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AT HARVARD COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, MASS.

COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY,

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Founded by private subscription, in 1861.

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PROCEEDINGS

oF THE
zoological and Acclimatisation Society
OF VICTORIA,
he
REPORT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY,
Hep Ist Marcu, 1872.

““®mnis feret omnia tellus.’

VOU MrE oT.

MELBOURNE:

F. A. MASTERMAN, GENERAL PRINTER, MELBOURNE,
WA1872,

LIST OF THE OFFICERS

c
OF THE

ZOOLOGICAL

AND

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY.

Patron :
HIS EXCELLENCY VISCOUNT CANTERBURY,

Governor of Victoria.

president
DR. BLACK.

Vice-Dresidents :
BARON VON MUELLER, C.M.G. PROFESSOR McCOY.

Aon. Ceeasurer :
DR. JOSEPH BLACK.

Members of Council :

CURZON ALLPORT, Esq. ALBERT PURCHAS, Esq.
COUNT DE CASTELNAU. WM. ROBERTSON, Esq., M.1.A.
G. COPPIN, Esq. CHARLES RYAN, Esa.

HON. Dr. DOBSON, M.L.C. T. J. SUMNER, Esq.

FRED. R. GODFREY, Esa. GEORGE SPRIGG, Esa.
ROBERT HAMMOND, Esa. H. P. VENABLES, Esq., B.A.
F. G. MOULE, Esa. J. B. WERE, Esa.

HON. A. MICHIE, M.L.C. | SAMUEL WILSON, Ese.

How, Secretary:
ALBERT A. C. LE SOUEF, Esq.

OFFICE OF THE SOCTETY—30 SWANSTON-STREET.

REPORT OF THE COUNCIL

————___—__

Tue Annual Meeting of the Zoological and Acclimatisation
Society of Victoria, was held on Friday, the lst day of March, at
the office of the Society, 30 Swanston-street.

The Members present being—

DR. THOMAS BLACK, President, in the Chair
MR. LE SOUEPR, Honorary Secretary
MESSRS. C. ALLPORT

G. COPPIN

KF. R. GODFREY

R. K. HAMMOND

PP)

99

2)

DR. MOLLOY
“MR, A. PURCHAS
DR PUGH
MESSRS. C. RYAN
i G. SPRIGG
H. T. VENABLES
8. WILSON

?

A letter was read from His Excellency the Governor, ex-
pressing his regret that he was not able to be present. A letter
was also read from Mr. J. B. Were, regretting his unavoidable
absence ;.and another from Mr. T. J. Sumner, in which that
gentleman conveyed his resignation of the office of Hon. Trea-
surer. The Hon. Secretary informed the Meeting that Baron
Von Mueller had desired him to express to the Members present
his great regret at not being able, from press of business, to be

present.

8

proposed by their Honorary Secretary, Mr. Albert Lesouef, to
whose careful supervision and activity they ascribe much of the
present prosperity of the Society,—to have a depot for pheasant
breeding somewhere in the ranges, where the birds could go free
as soon as they were fledged; but the scheme has not yet been
sufficiently matured as to justify their taking any action. If
carried out, the risk which these birds run of being illegally
destroyed would be considerably lessened.

The vexed question of the sparrow and minah has been
dealt with by the exclusion of both birds from the protection of
the Game Act,

The Council regret that they were unable, from circum-
stances beyond their control, to have an amended Game Act
introduced last session in Parliament; but a measure has been
prepared, and it is hoped that it may become law during the
ensuing session.

In September last 2250 brown trout ova were obtained from
the Salmon Commissioners of Tasmania, and were hatched at the
Society's Establishment at the Royal Park; some 600 trout fry
were also procured by Dr. Thomas Black, the President of the
Society, while on a visit to Tasmania; so that on the whole
about 2500 live trout have been placed in different streams
during the past season, a large proportion of which were put
into the Watts, a splendid tributary of the Yarra, admirably
adapted for trout.

Not many deer have been turned out during the past year
but those hitherto liberated in many parts of the colony are
spreading and increasing rapidly. The Society possess a fine
collection of six varieties in their grounds at the Park.

The valuable flock of Angora goats, and the ostriches
belonging to the Society, are located at Mr. Samuel Wilson’s
station, Longerenong on the Wimmera, where they are thriving
and increasing.

9

Although most anxious to encourage and promote sericul-
ture, the Council find it difficult to advance this industry im a
really practical manner, so as to be of benefit to the colony.
Baron Von Mueller has however, ay well as the Society, supplied
many parts of the Colony with white mulberry plants, and when
these come into bearing, silk growing will, they hope, afford
profitable employment to the industry of the Colony. The
Society will be happy at all times to furnish every information
in their power connected with sericulture.

The Council were of opinion that the services in the cause
of pisciculture, rendered by Sir Robert Officer and Mr Morton
Allport, of Tasmania, deserved some recognition at their hands,
and they therefore awarded to both these gentlemen the silver
medal of the Society. Their bronze medal has also been pre-
sented to Captain Babot, of the Hydaspes, for his enterprize in
bringing out sea turtle.

In conclusion, the Council are glad to state that tke condi-
tion of the Society is sound and prosperous, and that they only
require more liberal co-operation from the public to enable them,
with the assistance of the small but efficient staff at the Royal
Park, to produce great results in the cause of acclimatisation ;
and would again inform their friends throughout the country,
that donations of native animals or birds are always extremely
useful, not only for the zoological collection at the Royal Park
but for purposes of exchange with other countries.

Since the last report the following. gentlemen have been
elected as members of Council, and their appointment requires
to be confirmed at this meeting, viz., Charles Ryan, Esq., and
Frederick Godfrey, Esq. In conformity with the rules, the fol-
lowimg members retire from the Council, being the three who
have attended the fewest meetings; but are eligible for re-
election :—The Hon. Dr. Dobson, T. J. Sumner, Esq., and John
Steavenson, Esq. The balance sheets for the past year, audited —
by Mr, Rucker, public accountant, are laid before the meeting,

&

10

by which it will be found that the total expenditure for the past
year has been £1091 19s. 11d.

Mr, Samven Witson moved the adoption of the Report and
Balance Sheet, and in so doing, said the Members would perhaps

_ expect that he should give some account of the animals and

birds belonging to the Society, of which he had charge at
his station on the Wimmera. The Angora goats were now in
the most thriving condition. When they arrived at his place:
they were in a delicate state, and had not, apparently, before
been on pastures which suited them. One died on the first
night of arrival, and many of them fell down from weakness
when any one went near them. The ostriches during the past
season had not done well: it seemed that heavy rains, such as
had fallen this season, were not favorable to ostriches, although
they were to stock generally ; and that they throve best in a dry
climate, or desert place. Only one of the female birds had pro-
duced seven young ones this season, but none of them had —
thriven. In the previous season one of the ostriches brought
out twelve birds from thirteen eggs, and they all throve but one,
which met with an accident. As regarded their management, it
was most difficult to keep them in a state of domestication.
When turned out of the paddock, they gradually got wilder, and
as they ran faster than a horse, it was most difficult to get them
in the yard again, to take their feathers from them. That oper-
ation had to be done at a certain season of the year, when the
feathers were ripe, or, if not, they became bare and compara-
tively worthless. This year he had the greatest difficulty in
trying to get the ostriches in the yard at the proper season, and
the consequence was the feathers were of little value. He had
some men out riding for many days trying to drive the birds ;
but they found it almost impossible to get them in at the right
time. Now he had adopted another plan, and fed them near the
yards, so that it was a comparatively easy matter to secure
them; and when once in the yard it was not difficult to pluck
the feathers off them. As their management was now under-
stood, he thought they would increase rapidly, and that in future

il

the feathers would be obtained more easily, and at the right
time. The axis deer had spread to avery great extent; one
herd of them had been seen at a distance of 30 miles to the
south, and another herd about the same distance in a contrary
direction ; so that it might be considered they were now spread
over an area of at least sixty miles. The deer might, therefore,
be considered a complete success. The Murray cod, which
were introduced into the Wimmera, had not yet increased to
such an extent as to be of much service, and there had not been
time to ascertain the state of the carp which were introduced
into the same river. He might however say, that one of the
carp was caught about two months after it was placed in the
river, and it had grown considerably in that time.

Mr. F. R. Goprrey in seconding the adoption of the
Report, said he wished to draw the attention of the Members of
the Society to that portion of it which referred to the scheme
proposed by the Hon. Secretary of the Society, Mr. Le Souef,
for forming a depot somewhere in the secluded ranges of the
colony, where pheasants could be reared and allowed to go free
as soon as fledged. He believed that it was only in this way
that the acclimatisation of pheasants, and other valuable game
birds, in large numbers, could be carried out; and he thought
the Council had hitherto made a mistake by liberating birds
near Melbourne, where they fell a prey to boys, hawks, and
unsportsmanlike persons, who shot anything and everything they
could. Mr. Godfrey said he had lately, with another Member
of the Council and Mr. Le Souef, visited a place in the ranges,
which, for reasons stated in the report, required to be kept
secret, which was admirably adapted for pheasants and other
game; and though none of the former were seen on the occa-
sion of this visit, he and the other gentlemen had the satisfaction
of seeing several guinea-fowl, which had been liberated with
a number of pheasants some months before in the locality,
and they were delighted to find them looking healthy, and in
splendid plumage, and inferred, from the fact of the guinea-

12

fowl being a more domesticated fowl than the pheasant, that the
latter must also thrive, though it might be a year or two before

\

they would be seen in numbers.

Mr. Goprrey also drew attention to the benefit which the
Society had done, and might continue to do, in stocking reservoirs
in various places with the English perch and other fish.

The Report was adopted unanimously.

A number of alterations in the rules, which had been made by
the Council, were submitted and adopted.

The meeting then proceeded to the election of office-bearers,
and Dr. Thomas Black was re-elected President of the Society.

Dr. THomas Brack returned thanks for the honor which
had been conferred upon him, he referred to the very satisfactory
position which the Society had now achieved, and to the
certainty of its increasing value in the future. In the course of
his remarks, he said Mr. Edward Wilson had been a very good
friend to the Society, not only with his advice, but his hands had
always been open when assistance was required. The Society
were under a deep debt of gratitude to him, and also to Sir
Henry Barkly, and other gentlemen of the same stamp, for the
great assistance they had rendered to it.

Professor McCoy and Baron Von Mueller were re-elected
Vice-presidents, and Dr. Joseph Black was appointed Hon.
Treasurer in the place of Mr T. J. Sumner, to whom a vote of
thanks was returned for his past services.

Messrs. F. R. Godfrey and Charles Ryan, who had been
previously appointed Members of the Council, had their appoint-
ments confirmed, and Messrs. Samuel Wilson, W. Robertson,
M.L.A., T. J. Sumner, and Dr. Dobson, M.L.C., were elected
Members of the Council.

A vote of thanks for passed service was then passed to Dr.
Pugh, who is about leaving the Colony for England.

13
Dr. Puen, in acknowledging the vote, assured the Members
that when he arrived in Europe he would do all in his power to
further the objects of the Society, and would gladly try to carry
out any of the wishes of the Members. He thought it was likely
he would be able to be of more use to the Society in Europe
than he could be here.

The Meeting then closed with a vote of thauks to the
Chairman.

SS ee ES

14

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LIFE MEMBERS.

All

Aldworth & Co., Sandhurst £10 10 0
Armitage, George, Ballarat... 10 10 0
Armstrong, W., Hexham . 1010 0
Barkly, His Excellency Sir H. 42 0 0
Bear, Hon. J.P.,M.L.C. ... 21 0 0
Bear, Thomas H., Heidelberg 10 10 0
Black, Dr. Thomas, Melbourne

Clubie.: LOMO O
Black, W., Belfast re LOMO FO
Borough Council of Sandhurst10 10 0
Box, H., Little Collins-street

West abo : pe LO ONTO
Boyd & Currie, Collins-street

West dno 7 10/10) 0
Bright Bros., Messrs. & Co., 6

Flinders- lane peLO LOMO
Brown, Lindsay. Gaccameddat

Wahgunyah . 10 10
Canterbury, His Excellency,

Viscount ... ; 7 10 10° 0
Catto, J., Newpurives edtien 10 10 0
Ona. 184 deg tite Kilda . Services
Cooper, Sir Daniel, London “37 2 0
Coppin, Geo. S. : PLO PLORRO
Creswick, Borough Couneil of 1010 0
Cumming, G,, Mount Fyans 1010 0
Cumming, W., Mount Fyans 1010 0
Curr. E. M., Queen-street ... 1010 0
Dalgetty & Co., Messrs., Little

Collins-street LO PLO 0
Docker, F. G., Wangaratta... 10 10 0
Falconer, J. J., Bank Austra-

lasia < sco a) @
Fellows, the Hone uve He poo AD) al)
Firebrace, R. T. : vee ORONO
Fussell, R. 8S. R.,{Fou Chou,

50 dols.... 5 1h Oale
Glass, R. J. , Waiparella . 1010 0
Henty, 8. G. .1010 0
Hervey, Mie Hon. M. LOO

\

0 |

Hoffmann, W., Bush Back,

Essendon £25 0 0
Highett, Miss ... LOM ONO
Jamieson, Hugh oe soo UD AKO ©)
Jenner, Hon. C.J., M.L.C. 1010 0
Jones, Lloyd, Avenel... LOM ORO
Joshua Bros., William-street 1010 0

Landells, G. J., Lahore, India Services

Layard, C. P., Colombo . Services
Layard, E. L., Cape Town ... Services
Learmonth, Thomas, Ercibdan-
riley, Portland LOMLORO
Londesborough, The Right
Honorable Lord, Carlton
Gardens, London ... . 37 10 0
Lyall, W. ss lO ONO
Mackinnon, L. “Argus” Office, Services
Mackenzie, aa . 1010 0
Mackintosh, Alexander 0) 070
Marshall, Captain D. 8S. ... Services
Martin, Dr., Heidelberg OPO RG
Matheson, J., Bank of Victori 21 0 0
McGill, A. 59, LD ©
McGregor, Samuel, Belfast 1010 0
| McHatte, John, Phillip Island 10 10 0
| McMullen, J., Union Bank... 21 0 0
McKellar, Hon. T., M.L.C. 1010 0
Molley, W.T., Hawthorn ... 1010 0
Mueller, Baron Von, Botanic
Gardens... = LOO NO
Municipal Council of Ballarat
West... 2000
Murray, S., Dunrobin | woot OO RRO
Nicholson, Gauautin, Collins-—
street, East ... a6 sco MY IM). ©)
Officer, C. S,, Mount Talbet= 1010 0

Power, Hon. Thomas H., Haw-

thorn 25 eae = AOS O
| Purchas, Albert, Kew Services
Ritchie, J., Streatham = LOD 10230

Lire MEMBERS—(Continued)—

Rostron, John R., Navarre £10 10
Rusden, G. W., Brighton ... 10 10
Russell, A., Matuwalloch .. 10 10

Rutledge, William, Belfast ... 10 10
Salmon, J. E.S.andA.C, Bank2rF 0
Sargood, King and Sargood,

Flinders-street East ae 0.0
Shoobridge, E., Valleyfield,

Tasmania . 10 10
Simpson, Robert, Tanee Kal

Kal Sse e010
Sladen, Hon. C., Birre-

gurra oes pp DE

Sloan, W.S., Fou Chou, 50dols. Lio
Spowers, Allan, “Argus” Office 10 10
Stanbridge, W. E., Daylesford 10 10
Staughton, 8. T., Little Collins-

street West . 10 10
Stewart, J.. Emmerdale,
Streatham., at too LAL
ANNUAL
Anderson and Wright ise Si al |
Banks Bros., Bell and Co. 2 2
Briscoe and Co. 500 2 2
Bligh and Harbottle ... 2 2
Bindon, Judge... 2 2
Black, Dr. Joseph 2 2
Blair, James, Toorak.. ites
Cumming, Hon. J., M. L. C,
Toorak ... aco 60
Courtenay, E.... ih
Clark, Walter ... 2 2
Evans, Gowen, “ Argus” office 2 2
Tanne, Nankivell and Co.... 2 2
Gray, Charles, Nareeb NEREEDD 2 2
Godfrey, F. R., Mount Ridley 4 4
Grice, Richard, Flinders-lane 1 1

Goldsborough, R. and Co.,
Bourke-street ... ae aes
His Excellency the Governer 10 0
TRIGUEE, Se BIG CO, geo 9 Bro
Haddon, F. W.., “‘ Argus” Office2 2
Highett, William, M.L.C.,
Richmond . 9
Joshua Brothers, Swans fs, 2 2
Kilmore, Waltonians, Kilmore 5 0

Wy

0 | Strachan, J., London Char-
0 tered Bank Rs £21 0 0
0 | Sumner, T.J., 24 Flinders-lane
0 West ed 3 1010 0
0 | Taylor, Frederick, Melbourne
Club 5 1010 0
0 | Taylor, W., Overnewton,
Keilor LOOM O
0 | Templeton, Hugh, Fitzroy Services
Ware, Joseph, Carramut 5 2) I)
0 | Wilson & Mackinnon, Collins-
street East oa - 42 9 0
Q | Wilson, Edward,“Argus” Office 21 0 0
10 | Wilson, Sarma Wimmera ... 10 10 0
0 Winter, James, Toolamba,
0 Murchison ee LOmLOMO
Winter, Thomas, Winchelsea 1010 0
0 | Winter, S. P.' 605 oo tt) ake) ©
Youl, James A. Clapham Park,
0 London “ Services
MEMBERS.
0 | McNaughton, Love and Co. £2 2 0
0 | McCoy, Professor, University 2 2 0
0 | Michie, Hon. A., M.L.C.,
0 St. Kilda ; 22 0
0 | Moule, F. G., Brighton Pe (0)
0 | McDougall, Mr., Carlton al XD
0 | Nutt, R. W., William-st. Hoa @
Power, T. H. By (W)
0 | Patterson, Rin, Spalener & Cn OW % (i)
0 | Pugh, Dr. ee 2 2 0
Q | Russell, Hon. P., M.L.C.
0 Eiliiome THORNS! ap oe ed
0 | Ryan & Hammond, Bourke-st. wn A
0 | Richmond, James _... tou ©
0 | Stevenson, L. & Son, Flinders-
0 lane ; 2 2
Sargood, Son and Con 2 2
0 Sands and McDougall son AB
0 | Sloane, Wm. & Co., Collins-st. 2 2
0 | Smale, A, W., Brighton ... 2 2
0 | Sprigg, George, St. Kilda 2 2
Stawell Shire Council 5 io)
0 | Steavenson, John, Meet 2 2
0 | Skene. Hon, Wm., M.L.C.... 2 2
0 | Wilson, Edward, Kent, Engle atl 29

sa BSeQceeqcease

HONORARY

Allport, Morton, Hobart Town
Beckx, Gustave, Flinders Lane West
Biagi, Guiseppe, William-street
Blanchard W., Collins-street West
Bouton, A., Youhoue, New Caledonia
Buckland, Dr. F., London

Castelnan, Comte de, Apsley Place
Chalmers, Dr., New Zealand
Cleeland, J., Albion Hotel, Bourke-st.
Cooper, Ricardo, Queen-street

Coste, Proffessor, Huningue
Damyon, James, Market-street
Drouyn, de Lhuys, Paris

Francis, Francis, London

Gillanders & Arbuthnot, Calcutta
Godfrey, Captain, J. B.

Graham, James, Little Collins-st. East
Grote, Arthur, Caleutta

Howitt, Ed.

Johnston, Clement, Crown Lands Office
Jones, Captain, Superb

Latham, General

18

MEMBERS.

Madden, Walter, Office of Mines
Mathieu, A., Yahoue, New Caledonia
Merryman, Captain, Essex

Michaelis, Moritz, Elizabeth-street
Michael, Major, Madras

McQueen, Captain, ‘‘ Martha Birnie ”
Mullick, Rajendo, Calcutta

Officer, Sir Robert, Hobart Town
Ploos Van Amsel,J. W., Collins-st. W.
Ramel, Monsieur, Paris

Rentsch, Samuel, Flinders-street East
Ridgers, Captain, “‘ Sussex ”
Robinson, J., Caleutta

Salt, Sir Titus, Saltaire, England
Scholstein, Adolp., Flinders-lane West
Sclater, Dr. P. L., London

Shinner, Captain ‘‘ Northumberland ”
Smith, Captain, ‘‘ Dover Castle ”
Squire, Surgeon, John, Dinapore

St. Hilaire, G., Bois de Boulogne, Paris
Were, J. B., Collins-street West
White, J. H., Collins-street West

SUPPLEMENTAL LIST OF MEMBERS,
To StH JuLy, 1872.

Adam, John (Lawrence & Adam),

Elizabeth-street ... costal
Allfrey, Ernst. H., life member,

Fernihurst .. wise ALO
Allport, Curzon, Uhmsse aime 2
Amess, Samuel, William-street 1
Anderson, A., Wallaloo 1

Anderson & Wright, Flinders-
lane.. : fy
Baines, E, Little Gollan om 2
Banks enter: Bell, and Co.,
Flinders-lane aes
Barry, D. M., Brunswick
Barwise, John, Elizabeth-street
Batt, T., Yarra Flats ;
Bennet, T. K., Bourke-street
Black, J., Dr., Bourke-street
Blair, James, Tama
Bligh & Harbottle, Alstier sala
Borough Council, Portland .,
Bright, C. E., Flinders-lane ...
Briscoe & Co., Collins-street ...
Broadribb, K. E., Chancery-
lane . ea
Brown, east G., Collinsest.
Burry, Leech & Co, Queen-st.
Campbell, F., Auchmore
Carter, E., Stephen-street
Charsley, Edward, Bank-place
Chomley, A. W., Temple Court
Clarke, W. & Co., Elizabyth-st.
Clarke, J. L., Elizabeth-street
Crooke, Dr., Gertrude-street...
Cumming, Hon. J:, M.L.C.,
Toorak
Daly, John, Spotamesnael
Danks, John, Bourke-street ...
Davidson, James, Deniliquin
Dobson, Hon. Dr., M.L.C.
Doyle, Lawrence, Stephen-st.
Evans, G. E., “ Argus ”’ Office
Fanning, Nankivell, and Co.,
Collins-street aes 2
Fellows, Hon. T. H., Temple Ct. 1

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Fergusson and Moore, Flinders-
lane .. :
Fitch & Renal, idorslane
Fleming, J. W., Brunswick .
Ford, W. & Can Sramsiarnestn
Foy, Mark, Smith-street
Foxcroft, J., Elizabeth-street...
Godfrey, F. R., Mount Ridley...
Goldsborough & Co., Bourke-st.
Graham, Hon. James, M.L.C.,

is
—

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Little Collins-street gag abo ak
Grant, John, Collins-street a
Gray, Charles, Nareeb Nareeb 2 2
Grice, Richard, Flinders-lane 1 1
Green, J. R., Gertrude-street 2 0
Greene, Molesworth, Mount Hopel 1
Haddon, S, W. “ Argus”’ Office 2 2
Haege, W., Queen-street ... 1 1
Harper, R. & Co., Flinders-lane 1 1
Hatton, S. W., Flemington ... 1 1
Henderson, T., Elizabeth-st.... 1 1
Hepburne, B., Queen-street... 1 1

Highett, 'The Hon. W., M.L.C.,
Richmond .
Holdsworth, J., sinnclnriny
House, Samuel & Co., Qneen-st.
Howitt, Dr. Gielen Caulfield
Hunt, Dr., Brunswick-sireet...
Ingamelles, J.. Royal Park ...
Inglis, Daniel, Flinders-street
Jacobs, F. and Co., Queen-st.
Johnston, E., Elizabeth-street
Keep, E., Elizabeth-street
Kerr, R., Collins-street
King, 8. G., Hotham ... :
Kinnear, Robt. H., Lower Moira
Kronheimer, J. & Co., Queen-st.
Lambert T., Lonsdale-street ...
Larnach, J., Kilmore Waltonians
Langhorne, Alired, Laverton
Latham, E., Carlton ...
Lawrence, i. B. (Lawrence and
Adam), Elizabeth-street... ] 1
Lee, B., Bourlre-street... sno halluee

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Supprementary List or Mempurs—(Continued)—

Lindley, A. B., Royal Park ... £1 1 0 | Robertson, ee Elizabeth-
Lyster, W., life member, eae street » bl
street ea . 10 10 0 | Robertson, W., M. TAS Mel-
Lyster, A. B., Bounces Anos. ho) od bourne Club 2
Macknight, Chas. H., uneore 1 1 0 | Rocke, W. H., Collins- sireet__ 1
Manallack, T., Branenick 1 1 0 | Rosser, E., Sauna 1
Maplestone, rely Elizabeth-st. 1 1 0 | Rosser, Charles, Brunswick ... 1
Martin, P. J., iti oa lane... 1 1 0| Rudd, A.P., Flemington .. 2

Martin, T., Tae AM .. 1 I 0 | Russell, The Hon. P., M.L.C.,
Martin, G. & Co., iectese Bo Melbourne Club ... sg) il
Maryborough Boeouet Council 5 0 0| Ryan & Hammond, Bourke- st. 2
Masterman, F. A., Brunswick- Sanderson, J, & Co,, William-st. 1
street an .. 1 1 © | Sandridge Borough Council ... 3
Matheson, J., Collins- sitet 1 1 | Sands and McDougall, Collins-
M’Coy, Drofescon University 1 1 0 street . 2
McCulloch, Sellar & Co., Queen- Stanford and Co., Bourke- st. 1
street 2 2 (| Sargood, Son & Co., Hindeereat 2
McDougall, C., Br Rasertar 1 1 0 | Simson, Hon. R., M.L.C., Toorak 2
McEachern, A. & D., life mem- Skene, Hon. W.,M.L.C., Toorak 2
bers, Kangaroo... .. 10 10 © | Skinner, Judge, Windsor 2
McKellar, The Hon. Thomas, Sloane, W. and Co.,, Collins-st. 2
M.L.C., Melbourne Club 10 0 0 | Smale, A. W. Queen-street,... 2
McNaughton, Love and ae Smith, C. and J., Albert-street 1
Flinders-lane ae 2 2 0| Somner, W., Swanston-street 1
Mitchell, the Hon. W. H. Ee, Sprigg, W. G., Brighton 1
M. ith C., Melbourne Club 1 1 0| Straw, T., Brunswick ... Aten
Moloney, De Lonsdale-street 1 1 0| Terry Alfred, Royal Park .., 1
Moore and Co., Bourke-street 1 1 0| Twentyman, T., Emerald Hill 1
Moule, F. G., Market-street ... 1 1 0| Twentyman, R., Flinders-street 1
Murphy, E. J., William-street 1 1 0| Venables, H. P., Education
Nutt, R. W., Queen-sitreet bt i @ Office : il
Ogilvey, A. J., Queen-street... 1 1 0| Walker, P. N., Wallianiseaineet 1
Oldfield, L., Royal Park 1 1 0| Wishin & Taete Williams-
Overend, Best, Brunswick Te 2 street 350 er eset |
Paterson, W., Collins-street .. 1 1 0| Wilson, E., “Argus” Office... 2
Paterson, Ray, Palmer & Co., Wilson, Dr. J. P., Craigieburn 1
Flinders-lane 2 2 (| Woods, J. & Son, Collingwood 1
Peterson, W. & Co,, Qpiesnes, aioli ann)
DONATIONS.
Cornwall, A., Brunswick ... £010 0) Gunst, vr., Collins-street ... £1
Coward, J anes . 1 0 O| Harrington, P. Victoria-street 1
Fairchild, J. R., Sivalnameceealy 1 0 0} Hoskin, T., Benalla... crete
Firth, Henry, Buameniele 0 5 6] McKellar, James, Lima Station 1
Frost, W., Benalla 1 0 Q| MeDonald,F., Solicitor, Benalla 1
Gordon & Gotch, Wollimeceneet 1 1 O| Power, T. H., Collins-street ... 1
Gratton, H. Gowangardie 1 1 @| Turnbull, James, Emeu Plains 1

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THE RULES AND OBJECTS

OF THE

Zoological & Acclimatisation Society

OF VICTORIA.

1. The objects of the Society shall be the introduction, Ohler
acclimatisation, liberation, and domestication of innoxious :
animals and vegetables, whether useful or ornamental ;—
the perfection, propagation, and hybridisation of races
newly introduced, or already domesticated ;—the spread of
indigenous animals, &c., from parts of the colonies where
they are already known, to other localities where they are
not known; the procuring, whether by purchase, gift, or
exchange, of animals, &c. ;—the transmission of animals,
&c., from the colony to England and foreign parts, in
exchange for others sent thence to the Society ;—the
collection and maintenance of zoological specimens, for
exhibition or otherwise ;—the holding of periodical meet-
ings, and the publication of reports and transactions, for
the purpose of spreading knowledge of acclimatisation, and
inquiry into the causes of success or failure; the inter-
change of reports, &c., with kindred associations in other
parts of the world, with the view, by correspondence and
mutual good offices, of giving the widest possible scope to
the project of acclimatisation ;—the conferring rewards,
honorary or intrinsically valuable, upon persons who may
render valuable services to the cause of acclimatisation.

Membership.

Property
vest in
the Council

Executive
Officers.

Council.

Vacancy in
Council,
how sup-
plied.

20

2. A Subscriber of one guinea or upwards annually,
which shall be payable in the month of January, shall be a
Member of the Society ; and contributors within one year
of ten guineas or upwards shall be Life Members of the
Society ; and any person who may render special services
to the Society, by contribution of stock or otherwise, shall
be eligible for life membership, and may be elected as such
by the Council, or by any annual general meeting.

3. All the property of the Society shall vest in the
Council for the time being, for the use, purposes, and
benefit of the Society.

4. The Society shall be governed by a Council of
eighteen Members, to include a President, two Vice-Presi-
dents, and an Honorary Treasurer, who, with three other
Members (viz., those who have attended the fewest meet-
ing of the Council proportionately since their appointment)
shall retire annually, but shall be eligible for re-election,
subject to Rule 11. Provided that if any sum of money be
voted to the Society by Act of Parliament, or trusts con-
ferred upon the Council by the Government, then it shall
be lawful for the Chief Secretary for the time being to
appoint, if he consider it expedient, any number of gentle-
men, not exceeding three, to act as members of the
Council, and they shall have all the privileges as if other-
wise duly elected,

5. In case of a vacancy occurring by the death, resig-
nation, or non-attendance of any member of the Council
for a period of two months, without leave of the Council,
the remaiming Members shall, in due course, appoint
another Member of the Society to be a Member of the
Council in the place and stead of the Member who shall
so resign or absent himself; but such new Member shall be
nominated at an ordinary meeting of the Council prior to
the meeting at which he is elected.

21

6. In case of a vacancy occurring by the death or re- Council to fill

‘s ‘ 4 : j up Vacancies.
signation of the President, Vice-President, or Hon.

Treasurer, the Council may appomt from amongst them-

selves, or the other Members of the Society, a person to

fill the vacancy so occurring, and the person elected shall

hold office only until the next Annual Meeting ; but shall

be eligible for re-election for the subsequent year. Pro-

vided that such vacancy shall not be filled up unless seven

days’ notice in writing shall have been sent to each Member

of the Council, stating the vacancies which it is proposed

to fill up.

7. No person shall be eligible as a Member of Council Elegibility of
unless he be a subscriber to the funds of the Society of at ChonaL, :
least one guinea per annum ; and any member of Council
whose subscription shall be in arrear for three months
after his subscription is payable, shall cease to be a
Member of Council: Provided that this rule shall not
apply to persons who may have become life members of
the Society, by a payment of ten guineas, or who may be
honorary members of the Society ; and provided also, that
a month’s notice in writing shall be sent to the member
before his place can be filled up.

8. The Council shall meet at least once ‘a month, three Meetings of
Members to form a quorum, and transact the business of Curd!
the Society. ;

9. The Council shall have the sole management of the Powers and
affairs of the Society, and of the income and property pase
thereof, for the uses, purposes, and benefit of the Society ;
and shall have the sole and exclusive right of appointing
paid servants, asa Manager or Secretary, Collector, and
such other officers, clerks, and labourers, and at such
salaries as they may deem necessary, and of removing themy
if they shall think fit, and shall prescribe their respective
duties. And such Council shall have power to consider

‘anch So-

‘vieties, &e.

nutes of
Proceed-
ngs.

meys to be
daid to
Treasurer.

22

and determine all matters, either directly or indirectly
affecting the interests of the Society, and if they shall
think fit so to do, shall bring the same under the notice of
the Members of the Society at any general or special
meeting ; and to make such bye-laws as they may deem
necessary for the efficient management of the affairs, and
the promotion of the objects of the Society, and for the
conduct of the business of the Council: Provided the
same are not repugnant to these rules; to appoint one
or more sub-committees, for any purpose contemplated
by these rules; and generally to perform such acts
as may be requisite to carry out the objects of the
Society.

10. The Society shall have power to associate itself with
other Societies with similar objects, and to found Branch
Societies.

11. Minutes shall be made, in books kept for the pur-
pose, of all proceedings at general and special meetings of
the Members, and minutes shall also be made of the pro-
ceedings of the Council at their general and special
meetings, and of the names of the Members attend-
ng the same, and such minutes shall be open to
inspection by any Member of the Society at all reasonable
times.

12. All subscriptions and other moneys received on
account of the Society shall be paid to the Treasurer, or some
person authorized by him in writing, who shall forthwith
place the same in a bank, to be named by the Council, to the
credit of the Society ; and no sum shall be paid on account
of the Society until the same shall have been ordered by
the Council, and such order be duly entered in the book
of the proceedings of the Council; and all cheques shall
be signed by the Treasurer as such, and be countersigned
by the President, or one of the Vice-Presidents, or by the.

23

Chairman of the meeting at which such payment is
authorised.

13. An annual meeting shall be held in the month of ae
February in each year, and the Council shall report their
proceedings during the past year, and shall produce their
accounts, duly audited, for publication; and the meeting
shall elect by ballot the office-bearers for the ensuing
year, and fill up any vacancy which may exist in the
Council: provided that no person shall hold the office of
President, Vice-President, or Treasurer, for two years suc-
cessively.

14, The Council may, and upon receiving a requisition Special Meet-
in writing, signed by twelve or more Members, shall con- ings cia
vene a special meeting of the Members, to be held within
fifteen days after the receipt of such requisition: Pro-
vided that such requisition, and the notices convening
the meeting, shall specify the subject to be considered at
such meeting, and that subject only shall be discussed at
such meeting.

15. The Council, or any general meeting of the Society, Honorary
may admit, as Honorary Members, any ladies or gentlemen eS
who may have distinguished themselves in connection with
the objects of the Society, and at such meeting any other
business of the Society shall be transacted, of which one
day’s previous notice shall have been given to the Secre- .
tary by any Member desirous of bringmg the same
forward.

16. No Medal of the Society shall be awarded to any
person except by the vote of at least seven Members of
Council present at a Council Meeting, and after notice of
motion for awarding such Medal shall have been given at
the next preceding meeting of the Council.

17. Tt shall be lawful for any annual or special meeting Power to alter
of the Society to alter, vary, or amend the rules; or to sub- ve

24

stitute another for any of the same; or to make any new
rule which may be considered desirable ; if and after a notice
specifying the nature of such alteration, variation, amend-
ment, substitution, or new rule, shall have been given to
the Secretary fifteen days before the holding of such
meeting. And such alteration, variation, amendment, sub-
stitution, or new rule shall be valid if carried by a majority
of not less than two-thirds of the Members present at such
meeting.

25

LIST OF ANIMALS AND BIRDS

In THE Royvart Park sand ZoonogicaL AnD ACCLIMATISATION
Socrety’s GarprEns, MeLpouRne.

3 Kangaroos

7 Brahmin cattle
8 Hog deer

5 Bairanga deer
7 Formosa deer
4 Sambur deer

1 Fallow deer

1 Nylghau

4 Mauritius deer
2 Japanese deer
4 Angora goats
1 Agouti

1 Madagascar sheep
1 Cape sheep

7 Monkeys

1 Wallaby

2 Kangaroo rats
1 Wombat

2 Echidna

1 Ceylon porcupine
1 Leopard

1 Native dog

1 English fox

3 Opossums

9 Emeus

40 English pheasants
30 Silver pheasants

9 Pea fowl

4 Jungle fowl

11 Egyptian geese

6 Geese.

About 70 ducks

3 Crown goura pigeons
2 Ravens

1 Mooruke

4 Eagles

1 Native companion

2 Curassows

1 Kagus~”

2 Maori hens

2 Kiwi

4 Bleeding heart doves
2 Macaws

1 Blackbird

1 Jackdaw

1 English magpie

3 Owls

A number of native
eockatoos and parrots
of different varieties in
the aviaries ; and about
thegrounds large num-
bers of doves.

ANIMALS LIBERATED.

18 Canaries
18 Blackbirds
14 Thrushes

10 Hares

5 Cape pheaasnts

8 English pheasants
4 Indian pheasants
8 Ceylon partridges
5 Indian partridges

6 California quail

80 English wild ducks

85 Java sparrows

AT PHILLIP ISLAND.

4 Chinese partridges
70 Chinese quail
23 Tasmanian quail
6 Starlings

10 Algerine sand grouse

6 Wild ducks

AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS.

4 English robins
8 Turtle doves
50 Mainas

5) Pheasants

6 Skylarks

6 California quail
4 Thrushes

4 Blackbirds

1 Pair white swans

AT SANDSTONE AND CHURCHILL ISLANDS.
4 Pheasants | 4 Skylarks | +4 Thrushes

AT YARRA BEND.

6 Thrushes | 4 Skylarks
NEAR SYDNEY.
9 Thrushes ] 4 Skylarks 1 10 Blackbirds
AT SUGARLOAF HILL.
5 Ceylon elk ] 3 Axis deer

AT WILSON’S PROMONTORY.
4, Axis deer

26

AT THE ROYAL PARK.

4 Hares | 2 Thrushes 20 Siskin finches
20 Mainas | 20 Greenfinches | 6 Powi birds

6 Starlings 15 Yellowhammers 3 Partridges

60 English sparrows 200 Java sparrows 6 Pheasants

40 Chaffinches | 6 Blackbirds

AT PENTRIDGE.
40 English sparrows.

AT ST. KILDA.
20 Chinese sparrows.
AT BALLARAT,
5 English sparrows 1 20 Java sparrows
AT BUNEEP.
13 Fallow deer.

AT CAPE LIPTRAP.

12 Hog Deer 4 Ceylon peafowls 4 Guinea fowl
10 Pigeons
AT AUCKLAND ISLANDS.
12 Goats 12 Rabbits 6 Fowls
3 Geese Pigs 3 Ducks

AT WESTERNPORT.
7 Sambur deer.

AT THE WIMMERA.
35 Axis deer.

AT YERING.
5 Axis deer.

AT PLENTY RANGES.
10 Pheasants 1 4 Jungle fowls ] 7 Guinea fowls

ANIMALS SENT AWAY.

TO LONDON.

75 Kangaroos 26 Waterhens 40 Black ducks

5 Mountain ducks 4 Kangaroo rats 40 Teal
200 Murray codfish 10 Wombats 22 Wonga pigeons
22 Black swans 2 Cranes 3l Bronze-wing pigeons
20 Australian quail 7 Wood ducks 8 Swamp magpies
14 Eagle hawks 2 Kangaroo dogs 2 Iguanas

85 Magpies 3 Echidna 7 Land rails

4 Rosella parrots 26 LaughlIng jackasses 4 Sugar squirrels

8 King parrots 40 Shell parrots 3 Coots

8 Cockatoos 6 Mallee pheasants 0 Native companions

5 Dingos 36 Lowry parrots Some Yarra fish

3 Talegallas 12 Oppossums

1 Tasmanian devil | 4 Emeus.

20 Emeus
30 Kangaroos
12 Black swans
3 Cape Barren geese
1 South Australian
wombat
4 Native geese

3 Kangaroos
3 Black swans

3 Water hens 1

2 Cape Barren geese - |

2 Wonga pigeons
2 Black swans

2 Black swans
2 Black geese

24 Black swans |
12 Emeus

2 Eagles

6 White cockatoos |
7 King parrots

1 Kangaroo

2 Black swans |
2 Cape Barren geese

6 Black swans 1

2 Black swans 1

2 Black swans 1

27

TO PARIS.

3 Curlews

1 Native crane

8 Murray turtles

2 Wombats

17 Australian quail

4 Laughing jackasses

2 Bronze- wing pigeons

TO ST. PETERSBURG.
2 Laughing jackasses
2 Wallabies

TO AMSTERDAM.
TO ROTTERDAM.

TO HAMBURGH.

TO COLOGNE.
2 Curlews

TO COPENHAGEN.
2 Black swans

TO CALCUTTA.

15 Rosella parrots |
10 Kangaroos
4 Opossums
1 Dingo
1 Wombat
TO MAURITIUS.

2 Eagle hawks
§ Fowls
7 Magpies

TO BOURBON.
8 Black swans

TO SICILY.

TO RANGOON.
6 Black swans
TO JAVA.
2 Cape Barren Geese

TO BURTENZONG.
2 Cape Barren geese

14 Native ducks

8 Goatsuckers

2 Native companions
14 Rockhampton finches
1 Iguana

4 Oppossums
20 Black ducks
20 Teal

3 Emeus

6 Australian quail
2 Water hens

| 2 Bronze-wing risen | 2 Kangaroo rats

| 2 Water bens

6 Bronze-wing pigeons
6 Laughing jackasses
20 Shell parrots

52 Magpies

2 Laughing jackasses
4 Wallabies

il 1 Kangaroo

l 1 Kangaroo

28

TO SYDNEY.
5 Angora goats 6 English wild ducks 4 Larks
2 Brush kangaroos 1 Mallee hen 4 Starlings
2 Silver pheasants 10 Blackbirds 2 Ortolans
2 Canadian geese

10 Thrushes A number of sparrows
2 Egyptian geese

TO ADELAIDE.

10 Angora goats 2 Thrushes
2 Blackbirds 3 English pheasants

3 Silver pheasants

TO HOBART TOWN.

1 Angora goat 2 Egyptian geese
Y Native bears 2 Hares
Wild ducks, Indian & English | A number of sparrows
TO NEW ZEALAND.
3 Thrushes 4 Opossums Tndian and English
6 Magpies 2 Brace of hares wild ducks

TO FOO CHOW.

48 Wild rabbits | 2 Kangaroo | 2 Parrots
TO NEW CALEDONIA,
238 Sparrows 1 12 Laughing jackasses
AT MR. WILSON’S—LONGERENONG, WIMMERA.
17 Ostriches ] 05 Angora goats

LIBERATED IN THE BUSH IN 1870

A number of doves
10 Pea Fowl Several brace of hares 25 Skylarks
20 Guinea fowl
A Jarge number of hares were likewise distributed in 1870 in various parts of the

country, ard upwards of 100 Angora goats were disposed of in addition to

those enumerated above.

LIBERATED IN THE BUSH IN 1871.
150 Guinea fowl Several brace of hares
15 Pheasants 3 Deer
And 2400 trout fry placed in different streams.
A number of hares were likewise distributed in various parts of the country.

8° Hog deer | 30 Pheasants

Stor Be eS

Kine Visa (Seiena Antarctica).

Heaps or Op (Matz) Snappers (Pagrus Unicolor).

é

CONTRIBUTION

ICHTHYOLOGY OF AUSTRALIA.

COUNT F. DE. CASTELNAU.

No. L—THE MELBOURNE FISH MARKET.

My intention is, if circumstances allow me, to submit to the
public a succession of papers on the fishes of Australia. This
first one is devoted to the description of the different sorts I
have observed at Melbourne, alive or in a fresh state, during more
than a year, and which almost all come from the Fish Market.
The number of sorts (142) is very limited, compared with what
could be collected during the same period in other countries,
such as India or South America; but, if many of the South
Australian forms indicate their habitat in a semi-tropical climate,
the diversity of species is not so great as in most regions equally
situated. This seems to be the rule with the Antarctic Seas, as
at the Cape of Good Hope, after several years’ researches, I
could only obtain 157 sorts (with ossified skeletons or Zeleostei,
Gunther), many of which came from distant parts, such as Lake
N’gami, Natal, &c. Since then, many sorts have been indicated
as from South Africa, and their number is so considerable in the
Catalogues of the British Museum as to make me, in many cases,
doubt of the exactness of the assigned locality. All the fishes of
Sir A. Smith’s collection have been inscribed as coming from the

Cape sea, while I believe that many were obtained at very distant

30

localities. During several years, not only did I visit several times
a day the Fish Market of Cape Town, but the Malay fishermen
were most active in endeavouring to obtain specimens for me.
Sir A. Smith himself, in his “Illustrations of South Australian
Zoology,” mentions a number of sorts of fishes much smaller
even than the one I obtained myself (about 40); and Dr. Pappe,
after ten years’ study of the fishes of the Cape, only mentions
45 sorts of edible ones. (‘“ Synopsis of the Edible Wishes of the
Cape of Good Hope.” Cape Town, 1853.) As a general rule,
I believe that the great Antarctic Sea will be found to con-
tain less sorts of fishes than most others, and that this will
also be the case with the rivers and lakes of the same regions.
With few exceptions, the fishes of the southern parts of Aus-
tralia are peculiar to the region they inhabit, as of 142 sorts
(exclusive of a doubtful sort of cyprinide), 11 only are found in
other regions, that is, 5 of the 128 sorts of Teleostez, and 6 of the
19 species of cartillaginous fishes. The five of the first are—
1. Lemnodon Saltator, which is very widely spread over almost
all the tropical and temperate seas of the globe. 2. Thyrsites
Atum, found also at the Cape of Good Hope. 3. Zetraodon
Hispidus, found in the Red Sea and all over the Indian Ocean.
4. Diodon Spinosissimus, from the Cape of Good Hope and the
Indian Sea. 5. Orthagoriscus Mola, from the European seas.
To this I ought, perhaps, to add Mugil Waiqiensis, first dis-
covered in New Guinea; but this large island may be considered
as belonging to the Australian zoological zona.

Amongst the cartillaginous fishes, we find Sygena Malleus,
Galeus Canis, Rhina Squatina, Raya Oxyrhynchus, and Myliobates
Aquila, all found in the European seas ; and Chimera Antarctica,
from the Cape of Good Hope. It would seem as if the more the
bones take a cartillaginous nature, the more the animal would
be able to support the changes of climate, &c.; but it must alse
be observed that some of these last sorts have not been suffi-
ciently well compared with European specimens.

The fact that not one single true Serranus seems to inhabit
the southern shores of Australia (S. Rasor being very distinct in
general appearance) is also remarkable, as I had already observed
the same fact at Table Bay; and here also, on the eastern coast, as
at Natal and Algoa Bay, several sorts of real Serranus are found.

31

I certainly do not mean to give to these observations an exagge-
rated importance, as Iam well convinced that I have not yet
seen one-half, perhaps not one-third, of the sorts that inhabit
the Bass Straits, and even Hobson’s Bay. Very little interest
has been, till this time, felt in the Australian Colonies, on sub-
jects of natural science, and I have found it impossible to get the
fishermen to collect for me the sorts that are not usually
considered as edible, and they almost always prefer throwing away
specimens valuable for science, and for which they might obtain
a remuneration larger than the one they get for eatable fishes,
sooner than take the trouble of bringing them to the market.
This indifference extends to all classes, and though the Acclima-
tisation Society has requested, several times, in tbe public news-
papers, persons desirous of helping it in the task of making
better known the zoology of Victoria,, to send any specimens
they may obtain, no answers have been received. It is singular
to remark that not one of the Australian Colonies has a particular
work on one single branch of its zoology, whereas every State
of North America has a complete series of valuable works
on each branch of that science. In this the Australian
Democracy seems to be far behind its American sister. The
only, very scanty, materials published on the fishes of
Victoria consist—lst. Of a paper of W. Blandowski on the
sorts he had collected in the interior of the Colony, and
particularly in the Murray River. This paper was to be inserted
in the “ Transactions of the Philosophical Institute of Victoria,”
vol. 2, pages 124 to 182. It was accompanied by four plates,
representing in a rough way nineteen sorts of fishes, many of
which are unknown to me. A rather curious anecdote is told
of this production: The author had, according to the custom of
naturalists, dedicated several of the sorts to leading members of
the Society ; but some of these gentlemen are said to have taken
as an insult what was most probably intended as a compliment,
and the letterpress and plates already engraved were withdrawn
and destroyed before distribution. I must own that I cannot
say much for the scientific value of the paper, but IT have found
in it a few observations on the habits of several sorts of the
interior rivers.

\

32

2nd. Of a short notice on the fishes of Victoria in Professor
M‘Coy’s Report on the Zoology of the Colony, in the “ Inter-
colonial Exhibition Essays, 1866-1867.” In this paper the
learned author has endeavoured to give the scientific names of
the common fishes of the market, and in this he has, in general,
well succeeded. There are also to be found some interesting
observations on several sorts in this essay.

3rd. A short paper by Dr. Gunther on a few Victorian sorts
in the “Annals and Magazine of Natural History, 1863.”

4rth. Several papers of Sir J. Richardson in the “ Transac-
tions of the Zoological Society” (vol. ii.); the Proceedings of
the same, 1889-1840; and in the “ Annals and Magazine of
Natural History, 1842-1843.”

But if the materials on Australian fishes, published in works
particularly devoted to them, are few, on the other hand all
the publications made on the Scientific Expeditions sent by
England, France, and other countries contain numerous descrip-
tions and plates of Australian sorts, and Sir J. Richardson, in
the “Ichthyology of the Voyage of the Hrebus and Terror,” has
given a most valuable account of the sorts brought by that
expedition from the Antarctic Seas. The work of this celebrated
Ichthyologist forms the most valuable contribution to Australian
Ichthyology ever published.

Of the general works on the science, two deserve a special
notice. The first is the great “ Histoire Naturelle des Poissons”
of Cuvier and Valenciennes, which was left incomplete at its
22nd volume by the death of the first of its illustrious authors,
This work is the base of the science, and not only recapitulates in
an admirable manner all that had previously been published on it,
but describes an immense number of new sorts. It is in this
magnificent work that the great Cuvier gives the details of the
system of which he had published the outlines in his “ Régne
Animal.”

The second is Dr. Gunther’s “Catalogue of the Fishes of the
British Museum,” complete in eight volumes. This work is one
of the most remarkable productions of modern science, and
places its author high amongst zoologists. Dr. Gunther follows
Crvyier’s system, but amends it considerably, and it must be

owned that most of his changes are improvements on it, and in
conformity with the natural arrangement of beings. The labour,
patience, and science shown by the author are deserving of the
greatest praise. After having said all the good I think of this
great work, I must also submit a few critical observations on it.
Many of Dr. Gunther’s superior divisions are established only
on anatomical characters, and I think this most objectionable, as
it would exclude from the study of science all those who would
not have at their entire disposition one of the large museums of
Hurope, and even the fortunate zoologists who are so situated
can only, in comparatively few instances, sacrifice valuable
specimens. I think that anatomical characters ought only to be
used to confirm zoological ones.

Dr. Gunther, in most cases, prefers describing the colours
from the discoloured specimens he has at his disposition sooner
than adopting the description of travellers who have seen the
sorts alive, and in many cases have made drawings from speci-
mens so taken. Fcr instance, Phractocephalus Hemiliopterus is
described as a fish of obscure tinges, when he had my plate
under his eyes, showing its beautiful colours, drawn from the
living specimen.

He changes the names, derived from Greek or Latin, that he
considers badly composed, and this I think useless, as it only
increases synonymy unnecessarily. If men with the high literary
acquirements of Lacepede and Cuvier have committed such mis-
takes, no one can expect to be exempt from them, and as names
without any meaning are just as good, if not better, than those
which pretend to have one. If a name is not well made, it is
more simple, I think, to consider it as having no meaning at all,
than to introduce a new one into the nomenclature.

Dr. Gunther divides the species admitted by his predecessors
into two classes—those that he considers well characterized, and
those that he regards as doubtful; he only gives descriptions
of the first, which have almost all been seen by himself; and as
to the others, it is necessary to resort to the original works, as
amongst them a very large proportion have just as good a right
to be maintained as those he admits. He must be approved
of for rejecting, till further examination, all sorts establishe 2.
ou figures and drawings only. Lacepede was the first to

B4

introduce into the science numerous sorts founded on these
materials, and he went so far as to consider as sufficient docu-
ments rough paintings due to Chinese and Japanese draughtsmen.
When he only used materials due to such men as Commerson,
Forster, &c., he was pretty safe; but even then, it is well known
that a naturalist, travelling in little known countries, is often so
pressed for time as to necessarily neglect in his drawings many
characters that will be found necessary when they will be sub-
mitted to the scrutiny of modern science. Putting these aside,
there remains in his so-called uncharacterized sorts—an immense
number that have been seen by his predecessors ; and I think
that when such authorities as Cuvier, Valenciennes, Richardson,
Bleeker, Kaup, Ruppell, &c., admit them as distinct species, after
having studied them, they are at least as much entitled to be
believed as the zoologist who has not even seen them.

Taken, for example, the sorts brought back by myself from
the central parts of South America, and deposited at the Garden
of Plants of Paris, we find that Dr. Gunther considers many of
them as identified with species of Cuvier and Valenciennes,
when, in the Ichthyological part of my Travels, I give them
as distinct. Perhaps the imperfection of my descriptions
may have led him to believe in their identity ; but it must
be remembered that those specimens were all compared with
Cuvier and Valenciennes’ types, aside of which they are
placed in the Museum, and that this examination was not
only done by myself, but in many cases by Messrs. Valen-
ciennes and Dumeril, and in all cases by Mr. Guichenot. On
the other hand Dr. Gunther appears not to have examined the
Parisian collection, which is certainly the most important in the
world, on account of the immense quantity of typical specimens
it contains.

I also think that Dr. Gunther carries too far the modern
tendency of uniting sorts that were considered as distinct, and,
misled by this principle, he has formed a certain number of
artificial species which do not exist in nature. It is well known
that in the class of fishes colours are, in general, subject to such
alterations as not to afford, as a general rule, specific characters,
Ne they do in almost all the other divisions of the animal king-
dom, 1nd that these characters must be looked for in the forms

35

and sometimes in the distribution of bands, stripes, &c. In
many cases, the learned doctor goes much further, and supposes
even these forms to be subject to such variations as no specific
characters would remain, and so, only to quote one example, to
have the satisfaction of uniting the gonorhynchus of the Cape
with those of Japan and of Australia, he is obliged to suppose a
sort whose proportions vary according to age, which sort does
not exist.

I also think that Dr. Gunther shows too little attention to
the geographical distribution of fishes. He delights in stating
that a sort from the Northern Sea is found at the Cape of Good
Hope; that anothor from the coast of Senegal inhabits also the
Antarctic Sea. Even fresh-water fishes, whose habitat had, till
now, been considered as very limited, are submitted by him to
the same process, and sorts from tbe rivers of Chili are united
with those of Tasmania, or English sorts are said to be found in
New Zealand. In many cases he asserts that they are not entirely
similar, and even goes so far as to propose names for those
varieties, but nevertheless they must be included under the same
specific names. He seems to admit too easily new localities,
and so, to give one example, the largest of all fresh-water
fishes, the Pirarucw (sudis vastres), is said, on the authority
of a dealer, to inhabit Bahia, without telling us what
river of that locality is capable of feeding such a giant.
The truth is, that it is restricted to the Amazonas and to its
northern branches. It is also found in those of the rivers of
Guyana, whose head waters, during a part of the year, or at least
in floods, communicate with the branches I have just mentioned.

The old authors, such as Bloch, Lacepede, &c., never hesi-
tated to state that a species inhabited Greenland and India ;
but under the scrutiny of Cuvier and Valenciennes these sweep-
ing assertions generally proved incorrect, and new ideas were
introduced on the distribution of sorts in the waters of the world.
But after having studied Dr. Gunther’s work with the attention
it so well deserves, one finds onself once more wandering in a
complete sea of uncertainty, and it will take years of careful
study to re-establish some rules in this part of geographical
zoology. ‘This I consider as the greatest fault in Dr. Gunther’s
most valuable work.

36

/ It is also to be regretted that the learned doctor does not
add to his qualities a little more indulgence towards other
naturalists, often his predecessors in the science. He has placed
' himself, by his works, quite high enough not to be quite so bitter
| towards those who have not, like himself, the privilege of never
| being mistaken. Even in speaking of Cuvier, the master of all
modern naturalists, he cannot refrain from this habit of
* rude criticism, which so often becomes offensive. It is to
be regretted that he has not, with so many other things,
learned from the great man I have just mentioned to cor-
rect with urbanity the mistakes of others. If Cuvier was
obliged to rectify a traveller or a little known naturalist,
he would do it in such an indulgent way as to encourage him
to pursue his labours; and if he had to correct a man high
in science, Linnzus for instance, he was always disposed to add
that a little imattention was well excusable in the man of
- genius who had imposed on himself the task of describing the
immensity of Nature. It is evident that Dr. Gunther’s greatest
delight is to find fault with everyone and with everything.
When he mentions a plate, he must almost always add one of the
following epithets :—‘“ Not good.” “Bad.” “Very bad.” And
in many cases he hay never seen the fish in question, and the
drawing is due to one of those artists who, having devoted the
labours of their lives to zoology, have become naturalists of
no small merit themselves. His love for criticism is such
as to make him point out mistakes that have been already
corrected by the author himself. For example, in describing
my Holacanthus Formosus, he says in a note that the
number of the fins are entirely wrong as I have stated them,
when, in the Lrrata of the work (“ Fishes of South America ”),
in the Zoological part of my Expedition (p. 112), I myself cor-
rected the mistake, and re-established the real numbers.

One of the greatest beauties of the study of Nature is gene-
rally considered to reside in the brotherly feeling it establishes
between men of all nations, of all ages, of all ranks. It is the
greatest boon of sufferance, and often the only consolation in
misfortune ; but if it was to be followedi n the spirit with which
some modern naturalists seem to be imbued, it would soon
change these kind and generous sentiments into feelings of spite,

37

insult, and revenge. Instead of being a buon of peace and a
comfort to men of quiet and studious habits, it would degenerate
into a state of continual warfare, and few men of science would
like to spend their lives on such a field of battle.

To put an end to these remarks, I will only add that I think
that when zoologists have long resided in a locality, and have
made its productions the object of a particular study, such as
Ruppell, Bleeker, Day, &c, their opinion is of greater value
than that of a man, whatever may he his scientific acquirements,
who remains in his study in Hurope. A visit to a fish market,
in bringing under your eyes thousands of specimens of a sort,
will certainly lead you to a more correct idea of its variations
than ean be obtaimed by the residing zoologist, who only has at
his disposition one, or in all cases, a very few specimens, having
lost their colours, and more or less their form, by dessication or
preservation in spirits.

The study of Ichthyology has been with me, for many years, —
the object of a particular predilection. When in my youth, I
spent nearly five years in the United States and Canada. 1
collected a considerable number of fishes on the demand of
Baron Cuvier. Later, when I was the Director of the Scientific
Expedition sent by the King of the French, Louis Philippe, to
South America, I devoted much attention to this subject, and the
specimens collected on my return, by the Amazonas River, are in
the Parisian Museum; but the greatest part of the vast collec-
tion Thad formed during the first three years overland, from Rio
Janeiro to Lima, was lost. A few of the dried specimens were
saved, but all those put in spirits were destroyed, probably by
the liquor beccming too weak, and also by the other incidents
inherent to a two or three years’ trip on the backs of mules and
horses. When the Relation of this Expedition was published, after
afew years’ delay caused by the political events which had agitated
my country, I reserved for myself the Ichthyological part of the
work. Having, after the Revolution of 1848, been appointed
French Consul at Bahia, I continued my researches in the
northern parts of Brazil, and I was enabled to insert the results
I obtained, by reason of the delay I have just explained, in
the Relation of my Expedition. Sent afterwards to the Cape
of Good Hope, where I remained three years, during which

38

I travelled over Caftraria and several of the most remote
parts of the Colony, I not only actively collected all the fishes
I could observe, but I wrote detailed descriptions, and made
drawings of every sort, with their natural colours; but, charged
by my Government to establish a French Consulate at Siam, I
extracted, before I left the Cape Colony, a short notice from my
manuscript, and sent it for publication in June, 1858, to my
late friend, Professor August Dumeril. Different circumstances
delayed, during my absence, the printing of my “ Mémoire
Sur les Poissons de L’ Afrique Australe,’ which only appeared
at the beginning of 1861. It is in his seventh volume (1868)
that Dr. Gunther quotes for the first time this publication, and
does it in his usual style. I must say that I still believe that
the study, during several years, of the fishes of a distant region
cannot be entirely useless to science. In India, I continued my
ichthyological labours. At Bangkock I collected the sorts of the
great Mainam River; at Saigon, those of the Meklong; and,
during a more or less iemettvoned stay at Malacca, Sumatra Java,
Ceylon, and Singapore, I described and sketched from nature over
750 sorts. On my return to Europe, I began to put in order my
voluminous notes, but having been obliged, on account of sickness,
to interrupt my work, I was, on my recovery, struck with a most
disagreeable surprise, in discovering that my servant had, for
more than one month, used the sheets of paper on which I had
bestowed so much time and labour to light the fires, and other
parts of my learned lucubrations were discovered in the last
place in the world where an author would be proud of finding
his works. Totally disheartened, I disposed of my collection and
drawings in favour of Professor Lacordaire, of the Liege
University, another of my old friends, who has also lately been
swept away before he could complete his great work on the
Coleoptera Insects, and once more I devoted the whole of my time
to Entomological researches.

I had always since my arrival in the Colony, nine years ago,
been struck by the want of a work on the fishes of Australia,
and of Victoria in particular. In such a new country, vernacular
names are far from possessing the same degree of fixity as they
do in Europe; and putting aside a dozen or two very common
sorts, every fishmonger gives a different name to the same

39

species. This increases very much the difficulties of study, and
I thought it would be useful to condense in a paper what was
known on the fishes of the Colony. The Acclimatisation Society,
always desirous of promoting anything useful to the country,
entered into these views, and that is the origin of the essay I now
submit to the public. Before I finish this paper, I think it is
useful to say a few words on a subject which has always much
embarassed naturalists, and on which the diversity of their views
is very great: I mean the question of what is a genus ?—what is
a@ species P

A genus is, for me, a more or less artificial collection of species
offering some common characters; a few appear to constitue
natural groups; but I think that in such cases it will generally
be found that the missing links have not yet been discovered, or
have entirely disappeared from the recent fawna of the globe.
The genus, being an artificial division, is, of course, appreciated
very differently by the various authors. All the so-called
superior divisions are in the same case, and thus the species seems
to me to be, of the zoological divisions, the only one to be found
in nature. But even this, to be such, must be considered as
a constant variety ; that is, that as soon as a collection of speci-
mens present the same characters, due to natural circumstances,
they must be considered as forming a species. I believe that
accidental or Geological phenomena, in driving a part of the indi-
viduals ef a species to regious different fram those they previ-
ously inhabited, will, with time, constitute a new species, as 1t is
certain that those individuals, having to find a different way of
living, and to be subjected to different temperatures, will deviate
from the type, and constitute different sorts, or what is usually
called, when this process is only beginning, local varieties. Types
will retain their forms unchanged thousands of years when they
remain in the same climate and in the same region, but they will
deviate as soon ag these circumstances are changed. I have
observed elsewhere (Expedition to the Central Parts of South
America) that the animals who can neither fly nor swim are
almost all different on one side of the Amazonas to what they
are on the other, and this has been even observed by the wild men
who inhabit these regions, the Indians having often told me that
all the animals on the northern side are different from those of

40

the south. At the same time, the sorts are sometimes so nearly
related as to make it certain that they once belonged to the
same type. Still further, the large branches of that internal sea,
such as the Madeira and the Negro, which are themselves mighty
rivers, often produce the same zoological changes. This is par-
ticularly observable in the quadrumana and in the gallinaceous
birds. The dispersion of the different sorts of B achyurus
give a remarkable example of this fact. The immense range
of the Andes has also produced similar effects, and sudden
convulsions of nature, such as earthquakes, are known to
have had the same consequences. By the same reason, the
fresh-water fishes of the Amazonas and its mighty branches
are, as a rule, of species different from those of the Parana
and Paraguay, for all their head waters are sometimes only
a mile or two distant one from the other; and if this rule
presents exceptions, I consider that they are due to accidental
inundations that may from time to time unite smaller branches
of these mighty streams.

I submit these considerations with much humility, knowing
with what animosity these questions are debated; but they are
the result of a whole life spent in zoological investigations in all
parts of the world. I have for many years studied nature in
nature itself.

I cannot close these lines without expressing my best
thanks to those who have assisted me. Sir Redmond Barry,
to whom this Colony owes so much, granted me, by a most
honourable exception, the loan of several Ichthyological books
contained in the Public Library and missmg in my own. Every
naturalist knows that descriptions must be compared with speci-
mens, and it is easy to understand how impossible it is to
transport in a public establishment hundreds of preserved fishes
which are often of large dimensions. I must also mention
Professor McCoy, who did all in his power to assist me; Dr.
Black and Mr Le Souef, the President and Secretary of the
Acclimatisation Society, who are always ready to devote their
time and experience to any undertaking they consider useful to
the Colony ; to Messrs. Livington Rooke, Morton Alport, and
Waterhouse, who have most kindly sent me valuable specimens
from Hobart Town and Adelaide; to Messrs. George Keesley

41

and Thomas Christy, who have sent me specimens from the
Edwards River, Riverina. Several of the leading fishmongers
have kindly assisted me; but even their influence has been of
little avail with the fishermen.

At the Cape of Good Hope, fish forms the principal article of the
food of the population, and the poorer classes live almost entirely
on it, its price being lower than in almost all other civilised
countries. In Australia, on the contrary, its very high price
makes it an object of luxury, almost entirely reserved for the
tables of the wealthy. Till this day very little has been done to
provide Melbourne with an efficient supply of. this useful com-
modity, and high prices making the demand very limited, the
fishermen have little inducement to send large quantities to the
market. it would be much to be desired that the Government
of the Colony should make some attempts towards giving to the
working-classes a sufficient supply of this wholesome article of
food.

It was the intention of the Acclimatisation Society to publish
with this paper illustrations representing the different sorts of
fishes observed, till this day, in Victoria, and mentioned in this
paper; but great difficulties have been encountered, and it has
been resolved to postpone to a more favourable opportunity the
execution of this project. It is to be hoped that these plates will
be published in the next Annual Report, at the same time as a
supplement containing notices of all the new sorts that will most
likely be obtained in the course of the year.

I think it useful to give here the characters of all the families
of fishes found up till this day in Australia. These are extracted
from Dr. Gunther’s work. I thought it better to compile this
part than to attempt to convey the same ideas in different words,
which could never haye been done in such a concise and correct
way. In doing so, I follow the example of the learned zoologist,
Mr. Gerard Krefft. (‘Industrial Progress of New South Wales,
is7.”)

Subclass I. TELEOSTEI.

“Fishes with ossified skeleton and completely
separated vertebree; the posterior extremity of the
vertebral column either long, or covered with bony
plates. Bulb of the aorta simple, with two opposite
valves at the origin; branchiee free.

Order I. ACANTHOPTERYOTII.

“ Part of the rays of the dorsal, anal], and ventral
fins not articulated, forming spines. The inferior
pharyngeal bones separated. Air-bladder, if present,
without pneumatic duct.

BERYCIDA.

** Form of body oblong or rather elevated, com-
pressed; eyes lateral, large; cleft of mouth extend-
ing on the sides of the muzzle, more or less oblique ;
villiform teeth in both the jaws, and generally on
the palate. Hight or four branchiostegals. Oper-
cular bones more or less armed. Scales ctenoid,
seldom bony, or wanting. Ventral fins thoracic,
with more than five soft rays; in one genus with
less. Czeca pylorica in increased number.

* Tropical and temperate seas.”

I have till now found no sorts of this family in the Melbourne
waters, but several inhabit the Australian seas, particularly in
those that bathe the northern shores of the Continent.

43

PERCIDA.

‘Body generally oblong, and covered with ctenoid
scales; lateral line continuous. Mouth in front of
the snout, with lateral cleft, rarely at the lower
side. Hye lateral, All or some of the opercles
serrated or armed. Seven or six branchiostegals.
Dentition complete; teeth pointed, in villiform
bands, with or without canines; teeth either on the
vomer, or on the vomer and palatine bones. No
barbels. Cheek not cuirassed. Dorsal fin formed
by a spinous portion and by a soft; ventrals
thoracic, with one spine and five soft rays. Stomach
cecal; pyloric appendages generally in small num-
ber. Swim-bladder present, simple. Intestines
little folded.

*‘ Carnivorous fishes, inhabiting the fresh waters
and seas of all parts of the globe.”

They are numerous in Australia, particularly those of the
fresh waters.

LATES.

Genus formed by Cuvier on a sort found in the Nile. One or
two have since been found in the mouths of the great rivers of
India.

LATES COLONORUM.

Lates colonorum, Gunther, Ann. Nat. History, 1868, xi. 114.
(Gipps Land Perch.)

Wee— 1/10, ©17. A. 3/8. P15. 1.1.58. 1, tr: 9/17.

Body ovale, rather high; three times in total length; head
three and one-third in the same; eye three and three-quarters
in length of head, and equal to the snout; the lower jaw

44,

longer than the upper one; mouth extensible ; przoculer
strongly serrated; posterior limb of the preoperculum
finely serrated, and having a light notch towards the inferior
angle, from which the spines become very strong, the lower ones
in particular, which are directed with their points forwards.
The operculum has two points, the lower much larger than the
other. The dorsals are continuous, the first having its first spine
rather short, the second about twice its length, the third about
equal to twice the length of the second, the fourth the longest of
all; the caudal is lightly emarginated. The spines of the anal
are rather slender; the first is the shortest, and the third the
longest ; the lateral line extends to the base of the caudal.

The colour is of a dark green, becoming very light and greyish
on the sides of the body, the lower parts of which are white. On
the back, each scale has its centre of a bright silver colour, which
shines like a diamond. Anterior parts of the head and mouth
of a light purple; operculum with green and red tinges;
fins of a yellowish grey; the spines purple; pectorals green.
with the base more or less scarlet ; eye of a bright orange yellow

This fish is very common in the lakes of Gipps Land, and is
often brought in great numbers by the steamers to the Melbourne
market in winter. Its flesh is soft, and not savory. Medium
length, 12 inches.

LATES SIMILIS.

This fish is very nearly allied to the precedent ; in fact, it is
only by a very close examination that it can be distinguished
from it. Its form and colours are similar, but the snout is shorter,
and sensibly less than the diameter of the eye. The denticula-
tions of the preoperculum are larger, and those of the lower limb
are directed backwards. The second dorsal fin has only nine
rays.

Tt is found with ZL. colonorum, but seems to be very scarce.

LATES ANTARCTICUS.
(Sea Perch.)
B.7. D. 8—1/10. A. 3/8. C.16. P.14. 1.1. about 55.

L. lat. 8/16.

Height, three and one-tenth in total length; head three
and two-thirds in same; eye five and one-twelfth in length of

45

head; and one and a-half in snout. General form oval, rather
high. The upper parts of the head without scales; the lower
jaw longer than the upper one ; mouth extensible ; preoperculum
rather finely serrated; operculum equally serrated on its
posterior edge, rounded at its angle; the spines becoming gra-
dually stronger; those on the inferior edge larger, equal, and
obliquely directed forward. In some specimens, the spines of
the angle and the inferior ones are bifid, and there is some-
times an interval between them. The operculum is terminated
by two spines ; the lower one much longer than the other. The
lateral line is sometimes rather sinuous. The first dorsal is
formed of a first short spine, a second generally twice its length,
a third much longer still, and the fourth the longest of all;
the second dorsal has a rather strong and long spine, and the
rays are large, the first being the longest, and the others
decreasing as they extend backwards; caudal emarginated, with
the lobes rather rounded ; the anal with three rather slender
spines, the first the shortest, and the third the longest ; the rays
have the same form as those of the anal; the spine of the ven-
trals is strong and short. The colour is silvery, with the back and
upper parts of the head of a dark blue; dorsal and caudal
blackish ; ventrals and pectorals of a dark greenish grey; anal
of a light grey.

This fish is not very common, and only appears now and then
in the Melbourne market.

Nora.—The dried specimens are very much like those of
Lates Colonorum, but the body is higher ; the denticulations of the
preorbital are proportionately finer, those of the preoperculum
rather stronger on the posterior edge, and become longer in a
more equal way. The colours are different, and the flesh of this
sort is considered very savoury. It also becomes much larger;
and generally attains about 16 inches.

LATES VICTORIA.

This sort is so very nearly allied to Antarcticus that I con-
sidered it, at first, as belonging to that species. It is only dis-
tinguished by the second spine of the operculum, which is
formed of a bunch of spines, numbering four, and of which the two
central ones are the largest. The lateral line has two very strong

46

sinuosities—one opposite to the beginning of the first dorsal,
and the other to its end. The anal, also, has only eight soft
rays. The body is very silvery, with the back of a light green,
showing on the living specimen seven or eight longitudinal
lines, of a rather darker tinge; the sides and belly have a rosy
hue ; the sides of the head are rather purple; the fins are of a
purplish green; the eye yellow. Length, 16 inches.

APOGON.

This genus extends its habitat over all the warm and temperate
seas of the globe. In America alone its sorts appear to be very
scarce, and I was the first to describe one from Brazils; since
then Dr. Gunther has made known another from the Pacific
coast of South America. I have only observed one sort at Mel-
bourne, and it appears to me not to have been previously
described. It is certainly very distinct from Dr. Gunther’s
Apogon Victorice, which I have not yet seen.

APOGON GUNTHERI.
Dy a IN aA 1a | (Ch on.

Upper profile very convex ; body very thick ; height contained
a little over two and a-half times in total length; head about
two and two-thirds in the same; eye very large, its diameter
being one-third of the length of the head. Preoperculum
with its first ridge entire, and the second rather strongly
denticulated ; operculum with two spines; scales large, ciliated
on their external margin, numbering from 26 to 27 on the
lateral line, and 11 or 12 on the transverse one. The spines
of the first dorsal are as follow :—The first very short, the second
more than twice its length, the third very large and very thick,
arched, and at least double of the second—the following go on
decreasing; the second dorsal has a strong, straight spine, followed
by the soft rays, which are one-third longer; caudal rounded ;
anal with two spines—the first short and arched, the second
more than twice its length, and straight; the soft rays like those
of the dorsal; the spine of the ventrals strong; the pectorals
rather large and rounded. The general colour is of a brownish
pink, without spots or bands; the sides of the head have a golden
tinge ; the scales are covered with very minute black dots, except

47

on their edge; the fins are pink, with their extremity of a
blackish purple ; eye of a dark purple brown, with an internal
golden ring. Some specimens have the throat inflated.

Found rather often on the Melbourne market in the cold
mouths. Average length, 4 inches.

ENOPLOSUS.

This very pretty fish was first observed by White, who, in his
travels in New South Wales, describes it under the name of
Oheetodon Armatus. Lacepede founded on it the genus Hnoplosus,
but left it as a sub-division of Chetodon. Cuvier (Reégne Animal)
easily saw that its only connection with that genus was due to
the distribution of its colours, and put it in, at its right place, in
his family of the Percoide. Later, in his “ Natural History of
Fishes,’ he gives a good figure of it, but the blue tinge it is
coloured with is not in conformity with nature. He also repre-
sents the eighth spine as forming part of the first dorsal; but it
is always free in the numerous specimens I have seen, and
situated between the first dorsal and the second. Dr. Gunthar
only counts seven spines to the first dorsal, and does not mention
this isolated one.

I. ENOPLOSUS ARMATUS.

Chetodon armatus, White (Travels in New South Wales,
pl. 89).

Enoplosus armatus, Cuvier ; Lacepede.
(Bastard Dorey Fish.)
D. 7-1—1/14. A. 3/14. P.18. C.17.

Of a silvery white; back of a brownish black ; head with two
and body with five broad brown transverse bands; those of the
body generally alterning broad and narrow. The large dorsals
are of a dark purple brown, with the spines of a whitish purple
marbled with dark tinges; caudal yellow, with its base and sides
brown ; anal and yentrals of a brownish black; pectorals pink ;
the posterior parts of the second dorsal and anal are often of a
yellowish white; eye of a bright yellow, well marked with the
brown band that crosses the head.

This sort is commonly seen in the Melbourne market, and
is rather esteemed as food. It never attains very large dimen-

48

sions. In the Australian winter the specimens are small, and do
not measure more than from four to sixinches; butin the warm
months (December, January,) they are much larger, and some
are nearly a foot long. The ground colour of those large speci-
mens is of a fine reddish purple, and that of the fins red; the
eye is yellow, with an external circle of an orange red. Those
specimens were generally females, with well-developed eggs.

MICROPERCA.

Teeth numerous and sharp, disposed in several rows on both
of the jaws and also on the palates; no canines; tongue
smooth; operculum and preoperculum not serrated, entire; the
latter with two feeble points, of which the lower one is much
larger than the other ; the prorbital very finely serrated ; two
dorsals, slightly continuous—the first triangular, with eight
spines ; caudal rounded ; anal with three spines; scales large.
Form oval, rather high; head attenuated; body compressed ;
no scales on the upper part of the head nor on the snout.

This genus is nearly allied to Psammoperca; but the preoper-
culum without spines, and the absence of a scaly sheath at the
dorsals, oblige me to separate it. Its general form is very
similar to fig. 1 of pl. 57 of the fishes, Erebus and Terror.

MICROPERCA YARRA.

Height three times and a quarter in the total length; head
four and one-fifth times in the same; eye four and a quarter
in the length of the head. There are about 29 scales on
the lateral line, and 12 on the transverse one; the first dorsal
is situated rather backwards ; it is formed of eight very strong
spines—the first short, the second and third the longest, and
nearly equal, the others becoming gradually shorter; the second
dorsal has one long and straight spine, and eight soft rays ; these
go on increasing in length; the caudal has 17 rays; the anal has
the same form as the second dorsal; its spines are strong; the
first is short; the pectorals are small, and have 14 rays; the
scales are large, rounded, and rather ciliated on their edge; the
operculums are covered with similar but rather smaller scales ;
the mouth is rather protractile. The colours are subject to
many variations ; in some, the back is of a purple grey, and the

49

belly and fins yellow; the centre of the scales is generally dark.
In other specimens the back is green, and the belly white, with
a black longitudinal spot on its lower part ; the fins of an orange
colour, bordered with black ; the ventrals entirely of that colour ;
the body has more or less black spots; the eye is silvery.

This pretty little fish is found in the lower Yarra, where the
water is brackish. Most of my specimens were obtained in
Captain Sinnott’s dock. The general length is about 25 inches,
but I have one which measures a little over 3.

CASSIOPERCA.
Serranus, Rich.; anthias, Gunther.

The very pretty fish on which I propose forming this new
genus is, in general form, very much like Arripis, and might at
first sight be taken for a Casio. By its operculum and preoper-
culum being denticulated, and its palatines being armed with ©
teeth, it must be placed with the Percide; but even the beauty
and disposition of its colours convey the idea of a Cesio. It
would have been a Centropristes for Cuvier, if its head was not
entirely covered with scales. Teeth very numerous, villiform,
those of the inner row directed backwards; two very blunt and
small canines on each jaw ; a few sharp, arched teeth, larger than
the others, on each side of the lower jaw; teeth on the palatine
bones, disposed in a transverse line, in three groups ; fins in their
greatest part covered with small scales; one dorsal; operculum
with two spines—the upper small, the other larger; dorsal with
ten spines, and anal with three ; all the parts of the head entirely
covered with scales ; those of the body moderate or rather large.

Dr.Gunther, in leaving provisionally this sort with his Anthias,
states that it will probably form the type of a separate genus.

CHSIOPERCA RASOR.

Serranus Rasor, Rich.; Proceed. Zool. Society, 1889, p. 95 ;
Trans. Zol. Soc., 1849, pl. 4, fig. 1.
Authias Rasor, Gunther; Catalogue 1, p. 93.
D. 10—19/20. C.15. A. 3/9. P18.

Height three and one-third in total length; head three
and a half in the same; eye four times in the length

50

of the head. L. lat. 56. LL. tr. 5/18. Body oval, rather elon-
gated ; pectorals large, having about the fourth of the total
length of the fish ; caudal forked. The denticulations of the preo-
perculum very fine on its outer edge, but becoming much larger
towards the angle ; the lower edge is also crenulated. The oper-
culum is only distinctly denticulated on its inferior part; preor-
bital strongly ciliated. The lateral line follows the curve of the
back at about one-fifth of the height of the body. Scales rather
large, and strongly ciliated on their external edge. The dorsal fin is
covered with small scales to nearly two-thirds of its height ; the
spines number ten, and are rather strong ; the first is the shortest,
being about two-thirds the length of the second; this is rather
shorter than the third; the fourth is the longest; but all the fol-
lowing are very nearly equal to it. The soft rays form an exact
continuation to the spines, but they are longer than the last of
these, and go on increasing in length towards the posterior angle,
which is rounded. Not only do the scales in this second part of
the fin extend entirely over the lower part, but they do also on
the membranes to nearly their end. The caudal fin is very
strongly emarginated ; its rays are covered by the scales’ to
much more than their first half; the anal spines are slender ;
the first is nearly two-thirds of the second, which is a little longer
than the third ; the rays are rather long; the posterior angle of
the fin is rounded: small scales cover the almost totality of
the membranes. Ventrals of moderate size ; their spine rather
slender and straight; the first ray is the longest, and the others
become gradually shorter.

The body is of a pretty, light brown colour; the back of a pur-
plish light blue, with several rather broad, yellow, gilt longitudinal
bands ; the two upper ones are irregular, and disappear a short
time after the death of the fish; the lower, which follows the
lateral line, is more consistent, and extends from the end of the
operculum to the centre of the base of the caudal. These bands
extend over the sides of the head, and one in front of the eye.
Each of the scales of the body has its edge of a light blue colour,
and between the series of scales are very light yellow longitudinal
lines. In the centre of the body, and in part covered by the
extremity of the pectoral fin, is a black spot of a lozenge form,
which covers, in its broadest part, three series of longitudinal

51

seales and the same number of transverse ones. The dorsal has
its scaly part of a light purple, and its extremity yellow; the
caudal is of a light blue, with rather transverse yellow spots ;
the anal is also of a licht blue, with the external part yellow, and
numerous spots of the latter colour all over it; its extreme edge
is red; the pectorals are of a brownish red, and the ventrals
pink ; eye yellow.

I have only seen one specimen of this sort, which was caught
at Western Port in the first days of December.

The Anthias Richardsonit (Gunther, Proceedings Zoological
Society, 1869, p. 429,) appears to me to be a simple variety of
this fish, the only difference being that the black spot is situated
a little further back than in asor.

ARRIPIS.

This genus was formed by Jenyns, in the “ Zoology of the
Beagle (1842),” on a sort cf Centropristes, described by Cuvier
and Valenciennes; but in 1847, Mr. Brisaut de Barneville pub-
lished it again, under the name of Homodon. (‘* Revue Zool. de
Guérin.”’)

Cuvier and Valenciennes describe, in their great work, three
sorts, one of which (Zruttaceus) they believe to be the Perca
Trutta of Forster, and already described by themselves under that
name in their second volume. Professor McCoy, in his “ Notes on
the Zoology of Victoria” (Intercolonial Exhibition, 1866), was
the first to mention that two of Cuvier’s sorts were only the
the young and the adult of the same species, but I think that
that learned naturalist is mistaken when he says that the Cen-
tropristes georgianus, C. & V.; C. Salar, Richard ; C. Truttaceus,
C.& V.; and Perca marginata of the same, belong all to one
species, and also when he says that the arripis georgianus is the
Salmon trout of the Melbourne fishermen; this sort is their
Roughfy. Their salmon trout is the Centropristes truttaceus, of
which the adult is the salmon or Centr. salar. For what is of
Forster's Perca Trutta, as that traveller, who found it on the
coast of New Zealand, says that it is spotted with red, I think
it very doubtful that it corresponds with any of the known Aus-
tralian sorts.

52

The synonimy, thus rectified, will be as follows :—

ARRIPIS GEORGIANUS.

Centropristes georgianus, Cuv. & Val., vii. 451.
Arripis georgianus, Richard.; Gunther; Jenyns.

(The Roughfy.)

There can be no doubt about this determination, as Cuvier
says that this sort has fourteen soft rays at the dorsal. The
numbers are :—

D. 9/14. A. 3/10, ©.17. P. 15.

Grey on the back; the other parts silvery; slight and rather
irregular transverse gilt bands, which become dark on the upper
part of the body; dorsal of a dirty yellow, with upper edge
obscure ; pectorals grey ; ventrals and anale white; eye yellow.

The very fresh specimens have a general gilt tinge, and the
back green. I have seen during the hot months (December and
January) several specimens entirely of an uniform colour,
without spots.

This sort is very common all the year round, and always
remains small. When not fresh it is often poisonous; it is
easily recognised by the roughness of its surface, caused by

its scales being strongly ciliated. The mouth is very exten-
sible.

ARRIPIS TRUTTACEUS.

Centropristes ? truttaceus, C. f V., 111. 50.

———— salar, Richard (Voy. Erebus and Terror,

1s 2) fol, PAD).

tasmanicus, Homb. § Jacquinot (Voyage de

Durville, p. 40, pl. 4).

Arripis salar and truttaceus, Gunther (Catal. Brit. Mus.,
1, p. 253-254).

(Salmon and Salmon- Trout.)
ID SMG A BYANO, Nes hye Cy dlr’

The adult fish is the salmon of the Australian fishermen, and their
salmon -trout is the young. Its height is contained four and two-

53

third times in its total length ; the head is three and three-fourth
in the same; the eye five and one-third in the length of the
head.

It is of a greenish lead colour, with the upper part of the head
of a brilliant black ; on the upper half of the body are numerous
and irregular black spots. The operculum and the end of the
pectorals are usually tinged with yellow, Its length is sometimes
over 22 inches. This is the arripis salar of Richardson and
Gunther.

The young specimens are the true centr. truttaceus of Cuvier ;
they are of an olive green on the upper parts; sides and lower parts
ofasilvery white. On the sides and upper surface extend three or
four longitudinal lines of rather large, rounded, and golden spots
numbering from 14 to 19 on each line. Dorsal transparent,
bordered with black; caudal yellow, with its terminal part
black ; anal white, as are also the ventrals; pectorals yellow ;
the sides of the head and the eye of a bright yellow.

This is oneof the most common ofall Victorian fishes. The young
only take the adult livery, when they are at least one foot long.
During the cold months of the year, the adults are hardly ever
seen, but they become common in the Australian summer.
When not very fresh, this sort is also very dangerous; and, as
Professor McCoy states, almost all the cases of fish poisoning
are caused by it.

The genus Arripis is one of those curious beings who seem to
have been created by Nature to puzzle the systematic zoologist.
By its palatine teeth, it belongs to the Percoid family ; but its
general form would otherwise cause it to be placed near or with
Cesio. The general appearance of the adult truttaceus is that of
a scomberoid, of which it has even the colours, but the young
has the same Cesio appearance I have just mentioned. The
preoperculum is more radiated than serrated.

OLIGORUS.

This genus has been formed by Dr. Gunther on a species of
grystes of Cuvier; but he adds to it a large New Zealand fish,
evidently very different, and it ought to be characterised by
having an operculum with a simple, smooth ridge.

54

OLIGORUS MACQUARIENSIS.

Grystes macquariensis, Cuv. f Val., Richard.
- brisbanu, Les. (Voy. de la Coquille).
- peelii, Mitchell (Exped. Austral.)

(Murray Cod.)

This fish is very plentiful in the Murray and in most of the
rivers of New South Wales. The young ones are much more
slender and elongated than the adult or old ones. It attains to
a very large size, and is frequently over two feet long. I have
seen one about three and a-half feet, and which was said to
weigh over one hundred pounds.

Blandowski says that the Murray Cod forms the principal
article of food of the natives who reside on the banks of the
interior rivers. In winter, when the rivers overflow their banks,
the natives spear them at night by fire light, while they are sleep-
ing behind old logs. In the warm season, when the rivers are low
or cease altogether to run, they spear them very easily. To do
this they dive, head foremost, to the bottom of the river. It has
been introduced into the Yarra by the Acclimatisation Society.

I find in all the authors that the dorsal fin is formed of four-
teen soft rays; but this is not the case with any of the numerous
specimens I have examined, and I find that some have fifteen,
but most sixteen. Their colour is subject to considerable varia-
tions ; it is generally of a dirty yellow green, becoming white
on the belly; the upper parts covered with small, numerous,
and irregular dark green spots, which often take the appear-
ance of very irregular transverse lines. On the sides of the
head and of the the operculum these lines are frequently well
defined, and longitudinal. ‘The fins are purple, with more or
less of a scarlet hue.

The fishermen of the Murray and Goulburn, where this sort is
very plentiful, send it to Echuca, from whence it is put alive into
baskets. In dying by asphyxia, the body often becomes, in parts,
of a splendid scarlet, and sometimes this tinge shows the impres-
sion of the wickers of which the baskets are made; this is par-
ticularly the case with those specimens which are on the bottom
of the baskets.

Sys)

Mr. Wilson has tried to naturalize the Murray Cod in the
rivers of the Wimmera, but I believe without result. The
Acclimatisation Society has been more successful in its endeavours
to place it in the Yarra, and it seems to have considerably pro-
pagated in that river; for, although no large specimens have yet
been found, small ones are seen rather frequently. The fish
seem to go down towards the sea, as Captain Sinnott most kindly
sent me a small specimen he caught in his dock, where the water
is already brackish. It is a little less than three inches in
length ; its colour is of a light grey, and the upper part of the
body is covered with small black spots ; the dorsal and the base
of the caudal are yellowish, and the extremity of the caudal rather
dark.

The Murray Cod, as almost all the Australian fresh-water fish,
is often marked with red spots, caused by intestinal worms.

Nota.—A young specimen, obtained in January, 1872, and
measuring six inches long, presented the following dimensions :—
Height four times and two-thirds in total length ; head three and
one-third in the same; eye four and one-half in length of head.
It was of a light lilac on the back, with the lower parts of a
dirty white. On the sides and on the back were numerous
irregular blotches of a dark purple.

DU LES.

This genus was established by Cuvier and Valenciennes. The
Australian sorts inhabit the rivers of the interior.

DULES AURATUS.
(Murray Golden Perch.)

DOTA ss) P) ts. C.17. WU. 1. 76 (and 5 on Caudal),
L. lat. 13/28.

Height three times and one-half in total length ; head three and
five-tenths in same ; eye five and two-thirds in the length of the
head ; and one and a-half in length of snout. Head cavernous ;
teeth on the palatines; upper profile strongly convex on the
back, the snout being elongate. Przorbital long, striated, and
finely serrated. Head covered with scales, except on its upper
surface ; lower jaw longer than the upper one; preoperculum
straight and equally serrated posteriorly, rounded and covered

56

with much larger spines on its lower margin; these spines are
flat, and separated in different series, those nearest to the mouth
being directed forwards. The operculum is only and feebly
serrated in its lower portion; it is ended posteriorly by two
rather long spines, the first always simple, and the second the
longest, and sometimes bifid. The suprascapula and caracoid
finely serrated.

The scales of the body small, and finely ciliated ; the dorsal
spines strong; the first being very short, and the fifth the longest
of all; the soft portion of the dorsal much higher than the spiny
one with its membranes covered to more than one-third of their
lergth with minute scales; caudal rounded ; the spines of the
anal very strong, the second by far the strongest of the three ;
ventrals with a strong, straight spine ; their first ray prolongated
and. bifid.

When fresh, this fish is adorned with most beautiful colours.
The body is of a magnificent green ; the sides are golden, as is also
the upper portion of the body behind the dorsal. The head pre-
sents a beautiful mixture of green, purple, yellow, and scarlet,
with fine golden tinges; the belly is white; the dorsal fin is of
a purple green; the anal scarlet, with its base yellow and its end
purple ; the pectorals are scarlet at their base, and yellow in
their second half; the eye is purple, with an interior white ring.
These colours are subject to great variations, and the belly is
sometimes red,

The young fish is much more elongate than the adult, and has
little of the fine hues of the latter. The back is green, with the
sides and belly yellow; the upper part of the head and the oper-
culum are purple; the dorsal is grey, with its soft portion
bordered with black ; the caudal and anal similar; the spines of
the latter are pink; the pectorals and ventrals are yellow.

This sort is much esteemed for the table. It often weighs five and
sometimes seven pounds. It appears to de common in the Murray
and in the other rivers of Riverina. I am in great doubt if it is
not the Dules Ambiguus of Richardson and Gunther; but the
numerous specimens I have examined have all one ray less at the
anal, and also less scales on the lateral line. In Richardson’s
figure (Erebus and Terror, pl. xix.,) the lower preopercular
spines are also much smaller and more regular.

57

DULES CHRISTYI.
DLO Sie C217 As, a:

Height three times and one-fourth in total length; head four
and one-sixth times in the same; orbit four and one-half in the
length of the head, the latter very cavernous. The superior
profile is very much elevated, almost gibbous behind the eye.
The highest part of the body is at the base of the pectorals.
The preoperculum is straight, finely and equally denticulated
behind, with its angle rounded and slightly protuberant; the
denticulations become gradually rather stronger in this part, and
on the inferior edge they are still stronger, and present one or
two interruptions. The operculum terminates with two flat,
broad, serrated appendices, placed somewhat obliquely; the
caracoid presents a long series of denticulations. The teeth are
very numerous, villiform ; the vomer bears some teeth, but none
are visible on the palatines ; the lateral line follows the profile of
the back ; it runs over fifty-two series of scales ; the transverse
line numbers eight above it, and eighteen below. These scales
are rather large, and ciliated on their edge. The dorsal is
formed of ten spines, the fourth being the longest, and the first only
about one-half of the second. I cannot ascertain with certainty
the number of the soft rays, my specimen being deficient in this
part. The caudal is rounded; the anal has three spines, of
which the second is the longest. On the soft part of the dorsal,
on the anal, and on the caudal, numerous scales are seen on the
membranes, up to about one-third of their length. The spine of
the ventrals is strong; the pectorals have about two-thirds the
length of the head.

The upper parts of the body. are of a brownish purple, and the
lower white. The only specimen I have seen was kindly sent to me
by Mr. Thomas Christy, from the Edwards River, near Deniliquin.
It measured 14 inches long ; when I received it, it had been some
time preserved in salt, and I could not form a very good idea of
its original colours. It is so much like Murrayia Cyprinoides in
form that I should have thought it belonged to the same species,
had it not been for the difference in the number of the spines of
its first dorsal.

38

PRISTIPOMATID &.

“Body compressed and oblong, covered with
scales, the serrature of which is sometimes exceed-
ingly fine and sometimes wanting. Lateral line
continuous, not continued on the caudal fin. Mouth
in front of the snout, with lateral cleft. Eye lateral,
of moderate size. Five, six, or seven branchioste-
gals. Teeth in villiform bands, with pointed and
conical canines in some of the genera; no molars
or trenchant teeth in the jaws, generally no teeth
on the palate; jaws toothless in two of the genera.
No barbels. Cheek not cuirassed. One dorsal fin,
formed by a spinous and soft portion of nearly equal
development, the former of which either contains
strong spines or is continuous with the latter; anal
similarly developed as the soft dorsal; the lower
rays of the pectorals branched; ventrals thoracic,
with one spine and five soft rays. The bones of the
head with a rudimentary or moderately developed
muciferous system. Stomach cecal; pyloric appen-
dages in small or moderate number. Air-bladder
present, more or less simple. Pseudobranchiz well
developed.

‘‘ Carnivorous fishes, without molar or trenchant
teeth, inhabiting the seas of the temperate and
tropical regions ; a few entering fresh waters.”

Those of Australia that I have to mention here are all from

the rivers. They are very nearly allied to the sorts of Dules I
have already described.

59

THERAPON NIGER.
(Murray Black Perch.)
pe aia Aes? CO. he PR. 15). . lat$89: li, tr 14/28.

Height of the body three and one-half times in the total
length; head four and two-thirds in the same; eye four
and one-third in the length of head. Superior profile con-
siderably arched, much more so than the lower one; upper
surface of the head naked, the other parts covered with
scales; preorbital strongly denticulated; preoperculum with
its posterior edge rather emarginated, and covered with
very strong spines, particularly long on the rounded part,
and becoming much smaller on the lower edge, where they are
reduced to small denticulations ; operculum terminated by two
bunches of flat spines, the first of two and the second of six; the
suprascapula and the caracoid are very strongly denticulated.
The lateral line is very irregularly formed, passing sometimes in
the centre and sometimes on the edge of the scales ; the num-
bers we have mentioned only relate to the numbers of transverse
series it crosses ; it does also extend on the base of the caudal.
The dorsal is received in a longitudinal sulcate of the back ; its
spines are strong; the three first are shorter than the others;
the membranes of the soft part have each a longitudinal patch
of scales placed near the rays, and extending to more than
one-third of the height of the fin. The caudal is emarginated ;
it is covered at its base with scales of the same nature as those
of the body, and others, much more minute, cover the membranes
on all their first half. Anal with its spine large and striated; the
spine of the ventrals strong, striated, and longer than the half of
the length of the fin.

The back is grey, but appears dark on account of all the scales
having a rather broad, black margin ; the lower part of the body
is of a dirty, yellowish white; the fins are grey; the posterior
part of the caudal black.

From the Murray River, but scarce. Length of specimen,
163 inches. This sort must be nearly allied to the Lherapon
Unicolor of Gunther (Catalogue).

60

THERAPON RICHARDSONI.
(Murray Silver Perch.)

D, 12/1112. 4 Aad (C. U7: “Ps 16: Wu. Lyabout ies:
L. lat. 17/25.

Height of the body threetimesand eight-tenths in the total length
(to the central end of the caudal) ; head four and two-thirds in the
same length; the eye four and one-seventh in the length of the
head. The superior profile strongly convex, and rather equally
arched ; the inferior almost straight ; general form elongate ; no
teeth to the palate ; preorbital very strongly serrated ; the preo-
perculum rounded, and armed with a series of long spines pos-
teriorly, and of shorter ones below. The caracoid is strongly
serrated at its posterior margin ; the operculum has two spines,
the lowest being the strongest. The upper part of the head is
naked, the rest scaly. The dorsal is received in a longitudinal
cavity of the back ; its fifth spine is longer than the precedents ;
the lateral line extends considerably on the base of the caudal,
which is also covered with scales. The caudal is slightly emar-
ginate ; the spines of the anal are very strong, particularly the
second.

This species seems very nearly allied to Therapon Ellipticus,
Richardson (Datnia); but the number of the scales given by Dr.
Gunther seem very different. (UL. lat. 85. L. trans. 17/31.)
Richardson’s figure shows only about 52, which might agree with
our sort; but he mentions nothmg about them in his text
(Hrebus and Terror).

This fish is very often brought to Melbourne from the Murray.
I have also a specimen from the neighborhood of Deniliquin ;
but the lower point of its operculum is flat and bifurcated; this
may be accidental.

The general colour is of a greyish blue. The lower parts of
the body are of a dirty white: the sides shaded with yellow;
each scale is bordered with black ; the head has a blueish
tinge, with the lips and the lower parts of the head rosy; eye
yellow ; the first dorsal is dark, with the rays purple ; the second
has its lower half of a dirty yellow, and its exterior one black ;

61

the caudal is of the latter colour ; anal dark, with the rays purple ;
ventrals white, with the rays rosy; pectorals yellow at the base,
and black on their interior half. Average length, 11 inches, but
some are much larger.

MURRAYIA.

This new genus comes between Dules and Therapon.

The dorsal has eleven spines; the operculum is denticulated
in all its length; there is a line of small teeth on the palatines,
and the caudal is rounded. Scales minutely serrated; head
cavernous.

These fish inhabit the rivers of Riverina, and particularly the
Murray, and are brought to the Melbourne market by the Echuca
Railway. They are all considered good for the table, and are
generally sold under the name of Murray Perch.

This genus must be very nearly allied to Macquaria, but the
latter has no teeth in the jaws. I expect that the Dules Viver-
rinus, Krefit, “ Proceedings Zoological Society, 1867,” which I
have not seen, belongs to this genus, as it has eleven spines at
the dorsal ; it also comes from the Murray.

MURRAYIA GUNTHERI.

Dr AS. P16: .C..16., L. lat. 50 (and 5 om the
Caudal). LL. tr. 103/185.

Height three and one-half times in length; head three and
two-thirds in same ; eye four and one-half in the length of the head.
Upper profile very convex, the back being very much elevated
behind the head, and almost gibbous; lower profile much more
regularly curved ; upper surface of the head naked; the other
parts covered with scales. Preorbital very finely denticulated ;
preoperculum with its posterior margin rather emarginated, and
finely serrated ; at its rounded part, these denticulations become
much larger, and extend so on all the inferior margin. They
present several small spaces devoid of them—one before the
angle, one below it, and a few others on the lower edge. Oper-
culum terminated by two very broad, flat, oblique appendices
these are strongly serrated, and the space between them is very
small; all the posterior margin is finely serrated; the super-
scapula and the caracoid are also serrated. The lateral line is

62

formed of a succession of small longitudinal ridges, extending
on the middle of the scales; it extends on the caudal. The
dorsal fin is large ; its fifth spine is the longest ; the membranes
of the second portion are covered with scales to the fourth of the
height of the fin. The caudal is rounded, and its membranes are
covered with scales nearly up to the middle of their length; the
anal is long, with its spimes strong; the second is much longer
ben the first, and a little more so than the third; it is covered
with scales at its base, as are also the pectorals. The ventrals
are large, their first ray is prolongated in a filament, having about
the fifth of the length of the fin; the spine is strong, and nearly
two-thirds of the length of the rays.

The general colour is purple, becoming reddish on the lower
parts. The upper surface of the head is green, and the sides of
a rather brilliant purple ; the lips and internal circle of the eye are
of a flesh colour ; all the scales of the body are bordered with a
dark tinge ; the dorsal fin is of a purplish green, with the spines
purple; the caudal and anal purple; the ventrals are pink, with
their external third black; the spine is purple; the pectorals
yellow ; eye brown.

From the Murray River; average length, 14 inches.

Nora.—I have a monstrous specimen of this sort which has
an accidental spine on the left side of the third dorsal. The eye
is red.

The smaller specimens are more elongate than the adult.

In one specimen, the soft rays of the dorsal number thirteen ,
in another those of the anal nine. I have received from
Deniliquin, by Mr. Christy, a monstrous specimen of this sort,
in which the ventrals are rudimentary, and only formed of one
distorted spine and three rays. The second spine of the anal is
also quite distorted, and there are eleven soft rays to the anal.

MURRAYIA CYPRINOIDES.
(Murray Carp.)
DFW. ANS /O Celi PG Ueslate O25 slate Os Mees

‘Height of body three and one-third times in total length; head
three and one-half in the same ; eye five and a-half times in the
length of the head.

63

Very much like the two precedents, but the body much highe
and more gibbous on the back than even in Guntheri. The first
ventral ray prolongated in a bifid filament.

The upper part of the body is green, with the border of the
scales darker ; lower parts of the body yellow; the lateral line
dark ; sides of the head purple; upper part of the pectorals
pink, with their lower pertion yellow. The dorsal, caudal, and
anal are purple; the ventrals pink, with the spine white.

Sometimes common in the market, from ten to twelve inches
long. From the Murray.

MURRAYIA BRAMOIDES.
(Murray Bream.)
Dei An se. Cl Le PL Gs Th 620 Titre. 93/63

Height four times in total length; head three and two-thirds
in same; orbit three and eight-tenths in length of head. The
body is rather short, similar to Gunther. Head very cavernous ;
preoperculum straight on its back edge, and finely ciliated and
serrulated. On the posterior angle, which is rounded, the den-
ticulations become larger and blunt; those on the lower margin
are directed forwards ; there are several spaces devoid of denticu-
lations between them. The inner edge of the operculum pro-
duces towards its angle a sort of rounded flap. The operculum
is thinly serrated, and has two angles, the lower of which is a
sort of flap divided into five flat spines. The preorbital is not
strongly denticulated; the suprascapula is like a segment of a
little round saw. The lateral line extends on the root of the caudal.
The base of the spines is scaly ; the longest spine of the dorsal is
the fifth ; the others grow shorter as they go backwards; the first
is very small, the second longer, the third twice as long as the
precedents, the fourth about one-third longer again, and not much
shorter than the followmg. The spines of the anal are rather
slender—the first much shorter than the others, the second beng:
the longest ; the spine of the ventrals is long, and rather slender ;
the first soft ray of the same fin is prolonged on a filament.

The general colour is of a dirty yellow, THach scale has an
obscure border; head brown, with the lower parts reddish; fins

64

dark, with the spines purple; pectorals and ventrals pink; eye
yellow.
Scarce; Murray River. Average length, from 10 to 12 inches.

RIVERINA.

This genus is very nearly allied by its form to Murrayia, but
the dorsal has twelve spines ; no teeth on the palate.

RIVERINA FLUVIATILIS.

D. 12/11. A.3/8. ©.18. P.16. L. lat. 46, and 5 on
the Caudal. L. tr. 83/163.

Height three and two-thirds in total length ; the head three and
six-tenths in the same. General form very much like Murrayia
Bramoides. Posterior limb of the preoperculum straight, and
finely serrated, the denticulations becoming much larger towards
the angle and on the inferior edge. The two spines of the opercu-
lum are, the first bifid, and the second tridenticulated ; the dorsal
has its fifth spine sensibly longer than all the others; the twelfth
is longer than the preceding one. The first anal spine is small;
the second very thick, but not longer than the third, and blunt.
The first ray of the pectorals prolongated in a rather long fila-
ment.

Same colours as Wurrayia Bramoides, but the head of a more
fleshy colour.

Murray. I have only seen one specimen.

MULLIDA.

* Body elongate, slightly compressed, covered
with large scales, without or with an extremely fine
serrature. Profile of the head more or less para-
bolic; hyal apparatus with two long barbels.
Lateral line continuous. Mouth in front of the
snout, with the cleft lateral and rather small. Eye
lateral, of moderate size. Four branchiostegals ;
pseudobranchize. Dentition feeble, more or less

65

complete. Two dorsal fins, remote from each other ;
anal similar to the second dorsal; ventrals with one
spine and five rays. Air-bladder, if present, simple
and of variable size; stomach siphonal.

“Inhabitants of nearly all the tropical seas, ex-
tending in Europe on to the coasts of the temperate
region. Some species entering rivers.”

UPENEICHTHYS.

Separated by Dr. Bleeker frem Upeneus, on account of teeth
bemg present on the vomer bones; but none on the palatine.
One single sort known.

UPENEICHTHYS POROSUS.
Upeneus porosus, Cuv. § Val., v. iii. p. 455.
(The Red Gurnet.)

The colours are subject to much variation. In some the back
is of a brownish purple ; belly white, with some carmine blotches ;
a black longitudinal band on the side, which is broader behind,
and does not generally attain the head. On the sides of the latter
are two narrow and arched blue lines, which extend from the eye
downwards. The fins are brown, marbled with light green; the
spines purple; the anal, pectorals, and ventrals pink; the edge
of the latter and the vays of the anal orange; barbels yellow;
eye of the same colour, with an external circle orange. In
other specimens the colours are lighter, and the back is grey.
The adults are a foot long, and are entirely of a beautiful carmine
colour, but they always have the black lateral streak and the
blue lines of the head.

It is not very common, but considered one of the best table
fishes,

66
SPARID A.

“Body compressed and oblong, covered with
scales, the serrature of which is exceedingly minute,
and sometimes wanting. Tail not armed, Lateral
line continuous, not continued on the caudal fin.
Mouth in front of the snout, with lateral cleft.
Hye lateral, of moderate size. Five, six or seven
branchiostegals. Hither trenchant teeth in front
of the jaws, or lateral series of molar teeth; gene-
rally no teeth on the palate. One dorsal fin, formed
by a spinous and soft portion of nearly equal
development; anal with three spines; the lower
rays of the pectorals generally branched, in one
eroup simple; ventrals thoracic, with one spine and
five rays. The bones of the head with a rudimen-
tary muciferous system. Air-bladder present, often
bifid posteriorly. Pseudobranchiz well developed.

** Herbi- and carnivorous fishes, inhabiting the
seas of the temperate and tropical regions; a few
entering rivers.”

MELANICHTHYS.

Temminck and Schlegel formed this genus, in their “ Fauna
Japonica,” on a fish which had been described by Gray, under
the name of Girella; but this latter had been used by Cuvier as
the French name for Julis, and, for all it has been adopted by
Dr. Guather, I thought it was better to adopt the other to’avoid
the confusion that might otherwise result. The Australian sorts
were first noticed by Richardson, who placed them with
Crenidens.

The preoperculum is covered with scales, but the operculum
is without any, except at its upper angle.

67

MELANICHTHYS TRICUSPIDATA.

Box tricuspidata, Quoy et Gaim. Voy. de Freycinet Zool.,
p- 296.

Oblata tricuspidata, Ouv. & Val., vii., p. 872.

Girella tricuspidata? Gunther, Catal. Brit. Mus.,v. 1, p. 428

Crenidens triglyphus? Richardson, Erebus and Terror,
Fishes, p. 36, pl. 25, fig. 2.

(Rock or Black Perch.)

Almost black on the upper parts; grey on the sides, and
white below. On the anterior part of the head, and even on the
operculum, there is a yellow tinge. Dorsal fin of an obscure olive
grey, with the lower two-thirds of a dark red. Caudal obscure ;
anal of a dark green, with the spines white; ventrals of a dirty
white; pectorals sometimes of a light colour, and sometimes with
their external half obscure ; eye yellow.

The fish that I consider to be Dr. Gunther’s Tricuspis agrees
much better with Richardson’s figure of Zephreops, only the
scales are not small, but of moderate size. They number 57 on
the longitudinal line, and about 38 on the transverse one, of these
13 are above the lateral line. It is next to impossible to count
with absolute certainty the very small ones of the extreme lower
parts of the body.

The dorsal has 15 spines and 13 soft rays ; the caudal has 15
long rays and 4 shorter ones on each side; the anal has 3 spines,
of which the first is very small, and the others nearly equal; the
rays number 11; the pectorals have 16 rays.

Specimens of this sort sometimes show nine or ten very narrow,
transverse, obscure bands. In the warm months, the colour of
this fish seems to become much lighter; and in December, I have
seen many specimens almost white.

The teeth are very singular, being each three-lobed on the
edge. These teeth form a continued series, but over them is
another rather irregular and spaced one. In the inside of the
mouth, these large teeth are succeeded by a deep groove, behind
which are numerous rows of others, much smaller.

The Black Perch is esteemed as an article of food.

The usual size of this sort is from 12 to 15 inches long, but
some specimens weigh up to six pounds and over.

68

Tam not certain that Girella Zonata, Gunther (“ Catal. Brit.
Mus.,” p. 429), is not one of the striped varieties.

MELANICHTHYS SIMPLEX. ?

Crenidens simplex? Richard., Hrebus and Terror, Fishes,
p. 120.
Girella simplex? Gunther, Oatal. Brit. Mus., p. 429.

This sort is entirely similar to the preceding in general appear-
ance, and is confounded with it by the fishermen and fishmongers.
Its only difference consists in its teeth, which are more irregular,
and without any denticulations or lobes at their edge. I thought
for some time that these were old specimens, whose teeth had
been worn; but they are generally smaller than the specimens
of Triscuspidata, still I very much doubt their forming a distinct
species.

Nora.—Dr. Gunther, in the second volume (1863) of the
“ Annals and Magazine of Natural History,” p. 115, proposes a
genus MJelambaphes, to contain a Victorian fish, which is said to
be the Glyphisodon nigroris of Cuvier and Valenciennes, but it is
impossible for me to recognise this last sort. Glyphisodon nigroris
was established on a specimen brought from Holland, and having
been in the cabinet of the Stadtholder; its locality is unknown,
but it is almost certainly from the Dutch Hast Indies, as were —
almost all the sorts coming from that Museum. The very few
descriptive words given by the French ichthyologists do not permit
to apply them in particular to any Australian species. Dr. Gunther
adds that this sort is the Black Perch of the colonists (which is
the fish I have just described), but there can be no doubt that this
is Richardson's sort, and it cannot be Dr. Gunther’s species, as he
says that it has the cheeks and opercles covered with very small
scales.

NEOTEPHRCOPS.

Melanichthys or Girella is distinguished by its operculum without
scales and the moderately-sized scales of its body ; Zephreops has
also the same operculum, but its scales arevery small. Thenew genus
I propose, has the general form and small scales of the latter, but
the operculum and preoperculum are covered with scales. The
teeth are tri-lobed on the edge, disposed in one external series,

69

pehind which is the deep groove which I have mentioned, and
behind this again are numerous series of smaller but similar
ones.

NEOTEPHREOPS ZEBRA.

The height is about three and one-third times in the total
length, and the head nearly five times in the same; the orbit
is four and one-half times in the length of the head; this .
is entirely covered with small scales, except on its upper sur-
face, which is naked, and covered with pores. Body oval;
seales numbering about 79 on the longitudinal line, and about 61
on the transverse one; those of the back and of the lower parts
of the belly are very small, and very difficult to count; the scales
are all ciliated on their outer edge, and have concentric lines on
their surface. The dorsal is formed of 14 spines and 13 rays ; the
caudal is rather emarginated, and-has 15 long rays, with 4 shorter
ones, on each side; the anal has three rather slender spines—the
first much shorter than the others, which are almost equal ; the
branched rays number 12, and the pectorals 17.

The general colour is of a dark grey; the back almost black,
with eight or nine transverse, black, and broad stripes ; the fins
have a dark, yellowish tinge, and the pectorals are of a lighter
colour; the sides of the head are purple; the eye white and
silvery.

Some specimens have fifteen rays at the dorsal.

This fish appears to be the Crenidens Zebra of Richardson
(“ Hrebus and Terror,” p. 70), described from a drawing taken
at King George’s Sound. The difference in the number of rays
(D. 11/15) being probably due to a mistake of the draughtsman.
I have several specimens of this sort from 4 to 7 inches long,
and one of nearly 13.

PAGRUS.

Genus formed by Cuvier on large and beautiful fishes, a few of
which are found in the Mediterranean, but most of which inhabit
the Cape of Good Hope and the Chinese Seas. In many of the
sorts, the old males are remarkable by a sort of gibbosity which
grows over the forehead.

70

PAGRUS UNICOLOR.

Chrysophrys unicolor, Quoy et Gaimard, Voyage de V Uranie,
p. 299.
Pagrus unicolor and guttulatus, Cw. & Val., vi., p. 162, 160.

(The Snapper.)

The Snapper is one of the largest and handsomest of the fish of
the Melbourne Market. It is found all the year round, but the
specimens caught in the cold months of the year are generally
small; in November and December it becomes much more
abundant, and the very large specimens are common. It is a
good article of food.

As I had already observed at the Cape of Good Hope, with
respect to Ohrysophrys, the specimens of this sort are subject
to very remarkable changes in their form. The female has
always a rather oval profile, and the young male has the same ;
but in this sex, age brings on the developement of a curious
crest on the nape of the head, and of a protuberance which, in
very old individuals, takes the appearance of an enormous nose,
and gives to some of these individuals a most remarkable re-
semblance to the human face.

The Snapper is of a beautiful silvery pink, with the lower parts
of the body white and silvery; dorsal pink, with sometimes
white spots on the membranes. The caudal becomes blackish
towards its end; all the fins are pink, with the exception of the
anal and ventral, which are white.

The young specimens are covered with white and sometimes
with blue spots, which disappear with age; these appear to be
the Pagrus Guttulatus of Cuvier. Some old specimens take a
beautiful red colour. This sort attains large proportions, and
sometimes weighs up to fifty pounds.

CHRYSOPHRYS.

This genus of Cuvier only differs from Pagrus by the upper
molar teeth, which are here in at least three series, when in
Pagrus they are only in two.

71

CHRYSOPHRYS AUSTRALIS.
Chrysophrys australis, Gunther, Catal. Brit. Mus., v.i. p. 494.
(The Bream.)

This fish is one of the most common in the Melbourne Market
throughout all seasons of the year. It is esteemed as food, but
never attains to a large size, the longest specimens being about
12 inches.

The Australian Bream is a sea fish, but often enters the rivers,
and is common in the lower Yarra and also in the Gipps Land
lakes.

Its colour is silvery; grey on the upper parts. There is a
slight brown transverse band on the forehead ; dorsal fin hyaline,
bordered with black; caudal rather yellow, with a dark external
border; anal sometimes yellow, other times dark; ventrals
yellow, sometimes in part blue ; pectorals yellow.

Dr. Gunther has been mistaken when he says (page 494) that
this sort has shining golden longitudinal streaks. Nothing similar
is seen in the fresh specimens.

SQUAMIPINNES.

“Body compressed and elevated, covered with
scales, which are sometimes exceedingly finely
ciliated, and sometimes smooth. Lateral line con-
tinuous, not continued on the caudal fin. Mouth
in front of the snout, generally small, with lateral
cleft. Eye lateral, of moderate size. Six or seven
branchiostegals. Dentition formed by villiform
or setiform bands, without canines or incisors ; some
of the genera with teeth on the palate. Dorsal fin
formed by a spinous and soft portion of nearly equal
development; anal with three or four spines, simi-
larly developed as the soft dorsal, and both many-
rayed. The vertical fins more or less densely covered
with small scales; the spinous portions sometimes

72

not scaly. The lower rays of the pectorals branched ;
ventrals thoracic, with one spine and five soft rays.
Stomach cecal; pyloric appendages, in moderate
number; intestines generally with many convolu-
tions. Air-bladder present, more or less simple.
Pseudobranchiz well developed.

‘Mostly carnivorous fishes, inhabiting the seas
between the tropics, especially of the Indian region ;
a few entering rivers or spreading beyond the
tropics.”

I have not found any sorts of this family in the Straits of Bass
nor in Hobson’s Bay, but several are found on the coast of New
South Wales and on the northern shores of Australia.

CIRRHITID&.

“Body compressed and oblong, covered with
cycloid scales; lateral line continuous. Mouth in
front of the snout, with lateral cleft. Eye lateral,
of moderate size. Cheeks not cuirassed. Generally
six, sometimes five, in one genus three branchios-
tegals. Dentition more or less complete, composed
of small pointed teeth, sometimes with the addition
of canines. One dorsal fin, formed by a spinous and
soft portion of nearly equal development. Anal with
three spines, generally less developed than the soft
dorsal. The lower rays of the pectoral fins simple and
stout; ventrals thoracic, but remote from the root
of the pectorals, with one spine and five rays.

‘Carnivorous fishes, inhabiting the seas of the

tropical regions of the southern temperate parts of
the Pacific.”

73
CHIRONEMUS.

This genus was established by Cuvier and Valenciennes, on a
sort found at King George’s Sound (Georgianus). These fish
are very nearly allied to Aplodactylus, and are, in fact, only
discernible from the latter by the presence of small teeth on the
yomer ; and it is remarkable that, the same as them also, they
seem to be confined to the Antarctic Seas of the globe. Dr.
Gunther changes the name of Cuvier’s genus into Haplodactylus;
but, as I have said previously, I think those rectifications ought
not to be adopted, and that, when a name has been badly formed,
it is better to consider it as having no meaning than to uselessly
increase the scientific nomenclature.

CHIRONEMUS MARMORATUS.

Chironemus marmoratus, Gunther, Catal. of the Fishes of
the British Museum, v. ii., p, 76.
(Kelp Fish.)
DS — aie’ Cts. ~ A 38/7. IV. 1/5. Po To.

Height of body four and one-third in total length; head four
and two-thirds in same; eye five and one-third in length of head.
Incisors strongly tricuspid, disposed on the upper jaw in four,
and onthe lower one in three series; each series decrease in size ;
six simple pectoral rays in some specimens, and seven in others.
Head rather thick ; the lateral line follows the line of the back, at
about one-third of the height of the body. First dorsal rather
long, and joins the second by spines and membranes much lower
than the anterior ones; the first spine low, not more than one-
third of the second; this considerably shorter than the third,
which, with the fourth, are longer than all the others, and these
decrease in length as they extend backwards. The spine of the
second dorsal is much longer than the last of the first, and about
half as high as the soft rays, which follow it; the caudal is emar-
ginated, the end of each lobe being pointed; the anal is narrow,
but long and pointed; the first spimes are small; the ventrals
are long and pointed; the pectorals very large.

The general colour of the upper parts is brown. On the sides
of the head there is a rosy tinge, and on the back a green one.
The lower parts of the body are of a greyish white. The entire

74.

fish is variegated with irregular brown spots, forming numerous
and irregular concentric lines. The eye is brown.

I found in the stomach a large quantity of seaweed. This
fish appears rather scarce, and is only found during the hot
months of the year (in September, November, and December,)
on the Melbourne Market. The fishmongers say that it is not
generally eaten; the flesh is dark, but was found good. The
largest specimen I have seen of this handsome fish is 19 inches
long. It is always found among the seaweed.

CHEILODACTYLUS.

This genus, which was formed by Lacepede, is almost entirely
confined to the extreme southern parts of the globe, being from
the south of Chili, the Cape of Good Hope, New Zealand, and
Australia. Two sorts are rather common on the Melbourne
Market, and are used as food of middling quality.

Dr. Gunther changes the name in Chilodactylus, but I, once
more, do not consider these rectifications as desirable.

CHEILODACTYLUS MACROPTERUS.

Cichla macroptera, Bloch.; Schneid., page 22.
Cheilodactylus macropterus, fichard., Trans. Zool. Soc., v. u1.,
p- 99; Proceed. Zool. Soc., 1850, p. 62.

I have sometimes heard this fish called Bastard Trumpeter by
the fishmongers. It is remarkable by its sixth pectoral ray,
whichis extended more than twice and sometimes three times
the length of the others.

The colour is silvery, with the upper parts and the head of a
light purple ; there is a black spot behind the upper part of the
operculum ; the branchiostegal membrane is of a beautiful light
blue; the dorsal, caudal and anal are of a rather dirty yellow,
with the spies purple; the ventrals are white, and the pectorals
yellow, with their interior rays white; eye silvery, surrounded
by a blue ring. The sides sometimes show some iridescent longi-
tudinal streaks.

It is usually about a foot long, and very rarely attains 18
incheg, and is found on all the southern coasts of Australia and
New Zealand.

75

CHEILODACTYLUS NIGRICANS.

Cheilodactylus nigricans, Richard., Proceed. Zool. Soc., 1850,
page 63.

———————_—_-——. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1861,
V. Vil., p- 270.

————_—__—————.. Gunther, Catal., v. ii., p. 79.

(The Butter Fish.)

This is much more common than the other sorts on the Melbourne
Market, and is found all the year round. The colour is of a blueish
grey, covered with brown spots, which on the sides take the form
of irregular longitudinal lines ; lower parts of the body of a dirty
white ; the head has a copper tinge on its upper part, and a gilt one
onits sides. There are generally two brown bands onthe operculum.
Hye yellow ; dorsal of an obscure olive colour, spotted with brown ;
caudal and anal similar, with a narrow terminal white edge ;
pectorals of a dark brown; ventrals similar, with the part nearest
to the body becoming white. In some specimens, the colour is
darker, but the spots always exist. It is usually about a foot
long, but sometimes it attains twenty-six inches; in these very
old ones the spots on the fins often disappear, but those of the
body are permanent.

It is by mistake that the authors describe this fish as of an
uniform blackish grey.

CHEILODACTYLUS GIBBOSUS.

Cheilodactylus gibbosus, Richard., Transac. Zool. Soc., v. iii.,
p. 102; Proceed. Zool. Soc., 1859, pl. 2, fig. 3.

D. 18—25. C.15. A.8—10. P. 13.

Height three and a-quarter times in total length; head four
and a-half times in same: eye three and eight-tenth times in
length of head. The upper profile is rather short, and very
gibbous over the head; the mouth is extensible ; the teeth rather
long for this genus ; the cheeks and the two opercles are covered
with small scales. On the upper surface of the head there are
on each side two large tubercles, the one situated over the
anterior margin of the eye, and the other in front, just above the
insertion of the lip. The lateral line follows the back, at about
one-third the height of the fish at its insertion, and approximating

76

more tothe upper profileas it extends backwards; the scalesnumber
about 69 on this line, and 26 on the transverse row, 10 of which
are above the lateral line. The dorsal fin has its three first
spines much shorter than the others (the third being about three
times as long as the first) ; the fourth is the longest of all, and
about twice as long as the third, or six times the length of the first ;
the others go on decreesing gradually. The soft part of the fin is
shorter than the other, and only about two-thirds its length,
but it is higher ; the first rays being one-third longer than the
last spine; the base of the membranes of the soft rays is scaly.
The caudal is very strongly emarginated, and bi-lobed ; the upper
lobe is larger than the lower one ; the membranes are in part
covered with scales ; there are threeshort external rays on each side
of the large ones ; anal with three rather slender spines, the second
more than twice the length of the first, and the third longer still;
the first soft rays are about twice as long as any of the spines;
the others go on increasing; the ventrals are rather long; the
spine is slender, and about two-thirds the length of the first soft
rays. The pectorals are large, formed of eight branched rays
and of five simple ones; the second and third of these extend in
a long filament, about three-fourths the total length of the
branched rays; the first and fourth are much shorter, the fifth
is shorter even than the branched rays.

The general colour is of a light purple, with the lips pink ; the
eye is yellow, with an external orange circle ; the body is crossed
by two very broad transverse bands, formed by the scales being,
in the place they cover, largely bordered with black, the first
extends from the root of the fourth dorsal spine to the base
of the anal; the second begins behind the first soft rays of the
dorsal, and attainy the first soft one of the anal; the dorsal fin
is purple, tinged with green; the transverse bands of the back
extend sometimes on the corresponding membranes ; the caudal
is sometimes of a brownish red, and sometimes of a dark brown,
showing a faint transverse reddish band; anal black, with the
spine purple, and a reddish tinge on the first rays; ventrals
black ; pectorals also, but these have a narrow white border.

This fish appears in the warm months of the year (December
and January). It is foundin the sea weeds, and its usual length
is about 12 inches.

77

LATRIS.

This genus was established by Sir John Richardson, in the
third volume of the “Transactions of the Zoological Society,”
and in his account of the fishes brought tc England by the Expe-
dition of the Hrebus and Terror he gives the figure of a second
species, already named Ciliaris by Forster in his mauuscript
notes, which have been since published by Lichtenstein. Richard-
son also thinks that another of Forster’s sorts, on which Bloch
(edit. Schneider, page 341,) has established his COicla Lineata,
ought to be placed here. This latter seems to be very nearly
allied to the second sort I describe, under the name of Latris
Forsteri; but it is said that the sailors gave it the name of Yellow
Tail, which could never have been applied to my sort; it was
found in great quantities on the coast of New Zealand.

The different species of this genus are edible, and even con-
sidered great delicacies.

LATRIS HECATEIA.

Latrie hecatei, Richard., Proceed.of the Zool. Soc., 1839, p.{99.
Transac. v. ii., p. 106, pl. 6, fig. 1.

(Hobart Town Trumpeter.)

Grey, with the back rather darker; three or four broad longi-
tudinal bands extend all along the sides of the head and body ;
belly of a dirty white ; the dorsal fin is of a dark colour, as well
as the caudal; the other fins are generally of a dark yellow.

This sort is frequently found on the southern coast of Tas-
mania, and it has also been met with in Bass’s Straits, and is acci-
dentally caught in Hobson’s Bay. Its name is derived from the
singular noise it produces. It is said that some specimens are
nearly three feet long ; it is the dearest and most esteemed fish
of the Melbourne Market. Large quantities are also brought
salted from Tasmania.

LATRIS FORSTERI.
(Bastard Trumpeter.)

The height of the body is not quite three times in the total
leneth ; the head is four and a-half times in the same; the
orbit is contained four and a-half times in the length of the

78

head. The general form is almost a regular oval ; the top of the
head and the snout have no scales, but all the other parts of the
head are covered with them; on the upper jaw, there is an
external row of rather long, slender, conical and blunt teeth, and
behind them several irregular rows of smaller, arched and more
acute ones; at the lower jaw, there 1s only the external row, and
the teeth are placed at some distance one from the other. The
lateral line is regular, extends to the base of the caudal, and |
covers about one hundred and twenty scales ; the dorsal fin is
formed of sixteen spines, the longest of all being the fourth and the
fifth ; the three first going on increasing as they are placed back-
wards, the last rays of the fin as short as the first. The second
part of the dorsal is formed of one spine and forty rays; this
spine is much longer than the last of the spiny part, but much
shorter than the first soft rays, which are even longer than the
highest spines ; these rays go on decreasing to the end; the anal
has the same form as the soft dorsal ; it is formed of two spines
and thirty-eight rays; the caudal is very strongly bifurcated ;
it has seventeen long rays and four shorter ones on each
side; the pectorals are about one-sixth of the total length of
the body, and are formed of eighteen rays; the ventrals are
rather small ; they are placed considerably behind the pectorals,
and are formed of one rather long but slender spine and of five
branched rays, the first of which has one-third more than the
spine.

The colours are beautiful. The head is yellow in front, and
green behind the eyes, with the sides purple; the mouth and the
throat are of a fine pink ; the back is of alight purplish blue, with
numerous narrow golden longitudinal bands, which extend to the
root of the caudal, and of which two are broader than the others ;
the lower parts of the body are of a whitish pink. The first
dorsal has its membranes rosy, but they become darker in their
upper part; the second is of a fine red, with a black external
margin; the anal is similar; the caudal is greyish in its first
half, and black in its external portion ; the ventrals are rather
dark, and the pectorals of a dirty yellow ; the eye of a fine orange
yellow.

This fish is known under the name of Bastard Trumpeter; its
flesh is said to be delicate. It is very rarely brought to the

79

Melbourne Market, but is said to be common on the Gipps Land
coast. The specimen I am describing is about 17 inches long.
I have also five small ones about 9 inches long, which are
entirely similar, but have only thirty-three rays to the anal ; the
dorsal is of a rather dull colour.

LATRIS BILINEATA.

This Latris, of which I have only seen one single specimen, is
so very similar to the last that I hesitated to constitute it asa
distinct species. The form is entirely the same; the dorsal is
formed of fifteen spines and forty-one rays ; the anal of two
spines and tkirty-five rays, but the fourth of these has a pro-
longated filament of about one-half its length.

The body is silvery, with the back blue ; this has two longi-
tudinal and rather broad golden bands on the sides; towards the
middle of the height there is a longitudinal impression like a
second lateral line; the inside of the mouth and throat are
black.

From Western Port. Length, 7 inches.

LATRIS INORNATA.

The profile is nearly oval; the height is three and one-third
times in the total length ; the head four and one-third in the same.
The dorsal is higher in its spiny than in its soft part ; the first
is formed of sixteen spines, the fifth, sixth, and seventh being
the longest; the others grow shorter till they reach the
second part, which is formed of one spine and forty rays;
these become smaller as they are inserted backwards ; the caudal
is strongly bifurcated, of fifteen long rays; the pectorals have
nineteen rays.

‘The general colour is of a blueish silvery white, with the back
and upper part of the head of avery dark blue, almost black.
This colour extends to the lateral line, where it stops suddenly,
without any graduation or shade; this line has a yellow tinge.
The first dorsal has its membranes of a greenish brown, with alsoa
yellow tinge; it has a rather narrow external black margin; the
second dorsal is rather red, and shows the same black border.
The caudal is black, with an irregular transverse yellow margin,
situated on its external portion ; the anal is white, with its base

80

pink; a small black spot is seen on its anterior angle ; the ventral
is whitish, and the pectoral of a rather yellowish green, with the
base dark ; the eye silvery, with ablueish tinge. There isa black
spot on the upper part of the operculum.

The only specimen I have seen was taken at Western Port, in
the month of October ; it measured six inches and a-half.

TRIGLID A.

“Form of the body oblong, compressed, or sub-
cylindrical; eyes generally lateral, the cleft of the
mouth extending on the sides of the muzzle; some-
times of hideous aspect. Eyes directed upwards,
and the cleft of the mouth subvertical. Dentition
feeble; teeth in villiform bands; generally without
canines. Some bones of the head armed; suborbital
ring articulated with the preeoperculum. Hpider-
moid productions very variable. Two separate
dorsal fins, or two distinct portions of the dorsal
fin. Anal fin similarly developed as the soft dorsal.
Ventrals thoracic, often with less than five soft rays.
Five to seven branchiostegals; pseudobranchie ;
air-bladder often absent.

*‘ Carnivorous fishes, found in all seas, a few only
entering fresh waters. Some inhabit exclusively
the fresh waters of both the Arctic regions. All
live at the bottom of the water, being bad swim-
mers; a few are able to raise themselves into the
air.”

CENTROPOGON.

The species, on which this genus was formed by Dr. Gunther,
was first noticed by White, under the name of Cottus Australis,
and placed afterwards by Cuvier and Valenciennes in their genus

81

Apistus ; but these naturalists formed on it a particular section,
characterised by its being entirely covered with scales, and
without any free rays.

CENTROPOGON AUSTRALIS.

Cottus australis, White, Voyage N. S. Wales, p. 266, pl. 52.
Apistus australis, Cuv. § Val., v. iv., p. 899.
Sebastes pandus? Richard., Hrebus and Terror, p. 70,
pl. 41, fig, 3-4.
(Lhe Gurnet.)

This is one of the most common fishes on the Melbourne
Market, particularly during the cold months of the year.

The height of the body is about four times in the total length ;
the transverse diameter is contained about five times in the same,
and the head three times and one-quarter. The diameter of the
orbit is contained three and one-third times in the length of the
head ; the mouth is extensible.

This fish is too well known to require a detailed description.
The upper parts are generally brown, with the lower parts of the
head and body scarlet; dorsal green, with red spots; caudal
similar, with its posterior half black; anal variegated with red,
brown, and greenish white; pectorals with their upper part
obscure, and variegated with red, and the lower one white, but
also spotted; ventrals white. These colours are subject to much
variation, and sometimes the upper parts are purple, and the
lower almost white.

This sort is found on the western and southern coasts of Aus-
tralia. Towards the north-east (Queensland), it gives way to
another species very nearly allied to it (Centrop. Marmoratun,
Gunther, “ Proceed. Zool. Journ.,’ 1862, p. 190,) but which has
the third spine of the dorsal proportionally short.

The largest specimens are about 16 or 17 inches long.

PENTAROGE.

This is another genus formed on a section of Cuvier and
Valenciennes’s genus Apistus, characterised by the absence of
scales. Below the eye there is a long, arched, moveable spine,
which, when extended, cuts like a sword; the skin is remarkably
loose on the body.

82

PENTAROGE MARMORATA.

Apistus marmoratus, Cuv. & Val., v. iv., p. 416; Cw., R.
An, Illustré, pl. 24, fig, 3.

Height three and one-fourth times in total length; breadth of
body three and one-quarter times of the same; head three and
one-fifth in entire length. ‘The dorsal has thirteen spines and
ten soft rays, but the last of the spines might be counted with the
soft part; the third spine is the longest; the anal has three
spines and six rays; the caudal has twelve rays; the pectoral
eleven.

The colour is of a light olive on the upper and lateral parts,
and white on the lower ; the body is covered with large marmo-
rated purple blotches, between which are numerous punctiform
marks of the same colour; the dorsal, caudal, and anal are of the
colour of the back, with similar spots; there is a broad purple
band on the external part of the caudal and pectorals; the ven-
trals are white. .

This sort is scarce at Melbourne. I have only seen three speci-
mens—one three inches long, and the largest about seven. The
eyes of the two smallest were purple, wick an external series of
small spots; the largest had its eyes yellow.

The specimens described by Cuvier and Valenciennes had been
brought from Timor by the learned naturalist Péron ; but this
sort is found on all the western and southern shores of Australia.

PLATY CEPHALUS.

This is certainly a tropical form, though a few of the sorts
extend to the coasts of Japan. Numerous species are found in
Australia, and are known under the name of Flat Heads. They
are more common in the cold than in the warm season.

PLATYCEPHALUS RICHARDSONI.

Height of body nine times in total length; breadth six times ;
head (to end of operculum) three and a-half times ; orbit
five times in the length of the head on the middle line, or
six times to the end of the operculum. Head very flat, very
broad, rounded in front, the transverse line before the eyes being
only one and a-half times in the length of head, taken in its

83

middle line; the lower jaw longer than the upper one; the
upper surface is irregular, and presents longitudinal interrupted
ridges; the preoperculum is armed towards its external angle
with two very strong spines, the lower of these being something
longer than the upper one; the orbit is round, and has a
rather strong spine towards its anterior inner portion; the
preorbital has a spine towards the angle of the mouth, and
another one above this. The body is very inflated near the head,
and goes tapering towards the tail; the lateral line covers about
sixty scales, and is formed on each of them by a short ridge, which
divides itself in two or three arborescent tubes ; the total number
of transverse lines of scales is about ninety. The first dorsal is
formed of an isolated, short, but sharp spine, and of seven long
slender spines, bearing membranes ; the second is the longest
and the seventh is laying on the back, and difficult to perceive.
The second dorsal has fourteen rays, the first being the longest ;
the anal is similar; the caudal has twelve long rays and several
shorter ones on each side ; the pectorals have seventeen rays;
the ventrals are about one-third longer than the pectorals, and
have a rather long and slender spine, and five branched rays.

The general colour is of an olive brown, covered with nume-
rous crimson spots; the sides are grey, but also spotted with
crimson ; the lower parts white ; fins transparent, with the spines
and rays of the dorsal spotted with brown; caudal, ventrals, and
pectorals with transverse lines of orange, with crimson tinged
spots; the posterior part of the caudal is black.

Rather scarce; 18 inches long.

PLATYCEPHALUS BASSENSIS.

Platycephalus bassensis, Cuw. & Val., v. iv., p. 247.
——— tasmanicus, Richard., Zool. Trans., v. iii., p. 23.
Erebus and Ter., Fishes,

p. 28, pl. xvii, v. 1-2.
(Lhe Common or Bass Flathead.)

Height about eleven times in total length; head, to the centre
of the posterior part, one and a-quarter times in total length,
and from the extremity of the operculum one and a-half times in
the same; the orbit of the eye is seven times in the greatest

84

length of the head; the preorbital has only one point ; the orbit
none; the przopercular spines are large, the lower much
longer than the upper one. ‘The lateral line is marked on
seventy-three scales, and the number of transverse lines is
about one hundred and eight. The first dorsal is formed of a
very small, isolated spine, and of some long ones, bearmg mem-
branes ; the last is laying on the back, and thus six only are plainly
visible. The second dorsal is formed of fourteen rays, as is also
the anal; the first rays of the second dorsal are nearly as long as
the first; caudal truncated, of twelve long rays and four shorter
ones on each side; pectorals of seventeen rays; ventrals not
much longer than the pectorals, but extending much further
backwards. The teeth are very numerous, villiform, and all
similar on both jaws; those of the palatines larger, and distant
one from the other ; the vomer teeth villiform in front, with the
posterior ones larger and directed backwards,

The body is of a light lilac colour on the upper parts, covered
with very small, obscure, rounded spots, which are much larger
on the sides; fins transparent, with the rays of the dorsal, ven-
trals, and pectorals spotted with brown ; the caudal has several
transverse series of dark purple round spots, and a large blackish
spot covers almost one-half of its extreme inferior part.

Very common on the Melbourne Market, particularly in the
cold months. Length generally from 12 to 17 inches, but it is
sometimes much larger.

Dr. Richardson, having received specimens of this fish from
Tasmania, thought they were different from Cuvier’s sort, and in
this he has been followed by Dr. Gunther, but I have seen
thousands of specimens from all parts of South-eastern Australia,
and there is not the least doubt that they all belorg to one sort.

PLATYCEPHALUS LEVIGATUS.
Platycephalus loevigatus, Cuv. § Val., v. iv., p. 248.
(Lhe Rock Flathead.)

Height about eight times in total length ; breadth about seven
and a-half in same; head, to the end of operculum, four times
in total length ; orbit six and a-quarter times in head, to
the extremity of the operculum. The body long, and almost
cylindrical; head elongate, smooth; orbits without spines ; the

85

preorbital with a very feeble and blunt one ; the upper spine of the
preoperculum longer than the second. The lateral line runs
over about eighty-two scales, and the number of the transverse
lines is about one hundred and twenty. The dorsal is formed of
one small, isolated spine and of eight long ones, united by a large
membrane ; the second dorsal and anal have fourteen rays; the
caudal thirteen long ones and several shorter ones on each side ;
the pectorals are nearly as long as the ventrals, and are formed
of eighteen rays. The teeth are very numerous, and all villiform
on both jaws; those of the vomer and palatines larger.

The general colour of the upper parts is a dark olive brown;
the lower parts being white and silvery ; on the sides of the
body are numerous, round, brown and yellow spots. The lower
parts of the head are of a reddish orange. Fins translucid,
of a rather olive colour, with the spines and rays marbled with
brown and orange; anal rather rosy, with a brown spot on each
ray ; the pectorals and ventrals are yellow, with transverse lines
of round crimson spots. The colours of this species seem
subject to considerable variations ; the very large specimens are
often covered with large, elongate, marmorated blotches.

This sort is very common on the Melbourne Market, particu-
larly in the cold months of the year. Its usual size is about 18
inches, but it sometimes attains nearly twice that size.

PLATYCEPHALUS PROXIMUS.

This sort is so very nearly allied to Levigatus, in form and
general aspect, as to have made me hesitate a considerable time
before I separated it specifically. It differs from it by its head
being considerably broader on its anterior part, and bemg, in
front of the eyes, equal to a line drawn from the centre of the
upper jaw to the posterior edge of the orbit, when in Levigatus
such a line would only attain two-thirds of the orbit. The
eye is much larger and more oval, being nearly round m
Levigatus. The teeth are more numerous and finer; those of
the vomer all equal, and similar to a fine brush. The first dorsal
is formed of one small free spine, and of only seven longer ones.

The colour is also rather different, being of a light purplish
blue, with the lips and the sides of the head rosy ; the lower
parts of the body are white, with some irregularly formed

86

biackish spots on the sides; these have a general transverse
form; the caudal is grey, and the other fins are white and
diaphanous, with the upper half of the pectorals and the inner
one of the dorsal almost black.

Searce ; seen only once on the Melbourne Market, in the month
of October. Length, 16 inches.

PLATYCEPHALUS FUSCUS.

Platycephalus fuscus, Cuw. § Val., Hist. des Poissons, v. iv.,
p. 341.

————_—-————. Quy et Guaimard, Voyage de V Astro-
labe, pl. 10, fig. 1.

(Grass Flathead,)

Height of body nine and a-half times in its total length;
breadth five and two-thirds in same; head three and two-thirds
in length of body; orbit five times and a-half in head to the line
of the centre, or seven and a-half to the extremity of the oper-
culum. Head broad and fiat behind, conical and rather narrow
in front; a transverse line drawn in front of the eyes, being
esntained twice in the length of the centre of the head, and once
. and three-fourths in its breadth at the operculum. The upper
surface is rather smooth, and the elevated longitudinal lines
interrupted ; the orbits are rather oval, and have a strong tooth
at their anterior inner portion ; the przorbital has two strong
teeth ; the two spines of the preoperculum almost equal, but the
lower one a little longer; the teeth are villiform, with the
interior ones larger, and arched backwards on each side in front ;
on the palatines and on the vomer a line of strong, pointed, and
hooked teeth; at the lower jaw the villiform teeth are legs
numerous, but there is an internal line of rather large and
conical ones, placed a little apart one from the other. Body
broad, going tapering towards the tail ; the lateral line is formed
as usual in this genus, and is marked on about sixty-four
scales; the number of the transverse series is about one
hundred. The first dorsal is formed of one short, isolated spine,
and of eight long ones, united by the membrane ; the last of these
is partly hidden in the skin, so that only seven are plainly visible.
The second dorsal is formed of fourteen rays, as is also the anal ;

87

the caudal of twelve long rays and of several small ones on each
side; pectorals rather large, formed of seventeen rays ; ventrals
very large, being a good third longer than the pectorals, formed
of five rays and of a rather short spine.

The general colour is of a dark brownish blue, with the sides
yellow, and the lower parts of a dirty white; the upper part of
the head is green, as are also the fins ; they are all marked with
purple rounded spots; the caudal is black in its posterior por-
tion, and more particularly on the lower part of it. In some
specimens, the back is beautifully marbled with brown blotches.

This sort is found on seaweed bottoms. I have very little
doubt that it is the Platycephalus Fuscus, but Cuvier and
Valenciennes count one ray less to the second dorsal and to
the anal.

NEOPLATYCEPHALUS.

Form of Platycephalus, but distinguished by the dentition ;
teeth very numerous, villiform, with other large canine and
very sharp ones, widely separated, and placed between them at
the lower jaw; at the upper one, these large teeth form a line
on the palatines, and extend in a rather numerous bunch in
front ; those of the latter part are curved.

NEOPLATYCEPHALUS GRANDIS.

Height of the body about nine and a-half times in its total
length ; its breadth a little less than six times ; head three and
two-third times in total length; orbit seven and a-half times
in length of head; this is broad posteriorly, almost conical ;
in front of the eyes, its breadth is one-half of its length,
taken at its middle; the snout is rather angular in front; the
upper surface of the head is smooth, and presents faint longi-
tudinal uninterrupted lines; the preoperculum is armed towards
its external angle with two strong spines, the lower being much
longer than the upper one; in some specimens it is over twice
its length. The orbit of the eye is oval, and has a nearly imper-
ceptible point in front, at its upper part ; the preorbital has two
angles over the sides of the mouth ; the lower jaw is considerably
longer than the upper one. The body is inflated near the head,
and goes tapering towards the tail; the lateral line runs over
about sixty-two scales to the root of the caudal, on which it

88

extends; it is formed on each scale of a short edge, which
expands in several arborescent tubes; these are not visible on
all the scales, and the number of transverse lines is about ninety-
five. The dorsal is formed of one isolated and rather short spme,
and of eight long, slender ones, supporting the membrane ; the
last is adherent to the skin, and seven only are plainly visible,
the longest being the second. The second dorsal is formed of
fourteen rays, as is also the anal; the caudal has eleven long
ones, and several shorter on each side; the pectorals seventeen ;
the ventrals are twice as long as the pectorals, and have one
slender spine and five rays.

The general colour is of a pink lilac, covered with numerous
irregular orange spots; the sides yellow; the fins are trans-
parent and rather grey ; their spines and rays are marbled with
orange; the caudal has four transverse lines of rather large,
rounded, orange spots, and its end is black.

This sort is not common on the Melbourne Market. It attains
large dimensions, my specimens measuring from 20 to 23 inches
in length.

TRIGLA.

I have only observed one species of this genus on the Victorian
coast; but it is said that Awmu of New Zealand is also found
here, but I have not seen it.

TRIGLA POLYOMMATA,

Trigla polyommata, Richard., Proceed. Zool. Soc., 1889,
page 96.
--————. fiichard., Trans., v. i., page 87, pl. 5,
fig. 2.
(Lhe Flying Gurnet.)

This beautiful fish is of a most magnificent crimson pink, with
orange tints ; the lower parts are of a starry white with blue
spots. The fins are of the colour of the back, with the rays more
brilliant and of orange colour; the pectorals very large, and ex-
tending to the sixth ray of the anal, of a fine green with a
purple external edge, and four or five transverse bands of dark
blue. <A large oblong double black spot, bordered with white,
extends on the first half, near the external edge; the rays are
purple ; the anal is white: the eye silver colour.

89

One specimen had its pectorals of a light blue colour, spotted
with yellow.

Without being common in the Melbourne Market, this fish
appears in all seasons; but often for months there are none to
to be seen, and then several will be caught together, and always
attract attention by their beautiful appearance.

Tt is said to be very good for eating.

Richardson’s figure conveys a very poor idea of the extraor-
dinary beauty of this fish, and Dr. Gunther’s description a still
worse one of its colors.

LEPIDOTRIGLA.
Separated by Dr. Gunther from Zrigla, on account of the large
size of ity scales.
LEPIDOTRIGLA VANESSA.

Trigla vanessa, Richard., Proceed. Zool. Soc., 1839, page 96.
ftichard., Trans. Zool. Soc., v. i., page 83.

plate 5.
(Small Gurnet.)

D.11. A.17. C.11 (long rays). P. 10, and 3 free ones.

Height of body five and one-fifth in total length; head three
and one fifth in same; the lateral line formed of sixty-nine
spiny scales ; caudal foreated, ofa reddish pink colour, with belly
white; the first dorsal has a broad black spot rounded with
white ; the pectorals are of a dark green, with a large bilobed
black spot, edged with blue and white, placed at the end of its
internal side.

The body is sometimes covered with small marmorated dark
spots, but these are often missing. Lye yellow.

Seen several specimens in the months of July and August.

LEPIDOTRIGLA SPHYNX.
Trigla sphynx, Cw. & Val., v. iv., page 83.
1st D.9.—2nd D.14. <A. 14.

Of a fine castaneous grey, with the sides of each scale rather
dark ; a series of rather large rounded black spots on the back
and on the lateral line; the belly is white; the first dorsal is

90

pink, with a rather large rounded black spot on the external
edge ; it has a white ring round it; the second dorsal is white,
with its edge rather yellow; its spines are marbled with yellow
and brown; the caudal is rounded, of a grey colour, with five or
six transverse lines of red spots; the anal has its first half
white, and its external one of a bright yellow; the ventrals also
yellow, with the rays orange; the pectorals are grey, with the
rays pink and spotted with brown, their lower surface is black ;
the free rays are also spotted ; eye yellow, spotted with brown,
with an inner circle of a fine orange colour.

This sort seems to be very scarce, as I have only seen one spe-
cimen. It was in the month of July.

This fish was found many years ago, by the celebrated
naturalist Péron, and was described by Cuvier and Valenciennes
in their great work, but its locality was not known.

TRACHINIDA.

“Body elongate, low, naked, or covered with
scales. Teeth in villiform bands, with pointed and
conical canines in some of the genera; no molars
or trenchant teeth. ‘The infraorbital ring does not
articulate with the preeoperculum. One or two
dorsal fins, the spinous portion being always much
less developed and shorter than the soft; the anal
similarly developed as the soft dorsal; ventrals with
one spine and five rays. Guill-opening more or less
wide; five, six, or seven branchiostegals; pseudo-
branchiz. No prominent papilla near the anus.
Air-bladder generally absent; pyloric appendages
moderate in number or wanting.

‘- Carnivorous fishes, living at the bottom of the
shores of nearly all the seas.”

91
KATHETOSTOMA.

This genus was formed by Dr. Gunther on a sort of Urano-
scopus of Bloch, remarkable by the total absence of scales.

KATHETOSTOMA LAEVE.
Uranoscopus levis, Bloch., Sehneid. system, page 47, pl. 8.
Cw. Jf Val., v. iii., page 319.
——— Gunther, Catalogue, v. 11., page 281.
(Stone Lifter.)

Breadth of head two and a-half times in the length, to the
base of the caudal; length of head, from the extremity of the
upper jaw to the centre of the posterior part, four times in the
same; the long spines of the shoulder straight or directed rather
externally.

The general colour is of an uniform brown on the upper parts
and white below. On the sides of the head, and on the line of

separation between the brown and the white there is a reddish —

pink tinge ; the fins are brown, with the end of the caudal and
the edge of the pectorals pink ; the anal is of this last colour. The
eyes are red, spotted on their limb with black in very old speci-
mens, and yellow in others ; the lips are red.

It is rather common on the Melbourne Market, but is not
generally eaten. I have a large specimen, which 1s nearly
18 inches in length, but this sort does not usually measure more
than half that size.

T have seen several times small specimens not more than six to
seven inches long, which may, perhaps, belong to a different
species ; they are not quite so broad, the breadth of their head
being three times in the total length to the base of the caudal,
and the long spines of the shoulder being longer in proportion,
and directed rather inwards. The general colour of this variety
is a greyish yellow, with two broad black transverse bands on
the body ; caudal black, bordered with pink, as are algo the pec-
torals and the dorsal. Hye yellow.

Cuvier’s specimen, which had been brought from Australia -

by Péron, belongs to this latter variety; Bloch’s, which he
describes from a drawing communicated to him by Latham, was,
on the contrary, entirely brown.

The fing have D. 16. C.10. A.18. P.17. V. 1/5.

92

PSEUDAPHRITIS.

The new specie I propose here is formed on a fish manifestly
belonging to the Trachinide of Gunther, and to his group of
Trachinina, but forming, on account of its eyes, placed obliquely
at the upper part of the head, a passage to his Uranoscopina.
The cleft of the mouth is rather oblique ; there are two dorsals ;
ventrals jugular, with nine spines and five soft rays ; no canines.
Almost all this would agree with Aphritis, but the scales are
rather large; the first dorsal has seven rays, and just in front
of the anal there is a short fin composed of two spines.

PSEUDAPHRITIS BASSU.

General form of the body oblong, rather cylindrical, and elon-
gate; cleft of the mouth rather oblique, with the lower jaw
longer than the upper one; eye placed obliquely on the supe-
rior part of the sides of the head. Height of the body seven and
one-third times in the total length ; head conical, four times in
the same; eye six and three-quarters in the length of head.

The lateral line runs straight all along the body, over fifty-
nine scales ; the transverse line is formed of twenty scales, rather
large and ciliated, of which six are over the lateral line. A longi-
tudinal sulcate extends on the centre of the back from the
posterior part of the head to the base of the dorsal ; the head is
entirely covered with scales ; the preoperculum is entire; the
operculum is terminated by a broad flat point.

The first dorsal with one spine and seven rays ; itis rather high;
second dorsal inserted near the first ; it is formed of twenty rays ;
the caudal is rather large, subtruncated, with the angles rather
prolonged, and formed of twelve long rays; anal similar to the
second dorsal, formed of twenty-two rays, and in front are two
small spines, rather curved, each supporting a small membrane,
and adjoining the soft rays; the first spine being longer than the
other ; ventrals placed in front of the pectorals, and formed of
one spine and five rays; pectorals rather large, and formed of
eighteen rays; teeth very numerous on each jaw, cardiform,
sharp ; others similar on the vomer and palatines.

The upper parts are brown, with a few very faint transverse
broad green bands on the back; sides of the head purple;
the colour is red in front of the eyes; lower parts white;

93

dorsal fins of the same colour and hyaline, with the rays marbled
with yellow and brown; caudal yellow, with four or five transverse
crimson bands; anal pink; ventrals yellowish; pectorals yellow,
with several narrow crimson lines of spots ; eye yellow.

Seen only once; taken in the Straits of Bass, and dedicated to
the celebrated discoverer of that region.

SILLAGO.

Genus formed by Cuvier in the “Regne Animal,” on a fish
that Bloch had placed with Sciwna and Russel with Sparus.
Forskal had made an Atherina of a sort he had found in the Red
Sea. Cuvier placed this genus with his Percide, on account
of the denticulations of its preopercule, and of the point that
terminates its opercle, as also on account of the presence of
teeth on the vomer; but Dr. Gunther has included it in the
rather hetrogeneous family he calls Zrachinide. It has certainly
very little natural affinities with the group in which Cuvier had
included it.

Most of the sorts inhabit the Indian Sea; others are said
by Cuvier and Valenciennes to be found in Australia; but I
have only observed two of them. Bassensis, which was found at
Western Port by d’Urville’s Expedition, has not yet come under
my notice, and Ciliata was originally found at Cape York, but
Dr. Gunther also records it from Tasmania and Sydney.

I cannot agree with this last anthor in considering Bassensis as
a synonyme of Maculata; and as I have seen many thousand
specimens of Stl/ago from Western Port, which all belonged to
Punetata, 1 should be inclined to think it may be a variety of
that sort, perhaps rather similar to the white one I describe
below.

SILLAGO PUNCTATA.
Sillago punctata, Cuv. & Val., v. iti., p. 413.
(Lhe Whiting.)

Form very elongate; height of body eight times in total
length ; head five times in the same ; orbit four and a-half times
in the length of head. The dorsal has twelve spines at its first
fin, and one with twenty-six rays at its second; the anal has one
spine and twenty-two rays; the caudal is strongly bifurcated,

D4.

and has seventeen long rays and four shorter ones on each side ;
the pectorals have fourteen rays.

The upper parts are of a brownish grey ; the sides and lower
parts are white; these latter are covered with numerous very small,
irregularly placed, but rounded spots of an obscure brownish
colour; fins rather olive colour; the caudal yellow; the anal
and ventrals white; eyes silvery.

Very common on the Melbourne Market almost all the year
round ; it is esteemed for the table. Average length, from 8 to
14 inches.

I have one specimen 9 inches long, of a white silvery colour,
the back having only a greyish tinge ; the spots very mimute,
and in reduced number; they were very little visible on the fresh
specimen ; the muzzle is a little shorter, and more regularly
convex ; the eye is a little larger than in the typical specimens.

SILLAGO MACULATA.

Sillago maculata, Quoy et Gaimard, Exped. Freycinet Zool.,

pl. 53, fig. 2.

Cuv. &§ Val., Poissons, v. iii., p. 411.

The body is oval, much shorter than in Pwnctata. The first
dorsal has eleven spines, and the second one spine and eighteen
rays; the caudal has seventeen long rays; the anal two spines
and nineteen rays; the pectorals have sixteen.

The height is five times and a-half in the total length, and the
head less than three times in the same.

The upper parts are of a light olive colour, marbled with rather
large brown spots; the lower parts are white; on each side of
the body is a rather broad longitudinal band; the fins are
diaphanous, with the rays spotted with orange ; the exterior
portions of the dorsal and the caudal rather obscure; the eye is
silvery. Length, 6 inches.

Only seen once in September.

POLYNEMID.

“Body compressed and oblong, covered with
scales, feebly ciliated or without serrature. Lateral
line continuous, continued on the tail. Mouth at

95

the lower side of the snout, with lateral cleft. Hye
lateral, large. Seven branchiostegals ; pseudo-
branchie. Villiform teeth on the jaws and on the
palate. Two separate dorsals, the second, the caudal,
and the anal fin more or less covered with minute
scales. Several filliform appendages below the pec-
toral fin, entirely free, and articulated. Ventrals
thoracic, with one spine and five rays. The bones
of the head with the muciferous system well de-
veloped. Air-bladder varying in form and structure,
and sometimes wanting.

“Tropical regions of the Atlantic; East Indian
seas to the Pacific. Entering rivers.”

This family is represented by two sorts on the eastern coast of

Australia, but none have yet been observed in the Victorian
waters.

SPHYRANIDA.

“ Body elongate, subcylindrical, covered with
small cycloid scales; lateral line continuous. Cleft
of the mouth wide, armed with strong teeth, Kye
lateral, of moderate size. Seven branchiostegals ;
pseudobranchize and air-bladder present. Two
dorsal fins, remote from each other; anal similar to
the second dorsal; ventrals abdominal, composed of
one spine and five rays.

“‘ Carnivorous fishes, inhabiting the seas of the
temperate and tropical regions.”

96

SPHYRANA.

Though one sort of these fishes is found in the Mediterranean
they may be considered as belonging more to the warm than to
the temperate climates, the great majority of their sorts inhabit-
ing below the tropics.

SPHYRENA NOVH-HOLLANDI.
Sphyreena nove-Hollandie, Gunther, Catal., y. i., p, 335.
(The Pyke.)

This sort is well described by Dr. Gunther, with the exception
of the teeth, which are not those of the adult specimens, but of
the young ones.

Teeth of the upper jaw small, equal, numbering thirty-eight or
forty on each side; two pair of fangs, of which the posterior
are much the largest and strongest; the palatines have three
small teeth at their posterior part, and seven strong ones more
forward ; these are very acute and conical, the third of them
being often a little longer than the others. At the lower jaw
there are, in front, a strong fang on each side, and a dozen
straight, acute, canine teeth placed on each side; they are distant
one from the other, small in front, and becoming larger as they
extend backwards.

The colour is of a slatey grey on the upper parts, with the sides
and belly white; the back and upper part of the head are some-
times almost black; the sides of the head and sometimes the
lateral line have a copper tinge; the fins are of an olive green,
changing to yellow in some parts ; eye silvery.

The fishmongers say that, some years ago, this fish used to be
generally larger than now, and that it was quite common to get
them over a yard long. It is only rarely that such specimens
appear on the market. The Pyke is one of the best and most
wholesome of the Melbourne fishes. I only find 126 to 129
seales on the lateral line.

NEOSPHYRANA.

This genus has entirely the general appearance of Sphyrena,
but the ventrals are situated almost under the pectorals; the

97

second dorsal and the anal have a very large number of rays
(over twenty); the head is entirely scaly; the first dorsal is
comparatively smaller, and the dentition is different.

The lower jaw is obtuse, and considerably longer than the
other; on the upper one the teeth are small, almost equal, but
the centre ones rather larger than the others, and are numerous.
Behind this is a band of very numerous, villiform, and very small
teeth ; this band is narrow in front and behind, but broad towards
the centre of the jaw. In front, there are on each side two very
large fangs, the posterior one much longer than the other; on
each palatine there is a single line of very small teeth, and some
larger ones on the vomer. At the lower jaw, there is a line of
very minute teeth, which does not extend in front, but is replaced
in this part by rather large, acute ones, directed backwards ;
towards the middle, and inserted behind the line I have men-
tioned, there are on each side two large fangs, apart one from
the other. In some specimens there are three. The head is
entirely scaly, and its upper part has no longitudinal sulecates ;
the preoperculum is rounded, and finely ciliated on its margin ;
the operculum terminates with a rather prolongated, obtuse, flat
point. Scales rather large; they fall easily ; the lateral line is
well marked, continuous ; the ventrals are united at their base ;
they are formed of one spine and five rays.

NEOSPHYRANA MULTIRADIATA.

Body thick and rather short; contained about six and a-half
times in the total length ; the head three and two-third times in
same; the orbit four and two-third times in the leneth of the
head. The snout is rather short; the distance between the
extremity of the upper jaw to the anterior orbit being equal to
the distance between the posterior edge of the same orbit and
the extremity of the operculum; head entirely scaly ; the lower
jaw longer than the upper one by one-half the diameter of the
eye; the lateral line runn:ng over about seventy-five scales, which
fall very easily ; the first dorsal is formed of five rays ; the second
dorsal of from seventeen to twenty-one rays; its anterior part
much higher than its posterior one; the caudal is emarginated,
with sixteen rays ; the anal is longer than the dorsal, with twenty-
eight rays; the ventrals, placed almost below the pectorals, are

98

formed of one very slender spine and five rays ; the pectorals of
sixteen rays ; the second dorsal is higher than the first, its fourth,
fifth, and sixth rays being the longest, and equal to the length of
the snout ; the others become shorter as they go backwards ; the
anal is of the same form. The first dorsal is situated on a line
that would cut the end of the pectorals ; the second is inserted
at a distance from the first, equal to the space between the
beginning of the first and the end of the operculum. The pec-
torals are a little longer than the ventrals.

The upper parts are of a slatey grey ; the lower white ; the eye
is silvery ; the second dorsal and caudal are of an obscure yellow ;
pectorals white, as are also the ventrals and anal; sometimes a
rather large, irregularly-rounded black spot on the upper lobe of
the caudal, near its extremity

Common in the months of May, June, and July; it attains
2 feet m length. The fishermen sometimes call it Skip Jack, but
that name is more particularly applied to Zemnodon Saltatar.
It is considered equal to Sphyrena Nove Hollandice for the use
of the table.

MEASUREMENTS. Inches.
Motalblenothe, ovucecssys-accchecda ease emenne deer 153
From exty. of upper jaw to ant. edge of eye... 13-5
——--— lower m4
Diameter iol ye: ...as.cnecs-ccscescmterc acteurs =
Height from post. edge of eye to end of oper. 13
to base of, pectorals .....<.-:-.---m----0 18-4
Of wentnals cieaaca cee eee 24
Height of head at centre of eye.................. 13
Of ody | ccteeeesadesse: lease goes 22
From extm. of upper jaw to root of Ist dorsal 5
$$ of 2nddorsal 72
engi heotall sid OFeal Meeeeeeee seer neces eee eee eee 34
Ol mdy dongal se ae ccc eee coe eeceer's 22
inleie ht yo talist adonsellge meee ee eee eee ee eee 2-3
of 2nd ——- at its base...............006 12
——_—_ at its extremity ......... 4-4
engths of caudalljimiceninerersscsy-c. sees ae 1
ne OMIA SICKER \GGdasasagece Bagot 22
zs DECLOPA Niet a-cepsuilan “adie se eeeeeReres 1z

99

Inches.

Monenbyot yembrals) s.. ..2.t yeh. dea deel atee 13
Distance of ventrals behind pectorals ......... $1
From extremity of lower jaw to ventrals ...... Ae
HT) Soc 7s
$0 anal icici. 72
Brom anus to base of anal .............60.2..00 56 3
-—————- to extremity of anal ............... 4-1

Nota.—lIt would be more exact to say that the two first rays
of the second dorsal are not branched, and could be called spines
if they were not soft; the following (third) ray is much longer.

SCLANID A.

“‘ Body compressed and rather elongate, covered
with ctenoid scales. Lateral line continuous, and
often continued on the tail. Mouth in front of the
snout Hye lateral, of moderate size. Seven
branchiostegals. Teeth in villiform bands, with
canines in some of the genera; no molars or tren-
chant teeth in the jaws; no teeth on the palate.
Cheek not cuirassed; the opercles not, or feebly,
armed. ‘Two dorsal fins, the soft one much more
developed than the spinous or the anal; the spines
of the first dorsal generally feeble and elevated.
The anal fin with two spines. All the rays of the
pectorals branched ; ventrals thoracic, with one
spine and five soft rays. The bones of the head
with one spine and five soft rays; the bones of the
head with the muciferous system very developed.
Stomach czecal; pyloric appendages in small or
moderate number. Air-bladder with branching

100

or very elongate appendages, sometimes absent.
Pseudobranchiz sometimes hidden.”

It appears to me that this family is placed by Dr. Gunther too
far from Percide, to which it is very nearly allied.

In speaking of this family Dr. Gunther says, “not to be found
in Australia ; but in this, as it so often happens, nature does not
submit herself to the laws imposed by naturalists. The presence
of a large Sciena in the Victorian seas was first announced by
Professor M‘Coy, in his “ Notes on the Zoology of Victoria,” in
the Reports of the International Exhibition of Melbourne, 1866.
He considers it as the same as the Mediterranean sort, Se.
Aquila. This might have been the case, as the species that abounds
at the Cape of Good Hope, and on which Cuvier had formed his
Sciena Hololepidota, does not appear to differ specially from it,
but on comparing a specimen of the Australian fish with the
descriptions of Cuvier and Dr. Gunther, I find differences which
will not allow me to adopt the opinion of the learned Professor
of the Melbourne University. In fact it appears doubtful that
it even belongs to the same genus. Dr. Gunther gives Scicna
as a character to have the upper jaw overlapping the other one,
both jaws being equal; and in the Australian fish the lower jaw
protrudes over the upper one. Cuvier attributes also to Sciena
the character of having the preoperculum serrated; but in old
individuals this disappears. Taking even for granted that the
Australian fish belongs to Scena, we still find numerous differ-
ences with the European sort.

SCLANA.
SCIBNA ANTARCTICA.
(Lhe King Fish.)

Taking Cuvier’s description, we find: lst, that in the Euro-
pean sort the cleft of the mouth extends to below one-third of
the eye: in Antarctica it ends before the eye. 2nd, that at the
lower jaw there are numerous small teeth between the large
ones: none exist in the Australian fish. 38rd, the diameter of
the eye forms about one-sixth of the total length of the head:
in Antarctica the orbit is only one-eighth, and the eye

101

of the fresh specimen is contained nine and a quarter times in
the same. 4th, that the diameter of the eye is only twice in the
muzzle: in the Australian sort it is sensibly more. 5th, that
the eye is near the superior profile of the head, and distant from
the lower one by twice its diameter: in the new sort this last
proportion is contained three times. 6th, that the European
sort is, when fresh, of a silvery grey, rather brown on the back,
and whitish below; that the first dorsal, the pectorals, and the
ventral, were of a rather fine red, and the other fins of a reddish
brown: in the Australian fish the upper parts were of a fine
blue, changing to green; the sides and lower parts of a dirty
white, rather silvery ; the dorsal, anal, and ventrals reddish ; the
pectorals white, with their extremity dark; the preoperculum
has no denticulations, but towards its angle there are some sinu-
osities or notches; this may depend on age.

The teeth on the upper jaw are of two sorts—Ilst, an external
line of large conic ones; they are rather curved backwards, and
placed at a considerable distance one from the other in rather an
irregular way ; they number about twelve on each side; those in
front are the largest, and they become very small as they extend
backwards. Behind these is a band of villiform teeth, formed of
four or five very irregular series; these teeth are small, obtuse,
and directed backwards; they are not so numerous in front as
towards the posterior part of the mouth, but a few larger ones
are seen in this part. At the lower jaw there is only the ex-
ternal line of large irregular teeth, fourteen or fifteen in
number ; at the anterior part there are two extra ones placed in
front of the others; the inside of the mouth and the tongue
are smooth.

The orbit is oblong, being one-fourth longer than its
breadth.

The scales which cover the head are much smaller than those
of the body; these are densely punctured, and have concentric
lines; they are externally edged with a sort of a little Sciena
fringe. The lateral line runs over about sixty-eight scales, but
their oblique disposition renders it difficult to count them with
certainty. The head is four times in the total length; the eye
yellow, with a narrow golden circle.

nyt pene

a

102

I have only seen one fresh specimen of this sort; it measured
fifty-seven inches long, and twelve and one-fifth in height. The
head alone weighed eighteen pounds; the first dorsal had nine
spines, and the second dorsal one, and twenty-seven rays ; the anal
two spines and seven rays; the caudal seventeen long rays, and
three shorter ones on each side; the pectorals seventeen rays.

This fish is very scarce, and sometimes two or three years
elapse without one single specimen being caught; it is con-
sidered a great delicacy, and in consequence sells at a high price ;
the specimen I mention brought two pounds ten shillings. The
remarkable edible qualities of this fish seem to be equal to those
of the Mediterranean sort, which was considered by the Romans
of the Middle Ages to be the most delicious of all food; and of
which the learned Cuvier relates many curious anecdotes.

At the Cape of Good Hope, where Aquila isso common (at least
Dr. Gunther considers that it belongs to the same sort), the young
specimens only are eaten fresh, and the large ones, being hard
and dry, are salted like cod, and exported to the Mauritius.

The Australian fish seems an accidental visitor in the Straits
of Bass, as it appears exclusively in the cold months, and only
very large specimens have ever been seen.

At the Cape of good Hope the young specimens are common
in the warm months, and the large ones in the Antarctic winter.

TRICHIURIDA.

** Body elongate and compressed ; naked or with
minute scales; eye lateral; cleft of the mouth
wide, with several strong teeth on the jaws, or on
the palate; the spinous and the soft portions of the
dorsal and the anal elongate and many rayed; tail
sometimes with finlets; ventrals thoracic, some
rudimentary, or entirely absent; no prominent
papilla near the vent, gill-opening wide; seven or
eight branchiostegals; pseudobranchiz; an air-

103

bladder; pyloric appendages in increased number ;
the abdominal and caudal portions of the vertebral
column composed of numerous vertebree.
“Inhabitants of the seas between the tropics, ex-
tending on to those of the temperate regions.”

THYRSITES.

Formed by Cuvier and Valenciennes on a curious elongate
fish. The sorts of this genus are not numerous; one is found in
the Mediterranean Sea, and extends to Madeira, where a second
sort is also met; another, Lepidopoides, inhabits the coast of
Brazils ; one the East Indies ; and two are described as found in
the Australian Seas. One of these is unknown to me (Solandri),
the other is very common in the Straits of Bass, particularly
during the cold months of the year; this sort is also found
in great quantity at the Cape of Good Hope, where it bears the
name of Snoek. In that Colony it appears in the beginning of
August, becomes very abundant in September, and disappears
a few months after ; it is considered the best fish of the country.

THYRSITES ATUN.

Scomber atun, Huphrasen, Vetensk. Acad., v. xii.
Thyrsites atun, Cuv. f Val., Poissons, v. viii., p. 196, pl. 219.
— altivelis, Richard., Proceed. Zool. Soc., 1839, p.99.

(The Barracuta.)

The Australian fish appears to me to be entirely similar to the
Cape specimens, and I don’t doubt that thiy sort inhabits all the
Antarctic Seas. It is of a dark silvery colour, with the upper
parts of an obscure blue; eye yellow: the dorsal variegated with
black and white.

Very common at certain seasons, and much esteemed as food.

The Thirsites Altiwvelis seems to have been established errone-
ously ; in all the Australian specimens, I find the longest ray of
the dorsal much lower than the body, and also only six pinnule.
In some cases, particularly in old specimens, the last ray (or
rays) of the second dorgal detaches itself from the others, and
takes the appearance of a seventh

104.

SCOMBRIDA.

“Body generally elongate, compressed, naked, or
covered with scales of small or moderate (nomeina)
size; eye lateral. Dentition variable. The infra-
orbital bones do not articulate with the przoper-
culum. The spinous dorsal less developed than the
soft or than the anal, either continous with or sepa-
rate from, the soft portion, sometimes rudimentary
or entirely absent. The soft dorsal and the anal
sometimes divided posteriorly into finlets. Ventrals
thoracic, sometimes rudimentary or entirely absent.
No prominent papilla near the vent. Gill-opening
wide; generally seven branchiostegals. Pseudo-
branchie, and an air-bladder; pyloric appendages
generally in great number.

“Inhabitants of the high seas of nearly all the
regions, many of the species having a very wide
range.”

THYNNUS.

Genus formed of a small number of large species, found in
the temperate and warm seas. One alone appears in the Mel-
bourne Market, and it has not been yet described, as far as I can
ascertain.

THYNNUS MACCOYU.

(The Bonite.)

The height is four times in the total length ; head three and
one-third in same; the thickness of the body is contained one
and two-third times in the length; the body is short and thick.
The lower jaw is rather longer than the other; the orbit is
not quite five times in the length of the head. The body is
covered with very small scales, but along the back there is a line

105

of larger ones, that extends downwards over the pectorals at
about one-fifth the length of the body, and then stretches itself
backwards to the full length of the above mentioned. This
lateral line, from the posterior part of the space occupied by
these large scales to the base of a ridge, which exists on each
side at the posterior part of the body is margined by a succes-
sion of round scales, numbering about one hundred and eighty,
and having each a longitudinal ridge or keel ; the preeoperculum is
covered with irregular transverse lines, that are barely visible on
the fresh specimens; the teeth are conical, rather curved back-
wards, sharp, and number from twenty-five to thirty on each side
of both jaws. The first dorsal has thirteen or fourteen spines ;
it is high in front, and strongly emarginated, all the spimes be-
coming smaller as they are inserted backwards; the second
dorsal, which is separated by a short distance from the first, is
composed of one spine and thirteen rays; the upper and
lower pinnule number nine; the caudal is formed of eighteen
long rays, and of a large number of shorter ones on each side ;
some of these are nearly as long as the full sized ones ; the anal
has the same form as the second dorsal, and has thirteen rays ;
the pectorals equal in length two-thirds of the head; they are
received in a sort of a groove; they have thirty-two rays.

This fish is entirely of a blueish black, with brown tinges on
the sides of the head. ‘The first dorsal is of a general obscure
colour, with the spines reddish; the other fins are brown, with a
part blue; the pinnule of the last colour; eye silvery.

The flesh of this fish is not eaten, or at least is not esteemed
as food. Itis very scarce at Melbourne ; those I saw zipper
towards the end of November.

On the dried specimens there are two small ridges on the pos-
terior part of the larger one we have mentioned, but they do
not appear on the fresh ones.

My largest specimen is about twenty-three inches long.

SCOMBER.

The type of this genus is the common Jlackerel ; it used to
contain a very considerable number of fishes, but it is to-day
restricted to a very small number of species, all very nearly allied
to the sort just mentioned. One species has been described by

106

Cuvier and Valenciennes as inhabiting King George’s Sound, and
a fish very nearly allied to it appears, but very rarely, on the
Melbourne Market.

SCOMBER ANTARCTICUS.
(Lhe Mackerel.)

Height of body five and a-quarter times in its total length;
head four and a-quarter times in the same; orbit five and a-half
times in the length of head. The first dorsal has eleven spines,
the longest of which is the second, the last being very small and
difficult to see ; the second dorsal has one spine and eleven rays,
of which the first is the longest, and the others go on decreasing,
the four last being about equal amongst themselves and also to
the spine ; these cover five pinnule. The caudal has fifteen long
rays and numerous shorter ones on each side; the lower pinnule
are also five in number. The anal has the same formas the dorsal,
and shows one spine and eleven rays ; the pectoral has twenty rays.
The membrane that covers, on each side, a part of the eye does
not hide more than one-third of it. On the living specimen, the
lower portion of the preoperculum appears entirely striated ; but
on the dried one it is smooth, and the interior edge seems
to bear the marks of strong denticulations ; the upper part of
the preoperculum is covered with scales, and others, much larger
and of a very elongate form, cover a space below the eye. The
teeth are small, rather hooked, equal, and disposed on a line; at
the upper jaw, they are only visible in front, and, after decreasing
in size, disappear entirely on the sides; on the lower jaw, they
are much more numerous and extend backwards ; on each of the
palatines there is also a line of numerous teeth, rather longer,
more slender, and more arched than those of the jaws. There
is no air-bladder.

The colour is of a dark greenish blue on the upper parts, and
of a silvery white on the lower ones; the back is covered with
black waving lines, very irregular, but having generally a
transverse disposition. On the sides of the body is a longitudinal
series of larger and rounded ones ; all the lower parts are covered
with little black dots, very numerous, and irregularly disposed.
There are yellow tinges behind the eye and on the sides of the
body, and the lower part of the sides of the head shows five

107

indistinct colours. The first dorsal is greenish, with its external
part rather darker ; the second is yellow, as is also the last ; the
upper pimnule are black, and the lower white ; the anal and ven-
trals are of the Jatter colour; the pectorals are almost black;
the eye is silvery.

I have only seen one specimen of this fish on the Melbourne
Market, in the month of September; it measured 13 inches.

This sort appears very distinct from Scomber Australasicus
which has an air-bladder, and whose fins have—

Dorsal 9—1—12. Anal 2—11.

ZEUS.

The fish on which this genus was originally formed is known
since the earliest ages, and the people on the shores of the Medi-
terranean give it the name of Saint Peter's Fish.

The first mention of an Australian species is due to Richardson
(“ Hrebus and Terror’), but the only specimen he had seen was
in such a bad state of preservation that he thought at first that it
might belong to Capros Australis that he had himself previously
described in the third volume of the “ Zoological Transactions ;”’
but in a later part of the “ Fishes of the Hrebus and Terror,” he
states that he has been able to examine a more perfect specimen
from Western Australia, and he maintains his Zeus Australis.
Dr. Gunther, in the second volume of his Catalogue, considers
this sort as the ordinary European one, and, without the least
doubt occurring in his mind, states that this inhabits the Mediter-
ranean, Atlantic, and Australian seas. The fact that it had
never been observed out of Hurope, or at least south of the
Canary Islands, and that the different species found at
Madeira and the Cape of Good Hope were specifically
different from the European one, might perhaps have led a
Zoologist to admit the probability of a specific difference
in sorts whose habitat is so remote. The Madeira sort
is the Conchifer of Lowe, and the South African one the
Capensis of Cuvier and Valenciennes; but it is true that these
last authors say that Messrs. Webb and Berthelot have found
the common sort at Teneriff.

eee

108

ZEUS AUSTRALIS.

Zeus australis, Richard., Erebus and Terror, p. 36-136
[Oly O.9.9 yp, 2lee IY,

(Lhe John Dorey.)

Height of body two and a-half times in total length; head
three times in the same; orbit five times in the length of the
head ; the lower jaw longer than the upper one, with the chin
rather prominent. When the mouth is extended, the distance
i from the end of the lower jaw to the external angle of the orbit
i is contained three and a-half times in the total length; the
| preoperculum forms a slight angle at about one-third of its

length ; the operculum is prolonged in a flat, rounded angle, and
in some specimens that part, being denudated of the skin, forms
a strong bony poit: the caudal portion of the operculum is
covered with radiant striz ; the body is covered with very minute
scales. The lateral line is strongly rounded to nearly two-thirds
of the body ; it from thence follows straight to the centre of the
base of the caudal. Along the root of the spinous dorsal there
is at the foot of each ray a spine, short, pointed, and directed
backwards. Along the base of the second dorsal there are gene-
rally six, sometimes seven, plates, each bearing a strong, arched
spine, directed posteriorly ; and on the four last there is another
spine, placed at the base of the others, shorter, and directed
externally. Along the soft anal there is also a series of plates,
numbering seven or eight; all, except the first, bearing an
extra spine, like those we have already mentioned. At the foot
of each of the three last spines of the first anal there is a rather
strong, single spine, and on the space between the root of the
anal and of the ventrals there is a double series of nine spines.
| The first dorsal is formed of ten spines, the three or four first of
| which are arched, and the others straight; the third and fourth
| | are generally equal and longer than the others; the membranes
}

between the first and second is lower than the others, and emits
a filament about as long as the first spine; the membranes be-
| tween the others also terminate in a filament; those between
the second and third, and the third and fourth, are considerably

109

longer than twice the spine; the following are shorter. The
second dorsal is formed of twenty-three soft rays ; the caudal is
truncated posteriorly of thirteen long rays, with one shorter one
on each side.

The anal is divided in two; the first portion is formed of four
strong straight spines; the membranes which unite these having
each a pointed angle. The second anal is formed of twenty-two
rays, it has the same form as its corresponding dorsal ; the ven-
trals are large, being longer than the snout, when not extended ;
they are formed of a slender spine and of six rays; pectorals
small, with fourteen rays.

The disposition of the colours is similar to that of the Euro-
pean sort: the general hue is a dark green, with yellow tinges
on the sides of the head and body ; the outer visible parts of the
mouth are lilac colour; towards the centre of the fish there is a
large rounded black blotch, surrounded by a wide circle, and
below this the body is often variegated with purple and white.
The first dorsal, caudal, first anal, and ventrals are green,
with the spines or rays purple; the second dorsal and second
anal are white and transparent, with their rays green; the pec-
torals of a light green; the eye yellow, with a purple tinge.

The Dorey is very rare on the Melbourne Market, and I have
only seen three specimens of it, which were all taken in the
month of August. It is considered a great delicacy.

Nota.—Professor M‘Coy (Report Intercolonial Exhib., 1866,)
- says that he has often caught in Hobson’s Bay the Cyttus Aus-
tralis of Richardson (Capros), wnich I have not yet met with.

HISTIOPTERUS.
This most singular genus was established in the “ Fauna
Japonica.” Richardson, in his “Fishes of the Hrebus and

Terror,” describes the Australian sort from a single head that
had been brought from Tasmania.
HISTIOPTERUS RECURVIROSTRIS.
Histiopterus recurvirostris, Richard., Erebus and Terror,
page 34, pl. xxu.
(The Boar Fish or Bastard Dorey.)
The height is rather over three times and a-half in the total
length ; the head is three times and a-half in the same; the orbit
is four and one-third times in the length of the head.

110

The general form is most singular ; the greatest height of the
body is at the insertion of the head, and from this it goes on
decreasing almost in a conical form to the base of the caudal ;
the head is prolongated in a long muzzle, which is nearly
half the length of the head; this muzzle is scarcely broader
at its base than at its extremity, and the nostrils are
situated at its beginning. The chin is without asperities.
The head is covered with bony plates, which are strongly
striated, except on the cheeks; in many places these Sirie are
formed of punctures, and have a radiate disposition; from a
little under the eye the profile of the head ascends to the back
by an oblique line, forming with the muzzle an angle of 45
degrees ; the teeth are very numerous, and are disposed on several
lines, all nearly of the same form, but those in front being a little
longer than the others, and sometimes slightly curved ; the series
are also much more numerous in front than on the sides; the
suprascapula and the caracoid are similarly striated; the lateral
line runs at about one-fourth of the height, and terminates at
the centre of the tail; it is very sinuous; the body is covered
with very fine scales, of which there are over one hundred and
thirty on the lateral line.

The dorsal fin is composed of eight spines, the first of which ig
small, and measures about one-half of the diameter of the orbit ; it
has no soft membrane ; the second has about twice the length of
the first, and has a very narrow membrane not connected with the
third spine ; this is very long, being over five times the length of
the first; it has a membrane which connects its base with the
following spine, at about the height of the end of the first spine;
this membrane is very narrow in the remainder of its length, and
is free in its terminal part ; the fourth spine is the longest of all,
and has about eight times the length of the first, or nearly one-
third of the total length of the fish ; its membrane has the same
form as the precedent, but the portion which is adherent to
the next spine is about twice the height of the other; this
fourth spine is curved in rather a sinuous manner; the fifth
spine is considerably shorter than even the third, and is straight;
this membrane has the same form as the other; the sixth and
seventh spines become shorter still; the eighth and ninth equal

-to the seventh ; they are straight, and their membranes extend to

about the following two-thirds of their length, and they have

1

only a small free portion; all these spines are very acute, and
strongly striated.

The second portion of the dorsal, which is joined to the first,
begins with a spine nearly one-third longer than the two last
of the first part, and is followed by fifteen soft rays; the first
being one-third longer than the spine, and the second twice its
length; these two rays are simple, the following are all
branched, the third and fourth are the longest of all, but they are
very little longer than the second ; from these the fin, which has
rather a triangular form, goes decreasing rapidly; the last ray
having only one-sixth of the length of the third.

The caudal is rather large and slightly emarginated posteriorly ;
it is formed of seventeen rays, all branched except the two ex-
ternal ones ; on each side of the base are three very short rays,
almost entirely covered by the scales of the tail. The anal is
formed of three spines, rather curved and sharp ; the first is the
shortest and the third the longest ; this is about twice the length
of the first. The membranes which join these spines are low,
and have their ends free ; the soft part of the ray has the same
triangular form as the dorsal; it is formed of ten rays, the two
first being the longest, and the others decreasing rapidly ; the
last is double; the ventrals are very large; their spine is very
strong, compressed, striated, arched, and very pointed. The first
soft ray is longer than those of the spine, and has three-fourths
the length of the head; the four others go on decreasing. The
pectorals are rather long ; they are formed of eighteen rays, the
first of which is very short, being less than one-third the length
of the second, which itself is shorter than the following.

The upper parts are of a greyish blue, and the lower ones of a
dirty white ; a broad band, arched and black, extends from the
anterior part of the dorsal fin to the posterior portion of the
anal. The membranes of the fins are black, with the spines of a
rosy colour ; the pectorals are almost of the latter colour, with a
yellowish tinge; the base of the ventrals is blue. There is often
a second dorsal band in front of the one we have mentioned, and
of the same form, but it does not attain the inferior part of the
body. The colours of the head are sometimes very pretty, the
upper part being of a dark brown, mixed with purple, and the
sides pink. The operculum has a broad longitudinal band on the

cheeks, of a fine white colour ; the eye is yellow, with an external
brown circle, often interrupted.

—— eee

Spe,

Seman TEm rere

112

This fish is not very rare; and is esteemed ay food. It
appears now and then in the Melbourne Market, in all seasons
of the year. Average length, from 15 to 20 inches. I have
several times found a large quantity of sand in its stomach.

I have, unfortunately, not been able to compare this sort with
the Japanese species, the work in which the latter is described not
being obtainable in Melbourne.

RICHARDSONIA.

The fish on which I propose to establish this new genus is
very similar, in general appearance, to Histiopterus, but its denti-
tion is very different. Here, we have two different sorts of
teeth—those on the sides of the mouth being true molars, short,
thick, globular, disposed on four irregular lines on the upper jaw,
and on three at the lower; in front, there is a considerable
number of other teeth, conical and pointed, disposed in a cluster
on both jaws. The three first spines of the dorsal are very short,
and the anal has only two spines.

RICHARDSONIA INSIGNIS.
D: ZA, oA ONO. (Oh Wan Polshy avec

The general form iy almost exactly similar to the one of His-
tiopterus, but the body is more convex on the back, and the
muzzle, formed by the anterior part of the head, is much shorter.
The height of the body is a little less than the third of the total
length; the head is contained nearly three and two-third times
in the length of the body, the orbit is contained six and a-half |
times in the length of the head. The lips are very thick, and
covered with tubercles; the chin is also very rough; the muzzle
being very short, the slant upwards of the profile begins much
nearer to the mouth, and the nostrils are sicuated on this snout ;
the posterior edge of the preoperculum and the one of the
operculum are serrated ; the edge of the first is also transversely
striated ; the bony plates, that cover a great part of the head,
are very deeply striated; the strig are disposed in radiations,
and not punctated; the cheeks are covered with numerous,
small, round scales, having each a tubercle in the centre.
Suprascapula and caracoid very strongly sulcated ; the scales of
the body are very small and numerous; they number about one
hundred and ten on the lateral line, which follows the profile of the

115

back at about one-fourth of the height of the body ; this line igs
very sinuous ; it begins at the upper angle of the operculum,
curves itself towards the back, presents several sinuosities, and
extends towards the tail, but curls downwards before it reaches
the root of the caudal; it is formed of a series of small ridges.
The dorsal fin begins by three short and isolated spines, which
go on increasing in length; the fourth spine is very long, com-
pressed, and strong; it ends in a filiform appendice, which makes
it as long as the body of the fish ig high; its membrane is very
narrow till a short distance from the body, where it extends to
the following spine; this (the fifth) has the same form as the
precedent, but its filament is not so long; its membrane extends
to the following spine, at a greater height than the one of
the fourth. These are followed by two more spines (making
in all seven), which are shorter than the others, and the last
has no filamentary appendice. The other part of the fin,
composed of seventeen soft rays, is intimately connected with
the other, and not sensibly higher; the rays go on decreasing
insensibly in height to the end. The caudal is large, slightly
emarginated ; it is formed of seventeen long rays and of three
shorter ones on each side ; these are in a great part covered with
scales. The anal has one very small spine and one very large
one, the latter being about eight times the length of the other,
and very broad; the soft rays are nine in number, the two first
being a little longer than the second spine, and the others
decreasing to the last. The ventrals have a very large, com-
pressed, arched spine, having the form of a broad sword, and
being two-thirds as long as the head, the first of the five soft rays
is still a little longer than this spine. Pectorals rather large, of
eighteen rays, the first not more than one-half the length of the
second ; the total length of the fin is equal to the one of the ven-
tral. All the spines are strongly striated.

The general colour of the fish is of a dirty green, with the —
head and the anterior part of the back tinged with purple; the
fins are of the latter colour, with the spines pink; the caudal is
posteriorly bordered with green ; eye brown.

I have only seen one specimen of this fish; it was brought to
the Melbourne Market in November, 1871, from Western Port,
and the fishmongers said it was the first time they had seen it.
Total length, 25 inches.

114

Nora.—Since writing the above, I have obtained a second
specimen of this fish ; it is larger, and measures near 33 inches.
It was taken in April, at Queenscliff. The three first short
spines of the dorsal have membranes, which connect them.

The name of Richardsonia has already been given by Mr.
Steindachner to a genus of fishes, which Mr. Gill had previously
called Retropinna, and this name being, of course, adopted, the one
of Richardsoma becomes disposable.

DIMENSIONS OF LARGEST SPECIMEN.

Inches
Motallemet were ess enoneeeotccan cease nse meee eee 328
Giceatbestisheie hte sstdeeni este eenebee eee E aeemaent 9t
enothlot head yiecteenaccctese recs eeeee creer 4.8.
- from extm. of snout to ant. edge oforbit 5
Diameter ofonbit ements ease eect eter acces 14-4
Height of head at ant. edge of orbit ............ Ag
at centre of orbit ............- . 64-4
—— at posterior edge of orbit...... 5
from post. edge of orbit to first dorsal spine 4¢
base of first dorsal spine to base of fourth 13-5
Total length of spinous dorsal ................. 5
OL SOttdonsalweee eee er scenes 92
EVleieht Onmourth) spine wead.e see seeee eee 32
From end of dorsal to base of caudal ......... 4
Length of caudal at its centre .................. 25
- BUG MESH ISHOlS)s) Han oogonna 4 .4oHse ss 6
Brom sbase jor caudalitovanaly yececeeseecreen seer 3e-4
Total length of anal at its base............+2+.+ 4
Height of the second spine of anal ............ ot
iBreadthyotsisaime cast) a. cen hne eee eee eens 3
Height of first branched ray of amal............ 4g
From anal to base of ventralg ..........06....08 5
Breadth of ventral at its base........ -/.......... 13-4
ensth ot ventralispine asap sseeeeercte cesses ee 45
Breadth of) samme ne he aati eer ee sap 4
From base of ventral to base of pectorals...... 4
Height of first branched ray ...........200¢....5 2-2
Of lesb sa ctio gn ak aa mn eel AA rue a rac
Greatest length of pectorals .................068. 5s

Shortest length of pectorals .................. 008 13-3

115

CARANGID&.

“Body generally compressed, oblong, or elevated ;
covered with small scales or naked; eye lateral.
Dentition variable. The infraorbital bones do not
articulate with the preeoperculum. ‘The spinous
dorsal less developed than the soft or than the anal,
either continuous with, or separated from, the soft
portion, sometimes rudimentary. The posterior rays
of the dorsal and anal fins sometimes semi-detached.
Ventrals thoracic, sometimes rudimentary or entirely
absent. No prominent papilla near the vent. Gill-
opening wide; generally seven branchiostegals and —
pseudobranchiz. Air-bladder present; pyloric ap-
pendages generally in great number.

“ Tnhabitants of the seas of the temperate and
tropical regions, many of the species having a very
wide range.”

Having followed the method of Dr. Gunther, I separate this
family from Scombride, but I think the two ought to be united,
as their only character is anatomic, and consists in the number of
the vertebre ; the family of Scombride would then remain as
it was established by Cuvier, with the exception of the Zrichiwride,
which form a most natural group.

SERIOLA.

The fish belonging to this genus are generally inhabitants of
the tropical seas ; but one sort is found in the Mediterranean,
and one also on the eastern coast of Australia (Gigas, Guth.)
The following seems distinct :—

SERIOLA GRANDIS.
(Lhe Yellow Tail.)

This remarkable sort plays a conspicuous figure in the Mel-
bourne Market, particularly during the hottest months of the

116

year. It often destroys the fishermen’s nets; but on some
occasions it is a cause of considerable profit, as on one occa-
sion it is reported that one hundred and forty-two were
caught at once, which, at the price of five shillings a piece,
would make over £28 for a single haul. They often, im calm
weather, come very near the shore; but, as soon as the sea
becomes agitated, they fly with rapidity towards the deep
water.

The body is of a regularly long oval form; its height is
about four times in the total length; the head is about four
and one-third times in the same; and the orbit seven and one-
third in the length of the head. This orbit is oval, and directed
obliquely. The lateral line is sinuous, and marked on about one
hundred and forty-three scales, but the number of transverse lines
of scales is near two hundred. ‘The posterior part of the lateral
line, from the end of the dorsal and anal backwards, is elevated in
asort of keelorridge. The scales of the posterior part of the body
are larger and longer than the others. The first dorsal is formed
of six very short spines, united by very low membranes ; the last
is hardly visible. The second dorsal has one short spine and
thirty-five branched rays; the caudal has eighteen long rays and
four shorter ones on each side; the anal has one spine and
twenty branched rays ; the pectorals are formed of twenty-three
rays. The second dorsal and the anal have their first branched
rays much longer than the others, which go on shortening to the
eighth, from which they preserve about the same size. The
anal is similar, and also falciform.

The upper parts are of a dark blue, and the others of a silvery
grey. On each side there is a longitudinal yellow band ; the fins
are of a yellowish grey ; the caudal is yellow, with the mternal
part obscure. The pectorals are nearly black, with their edge
yellow ; parts of the mouth of a fleshy colour; eye yellow.

The average size in length is from 30 to 40 inches, but some
are much larger, and they sometimes weigh up to ninety pounds.
It is moderately esteemed as an article of food.

Nota.—This sort must be nearly allied to Gunther’s Seriola-
gigas, but appears to be quite distinct by the composition of its
fins:—D. 8 1/24. A. 2 1/16.

Lay

CARANX.

The fish belonging to this genus abound in the tropical seas of
both hemispheres, but in the temperate regions they are scarce.
The Mediterranean has very few, and only one has been yet found
on the southern coast of Australia, although several others are
mentioned from the northern and western shores of that Conti-
nent.

CARANX GHEORGIANUS.

Caranx georgianus, Cuv. & Val., v.ix., p. 85.
———— fichard., Erebus and Terror, Fishes,
p- 185, pl. lviii., fig. 1.

(The Silver Bream.)

In the numerous specimens I have seen, the second dorsal
numbers sometimes twenty-six and sometimes twenty-seven soft
rays. Cuvier and Valenciennes give them twenty-eight or
twenty-nine. They also count twenty-four at the anal, and I
only find twenty-two and twenty-three. It is. evident that these
branched rays are subject to considerable variations in their
numbers.

The colours in the fresh specimens are very beautiful, the
upper parts being sometimes of a light celestial blue, and some-
times of a beautiful purple; the lower parts are of a silvery
white, with bright iridescent tinges. Behind the operculum there
is a black spot, and along the body extends a fine, longitudinal
golden stripe. The dorsal fin is yellow, bordered with an obscure
tinge ; the caudal is yellow or grey, and the other fins diaphanous ;
the ventrals are rather pink.

In the old specimens the teeth are short, and many fall off.
The eye is silvery.

This is a very common fish on the Melbourne Market, particu-
larly in the cold months of the year. The large specimens are
scarce. The average size is under 10 inches long, but some
attain 23 and even 25 inches. It is considered good for the table,
and appears to inhabit all the western and southern coast of New
Holland,

Se ee

118

TEMNODON.

Established by Cuvier on a fish remarkable by its first dorsal
being very low, formed of eight feeble, continuous spines, but
often difficult to see.

TEMNODON SALTATOR.

Temnodon saltator, Cwv. & Val., v. ix., p. 225, pl. 260.
Scomber saltator, Bl. Sch., p. 35.

(Skip Jack.)

This is one of the most common fish in the market; it is gene-
rally found at Melbourne of a small size, but I have seen one
in September, which was 23 feet in length.

Generally it is of a very bright silvery colour, with the upper
parts of the body, head, and upper fins of a dark olive ; the lower
fins being white ; the eye silvery or rather yellow.

This fish appears to be found in all the warm and temperate
regions of the world, but it is not certain that several species are
not mixed together. In some specimens I only see seven rays
to the dorsal, and in a few the teeth are much more set apart
than in others. I have also seen several times, at Melbourne,
small specimens, called by the fishmongers Snubgall, which have
the anterior part of the head shorter, and much more convex over
the eye.

At the Cape of Good Hope, where it is very common, it is
very often found of large dimensions. The young specimens are
very brilliant, blue on the back, and green on the upper part of
the head. The old ones are of a lead colour on the upper parts.

NEPTONEMUS.

Not one of the Australian fishes I have studied has caused
such trouble to identify as this ; it is common on the Melbourne
Market, and it is not likely, therefore, that it has escaped the
attention of collectors and naturalists, but in the most modern
authors I can find no description that can apply to it.

It has much resemblance to the genus Zrachynotus, and also
with Psenes, but it differs from the first in having no first dorsal
spine directed forwards, nor its two first anal spines separated

18)

from the others. It agrees better with Psenes, but the limb of
the preoperculum is striated and crenulated.

Dr. Gunther, in the second volume of his valuable catalogue,
has established a genus Neptonemus amongst Scombride, to
which he gives the following characters :—“ Body oblong, com-
pressed, covered with cycloid scales of moderate size; the cleft
of the mouth of moderate width; the snout obtusely conical ;
preoperculer margin obtusely crenulated; the first dorsal con-
tinuous, with some feeble spines ; the second dorsal and the anal
are more developed, with a scaly sheath at the base; no finlets ;
anal spines indistinct: pectorals much longer than the ventrals ;
a series of minute teeth in the jaws; palate toothless ; branch-
iostegals six.” One single sort from New Zealand (Neptonemus
Brama).

In the second part of the “ Proceedings of the Zoological
Society for 1869,” the same naturalist describes a second sort,
under the name of Dobula, from Tasmania, and adds,—that on a
further examination he finds that this genus belongs to the
family of Carangide, and that there are two very small spines in
front of, and at a short distance from the anal fin.

Almost all these characters applying to my sort, I have
placed it in the genus Neptonemus; but it cannot be the New
Zealand sort, which has one spine and twenty-nine rays at the
second dorsal, nor the Tasmanian one, which has—First dorsal 7.
Second dorsal 1/40. Anal 2 1/23.

NEPTONEMUS ? TRAVALE.
(The Travale).

The body oblong, rather compressed, high, very curved over
the eyes; the greatest depth is at the insertion of the
second dorsal, and is contained two and two-thirds in the
total length; the length of the head is not quite four
times in the same; the snout is short; the eye large, placed
at half the height of the head, and contained three and two-
third times in its length; the lower jaw is longer than the upper
one ; the cleft of the mouth extends to the line of the anterior
margin of the eye; the nostrils nearer to the end of the snout
than to the orbit; upper part of the head naked; cheeks and
operculum scaly ; teeth numerous and fine, all equal, and dis-

120

posea on a single line at each jaw; interior of the mouth and
tongue smooth ; the posterior edge of the preeoperculum is emar-
ginated, with its angle quite rounded; this edge is armed with a
number of short acute spines, each of which extends on the
preoperculum, and gives it the appearance of being radiated ;
the operculum extends in a long, obtuse, flat point over the base
of the pectorals, and its lower limb is sometimes rather denticu-
lated; six branchiostegals; the body is covered with rather
small scales, which are marked with concentric lines, and fall very
easily ; the lateral lme runs over about ninety-three scales, and
follows the profile of the back at about one-fourth of its height,
and extends to the centre of the base of the caudal. On the dry
specimens its posterior part appears carinated ; below this line
there is a deep longitudinal sulcated line, which extends all
along the body at half of its height, and has the appearance of a
second lateral line; the first dorsal fin is very low, and begins
over the insertion of the pectorals; it is formed of six small
feeble spines, connected together by a very low membrane; the
second dorsal is much higher; it is composed of two spines and
thirty soft rays; the first spine is much shorter than the second,
but considerably longer than any of the first dorsal; the first
rays of the dorsal are nearly twice as long as the second spine,
but the following decrease until the seventh or eigth, when the
succeeding ones maintain about the same height; the total
length of the second dorsal is contained two and one-third times
in the total length of the body, and the distance from its end to
the centre of the caudal is contained five and cne-third times
in the total length; the caudal is deeply formed, and has
twenty-one long rays and several short ones on each side; the
most external of these does not attain the extremity of the fin ;
the anal, having the same form as the second dorsal, is formed of
two very small conical spines, and of two slender ones ; the first
is much shorter than the second, and this is only one-half of the
following rays; these number twenty-one; this fin is much
shorter than the second dorsal, and is contained more than
four times the length of the body; the ventral fin is rather
small; it is imserted a little behind the base of the pectorals, and
the space behind it and the beginning of the anal is equal to the
length of the latter, and is formed of a rather long, slender,

121

straight spine, and of five rays; the pectoral is long, falci-
form, and formed of twenty-two rays ; it extends to nearly the
anus.

The general colour is of a blueish grey, with a copper tinge on
the sides; the lower parts of the body are of a blueish white ;
the upper part of the head is of a copper-coloured brown ; there
is a broad purplish spot on the back, just behind the head ; in
this part the scales have a black margin; this spot extends
laterally to the point of the operculum.; the lips are pink, as
are algo the root of the pieces of the operculum; the dorsal and
caudal are rather obscure, with yellow tinge; the anal a little
lighter colour; the ventrals of a rosy white; the pectorals are
obscure, with their rays yellow; eye silvery. In some specimens
the sides of the body are covered with very minute dark dots.

This fish is common on the Melbourne Market, particularly in
the cold months of the year; it is used for food, and its average
size 1s from 8 to 10 inches long ; but I have one which measures
23 inches, and which only differs from the others by the absence
of the sulcated line below the lateral one. The small spines of
the operculum and preoperculum are worn out.

On the living specimens the body seems entirely covered with
sinall tubercles, formed by the scales being very irregularly dis-
posed. On the young ones the muscular fluxes are well marked
on the sides of the body ; the dark spot on the posterior part of
the head is barely visible.

XIPHIID Ai.

“ Body elongate, compressed, naked, or covered
with rudimentary dermal productions. ‘Teeth none,
or rudinientary. The upper jaw (ethmoid, vomer,
and intermaxillaries,) much produced, sword shaped.
One or two dorsal fins, without a distinctly spinous ~
portion. Ventrals absent, or rudimentary and
thoracic. Seven branchiostegals ; pseudobranchie
and air-bladder present. Pyloric appendages in
great number.

122

*“‘ Mediterranean ; open seas between or near the
tropics.”
The Sword Fish (Histiophorus Gladius) is stated to occur at

Port Jackson, but has not, to my knowledge, been seen in the
southern seas of Australia.

GOBIIDZ.

*“‘ Body elongate, low, naked, or scaly. Teeth
generally small, sometimes with canines. The in-
fraorbital ring does not articulate with the preeoper-
culum. The two dorsal fins separated, or more or
less united, the spinous portion being always the
less developed, and composed of flexible spines; the
anal similarly developed as the soft dorsal; ventrals
with one spine and five rays; sometimes both ven-
trals united into a disk. Gill-opening more or less
narrow, the gill-membranes being attached to the
isthmus ; four gills ; pseudobranchie. A promi-
nent papilla near the vent. Air-bladder generally
absent. Pyloric appendages.

*‘ Carnivorous fishes, living at the bottom of the
shores and of the fresh waters of the temperate and
tropical regions. This family offers numerous in-
stances of the fact that a part of the individuals of
one and the same are entirely confined to fresh
waters, whilst others live in the sea.”

The principal genus of this group is Godius, formed by Artedi ;
it comprises numerous species, generally of small size, and
inhabiting all the temperate and tropical seas of the world.

: 123

GOBIUS BASSENSIS.

The anterior dorsal with six spines; scales large; no crest on
the head; caudal fin very elongate, pointed. Body very elon-
gate ; its height contained seven and one-third times in the total
length ; head four and two-third times in the same ; eye four and
one-third times in length of head. Jaws about equal, the lower
a little longer than the upper. Teeth on several rows at the
lower jaw; no canines. No scales on the head nor on the nape
of the neck ; about thirty-eight scales on the lateral line; they
are ciliated on their edge. Dorsals rather high, the second of
eleven rays; caudal as long as the head, pointed, and formed of
sixteen principal rays and of several others on each side ; anal of
eleven rays, which are, as those of the second dorsal, rather pro-
longated ; pectorals about as long as the head, pointed, of fifteen
rays, none of which are silk like.

The general colour is of a light grey, rather green on the back,
and whitish on the belly. There are two longitudinal bands,
which extend on the operculum, from behind the eye; the first
strikes the upper edge of the root of the pectoral, and expands
in a blotch; the other is placed lower; it is broader, and extends
rather obliquely towards the lower side of the pectoral base. The
two dorsals have a longitudinal narrow band, which runs at
about one-third of their height from the back ; the extreme edge
of the second dorsal is yellow. The caudal has three or four
transverse series of black spots, which only extend on its upper
half ; the two central rays are of an orange colour, ending in black ;
the anal and ventrals are white, without spots ; the pectorals are
also immaculate, but with a yellow tinge ; the eye is silvery. On
the lower side of the body, there is a longitudinal line of black
blotches, which unite under the pectorais; some feeble, black
transverse spots on the upper part of the body.

Only seen once, in February.

GOBIUS FRENATUS.
Gobius frenatus, Gunther, Catal., v. iii., p. 39.
Anterior dorsal with six spines; scales numbering thirty-six
on the lateral line; head without a crest; caudal fine, rather

rounded, and sub-elongate. One canine tooth at each side of the
lower jaw ; no hard spines at the dorsal; body contained six and

124

one-third times in total lengh (to the end of the caudal). First
dorsal with six spines; the second with one and ten rays; anal
also with one spine and ten rays.

Of a light green, with two irregular, longitudinal, black bands
on the operculum, which curve downwards below the eye. There
are some light blue spots on the operculum, and a double longi-
tudinal series of similar points on the body. The dorsals are
green, finely edged with black; the caudal is the same with its
base, reddish. The anal is of the colour of the body, but covered
with very minute black dots ; the ventrals are green, with a large
black blotch; the pectorals are olive green, with the black bands
of the head marked on their base.

Hobson’s Bay. Length, 2? inches.

GOBIUS PICTUS.

Form elongate. First dorsal with eight rays, of which the
second is rather longer than the others, and the last much
shorter; the second dorsal formed of one spine and ten soft
rays, of which the first is not quite as long as the others ; caudal of
twelve rays; anal of one spme and nine rays. The fins are large.
The height of the body is five and a-half times in the total
length ; the head and operculum are covered with litile, black
dots. The lower jaw is longer than the superior; the scales of
the upper part of the body are rather large, and brown on their
edge.

The general colour is of a light lilac, with the inferior parts
white. On the head are numerous, small, brown spots, and a
dozen narrow, transverse, brown lines cover the back and extend
on the sides. On the latter, there is a longitudinal line of black
spots with terminals, and one (much larger) placed at the base
of the caudal. On the latter, there are also two or three
irregular black spots. The pectoral is yellow, and the ven-
trals white; the eye is yellow, with an external red circle.
The first dorsal 1s white, with two broad, longitudinal, brown
bands ; the second dorsal is also white, diaphanous, with the spine
brown, and the rays variegated with brownish red. This fin has
a broad, transverse, terminal, brown band. The caudal has three
transverse, broad, light red bands ; the anal is white.

Found at St. Kilda. Length of specimen, 4 inches.

125

GOBIUS PULCHELLUS.

Form elongate. Height of the body four and three-quarter
times in the total length; head three and a-half times in same.
The first dorsal is rounded, with six rays; the first shorter than
the second, the third rather longer than the others, and the
following go on decreasing ; the second dorsal has twelve rays.
In both, the rays are much longer than the membranes. The
caudal is rounded, with twelve rays; anal with one spine and
nine rays, formed like those of the dorsal ; ventrals large, united,
pointed, with their lower rays much longer than the others.
Pectorals rather large, extending to nearly the end of the first
dorsal, of fifteen rays. Scales large ; about twenty-three of them
on the lateral line ; eye moderately large,’ placed on the upper
surface of the head.

General colour of a light grey, with the edges of the scales
brown ; lower parts of the body opal and white; head marbled
with white spots; operculum covered with very minute black
dots ; front part of the head rather yellow. Three large round
black spots on each side of the body—one opposite to the begin-
ning of the second dorsal, the other to its end, and the third at
the root of the caudal. There are also some undefined, trans-
verse, white stripes on the sides of the body. Dorsal hyaline,
marbled with brown spots, a black spot covering nearly the
exterior half of the first membrane. Second dorsal with its rays
spotted with brown, and yellow at their end. Caudal with the
rays also spotted with brown, the spots forming five or six transverse
lines of that colour. Anal large, white, with the rays yellow at their
base, and black to almost their full extent; ventrals black, with
their base white ; pectorals rather yellow, marbled with white ;
their rays covered with very small, black dots. Hye yellow, with
orange spots on its exterior edge. .

Length, two and one-third inches. From Western Port.
Tt is nearly allied to Gobiws Pictus.

ELEOTRIS.

Formed by Gronovius, but much better characterised by
Cuvier. ‘’his genus has numerous representatives in all the
warm seas of the world; it inhabits the fresh waters, but extends

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126

its habitat to the estuaries of large rivers. Richardson has de-
scribed one sort from New Zealand ; the following one appears in
Dr. Gunter’s first division (Kleotris, Bleeker) ; characterised by
“Scales of moderate size, less than fifty in a longitudinal
series; snout short, broad, flat, and depressed; the form of the
head approaching that of Ophicephalus.”’

Amongst the eleven sorts contained in this division, there are
only two which have seven spines at the dorsal; but it differs
from both by the great size of its head, and also this being in great
part without scales. The fish I describe here would, on account
of the presence of teeth on the vomer, be a Philypnus for Cuvier
and Valenciennes, but Dr. Gunther has not adopted this generic
division.

ELEOTRIS NUDICEPS.

Height of body six times in the total length; head three and
one-fourth times in the same; eye six and one-third times in
length of head. Lower jaw considerably longer than the upper ;
head very large, very broad, being at its widest part one-half of
its length. The mouth is very broad; the maxillary extends to
the vertical from the centre of the eye; eyes considerably apart,
the distance from one or other being nearly equal to the third
of the length of the head. The teeth are very numerous, cardi-
form, those of the lower jaw larger than those of the other;
they extend on the vomer and the palatines ; the posterior part
of the tongue is also covered with them. The head has no scales ;
its anterior part is very uneven, and its irregularities have the
appearance of very minute scales; it presents several longi-
tudiral ridges; but, from the transverse line running from
the posterior edge of the eye to the end of the oper-
culum, the skin is naked. Behind this begin very small
scales, which extend to the base of the dorsal; the oper-
culum and preoperculum are naked; the body is not so broad as
the head. The scales are rather large, and number forty-seven
on the longitudinal line ; they are striated, and very finely ciliated
on their edge. The first dorsal is rather rounded, of seven spines ;
the membrane of the last is attached to the body. The second
is high, and formed of one spine and ten rays; they are all of
the same length except the last, which is a little longer than the

127

others. The caudal is long, rounded, and formed of fourteen
long rays and of several others on each side almost as long; the
anal is as high as the body, of one spine and ten rays ; pectorals
two-thirds as long as the head, and of eighteen rays.

The body is of a light olive green, with the lower parts of a
blueish white ; the head almost entirely black in the adult; the
edge of the scales is rather obscure; the dorsals are generally
green ; the first has sometimes two series of reddish spots, and
sometimes 1t 1s white, with two longitudinal broad bands, more
or less carmine, the coloured part being covered with very minute
black dots. The second dorsal has three or four longitudinal
series of red dots, which sometimes unite, and form longitudinal
bands. The caudal has numerous transverse series of small, red
spots ; the ventrals and anal white ; eye gilt.

The young specimens have the head less inflated.

This fish is very common in the lower Yarra; they are very
voracious, and have often in their broad mouth, and partly digested,
fishes as large as themselves, and generally of their own species.
Sometimes pieces of wood are found in the same way, and held
fast by their teeth.

Mr. Krefft has described, in the “ Proceedings of the Zoolo-
gicial Society,’ 1864, p. 183, four Australian sorts of Hleotris,
one of which (H. Grandiceps) may be this. There is one ray less
at the second dorsal and at the anal, but this may depend on the
different ways of counting the last one, It is from the Clarence
River. The principal reason for not uniting my sort with his
is, that he says,—that the pectorals attain the base of the anal ;
while in my specimens they do not.

BATRACHIDA.

“Habitus cottoid; skin naked, or with small
scales; the system of muciferous channels well
developed. Teeth conical, small, or of moderate
size. The spinous dorsal very short, the soft and
the anal long. Ventrals jugular, with two soft rays ;

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pectorals not pediculated. Guill-opening a more or
less vertical slit before the pectoral, rather narrow.
Gills, three; pseudobranchiz absent; an _ air-
bladder.

‘Carnivorous fishes, living on the bottom of the
coasts of the tropical regions, several species ad-
vancing into the temperate seas. ’’

No sorts have yet come under my notice.

PEDICULATTI.

‘Head and interior part of the body very large,
without scales. Teeth in cardiform or villiform
bands. The spinous dorsal either composed of a
few, more or less, isolated spines, or entirely absent,
Ventrals jugular, with four or five soft rays, absent
in Gervateas ; the carpal bones prolonged, forming a
sort of arm for the pectorals. Gill-opening reduced
to a small foramen, situated in or near the axil.
Gills two and a-half, three, or three and a-half;
pseudobranchiee absent.

“Carnivorous fishes, inhabiting the seas of the
temperate and tropical regions.”

Several sorts of this family, particularly of the genus Chiro-
nectes, are found in the Tasmanian and South Australian seas ;
but I have not examined any in a fresh state.

129

BLENNIIDA.

“Body elongate, low, more or less cylindrical,
naked, or covered with scales, which are generally
small. The infraorbital ring does not articulate
with the preeoperculum. One, two, or three dorsal
fins occupying nearly the whole of the back. The
spinous portion, if distinct, being as much developed
as the soft, or more; sometimes the whole fin com-
posed of spines, anal fin long; ventrals jugular, com-
posed of a few rays, and sometimes rudimentary or
entirely absent. Air-bladder generally absent;
pyloric appendages none.

“* Carnivorous fishes, inhabiting the bottom of the
shores of all regions; several inhabiting fresh
waters.”

Sorts of these will certainly be found in the Straits of Bass.

CLINUS,

Formed by Cuvier, and containing a considerable number of
rather small fishes, inhabiting almost all the seas of the world.
I have only seen one sort in Victoria.

CLINUS DESPICILLATUS.

Clinus despicillatus, Richard., Zool. Journ., 1839, p- 90.
———— -— Ltichard., Trans. Zool. Soc., v. iii., p. 128,

pl. 6, fig. 2.

The fish I consider as belonging to this sort has ity lateral line
interrupted in its anterior part. The height is four and one-third
times in the total length; and the head four and one-fifth times
in the same. The dorsal is formed of two fins, as in Cristiceps,

130

but they are united by their membrane; the first is composed of
three spines and the second of thirty-six, four or five of which
are branched rays, but it is difficult to well indicate their number,
as they seem to pass gradually one to the other; the caudal has
twelve long rays; the anal twenty-six rays and two spines. The
pectorals have twelve rays, and the ventrals three, the centre one
much longer than the other two, and divided almost to its base.

The colour is subject to much variation ; in one specimen, it is
green, with the lower parts of the head and the belly yellow; the
latter is covered with minute black points; the preoperculum
presents numerous transverse lines, formed of red and black
spots, which are disposed in rather a radiant way. On the back
part of the second dorsal the rays are spotted with red; the
caudal is yellow, with its rays marbled with red, and near its
base are two rounded, brown-red spots; the anal is yellow,
marbled with purple, and the prolonged parts of the rays are
red. The ventrals and pectorals are yellow; the last has six or
seven transverse lines of carmine spots ; the lower portion of the
operculum and the throat are covered with carmine points; the
eye is green, spotted with black, and surrounded by an external
white ring.

In other specimens the colour is brown, marbled with blotches
of a rather darker colour. Over the eye, there is a small plumi-
form tentacle, of a green colour.

I have only seen few specimens of this fish, which appears to
belong to Cristiceps, at least as much as does Argentatus.

CRISTICEPS.

Cuvier and Dr. Gunther separate from Clinus, and under the
above name, the species which have a first dorsal fin separated
from the second, and placed generally more forward than in
the other sorts.

This is evidently an artificial character, and these species ought
only to form a division in the genus Clinus. The greater number
of the sorts are found in Australia. Several have been described
by Cuvier, Valenciennes, and Dr. Gunther, but the only two I
have seen at Melbourne appear different from all.

In his extraordinary tendency to consider, as belonging to the
game species, fishes found in the most remote parts of the world,

131

Dr. Gunther places with the Mediterranean Clinus Argentatus,
Cuv. & Val., specimens from Australia {having constantly
twenty-three soft rays to the anal fin, instead of nineteen or
twenty. Admitting, at the same time, that some zoologists may
consider them as forming a distinct species, he proposes for them,
in a note, the name of Antinectes. This naturalist must certainly
entertain very particular ideas on the constitution of the species
in Zoology.

CRISTICEPS MULTIFENESTRATUS.

Form elongate; lenzth of body four and one-eighth in the
total length; head four times in the total length; orbit of the
eye four and five-sixths in the length of the head; there is a
rather long and arborescent tentacle over the second, a very
small simple one on the snout; scales very minute; the lower
jaw is considerably longer than the upper one; first dorsal placed
over the end of the preoperculum, formed of three spines; the
two first are longer than the other one, and placed much nearer
one to the other than to the third; the space between this fin
and the second dorsal is equal to the transverse diameter of the
eye. This dorsal is formed of thirty spines and four rays; it
grows a little higher as it goes towards its extremity, which is
rounded; the spines and rays are very strong; the caudal is
rounded, formed of nine rays and a complex short one on each
sort ; the membranous dorsal extends to the end of the rays ; the
anal has the same form as the second dorsal; the rays are free at
their end for nearly one-third of their length; there are two
spines and twenty-three rays; the ventrals are formed of three
rays, united in a membrane for more than one-third of their
length ; the central one is the longest; the pectorals have twelve
rays, much longer than the membranes ; the last ray of the dorsal
is fixed by a membrane to the tail, but does not extend to the
base of the caudal; the last of the anal is similar, but does not
extend so far as the other.

This fish is of a handsome purple colour, with large black,
rounded blotches, forming a line on the back and another on each
side, the latter being the smallest. Between them are numerous
short, irregular, white, interrupted longitudinal lines. The belly
is of a lighter and rather pink colour, with large, white, oval

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132

blotches. The head ig punctured with red, and has two irregular
longitudinal lines on the preoperculum ; the second is rather
oblique ; the lips are marbled with light brown, and on the sides
of the head are five or six round blotches, of a fine silvery hue.
The dorsals and anal are transparent, covered with purple-brown,
opaque lines, forming a sort of trellis work ; the rays are brown,
marbled with yellow; those of the caudal are similar, and that
fin is bordered with orange, as is also the soft part of the dorsal.
The ventrals are striped yellow and purple; the pectorals are
dark ; the eye is pink, with an external series of red spots.

I have only seen two specimens of this sort; the largest
measures 104 inches.

This sort must have some resemblance to Forster’s Blennius
Fenestratus, but this is included by Cuvier and Dr. Gunther
in the genus Zripterygium.

CRISTICEPS FORSTERI.

The body is very elevated in its anterior profile, and like
gibbous over the head ; this bears a single, simple bifid filament
over the eye. The height is contained four and a-half times in
the total length; the head four and one-third times in the same ;
eye four and one-fourth times in the length of the head. The
lips are thick and prominent. The first dorsal begins in front of
the end of the operculum ; it is high, and formed of three spines.
The second is separated from it by a small space, and is formed
of twenty-nine spines and four rays ; these are rather higher than
the spines ; the caudal is rounded, and formed of nine long rays ;
the anal of twenty-six; it is low at its anterior part, and goes on
increasing towards its end, which is rounded; the rays are con-
siderably longer than their membranes ; its last ray is fixed by a
membrane to the tail, but at considerable distance from the base
of the caudal; the last one of the dorsal is similar, but extends
a little further backwards; the ventrals have two rays, the ex-
ternal short, the other long and bifurcated ; the pectorals have
twelve rays.

The general colour is green, with the sides of the head and
the anterior part of the lower side of the body of an ochre
yellow ; the lips are purple, and the lower portion of the pre-
operculum carmine; the dorsals, caudal and anal are green, with

133

the spines and rays purple; the ventrals yellow, and the pec-
torals purple. Between the base of the pectorals and ventrals
are two rounded white spots; several others, oblong and trans-
parent ones, are seen on the fins. On the only specimen I have
seen they are disposed as follows :—on the second dorsal a fene-
strated, rounded spot between the fourth and fifth, the
ninth, tenth, and eleventh, the twentieth and twenty-first, the
twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh, and the thirty-second and
thirty-third ones at the base of the caudal; on the anal one
between the seventeenth and eighteenth, and the twentieth and
twenty-first, one covering about all the twenty-third, twenty-
fourth, and twenty-fifth, and between this and the last ray there
are two, one placed over the other; near the base of the pec-
torals there is a transverse line, formed of three similar spots ;
eye green.

One single specimen seen at Melbourne in the month of
January ; it was about six and a-half inches long.

ACANTHOCLINID A.

*‘ Body elongate, low, compressed; covered with
small scales. One dorsal fin, occupying nearly the
whole of the back, by far the greater part being
composed of spines ; anal fin long, with the number
of the spines exceeding that of the rays; ventrals
jugular, composed ofa fewrays. Dentition complete.
Four gills, pseudobranchiz. Air-bladder, none;
pyloric appendages, none. Coasts of New Zealand.
Carnivorous fishes.”

TEUTHIDIDA.
“Body compressed and oblong, covered with
very small scales. Lateral line continuous; tail
not armed, Lye lateral, of moderate size. A

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134

single series of trenchant incisors in the jaws;
palate smooth. One dorsal fin, the spinous portion
being the more developed; anal with seven spines.
Ventral fins thoracic; pseudobranchie vwell-
developed.

*‘ Herbivorous fishes, inhabiting the tropical seas
of the East Indian region, and the western parts of
the Pacific.”

Several Zeuthis are found in the Australian seas, but I have
not yet been able to procure any.

ACRONURIDA.

“Body compressed, oblong or elevated, covered
with minute scales. Lateral line continuous ; tail
generally armed with one or more bony plates or
spines, which are more developed with age, and
frequently abscnt in very young individuals. Hye
lateral, of moderate size. Mouth small; a single
series of more or less compressed, sometimes denti-
culated, sometimes tapering, incisors in each jaw ;
palate smooth. One dorsal fin, the spinous portion
being less developed; anal with two or three
spies; ventral fins thoracic. Pseudobranchiz
well developed; air-bladder present, forked poste-
riorly. Intestines with more or less numerous cir-
cumvolutions.

*‘ Seas between the tropics. Herbivorous fishes.”

Nota.—<Acauthurus presents several sorts, particularly on the

northern coasts of Australia, but it is not likely that any will be
found extending their habitat so far south as the Victorian Sea.

135

NANDID.

“‘ Body oblong, compressed, covered with scales.
Lateral line interrupted. Dorsal fin formed by a
spinous and a soft portion, the latter being the less
developed ; anal fin with three spines, and with its
soft portion similar to the soft dorsal. Ventral fins
thoracic, with one spine and four or five soft rays.
Dentition more or less complete, generally feeble.
Five or six branchiostegals ; gills, four or three and
a-half; pseudobranchiz present in the marine,
absent or hidden in the fresh-water genera. An
air-bladder. No superbranchial organ.

*‘ Carnivorous fishes.”

I have observed no sorts of these fishes in Victoria, but Plesiops
ceruleo-lineatus and Trachinops Teniatus are found on the Aus-
tralian coast.

ATHERINIDA.

“Body more or less elongate, subcylindrical, and
covered with scales of moderate size; lateral line
indistinct. Cleft of the mouth of moderate width,
with the dentition feeble. Hye lateral, well de-
veloped. Gill-opening wide; four gills; pseudo-
branchiz ; five or six branchiostegals. Two dorsal
fins, the spine of the first feeble; the second of
moderate length; anal like the soft dorsal, or
rather longer. Ventral fins abdominal, with one
spine and five rays. Vertebree very numerous in
the caudal and abdominal portions,

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136

“Carnivorous fishes, inhabiting the seas of the
temperate and tropical regions; several species
entering or living in fresh water.”

The species of Atherina, and particularly of Atherinichthys,
seem to be rather numerous on the Australian coasts. I propose
here a new genus, Atherinosoma, which, if it does really belong
to the family, would, on account of its dentition, oblige me to
modify its characters.

ATHERINICHTHYS.

Separated by Dr. Bleeker from <Atherinus on account of the
snout produced, and the cleft of the mouth not extending to the
orbit. The general aspect is the same.

ATHERINICHTHYS MODESTA.

Height of body contained five and a-half times in the total
length, or five times to the base of the caudal; head four and
a-quarter times in the same; eye three times in the length of the
head. Muzzle considerably shorter than the diamater of the
eye ; mouth extensible ; scales large—about forty on the lateral
line. The first dorsal of six spines; second of one spine and nine
rays; anal of four spines and ten rays; caudal of nineteen
rays.

The distance from the anterior root of the first caudal to the
extremity of the snout is equal to that from its posterior edge to
the beginning of the caudal; from the same anterior edge of the
first dorsal to the anterior edge of the second the distance
equal to that between the anterior edge of the second and the
base of the caudal; the height of the first dorsal is equal to the
distance from the extremity of the snout to the centre of the
eye; the caudal is strongly bilobed; the anal is inserted below
the second dorsal, or a trifle in front of it, and the ventrals a
little in advance of the first dorsal ; the pectorals are considerably
longer than the height of the dorsal; they have twelve rays. A
rather broad, longitudinal, silvery band on the sides.

The general colour is of a light greyish green, with the edges
of the scales rather brown or even black on the upper parts of

137

the body; the dorsals, caudal, and pectorals yellow; anal and
ventrals white ; eye silvery.

Common in Hobson’s Bay and the lower Yarra. Length from
2 to 33 inches.

ATHERINICHTHYS PICTA.

Height of body six and a-half times in the total length, or five
and a-half times to the base of the caudal; head four times in
the total length; eye three and one-fifth times in length of head.
Body elongate ; scales large—about forty-four on the longitudinal
series ; snout considerably shorter than the diameter of the eyes.
Ist Dorsal 8; 2nd 10. A.11. C.17.

The two dorsals are placed like those of Modesta; the anal a
little in front of the dorsal; the ventrals under the first dorsal ;
caudal long, more emarginated than bifurcated, the difference
in length between the middle rays and the side ones not being
over one-quarter of their length.

Of a pretty light green, with the lower parts of the body white
and silvery. A broad, longitudinal, red band on each side ;
fins diaphanous; caudal yellow ; eye silvery ; afew very minute
black points on the sides of the head.

Only seen once, at Capt. Sinnot’s Dock, on the lower Yarra ;
under 2 inches long.

ATHERINICHTHYS CEPHALOTES.

Height of body seven and one-third times in the total length ;
head three and two-third times in the same, or three and one-
fourth times to the root of the caudal; eye three and one-third
times in the length of the head; this is very large; the
lower jaw considerably in advance of the upper one; teeth in
both jaws, those of the lower rather longer than the others;
they are all arched and pointed. The mouth is large, but the
cleft of the mouth does not extend to the orbit ; the maxillaries
attain one-third of the orbit’s length; the eye very large. The
body is covered with very large scales; these numbering forty-
two or forty-three on the lateral line, which is distinctly marked.
The body goes tapering towards the tail; the first dorsal begins
almost at the middle of the body, but a little nearer to the snout
than to the base of the tail; it is formed of seven feeble spines,
of which the first is considerably shorter than the others, The

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138

second dorsal is situated at a considerable distance behind the
first, this distance being contained three times in that to the
extremity of the snout; it is formed of one feeble spine and eight
rays. ‘These two dorsals are well developed ; the caudal is bifur-
cated, and formed of sixteen long rays and some short ones; the
anal is inserted below the second dorsal, but it is much longer ;
it is formed of one spine and twelve rays ; the ventrals are in-
serted a little in advance of the first dorsal. The pectorals are
rather large, equal to the snout up to the anterior margin of the
eye; they are formed of thirteen rays.

The back is of a light green, with the belly white, and.a broad,
longitudinal, silvery band on each side; the head is of a rather
olive colour; the dorsals grey, the second of these has a yellow
tinge on its external part; the caudal and pectorals are yellow,
and the lower fins white.

On the living specimen, there was a rather large, round, black
spot on the caudal, near its base; but it has entirely disappeared’
after having been preserved in spirits.

I have only seen one specimen, which was taken in the month
of August. It is nearly 6 inches long.

Nora.—Since then, I have seen a second specimen, which had
only a very faint trace of the caudal black spot.

ATHERINOSOMA.

General form of Atherina. Cleft of the mouth small, and not
extending to the eye; longitudinal silvery band on the sides ; but
the teeth are large on each jaw, hooked, and placed on several
rows. Also on the vomer and palatines there are numerous
tuberculous teeth, which extend on all the upper surface of the
interior of the mouth, and also on the tongue. The mouth is
not, or at the utmost only slightly, extensible. Two dorsals.

This new form will render it necessary to rectify the characters
of Atherinide, or to form for it a new family.

ATHERINOSOMA VORAX.

Height contained seven times in the entire length; head four
and a-half times in the same ; eye contained three and one-third
times in the length of the head. The lower jaw is sensibly longer
than the upper one; snout considerably shorter than the diameter

139

of the eye; operculum and preoperculum entire. Body elongate,
covered with large scales, numbering about thirty-six on the
longitudinal line. First dorsal rather rounded, formed of six
spines ; its posterior membrane attached to the back. This fin
is inserted nearer to the muzzle than to the root of the caudal.
Second dorsal of one spine and nine rays; its length is equal to
the distance from the muzzle to the posterior edge of the eye,
and the space from its end to the base of the caudal is about one
and a-half times the same distance. The height of this fin is
about equal to that of the body at the point of its insertion.
The caudal is strongly bifurcated, formed of seventeen long rays
and of several others on the sides; the anal is formed of one
spine and eight rays; it is inserted below the second dorsal ;
ventrals a little in front of the first dorsal, they are rather large,
and composed of one spine and five rays. Pectorals of twelve
rays. The upper part of the head is covered with large scales
up to the centre of the eye; the anterior part with longitudinal
lines.

I have only seen one specimen, caught at Cape Shanck by Dr.
Howitt; it appears, after having been in spirits, of a light green,
with the lower parts white and silvery; a broad longitudinal
band, more brilliant, extends on the sides; upper fins and caudal
yellow; anal and ventrals white. Length, 3 inches.

MUGILIDA.

**Body more or less oblong and compressed,
covered with cycloid scales of moderate size; lateral
line, none. Cleft of the mouth narrow, or of
moderate width, without or with feeble teeth. Hye
lateral, well developed. Gill-opening wide; four
gills; pseudobranchiz ; five or six branchiostegals ;
two short dorsal fins, the anterior with four stiff
spines; anal a little longer than the dorsal op-
posite; ventral fins with one spine and six rays,

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140

abdominal, suspended from the elongate carcoid
bone. Number of vertebree twenty-four.

“Fresh waters and coasts of all temperate and
tropical regions. Feeds on soft organic substances,
or very small animals.”

I have only found one single sort of true Mugil in Victoria, but
several others inhabit the eastern coast.

MUGIL.

As this genus is now restricted, I only know, as I have just
said, of one sort in Victoria.

MUGIL WAIGIENSIS.

Mugil waigiensis, Quoy & Gaim., Exped. Freycinet, Fish.,
p. 337, pl. 59, fig. 2.

(Sand Mullet.)

Height four and two-third times in the total length; head
four and eight-tenth times in the same; breadth of head one
and a-half times in its length; orbit four and one-third times in
the length of the head. Head very thick and very broad, entirely
covered with large scales; teeth rather large for the genus,
numerous, and disposed on a line on each jaw; scales large, num-
bering about thirty-seven on the longitudinal line, and twelve on
the transverse one. Hach scale has a longitudinal sulcate, which
extends to about two-thirds of its uncovered part; the sides of
the scales are lightly and longitudinally striated ; their posterior
part more strongly, and rather ina radiated disposition ; their
external edge has concentric lines. The first dorsal is formed of.
four spines, the three first being the longest, and joining each
other at their base ; the second dorsal is formed of one spine and
eight branched rays ; the caudal is strongly emarginated, of four-
teen rays, of which the external ones, in particular, are in great
part covered with small scales ; the anal is formed of three spines
and eight soft rays ; the ventrals are situated on the line of the
end of the pectorals; their spine is long ; the pectorals have
their first rays rather long, and their posterior edge is strongly

141

emarginated below these; their number is fifteen, with ung first
third, at least, covered ih small scales.

The upper parts are of avery dark blue, and the lower of a dirty
white; the lips are pink ; the eye yellow; the sides of the head
have a copper tinge ; the base of each scale of the body, being of
a bright silver colour, gives the fish the appearance of having
longitudinal lines ; the fins are yellow, with their base blue and
their extremity black ; the ventrals are whitish.

This sort attains large dimensions. I have one specimen which
is about 21 inches long. It is much esteemed as food.

AGONOSTOMA.

Genus formed by Dr. Gunther on the sorts of Mugil, which
have an elongate muzzle and teeth on the vomer. The first of
these mentioned by authors was observed by Forster, and called
by him Mugil Albula. Cuvier and Valenciennes changed this
name to Mugil Porstert. Richardson (‘‘ Zoological Transactions’’)
placed this sort-in the genus Dajaus, of which it has most of the
characteristics, and describes another sort under the name of
Diemensis. It has been stated that the common Mullet of the
Melbourne Fish Market was the Agonostoma Forsteri; but this
is a New Zealand sort, and the fish alluded to belongs to Diemensis.
I know that this is in conformity to the opinion of Dr. Gunther,
who, in his Catalogue, unites the two sorts, but the difference in
the numbers of the fine rays separates them clearly.

AGONOSTOMA DIEMENSIS.

Dajaus diemensis, Richard., Zool. Trans., v. iii., p. 128.
—__—_.--——__—. ———— Ffrebus and Terror, Fishes, p.37,
pl. 26, figs. 1, 2.
(The Mullet.)

Richardson gives the following numbers to the rays :—
D.4—10. A.3 /12. C.145/4. P. 15. In most of the Mel-
bourne specimens, I find one more branched ray to the anus, that
is, thirteen ; but in a few I find also twelve.

The upper parts are of a greyish blue, with green tinges on
the body, and brown on the head; the lower parts of the body
are silvery; the upper and pectoral fins are light grey; the

142

caudal is yellow, bordered posteriorly with black ; the anal white ;
there are very faint longitudinal lines on the sides; eye gilt.

_ Very common all the year round; they rarely exceed 12 or 18
inches. This is a sea sort, and Yorsteri is said to inhabit the
fresh waters of New Zealand.

AGONOSTOMA LACUSTRIS.
(Lake Mullet.)

Height five and a-half times in the total length; head five
times in the same; orbit four and a-half times in the length of
head. This latter is not so pointed as in Zusmanicus ; the teeth
are deficient at the lower jaw, but very visible on the upper one,
as also on the palatine and yomer. The properculum has four
lines of rather large scales. The body is elongate, covered with
rather large scales, of which sixty-two are on the longitudinal
line and sixteen on the transverse one; they do not fall so easily
asin most Mugilide ; most of them have avery short longitudinal
ridge, not extending over more than one-third of the visible por-
tion of the scale, and forming fifteen longitudinal series; they
have radiated strie@ on their posterior part, and their edge is
slightly ciliated. The first dorsal is formed of four spines, of
which the two first are joined at the base, and the third is a little
more apart; the second dorsal is composed of nine soft rays:
The caudal has fourteen long rays and four short ones on
each side; it is rather strongly emarginated, the ends termi-
nating in points; the tail is covered with minute scales, which
extend on the first part of the membranes, and even on the
external rays. Anal with three spines and twelve rays—the first ©
spine very short, the second one-half of the third; the fin is
strongly emarginated ; the spine of the ventrals is long and
slender ; the pectorals have fourteen rays.

Of a greyish green on the upper parts; white on the lower;
each scale with an obscure margin; a reddish spot on the back
part of the head; the upper part of the head and lips of a dark
violet colour ; fins greyish ; caudal with a black posterior margin ;
eye of a very bright orange yellow.

Brought to the Melbourne Market from the Gipps Land lakes,
Scarce,

143

TRICHONOTID:.

“Body elongate, subcylindrical, covered with
cycloid scales of moderate size. Eyes directed
upwards. ‘Teeth in villiform bands. The infraor-
bital ring does not articulate with the preeoperculum.
One long dorsal fin, with articulated, not branched
rays, and without a distinct portion; anal long;
ventrals jugular, with one spine and five rays. Gill-
opening very wide, seven branchiostegals; pseudo-
branchiz. No prominent papilla near the anus.
Air-bladder and pyloric appendagesabsent. Caudal
vertebrze much more numerous than those of the
abdominal portion.”

“ Carnivorous fishes, living near the shores of the
Hast Indian Archipelago and of New Zealand.”

No sorts have yet been observed in the Victorian Sea.

GOBIESOCID A.

“Body rather elongate, anteriorly depressed,
naked. ‘Teeth conical or compressed. <A ‘single
dorsal fin on the tail without spinous portion; anal
short; ventrals widely apart from each other, with
one spine hidden in the skin and four (five) rays. A
large adhesive apparatus between them, the posterior
portion of which is suspended on the caracoid bones,

which are partly free, in the axil of the pectoral fins.
Three gills or three and a-half. Air-bladder absent.

144

Intestinal tract short; wide, without pyloric appen-
dages.

“ Carnivorous fishes. Most of the species live in
the seas of the temperate regions of both hemi-
spheres; two are known to inhabit seas between the
tropics.”

Several are described from Tasmania and Swan River; but I
have not yet observed any at Melbourne.

CENTRISCID AG.

“Form of the body compressed, oblong or elevated ;
the anterior bones of the skull are much produced,
and form a long tube, terminating in a narrow mouth.
Teeth none. Body either covered with a cuirass or
with non-confluent ossifications. Scales none, or
small. Two dorsal fins; the spimous short, and with
one of the spines strong; the soft and the anal of
moderate extent. Ventral fins small, without spine,
or rudimentary, abdominal. Branchiostegals three
or four; air-bladder large; four gills and pseudo-
branchiz. Pyloric appendages none; intestinal
tract rather short.

“ Mediterranean and northern shores of the At-
lantic, eastern coasts of Africa, coasts of China, Ja-
pan and Australia.”

Centriscus Humerosus inhabits Australia; but I have not
seen it.

145

FISTULARID.

“Fishes of greatly elongate form; the anterior
bones of the skull are much produced, and form a
long tube, terminating in a narrow mouth. Teeth
small. Parts of the skeleton and dermal productions
form external mails. Scales none, or small. The
spinous dorsal fin is either formed by feeble isolated
spines, or entirely absent; the soft dorsal and anal
of moderate length; ventral fins abdominal, com-
posed of six rays, without spine; they are separate
from the pubic bones, which remain attached to
the humeralarch. Branchiostegals five; air-bladder
large; four gills; pseudobranchie. Pyloric appen-
dages in small number; intestinal tract short.

“ Tropical parts of the Atlantic and of the Indian
Ocean.”

Fistularia Serrata inhabits Port Jackson and Northern Aus-
tralia, but I do not think it extends to the southern coast of
Australia. It is figured in “ White’s Voyage to New South
Wales,” pl. 64, fig. 2.

Order IT.
ACANTHOPTERYGII PHARYNGOGNATHI.

“The inferior pharyngeal bones are coalesced,
with or without a medium longitudinal suture. Part
of the rays of the dorsal, anal and ventral fins not
articulated, forming spines.. Air-bladder without
pneumatic duct.”

146

POMACENTRID:.

“Body compressed, more or less short, covered with
‘etenoid scales. Dentitionfeeble; palatesmooth. The
lateral line does not extend to the caudal fin, or it is
interrupted. One dorsal fin, with the spinous as
well developed as the soft, or more. ‘T'wo, some-
times three, anal spines; the soft anal similar to the
soft dorsal. Ventral fins thoracic, with one spine
and five soft rays. Branchiostegals five, six, or
seven; gills three and a half; pseudobranchiz and
air-bladder present. Pyloric appendages in small
number. Intestinal tract of moderate length. Tro-
pical seas.”

GLYPHISODON.

Genus formed by Lacepede, but much better characterised by
Cuvier. Dr. Gunther changes the name in Glyphidodon ; but I
do not think that these so-called rectifications can be admitted.

GLYPHISODON VICTORIA.

Glyphisodon victorie, Gunther, An. and Mag. Nat. History,
v. iL, 1862, p. 116.

The height of the body is contained twice in the length, up to
the end of the dorsal, and two and one-half in the total length.
The head is four times in the same; the orbit is three and one-
third in the length of the head, and it is not quite as long as the
snout ; teeth small, rather regularly placed; they are elongate
and rather broader in the middle than at their extremity, which
is rounded ; the head is covered with scales, those of the oper-
culum small, on six rows; a denudated space round the margin,
covered with reticulations, which are transverse on the poste-

147

rior edge, but become longitudinal below the angle; the
operculum covered with scales, about one-fourth smaller than
those of the middle of the body, but ciliated like them ; the body
is as thick as the length of the head; it shows twenty-eight
scales on the longitudinal line, and several smaller ones near the
root of the caudal; on the transverse series the lateral line runsover
the fourth, and I count eight below it. The dorsal fin is formed
of thirteen spines, but the soft rays vary from fifteen to seven-
teen ; the first spine is short, the others nearly equal one to the
other ; the fourth is rather longer than the anterior ones, and
the following are about equal to it; the soft dorsal is nearly
twice as high as the spinous one; the caudal is very strongly
bilobated, with the lobes rounded ; it is formed of fourteen rays ;
the anal is rounded, and composed of two spines and of fifteen
or sixteen rays ; the second spine is about twice as long as the
first ; ventrals rather large, formed of one long spine and of tive
branched rays; they are nearly three-quarters as long as the
head, and from their end to the base of the anal is a space equal
to about one-half of their length; pectorals large, formed of
nineteen rays. Almost all the spinous part of the dorsal, the
three-quarters of the branched one and of the anal, and also the
two-thirds of the caudal, are covered with small scales; these
extend also on the base of the pectorals. The eye is yellow.

The colour is nearly black, with a purple tinge on the sides of
the head and on the spines of the fins; the membranes of the
dorsal have a yellow hue, but these colours seem subject to
much variation, as one specimen, a female, was of a light purple’
colour, with the central parts of the body of a light brown, with
the middle of the scales yellow ; the belly was reddish; the fins
yellow; a broad purplish white stripe extended round the oper-
culum.

This is not a common sort on the Melbourne market, but a
specimen appears now and then, particularly in the months of
September, October, and November. It does not seem to have
actually a vernacular name, but Dr. Gunther says it is called
Rock Perch, which is not used now. I could not ascertain if it
was fit for the table.

Length, 8 to 10 inches,

148

LABRID.

“ Body oblong or elongate, covered with cycloid
scales. The lateral line extends to the caudal, or is
interrupted. One dorsal fin, with the spinous portion
as well developed as, or more, than the soft; the soft
anal similar to the soft dorsal. Ventral fins thoracic,
with no spine and five short rays. Palate without
teeth; only one lower pharyngeal line without me-
dium suture. Branchiostegals, five or six; gills,
three and a-half; pseudobranchiz and air-bladder
present. Pyloric appendages none; stomach with-
out cecal sac.

“Marine fishes, inhabiting the seas of the tem-
perate and tropical regions.”

LABRICHTHYS.

These fish were separated from Labrus by Dr. Bleeker. The
sorts are numerous in the Australian waters, and most are
remarkable for the beauty cf their colours. Not being generally
considered as good for food, it is very seldom that the fishermen
send them to the market. The only three sorts I have, up to this
time, observed, appear to be new, or, at least, none of the descrip-
tions given by Cuvier, Richardson, or Dr. Gunther can apply to
either. The Parrot Fish, as those Labride are commonly called,
only appear in the warm months of the year; the first I saw was
at the end of September. It is probable that the Labrus Cypri-
naceus (White, New South Wales, p. 264, pl. 51, fig. 1,) belongs
to this genus.

LABRICHTHYS BLEEKERI.
(Parrot Fish.)

The teeth are on a double line, particularly at the upper jaw.
This would exclude these fish from Labrichthys, as Dr. Gunther,
in the synopsis of the genera of Labride, gives to this genus, for a

149

distinctive character, “ teeth im the jaws in a single series;” but
in the characters of the genus, a few pages further on, he says :—
“Teeth in the jaws in a single series ; but there is sometimes an
interior series of smaller teeth, destined to replace those in func-
tion” This only shows how artificial is this division. At the corner
of the mouth there are two large posterior canine teeth ; those
of the regular line are small behind, and grow gradually stronger
as they are placed more forward ; in front, there is, on each side,
a strong canine; behind this line, there is another line of smaller
and more blunt teeth. At the lower jaw, the teeth are disposed
the same, but those of the inner series do not extend so far back-
wards. In the young specimens, and perhaps in the females,
there are no posterior canine teeth at the angle of the mouth.
The head is rough ; the opercles scaly ; on the cheeks, there are
two series of scales, and all the surface is covered with irregular
lines, which radiate from the eye; the preoperculum is not
serrated.

The height of the body is contained three and one-third times in
the total length; the head four times in the same ; eye four and
one-third times in the length of the head. The general profile is
oval, the highest place being at about the middle of the fish; the
dorsal scales do not extend on the base of the fin. The lateral
line is continuous, following the upper profile till a little before
the end of the dorsal, and then descending by an oblique line to
the middle, which it follows up to the root of the caudal; it is formed
of a succession of twenty-five long carinated lines, which expand
in rather numerous but short arbuscles at their end. The trans-
verse line numbers ten scales, the lateral line running over the
third. Dorsal scaleless, formed of nine spines and eleven rays ;
caudal rounded, of thirteen long rays; anal of three spines and
ten soft rays; ventrals of moderate size, pointed ; pectorals large,
of thirteen rays.

Entirely of an obscure green on the upper parts, and of a dark
blue on the lower; a broad, black, longitudinal band extends from
the posterior edge of the eye to the end of the operculum ; the
cheeks are covered with little, irregular white spots ; the throat is
purple, spotted with white ; all the scales of the body are bor-
dered with carmine, but there is no trace of spots or bands. The
fins are green, the spiny dorsal having red tinges, and the rays

150

of the soft part are spotted with purple; these spots extend on
the membranes; the fin is bordered with red. The caudal has its
rays orange, spotted with carmine ; the anal has three longitudinal
series of large, rounded, carmine spots; the ventrals are pink,
and the pectorals yellow ; the eye is carmine, with concentric
green lines.

I dedicated this sort to my old and celebrated friend, Dr.
Bleeker, who not only showed me so much kindness when I was
at Batavia, but also has so much helped me for years in my
Ichthyological studies in India.

The length of this fish is, on an average, from 10 to 12 inches.

LABRICHTHYS RICHARDSONI.
(Parrot Fish.)

Very much like the former, but a little broader. The teeth
are the same, but there is only one canine at the corner of the
jaw. The scales, composition of the fins, and lateral line are
similar, the latter is formed of twenty-six tubes; the dorsal has
nine spines and eleven soft rays ; the caudal fourteen rays; the
anal three spines and eleven rays ; the pectorals thirteen rays.

The general colour is of a light blueish green, with a black
spot on the extremity of the operculum, and two broad, trans-
verse bands of the same colour—one extending from the third or
fourth spine of the dorsal to the first soft ray of the same; the
second, which is often absent, is placed more backwards; the
scales have no coloured margin; a few dark spots are usually
seen between the fifth, sixth, and seventh spines of the dorsal ;
the fins are of the colour of the body, the caudal alone having a
posterior orange margin; the eye is green, with an inner and
- outer crimson circle.

My largest specimen measures about 14 inches.

There are three series of scales on the cheeks, and the entire
surface is very rough; the dorsal scales do not extend on the
base of the fin.

I consider as a variety of this sort a specimen which, with its
general form and colour, had three faint transverse, obscure
bands, and a longitudinal stripe extending from the angle of the
mouth to the first transverse band passing below the eye; the
caudal, ventral, and pectoral were yellow, with the fins orange ;

151

the other fins were variegated with purple spots, and edged with
crimson ; the eye was biue, with an inner and an external crimson
circle.

On the dried specimens, appear sorts of longitudinal ridges,
such as those that Dr. Richardson has represented in his plate
of L, Laticlavius.

LABRICHTHYS VESTITA.

The height of the body is contained three and two-third times
in the total length ; the head is three and three-fourth times in
the same; the orbit is seven times in the latter. The anterior
part of the head is rather more rounded than in the two first
sorts. There is only one long canine tooth on each side, but the
dentition seems to vary considerably with age, as in a specimen
12 inches long, there is only one tooth at the corner of the
mouth, but there are two, and in some places three, rows of teeth
on the upper jaw; on a specimen 17 inches long, there are two
teeth at the corner of the mouth, and one line in all the anterior
portion of the lower jaw. It is only on the sides that a line of |
small extra teeth are visible. On the cheeks, there are three or
four irregular lines of rounded scales. The lateral line is of the
same form as that of the preceding species ; it runs over twenty-
six scales, and is formed of twenty-three long tubes, expanding
posteriorly in very numerous, broad, and intricate arbuscles ; the
transverse line is formed of fourteen scales. The dorsal is com-
posed of nine spines and eleven rays ; it is nearly equal in all its
length, the soft part being very little higher than the other. The
dorsal scales do not extend over its base ; caudal rounded, of
thirteen long rays, with another almost as long, and several short
ones on each side. Anal with three spines and ten rays; the
first spine is about one-third shorter than the second, and this
bears about the same proportion to the third ; the ventrals have
one long and slender spine and five rays, the two first rather pro-
longed ; pectorals of thirteen rays.

The colour is of a reddish lilac, with two broad, transversal
bands of a dark brown on the body—one situated just behind the
extremity of the pectoral, and the other towards the middle of
the soft dorsal. The middle of the head, from the jaws to the
operculum, presents a beautiful blue tinge, which extends equally

152

on the centre of the lower jaw ; the spiny dorsal, the caudal, the
pectorals, and ventrals are yellow; the soft dorsal and the anal
are obscure, sometimes black with a blue tinge; the base of the
pectoral is black. These colours are subject to some variation.
When dry, the body presents the same feeble longitudinal ridges
I have mentioned in another sort.

Seen several specimens, which were found in February; the
longest measured 17 inches. The fishmongers say that this sort
is very good for the table. .

This may be the Labrichthys Ephippium of Gunther (“ Ann
and Mag. of Nat. History, 1863,” p. 116), but it is certainly not
the sort described by Cuvier under that name, and which is said
to come from New Zealand.

Nora.—The three sorts of Labrichthys I here describe can
be distinguished in the followimg way :—
(a.) Two series of scales on the cheeks; no transverse bands.—
Bleekeri.

(6.) More than two; transverse bands on the body;
ground colour, green.—Lichardsonit.

ground colour, reddish.— Vestita
I believe that the dentition is subject to great variations with

age, and that the presence of one or two teeth at the angle of the
mouth is sometimes due to the same cause.

ODAX.

Genus established by Cuvier and Valenciennes on several
sorts which have the teeth solved together lke the beak of a
parrot, but differs from Searus, which has also this character, by
the scales of their body being small.

ODAX RICHARDSONII.

Odax richardsonii, Gunther, Catal. Brit. Mus. Fishes,
vol. iv., p. 241.
Odax semifasciatus, Richard., Proceed. Zool, Society.
(The Stranger.)

Height of body five and two-third times in total length ; head
four times in same; orbit five and one-quarter times in length

153

of head; the longitudinal line passing through the centre of
the eye, being exactly in the middle of the length of the
head; the anterior part of the head protruding in a long
snout; the upper lip much longer than the other; the lateral
line is not interrupted, and extends to the full length of the
body ; itis arched upwards in its anterior part, over the pec-
torals; it extends over about sixty-four scales. The dorsal is
- formed of thirty rays; the latter eleven branched, the others
being very soft, it is often very difficult to distinguish
one from the other; this dorsal is equal in all its length ; the
caudal is rounded, and formed of twelve long rays; the anal
has the form of the dorsal, but much shorter, it is formed of
twelve rays; the pectoral of fifteen, and is of a rather rounded form.
Authors generally attribute a larger number of rays to the
dorsal (thirty-two) than I have mentioned, but I have seen many
thousand specimens of this fish, and I have always found the
same number.

The colours of this Odax are most changeable ; in fact, it is
very difficult to find two specimens exactly alike ; it is some-
times of a beautiful green, sometimes blue, at other times red,
and very often this ground colour is variegated with beautiful
tinges, caused by the edges of the scales being yellow ; the body
often shows from six to eight transverse obscure bands, that
vanish before they reach the lower part, which is generally white ;
there are often irregular longitudinal bands, sometimes yellow,
sometimes blue, on the sides of the head and on the snout; but
often, also, the upper part of the head is of adark green, with the
sides silvery white, the latter showing irregular yellow spots.
The fins are often hyaline, and without spots, but often also the
dorsal and anal have numerous yellow or red irregular bands and
spots; in most specimens, black spots can be seen on the
membranes of four or five of the posterior fins, commencing
at the fifteenth or nineteenth ; the eye is of a beautiful yellow,
sometimes bordered with green, sometimes with light blue.

The adult specimens measure from twelve to sixteen inches,
This fish is very common all the year round in the Melbourne
Market, and is moderately esteemed for food.

The Odax Pullus, Bl. & Sch. (Scarus), is probably founded
on one of the varieties of this sort. 1t was found in New Zea-

154

land by Forster, and in Western Port by Messrs. Quoy and
Gaimard. Cuvier and Valenciennes (vol. xiv., p. 305,) state
that it has thirty-four rays to the dorsal, but as all the thousands
of Strangers that are brought from Western Port belong to the
same sort, I cannot but think there is some mistake in these
numbers.

J had taken this sort for the Odaw Semifasciatus (Cuy. & Val.,
y. xiv., p. 299), and I see that Richardson has been of the same
opinion; but Dr. Gunther, finding that it has its preoper-
culum entire, very properly distinguishes the Australian species
fromit; he also thinks that the Pullus of Cuvier and Valen-
ciennes is not the one of Bloch, which was brought by Forster
from New Zealand.

ODAX OBSCURUS.

Height of body a little over four and one-half times in the
total length; length of head three and three-quarter times i
same ; eye four and three-quarter times in length of head.

The head is not protruded in so long a snout as in the first
species, and a longitudinal line passing through the centre of the
eye would be much nearer to the extremity of the muzzle than
to that of the operculum ; the profile of the head forms a rather
long oval; the upper lip is rather longer than the other; the
preoperculum is very finely denticulated ; the lateral line ex-
tends to the base of the caudal, and is arched over the pectorals ;
it runs over about forty-five scales, these being much larger than
those of Richardsonit.

Dorsal of twenty-eight rays; its height is equal in all its
length ; caudal rounded, of thirteen rays; anal of fifteen; pec-
torals rounded, of fourteen rays.

The general colour is almost black with a purplish tinge ; the
upper part of the head is of a lighter brown; on its sides
are numerous, narrow, flexuous red lines running longitu-
dinally ; eye of a beautiful red, with a broad exteral blue circle ;
dorsal and anal of a light blue colour, covered with oblique scarlet
lines; it has also a broad black border; the other fins black.

Only seen once at the Melbourne Market, in the month of
December ; but it is probable that the following only constitutes
a variety of the same sort :—

155

Body of a grey colour, with a few irregular green spots on the
back ; upper part of the head green, with the sides blue; on
these there are numerous longitudinal undulating narrow lines ;
the posterior margin of the scales, on the sides of the body, are
pink, as are also the throat and the fins; the dorsal, caudal, anal,
and ventrals have a rather broad black margin ; the three first
are covered with irregular narrow spots, forming oblique lines
on the dorsal and anal, and transverse ones on the caudal.

Seen several times in the Melbourne Market. In size never
more than from 5 to 6 inches long.

Nora.—I should have taken this for Balteatus, if any of the
specimens I have seen had shown any trace of the dark band
from which the name of the sort has been derived.

OLISTHOPS.

Dr. Richardson formed this genus in the “ Annals and Maga-
zine of Natural History for 1850,” and gave a figure of the sort
he knew in the “Proceedings of the Zoological Society ” of
the same year. Dr. Gunther changed the name to Olis-
therops; but I see no sort of use, nor even of right, in
these so-called rectifications. The latter author charac-
terises the genus thus :—“ Head entirely naked; scales of
moderate size; lateral line continuous; snout of moderate
extent, dorsal spines numerous, flexible.” All this agrees
well with the fish I here describe; but the sort known is
represented as having a blueish streak along the upper and lower
margins of the caudal, and along the upper margin of the pec-
toral, and may be different from mine.

OLISTHOPS CYANOMELAS.
Olisthops cyanomelas, Aichard., Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist.,
185i, sp. 291.

Body elongate; front part of the head rounded. Height of
body five times in the total length; head five and a-half times in
the same ; orbit five times in the length of the head. Teeth like
those of Scarus, soldered together, and forming a sort of parrot
beak, on the edge of which the teeth are visible. Lateral line
extending on the root of the caudal ; it is rather flexuous, and
considerably rounded over the pectoral, running over about sixty
scales ; these are of moderate size, and are covered with concen-
tric lines. On the transverse line I find nineteen scales, on the

156

seventh of which the lateral line passes. The anterior part of the
latter forms on each scale a little ridge, which terminates pos-
teriorly in a short, oblong line, recurved upwards. This is seen
on the twelve or fourteen first scales only. The dorsal is high
in front, depressed in the middle, with the soft portion high
again ; it is composed of fifteen or sixteen spines and of eleven
soft rays. The caudal is truncated, with its external angles pro-
longated ; it is formed of twelve long rays and of several short
ones on each side; the anal has one spine and from nine to twelve
rays; the ventrals are rather small; the pectorals large, of
thirteen rays.

The colours are subject to great variation. Some specimens
are of a dark brilliant brown, with a rounded spot of a beautiful
light blue on each side; the lower parts are variegated with
orange and blue; the head is dark brown on its upper parts, of
light blue on the sides, with longitudinal, narrow, and irregular
orange lines; these have a black border. Fins orange, with
numerous light blue spots on the posterior part of the spiny por-
tion of the dorsal; on the soft portion of the same, and on all the
other fins, are very numerous dark blue spots. On the upper
part of the back, adjoining the head, is a broad, transverse, yellow
spot; eye yellow.

‘This description applies to three specimens I obtained in the
month of June. One of them was shorter, azd its upper profile was
much more convex ; it was said by the fisherman to be a male. On
the 10th of October, 1871, a large number of spec:mens made their
appearance on the Melbourne Market; their form was the same,
but their colours generally very different. Some were entirely
black, with a blue streak in front of the eye; this was green, with
an internal red circle; the external rays of the caudal were
strongly proloneated. Others were of a chocolate colour ; others
of a livid yellow, and others, again, of a dark green.

I at first considered these as belonging to different sorts, and
the difference in the numbers of the dorsal spines confirmed me
in that opinion ; but, on examining numerous specimens, I found
insensible passages from one to the other, and I believe they all
belong to one very variable sort. On the dried specimens, a
short suleate is visible on each scale, and their union gives
the appearance of longitudinal lines, which I did not observe on
the fresh specimens.

157

The flesh of this sort is green, and it does not appear to be
used as food, probably for that reason. It is rarely seen on the
market, and does not appear to have any usual name. My
largest specimen measures over 15 inches.

It is probable that this is the Zoobitooit mentioned by Rich-
ardson, from a drawing—“ Hrebus and Terror, Fishes,’ p. 184.

GERRIDA.

“‘ Body compressed, elevated, or oblong, covered
with sparoid scales. Lateral line continuous.
Dorsal fin with spinous and soft portions equally
developed, and with a scaly sheath along the base,
which is separated by a groove from the other
scales. Anal with three (two) spines, and with the
soft portion similar to the soft dorsal. Ventral fins
thoracic, with one spine and five soft rays. Teeth
small, palate toothless. The lower pharyngeal
bones are firmly united by a suture. Branchioste-
gals, six; gills, four; pseudobranchie present ;
glandular air bladder present. Stomach without

cecal sac; pyloric appendages, rudimentary. Ovi-
parous.

‘Tropical seas. ’’

Dr. Guntner, in the first volume of his “ Catalogue,” places
Gerres in his Pristipomatide, where it seems to come very natu-
rally ; but, in the fourth volume of the same work, he formed for
it a family (Gerride), that he places near Labride, and imme-
diately after the small family of Embiotocide of Agassiz.

GERRES.

Formed by Cuvier, and composed of rather numerous species,
generally inhabiting the warm and tropical seas, one only having

158

been found on the coast of North America, as far north as New
York.

The great protractility of the mouth made the illustrious Cuyier
place it in a family he had called Menide ; but in my paper on
the fishes of the Cape of Good Hope, written in 1861, I protested
against this character being considered as of first importance, as
it is to be found in sorts of almost all families.

The species I describe here partakes of the characters of
Ditrema, by the large number of the anal rays, which in Gerres
are not generally more than eight or nine.

GERRES MELBOURNENSIS.

The height of the body is contained two and a-half times in the
total length, without the caudal; the eye is very large, and only
contained two and one-third times in the length of the head, when
the mouth is not extended ; when it is, the distance from the
extremity of the snout to the anterior margin of the eye isa little
less than the diameter of the orbit. The teeth are numerous and
villiform ; there are none on the yomer or palatine. The profile
is very convex over the eye and the snout. When the mouth is
not extended, it is rather bent downwards. The head is con-
tained, in this state, four times in the total length, including
the caudal; the operculum is entire, as is also the preeoperculum,
and the preorbital. The scales are large, being only thirty-
seven or thirty-eight on the lateral line; this line is marked by a
succession of short, elevated, oblique lines, and is strongly curved
near the head. The spiny portion of the dorsal is much shorter
than the soft one; it is formed of nine rather feeble spies ; the
first one is shorter than the following, which are about equal, the
posterior ones being something longer than the others. The rays
number sixteen ; the first are about of the same length as the
last spines, but they become rather longer as they go backwards.
The caudal is forked; it is formed of eighteen long rays and of
several shorter ones on each side; anal with three spines, rather
stronger than those of the dorsal; the first is the shortest, and
the third the longest; the rays number seventeen, the first of which
is longer than the third spine, and the others decrease slightly
towards the tail. The ventrals are inserted a little behind the
pectorals ; they are formed of a long slender spine and of five

159

rays; the pectorals are arched; they are rather shorter than
the head, and formed of fifteen rays, of which the first is
short, and the third the longest of all, and extends further than
the spines of the anal. The dorsal and anal are received in a
low, scaly sheath; the longest spines of the dorsal are equal to
the diameter of the eye; this same dimension is contained one
and a-quarter times in the caudal at its centre, and twice on its
sides.

General colour silvery; the upper parts are blue, and the
sides have a copper tinge ; there are faint longitudinal lines, due
to the centre of the scales being rather obscure. The spinous
dorsal is purple, and the soft part rather yellow; the caudal is of
the latter colour; anal, pectorals, and ventrals, pink eye
yellow, the pupil rather angular.

Seen several specimens in the month of July.

Order I1J.—ANACANTHINI.

«Vertical and ventral fins (except in gadopsis)
without spinous rays. ‘The ventral fins, if present,
are jugular or thoracic. Air-bladder, if present,
without pneumatic duct.

GADOPSID A.

«A small portion of the dorsal and anal fins is
formed into true spines. Gadopsis Marmoratus.
‘‘ Fresh waters of Australia and Tasmania.

GADOPSIS.

This very singular fish has been separated from all others by
Dr. Gunther as a distinct family.
The only sort yet described is the following :—

160

GADOPSIS MARMORATUS.

Gadopsis marmoratus, Richard., Hreb. and Ter., p. 122, pl. 59.
(The Black Fish.)

The Black Fish, well known to the colonists, is found in
almost all the streams of South-Eastern Australia ; but it 1s not
quite certain that it belongs to the sort described by Richard-
son, and which was brought from Tasmania ; at least the figure
given by this author is much shorter than the specimens found
in the Yarra River, and these have one dorsal spine more. OD.
12—26. C. 16 (with six small rays on each side). A. 3—18.
Jey Iba Wg TE {Gosatie)))p

The height is six and a-half times in the total leneth ; the head
four and a-half times in the same ; and the orbit five and a-half
times in the length of the head. The teeth are very numerous,
eardiform, and arched backwards. On the very old specimens,
there are a few larger ones in front, having rather the appear-
ance of canines.

It is of a dark olive colour, with the lower parts of a dirty
yellow; the back is covered with obscure blotches, which give
the fish a black appearance ; the fins are almost black.

The largest specimens I have seen were 165 inches long. I
am not certain that the Black Fish of all the streams of the
Colony belong to the same sort; it is considered good food.

Nota.—Mr. Merle, of Daylesford, has kindly sent me some
specimens from the Loddon River. They are of a light green,
with very few obscure blotches on the back; the belly is white,
and the sides of the head rosy. There are a few irregular obscure
spots on the dorsal; the eye is rather green. The dorsal has
nine spines and twenty-seven rays, and the anal three spines and
eighteen rays. The height of the body is contained five and
two-third times in the total length. The largest of these speci-
mens is a little over 6 inches long. The ventrals are evidently
formed of two rays, united in a great part of their length ; but
the fresh specimens of the common black Fish of the Yarra
have the same appearance,

161

GADID J.

“Body more or less elongate, covered with
small smooth scales. One, two, or three dorsal
fins, occupying nearly the whole of the back; rays
of the posterior dorsal well developed; one or two
anal fins; caudal free from dorsal to anal, or if
they are united, the dorsal with a separate anterior
portion. Ventrals jugular, composed of several
rays, or if they are reduced to a filament, the dorsal
is divided into two. Gill opening wide; the gill-
membranes generally not attached to the isthmus.
Pseudobranchiz none, glandular, rudimentary ;
an air-bladder and pyloric appendages generally
present.

“Mostly inhabitants of the sea. Arctic and
temperate regions.”

PSEUDOPHYCIS.

The genus Psewdophycis was formed by Dr. Gunther on the
Lota Breviuscula of Richardson (“ Erebus and Terror”). This
sort was found on the coast of New Zealand, and is very nearly
allied to the fish I describe here. In fact, the only differences
consist in the body, which is much shorter, and in the form of
the ventrals, which, in Richardson’s plate, are represented by a
long bifid filament. This form of the ventrals does not admit of
the fish I here describe being placed with it, and I should have
to class it with Zotella, a genus established by Kaup, and
characterised, in Dr. Gunther’s Catalogue, as follows :—‘‘ Body
of moderate leneth, covered with small scales ; a separate caudal ;
two dorsal fins and one anal; ventral fins with a flat base, and
composed of several rays; teeth in the upper jaw in a band, with
an outer series of larger ones ; vomerine or palatine teeth, none ;

162

chin with a barbel.” All this agrees well with my sort, except
the teeth. It would appear to come very near to Forster’s Gadus
Bacchus (Rubiginosus Solander), but the composition of the fins
is very different.

PSEUDOPHYCIS BARBATUS.

Pseudophycis barbatus, Gunther, Ann. and Mag. of Nat.
Hist., 1863, p, 116.

(Rock Cod.)

The height of the body is about three and a-half times in the
total length, and the head four and two-third in the same;
the orbit is very oval, and in its largest diameter is contained
less than four times in the length of the head ; this diameter is
equal in length to the snout. The upper profile is regular, but
the belly is rather inflated ; the lower jaw is slightly longer than
the other. The teeth are very numerous, in three or four rather
irregular rows; they are all of the same form—slender, arched,
acute, and all of about the same size; they are similar on both
jaws; the chin bears a very short and slender barbel. The
preoperculum is entire, and rounded; the operculum is termi-
nated by a strong angle, and its posterior edge bears traces of
radiated lines. The body is rather compressed, tapers posteriorly,
is covered with small scales, which fall very easily ; they number
about one hundred and thirty on the longitudinal line. I find it
very difficult, on my dry specimens, to count correctly those of
the transverse lines, but I find thirteen over the lateral line, and
more than twice as many below... The two dorsals are equal in
height ; their membranes are covered with scales on considerably
more than one-half of their height; the first is formed of ten
rays, the last of which is united with the second dorsal by a very
low membrane; this latter is composed. of fifty-one rays, and is
rounded posteriorly; the caudal is also of this form, and
composed of twenty-seven rays; the anal is similar to the
second dorsal, but somewhat shorter; it has fifty-five or
fifty-six rays. The pectorals are contained about twice in the
length of the head, and are inserted a little behind the beginning
of the first dorsal ; they have twenty-two rays. The ventrals are
placed before and below the end of the operculum ;-they are
narrow, and formed of five rays, intimately joined, the external

163

one being prolongated in a filament ; taken from the extremity
of this latter, the fin is about one-half of the length of the head.
The space between the extremity of the lower jaw and the anus
is not quite as long as the anal fiu.

The upper parts are of a light brown; the head rather red ;
the lower parts of a whitish flesh colour, sometimes white ; the
fins are light brown, with a black terminal edge; the pectorals
are sometimes almost white and transparent, and sometimes
rather dark.

My longest specimens are about 15 inches, and I do not think
it grows much larger. It is esteemed for food, and is very
common on the Melbourne Market, particularly during the cold
months of the year.

Dr. Gunther describes in the same work a Lotella Collarias
from Victoria, that I have not yet met with.

OPHIDITD&.

“Body more or less elongate, naked or scaly.
Vertical fins generally united into one; no separate
anterior dorsal or anal ; dorsal occupying the greater
portion of the back. Ventral fins rudimentary (re-
duced. to a filament) or absent, jugular (except in
Brotulophis). Gill-openings wide; the gill-mem-
branes not attached to the isthmus. Pyloric appen-
dages none, or in small number.

“‘ Inhabitants of the seas of nearly all regions.”’

GENYPTERUS.

Genus established by Dr. Andrew Smith, in his “ Ilustra-
tions of the Zoology of South Africa,” under the name of
Aiphiurus, which, m my notice on the fishes of the Cape of
Good Hope, I adopted ; but Dr. Gunther, in the eleventh volume
of his Catalogue, finding it was pre-occupied, has very properly
changed the name to the appellation we now adopt.

164

The same author gives the genus the following characters :—
“Body elongate, compressed, and covered with minute scales ;
eye of moderate size; vertical fins, continuous ; ventral fins re-
placed by a pair of bifid filaments (barbels) inserted below the
glosshyal ; teeth in the jaws, on the vomer and.on the palatine
bones ; the outer series in the jaws, and the single series on the
palates, contain strong teeth; lower jaw received within the
upper; vent situated at some distance behind the pectoral ;
seven or eight branchiostegals; gill-opening wide; gills, four, a
slit behind the fourth ; pseudobranchie and air-bladder present ;
pyloric appendages in small number (six).

GENYPTERUS AUSTRALIS.

(The Rock Line.)

Height eight times in the total length, and one and a-half
times in that of the body; eye seven and a-half times in
the head ; the barbels in the young specimens about one-third
the length of the head, but in the old specimens one-half this
length ; in the young the outer filament is much shorter than the
inner half; but in the large ones they are about equal.

The teeth of the jaws are on two series; the outer ones are
large, thick, conical, and wide apart one from the other ; the inner
ones smaller, of the same form, but placed nearer one to the
other, and sometimes two by two; in the young specimens the
teeth are more slender ; the inner ones in numerous series and
~arched. The lateral line is well marked on the full length of the
body, except on its posterior eighth part ; it is formed of several
lines placed near one another, and having a notch from dis-
tance to distance; the number of these notches is about forty-
seven; at some of these there is a short oblong appendice.
The scales are small; the transversal lines numbering nearly
three hundred ; the pectorals are all contained about two and a-
half times in the length of the head.

The general colour is of a light lilac; the belly is white ; the
body is covered with large marbled blotches, irregular in form, but
generally rounded ; on the back they are confluent, and they ex-
tend over the head. The eye is silvery. The dorsal and anal are
dark and marbled like the body; the extreme edge ofthe dorsal
is white, and the one of the anal flesh colour; pectorals spotted

165

The anus is situated a little nearer to the extremity of the
mouth than to the end of the tail.

Very common in the Melbourne Market, particularly in the
cold months of the year. Its flesh is considered very delicate.
I think it must have been described, but I am unable to identify
it with any known sort.

The figure of Ophidiwm Maculatum, given by Tschudi, faun.
Perwv., p. 25, pl. 4, is so very similar to this fish, that I hesitate
to separate the two; but he represents the head as being with-
out spots. The ventrals have been forgotten on the figure.

The Ophidiwm Blacodes that Forster found on the coast of
New Zealand is also very nearly allied to it, and it is possible
that all these fishes may belong to the same sort; but Dr.
Gunther says that the lateral line is scarcely visible, and disap-
pears entirely in the middle of the body, which is not the case
with the Melbourne fish.

The usual size is about 20 inches; but I have a specimen
which measures 27.

MACRURID.

“‘ Body terminating in a long, compressed, taper-
ing tail, covered with spiny keeled or striated scales.
One short anterior dorsal, the second very long,
continued to the end of the tail, and composed of
very feeble rays; anal of an extent similar to that
of the second dorsal; no caudal. Ventral fins
thoracic or jugular, composed of several rays.
Pseudobranchiz none; six or seven branchios-
tegals. Air-bladder present. Pyloric appendages
numerous.

“Temperate parts of North Atlantic, Mediter-
ranean, Japanese, and Australian Seas.”

I have not observed any in Victoria.

166

PLEURONECTIDZ.

*‘ Body strongly compressed, flat, with one of the
two sides, which is always turned upwards, coloured,
whilst the other is colourless, and only sometimes
spotted. Both eyes are placed on the coloured side ;
and although the bones are present on both sides of
the skull, they are not equally developed or sym-
metrical. Dorsal and anal fins exceedingly long,
without divisions. Gills, four; pseudobranchiee well
developed. Air-bladder, none.

“Carnivorous fishes, living on the sandy bottom
of the coasts of all the regions; many ascend
rivers.”

RHOMBOSOLEA.

Genus established by Dr. Gunther, with the following character-
istics :—EHyes on the right side, the lower in advance of the
upper; the mouth unsymmetrical, narrower on the right side
than on the left; the length of the left maxillary being less
than one-third of that of the head; teeth on the blind side only,
where they are villiform, forming bands; no vomerine or pala-
tine teeth; most of the dorsal and anal rays branched; the
dorsal fin commences on the foremost part of the snout; only
one ventral, which is continuous with the anal; scales very
small cycloid; lateral line straight; gill-openings narrow, the
gill-membranes being broadly united below the throat; gill-
rakers short and conical.

The following Melbourne fish enters evidently in this genus,
but cannot be placed in any of the three species described by
Dr. Gunther. In the sort I describe here, the dorsal extends to
the end of the snout, but the number of its rays do not agree
with any of the species mentioned by that author.

fl

167

RHOMBOSOLEA BASSENSIS.
(The Melbourne Sole.)

The height ef the body is two and a-half times in the total
length ; the head is nearly five times in the same; the space be-
tween the eyes is covered with scales, and is one-half the longi-
tudinal diameter of the eye; the lower eye is considerably in
advance of the upper; snout contained three and two-third times
in the total length of the head; the eye five times in the same.
The dorsal fin begins at the foremost extremity of the snout, and
has seventy-five rays, the first twenty-five having a short prolon-
gated filament; caudal quite free, formed of eighteen rays,
thirteen of which only attain its extremity; anal of fifty-one
rays; ventrals with seven rays, haying short filamentary prolon-
gations ; the pectorals are one-half the length of the head, and
are formed of twelve rays; the external fourth part of the rays
being free of the membranes.

The operculum has a rather strong angle above the root of
the pectorals ; the lateral line is straight, and runs over about
ninety lines of scales. The teeth on the right side are very few;
irregular, and tuberculous, but on the blind side they are very
numerous, on four or five very irregular lines; they are conical
and sharp, and some are slightly curved; on the lower jaw the
teeth are similar, but on four lines. The scales of the body are
puncto-striated, and strongly ciliated, which makes the fish feel
rough to the touch; the fin rays are entirely covered with
scales.

The general colour is of a dark brown, marbled with black
blotches, the sides of which are well shaded with the general
colour; in the larger specimens this is sometimes entirely
black.

The largest specimens attain one foot long.

Tt is found all the year, but more commonly during the cold
mouths. It sometimes goes up the Yarra to Melbourne.

Norta.—Professor M‘Coy, in the “ Intercolonial Exhibition
Reports, 1866-67,” says, that a true Solea, nearly allied to
S. Margaritifera, is found in Hobson’s Bay, and it is probable
that he means thig sort; but the distinctive character of Solea is

168

that the upper eye is in advance of the lower one, and the
contrary is here the case.

PLEURONECTES.

It is only with considerable doubt that I place in this genus
the following sort, as the dorsal begins before the line of
the eyes; but in Dr. Gunther’s division of the Plewronectide,
it would be included in his second division :—“ Cleft of the
mouth narrow, with the dentition much more developed on the ©
blind side than on the coloured.” The lower eye is considerably
in advance of the upper one; and the dorsal does not begin on
the foremost part of the snout.

PLEURONECTES ? VICTORIM.
(The Melbourne Flounder).

The height of the body is twice and one-third in the total
length, or less than twice up to the base of the caudal; head a
little over four times in the total length; eye five times in the
length of head; the space between the eyes narrow and scale-
less; the teeth are absent on the coloured side, but are rather
long, slender, and numerous, particularly in young individuals ;
on the other side they appear in part worn out in the
old ones; the snout, up to the edge of the lower eye, is
as long as the diameter of the latter; the same diameter
of the upper eye, is contained one and one-fourth times
in the snout; the operculum hag an angle over the root
of the pectorals; the lateral line is straight, and runs over
about eighty-five scales; it is prolongated on the head, and
emits a branch behind the operculum, which runs obliquely
towards the dorsal, that it meets between the fifth and sixth
dorsal ray; the scales are small and rounded; in the old speci-
mens they are sensibly concave, particularly on the head and
on the upper part of the body. The dorsal is much higher
towards the middle of the body than inits otherparts, it has fifty-
six or fifty-seven rays, which are always longer than the mem-
branes, and gives the upper edge an appearance of being fringed ;
the anterior ones are more prolongated, and the first of all is free,
bifid, and only connected with the others by a very low mem-

169

brane ; the caudal is large, rather rounded, and formed of nine-
teen rays, of which thirteen only are long ones; ventrals formed
of six rays, which are united to the anal by a membrane without
rays; the anal is formed like the dorsal, and has forty-one or
forty-two rays; the pectorals rather longer than the distance
from the end of the snout to the posterior margin of the eye,

and formed of eleven rays.

This fish is common on the Melbourne Market, but rarely
attains a foot in length. It is of an olive green, with large mar-
bled blotches of a darker and brownish colour; the lower side
is white, with its pectorals rather pink; the eye is black, with an

orange circle.
It is esteemed for the table.

Nora.—Professor M‘Coy considers this fish, “ Intercolonial
Exhibition, 1866-67,” as being the Rhombosolea Flesoides of
Dr. Gunther; but the description of this specie, “ Ann. and Mag.
of Natural History,” 1868, p. 116, does not agree with it; the
numbers of the rays are very different; the bifurcation of the
lateral line is not mentioned ; the dorsal also seems to begin
too far behind to allow it to be placed with Rhombosolea.,

Order IV.—PHYSOSTOMI.

« All the fin-rays articulated ; only the first of
the dorsal and pectoral fins is sometimes more or
less ossified. ‘The ventral fins, if present, are
abdominal, without spine. Air-bladder, if present,
with a pneumatic duct.

SILURIDA.

** Skin naked, or with osseous scutes, but without
scales. Barbels always present; maxillary bone
rudimentary, almost always forming the base of a
maxillary barbel. Margin of the upper jaw formed

170

by the inter-maxillaries only. Sub-operculum
absent. Air-bladder generally present, communi-
eating with the organ of hearing by means of the
auditory ossicles. Adipose fin present or absent.

*“‘ Inhabitants of the fresh waters of all the tem-
perate and tropical regions, some entering the salt
water, but keeping near the coast.”

COPIDOGLANIS.

This is the only sort of Silwride I have yet seen in Australia,
but several others are described from the Northern Territory,
and from New South Wales.

COPIDOGLANIS TANDANUS.

Plotosus tandanus, Mitchell, Exped., v.i., p. 95, pl. 6, fig. 2.
Copidoglanis tandanus, Gunther, Oat., v. p. 26.
(Lhe Murray Catfish.)

The colours of this curious fish are subject to the greatest
changes. Sometimes it is of an olive yellow, lighter on the lower
parts. On the back are feeble marmorated spots, steel colour .
head of a fine carmine colour, as also the barbels and pectorals
the first dorsal is of a dark olive at its base, and red in the
other parts ; the second dorsal is also of an obscure olive, bordered
with red; the caudal and anal are dark green. In other speci-
mens, the back is entirely of a brownish black, which extends
on the sides, and the red tinges sometimes almost disappear ;
in others again, the general colour is almost white, and the head
is often yellow. Itis almost impossible to find two specimens
entirely alike.

This sort appears to be common in the Murray and in the
rivers of Riverina; itis brought to Melbourne, at times, princi-
pally in winter, by the Echuca Railway. It is considered good
food, and attains two feet in length. The fishermen of the
Murray distinguish three sorts—the white, the black, and the
blue, but I think they only constitute varieties of colour,

171

HAPLOCHITONIDA.

«“ Body naked or scaly. Margin of the upper
jaw tormed by the intermaxillary; opereuler ap-
paratus complete. Barbels, none, Gill opening
wide; pseudobranchize well developed. Air-bladder

simple. Adipose fin present. Ovaries laminated ;_

the eggs fall into the cavity of the abdomen,
there being no oviduct. Pyloric appendages, none.

“ Fresh water fish, from the temperate parts of
South America and South Australia, representing
the Salmonoids of the Northern Hemisp here.”’

PROTOTROCTES.
Formed by Dr. Gunther on a very remarkable fish found in
several rivers of Victoria and of North Tasmania.
PROTOTROCTES MARINA.
Prototroctes marena, Gunther, Catal., vol. v., p. 882.
(Yarra Herring.)

Having not yet seen this sort living, or in a fresh state, I only
mention it here; it exhales a very strong and particular smell.
It used to be very common in the Yarra, but since the introduc-
tion into that river of the Murray Cod, it seems to have been
almost destroyed by it. No specimens, are to my knowledge, now

found near Melbourne, and it has become very scarce even in
the upper parts of the river.

SCOPELID A.

« Body naked or scaly. Margin of the upper jaw
formed by the intermaxillary only; opercular ap-
paratus sometimes incompletely developed. Barbels
none. Gill-opening very wide; pseudobranchize

172

well developed. Air-bladder, none; adipose fin
present. The eggs are enclosed in the sacs of the
ovarium, and excluded by oviducts. Pyloric appen-
dages few in number or absent. Intestinal tract
very short.”

AULOPUS.

Formed by Cuvier, in his “Réene Animal,” on a curious
Mediterranean fish, which, on account of its adipose dorsal fin,
had been placed with Salmo by Bloch and others. Its characters
give it much affinity with fishes of the most remote families. Dr.
Gunther has placed it with his Scopelide. M. Valenciennes,
Cuvier’s learned colloborateur, having received from Tenerif
the male and female of this sort, thought that they belonged
to two different species ; but since then, it has been ascertained
that the first mentioned sex is always adorned, in this genus,
with dorsal filaments, which do not exist in the female. In the
last volume that has ever been published of his great work on
fishes, the French author describes a second sort from Australia,
but it had been previously published by Dr. Richardson.

AULOPUS PURPURISSATUS.

Aulopus purpurissatus, Rechard., Icon. Pisc., p. 6, pl. 2, fig. 3.
— milesii, Cw. & Val., Hist. des Pois., v. xxii,
p. 519, fig. 650.

This sort is so very scarce at Melbourne as not to have received
any particular name. At Sydney, it appears to be much more
common, and is known as Sergeant Baker.

DL 19, AL 18. V9. eal iC. 20 lonsarays:

Height of body five and two-third times in the total length ;
the head is a little more than four times in the same ; the orbit
is contained six times in the length of the head. The lower jaw
is longer than the other; the teeth very numerous, on, at least
two lines, on the jaws, and other larger ones are on the palatine
and the vomer. The ventral is very singularly conformed ; its

173

four first rays are thick and bifid, but not branched; the first is
even simple. The dorsal is large ; its spine is much shorter than
the rays, and in the male the first of these prolongates in a very
long filament; this is bifid, the internal limb being much shorter
than the outer one; the adipose is covered with scales.

In a female specimen, I find a rather long filamentary appen-
dice inserted on the posterior edge of the maxillary, over the
angle. Having seen no other specimen of that sex, I do not
know if this is accidental.

The colours of this fish are really magnificent. The upper
parts are of a greyish blue, with fine red, orange, and yellow
tinges on the sides of the head. On the back, extend rather
numerous transverse blotches of a fine scarlet carmine; these
alternate with others which start from the lateral line, and
extend towards the belly without attaining it. The dorsal is
yellow, marbled with crimson; the adipose are purple at the base,
yellow in their middle, and bordered with red on their external
edge. The caudal is yellow, spotted with the most beautiful
crimson ; the anal is white, with orange bands ; pectorals yellow,
with transversal red spots; ventrals yellow, with purple spots,
and the extremity of the rays are pink.

This description is taken from a female specimen caught in the
month of May, 1871. In the same month, and a few days after,
a male fish was brought to the market. The colours were less
briliant and darker ; the upper parts were almost entirely purple ;
the caudal is of the last colour, with some marbled spots grey;
the lateral sides are of a rosy red; the long filament of the
dorsal, and also the straight rays and their membranes, are of
the same colour; the remainder of the dorsal is white, with
purple rounded blotches in considerable number ; the adipose is
purple.

These are the only two specimens I have seen; one was called
by a fishmonger Rock Gurnet, and the other Flying Gurnet.
The length of the longest is about 193 inches, and the other
about an inch shorter.

Nora—Since this was written I have seen another specimen
with thelong dorsal filament ; its colours were not brilliant.

174

SALMONIDA.

““Body covered with scales, head naked; barbels
none. Margin of the upper jaw formed by the
intermaxillaries laterally. Belly rounded. A small
adipose fin behind the dorsal. Pyloric appendages
generally numerous, rarely absent. Air-bladder
large, simple; pseudobranchiz present. ‘The ova
falls into the cavity of the abdomen before
exclusion.

*‘ Fresh waters of the temperate and Arctic re-
gions of the Northern Hemisphere; many species
periodically descending to the sea. One genus
from New Zealand; two genera pelagic.”

Only represented in the Australian seas by a sort of Retro-
pinna, found in New Zealand, and, perhaps, a second in New
South Wales (Krefft). This almost total absence of a family
whose sorts abound in the fresh waters of South America, forms
one of the most curious features of Australian ichthyology.

GALAXID/A.

“Body naked; barbels none. Margin of the
upper jaw chiefly formed by the intermaxillaries,
which are short and continued by a thick lip, behind
which are the maxillaries. Belly rounded. Adipose
fin none; dorsal opposite to anal. Pyloric appen-
dages in small number. Air-bladder large, simple ,
pseudobranchize none. ‘The ova fall into the cavity
of the abdomen before exclusion.

“Fresh waters of the temperate zone of the
Southern Hemisphere.”

175

GALAXIAS.

Genus formed by Cuvier in his “Régne animal,” on a sort
brought from Tasmania by Péron and Lesueur. Since then,
several other Australian species have been described by Richard-
son. This form inhabits also the extreme southern portion of
the American Continent; and Dr. Gunther unites several of
these American sorts with those of Australia, the propriety
of which is very unlikely with fresh-water fishes.

Tt is to be remarked that Cuvier and Valenciennes, in describ-
ing their Galaxias Fasciatus, state that it is from New Zealand ;
but that the specimens were given to Messrs. Lesson and Garnot
at Conception in Chili, by whalers, who had probably salted them
for their food, and this may have led to some confusion.

It is said that some of the American sorts live amongst the
seaweeds ; the Australian fish inhabit the rivers, and those of
the Yarra only extend their habitat a little below Melbourne, to
the place where the water becomes brackish.

GALAXIAS OCELLATUS.
Galaxias ocellatus, ‘Coy, Inter. Exhibit. Essays, 1866-67,
page 14.
(Yarra Trout.)

This is very nearly allied to the Tasmanian sort Zruttaceus,
Cuvier. The body isshort and thick for the genus; the head is
convex over the eyes; the height of the body is contained
five and one-third times in the total length; the head five and
two-third times in the same. The dorsal has eleven rays, of
which the first one is very short, the next two longer, but much
shorter than the others; the caudal is entire and rounded, of
fifteen long rays, with two or three shorter on each side; the
anal is large, of fifteen rays, of which the first is very short; the
ventrals are nearer to the anal than to the pectorals; they are
formed of seven rays, and the pectorals of fourteen.

The body is of a light olive green, with the belly grey; it
is covered with iridiated, round, oscellated black spots ; the sides
of the operculum have a golden tinge ; the fins are of the general
colour of the body ; the pectorals are white; the eye is creer)
speckled with black.

River Yarra. Length, 6 inches.

176

GALAXIAS VERSICOLOR.

Body oval; head attenuated, and rather pointed. Height four
and two-third times in the total length; head five and eight-
tenths in the same; eye four and one-third times in the length
of the head. The lower jaw is a little longer than the other;
cleft of the mouth rather small; the maxillary just attaining the
vertical from the anterior margin of the eye. The fins are rather
large ; the dorsal and anal begin opposite one another ; the first
has nine rays, and the second twelve ; the caudal is rather emar-
ginated, with sixteen long rays; the pectoral is equal in length

o the distance from the posterior margin of the eye to the end
of the operculum ; it is formed of thirteen rays ; the ventrals are
placed at an equal distance from the pectorals and the anal. The
teeth are small on the upper jaw, but much larger, straight,
pointed and rather distant one from the other on the lower ; those
of the tongue are large, straight, and pointed.

The body is of a fine green ; the lower part of the head is grey,
and the one of the body of an orange yellow; the head and
body are covered with very minute blue points. The fins are
grey, with the rays white; the ventrals are also white; the
fluxes form on the middle of the body traces of transverse obscure
arched lines; eye of the colour of gold.

Seen only one specimen, in a marsh near St. Kilda. Length,
53 inches.

GALAXIAS ATTENUATUS.

Galaxias attenuatus, Jenyns, Zool. Beagle, Fishes, p. 121
pl. 22, fig. 5.
————__— Ow. & Val., vol. xviii, p. 348.

Height of the body seven and six-eighth times in the total
length; length of head, six and a-half times in same; eye five
times in the length of the head. Body very elongate; rather
cylindrical; jaws equal in length; cleft of the mouth rather
small, not attaining the vertical from the front of the eye. The
lateral line is well marked and straight. From the beginning of
the dorsal to the vertical of the centre of the eye, there is three
times the distance to the beginning of the caudal; the dorsal has

177

eleven rays; the caudal is emarginate, of sixteen rays; the anal
is a little behind the dorsal, and has fourteen rays; the ventrals
are inserted a little nearer to the anal than to the pectorals ; they
are rather large, and formed of seven rays; the pectorals are
rather shorter than the ventrals, but longer than the distance from
tke posterior margin of the eye to the extremity of the operculum.
The lower teeth are a little longer than the upper ; on the tongue
there are are three or four large teeth in front, and a line on each
side further backwards.

Of a light green colour, with the belly white; the head is
purple; all along the body are numerous, minute, black points,
disposed in transverse clusters. The fins are white; sometimes
there is a transverse green blotch on the middle of the dorsal ;
base of the anal of the same colour; caudal, is green; the eye,
silvery.

Very common in the lower Yarra; it attains 7 and 8 inches in
length.

The specimens preserved in liquor, take a general brown
appearance.

Nora.—I have given here the number of fin rays that I have
usually found; but they seem to be subject to great varia-
tion, ay in some specimens absolutely similar I find—D. 10.
A.15. In one, the number of the dorsal rays is much less still,
(7); but I am not certain that it is entire.

GALAXTIAS CYLINDRICUS.

Very nearly allied to Attenuatus, but still longer, The height
of the body is contained ten and a-half times in the total length ;
the head is seven and a-quarter times in the same; the eye is
four and a-half times in the length of the head. The lower jaw
is rather longer than the other. The body is long and cylin-
drical. The dorsal is formed of ten rays —the first very short ;
the anal of from twelve to fourteen, the first of which is very
short ; the caudal is emarginated, of eighteen or nineteen long
rays; the ventrals of seven rays; they are placed at an equal dis-
tance from the end of the mandibula to the base of the anal. Six
very large hooked teeth on the front part of the tongue, and
others, on each side, backwards.

178

The colours are the same as in Attenuatus ; but when preserved
in spirits, they become grey.
Lower Yarra. It attains the same size as the preceding.

GALAXIAS DELICATULUS.
DLO A On 0G:

Form elongate. The height of the body is six and eight-tenth
times in the total length (to the middle of the caudal) ; the head
is six and two-third times in the same length.

The head is of a ight brownish red; the body of a light yellow
green above the lateral line, and is covered with faint, irregular,
transversal spots, formed of very fine blue points. The lateral
line itself is little marked on its anterior portion, but very dis-
tinct and of a yellowish colour on the other part of the body ;
below this line, the colour is of a fine opal white; the eye is
silvery. The dorsal fin is of the colour ef the back, but its
terminal portion is lighter ; the caudal is of a yellowish green ; the
pectorals, ventrals, and anal of a transparent white; the caudal
is feebly bilobed.

Yarra River; 4 inches long.

GALAXIAS AMANUS.
IDA pp ve\gl AS,

Form rather elongate. The height is five and two-third times
in the total length (to the middle of the caudal) ; head four and
one-third times in the same.

Of a light green colour; a brown spot between the eyes,
extending a little behind them; the back covered with very
minute black points, forming very indistinct, transverse, oblique
lines, better marked on the posterior part. A considerable
number of points, rather larger than the others, are disposed on
the body, and form a double, but rather irregular, longitudinal
line on the middle of the back. The lower side of the body is
covered with the same punctuation and bands as the back, but
the belly is of a rather dark blue, silvery colour; the eye is of a
dark green.

Yarra River. From 3 to 4 inches long.

179

SCOMBRESOCIDZ:.

“Body covered with scales; a series of keeled
scales along each side of the belly. Margin of the
upper jaw formed by the intermaxillaries mesially,
and by the maxillaries laterally. Lower pharyngeals
united into a small bone. Dorsal fin opposite the
anal, belonging to the caudal portion of the verte-
bral column, Adipose finnone. Air-bladder gene-
rally present, simple, sometimes cellular, without
pneumatic duct. Pseudobranchie hidden, glandular.
Stomach not distinct from the intestine, which is
quite straight, without appendages.

“Marine fishes of the temperate and tropical
zones, many species entering or inhabiting fresh
waters.”

HEMIRAMPHUS.

This form may be considered as tropical, one sort alone extend-
ing its habitat to the Mediterranean Sea; several are found in
Australia, but I have only observed one on the shores of Victoria.

HEMIRAMPHUS MELANOCHIR.
Hemiramphus melanochir, Cw. g Val., vol. xix., p. 41.
—— intermedius, Gunther, Catal., vol. v1., p. 260.
(The Gar Fish.)

The lower jaw, from its extremity to the point where it meets
the upper one, is contained five times in the total length; the
height of the body is about sixteen times in the same; and the
head, to the extremity of the upper jaw, is five and two-third times
in it; the orbit is contained about four times in the same
distance. The upper mandible is long and obtuse; the teeth
very numerous ; the dorsal fin is long, and formed of seventeen
rays; the anal has the same form and nineteen rays; the

180

caudal, slightly emarginated, has fifteen long rays and three
short ones on each side; the ventrals are rather small, and the
pectorals rather long, and formed of thirteen rays.

The upper parts are of an olive grey, with a broad longitudinal,
silvery band on the side; lower parts white The inferior
mandible is black, with its extremity red; the eye is of a golden
colour. Dorsal fin, obscure ; caudal of a light olive, having some-
times an obscure tinge on ity posterior extremity; anal and
ventrals of a light olive hue; pectorals in part black; and some-
times covered by this colour, but in other specimens it only ex-
tends over their posterior part.

This sort was first observed by Messrs. Quoy and Gaimard, at
Western Port, during Captain d’Urville’s Expedition. It is one
of the commonest fishes in the Melbourne Market, during all
seasons of the year, and is considered good food. It is equally
common in Hobson’s Bay as at Western Port, and young speci-
mens are often found in the brackish waters of the lower Yarra.
It rarely exceeds 14 inches.

A very young specimen, not more than an inch long, had its
back green and a brown spot on the top of the head; the longi-
tudinal band of the sides was of a most brilliant silver colour ;
the lower jaw was entirely black.

GONORHYNCHID Ai.

“Head and body entirely covered with spiny
scales; mouth with barbels. Margin of the upper
jaw formed by the intermaxillary, which, although
short, is continued downwards asa thick lip, situated
in front of the maxillary. Adipose fin none; the
dorsal fin is opposite to the ventrals, and short like
the anal. Stomach simple, without blind sac; py-
loric appendages insmall number. Pseudobranchie;
air-bladder absent. Gull-openings narrow.

“Southern temperate parts of the Atlantic and

Pacific; Japan.”

181
GONORHYNCHUS.

The formation of this genus is due to Gronovius (Zoophylacion),
but the sort on which it was established was placed by Gmelin and
Bloch with Cyprinus. It is to Cuvier, in the first edition of the
“ Régne Animal,” that we owe the first modern notion of this fish;
but he leaves it with his Cyprinoide. In the nineteenth yolume
of the “ Histoire des Poissons,” Mr. Valenciennes places it in the
Malacopterygii, between Chanos and Mormyrus. Dr. Gunther,
in his “ Catalogue of the Fishes of the British Museum,” formed
for it a separate family (Gonorhynchide), between Scombresocidee
and Osteoglosside. The typical species was from the Cape of
Good Hope, but Dr. Richardson described and figured a second
one from New Zealand and Western Australia, under the name
of Rynchana Greyit (Hrebus and Zerror). I believe, also, that
my genus Gnathendalia “ Memoire gur les Poissons de |’ Afrique
Australe,” p. 56, comes very near to this genus, which was
unknown to me at the time; but I have not the speci-
mens with me; it was formed on a small fish I found in
great numbers near the Moravian Mission of Gnadenthal, in the
Cape of Good Hope colony. I considered it also to belong to the
Cyprinde. In reference to this fish I beg to add, that it is on
this subject that Dr. Gunther quotes, for the first time in 1868,
my paper on the fishes of South Africa, written by me in 1858,
and published in 1861,and he does it, of course, in an abusive way.
Considering this sort as a Cyprinidae, I tried, in a short notice,
to distinguish it from the other groups then known. He pre-
tends not to perceive that itis by a misprint that the river, which
feeds it, is called Genadendal; “ evidently,’ says he, “meaning
the well known Gnadenthal.” It is likely that this locality is
better known to me who have been there several times, than to
Dr. Gunther ; and the name given to the fish is a sufficient proof
that the mistake belongs to the printer. As to the name itself, I
gave it the French pronunciation in a French work. I must
also add, that im the excellent map of South Africa, published by
Henry Hall, the mountains where it is situated are called
Genadendal. No one, of course, expects any indulgence from
Dr. Gunther on icthyological subjects, but on geographical ones
he might be more lenient, as he could hardly attribute to others,

182

the often repeated words matta grasso, river capin, &c., which
have no meaning whatever, and are intended for matto grosso

(great forest), rio capim (grass river), &c. All this could only

_ show that I do not known German, nor Dr. Gunther Portuguese ;

and that nobody, not even the learned doctor, can be universal.

GONORHYNCHUS GREYI.

Rynchana greyi, Richard,, Hrebus and Terror, Fishes, p. 44,
pl. 29, figs. 1-6.
Gonorhynchus greyi, Cw. & Val., vol. xix., p. 212.

(Lhe Sand Eel.)

The upper parts of a light lilac, sometimes with marmorated
tinges rather more obscure on the back; lower parts white;
muzzle and the lower surface of the head pink; sides of the
head of a golden tinge ; all the fins of a yellowish white ; dorsal
with a large black spot near the end, the extreme edge remaining
white; caudal with a broad black transverse band near its
extremity ; anal and ventrals with their end black; the eye is
sometimes silvery, sometimes golden. A part of this organ is
covered on each side by a membrane ; the lower and pectoral fins
have sometimes a blue tinge.

This fish is most remarkable by its general resemblance to a
Saurian reptile of the genus Scincus. It is often brought in all
seasons to the Melbourne Market, where it is esteemed good
for the table. It is foundin clear quiet water, with a sandy
bottom, and, according to the fishermen, it digs holes in the sand.
The usual length is from eight to twelve inches; the largest spe-
cimen I have seen was a little under fourteen, and the smallest
four inches and a quarter; I found this entire in a small shark.

Dr. Gunther unites the Australian sort with the one from the
Cape of Good Hope, and also with another from Japan, To
characterize this curious assemblage, he says (Catalogue, vol. vi.,
p. 374), “ from an examination of these specimens I have arrived
at the conclusion, that this species varies considerably in the
depth of the body, and especially that young examples,
are constantly less elongate than the adult.” Having ex-
amined several hundred specimens in Melbourne, I may add,
that there is no variation whatever in the proportions of the Aus-

183

tralian specimens, and that the learned doctor might have come
to a more simple and natural conclusion, if he had admitted that
he was uniting, under the same name, several very distinct
species.

OSTEOGLOSSID. Ai

“ Body covered with large hard scales, composed
of pieces like mosaic; head scaleless, its intezuments
nearly entirely replaced by bone; lateral line com-
posed of wide openings of the mucus-duct. Margin
of the upper jaw formed by the intermaxillaries
mesially, and by the maxillaries laterally. The
dorsal fin belongs to the caudal portion of the verte-
bral column, is opposite and very similar to the anal
fin; both approximate to the rounded caudal—with
which they areabnormally confluent. Guill-openings
wide ; pseudobranchiz none; air-bladder simple or
cellular. Stomach without cecal sac; pyloric ap-
pendages two.

“ Large fresh-water fishes of the tropics.”

The genus Osteoglossus, which composes this family, was esta-
blished by Vandelli, on a sort found in the Amazon River, and
which I have also observed there ; another species inhabits Borneo
and Sumatra ; and a third (Leichardti) has been found in Queens-
land, and described by Dr. Gunther. These are all tropical
fishes, and it is not likely that this form will ever be found in
the southern parts of Australia.

CLUPEIDA,
‘Body covered with scales; head naked; barbels
none. Abdomen frequently compressed into a ser- -
rated edge. Margin of the upper jaw formed by

184

the intermaxillaries mesially and by the maxillaries
laterally ; maxillaries composed of three, sometimes
movable, pieces. Opercular apparatus complete.
Adipose fin none. Dorsal not elongate; anal some-
times very long. Stomach with a blind sac; pyloric
appendages numerous. Gill apparatus much
developed, the gill-openings being generally very
wide. Pseudobranchiz large, except in Megalops.
Air-bladder more or less simple.

*“‘ Inhabitants of all seas, many species entering
fresh waters.”

CHATOESSUS.

Formed by Valenciennes, on a small group of fishes, generally
from the fresh waters of America and India, and often re-
markable by the lowest ray of their dorsal being prolongated
in a long filament.

CHATOESSUS EREBI.

Chatoessus Erebi, Gunther, Cat. British Musuem, vol. vii,
page 207.

Come, Richard., Erebus and Terror, p. 61, pl. 38.

Clupea Thrissa (Kome) Russel, Pishes, Corom. ii., p. 76,
pl. 196.

Richardson had considered this fish as belonging to the Kome
of Russell, but Dr. Gunther has found it was distinct.

It is of a light silvery grey on the upper parts, with the edge
of the scales rather obscure; this is caused by the presence of
numerous and very small black points; the lower parts are very
brilliant, silvery, andiridated; the top of the head is purple; the
dorsal of a fine grey, the others blueish; ventrals white; the
caudal bordered with an obscure tinge; the sides of the head
are rather yellow, as are also the eyes.

Very scarce in the Melbourne Market, and being very much

185

esteemed as food, it sells at a high price; I cannot discover if
it has a common name.

The two or three specimens, I have seen, were found after very
bad weather.

It appears also to be found in fresh water, being noticed by
Blandowski amongst the sorts of the Murray River. He says
the natives callit Manur; and addy, “ leaps frequently out of the
water, and is easily caught by its elongated ray in thin fine nets,
laid by the natives horizontally on the water. The fish gets
entangled in the twine, and cannotescape. It is most numerous
in the Darling, but is also found above and below the junction of
the Murray and Darling Rivers. In June and July it is consi-
dered a delicacy by the natives, and forms their principle food
during these two months. The young women are not permitted
to eat them, from a belief, that if they did all the fish in the
river would die; but in reality, because it is thought to be an
aphrodisiac, this fish being very fat and nourishing. It is also
placed on the tops of graves, to point out the direction in which
he lives who caused the death of the inmate; therefore this fish
is much esteemed.”

Tt is from ten to fourteen inches long.

I have not yet been able to obtain any specimens from the fresh
waters, and I cannot say if it belongs to the sort which
inhabits Hobson’s Bay. The largest I have seen of the latter ig
thirteen inches long.

I find in the “ Industrial Progress of New South Wales,” 1871,
page 770, that Chateossus Hrebi is found in the north Austra-
han rivers, the Murray, Clarence, Burnett, Fitzroy, &c., and that
according to Mr. Masters, it is called Bony Bream by the
Burnett settlers.

ENGRAUTLIS.

In following Dr. Gunther’s division of this genus, this sort has
to be placed amongst those that have none of their pectoral rays
prolonged ; the teeth in the jaws about equal in size; the origin
of the dorsal fin in advance of that of the anal, and teeth in both
jaws.

The known sorts are not numerous. All have very numerous
rays to the anal,

186

ENGRAULIS ANTARCTICUS.

(White Bait.)

The height of body seven and one-quarter times in the total
length ; head four and one-quarter in the same; eye three and
one-fifth in length of head; the muzzle considerably longer than
the mandibula, and embracing it; the upper jaw presents a line
of very minute and equal teeth, and the lower one has a similar
line of still smaller ones. The dorsal is inserted at equal distance
from the snout and the base of the caudal, it is as high as the
body; of fifteen rays, the first much shorter than the others, but
the second and fifth rather longer than the following; caudal
strongly bifurcated; the lateral rays being about one-third longer
than the height of the body ; it is formed with twenty long rays,
and five or six shorter ones on each side; anal rather jower than
the dorsal, haying twelve rays of which the first is short. From the
posterior end of the anal the distance to the lateral root of the
caudal is contained three times in the distance from its begin-
ning to the end of the mandibula, and twice from the superior
root of the caudal to the anterior one of the dorsal; the ventralg
are rather smaller than the pectorals, and are formed of only one
simple ray, and five branched ones; they are placed a little in
advance of the dorsal; the pectorals are formed of fifteen rays.

The colour of the upper parts is of a light greyish green, with
purple tinges; the head is brown; the lower parts are very
silvery; there is a narrow, yellow, longitudinal streak from the
upper part of the operculum to the base of the caudal, and below
this extends a broad longitudinal, silvery, and very brilliant band,
having sometimes a blue tinge ; the operculum and throat are very
iridescent; the fins are diaphanous; the caudalis yellow at ity
base, and obscure towards the extremity; eye silvery. After
haying been in the liquor the fish appears very silvery, with the
upper parts of a dark blue.

Very common on the Melbourne Market during the whole
year.

Dr. Gunther states that the common European anchovy
Engraulis Encrasicholus is found in Australia; but this is only
said to satisfy his usual tendency to unite, under the same
species, fishes from all parts of the globe, and as he himself

187

finds that Australian specimens present constant differential
characters in the number of the rays, he forms with them a
named variety (Antipodum). In following out this system, ag
the same ichthyologist has, also, in this genus named Subgenera,
a single specimen would have two generic and two specific names,
which would, I should think, be sufficient to disgust the most
fervent student from zoological study.

In all cases Antarcticus cannot be Antipodum, as Dr. Gunther
says that it has no teeth at the lower jaw, nora silvery band
along the sides.

CLUPEA SAGAX.

Clupea sagax, Jenyns, Beagle Fishes, p. 184.
Gunther, Catal., vol. vil., p. 443. -
Alauga melanosticta, Cuv. & Val., xx. p. 444.

Professor M‘Coy has published the following interesting
account of this fish “ Intercolonial Exhibition,” 1866-67: “ Ofthe
family Clupeide, or herrings, there is only one of much impor-
tance in our seas. A specimen of this was first brought to me
in August, 1864, from a small shoal then seen for the first time
in Hobson’s Bay, and quite unknown to the fishermen. It was
supposed by the sender to be the Yarra Herring, or Grayling,
gone out to sea; but on examination I found it was the Olupea
Melanosticta of Temmink, or the species of Pilchard, so abundant
on the shores of Japan. In the same month, in the succeeding
year, they appeared in great abundance in the Bay, and were
caught by thousands for the market. After remaining for a few
weeks they disappeared until the same time in 1866, when they
arrived in such countless thousands, that carts were filled with
them by simply dipping them out of the sea with large baskets.
Hundreds of tons of them were sent up the country to the inland
markets, and through the city, for several weeks, they were sold
for a few pence the bucketful while the captains of the ships
entering the Bay reported haying passed through closely packed
shoals of them for miles. They may be now probably expected
every year as a very important addition to the food fishes of the
country. I imagine some alteration in the bed of the sea, from

the earthquake disturbances north of Australia, about that time,

188

may have facilitated or induced the extension of the shoals in
such unusual quanties from Japan to our coasts. Duperrey (or
Lesson and Garnot) found it in New Zealand, and Cuvier and
Valenciennes referred their specimen to the genus Alausa. I
find, however, that the authors of the “ Histoire des Poisyons”’
were in error, and Temmink in the right,—the former assigning
five, and the latter seven gill-rays ; and it has also a row of teeth
on the tongue, as was correctly stated by Temmink, and errone-
ously denied by Cuvier and Valenciennes. The fish is therefore
a Meletta, and not an Alausa, and should be referred to as the
Meletta Melanosticta (Tem.)”

All that the Professor says about the extraordinary occurrence
of the shoals of the fish is perfectly correct, and they have since
that time made their appearance every year ; but in 1871 a few
only began to be seen on the 16th of November, and they became
more abundant in December and January following, but at
all times in much less numbers than those of other years, but
I cannot agree with Professor M‘Coy about the name of this
fish, and it is impossible for me to see any teeth on its tongue ;
I therefore think that its genus was well named by Cuvier and
Valenciennes. That it is not the Melanosticta of Schleg. is still
more evident, as that sort has sixteen or seventeen rays to its
anal, while the Australian fish has eighteen, and this is one of
the characters of Sagax, which has also the round black spots on
the sides. Dr. Gunther has well described and distinguished
these two sorts, and if Professor M‘Coy has not been mistaken
in regard to the existence of lingual teeth, it would ‘show that the
two sorts appear in the waters of the southern parts of Australia.

According to Dr. Gunther, Clupea Sagax inhabits the western
coast of America, from California to Chili, Japan, and New
Zealand.

MELETTA.

This genus of Cuvier and Valenciennes, formed on sorts who have
only teeth on the tongue, and none on the jaws, is not admitted by
Dr. Gunther, who considers the dentition in this group of fishes as
too rudimental to be taken as a generic character; but at the
game time he takes it as his principal character of the division of
the genus. If it is constant enough to furnish a safe guide for

189

the recognition of the species, it seems difficult to understand
how it has no generic value.

In the little fish I mention the upper jaw is shorter than the
lower one; the abdomen is serrated from below the pectorals, or
even a little in advance of their insertion; the anal fin hag
twenty rays; no teeth are visible on the jaws, nor on the palate,
but some exist on the tongue; dorsal inserted a little behind the
ventrals, which are well developed. A well-defined broad,
silvery, longitudinal stripe runs on the sides.

The assemblage of these characters would place this sort in
Dr. Gunther’s genus, Clupea; but the situation of the dorsal fin
in respect to the ventrals, is in opposition to all he says on this
subject in his descriptions; Cuvier and Valenciennes, on the
contrary, state, in speaking of Meletta Vulgaris, that the ventrals
are rather in advance of the dorsal.

MELETTA NOV.H-HOLLANDZ.
Meletta Novex-hollandiz, Cuv. & Val., vol. xx., p. 376.
(The Smelt.)

Height four and a-half times in the total length; head five and —
a-half in the same; eye as long as thesnout, and contained
three and a-half times in the head; the lower jaw longer than
the upper; mouth extensible; no teeth on the palate; maxillary
extending to below the front edge of the eye; body com-
pressed ; forty-six scales on the longitudinal line; sixteen rays to
the dorsal; twenty to the anal; the caudal has nineteen rays, with
five short ones on each side; the pectorals fourteen rays. The
height of the first ray of the dorsal is equal to the distance from
the end of the snout to the anterior edge of the eye; the other
_ rays goon decreasing as they extend backwards, and the last are
only one-half of the height of the first; the caudal is very
strongly bifurcated, being twice as long onits sides as at its
centre ; the ventrals are as long as the dorsal, and a little shorter
than the pectorals.

The general colour is of a light green, with a broad, well-
marked, silvery streak on each side; the belly is white; the
operculum and throat are silvery and iridescent; the dorsal and
caudal are yellow, and the other fins translucid; the eye silvery.

190

This little fish 1s very abundant at times in the Melbourne
Market ; its length is about four inches.

The specimens studied by the French ichthyologists were
brought from Sydney by Quoy and Gaymard, and I find in Mr.
Gerard Krefft’s very interesting “ Report on Australian Verte-
brata,” (Intercolonial Exhibition, 1870), that at Sydney it bears
the vernacular name of Sprat.

Nora.—tThere is no doubt that this is the Meletta Nove-Hol-
lande of Cuvier aud Valenciennes, but it is very doubtful if it is
the Clupea Nove-Hollandie of Dr. Gunther, as this very accu-
rate autbor not only describes the insertion of the ventrals as
being below the anterior half of the dorsal fin; but also places
it amongst the sorts having minute teeth on the palate.

SYMBRANCHIDA.

‘Body elongate, naked or covered with minute
scales; barbels none. Margin of the upper jaw
formed by the intermaxillaries only, the well-
developed maxillaries lying behind and parallel to
them. Paired finsnone. Vertical fins rudimentary,
reduced to more or less distinct cutaneous
folds. Vent situated at a great distance behind the
head. Gill-openings confluent into one slit, situated
on the ventral surface. Air-bladder none. Stomach
ceecal sac or pyloric appendages. Ovaries with
oviducts.

“Fresh waters and coasts of tropical America
and Asia. Coasts of Western Australia and Tas-
mania.”

Only represented in the Australia waters by Chilobranchus
Dor salis, Richardson ; which I have not seen.

191

MURAENID 2.

“Body elongate, cylindrical or band shaped,
naked or with rudimentary scales. Vent situated at
a great distance from the head. Ventral fin none.
Vertical fins, if present, confluent, or separated by
the projecting tip of the tail. Sides of the upper
jaw formed by the tooth-bearing maxillaries, the
fore part by the intermaxillary, which is more or less
coalescent with the vomer and ethmoid. Humeral
arch not attached to the skull. Stomach with a
blind sac; no pyloric appendages. Organs of
reproduction without efferent ducts.

“ Inhabitants of the fresh waters and seas of the
temperate and tropical regions.”

ANGUILLA.

Eels, which constitute this genus, seem to be generally found
in the fresh waters of almost all climates ; but more particularly
in those of the temperate countries.

The first notice of an eel in the New Zealand rivers was due to
J. E. Gray, in the appendice to Dieffenbach’s travels to that
island.

Dr. Richardson described, in 1848, under the name of
Australis, another sort from Tasmania, which is said also to be
found in New Zealand. In the fishes of the Hrebus and Terror,
he describes two other sorts, one Aucklandi, from the Auckland
Islands; and another, Zabrosa, of which he did not know the
precise locality. This latter is of a remarkable form, having its
dorsal fin commencing rather nearer to the gill-opening than to
the anus, and may very well be an inhabitant of the sea.
The others are all from fresh waters. They may be dis-
tinguised thus :—

192

(4.) Beginning of the dorsal considerably before the anus.
(a.) At about two inches, in a specimen of twenty inches
long— Dieffenbachii.
(6.) At one inch, on a specimen of seventeen inches long—
Aucklandi.
(B.) Beginning of the dorsal rather before the anus—Australis.

In the latter the pectorals are very small, and are much
larger in Aucklandi. I must add that Dr. Gunther considers
Dieffenbachti as the same as the European Latirostris ; but it is
evident that either this zoologist is mistaken, or that this
eel has been imported to New Zealand, as several other Euro-
pean fishes have been to Australia.

Eels seem to extend over all the antarctic regions, and in my
notice of the fishes of the Cape of Good Hope I mentioned a
sort found in that part of South Africa.

ANGUILLA AUSTRALIS.
Anguilla Australis, Richard., Zool. Trans., vol. ii., p. 157,
a Richard., Erebus and Terror, Fishes,
vol. i. p. 112, pl. 45.

THE EEL.

This is the common eel of the Yarra, and of several other
streams of Victoria and Tasmania; but it appears doubtful
whether it extends to New Zealand. Dr. Richardson has already
pointed out some slight differences between the specimens from
each locality.

This eel, though covered with minute scales, arranged in a
lattice work way, is very smooth and slippery. The pectorals
are not longer than the cleft of the mouth.

Its colours are very changeable; generally it is of a dark
green, with the lower parts lighter and grey; sometimes it
shows faint transverse spots or bands of a more obscure
tinge. The dorsal and anal are often in a great part yellow.

It attains large dimensions.

ANGUILLA REINHARDTII.

Anguilla Reinhardtii, Gunther, vol. viil., p. 27.
— Steindachner (Gunther), Ak Wiss.

Wien, 1867.

198

Very much like Australis, and generally confounded with it
by the fishmongers. ‘The differences consist in the following :—
ist, the body is thicker. 2nd, the tail is broader at its end.
3rd, the skin is much more rough. 4th, the pectorals are con-
siderably larger, and the cleft of the mouth is not more than
two-thirds their length. 5th. the dorsal begins on, or a little
below the line of the anal, but there is sometimes a little difficulty,
with all these fishes, to ascertain correctly where a fin begins.
6th, the teeth are shorter, thicker, and more blunt, particularly
those situated towards the interior of the mouth. ‘The lips are
broader, more fleshy, and extend laterally; the colour is almost
black, with the lower parts of a dark grey; the lips are of a
reddish pink, and the eye is yellow with orange tinges.

From Western Port, and, I believe, also from the Mordialloe
river. Average size from twenty to twenty-two inches.

CONGER.

Genus formed by Cuvier, but now restricted to three or four
sorts, characterised by the absence of scales; the dorsal fin com-
mencing behind the base of the pectorals, and the jaws armed
with an external series of closely set teeth.

CONGER WILSONI.
Gymnothorax wilsoni? Bloch; Schneid., p. 529.

This sort attains very large dimensions, and its average size is
from four to five feet long. It is sometimes found in Hobson’s
Bay, but appears to be much more frequent near Hobart Town,
being often brought salted from that town to the Melbourne Mar-
ket. The height is about twenty times in the length, and the dis-
tance from the anterior end to the opening of the gillis contained
about eight times in the same. ‘The head is elongate; the teeth
are all similar; they are elongate, straight, blunt, and placed
yery near one another; they form a small cluster in front of the
jaws, the anterior ones being smaller than those placed back-
wards. Inside of this line of teeth, there is a sharp, crenulated
and ossified ridge. The tongue is smooth. The lateral line is
well marked to the end of the body; it is rather curved over
the pectorals, and, on the dry specimens, appears formed of a
succession of notches. The dorsal fin begins behind the pectoral,

194.

at about a distance, from the end of this fin, equal to its own
heighth ; itis low, but extends all along the back, and has about
three hundred and twenty rays, those of the posterior part being
so crowded as to make it almost impossible to be accurately
counted ; the beginning of the anterior portion of the dorsal has no
rays. The anal begins at a little before the half of the length of
the body ; it is formed of about two hundred and sixty rays, but
these are subject to the same observation as the last ones of the
dorsal. The pectorals are of about one-fourth of the length of
the head, and formed of fifteen rays.

The general colour is of a shining brownish black, which
degenerates in a gieyish white on the belly. The lateral line is
black, and there are large, marbled, pinkish white spots on the
posterior parts of the body.

I have never heard of any other Conger being found in the
southern part of Australia, and I do not know on what founda-

tion it is stated that Conger Vulgaris inhabits the coast of
Tasmania.

CONGROMURANA.

Dr. Kaup separates from Conger this and some other sorts.
The Australian fish is remarkable by its dentition. In this, the
anterior teeth of the upper jaw are short, conic, and very acute ;
they are disposed in a cluster of a rather triangular form. On
each side, behind them extend two rows of rounded molar teeth,
and on the vomer are two cther rows of the same form, but
larger. There are also teeth on the palatines, but smaller, and
disposed in four rows; those of the lower jaw are similar to
those of tke palatines. The anterior nostril has the form of a
short tube, placed under the end of the snout; the tongue is
smooth. The lower jaw is shorter than the upper one, and the
cleft of the mouth extends to the centre of the eye; this latter
is very large.

CONGROMURHNA HABENATA.
Congrus Habenatus, Richard., Erebus and Terror, Fishes.
p. 109, pl. 1., figs. 1-5.
The dorsal begins a little behind the insertion of the pectorals ;
it is formed of about one hundred and eighty rays, extends all

195

round the posterior part of the body, and joins the anal, which
is formed of about one hundred and twenty rays.

The height of the body is about eighteen times in its length ;
the muscular flakes are very visible, and form arched lines all
along the body.

The upper parts of the body are of an olive green, with the
belly of a blueish white; the sides are silvery, and the head is
purple; the fins are olive green, the dorsal and anal having a
black border.

I believe this sort to be the Habenatus of Richardson, and
that the slight differences in the disposition of the teeth are
caused by age, as his specimens seem to have been older than
mine.

Total length ten inches.

Only seen once in the Melbourne Market, in the month of
September. Dr. Richardson’s specimen was from New Zealand.

PEGASIDA.

“Body entirely covered with bony plates, an-
chylosed on the trunk, and movable on the tail.
Barbels none. The margin of the upper jaw is
formed by the intermaxillaires and their cutaneous
prolongation, which extends downwards to the
extremity of the maxillaries. Gill-cover formed by
a large plate, homologous to the operculum, proper:
eulum, and suboperculum ; interoperculum a long
fine bone, hidden below the gill-plate. One rudimen-
tary branchiostegal. The gill-plateis united with the
isthmus by a narrow membrane; gill-opening
narrow in front of the base of the pectoral fin.
Gills four, lamellated. Pseudobranchize and air-
bladder absent; one short dorsal and anal fin, oppo-

site to each other. Ventral fins present. Ovarian —

sacs closed. Indian Ocean and Australian seas.’

196

Two sorts of Pegasus,—Natans and Lancifer, are found in
Australia: the first in Queensland, and the second on the coast
of Tasmania; but I have not yet seen either.

Order V. LOPHOBRANCHII.

“The Gills are not laminated, but composed of
rounded lobes, attached to the branchial arches.
Gill-cover reduced to a large simple plate. Air-
bladder simple, without pneumatic duct. <A dernal
skeleton, composed of numerous pieces arranged in
segments, replaces more or less soft integuments.
Muscular system not much developed. Snout
produced. Mouth terminal, small, toothless, formed
as in Acanthopterygians.”

SYNGNATHIDA.

* Gill-openings reduced to a very small opening
near the upper posterior angle of the gill-cover.
One soft dorsal fin; no ventrals, and sometimes -one
or more of the other fins also absent.

“‘ Chiefly marine fishes, occurring in all parts of
the tropical and temperate regions; many species

entering fresh waters.”

HIPPOCAMPUS.

This name was given by Dr. Leach to the fish commonly
known as Sea Horse, and has been adopted by all authors. It
has since been restricted, and Dr. Gunther gives the genus the fol-
lowing characters :—“Trunk compressed, more or less elevated,
composed of from ten to twelve rings; shields with more or less
prominent tubercles or spines ; occiput compressed into a crest,
terminating at its superoposterior corner into a prominent knob
(coronet). Supraorbital, temporal, and humeral regions, with

197

prominences ; tail prehensible, finless; pectoral fins. The males
carry the eggs in a sac at the base of the tail, opening near the
vent.

“Tnhabitants of all seas of the temperate and tropical regions.
they are pelagic fishes, which attach themselve to seaweeds, or
other floating substances, and are liable to be carried by currents
to great distances, consequently some specimens are spread over
different parts of the globe. The species are difficult to dis-
tinguish, on account of the great amount of variation, to which
the development of the tubercles, shape of shields, and length of
snout, are subject ; the number of dorsal rays appear to be very
constant.”

All this is perfectly exact; but I am not certain that the
length of the snout, and form of the body shields, does vary so
considerably in the same sort, at least I have seen no example of
it, and the presence of filaments is, I believe, only to be observed
in the males of a few sorts, except in Phyllopteryx, where they
are constant in both sexes.

HIPPOCAMPUS NOV A-HOLLANDIA.

Hip. Nove Hollandix, Sitzgsber, Ak. Wiss. Wien., 1866
(Dr. Gunther)

Gunther, Catal., vol. viii., p. 201.

Dorsal fins with seventeen rays ; the occipital coronet forms a
little crown of five branches, leaving like a small cratere between
them.

The body is yellow, covered with small red spots; dorsal fin
with a longitudinal brown narrow band; the rays marbled
brown and white; back generally more or less marbled with
brown.

HIPPOCAMPUS TRISTIS.

Same form as the preceding, but the tail shorter; dorsal fin with
fourteen rays; the shields of the body covered with transverse
stripes ; the anterior abdominal crest of the body divided in
points generally bifid.

Dorsal fin with a narrow longitudinal brown band, and the
rays marbled with the same colour. No filaments,

One specimen,

198

HIPPOCAMPUS BREVICEPS

Hip. Breviceps, Peters, Monatsber., Berlin,. 1869, p. 710.
——————_—_—— Gunther, Catal., vol. viii., p. 200. °

Dorsal fins with twenty two rays; the tubercles are strong.

The colour, during life, is of a light grey, with the inner parts
yellow ; these are covered with small, dark, red dots ; the other
parts of the body present numerous white spots, surrounded by
a black circle; the tail is ringed with yellow and brown ; the eye
is yellow.

The male has numerous filaments on the upper part of the
head and back they are simple, but inserted two by two; their
colour is black, and some of them are ended by a small yellow
brush. The egg pouch is of a fleshy pink, edged anteriorly with
black.

Seen several specimens, but never over one inch long, when
curled up.

Nota.—Dr. Kaup’s fig. 5, pl. 1, Lophob., (Hip. Japonicus),
has a remarkable resemblance with this sort.

PHY LLOPTERYX.

Formed by Dr. Kaup on some large Australian sorts, very
remarkable by the Jong filaments that adorn their body.

PHYLLOPTERYX FOLIATUS.

Syngnathus Foliatus, Shaw, Gen. Zool., vol. y., p. 456, pl. 180
————-— Treniopterus, Lacep. Ann. Mus., vol. iv, pl. 58

This singular fish is said by the fishermen to be scarce ; one
of them told me that he had once found eighteen or twenty pairs
in his net, but had often been several years without finding a
single specimen. I have not yet seenit alive, but according to a
drawing made by Mr. Angus, and published by Dr. Gunther,
“ Proc. Zoological Society,” 1865, its colours seem very beautiful .
but they are subject to considerable variations ; in some large
specimens that I have just received from Hobart Town, through
Mr. Lavington Roope, and which, haying been only a few
days in liquor, still maintain much of their brillancy, I find that
the fish is of a fine carmine colour, covered with numerous

199

oscellated white spots, which extend on the head, the snout, and
the upper side of the tail; the anterior edge of the body is of a
fine yellow ; the snout, back, and upper parts of the body are of
a dark violet carmine; the lower side of the tail is of a fine
reddish brown; the transverse violet bands of the anterior part
of the body are still visible ; the fins are pink, with a large
rounded black spot on the dorsal, which extends nearly to the
edge; the filaments are of a dark brown; the operculum, and
preoperculum are covered with fine radiated striz.
It bears at Hobart Town the name of Sea Dragon.

SYNGNATHUS.

This genus used to contain the entire family ; but it has been
very much restricted by Dr. Kaup: Dr. Gunther characterizes
it thus—‘ Body with the ridges more or less distinct; the dorsal
edge of the trunk not being continuous with that of the tail;
pectoral fins well developed; caudal present; dorsal fin opposite
or near to vent,; humeral bones firmly united into the breast
ring ; male with an egg pouch on the tail, the eggs being covered
by cutaneous folds.”

Inhabiting all the seas of the temperate and tropical regions.

SYNGNATHUS SEMISTRIATUS.

Synenathus Semistriatus ? Kawp; Loph., p. 48.
————— Semifsaciatus? Gunther, Catal., vol. v111, p. 462.

Lateral line interrupted; the trunk is very arched, and con-
tained four and a-half times in its length; the snout, from its
extremity to the anterior edge of the eye, is equal to the distance
from the posterior edge of the eye to the end of the third body
ring; it is long, almost cylindrical, rather turned up; head
without ridges, but covered with strong convergent strie ; these
cover also the shields of the body. The head is contained one
and two-third times in the trunk, and this, including the head, is
one and one-third in the tail; anus under the first third of the
length of the dorsal ; this is large and formed of thirty-eight
rays ; caudal fin very small as are also the pectorals; the rings of
the trunk number twenty and those of the tail forty-eight to fifty.

The general colour is of a light green, with the lower side of

200

the head and the belly of a fine orange yellow; on the snout
there are two white longitudinal stripes, edged with black, one
placed laterally, and extending over the entire length ; and the
other on the upper part, and only on the second half of the
snout; on the head there are also two similar stripes, one arched
and extending from the posterior edge of the eye to the end of
the operculum, on the upper part of the head, and the other
similar but broader, and almost straight, extending on the side,
in continuation to the one of the snout; the upper one extends
on the back to the end of the trunk ; below are numerous, very
small, rounded white spots, surrounded by a black circle (they are
more visible on the dried than on the living specimens) ; the
dorsal has a greenish tinge; the eye is white, with a green mark
on its upper edge.

I have only seen one specimen, in the month of September,
it was eight and a-half inches long.

Nora.—I believe this to be the Semistriatus of Kaup; but the
snout seems considerably longer.

UROCAMPUS.

Formed by Dr. Gunther on the following characters :—* Body
elongate, compressed, with distinct longitudinal ridges; the
upper edge of the trunk continuous with that of the tail;
lateral line continuous with the lower caudal edge; tail elongate,
quadrangular, tapering; pectoral and caudal fins developed; the .
dorsal is placed entirely on the tail, at a great distance behind
the vent.”

The only sort known is from Manchuria, but the Australian fish
I here describe appears to me to belong to this genus.

UROCAMPUS CARINIROSTRIS.

Snout turned rather upwards, very short, being contained
once and a-half in the diameter of the eye, and nearly three times
in the length of the head; itis not abruptly separated from the
forehead, and goes slanting to its extremity ; the supraorbital
ridges are very strong, and sometimes converge in front to form
the medium ridge of the snout; in other specimens there is
between them a rounded sharp ridge; there is a short spine at
the anterior angle of the eye; the eyes are very prominent ;

201

occiput and muchal shields with ridges ; operculum covered with
strong radiated strie, and almost carinated; the pectorals are
not much longer than the orbit, and not quite one-half of one of
the body shields; the snout is contained about seven times in
the trunk ; the distance from the anus to the beginning of the
dorsal is about equal to one-half its distance to the end of the
snout; the body has three ridges, the upper one much more
marked than the others; the central one ending at the base of
the tail; each shield has two small longitudinal ridges, and is
perpendicularly striated; the osseous rings number nine
on the body, seven more on the tail before the dorsal,
which begins on the seventeenth, and extends over the three
following; behind these are forty-five or forty-six others; the
caudal is very minute; no anal; the tail is tapering and very
thin, its ridges are much less marked than those of the body.
The general colour is a light green, with dark spots corres-
ponding to the centre of the body rings; eye of a golden hue.
There is a rather indistinct black stripe on the side of the snout.
The length of my largest specimen is three and a-half inches.
I have seen it rather commonly in the months of January and
February ; taken with shrimps. Its motions are very active.

STIGMATOPHORA.

The most apparent characters of this genus of Dr. Kaup is
the absence of a caudal fin, and the tail going tapering to its end.

Dr. Gunther characterizes it as follows :—“ Body depressed,
with the ridges obsolete, those of the trunk being continuous
with those of the tail; shields covered with soft skin; pectoral
fin developed ; caudal absent ; tail tapering to a very fine point;
dorsal very long; males with a caudal pouch, formed by cuta-
neous folds,” Australia.

All this applies exactly to the species I have under examina-
tion, with the exception of the soft skin covering the shields ;
I find them similar to the other Syngnathide.

STIGMATAPHORA NIGRA.
Stigmataphora Nigra., Kawp, Lophob., p. 53.
Cilio, Oriel, Ol, Yau, jo, SY),
The general form is very slender ; the height of the body being,
in most specimens, contained, about twenty-four times in the

202

total leneth, but in some the abdomen is rather inflated ; the snout
is long, slender, and nearly equal in all its length, except at its
extremity, where it is strongly turned upwards ; from the end of
the snout to the anterior edge of the eye, the distance is equal
to that between the posterior edge of that organ and the end of
the third segment of the body; the head is contained a little
over six times in the total length, and the snout about ten times
in the same; it is one and one-third longer than the remainder of
the head, and has some longitudinal ridges on its upper part.
Seen from the upper surface, the posterior edges of the snout
form on each side a point over the anterior edge of the eye,
which is deeply sunken; the mouth is directed upwards; the
operculum has a longitudinal ridge running rather obliquely ;
dorsal very long; no caudal; the pectorals are very short; I
cannot distinguish any anal, and I find at its place the long cuta-
neous ege pouch in the males, and nothing in the others; but as
all authors say they have one, it is likely that it exists,
though I could not discern it. The anal is below the
eighteenth segment of the body. I only find forty-two or
forty-three body-rings, but those of the posterior part of
the tail are so exceedingly minute as to leave some doubt in
this respect; the body is depressed below, which gives
its section a triangular appearance; the body-ridges extend, on a
straight line, to the extremity of the tail; the shields are finely
punctured, and perpendicularly striated; the tail terminates
generally in a fine point, but in some specimens it is rather
blunt ; the operculum presents no ridge.

Colour of a light green ; the snout generally bears faint traces
of transverse bands rather darker than the ground colour; the
whole body is covered with very minute red dots; the edge of the
rings are rather dark ; in some specimens the longitudinal ridges
are of an orange red colour ; eyes green, strewed with black.

I have seen numerous specimens, caught in February with
shrimps ; their length varies from two to near four inches.

Nota.— Though this description does not in all points
correspond to Wigra, I believe that my specter belong to
that sort.

203

STIGMATAPHORA BOOPS.

Amongst the specimens of the Migra I observe several similar
to the others, but with enormous globular eyes; these are very
prominent. I could not, up to the present, ascertain if they form
a particular species.

Order VI. PLECTOGNATHI.

“Teleosteous fishes with rough scales, or with
ossifications of the cutis in the form of scutes or
spines; skin sometimes entirely naked. Skeleton
incompletely ossified, with the vertebree in small
number. Gills pectinate; a narrow gill-open-
ing in front of the pectoral fins, Mouth narrow;
the bones of the upper jaw generally firmly united.
A soft dorsal fin, belonging to the caudal portion of
the vertical column, opposite to the anal; some-
times elements of a spinous dorsal besides. Ventral
fins none, or reduced to spines. Air-bladder without
pneumatic duct. Nearly all are marine fishes.”

SCLEROQDERMTI.

““Snout somewhat produced; jaws armed with
distinct teeth in small number; skin with scutes
or rough. ‘The elements of a spinous dorsal and
ventral fins generally present. Marine fishes of
the temperate or tropical regions.”

MONACANTHUS.

These fish being almost all confined to the tropical seas of the
world it is remarkable to find that a considerable number of sorts
have been observed in the most southern parts of Australia, but
they only appear in the Straits of Bass in the warm months of the

204:

year (November, December, January, and February). They are
not used for food, and the fishermen are in the habit of throwing
them away whenever they catch them. It is probably due to
this circumstance that I have yet only been able to obtain three
of these sorts. They are all known under the name of Leather
Jackets.

MONACANTHUS PERONII.
Monacanthus Peronii, Hollard, Ann. Sc. Nat., 1854, vol. xt.,
p. 356, pl. 18, fig. 4.
Gunther, Catal., vil., p. 249.

This sort enters in Dr. Gunther’s division, characterized by
“anal fin with less than forty rays ; dorsal spine with four series
of barbels, the edges being equidistant, and armed with barbs.”
The upper profile is concave in front of the dorsal spine, and con-
vex behind it; the central profile is considerably distended.
The body appears entirely granulated; these granulations are
formed of minute tubercles ; towards the tail and near the anus
they take a more spinous form. The dorsal spine is inserted over
the centre of the eye ; its length is equal to one and a-half the
transverse diameter of the orbit; it is straight and even a little
curved outwards near its end; the barbs that extend on its
edges are strong, particularly the external ones ; the second ray is
contained four times in the length of the spine. The dorsal is
formed of thirty-three rays, the caudal of twelve, the anal of
thirty-two, and the pectorals of thirteen. The ventral spine is
small, fixed, and armed with five or six rather strong spinelets.

The colour is of a dark brown, the back much lighter, and
of a dirty yellow on the belly; the lower parts are covered
with very irregular brown spots; the dorsal and anal have
an orange tinge.

Only seen one in April; length six and a-half inches.

MONACANTHUS FORSTERI.

The anterior upper profile, in front of the dorsal fin, is concave,
and the posterior one convex ; the general form is elongated,
being contained two and one-third t.mes in the total length ;
the snout from its extremity to the anterior edge of the orbit is
contained four and one-third times in the same length; the

205

lower profile is more convex than the upper one. The snout
is produced; the dorsal spine is rather slender, short, and
straight; itis contained once and one-fifth in the transverse
diameter of the eye; it is inserted over the centre of the
orbit, straight, or rather bent forwards, compressed, and quad-
rangular, the edges being equidistant, and armed with rather
short barbels, directed downwards; there is no appearance of a
short second ray. The second dorsal has thirty-four rays; the
anal twenty-seven ; the caudal is long, of twelve rays; the pec-
torals of thirteen; no ventral spine; the body is covered with
very minute granulations, which become spinous on the tail.
The four large anterior teeth are almost square.

The upper parts of the body are of adark green, and the lower
ones white ; the whole is covered with very irregular black spots,
particularly numerous on the sides; fins of a light greenish
colour.

I have only seen a single specimen in the month of May ; it
was not quite three inches long.

It is not impossible that this should be Balistes Scaber,
Forster, (B/. Shen., p. 477) ; it evidently comes near Peroni, but
its form is exactly like the one of Alutarius Paragaudatus, as
represented by Richardson, “ Hrebus and Terror, Fishes,” p. 66,
pl. 39. (Spilomelanurus, Quey and Gaim.)

MONACANTHUS PRASINUS.

This comes in the division characterised by—‘ anal fin with
less than forty rays; the front ones much closer together than
the hinder series,” which constitutes, for Dr. Bleeker, his genus
Pseudomonacanthus ; the anterior profile is almost straight, the pos-
terior one rather convex; the lower profile is regularly arched,
when the pubic bone is not extended ; the dorsal spine is inserted
over the posterior third of the orbit ; it is arched, and carries very
strong barbs directed downwards ; the back ones are much larger
than the others ; this spine is twice and a quarter as long as the
diameter of the orbit, and is very strong; the inner ray is about one-
third of the spe; the second dorsal has thirty-five and the anal
thirty-four rays ; the pectorals thirteen ; the ventral spine is fixed
and formedof a small net of spinelets, three of which, on each side,
are much larger than the others, and curved; the height of the

; 206

body is contained, when the pubic bone is extended, two and two-
third times in the total length ; the two front teeth are triangular
and by their union form a pointed edge; the others are also
pointed; the body is entirely covered with a very fine velvety
granulation.

The colour is entirely of a light and rather brilliant green,
darker on the back, rather yellow on the belly ; the eyes and
teeth are also green; the caudal of the same colour; second
dorsal and anal transparent, rather dark on the edge.

Only seen once in the month of March; it is rather over two
and a-half inches long, and has an oval form.

Nora. None of the three sorts of Monacanthus, I here describe,
have any particular spines or spots on the sides of the tail.

GYMNODONTES.

“Body more or less shortened. The bones of
the upper and lower jaw are confluent, forming a
beak with a trenchant edge, without teeth, with or
without medium suture. A soft dorsal, caudal,
and anal are developed,—approximate. No spinous
dorsal. Pectoral fins, no ventrals.

“Marine fishes of the temperate and tropical
regions. Some species confined to fresh water.”

Group TETRODONTINA.

Tail and caudal fin distinct. Part of the esophagus much exten-
sible, and capable of being filled with wir; no pelvic bone ; ar-
bladder present.

TETRODON.

Found in all the warm or tropical seas of the world. They are,
generally poisonous. I have observed two sorts on the shores of
Hobson’s Bay.

207

TETRODON HAMILTONI.
Tetrodon Hamiltoni, Richard., Erebus & Terror, p. 63, pl. 39.
(Toad Fish.)

The dorsal is formed of nine rays, and the caudal also of nine ;
the anal of eight ; and the pectorals of fifteen. The body is covered
with small pores, ard is pretty smooth.

The upper parts are green, marbled with a darker tinge ; the
lower white ; fins of a greenish yellow; eye of a yellowish green,
with an interior bright red line.

The usual size is from four to five inches, some adults measure
up to nine. Very common. It sometimes goes up the river to
Melbourne.

TETRODON HISPIDUS.
Tetrodon Hispidus, Lin. Syst. Nat., vol.i., p. 411.
—— Lacep. vol. 1., p. 487, pl. 24, fig. 1.
———_———— Bloch, pl. 142.

(Load Fish.)

Dorsal of eleven rays; caudal rather emarginated, of eleven
rays; anal of six; pectorals of thirteen.

The entire body is covered with very minute spiny asperities
upper parts of a greyish green, the lower of a pinky white ;
numerous large irregular brown blotches on the upper part ; lips
rosy; dorsal white, with its internal half green; caudal with a
green tinge ; anal white; pectorals of a light green, with a pink
tinge on its external edge ; eye blue, with alower brown external
line.

ARACANA.

Separated from Ostracion by Grey, on the character of the
carapace not being closed behind the anal fin. ‘This is easily
seen in preserved specimens, but does not appear externally in
fresh ones. These fish are mostly Australian, and are adorned
with beautiful colours.

ARACANA AM@NA.

Carapace with five ridges, the abdomen forming an inferior
one ; spines short, thick, conical, blunt, and not arched, placed one
above the orbit, and directed externally ; two on each side of the
back directed posteriorly ; below these are others much shorter

208

still, and which are only white striated tubercles: they are
placed, one on each side, towards the middle, and three on a line at
the beginning of the belly; one is under, anda little behind, the
root of the pectoral, and the two others near one another and more
backwards; the entire carapace is very rough, covered with
small tubercles, disposed in long quadrilaters, but not radiant;
the fins have eleven rays at the dorsal, ten at the caudal,
nine at the anal, eleven at the pectorals ; the caudal fin is rounded
at its extremity ; it is long, being equal to the length of the snout
from its extremity to the lower margin of the eye; the height
of the body is contained one and a-half times in its length, to the
base of the caudal, and the distance from the end of the snout to the
upper base of the pectoral is contained twice in the total length
of the body, including the caudal; the eye is contained two and
a-half times in the same distance ; on the belly pentagonal shields
are well marked, they have an internal line and a small tubercle
in the centre; on this part (the belly) there is no other rugosities
or tubercles; the posterior part is not covered by the carapace,
and is smooth.

The upper and lateral parts of the body are of a dark purple,
eovered with numerous white, narrow, longitudinal lines, running
all round the body: these are sometimes united two together
or are interrupted; on the cheeks they number four, having
between them five purple ones broader than the others; the
belly is of a beautiful uniform orange colour; the fins have
a light yellow tinge, without any spots; the eye is yellow.

The teeth are in small numbers, spaced, but rather large and
conic. I have seen two specimens of this beautiful little sort—
one caught in the cold and the other in the warm season ; each
was two inches long. It is evidently nearly allied to Ostracion
Auritus, that I have received from Swan River, and which has
exactly the same colours, but appears different ; I thought it might
be the young of that species, but I have lately received from Tas-
mania (Hobart Town), under the name of Cow-/ish, a specimen of
Auritus, only two inches six-eighths long, in which the arched
spines are stronger even than those of the adult specimens, six
inches long; it is still nearer allied to Ornata (Gray), from
Adelaide, but it is also distinct from it by its spines, the anterior
profile of the head falling still more abruptly, &c.

209

DIODON.

This genus is found in all the tropical seas of the world ; its
body is covered with spines ; the fish can swell itself out as a
globe, and takes such an extraordinary appearance, that sailors
and travellers are very apt to collect it, as an object of
curiosity. There is no stronger proof of the semi-tropical nature
of all the Australian seas than the frequent occurrence of these
fishes in the most southern parts of this continent. Dr. Gunther
limits this genus of Linneus to the sorts who have “jaws without
a medium suture, body covered with dermal ossifications, each
with a pair of lateral roots, and with a stiff, moveable, and
erectile spine; nasal tentacle simple, with a pair of lateral
openings.”

DIODON sPINOSISSIMUS.
Diodon Spinosissimus, Cuvier, Mem. Mus., vol. iv., p. 34.

Tt is with great doubt I place under this name the present
fish, but having at my disposal no means of comparison, I
prefer not complicating still more the synonyma of a family
which requires already a special study, but I believe the
number of admitted species wil, when this takes place, be
very much increased. General appearance of Diodon Histria
of Bloch; nasal tentacle formed of a short simple tube, with a
pair of lateral openings ; mouth small, its opening being less than
the diameter of the orbit ; spines very numerous, long, slender,
all of about equal length ; the root of each has three ridges ; the —
tail has no spine, but there is one rather stronger than the others
on each side of the body at its base. Dorsal fin with twelve
rays; caudal elongate, of eight rays; anal of the size of the
dorsal, of twelve rays; pectorals of twenty-two.

The body is, on its upper half, of a light green ; the lower one
is white ; on each side there are three faint black blotches of an
irregular form; the spines and fins are of a light yellowish
green, those of the lower parts are white ; eye yellow ; no spots on
the fins.

IT have two specimens, both about three and a-half inches
long.

210

DIODON BLOCHII.
(Lhe Sea Hog.)

This may prove to belong to one of the already described
species, but I can identify it with none. General appearance of
Diodon Atinga of Bloch, but spines much less numerous. The
head is broad, and the mouth very wide; nasal tantacle formed
of a simple tube, with a pair of lateral openings; the jaws are
formed of numerous distinct teeth solved together, and forming
numerous tubercles inside of the mouth, particularly at the
lower jaw ; the opening of the mouth is about one and a-half the
great diameter of the orbit, and the space from one eye to the
other about twice that diameter; in front there are five spines
on the first row in front of the eyes; they form in all eleven or
twelve irregular transverse lines, they are very strong, par-
ticularly the posterior ones. The dorsal fin has thirteen rays,
the caudal nine; the anal is much larger than the dorsal, and
has thirteen rays; the pectorals are about as long as the space
between the eyes, of nineteen rays. Hach spine has two long
reots and an anterior ridge.

The colour is of a rather light green on the back, with the
lower parts white ; the lips are flesh colour, and the head purple ;
the abdomen is rather rosy ; at the root of each spine there is a
very faint dark brown spot, and on the posterior part of the body
some purple blotches; the fins are of a light green, without any
spots, but their external portion is rather darker; the eye is
yellow, with its external part orange, and surrounded by a blue
ring. The air-bladder is very large, rounded, and strongly bilobed.

Six inches long ; rather common.

I should have taken this for the D. Maculatus, but Dr.
Gunther gives it from sixteen to nineteen lines of spines; per-
haps it is the Atopomycterus Bocagei, of Stemdachner, from
Sydney, quoted by him as being probably the same sort.

CHILOMYCTERUS.

Separated by Dr. Kaup from Diodon, and characterised by Dr.
Gunther as having “jaws without median suture, body covered
with ossifications, all, or most of which, consist of three horizon-
tal roots, and a stiff, erect, immoveable spine; nasal tentacle

211

simple with a pair of lateral openings.” Nine or ten sorts are
known from all the seas situated between the tropics; they
have the general form of Diodon.

CHILOMYCTERUS JACULIFERUS.

Diodon Jaculiferus, Cus. Mem. Mus., vol. vii., p. 3.
Chilomycterus Jaculiferus, Gunther, Catal., vol. vill., p, 318.

(Lhe Globe.)

My specimen agrees very well with Dr. Gunther’s excellent
description of this sort, but the spines are all about of equal
length, and rather short; the posterior, if any, being the longest.
I find the dorsal large, formed of sixteen rays; the caudal
rounded posteriorly, of nine rays; the anal is much smaller than
the dorsal, but is not complete in my specimen, and I only see the
roots of six rays ; the pectorals have twenty rays.

The colour is of a light green on the upper part, and white
below ; all the spines are white, but those of the back have a
black rounded spot at their base ; the fins are ,of a yellowish
green, with the end of the dorsal and caudal darker; the
anal is white; the eye was, on the living specimen, of a dark
brown, with an internal yellow circle. _ This fish, when inflated,
forms a perfect globe.

The specimen is four and a-half inches long. From Hobson’s
Bay The air-bladder is large, rounded, and strongly bifur-
cated. ;

Group MOLINA.

Body compressed, very short, not extensible by air ; tail extremely
short, truncate, vertical; fins confluent; no pelvic bone; ar-
bladder absent.

ORTHAGORISCUS.

The Sun-fish is sometimes found on the Victorian coast, and is
considered by Dr. Gunther and Professor M‘Coy as belonging to
the Huropean sort. The first also includes with Orthagoriscus
Mola the sort described by me at the Cape of Good Hope under the
name of Pedalion Capensis. He states that the remarkable nose-

212

like hump it presents is the sign of old age, This is very pos-
sible, as a similar fact is known to exist in Pagrus and others ;
but according to this my South African specimen, which weighed
one hundred and fifty pounds, was an old adult ; and one caught
off Western Port, in the beginning of September, weighing over
four hundred, would only be a young one, as there was no indice
of this excrescence. This requires some explanation.
The colour of the Australian fish was of a brownish red.

Sub-Class II. DIPNOT.

“Wishes with the skeleton partly cartilaginous,
partly osseous; no occipital condyle. Bulbus arte-
riosus with two longitudinal valves; air-bladder
double, lung-like, communicating by a duct and
glottis with the hemal side of the esophagus, with a
pulmonary vein. A narrow gill-opening on each
side, with a rudimentary gill-cover; some of the
branchial arches without gills; gills free, membra-
naceous. Nostrils double on each side. Intestine
with a spiral valve. Optic nerves not decussating,
Oviducts distinct. Ventral fins abdominal.”

SIRENOIDEL.

“Body eel-shaped, covered with cycloid scales
Vertical fins a continuous border to the compressed
tapering tail. Pectoral and ventral fins subulate.
A single maxillary dental plate is opposed to a single
mandibular one. Scapular arch attached to the occi-
put. Vent not in the median line. No pseudo-
branchie.

“TVresh-water fishes of tropical Africa, America,
and Australia.”

213

No sort of Strenoide has been yet found in the southern parts
of Australia, and as those known are all from tropical regions, it
is not very probable that any do inhabit them.

Mr. Krefft has made known a sort of Ceratodus (Yosteri),
found in Queensland by Mr. Masters, which probably belongs to
_ this family.

Dr. Gunther, with his usual urbanity, says that I have made
some additions to the synonymy of the Lepidosirens in my work
on the animals of South America; I think that I have done
something more, in making better known the singular dentition
of those animals, in pointing out the curious anomaly they
present in the want of symmetry of the position of the anus,
which is not situated on the median line of the body, but on its
right side. The learned doctor declares also that my Dissimilis
is the same as Paradowa ; but as of each there is only, if I
am not mistaken, one specimen known (at least this was the
case some few years ago), and as they are in very distant
museums, I do not believe he has compared them ; I even doubt
very much if he has ever seen one or the other.

Sub-Class I1T.—SANOIDET.

“Not yet discovered in Australia.”

Sub-Class [1V.—CHONDROPTERYGII.

“Skeleton cartilaginous; skull withsutures. Body
with medial and paired fins, the hinder pair abdomi-
nal; caudal fin with produced upper lobe. Gills
attached to the skin by the outer margin, with
several intervening gill-openings ; rarely one gill-
opening only. Nogull-cover. No air-bladder. Three
series of valves, in the bulbus arteriosus. Intestine
with a spiral valve. Optic nerves commissurally
united, not decussating. Ovaries with few and large
ova, which are impregnated, and, in some, developed

214

internally. Embryo with deciduous external gills.
Males with prehensile organs attached to the ven-
tral fins.”

Order l. HOLOCEKPHALA.

“One external gill-opening only, covered by a
fold of the skin, which encloses a rudimentary car-
tilaginous gill-cover; four branchial clefts within
the gill-cavity. The maxillary and palatal appa-
ratus coalescent with the skull.”

CHIM AcRID AK.

“Form of the body elongate; pectoral fins free;
anterior dorsal fin above the pectorals. Mouth in-
ferior. Dental organs confluent into two pairs of
laminz in the upper jaw and into one pair in the
lower. No spiracles. Males with a peculiar pre-
hensile organ in the upper part of the snout. Skin
naked in the adult.”

CALLORHYNCHUS.
Formed by Gronovius on a most curious fish, whose rounded
head has a snout ended in a cutaneous flap.
CALLORHYNCHUS ANTARCTICUS.

Chimera Callorhynchus, Lin. Syst. Nat., vol. i., p. 402.

Callorhynchus Antarcticus, Cuv., Reg. Anim., vol. ii, p. 372.

Callorhynchus Tasmanius, Richard., Trans. Zool. Society,
vol. i., p. 696.

(Southern Chimera.)

This singular fish is common at the Cape of Good Hope,
but appears very scarce in the Victorian sea, as I have only

215

seen one specimen at one of the fishmonger’s (Allen), in the
month of March. Professor M‘Coy says it is common near
Portland, in the western part of the Colony, and it has also
been found in Tasmania.

The colour is of a silvery grey, darker on the back, but with-
out spots or bands.

Order II. PLAGIOSTOMATA.

“ From five to seven gill-openings. Jaws distinct
from skull.”

Sub-order I. SELACHOIDEI,

“Gill-openings lateral. Body more or less
cylindrical.”
(SHARKS.)

CARCHARIIDA.

“The first dorsal fin opposite to the space
between pectoral and ventral fins without spine ;
an anal fin. Hye with a nictitating membrane.
Mouth crescent-shaped, inferior.”

I have found it, until now, almost impossible to induce the
fishermen to bring to the market specimens of sharks, which are,
unfortunately, but too common in Hobson’s Bay. The only sorts
I have been able to obtain are the following, but many more
inhabit these waters. It isis curious that none of the hand-
somely spotted sorts, that are so common at the Cape of Good
Hope, are found here.

ZYGANA.

Formed by Cuvier on curious sorts of sharks, having the head
made like a hammer.

216

ZYGHNA MALLEUS.

Zygena, Rondel., p. 389,
Squalus Zygena, Liss., Syst. Nat., p. 399.

(Hammer Shark.)

This sort is found commonly in Hobson’s Bay. I have had
no opportunity of comparing it with Huropean specimens, but
Professor M‘Coy considers it as similar.

GALEUS.

This genus is due to Cuvier, who established it in his magnifi-
cent work, the “ Régne Animal.”

GALEOUS CANIS.

Galeus Canis, Rondelet., p. 377.
Squalus Galeus, Lin., Syst. Nat., vol, i., p. 397.

(Lhe Tope.)

Common in Hobson’s Bay, and appears similar to the Euro-
Y>

pean sort. It does not attain very large dimensions, and is

entirely grey.

MUSTELUS.

Genus also due to Cuvier.
MUSTELUS ANTARCTICUS.

Mustelus Antarcticus, Gunther, Catal., vol vii., p. 387.
| (Smooth Head.)

This is also very common in Hobson’s Bay ; it is entirely of a
grey colour. Professor M‘Coy had considered it as similar to
the European Must. Vulgaris, but Dr. Gunther separates it on
account of the origin of its dorsal fim being behind the inner
posterior angle at the pectoral, when in Vulgaris it is nearly
opposite to the middle of the inner margin of that fin.

These two last sharks are the most common sorts found in
Hobson’s Bay. They may be very easily distinguished by the
teeth, which in Galews Canis are sharp and serrated, and in
Mustelus ave disposed as a pavement.

217

CHARCHARIAS.

One sort is also stated by Professor M‘Coy as having been
recently found in Hobson’s Bay.
CHARCHARIAS MELANOPTERUS.
Charcharias Melanopterus, Quoy et Gaim., Voy. de 0 Uraine
Zool., p. 194, pl. 43, figs. 1-2.

Professor M‘Coy says that he has only seen one specimen,
fifteen feet long.

LAMNID.

‘The first dorsal opposite to the space between
the pectoral and ventral fins, without spine; no
anal fin. No nictitating membrane. Mouth crescent-
shaped, inferior; nostrils not confluent with the
mouth. Gill-openings generally wide. Spiracles
none, or minute.”

ODONTASPIS.
Genus of Agassiz, established in his work on the fossil fishes.
ODONTASPIS TAURUS.
Odontaspis Taurus, Rafinesque, Muller & Henle, p.'73, pl. 380.

Professor M‘Coy says that this shark is common in the Victo-
rian waters, but I have not yet obtained a specimen of it.

HEPTANCHUS.

Formed by Muller and Henle in their valuable work on the
Plagiostomide. Heptanchus Indicus is said to be found in the
Bay, but I can only repeat for this the same as I have stated
for the precedent.

218

SCYLLIID A.

“The first dorsal fins above or behind the
ventrals, without spine; an anal fin. No mem-
brane nictitans. Spiracle always distinct. Mouth
inferior. ‘Teeth small, several series being generally
in function.”

I have received Scylliwm Maculatwm from Hobart Town,
through Mr. Lavington Roop; but I have not seen it from the
Victorian waters.

CESTRACIONTID &.

«Two dorsal fins, with spines, the first opposite
to the space between the pectorals and ventrals;
the second in advance of the anal. Nostrils and
buccal cavity confluent. Mouth rather narrow,
the upper lip divided into seven lobes, the lower with
a fold. Spiracles small, below the posterior part
of the eye. Guill-openings rather narrow. Dentition
similar in both jaws, viz., small obtuse teeth in
front, which in young individuals are pointed and
provided with from three to five cups. ‘The lateral
teeth large, pad-like, twice as broad as long,
arranged in oblique series, one series being formed
by much larger teeth than those on the other
series.

* Pacific and Hast Indian Archipelago.”

219

CESTRACION.

Formed by Cuvier on a most singular shark, which can be
easily recognised by its two dorsal fins having each a strong
spine, and by its singular dentition in form of pavement, with the
posterior teeth much larger. This genus has been called Hetero-
dontus by Blainville.

CESTRACION PHILIPPI.

Squalus Philippi, Bloch, Schn., p 184.
Port Jackson Shark, Phillip, Voyage, p. 283.

This sort does not attain very large dimensions, a specimen of
three feet and a-half long being considered by the Hobson’s Bay
fishermen as being of rare occurrence. In one, of that size, the
teeth are almost entirely obtuse; but in another of thirty-two
inches long they are conic and pointed.

The upper parts are of a light brown, marbled with yellow, and
the lower ones of a beautiful white; these fine yellow tinges
extend along the sides and above the pectorals.

The colour is similar in all the specimens I have seen,
and I believe that those with black bands, mentioned by Dr.
Gunther, belong to a different sort, properly called Zebra by Mr.
Gray (Chondropterigu of the British Museum), and which
inhabits Japan and some parts of India.

Dr. Gunther describes a second Australian sort (Galeatus)
of this genus, in which the anal fin reaches the root of the
caudal ; I have not seen it.

SPINACID A.

“‘Two dorsal fins, no anal. Mouth but slightly
arched; a long, deep, straight oblique groove on
each side of the mouth. Spiracles present; Gill-
Openings narrow. Pectoral fins not notched at
their origin,’’

Acanthias Vulgaris is found in Australia, but I have not seen
it from Victoria.

220

PRISTIOPHORID &.

“The rostral cartilage is produced into an
exceedingly long flat laminze, armed along each edge
with a series of teeth (saw).”

PRISTIPHORUS.
Formed by Muller and Henle.

PRISTIPHORUS CIRRATUS.
Pristis Cirratus, Latham, Trans. Lin. Soc., vol. ii., 1794,
p. 281, pl. 26.
————_—_—., Bloch, Schn., pl. 70 (the head
only).

The saw, from its extremity to the anterior edge of the orbit, is
contained four and one-third times in the total length of the
fish; the distance between the tentacles and nostrils equals that
between the nostrils and the fourth gill-opening; the fins are
entirely covered with very minute scales, as is also the body.

The colour is entirely grey.

I have not seen this sort from Victoria, but I have received it
from Hobart Town, through the kindness of Mr. Lavington
Roop.

PRISTIPHORUS NUDIPINNIS.
Pristiphorus Nudipinnis, Gunther, Catal., vol. viii., p. 42.
(Saw Fish.)

This sort is very nearly allied to the precedent, but has been
most properly separated from it by Dr. Gunther. The saw is
not so long, being contained four and three-quarter times in the
total length; this saw is also broader at its base; the distance
between the tentacle and nostril is considerably less than that
between the nostril and the first gill-opening. A portion of the
pectorals and of the dorsal is denudated of scales, but the extent
of this portion is subject to considerable variation.

The colour is of a light grey, with the pectorals and ventralys
reddish.

Common in Hobson’s Bay.

221

RHINIDA.

“Spiracle wide behind the eyes. Nostrils with
skinny flaps on the margin of the snout. Teeth
conical, pointed, distant. Dorsal fins without
spines on the tail; no anal.

«Temperate and tropical seas.”’

One single genus formed by Dumeril.

RHINA.
RHINA SQUATINA.

Squatina Bellon, De Aquat, p. 78.
Squalus Squatina, Lin. Syst. Nat., vol. 1., p, 396.

(Angel Shark.)

IT have no means of comparing this fish with the European
form, but it is admitted that they are similar.

The colour is of a light chesnut, with some rounded whitish
spots on the pectoraly and ventrals; the fins are bordered with
pink ; the lower parts of the body are white, with a rosy tinge.

The colours are different from those of Bloch’s plate; but
they agree well with Risso’s description. These two authors state
that the back is covered with large acute tubercles. In the
smallest Australian specimens, the dorsal tubercles are very
small, and similar to the others, of the upper surface of the body ;
but in the larger ones, they are considerably larger, and at the
base of the tail, in front of the first dorsal, they become arched
spines. The teeth are on one single line, when Risso states
that in the European fish they are on three; but Bloch says
that in his specimens (one foot long) the teeth are on three
series at the upper jaw and on two on the lower, and adds that the
lines of teeth increase with age, and this is probable, as my
specimens are only seven to nine inches in length, and are
evidently very young.

I have seen three specimens at the Melbourne Market in the
months of November and December,

Sub-order IT. BATOIDELT.

*‘Gill-openings ventral. In a few of the genera,
which we place first, the habit is still that of the
sharks; but the body is depressed; and in the
typical genera the trunk, which is surrounded by
the immensely developed pectoral fins, forms a
broad flat disk, with a thin and slender tail.
Spiracles always present. Five pairs of gill-
openings. No anal fin; dorsal fins, if present, on
the tail.

“Temperate and tropical seas; some species
pelagic; some entering fresh waters or entirely
limited to rivers within the tropics.”

(RAYS.)

PRISTID A.

“The snout is produced into an exceedingly long,
flat lamina, armed witha series of strong teeth
along each edge, (saw).”

RHINOBATID A.

«Tail strong and long, with two well-developed
dorsal fins; a caudal and a longitudinal fold on
each side. Disk not excessively dilated, the rayed
portion of the pectoral fins not being continued to
the snout. No electric organ.”

223

TRYGONORHINA.

Founded by Muller and Henle, on a sort found in the Straits
of Bass, and which appears sometimes in the Melbourne Market,

TRYGONORHINA FASCIATA.
Trygonorhina Fasciata, Muller and Henle, p. 124, fig. 43.
(The Fidler.)

Body of a light brown, with the margin of the pectorals and
the fing reddish ; four or five irregular, transverse bands, appear
on the back, but do not extend far on the pectorals; they are of
a fine light blue, bordered with dark brown; lower parts of the
body of a reddish white ; eye yellow.

Its flesh is considered good for the table, but scarce.

TORPEDINID A.

“The trunk is a broad, smooth disk; tail with
rayed dorsal (absent in Teniera) and caudal fins,
and a longitudinal fold along each side. Anterior
nasal valves confluent into a quadrangular lobe.
An electric organ, composed of vertical hexagonal
tubes between the pectoral fins and the head.’’

NARCINE.

Separated from Torpedo by Henle; it contains several tropical
sorts, and one from the southern seas of Australia.

NARCINE TASMANIENSIS.
Narcine Tasmaniensis, Richard., Proc. Zool. Soc., 1841, p. 22.
Elliptical; of a brownish purple; eye yellow.
Attains a large size, and I have seen, on the St. Kilda beach,

a mutilated specimen, measuring over six feet in length. Found |
in Bass’s Straits and in the Hobart Town sea.

RAJIDA.

«Disk broad, rhombic, generally with asperities
or spines; tail with a longitudinal fold on each side.
The pectorals extend to the snout. No electric
organ. No serrated caudal spine.”

The only two sorts I have observed belong to the following
genus :—

RAJA.

RAJA LEMPRIERI.
Raja Lemprieri, Richard., Erebus and Terror, p. 34, pl. 23.
(Thorn Back.)

Snout short. The fish is of a fleshy colour, rather green on
the back and the upper part of the tail, and of a reddish purple
on the sides of the pectorals; the spines seem to be subject to
considerable variation; on young specimens there is, on each
side of the pectorals, two series of slender, arched, but very acute
spines ; in the older ones, there is only one series of these; but
on the contrary, those of the tail of the young specimens are
only disposed on one line on the middle of its upper part, when
in the larger specimens they form three series on the upper
part of this organ. In dried specimens, the lateral part of
the pectorals, and also the portion situated on the sides of the

snout, appear of a light yellow colour, as they are represented on
Richardson’s plate.
Common.

RAJA OXYRHYNCHUS.
Raja Oxyrhynchus, Lyn. Syst. Nat., vol. 1., p. 395.
(Common Ray.)

The snout long; body entirely covered with asperities, which
are more considerable on the snout, where they form small
triangular points; on the lower surface of this part of the edges
of the ventrals, up to the height of the eyes, these points are

225

considerable and crowded. The anterior profile is deeply con-
eave ; the angle of the pectorals is rather pointed; there are no
spines round the eyes, but a series of three or four is seen on
each side of the back, and ends before the insertion of the ventrals ;
the tail is armed with three series of strong tuberculous spines,
and one or two are seen on the middle of the back behind the
head. The teeth are rather large, like pavement, and numerous.

The general colour is of a greyish purple, with the sides
reddish ; all the body is covered with rounded white spots. This
sort is very common in the market, and is esteemed for the table.

It is always with doubt that I admit that a fish from the
Antarctic Seas is specifically similar to an Huropean one, more so
as I have no specimens of the latter region for comparison; but
the descriptions and figures of Oxyrhynchus, that I have at my
disposal, agree so well with the Australian fish that I should not
be justified in separating them. I think, also, that Raja Nasuta
of Muller and Henle, which is established on a figure drawn in
New Zealand by Solander, will prove to belong to this species.

The egg is large, of the usual form in Rays, of a silky green.
Inalarge female I found one large egg on each side, and
numerous small ones.

MYLIOBATID A.

‘The disk is very broad in consequence of the
great development of the pectoral fins, which,
however, leave the sides of the head free, and re-
appear at the extremity of the snout as a pair of
detached (cephalic) fins. ’’

MYLIOBATIS.
Genus formed by Cuvier, and containing nine or ten sorts, of
which two are found in the South Australian Seas.
MYLIOBATIS AQUILA.
Raja Aquila, Lin., Syst. Nat., vol. i., p. 896.

Coloration of a dark green, almost uniform.

226

Often found by the fisherman in Hobson’s Bay, but never
brought to the Market; it seems not to differ from the Medi-
terranean specimens.

MYLIOBATIS NIEUHOFII.
Raja Nieuhofii, Bloch, Schneid., p. 364.

Body of a fine light brown yellow ; with four or five transverse
bands of a beautiful blue; these bands are irregular and inter-
rupted ; the tail and ventrals have a greenish hue.

Only seen once at the Melbourne Market, in the month of
October, and the specimen was most kindly sent to me by Dr. T.
Black. I had previously seen several specimens from Singapore
and Malacca.

Sub-class V. CYCLOLTOMATA.

‘“‘ Skeleton cartilaginous and metochordal, without
ribs, and without real jaws. Skull not separate
from the vertebral column. No limbs. Gills in
form of fixed sacs, without branchial arches, six or
seven in number of each side. One nasal aperture
only. Heart without brilbus arteriosus. Mouth
anterior, surrounded by a circular or sub-circular
lip, suctorial. Alimentary anal straight, simple
without cecal appendages pancreas, or spleen.
Generative outlet peritoneal. Vertical fins rayed.

PETROMYZONTID A.

*‘ Body eel-shaped, naked. Subject to a meta-
morphesis. In the perfect stage with a suctorial
mouth, armed with teeth, simple or multicuspid,
horny, sitting on a soft papilla. Maxillary, mandi-
bulary, lingual, and suctorial teeth may be dis-

227

tinguished. Eyes present (Gn native animals).
External nasal aperture in the middle of the upper
side of the head. ‘The nasal duct terminates with-
out perforating the palate. Seven branchial sacs
and apertures on each side behind the head. The
inner branchial ducts terminate in a separate com-
mon tube. Intestines with a spiral valve. Heggs
small. ‘the larve without teeth, and with a single
continuous vertical fin.

*‘ Inhabitants of the fresh waters and coasts of
the temperate regions of both hemispheres. Suck
themselves fast to other fish, and live by scraping
off their flesh.”

I find the greatest difficulty in the determination of the Vic-
torian fishes of this family ; there are two types, one of which
has the second dorsal united with the caudal, and the other which
has it separate ; but the most important character, the dentition,
seems to be subject to the most extraordinary variations ; 1m fact,
Tcannot find it exactly similar in two specimens. The teeth
have horny coverings, which are very apt to fall, and this changes
entirely the appearance of the mouth. The one having the
second dorsal separated from the caudal is a Greotria for Dr.
Gunther.

GEOTRIA.

GEOTRIA AUSTRALIS?

Geotria Australis? Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1851, Chondrop.,
p. 142, pl. 2.

Formed by Dr. Gray on a most singular Australian sort,
but Dr. Gunther unites with it the genus Velasia, of the
same author, from Chili, in which there is no trace of a
pouch. The mouth is rounded, but rather angular, with
the lateral lobes broad; it is fringed all round. The
maxillary lamina is formed of four teeth, the exterior of
which are flat lobes, and the two interior ones, long, conical

228

pointed teeth. The mandibulary lamina is large, and forms a
transverse crescent ridge, like the teeth of a Scarus, and show-
ing at its edge faint traces of teeth. I believe it is not
externally visible in the living specimens. Suctorial teeth in
numerous transverse series, those situated backwards larger than
the others; lingual teeth, two in number, straight, strong, and
conical. Seven branchial openings, large, round, and bordered.
The distance between the two dorsals and the base of the caudal
is a little more than the diameter of the mouth, and this is equal
to half the distance from the end of the snout to the anterior
edge of the eye. The caudal fin is discoid, and rounded at its
extremity.

The colour is of a dark blue on the back, and silvery on the
sides and belly; on the middle of the back, a little before the
insertion of the first dorsal, begins a space of a brilliant green,
which extends to the tail; fins red, bordered with black.

Found in the Saltwater River. The following are its dimen-
sions :—

Inches.
Monell Wexner fv seee eoaabaoatco50. 90590 chon 200504200 sot eas cee 204
Circumference of the middle of body ............... 2

-_

From muzzle to centre of eye ...... Poe, ch Mee cgtelneteane

-

+

-—_—_————--- to first branchiostegal opening ...... Ik
—— ——-—-- to last oe. 3+
———-- to beginning of first dorsal............ ae
Weneth vot turstdorsallsssc-mccessescec cress steele ceoeeee 12
From first dorsal to beginning of second ............ 13
itenethy or second dorsal ay n4-ce eee eee 1g
From second dorsal to beginning of caudal ......... 4
From beginning of caudal to end of body............ 1;
romypend jot body, osamus seca cess reneeee 5t

A very young individual, only three inches long, has exactly the
same form, the same dimensions, and the same dentition.

Mr. F. G. Waterhouse has kindly sent me, from the Torrens
River, Adelaide, a specimen of the only sort said to inhabit those
waters, and which I felt a great desire to examine, as the typical
specimen of Geotria was said to have come from that Colony. This
specimen is exactly lke the one from the Saltwater River, only
ome of the suctatorial teeth are long and sharp, and this is caused

229

by their having preserved their horny coverings. It has no trace
of the gutteral pouch, and so I believe that this is accidental, or
rather belongs to a particular state of some specimens, perhaps to
the old individuals of one sex. The only dental difference between
Geotria and Mordax seems to be the presence in the latter of the
two groups of three long teethin the maxillary. Nothing shows
better the remarkable knowledge that Dr. Gunther possesses of
fish than his not having taken the extraordinary gular sac as a
generic character; but I cannot consider the specimens which
do not possess it to be young, as the length of the one I have
described here is a little more considerable than that of the
type in the British Museum (twenty inches).

In the list of the Chondropterygii of the British Museum it is
said that the type, which was given to that institution by Mr.
Pain, was from a river Inkar Pinki, in South Australia, but
there must be some confusion, as that gentleman tells me that
he picked it up on the Brighton beach, Hobson’s Bay.

MORDACIA.

Formed by Gray on a Lamprey from Tasmania, which has
appeared to Dr. Gunther to be similar to one from Chili. There
is no doubt that the two belong to the same genus, but it is
very improbable that they should be specifically similar.

MORDACIA MORDAX.

Petromyzon Mordax, Richard, Loc. Cit., p. 62, pl. 38, fig. 3.
Mordacia Mordax, Gray, Chondropterygii of the Brit. Mus.,
p. 142
Gunther, Catal., vol. viu., p. 508.

(Lhe Lamprey.)
The mouth is elleptical ; the lateral lobes not broad nor fringed ;
mandibulary lamina not visible externally, but bearing seven to
nine acute conical cusps, which, when the horny coverings fall,
have the appearance of tubercles. On the maxillary is, on each
side, a group of three conical, acute teeth, directed backwards,
and placed one in front and two behind ; suctatorial teeth form-
ing a circle round the lips; they are small, and number at least
twenty ; behind them is a series of much larger ones, very broad
at their base, and very acute; in front, three of them are dis-
posed in a triangle; the others emit a sort of transverse ridge

230

which on the sides bears on other teeth, so as to be bifid in this
part ; those placed at the lower part of the mouth are even bifid.
Lingual teeth formed of two large ones; canines very strongly
serrated, even denticulated, at their under side, which is arched.
The head has a rather pointed appearance, which is caused by
the lips not falling, as in Geotria; the eye is small; the
branchial openings are much less distinct, bemg placed under a
fold of the skin; they number seven. The first dorsal is rather
triangular, and situated at a considerable distance from the
second, which is high at its beginning, and lowers considerably
before it joins the caudal ; this last is rather pointed.

The colour is of a blueish grey, darker on the back ; the head
is yellowish ; the eye silvery ; the first dorsal is grey ; the second
is bordered with pink, and has its posterior part black; the caudal
is of that last colour, but has a pink margin.

These fish are commonly found in the Yarra at its lower part;
they are considered good food. Their motions are very rapid ;
they are very voracious, and pursue any object in the water, and
they adhere to it with an extraordinary and ferocious tenacity.

Dr. Gray’s figure (Chondropt.) is copied from Richardson’s,
which, as Dr. Gunther has already observed, is not correct in
showing the dentition. JI thought at first that the bifid, and
sometimes trifid, teeth of the Victorian specimens would consti-
tute them into a separate species, but the coverings of the teeth
fall off so frequently in the specimens preserved in spirits, and
change so much the appearance of these organs, that, after
examining many specimens, I believe they all belong to the same
sort.

The average length is from fifteen to seventeen inches. I have
taken on one the following measurements :—

Inches
Mortaliplemoctla asses sess rs sate clear aera chy teile lec er keeere. 15¢
From the end of snout to anterior edge of eye...... ak
Diameter of eye) ace. ie tac sss oaisleeiaslelh)-= oplilarseile aslerwt ils
Circumference ..........2. 0 cee e see ene eeeeseecneeceeneees a=
From end of snout to first’dorsal ... 2.0.0. s.2..0000+. 65
duenethofetinesty dorsal acew.mseeeecs steerer oer 63
From end of first dorsal to base of second ......... 13
From base of second to extremity of caudal......... 32
Height of second dorgal at its base ............s.00.. $

231

The difference in the form of the lingual teeth indicated by
the authors do not exist in Geotria, and in Mordacia they are
similar, being, when seen in front, like two small horns, and,
when sideways, having the appearance of serrated arches.

Nora.—I consider as belonging to the Ammocetes type, or
larval stage, a singular little Petromyzonid, which was found in
the Yarra. The body is eel-shaped, naked, cylindrical, and
elongate, being twenty-three times as long as high ; it is entirely
divided in annular rings, which appearance seems due to the
muscular flakes being very visible through the smooth skin. I
can see no teeth ; the upper lip is flat, and considerably prolon-
gated over the buccal aperture ; it is truncated in front, and this
part, seen upperly, is rather bifurcated. The lateral line is well
marked in all the length of the bodv; there is only one dorsal,
which begins at about two-thirds of the length of the body, and
is jomed with the caudal and the anal; the latter is considerably
shorter than the dorsal ; these fins are all equal in their length ;
no eye visible. The skin of the throat is rather extensible; the
prolongation of the upper lip over the lower is equal to the
height of the body ; the tail is pointed.

The colour is of a light green, with the belly white; on the
back extends a narrow longitudinal line; the head and throat
are pink, and the fins of the same colour. Total length, four
and three-eighth inches.

I should have thought this might be the first state of Geotria,
but we have just seen that I had a still smaller specimen of this,
which has entirely the form of the adult. In this state of things,
I propose giving provisionally to this the name of Yarra
Singularis.

In a dried state, the prolongated part of the head is apt to
bend upwards, which gives the fish rather the appearance of a
Syngnathus. The branchial apparatus are visible; the body is
remarkably soft, which makes it very difficult to examine it ; no
barbels round the mouth.

It was found in Captain Sinnot’s dock, on the lower Yarra, in
brackish water,

*

NEOMORDACTIA.

I propose giving this name to a very small lamprey, which has
no first dorsal, or rather has only one dorsal, separate and
rather distant from the caudal; this forms a broad oval, and is
angulous at its extremity. Form of Mordacia.

NEOMORDACIA HOWITTIT.

Height of body about nineteen times in its total length ; the
length of the snout, up to the external edge of the eye, a little
longer than the height of the body; the head is not inflated,
and follows on to the snout by an arched line, and on the body by
a straight one ; the dentition is very difficult to be distinctly seen
with the weak magnifying power I possess, but I observe a row
of strong conical and pointed teeth placed round the mouth, and
wide apart ; a few teeth on each side larger than the others, and
inserted forwards. I can only say that there are others further
back, and a few appear tricuspid ; there are a few fringes round
the mouth; the branchiostegal apertures are seven; they are
round, and begin at a short distance from the eye, which
is large. ,

The first half of the body and the head are like reticulated, and
covered with irregular excavations; the middle of the body is
smooth, but the posterior part is again similar to the anterior.

Very different from the other lampreys. This has a hard body,
and being incrustated with sand, I do not doubt but that it lives
in perforated holes on the sea shore.

It is of a dark blue on the upper parts, and silvery below; the
caudal fin is red, and the eye yellow ; the muzzle black. The only
specimen I have seen is about three inches long; it was found at
Cape Shanck by my old and highly esteemed friend, Dr. Howitt.

MYSCINIDA.

“‘ Body eel-shaped, naked, the single nasal aper-
ture is above the mouth, quite at the extremity of
the head, which is provided with four pairs of bar-

9 i)
> oO 3

bels. Mouth without lips. Nasal duct with
cartilaginous rings penetrating the palate. Median
tooth on the palate, and two comb-like series of
teeth on the tongue. SBranchial apertures at a
ereat distance from the head. The inner branchial
ducts lead into the cesophagus. A series of mu-
cous sacs along each side of the abdomen. Intes-
tine without spiral valve. Eggs large with a horny
ease provided, with threads for an adhension.

“‘ Inhabitants of the seas of the temperate regions .
of both hemispheres ; burrow into other fishes, and
feed on their flesh.”” (Gunther.)

Bdellostoma Cirrhatuwm (Bloch., Schneid., p. 582,) was found
by Forster in New Zealand.

Sub-Class VI. LEPTOCARDII.

“Skeleton membrane, cartilaginous and notoch-
ordal, ribless, no brain. Pulsating sinues in place
of heart. Blood colourless. Respiratory cavity
confluent with the abdominal cavity; branchial
clefts in great number, the water being expelled by
an opening in front of the vent. Jaws none.” ;

CIRROSTOMI.

“Body elongate, compressed, scaleless, limbless.
Mouth a longitudinal fissure, with subrigid cirri on
each side, inferior. Vent at ashort distance from
the extremity of the tail. A lowrayless fin-like fold

234

runs along the back, round the tail, past the vent, to
the respiratory aperture. Eye rudimentary. Liver
reduced to a blind sack of the simple intestine. One
genus only, occupying the lowest scale in the class
of vertebrata.

“ Found imbedded in sand on many coasts of the
temperate regions of both hemispheres.”

A sort of Branchiostoma was discovered by the Expedition of
the Harold in Bass’s Straits, at a depth of from ten to twelve

fathoms. Dr. Gunther considers it similar to the European sort
(Lima Lanceolatus Pallas). 1 have not seen it.

APPEN DICE.

CYPRINID.

This family, so widely represented in India, has not, till this,
appeared to be indigenous to Australia ; but several sorts have
been introduced, and one seems likely to prove indigenous.

1. Corassius VuLGaris, known as the Prussian Carp, has
very well succeeded throughout the country. The
specimens I have seen are absolutely similar to the
European type.

2. Corassius Auratus—the Gold Fish. It presents a
particular race, that I have thought proper to describe
here.

CORASSIUS AURATUS. VAR.

Cyprinus Auratus, Lin., Bloch.
Corassius Auratus, Bleeker, Gunther.

D. 3/17. A. 3/6. C. 19 long rays, and 4 small on each side.
BNO t/8:

Height of the body twice and six-tenths of the total length to
the middle of the open caudal; head four times in the same
length. The body is broad, very much like the figure of Cyp.
Corassius, given by Cuv. and Val.; the eye is one and two-third
times in the snout, and a little over three times in the length of the
head ; the lateral line is rather arched, and extends over twenty-
eight scales; these are large, with their external edge rather
sinuous and reborded; they are in lines of eight over the lateral
line (this line passing over the eighth), and seven below ; the
dorsal fin is very high, being nearly as broad as the portion of
the back over the lateral line ; it is formed of three spines, the
first very minute, the second about four times, and the third
nearly five times longer; this third spine is slender, curved, and
has very strong teeth on its posterior part ; the soft rays number
seventeen, and are slender; the caudal, taken from its centre, is

236

one-sixth of the total height ; it is strongly bilobed ; the anus is
rather long but narrow ; it is formed of three spines and six soft
rays; the first spine is very minute, the second about three times
its length, and the third about four times as long as the second ;
this third is slender, and has some very feeble denticulations on
its inner side ; the pectorals are contained one and one-half times
in the length of the head ; it has a first hard ray and fifteen soft;
the ventrals have one spine and eight soft rays, the spine being
about two-thirds of the length of the first soft ray.

The general colour is of a beautiful yellow brown, with golden
tinges ; it degenerates into a brilliant white on the belly, the
edge of which is rather yellow ; the pectoral is bordered superiorly
with black; the caudal tinged with red. The mouth has no
teeth, and there are no barbels; the operculum and scales are
covered with fine concentrical strie; the eye is of a pale
yellow ; the mouth is extensible ; the eye of moderate size ; the
second portion of the air-bladder is very elongate, and about two
and one-half times ay long as the other.

Ihave only seen one specimen in the Melbourne Market. It had
been found in the Mordialoc River; but several others were sent to
the Acclimatisation Society from Sydney, and there is no doubt
that it is an introduced fish, but I do not know from what
country it came direct.

Apart from this variety, which seems remarkably constant, the
common Chinese dwratus is very widely spread in Melbourne, and
presents all its usual beautiful colours.

3.—NEOCORASSIUS.

This is the only Cyprinoid sort on which I have considerable
doubts as to its having been imported. The two specimens
I have seen of it were caught in the Saltwater River, at
Footscray, during the cold weather. ‘The first was found a
year ago, and I was so convinced that no fish of this family was
to be found in Australia, that I thought it belonged to some
imported sort of Corassius, of which it has the general appear-
ance; but a second specimen having been recently found in the
same locality, I examined it with more care, and I find it
impossible to place it in any of the groups mentioned by Dr.
Gunther, or any other author. I cannot, on the fresh specimen,

237

find any trace of teeth whatever ; but by its anal fin being very
short, formed of six branched rays, its lateral line running along
the medium line of the tail; its dorsal fin with a strongly
serrated spine, situated a little behind the ventrals, its abdomen
compressed into a sharp ridge behind the ventrals, and the
absence of barbels, it seems to come very near to Dr. Bleeker’s
genus, Fohteicthys; but the very large scales which cover its
body make it distinct from this Indian genus, and its enor-
mously developed belly gives it a very particular appearance.

I have just said tbat on the fresh specimens there 1s to trace
whatever of teeth; but on the dried one there is visible on each
side of the palate a very large horny tubercular one, having the
form ofa sugar loaf; but this seems only to have appeared through
the skin py the effect of dessication.

NEOCARASSUIS VENTRICOSUS.

The body is very high, very thick, and the lower profile
remarkably rounded and convex; the mouth is rather extensible.
The height of the body is contained two and one-third times in
the total length; head four and a-half times in the same; orbit
four and four-tenth times in the length of head. No barbels;
head without scales, except under the eye. The scales on the
infraorbital are very large, in small number, radiated, and serrated
on their edge ; operculum covered with arched, convergent strie ;
scales of the body very large—thirty on the lateral line, fifteen
on the oblique one, of which seven are over the lateral line
(which runs over the eighth) ; they are covered with fine concentric
strie ; they appear, when seen through a lens, finely serrated.
The lateral line is always straight, rather elevated near the head,
and runs over the middle of the tail ; it is formed of a succession
of elevated ridges, which only extend over the two first thirds of
the scale, and end (on the living spec::uen) by a rounded point
of an obscure colour. The first dorsal is formed of four spines,
of which the first is very small, the second rather longer, the
third nearly three times as long as the second, and the fourth
very long, rather strong, with numerous spinelets on its inner side ;
it is four times longer than the third. The rays number seven-
teen, and the first are longer than the longest spines, but they
decrease in height as they extend backwards. The caudal is

238

emarginated, slightly bilobed, formed of nineteen long rays and
of three or four small ones on each side. The external rays are
about one-third longer than the centre ones. Anal short, con-
tained nearly nine times in the total length, caudal included, and
formed of two spines, of which the first is small, and the second
five times longer ; it is compressed, very strongly serrated on its
inner side, and of six rays; the first of these is longer than the
rays, and the last considerably shorter. The ventrals are formed
of one rather long and slender spine, and of nine rays; the pec-
torals are inserted very low, much below the angle of the mouth,
and have nineteen rays; they are a little shorter than the dis-
tance from the anterior edge of the orbit to the end of the oper-
culum; the ventrals have one long, slender spine, and seven
rays rather longer than the spine, which is neither notched nor
serrated.

The colour of the first specimen was of a light gilt green on
the upper and lateral parts, and of a silvery white below; the
base of the scales very brilliant ; the eye silvery; the throat and
anterior part of the belly very brilliant and iridescent ; the dorsal,
caudal, and anal were of a greyish green; the ventrals white;
the pectorals white at their base, and green in the remainder of
their length.

The natatorial bladder is large, formed of two parts—the
first about two-thirds as long as the other, but broader; it is
rather bilobed in front; the second portion is oblong, and
rounded at its extremity.

The second specimen was entirely of a beautiful red colour,
with golden tinges on the sides of the head and body, very much
like Cyprinus Auratus.

Inches.
ene ths ofetinst Specimens. ea: cess essate ey aeeeeeece 9¢
Eleighitrofy bodys {cca a. tds ese oi8- Bae MES a: See tie 3%
eneth of) dorsally... cenlsmeos adnate sess ce sees carte 3s

Of pectorally2n: gits.cteain cneeeee as eee cee 13-4
st Of, aay aa eek Kate sues adon ae oma eam oncltee aiae 1¢

This second specimen--the one of a red colour—has a far
more irregular form than the first, the back, behind the head,
being very gibbous, and the lower profile still more inflated. Its
length is eleven inches, and its height five and a-quarter.

LIST OF VICTORIAN FISHES

DESCRIBED OR MENTIONED IN THIS WORK.

Lates Colonorum, Gunther .. ne Land Perch)
- Smilis, Cast. i, R
——- Antarcticus, Cast. a _ ay (Sea Per oH)
- Victorix, Cast. .. AME ae Ved wf
Apogon Guntheri, Cast. ... . ... (The in boson
Enoplosus Armatus, White ... af (Bastard Dorey)
Microperca Yarre, Cast. ... ... mali Yarra Perch)
Ccesioperca Rasor, Richard. ... ss ast mo a
Arripis Georgianus, Cuv. and Val. (The Roughy)
Truttaceus, Cuv.and Val. Ghillie and Salmon Trout)
Oligorus Macquariensis, Cuv. and Val. (Murray Cod)
Dules Auratus, Cast. ..» (Murray Golden Perch)
- Christi, Cast. ... ae is be das ar,
Therapon Niger, Cast. Ne (Murray Black Perch)
— Richardsoni, Cast.... (Murray Silver Perch)
Murrayia Guntheri, Cast. ... as (Murray Perch)
Cyprinoides, Cast... ee (Murray Carp)
Bramoides, Cast. ... us (Murray Bream)
Riverina Fluviatilis, Cast. at ne sae
Upeneichthys Porosus, Cuv. and yale (Red Gurnet)
Malanichthys Tricuspidata, Quoy aud Gaim. (Black Perch)
Simplex? chard. ... (Black Perch)
Neotephreeops Zebra? Richard. ... (Zebra Fish)
Pagrus Unicolor, Quoy and Gaim. ... ... (Snapper)
Chrysophrys Australis, Gunther... a% (Bream)
Chironemus Marmoratus, Gunther ... ... (Kelp Fish)
Cheilodactylus Macropterus, Bloch .. os ace
——— Niericans ... ast (Butter Fish)
Gibbosus, Richard.
Latris Hecateia, Richard. @lopart Town We iinpetes)
-- Forsteri, Cast. ae (Bastard Trumpeter)
——-- Bilineata, Cast. ee Se

——.-- Inornata, Cast. a3 a Ree nee ane
Centropogon Australis, White a uM (Gurnet)

74:

2d)

Pentaroge Marmorata, Cuv. and Val.
Platycephalus Richardsonu, Cast.

———--——- Proximus, Cast.
Fuscus, Cuv. and Val.
Neoplatycephalus Grandis, Cast.
Trigla Polyomma, Richard. ...
Lepidotrigla Vanessa, Richard.
————_——-- Sphynx, Cwv. and Val.
Kathetostoma Leve, Bloch .
Pseudaphritis Bassi, Cast.

Sillago Punctata, Cuv. and Val.

Sphyrena Nove-Hollandie, Gunther
Neosphyrena Multiradiata, Cast.
Scizena Antarctica, Cast.

Thyrsites Atun Euph.

Thynnus Maccoyii, Cast.

Scomber Antarcticus, Cast. ..

Zeus Australis, Richard.

Histiopterus Recurvirostris, Richard.

Richardsonia Insignis, Cast. ...
Seriola Grandis, Cast.

Caranyx Georgianus, Cuv. and Val...

Temnodon Saltator, Bloch
Neptonemus Travale, Cast.
Gobius Bassensis, Cast.
Frenatus, Gunther
Pictus:iC@ast.
—-— Pulchellus, Cast.
Hleotris Nudiceps, Cast.
Clinus Despicillatus, Richard.
Cristiceps Multifenestratus, Cast.
Forsteri, Cast...
Atherinichthys Modesta, Cast.
See Pio, Ooh
———_—---- —— - Cephalotes, Cast.

Maculata, Quoy and Gaim. ...

(Barber)

Bassensis, Cuv. and Val (Gommien Flathead)
Leevigatus, Cuv. and Val.

(Rock Flathead)

(Grass Flathead)
(Big Flathead)
(Flying Gurnet)
(Small Gurnet)

(Stone Lifter)
ae

(Pyke)
(Skip Jack Pyke)
(King Fish)
(Barracuta)
(Bonite)
(Mackerel)

(John Dorey)

... (Boar Fish)
(Giant Boar Fish)
(Yellow Tail)
(Silver Bream)
(Skip Jack)
(Travale)

(The Goby)

(The Goby)

(The Goby)

(The Goby)

(Big Head)
(Blenny)
(Blenny)

Page
82
82
83
84,
85
86
87
88
89
89
91
92
93
94
96
96

100
103
104
106
108
109
112
115
iI
118
119
123
123
124
125
126
129
131
132
136
137
137

Atherinosoma Vorax, Cast.

Mugil Waigiensis, Quoy and Gaim, ...
Agenostoma Diemensis, Richard.

— lLacustris, Cast....
Glyphisodon Victoriz, Gunther
Labrichthys Bleekeri, Cast. .
Richardsoni, Cast.
-————_—_——_— Vestita, Cast.
Odax Richardsoni, Gunther ...
——-- Obscurus, Cast.
Olisthrops Cyanomelas, Riche a
Gerres ? Melbournensis, Cust-
Gadopsis Marmoratus, Richard.
Pseudophycis Barbatus, Gunther
Genypterus Australis, Cast. ...
Rhombosolea Bassensis, Cast.
Pleuronectes Victorice, Cast. ...
Copidoglanis Tandanus, Jftch.
Prototroctes Marna, Gunther
Aulopus Purpurissatus, Richard.
Galaxias Ocellatus, ‘Coy ...
— Versicolor, Cast.
———— Attenuatus, Jenyns
——-— Cyllndricus, Cust. ...

Delicatulus, Cast. ...

Ameenus, Cust.

(Sand Mullet)
(Mullet)
(Lake Mullet)
(Rock Perch)
(Parrot Fish)
(Parrot Fish)
(Parrot Fish)
(Stranger)

. (Elegant Stranger)

(Black Fish)
(Rock Cod)

... (Rock Line)
(Sole)

(Flounder)
(Murray Cat Fish)
(Yarra Herring)
(Sergeant Baker)
(Yarra Trout)

(Yarra Gudgeon)
(Yarra Gudgeon)
(Yarra Gudgeon)
(Yarra Gudgeon)

Hemiramphus Melanochir, Cuv. and en. (Gar Fish)

Gonorhynchus Greyi, Richard.
Chatcessus Erebi, Gunther
Eneraulis Antarcticus, Cast.
Clupea Sagax, Jenyns

Meletta Nove-Hollandiz, bus. and Val.

Anguilla Australis, Richard. ...
--- Reinhardtu, Gunther
Congrus Wilsoni, Bloch

Congromurena Habenata, Richard..
Hippocampus Nove-Hollandie, Site.

Tristis, Cast. ...

(Sand Eel)
(Bony Bream)
(White Bait)
(Pilchard)
(Smelt)

(Hel)

(Conger)
(Sea Horse)
(Sea Horse)

Page
138

140
141
142
147
148
150
151
152
154
155
158
160
162
164
167
168
170
Iya
172
175
176
176
177
178
178
179
182
184
186
187
189
192
192
193
194, -
197
197

242

Hippocampus Breviceps, Peters... fe bias sl
Phyllopteryx Foliatus, Shaw... tes (Sea Dragon)
Syngnathus Semistriatus, Kaup é ef 606 dist
Urocampus Carinirostris, Cast.
Stigmatophora Nigra, Kaup ...
— Boops, Cast. ... pe: oe Sa she
Monacanthus Peronii, Hollard ... (Leather Jacket)
— Forsteri, Cast.... , aes :
—— Prasinus, Cast.

Tetrodon Hamiltoni, Richard. Abe ..» (Toad Fish)
— Hispidus, Zin... an ... (Toad Fish)
Aracana Ameena, Cast. my see a
Diodon Spinosissimus, Cuv. ... she .. (Sea Hog)
— Blochii, Cast.... oA ak ... (Sea Hog)
Chilomycterus Jaculiferus ? Cw. ... a (Giobe)
Orthagoriscus Mola? Lin. ... pe ... (Sun Fish)
Callorbynchus Antarcticus, Zin. ... (Southern Chimera)
Zygena Malleus, Rondel. ... ... (Hammer Shark)
Galeus Canis, Rondel. Bas oo ro (Tope)
Mustelus Antarcticus, Gunther... (Smooth Head)
Charcharias Melanopterus, Quoy and Gaim. ate

Odontaspis Taurus, Rafin.

Heptanchus Indicus, Ow. ... sé a chs as
Cestracion Philippi, Bloch ... ... (Port Phillip Shark)
Acanthias Vulgaris, Risso ae a shi wis
Pristiphorus Cirratus, Latham

—— Nudipinnis, Gunther... ... (Saw Fish)
Rhina Squatina, Bellon ie ae (Angel Shark)
Trygonorhina Fasciata, Muller and Henle (Fidler)
Narcine Tasmaniensis, Richard. : neh aie afore
Raya Lemprieri, Richard. ... ae (Thorn Back} ©
Oxyrhynchus, Lin. ba a sid ... (Ray)
Mylhiobatis Aquila, Lin. ac BO ... (Sea Eagle)
—~—- Nieuhofii, Bloch ... Be 3 ae

Geotria Australis? Gray hs pis a. oe
Mordacia Mordax, Richard. ... sas ... (Lamprey)
Neomordacia Howittii, Cast. his sah sak a8
Neocorassius Ventricosus, Cast. ... “ (Carp)

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CONTRIBUTION

TO THE

ICHTHYOLOGY OF AUSTRALIA.

II—NOTE ON SOME SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FISHES.

I have received from Mr. Waterhouse, the able and indefati-
gable Curator of the South Australian Museum, a most interest-
ing series of small fishes, collected by himself in the St. Vincent’s
Gulf, by means of a trawl. A considerable number appear new,
and others are only imperfectly known. I intend, in the next
volume of the publications of this Society, to give a full account
of them, but I think it is only doimg justice to Mr.
Waterhouse to give here a list of the species, and a short
diagnostic of his new discoveries. I just follow the order of his
Invoices :—

1. Hippocampus Breviceps.— Peters.

2. Phillopteryx Elongatus.—Cast.
Differs from Foliatus by its being of asmaller size ; the body
much more elongate in both sexes; its foliated appendices
much shorter, broader, and of an oval form.

. Syngnathus Pecilolemus.—Peters.
. Leptoichthys Fistularius—Kaup.
. Stigmatophora Argus.—Richard.

oO oc -& &

. Syngnathus Curtirostris.—Cast.
The snout is contained three times in the length of the
head. Of a dark brown ,colour, with silvery spots on the
head and anterior part of the body.

244

7. Stigmatophora Olivacea.— Cast.

Snout at least twice as long as the remaining part of the
head ; operculum without a longitudinal ridge ; vent below
the middle of the dorsal fin; egg-pouch extending over
thirteen rings; body rings, nineteen. Entirely of an olive
colour.

8. Aploactisoma.—Cast.

This new genus is nearly allied to Richardson’s Aploactis,
but differs from it by the presence of teeth on the palatine
bones, and the composition of the fins.

Aplo. Schomburgki.—Cast.

Ist D., 5; 2nd D., 8/15. Dark brown, marbled with black ;
a spot of the last colour at the end of the dorsal.

9. Patecus Waterhousii.—Cast.

10.
1s
12.

13.

The pectoral fin rather longer than the head, only extending
to the anus; dorsal with thirty spines, the first sensibly
longer than the others, and with its membrane deeply
emarginated ; caudal with the fifth, sixth, and seventh
rays considerably prolongated ; anal with ten rays, the pos-
terior ones being prolongated and pointed ; mouth surrounded
by several series of bifid papille. Brown, marbled with
white.

Apistes Marmoratus.—Cuy. and Val.
Glyptauchen Panduratus——Richard.

Christiceps Splendens.—Cast.

Upper profile very convex; first dorsal high, of three rays ;
the second of twenty-eight spines and six rays; the anal has
two spines and twenty-three rays. Carmine colour, with
the head and fins orange.

Chironectes Filamentosus.— Cast.

Comes near Marmoratus. On the head, a long, thin, tenta-
culated spine, having on each side a slender, filiform, bifid
tentacle; on the back, there is another long spine, ending,
like the other, in a tuberculous knob, and bearing tentacles.
D.,18; A.,8. Light brown, with black blotches; lower
parts of the vody covered with long fleshy appendices.

245

14. Monacanthus Perulifer.—Cast.

15.

Anal fin with twenty-seven rays; dorsal spine with four
series of barbs ; the front series much closer together than
the posterior series, and formed of small barbs. General
appearance of Granulatus.

Vineentia.—Cast.

General characters of Chilodipterus, but no canines; differs
from Pomatomus by its general high form; its two dorsals
are inserted one very near the other; the anterior part of
the body is considerably developed; eyes large ; two
dorsals; the cleft of the mouth oblique; no teeth on the
palatine bones, and no spines to the operculum. General
appearance of Apogon.

Vin. Waterhousit.—Cast.
Reddish colour.

16.

Wi
18.

Cheilinus Aurantiacus.—Cast.
D9 ET PAGS 10: 1 ah,

Twenty-three scales on the longitudinal line, and ten on the
transverse, three of which are above the lateral line. Of a
beautiful orange colour; the dorsal and anal with a broad
external black band, and a series of feeble, obscure spots
near the body.

Gerres ? Melbournensis.—Cast.

Odax. Three sorts :—
O. Radiatus.—Quoy and Gaim.
O. Frenatus.—Gunther.
O. Richardsonit.—Gunther.

19. Upeneichthys Porosus.—Cuv. and Val.
20-22. Heteroscarus.

I propose separating from Scarus, under this name, fishes
having the upper jaw longer than the other; teeth soldered
together, with a median suture in front at the upper jaw;
scales large ; fourteen or fifteen stiff dorsal spines, the three
first prolongated in form of filaments; head naked, porous; ~
cheeks covered with scales, difficult to perceive, and seem-

246

ingly soldered together; operculum with several rows of
large scales; lateral line continuous.

Heteroscarus Filamentosus.—Cast.

The three first dorsal spines prolongated in long filaments.
DP loyiet AY e2)il2e .

Heteroscarus Modestus.—Cast.

21.

23.

24.
25.
26.

The first dorsal spines less prolongated. D., 14/10; A.,
9/11.

Platycephalus Inops ?—Jenyns.

Accords well with the description, with the exception of the
colour of ventrals and anal, which are of a light yellow,
covered, like the other fins, with black punctiform spots.

Enoplosus Armatus.—W hite.

All the specimens are of a remarkably bright colour, and the
cross-bands extend more on the second dorsal and on the
anal than on the Melbourne specimens.

Diodon Spinosissimus ?—Cuyv.
Aracana Ornata.—Gray.

Ophiclinus.—Cast.

This new genus is characterised by—Body very elongate ;
mouth opening upwards ; snout having two short filaments ;
ventral fins inserted in front of the pectorals, being formed
of one short and two long filaments; dorsal composed of
numerous spines and two rays, which are situated poste-
riorly ; it has no anterior detached portion, and is, as the
anal, attached to the caudal; the anal has no spines ; lateral
line only marked on the extreme anterior part of the body ;
teeth very numerous, short, very thick, crowded on all the
bones of the palate, and also on very numerous rows on the
lower jaw.

Ophicl. Antarcticus.—Cast.

Dorsal with sixty-three spines and two rays; anal with
thirty-nine rays. Of a brownish red, with the lower parts
lighter.

247

27. Heteroclinus.—Cast.
This new genus is characterised by—Body sub-elongate ;
mouth opening upwards; snout without tentacles ; ventral
fins inserted in front of the pectorals, formed of one short
and two long filaments; dorsals two, the first of three
spines ; the second of twenty-eight spines and three rays,
placed posteriorly ; it is attached to the tail; lateral line |
only marked on the extreme anterior part of the body ;
teeth short, blunt, thick; crowded on both jaws, with an
external line of more slender and sharper ones; very
numerous on all the palatine bones.

Heter. Adelaide,—Cast.

Of a reddish brown, with the lower parts of a yellowish
white ; an irregular black band on the side.

SSE
=) PAS)

ERRATA.

Page 33, line 26, instead of: and as names without meaning, &c.,
read: and names without meaning, &e.

» 987, ,, 19, instead of: I spent nearly five years in the
United States and Canada. I collected a
considerable, &c., read: I spent nearly five
years in the United States and Canada, I
collected, &e.

, 40, ,, 387, instead of: Livington Rooke, read: Lavington
Roope.

» 92, ,, 2, instead of: the new species I propose here, &e.,
read: the new genus I propose here, &e.

» 129, ,, 16, instead of: sorts of these will, &c., read: sorts
of Blennius will certainly, &c.

OBSERVATIONS.

My genus Weotephreps may be identical with Dr. Gunther’s
genus Melambaphes.

Trigla Polyommata is the type of a genus, Hoplonotus, Guiche-
not, “Ann. de la Société Linnéenne de Maine et Loire,”
vol, xix,

I have just received, through the kindness of Mr. George Kissley,
a specimen of the Murray Cuarassus, and I find it identical
with Hrebt.

SHLECT PLANTS

(EXCLUSIVE OF TIMBER TREES)

READILY ELIGIBLE FOR

VICTORIAN INDUSTRIAL CULTURE,

with indications of their native countries and some of their uses.
AN ENUMERATION OFFERED BY

BARON FERD. VON MUELLER,

C.M.G., M.D., Ph.D., F.R.S., F.L.S., F.R.G.S., C.M.Z.S., F.R.B.S.,
Commander of the Order of St. Jago,, and of the Order of Isabella Cath.,
Vice-President of the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria.

a eee

WHEN offering an Appendix to the Acclimatisation Society’s
Report of last year, in the enumeration of timber trees desirable
for a country of our clime, my willingness was expressed to
extend the notes, then offered, also to other plants of prominent
utilitarian value So considerate was the reception, which the
former Appendix experienced, that I am induced already to
redeem my promise of extending these data; and I do this with
all the more readiness, as the rapid progress of tillage almost
throughout our Colonial dominion is causing more and more a
desire for the general and particular indication of such plants,
which a colder clime excludes from the northern countries, where
most of us spent our youth. Within the pages, allotted to this
communication, the notes offered could only be indicative.
Hence this list is merely intended to facilitate the choice of
selection. More extensive information must be sought in special
works, to which, through the English language, access is given
by the literature of Britain and North America. Thus the

250

colonist, who wishes to pursue an altered path of husbandry, by
adopting some new foreign plants for his culture, can follow up
easily enough the enquiry, to which he may be led by the indica-
tions now submitted.

The writer found himself surrounded by some difficulty of
drawing the line of demarcation between the plants admissible
into this list and those which should be excluded, because the
final importance of any particular species, for a particular want,
locality or treatment, cannot be fully foretold. Moreover, the
field is so ample from which our plants for novel culture may be
gathered, that only the first instalment of a suggestive and
abridged index could be presented on this occasion; but it may
be supplemented, as well as the former notes on timber trees,
should friendly consideration recognize the spirit, in which these
suggestions are offered. As an instance of the difficulty to
adduce what is most desirable for an enumeration, such as the
present, it may be mentioned, that many species of the thousands
of foreign grasses would be highly eligible here, either for natu-
ralization or for cultural purposes. A few, however, could only
be singled out for the present purpose, and this with no other
view than leading the occupants of our soil onward in some new
direction for their pastoral or agrarian pursuits.

The plants, which appear to be of primary importance for our
rural wants, have been designated in this list with an asterisk.
Of these, indeed, many are long since secured by the efforts
of numerous colonists and their friends abroad, who strove to
enrich our cultural resources ; and in these efforts the writer, so
far as his public or private means did permit, has ever endea-
voured to share. But although such plants are introduced, they
are not in all instances as yet widely diffused, nor in many locali-
tios tested. Also, for the sake of completeness, ordinary culture
plants appear in this index, as the opportunity seemed an apt
one, to offer a few passing remarks on their value. The claims
of this contribution on originality must necessarily be very
limited. What for ages has engaged the reflection of thousands
cannot present absolutely or largely a new field of research. So

251

1t is especially with the means and objects of ordinary culture of
fields. To gather, therefore, from a widely-scattered literature
that, which might be here instructive or suggestive, was mainly
my task, though those gatherings may prove insignificant.
Likely also such enumerations, in a very condensed form, will
promote our communications for rural interchanges, both cis-
and trans-equatorial, though mainly with the countries of the
Northern Hemisphere, which predominantly, if not almost
exclusively, provided all the vegetable substances, which enter
into the main requisites of our daily life. Lists like the present
may aid also in naming the plants and their products with
scientific correctness in establishments of economic horticulture,
or in technologie or other educational collections. In grouping,
at the close of this tract, the genera of the plants enumerated,
according to the products which they yield, facility is afforded
for tracing out any particular series of plants, about which special
economic information may be sought, or which may prominently
engage at any time the attention of the cultivator, the manufac-
turer, or the artisan.

Melbourne Botanic Garden, April, 1872.
000006000 $$ _—<£—

Acacia Farnesiana, Willd.

Dioscorides’s small Acacia. Indigenous to South Asia ;
found westward as far as Japan; a native also of the warmer
parts of Australia, as far south as the Darling River ; found
spontaneously in tropical and sub-tropical America, but
apparently not in tropical Africa. Professor Fraas has
recognised in this Acacia the ancient plant. The scented
flowers are much sought after for perfumery. This bush
may also be utilized as a hedge plant, and a kind of Gum
Arabic may be obtained from it.

Achillea Millefolium, L.
Yarrow or Millfoil. Europe, Northern Asia and North

America. A perennial medicinal herb of considerable
astringency, pervaded with essential oil, containing also a

252

bitter principle (Achillein) and a peculiar acid, which takes
its name from the generic appellation of the plant.

Aconitum Napellus, L.

The Monk’s Hood. In the colder, especially mountainous
parts of Europe and Northern Asia. A powerful medicinal
plant of perennial growth, but sometimes only of biennial
duration, variable in its forms. It was first introduced into
Australia, together with a number of other Aconits, by the
writer of this communication. All the species possess more
or less modified medicinal qualities, as well in their herb as
in their root ; but so dangerously powerful are they, that
the plants can only be administered by the exercise of legiti-
mate medical practice. Napellus root, according to Professor
Wittstein, contains three alkaloids: Aconitin, Napellin and
Narecotin. The foliage contains also a highly acrid, volatile
principle, perhaps chemically not unlike that of many other
Ranunculaceze. Aconitin, one of the most potent of any
of the medicinal substances in existence, can likewise be
obtained from the Nepalese Aconitum ferox, and probably
from several other species of the genus.

Acorus Calamus, L.
The Sweet Flag. Europe, Middle and North Asia, North
America. A perennial pond or lake plant. The somewhat
aromatic root is used as a stomachic, and also in the pre-
paration of confectionery, in the distillation of gin, and in
the brewing of some kinds of beer. ‘The flavor of the
root depends mainly on a peculiar volatile oil.

Actza spicata, L.
The Baneberry. On forest mountains, mainly in limestone
soil of Europe, North Asia and North America. <A peren-
nial medicinal herb. Its virtue depends on peculiar acrid
and bitter, as well as tonic principles. In North America,
this species, and likewise A. alba, are also praised as effica-
cious antidotes against ophidian poisons.

Adesmia balsamica, Bertero.
The Jarilla of Chili. A small shrub, remarkable for exuding

a fragrant balsam of some technic value.

253

Eschynomene aspera, L. .

The Solah of tropical Asia. A large perennial erect or
floating swamp plant, probably hardy in the warmer tracts
of our Colony. Introduced from the Botanic Garden of
Melbourne into the tropical parts of Australia. The pith-.
hats are made from the young stems of this plant. The
Solah is of less importance for cultivation than for naturalisa-
tion.

Agave Americana, L.

The gigantic Aloe of Central America. It comes here
into flower in about ten years. The pithy stem can be
utilized for some of the purposes, for which cork is usually
employed, for instance, to form the bottom of insect-cases.
The honey-sucking birds and the bees are very fond of the
flowers of this prodigious -plant. The leaves of this and
some other Agaves, such as A. Mexicana, furnish the strong
Pita-fibre, which is adapted for ropes, and even for beautiful
textile fabrics. The sap can be converted into alcohol.
Where space and circumstances admit of it, impenetrable
hedges may be raised in the course of some years from
Agaves.

Agrostis alba, L.

The Fiorin or White Bent-Grass. Europe, North and
Middle Asia, North Africa, North America. Perennial,
showing a predilection for moisture. It is valuable as an
admixture to many other grasses, as it becomes available at
the season, when some of them fail. Sinclair regards it as a
pasture grass inferior to Festuca pratensis and Dactylis
glomerata, but superior to Alopecurus pratensis. The
variety with long suckers is best adapted for sandy pastures,
and helps to bind shifting sand on the sea coast, or broken
soil on river banks.

Aletris farinosa, L.
The Colic root of the woodlands of North America. This
pretty herb is of extreme bitterness, and can be medicinally
administered as a tonic.

254

Alkanna tinctoria, Tausch.

On sandy places around the Mediterranean Sea. It yields
the Alkanna root, used for dyeing oleaginous and other sub-
stances. It might be naturalized.

Allium Schesnoprasum, L.

The Chives. Europe, Northern Asia and North America.
Available for salads and condiments. This species of Allium
seems not yet so generally adopted in our culinary cultiva-
tion as Allium Ascalonicum (the Shallot), A. Cepa (the
ordinary Onion), A. fistulosum (the Welsh Onion), A.
Porrum (the Leek), or A. sativum (the Garlick). A. Scoro-
doprasum, or the Sand Leek of Europe and North Africa,
resembles both Garlick and Shallot.

Aloe ferox, Mill. :

South Africa. This species yields the best Cape Aloe, as
observed by Dr. Pappe. The simply inspissated juice of the
leaves of the various species of this genus constitutes the
Aloe drug. It is best obtained by using neither heat nor
pressure for extracting the sap. By re-dissolving the
aqueous part in cold water, and reducing the liquid through
boiling to dryness, the Extract of Aloes is prepared. All
species are highly valuable in our Colony, where they are
hardy, and can be used, irrespective of their medicinal
importance, to beautify any rocky or otherwise arid spot.

Aloe linguiformis, Miller.
South Africa. According to Thunberg, from this species
the purest gum-resin is obtained. .

Aloe plicatilis, Mill.
South Africa. The drug of this species acts milder than
that of A. ferox.

Aloe purpurascens, Haworth.
South Africa. Again one of the plants, which furnishes the
Cape Aloe of commerce.

Aloe socotrina, L,.
Hills of the Island of Socotra. Also cultivated in Barbadoes
and elsewhere, thus yielding the Socotrin Aloe,

250

Aloe spicata, Thunberg.
South Africa. This aloe provides Cape Aloe. It is an
exceedingly handsome plant.

Aloe vulgaris, Lamarck.

The Yellow-flowered Aloe. Countries around the Mediter-
ranean Sea, also Canary Islands, on the sandy or rocky sea
coast. Such places could also here readily be utilized for
this and allied plants. Dr. Sibthorp identified this species
with the ’Adcy of Dioscorides; hence it is not probable, that
A. vulgaris is simultaneously also of American origin,
although it is cultivated in the Antilles, and furnishes from
thence the main supply of the Barbadoes Aloe. In East
India this species is also seemingly only existing in a culti.
vated state. Haworth found the leaves of this and of A,
striata softer and more succulent than those of any other
aloe. It is said to be the only species with yellow flowers
among those early known. It is also this species only, which
Professor Willkomm and Professor Parlatore record as truly
wild in Spain and Italy.

Aloe Zeyheri, Harvey.

South Africa. A magnificent, very tall species, doubtless
valuable like the rest.

Alopecurus pratensis, L.
Meadow Foxtail Grass. Europe, North Africa, North and
Middle Asia. One of the best of perennial pasture grasses.
Though so extensively cultivated for years in our Colony,
it is mentioned, for completeness’ sake, in this list. It attains
to its full perfection only after a few years of growth, as
noticed by Sinclair. For this reason, it is not equal to
Dactylis glomerata for the purpose of changing crops.
Otherwise it is more nutritious than the latter, although the
annual return in Britain proved less. Sheep thrive well on
it. Sinclair and others found that this grass, when exclu-
sively combined with white clover, will support from the
second season five ewes and five lambs on an acre of sandy
loam. But this grass, to thrive well, needs land not
altogether dry. In all permanent artificial pastures, this

256

Alopecurus should form one of the principal ingredients,
because it is so lasting and nutritive. In our Alpine regions
it would also prove prolific, and might convert many places
there gradually into summer-runs. It is early flowering,
_and likes the presence of lime in the soil.

Alstonia constricta, F. v. M.
Warmer parts of East Australia, particularly in the dry
inland districts. The bark of this small tree is aromatic-
bitter, and regarded as valuable in ague, also as a general
tonic.

Alstremeria pallida, Graham.
Chili. Palatable starch can be obtained from the root of
this plant, which, for its loveliness alone, deserves a place in
any garden. The tubers of others of the numerous Alstre-
merias can doubtless be utilized in a similar technic manner.

Althza officinalis, L.
The Real Marsh-Mallow. Europe, North Africa, North and
Middle Asia. A tall perennial herb, with handsome flowers.
The mucilaginous root and also the foliage are used for
medicinal purposes. The plant succeeds best on damp,
somewhat saline soil.

Amelanchier Botryapium, Candolle.
The Grape-Pear of North America. This fruit tree attains
a height of 30 feet. The purplish fruits are small, but of
pleasant taste, and ripen early in the season. This bush or
tree will live in sandsoil; but it is one of those hardy kinds
particularly eligible for our Alps.

Amygdalus communis, L.
The Almond Tree. Countries around the Mediterranean
Sea and Orient. Both the sweet and bitter Almond are
derived from this species. Their uses, and the value of the
highly palatable oil, obtained by pressure from them, are well
known. This oil can well be chosen as a means of providing
a pleasant substitute for milk during sea voyages, &c., by
mixing, when required, with it half its weight of powdered
gum arabic, and adding then successively, while quickly
agitating in a stone mortar, about double the quantity of

257

water. Thus a palatable and wholesome sort of cream for
tea or coffee is obtained at any moment. There exist hard
and soft shelled varieties of both the sweet and bitter
Almond. In time, they should form an important article of
our exports. Almonds can even be grown on sea shores.
The crystalline Amygdalin can best be prepared from bitter
Almonds, through removing the oil by pressure, then sub-
jecting them to distillation with alcohol, and finally precipi-
tating with Hither. The volatile bitter Almond oil—a very
dangerous substance—is obtained by aqueous distillation.
Dissolved in alocohol, it forms the Essence of Aimondys.
This can also be prepared from peach kernels.

Anacyclus Pyrethrum, Candolle.
Countries near the Mediterranean Sea. The root is used
medicinally.

Andropogon avenaceus, Michaux.
(Sorghum avenaceum, Chapman.)
North and Central America. This tall perennial grass
lives in dry, sandy soil, and shonld here be tried for growth
of fodder.

Andropogon bicolor, Roxburgh.
Warmer parts of Asia. One of the annual tall Sorghums’
It ripens its seeds in three or four months from the time of
sowing, the produce in good soil being often upwards of one
hundredfold. It is a wholesome grain.

Andropogon Calamus, Royle.
Central India. The Sweet Calamus of the Ancients. From
this species the Gingergrass-oil of Nemaur is distilled, an
article much used in perfumery.

Andropogon cernuus, Roxb. (Sorghum cernuum, Willd.)

One of the Guinea Corns. India, where it is much culti-
vated, and so also in other tropical countries. It is peren-
nial, and forms the “staff of life of the mountaineers ”’
beyond Bengal. It reaches a height of 15 feet, with leaves
over 3 feet long. The thick stems are rooting at the lower
joints, and cattle are very fond of them. The grain is white.
The specific limits of the various Sorghums are not well
ascertained,

258

Andropogon citratus, Candolle.
The Lemon Grass of India. It yields an essential oil for
perfumery ; besides it is occasionally used for tea. This
applies as well to Andropogon Nardus, L., and some allied
grasses.

Andropogon Haleppensis, Sibthorp.
South Europe, Orient. A rich perennial grass, cultivated
often under the name of Cuba Grass.

Andropogon Ivarancusa, Roxb.

One of the fragrant grasses of North India, much used like
A. Sheenanthus.

Andropogon Martini, Roxb. (A. flewuosus, Nees.)
On the mountains of India. The fragrant Citronella Oil is
distilled in Ceylon and elsewhere from the leaves of this
species. General Martin observed, that cattle are vora-
ciously fond of this grass; but it imparts its fragrance to
meat and milk.

Andropogon muricatus, Retz.
India. A Swamp-grass, with delightfully fragrant roots.

Andropogon nutans, L. (Sorghum nutans, Gray.)
North America, A tall, nutritious, perennial grass, content
with dry and barren soil.

Andropogon saccharatus, Roxb. (Sorghum saccharatwm, Pers.)
Tropical Asia. The Broom-Corn. A tall annual species,
splendid as a fodder grass. From the saccharine juice
sugar is obtainable. A sample of such, prepared from plants
of the Melbourne Botanic Garden, was shown at the
Exhibition of 1862. This Sorghum furnishes also material
for a well-known kind of brooms. A variety or a closely
allied species yields the Caffir Corn (4. Caffrorwm, Kunth).
The plant can be advantageously utilized for preparing
treacle. or this purpose, the sap is expressed at the time
of flowering, and simply evaporated ; the yield is about
100 gallons from the acre. In 1860, nearly seven millions
of gallons of sorghum treacle were produced in the United
States.

259

Andropogon Shenanthus, L.
Deserts of Arabia. A scented grass, allied to the Indian
oil-yielding Andropogons. A similar species occurs in arid
places of the interior of North Australia.

Andropogon Sorghum, Brotero. (Sorghum vulgare, Persoon.)
The large Indian Millet or Guinea Corn, or the Durra.
Warmer parts of Asia. A tall annual plant. The grains
can be converted into bread, porridge and other prepara-
tions of food. It is avery prolific corn and to us particularly
valuable for green fodder. Many others of the numerous
species of Andropogon, from both hemispheres, deserve our
attention.

Anemone Pulsatilla, L.
Europe and Northern Asia. On limestone soil. This pretty
perennial herb is of some medicinal importance.

Anona Cherimolia, Miller.
Tropical and sub-tropical South America. This shrub or
tree might be tried in the frostless lower valleys of East
Gipps Land, where humidity and rich soil will also prove
favourable to its growth. It yields the Cherimoyer fruit.
The flowers are very fragrant.

Anthemis nobilis, L.

The true Camomile. Middle and South Europe, North
Africa. A well-known medicinal plant, here frequently
used as edgings for garden plots. Flowers in their normal
state are preferable for medicinal use to those, in which the
ray-flowers are produced in increased numbers. They con-
tain a peculiar volatile oil and two acids similar to Angelica
and Valeriana acid.

Anthemis tinctoria, L.

Middle and South Europe, Orient. An annual herb. The
flowers contain a yellow dye.

Anthistiria ciliata, L. fil. (Anthistiria Australis, R. Brown.)
The well-known Kangaroo Grass, not confined to Australia,
but stretching through Southern Asia also, and through the
whole of Africa. It is mentioned here, because its growth

260

should be encouraged by every means. There are several
species of Anthistiria deserving introduction and naturalisa-
tion in our Colony.

Anthoxanthum odoratum, L.

The Scented Vernal Grass. Europe, North and Middle
Asia, North Africa. A perennial, not of great value as a
fattening grass, yet always desired for the flavor, which it
imparts to hay. Perhaps for this purpose the scented
Andropogons might serve here also. On deep and moiat
soils it attains its greatest perfection. It is much used for
mixing among permanent grasses on pastures, where it will
continue long in season. It would live well in our Alps.
The lamellar-crystalline Cumarin is the principle, on which
the odor of Anthoxanthemum depends.

Apios tuberosa, Moench.
North America. A climber, with somewhat milky juice.
The mealy tubers are edible.

Apium graveolens, L.
The Celery. Europe, North Africa, North and Middle
Asia. It is here merely inserted with a view of pointing
out, that it might be readily naturalized on our sea shores.

Apium prostratum, La Billardiere.
The Australian Celery. Extra-tropical Australia, New Zea-
land, extra-tropical South America. This also can be
utilized as a culinary vegetable.

Apocynum cannabinum, L.
On river banks in North America. This is recorded among

plants yielding a textile fibre.

Arachis hypogaea, L.
The Earth-nut, Pea-nut or Ground-nut. Brazil. The

seeds of this annual herb are consumed in a roasted state,
or used for pressing from them a palatable oil. The plant
is a very productive one, and yields a very quick return.. It
ranks also as a valuable fodder herb. A light somewhat
calcareous soil is best fitted for its growth. On such soil,
50 bushels may be obtained from the acre,

261

Archangelica officinalis, Hoffmann.
Arctic zone and mountain regions of Europe. The stalks
are used for confectionery; the roots are of medicinal
use. Only in our Alps would this herb fully establish its
value. The root is biennial and used in the distillation
of some cordials.

Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Sprengel.
Alpine and Arctic Europe, North Asia and North America.
A medicinal small shrub, which here could best be reared in
the heath-moors of our Alpine regions.

Argania Sideroxylon, Roem: and Schult.

The Argan-tree. Western Barbary, on dry hills. Its
erowth is here found to be slow; but it is a tree of
longevity. Though comparatively low in stature, its foliage
occasionally spreads to a circumference of 220 feet. It
sends out suckers from the root. The fruits serve as food
for cattle in Morocco; but here the kernels would be more
likely to be utilized by pressing the oil from them.

Aristolochia Serpentaria, L.
The Snake-root of North America. The root of this trailing
herb is valuable in medicine; it contains a peculiar volatile
oil. Several other Aristolochiz deserve culture for medi-
cinal purposes, for instance,—Aristolochia ovalifolia (Guaco),
and A. anguicida, from the mountains of Central America,
should they prove hardy.

Arnica montana, L.
Colder parts of Europe. ‘This pretty herb is perennial, and
of medicinal value. It is eligible for our sub-alpine
regions. The active principles are:—Arnicin, volatile oil,

— eupron and capryl acid.

Arracacha xanthorrhiza, Bancroft.
Mountain regions of Central America. An umbelliferous
herb. The roots are nutritious and palatable. There are
yellow, purple and pale varieties.

Artemisia Absinthium, L.

The Wormwood. Hurope, North and Middle Asia, and
North Africa. A perennial herb, valuable as a tonic and

262

anthelminthic. Several other species of Artemisia deserve
cultivation for medicinal purposes. Active principles :—
Absinthin, an oily substance, indurating to a crystalline
mass ; a volatile oil peculiar to the species.

Artemisia Dracunculus, L.
The Tarragon or Estragon. North Asia. A perennial
herb, used as a condiment. Its flavour rests on two volatile
oils, one of them peculiar to the plant.

Arundinaria falcata, Nees.
Nepaul. One of the hardiest kinds of the Bamboo tribe. It
rises to the height of 20 feet, the canes attaining a diameter
of 4 inches.

Arundinaria macrosperma, Michaux.
Southern States of North America,—particularly on the
Missisippi. This Bamboo-like reed forms there the cane-
brakes. It requires to be replanted after flowering in the
course of years. Height 20 feet.

Arundo Donax, L.
The tall evergreen lasting Bamboo-reed of South Europe
and North Africa. It is one of the most important plants
of its class for quickly producing a peculiar scenic effect in
picturesque plantations, also for intercepting at once the
view to unsightly objects, and for giving early shelter. The
canes can be used for fishing-rods.

Arundo Pliniana, Turr.
On the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. A smaller plant
than A. Donax, with more slender stems and narrower
leaves, but similarly evergreen, and resembling the Donax
reed also in its roots.

Arundo saccharoides, F. v. M.
(Gynerium saccharoides, Humboldt.)
Northern parts of South America. This species is here not
yet introduced; but it is likely to prove hardy. Like the
following, it is conspicuously magnificent.

268

Arundo Sellowiana, Schultes. (Arwndo dioica, Spreng. non
Louriero. Gyneriwm argenteum, Nees.)
The Pampas Grass of Uruguay, Paraguay and the La Plata
State. A grand autumnal flowering reed, with gorgeous
feathery panicles. As an industrial plant it deserves here a
place, because paper can be prepared from its leaves.

Asparagus officinalis, L
Europe, North Africa, North Asia. The well-known Ag-
paragus plant, which, if naturalized on our coast, would aid
in binding the sand. The foliage contains Inosit-Sugar ; the
shoots contain Asparagin.

Astragalus Cephalonicus, Fischer. (A. aristatus, Sibthorp.)

Cephalonia. A small shrub, yielding a good tragacanth ;
and so probably, also, the true A. aristatus of lHeritier is
producing it.

Artragalus Creticus, La Marck.
Candia and Greece. A small bush, exuding the ordinary
vermicular Tragacanth. The pale is preferable to the brown
sort.

Astragalus gummifer, La Billard.
Syria and Persia. This shrub also yields a good kind of
Tragacanth.

Astragalus strabiliferus, Royle.
Asiatic Turkey. The brown Tragacanth is collected from
this species.

Astragalus verus, Olivier.
Asiatic Turkey and Persia. This shrub furnishes the
Takalor or Smyrna Tragacanth, or it is derived from an
allied species.

Atriplex hortensis, L
North and Middle Asia. The Arroche. An annual Spinage
plant.

Atropa Belladonna, L

The Deadly Nightshade. South and Middle Europe and |
Western Asia. A most important perennial medicinal herb.

264:

The highly powerful Atropin is derived from it, besides
another alkaloid, the Belladonnin.

Avena fatua, L.
Wild Oat. Europe, North Africa, North and Middle Asia,
eastward as far as Japan. The experiments of Professor
Buckman indicate, that our ordinary Culture-Oat (Avena
sativa, Lu.) is descended from this plant.

Avena flavescens, L. (Zrisetum flavescens, Beauv.)
Yellowish Oat Grass. Europe, North Africa, Middle and
North Asia, eastward as far as Japan. One of the best of
perennial meadow-grasses, living on dry soil; fitted also for
our Alps.

Avena pratensis, L.
Meadow Oat Grass. Europe, North Asia. It thrives well
on dry, clayey soil; it produces a sweet fodder, but not in
so great proportion as several other less nutritious grasses.
Tt is perennial, and well adapted for our snowy mountains,
where it would readily establish itself, even on heathy
moors.

Avena pubescens, L. :
Downy Oat-Grass. Europe, North and Middle Asia. A
sweet perennial grass, requiring dry but good soil, contain-
ing lime. Itis nutritious and prolific. Several good Oat-
erasses are peculiar to North America and other parts of
the globe. ‘Their relative value as fodder-grasses is in many
cases not exactly known, nor does the limit assigned to this
little treatise allow of their being enumerated on this occa-
sion.

Bactris Gasipas, Humboldt. (Guilielma speciosa, Mart.)

The Peach Palm of the Amazon River, ascending to-the
warm-temperate regions of the Andes. Stems clustered,
attaining a height of 90 feet. Dr. Spruce describes the

_ large bunches of fruits as possessing a thick, firm and mealy
pericarp, which, when cooked, has a flavor between Potato
and Chesnut, but superior to either. To us, however, this
palm would be mainly an object of grandeur. It is likely
to endure our clime in the fern-tree gullies.

Bambusa arundinacea, Roxb.
The Thorny Bamboo of India. It requires rich, moist soil,
and delights on river banks. It is of less height than Bam-
busa vulgaris; it also sends up from the root numerous
stems, but with bending branches, thorny at the joints.
The seeds of this and some other Bamboos are useful as
food for fowls.

Bambusa attenuata, Thwaites.
The Hardy Bamboo of Ceylon, there growing on the moun-
tains at elevations between 4000 to 6000 fect. It attains a
height of 25 feet.

Bambusa elegantissima, Hasskarl.
Jaya, on mountains about 4000 feet high. Very tall and
exceedingly slender; the upper branches pendulous. A
hardy species.

Bambusa monadelpha. (Dendrocalamus monadelphus, Thwaites.)
Ceylon, on mountains from 4000 to 6000 feet high. A dwarf
but handsome Bamboo, reaching only a height of 12 feet.

Bambusa spinosa, Roxb.
Bengal. A Bamboo of considerable height. The central
cavity of the canes is of less width than in most other species,
thus the strength for many technic purposes is increased.

Bambusa stricta, Roxb. (Dendrocalamus strictus, Nees.)
India, particularly Bengal. Grows on drier ground than
B. arundinacea. It is also smaller, and quite straight. - Its
strength and solidity renders it fit for many select technic
purposes.

Bambusa verticillata, Blume.
The Whorled Bamboo of Java.

Bambusa vulgaris, Wendland.
The large unarmed Bamboo of Bengal. It attains a height
of 70 feet, and stems may attain even a length of 40 feet in
one season, though the growth is slower in our clime. It
has proved to be capable of resisting the occasional night
frost of the lowlands of Victoria. It is the best for building
Bamboo-Houses. Immersion in water for some time ren-

266

ders the cane still firmer. To the series of large thornless
Bamboos belong also Bambusa Tulda and Bambusa Baleooa
of India, and Bambusa Thouarsii from Madagascar and
Bourbon. These Bamboos are much used for various kinds
of furniture, mats, implements and other articles. There
are many other kinds of Bamboo eligible among the species
from China, Japan, India, tropical America, and perhaps
tropical Africa. One occurs in Arnhem’s Land.

Barosma serratifolia, Willd. :
South Africa. This shrub supplies the medicinal Bucco-
leaves. B. crenulata, Hook. (Diosma crenulata, L.), is only
a variety of this species. Active principles—A peculiar
volatile oil, a peculiar resin, and a crystalline substance
called Diosmin.

Beta vulgaris, L.*
The Beet or Mangold Root. Middle and South Europe,
Middle Asia, North Africa. This well-known perennial or
biennial herb ought to engage the general and extensive
attention of our farming population. The herb is most
valuable as a palatable and nutritious spinage; the root is
of importance not only as a culinary vegetable, but, as
well known, also for its content of sugar, fit to be crystallised.
That of Beet, indeed, is now almost exclusively consumed
in Russia, Germany, Austria, France, Sweden and Belgium ;
and these countries not only produce the Beet Sugar, but
also export it largely to the neighbouring States. The
white Sicilian Beet is mainly used for salads, spmage and
soups. The thick-ribbed variety serves ike Asparagus or
Seakale, dressed like Rhubarb. Cereal soil, particularly
such as is fit for Barley, is generally adapted also for the
culture of Beet. The rearing of the root, and the manufac-
ture of the sugar, can be studied from manifold works; one
has been compiled by Mr. N. Levy, of this city. A deeply
stirred, drained soil, rich in lime, brings the saccharine
variety of Beet to the greatest perfection. The Imperial
Beet yields from 12 to 20 per cent. sugar. The Castelnau-
derry, the Magdeburg, the Siberian Whiterib and the
Vilmorin Beet are other varieties rich in sugar. About

267

5 lbs. of seeds are required for an acre. In rotation of
crops, the Beet takes its place best between Barley and
Oats. In Middle Europe the yield averages 14 tons of
Sugar Beet to the acre, and as many hundred weight of raw
sugar. The mercantile value of the root, at our distilleries,
ranged from 20s. to 30s. per ton. In our clime, the Beet
harvest can be extended over a far longer time of the year
than in Middle Europe. The extraction of the sap is
effected generally by hydraulic pressure. The juice is
purified with lime and animal coal. Excess of lime is
removed by carbonic acid, and the purified and decolorized
juice is evaporated in vacuum pans, with a view to prevent-
ing the extensive conversion of the crystallisable sugar into
treacle. The production of Beet sugar needs far less labor
than that of cane sugar, and the harvest is obtained in so
short a time as eight months. Beet has shown itself
subject neither to alarming diseases nor to extensive attacks
of insects. Beet is grown in extra-tropical zones like ours,
while the sugar-cane is a plant confined to tropical and sub-
tropical latitudes. Beet culture, by directly or indirectly
restoring the refuge, ameliorates the soil to such an extent,
that in some parts of Germany land, so utilized, has risen
to fourfold its former value. Beet, furthermore, affords one
of the most fattening stable fodders; and thus again an
ample supply of manure. In Middle Europe now about
one-sixth of all the arable land is devoted to Beet, yet the
produce of cereals has not become reduced, while the rearing
of fattened cattle has increased. Notwithstanding a heavy
tax on the Beet-sugar factories in Europe, the industry has
proved prosperous, and assumes greater and greater dimen-
sions. In 1865, the sugar consumption of Europe amounted
to 31,676,497 ewt., one-third of which had been locally sup-
pled by the Beet, from over one thousand beet-sugar
factories. Treacle obtained from beet is distilled for
alcohol. For establishing remunerative factories on a
large and paying scale, it has been suggested that farmers’
companies might be formed. or ascertaining the per-
‘centage of sugar in Beet, saccharometers are used. In
Germany, some scientific periodicals are exclusively devoted
to the fosteriug of this industry.

268

Boehmeria nivea, Gaudichaud.*

The Ramee or Rheea. Southern Asia, as far east as Japan.
This bush furnishes the strong and beautiful fibre woven
into the fabric, which inappropriately is called grass-cloth.
The bark is softened by hot water or steam, and then separa-
ble into its tender fibres. The best is obtained from the
young shoots; it is glossy, tough and lasting, combining to
some extent the appearance of silk with the strength of flax.
The ordinary market value of the fibre is about £40 per
ton; but Dr. Royle mentions that it has realized, at times,
£120. The seeds are sown on manured or otherwise rich
and friable soil. In the third year, or under very favorable
circumstances even earlier, it yields its crops, as many as
three annually. The produce of an acre has been estimated
at 2 tons of fibre. This latter, since Kaempfer’s time, has
been known to be extensively used for ropes and cordage in
Japan. Our rich and warmest forest valleys seem best
adapted for the Ramee, as occasional irrigation can be also
there applied. In the open grounds of Victoria it suffers
from the night frosts, although this does not materially
injure the plant, which sends up fresh shoots, fit for fibre,
during the hot season. The plant has been cultivated and
distributed since 1854, in the Botanic Garden of Melbourne,
where it is readily propagated from cuttings, the seeds
ripening rarely there. Cordage of this Boehmeria is three
times as strong as that of hemp. Other species require to
be tested, among them the one which was recently dis-
covered in Lord Home’s Island, namely Boehmeria calo-
phleba.

Boronia megastigma, Nees.

In West Australia on margins of swamps. This remarkable
bush is recorded here as an emblem of mourning, its ex-
ternal blackish flowers rendering it especially eligible for
graves. Industrially it interests us on account of its power-
fully fragrant blossoms, for the sake of which this bush will
deserve to be cultivated. The scent might be extracted by
Mr. Bosisto’s process.

269

Borrago officinalis, L.
South Europe, Orient. An annual herb, occasionally used
for medicinal purposes or as an admixture to salad.

Brabejum stellatifolium, L.
South Africa. The nuts of this shrub are edible, resembling
those of our Macadamia ternifolia, to which also in foliage
and flowers Brabejum is closely alied. The nuts are also
similar to those of the Chilian Guevina Avellana.

Brassica alba, Visiani. (Sinapis alba, L..)

White Mustard. Hurope, North Africa, North and Middle
Asia. An annual. The seeds are less pungent than those
of the Black Mustard, but used in a similar manner. The
young leaves of both are useful as a culinary and anti-
scorbutic salad. Dr. Masters enumerates Brassica Chinensis,
B. dichotoma, B. Pekinensis, B. ramosa and B. glauca
among the Mustards, which undergo cultivation in various
parts of Asia, either for the fixed oil of their seeds or for
their herbage. From 15 Ibs. to 20 Ibs. of seeds of the
White Mustard are required for an acre. In the climate of
Callfornia, similar to ours, 1400 lbs. of seeds have been
gathered from an acre.

Brassica nigra, Koch. (Sinapis nigra, L,)

The Black Mustard. Europe, North Africa, Middle Asia.
An annual. The seeds, simply crushed and then sifted, con-
stitute the Mustard of commerce. For medicinal purposes
the seeds of this species are preferable for sinapism and
other purposes. In rich soil this plant is very prolific; and
in our forest-valleys it is likely to remain free from the
attack of aphis. Chemical constituents: A peculiar fixed
oil, crystalline sinapin, the fatty sinapisin, Myron-acid and
Myrosin.

Brassica oleracea, L.
An annual or biennial coast plant, indigenous to various
parts of Europe. 1t is mentioned here with a view of show-
ing, that it might be naturalized on our rocky and sandy sea
shores. From the wild plant of the coast originated various
kinds of Cabbages, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts,

270

Kail, Kohlrabi, &e. Other races of this species are collec-
tively represented by Brassica Rapa, L. (B. campestris, L.),
the Wild Navew, yielding most of the varieties of Turnips,
some with other cultivated forms transferred to us from
ancient times. Again other varieties are comprehended
within Brassica Napus, L., such as the Swedish and Teltower
Turnips, while the Rape seed, so important for its oil
(Colza), is also derived from a form of B. Napus. The
Rape should be produced here as an agrarian produce,
giving a rapid return, wherever it should remain free of
aphis. The hardier turnips could be produced on our
highest Alps, as they are grown still within the Arctic circle,
and, according to Dr. J. Hooker, at a height of 15,000 feet
in the Himalaya mountains.

Butomus umbellatus, L.
The Flowering Rush. Europe, North and Middle Asia.
This elegant perennial water-plant is mentioned here more
for its value in embellishing our lakes and watercourses than
for the sake of its roots. The latter, when roasted, are
edible. The plant would live in our subalpine rivulets.

Bromus unioloides, Humboldt.* (8. Schraderi, Kunth.)

Here called the Prairie Grass. From Central America it
has spread over many parts of the globe. The writer saw it
disseminated in the mountains of St. Vincent’s Gulf as
early as 1847. It is one of the richest of all grasses, grows
continously and spreads readily from seeds, particularly on
fertile and somewhat humid soil, and has proved as a lasting
and nutritious fodder-grass or pasture-grass one of our best
acquisitions.

Broussonetia papyrifera, Ventenat.
The Paper Mulberry. Islands of the Pacific Ocean, China,
Japan, perhaps only truly indigenous in the Jast-named
country. The bast of this tree or shrub can be converted
into very strong paper. It can also be used as a textile
fabric ; furthermore the fabrics made from it can be dressed
with linseed oil for waterproof coverings. In cultivation
the plant is kept like an osier, The leaves cannot be used

271

for silkworms. European fabrics have largely super-
seded the clothing made of this plant in the South Sea
Islands.

Caesalpinia Gilliesii, Wallich. (Poinciana Gilliesii, Hooker.)

La Plata States. This beautiful hardy bush can be utilized
for hedges.

Cajanus Indicus, Candolle.

The Catjang; in Assam, called Gelooa-mah. A shrubby
plant of India, probably available for profitable culture and
naturalization in the warmer parts of our Colony. It sus-
tains itself on dry ground, and yields the pulse known as
Dhal, Urhur and Congo-pea. The plant lasts for about
three years. Several species of Cajanus of the Atylosia
section, indigenous to the warmer parts of Australia, might
be tested here for the sake of the economic value of their
seeds. The insect, active in the formation of lac, lives
extensively on the Cajanus, according to Mr. T. D. Brewster
of Assam. Silkworms live also on it. |

Calamus montanus, I. Anderson.

Himalaya, up to 6000 feet. A hardy climbing palm. The
aged canes are naked. “The light but strong suspension-
bridges, by which the large rivers of Sikkim are crossed, are
constructed of this palm. It supplies material for the
strongest ropes for dragging logs of wood from the forests.
The most durable baskets and the cane-work of chairs are
manufactured from the slit stems. Walking-sticks and
riding-canes made of this species are exported from Sikkim
in considerable quantity.” Many other Calami serve similar
purposes, but probably few or perhaps none are equally
hardy.

Camelina sativa, Crantz.
Middle and South Europe, temperate Asia. An annual
herb, cultivated for the sake of its fibre and the oil of its
seeds. It is readily grown after corn crops, yields richly
oneal (Gil woe soil and is not attacked by aphis. Mr. W.
Taylor obtained 32 bushels of seeds from an acre, and from
these 540 lbs. of oil. The return is within a few months.

272

Canna Achiras, Gillies.

Mendoza. One of the few extra-tropic Cannas, eligible for
Arrow-root culture.

Canna coccinea, Roscoe.

West India. Yields with some other Cannas the particular
Arrow-root, called “ Tous les mois.”

Canna edulis, Edwards.

The Adeira of Peru. One of the hardiest of Arrow-root
plants, and thus well adapied for our clime. Seeds, even if
many years old, will germinate. This species has yielded
excellent starch at Melbourne. Western Port, Lake Welling-
ton, Ballarat and other localities, from plants supplied at
the Botanic Garden. The Rev. Mr. Hagenauer, of the
Gipps Land Aboriginal Mission station, obtained 220 lbs. of
Arrow-root from one-eighth of an acre of tunis Canna. The
gathering of the roots is effected about April. The plants
can be set out in ordinary ploughed land. Captain James
Hall, of Hastings, prepared algo largely the starch from this
root. Starch grains remarkably large.

Canna flaccida, Roscoe.
Carolina. Probably also available for Arrow-root, though in
first instance like many congeners chosen only for orna-
mental culture.

Canna glauca, Linne.
One of the West Indian Arrow-root Cannas.

Cannabis sativa, L.*
The Hemp-plant ; indigenous to various parts of Asia, as far
west as Turkey and as far east as Japan. Cultivated for
its fibre since ancient times. Particularly in hot climes it
exudes the ‘“ Churras,” a resinous substance of narcotic
intoxicating property. The foliage contains also a volatile
oil, which the seeds yield by pressure—the well-known fixed
Hemp-oil. The staminiferous plant is pulled for obtaining
the fibre in its best state immediately after flowering ; the
seeding plant is gathered for fibre at a later stage of growth.
Good soil, well drained, never absolutely dry, is needed for

273

successful Hemp culture. Hemp is one of the plants yield-
ing a full and quick return within the season. The summer
temperatures of St. Petersburg (67° F.) and of Moscow
(62° F.) admit yet of the cultivation of this plant.

Capparis spinosa, L.
South Europe and North Africa. A somewhat shrubby
and trailing plant, deserving even for the sake of its hand-
some flowers a place in any garden. It sustains its life in
the most arid deserts. The frosts of our lowlands do not
destroy this plant. The flower-buds and young berries
preserved in vinegar with some salt form the Capers of
commerce. Samples of Capers, prepared from plants of the
Botanic Garden, are placed in our Industrial Museum,
together with many other industrial products emanating
from the writer’s laboratory. A closely allied and probably
equally useful plant, Capparis nummularia, is- indigenous to
Northern Australia. The Caper-plant is propagated either
from seeds or suckers; it is well able to withstand either
heat or drought. The buds after their first immersion into
slightly salted vinegar are strained and afterwards preserved
in bottles with fresh vinegar. Chemical principle: Glycosid. °

Capsicum annuum, L.
Central America. An annual herb, which yields the Chillies
and thus also the material for Cayenne Pepper. Chemical
principle: Capsicin, an acrid soft-resinous substance.

Capsicum baccatum, L.
The Cherry-Capsicum. A perennial plant. From Brazil
brought to tropical Africa and Asia, where now other
Pepper-Capsicums are likewise naturalized.

Capsicum frutescens, L.
Tropical America. The berries of this shrubby species are
likewise converted into Cayenne Pepper.

Capsicum longum, Candolle.
Some of the hottest parts of America An annual herb,
also yielding Cayenne Pepper. Our summers admit of the
successful growth of at least the annual species of Capsicum
in all the lowlands.

274:

Carthamus tinctorius, L.

From Egypt to India. The Safflower. A tall annual rather
handsome herb. The florets produce yellow, rosy, ponceau
and other red shades of dye, according to various admix-
tures. Pigment principles: Carthamin and Carthamus-
yellow. For domestic purposes it yields a dye ready at
hand from any garden. In India the Carthamus is also
cultivated for the sake of the oil, which can be pressed from
the seeds.

Carum Ajowan, Bentham. (Péychotis Ajowan, Candolle.)

India. The fruits of this annual herb form an excellent
culinary condiment with the flavor of thyme. Its peculiar
oil is accompanied by Cymol and Thymol.

Carum Carui, L,
The Caraway-plant. Perennial. Europe, North and Middle
Asia. It might be naturalized in our Alps and also along
our sea shores. The Caraway-oil is accompanied by two
chemical principles: Carven and Carvol.

Carum ferulifolium, Koch. (Bunium ferulifolium, Desfont.)
A perennial herb of the Mediterranean regions. The small
tubers are edible.

Carum Petroselinum, Bentham. (Apiwm Petroselinum, L.)

The Parsley. The biennial well-known herb, indigenous to
South Europe and the Orient. Essential oil peculiar with
Stearopten.

Caryota urens, L.
India. One of the hardier Palms, ascending according to
Dr. Thomas Anderson the Himalayas to an altitude of 5000
feet, yet even there attaining a considerable height, though
the temperature sinks in the cooler season to 40° Fahren-
heit. The trunk furnishes a sago-like starch. This Palm
flowers only at an advanced age, and after having produced a
succession of flowers dies away. From the sap of the
flowers Toddy and palm-sugar are prepared, like from the
Cocos and Borassus Palm, occasionally as much as 12 gallons
of Toddy being obtained from one tree in a day. The fibre

275

of the leaf-stalks can be manfactured into very strong ropes,
also into baskets, brushes and brooms. The outer wood of
the stem serves for turnery.

Cassia acutifolia, Delile.
Indigenous or now spontaneous in Northern and tropical
Africa and South-west Asia. Perennial. The merely dried
leaflets constitute part of the Alexandrian and also Tinne-
velly Senna. In Victoria it will be only in the warmest
northern and eastern regions, where Senna can perhaps be
cultivated to advantage.

Cassia angustifolia, Vahl.
Northern Africa and South-western Asia, indigenous or cul-
tivated. Perennial. Yields Mecca-Senna.

Cassia Marylandica, L
An indigenous Sena plant of the United States of North
America. Perennial.

Cassia obovata, Colladon.
South-west Asia; widely dispersed through Africa as a
native or disseminated plant. Perennial. Part of the
Alexandrian and also Aleppo Senna is derived from this
species. Several of the Australian desert Cassias of the
group of C. artemisioides may also possess purgative pro-
perties. The odor of their foliage is almost that of Senna.

Catha edulis, Forskoel.
Arabia and Eastern Africa. The leaves of this shrub under
the designation Kafta or Cat are used for a tea of a very
stimulating effect, to some extent to be compared to that of
Erythroxylon Coca, To us here the plant would be mainly
valuable for medicinal purposes.

Cedronella cordata, Bentham.
United States of North America. A perennial herb, fragrant
like the foregoing.

Cedronella triphylla, Moench.
Madeira and Canary Islands. A shrubby plant with highly
scented foliage. The volatile oil obtainable from it resem-
bles that of Melissa, but is somewhat camphoric.

276

Cephaelis Ipecacuanha, Richard.
Brazil in woods of mountains, consociated with Palms and
Fern-trees. It is not unlikely, that this herb, which is
perennial and yields the important medicinal Ipecacuanha
root, would live in our warmer forest regions, such as those
of East Gipps Land. Active principles: Emetin and Ipeca-
cuanha-acid.

Ceroxylon andicola, Humboldt.

The Wax-palm of New Granada, ascending the Andes to
11,000 feet. One of the most majestic and at the same
time one of the most hardy of all palms, attaining occa-
sionally a height of 180 feet. The trunk exudes a kind of
resinous wax, about 25 lbs. being obtainable at a time from
each stem; this by admixture to tallow is used for candles.
There are several other andine palms, which could be reared
in our forests or in sheltered positions at our dwellings, but
some of them are not even yet phytographically cireum-
scribed.

Cervantesia tomentosa, Ruiz and Payon.
Forest-mountains of Peru. This tree yields edible seeds.
It is likely to prove hardy in our lower forest regions.

Chaerophyllum bulbosum, Linne.
Middle Europe and Western Asia. The Parsnip-Chervil.
A biennial herb. The root a good culinary esculent.

Chaerophyllum sativum, Lamarck.
(Anthriscus Cerefoliwm, Hoftm.)
The Chervil. Middle and South Europe, Western Asia.
An annual herb, available for salads and condiments, but the
root deleterious.

Chamaerops excelsa, Thunberg.
South China. This fan-palm is highly desirable, although
not tall as the name would indicate.

Chamaerops Fortunei, Hooker.
North China. The Chusan-palm. It attains a height of
about 12 feet and endures like the following species con-
siderable frost. The leaves can be employed for plaiting

277

palm-hats. Other hardy palms might be naturalized and used
forvarious purposes, irrespective of their ornamental features.

Chamaerops humilis, Linné.
The dwarf Fan-Palm of South Europe and North Africa.
It is very decorative for garden plantations, particularly also
eligible for scenic effect.

Chamaerops Hystrix, Fraser.
The Blue Palmetto of Florida and Carolina. Another
dwarf Fan-Palm.

Chamaerops Martiana, Wallich.
Ascends the mountains of Nepaul to 5000 feet. Attains a
height of 50 feet and is altogether a noble object.

Chamaerops Richieana, Griffith.
Arid mountains of Affghanistan. Has also proved hardy
even in England.

Chelidonium majus, L.
Europe and Western Asia. The Celandine. A perennial
herb of medicinal value. Chemical principles: Chelerythrin
and Chelidonin ; also a yellow pigment: Chelidoxanthin.

Chenopodium ambrosicides, L.
Tropical America. An annual medicinal herb. Chenopo-
dium authelminticum is a perennial variety of this species.

Chenopodium auricomum, Lindley.
From the Darling River to Carpentaria and Arnhem’s
Land. A tall perennial herb, furnishing a nutritious and
palatable spimage. It will live in arid desert regions.

Chenopodium Quinoa, Willdenow.
From New Granada to Chili. A large-leaved quick-growing
annual species, cultivated for the sake of its amylaceous
seeds, but perhaps of more value as a culinary vegetable.

Cicer arietinum, L.
South Europe and Orient. The Gram. An annual herb,
valuable as a pulse for pasture animals. The seeds can also
be converted into peameal or be used otherwise for culinary
purposes.

278

Cichorium Endivia, L.
South Europe, Orient, Middle Asia. <A biennial plant, used
since ancient times as a culinary vegetable.

Cichorium Intybus, L.

Chicory. A well-known perennial plant, indigenous to
Europe, North Africa and North and West Asia. The roots
can be used as a substitute for Coffee. This plant requires
arich deep loamy soil, but fresh manure is detrimental to
the value of the root. It is also a good fodder-plant espe-
cially for sheep. The root can also be dressed and boiled
for culinary purposes. The leaves useful for salad.

Cimicifuga racemosa, Elliot.
The Black Snake-root of North America. A perennial herb
of medicinal value, the root possessing emetic properties.

Cinchona Calisaya, Ruiz.*
Yellow Perubark-tree. Andes of Peru and Bolivia, 5-6000
feet above the ocean. This tree attains a height of 40 feet.
It yields the yellow bark, and also part of the crownbark.
It is one of the richest yielder of quinin, and produces
besides Cinchonidin.

Cinchona micrantha, Ruiz and Payon.
Cordillieres of Bolivia and Peru. This tree attains a height
of 60 feet, and from it part of the’Grey and Huanuco Bark
as well as Lima Bark are obtained. It is comparatively rich
in Cinchonin and Quinidin, contains however also Quinin.

Cinchona nitida, Ruiz and Pavon.
Andes of Peru and and Ecuador. This tree rises to 80 feet
under favorable circumstances. It also yields Grey Bark
and Huanuco Bark, besides Loxa Bark. It will probably
prove one of the hardiest species. It contains predominantly
Cinchonin and Quinidin.

Cinchona officinalis, L. (partly.)*

(Cinchona Condaminea, Humboldt)

Andes of New Grenada and Peru, at a height of 6000 to
10,000 feet. Yields Crown or Brown Peru Bark, besides
part of Loxa Bark, Comparatively rich in Quinin and

279

Cinchonidin. The temperature of the middle regions of
the Andes, where this tree grows, is almost the same as that
of the Canary Islands. Superabundance of moisture is par-
ticularly to this species pernicious. The Crispilla variety
endures a temperature occasionally as low as 27° F.

Cinchona clancifolia Mutis is considered by Weddell a
variety of ©. officinalis. This grows on places, where the
mean annual temperature is that of Rome, with however
less extremes of heatand cold. It yields part of the Pitaya-
Bark.

Cinchona Pitayensis must also be referred to C. officinalis
as a variety. This attains a height of 60 feet and fur-
nishes also a portion of the Pitaya Bark. It is this partic-
ular Cinchona, which in Upper India yielded in some
instances the unprecedented quantity of 11 per cent. alkaloids,
nearly 6 per cent. Quinin, the rest Quinidin and Cinchonin.

In Java some of the best results were obtained with Cin-
chona Hasskarliana Migq., a species seemingly as yet not
critically identified.

Cinchona succirubra, Pavon.*
Middle andine regions of Peru and Hcuador. A tree,
attaining a height of 40 feet, yielding the red Peru-Bark,
rich in Quinin and Cinchonidin. It is this species, which is
predominantly cultivated on the mountains of Bengal. All
these Chinchonas promise to become of importance for cul-
ture in the warmest regions of our forest-land, on places not
readily accessible or eligible for cereal culture. The Peru-
vian proverb that Cinchona trees like to be “ within sight of
snow’’ gives some clue of the conditions, under which they
thrive best. They delight in the shelter of forests, where
there is an equable temperature, no frost, some humidity at
all times both in air and soil, where the ground is deep and
largely consists of the remnants of decayed vegetable sub-
stances and where the subsoil is open. Drippage from
shelter-trees too near will be hurtful to the plants. Closed
valleys and deep gorges, into which cold air will sink, are
also not well adapted for cinchona-culture. In our Colony
we ought to consociate the Perubark-plants with naturally

280

growing fern-trees but only in our warmest valleys of richest
soil. The best temperature for Cinchonas is from 53° to
66° F.; but they mostly will endure in open places a mini-
mum of 32° F.; in the brush shades of the Botanic Garden
of Melbourne, where years ago already Cinchonas were
raised by the thousands, they have even resisted uninjured
a temperature of a few degrees less, wherever the wind had
no access, while under such very slight cover the Cinchonas
withstood also a heat of a few degrees over 100° F. The
plants are most easily raised from seeds, best under some
cover such as: mats and they are seeding copiously already
several years after planting. The contents of alkaloids in
the bark can be much increased by artificial treatment, if
the bark is only removed on one side of the stem and the
denuded part covered with moss, under which in one year
as much bark is formed as otherwise requires three years’
growth, such forced bark moreover containing the astound-
ing quantity of as much as 25 alkaloids, because no loss
of these precious substances takes place by gradual disin-
tegration through age. The Cinchona-plants are set out at
distances of about 6 feet. The harvest of bark begins in
the fourth or fifth year. The price varies in Europe from
2s. to 9s. per lb. according to quality. The limits assigned
to this small literary compilation.do not admit of entering
further into details on this occasion, but I may yet add, that
in the Darjeeling district over three millions of Cinchona
plants were in cultivation in 1869, raised in Government
plantations.

Citrus Aurantium, L.*

The Orange (in the widest sense of the word). A native of
South Asia. A tree of longevity, known to have attained
an age of 600 years and more. Any specific differences, to
distinguish C. Aurantium from C. medica, if they once
existed, are obliterated now through hybridisation at least
in the cultivated forms. As prominent varieties of C.
Aurantium may be distinguished :—

Citrus Bigaradia, Duhamel. The Bitter Orange. ‘This fur-
nishes from its flowers the Neroli Oil so delicious and costly

281

as ascent. It is stated, that Orange-flowers to the value of
£50 might be gathered from the plants of an acre within a
year. The rind of the fruit is used for candied orange-peel.
Bitter principle: Hesperidin in the rind, Limonin in the
seed.

Citrus dulcis, Volkamer. The Sweet Orange, of which many
kinds occur. The St. Michael Orange has been known to
bear in the Azores on sheltered places 20,000 fruits on one
tree in a year. Neroli Oil is obtained from the flowers of
this and allied varieties.

Citrus Bergamiwn, Risso. From the fruit-rind of this variety
Bergamotte Oil is obtained, but also oil from the flowers.
The Mellaroga variety furnishes a superior oil and exquisite
confitures.

Citrus decumana, Linné. The Shaddock or Pompelmos. The
fruit will exceptionally attain a weight of 20 lbs. The pulp
and thick rind can both be used for preserves.

Citrus nobilis, Loureiro. The Mandarin-Orange. The thin
peel separates most readily from the deliciously flavored
sweet pulp. There are large and small fruited Mandarin
Oranges ; the Tangerine variety is one of them.

Citrus medica, Linné.*
The Citron (in the widest sense of the word). Indigenous
to Southern Asia. For convenience’s sake it is placed here
as distinct from the preceding species. As prominent
varieties of the Citrus medica may be distinguished :—

Citrus Oedra, Gallesio. The real Citron. From the acid
tubercular fruit essential oil and citric acid can be obtained,
irrespective of the ordinary culinary use of the fruit. <A
large variety with thick rind furnishes candied the Citrionate
or Succade. The Cedra oil comes from a particular variety.

Citrus Limoniwm, Risso. The real Lemon. From the fruit
of this is largely pressed the Lemon juice, while the thin
smooth aromatic peel serves for the production of volatile
oil or for condiments. The juice of this fruit is particularly
rich in citric acid. A large variety is the Rosaline Lemon,

282

Citrus Lumia, Risso. The sweet Lemon, including the Pear-
Lemon with large pear-shaped fruit. Rind thick and pale ;
pulp not acid. ‘This variety serves for particular condi-
ments.

Citrus Limetta, Risso. The real Lime. The best lime-juice is
obtained from this variety, of which the Perette constitute
a form.

Citrus Australasica, F. von Mueller.

Coast forests of extra-tropic East Australia. A shrubby
species with oblong or almost cylindrical fruits of lemon-like
taste, measuring 2 to 4 inches in length. They are thus
very much larger than those of Atalantia glauca of the coast
and the desert-interior of tropic Australia, which are also of
similar taste, These plants are entered together with the
following on this list, merely to draw attention to them, as
likely capable of improvement of their fruit through eul-
ture.

Citrus Planchoni, F. von Mueller.
(C. Australis, Planchon, partly.)

Forests near the coast of sub-tropic East Australia. <A
noble tree, fully 40 feet high with globular fruits about the
size of a walnut, called Native Oranges. The species has
first appeared under the above name in the “ Report on the
Vegetable Products of the Intercolonial Exhibition of 1867.”

Citrus Japonica, Thunberg.
The Kumquat of Japan. A shrubby Citrus with fruits of
the size of a Gooseberry, from which on account of their
sweet peel and acid pulp an excellent preserve can be pre-
pared.

Cochlearia Armoracia, L.
The Horseradish. Middle Europe and Western Asia.
Perennial. The volatile oil of the root allied to that of
Mustard.

Cochlearia officinalis, L.
Shores of Middle and North Hurope, North Agia and North
America, A biennial herb, like the allied C. Anglica and

283

C. Danica valuable as an antiscorbutic; hence deserving
naturalization. It contains a peculiar volatile oil.

Coffea Arabica, L.

Mountains of South-west Abyssinia. The Coffee-plant.
This shrub or small tree has been admitted into this list
not without great hesitation, merely not to be passed. The
cultivation within Victorian boundary can only with any
prospect of success be tried in the warmest and simul-
taneously moistest regions, such as East Gipps Land, frost
being detrimental to the Coffee-plant. In Ceylon the Coffee
regions are between 1000 and 5000 feet above the ocean,
but Dr. Thwaites observes that the plant succeeds best at
an elevation from 3000 to 4500 feet, in places where there
is a rainfall of about 100 inches a year. The temperature
there rises hardly ever above 80° F., and almost never sinks
below 45° F. Coffee requires moist weather whilst it
ripens its fruit, and a season of drier weather to form ity
wood. For further particulars see the papers of the Planters’
Association of Kandy. Chemical principles: Coffein, a
peculiar tannic acid and Quina acid. .

Colchicum auctumnale, L.
Middle and South Europe, West Asia. The Meadow Safron.
The seeds and roots of this pretty bulbous-tuberous herb
are important for medicinal use. The plant has heen intro-
duced by the writer with a view of being cultivated on meist
meadows in our ranges. Active principle: Colchicin.

Colocasia antiquorum, Schott.

From Egypt through South Asia to the South Sea Islands,
apparently also indigenous in the warmer parts of Hast
Australia. The Taro. The stem-like tuberous starchy roots
lose their acridity by the process of boiling, roasting or
baking. The plant proved hardy in the Botanic Garden of
Melbourne. The tops of the tubers are replanted for a new
crop. Taro requires a rich moist soil and would grow well
on banks of rivers. For scenic culture it is a very
decorative plant. Colocasia esculenta is a variety of this
species.

284:

Colocasia Indica, Kunth. (Alocasia Indica, Schott.)

South Asia, South Sea Islands and East Australia. Culti-
vated for its stem and tubers on swamps or rivulets. This
stately plant will rise in favorable localities to a height of
12 feet, the edible trunk attaining a considerable thickness,
the leaves sometimes measuring 3 feet in length. In using
the stem and root for food great care is needed to expel by
the heating process all acridity. Colocasia odora and C.
macrorrhiza seem varieties of this species. Several other
Aroid plants deserve attention for test-culture on account
of their edible roots, among them Cyrtosperma edulis,
Seemann, from the Feegee Islands.

Conium maculatum, L.

The Hemlock. Europe, North. Africa, North and West
Asia. A biennial herb, important for medicinal purposes.
It should however not be allowed to stray from its planta-
tions, as it is apt to be confounded with culinary species of
Anthriscus, Chaerophyllum and Myrrhis, and may thus
cause as a most dangerous plant disastrous mistakes. Active
principles: Coniin, in the fruit also Conhydrin.

Conopodium denudatum, Koch.
Western Europe. The small tuberous roots of this herb,
when boiled or roasted, are available for food and known as
Earth Chesnuts. The plant is allied to Carum Bulbocasta-
num.

Convolvulus floridus, ©. fil.
Canary Island. A shrubby not climbing or winding species.
With the following it yields the Atlantic Rosewood from
stem and root.

Convolvulus scoparius, L. fil.
Teneriffe. One of the Rosewood plants.

Convolvulus Scammonia, L.
Mediterranean regions and Asia Minor. A perennial
herb. From the root is obtained the purgative resin Scam-
monia.

285

Corchorus capsularis, L.*
From India to Japan. One of the principal Jute plants.
An annual, attaining a height of about a dozen feet, when
closely grown, with almost branchless stem. A nearly
allied but lower plant, Corchorus Cunninghami, F. v. Mueller,
occurs 1n tropical and subtropical Hast Australia. Jute can
be grown where cotton and rice ripen, be it even in localities
comparatively cold in the winter, if the summer’s warmth is
long and continuous. The fibre is separated by steeping
the full grown plant in water from five to eight days, and it
is largely used for rice and cotton bags, carpets and other
similar textile fabrics, and also for ropes. About 60,000
tons are annually exported from India to England, and a
large quantity also to the United States. Jute is sown on
good land, well ploughed and drained, but requires no irri-
gation, although it likes humidity. The crop is obtained in
the course of four or five months, and is ripe when the
flowers turn into fruit capsules. Good paper is made from
the refuse of the fibre.

Corchorus olitorius, L.*

South Asia and North Australia. Furnishes, with the fore-
going species, the principal supply of Jute fibre. As it also
is an annual, it can be brought to perfection in our
summers. The foliage can be used for spinage. The fibre
is not so strong as hemp, but very easily prepared. It
will not endure exposure to water. The allied Corchorus
trilocularis, L., of Indian origin, is likewise a native of
eastern tropical and subtropical Australia.

Cordyline Banksii, J. Hooker.
New Zealand. This lax and long leaved palm-lily attains
aheigbt of 10 feet; its stem is usually undivided. This
and the following species have been admitted into this list
for a double reason, because not only are they by far the
hardiest, quickest growing and largest of the genus, and
thus most sought in horticultural trade for scenic planting ;
but also because they furnish from the leaves a superior
fibre for ropes and other purposes. The small seeds are
produced in great abundance, and germinate with extreme

286

readiness. These Palm-lilies ought to be naturalized in our
ranges by mere dissemination.

Cordyline Forsteri, F. v. Mueller.
(C. Australis, J. Hooker, not Endlicher.)
New Zealand. The stem of this noble thin-leayed plant
attains a height of 40 feet, and is branched.

Cordyline indivisa, Kunth.
New Zealand. The stem of this thick and rigid-leaved
palm-like species rises to a height of 20 feet, and remains
undivided. Leaves finally 5 inches broad; yield the Toi-
fibre.

Cordyline Baueri, J. Hooker.
(C. Australis, Endlicher, not J. Hooker.)
Norfolk Island. The stem of this stately species attains a
height of 40 feet, and becomes in age ramified. It is
very intimately allied to the New Zealand Cordyline
Forsteri.

Coriandrum sativum, L.
Orient and Middle Asia. An annual or biennial herb, much
in use for condiments. The essential oil peculiar.

Corynosicyos edulis, (Cladosicyos edulis, J. Hooker.)
Guinea. A new cucumber-like plant, with edible fruits
about 1 foot long, and 3 inches in diameter.

Crambe maritima, L.
Sea Kale. Sand coasts of Europe and North Africa. A
perennial herb; the young shoots used as a wholesome and
agreeable vegetable.

Crambe Tataria, Wultfen.
From Southern Europe to the Orient. Perennial. Like-
wise used for culinary purposes.

Crataegus aestivalis, Torrey and Gray.
The Apple Haw. Southern States of North America. The
small juicy fruit of an agreeable acid taste.

Crataegus apiifolia, Michaux.
North America. Highly serviceable for hedges.

287

Crataegus coccinea, L.
North American Whitethorn. A valuable hedge plant; also
very handsome. Spines strong.

Crataegus cordata, Aiton.
Southern States of North America. Also much employed
for hedges.

Crataegus Crus-Galli, L.
North America. The Cockspur Thorn. Regarded as one
of the best species for hedges. Spines long and stout.

Crataegus Oxyacantha, L.
Kurope, North Africa, Northand West Asia. The ordinary
Hawthorn or Whitethorn. Recorded here as one of the
most eligible among deciduous hedge plants.

Crataegus parvifolia, Aiton.
North America. For dwarf hedges. Spines long, slender,
sharp and numerous.

Crataegus pyracantha, Persoon.
The Firethorn. South Europe. This species is evergreen.
It is likewise adapted for hedges, but slower in growth
than Hawthorn, but not difficult to rear.

Crataegus tomentosa, L.
North America. Fruit edible. By the species mentioned
the list of American Hedgethorns is, probably, not yet
exhausted.

Crithmum maritimum, L.
The real Samphir. Sea shores of Middle and South Europe,
North Africa and the Orient. A perennial herb. Settlers on
the coast might readily disseminate and naturalize it. It
is held to be one of the best planty for pickles, the young
leaves being selected for that purpose.

Crocus sativus, L.
The Dye-Safron. South Europe and Orient. The Stigmata
of this particular autumnal flowering Crocus constitute
the costly dye substance. The best is collected from the
flowers, just as they daily open in succession. At our stage

288

of colonisation it would not be remunerative to crow Safron
commercially ; but as the plant is well adapted for our
clime, it might be planted out into various unoccupied moun-
tain localities, with a final view to naturalize it, and to
render it thus available at a later period from native
sources.

Crotalaria juncea, L.

The Sunn Hemp. Indigenous to South Asia, and also
widely dispersed through tropical Australia. An annual
herb, rising under favourable circumstances to a height of 10
feet. In our colony Sunn can only be cultivated in the
warmest and moistest localities. It comes in four or five
months to maturity. The plant can also be grown as a
fodder-herb for cattle. It requires rich friable soil. If a
superior soft fibre is desired, then the plant is pulled while
in flower ; if strength is the object, then the plant is left
standing until it has almost ripened its seeds. The steeping
process occupies about three days. For the purpose of
obtaining branchless stems it is sown closely.

Crotalaria retusa, L.
Asia, America and Australia within the tropics. A peren-
nial herb. Its fibre resembles that of C. juncea, and is
chiefly used for ropes and canvas. Others of the multitu-

dinous species of Crotalaria deserve to be tested for their
fibres.

Crozophora tinctoria, Necker.
South Europe, North Africa and Orient. An annual herb.
The turnsole-dye is prepared by exposure of the juice to
the air, or by treating it with Ammonia.

Cucumis cicatrisatus, Stocks.
Scinde, where it is called “Wungee.” The edible ovate
fruit is about 6 inches long.

Cucumis Citrullus, Seringe.
(Citrullus vulgaris, Schrader.)
Mediterranean regions. The Water-Melon. It is simply
mentioned here, to indicate the desirability of naturalizing
it in the interior-deserts, where no Cucurbita and only a

289

single kind of edible Cucumis (C. acidus, Jacquin), with
fruits not larger than a pigeon’s egg, is indigenous. In
South African deserts it has become spontaneously esta-
blished, and retained the characters of the cultivated fruit.

Cucumis Colocynthis, L.
(Citrullus Oolocynthis, Schrader.)

From the Mediterranean regions to India. An annual herb.
The medicinal extract of Colocynth is prepared from the
small gourd of this species. Active principle: Colo-
eynthin.

Cucumis Conomon, Thunberg.
Japan. An annual. The large fruit is used for pre-
serves.

Cucumis Melo, L.

The Melon. Originally from the country about the Caspian
Sea. The best varieties might also be naturalized in our
sand-deserts, particularly on places where some moisture
collects. Some of the Bokhara varieties are remarkably
luscious and large. Apparently remunerative results have
been gained in Belgium from experiments to cultivate
Melons for sugar and treacle. The seeds, thus obtained in
quantity, become available for oil-pressing. The root con-
tains Melonemetin.

Cucumis Momordica, Roxburgh.
Cultivated in India. It produces Cucumbers 2 feet long,
bursting slowly when ripe into several divisions. Young
the fruit is used like Cucumbers, aged like Melons.

Cucumis sativus, L.
The Cucumber. Egypt. Indicated here merely for com-
pleteness’ sake, also because Gherkin pickling ought to
become a more extended local industry.

Cucumis utilissimus, Roxburgh.
Mountains of Bengal. An annual like the other species.
Fruit of the size and shape of an ostrich’s egg with the
flavor of Melons. These fruits will keep for several
months.

290

Cucurbita maxima, Duchesne.
Large Gourd. Turkey. Instances are on record of fruits
having weighed over 2 ewt. Also this species is eligible for
naturalization in the interior. Amongst other purposes it
serves for calabashes.

Cucurbita Melopepo, L.
The Squash. May be regarded as a variety of C. Pepo. It
will endure storage for months.

Cucurbita moschata, Duchesne.
The Musky Gourd. Doubtless also from the Orient.

Cucurbita Pepo, L.
The Pumpkin and Vegetable Marrow. Countries on the
Caspian Sea. Its naturalization in the desert would be a
boon. The seeds on pressure yield a fixed oil ; they are also
anthelmintic. C. melanosperma, A. Braun, is not edible.

Cuminum Cyminum, L.
North Africa. The fruits of this annual herb are known as
Cumin and used for certain condiments, as also in medicine.
Cuminun Hispanicwum, Merat, is similar. Essential oil
peculiar.

Cycas revoluta, Thunberg.

The Japan Fern-palm. The trunk attains in age a height of
about 6 feet, and is rich in sago-like starch. The slow
erowth of this plant renders it to us valuable for no other
purpose than scenic decorative culture. Cycas angulata,
R. Br., may also prove hardy, and would prove a noble
horticultural acquisition, as it is.the most gigantic of all
Cycadez, attaining a height of 70 feet in tropical Hast Aus-
tralia. Possibly like the Zamia stems also the trunks of
Cycas admit of translocation even at an advanced age.

Cynara Cardunculus, L.
The Cardoon. Mediterranean regions. A perennial herb.
The bleached leaf-stalks serve as esculents.

Cynara Scolymus, L.
The Artichoke. South Europe and North Africa. The
receptacles and the base of the flower scales well known as

291

a vegetable. The plant is perennial and here merely men-
tioned as entitled to extended culture in grouping this with
other stately plants. Several other species are worthy of
cultivation.

Cynosurus cristatus, L

The Crested Dogstail-Grass. Europe, North Africa, West
Asia. A perennial grass, particularly valuable as with-
standing drought, the roots penetrating to considerable
depth. The stems can also be used for bonnet plaiting.
Though inferior in value for hay this grass is well adapted
for permanent pasture, as it forms a dense turf without
suffocating other grasses or fodder-herbs.

Cyperus corymbosus, Rottboell.
India. This stately perennial species may be auouee to

fringe our lakes and ponds. It is extensively used for mats
in India.

Cyperus Papyrus, L
The Nile Papyrus. Though no longer strictly an utilitarian
plant, as in ancient times, it could scarcely be passed on this
occasion, as 1t ought to become valuable in horticultural
trade. Its grand aspect recommends it as very decorative
for aquatic plantations.

Cyperus Syriacus, Parlatore.

The Syrian or Sicilian Papyrus. This is the Papyrus-plant
usual in garden cultivation. The plants in our Botanic
Garden attain a height of 8 feet, but suffer somewhat from
frost. Other tall Cyperi deserve introduction, for instance
C. giganteus, Rottboell, from West India and Guiana, these
kinds of plants being hardier than others from the tropics.
I have not ventured to recommend the introduction of
Cyperus esculentus, L., a Mediterranean species, remarkable
for its sweet tubers, known as Harth Almonds. It is stolo-
niferous like the allied Cyperus rotundus, L., which has
invaded the culture ground of many countries as an obnoxious
irrepressible weed. The tubers of Cyperus esculentus con-
tain about 16 per cent. oil.

292

Cyperus vaginatus, 8. Brown.

Widely dispersed over the Australian continent, but not yet
noticed in Tasmania and New Zealand. It is restricted to
swampy localities, and thus is not likely to stray into
ordinary fields. It is our best indigenous fibre-plant, and
it is likewise valuable as being with ease converted into
pulp for good writing paper, as shown by me some years
ago. Its perennial growth allows of regular annual cutting.
Within Victorian territory this Galingale-rush is particu-
larly common on the Murray-flats.

Cytisus scoparius, Link. (Spartium scopariwn, 1.)
The Broom-bush. Europe, North Asia. Of less significance
as a broom-pisnt than as one of medicinal value. It can
also be used for tanning purposes. An alkaloid (Spartein)
and a yellow dye (Scoparin) are obtainable from this Broom-
bush.

Dactylis caespitosa, Forster. (Poa Forsteri, Steudel.)
Fuegia, Falklands Island, South Patagonia. The Tussock-
grass. Thrives in cold countries near the sea in pure
sand, at the edge of peat-bogs. It would likely prosper in
our alpine moors. It is perennial, and reaches to a height
of 7 feet. Itis very nutritious, and much sought by herds.
The base of the stem is nutty and edible.

Dactylis glomerata, L.*

Europe, North Africa, North and Middle Asia. The
Cocksfoot-grass. Perennial. One of the best of tail pas-
ture grasses, adapted as well for dry as moist soil, thus even
available for wet clays. It will live also under the shade of
trees in forests. Its yield of fodder is rich and continuous,
but its stems are hard. It is already largely cultivated, and
has become naturalized.

Daucus Carota L.
Europe, North Africa, extra-tropic Asia east to Japan. The
Carrot. Admits of naturalization along our shores. Beyond
the ordinary culinary utilization itserves for the distillation
of a peculiar oil. The chemical substances Carotin and
Hydrocarotin are derived from it.

293

Digitalis purpurea, L.
Greater part of Europe. The Fox-glove. A biennial and
exceedingly beautiful herb of great medicinal value, easily
raised. Chemical principles: Digitalin, Digitaletin and
three peculiar acids.

Dioscorea aculeata, L.*
The Kaawi-Yam. India, Cochin-China, South Sea
Islands. Stem prickly, as the name implies, not angular.
Leaves alternate, undivided. It ripens later than the
following species, and requires no reeds for staking. It is
propagated from small tubers. This Yam is of a sweetish
taste, and the late Dr. Seemann regarded it as one of the
finest esculent roots of the globe. A variety of a blueish
hue, cultivated in Central America (for instance at Caracas),
is of very delicious taste. In the warmest parts of our
colony this and the following species are likely to come to
perfection.

Dioscorea alata, L.*

The Uvi-Yam. India and South Sea Islands. The stems
are four-angled and not prickly. The tubers, of which
there are many varieties, will attain under favorable circum-
stances a length of 8 feet, and the prodigious weight of one
hundred pounds! This species, and the preceding one, are
the two principal kinds cultivated in tropical countries.
D. alata is in culture supported by reeds. It is propagated
from pieces of the old root, and comes in warm climes to
perfection in about seven months. The tubers may be baked
or boiled. It is this species, which has been successfully cul-
tivated in New Zealand, and also in the Southern States of
North America.

Dioscorea globosa, Roxburgh.
India. Roxburgh states this to be the most esteemed Yam
in Bengal.

Dioscorea hastifolia, Nees.
Extra-tropic Western Australia, at least as far south as 32°.
It is evidently one of the hardiest of the Yams, and on that

294.

account deserves particularly to be drawn into culture.
The tubers are largely consumed by the aborigines for
food; it is the only plant on which they bestow any kind of
cultivation, crude as it is.

Dioscorea J: aponica, Thunberg.* (D. Batatas, Decaisne.)

The hardy Chinese and Japan Yam. This species, which is
not prickly, has been cultivated some years in our Botanic
Garden. The material here for comparison is not complete,
but seems to indicate, that D. transversa, R. Br. and D.
punctata, R. Br., are both referable to D. Japonica: If
this assumption should prove correct, then we have this Yam
along the coast tracts of North and Hast Australia as far
south as latitude 33°. In Australia we find the wild root of
good taste.

Dioscorea nummularia, Lamarck.
The Tivoli Yam. Continental and Insular India, also South
Sea Islands. A high climbing prickly species, with opposite
leaves. Roots cylindrical as thick as an arm; their taste
exceedingly good.

Dioscorea oppositifolia, L.
India and China. Not prickly. One of the edible Yams.

Dioscorea pentaphylla, L.

Continental and Insular India, also South Sea Islands. Like-
wise a good Yam. A prickly species, with alternate divided
leaves.

Dioscorea purpurea, Roxb.
India. In Bengal considered next best to D. alata.

Dioscorea sativa, L.
South Asia, east as far as Japan, also in the South Sea
Islands, and North and tropical East Australia, likewise
recorded from tropical Africa. Stem cylindrical, not prickly.
The acrid root requires soaking before boiling. It has proved
hardy in the Southern States of North America.

Dioscorea spicata, Roth.
India. Root used like those of other species.

295

Dioscorea tomentosa, Koenig.
Ooyala Yam. India. The nomenclature of some of the
Asiatic species requires further revision.

Dioscorea trifida, L. fil.
Central America. One of the Yams there cultivated.
Various other tuberous Dioscoree occur in tropical
countries ; but their respective degree of hardiness, taste
and yield are not recorded or ascertained. The length of
the Victorian warm season is probably sufficient for ripen-
ing all these Yams.

Diospyros Kaki, L. fil.

The Date-plum of China and Japan. A slow growing not
very productive tree, here recorded for completeness. The
fruit is yellow or pink or dark purple, variable in size,
but never larger than an ordinary apple. It has ripened at
Sydney. D. Virginiana, L., has been recorded among the
timber-trees.

Dipsacus fullonum, L.
Fuller’s Teazel. Middle and South Europe and Middle
Asia. A tall biennial herb. The thorny fruit-heads in use
for fulling in cloth factories. The import during one of the
last years into England was valued at £5000. The plant is
most easily raised. The use of these Teazely has not yet
been superseded by any adequate machinery.

Dolichos Lablab, L.
Warmer parts of Africa; probably thence spread widely
through the tropics. An annual herb, sometimes lasting
through several years. The young pods as well as the ripe
seeds available for culinary use, but not of all varieties. It
delights in rich soil, and ripens in hot countries within
three months; its yield is about fortyfold according to
Roxburgh. The whole plant forms excellent stable-feed for
cattle.

Dracocephalum Moldavica, L.
North and Middle Asia. An annual showy scent-
herb.

296

Ecballion Elaterium, Richard.
Mediterranean regions and Orient. The Squirting Cucumber.
An annual. The powerful purgative Elaterium is prepared
from the pulp of the fruit. Chemical principles: Elaterid,
Hlaterin, Hydroelaterin.

Ehrharta Diplax, F. v. Mueller.
(Microlaena avenacea, J. Hooker.)

New Zealand. This tall perennial grass is fond of wood
lands and deserves introduction. It is likely to prove a rich
pasture-grass. A few other Australian species, particularly
of the section Tetrarrhena, are readily accessible to us, and
so indeed also the South African Ehrhartas, all adapted
for our clime, the majority perennial and several of
superior value. MHhrharta caudata, Munro, is indigenous in

Japan.

Ehrharta stipoides, Labillardiere.

Extra-tropic Australia, also New Zealand. A perennial
grass, which keeps beautifully green all through the year.
For this reason its growth for pasturage should be
encouraged, particularly as it will live on poor soil. Mr.
W. H. Bacchus, of Bacchus-Marsh, considers it nearly as
valuable as Kangaroo-Grass, and in the cool season more
so. He finds it to bear over-stocking better than any other
native grass, and to maintain a close turf. It is however
not always copiously seeding.

Eleusize Coracana, Gaertner.
Southern Asia, east to Japan. Though annual, this grass is
worthy of cultivation on account of its height and nutri-
tiveness. The large grains can be used like Millet.

Hleusine stricta, Roxburgh.
India. The increase of grain of this annual grass in rich
soil is at times five hundredfold. #. Tocusso, Fresenius, is
a valuable kind from Abyssimia, seemingly allied to HE.
stricta. The Arabian and Himalaian #. flagellifera, Nees,
is perennial. Other species of Eleusine are deserving of
trial.

297

Elymus arenarius, L.*
The Sea Lyme-Grass. Europe and North Asia, on sand-
coasts. One of the most important and vigorous of grasses
for binding drift-sand on the sea shores. The North
American H. mollis, Trinius, is allied to this species.

Elymus condensatus, Presl.

The Bunch-Grass of British Columbia and California.
This is favorably known as adapted for sandland.

Ervum Lens, L. (Lens esculenta, Moench.)
Mediterranean regions, Orient. The Lentil. Annual,
affording in its seeds a palatable and nutritious food.

Kuclea myrtina, Burchell.
South Africa. Berry small, black, but edible. To us this
plant would hardly be more than an ornamental bush.

Euclea undulata, Thunberg.
South Africa. Berry small, red, edible. Other shrubby
species from the same portion of the globe yield also
esculent fruits, which under superior culture may vastly
improve.

Erythroxylon Coca, Lamarck.*
Peru. This shrub is famed for the extaraordinarily stimu-
lating property of its leaves, which pass under the names of
Spadic and Coca. They contain two alkaloids, Cocain and
Hygrin, also a peculiar tannic acid. Whether any of the
many other species of Hrythroxylon possess similar pro-
perties seems never yet to have been ascertained.

Eupatorium triplinerve, Vahl. (#. Ayapana, Ventenat.)

Central America. A perennial somewhat shrubby herb,
possibly hardy in the warmer parts of our Colony. It is
used as a medicinal plant, also as an alexipharmic. It con-
tains Hupatorin and much essential oil, peculiar to the
plant.

Fagopyrum cymosum, Meissner.
The perennial Buck-Wheat or rather Beech-Wheat of the
Indian and Chinese Highlands.

298

Fagopyrum emarginatum, Babington.
Chinese and Himalaian Mountains, where it is cultivated
for its seeds. Annual.

Fagopyrum esculentum, Moench.

Central Asia. The ordinary Buck-Wheat. This annual
herb succeeds on the poorest soil. The crushed amylaceous
seeds can be converted by boiling or baking into a palatable
and wholesome food. As an agrarian plant it can with
advantage be raised as a first crop on sandy heath-land,
newly broken up, for green manure. The period, required
for the cyclus of its vegetation, is extremely short. Thus it
ean be reared on our higher Alps.

Fagopyrum Tataricum, Moench.
Middle and North Asia. Yields for the higher mountain
regions a still safer crop than the foregoing, otherwise the
remarks offered in reference to F’. esculentum apply also to
T. Tataricum.

Fagopyrum triangulare, Meissner,
In the Himalaian Mountains, ascending naturally to regions
11,500 feet high. An annual. Ff. rotundatuwm, Babington,
seems a variety of this species. It is cultivated for food
like the rest.

Festuca elatior, L.*

The Meadow Fescue. Europe, North Africa, North and
Middle Asia. A perennial grass, attaining a height of
several feet. There are several varieties of this species.
The tallest follows rivers readily as far down as the tides
reach. The ordinary form is well adapted for permanent
pastures, has tender leaves, produces excellent hay and is
early out in the season. It can be mixed advantageously
with F. ovina. Jt is superior to ryegrass in produce
and improves with age. Ff. arundinacea, Schreb., F.
pratensis, Huds. and /’. loliacea, Huds. are varieties of this
species.

Festuca Hookeriana, F. v. Mueller.
Alps of Australia and Tasmania. A tall perennial grass,
evidently nutritious, required to be tried for pastoral cul-

299

ture, and perhaps destined to become a meadow grass of
colder countries.

Festuca ovina, L.

Sheep-Fescue. Europe, North and Middle Asia, North
America, found also in South America and the Alps of
Australia and New Zealand. This species like F. elatior is
obtainable with facility. #. duriwscula, L. and F. rubra, L.
are varieties. A perennial grass, thriving on widely different
soil, even moory and sandy ground. It yields a good pro-
duce, maintains its virtue, resists drought, and is also well
adapted for lawns and the swards of parks.

The space does not admit of entering here into further
details of the respective value of many species of Festuca,
which might advantageously be introduced from various
parts of the globe for rural purposes.

Ficus Carica, L.*
Orient. The ordinary Figtree. It attains an age of several
hundred years. In our latitudes and clime a prolific tree.
The most useful and at the same time the most hardy of
about a thousand recorded species of Ficus. The extreme
facility with which it can be propagated from cuttings, the
resistance to heat, the comparatively early yield and easy
culture recommend the Figtree to be chosen, where it is an
object to raise masses of tree-vegetation in widely treeless
landscapes of the warmer zones. Hence the extensive
plantations of this tree made in formerly woodless parts of
Egypt; hence the likelihood of choosing the Fig as one of
the trees for extensive planting through favorable portions
of our desert-wastes, where moreover the fruit could be
dried with particular ease. Caprification is unnecessary,
even im some instances injurious and objectionable. Two
main-varieties may be distinquished, that which produces
two crops a year and that which yields but one. The former
includes the grey or purple Fig, which is the best, the white
Fig and the golden Fig, the latter being the finest in appear-
ance but not in quality. The main-variety, which bears
only one crop a year, supplies the greatest quantity of Figs
for drying, among which the Marseillaise and Bellonne are

300

considered the best. The Barnisote and the Aubique pro-
duce delicious large fruits, but they must be dried with
fire-heat, and are usually consumed fresh. The ordinary
drying is effected in the sun. Jor remarks on this and
other points, concerning the Fig, the valuable tract, recently
published by the Rev. Dr. Bleasdale, should be consulted.
The first crop of figs grows on wood of the preceding year,
the last crop however on wood of the current year. Varieties
of particular excellence are known from Genua, Savoy,
Malaga, Andalusia.

Flemingia tuberosa, Dalzell.
Western India. The tubers of this herb are said to be
edible. Another species, F. vestita, it on record as culti-
vated in North-western India for its small esculent tubers.

Foeniculum officinale, Allioni.
The Fennel. Mediterranean regions, particularly on lime-
stone soil. A perennial or biennial herb, of which two
primary varieties occur—the so-called sweet variety having
fruits almost twice as large as the other. The herb and
fruits are in use as condiments and the latter also for
medicine. The fruits are rich in essential oil, containing

much Anethol.

Fourcroya Cubensis, Haworth.
West India and continental tropical America. A smaller

species than the following, but equally utilized for fibre and
impenetrable hedges. 2. flavo-viridis, Hooker, from Mexico,
is still smaller.

Fourcroya gigantea, Ventenat.
Central America. With species of Yucca, Agave, Dracaena,

Cordyline, Phormium, Doryanthes and this and a few other
Furcroyas, we have gigantic lhaceous plants available
industrially for fibre. Frost injures the leaves of this
species. Scape up to 30 feet high.

Fourcroya longaeva, Karw. and Zuce.
High mountains of Guatemala and Mexico, at an elevation

of about 10,000 feet. One of the most gigantic and mag-
nificent of all liliaceous or amaryllideous plants, in yolumen

301

only surpassed by Dracaena Draco, the Dragon-tree of the
Canary Islands. This is the only known high-stemmed
species, the trunk attaining a height of 50 feet and the huge
panicle of flowers 40 feet more. It dies, like many allied
plants, after flowering. The species is recorded here as a
fibre plant, but with us would mainly or solely be kept for
its ornamental grandeur.

Fragaria Chiloensis, Aiton.

In various of the colder parts both of North and South
America. Chili-Strawberry.

Fragaria collina, Ehrhart.
In various parts of Europe. Hill-Strawberry.

Fragaria grandiflora, Ehrhart. (2. Ananas, Miller.)

Various colder parts of America. Closely allied to F.
Chiloensis. Ananas Strawberry.

Fragaria Illinoensis, Prince.
North America. Hovey’s Seedling and the Boston kind
from this plant.

Fragaria pratensis, Duchesne. (fragaria elatior, Hhrhart.)

In mountain-forests of Hurope. Cinnamon-Strawberry.
Hautbois.

Fragaria vesca, L.

Naturally very widely dispersed over the temperate and
colder parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Wild Wood
Strawberry. From this typical form probably some of the
other Strawberries arose. Middle forms and numerous
varieties now in culture were produced by hybridisation.
These plants, though abounding already in our gardens, are
mentioned here, because even the tenderest varieties could
be naturalized in our ranges. Any settler living near some
brook or rivulet might readily set out some plants, which
with others, similarly adapted, would gradually spread with
the current.

Fragaria Virginiana, Miller.
North America. Scarlet Strawberry.

302

Gaultieria Shallon, Pursh.
North-western America. This handsome spreading bush
would yield its pleasant edible berries in abundance, if
planted on our snowy mountains, where it would likely
become naturalized.

Gaylussacia frondosa, Torrey and Gray.
The Blue Tangleberry of North America. A bush with
deciduous foliage. Berry sweet.

Gaylussacia resinosa, Torrey and Gray.
The Black Huckleberry of North America. A dwarf shrub
with deciduous leaves. It likes swampy woodlands, and
thus would find ample space in our forest-ranges. Berry of
pleasant taste. Perhaps some of the South American species
produce also edible fruits.

Geitonoplesium cymosum, All. Cunningham.
Through the whole Hast Australian forests. It is mentioned
here to draw attention to the fact, that special culture may
convert this into an Asparagus plant, as Mr. P. O’Shanesy
has found, that the young shoots offer a fair substitute for
Asparagus

Genista monosperma, Lamarck.
Mediterranean regions. One of the best of broom-bushes
for arresting sand-drift. G'. sphaerocarpa, Lam., is of like
use, and comes also from the Mediterranean Sea.

Gentiana lutea, L.
Sub-Alpine tracts of Middle and South Europe. A peren-
nial most beautiful herb, yielding the medicinal Gentian-
root. It could be easily raised in our higher mountains.
Chemical principles: Gentian-bitter and Gentianin.
Gladiolus edulis, Burchell.

Interior of South Africa. The bulb-like roots are edible,
and taste like chesnuts, when roasted.

Glycine hispida, Bentham. (Soja hispida, Moench.)
An annual herb of India, China and Japan. The beans are
one of the main ingredients of the condiment known as
Soja. Glycine Soja, Siebold and Zuccarini, is said to be a
distinct plant, but probably serving the same purpose.

5105)

Glycyrrhiza echinata, L.
South Europe and Orient. From the root of this herb at
least a portion of the Italian Liquorice is prepared. The
root is thicker than that of the followmg. The Russian
Liquorice root is derived from this species. It is less
sweet.

Glycyrrhiza glabra, L.
South Europe. The extract of the root of this herb consti-
tutes the ordinary Liquorice. The plant grows here most
vigorously. The liquorice is of some utility in medicine,
but also used in Porter Breweries. Chemical principle :
Glycyrrhizin.

Gossypium arboreum, L.* :

The Tree-Cotton. India, Arabia. A tall perennial species,
but not forming a real tree, yielding cotton in the first
season already. Leaves long-lobed. Bracts with few teeth.
Petals yellow or in age pink or purple. Seeds brown, dis-
connected, after the removal of the cotton-fibre greenish-
velvety. The cotton of long staple, but a variety occurs
with short staple. The New Orleans Cotton (G. sanguinewm,
Hassk.,) belong to this species. Dr. Seemann connects also
the ordinary G’. herbacewm, L., as a variety with G. arborewm.
The cotton-fibre is crisp, white, opaque, and not easily
separable.

Gossypium Barbadense, L.*

West India. Sea Island Cotton. Leaves long-lobed.
Petals yellow. Seeds disconnected, black, after the removal
of the cotton-fibre naked. The cotton of this species is very
long, easily separable and of a silky lustre. This species
requires low-lying coast tracts for attaining to perfection.
Perennial, and yielding like the rest a crop in the first
season. Cultivated largely in the Southern States of North
America, also in South Europe, North Africa, Queensland
and various other countries.

Gossypium herbaceum, L.*
Scinde, Cabul and other parts of tropical and sub-tropical
Asia, much cultivated in the Mediterranean countries,

304:

Perennial. Leaves short-lobed. Petals yellow. Seeds dis-
connected, after removal of the cotton-fibre grey-velvety.
Distinguished and illustrated by Parlatore as a species, |
regarded by Seemann as a variety of G. arboreum. Staple
longer than in the latter kind, white, opaque, not easily
seceding. Even this species, though supposed to be herba-
ceous, will attain a height of 12 feet. A variety with
tawny fibre furnishes the Nankin Cotton.

Gossypium hirsutum, L.*

Upland or Short-staple Cotton. Tropical America, culti-
vated most extensively in the United States, Southern
European and many other countries. Perennial. Seeds
brownish-egreen, disconnected, after the removal of the
cotton-fibre greenish-velvety. Staple long, white, almost of
a silky lustre, not easily separable. A portion of the
Queensland Cotton is obtained from this species. It neither
requires the coast tracts nor the highly attentive culture of
G. Barbadense.

Gossypium religiosum, L.* (G. Perwvianwm, Cavan.)
Tropical South America. Kidney Cotton, Peruvian or
Brazilian Cotton. Leaves long-lobed. Petals yellow.
Seeds black. connected. The cotton is of a very long
staple, white, somewhat silky and easily seceding from the
seeds. A tawny variety occurs. This is the tallest of all
cotton-bushes, and it is probably this species, which occurs
in the valleys of the Andes as a small tree, bearing its cotton
while frosts whiten the ground around.

Gossypium Taitense, Parlatore.
(G. religiosum, Banks and Solander.)
In several islands of the Pacific Ocean. A shrub. Petals
white. Seeds disconnected, glabrous after the removal of
the fulvous cotton-fibre, which secedes not with readiness.

Gossypium tomentosum, Nuttall.*

(G. Sandvicense, Parlat. G. religioswm, A. Gray.)
Hawaia. Perennial. Petals yellow. Seeds disconnected,
after the removal of the tawny cotton-fibre fulvous-velvety,
not easily parting with their cotton.

305

For limitation of species and varieties Parlatore’s specie
det cotont (Florence, 1866,) and Todaro’s asservazioni su
cotone may be consulted; information on culture may be
sought in Porter’s “ Tropical Agriculturist ” and in Mallet’s
work on “ Cotton’’ (London, 1862).

There are many parts of our Colony, in which all these
species of Gossypium could be cultivated, and where a fair
or even prolific cotton crop may be obtained. Good cotton
for instance has been produced on the Goulbourn River,
the Loddon, the Avoca and the Murray Rivers, particularly
in places where water could be applied. All cultivated
kinds of Cotton-plants are either naturally perennials or
become such in favorable climes, although they may be
treated strictly as annuals. Some of them will indeed in
particular instances grow to the height of 20 feet. The
geographic parallels, between which cotton-culture is usually
placed, are stretching in various girdles between the 36°
N.L. and 36°8.L. The primary advantages of this important
culture are: A return in a few months, comparatively easy
field operations, simple and not laborious process of collect-
ing the crop, and requirement of but little care in the
use of the gin-machine in finally preparing the raw material
for the market, the woolly covering of the seeds constituting
the cotton of commerce. The oil obtained by pressure from
the seeds is useful for various technic purposes, and the
oil-cake can be used like most substances of similar kind
for very fattening stable-feed. Sea Island Cotton was
raised in splendid perfection in the northern parts of Vic-
toria fully 15 years ago from seeds, extensively distributed
by the writer; but the want of cheap labor has hitherto
militated against the extensive cultivation of the Cotton,
and so also against the culture of Tea and many other indus-
trial plants. Cotton having been raised far away from the
influence of the sea-air, it would be worthy of attempts, to
naturalize various kinds of Cotton in the oases of our
deserts, irrespective of regular culture. Our native Gossy-
pium of the interior produces no fibre, worth collecting.
Cotton-plants have a predilection for gently undulating or
sloping ground, with light soil and a moderate supply of

306

moisture. In the most favorable climes, such as that of
Feegee, Cotton produces flowers and fruits throughout the
year, put the principal ripening falls in the dry season.
From 200 to 300 plants or more can be placed on an acre.
As many as 700 pods have been gathered from a single
plant at one time, 12 to 20 capsules yielding an ounce of
mercantile cotton. Weeding is rendered less onerous by
the vigorous growth of the plants. Cotton comes well in
for rotation of crops. Major Clarke has ascertained that
crossing cannot be effected between the Oriental and Occi-
dental kinds of cotton. A high summer temperature is
needed for a prolific cotton harvest. Intense heat, under
which even maize will suffer, does not injuriously affect
cotton, provided the atmosphere is not dry in the extreme.
The soil should not be wet, but of a kind that naturally
absorbs and retains humidity, without over saturation. In
arid regions it is necessary to irrigate the cotton-plant.
- Heavy rains at the ripening period are injurious if not
destructive to the Cotton crop. Dry years produce the
best returns, yet aqueous vapour in the air is necessary for
the best yield. In colder loealities the balls or capsules
continue to ripen after the frosts prevent the formation of
new ones. Porous soils resting on limestones and meta-
morphic rocks are eminently adapted for cotton culture.
The canebrake soil of the North American cotton regions
absorbs ammonia to a prodigous extent.

Guadua angustifolia, Kunth.
(Bambusa Guadua, Humboldt and Bonpland.)
New Granada, Ecuador and probably others of the Central
American States. This Bamboo attains a height of 40 feet,
and might prove hardy in sheltered places of our lowlands.

Guadua latifolia, Kunth.
(Bambusa latifolia, Humb. and Bonpl.)
One of the tall Bamboos of Central America, from whence
several other lofty Bamboos may be obtained, among them
the almost climbing Chusqueas. This Gadua is stouter
than any Indian Bamboo. In tropical America native
Bamboos are planted for hedges.

B07

Guizotia oleifera, Candolle.
India and probably also Abyssinia. The Ramtil oil is
pressed from the seeds of this annual herb, which
vields its crop in three months. The oil is much used
like Sesamuut oil, as well for culinary as technic pur-
poses.

Hedeoma pulegioides, Persoon.
The Pennyroyal of North America. An annual herb of
aromatic taste, employed in medicine.

Hedysarum coronarium, L.*
The Soola Clover. South Europe. One of the best of
perennial fodder-herbs. It carries with it also the recom-
mendation of being extremely handsome.

Helianthus annuus, L.*

The Sunflower. Peru. This tall showy and large-flowered
annual is not without industrial importance. As much as
50 bushels of seeds or rather seed-like nutlets have been
obtained from an acre under very favorable circumstances,
and as much as 50 gallons of oil can be pressed from such a
crop. The latter can be used not only for machinery, but
even as one of the best for the table. Otherwise the seeds
afford an excellent fodder for fowl. The stalks furnish a
good textile fibre and the blossoms yield a brilliant lasting
yellow dye. About 6 lbs. of seeds are required for an acre.
The plant likes calcareous soil. Several allied North
American species deserve perhaps rural culture. The
return from a Sunflower field is attained within a few
months.

Helianthus tuberosus, L.

Brazil. Sunflower Artichoke. Inappropriately passing
under the name Jerusalem Artichoke. The tubers are
saccharine and serve culinary purposes. The stem is rich
in textile fibre. The percentage of crystalline sugar is
largest during the cold season, namely 5-6/100. During
the summer the starch-like Inulin prevails. This plant
can only be brought to full perfection in a soil rich in
potash.

308

Heliotropium Peruvianum, L.
Andes of South America. A perennial somewhat shrubby
plant. Among various species of Heliotrop this one can
best be utilized for the distillation of the scented oil.

Helleborus niger, L
Forest me of Middle and South Buioeet The
Christmas Rose of British gardens. <A perennial handsome
herb. The roots are used in medicine.

Hibiscus cannabinus, L. (4. radiatus, Cavanill.)
Tropical Asia, Africa and Australia. An annual showy
herb. The stem yields a hemp-like fibre; the leaves serve
as sorrel-spinage. Several other Hibisci can be utilized in
the same manner.

Hibiscus esculentus, L
West India and Central America. A tallherb. The muci-
laginous seed-capsules are known as Ochro, Bandakai or
Gobbo, and used as culinary vegetables. Our summers
bring them to maturity. The leaves of this and allied
species can be used ay pot-herbs.

Hierochloa redolens, BR. Br.

South-eastern Australia, almost confined to the Alps; in
Tasmania and New Zealand also found in the lowlands,
occurring likewise in the Antarctic islands and the southern
extremity of America. A tall perennial nutritious grass,
with the odor of Anthoxanthum. It is worthy of dissemi-
nation on moist pasture land. 4H. borealis of the colder
regions of the Northern Hemisphere accompanies here in
the south H. redolens, but is a smaller grass.

Hordeum deficiens, Steudel.
The Red Sea Barley. One of the two-rowed Barleys, culti-
vated in Arabia and Abyssima. Allied to this is JZ.
macrolepis, A. Br., a native of Abyssinia.

Hordeum distichon, L
Central Asia. The ordinary two-rowed Barley. To this
species belong: the ordinary English Barley, the Chevalier,
the Annat, the Dunlop, the long-eared, the black, the

309

Ttalian and the Golden Barley along with other kinds. A
variety with grains free from the sepals constitutes the
Siberian and the Haliday Barley, which however is less
adapted for malt. Dry Barley-flour, heated at the tempera-
ture of boiling water during several hours, constitutes
Hufeland’s meal for invalids. Barley-culture might be
carried on in many parts of our Alps.

Hordeum hexastichan, L.

Orient. The regularly six-rowed Barley. This includes
among other varieties the Scotch, the Square and the Bear
Barley. Seeds less uniform in size than those of H. dis-
tichon. The so-called skinless variety is that, in which the
erain separates from the calyx.

Hordeum secalinum, Schreber.

(A. pratensé, Hudson.)
Europe, North and Middle Asia, North America. Peren-
nial. Famed as the best fattening grass of many of the
somewhat brackish marsh pastures on the North Sea. It
never fruits when kept down by cattle, and surpresses finally
nearly all other grasses and weeds.

Hordeum vulgare, L.

Orient. The four-rowed Barley, though rather six-rowed
with two prominent rows. Several varieties occur, among
them: the Spring, Winter and Black Barley, the Russian,
the French, the Naked and the Wheat Barley. Chemical
principles of malt: Asparagin; a protein substance: Dias-
tase; an acid and Cholesterin-fat.

Hordeum zeocriton, L.

Central Asia. Also a two-rowed Barley. To this species
belong the Sprat, the Battiedore, the Fulham and the Putney
Barley.

Hovenia dulcis, Thunberg.

Himalaia, China, Japan. The pulpy fruit-stalks of this tree
are edible. HH. inaequalis, D. C., and H. acerba, Lindl.,
are mere varieties of this species.

310

Humulus Lupulus, L.*

The Hop-plant. Temperate zone of Hurope, Asiaand North
America. This twining perennial unisexual plant has proved
to yield enormously on river banks in rich soil or on fertile
slopes, where irrigation could be effected, particularly so
within our territory along the river valleys of Gipps Land
and in other similar localities. A pervious especially alluvial
soil, fertile through manure or otherwise, appliances for
irrigation natural or artificial, and also shelter against storms
are some of the conditions for success in hop-growth, and
under such conditions the rearing of hops will prove thus
far profitable in countries and localities of very different
mean temperature. A dry summer-season is favorable to
the ripening and gathering of hops. On the Mitchell River,
in Gipps Land, 1500 lbs. have been obtained from an acre.
In Tasmania large crops have been realized for very many
years. The plant might be readily naturalized on river
banks and in forest valleys. The scaly fruit cones form the
commercial hops, whose value largely depends on the minute
glandular granules of Lupuline. Hops impart their flavor
to beer, and principally by their tannic acid prevent acetous
fermentation and precipitate albuminous substances from
the malt. Hop-pillows are recommended to overcome want
of sleep. Many of the substitutes of hops are objectionable
or deleterious. The refuse hops of breweries possess double
the value of stable manure. Active principles of hop
leaves and fruits: A peculiar volatile and a bitter acid
substance. The fibre of the stem can be made into cords
and paper.

Hydrastis Canadensis, L.

North America. The Yellow Poecoon. A perennial herb,
utilized in medicine. The root contains two alkaloids:
Berberin and Hydrastin.

Hyascyamus niger, L.
The Henbane. Europe, North Africa, extra-tropie Asia.
An important medicinal herb of one or two years’ duration.
It contains a peculiar alkaloid: Hyoscyamin.

dll

Hyphene Argun, Martius.
Nubia. Probably hardy in the warmer parts of our
Colony.

Hyphaene coriacea, Gaertner.
Equatorial Hastern Africa. The dichotomous Palm of the
seacoast-regions. It attains a height of 80 feet.

Hyphaene crinita, Gacriner. (Hf. Thebaica, Martius.)
Abyssinia, Nubia, Arabia and Egypt as far as 31° N., and
southward to the Zambesi, Nyassa and Sofala. The Ginger-
bread-palm or Doum-palm. It is much branched and
attains a height of about 30 feet. The mealy husk of the
fruit is edible. Grows away from the sea.

Hyphaene ventricosa, Kirk.
Zambesi. Loftier than the other species. Stem turgid
towards the middle. Fruit large.

Hypocheris apargioides, Hook aud Arn.
Chili. A perennial herb. The root is used for culinary
purposes like that of the Scorzonera Hispanica.

Hyphocherris Scorzonere, F. v. M.
(Achyrophorus Scorzonerae, Cand.)

Chil. Of the same use as H. apargioides. Allied
species of probably similar utility exist in Western South
America.

Ilex Paraguensis, St. Hilaire.
Uruguay, Paraguay and Southern Brazil. The Maté.
This Holly-bush is inserted into this list rather as a stimu-
lating medicinal plant, than as a substitute for the ordinary
Tea-plant. Chemical principles: Coffein, Quina-acid and
a peculiar tannic acid, which latter can be converted into
Viridin-acid.

Tllicium anisatum, L
China and Japan. The Star-Anis. An evergreen shrub or
small tree. The starry fruits used in medicine and as a
condiment. Their flavour rests on a peculiar volatile oil
with Anethol. This species and a few others deserve culture
algo as ornamental bushes.

312

Indigofera Anil, L.

Recorded as indigenous to West India, and as extending
naturally through Continental America from Carolina to
Brazil. A shrub several feet high. Pods sickle-shaped, short;
compressed. One of the principal Indigo plants under culti-
vation both in the eastern and western hemispheres. Only
in the warmest parts of our Colony can we hope to produce
Indigo with remunerative success. But many of the hardier
species seem never yet tested for pigment. Already 114
are recorded alone from extra-tropical Southern Africa. An
Indigofera of Georgia, said to be wild, perhaps I. Anil,
yields an excellent product. The pigment in all instances
is obtained by maceration of the foliage, aeration of the
liquid and inspissation of the sediment.

Indigofera argentea, L. (L. coerulea, Roxb.)
Tropical and extra-tropical Northern Africa, Arabia, India.
A shrub several feet high, closely allied to I. Anil, and like-
wise a good Indigo-plant.

Indigofera tinctoria, L.
Warmest part of Asia, as far east as Japan, recorded algo
from tropical Africa and even Natal. A shrubby plant,
attaining a height of 6 feet. Pods straight, cylindrical,
many-seeded. Hxtensively cultivated in warm zones for
Indigo, and probably hardy in our northern and eastern
lowland regions.

Inula Helenium, L.
The Hlecampane. Middle and South Europe, Middle Asia
eastward to Japan. A perennial herb. The bitter and
somewhat aromatic root, for the sake of its stimulating and
tonic properties, is used in medicine. It contains also the
amylaceous Inulin and the crystalline Helenin.

Ipomeca Batatas, Poiret.* (Batatas edulis, Choisy).
The Sweet Potato. Tropical South America. First
brought to Europe from Brazil. It proved well adapted
also for our part of Australia and for New Zealand. The
tubers afford a patatable food, more nutritious than ordinary
potatoes. Varieties with red, white and yellow roots occur.

313

Each tuber weighs generally from 3 lbs. to 5lbs., but may
occasionally attain to 56lbs. The yield is from 200 to 300
bushels from an acre.

Ipomeea paniculata, R. Brown.
Almost a cosmopolitan plant on tropical coasts ; thus indi-
genous to North Australia and the warmer parts of Hast
Australia. The tubers also of this species are edible. If
hardy, the plant would deserve cultivation.

Ipomea purga, Wenderoth.
Mountains of Mexico. The true Jalap. This species
yields the medicinal Jalap root. It has recently been cul-
tivated with apparent success even at New York. Thus it
is entitled to a trial in our warm woodlands. Active prin-
ciple : the resimous Convolvulin.

Ipomeea simulaus, Hanbury.
Mexico. From this species the Tampico Jalap, or rather
the Sierra Gorda Jalap, is derived. J. operculata, Mart.,
yields the Brazilian Jalap.

Isatis indigotica, Fortune.

North China. Perennial, almost shrubby. The use is
- sunilar to that of the following plant.

Isatis tinctoria, L.
Dyer’s Woad. From the Mediterranean regions through
part of the Orient, apparently extending as far as Japan.
A tall herb of two years’ duration. The blue dye is obtained
from the fermented leaves. Many other species of Isatis,
mostly Asiatic, may produce perhaps dye with equal advan-
tage. Boissier enumerates merely as Oriental 28 kinds.

Jasminum grandiflorum, L.

From India to Japan. Flowers white. Extensively
cultivated in South Europe. The delicate scent is with-
drawn either by fixed oils or alcoholic distillation. The
pecuniary yield obtaimable from Jasmin cultivation seems
vastly over-rated, even if inexpensive labour should be
obtainable.

314

Jasminum odoratissimum, L.

Madeira. Shrubby like the rest. Flowers yellow. Used
like the foregoing and following for scent. This may be
prepared by spreading upon wool or cotton, slightly saturated
with olive oil or other fixed oil, the flowers, and covering
them with other layers so prepared. ‘The flowers are
renewed from time to time until the oil is thoroughly per-
vaded by the scent, when the latter is withdrawn by
Alcohol. Other modes of extracting the oil exist.

Jasminum officinale, L.
From the Caucasus to China. Flowers white: This is
the principal species cultivated in South Europe for its
scent.

Jasminum Sambace, Aiton.

From India to Japan. It would probably endure our cool
season in the northern and eastern regions. It has the
richest perfume of all. The bush attains a height of 20
feet, and is almost climbing. The flowers are white, and
must be collected in the evening before expansion. The
relative value of many other species of Jasmin, nearly all
from the warmest parts of Asia, seems in no instance to
have been ascertained, as far as their oils or scents are
concerned. Our Australian species are also deliciously
fragrant, amongst which J. lineare, Br., occurs in our Vic-
torian deserts, while also J. didymum, Korst.; J. racemosum,
FE. v. M.; J. simplicitolium, Forst.; J. calcarewm, F. v. M.,
and J. suavissimum, lanal., reach extra-tropic latitudes.

Jubsea spectabilis, Humboldt.
The tall and stout Coquito-Palm of Chili. Well adapted
for our extra-tropic latitudes. A kind of treacle is obtained
from the sap of this Palm. The small kernels are edible.

Justicia Adhatoda, L.
India; enduring the climate of the lowlands of Victoria.
This bush possesses anti-spasmodic and febrifugal properties.
It can be utilized also as a hedge-plant.

Kentia Baueri, Seemann.
The Norfolk Island Palm. Height 40 feet.

315

Kentia Belmoriana, M. and M.
The Curly Palm of Lord Howe’s Island. About 40 feet
high. With its congeners, evidently destined to grace our
gardens, and to become also important for horticultural traffic
abroad.

Kentia Canterburyana, M. and M.
Umbrella Palm of Lord Howe’s Island. Likewise a tall
and hardy palm.

Kentia Mooreana, F. v. M.
Dwarf Palm of Lord Howe’s Island, where it occurs only
on the summits of the mountains.

Kentia sapida, Blume.
The Nika Palm of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands.
Ti also attains a height of 40 feet and is one of the hardiest
of all palms. The unexpanded flower-spikes can be con-
verted as palm-cabbage into food.

Lactuca virosa, L.
Middle and South Europe, North Africa, Middle Asia. A
biennial. The inspissated juice of this Lettuce forms the
sedative Lactucarium.

Lathyrus pratensis, L.
Europe, North and Middle Asia. The Meadow Pea. A
good perennial pasture-herb.

Lathyrus sativus, L.
Middle and South Europe. The Jarosse. An annual
forage-herb ; the pods also available for culinary purposes.
Probably other species of Lathyrus could advantageously
be introduced.

Lavandula angustifolia, Ehrhart. (Z. vera, Candolle.)
Countries around and near the Mediterranean Sea. The
Layvender-plant of somewhat shrubby growth, from which
by distillation the best oil of Lavender is prepared. It lives
on dry soil, but is less hardy than the following. .

Lavandula latifolia, Villars. (L. spica, Candolle.)
South Europe, North Africa. Also from this species much
Layender oil is obtained.

316

Lavandula Steechas, L.
South Europe, North Africa. This shrub can also be
utilized for oil distillation and other purposes, for which the
two other Lavenders are used. The quality of the oil of
these species seems to differ according to their locality of
erowth.

Lawsonia alba, Lamarck.
North and Middle Africa, Persia, Arabia, India and North-
western Australia. The Henne or Henna-Bush. It may
become of use as a dye-plant in parts of our Colony free of
frost. The orange pigment is obtained from the grinded
foliage.

Lavatera arborea, L.
Tree-Mallow of Middle Europe and the countries at the
Mediterranean Sea. A tall biennial plant of rapid growth.
The ribbon-like bast is produced in greater abundance than
in most other malvaceous plants. The Tree-Mallow might
easily be naturalized on our shores. Perhaps it might serve
with allied plants for green manure.

Leersia oryzoides, Swartz.
Middle and South Europe, various parts of Asia, Africa and
America. A perennial nutritious swamp-grass. Other
Leersias from both hemispheres are deserving of introduction.

Lepidium sativum, L.
The Cress. Orient. Annual. Irrespective of its culinary
value Cress is of use as one of the remedies in cases of
scurvy. Active principle: A volatile oil and the bitter
Lepidin.

Lepidosperma gladiatum, La Billard.
The Sword-Sedge of the sea coasts of extra-tropic Australia.
One of the most important plants for binding sea-sand, also
yielding a paper material as good as Sparta.

Leptospermum levigatum, F. v. M.
(Habricia laevigata, Gaertner.)

The “Sandstay.” Sea-shores and sand-deserts of extra-
tropic Australia, but not extending to Western Australia.

317

This shrub or small tree is the most effectual of all for
arresting the progress of drift-sand ina clime like ours. Itis
most easily raised by simply scattering in autumn the seeds
on the sand and covering them loosely with boughs.

Ligustrum Japonicum, Thunberg.

The Japan Privet. A shrub, evergreen or nearly so,
promising to become a valuable hedge-plant. It grows like
the ordinary European Privet readily from cuttings.

Linum usitatissinum, L.*

The Flax-plant. Orient. A well-known annual, which
yields the fibre for linen and the linseed oil. Flax-culture
is doubtless destined to become an important industry
among us. Few plants find a wider congeniality of soil
and climate, and few give a quicker return. Good and deep
soil well drained is requisite for successful flax-culture-
Change of seed-grain is desirable. Thick sowing extends
the length of the fibre. To obtain the best fibre, the plant
must be pulled when the seeds commence to ripen. If the
seeds are allowed in part to mature, then both fibre and
seed may be turned to account. If the seed is left to ripen
completely, then the fibre is generally discarded. The seed
yields by pressure about 22 per cent. of oil. The residue
can either be prepared as Linseed Meal or be utilized ag
admixture to stable-fodder. The demand for both fibre and
oil is enormous. The value of our import of raw fibre in
1871 was already £15,634, while the import of oil was
£22,469. Two principal varieties are under culture: a
tall sort, with smaller flowers, closed capsules and dark
seeds ; a dwarf sort, more branched (even if closely sown)
with larger flowers and capsules, the seed-vessels opening
spontaneously and with elasticity, while the seeds are of a
a pale color. None of the perennial species of Linum are

so manageable in culture as the ordinary annual flax.
Lippia citriodora, Kunth.

Peru, Chili, La Plata States, Brazil, An evergreen shrub,
yielding scented oil.

318

Lithospermum hirtum, Lehmann.
North American Alkanna. A showy perennial herb; the
root yields a red dye.

Lithospermum canescens, Lehmann.
North American Alkannet. This, as the vernacular name
indicates, offers also a dye root.

Lithospermum longiflorum, Sprengel.
North America. A red pigment can also be extracted from
the root of this species.

Livistona Australis, Martius.
East Australia. Our own and only Palm-tree in Victoria,
occurring in Kast Gipps Land (in the latitude of Melbourne),
and there attaining a height of 80 feet. The young leaves
can be plaited as a material for cabbage-tree hats.

Livistona Chinensis, R. Brown.
South China and Japan. A very decorative fan-palm, hardy
in our lowlands.

Lolium perenne, L.*
Europe, North Africa, Western Asia. The perennial Rye-
Grass, mentioned here for completeness’ sake. Z. Italicwn,
Al. Br., the Italian Rye-Grass, seems to be only a variety.
One of the most important of all pasture-grasses, also almost
universally chosen for lawn-culture. It produces an abund-
ance of seeds, which are readily collected and easily vegetate.
It arrives early to perfection. Nevertheless the produce
and nutritive powers are considerably less than those of
Dactylis glomerata, Alopecurus pratensis and Festuca
elatior ; butit pushes forward earlier than the last mentioned
grass, while the ripening of seeds is less defective than in
Alopecurus. Rye-grass though naturally living but a few
years, maintains its ground well by the ease, with which it
disseminates itself spontaneously. Several sorts, which
scarcély can be called varieties, are under cultivation.
Rye-grass stands the dry heat of our summers well. It is
likely to spread gradually over the whole of the Australian
continent, and may play an important part in our pastoral

7 t *

319

affairs and also in ameliorating the clime of the desert
districts.

The White Lupine. Countries at the Mediterranean
Sea, also in the Orient. An annual quick-growing
herb, valuable for fodder and for green manure. ‘The
lentil-like seeds, after the bitter principle (Lupinin)
has become removed through boiling, become edible.
It would lead too far, to enumerate here many others
of the numerous species of Lupines, of which unques-
tionably very many are eligible for agrarian purposes, |
while all are acceptable as hardy, elegant and easily grown
garden plants. One (L. perennis, L.) extends in America :
to the Northern States of the Union and Canada ; fourteen
are recorded from South Europe, seventeen from Brazil,
and numerous species from other parts of America, where |

Lupinus albus, L. |

the limits of the genus are about Monte Video south-
ward and about Nootka Sound northward. The majority of
the species is perennial. The Egyptian L. Termis, Forsk.,
is closely allied to L. albus, and of equal use. |

Lupinus luteus, L.
The Scented Yellow Lupine. Countries in the vicinity of
the Mediterranean Sea. This likewise annual species is
predominently in use through Middle Europe, to improve
sandy soil. It can also be employed like some other
Lupines as a fodder herb. About 90 lbs. of seeds are
required for an acre. .

Lupinus varius, L. |
The Blue Lupine. Also a Mediterranean annual, used like |
the above congeners; but afew others are under cultivation
as Blue Lupines. Some of the American, particularly Cali-
fornian species, are regarded for agrian purposes superior

to the Mediterranean kinds.

Maclura aurantiaca, Nuttall.
The Osage Orange, or North American Bow-wood, or
Yellow-wood. Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana. This thorny
deciduous shrub or tree can be well trained into hedges.

820

It is unisexual, and will in favourable localities on rich
river banks attain a height of 60 feet, with a stem 2 to 8
feet thick, thus becoming available as a timber-tree. Here
it is recorded as a hedge plant; as such our own thorny
Maclura Calcar Galli (AZorus Calcar Galli, A. Cunningh.)
of extra-tropical East Australia, which moreover possesses
small edible fruits, deserves attention for live fences. Neither
of the two is readily subject to blight or attacks of insects.
The latter produces suckers and from the root a yellow dye.

Maharanga Emodi, A. de Candolle.

Nepaul. The root produces like that of Alkanna tinctoria a
red dye.

Mallotus Philippinensis, J. M.
(Rottlera tinctoria, Roxburgh.)

South Asia and Hast Australia, in jungle-country, extending
into New South Wales. Though not of great importance
this bush should not be passed on this occasion, inasmuch
as the powdery substance, investing the seed-capsules, con-
stitutes the Kamala, which can be employed not only as
an orange dye, but also as an anthelminthic remedy. The
Hindoo silk-dyers use it for an orange colour, obtained by
boiling the Kamala with carbonate of soda.

Manihot Aipi, Pohl.

The Sweet Cassava. Tropical South America, but traced as
far south as the Parana River. The root is reddish and
harmless; it can therefore be used, unlike those of the fol-
lowing species, without any further preparations than boiling,
ag a culinary esculent, irrespective of its starch being algo
available for tapioca. Both are somewhat woody plants,
several feet high, and they are too important to be left
altogether unnoticed on this occasion, although we have no
evidence, that they will prove productive even in those parts
of Victoria, which are free of frost. The Aipi has ligneous
tough fibres, stretching along the axis of the tubers, while
generally the roots of the following species are free of this
central woody substance.

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Manihot utilissima, Pohl.
The Bitter Cassava or Tapioca-plant. Tropical South
America. Closely allied to the former, producing varieties
with roots of poisonous acridity, and with tubers perfectly
harmless. The tubers attain a length of 8 feet; they can
be converted into bread or cakes, the volatile poison of
the milky sap being destroyed through pressing of the
grated root in first instance, and the remaining acridity is ex-
pelled by the heating process. The starch, heated in a moist
state, furnishes the Tapioca. Manihot is abundantly culti-
vated at Caracas, where the singularly uniform temperature
throughout the year is only 60° to 70° BF. It is a very
exhausting crop, and stands thus in need of rich soil and
manuring. The propagation is effected by cuttings from
the ligneous part of the stem. The soil, destined for Cassava,
must not be wet. In warm countries the tubers are avyail-
able in about 8 months, though they still continue to grow
afterwards. The growth of the plant upwards is checked
by breaking off the buds. The Bitter Cassava is the more |
productive of the two. The yellowish tubers attain some- |
times a weight of 830 lbs. They do not become soft by boil- |
ing like Aipi. |

Maoutia Puya, Weddell. |
India, on mountains up to 4000 feet. It ig taller than |
Boehmeria nivea, and furnishes a similar fibre. This shrub |
belongs to a tribe of the nettle order, not possessing
burning acridity. None of the true nettles, such as the |
Girardinias, nor allied stinging plants have been recom- |
mended in this index, although from some an exquisite
fibre is derived, as the writer wishes to guard against the |
introduction of any burning species, which possibly might
disseminate itself in a mischievous manner in our ranges,
and then probably could not again be suppressed.

Maranta arundinacea, L.
The true Arrow-root plant. WestIndia. The plant is intro-
duced into this list not without hesitation, as itseems torequire
a warmer clime than ours to attain perfection. It furnishes
most of the genuine West Indian Arrowroot, although other

o22

species, such as M. nobilis, M. Allouya, M. ramosissima, are
also cultivated for a similar starch of their tubers.

Matricaria Chamomilla, L.

The annual Chamomile. Europe, Northand Middle Asia. A
highly useful herb in medicine. In many parts of the Euro-
pean continent it is much more extensively used than the
ordinary perennial Chamomile. The infusion of the flowers
has rather a pleasant taste without strong bitterness. The
flowers serve as a tonic and especially as a sudorific, and
possess a peculiar volatile oil. Marrubium vulgare, L., is
not prominently mentioned, as it is already rather copiously
naturalized.

Medicago sativa, L.*

Orient ; now spread through Middle and South Europe and
Middle Asia. The purple Medick, Alfalfa or Lucerne. A
perennial fodder-herb of great importance, and already
largely utilized in our colony, perhaps descended from the
English Medicago falcata, which also deserves naturalization.
Lucerne keeps here green and fresh in the hottest season
of the year, even in dry and comparatively barren ground,
but developes itself for field-culture with the greatest vigour
on river banks, particularly in soil rich in lime. Its deeply
penetrating roots render the plant particularly fit for fixing
fenced embankments or hindering the washing away of soil
subject to occasional inundations.

Melilotus alba, Desrouss.
The Cabul or Bockhara Clover. Middle and Southern
Europe, North Africa, Middle Asia. A biennial herb. On
account of its fragrance it is of value for admixture to hay.
It is also a good bee-plant. Flowers white. Odorous
principle: Cumarin.

Melilotus officinalis, Desrouss.
Europe and Middle Asia. Also biennial, or lasting through
several years if prevented from flowering. Contains also
Cumarin. An allied species is MU. macrorrhiza, Pers. Both
serve purposes similar to those for which M. alba is
employed.

323

Melissa officinalis, L.
The Balm-herb. South Europe and Middle Asia. A peren-
nial herb, valuable for its scent, which depends on a peculiar
volatile oil. It is also valuable as a bee-plant.

Melocanna bambusoides, Trinius. (Beesha Rheedei, Kunth.)
The berry-bearmg Bamboo, from Chittagong and other
mountainous parts of India. It is a thornless Bamboo,
growing on dry slopes of hills. Height up to 70 feet; cir-
cumference towards base 1 foot; growth beautifully erect.

Melocanna humilis, Roeper.
India. More slender than the preceding species, and
attaining only a height of 20 feet.

Melocanna Travancorica. (Beesha Travancorica, Beddome.)
A new Bamboo from Travancore, worthy of introduction.

Mentha piperita, L.*

The Peppermint. Middle Europe. This well-known peren-
nial herb is important for its peculiar essential oil, which
here by culture is produced in good quality. This distilled
oil is in considerable demand, and would be best obtained
from plants cultivated in the mountain regions or natural-
ized along the forest rivulets. Hminent authorities refer
the Peppermint as avarietyto Mentha aquatica, L., the Water-
mint of Europe, North Africa, West and North Asia, from
which the true Crisp Mint (IZ. crispa, L.) is again derived,
as well as the Bergamot-mint (JZ. citrata, Ehrh.)

Mentha Pulegium, L.
The true Penny-royal. Europe, Western Asia, North
Africa: A perennial scent herb, yielding a peculiar ethereal
oil. It likes moist soil.

Mentha rotundifolia, L.
Middle and South Europe, Worth Africa, Western Asia.
Fond of wet places, which by the culture of this and other
mints may be profitably utilized. In odor this mint
approaches to Melissa. The French and Italian Crisp Mint
is partly derived from this species. Closely allied to the
following, and often regarded as a variety of IL. viridis, L.

324.

Mentha silvestris, L.
The Horse Mint. Europe, North Africa, temperate Asia.
Perennial. One of the Crisp Mints is derived from this
species.

Mentha viridis, L.
The Spear Mint. Middle and South Europe. Perennial.
A particular sort of Crisp Mint (JZ. crispata, Schrad.)
belongs to this species.

Our native Mints, M. Australis, M. gracilis and M. sature-
joides, R. Br., yield also oil of good flavor. M. Australis is
far the largest and most abundant of these plants.

Menyanthes trifoliata, L.

Inappropriately called the Bog-bean. Europe, North and
Middle Asia, North America. In springy and spongy bogs.
A perennial herb of great beauty, which could be naturalized
with facility in our Alps. The root is starchy. The whole
plant is pervaded with a bitter principle, largely derived
from Menyanthin. The plant is used medicinally ay a tonic
and febrifuge.

Microseris Forsteri, J. Hooker.
The Native Scorzonera of extra-tropical Australia and New
Zealand. A perennial herb deserving attention, as likely
its roots would enlarge and improve through culture. On
the summits of our snowy mountains the plant developes
itself most luxuriantly. The aborigines use the root for
food. The plant would prove hardy in Middle Europe.

Morus alba, L.*
The White Mulberry-tree. China. ‘This tree in several
varieties provides the food for the ordinary Chinese Silk-
insect (Bombyx Mori). Silk was produced in Italy already
600 years ago, and there this branch of industry has
florished ever since. In China, Silk was reeled since 4500
years. This may demonstrate the permanency of an indus-
try, which we wish to establish here extensively under a
similar sky. “One pound of silk is worth its weight in
silver, and this pound may be produced (so far as the food
of the Bombyx is concerned) from 380 lbs. of Mulberry leaves

325

or from a single tree, which thus may be brought to yield
annually the material for 16 yards of Gros de Naples.”
The White Mulberry-tree is of extremely easy growth from
cuttings, also readily raised from well-matured seeds. It is
usually unisexual, and attains finally a very large size. It
can be grown in climes, where no longer Olives will thrive.
Spots for Mulberry-culture must not be over-moist, when
the leaves are to be utilized for the Bombyx. In 1870,
according to the British Trade Journal, the produce of
cocoons amounted in Europe to £16,588,000; in Asia to
£28,112,000; in Africa to £44,000; in the South Sea
Islands to £24,000; in America to £20,000 ;—thus giving
a general total of £44,788,000. Superior varieties of Mul-
berry can be grafted with ease on ordinary stock. JL. Indica
L., I macrophylla Morett., I multicaulis Perott., JL
Morettiana Jacq., M. Chinensis Bertol., WL. latifolia Poir.,
MM. Italica Poi., M. Japonica Nois., M. Byzantina Sieb.,
M. nervosa Del., I. pumila Nois., WM. tortuosa Audib., as
well as the Constantinople Mulberry, are merely forms of
M. alba, to which probably also 1. Tatarica, L. and I.
pabularia, Jacquem., belong, The variety known as M.
Indica produces black fruits. The planting of Mulberry-
trees has recently assumed enormous dimensions in Cali-
fornia, where in 1870 between seven and eight millions were
planted. The process of rearing the silk-insect is simple
and involves no laborious exertions. The cocoons, after
they have been properly steamed, dried and pressed, find
readily purchasers in Hurope, the price ranging according
to quality from 3s. to 6s. per Ib. The eggs of the Silkworm
sell ata price from 16s. to £2 per ounce, and in 1870 Japan
had to provide two millions of ounces of Silk-ova for Europe,
where the worms had extensively fallen victims to disease.
Instances have been recorded in California, where 8 tons of
leaves were gathered in the first year from the Mulberry-
trees of 1 acre, and 30 tons in the next year. Asan example
of the profit thus to be realized, a Californian fact may be
cited, according to which £700 were the clear gain from

=z acres, the working expenses having been £93. The
Commissioner of Agriculture of the United States has

326

estimated, that under ordinary circumstances an acre should
support from 700 to 1000 Mulberry-trees, producing
5000 Ibs. of leaves fit for food, when four years old. On
this quantity of leaves can be reared 140,000 worms, from
which ova at anett profit ranging from £80 to £240 per
acre will be obtained by the work of one person. Mr. C.
Brady, of Sydney, thinks the likely proceeds of silk-culture
to be from £60 to £150 for the acre. The discrepancies
in calculations of this kind are explained by differences in
clime, soil, attention and treatment.

The White Mulberry-tree has been very copiously distributed
from the Melbourne Botanic Garden since many years. A
very palatable fruit is obtained from a variety cultivated in
Beloochistan and Affghanistan. Morus Tuatarica, L.,
resembles M. alba. Its juicy fruit is insipid and small.
The leaves are not generally used for Silkworms.

The results of Mr. Brady’s experience on the varieties of the
Morus alba are as follows :—In the normal form the fruits
are white with a purplish tinge more or less deep, the bark
is pale, the leaf is also of a pale hue, not very early nor
very tender, nor very abundant. It may be grown on moist
ground as long as such is drained, or it will live even on
poor loose gravelly soil bordering on running water. The
Cevennes variety is a free grower, affords a large quantity of
leaves though of rather thick consistence ; all varieties of
the Morus Bombyx like these leaves at all stages of their
age. It is also called the rose-leaved variety. The silk
which it yields is substantial in quantity and also good in
quality. It does best on rich dry slopes. The bushy
Indian variety has a fine leaf of beautifnl green, which
though light in weight is abundantly produced. It can be
cut back to the stem three or four times a year; the leaves
are flat, long and pointed, possess a fine aroma, and are
relished by every variety of the ordinary Silk-insect, though
not all thrive equally well on it. The silk derived from this
variety is excellent, but not always so heavy in quantity as
that produced from the rosy variety. It prefers rich low-
lying bottoms, is a greedy feeder, but may thus be made to

327

cover an extraordinary breadth of alluvial or manured land
in a marvellous short space of time. At Sydney, Mr. Brady
can provide leaves from this Indian variety all through the
year by the removal of cuttings, which will strike their root
almost at any season. It ripens also seeds readily, and
should be kept at bush size. It requires naturally less space
than the other kinds. A fourth variety comes from North
China; it has heart-shaped fiat thickish leaves, which form
very good food for the Silkworm. Mr. Brady, as well as
Mr. Martelli, recommend very particularly the variety,
passing under the name Morus multicaulis for the worms in
their earliest stages. The former recommends the Cape
variety also; the latter wishes also the variety, called Morus
Morettiana, to be used on account of its succulent nutri-
tious foliage, so well adapted for the insect while yet very
young, and also on account of producing the largest amount
of food within the shortest time. The Manilla variety,
known as Morus multicaulis, comes several weeks earlier
into bearing than most other sorts, and should therefore be
at hand for early hatched worms.

Morus nigra, L.*

The Black Mulberry-tree. South Russia and Persia.
Highly valuable for its pleasant refreshing fruits. It is a |
tree of longevity, instances being on record of its having
lived through several centuries. It is also very hardy. The
leaves also of this species afford food for the ordinary silk-
moth. The tree occurs usually unisexual. JL atropurpurea,
Roxb., from Cochin-China, is an allied tree. The cylin-
drical fruit-spike attains a length of two inches.

Morus rubra has been recorded already in the Appendix to
our Acclimatisation Society’s Report for 1870-1871, among
the timber-trees.

Musa Cavendishii, Lambert.
(i. regia, Rumph.; I. Chinensis, Sweet.)
The Chinese Banana. A comparatively dwarf species, the
stem attaining only a height of about 5 or 6 feet. Its
robust and dwart habit render it particularly fit for exposed

328

localities, and this is one of the reasons, why it is so exten-
sively cultivated in the South Sea Islands. The yield of
fruit is profuse (as much as 200 to 300 fruits in a spike),
and the flavor excellent. This as well as M. sapientum and
M. paradisiaca ripen still their fruits in Madeira and
Florida.

Musa Ensete, Gmelin.

Bruce’s Banana. From Sofala to Abyssinia, in mountain
regions. This magnificent plant attains a height of 30 feet,
the leaves occasionally reaching to the length of 20 feet,
with a width of 3 feet, being perhaps the largest in the whole
empire of plants, exceeding those of Strelitzia and Ravenala,
and surpassing even in quadrat-measurement those of the
erand water-plant Victoria Regia, while excelling in com-
parative circumference also the largest compound frond of
Angiopteris evecta, or divided leaf of Godwinia Gigas,
though the compound leaves of some palms are still larger.
The inner part of the stem, and the young spike of the
Ensete can be boiled to serve as a table esculent, but the
fruit is pulpless. This plant produces no suckers, and
requires several years to come into flower and seed, when
it dies off like the Sago plant, the Caryota palm and others,
which flower but once without reproduction from the root.

Musa Livingstoniana, Kirk.
Mountains of Sofala, Mozambique and the Niger regions.
Similar to M. Ensete; seeds much smaller. Possibly re-
quiring no protection here in favorable places.

Musa paradisiaca, L.
The ordinary Plantain or Pisang. India. Among the most
prolific of plants, requiring the least care in climes adapted
for its growth. Stem not spotted. Bracts purple inside.
In this as well as the foregoing and the following new shoots
are produced from the root, to replace annually the fruit-
bearing stem. The fruit of this is chiefly prepared by some
cooking process. Only a few varieties are distinguished,
and they seem to have sprung from the wild state of M,
sapientum. The writer did not wish to pass this and the

329

allied plants unnoticed, as they will endure our clime in the
warmest localities of the colony, where under more careful
attention they are likely to mature with regularity their
fruit. They require rich and humid soil. Plantain meal iy
prepared by simply reducing the dried pulp to powder. It
is palatable, digestible and nourishing.

Musa sapientum, L. |
The ordinary Banana or Sweet Plantain. India. One of
the most important plants yielding nutritious delicious
fruits. The stem iy spotted. Bracts green inside. The )
leaves and particularly the stalks and the stems of this and |
other species of Musa can be utilized for producing a fibre
similar to Manilla Hemp. The fruit of this is used chiefly
unprepared ; it is generally of a yellow color. Numerous |
varieties are distinguished. As much as a hundredweight
of fruit is obtained from a plant annually in tropical climes. |
At Caracas, where the temperature is seldom much above or |
below 60° F., the Plantain and Banana plants are very pro-
ductive, being loaded with fruits 12 to 15 inches long, on |
mountains about 5000 feet high. In our dry Murray re-
gions the winter temperature seems too low for the suc- |
cessful development of these plants, except on sheltered |
spots.

Musa troglodytarum, L. (JL wranoscopos, Rumph.) |
India, and apparently indigenous also in the Feegee and |
other islands of the Pacific Ocean. The fruit-stalk of thig :
species stands upright; the edible fruits are small, reddish |
or orange-colored. The Chinese JL. coccinea, Ait., a dwarf
ornamental species, has also the fruit-spike straight.

Myrica Faya, Aiton.
Madeira, Azores and Canary Islands. A small tree. The
drupaceous fruits are used for preserves. dM. sapida,
Wallich., an Indian mountainous species, hag also edible
fruits.

Myrtus Ugni, A. Gray.
The Chilian Guava. A hardy shrub, freely bearing its small
but pleasantly aromatic berries.

330

Nardostachys Jatamansi, Cand.
Mountains of Bengal and Nepaul. A perennial herb,
famous already at ancient times as a medicinal plant. The
root contains an ethereal oil and bitter principle. This drug
is often also obtained from NV. grandiflora, Cand. —

Nelumbo lutea, Caspary.* (Nelwmbium luteum, Willd.)

In North America, north to 44°; also in Jamaica. This
magnificent perennial water-plant carries with it the type of
Nelumbo nucifera, but seems more hardy and thus better
adapted for our latitudes, the Pythagorean Bean not descend-
ing in Australia naturally beyond the 23°, although also this
Species may perhaps live in the warmer parts of our Colony.
The tuberous roots of both species resemble the Sweet
Potato and are starchy: the seeds are of particularly
pleasant taste. To us the plants would be of great value
as ornamental aquatics. The leaves of N. lutea are from
1 foot to 2 feet in diameter. The flowers measure one-half
to one foot across. The capsular fruit contains from 20 to
40 nut-like seeds. The plant in congenial spots dis-
places nearly all other water vegetation by the vigor of its
growth.

Nelumbo nucifera, Gaertner.* (Welumbiwm speciosum, Willd.)

The Pythagorean Bean. Egypt; at the Caspian and Aral
Seas (46° N.) ; Persia; through India, where in Cashmere it
occurs at an elevation of 5000 feet; China; Japan; Amur
(46° N.); tropical Australia as far south as 28°. The occur-
rence of this grand plant at the Ima, at Pekin and at
Astrachan proves sufficiently, that we can naturalize it in
Victoria. The Nelumbo requires deep water with a muddy
bottom. The large white or rosy flowers are very fragrant.
The seeds retain their vitality for several years. According
to the ancient Egyptian method they are placed in balls of
muddy clay and chaff and then sunk into the water.

Nephelium Litchi, Cambess.
South China, Cochin-China and Philippine Islands. An
evergreen tree, producing the Litchi-fruit. The pulpy
arillus is of extremely pleasant taste, though not large.

331

Nephelium Longanum, Cambess.
India and Southern China. The Longan-fruit is obtained
from this tree; it is smaller than that of the Litchi-tree.

Nicotiana multivalvis, Lindley.
The Native Tobacco of the Columbia River. An annual.
This with the following species can be utilized for certain
kinds of Tobacco.

Nicotiana Persica, Lindley.

The Shiraz Tobacco. Persia. Annual. This can be brought
to perfection only in cool mountain regions. The mode of
culture is somewhat different to that of the ordinary Tobacco.
Moderate irrigation is favorable. The plants when ripe are
cut off and stuck into the ground again until they become
yellow. They are then heaped together for a few days in
the drying-house. They are then packed into thin strata
and placed into bags, for pressure and daily turning.

Nicotiana quadrivalvis, Pursh.
The Native Tobacco of the Missouri. An annual.

Nicotiana repanda, Willd.
Cuba, Mexico, Texas. Annual. It is utilized for some of
the Havannah Tobaccoes.

Nicotiana rustica, L.
Tropical America. Annual. Some sorts of Hastern India
Tobacco, of Manilla Tobacco and of Turkey (for instance
Latakia) Tobacco are derived from this particular species.

Nicotiana Tabacum, L.*
The ordinary Tobacco-plant of Central America. Annual.
Various districts with various soils produce very different
sorts of Tobacco, particularly as far as flavor is concerned,
and again various climatic conditions will affect vastly the
Tobacco-plant in this respect. We can thus not hope to
produce for instance Manilla or Havannah Tobacco in our
latitudes, but we can anticipate to produce good sorts of
our own, more or less peculiar, or we may aspire to pro-
ducing in our rich and frostless forest valleys a Tobacco

502

similar to that of Kentucky, Maryland, Connecticut and
Virginia, parts of Victoria resembling in climate very much
these countries. Frost is detrimental to the Tobacco-plant ;
not only particularly when young must it be guarded against
it, but frost will also injure the ripe crop. Mr. Politz con-
siders the scarcity of dew in some of our districts to militate
against the production of the best kinds, otherwise the yield
as arule is large, and the soil in many places well adapted
for this culture. Leaves of large size are frequently
obtained. The moister and warmer northern and eastern
regions of our Colony are likely to produce the best
Tobacco, if the final preparation of the leaf for the manu-
facturer is effected by experienced skill. The cruder kinds
are obtained with ease, and so leaves for covering cigars.
Virgin soil with rich loam is the best for Tobacco-culture,
and such soil should also contain a fair proportion of lime
and potash, or should be enriched with a calcareous manure
and ashes, or with well decomposed stable manure. The seed-
lings, two months or less old, are transplanted. When the
plants are coming into flower the leading top-shoots are
nipped off, and the young shoots must also be broken off.
A few weeks afterwards the leaves will turn to a greenish
yellow, which is a sign that the plants are fit to be cut, or
that the ripe leaves can gradually be pulled. In the former
case the stems are split; the drying is then effected in barns
by suspension from sticks across beams. The drying pro-
cess occupies four or five weeks and may need to be assisted
by artificial heat. Stripped of the stalks the leaf-blades are
then tied into bundles to undergo sweating or a kind of
slight fermentation. It does not answer to continue
tobacco-culture beyond two years on the same soil uninter-
ruptedly. A prominent variety is Nicotiana latissima,
Miller, or WV. macrophylla, Lehm., yielding largely the
Chinese, the Orinoco and the Maryland Tobacco. The
dangerously powerful Nicotin, a volatile acrid alkaline oily
liquid, and Nicotianin, a bitter aromatic lamellar substance,
are both derived from Tobacco in all its parts and are thera-
peutic agents.

Niemeyera prunifolia, F. v. Mueller.
The Australian Cainito. An evergreen tree, sparingly dis-
persed from the North of New South Wales through the
coast forests of Queensland. The fruit is of plum-like
appearance and edible. Culture is likely to improve its
quality.

Ocimum Basilicum, L.
The Basil. Warmer parts of Asia and Africa. An annual
herb, valuable for condiments and perfumery. Several
varieties exist, differme considerably in their scent. A
crystalline substance is also obtained from this and similar
species. O. canwim, Sims, is closely allied.

Ocimum gratissimum, L.
Recorded from India, the South Sea Islands and Brazil, as
indigenous. Somewhat shrubby. This is also a scent-plant
like the following, and is one of the best of the genus.
O. viride, Willd., from tropical Africa seems a variety.

Ocimum suave, Willd.
Hast Africa. A shrubby species.

Ocimum sanctum, L.
Arabia, India, tropical Australia. A perennial herb. The
odor of the variety occurring in North Australia reminds
of Anis ; the smell of the variety growing in Hast Australia
resembles cloves. O. tenwiflorum, L., seems to be another
variety. Probably other species, as well cis- as trans-
Atlantic, can be used like Basil.

Olea Europea, L.*
The Olive-tree. From South-western Asia; naturalized
in the countries around the Mediterranean Sea. A tree not
of great height, but of many centuries’ duration and of
unabating fecundity. The well-known Olive Oil is obtained
from the fruit. Certain varieties of the fruit, preserved in
vinegar or salt liquid before perfectly ripe, are also much
used for the table. For this purpose the fruit is generally
macerated previously in water containing potash and lime.
The gum-resin of the Olive-tree contains the crystalline
Olivil. The oil of the drupaceous fruit is a most important

334:

product of countries with climates similar to that of
Victoria. Its chemical constituents are:—80 per cent.
crystalline Palmitin; 70 per cent. Olein, through which
Olive-oil belongs to those kinds, which are not drying. The
wild variety of the Olive-tree has usually short blunt leaves
and thorny branches. Long continued droughts, so detri-
mental to most plants, will affect the Olive but slightly. It
thrives best on a free loamy calcareous soil, even should it
be strong and sandy, but it dislikes stiff clay. Proximity to
the sea is favorable to it, and hill-sides are more eligible for
its culture than plains. The ground must be deeply
trenched. Manuring with well decayed substances is re-
quisite annually, or every second or third year according
to circumstances. Irrigation will add to the productiveness
of the plant. Mons. Riondet distinguishes three main
varieties, of which he recommends two: 1, the Cayon, a
small-sized tree, which comes into bearing already after
three or four years, but it bears fully only every second
year; its oil is fine with some aroma. 2, the Pendulier, a
larger tree, with long drooping branches, yielding an oil of
first-rate quality. Mons. Reynaud “ Culture de l’Olivier,”
separates 12 varieties, as cultivated in France, and recom-
mends among them:—1, the Courniau or Courniale, also
called Plante de Salon, bearing most prolificly a small fruit
and producing an excellent oil. 2, the Picholine, which by
pruning its top branches is led to spread over eight square
yards or more. It is of weeping habit, yields a good oil in
fair quantity and resists well the attack of insects. 3, the
Mouraou or Mourette, a large tree furnishing also oil of a
very fine quality. Olive-trees require judicious pruning
immediately after the fruit is gathered, when the sap is
comparatively at rest. They may be multiplied from seeds,
cuttings, layers, suckers, truncheons or estacas and old
stumps, the latter to be split. The germination of the seeds
is promoted by soaking the nutlets in a solution of lime and
woodash. The seedlings can be budded or grafted after a
few years. Truncheons or estacas may be from one to many
feet long and from one inch to many inches thick; they are
placed horizontally into the ground. Olive plantations at

339

Grasse are worth from £200 to £250 per acre. For many
details the tract on the “ Culture of Olive and its Utiliza-
tion,” here recently issued by the Rev. Dr. Bleasdale
should be consulted, as it rests largely on its author’s
observations during a lone stay in Portugal. The olive
oil imported last year into Victoria was valued at
£15,538.

The followiug notes are derived from the important “ Tratado
del Cultivo del Olivo en Espana,” by the Chev. Capt. José
de Hidalgo-Tablada (second edit., Madrid 1870). The
Olive-tree will resist for a short time considerable frost
(— 15° C.) provided the thawing takes place under fogs or
mild rain (or perhaps under a dense smoke). It requires
for ripening its fruit about one-third moze annual warmth
than the Vine. The Olive zones of South Europe and North
Africa are between the 18° and 44° N.L. An elevation of
about 550 feet corresponds in Spain, as far as this culture is
concerned, to one degree further north. Olives do not grow
well on granitic soil. The fruit produced on limestone
formations is of the best quality. Gypsum promotes the
erowth of the tree (which thus may perhaps prosper in
parts of the Murray-desert, underlaid with Gypsum). An
equable temperature serves best ; thus exposure to prevail-
ing strong winds is to be avoided. The winter temperature
should not fall below —7° C. The content of oil in the
fruit varies from 10 to 20 per cent.; sometimes it even
exceeds the latter proportion. In the Provence at an
average 24 lbs. of Olive Oil are consumed by each individual
of the population ; in Southern Germany nearly 60 lbs., in
Andalusia about 30 lbs. For obtaining the largest quantity
of oil the fruit must be completely ripe. Hand-picked
Olives give the purest oil. Knocking the fruits from the
branches with sticks injures the tree and lessens its produc-
tiveness in the next year. About 30 Olive-trees can be
planted conveniently on an acre for permanence ; each tree
under ordinary circumstances will produce fruits for 4 lbs.
to 5 lbs. of oil annually. Spain alone produces about
250,000,000 Ibs. of Olive Oil a year.

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336

SPANISH VARIETIES.

A.—Varieties of early maturation, for colder localities :—

ik

4.

5.

Var. pomiformis, Clem.

Manzanillo. (French: Ampoulleau.) Fruit above an inch
in diameter, spherical, shining black. Putamen broad and
truncate.

. Var. regalis, Clem.

Sevillano. (French: Pruneau de Catignac.) Fruit about an
inch in diameter, ovate-spherical, blunt, bluish-black.

Var. Bellotudo or Villotuda.

Fruit about an inch long, egg-shaped ; pericarp outside dark-
red, inside violet.

Var. Redondillo.

Fruit ovate-spherical, nearly an inch long. Pericarp outside
bluish-black, inside whitish. A rich yielder..

Var. ovalis, Clem.

Lechin, Picholin, Acquillo. (French: Saurine.) Fruit
broad-oval, two-thirds of an inch long. <A copious
yielder.

. Var. argentata, Clem.

Nevadillo blanco; Doncel; Zorzalena; Moradillo; Oji-
blanco; Olivo lucio. Fruit broad-ovate, an inch long, very
blunt, not oblique. Quality and quantity of oil excellent.

. Var. Varal blanco.

(French: Blanquette.) Fruit ovate, globular, three-fourths
of an inch long, neither pointed nor oblique, outside blackish-
red.

Var. Himpeltre.

Fruit ovate, an inch long, equable. Rich in oil of excellent
quality, also one of the best for pickles. Pericarp outside
violet, inside white.

Var. Racimal.

(French: Bouteillan, Boutiniene, Ribien, Rapugette.) Fruit
violet-colored, globose-ovate, about an inch long; neither
pointed nor oblique. Bears regularly also on less fertile
soil, and is one of the earliest to ripen.

Sa

10. Var. Varal negro.

Alameno. (French: Cayon, Nasies.) Fruit violet-black,
spotted, globose-ovate, nearly an inch long, somewhat

_ pointed. Bears richly.

11. Var. Colchonudo.

Fruit spheric, outside red, inside white, one inch in diameter,
slightly pointed. Produces a large quantity of good oil.

12. Var. Ojillo de Liebre.

Ojo de Liebre. Fruit nearly spheric, outside violet-black ;
about one inch long, somewhat oblique. One of the less
early varieties.

13. Var. Carrasquena.

(French: Redouan de Cotignat.) Fruit black-red, almost
spherical, slightly oblique, about an inch long. Valuable
both for oil and preserves, but liable to be attacked by
various insects.

14. Var. Hispalensis, Clem.

Gordal,; Ocal; Olivo real. Fruit black-grey, oblique,
spherical, measuring fully aninch. Rathera large and quick-
growing tree. Fruit used in the green state for preserves,
not used for table-oil.

15. Var. Verdejo. :
Verdial. (French: Verdal, Verdan.) Fruit black-violet,
oblique-spheric, pointed, about one inch long. Furnishes
good oil and resists best of all the cold.

B.— Varieties of late maturation, for warmer localities :-—

16. Var. maxima, Clem.
Madrileno; Oivo morcal. Fruit over an inch long, cordate-
globose, strongly pointed. Less valuable for oil than for
preserves.

17. Var. rostrata, Clem.
Cornicabra. (Hrench: Cournaud, Corniaud, Courgnale, Pl.
de Solon, Pl. de la Fane ; Cayon, Rapunier, Grasse.) Strong
and tall, less tender. Fruit black-reddish, over an inch
long, oval, much pointed. Good for oil.

18, Var. ceratocarpa, Clem.
Cornezuelo. (French: Odorant, Luquoise, Luques.) Fruit
fully an inch long, oval, pointed.

19. Var. Javaluno.
Fruit black-grey, over an inch long, egg-shaped, some-
what oblique, gradually pointed. Rich in good oil;
can also be chosen for preserves ; much subject to attacks -
of insects.

20. Var. Picudo.
Fetudilla. Fruit fully an inch long, egg-shaped, blunt at
the base, pointed at the apex, with black-grey pulp. Peri-
carp easily separable. Employed both for oil and pre-
Serves.

21. Var. Nevadillo negro.
Fruit egg-shaped, fully an inch long, with turned pointed
apex. One of the richest of all varieties in yield. Endures
considerable cold and ripens not quite late.

All these Spanish varieties show rather long lanceolate leaves
of more or less width.

FRENCH VARIETIES.
(Some verging into the Spanish kinds.)

22. Var. angulosa, Gouan.

Galliningue, Laurine. For preserves.
23. Var. Rouget.

Marvailletto. Produces a fine oil.

24. Var. atrorubens, Gouan.
Salierne, Sayerne. Fruit dusted white. Furnishes one of
the best of oils.
25. Var. variegata, Gouan.
Marbée, Pigale, Pigau. Purple fruit with white spots.
26. Var. Le Palma.
Oil very sweet, but not largely produced.
27. Var. atrovirens, Ros.
Pointue, Punchuda. Fruit large with good oil.
98. Var. rubicans, Ros.
Rougette. Putamen small. Yield annual and large.
29. Var. alba, Ros.
Olive blanche, Blancane, Vierge. This with many others
omitted on this occasion is an inferior variety.

30. Var. Caillet Rouge.
Figanier. Small tree. Fruit large, red. Oil good and
produced in quantity.
31. Var. Caillet Blanche.
Fruit almost white, produced annually and copiously, yield-
ing a rather superior oil.
32. Var. Raymet.
Fruit large, reddish. Oil copious and fine. This variety
prefers flat country.
33. Var. Cotignac.
Pardigniére. Fruit middle-sized, blunt. Oil obtained in
quantity and of excellent quality. This wants much pruning.
34. Var. Bermillaon.
Vermillon. Yields also table-oil and resists cold well.

Many other apparently desirable varieties occur, among which
the Italian Oliva d’ogni mese may be mentioned, which
ripens fruits several times in the year, and furnishes a
pleasant oil and also berries for preserves.

Onobrychis sativa, La Marck.*
The Sanfoim or Cocks-head Plant. South and Middle
Europe, Middle Asia. A deep-rooting perennial fodder-
herb, fond of marly soil, and living in dry localities. It is
thus well adapted also for the limestone formation of the
lower Murray River.

Ophelia Chirata, Grisebach. (Ayathotes Chirata, D. Don.)

Widely dispersed over the higher mountain regions of India.
A perennial herb, considered as one of the best of tonics ;
it possesses also febrifugal and antarthritic properties. Its
administration in the form of an infusion, prepared with
cold water, is the best. Besides O. elegans, Wight., some of
the other Upper Indian, Chinese and Japanese species
deserve probaly equal attention.

Opuntia coccinellifera, Miller.
Mexico and West India. The Cochineal Cactus. On this
and O. Tuna, O. Hernandezii and perhaps a few others
subsists the Coccus, which offers the costly Cochineal dye.
Three gatherings can be effected in the year. About 1200

340

tons used to be imported annually into Britain alone, and a
good deal also to other countries, valued at about £400 for
the ton. The precious Carmin-pigment is prepared from
Cochineal.

Opuntia elatior, Miller.
Central America, A hedge plant with formidable thorns.

Opuntia Ficus Indica, Miller.
Central America, north as far as Florida. Serves for hedges.
Pulp of fruit edible.

Opuntia Hernandezii, Candolle.
Mexico. Affords also food for the Coccus Cacti.

Opuntia spinosissima, Miller.
Mexico and West India. Stem columnar with pendant
branches. Also a good hedge-plant.

Opuntia Tuna, Miller.
West India, Ecuador, New Granada, Mexico. Irrespective
of its value as the principal Cochineal plant, this Cactus is
also of use for hedges. It will attain a height of 20 feet.
The pulp of the fruit is edible. With the other species
hardy at least in our lowlands.

Opuntia vulgaris, Miller.
Central America, northward to Georgia, southward to Peru.
Adapted for hedges and like the rest inflammable, thus par-
ticularly valuable along Railway-lines. The fruit almost
smooth, also eatable. A dye can also be prepared from its
pulp and that of allied species. Numerous other species
are here industrially eligible for hedging purposes.

Origanum Dictamuus, L.
Candia. Like the following a scent-plant of somewhat
shrubby growth.

Origanum Majorana, L.
North Africa, Middle Asia, Arabia. A perennial herb, used
for condiment, also for the distillation of its essential oil.

Origanum Maru, L.
Palestine. Perennial and very odorous.

341

Origanum Onites, L
Countries at the Mediterranean Sea. Somewhat shrubby
and strongly scented.

Origanum vulgare, L
The ordinary Marjoram. All Europe, North Africa, North
and Middle Asia. A scented herb of perennial growth,
containing a peculiar volatile oil. It prefers limestone soil.
O. hirtum, Link., O. virens Hoffmannsegg and O. normale
D. Don, are closely allied plants of similar use. Several
other Majorams, chiefly Mediterranean, are of value.

Ornithopus sativus, Brotero.
South Europe and North Africa. An annual herb, larger
than the ordimary Birdsfoot-clover. It is valuable as a
fodder-plant on sterile soil.

Oryza sativa, L.* 3

The Rice-plant. South Asia and North Australia. Annual
like most cereals. The many rivulets in our ranges afford
ample opportunities for irrigating rice-fields: but these can
be formed with full advantage only in the warmer parts of
the colony, where rice will ripen as well as in Italy, China,
or the Southern States of the American Union. Among
the numerous varieties of Indian Rice may be noted as
prominent sorts: The Early Rice, which ripens in four
months and is not injured by saline inundations. The
hardier Mountain Rice, which can be raised on compara-
tively dry ground, and which actually perishes under
lengthened inundation, but which is less productive. The
Glutinous Rice, which succeeds as well in wet as almost dry
places, and produces black or reddish grains. In the rich
plains of Lombardy, irrigated from the Alps, the average
crop is estimated at 48 bushels for the acre annually. The
spirit distilled from Rice and molasses is known as Arrack.

Oryza latifolia, Humb. and Bonpl.
Central America. This species is said to be perennial and
to attain a height of 18 feet. It deserves here trial-
culture, and may prove a good fodder-grass on wet land in
warm localities. O. perennis, Moench., seems closely allied,

342

Oxalis crassicaulis, Zuccar.
Peru. This seems one of the best of those Woodsorrels,
which yield a tuberous edible root. Amongst others O.
tuberosa, Mol. and O. succulenta, Barn. from Chili, as well as
O. carnosa Mol. and O. conorrhiza Jacq. from Paraguay,
might be tried for their tubers.

Pachyrrhizus angulatus, Rich.
From Centrai America rendered spontaneous in many
tropical countries. A climber, the horizontal starchy roots
of which attain a length of 8 feet and a thickness of many
inches. It requires rich soil. The root is edible, though
inferior to Yam. From the stems a tough fibre is obtaimed.
The plant proved hardy at Sydney.

Paliurus ramosissimus, Poir. (P. Aubletia, Schult.)
China and Japan. A thorny tree, which could be utilized
for hedging.

Paliurus Spina Christi, Mill. (P. acwleatus, Lam.)
The Christ Thorn. From the Mediterranean Sea to Nepaul.
A deciduous bush or finally tree, which can be trimmed into
hedges.

Panicum amarum, Elliot.
North America. A perennial species, fit to be grown on
drifting coast-sand.

Panicum barbinode, Trinius.
Brazil. Valuable as a fodder-grass.

Panicum ciliare, Retzius.

From South Europe and Southern Asia spread through all
countries with a warm climate, but apparently also indi-
genous in Hast Australia. It readily disseminates itself on
barren ground, and is likely to add to the value of our
desert-pastures, although it is annual. Stock relish this
orass. P. sanguinale, L. and P. glabrum, Gaudin, are allied
species.

Panicum Crus-Galli, L.
The Barn-yard Grass. Occurring now in all warm countries,
but probably of Oriental origin, as it seems not recorded in

343

ancient classic literature. A rich but annual grass of ready
spontaneous dispersion. PP. colonum, L. and P. Crus-Corvi
L. are varieties of it. Regarded by R. Brown as indigenous
to Eastern and Northern Australia, where many other
excellent fodder-species occur, some perennial. It will
succeed also on somewhat saline soil, particularly on brackish
water-courses.

Panicum decompositum, R. Brown. (P. laevinode, Lindl.)
The Australian Millet. One of the most spacious of native
nutritious grasses. The aborigines convert the small millet-
like grains into cakes. This grays will thrive on poor soil.

Panicum frumentaceum, Roxb.
The Shamalo or Deccan Grass. Probably introduced from
tropical Africa into South Asia. It serves as a fodder-grass
and produces also a kind of millet.

To this species is allied P. sarmentoswm, Roxb. from Sumatra,
which is now likewise much cultivated in tropical countries.
It is perennial.

Panicum Italicum, L.

This grass notwithstanding its specific name is of Indian
origin, but appears to be likewise a native of North Aus-
tralia. Jt is annual and worthy to be cultivated as a tender
ereen-fodder, attaining a height of 5 feet. The grain is
not only one of the best for poultry, but that of some
varieties can also be utilized as millet. P. Germanicum,
Roth. is a form of this species.

Panicum Koenigii, Spreng. (P. Helopus, Trin.)
India. <A good fodder-grass.

Panicum maximum, Jacq.* (P. jwmentorwm, Pers.)
The Guinea-Grass. Tropical Africa; elsewhere not indi-
genous. This perennial grass attains a height of 8 feet in
tropical countries. It is highly nutritious and quite adapted
for the warmer parts of our colonial territory.

Panicum miliaceum, L.* (P. miliare, Lam.)
The true Millet. South Asia and North Australia, but
cultivated in Southern Europe already at Hippocrates’s

344

and Theophrastos’ time. Annual, attaining a height of
4 feet. Several varieties occur, one with black grains.
They all need a rich but friable soil. It is one of the best
of all grains for poultry, but furnishes also a palatable and
nutritious table-food. It ripens still in Middle Europe.

Panicum pilosum, Swartz.
Tropical America. A perennial fodder-grass.

Panicum repens, L.
At the Mediterranean Sea, also in South Asia and North
Australia. Regarded by the Cinghalese as a good fodder-
erass. It is perennial and well suited for naturalization on
moist soil or river-banks or swamps.

Panicum prostratum, Lam. (P. setigerwm, Retz.)
Egypt, South Asia, North Australia, perhaps also indigenous
to tropical America. Perennial. Recommendable for pas-
tures.

Panicum spectabile, Nees.*

The Coapim of Angola. From West Africa transferred to
many other tropical countries. A rather succulent very
fattening grass, attaining a height of about 4 feet. It
may be assumed, that hitherto about 300 well-defined
species of Panicum are known, chiefly tropical and sub-
tropical, thus very few extending naturally to Europe, or
the United States of North America, or Japan, or the
southern part of Australia. Though mostly from the hot
zones these grasses endure in many instances our clime,
and some of them would prove great acquisitions, particu-
larly the perennial species. Numerous good kinds oceur in
Queensland and North Australia spontaneously. Panicum
is the genus richest in species among grasses.

Papaver somniferum, L.*
The Opium-Poppy. Orient. The capsules of this tall annual,
so showy for its flowers, are used for medicinal purposes ;
from the minute but exceedingly numerous seeds, oil of a
harmless and most palatable kind can be pressed remuner-
atively ; but a still more important use of the plant is that
for the preparation of Opium, of which a quantity valued in

345

the Custom’s returns at £94,455 was imported during 1871
into Victoria, and this does not provide for a large por-
tion of Morphia used inmedicine. Both the black and pale
seeded varieties can be used for the production of Opium.
The return of Poppy-culture, whether for opium or for oil,
is within a few months. Our milder and somewhat humid
open forest tracts proved most productive for obtaining
opium from this plant; but it can be reared algo in colder
localities, good Opium, rich in Morphia, having even been
obtained in Middle Europe and the northern United States,
the summers there being sufficiently long to ripen the Poppy
with a well elaborated sap. The Morphia contents in
Opium from Gipps Land was at an average somewhat over
10 per cent. Opium was prepared in our Botanic Garden
for the Exhibition of 1866; but palticularly Mr. J. Bosisto
and Mr. J. Hood have given to this branch of rural industry
here commercial dimensions. The Smyrna variety is partic-
ularly desirable for Opium ; it enables the cultivator to get
from 40 Ibs. to 75 lbs. of Opium from an acre, generally worth
30s. to 35s. per pound. The ground for poppy-culture must
be naturally rich, or otherwise be well manured ; dressing
with ashes increases the fecundity of the plant. The seed,
about 9 lbs. to an acre, is generally sown broadcast, mixed

with sand. In the most favorable places as many as three
crops are obtained during a season. The collecting of the

Opium, which consists merely of the indurating sap of the
seed-vessels, is commenced a few days after the lapse of the
petals. Superficial, horizontal or diagonal incisions are
made into the capsules as they successively advance to
maturity. This operation is best performed in the after-
noons and evenings, and requires no laborious toil. The
milky opium-sap thus directed outward, is scraped off next
morning into a shallow cup, and allowed to dry on a place
away from sunlight ; it may also be placed on Poppy-leaves.
From one to six successive incisions are made to exhaust
the sap, according to season, weather, locality or the knife-
like instrument employed. In the Department of Somme
(France) alone Opium to the value of £70,000 annually is
produced, and poppy-seed to the value of £170,000. Our

B46

seasons here, as a rule, are favorable for collecting Opium,
and thus this culture is here rendered less precarious than
in many other countries. Our Opium has proved as good
as the best Smyrna kinds. The petals are dried for packing
the Opium, The main value of Opium depends on its con-
tents of Morphia, for which the genus Papaver, as far as
hitherto known, remains the sole source. But not less than
eleven Alkaloids have been revealed in Opium by the pro-
gressive strides of organic chemistry: Codein, Metamorphin,
Morphia or Morphin, Narcein, Narcotin, Opianin, Papaverin,
Porphyroxin, Pseudo-morphin and Thebain. It contains
besides an indifferent bitter principle: Meconin and
Meconic Acid (Vide “ Wittstein’s Chemische Analyse von
Pflauzentheilen.”) Various species of Papaver produce
more or less Opium and Morphia.

Parinarium Nonda, F. v. Mueller.
The Nonda-tree of North-east Australia. It may prove
hardy in East Gipps Land, and may live perhaps in the dry
and hot air of our deserts, where it deserves trial-culture
for the sake of its edible mealy plum-lke fruit. A few
other species with esculent drupes occur in different tropical
countries.

Parkinsonia aculeata, L.
From California to Monte Video. A thorny shrub, clearly
adapted for the warmer parts of Victoria, where it might be
~ utilized with the following plant for evergreen hedges. The
flowers are handsome.

Parkinsonia Africana, Sonder.
South Africa. A tall bush. A third species, P. mzcrophylla,
Torr., occurs on the Colorado.

Paspalum distichum, Burm.
From India to South-eastern Australia. A creeping swamp-
grass, forming extensive cushions. It keeps beautifully
ereen throughout the year, affords a sufliciently tender
blade for feed, and is exqusitely adapted to cover silt or
bare slopes on banks of ponds or rivers.

347

Paspalum scrobiculatum, L.
-Through the tropics of the Hastern Hemisphere widely
dispersed, extending to South-east Australia. -A valuable
pasture-grass. A superior variety is cultivated in India for
a grain crop. This grass furnishes a good ingredient to
hay. The stem sometimes attains a height of 8 feet.

Passiflora alata, Aiton.
Peru and Brazil. This Passion-flower and all the
following (and probably other species) furnish Granadilla
fruits.

Passiflora coccinea, Aublet.

From Guiana to Brazil.

Passifiora coerulea, L.
South Brazil and Uruguay. One of the hardiest of all
Passion-flowers, and with many others well adapted for
covering bowers, rookeries aud similar structures. Many
of the Equatorial species come from mountainous regions
and may thus endure our lowland clime.

Passifiora edulis, Sims.
Southern Brazil.

Passifiora filamentosa, Willd.
Southern Brazil.

Passiflora incarnata, L.
North America from Virginia and Kentucky southward.
The fruits are called Maypops.

Passiflora laurifolia, L. (P. tinifolia, Jussieu.)
The Water-Lemon. From West India to Brazil.

Passiflora ligularis, Juss.
From Mexico to Bolivia.

Passiflora lutea, L.
North America from Pennsylvania and Illinois southward.
Berries small.

Passifiora maliformis, L.
From West India to Brazil.

BAS

Passiflora quadrangularis, L.

Brazil. One of the most commonly cultivated Grana-
dillas.

Passifiora serrata, L.
From West India to Brazil.

Passiflora suberosa, L. (P. pallida, L.)
From Florida to Brazil. A careful investigator, Dr. Maxw.
Masters, has recently defined about 200 species of Passion-
flowers.

Peireskia aculeata, Miller.

West India. The Barbadoes Gooseberry. A tall shrub,
adapted for hedges in localities free of frost. The Cochineal
Insect can be reared also on this plant. The berries are
edible. Several other species exist in tropical America,
among which P. Bleo, Humb., is particularly handsome, but
they may not all be sufficiently hardy for utilitarian purposes
in our clime. Otherwise the Bleo is used for salad.

Peireskia portulacifolia, Haw.
West India. This attains the size of a fair tree.

Pennisetum thyphoideum, Rich.*

(Penicillaria spicata, Willd. Paniewm coerulewm, Miller.)
Tropical Asia, Nubia and Egypt. The Bajree. An annual,
ripening its millet crop in about three months in warm
countries. The stems are thick and reach a height of 6 feet.
This grass requires a rich and loose soil, and on such it will
yield upwards of a hundred fold. It furnishes also a good
hay, and is also valuable as green-fodder. Sore of the
many other species of Pennisetum are doubtless of pastoral
value. A plant allied to P. thyphoideum occurs in China:
nameiy P. cereale, Trin. This affords also millets or corn
for cakes.

Pentzia virgata, Lessing,
South Africa. A small bush, recommended to be established

in our deserts for sheep-fodder. Several other species occur
in South Africa.

349

Perilla arguta, Benth.
Japan. An annual herb. An infusion of this plant is used
to impart to table vegetables and other substances a deep red
color. P. ocimoides, L., of Upper India, serves probably
similar purposes.

Persea gratissima, Gaertner.
From Mexico to Peru and Brazil in forest-tracts near the
coast. The Avocado Pear. Suggestively mentioned here as
likely available for East Gipps Land, French Island and
other mild localities of our country, inasmuch as it has
become naturalized in Madeira, the Azores and Canary
Islands. A noble evergreen spreading tree. The pulp of
the large pear-shaped fruit is of delicious taste and flavor.
Persea Teneriffe (P. Indica, Spreng.), indigenous to Madeira,
the Canary Islands and Azores, is a tree with hard and
remarkably beautiful wood.

Peucedanum sraveolens, Benth. (Anethum graveolens, L.)
The Dill. South Europe, North Africa, Orient. Annual.
The well-known aromatic fruitlets used as a condiment.
P. Sowa, Benth. (Anethum Sowa, Roxb.) is a closely allied
Indian annual herb.

Peucedanum officinale, L.
The Sulphur Root. Middle and South Europe, North Africa,

Middle Asia. Perennial. The root used in veterinary
medicine. It contains like that of the following species the
erystalline Peucedanin.

Peucedanum Ostruthium, Koch. (Inperatoria Ostruthium, L.)
Mountains of Middle Europe. A perennial herb, which
could be grown in our Alps. The acrid aromatic root is
used in medicine, particularly in veterinary practice. It is
required for the preparation of some kinds of Swiss Cheese.
P. Cervaria, Cuss. and P. Oreoselinwm, Moench., are also
occasionally drawn into medicinal use.

Peucedanum sativum, Benth. (Pastinaca sativa, L.)
The Parsnip. Europe, North and Middle Asia, Biennial,
The root palatable and nutritious.

350

Phalaris Canariensis, L.

The Canary Grass. An annual grass from the Canary
Islands, now widely dispersed as a spontaneous plant over
the warmer zones of the globe. Thus it has also become
naturalized in Australia. It is grown for its seeds, which
form one of the best kinds of fodder for many sorts of small
cage-birds. The flour is utilized in certain processes of
cotton manufacture, and liked for some kinds of cakes. The
soil for the culture of the Canary-grass must be friable and
not too poor. It is an exhaustive crop. As allied annual
species of similar use, but mostly of less yield, may be enu-
merated: P. brachystachys Link., from Italy; P. minor
Retz, and P. truncata Guss., from various countries at the

. Mediterranean Sea. Other species, including some from
Asia, are deserving of trial; but the perennial British
P. arundinacea, L., is too harsh to serve for wholesome
fodder, nor does it furnish Canary seed.

Phaseolus adenanthus, G. Meyer.
(P. Trusillensis, Humb. P. rostratus, Wallich).

Almost cosmopolitan within the tropics, where irrespective
of navigation and other traffic it becomes dispersed by
migrating birds; truly spontaneous also in tropical Aus-
tralia. A perennial herb with large flowers, resembling
those of Vigna vexillata, Benth. Cultivated for its seeds,
which are rather small ,but copiously produced.

Phaseolus coccineus, Kniphof.* (P. multiflorus, Willd).

The Turkish Bean or Scarlet-Runner. A native of the
Orient, if Sprengel’s identification is correct, according to
which this plant was known in Arabia and Persia at
Avicenna’s time; but according to other opinions it is a
‘native of Mexico. A twining showy perennial, as useful as
the ordinary French Bean. Its seeds usually larger than
those of the latter plant, purple with black dots, but some-
times also pure blue and again quite white. The flowers
occur sometimes white. The root contains a narcotic
poison.

351—

Phaseolus lunatus, L.

Considered as a native of tropical America, but also recorded
as wild from many parts of tropical Africa and Asia. Bien<
nial according to Roxburgh. Much cultivated in the warm
zone for its edible beans, which are purple or white. A
yellow-flowered variety or closely allied species is known as
the Madagascar Bean and proved hardy and productive
here. LP. perennis, Walt., from the United States of North
America, is another allied plant.

Phaseolus Mungo, L. (P. Maz, L.)

The Green Gram. South Asia and tropical Australia. An
annual very hairy plant, not much climbing. Frequently
reared in India, when rice fails or where that* crop cannot be
produced. The seeds are but small, and the herb is not
available for fodder. This plant requires no irrigation, and
ripens in two and a-half to three months. The grain tastes
well and is esteemed wholesome. The harvest is about

thirtyfold.

Phaseolus vulgaris, L.*

The ordinary Kidney Bean or French Bean or Haricot.
India, from whence it came to Europe through the conquest
of Alexander the Great; but apparently it is also wild in
North-western Australia. Though this common and im-
portant culinary annual is so well known, it has been deemed,
desirable, to refer to it here with a view of reminding, that
the Kidney-bean is nearly twice as nutritive than wheat.
The meal from Beans might also find far augmented use.
As constituents of the Beans should be mentioned a large
proportion of starch (nearly half), then much Legumin, alse
some Phaseolin (which like Amygdalin can be converted inte
an essential oil) and Inosit-Sugar. Lentils contain more
Legumin but less starch, while Peas and Beans are in respect
to the proportion of these two nourishing substances almost
alike. Phaseolus nanus, L., the Dwarf-bean, and P. tumidus,
Savi, the Sugar-bean or Sword-bean or Hgg-bean, are
varieties of P. vulgaris. Several other species of Phaseolus
seem worthy of culinary culture.

B02

Phleum pratense, L.*

The Catstail or Timothy Grass. Europe, North Africa,
North and Middle Asia. One of the most valuable of all
perennial fodder-grasses. Its production of early spring-
herbage is superior to that of the Cocksfoot-grass. It should
enter largely into any mixture of grasses for permanent
pasturage. It will live also on moist and cold clay-ground.
This grass and perhaps more yet the allied Phlewm alpinun,
L., are deserving of an extensive transfer to our moory Alps.
For hay it requires mowing ina young stage. The seed is
copiously yielded and well retained.

Phenix dactylifera, L.*

The Date-Palm. North Africa, also inland ; Arabia, Persia.
This noble palm attains finally a height of 80 feet. It is
unisexual and of longevity :—‘Trees of from 100 to 200
years old continue to produce their annual crop of dates.”
Though from the sap sugar or palm wine can be obtained,
and from the leaves hats, mats and similar articles can be
manufactured, we here would utilize this palm beyond scenic
garden ornamentation only for its fruits. It is in the oases
of our desert-tracts, swept by burning winds, where the
Date-palm would afford in time to come a real boon, although
it might be grown also in the valleys of our mountains and
in any part of our lowlands. Several bunches of flowers are
formed in a season, each producing eften as many as 200
dates. Many varieties of dates exist, differmg im shape,
size and color of the fruit; those of Gomera are large and
contain no seed. The unexpanded flower-bunches can be
used for palm-cabbage; the fibre of the leaf-stalks for cor-
dage. The town Elche in Spain is surrounded by planted
forest of about 80,000 Date-palms, and the sale of leaves for
decorative purposes produces irrespective of the value of
the date-fruits a considerable income to the town, and so it
is at Alicante. As far north as the Gulf of Genoa exists
also a date-forest. The ease, with which this palm grows
from seeds, affords facility in adapted climes to imitate these
examples, and we certainly ought to follow them in all parts
of Australia.

303

Phenix paludosa, Roxb.
India. A stout species, not very tall. Of value at least for
decorative culture.

Phenix pusilla, Gaertner.
India and South China. A dwarf species, likely also to be
hardy here. P. farinifera, Roxb., appears to be identical.
It is adapted for sandy and otherwise dry and barren land,
but prefers the vicinity of the sea. Berry shiaing black,
with a sweet mealy pulp.

Phenix reclinata, Jacquin.
South Africa in the eastern districts. A hardy species, but
not tall, often reclining. It is adapted for ornamentation.
The seeds are frequently drawn into local use as a substi-
tute for coffee.

Pheenix silvestris, Roxb.

India, almost on any soil or in any situation. It has proved
at Melbourne a very hardy species. Its greatest height is
40 feet. Berries yellowish or reddish, larger than in P.
pusilla. Where this palm abounds much sugar is obtained
from it by evaporation of the sap, which flows from incisions
into the upper part of the trunk, a process not sacrificing
the plant, as for 20 years the sap can thus be withdrawn.
A kind of Arack is obtained by fermentation and distillation
of this sap. Each plant furnishes the juice for about 8 lbs.
of Date-sugar annually, but in some instances much more.
About 50,000 tons of sugar are produced a year in Bengal
alone from this and some other palms.

Phenix spinosa, Thonning.
Tropical Africa, ascending mountain regions, thus perhaps
hardy here with us. Dr. Kirk found the green bunches, if
immersed in water for half a day, suddenly to assume a
scarlet hue, and then the astringent pulp to become edible
and sweet.

Phormium tenax, J. R. and G. Forster.*
The Flax-lily of New Zealand, where it occurs as far south
as 46° 30’, occurring also. in the Chatham Islands and
Norfolk Island, though not on Lord Howe's end, It

304

seems important, that this valuable plant should here be
brought universally under culture, particularly on any
inferior spare ground or on the sea-beaches or any rocky
declivity, where it may be left unprotected to itself, as no
pastoral animal will touch it. It is evident, that the natural
upgrowth will soon be imadequate to the demand for the
plant. Merely torn into shreds the leaves serve at once in
gardens and vineyards as cordage, and for this purpose,
irrespective of its showy aspect, the Phormium has been
distributed from our Botanic Garden since the last 14 years.
From the divided roots any plantation can gradually be
increased, or this can be done more extensively still by
sowing the seeds. In all likelihood the plant would thrive
and become naturalized in the Auckland’s and Campbell’s
Group, in Kerguelen’s Land, the Falkland Islands, the
Shetland Islands and many continental places of both
hemispheres. Among the varieties three are better charac-
terized than the rest: The Tehore, the Swamp and the
Hill variety. The first and the last mentioned produce a
fibre fine and soft, yet strong, and the plants attain a height
of only about 5 feet, whereas the Swamp-variety grows to
double that height, producing a larger yield of a coarser
fibre, which is chiefly used for rope or paper making. As
might be expected, the richer the soil the more vigorous the
growth of the plant ; it likes moreover now and then to be
overflown by fresh or brackish water, but it will not live if
permanently sunk into wet. In swampy ground trenches
should be dug to divert the surplus of humidity. Fibre free
from gum-resin properly dressed withstands moisture as well
as the best Manilla rope. Carefully prepared the fibre can also
be spun into various textile durable fabrics, either by itself or
mixed with cotton, wool or flax. In October last, the sale
of Phormium fibre in London was 11,500 bales, ranging in
price from £19 to £31. The tow can also be converted into
paper, distinguished for its strength and whiteness. The
London price of Phormium fibre for this purpose is from
£10 to £20 per ton.

For further details on the utilization of this plant the elaborate
-reports of the New Zealand Commission for Phormium

355

_should be consulted. One of the dwarf varieties is Phar-
mium Colensoi, J. Hook,

Physalis Alkekengi, L.
The Strawberry-Tomato or Winter-Cherry. Middle and
South Europe, North Africa, Middle Asia, extending to
Japan, said to have come originally from Persia. A peren-
nial herb. The berry, which is red and of a not unpleasant
taste, has some medicinal value. The leaves contain a
bitter principle: Physalin.

Physalis angulaia, L.
In many tropical countries, extending as a native plant to
the northern parts of the United States and to Japan. An
annual herb. Yellowish; the berries edible. P. minima L.
(P. parviflora, R. Br.) appears to be a variety and extends
also into tropical Australia.

Physalis Peruviana, L.

Temperate and tropical America, widely naturalized in many
countries of the warmer zones. With double inaptness
called the Cape Gooseberry. A perennial herb; but for
producing its fruit well, it requires early renovation. The
acidulous berries can be used as well as a table-fruit as for
preserves. Doubtless several other kinds of Physalis can
be utilized in the same manner. In colder countries the
P..Peruviana becomes annual.

Pimpinella Anisum, L.
The Anise Plant. Greece, Egypt, Persia. An annual.
The seed-like fruits enter into various medicines and condi-
ments, and are algo required for the distillation of oil, rich
in Anethol.

Pimpinella Saxifraga, L.
Europe, North and Middle Asia. A perennial herb; its
root used in medicine; a peculiar volatile oil can be distilled
from the root. P. magna, L., is a closely allied species, and
P. nigra, W., is a variety. The root of the last is particu-
larly powerful.

306

Pimpinella Sisarum, Benth. (Siwm Sisarwm, 1.)
East Asia. A perennial herb. The bunches of small tubers
afford an excellent culinary vegetable.

Pipturus propinguus, Weddell.
Insular India, South Sea Islands and warmer parts of East
Australia. This bush is higher and rather more hardy than
Boehmeria nivea; but in fibre it is similar to that plant.
P. velutinus, Wedd., is closely allied. The few other species
serve probably as well for fibre.

Pistacia Lentiscus, L.
The Mastix Tree. Mediterranean regions. A tall ever-
green bush, exuding the Mastix Resin mostly through
incisions into its bark. In Morocco it is extensively used
for hedges.

Pistacia Terebinthus, L.
Countries around the Mediterranean Sea. A tall bush or
small tree with deciduous foliage. The fragrant Cyprian or
Chio Turpentine exudes from the stem of this species.
P. vera, ., is inserted already among the timber trees.

Pisum sativum, L.*
The Common Pea. Mediterranean countries and Western

Asia. This annual of daily use could hardly be left disregarded
on this occasion. Suffice it to say, that the herbage as a
nutritious fodder deserves more attention than it receives.
The green fruit contains Inosit-sugar and Cholesterin-fat.
A second species, P. Auchert, Jaub. and Spach., which is
perennial, occurs in alpine elevations on the Taurus.

Plectocomia Himalaiana, Griffith.

Sikkim, up to 7000 feet. This Rattan-Palm requires moist
forest-land. Its canes are not durable, but this palm is an
object worthy of horticulture and would prove the hardiest
among its congeners.

Poa angustifolia, L. (P. serotina, Ehrh. P. fertilis, Host.)
Europe, North Asia, North America. A perennial pasture-
grass, allied to P. nemoralis. An excellent grass for moist
meadows and river-banks.

357

Poa aquatica, L. (Glyceria aquatica, Sm.)
Europe, North and Middle Asia, North America. This
conspicuous water-grass attains a height of 6 feet. It is
perennial, and deserves naturalization in our swamps.

Poa Brownii, Kunth. (Hragrostis Brownii, Nees.)

Tropical and Hastern extra-tropical Australia, extending
rather widely through our Colony. It is here mentioned as
a valuable perennial species, keeping beautifully green in
our driest summers, even on poor soil. The section
Eragrostis of the genus Poa contains numerous species in
the hotter parts of the globe. Of these many would doubt-
less be hardy here and prove of pastoral value.

Poa cynosuroides, Retz.

North-eastern Africa, South Asia. A harsh perennial grass,
not serviceable for fodder, but mentioned by Royle as a
fibre-plant of North-western India, where it is valued as a
material for ropes. In this respect it may not surpass the
rough tufty variety of our own Poa Australis, R. Br., so
common on our river-bankss, from the leaves of which
excellent nets are made by the natives.

Poa distans, L.
Europe, North Africa, Middle and Northern Asia, North
America. Perennial. It is one of the limited number of
tender grasses, suited for moist saline soil, and thus affords
pasturage on coast marshes.

Poa fluitans, Scopoli. (Glyceria fluitans, R. Brown.)

Europe, North Africa, Middle and North Asia, North

America. The Manna-Grass. Perennial. Excellent for

stagnant water and slow-flowing streams. The foliage is

tender. The seeds are sweet and palatable, and are in
_ many countries used for porridge.

Poa maritima, Hudson.
Kurope, North Africa, North Asia, North America Its
long creeping roots help to bind the coast-sand. This grass
can also be depastured.

358

Poa nemoralis, L.
Europe, North and Middle Asia, North America, This
perennial grass can be grown on shady forest-land, as the
name implies, but it accommodates itself also to open places,
and will grow even among rocks. It endures alpine
winters.

Poa pratensis, L.
The ordinary English Meadow-Grass. A perennial species,
fit for any meadows, thriving early, and able to live also in
alpine localities. Better adapted for pasture than hay, but
by no means one of the very best grasses, though it resists
drought. It forms excellent sward, and with advantage
can be used for intermising it with other pasture-grasses,

Poa trivialis, L.*

Europe, North Africa, Middle and Northern Asia. Also a
good perennial grass for mixture on pasture-land. One of
the best grasses for sowing on ground recently laid dry.
Sinclair regarded the produce of this Poa as superior over
many other kinds, and noticed the marked partiality, which
horses, oxen and sheep evince towards it. To thrive well it
wants rather moist and rich soil and sheltered places.

These few species of Poa have been singled out as recom-
mendable, because they are well tested. Future experiments
beyond Europe will add others to lists of recommendations
like this.

Podophyllum peltatum, L.

North America. A perennial forest-herb, not without im-
portance for medicinal purposes. The root contains the
bitter alkaloid Berberin. Podophyllwm Emodi, Wall., occurring
in the Indian mountains at a height from 6000 to 14,000
feet, can probably be used like the American species. The
berries of both are edible, though the root and leaves are
poisonous.

Pogostemon Patchouli, Pellet.
Mountains of India. A perennial herb, famed for its

powerful scent arising from a volatile oil. P. parviflorus,
Benth. and P. Heyneanus, Benth, belong to/this species.

359

Polygala Senega, L.
North America. A perennial herb. The root is of medicinal
value ; its acrid principle is Saponin.

Prangos pabularia, Lindley.
Plateaus of Mongolia and Tibet. A perennial fodder-herb,
much relished by sheep, eligible for cold and arid localities,
and deserving naturalization on our alpine pasture-ground.
Other perennial species exist near the Mediterranean Sea,
on the Atlas, the Caucasus and the Indian Highlands. P.
pabularia is regarded by some as the Silphium of Arrianus.

Pringlea antiscorbutica, W. Anderson and R. Br.*

The Cabbage or Horse-Radish of Kerguelen’s Island. The
perennial long roots taste somewhat like Horse-Radish. The
leaves in never-ceasing growth are crowded cabbage-like
into heads, beneath which the annual flower-stalks arise. The —
plant ascends mountains in its native island to the height of
1400 feet, but luxuriates most on the sea-border. To Arctic
and other Antarctic countries it would bea boon. Probably it
would live not only on our shores, but also on our Alps.
Whalers might bring us the roots and seeds of this remark-
able plant, which seems to have never entered into culture
yet. Not even its flowers in a perfect state are known.
The plant was used by the celebrated Captain Cook and all
subsequent navigators, touching at yonder remote spot,
as Cabbage, and it proved to possess powerful properties
against scurvey. Dr. Hooker observes, that Pringlea can
sectionally be referred to Cochlearia. The whole plant is
rich in a pungent volatile oil. Through culture important
new culinary varieties may likely be raised from this plant.
The taste of this vegetable in its natural growth is like
Mustard and Cress, and the Kerguelen’s Land Cabbage,
when boiled, proved a wholesome and agreeable substitute
for the ordinary Cabbage.

Prosopis dulcis, Kunth.
From Mexico to the southern parts of the La Plata States.
A thorny shrub, growing finally to a tree, adapted for live-
fences. This is one of the species, yielding the sweetish

360

Algaroba-pods for cattle-fodder, and utilized even in some
instances for human food. As allied plants, besides the
following, may be mentioned: P. horrida, Humb., occurring
from the base of the Andes to the sand-shores of Peru;
P. juliflora, Cand., growing from Mexico and West India to
Ecuador; P. Siliquastrum, Cand., extending from the
Chilian Andes apparently into the Argentine Province
Catamarka. A short communication on the American
Algaroba-trees was presented to our Parliament by the
writer in 1871.

Prosopis glandulosa, Torrey.

Colorado, Arkansas, Texas. The pods of this thorny ever
green shrub or tree are also succulent. It exudes a gum,
not unlike Gum Arabic, and this is obtained so copiously,
that children could earn from 2 dollars to 8 dollars a day in
Texas while gathering it, latterly about 40,000 lbs. being
bought by druggists there. The tree attains a height of
30 feet, and its wood is excessively hard. ‘The pods of
several species are rich in tannin.

Prosopis pubescens, Bentham.
Texas, California, New Mexico. Likely available for hedges,
with other species of other countries.

Prosopis spicifera, L.
India. A thorny tree, also with edible pods, possibly hardy
here.

Prosopis Stephaniana, Kunth.
Syria and Persia. A shrubby species for hedge-growth.

Prunus Americana, Marshall. (P. nigra, Aiton.)
Canada, Eastern United States of America. A thorny tree,
furnishing the Yellow and Red Plum of North America.
The fruit is roundish and rather small, but of pleasant taste.

Prunus Chisasa, Michaux.
North America, west of the Missisippi. On the prairies it
is only 3 to 4 feet high, Fruit spherical, red, rather small,
with a tender usually agreeable pulp. Other species with
edible fruit occur in North America, such as P. pumila, L.,

361

P. Pennsylwanica, L., P. Virginiana, L., P. serotina, Ehrh.,
but their fruits are too small to render these plants of
importance for orchard culture, though they may also become
enlarged by artificial treatment.

Prunus maritima, Wangenheim.

The Beach Plum of North America. A shrubby species, of
service not only for covering coast-sands, but also for its
fruit, which is crimson or purple, globular and measuring
from a-half to one inch. It iy not necessary to enter here
any notes on the generally known species of Prunus, which
have engaged already for years the keen attention of many
orchard-cultivators also in this Colony. Thus we possess in
this country numerous though not ail the best varieties of
the Cherry (P. aviwn, L. and P. Cerasus, L.), of the Plum
(P. domestica, L.), of the Apricot (P. Armeniaca, L.) and of the
Cherry-Plum (P. myrobalana, L.), the latter Canadian, the
others European and Oriental. Information on these and
other varieties, to which we have added independently also
here, may be sought in “Hoge’s Fruit Manual.” The
Almond (Amygdalus communis, Li.) and the Peach (Amyg-
dalus Persica, Lu.) belong also generically to Prunus, as
indicated in 1813 by F. G. Hayne (“ Arznei Gewaechse,”
iv., 88) and finally settled by J. D. Hooker (Benth. and
Hook., gen. pl. 1., 610), for which therefore now the names
P. Amygdalus and P. Persica should be adopted.

Prunus spinosa, L.
The Sloe or Blackthorn. Wild in many parts of Europe.
With its flowers it is one of the earliest plants to announce
the spring. Its tendency to throw out suckers renders the
bush less adapted for hedges of gardens than of fields, but
these suckers furnish material for walking-sticks. The
small fruits can be made into preserves. P. insitztia, L., the
Bullace, with larger and sometimes yellow fruits, extends to
North Africa and Middle Asia. Dr. Hovker and other
phytographers consider P. domestica not specifically distinct
from P. spinosa. Of medicinal value are P. Lawro-Cerasus,
L., the evergreen Cherry-Laurel from the Orient, and
P. Padus, L., the deciduous Birds Cherry, wh*<«> extends

362

from Europe to North Africa and West Asia. These and
most other species contain in their foliage and in some other
parts Amygdalin. Perhaps some of the species from
Eastern Asia, California and tropical America are eligible
for improving their fruit through horticultural skill. The
Sloe and others might with advantage be naturalized on
our forest streams.

Psamma arenaria, Roem. and Schult.
(P. littoralis, Beauv. Calamagrostis arenaria, Roth.)

The Moram or Marrem or Bent Grass. Sand-coasts of
Europe, North Africa and Middle North America. One of the
most important of reedy grasses, with long creeping roots,
for binding the moving drift sands on the sea shore, for the
consolidation of which in Europe chiefly this tall grass and
Elymus arenarius are employed Psamma Baltica, R.
and S., from the Baltic and North Sea, serves the same pur-
pose. Both can also be used in the manner of Sparta for
paper material.

Psidium Araca, Raddi.
From West India and Guyana to Peru and Southern Brazil,
where it is found in dry high-lying places. This is one of
the edible Guavas, recorded already by Piso and Marcgray.
The greenish-yellow berry is of exquisite taste.

Psidium arboreum, Vellozo.
Brazil; province Rio de Janeiro. This Guava-fruit mea-
sures about one inch, and is of excellent flavor.

Psidium Cattleyanum, Sabine.*
The Purple Guava. Brazil and Uruguay. One of the
hardiest of the Guava-bushes, attaining finally a height of
20 feet. The purple berries are seldom above an inch long,
but of delicious flavor and taste, resembling thus far
strawberries. P. buazfolium, Nutt., of Florida, seems nearly
related to this species.

Psidium cinereum, Martius.
Brazil; provinces Minas Geraes and Sao Paulo. Also
yielding an edible fruit.

363

Psidium cordatum, Sims. _
The Spice Guava. West India, This one attains the
height of a tree. Its fruit edible.

Psidium cuneatum, Cambess. |
Brazil; province Minas Geraes. Fruit greenish, of the
size of a Mirabelle Plum.

Psidium grandifolium, Martius.
Brazil; provinces Rio Grande do Sul, Parana, Sao Paulo,
Minas Geraes, where the climate is similar to Southern
Queensland. A shrub of rather dwarf growth, The berries
edible, size of a walnut.

Psidium Guayava, Raddi.*
(P. pomiferum, L. P. pyriferum, L.)

The large Yellow Guava. From West India and Mexico
to South Brazil. For this handsome evergreen and useful
bush universal attention should be secured anywhere in our
warm lowlands, for the sake of its aromatic wholesome
berries, which will attain the size of a hen’s egg and can be
converted into a delicious jelly. The pulp is generally
cream-colored or reddish, but varies in the many varieties,
which have arisen in culture, some of them bearing all the
year round. Propagation is easy from suckers, cuttings or
seeds. Many other berry-bearing Myrtaceae (of the genera
Psidium, Myrtus, Myrcia, Marliera, Calyptranthes, Eugenia)
furnish edible fruits in Brazil and other tropical countries,
but we are not aware of their degrees of hardinesss. Berg
enumerates as esculent more than half a hundred for Brazil
alone, of which the species of Campomanesia may safely be
transferred to Psidium.

Psidium incanescens, Martius.
Brazil; from Minas Geraes to Rio Grande do Sul. This
Guava-bush attains a height of 8 feet. Berry edible.

Psidium polycarpon, Al. Anderson.*
From Guiana to Brazil, also in Trinidad. A comparatively
small shrub, bearing prolifically and almost continuously its
yellow berries, which are of the size of a large cherry and of
exquisite taste.

364

Psidium rufum, Martius.
Brazil, in the province Minas Geraes, on sub-alpine heights.
This Guava-bush gains finally a height of 10 feet, and is
likely the hardiest of all the species, producing palatable
fruit.

Ptychosperma Alexandrae, F. v. Mueller.

The Alexandra Palm. Queensland, as well in tropical as
extra-tropical latitudes. The tallest of Australian Palms,
and one of the noblest form in the whole empire of vegeta-
tion. It exceeds 100 feet in height, and is likely destined
to grace any shady moist grove free from frost in this and
other countries, as it seems less tender than most palms.
The demand for seeds has already been enormous.

Ptychosperma Cunninghami, Wendland.

‘East Australia, as far south as Illawarra; thus one of the
most southern of all palms. This also is a very high species,
destined to take here a prominent’ position in decorative
plantations. Several species occur in Feegee and other
islands of the Pacific Ocean, and again others might be
obtained from India, but they are probably not so hardy as
ours. Though strictly speaking of no industrial value these
palms are important for horticultural trade, and are objects
eminently fitted for experiments in acclimation.

Ptychosperma elegans, Blume.
(P. Seaforthia, Mig. Seaforthia elegans, R. Br.)

Litoral forests of tropical Australia. Also a lofty magnifi-
cent Feather-Palm. Its leaflets are erose. It may prove
hardy.

Pycnanthemum incanum, Michaux.
North America. A perennial herb, in odor resembling both
Pennyroyal and Spearmint. It likes to grow on rocky
woodland, and on such it might be easily naturalized.

Pycnanthemum montanum, Michaux.
The Mountain-Mint of North America. A perennial herb
of pleasant aromatic mint-like taste. These two particular
species have been chosen from several North American

365

kinds to demonstrate, that we may add by their introduction
to the variety of our odorous garden herbs. They may also
be subjected with advantage to distillation.

Pyrularia edulis, Meissner.
Nepaul, Khasia, Sikkim. A large umbrageous tree. The
drupaceous fruit is used by the inhabitants for food. A few
other species occur in Upper India, one on the high moun-
tains of Ceylon and one in North America. The latter,
P. pubera, Mich., can be utilized for the oil of its nuts.

Pyrus coronaria, L.

The Crab-Apple of North America. This showy species is
mentioned here as worthy of trial-culture, since it is likely,
that it would serve well as stock for grafting. It seems
unnecessary to refer here to any of the forms of Pyrus
communis, L., P. Malus, L., P. Cydonia, L., and P. Ger-
manica, J. Hook. (Mespilus Germanica, L.), but it may pas-
singly be observed, that curious fruits have been produced
latterly in North America by the hybridisation of the Apple
with the Pear. A bitter Glycosid, namely Phlorrhizin, is
obtainable from the bark of Apple and Pear Trees, particu-
larly from that of the root, while a volatile Alkaloid, namely
Trimethylamin, can be prepared from the flowers.

Quercus Mongolica, Fischer.*

Mandschuria. One of the two species, on which mainly (af
not solely) the silk insect peculiar to Oak trees is reared,
as shown by Dr. Hance. Q. serrata, Thunb. (Q. obovata,
Bunge), the second of the principal Oaks for the production
of silk, has been mentioned previously in the Accli-
matisation Society’s list of trees yielding timber, and has
through the exertions of the writer found its way already to
Australia.

Rafnia amplexicaulis, Thunberg.
South Africa. The root of this bush is sweet like Liquorice,
and is administered in medicine. Rafnia perfoliata,
E. Meyer, also from South Africa, furnishes likewise a
medicinal root,

366

Reseda Luteola, ©.
The Weld. Middle and South Europe, Middle Asia, North
Africa. A herb of one or two years’ duration. <A yellow
dye (Liuteolin) pervades the whole plant.

Reseda odorata, L.
The true Mignonette. North Africa and Syria. A herb of
one or very few years’ duration. The delicate scent can
best be concentrated and removed by enfleurage.

Rhamuus catharticus, L.
The Buckthorn. Middle and South Europe, North Africa,
Middle Asia. It can be utilized as a hedge-plant. The
berries are of medicinal value, as indicated by the specific
name. The foliage and bark can be employed for the pre-
paration of a green dye.

Rhamuus chlorophorus, Lindl.
China. From the bark a superior green pigment is pre-
pared. A. utilis, from the same country, serves for the like
purpose. This kind of dye is particularly used for silk, and
known as Lokao.

Rhamuus infectorius, ©.
On the Mediterranean Sea, and in the countries near to it.
The berry-like fruits of this shrub are known in commerce
as Graines d’Avignon and Graines de Perse, and produce a
valuable green dye. Other species seem to supply a similar
dye material, for instance FR. saxatilis, L., R. amygdalinus,
Desf., R. oleoides, Li.

Rhapis flabelliformis, L. fil.
China and Japan. This exceedingly slender palm attains
only a height of a few feet. The stems can be used for various
small implements. It is one of the best plants for table
decoration.

Rhaponticum acaule, Cand.

On the Mediterranean Sea. A perennial herb. The root
is edible.

367

Rheum australe, Don.*
(R. Emodi, Wall. &. Webbianum, Royle.)

Himalaian regions up to 16,000 feet. From this species at
least a portion of the medicinal Rhubarb is obtained, most
likely several species furnish Rhubarb-root, and its quality
depends probaby much on the climatic region and the geo-
logic formation, in which the plant grows. Should we wish
to cultivate any species here for superior medicinal roots,
then clearly localities in our higher and drier alpine tracts
should be chosen for the purpose. Hayne regards the pre-
sence of much yellowish pigment in the seed-shell as indi-
cating a good medicinal Rhubarb-plant. As much as 5 lbs.
of the dried drug are obtained from a single plant, several
years old. An important orange-red crystalline substance,
Emodin, allied to Crysophanic acid, occurs in genuine
Rhubarb.

Rheum Rhaponticum, L.

From the Volga to Central Asia. This species together
with R. Lataricum, L. fil., R. undulatum, L., and a few others,
all Asiatic (one extending to Japan) provide their acidulous
leaf-stalks and unexpanded flower-mass for culinary pur-
poses. Rhubarb leaves can also be used in the manner of
Spinage. 2. palmatum, L., often considered to yield the
best Rhubarb root, isan insular plant of North-eastern Asia,
but may in the alpine deserts far inland become a source of
the genuine root, so long ascribed to it. That is the only
one with deeply jagged leaves.

Rhus copallina, L.

North America, extending to Canada. A comparatively
dwarf species. This can also be used for tanning. A resin
for varnishes is also obtained from this shrub.

Rhus Coriaria, L.*
The Tanner’s Sumach. Countries around the Mediterranean
Sea. The foliage of this shrub or small tree, reduced to
powder, forms the Sumach of commerce. Many localities
in our colony are particulary well adapted for the growth
of this bush. It is remarkably rich in Tannic acid, yielding

368

as much as 80 per cent., and extensively used for the pro-
duction of a superior Corduan- or Maraquin-leather. The
cultivation presents no difficulty. Sumach can also be used
for ink and various particularly black dyes. Under favor-
able circumstances as much as a ton of Sumach is obtained
from an acre.

Rhus Cotinus, L.
The Scotino. Countries at the Mediterranean Sea. The
wood of this bush furnishes a yellow pigment. The Sotino,
so valuable as a material for yellow and black dye, and as a
superior tanning substance, consists of the grinded foliage
of this plant.

Rhus glabra, L.
North America, extending to 54° N.L. This Sumach shrub
will grow on rocky and sterile soil. It produces a kind of
gall, and can also be used as a good substitute for the
ordinary Sumach. ‘This species can easily be multiplied
from suckers. It will live on poor soil. American sumachs
contain generally from 15 to 20 per cent. Tannin.

Rhus lucida, L.
South Africa. This shrub proved here of particular adapta-
bility for forming hedges. About half a hundred South
African species are known, of which probably some could be
utilized like ordinary Sumach, but hitherto we have remained
unacquainted with the nature and degree of any of their
tanning and coloring principles.

Rhus semialata, Murray.
China and Japan. This shrub produces a kind of nut-
galls,

Rhus typhina, L.

The Staghorn Sumach. North America, extending to
Canada. This species will grow to a tree of 30 feet high.
Its wood is of an orange tinge. Through incisions into the
bark a kind of Copal is obtained. ‘The leaves can be used
like ordinary Sumach. This bush can be reared on inferior

land.

369

Ribes aureum, Pursh.
Arkansas, Missouri, Oregon. ‘This favorite bush of our
shrubberies would likely on our forest-streams produce its
pleasant berries, which turn from yellow to brown or black.
Allied to this is B. tenuiflorum, Lindl., of California and the
nearest States, with fruits of the size of red currants, of
agreeable flavor, and either dark purple or yellow color.

Ribes divaricatum, Douglas.
California and Oregon. One of the Gooseberries of those
countries. Berries smooth, black, about one-third of an
inch in diameter, pleasant to the taste. Culture might
improve this and many of the other species. R. Nuttalli
(R. villosum, Nutt., not of Gay, nor of Wallich) is an allied
plant also from California.

Ribes Floridum, !Herit.
The Black Currant of North America. The berries resemble
in odor and taste those of R. nigrum. Allied to this is

Rk. Hudsonianum, Rich., from the colder parts of North
America.

Ribes Griffithi, J. Hook. and T. Thoms. .

Himalaia, at a height of 10,000 to 13,000 feet. Allied to
R. rubrum, bearing similar but larger berries of somewhat
austere taste. The naturalization of this Currant-bush on
our highest alps may prove of advantage. . laciniatum,
H. and T., is ikewise a Himalaian species with red berries,
and so &. glaciale, Wall. Furthermore &. villoswm, Wall.
(R. leptostachywm, Decaisne) comes from the Indian high-
lands and seems worthy of introduction.

Ribes Grossularia, L.
The ordinary Gooseberry. Europe, North Africa, Western
Asia, on the Himalaian Mountaims up to a height ot
12,000 feet. This bush, familiar to every one, is mentioned
here merely to indicate the desirability of naturalizing it in
our alpine regions, where no fruits equal to it in value exist.
Ribes hirtellum, Michaux.

The commonest smooth Gooseber Pry : North America. It
likes moist ground.

370

Ribes nigrum, L.
The Black Currant. Middle and Northern Asia, Europe,
North America, ascending the Himalaian and Tibet moun-
tains to a height of 12,000 feet. Commonly cultivated
already in the cooler parts of Victoria, but also particularly
fit to be dispersed through our forests and over our alps.

Ribes niveum, Lindl.
One of the Oregon Gooseberry-bushes. Berries small,
black, of a somewhat acid taste and rich vinous flavor.

Ribes rotundifolium, Michaux.
North America. Yields part of the smooth Gooseberries of
the United States. The fruit is small, but of delicious taste.

Ribes rubrum, L.
The ordinary Red Currant. Europe, North America, North
and Middle Asia, in the Himalaian Mountains ceasing
where R. Griffithi commences to appear. One of the best
fruit-plants for jellies and preserves that could be chosen
for the colder mountain altitudes of our Colony. The root-
bark contains Phlorrhizin. Perhaps other species, than
those recorded here, among them some from the Andes,
may yet deserve introduction, irrespective of their showiness,
for their fruits.

Ricinus communis, L.*
The Castoroil-plant. Indigenous to the tropical and sub-
tropical zones of Asia and Africa. A shrubby very decora-
tive plant, attaining the size of a small tree. It was well
known to the Egyptians 4000 years ago, and is also men-
tioned already in the writings of Herodotos, Hippocrates,
Dioscorides, Theophrastos, Plinius and other ancient physi-
cians, philosophers and naturalists. The easy and rapid
growth, the copious seeding and the early return of produce,
render this important plant of high value in a clime like
ours, more particularly as it will thrive on almost any soil,
and can thus be raised even on arid places, without being
scorched by hot winds. It may thus become an important
plant also for culture in our desert-tracts, and is evidently
destined to be one of our most eligible oil-plants for tech-

3A

nical uses, irrespective of the value of its oil for medicinal
purposes. The seeds contain about 50 per cent. oil. To
obtain the best medicinal oil, hydraulic pressure should be
employed, and the seeds not be subjected to heat; the seed-
coat should also be removed prior to the extracting process
being proceeded with. A screw-press suffices however for
ordinary supply to obtain the oil. By decantation and some
process of filtration it is purified. For obtaining oil to be
used for lubrication of machinery or other technologie pur-
poses, the seeds may be pressed and prepared by various
methods under application of heat and access of water.
Castoroil is usually bleached simply by exposure to solar
light, but this procedure lessens to some extent the laxative
properties of the oil. It dissolves completely in waterless
alcohol and in ether, and will become dissolved also in spirit
of high strength, to the extent of three-fifths of the weight
of the latter. Solutions of this kind may become valuable
for various technic purposes, and afford some tests for the
pureness of the oil. If pressed under heat it will depose
margaritin. Heated in a retort about one-third of the oil
will distil over, and a substance resembling india-rubber
remains, which saponizes with alkalies. Other educts are
at the same time obtained, which will likely become of indus-
trial value. These facts are briefly mentioned here merely
to explain, that the value of this easily produced oil is far
more varied than is generally supposed, and this remark
applies with equal force to many other chemical compounds
from vegetable sources, briefly alluded to in this present
enumerative treatise. The seeds contain also a peculiar
alkaloid: Ricinin. The solid chemic compound of Castor-
oil is the crystalline Isocetin-Acid (a Glycerid). The oil
contains also a non-crystalline acid peculiar to 1t (Ricin-acid).
For the production of a particular kind of silk the Ricinus-
plant is also important, inasmuch as the hardy Bombyx
Cynthia requires for food the leaves of this bush. The
value of Castoroil imported last year into Victoria was
according to the Custom-returns not less than £28,755.
Even a few of the seeds if swallowed, will produce poisonous
effect.

372

Rosa contifolia, L.

The Cabbage Rose. Indigenous on the Caucasus and seem-
ingly also in other parts of the Orient. Much grown in
South Europe and South Asia for the distillation of Rose-
water and Oil or Attar of Roses. From 12,000 to 16,000
roses, or from 250 lbs. to 300 lbs. of rose-petals are required.
according to some calculations, for producing a single ounce
of Attar through ordinary distillation. The flowers require
to be cut just before expansion; the calyx is separated and
rejected ; the remaining portions of the flowers are then
subjected to aqueous distillation, and the saturated rose-
water, so obtained, is repeatedly used for renewed distilla-
tion, when from the overcharged water the oil separates on
a cold place and floats on the surface. But some other
methods exist for producing the oil, for instance it may be
got by distilling the rosebuds without water at the heat of
a saltwater bath. The odor may also he withdrawn by
alcoholic distillation from the Roses, or be extracted by the
“enfluerage” process. The latter is effected by placing the
flowers, collected while the weather is warm, into shallow
frames covered with a glass-plate, on the inner side of which
a pure fatty substance has been thiniy spread. The odor of
the flowers is absorbed by the adipose or oleous substance,
though the blossoms do not come with it in direct contact ;
fresh flowers are supplied daily for weeks. The scent is
finally withdrawn from its matrix by maceration with pure
alcohol. Mr. Jos. Bosisto’s method for obtaining the most
delicate and precious volatile oils will likely be applicable
also to the Rose, and prove more advantageous both in labor
and gain than any other process. Purified Eucalyptus-oil
can be used for diluting Rose-oil, when it is required for the
preparation of scented Soap.

Rosa Damascena, Miller.
Orient. Allied to the preceding species, and also largely
used for the production of essential Oil of Roses.

Rosa Gallica, L.
The French or Dutch Rose. Middle and South Europe,
Orient.. The intensely colored buds of this species are par

BY hs)

ticularly chosen for drying. These however may be got
also from other kinds of Roses.

Rosa Indica, L.
Noisette Rose. From Upper India to China and Japan.
Some Roses of the sweetest scent are derived from this
species.

Rosa laevigata, Michaux . (2. Sinica, Aiton.)
The Cherokee Rose. China and Japan. Considered one
of the best Hedge-roses, and for that purpose much employed
in North America. It serves also well for bowers. Allied
to the foregoing species.

Rosa moschata, Miller.
North Africa and South Asia as far east as Japan. From
the flowers of this extremely tall climbing species also
essential oilis obtained. The Attar thus derived from Roses
of not only different varieties but even distinct species
must necessarily be of various quality.

Rosa sempervirens, L.
From South Europe through Southern Asia to Japan. One
of the best Rose-bushes for covering walls, fences and similar
structures. Also the flowers of this species can be utilized
for Rose-oil.

Rosa setigera, Michaux.
North America, where it is the only climbing Rose-bush.
It deserves introduction on account of its extremely rapid
growth, 10 feet to 20 feet in a season. Its flowers however
are nearly inodorous.

Other original species of Roses deserve our attention, Dr. J.
Hooker admitting about 30, all from the Northern Hemis- :
phere. But on the snow-clad unascended mountains of
Borneo, Sumatra, New Guinea and Africa south of the
Equator yet perhaps new Roses may be discovered, as they
have been traced south to Abyssinia already.

Rosmarinus officinalis, L.
The Rosmary. Countries around the Mediterranean Sea.
This well-known bush is mentioned here as a medicinal

374

plant, from which a distilled oil is rather copiousiy obtain-
able. One of our best plants for large garden edgings.
The oil enters into certain compositions of perfumery.

Rubia cordifolia, L. (2. Mungista, Roxb.)
From the Indian Highlands through China and Siberia to
Japan; also occurring in various parts of Africa, as far
south as Caffraria and Natal. This perennial plant produces
also a kind of Madder. Probably other species yield like-
wise Dye-roots. The genus is represented widely over the
globe, but as far as known not in Australia.

Rubia tinctorum, L.

The Madder. Countries around the Mediterranean Sea.
A perennial herb of extremely easy culture. The roots
merely dried and pounded form the dye. The chemical
contents are numerous ; in the herb: Rubichloric and
Rubitannic acid; in the root : Alizarin, Purpurin, Rubiacin,
Rubian, Ruberythrin acid, and three distinct resins ; also
Chlorogenin, Xanthin and Rubichloric acid. On the five
first depend the pigments produced from the root. Madder
is one of the requisites for Alizarin Ink.

Rubus Canadensis, L.*
The Dewberry of North America. A shrub of trailing
habit. Fruit black, of excellent taste, ripening earlier than
that of 4H. villosus, Ait., which constitutes the High Black-
berry of the United States, with large fruits.

Rubus Chamemorus, L.
The Cloud-Berry. North Europe, North Asia, North
America, particularly in the frigid zone. A perennial but
herbaceous plant ; a pigmy amongst its congeners. Never-
theless it is recommended for introduction to our spongy
mossy alpine moors, on account of its grateful amber-colored
or red fruit. All the species can readily be raised from
seeds. et. Arctecus, L., also with edible fruit, is in the high
north usually its companion. Near to us we have a similar
little herb, living for a great part of the year in snow, namely
Rubus Gunnanus, Hook. It occurs on the alpine heights
of Tasmania, from whence it might be easily transferred to

Sis

our snowy mountains and those of New Zealand. The
fruit of R. Gunnianus is red and juicy, but not always well
developed.

Rubus cuneifolius, Pursh.
The Sand Blackberry. North America. A dwarf shrub.
The fruit is of agreeable taste.

Rubus deliciosus, Torrey. 3
On the sources of the Missouri. Anerect shrub. Fruit
Raspberry-like, large and grateful.

Rubus fruticosus, L.*

The ordinary Blackberry or Bramble. All Europe, North
Africa, Middle and Northern Asia. This shrub bears well
in our clime. In some countries it is a favcerite plant for
hedges. It likes above all calcareous soil, though it is con-
tent with almost any, and deserves to be naturalized on the
rivulets of our ranges. &. corylifolius, Sm., &. suberectus,
Andr. and &. leucostachys, Sm., are varieties like many other
named kinds of European Blackberries, or perhaps belong to
the closely allied &. caesius, L., the English Dewberry ; or
in some instances hybrid forms may have arisen from the
two, although the generality of these various Blackberry-
bushes bear their fruits freely enough.

Rubus Idaeus, L.*
The ordinary Raspberry. Europe, Northern and West
Asia. It is mentioned here, to point out the desirability of
naturalizing the plant in our mountains and on river-banks.
It would live also on our highest alps, where the native
Raspberry (2. parvifolius, L.) produces much finer fruits
than in our lowlands. The fruits contain Stereopten.

Rubus macropetalus, Douglas.*
California and Oregon. An unisexual shrub. Fruit black,
oval-cylindric, particularly sweet.

Rubus occidentalis, L.*
The Black Raspberry or Thimbleberry. North America.
A species with woody stems and nice fruits, with a glaucous
bloom, well flayored and large. It ripens early.

376

Rubus odoratus, L.*
North America. A kind of Raspberry. A handsome
speciey on account of its large purple flowers. Berry
edible. Culture would doubtless enhance the value of the
fruits of many of these Rubi. Hybridising might be tried.

Rubus strigosus, Michaux.
North America. Closely allied to the European Raspberry.
Its fruits large, also of excellent taste. It would lead too
far to enumerate other kinds of Rubus, although about a
hundred genuine species occur, which render the genus one
of very wide dispersion over the globe.

Rubus trivialis, Michaux.*
Southern States of North America. Another shrubby
species with good edible fruits, which are large and black.
The plant will thrive in dry sandy soil.

Rumex Acetosa, L
The Kitchen Sorrel. Europe, Middle and North Asia to
Japan, also in the frigid zone of North America. A peren-
nial herb. The tender varieties, particularly the Spanish
one, serve as pleasant aciduous vegetables, but must
be used in moderation, as their acidity like that of the species
of Oxalis (Wood-sorrel) ard on Binoxylate of potash.

Rumex scutatus, L
The French Sorrel. Middle and South Europe, North
Africa, Orient. Also perennial, and superior to the fore-
going as a culinary plant. Both and the following are of
use against scurvy and most easily reared.

Rumex vesicarius, L.
South Europe, Middle Asia, North Africa. An annual berb

of similar utility as the two former ones.

Ruta graveolens, L
The Rue. Mediterranean countries and the Orient. The
foliage of this acrid and odorous shrub, simply dried, con-
stitutes the Rue-herb of medicine. The allied R. silvestris,
Mill., is still more powerful in its effect. These plants and
others of the genus contain a peculiar volatile oil and a
Glycosid (Rutin).

377

Sabal Adansoni, Guernsent.
Dwarf Palmetto. South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
A stemless Fan-Palm, with the two following and
Chamaerops Hystrix attaining the most northerly positions
of any American palms.

Sabal Palmetto, Roem. and Schult.*
Extends from Florida to North Carolina. The stem attains
a height of 40 feet. This noble Palm ought to grow on
our sandy coast-tracts, as m such it delights to live.

Sabal serrulata, R. and S.
South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The stem grows to
8 feet high. The leaves can be used for cabbage-tree hats
and other purposes, for which palm-leaves are sought,

Saccharum officinarum, L.

The Sugar-Cane. India, China, South Sea Islands, not
indigenons in any part of America or Australia. Sugar-
cane having been cultivated in Spain and other countries
on the Mediterranean Sea, it will be worthy of further trial,
whether in the warmest parts of our Colony under similar
climatic conditions sugar from cane ean be produced to
advantage. Though the plant will live unprotected in the
vicinity of Melbourne, it thrives there not sufficiently for
remunerative culture. But it may be otherwise in East
Gipps Land or along the Murray River and its lower
tributaries. In the United States the profitable culture of
cane ceases at 32° N.L., in China it extends only to the 30°
N.L. In the last-mentioned country the culture of Sugar-
cane dates from the remotest antiquity ; moreover we have
from thence a particular kind (8. Simense, Roxb.), which is
hardier and bears drought better than the ordinary cane ;
this kind needs renewal only every second or third year, and
ripens in seven months if planted early in spring, but if
planted in autumn and left standing for fully a year the
return of sugar is larger. Moderate vicinity to the sea is
favorable for the growth of canes.

The multiplication of all sorts of Sugar-cane is usually effected
from top cuttings, but this cannot be carried on from the

378

same original stock for an indefinite period without deteriora-
tion; and as seeds hardly ever ripen on the canes, new
plants must from time to time be brought from the distance.
Thus New Caledonia has latterly supplied its wild-growing
splendid varieties for replanting many sugar-fields in
Mauritius. The Bourbon variety is praised as one of the
richest for sugar: the Batavian variety (S. violacewm,
Tussac) is content with less fertile soil. Many other
varieties are known. Excessive rains produce a rank luxu-
riance of the canes on expense of the saccharine principle.
Rich manuring is necessary to attain good crops, unless in
the best of virgin soil. The lower leaves of the stem must
successively be removed, also superabundant suckers, to
promote the growth upwards, and to provide ventilation and
light. Out of the remnants of Sugar-cane Molasses, Rum
and Taffia can be prepared. The average yield of Sugar
varies from 1 ton 6 ewt. to 3 tons for the acre. For fuller
information the valuable local work of Mr. A. McKay,
“The Sugar-cane in Australia,” should be consulted. The
stately S. spontaneum, L., which extends from India to
Egypt, is available for scenic culture. It attains a height
of 15 feet. Other tall kinds of Saccharum occur in South
Asia.

Sagittaria lancifolia, L.
From Virginia to the Antilles. This very handsome aquatic
plant can doubless be utilized like the following species. It
attains a height of 5 feet.

Sagittaria obtusa, Muehlenberg. (8S. latifolia, Willd.)
North America, where it replaces the closely allied S. sagit-
tifolia. A few other conspicuous species are worthy of
introduction.

Sagittaria sagittifolia, L.
Europe, North and Middle Asia, east to Japan. One of the
most showy of all hardy water-plants ; still not alone on that
account deserving naturalization, but also because its root is
edible. If once established this plant maintains its ground
well, and might occupy spots neither arable nor otherwise
utilized.

379

Salix nigra, Marshall. (S. Pwrshiana, Sprengel.)
The Black Willow of North America. It attains a height
ot 25 feet. This species was not included in the list of trees,
published by the Acclimatisation Society in its last year’s
report. The Black Willow is one used for basket-work,
although it is surpassed in excellence by some other species,
and is more important as a timber-willow. Mr. W. Scaling,
of Basford, includes it among the sorts, which he recom-
mends in his valuable publication “The Willow” (London,
1871). From his treatise, resting on unrivalled experience,
it will be observed, that he anew urges the adoption of the
Bitter Willow (also called the Rose- Willow or the Whipcord-
Willow), S. purpurea, L., for game-proof hedges, this species
scarcely ever being touched by cattle, rabbits and other
herbivorous animals. Not only for this reason, but also for
its very rapid growth and remunerative yield of the very
best of Basket material he recommends it for field hedges.
Cuttings are planted only half-a-foot apart, and must be
entirely pushed into the ground. The annual produce from
such a hedge is worth 4s. to 5s. for the chain. For addi-
tional strength the shoots can be interwoven. In rich
bottoms they will grow from 7 feet to 13 feet in a year.
The supply of basket material from this species has fallen
very far short of the demand in England. The plant grows
vigorously on light soil or warp land, but not on clay.
S. rubra, Huds., is also admirably adapted for hedges. The
real Osier, S. vvminalis, L., is distinguished by basketmakers
as the soft-wooded Willow, and is the best for rods requiring
two years’ age, and also the most eligible for hoops, but
inferior to several other species for basket manufacture.
S. triandra, L., is a prominent representative of the hard-
wooded Basket Willows, and comprises some of the finest
varieties in use of the manufacturers. A crop in the third
year after planting from an acre weighs about 12 tons,
worth £3 for the ton. 8. fragilis, L., and NS. alba, L., are
more important as timber-willows, and for growing hoop-
shoots. Their rapidity of growth recommends them also for
shelter plantations, to which advantage may be added their
infammability and their easy propagation; the latter

380

quality they share with most Willows. Mr. Scaling’s
renewed advocacy for the formation of Willow-plantations
comes with so much force, that his advice is here given
though condensed in a few words. Osier-plantations come
into full bearing already in the third year; they bear for
ten years and then slowly decline. The raw-produce from
an acre in a year averages 6 tons to 7% tons, ranging in
price from £2 10s. to £3 10s. for the ton (unpeeled).
Although 7000 acres are devoted in Britain to the culture
of Basket Willows (exclusive of spinneys and plantations
for the farmers’ own use), yet in 1866 there had to be
imported from the Continent 4.400 tons of Willow-branches,
at avalue of £44,000, while besides the value of the made
baskets imported in that year was equal to the above sum.
Land comparatively valueless for root or grain crop can be
used very remuneratively for Osier-plantations. The soft-
wooded Willows like to grow in damper ground, than the -
hard-wooded species. The best peeled Willow-branches
fetch as much as £25 for the ton. Peeling is best effected
by steam, by which means the material is also increased in
durability. No Basket Willow will thrive in stagnant water.
Osier-plantations in humid places should therefore be
drained. The cuttings are best taken from branches one
or two years old, and are to be planted as close as 1 foot by
14 foot. No part of the cutting must remain uncovered, in
order that only straight shoots may be obtained ; manuring
and ploughing between the rows is thus also facilitated,
after the crop has been gathered, and this, according to the
approved Belgian method, must be done by cutting the
shoots close to the ground after the fall of the leaves.

Salvia officinalis, L.
The Garden Sage. Countries at the Mediterranean Sea. A
somewhat shrubby plant of medicinal value, pervaded by
essential oil. Among nearly half a thousand species of this
genus some are gorgeously ornamental.

Sambucus nigra, L.
The ordinary Elder. Europe, North Africa, Middle Asia.
The flowers are of medicinal vaiue, and an essential oil can

381

be obtained from them. The wood can be utilized for shoe-
pegs and other purposes of artisans. The berries are used
for coloring of port wine and for other purposes of dye.

Santalum cygnorum, Miquel.
South-western Australia, where this tree yields scented
Sandal-wood.

Santalum Preissianum, Mig. (S. acwminatum, A. de Cand.)
The Quandang. Desert-country of extra-tropical Australia.
The fruits of this small tree are called Native Peaches. As
both the succulent outer part and kernel are edible, it is
advisable to raise the plant in desert-tracts, where the
species does not occur, since moreover it becomes gradually
sacrificed on many native places by pasture operations.

Santalum Yasi, Seemann.
The Sandal-tree of the Feegee Islands, where it grows on
dry and rocky hills. It is lkely to prove hardy here, and
deserves with a few other species from the South Sea Islands,
yielding scented wood, test-culture in the warmest parts of
our Colony.

Saponaria officinalis, L

The Soapwort or Puller’ s Herb. Europe, North and Middle
Asia. A perennial herb of some technologic interest, as the
root can be employed with advantage in some final processes
of washing silk and wool, to which it imparts a peculiar
gloss and dazzling whiteness, without injuring in the least
the most sensitive colors. Experiments, instituted in the
laboratory of the Botanic Garden of Melbourne, render it
highly probable, that Saponin, which produces the froth from
the soapwort, is also present in the bark of Acacia (Albizzia)
lophantha, W. At all events a substance, closely resembling
Saponin, was unexpectedly detected (in the course of other
investigations entrusted to Mr. Rummel) in the bark of this
Acacia, and this substance occurred in so large a proportion
as to constitute 10 per cent. of the dry bark.

Satureja hortensis, L.
The Summer Savory. Countries around the Mediterranean
Sea, An annual scent herb, from which an essential aromatic

382

oil can be distilled. The culture of this and allied plants is
easy in the extreme.

Satureja montana, L.
The Winter Savory. On arid hilly places at and near the
Mediterranean Sea, A perennial somewhat shrubby herb,
frequently used as a culinary condiment along with or in
place of the foregoing species, although it is scarcely equal
to it in fragrance.

Satureja Thymbra, L.

Countries at or near the Mediterranean Sea. A small ever-
green bush, with the flavor almost of Thyme. The likewise
odorous 8S. Graeca, L., and S. Juliana, ., have been trans-
ferred by Bentham to the closely cognate genus Micromeria ;
they are in use since Dioscorides’ time, though not repre-
senting, as long supposed, the Hyssop of that ancient physi-
cian.

Saussurea Lappa, Bentham. (Haplotaxis Lappa, De Caisne.)
Cashmere. The aromatic root of this perennial species is
of medicinal value, and by some considered to be the Costus
of the ancients.

Schizostachyum Blumei, Nees.
Java. A lofty Bamboo. A few other species, less elevated,
occur in China, the South Sea and Philippine Islands and
Madagascar. The genus might well be united with Melo- ©
canna. The Bamboos being brought once more thus before
us, it may be deemed advisable, to place together into one
brief list all those kinds, which are recorded either as very
tall or as particularly hardy. Accordingly, from Major-
General Munro’s admirable monography (“ Linnean
Transact.,” 1858,) the succeeding enumeration is compiled,
and from that masterly essay, resting on very many years’
close study of the richest collections, a few prefatory remarks
are likewise offered, to vindicate the wish of the writer of
seeing these noble and graceful forms of vegetation largely
transferred to every part of Australia, where they would
impress a grand tropical feature on the landscapes. Even
in our far southern latitudes Bamboos from the Indian

383

lowlands have proved to resist our occasional night frosts
of the low country. But in colder places the many sub-alpine
species could be reared. Be it remembered that Chusque
aristata advances to an elevation of 15,000 feet on the
Andes of Quito, indeed to near the zone of perpetual ice.
Arundinaria faleata, A. racemosa and <A. spathiflora live on
the Indian highlands, at a zone between 10,000 feet and
11,000 feet, where they are annually beaten down by snow.
We may further recognize the great importance of these
plants, when we reflect on their manifest industrial uses, or
when we consider their grandeur for picturesque scenery,
or when we observe their resistance to storms of heat, or
when we watch the marvellous rapidity, in which many
develope themselves. Their seeds, though generally only in
long intervals produced, are valued in many instances higher
than rice. The ordinary great Bamboo of India is known
to grow 40 feet in 40 days, when bathed in the moist heat of
the jungles. The Bourbon Bamboo forms an impenetrable
sub-alpine belt of extraordinary magnificence in yonder
island. One of the Tesserim Bambusas rises to 150 feet,
with a diameter of the mast-like cane sometimes measuring
fully 1 foot. The great West Indian Arthrostylidium is
sometimes nearly as high and quite as columnar in its form,
while the Dendrocalamus at Pulo Geum is equally colossal.
The Platonia Bamboo of the highest wooded mountains of
Parama sends forth leaves 15 feet in length and 1 foot in
width. Arundinaria macrosperma as far north as Phila-
delphia rises still in favorable spots to a height of nearly
40 feet. Through perforating with artistic care’ the huge
canes of various Bamboos musical sounds can be melodiously
produced, when the air wafts through the groves, and this
singular fact may possibly be turned to practice for checking
the devastations from birds on many a cultured spot.
Altogether 20 genera with 170 well-marked species are
circumscribed by General Munro’s consummate care; but
how may these treasures yet be enriched, when once the
snowy mountains of New Guinea through Bamboo jungles
become ascended, or when the alps on the sources of tbe
Nile, which Ptolemeus and Julius Cesar already longed to

384

ascend, have become the territory also of phytologic —
researches, not to speak of many other tropical regions as
yet left unexplored. Europe possesses no Bamboo; Aus-
tralia as far as hitherto ascertained only one (in the interior
of Arnhem’s Land). Almost all Bamboos are local, and
there seems really no exception to the fact, that none are
indigenous to both hemispheres, all true Bambusas being
Oriental.

The introduction of these exquisite plants is one of the easiest
imaginable, either from seeds or the living roots. The
Consuls at distant ports, the missionaries, the mercantile
and navigating gentlemen abroad and so particularly also
any travellers could all easily aid in transferring the various
Bamboos from one country to the other—from hemisphere
to hemisphere. Most plants of this kind here with us, once
well established in strength under glass, can be trusted out
to permanent locations with perfect and lasting safety, at
the commencement of the warm season. Indeed Bamboos
are hardier than most intra-tropical plants, and the majority
of them are not the denizens of the hottest tropical low-
lands, but delight in the cooler air of mountain regions. In
selecting the following array from General Munro’s mono-
graphy it must be noted, that it comprises only a limited
number, and that among those, which are already to some
extent known, but as yet cannot be defined with precision
in their generic and specifie relation, evidently some occur,
which in elegance, grace and utility surpass even many of
of those now specially mentioned :—

Arundinaria Japonica, S.andZ. Japan. Height to 12 feet.

Arundinaria macrosperma, Mich. North America. Height
to 85 feet.

Arundinaria verticillata, Nees. Brazil. Height to 15 feet.

Arundinaria debilis, Thwaites. Ceylon ; ascends to 8000 feet.
A tall species.

Arundinaria acuminata, Munro. Mexico. Height to 20 feet.

Arundineria falcata, Nees. Himalaia; ascends to 10000
feet. Height to 20 feet.

385

Arundinaria tesselata, Munro. South Africa; ascends to
6500 feet. Height to 20 feet.

Arundinaria callosa, Munro. Himalaia; ascends to 6000
feet. Height to 12 feet.

Arundinaria Khasiana, Munro. Himalaia; ascends to
6000 feet. Height to 12 feet.
Arundinaria Hookeriana, Munro. Sikkim ; ascends to 7000
feet. Height to 15 feet.
Arundinaria suberecta, Munro. Himalaia; ascends to
4500 feet. Height to 15 feet.

Thamnocalamus Falconert, J. Hook. Huimalaia; ascends to
8000 feet. Tall.

Thamnocalamus spathiflorus, Munro. Himalaia; ascends to
10000 feet. Tall.

Phyllostachys bambusoides, S. and Z. Himalaia, China,
Japan. Height to 12 feet.

Phyllostachys ngra, Munro. China, Japan. Height to 25 feet.

Arthrostylidium longiflorwm, Munro. Venezuela; ascends
to 6000 feet.

Arthrostylidium Schomburgkii, Munro. Guiana ; ascends
to 6000 feet. Height to 60 feet.

Arthrostylidium excelsum, Griseb. West India. Height to
80 feet ; diameter 1 foot.

Arthrostylidiwm raceniflorwm, Steudel. Mexico ; ascends to
7500 feet. Height to 30 feet.

Aulonemia Quexo, Goudot. New Granada, Venezuela, in
cool-regions. ‘Tall, climbing.

Merostachys ternata, Nees. South Brazil. Height to 20 feet.

Merostachys Clausseni, Munro. South Brazil. Height to
80 feet.

Merostachys Kunthii, Ruprecht. South Brazil. Height to
30 feet.

Chusquea simpliciflora, Munro. Panama. Height to

80 feet. Scandent.

Chusquea abietifolia, Grisebach. West India. Tall, scandent.

Ohusquea Culcou, E. Desy. Chili. Height to 20 feet.
Straight.

Chusquea uniflora, Steudel. Central America. Height to
20 feet.

886

Chusquea Galleottiana, Ruprecht. Mexico; ascends to
8000 feet.

Chusquea montana, Philippi. Chili Andes. Height to 10 feet.

Chusquea Dombeyana, Kunth. Peru; ascends to 6000 feet.
Height to 10 feet.

Chusquea Fendlert, Munro. Central America; ascends to
12000 feet.

Chusquea scandens, Kunth. Colder Central America.
Climbing, tall.

Chusquea Quila, Kunth. Chili. Tall.

Chusquea tenuiflora, Philippi. Chili. Height to 12 feet.

Chusquea Gaudichaudiana, Kunth. South Brazil. Very tall.

Chusquea capitulifiora, Trinius. South Brazil. Very tall.

Platonia nobilis, Munro. New Granada, colder region.

Nastus Borbonicus, Gmel. Bourbon, Sumatra; ascends to
4000 feet. Height to 50 feet.

Guadua Tagoara, Kunth. South Brazil; ascends to 2000
feet. Height to 30 feet.

Guadua latifolia, Kunth. Central America. Height to
24: feet.

Guadua macrostachya, Rupr. Guiana to Brazil. Height to
30 feet.

Guadua capitata, Munro. South Brazil. Height to 20 feet.

Guadua angustifolia, Kunth. Andes of South America.
Height to 40 feet.

Guadua virgata, Rupr. South Brazil. Height to 25 feet.

Guadua refracta, Munro. Brazil. Height to 30 feet.

Guadua paniculata, Munro. Brazil. Height to 30 feet.

Bambusa Tulda, Roxb. Bengal to Burmah. Height to 70 feet.

Bambusa nutans, Wall. Himalaia; ascends to 7000 feet.

Bambusa tuldoides, Munro. China, Hong Kong, Formosa.

Bambusa pallida, Munro. Bengal to Khasia; ascends to
3500 feet. Height to 50 feet.

Bambusa polymorpha, Munro. Burmah, in the Teak region.
Height to 80 feet.

Bambusa Balcooa, Roxb. Bengal to Assam. Height to
70 feet.

Bambusa flexuosa, Munro. China. Height to 12 feet.

Banbusa Blumeana, Schultes. Java. Tall.

~

387

Bambusa arundinacea, Roxb, Southern India. Height to
50 feet.

Bambusa spinosa, Roxb. Bengal to Burmah. Height to
100 feet. 5

Bambusa vulgaris, Wendl. (B. Thouarsi, K.) Ceylon and
other parts of India. Height to 50 feet.

Bambusa Beecheyana, Munro. China. Height to 20 feet.

Bambusa marginata, Munro. Tenasserim ; ascends to 5000
feet. Tall, scandent.

Bambusa regia, Th. Thomson. Tenasserim. Height to 40 feet.

Bambusa Brandisii, Munro. Tenasserim ; ascends to 4000
feet. Height to 120 feet, circumference 2 feet.

Gigantochloa maxima, Kurz. (Bambusa verticillata, Willd.)
Java. Height to 100 feet

Gigantochloa atter, Kurz. Java. Height to 40 feet.

Gigantochloa heterostachya, Munro. Malacca. Height to
30 feet.

Oxytenanthera Abyssinica, Munro. Abyssinia to Angola ;
ascends to 4000 feet. Height to 50 feet.

Oxytenanthera nigro-ciliata, Munro. Continental and insular
India. Height to 40 feet.

Oxytenanthera albo-ciliata, Munro. Pegu, Moulmein. Tall,
scandent. :

Oxytenanthera Thwaitesii, Munro. (Dendrocalamus mona-
delphus, Thwait.) Ceylon; ascends to 5000 feet.
Height to 12 feet.

Melocanna bambusoides, Trin. Chittagong, Sylhet. Height
to 70 feet.

Schizostachyum Blumei, Nees. Java. Very tall.

Cephalostachyum capitatum, Munro. Himalaia; ascends to
6000 feet. Height to 30 feet.

Cephalostachyum pallidum, Munro. MHimalaia; ascends to
5000 feet. Tall.

Cephalostachywm pergracile, Munro. Burmah, Height to
40 feet.

Pseudostachyum polymorphum, Munro. Himalaia; ascends
to 6000 feet. Very tall.

Teinostachyum attenuatum, Munro. - (Bambusa attenuata,
Thw.) Ceylon ; ascends to 6000 feet. Height to 25 feet,

388

Teinostachyum Grifithi, Munro. Burmah. Tall and slender.

Beesha Travancorica, Beddome. Madras. Tall.

Beesha Rheedet, Kunth. Southern India, Cochin-China.
Height to 20 feet.

Beesha stridula, Munro. Ceylon.

Beesha capitata, Munro. Madagascar. Height to 50 feet.

Dendrocalamus strictus, Nees. India to Japan. Height to
100 feet.

Dendrocalamus sericeus, Munro. Behar; ascends to 4000
feet, Tall.

Dendrocalamus flagellifer, Munro. Malacca. Very tall.

Dendrocalamus giganteus, Munro. Burmah, Penang. Ex-
ceedingly tall. Circumference 2 feet.

Dendrocalamus Hookeri, Munro. Himalaia ; ascends to 6000
feet. Height to 50 feet.

Dendrocalamus Hamiltoni, Nees. Himalaia; ascends to
6000 feet. Height to 60 feet.

Dinochloa Tjankorreh, Buehse. Java, Philippines; ascends
to 4000 feet. Climbing.

Scilla esculenta, Ker. (Camassia esculenta, Lindl.)
The Quamash. In the Western extra-tropic parts of North
America, on moist prairies. The onion-like bulbs in a
roasted state form a considerable portion of the vegetable
food, on which the aboriginal tribes of that part of the globe
are living. Itisa pretty plant, and might be naturalized
here on our moist meadows.

Schoenocaulon officinale, A. Gray.
(Asa-Graya officinalis, Lindl.)

(Sabadilla officinalis, Brandt and Dierbach.)
Mountains of Mexico. A bulbous-rooted herb with leafless
stem, thus far specially distinct from any Veratrum. It
furnishes the Sabadilla-seeds and yields two alkaloids: Vera-
trin and Sabadillin; a resinous substance: Helonin; also
Sabadillic and Veratric acid. The generic names adopted
for this plant by. Lindley and by Dierbach are coetaneous.

Scorzonera deliciosa, Gusson.*

Sicily. One of the purple-flowered species, equal if not
superior in its culinary use to the allied Salsify.

89

(Us)

Scorzonera Hispanica, L.*

Middle and South Europe, Orient. The perennial root of
this yellow-flowered herb furnishes not only a wholesome
and palatable food, but also serves as a therapeutic remedy
much like Dandelion. Long boiling destroys its medicinal
value. Some other kinds of Scorzonera may perhaps be
drawn into similar use, there being many Asiatic species.

Scorzonera tuberosa, Pallas.

At the Wolga and in Syria. Also this species yields an
edible root, and so perhaps the Chinese 8. albicaulis, Bunge,
the Persian Se. Scowitzii, Cand., the North African Se.
undulata, Vahl., the Greek Se. ramosa, Sibth., the Russian
Se. Astrachanica, Cand.,the Turkish Se. semicana, Cand., the
Iberian Sc. lanata, Bieberst. At all events careful culture.
may render them valuable esculents.

Sebzea ovata, R. Brown.
Extra-tropie Australia and New Zealand. This neat little
annual herb can be utilized for its bitter tonic principle
(Gentian-bitter). SS. albidiflora, F. v. M., is an allied species
from somewhat saline ground. These plants disseminate
themselves most readily.

Secale cereale, L.*
The Rye. Orient, but perhaps wild only in the country
between the Caspian and Black Seas. Mentioned here as
the hardiest of all grain-plants for our highest alpine regions.
There are annual and biennial varieties, while a few allied
species, hitherto not generally used for fodder or cereal
culture, are perennial. The Rye, though not so nutritious
as wheat, furnishes a most wholesome well-flavored bread,
which keeps for many days, and is most extensively used in
Middle and North Europe and Asia. This grain moreover
can be reared in poor soil and cold climates, where Wheat
will no longer thrive. In produce of grain Rye is not inferior
to Wheat in colder countries, while the yield of straw is
larger, and the culture less exhaustive. It is a hardy cereal,
not readily subject to disease, and can be grown on some
kinds of peaty or sandy or moory ground. ‘The sowing

390

must not be effected at aperiod of much wetness. Wide
sand tracts would be uninhabitable, if it was not for the
facility to provide human sustenance from this grateful corn.
It dislikes moist ground. Sandy soil gives the best grain.
It is a very remarkable fact, that since ages in some tracts
of Europe Rye has been prolifically cultivated from year to
year without interruption. In this respect Rye stands
favorably alone among alimentary plants. It furnishes in
cold countries also the earliest green-fodder, and the return
is large. When the Rye-grain becomes attacked by Cordy-
ceps purpurea, Er., or very similar species of fungi, then it
becomes dangerously unwholesome, but then also a very
important medicinal substance, namely Ergot, is obtained.
The biennial Wallachian variety of Rye can be mown
or depastured prior to the season of its forming
grain. In alpine regions Wallachian Rye is sown with
Pine-seeds, for shelter of the Pine seedlings in the first
year.

Sechium edule, Swartz.

West India. The Chocho or Chayota. The large root of this
climber can be consumed as a culinary vegetable, while the
good-sized fruits are also edible. The plant comes in climates
like ours to perfection,

Selinum anesorrhizum, F. v. M.
(Anesorrhiza Capensis, Ch. and Schl.)

South Africa. The root of this biennial herb is edible. A.
montana, Eckl. and Zeyh., a closely allied plant, yields like-
wise an edible root, and so it is with a few other species of
the section Anesorrhiza.

Sesamum Indicum, L.
The Gingili. Southern Asia, extending eastwards to Japan.
This annual herb is cultivated as far as 42° N.L. The oil,
fresh expressed from the seeds, is available for table use.
One of the advantages of the culture of this plant consists

in its quick return of produce. The soot of the oil is used
for China-ink.

391

Sesbania aculeata, Persoon.
The Danchi. Intra-tropical and sub-tropical Asia, Africa
and Australia. This tall annual plant has proved adapted
for our desert-regions. It yields a tough fibre for ropes,
nets and cordage, valued at from £30 to £40 for the ton
Several congeneric plants can be equally well utilized.

Shepherdia argentea, Nuttall.
The Buffalo Berry. From the Missouri to Hudson’s Bay.
This bush bears red acidulous edible berries.

Sison Amomum, L.
Middle and South Europe. A herb of one or two years’
duration. It grows best on soil rich in lime. The seeds
can be used for condiment.

Smilax officinalis, Humboldt.

New Granada and other parts of Central America. This
climbing shrub produces at least a portion of the Columbian
Sarsaparilla.

Smilax medica, Cham. and Schl.

Mexico. This plant produces mainly the Sarsaparilla root of
that country.

Smilax papyracea, Duhamel.

Guyana to Brazil. The origin of the principal supply of
Brazilian Sarsaparilla is ascribed to this species, although
several others of this genus, largely represented in Brazil,
may yield the medicinal root also. In our fern-tree gullies
these plants would likely succeed in establishing themselves.
Smilax australis, R. Br., extends from the tropical coast-
parts of Australia to Hast Gipps Land. Neither this, nor
the East Australian S. glycyphylla, Smith, nor the New
Zealand Rzpogonum scandens, Forst., have ever been sub-
jected to accurate therapeutic tests, and the same may be
said of numerous other Smilaces, scattered through the
warmer countries of the globe. The Italian Sarsaparilla,
which is derived from the Mediterranean S. aspera, L., has
been introduced into medicine,

392

Smyrnium Olusatrum, L.
The Alisander. Middle and South Europe, North Africa,
Western Asia. A biennial herb, which raw or boiled can
be utilized in the manner of Celery. The roots and the
fruitlets serve medicinal purposes.

Solanum Aethiopicum, L.
Tropical Africa. Cultivated there and elsewhere on account
of its edible berries, which are large, red, globular and
uneven. The plant is annual.

Solanum Dulcamara, L.
Middle and South Europe, North Africa, Middle Asia. A
trailing half-shrub, with deciduous leaves. The stems are
used in medicine, and contain two alkaloids: Dulcamarin
and Solanin.

Solanum edule, Schum. and Thonn.
Guinea. The berry is of the size of an apple, yellow and
edible.

Solanum indigoferum, St. Hilaire.
Southern Brazil. A dye-shrub, deserving here trial-culture,

Solanum Gilo, Raddi.
Tropical America; much cultivated there for the sake of its
large spherical orange-colored berries, which are eatable.

Solanum Lycopersicum, L (Lycopersicwm esculentum, Mill.)
The Tomato. South America. Annual. Several varieties
exist, differing in shape and color of the berries. It is one ©
of the most eligible plants with esculent fruits for naturaliza-
tion in our desert-country. As well known the Tomato is
adapted for various culinary purposes.

Solanum Melongena, L.
(S. ovigerwn, Dunal. 8. esculentum, Dunal.)
The Ege-plant. India and some other parts of tropical
Asia. A perennial plant, usually renewed in cultivation
like an annual. The egg-shaped large berries are known
under the name of Aubergines or Bringals or Begoons as
culinary esculents, Allied plants are; S. imsanum, L., S.

393

S. longum, Roxb., S. serpentinwm, Desf., 8. wndatum, Lam.,
S. ferox, L., 8S. pseudo-saponacewm, Blume, 8. albwm, Lour.,
which bear all large berries, considered harmless, but may
not all represent well-marked species. Absolute ripeness
of all such kinds of fruits is an unavoidable requisite, as
otherwise even wholesome sorts may prove acrid or even
poisonous. Probably many other of the exceedingly
numerous species of the genus Solanum may be available
for good-sized edible berries.

Solanum macrocarpum, L.

Mauritius and Madagascar. A perennial herb. The berries
are of the size of an apple, globular and yellow. 8S. DLhon-
ning, F. Jacq., from Guinea, is a nearly related plant. S.
calycinwm, Moe. et Sess., from Mexico, is also allied.

Solanum muricatum, |’ Herit.
The Pepino of Peru. A shrubby species with egg-shaped
edible berries, which are white with purple spots, and attain
a length of 6 inches.

Solanum Quitoense, La Marck.
Ecuador, Peru. A shrubby plant. The berries resemble
in size, color and taste small oranges, and are of a peculiar
fragrance. To-this the S. Plumierii, Dun., from the West
Indian Islands is also cognate and the S. Zopiro, Kunth, from
the Orinoco.

Solanum tuberosum, L.*

The Potato. Andes of South America, particularly of
Chili, but not absolutely trans-equatorial, as it extends into
Columbia. It is also wild in the Argentine territory. As
a starch plant, the Potato interests us on this occasion par-
ticularly. Considering its prolific yield in our richer soil, we
possess as yet too few factories for Potato-starch. The
latter by being heated with mineral acids or malt can be
converted into Dextrin and Dextro-Glucose for many pur-
poses of the arts. Dextrin, as a substitute for gum, is also
obtainable by subjecting Potato-starch in a dry state to a
heat of 400° F. Alcohol may be largely produced from the
tubers. The berries and shoots contain Solanin,

394

Solanum torvum, Swartz.
From West India to Peru. A shrubby species with yellow
spherical berries of good size, which seem also wholesome.
Other species from tropical America have shown themselves
sufficiently hardy for inducing us to recommend the test-
culture of such kinds of plants. Many of them are highly

curious and ornamental.

Solanum Uporo, Dunal.
In many of the islands of the Pacific Ocean. The large
red spherical berries of this shrub can be used like Tomato.

&

Solanum vescum, F. v. Mueller.
The Gunyang. South-east Australia. A shrub yielding
edible berries, which need however to be fully ripe for
securing absence of deleterious properties.

Solanum xanthocarpum, Schrad. and Wendl.
North Africa and South Asia. A perennial herb. The
berries are of the size of a cherry, and either yellow or
scarlet.

Sophora Japonica, L.
China and Japan. A deciduous tree. The flowers produce
a yellow or with admixtures a green dye, used for silk.

Spartina juncea, Willd.
Salt marshes of North America. <A grass with creeping
roots ; it can be utilized to bind moist sand on the coast.
A tough fibre can readily be obtained from the leaves. S.
polystachya, W. and S. cynosuroides, W. are stately grasses,
the former also adapted for saline soil, the latter for fresh-
water swamps.

Spartium junceum, L.
Countries around the Mediterranean Sea. The flowers of
this bush provide a yellow dye. A textile fibre can be
separated from the branches.

Spigelia Marylandica, L.
North America, north to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. A
perennial handsome herb, requiring as a vermifuge cautious

395

administration 8S. anthelmia, L. is an annual plant of
tropical America and possesses similar medicinal properties,
in which probably other species likewise share.

Spilanthes oleracea, N. Jacq.
The Para Cress. South America. An annual herb of con-
siderable pungency, used as a medicinal salad.

Spinacia oleracea, L.
Sibiria. The ordinary Spinage. An agreeable culinary
annual of rapid growth. It is of a mild aperient property.

Spinacia tetrandra, Stev.
Caucasus. Also annual and unisexual like the preceding
plant, with which it has equal value, though it is less known.

Stenotaphrum glabrum, Trin.*

South Asia, Africa, warmer countries of America, not known
from any part of Europe or Australia. Here called the
Buffalo-Grass. It is perennial, creeping and admirably
adapted for binding sea-sand and river-banks, also for form-
ing garden edges, and for establishing a grass-sward on
lawns much subjected to traffic ; it is besides of some pas-
toral value. :

Stilbocarpa polaris, De Caisne and Planchon.

Auckland’s and Campbell’s Islands, and seemingly also in
the southern extremity of New Zealand. A herbaceous
plant with long roots, which are saccharine and served some
wrecked people for a lengthened period as sustenance. The
plant is recommended here for further attention, as it may
prove through culture a valuable addition to the stock of
culinary vegetables of cold countries.

Stipa tenacissima, L.* (Macrochloa tenacisima, Kunth.)
The Esparto or Atocha. Spain, Portugal, Greece, North
Africa, ascending the Sierra Nevada to 4000 feet. This
grass has become celebrated since some years, having
afforded already a vast quantity of material for British
paper-mills. It is tall and perennial, amd may prove here a
valuable acquisition, inasmuch as it lives on any kind of poor
soil, occurring naturally on sand and gravel as well as on

396

clayey or calcareous or gypseous soil, and even on the very
brink of the coast. But possibly the value of grasses of
our own, allied to the Atocha, may in a like manner become
commercially established, and mainly with this view paper
samples of several grass-kinds were prepared by the writer
(vide “ Report, Industrial Exhibition, Melbourne, 1867”).
Even in the scorching heat and the arid sands of the Sahara
the Atocha maintains itself, and it may thus yet be destined
to play an important part in the introduced vegetation of
any arid places of our desert-tracts, particularly where lime
and gypsum exist. The very tenacious fibre resists decay,
and is much employed for the manufacture of ropes.
During 1870 the import of Hsparto ropes into England was
18,500 tons, while the raw material to the extent of about
130,000 tons was imported. Extensive culture of this grass
has commenced in the south of France. It is pulled once
a year, in the earlier part of the summer. The propagation
can be effected from seeds, but is done usually by division
of the root. Ten tons of dry Esparto, worth from £4 to £5
each, can under favorable circumstances be obtained from
an acre. The supply has fallen short of the demand. Good
writing paper is made from Esparto without admixture ; the
process is similar to that for rags, but cleaner. The price of
Esparto-paper ranges from £40 to £50 for the ton. Stipa
arenaria, Brot., is a closely allied and still taller species,
confined to Spain and Portugal. Consul W. P. Mark
deserves great praise for having brought the Atocha into
commercial and manufactural recognition.

Styrax officinale, L.
Countries on the Mediterranean Sea. A tall bush or small
tree. The fragrant solid Storax-resin exudes from this
plant, or is particularly obtained by pressure of the bark.

Symphytum officinale, L.

The Comfrey. Europe, Western Asia. A perennial herb.
The root is utilized in veterinary practice. S. asperrimum,
Sims, from the Caucasus, is recommended by some as a pro-
lific plant for green-fodder.

\

397

Tacca pinnatifida, G. Forster.

Sand-shores of the South Sea Islands. From the tubers of
this herp the main supply of the Feegee Arrowroot is pre-
pared. It is not unlikely, that this plant will endure our
coast clime. The Tacca-starch is much valued in medicine,
and particularly used in cases of dysentery and diarrhea.
Tts characteristics are readily recognized under the micro-
scope. Several other kinds of Tacca are distinguished, but
their specific limits are not yet well ascertained. Dr.
Seemann admits two (LZ. maculata and T Brownit) for tropical
Australia, one of these extending as a hill-plant to Feegee.
From the leaves and flower-stalks light kinds of bonnets are
plaited. A Tacca, occurring in the Sandwich Islands, yields
a large quantity of the so-called Arrowroot exported from
thence. Other species (including those of Ataccia) occur
in India, Madagascar, Guinea and Guiana, all deserving
tests in reference to their value as starch-plants.

Tamarindus Indica, L.
Tropical Asia and Africa. This magnificent large expansive
tree extends northwards to Egypt, and was found by the
writer of this list in North-western Australia. It is indi-
eated here not without hesitation, to suggest new trials of
its acclimation on the lower Murray River and in East Gipps
Land. The acid pulp of the pods forms the medicinal
Tamarind, rich in formic and butyric acid, irrespective of its
other contents.

Tanacetum vulgare, L.
The Tansy. North and Middle Europe, North Asia, North-
western America. A perennial herb of well-known medi-
cinal value, which mainly depends on its volatile oil.

Telfairia pedata, Hooker.
Mozambique. A cucurbitaceous climber with perennial
stems, attaining a length of 100 feet, with fringed lilac
flowers of extraordinary beauty and with fruits attaining a
weight of 60 lbs., and containing at times as many as 500
large seeds. The latter in a boiled state are eatable, or a
large quantity of cil can be pressed from them. The root
is fleshy. Our summers in the Murray-country are likely —

395

to bring this plant regularly into bearmg. A second huge
species of similar use, 7. occidentalis, J. Hook., occurs in
Guinea.

Terfezia Leonis, Tulasne.
South Europe, North America. This edible truffle, together
with other species of this and other genera, is deserving of
naturalization in Australia.

Tetragonia implexicoma, J. Hook.

Extra-tropic Australia, New Zealand, Chatham’s Island. A
frutescent widely expanding plant, forming often large
natural festoons, or trailme and climbing over rocks and
sand, never away from the.coast. As a Spinage-plant it is
as valuable as the succeeding species. It is well adapted
for the formation of bowers in arid places. Z. trigyna, Banks
and Soland., seems identical.

Tetragonia expansa, Murray.
The New Zealand Spinage, occurring also on many places o1
the coast and in the desert-interior of Australia. Known
also from New Caledonia, China, Japan and Valdivia. An
annual herb, useful as a culinary vegetable, also for binding
drift-sand.

Teucrium Marum, L.

Countries at the Mediterranean Sea. A small somewhat
shrubby plant, in use for the sake of its scent, containing a
peculiar Stearopten. 2. Scordiwn, L. from Europe and
Middle Asia, Z Chamaedrys, L., TP. Polium, L. and 7.
Creticum, L. from South Hurope, are occasionally drawn
into medical use. All these together with many other
species from various countries are pleasantly odorous.

Thea Chinensis, Sims.*
The Tea-shrub of South-eastern Asia. This evergreen and
ornamental bush has proved quite hardy in our lowland
clime, where in exposed positions it endures without any
attention as well our night frosts as also the free access of
scorching summer winds. But it is in our humid valleys
with rich alluvial soil and access to springs for irrigation,
where only the most productive tea-fields can be formed.

399

The plant comes into plentiful bearing of its product as

early as the Vine and earlier than the Olive. Its culture

is surrounded with no difficulties, and itis singularly exempt

from diseases if planted in proper localities. Pruning is

effected in the cool season, in order to obtain a large

quantity of small tender leaves from young branches.

Both the Chinese and Assam tea are produced by varieties

of one single species, the Tea-shrub being indigenous in the

forest-country of Assam. Declivities are best adapted and

usually chosen for tea-culture, particularly for Congo, Pekoe

and Souchong, while Bohea is often grown in flat countries. |

For many full details Fortune’s work, “The Tea-Districts |

of China,” might be consulted. |
}

The tea of commerce consists of the young leaves, heated,
curled and sweated. The process of preparing the leaves
can be effected by steam machinery ; one of particular con-
struction has been suggested recently by Mr. Joachimi
according to requirements explained by the writer. In
1866 three machines for dressing tea have been patented in
England, one by Messrs. Campbell and Burgess, one by
Mr. Thomson and one by Mr. Tayser. To give an idea of
the quantity of Tea, which is consumed at the present
time, it may be stated, that from June to September, 1871,
11,000,000 lbs. of tea were shipped from China alone to
Australia, and that the produce of tea in India from January
to June of this year has been 18,500,000 lbs. Seeds of the
Tea-bush are now in many parts of this colony locally to be |
gathered from plants distributed by the writer, and for
years to come the cultivation of the Tea-bush, merely to |
secure local supplies of fresh seeds, ready to germinate, will |
in all likelihood prove highly lucrative. Tea contains an i
alkaloid: Coffein, a peculiar essential oil and Bohea-acid |
along with other substances. \

Thrinax parviflora, Swartz.
West India, and also on the continent of Central America.
The stem of this Fan-palm attaims a height of 25 feet. It
belongs to the sand-tracts of the coast and may endure our
clime, The fibre of this Palm forms material for ropes,

409

T. argentea, Lodd., is a closely allied palm. The few other
species of the genus deserve also trial-culture here.

Thymelza tinctoria, Endl. (Passerina tinctoria, Pourr.)
Portugal, Spain, South France. A small shrub. It yields
a yellow dye. Cursorily it may be noted here, that some of
our Pimelez contain a blue pigment, which has not yet been
fully tested. Their bark produces more or less of Daphnin
and of the volatile acrid principle, for which the Bark of
Daphne Mezereum, L. is used. These are remarkably
developed in the Victorian Pimelea stricta, Meissn. The
bark of many is also pervaded by a tough fibre, that of the
tall Pimelea clavata, Labill., a West Australian bush, bemg
particularly tenacious.

Thymus capitatus, Hoffm. and Link. (Satwreja capitata, L.)

Around the whole Mediterranean Sea. Since the times of
Hippocrates, Theophrastos and Galenus this small scented
shrub has been employed in medicine.

Thymus Mastichina, L.
Spain, Portugal, Morocco. A half-shrub of agreeable scent,
used also occasionally in medicine.

Thymus Serpillum, L.
Europe, Western Asia. A perennial herb of some medicinal
value. It would live on our highest alps. An essential oil can
be obtained from it. One particular variety is lemon-scented.

Thymus vulgaris, L.

The Garden-Thyme. South Europe. This small shrubby
plant is available for scent and for condiments. It is also
well adapted for forming garden-edges. The essential oil
of this plant can be separated into the crystalline Thymol
and the liquid Thymen and Cymol. . aestivus, Reut., and
T. hiemalis, Lange, are closely cognate plants. Several other
species with aromatic scent occur at the Mediterranean Sea.

Tragopogon porrifolius, L.
The Salsify. Middle and Southern Europe, Middle Asia.
The root of this herb is well known as a useful culinary
vegetable,

401

Trapa bicornis, L. fil.*
The Leng or Ling or Links cf China. The nuts of this
water-plant are extensively brought to market in that
country. The horns of the fruit are blunt. The kernel,
like that of the two following species, is of excellent taste.
The plant is regularly cultivated in lakes and ponds of
China.

Trapa bispinosa, Roxb.*

Middle and South Asia, extending to Ceylon and sane
found also in Africa as far south as the Zambesi. Here in
our culture it lasts through several years. In some countries,
for instance in Cashmere, the nuts form an important staple
cf food to the population. To this species probably
belong Z. Cochin-chinensis, Lour. and 7. incisa, Sieb. and
Zuce.

Trapa natans, L.*
The ordinary Waternut. Middle and South Europe, Middle
Asia, North and Central Africa. Recorded as an annual.
T. quadrispinosa, Roxb., from Sylhet, is an allied plant.

Trifolium agrarium, L. |
The perennial Yellow Clover or Hop-Clover. All Europe,
Western Asia. Of considerable value in sandy soil as a
fodder-herb. It is easily naturalized.

Trifolium Alexandrinum, L.*
The Bersin-Clover. North-eastern Africa, South-western
Asia, South Europe. Much grown for forage in Egypt.
Recorded as annual.

Trifolium fragiferum, L.
The Strawberry-Clover. Europe, North Africa, Middle and
North Asia. A perennial species, well adapted for clay
soils.

Trifolium hybridum, L.*
The Alsike-Clover. Europe, North Africa, Western Asia.
A valuable perennial pasture-herb, particularly for swampy
localities.

402

Trifolium incarnatum, L.
The Carnation-Clover. Middle and South Europe. Though
annual only, it is valued in some of the systems of rotation

of crops. It forms particularly a good fodder for sheep. A
white flowering variety exists.

Trifolium medium, L.*
The Red Zigzag Clover. Europe, North and Middle Asia.
A deep-rooting perennial herb, much better adapted for dry
sandy places than Z. pratense. It would also endure the
inclemency of the clime of our higher alpine regions if
disseminated there. Z Quartinianum, A. Rich., is an allied
plant from Abyssinia, where several endemic species exist.

Trifolium pratense, L.*
The ordinary Red Clover. All Europe, North Africa, North
and Middle Asia, extending to Japan. A biennial or under
special circumstances also perennial herb, of great import-
ance for stable-fodder. It prefers rich soil and particularly
such, which is not devoid of lime. Also this species would —
live in our alps, where it would much enrich the pastures.

Trifolium repens, L.*

The ordinary White Clover. Europe, North Africa, North
and Midele Asia, sub-Arctic America. Perennial. Most
valuable as a fodder-plant on pastoral land. It has a predi-
lection for moist soil, but springs again from dry spots after
rain. It has naturally spread over many of our humid
valleys, and its growth should be encouraged in such
localities.

Trifolium subrotundum, Hochstett.
The Mayad-Clover. North and Middle Africa, ascending to
9000 feet. A perennial species, in its native countries with
advantage utilized for Clover-culture. This by no means
closes the list of the Clovers, desirable for introduction,
inasmuch as about 150 well-marked species are recognized |
many doubtless of pastoral value. But the notes of rural
observers on any of these kinds are so sparingly extant,
that much uncertainty about the yield and nutritive value
of the various kinds continues to prevail. Most Clovers

408

come from the temperate zone of Europe and Asia; only
two are indigenous to the eastern of the United States of
North America, none occurs in Australia, few are found in
South Africa, several in California and the adjoining
countries, several also in Chili; no species is peculiar to

Japan.

Trigonella Foonum Graecum, L.
Countries on the Mediterranean Sea. ‘The seeds of this
annual herb find their use in veterinary medicine.

Trigonella suavissima, Lindley.

Interior of Australia, from the Murray River and its tribu-
taries to the vicinity of Shark’s Bay. This perennial,
fragrant, clover-like plant proved a good pasture-herb. A
lithogram, illustrating this plant, occurs in the work on the
“ Plants Indigenous to Victoria.” Some of the many Euro-
pean, Asian and African plants of this genus deserve our
local tests.

Tripsacum dactyloides, L.
Central and North America. A reedy perennial grass, more
ornamental than utilitarian. It is the original Buffalo-
Grass, and attains a height of 7 feet, assuming the aspect of
Maize. lt is of inferior value for fodder.

Triticum vulgare, Villars.*
The Wheat. Apparently arisen through culture from
Aegilops ovata, L., and then a South European, North
African and Oriental plant. This is not the place, to enter
into details about a plant universally known. It may there-
fore suffice merely to mention, that three primary varieties
must be distinguished between the very numerous sorts of
cultivated Wheat: 1. Var. muticum (Z. hybernum, L.), the
Winter Wheat or Unbearded Wheat; 2. Var. aristatum
(2. aestwum, L.), the Summer Wheat or Bearded Wheat ;
3. Var. adhaerens (7. Spelta, L.), Wheat with fragile axis
and adherent grain. Metzger enumerates as distinct kinds
of cultivated Wheat :—

T. vulgare, Vill., which includes among other varieties the
ordinary Spring Wheat, the Fox Wheat and the Kentish

404

Wheat. It comprises also the best Italian sorts for plaiting
straw-bonnets and straw-hats, for which only the upper part
of the stem is used, collected before the ripening of the
grain and bleached through exposure to the sun while kept
moistened.

T. turgidum, L., comprising some varieties of White and Red
Wheat, also the Clock Wheat and the Revet Wheat.

T. durum, Desfont., which contains some sorts of the Bearded
Wheat.

T. Polonicun, L., the Polish Wheat, some kind of which is
well adapted for Peeled Wheat.

T. Spelta, L., the Spelt Corn or Dinkel Wheat, a kind not
readily subject to disease, succeeding on soil of very limited
fertility, not easily attacked by birds, furnishing a flour of
excellence for cakes, also yielding a superior grain for Peeled
Wheat. For preparing the latter it is necessary to collect
the spikes while yet somewhat green and to dry them in
baking-houses.

TL. diccocum, Schrank. (2. amyleum, Ser.) The Emmer
Wheat. Its varieties are content and prolific on poor soil,
produce excellent starch, are mostly hardy in frost and not
subject to diseases. To this belongs the Arras Wheat of
Abyssinia, where a few other peculiar sorts of Wheat are to
be found.

Tr. monococcum, Iu. St. Peter’s Corn, which is hardier than
most other Wheats; exists in the poorest soils, but ipuarctllees
grains less adapted fn flour than Peeled W heat.

Tropaeolum majus, L
Peru. This showy perennial climber passes with impro-
priety under the name of Nasturtium. The herbage and
flowers serve as Cress and also are considered antiscorbutie.
A smaller species, Z. minus, L., also from Peru, can likewise
be chosen for a Cress-salad; both besides furnish in their
flower-buds and young fruits a substitute for Capers. <A
volatile oil of burning taste can be distilled from the foliage
of both; and this is more acrid even than the distilled oil

405

of Mustard-seeds. In colder countries these plants are
only of one year’s duration. Numerous other species, all
highly ornamental, occur in South America and a few also
in Mexico.

Trophis Americana, L.
West Indian Archipelagus. The foliage of this milky tree
has been recommended as food for the silk-insect. In Cuba
and Jamaica it is used as provender for cattle and sheep.

Tuber aestivum, Vittad.

The Truffle mostly in the markets of England. The white
British Truffle, Chairomyces meandriformis, Vitt., though
large is valued less. In the Department Vaucluse (France)
alone about 60,000 lbs. of Truffles are collected annually at
a value of about £4000. Many other kinds of Truffles are
in use. Our own native Truffle, Wylitta australis, Berk.,
attains sometimes the size of a Cocos nut, and is also a fair
esculent. It seems also quite feasible to naturalize the best
of edible fungi of other genera, although such may not be
amenable to regular culture.

Tuber cibarium, Sibthorp.

Middle and South Europe. The Black Truffle. Like all
others growing under ground, and generally found in forest-
soil of limestone formations. It attains a weight over 1 Ib.
Experiments for naturalization may be effected with every
prospect of success by conveying the Truffle in its native
soil to us, and locating it in calcareous places of our forest-
regions. As condiment or merely in a roasted state it
affords an aromatic food. 7. melanosporum, Vitt., from
France, Germany and Italy, is of a still more exquisite
taste than 7. cibariwm, indeed of Strawberry flavor. Again
T. magnatum, Pico, from Italy, is of delicious fragrance.

Ullucus tuberosus, Lozano. (Melloca tuberosa, Lindl.)
Andes of New Granada and Peru, up to an elevation of
9000 feet. A perennial herb, the tubers of which are edible.

Urginia Scilla, Steinheil. (Scilla maritima, L.)
South Europe, North Africa. The medicinal Squill. The
plant needs not regular cultivation, but settlers living near

406

the coast might encourage its dissemination, and thus obtain
the bulbs as drug from natural localities. Its peculiar bitter
principle is called Scillitin.

Uvularia sessilifolia, L.
North America, in forests. This pretty:herb is mentioned
as yielding a good substitute for Asparagus.

Vaccinium alatum, Dombey. (Thibaudia alata, Dunal.)
Frigid regions of the Andes of Peru. A tall evergreen
shrub, with pink berries of the size of a cherry. ‘This
highly ornamental plant could be grown in our sub-alpine
regions.

Vaccinium bicolor, F.v.M. (Lhibaudia bicolor, R. and P.)
Cold zone of the Peruvian Andes. A high evergreen bush,
with red berries of the size of a Hazel nut. All Thibaudias
seem best to form a section in the genus Vaccinium, some
species of the latter, for instance Vacciniwm Imrayi, Hook.,
from Dominica, mediating the transit. The species of the
section Thibaudia are, as a rule, producing red berries of
acidulous grateful taste. Many others may deserve there-
fore culture in our forest ravines or on our alpine heights.
They occur from Peru to Mexico, also in West India. One
species, Vaccinium melliflorum (Lhibaudia mellifiora, R. and
P.), has its flowers rich in honey-nectar.

Vaccinium caespitosum, Mich.
Canada and Northern States of North America. A
deciduous-’eaved small bush, with blueish edible berries.
V. ovalifolium, Sm., is an allied species.

Vaccinium corymbosum, L.*
The Swamp-Blueberry or blue Huckle-berry. Canada and
United States of North America. A good-sized shrub with
. deciduous foliage. Berries blueish-black of sweetish taste,
ripening late in the season.

Vaccinium erythrocarpum, Michaux.

(Oxycoccus erectus Pursh.)
Carolina and Virginia, on high mountains. An upright
bush of a few feet in height, with deciduous leaves, The

407

transparent scarlet berries, according to Pursh, are of
excellent taste.

Vaccinium grandifiorum, Dombey.
(Ceratostemma grandiflorum, R. and P.)

Andes of Peru. A tall evergreen shrub. The berries of a
pleasant acidulous taste.

Vaccinium humifusum, Graham.

North-western America, on the Rocky Mountains. Berries
of this bush well flavored.

Vaccinium Leschenaultii, Wight. (Ayapetes arborea, Dunal.)
India, Neilgherries and Ceylon. This evergreen species
attains the size of a tree, flowering and fruiting throughout
the year. The fruits resemble cranberries.

Vaccinium leucanthum, Cham.

Mountains of Mexico. An arborescent species. The blackish
berries are edible.

Vaccinium macrocarpon, Aiton.*
(Oxycoccus macrocarpus, Pers.)

The large Cranberry. From Canada to Virginia and Caro-
lina, particularly in sandy and peaty bogs, and in cold mossy
swamps. A trailing evergreen bush, with stems attaining a
length of 3 feet. It is this species, which has become so
extensively cultivated in the eastern parts of the United
States, where on moory land, often not otherwise to be
utilized, enormous quantities of this fruit have been pro-
duced by regular culture ata highly profitable scale. The
berries are of the acid taste, pleasant aroma and scarlet
brightness of the British Cranberry, but considerably
larger.

Vaccinium meridionale, Swartz.
Jamaica, from the summits of the highest ranges down to
the Coftee-regions. It attains a height of 30 feet and is

evergreen. The small berries are of the taste and color of
those of V. Vitis Indea.

408

Vaccinium Mortinia, Bentham.
Mountains of Columbia. A shrub several feet high. The
fruits resemble those of V. Myrtillus, but are more acid.
They come under the name Mortina to the Quito market.

Vaccinium Myrtillus, L.*

The British Whortleberry or Bilberry. Throughout
Europe, North and Middle Asia, remotest North America,
in heathy and turfy forest-land. A shrub, few feet high or
less, deciduous, erect, of great value for its copious supply
of berries. They are, as well known, black with a blueish-
grey hue and of exceedingly grateful taste. The naturaliza-
tion of this plant on our alpine ranges and in our cooler
woodlands, particularly in our forests of Fagus Cunning-
hami, would prove a boon. The berries can be utilized for
their dye. The whole bush contains Quina acid.

Vaccinium myrtilloides, Michaux.
Michigan, Canada, Newfoundland, Labrador. The large
edible berries are called Bluets. This little bush is adapted
for our higher alpine country.

Vaccinium Oxycoccus, L.* (Oxycoccus palustris, Pers.)
The British Cranberry. Through Europe, North and Middle
Asia, North America, on turf-moss in moory heaths. <A
creeping evergreen shrub of particular neatness. The
berries give a most agreeable preserve and are of anti-
scorbutic value. This species is particularly eligible for
the spongy mossy bogs of our snowy mouutains.

Vaccinium parvifolium, Smith.
North-western America. A tall shrub. The berries are
excellent for preserves.

Vaccinium Pennsylvanicum, Lamarck.*
(V. angustifolium, Aiton.)
The early Blue-berry or Blue Huckleberry. North America,
on dry woody hills. A dwarf-bush with deciduous foliage,
producing fruit in abundance. The berries are large,
blueish-black and of sweet taste. V. Canadense, Kalm,
according to Dr. Asa Gray, is closely allied,

409

Vaccinium uliginosum, L.
British Bog Bilberry. Europe, North and Middle Asia,
North America. <A deciduous bush, with blackish berries,
similar to those of V. Myrtillus, but hardly of equal excel-
lence.

Vaccinium vacillans, Solander.
North America, in sandy forest-lands. A deciduous small
bush, coming with its blue berries later into season than
VY. Pennsylvanicum.

Vaccinium Vitis Idaz, L.
Europe, North and Middle Asia, North America. A dwarf-
shrub with evergreen leaves. The purplish-red berries are
sought for jellies and other preserves.

It is as yet impossible to say, how many other species of
Vaccinium are producing good-sized and well-flavored fruits.
But the genus ranges in many species from Continental
Asia to the Indian Archipelagus, and has a wide extension
also in South America, occupying in hot countries higher
mountain regions. But few reliable notes on the tropical
species are extant, as far as the fruits are concerned.

Valeriana Celtica, L.

Alps of Europe. The root of this perennial herb is particu-
larly aromatic.

Valeriana edulis, Nuttall.
North-western America, from Oregon to the Rocky Moun-
tains. The thick spindle-shaped root of this herb affords
food to the natives of that part of the globe. When baked
the root proves agreeable and wholesome. When we con-
sider the wild states of the plants, from which many of our
important root-crops arose, then this Valeriana and several
other plants, suggestively mentioned in these pages, may
well be admitted for trial-culture.

Valeriana officinalis, L.
Europe, Northand Middle Asia, in swampy grass-land, with
a predilection for forests and river-panks. This perennial
herb would do particularly well on our alps. It is the only

410

one among numerous congeners of Kurope, Asia and America,
which is drawn to a considerable extent into medicinal use.
The root and herb contain Valerianic acid and a peculiar
tannic acid; the root furnishes an esential oil, which again
resolves itself into Valerol (70 per cent.), Valereen, Barneol
and Valerianic acid. The order of Valerianez is not repre-
sented by any native plant in Australia.

Valerianella olitoria, Moench.
Lamb’s Lettuce. Europe, North Africa, North and Middle
Asia. A fair and early Salad-plant. It is an annual plant,
and has several congeners in Europe and Asia.

Veratrum album, L.
Europe, North and Middle Asia, extending eastwards to
Japan. It delights particularly in sub-alpine _locall-
ties. The root furnishes Veratrin, Jervin and Sabadillic
acid.

Veratrum viride, Aiton.
Canada and United States of North America. A near
relative of the former plant. Its root has come recently
into medicinal use.

Vicia Ervilia, Willdenow. (Hrowm Ervilia, L.)
South Europe, North Africa, South-western Asia. An
annual herb, praised as a valuable fodder-plant on dry cal-
careous soil.

Vicia Faba, L.*
The Straight Bean. Orient, particularly on the Caspian
Sea. This productive annual herb affords not only its seeds
for table use, but provides also a particularly fattening
stable food. The seeds contain about 383 per cent.
starch.

Vicia sativa, L.* (V. angustifolia, Roth.) .
The ordinary Vetch or Tare. Europe, North Africa, North
and Middle Asia. One of the best of fodder-plants, but
only of one or two years’ duration. Many of the other
European and Asiatic species of Vicia are deserving our |
attention. :

411

Vigna Sinensis, Endl.* (Dolichos Sinensis, L.)
Tropical Asia and Africa. The cultivation of this twining
annual pulse-herb extends to Southern Hurope and many
other countries with a clime like ours. The pods are
remarkable for their great length, and used like French
Beans. Vigna Catjang, A. Rich. and Vigna sesquipedalis are
varieties of this species. In fair soil the produce is fortyfold.

Viola odorata, L.
The Violet. Middle and South Europe, North Africa,
Middle Asia. Passingly alluded to here, as this modest
though lovely plant should be extensively naturalized in
our forest-glens, to furnish its delicate scent for various
compositions of perfumery.

Vitis acetosa, F. v. Mueller.
Carpentaria and Arnhem’s Land. Stems rather herbaceous
than shrubby, erect. The whole plant is pervaded with
acidity, and proved valuable in cases of scurvy. The berries
are edible. This species, if planted here, would likely spring
annually afresh from the root.

Vitis aestivalis, Michaux.*
The Summer Grape of the United States of North America.
Flowers fragrant. The berries are deep blue, of pleasant
taste, and ripen late in the season.

Vitis Baudiniana, F. v. Mueller. (Cissus Antarctica, Vent.)
East Australia. With V. hypoglauca the most southern of
all Grapes, none extending to New Zealand. It is ever-
ereen, and here a vigorous plant for bowers, but suffers even
from slight frosts. The berries are freely produced and
edible, though not large.

Vitis cordifolia, Michaux.* (Vitis riparia, Mich.)

The Winter Grape or Frost Grape. From Canada to
Florida. A deciduous vine. The scent of the flowers
reminds of Reseda. The berries are small, either blackish
or amber-colored, and very acid. They can be used for
preserves, and are only fully matured when touched by
frosts. A succession of seedlings may give us a superior
and simultaneously a very hardy vine.

412

Vitis hypoglauca, F. v. Mueller.

Kast Australia, as far south as Gipps Land. An evergreen
climber of enormous length, forming a very stout stem in
age. The black berries attain the size of small cherries.
Also this species may perhaps be vastly changed in its fruit
by continued culture.

Vitis Indica, L.

On the mountains of various parts of India, ascending an
altitude of 3000 feet in Ceylon. The small berries are
edible. The plant should be subjected to horticultural
experiments. This is an apt opportunity to draw attention
to the various Indian species of Vitis with large edible
berries ; for instance: V. laegivata, Bl., V. thyrssiflora, Miq.,
V. mutabilis, Bl., V. Blumeana, Steud., all from the moun-
tains of Java, and all producing berries as large as cherries,
those of V. Blumeana being particularly sweet. Further
may here be inserted V. imperialis, Miquel, from Borneo,
V. auriculata, Wall. and V. elongata, Wallich, both the last
from the mountainous mainland of Coromandel, and all
producing very large juicy berries even in the jungle wilder-
ness. V. guadrangularis, L., stretches from Arabia to India
and Central Africa, and has also edible fruits. Many such
plants may be far more eligible for Grape-culture in hot wet
climes than the ordinary vine. About 250 species of Vitis
are already known, mostly from intra-tropical latitudes, and
mostly evergreen ; but in regard to their elevation above the
ocean, and to the nature of their fruits, we are almost
utterly without data.

Vitis Labrusca, L.*

The Isabella Grape. North America, from Canada to Texas
and Florida, also in Japan. The Schuylkill Grape is derived
from this species. A pale-fruited variety furnishes the
Bland’s Grape. Another yields the American Alexander-
Grape. The berries are large among American kinds and
are of pleasant taste. Flowers fragrant. This and the
other hardy North American vines seem never to be attacked
by the Oidium disease.

413

Vitis Schimperiana, Hochstetter.

From Abyssinia to Guinea. This vine may become
valuable with many other Central African kinds for
tropical culture, and may show itself hardy here. Barter
compares the edible berries to clusters of Frontignac
Grape.
Vitis vinifera, L.*

The Grape Vine. Turkey, Persia, Tartary. This is-not
the place to discuss at length the great industrial questions,
concerning this highly important plant, even had these not
engaged already since many years the attention of a large
number of our colonists. The whole territory of Victoria
stretches essentially through the vine-zone, and thus most
kinds of vine can be produced here, either on the lowlands
or the less elevated mountains in various climatic regions
and in different geologic formations.

The Corinthian variety, producing the “ Currants” of com-
merce, thrives also well in some districts, where with Raisons
it promises to become a staple article of our exports beyond
home consumption. Dr. W. Hamm, of Vienna, has recently
issued a Vine-map of Hurope, indicating the distribution of
the different varieties and the principal sources of the
various sorts of Wine. ‘The writer would now merely add,
that the preservation of the Grapes in a fresh state, accord-
ing to M. Charmeux’s method, and the sundry modes of
effecting the transit of ripe Grapes to long distances, ought
to be turned to industrial advantage. The pigment of the
dark wine-berries is known as Oenolic acid. The juice
contains along with Tartaric acid also Grape acid. All

- these chemically defined substances have uses of their own
in art and science.

Vitis vulpina, L.* (Vitis rotundifolia, Mich.)
The Muscadine or Fox-Grape. South-eastern States of
North America. This species includes as varieties also
the Bullace, the Mustang, the Bullet-Grape, both kinds
of the Scuppernangs and the Cotowba Grape. The

414

berries are of a pleasant taste, but in some instances
of a strong flavor; they are the largest among American
Grapes.

Voandzeia subterranea, Thouars.
Madagascar and various parts of Africa, as far south as
Natal. This Earth-Pea is annual, and pushes its pods
under ground in the manner of Arachis hypogea for matu-
ration. The pods are edible, and much consumed in tropical
countries.

Wallichia oblongifolia, Griffith.

Himalaia, as far as 27° North. There one of the
hardiest of all Palms. It is not a tall one, yet a graceful
and useful object for cultural industries. Several species
exist. :

Wettinia augusta, Poeppig.
Peru, on mountains several thousand feet high. This Palm
is therefore likely to endure our clime.

Wettinia Maynensis, Spruce.

Cordilleras of Peru. Like the foregoing it attains a height
of 40 feet, and advances to elevations of 3000 feet or
4000 feet. Before finally parting from the American Palms,
it may be appropriate to allude briefly to some of the hardier
kinds, which were left unnoticed in the course of this com-
pilation. From Dr. Spruce’s important essay on the Palms
of the Amazon River may be learnt, that besides other
species, as yet imperfectly known from the sources of this
great river, the following kinds are comparatively hardy ;
thus they might find places for cultivation or even naturaliza-
tion within the limits of our Colony:—Geonema wndata,
Klotzsch ; Iriartea deltoidea, R. and P.; Iriartea ventricosa,
Mart., which latter rises in its magnificence to fully 100 feet ;
Iriartea exorrhiza, Mart. ; this with the two other Iriarteas
ascends the Andes to 5000 feet.—Oenocarpus multicaulis,
Spruce; ascends to 4000 feet; from 6 to 10 stems are
developed from the same root, each from 15 feet to 30 feet

415

high.— Euterpe ; of this two species occur in a zone between
3000 feet and 6000 feet.—Phytelephas microcarpa, R. and
P.; eastern slope of the Peru Andes, ascending to 8000
feet.—Phytelephas macrocarpa, R. and P. ; also on the eastern
side of the Andes, up to 4000 feet ; it is this superb species
which yields by its seeds part of the vegetable ivory.—
Phytelephas aequatorialis, Spruce; on the west slope of the
Peruvian Andes, up to 5000 feet; this Palm is one of the
grandest objects in the whole vegetable creation, its leaves
attaining a length of 30 feet! The stem rises to 20 feet.
Palm-ivory is also largely secured from this plant. Though
aequinoctial it lives only in the milder regions of the moun-
tains ; therefore in the equable temperature of East Gipps
Land it would likely prosper without protective cover.—
Carludovica palmata, R. and P., on the east side of the Andes
of Peru and Ecuador, up to 4000 feet; the fan-shaped
leaves from cultivated specimens furnish the main material
for the best Panama-hats. The illustrious Count de Castelnau
saw many Palms on the borders of Paraguay during his
ereat Brazilian Expedition. Most of these together with
the Palms of Uruguay and the wide Argentine territory
would likely prove adapted for acclimation in our latitudes ;
but hitherto the limited access to those countries has left
us largely unacquainted with its vegetable treasures also in
this direction. Von Martius demonstrated, already in 1850,
the occurrence of the following Palms in extra-tropic South
America :—Ceroxylon australe, Mart., on high mountains in
Juan Fernandez at 30° 8.L.; Jubea spectabilis, Humb., in
Chili at 40° S.L.; DLrithrinax Brasiliana, Mart., at 31° S.L. ;
Copernicia cerifera, Mart., at 29° S.L.; Acrocomia Tota,
Mart., at 28° S.L.; Cocos australis, Mart., at 34° 8.L.;
Cocos Yatai, Mart., at 32° S.L.; Cocos Romanzoffiana,
Cham., at 28° 8.L.; Diplothemium littorale, Mart., at
30° §.L. Alt the last mentioned Palms occur in
Brazil, the Acrocomia and Trithrinax extending to Para-
guay, and Cocos australis to Uruguay and the La Plata
State.

416

While some Palms, as indicated, descend to cooler latitudes,
others ascend to temperate and even cold mountain regions.
Among the American species are prominent in this respect:
Huterpe andicola, Brogn., H. Haenkeana, Brogn., LH. longi-
vaginata, Mart., Diplothemiwm Porallyi, Mart. and Ceroxylon
pithyrophyllum, Mart., all occurring on the Bolivian Andes
at an elevation of about 8000 feet.—Ceroxylon andicola,
Humb., Kwnthia montana, Humb., Oreodoxa frigida, Humb.,
and Geonoma densa, Linden, reach also on the Andes of
New Granada a height of at least 8000 feet— Ceroxylon
Klopstockia, Mart., advances on the Andes of Venezeula to
a zone 7500 feet altitude, where Karsten saw stems 200 feet
high with leaves 24 feet long! There also occur Syagrus
Sancona, Karst. and Platenia Chiraqua, Karst. at elevations
of 5000 feet, both very lofty Palms. From the temperate
mountain regions of sub-tropical Mexico are known among
others: Chamaedora concolor, Mart., Copernicia Pumos,
Humb., C. nana, Kunth, and Brahea dulcis, Mart., at eleva-
tions from 7000 feet to 8000 feet.

Xanthorrhiza apiifolia, |’ Herit.
North America. A perennial almost shrubby plant of
medicinal value. The root produces a yellow pigment,
similar to that of Hydrastis Canadensis, L. Both contain
also Berberin.

Ximenia Americana, L.
Tropical Asia, Africa and America, passing however the
tropics in Queensland, and gaining also an indigenous
position in Florida. This bush may therefore accom-
modate itself to our clime in localities free of frost.
The fruits are edible, resembling yellow plums in ap-
pearance ; their taste is agreeable. The wood is scented.

Yucca filamentosa, L.
The Adam’s Needle. From Carolina and Florida to Texas
and Mexico. An almost stemless species. It would hardly
be right, to omit here the plants of this genus altogether, as

417

they furnish a fibre of great strength, similar to that of the
Agaves. Moreover all these plants are decorative, and live
in the poorest soil, even in drifting coast-sand. They are
also not hurt, as is the case with the Fourcroyas, by the
frosts of our lowlands. Among the species with stems of
several feet in height may be recorded Y. gloriosa, L. and
¥. aloifolia, L., both from the sandy south coast of North
America,

Zalacca secunda, Griffith.

Assam, as far north as 28°. A stemless Palm with large
feathery leaves, exquisitely adapted for decorative purposes.
Before we finally quit the Asiatic Palms we may yet learn
from Von Martius’s great work, how many extra-tropic
members of this princely order were known in 1850 already,
when that masterly work was concluded. Martius enume-
rates as belonging to the boreal extra-tropic zone in Asia:
From Silhet at 24° N.L.: Calamus erectus, Roxb.; C.
extensus, Roxp.; C. quinquenervius, Roxb. ;—from Garo at
26° N.L.: Wallichia caryotoides, Roxb.; Ptychosperma
gracilis, Mig.; Caryota wrens, L.; Calamus leptospadia,
Griff. ;—from Khasya in 26° N.L.: Calamus acanthospathus,
Griff.; C. macrospathus, Griff.; Plectocomia Khasyana,
Griff. ;—from Assam about 27° N.L.: Areca Nagensis,
Griff.; A. triandra, Roxb.; Livistona Jenkinsii, Griff. ;
Daemonorops nutantiflorus, Griff.; D. Jenkinsii, Griff. ; D.
Guruba, Mart.; Plectocomia Assamica, Griff.; Calamus
tenuis, Roxb.; C. Flagellum, Griff.; C. Heliotropium,
Hamilt.; C. floribundus, Griff. ; Phenix Ouseloyana, Griff. ;—
from Upper Assam between 28° and 29° N.L.: Caryota
obtusa, Griff. ; Zalacca secunda, Griff. ; Calamus Mishmelensis,
Griff. ;—from Darjiling at 27° N.L.: Wallichia obtusifolia,
Griff.; Licuala peltata, Roxb.; Plectocomia Himalaiana,
Griff. ; Calamus schizospathus, Griff. ;—from Nepaul between
28° and 29° N.L.: Chamaerops Martiana, Wall. ;—from
Guhrval in 80° N.L.: Calamus Royleanus, Griff. ;—from
Saharampoor in 30° N.L.: Borassus: flabelliformis, L. ;—
from Duab in 31° N.L.: Phenix silvestris, Roxb, ;—from

418

Kheree in 30° N.L.: Phenix humilis, Royle ;— from
Dekan: Bentinckia Coddapanna, Berry, at an elevation of
4000 feet.

Miquel mentions as Palms of Japan (entirely extra-tropical) :
Lhapis flabelliformis, Aiton; R. humilis, Blume ; Chamaerops
excelsa, Thunb. ; Livistona Chinensis, Br. and Arenga
saccharifera, La Bill. or a species closely allied to that
Palm.

Zea Mays, L.*

The Maize or Indian-Corn. Indigenous to the warmer parts
of South America. St. Hilaire mentions as its native
country Paraguay. Found in Central America already
by Columbus. This conspicuous though annual cereal
erass interests us on this occasion as being applicable here
to far more uses than those, for which it has hitherto been
employed. In North America, for instance, Maize is con.
verted into a variety of dishes for the daily table, being thus
boiled in an immature state as “green corn.” Mixed with
other flour it furnishes good bread. For some kind of cakes
it is solely used, also for Maizena, Maccaroni and Polenta.
Several varieties exist; the Inca-maize of Peru being re-
markable for its gigantic size and large grains. Maize is
not readily subject to the ordinary corn diseases; but to
prosper it requires fair access to potash and lime. Good
writing and printing papers can be prepared from Maize-
straw. Meyen calculated, that the return from Maize under
most favorable circumstances in tropical countries would
be 800-fold, and under almost any circumstance it is the
largest yielder among cereals in warm countries. As a fat-
tening saccharine green-fodder Maize is justly appreciated.
Any Ergot from it is used, like that of Rye, for medicinal
purposes. Maize-Corn contains about 75 per cent. of
starch. Dierbach recommends Mellago or Treacle from
Maize, instead of that prepared from the roots os Triticum
repens, L., and the molasses, so obtained, serve also culinary
uses.

419

Zingiber officinale, Roscoe.

- The Ginger. India and China. Possiby this plant may be
productive in the hottest parts of our colony, and give satis-
factory results. The multiplication is effected by division
of the root. For candied ginger only the young succulent
roots are used, which are peeled and scalded prior to the
immersion into the saccharine liquid.

Zizania aquatica, L.* (Aydropyrum esculentum, Link.)

The Canada Rice. In shallow streams and around ponds
and lakes from Canada to Florida. This tall grass might
be readily naturalized. Although its grain can be utilized
for bread-corn, we would wish to possess the plant chiefly
to obtain additional food of a superior kind for water-
birds.

Zizania latifolia, Hance.*
(Hydropyrum latifolium, Grisebach.)

The Kau-sun of China. In lakes of Amur, Manschuria,
China and Japan. Nearly related to the preceding species.
From Dr. Hance we know, that the solid base of the stem
forms a very choice vegetable, largely used in China, where
this tall water-grass undergoes regular cultivation like the
Trapa.

Zizania miliacea, Michaux.

Southern part of North America, West India. Likewise
tall and perennial, but more restricted to the tide-water
meadows and ditches, according to Pursh ; but according to
Chapman’s note generally distributed like Z. aquatina, with
which it has similar use. In South Brazil occurs a similar
grass, namely Z. mcrostachya, Nees.

Zizyphus Jujuba, La Marck.

From India to China. This shrub or tree can only be ex-
pected to bear its pleasant fruits in the warmest parts of our

colony. The fruit is red or yellow, and of the size of a large
cherry.

420

Zizyphus rugosa, La Marck.

Nepaul and other mountainous parts of India. A small
tree, hardier than the last. The drupe of this is also edible,
and the same may be said of a few other Indian species.

Zizyphus vulgaris, La Marck.

Orient, particularly Syria. A small tree, well-adapted for
our clime. Fruits scarlet, about an inch long, with edible
pulp; they are known as South European Jujubs.

~<S0Sts Ses

421

CONCLUDING REMARKS.

Tur writer in concluding this small contribution towards the
literature of industrial plants could not but feel, that he over-
stepped already the limits originally assigned to this communi-
cation. Yet thus far extended as it is, it excludes many important
genera and species altogether, not merely such as Atalantia,
Cynodon, Debregeasia, Villeburnia, Zamia and others, which
were inadvertently passed, but also numerous others of perhaps
secondary note, yet sufficiently significant to be reserved for a
supplemental treatise. Nevertheless to about seven hundred
prominent utilitarian plants now primary local attention has been
directed in a connected form, which with the three hundred
timber-trees, enumerated in last year’s Report of the Acclima-
tisation Society, gives us a list of about one thousand plants for
our cultural choice. But besides indirectly or passingly the
writer has alluded to very many more; and these indications
ought to aid many of our colonists to trace out still further novel
resources for their requirements in husbandry or technology or
any other purpose. It is the intention at an early opportunity
to add to these lists, and to group also the products of the various
timber-trees together in an augmented index, as many of these
furnish also medicinal substances, dyes, oils, gums, resins, esculent
fruits and other articles of our wants. Thus notes for instance
on Camphor, vegetable tallow, real manna, maple-sugar, hickory-
nuts, sandarac, turpentine, kauri, &c., must be sought among
the timber-trees. Simultaneously then a geographic grouping
of all these indicated plants will be effected, in order that at a
glance may be indicated, what from each particular country in
various parts of the globe may be secured. The range of each
recorded species is now already given with a view of affording a
clearer insight into the adaptability of different climatic tracts
and altitudes of this colony or countries within the same
isothermal lines for special plants. Furthermore to give to

422

benefactors abroad, who may wish to let us participate in their
treasures of plants a more exact indication of our varied climatic
zones, it was found expedient to append to this Record a very
succinct Meteorologic Schedule. Space did not admit of an
enumeration of the many works of different nations, which may
be consulted with advantage for following up the indications
now given, but a list of the principal publications will be prepared
for the supplement promised. It should however be stated, and
this with reeret, that the new work on vegetable industrial pro-
ductions, published very recently by Mr. J. Smith of Kew, and
resting largely on the notes of the late Alexander Smith, derived
from the collections of Hooker’s Museum, did not yet reach this
country. Notes may hereafter also be added, distinguishing
those plants, which give an immediate return in one season, and
those, which produce their yield only in variously extended
periods. Likewise might be discriminated between those plants,
from which commercial raw products are obtained, and those
which require costly machinery or toilsome application, to perfect
the mercantile article. The brief chemical notes are largely
derived from Professor Wittstein’s “ Chemische Analyse von
Pflanzentheilen,’ of which important work with the author’s
friendly concession a translation by the writer is early to appear.
By these means industrial enquiry may here also be advanced,
modern therapeutic for instance depending often with far more
exactness on alkaloids or other chemically defined substances,
than on the administration of a plant as a whole. In conelusion
the writer trusts, that by the issue of these pages our trans-
oceanic interchanges may become extended, and the vegetable
treasures of distant countries may be rendered more extensively
our own, while some slight advantage may also arise from these
uupretensive data to countries endowed with climatic regions
not dissimilar to those of Victoria.

423

TEMPERATURE OF AIR IN SHADE FOR THE LAST
FOURTEEN YEARS.

From the Observatory Records of Melbourne.

HIGHEST. | LOWES. MEAN,

A eIMeliboumrive! 4.2.5.2 -Sececcscccdse ss IL 27-0 57°6
INGA SATCU erates Peace kc sey aces 117°4 25 59:0
A\sy IByalllen Bay Faia See At ogee 109-0 22°0 Dorin
ANIB IR oTet a ATG Ree a earns mee 1080 30:0 61:5
POG WANMD Ebi veccsseeince soe caneueek Ss eae 565 |

RAINFALL AT MELBOURNE.

INCH. | INCH. INCH.

Tel Shee... : 25:90) lin! W862)... 2208) | In S67 25°79
USNS ecssenee 26:02 | S63 eee 36°43 TSXOS) dascooae US Dizi
JUSS) joa kenay 21:80 | TSG, Soest BT CLO UBS) cocatoes 2459
RS GORs ere 25:40 SCO 15:94 STOLEN. 33.75

TSG 29:15 SO OHS er 22°41 Biplane caren 30°17

TEMP. OF AIR IN SHADE AT TWOFOLD BAY, 1871.

(Corresponding to the lowlands of Hast Gipps Land.)
From the Observatory Records of Sydney.

——— lwo aN. {M.aax,| a0. Mrn.|m. MAX. E. MIN. R’ FALL
January ........ soe | Sal pe ir Cle So idndir cal 2 A)
INebruary: «.-o0.--- sc: | 67.6 | 72:9 | 62:3 12°350
Mitel, ee ai! | 64:0 | 70-4 | 57-7 | 1500
a NGO aes cc ie 28h | 615 | 684 | 545 | 2°540
NIE sete stage bes | 59°4 | 646 | 54-2 12-000
ATION a epee | 538°5 | 59:9 | 47-1 nas mee 5640
ilveew eee. ons) WD 2ef GO Aor OMie7 Olea Oak 0-790
PNT RUSH 8 ee ys, 52°8 | 608 | 447 | 68:0 | 41:1 0690
September ......:.. 567 | 63°8 | 495 | 73:0 | 44-1 1:530
Wcrowern ssh. /008" | 581 | 65°9 | 50°2 | 76:0 | 42:1 8270
INovember.......... CS At EO Sov2e lO Aral 2°390
Wecember . 2... TOAST 19) Glee O60) 541 LAZO

- 60°7° mean annual temperature. 63°740 inches rainfall for the year.

TEMP. OF AIR IN SHADE AT TWOFOLD BAY, 1872.
From the Magistrate’s Office at Hden.

——. MAX. | MINIM. |R’FALL

‘Deg. Deg. | Inches.

January ...........- ST ahi ches ee eR 88.0 61:0 3°15
ABV MAW iis sss farstisic) nda iepnema ge” ve f. telas | 83°0 63°0 als
CMMs. cnccsoice cron te viet 810 58°0 1:92
ALD pee ees eryces ates es cotta sat oui6 62°0 55'0 1:03
TT a ae ee Or a A ae ene 62:0 | 47-0 | 1:08

INDICATED GENERA,

CONTAINING

Alimentary Plants :

1. Yretpine HeRBace:
Atriplex, Beta, Brassica, Chenopodium, Corchorus,
Crambe, Hibiscus, Musa, Pringlea, Rheum, Rumex,
Spinacia, Tetragonia.

2. Yrecpine Roots :
Apios, Arracacha, Asparagus, Beta, Butomus, Carum,
Chaerophyllum, Cichorium, Colocasia, Conopodium, Cy-
perus, Daucus, Dioscorea, Flemingia, Geitonoplesium,
Gladiolus, Helianthus, Hypochoeris, Ipomea, Manihot,
Microseris, Oxalis, Pachyrrhizus, Peucedanum, Rha.
ponticum, Scilla, Scorzonera, Sechium, Seiinum, Stilbo-
carpa, Tragopogon, Ullucus, Uvularia, Valeriana.

3. YIELDING GRAIN:
Andropogon, Avena, Eleusine, Hordeum, Oryza, Panicum,
Pennisetum, Secale, Zea, Zizania.

4.—Y1IELDING TaBLe PULSE:
Cajanus, Cicer, Dolichos, Ervum, Lupinus, Phaseolus,
Pisum, Vigna.

5.— YIELDING various EscuLenr FRvITS :
Arachis, Corynosicyos, Cucumis, Cucurbita, Cynara,
Fagopyrum, Sechium, Telfairia, Trapa, Voandzoa.

S. TRUFFLES:
Terfezia, Tuber.

Bamboo Plants:
Arundinaria, (Arwndo), Bambusa, Guadua, Melocanna,
Schizostachyum ; (many other genera mentioned under

Schizostachyum).

Coffee Plants :
Coffea (doubtful).

Condiment Plants :

Acorus, Allium, Apium, Archangelica, Artemisia, Borrago,
Brassica, Capparis, Capsicum, Carum, Cherophyllum,
Citrus, Cochlearia, Coriandrum, Crithmum, Cuminum,
Foeniculum, Glycine, Lllicium, Lepidium, Mentha,
Ocimum, Olea, Origanum, Peucedanum, Pimpinella,
Prunus (Amygdalus), Satureja, Sison, Smyrnium, Spil-
anthes, Tropeolum, Thymus, Valerianella, Zingiber.

Dye Plants:
Alkanna, Anthemis, Carthamus, Crocus, Crozophora,
Helianthus, Indigofera, Isatis, Lawsonia, Lithospermum,
Maharanga, Mallotus, Opuntia, Peireskia, Perilla, Reseda,
Rhamnus, Rhus, Rubia, Sambucus, Saponaria, Solanum,
Sophora, Spartium, Thymelea, Xanthorrhiza.

Fibre Plants :
Agave, Apocynum, Boehmeria, Broussonetia, Camelina,
Cannabis, Corchorus, Cordyline, Crotalaria, Cyperus,
Fourcroya, Gossypium, Helianthus, Hibiscus, Humulus,
Lavatera, Linum, Maoutia, Musa, Pachyrrhizus, Phor-
mium, Pipturus, Poa, Sesbania, Spartium, Yucca.

Fuller’s Plant :

Dipsacus.

Fodder Plants :

1. GRASSES :
Agrostis, Alopecurus, Andropogon, Anthistiria, Anthox-
anthum, Avena, Bromus, Cynosurus, Dactylis, Ehrharta,
Eleusine, Festuca, Hierochloa, Hordeum, Leersia, Lolium,
Panicum, Paspalum, Pennisetum, Phalaris, Phleum, Poa,
Secale, Stenotaphrum, Tripsacum, Triticum.

2. OTHER HERBAGE :
Cichorium, Pentzia, Prangos, Symphytum.
3. STABLE Puxtse (Pops anp HERB) :
Cicer, Dolichos, Hedysarum, Lathyrus, Lupinus, Medi.

4.26

cago, Melilotus, Onobrychis, Ornithopus, Pisum, Tiifolium,
Trigonella, Vicia.

4. OruER Fruits:
Argania, Helianthus, Prosopis.

Gum Plants:

Acacia, Astragalus, Olea, Prosopis.

Hedge Plants :
Acacia, Agave, Crataegus, Justicia, Ligustrum, Macluta,
Opuntia, Paliurus, Parkinsonia, Peireskia, Prosopis,
Prunus, Rhus, Rosa, Rubus, Salix.

Hop Plant:

Humulus.

Medicinal Plants:

1. Yrrnpinc HerBace or Frowers:
Achillea, Aconitum, Aletris, Aloe, Althaea, Anemone,
Anthemis, Arctostaphylos, Arnica, Artemisia, Atropa,
Barosma, Cannabis, Cassia, Catha, Chelidonium, Cheno-
podium, Cochlearia, Conium, Cytisus, Digitalis, Ery-
throxylon, Hupatorium, Hyoscyamus, Ilex, Justicia,
Lactuea, Marrubium, Matricaria, Mentha, Menyanthes,
Ophelia, Polygala, Prunus, Rafnia, Ricinus, Rosmarinus,
Ruta, Salvia, Sambucus, Sebea, Solanum, Spigelia, Tana-
cetum.

2. YIELDING Bark:
Alstonia, Cinchona.

4, YrELpiInG Roors :
Acorus, Actaea, Anacyclus, Archangelica, Aristolochia,
Cephaelis, Cimicifuga, Colchicum, Convolvulus, Gentiana,
Glycyrrhiza, Helleborus, Hydrastis, Inula, Ipomaea,
Nardostachys, Peucedanum, Pimpinella, Podophyllum,
Saponaria, Saussurea, Schoenocaulon, Smilax, Symphytum,
Urginia, Xanthorrhiza, Valeriana, Veratrum.

4, Yretpine Fruits (oR onLY SEEDS) :
Cucumis, Ecballion, Foeniculum, I[licium, Mallotus,
Rhamnus, Rheum, Ricinus, Smyrnium, Trigonella. ;

427

Oil Plants :
Prunus (dmygdalus), Arachis, Argania, Brassica, Came-
lina, Cannabis, Cucurbita, Cyperus, Gossypium, Guizotia,
Helianthus, Linum, Olea, Papaver, Ricinus, Sesamum,
Telfairia.

Orchard Plants:
Amelanchier, Anona, Brabejum, Cervantesia, Citrus,
. Diospyros, Euclea, Ficus, Fragaria, Gaultheria, Gaylus-
sacia, Hovenia, Morus, Musa, Myrica, Myrtus, Nephelium,
Niemeyera, Opuntia, Parinarium, Passiflora, Peireskia,
Persea, Physalis, Prunus, Psidium, Pyrularia, Pyrus,
Ribes, Rubus, Santalum, Sechium, Shepherdia, Solanum,
Tamarindus, Vaccinium, Vitis, Ximenia, Zizyphus.

Palm Plants :
Bactris, Calamus, Caryota, Ceroxylon, Chamaerops, Hy-
phaene, Juba, Kentia, Livistona, Phoenix, Plectocomia,
Ptychosperma, Rhapis, Sabal, Thrinax, Wallichia, Wet-
tinia, Zalacea. (Many other American genera under
Wettinia ; many other Asian genera under Zalacca.)

Paper Plants:
Arundo, Broussonetia, Cyperus, Lepidosperma, Stipa,
Zea. (See also Fibre Plants.)

Resin Plants :
Pistacia, Rhus, Styrax.

Sand-coast Plants :
Agrostis, Asparagus, Crambe, Crithmum, Dactylis, Elymus,
Ehrharta, Genista, Lepidosperma, Leptospermum, Pani-
cum, Paspalum, Phormium, Poa, Prunus, Psamma, Sabal,
Spartina, Stenotaphrum, Stipa, Tacca, Tetragonia, Thrinax,
Ureinia, Yucca.

Scent Plants:
Acacia, Adesmia, Andropogon, Anthoxyanthum, Boronia,
Cedronella, Citrus,Convolvulus, Dracocephalum, Hedeoma,
Heliotropium, Jasminum, Lavandula, Lippia, Melissa,
Mentha, Ocimum, Origanum, Pogostemum, Prunus
(Amygdalus), Pyenanthemum, Reseda, Rosa, Rosmarinus,
Satureja, Styrax, Teucrium, Thymus, Viola.

4.28

Silk Plants:

Morus, Quercus, Ricinus, Trophis.

Starch Plants :
Alstroemeria, Canna, Cycas, Fagopyrum, Hordeum, Ma-
ranta, Oryza, Secale, Solanum, Tacca, Triticum, Zea.

Sugar Plants :

Andropogon, Beta, Cucumis, Saccharum, Zea.
Tannic Plants :

Oytisus, Prosopis, Rhus.
Tea Plants :

Andropogon, Thea.
Tobacco Plants:

Nicotiana.

Water Plants:
Acorus, Aeschynomene, Butomus, Cyperus, Menyanthes,
Nelumbo, Oryza, Poa, Sagittaria, Trapa, Zizania.

Wicker Plants:

Salix, (Also genera mentioned under Bamboo Plants).

<SSSS

REPORT

OF THE

Acchimatisation Society of Victoria,

AS ADOPTED

AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY, HELD Marcu 10TH, 1871,

AT THE MrcHanics’ INSTITUTE, MELBOURNE.

“@ywnis feret onmin telling,’

—__-

MELBOURNE:
STILLWELL & KNIGHT, PRINTERS, COLLINS STREET EAST,
S871.

CMR SRP

LIST OF THE OFFICERS

OF THE
PLCCLIMATISATION pocieTy.
——_———_—_—_)>————_————_

Aatron.

His Excennency VISCOUNT CANTERBURY$

President.
Dr. BLACK,

Vice-Dreardents,
Dr. VON MUELLER, C.M.G. PROFESSOR McCOY

Hon. Crewsurer.

T. J. SUMNER, Esa.

dMembers of Council.

Hon. A. MICHIE, J. B. WERE, Esa.

COUNT DE CASTLENAU. F. C. CHRISTY, Esa.

F. G. MOULH, Esa. ALBERT PURCHAS, Esa.
Hon. Dr. DOBSON, M.L.C. GEORGE SPRIGG, Hsa.
H. P. VENABLES, Eso., B.A. ROBERT HAMMOND, Ese.
Dr. JOSEPH BLACK. CURZON ALLPORT, Esa.
G. COPPIN, Esa. Dr. PUGH.

JOHN STEAVENSON, Hse.

Hon. Secretary.
ALBERT A. C, LE SOUEF, Egg.

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY OF VICTORIA.

The Annual Meeting of the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria
was held at the Mechanics’ Institute, Collins-street, on Friday,
March 10, 1871.

The President of the Society, Dr. Black, took the chair, and in
doing so stated that His Excellency the Governor, who was the
Patron of the Society, would have been present but for a prior
engagement.

The hon. Secretary, Mr. Le Souef, then read the following report
of the Council :—

The Council of the Acclimatisation Society has much pleasure
in presenting to the subscribers, the Seventh Report of their
proceedings.

Circumstances prevented the issue of the Report for 1869,
the usual subsidy having been discontinued for that year, the
efforts of the Society were necessarily confined to conserving the
animals already in their possession, rather than directed towards
the introduction of fresh stock. Last year the Government and
Parliament again recognised the useful labours of the Society,
the sum of £1,000 was voted towards its maintenance, and
£400 has been granted for the first half of the present year. It is
much to be regretted that the present list of subscribers is so small,
but it is confidently anticipated that an n improvement will take
place in that respect in future.

Since the last report was published, the Society has lost the
valuable services of Mr. George Sprigg as secretary, that gentle-
man having accepted another position, as in consequence of the loss
of a large portion of the income of the Society, the Council were
compelled to make the secretaryship an honorary office. On Mr.
Sprigg’s resignation, Mr. Lissignol was elected as his successor,
and after Mr. Lissignol’s removal in May last, the services of

6
Mr. Albert Le Souef, the Usher of the Legislative Council, were
secured for the duties of honorary secretary. Under his management
the Society bids fair to again become extensively useful.

At the date of the last report, the Society was daily expecting
the arrival of some ostriches from South Africa ; the birds, four in
number, reached Melbourne in safety, and Mr. Samuel Wilson, of
Longerenong, kindly undertook their charge. They have now
increased to sixteen, and there is every reason to suppose that
their numbers will be considerably augmented in the course of
this season. So far the experiment has been a marked success.
Ostrich farming is a profitable occupation at the Cape Colony,
and it is hoped will ultimately become so here. The climate of the
Wimmera district appears to be well adapted to their habits; as a proof
of which, the young Australian birds are now taller than the parent
stock.

The Society has disposed of a number of Angora goats during the
last two years, having been compelled to do so, in consequence of
their financial position ; though much regretted at the time, this -
must prove of advantage to the colony, as these animals are now in
a great many hands, and as all who possess them are fully alive ©
to their value, it is hoped that care and attention will be
paid to them. A number of males have been purchased by persons
who wished to place them with the common white goat ; the cross
produces a fine and docile animal. The Society is now in possession
of about seventy pure Angoras, the greater number of which are at
Mr. Wilson’s station, on the Wimmera, a locality in every way
suited to them. -

The Society has done and is doing all in its power to encourage
sericulture in the colony, and to this end has, in conjunction with
Dr. Von Mueller, sent white mulberry cuttings and plants to
all parts of Victoria. Before this industry can become a commercial
success a sufficient supply of food must be provided for the worms,
and it is of interest to observe the large number of applications
for cuttings to form plantations, and the great desire evinced to test
practically so profitable and desirable an industry. Some months
ago a box of silk-worm eggs was sent by the Government of India to
His Excellency the Governor, who kindly handed them to the Society

u
for distribution, and lately a supply of very superior Japanese eggs,
such as are seldom sold to foreigners, have been forwarded by Dr.
Bennett, the Hon. Sec. of the Acclimatisation Society of New
South Wales. The Council is in communication with the Hon.
Mr. Verdon, one of the Vice-Presidents of the Silk Supply Associa-
tion of London, and with Mr. Francis Cobb, the hon. secretary of
that institution, and have asked the latter gentleman whether
it would come within the scope of the operations of the
Association to appoint some person in Melbourne to purchase
cocoons, as there are a number of people who hold parcels, and are
discouraged at not being able to turn the fruit of their labour into
money. Until an answer has been received to this letter, the
Council is prepared to forward cocoons to London, the sender paying
the freight ; and would impress upon sericulturists that it is quite un-
necessary to reel the silk, as that operation is performed much better
in England where machinery exists for the purpose. The Silk
Supply Association, in one of their Reports recently published»
recognises no less than 36,000 square miles of country in Victoria
well suited to the growth of silk, and when the numerous
young plantations come into bearing, a great stimulus will be given
to this industry, which in all probability will, before many years,
add materially to the wealth of the colony. The Council would
here express their thanks to the President and Professor M‘Coy, for
the great interest they have always shown in developing sericulture.

The deer turned out at various times have increased rapidly,
the Council have heard from time to time of considerable herds
having become established in different parts of the country. The
axis deer on the Grampians are numerous and widely spread, and
other parts of the colony are stocked with varieties of the same
animal. There are at present some surplus deer at the Society’s
Gardens at the Royal Park, which will be shortly liberated in
suitable localities removed from settlement, whilst many have
already been turned out this year.

The hares have increased in a very marked manner, and are
rapidly extending throughout the country: a few have been lately
placed in a district well suited to them, about forty miles from
town, and the Council have in addition sent some to Tasmania and

8

New Zealand, as well as having supplied several applicants in
Victoria,

With reference to pisciculture, the Council have to report that
considerable progress has been made, notwithstanding several draw-
backs and losses. One hundred ova of sea trout were received from
the Salmon Commissioners of Tasmania last year, at the proper
season, and were successfully hatched at the Royal Park, where they
were retained with very small loss until fit for removal ; they were
then carried to a pond which had been prepared for them ;
but the water was found to be unsuitable, and a number
of deaths occurred in consequence ; the remainder were successfully
removed withoutfurther loss to the head waters of a brightclearstream
a day’s journey from Melbourne. This experiment has proved
that ova may be successfully hatched at the Society’s. establishment,
and the young fish carried to any part of the colony. The Council
therefore propose, for thes present, to obtain ova from Tasmania
rather than to incur the expense of preparing breeding ponds. It
is proposed, after hatching the ova at the Royal Park, to distribute
the young fish to persons who will place them in enclosed waters
adapted for them, and who will engage to prepare ponds to keep
fish for breeding purposes, so that the fry may be turned out each
year into the open streams. )

A large number of brown trout ova were also obtained last spring,
and in compliance with previous arrangements were placed in hatching

boxes upon a stream some distance up the country, at the station of
a Member of the Society, who, at his own expense not only pre-
pared the boxes, but also a pond. The boxes were properly protected
so far as could be foreseen. The ova were sucessfully hatched, and
the young fish ina fit state for moving, when some person in the
absence of the owner cut away the zinc covering from the boxes and
removed the young fish. It is disheartening to gentlemen who are
spending their time and money in carrying out the objects of the
Society to have their ends frustrated by such nefarious conduct. It is
to be presumed, however, that the fry have been turned out elsewhere,
it is to be hoped, into some stream suitable for them.

Several streams have already been supplied with young trout, and

from one of them a fish was taken about six months ago measuring

)

ten inches in length; it is now exhibited as the first Victorian trout.
The Council have just completed at their gardens a breeding pond
for perch, and are advised that the parent fish will reach Melbourne
from Tasmania on the 10th instant. From this pond the whole of
the colony may be supplied. There is no doubt that the introduction
of salmon and trout into the rivers of Tasmania, has proved a
success. It is reported that large salmon have been seen this season,
and trout fishing is now permitted under license. The fish caught
some time back in the Derwent, about which a discussion took
place, have been admitted to be true salmon ; and as they were the
young of fish reared in the colony, the acclimatization of them
has been accomplished. The Council desire cordially to thank Sir
Robert Officer and the Salmon Commissioners for the trout ova and
fry they have sent, and also to express their appreciation of the
services of the Melbourne Anglers’ Protective Society in conserving
the native fish. a

The zoological element has not been neglected, and proves
pleasing and instructive to many thousands of people who visit’ the
Society’s Gardens during the course of the year. A considerable
measure of success has been achieved in the rearing of phea-
sants and wild-fowl during the season just passed, about sixty of
the former have been reared, principally of the silver variety
(Phasicanus Nycthemerus), some of which have just been liberated.
A great number of English and Indian wild duck have also been
reared ; some of these have been set at liberty in the lake at the
Botanic Gardens; about forty young birds have taken flight with the
native wild ducks visiting the ponds, and some others have been
presented to gentlemen who have sent the Society birds or animals of
interest in exchange.

The Council would here desire to mention to their friends in the
country, that donations of any native birds or animals, excepting
native bears, cats, or opossums, will be gladly received. If not
required for the collection at the gardens, they are always useful
for the purpose of exchange with other countries.

Since the date of the last Report, a number of pheasants (50
Phasianus Prctus), brought out by Captain Jones, of the Superb,
were purchased partly by the Society, and partly by a gentleman

10

who has turned them out on his property, and who speaks very
encouragingly of their rapid increase ; and the Council hear from
time to time of the increase of pheasants in other localities.

The Council have sent to San Francisco, California, for a consign-
ment of the splendid mountain quail of that country. And, at the
request of the Society, His Excellency the Governor has kindly
placed himself in communication with His Excellency Lord Mayo
the Viceroy of India, on the subject of procuring partridges, phea-
sants, and jungle fowl from that country.

From past experience in the operations of the Society, the
Council have considered it desirable to solicit, through the medium
of the Field, and Land and Water newspapers in the mother
country, the kind donations of animals and birds suitable to this
climate, from owners of landed property and others who may
possess them.

The Council intend to renew their efforts in the next session of
Parliament, to amend the present Game Act. It is their opinion
that the swivel gun ought to be at once abolished, as the effect of
that weapon is to wound as many birds as are killed; independently
to its putting a stop to all legitimate sport.

The Council notice with regret that there is amongst some persons
a tendency to decry the cause of acclimatisation, but there are others
who take a very different view, and who regard the disinterested
labours of the Society as useful in the highest degree. Its sole aim
is to benefit the Colony at large, by filling its forests with game, and
its rivers and creeks with fish, thereby providing a variety of food
and sport for the inhabitants. Its efforts will be better appreciated
as time goes on, and as the results become more apparent.

The Council cannot conclude this report without expressing their
great obligations to the present Government, and to the late Parlia-
ment, forthe supplies granted to carry on the work; they would also
respectfully wish to thank His Excellency the Governor, the Patron
of the Society, for the great interest he has always shown in its
proceedings.

‘The Council are likewise not unmindful of the valuable services
in the cause of acclimatisation hitherto rendered by His Excellency
Sir Henry Barkly, Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, and there

11

is every reason to believe that he will still continue to further the
interests of the Society, whenever it is in his power to do so. The
cordial thanks of the Council are likewise due to our numerous
friends, especially to Mr. Edward Wilson, who, though in Mngland,
continues to take a lively interest in the objects of the Society, and
has recently made a handsome donation to its funds. The
Council is also indebted to Mr. Samuel Wilson, for his many
services, and to Mr. Kendall, the agent for the P. and O. Company, .
for his kindness in granting permission on several occasions to send
stock free of charge by the mail steamers ; the same concession has
generally been granted by the agents of the different lines of inter-
coloniai steamers, for which the Council beg to tender their thanks.

In conclusion, they would express their warm thanks to Dr. Black,
the President of the Society, and to Mr. T. J. Sumner, the Honorary
Treasurer, for their disinterested and valuable services.

Patron: — HIS EXCELLENCY VISCOUNT CANTERBURY
continues to be Patron of the Society, and the following gentlemen are
the present Office-bearers :—

DR. BLACK, President.

DR. VON MUELLER, C.M.G., Vice-President.
PROFESSOR McCOY, Do.

T. J. SUMNER, Esq., Honorary Treasurer.
HON. A. MICHIE, Member of the Council.
COUNT DE CASTLENAU, Do.

EF. G. MOULE, Esga., Do.

HON. DR. DOBSON, M.L.C., Do.

H. P. VENABLES, Hsq., B.A. Do.

DR. JOSEPH BLACK, Do.
G. COPPIN, Esq, — Do.
JOHN STEAVENSON, Ese, | Do.
J. B. WERE, Esq., Do.
F. C. CHRISTY, Ese., Do.
ALBERT PURCHAS, Ese., Do.
GEORGE SPRIGG, Esq., Do.

ROBERT HAMMOND, Esqa., Do.
CURZON ALLPORT, Esq., - Do
DR. PUGH, Do.
ALBERT A. C. LE SOUEF, Esq., Hon. Secretary,

12

It will be necessary, under Rule 6, that the present Meeting con-
firm the appointment of the gentlemen who have been elected to
the Council to fill vacancies which have occurred since the last
Annual Meeting. The Society’s Balance Sheet duly audited by
Mr. Rucker, public accountant, up to the end of last year, is also
submitted to the meeting.

Dr. Von Muztter, C.M.G., Vice-President of the Society, moved
the adoption of the Report and Balance-sheet, and in doing so
said that it was gratifying to him to witness once more the pro-
ceedings of the Annual Meeting, more particularly as the last year
closed in prosperity, and the new one had commenced hopefully. He
considered that a large share of the present prosperity of the Society
was due to the care and interest displayed by Mr. Le Souef ; he felt
it more his duty to refer to this as he knew from his former experi-
ence, as the executive officer of the first Zoological Committee, how
much toil and anxiety were involved in such duties. He further
wished to observe how large a field of operations there was before
the Society ; in enhancing the resources of the country, for instance,
he thought that careful researches should be instituted in the mode
of development of the sturgeon and herring, with a view of learning
whether they could possibly be brought to these colonies. There was
a time when the transfer of salmon to the distant south was deemed
an impossibility, yet through the patient and thoughtful persever-
ance of Mr. Edward Wilson, Mr. Youl, Sir Robert Officer, Mr. All-
port, and other promoters of the great salmon enterprise, it had been
triumphantly accomplished. And he would here allude to the oppor-
tunities afforded by new Antartic Navigation, for observing the
transit of Venus, for perhaps locating the herring in the Antartic
Sea. Any increase of food in rivers and seas was effected without
any cultural exertion, while the yield of such food, irrespective of its
ordinary value, gave so much opportunity for fertilising the land
without deprivation of anykind. Even ona small scale, much might
be done by merely transferring a basketful of eels to any lagoon or
chain of waterholes, which could not be utilised like flowing streams
for trout and other superior fish. Already on his suggestion, eels had
been taken from Melbourne to the rivers of St. Vincent's Gulf, and
the lagoons near King George's Sound. He might here remark ~

13

that the new Industrial Museum afforded a splendid opportunity of
bringing the commercial products of acclimatisation before the public.

He would also call attention to the fact, that the Society was
entitled to the favourable consideration of the Legislature, not
merely for the work of universal benefit which it continues to carry
out, but also because it maintains a large recreation ground with
garden plantations for the use of the general public, which otherwise
the large and populous suburbs near the Royal Park would be
deprived of ; and he might be permitted to state that it would afford
him pleasure to continue to aid in the extension of the park planta-
tions. He would remark, in conclusion, that he hoped to be able
this year to establish (as long ago recommended in his official re-
ports), test plantations in different climatic localities, one for instance
in the Lower Murray Desert, one on the Alpine Highlands,
and one in the Fern Tree Gullies. This might give new facilities for
local experiments in the cause of acclimatisation.

Mr. Purcuas seconded the adoption of the Report and Balance-
sheet, and in doing so stated that he considered the Report as the
most favourable one that had been put forward by the Society for
some years.

The motion for the adoption of the Report and Balance-sheet was
put to the meeting by the chairman, and unanimously carried.

Mr. S. P. Winter, of the Wannon, said he would avail himself of
this opportunity, to thank the Society for having at the suggestion
of the President, given him a very valuable present of six silver
pheasants, to send to the Wannon Valley. Having reared within the
past four years a large number of English pheasants, from birds
imported from England, and having the necessary enclosures, and
men who understood the rearing of the young pheasants, he had no
doubt he should in due time be able to supply birds and eggs to
settlers who would incur the expense of providing proper places for
breeding.

Mr. Curzon ALLporT then addressed the meeting. There was one
course, he stated, not referred to in the report just read, and which
he thought should be known to the public, namely : that the Coun-
cil had appointed sub-committees to deal with particular branches
of acclimatisation ; for instance game birds, fish, &e., the sub-com-

14

mittee consisting of gentlemen interested in the particular pursuits
to which the sub-committee respectively related. That as to the
progress of the acclimatisation of fish, to which he had paid more
particular attention, the sub-committee had come to the conclusion,
that rather than at present incur the expense of preparing and keep-
ing up breeding and rearing ponds, it would be better to subscribe
a certain sum per annum towards the cost of the ponds in Tasmania,
and obtain from thence a supply of ova in return, which could be
hatched at the Royal Park, and the young fish distributed, when
ready for removal, as indicated in the Report. By this meaiis the
produce of the parent fish might be drafted into the streams each year,
instead of risking the increase to comparatively few fish turned loose
into a large stream, exposed to all their enemies. Several gentlemen
had already, at their own expense, prepared breeding ponds for the
reception of fish, some for trout, and others for perch. The sub-
committee had just completed a pond at the Royal Park, and he
had had the pleasure and satisfaction of placing a number of young
perch in it that day, which he had just received from Tasmania,
from his brother Mr. Morton Allport; a similar number had also
been placed in a pond, prepared by the Hon. A. Michie,

Mr. Coppin remarked, that when in Tasmania, within the last week,
a gentleman had killed twenty-five genuine trout there at one day’s
fishing, which was considered a good basket.

The CHAIRMAN called attention to some specimens on the table,
one was a trout (preserved in spirits), the first caught in Riddell’s
Creek, Mount Macedon, one of the numerous fry placed in the
creek upwards of eighteen months ago. There were also some ex-
cellent samples of silk, sent by Mrs. Pike, of Toorak, and Mrs.
Henley, and Mrs. Talbot, of Richmond. Sericulture he expected
to become at no distant date a very important industry.

A discussion of a conversational character ensued relative to the —
scope and objects of the Society. The chairman stated that the
Society, acting on the suggestion of the Government, had some time
ago sent over goats, rabbits, pigs, and poultry, to the Auckland
Isles, for the sustenance of such persons as were unfortunate
enough to be shipwrecked there. Wrecks had occurred on the
island since, and the live stock had proved of great benefit,

*

15

Mr. Winter, in answer to the chairman, said that in the Western
District he found indigenous birds injurious to his fruit trees, par-
ticularly the black magpies. A simple plan of frightening birds
away, was a bottle bell hung to the trees, which was made by cut-
ting off the bottom of a champagne bottle, by means of a cotton
wick saturated in turpentine, which must be ignited, and the bottle
dipped when hot into a bucket of cold water, a piece of hard cork
or soft wood suspended from the mouth of the bottle formed a
clapper, which was kept in motion by a feather inserted in it. He
(Mr. Winter), had found this plan answer very well.

Count DE CASTELNAU spoke of a plan said to be adopted by the
Malays, that of hanging up a wooden effigy pierced with holes, the
wind passing through which, caused most unearthly noises.

Dr. JosepH Buack called attention to the fact, that hares were
being frequently killed, and hoped that an expression of disapproval
from the Society would have the effect of preventing persons from
wantonly destroying those valuable animals, before they had become
thoroughly established.

The PrestDEnT said, that the Society had done what it could to
punish persons who were caught destroying hares, he was pleased to
state that in many parts of the country hares were abundant. If
they were allowed to increase unmolested for a couple of years more,
the law would be changed, and coursing might be allowed without
objection.

Mr. Curisty said he had noticed the sparrows doing good service
in his garden, by killing the aphis on roses.

Dr. Puc added, that sparrows sent to a gentleman at Sunbury,
had not only done no mischief to the fruit, but cleared the garden
of aphis, and heen a great benefit in all respects.

Mr. Were remarked, on the other hand, that according to the
testimony of market gardeners, the destructive qualities of the
sparrow had far exceeded its beneficial qualities.

The PRESIDENT said that the letters furnished’ on the subject by
market gardeners and others to the Society, came from a small
number of persons, and were not all of a trustworthy character.
The English people were naturally given to grumbling, and not only

16

the sparrows but everything else introduced by the Society, would
be found fault with by some.

On the motion of Mr. Moule, the appointment of the various
gentlemen who had been elected to the Council since the last Annual
Meeting, wae confirmed.

There being no other business before the meeting, it closed with
a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

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18

LIFE MEMBERS.

All Members marked thus * pay their Annual Subscription also.

Aldworth and Co., Sandhurst £1010 0
Armitage, George, Ballarat oo aka: 0)
Armstrong, W., Hexham.. eel OL ORO;
Austin, Thomas, Barwon Park... 10 10 0
Bagot, C. N., Melbourne Club .. 1010 0
Barkly, His Excellency Sir Henry 42 0 0
*Bear, Hon. J. P., M.L.C. 5 lO
Bear, Thomas H., Heidelberg .. 1010 0
Black, Dr. Thomas, Melbourne
ICluby ee 80 Be eo alt) a)
Black, W., Belfast .. Os -. 1010 0
Borough Council of Sandhurst .. 1010 0
Box, H., Little Collins-street
West - 1010 0
Boyd and Currie, Gollins-str eet
West eeLORLON NO
Bright Brothers, Meese & Co. M6)
Flinders-lane .. = LO ONO
Brown, Lindsay, Gatieunaddas
Wahgunyah 2 LOL 0;
Canterbury, His eeonencs
Viscount oe ELON LOS
Catto, John, Newbridge, Ladin 1010 0
Chambers, H. J., St. Kilda . Services
Cooper, Sir Daniel, London aay BO
Coppin, Geo. S. : er LOMO TO)
Creswick, Borough Council of .. 10 10. 0
Cumming, G., Mount Fyans - 1010 0
Cumming, W., Mount Fyans . 1010 0
Curr, EK. M., Queen-street - 40 10-0
Dalgety and Co , Messrs., Little
Collins-street et O LOO,
Docker, F. G., OREN, - 1010 0
*Falconer., J. J., Bank of Austral-
asia -. 20 0 0
Fellows, The Hon. T. H. - 1010 0
Firebrace, R.T .. b 55 alt) aia).
Fussell, R. §. R., Fou Chou
dols, 50 . 35 al 010
Glass, Hugh, 18 jopeckott anes Ph OO
Glass, R. J., Waiparella .. 7) LOLLO! 0
*Henty, The Hon. 8.G.,M.L.C:.. 1010 0
Hervey, The Hon. M., M.L.C.,
Melbourne Club - 1010 0
*Hoffmann, W., Bush Back,
Essendon 50 . 25 0 0
Jamieson, Hugh .. 60 -- 1010 0

Jenner, Hon. C. J.. M.L.C. £10 10 0
Jones, Lloyd, Avenel -. 1010 0
*Joshua Bros., William-street .. 1010 0

Landells, G. J., Lahore, India .. Services
Layard, C. P., Colombo .. Services

Layard, E. L., Cape Town Services
Learmonth, Thomas, Ercibdan-

riley, Portland. . - 1010 0
Londesborough, The Right Hon-

orable Lord, Carlton Gardens,

. London .. po Biante 0)
Lyall, W. Bin ee . 1010 0
Mackinnon, L., ‘‘ Argus” Office Services
Mackenzie, John, 703 Queen-

street .. £10 10 0
Macintosh, Alexander, Green

Hills, Diggers Rest . 1010 0
Marshall, Captain D, 8., ‘‘A.

H. Badger ” : .. Services
Martin, Dr., ieteibersal 66 -. 1010 0
Matheson, J., Bank of Victoria.. 21 0 0
McGill, A. seelOmtOmO
McGregor, Samuel, “Belfast - 1010 0
McHaffie, John, Phillip Island .. 1010 0
McMullen, J., Union Bank co tinny @
Molloy, W. T., Balmoral .. - 1010 0
Mueller, Dr. F. Von, Botanic

Gardens - 1010 0
Municipal Council of Ballarat

West Se <r 20)0 0
Murray, S8., Dunrobin -- 1010 0

*Nicholson, Germain, Collins-

street Hast . 10 10 0
*Officer, C. S., Mount Talbot - 1010 0
*Power, Hon. Thomas H., Haw-

thorn - 1010 0
Purchas, Albert, Zn .. Services
Ritchie, J., Streatham =. 10 10° 0
*Rostron, John R., Navarre - 1010 0

' Rusden, G. W., Brighton... . 1010 0
Russell, A. Matuwalloch . . 1010 0

| *Rutledge, William, Belfast > LORLOR TO
*Salmon, J. E., S. and A. C. Bank 21 0 0

Sargood, King and Sargood,
Flinders-street East .

Shoobridge, E., Valleys, Tas-
mania .. F Ao -- 1010 0

a LOO NEO

Simpson, Robert, Lange Kal

Kal ou : 50 £10 10 0

Sladen, Hon. C., M. L.C., Birre-

gurra... n6 . 1010 0
Sloan, W.8., Fou ones dols. 50 11 010
Spowers, Allan, ‘‘ Argus” Office 10 10
Stanbridge, W. E., Daylesford .. 10 10

Staughton, 8. T., Little Collins-

street West a a 2. 10) 20)

Stewart, J., Emerdale, Streatham 21

Strachan, J., London Chartered
Bank .. g Baral

Sumner, T. J., 24 inde iahe

0

0

West 3 Se a . 10 10

0
0

0
0

19

Taylor, Frederick, ,Melbourne

Clik: : ss £10 10 0
‘Taylor, W., Grementont Keilor 1010 9
Templeton, Hugh, Fitzroy Services
*Ware, Joseph, Carramut .. oo Ut) IO ©
Wilson and Mackinnon, Collins-

street East ae 50 -- 42 9 0
*Wilson, Edward, ‘‘ Argus” Office 21 0 0
Wilson, Samuel, Wimmera so LO al ©)
Winter, James, Toolamba, Mur-

chison .. ae oe Oe LOO
Winter, Thomas, Winchelsen do lO)
Winter, 8. P. Bn Are ee TOR TOS 0)
Youl, James, A., Clapham Park,

London .. fe ad Services

ANNUAL MEMBERS.

Allport, Curzon, Chancery-lane .. £2
Baines, Edward, Little Collins-street 2
Banks, Bros,, Bell and Co., Flinders-
lane
Bligh and Harhottle, ilividere-lene
Black, Dr., Bourke-street ..
Brodribb, K. E., Chancery-lane .
Bindon, Judge, St. Kilda ..
Christy, F. C., Malvern
Evans, G. E., “‘ Argus” Office
Emerald Hill Borough Council
Fiskin, Archibald, Lal Lal
Fraser and Co., Collins-street
Fanning, Nankivell and Co.
Goldsborough and Co., Bourke-
street West
Gray, Charles, Nareeb Nareeb
House, Son and Co., Elizabeth-
street fe oc ao Bees
Haddon, F. W., ‘‘ Argus” Office ..
Governor, His Excellency the ae a)
Joshua Bros,, William-street Sad

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McNaughton, Love and Co. -- &2
Moule, T. G., Market-street 2
Nicholson, Germain, Collins-street 2
Paterson, Ray, Palmer and Co. 2
Power, T. H., Power, Rutherford
and Co. : Bo 2
Pugh, Dr., Colmestect ele
RAberteen, Wm., Temple Court .. 2
Ryan and Hammond, Bourke-street 2
Rosser, C. and H., Brunswick 5
Sloane, Wm. and Co., Collins-street 2
Sargood, Son and Co., Flinders-
street ries os a BA
Stevenson, L. and Sons, Rides
lane a 2 2 0
Sands and McDougall, Collins-
street Be 0
Small, R. W., Brighton ..
Sprigg, George, St. Kilda ..
Venables, H. P., Caulfield
Wilson, Edward, England ..

bo Sr bo bt bo
bo Oo tS bw by
oc o coc ©

DONATIONS.

Alcock and Co., Russell-street .. £1
Anderson and Wright, Flinders-lane 1
Briscoe and Co., Collins-street East 1
Courtney, E., Temple Court sete:
Dobson, Hon. Dr., Temple Court.. 1
Dunn, Dr. Robert, Maryborough.. 1

Bee eee

oooococo

Grice, Richard, Grice, Sumner

and Co. .. 50 20 ootsb at
Howitt, Dr., Caulfield 50 Ses ya Lh ea)
McDougall, James; Carlton Bor de idbe)
Nutt, R. W., Collins-street Reel feel si40)
Pike, Mrs. J., Toorak ae ee ORLOSeO

B2

20

HONORARY MEMBERS.

Allport, Morton, Hobart Town.
Beckx, Gustave, Flinders Lane West.
Biagi, Giuseppe, William Street.
Blanchard, W., Collins Street West.
Bouton, A., Yahoue, New Caledonia.
Buckland, Dr. F., London.
Castelnau, Comte de, Apsley Place.
Chalmers, Dr., New Zealand.

Cleeland, J., Albion Hotel, Bourke-street.

Cooper, Ricardo, Queen Street.
Coste, Professor, Huningue.

Damyon, James, Market Street.
Drouyn, de Lhuys, Paris.

Francis, Francis, liondon.

Gillanders & Arbuthnot, Calcutta.
Godfrey, Captain J. B., New Zealand.

Graham, James Little Collins Street Hast.

Grote, Arthur, Calcutta.

Johnston, Clement, Crown Lands Office.
Latham, General.

Madden, Walter, Office of M nes.

Mathieu, A., Yahoue, New Caledonia.
Merryman, Captain, Essex.

Michaelis, Moritz, Elizabeth Street.
Michael, Major, Madras.

McQueen, Captain, ‘‘ Martha Birnie.”
Mullick, Rajendro, Calcutta.

Officer, Sir Robert, Hobart Town.
Ploos Van Amstel, J. W., Collins St. West.
Ramel, Monsieur, Paris.

Rentsch, Samuel, Flinders Street Hast.
Ridgers, Captain, ‘‘ Sussex.”

Robinson, J., Calcutta.

Salt, Titus, Saltaire, England.
Scholstein, Adolp., Flinders Lane West.
Sclater, Dr. P. L., London.

Shinner, Captain, ‘‘ Lincolnshire.”
Smitk, Captain, ‘‘ Dover Castle’”
Squire, Surgeon John, Dinapore.

St. Hilaire, G., Bois de Boulogne, Paris.
Were, J. B., Collins Street West.

THE RULES AND OBJECTS

OF THE

Acclimatisation Society of Victor.

1. The objects of the Society shall be the introduction, Objects of
: < A ; 3 6 E P Society.

acclimatisation, and domestication of all innoxious animals,
birds, fishes, insects, and vegetables, whether useful or orna-
mental ;—the perfection, propagation, and hybridisation of
races newly introduced or already domesticated ;—the spread
of indigenous animals, &c., from parts of the colonies where
they are already known, to other localities where they are not
known ; the procuring, whether by purchase, gift, or ex-
change, of animals, &c., from Great Britain, the British colo-
nies, and foreign countries ;—the transmission of animals, &.,
from the colony to England and foreign parts, in exchange
for others sent thence to the Society ; the holding of period-
‘ical meetings, and the publication of reports and transactions,
for the purpose of spreading knowledge of acclimatisation,
and inquiry into the causes of success or failure ;—the inter-
change of reports, vc., with kindred associations in other parts
of the world, with the view, by correspondence and mutual
good offices, of giving the widest possible scope to the project
of acclimatisation :—the conferring rewards, honorary or in-
trinsically valuable, upon seafaring men, passengers from
distant countries, and others who may render valuable services
to the cause of acclimatisation.

2. A Subscriber of two guineas or upwards annually shall Membership.
be a Member of the Society; and contributors, within one
year, of ten guineas or upwards shall be Life Members of the
Society ; and any person who may render special services to
the Society, by contribution of stock or otherwise, shall be

Subscrip-
tions.

Property
vest in
Trustees.

Executive
Officers.

Council.

Vacancy in
Council,
how sup-
plied.

22

eligible for life membership, and may be elected as such by
the Council, or by any annual general meeting.

3. The annual subscription shall be payable on the Ist
day of January in each year, and may be received by any
Member of the Council, or the Collector, either of whom on
receiving the same shall cause the person so subscribing to be
enrolled a member accordingly.

4. All the property of the Society, of what nature and
kind soever, shall vest in Trustees to be appointed by the
Council, for the use, purposes, and benefit of the Society.

5. The Society shall be governed by a Council of eighteen
Members, to include a President, two Vice-Presidents, and an
Honorary Treasurer, three of whom (viz., those who have
attended the fewest Meetings of the Council proportionately
since their appointment) shall retire annually, but shall be
eligible for re-election. Provided that if any sum of money
be voted to the Society by Act of Parliament, or trusts con-
ferred upon the Council by the Government, then it shall be
lawful for the Chief Secretary for the time being to appoint,
if he consider it expedient, any number of gentlemen, not
exceeding three, to act as Members of the Council, and they
shall have all the privileges as if otherwise duly elected ; and
further, to appoint one Co-Trustee, to act in conjunction with
the Trustees for the time being of the Society. And provided
further, that if the Melbourne Corporation, or any of the ad-
jacent municipalities, shall decide upon expending any sum
of money exceeding £100 in any one year, upon the grounds
or for the objects of the Society, the Mayor of Melbourne or
Chairman of such municipality shall be for such year a
Member of the Council, and be at liberty to act in every
respect as an ordinary member.

6. In case of a vacancy occurring by the death, resignation,
or non-attendance of any Member of Council for the period of
two months, the remaining Members may appoint another
Member of the Society to be a Member of the Council in the
place and stead of the deceased, or resigned, or absenting
Member, and such new Member may act until the next annual
general meeting. Provided that such vacancy shall not be
supplied by the Council except after seven days’ notice given

23

of the new Member to be proposed, and unless in the presence
of at least seven Members of the Council.

7. The Society shall hold periodical meetings, at which Qurteny
papers and other communications relating to the objects of ote 8°
the Society, and reports prepared by the Council, shall be
received, and such discussions shall be encouraged as may be
of value in propagating a knowledge of acclimatisation amongst
the Members and the public. And such business generally
shall be disposed of as may be brought under consideration by
the Council, or by any Member who shall have given seven
days’ previous notice thereof to the Secretary, or as a majority
of two-thirds of the Members present shall see fit to entertain
and consider; and each Member shall have the privilege of
introducing two friends at such meetings.

8. The Council shall meet at least once a month, and Mestings of
three Members shall form a quorum, and be capable of
transacting the business of the Council, subject to such
limitations as may be imposed by any bye-law of the
Council, or rule, or resolution of the Society, which may be
hereafter made.

9. The Council shall have the sole management of the Rogie cat
affairs of the Society, and of the income and property thereof, Council.
for the uses, purposes, and- benefit of the Society ; and shall
have the sole and exclusive right of appointing a President,
Vice-Presidents, and Honorary Treasurer from amongst them-

Selves or the other Members of Society, and also of appoint-
ing paid servants, as a manager or secretary, collector, and
such other officers, clerks, and labourers, and at such salaries
as they may deem necessary, and of removing them if they
shall think fit, and shall prescribe their respective duties.
And such Council shall have power to consider and determine
all matters, either directly or indirectly affecting the interests
of the Society, and if they shall think fit so to do, shall bring
the same under the notice of the Members of the Society, at
any general or special meeting ; and to make such bye-laws as
they may deem necessary for the efficient management of the
affairs and the promotion of the objects of the Society, and
for the conduct of the business of the Council, provided the

24

same are not repugnant to these rules; to appoint one or more
sub-committees, for any purpose contemplated by these rules ;
and generally to perform such acts as may be requisite to
carry out the objects of the Society, which bye-laws are to be
subject to ratification, or emendation, or ejection, by the next
annual or special general meeting of the Society. And it
shall be the duty of the Council to exercise the foregoing
powers as occasion shall require, and to furnish reports of the
proceedings at every periodical and annual meeting of the
Society.

Branch So- 10. The Society shall have power to affiliate or associate
cictios, dic. i+ elf with other Societies of kindred objects, and to found
Branch Societies if desirable ; and the Council shall have
power to carry out any arrangements for this purpose, and to

furnish any monthly or other reports. =

Minutes or 11. Minutes shall be made, in books kept for the purpose,
hea’ of all the proceedings at the general and special meetings of
the Members, and minutes shall also be made of the proceed-
ings of the Council at their general and special meetings, and
of the names of the Members attending the same, and such
minutes shall be open to inspection by any Member of the
Society at all reasonable times.
Moneystobe 12. All subscriptions and other moneys payable to the
TreaaeE. Society shall be paid to the Treasurer, who shall forthwith
place the same in a bank, to be named by the Council, to the
credit of the Society ; and no sum shall be paid on account of
the Society until the same shall have been ordered by the
Council, and such order be duly entered in the book of the
proceedings of the Council ; and all cheques shall be signed
by the Treasurer as such, and be countersigned by the Presi-
dent, or one of the Vice-Presidents, or by some other Member
of the Council delegated by the Council to act as such.

Annual 13. An annual meeting shall be held in or about
i ies February of each year, and the Council shall report their
proceedings during the past year, and shall produce their
accounts, duly audited, for publication if deemed desirable ;

and the meeting shall elect new Members of Council to supply

the vacancies therein. And notices of motion must be fur-

nished to the Secretary one, day previous to the holding of

25

such meeting, or such motions may be rejected by the
Chairman.

14. All privileges of membership shall cease in case any Non-pay-
: . ment 0
Member shall be three months in arrear, subject, however, to Subscrip-
. : Ae tions.
his restoration on the payment of such subscription as afore- “°

Said, accompanied by satisfactory explanation.

15. Upon receiving a requisition in writing, signed by SpecialMeet-
twelve or more Members of the Society, or upon a resolution Membery.
of the Council, the president, or in his absence one of the
Vice-Presidents, shall convene a special meeting of the Mem-
bers, to be held within fifteen days of the receipt by him of
such requisition or resolution. Provided always that such
requisition and resolution, and the notices thereunder conven-
ing the meeting, shall specify the subject to be considered at
Such meeting, and that subject only shall be discussed at such
meeting.

16. The council or any general meeting of the Society Honorary
. e Members.
may admit, as Honorary Members, such ladies or gentlemen
as may have distinguished themselves in connection with the
objects of the Society, or in objects of a kindred nature.

17. It shall be lawful for any annual or special meeting Power to al-
of the Society to alter, vary, or amend the rules ; or to sub- ae
stitute another for any of the same ; or to make any new rule
which may be considered desirable ; if and after a notice
specifying the nature of such alteration, variation, amendment,
substitution, or new rule, shall have been given to the Secre-
tary fifteen days before the holding of such meeting. And
such alteration, variation, amendment, substitution, or new
tule shall be valid if carried by a majority of not less than
two-thirds of the Members present at such meeting,

26

LIST OF ANIMALS AND BIRDS

6 Pheasants

In THE ROYAL PARK AND ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY’S GARDENS, MELBOURNE.

11 Brahmin cattle 1 Ceylon porcupine 2 Curassows

6 Hog deer 1 Leopard 3 Kagus

7 Bairanga deer 2 Native dogs 2 Maori hens

7 Formosa deer 1 Tasmanian devil - 1 Kiwi

7 Sambur deer, or Cey- 1 English Fox 2 Bleeding heart doves

lon elk 3 Opossums 2 Macaws

1 Fallow deer 3 Emeus 3 Blackbirds

2 Nylghau 18 English pheasants 2 Jackdaws

4 Mauritius deer 22 Silver pheasants 1 English magpie

2 Japanese deer 9 Pea fowl 3 Owls

12 Angora goats 4 Jungle fowl A number of native

1 Agouti 11 Egyptian geese cockatoos and parrots of

1 Madagascar sheep 6 Geese different varieties ; about

1 Cape sheep About 70 ducks the grounds large num-

7 Monkeys 3 Crown goura pigeons bers of doves, and some

5 Wallaby 2 Ravens Californian quail.

2 Kangaroo rats 1 Mooruke

1 Wombat 2 Tallegalla

ANIMALS LIBERATED.
AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS.
18 Canaries | 6 California quail 4 English robins
18 Blackbirds 80 English wild ducks 8 Turtle doves
14 Thrushes H 35 Java sparrows 50 Mainas
At PHILLIP ISLAND.

0 Hares 4 Chinese partridges 5 Pheasants

5 Cape pheasants 70 Chinese quail 6 Skylarks

8 English pheasants 23 Tasmanian quail | 6 California quail

4 Indian pheasants 6 Starlings 4 Thrushes

8 Ceylon partridges 10 Algerine sand grouse 4 Blackbirds

5 Indian partridges 6 Wild ducks 1 Pair white swans

AT SANDSTONE AND CHURCHILL ISLANDS.
Pheasants | 4 Skylarks | 4 Thrushes
At YARRA BEND.
6 Thrushes | 4 Skylarks
NeEaArR SYDNEY.
9 Thrushes I 4 Skylarks | 10 Blackbirds
AT SUGARLOAF HILL.
5 Ceylon elk | 3 Axis deer
AT WILSON’S PROMONTORY.
4 Axis deer
- AT THE RoyAL PARK.

4 Hares 2 Thrushes 6 Blackbirds

20 Mainas 20 Greenfinches 20 Siskin finches

6 Starlings 15 Yellowhammers | 6 Powi birds

60 English sparrows 200 Java sparrows | 3 Partridges

40 Chaffinches

AT PENTRIDGE,
40 English sparrows

At St. Krupa.
20 Chinese sparrows

27
AT BALLARAT.
5 English sparrows |

AT BUNEEP.
13 Fallow deer

AT CAPE LIPTRAP.

2 Hog deer 4 Ceylon peafowls
10 Pigeons
= At AUCKLAND ISLANDS.
12 Goats 12 Rabbits
3 Geese 3 Pigs

AT WESTERNPORT.
7 Sambur deer

AT WIMMERA.
35 Axis deer
AT YERING.
5 Axis deer

AT PLENTY RANGES.

10 Pheasants. | 4 Jungle fowls.

20 Java sparrows

| 4 Guinea fowl
6 Fowls
3 Ducks

| 7 Guinea fowls.

ANIMALS SENT AWAY.

To LONDON.

28 Waterhens
4 Kangaroo rats

75 Kangaroos
5 Mountain ducks

200 Murray codfish 10 Wombats
22 Black swans 2 Cranes
20 Australian quail 7 Wood ducks
14 Eagle hawks 2 Kangaroo dogs
85 Magpies 4 Echidna
4 Rosella parrots © 26 Laughing jackasses
8 King parrots | 40 Shell parrots
6 Cockatoos 6 Mallee pheasants
5 Dingos 36 Lowry parrots
3 Talegallas 12 Opossums
1 Tasmanian devil 2 Emeus
To Paris.
20 Emeus 3 Curlews
30 Kangaroos 1 Native crane
12 Black swans 8 Murray turtles
3 Cape Barren geese 2 Wombats
1 South Australian 17 Australian quail
wombat 4 Laughing jackasses
4 Native geese 2 Bronze-wing pigeons

To St. PETERSBURG.

2 Laughing jackasses

2 Wallabies

2 Kangaroos
3 Black swans

To AMSTERDAM.
3 Water hens |

To ROTTERDAM.
2 Cape Barren geese |

To HAMBURGH.

2 Wonga pigeons 2 Bronze-wing pigeons
2 Black swans
To COLOGNE.
2 Black swans 2 Curlews
2 Black geese

40
40
92,
31

Black ducks

Teal

Wonga pigeons
Bronze-wing pigeons
Swamp magpies
Iguanas

Land rails

Sugar squirrels
Coots

Native companions
Some Yarra fish

b

or 09 H ST bS 00

8 Goatsuckers
2 Native companions
14 Rockhampton finches:
1 Iguana
4 Opossums
20 Black ducks
20 Teal

3 Emeus

6 Australian quail

2 Water hens

| 2 Kangaroo rats

| 2 Water hens

24 Black swans

12 Emeus
2 Eagles
6 White cockatoos
7 King parrots

2 Black swans
1 Kangaroo
2 Cape Barren geese

6 Black swans |

2 Black swans |

2 Black swans |

5 Angora goats

2 Brush kangaroos
2 Silver pheasants
2 Canadian geese
2 Egyptian geese

10 Angora goats
2 Blackbirds

1 Angora goat
9 Native bears

Wild ducks, Indian & English

3 Thrushes
6 Magpies

A Wild rabbits |

238 Sparrows

28

To COPENHAGEN.
2 Black swans

To CALCUTTA.

15 Rosella parrots
10 Kangaroos

4 Opossums

1 Dingo

1 Wombat

To MAvRITIUS.

2 Eagle hawks
9 Fowls
7 Magpies

To Bourszon.
8 Black swans

To SIciLy.

To RANGOON.
6 Black Swans

To JAVA.
2 Cape Barren geese

To BURTENZONG.
2 Cape Barren geese

To SYDNEY.

6 English wild ducks
1 Mallee hen

10 Blackbirds

10 Thrushes

To ADELAIDE.

2 Thrushes
3 English pheasants

To HopartT Town.

To New ZEALAND.

4 Opossums
2 Brace of hares

To Foo Cuow.
2 Kangaroo

| 6 Bronze-wing pigeons
6 Laughing jackasses
20 Shell parrots
52 Magpies

2 Laughing jackasses
4 Wallabies

14 Native ducks

| 1 Kangaroo
| 1 Kangaroo

4 Larks

4 Starlings

2 Ortolans

A number of sparrows

2 Silver pheasants

2 Egyptian geese
Hares :
A uumber of sparrows.

Indian and English
- wild ducks

| 2 Parrots

To NEw CALEDONIA.

12 Laughing jackasses

AT MR. WILSON’S—LONGERENONG WIMMERA;

16 Ostriches

55 “Angora goats

LIBERATED IN THE BUSH THIS YEAR.

8 Hog deer
10 Pea fowl
20 Guinea fowl

30 Pheasants

Several brace of hares

A number of doves
25 Skylarks

A large number of hares were likewise distributed last year in various parts of the country,
and upwards of 100 Angora goats were disposed of in addition to those enumerated ahove.

THE PRINCIPAL TIMBER TREES

READILY ELIGIBLE FOR

VICTORIAN INDUSTRIAL CULTURE,

with indications of their native countries and some of their
technologic uses.

AN ENUMERATION OFFERED BY

FERD. VON MUELLER,
C.M.G., M.D., Ph.D., F.R.S., F.L.8., F.R.G.S., C.M.Z.S.,
Commander of the Order of St. Jago, Vice-President of the
Acclimation Society of Victoria.

—

This enumeration originated in a desire of the writer to place
before his fellow colonists a succinct list of those trees, which in our
geographic latitudes can be grown to advantage. Calls for such
information arose gradually in the department of the Botanic
Garden of Melbourne, not merely because it impressed itself more
and more on the mind of every thoughtful settler, that the wanton
waste of the native forests should be checked, but that also largely
should be added to our timber riches by means of copious and
multifariousintroductions from abroad, and thatfor these introductions
the widest possible scope should be allowed. Nevertheless this list
is far from claiming completeness, either as a specific index, or asa .
series of notes on the principal technologic applicability of the trees
most accessible. Indeed it may be regarded simply as a precursor
of larger essays, such as the intended forest administration will
gradually call forth. Meanwhile, however, this brief explanatory
catalogue may. facilitate locally that information, which hitherto was
afforded by the authors correspondence chiefly.

It seemed beyond the scope of this writing to tabulate the trees
here enumerated, in reference to climatic regions, The inhabitant
of colder and moister mountains in this colony, or the settler in the
hotter and more arid tracts of country, can readily foresee from the
brief geographic notes given with each tree, which kind should be
chosen for the spot, selected by him for wood-culture ; but if doubts
in this respect should arise, the needful advice will readily be offered
by the writer.

Though this list was originally prepared and alluded to as an
appendage to a lecture* recently delivered at the Melbourne Industrial
Museum, I was honored by my colleagues of the Council of the
Acclimation Society in their giving publicity to this document
along with their last annual report, the Society being quite as anxious

* The Application of Phytology to the Industrial Purposes of Life:
D

30

to foster the introduction and multiplication of industrial plants,
as the continued acquisition and diffusion of foreign animals of
utilitarian importance.

Unquestionably also, the periodical issue of essays on animals
and plants, to be introduced or to be diffused, will give additional
strength to the Society’s labours,

Should, therefore, this small literary offer prove acceptable to the
supporters of the Victorian Acclimation Society, then the writer
would feel sufficiently encouraged to offer in a similar form,* a list of
other plants, recommendable here for more general cultivation ; and,
- although such indices only to some extent contain original research,
they are likely to bring together information, more condensed and
more recent, than it would be attainable in costly or voluminous
works of even several languages, and yet such treating perhaps only
of countries with far narrower climatic zones than ours.

Possibly this publication may aid us also to render known our
colonial requirements thus far abroad, while it will offer likewise
some information to speed interchanges.

For our Industrial Museum and such similar institutions, as doubt-
less ere long on a limited scale will be connected with each Mechanics’
Institute, this unpretensive treatise may help to explain the real
wealth, which we possess in our unfortunately almost unguarded
forests, or point out the manifold new treasures, which we should
raise independently in our woodlands, while also these pages might
stimulate both public and private efforts, to provide by timely thought-
ulness those increased timber resources, without which the next
generations of this land can be neither hale nor prosperous.

—E———E—s

I.—CONIFEROUS TREES.

Araucaria Bidwilli, Hook.*

Bunya Bunya. Southern Queensland. A tree 150 feet in height, with
a fine grained, hard and durable wood; the seeds are edible.

Araucaria Brasiliensis, A. Rich.
Brazilian Pine. A tree, 100 feet high, producing edible seeds.
Ought to be tried in our fern gullies.

Araucaria Cookii, R. Br.

In New Caledonia, where it forms large forests. Height of tree 200
feet.

Araucaria Cunninghami, Ait.*
Moreton-Bay Pine.—EHast Australia, between 14° and 32° §, latitude.
The tree gets 130 feet high. ‘The timber is used for ordinary furniture,
Araucaria excelsa, R. Br.*

Norfolk-Island Pine.—A magnificent tree, sometimes 220 feet high,
with a stem attaining ten feet in diameter. The timber is useful for
ship-building and many other purposes.

* A short essay on such plants and trees as well was promulgated by the
Philos. Society of Victoria 1858, pp. 93—105,

31

Araucaria imbricata, Pav.

Chili and Patagonia. The male tree attains only a height of 50 feet,
but the female reaches 150 feet. It furnishes a hard and durable
timber, as well as an abundance of edible seeds, which constitute a
main article of food of the natives. Eighteen good trees will yield
enough for a man’s sustenance all the year round. In our lowlands
of comparative slow growth, but likely of far more rapid development,
if planted in our ranges.

Callitris quadrivalvis, Vent.
North Africa. A middling-sized tree, yielding the true Sandarac
resin.

Cephalotaxus Fortunei, Hook.

China and Japan. ‘This splendid yew attains a height of 60 feet, and
is very hardy.

Cryptomeria Japonica, Don.
Japan and Northern China. A slender evergreen tree, 100 feet high.
It requires forest valleys for successful growth. The wood is compact,
very white, soft and easy to work.

Cupressus Benthami, Endl.
Mexico, at 5 to 7,000’. A beautiful tree, 60 feet high. The wood is
fine grained and exceedingly durable.

Cupressus Lawsoniana, Murr.* (Chamecyparis Lawsoniana, Parl.)
Northern California. This is a splendid red-flowered cypress, growing
100 fect high, with a stem of 2 feet in diameter, and furnishes a
valuable timber for building purposes, being clear and easily worked.

Cupressus Lindleyi, Klotzsch.
On the mountains of Mexico. A stately cypress, up to 120 feet high.
It supplies an excellent timber.

Cupressus macrocarpa, Hartw.* (C. Lambertiana, Gord.)
Upper California. This beautiful and shady tree attains the height of
150 feet, with a stem of 9 feet in circumference, and is one of the
quickest growing of all conifers, even in poor dry soil.

Cupressus Nutkaensis, Lamb. (Chamecyparis Nutkaensis, Spach.)
North-West America. Height of tree 100 feet. Wood used for boat-
building and other purposes; the bast for mats and ropes.

Cupressus obtusa, F. von Muell. (Retinospora obtusa, 8. & Z.)

Japan. Attains a height of 80 feet; stem 5 feet in circumference. It
forms a great part of the forests at Nipon. The wood is white-veined
and compact, assuming, when planed, a silky lustre. It is used in
Japan for temples. There are varieties of this species with foliage of
a golden and of a silvery-white hue.

‘Two other Japanese cypresses deserve introduction, namely; Cupr.
breviramea (Chamecyparis breviramea, Maxim.), and Cupr. pendens,
(Chameecyparis pendula, Maxim.)

Cupressus pisifera, F. von Muell. (Chamecyparis pisifera, 8. & Z,)
Japan. It attains a height of 30 feet, producing also a variety with
golden foliage.

Cupressus sempervirens, L. :

Common Cypress of South Europe. Height of tree up to 80 feet. It
is famous for the great age it reaches, and for the durability of its
timber, which is next to imperishable. At present it is much sought
for the manufacture of musical instruments. ;

D2

32

Cupressus thurifera, Humb. B. & K.*

Mexico; 3,000 to 4,500 feet above sea-level. A handsome pyramidal
tree, upwards of 40 feet high.

Cupressus thuyoides, Linné. (Chamecyparis spheroidea, Spach.)
White Cedar of North America; in moist or morassy ground. Height
of tree 80 feet; diameter of stem 3 feet. The wood is light, soft, and
fragrant; it turns red when exposed to the air.

Cupressus torulosa, Don.*

Nepal Cypress. Northern India; 4,500 to 8,000 feet above sea level.
Height of tree 150 feet; circumference of stem, as much as 16
feet. The reddish fragrant wood is as durable as that of the

Deodar Cedar, highly valued for furniture. The tree seems to prefer
the limestone soil.

Dacrydium cupressinum, Soland.
New Zealand. Native name, Rimu; the Red Pine of the colonists.
This stately tree acquires the height of 200 feet, and furnishes & hard
and valuable wood. With other New Zealand conifers particularly
eligible for our forest valleys. A most suitable tree for cemeteries, on
account of its pendulous branches.

Dacrydium Franklini, Hook. fil.
Huon Pine of Tasmania; only found in moist forest recesses, and
might be planted in our dense fern-tree gullies. Height of tree 100
feet; stem-circumference 20 feet. ‘The wood is highly esteemed for
ship-building and various artizan’s work.

Dammara alba, Rumph. (D. orientalis, Lamb.) :
Agath Dammar. Indian Archipelagus and mainland. A large tree,
100 feet high, with a stem of 8 feet in diameter; straight and
branchless for two-thirds its length. It is of great importance on
account of its yields of the transparent Dammar resin, extensively
usec for varnish.

Dammara Australis, Lamb.*
Kauri Pine. North island of New Zealand. This magnificent tree
measures, under favourable circumstances, 180 feet in height and 17
feet in diameter of stem. The estimated age of such a tree being
700 or 800 years. It furnishes an excellent timber for furniture, masts
of ships, or almost any other purpose; it yields besides the Kauri
resin of commerce, which is largely got from under the stem of the
tree. The greatest part is gathered by the Maories in localities
formerly covered with Kauri forests; pieces, weighing 100 lbs., have
been found in such places.

Dammara macrophylla, Lindl.
Santa Cruz Archipelagus. A beautiful tree, 100 feet high, resembling
D. alba.

Dammara Moorei, Lindl.
New Caledonia. - Height of tree about 50 feet.

Dammara obtusa, Lindl.
New Hebrides. A fine tree, 200 feet high; with a long, clear trunk ;
resembling D. Australis.

Dammara ovata, Moore.
New Caledonia. ‘This tree is rich in Dammar resin.

Dammara robusta, Moore.
Queensland Kauri: A tall tree, known from Rockingham’s Bay and_

Wide Bay. It thrives well even in open, exposed, dry localities at
Melbourne.

/

33

Dammara Vitiensis, Seem.
In Fiji. Tree 100 feet high; probably identical with Lindley’s D.
longifolia.

Fitzroya Patagonica, Hooker fil.

Southern parts of Patagonia and Chili. A stately tree, 100 feet high,
up to 14 feet in diameter. of stem. The wood is red, almost
imperishable in the open air or under ground; it does not warp, and is
easy to split. It comes into commerce in boards 7 feet long, 8 inches
wide, 4 inch thick, and is used for roofing, deals, doors, casks, &c. The
outer bark produces a strong fibre used for caulking ships. Like many
other trees of colder regions, it would require here to be planted in our
mountain forests.

Frenela Actinostrobus, Muell. (Actinostrobus pyramidalis Mig.)
From §.W. Australia, though only a shrub, is placed bere on record as
desirable for introduction, because it grows on saline desert flats, where
any other conifers will not readily succeed. It may become important
fof coast cultivation.

Frenela Macleayana, Parl.

New South Wales. A handsome tree of regular pyramidal growth,
attaining a height of 70 feet; the timber is valuable.

Frenela verrucosa, A. Cuna.
Also several other species from Victoria and other parts of Australia
are among the trees, which may be utilized for binding the coast and
desertsand. They all exude Sandarac.

Ginkgo biloba, L. (Salisburia adiantifolia, Smith.)
Ginkgo tree. China and Japan. A deciduous fan-leaved tree, 100 feet
high, with a straight stem 12 feet in diameter. The wood is white, soft,
easy to work, and takes a beautiful polish. The seeds are edible, and
when pressed yield a good oil. Ginkgo trees are estimated to attain an
age of 3000 years.

Juniperus Bermudiana, L.*
The Pencil Cedar of Bermuda and Barbadoes. This species grows some-
times 90 feet high, and furnishes a valuable red durable wood, used for
boat building, furniture and’ particularly for pencils, on account of its
pleasant odor and special fitness. Many of the plants called Thuya or
Biotia Meldensis in gardens, belong to this species.

Juniperus brevifolia, Antoine.
In the Azores up to 4,800’ ; a nice tree with sometimes silvery foliage.

Juniperus Cedrus, Webb.
A tall tree of the higher mountains of the Canary Islands.

Juniperus Chinensis, L.*
In temperate regions of the Himalaya, also i in China and Japan. This
tree is Known to rise to 75 feet. Probably identical with the Himala-
yan Pencil Cedar (Juniperus religiosa, Royle) ; it is remarkable for its
reddish close-grained wood.

Juniperus communis, L.
One of the three native conifere of Britain, attaining under favorable
circumstances a height of nearly 50 feet, of medicinal uses ; the berries
also used in the preparation of gin.

Juniperus drupacea, Labill. Plum Juniper. —
A very handsome long-leaved Juniper, the Habhel of Syria. It attains
a height of 30 feet, and produces a sweet edible fruit, highly esteemed
throughout the Orient.

34

Juniperus excelsa, Bieberst.
In Asia Minor, 2 to 6000 feet above the sea level. A stately tree, 60
feet high.
Juniperus flaccida, Schlecht.
In Mexico, 5 to 7 000 feet high. A tree of 80 feet in height, rich in
resin, similar to Sandarach.
Juniperus foetidissima, Willd.
A tall beautiful tree in Armenia and Tauria, 5000 to 6,500 feet.
Juniperus Mexicana, Schiede.
Mexico at an elevation of 7000 to 11,000 feet. A straight tree, 90 feet
meh, stem 3 feet diameter, exuding copiously a resin similar to San-
arac.
Juniperus occidentalis, Hook.
North California and Oregon, at 5000 feet. A straight tree, 80 feet high,
with a stem of 3 feet diameter.
Juniperus Pheenicea, L.
South Europe and Orient. A small tree, 20 feet high, yielding an
aromatic resin.
Juniperus procera, Hochst.
In Abyssinia. A stately tree, furnishing a hard useful timber.
Juniperus recurva, Hamilton.
On the Himalayas, 10 to 12,000 feet high. A ie attaining 30 feet in
height.
Juniperus spheerica, Lindl.
North China. A handsome tree, 40 feet high.
Juniperus Virginiana, L. .
North American Pencil Cedar or Red Cedar. A handsome tree, 50 feet
high, supplying a fragrant timber, much esteemed for its strength and
durability ; the inner part is of a beautiful red color, the outer is white ;
it is much used for pencils.
Libocedrus Chilensis, Endl.
In cold valleys on the southern Andes of Chili, 2000 to 5000 feet. A
fine tree, 80 feet high, furnishing a hard resinous wood of a yellowish
color.
Libocedrus decurrens, Torr.
White Cedar of California, growing on high mountains. Attains a
height of fully 200 feet, with a stem 25 feet in circumference.
Libocedrus Doniana, Endl.
North island of New Zealand, up to 6000 feet elevation. A forest tree
100 feet high, stem 3 feet and more in diameter. ‘The wood is hard and
resinous, of a dark reddish color, fine-grained, excellent for planks and
spars.
Libocedrus tetragona, Endl.
On the Andes of North Chili, 2000 to 5000 feet. This species has a very
straight stem, and grows 120 feet high. The wood is quite white, and
highly esteemed for various artisans’ work, indeed very precious.
Nageia (Podocarpus) amara, Blume.
Java, on high volcanic mountains. A large tree, sometimes 200 feet
high.
Nageia (Podocarpus) cupressina, R. Br.
Java and Phillipine Islands. Height of tree 180 feet, furnishing a
highly valuable timber,

30

Nageia (Podocarpus) dacrydioides, A. Rich.
In swampy ground of New Zealand; the ‘ Kahikatea” of the Maories,
called White Pine by the colonists. Height of tree 150 feet ; diameter
of stem 4 feet. The white sweet fruit is eaten by the natives ; the wood
is pale, close-grained, heavy, and among other purposes, used for
building canoes.

Wageia (Podocarpus) ferruginea, Don.
Northern parts of New Zealand. The Black Pine of the colonists;
native name ‘‘Miro.” Height of tree 80 feet; it produces a dark red
resin of a bitter taste ; the wood is of a reddish color, very hard.

Nageia (Podocarpus) Lamberti, Klotzsch.
Brazils. A stately tree, yielding valuable timber.

Nageia (Podocarpus) Purdieana, Hook.
Jamaica, at 2500 to 3500 feet. This quick-growing tree attains a
height of 100 feet.

Nageia (Podoearpus) spicata, Br.
Black Rue of New Zealand. Tree 80 feet high; wood pale, soft, close
and durable.

Nageia (Podocarpus) Thunbergii, Hook.
Cape of Good Hope. A large tree, known to the colonists as “ Geelhout” ;
it furnishes a splendid wood for building.

Nageia (Podocarpus) Totara, Don.*

New Zealand. A fine tree, 120 feet high, with a stem of 20 feet in cir-
cumference ; it is called mahogany pine by the colonists. The ‘reddish
close-grained and durable wood is valuable both for building and for
furniture, and is also extensively used for telegraph posts; it is con-
sidered the most valuable timber of New Zealand. Many other tall
timber trees of the genus Podocarpus or Nageia occur in various parts
of Asia, Africa and America, doubtless all desirable, but the quality of
their timber is not well known, though likely in many cases excellent.
Nageia is by far the oldest published name of the genus.

Phyllocladus rhomboidalis, Rich.
Celery Pine of Tasmania. A stately tree up to 60 feet high, with a stem
of 2 to 6 feet in diameter. The timber is valuable for ships’ masts. It
will only grow to advantage in deep forest valleys.

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, Don.
Celery Pine of New Zealand, northern island ; it is also called Pitch
Pine by the colonists. This tree attains a height of 70 feet, with a
straight stem of 3 feet in diameter, and furnishes a pale close-grained
timber, used particularly for spars and planks; the Maories employ the
bark for dying red and black.

Pinus Abies, Du Roi.* (Pinus Picea Linné.)
Silver Fir, Tanne. In Middle Europe up to 50° N. Lat., forming dense
forests. A fine tree, already the charm of the ancients, attaining 200°
feet in height, and 20 feet in circumference of stem, reaching the age
of 300 years. It furnishes a most valuable timber for building, as well
as furniture, and in respect to lightness, toughness and elasticity it is
even more esteemed than the Norway Spruce, but is not so good for
fuel or for charcoal. It also yields a fine white resin and the Strass- ~
burg turpentine, similar to the Venetian.

Pinus Abies var. Cephalonica, Parlatore. (Pinus Cephalonica, Endl.)

Greece, 3 to 4000 feet above the sea. A tree 60 feet high, with a stem
circumference of 10 feet. The wood is very hard and durable, and
much esteemed for building.

36

Pinus Abies ae Nordmanniana, Parlatore. (P. Nordmanniana, .
Steven. g .
Crimea and Circassia, 6000 feet above the sea. This is one of the most
imposing firs, attaining a height of 100 feet, with a perfectly straight
stem. It furnishes a valuable building timber.
The Silver Fir is desirable for our mountain forests.

Pinus alba, Ait.
White Spruce. From Canada to Carolina, up to the highest mountains:
It resembles P. Picea, but is smaller, at most 50 feet high. Eligible for
our alpine country.

Pinus Alcocquiana, Parlatore.

Japan, at an elevation of 6 to 7000 feet. A fine tree, with very small
blue-green leaves ; the wood is used for light household furniture.

Pinus amabilis, Dougl.
Californian Silver Fir. North California, at an elevation of 4000 feet.
A handsome fir, 200 feet high, circumference of stem 24 feet; the stem
is naked up to 100 feet.

Pinus Australis, Michx.*
Southern or Swamp Pine, also called Georgia, Yellow Pitch or Broom
Pine. In the Southern States of N. America The tree attains a
height of 70 feet. It furnishes a good timber for furniture and building.
It is this tree, which forms chiefly the extensive pine barrens of the
United States, and yields largely the American turpentine.

Pinus Ayacahuite, Ehrenb. (P. Loudoniana, Gord.)
In Mexico, at an elevation of 8000 to 12,000 feet. An excellent pine,
100 to 150 feet high, with a stem diameter of 3 to 4 feet, yielding a
much esteemed white or sometimes reddish timber.

Pinus balsamea, L.
Balsam Fir, Balm of Gilead Fir. Canada, Nova Scotia, New England.
An elegant tree, 40 feet high, which with Pinus Fraseri yields the
Canada Balsam, the well-known oleo-resin. The timber is light, soft
and useful for furniture. It thrives best in cold swampy places, Eligi-
ble for our alps.

Pinus Canadensis, L.
Hemlock Spruce. In Canada and over a great part of the United
States, on high mountains. A very ornamental tree, 100 feet high,
with a white cross-grained and inferior wood. The tree, however, is
extremely valuable on account of its bark, which is much esteemed as
a tanning material ; it is stripped off during the summer months. The
young shoots are used for making spruce beer.

Pinus Canariensis, OC. Smith.* :
Canary Pine. Canary Islands, forming large forests at an elevation of
5 to 6000 feet. A tree 70 feet high, with a resinous durable very heavy
wood, not readily attacked by insects. It thrives well in Victoria, and
shows celerity of growth.

Pinus Cedrus, L.
Cedar of Lebanon. Together with the Atlas variety on the mountains
‘of Lebanon and Taurus, also in N. Africa. The tree grows to a
height of 100 feet, and attains a very great age ; the wood is of a light
reddish color, soft, easy to work, and much esteemed for its dura-

bility.

37

Pinus Cedrus var. Deodara.*
Deodar Cedar. On the Himalaya mountains, 4 to 12,000 feet above sea
level. A majestic tree, 150 feet high, and sometimes 30 feet in circumfer-
ence of stem. The wood is of a whitish yellow color, very close-grained
and resinous, and furnishes one of the best building timbers known ; it
must, however, not be felled too young. The tree also yields a good
deal of resin and turpentine.

Pinus Cembra, L.

On the European Alps, also in Siberia and Tartary. The tree attains
a height of 60 feet; the wood is of a yellow color, very soft and resinous,
of an extremely fine texture and is extensively used for carving and
cabinet work. The seeds are edible, and when pressed yield a great
quantity of oil. A good turpentine is also obtained from this pine.

Pinus cembroides, Zucc. (P. Laveana, Schiede and Deppe.)
Mexican Swamp Pine. A small tree, 30 feet high, growing at an eleva-

tion of 8000 to 10,000 feet. The timber is not of much use, but the seeds
are edible and have a very agreeable taste.

P. Cilicica, Ant. and Kotsch.
Cilician Silver Fir. Asia Minor. 4000 to 6500 above sea leyel. A hand-

some tree of pyramidal growth 160 feet high. The wood is very soft
and used extensively for the roofs of houses, as it does not warp.

Pinus contorta, Dougl.

On high damp ranges in California, attaining 50 feet in height. It is
valuable as a shelter tree in stormy localities.

Pinus Coulteri, Don.
California, on the eastern slope of the coast range at an elevation of
8000 to 4000 feet. A~ e of quick growth, attaining a height of 75 feet;
it has the largest cones of all pines.

Pinus Dougilasii, Sabine.*
Oregon Pine. N.W. America forming very extensive forests. A large
conical shaped tree, up to 300 feet in height, with a stem of 2 to 10 feet
diameter. Only in a moist forest climate of rapid growth.

Pinus dumosa, Don (P. Brunoniana Wail.)

Bootan, Sikkim and Nepal, 10.000 feet above sea level. A very orna-
mental fir, rising to 70 or 80 feet.

Pinus excelsa, Wall.*
The Lofty or Bootan Pine. Himalaya, forming large forests at from 6000
to 11,500 feet elevation. A fine tree, 150 feet high, furnishing a valu-
able, close-grained, resinous wood, as well as a good quantity of tur-
pentine.

Pinus Fortunei, Parlatore.
China, in the neighbourhood or Foochowfoo. A splendid tree, 70 feet
high, somewhat similar in habit to P. Cedrus.

Pinus Fraseri, Pursh.
Double Balsam Fir. On high mountains of Carolina and Pennsylvania.
This tree, which gets about 20 feet high, yields with P. balsamea
Canada Balsam. I
Pinus Gerardiana, Wall.
Nepal Nut Pine. In the N.E. parts of the Himalaya at an elevation of
10,000 to 12,000 feet, forming extensive forests. The tree gets 50 feet
high, and produces very sweet edible seeds, also turpentine,
E

38

Pinus grandis, Dougl.
Great Silver Fir of North California. A splendid fir, 200 feet high and
upwards, growing best in moist valleys of high rane the wood is
white and soft.

Pinus Haleppensis, Mill.*
Aleppo Pine. South Europe and North Africa, This well known pine
attains a height of 80 feet with a stem of from 4 to 5 feet in diameter.
The timber of young trees is white, of older trees of a dark color; it
is principally esteemed for ship building, but also used for furniture.
The tree yields a kind of Venetian turpentine, as well as a valuable tar.
It thrives well in waterless rocky places, also on the sandy sea coast.
P. maritima is a variety of this species. Content with the poorest and
driest localities, and rapid of growth.

Pinus Hartwegii, Lindl.
Mexico, 9000 to 13,000 feet above sea level. A pine, 50 feet in height,
with a very durable wood of a reddish color; it yields a large quantity
of resin.

Pinus Larix, L.
Common Larch; deciduous. On the European Alps up to 7000 feet. It
attains a height of 100 feet, sometimes rising even up to 160 feet, and
produces a valuable timber of great durability, which is used for land and
water buildings, and much prized for ship building. The bark is used
for tanning and dyeing. The tree is of great importance for its yield of
the Venetian turpentine, which is obtained by boring holes into it in
spring; these fill during the summer, supplying from } to 3 pint of
turpentine. In Piedmont, where they tap the tree in different places
and let the liquid continually run, it is said that from 7 to 8 may be
obtained in a year, but the wood suffers through this operation. P. L.
var. Rossica, Russian Larch, grows principally on the Altai mountains
from 2,500 to 5,500 feet above sea level; it attains a height of 80 feet.
The species would be important for our upland country.

Pinus leiophylla, Schiede and Deppe.
7000 to 11,000 feet up on the mountains of Mexico. A tree 90 feet
high. The wood is excessively hard.

Pinus leptolepis, Sieb . and Zuce.
Japan Larch. In Japan, between 35° and 48° N. lat., up to an elevation
of 9000 feet. The timber is highly valued by the Japanese.

Pinus longifolia, Roxb.*
Emodi Pine or Cheer Pine. On the Himalaya mountains, from 2000 to
7000 jfeet. A handsome tree with a branchless stem of 50 feet; the
wood is resinous and the red variety useful for building; it yields a
quantity of tar and turpentine. ‘The tree stands exposure and heat
well.

Pinus Massoniana, Lamb. (P. Sinensis, Lamb.)
China and Japan. This pine attains a height of 60 feet, and supplies a
resinous tough and durable wood, used for buildings ‘and furniture,
The roots, when burned with the oil of Brassica Orientalis, furnish the
Chinese Lampblack.

Pinus Menziesii, Dougl.
North West America. A very handsome tree, which grows to a height
of 70 feet, and furnishes a valuable timber; it thrives best in moist
ground.

Pinus Hudsonica, Poir. (P. Banksiana, Lamb.)
Grey Pine; North America, up to 64° N. lat. Height of tree 40 feet,

in the cold north only a shrub. The wood is oy nee and easily
worked,

Wh oes

39

Pinus Jeffreyi, Murr.

North California, on a sterile sandy soil. A noble pine, 150 feet high ;
stem 4 feet thick.

Pinus Kaempferi, Lamb.
Chinese Larch: also called Golden Pine. China. This is the hand-
somest of all the larches. It is of quick growth, and attains a height
of 150 feet: The leaves, which are of a vivid green during spring and
summer, turn to a golden yellow in autumn. The wood is very hard .
and durable.

Pinus Koraiensis, Sieb. and Zucc.

China and Japan. A handsome tree, 30 to 40 feet high, producing
edible seeds.

Pinus Lambertiana, Dougl.
Giant or Sugar Pine. North-west coast of America; mostly in great
altitudes. A lofty tree, upwards of 300 feet high, with a straight,
naked stem of from 20 to 60 feet in circumference. It thrives best in
sandy soil, and produces a soft, white, straight grained wood, which
for inside work is esteemed above any other pine in California, and
furnished in large quantities. The cones are 18 inches long; the
seeds are edible, and used as food by the natives. Would come best
to perfection in the humid regions of our higher mountains.

Pinus Laricio, Poir.*
Corsican Pine. South Europe. It attains a height of 120 feet. The
wood is white, towards the centre dark, very resinous, coarse-grained,
elastic and durable, and much esteemed for building, especially for
waterworks. There are three main varieties of this pine, viz.:
P. L. Poiretiana, in Italy; P. L. Austriaca, in Austria; P. L. Pallas-
siana, on the borders of the Black Sea. The tree grows best in
calcareous soil, but also in poor, sandy soil, where, however, the timber
is not so large nor so good. It yields all the products of P. silvestris,
but in greater quantities, being perhaps the most resinous of
all pines.

Pinus Mertensiana, Bong.
Californian Hemlock Spruce, North-west America. The wood is
white and very soft, but is often used for building. The tree is from
100 to 150 feet high, by a stem diameter of 4 to 6 feet.

Pinus mitis, Michx. .
Yellow Pine of North America, In dry sandy soil, attaining a height

of 60 feet. Wood durable, fine-grained, moderately resinous, valuable
for flooring.

Pinus monophylla, Torr. and Frem.
Stone or Nut Pine of California, on the Sierra Nevada and Cascade
Mountains, 6,500 feet. The seeds are edible, of an almond-like taste,
and consumed in quantity by the natives. Height of tree only 35
feet ; thickness of stem 8 to 10 inches.

Pinus montana, Du Roi. (P. Pumilio Henke.)
On the Alps and Carpathians up to the highest points, covering large
tracts, and thriving on the poorest soil. The tree, which grows about
25 feet high, in favourable localities 50, yields much oil of turpen-
tine. The wood is used for carving and for firewood. Only available
to advantage for our highlands.

Pinus aoe iinet: Lamb. (P. Devoniana, Lindl.) (P. Grenvillee,

Gord.
Mexico. A handsome Pine, 80 feet high; wood white, soft and
resinous, : ay !
E 2

40°

Pinus monticola, Dougl. :
California, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. It thrives best in poor soil
of granite formation, and attains the height of 200 feet, with a stem
of 14 to 4 feet thick, The wood is white, close-grained.

Pinus muricata, Don.
Bishop’s Pine. California. Found up 7,500 feet! This pine grows to
about 40 feet,

Pinus nigra, Ait,
Black Spruce. North-East America, Occurring extensively between
44° and 58° N, latitude. This tree, which is termed Double Spruce
by the Canadians, attains a height of 70 feet, and furnishes a light
elastic timber of white colour, excellent for yards of ships. The
young shoots are used for making spruce-beer, and the small roots
serve as cords, It likes swampy forest land,

Pinus nobilis, Dougl.
Noble White Fir. North west coast of America, on the Columbia
River and the mountains of North California, where it forms exten-
sive forests at 6 to 8,000 feet, A majestic tree, 150 to 200 feet high,
with regular horizontal branches. It furnishes a valuable timber for
building.

Pinus orientalis, L,
Sapindus Fir. In Asia Minor, at 4,000 feet. The tree rises to about
80 feet, and resembles somewhat the Norway Spruce. The wood is
exceedingly tough and durable.

Pinus parviflora, Sieb.

In Japan. It only gets about 25 feet high; but is much used as an
avenue tree; wood for fine furniture and boat-building.

Pinus Pattoniana, Parl.
California; 5 to 6,000 feet above sea-level, A very fine fir, 300 feet
high, with a perfectly straight stem. The wood is hard, of a reddish
colour, with handsome veins ; but poor in resin.

Pinus patula, Schiede and Deppe.
In Mexico; at an elevation of 8 to 9,000 feet. A graceful pine, 80 feet
high.

Pinus pendula, Soland. (P. microcarpa, Lamb.)
Small-coned American Larch; Black Larch or Tamarack. Frequent
in Vermont and New Hampshire, A pine of pyramidal growth, 100

feet high. The timber is white, heavy, resinous, and as highly
valued as that of the Common Larch.
Pinus picea, Du Roi.* (P. Abies, L.)

Norway Spruce, Fichte, Middle and Northern Europe and Northern
Asia; rising from the plains to an elevation of 4,500 feet, and forming
extensive forests. The tree attains a height of 150 feet or even more,
and furnishes an excellent timber for building and furniture; com-
monly known under the name of White Deal. It also produces the
Burgundy Pitch in quantity, while the bark is used for tanning.
Though enduring our dry summers, this spruce would have to be
restricted for timber purposes to the damp mountains.

Pinus Pinaster, Soland.*

Cluster Pine. On the shores of the Mediterranean. The tree is of
quick growth, and rises to 60 feet in height; the wood is soft and
resinous; it yields largely the French turpentine. Among the best
pines for consolidation of sandy coast land, and converting rolling
sands into pasture and agricultural land. For ease of rearing and
rapidity of growth, one of the most important of all pines.

41

Pinus Pinceana, Gord.
Mexico, up to 9000 feet above sea level. A very remarkable pine,
having drooping branches like the Weeping Willow; 60 feet high. Most
desirable for cemeteries.

Pinus Pindrow, Royle.
In great abundance on the spurs of the Himalaya mountains, 8 to
12,000 feet above the sea level. A fine straight stemmed tree, 100 feet
high.

Pinus Pinea, L.*
Stone Pine. Frequent in the countries bordering on the Mediterranean :
height of tree 60 feet; the wood is whitish, light, but full of resin, and
much used for buildings, furniture and ships. ‘The seeds are edible,
somewhat resembling almonds, but of a taste resinous though not dis-
agreeable; they only ripen in their third year. This pine grows as
easily and almost as quickly as the Cluster Pine.

Pinus Pinsapo, Boiss.

Spanish Fir. In Spain, on the Sierra Nevada, 4 to 6000 feet. A tree
of 60 feet high, with branches from the ground.

Pinus ponderosa, Dougl.* (P. Benthamiana, Hartw.)

Yellow or Pitch Pine of the mountains of N.W. America. Height of
tree up to 225 feet, with a stem of 24 feet in circumference, of compara-
tively quick growth; the wood is heavy, and for general purposes
preferred to that of any other pine. Has proved well adapted even for
dry localities in Victoria.

Pinus Pseudo-Strobus, Lindl.*

In Mexico. This tree is superior in appearance to any other Mexican
pine; height 80 feet.

Pinus Pyrenaica, Lapeyr.

In the South of Spain and on the Pyrenees. A fine ornamental tree of
quick growth, 80 feet high ; the wood is white and dry, poor in resin.

Pinus radiata, Don.* (P. insignis, Dougl.)
California. A splendid pine, fully 100 feet high, with a straight stem
2 to 4 feet in diameter. It is of remarkably rapid growth, a seedling,
one year old, being strong enough for final transplantation; the wood
is tough, and much sought for boat-building and various utensils.

Pinus religiosa, Humb.
Oyamel Fir. Mexico, 4 to 9000 feet above the sea level. A magnificent
tree with silvery leaves, growing 100 feet high ; stem 6 feet in diameter ;
the wood is particularly well fit for shingles.

Pinus resinosa, Soland.
Red Pine. N. America, principally in Canada and Nova Scotia. It gets
80 feet high and 2 feet in diameter; the wood is red, fine-grained,
heavy and durable, not very resinous, and is used for ship-building.

Pinus rigida, Mill.*
American Pitch Pine. From New England to Virginia. It grows to a
height of 80 feet ; the timber, when from good soil, is hard and resinous
and used for building; but the tree is principally important for its yield
of turpentine, resin, pitch and tar.

Pinus rubra, Lamb.
Hudson’s Pine, Red Spruce. Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and other
northern parts of the American Continent. A straight slender tree, 70
feet high ; the wood is of a reddish color and highly esteemed

42

Pinus Sabiniana, Dougl.*
Californian Nut Pine or White Pine, Most frequent on the western slopes
of the Rocky Mountains, intermixed with other trees; 150 feet high;
stem 3 to 5 feet in diameter; the wood is white and soft; the clus-
tered heavy cones attain a length of 1 foot; the seeds are edible.
Proves in dry localities of Victoria to be of quick growth.

Pinus serotina, Michx.
Pond Pine. Southern States of North America, in black morassy soil,
principally near the sea coast; it is 50 feet high, stem 18 inches in
diameter; the wood is soft.

Pinus silvestris, L:*
Scotch Fir, Foehre, Middle and Northern Europe, up to 70° N. Lat.,
and North Asia, thriving best in sandy soil. A very valuable tree,
fully 100 feet high, growing to the age of about 120 years. The Red
Baltic, Norway, or Riga deals are obtained from this pine, as well as
a large portion of the European pine tar. Proves well adapted even
for the drier patts of Victoria.

Pinus Sibirica, Turcz. (P. Pichta, Fisch.)
Siberian Pitch Fir. On the Altai Mountains; it reaches a height of
50 feet.

Pinus Strobus, L.*
Weymouth Pine or American White Pine. N.E. America, growing on
any soil, but preferring swampy ground; it is found 160 feet high,
with a stem of 4 to 6 feet in diameter; the wood is soft, white, light,
free of knots, almost without resin, easy to work, and much
esteemed for masts; it yields American turpentine and gallipot.

Pinus Teeda, lL.
Frankincense or Loblolly Pine. Florida and Virginia, in sandy soil,
attaining a height of 80 feet; the timber is esteemed for ship-building.
It also yields turpentine in good quantity, though of inferior quality.

Pinus tenuifolia, Benth.

Mexico, at an elevation of 5000 feet, forming dense forests; height of
tree 100 feet, stem up to 5 feet in diameter.

Pinus Teocote, Cham. and Schlecht.
Okote or Torch Pine. Mexico, 5 to 8000 feet above the sea level.
Tree 100 feet high, stem 3 to 4 feet in diameter; the wood is resinous
and durable.

Pinus Tsuga, Ant,
In the northern provinces of Japan, 6 to 9000 feet above the sea. The
tree gets only 25 feet high; its timber is highly esteemed for superior
furniture, especially by turners.

Pinus Webbiana, Wallich.*
King Pine, Dye Pine. On the Himalaya Mountains, at an elevation
of 12 to 13,000 feet. A splendid fir 70 to 80 feet high, with a stem
diameter of generally 3 to 4 feet, but sometimes even 10 fect. The
wood is of a white color, soft, coarse-grained and very resinous; the
natives extract a splendid violet dye from the cones.

Sciadopitys verticillata, Sieb.
The lofty and curious Umbrella Fir of Japan, 140 feet high; resists
severe frosts; wood white and compact.

Sequoia sempervirens, Endl.* (Taxodium sempervirens, Lamb.)
Red Wood or Bastard Cedar of N. W. America, chiefly California. <A
splendid tree, 800 feet high, occasionally with a diameter of the stem of
55 feet. The wood is reddish, close-veined, but light and brittle. One
of the most colossal trees of the globe.

42

Sequoia Wellingtonia, Seem.* (Wellingtonia gigantea, Lindl.)
Mammoth Tree. California, up to 5000 feet above the sea. This, the
biggest of all trees, attains a stem of 320 feet in length and 112 feet in
circumference, the oldest trees being estimated at 1100 years; the total
height of a tree will occasionally be 450 feet; a stem broken at 300 feet
had yet a diameter of 18 feet. ‘The wood is soft and white when felled,
afterwards it turns red.

Taxodium distichum, Rich.*
Virginian Swamp or Bald Cypress. In swampy places of North
America. A large and valuable tree, 100 feet high, with a stem circum-
ference of sometimes 40 feet, of rapid growth, with deciduous foliage
like that of the Larch and Ginkgo; it is found fossil in the miocene
formation of many parts of Europe. The wood is fine-grained, hard
and durable; it yields an essential oil and a superior kind of tur-
pentine. Useful for avenues on swampy margins of lakes or river
banks.

Taxodium mucronatum, Ten.

The famed Montezuma Cypress of Mexico, 120 feet high, with a trunk
44 feet in circumference; it forms extensive forests hetween Chapultepec
and Tescuco.

Taxus baccata, L.

Yew. Middle and South Europe and Asia, at 1000 to 4000 feet
elevation. Generally a shrub, sometimes a tree 40 feet high, which
furnishes a yellow or brown wood, exceedingly tough, elastic and
durable, and much esteemed by turners.. The tree is of very slow
growth, and reaches a great age, perhaps several thousand years; some
ancient ones are known with a stem of fifty feet in girth.

Taxus brevifolia, Nuttall. (7. Lindleyana, Laws.)

N. W. America. Western Yew. A stately tree, 75 feet high, with a
stem of 5 feet in circumference. The Indians use the wood for their
bows.

Thuya gigantea, Nutt.

N.W. America, on the banks of the Columbia River: The Yellow

Cypress of the colonists. A straight, graceful tree, 200 feet high, fur-

nishing a valuable building timber of a pale or light yellow color.
Thuya occidentalis, L.

N. America, particularly frequent in Canada. A fine tree, 70 feet high ;
the wood is reddish or yellowish, fine-grained, very tough and resinous,
and well fit for building, especially for water work. ‘The shoots and
also an essential oil of this tree are used in medicine; the bast can
be converted into ropes.

Thuyopsis dolabrata, Sieb and Zucc.

Japan. A majestic tree, furnishing an excellent hard timber of a red
color.

Torreya Californica, Torr. (7. myristica, Hooker.)
In California. Tree 80 feet high.
Torreya grandis, Fortune.

China. A tree 60 feet high, with an umbrella-shaped crown; it pro-
duces good timber.

Torreya nucifera, 8. and Z. (Caryotaxus nucifera, Zucc.)

Japan. Height of tree about 20 feet. From the nuts the Japanese
press an oil, used as an article of food.

44,

Torreya taxifolia, Arnott.

Florida. A tree 50 feet in height, with a firm, close-grained, durable
wood of a reddish color.

Widdringtonia juniperoides, Endl.
South Africa, 3000 to 4000 feet above sea levelh A middling sized
tree, rich in resin.

—~—_—_—

II.—MISCELLANEOUS TREES, NOT CONIFEROUS.

Acacia acuminata, Benth.
A kind of Myall from Western Australia, attaining a height of 40 feet.

Acacia decurrens, Willd. (A. mollissima, Willd. A. dealbata, Link.)
The Black Wattle or Silver Wattle. From the eastern part of
8. Australia, through Victoria and N. 8S. Wales, to the southern part
of Queensland, in open plains a small or middle sized tree, in deep
forest recesses a lofty tree, of singularly rapid growth. Its wood can
be used for staves and many other purposes, but its chief use would be
to afford the first shelter, in treeless localities, for raising forests. Its
bark, rich in tannin, and its gum, not dissimilar to Gum Arabic,
tender this tree also important. Other quick growing trees, useful in
various ways, growing in any soil and enduring drought, can be
used simultaneously, by mere dissemination, in ploughed ground, for
dense temporary belts of shelter, or for quick yielding fuel planta-
tions, such as Acacia pycnantha, A. lophantha, Casuarina quadri-
valvis, Casuarina suberosa, Hucalyptus melliodora, Eucalyptus viminalis
and many other Eucalypts, all easily growing from seed.

Acacia homalophylla, Cunn.
The Victorian Myall, extending into the deserts of N.S. Wales. The
dark brown wood is much sought for turner’s work on account of its
solidity and fragrance; perhaps its most extensive use is in the
manufacture of tobacco pipes. Never a tall tree.

Acacia Melanoxylon, R. Br.

The well known Blackwood of our river flats and moist forest
valleys, passing also under the inappropriate name of Lightwood. In
irrigated valleys of deep soil the tree will attain a height of 80
feet, with: a ster several feet in diameter. The wood is most valu-
able for furniture, railway carriages, boat-building, casks, billiard
tables, pianofortes (for sound-boards and actions), and numerous
other purposes. ‘lhe fine-grained wood is cut into veneers. It takes
a fine polish, and is considered equal to the best Walnut. Our best
wood for bending under steam. For further details refer to the
volumes of the Exhibitions of 1862 and 1867.

Acer campestre, L.
Extends from Middle Europe to North Asia. Height 40 feet, in shelter
and deep soil; the yellow and purple tint of its foliage in autumn
render the tree then particularly beautiful. The wood is compact
and fine-grained, and sought for choice furniture. The tree can be
trimmed for hedge growth. Comparatively quick of growth, and easily
raised from seed. ‘I’hese remarks apply to almost all kinds of Maples.

Acer dasycarpum, Ehrhart.
The Silver Maple of North America. Likes rather a warmer climate
‘than the other American Maples, and therefore particularly desirable
for us here.- Height 50 feet; wood pale and soft, stem sometimes 9
feet in diameter.

45

Acer macrophyllum, Pursh.
Large Oregon Maple. ‘Tree 90 feet high, of quick growth; stem 16
feet in circumference; wood whitish, beautifully veined.

Acer Negundo, L
The Bos Elder of North America. A tree, deciduous like the rest of
the Maples; attains a height of about 50 feet, and is rich in saccharine
sap. Proved well adapted for our country.

Acer palmatum, Thunb.
This beautiful tree with deeply cleft leaves is indigenous to Japan,
where various varieties with red and yellow tinged leaves occur.
Should it be an aim to bring together all the kinds of Maples, which
could be easily grown in appropriate spots of Victoria, then Japan
alone would furnish 25 species.

Acer platanoides, L
The Norway Maple, extending south to Switzerland, 70 feet nee The
pale wood much used by cabinetmakers.

Acer Pseudo-platanus, L.
The Sycamore Maple or British Plane. Attains a height of over 100
feet. The wood is compact and firm, valuable for various implements,
instruments and cabinet work. It furnishes like some other maples a
superior charcoal.

Acer rubrum, L.

The Red Maple, North America. A tree attaining 80 feet, fond of
swampy places; wood close-grained. The trunk when twisted furnishes
also curled maple wood. Grows well with several other maples, even
in dry open localities of this part of Australia, although the foliage may
somewhat suffer from our hot winds.

Acer saccharinum, Wang.*

One of the largest of the maples. In the colder latitudes of North
America, 80 feet high. Wood of rosy tinge, when knotty or curly
furnishes the Birdseye and curly Maplewood. In the depth of winter
the trees, when tapped, will yield the saccharine fluid, which is so
-extensively converted into maple sugar, each tree yielding 2 to 4 lb. a
year. The trees can be tapped for very many years in succession, without
injury. The Sugar Maple is rich in potash. Numerous other maples
exist, among which as the tallest may be mentioned, Acer Creticum,
L., of South Europe, 40 feet; A.levigatum, A. sterculiaceum and A.
villosam, Wallich, of Nepal, 50 feet; A. pictum, Thunb., of Japan,
380 feet.

4ésculus Hippocastanum, L.

Indigenous to Central Asia. One’of the most showy of deciduous trees,
more particularly when during spring “it has reached the meridian of
its glory, and stands forth in all the gorgeousness of leaves and
blossoms.” Height 60 feet. It will succeed in sandy soil on sheltered
spots; the wood adapted for furniture; the seeds a food for various
domestic animals; the bark a good tanning material. Three species
occur in Japan, and several, but none of great height, in North America
and South Asia.

Ailantus glandulosa, L.
S.E. Asia. A hardy deciduous tree, 60 feet high, of rather rapid growth,
and of very imposing aspect in any landscape. Particularly valuable
on account of its leaves, which afford food to a silkworm (Bombyx
Cynthia), peculiar to this tree; wood pale yellow, of silky lustre when
planed, and therefore valued for joiners’ work. In South Europe
planted for avenues.

46

Alnus glutinosa, Gaertn.
The ordinary Alder. Throughout Europe and extra tropical Asia, 70 feet
high ; well adapted for river banks; wood soft and light, turning red,
furnishing one of the best charcoals for gunpowder; it is also durable
under water, and adapted for turners and joiner’s work. A. incana
Willd. is an equally high and allied species.

Amyris terebinthifolia, Tenore.
Brazil. Is here perfectly hardy, and is content in dry ground without
any irrigation. It proved one of the best among the smaller avenue
trees, is beautifully spreading and umbrageous, and probably of
medicinal value.

Angophora intermedia, Cand.
South East Australia. This is the best of the Angophoras, attaining a
height of 50 feet, and growing with the rapidity of an Eucalyptus, but
being more close and shady in its foliage. It would be one of our best
trees to line public roads, and to effect shelter plantations.

Baloghia lucida, Endl. (Codieum lucidum, J. M.)
East Australia. A middle sized tree. The sap from the vulnerated
trunk forms, without any admixture, a beautiful red indelible pigment.

Betula alba, L.*
The ordinary Birch of Europe and extratropical Asia. It attains a
height of 80 feet, and would here thrive best in moist glens of the
ranges, or in the higher regions of our mountains, where it would
form up at the Alpine Zone excellent shelter plantations. The durable
bark serves for roofing. Wood white, turning red. The oil of the
bark is used in preparing the Russian leather,

Betula nigra, L,
The Black or River Birch of North America. One of the tallest of
Birches, If grown on the banks of a limpid stream, it will bear intense
heat. The wood is compact, of a light colour.

Betula papyracea, Ait.

The Paper Birch of North America. A larger tree than B. alba, with
a fine-grained wood and a tough bark ; much used for portable canoes.
It likes a cold situation,

Betula lenta, Willd.

The Cherry Birch of North America, A tree of middle size, liking
moist ground. Bark aromatic. Wood rose-coloured or dark, fine-
grained, excellent for furniture, Several Birches occur in Japan, which
might well be tried here.

Carpinus Betulus, L.

The Hornbeam. A tree of 80 feet high. Middle and South Europe.
Wood pale, of a horny toughness and hardness, close-grained, but not
elastic. This tree would serve to arrest the progress of bushfires, if
planted in copses or hedges like willows and poplars around forest
plantations. A smaller species, Carpinus Americana, Mich., yields the
Ironwood of North America. Four species occur in Japan (C. cordata,
C. erosa, C. laxiflora, C. japonica (Blume). Carpinus viminea (Wallich)
is a species with durable wood from the middle regions of Nepal.

Carya alba, Nuttall.*
The Shellbark-Hickory. A deciduous tree, 90 feet high, which delights
in rich forest soil; a native of North America, Wood strong, elastic,
and tenacious, but not very durable. Yields the main supply of
Hickory nuts. All the hickories are extensively used in North America
for hoops.

47

Carya amara, Nuttall,
The Bitiernut Tree or Swamp Hickory. A tree, 80 feet high, in
swampy grounds of North America. Wood less valuable than that of
other Hickories. :

Carya glabra, Torrey.* (Carya porcina, Nuttall.)
The Hognut Tree. <A tree, 80 feet high, in forest land of North
America. Wood very tough; the heart-wood reddish or dark-coloured ;
much used for axletrees and axehandles.

Carya oliviformis, Nuttall.*
The Pecan Nut Tree. A lofty tree, fond of river banks in North
America.

Carya suleata, Nuttall.*
The Furrowed Hickory and Shellbark Hickory of some districts ; also
Shagbark Hickory. A tree, 80 feet high, in damp woods of North
America. Heart-wood pale-coloured. Seed of sweet pleasant taste.

Carya tomentosa, Nuttall.*
The Mocker Nuttree or White Heart Hickory. A big tree of North
America. Likes forest soil, not moist. Heart-wood pale-coloured,
remarkable for strength and durability. Seeds very oily. Nut small,
but sweet. A variety produces nuts as large as an apple.

Castanea sativa, Miller.* (C. vesca Gertner.)

The Sweet Chesnut Tree. South Europe and temperate Asia, as far as
Japan, and a variety with smaller fruits extending to North America.
It attains an enormous age; at Mount Etna an individual tree
occurs with a stem 204 feet in circumference. The wood is light
and coarse-grained ; the importance of the tree rests on its adapta-
bility for shade plantations, its nutritious nuts and timber value.

Castanopsis argentea, A. Candolle.

A lofty tree in the mountains of India, produces also edible chesnuts.
Other species of the genus Castanopsis are valuable.

Casuarina glauca, Sieber.
The Desert Sheoak, widely distributed through Australia, but nowhere
in forest-like masses. This species attains, in favourable places, a
height of 80 feet. Its hard durable wood is valuable. Important for
its rapid growth, resistance to exposure for shelter plantation, and
a speedy supply of fuel, a remark which applies also to the following
species.

Casuarina quadrivalvis, Labillard.

The Coast Sheoak of South-east Australia, but not merely living in
coast sand, but also on barren places up to the hills inland. Height
to 60 feet. The male tree is very eligible for avenues, the foliage of
the species being drooping, Cattle are fond of the foliage. For
arresting the ingress of coast sand by belts of timber, this is one of
the most important trees. It produces, like other Casuarinas, seeds
early and copiously, and is easily raised.

Casuarina suberosa, Willd.
The Erect Sheoak of South East Australia. Height to 40 feet. A
beautiful shady species, Casuarina trichodon (Miq.), C. Fraseriana,
(Miq.), and C. Huegeliana (Miq.), are arboreous species of South-west
Australia, all valuable for their wood.

Cedrela Taona, Roxburgh. 8
The Singapore Cedar. A mere variety of this is the Red Cedar of East
Australia (Cedrela Australis,Cunn.) The light beautiful wood, easily
worked and susceptible of high polish, is much in request for

48

furniture, for the manufacture of pianofortes, for boat-building and a
variety of other work. As this important tree is largely extirpated in
the cedar brushes, it is highly desirable to form of it in our rich forest
gullies independent plantations for future local supply. ‘The Red
Cedar is hardy at Melbourne, but in our open exposed gardens and
poor soil of slow growth.

Celtis Australis, L.
The Lotus tree of South Europe and North Africa. Of longevity, 50 feet
high, available for avenues. Berries edible. Wood hard and dense,
eligible particularly for turers and carvers’ work.

Celtis Occidentalis, L.
The Huckberry Tree. A fine forest tree in Ohio, and other parts of
North America. Height, 80 feet. The variety called C. crassifolia is
the best. The sweet fruits edible. Wood elastic and fissile.

Ceratonia Siliqua, L.
The Carob tree of the Mediterranean regions. It attains a height
of 30 feet and resists drought well. Wood pale red. Thesaccharine
pods, Algaroba or St. John’s Bread, of value for domestic animals.
The seeds germinate readily.

Cinnamomum Camphora, Nees.*
The Camphor tree of China and Japan, attaining a height of about
40 feet. It endures the occasional frosts of Port Phillip, though the
foliage will suffer. The wood, like all other parts of the tree, is
' pervaded by Camphor, hence resists the attack of insects.

Corylus Colurna, L.
The Constantinople Nut tree, the tallest of Hazels, attaining 60 feet
in height, of rather quick growth. This, as well as the European
Hazel (Corylus Avellana, L.) and the Japan Hazel (C. heterophylla,
Fischer) might be grown for copses in our forest gullies.

Corynocarpus laevigata, Forst.
The Karaka of New Zealand and the principal forest tree of the
Chatham Islands, attaining the height of 60 feet. The wood is
light, and used by the natives for canoes. The pulp of the fruit is
edible. Cattle browse on the foliage. In rich humid soil the tree
can be adopted for avenues.

Diospyros Virginiana, L.
The N. American Ebony or Parsimon. A tree 60 feet high. Wood
very hard and blackish. The sweet variety yields a good table fruit.

Engelhardtia spicata, Blume.

The spurious Walnut tree of the mountains of Java and the Himalayas,
It reaches a height of 200 feet.

Eucalyptus amygdalina, Labill.

In our sheltered springy forest glens attaining not rarely a height of
over 400 feet, there forming a smooth stem and broad leaves, pro-
ducing also seedlings of a foliage different to the ordinary state of
Euc. amygdalina, as occurs in more open country. This species or
variety, which might be called Hucalyptus reqgnans, represents the
loftiest tree in British territory, and ranks next to the Sequoia Welling-
tonia in size anywhere on the globe. The wood is fissile, well adapted
for shingles, rails, for housebuilding, for the keelson and plank-
ing of ships and other purposes. lLabillardiére’s name applies ill to
any of the forms of this species. Seedlings raised on rather barren
ground near Melbourne have shown the same amazing rapidity of
growth as those of Huc. globulus; yet, like those of Huc. obliqua,
they are not so easily satisfied with any soil.

49

Eucalyptus citriodora, Hooker.
Queensland. It combines with the ordinary qualities of many Eucalypts
the advantage of yielding from its leaves a rather large supply of
volatile oil of excellent lemon-like fragrance.

Pages diversicolor, F. v. Mueller.

The Karri of 8. W. Australia. A colossal tree, exceptionally reaching
to the height of 400 feet, with a proportionate girth of the stem. The
timber is excellent. Fair progress of growth is shown by the young
trees, planted even in dry exposed localities in Melbourne. The shady
foliage and dense growth of the tree promise to render it one of our
vee for avenues. In its native localities it occupies fertile, rather humid
valleys.

Eucalyptus globulus, Labill.

Blue Gumtree of Victoria and Tasmania. This tree is of extremely
rapid growth and attains a height of 400 feet, furnishing a first-class
wood ; shipbuilders get keels of this timber 120 feet long ; besides this
they use it extensively for planking and many other parts of the ship,
and it is considered to be generally superior to American Rock Elm. A
test of strength has been made between some Blue Gum, English Oak,
and Indian Teak. The Blue Gum carried 14 lbs. weight more than the
Oak and 17 Ibs. 40zs. more than Teak upon the square inch. Blue Gum
wood, besides for shipbuilding, is very extensively used by carpenters
for all kinds of out-door work, also for fence rails, railway sleepers—
lasting about 9 years,—for shafts and spokes of drays, and a variety of
other purposes.

Eucalyptus gomphocephala, Candolle.
The Tooart of S. W. Australia ; attains a height of 50 feet. The wood
is close-grained, hard and not rending. It is used for shipbuilding,
wheelwright’s work and other purposes of artisans.

Eucalyptus marginata, Smith.*

The Jarrah or Mahogany tree of S. W. Australia, famed for its inde-
structible wood, which is attacked neither by Chelura nor ‘Teredo nor
Termites, and therefore so much sought for jetties and other structureg
exposed to sea-water, also for any underground work, and largely
exported for railway sleepers. Vessels built of this timber have been
enabled to do away with all copperplating. It is very strong, of a close
grain and a slightly oily and resinous nature; it works well, makes a
fine finish, and is by shipbuilders here considered superior to either
Oak, Teak, or indeed any other wood. The tree grows chiefly on iron-
stone ranges. At Melbourne it is not quick of growth, if compared to
our Blue Gum (we. globulus, Lab.) or to our Stringybark (#. obliqua,
l’Her.), but it is likely to grow with celerity in our ranges.

Eucalyptus rostrata, Schlechtendal.

The Red Gum of Victoria, South Australia and many river flats in the
interior of the Australian continent. Although a native tree of this
colony, it has been introduced into this list on account of its wood
being of extraordinary endurance under ground, and for this reason so
highly valued for fence-posts, piles and railway sleepers; for the latter
purpose it will last at least a dozen years, and, if well selected, much
longer. It is also extensively used by shipbuilders —for main stem, stern
post, inner post, dead wood, floor timbers, futtocks, transomes, knight
head, hawsepieces, cant, stern, quarter and fashion timber, bottom
planks, breasthooks and riders, windlass, bowrails, &c. It should be
steamed before it is worked for planking. ~Next to the Jarrah from
West Australia this is the best wood for resisting the attacks of sea-
worms and white ants. For other details of the uses of this and other
native trees refer to the Reports of the Victorian Exhibitions of 1862 and

50

1867. The tree attains a height of fully 100 feet. The supply for our
local wants falls already short, and cannot be obtained from Tasmania,
where the tree does not naturally exist.

Eucalyptus Sideroxylon, Cunn.

Iron Bark tree. It attains a height of 100 feet, and supplies a
valuable timber, possessing great strength and hardness; it is much
prized for its durability by carpenters, ship-builders, &c. It is largely
employed by waggon-builders for wheels, poles, &c.; by ship-builders
for top sides, tree nails, the rudder (stock), belaying pins and other
purposes ; it is also used by turners for rough work. This is considered
the strongest wood in our colony. It is much recommended for railway
sleepers, and extensively used in underground mining work.

Excecaria sebifera, J.M. (Stillingia sebifera, Mich.)

The tallow tree of China and Japan. The fatty coating of the seeds
yield the vegetable tallow. The wood is so hard and dense as to be
used for printing blocks; the leaves furnish a black dye. The tree
endures the night frosts of our open lowlands, though its foliage suffers.

Fagus Cunninghami, Hooker.

The Victorian and Tasmanian Beech. A magnificent evergreen tree,
attaining colossal dimensions, and only living in cool damp rich forest
valleys, not rarely 200 feet high. The wood much used by carpenters
and other artisans’, the myrtlewood of the trade. It requires to be
ascertained by actual tests in the forests, whether the allied tall ever-
green New Zealand Beeches possess any advantage over ours for forest
culture, they are: Fagus Menziesti, Hooker, the Red Birch of the
colonists; Fagus fusca, Hook., the Black Birch ; Fagus Solandri, Hook.
the White Birch. A magnificent beech, Fagus Moorei, F. von Muell.
occurs in New England, ‘

Fagus silvatica, L.

The deciduous beech of Britain, of most other parts of Europe and
extra tropical Asia, andas Fagus ferruginea, Ait. ina particular variety,
extending through North America. The trunk has been measured in
height 118 feet, the head 350 feet in diameter; the wood is hard, exten-
sively used by joiners and ship-builders. An allied Beech, Fagus
Sieboldii, Endl., occurs in Japan. All these could here be grown to
advantage only in our springy mountain forests.

Ficus Sycamorus, L.
The Sycomore Fig tree of the Orient, copiously planted along the road
sides of Egypt. The shady crown extends to a width of 120 feet.
Though introduced, we have as yet no local means of raising this tree
in quantity, and must therefore rely on fresh importations of cuttings
or more particularly seeds.

Ficus macrophylla, Desfont.
The Moreton Bay Fig-tree, which is indigenous through a great part
of East Australia. Perhaps the grandest of our avenue trees, and among
the very best to be planted, although in poor dry soil its growth is slow.
In our latitudes it is quite hardy in the lowland. The foliage may
occasionally be injured by grasshoppers. THasily raised from seed.

Fraxinus Americana, L.*
The White Ash of North America. A large tree, 80 feet high, which
delights in humid forests. ‘Timber valuable, better resisting extreme
heat than the common Ash. The Red Ash (Frazinus pubescens, Lam.),
the Green Ash (Ff. viridis, Michx.), the Black Ash (F. sambucifolia,
Lam.), and ‘the Carolina Ash (f. platycarpa, Michx.), are of smaller
$1Ze, :

51

Fraxinus excelsior, L.*

The ordinary Ash of Europe and West Asia, Height 80 feet, of com-
paratively quick growth, known to attain an age of nearly 200 years.
Rich soil on forest rivulets or riverbanks suit it best; wood remark-
ably tough and elastic, used for agricultural and other implements, for
oars, axletrees and many other purposes. Six peculiar kinds of ash
trees occur in Japan, some also in the Indian Highlands; all might
be tried here.

Fraxinus floribunda, Don,
Nepal Ash, 40 feet high.

Fraxinus Ornus, L.*
The Manna Ash of the Mediterranean regions. Height about 80 feet.
Tt yields the medicinal manna.

Fraxinus quadrangulata, Michx.*

The Blue Ash of North America. One of the tallest of the Ashes, 70
feet high, with an excellent timber.

Fraxinus viridis, Mich.
The Green Ash of North America. Height 70 feet ; wood excellent.
Gleditschia triacanthos, L.
The deciduous Honey Locust tree of North America. Height up to 80
feet. Wood hard, coarse-grained, fissile. Sown closely, this plant forms
impenetrable, thorny, not readily combustible hedges. An allied species
the G. horrida, Willd. in Hast Asia. ‘The Water Locust tree of North

America (Gleditschia monosperma, Walt.), will grow in swamps to
80 feet.

Grevillea robusta, Cunningh.*
Our beautiful Lawntree, indigenous to the subtropical part of Hast Aus-
tralia, 100 feet high, of rather rapid growth, and resisting drought in
a remarkable degree ; hence one of the most eligible trees for desert-
culture. Our cultivated trees yield now already an ample supply of
seeds. The wood is valued particularly for staves of casks.

Guevina Avellana, Molina (Quadria heterophylla, R. & P.)

The evergreen Hazel tree of Chili, growing as far as 30° S. It attains a

height of 80 feet, and yields the Hazel nuts of 8S. America
Gymnocladus Canadensis, Lamark.

The Chirot. A North American timber and avenue tree, attaining

a height of 80 feet; allied to Gleditschia, but, as the name implies,

thornless. The wood is strong, tough, compact, fine-grained, and
assumes a rosy color.

Juglans cinerea, L.*
The Butternut tree of N, America. About 50 feet high; stem-diameter

4 feet. Likes rocky places in rich forests. Wood lighter than that of
the Black Walnut, durable and free from attacks of insects.

Juglans nigra, L.*
Black Walnut tree. Attains a height of 70 feet; trunk 4 feet in dia-
meter; found in rich forest land in N. America. Wood purplish
brown, turning dark with age, strong, tough, not liable to warp or to

split; not attacked by insects. Seed more oily than the European
Walnut:

Juglans regia, L.* :
The ordinary Walnut tree of Europe, but of Central Asiatic origin ;
it attains a height of fully 80 feet, and lives many centuries. Wood
light and tough, much sought for gunstocks, furniture and other things.
The shells of the nut yield black pigment, Trees of choice quality of

52

wood have been sold for £600, the wood being the most valuable of
middle Europe. Can be grown in cold localities, as it lives at 2000 feet
elevation in middle Europe. The Californian Walnut tree (Juglans
rupestris, Engelmann) and the Chinese Walnut tree (Juglans Mandchu-
rica, Maxim.) ought to be introduced here.

Leucadendron argenteum, Brown.

The Silver tree of South Africa is included on this occasion among
forest trees, because it would add to the splendour of our woods, and
thrive far better there than in our gardens. Moreover, with this tree many
others equally glorious might be established in our mild forest glens as
a source of horticultural wealth, were it only to obtain in future years
a copious supply of seeds. Mention may be made of the tall Magnolia
trees of N. America (Magnolia grandiflora, L., 100 feet high ; M. umbrella,
Lam., 40 feet; M. acuminata, L., 80 feet; M. cordata, Michx. 50 feet;
M. Fraseri, Walt.,40 feet; M. macrophylla, Michx., 40 feet), MZ. Yulan,
Desf. of China, 50 feet; Magnolia Campbelli, Hook., of the Himalayas,
150 feet high and flowers nearly a foot across ; M. sphaerocarpa, Roxb.,
also of the Indian Highlands, 40 feet ; the North American Tulip tree
(Liriodendron tulipifera, L.), 140 feet high, stem 9 feet in diameter ; the
Mediterranean Styrax tree (Styrax officinalis, L.); Stenocarpus sinuosus,
Endl., of East Australia (the most brilliant of the Proteacee); the
crimson and scarlet Ratas of New Zealand (Metrosideros florida, Sm. ;
M. lucida, Menz.; M. robusta, Cunn., 80 feet high ; Mf, tomentosa, Cunn.,
40 feet) ; Fuchsia excorticata, L., also from New Zealand, stem 2 feet in
diameter; the crimson-flowered Eucalyptus ficifolia of West Aus-
tralia; Rhododendon Falconeri, Hooker, from Upper India, 50 feet
high, leaves 18 inches long. In the Sassafras gullies, here alluded to,
also may be planted the great Melaleuca Leucadendron, L., the true
Asiatic Cajuput tree, which grows to a height of 100 feet; even the
North European Holly (Ilex Aquifolium), which occasionally rises to
60 feet, though both from regions so distant.

Liquidambar Altingia, Blume. .
At the Red Sea and in the mountains of India and New Guinea, at
3000 feet, and probably hardy in the warmer parts of our colony. The
tree attains a height cf 200 feet. It yields the fragrant balsam known
as liquid Storax.

Liquidambar styracifiua, L.
The Sweet-Gum tree. In morasses and on the springs of the forests of
N. America, with a wide geographic range. The tree attains vast
dimensions of its crown; the stem 10 feet in diameter. The terebin-
thine juice hardens, on exposure, to a resin of benzoin odour. Wood
fine-grained.

Macadamia ternifolia, F. von Muell. (Helicia ternifolia, F. M.)
The Nut tree of subtropic East Australia, attaining a height of 60 feet;
hardy, as far south as Melbourne; in our forest valleys likely of fair
celerity of growth. The nuts have the taste of hazels.

Morus rubra, L.
The Red Mulberry tree of North America is the largest of the genus,
attaining a height of 70 feet; it produces a strong and compact timber. -
The White Mulberry tree (Morus alba, L.), with others, offering food
to the silkworms, should be planted copiously everywhere for hedges or
copses.

Maclura aurantiaca, Nuttall.
The Osage Orange of North America. Greatest height 60 feet; wood
bright yellow, very elastic, fine-grained. For deciduons thornhedges
the plant is important; its value for silkworms needs further to be
tested,

Ostrya carpinifolia, Scopoli.
South Europe and Orient. The Hop Hornbean. A deciduous tree,
60 feet high. .

Ostrya Virginica, Willdenow.
Leverwood tree of North America, 40 feet high, in rich woodlands.
Wood singularly hard, close-grained and heavy, in use for levers and
other implements.

Pistacia vera, L.
Indigenous in the Orient, as far as Persia. A deciduous tree, 30 feet
high, yielding the Pistacia Nuts of commerce, remarkable for their
green almond-like kernels. The likewise deciduous Mediterranean
Pistacia Terebinthus, L., yielding the Chio Turpentine, the P. Atlantica,
Desf., and the evergreen South European Pistacia Lentiscus, L.,
furnishing the mastix, grow rarely to the size of large trees.

Planera Japonica, Miquel.
Considered one of the best timber trees of Japan.

Platanus occidentalis, L.

The true Plane tree of the East part of North America. More eligible as
an avenue tree, than as a timber tree; diameter of stem at times 14
feet ; wood dull red.

Platanus orientalis, L
The Plane tree of South Europe and Middle Asia. One of the grandest
trees for lining roads and for street planting, deciduous like the other
planes, rather quick of growth, and not requiring much water; attains
a height of 90 feet. The wood is well adapted for furniture and other
kinds of cabinet work.

Platanus racemosa, Nuttall.

The Californian Plane tree. Wood harder and thus more durable
_then that of P. occidentalis, also less liable to warp.

Populus alba, L.

The Abele or White Poplar of Europe and Middle Asia. Height 90 feet.
It proved here an excellent avenue tree, even in comparatively water-
less situations, and gives by the partial whiteness of its foliage a
pleasing effect in any plantation. Populus canescens, Sm., the grey
Poplar, is either a variety of the Abele or its hybrid with the Aspen,
and yields a better timber for carpenters and millwrights.

Populus balsamifera, L.

The Tacamahac or Balsam Poplar, of the colder, but not the colaeat
parts of North America, 80 feet high. Its variety is P. candicans,
Aiton.

Populus grandidentata, Michaux.
North America, 60 feet high. A kind of Aspen.

Populus heterophylla, L.
The downy Poplar of North America. Height 60 feet.

Populus monilifera, Aiton. (P. Canadensis, Desi.)
The Cottonwood tree of North America. Height 100 feet. One of the
best poplars for the production of timber.

Populus nigra, L
The European Black Poplar, extending spontaneously to China. It
includes Populus dilatata, Aiton, or as a contracted variety, P. fasti-

54

giata, Desf., the Lombardy Poplar, Greatest height 150 feet. Growth
rapid, like that of all other poplars. Wood soft, light and of loose
texture, used by joiners, coopers and turners, furnishing also superior
charcoal. Bark employed in tanning. ‘The tree requires damp soil.

Populus tremula, L.
The European Aspen. Height 80 feet. It extends to Japan, where also
a peculiar species, Populus Sieboldit (Miq.) exists. The aspenwood is
white and tender, and in use by coopers and joiners.

Populus tremuloides, Michaux,
The North American Aspen. Height 50 feet. It extends west to
California, where a particular species, Pop, trichocarpa, Torrey, occurs:
All Poplars might be planted like all Willows, in our gullies, to
intercept forest-fires, also generally on river-banks.

Quercus AXgilops, L.*
South Europe. A tree of the size of the British Oak. The cups,
known as Valonia; used for tanning and dyeing; the unripe acorns as
Camata or Camatena, for the same purpose. The wood is capital for
furniture.

Quercus alba, L,*
The White or QuebecOak. A most valuable timber tree, 100 feet high ;
diameter of stem, 7 feet. Wood in use by ship-builders, wheelwrights,

coopers and other artisans.
Quercus annulata, Smith.

A large Oak of Nepal, which provides a vety good timber.
Quercus aquatica, Walter.

North America. Height of tree 60 feet; it furnishes a superior bark
for tanning, also wood for ship-building.

Qercus Cerris, L. Wien
South Europe, of the height of the English Oak, in suitable localities
of quick growth. The foliage deciduous, or also evergreen. The wood
available for wheelwrights, cabinetmakers, turners, coopers; also for
building purposes.

Quercus coccifera, L.
The deciduous Kermes Oak of South Europe; so called from the red
dye, furnished by the Coccus ilicis, from this Oak. It also supplies
tanner’s bark. The huge and ancient Abraham’s Oak belongs to this
species.

Quercus coccinea, Wangenheim.
The Black Oak of North America. Height 100 feet; stem-diameter,
5 feet. Foliage deciduous. The yellow dye, known as Quercitron,
comes from this tree. Bark rich in tannic acid.

Quercus cornea, Loureiro.
China. An evergreen tree, 40 feet high. Acorns used for food.

Quercus falcata, Michaux.

North America. Foliage deciduous. Lives in dry sandy ground.
A good-sized tree with excellent tannet’s bark.

Quercus Ilex, L. . |
The Holly Oak of South Europe. Height of tree 50 feet. Wood in
use for ship-building, bark for tanning. From varieties of this tree
are obtained the sweet and nourishing Ballota and Chesnut acorns.

Quercus incana, Roxb.

A Himalayan timber tree of great dimensions, beautiful, evergreen.

55

Quercus infectoria, Oliv.

Only a small tree, with deciduous foliage. Chiefly from this tree the
galls of commerce are obtained:

Quercus lancifolia, Roxb.
A tall timber tree of the Himalayas. Wood valued for its durability.

Quercus macrocarpa, Michx.*

The Bur Oak of North America. Tree 70 feet high. The timber
nearly as good as that of the White Oak. j

Quercus palustris, Du Roi.

The Marsh Oak of North America. Height 80 feet; of quick growth
The wood, though not fine-grained, is strong and tough.

Quercus Prinus, L.

The North American Swamp Oak. A tree, 90 feet high, available for
wet localities. Foliage deciduous. Wood strong and elastic, of fine
grain. A red dye is produced from the bark.

Quercus Robur, L.*

The British Oak, extending through a great part of Hurope and
Western Asia, attaining a great age and an enormous size. Hxtreme
height 120 feet. Two varieties are distinguished: —1. Quercus
sesstliflora, Salisbury. The Durmast Oak, with a darker, heavier timber,
more elastic, less fissile. This tree is also the quickest of the two in
growth, and lives on poorer soil. Its bark is also richer in medicinal,
dyeing and tanning principles. 2. Quercus pedunculata, Willd. ‘his
variety supplies most of the oak-timber in Britain for ship-building,
and is the best for bending under steam. It is also preferred for
joiner’s work.

Quercus rubra, L.

The Red Oak of North America. Height 100 feet; diameter of stem
4 feet. The wood is not of value; but the bark is rich in tannin.
Autumnal tint of foliage beautifully red.

Quercus semecarpifolia, Smith.
In the Himalayas. Height of tree often 100 feet; girth of stem
18 feet. It furnishes a first-class timber:

Quercus serrata, Thunberg.

One of the 23 known Japan Oaks. It yields the best food for the
oak silkworm (Bombyx Yamamai.)

Quercus Sideroxylon, Humboldt.

Mountains of Mexico, at 8,000 feet elevation. An Oak of great size,
of compact timber, almost imperishable in water. @Q. lanceolata, Q.
- chrysophylla, Q. reticulata, Q. laurina, Q. obtusata, Q. glaucescens,
Q. Xalapensis (Humb,) and Q. acutifolia (Nee), are among the many
other highly important timber Oaks of the cooler regions of Mexico.

Quercus squamata, Roxburgh.
One of the tallest of the Himalayan Oaks, Wood lasting.

Quercus Suber, L.*
The Cork Oak of South Europe and North Africa; evergreen. It
attains an age of fully 200 years. After about 20 years it can be
stripped of its bark every 6 or 7 years; but the best cork is obtained
' from trees over 40 years old, Height of tree about 40 feet. Acorns
of a sweetish taste,

56

Quercus Sundaica, Blume.

One of the oaks from the mountains of Java, Here several other
valuable timber oaks exist.

Quercus Toza, Bosc.

South Europe. One of the handsomest oaks, and one of the quickest of
growth. Foliage evergreen.

Quercus virens, L.*

The Live Oak of North America, evergreen, 50 feet high. Supplies a
most valuable timber for shipbuilding ; it is heavy, compact, fine-
grained ; it is moreover the strongest and most dirable of all American
Oaks. Like Q. obtusiloba, Michaux., it lives also on seashores, helping
to bind the sand, but it is then not of tall stature. Of many of the 300
Oaks of both the Western and Hastern portion of the Northern hemis-
phere, the properties remained unrecorded and perhaps unexamined ;
but it would be important to introduce as many kinds as possible for
local test-growth. The acorns, when packed in dry moss, retain
their vitality for some months. The species with deciduous foliage are
not desirable for massive ornamental planting, because in this clime
they, shed their dead leaves tardily during the very time of our greatest
verdure,

Rhus vernicifera, Cand.

Extends from Nepal to Japan. It forms a tree of fair size, and yields
the Japan varnish.

Rhus succedanea, L.

The Japan Wax tree, the produce of which has found its way into the
English market. The Sumach (Rhus coriaria, L.), and the Scotino
(Rhus Cotinus, L.), both important for superior tanning and for dyeing,
thrive here quite as well as in South Europe. They are more of shrubby
growth.

Robinia Pseudacacia, L.
The North American Locust Acacia. Height to 90 feet. The strong
hard and durable wood is for a variety of purposes in use, and par-
ticularly eligible for tree nails. The roots are poisonous. The allied
Robinia viscosa attains a height of 40 feet.

Sassafras officinale, Hayne.
The deciduous Sassafras tree, indigenous from Canada to Florida, in
dry open woods. Height 50 feet; leaves lobed; wood and bark medici-
nal, and used for the distillation of Sassafras oil.

Sophora Japonica, L.

A tree of China and Japan, resembling the Laburnum, up to 60 feet
high; wood hard and compact, valued for turner’s work, All parts of
the plant purgative; the flowers rich in a yellow dye.

Salix alba, L.*

The Huntingdon or Silky Willow of Europe and Middle Asia. Height
80 feet, circumference of stem 20 feet ; wood light and elastic, available
for carpenters work and implements, bark for tanning. The golden
Osier (Saliz vitellina, L.), is a variety. The shoots are used for hoops
and wickerwork.

Salix Babylonica, Tournefort.

The Weeping Willow, indigenous from West Asia as far as Japan.
Important for consolidating river banks.

57

Salix caprea, L.
The British Sallow or Hedge Willow; grows also to a tree; wood useful
for handles and other implements, bark for tanning. It is the earliest
flowering willow.

Salix cordata, Muehlenb.
One of the Osiers of North America.

Salix daphnoides, Villars.

Middle Europe and Northern Asia, as far as the Amoor. A tree of
remarkable rapidity of growth, 12 feet in four years.

Salix fragilis, L.
The Crack Willow. Height 90 feet, stem to 20 feet in girth. A variety
of this species is the Bedford Willow, Salix Russelliana, Smith, which
yields a light elastic tough timber, more tannin in its bark than oak,
and more salicine (a substitute for quinine) than most congeners.

Salix lanceolata, Smith.
One of the Basket Willows, cultivated in Britain.

Salix lucida, Muehlenb.
One of the Osiers of North America.

Salix purpurea, L.
Of wide range in Europe and West Asia. One of the Osiers.

Salix rubra, Hudson.
Throughout Europe, also in West Asia and North Africa; is much
chosen for Osier beds. When cut down, it will make shoots 8 feet long
in a season.

Salix triandra, L.* (S. amygdalina, L.)
The Almond Willow, through nearly all Kurope and extratropical Asia.

Height of tree 30 feet. Shoots 9 feet long, for hoops and white basket
work, being pliant and durable.

Salix viminalis, L.*
The common Osier of Europe and North Asia, attains the height of 30
feet. One of the best for wicker-work and hoops; when cut it shoots
up to a length of 12 feet. It would lead too far to enumerate even the
more important willows all on this occasion. Professor Andersson, of
Stockholm, admits 158 species. Besides these, numerous hybrids exist.
Many of the taller of these willows could here be grown to advantage.

Tilia Americana, L.
The Basswood tree or North American Linden tree, growing to 52°
North Latitude. Height of tree 80 feet, diameter of stem 4 feet; wood
pale and soft. Tilia heterophylla, Vent., the Silver Lime of North
America, and Tilia Manchurica, Rupr., of South Siberia might be tested.

Tilia Europza, L.
The common Lime of Europe, extending naturally to Japan, the large
leaved variety of South European origin. Height up to 120 feet,
exceptionally 50 feet in girth. The wood pale, soft and close-grained,
sought for turnery and carving; the bast excellent for mats.

Ulmus alata, Michx.
The Whahoo Elm of North America. Height of tree 30 feet; wood
fine-grained, :

Ulmus Americana, L.

The White Elm of North America, a tree fond of moist river banks,
100 feet high ; trunk 60 feet, 5 feet in diameter.

58

Ulmus campestris, L.*
The ordinary Elm, indigenous to South Europe and temperate Asia, as
far East as Japan. Several marked varieties, such as the Cork Elm
and Wych Elm, exist. The Elm in attaining an age of several centuries
becomes finally of enormous size. The wood is tough, hard, fine-grained
and remarkably durable, if constantly under water; next to the Yew, it
is the best of Huropean woods, where great elasticity is required, as for
archery bows. It is also used for keels, blocks and wheels. Bast tough.

Ulmus Floridana, Chapman.
The West Florida Elm, 40 feet high.

Ulmus fulva, Michx.
The Slippery or Red Elm of North America, 60 feet high; wood red,
tenacious.

Ulmus racemosa, Thomas.
The Cork Elm of North America.

For fuller information on trees, long known, refer to Loudon’s
Classic “‘ Arboretum ;” also for many further details to Lindley’s
Treasury of Botany, to Asa Gray’s Manual, to Nuttall’s North
American Sylva, to Lawson’s Pinetum and many local works;
also to the volumes of the Exhibitions of 1862 and 1867.

The trees marked with an asterisk * should receive prominent
attention in Victorian woodculture. The dimensions given are the
greatest, of which the writer could trace reliable records.

STILLWELL AND ENIGHT, PRINTERS, COLLINS STREET EAST, MELBOURNE,

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