\v. RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM EDITED BY THE DIRECTOR AXD CURATOR Vol. XI. PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES R. ETHERIDGE, Junr., J. P. gircrtor au6 Curator. SYDNEY, 1916-1917. •3^< 1^9 "JX CONTENTS. No. 1. Published 21st February, 1916. Page Sub-fossil Crustaceans from tlie Coasts of Australia. By \i. Etherido-e, Junr. and Allan R. McCullodi. PI. I.-VII. ' ... 1 No. 2. Published 1st May, 1916. A Description of some Tasmanian Skulls. By W. Eamsay Smitli. PI. VIII.-XIII .'. ... '. 15 Occasional Notes. No. 1. Antiquity of Man in Australia. By R. Etheridge, Junr. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 31 No. 3. Published 1st July, 1916. Arachnida from Northern Queensland. Part I. By W. J. Eainliow. PI. XIV.-XVI 33 Occasional Notes. No. 2. Ova-Sacs of Arachnura trilohata, Urq. By W. J. Rainbow. PI. XVII 65 No. .4. / Published 12th August, 1916. 'I'he Australian Museum — Fragments of its Early History. By R. Etheridge, Junr. PI. XVIH.-XX. ... ~ ... ' 67 No. 5. Published 26th October, 1916. Arachnida from Northern Queensland. Part II. By W. .1. Rainbow. PI. XXI. -XXIII 79 No. 6. • Published 30th December, 1916. The Birds of Coolaliah and Brewarrina, Nortli-Western New Soutli Wales. By A. J. North. PI. XXIV.-XXVIII. 121 No. 7. . Published 20th February, 1917. Studies in Australian Fishes, No. 4. By Allan U. McCullocli. I'l. XXIX.-XXXI ](i3 No. 8. Published 30th March, 1917. Ailditions to tlie Etlinological Collections, t-hieflv from tlie New Hebrides. By K. Etheridge. Junr. PI. XXXII.-XXXIX. ... 1,S9 No. 9. Published 28th May, 1917. Obituary — Edward Piersou Ramsay, LL.D. By E. Etheridge, Junr. Plate .' 205 No. 10. Published 12th July, 1917. • Palseontologia Noveb Caiubrice Meridionalis — Occasional Descrip- tions of New Soutli Wales Fossils — No. 6. By R. Ethei-idge, Junr. PI. XL.-XLI. " 219 Obituary — Sutherland Sinclair. By R. Etheridge, Junr. Plate. 227 No. 11. Published 6th October, 1917. Studies in Australian Crustacea. No. 4. Bv Allan K. McCu11- ••• 50 \ri XD^ A ? octospinata . 39 Akiauna, Sp. . 39 Ariamnes colubrinus 50 sp . 50 arieJ, Collocalia ... . 145 Lagenoplastes . 145 Petrochelidon . 145 Artamus lencogaxtef . 146 lencopygialis . 147 melanops . 148 superciiiosus... . 147 AsTACOPSis sen-alus . 237 Attxcora Le}icostenion . 144 anripes, Stobena ... 45 Australian museum, karl HISTORT OF . 67 anstralis, Anthus ... . 148 CORONE . 130 ('0RVU8 . 130 GlLLICHTHYS . 187 GOBIUS . 187 Grallina . 133 B barbipes, Uloborus barnardi, Barnakuius Platyckrcus Barnardius bar)iafdi bararbandi, Poi.ytelis basaUs, Chalcococcyx CUCULUS Lampeococcyx 35 153 153 153 152 150 150 150 PA OK beehibub, Carepalxis ... 115 Epeika ... ... 115 'hCo/o/% Grali-ina ... ... 136 Melanodkyas ... 136 Petrceca ... ... 136 Petroica ... ... 136 bilobata, Carkpalxih ... 115 bispiiiosa, Galenr ... ... 10 li'iKliinosus, Cancer (Galenk) 10 bil\ibe,-cnlata, Tetkagna'I'HA 80 boupa, ScoRPis ... ... 181 bradleyi, Miagrammopes ... 35 brevidigitatus, Chei^ifer ... 34 brevirostris, Mklithrepius 143 PsiLOPUs ... ... 136 Smicornis ... ... 136 Bekwarrina Fish Traps 123 b wndanoonensis, Glypto- DESMA ... ... 223 BuRHiNus yra/Jarnts ... 159 C Cacatua eos ... ... 151 leadbeatefi ... ... 150 roseicapilla ... ... 151 C^siosoMA aquipitniis ... 178 Calodera macuUi.ta ... 132 Calopsitta novw-lwUandia' 151 Calopsittacus nora-hol- landio' ... ... 151 Cancer (Gai.enk) bispinusna lO carbo, Pklecanus ... ... 154 Phalacrocorax ... 154 carboides, Phalacrocorax 154 Carepalxis beeJzibab ... 115 bdobata ... ... 115 lichensis ... ... 115 castaiiotis, Amadina ... 148 Tainiopygia... ... 148 Casuarius novw-hoUaiiiliii' 161 candiuiaculata, Trachinops 167 celebesina, Leucauge ... 86 Tetragnatha ... 86 Chalcococcyx basalts ... 150 chalcopteru, Columba ... 157 Pkristbra ... ... 157 Phaps 157 clialybeius, Amaurobius ... 37 Charadrius grallarias ... 159 melanops ... ... 160 IN'DEX. 245 I'AGE I'AGE Chklifek bn'vidi(jiltiliis .. :u SP . 34 Chenistonia ijirantli . 34 sp 34 Chkramceca VeHcosterna .. . 144 leucosterniu}i . 144 Chi.amydeka niaculata . 132 Chlamydodeka miiculata 132 ' Chktsococcyx basalts . 150 chrysoryJioa, Acanthiza .. . 137 chnjsorrhuja, Acanthiza .. . 137 Saxicola . 137 chryscn-hous, Gbobasii.eus 137 cinerasceiis, Kyphosus . 181 PiMKLBPTBKUS . 181 cinerea, Stkuthidea . 131 citreofjitlaris, Philemon . 142 Tropiuokhynchus 142 Climactebis leucophaea .. . 141 picuvmus . 141 scandens . 141 Clupba novm-hollandioi . 166 ncjunondia ... . 167 sprattellides ... . 163 vittata . 163 collinus, Akanbus ... 99 Epeika 99 Callocalia afborea . 145 ariel ... . 145 Collukicincla harmonica 133 CoLLYKiociNCLA hamionica 133 cohibrinus, Ariamnes . 50 CoLUWBA chaicoptera . 157 lopjiotes . 158 coinpliis, Araneus ... . 108 vai". fascocapitatns, Araneus . 109 coil kit, Tetragnatha . 81 eopii, Hyperlophus . 164 Omochbtus ... . 164 C'oracias inelaiiorliatnpltus 131 tibicen . 139 CoRCOBAx leucopterus . 131 niclanorhaviphus . 131 coronatus, Poltys ... . 117 CORONB (t((S 47 HiATiCULA nigrifrons 160 /ii)-- , ■■; MlCROSCA J'ascinaiis macroplera ... mirrolepis, Aprion... inicrolnberculalns, Poltys MiLVUS spheiianis ... MiONORUS /.ituutits ... MlONURUS (/iJ/it MiRAPRA hoisfieJdi... modenlu.s, AcJENOR ... MoDiOMOKPHA nnitill/orinis mohicca. Ibis mvtacllloides, Rhipiduka ... Sauloprocta Mt. Wilson Well Mussel- band ... moiistrosHs, Ordgarius uiallitnbercnlatus, Poltys mninUdnm, Theridign Thekiuium ... Mi'sciCAPA ijoodenocii Muscipeta melnleuca niiisgracei, Argy'rodes miitiliformis. Mouiomokpha Myzantha y?((yi(/i(i(t N ' Nassau Island Adze-head ncoxena, Hirundo... PAGE 160 148 ■ 160 134 131- S7 131 131 i. 166 163 141 143 149 85 86 85 83 35 36 35 135 135 173 118 154 172 172 149 179 223 155 134 134 219 117 118 55 55 135 134 52 223 143 199 144 INDEX 249 PAGE PAGE Nephii.a fliujelhiiis... 90 mactihitd 89 maciilata, vsiv. jteni- cillum 90 Neptotichthys viohireus ... 180 NeP'I'UNIKS j)c/(( ;/ 1 '•!(.< l(t Nkw Herrides Kava Stoiip 192 Mallieollan Pottery 197 Missile Sticks 194 "Slayino-" Stone ... 197 Stone Bowl ... 190 Stone Food-dislies ... 189 ni'jrirans, HiRUNDO 145 HtLOCHEIjIDON 145 Petrochelidon 145 nigrifrons, .?<:GiALri'is IfiO rjLYPHIDOnON 182 Glyphisooon 182 HiATICULA ... 160 nigrigidaris. Cracticus 140 nigrogularis, Cracticus ... 140 Vanga 140 nigropiinrtatn.^, Trichocy- CLUS .i' 49 nipliornsmum, Theridion... 57 niten.t, Euunatha ... 81 Tetuagnatha 81 nivosum, Theridion 62 NoTOPHOYX novce-hollaiulice 156 nova-hollandice, Ardka ... 156 Calopsitta ... 151 Calopsittaciis 151 Oasuarius 161 Clupea 166 Dromaeu.s ... 161 Dromaius ... 161 Melktta ... 163 166 Nymphiciis 157 Phalacrocorax 155 Potamalosa 166 PSI'I'TACUS ... 151 novcehoUandice, Diplomys- TUS ... 166 Nymphiciis nnvLe-ltdllandiw 151 o nblicjua, Paracycla.s obhtngus, ScoRpis ... ncellota, Leipoa .. 158 LiPOA .. 159 nctospinata, Abiadna? .. 39 OcYPHAPS Inphotes ... .. 158 Ocypterus lenrogastef .. 146 siipercilio.'ius... .. 147 CEdicnemus grallarlus .. 159 Omochetus copii ... .. 164 Ordoarius rnonstritan.-i .. 117 oDiata. Meta 83 ornutus, Merops .. 149 Pardalotus .. 143 225 ]80 Pachydomella pie.ftn . 220 Paraca:sio pedleyi . 188 Paracyclas obliqua . 225 Paracyclois grandi.fpini.'i 8 sp 8 Pardalotus ornatu.'s . 143 sti'iatus . 144 pafuasia, Cyrtophora . 94 passaloides, [Allorisma] .. . 226 pedleyi, Paracabsio . 188 pehigirus, Neptunus 10 PoRTITNUS ... 10 Pelecanus ciirbo ... . 154 2)euici/fa(ft, Meliphaga . 141 Ptilotis . 141 SCYTODES 38 penicillatus, Ptilotis . 141 penicillum, Epeira... 90 (var.) Nephila mar ulata . 90 Peristera chalcoptera . 157 PbTROCHELIDON ((/iV/ . 145 nigricans . 145 Petr(eca bicolor . 136 gnodenorii . 135 Peteoica bicolor ... . 136 goodenovii ... . 135 Phalacrocorax cacfeo . 154 rarboides . 154 melanoleiicns . 155 novcB-hollandice . 155 Phaps chalcoptera .. . 157 Philemon ciireogularis .. . 124 Pholcus litorulis 49 sp . 49 sphceroides ... 5U 250 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. PAGE phthisica, 'EvmRA 95 Larinia 95 picata, Gracula 133 Grallina ... 133 picta, Argiope 91 picMmnus, Climactbris 141 piesta, Pachydomeli.a 220 PiJiELEPTKRus cinera.icens 181 phiiia (var.) Gkothelphus \ leichardti 236 Platycercus harnardi 153 hcematonoins 153 Plectana taemata... 116 Plectorhyncha lanceolata 142 Plectorhynchus lanceolatus 142 Plyctolophus leadbeateri 150 PODOPHTHALMUS, Sp. 9 I'igil 9 FoLTYS CO ronat lis ... 117 microttdierculatus .. 118 muliituhefculatns .. 118 PoLYTELiH harrahandi 152 PoMATORHiNUS temporalis 138 PoMATosTOJius teiupoyaUs 138 POR'I'DNUS pehiyiciis 10 sp 10 POTAMALOSA antiqiia 166 nocce-IioUandice 166 pvcecincta, Ebcea ... 93 Gea 93 probata, Argiope ... 91 prodnrtii, Epeira ... 97 produrtus, Araneus 97 proteiisa, Argiope ... 91 Tktragnatha 81 PSEPHOTUS hcematonotus .. 153 PSEUDOCHROMIS rodwiiyi .. 168 PSILOCHORUS, Sp. ... 50 sphaeroides ... 50 PsiLOPOS brerirostris 136 Psittacus barrabandii 152 erythropterns 152 norce-hollandUe 151 Ptilotis penirillatii 141 peniciUatus ... 141 Ptistbs erythropterns 152 jndrhrn, Deliochus 88 var. iiielania, Delio- chus 89 pyramidale, Thrrivhos .. 53 Theridium ... 53 pyrrhopygia. Halcyon pyrrhopygins. Halcyon 'rf)DIKHAMPHUS PAGE 150 150 150 R Ramsay, Edward Pibrson, Obituary ... ... 205 ramsayi, Gulliveria ... 169 regalis, Argiope ... ... 90 RhipIdura motacilloides ... 134 tricolor ... ... 134 richardsonii, ScORPis ... 179 richmondia, Clupea ... 167 rodwayi, PsEUDOCHROMrs... 168 roseicapilla. C.\CATV\ ... 151 roseiis, Aphareus ... ... 173 Aprion ... ... 173 rotundula, Epeira ... ... 103 rotundulus, Araneus ... 103 nifigularis, Acaxthoch.kr,\ 142 Acanthogenys ... 142 riifoijiilaris, Acanthogenys 1 t2 S saeerdotalis, Gasteracan- tha 116 SAVhOPROCTA. melaleuca ... 134 motacilloides 134 Saxicola chrysorrha'n 137 scalaripinnis, Schdettea ... 181 scalaris, Amaurobids 37 scandens, Climacteris 141 scelio, Latrodectds »)4 Schuettea scalarapinnis ... 181 ScoRPis wqnipinnis 177 178 boopis 181 ijeorgianns ... 176 lineolatus 178 obhmgas 180 richardsonii ... 179 vinosa 182 violaceus ... 179 180 Scylla serrata 9 H> 9 SCYTODES penicillata 38 •'1' 38 senilis, -Amaurobios 37 INPEX. 251 serrata, Sctlla seyratus, Astacopsis Macrophthalmos Sesarma smitjni n^ setnsa, Cyrtarachne se/osHs, Macbophthat.mus Sinclair, Sutherland, Obituary SiNflOTTPA melcmopygd Skulls, Tasmanian Smicornis breriioslris smithii, Sesarma ... sphceroides, Pholcus siikneroides. Psilochorus si>heniu-us, Haliastur MiLVUS siiinigerum. Thbridion !;prattellides, Clupea DlPLOMYSTUS Htperlophus Staurocephalites (jntmni oidex ... Sterna hyhrida Storena ? alhoDKiiiihiiii Storena auripes ... inornata sp. PAGE 9 237 11 11 11 117 12 , 227 87 15 136 11 TjO 50 . 154. . 15-1. 62 , 163 . 163 164 . 221 160 44 45 46 44 . 144 156 131 147 147 43 42 91 PAGE IS striiitus, Pardalotus utilctipenuis, Threskiorn Struthidea ciiieixa .tuperciliosHS, Artamtis Ocypterus ... SyRIPHANODES dill III I'll IIS xp synuiitici', Arqiopk T tahida, Epeira ... ... 96 Larinia ... ... 96 tiieniata, Gaster.acantha... 116 Pleotana ... ... 116 itPHiatMS, Trachinops ... 167 T-kniopygia castanotis ... 148 Tasmanian Skulls ... 15 Telphusa leichardti ... 232 ti-mporalis, Pomatorhinus 138 Pomatostomus ... 138 /('/.i(y((/-iO/-u/ii, Theridion ... 55 Theridium ... ... 55 teiftudinpa, Dolophones ... 119 Tholia 119^ Tbtragnatha hituheirulatd 80 celehesianci ... 86 conica 81 cylindracea ... 80 cyrnuivicn 80 demissa 80 ferox ... 81 gemmata ... ... 80 grannluto 86 lepida 81 nitens 81 protensa 81 Thalassina ouomnla 7 antiqiia 7 enierii / maxima 7 sp 7 tjieis. Araneus 100 Epeira 100 theridioides, Ebo;a ... 94 Gba 94 Thbridion ... eo TOBESOA 60 Thbridion albodecoi-nlum 56 ? albostnatiim 61 crinitum 59 decora turn 54 dianiphvm ... 58 fuscodecoratum 63 fuscomanilatum 55 gibbum^ 59 giraulti 60 iiniitaium. 55 inundulnm ... 55 niphocosmum 57 iiiroswi)!. 62 pyra.midiile ... 53 sp 53 spinigenim ... 62 tepidarionim 55 theridioides ... 60 thorelli 61 rentricosum ... 58 Theridium albosfriatinit ... 61 crinitnni 59 decoratum 54 hiimile 100 limHatuin 55 mundHlurii ... 55 252 RECORDS OF THE AHSTRATJAN MTSECM. Theridium •pyramidale * tepidafionim tjtorelli Tholia testmlinea ... tlim-eUi, Thebidion Theridium ... Threskiornis strictipemiia Thynnus affinin tibicen, Gymnoehina ToBKHOA. .iheridinldes ToDiRHAMPHUS pyrrhopy- !/'"*■ torquatns, Cbacticus 'I'rachinops candimacul((tu tiieuiat}is trdiKinilla, GeopSlia transhicidns, HYPKRiiOPHUs transversus, Araneus Trichocyclus? nigropunc tains ... sp. tricolnr, Rhipidura tnfnsciata, Argiope EpEIRA (ARfilOPES) trigniia, Epeira Ir'KjoiiH.'i. Araneus ... 'J'KopinoRHYNCHiis ritren- yiihtris tuberculattis, Dampe'J'rus. . TiiRDTis ]i(irmc>)iinis u TJr.oBORtis barbipes. (jeninilatis . sp page 53 55 61 119 61 61 156 183 139 60 150 140 167 167 156 165 101 49 49 134 91 91 99 99 142 84 133 35 34 34 Uloborus variabilis zosis ... usiiolis, Araneus ... Epeira PAGE 35 35 101 101 V vallata,CycijOH\ ... ... 94 Vanga de.ffnictnr ... ... 140 nigrogvhirls ... ... 140 variabili.'i, Uloborus ... 35 L'entricosam, Theridion ... 58 resells, Isometroides ... 33 ISOMETRUS ... ... 33 rigil, Podophthalmits ... 9 rinosii, SCORPIS ... ... IS'J riolacea, Ditrema ... ... 179 riolaceus, Neptotichthys 180 . ScoRPis ... 179, 180 violenta, Gasteracantha ... 116 rittata, Clupea ... ... 163 Meletta 163 rill(llu,S. DiPLOMYSTUS ... 164 Hypkrlophus ... 163 X xanthostichits (var.) Aran- eus dioniphiis Xerophila hniropsis zosis, Uloborus 107 138 35 SUB-FOSSIL CRUSTACEANS FROM THE COASTS OF AUSTRALIA. By R. ETHRRUxiE, .Thnr., Curator, AND Allax R. McCui.loch, Znolnonint. (Plates i-vii. ; Fig. L) ]. — Jnti;oi>uction. At various heaolies on tlie soutli, sontli-east, noitli, and iiDTtli-west coasts of AiistrHlin, i-eiiiaiiis of DecMpoda more or less encased in tdHy-nodiiles, are eveiy now und then bioiig'tit to liglit, but veiy few fac-ts Hppear to lin\e been gatlieied as to their mode of occurrence when in xitn. Again, similar animal remains have been met with in excavating canals in delta deposits, only in sncli instances tliey are less markedly nodular, and have undergone a lesser degiee of fossilisniion. A tliird occurrence is that of i-iver, oi' peihaps estuarine, de[>osits bronglit to light through dredging operations. As an instance of the tii-st mode of occuri'ence we (;ite Anson Bav, North-west Australia; of the second the C'oode Canal, Yaria River Delta ; and of the third dredging operations cari'ied on at the nH)uth of the Brisbane River, ^foreton Bay. All of these occurrences will be referred to later. IL — History. The Hrst to describe one of these semi-fossil Decapoda from Australia was Pn^f. Thomas Bell, of King's College, London. It appears he ^leceived from Mr. W. Sharp Macleay, a mac- ruran which he refej'red to the genus 'llmlnssi mi as 7'. Pnn^rli, naming it after a " Mr. Emery " who apparently was the collectoi', but unfortunatelv neither locality nor geolog-ical information accom[)anied tlie s[)ecimen ; it was simy)ly said to have been derived fi'om " New Holland." The first description of the Thtiln^xiuu apjteared in the " Pioceedings RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Of the Geological Society," for lSU^ followe.! in the next vear ^1845) by republicati..n in the "Quarterly Journal. - A notice of the reading of Prof. BelPs P^P-N ^-wever, appeared in - Annals of Natural History"-^' tor lb44, and n. this brief notice the fossil is termed Tln,la>^.n,a a.tnjna. in compiling his - Index Palpeontologicus," Dr. H. G. Bronn, evidently unaware of Bell's papers proper, adopted the un- authoris;d name n.t;,,un^ for the Austrahan sab-foss.l. In h)s papers Prof. Bell frankly confessed Ins mab^hty to distinguish bur little difference between his T. nn.ri; an.l the recent /. aniniiiiht, Herbst. The collector spoken of as '^ Mr. Emery," was no doubt l.ieut lames B Kmery, H.N., an officer of H.M.S. " Beadle, during hei : > -ati of the nor'th and west coasts of Australia between 1837-1848, under Commander J. l.ort Stokes ^ Now, as the -Beaffle" visited Shoal Bay, contiguous to Anson Bay from where most of our examples come, it is quite possible the type r;!ecimen was obtained from one or another of the nch deposits in the extreme north-west. From 1845 (mwards n.a,hing more appears to have been written on Australian sub-fossil Crustacea until 1866,^ when Mr S H Wintle described two crabs from an estuarine deposit Tt the mouth of the Yarra River, Hobson's Bay; one he called /'A '/Xr/,sand the other ^^u.^ sp.,^ and associated with them were the remains of the Freshwater Crayfish (h.^.-o;... /n,..- lim McCoy). These were "found m nodules of a high ) ealcare 1 s cement occurring in great abundance m the old et uarine bed of the river Yarra Yarra, which has been exposed fn evcavating for docks, and also in the cutting ?«; '».e Coode Inal at Fisherman's Bend." In the sa^e year Mr. Wintle eac^ a paper before the Royal Society of Tasmama o as. m,W nature, wherein he named two forms-MMV, ,.na.n.,. and v. haswelli. 1 Bell— Proc. Geol. Soc, iv., 1844, p. 360, fig. 2 Bell-Quart Jour. Geol. Soc. i., 1845, p. 93. fig. s Ann. Nat. Hist., xiv., 1844, p. 455. 4 Bronn— Index Pal., i., 2. 1848, p. 1265. i Stokes— Discoveries in Australia, ii., 1846, p. 93. « Wintle-Vict. Nat., iii., 1886, p. 110. - Wintle-Proc. H. Soc. Tasm. for 1886 (1887). p. 233. SUB-FOSSIL CRDSTACEANS ETHERIDGE ANIi McCl'LLOCH. 3 The I'ltlij.fia lifcifi is probably intended fur I'hilijrn hecis, Bell, whicli is a very common sj)eoies in Victorian waters, more pai- ticularly as tliei'e is no species /i/t/s in the genus J'lilij.rin, so far as we know. Of J^Hi'k, the only recent. Australian species were des- cribed l)y Prof. W. A. Haswell fiom Fort Uenison, Queensland, and it is most unlikely the crabs so lefei-red by Wintle were correctly named. As to the .I.s/kcd/'-'''-', -I. fruiildini, (irav {non McCoy) is not a Victoi'ian but w 'rasnianiMii species. It a-p[)ears crabs, in a, similar condition to oui- TlmlKsginu from the noi'th, ai'e also found on the New Caledonian coast, fof Prof. A. Milne Edwards I'efeis*^ to the occuiwence of Macri:- ji/it/ial iiiii.-' Iiitn^illei, Desinai'est. Kven here tiie crabs were in a bluish-grey very haid calcareous claj, in fact, vevy much like the matrix from different spots on oni' north-west coast. One other leference only is known bevond Wintle's brief notices^about 18S0 Dr. H. L. .lack forwai'ded to one of us a I'cdled limestone nodule found on the beach at Townsville, but he was unable to thi'ow any further light on it. The nodule contained the abdominal somites and por'tion of the appendages of a 7V/i(/i/.s.Nw'//((, seemingly T. Pinrri>\ Bell.^ In a footnote to the desciiption Dr. Jack said: — "A numbeiof specimens, apparently of this same species wei-e collected by tlie late Mr. James Smith (Collector to tlie (Teoh)gical Sui'vey of Queensland) shortly before his death, at Casuaiina island, Keppel Hay." J 11. MopKS OK OCCURRENCK. We possess information on this point onlv fi'om the tlii-ee K)calities mentioned in the introductory I'eniai'ks, and also from Derby. I. A)iso)i /j<(//, embouchure of the Daly River, North Aus- ti'alia. — Exanifiles of Tli((lii><.iiii(( t'lufrii from this localitv were first sent to one of us by Mr. H. Y. L. Brown, late (xovernment Geologist of South Austi'alia, in 1908, with the following information: — The calcareo-ai'gillaceons nodnles are found on the beach at the foot of a low cliff (PI. vii.) composed of sand, clay, and grit topped b\' i-ed loam, as water-worn fi-agments. They are also found embedded in a blue clay below high-water mai'k, and hei-e piobably the nodules aie in ])lace. =< A. Milne-Edwards— Nouv. Ann. Mas. Hist. Nat., ix., 1873. p. 278. 9 Etheridge— Geol. Pal. Q'land. Ac, 1892, p. 639, pi. 3H. tig. 6. 4 RECORDS OF THK AUSTRALIAN MCSEUM. A valued correspoiulent of tliis iiiuseuni, Mr. W. T. Watkin Brown, obtained a number of tliese fossiliferous nodules from Anson Bay ; these are now here. Besides confii inino' Mr. H. Y. Tj. Bi'own's information, his collector informed hini that the nodules Hre plentiful on the beaches after south-east winds, when they are washed out of the mud ( = blue clay of H. Y. \j. B.) below high-water maik, oi- by tlie action of tlie waves on a low mud bank above tidal influence; tliis last is pi'obably a gradual reformation of tlie blue (day in question. With the view of ascertaining how far fossilisation had been cari'ied, portions vvei-e submitted to our (!ol league, Dr. ('. Andei- son, foi' qualitative analysis. He repoits as follows : — '• These )'emains have suffered a coiisi(leral)le degiee of replacement and petrifaction. I could find no undoubted evidence of the ])resence of chitin and the e.voskeleton is (partly at least) dolomitized. The intei'ior is tilled witli a hai-d magnesian limestone showing \ ughs lined with secondry ciystals. 2 Ih-rlni. — Kiom iiiforniation supplied to us by Mr. AV. D. Campbell, late of the Greological Survey of Western Australia, the occMirrence of these Crustacea at Derby is much the same. He savs "The nodules ai'e found at low-water spring-rides near Derby Whaif, in the hollows of runs of water formed in the river banks, and appear to have been washed out of the yrey clav of the river bed and bank^ which appears to form the valley flat." 3. ('iiiiile ('((Hill nnd Yiirm l\lri'r Delia, Mrllinn nit^. — In 1878 seven bores were driven tlirougli the Estnarine deposits of the delta prepai-atory to excavating a water-way, m)w known as the New Channel, to deflect the course of the river Yarra I'ouiul the great bend enclosing Coode Island, and opposite Kootscray. We are indebted to M? . R. Rudd, Secretary to the Melbourne Hai- bour Trust Commission, for a map showing the positions of these bores, and iournals of the same. From the lattei' we gathei' no rock was encountered, but the rods invariably passed through sand or silt, or both, in nH)st instances followed by soft blue or black clay, and this again by hard, tough blneaTid yellow clay, the lattei' the lower of the two. The position of the soft yellow clav varied from fourteen to twenty-one feet from the sui'face. tha"tof the tough clays from eighteen to thirty-seven feet. The thickness of the soft blue clay varied from two feet six inches SUn-FiiSSII, CKUSTArKAXS KTHEKMIm;K AXI' McClMJ-OCH. 5 -. to eio^hteeii feet, and of the tough clays coiubined fi-oiii eight to twenty-five feet. Tlie apfjearance of the few sub-fossil Crus- tacea seen from this deposit leads us to believe they came from the bottom tough yellow clay ; we have not seen any remains in calcareous cement nodules as desci'ibed bv Mi-. Wintle. •4. Eutntiu-e Brixhniii' liiuer, Mori'hm Jloi/. — Mr.. I. H. Stevens, Ins{)ector of Fisheries, Bi'isbane, informs us that the sub-fossil Crustacea fi-om this locality were obtaineii from the New Chan- nel Cutting at the entrance to the Brisbane Rivei-, now forming the nrain wateiway. The cutting was dredged through a large bank about half a mile wide, a continuation of Fishei'man Island. Previous to the dredging opei-ations tlie bank was covei-ed with about two feet of water at ordinary low-water spring tides, but at verv low tides parts of the bank were quite exposed ; the depth of the channel is now twenty-eight feet. The specimens collected came from a depth of about sixteen feet from the surface in sand and mud. Mi'. Stevens considers the bank had evidenth' accumulated through the deposition of sediment from the flood - waters of the Bi'isbane Hiver. The aspect of these t'rustacea is quite different from tliose obtained farther noi'tli and north-west. The matrix is a, hard ochre-coloured, slightly calcareous mud. Dr. Anderson also submitted portions of these to a qualitative analvsis, and informs us that: — '* Portions of the exoskeleton, cleaned jis (■om[)letely as possible from adhering matrix, were treated with hot dilute hydrochloric acid. A fragiiient of a clieli[)ede became con- verted into a white, soft, amorphous substance, which readily carbonised on heating. Portion of the carapace was attacked less readily and left st)me inorganic residue, but the presence of organic matter was proved as before. These experiments indicate that there is little or lu) petrifaction ; thei'e is some infiltration of mud or clay, particularh- in the case of the less dense carapace, and it is apparent that, as we should expect, the pi'oportion of organic matter is lower than in a recent speci- men (tested for compai'ison), but a considerable amount of chitin still persists in the skeleton." 6 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. IV. — rjocAuniKs. The following is h C()ni|tletf list of ihe looalities yielding these sub-fossil remains of one kind of anotlier : — A. — Li t till 1(1 l)ejiu!-. PaRACYCLOIS (iKANPlSPlNlS, sji. nor. (Plate ii, Hy-. 8 ; V'\g. 1). Carapace convex, broadest at a |)()iiit a little in advance (jf tlie middle of the leng-tli. Its dorsal surface is everywhere Hnelv ••raunlai', and i-endered uneven by the })i-esence of iinmei- ons sniuoth and low tubercles, which ai-e laro-est m the middle, and decrease in size as they ajtpi'oach the niai-^-ins : iheyai-e smallest on the hinder part of the branchial reternitii (Forskal), Alcock, Jourii. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixviii. (n. ser.), 1899, p. 27. 10 RECORDS OK THE AlTSTKALIAN MUSKl'.M. The collection received fi-om the QueeiislaiiH Miinenm includes the ventral surface and abdomen of a large female example, to which tlie meropodites of all the legs, and poi'tion of the left hand are attached. We have also two well preserved lower right-hand fingei-s. They do not diffei- from tliose parts of the common, and widely disti'ibuted Mangrove Cva.\), Si-ijllu .-^prrdta. Lock. — Wharf at Dei'by, Fitzi-oy River. Kimheiley, North- west Australia (Geo!. Survey, W. Austr. — 11^ J>. Cninpbp]!). New Channel, Mouth of Brisbane River, Moreton Bay (Austr. & Q'land Mus. — /. H. Stpvens). Genus PORTCNCS, Fabricins. PORTDNCS PELAGICUS, Li»)l(TU':. Neptnnus pelagicH-" (Linnfeus), Alcock, .lourn. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixviii. (n. ser.), 1899, p. 84. A much damaged carapace and portion of a right chela agree with i-ecent specimens of this common, and widely distributed Rwimming-crab. ^oc. — New Channel. Mouth of Brisbane River. Moreton Bay, Queensland (Austr. Mus. — ./. H. Sferp)is.) Family XANTHID^. Sub-family Gai.kmn.'E. Genus Gai.knk. dr Umiti. Galenk lusriNosA, Jfprhst. (Plate iii., tigs. 3-4). Cancer (Gulene) hinpinoxu^ (Herbst), de Haan. Faun. Japon, Crust., 1835, p. 49, pi. v., tig. 2. (laletie Ins^pinof^a, Alcock, Journ. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Ixvii. (n. ser.), 1898, p. 136. A tine series of one hundred and two specimens, 30-74 mm. across the carapace, includes both sexes, and exhibits consider- able growth variation. In the smaller specimens the granules SL'H-KOSSII, CRUSTACEANS — ETllERIlMih: ANI> McCDLLOCH. 11 on the carapace and chelipeds are inucli inoi'e nuiiiei'ons and more pi-omiuent than in the laiger ones. On the liand they are very laro^e and ai-ranged in rows wliicli extend almost aci'oss the outer face of the palm, whereas in the oldest exam'j)les tliev are confined to its posterior portion, the greater pai't of the outer surface being smooth. Similar variation has been noted by Alcock. Loc:^. — 'I'lioiigh this species has not been previcmslv recorded from Australia, there ai-e recent specimens in tlie Australian Museum which were taken by the F.J.S. " Endeavour," seven miles N.N.E. of Bowen, Queensland, in 16 fathoms. New Channel, Mouth of Brisbane River, Moreton Bar Queensland (Austr. and Q'land Mus. — ,/. H. Stevens). Family GRAPSID^. Sub-family Sesarmin^;. Genus Sesarma, Sny. SesarMA SMITHII, Milne Fjihi-arch. (Plate iii., figs. 1-2). Sp^iinriii .•*'/•/•((///,< (Adams & White), Miers, "Challen- ger" Re[)t., Zool., xvii., ISb^G, p. 250, pi. xx., fig. 1. 12 RKCORnS OF I'lIK ATSTKAMAX MUSKUM. ? MnrrnpJitliaUnii-t l'ltr^•i^>'i ( Desiiinrest), A. Milne Edwards, Xouv. Ai'cli. Mus. Pur'is, ix.. 187-^, p. "278, pi. xiii., fiy-. .3 {fii^p Ortmaini_, Zool. Jaliii)., vii., 1S97, [». 747). A very Hue speeiiueii, liaviii McCULLOCH. 13 Mackophthalmus dkhressur, Rilppell. (Plate v., fio-R. 1-2: Plate vi., fi^. 2). Miirr. 21. Mm-riiiilitliiil III ns nifiuis, (Tiierin, Mag. Zool., viii., 1838, p. 7, pi. xxiv., tig-. 2. /-/.', Haswell, Oat. Austr. Crust., 1882, p. 88. Poni' fossil specimens do not diffei' fi'oni the I'ecent ones recorded t'l-oni Queensland by Haswell as }f. nffiiiis, and Grant and McCullocli as .1/. (/py;/v^^■.^v^s■. They all differ from the orio-inal Hg-ure of ]f. nifinis however, in having the carapace na.i'rowei' nt the outer orbital angles tha.n at the thii'd latei'al tooth. For their identification as M. Jt^iin'sxyn we have relied upon the desrrriptions of Ortniann aiul Alcock, Ruppell's orig-inal description and figure not being available to us. The accompany iiiL;' figure of a recent example I'epresents a typical Australian specimen from near Fremantle, Western Australia. Loc. — Beach deposit at Tovvnsville, Noi'th-east Queensland (Geol. Survey Q'land.— it*. L. /<«•/.•). Genus He.mipf-ax, Heller. HeMIPLAX LATIKRON.S, Hafurell. (Plate iv., figs. 4-5; Plate vi., figs. 3-4). Mucrcji/ithaliii as latifrons^ Haswell, Proe. Linn. See. N.S.Wales, yi., 1881. p. 549, and' Cat. Austr. Crust., 1882, p. 90. 14 RECORDS OK TUE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. The form of the front excludes tliis species from the sfenus Mdcroplifli'diHiiit in wbicli it was y)laced by Haswell. It ayi'ees in all its Lrenerif cliai-acters vvitli Jl fm ij)ht.r /ilrtl /u'n. Heller, from which it is sepai'ated specifically by its lont^er eye-stalks, nai- rowei' front, and moi-e slendei' lejjs, etc. The s[)eciinen tigui'ed on PI. vi., fig. 3, is a young male fi'uin Victoria, whicli measur'es 17 mm. across the carapace. it diffei's fi'om the type, and another lai'ger example from Tas- mania, only in having tlie hands aTid wrists pi'oportiunately broader and shorter; we have figured these joints of the Tasmanian specimen in fig. 4. H. Idtifroutt is represented in tlie collection of sub-fossils by three carapaces, one of which is snflRciently pei-fect to leave no doubt of its correct identification. Loc. — Estuai'ine deposit, Yai-ra Delta, Melbourne (Austr. Mus.— ,S. //. Wintle). EXPLANATION ftK PLATE I. Sub-fossil Ci'iisfficeniis. Fiij. 1. TlnditxsliiK iiiiunntid, Hei'list. Side-view of two in- complete specimens. Natr.cal size. Dai'wiri, Nortli A iistialia. Fiy. '1. 'I'lndasxi iiK itfidiiniln, Herbst. Side-view of an in- complete specimen. Nalmal size. Daiwin, North ^» Australiii. Fig. 3. 'riii(lii.a, Hevbsi. Lower view of carapace and cheliped. Slightly reduced. New Channel, mouth of Brisbane River, Queensland. REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XT. Plate TTI. 3 A. H. MoCfTLi.ocn, photo., -Austr. Mna. EXPLANATION OF PLATE IV. Sub-fossil Crustaceans. Fi^:. 1. MucrnjihtlialiJiK^ .•o^rnitiif, Adams & White. Uppei- view. Sliofhtly reduceri. Stradbroke Island, Sonth- ern Queensland. Fig. '2. .]Ji(i-niii/if/ii(l III IIS .ti-rnitiis, Adatns & Wliite. Lower view. Slightly feduced. Stjadbroke Island, South- ern Queensland. Fig., 3. riido/i/if/iiiliiiii.-; rigH, Fahvic'wis. Upper view. Slightly enlarged. New Channel, moutli of Brisbane River, Queensland. Fig. 4. Hemipla.c I at if runs. Has well. Upper view. Natural size. Coode Canal, Yarra Hiver delta, V^ictoiia. Fig. 5. Hemiplax latifroiis, Haswell. Lower view. Slightly enlarged. Coode Canal, Yarra River delta, Victoria. REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XI. Plate IV. 2 A. R. McCfLL(M H, photo., Austr. Mus. EXPLANATION OF PLATE V. Stib-fossil Crustaceans. Fig'. 1. Macrojyhthalmns depressus, Riippell. Upper view. Natural size. Towns ville. Queensland. Fig. 2. Mucroi^ihtJidliDHx depressna, Riippell. Lower view. Natural .size. Townsville, Queensland. Fig. 3 FodiijjIitludiiiKS riyil, Fabrieiu.s. Lower view. About three-fourths natural size. New Channel, mouth of Brisbane River, Queensland. Fig. 4. Mticiophtltidiiius ^etuf 2 4-* u "re u a > CO > • 67.7 Maximum frontal width 99 107 110 105 102 Minimum frontal diameter .. 94 91 92 89 91 Stephanie diameter 97 91 102 101 100 Asterionic diameter 113 109 111 106 100 Greatest parieto squamous breadth . 122p. 136p. 131 p. 140 p. 130 p. Cephalic Index ... 66.3 75.9 69.3 74. 73.4 Horizontal circumference 5G0 505 522 512 487 Frontal longitudinal arc 121 127 130 130 Parietal 129 123 120 114 Occipital 120 110 . * > 111 Total ,, 370 360 355 Vertical transverse arc 270 286 297 276 Maxim um bi-mastoid diameter 114 121 122 116 Vertical transverse circumference . . . 391 423 ... 405 Length of foramen magnum ... 32 36 35 Width of foramen magnum 27 32 29 Basi-nasal length 96 92 ... 92 Basi-aveolar length ... 92 91 98 Gnathic Index ... 95.8 98.9 ''. 106.5 Total longitudinal circumference 557 540 • • • 548 Inter- zygomatic breadth 114 120 130 113 Nasio-mental length . . ?100 ?96 Nasio-alveolar length 58 55 60 Nasal height 48 43 51 47 Nasal width 25 25 ... 26 27 Nasal Index 52.1 58.1 50.9 57.4 Orbital width ... 40 39 44 42 Orbital height 34 28 27 31 Inter-orbital width 22 18 18 Orbital Index ... 85 71.7 61.3 73.8 Palato-maxillary length 52 57 . . . 60 Palato-maxillary breadth 64 61 . • . 66 Palato-maxillary Index 123 107. 110. Symphysial height . t > 30 25 § Coronoid ,, 59 50 '^ 1 Condyloid ,, g "^ GOnio-symphsial length 60 50 • • . 88 1 85 1 Intergonial width 99 88 iJ / Breadth of ascending ramus . . . 30 28 OCCASIONAL NOTES. No. I. Antiqcity of Man in Australia. In 1890 there appeared a short paper by myself, " Has Man a Geological History in Australia ?"i being an analysis of the statements relative to the supposed discovery of human teeth in the Wellington Cave bone-deposits by Mr. Gerard Krefft. That teeth were found appeared to be an established fact, but that these were taken from the bona-fide bone- breccia did not then appear to be satisfactorily decided, hence the conclusion of "not pi-oven " arrived at. Two other points, however, were unknown to ine at the time I wrote. The first was that Krefft had figured one of the molar teeth, and the second that at the time of his severance from the Museum, or thereabouts, he had a work in preparation on our Post-Tertiary Mammals, which apparently was to be called " Australian Fossil Remains." In 1882 there appeared in the published " Votes and Proceedings of the Legislative Assembly " a parliamentary paper, " Exploration of the Caves and Rivers of New South Wales, "2 to which were attached a number of plates of Wellington Cave fossils ; some of these were photographic reproductions (thirteen plates), the remainder lithographs, numbered Plates 1 to 18. Figs. 3 and 4 of PI. 12 are two views of a human molar tooth. The explanations of these lithographic plates, accompanied by a number of disjointed notes, are amongst the KrelTt MSS. now preserved in the Mitchell Librai'y. With the view of endeavouring to recognise as many as possible of the original specimens in the Museum Collection, Mr. W. W. Thorpe spent some days at the Library, and through the courtesy of Mr. H. Wright, the Librarian, was able to transcribe copious extracts. The two most important points revealed were the following: — In the explanation of Plate 1 2, we read in Krefft's own handwriting — " Figs, 3 and 4. Side view, natural size, and view from above enlarged of a human molar tooth, taken from the solid breccia of Wellington Cave by the ^oriter.'"^ 1 Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, v., pt. 2., 1890, p. 259. - Votes and Proceedings of the Legislative Assembly, Sydney, v., 1882, p.p. 551-602. 3 The italics are mine. 32 RECORDS OP THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Next, attached to one of these documents (A2G3) is wliat appears to be a small plan of tlie work going on at the caves under Krefft's supervision, but possibly prepared by the workman in charge, giving depths and details. As a footnote to this plan occurs the following remark : — " In well-hole where Krefft found human skeleton in led breccia." Now, (1) from the evidence I collected at the time I previously wrote on this subject, I arrived at the conclusion that the teeth in question were discovered on the present-day floor of a cave, but we are now faced with Kreif t's written statement that these teeth were taken by himself from the breccia in f^itn ; (2) from the brief information on the face of this MS. plan (and there appears to be no question of its genuineness), it would appear that Mr. Krefft did find, at some time during the exploration of the Wellington Caves, the work being then under his control, not only -the teeth, but a human skeleton therein also. The occurrence of the molar teeth in the bi"eccia may render a modification in the former verdict of "not proven " necessary, but little deduction can be derived from the skeleton occurrence until futher evidence is forthcoming of its precise position in the cave deposit. E. ETHERIDGE. EXPLANATION OP PLATE VIII. Tasmanian Adult Male Skull. Fig. 1. Norma vertical h. Fig. 2. ,, lateralis. REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XI. Plate Vill. \/N- W. Kamsay Smith, j)lioto. EXPLANATION OP PLATE IX. Tasmaniaii Adult Male Skull. Fig. 1. Norma facialis. ,, hasilaris RKC. AUSTR. :\[US., VOL. XI, Plate IX. AV. Ramsay S.Miru, plioto. EXl'LAXATIOX (IF P[,ATE X. Tasniaiiiaii Adult Female Skull. Fig. 1. No7-v}a lateralis. Fig. 2. ,, facialis. HEC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. Xl, I'l.ATK X. / t W. Ramsay Smith, photo. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XI. Tasmaaian Female Skull. Fig. 1. Nurriia basilar is. Tasmauian Skull (upper portion). Fig. 2. Nunna lateralis. REC. AUSTR. MU8, VOL. XJ. Pr,ATK XT. W. Ramsay SMrxH. plioio. KXPLAXATION Of PI,A FE XII. Tasmaiiian Aged Female Skul Fig. 1. Norma lateralis. Fig. 2. ,, facialis. RKC. AU.STR. MUS., VOL. XT. Pl.ATK XIJ. W. KaMSAY S.MITH, photo. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XIII. Tasmaiiian Aged Female Skali. Fiu'. 1. Xorina basilaris. Fig. 2. Sagittal Contours from nasion to basimi (a) Australian Museum, B.3496. (b) Australian Museum, 8.404-. (c) Australian Museum, 125-4. (d) Private Collection, 1826. (e) Private Collection, 1665. REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XI. Platk XJIl, W. Ramsay Smith, photo, and del. ARACHXIDA FROM NORTHERN QUKHJNSLAND. Part T. By W. J. Rainh(i\v, Entomologist (Plates U, 15, 16.) The material enumerated hereunder was collected by Mr. A. A. Giraiilt in Northern Queensland. By far the greater bulk of the species was collected in the vicinity of Gordun- ERRATUM. Page 4-0 — For Syiiphodes dianiphus read Symphanodes dianiphus VJ II ail 1 1' v^i.M tcvM<->i», nr> liiio iiinKt^i. jai iUi'V "JC UitllCU, lllClUUtJ one Isoiiietroides, one i'/ielifer, one Jhaiipefnis, one Tronihidiam and one lilu')icolopl(H>!, all of which aie lecorded in their proper place. Order SCOBPIONIDjE. Fain Uij A N DROCTONOIDvE. Geiiiig Isometroides, Keys. IsO:\rETROII)ES VKSCDS, KarsrJi. Isometrns vescns, Karsch., Schrift. Ges. natuif. Freund. Berlin, 1880, p. 56. Jgonietroides cesciif!, Keys., Die Arach. Austr., Suppl., 1884, p. 17, pi. 2, figs. 3, 3'f. Hid). — Gordonvale (Nelson, via Cairns), under bark of " Bastard " or " Poplin Gum," August 28, 1912. ARACHNIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND. Part r. By W. J. Rai\H(i\v, Entomologist (Plates U, 15, 16.) The material enumerHled hereunder was collected bj Mr. A. A. Girault in Nurthern Queeiishmd. By far the greater bulk of the species was collected in the vicinity of Gordon- lormerlj- known as Nelson. The Spiders are mostly small, and of the arboreal t3'pe. This is what one would naturally exi)ect Avhen the methods of collecting adopted by Mr. Girault are considered, namely, "beating" and "sweeping." There are, however, as will be seen by a perusal of the contents of this pa[)er, a few terrestrial forms. lu such a mass of material as that collected by Mr. Girault, and from a district so rich in individuals and species, it is only natural that some novelties should occur, and so we find it. These, which include new genera and new species, are in addition to already recorded forms enumerated below. The " Girault Collection," as this material may be called, include one Isuiiietroides, one i'/ielifer, one JhoiipetrKS, one Trcnnbidiiim and one liliivcolojthii-i, all of which are recorded in their proper place. Order SCORPIONIDJE. Famihj ANDROCTONOID^. Ge>iitii Isometroides, Keyg. TS0METR0I[>ES VKSCDS, Kiir.^rh. Isometrns vescas, Kar.scli., Schrift. Ges. naturf. Freund. Berlin, 1880, p. 56. Tgoineiroiihs t•e.^•(•/^^•, Keys., Die Ai'ach. Austr., Suppl., 1884, p. 17, pi. 2, tigs. 3, 3'(. Hah. — Gordonvale (Nelson, via Cairns), under bark of " Bastard " or " Poplin Gum," August 28, 1912. 34 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Order C IJELONETHID^. F,n,nlii CHELIFERTD^. Genus C'lielit'ei', (Jeoffr. ChELIFEH BREVlDKilTATlJS, 7vV//.--. Chelifer hrecid'ujitntns, Keys., Die Aracli. Austr., Suppl., 1884, p, 48, pi. 4. figs. 6 to &c. if„6.— Hughenden, July 18, 1912, on " Sword grass." Order O L' t LlUMJJ.E. F,iH,ilii DAMPETRID^. Gen Its DHiiipeirus, Karscli. DaMPETRUS TUBERCULATUS, Sor. DiiDijirtrii.-f hdierciilidiis, Sor., Die Arach. Austr., Suppl., 1686, p. 82. Hdb. — Gordonvale ; forest, under logs, May 20, 1912. Order ARANEIDM. Fan, II 1/ AVICULARID^. S a h -fa mi I y D l P L U R I N :E . Gen Hi: Chenistoi)ia, Hoyy. ChENISTONIA GIKADLTl, Uainh. Chenigtonia qiranlti, Raiub., Rec. Austr. Mus., x., No. 8, 1914, pp. 243-7, figs. 52-57. Eah. — Gordonvale ; foiest, under logs, May 20, 1912. Family ULOBORID^. .Sdh-family UlOBORIN^E. Genntt Uloborus, Latr. Uloborus genicdlatus, Oliv. Uloborus yenicalatns, Oliv.. Eucyl. Method, cet. ii., 1789, p. 214. ■ ARACUNIDA FlIOM NORTHERN QOEENSLAND RAINi:0\V. 35 Ulohonts zosis, Walck., Hist. Nat. Ins., Apt., ii., 1887, p. 231, Atlas, pi. 20, figs. 2a-2d; L. Koch, Die Arach. Austr., i., 1871, p. 221, pi. xix., figs. S-'Se; Thor., Studi Rag. Mai. e Pap., ii., 1878, pp. 129 and 290 ; 0^*. cit., iii., 1881, p. 158 ; Op. cit., Parte iv., 1890, p. 239. Hah. — Cairns, November 10, 1912, in stables ; May 1, 1913, ill rooms oi: an nnocciipied dwelling ; August 7, 1913, in laboratory. A very common species. It occurs also in India, Burma, Malaysia, Papua and South Sea Islands. Uloisokus variabilis, Key^. JJlohorus (•ariahiJif, Keys., Die Aracli. Austr., Suppl., 1887, p. 231, pi. XX., figs. 9-9e. Hah. — Specimen with tour egg-sacs on bank of streamlet; forest, Gordonvale, April 27, 1913 ; immature specimens, jungle, Gordonvale, May 25, 1913 ; same locality, March 30, and April 2, 1914; Pentland, September, 1914. The cocoons are similar to those of TJ. republican ks, Sim.^ Uloborus barbipes, L. Koch. Uloboriis barbipes, L. Koch, Die Arach. Austr., i., 1871, p. 229, pi. xix., figs. 9 and 9a. Hab. — Gordonvale, May 1, 1912 ; Pentland, September 9, 19U. Sub-family M1AGRAMMOPIN.E. ijemis Miagrammopes, O. F. Cambr. MlAGRAM.MOPES BRADLEVI, (J. F. Cambr. Miaiiratumopes bradleyi, O. P. Cambi'., Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., . ■ xiv. (4), 1874, p. 177. Hab. — Two specimens, each from Gordonvale, taken by sweeping; one on Ma\' 25, 1913, and the other on March 2, 1914. In my " Census of Australian Araneidse " the habitat is given as "Sydney, N.S. Wales"; it should read, "N. Australia."- ' See pi. 4, Vol. ix., Ann. Soc. Entom. France, 1891. •^ Rainbow — Rec. Austr. Mus., ix., 2, 1911. 36 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MCSKUM. Mur.RAMMOPES FASCIATA, sp. uoc. (Plate xiv., tig. i.) 9 Cephalothorax, 1.8 mm, long, ] mm. broad ; abdomen, 3.5 mm. loug, 1.8 mm. broad. Cephalothorax. — Oblong, olive-green, almost parallel-sided. Pars cephulica rather fiat, obtusely truncated in front, sides slight!}' rounded. Pars thoracica long, narrow, flat and somewhat uneven above, level with pars cephalieu, sides some- what rounded, posterior angle obtuselj- truncated. Marginal hold yellowish, broad, rounded. Eyes. — Eight. Those con- stituting the rear row form a slightly recurved line; each lateral eye of this row is separated from its neighbour by a space equal to twice its individual diameter ; the median eyes are, again, separated from each other by a space equal to fully four times its individual diameter ; anterior eyes exceedingly minute, and difficult to detect ; they are arranged in pairs ; each pair is situated immediately in front of the posterior median eyes, are placed obliquely, and nearly touch each other ; each lateral eye of the posterior row is removed from its minute anterior neighbours by a space equal to fully once its own individual diameter (Fig. 1.) Legs. — Unequal in length ; first pair much the longest and strongest. Relative lengths : 1, 4, 2, 3. First pair olive-green above, sides and underneath dull yellowish ; the other pairs pale yellow. Cahnnistrum prominent. Palpi. — Yellow, short, hairy. Falces. — Concolor- ous, short, weak, porrected. Maxilhe. — Dull yellow, rather long, moderately strong, almost parallel, inclining inwards; apices obliquely rounded. Lahiion. — Concolorous, somewhat coniform. Sternum. — Concolorous also, elongate, narrow, arched, and furnished with a few rather long hairs. Ahdoiuen. — Cylindrical, not overhanging base of cephalothorax ; upper surface dark olive-green, relieved by six large, yellow spots, ari-anged in pairs ; sides concolorous, relieved by large yellow patches; inferior surface pale yellow, reticulated with a 1 I tracery of fine dark olive-green. Spinnerets. — Normal. jjah. — Gordonvale jungle, "sweeping"; one specimen in June, 1913 (type) and one, immature and broken, June, 1914. ARACHN'IDA FROM NORTHERN QCEENSLAKD RAINBOW. 37 Finn 11 >l DICTYNID^. (4eiiii^ Amaurobius, C. Koch. Amaurobits chalybeics, L. Koch. A ma II robins chalijbeius, L. Koch, Die Aracli. Austr., i., 1872, p. 328, pi. xxvi., figs. -4-46. Huh. — Gordonvale forest, " sweeping," April 27, 1913. Ranges from Xortli Queensland to W. Australia. Amaurobics senilis, L. Koch. Amaurobius sein'lif, L. Koch, Die Arach. Austr., i.. 1872, pi. xxvi., figs. 3, 3((. Hab. — Hughenden, among " Sword grasB," July 13, 1912. Amaurobius scalaris, L. Koch. Amaurobius scalaris, L. Koch, Die Arach. Austr., i., 1872, p. 33-4, pi. xxvi., tigs. 7, 7a ; Loc. cil., p. 337. Hub. — Gordonvale, jungle, May 29, 1914. Genus Apliyctoschseraa, Simon. APHYCTOSCHiMA MACUl.ATA, sp. )tOV. (Plate xiv., figs. 2, 3, and 4.) 9 Cephalotliorax 1.5 mm. long, 1 mm. broad ; abdomen, 2.4 mm. long, 1.5 mm. broad (Fig. 2). Cephalothoray. — Ovate, shining, mahogany brown. Fars cephalica raised, arched, smooth ; ocular area broader than long; c///pe«^ deep, furnished with two or three short bristles. Pars thoracica smooth, arched, shining, normal grooves distinct; median fovea longitudinal; marjiual hand broad. Ei/es. — Nearly equal in size, in two rows of four each, large ; anterior row straight on its front line ; rear row strongly pi'ocurved ; front median eyes separated from each other by a space equal to once their individual diameter ; rear median eves separated from each other by a space equal to twice their individual diameter; lateral eyes oblique, nearly touching; each pair linked together upon a black taberciiJ inti ; reai- median eyes separated from their anteiioi- median neighbours 38 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MCSEIM. by a space equal to once their imlividual diameter (Fig. 3). Le'./s. — Xot loug, moderately strong, yellow, annulated with brown rings ; all ambnlatox'y limbs armed with long, fairly strong spines; the latter are longest and strongest upon the metatarsi — at any rate insofar as the second, third and foui'th pairs are concerned; unfortunately each anterior leg has lost all joints below the patella. Palpi. — Loug, yellow, not annulated ; hairy, and similarly armed to legs. Falces. — Slightly project- ing, concolorous with cephalothorax, clothed with long, coarse hairs or bristles, apices divergent ; inner angle of the farrow of each falx armed witli two small teeth, of which the one nearest the fang is the smaller. Ma.i-illce. — Yellow-browu, inner angles pale yellow, modei'ately long, arched, apices inclined inwards and obtuse ; a few long, bristly hairs dis- tributed over the surface. Labium. — Concolorous, rather longer than broad, parallel-sided, apex truncated, but slightly depressed at centre. Steniuiu. — Concolorous with cephalo- thorax, broad, smooth, shining, slightly arched, anterior angle truncated, apex acuminate, and terminated between posteiior coxse. Abdomen. — Large, ovate, slightly overhanging base of cephalothorax, strongly arched, pubescent, superior surface and sides cinerous, relieved by a series of slightly darker patches and markings (Fig. 2) : inferior surface concolorous, with three slightly darker median, longitudinal stripes, extending from epigastric fol'l to near cribelliini, which lattei- is bipartite. Epiyiinum. — Large, laised, arched, shining brown with an undulating lip overhanging a deej) cavity (Fig. 4). 7f„t._Gordonvale, forest. May 9, 1913. Family SIC AR II DJ:. Sub-famihj SCYTODIN^. GeuHs Scytodes, Lufr. SCYTODES PENICir.LATA, .-7/. }I01-. (Plate xiv., tigs. 5, 6 and 7). 9 Cephalothorax, 4.2 nun. long, 3.5 mni. broad ; abdomen, 5.7 mm. long, 3.5 mm. broad. Cephalothorax-. — Yellow, with dark pencillings, subglobose, narrowest in fj^ont. Var^ cepltaJira strongly arched, smooth, sloping forward precipitately to near region of anterior eyes, from whence it gradually ascends towards clypeus, which latter AKACHNIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND RAINBOW. 39 is truncated, steep and indented in front : ocular area broader than long. I'urs thoracica high, strongly ai-clied, sloping abruptly at rear ; iiiarginal hand broad, yellow, mottled with dark brown (Fig. 5j. Eije!-. — Six, arranged in pairs ; each lateral pair prominent, raised upon a tubercle and widely removed from the other ; the eyes of each pair closely in contact with each other. Lepearance some- what like Sergiohis, Sim., but stouter. Lahiiivi. — liong, narrow, almost straight, apex obtuse ; also somewhat like Sergiolns, being relatively as long, but broader. Sternuni. — Elongate, ' tV/'xaptros =^ pleasing. ARACHNIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND RAINBOW. 41 arched, obtusely attenuated in front and at rear. Abdomen. — Elongate, cylindrical. Spinnerets. — Elongate, cylindrincal, apices trmicated, and encircled with well-developed s[)iiinerules. EpICHARITUS LEUCOSEMLiS,* Sp. )IUV. (Plate xiv., tigs. 9 and 10). 9 Cephalotliorax, 2.8 nini, lung, 1.3 nun. Ijioad ; abdomen, 2.6 mm. long, l.'S mm. broad. CepJmhilltorK.r. — Oblong-ovate, smooth, daik-broAvn (almost black), shining, and when viewed with strong light, displaying coppery reflections ; there is a number of sliort, stiff hairs scattered over the surface ; junction of cephalic and thoracic regions not indicated. F((rs cei>halica not higher than thoracic segment, strongly arched, gently sloping forward, obtuse in front; ot'c^(?ar area broader than long; chjpeus narrow, deep, and fi'inged with long black bristles. Furs thoracica strongly arched, sloping gently to posterior angle which is slightly indented ; marginal hainl narrow. Eyes. — Arranged in two rows of four each ; anterior row slightly procurved, and posterior row strongly so. The eyes constituting the anterior row, are grouped together compactly ; the median pair are round, and separated from each other by a space equal to half the individual diameter of a median eye; lateral eyes elliptical, placed obliquely, and each close to its median neighbour; rear eyes sensibly smaller than the median front eyes; of this series the outer eyes are slightly smaller than their inner neighbours, from which each latei'al eye is I'emoved by a space equal to once its own individual diameter; inner eyes separated from each other by a space equal to toui' times tiieir own individual diameter ; each anterior median eye se])arated from the pos- terior median in an oblique line by a space equal to twice its individual diameter (Fig. 8). Leyf.- — Moderately long, robust, concolorous with cephalotliorax, clothed with long hairs, and bespined. Falpi. — Model ately long, similar in colour and armature to legs. FaJces. — Shoit, very weak; inferior margin of furrow armed with three small teeth, and the superior with two; fang short, very weak. Maxillo'. — Long, stout, con- coJoi'ous with cephalothorax, arched, sparingly hairy, apices * AciKocrr7/Aos = white marked. 42 KECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MCSEUM. obtuse, inclining inwards, and with the inner angles fringed and oblique. Lnhimn. — Concohjrous also, arched, much longer than broad, coniform, surface sparingly hairy, apex fi-inged with rather long bristles. Steni.uiii. — Concolorous with cephalothorax, and displaying similar metallic reflections, elongate, arched, smooth, anterior and posterior extremities obtuse. Ahihniien. — Cylindrical, arched, densely clothed with long black and white hair (Fig. 9). At anterior extremity t.he abdomen is grey, then black ; jiear the centre there is a bi'oad white band which almost completely encircles the animal at that part ; the white band is succeeded by a broad patch of black, and this again by a terminal band of white. Epigijnioii . — A transversely oval plaque faintly indicated with two circular, dark-brown, shining depressions (Fig. 10). Hal). — Gordonvale, sweeping in jungle. May 11, 1913. (.'roup SYMPHANODE^. The graceful spider described hereunder {)resents some fea- tures that will be of much interest to students, and these seem to suggest that a new group in the sub-family Drassodinje is essential for its reception and so 1 propose the name Sijtnplianodeo'. Simon has divided this sub-family into nine well-defined groups, into none of which the form now demand- ing attention appears to fall. By its sy)innerets it somewhat resembles Megam}jrceon, Reuss., in respect to their ti-uncature, and the well-developed spinnerules ; but there the immediate affinity with that genus ends. One of the most striking fea- tures of this spider, for which 1 Y^vol^ose the xmme Syiupiuinodt's dianiphus (y'l- ef ■•^jk hov.), is the leg formula, which is 4, 3, 1, 2, whilst in other geneni, it is -t, 1, 2, 3. Another exce[)tion is that all the metatai'si and taisi are scopulated, instead ol only those of legs i. and iv. as in several genera, or of only that of the first paii' in others ; and to this must be added the eye formula and the form of niaxillfe and labium. Genus Symphanodes,^ yen. nor. (Plate xiv., figs. 11, 12, and 13.) Cepludotliora.r. — Oblong-ovate, obtuse in front. I'ors ceplm- lica moderately raised, arched, sloping to the rear, normal ' ov/x^ava)6rjs, = harmonious. ARACHNIDA KROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND RAINBOW. 43 grooves defiuiug junction of cephalic and thoracic segments distinct; ocular area broader than long; d;/pei(s iiavvow. Pars thoracica. ai'ched, normal grooves faintly indicated ; media)! fovea absent. Eijes. — Eiglit ; in two rows of four each ; I'ows slightly procurved (Fig. 11). Legs. — Short, robust, bespiued ; metatarsi and tarsi scopulated. Claics, 2. , Relative lengths : 4, 3, 1, 2. Palpi. — Shoi't, moderate!}' robust, similai- in cloth- ing and armature to legs. Falces. — Moderateh- long, not strong ; superior margin has three minute teeth, and the inferior margin two, but they are very difficult to detect ; famj rather long, well curved and exceeding!}' fine. Mu.riJlrp. — Long, narrow, ai'ched ; each rounded at base and obtusely pointed at apex; apices inclining inwards (Fig. 12). Labium. — Coniform, verj^ loiig"> arched (Fig. 12). Ster/invi. — Elongate, oval, anterior e.xtremity rounded, posterior ext'.emity obtusely accuminate. Abdomen. — Oblong. Spinnerets. — Long, cylin- drical ; apices truncated, and surrounded with well-developed spinnerules (Fig. 13). Sy.AJPHODES DIAMPUUS,'' sp. 7I01K (Plate xiv., figs. 14, and 15). 5 Cephalothora.x, 1.6 mm. lony, 12 mm. broad ; abdomeii, 2.5 mm. long, 1.2 mm. broad (Fig. 14). Ce)i]ial(ifliura,i\ — Oblong - ovate, ai'ched, smooth, shining, yellow, with dusty patches on cephalic segment and at postei-ior angle. Pars cejihalicn arched, obtusely attenuated in front, sloping gently rearwards to junction of thoracic segment ; ocular area broader than long ; I'li/peus nari'ow, fiinged with a few long coarse black liairs. I'ars tlioraclca ai-ched, radial grooves not deep, but distinct, a few shoit black bristles distributed over surface; utarijinal baud., narrow. Eyes. — Large, distributed over two I'ows, each of which is slightly procurved ; the front median eyes are separated from eacli other by a space equal to rather more than once their indi- vidual diameter ; front lateral eyes are near to, but do not touch their median neighbours ; lateral eyes of rear row separated from their inner neighbours b}^ a space equal to once their individual diameter ; rear median eyes twice their * 8iaui<^os ^^^ marked with snow-white. 44 RECORDS OK THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. individual diameter ajiart (Fig. 11). Legs. — Slioi't, robust ; legs i. and ii. considerablj' tbe sboi'test and tbe most robust ; of these two pairs the femora are very sliort and very stout; the tibia of each of these legs is short and stout, but very slightly longer tlian the patella ; metatarsi and tai'si short and stout, and together equal in length to tibia ; legs iii. and iv. are strong, though not so stout as the anterior pairs. In each leg the femur is dusky and the succeeding joints yellow. All ai-e hairy and bespined. Falpi. — Moderately long, strong, similar in colour, clothing and armature to legs. Falces. — Moderately long, not very strong, hairy, dusky yellow. M((xill(H. — Dusky, moderately hairy, convex, long, apices inclining inwards (Fig. 12). Lnhinm. — Concolorous and similarly clothed, coniform, apex fringed (Fig. 12). Sternum. — Elongate, yellow, smooth, shining, broadest between coxse ii. and iii., truncated in front, posterior extremity obtusely accu- minate, surface flattened and furnished with short, stiff, scattered hairs, edges rounded. Ahdomeii. — Oblong, obovate, not overhanging base of cephalothorax, arched, clothed with long, coai'se hairs, dark-bi'own. With two lai'ge white lateral patches at anterior extremity, two at the middle, and a small transverse white patch at posterior extremity. On the under- side, the abdomen is of a dull whitish colour in front of the rima epigusten's, otherwise dark-brown with a large, median oblong grey patch extending fj'om the ri))ia epigasteris to just beyond the centre; from thence dark-brown until just in fiont of spinnerets where there is an intei'rupted transverse bar of light grey. Epigipiniii. — Lai'ge, longer than broad, with two large circular pits at posterior extemitj- (Fig. 15). Spinner- ets.— Long, cylindrical and whitish, clothed "with long coai'se liairs, apices truncated and encircled with spinnerules. Hcih. — Cape River, January 7, 1913, sweeping grass. Fnuiilg ZODAiniDJ'J. Snli-jnnnhj ZODARIIN^. itonis Stoi'ena, }\(dcl,\ StORENA F ALBOJlAi'UI.ATA, Kainb. Storenu f albonnicnlatu, Rainb., Proc. Linn. Soc. N.iS. Wales, xxvii., 1902, p. 485, pi. xviii., hgs. 1, Ik. AKACH.NIHA PItnM NdRTlltRN t^UEENSLANU RAINBOW. 45 Hah. — Boweii, forest, November 1, 1912. 1 think there can be little doubt but that this specimen is the ^ of my S. alhouiiiriilata, as in coloui', ornamentation, and eye formula it agrees with that species. The species was originally I'ecorded from Burwood and afteivvards Belmore, and I have since I'eceived another example from the Tweed River, New South Wales. Storena AURIPES, Sp. IIOV. (Plate xiv., figs. 16, 17, and 18). (J Cephalothorax, 2.7 mm. long, 2.1 nmi. broad ; abdomen, 3.2 mm. long, 2.1 mm. broad. Ceplialufhofa.i'. — Dark- brown, shining. I'ars cejjhtdicd broad, strongly arched, obtuse in front, junction of cephalic and thoracic segments distinct, a few strong, black bristles dis- tributed over the surface ; ocular area longer than broad, black ; clypeiis deep, narrow, fringed with long, black bristles. Pars thoracica arched, radial grooves indistinct, surface furnished with scattered, stiff black hairs, and ornamented with a band of fine hoary hairs running down the middle, and patches of concolorous hairs at the side ; marginal band narrow. Eyes. — Eight ; arranged in two pi'ocurved rows of four each ; anterior row only slightly procurved, but the rear row strongly so ; anterior median eyen as large as those constituting the posterior row, and separated fioni each other by a space equal to fully once their individual diameter; front lateral eyes smallest of the group, and each removed from its median neighbour by a space equal to half its own diameter ; rear median eyes separated from each other by a space equal to once their individual diameter, and each from its lateral neighbour by a s[)ace equal to rather more than one diameter (Pig. 16). Leys. — Robust, long, hairy and armed with long, fine spines ; anterior pairs dark-brown at base of femur, thence bright yellow ; rear pairs yellow also, but darker than their anterior neighbours. Relative lengths, 4, 1, 2, 3. Palpi. — Short, hair}', armed with long, stout spines, yellow ; femur longer than patella and tibia combined ; genital bulb longer than all other joints combined; complicated (Fig. 17). Falces. — Concolorous with cephalothorax, arched, slightly produced, clothed with long, coarse hairs or bristles. Maxillce. — Red- dish-bi'own, shining, inner angles pale yellow, apices obtusely 46 RECORDS OK THE AUSTRALIAN' MUSEDM. truncated, inner angles fringed with long pale yellowish hairs, surface furnished with a few short, black bristles. Labium. — Reddish-brown also, apex yellow and rounded ; arched ; a few coarse black bristles spread over surface. SteniKm. — Also reddish-brown, shield-shaped, strongly arched, fairly well clothed with lioary hairs, amongst which are scattered a few black bristles. Abdomen. — Ovate, arched, not overhanging base of ce[)halothorax, hairy. Upper surface dark-brown — nearly black, ornamented dorsally and laterally with white markings and [tatches : infei'ior surface, dull-yellow (Fig. 18). Hah. — Pentland, September, 1914. StOKENA IXORNATA, "p. i/nr. (Plate xiv., Hgs. 19 and 20). 9 Cephalothorax, 2.5 inm. long, 1.5 mm. broad; abdomen, 2.8 mm. long, 1.5 mm. broad. Ceplialotliurax. — Obovate, reddish-brown, shining. Pars cephaUca arched, moderately clothed with very short, fine hairs, obtuse in front, junction of cephalic and thoracic seg- ments distinct ; ocular area daik-brown, rather broader than long ; ch/petis moderately broad, deep. Pars thoracica strongly arched, radial grooves not defined ; median fovea rather long, distinct ; marginal band narrow. Eyes. — Eight, equal in size, distributed over two rows of four each ; I)oth rows procui-ved, the rear extremely so ; front median eyes separated from each other by a space equal to once their individual diameter, and each from its lateral neighbour by about one-half its diameter ; rear median eyes separated from each other by a space equal to about one-and-a-half their individual diametei', and each from its lateral neighbour by a space equal to that of one diameter (Fig. 19). Ley.-^. — Long, moderately sti'ong, tapering, clothed with short, fine hairs, and armed witli long, fine spines ; each femur of fiist, second, and third paii's dark-brown from base to near junction with patella, where it is pale yellow ; all other joints of legs refei-red to, pale yellow; the fourth pair has the femur pale yellow at base, then dark- brown, and pale yellow at apex ; patella and tibia are each dark-brown with AltACHN'Il'A Fi;o\l NdlM'HEKN QUEKNSLANH — RAINHOW. 47 yellow apices ; metatarsus dark-brown at base and apex, with a broad, dusky yellow band in betAveen ; tarsus yellow. Relative lengtlis : 4, 1, 2, 3. Palpi. — Long, yellow, tapering, similar in colour and armature to legs. Falces. — Concolorous with cephalotliorax, slightly projecting, strongly arched, hairy. Maxillce. — Strong, broad, arched, dark-brown, apices and inner angles yellow ; surface furnished with a few black bristles, inner angles fringed with fine, pale hairs. Labium. — Long, broad, rounded at apex, which latter is fringed with long, black hairs, arched, dark-brown, apex yellow. Sternum. — Shield-shaped, reddish-brown, arched, surface moderately clothed with fine, hoary hairs. Ahdoiucii. — Ovate, not over- hanging base of cephalothorax, arched ; superior surface yellow-brown, spotted with pale yelloAv, moderately hairy ; inferior surface reddish-brown in front of rima epigasteris, and below that yellowish-grey. Epigijnuin. — Large, arched, bilobed, and having two deep, circular lateral pits (Fig. 20). Hah. — Gordonvale, August 30, 1912. A very distinct species, and remarkable from the fact that it is in no way ornamented. Genus Het^rica,'' gen. nov. (Plate xiv., fig. 21, and Plate xv., fig. 22). For the reception of the next species herein described, 1 propose a new genus — Hefcerica. This spider conforms closely to those we have just been studying, the Storena, in the form of the cephalothorax, the two rows of eyes, the presence of only one tooth on the lower ridge of the falx, and in the possession of three tarsal claws, but differs therefrom princi- pally in the number of spinnerets. In Storena there are six, and of these the fore spinnerets are long, and the hind ones short ; Hetcerica, on the other hand is only provided with four ; the front pair are very short — almost aborted, while the hind pair are long. Indeed, the fore pair have to be carefullv sought for, as they are so diminutive, and so obscured by long abdominal hairs, that they are not easily seen. The species for which I propose the specific name aresca is an exceedingly beautiful one. The description of the genus is as follows : — ' era/ptKos = comrade-like. 48 RECORDS OF THE ADSTRALIA.N MUSEUM. Cephalothora.v. — Obovate, arched. Pars cephalica obtuse in front, segmeutal grooves distinct ; ocular area rather broader ttian long ; cli/peiis not broad, deep. Pars tliorucica broad ; radial grooves and median fovea distinct. Eije.-<. — Eight, in two rows of four each ; each row procurved (Fig. 21). Leijs. — Rather long, tapering, moderately strong, armed with long and moderately strong spines ; superior claws long, and each furnished with a comb of long teeth. Relative lengths: 4, 1, 2, 3. Palpi. — Short, sti'oug, spined, tarsal claw furnished with a comb of long teeth. Falres. — Not projecting, strong, arched, lower mai-gin of the furrow of each falx armed with one tooth. Maxillce. — Moderately long, apices obtuse and inclining in- wards (Fig. 22). L'lhiinn. — Longer than broad, somewhat coniform (Fig. 22). Stennan. — Broad, sliield-shaped, truncated in front, obtusely accuminate at reiir. AhJoiueu. — Ovate. Spinnerets. — Foui-. The two in front minute ; rear pair long cylindrical. Het.erica aresca,^ sp. nov. (Plate XV., fig. 23). $ Ceplialothorax, 2 mm. long, 1.4 mm. broad ; abdomen, 2.5 mm. long, 1.4 mm broad. Cephalothorud'. — Obovate, yellow, smooth, shining, arched. Pars cephalica obtuse in front, segmental grooves distinct; ocular area rather broader than long ; clypens not broad, deep. Pars thoracica broad, radial grooves and median fovea distinct ; rnaryinal band narrow, and of a rather darker tint than the surface. Eyes. — Eight, distributed over two strongly pro- curved rows of four each ; trout median eyes smallest of the series aiid separated from each other by a space equal to once their own individual diameter ; front lateral eyes separated from each other by a space equal to nearly twice their indi- vidual diameter ; rear median eyes near together, and each separated from its lateral neighbour by fully once its indi- vidual diameter (Fig. 21). Legs. — Long, moderately strong, tapering; coxee concolorous with ce{)halothorax ; other joints, with exception of tarsi, smoky yellow ; the legs moderately apeoKO^ plnasiug. ARACHNIDA PROM NORTHERN QURKNSl-ANh RAINBOW. 49 hairy ami armed with king, fairly strong spines ; superior tarsal claws long, well curved, and each furnished with twelve long teeth. Relative lengths: 4, 1, 2, 3. FaJpi. — Short, strong, yellow, similar in clothing and armature to legs ; tarsal claw long, and furnished with a number of long, tine teeth. FaJces. — Xot projecting, strong, moderately long, arched, hairy, coucolorons with cephalothorax. Ma.rillce. — Concolorous with falces, moderately long, arched, apices obtusely accunii- iiate, slightly fringed and inclined inwards, surface furnished with a few long, strong, black bristles (Fig. 22). Lahium. — Longer than broad, concolorous, somewhat coniform, arched, surface furnished with a few short, stiff black bristles (Fig. 22). Sternum. — Concolorous also, shield-shaped, arched, truncated in front, accuniiuate at rear, surface furnished with rather long, strong bristles. Abdomen. — Ovate, arched, not overhanging base of cephalothorax ; superior surface hairy, black, ornamented with reticulated silvery markings (Fig. 28) ; inferior surface dark-brown, hairy, relieved by three longitu- dinal, paralell whitish stripes, of which the central one is the sti'ongest. Epigijnum. — Small, with two circular pits. Hah. — Pentland, sweeping foliage in forest, Jannaiy 9, 1913. Fam!J,/ FHOLCIDA!]. Sxh-fnnn-hj PHOLCINyE. (Je)nts Pholcus, Wtdck. PhOLCUS MTdRAI.lS, L. Korli . Vlmlcufi litdnilis, L. Koch, Verb. K.K. zool.-bot. Cles. Wien, 1867, p. 193 ; Die Arach. Austr., i., 1872, p. 285, pi. xxiv., tigs. 1, lii.-lij. Hub. — Gordonvale, numerous in dwellings, Maj', 1912. (Teniis Tiichocyclus, Simo)i. Triciiocvclus ? nigropdnctatds, Simon. Ti'ichociih(!! niiiropunclittm^, Siiiuni, Die Fauna Slid west Anstr., i.,"l908, p. 407. 7f«//.— Hughenden, May 13, 1912. 50 RECORDS OF THR AUSTRAMAN MUSEUM. Gennff Psilocliorus, Simon. PSILOCHORUS SPHAEROIDES, L. Koclt. Pholcus tha'ro)de><, L. Koch, Die Aracli. Aiistr., i., 1872, p. 283, pi. xxiii., fio-. 6, 6o-6d. Hub. — Hugheiiden, July 14, 1913 ; Townsville, Jul)' 15, 1912 ; Cape River, January 7, 1913 ; from interior of buildings. Fan! ihj THEBIDIIDJ^. Genioi Ariamnes, Tlmr. Ariamnes coldbrinus, Keys. Arinnnip^ I'nhiln'iiins, Keys, Die Ai-ach. Austr., Suppl., 1890, p. 237, pi. xxi., figs. 5, 6ii-5c. Hah. — Aloomba, forest, sweeping grass, July 7, 1912 ; Gor- (Lnivale, foi-est, sweeping grass, August 10, 1912. Genus Ai'gyrodes, Sim. Aroykodes antipodiana, O. p. Caiah. An/iirddfs iiiili jiiiiliana, 0. P. Canib., Proc. Zool. Soc, 1880, * ■ p. 327. 7f,ti._Goidonvale, August 28, 1912, August 31, 1912, May 14, 1913, March 5, 1914; Aloomba, July 7, 1912; sweeping jungle growth and grass. Argyrodes iNCisiPRONs, Keys. Anjyrodes inclsifrnns, Keys., Die Arach. Austr., Sn{)[)l., 1890, p. 246, pi. x.vii., tigs. 5, 5", 56. Hah. — CTiu(k)!ivale, .Ian nary, 1914, jungle, sweeping. Al!<;YK'n|iKS AHKENTATA, x/>. )IOV. (Plate XV., fig. 24.) 9 Cephalothorax, 1 nun. long, 0.5 mm. broad; abdomen, 1.2 mm. long, 1.2 mm. broad, 2.6 mm. from vential surface to apex. ARACHNIPA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND RAINBOW. 51 Gephalotliord.f. — • Sipooth, ovate, yellow - brown. Furs cephalicd sloping rearward, normal grooves distinct ; ocular area broader tlian Iniig ; elypeus moderately deep, projecting, and slightly cleft beneath median eyes. Pars thoracica bi'oad in front, retreating to posterior angle where it is very narrow, radial grooves distinct; marginal hand narrow. Eyes. — Eight; nearly equal in size; the four median eyes form a trapezium ; the front median pair are the widest apart, and slightly the largest ; lateral eyes contiguous. Legs. — Long, not stroiig, yellowish ; anterior pair much the longest. Rela- tive lengths: 1, 4, 2, 3. Falpi. — Short, concolorous, hairy. Falces. — Concolorous with cephalothorax, hairy. Maxilhv. — Concolorous also, arclied, long, and parallel. Labium. — Also concolorous, normal. Steriuun. — Elongate, triangular, brown, shining, arched, moderately hairy, accuminate posteriorly, and terminating between the fourtli pair of coxae. Abdome)/. — Gibbous, yellow-brown, with dark-brown longitudinal and transverse striations ; apex obtuse, white at summit; sides ornamented with bright silvery bands and spots (Fig. 24). Hah. — Gordon vale, sweeping forest at top of coastal range 1,500ft., May 29, 1913. Argyrodes argentiopunctata, sp. nov. (Plate XV., figs. 25, 26, and 27.) (J Cephalothorax, 1.1 mm. long; 0.8 mm. broad; abdomen, 1.4 mm. long, 1 mm. broad. Cephalothorax. — Ovate, straw-yellow, smooth. Fars cephalica arched, ascending, sides declivous ; ocular area broader than long ; chjpeus somewhat produced, but not cleft. Pars fhoracica arched, normal grooves distinct; marginal hand narrow. Eyes. — Of equal size, distribution normal. Legs. — Long, slender, tapering, apices of tibiae of first and fourth pairs orange-yellow ; each leg has a few fine hairs and a few moderately long, weak spines. Relative lengths : 1=4, 2, 3. Palpi. — Long, straw-yellow ; genital bulb large, somewhat complicated, furnished with a few short, strong spines, and clothed with long, fine hairs (Fig. 25). Falces. — Straw- yellow, arched, hairy. Maxillre. — Long, arched, straw-yellow. 52 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MDSE-UM. parallel, apices inclining inwards. Labium. — Concolorous, normal. SterrtKiii. — Concolorous also,- elongate, triangular. Ahdoineii. — Somewhat gibbous, very slightly overhanging base of cephalothorax, yellow, upper surface and sides ornamented with irregularly formed bright silvery pits (Fig. 26). $ Cephalothorax, 1.4 mm. long, 1 mm. broad ; abdomen, 2 mm. long, 1.5 mm. broad. In every f)articalar, except size and sexual characters, both sexes agree, hence a detailed description of the 2 is unnecessary. Epi'jiiiiinu. — As in figure (Fig. 27). Hah. — Goi'don vale, sweeping jungle, on the following dates: — January, 1913, and 19U, March 5, 1914, May 25, 1913, May 29, 1913, June 3, 1912, June 4, 1913. AbGYKODES MUSGRAVEJ,^ Sj). nov. (Plate XV., fig. 28.) 9 Cephalothorax, 1.3 mm. long, 0.8 mm. broad ; abdomen, 1.7 mm. long, 1.2 mm. broad, and 1.7 mm. from apex to tips of spinnerets. Cephahilliora.i'. — Yellow, smooth, shining, ovate. Fars cephalica arched, high, retreating rearwards, sides declivous ; ocular area, broader than long ; chj/iens pioduced, but not cleft. Pars thoracica arched, normal grooves distinct ; marginal band narrow. Eyet:. — Equal in size ; distribution normal. Leys. — Long, slender, tapering, dark-brown (nearly- black), except coxae and tarsi which are concolorous with cephalothorax, armed wath a few short, fine sjjines, and clothed with exceed- ingly fine and short pubescence. Relative lengths : 1, 2, 4, 3. PaZjj)!. — Concolorous with cephalothorax, and similar in clothing and armature to legs. Falces. — Concolorous also, arched, pubescent. Maxilliv and Labinra. — Also concolorous ; normal. Sternum. — Also concolorous, elongate, triangular, arched. Abdomen. — Gibbous, slightly overhanging base of cephalothoi'ax, arched, pale yellow, not shining, apex dark brown, each side ornflmented with two bright, silver spots (Fig. 28), pubescent. Hah. — Gordonvale, sweeping, September 5, 1912. 9 Named m honour of my Assistant, Mr. A. Musgrave. ARACHNIDA FEOM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND RAINBOW. 53 Argyrodes FLAVIPES, sjt. nor. (Plate XV., figs. 29 and 30.) J Ceplialotliorax, 0.9 mm. long, 0.7 mm. broad ; abdomen, 1.5 mm. long, 1.2 mm broad. Cepiialothorax. — Ovate, dark-brown, smooth, arched, rurs cephalica narrow, ascending ; ocidar area broader than long ; clypeas excavated, upper portion projecting further than the lower. Pars thoracica furnished with a few fine ciliate hairs ; lateral grooves present, but very indistinct; marginal band narrow. Eyes. — Normal. Legs. — Long, tapering, straw- yellow, clothed with fine j'ellow hairs, and armed with short weak spines ; each femur and tibia, except of leg iii., has a dark-brown annulatiou at apex ; all metatarsi similarly annulated at apex. Relative lengths : 1, 2, 4, 3. Fidpi. — Short, straw-yellow, with exception of genital bulb, which latter is dark-brown, short, broad, and clothed with long hairs, t'alees. — Short, concolorous with cephalothorax. Maxillte a)ul Labiiiin. — Normal, concolorous also. Steruuni. — Normal ; also concolorous. Abdomen. — Elongate, triangular, arched, slightly overhanging base of cephalothorax ; near the front there ai'e two large humeral humps ; apex accuniinate (Fig. 29) ; upper surface dark-brown, streaked with yellow ; sides and inferior surface concolorous. $ Cephalothorax 1.1 mm. long, 0.9 mm. broad ; abdomen, 2.5 mm. long, 2.5 mm. broad. Except that the 9 i^ larger and darker than the (J, and that the abdomen (Fig. 30) is broadly triangular, and as long as it is broad, both sexes are remarkably similar in appearance. Hah. — Gordonvale, jungle, May and June. Genus Theridion, Walck. Theridion pyramidale, L. Koch. Theridiiini pyraniidode, L. Koch, Verb. K.K. Zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, 1867, p. 190; Die Arach. Austr., i., 1872, p. 266, pi. xxii., fig. 5. 54 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MDSEU.M. Hub. — Alooiiiba, July 7, 1912 ; Quingilli, sweeping grass in forest, September 13, 1912; Got donvale, July 7, 1912, sweeping ill forest, August 20, 1912, from nest of dead leaves, egg-sac chocolate colour, September 9, 1912, forest, egg-sac pale chocolate, October 24, 1912, sweeping grass in forest. Some specimens immature. Common in Queensland and New South Wales. Theridion decoratum, fj. Koch. (Plate XV., figs. 31 and 32.) Theridium decoratum, L. Koch, Verb. K.K. zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, 1867, p. 183 ; Die Arach. Austr., i., 1872, p. 265, pi. xxii., figs. 3, 3((. ^ Cephalothorax, 1.2 mm. long, 1 mm. broad ; abdomen, 1.3 mm. long, 1.3 mm. broad, and 1.9 mm. from apex to spinnerets. Cepluih)t}a)rax. — Ovate, arched, smooth, 3'ellow. i'cn>- ce^AftZ/ca ascending, attenuated in front; ocidar cireu broader than long ; clypeas narrow. I'ars thoracica furnished with a few short, scattered hairs ; ladial grooves indistinct ; median fovea distinct, recurved ; viaryinal hnvd narrow, dark. Eyes. — Normal. Leys. — Of a lighter yellow tint than cephalothorax, with dark annulations at junction of joints, long, tapering, clothed Avith fine hairs, and armed with moderately long spines. Relative lengths : 1, 2, 4, o. Valid. — Short, femoral and tibial joints concolorous with legs, and the genital bulb, which is large and complicated, concolorous with cephalothorax (Figs. 31, 32). Falcef. — Short, not strong, arched, concolorous with cephalothorax ; fangs weak. M((,rilh(', Lahimti and tSter- nuin. — Normal ; concoloi'ous also with cephalothorax. Ahdo- men. — Ovate, arched, pubescent, slightly overhanging base of cephalothorax, much deeper than long ; colour pattern similar to $ —see Koch's figure in "Die Arachinden des Australiens," quoted above. Ql)s, — L. Koch (supra) describes and figures the $ only, but Mr. Girault succeeded in obtaining a fully developed ^ which is iierewith described. The 9 varies considerably in colour, some forms being much darker than others. Hub. — Gordonvale, by svveei)ing, taken during the mouths of April, August and September. Occurs in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. ARACHNIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND RAINBOW. 55 Theridion mdndulum, L. Koch. TheridiuDi mundnlwii, L. Koch, Die Arach. Austr., i., 1872, p. 263, pi. xxii., figs. 3, 3rt. Hah. — Gordon vale, forest, during months of June, August, September, and November. Egg-sacs, white and lilac. Occurs in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Theridion tepidariordm, (_'. Koch. Theridi Will tepidan'onou, C. Koch, Die Arach., viii., 1841, p. 75, pi. cclxiv., fig. 64^6; pi. cclxiv., figs. 64-1 and 645. Huh. — Gordouvale, interior of Iniildi-.ig, September 9. World wide range. ThEKIDION MMITATUM, L. Koch. Theridium Uiiiilahiiii, L, Koch, Die Arach. Austr., i. 1872, p. 256, tab. xxi., figs. 8, 8((, 86. Hah. — GordonA'ale, October. Occurs also in New South Wales. Theridion fuscomaculatu.m, i^p. nov. (Plate XV., tigs. 33 and 34.) 9 Cephalothorax, 2.1 mm. long, 1.8 mm. broad ; abdomen, 3.2 mm. long, 2.8 mm. broad (Fig. 33). Cephalothorax. — Ovate, arched, yellow-brown, hairy. Fars cephalica ascending, sides declivous, rather darkly clouded down the median line, segmental groove distinct: octdar area broader than long ; cJiipeus deep, strongly bowed. Pars cephalica broad, radial groove and niedian fovea distinct, clouded with dark-brown ; marginal hand, dark brown. Eyes. — Normal. Legs. — Long, tapering, haii'y, armed with a few short, weak spines, yellow, with yellow-brown annulations. Relative lengths : 1, 4, 2, 3. Palpi. — Short, hairy, yellow, tarsus annulated with yellow-brown, similar in clothing and armature to legs. Falces. — Moderately long, not strong, arched, tapering, inner angles clothed with a few short hairs. Maxilhv. — Yellow, arched, apices inclining inwards, surface furnished with a few rather long, stiff hairs ; inner angles almost straight. Lahi- um. — Similar in colour and clothing to the foregoing, short, 56 RECORDS OF THE ADSTRALIAX MDSEDM. broad, arched. Stent am. — YelloAV, suffused with dark-brown arched, shield-shaped, terminating obtusely between fourth pair of coxae, surface furnished with a few short, dark hairs. Ahdoiiien. — Ovate, strongly arched, slightly overhanging base of cephalothorax, hairy, yellow, spotted and mottled v/ith dark-brown (almost black) markings; inferior surface yellow, with dark-brown (almost black) markings; tlieie are also two large and bioad patches of chalky-white, mottled with vellow ; and these patches, of which the posterior one is much the largest and brightest, is bisected by an irregularly-shaped dai-k-bi'own band or patch. Epiyytniin. — A large dark-brown plaque, broadest in front, where it is deeply excavated ; lateral angles somewhat vvavy, inclining inwards; posterior extremity raised, and furnished with two large, deep pits (Fig. 34). Hub. — Gordonvale, forest, November. Two examples of this species, one rather dai-ker and somewhat smaller than the other. ThEKIDION ALUODECOUATK.M, fji. )I0V. (Plate XV., figs. 35 and 36.) 9 Cephalothorax, 2.1 mm. long, 1.8 mm. broad ; abdomen, 3.2 mm. long, 2.7 mm. broad (fig. 35). Cephalothorax. — Tellow-biown, smooth, shining, arched, ovate. Par cephalica ascending, obtuse in front, segmental groove distinct; ocular (r/-e(( broader than long; rl >/ pens ivAvrow, deep. Pars tlioracica broad, radial grooves |)resent, but not distinct; median fovea dLee\} ; marginal hand luvrrow. Eijes. — Normal. Legs. — Long, tapering, yellow with dark-brown annulations, hairy, and aivmed witli short, fine spines. Relative lengths : 1, 4, 2, 3. Pidpi. — Shoi't, similai- in colour and armature to legs. Fuh-es. — Moderately long, tapering, arched, inner angles fringed witli short, stiff, dark hairs; base and sides dark-brown, yellow in fi-ont, and at apices. 'Ma.vilhi'. — Dark-brown, apices and inner angles pale, surface arched and furnished with a few stiff black hairs or bi'istles ; apices trun- cated and inclining inwards. Lahinm. — Short, broad, arched, similar to maxillae in colour and clothing. Sternum. — Shield- shaped, arched, dark-brown, terminating obtusely between fourth pair of coxse, surface sparingly clothed with short, stiff" hairs. Abdomen. — Ovate, strongly ai'ched, hairy, dark-brown ARACHNIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND— RAINBOW. 57 yeuerally, but somewhat lighter iu the median area of superior surface; posterior extremity, sides and inferior surface orna- mented with white streaks and yellowish patches. Epigijnuni. — A transverse plaque with two circular pits, which latter are separated from each other by a space equal to twice their individual diameter (Fig. 36). Hnh. — G-ordonvale, forest, September 12, 1912. Theridion xiphocosmum,^ sp. )iov. (Plate XV., fig. 37.) $ Cephalothoxax, 1 mm. long, 0.7 mm. broad ; abdomen, 2 mm. long, 1.5 mm broad. Gephalothorax. — Ovate, arched, smooth, shining, yellow. Pars cephalica ascending, rounded in fi'ont, sides steep, seg- mental groove distinct; ocular area broader than long ; cliipeus narrow, deep. Pars thoracica sti'ongly arched, radial grooves present, but not distinct ; thoracic fovea, Aee\)\ iiiargijial hand, nari'ow, dark-brown. Eyes. — Normal. Leys. — Long, slender, tapering, straw-yellow with brownish annulations, clothed with tine hairs, and armed with short, w^eak spines. Relative lengths : 1, 4, 2, 3. Palpi. — Short, straw-yellow, similar in clothing and armature to legs. Falces. — Concolorous with cephalothorax, arched, tapei-ing, sparingly hairy. Ma.i'ilJie. — Also concolorous, ai'ched. apices inclining inwards, sparingly hairy. Lahiinii This is also concolorous, short, broad, ai'ched, sparingly haii-y. Stenuon. — Shield-shaped, concolorous, smooth, shining, tei'minating obtusely between foui'th pair of coxBP ; surface fui-nished with a few short, stiff haiis. Ahdo- me)i. — Ovate. Slightly overhanging base of cephalothoi-ax, strongly arched, faintly pubescent, yellow, ornamented with extensive patches of snowy white (Fig. 37) : on the superior surface tlie snowy white patch is relieved by a median and somewhat conventional design and delicate tracing; lateralh* the ])atches are reticulated, and are again further relieved by dark-bi-own markings ; inferior surface, dull yellow. Epiyy- nnni. — A short, oval, dark-brown, transvei'se plaque, with tw^o deep circular pits situated closely together. "' i'(f/)0Kixr/i09 ^^^ oruamented witli snowy white. 58 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Hub. — Gordonvaie district, top of coastal range at 1,500ft., sweeping, forest, May 29, 1913. Therii>iun dianiphum,!! ^p ,,,,(._ (Plate xvi., tigs. 38 and 39.) 5 Ceplialothorax, 0.8 mm. long, 0.6 mm. broad ; abdomen, 1 mm. long, 0.8 mm. broad (Fig. 38). Cephalothora.i'. — Ovate, arched, yellow, smooth, shining. Pars ceplialica obtuse in front, sides declivous, segmental grooves distinct; ocular area broader than long; chjpeus rounded, deep. Pars thoraclca strongly arched, radial grooves present, but not sharply defined ; median fovea profound ; iiiarijliud 6t(ju?, narrow. Eijes. — Normal. Leys. — Long, slender, tapering, yellow, pubescent, and armed with short, fine spines. Relative lengtlis : 1, 4, 2, 3. l^alpi. — Short, concolorous, similar in clothing and armature to legs. Ma.iilhe and Lahi- loj). — Concolorous also, and normal in form. Sternuni. — Shield-shaped, yellow, furnished with a few fine hairs, arched, shining ; posterior extremity terminating obtusely between fourth pair of coxa3. Ahdoineii. — Ovate, strongly arched, slightly overhanging base of ceplialothorax, pubescent, yellow, ornamented with two large, reticulated patches and several small spots of snowy white. Epiyyninii. — A transversely oval plaque, with two large circular pits, which latter are separated from each other by a distinct ridge (Fig. 39). Hah. — Gordonvaie disti'ict, top of coastal range at 1,500ft., sweeping, forest. May 29, 1913. THERir>ION VEXTRICOSI'M, !, Mr. Howlett- says: — ''A friend handed me enclosed, ajjparently the egg-cocoons of a social spider . . . He sa3S the spiders have all gone away now ... I opened one cocoon and found it full of well developed spiders . . . My friend says the spiders had a veiy large web 'right across the ti'ack.'" In a further letter, dated June 2, 1916, Mr. Hewlett says: — "It is 'social,' and of course makes geometric webs." The species is described by Urquhart^ as being 9i mm. long in the 2> ^"^^ ^ mm. in the ^. The 9 ^^^^ ^ glossy black cephalothorax and glossy green abdomen, the latter terminating in tliree blunt, transverseh' wrinkled protuberances. In the (^ the cephalothorax is dull brownish-black, while the abdomen somewhat resembles the 9 i'' colour and form, but is com- paratively broader at the posterior end. Mr. Howlett, in his letter dated June 2, 1916, says: — "The spider is unniistake- able. From memory 1 call it pure black, with three humps at end of abdomen. The young have a white patcli on the back." In respect of the latter, 1 opened one of the cocoons and took therefrom upwards of fifty individuals, some of which were 1 Urqul) art— Trans. N.Z. Inst., xvii., 1884., p. 37, pi. ix., figs. 3, 3a-3/; Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1892 (1893), p. Hi*. 66 RECORDS OK THE ArSTHALIAN MLSEUM. dead. The living examples, liowevei', are exceedingly beauti- ful, the cephalothorax being bright, glossy black, the abdomen dull black, but oinamented with a broad silveiv median band which i-iiiis nearly the entire length. The species disappears altogether during the winter months. Doubtless many die off, whilst others hibernate. The cocoons vary in size from 9 mm., in height and diameter at base to 6.8 mm. Tliey are closely woven, sheeny, light coppei'-coloured, and glisten, when exposed to sunlight, like a new copper coin ; each cocoon is soft and cushion-like to the touch, and firmly l)ound to the twn'g to which it i.s attached, by the silk being carried right round it. Within the outer shield thei-e is another cocoon, soft, silky, flocculent, and concoh)rous. Mr. Urquharl describes the egrgs as being spheiical, straw colouied and agglutinated. He also states that the sexes pair in February, March and possibly earlier, and that the cocoons ai-e generally fabi'icated at the ends of manuka twigs. Tlie figure on PI. xvii. is slightly smaller than the original, and the ])lant is certainly not manuka. KXPIiANATIOX OF PLATE XIV, Pig. 1. Miagta in mopes fasciata, Hainb., eye^. 2. Aphyctoclipetna luaculata. Raiiib., 9 3. ,. ,, ,. eves. 4. „ ., ,, epigvmim. 5. Scytodes [leiiicillatiis, Kaiiib., ce[ilialotli(>r-.(.K ([itofile) 6. ' „ ,. „ 9 7. .. .. ,, e[)ig\iini>i. 8. Epichafitiis lencosenuis, Raini)., eyes. t7. ,. .. 1. V 10. „ .. „ epigytiuuj. 11. Syniphaiiodesdianaphas, Raiiib.,eye8. 12. „ „ ,, maxillff'Hnd labium. l'>. ,. ,, ,, spimieiets. U. .. .. „ 9 15. ., ,. „ epigyimm. 10. Storeim amipes, Kainb., eyes. 17. ,, ., ., palpus ^ Is. ,. ,, ,, abdomen. 19. ,, iiioruata. .. eyes. 20. ,, ,. ., epigyiiuni. 21. Hefceeiica aresca, Rainb., eves. REC. AUSTR. .\[rs., VOL. XI. Pr.ATE X I V o o oo Oo o o o o oo OQ W. J. Rainbow, Austr. Mus., del. KX PLAN ATI ON OV PLATE X\. ¥Uj i. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. HeteeiicH aiesca, Rainb., rna.xill;*' atid labiuin. 7t ») 11 +■ Argvfodes ai"iis $ ,, ,, abdomen, epiofynnni. niiLsgravei, Rainb., abdomen. ., fliivipes, Rainb., abdomen ^ 11 11 11 ■ qp Tlieridion deooiatum, \i. Koch, palpn.s ^ apex ,, f iiscomaciilatuni, Rainb., 9 „ „ „ ef)!-;}-!!!!!)!. ,, albodecroiat uni, Rainb., 9 „ „ epig-ynnm. ,, nipliocosmum, Haiiib., abdomen (a, viewed ftom above ; b, posterior extt-emity ; c, side view) REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XI. I'l.ATK XV. XP W. J. Rainbow, Austr. ]\Ins., del. EXPLANAllON OK PLATK XVI. <*. 38. Theridion diaiiaphum, Raiul).. $ , 39. „ „ „ epigynum. , 40. ,, venti'icosmii, Rainb.. 9 41. „ ,, ,, abdomen; two figures showiDg variation. ^ nw. 1 11^11 ctiVJi vv/iJLii-i y^\ 'o 1>1XI, AKif-V ji>^., ^.ji^xii * jii L^ m . , 43. gibbnn), llainb.. 9 , 44. •■) • 9 abdomen in protile , 4-5. 1^ •? epigynum. , 4-6. giraulfi, ■!? 9 , +7. ?5 ?> epigynum. , 48. nivosnm, 5? 9 , 49. .. 55 abdomen in protile. , :)0. >? 55 epigynum. , 51. spinigeiuti), Rainb., ^ . 52. fuecodecoratnni. Rainb., 9 , 58. »5 t^picynum. REC. AUSTE. MUS., VOL. XT. Plate XVJ. W. J. Raixbow, Ausff. .AIus., .lei. EXPLANATION OF PLATK XVII. ('iMi'ooiis ot' Aiiu-hnitra trilob'it'i, Uiq., slij2:liily rt^thioed. UKC. AUSTK. ML'S., \()|,. XI. I'l.ATK X\'II. C. Cluttox, Aiisif. ^rus.. plioto. the australian museum:— fiiactMents of its eauly history. By R. Ethertdge, Junr., Curatoi'. (Plates x\iii.-xx.) I. — Inception and Title. It is currently believed and officially stated that the Australian Museum was inaugurated in 183H, and under that name was consolidated by the Hon. Alexander Macleayi, Colonial Secretary (PI. xviii.) Certain it is, however, the Museum was a "going-concern," a small one certainly, but still in existence, some years befiire 1836. With whom the idea of establishing a Museum originated it is very difficult to say, for the only )>erson known to us by name was Mr. A. M. Baxter,^ Attorney General in 1828, with an anonymous wi'iter " U," in the " Australian Quarterly' Journal of Theology, Literature and Science," in the same year. Through the courtesy of Mr. H. Wright, Librarian, Mitchell Library, my attention was drawn to the following paragraph in the "Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser" of June 28tli, 1828: — "The Attorney-General (A. M. Baxter. Esqr.) is resolving on ways ;iii)lislnnent of an Australian Museum " (p. 58.) These "suggestions" it will be noted antidate Mr. Baxter's " lauda.ble scheme " by nearly six months. In the course of the jirticle the autboi- wrote as follows : — " The foundation of a Museum for the reception and public exhibi- tion of the natural productions and curiosities of Australia, could not but raise her in the estimation of the world at large 3 Wilton, Charles Pleydell Neal, M. A. of St. John's College, Cambridge, Member of the Ashmolean Society- of Oxford, Chaplain of Newcastle, 1831-;};^ — Was not unknown to science. His principal contributions were:^"An Account of the Burning Mountain in Australasia, called Mount Wingen,'' etc. ; "■ (Jeology of the Goulburn and the Hunter " ; " Sketch of tlie Geology of six miles of the South-East Line of the Coast of Newcastle," etc ; "New Species of Eucrinite," found by him on the coast. Doubt exists as to what his " Encrinite " really was. Notwith- standing the adverse views of hig'h authority 1 cannot divest my mind of the opinion that this object was a Comatulid. If so, Wilton has the honour of first noticing the occurrence of this group on the coast of New South Wales, or jjossibly that of Aixstralia. THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM— EARLY HISTORY— ETHERIDGE. 69 while it would excite her to further efforts to maiutain and increase that good opinion and respect wliich such a measure would produce The materials for furnishing a Museum are so abundant, particularly in Natural History that in much less time than would be necessary to erect a building for their reception a collection c^add be made equal in number and more interesting from novelty than anyone in existence .- and that at a comparatively trifling expense . A building should be erected on a jilan, which would admit of, and be adopted for future enlargements and addi- tions, as the funds of the Museum would allow, composed of a centre and wings. The centre should be of an elevation that would form a complete edifice in itself, but be so con- structed as to admit of wings being hereafter added, which could be connected with the main building by a colonnade. . Care should be taken to secure sufficient ground to enable the future supporters of the Museum to increase it from time to time, by forming three other sides of the square, so that the whole when complete would form a regular quad- rangular building presenting on every side a uniform eleva- tion A portion of the building might, with very great propriety, be applied as a public Lecture-room, in which Lectures on any subjects connected with science could be delivei'ed. It would likewise contain room for a Public Libi'ary — an institution at present much wanted, and which will be still more so" (pp. 61-64). Who was the author of this article ? I regret to say I liave been unable to ascertain and it is signed with the initial letter " U " simply. Two points at once strike one in connection with this ver3- remarkable article: — (1) the general scheme of a quadrangular building was that ultimately adopted in the erection of the Australian Museum ; (2) with the exception of " Fixed Contingent Charges " of 1827, already mentioned, for " Specimens of Birds and other Subjects of Natural History," this article would appear to be the earliest public notice of a project to establish a Museum, at any rate it is the earliest I have been able to find. When the old documents and pa^iers in this Museum's archives were examined and sorted a iew years ago, by good luck was found a most valuable one, and of which the follow- ing is a verbatim copy, with erasures and corrections as in the original. Fi-om this paper, which carries us to 31st Dec, 1837, it is abundantl}' clear that a Museum of some kind was established between the years 1827-9. 70 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Oi ~ CN o 00 ^ p— 1 ^ ^ c 0) o r; 0) ^ s. 1— 1 bf 0) Ol hJ ^ 0) ^ ^_ -^ ^ c CM o ^ c; a. ^' ■j: -*^ ~ c _: X c a^ O ^ o > •3 0) > CJ-' >^ ^^ ->- a) 5 C- pi X c a> 0 -1 S 2 = be ® ;= - t- r:: c - X <» 10 C-',-, >< cc '^^ ^ <15 -tT z ^ X ■^^ — -— --_ '0£ ^^ ---< n. -. >? ® a! >5 0) •s. 1. 0 1 1 c ei-i CD « *■> -li 0 ••^ •^ ^ 0 2i ;^ M -^ TT -r- ^ »^r X 30 X -H — ^ I—" . j^ U rf. .«» ci 0/ 0) >> >5 >s » « * -^ -»— -*J i4 ^ U 0 0 0 =4-1 IM t*-. -^ ■TS r^ a> a> 0) -t^ -f -tJ 0 0 0 > > > X cc o o > ~r "CI cc O 05 t- 4^ c : : i Sf » e^ ' ' > THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM— EARLY HISTORY— ETHERIDGE. 71 There is in existence a curious old incomplete work, pub- lished in Sydney in 1835 : — " Joui'iiey to the Australian Alps," by a learned scientific Pole, Dr. John Lhofsk}-, termed by Mr. G. B. Barton, in his " Literature of Xew South Wales," 1866, "an eccentric personage." At p. 57 Lhotsky wrote: — " It was under the administration of Governor Darling that a Museum was very judiciously founded " ; then follow quotations (as under) of Voted Estimates, which are curious to say the least of it, and at tbe same tixue supplies ns with an early custodian title, that of " Colonial Zoologist." "COLONIAL ESTIMATES VOTED." "1831 (for 1832). No detailed expenditure is to be found. But a salary wliich was voted in 1833 was beyond doubt also voted at an earlier period. ' ' "1832 (for 1833). Colonial Museum, Colonial Zoologist ... =£130 Purchase of specimens, etc." ... ... ... 70 200 " 1833 (for 1834). Colonial Museum. Colonial Zoologist ... il30 Pui'chase of specimens, etc." ... ... ... 70 200 " 183-4 (for 1835) . Towards the support of the Colonial Museum ,£200. The latter item is a mere shift, in consequence of tbe voting of a salary to a dead man, having been commented upon at a Public Meeting, etc." The details of expenditure given by Lhotsky were purely of a second-hand nature on his part. As : — " Estimate of the probable expenditure of the undermentioned establishments forming a Charge on the Treasury of • New South Wales' '' for the years 1833-3-t, amongst the establishments mentioned was the " Colonial Museum." The above " Estimate " may be found in the " New South Wales Calendar and General Post Office Directory " respectively for 1833 (pp. 249, 266) and 1834 (p. 261), and it was from this source that Lhotsky no doubt derived bis information. This 1833 volume of tbe " Directory " contains the following reference (p. xv.) to the Museum in an article devoted to a " Sketch of the Colonv " :— "A great improvement is daily taking place in the outward condi- tion of several ranks of society. . . . For the general reader 7l: RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. there are a Subscrijition and two Circulating Libraries; for the Scientific, lectures in Natural Philosoi^hy, Chemistry, etc., and a ^Museum, which must ere long rise into importance for the innumerable wonders of the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms of this great Southern Land," The 1835 appropriation for the Colonial Museum given in " Abstract of tlie Revenue of the Co\onj of New South Wales, etc., for tlie year 1835 "^ was only £72 Os. Od. which coincides with the expenditure given in the old document here printed i)i e.ffenso, although the Credit Vote was set out £200 Os. Od. Just how long tlie title of " Colonial Museum," and just when the officinl change took place to that now borne by the Institution, we do not at present know for there is a slight discrepancy in the records. For instance in the " Xew South Wales Calendar," already referred to for 1835 (p. 371) occurs the expression : — " Miscellaneous Services — Towards the support of the Australian (1) Museum— =£200." yet in tlie same publication for 1836 (p. 313), the name " Colonial Museum " is again reverted to. The first volume of the old Minute Books of the Museum, under date of " June 7th, 1836," opens with this heading : — '• Minutes of the General Committee of the Australian Museum and Botanical Gardens." There is also in existence a letter from the then Colonial Secretary (Alexander Macleay), dated " Colonial Secretary's Office, 5th April, 1836," relative to past financial matters of the Colonial Museum, of whicli more anon. It is, therefore, possil)le that the change of title took place between 5th April and 7th June, 1836. 'But here enters the discre{)ancy previously referred to, for it was on 8th June, 1836, at a meeting of the Museurn Sub- Committee that the first de6nite official proposal to change the appellation of the Institution was made, so far as T have been able to ascei'tain. At the meeting in question it was I'esolved : — " That the Museum should be named the Australian Museum." •* Votes and Proceedings of tlie Legislative Council during the Session 1836. THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM— EARLY HISTORY— ETHEKIDGE. 73 this resul lit ion to be submitted to the " Geiiei'al Committee" for approval, but just wlieii it was approved the old minutes are silent. Henceforth however, tlirf)ughout all the minute books, the expression used is that of " Australian Museum." As bearing on this thei'e i^ in e.xistence a letter irom the Honbl. E. Deas Thomson (who succeeded the Houbl. Alexander Macleay as Colonial Secretary), dated "2nd May, 18-i2 " re claims against the " Colonial Museum," but addressed to " The Committee of the Australian Museum." Fi'om the appeai'ance of the term " Australian Museum," in the "New South Wales Calendar and Post Office Directory " for 1835 (p. 371), pre- viously referred to, it would seem to indicate that the change of title had been in contemplation before the meeting of 8th June, 1836. Tlie General Committee referi'eci to exercised control both of the Museum and Botanical Gardens, and was divided into two Sub-Committees, one for each. Although Mr. J. J. Fletcher^ has furnished a list of the Museum body, it may not be out of place to reproduce here the names of the gentlemen, who, no doubt at considerable saci-itice of their leisuie, and purely in an honorarv capacity, controlled the early destinies of the two buddini;- establishments, as follows: — GENERAL COMMITTEE. SdB-CoM MIT'J'EES. Museum (jardens Honbl. Alexander Macleay ... X X Sir John Jamieson — X Capt. [Adml.] P. P. King, R.N X — William Macartliur ... — X John Vaughn Thompson X X George Poz'ter... — X Honbl, Edward Deas Thomson X — E. A. WaiTch — X 'Sir] George Macleay X — Capt. C. Start X — Fletcher — ilaclwiy Mem. Vol., 189:5, p. ix. 74 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Ill the " notification " in tlie " N.S. Wales Govei-nnient Gazette " of June 15th, 1836, ^a <)f the establishment of this governing body, it is termed : — " A Committee of Superintendence of the Australian Museum and Botanical Gardens . ' ' with tlie personnel as above. Whatever connection tlie Honbl. Alexander Macleay (PI. xviii.) had with the inception of the Australian Museum, there can be no doubt of his long and lasting interest in the establishment; the old minutes prove this. From a remark of the venerable Dr. G. Bennett it would appear that the Houbl. Alexander was the originator. — He said : — "The commencement of the public Museum is excellent; and Science, 1 believe is indebted for it to the Honourable Alex- ander Macleay, Colonial Secretary."'' Joseph Fowles, in his book " Sydney in 1848," etc. (4ito 1878), referring to the Museum, speaks of Macleay as the first "President," in 1836 (p. 83). 2 — Early Cdspodians. it has alwavs been anotlier article of faith that the first Curatoi- was Mr. William Sheridan Wall, but such was not tlie case. The first occuf)ant of that post was Dr. George Bennett ; the second, the Rev. William Branwhite Clarke, the "Father of A.usti'alian Geology " (PI. xx.) 5a Vnl. vii.. No 226, 1836, p. 451. « Bennett— Wanderings of a Naturalist, etc., ls:U. THE AISTRAI.IAN MUSEUM— EARIA' HISTORY — RTHERIDCiR. 75 It is, liovvever, necessaiy to i-etrace our steps a little. In the first place who was the cnstodian of the "CoIothhI Mnseuin " the institution to contain the " Specimens of Birds," etc., provided for in Sir Richai-d Bourke's despatch already referi-ed to; and who was the "Colonial Zoologist."? Lhotsky answers these questions : — " It was under the admiuistration of Governor Darling, that a Museum was very judiciously founded in Sydney, and the situation of Colonial Zoologist was given to Mr. W. Holmes, who died at Morton Bay in August, 1830. However, the salary continued to be voted, as appears by the following account of Colonial Estimates V^oted " (see details p. 71). Evidently, therefore, the fii-st custodian was known as the "Colonial Zoologist" in the })ei'Son of Mr. W. Holmes, certainly until 1830. I have quite failed, I regret to say, to obtain con- firmation of Lliotsky's statement, or any further information regarding this gentleman. What happened during the period, August, I8;:i0 to April, 1836, is not very clear, but in a letter dated 5th ApriL 1836, tlie Colonial Secretary (Alex. Macleay) wrote to the "Superintendent" on a matter of salary — now the gentleman in question was that eminent naturalist. Dr. George Bennett'' (PI. xix.) Dr. Bennett seems to have had several titles, for Fowles, in the work already quoted (pp. 83-4) says that when the collections wet'e housed in a small room of the Legislative Council, at the commencement of the Institution's career, Bennett was known as the " Director." Apparently throughout 1832-35 the position of " Colonial Zoologist" was unfilled, for in the "Estimates of the probable " Bennett. George, M.D., M.R.C.S.E.— For a brief notice of this keen Naturalist see ■■ Proceedings of the Linnean Society, Nov., 1893-June, 1894," p. 27. It appears to be very little known that in addition to his well-known works "The Gatherings " and " The Wanderings," Dr. Bennett wrote an important "Peport on the Epidemic Catarrh, or Influenza prevailing among the sheep in the Colony" (N.S. TFa/c-; C\TA, L. Koch. Tetidqnatha hittibercithda, L. Koch, Verli. rler K. K. zool.-bot- Ges. Wien, 1867, p. 184; Die Aracli. des Austr., 1871, p. 183, pi. XV., figs. 5, 5rt, 5// ; Kpvs., O^x cit., Suppl., 1887, p. -220, pi. XX., figs. 2, '2o. Hah. — Pentland, Sept., 1914. Oue J , and one mature and one immatui'e ha]ica a7-ched, obtuse in finnr, segmental yt'oove distinct; ocular area broadei' than long; rl iijn- a.-; wot dee)), arched. Fars thuracica arched, radial grooves and iruyJian furea distinct; unirijlual hand narrow. Fij'". — Black, prominent, arranged in two recurved rows of four each ; the front median pair are the largest, and their lateral neighbours slightly smaller than those constiruiiug the posterior row; the front median eyes are separated from each other by a space equal to about (mce 82 REr'ORDS OF THE ATTPTR.MJAN MUSEUM. their individnal diameter, and from their smaller lateral neighbours by a space equal to about twice the diameter of one of the larger eyes ; anterior eyes separated from each other by a space equal to about one-and-a-half their individual diametei'. Legs.— lioug, tine, yellow, armed with short, weak spines, and clothed with short, tine, silky hair ; relative lengths: 1=-, 4, 3. Palpi. — Long, fine, eoncolorous with legs, and similarly clothed ajid armed ; (jenital hvlh round, with a long tapering style, and terminating with a long, slightly hollowed, coniform process ; on the third joint there are two latei'al and apical spines, the shorter of which is by far the stronger (PI. xxi., fig. 2). Fulces. — Concolorous with palpi, long, arched, pori'ected, apices wide apart, inner angles fi'inged with long hairs ; near the apex of each falx there is, on the iippei- surface, two strong spines, of which the inner one is the longer; furrows of eacli falx armed with numeious teeth; />(»;/ long, not strong. Mit.iillai Siud LohinDi. — Noi'mal, yellow. Sternum. — Concolorous with foi-egoing, elongate, shield-shaped, arched, apex obtusely accuminate, and ter- minating between fourth pair of coxte. AhJonii'ii. — Elongate, cylindi'ical, slightly ovei'hanging base of cephalorhorax; superior surface silvery, finely reticulated wnth yellow, and oi-namented with a delicate scheme of tracery, the central bar of which I'uns from antei'ior to posterior extremity ; sides silvery, and finely reticulated ; infei'ior surface yellow. 9 Cephalothorax, 2.2 mm. long, 1.4 mm. broad; abdomen, 16.5 mm. long, 2.2 mm. broad (PI. xxi., fig. 3). In general appearance, colour, and scheme of ornamentation the 9 closely resembles the ,^, but the following differences, in addition to the palpi, may be noted : — FaJces. — Less poi'iected than in the J", and having the apices much closer together ; they aie also devoid of the strong apical spines. Eijes. — In two recurved rows of four each; the front median pair are slightly the largest of the series, and are also the closest together, being separated from each other by a space equal to once their individual diameter; from their latei'al neighbours (which are the smallest of the series) they are separated by a space equal to fully three times their individual diameter; the four constituting the rear row are of equal size, and are separated from each other by a space equal to nearly twice their individual diameter. ARACHXIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND— RAINBOW. 83 Obs. — The species is somewhat variable in respect of its ornamentation. In some examples the tracery scheme displays a lesser number of lateral branches than shown in PI. xxi., tigs. 1 and 3 herewith ; moreover, they always arise near the anterior extremity, and are much longer. Hah. — Gordon vale, April 14, 1913, sweeping bashes and grass ; May 26, 1914, sweeping in forest top of coastal range at 1,500ft; May 29, 1913, jungle; sweeping along banks of streamlet, August 23 and 30, and again on Nov. 7, 1912. Aloomba, sweeping grass in forest, July, 1912. Proserpine River, sweeping jungle bordering streamlet, Nov. 4, 1912. Group METE^. This group includes eight genera, of which only two, nameh', Metu, C. Koch, and Loicauge, White (=^Ariji/roepeira, Emert.), occur in Australia. Both of these are widely distributed, Simon defining the range of the former as " Orbis totius reg. et calidae," and of the latter as " Orbis totius reg. tropicte rarius sub-tropicfe."^ In Meta the species are generally of a yellow or brown tint, with the abdomen reticulated and ornamented on the superior surface with foliaceous designs, or, as in M. ornata, L. Koch, and M. trivittata, Keys., with longitudinal bars or stripes ; some species, however, are numerously pitted with brilliant metallic spots. Included in the latter series is M. aryctitiojiKnc- tata, Mihi, which is described hereunder. The widely distributed and brilliant Leucauge celebesiana, Walck., and L. (jnnit'.lata, Walck., are plentifully represented in the material collected by Mr. Girault. '^ " Genm Meta, C. Koch. Meta ? ornata, L. Koch. (PI. xxi., figs. 4, 5.) Metci onintu, L. Koch, Die xlracli. des. Austr., i., 1871, p. 134, pi. xi., fig. 6. 1 Simon— Hiat. Mat. des Araigu., vol. 1, 1892 (1894), p. 736. 84 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. The 9 only ut this species appeals to have been rlescribed and figured, but Mr. (lirault collected, in addition to three females, of which one was immafure, a form whicli 1 take to be the (^, and this I desciibe hereunder: — ^ Cephalothorax 1.4 mm. long, l.l mm. broad: abdomen, 2.2 mm. long, 1.1 mm. broad (Pi. xxi., tig. 4). I 'eiiliiUothora,!'. — Yellow, ovate. Pure cejihallco obtuse in front, stronglj' arched, raised, segmental groove distinct ; Diuihir urea broader than long; chjpeas moderately deep. Pars t/niraricu broad, arched, sloping sharply to posterior angle, radial grooves moderately distinct, hiediun foreu distinct, recurved; )iiurijiiial Imu J hvoad. 7i//c?, as in 9' Legs. — Long, yellow, fine, pilose, and arn.ied with long, tine spines : relative lengths: 1, 2, 4, 3. P((//'/. — Concolorous with legs except foi' genital bulb, which is dai'k l)rown ; clothing and armatuie similar to legs ; ijeiiital Inilli targe, complicated in structure, and tei'minating with a long Hagellate style, whicii latter is as long as the cephalothorax (PI. .\xi., tig. 5,) Falces Concolorous with cephalothorax, moderately long, parallel, arched, pilose; fang, reddish-brown. Maxilla' and Labium. — Concolorous with falces ; normal. Stertiuni. — Concolorous with foregoing, broad, shield-shaped, arched, pilose. Abdo- men.— Ovate, overhanging base of cephalothorax, arched, superior surface cream-yellow, I'eticnilated, ornamented with three longitudinal yellow-brown bands, which latter are each of varying width, and uneven in outline; from the median band three pairs of (.)blique concolorous branches are directed, each of which unites with the inner edge of the lateral bands ; near the front there are two moderately large yellow-bi'OAvn spots, and at the centre two smaller ones ; sides dull yellow, relieved by two narrow, white, reticulated bands, both of which unite in front; of these the upper one runs the entire length of the abdomen, whilst the lower one, which curves sharply downwards, terminates about midway; each band is bordeied with dark-brown marks and patches ; inferior surface dull yellow, with slightly curved lateral bands, which latter are white, reticulated, commence at the riiiia epigasteris and terminate shortly in front of spinnerets; in addition to these bands there is a modeiately large, dark-brown patch ; inner edge of each white band flanked with dark brown. Hab. — Gordonvale, April and Ma} , 1913. One S and two mature and one immature $'s. ARAL'llMDA l-l;u.M XURIJ I KUX QUEENSL-iND — RAINBOW. 85 MeTA ? INSULAKIS, /v ('//>. Meta >)is(ilari>-\ Kevh., L. Kocli, Die Aracli. des Aastr., i., 1871, p. 135, j)l. X., tigs. 7, 8. (Jlis. — An iuiinaturu exaiiij)le vi what appears to be tlie species quoted above. H'lh. — Gordonvale, sAveeping in forest, July -, 1912. MkTA ARiiKNTIOPUNCTATA, xp. Hur. (PL .xxi., Hg8. 6, 7, 8.) (5 Ceplialothoiax, 1.2 mni. long, 1 mm. broad; abdomen, ■J.l mm. long, 0.8 mm. broad (PI. xxi., fig. 6). ('ephalutlivrax. — Ovate, straw-yellow, smooth. Pars cejj/ialica obtuse in fi'out, arched, thoracic groove distinct; a faintly perceptible, converging, narrow, darkish line runs from rear of each median posterior eye towards the base of the caput, whei'e they unite; ocular area broader than long; clypei's not deep. Bars thoracica broad, strongly arched, lateral grooves faintly indicated; thoracic fovea distinct; margiiial band moderately broad. Eyes. — Normal. Leys. — Concolorous with ceplialothorax, long, tapering, not strong, finely pilose, and armed with weak spines ; relative lengths : 1, 2, 4^, 3. Palpi. — Short, concolorous with legs, and similai to them in clothing and armature ; yenital bulb large, complicated hairy. Falces. — Concolorous with foregoing, tajtering, arched, apices divergent. MaxilUe 'Aiid Labivia. — Concolorous also ; normal. SfcrniDii. — Concolorous with foregoing, shield-shaped, arched. Abdomen. — Elongate, somewhat cylindrical, slighth' overhanging base of cephalothorax. yellow, superior surface and sides ornamented with a numijer of large and small variously shaped silver spots, which latter are by far the most numerous laterally ; at posterior extremity of superior surface, and also on each side of the spinnerets, there is another black spot; a few small, scattered, silvery spots are distributed over tlie ventral surface. 9 Cephalothorax, 1.5 mm. long, 1.1 mm. broad; abdomen, 4.1 mm. long, 1.9 mm. broad (PI. xxi., fig. 7). 86 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUJf. The 9 very clo.selv rebembles the ^ in colour and ornamentation ; the leg formula is the same, but with this difference, that leg iv. is relatively shorter than in the ^ ; the abdomen is elliptic;! 1, and more thickly marked with ^silvery spots; and, iinally, the epigii>nnit is small, transversely elliptical, and has two bisected, almost round, shallow pits ; it is pale yellow, with the rim or edge of the pits someAvhat darker (PI. xxi., fig. Sj. Huh. — Gordonvale, specimens collected between the 4th and 29th May, 1913. Genus Leucauge, White. (= Aryijroepeira, Emert.) LeCCAUGE CKLEBESIANA, ]Viilrl,\ Tetraqnatha celebegiiin", Walck., Hist. Nat. des Ins.. Apt. ii., i837, p. 222. Obs. — For further synonomy of this species, see the author's " Census of Austialian Araneidte " in " Records of the Australian Museum," ix., No. 2, Oct. 2, 1911, p. 170. Hah. — Gordonvale, jungle, January, 1913 ; top of second coast range, at 1,500ft. ; forest, sweeping, May 26, 1912 ; jungle, June 3, 1912; forest, Aug., 1912 and Sept., 1912. Harvey's Creek, jungle, sweeping, July 13, 1913. Innisfail, jungle, sweeping, July 21, 1912. Leucauge granulata, \V(dck. Tetruijiiatha granulata, AValck., Hist. Nat. des Ins., Apt. ii., 1837, p. 222. Meta graniil((ta, Walck., L. Koch, Die Arach. des Austr., i., 1871, p. 136, pi. X., figs. 5, 5a. Obs. — Included in this series were a fully developed J" and 9) showing a strong tendency towards melanism Hub. — Gordonvale, forest and jungle, sweeping, April, 1914, and May, 1913, August, Sept. 3 and Oct. 9, 1912 ; Murraw^a, July 26, 1913; Harvey's Creek, July, 1913; Proserpine, sweeping foliage and herbage, Nov. 3, 1912. ARACHNIDA FROM XORTHERX QUEENSLAND— RA INBO^v. g7 Sub-ftninh/ Nephilin ee. This is a small sub-family, cunsistiug of four groups, two of which occur in Australia. Thf Hist of these, Phonognathese, embraces tliree genei'a, viz., I'lioiiognatlia, Sim., SIngofijpa, Sim., and Deliochv^, Sim., so that as these genera have only, so far, been recorded from this Commonwealth, the group is purely Australian. The second group, Nephilese, is much more widely distributed, and representatives of it are found in all tropical and sub-tropical regions. It contains the single genus Nephilo., Leach. Examples of both these gi'oups were collected by Mr. A. A. Girault. (ji-oup Phonognatheae. Geiiiis Singotypa, Sim. SiNGOTYPA MELANOPYGA, L. Koch. (Plate .vxi., tig. 9). Epeira melauuj:ii/'ja, L. Koch, Die Arach. des Austr., i., 1871. p. 97, pi. viii., figs. 2, 2a. The abdominal markings in the $ of this species vary in intensity in different individuals, while the dark jiatch at the posterior extremity is wanting in some examples. The 9 only was described and figured by L. Koch, but Mr. Girault was successful in securing several examples of the (^ , in respect of which I append the following notes : — (J Cephalothorax 4 mm. long, 2.5 mm. wide; abdomen, 5 mm. long, 2.8 mm. wide. In general appearance, such as colour and general scheme of ornamentation, both sexes agree, but as remarked above in I'espect of the 9, similar variation is noticeable in different individuals. Allowing for these the student will be guided by L. Koch's description and figures. The pal^ji oi the ^ may be described as follows : — Moderately long, clothed with a few short hairs and long bristles; pale yellow Avitli exception of genital bulb, which is much darker; genital bulb large, complicated (PI. xxi., tig. 9). 88 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Ohs. — A coiiiiiion sjjecies. A large number ■were collected, but they were mostly in a bad condition. ll'ib. — Pyramid .Mt., Gordouvale, at -lUUft., September 9, 1912. (riviHs Deliochas, Sim. DeLIOCHUS PULCHHA, .^p. iiov. (PI. xxi., figs. 10, 11. j 5 Cephalothorax, 2.1 mm. long, 1.5 mm. broad; abdomen, 3.5 mm. long, 2.3 mm. broad (PI. xxi., fig. 10). CepJialothora.r. — Ovate, yellow. r'irs cephalii-n obtuse, arolied, smooth, clouded witli dusky yelloAv at summit, bides and real' extremity ; segmental groove distinct ; ncular area broader than long ; ''liipeus arched, moderately deep. I'ars thoracica rather broad, strongly arched, radial giuoves distinct, lateral angles clouded with duskj- yellow; luedian fovea pi'ofuund, clouded in trout, behind, and at its depth Avith smoky yellow ; ittarguud hand rather broad, yellow. Eijes. — Arranged in three series of 2, 4, 2 ; the four com{)rising the median group are the largest, are close together, and distributed so as to form a trapezium ; lateral eyes are small, and arranged in pairs; they touch each other, and are seated obliquely ; each eye is of a pearl-grey lustre, and encircled by a black ring. Legs. — Long, tapering, first pair much the longest, straw-yellow with smoky-yellow annulations, hairy, and armed witli fine, long spines; relative lengths: 1, 2, 4, 3. Falpi. — Moderately long, similar in colour and armature to lefs. Falces. — Strong]}^ arched, smooth, yellow, apices slightly divero-ent, inner angles hairy. Ma.rilhe. — Moderately long, broad, divergent, arched, apices and inner angles pale yellow, bases and outer angles smoky-yellow. Labinvt. — Short, broader than long, arched, smoky-yellow, apex straw-yellow. SteniKiir. — Shield-shaped, hairy, arched, smoky-yellow, surface uneven, apex acuminate and terminating between fourth pair of coxa^. Abdomen Ovate, overhanging base of cephalothorax, arched, posterior extremity somewhat obtuse : superior surface yellowish-grey, ornamented b}- numerous small, silvery-white spots, a delicate, median scheme of tracery, and from about midway to posterior extremity a series of dark-brown (nearly AiiACIlXlUA FKO-M NORTHKKN QUEENSLAND— R.\ IMHiW. {,9 black) oblique patches ; sides yellowish-grey, alt^o relieved by iiuiiierous small, silvery-white spots and irregular dark-brown patches; inferior surface yellow-grey, also onianieiited with small, silvery-white spots ; a dark-l)rown median patch extends from the rimn ^^j(V/t(,s7e<('6 to spinnerets ; this patch is r.neven in outline, free from silvery-white spots, but has a smoky-yellow patch in front and a much darker patch posteriorly ; the median patch herein described curves inwards from anterior extremity, then boldly outwards towards spinnerets, fi'oni whence it curves sharply in again, and is therefore much the narrowest at this point ; at the apex of the point referred to there is a slightly curved line, the lateral extremities of which are directed downwards. Epigynum. — A transverse plaque, with two large, rather deep pits (PI. xxi.. % 11). ll'ilj. — Gordonvale, sweeping jungle, June 30. 1912; an immature example from Peiitlaud, 8e|>teniber, 1914. DkLIUCUV'S rt'I.' URA. fill-. MKLAMA, rar. iiov. (PI. .x.xi.. tig. 12.) 9. This example is somewhat smaller than the foregoing, and very much daiker. The cephalothorax is not of such a pale yellow as that of the typiical form, while the maikings on parfi ceplialica and imrs tliorarirn are nearly black. The eyes, palpi, legs, as also the falces, inHxillfe and labium agree with the type. The abdomen is yellowish-grey, ornamented with silvery-white spots and dark-brown (bistre) down the centre of the superior surface and laterally (Pi. x.xi., fig. 12). Eiiigy)iuiii. — As in type. Hah. — Gordonvale, June 15, 1912. (Jnmp NEf'HiLEiF,. (reniis Nephila, Lenx'li. Only four specimens (jf this genus were taken, and they are as follows : — Ne!'HII,A macclata. Fab. Aranea maculata, Fab., Entom. Sy>t., ii., 1793, p. •425. Hab. — Pyramid Mt., Gordonvale, Feb. 15, 1912. 90 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Nephila maculata, var. penicillcm, Bol. Epeira penicilhuii, Dol., Bijdr., 1857, y. 1-1-2 ; Tweed. Bijdr., 1859, pi. ii., tig. 4. Nephila flagellans, L. Koch, Xephila flagellans, L. Koch, Die Aracli. des Austr., i., 1871, p. 153, pi. .xii., tigs. 5, 5rt, 6, 6(/. Hab. — Gordonvale. Sub-famihj ARGIOPIN^. This large sub-family has been divided b}' Simon into tAventy. eight gi'oups, the majority of which are represented in Australia. The first of these is the Argiopeas, and this contains two genera, each of which are represented in the Girault collection, and are enumerated below. The tirst genus, Argiope, Aud. i)i Sav., contained up to the time of the publication of this paper, fifteen species, and to these I now add one more — A. probata, sp. nov. The genus Gea, C. Koch, is a very small one, and is onlj' represented in Australia by two speeies. The present collection contains one specimen of each, and" one of these is an immature example. The latter differs somewhat from L. Koch's description and figure of G. Iheridiou.les, but it is not sutficiently developed to enable one to dogmatise, and say it is nut that species, and so I include it here with a query. Group Akgiope^. Genus Argiope, Aud. in Sav. Argiope ^etherea, Walck. Epeira cetherea, Walck., Hist. Nat. des Ins., Apt., ii., 1837, p. 112. Argiope regalls, L. Koch, Die Arach. des Austr., i., 1871, p. 36, pi. iii., figs. 4, 4rt ; oj). cit., p. 43. Hab. — Cooktown, February 6, 1912 ; Gordonvale, April 10, 1913, August 10, 1912, August 27, 191;V and August 30, 1912 (forest) ; Proserpine River, November 14, 1912. Several immature examples. ARACHNIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND— RAINBOW. 91 Argiope PICTA, L. Koch. Argiope plcta, L. Koeli, Die Arach. des Austi-., i., 1871, p. 33, pi. iii., figs. 3, 3((. Arc/iojie gorcjona, L. Koch, loc. cif., p. 35. Hab. — Gordonvale, forest, August 27, September and December 24, 1912. Argiope syrmatica, L. Koch. Anjiiipp .fi/nuiitira, L. Koch, Die Arach. des Austi-., i., 1871, p. 213, pi. xviii., figs. 9, 9ii, 9b. Hab. — Gordonvale, August 31, 1912 (immature). Argiope trifasciata. Do/. Epeira (Argiopes) trifasciata, Dol., Bijdr., 1857, j). 416 ; Tweede Bijdr., 1859, pi. i., fig. 3. TTaJ). — Gordonvale, open forest, May 24, 1912, August 30, 1912. Two examples — one mature and one immature. Argiope lugubris, L. Koch. Anilo^tp lugnhri^, L. Koch, Die Arach. des Austr., i., 1^71. p. 209, pi. xviii.. tigs. 6, Qa, 66, 7, 7^(, 7h. Bab. — Alooml)H. forest, sweeping grass, July 7, 1912. One $ example. Ai;g[(ipk protensa, L. KocIi. Argiope protensa, L. Kocli, Die Ai-ach. des Austr., i., 1871, p. 211, pi. xviii.. tigs. S, 8o, 86. Hab. — Hughenden. Jiilv 14, 1912; Magnetic Is., forest, July 27, 1913. Akgiope probata, sp. nov. (PI. xxi., fig. 13). ^ Cephalothorax, 1.1 mm. long, 1 mm. broad: abdomen 3.7 mm. long, 1.2 mm. broad (immature). 92 RECORDS OF TIIK \T*STR AT.IAN MrSErNf. CephaliilJmrd.i'. — Smooth, sliiiiino-, yellow. 7'((/>' ri-fJtnlicu short, veiy sliylit ly ai-ehed, tlioraoic groove distinct ; ocular area broader tliiui lony' ; clyppits not deep. P((rs Ihnracica broad, very slif^-litiv arched, sides rounded, radial grooves faintly defined: tJinrncir furea distinct; nnirgiini] band nai'row. Eyes. — Noriunl. //'';/••<. — I-iong, moderately strong, tapering, armed with loii!.'-, dark-browu spines, and clothed with fine pubescence; relative lengths: 1, 2, 4, 3. Falpi. — Short, similar in colouj' and clothirig to legs. Fnlces. — Concolorons with jtalpi, shoi't, arched. Mn.rillit' and l.nh'tinH. — Normal ; concolorous with falces. Sfprintm. — Cordiforni, veiy slightly arclied, ti'uncated in front, and terminating in an ol)tuse point between pn.sterior coxa? ; yellow, with a cream -white marginal transverse band in fiont, and having (strting- near the middle, and teiminating posteriorly) a longitudinal and uneven band of creamy-white; this band is broadest just in fi'ont of the posterior coxae, nan-owing from thence sharply inwards, and then bulging outwai'ds at posterior exti-emity. Abdomen. — Elongate, sHglitly overhanging base of cephalothorax, arched, I'atlier nai'row in front, fi'om whence it cni-ves outwards until just beyond the middle, thence i-etreating to posterior extremity whei-e it terminates obtusely; supeiioi' surface creamy-wliite, reticulated with dull vcMow, ami displaying a distinct sclieme of ti-aeeiy : sides vellowish-gre}', reticiihited with dull yellow; inferior surface reticulated with dull yellow also, cieamy- white in fi'ont and at sides of spinnerets, but yellowish-grey below theiii. Spinnorets. — Compact and noiinal, but seated about midway. 9 Cephalothorax, 2.5 mm. long, 2.3 mm. broad ; abdomen, 7.3 mm. long. 2.5 mm. broad (PI. xxi., fig. 13). ('ejilii(l.itli<'i<(.i . — Jiioadly ovate. I'ai.-< fejilnilicn ai-ched, truncated in front; ytdlow. suffused with yellow-bi'own, segmental groove distinct ; ocular area broaeler tlian long ; clypen.-^ narrow, not deep. Furs thoracica broad, very slightly arched, sides I'ounded. radial gi'ooves and thoraric fovea distinct; \ellowish down the (.-ent re and at outer angles, dark bi'own ill between : ,iiin\iiiial lian,! narrow. Ei/e.-i. — Xormal. f.eii'i. — f-. :l 'Sa. Ohs. — Very variable : pieviouslv recorded from Palm Island, Great Ban iei- Reef, and Samoa. Hah. — Gordonvale. forest and jungle; also forest, top of Coastal Range, at l.oOOit.. May and June; Aloomba. .'^weeping grasses, forest, Jitly ; Harvey's Creek, sweeping jungle, Julv : Murrawa, jungle, July ; Pentland, September. 94 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRATJAN MUSEUM. GeA ? THERIDIOIDF.S, L. Koch. Ebcea theridioides, L. Kocli, Die Araeh. des Aiistr., i., 1671, p. 132, pi. X., fisfs. 4, 4,tica, L.Koch, ranges from Northern Queensland to Victoria. The third species, L. ehurneivetitris, Simon, is a West Australian form. Genus Larinia, Sim. Larinia phthisica, L. Koch. Epeira phthis/C((, L. Koch, Die Arach. des Austr., i., 1871, p. 103, pi. viii., figs. 5, 5« ; Keys., Op. cit., Suppl., 1887, p. 171, pi. xiv., figs. 6, Qa. Ohs. — The species displays considerable variation, but it may always be distinguished by the structure of the epigynum. Although a large number of specimens were taken, many of tlieni were immature. - Rainbow. — Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, xxiii., 1897, pp. 535-6. 3 Simon.— Hist. Nat. des Araigu., i., 1892 (1895), pp. 781-2. * Simou. — Loc. cit., p. 795. 96 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Hah. — Gordon vale, sweeping, forest and jung-le patcli, April 27, 1913, forest, June 6, 19U, August 12, 1912; sweeping along banks of streamlet, September 5, 1912, forest; September 8, 1910, sweeping grass, October 9, 1912. Townsville, sweeping grass, July 11, 1912. Aioomba, sweeping grass, July 7, 1912. Pentlaud, Septembei, 191-4. Proserpine River, November 3, 1914. Larinia tabida, L. Koch. Epeira tnhtda, L. Kocb, Die Arach. des Austr., i., 1871, p. 105, pi. viii., figs. 6, 6i( ; Keys., Loc. cit., Suppl., 1887, p. 170, pi. xiv., figs. 5, 5((. Hah. — Gordonvale, forest, sweeping low buslies and grasses, April 14, 1913 ; forest, sweeping along streamlet, June 27, 1913; taken from web, August 31, 1912. Proserpine River, sweeping foliage and grass, November 3, 1912 ; taken from cells of Sceliphron hetum. Smith, December 27, 1913. Quingilli, sweeping grass in forest, September 13, 1912. Gronp Arane^. This is the seventh group into which Simon has divided the sub-family Argiopinse, and although it is composed of only five genera it is remarkable for the large number of species it contains. The greatest genus is, of course, the ubiquitous Aranens, Clerck, the distribution of which is " Orbis totius regiones omnes." The two other genera occuri-ing in Australia are: — Carppahri^, L. Koch (the range of which is "N. -Guinea; N.-Hollandia ; Amer. centr. et merid ") and Acroa.'^pis, Karsch, which occurs only, as far as we know at present in " Nova- Hollandia."5 Genus Araneus, Clercl;. In order to facilitate the study of this enormous genus, Simon divided it into six series, which he based chiefly on their eye fcirmulas. In this paper I propose, with the material I have in hand, to adopt the simpler method used by Professor J. H. Comstock in his magnificent work, "The Spider Book." This learned author divided the genus into five sections, viz.: — 5 Simon. — Loc. cit., p. 830. ARACHNIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND— RAINBOW. 97 " The Larije Angulate Araneas. " The Smaller Angulate Araneas. " The Large Jtonnd-shouldered Ara)iea>i. " The Three House Araneas. " Tlie Smaller Round-shouldered Ara}ieas.'^^ The fourth section I omit for leasous stated in another part of this paper. Up to the present ninety-eight species of this genus were known as occurring in Australia, and iliis paper brings up the total to 105. The Larger Angulate Araneas. This section contains all those of the larger species bearing a pair of more or less prominent humps or tubercle-like projections towards the anterior extremity of the abdomen. Only two species falling into this section were collected by ^Iv. Girault, one of which is the well-known Araneus productus, L. Koch, and the other, a form now described as new — A. acachmeuus. By far the gi'eater number of species collected b}^ my friend were forms of moderate or small size. Araneus productus, L. Korli. Epeira producta, L. Koch, Verb, der K. K. Zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, 1867, p. 178; Die Arach. des Austr., i., 1871, p. 55, pi. iv., figs. 5, 5((, 6, 7, 7a. Ohs. — Common and widely distributed ; varies considerably in size, colour and markings, but can always be distinguished by the enormously long scape of the epigynum. Hah. — Gordonvale, 1911; three specimens, two $'s and and one ^. 6 Comstock.— The Spider Book, 1912, p. 468. 98 RECORDS OF THE At'STRALIAN MUSEUM. Araneds ACACHMENUS," SJi. IIOV. (Plate xxi., fig-s. 14, 15). 9 Ceplialothorax, -i.G mm. loug, 3.6 mm. broad ; abdomeu, 6.7 mm. long, 5.4 mm. broad (PI. xxi., fig. 14). Cephalothoru.r. — Obovafce, reddish-brown, liairy. Fars cepha- lica arched, truncated in front, clothed with long and short yellowish hairs, sides declivous, tlxoracic groove distinct ; ocular area broader than long, the tubercle carrying the median ej'es projecting forward ; clypeus pale, deep. Pt(/\s- tlioracica strongly arclied, smooth, furnished with a few short, scattered hairs, radial grooves not strongly defined ; maryiual hand broad, pale yellow. Eyes. — In three groups of 2, 4, 2 ; lateral eyes small, arranged in paii's, widely removed from median group, contiguous ; median group large, poised upon a tubercle, and forming a trapezium. Ley^. — Rather long, strong, yellow, with dark brown annulations, hairy and armed with numerous short strong spines; relative lengths: 1, 2,4, 3. FaJpi. — Short, strong, yellow, not annulated, similar in cloth- ing and armature to legs. Falces. — Rather long, ver}- strong, slightly projected in front of clj'^peus, strongl}^ arched, hairy, front and inner "ugles pale yellow, apices and outer angles concoloi'ous with ceplialothorax ; inner angle of tlie furrow of each falx armed with three strong teeth, and the outer angle with five ; of the latter the second but one from the base is much the longest and strongest, and the one near the fang the shortest; f((iig strong, well curved. Md.riJhv. — Normal, mod- erately hairy, yellowish, inner angles almost white. Laliiii)}i. — Normal, base smoky yellow, apex nearly white. Stennmi. — Shield-sha{)ed, moderately ai'ched, yellowish-brown, thickly clothed with long, pale, yellowish hairs. Jhdoiiieii. — Ovate, posterior extremity accuminate, hairy, hairs very long in front, overhanging base of cephalothorax, furnislied with two large and prominent lateral tubercles; superior surface mottled dai'k velvetty brown and pale 3-ellow, and ornamented with a lai'ge foliated design which commences in front and includes the tubercles in its scheme ; rear angles of tubercles pale yel- low ; sides yellow, irregularly streaked with dark brown ; in '^ (XKaxii€vo<; = sharp pointed ; in reference to the pointed abdominal tubercles. ARACHNIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND— RAINBOW. 99 addition to tlie latter tliere are also large ii'regularly shaped dark brown patches ; inferior surface yellow with smoky- brown, irregulai'ly shaped transverse patches and scattered spots. Epi(ji/iiui)i. — A short, dull whitish, bluntly accumi- nated process (PI. xxi., fig. 15). Hah. — Gordonvale, November, 1913. The SinuUer Aiigidate Araneas. A large number of medium sized and small species are contained in this and the round-shouldered series. Some of the forms are common and widely distribu<.ed. Araneus trigonus, Ij. Koch. Eppint trlgona, L. Koch, Die Aracli, des. Austr., i., 1871, p. 50, ))1. iv., figs. 1, 1((, \h ; Thor., Studi Ragin Mai e Papuani, iii., 1881, pp. 15 and 19. B-ub. — Cooktown, taken fiom cell of ScelepJiroii, sp., Febru- ary 6, 1912. Araneds lutulentus, L. Koch. Epeira Ji(ii(Ieiifa, Keja., Die Arach. des Austr., Suppl., 1886, p. 143, pi. xi., figs. 6, 6a. Hall. — Gordonvale, May 1, 1912. Araneus collinus, Keys. Epeiiui rolliiiiis^ Keys., Die Arach. des Austr., Sup])l., 1886, p. 141, pi. xi., figs. 5, ba. Araneus extuberatus, L. Koch. Epeira extuherata, L. Koch, Die Arach. des Austr., i., 1871, p. 61, pi. v., fig. 3 ; Hogg, Rep. Horn Expl. Exped., ii.. Zoology, 1896, p. 311. Ohs. — Humeral tubercles of this species are exceedingly small. Hah. — Gordonvale, from cell of Scelephron, October 20, 1912. Originally recorded from New Zealand. 100 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Tlte Smaller Bound-Shouldered Araneas. No large forms in tliis section were collected ; indeed the largest and most frequent was the common and widely dis- tributed Ardueits tlieit^, Walck. Some exceedingly brilliant and metallic specimens are included in this section amongst the material collected by Girault. Araneus theis, Walck. Epeira theis, Walck., Hist. Nat. des Ins., Apt. ii., 1837, p. 53, pi. xviii., fig. -i. E])eira luaiKjareva, Walck., Op. cif., Apt. iv., 1847, p. 469 ; L. Koch, Die Arach. des Austr., i., 1871, p. 85. pi. vii., figs. 4, ia, 5, 5((. Ohs. — Many specimens immature. Hid). — Gordonvale, jungle, January, 1913 ; forest, April and May, 1912; sweeping forest, June, 1913; forest, August, 1912 ; sweeping grass, October, 1912 ; from cells of Scelephrou. Icetmu, Sill., October 19, 1912 and December 27, 1913. Sweep- ing foliage and grass in bed of Proserpine River (the latter dry), November 3 and 20, 1914. Townsville, forest, November 8, 1912. Ingham, sweeping boggy meadow bearing Pandanus, July 17, 1912. Araneds dimidiatds, L. Koch. Epeira diinidinta, L. Koch, Die Arach. des Austr., i., 1871, p. 95, pi. viii., figs. 1, la. Hob. — Gordonvale. Araneus hdmilir, L. Koch. Theridium hum He, L. Kock, Verb, der K.K. zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, 1867, p. 19. Epeira huiiiilis, L. Koch, Die Arach. des Austr., i., 1871, p. 107, pi. ix., figs. 1, L(, Ih. Ohs. — A common species. Jlah. — Gordonvale, Pyramid Mt., at heights varying from 400ft. to 1500ft., September 9, 1912. ARACHNIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSL...i.ND— RAINBOW. 101 Araneus dsdalis, Kei/s. Epeira usiKdis, Keys., Die Arach. des Austr., Suppl., 1887, p. 201, pi. xviii., figs. 2, 2«, 3, 3((. Obs. — Tlie ova-sac is white, and the eggs pale yellow. Hah. — Gordouvale, September 5, 1912, May 29, 1913, at 1,500ft. Araneus eburnus, Keijs. Ejpeira eburnus, Keys., Die Arach. des Austr., Suppl., 1886, p. 148, pi. xii., figs. 4, 4m. Hab. — Gordonvale. Araneds transversus, Ritinb. Araneus trdusversus, Rainb., Mem. Q'laiid Mus., i., 1912, p. 197, figs. 11-14. Hdb. — Proserpine River, sweeping foliage and grass, open forest, November 3, 1912. Araneus fastidiosus. Keys. (Plate xxii., figs. 16, 17.) Epeira fust id iosa, Keys., Die Arach. des Austr., Suppl., 1887, p. 183, pi. xvi., figs. 1, Irt. (Jbs. — The (J of this species was described by Ke3'ser]ing as quoted above, but the $ has apparently remained up to the present time unknown. One specimen, which I take to be the female of this species, is included in tliis collection, and is described and figured herewith. The J" was recorded from Rockhampton ; my specimen was collected at Townsville. 2 Cephalothorax 2.1 mm. long, 1.8 mm. broad ; abdomen, 3.3 mm. long, 3 mm. broad (PI. xxii., fig. 16). Cephalothorax. — Obovate, dark brown, hairy. Pars cephalica, strongly arched, segmental groove distinct; ocular area broader than long, median group of eyes I'aised on a tubercle ; clijpeus broad, deep. I'ars thoracica strongly arched, radial grooves distinct; marginal band broad. Eyes. — In three groups 102 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. of 2, 4, 2 ; median eyes large, seated at the summit of a tubercle, and disposed in the form of a trapezium ; lateral eyes arranged in pairs, small and contiguous. />'';/>'• — Short, strong, yellow with dark brown annulations, clothed with long hairs, and armed with long, tine spines ; relative lengths: 1, 2, 4, 3. Palpi. — Short, strong, similar in colour and arma- ture to legs. Falces. — Dark brown, shining, strong, arched, tapering. Ma.eilhe. — Normal, dark- brown, apices and inner angles creamy-white. Lahinni.- — Short, broad, arched, dark brown, apex creamy-white. Sternain. — Shield-shaped, arched, outer angles dark brown ; the central portion describes a broad, seri'ated, and foliated design of creamy-white. Ahdnnien. — Broadly ovate, strongly arched, pubescent, and boldly pro- jecting over base of cephalothorax ; superior surface greyish- brown, with a broken, snowy-white design in front, and a broad foliated design running down the middle, the anterior and lateral angles of which are snowy-white ; immediately at rear of anterior design there are two very small but distinct dark brown spots, which latter are widely removed from each other ; within the leaf-like design there are four distinct de- pressions or pits, of whicli the anterior pair are the lai'gest and widest apart ; at anterior extremity there is a bi'oad, un- even dark brown (nearly black) transverse bar, which latter is strong!}' indented at the centre ; sides concolorous with superior surface, but relieved by uneven dark brown lateral stripes (which latter are directed posteriori}^), and by small groups of mici'oscopic snowy-white spots ; inferior surface dark brown with six snowy-white patches, the largest of which are the median pair, and the smallest the posterior. Epiijynnvi. — A short, broad, somewhat pear-shaped, yellow process (PI. xxii., fig. 17). H(d). — Towiisville, forest, January 3, 1913. Araneus cyrtarachnoides. Keys. Epeint cyrlarnclnioidea. Keys., Die Arach. des. Austr., Snppl., 1887, p. 181, pi. XV., figs. 8, 8(r, 9, 9a. Ohs. — Most of the examples of this species were immature, and were taken by sweeping. Hah. — Gordonvale, Af)ril 18, 1912 (immature) ; May 5, 1913, open forest; August 14, 1912; August 31, 1912, $ and $ from orbicular web in forest; August 31, 1912; forest, September 5, 1912. ARACHNIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND— RAINBOW. 103 Araneus rotdnddlus, Kei/s. Epeira rutnuduht. Keys., Die Arach. (leh> Ausfcr., Snppl., 1887, p. 193, pi. XV., figs. 6, 6(j, 7, la. Obs. — One specimen in bad condition. Kah. — Gordonvale, at 3,200t"t. ArANEDS FAVORABILIS, sp. )WV. (Plates xxii,, figs, 18, 19.) 9 Cephalotliorax, 2.8 mm. long, 2.4 mm. broad ; abdomen, -4.6 mm. long, 3.5 mm. broad (PI. xxii., fig. IS). Cephalotliornx. ■ — • Obovate, straw yellow, shining. Pars cepJtalicii strongly arched, moderately clothed with pale hairs, thoracic groove distinct ; ocular area broader than long, fringed with a few rather long and very fine hairs ; dijpeus smooth, arched. Fars thoracica broad, pubescent, strongly arched, I'adial grooves distinct; niedian fovea, deep; inanjinal baud, broad. I^i/es. — Black, prominent; tlie four comprising the median group are the largest, and form a trapezium ; lateral eyes arranged in pairs, small, contiguous. Leys. — Rather long, concoloious with cephalothorax, moderately clothed with short hairs, and armed with short, weak spines ; metatarsal and tarsal hairs the longest; relative lengths; 1, 2, 4, 3. Palpi. — Rather long, similar in colour, clothing and armature to legs. Falces. — Concolorous with cephalothorax, slightly projecting, strongly arched, tapering, moderately hairy, apices divergent; lower angle of furrow of each falx armed with three strong, coniform teeth, of which the one nearest the base of the fang is the strongest ; at the rear of the third tooth from the fang, there is another rather short and coniform one ; upper angle of the furrow of each falx armed with four coni- form teeth, of which the two nearest the fang are much the strongest ; in the groove between the two ridges there is a con- siderable number of small granular teeth irregularly distribu- ted ; faiKj long, strong, well curved, wine-red Maxilhe and Labium. — Normal, moderately hairy, pale j^ellow. Sternum. — Concolorous with cephalothorax, shield-shaped, arched, clothed with rather long, yellowish hairs. Abdomen. — Ovate, over- hanging base of cephalothorax, yellow, pubescent, superior 104 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM, surface latlier darker than sides, reticulated, ornamented down tlie middle with a distinct, but irreg'ular, sclieme of tracery, and speckled with white ; sides of a paler yellow with the upper portion reticulated and relieved by rather large splashes of white; inferior surface dull yellow. Epiyjiitou. — A large transverse, high, bifurcated tubercle, with two deep, ellipticle, lateral pits, separated by a broad, slightly elevated median ridge (PI. xxii., fig. 19). Hah. — Gordon vale, forest, September 9, 1912. ArANEDS AGASTUS,^ SjJ. nov. (Plates xxii., figs. 20, 21.) $ Cephalothorax, 3.3 mm. long, 2.5 mm. broad ; abdomen, 5.1 mm. long, 4.2 mm. broad (PI. xxii., fig. 20). Ceplndothorax. — Obovate, moderately clothed with long, fine hairs. I'ars cephalica elongate, somewhat attenuated in front, yellow, strongly arched, sides declivous, thoracic groove distinct; ocular area broader than long; chjjieus, Y)?i]e yellow, arched, moderately deep, fringed with fine liairs. Pars thoracica broad, arched, central area concoloi'ous with cephalic segment, sides dark brown, radial grooves distinct; thoracic fovea deep ; tnarginul hand concolorous with clypeus. Eyes. — Pearl-grey with black rings ; the four comprising the median group are the largest and form a trapezium ; lateral eyes small, arranged in pairs, contiguous, each pair seated at lateral extremity of outer angle. Leijs. — Rather short, strong, yellow with dark brown annulations, clothed with fine hairs, and armed with numerous strong and moderately long spines ; relative lengths: 1, 2, 4, 3. Falpi. — Moderately long, strong, similar in colour, clothing and armature to legs. FaJces. — Yellow, strongly arched, coniform, moderately hairy, apices divergent. Maxilbe and Lahlum. — Normal, the bases dark brown, apices straw-yellow, Sterinon. — Shield-shaped, lateral angles waved, reddish-biown generall}% but yellow down the middle; surface uneven, ridged, the ridges terminating in tubeicles between the coxse. Ahdomen. — Ovate, pubescent. ^ dyaa-Tos = admirable. ARACHNIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND— RAINBOW. 105 strongly arcbed, overhanging base of cepbalotborax, superior surface yellow-grey, with a broad, velvetty-brown transverse baud in front, the posterior angle of which is uneven, and edged with straw-yellow ; this band is also narrowest, and deeply indented at the centre; laterally, and immediately at the rear of this transverse band there are two somewhat diamond-shaped spots bordered Avith straw-j-ellow ; from near the centre there are two broad, sub-lateral wavy, velvetty- brown longitudinal bands, which are bordered with straw- yellow, and are much the broadest in front ; immediately in front of these bands there is a transverse, curved streak of dark velvetty-brown bordered at rear with straw yellow ; this transverse streak is interrupted at the centre ; sides yellowish- grey also, but becoming much paler towards the ventral sur- face ; inferior surface has a large, yellowish, lateral patch in front ; but above, and at the rear of this there are prominent streaks of yellow and dark brown ; the latter are again, how- ever, mottled with yellow spots ; middle area of inferior sur- face smoky-brown, relieved by two large creamy-white spots at middle (PI. xxii., fig. 21). Eplgynum. — A short, pale, coni- form process, broad at base and overhanging the rhna epigasteris. Oh^. — The above was the only species of Araueiis taken ex- clusively from the vicinity of a dwelling. A number of other examples, distinct from the above, and apparently referable to one species, were collected both in the forest, in the jungle, and under the verandah of an hotel at Gordonvale. The ex- planation of this is unquestionably that the " ballooning " habit was responsible. Unfortunately the specimens referred to were too immature for specific determination. Pi'oximity to dwellings, however, has little or no importance ; it is merely a fortuitous incident. Aranenti thels, Walck., is often found not only in the jungle and forest, but often with its web in proximity — and even attached — to dwellings. Around Sydney, 1 have often seen ^-1. prodncfus, L. Koch, and A. lierioite, L. Koch, and other well-known similar forms, in like position ; in fact their snares may be said to be placed where there is a fair chance of " game." Probably the form described above will hereafter be found reposing in a web far away from any building. 106 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Hab. — Goi'donvale, August 22, 1912, taken fioin web in front of window of dwelling. Araxeus dianipuus,^ sp. llOV. (Plate xxii., figs. 22, 23, 2J., 25.) (J Cephalothorax, 1 mm. long, 0.7 mm. broad ; abdomen, 1.1 mm. long, 0.8 mm. broad (PI. xxii., fig. 22). Cephalotlionix. — Obovate, yellow, smootli, shining. I'ar^ cephalica arched, obtuse in front, thoracic groove distinct; ocular area broader than long ; clypeus short, narrow. Pars thoracica strongly arched, radial grooves distinct; median fovea distinct, rather dark ; iiKinjiiia] band narrow. Eijes. — Black, median four largest, and forming a trapezium ; lateral eyes minute, contiguous. Leijs. — Concolorous with cephalothorax, long, pilose, armed with short, tine, weak spines ; relative lengths : 1, 2, -i, 3. Falpi. — Short, concolorous with legs, genital bulb complicated (PI. xxii., fig. 23). Falces Con- colorous with cephalothorax, weak, coniform. Ma.rilhp and Labium . — Normal, creamy-white. Stenittni. — Shield-shaped, pale yellow, arched. Abdomen,. — Ovate, overhanging base of cephalothorax, strongly arched, pale yellowish-grey, orna- mented with a small, dark medium patch in front; from rear of this patch a faintl}'^ discernable thread-like line runs down the middle, and tei'niinates in froiit of spinnei'ets ; at a little below the anterior median patch there is a faint transverse line in eschelon ; below this again, there are four short, broad, and distinct transverse bars, the first of these being the long- est, and the fourth — whicli is seated in fi-ont of spinnerets — the shortest; sides, pale yellowish-grey ; inferior surface con- colorous, but having a rather dai-ker longitudinal band running down the middle from tlie rima epijanteris towards spinnerets. $ Cephalothorax, 1.1 mm. long, 0.9 mm. broad ; abdomen, 1.8 mm. long, 1.4 mm. broad (PI. xxii., fig. 24<). M 8tai't. — Entirely black. Leijs. — Long, moderately strong, pubes- cent, armed as in type ; first and second pairs straw-yellow at base, thence fuscous ; third and fourth pairs fuscous, annulated with j-ellow. Falpi. — Fuscous, annulated with yellow. Falces. — Fuscous. Ma.rilhv and LaJiiiini. — Normal; fuscous at their base ; apices pale yellow. Steniutii. — Shield-shaped, arched, pale yellow, lateral angles fuscous. Ahdomen. — Simi- lar to type in form, and overhanging base of cephalothorax ; superior surface fuscous, with two broad, transverse, dark yellowish-grey bars ; in fi-ont there is a dark yellowish-grey patch which is rather longer than broad, and which connects with the anterior transverse bar ; the patch just described is flanked on each side with a narrow whitish stripe, but has no cross-bar as in the case of the type ; there are a large number of nearly black spots distributed over the upper surface ; sides fuscous, each ornamented with a delicately, reticulated, irregu- larly shaped white spot, yellow markings and black spots; in- ferior surface has a broad, median patch of fuscous, the sides 110 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. of which are indented with yellow; spinnerets surrounded with a broad ring of fuscous, which ring forms part of the median patcli. J'Jpigynuin. — As in type (PI. xxii., fig. 28). Hah. — Grordonvale, jangle, July 11, 1914. Araneus acuminatds, L. Koch. Epeira ((ciiiiilnnfd, L. Koch, Die Arach. des Austr., i., 1871, p. 109, pi. i.v., figs. 2, 2a, 2h. In 1871, Dr. L. Koch, described and figured the (J of a species for which he proposed the name Epelra acuminata, since when tliere has been no record of the finding of the 9- The specific name is a peculiarly appropriate one, seeing that not only is the cephalic segment strikingly acuminate but also the posterior extremity of the abdomen. Among the material col- lected by Mr. Girault thei'e is a 9 example which may prove to be that of the species quoted above, and it is here described tentatively under that name. The student will readily note the striking similarity of the cephalic segment of both sexes, Koch's species came from Rockhampton ; Girault's specimen was collected at Gordonvale. (Plate xxiii., figs. 30, 31.) 9 Cephalothorax, 1.6 mm. long, 1.4 mm. broad ; abdomen, 3 nun. long, 2.7 mm. broad (PI. xxiii., fig. 30). CephalotJiora.r. — Obovate, moderately hairy. J'ars cephalica sti'ongly arched, acuminate in front, segmental groove distinct ; yellow-brown with a cream-yellow patch at base, and having two dark, finely pencilled lines running from between rear median eyes to anterior angle of cream-yellow patch ; ocular area broader than long ; ch/peus very strongly curved, deep and sloping inwards. Pars thoracica broad, yellow-brown, strongly arched, radial grooves distinct; marginal hand broad, pale yellow, i/'yc.s-. — Median group largest and forming a trapezium ; the rear pair of this series is slightly larger than their anterior neighbours, and are seated at the edge of the overhanging angle of the cephalic segment; the two pairs forming the trapezium are only slightly removed from each other; the anterior pair of the median group are separated from each other by a space ARACHNIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND— RAINBOW. HI equal to about twice their individual diameter, and the poster- ior pair by a space equal to about oue-and-a-lialf their indi- vidual diameter; lateral eyes minute, contiguous. Legs. — Short, strong, yellow, annulated with smoky-brown, pilose, armed with moderately strong spines ; relative lengths : 1, 2, 4, 8. Palpi. — Moderately long, strong, yellow, similar in clothing and armature to legs. Falces. — Concolorous with cephalothorax, arched, coniform. Maxillce and Lahiioii. — Nor- mal ; smoky-brown, apices yellow. Sternum. — Shield-shaped, arched, dull yellow, relieved by a series of four creamy- white bars radiating from the centre ; the tirst of these bars termi- nate at a point between the first and second coxee; the second, between the second and third coxa? ; the third, between the third and fourth ; and the fourth at a point between posterior coxa?; the latter bar is broadest at its rear extremity ; the radiating bars here described are slightly raised, thereb}^ im- parting an uneven appearance to the sternum. Abdomen. — Broadlj" ovate, arched, pilose, boldly projecting over base of cephalothorax; anterior angle slightly produced; superior surface uneven, yellow, finely and sparsely spotted with black, and having in addition four large, deep, black pits, the anterior pair of which are the smallest and the closest together ; it is further ornamented by a prominent scheme of tracery and a broad leaf-like design, the outer angles of which are nearly black (PI. xxiii., fig. 30) ; at posterior extremity there ai^e two small tubercles, one seated below the other ; sides cloudy yellow ; inferior surface nearly black, relieved by two large, white, nearly round spots seated just below the rima epigasteris. Ejiigi/num. — Dark brown, nearly black ; in front of ri))ia epigas- teris it is strongly ai'ched, and has two large lateral pits; from the latter there extends a long, tongne-like process, which latter is arched, reflexed laterally, and cuiwed up slightly at the tip (PI. xxiii., fig. 31). Hab. — Grordouvale, November 14, 1911. Araneus anatipes, Key.^. Epeira loiKtlpes^ Keys., Die Arach. des Austi-., Suppl., 1887, p. 175,. pi. XV., figs. 3, 3'/, 4, 4((. H'lh. — fiordonvale, forest, August 27, and September 3 and 9, 1912. 112 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. ArANEDS APOP.r-EPTDS,ll ,^7/. //(//■. (Plate xxiii., ficrs. 32-37.) ^ Ceplialotlioi'ax, 2 iiini. loiio-, 1.4 iniii, broad ; a Ixlonieii, 2 711111. loiio', 1.4 mm. bfoad (PI. xxiii., tio-s. 32, 33). Cephalothora.v. — Ovate, pubescent; some specimens wholly rich mahogany-brown, others 3'ellowish at the middle. 7'(, 2h. ' (Hi.i. — Til 1898, as quoted above, I descinbed and figured an Argiopid, for whicli I proposed the name PoJtys vndtifiihercti- h(ti(s. In tlie Girault collection there are two immature speci- mens which, although different in abdominal ornamentation, and having very microsco|)ic tubercles, I do not feel justified in describing as new. Each of these specimens has a prominent coniform tubercular projection at the summit of the abdomen as in I'. f)iiiJtitiihevcnJi(tn;i, and numerous tiny tubercles dis- tributed over its upper surface and sides, in much the same manner as in the type of my Cooktown species. If the stu- dent will compare fig. 43, pi. xxiii., given herewith, with that quoted above, he will note both similarity and difference. In the two specimens under discussion there is a large rich brown longitudinal bar running down the middle for fully two- thirds the length of the abdomen ; at its posterior extremity it is joined by a concolorous transverse bar, the two thus forming an inverted capital X. Both bars are somewhat wavy in outline, and the apex of the pi'ominent abdominal tubercle is slightly cleft. It is quite possible that the form under review may be a distinct variety of P. imdtituherciiJutus, or even an undescribed species, but as the larger of the two ex- amples in front of me is probably only about half-grown, and does not, of course, exhibit an epif/i/nKm, it is better to let the matter remain in abeyance for the present. Hah. — Gordonvale, two specimens, both immature ; the smaller one w^as collected by "sweeping" at top of coastal range, at 1,500ft., May 29, 1913, and the lax'ger from an orb- web in forest, August 31, 1912. POLTYS MICKOTUBERCULATDS, Sp. nOV. (Plate xxiii., fig. 44.) 9 Ceplialothorax 3.5 nun. long, 2.8 mm. broad ; abdomen 5.1 mm. long, 4.4 nun. broad (PI. xxiii., fig. 44). Cepluih'flioni.r. — Obovate, bilobed, yellow, clothed with long hairs. I'lirs ci'i>l(aJlc(( strongly arclied, obtusely acuminate. ARACHXIDA FROM NORTHERN QUEENSLAND— RAINBOW. 119 constricted, sloi)iiig" sliaiph' forward and then slightly ascend- ing ; ocular area equally as long as broad ; clypeus narrow. Pars thoracica strongly arched, somewhat higher than cephalic segment, radial grooves and iiiediau fovea distinct ; marginal band broad, slightly [)aler than cephalothorax. Eyes. — Dis- tribution normal ; of a pearl-grey lustre, ringed with black. Leys. — Moderately long, strtmg, tapering, hairy, spined, yellow ; tibite, metatarsi, and tarsi annulated with brown ; relative lengths: 1, 2, 4, 3. I'alpi. — Moderately long, strong, yellow, similar in colour and clothing to legs. Falces. — Concolorous with cephalothorax, conical, apices diveigent; faixj, short, well curved. I\l(<.rill(e Short, broad, arched, apices somewhat truncated ; tlie latter, as well as inner angles, pale yellow, bases much darker. Lahinvi. — Concolorous with maxillae, short, broad, arched, apex lounded. Sternnnt . — Broadly cor- date. Hat, concolorous with cephalothorax, sparingly hairy. Ahdomev: — Broadly ovate, overhanging base of cephalothorax, yellowish-grey, and flecked with small but prominent dark (nearly black) markings, and numerous small, dark brown spots; dorsal area rather flat, or but very slightly arched; sides well rounded, and finely pencilled with dark brown ; superior surface and sides rough and uneven, and furnished with numerous very small tubercles, the latter imparting a decidedly shagreened appearance. Einyyuum. — A small yel- lowish tubercle with two lateral pits, and a short, broad, projecting tongne-Iike process. Hah. — Gordon vale, forest, taken from folded leaves, Sep- tember 8, 1912. Genus Dolophones Walcl-. DOLOPHONES TESTUni.XEA, L. Koch. Thalia fesft'diiiea, L. Koch, Die Arach. des Austi., i., 1871, p. 20, pi. ii., figs. 2, 2(/-2c; 02*. cit., p. 204, pi. xviii., figs. 4, 4ff, 4?). Obs. — Only one specimen of this genus was collected, namely, D. tesfndive<(, and that an immature and damaged one. Hab. — Pejitland, September, 1914. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXI. Fig. 1. Tetragnatlia lepida, Raiub., ^ 2. „ „ „ ^ palpus 4. Meta ornata, Raiub., (J 5. „ „ „ (J, palpus 6. ., aigeiitio-punctata, Rainb., ^ 7. ,, ,, „ 9i abdomen 8. „ „ „ epigynum 9. Siugotypa melaiiopyga, L. Koch, ^, palpus 10. Delioclius pulchia, Rainb., 9 11. „ „ „ epigynum 12. ,, ,, var. melania, Rainb., 9 13. Argiope probata, Rainb., 9 14. Aianeus acachmenus, Rainb., 9 15. „ „ .. epigynum REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XL Plate XXL W. J. Rainbow, Austr. Mus., del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXII. ^^ig. 16. Araiieus ? fastidioRns, Keys., $ „ 17. >5 epigyimm „ 18. 55 favorabilis, Rainb., 9 „ 19. 5) epigyiiuni „ 20. 5i agaetus, Rainb., 9 „ 21. 55 „ „ abdomen, underside „ 22. 5) dianiphns, Rainb., (j „ 23. I? 55 c^ palpus ., 24. >) 55 55 V „ 25. 55 ,, ., epigynnm „ 26. 55 var. xantbosticlms, Rainb., 9 „ 27. '5 comptus, Rainb. „ 28. 55 epigynuni. „ 29. 55 ,, var. fuscocapitaius, Rainb., 9 REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XI. Plate XXTT. W. J. Rainbow, Austr. Mus., del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXIII, Fig. 30. Araiieus r* acuiniuatus, L. Kocli, 9 )? 31. 5> 55 55 epigjuum ■;, 32. „ apobleptus, Rainb., 6 33. ii M var. 34.. ?? 55 (J, palpus 35. 55 55 (J, abtlonieii in profile 36. 55 55 9 37. 55 T5 2, abdomeu, side view 38. „ argeiitaiius 9 39. 55 '5 $, abdomeu, side view ■40. Carepalxis liclienis 9 41. 55 55 9, abdomen, side view 42. «< ,, epigynum 43. Poltys ? uiultituberculatus, Rainb., 9 44. ,, microtuberculatus, ,, 2 REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XL Plate XXITL W. J. Rainbow, Austr. Mus., del. THE BIRDS OF COOLABAH AND BRKWARRINA, NORTH-WESTERN NEW SOUTH WALES, By Alfred J. Nokth, C. M. B. O. U., C. M. Z. S., Ornithologist to the Australian Museum. The following notes were made at Coolabah, between the 5th and 14th of October, 1915, and those at Brewarrina be- tween the 15th and 22nd of the same month. Ascertaining last October from a twenty-five j^ears' resident of North-western New South Wales, that the weather condi- tions in that part of the State were apparently favourable for a collecting tour, I determined to spend my annual leave for 1915, as far as possible, equally at Coolabah and Brewarrina. Coolabah, on the main western line, four hundred and twenty- nine miles north-west of Sydney, is situate in the I'ed soil country, having no natural watercourse, or permanent water, if we except a small gilguy or soak here and there, but which had entirely dried up at the time of my visit, the residents be- ing dependent upon artificially formed tanks and dams for their storage of water. The principal flora of the open forest lands of Coolabah put me very much in mind of that of the country around Moree in Northern Central New South Wales, the gum (Eucalyptus) and Apple (A)iyopliora) predominating, and in the scrubs, the Wilga (Geigera parvi flora) and pines (Callitris, sp.). For some time prior to reaching Coolabah, the shapely Sour Plum or " Colane " of Western New South Wales, or "Grouie " (Owenia acidula) of the Moree District, were much in evidence, resembling as one passed them in the train, the sj'mmetiical artificial trees, found in a child's " Noah's Ark," and not unlike the introduced Pepper plant (Schhius molle) common through- out the inland portions of Australia, but usually more squat in appearance. I did not observe Oicenia acidula either at Coolabah or Brewarrina, but at both places was informed that it occurred in the neighbourhood. 122 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. At Coolabah I learned that the district was suffering from the effects of a drought, in fact it was evident some time before reaching it, but not nearly so pronounced as in 1914. On each side of the railway line, particulai-Iy on the stock route, the trees appeared to be growing in a desert of red sandy soil, not a blade of natural grass being visible any- wlieie. At the Government Tank on the Girilambone side of the railway line, with the exception of the Rose-breasted Cockatoo (Cacatua roseicajyiUa), Barnard's Parrakeet (Barnar- dins huru(irdi), and the Yellow- throated Miner (Myzantka Havignla) I saw no birds worthy of note that could not be found in the neighbourhood of Sydney. On the way up a flock of the introduced Starling (Stvrnns vnlyaris) was noted as far west as Trangie, three Emus (Dronicens iiovce- hoUandice) were observed about two hundred yards from the lailway line shortly after passing Grahweed, and it is almost Tieedless to add that the acclimatised House Sparrow (Fasser domesticus) was seen nearly everywhere, about station build- ings, goods sheds, and stables, etc. On the morning following my arrival 1 went into a Wilga scrub immediatel}^ at the rear of the hotel hut saw very few birds, being out three-quartei's of an hour before getting a shot. Visiting a dam I was told of, about a mile and a half from the railway station, and whei-e late in the afternoon one would naturally ex])ect to find birds coming to drink, I was surprised to meet with only three common species — the Mag- pie-Lark (Grcdlina piccUa), the Black and White Fantail (Sauloprocta melaleuca), more popularly known as the "Willy- Wagtail," and the Yellow-throated Miner (Mijzantha flavigtda) . On Monday, the 11th October, official duties necessitating Fii'st-class Constable W. C. Wrightson visiting Bundong, the residence of Mr. Victor Hall, about fifteen miles from Coolabah, lie invited me to go with him. This necessitated our driving through Willeroon Station, where there was a mai'ked improve- ment in the appearance of the country and where several species of birds were obtained, or noted, that were not met with at Coolabah ; among the latter, three Emus (Droniceus aovce-hollandife) which were disturbed from some bushes as we drove slowly past. At Bundong Homestead we were kindly received by Mr. V. B. Hall, Junr., and his Mother. THE BIRDS OF COOI.ABAH AND BRKWARRINA^NORTH. 123 Although 1 walked miles every day, it was remarkable that most of the birds were obtained in the Wilga scrub close to the hotel, or immediately around the railway station. At the time of my visit, the Welcome Swallow (Hirundo tieoxena) was feeding young iu a nest in the kitchen of the hotel, the Yellow- throated Miner (}fi/za}itlui ffavigula) was similarly engaged at a nest iu a tree opposite my bedroom window, while a White- plumed Honey-eater (Ptilotis penicillata) was sitting on a nest in the drooping leafy twigs of a gum near the tank. On the 14th, just before leaving for Brewarrina, 1 was asked to go and see a bird-catcher's call birds in the stables of the hotel. Among them he had a beautifully plumaged adult male Barraband's Parrakeet, or " Green-leek " (Polytells barrabandi) which he considered rare, also a Leadbeater's Cockatoo, or "Major Mitchell," (Cacatua leudbeateri), a female Red- winged Parrot or " Bello-wing " (Ptistes erythropterus), and some Warbling Grass-Parrakeets or "Budgerigar's" (Melop- sittacus undulatus). At Brewarrina early next morning 1 was awakened by the twittering notes of birds, and on opening my bedroom door which led on to the balcouj^ found it proceeded from a half dozen Tree Swallows (Petrochelidon vigrieans), perched on the telegi'aph wires, close by. Afterwards I discovered this species was the commonest bird in the town. Bi'ewarrina, on the Darling River, five hundred and eighteen miles north-west of Sydney, and the longest railway journey in the State, is in the black soil country. Chief among the sights of Brewarrina is its ancient aborigi- nal fish-traps, made of stones, of the formation of which, no tradition has been handed down to the present dusky inhabi- tants of the soil. These traps are known locally to the resi- dents of Brewarrina as " The Fisheries," a somewhat mis- leading term, but in such general constant use, that I shall here adopt it. This series of fish-traps or "yards " is built in the Darling River, at a place known as "The Rocks," a natural broken rocky barrier, close to Bathurst Sti'eet, the main thoroughfare of the town, reaching from nearly one side of the river to the other, and extending upwards for about a distance of three hundred yards. When I first saw " The Fishei-ies" on 124 RECORDS OF THE AUKTRAMaN MUSEUM. Friday, the 15th October, 1915, they were nearly submerged by tlie freshes on the I'iver, caused by the rain on the two previous days and it was not until the 19th October that the water had subsided enough to take the accompanying photo- graphs, which will give one a better idea of them than pages of description. One can trace these structures, more or less in a state of disrepair, except those shown in Plates xxiv., XXV., and xxvi., which are the only ones at present being worked, for about three hundred yards, the upper por- tion terminating a little below the Chinamens' garden on the western bank. Another picture taken below Plate xxiv., com- pletes the principal j)art of " The Fisheries," as they now stand. Tliese fish-traps or "yards" are principally of irregu- lar shape, chiefly of bent elongate-pear form, while others are oval or nearly circular and three or four, or more, are often constructed together and attached again to a long wall of stones which extend in some instances nearly across the river. The walls of the traps are formed entirely of stones, some are very large, as will be seen by the photographs, but the greater part average from nine to eighteen inches in diameter, a hole being left at the widest part of each trap for the fish to enter, which they usually do when swimming up stream, many others being cauo-Iit in them when the river is in flood, but which of course could only be taken when the river had subsided. At the tiTiie of my visit there was only one pure blooded aboriginal wa.tching the traps, who lived in a frail erection on the rivei- bank, only a few yards away from them. He informed me that he belonged to the Cobai' tribe, was sixty-seven yeens of age, and known as " Steve Shaw " ; had a wife in the Brewarrina Aboriginal Mission Station, where he had been until eight weeks before. I visited him everyday, in tlie early morning, but usually he had examined the "yards " before I got there, at the first break of day. Formerly the entrance hole in the wall was plugged with one or more stones, and a small meshed )'ound net was used in catching the fish in the ti-ap. Now the esrress was blocked with a small wire covered iron wheel, and the lengthened deep purse-like net, wherein to put the fish, and if necessary, keep them alive, was made of the ordinai'v galvanised meshed fencing wire. His modns operandi after closiiisr the hole in the wall, which was generallv in the widest part of the trap, and in the deepest water, was to poke about the trap, usually at the sides and among the stones, with a THE BIRDS OF COOLABAH AND BREWARRINA — NORTH. 125 piece of straiglit iron wire, which he carried in his right hand, and gradually drove the fish, if any, into the shallow water in the narrow bent end of the trap, where lie secured it in the beforementioned wire purse-like net. " Steve " met with varying success ; on the first morning after my arrival he secured five fair-sized Murray- Cod (Oligoru^ macqaarieiisis), the next day nothing, he informing me " the fish were all on the other side of the river " ; the day following he told me he he had caught only a few Bony Bream (Dorosoma erebi), which he had cooked and eaten, and the day after that, some Fresh- water Cat-fish (Copidoglanis tandanus). On the 19th October, the day 1 was photographing "The Fisheries," "Steve" was fortunate enough to secure a "Yellow-belly" or Grolden Perch (Plectroj)lites anibigims), about five pounds in weight, which I photographed — " Steve " holding it up in his left hand, in one of the yards — but the fish is hardly discernible in the picture (Plate xxvi). There are several fiat grassy patches in the river, adjacent to " The Fisheries," which, together, with the surrounding rocks and stones are resorted to by birds, princi[)ally fish eating ones. Conspicuous among them was a pair of White Ibis (Ibis molacca), sometimes to be seen stand- ing in the water watching for their prey, or motionless, resting on one leg, on the bank. From the tops of stones, the lai'ge Black Cormorant or "Shag" (Phalacrocoraz' cm-bo), s\ee^ in body, slipped noiselessly into the water, pi'obably anxious to secure some passing fish, disappearing for some seconds, and half rising to the surface again some distance away ; the little Black and White Cormorant (Phalacrocorax Dielanuleucics) was also noted " fishing " in the river. The higher parts of the river above " The Rocks," I was informed, was called the Barwon, and that below on the lower level the Darling. The rush of water as it passed throagh the stone walls at the latter point could be heard over two hundred yards away, in a low dull murmur at night, when all was otherwise quiet. The river yielded not only fish as food to the aborigines, but the lai'ge Fresh- water Mussel {Diplodou (Unio) aiigasi) and the Black River Tortoise (E viT/diira macq^iarice) , occasionally caught on fishing lines. The carapace of one caught in the Barwon, at the Aboriginal Mission Station, nine miles from Brewarrina, measuring 10.5 inches in length by 8 inches in breadth, was subsequently presented by the then Manager, Mr. Geo. F. Evans, to the Trustees. 126 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. When in Brewairina, some of the residents told me that nothing like " The Fisheries " existed elsewhere in a.nj part of Australia. This, however, I knew to be incorrect, for similar structures have been described, as well as " The Pislieries " at Brewarriua, many times, in books, scientific proceedings, maga- zines, and in newspapei's. Moreover, Mr. R. Etheridge, the Curator, on my return, told me of a similar, but smaller structure lower down the Darling, about thirty-two miles be- low Louth, that he had visited in 1903, in company with Mr. A. W. Mullen, Surveyor and Inspector to the Western Land Board, Bourke. These fish-traps are at a point on the river, between Newfoundland and Curranyalpa Stations. Fifty-one years ago, Mr. Gideon S. Lang, described these fish- traps at Brewarrina in a lecture delivered by him at St. George's Hall, Melbourne, on the 12th July, 1865, in aid of the Leichhardt Search Fund,i where he states : — " The great weir for catching fish, on the Upper Darling, called ' Bree- warner,' is, both for conception and execution, one of the most extraordinary works recorded of any savage tribe, and inde- pendent of another described by Morrill, the shipwrecked mariner, who passed seventeen years among them, is quite sufficient to prove their capacity to construct works on a large scale, and requiring coiiibined action. This weir, at ' Breewar- ner,' is about sixty-five miles above the township of Bourke. It is built at a rocky part of the river, from eighty to a hundred yards in width, and extends about a hundred yards of the river course. It forms one immense labyrinth of stone walls about three or four feet high, forming cii-cles from two to four feet in diameter, some opening into each other, forming very crooked, but continuous passages, others having one entrance only. In floods as much as twenty feet of water sweeps over them, and carries away the tops of the walls ; the inner parts of the walls, however, are so solidly built with large heavy stones, which must have been brought from a considerable distance, and with great combined labour, that they have stood every flood from time immemorial. Every summer this labyrinth is repaired, and the fish, in going up or down the river, enter it, get confused in its mazes, and are caught by the blacks by hand in immense quantities." J Laug — The Aborigines of Australia, 1865, pp. 19, 20. THE BIRDS OF COOLABAH AND BREWARRINA — NORTH. 127 Relative to Plate xxvii., a plau of " The Fislieries," I transcribe a copy of the following liitlierto unpublished Report given to the Curator of the Australian Museum, by Mr. A. W. Mullen, Surveyor, etc. to tlie Western Land Board, Bourke. — " Survey of ' The Fisheries,' in the Darling River, opposite the town of Brewarrina, New South Wales. — Bourke, 17th July, 1906. — 'In compliance with verbal instrnctions from the Western Laud Commissioners, I have the honour to transmit herewith a plan and tracing of compass survey of ' The Fisheries ' at Brewarrina, made on the 15th June, 1906 ' " : — " These fish-traps are supposed to have been constructed by the aborigines, but so long ago that all tradition is lost, even the oldest local blackfellow — ' King Watty of the Fisheries ' — cannot tell how the}' originated. As far back as white men can remember, the aborigines have used these traps, and to this day they are kept in repair and fish are caught in them by the local aborigines. The traps are constructed of loose stones and small boulders, arx'anged in four rows or dams on the natural rocky bar in the bed of the Darling River, oppo- site the town. The surface of the water on the upper side of the bar is about eleven feet above the surface of water on the lower side of the bar when the river is Ioav, so that when a fresh occurs the water runs rapidly over the bar and through the traps, giving fish many obstacles to surmount in ascending the stream, while the water is shallow. The fish are caught in these traps when the water is running through them and just exposing the tops of stones. The stones in the traps are piled up to a height of from one to two feet, the bases being about double the height. As far as I know, only fish ascending the stream are caught, they enter the traps at the gaps left on the lower sides of the widest portions of the traps in which the water is deeper than in the narrow ends of ti'aps. When the stream is at a suitable height for trapping fish, the aborigines are always on the watch, and when a fish is found to have entered a trap, it is driven into the shallow, narrow end of the trap and knocked on the head with a stick." In answer to queries of mine, Mr. Mullen writes me as follows, under date 18th July, 1916: — " T do not know of any fish-traps now, othei- than those at Brewarrina, but the late Mr. William Crowley, of Collywarry, told me there were stone fish-traps on 128 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. rocks ill the Barwon River near that station, aud about twenty- five miles above Brewarrina, but they have now disappeared." Relative to those I saw in tlie Darlino^ River, at Newfound- land, below Loutli, in coinpanj' witli Mr. Etherid^e, in 1908, I enclose the following letter fi'oin Mr. Hubeit Murray, of Bells- grove, Louth : — " Re the aboriginal fish-traps near Newfound- laud, they are not in existence now, having gradually washed away. The principal yards were about three miles below Newfoundland and some smaller ones about five miles lower down." These fiah-traps, formed of boulders and stones, relics of a bygone age, probably before the advent of the white man in Australia, were used throughout the greater of the eastern portions of the continent, being found in New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. " The Fisheries " at Brewarrina, a splendid specimen, even now, of concei-ted and combined aboriginal work, is over five hundred miles inland, but it is remarkable in the northern portions of the continent, where they are more numerous, they are more com- mon in the coastal districts aud contiguous islands, occurring also throughout many islands of Torres Strait, almost, if not quite, to the coast of New Guinea. I give the following brief extracts from scientific journals relative to some of them. The Hon. John Douglas, C.M.G., in an addenda to his article on "The Islands of Torres Straits" states^ : — "He omitted to mention in his papei' that there were some interesting remains of great fishing weirs on Darnley Island — great walls which had been built for catching fish. The present natives could not tell anything about them. They had been built by some previous generation, of which the records were lost now." Major A. J. Boyd, who wrote the " Narrative of Captain G. Pennefather's Exploration" in H.:M.Q.S. VearJ in the Gulf of Carpentaria in 1880, from Captain Pennefather's notes, re- marks-* : — " In the afternoon they landed on Point Parker. The landing is not a particularly good one, as it is fringed by rocks and stones for a quarter of a mile from the beach - DouI AN MUSEUM. The rich and melodions notes of this species, wei-e first heard, and a, pair of birds afterwards seen, in a large Eucalyptus grow- ing on a bank of tlie Barwon River, near Brewarrina. Not seen at Coolabah. This familiar species will freely enter the verandahs and out-houses of residences in the country and the suburbs. One of the foster-parents of the Pallid Cuckoo (CuchIus inor^iatiis). Graucalds melanops. Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike. Corvus melanops, Lath., Ind. Orn., Suppl., p. xxiv. (1801). Oraucalns melanops, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., ii., pi. 55 (1848) ; id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 192 (1865) ; Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., iv., p. 130 (1881); North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds. 2nd, ed., i., pt. ii., p. 103 (1902). Not common, although observed both at Coolabah and Brewarrina. Seen about the outer branches of the Eucalypti growing in the hotel grounds at the former place. This species has a curious habit, when settling after flight, of lift- ing the wings and refolding them again. Popularly known in many parts of Australia by the name of "Blue Jay." SaULOPROCTA MELALEUCA. Black and White Pantail, Muscipeta melaleuca, Quoy et Gaim., Voy. de I'Astrol., Zool., i., p. 180 (1830). Bhipidiira motasilloides, Gonld. Bds. Austr., fol., ii., pi. 86 (1848). Sauloprocta mntacilloides, Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 244 (1865). Bhipidiira tricolor, Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., iv., p. 339 (1879). ' Sauloprocta melaleuca, North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., i., pt. iii., p. 132 (1903). A few pairs of the Black and White Pantail, or more popu- larly known " Will^r-wagtail," were seen both at Coolabah and Brewarrina. They were generally observed feeding upon insects disturbed by cows and horses while grazing, and are THE BIRDS OF COOLABAH AND BREWARPaXA— NORTH. 18;"3 close attendants on civilization, frequenting gardens and orchards, and often nesting in fj-uit ti-ees. They are of a tame and fearless disposition and their notes, which resemble the sound of the words "Sweet pretty creature," may frequent!}' be heard at night, especially when it is moonlight. MlCR(ECA FASCINANS. Brown Flycatcher. Loxia fascinans, Lath., Ind. Orn., Suppl., p. xlvi. (1801). Micrcecd macroptera, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., ii., pi. 93 (1848). Microeca fascinans, Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austr. ; i., p. 258 (1865) ; Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., iv., p. 123 (1879) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., i., pt. iii., p. 149 (1903). Only one example oi the well-known Brown Flycatcher or " Jacky Winter" was noted, my attention being directed to it by Mr. L. Bucknell, Stock Inspector, on the way from Bre- wai-rina to Tarrion Creek. Tliis is generally the fiist species to usher in, with cheerful notes, the dawm of day in the neigh- bourhood of Sydney. Petrceca goodenovii. Red-capped Robin. Muscicapa qoodenorii, Vig. and Horsf., Trans. Linn. Soc, xv., p. 245 "(1826). Petroica goudenovii, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., iii., pi. 5 (1848) ; id., Handbk Bds. Austr., i., p. 280 (1865). Petroeca goodenovii, Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., iv., p. 171 (1879) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., i., pt. iii., p. 168 (1903). The Red-capped Robin was common at Coolabah and was the first species obtained by me ; several adults of both sexes and one immature male being procured in a Wilga scrub at the back of the hotel. I first mistook the notes of the latter for those of a species of Maturus, and followed it for some time before managing to secure it. This species was seldom seen at Brewarrina, and never neai' the town. 136 RRr'ORDS OF THE AT'RTU A T,IAN MTPKT'M Melanodryas bicolor. Hooded Robiji. flnillin(( hicolnr, Vio-. and Horsf., Trans. Linn. Soc, xv., p. 233 (1826). Petroica hiroJor, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., iii., pi. 7 (1848). Melaiiodnjua CHciilIutn, Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 283 (1865). Petrwca bicolor, Sbarpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., iv., p. 173 (1879). Melanodn/as bicolor., North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2ud. ed., 'i., pt. iii., p. 170 (1903). An adult female was the onlj' example seen, while on the way from Brewarriiia to Tarrion Creek. Smicrornis brevirostris. Short-billed Scrub-Tit. Pailopuf! breoirustfit:, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1837, p. 147. Smicrontix brcvirostrif!, Gould, Bds. Austr. fol., ii., pi. 103 (1848) ; id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 273 (1865) ; Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., iv., p. 209 (1879) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2ud. ed., i,, pt. iii., p. 189 (1903). Common at Coolabah, several examples being procured in the Wilii'a scrubs. Not observed at Brewarrina, the class of country and trees not being suitable to its habits, near the town. This is the smallest species of bird inhabiting New South Wales, its range extending to Queensland, Victoria and South and Western Australia. ACANTHIZA ALBIVENTBIS. Pale-vented Thorn-bill. Acantkiza ulbiventrifs, North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., i., pt. iv., p. 276 (1904). I THE BIRDS OF COObABAH AND BREWARRINA— NORTH. 137 On the 6tli October, 1915, being tlie first morning I was shooting at Coolabah, one of tliese birds was procured close to the ground, among the leafy branches of a low spreading Wilga. On picking the bird up, for I was too far away to see what it was when firing, found it was AcaiitJiiza albiveutris, described by me in "Nests and Eggs of Birds found breeding in Australia and Tasmania" in 190-1. Unfortunately, although the body feathers were perfect, most of the quills of both wings were more or less damaged by the dust shot, and expecting to get more birds of this species, did not keep it. This was the only example seen, although subsequently others were diligently seai'ched for. I first obtained this species in a low brigalow scrub of West Narrabri, in November, 1896. I have never seen a specimen of the true Acdnthiza pyi'^'hopi/gia, of Gould procured in New South Wales, the type of which was obtained by Grould in the Belts of the Murray, South Australia, and for which the present species was previously mistaken, but doubt- less it may occur in the extreme south-western portion of the State. GrEOBASILEDS CHKYSORRHOUS. Yel low-rum ped Thorn-bill. Saj'icohi chnjsorrhcea, Quoy et Gaini., Voy. de I'Astrol., Zool., i., p. 198, Atlas, pi. 10, tig. 2 (1830). Ac((iithi::ii cJirysorrJiaai, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., iii., pi. 63 (1848). Geub((sile2(^ cji nj!<, Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 37-1 (1865) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austi'. Bds., i., pt. iii., p. 282 (1904). Acantliiza chriisorrlioa, Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., vii., p. 298 (1883). This well-known species was more frequently met with at Coolabah than at Brewarrina. Known locallv in many parts of New South Wales under the name of " Yellow-tail " from its bright yellow upper tail-coverts — which show conspicuously during flight — also "Tomtit "and "Double-dick," the latter from its habit of constructing a double nest; the lower one be- ing dome-shape and the one built on top of it cup- shape. Generally it is formed in the thick leaf}' end of a low drooping branch. 138 records of the australian museum. Aphelocephala LEDCOPSIS. White-faced Squeaker. Xerophihi leiicopsis, Goukl, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1840, p. 175 ; Id. Bds. Austr., fol., iii., pi. 67 (1848) ; Id., Handbk. Bds.' Austr., i., p. 382 (1865); Gadow, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., viii., p. 73 (1883). Apheloceph al K leucopsis, Oberli., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Pliilad., 1899, p. 214 ; North, Nests and Eggs Anstr. Bds., 2nd. ed. i., pt. iv., p. 291 (1904). Common both at Coolabah and Brewarrina and usually met with in small flocks feeding upon the ground. When dis- turbed by too close an approach, it usually- flies into a low dead tree or on a bare branch ; frequently on to the toj) of a three railed fence, and after danger is past i-eturning on to the ground again. It is a dull coloured little bird, unobtrusive in habits, one's attention frequently being attracted to it by its low squeaking notes, iisuallj^ uttered during flight. EpHTUIANURA A1;1:!FR0NS. White-fronted Nun. Arit)itliizii (dhifrcnm, .lard and Selby, 111. Orn., ii., pi. 56. Eplithiiiinira nlhifroHX, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., iii., pi. 64 (1848) ; id.', Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 377 (1865) ; Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., viii., p. 666 (1883) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austi-. Bds., 2nd. ed., i., pt. iv., p. 343 (1904). Only one ])air, seen at Coolabah, in a paddock near the rail- way station. At Brewarrina, I was informed that both Ephthiavura tricolor and E. ((>irifro)i>^ occurred in some seasons, but neither were observed during mj' staj- there. POMATOSTOMDS TEMPORALIS. Grey-crowned Chatterer. rotiiatorliiniin temjjoralis, Vig. and Hoi'sf., Trans. Linn. Soc, XV., p. 330 (1826) ; Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., iv., pi. 20 (1848) ; Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., vii., p. 418 (1883). THE BIRDS OF COOLABAH AND BREWARRINA— NORTH. 139 Pomatostomus temporalis, Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 479 (1865) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2ud ed., i., pt. iv., p. 358 (1904). Common at Coolabah, less frequently observed at Brewarrina. Usually met with in open forest lands and pine scrubs, in small flocks, from four to seven or more in number, feeding on the grassy sward beneath some wide spreading tree, where with puffed out body feathers and slightly spread wings, they run here and there, disputing among themselves the possession of some insect or other coveted morsel and keeping up at the same time an incessant chattering. From their gregarious and sociable habits these birds are known in many parts of Western New South AVales, by the local name of "Happy Family." When disturbed by too close an approach they fly on to the lower branches of a tree and quickly hop from limb to limb until reaching the top, they leave, sometimes in twos and threes, following in a, line one after the other. The food of this species consisting principally of insects, it is looked upon as a useful bird hj agriculturists and orchardists. Mr. R. Ethei'idge, however, informs me that about Colo Vale, on the southern line, about seventy-three miles distant from Sydney, at the end of August, in some seasons, these birds pull up the fi'eshly sprouting oats, also eat grain later on, when ready for storing, and feast upon fruit when ripe, principally plums and cherries. It must be exceptional I think, for it is the only occasion I have heard of this bird being a pest. Gymnoehina tibicen. Black-backed Magpie. Goracias tihicen, Lath., Ind. Orn., Suppl., p. xxvii. (1801). Gijmnorhina tihicen, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., ii., pi. 4-6 (1848) ; id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 175 (1865) ; Gadow, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., viii., p. 91 (1883) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., pt. i., p. 1 (1906). A few pairs observed immediately around the township of Coolabah, one pair having a nest with young, during my stay, near the Public School, the birds of which frequently swooped down on the children on their Avay to or from their lessons, as is their wont when one is near the vicinity of their nest. Less frequently met with at Brewarrina. 140 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRAT.TAN MUSEUM. Cracticus destrcctor. Butcher-bird. Vauga destructor, Temm. Man. d'Orn., pt. i., p. lix. Cractlriis destructor, Gould, Bds. Ansfr., fo]., ii., pi. 52 (1848) ; Gadow, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mas., viii., p. 100 (1883) ; North, Nests and Eg'gs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., pt. i., p. 9 (1906). Cracticus torquatus, Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austi'., i., p. 184 (1865). Isolated pairs were noted at Coolabah, at some half to three quarters of a mile apart. As usual they were i^emarkably war}', keeping chiefly to the higher Eucalypti, and their melodious notes were more often heard — especially in the early morning — than the birds wei-e seen. They were less frequently observed at Brewarrina. The Butcher-bird will often destroy, or attempt to withdi'aw Canaries from their cages. Cracticds nigrigularis. Black-throated Butcher-bird. VioiijK n'ujroijalttris, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1836, p. 143. Cracticus tiiiinniuliiri.--, Gould, Bds. Austr., fob, ii., pi. 491 (1848);"/'/*., Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 180 (1865). Cracticus viijritjidaris, Gadow, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., viii., p. 95 (1883)"; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., pt. i., p. 14 (1906). Only two pairs noted, one at Coolabah, the other while on the way fi'om Brewari'ina to Tarrion Creek. At the former place while sitting alone quietly in a garden, conti'ary to their usual custom, one of tliese birds came and perched on a fence within ten feet of me. The cleai' and prolonged musical notes of the male are among the richest and most beautiful of those of any of our Australian arboreal birds and can be heard a considerable distance away. Like the two preceding species, the Black-throated Butcher-bird, amongst othei- food eaten, preys much on the sn)aller birds. the birds of coolabah and brewarrina— north. 141 Climacteris picumnds. Browu Tree-creeper. Climacteris picunmus (Temm.), Vig. and Horsf., Traus. Linn. Soc, XV., p. 295 (1826) ; Temm., PI. Col. 281, tig. i. ; North, Nests and Eggs Anstr. Bds., 2ud. ed., ii., pt. ii., p. 42 (1906). Clii)iacteris sciuuleiis, (nee Temm.), Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., iv., pi. 93 (1848) ; id., Haudbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 598 (1865). Climacteris leucophoea, Gadow, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., viii., p. 336 (1883). I procured a pair of these birds passing through Willeroon Station. They were the only birds of this genus observed, and were precisely similar in colour, but slightly smaller than ex- amples obtained in the neighbourhood of Sydney. This Ti-ee- creeper has a wide range over the State, being common in the coastal districts, near Sydney, and is found atBourke, over five hundred miles inland. Ptilotis penicillata. White-plumed Honey-eater. Meliphaga peiiiciUitfa, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1836, p. 143. Ptilotis penicillatus, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., iv., pi. 43 (1848). Ptilotis pe)ticillat((, Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 519 (1865) ; Gadow, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., ix., p. 244 (1884) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., pt. ii., p. 131 (1907). Fairly common both at Coolabah and Brewarrina, nesting in the Eucalypti in the hotel grounds at the former place, and in the trees along the banks of the Darling and Barwon Rivers in the lattei- locality. The well-known notes of this Honey- eater, made welcome music to my eai's, and reminded me of my early collecting days around Melbourne, the " Greenie," as it was there, and is still called, being the most common species of the Family Meliphagidfe, and its eggs dear to the heart of the average nest-hunting boy. 142 RKCORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. - Plectorhyncha lanceolata. Lanceolate Houey-eater. Plectorlnincha lanceolata, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1837, p 153 ; id.', Bds. Austv., fol., iv., pi. 47 (1848) ; id., Handbk. Bds. Ansh'., i., p. 52 (1865). Plectrorliijiicliiifi lanceolatus, Gadow, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mns., ix., p. 208 (1884). Only one pair seen at Coolabah, one of which was procured. ACANTHOGBNYS UrKIGULAKIS. Spiny -cheeked Honej'-eater. Acuiithoi/ein/g rnfoqularis, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1837, p. J53; id.', Bds. Austr., fol., iv., pi. 53 (1848). AcaHt/uH/etiijs nijit/tdaris, Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 534 (1865) ; "North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., y., pt. ii., p. 157 (1907). Acatibliochoira rnjigularis, Gadow, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mas., ix., p. 265 (1884). Observed feeding in the Pepper trees (Schinns violle) in the hotel grounds at Coolabah; one pair procured in a Encalyptus about a quarter of a mile from the railway station. Very much more freely distributed at Brewarrina, particularly in the trees opposite the Chinamens' garden, close to the bridge, over the Barwon River. One's attention is usuall3' attracted to these birds by their peculiar notes, and Avhich somewhat resemble those of the Wattled Honey-eater, or "Gill-bird" (Anthochcera caruncidata) common in the early Avinter months in the coastal districts near Sydney. Philemon citreogui.akis. Yellow- throated Friar- bird. TropidorJnjnchas citreoyularis, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1836, p. 143 ; id., Bds. Austr., fol., iv., pi. 60 (1848); id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 549 (1865). THE BIRDS OF COOLABAH AND BREWARRINA— NORTH. 143 Philemon citreogidaris, Gadow, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., ix., p. 277 (1884) ; North, Nests aud Eggs Austr. Bds., "iud. ed., ii., pt. ii., p. 173 (1907). While sitting on the western bank of the Barwon River at Brewarrina under the drooping branches of a gum tree one hot day, a single example of this species was noted ; it was the only one observed during my visit. Melithreptus brevieostris. Short-billed Honey-eater. Melithreptus hrevirostris, Vig. aud Horsf., Trans. Linn. Sue, XV., p. 315 (1826) : Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 569 (1865) ; Gadow, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., ix., p. 207 (1884) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., pt. ii., p. 190 (1907). Small flocks of these birds were noted passing from tree to tree at Coolabah. Not observed at Brewarrina. The egg of the Pallid Cuckoo (Ciiculus iiioriiatus) is frequently deposited in the nest of this species. Myzantha flavigula. Yellow-throated Miner. Myzioitha flavigula, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1839, p. 143 ; id., Bds. Austr., fol., iv., pi. 79 (1848) ; id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 578 (1865) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr., Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., pt. ii. p. 202 (1907). Common both at Coolabah and Brewarrina. It was the first species seen by me in the former locality, and a pair Avere nesting in a gum tree in the hotel gi'ounds. This Honey- eater is one of the foster-parents of the Pallid Cuckoo (Cuculus iuornatus). Pardalotds oknatds. Striated Diamond-bird. Pardulotus ornatus, Temm., PI. Col., iv., pi. 394, fig. 1 (1826) ; Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., x., p. 55 (1885) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., j)t. ii., p. 217 (1907). Ij'-i RECORDS OF THE AUSTUALIAN MUSEUM. Fardalotus striatus, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., iv., pi. 38 (1848) ; id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 161 (1865). Seen both at Coolabali aud Brewairina; specimens obtained ill the former locality, which were frequenting the tall Eucalypti in and around the hotel grounds. Comparatively rare. HiRDNDO NEOXENA. Welcome Swallow. Hinnido neoxena, Gould, Proc. Zool. See, 1842, p. 131 ; id.y Bds. Austr., fol., ii., j)l. 13 (1848) ; Sharpe., Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., X., p. 144 (1885) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., pt. ii., p. 234 (1907). This well-known and familiar species was common every- where, as it generally is in many parts of Australia and Tas- mania. Before the advent of white settlers in Austrnlia, the Welcome Swallow constructed its cup-shaped nest of mud, lined with dried grasses and feathers on the top of the remain- ing portion of broken hollow limbs of trees, or in rock shelters on the banks of rivers, or on cliffs facing tlie sea. Now its nests may be found anywhere about houses, and in outbuildings, dog's kennels, in laid up ship's galleys, etc. Cheramceca lbdcosterndm. White-breasted Swallow. Hinnido leitcustentKS, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1840, p. 172. Atticora leucostenion, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., ii., pi. 12 (1848). Gher(())in?ca leitcostema, Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 115 (1865). CheraiiKPca lencosteriiuvi, Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., x., p. 171 (1885) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., pt. ii., p. 238 (1907). Noled only three examples of the White-breasted Swallow on the wing at Coolabah in a paddock close behind the hotel. The strikingly contrasted general black and white plumage of this species, and its graceful evolutions performed during Higlit, renders it one of the most cons])icuous of the smaller birds of Australia. Contrary to the usual rule, one of these Swallows api)roached so close, that 1 thought it was going to settle upon me. the bikds of cool-vbah axd brewakrina— north. 145 Petrochelidon nigricans. Tree Swallow. Hlrninlo iilyn'caiis, Vieill., Noiiv. Diet. d'Hist., xiv., p. 523, (1817). CoUocalia arhorea, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., ii., pi. 1-i (1848). Hylochelidon nigricmi^, Gould, Haudbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. Ill (1865). Petrochelido)) nigricans, Sliarpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., x., p. 190 (1885) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2ud. ed., ii., pt. iii., p. 241 (1909). The vernacular names of Rock vS wallow, as its generic name implies, and House Swallow are equally applicable to this species as that of the generally recognised name of Tree Swallow. It was not met with at Coolabah, but it was the first bird seen by me at Brewarrina, and as I found out after- wards w'as the most common bird to be met with in the town, not excepting the acclimatised and ubiquitous House Sparrow (Passer domestic us). These birds 1 found were utilizing nearly all the crevices and crannies in the woodwork of houses for 'their nests, but all seen were under verandahs, either of shoj^s or places of business, or under the verandah of the balcony of the Barwon Hotel where I was staying ; one nest, with young, being above the French windows of my bedroom. Nearly all had these breeding places in the woodwork, fashioned to the birds' liking with dried grasses and leaves and outwardly with pellets of mud, the shape varying according to the space to be filled uj). The birds entered, and left the nests freely, and it reminded me very much of a sinjilar scene I witnessed about the house and stables of " Holmfirth," at the Reedbeds, near Adelaide, South Australia. Petrochelidon ariel. Fairy Martin. CoUocalia ariel, Gould, Proc. Zool., 1842, p. 132 ; id., Bds. Austr., fol., ii., pi. 15 (1848). Lagenoplastes ariel, Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p 113 (1865). 146 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. PetrocJielidon ariel, Sliarpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., x., p. 199 (1885) ; North, Nests aud Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., pt. iii., p. 244 (1909). This, the fourth species, completes all the members of the Family Hiruudiuidse, iuhabiting Australia. It was met with only at Brewarrina, but was not nearly so freely distributed iu the town as the preceding species, but it greatly exceeded in numbers the Tree Swallows in the immediate vicinity. My attention was first attracted to it bj' seeing two pairs of birds each constructing nests over the two front windows of the School of Arts. Shortly after I saw about a dozen of their curious retort-shaped mud nests in course of construction on a large rock at " The Fisheries," in the Darling, and only a few yards from the bank, on the Brewarrina side of the river, and from where the birds were collecting mud for building the nests. By far the largest community, however, seen on the following day, were busily engaged at nest building, under the bridge, which crosses the Barwon River, about a mile out of town. The same afternoon, driving in company with Mr. L. Bucknell, to Tarrion Creek, I asked him to pull up at the bridge which crosses the creek, there being- no water in it at the time, while an examination was made underneath this structure. As was anticipated, there was a number of nests of the Fairy Martin, in various stages of construction, some just commenced, the most about half to three-quarters built, while a few had the bottle neck-like entrance but recently com- pleted, which one could easily discern by the dark colour of the yet undried mud pellets. In two instances I saw biids carrying dried grasses into the otherwise apparently finished nests. All the nests observed by me were new, but none I believe then contained eggs. From the shape the Fairy Martin forms its nest, this species is known iu many parts of Australia under the local name of " Bottle Swallow." Artamcs leucogaster. White-rumped Wood Swallow. Ocypterus lencoqaster, Valenc. Mem. Mus. d'Hist., vi., p. 21, pi. viii., fig. 2 (1820). THE BIRDS OF COOLABAH AND BREWARRINA — NORTH. l-t? Artamiis leacopygudis, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1842, p. 17 ; id., Bds. Austr., fol., ii., pi. 33 (1S48) ; id., Haudbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 154 (1865). .ArtiUHUs leiicogaster, Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mns., xiii., p. 3 (1890) ; North, Nests aud Eggs Austr. Bds., 2ud. ed., ii., pt. iii., p. 251 (1909). Only observed at Coolabali, where it was fairly numerous, especially about the hotel aud railway station. Examples were first procured that were resting on the tops of small stones a few inches above the ground, others were observed perched on the telegraph wires, and on the hotel, which is the first time I have seen, or known, any species of Wood Swallow to resort to a dwelling. 1 had frequent opportunities of ob- serving this habit, while sitting on a side balcony near my bedroom, for it was to be seen every day. Generally the birds used to perch in twos and threes, on the edge of the spouting, or on the top of a plaster finial at each side of the hotel. From these places, tliey would take a short flight in the air, and usually return to, or near, the same spot. On the 6th October, the first day after my arrival in Coolabah, on returning to the hotel in the evening, a little before 6 p.m. 1 saw about twenty of these birds huddled up closely together on the outer edge of the dining room chimney. Why they should have selected this resting place, was a mystery to me, for although cool, there was no fire in the dining-room grate, so it could not have been for warmth. On looking again about half an hour later, after tea was finished, they had all left. Artamds scpekciliosus. White-ej'ebi'owed Wood Swallow. Ocijpterus superciUosus, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1836, p. 142. Artaimis supercil iot-ns, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., ii., pi. 32 (1848) ; id., Haudbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 152 (1865) ; Sbarpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xiii., p. 15 (1890) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds. 2nd. ed., ii., pt. iii., p. 253 (1909). Seen both at Coolabah and Brewarrina, only though passing over in large straggling flocks, flying south, usually fairly high, and uttering their well-known notes, but occasionally low enough to be plainly seen. In neither place did 1 observe this species alight. 148 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Artamds melanops. Black-faced Wood Swallow. Arttonus inehinops, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc.,. 1865, p. 198 ; id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. U9 (1865) ; Sliarpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xiii., p. 17 (1890) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., pt, iii., p. 259 (1909). Observed only at Brewarriiia, although fairly well dis- tributed, being noted even in the town, it was nowhere common. That it had been breeding was evident by my see- ing, amongst others, fully fledged young, being fed by their parents, in the Chinaniens' garden, near the bridge over the Barvvou River. It was also observed in the Chinamens' s&r- den lower down the river, close to the town, and on the way to Tarrion Creek from Brewarrina. TiENIOPYGIA CASTANOTIS. Chestnut-eared Finch. Aniadhui castauotis, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1835, p. 105 ; id., Bds. Austr., fol., iii., pi. 87 (1848). Tceniopycjia castauotis, Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 419 (1865) ; Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xiii., p. 311 (1890) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., pt. iii., p. 275 (1909). Only one small flock of from eight to ten bii'ds, seen feeding on the ground in the railway station yard at Coolabah. This is usually the commonest species of Finch inhabiting Western New South Wales. Anthus australis. Australian Pipit. Ant has australis, Vig. and Horsf., Trans. Linn. Soc, xv., p. 229 (1826) ; Gould, Bds. Austr.^ fol., iii., pi. 73 (1848) ; id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 392 (1865) ; Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., x., p. 615 (1885); North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., pt. iii., p. 303 (1909). THR BTKPS OF roOT>ABAH AND r.RRWARRTNA— NORTH. 149 A pair of Australian Pipits, or tlie more popularly known "Ground Lark" was observed while driving with Constable W. C. Wrightsoii through Willeroon Station to Bundong. Not seen elsewhere. MiRAPRA HORSFIELDI. Horsfield's Bush Lark. Mirufra horsjlehUi, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1847, p. i.; id., Bds. Anstr., fol., iv„ pi. 77 (1848) ; id., Haiidbk. Bds. Austr., i., p. 404 (1865) (part). Mtrafra hnrsjieldi, Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xiii., p. 604 "(1890) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., ii., pt. iii., p. 305 (1909). A single example of this species was seen hovering about ten feet up in the air, pouring forth all the time, as is its wont, its sweet, and varied notes. This was in the private grounds of Hayes Bros.' Wool Scouring Woiks, on the Barwon River, about two miles out from Brewarrina. Merops ornatus. Bee-eater Merops oniafns, Lath., Ind. Oin., Suppl. ^). xxxv. (1801); Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., ii., pi. 16 (1848); / Bds. Brit. Mus,, xx., p. 123 (1891) ; North, Nests and ""Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., iii., pt. ii., p. 81 (1911). THE BIRDS OP COOLABAH AND BREWARRTNA— NORTH. 151 Saw only a bird trapper's call-bird in confinement at Coola- bali, but was informed by the owner, as well as by other people, that this species was occasionally procui-ed in the district, but was by no means common. Cacatua roseicapilla. Rose- breasted Cockatoo. Cacatua roseicapilla, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist., xvii., p. 12 (1817) ; Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austr., ii., p. 8 (1865) ; Salvad., Cat. Bds. Brit. Mas., xx., p. 132 (1891) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., iii., {it. ii., p. 88 (1911). Cacatua eos, Gould, Bds. Austr., fob, v., pi. 4 (1848). The Rose-breasted Cockatoo or " Galah " as it is more frequent called was occasionally seen singly, or in small flocks at Coolabah ; several birds were observed perched on the tele- graph wires opposite the hotel early one morning, but they were more common on Willeroon, the adjoining Station. Vast flocks, several hundreds in number, were observed feeding on the ground on Cato Plains, near Brewarrina, and in the vicinity of the Aboriginal Mission Station, on the Barwon River. Neither at Coolabah, nor Brewarrina, were any of these Cockatoos observed breeding. This species commits great havoc in the grain-crops. When taken from the nesting place, while young, it makes a remarkably interesting pet and a fine talker. Calopsittacus nov.e-hollandi^ Cockatoo-Pai-rakeet. Psittaciis imv,:p-hoJIainli>p, Gmel., Syst. Nat., i., p. 328 (1788). Nynqjhicus noca'-JioIldiiditv, Gould, Bds. Austr., fob, v., pi. 45 (1848). Calopsitta novfp-JiolJinnJiii', Gould. Handbk. Bds. Austr., ii., p. 84 (1865). Calopsiftacii.'^ novce-holtioidliv, Salvad., Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xx., p. 135 (1891) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., iii., pt. ii., p. 95 (1911). 152 RECORDS OF THE ATTSTRAT^IAN MUSEUM. Rare. One specimen ouly obtained on Willerooii Station, adj()inin<^- Coolabali. This species is locallj known in many parts of Western New Sontli Wales as the " Qnarrion." POLYTELIS r.ARRABANDI Barraband's Parrakeet. Pslttid-iis hi(rr(iln()i(h'i, Swains., Zool. lUusti'., pi. 59 (1821). Poli/telia h((rraJi(niih\ Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., v., pi. 15 (I8-i8); ' iJ., Handbk. Bds. Anstr., ii., p. 31 (1865) ; Salvad., Cat. Bds. Brit. Mns., xx., p. 478 (1891); North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed., iii., pt. ii., p. 99 (1911). At Coolabali I saw a fine old adult male of Bari-abaiid's Parrakeet, o)' "Green Leek" in Constable W. C. Wrightsou's aviary, and was informed by him that tliis species is usuallj' very common in the district during winfei-, but all leave again early in spring. In the winter of 1914, he estimated, while on liis rounds, he had observed over seven hundred of these birds, but in the winter months of 1915, little more than half that number. He had at various times seen many Barraband's Parrakeets in cages on the Coolabali r^ilwaj' station, that had been trapped in the disti'ict and were awaiting their despatch by train to Sydiiej^ bird-dealers. I was rather siii'prised to learn of Barraband's Parrakeet occurring so far north and in such numbers. The stronghold of this sjiecies in the State, being the Wagga District, where it breeds, some two hundred and eighty miles to the south-east of Coolabali. Barraband's Pai'rakeef, when taken young from the nesting place, soon learns to clearly articulate short sen- tences, and when fully adult is one of the most beautiful and attractive of cage pets. Ptistes erythropterus. Red- winged Parrakeet. I'ffitt'tnts i-riill/r! eriithnijiteriix, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., v., pi. 18 (1848). THE BIRDS OF COOT^ABAH AND BRBWARRINA— NORTH. 153 Ptistes enithroftevux, Gonid, Handbk. Bds. Austr., ii., p. 37 (1865) ; Salvad., Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xx., p. 481 (1891) ; North, Nests and Eggs Aastr. Bds., 2nd. ed., iii., pt. ii., p. 108 (1911). Occui's also at Coolabah, but the only examples I saw were cage birds in confinement, one of tlieni an adult female, was a call bird, used by a trapper. Known locally, as in other parts of Northern and North-western New South Wales, as the " Bello- wing." A fully adult male with its strikingly contrasted plumage of light green and red makes an unusually attractive cage bird. Barnakiuds babnardi. Barnard's Parrakeet. Fluti/cercus harnardi, Vig. and Horsf., Trans. Linn., Soc, xv^., ■p. 283 (1826) ; Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., v., pi. 21 (1848); id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., ii., p. 40 (1865). Barnardlus barnardi, Salvad., Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xx., p. 558 (1891) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., iii., pt. ii., p. 133 (1911). Barnard's Parrakeet, or " Buln Buln," as it is locally known in Central and Western New South Wales, was met with usually in small flocks of from four to seven in number at Coolabah, sometimes in pairs, but it was nowhere so common as I found it in 1905 on the Castlereagli River, some sixteen miles to the north of Coonanible. Probably the drought had something to do with the scarcity of this species, for 1 was in- formed that as a rule, it was plentiful in the neighbourhood. Not seen at Brewarrina. PSEPHOTDS H^MATONOTDS. Red-rumped Parrakeet. Flatycercus licpmatonotus, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1837, p. 151. Psei'JiotKs ]i(t'i)iato)totits, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol. v., j)l. 36 (1848) ; id., Handbk. Bds Austr., ii., p. 69 (1865) ; Salvad., Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xx., p. 567 (1891) ; North, Nests and Esrgs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed. iii., pt. ii., p. 149 (1911). 154 RECORDP OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Only odd pairs seen at Coolabali, and comparatively rare. It is the most common species of the genus Psejihatus, inhabit- ing New South Wales. At Brewarrina it was more freely distributed, especially in the large EiicaJi/jiti, growing on the sides, or in the vicinity of the Barwon River near the bridge, about a mile out of town. One's attention is usually attracted to this S})ecies by the brilliant red colouring of the rumj) of the adult male, but^ on this occasion it was the low twittering notes of the female's consort, resembling those of the Warbling Grass-Parrakeet. I soon found that it proceeded from an adult male perched neai- a hole in a dead branch, and from which the female soon issued and flew a short distance awa}' on to the ground in company with the male. Two othei- nesting-places were discovered by the same means in trees not far away. This was the only species of the Order Psittaci, I found breeding during the trip. Haijastiir sphenurds. Whistling Eagle. Milnis >. 316 (1874) ; North, Nests and Kggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed. iii., pt. iii. p. 227 (1911). The Whistling Eagle was the only bird of prey seen. It was noted on several occasions flying low down over the town of Brewarrina, and uttering at intervals, the peculiar notes, fi-om whence it takes its vernacular name. I have never spent a similar pei-iod in any part of the State, and noted the Order Accipitres, any way near so poorly represented, and can only attribute it to the unusually dry season. Phalacrocorax carbo. Black Cormorant. I'elecnnus carlo, Linn., Syst. Nat., i., p. 216 (1766). rJidhicroconui' carhoides, Gould, Bds. Austr., vii.. pi. 66 (1848). THE BIRDS OF COOLABAH AND BREWARRINA — NORTH. 155 Fhalacrocoriij' n.oiue-hoUand'uv, Gonlcl, Haiidbk. Bds. Austr., ii., p. 488 (1865). riialacrocorax carho, Ogilvie-Graiit, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus.,xxvi., p. 340 (1898) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed. iii., pt. iv., p. 320 (1912). Noted only at " The Fisheries " in the Darling River at Brewarrina. Occasionally seen perched on a low rock near the water, or on one of the stones forming the fish-traps or " yards," at intervals dropping ol¥ noiselessly into the water, and re-appearing again some distance away ; perching again afterwards, and repeating the operation. One or two were generally to be seen at this part of the river, but I never ob- served them catch any fair-sized fish. Phalacrocokax mh:i,a>jolkuci\s. Little Black and White Cormorant. Hydrucorax nielanoleacas, Vieill. Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat., viii., f. 88 (1817). Phalacrocora.!' melanoleuciis, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol. vii., pi. 70 (1848); id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., ii., p. 493 (1865); Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xxvi., p. 398 (1898); North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed. iii., pt. v., p. 333 (1911). Observed also only at " The Fisheries," in the Darling River, at Brewarrina, usually alone, never more than a pair, and sim- ilarly engaged in " fishing." When perched on a low rock near the water, the glistening white under surface shone like silver in the morning sun, as 1 usually visited this portion of the river shortly after day-break. At Chatswood, near Sydney, this species used to regularly visit a brick hole, in one of the busiest parts of the suburb, shortly after the introduction of a number of carp into the water. Ibis Molucca. White Ibis. Ibis niolucca, Cuvier, Ri'gne Anim., i., p. 520, note (1829) ; Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xxvi., p. 9 (1898) : North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed. iv., pt. i. p. i. (1913). 156 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. ThresJiioriiis strictipenuis, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol. vi., pi. 46 (1848) ; id., Haiidbk. Bds. Austr., ii., p. 284 (1S65). Sometimes cue, or a pair of White Ibis were to be seen on the low grass-plots, or on the shallow water, at " The Fisheries," in the Darling River, at Brewarrina, and their general white plumage rendei'ed them a conspicuous feature in the landscape. At times they were seen with about one-third of their bills thrust in the shallow water, feeling about for some stray morsel, or standing on one leg motionless, on the gx'assy sward of one of the small islets in the river. Of the few aquatic species noted at " The Fisheries," never more than one, or a pair, were seen at the same time, nor were they ob- served at any other part of the river. NOTOPHOYX NOV^-HOLLANDIiE. White-fronted Heron. Ardea vovLv.-holJaudiic, Lath., Ind. Orn., ii., p. 701 (1790) ; Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., vi., pi. 53 (1848) ; id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., ii., p. 299 (1865). Notophoyx novce-hoUandicp, Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xxvi., p. 109 (1898) : North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed. iv., pt. i., p. 23 (1913). A single example of the White-fronted Heron was flushed, with its slow laboured flight, from some shallow water at the edge of the Bar won River, near Brewarrina. Known locally, as in most j)arts of Australia, as the " Blue Crane." GeOPEIJA TKANQUIl.LA. Peaceful Dove. Geopelin fnmqaiUa, Gould, Pi'oc. Zool. Soc, 1844, p. 56 ; id., Bds. Austr., fol., v., pi. 73 (1848) ; id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., ii., p. 144 (1865) ; Salvad., Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xxi., p. 456 (1893) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed. iv., pt. ii. p. 117 (1913). Common both at Coolabah and Brewarrina, frequenting chiefly the Wilga scrubs in the foinier locality, as well as the gardens in the townships, and the giounds of the hotel. It THE BIRDS OF CUOLABAH AND BREWARRINA— NORTH. 157 was rare, indeed, that one or more of these little Doves was not to be seen about the yard or stables, feeding upon the ground. At Brewarriiia, they came right up to the kitchen of the Barwon Hotel, which is situated in Bathurst-street, the busiest thoroughfare in the town. In addition to their well- known notes somewhat resembling the sounds of the words " Holly-Hock," or" Holly-Oak," they emit occasionally during the breeding season a far-away harsh grating note, like that of the Crane (Oriis tuistralasiaini) or '■^'Native CompHmou.^^ Com- parative with its size this species has one of the loudest notes of any of our Australian birds. During the last ten years the Peaceful Dove has largely increased in the neighbourhood of Sydney, especially in the suburbs of the Milson's Point Line. At the time of my leaving home for this trip, a pair were nest- ing in a large pine, in a garden directly opposite my house. Phaps chalcoptkra. Bronze-Wing. Golumba olialcoptera. Lath., lud. Orn., ii., p. 60-i (1796). Peristera chalcoptera, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., v., pi. 64 (1848). Phaps chalcoptera, Gould, Handbk. Bds. Austr., ii., p. 122 (1865) ; Salvad.,Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xxi., p. 526 (1893); North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., iv., pt. ii. p. 127 (1913). Fairly numerous, at times, at Coolabah I was informed, but at the time of my trip, I only saw examples in confinement, that had been trapped in the neighbourhood. One of these birds was caught by entering an open wired enclosure adjoining an aviary, containing a caged compatriot, among other birds. Usually found in Acacia scrub and dead thistle-beds. The Bronze-Wing generally comes to drink at some dam or water- hole about sundown, and frequently after it is quite daik. Many birds are consequentl}' killed by flying against wire fences, the heads often being found on one side of the fence and the bodies on the other. Numbers of these birds too, are killed by poison laid for rabbits, or by drinking poisoned water, intended for rabbits, which is generally surrounded with wire-netting to prevent stock getting access to it. Tenanted nests of the Bronze-Wing, are more numerous in the spring and summer, but they may be found in any month of the year. 158 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. OCYPHAI'S LUl'UOTES. Crested Brouze-Wiug. CohuvJni lophotes, Temm., PI. Col., 142 (1823). Ocyphdps lophotes, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., v., pi. 70 (1848) ; Id., Haiidbk. Bds. Austr., ii., j>. 139 (1865) ; Salvad., Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xxi., p. 535 (1893) ; North, Nests and Eggs Aust. Bds., 2iid. ed. iv., pt. ii., p. 146 (1913). It was remarkable that I was nearly a week in Coolabah before seeing one of these Pigeons, and yet tliey were freely distributed, only a few hundred yards away from the hotel. With one or two exceptions, all the birds seen by me were at a place known as the " gravel-pits," and all on the southern side of the railway line. Although a similar vegeta- tion existed on the northern side, I never observed one of them there. As I have at otlier times noticed, these Pigeons come more into evidence about four o'clock in the afternoon, not moving about much during the heat of the day, but generally about this hour, they may be seen in twos and threes and small flocks flying about from tree to tree or feeding upon seeds of grasses, or those of herbaceous plants. Sometimes a dozen or more may be thus assembled, and when disturbed by too close an approach seek refuge inflight, usually in twos and threes. In a similar manner do tliey leave a tree when one approaches near them. Often have I thought all the Pigeons had left a tree before getting near it, yet many moi-e were flushed from it at intervals, after standing beneath it. On this occasion while quietly engaged in threading up a specimen beneath the tree from where I had shot it, three more came and settled just above my head. One could almost recognise this species, by the raf)id, and loud whirring noise made by the wings during flight and which has gained for it in the Moree district the aboriginal name of " Wirr-i-lah." Observed also at Brewarrina, but not so common. LeIPOA 0CEI;I,ATA. Mai lee- Fowl. Leipua ocellata, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1840, p. 826 ; id., Bds. Austr., fol„ v., pi. 78 (1848) ; id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., ii., p. 155 (1«65). THE BIRDS OF COOI>ABAH AND BREWA RRINA— NORTH. 159 Lipoa ocelhifd, Ogilvie-Grant, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mas., xxii., j). 463 (1893). Constable W. C Wriglitson informed me tliat he only once met with this species at Coolabah — better known thi'oughout Sontli-eastern Australia as the Mailee-hen. This was in Julj', 1913, while riding slowl}' along about three miles out of Coola- bah, at a place known as " The Swamp," wlien two of these birds quietl}" walked across the track, and were soon lost to view again in the bush on the opposite side of the road. This was the only occasion he met with them at Coolabah, dui'ing his eight years residence there, although they were well known to him, wliere he was formerlj' stationed, at Cobar. All pei'sons I questioned relative to this species, were agreed that it was rapidly decreasing in numbers if it had not entirely disap- peared from some parts of Western New South Wales. Mi-. J. Armsti'ong, manager of Coronga Peak Station, twenty-eight miles north-west of Coolabah, informed me that the introduced foxes were rapidly gettingrid of tlieMallee-Fowls in thatdistrict, and one was now rarely seen, where formerly they were \erj numerous. On one occasioTi he took eight incubated Leipoa'>< eggs from one of tlieir liatching mounds on a distant part of the run, and placed them in a mound constructed by himself inside a small wired in enclosure in the near vicinity of the homestead. Out of this three young ones eventually made their way, two of which died, and the third one made its escape. He also told me that one of tlie station-hands was successful in rearing, from similarly constructed mounds, no less than twenty-eight young ones, but a Fox getting into the enclosiii'e one night, killed all of them. (Edicnemus grallarius. Southern Stone-Plover. Charadn'ns (ifdlJariits, Lath., Ind. Orn., Suppl., ii., p. Ixvi. (1801)." Q^tViotewns (jralhnivn, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., v., pi. 5 (1848); id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., ii. p. 210 (1865) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed. iv., pt. iii., p. 246 (1913). Burhitiiif^ qraUtirias, Sharpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. ]\Ius., xxiv., p. 18 (1896). Heard calling on several occasions at Coolabah in the early morning, probably from a large cultivated grass plot in a gar- den on the other side of the road running past tlie hotel. No examples seen. 160 RECORDS OF THE AUSTHAI.IAN MUSEUM ^GIALITIS MELANOPS. Black-fronted Dotterel. Cliiiri('lrii(.-i iiielaiiops, Vieill., Noiiv. Diet. d'Hist., xxvii. p. 139 (1818). Hlaticnla ititjrifn>n.-<, Gould, Bds. Austi-., fol., vi., pi. 20 (1848). ^qiaVitis nufrifrotiii, Gould, Haudbk. Bds. Austr., ii., p. -32 (1865)." AUgialitis viehiimps, Sliarpe, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xxiv., p. 300 (1896) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2nd. ed. iv., pt. iii., p. 279 (1913). Pairs of Black-fronted Dotterel were noted about the margins or in the vicinity of the Barwon River, at Brewarrina. One pail- by their actions about three hundred yards from the bridge w^hich crosses this river near the Chiuamens' garden, undoubt- edly had eggs or young, but I was not looking for the former — in fact I did not take a single egfi; during the trip — the young stages too of this species were well known to me from examples captured near Sydney. Hydkochklidon hybrida. Marsh Tern. Sterna hijhrida, Pallas, Zoogr., iiosso-Asiat., ii., p. 338 (1811). liydroclielidon fluriatili^, Gould, Bds. Austr., fol., vii., pi. 31 (1848). HildruclielUhiii Injhridn, Saunders, Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus.^ xxv., p. 10 (1896) ; North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds., 2ud. ed. iv., pt. iv., p. 301 (1914). Two of these fairy-like denizens of the air, presumably a pair, flitted almost incessantly up and down " The Fisheries," in the Darling River, at Brewarrina, but were not observed at any other part of the river. The white and delicate shades of grey plumage, of the Marsh Terns, witli an irregular back- ground of dark green foliage, rendered them very conspicuous objects while on the wing. I never saw them attempt to des- cend, and capture anything from the water, as they usually do whether over a river, swamp, or grass-lands. THE BIRDS OF COOLABAH AND BREWARRINA— NORTH. 161 DrOM^DS NOVvE-HOl.l-ANDI^. Emu. Casuarins )iocin-]ioUandice, Lath., Ind. Orn., ii., p. 665 (1789). L>ro»ii(iiis iiovie-holl(()idi(e, Gould, Bds. Austr., t'ol., vi., pi. 1 (1848) ; Id., Handbk. Bds. Austr., ii., p. 200 (1865). Dronoeus novrv-hollaiidirp, Salvad., Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., xxvii., p. 586 (1895); North, Nests and Eggs Austr. Bds. 2ud.ed. iv., pt. iv. p. 398 (1914). While driving through Willeroou Station, three of these birds rose up from the ground, where they had been partially concealed by some low bushes, and walked slowly away. They were about seventy yards away from the vehicle, and as the day was extremely hot, the horse was going at an easy pace, and neither the horse nor birds apparently cared to break into a run. Not met with at Brewarrina. Only six Emus seen in three weeks, in countrjf these birds frequent, is a poor record. Both between Narrabri and Moree, and Gilgandra and Coonamble, a decade ago, large flocks of Emus could be seen any day from the passing train, running alongside of the railway fence, or rather in some places, where the fence ought to be. The Emu Avas first figured in Phillip's " Voyage to Botany Bay," in 1789, as the New Holland Cassowary, and was char- acterised the following year by Latham in his " Index Ornitho- logius," as CasHurius 7iov(e-]tollmidice, Captain Tench in his " Settlement at Port Jackson," in 1793, fii'st making us acquainted with its nests, eggs, and young. But the Emu no longer roams through the scrub between Port Jackson and Botany Bay, as in Phillip's and Tench's time. Ever since the settlement of the State, it has gradually been driven farther back. Its numbers, too, are rapidly decreasing by both birds and eggs being destioyed, in a ruthless manner by men employed for these purposes, for does not the Emu eat grass, and disturb breeding ewes F — unpardonable offences in the eyes of the pastoralist — besides the young birds have other enemies to contend with in the shape of dingoes and the introduced fox. 162 RECORbS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. In the future, to see tlie Emu in a state of nature, in any great numbers, one must go "out back," as is the ever recur- ring cry. " Out back" which meant, in the early days of settlement, and for several decades after, subsequent upon the first crossing of the Blue Mountains barrier by Blaxland, Lawson,and Wentworth, in 1813, the fertile plains below. "Out back" still later when it signified the Great Western Plains west of the Macquarie River, and foi- ever will be heard this cry, as the country becomes more thickly populated, and as the large pastoral areas are resumed foi' closer settlement, and for the growing of grain. At the present time there are unques- tionably thousands of Emus in Western New South Wales, but inevitably in the future must this noble bird be driven further back, until the present terminus of the western railway system is reached, at Bourke, on the Darling River, five hundred and eight miles west of Sydney. " Out back " will then still be heard, as one journeys towards and across the South Australian bordei', where from Bourke the mode of travelling is replaced by motoi' car and camel " train," and still further "out back," to where obtains the smoke-signal language of the Central Australian Aborigines. When in the compai'atively not far distant future, this unhappy time ai'rives, for the lai'gest and finest bird in Australia, the Emu will be no more. Wliat chance has a flightless bird of perpetuating its kind, with so many enemies to contend with, and how long will it be before someone records the passing away of the last Emu in Australia, as has been recently done with an at one time infi- nitely more numerous species, the Passenger Pigeon (Ectopides )iiiijn(toriiis), of North America? "Wilson, writing about 1808, estimated that a flock of Wild Pigeons (Passenger Pigeons) observed by him near Frankfurt, Kentucky, contained at least 2,230,272,000 individuals." Yet the las^t surviving example, a female, which had lived in the aviary of the Cincinnati Zoological Gardens, United States, for twenty-nine years, died on the 1st September, IQll,^ the species became extinct. 6 The Ibis, 1915, p. 183. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXIV. " The Fisheries " in the Darling River, at Brewarriua (northerly view), in the Western Land Board Division of New Soutli Wales. I REC. AUSTR. MU8., VOL. XI. Plate XXJV. 4 ' ■ ■J A. J. North, Aastr. Mus., photo. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXV. The Fisheries " in the Darling River at Brewarrina (this view follows ou from the left hand of Plate xxiv.). 1 I REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XT. Plate XXV. A. J. North, Austr. Mus., photo. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXVI. "The Fisheries" in the Darling River at Brewarrina (another view of Plate xxv., with the aged aboriginal, " Steve Shaw," ill one of the stone traps holding up a fish). I REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XI. Plate XXVI. A. J. North, Anstr. Mus., plioto. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXVII. Survey plan of " Tlie Fisheries" in tlie Bailing River at Brewarrina, by Mr. Arthur W. Mullen. REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XJ. Plate XXVII. -y~N ^ -«s>^ (3L -. /:^' ^ (i y 1 , >5c .;.' - - ^-" / />! ,'> ^<^, K,/"^^ -,"4 m- %- ,of P-u. 3C (3) -SC: ?5 z .£ ? £ u J < >■ I/) 2: 01 ■r A. W. McLLEN, del. C. Glutton, Aiistr. Mns., photo. EXPLANATION OK PLATE XXVIII. Pig. 1 A mirage on Cato Plains near Brewarrina. ,, 2 Bridge over the Barwon River near Brev^arrina. REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL., XI. Plate XXVIII. Fig. 1. Fig. 2. A. J. North, Aust!'. Mu>,., photo. STUDIES IN AUSTRALIAN FISHES. No. 4. * By Allan R. McCdlloch, Zoologist. (Plates xxix-xxxi., figs. 1-2.) Family CLUPEID^. Genus Hyperlophus, Oyilbij. Hijperlophii.^, Ogilby, Rec. Austr. Mus., ii., 1892, p. 26. Id., Ogilby, Proc. Liun. Sue. N. S. Wales, xxi„ 1897, p. 505, and xxii., 1897, p. 71 {H. spraftelJides, Ogilby). Hypprluphns, subgenus Oiiiocltetiis, Ogilby, Pioc. Liun. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxii., 1897, p. 72 (fl. copil, Ogilby). This genus lias been confused witli Diplutitystas, Cope, a genus of fossil Herrings fi'om tbe United States of America. The typical forms of Cope's genus, however, have the dorsal scutes pectinate posteriorly, and very different from those of the recent species. Hyperlophus vittatus, Casteluaa. (Plate xxix., figs. 1, 2.) Meletta novie-hoUandin', Castelnau, Proc. Zool. Soc. Vict., i., 1872, p. 189 (Not M.novce-lioUandiw, Cuv. & Val.). 'Meletta rittata, Castelnau, Res. Fish. Austr. (Vict. OfRc. Rec. Philad. Exhib.), 1875. p. 46 — substitute name. Cli(}>ert vittata (Qastelnau), Macleay, Proc Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, iv., 1879, p. 379, and vi., 1881, p. 259. Id., Lucas, Proc. Roy. Soc. Vict., (2), ii., 1890, p. 37. Cliiiien (Ilyperlfljihiis) s^rratfeJlides, Ogilby, Rec. Austr. Mus., ii., 1892, p. 24. * Biploniystus spratlellidet!, Ogilby, Ed. Fish. N.S.Wales, 1893, p.'l85. * For No. 3. see " Records," ix., 1913, p, 355. 164 RECORDS OP THE ACSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Hyperlophns sprattellides, Ogilby, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, xxii., 1897, p. 71, and Mem. Qld. Mus., v., 1916, p. 98. LI, Waite, Mem. N.S.Wales Nat. Club, 1904, p. 13. LI, Stead, Ed. Fish. N.S.Wales, 1908, p. 27. Hyperlophns (Omochefiis) copii, Ogilby, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxii., 1897, p. 72, and Ann. Qld. Mus., No. 9. 1908, p. 5, and Proc. Roy. Soc. Qld., xxi., 1908, p. 24. LI, Waite, Mem. N.S.Wales Nat. Club, 1904, p. 13. Diplomystns vittatns, Zietz,i Ti-ans. Roy. Soc. S. Austr., xxxii., 1908, p. 295,— »07H.. nud. Synonymy. — Tlie possible identity of MeJetta viftata, Castelnau, and Hyperlopli us sprattellides, Ogilby, was suggested by the latter author in 1893, but for reasons which are ap- parently invalid, he retained his own name in preference to the earlier one of Castelnau. As it seems probable that the two names refer to the same species, I have adopted the name vittata.^ Having compared the typical specimens of H. sprattelh'des and H. copii, together with numerous other specimens in the Australian Museum collection, I regard the two forms as mere variations of the one species. The typical example of H. sprattellides (Fig. 2j is much deeper than any other I have /Seen, but its depth is exaggerated as a result of lateral compression which, in these fishes, follows upon preservation in alcohol. The type of //. copii (Fig. 1) on the other hand, is much more slender ; it was fixed in formaline, and has re- tained its natural form better. My series shows the depth to be somewhat variable, as is also the exact position of the ven- tral fins in relation to the snout and the base of the caudal fin. As all the other characters appear to be identical in the two forms, there seems no reason to retain them as distinct species, and certainly not as distinct subgenera. The identity of the two forms has been recently recognised by Ogilby. 1 A specimen received for examination from Mr. Edgar R. Waite, Director of the South Australian Museum, is evidently the example on which this name is based. Though associated with a different M.S. name, the data on its label tallies with that published by Zietz, being as follows, — " Encounter Bay, March '86. Cast up on the beach." The specimen does not differ from the type of H. sprattellides. - Ogilby also regarded M. vitlata, Castelnau, as i)ossibly identical with the common Fresh-water Herring, Potamalosa, but it is readily distinguished from that fish by the relative positions of the dorsal and ventral fins. STDDIES IN AUSTRALIAN FISHES McCDLLOCH. 165 Lot's. — The Australian Museum collection includes many specimens from various localities ai'ound Sydney, and from Port Stephens and Eden, New South Wales. Two identified by Ogilby as H. copii are from Southport, Moreton Bay, Queensland. A number of small specimens, 41-56 mm. long, from Safety Bay, Fremantle, Western Australia, are also ap- parently this species ; they are more slender than larger examples, the depth being 5.4 in the length to the base of the caudal fin, and 1.3 in that of the head, which is 4 in the length ; the number of scales and fin-rays do not appear to differ from those of New South Wales specimens. Hyperlophos translucidds, sj). nov. (Plate xxix., fig. 3.) D. 15-16; A. 19-22; P. 10-13 ; V. 7; C. 19. L. lat. ? Head 4.08 in the length to the base of the tail ; depth slightly greater than the length of the head, 3.9 in the same. Eye slightly longer that the snout, 3.3 in the head. Third dorsal ray 1.6, third anal ray 2.5, pectoial 1.6, ventral 2.3 in the head. Body strongly compressed, the ventral profile much more strongly arched than the dorsal. Scales very deciduous, wanting in the type. Dorsal and ventral serratures well developed ; there are sixteen scutes between the occiput and the origin of the dorsal fin, seventeen between the isthmus and the ventrals, and nine more to the vent. Eye with a narrow adipose lid posteriorly. Nostrils supero- lateral, close together ; the posterior is in the middle of the length of the snout. Maxillary reaching back to below the anterior portion of the eye. Jaws and palate toothless ; tongue with minute teeth on the median line. Cheeks, opercles, and tiape with a well developed muciferous system, which also ex- tends onto the body behind the scapular bone. Dorsal fin originating at a point midway between the snout and the base of the caudal, and terminating above the anterior anal ray. Ventrals inserted wholly before the dorsal, and liearer the snout than the base of the caudal. 166 RECORDS OP THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Colour. — The body is translucent in life, with a broad silvery band extending from behind the head to the tail. The back beai's some scattered blackish dots which extend on to the dorsal and caudal fins ; lips and chin also dotted. Occiput dark brown. A dark spot at the base of each anal ray. Described and figured from a specimen 58 mm. long. It is one of six of about the same length, which appear to be very similar, though some are slightly narrower than the type. They are readily distinguished from H. sprat teUides by the forward position of the anal fin, which commences beneath the termination of the dorsal. Loc. — Sans Souci, Botany Bay, New South Wales. Taken in a prawn-net by Mr. J. H. Wright. Genus PoTAMALOSA, Ogilhij. POTAMALOSA NOViE-HOLLANDLE (Cuvier uiul Vuleiicieiiiies), Giluther. (Plate xxix ; fig 4.) ? Meletta iiovte-hollandue, Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., XX., 1847, p. 376. Id., Castelnau, Res. Fish. Austr. (Vict. Offic. Rec. Philad. Exhib.), 1875, p. 46. Clupea novcp-hoUaiidin', Giinther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., vii., 1868, p. 431. Id., Macieav, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, iv., 1879, p. 379, and vi., 1881, p. 259. Id. Ogilby, Cat. Fish. N.S. Wales, 1886, p. 56. Cltrpea (Hyperlophiis) nonc-IiDJiaudirp, Ogilby, Rec. Austr. Mus., ii., 1892, p. 26. Diplomysfiifi iwvtpholldinUii', Ogilby, Ed. Fish. N.S.Wales, 1893, p."l84, pi. xlvii (bad). Potamalosa iioviv-hoIJandi(i\ Ogilby, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, xxi., 1897, p. 505. Id., Waite, Mem. N.S.Wales Nat. Club, 2, 1904, p. 13. Id., Stead, Ed. Fish. N.S.Wales, 1908, p. 26. Id., Cockerell, Mem, Qld. Mus., iii., 1915, p. 37. Potamalosa nntiqua, Ogilby, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, xxii., 1897, p. 70. STUDIES IN AUSTRALIAN ISSUES McCULLOCH. 167 Glapea richnioiidid, Macleay, Proc. Liun. Soc. N.S. Wales, iv., 1879, p. 380; and vi., 1881, p. 259. Id., Ogilby, Cat. Fish. N.S.Wales, 1886, p. 56. The original notice of Meleffa uovre-hollandice is very brief, and tlie details given differ somewhat from those of the common fresh -water Herring of New South Wales. It will therefore be necessary to examine the types in the Paris Museum before their identity can be established, but until this is done, we can conveniently follow Giinther in accepting the name }iova'-hollandi(:e for our species. This Herring is so far known only from the coastal rivers of New South Wales. '^ It occurs in small schools in the Hastings River, and is most plentiful in the faster-running waters be- low the numerous "falls "or rapids. It rises readily to a small artificial fly. Specimens secured in this way during the latter part of March, 1916, and measuring about eight inches long, were found to contain well-developed milt and roe. The specimen figured measures 177 mm. from the snout to end of the middle caudal rays, and was taken in fresh water in the Hastings River. Family PLESIOPID^ G-enus Trachinops, Giinther. Trachinops cacdimaculatus, McCoy. Tracliinops caudimacidatiis, McCoy, Prodr. Zool. Vict., Dec. xx., 1890, pi. cxciv. Id., Hall, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1912, p. 83. Trachinops tceniatus, Hall, Proc. Roy. Soc. Tasm., 1911, p. 32 (not T. tceniatus, Giinther). ^ Kent included the names C.novce-hollandice and C.richmondi in a list of Queensland fishes (Gt. Barrier Eeef, 1893, p. 370), but further proof of the occurrence of this species in the northern State is i-equired. Mr. J. Douglas Ogilby informs me that he has been unable to obtain any evidence of its existence there, and is of the opinion that it does not extend beyond the New South Wales border. Castelnau's record of Meletta novcv-hollandice from Victoria (Proc. Zool. Soc. Vict., i., 1872, p. 189) properly applies to Hyperlophus vittatus, — see p. 163 168 RECORDS OF THE ACSTBALIAX MUSEUM. PseiiJochrovii^ rodirayi, Joliiistou, Abstract of Proceedings, Roj. See. Tasm., April, 1902, p. 6. When in Hobart in 1914, I was enabled to examine the type of Fi^eudochroDiis roiJiraiji which is preserved in the Tasnianian Museum. It was in very bad condition, but a comparison of it with a well-preserved s{)ecimen of T. ca>idi»fi'Ciihifiis]eH no doubt as to the identity of the two. The differences in the number of tin ravs and spines as griven bv McCov and Johnston are accounted for bj' the shrivelled condition of the latter author's specimen. T. cund{niiicHl((tu>< has been recently recognised from Tas- mania by Hall. Family CHEILODIPTERID^ Genus Glossamu, GiU. Glossamia Gill. Proc. Acad. Xat. Sci. Philad., 1863, p. 82. (Apoyon aprion, Richardson). [Xot Glossamia, Goode & Beau, Oceanic Ichthyology, 1895, p. 231.] Mionorus, Krefft, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1867, p. 942 (J/, huuitns, Krefft). [Not Mionorus, Jordan & Evermann, Bull. U.S. Fish. Comm., xxiii., 1905, p. 210, and Jordan & Seale, Bull. U.S. Fish. Bur., xxv., 1906, p. 247.] Gidliveria, Castelnau, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, iii., 1878, p. 45 (G. fi'sca, Castelnau). Glossuiuia was founded by Gill upon Apugon aprivn, Richardson, which is a fresh-water species confined to Northern Australia. It was later used for a deep-water flsh, (t. pandionis, from the Atlantic by Goode and Bean, but that species is not congeneric with Gill's type. Mionoriii:, Krefft, Avas also based on a fresh-water fish, J/, luiiatu;-, from New South "Wales, but it has since been wrongly used to accommodate marine species of the same family by several American authoi's. 1 have compared Kreftt's type, which is preserved in the Australian Museum, with the specimens here identified as Glossamia aprioti, and find the differences between them to be of specific value only. STDDIES IN AUSTRALIAN" FISHES McCULLOCH, 169 Gulliveria is evidently also identical with Glossaviia* Castelnau's definition applies very well to GI. apriou, when due allowance is made for the erroi's common to that author's writings. It may be noted also that Ogilby has recorded GJ. aprion from the Norman River, whence the types of Gulliveria were obtained. The genus may be defined as follows : — Fluviatile Cheilodipterids with a compressed and somewhat elevated body. Cranium with large cavities above covered by membrane. Mouth large ; maxillary with a supplementary bone. Villiform teeth on the jaws, vomer, and palatines ; a minute patch on the tongue. Preopercular borders smooth or with a few serrations below ; operculum unarmed. Gill- rakers few, about six free, the anterior ones sessile. Body with moderate, ciliated scales ; cheeks and opei'cles scaly. Lateral line complete. Dorsal spines and rays about vi. i; 10 ; anal about ii 9. Glossamia differs from Amia and its allies in the structure of the gill-rakers, and in having lingual teeth ; the operculum also is unarmed. Glossamia xp^ioy, Bicliardson. (Fig. 1.) ApogoH apriou, Richardson, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ix., 1842, p. 16. Apogouichthys apriou, Giinther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., i., 1859, p. 247. Ill, Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, v., 1881, p. 347. Gulliveria fusca, Castlenau, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, iii., 1878, p. 45. l-l, Macleay, Loc. cit., p. 349. Gulliveria fasciata, Castelnau, Loc. cit., p. 46. IJ., Macleay, Loc. cit. p. 349. Gulliveria rauisayi, Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, ix., 1884, p. 11. * I -am indebted to Mr. J. D. Ogilby for directing my attention to the probable identity of Gulliveria and Glossamia. 170 RECORDS OF TtiE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Glo>isauila aprion, Ogilby, Mem. Qld. Mas., iii., 1915, p. ISi. D. vi. i/10 ; A. ii/9-10 ; V. i/5 ; P. 12 ; C. 17 ; 1. lafc. 41-43 ; 1. tr. 4^/1/13-14. Depth 2.4-2.6 in the leugth from tlie premaxillaiy symphysis to tlie liypural, and equal to the length of the head without the opercular lobe. Orbit a little longer than the snout, 3-3.6 in the head ; interorbital space 1.5-1.9 in the eye. Second dorsal spine 2.2-2.6, and depth of caudal peduncle 2.3-2.5 in the head. Body compressed, moderately elevated. Upper piofile of liead slightly concave, the snout oblique!}' truncate anteriorly ; behind the occiput the bodj^ rises in a more or less pronounced curve to the dorsal fin, it being more arched in larger than in smaller specimens. Mouth oblique, maxillary extending to below the hinder oi-bital margin in adults, not so fai- in the young; lower jaw much longer than the upper. Preopercular margins smooth, the lowermost with a few obscure serrations ; operculum unarmed, produced into a pointed lobe posteriorly. Suprascapular exposed, its edge smooth or crenulate. Teeth villiform, depressible, in broad bands on the jaws, a few near the symphyses slightly enlarged ; a narrow angular band on the vomer, and a very narrow, elongate band on each palatine ; a very small patch of minute teeth on the posterior part of the tongue. Lower limb of first gill-arch with six free gill-rakers, of which the longest is less than half as long as the eye. Fig. 1. — Glossamia apfion, Richardson. Sl'DDlES IN AUSTRALIAN FISHES McCDLLOCH. 171 Scales of the body with ciliated edges, those of the head cycloid ; they exteud forward to the occiput above, and cover the cheeks and opercles. Lateral line following the curve of the back from the suprascapular to the hypural, and consisting of a simple tube on each scale. Relative positions of the fins slightly variable, due to changes of the form of the body with growth. First dorsal spine small, inserted a little behind the vertical of the base of the pectorals ; second spine long and strong. Second dorsal fin with a strong spine. Yeutrals inserted in advance of the pectorals, each with a strong spine. Anal with two spines, the first veiy small ; its origin and termination are behind the same points of the second dorsal. Colour. — After long preservation, uniform, the membrane of the outer half of the first dorsal blackish; the membrane between the ventral rays is also dark. Described from three specimens, 77-109 mm. long, from the snout to the hypural ; the largest is figured. They do not differ from Richardson's description of Apogon a-prion, and also agree with that of GuIIiveria ramsayi, Macleay^ ; they also scarcely differ from Castelnau's diagnosis of Galliveria fusca, so I regard these three as synonymous. Gu. fasciata, Castelnau, which was taken with Gu. fusca, only differs from that species in being rather more elongate, in having the preopeiculum somewhat seriated, and in its colour marking; all these characters are variable in the allied GJ. giUii, however, so I have no hesitation in regarding Gu. fasciata as another sj-nonym of GJ. apriou. Loc. — Collect's Creek, fifty miles inland from Port Darwin, North Australia. Glossamia gillii, Steindachner. (PI. xxxi., fig. 4.) Apogonichthys gilUi, Steindachner, Sitzb. Akad. Wiss. Wien, Iv. i., 1867, p. 11, pi. i., fig. 1. IJ., Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, v., 1881, p. 347, and viii., 1883, p. 200. ■' The type of Gu. ramsayi is apparently lost. I am unable to find it iu either the Macleay Museum or the Australian Museum collections. 17*2 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MDSEDM. Apogon (/illii, Giintlier, Ann, Mag. Nat. Hist. (4), xvii., 1876, p. 392. Mionorus lunatus, Krefft, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1867, p. 942. Mionurus glllii, Ogilby, Mem. Qld. Mus., ii, 1913, p. 92. A good series of twelve specimens, 42-113 mm. long, is preserved in the Australian Museum from Eidsvold, Queens- land. The variation in the fin-rays and scales of twelve specimens is as follows : — D. vi. i/9-10 ; A. ii/8-9 ; 1. lat. 25-31. The proportions of two specimens 111 and 42 mm. long are respectively. — Depth 2.4-2.8 in the length from the premaxillary symphysis to the hypural ; head, without the opercular lobe, 2.5-2.4 in the same ; eye 4.1-3.1, snout 3.2-4.2 and interorbital space 4.2-4.6 in the head ; second dorsal spine 2.7-2.2, and caudal fin 1.4-1.7 in the head. Golunr. — Brown with numerous larger and smaller irregular spots and blotches of darker brown ; a dark bar extends backward from the eye to the shoulder, and all the head is more or less spotted ; an interrupted band below the anterior dorsal spines, and another between the soft dorsal and anal tins, while there are several irregular patches on the caudal peduncle ; membrane of the outer half of the spinous dorsal very dark, that of the other fins greyish, the soft dorsal and anal with their bases lighter. These specimens only differ from my description of G. aprioii in having fewer scales on the lateral line. The figure represents an example from Eidsvold 111 mm. long. A careful comparison of one of Krefft's specimens of Mionorus lunatus from the Cox River, with those described above does not reveal any important differences between them, and indicates that it is only a local variation of G. glllii. Locs. — Eidsvold, Burnett River, Queensland ; coll. Dr. T. Bancroft. Lillesmere Lagoons, Burdekin River, Queensland ; coll. A. Morton. Cox River, New South Wales ; co-type of M. lunatus, coll. E. K. Cox. STUDIES LN AUSTRALIAN FISHES McCULLOCH. 173 Family Lutianid^. Genus Aprion, Cuvier and Valencieimes. Aprion roseus, Castelnau. (Plate XXX.) Aphareus roaeus, Casteliian, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, iii., 1879, p. 373. Aprion iiilcrolepis (Bleeker) Ogilby, Mem. Qld. Mus., v., 1916, p. 182. D. x/11. A. iii/8. P. 16. V. i/5. C. 17. L. lat. 64-66 ; 1. tr. 7^/1/16. Depth before the ventrals 3.3 in the length to the base of the tail ; head 3.2-3.4 in the same. Eye 4.6-4.7 in the head, 1.4-1.5 in the snout, and 1.3-1.4 in the interorbital space. Preorbital width 1.3-1.5 in the eye. Snout 3.02-3.2, interorbital space 3.3 in the head. Fourth dorsal spine 2.3, first dorsal ray 2.9, pectoral hu 1.06, and ventral fin 1.2-1.3 in the head. Eye placed well below the profile of the head, the interorbital space very convex ; its length is much less than that of the snout, and is only about one-third greater than its distance from the preorbital margin. Nostrils close together, nearer the eye than the end of, the snout, the anterior with a free dermal lobe. Maxillary naked, reaching a little beyond the vertical of the anterior orbital margin. Cheek with seven rows of scales, operculum with about ten ; three and a half rows on the temporal region. Naked surfaces of the upper portion of the head, snout, preopercular limb, and mandible covered with minute pits and muciferous canals. Preopercular margin finely serrated posteriorly, the serrae enlarged on the angle which is produced slightly backward. Some rather strong canines anteriorly in each jaw, which become smaller on the sides ; behind these is a band of villiform teeth which extends onto the sides of the upper jaw, but is confined to the front in the lower. A broad triangular patch of villiform teeth on the vomer, and a narrow elongate patch on each palatine. Suprascapular serrated. 174 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MDSEDM. Scales finely ciliated, exteudiug onto the bases of the caudal and pectoral tins. No enlarged axillary ventral scale. Lateral line a little arched anteriorly, thence straight to the base of the caudal ; it is formed of simple tubules. Dorsal tin originating behind the vertical of the ventrals : its spines are slender, the fourth the longest, the others decreasing evenly backward ; anterior ray subequal iu length to the last spine, the others becoming shorter backward to the penultimate one, the last being produced. Third anal spine longest, a little shorter than the first ray ; soft anal similar to the dorsal. Pectoral falcate, the fifth ray longest, not quite reaching the vertical of the vent. Anterior ventral ray produced, not reaching quite so far back as the pectorals. Caudal deeply forked. Colour. — Pearly pink above, silveiy below ; the basal part of each scale of the back and sides bluish, the margin golden. Upper part of head deep pink, preorbital and snout violet pink, the whole stencilled with small yellow and blue lines. Spinous dorsal hyaline blue basally with ill-defined yellow vermiculating lines on the membrane ; upper half of the fin hyaline pink, changing to yellow towards the margin ; the markings of the soft dorsal are similar, but the yellow vermiculations change into two rows of orange spots posteriorly. Caudal light pink, the outer rays darker. Pectoral pale yellow. Ventrals and anal white. Iris golden. Described from two specimens 390-410 mm. long, measured from the snout to the end of the middle caudal rays. They are perhaps identical with A. viicrolepis, Bleeker,*' from which they differ principally in having the eye much smaller and the preorbital broader. These characters doubtless alter with age, and as my specimens are much lai'ger than those described by Bleeker, they perhaps represent merely the adult form of his species. Loc. — Both these specimens were secured by Inspector Smithers in the city fish markets, whence they were dis- patched from Byron Bay, New South Wales. •i Bleeker — Atlas Ichth., viii., 1876-77, p. 78, pi. cccxxxvi., fig. 5. STDDIES IN AUSTRALIAN FISHES McCULLOfiH. 175 Family SCORPIDID^E. Genus SCORPIS, Cnvier and Vulejirieiniex. Smrpis, Cuvier and Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., viii., 1831, p. 503 {S. georgiioiii)^, Cnv. and Val.). LL, Giinther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fisli., ii., 1860, p. 63. Id., Vaillant, Bull. Mas. Hist. Nat., iii., 1897, p. 84. Ai/euor, Castelnau, Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. Wales, iii., 1879, p. 371 (A. modestus. Cast.). Id., Vaillant, Loc. rit., p. 86. NejitoticJithys, Hutton, Trans. N. Zeal. Inst., xxii., 1890, p. 278 (N. violaceus, Hutton). G(esiosn))n(, Kaup, Nederl. Tijdschr. Dierk., i., 1864, p. 161 (no type; later called C. si'eboJdi, Blkr.). Dejinition. — Body compressed, somewhat elevated or oblong- ovate. Preopercle serrated. Body and greater part of head covered v?ith rather small, ctenoid scales. Jaws with bands of teeth, and an outer, more or less enlarged series ; patches of minute teeth present on the vomer, palatines, pterygoids and tongue. One dorsal with nine or ten spines increasing in length backwards, and twenty-four, to thirty rays. Anal with three spines and twenty-four to thirty rays. Soft portions of the vei-tical fins scaly, the spinous portion with a scaly sheath ; seven branchiostegals. Pseudobranchiae present. Aii'bladder present. Pyloric appendages in large numbers. Kei/ to the Augtrnlliui species: — a. Body deep, the depth more than half the length. Soft dorsal and anal fins strongly prodviced anteriorly. h. Body with darker cross-bands georgiamis. S OK THE AUSTKAFJAN MUSEUM. Fig. 2. — Scorpis ceqiiipiniiis, Eichardson, This definition is based upon a large example, 323 mm. long from the snout to the end of the middle caudal rays, from near Fremantle, Western Australia. A second sliglitlj' larger specimen is in the Australian Museum from Adelaide, South Australia. Distribution. — South and South-western Australia. Scorpis lineolatus, Kner. Scorpiii lineolatus, Kner, Reise " Novara," Zool., i., Fische, pt. 1, 1865, p. 108, pi. v., fig. 3. Scorpis cequipinnia, Giinther, Brit. Mus. Cat. Fish., ii., 1860, p. 64 (part). /(L, Bleeker, Nedei'l. Tijdsclir. Dierk., ii., 1865, p. 70. Id., Steindacliner, Sitzb. Akad. Wiss. Wien, liii. i., 1866, p. 436, and Ivi. i., 1867, p. 334. Id., Castelnau, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, iii., 1879, p. 376. Id., Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, v., 1881, p. 397. Id., Ogilby, Cat. Fish. N.S.Wales, 1886, p. 17, and Ed. Fish. N.S.Wales, 1893, p. 38, pi. x. Id., Waite, _ Mem. N.S.Wales Nat. Club, 1904, p. 35. Id., Stead, '^ Ed. Fish. N.S.Wales, 1908, p. 79 (Not S. if^qnipinnis, Richardson). CrPsiosoDia ivijnipiiniis, Waite, Mem. Austr. Mus., iv., 1899, p. 84. Id., Ogilby, Proc. Roy. Soc. Qld., xxi., 1908, p. 25. STDPIES IN AUSTRALIAN FISHES McCULLOCH. 179 Scorpis rich((rils()iiii, Steiiidacbner, Sitzb. Akad. Wiss. Wien, liii. i., 1866, p. 437, pi. v., fig. i. Ayenor niodestus, Castehia-u, Proc. Liim. Soc. N.S.Wales, iii., 1879, pp. 350, 371. Id., Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, v., 1881, p. 368. Id., Ogilbj, Cat. Fisb. N.S.Wales, 1886, p. 12. Id., Vaillant, Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat., iii., 1897, p. 86. D. x/25-27. A. iii/27-29. P. 18. V. i/5. C. 17. Pro- portions of a specimen 257 mm. long from tbe snout to tbe end of tbe middle caudal rays : — depth at tbe ventrals 2.2 in tbe lengtb to tbe bj^pural joint, bead 3.7 in tbe same ; eye 3.7, second dorsal ray 2.1, and second anal ray 1.9 in the bead. Upper and lower profiles subequal, that above the ej^es not evenly convex, but oblique on the snout, and convex on tbe nape. Mandible shorter and broader tban in S. cequipinnis, not reaching to below tbe pupil, its width much greater than its distance from the eye. Outer series of teeth not so sti'ong as in 8. cequipinvis. Scales larger, in about ninety series above the lateral line between its origin and tbe bypural joint ; about fifteen between the base of the anterior dorsal rays and tbe lateral line, and about thirteen between tbe base of tbe pectoial and tbe ventral spine. Doi'sal and anal fins not produced anteriorly, tbe anal with moie rays tban tbe dorsal. Colouration uniform. Tbis definition is based on four adult specimens from New South Wales. . This species has been confused with »S'. cequipinnis but may be readily distinguished by its much larger scales on the breast, and the broader maxillary. The profile of tbe snout is also different in tbe two species, and tbe dorsal and anal fins are diffei'ently formed. Distrihntiou. — New South Wales and Southern Queensland. Scorpis violaceus, Hutton, Ditreiini violacea, Hutton, Trans. N. Zeal. Inst., v., 1873, p. 261, pi. viii., fig. 31 h. 180 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Ne.jiftiticJithys violacens, Hutton, Loc. clt., xxii., 1890, p. 278. Id., Waite, Proc. Liiin. Soc. N.S.Wales, xxii., 1898, p. 685. Scorpis cioluceii^, Waite, ]\Iem. N.S.Wales Nat. Club, 1904, p. 35. D. X./27-29. A. iii./25-27. P. 19. V. i./5. C. 17. Proportions of a speciuieii 221 mm. long from the suout to the end of the middle caudal rays : depth 2.3 in the length to the hypural, head 3.7 in the same ; eye 3.6, second dorsal ray 1.8, and second anal ray 1.6 in the head. Upper and lower pi'oHles subequal, tliat above the eye evenly convex. Mandible broad, reaching to or nearly to below the anterior margin of the pupil ; its width much greater than its distance from the eye. Outer sei'iea of teeth not much larger than the others. Scales moderate, about 89 series above the latei'al line between its origin and the hypural joint ; about twelve between the hi(se of the anterior doisal rays and the lateral line, and about fifteen between the base of the pectoral and the venti-al spine. Dorsal and anal fins not produced anteriorly, though tlie first three or four anal i-ays are a little longer than the succeeding ones. Colouration uniform. This species is distinguished from >S'. h'ueolafna by the much more convex profile of the head, and in having fewer I'ays in the anal than in tlie dorsal. The much broader maxillary and the larger scales separate it from (S. lequipiiinis. Seven adult examples are in the Australian Museum from Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands. Waite has recognised the species from near Sydney, but the specimen on which his record was based cannot now be found. Vi.'tfrihnflnii. — New Zealand to Noi-folk island. Lord Howe Island, and New Soutli AVales. ScoKFis OBLDNGUS, Canestri ii i . Scorpis ohhtmiug, Canestrini, Arch, per la Zool. Anat. Fisiol., (2), i., 1869, p. 153. STUittES IN Al'STRALIAN FISHKS JlcCtlLLOCH. isl D. ix./30. A. ui./2'S. Height below the oiigiu of the soft dorsal, three in the length without the caudal ; head four in the same. Eye 31 in the head. Dorsal and anal fins not produced anteriorly. This species has not been recognised since it was originally described. The number of rays in the dorsal and anal fins, as given by Canestrini, distinguishes it from any species of Scorpis known to me. The type was said to have been obtained in Australia. Family MONODACTYLID^. Genus ScHUETTEA, Steiuclachner. SCHDETTEA SCALARIPINNIS, l^feindacliuer. ScJinettea scalaripiiiitis, Steindachner, Sitzb. Akad. Wiss Wien, liii., 18G6, p. 449, pi. vi., fig. 1. Id., Giinther, Zool. Rec, 1866, p. 141. LI., McCulloch, Zool. Res. " Endea- vour", i., 1911, p. 81, pi. XV. Scorpis boops, Peters, Monatsb. Akad. Wiss. Berlin, 1866, p. 521. Id., Giinther, Loc. cit. Scorpis hoops, Peters, has drifted into the synonymy of *S. cequipiiinif!, Ricliardson, to which it beai's no resemblance. It is identical with Schuettea scalaripiinds, Steindachner, as noted by Giinther. Steindachner's paper appeared almost simultaneously with that of Peters, but the actual date of publication is unknown to me. The former was "read" on 8th March, 1866, and the latter on 23rd July, 1866. Family KYPHOSID^. GeniTs Kyphosus, Lacepede. Kyphosus cinerascens, Forslad. Pimelepterus ciiierasceus (Forskal), Bleeker, Atlas Ichth., ix., 1877, p. 15, pi. ccclxiv., fig. 4. Id., Ogilby, Mem. Qld. Mus., ii., 1913, p. 90. 182 RECOKDS OK THK AISTRAI.IAN MUSEUM. Scorpis vinosa, Alleyiie and Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, i., 1879, p. 277, pi. ix.,"fig. 2. The type uf Scorpis vinosa is a young Kyphosus, and apparently identical with K. cinerasceas. It has eleven instead of ten doi'sal spines as described, and 12 rays, the anterior of wiiich are much higher than the spines. Anal with three spines and eleven rays. Macleay's specimen was collected at Darnley Island, Torres Strait, while K. cinerascens has recently been recorded from the same locality by Ogilby. Family POMACENTRID^. Genus Glyphisodon, Lacepede. Glyphisodon nigrifrons, Macleay. Glypliicludon nigrifrons, Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.Wales, viii., 1883, p. 271. The type of this species is preserved in the Australian Museum, with its original label, and is evidently authentic. It differs from Macleay's brief de8crij)tion in having thirteen instead of eleven anal rays, in having the iuterorbital space only slightly wider than the oi'bit instead of nearlj' twice as wide, and in showing three dark bands which are similar to those of G. caracao, Bloch. A careful comparison of it with examples of G. curacao proves it to be similar to that species in all its characters except those relating to the anterior portion of the head. The type has the interorbital space somewhat wider, the snout shorter, and the preorbital bone broader than the others, suggesting that it is abnormal in these details. If this be admitted, it cannot be separated from G. cnrucao. Loc. — South-eastern coast of New Guinea. tjTUDlES LN AUSTRALIAN FISfiES McCDLLOCH. 183 Family SCOMBRIDyE. Cieniis Gyjimijsarda, V '■> . 'y^ -':/,/ A. R. McCdlloch, Au8tr. Mus., del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXX. Aprion rosevs, Casteliiau. A specimen 410 mm. long, from Byron Bay, New South Wales. REC. AUSTR. MU8., VOL. XI. Plate XXX. \ 4 A. R. McCuLLOCH, Austr. Mus., del. EXPLANATION OB' PLATE XXXI. Fig. 1. Gohius eremins, Zietz. A specimen 53 ram. long from Strangways Springs, South Australia. Fig. 2. GobiKS lidivilli, sp. nov. Type, Ibj mm. long, from Cowan Creek, near Sydney, New South Wales. Fig. 3. Gohius australis, Ogilby. A specimen 47 mm. long from Sans Souci, Botany Bay, New South Wales. Fig. 4. Glossamia gillii, Steindachner. A specimen 111 mm. long, from Eidsvold, Burnett River, Queensland. REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XI Plate XXXJ. \? iiW i -vy/A A. R. McCdlloch, Austr. Mus., del. ADDITIONS TO THE ETHNOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS, CHIEFLY FROM THE NEW HEBRIDES. By R. Etheridge, Jdnr., Curator. (Plates xxxii.-xxxix.) The New Hebrideaii collection has fi'oni time to time received some very valuable additions, amongst others the following interesting objects : — I. — Stone Food-dishes. The largest of these (PI. xxxii.), evidently an adapted block of stone, is broad oval in form, with a I'ounded rim, or periphery, of variable width. It measures two feet by nine- teen inches in cross diameteis, the full height is five inches, decreasing to two inches inside, and is ninety-six pounds in weight. It was presented by Mr. J. E. Fysh, of " Big Bay," Santo, who states it to be about the size and shape of the to-day's wooden food dishes. The dish was, for a long time, lying in the village, close to Mr. Fysh's house, but when a new position for the village was selected, and removal took place, the dish was left behind, it being taboo ; the villagers pro- fessed total ignorance of its origin or age. Dr. C. Anderson informs me the stone is a volcanic tuff. Dr. W. T. Brigham has figui'ed a similar flat but round dish, taken from "a heiau [temple] on Molokai, [and] is the largest worked stone dish of Hawaiian origin I have yet seen."^ Elsewhere Dr. Brigham says his dish is of compact lava, twenty inches in diameter, and used as a receptacle for small offerings in the temple.- Except for its circular outline the Hawaiian utensil is quite of the same type as the present example from Santo. A still larger, but worn dish, is figured by the same author from Nihoa Island, " used for grinding awa."-^ f_ ^ Brigham — Occ. Papers Bernice Pauahi Bishop Mus., I., No. 2, 1900, p. 20. fig. 6. 2 Brigham— Memoirs IhiA, I., No. 4, 1902, p. 52, p. 54, fig. 51. 3 Brigham — MemoirB Ihid, pi. xliii., fig. 1227. 190 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEDM. The next in size, also of volcanic tuff, is a large shallow oval dish, seventeen inclies long, fourteen inches wide, two and a half inches high, one and a quartei- inches within, and the weight twenty-eight pounds (PI. xxxiv., tig. 1). A small mortar-like dish, or bowl, is represented in PI. xxxv., fig. 1, witli well-rounded sides and seamed with cracks tilled with spar. It is composed of a light-coloured stone, probably a consolidated coral-rock. It is five inches long, four and a half inches wide, two inches high, one and a quarter inches within, and is one and a half pounds in weight. The fourth and last dish is more or less pyriform with rounded sides, and at one end two mammillary projections (PI. xxxiii.) as in the bowl about to be described ; this is also of volcanic tuff. The measurements are : — Thirteen and a, half inches long, ten and a half inches broad, three inches high, one and three quarter inches inside height, and a weight of twelve and a half pounds. All four utensils are from Tavanapni and Narata PlaTitation, St. Pliillip and St. James' Bay, Santo, othei'wise known as " Big Bay." II. — Stone Bowl. Portion of a much-worn ai'gillaceous limestone bowl (Pi. xxxvi., tig. 1), when entire (Pi. xxxvii., tig. 1) oblong oval, in its present condition comprising a little more than one half the original. When placed in position it is four and a half inches high, six inches long, and three and a quarter inches deep inside ; the apei'ture is four inches across. The thick- ness is unequal, but on the fi-actured side it is one inch and an eiulilli thick. At the end, an inch below the rim, is a flattened projection which is, no doubt, a modified liandle, in fact this becomes quite apparent when the restored vessel is examined (PI. xxxvii., fig. 1). The block of stone was evidently chipped into shape by successive blows with a ])i)inted tool, and hollowed by the same process, and both externally and internally the pitting so caused is visible. On each side of the bowl is a kind of panel ; one is one and three quarter inches square, and ADDITIONS TO ETHNOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS — ETHERIDGE. 191 divided into twenty parallelograms oi' pellet-like partitions arranged in series of five longitudinal and four transverse. The other panel is one and a half inches by two inches and yet imperfect ; in each case the longer axes of these pellets are parallel to the longer axis of the bowl. The form is not that of any Santo pottery I have seen, but the small parallelograms on the decorative panels greatly resemble the rows of pellets that ornament the necks of Santo pots ; they are also seen on Fijian glazed ware. Very little appears to have been published on the Santo pottery. All that Codrington* says is that "pottery .. . . being present in well-known forms in Fiji, and in ruder unglazed dishes in Espiritu Santo." Of the latter the E-ev. Robert Steel said : — " They make a kind of unglazed pottery, which they use for culinary purposes ; but they all say their fathei's made a far superior kind."^ In Mr. G. Collingridge's translation of the " Spanish Description of the Big Bay of Santo " occurs the following passage: — "The natives make from a black clay some very well-worked pots, laige and small, as well as pans and poi-ingers in the shape of small boats. "^ This bowl (Pi. xxxvi., fig. 1 ; PI. xxxvii., fig. 1) is not unlike a boat. Mr. Fysh, to whom the Trustees are indebted for this bowl also, suggested a Spanish origin, but this is untenable, for in Captain James Barney's account7 of Pedro Fernandez de Quires' stay in the Bay of St. Philip and St. James, it is said the people " make earthen vessels ; work on marble and on stone." The sum of this is, therefore, that pottery making was an established industry aronnd " New Jerusalem," on tiie bay in question, at Espiritu Santo, previous to 1606 A.D.! * Codrington — Melanesians, 1891, p. 315. ^ Steel — New Hebrides and Christian Missions, 1880, p. 332. « CoUingridge — First Discovery of Australia and New Guinea 8vo Edit., 1906, p. 107. ^ Burney — Chronological History of the Voyages and Discoveries in the South or Pacific Ocean, Pt. II., 1579—1620, 1806, p. 309. 192 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. A recent account, speaking of Big Bay says : — " We found they are expert potters. Nearly all their cuHnarj^ utensils are made of liand pottery-ware. We made quite a large collection of many different sorts of hard i-ed potter\% such as pots, vases, cups, mugs, basins, plates, saucers, dolls, pigs, and idols."8 The bowl was picked up near an outcrop of " white sand- stone " [? argillaceous limestone], ^ the place being taboo, on Tavanapni and Narata Plantation, St. Phillip and St. James' Bay ,10 Santo. III. — Kava Stone. This peculiar heavy, torpedo or cigar-shaped stone (PI. xxxviii., fig. 1) was also obtained by Mr. Fysh. It is of argillaceous limestone similar to the bowl (PI. xxxv., fig. 1), with a circumference at the centre of tAvo feet eight and a half inches ; the weight is one hundred and twenty-four pounds. The apex is obtusely pointed, but considerable abrasion has taken place at the base. Mr. Fysh lias supplied me with the following information: — In the making of a chief a feast was inaugurated, and at its conclusion the chief-to-be had to reside in the house wherein reposed tliis stone, for four to five weeks. During this period of seclusion the only drink permitted him was Kava, and after each potation the dregs were cast on the Kava stone — in fact a kind of libation ; kava was reserved for the cliiefs, to the common herd it was taboo. ^^ No one dare touch this fetish, anyone doing so, even by accident, would break out into sores and boils, notwithstanding the payment of a pig or pigs to the paramount chief. " Kannie — My Adventures amongst South Sea Cannibals, 1912, p. 166. 9 The coast of Espiritu Santo I. is composed of coral and coral rock. This becomes elevated to the north of the point off which lies Tetuba, a small islet, only a few feet above sea level. The same formation underlies the soil for some miles back into the interior, until it meets the volcanic tufa of the mountains (Wawn — The South Sea Islanders, ^c, 1893, p. 86.) 1" The actual name given to this bay by De Quiros was that of " San Felipe de Santiago " (Buruey, Loc. cit., p. 289). 11 F. A. Campbell refers to the use of Kava, "which grows ex- tensively on the southern islands of the group, but nowhere better than in this district (A Year in the New Hebrides, ^'c, 1873, p. 166). ADDITIONS TO ETHNOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS ETHERID(iE. 193 It may be tliat this stone is akin to the navilah of Erromanga. The moon is symbolised by a navilah, in the form of a ring or roughly-shaped crescent. Writing of this stone cult, tlie Rev. Dr. H. A. Robertson remarked^'- : — " Stones, large and small, of peculiar shape or origin, in which some supernatural power is supposed to reside, because of their connection with a spirit or spirits." ^'^ In many of the New Hebridean islands " the chiefs possess strangely shaped stones to which they attribute remarkable powers — of making the yams grow large, the cocoanuts flourish, and the pigs to multiply. To some they ascribe destructive powers. A spirit, sometimes a ghost, is supposed to exercise its powers in connection with the stone ; and the possessors of such stones have great mana which they will employ on behalf of others in return for fees."!* The spirit does not dwell in the stone, but is associated with it, and may be near at hand.i^ This association of spirits with stones in the New Hebrides is exhaustively dealt with by Codrington.^*' He said, "any fanciful interpretation of a mark on a stone or of its shape was enough to give a character to the stone ; and to the spirit associated with it.''^'^ Loc. — From St. Phillip and St. James' Bay, or Big Bay, Santo.' Mr. Fysh says : — " I have sent two Kava stones at various times — one from off my land at South Big Bay, about nine miles north of the Jordan River, and the other about twenty-five miles north of the same." '- Robertson— Erromanga the Martyr Isle, p. 435. i"> A. W. Murray veiers, to the navilah — "a species of idolatry con- nected with the worship of the moon, the image of which they exhibit at their idolatrous feasts {Missions in Western Polynesia, &c., 1863, p. 209). '^ Lamb — Saints and Savages. The Story of Five Years in the New Hebrides, 1905, p. 213. 15 Lamb — Loc. cit., p. 114. 16 Codrington— The Melanesians, 1891, p.p. 181-5. 1' Codrington — Loc. cit., p. 182. 194- RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN JIUSEUM. IV. — Missile Sticks from Tanna and Fdtdna. So far as 1 have been able to gather, practically very little has been written on these interesting objects, apparently restricted to the above neighbouring islands. They are composed of two substances, stone and coral. The collection contains in all five olivine basalt and four coral projectiles, and of which the following are the details: — Sto7ie. 1. Faintly curved, 19J" long, oval in section, weight 31bs. From Tanna, presented by Capt. A. H. C. C. Home, R.N. (PI. xxxviii., fig. 2). 2. Faintly curved, 17" long, round in section, weight 2^1bs. From Tanna, presented by the same donor. 3. Straight, 10|" long, round in section, weight 21bs. ISoz. Called Kasso-iraso, from the village of Gwin-ap, Central . Tanna, presented by W. H. Truss (PL xxxvi., fig. 2). 4. Curved, 11" across curve, round in section, weight lib. 13oz. From Tanna, presented by the Rev. W. Laurie. 5. Slightly curved, 10" long, round in section, weight 21bs. From Erromanga. These stone missiles are either straight, faintly bent, or appreciably curved, round or oval in section, and with a fairly uniform girth of four inches. Coral. 1. Straight, 2ft. 4|in. long, round in section, weight 4Ibs. 2ozs. A species of Ast7-(ra, from Futuna, presented by Capt. G. Braithwaite. 2. Straight, 2ft. 3in. long, round in section, weight 21bs. lloz. A species of CceJoria from Futuna, presented by the same donor. 3. Straight, 1ft. lliu. long, round in section, weight 31bs. 2oz. Species of Astrfpci, from Futuna, presented by Capt. A. H. C. C. Home, R.N. (PI. xxxviii., tig. 3). 4. Straight, 2ft. long, round in section, weight 31bs. Species of Astnva, from Futuna, presented by the same donor. ADDITIONS TO ETHNOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS ETHERIDGE. 195 In forwai'ding two of the oliviiie-basalt missiles from Gwiu-ap Village, Central Tanjia, the late Mr. W. H. Truss wrote: — "One of their old throwing stones, which were much used many years ago, but are not now made." At the . village in question these missiles were known as Kasso-iraso.^^ One of the first wi'iters to call attention to these Tanna stone throwing sticks was, in all probabilitj', the Rev. Dr. Gr. Turner, who said, "the k(iirn>< is a long piece of stone, which they throw with deadlj' precission when they are within twentj' yards of their victim." And again : — " It is about the length of an ordinary counting-house ruler, only twice as tliick."!^ Commander J. G. Goodenough, R.N., saw these weapons in tlie hands of the Hill Tannese at Port Resolution. "The article whicli takes most trouble to make is, I suppose, the kawass, or throwing stone, about a foot long, and of the thickness of a thick round i-uler."-^' On Futuna, or Erronan Island, no great distance from Tanna, coral takes the place of olivine-basalt. The first in our collection from this locality was presented by Capt. G. Braithwaite, of the " Dajspring " (No. 1 in the previous list.)2i The coral missiles are invariably straight, and of much larger bulk ihan the basalt sticks of Tanna. Two genera are recognisable, Astrira and Ca'Ion'ci. The colonies from which the missiles were prepared must have been of consider- able size, possibly from blocks from the upraised bed of the island, where " there are traces of four or tive different upheavals." -- 1* Also spelt cawasse — " The men, throwing away their speai's, bows, and cawasses, formed themselves into a circle " (Palmer — Kidnapping in the S. Seas, 1871, p. 37. 19 Turner — Nineteen Years in Polynesia, 1861, p.i>. 23 and 81. 20 Goodenough — Journal of 1876, p. 278. "1 Kamsay — Abst. Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. Wales, 29tli Oct., 1894, p. v. - Steel— The New Hebrides and Christian Missions, 1880, p. 129. 196 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Capt. [Commodore] J. E. Erskine, R.N., saw at Port Resolu- tion, Taiina, " a stone of the shape of that by whicli scythes are sharpened in England, and about a foot long, which they make from the coral rock, and use either for striking or throwing." 23 This was confirmed in the first instance by A. H. Kiehl, who stated that on Tanna " branches of coral rock, about a foot in length and one or two inches in diameter, are used along with the other weapons. They throw them at each other." 2* And the same is also mentioned by Dr. C. E. Meinicke.25 That both coral and basalt missiles are, or were, used on Tanna appears to be a fact well established for long before either Capt. Erskine or Mr. Kiehl saw them at Port Resolu- tion, that grand old navigator and authority, Capt. James Cook, R.N., wrote thus, through his historian-author, Hawkeswortli : — " The stones thej use are, in general, the branches of coral rocks fi'om eight to fourteen inches long, and from an inch to an inch and a half in diameter. I know not if they employ them as missiles." 26 The New Hebridean island, Futuna, must not be mistaken for Fotuna, one of the Hoorne Islands, away to the north-east of Fiji. Unfortunately both are sometimes used by Authors with an o, and again both with a it. It would save confusion and tribulation of spirit if Futuna of tlie New Hebrides were simply known by its native name of Erronan. By Cook it was called " Footoona." Stick missiles are used by the natives of Nieue, or Savage Island. Mr. J. L. Brenchley said that stalagmites were employed as missiles, obtained fr'om pools in the interior of the island. " They are made use of as projectiles in their combats, and which they adroitly throw without the aid of a sling." 27 23 Erskine — Journ. Cruise Islands W. Pacific, 1853, p. 319. 2-» Kiehl— Anthropologia, I., 1873-5, p. 135. 25 Meinicke— Die Inseln des Stillen Oceans, 1875, p. 203. 26 Hawkesworth — Cook's Voyage towards the South Pole and round the World, 1772-75, 3rd Edit., II., 1779, p. 82. 2'? Brenchley — Cruise of H.M.S. Cura^oa among the South Sea Islands in 1865, pp. 25 and 28. ADDITIONS TO ETHNOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS ETHERIDGE. 197 The basalt missile said to have been found on Erromanga was possibly taken there from Tanna, but the locality is open to doubt. V.—" Slaying " Stone. A cylindrical, or perhaps even an obtusely quadrangular stone (PI. xxxviii., fig. 4), three feet one inch long, with an average circumference of thirteen and a half inches, but at one end tapering to nine inches girth ; it is blunt at both ends, and weighs forty-five pounds. It is, like the stone missiles, also of olivine basalt. 1 do not think this is a converted stone ; it has every appearance of natural wear and tear, it' shaped it must have been at the expense of enormous labour. On grasping with the hands a distinct quadrangular section becomes appreciable, whilst a quadrangular appearance is imparted by four pro- nounced longitudinal grooves, or valleys, extending the entire length of the stone. This interesting object was, as in the case of one of the basalt missiles, presented by Mr. W. H. Truss, and is also from Gwin-ap Village, Central Tanna. Mr. Truss supplied me with the following information : — The stone was known as " 7nul-a-mal,'^ and kept in the village as a means of despatching a victim. The latter was some- times seized and held, when the man told off as executioner would raise it above his own head and crash in the skull of the victim by simply allowing it to fall by its own weight, and this was performed openly or secretively ; the victim was always eaten. The age of the stone was unknown, but it was credited with having been the instrument of death of many people. VI. — Mallicollan Pottery. The Rev. F. J. Paton, who was stationed on Mallicolo, forwarded to the Austialian Museum a number of fragments of pottery, in fact potsherds, from that island. The donor informed me that the pieces were dug up in yam gardens or old village rubbish heaps. " Perhaps it has not been made 198 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEDM. for a bnndred years, certainly not in living memory. I have never seen a complete Mallicollan pot, and it is a lost art." -^ Tliis is clearly one of those cessations that Avould come under Dr. W. H. R. Rivers' term, " the disappearance of a useful art." 29 There are numerous pieces, and most of them much worn. With the exception of about three of those in vphicli any decoration is visible, the motive is very peculiar nnd quite new to me from any part of the South Pacific. The motive in question resembles, more than anythincr else, tlie scale armour of a palasoniscid fish. The individual scales very roughly laid on in simple overlapping oblique series (PI. xxxiv., fig. 2, PI. XXXV., fig. 2, PI. xxxvi., fig. 3), are more or less imbricate, and at times assume a tear-like outline (PI. xxxiv., fig. 3, PI. xxxvii., figs. 2, 3). This is the predominant motive, but one small fragment has a few parallel groovings (PI. xxxiv., fig. 4). The largest piece is evidently derived from a large plain cooking pot, similar both in colour and texture to those of Port Moresby, and one form of Admiralty Island pot. Other than this, the " fish scale " pattern predominates with one exception. In this, the most elaborate of all the potsherds, there is a central V-shaped figure, with lateral oblique gi'ooves, deflected on either side, and there again bordered by horizontal lines of longitudinal V or V-shaped fret (PI. XXXV, fig. 3). The only article 1 know of on New Hebridean pottery is a short note by the Rev. J. Noble Mackenzie,^*^ who said though its manufacture is now (1901) confined to a few isolated spots on the west of Santo, there is evidence to show that it was in times past made on other islands of the Group, as similar pottery pieces to that of Santo have been dug up in several islands to the south. One naturally turns first, for comparative purposes, to the neighbouring island of Espirutu Santo, commonly known as " Santo," but on twenty-four pots from there examined there "8 Letter dated 18th March, 1903, addressed to Mr. S. Sinclair, Secretary, Australian Museum. 29 Rivers— Brit. Assoc. Report for 1912 (1913), p. 598. *« Mackenzie— New Hebrides Magazine, No. 4, 1911, p. 21. ADDITIONS TO ETHNOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS ETHERIDGB. 199 is no trace of similar ornament. Again, tlie glazed and artistically decorated ware of the Fiji Group offers no resem- blance, nor need the large deep pots of New Caledonia be con- sidered. Going farther afield, the facies of the best preserved piece (PI. XXXV., fig. 3) of this Mallicollan pottery seems in a broad sense to resemble that on potsherds found in a similar position to the latter, by Mr. P. J. Money at Rainu, near Wanigera Creek, Collingwood Bay, East New Guinea. The potsherds in question were found on excavating the mound sites of vanished villages, all knowledge of which is denied by the existing inhabitants of that region. The motive on these pieces is quite distinct from that of the fine pottery now made there. These Rainu potsherds, Mr. Money informs me, are believed to have been the work of a people known as the Gei'agi, now extinct, who spoke a language quite different to that now spoken by the Collingwood Bay people, which is termed " Ai'ibi." With these pottery pieces were associated carved shells (much decayed), bone articles, stone head-rests, &c. The Rev. J. N. Mackenzie states that the words de- noting a pot in New Guinea (part not stated) and Santo are the same. In the tear-like motive there is a general resemblance to some of the designs seen on Arkansas burial-mound pottery. The locality of the Mallicollan fragments is Onua Village, on Onua Bay, East Mallicollo. VII. — Nassau Island Adze-head. For an opportunity of describing this verj^ interesting object (PI. xxxix.), I am indebted to Prof. John Macmillan Brown, of Christchurch, New Zealand, who obtained the loan of it from Capt. B. F. Allen, of the s.s. " Dawn," Samoa Shipping and Trading Co. Ltd., Sydney. It appears that a comparatively recent tidal-wave swept ashore at Nassau Island, removing a very large quantity of soil over an area of five acres, and to a depth of six feet, when this implement, and a sharpening stone were exposed. These were underneath a skeleton, which, on exposure, at once crumbled to a mass of dust. 200 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Nassau Island (possibly identical with Ranger Island) lies in Lat. 11° 33' S., Long. 165° 25' E., immediately south of the Danger Islets, and north-west of the Hervey or Cook Group. It was discovered in March, 1835, by the Captain of an American whaler ; it is about fifty feet high, with a fringing reef. The island was uninhabited when discovered, but in 1877 one white man and two Danger Island natives with their wives took up residence there. -^^ In 1892 Nassau Island was annexed by Great Britain and incorporated with the Line Islands ; it now forms a dependancy of New Zealand.32 The implement exhibits the following characters and pro- portions : — Ft. In. Length overall, and measured on the level 1 0 Tang, from the shoulder to the poll, on the level — 3f Width across the slightly rounded cutting edge — 3| Width at the poll — If Length of the blade (oblique) — 3| Width at the shoulder — 2| The adze is U-backed, that is, it is markedly concave longi- tudinally from the poll to the posterior margin of the blade, and practically flat transversely ; the front face is flat longi- tudinally and transversely from the shoulder to within about one inch of the cutting edge, where there is a slight rise. The sides are quite flat transversely, and sub-parallel to one another. The tang is plano-convex, plain or flat on the back, convex on the front face. At the poll the adze projects downwards, or at right angles to tlie longer axis, in two nipple-like projections. The thickest part is immediately at the posterior edge of the blade, i.e., at that point where the longitudinal concavity of the back ceases forward ; here it is 2iin., at the shoulder it is 2in., and mid-way between the two IJin. The angle of inclination of the blade to the axial plane from its posterior margin to the cutting edge is 21°, and of the tang 14°. The implement is composed of a light grey volcanic tuff, and the weight is five and a quarter pounds. 31 Findley— Directory S. Pacific Ocean, 5th Ed., 1884, p. 652. 32 Pacific Islands, iii. (Eastern Group) , Sailing Directions, 4th Ed., 1909, pp. 187-8. ADDITIONS TO ETHNOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS — ETHERIDGE. 201 In the Dominion Maseum at. Wellington is the cast of a fine adze-liead, of which Mr. Elsdon Best says^^ : — " The back of the tool is concave longitudinally to an extent but seldom seen, and convex transversely." The present implement is very similar in this respect, although flat transversely instead of convex. A similar U-backed and flat-faced tool, with a Ions' blade, is figured by Dr. W. T. Brigham as Hawaiian.34 The all-important point of interest attached to this adze- head is the terminal nipples or horns of tlie tang. Mr. Elsdon Best figured an implement which he described as " one of the most peculiar forms in the Museum " [DominionJ-^'S in that the small poll has a curious lateral projection, " which may have served to hold this singular tool in the lashing." This statement is, however, to some extent discounted bv one that immediately follows — " this tool may be a poluld, or pounder, that was used in the hand, not hafted." The lateral projection can be distinquished in the figure quoted, and 1 refer to it as the only instance but one other I have been able to find in literature. The other instance is that of a small Chatham Island adze- head described by Mr. Best as foUows^^: — " The chief peculi- arity of this tool is at the poll, whereat two horns or pro- jections have been left, one at each face corner, in ordei' to contain the lashing." This is quite in accord with my view of the use of these similar projections on the Nassau Island implement. The sharpening stone previously referred to is simply a I'ouglily quadrangular piece of grey volcanic tuff. 3-' Best — Bull. Dominion Mua., No. 4, Stone Implements of the Maoris, 19 J 2, p. 275, pis. xiv. and xv. . ^■i Brigham — Mem. Berniee Pauahi Bishop Mus., I., No. 4, Ancient Hawaiian Stone Implements, 1902, pi. Iv., fig. 3121. 35 Loc. cit., p. 276, pi. xvi., fig. 95. 36 Best— Loc. cit., p. 268, pi. xxi.. fig. 8ob. 202 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. Prof. Macmillan Brown examined the adze-lieads in the Dominion Museum and wrote me as follows'^": — "There is the model or copy of a small one of the same type from tlie Chatham Islands with the same two nipples as on the speci- men from Nassau. I may say that the Morioris of these islands have many things that differentiate them from the Maoris. They have wash-tlirough canoes (waka-patu) for fishing ; tliey sit with face to stern as in rowing. They have in their phonology the consonant cli, which aj)pears in no other Polynesian dialect except Tongan. I have always thought they came from a group different from the Maoris. Their walca-patu remind me of the balsas, or hoyant rafts, of the Peruvian coast. On Lake Titicaca I saw canoes made of reeds of much the same type {i.e., wash-through) as the Moriori, and their attitude in propelling stands alone in Oceania, except in New Caledonia, where they had double canoe rafts with holes in the decking through which they punted their craft." The occurrence of these lashing holders, or stops, on adzes found so far apart as the Chatham Islands and Nassau is both interesting and remai'kable. The subject will, I hope, pi'o- vide Prof. J. M. Brown with further matter for consideration in his well-known Pacific studies. The evidence of " lost arts " throughout the South Pacific is slowly but gi'aduall}' increasing. For instance, leaving out of consideration megalithic and Cyclopean structures, we have the stone implements and figures found in the auriferous alluvium of the Yodda Valle}' Goldfield,-''^ and Hie unknown pottery at Rainu, already mentioned, both localities in Eastern New Guinea. It will be remembered that these Rainu pots- herds are accompanied by incised shells,^'' but the " art of carving on hard shell is not now practised. "^^ Travelling in a south-easterly direction we encounter the stone dishes and :'•' Letter dated 3rd November, 1915. s!* Etheridge — Rec. Austr. Mas., vii., 1, 1908, p. 24, pis. vi.-vii. 39 Poch — Mittl. Anthrop. Gesellsch. Wien., xxxvii., 1907, pp. 67-71, figs. 7 and 8 ; Etheridge — Loc. cit., p. 27. •to Monckton— Brit. New Guinea Ann. Report, year 30th June, 1904. — Commonwealth Pari. Papers, 1905, No. 1, C. 700, p. 31, 4th plate. ADDITIONS TO ETHNOLOtilCAL COLLECTIONS ETHEKIDOE. 203 pottery of Santo, the latter of a type different to that at present made on the island in question. Again, we are now in possession of tlie fact that the pottery art was at one time in vogue in Mallecollo, and according to the Rev. Mr. Mackenzie on other islands of the group as well. To pass to another form of art, it is interesting to note that petroglyphs are to be seen on Aneityuni Island. These are remarkable representations of the sun, moon,^i and other objects, " like what our ancestors did," say the natives.*^ Others are present on Lilipa, or Protection Island, near Havaiinali Harbour. Still farther away are the petroglyphs of Pitcairn Island, which wei-e there w'heii the island was occupied by the mutineers of the " Bounty. "■^•^ Too much stress cannot be laid on the Nassau axe-head, beyond the fact that the island was uninhabited as explained on p. 200. It appears to nie we liave here traces, not only of " lost arts," but also of " lost races." In connection with the latter was Dr. H. B. Guppy's discovery of worked flints on the islands of Ugi and St. Christoval, in the Solomon Group.^ These "are commonly found in the soil when it is disturbed for pui'poses of cultivation, and are frequently exposed after heavy rains," and consist of fragments of chalcedony, car- nelian, and jasper. " Some were cores, others were flakes, resembling in their form, and often in their white colour, tlie flakes of the post-tertiary gravels." ^1 Mr. A. W. Murray says that amongst the Aueiteumese " the svm and moon, especially the latter, hold a distinguished place " (Missions in Western Polynesia, &c., 1963, p. 26). ■^■^ Gunn— New Hebrides Mag., No. 19, 1906, p. 16. « Q\mn—Ibid, No. 20, 1906, p. 16, pi. p. 17. ■*■' Guppy — The Solomon Islands and New Natives, 1887, pp. 77-8. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXXII. Shallow, large, oval food dish of volcauic tuff :— Length ... ... 1ft. 5 inches. Breadth. Height . Inside Weight . Tavanapni and Narata Plantation, St. Phillip and St. James' Bay, or " Big Bay," Espiritu Santo. 1 „ 2 5) 0 „ ^ ») 0 „ ^ »» 28 lbs. i REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XI. Plate XXXII. ^1^;^" V M:s^. ^ -^^■. ■>«■. - ■ C. Glutton, Anstr. Mns., photo. EXPLANATION OP PLATE XXXIII. Pyriform volcanic tuff dish, with two mammillary projections at the smaller end : — Length . Breadth ., Height ., Inside Weight .. 1 ft. H inches. 0 „ io| „ 0 „ 3 0 ^ 12i lbs. Tavanapni and Narata Plantation, St. Phillip and St. James' Bay, or " Big Bay," Espiritu Santo. 4 REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XI. Plate XXXIIT, C. Glutton, Austr. Mns., photo, i EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXXIV. Fig. 1. Volcanic tnff food dish :- Length . Breadth. Height . Inside Weight . 0 ft. 1 ?) 7 inches 0 11 5 )i 0 )) 2 11 96 lbs Tavanapni and Narata Plantation, St. Phillip and St. James' Bay, or "Big Bay," Espiritu Santo. Fig. 2 and 3. Potsherds with imbricate scale-like motive Onua, East MallicoUo. Fig. -4. Potsherd v?ith parallel incisions, probably from the neck or beneath the rim of a receptacle. Onua, East MallicoUo. REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XI. Plate XXXIV. C. Glutton, Austr. Mus., photo. EXPLANATION OP PLATE XXXV. Fig. 1 Small coral-rock mortar-like dish, or bowl : — Length . Breadth. Height . Within . Weight 0 ft. 5 inches. 0 „ u „ 0 „ 2 „ 0 „ 11 „ U lbs. Tavanapni and Narata Plaiitation, St. Phillip and St. James' Bay, or " Big Bay," Espiritu Santo. Fig. 2. Potsherd, bearing fish-scale motive. Fig. 3. Potsherd with the most elaborate motive of all the Mallicollaii pieces — a central V-shaped figure with lateral oblique gi'ooves separated in the middle line by a longitudinal incision, and bordered on each side by more or less horizontal lines of simple fret. The originals of Figs. 2 and 3 are from Onua, East Mallicollo. REG. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XI. Plate XXXV. C. Glutton, Austr. Mus., photo. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXXVI. Fig. 1. Portion of much worn argillaceous limestone bowl with projecting handle. Tavanapni and Narata Plantation, St. Phillip and St. James' Bay, or " Big Bay," Espiritu Santo. Fig. 2. Olivine-basalt missile club, known as Kasso-ivaso: — Length ... ... 10| inches. Section ... ... circular. Weight 2 lbs. 13 ozs. Gwyn-ap Village, Central Tanna. Fig. 3. Potsherd, with scale-like motive. Onua, East Malli- collo. REC. AUSTK. MUS., VOL.5XI. Plate XXXVl. C. Glutton, Austr. Mus., photo. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXXVII. Fig. 1. The subject of Plate xxxvi., tig. 1, restored: — Height... Length... Inside ... Aperture Thickness 0 ft. 4^ inches. 0 „ 6 " „ 0 „ 4 „ 0 u Tavanapni and Narata Plantation, St. Phillip and St. James' Bay, or "Big Bay," Espiritu Santo. Figs. 2 and 3. Potsherds, displaying tear-like motive. Onua, East Mallicollo. REC. AUSTR. MLTS., VOL. XI. Pi-ate XXXVIl. C. CLrxTON, Austr. Mns.. photo. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXXVIII. Fig. 1. Kava stone, torpedo or cigar-shaped, of argillaceous limestone : — Length .. ... 3 ft. 5 inches. Circumf. ... 2 ,, 6^ ,, Weight 124 lbs. " St. Phillip and St. James' Bay, or " Big Bay," Espiritu Santo. Fig. 2. Olivine-basalt missile stick, slightly curved : — Length... ... 1 ft. 7 J inches. Section... ... oval. Weight ... 3 lbs. Tanna. Fig. 3. Coral (Astrcea) missile stick : — Length... ... 1 ft. 11 inches. Section... ... circular. Weight ... 2 lbs. 11 ozs. Fntuna, or Eronan, Island. Fig. 4. "Slaying" Stone C«i7*Z-a-?HrtZj, obtusely quadrangular, of olivine-basalt : — Length ... ... 3 ft. 1 inch. Circumf. ... ... 1 ,, 1^ ,, Weight 45 lbs. Gwyn-ap Village, Central Tanna. REC. AUSTR. MTJS., VOL. X]. Plate XXX VI 11. C. Glutton, Austr. Mus., photo. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXXIX. Fig. 1. Adze-head, lower view. side ,, Nassau Island. 1? 71 EEC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XI. Plate XXXIX. C. Glutton, Austr. Mue., photo. # EDWARD PIEHSON RAMSAY, LL.D. IN THE EARLY 'EIGHTIES. OBITUARY. Edward Pierson Ramsay, LL.D. Curator, 22nd September, 1874 to 31st December, 1894. Dr. E. P. Ramsay was the third son of David Ramsaj-, M.D., the owner of the Dobroyd Estate, Dobioyd Point, Long' Cove. He was born at Dobroyd House on 3rd December 1842, and was, therefore, in his 75th year at tlie time of his deatli. His education took place at St. Mark's Colleg'iate School, first at Darling Point and later at Macquarie Fields, presided over b}' tlie Rev. G. F. Macarthur, who later became Head Master of The King's School, Parramatta. In 1863, Mr. Ramsay matriculated at the University, and (in the same yeai') also entered as a student of St. Paul's College. His name i-emained on the list of members of the University until December, 1865. In apportioning the Dobroj'd Estate amongst tlie children of Dr. David Ramsay, the laige and beautiful garden was allotted to the subject of this notice, and came into bis hands about the year 1867. He forthwith opened the Dobroyd New Plant and Seed Nursery un 15th December, 1867, and was engaged iu'its management until he was appointed Curator of the Australian Museum. On the subject of this Nursery, Mr. J. H. Maiden wrote to me thus : — " 1 have before me a ' Kevised List of Novelties ' for 1876, cultivated for sale. . . . This is a creditable catalogue of 46 pages, with ail index and a number of illustrations, most of them local i^roducts. Some of the plants were claimed to be oifered for the first time in the Colonies, and 1 have no doubt the claim was a perfectly just one. . . . He had, undoubtedly considerable knowledge in regard to the names and propaga- tion of such plants as fell witliin his purview, and 1 look upon him as a gentleman amateur of the old daj's, belonging to the same category as the Macarthurs of Camden, who, like himself, imported plants tor tlie love of tlie thing, and witli the desire to recoup themselves wholly or in part by sales to the Public." 206 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. From boyhood, his interest iu everything relating to plants and animals had been intense. His taste was fostered by an under-master at a private school, by Dr. S. R. Pittard (a former Cni-ator), His Excellency Sir William Thomas Denison, Tlie Honbl. A.W. Scott, of Ash Island and Lepidoptera fame, and other scientific friends. In connection with the said under-master, the Rev. W. H. H. Yarrington has favoured me with the following information : " I became acquainted with him in 1861 when he visited a German scientific teacher at the Rev. J. Pendi-ill's School, Glebe Point (where I was a teacher). This gentleman, Herr Reitmann, and Mr. Ramsay were enthusiastic students of Natural Science. . . . He seemed to know something aboiTt every department. His enthusiasm was most intense, and what was very remarkable was his wonderfully retentive memory for the names, both generic and specific, especially of ferns." Mr. Ramsay's entry into scientific life was probably at about the age of twenty, when he became Treasurer of the Entomo- logical Society of New South Wales, at its inception. Just how long he so remained we do not know, but it may be till the Society's demise in 1873, ^ when it practically became linked up with the Linnean Society. Another notable event in the career of the future Curator was his election as a Life Member of the Royal Society of New South Wales, at its inception in 1865, appearing as such in the list of members printed in the first volume of the Society's " Ti-ansactions " for 1868 (1869). He had already communi- cated a paper, be it noted, to the Royal Societ3''s forerunner, the Philosophical Society of New South Wales — "On the Oology of Australia, "2 read on 5th July, 1865, a paper that appears to have escaped the eye of most bibliogi-aphers. His election to this old Society took place 7th June, 1865. The months of August to November, 1866, inclusive, were spent on the Richmond Rivei', no doubt occuyiied in zoological researches. 1 Dixson — Presidential Address — Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, xxix., pt. i., 1904, p. 6. 2 Kamsay— Trans, riiil. Soc. N.S. Wales, 1862-65 (1866), p. 309. EDWARD PIKRSON RAMSAY ETHERir)GE. 207 In 1868, accompanied by a younger brother, Mr. Ramsay visited Queensland to inquire into the sugar-growing industxy, and later purchased Sindah Plantation, on the Mary River. In this venture other brothers joined, but like many pioneering undertakings it pi'oved a failure. Mr. Ramsay was appointed Curator of this Institution at a Special Meeting of Trustees, held on 22nd September, 1874, being proposed b}' the Honbl. [Sir] W. J. Macleay and [Sir] Alfred Roberts, Esq. His appointment was the means of causing a dispute between the Trustees and the Government of the day, as to the formers' right to appoint tlieir Curator witliout reference to tlie latter. Indeed, the Under-Secretary for Justice (the Museum was then affiliated to the Department of Justice) went so far as to say that no salary could be paid to a Curator whose appointment liad not been sanctioned by the Government. The Trustees, however, were very soon able, in virtue of their Act of Incorporation, to convince the Under-Secretary that they had the power. At that time a portion of the Curatoi'ial duties was residence within the building, and here Mr. Ramsay lived with his famijy until 1888, when the question of space for the accom- modation of an increasing staif became a burning one. With the idea of alleviating this pressure the North Wing was dis- mantled and an extra story added during 1891-2 ; from this time onward the Curator ceased to reside on the premises. The Linnean Society of New South Wales came into exist- ence in 1874 through the efforts of a few zealous scientists, conspicuous amongst whom were Dr. H. G. Alleyne, Commander T. Stackhouse, R.N., Sir W. J. Macleay, and Prof. W. J. Stephens, but the actual founders, so Mr. J. J. Fletcher informs me were the two first-named. Whether Mr. Ramsay took an active part, or no, in the preliminary arrangements is not known, " but after tlie Society started, he certainly was a very active and a very useful member. "^ He was one of the Foundation Members, and a Meml)er of the first Council, a position he maintained until his retirement in 1892. He rendered " most important aid in support of the Society, in furthering its interests during the critical stages of its history. He was well acquainted with the fauna from his boyhood. 208 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. especially with the birds. His early knowledge of it covered a very interesting period, M'hen it had not been anything like so seriously interfered witli by settlement as it unfortunately is now."-' Ill association with Sir William lie acted as one of the Honorary Secretaries from 1885 to 1890. Daring 1880-81 was held the Melbourne International Exhi- bition which Ml'. Ramsay attended as one of the New South Wales Commissioners.'* The Museum was awarded the " First Oi'der of Merit " Certificate, equal to a Bronze Medal, for a collection of "stuffed birds and fish " ; Ramsay was awarded a " Diploma " iji recognition of his services. In the " Catalogue of Exhibits in the New South Wales Court," etc. printed by the Government Printer liere, in 1880, it is remai'ked : — " A Collection of food fishes fi-oni the waters of Port Jackson and the neighbourhood, exhibited by Mr. Kamsay. Curator of the Australian Museum, should possess a considerable interest. In company with the last-named collection will be found another of tlie Birds indigenous to the Colony, made by the same gentleman, "s This Melbourne Exhibition was sinif)ly the successor of the "Sydney International Exliibition " of 1879, better known as the Garden Palace Exliibition. It was opened on 17tli September and closed on tlie 20tb April, 1880. At this display Ramsay acted as a Judge in " Classes 604-610, Animal Pro- ducts, Land and Ma,iine, used as IMaterials "*" ; for bis labours in this capacity be was awarded a bronze medal. In a moment of what was, no doubt, well meant biit at the same time the weakest of policy, the Trustees transferred, towards the end of 1879, possibly in September,'' the whole of their valuable Ethnological Collection, spoken of in the " Reports of Judges :' Quotation from a letter from Mr. ,T. J. Fletcher to the writer. •* Official Record, etc., 1882, p. xxv. s Official Kecord, etc., 1882, p. 9. '■ Official Record, etc., 1881, pp. cliv. and 7U7. " Because it was thrown open on 9th December, Prince of Wales" Birthday (Coombes— Official Report, 1881, p. Ixxiv.) EDWAKIi PIERSON RAMSAY ETHEKIDGE. 209 and Awards" as tlie "finest collection (Etlinological) in the Exliibition,"^ and in recognition of its value, a large silver medal was awarded to tlie Institution.^ At the close of the Exhibition this excellent series in common with other valuable collections (Library and Records of the Linnean Society, ex- hibits destined to form a Technological Museum, Geological collection of the Department of Mines, with records and plans appertaining to other Departments) were left in this jini- crack building, and on the night of 22nd September, 1882, the whole were totally destroyed by fire. Now this Ethnological series, amassed by Ramsay, with and at great labour and expense, " with its wonderful variety of Native Weapons, Dresses, Utensils, and Ornaments, and everything that could go to illustrate the Ethnology of Polynesia and Australia stretched along the one side of the eastern transept. "i" All that was left was a photograph and a poor "Official Catalogue, ^1 containing no less than 1922 entries. Nothing daunted by this catastrophe, Ramsay energetically set to work to replace the lost specimens as far as could be done, and so successful were his efforts that it became necessary to add a hall at the south end of the Museum to contain the new gatherings ; this was completed during the first half of 1886. During the regime of Mr. Gerard Krefft as Cuj-ator (Dr. Ramsay's predecessor) was commenced under the auspices of the Trustees, the exploration of the caves and rivers of New South Wales. Cave ossiferous explorations were carried on by Krel¥t — indeed, he appeal's to have been the instigator of this line of research — from 1866 to 1870, at Wellington, in conjunction with Prof. A. M. Thomson. This excellent work was resumed by Mr. Ramsay at Wellington and other places, and continued throughout 1881-2.1- The rivers exploration went on for some time longer, and is more fully referred toon page 214. s Official Kecord, etc., 1881, p. 284. ^ Ibid. p. civil. ^" Coombes — Ibid. p. Ixxxvii. 11 Ethnological Gallery. Official Catalogue of the General Ethnologi- cal Collection, 1880, pp. 25-48. 1- Votes of Proceedings, etc., 1882, p. 551. 210 RECORDS OF THK AUSTRALIAN MUSLUM. lu 1880 a Royal Commission was appointed " to enquire into and report upon the actual state and prospect of the Fisheries of this Colony." Mr. Ramsay had a seat on the Commission. Shortly after the destruction of the Garden Palace (1882) in which were stored the records of the old Commissioners of Fisheries for New South Wales, Ramsay became a Commissioner, on 31st October, 1882, taking the place of the Honbl. Richard Hill, who had vacated his seat. The Curator ren)ained a member of this body until 21st June, 1895, Avhen he resigned. On the 13th February, 1883, there appeared in the "Govern- ment Gazette " notice of the appointment of the Honbl. [Sir] Saul Samuel as Representative Commissioner, and Mr. Ramsay as Secretary in Charge of Exhibits to the "Great International Fisheries Exhibition, "l-a held at South Kensington, London, in 1883. The latter left Sydney on the 3rd March of that year, and in the same month of the following year, 1884, was again at his post in the Museum. Daring his absence the affaiis of the Institution were m the hands of Mr. [Prof.] W. A. Haswell, who had already been attached to the Museum Staff, as Acting- Curator, for a portion of the time, and for the remainder, the Trustees' Secretary, the late Mr. S, Sinclair, was placed iu charge. Under the division New South Wales, in tlie " Official Catalogue "l-^ are a few introductory remarks by Mr. Ramsay, wherein he said : — " The greater portion of the Exhibits in the N.S. Wales Court have been li])erally supplied by the Trustees of the Australian Mixseum at the request of the Commissioners, N.S. Wales Fisheries." He was also the author of the "Catalogue of the Exhibits in the New South Wales Court. "^^ These included not only food-fishes, both fresh-water and marine, but also edible Mollusca, Chelonians, Sirenians, and a small general marine Zoological Collection. For the excellence of the specimens, their preservation, and arrangement, no less than six gold, five silver, and one bronze medal were awarded to the Trustees as representing the Museum, and a gold medal to Mr. Ramsay. ^^ i-a Here it was that the writer first made Dr. Ramsay's acquaintance. !"■ 3rd Edit., 1883, p. 176b. i-i 8vo. London, 1883. '■'■' Report Commissioners of Fisheries N.S. Wales to 31st December, 1883, p. 33. EDWARD PIERSON RAMSAY ETHKRIDGE. 211 Some years ago tlie control of Hyde Park passed into the bands of the Municipal Council, but previous to this the Park's affairs had been administered by a Trust, of which Ramsay was a member for many years. In 1886 the Senate of the University of St. Andrews con- ferred on Mr. Ramsay the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.^^a Previous to 1890 tlie Museum publications went under the general name of " Catalogues," a form that did not give proper scope to the activities of the Staff. At the suggestion of the present writer, Dr. Ramsay proposed to the Trustees to establish a {)eriodical, to appear at irregular intervals, and to be confined to original articles of moderate length emanating from Museum work. The Board "agreed on the Curator's suggestion to publish periodically reports and papers worked out by the Scientific Staff of the Museum." 16 In 1890 this publication took shape as the " Records of the Australian Museum," the first two volumes appearing in 1890- 91 under Ramsay's editorship. In 1893 the Curator, whose health had been visibly declining for a considerable time previously was absent on extended leave, during which the writer acted as his locum teneiis ; during this period he paid a visit to New Zealand and spent some time in the Rotorua District. For a time the change and rest exerted a very beneficial effect, but ultimately finding the cares of office too strenuous he resigned the Curatorship on the olst December, 1894. This, however, did not cause Dr. Ramsay's complete severance from the Institution with which he had been connected so long, for he was appointed Consult- ing Ornithologist, and retained this position until 28th February, 1909, when he finally retired from the service of the Trust. 15a St. Andrew's University Calendar, 1895-96 (1895), p. 118. 1'^ Minutes, 6th August, 1889, p. 296. 212 RECORDS OF THK AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. From a Curatorial point of view, Dr. Ramsay's ideas were for some years certainly on the conservative side. One who knew liim welU'' about this time wi'ote me as follows : — " I came into Museum matters when they were in a transitional stage, and I rememVjer the old show case heresies, i** and did do something to put them away. Our friend, however, was quite conservative, and the old wooden show cases, with plenty of wood, often varnished, showing the wood in natural effect (indeed, at one Exhibition the woods of which the cases were made were advertised), the crown and sheet glass, the written labels, and the old methods of mounting and classification quite satisfied him. I remember in the early days how grieved he was at the reforms in Museum technique, which were begun by Haswell and developed to such a notable extent by yourself." A very marked change, however, was visible as time went on after Dr. flamsay's return from the Fislieries' Exhibition iu methods adopted here. Where the Curator shone was amongst his birds a.nd bird- skins, the admiration of ail Foreign visitoi's, and these will always stand as a nKjnument to Ramsay's naine. During his period of office approximately no less than 17,600 odd skins were added to the National Collection, either by collection, by way of purchase, or as gifts, and the skin-series in particular was always with him an object of great solicitude. The series known as " The Dobroyd Collection," made in their younger days by the Ramsay Brothers, now finds a safe repository here. He was tlie author of numei'ous papers, too many indeed to mention, but a few of the more important will be noticed shortly. Readers interested will find a list of those published in the " Proceedings of the Linnean Society of N.S.Wales" between the years 1875 to 1885 in a supplementary volume of the series ;^^ these number one hundred and seven, to say nothing of numerous " Exhibitions." A more complete list can be perused in the three volumes of the " Catalogue of Scientific Papers, compiled by the Royal Society of London," containing the letter R. The list in question gives a total of one hundred and twenty papers, but even this cannot represent a complete record of his writings. 17 J. H. Maiden. 1** And so do I ; those of the North Wing had been in position since 1856. 1'' List of the Names of Contrilnitors to the First Series (Vols, i.-x.) of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, from 1875 to 1885 (8vo., Sydney, 1S87.) EDWARD PIEKSON KAMSAY BTHEKIDGE. 213 Among the more interesting mammals described by Dr. Ramsay was H i/psipryvmodoii vioschatus^,^^ a Rat Kangaroo representing a new genus and species. This was collected by liimself in the dense scrubs in the Rockingham Bay District, and though not rare, is still far from plentiful in collections. A Wallaby, Mucropns browni and a Bandicoot I'erameles cocker - elli from New Ireland^i were named after their discoverers, the Rev. Dr. George Brown and Mr. James Cockerell, while a second Bandicoot, Perameles hroadbenti^-- was another striking species first made known by him. He also named several other mammals, including Bats, Rodents and Marsupials from Australia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, while he was fortunate in receiving a distinct variety of the Echidna, Tachyglossus aculeatus var. laweai^ from Poi't Moresby. This was forwarded by the Rev. W. G. Lawes, and is differentiated from the mainland form by the greater development of the hair and its particularly narrow skull. Dr. Ramsay's organisation of a collecting expedition by Messrs. Cairn and R. Grant, to Bellenden Ken-, Queensland, the unexplored home of the then recently discovered Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagu^), was the means of greatly enriching the mammalian and ornithological collections of the Australian Museum. His Herpetological work was less conspicuous, but he de- scribed several new Reptiles, including a well-marked variety of the. common Death Adder, Acanthoiiliis prcdoxyics, from Cape York. His efforts towards the furtherance of Ichthyology were of great importance, not so much on account of his writings as by the establishment of an Ichthyological Collection and his encouragement of contempory workers. He was in constant communication with Count F. de Castelnau and Sir William John Macleay, both of whom wrote extensively upon Australian fishes, and from whom he acquired many specimens which greatly enriched the Australian Museum collection. His -" Ramsay — Proc. Linn. New Soutli Wales, i., 1877, p. 33. -1 Eamsay — Ibid., pp. 307, 31U. " Ramsay— /fail/., iii., 1879, p. 402. 23 Ramsay — Ibid., ii., 1877, p. 32. 214 RECORDS OF THE ADSTRALIAN MUSEUM. official position enabled liiin to n^ather together a valuable Icbtliyological library, thus enabling these authoi'S to consult works otherwise unavailable to them. Visiting England in 1883 as Secretary in Charge of Exhibits to the Great International Fi,sheries Exhibition, Dr. Ramsay met Dr. Francis Day, author of the " Fishes of India," and was able to purchase from him the greater part of the fine collection of Indian fishes upon which this work was based. It iticluded a laige number of types and co-types of Day's own species, together with a considerable number of specimens identified by the celebrated Dutch Ichthyologist, Dr. Pieter Bleeker. This invaluable collection was brought safely to Australia and formed the basis of the large Ichthyological Collection since formed in the Australian Museum. Dr. Ramsay encouraged numerous collectors, both amateur and professional, and the earlier Museum Registers include many entries of zoological collections from all parts of Aus- tralasia, gathered together for him by local Missionaries and the officers of vessels trading in the South Seas. In 1882 he organised an expedition to the Burdekin and Mary Rivers, Queensland, with a view to investigating the fishes of that region. This was the outcome of a suggestion of Sir Richard Owen, who thought a search of some of the inter-tropical rivers of Australia might lead to the discovery of living species of archaic types of fishes, similar to Neoceratodns. The expe- dition-* under Mr. Alexander Morton, failed to discover any such types, but a fine collection of the local fauna was obtained, and many species were described as new. Among the more interesting fishes described as new by Dr. Ramsay, may be mentioned a Ribbon-fish, Trachyptenis jctck- smiensls^^ and a large Sea Perch, Luticuius viadeayaiia.-^ He also described and figured a large Sword-fish, Tetraptnrus indicus^"^ and some of our larger sharks, which were almost '-•' Exploration of the Caves and Elvers of N.S. Wales — Votes and Proceedings, etc., 1882, p. 551. -5 Eamsay — Proc. Linn. Soc. New South Wales, v., 1881, p. 631, pi. xx. 26 Kamsay— I6id., viii., 1883, p. 178. -" Kamsay — Ibid., v., 1881, p. 295, pi. viii. EDWARD I'lERSON RAMSAY ETHERIDGli. 215 unknown at the time. In 1886, and for a few succeeding years, he collaborated with Mr. J. Douglas Ogilby, wht) had taken up a position as a Scientific Assistant on the staff of the Australian Museum, but he shortly relegated the whole of the ichthyological work to his colleague. Between 1863 and 1899 Dr. Ramsay contributed well over one hundred papers on birds to various scientific journals — his principal vehicles of publication being " The Ibis," " Pro- ceedings of the Zoological Society," " Proceedings of the Liunean Society of New South Wales," and the Catalogues issued by the Trustees of the Australian Museum. His initial contributions to ornithological literature appeared in " The Ibis " and included a series of papei's on " Notes on the Birds breeding in the neighbourhood of Sydney, New South Wales, "^^ and " On the Diduncidus strigirostris, or Tooth-billed Pigeon from Upolo."-^ Besides there appeared a number of occasional papers as well as frequent letters to the then editor of " The Ibis," dealing with numerous points of interest to Ornithologists. The years 1865 to 1884 saw many papers from his pen, and these appeared chiefly in the " Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London." In these contributions he made known a number of new forms and familiarised workers with the rich bird-fauna of North-eastern Queensland. His papei's in the " Proceedings of the Zoological Society" include descriptions of a number of new species, including Atrichia rufescens (" De- scription of a new species Atrichia from the Richmond River, New South Wales ")^o and Gllciphila > Brown — hoc. cit., p. 725. 'i Etlieridge— Rec. Austr. Mus., vi., No. 5, 1907. p. 325, pi. Ixii., figs. 4-8. TTtecTTos — that which is pressed. DESCRIPTIONS OF NKW SOUTH WALES FOSSILS ETHERITXiE. 221 II. — An Additional Annelid Jaw from the Upper Silurian OF Bowning. (Plate xli., tig. 4). A particularly interesting Annelid jaw was entrusted to me by Mr. John Mitchell, from the rich fossiliferous beds of Bowniug. It is quite distinct from any of those hitherto described from Australian strata, and adds a further genus of Errant Annelids to the Australian list. In 1879 Dr. G. H. Hinde proposed the genus Staurocephalites for " jaws of more or less elongated, compressed, denticulate plates, resembling those of the existing genus Stmirocephalus, Grube."^ Dr. Hinde's likened-name is particularly unfortunate because Stuiirocephalus, Grube, 1853, was antedated as a genus of Trilobites by Barrande at least nine years before, in 1846. However, there the name is, and as Staurocephalites must be used. The little jaws for which Dr. Hinde proposed this name are ribbon-like, and may be best compared to a fret-saw blade. The two Bowning jaw-plates are linear, long, flattened, nari'ow, particularly delicate and black in colour, both about six millimetres in length. The slightly longer of the two has about twenty-six teeth, the shorter about twenty- two. These teeth are exceedingly minute, acicular, separate from one another, not inclined, but at right angles to the ribbon itself, and of uniform size; the height varies from 0.21-0.27 mm. These minute objects are quite distinct from both of Hinde's species, S. 7iiagare)tsis^ and S. serrida,^^ in that they are (if perfect) uniformly linear, and no evidence of narrowing from before backwards. They are also acicular-toothed instead of triangular as in S. niagarensis, or short and rounded like those of S. serrida. It is proposed to terra this form Staurocephalites granimoidesA^ « Hinde— Quart. Jour. Geol. Soc, xxxv., 1879, p. 383. '■' Hinde— Loc. cit., xxxv., 1879, p. 383, pi. xx., fig. 1. I" Rinde— Lor. cit., xxxvi., 1880, p, :i76, pi. xiv., figs. 18-20. ' ' ypafXfLij — a line. 222 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEL'Jl. TTT. PeLECYPODA from the PEUMo-CAni-.ONIFEROrS (»K Bun DA NOON. Genus Uiapliragniella,^- tjeii. nor. (Jen. Chars. — Shell elougately pterinifoi'iu, left valve convex ; cardinal margin provided with liganieutal furrows, and a few cardinal teeth, but no lateral lamellae ; clavicle oblique, incon- spicuous; adductor scar veiy small, but deep, high in position. Oh". — A remarkable form with the outward appearance of an oblique Merismopteria, but with a small oblique clavicle in front of the anterior adductor scar in the place of a strong one at right angles to the cardinal margin. There is an excavate liganieutal area as in Merismopteria, but no divej'ging lateral lamellffi ; there are one or two cardinal teeth slightly anterior to the umbos, which do not exist in MerisinopteriK, situated above the highly placed anterior adductor, quite on a par with the structure of Pterlnea, but again is to be noted the absence of lateral dental lamellae. On the other hand, there is a resemblance to Pterinea in the convexity of the left valve, and were the test preserved, strong radiating costae. Diaphragmella merismopteroides, sj). nov. (Plate xl., figs. 1-2). Si)- Chars. — Shell (cast) elongately and obliquely pteriuiform; cardinal margin less than the width of the shell ; ventral margin well rounded ; anterior end proper very small and lobe-1-ike, the margin strongly insinuate downwards; posterior auriculation flattened. Umbonal region long, narrow, convex and elevated, the umbo apparently slender and acute; cardinal teeth very slightly in advance of the umbo. Anterior adductor scar immediately under the cardinal margin, placed obliquely. Ohs. — This appears to be a remarkable modification of the Merismopteria type, and might easily be mistaken for the latter on casual observation. 1- Diminutive of 6t'(/.(/)/)(/.y/ihinifro}i>i, Biirgei-^, are better characterised, and may be distinguished by the following key : — a. Lateral niar<>'ins of front pai'allel; fronto-orliital breadth equal to the length of tlie eephalothorax ; penultimate leg twice as long as the eephalothorax planifrons. aa. Lateral margins of front divergent 1)ackwards ; fronto-orbital breadth less than the length of the eephalothorax ; penultimate leg much less than twice as long as the eephalothorax. h. Pronounced postfrontal elevations extending between the epi- bi'anehial teeth ; branchial regions markedly rugose both anter- iorly and posteriorly nn gusti frons. bb. Postfrontal elevations obsolete or absent; branchial regions almost or quite smooth anteriorly transversa and leichardti. GeothfLPHUSA r.EICHAKPTI, ^^ers. (Plate xlii., figs. 1-4.) Telplmsa lekhtrdt! Miers, Zool. Alert, 1884, p. 236. Aihilt male (from twenty miles west of Hugheuden, Nortli Queensland.) Cephalothorax smooth, punctate; the punctations close and coarse on the gastric regions, finer and less numerous else- whei'e. The cat'apaee is veiy convex longitudinally ; the middle pai't of the back is flat ti-ansversely, but the swollen branchial regions luake it very convex laterally. Cervical 3 Yon Martens— Monatsb. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, 1868, p. 609. •* A. Milne Edwards — Nouv. Arch. Mus. Paris, v., 1869, p. 177, pi. ix., fig. 2. 6 De Man— Notes Leyd. Mus., xiv., 1892, p. 241. G Miers— Zool. Alert, 1884, p. 236. "A. Milne Edwards— Nouv. Arch. Mus. Paris, v., 1869, p. 171, pi. viii, fig. 1. s Burger— Zool. Jahrb., Syst, viii., 1894, p. 6, pi. i.. fig. 6. STUDIES IN AUSTRALIAN CRUSTACEA McCULLOCH. 233 groove incomplete and forming a very shallow depression on each side, but the H-shaped grooves detining the gastro-cardiac regions are more distinct. No postfrontal prominences, though a minute median furrow is present. The length of the ceph- alothorax is 1.4 in its breadth. Front, orbital borders, and anterolateral margins raised into a low ridge. Front detle.xed, its anterior margin slightly concave, its width •i.4 in the breadth of the carapace; its anterior face is deflexed downward and backward to meet the epistome. Outer frontal angles rounded and continuous with the orbital borders. Orbits slightly oblique, wider than deep, the margins entire without sutures; the lower margin is microscopically milled and forms a cristate tubercle internally, and the ex- terior angle is not tooth-like. Lateral margins of carapace arcuate, defined anteriorly by a low, smootli crest; a minute notch a short distance behind the eye on each side forms an epibranchial tooth. Posterolateral margins ill-defined, slightly oblique, and longer than the anterolateral ; they are marked with fine wrinkles which pass forward and downward to the sides of the carapace. Ptery- gostomial and subhepatic regions somewhat rugose with scattered ridges and wrinkles. Abdomen consisting of seven movable segments. The first is rounded anteriorly, with concave sides ; its width is oue-sixtli greater than its length. The second is wider than long, its sides almost parallel, slightly convergent anteriorly. The fifth, foui'th, and third joints become uniformly wider, while the second and first are as wide as the fifth. Sternum and abdomen with scattered punctations. Two broad and deep furrows are present on the anterior part of the sternum be- tween the last abdominal segment and the base of the maxilli- peds. Basal antennal joint in contact with the under surface of the fronto-orbital angle, the flagellum about two-thirds as long as the eye. Epistome broad, with a broad rounded depression on its median portion, which forms an angular lobe between the maxillipeds. Outer maxiliipeds smooth, punctate; the ischium is subquadrangular, much longer than broad, with a slightly oblique groove much nearer the inner than the outer 234 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MDSEUM. border; tlie merus is mucli broader than long, with its outer margins rounded, the inner truncate; it is pointed anteriorly, with its autero-iuternal angle somewhat excavate. Chelipeds very unequal but of similar construction. The upper margin of the merus is rugose, and terminates in an obtuse tubercle ; the other margins are smooth. Car[)us punctate ; with two inner spines, the antero-superior of wliich is the larger. Hand smooth, without sharp angles; fingers of the larger hand are widely gaping, meeting only at their tips, and are denticulate along their whole inner margins ; the upper has two groups of enlarged teeth, one near the base and the other near the middle, while the lower has a very large tooth between the two upper ones, and one in advance of it. In the smaller hand the fingers meet along almost their whole length ; the denticulations are subequal, but some are some- what enlarged as in the larger hand. Meral joints of the ambulatory legs compressed, with three ridges, one above and two below ; in the first three pairs the upper portion of the basal half is rugose, but in the fourth pair it is smooth. Carpal joints of the first three pairs with one superior and two lateral ridges, the two latter terminating in minute spines ; in the fourth pair the two lateral ridges are obsolete. Propodus of each pair with several larger and smaller spines on its upper and lower ridges, and one at the termination of each. Tarsi with strong spines on each of the four upper and lower angles. Breadth of carapace 44nim. ; length of carapace 31mni.; fronto-orbital width 25mm. ; breadth of front 10mm. Female. — A female 38mm. wide, which was collected with the male, differs in having the hands subequal in size and of the same shape as the smaller hand of tlie male. The branchial regions are less inflated so that the carapace is flatter from side to side, and the cervical grooves are much less evident. The abdomen completely covers the sternum, and is widest between the fourth and fifth segments; its sides are arcuate, narrowing evenly forwards to the obtusely angular tips. In all other details the female appears similar to the male. STDDIBS IN ADSTRALIAN CRUSTACEA McCULLOCH. 235 Nomenclatiire. — In identifying tliese specimens as T. leich- ardti, I am guided rather by a consideration of the locality whence that species was obtained than by the meagre characters referred to by Miers. He had two examples from different sources, the localities of which he gave merely as East Australia, but according to the notes of the late Mr. F. E. Grant, he examined a specimen in the British Museum which was labelled ^'■Telphiisa lelcharcUi, sp. nov., ^. Australia, Lat. 27" 9', Long. 144°." This position is in South- western Queensland, and is well within the area over which the species described above ranges. As already stated, how- ever, I think it probable that '/'. leichardti is not distinct from T. transversa, the types of which were obtained at Cape York. Variation. — The Australian Museum collection includes nineteen examples from different localities which appear to be specifically identical, though they exhibit considerable variation in several structural details. The fronto-orhital nudth ranges from 1.9-1.7 in the width of the cephalothorax ; that this is merely individual variation is pi'oved by the fact that it differs in individuals which have been collected together, while a series of specimens shows an unbroken range of intermediate stages. The coavexitij of the haclc is evidently a very variable character. Notwithstanding the very different appearance of markedly convex examples from New South Wales, and others much flatter from King Sound, North West Australia, an in- termediate series seems to preclude the possibility of the two being distinct species or even subspecies. On the oilier hand, four from North-eastern Queensland, in which the carapace is particularly flat, may be conveniently separated as a distinct variety under the name pJa)ia. The width of the abdomen in both sexes is variable; the form of the male abdomen is shown in my figure, but the proportions of the component segments, and particularly of the last three, are somewhat variable; the female abdomen may entii'cly cover the sternum, or leave a portion exposed on either side. The riKjosity of the legs varies somewhat in different specimens, as do the fine lines on the sides of the carapace, but to a less degree than the other features noted. Locs. — The two specimens described in detail were collected by Mr. F. L. Berney twenty miles west of Hughenden^ North Queensland, where the species is quite common, occuri'ing in 236 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MDSEDM. every stream and waterliole around ilie district. It digs burrows in the wet mud of tlie banks, piling up a small crater of soil at their mouths a couple of inches higli. The other specimens Avhich I identify as this species were obtained at the following localities: — (3) — Dandaloo, Bogan River, Central New South Wales. (3) — Moree, G wydir River, Northern New South Wales. (2) — Forty miles North-west of Collarenebri, Northern New South Wales. (2) — Atigeldool, Narran River, Northern New South Wales. (I) — Port Darwin, North Australia. (6) — King Sound, North West Australia. (2)— Locality P Gkothelphdsa leichardti, var. plana, vitr. nov. (Plate xlii., fig 5.) Four examples from North-east Queensland are very different in general appearance to those I have identified as Ct. leichardti, hut 1 am unable to discover any important structural differences to distinguish them. The carapace is much flatter both transversely and longitudinally than in (/. JeichurJti, and the chord of the antero-lateral borders is relatively shorter ; the cervical and gastro-cardiac grooves are somewhat more deeply impressed, and the former diverge more widely than in G. leicliiinUi; the postfroutal prominences are very weakly indicated ; the male abdomen is narrower than is usual in (t. leichardti, the greatest breadth of the third segment being only equal to the combined lengths of the last two. Apart from these features however, I can find no definite character by which this form may be recognised. Measurements of the male specimen figured. Length of carapace 23mm. ; breadth of carapace 30^mm. ; fronto-orbital width 19mm. ; breadth of front 7|mm. j^acs. — (2) Eureka Creek, Walsh River, North-east Queens- land (flowing into the Gulf of Car[)entaria.) (2) — Cooktown, North-east Queensland. STDDIES IN ADSTRALTAN CRUSTACEA McCDLT.OCH. 237 Notes on Variation in Astacopsis serratds, Sliaw. (Plate xHii.) The common Crayfish or Fresli -water Lobster of Eastern and Soutliern New South Wales and Victoria undergoes con- siderable alteration in its armature and ornamentation durinef transition from the younCT to the adult stages. It is also sub- ject to considei-able variation at all ages, but particularly when about 100mm. long, at which size it begins to develop the large tubercles and spines which are chai'acteristic of full- grown specimens. The species is represented in the AiTstralian Museum collec- tion by a fine series of over seventy specimens fj'om vai'ious parts of New South Wales, which are well graduated in size. The smallest specimens, -iSmni. long (measured from the end of the rostrum to that of the telson), have the carapace nearly smooth, but it gradually becomes granular as they increase in size until a length of tibout 95mni. is attained, when lai'ger tubercles and spines begin to make their ap[)earance. Twenty full-grown examples, 160-260mm. long, are the typical A. serratus as figured by Shaw^, wjth large spines or tubercles on the posterior half of the carapace, and numerous stout spines on the abdomen. Some examples of intermediate size, measuring up to 132mm. in length, have not developed the armature character- istic of the adult stages, but have the hinder poition of the carapace granular and the abdomen without spines as is typical of younger specimens ; the lateral edges of the rostrum also are nearly smooth instead of strongly dentate as usual. These belong to the variety- described and figured by Dana as A. )t(tbiUs-, but they do not appear to attain a large size, and perhaps develop into the typical form with increased age. Still others from near Stanthorpe, Southern Queensland, have the general chaiacters of the variety uobilis but have the rostrum very large and broader than is usual in the species. 1 Shaw— Zool. N. Holland, 1794, p. 21, pi. viii. 2 Dana— Wilkes U.S. Explor. Exped., Crust., i., 1852, p. 526, pi. xxxiii., fig. 3. 238 RECORDS OP THE AUSTRALIAN MDSEDM. Twelve specimens, 62-82mm. long, differ from all others in the collection in having the whole carapace, abdomen, and appendages markedly hirsute, while the rostrum is narrower than is usual, though a careful comparison with othei's of the typical form and of similar size fails to reveal any further characters to distinguish them. They were obtained in the Belraore Falls Creek, which runs into the Kangaroo River, New South Wales, and were pi'esented to the Australian Museum by Professor W. A. Haswell, F.R.S. He discovered a new commensal worm, Temnocepluda, sp., associated with them, which is distinct from any found elsewhere, and he suo-ofests that this fact is of some importance as indicating at least long isolation from their nearest allies. In the absence of larger specimens, however, and considering that they exhibit' no differentiating structural characters it seems best to regard these example as I'epresenting only a variety of A. serratiis, which may be distinguished by the name hirsntits. The colour variations of A. seiTcdns are very striking, but cannot be investigated without the examination of a large series of fresh specimens from many localities. Some examples from the Blue Mountains are bright pink in life as in Shaw's original figure. McCoy^ describes and figures Murray River specimens as light blue, while adults from around Sydney are lai-gely daik green ornamented with deep blue and red. Astacopsis serratiis is known from the Murray River and its tributaries (Haswell*, McCoyS, Smith^, Austr. Mus.) ; Yarra, Plenty and Bunyip Rivers, Victoria (Smith); Blue Mountains, New South Wales (Haswell, Smith, Austr. Mus.) ; Parramatta and near Sydney (Smith, Austr. Mus.); Mt. Kosciusko (Austr. Mus.) ; various coastal localities from Bnndanoon and Wollon- gong to Bari-ington Tops and Dorrego, New South Wales (Austr. Mus.) ; ? Richmond River (Haswell) ; Lyra, near Stanthorpe, Queensland (Austr. Mus.). 3 McCoy— Prodr. Zool. Viet., Dec. ii., 1878, pi. xv. ■» Haswell— Cat. Austr. Crust., 1882, p. 174. 5 McCoy— Prodr. Zool. Vict., Dec. ii., 1878, pi. xv. 6 Smith— Proc. Zool. Soc, 1912, p. 157, pis. xvi.-xviii. EXPLANATION OK PLATE XMI. Fig. 1. (JeotlteliihnxK leicJtardti, Miers. An adult male, -i-inini. wide. Twenty miles west of Huglienden, North Queensland. Fig. -1. Mouth-parts and front of the same specimen. Fig. 3. Larger cbeliped of tlie same specimen. Fig. ■!•. Abdomen of the same specimen. Fig. 5. Geothelphusa lekhanUi, var lAana, var. no v. Type of variety, 30|mm. wide. Eureka Creek, Walsh River, North Queensland. REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. X] Plate XlJf. A. R. McCuLLOcH, Austi'. Mus., del. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XLIII. Astacopsis nerratas, Sliaw, var. hirsiitns, var. uov. Type of variety, 76mm. long. Belmore Falls Creek, New South Wales. RY.C. AUSTR. MUS., VOL. XI. Plate XIJII (»/ A. R. McCuiJ.ocH, Anstr. Mns., del. AN AUSTRALIAN AMPHIPORA. By R. Etheridge, Junr., Director and Curator, Australian Museum, Sydney. (Plates xliv.-xlv.) In his "Monograph of the British Stromatoporoids," Prof. H. A. Nicholson said, " so far as known ADipliipora is repre- sented by one species only, viz. : the form described by Phillips under the name of Vaunopora ramosa (Fig. and Descript. Pal. Foss., p. 19.) This remarkable species occurs in yasfc numbers in the Devonian Rocks of Germany and Devonshire, apparently occupying in the former region, as probable in the latter also, a definite horizon in the upper portion of the Middle Devonian series (the Ramosa-Bjinke of Schulz)."! Tlie researches of Mi-. A. J. Shearsby, of Yass, have revealed many interesting fossils from the rich Murrumbidgee beds, not the least interesting being that about to be described. In A. ramosa, Phillips the coenosteum, or calcareous skeleton, is in the form of slender cylindrical stems, which may or may not increase by dichotomy. Each branch is occupied by a longitudinal, axial, central canal, or tube, which may be inter- sected by tabulfe, transverse or funnel-shaped. The general skeletal tissue is of the Stromatoporoid type, continuously reticulated, but compact instead of being minutely porous. Irregular zooidal tubes xadiate outwards from the axial tube to open on the surface by definite apertures. The appearance of the coenostial surface varies, either these apertures are visible with vermiculate or tuberculate margins, or the cylin- drical branches are surrounded by a zone of lenticular vesicles, enveloped bj^ a delicate apparently imperforate calcareous membrane. The general tissue is completely reticulate and there are neither radial pillars nor concentric laniinfe as dis- tinct structures (Xic]tnJ!inii.) 1 Nicholson— Mon. Brit. Stromatoporoids, Pt. i , 1886, p. 109. 240 RECORDS OF TUE AUSTRALIAN MCSEU.M. We may now ascertain liow far the Murrumbidgee form agrees with tliis definition. In the first place, however, all macroscopic characters must be omitted as the various coenos- teum fragments are matted together in black limestone, and not weathered-out. The longest measurable fragment is 35nim., and tlie general diameter of the branches 2inra. In viewing a transverse section tlie agreement with the structure of A. ramosa as portrayed in Prof. Nicholson's figures- is ]-eniarkable. The axial tube is always visible, and of com- paratively large size. This is surrounded by the sectioned zooidal tubes of variable size and outline, piercing the homo- genous compact (in fact dense) skeletal tissue. Xicholson described two conditions of the surface, as already explained, both of which may be seen in our sections. In some instances the peripheral ends of the zo(')idal tubes are visible as clear cellular spaces, like those of an ordinary ramose coral, more or less quadrangular iu outline; these then represent that con- dition of Aiiiphipora in wliich the surface apertures of the tubes are not covered by a thin membrane. In other sectioned branches the peripheral area or ring is occupied by vesicles over the greater portion of its extent, in conjunction with other vesicular tissue in the before-mentioned zooidal tubes ; such may possibly represent the second condition of Amphi'pora iu which the apertures are covered with a membrane. The tissues are all compact and opaque, there is no trace of porosity, and I have failed to distinguisli tabulae. In longitudinal sections I found it very difficult to exactly locate the axial tu.be. This arose no doubt from the various angles at which the branches are disposed in the matrix. All the characters described under the transverse section are repeated here. A comparison with Prof. Nicholson's figures (two of wliich are reproduced for comparison) with those now given, will at once indicate the close agi-eement there is between the two foi'ms — European and Australian. Whether other forms have been des(;ribed since he wrote, I am unaware, but if his state- ment still holds good that A. ramosa is the only known species so far, the present fossil will be a welcome addition and may be - Nicholson— Loc. cit., pi. ix., fig. 3, pi. xxix., figs. 5 and 6. AN ADSTKALIAN AMPHIPORA ETHERIDGE. 241 known as ^4. auxfrahtstcd. Possibly a second species is known, for Mr. F. Chapman lias recorded " a small digitate (?) stromatoporoid bearing some resemblance to Ai)iphipora,^^ from the Aberfeldy River, Co. Tangil, Victoria-^. Loc. — Quarry, one mile west-soutli-west of Style's House, near Boambolo Crossing, Murrumbidgee River. Hor. — In all probability this fossil is from Mr. L. P. Harper's Glen Bower Series, a " small inlier of Sihirian rocks found in the porphyry intrusion south of Mr. Style's house, in Portion 5, Pa. Cavan "^, which accords fairly well with Mr. Shearsby's locality. •Chapman — Rec. Geol. Survey Vict., ii., pt. 1, 1907, p. 68. ■* Harper — Rec. Geol. Survey N.S. Wales, ix., pt. 1, 1909, p. 39, map ii. EXPLANATION OF PLATE XLIV. Anipliipora australasica, Eth. iil. Transverse section of inimerous brandies. It is not all that could be desired in consequence of tlie dense opaque nature of the matrix. In each instance the white central, more or less circular patch is the axial tube ; the smaller irregularly formed patches are the cut ends of the zociidal tubes. The branch at the top centre around the peri- phery distinctly shows the more or less quadrangular tubes referred to in the text, whilst in the two largest branches, one on each side towards the bottom, the large peripheral white portions represent the marginal vesicles — X 7 diam. (Compare pi. xlv., fig. 2.) REC. AUSTR. MUS., VOL, XI. Plate XIJV H. G. GoocH, micro. -photo. EXPLANATION OK PLATE XI-V. Aiiipliii)oiK HUKtralasica, Efh.jil. Fig. 1. Loiifritnflitial section of portion of a hand specimen disnlaviiiir several brandies, in all of whicli tlie con- .... tin tiously reticulate tissue is visible, and at the upper end of tlie second branch (inwards) on the left of the fif/ure may be seen a small length of the axial canal — X 4 diain. Amphipora ramosa, I'hiU'rps, sp. Fig. 2. Transvei-se section of a branch showing " tlie axial tube and large marginal vesicles, with intermediate reticulated tissue" ('ifter Nichnlsnn) — x 12 diam. Fig. 3. Longitudinal section of a branch in whicli "marginal vesicles are not develojied, and the axial canal is intersected by well developed tabulae" {after Nichol- son)— X 8 diam. REC. AUSTR. Mrs.. VOL XI Plate XI.V II. (.1. Gooi'H, uiioi'ii. -photo. I J MBL WHOI Library - Serials 5 WHSE 00884 f^/1