Tt must he vemiembered that the Thelymitras once were called Hovod- orchids; now they are known as Sun-orchids, Almost all of our Greenhoods have a sensitive labellum, ii many of then if ig extremely irritable, a mere touch or a light breeze being sufficient to cause disturbaneé, which is recognised as essen- tia] for the fertilization of the species. The pollinary mechanisn) is most intricate in many Greenhoods, but too little attention has been paid to the seedlings of any species of this group; they have been found no doubt, and it is probable that plants from seed are far more abundant than is usually supposed; as witness the enormous number of yery small plants seen in some seasons. With the very inadequate knowledge we at present possess, it is hard to say whether dissemination or root- multiplication plays the vreater part in the propagation of the variaus species. The majority of thuse species usually found in damp places, or in districts where soil situations, albeit not damp, still seem conducive to the plants’ well-being, have com-' paratively small tubers. An examination of those occurring in somewhat dry places reveals their tubers as very large, or, if of small size at some distanree be- neath the surface. Some investigations recently made un the Keilor basaltic plain support thie view. The little tubers of four plants were found to be between din. and 6} inches below’ the surface. ‘Two species, representing the large- Inbered growths of arid country are Pt. rufa, B., and Pt. ~ ope " F ' " Vict, War 70 Nictan.s, Greenhood Orchids of Victorta MT | madden, Br, Their tubers often may be found with the extra- ordinarily large diameter of 14 inch in the widest part! In Victoria we know, at present, 29 valid species, I say ad present, as hardly «year goes by, without some new orebid being dseovered. a Pterostylis or member of another genus. such, if not uew to salience, will at least be new for the State. Pt. decurua, Rogers, and Pt. truncata, Witz, are twa recent finds, the former a species new to science, and the latter new for Victoria, The first-aained was found during the Summer ot 1920, on the Dandenone Ranges; the latter, on the You Yangs Range, as recently as 1924, Altogether, 11 species have been added sinee 1689. Tt is probable that ft. aphiwglossa, Br.. a most beautiful. almost copper-colourad form, will be added to our dist eve long. Th veers in the coastal clistricts of New South Wales. in those situations favoured by its close relation Pt, conctnna, Br Pterostylis unquestionably ig an Australian iype. bul not endemic, See “The Distribution of Australian Orehids,’ by Dr. R. S. Rogers, Trans. Roy. Soc., Sth. Aus., Vol. xbvil, 1928, where the following interesting table is given :— Plerostylis R.Br. Australia, 45. New Zealand, 12 (of which eight are endemic, and four common to Australian), New Caledonia, four (of which ane is eademie, and three in common with Anustiralia)- New Guinea, twa (endemie). Votal, 54, of whieh 30 ave endentic The present totals lov the States af the Commonwealth ave as follows —Victoria, 29; New South Walesa, 28; Queens- land, 16; South Anstralia (inelading Northern Territory), 22, Western Australia, 11); Tasmanin, 19. Vor convenience we will not adhere to the alphabetical nrder of the Census, but, ax far as possible, clesevibe seriatim the members of groups that have many pouyts in eomnion. Pt omntica, R.Br. (Fig. 1). (Docked), The Midget Greenhaod is a plant of very variable habit; thevgh quite sturdy and of low erowth im Vietoria, it reaeles lo a light of over 12 inches in New South Wales, while De. Rogers, in The Plorm of South Australia—Part 1, page 142 (1922), veecords it as a small, slender species, about 4 inches in height. It ig now many years since I made the Aequaimtanece of this plant, lf was on the Stony Creek, just off the Melhourne-Geelong Road. beyond West Fontsevay, among the rocks, in the conmpany of our-most heantiful violet (Violw betunictfolia) and the Adder’s Tongue Fern (Ophio- glosswm), that it grew in numbers. The plant is wholly green, with many small flowers, usually between 7 and 14: and the basal leaves soniewhat faded at time of flowering. TI 1—Pt. mutica, Br. 2—Pt. cyenocephalu, Fitz. 5—Pi. falcata, Rogers. 10)--Pt. nutans, Br. 11—Pf. 15—P1. terbata, Lindl. NOTE.—-The labella aré marked with figures corresponding to the species. 4—P1, ulpind, Rogers. curta, Br. Plants only two-thirds natural size a , i. “hide , View Nat 12 Niaenoiis, Grechhvat Gichids of Victoria Ve LIT? ig at once recognised by the Jabellun' (which is very sensitive) having the appendage pointing inwards. All Bastern States, imeluding South Australia and Taa- fyama. Flowering time, August-November- Pt, cycnocephala, Fitz. (Fig. 2), (Swan-headed) The Swan Greenhood ig a plant very siinilar to Pt, mutica, but, 1 this State at least, if ig much more elender, taller, , and af a ticher green. Recognised also by the labellum appendage, which, in this case, points outwards. Fonnd, like Pt. mutica, in open grassland, or open forest country. Vietoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania. —September-Octaber, Pt. parviflora, R.Br. (Fig. 3). (Smal Howered). The Tiny Gvecnhood. The labellian and eolamn of this spocies are Yeally beautiful. There are three forms: coastal, inland, and (in Tasmania) alpine, The coastal form is very slender, rarely more than 7 inches in height. and the fiower's, which are few, are of pale colour. The inland form often is tall, up to 23 Inches; often with many flowers (up to 13 eollected by the writer). with dark green striae, other markings being yellowish-brawn or red. The alpine form, which is known in Tasmania as variety Pt, aphylla, I have received from Tasmania; this blaoms in Deeernher, and is quite stout, rather fleshy, very short, with few flowers (1-2). The finest specimens JT examined cane trom Everton, in the WE. of Vietoria (June). The plants were tall and the individual flowers were almost 4-inch in length (7-16th’s), minus the ovary. Firmly striped with green and rusty- brown markings. At the base of the stem many rosettes of leaves Are clustered. Plant rarely with basal leaves, All States (Western Australis excluded). Tasmania (lowlands). Flowering March-June; South Australia, Mareh-fune and Novamber-December; Tasmania (alpine) Deeeniber. Pi, alpina, Rogers. (Fig. 4), (Alpine). The Alpine Greenhood. A sender, glabrous species, vary- ing in height from 5 inches to 20 inches. It has scattered stem leaves, usually 4 or 5, and the single, large flower is softly coloured in green and white. Usually solitary. but sonietimes in scattered ov compaet groups, more especially in alpine regions (Baw Baws), - Strange to say, this plant was onee thought to be a variety of Pt. falcutn, Rovers, when the Jatter was mis-natned Pt. cucullata, Br. But there is very Jittle resemblance to that. particular species, Two noticeable features of Pt, alpina are the soft blending of green and white itt the neatly fashioned flower, and the pro- nounced backward sweep of the lateral sepals. Tlos is not . rer | _ NichHOLis, Greenhood Orchidy of Picturia 73 226. strictly an alpine plant, it occurs in many parts of the State, usually in damp forest country, and along the banks of streams, Jt was sent to me recently from Tasmania, by the Ven, Archdeacon Atkinson, of Penguin, who discovered it in dense, alinost impenetrable country on the Hellyer River, This is the first record of this species huving been found in that State. Its discovery in Vietoria, many years ao. was due to the untiring efforts of Mi. C. Freneh, jor. Vietoria, Tasmania—September-February. (Feb. Baw Baws). . Pt. falcata, Rogers (Biz. 5). (Sickle-shaped galea). The Sickle Greenhood.. This orchid is well-named, and represents our largest type of Greenhood; the largest dia- meter of several flowers veecived last November was. 34 inches (ineluding ovary); these came from the Grampians, All the segments ave sickle-shaped, The candae of the lateral sepals in the freshly opened flower often assuming a faleate position; but, as im some other species, the position of these segments changes soniewhat, eventually assuming a reflexed position as in Pl. alpine, Rogers. Plant usually about 8 inches in height, basal leaves, ovate lanceolate rarely rosulate; stem bracts, 2-4 lanceolate. Flower, green and white, with some brown markmegs on the segmencs. Common in urany parts of the State, confined to swampy, low-lying ground, and other danip sitnations. Victoria, Tasmania—October-January (January, Tas.) Pt. obtusa, R.Br. (Fig. 8.) (Obtmae labelfum). Blunt-tongue Greenhood. A neat and dainty species, 5 inches to 10 inches in height, ‘normally sirigle-flowered; usually, green with brown markings, variable in minor details, but distinguishable by short, obtuse labellum not pro- trading beyond the sinus. Radical leaves quite unlike those of Pt. decurva, Rogers. On rocky hillsides around Fern Tree Gully, Dandenong Ranges. Fairly maimerous, All States (excluding Western Australia) —Marech, April aid May Specimens of this plant reeeived from Now Sonth Wales (Murtin's Oreek, near Paterson), were almost wholly pale areei), The Sip nruch more projecting and the radical leaves oo very long slonder petioles, as opposed to the shart, almost seasile, type of the Vietorian form. Pt, decurva, Rogers. ‘(Fig, 7) (Decurved apex of galea) The Graneful Greenhood, Our most graceful species, often confused with Pt, obtusa, Br., which it mach resembles; but in decurva, the Invellum. protrudes conspicuously beyond the “ “ree i ictori Viet. Nat. 74 NicHoLis, Greenhood Orchids of Victoria yict hae 3-—Pt. parviflora, Br. 6—/?Pt., oblusu, Br., (and radical leaves). 7—Pt. decurva, Rogers (and radical leaves). 8—Pt. concinna, Br. 9—Pt. toveyana, ‘Ewart. 12—Pt; pedunculata, Br. 13—Pt. pedn- gtossa, Fitz. 14—Pt. truncata, Fitz. (and Radical leaves). Planis only two-thirds natural size july tase,’ , NichoL.s, Greenhood Orchids of Victoria 76 sinus; there ave much longer extensions of all five segments, and the plant flowers in the sammer mouths. Colleeted at Fern Tree Gully (1920) by A. N. Burns, and, like obtusa, to be found on many hills thereabouts, It also occurs in Tas- intnta, where it has, until lately, been taken for Pl. obtusa, Br. Vietoria, Tasmania—November-January. , Pt. concinna, R.Br. (Fig. 8), (Neat). The Trim Greenhood is a common gregarious species, from 2 inches to 12 inches in height, confined to the coastal districts, and a few damp gullies inland, (Eltham), It is at present our only existing representative with a biitd labellum (see Pf ‘oveyana). The large assemblages of this plant, seen daring the winter months, under the Tea-tree lining the shores of Port Phillip Bay, and elsewhere, are most interesting to archidologists, Dr, Rogers records this species us being very rare in South Australia. All States (excluding Western Australia)—June-August. Pi. Voveyane, Ewart. (Fiz, 9). (After Mr. J. R. Tovey). The Mentone Greenhood ig under 5 inches in height, resembles a small Pt, concinna, but has stem leaves (P. alate is supposed fo be one of its parents). It wae firs!. found at. Mentone, 1907, by the Jate Mr. J. R: Tovey. Tt is easily distinguished from Pt. conctnna, Byr., by its much sinaller habit, by the presence of ovate or oblong stem leaves, and the longer labellum, which is very alightly bifid. Jt has not been found in Victoria now for many years. The original loeality has not been protected, and tender Plants, growing in apen epaces in holiday resorts, are’ bound to suffer. As recently as 1924, I reeeived specimens from Tasmania of what was supposed to be a form of Pt. concinna, Be, but examination showed that they were identical with the Men- tone Greenhood. This species is widely distributed through- out the Island State, but ig not regarded os common, even : there. Victoria, 'Tasmania—May-July. Pt, nutans, Br. (Fig. 10). (Nodding). The Nodding Greenhood. Normally single-flowered. green with rusty markings at the tips of the segmente. 11. is similar 15 our commonest and best known species, The plants. whieh are from 3 inches to 15 inehes in height, favour sheltered positions, chiefly tuder trees, in damp situations, The curious nodding habit of the fower makes it a general favourite, and it stands aloné a8 a typieal Grecnhood. Specimens gathered at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges “ 3 , ‘ . Wict, Mat, i$ Nicnouns, Greenhooed Orchids vf Victoria 1 A eicen (between Boronia and Bayswater), and near Wattle Glen (1923), were from 12 inches to 14 inches in height, and very sturdy. in some speeimens the rosulate leaves at the base were 5 inches in length (including petioles). Common, all States, excepting South Australia, where it is rather scaree—September-November. Pt, curta, R.Br. (Fig. 11), (Shortened lateral sepals). . The Bhint Greenhood also.ig 4 very common species, from 4 inches to 11 inches in height. with radical rosette- ai the base of the stem. The chief features of the Hower, are the blunt or shortened appearance of the galea and sepale. The large red-brown labellam, which is curiously twisted to one side, and the pale colour of the flower. In New South Wales two forms occur, one similar to our own species, and another Tueh snialler and somewhat uneormon, All States (exclnding Western Anustralia)—Augnst- November, ° Pt.. pedunculala, R.Br. (Fig. 12). (Stalked) . The Maroon-hood blooms at the same time as Pi, nutans, Br., with which it is often found growing; it hag an exeeedingly slender stem, and, sometimes, lavge, basal leaves. The single flower is very small, and the prevailing colour usually dark- brown or red, is restricted to the forward half of the flower. The labellum is bluntly ovate ia shape, Fairly numerous in many parts of the State.. AJL States (excluding Western Aystralia)—September- November. at pedoglossa, Fitz, (Rudder-shaped labellum). (Fig. The Tailed Greenhood. A small, fragile, and rather dainty plant 2-5 mehes in height, almost wholly green; to be sought in our heathland thickets, where usually 17 is well hidden. The delicate prolongations of the paired sepals, being erect, give height ta the plant and add to the attractive appearanee of the slender flower. Quite large colonies are common. Frequenting such secluded places, this species, perhaps, is not nearly so rave as.is usually supposed to be. Always an Antnmn flowerer- Vietoria, New South Wales and Tasmania—March and April, the best months: Pt. truncata, Fitz. (Wig. 14). (Cut short)- The Brittle Greenhood, is a remarkable species, easily distinguished from all others by the enormous expansion of the fore-part of the galea, by the slight ‘‘curta’’ twist to the Tabellum (in the mature flower), and the dwarf habit; re- markable also for such a large flower. It favours sheltered ey Nivngiix. Grecnhood Orchids of Victoria VT positions, é@liefly among Rock Fern (Cheilamthes), and Snowy Mint bush thickets, or among rocks. The succulent form, which is exceedingly dainty, is plentiful during very wet seasons. 114 was first revorded in Victoria im. 1924, from the You Yangs Range, and subsequently from the Brishane Range, also from Tottenham and Sunshine. The vernacular, “Brittle Greevhood,’’ is an apt one, the galea being utusually fragile. In June last 1 received several fine speci- mens of this orchid from the Paterson Valley, N.S.W. (Rev. H,-M, R. Rupp.) These differ from the Victorian type only in minor details. : Vietoria, New South Wales—Apvril-June, Pl. borbuta, Lind). (Fig. 15). (Bearded) ‘he Bearded Greenhood ig a grotesque type, msuaily under 12 inches in height, almost wholly green. It derives its specific name from ita long, hairy labellum, whieh depends directly from the front of the flower; the hairs are yellow, and the tip is adorned with a red knob; which, under the magnifying glass. is a beautiful object. This is a very leafy species, with the leaves, in fact, the whole of the plant, richly veined. Widely distributed ull States (excluding Queensland) .— September and October, ite best months. EXCURSION TO MT. EVELYN. Twelve membera and friends journeyed to Mt. Evelyn an Monday; June 7, and were met, on arrival of the train abont 10.30 am., by Mr. L. Hodgson, who, in the absenee of Mr, G. Coghill, acted as leader. The party proceeded towards Wandin, keeping elose to the railway line; but, most of the country having been swept by bush fires last summer, little of botanical interest was observed, At Strimgy-bark Creek, a halt was made. Some of us rambled in the neighborhood, others watched a friendly Yellow Robin, several Thornbills, and Honeyeaters, whieh were extracting nectar from the blossoms of Enealypts. Some distance down the creek, we reached a atrip of nuburned country. The mam Warburton road was fol- towed in the direction of Lilydale, and a deviation was then made in the bush, which had here escaped the fires. Good specimens of pink and white Epaciis were wvathered, The following orchids were noted during this excursion :— Caledewa Mewnzesii (leaves and buds), Caledentas (leaves and buds), Glessodias (leaves and buds). The only orehid in flower observed was Plorostylis parviflora (Greenhood).— L..L,. Hopesan. V8 Cuintons, Extinet Vertedrates from Bemumarts vibe Nat, Vol. XLITE : Extinet Vertebrates from Beaumaris : : By FL A. Coupons. i Fauayvreceaeovvacesoesenaecconeeneszzsercouserasncessonsvunvevrevoespergsssvveveecserscsepees eckvtoeriivtas tureitassacetiVPVVQsaieWi? Along the Brighton’ to Beaumaris coast on any warm summer day, you will see hundreds of people bathing in the shallow water. They have no fear of sharks, which are sel- dom seen there, and have hardly ever heen known to attack swimmers, Yet onee, not so long ago, as geological time woes, shavks of many difforent species and sizes abounded in this area; proof that this was so can be obtained af the base of the cliffs at Benumazis, where a nodule bed of Kalimnan (Tower Plioeene) age contains large nambers of their teeth, also‘cecasional vértebree, besides the teeth and bones of other fishes, whales and dolphins. The best exposure of the nodule bed ig just west of the boutsheds, but it is covered by water, except at low tide. Collectors should note that southerly and westerly winds pre- vent the tidal waters flowing out freely from the Bay, aud it is useless to visit Beaumaris when these winds are strong. The uvea, exposed at low tidé shonld be searched carefully and systematically, Most of the teeth will be found loose among the shingle, having been worn out of the soft roek by the scour of the tides—therefore, turn over all pebbles—athers still embedded can be easily extracted by means of a hammer and chisel, The body of a shark is composed ihiinly. of gvistle, ov tartilage, the only parts hard enough to be preserved as fos- sils bemg the teeth and vertebre; the latter also are found at Beaumams. ‘The dentine, or enaniel, of these teeth ag well preserved, retaining a high elaze—I am often asked whether FE have polished my specituens—while the bases, ot roots, though more or less. impregnated hy mineral matter. still show the original bony structure. The enamel yaries in colour from brown to -grey green, and oeeasionally to. blue, while the bases are light brown and dark brown, These fossils often show evidence of having undergone a considerable amount. of roll- ing on the old sea floar, while some may have been derived from an older bed before being buried in the.nodule band; Sometimes the base is missing, the tooth has been split or the enamel has been flaked off. To-day after ihe lapse if ames the sea is continuing this. process, ay Cihoscan, Natinil Yirtebrutes from Beaunuris "8 Su ars, Teeth of the still existing Great White Shark (Carcher- aden curchurias Linné), and of two extinct species of the - same genns (C. megaiodon, Charlesworth, and C, auriculatus, Blainville sp.) have been obtained from this locality, 'Phis gcean-dwelling ‘‘man-eater’' yeaches a-large size, in the tropics, being frequently as much as 30 feet im length; it is seen ‘at {dimes in Port Phillip, but Iuekily dislikes shallow water. Its teeth are triangular in shape, with both sides serrutéd; in the case of the largest pair of jaws in the British Museum they are 2 inches long, hut those of €. wmegaladon sumetimes measure 6 inches im length. Ray Lankester has shown that the latter species probably attained # length of 100 feet. Picture thig giant attacking one of the whales, its jaws gaping at least, 6 feet apart and revealing those rows of veserve teeth), 80 characteristic of the shark tribe! Speci- mens of the living snecies, and of the fossil teeth, iisy be seen in the National Museum. The Blue Pointer sharks are represented by two genera, Tsuus and Lamna. No fewer than five species of the former ave present, the teeth being spear-shaped, with sharp cutting edves. 1 have speeinens of J. retroflerus, Ag. sp., and the cammoan J, hastatts, Ag. sp., that are 4 inches in length, The former is easily distinguished by ita double-pronged ‘base and more Slinder, bent tooth. The three species of Toemne are all emaler and tare. Abundant, also, iv those old seas, were the Bull-dog- sharks (OQdon- faspes), four species having been found. These sharks, like their descendants in Victorian waters to-day, were armed with viay pointed, long, slender teeth, which are prized by collectors. Often they shaw small denticles on the base, on either side of the main point. The ving represen- tatives of this family (Lanuiidae) provide great sport for the big-game-fish anvlers of New Zealand. The Grey and the Blue Nurse sharks add three move species fo our hist. Corcharias collata, Eastran, was described from fossils found in Maryland, 17.S.A., Bean- Maris apparently providing its first oceurrence eleewhere. €. wieloyiae, Chapman and Cudmore, was diseaveved at Beaumaris, and has heen collected also at Table Cape, Tas- mania; whnle C. aculeafus, Davis sp., a New Zealand form, since formd at-other Australian lovalifies, wag alive in the still more saneient Baleombian and Janjukian seas. All thesé are small and easily overlooked. Three species. uf Tiger shark (Galeocerdo) are present. These teeth have-a broad base, with a point which is curved over to one side at an angle of 45 degrees. The uatives of the Re Copaane, Matinet Vertebrates fro. Bearkmarts [Ys ers Gilbert Islands, in thé Paeific, hore a hole in the base and barb their spears by lashmg on teeth; examples of these weapons can be seen in the National Gallery ‘The Grey shark (Nolidanus) is known from Australian cocks by only one specimen; this Beaunris find has eomb-hke teeth, mounted on’ a large bony base. Curious oval, bean-shaped teeth are plenwful; they are- the crushing teeth of the Part Jackson or gummy shark (Cestracion), Ranging in size up to an ineh in length, they were set closely together in the month to form a palatal surfaee for erushing shellfish and similar fooc There are fou species in this bed, also an allied genus (Strophodus)- A large form (€. cainozotews, Ch. and Pr.) is common, but the others are either small ot rare, two of them beine pre- viously unknown outside New Zealand. The oecurrence of these sharks in the Vertiary rocks of Australasia ts of inte- rest, since in Europe they existed into the first epoch of the Tertiary, when the genus migrated to the south, surviving to-day only off the Australian eoast. The teeth of the Saw sharks (Pristiophortus) had been found previously in New Zealand, but it was not known to what sort of fish they belonged; their discovery at Beaumaris enabled My. Chapman, who has described a namher of the forms here mentioned, to define their relationship, by com- paring them with those of the living Victorian speeies, They came from the rostrum, or saw, which projects from the head of these fishes; une oval tooth has also been found, and it is interesting ta mote that New Zeuland is the anly other coun- try whence one has been reported. This species completes the record of 28 sharks known from these rocks; it should be noted that fully halt of them have a widespread distribution m ather eountries, olhers being found in New Zealand. Other Wishes. Here, too. are the rostral teeth of the Saw-fishes (Pristis)' their first oceuvrence in Australasia. P, evdraorei, Chapman, sa far only known from Beaumaris, proved to he more closely related to the recent Mediterranean species than to the form now living m Victorian waters. A more eurved form of rostral tooth (PF. rscurvidens, Ch. and Cn.) was discovered here, arid has since been collected from the Jarnjokian of South Australia and Tasmania; the oral teeth are nnknown. All these teeth are legs than an inch in length. Next We have a remarkahle type-in the evushing palatal teeth of tan species af Eagle Rays (Myliobatis), one being recorded only from Beaumaris. In form they resemble Rat, narrow bere, bearing underneath deep, closely set, trans- oul QUINIORE, Caetinet Vertebrates fro Bemonari RL verse grooves, giving them a very comb-like appearance. The living vay bears a sharp-pointed, serrated spine in its whip- like tail, and in the tropics the poisonous wound if is capable of milicting has sometimes caused the death of human beings; Fragments of a similar spine are uncovered at times at, this locality. Another striking oecurrenee is provided by the tnak- jike teeth of two species of the Elephant Wish (#de- phodon). ‘This genus had long been extinet elsewhere, but survived loeally unial the Kahimnan period. ‘Only one spe- ecimen of 2. mirabdis, Ch. and Cu., probably the largest species known, has been found, and neither species has been collected yet outside the Boaumaris-Black Rock ares, A palate oeeasionally found ig conspicuous by reason of its flat, mosaic-like surface, due to many small teeth crowded side by side, the general shape being roughly triangular; it belongs to one of the Wrasses (Nummopalatus). The palatal jaws of the Porcupine Fish (Diodon), so offen seen canght in fishermen’s nets, ave quite common; being formed of layers of plates, tle shingle soon seduces them to fraginents. Two apecies of this spiny fish are living in the Bay. Whales, Rte. The eff near the point has. produced a whale's rib 6 feet in length. This specimen, to be seen in the National Museum, indicates a whale about 40 feet in length. The teeth of two genera of whales (Physetodon and Scaldicelus) have been diseavered in the nodule bed, which is rich in cetacean bones + nb-fragments, vertebrae and eav-bones (Cetofolites) all occur. The dolphing ave represented by the teeth aud ear bones gf Stena cudmoret, Chap., this being apparently the first record of this genus as a fossil, though the living species is found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacifie oceans. Kangaroos. Two specimens of the teeth of extinct marsupials have been collected from the shingle: probably they had heen derived from the younger non-marine heds higher up the cliffs. One was a tooth of the gigantie kangaroid tnarsupial, Palorchéestes, and the other was a jaw containing two molars which. has been referred to the giant kangaroo, Sthenwras- T had the pleasure of finding 14 of these species here, for the first time, six of them being new to scienee and five of the remainder being previously unrecorded in Australia. I hope to find others, since it is eertain that we do not yet know all the varied vertebrate fauna of those old seas, and that many prizes remain to reward fossil collectors who care- fully search the strata at Beaumaris. 82 CupMorE, Extinct Vertebrates from Beaumuris vist. Pere ILL - ‘ DIST OF VERTEBRATES KNOWN FROM BEAUMARIS. MAMMALS, MarsurtaLs— Palorchestes, Stheniurus (?). CETACEANS: WHALES— Physetodon beitieyi, McCoy. Scaldicetus macgeei, Chapman. Dorn.eHIn— Steno cudnrovrei, Chapman. SHARKS, Notidanus jenningsi, Chapman and Pritchard. Cestracion cainozoicus, Chapman and Pritchard. 0. coleridgensis, Chap. CU. novo-zelandicus, Chap. C. longitens, Chapman and Cudmore. Strophodus eocenicus, Tate. Galeocerdo davisi, Ch. and Pr. G. latidens, Agassiz. G. aduncus, Ag. Carcharias colleta, Eastman. : GC. wictoriae. Ch. and Cu. CG. (Prionodon) aculeatus, Davis sp. Odontaspis contortidens, Ag. O. incurva, Davis sp. O. attenuata, Davis sp. O. cuspidata, Ag. sp. Lanna upiculaia, Ag. L. compressa, Ag. L. crassidens, Ag. fsurus hastalis, Ag. sp. I. retroflenus, Ag. sp. 1. eocnenus, A. S. Woodward sp. I. minutus, Ag. sp. I, desorti, Ag. sp. Carcharodon megalodon, Charlesworth, C. rturiculatus, Blainville sp. C. carcharias, Linne sp. Pristiophorus lanceolatus, Davis sp. SAW-FISH, RAYS, &c. Pristis cudiiorei, Chap. P. recurvidens, Ch. and Cu. Myliobutis moorabbinensis. Ch. and Pr, AM. affinis, Ch. and Cu. Fdaphodon sweeti. Ch. and Pr. £, mirabilis, Ch. and Cu. Nummopalutus depressus, Ch. and Pr. sp. Diodon formosus, Ch. and Pr. uly Taw, Lure birds at Sherbrooke ae “APAEEANUUURo eee em nNeNAGEET (OUR E;HOELLAhnadeeeteseamneinneeaAd hddsLbbiLonenwesscecrsmeaeconssasmnneedsELLADewesdlINTERAnManeraunessauny— Lyre-birds at Sherbrooke By A. G. Hooke. Fieaeeeeeeneeenseprvempanscecnnampendioreambinistteepeeey pereeaMenaneeseneapnnananes spend reeeeenuehnenearennanaasranseeannnnaceraens TOE LU LL PAREN RRORROROEL EEDA RMOmRRN EHNA HEY TL a On secount of the reservation, some years ago, of a few square tiles of countyy in the Dandenong Ranges, Sher- bragke remains ali avea of natural forest, and let us hope thal. it will long be the haunt of the Lyre-bird (Alfemura nevae- hollandiae). The vich voleanic soil of the locality, combined with the moist hill-climate, induces the growth of dense thickets of scrub among the timber. These provide shelter from both weather and the encroachment of humanity; while food exists in plenty in the chocolate loam, wiih its covering Tayer of deeayed leaves, and in the mouldering moss-grown loge, all abounding in the inseet life, small erustaceans, ete., on whieh lyre-birds feed. Among the factors controlling the distribution of Menura rainfall is, J think, not the least. The Jarger view of this is seeti in the restriction of the species almost, entirely to the highland belt that rans parallel to thé east and south-eastern caast of Australia, a belt distinguished from adjoining low- land country alike by altitude and rainfall; and consequently upon the latter by denser and richer vegetation, providine the environment in which the lyve-bird thrives, The con- trolling influence of rainfall, in 4 narrower sense, is apparent within the oceupied region by a temporary effect; for, daring a dvy period in the suinther, it has been observed that the usual feeding-ground is vencrally deserted, apparently being tao dry for snueeessful foraging, and Jarger numbers of Ivre-birds than usual, are to be seen close to the streams, scratching up the moist earth by the water’s édwe, ahd ever indss from stones of the creek. Alsn, fear seems to take seemid place ta hunger, In the Dandenongs, where the annual rainfall approaches 6G inches and is well distributed, these trying conditions do not apply often, or for long; and it is usual for the sail to remain in a sufficiently moist state for a Nvelihoad to be obtained by the birds in any portion of the reserve, After rain, or during a light shower, the keentiess of Menwru in the quest of food indicates, it is thought, the stimulating into activity of the prey, the moist conditions encouraging it to come towards the surface of the ground, an action frequently ' ; aie : pvp ep hat “Viet, Nat, 4 Hooker, Laretdrda at Sirerbrouke Sal ScLICI leading to destruction, and one seemingly expected by the devourer. It is clear that the lyre-birds in this forest Live in colanies, which change their loeality from time to time, probaly at intervals of some years, At the present time there is one such group containing 1 at least, another of seven, aid about four ether groups in more inaceessible places. Probably an instinet of protection leads to communal life; the number of birds associating, and the locality frequented being deter- mined by the quantity of food readily obtairahtle. A dozen years ago it was a matter of some difficulty, except to an experienced observer, to catch more than a fleeting glimpse of the birds; but, as the Sherbrooke: forest has beenme more frequented hy people, so these protected birds, finding themselves unmolested, ure much less shy of being quietly observed, On one oceasion recently a bird that had ‘been watched at close range by two gentle observers, and was slowly departing, actually returned on heing spoken to in tones of soft persuasion, and remained seratching shout the same spot, for some minutes longer, Instances gf jntelli- gence in other directions are not wanting. _ A. lyre-bird, which one day we were watching, tried to overturn a small piece of a log, which, having a convex under- surface, ‘‘gave’' when he touched it. Not succeeding, he left it, only +o return in a couple of minutes to make another attempt, This time, after a brief deliberation, standing well back, he seized the further edge of the log with the claws of the right foot and pulled with a will, Two or three times it shipped from his grasp when nearly overturned, bot at the final effort, with a better placed grip, success was achieved. However, nothing of interest, was revealed. Perhaps the best known characteristic of this interesting species is the power of imitating the notes of other birds. A good deal of doubt exists respecting the natural. notes, in view of the galaxy of melody for which Menwra is responsible. In my opinion, there ave two notes that may be regarded as the lyre-bird’s own, in addition to the quieter notes of ‘‘sociable” chatter—the familiar and most frequent ‘‘blink, blink’’ that fan carry a mile or two in the still, clear mountain air, and the ery of warning, « shrill, almost whistling, sound, gener- ally repeated a second time in a lower tone, after a brief interval, - Many a stalk of ours, creeping noiselessly through the undergrowth, has been abruptly terminated on the observer heing observed by this’ danger signal, repeated farther off, an the silenee and instant retreat thet have followed dis- tesa, | Hoone. Lyre-bints at Sherbrooler So covery, Beeently, however, a doubt arose in my mind as te this sound being one of fear, as it has been uttered in the midst of uninterrupted mimicry, But this doubt was prac- divally settled one afternoon lately, when a small, dead sap- ling unexpectedJy fell almost on top of a bird to which 3 wns listening. As it came down with that "ewish’’ that 2 falling tree makes in still air, 1 heard the rush of the startled bird, uttering, as it fled, that same peenliar shrill note, repeated, in a tone of unmistakable terror. Lyre-birds seem to be of a peaceful nature, as we have never observed then) fighting among themselves, or attacking other birds. On the contrary, some of the smaller birds will feed with them im order to take advantage of their vigorous upturning of the soil, sharing the result of their efforts. We have noticed the Yellow Robin, and sometimes a party of Serub Wrens thus associating, unmolested by their benefactors and IT understand this is a habit of the Pilot Bird also, Just uow (Jane) every day finds the birds busy on their dancing mounds, of which each eolony has at leash one, probably several in the larger tribes. All the mounds. seen have been similar—a very low mound formed of the soil excavated from the surrounding ¢ireular trench, from 3 to 4 feet in diameter, closely screened by bracken, or Jow audergrowth, which frequently venders observation or phatography diffieult. Several times, while walking in the late afternoon through a. part of Sherbrooke forest. that is frequented by lyre-birds, they have been observed going to roost. The younger ones seem to find it necessary to ascend to their chogen spot with the aid of 2 naturel staircase—a dead sapling that, in falling, had been eanelt half way to earth in the brainehes of another trec—but the fully grown birds rise by a straight flight of perhaps 30 yards, to the lowest bough of a convenient tree. The timber thereabouts consists mostly of a close growth of Movuutain Ash saplings and wiattles, 70 fout to 100 feet in height, with practically no launches for 25 feet from the ground. From this first perch the birds ascend by a spiral route, making short fights an a steep ascent Tram bough to bough, wenerally keepurg a yard or two from the trunk; sometimes flying across into another tree that seems to offer some advantage: and, finally. settling to rest. well up towards the tree-tops, GO feel ar 70 feet above the ground. During the climb they will frequently pause to preen feathers and shake their phimage, while sometimes one will stay to give voice to his ideas of mimicry. , SE Hoon, Lyrehirds al Sherbrooie at dttt This particular haunt of the lyre-bird is bemg gradually enervached upon by wire-grass, Tetrarrhena. juncea, which, in the course of a few seasons, has spread over a consider- able area of the forest, adjacent; covering ‘ground, moulder- ing logs, and ‘serub alike with a close matting of tough strands. effectually preventing ouv Jyre-bird friends trom finding a living. So effective has the spread of the wire- erass been, in part.of the forest, that there is a tendency for it to isolate one of the lvre-bird eolonies now living near the edge of the timber. [tt is unfortunate (10 say the least of it), that the the tervitory of this colony is being rapidly en- croached upon by tourists, who, for some months, have been allowed to drive their ears about 200 yards inside the forest boundary, and park them on the actual ground over which the lyte-birds of this section have for sone years lonted vegularly for their food. The sight and tho sound of a motorcar 4 far more terrifying to lyre-birds than the approach of a human being. Besides frightening them away to thickets which ¢onceal, but do not offer the food resources of the home glade, one eonsequence ig that they do vat roost that wight in the usual trees. While it is fortunate that ears seldom visit this spot excepting at week-ends, also is it fortunate that, with Menu, the memory of these wrongs ig short-lived; and his return, with the daylight. to the spot where on 96 many vesterdays, breaktasi, has heen fortheoming, offers the hope that if as not vet too late, with snitable action, to preserve to our rare feathered friend hig ancient domain. CONVOLVULUS HAWK-MOTHS. tu the Naturalist last year, Vol. XLII, page 21, I gave a brief aceount of the pupation of the Convolvulus Hawk- moth, Proteparce convolvals, The eaterpillars of these moths pupated on April 8 and 13, 1925, respectively. On Jan. 5 last. a male moth, and on the 21st.a female, emerged. An interest- ing feature is that owing to the almost complete splitting of the pupa cases, these moths ean easily escape from the free, unattached chrysalis, whereas in many other species of lepi- doptera, unless the chrysalis is securely fastened to some object, the imago emerges a cripple. The time spent in the pupal condition was 273 days-and 283 days respectively.— H.W, Davey, FES. - - i July “ WILLIAMSON, Victorian Ferns VICTORIAN FERNS By HL. B. Wituiamson, F.1.8. OTOL ALLE RTE LAL Cee (tenet vende Haptuaee iene Jeauehae vase eee em ee PART VIL. GENUS POLYPODIUM, Notr.—In the Census of Victorian Plants, p.3.. the ver- nacular names and the locality symbols of Poly podaion pustulatum, Forst, and P. diversifoliim, Willd (scandens). should be transposed. The rare tern is P. putsridutens. Genus BLECHNUM. In Benthani's FI, Aust., and Mueller’s '* Key,”? the genera Blechnim and Lomaria were kept apart, but they are now ineluded under Blechnum. The generic difference is shown below (a), where the first-named species is a true Blechnum, und the others belone to the section Lamuarta. Ney to the Species. (a) Most of the fronds fertile and all quite similar: Involucre never formed by the expansion of the margin, Fig, lao.. .. 2... .. .. Bo eartilagineum (a) Some of the fronds narrow and tertile, others broader and sterile: inveluere formed by the revolute margin of the frond itself. Fie. Ta-b. (Seet. Lomaria.} (b) Fronds simple. or with a few long segments decur- rent on the stalk 2.2.02. 2... BL Patersonii (b) Barren fronds with numerous segments attiuched te the rachis by a broad base. (¢) Rachis and stalk glabrous, exeept at the very base. (d) Barren seements narrow, 1 ie +4 inches long: fertile ones nearly as long, Raehis dark .. 0. 2. 0. 0...) .. Bo diseolor (d) Barren segments broadly lanceolate, 1 to 14 inehes Jong; fertile ones J to 1 ineh Jong. Raechis pale .. 2. 2B. lanceolatumn (qd) Barren segments — ovate-oblong. rarely § inch long: fertile ones | to & ineh long oe at RB. penna-marina (e¢) Rachis or stalk sealy or hispid .. B. fluviatilis (b) Barren fronds with several or numerous pine attached by the midrih only: the lowest rarely small 2... 0. ee ee ee ee ee we BL capense Nat. Vol. XLII [ys I Victorian Ferns WILLIAMSON, SS I-V1I BLECHNUM awd WILLiAMAON, Victorian Ferns $9 BuEcHNUM GARTILAGINUUM, Sw. Gristle Fern (Fig. 1). Vv. N.S.W., Q., This has fronds ] to 2 feet long, with, numerous segments 3 to 6 inches loug, almost leathery, with fine teeth on the edge; distinetly veined; dilated and adnate ut the base: the upper smaller ones confluent; the lower ohes somewhat distant. ‘The sori are i a continuous line on each side of the midnib, with a membranous IMdusiam opening from under the midrib, the twu sori at length often eoncealing the midrib. Jt. is eoramon in the gullies of the ranges near Melbourne. B. parersony (R.Br), Mett. Strap Feru (Pig. TI), TT. V., NS.W., Q., As, P., N.Z. The fronds..are from about 8 inches to nearly 2 feet long, and from 4 to 1 inch broad, generally linear and undivided, but specimens occur with barren fronds pinnatifid, the few sexments being 3 to & intehes long. Fertile fronds are only about, } ineh broad, the sori “at length covering the whole under-surface. Oczasionally the lower portion of the frond is barren, and the upper part narrow and fertile. It, like its eo-geners, is often found growing in the water of the forest gullies. B. piscolor (Forst.) Keys. Fishbone Fern (Fig, [11)}, N\A. und all parts of Australia. Of the genus this is the most Widely spread in Victoria, and often persists long after it is deprived of its natural shelter. It is rather a tender fern, with fronds 1 to 2 feet long, uvuch paler beneath, with stements attuched to the rachis by a brid base, the lower ones being gradually shortened. The rachis and stalk are glabrous and shining black. with seales only at the base of the stalk, The pinnules of the fertile fronds (Fig. IITe) are very numerous, 1 to 4 inehes long, and abont } inch broad. - B. LAxckonarum (R.Br), Sturn. Lance Bern (Fig. TV). T., V., NSW, S.A. P., NZ. The rhizome is thick and sometinies rises into a trimk G mehes or more, The fronds are 6 inches to 1 foot Jong, and 2 or 3 inches broad, Janceo- late, pointed gud curved upwards, with segments dilated at the base, eontiguous and often confluent, 3 ineli to nearly 2 inches long, and abont 1 inch broad, the lower gradually shortening. The rachis is glabrous, usually pale or green, Stements of the fertile fronds are under t inch long, very narrow. Recorded from all districts of the State. B. penna-marina (Poir.), Kuhn. Alpine Fern (Fig. V). T. V., N.S-W. An, N.Z. Fronds 3 to 6 inches Jong, about 4 inch broad, rising trom a scaly rhizome, the stalks slender and glabrous. Segments oblong, rounded, attached by their 50 - Wittramson, Victorian Ferris Vict. Nat. . Vol. Xho broad “hase; not curved upwards. Fertile fronds (a) often much Jonger; the segmerits 7 to # ineh long (b). This fern ia frequent is alpine and sub-alpine springs, and reatmbles small xpecimens of B. fluviatilis, but the absence of sealy hairs ow the vachis distinguishes it from that TORINON Species. FR. birvacnus (R.Br) Lowe Ray Water Pern (Fig. VI), (CW NSW. NZ Dhis is distinguished ly its array Frouds, & inelws to 1 foot long, with vounded seg- ments, aul hs the sealv hairs on the rachis, The segments of the jurvtan trends ave oblowg, tach reanded at the end; the lawer ones nearly as broad ag long. Ferlile fronds jwueh resemble those of B, lancatlatunt, ty has not been recorded nour the S.W. ot NW, of the State, BB, udpiwst, (li) Sehleeht. Sot Water Poem (Fig. VII). All parts of Australia except WLA.; all continents except Europe. This is distinguished from the foregoing 6 species by having the pnine jomed to the rachis by their midribs only, The fronds are very vatiable, from 5 to 4 feet long, with numerous rigid pinnw of + to Lt ineh long and 1 ineh broad, with large, scaly hairs on the saehis, to a whole frond of 6 inches in length with membrauous pie of 4 ta 1 inch Tong, with the ruchis glabrous or slightly staly, These yarving forms ,agree i having the lowest pairs mot much reuyeced, or very varely one small paiv lower dawn, The fertile fronds ave equally variable, the narrow-linear pinne in some specimens under 1 inch; in others, above 6 inches, The lyrve specimens sometimes develop short tronks, and in New Zealand, according to Doble, this fern is even move ubiquitous than the Bracken, and the fronds vary from a few imeches in dvy, exposed places, to ten feet ot more in deep wooded ravines. He says:-—''Shonld these (the sides of the gullies) be elothed with TL, Capeusts (B. capense), ft know of no tougher battle than to etrnggle through the ‘tangled fronds. They are too close to creep beneath, while tu trariyple under foot the palmelike leaves that rise above one’s head is a herenlean task.’ Young fronds, like young gum leaves, sometimes appear of a reddish hue, and remind one of ‘antumn tints on deciduong trees. so that fine patches of this fevu, with varying colours from salmon pink and ved ta hright-green and bvroawn-green, preseul a heautiful appearance, and one unique in our fern glades. **Soft Water — Pernt'’ is not an appropriate vernacular. 1b would he. better to adopt the New Zealand Name ‘io {i0,”’ quls Visit to Puleontalngiea! Gullerles af Musener 9): 92h VISIT TO PALAEONTOLOGICAL GALLERIES OF THE MUSEUM Vheve were 22 ier tires aid visitors present at the Musenii of May 15, Ry wav of introduction, the loader vave a short account of the pr ingipal groups of fossil organ- isms found in the various stages of European sediments, ‘aud compared their oecurrence with those in Australia, In illustration of his remarks, use was made uf the twa wall diagrams, showing the stratigraphical succession of ‘the general geological series and of the Victorian strata. The Taree geologically eoloured map of Victoria was then exam- ined, in relation to the distribution of fossil deyasits, and the method of using this map in conjnnetion with the Mossi! Key map of Vietoria constructed by the leader some years ago for the guidance of provincial visitors, was demanstrated- This present viatt was principally coufined to an exam- ination uf the fossils cantuimed in the Wall cases of the Gal- Teries. Some of the more remarkable specimens jn these were commiented upon, sue as the slabs of the well- “presey ved Closeopremis leaves, and the remains of their creeping rovt- stocks. Wertebruriv: the fossil) Wuealaptus leaves, from the pleistocene yoleanie tuffs of Warrnambool, which are closely related to living species; and the branching stem of the trce- like club-moss, “Lepidodendron, frotn Mansfield. Among tha Australian tvertebrate fossils were noticed the gigantie rhabdosomes of the hydroid forms ealled grap- tolifes, as Goniagrapties, Dictyonemna and Urinenagraylus, aome of which in the living state probably measured more than a foot across, mamerous ancient reef-forming corals, as Pryplasma, and Heltoletes, related to the living Blue Coral, and the Honeycomb varal, Favestes; seamats, as Retepora and the more aricient Stenoporm fron Maria Island; and « perfect and almost unique fossil ciduroid from the Murray Cliffs. Mollusca were well vepresented, by Giant Oysters from our Tertiary Miocene beds, by megalomorphic Volnutes. atid the largest Known Cowry, The ancient straight-shelled yan tii fram) Loyola were noticed, along with the eoiled modern pearly form aceasionally met with m our Tertiary deposits, at Muddy Oveek and Balcombe Bay. The Queensland Cre- taeeous Anmidnites are here ulso well represented, thauks to the valuable work of the Jate Mr. Geo, Sweet, whose collee- Hon of ticse and many other interesting fossils are now incloded in the musenm. Among the vertebrate fossils, the remains of fishes were Pointed ont, and attention was particularly given to the remarkable assemblage of sharks’ teeth in a slab of limestone of Visit jo Paleontological Galleries uf Musetall Rae alee from Batesford. The classical finds of Diprofadon remain i the Colac, Melbourne and Macedon districts, shown in the cases, are further illustrated by the beautifully restored skeleton of the Callabonna specimen in the special Case; whilst the ancient aud evrious marsupial, Wynyardia, was voted. The Moa skeletons, a collection now of great value, excited some interest, In regard to the variation in the leg bones, Another noteworthy exhibit is the restored skeleton of the Madagascar Moa, Aepyornis, with its zigatuhie egy. that equals 129 of the ordinary breakfast egg. This bird ‘s supposed to be related to the Australian Emus and Casso- WAEIeS, Several interesting fossil specimens were then examined in the Palaeontological Office, where were seen the remark- able collection of Cambrian fossils collected and deseribed by Dy, C. D. Waleott, of Washington :-—Remaing ef aneient seaweeds (Morpolia), Bristle/Worms (Pollongeria, Oltota) > wu jelly-fish (Peytoie); Béehe-de-mer (Hidonia); Brine shrimps (Marella, Burgessia): and some remarkable Trilo- hites (Neolenus, Agnostus). Sa wonderfully preserved are these remains of countless ages past, that even the form of the hepatic glands are to be seen on the erustacea, and the delicate markings on the surface of the nmbrella of the jelly- elations of scienbific disenvery are limit- less —F, CHAPMAN. SEA-BORNE SENDS An oxhibit by the Rev. Geo. Cox, at June meeting ot the Club indicates that systematic searching of our beaches would add to the knowledge of seed dispersal, Mango seeds were found at Mornington, and the seeds of many other plants have been noticed, by different observers, on bay and ocean beaches. We give, as. well as receive, sending flotillas of ateds from ont shores bound for any porte ov havens. to whieh) chanee and ocean currents may bring them. Australian treas, whose seed cones were jetsam, form a con- spienony feature of the coastal flora of British East Africa, according to Dr. J, W. Gregory. In front of the Resideney at Lamu, he saw somé Casuarinas, | But these had been planted artificially. On the coast at. Marerneni, howaver, the traveller found, on the headland, a clump of shegoaks; and subsequently noticed others, im similar positions at all points on the coast where he landed, ag far south as Natal. The cones af these immigrants, ''mnst have been carried from Anstralia by the West Australia and the ‘Equa- torial Drift’ currents, and yeied upen the shore.*? (The Great Riff Valley, p, 285) —C.B tury Notes from, Field. and Stacy 93 it te ah. ‘The Wild Animals of Austialasia’’ is the title of a book (to be published hy George G. Harrup and Co. Ltd,, London, this month), that should interest nature lovers and students of matureal history alike, The authors are Mr. A. 8, Le Souéf, Director of Taronga Park, Sydney, and Mr. Harry Burrell, noted for his studies of the Platypus in its natural state and in captivity. The work wil contain also a section on the Bats of Australia and New Gninea, by Mr. Ellis Le G. Troughton, of the Australian Museum, Sydney, There will ‘be many diagrams, aud a large number of iustrations fram photographs. The published price will be 21/-. INDIGENOUS FLEAS. All our native animals are nore or Jess iifested with fleas, and some have species peculiar to them, for example, the Echidna. Fleas muat be sought for while the animal is stil] alive, ov af leagt warm, as divertly the body heeames cool the parasites leave it in quest of another host. The method generally employed in collecting fleas 1s to place the host Tn a bag, or other receptacle, in which « few drops of chloro- forin have been sprinkled. he fleas hastily come to the surface of the fur, and drop off. With a live animal, of course, care must be taken that il is not subjected to the action of the chloroform for too long a time. A large bush ret, recently secured at Belgrave, was acting as host to eight or ttine fleas belonging to two distinet species, and one of the specimens was indeed a giant: These I sent ta my friend, Dr. E. W. Ferguson, of Sydney, who is making a study of the indigenous flea fauna. He reports that the very large example from the rat belongs to the genus Macropsylla, the others being referrable to the genus Steplanacircus (they are not the connmon species, S. desyurt). Tron the same rat, 1 also obtained a small reddish-coloured tick, Which had taken up its (marters on the inside of the aromal’s ear.—F. E- Wiison, a4 Notes from Field and Stuy (Litas THE PRONGO IN VICTORIA, Records of the occurrence of the Spangled Dvongo, Chebiv brecteuta, in Vietovia are few, and it is interesting to know that a specimen of this curions and beautiful bird was obtained recently at Lakes Emtranee (‘Nature WNotes,'' Argus, 18/6/26). The Drongo is a familiar species in North- ern New Sovth Wales and Queensland; hut, cannoh be regarded as more than an oecasional visitor to our State, and an *‘aeeidental’' one to Tasmania. Ln the far eastern forests. where one niuy pass from Victoria into New South Wales Vnwittingly, this species and several other northern birds have been collected, ot observed, and happily, allowed to live, lis a pity that rare visitorg are not always recorded withonl, the aid of 3 gun. On Dunk Island, in Rockingham Bay, Queeusland, 1 saw the Spangled Drongo at home. ‘‘The Beachcomber’** hag rie- seribed it so well that other word portraits are not needed, To asoutherner, CL bracteate appears a strayed wanderer from the Tndianh resion, far Drongos are among the conmmmanest of binds in India. They are aggressive birds, bullies, but courageous. No sight is more_tamiliar in India, says Douglas Dewar, than a pair of Lattle Drongos, Diciw'us ater, ebasing a Kite or a erow (Glimpses of Pruedtan Birds."' p. 236), The Spangled PDrongo I have seen chasing other birds mneh larger, tlau itself, and annoying lesser kinids, Wut, as the late Mi Ban- field observed, ‘‘the Dronvo ig a bined of many moods.’ Tr ig itt the nesting season that he becomes noisy and troublesome to other birds of his netghborhood. He is a master of acro- batie fight; a most entertaining follow, with » jnedley of miisical notes, uttered freely during his aerial per firinanes. — ae AN INTERESTING ORCHID “FIND.” The Rev. H, M. R. Rupp, of Paterson, N.S.W,, found growing un the hills near Martin’s Creek, Paterson Valley, N.S.W.. two species of Ptarostyliy (Greenhoudls) » one. a targe- flowered type, the other, a very small type of plant. Speci- mens were sent to Dr. R, S, Rogers aud to myself for exanit- nation and opinion. Strangely enough, we all three arrived at practically the same conelusion regarding them: That the larger type is undoubtedly Robert, Brown’s Pt. revoluta, and that the small type is Brown’s Pt, refleva, Both species are figured in Fitzgerald’s Australian Orchids, Vol. 1. Dr. Rogers writes saying that he has compared the small types with the original specimens of Pt. refleaa, collected at Port tol Notes from Meld vnd Study Hi rye Jackson (N.S. by Robert Brown, in 1804, and that they agro exactly. In relation to these species of Pherdstytis, Alex. G. Lamilion writes in bis paper on “Orchids of the Mudgee District, NSW, ''—' Twe well-defined types wrow- ing togethar at Guntawang, whieh T took fi be distinet species. -.. But Bentham sists that they sun so much into one another that, it ix impossihle to sort them. into different varietics even. Morphologically, there is little difference between the two dypes,’’ So it would seem that. the type 80 Jong known in Victoria und South Australia (see Figures in Introduction te the Stuky of South ae oe) Orehids, p. 8, and Victorian Naturalist, July, 1925, p, 62) Gan NO longer be regarded as reflexa, and a new atte ith in all probability’ have to he given to this comparatively large type, which is, most certainly a distiucl species, and ig yeconded ip the Vichartan Naturalist, Vol xxviii, Wa, p. 231, as Pt. Praecon (alata), var. robistin—W. H. Nicos, A JUNE DAY AT DARTMOOR Winter sunshine, a new field to explore, and leisure for rambling made my day at Dartmoor last month us pleasent ts a vatuenrlist could desire any oufing to be. The district may be familar to many other Club members, but to me it was “wirenr soll,’ and in our journal, appureintily, little has been recorded of this part of South-Western Victoria, Tu September, 1916, Mr J. W. Andas visiled the Portland district, and all botanists who think of spending a holiday there, should yead his paper in the Nuluraddiet, March, VOUT, He gives an excellent survey af the plant life; and thoagh my ramble was over different countt y, the flora of Portland aud district doubtless does not differ from that of Dartinioar, ov the Heywood-Mt. Gambier line. Fern hunting, I found the lovely Jittle vock-fern, Aspleniaum trichomanes, growing freely in dry or mist eveviees of a clif-face—the big hill near the Glenelg River bvidge, and overlooking the railway. Deepanoted in eracks hardly wide enough to admit a stout knife-llade, the spleen worts’ fronds formed green tracery on the limestane. Some were close to the ey ound; others—the finest sperimons— innecessihle without rape or laddev. Tn warshy spots along the river, in the township. other ferns grew, bat none new Lo me. 1. botanised only “by the way,” ‘and kept no record of species, But U hoticcd in oreviess of great boulders, at the base of the caves near the river, west of the falls, hoth the > wee het “oe , Mig Net of Votes from Meat nde Stak wile Sl Common Spleciuawort and the delieate Rue forn, sheegranand leptophylla. Hairy bracken, Pers commis, was there too, among the racks, and its companion, here and there, was Carred speciosa blossoming. Noble bushes of the Correa grew on shelves of Hinestone, not shaded, but in sunshine. BShal- low caves, these by the river, with trees and shinbs above and below, but within, lacking plant lige. Birds were not abutcant, wud all the species observed were old friends, ag the Crimson Pavrot, Grey hrush, Collaved Hutcher- bied, Magpielark, Chornbitls, ete Phe swaps further west, in nesting time, T was told, ave “‘thielk With binds. ? ducks, Pelicans. and other water-lovers. {ere the Native Companion still occurs ii numbers; the swamps at present are safe for them, but as the South-West becomes better known. i ts fenwed, cranes and other Naunters of the swanpland, will suffer, Game laws nay not proteet thew from all who motor along the Prince's Highway. 'fb's fel- lows From the city, not residents, who are bine anenies. a Dartmoor man deel laved, Rambles round Dartmoor, pleasant i winter, omst be delightful in spring and early summer. [t's a good district for the naturalist, and extending his excursions towards the herder, be will be rewarded still, J went to Puoratka, to examine the shallow eaves. where Mr. J. 8. Lockie recently found fossil’ bones of extinet species of Macropus, and other niarsupials, A yenort of his discoveries, including a worked flint, possibly a prehistoric implement, was published in ‘The Herald." ‘This locality. I commend to fossil hunters especially; and those who are interested ju velies of the aborigines. In one paddock, Mv. Loekie showed me many old niia-mia sites, and we picked wp scores of scrapers. Stone axes somatines are vevealed by the plongh down Dart- moor and Puralka wav. The paddock mentioned above. must hive been a favourite resort of the lost tribes. They had good hunting around the swamps; snd kangaroos even new wae plentiful in the opeu forest country. Me Glenele of Dartinoor isa picturesque stream: its grandeur is sven Alone reaches nearer to the sea. The Club might arrange a Week-excursion to the South-West. making Dartmoor the centre. Mr A.V, Richter, of Dartmoor, who showed kindness to a naturalist on the prowl, is keenly inter. ested in his distviet. Auv members of the Chal who 2 there may rest assured of & welcome to Dartingor.—CiH Rie Barger’. The Victorian Naturalist Vou. XLUL-No, 4. AUGUST 5, 1926. No. a2. , FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB OF VICTORIA. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was, held in the Royal Society's Hall, Victoria Street, on Monday. evening, July 12, 1926. The President (Mr. E. EH, Pescott, F:L.8.) occupied the chair, and about 100 mem- bers and friends were present, ' CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. From Mr. Alfred D’Alton, Hall's Gap, stating that the cutting of grass-trees was being carried out in the southern end of the Grampians, but that no damage to the. native flora was likely to occur. From Mrs, G, A, Keartland, thanking the Club for expressions of sympathy with her in her recent bereave- -ment, Mr. P. R, H. St. John moved that Mr, J. W. Audas, F.L.8., be appointed a delégate of the Club to the Perth meeting of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, In place of Mr- J. A, Kershaw, who intimated that he would be unable to go. The -motion was seconded by Mr. C. Fr ench, Jnr., and carried unanimously. A report on the visit. to the National Herbarium on June 19 was given by Mr. J. W. Audas. ELECTION ‘QF MEMBERS. On a ballot ane high oF Mr, A, C. Nilson, 58 Speight Street, Newport; M. Wishart, Riversdale Road, Glenferrie; Mrs, E Hanks, 736 Sydney Road, Coburg; and Mr. D. Blair, 59 Patterson Street, Middle Park, were elected as onainary members. i _ GENERAL. It wal resolved, on the motion of Mr, J, W. Andas, seconded by Mr. H, B, Williamson, that it be a recom- mendation to the Committee that part of the proceeds of the Wild Flower Show, to be held on October 5th next, be devoted to charitable purposes. ’ The President announced that His Excellency: the Governor and Lady Somers, had accepted an invitation to attend the Show, and that His Excellency had consented te perform the opening ceremony. The Hon, Secrétary read the minutes of the meeting at the Herbarium, on "Tdile 29th, held for the purpose of forming an Orchid Section of the Club. oe - Field Natata tints Chie nosedings Vol. Litt Mr. C. Daley -moved: “That the area known as Sher- brooke Forest and Gully, be proclaimed a permanent National Park and a sanctuary for all native ‘birds and mammals." The motion was seconded- by Mr, PF. E. Wilson, and carried unanimously. Mr. GC. Barrett moved: “That Sir Frank Clarke be in- ‘vited to arrange for and introduce a deputation to the responsible Minister, to-place the views of the Club before him.” Mr. L. L. Hodgson seconded the motion, which was Bee to without a dissentient. Gates referred to the Dandenong Police Paddock, “whic would become ordinary Crown Lands again in a few months. He moved that the Club sup- port the Town Planning Association in its efforts to have this area created a reserve. Mr, W. Thorn seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. It was also resolved that a letter be written to the Lands De- partment regarding this matter. LECTURETTES, The President delivered a lecturette ‘on, the ferns aid other flora of Sherbrooke Gully and surroundings, and referred to the many and varied beauties of this popular resort. Mr. C. Barrett followed with a short lecture, dealing with the birds to be found in the locality. . Both lectures were illustrated with lantern slides. EXHIBITS. - By Mrs E. Coleman: (1) Specimens ot Ptsrostiylis Toveyana, Ewart and Sharman, showing Aowers closely resembling P. alata in colour, shape, and structure, but with stem-leaves broadly ovate, as in P.‘concinna. (2): Specimen of P. Tovéyana with leaf-development narrow- linear, as in P, alata, but with flower resembling P. con- cinna in shape and colour. {3) Specimen of P, Toveyana, with three lower leavés broadly lanceolate. showing resemblance to leaves of both P, concinna and P, alata, the two upper leaves narrow-lanceolate, as in P. alata. (4) P. Toveyana buds from groups 1 and 2, latter showing that stem-leaf ‘development is .present in immature plant... (5) Plevostylis alate, Reich. f., for comparison, (8) P..conctnna, R.Br: By the Rev. G. Cox: {1} Native atone implements from Somerville and Cape Woolamai. (2) Walking fish from Gladstone River (Queensland). (3) Coastal téa- tree in bloom, from Mornington, By- Mr. C. Daley: Egg-cases of: the. Bird- drppping Spider (Selena excavate), on Which the mother-spider kept continual watch for af-leastvsix months, Firat Ase: | Field Naturalists’ Clab—Proecedingy 99 observed in February, when there were eight egg-cases; abandoned in June, when there were 13 egg-cages in the group, } By Mr. A, E, Rodda: Fungi Browing in outeropping miudstone from Mitcham. By Mr, E. E. Pescotl: Cultivated specimen of Bushy eee eh ca yptomene . ( Mitchellianda) Calyoina v.M.).. By Mr, H. Boreh: Six pupae of Troides euphorion, from Cairnsdistrict, North’ Queengland, By Mr. L..L. Hodgson : Opossum.,trap,: found eh dur- ing — season, in- Nheeheeoke Gully. . 1 “4 EXCURSION TO NATIONAL HERBARIUM. On June 19th, ‘25 members ofthe Club visited the Herbarium. Some notable spe¢imens were exhibited, plants collected by Banks ard Sélander in’ Australia in 1770, and by Robert Brown in the years 1802-5;.also a set of plants from. Samuel .Petiver's . Herbarium, gathered in India and,. North America more than’ 200 years ago. and described in the Philosophical Transac- tions of the Royal Society, at the. beginning. of the 18th century. . Some. attention was devoted to the library, which now.contains more,than.10,000 volumes. The National, Herbarium ranks among the leading ones. of the world.. The shelves are carefully numbered, so that there is no difficulty in finding any desired. plant, «, The facilities for reference to the contents of the Herbarium were fully demonstrated. ‘During the afternoon a paper on the Herbarium: and its mney was, read by the leader — J, W. Aupas., ; Mr. Alfred D’Alton 5 (Halita Gap), replying on- June 25 to the Hon: Secreiary’s letter..with reference:to prass- trees being cut In the Grampians. for commercial pur-. poses, said: “I believe this is.-being carried on -in‘ the southern.end of the Grampians:.-1I do not. think. any’ damage: will be: done to native flora, .as the best and’ rarest of our r flowers de not. Brow on pete thd countrys" ' 1 ' The following" datiaaha to ‘thé ‘Ciub's - funds: Wiivé bean mpoeived Since the’ beginning of the (inancial year;—Mr-. RB. TjXON, ny Me. F. Pitcher, 10/-! Mr. A, 4. Padgell; £2; and Mr. # KE Key) £5 sand NIGHOELS; Greeniood Orchids of Wabtdilin [ VIGh INA e UAL PALAU GUE CUP TYE PHATE PEPTYC) Wee CLO TEE A RC AAA WLU a TUS ILL TRA blake a 0a AG UTIL Le Ti et oh aie wh Lite Te wed bw i ae ee ) ed pees Te costae oy coisa hb: ebereub pol tered utoadk in i Gigen HOO: Opebids Sats MictOF Ss crron Swiohie ey 6 20LR yO WE BY NaSHonLssnevuosus Chto wigrtes pi bobrigaee pu pha rnconis lhl Dit OUraiy 2 Pais tisha a ed aed be Ry LR eras SWAN SEA 0% aus eidlpane yey iosayos pi Bovevneath his ftsehitiwead fin seine me atu fades tamyytcuels “2 NOTE—Ptii'Tobeyata; “Hiwar't)'" a’ stall, ‘ill-defined -species) mentidnediin Part’ 1li’of this paper, Kas been found igrowingtinatnew district “(Frankston)! ‘For specimens; Fany indebted to Mrs» BE. Coleman;” “i! «ite “hd OF ie! 14 ‘sébies dealt’ gith ‘inthis coneludin PLY Uae ete Pre ES -¥ 3 hea wit in't Si, Fone, BONE bart! of ni paper, are very rare. Pt. squamata, R.Br, and Fy. furcdid, Landiey. ....The former I have not ‘seen ‘ind fresh states and its existence in, Victoria is, doubtful, Theré aré no’ Victorian specimens of either plantin our Nationals; Herharium, though, both--have “been on * our records for manysyears. -«Dr:. Rogers records’Ptr fur- cata from at least two Victorian. districts. But re- corded’ Victoriin specithens of Ptusguamata do tiot exist. wll Dy-theHerbatlamy ta: ‘Tasmanian’ plant is” preserved. A) Rote istattathed ih the late Baron ‘Sir-Ferdinand: yon *Mueller'ss\dwh ‘handwriting “This is the tmiee’Pe, spldinatae R.Br? To me, it!'seeins to ‘agree’ with’ Dr, “Rogers Pt xpusilla (a &maller type) —the flowers have-no véduiie tothé’sepals!*> “Magnified, the ciliated ‘apicés‘of ethe two>'peatzshaped: swellings; with ‘the deep ‘channel between! are seen on: the reverse side of the tather short, eovate labébhinatt) (See illustration.) -These ‘detaiis?gre “ht Variance withthe published’ descriptions? of Robert "Brown's ‘speciesa V" leap se ] gees dperky yarryreh ont aire of ae ws > | Pén.neuminatajl R:Brn.(Fig.-16-)- (Pointed) ; - 4G _veiPhettype form, of -the,Pointed.Greenhood is a.-slender ' plant, from 6 inches to 10 inches in height, with a flower somewhat closely resembling in shape and coloration Pt. wulans, R.Br., but without the nodding habit which char- Lacterizes.that familiarsSpecies, — Apex of-galea shortly pointed; olabelliith tgrabrous .+(or..pobescent);. oblung- chnearysrecurved ortsémi-circularlyurecurved,2 projecting sthrdughs the ! atute wsinus.of sthe: lower)lip, tip Sharply ‘pointed:2 hhowem lip. narrow, Wedge-shapedss! the: lobes ‘embrachigvendsexdeeding. the galex;,tips, acuminaté;inot avery JonginiStemeBracts, :mifute sheathing 1-271 Basal leavesiustailyoblong-lancedlate, ot lanceolate? vuiitci~ ANOVA PTA A PEP T ANA A A sHhy + stages ye } NICHOLLS, GreswkoodOnehids uf Victoria “401 >~Though *a" few’ records” exist ‘of this speciés ‘having been found, im Victoria during,the autummal.mopths (the ?normal’ flowering ‘time for ~the’ apecies' in“ NOS!W. and’ | Q'Id.), specimens ;haye;npt been-seentfor a considerable period, and the species has been regarded as extremely “vare; if ‘not éxtinet, “A few years aga a’Greenhood was discovered in severs] parts.ofrthis State, $./N.E./N.W, (between the months of August and December), and :in- wonsiderable numbers. in some, districts. —. :Iti was Arst considered to be a hybrid. The dabellum is -pubes- cent, with avblunt tip, and. the flowenjusually-in a:very slight nodding position..:, ,[t is,.of.weryjvariablehabit, and is oecasionally rather stout, with well-marked, stem- ‘leaves, as in'Pt. furcata, Lindley. \“"Experjence with the forms ‘from N.S.W. and’ Queensland “showed: that. our “spring” flowering form ‘cannot hé ‘Separated, ‘and must be regarded ‘as a’ Variant form of ‘thé ‘Above’ species,’ me "Hee Tew ann ray LAVod ye aN Sa Te .. Vietoria; New South Wales ‘andiQueens|and*9))\Gem- ‘bined flowering periods: 'March-Decemberi ii -yinae «Pt grandifiora, RBs! (Fig. Tih, (Large-flowered). Victoria, New~ South Wales*’na” Quetnstanit=“May- daly re Ne ee a SE haan irr Aen a > ~ op Hee eget = Srl {ges's WISER CAN A adie. Pt. ?? (Fig. 18.) es ecwobtea ed eld east The Striped-Greenhood, Plantifnorh 2sdnchnes--bond4 inches in -height,;-stem-leaves uatially 4+5!/narrow-lancep- slate, somewhat=rigid,|claspingiatethe base) owver ones sbract-like; ,,EFlower,' large, \esolitaxy siwhiteiandgclearly 4 (often| firmly) jistripede withidark.greeniand soménpur- Splish ocibrown-markings; si!Labellumsaarromulancediate, tapering: to, asfine:point.\ Pale inseolours;Radioal leaves similar intshape:to FP. alaté’s,abut-margins hot crispede| NicHOLLs; Greenhood Orehide of Victoria | Gist. Sas } og ching 3 BS ae! ‘ 44 ok EM ia, 7 ae “44 ad gs 16—Pt. acuminata, R.Br: (autimn). 16a—P¢. acuminata, R.Br: (spring).,., 17—Ps. grandiflara, R.Br.. 18—Pt. (new: species). - 19—P¢.. revolauty, R.Br. 20—Pt.. longifolia, R.Br.~ 21—Pt. mietata,. Lindl. '22—Radical leaves of Pi. alata,’ Réich, 22a—Tri-leaved type of radical leaves of Pt. alate.” ~~ 6 rare NOTE.—Radical leaves and labella marked with corresponding figures. Labella not drawn to scale correxpondingly. ee \ Bield Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings 103 Victoria, -South Australia, and Western Guatedtia— April-October. Nore.—This plant has Been imnbwn for many years as Pt, veflexa, Br., but the rediscovery -recently, in the Paterson district, N.S.W., of a small Greenhood, agree- ing in all particulars with the original plants, that Robert Brown collected at Port Jackson, in 1804, has re- opened the question of ‘the identity of this large- flowered plant. which seems to be abundant in many parte of Victoria, also South Australia and Western Australia; Dr. Rogers, to whom the question was re- ferred, agrees algo that this pliant,-which has. ‘been described by Prof. Ewart. (Melbourne University). as Pt. praecos (alate), var, robusta, (Proc. Roy. See., Vie., Vol, xxviii, New Series, 1926) is distinct, snd must now be regarded as a new species, See also Pt, revoluta, R.Br. (Fig. 19). Pt. revaiuta, R.Br. (Fig. 19). (Revoltite). The Autumn Greenhood. A very graceful, normally single-flowered species, which, more often than not, is found greWing in a solitary state. The large flawer is white, with green stripes and some light-brown mark- ings {often absent in succulent forms); the stem is almost leafless, Plant usually between 5 inches and 12 inches in height. Tkis Greenhood is widely distri- buted throughout Victoria and New South Wales, and aiter good late summer rains, it usually flowers abun- dantly, sometimes occurring in fairly large colonies. The flowering period is during March, April, and May, and the species is seen at its best in ite alpine form, growing on rocky ridges. Alpine examples are much hardier (less succulent) than some of the lowland specimens, This species has been known for many years, having been confused with Pt. reflexa, Br., a much smaller plant, which is restricted (as far as it is at present known) to New South Wales and Queensland. Bentham, who had access to’ Robert’ Brown's types, would not aceépt them 4s variant species, and included these and other similar apecies (inc). Fig. 18) under the one specific name. The differences, he concluded, weré not sufficient to justify separation. / Critical examination of all parts of living plants of both species, has convinced me that the earlier botanist: was. fully.. justified in; his- decisions, The radical leaves of revoluta- are oblong-lanceolate; ‘those of reflexa, broadly-ovate, with crisped margins. There are many differences in the:details also, - jor Sea hay beyleeet aes ofl: \aa Kigwarid, Greohood Or “ells ‘ol Wickored. [ Vier) Sit. *0ilotda Had, NeW WoltaH Way Se datas 20 t IPL LWT (aa “1% Sota duane’ oO abt. borigstolieny (RBar, (Figs 20).iu(bongleaved). wrct by DhesTall+ reenhood: 2ist nestrictedy te ‘mo istiqwell-shel- tered gallies;:and shady (placesiiniourawoodlands,! Often itt Brows: among: dlmostuimpenetrable, viseruhy and the branchesvof) fallen. treess8viltis easily.recoghised by:,its very, dong, clatiteolate stem-teaves;-andr very Siiail, -green- ish flowers. h Plant usually :from 6.inches ‘to 18\'inches in height; but:in favourable situations,-up to 2-feet-or mores, «-Stem-leaves: longest-near the middle; those within the: floral cluster reduced to-acute bracts; those atithe:base.of stem stale-like, Flowers usually from: 4 to 8; conjoined sepals in a pendent position (as in-Pt. rufa, etc.); lobes rather shortly pointed, occasionally tipped with-redy‘labellum, glandular, laterally lobed, tip bifid; base very thick, very irritable; lateral growth: of leaves sometimes present in the flowering plant. i “All, States: “(excluding Western Australis) —Fuly- October, Pod Fire PE “ywitteta: Lindley. (Fig. 21). (Banded). *The Banded Greerihood is not regarded as a common plant in Victoria, though it is sometimes fairly numerdus ina few coastal districts, and it gleo occurs ‘om some! ‘of ‘ our mountain: ranges." ‘Similar, in general appearance, to Pt, longtfolia,,, Br.; but in vittate the habit is stoufer; the' lanceolate stem-leaves are much broader and those within the: floral raceme much longer. Plant: usually from 5 5 inches to 15 inches in height. Flowers usually one 'to eight; in a nodding position, weually reddisii- brown, and distinctly banded across the upper part of the valea; conjoined sepals pendent, tips acute; labellum, broadly-oblong, glandular, with a single short spike pro- truding from’ the much thickened base; very irritable. Radical leaves ovate-oblong or oblong-lanceolate. All States—May-July, Specimens of this species from Point Lonsdale, June, 1923(7), collected by Mr. G. Ampt, had numerous flowers of a grey colour, agreeing in these respects with the Western Australian plants. . Pi alata (Labill}, Reich, (Pig. 22). (Winged), AP! praecoz, Lindley). The Purplish Greenhood is the daintiest of the small single-flowered. species. . Widely distributed, growing chiefly within the shelter of treea or shrubs. Plant usually between 4 iriches and 16 inches in height. Stem- Hara + NigHOUs, Greeters Qnchide of Victorian iS? lexyves small,and bratt-like, tarely longer than No basal leaves at’ flowering’ ae Pea Nae ‘soli- tary, dhdvewithrodarkigieen; longitudinal stripes, ‘and some ‘purplishior browromarkings! »Specimeis ‘Yeaelved recently: ‘fromi(fasmaniatnadidull:ssge green strigetona grey ground-/other-inarkings being (of adight:rufasitint. alex arectz sometimes u(chieflysam / small! flawersjufint eurved.:sTip short; lower! lip ieréct, ithe filiform cpoints exteeding the galea and’, hooked : forward at: the ‘tips: Labelyum brownish; lanceolate,-almost straight, with an acute point; tip not protruding beyond.the wide abrupt sinus of the* lower lip;-column ofsturdyrform,: usually vreen. Radical leaves, broadly ovate, or: davatealigabenlatey margins crisped, Nie ye ’, ee ee Victoria, New South Wales, South Austiatia, “and. Tas: radnig-—Mayalaly: at vin +4 y+ Pig. 224, a type of plant observed, 80. Pas! ‘only in ary seasons, and only in those species af “Gieenhoods, having no basal leaves during the flowering period. ‘On the basaltie and. granitic formations, where conditions the _reverse .of congenial often prevail, they’ are frequently met with, and in considerable, nambErE, zi ihe following sneries, us truncata, _Hitz., and Pt.. Me on divested. ery ae late season.; jo Gay siya Eoatied Pt, cucullata, R.Br. (Fig, 23} Lr leoded) bods The Leafy. Greenhood is- nota’ Very jcotunon Maite cbut in some.localities may be gathered, j Jin consi erable. 3 num bers. I have, so far, received it’ ‘frog, bu fa Vi ietorign localities Broadmeadows and, the Shath C (near Rye) .\“It-derives -its‘ specific name! lgrouicthal lange pper bract, which sometimes envelopesthevovary” ‘aid: pol rtion laf she" large ‘flower ; ‘suggesting; then, ithe typical niohk's ‘hood: The* “plant? ié variable i in Beighit? measnring EDM Ziiehes to. over a’foots The Bteth i ‘well jprotectedtwith “eee piel ye a RagLaT AM ha: eabatl Rnseyrse “hisses 106 NICHOLLS, Greenhgod Orchids of Victoria [ \isty Pat 22—Pt. alutu, Reich. 23—P#. cueulluta, B,Rr, 24—Pt. furcata, Lindl 25—Pt. rufa, R.Br. 26—Pt. pusilla, Rogers. 27—Pt. Mitehkeiliz, Lindl. 28—P£, squamata, R.Br. 29—Pt. nana. 29a— Lower lip of Pi. nana (from inside) showing inflexed lobule. ron * Nicharas, Greenhood Orehids of Victoria 10% very lony (often succulent) leaves, varying in shape, but. usually oblong; those at the base longest and somewhat crowded, sessile or almost. so. The single green flower , is marked with brown, or a rich cayenne colour. Lower lip erect, wedge-shaped, lobes shortly-acuminate, usually exceeding the galea in the Victorian plants (as illus- trated.) Labellum, oblong-elliptical; tip, blunt, slightly , recurved, often richly coloured. The Jargest specimens I have examined came from South Australia: tall, yet sturdy plants, much darker in colouring than the Vic- torian plants. (Pt. Mackthbinw, F.V.M., a synonym.) Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Tas- manisa—September—Octoher. Pt. furceta, Lindley, (Fig, 24), (Forked, Jateral sepals), The Forked Greenhood is one of our rarest orchids, and records prove that. very few specimens have been found in Victoria. Dr. Rogers reports a specimen from Cockatoo (Dec.), and another from Condah, in the Hamilton district; while the Rev. H. M. R, Rupp, of Paterson, N.S.W., has a robust form of this species in his herbarium; it. was collected by him on Mt. Bunin- yong (near Ballarat) many years ago. There are no specimens in the National Herbarium, excepting two type forms from Tasmania, where the species seems to be less rare. The pliant resembles, in some degree, Pi, cucullata, R.Br,; but is much more slender, usually between 4 inches and 10 inches in height, with from 3 to 5 fairly large, oblong-lanceolate leaves, dispersed upwards on the stem, largest near the base; those on the stem, leaf- like bracts. The fairly large, single, flower is-greenish, with some brown markings; galea inclined upwards; lower lip wedge-shaped, with the points exceeding the falea; labellum long and narrow, wider at the base; tip rather blunt, very slightly curved, chamwnelled on_ each side of the longitudinal ridge on the upper surface. , Three specimens of this plant were received recently from Tasmania. The labellum and the markings on the fore-part of the galea of all three were of a bluish colour. Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania—November- January. 1v86 NicHoLLs, Greenhood Ovehide uf Vletaria. Vallee t ie — Pt rufa. R.Br. (Fig. 25). (Reddish) .” phot it oF “The Rusty Hood is & hardy plant, with ‘larg #6 tubers. whith ‘enable ‘it ta flourish in the most arid situations,! though it is not confined to, them. It_is the Jargest of * the "Rufa'! group, other species being somewhat similar in habit and eclouring. Height, from 8 inches to 12_ inches. Basal leaveé in a withered state when the flowers have opened; leaves shortly petiolate; stem bracts 2-5, acute, loosely sheathing. Flowers 2-5, green with reddish -brown markings. Sepal pr ‘olongations vary in length (up to 14 inches tn my specimens), conjoined sepals not embracing the galea, as in most of the better- known Greenhoods, but pendant. On the concave plat- form formed by their connate parts rests the short sensi- tive labellum, which is membranous, with tip upturned; margins fringed with short hairs: twa long, upright setae at the hase, I received séveral fine plants of this orchid.from the Bendigo district, these have flowered year after year, and I find the green rosette is sometimes retained until the fiowers have withered, Widely distributed, all States—-November-December. Pt, pusilla, Rogers. (Fig. 26.) Very small), The Ruddy Hood, Plant 24 inches to $$ inches high, with a green* radical rosette at time of flowering. much more slender and smaller plant than Pt. nuifa, R.Br. Flowers 1-8, smaller, but somewhat similarly coloured. Since) first described and iHlustrated by Dr. Rogers (Trans. Roy, Soc., S.A., Vol. xlii., 1918), larger specitnens have been found, Sepals acute, but not cau- date; labellum, fleshy, very sensitive, oblong or ovate- oblong : tip straight; lateral margins beset with a few long hairs; tip and apices of the two pear-shaped swel- lings (between which runs the central trough which marks the under-side most uniquely). shortly ciliate, margins at base, thickly and shortly ciliate, This plant is by no means common, and is never 'found in colonies of any size. Victoria, South Australia arid Tastiania (?)—Sep- tember and Octoher, . Pé. Mitchellii. Lindley. (Fig. 27). (After Sir Thomas Mitche!l, who discovered the plant jn 1846). *A few plants found in bloom on 3 dry stony hillside near Wattle Glen (Sept., 1924) had withered basa} leaves. » p88 4, ad NigHows, Greenkood Orchids of Victoria ' 109, The Mitchell Greenhood is'a-slender species, 6-10 Inches in height, with rather large flowers, 1-6, in a looge raceme; gréen, with reddish tints; usually much darker than in the other members of thie group. | Basdl-leayes in @ green rosette, very ‘shortly ‘petiolate. Stem-bracts™' few'in number, 4: very small, sheathing-. This is not. , a ‘common plant; it grows on lichtly-timbered hillsides: It is at once distinguished from ‘vufa, by the (compara- tively) larger flowers, and the taile of the conjoined sepals, which'are strangely divergent and about 1 inch long. Apex of galea with a fine point about 4} inch in length, recurved. Lower lip, pendant; lobes ovate; labelum, very irritable, slipper-shape, rather thick and fleshy, glandular; tip depressed a little and bifid slightly on the reverse side. The contracted basal portion usually without hairs. Lateral margins sparsely ciliate, Alt Eastern States (incl. Tasmania) —August-October, Pt, squamata, R.Be. (Fig, 28). (Sealy, stem-bracts), The Sealy Greenhood is an exceedingly rare, glabrous species. Under id.inches in height, and not unlike some forms of Pé, Rufa, R.Br., bot having smaller fiowers, 1-3, coloured like rufa, and more stem-bracts, 6-8. it has also a withered basal rosette at time of flowering, Apex of galea, shortly-pointed; lower-lip pendant; lohes about ‘inch in length; Jabellam ovate-oblong, fleshy, markedly glandular; tip straight, bifid, lateral margins,'and sides of the thickened but rather narrow base, beset with long setae, very irritable. Column wings upper margins not toothed or ciliated. Victoria (7), Tasmania and South Australia—Nov. Pi. rane, R.Br. (Fig. 29), (Dwarf), The Dwarf Greenhood was described: by Rabert Brown from specimens gathered by Colonel Paterson in -Tas- mania, a little more than a century ago. Iv is a very slen- der, dainty species, rigidly erect, usually between 2inches and 6 inches.in Height; occasionally 12 inches. Normally, single-fiowered, with an inflexed denticular, green, lobule inside the sinus of the lower lip, (See Fig. 294). Basal leaves in a vrosulate cluster, usually found in groups or large colonies at the base of frees in open forest country, and in sheltered positions under shrubs, Dr, Rogers records a find at Albany, ‘Western Aus- tralia. The plants were in colonies on the erect trunk of a latge Banksia. In one ¢ase 81 feet above the ground. Probably the result of flaod waters. ’ All the States (excepting Queensland) —July-Oetober. Correction —Natw'alist, July, 1926, 9. 75, 7th line from bottom; delete words “simular fe." 110 Auwas, The National Herbarium, Melbourne Won XE UUCLEOYTEUCLSOUTVNV TE RUC aevennvengngtev angina ern iaenreerenreervensvanaerenenevanyetnaran0444 eC ROA RDEDGRATebAbArADELA A444 AMAA 444090000081 14 190 LAUAEAAA CHF aaa gan 09 ort The National Herbarium, Melbourne, By J. W. Aunas, F.LS., F.RMS. ‘ SOmmUHOU AHL MN AULA AAA E44 41A1AL TAA eveevada aaa 44 reve tevat enn cTO 41 LAD VeTHE TAU Bnet ADA TAN VA Lv TeH8 OUT TUETO AAU RANA er UAT HHT On TO nT ed TE AL RE SO TOO HATE TT TE During the year 1857, the Government of Victoria realised the need and importance of a Properly equipped State Herbarium. A large building was erected in the Government House Domain, under instruction of the Hon. Captain Pasley, then Minister of Peblic Works, for the reception of the botanic treasures accumulated by the then Government Botanist,. Dr. Ferdimand Muel- jer—afterwards Baron von Mueller; the private collec- tion foxened by him since 1840 also became located there as a gift Through interchanges, from results of botanical ex- peditions, through the. liberality of public institutions, and by the purchase of Dr. Sonder’s Herbarium, these collections (vast already in 1857) became so extensive that, at the present time, the number of sheets contain- ing the pressed and dried plants can be estimated at one and a-half millions. The Herbarium is now equal to any of'the few really grand Herbaria in other coun- tries, while it far exceeds any other in the number of Australian specified forms. The whole collection is arranged according to the systematic Census of Austra- lian Plants, by Baron von Mueller, the Census serving as an index for the Austratian collection.. The extra- Australian, New Zealand, Papuan, and Polynesian divisions of the Herbarium are each kept separate— such precious possessions as these must by no means he considered as transient, or, under ordinary care, as per- ishable—indeed, in some of the Continental Herbaria specimens are ‘preserved quite uninjured, though col- lected fully 300 years ago. “Our own collection contains numerous plants which were prepared by Ehrhart, Thunberg, Giseke, and other disciples of Linnaeus, and by the pre-Linnean botanist, ‘Petiver, wha died in 1718; also some collected by Robert Brown'in Australia, during the years 1802-5; and by Banks and Sojander in 1776. The Australian collection is kept separate from the extra-Australian collection, to facilitate access for daily reference in studying the flora of the Commonwealth. PLC | Abbas, The Nattonal Herburinm, Melbourne dat * The names of the contributors towards the Australian portion of the Herbarium, can be gathered from the Flora Australiensis and the Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae. It is, however, worthy of special remark that the large array of Western Australian plants of Drummond,. Oldfield, L, Preiss, Maxwell- snd Max Koch, ig most extensively represented in‘our Herbarium. As regards New Zealand plants, we are fortunate in possessing collections from Dr. Sinclair, Sir Julius Haast, Professor Kirk, R. and G, Forster, and Mr. J, Buchanan. In reference to the extra-Australian plants in our possession, their intrinsic value may be recognised when tt is stated that there are at least 200 distinguished botanic celebrities in whose gains-we were able ta share, The contributors include Asa Gray, Agardh, Beccari, Cooke, Ecklon, Engler, Fenzl, Hampe, Sir Joseph Hooker, Kotschy. Lehmann, Lindley, Moritzi, Philippi, Reichenbach, Schimper, Torrey, Wallich, Zeyher, and many others. The object of accumulating such large stores of prepared plants is not to satisfy idle curiosity, but to trace, at any ‘time, charactéristics of any plant of either hemisphere, 4 Ly To demonstrate the range of any particular plant “over whatever portion of the world it may be in- digenous. ~2. To identify the description of any plant in any work -at any time with original and possibly with typical or authenticated specimens. 3. To institute by comparison even into minute details the precise mames of any species whatever their position in the botanic system may be. 4.To guide to a recognition of any plant. whether for medicinal, forestal, pastoral, technologic or any other purr zses. ' . ; Nearly the whole system of records of the world’s vege- tation rest on such material, for only in our Herbarium can we bring together the plants of the whole vlobe, for connected studies—the number of species constituting the flora of the world being not less than 200,000, irre- spective of varieties and exclusive of mosses, lichens, fungi, and algae There is no betanical museum attached to the Her- barium, though this js ‘a very useful adjunct, as it teaches HE AbMASa Phe Nationa Herbarium, Melbourne { voi itt Vol. NLITL US. fo. appreci ti the, general sFelations; of -the .vegetable “Wwe and tee ee sy At. the+ Royal) Botanic. GardensyoKew, "the € most "extensive e economic museums im théworld aire (aiy “exaniple’the''€ btosinut t palin’ ‘Coces’ yiucifera. y There tare piétUres showine the tres’ ad’ if BROW As Bear ie Sea, “in tropical: ‘eountries? “alSo porsidhlie th he" tru tik, jue gt ‘as vit'ébmes"trom thé tree," Then'cdme aus of denule ‘erable things madé trom the’ most valuable of all palms. ‘There/aré'sanibles df cocoanut oil, with soap and, candles "made ‘of it:' Sugar‘ and vinegar ‘made from the’ ‘sap of the ‘tree! walking | Sticks and ornamental” articles from thie woid, various’ toys and’ utensils, such as teapots, cups and ladles fromthe shell of the nut, and samples of’ the kernels: how. lavgety used -in confectionery, There are also” many. arti¢led madé from the strong’ fibrés of the husk;"such as mats and matting, ropes and rough. cord, handbags” ‘and ‘brighes.. The native races also make yarious articles of dress and ornamental material from one pare or. other: of this palm. At ‘the. Herbaridm we have a fine libr ary,: ccontalniag ‘Valuable. books,, more, than 10,000 volumes, by Linnaeus and other authors up to the present time; also. works by ‘several. pre-Linnean- authors. ‘These, books, in,-the main,. ideal, with. botany, but especially that branch of botany: which treat, of the classification of plants. In- ‘cluded, ‘also, ate several books of travel, which cantain more or Jess botanical matter, Though the books-are mainly necessary for carrying on the practical work of the Herbarium; the early authors, whose writings are chiefly of ‘historic interest, are well represented. ‘Mention might: be made of the following :— Stirpium Histariae Pemptades, by Dodonaeus, Pub- lished in 1583: A Voyuge ta New Holland, by Capt. William Dampier (1699), This interesting little volume vontains illustra- ‘tions of 18 Australian plants, The genus. Dampiera was named in this navigator's honor by Robert Brown. Flore Australiensis, by George Bentham. A great work begun hy thé-author in 1863 and finished in 1878, During this jong period, Baron voti Mueller, collaborat- ing, regularly forwarded all his avaiiable. collections of Australian flora, with notes thereon, to London. More than 100,000 specimens were despatched, when Ben- tham examined them and in due course returned them + Ay vr + wt oom Nish py phi te) “pipe mite ofl (PRES | Aunas! Phe Neeionul Herdariiin, Mulbourns 118 vsafelyeto tthe ‘National ‘Herbarinin,’ Mtv, ie es /aumostivaluabletset/gnd-the’standard wei é fea “on Australasia:! 2¥ vomvpeléed, seve dalgnnes. aN ' Hse di: at abhi Paroe: Newae Holleaine, by: oR. Brown (is i ete etn of the ost pnportgnt, WOES eyer aveitten on phy} co antabs, $e, notes.and the “material “‘Bathered' cee the whale of iF Inderst .mepa- “orablé ‘expedition’ and’ ‘Wiring, eseapent: travels.-of ‘Rohert Brown and his companions in, New, ‘South Wales ‘and ‘Tasmania. Unfortunately, , howevef, ‘the -intended second volume of this splendid work néyer,, became jelab- ‘orated, 30 that scanty fragments ‘only, of, the.most highly ‘developed plants discovered during Flinders” expedition, became known as scattered through; other publications; and even in Brown's Prodromus the Victorian, plants are simply indicated as from the Sotith Coast ‘of Australia, he counting’ geographically with them all those | rowing as far as King George's Sound, Australiin Orchids, by R. D, Fitzgerald, F, LS: A valuable illustrated monograph of the whole of the Aus- tralian orchideous plants, comprising about ‘250 fatrly- marked species. The work is dedicated tothe memory of: Charles Darwin. It contains an éxplanatory index, Utterary;: etymologic and geographical, noting also the time of flawering. The full-sized figures, are- beautifully colored, and accompanied by ample analytic’ details, of the-yarious genera and species. ‘Métition must be made of some of the very valuable books written by the late Baron’ van Mueller, who was | Government Botanist of Victoria for more ‘than 40 years. Eucalyptographia, 1878 to 1884, is a work of great value, as it contains illustrations and full dexcrintions of each species of Bucalypt. Myoporinous Plants of Australia, This—is mainly delineations of each Australian species, comprising 74 iNustrations. :, Census of Australian Plants. - A, compilation of all the plants indigenous to Australia; their arrangement, classification and distribution. Select Eaxtra-Tropical Plants. .A voltime containing information on plants for industrial culture, Notes on Pajuan Plants, 1875 to 1890. nt Key to the System of Victorian Plants... Parts I, and li, Thisisa “useful key for facilitating: the study nt: our native flora, . yee Il4 Aupas, Vhe National Herbarium, Melbourne | ‘ ons aT fconography of Australion Species of Acacia, 13 de- cades. A useful work, showing drawings and anatomy of Australian Acacias, fconography of Australian Salsolaceous Plants. With drawings and anatomy. Among other publications of this voluminous writer are !—— Fragmenta Phitooraphine. “uubraling, two parts; Australian Mosses, Plants Indigenous to the Colony of Victoria, Plants of Shark's Bay, and For est Resources of Western Australia. Botany of Captain Cook's Voyage, three volumes. These volumes contain reproductions from the plates engraved from: drawings of plants collected in Australia by Banks and Solander during Cook’s First’ Voyage, in 1768-71, and the descriptions which were drawn up by Solander, during and after the voyage. The Austra- tasian collections are represented by 412 sketches; from se 362 finished drawings were prepared, of ‘which 40 were engraved. THE LILAC LEEK-ORCHID. The Lilac Leek-Orchid, described by Dr; Rogers in 1923, is named after a member of our Club, Mrs, Edith Coleman, who is specialising in the study of Australian orchids. - The type of Prasophyllwm . Colemaneae (Rogers) was collected at Bayswater, 12/11/22. Mrs. Coleman gives the following condensed description of the species :-— Moderately stout, with a rather louse Spike of about 2) lavender or lilac flowers. Dorsal sepal greenish, the conical point recurved or erect: -Lateral sepals green, fluted, spreading, very divergent. Petals lavender, with a narrow preen central stripe, spreading. Labellum jJavender, margins trenated, widely ovate, nearly sessile, Colewmn short, lateral appendages, oblong, falcate and Jayender tinted. Another purplish, THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST = Vol. Xiu. Angust, 1926 Plate IT]. ‘| LInaAc LEEK-ORCHID, Prasopl ( nae (Rogers) Hr | WILLIAMSON, Victorian Furies 116 SU MLL RR VICTORIAN FERNS By H, B. WiuutaAMson, F.L.S. VRE A LTTE VOCALS LOVEE ELLY 0) VEL EAR PANU TEU ERAS EO NRHN VOU ETE PUPT MEQ EUEU EONAR URMATREAURDOUEGANAUO LAB ATARUNDAUAL4 }O0AUNOATANAIOLAUENNIMLATOA|/A1AL) 4 ANARIAIEAI)(414( Part VIII, Genus ASPLENIUM. This genus is distinguished by having the sori under an elongated indusium, like a narrow flap along the velns diverging from the midrib. The indusium opens upwards, 2.e., on the side facing the midrib. ASPLENIUM BULBIFERUM, Forst. Mother Spleenwort, (Fig. 1.) All States, except W.A. and N.A. All conti- nents except Europe. Fronds rise 1 foot to 2 feet, from a thick rhizome, and are bipinnate, often bearing at the ends of the pinnae bulb-like swellings (proliferous growths) from which new fronds sprout, and, becoming detached, produce independent plants. Primary pinnae numerous, usually 4 to 6 inches in length. Pinnules about 1 inch in length, toothed or lohed, with a single veinlet to each tooth or lobe, Sori attached to the veins of lobes, with a prominent cover thrown over towards the margin, so as to make the sori appear almost mar- gino]. A dark green, rather tender fern, found in all districts of Victoria, but the North-West. Fig. 1 shows the stalk of a frond with one pinna, the upper end of which is turned over to show the upper side and the - attachment of one of the bulb-like pracesses. ASPLENIUM FLACCIDUM, Forst- Weeping Spleenwort. (Fig. 2.) N.S.W.; Tas.; N.Z.; Af.; Polynesia. A pale- green, glabrous fern, found often pendent from tree- trunks. In New Zealand this fern is represented by 5 or 6 very divergent forms, “from the great pendulous frond hanging three feet from a tree-trunk, to the stiff, upright, spiky little plant a few inches high.” In this State the extreme forms are represented except, perhaps, that the pendent form is scarcely ag luxuriant as in New Zealand. The fronds are from 1 foct to 2 feet, and pinnate. The pinnae are very narrow, barren mes toothed, fertile ones with lobes about + inch in tength. The sori resemble those of A. bulbiferum, but the conspicuous indusium is thrown over so far as to make them appear marginal, and often they become visible from the upper side of the frond. Found in the South and East of the State. = TIME a Rc iT = {AVANHHOURHHUHYAUAHOV HHO FHBI AD HAL 116 WILLIAMSON, Victorian Ferns [yotl'. “How ran a hind be kept: in fT eaptivity and .30 mig i unhappy?" “es 1 Paes \ ' Tor tt Seeley +ey, cog Now for the other side of the picture: Some people near Wandin “keep” a young. Major Mitchell, Cockatoo (Cucatua ‘leadbeatert}; which was “sent them, ‘fron, t Mallee: ‘The bird ‘has always had his Jiberty,, is ‘happy, and keeps about his new’horme.’’ At night. he retires to a tree, Bucalyptus macronrynchia,; close ‘to the house,’ and calls in for his breakfast of wari: ‘steeped biscuit,’ éath morning’ \He has'a preferende: for ‘arrowrodt biscuit,” but if given a_currant luncheon, ‘carefully rejects. each currant. On a-recent-week-end:wvisit,—Royal Park, Mr. R. E. Luher, B.A,; Mornington, Rev. G. Cox; Ringwood, Mr, F. F. Wilson; Balwyn (Maling’s Quarry and ''Maranoa" Garden), Mr. L. L. Hodgson. Mr, E, E. Pescott. stated that the Yarra Junction excursion on October 9 had been abandoned owing to unpropitious weather. Mr. C, Daley reported on the visit te Belgrave on September 18 to attend the Conference regarding Sher- brooke Forest, and said that the six members present were conducted through the area, and subsequently enter- tained at luncheon by the local Progress Association. ELECTION OF MEMBERS, The following were elected as ordinary -members:— Miss A. F_ Smith, 86 Station Street, Box Hill; Mr. Geo. Findlay, 101 Collins Street, Melbourne; Mr. A. H. Fer~ gugon, Guarwyn Road, Murrumbeena; Mr. John Ingram, 30 Clowes Street, South Yarra; and Miss N. Moorehouse, 45 Arnold Street, South Yarra; and Mr. E. H. Hatfield, P.O. Box 22, Lilydale, and ‘Messrs. G. P. Cleeland and F. T. Cleeland. “Nulgerong,” Cannie P,O., as country menghers:, GENERAL, The President stated, in regard to the Wild Flower Show, held at the St. Kilda Town Hall on October 5, that it was too early to make an announcement as to the finencia! result, but he wished to take the opportunity of thanking all those members and friends who had assisted in making the Show a success, vad Field Natwratiets’ Clwh—Proceedinge. | List Rah Mr,, T, James moved and Mr.. F. Chapman_seconded, that a visit of members to “Maranoa” Garden, Balwyn, to labe), the native plants growing there, should. be arranged at some future date—Carried PAPERS. Mr, H. B, Williamson gave a lecture, illustrated by jantern slides, descriptive of various interesting native lants which he had observed in different parts of ictoria, EXHIBITS, By Mrs. E. Coleman: Living specimens of Prasonhyl- lum Brainei, Rogers and Prasophyllum brevilabre, Hook. collected by Mrs. D, J. Paton, Herbarium specimens of Prasophyllum slatum, R.Br., with stem 4ft. high and 42 expanded flowers and 28 ‘buds; Caladenia Patersonii, var. longicauda, 3 ft. high, a two-flowered specimen with sepals over 64 in: long, making a spread of over 13 inches {collected by Col. B. T, Goadby, Cottesloe, W.A.}- By Mr. E. E. Pescott, F.L.S.: Cultivated specimens of Bucalyptus torquata, Hibiscus Huegelti, Clematis aris- tata, var. Dennises, and Leptospermum lanigerum, var. grandiflorwm—all in flower. Living specimen of Moloch aperiauas % the “Mountain Devil,” from Transcontinental ine. _ By Mr. 'P. H. R. St. John: Herbarium specimen of Bertya rotundifolia, F. v. M. {Buphorbiacez), collected at Queenscliffe, February, 1886 (found in Herbarium, Melbourne Botanic Gardens). Not yet recorded as occurring in, Victoria. Previously known only from Kangaroo Island. ; By Mr. L. Hodgson: Cultivated specimens in flower of Colytrix Sullivant (Grampians Fringe-myrtle), Hibiscus Huegelii, Pultenaga scabra (Rough Bush-pea), Hutoxia diffusa, Dodonuea viscosa (Giant Hop-bush), Grevillea asplentfolia, Grevillea aquifolium (Prickly Grevillea), and Chorizema cordatum., By Mr, F. Pitcher: Sponge collected on beach in West- ern Australia. By Mr. A. C. Nilson: Several pieces of rock showing imprints of shells—found in railway cutting at Royal Pak, 18/9/1926. The smell of the sea still clings to the rock. By Mr. R. E. Luher, B.A. (for Mr. D. Orchard, King- lake East) : Specimen of Flying or Pouched Monse. By Mr. H. B. Williamson; Plants in illustration of his jecture. : ine} Royal Park Exeurston 195 ROYAL PARK EXCURSION. More than a dozer: members attended the excursion to Royal Park on September 18, notwithstanding the Club's two other counter attractions. On a glorious spring day the party went to the top of the rise to the east of Royal Park railway station, In the railway cutting there was seen the stratified Silurian bedrock of Melbourne, form- ing a major unconformity with the Kainozoic grits, gravels, sand and iron stones above it. Turning to the north-west were seen the granitic Macedon Ranges with their hyperbyssal core of Salsbergite that formed the Camel’s Hump, while more to the south were clearly seen the granitic masses that now form the Anakies and the Youyangs, It was explained that being plutonic rocks these were formed in post-Silurian times in the bowels of the éarth, and it was emphasised that the subsequent sculpture of the landscape had removed millions of tons of earth to have left them in their present upstanding position. The general flatness of the intervening coun- try was explained as being due to the Tertiary outpour- ing of older and newer basalt that completely filled and blotted out the minor hills and valleys that had been carved. On the way to the railway cutting on the North Melbourne side of the station, river action on a small scale was closely examined. From the top of the hill the various stages of a river’s life were studied. To the north were seen the steep V sides of tributary streams that were very young in age compared with the wider valley of the Moonee Ponds Creek, with its river terraces, while to the south was noted the River Yarra meander- ing through the wide plain near its mouth, so indicative of old age, The corelated rocks pointed out,on. both sides of the Moonee Ponds Creek valley brought home to members forcibly the river erosion of recent times, and make possible to conjure up the more stupendous river sculpture that through the age has carved out Victorian landscape. After. various questions had been answered, the party went into the cutting, examined clasely the decomposi- tion of the older basalt from the solid rock, and, last but by no means least, enthusiastically attacked with hammer and chisels the face of the cutting and obtained a Very fair number of ‘representative marine corals, shells and other. marine fossils for which the eutting long since has earnt fame among metropolitan fossil hunters.—R-E,L, i6é Mornington Excursion f Ylct dat EXCURSION TO MORNINGTON. Favored with a glorious day the outing arranged for September 23 (Show Day holiday) was @ great success. Five members of the Victorian Field Naturalists’ Club arrived by the morning train and were met at the station by representatives of the Mornington Naturalists’ Club. ‘Iwo others who came from town by car here joined the party. A move was at oncé made to a spot near “Marina,” on the frontage, and here lunch was disposed of. While this was in progress the leader cutlined the programme for the afternoon and gave a descriptive talk on the geological features of the locality, illustrated by @ small collection of specimens, and also some infor- mation regarding the orchids, mentioning specially the newly-named ‘species, Caladenia praecoxz, a specimen of which was on exhibition. The party, which included eleven members of the local Club, was divided into groups according to interests, those whose fancy turned to orchids scouring the bush tracks under the guidance of Mary Evans and Ivey Chitts, while those whose inclination leaned to yveéology took a direct line to the fossil beds where some good work Was put in, As the Visiting members were experienced geologists they needed no guidance, rather they gave much valuable Information to our local fossil hunters, who were rein- forced Jater in the afternoon by the orchid hunters, Among the most interesting trophies of the afternoon were two sections of chitons, both of which were found hy Mr. Cudmore, a shark’s tooth (Odontaspis sp.) dis- tovéred by Mary Evans, and a very fine silica sponge (Bcionema newberyi) the finder being Marjorie Allison, Among the orchids the following were secured :— Pterostylis nana, P. nutans, P. concinna, P. pedunculata, P. wittata, Caladenia lutif alia, C. carnea, C. dilatata, Cyr- tostylis reniformis, Acianthus exsertis, - The Club's hand-waggon, well equipped with picks, -etc., saved a lot of carrying. Special mention must be made of Mr, Cudmore’s kind services with his car, which assisted most materially in the rapid transport of a num- ver of the party, thus enabling us to take full advantage _of the limited time between trains. Afternoon tea was served at Fosst]-Beach, after which the Melbourne party took its departure.—Grorce Cox. 1926. Balwun Bxreurston i195 EXCURSION TO BALWYN. On Saturday afternoon, October 2, about 30 members and friends took part in the excursion to Balwyn, under the joint leadership of Mr. F. Ghapman, A.LA., and myself. Mr. Chapman dréw attention to some of the physiographical features of the district, and pointed out the differeni characteristics of the soil, making special mention of the higher sand-crowned elevations such as Beckett Park Hill and the Reservoir Hill, the interven- ing country showing the silurian bed-rock exposed by the erosion of the Koonung and W. Creeks between Don- easter and Canterbury, respectively: The party then proceeded to Maling's Quarry, in which an outerap of rock showed evidence of the folding of the earth’s ernst at a remote age. This rock, Mr. Chapman explained, consisted of brecciated silurian, and had un- dersone many changes in its composition some millions of years ago. Cr. J. D. Howie, of Camberwell, here joined the party and stated that the land in which the quarry was situated had recently been presented to the Council, and it was praposed to convert it into a small vark in which native trees and shrubs would be planted, while the quarry itself would be formed into a pond. After afternoon tea had been kindly dispensed by Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, at their residence at Balwyn, a visit was paid to “Maranoa” Garden adjoining Beckett Park- This garden comprises several acres on the highest, hill in the district, from which extensive views are obtained. The garden was planted some years ago by the late Mr. J. M. Watson, and has recently been taken over by the Camberwell Council. Among the many native plants in bloom were several species of Grevilleas, Calytria Sulli- vant (Grampians Fringe-myrtle), Hriosteman myopo- reides (Long-leaf Wax-flower), Prostanthera rotundi- folia (Round-leaf Mint-bush), Hibiscus Huegel (of W.A.). Thryptemene calycine (Bushy Heath-myrtle), and others, A large number of Acacias and Eucalypts of different species also showed vigorous growth, and in addition there was a good collection of exotic trees and shrubs, several of which were in flower, It was suggested by Cr. Howie that the Clob might later organise another visit to the garden, when the op- portunity could be taken of labelling the various plants for the benefit of those intérested.—L. L. Hopason. TUR The Wild Flower Show ] iat Bak 100 CLE AMMAHIA TAA AEUAVTA AAD UA RU AAR AMAA: 404A AEAATIA LAE AAO ADAL ATA IAAL TAA ACAEAFATA HALAL AB AATIA A RUEARAEAATA UENO 00 AUARTAL AA AEA EPS O04 URGE The Wild Flower Show. “surdeddunveavt (44a tos eve vat FHA rOe U1 FEST P THY FEET PUPPY TUTTE CVE FUP YY CTP HPT FETE FY PP FTE CTE OT VEGAN Our Annual Wild Flower Show, held for the second iime at the St. Kilda Town Hall on October 5, was gener- ally considered one of the best the Club has yet organised. The general effect was very pleasing, the arrangement of the flowers being excellent, the grouping good, and the freshness of the blooms remarkable, Perhaps the cool weather was the main cause of their generally good appearance. The Botanic Gardens, by the courtesy of the Director, Mr. F. Rae, and thanks more particularly to Mr. St John, staged one of the finest collections it has ever sent. OT the 52 species exhibited, the following were the most notable: — Anigozanthos Manglesii (W.Aust.), Bauere vubioides, Bossixa linophylla, Boronia hetero- phylla, B. cietior, B. megastigma (2 forms), B. Muelleri (Victoria), Chamzlauctum unernatum, Chorizema, -cor- datum, C. iieifolium, Calytrix Sullivanii, Callistuchys elliptica. angustifolia, Dendrobium speciosum, Doryanthes Palmeri, Dracopkyllum secundum, Dodonxa viscosa, v. spathulata (in fruit), Epacris longiflora, Eutazia myrti- folia, Bucalyptus torquata, Grevillea Caleyt, G. Hookeri- ana, ‘Melaleuca squamea, M. ericifolia, Kunzea parvifiora, Prostanthera Sieberi, Telopea speciosissima, Thomasia brachystachys (W. Aust .). Many of the visitors were noticed recording the names of plants which especially took their fancy, and enquir- ing where they could be obtained for cultivation in their own gardens. The labelling of the plants at Mr. Williamson’s tables, Where 248 species, not including orchids, were systema- tically arranged, was, seemingly, much appreciated. Miss J, Galbraith, of Tyers, staged a splendid lot of Traralgon district- plants, representing nearly 150 species, includ- ing 20 species of ferns and these also were labelled throughout. Mr.‘ Wisewould, as has been his custom for many years, showed a good collection from Pakenham, and Mr. Audas:- a representative set of Frankston. plants. Mr. George dtc] The Wad Flower Show 196 Coghill set-out a fine Jot of the flowers characteristic of the north, at Taradale, and Dr. Sutton some from the Rrisbane Ranges. Gippsland was on this occasion much better represented than in former years. From the Cann River, Mr, W. Herbert sent Boronia Muellert (pinnata), a fine specimen of the epiphytal orchid, Sarcochilus fal. catus, and the Gippsland Waratah, Telopea orendes, Other interesting plants were sent by Mr. T. 8. Hart, of Bairnsdale, who was assisted in this collection by Mr. C. Ketels, H.T., of the Sarsfield School; Mr. Easton, who was responsible for the very fine specimens of the silvery Helichrysum. elatum; Mr. Henderson, of Hospital Creek; the H.T. of the Bairnsdale School, Mr. T. Lees; Mr. J. E, Rickards, aud Mr. R. L. Smith. Amonst the material from Sperm Whale Head were the only specimens shown of Thrypiomene Miqueliang, sent by Mr. F, Barton, Jr. The Grampians’ flora, usually such a conspicuous feature in our Shows, was absent on this occasion. The Mallee plants, sent by Mr, F, Holt and Mrs, Freyer, of Quyen, and Mr. and Mrs. Lougheed, of Diapur, arranged by Miss F. Smith, included the beautiful blue Halganias, some Quandongs, white everiastings, the Flame Heath, and the Urn Heath. Mr, W. D. McPhee, of St. Arnaud, also made a very nice showing of plants from his district. The orchid table was excellent, but Mrs. Coleman, with Miss D. Coleman, and Miss Davidson, were sa hard worked that it is quite evident these lovely flowers will need to be dealt with in two sections in future, keeping one for the display of a named collection and the other for sales only, 56 species, in 14 penera, were tabled, including 12 Pterostylis, 12 Caladenias, 10 Thelymitras, 5 Diuris, and 5 Prasopkyllums, 3 Microtis, 2 Lyperanthus, and one each of Chiloglottis, Caleana, Calochilus, Acianthus, Cyrtostylis, Glossodia and Sarcochilus. Those who con- tributed to the collection were Mrs. Eaves, Miss B. Hart, Miss Davidson, Mrs. D, J. Paton, Miss Galbraith, Mrs. F. Rich, Mrs. Brooks, Mr. A B. Braine, and Mr. H- P. Dickens, The Western Australian table, which, as before, was in charge of Miss Fuller, assisted by Mrs. O. Pugh and Mrs. J, Murray, held the finest collection—about 100 species—we have ever had from "Swanland”; this being due, of course, to the recent visit of our members to the Perth meeting of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science. Many of the western plants 200) The Wild Flower Show VAth SAE were never before seen by Melbourne people, and their curiousness and beauty were a révelation. Perhaps the most notable were the Verticordias, the Kangaroo Paws (Anigozanthus) in red and green, yellow, orange and black, Conespermums, and the Banksias, B. prionotes, mandarin coloured; B. grandis, with its long yellow spikes, and B, Baxtert, with rose pink Aowers. The Queensland and South Australian Ashies were presided over by Mrs. V. Miller, Mrs: L. L. Hodgson, Mrs, E, Hanks, Mrs, D, Blair, Miss Keartland, Miss R- Morrison, Miss N. Moorehouse and Miss Wigan, and con- tained many fine things. From the northern State came Helichrysum cassinioides, a beautiful shrubby species with pale pink blossoms. The display from New South Wales, which contained Waratahs, Flannel flowers, Eriostemons, amongst other good things, was in charge of Mrs. Pitcher and Mrs. Daley, ebly assisted by Mrs, C, Levens and Mrs. Robin- son, Miss Hughes. Miss Woinarski, Miss Josephs, and Miss Greives. The flowers of our own State were in the care of Mrs. Edmondson, aided by Mrs. A. D, Hardy, Mrs. G. Coghill, Miss D. Nokes, Mrs. E. EB. Pescott, Mrs. F, B. Suther- land, Miss Smith, Miss E. Hart and Mrs. D. J. Paton, At the sales tables the material was both abundant and fine in colour, and all these ladies had a busy time, there being an eager demand for their stock, which in- cluded a iarge quantity of fern plants, brought by Mr. E. Cudmore from Pakenham, Cultivated native plants were staged by Mr. G. Coghill, ' Mrs, Hill, Mr. B. E, Pescott and the students of the Burn- ley Horticultural Gardens, who also made a nice show of some collected in the field. _ Contributions were also recejved from the follow- ing :— MELBOURNE AND SOUTHERN, Lara—Rev. A. C. F. Gates; Eltham—Mr,. W_C. Tonge and pupils of H,B. School; Broadford—Mr. Hogan: Frankston—Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Daley and F. Daley; Pan- ton Hill—Reg. Gardiner, Rudolph Fourbister} Beacons- field—Mr, H. P, Dickens; Montrose—Miss G. Richards; Lorne—Harold “Photo”; Red Hill—Mr. G. Higgins; Mornington—Naturalists’ Club, Rev. G. Cox, leader; Montmerency—Miss G. Nokes; pupils of State School; Heatherton—Mr. J. O. Reid; Brighton—Miss M. Cooper: HOV.) The Wild Flower Show a1 Belgrave—Mr. F. Pitcher; Hurstbridge—Mr, J, U. Gar- diner; Airey’s Inlet—Mr. W. de C. Berthou. WESTERN DISTRICT. Casterton—Miss N. E. Dancocks; Port Fairy—Mr, W U. Riddell; ‘Stawell —Mr. J. A. Hill; Dartmoor—Miss J. Jarrad. GIPPSLAND. Hedley—E. and L., Ressiter; Drouin—8.S8. Drouin Seuth, H.T. Mr. R. Currie; Garfield—Miss L. Dyali; Out- trim—_Mr_. W. Herbertson; Sperm Whale Head—Mr. F. Barton, jr.; Moe—Mr, J. A. Dower; Traralgon—Miss J. Galbraith, Mrs. Gooding, Tyers. NORTHERN DISTRICTS. Beechworth—Mr, A. Ladson, Mrs. Goodyear; Rush- worth—Mrs. F. Rich; Strathmerton—Mr. A. Kenny; Molesworth—Miss Jeffreys: Nagambie—Mr. D. Parris: lima East—Mrs, L. A, Stafford; Cobram—Miss 0. Weatherell; Taradale—Mrs. Dorman; Maldon—Mrs. T. B, Brooks; Yapeen—Geo. Lawson and Willie Lyle; Guild- ford—Mrs, Tyzack; Bendigo—Messrs. Daley and Miller ; Dingee—Mrs. J. Grylls; Boort—Miss MeKenzie. NEW SOUTH WALES. Mr. J. Morrison, Denison Road, Lewisham; Mr. C. Butler, for Naturalists’ Society, Sydney; Miss J. Frog- gatt, Croydon, N.S.W.: Mr. Chalker, Hill top, N.S;W, (purchase). QUEENSLAND. Mr. H. N. Slaughter, Thulimbah, near Stanthorpe, Q. SOUTH AUSTRALIA, | Colin Jenkins, Keith, S.A.; S.A. Field Naturalists’ Society. WEST AUSTRALIA. Mr. BE. L. Haynes, Kelmscott; Mr. T. H. Blake, Mt. Lawley; Mr. R. Perry, Pemberton ; F.N. Club, Perth; Congregational Manse, Busselton; Mr. Walter Exley, Victoria Park, Perth: Mr. O. H. Sargent, Perth; Miss Nancy Morgan, Claremont, Perth; Mr. Geo. Buchanan, c/o. Elder Smith, Mullewa; Mrs. C. Paterson, Mt. Mag- net; Mr. J.§: Ding, per Mr. J. W. Audas, Merredin; Miss Winnie Dedman, Mrs. §. Furphy and Mr. E. E. Peseott. The microscope section was in the hands of Mr, C. A. Lambert and many interesting slides were shown and explajned by him and Messrs. S. Butler, F. Chapman, J. Eaton, R. V. Gray, T. J. James, F. A. Saxton, A, ie Scott, J. Stickland, J. M. Wilson, J, Wilcox, and Dr. M. Wishart- NZ Mules Waespe vfet ERG The Bookstall and Information Bureau were in the care of Mr. CG. Daley, and Miss N. Thresher had the custody of Miss Fuller's Rower pictures, which attracted a great deal of attention, All those above-mentioned helped greatly towards the success of the Show. bue the real heat and burden of the day were borne by a few others, more particularly by Mr, F. Pitcher, who again directed affairs, and who had previousty done much work in the way of advertising and organising the event, by Miss Gabriel, who, assisted by Mrs, F, Chapman and Miss Cruikshank, undertook the irksome duty of providing refreshments, by Mr. Y. Miller, who was a host in himself, and was responsible for the erection of trestles, their dismantling, and much other valuable work both before and during the Show; by Mr. Hughes, who received and opened all the pack- ages; and by our Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer, Messrs. L. L. Hodgson and A. G. Hooke, whase services were toc obvious to need special mention. Mr. Keep most kindly placed a motor lorry and driver at the disposal of the Club for the carriage of parcels. NOTES ON TWO MALLEE WASPS. in the Mallee, during the summer, when flies are @ torment to man sand his domestic animals, few insects are more we'came than the friendly policeman fly (Sevicophorus velucens), Half a dozen of these small wasps will soon “arrest and carry off the annoy- ing flies. It was several years before I discovered a burraw of S- relucers, and at first, from the appearance of the earth around the hole, I thought jt possible that the wasp made use of @ beetie’s burrow. On closer acquaintance 1 found thal the excavating was the vnaided work of Sericonhorus. A damp situation is chosen far the site, and until the burrow has reached a certain depth, the wasp flies into the aiv and flicks edch pellet of earth inte space. Later, the earth is pushed up from below, and falls around toe erroy in A manner similar to that of certain burrawing seat les. ' ing, aS she worked over the ground, but she made no attempt to return to the object of her wrath —L.G.c. (ior. Prescot, The Oiehids of Victoria 203 (9/444 ema A04UbAAUAINN4(d AMIRI RAALAUAURHALOAMIOABOLALAVSIAL4 OAV 64 RADU ASDATOVATAIAVALAVOUAALALOQHA4QUEEETOOBUREAUBAAAH4 TIA RAMABAAVAOBVA4AUB6TOUA/AH®I IAG \Q HUAN UAUAAOVALATOEINO4(404644) MIDAMALATALAHAAAVONN Aba The Orchids of Victoria &yY Enwarp E. PEscoTt, F.L.S., F.R.H.S. VKSI4LTAHIAUAIA{ RVFV 41eb€Y90AC414\40AC444 (401404604 LOROBRICI44Y 2444004044 LADOP9LVALOQOPVBO UA EAI9UAPAONTYPTONOLUI4 (410 ,406084414EH07FU4EN14BUDAC440 KURU DTATEOEERUAULVERQUONTROAUERAVOLOPNT4UOUAUABOUSULTEAMO ES Part IT, 8 MICROTIS, R.Br. (Small eared.) Flowers, in Victorian species, green; small, numerous, in a terminal spike. Dorsal sepal broad, erect, hoaded over the column, thus being concave. Labellum sessile, obtuse, truncate or emariginate, oblong, ovate, or orbi- cular. Column short and wide. Terrestrial glabrous herbs, bearing small] tubers. Leaf solitary, terete, opened out near the stem. and continued in a close sheaf down the stem. The genus extends to New Zealand. and also to New Caledonia, Java, Formosa, Philippmes. Japan and Southern China, There are nine Australian species, seven of which are endemic. The genus reaches its high- est expression in West Australia, where eight species ure recorded, Four species are recorded for Victoria, The senus is readily recognised by its small freen flowers, closely compacted on the stems. 1. M. porrirotaa, Spreng, (Leek-leaved). “Common Leek Orchid.” Labellum emarginate at tip: two well defined callo- sities at the base and one near the tip. Dorsal sepal erect, hooded, broadly ovate, Lateral sepals shorter, spreading, recurved, oblong, somewhat blunt. Petals oblong, erect. Labellurn sessile, oblong, with erisped or irregular margins; tip blunt; lamina with two raised lines and a central one. A common species, of variable habit from 2 to 12 inches, generally robust. Leaf usually longer than the spike of small green flowers. Flowers usually dense, but occasionally distant. This is one of the few orchids that aurvive cultivation for a few years, being occasionally found among erops and in cultivated plots. Recorded from al] districts, and all States. This species also extends to New Zealand. 2, M. PARVIFLORA, R.Br, (small-flowered), “Slender Leek Orchid. Labellum entire. Two well-delmed callosities at base, none at tip; oblong, ovate-oblong or ovate, partly hidden PO SULT TT UE DELTA net 204 Pescort, The Orchids of Victoria Viet Nai by the dorsal sepual. Tip of labellum rounded or some- times rectangular; margins entire and quite smooth. Usually a more slender species than the former, and often mistaken for it. ‘The leaf again exceeds the green ‘flower spike ; and the plant is variable, being from 3 to. 24 inches in height. The form and shape of the label- lum, the difference in margins, as well as the absence of the callosity at the tip, form the principal differentiations between the two species. Mr. Oakes Ames, the well known American orchid authority, some years ago united the two former species under the species, M. wniflora, Reichb. f. That was nearly thirty years ago, As the British Museum author- ities do not to-day accept that view, and as the differences between the two plants are quite distinet, if is well to retain the two species. 3. M. OBLONGA, Rogers. (Oblong-labellum.} “Oblong lipped Leek Orchid.” Labellum reflexed, narrow oblong, margins crenulate, with two large callosities at the base and one near the apex. Column stout and short. Dorsal sepa? erect, narrowly hooded. Lateral sepals revolute. Lateral petals erect, obtuse or truncate, linear falcate. A quite slender plant, varying from a few inches to 5 feet in height. Flowers quite small, distant, on short ania Leaf Jong and naitally exceeding the flower spike ‘ The species has long been confused with M, porrifeiia. It is more of a hill or mountain plant. much more slender in habit, and flowering later, from November to Janu- ary. In some seasons, the plants seem to rest, for occasionally quite few plants are seen, where usually there are many. Tt is readily seropaiaed from its oblong labellum with a crenated margin, and by the presence of the callus near the. apex of the labellum. Recorded from the N.E., §.W., and S. Common at Sherbroeke Gully; fourd‘also in South Australia, Re- vently I found a number cf plants growing several feet high on tree ferns, which were definitely orchid plants, and .which, although not in flower, could slmost with certainty be determined as Microtis, From the locality —Sherbrooke Gully—it would almost be certain that these would be plants of M, oblonga, 4. M. arrata, Lindley. (blackened—the plants when dried.} “Swamp Leek Orchid.’ Labellum oblong or ' THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. XLIT. November, (ani. PLATE IX. THELYMITRA LONGIFOLIA THELYMITRA ARISTATA (R. & G. Forst.) (Lindl.) Common Sun Orchid. Seented Sun Orchid. at ae Pescort, The Orchids of Victoria 205 almost square; tip quite blunt, margins entire. Lateral sepals oblong, blunt, not recurved, Petals shorter, and spreading. A very small, almost tiny species, from 1 to 3 inches high, often only 1 inch. Leaf far exceeding in length the flower spike. Flowers and leaf of a uniform pale green colour, flowers very minute. Usually found in wet or swampy places, often growing almost submerged. I have seen it in the Wartook (Grampians), Reservoir, growing at the edge in many thousands. The whole plant blackens when dried, Flowers in September and October. Recorded for S.W., and &.; and also from Tasmania, South Australia, and West Australia. 4. PRASOPHYLLUM, R.Br, “Leek Jeaf."" Flowers reversed, Dorsal sens] lanceolate or broad, concave, sometimes arched, often recurved. Lateral sepals sometimes free, sometimes united (connate), Petals ‘usually shorter than the sepals, lanceolate or linear, Labellum sessile or attached by short claw to base of column: undivided, the margins crisped, denticu- late, ciliate (hairy) or entire: the surface having a Iongi- tudinal central callus. Column very short, not winged, with two lateral erect appendages. Terrestrial glabrous herbs with globular, or ovoid tubers, Leaf solitary, usually terete, often sheathing the base of the stem, and very much reduced in the smaller species, offen quite dry at time of flowering. Flowers several or many on a terminal spike, green or greenish, White, lavender, yellow or purple and occas- ionally fragrant. About 60 species are known, 58 of which are recorded for Australia, 23 species are recorded each for Victoria and New South Wales, while only 7 are known in Queens- land. The genus is therefore more temperate than tropic. Four species are found in New Zealand. The genus is admitted on all sides to be one of the most difficult of determination. The flowers are so small, the species often so much resemble each other, and there appear to be so many intermediate forms, that recognition is very difficult. Even where standard fea- tures are laid down, these are not at all constant. Thus the cohesion or union of the Jateral sepals is usually con-. sidered to be a specific consideration, but even this is not 206° Prascorr, The Orchids of Vietoria yo sod permanent. In over one hundred flowers of P. brevilabre collected from many spikes found at Healesville, it was noted that nearly half were not. united in the sepals. The genus is distinguished from all others by having the flowers reversed, or placed upside down on the spike: thus the Jabellum points upwards instead of downwards. The species vary considerably in height: P. elatum, our tallest species is often 3 or 4 feet high, while P. de- spectans, one of the smallest species, is found only 2 inches high, Prasophylla are to be collected for many months in the year. -The smaller species flower in autumn, and the taller and more robust in spring and summer. A few flowers are also to be collected in winter. 1. Pp. AUSTRALE, R.Br. (Southern,) “Austral Leek Leaf fully developed at flowering time: plant from 1 to 3 feet in height, lateral sepals usually connate; flowers sessile, ovary slender, green and white in colour; sepals and petals all acute; the dorsal being erect, sometimes recurved; labellum white, sessile, reflexed about the middle, often acutely; the end crisped, with undulate margins; the callous portion ending in two rounded knobs or plates. This is an early summer flowering species, conspicu- ous for its white labellum, and its slender ovary or seed vessel. The flowers are not very distant on the spilce; the leaf is usually quite long, and the flowers are often sweetly scented. It is found in all of the States, and has been recorded from ail parts of Victoria except the N.E. 2, P. FRENCH, F.S.M. (after George French). “Stout Leek Orchid." . Leaf not always as tall as the flower; flower dark pur- plish, or purplish green; flowers slender; sepals and petals usually narrow-lanceolate, but sometimes Janceo- lar ovate; labellum somewhat cuneate-orbicular, in- curved; the terminal end almost deltoid, membranous and only slightly crisped. This is not always “stout” as the vernacular name implies, frequently it is quite a dainty and slender species, with slender flowers. The purplish color of the whole flower distinguishes it from all other species. It is interesting to note that this orchid was found by two collectors on the same day. Mr. George French found it near the Dandenong Ranges, and Mr. F. G. A. Barnard at Tooradin, Mr. French was an officer of the fete ] Prescott, The Orchids of Victorin 207 Nations! Herbarium, under Baron von Mueller, and so tock his new find to the Baron on the Monday morning. The Baron at once named it in his honour, A few hours later Mr. Barnard brought along his “new orchid,” only to find thal he had been just forestalled by Mr- French, Recorded only from Victoria, and there only from the 5. and N.LE. 8, P, TADGELLIANUM, Rovers {after A. J. Tadgell)-. “Bogong Leek Orchid.” Plant short and stout, leaf ex- ceeding the stem: flowers 8 to 12, greenish and yellow with chocolate markings; dorsal sepal widely Isnceolate; lateral sepals connate to the middle. Labellum sessile, lower half almost orbicular erect against the column, then recurved, narrow and cuneate beyond the bend; callous part widely triangular at the base, prominently raised; membranous part narrow throughout, This plant was formerly classed as 2 veriety of P- Prencke. The labellum is not laterally contracted as in that species. It is purely an alpine plant found only at Mt. Kosciusco, and on the Victorian Alps. Never col- lected below 5,740 feet. See "Victorian Naturalist," April, 1924, for ilustra- tion. 4A. P.ruayuMm, R.Br. (yellow). “Yellow Leek Orchid.” Stem stoul, sometimes two feet in height; leaf very short, oné inch or more only in length, otherwise the plant is lezflese; flower, greenish yellow, often yellaw, stem brown; ovary elongated; sepals acute, lanceclate; lateral sepals connate; labellum sessile, gradually recurved, inner plate not very prominent; lateral appendages to column short, broad, and is lobed at the end. Flowers numerous; roots fleshy, thick and tuberous. This yellow, strong stemmed species is quite rare in this State. It has been found at Belgrave, Grampians, Baw Baws, and Cravensville In each case only a few specimens have been found. The thick, fleshy, tuberous roots somewhat resemble those of Dipodium punctatem. It must not be confused with the yellow or vellowish form of the following species, The almost absence of the leaf and the gradual frecurving of the labellum, dis- tinguishes this species from P. elatwm. Flowers in December, January. Recorded also from New South Wales and Tasmania. 5 P. BLATUM, R.Br, (tall), “Tall Leek Orchid. A robust species, quite the tallest in this State, growing from two to four feet in height. Leaf long, often ex- ceeding the spike. Spike many flowered, flowers fairly 208 Pescorr, The Orchids of Victoria — [ ViSty PAY large, varying from pale green, yellowish green, purple to purplish black. Lateral sepals connate almost throughout. Dorsal sepal lanceolate, petals, somewhat narrower. Labellum sessile, ovate, recurved from near the middle; margin in front somewhat Reehrsnoge snd corrugated, or crisped, This tall species ts sometimes common in moor or heath lands along the coast, and as well inland, The colour variations grow freely intermingted, and the yellow form has more than once been recorded as the preceding species. It is reputed to flower quite freely after a fire has passed over its habitat. Recorded irom all districts but the N.E., and also from all other States except Queensland. Flowers in October and November. 6. P. GRACILE, Rogers (slender). “Slender Leek Orchid.” Usually a slender species, ywpwards of nine inches high. Leaf short; flowers yellowish green, rarely purple, arranged in a free loose spike; petals linear fanceolate, with ineurved tips. Labellum on a well marked claw, erect part deeply concave with entire mar- gins; the part in front of the bend narrow, triangular, sharp pointed, margins alightly undulate ; membranous part white and glandular. This is one of our very rare species, and has only been recorded from the Grampians and from Ringwood, collected possibly once from each locality. It is a South Australian species and flowers in October and November. 7. P. ovor, Tum, Rogers (fragrant). “Sweet Leek Orchid," Usually 4 tall plant of a foot or 18 inches high, not always robust in this State. Leaf generally exceed- ing the spike. Flowers not small, varying in colours and shades of pink, heliotrope, and also white, very sweetly fragrant. Dorsal sepal long, incurved af first and finally recurved; lateral sepals pointed and widely divergent. Labellum clear white, sessile, reflexed from the middle, tip well turned back; erect patt bulging with entire margins; reflexed part with wavy crenulate mar- gins, bluntly triangular callous plate not thick, but quite prominent, the membrancus portion exceeding ‘the callus, Var. album, Rogers (white). “White Leek Orchid.” This is a smaller plant, with small white flowers, not often pale pink. In Victoria it is sweetly scented, but in South Australia it is recorded as not fragrant. The label- lum is not reflexed so accurately, and the reftexed part is vénerally shorter than the erect part. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. XLII. November, 1926. PLATE X. PRASOPHYLLUM ELATUM, R.Br. Tall Leek Orchid. iste. Pescatr, The Orchids of Victoria 200 Both of these plants flower in October and November, and are only recorded from the S. and S.W. The variety album. is fairly abundant at Ringwood. 8. P, BReviLApre, Hk.f. {shortened}. “Short lipped Leek Orchid.” Usually a rebust plant, up to 12 inches high; leaf as long or longer than the spike; ovary short and somewhat oblong. Flowers up to 12-18, well spaced on the stem, dark brown, purplish or dark red, and ~ white; dorsal sepais usually united, but just as often free, variable in this respect; labellum closely reffexed at centre, erect part narrow, the margins undulate; the central part, prominent and broad, and terminating about the refiexed part. Lateral labes entire and having a prominent vland near the base of the margin. This species has been recorded from al] parts of the State except the N-W_ It is often abundant in hilt and forest country, particularly so in some places around Healesville. Recorded also from Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania. . 9. FP. PaTeNS, R.Br. {spreading}. “Pale Leek Orchid’ A slender plant up te 18 inchea to 2 feet in height, the length of the leaf very variable. Flowérs well spaced on the spike, the perianth segments being well spread apart, flowers yellowish green or brown, dorsal sepal often recurved, lateral sepals free and often hidentate (two-toothed). Petals linear, usually blunt, white, sometimes pale pink, incurved. Labellum sessile, ovate-lanceolate, as long as the petals; reflexed erect portion not broad; margins white, undulate well defined, inner plate not very prominent. Lateral appendages narrow cblong, with blunt tips and rounded basal lobe, This species is recorded from every section of the State. Its conspicuous labellum, together with the spreading perianth segments mark it out clearly. It flowers from September to November, and is also re- corded from Queensland. New South Wales, South Aus- tralia, and Tasmania. - The yariety pruinosum, Rogers, from South Aus- tralia, is prune coloured, having a long basal lobe to its taLeral appendages. _ 10. P. CoLEMANaAs, Rogers (after Mrs, Coleman and her. daughters). “Lilac Leek Orchid." A maderately stout plant, often 18 inches high, carrying a rather loose spike of about 2] lavender or lilac fowers. Dorsal-sepal #reenish, the conical point recurved or erect. Lateral sepals green, fluted, spreading, very divergent. Petals 220 Prescott, The Orchids of Veetoria ya Ait luvender, with a harraw green central stripe, spreading. Labellum lavender, ‘margins crenated, widely ovate, nearly sessile. Column short; Jateral appendages oblong faleaté and lavender tinted. Anther purplish. The “Lilac Leek Orchid” has so far, only been col- lected at Bayswater, where it was found by its name- zake in 1922, See "Victorian Naturalist,” August, 1926, for illustration. ll, P. ruscUm, R.Br. (dusky). “Tawny Leaf Or- chid." A plant of medium size, up to one foot or more in height. Flowers tnany on spike, somewhat small, standing out well from stem, often tawny or dusky brown in colour, but also bright green, Sweetly fragrant, Dor- sal sepal long, ovate-lanceolate, generally erect; lateral sepais free, usuaily with cylindrical bidentate points. Petals erect and bluntly linear, Labellum, erect part concave or buiging with entire margins, recurved part acute with crisped margins; inner or callous plate not very distinct at base, occupying a large part, increasing in thickness, and reaching nearly to the tip, Lateral appendages wide and blunt, almost oblong, This ig a decorative and dainty species, oiten found growing under hard open conditions, The fragrance is - constant, both in the dusky and green forms, which are quite distinct in colour. Flowers in spring; recorded from all parts; and also from Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. 12. P. BRAINEI, Rogers (after A. B. Braine), “Green Leek Orchid.” A slender plant, about a foot high: flow- ers green, with a narrow leaf about as long as the spike, Flowers almost sesstle; ovary long and obovate. Floral segments all glandular. Dorsal sepal erect or recurved, ovate lanceolate, slightly contracted at base. Lateral sepals free, somewhat divergent, Lateral petals erect, narrow linear oblong. Labellum sessile, margins entire until beyond the middle, then reeurved and reflexed, mar- sins crenulate and very skorfly ciliate from the bend to the tip. Callous portion dark green, margins shorély ciliate; membranous part wide and somewhat -white- Lateral appendages rather large, broadly oblong with blunt oblique tips. This species is casually distinguished from the green form of P, fuscum, by the dark green of the labellum, and the ciliate hairs referred to above. It has only been found growing among Juncus at Ringwood, where it was cullected by the author and ©. French, Jr. It flowers tn er, hie Ovelids at Nutionul Berle 211 ORCHIDS AT THE NATIONAL PARK A party of four (Dr, and Mrs. R. 8. Rogers, of Ade- Jaide, my daughter and myself}. spent an interesting week at the National Park, Wilson’s Promontory, early in September. Our chief object was of course to search for interesting orchids, though we were prepared to accept gratefully whatever natural history interests {he Promontory might provide for us; and we were not disappointed, From the nature and situation of the National Park these interests are nevessarily many and varied, for the country consists of hills and gullies, gentle rises or hol- lows covered with heath and other wild flowers, one of the most abundant being our beautiful red Correa. There are rocky coasts, delightful sandy bays, or quaint islands where many sea birds find resting places; and there are sedge-covered swamps or tea-tree fringed river flats, ytelding a rich harvest for all—botanist, zoologist, geolo- gist, or the student of marine life; and he would be hard to please who could leaye the Park without a host of delightful memories and a few treasures for his miiseum or his herbarium. The journeys to and from the Park are not the least delightful of our recollections, while our week was crowded with interests. The briefness of the holiday allowed us only partly to measure the wealth of natural treasures the Park provides. We were a little too early for most of the spring orchids, though, had we gone later we might have missed two species that were of especial interest. Of pterostyles we collected L1 species, including two probable hybrids and one that we thought new. It ap- peared at first to be a hybrid—P. alpina x P. pedunculate, but has since been foynd at Healesville. Its claims to specific distinction are now under consideration, . : 212 Pouched Mouse MEE Fy Cyrtostylis reniformis was abundant—very many oneé- flowered specimens heing noted. There were fine flowers of Acianthus caudutus, among them two entirely green specimens. Among thosands of corysanthes leaves we found only two or three flowers of C. pruinosa and seeded flowers of CL unguiculata. It was early for the species of diuris, which were just commencing their season, also for thelymitras, which, with the excepfion of 7'. antennifera, were mostly imma- ture. Of the caladenias, only C. latifolia was abundant—two and three flowered specimens being numerous. Of the others, except in bud, we found none in large numbers, Altogether we collected 33 species—Mnus. CoLEMAN. FLYING OR POUCHED MOUSE Flying or Pouched Mice are found in central Victoria along mountain ereeks. They are very rare. and Jive in small colonies in the hollows of trees during the day- ‘time. They come out to feed at night and by no meang are easily caught. Tree fellers for saw mills are the people who mostly find them in bringing down some giant tree having a dry hollow somewhere in its side. Domestic cats also bring them to the country home occasionally, just as they bring in the ordinary mice in the cities. I have received several specimens in that way, When the cats have kittens to feed they usually bring these flying mice home alive for the kittens to play with before killing and eating them. These interesting little animals are the smajlest of the Australian marsu- pials and look quite as handsome as the larger species, especially when one has a young one looking out of the pouch. Then they look the "prettiest of our native animals. In reality they are a pigmy fying squirrel] or phalanger, to which order they belong. The specimen shown was caught by the household’s cat and brought home alive, but it soon afterwards died, It is thus apparent that our domestic cats in the bush destroy quite a lot of our native animals as well as our native birds, and these latter in no smal) numbers through the year, especially the harmonious Thrush which the cold of winter compels to come around our doors‘in the bush eagerly looking for a few crumbs,— DAavVip ORCHARD, Kinglake East. ’ Sav. Friendly Wattle Birds - ay FRIENDLY WATTLE BIRDS, T have generally believed the Wattle bird to be rather shy ontil this season. Al! this year a pair of these birds haye remained in our garden, and lately have been ener- getically climbing up the standard and other roses, eating off the blight. They have built their nest and are now rearing 2 brood in a pittosporum tree opposite my dining room window, the branches of which touch the verandah, 6 ft. wide. Some one is nearly always in the room, and as the window is mostly open they can be easily seen a few feet awsy; moreover at night our blind is seldom down, the lamp light shines directly on the tree. On the verandah one can be on the lounge with the birds flying in and out feeding their young,a few feet overhead, Perhaps this is not unusual, but I have not known it to occur before. — We also ‘have this year again nesting with us, the Magpies,-Magpie Larks and Butcher birds. The bush fires in January drove the Coach-whip bireés from our gullies, but during the last three weeks they are back again, just below the house.—F. WISEWOULD, Pakenham Upper. BITTERN IN CAPTIVITY. Rarely, if ever, 3s the booming called of the Bittern, Botunnitg qeudesluptiiarn, heard near Melbourne, where its fermer haunts fy reedy swamps and marshland are hardly remembered now. But a fine example of this curious bird ix thriving tn the Zoologica) Gardens. It has taken more kindly to captivity than any of its predecessors domiciled in the Gardens. In the wild state. Bit- cerns prey chiefly ppen frogs, small fishes, and aquatir insects; the bird at the Zoo, Mr. Andrew Wilkie tells me, catches sparrows, and swallows them whale! . [t is interesting ta watch the Bittern at bay. Facing the intruder, it crouches, half opens its wings, puffs out its plumage— especially the neck-feathers, and slants its beak upwards, almost 2 i bayonet is pointed hy a solmer, prepared to receive a charging ae.—C.B. - - HON, LIBRARIAN'S. NOTE. The_Hon. Librarian has in stock, and available to members, “The Southern Science Record,” Vol. I, Nos. 1-13, of which three sets can be supplied at 9/- each, and odd parts in addition; Vo). II. Nos. 1-12, one volume at 12/+, and odd parts, 1-10, at 1/- each. Members are reminded that back volumes of the ‘Naturalist’ can be obtalned at from 3/- per yolume (Vol. xi.-xviil. inclusive, and some others) upwards; and that they should not neglect the pre- sent opportunity of completing their sets at a reasonable figure, The Hon, Librarian would be glad to obtain copies of the “Vic- torian Naturalist," for July, 1885, January, 3886, June, July and August, 1887, and April, 1917, so that complete sets cari be made up in the future. A good price will be given fov these, $34 Horch, Miletus Buttorflies igh Nat LIFE HISTORIES OF MILETUS BUTTERFLIES. By C, H. Boren. : Butterflies uf the genus Miletus are noted for the bril- liant-coloration of the undersides of their wings; and M, apollo, the largest species found in Australia, is 2 regal insect; while-M. 2arcissus is a littl gem, When collecting with Mr. A. Burns, in the Cairns district, N- Queensland, last summer, [ obtained larvae and pupae of both these species, and learned something of the life historias. Larvaé of M. apollu Were found feeding in the bulb of an epiphyte—not an orchid, but a lily—while pupae also were gheltering in the plant. Bach of the Lily bulbs, growing on tree trunks, was honeycombed with tunnels, made by small black ants, and when ‘opened had the appearance of a sponge, Searching for butterfly larvae was no pleasant pursuit, One of us would climb the tree, while the other re- mained below ready to catch plants as they dropped, The first vibration of the tree-trunk—often that of a sapling—brought the ants from their citadel in bat- talions. They swarmed over the butterfly hunter's wrists ag the lily plant was siezed by him, and dropped on to his neck and his back. The climber, on descending, had to stamp and jump, and alap vigorously to free him- self of angry ants. Then the bulbs were eut open, and searched for the rewards of “raiding.” The larvae of M. agollo are of a dirty white color, rather rounded, and nearly or quite naked. They are sluggish, and shelter in the ant-tunnels, eating the wails of a slowly enlarging cavity, in which they pupate. Some of the older bulbs we examined, were little more than shells—having heen eaten out by generations of butter- fly larvae. The pupae are reddish, and semi-transparent, the wing-cases being visible in glowing red when the insects are ready for emergence. A larvae of apollo we obtained pupated on January 25th, and a male butterfly emerged on February 12th, the pupal period being 18 days. It is remarkable that in travelling through the tunnels in the lily bulb, these butterflies do not injure their delicate wings. Appar- ently, immediately on emergence from the pupa case, they crawl towards the light; development of the wings being checked until the insects are out in the open. NM Mornington Natwraliats' Clad 215 Larvae of M. narcissus also were obtained on 4 lily plant in the same locality, seven miles from the coast, as that favored by M. apollo. They were much flatter, rather darker, and more hairy than the caterpillars of our moonlight Blue, M. delicia, found at Springvale. It Was not ascertained definitely, whether they were eating the leaves or the bulbs of the lily, probably the latter. Puoae were found amid the little mass of roots between the epiphyte and the tree-trunk, Until we discovered M. vnarcissus breeding so far from the coast, I had deemed it a mangrove feeder, like apelles, of the mud-flats. The characteristic of this sand-plain, baré only in small patches, is the profuse growth of small shrubs covering it for miles, the plants showing remarkable adaptation in growth, shape and structure of stems, leaves and branches to conditions of aridity, heat, and the effects of wind. In the occasional hollows, where scant moisture may sometimes gather, there may be Eucalypts, Acacias, Banksias, Casuarinas, Fusanus, ctc., of mallee type and size; but generally, the vegetation .is low and mainly of Proteaceae, Myrtaceae, Leguminosae, and Epacridaceae, - and produces a floral display, interesting in variety, and strangeness of form, as well as attractive in the wealth and contrast of color, At Merredin, on the trans-continental line, 166 miles from Perth, motor-cars were in waiting, My convey- ance travelled ‘50 miles over fairly level country, only 222 ; Datey, Forest and Sand-Plain Wot XE an occasional worn granite outcrop rising from the plain, which in appearance greatly resembles our stretches of mallee, Frequently we passed large areas under wheat, unfenced and without habitations, the selector waiting until the harvest is gathered before erecting a wire- proof fence or a dwelling. The scrub stands close al the edge of many of these haldings, and, of course, rab-- bits take toll of the young wheat at first. Occasionally, beside mallee eucalypts and associated vegetation, patches of larger timber occur, containing the Salmon gum, £. salmonophioia, red Morrel, FE. longicarnis, and EB, gracilis, and the twisted trunks of the Gimlet gum, FE. salubris; also Melaleuca uneinata, The soil varies from that of the sand-plain to a red loam of good quality, productiveness being partly dependent upon the amount of rainfall. Next morning most of our party diverged on another branch north-west by a loop-line to Wyalkatchem,