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FOR THE PEOPLE
FOR EDVCATION i
FOR SCIENCE

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

OF

NATURAL HISTORY

^y^na at ,

,0 - e^ TEEE]

Victorian Natdralist:

THE JOURNAL & MAGAZINE

OP THE

MAY, 1902, TO APRIL, 1903.

Ibon. BOitOr : MR. F. Q. A. BARNARD.

The Author of each Arcicle is responsible for the facts and
opinions recorded.

iHbelbourne:
WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, MAOKILLOP STREET

(off 390 LITTLE COLLINS STREET).

1903.

'^^4v^^,^,

'-Y-

INDEX TO VICTORIAN NATURALIST,

T7-OIj.

2^122:.

PAGE

J my t is modesta - - - lOo

Ants, Curious Effect of Bite

of - - - - 122

Argonauts, Notes on - - 28
Birchip Heterocera, Larvae

and Pupge of 79, 132, 170
Birds of Mud Island - - 166
Birds on Eubicon River - 77
Birds' Eggs, Australian 34, 67,
73, 91, 101
Birds' Eggs, South African - 36
Boopia bettorigia - - - oO

Boojna minida - - - 51

Boopia nvta-fusra - - 50

Calamanthus alhiloris - - 102
Calyptorhynchus macrorhynchus

91
(Jentrolepis cephalo/ormis - 97
Cetorhinits fnaximiis - 62, 123
Cloudburst, Effect of a - 32

Coccid, A Singular Victorian 95
Conchology, Notes on Perry's 75
Cymhahipora hulloides - - 153

Destolrnia lineata - - - 132
Dragon -flies of Alexandra - 24
Entomostraca, Records of

Victorian _ - - 148
Ererniornis carteri - 71, 156
Field Naturalists' Club —

Annual Report - - 38

Conversazione - - 84

Excursions —

Bacchus Marsh - - 124
Cheltenham- - - 121
Heidelberg - - - 1
Kew - - - - 93
Launching Place - - 147
Mitcham - - - 37
Sandringham - 69, 105
Shoreham " Camp-Out "

7, 107
Exhibition of Wild Flowers 87

Game Act, Reports re
Office-bearers, 1902-3

- 43

Field Naturalists' Club —

President's Address - 44

Proceedings, 1, 21, 37, 53, 69,
81, 93, 105, 121,133, 145, 157
Rules, Alterations to 1, 22, 54
Flinders, Geology of - - 142
Flora of Victoria, Contribu-
tions to - - - 97
Foraminifer, A Pelagic - 153
Gastrophora henricaria - 59
Geology of Flinders - - 142
Geology of King Island - 163
Gonoides longus - - - 90
Gonoides retradus - - 90
Harpagifer hispmis - - 22
Heterocera, Birchip 79, 132, 170
Hyleora dilucida - - - 158
Ibis, Notes on - - 72, 92
King Island, Geology of - 163
Latumcephalum macropuH - 51
Lobelias, Micro-fungi of

Australian - - - 159
Mallophaga, New Species of

50, 90
Mallee, Natural History Notes

from - - - - 118
Micro-fungi of Australian

Lobelias - - - 159
Mosquitos and Disease 82, 87
Mud Island, Trip to - - 166
Musical Sand at Shoreham - 1 14
Nautilus - - - - 28
Nigeria, Some Notes on 116, 126
Ninox connivens - - - 92
Ninox strenua - - - 92
Notes —

Albatross, White-capped

or Shy - - - - 70
Amytis housei - - -00
Asplenium hulhiferum - 122
BelJis perennis - - 68

Birds, West Australian - 33
Blackbirds in Gardens - 171
Cockatoo, A New - - 55

INDEX.

Notes —

Diccewm hirundmaceum - i9
Eggs of Honey-eaters, &c. 123
Enj)horbia drummondi - 49
Eucalyptus corynocalyx - 4
"Fat-hen" Plant - 134, 171
Ferns - - - - 33
Foraminifera - - - 146
Frog, A Eare - - - 123
(Tame Act - - - 94

Hall, Mr. E. - - - 156
Honey-eaters and the Sugar

Gum - - _ -
Honey-eater, Sanguineous

Ibo,

Honours

Marine Animalcules -
Microscopical -
Minahs - - -
" Monomeeth Parbine
Murray Cod - - -
Musical Sand - - -
Mutton-birds - - -
Nature Study - - -
Oliyorus macquariensis
Pedionomus torqiiatus
Plain Wanderer
Platycercus harnardi
Platycercus macgillivruyi -
Prism Binoculars
Prostdiithera waiter i
Pulpit Eock - - 134,
Quail - - - -

Shells, Abnormal Growth
of - - - -

Talegallas _ . .
Tupong - - - -
Ornithvhiiis fuscas

4

92

172

- 68

- 172
146, 172
134,171

83

135

52

68

83

80

80

4

156

80

156

156

95

123

135

23

91

PAGK

Urthezia floccosa - - - 95

" Perry's Conchology," Notes

on - - - - 75
Petrel, White-faced Storm - 166
Phallaria ophiusaria - - 61
Phanerogams, Fertilization

of - - - - 98, 12.S
Phasmidse, Notes on Aus-
tralian - - _ i,3fs
Plants, New Disti'icts for

Victorian 49, 71, 104, 156
Polytelis harrahandi - - 151

Palytelis melanura - - 152

Publications : —

Catalogue of Nests and
Eggs of Birds Breeding
in Australia and Tas-
mania - - - - 51
Emu, The - - 52, 172

Guide to Botanic Gardens,

Melbourne - - - 66
Journal of Agriculture,

Victoria - - - 67
Monograph of the Culicidae

or Mosquitos - - 52

Nature in New Zealand - 154
Nature Studies in Australia 155
Rhipidura intermedia - - 101
Eabicon Eiver, A Day up the 77
Shark, A Eare Victorian 62, 1 23
Shellfish Food Eemains 3, 56

Snakes Casting their vSkins 137
Spathopterus alexandrce - 152

Tri niton nicjer - - - 90

Victorian Plants, New Dis-
tricts for 49, 71, 104, 156
Xylorycta Jiomoleuca - - 79

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Cetorhinus maximus (2 plates) 62 | Mallophaga, New Species of

Entomostraca, Victorian
Eremiornis carteri
Oastrophora henricaria

150
71
89

Phallaria ophiusaria -
Schwnicola platyura

50

- 61

1

ERRATA.

Page 55, line 27 — Strike out word " white."
,, ob ,, 29 — Strike out word " white. "
,, 55 ,, 29 — Strike out words " Threskiornis strictipennis.''^
,, 72. — Strike out " white " in title of paper.
,, 80, line 9 — For "A', cryptophaga ''' read " (Jryptophaga levca-

delpha."
,, 95 ,, 32 — For '^ macrorohynchus" read ^' macror?i.y)ichus."
,, 122 ,, 18 — For " Za}iceo/«<tt " read " Zmert to. "

-rs.

Cbe Uictorian l^turalist

Vol. XIX.— No. 1. MAY 8, 1902. No. 221.

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA.

A SPECIAL meeting of the Club was held in the Royal
Society's Hall on Monday evening, 14th April, 1902. The
president, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., occupied the chair, and about
70 members and visitors were present.

The rules, as revised by the Committee, were submitted to the
meeting for adoption. Mr. G. Coghill moved and Mr. J. H.
Gatliff seconded — "That the rules as now printed be adopted as
the rules of the Club."

Mr. J. F. Haase moved — "That the following addition be made
to the rules submitted: — 'That all papers sent to the Club must be
submitted to the Committee for their approval before publication.'"
This was seconded by Mr. G. A. Keartland, and carried.

Mr. J. Shephard stated that it was his intention to give notice
of a further alteration in the rules at the next ordinary meeting.

The ordinary meeting was then held.

CORRESPONDENCE.

From the hon. secretary of the Engineering Students' Society,
Melbourne University, inviting members to attend a lecture by
Prof. J. W. Gregory, D.Sc, F.R.S., at the University, on
Thursday, 24th April, entitled " A Journey Round Lake Eyre."

REPORTS.

A report of the Club's excursion to Heidelberg on Saturday,
15th March, was read by the leader, Mr. J. Shepherd, who said
that, the object of the excursion being pond life, the lagoon near
the bridge over the Yarra, and, by the courteous permission of
Mr. R. Laidlaw, that in the grounds of Springbank, were visited.
Two unnamed species of Brachionus were found in much greater
numbers than on previous visits, and among other species taken
were the Rotifer Lacinularia elongata, some fine colonies of
Polyzoa, and a single specimen of Pedalion. A pleasant and
interesting afternoon was spent by the members who took part
in the excursion.

A detailed report of the Club's Easter camp-out at Shoreham,
Western Port Bay, from Friday, 28th March, till Tuesday, ist
April, was read by Mr. J. A. Kershaw, who stated that a most
enjoyable and profitable time had been spent by the party during
their five days' outing. The time was devoted almost exclusively
to working the reefs and shores of that part of the bay, with most
satisfactory results. Detailed reports on the various branches

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

touched on were furnished by several of the members who
attended.

A report was read by Mr. G. A. Keartland on the work done
by the sub-committee appointed by the Club to draw up a list of
suggestions for the assistance of the Minister before any altera-
tions were made in the existing Game Act. The sub-committee
reported that nearly 300 printed circulars, containing several
questions to be answered, were issued to various sportsmen, and
a large number of these had been returned with the replies filled
in. Out of forty-five leading sportsmen in various parts of the
State, only one stated that he had not found young quail at the
opening of the season. Thirty stated that they had found the
birds still breeding, and twenty-five recommended the alteration
of the date of opening the shootmg season from ist March to ist
April. Nearly all the replies favoured the opening of the shoot-
ing season for ducks on the ist February, as very few of the young
birds can fly by the 20th December. Finally a conference was
held at which representatives of the Royal Agricultural Society,
sportsmen, bird dealers, and fruit-growers, together with the
Club's sub-committee, were present, when the list and sug-
gestions submitted by the sub-committee was adopted by the
conference, and it was suggested that a deputation, consisting of
the representatives above mentioned, together with the president
and secretary of this Club, should wait on the Minister and urge
the adoption of the list as amended.

Messrs. A. Coles, A. J. Campbell, and A. E. Kitson discussed
the report.

Mr. D. Le Souef moved — "That the sub-committee endeavour
to arrange for a deputation to the Minister, and that the President
and Secretary attend."

On the motion of Mr. G. Coghill, seconded by Mr. J. H.
Gatliff, Mr. Keartland was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for
the valuable work he-had done in connection with this matter.

The hon. librarian reported the receipt of the following
donations to the library : — Journal of Agriculture, Victoria,
February and March, from the Department of Agriculture,
Victoria; "Fungus Diseases," by D. M'Alpine, from the author;
" Proceedings Royal Society of Victoria," part 2, 1902, from
the Society ; The Wombat, March, from the Geelong Field
Naturalists' Club ; The Emu, April, from the Australasian
Ornithologists' Union ; " Report on the Kiandra Lead," from
Department of Mines, New South Wales ; " Notes on the Botany
of Pitcairn Island," by J. H. Maiden, F.L.S., Sydney, from the
author; " Insects and Insect Lore," by J. G. O. Tapper, F.L.S.,
Adelaide, from the author ; Nature Notes, February, from the
Selborne Society, London ; Knowledge and Science Gossip,
February and March, from the proprietors.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

ELECTIONS.

On a ballot being taken, Mr. C. A. Robinson, 257 Auburn-
road, Auburn, was elected an ordinary, and Mr. H. Ernest Gatlifif
a country member of the Club.

The President took the opportunity of mentioning the return of
our fellow member, Professor W. Baldwin Spencer, M.A., F.R.S.,
who, with Mr. F. J. Gillen, had spent some twelve months among
the aboriginals in the interior of Australia, and had brought back
a very valuable collection of material for future work.

Mr. D. Le Souef moved, and Mr. G. B. Pritchard seconded —
" That Professor Spencer be congratulated on the successful
results of his recent expedition."

PAPERS.

I. By Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., entitled— "Shell-fish Food
Remains of Australian Aboriginals."

In a very interesting paper, illustrated with some very good
lantern views, the author drew attention to the large quantities of
broken shells which are .to be found on many parts of the Vic-
torian coast, which he contended were the remains of shell-fish
gathered by the aboriginals for food, and were the accumulation
of many years. The author stated that many deposits, which were
commonly supposed to be raised beaches, would be found to be
the remains of kitchen-middens formed by the natives, and sug-
gested that further research should be made in suitable localites.

In discussing the paper Mr. G. A. Keartland mentioned that
he had found the aboriginals on the Fitzroy River, North-Western
Australia, engaged in collecting mussels, which they boiled, and
on going to their camp found a deposit of some ten or fifteen
drayloads of these shells, forming the results of many years' col-
lecting.

Mr, G. B. Pritchard could not altogether agree with Mr. Le
Souefs conclusions, being of opinion that the kitchen-middens
were not so common as stated, and discussed the possibility of
the shells being blown up to the top of the cliflfs by strong winds.

The president (Mr. T. S. Hall) stated that there was no doubt
as to the extent of country covered with the middens, and men-
tioned several instances where these occur in Victoria, some of
which contained enormous quantities of shells, most of which had
been broken, evidently by the aboriginals, and which must have
taken hundreds of years to collect.

Messrs. G. Coghill, A. E. Kitson, and F. Wisewould also dis-
cussed the paper.

Owing to the lateness of the hour the remainder of the papers
on the notice paper had to be postponed.

On the motion of Messrs. J. Stickland and D. Le Souef, a vote
of thanks was accorded Mr. J. Searle for again placing his lantern
at the disposal of the Club.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES.

Mr. G. A. Keartland mentioned that a specimen of Barnard's
Parrakeet, Platycercus barnardi, which was almost exclusively
a dry country bird, had been seen recently at South Brighton.

Mr. C. French, jun., read the following extract from a letter
received from a correspondent residing in the Wimmera District : —
" A short time ago, in the garden here, there were great numbers
of New Holland Honey-eaters ; but eating the blossoms of the
Sugar Gum, Eucalyptus corynocalyx, apparently killed them all,
as they were found lying dead all over the garden. I feel sure
it was the Sugar Gum tree blossoms that killed them, for a friend
of mine who had a Rosehill Parrakeet gave it some of the
blossoms, with the result that the parrakeet died in a very short
time."

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. E. Anderson. — Drawing of moth, Gastrophora henri-
caria, at rest ; specimens of Phallaria ophiusaria, photograph of
larvae, and sketch of moth at rest.

By Mr. A. Campbell, jun. — Skins of Mutton-bird or Short-
tailed Petrel, Puffinus tenuirostris, showing young in down and
in first coat of feathers; also'Penguin, Etidyptula undina, Gld.,
showing young in different stages of plumage.

By Mr. A. Coles. — Pair- of White-throated Nightjars, Euros-
topus albigidaris. The male was shot at Bulla on 5th April,
and the female at Beaconsfield on 28th March. This species is
rarely met with.

By Mr. C. French, jun. — Two new Victorian scale insects —
Eriococcus sordidiis, Green, on Helichrysum ferruginium ; and
Aspidioius immacidatus, Green, on Styphelia, sp.

By Master C. French. — Rare eggs of White-eyebrowed Water
Crake, clutch of six, from Northern Australia.

By Messrs. S. W. Fulton and F. E. Grant. — Crustaceans col-
lected during Club's camp-out at Shoreham.

By Mr. R. Hall. — Salps preserved 2^ years ago in formol
4 per cent, and in methylated spirit 50 per cent. ; locality,
Southern Ocean.

By Mr. A. D. Hardy. — Specimens of Asbestos changed by re-
placement by Silica, and with parts apparently fused, from Caster-
ton district ; Asbestos from Beaconsfield, Tasmania; and Graphite
from Castlemaine, Victoria.

By Mr. J. A. Kershaw. — Marine animals of various kinds
collected during Club's camp-out at Shoreham.

By Mr. A. E. Kitson, F.G.S.— Shell-bearing clay from black
clay band above basalt in the new cut at the Yarra Improvement
Works, near Botanical Gardens, Melbourne.

By Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S.— Samples of shells, native
tomahawk, knife, and other implements found on native kitchen-
middens, in illustration of paper.

THE VICTOBIAN NATURALIST.

By Mr. W. J, M'Caw. — Marsupial Mouse, Sminthopsis murina,
alive, from Broadmeadows.

By Mr. G. B. Pritchard. — Case of shells and case of minerals
collected during Club's camp-out at Shoreham • also a series of
photographs taken at the same time.

By Mr. E. O. Thiele. — Minerals and shells collected during
the Club's camp-out at Shoreham.

By Mr. C. Walter. — Plant, Galenia secunda, Sonder, N.O.
Ficoideffi, not previously recorded from Australia. Collected by
E. E. Pescott at Corio Bay, Victoria, January, 190T. All the
other species of this interesting genus (flowers without corolla) are
restricted to Cape of Good Hope, S. Africa. Plant, Chenojwdium
triangulares R. Brown, N.O. Salsolacete, from E. Gippsland,
Victoria, being a new locality ; collected by E. E. Pescott.

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated.

REPORT OF SUB-COMMITTEE re GAME ACT.

It will be remembered that at the meeting of this Club held
in July last attention was called to some of the anomalies in the
Game Act, and also to the necessity of making several alterations
in the schedule. After considerable discussion a resolution was
carried — " That steps be taken to form a committee representing
the various interests of naturalists, sportsmen, agriculturists, and
bird-dealers to draw up a list of suggestions for the assistance of
the Minister administering the Game Act before any alterations
are made in the existing Act," and Messrs. Robt. Hall, G. A.
Keartland, and D. Le Souef were appointed a sub-committee to
carry out the resolution.

A circular was drawn up and posted to all sportsmen whose
addresses could be ascertained, asking the four following ques-
tions : — I. Have you noticed many young birds at the opening
of the quail and duck shooting season ? 2. What dates do you
favour for opening and closing the quail shooting season? 3.
What dates for opening and closing the shooting season for
ducks ? 4. Can you suggest the names of three representative
gentlemen whom we could invite to act on the committee ?

Nearly 300 circulars were issued, and 105 returned with replies
to the questions, and in many cases accompanied by letters.
Unfortunately some of these circulars, although filled in, were
unsigned, and were consequently rejected as unsatisfactory.
Had all been properly signed the position of the sub-committee
would have been very much strengthened. As matters stand,
out of 45 leading sportsmen, scattered in all parts of the State,
only one stated that he had not found young quail at the opening
of the season. Thirty-four state that they have found the birds
still breeding, and fill in their replies with such answers as
" Yes, plenty ; " " Fully one-third of the birds were too young to

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

fly;" "Yes, young birds and eggs in numbers." Twenty-five
recommend the alteration of the date of opening the shooting
season from ist March to ist April. This is advisable on more
grounds than one. The birds are not only breeding, but the
weather is so hot that most of the birds killed are bad before they
can be used, and the dogs are unable to work, as they become
exhausted, and scent will not lie long after sunrise. Thus the
sportsman is deprived of his chief pleasure in seeing his dogs in
work. Several writers, whilst admitting the presence of many
young birds in March, object to prolonging the close season on
the ground that so much illegal shooting is carried on that it
simply means letting the poachers have the whole of the sport.
Some of the writers complain in no uncertain manner about
persons who ought to enforce the law being the chief offenders.
With regard to the ducks, nearly all the replies are in favour of
opening the shooting season on ist February, as very few of the
young birds can fly by 20th December, and the weather is so hot
that those shot become bad before they can be utilized.

With this information in hand your sub-committee decided to
invite the co-operation of the Royal Agricultural Society, which
body appointed Mr. Job Smith (president) and Mr. Geo.
Chirnside as their representatives on the committee. The
plebiscite of sportsmen nominated Mr. W. T. Coldham, Mr. John
Clark, and Dr. Chas. Ryan. Mr. ^V. Cooper was asked to
represent the bird-dealers, and Mr. Geo. E. Shepherd the fruit-
growers. The date of the conference was fixed for Wednesday,
26th March, in the council room of the Royal Agricultural
Society. At the last moment Mr. Chirnside sent an apology, and
Mr. Thomas Patterson (secretary of the Royal Agricultural
Society) was appointed to fill his place. As Mr. Coldham was
also otherwise engaged, Mr. T. G. Pearson was invited to act in
his stead, your representatives being all present.

After Mr. J. Smith had been voted to the chair, the business
was introduced by Mr. Keartland. It was then decided to take
the items in the schedule seriatim, and the list as agreed upon
stands thus : —

To be Protected the Whole Year.

All Australian Fauna (except snakes) in the National Park,
Wilson's Promontory.

Antelopes, Deer, Kangaroos (large grey, Macropus giganteus,
and large red, Mao'ojms rufus), Native Bears, Platypus, Seals.

Acanthizas (all species), Babblers (all species), Bee-eaters, Bus-
tard or Wild Turkey, Californian Quail, Coachwhip-birds, Cuckoos
(all species). Emus, Egrets, Ephthianuras, Fantails, Flycatchers,
Great Kingfisher or Laughing Jackass, Grouse, Harmonious
Shrike-Thrush, Larks (all species), Lyre-birds, Magpies,
Magpie Larks, Martins, Mountain Thrushes, Nightjars, Owls

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

(all species), Partridges, Pheasants, Podargus or Mopokes,
Robins (all species), Shrike-Tits, Sittellas, Southern Stone
Plovers, Spotted Ground-Thrush, Swallows, Swamp or Ground
Parrakeet, Swifts, Thickheads (all species), Tree-creepers,
Warblers, Wedge-bills, White Swans, Wood Swallows, Wrens,
English Skylark, English Thrush.

From 1st day of June to last day of December.
Opossums (all species.)
From IJfih day of June to 20th day of December in each year.

Black Swans, Magpie or Semipalmated Geese, Cape Barren or
Cereopsis Geese.
From 1st day of August to 20th day of December in each year.

All birds known as Cranes or Herons, all Kingfishers other
than the Laughing Jackass, all members of Graucalus family,
Avocets, Bitterns, Black Cockatoos, English Blackbirds, English
Goldfinches, Gang Gang Cockatoos, Ibis (all species), all other
members of the Rail family (Porphyries, Coots, Gallinules, &c.),
Mallee Hens, Black-breasted and Spurwinged Plovers, Stilts.
From 1st day of August to last day of January following.

Wild Duck (all species), Teal, Wood Duck or Maned Geese.
From 1st day of August to last day of March following.

Bronze-winged or other Wild Pigeons, Quail, and Hemipodes.

The sub-committee is desirous of acknowledging the kindness
of the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society in placing its
rooms at the disposal of the Conference, and otherwise materially
assisting the movement. q a. KEARTLAND,

On behalf of the sub-committee.

THE SHOREHAM "CAMP-OUT."

Owing to the unusually heavy downpour of rain which fell
during the two days prior to the date of the Easter camp-out,
the prospect of a successful trip looked decidedly unpromising,
and especially so to the two members of the party who started a
day in advance to make the necessary arrangements for the five
days' camp.

Leaving Melbourne by the 8.10 a.m. train on Thursday
morning, 27th March, the advance party had a most dismal
journey to Biticrn, the rain falling in a continuous heavy down-
pour, which only increased as its destination was neared. At
Bittern station the collection and transfer of our luggage to the
cab, and other necessary matters, were carried out in a drenching
rain which severely tested our waterproof coverings.

A light breakfast having been disposed of, we took our places

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

in the covered cab awaiting us (after draining the water off the
seats) and started on our eleven-mile drive through a heavy
driving rain, with the water forcing itself in through every crevice
and saturating everything inside. The roads were in many
places completely covered in water, while the creeks which we
passed on our way were transformed into rushing torrents.
Fortunately it had been decided to camp in an empty house,
which had been secured for us through the kind services of our
fellow-member, Mr. S. W. Fulton, in preference to living under
canvas, and this forethought was greatly appreciated under the
circumstances. On reaching our destination a start was
immediately made to make things comfortable. With the
assistance of a few tools, some stray pieces of timber, and a door,
a table and seats were soon constructed, and by nightfall every-
thing was in readiness for our party, who we were trying to
persuade ourselves would not consist of our two selves only.
However, we determined to make the most of our time during
our stay, and notwithstanding the storm, which threatened to
leave us roofless, we had a good night's rest. Rising early on
Good Friday morning we were much relieved to find the rain
had ceased, and there was a prospect of fine weather after all,
which gave us an opportunity to view the surrounding country.

Shoreham is a small farming district situated on Western Port
Bay, about 53 miles S.E. of Melbourne, and is reached by train to
Bittern, 42 miles, thence by coach about 1 1 miles along the main
road to Flinders. The spot secured for our camp was most
happily chosen, the house, containing 8 or 9 rooms, being situated
on the side of a steep hill immediately overlooking and com-
manding a beautiful view of the bay, showing Phillip Island just
opposite, with French Island away to the left, while standing out
prominently at the entrance to the western passage to the bay,
some 4 miles to the right, was West Head. The Nobbys and
Seal Rocks were plainly to be seen off the western point of Phillip
Island, while the position of Cape Woolamai could just be made
out away to the south-east.

Two or three minutes' walk down the hill brought us on to a broad
sandy beach near the jetty, on either side of which was exposed
at low water a broad low-lying reef, running out into the bay for a
considerable distance. Here we decided to devote as much of our
time as the tide would allow us, and, after a few minutes' work
among the loose boulders, were delighted with the prospect of
having a really good time among the innumerable marine animals
which were to be found under the loose rocks and in the small
pools left by the receding tide.

Among the first specimens collected were the broad, flat marine

Planarians, which occurred plentifully on the under side of the

rocks near the shore, while the common speckled crab, Chas-

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

mognathus quadridentatus, was to be found almost everywhere.
Further out on the reef the rocks when overturned presented
quite an animated appearance, owing to the numerous marine
forms of animal life which they revealed. Chajtopod or Bristle-
worms, in their curious shell and sand covered tubes, or partly
embedded in the mud ; Sea Anemones, Ascidians, Sponges, and
occasionally specimens of the well-named Brittle Stars were to be
seen, in company with Sandhoppers, crabs of various kinds,
Chitons, and other shells. We were, however, allowed but a
short time on the reef, as the incoming tide quickly caused us
to retreat to the shore, where we spent the remainder of the
morning searching among the masses of seaweed, &c., which had
been washed up.

On adjourning to the house for lunch we were just in time to
welcome the arrival of eight of the expected members of our
party, and with the addition of one more on the following day we
made a party of eleven, being : — Messrs. S. W. Fulton, F. E.
Grant, T. S. Hall, M.A., F. W. Irving, V. R. M'Nab, G. B.
Pritchard, H. Summers, A. O. Thiele, E. O. Thiele, and G.
Weindorfer, with J. A. Kershaw as leader.

Owing to the absence of our cook, who disappointed us at the
last moment, the culinary arrangements during the camp were
admirably supervised by Mr. Fulton, who found plenty of willing
assistance and advice among the remainder of the party.

After making ourselves as comfortable as possible for the
remainder of our stay, and preparing our collecting outfits, &c., a
hearty dinner was disposed of and a start made for the beach.
Two of the party decided to work along the beach towards
Flinders, while the remainder took the opposite direction for
Shelly Beach, a walk of some three miles. The shore for some
distance is bounded by steep cliffs, broken here and there with
short, deep gullies, worn by the soakage from the land above.
A series of small bays are formed between the rugged basaltic
prominences which jut out here and there, being continued for
some distance into the sea by long reefs. Daring low tide the
water in places recedes for a considerable distance, leaving these
reefs exposed and dry, but which were now completely covered
by the full tide. At the base of some of these cliffs a large
quantity of loose waterworn stones of various sizes were washed
up, and as the waves broke over these and receded again it pro-
duced a most peculiar rattle, which gave some idea of the amount
of erosion which must be going on. As we proceeded the rocks
disappeared, leaving a long stretch of flat sandy beach, bordered
with Banksias. The beach was here strewn with dense masses
of seaweed, with very few shells to be seen, though a number of
Tunicates, Holothurians, and Echinoids were noticed. On
rounding a rocky point known as Honeysuckle Point, which runs

10 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

out for some distance into the Bay, we reached Shelly Beach.
This we were assured was one of the best spots for shells along
the shore, but with the exception of a rather broken specimen of
Pinna tasmanica, a few worn shells of Haliotis albicans and H.
emmce, and a well-preserved specimen of the Sea Urchin,
Goniocidaris tuharia, nothing of importance was secured. This
was, however, recognized to be owing to the recent storm. A
return was then made to the camp, which was reached before
dark, where we found the remainder of our party awaiting us.
After a well-earned tea, which we all did ample justice to, our
specimens were brought out, sorted, and otherwise attended to,
and the remainder of the evening was spent in conversation
around a good fire, which the coolness of the evening permitted
us to enjoy.

Rising early on Saturday morning, with the sun just peeping
over the horizon, breakfast was got over, and the whole party
made their way to the reef close by, where we were all soon
busily engaged. Keen interest was taken in the work, and, as is
usual with our Club excursions, each one generously studied his
fellow-members' interests as well as his own. By working with
the ebb tide we were able to devote a good deal of time on the
reef, and full opportunity was taken to make the most of it. A
number of interesting shells were secured, while the crustaceans
had a most restless time. Even the unexpected breaking of a
portion of decomposed rock, and the equally unexpected
immersion in the pool, causing a great displacement of water, did
not damp the ardour of one of our most energetic companions,
who simply regarded it as part and parcel of the day's work. In
some of the small pools several of the curious Sharp-nosed Crabs,
with their seaweed coverings, were found, but it was only the
experienced eye which detected them, so closely did they
resemble their surroundings.

Among the Polychsete worms several line specimens of the large
iridescent Bristle-worms, belonging to the family Eunicid^e were
ound, in their tubular coverings, and required careful handling,
owing to their liability to wriggle themselves into several pieces,
and a number of other smaller forms, such as Cirratulus, with its
long thread-like segmental appendages ; Polynoe, with their curious
soft dorsal scales, very common near the outer edges of the reef,
and a number of other forms equally interesting. A lovely
specimen of a Sabellid Worm was secured, in its flexible, leathery
tube, which measured about 9 or lo inches in length, the animal
itself being about 4^^ inches long without the crown. The large
branchial crown, consisting of a considerable number of filaments
about 2 inches long, and attached to a semicircular base, was a
beautiful sight when expanded in the water. The ugly-looking
shell-fish Scutus anatinus, varying in size from i to 3 inches long,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 11

was plentiful, and a number of small fish of various kinds, but
which have not yet been determined, were captured in the shallow
pools.

After lunch some of the members started for Flinders, while the
remainder followed in the same direction later on. The beach was
more or less covered with seaweed, which in some places was
piled up in dense masses to a depth of about 3 feet, while here
and there great boulders of basalt were scattered about the base
of the cliffs. In places enormous quantities of a species of simple
sand-covered Tunicate (Molgula, sp.) were distributed along the
beach, crackling under our feet as we walked along, and a number
of Holothurians, some of which were very large and had an
objectionable habit when handled of ejecting a part or the
whole of their internal anatomy. Good specimens of the
common Sea Urchin, Strong ylocentrotus erythrogrammus, were
plentiful, and several other species were noticed, including
the oval-shaped Echinocardium austraie. Shells were, however,
very scarce, those seen being mostly more or less broken speci-
mens of Haliotus oicevosa, albicans, and emmce, though a few good
species were collected. Nearing Flinders a good-sized creek
emptied itself into the sea, and contained a number of small
freshwater fish (Galaxias). Here some profitable work might
have been done had time permitted, but this was left for a future
visit. On reaching Flinders we were joined by our companions,
who had been successful in finding some good shells, and,
after a short stay, started for home, which we reached about
dark, thoroughly tired out with our long day's work.

Sunday morning was devoted to working a reef about a mile
from the camp, with good results ; and in the afternoon, the tide
being in, members dispersed in various directions — some to
search the shore, others to try the dredge from the jetty, while
one member devoted the afternoon to the search for entomo-
logical and other specimens inland, with not very much success.
In a short, deep gully running down to the beach, a number of
fine Tree Ferns, Alsophila australis, were discovered, also several
smaller kinds, such as Maidenhair, a Polypodium, Lomaria
discolor, «Src. Three or four specimens of an orchid, Eriochilus
autumnalis (?), were found in flower, and a large quantity of mush-
rooms were discovered close to the camp, which were a valuable
addition to our larder and were greatly appreciated.

On Monday some of the party arranged to spend the day at
the zeolite beds, some 3 miles beyond Flinders, while another
party engaged a boat for a day's dredging. One member spent
a very profitable day among the Algse which so plentifully lined
the shore, while another, after working for some time on one of
the reefs, started off on another visit to Shelly Beach. All had
good reason to be satisfied with the results of their work.

12 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

The dredging party returned shortly before dusk, well laden
with material, which had been dredged off Honeysuckle Point in
between 4 and 5 fathoms. This had been sifted and bagged for
more careful examination during the evening. The geologists
put in an appearance shortly afterwards, with heavy bags and
good reports of satisfactory results. Tea was soon disposed of,
and the tables quickly cleared for work. The shelly material
was then distributed in several heaps on the table, and, with all
the available lights in use, the majority of the members settled
down to thoroughly examine and sort the heaps. These consisted
mainly of small shells ; but a number of the interesting little
Lancelet (Amphioxus), which were dredged in numbers, were
still wriggling about, and several of the very small Echinoid,
Microcyphus zic-zac, Ag., were picked out. A number of
crustaceans were also dredged up, many of which were very
desirable species.

It was decidedly interesting work, and a great advantage to be
able to do it under such comfortable circumstances. A good
amount of useful material was obtained in this way, and when the
last heap was finished, shortly before midnight, everyone was well
pleased with the results obtained.

Tuesday being our last day in camp, the majority of the party
decided to pay another visit to Shelly Beach, after which they
intended to proceed across country to the main road, where they
would be overtaken by the vehicles on their way to Bittern.
Leaving their luggage all ready for transfer to the station, the
excursionists started off on their long walk, the remainder of the
party staying behind to put the finishing touches to what proved
to be a most enjoyable and profitable camp-out.

About 4 o'clock the vehicles were loaded up, and a start was
made for the station. On reaching Balnarring, some 3 miles from
Bittern, we found our friends enjoying a cup of tea, and thoroughly
pleased with the very good results of their last visit to Shelly
Beach, which, it had to be admitted, well deserved its name and
reputation. The majority of the excursionists elected to walk the
remaining distance to the station, which was reached in good time
for the evening train. A reserved compartment having been
secured, we travelled in comfort to Melbourne, which was reached
about 10.30 p.m., after a most enjoyable outing, our only regret
being that so many of our members were unable to share it with
us.

I append brief reports on the ornithology and entomology, and
am indebted to other members for reports dealing with their
respective branches ; —

Ornithology. — No special attention was devoted to this
subject, but the following birds were noticed during our stay,
mostly in the vicinity of the camp : — Sparrow Hawk, Brown

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 13

Hawk, Kestrel, Magpie Lark, Grey Shrike-Thrush, Scarlet-
breasted Robin, Black-faced Graucalus or Cuckoo-Shrike, White-
eyebrowed Pomatorhinus or Babbler, Butcher-bird, Rufus-
breasted Thickhead, White-bearded Honey-eater, White-plumed
Honey-eater, Garrulous Honey-eater or Minah, Welcome
Swallow, Brown Kingfisher (Laughing Jackass), Rosella, Blue-
bellied Lorikeet, White-breasted Cormorant, Pacific or White-
necked Heron, Silver Gull. Several other birds were seen, but
not closely enough for identification. — J. A. Kershaw.

Entomology. — Although late in the season a fair number of
Lepidoptera were about, many of which I was rather surprised to
find at this time of the year. Many of the species which I
expected to find — such as Chlenias, Trictena, Pielus, and others —
were not seen at all. Most of the species collected were well-
known and common forms, but a good male specimen of the
rare moth, Orgyia semifusca, Walk., was found just as we were
leaving, and a few other desirable species, such as Zonojyetala
quadripustulata, Walk., Istarva scitisignata, Walk., and others,
were collected. A well-marked specimen of the well-known
Skipper, Hesperilla donnysa, Hew., was seen flying about the
outer edge of a reef, and eventually flew away seawards, but
whether it would reach Phillip Island or not it was impossible to
say. Three species of Rhopalocera were flying about in fair
.numbers — Xenica kliigii, Guer., X. achanta, Don., and Pyrameis
kershawi, M'Coy.

Of Coleoptera about 20 species were collected during the few
hours devoted to this branch. These were chiefly common forms,
but a ^Q\v rather good species were taken, and among these were
a few Curculios, found among the rocks on the outer edge of the
reefs, where, during full tide, the water is several feet deep.
These were all alive, though frequently partly submerged in the
pools. Another species of Curculio, Aphela algarum, Pasc, was
found similarly situated.

Several spiders were also seen running over the rocks, far from
shore.

The following are some of the entomological specimens
collected : — Lepidoptera. — Cluaca rubricosta, Wk. ; Scoliacma
bicolor, Bdv. ; Mosoda sejuncta, Feld. ; Epidesmia chilonaria,
H.S. ; Heliocausta parthenopa, Meyr. ; Scoparia philonephes,
Mejr. ; Ectropis pristis, Meyr. ; Dipterina tasmaniae, Walk. ;
Strepsiceros macropetana, Meyr. ; Cacoecia jugicolana, Meyr. ;
Talis opulentellus, Zell. ; T. gramellus, Zell. ; Mecyna polygonalis,
Hb, Coleoptera. — Sarathrocrepis civica, Newm. ; Heteronyx
jubaius, var., Blkb. ; Hapatesus hirtus, Cand. ; Lacon caliginosus,
Cand. ; CEdemera dorsaiis, Klug ; Chalcopterus variabilis ;
Cryptorhynchus msestus, Boh. ; Deretaphrus erichsoni, Newm. ;
Platisus australis, Hope ; Haltica pagana, Blkb. ; Paropsis

14 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

trimaculata, Chp. ; P. nigerrima, Germ., van ; P. lineata, Marsh. ;
Aphela algarum, Pasc. — J. A. Kershaw.

MoLLUSCA. — Conchologically speaking, the neighbourhood of
Shoreham is a veritable paradise, for not only is there an abun-
dance of species that can be closely examined in their natural
habitat, but a large number of rare and beautiful forms may be
obtained here with ease that appear, so far as present investigation
has gone, to be entirely absent from other parts of our coast.
Whilst collecting here one cannot help being struck by the
difference in Port Phillip, many species extremely common in the
latter place being uncommon in Western Port, and vice versd, but
for richness in species Western Port is easily first. Of course
allowance must be made for variations in quality of any shell-
collecting ground, differences in wind and tide having consider-
able effect. This was well exemplified when we first arrived at
Shoreham, many of our party being extremely sceptical about the
locality being favourable for shells, and our work at first was con-
fined to collecting living species under the rocks at low tide, but
after a few days of natural sorting by quieter waters in the bay, a
splendid lot of material began to wash up on some of the beaches,
and, to our regret, we had to leave when there was every prospect
of daily improvement. The results from the few days at our
disposal speak for themselves in that the material obtained, as far
as I have been able to summarize it, includes representatives of
at least 135 genera and 253 species. Here the contrast with
Port Phillip can be clearly seen, for it takes considerable time
and patience to secure even from the best beaches anything
upwards of 100 species.

Amongst the families that may be stated to be specially re-
presented we have the Marginellidae, Columbellidse, Pleurotomidae,
and Trochidse.

The genera most worthy of mention are Colubraria, Zemira,
Lyria, Ancilla, Cancellaria, Eunaticina, Mitrularia, Adeorbis,
Crossea, Astele, and Gena.

The more interesting species obtained were : —

Murex australis, Quoy and

Gaimard
Murex angasi, Crosse
Colubraria bednalli, Brazier
Zemira australis, Sowerby
Voluta undulata, Lamarck
Lyria mitrseformis, Lamarck
Marginella flindersi, Pritchard

and Gatliff
Olivella leucozona, Adams and

Angas
Columbella cominellaeformis,

Tate

Cancellaria spirata, Lamarck
Terebra albida. Gray
Terebra kieneri, Deshayes
Margilia adcocki, Sowerby
Margilia alucinans, Sowerby
Raphitoma harrisoni, T. Woods
Conus rutilus, Menke
Conus segravei, Gatliff
Erato denticulata, Pritchard

and Gatliff
Natica sagittata, Menke
Natica shorehami, Pritchard

and Gatliff

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

15

Eunaticina umbilicata, Quoy

and Gaimard
Mitrularia equestris, Linnaeus
Adeorbis vincentiana, Angas
Crossea concinna, Angas
Liotia australis, Kiener
Liotia subquadrata, T. Woods
Turbo gruneri, Philippi
Leptothyra rosea, T. Woods
Astralium squamiferum, Koch
Clanculus undatus, Lamarck
Clanculus dunkeri, Koch
Clanculus ochroleucus, Philippi
Bankivia fasciata, Menke
Gibbula coxi, Angas
Calliostoma meyeri, Philippi
Calliostoma incertum, Reeve

Calliostoma hedleyi, Pritchard

and Gatliff
Astele subcarinata, Swainson
Gena nigra, Quoy and Gaimard
Aspergillum strangei, A. Adams
Pectunculus radians, Lamarck
Leda crassa, Hinds
Meroe aliciae, Adams and

Angas
Chione undulosa, Lamarck
Pinna tasmanica, T. Woods
Solemya australis, Lamarck
Limatula bullata. Born
Mactra pura, Deshayes
Mytilus ater, Frauenfeld
Venerupis exotica, Lamarck

G. B. Pritchard.

Crustacea. — The collection of Crustacea made during the
camp-out was on the whole very satisfactory. The long rocky
ledges which here occur on the coast, and which are uncovered
at low tide, form an excellent collecting ground, and by wading
in the water just below tide mark, and turning over the stones
(an operation which needs some care, as many of the stones are
rotten, and the collector finds himself seated somewhat hurriedly
in a saltwater bath up to his neck, and he will do well to leave
watch and valuables behind when hunting Crustacea), a number
of the rarer forms were found, this being the zone of marine life
which has probably been least worked on our Australian coasts.

In some of the rocky pools the Long-nosed Crabs, Oxyrhyncha,
were found in fair numbers. These beasts deck themselves out with
pieces of seaweed, similar in form and colour to those growing in
the pools in which they live, and are consequently difficult of
detection to an untrained eye. After turning over a stone and
watching it, what looks like a small bunch of seaweed will suddenly
become animated and start walking away, and on examination it
will be found to be a " long-nosed " dressed in seaweed. The
forms taken were Halimus truncatipes, Miers (exceedingly large
specimens), Halimus tumidus, Dana, Huenia hijurcata, Streets
Miccippoides longimanus, Hasw., and others. The results of the
dredging excursion, although not numerous, were also of interest —
one of the forms taken, a Porcellana allied to P. transversa, Hasw.
(if not identical with it), which has not previously been recorded
from our coast. A number of shrimps (Macrura) were also
taken, some of which still await identification.

In digging in a muddy flat, which was uncovered at one point
of the beach at low tide, some of the burrowing shrimps were

16 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

taken, viz., Upogehia sinisoni, Thotyipson, previously recorded by
us from Western Port, and a species of Callianassa, which we
believe to be undescribed.

Of the Macrurous forms taken, those worthy of mention are
Betceus australis, Stimpson, taken below tide marks ; Alphceus
vilosus, Olivier ; Falcemon affinis, M. Edw. ; and another
Palsemon, apparently P. ornatus, Olivier. The ordinary shore
crabs were not found to be so numerous as we had previously
noticed them in this locality ; but Ghasmagnntlms quadridenfatus,
M.-Edw., Hetrograpsus octodentatus, M.-Edw., Fhilyra Icevis,
Bell, Cyclygrapsus punctatus, M.-Edw., Litocheira bispinosa,
Kinahan, and others were there in fairly large numbers. It is
also worthy of mention that Pinnotheres pisum was found living
within the shells of both Mytilus latus and Modiola australis. A
large number of Hermit Crabs were found in the rock-pools,
comprising the forms Paguristes frontalis, M.-Edw., P. suhpillosis,
Hend., and Eupagurics lacertostis, Hend. We also obtained a
number of the lower forms of Crustacea, Amphipoda, Isopoda,
&c., which have been handed over to Mr. O. A. Sayce, who is
working at these groups ; also Starfishes and Sea Urchins, which
have been handed over to Messrs. Mattingley and Cummins.
In all we obtained at least some seven species new to our
Victorian record. — S. W. Fulton, F. E. Grant.

Alga. — The following seaweeds were collected at Shoreham
and have been identified by Mr. H. T. Tisdall : —

Fucoidece : — Carpomitra caudata, Sond.; Cystophora paniculata,
Aresch.; Seirococcus axillaris, Grev.; Sargassum verrucolosum, J.
Ag.; Sargassum trichophyllum, J. Ag.; Sargassum phyllanthus, J.
Ag.; Fucodium chondrophyllum, J. Ag.

Floridece: — Gelinaria harveyana, J. Ag.; Nitophyllum revoluta,
Harv.; Plocamium pressianum, Sond.; Hymenoclodia usnea, J
Ag.; Ptilota articulata, J. Ag.; Wrangelia velulina, Harv.
Champia tasmanica, Harv.; Corynecladia australasica, Sond.
Polsyiphonia cladostephus, Mont.; Polysiphonia hystrix, Harv.
Collophyllis carnea, J. Ag.; Collophyllis lambertii, Hook.
Griffithsia sonderiana, J. Ag.; Dictyurus quercifolius, J. Ag.

Zoospermece: — Ulva latissima, J. Ag.; Caulerpa hypnoides, R. Br.

Altogether 23 species. — G. Weindorfer.

Geology. — There is not much to be said of the geology of
the neighbourhood, and the members of the party were too busy
collecting to devote much attention to it. Selwyn examined the
district in the early days of the colony, and nothing of much
importance has been published since his map, of which two
editions were issued. In the earlier the whole of the country
about our camp is coloured ' Tertiary and Modern Volcanic rock,'
and a note reads : — " Cliffs of hard dark Basalt with bands of
soft red earthy Porphyritic rock, presumably beds of Volcanic

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 17

mud. Crystals of Carbonate of Lime, Quartz, and Olivine in
cavities, and a soft, white Steatitic mineral in the earthy beds
giving the rock a marbled and porphyritic appearance."

In the edition published in 1856 this note is omitted, and
there is a slight alteration in the colouring. The whole area is
referred to " Basalt Amygdaloid and Old Igneous Rocks." With
regard to the minerals Selwyn records I leave Mr. Pritchard to
speak, only remarking that we found no included quartz. About
a mile west of West Head an outlier of polyzoal limestone occurs,
probably of Jan Jucian age. This is a well-known locality for
fossil sponges, which occur in profusion. The limestone lies in a
depression in the volcanic rock. Travelling down from Bittern
we were for a long time on sands and clays, which are probably
in part of Balcombian age, but may be younger, and in many
places undoubtedly are redistributed. At Sandy Point, Mr.
Grant tells me, Silurian crops out on the beach pretty extensively.
Selwyn maps the country there as volcanic.

On the hills we saw red sandstones and clays forming some
part of the older Tertiary series, and not till we crossed East
Creek and began to ascend the hill did the road show any
evidence of basaltic rock, and even then there were occasional
patches of Tertiary sands overlying.

Along the sea cliffs we saw several examples of volcanic breccia
as recorded by Selwyn, and also beds of reddish clay, which may
represent decomposed tuffs, but without closer examination it is
not possible to say whether they are so or merely decomposed
solid rock. Judging by the breccia there should be an old vent
at no great distance comparable to those near Clifton Springs and
Airey's Inlet.

In several places along the coast the old line of cliffs is
separated from the shore platform by a grass and tree covered
belt which points to a recent elevation of at least 5 feet.

All the members of the party are not agreed as to this inter-
pretation, but I see no other possible one — the storm-beach
theory not, to my mind, being adequate. — T. S. Hall.

Mineralogy. — The neighbourhood of Flinders, though of
special interest to the biologist, does not fall far behind from
the point of view of the geologist or mineralogist. From the
latter standpoint the recent Easter camp-out of this Club at
Shoreham may be said to have been highly successful, all the
members so interested coming home with well-filled — and I
might say, from personal experience, very heavy — bags of very
beautiful zeolitic and other minerals.

One of the first localities to engage our attention was on the
ocean beach just below Flinders, where some fine dykes through
the basaltic and volcanic ash layers are to be seen at low tide.
Near the shore end one of these dykes stands up slightly, a foot
or two above the general floor level, but out towards low tide

18 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

mark it stands up as a great wall 6 or 8 feet in height, and
averages something over 2 feet in thickness. Its course is
generally in a south-westerly direction, but is distinctly sinuous.
This dykestone, on examination, yielded many good examples
of included minerals, amongst which may be noted Hornblende,
Oligoclase, Biotite, and Apatite, and, of subsequently developed
species, Calcite and Gmelinite may be mentioned, together with
a very fair development of Limonite casing in parts. Another
fairly large dyke in this neighbourhood runs nearly at right angles
to that above mentioned — that is, approximately, in a south-
easterly direction — and is about 3 feet in width. This dyke also
contains similar occurrences of the above minerals, but much
larger included fragments can be obtained from it. We next
visited a section between 3 and 4 miles along the coast towards
Cape Schanck, which is an old and favoured hunting ground for
many of the zeolites. We were very fortunate in being able to
work out some very fine examples of Natrolite, Analcite, and
Gmelinite, also Calcite, Aragonite, Magnesite, and Dolomite.

There are distinct basaltic and ash layers at this locality, and
both have been subjected to considerable decomposition, hence
the particular vugh-bearing layers of basalt richest in zeolites are
fairly easily worked by the enthusiastic mineralogist ; but as some
of the best ledges can only be reached from the shore at low tide
the spot is one that might frequently be found to be disappoint-
ing, and at the same time due caution has to be exerted to avoid
risk from some of the occasional gigantic breakers that thunder in
on this rugged coast. From a scenic point of view there are many
lovely aspects of this rough coast to be seen, as may be appreciated
to some slight extent from the photographs submitted.

Geologically there are many points in the weathering of the
rocks and the striking evidences of marine erosion that are of
absorbing interest, but any detail of these features would perhaps
be out of place in the present notes.

Although time did not permit us to go any further along the
coast on this occasion, it might be noted that some good spots
are sometimes accessible further along towards Cape Schanck.
From one of these, about three miles on the Flinders side of
the lighthouse, I have collected some very good examples of
Chabazite, Calcite, Aragonite, and a variety of the latter mineral
containing Strontium.

I. Hornblende occurs in small and large sized included frag-
ments in a fine-grained dykestone, apparently basaltic, some of
the fragments measuring up to 2^/2 inches by 2 inches. It is of a
black colour, and has a highly-perfect prismatic cleavage, which
enables one to obtain very good oblique rhombic prisms of from
an inch and less to 2 inches in length, and up to three-quarters
of an inch along the macrodiagonal and about one-quarter of an
inch along the brachydiagonal. This mineral can also be

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 19

obtained in some layers of the basalt at several parts of this
coast in long, slender, acicular crystals up to a quarter of an inch
in length and of a black colour.

2. Oligoclase. — Occurring similarly to the Hornblende in
irregular fragments in the dykestones near Flinders. It is
frequently in larger pieces than the Hornblende, the largest
measured being 3}^ inches by 2 inches. It is occasion-
ally clear and transparent, but more usually translucent dirty
yellow, and much stained with oxide of iron ; much of it is
complicately twinned, and shows highly-perfect basal cleavage,
also fair cleavage apparently parallel to the macropinacoid.

3. Biotite is another included mineral in the dykestones, rang-
ing up to about I inch in diameter. It is of a black to
brownish-black colour, with perfectly developed basal cleavage.

4. Apatite was also obtained in the dykestone as a good
crystal of a dirty greenish colour, and over i inch in length,
but comparatively slender, about one-sixteenth of an inch in
diameter. The form was a hexagonal prism, and was terminated
by a short hexagonal pyramid. The prism broke into several
short lengths on extraction, apparently due to imperfect basal
cleavage.

5. Olivine is very abundant in the basalt forming the shingle
near West Head and along the coast to Cape Schanck. It
occurs as very dark green glassy blebs, thickly strewn through
the rock. As there are many stages in the decomposition of the
basalt to be seen in this neighbourhood, many changes in the
Olivine may also be noted until we meet with a soapy clay con-
taining a mineral resplendent with a golden iridescence, probably
a hydrated oxide of iron.

6. Nairolite. — This mineral is most abundant on the coast
about 3 miles from Flinders, towards Cape Schanck, in a basalt
which is rich in vughs. The mineral closely lines these vughs in
acicular rosettes of crystals with a glassy lustre, but silky on
fracture, and though in small bundles the crystals are well
developed in numerous beautiful colours, amongst which are —
pure white, fawn, yellow, pale and dark brown, pale pink, red, and
red-brown.

7. Analcite. — Some fine examples of this mineral occur closely
associated with the Natrolite, in clear transparent to milky
translucent crystals of the cubic system, usually deltohedra,
individual crystals ranging in size from very small microscopic
forms up to about three-eighths of an inch in diameter. Contact
and penetration twinning is frequently present.

8. Gmelinite. — Some extremely fine occurrences and crystalliza-
tions of this mineral were also obtained in association with the
two foregoing. In colour it ranges through pale yellow, yellowish-
red, orange, pink, and light to very dark shades of red. Crystals
belonging to the hexagonal system, and occurring in simple

20 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

hexagonal pyramids, sometimes in ordinary penetration twins, and
sometimes polysynthetically twinned ; tabular forms were also
procured, which on close examination proved to be complicately
polysynthetically twinned on a minute scale.

g. Chabazite. — Typical forms of this mineral were obtained a
few miles further along the coast in a very vesicular layer of
basalt, nearly all the vesicles being nicely lined with Chabazite,
Aragonite or Calcite. It occurs in rhombohedra, commonly-
twinned, and it varies from colourless and opaque white to pink.

TO. Calcite. — This mineral is to be found in many forms all
along this coast occasionally in the clear transparent form —
Iceland Spar — more frequently in white or yellowish translucent
forms, with the usual well-developed rhombohedral cleavage, also
as stalactites, stalagmites, and mammillary concretions.

11. Aragonite. — So far as I am aware, some of the finest
crystallizations in our colony are to be obtained in this neighbour-
hood, consisting of right rhombic prism combined with brachy-
pinacoid and basal plane, about an inch to an inch and a half in
length, and from one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch in diameter ;
stellate twins of the same form are also worthy of mention, and
appear usually to consist of three or four individuals. There is
no apparent cleavage, and the fracture is uneven.

12. Aragonite, var. ? — A fibro-crystalHne and crystalline form
of mineral containing carbonate of strontium in addition to
carbonate of lime. Hitherto I have not been able to find any
mineral description with which the present specimens quite
agree, the nearest relative being apparently Mossottite. Further
particulars on this mineral will be given later.

13. Dolomite occurs in rhombohedra with curved faces and a
somewhat pearly lustre, also in compact complicately twinned
masses.

14. Limonite. — Very good solid examples of this mineral can
be obtained along this coast, but especially as a casing to the
dykes already mentioned.

15. Hematite. — Small specimens are occasionally met with
associated with the Limonite, and in the form of red ochre there
is a fair impregnation in some of the decomposed ash layers. —
G. B. Pritchard.

In conclusion I may say that the weather from the start on
Good Friday was all that could be desired, while a better spot
for the marine zoologist would be difficult to find. Full
advantage was taken of these favourable circumstances, and
no time was wasted, but a fortnight might easily have been
spent in working among the reefs and along the shore in either
direction from our camp. Earlier in the season, too, the surround-
ing timbered country would, I feel sure, prove a good collecting
ground for the field zoologist and botanist, while some time might
be devoted to working the creeks. J. A. Kershaw.

^ CENTRAL PAKK, ^ \

Cbe Uktortdn naturdllst

Vol. XIX.— No. 2. JUNE 5, 1902. No. 222.

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary meeting of the Club was held in the Royal
Society's Hall on Monday evening, 12th May, 1902. The
president, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., occupied the chair, and about
50 members and visitors were present. -•

CORRESPONDENCE.

From Mr. C W. Maclean, Inspector of Fisheries, forwarding a
report by Constable Carey, stationed at Whittlesea, regarding the
wholesale destruction of birds of all kinds through eating
poisoned grain laid for the destruction of rabbits, and asking the
opinion of the Club as to whether the statement was correct with
regard to the whole of the State.

The constable stated that he had seen hundreds of dead birds,
and particularly quail, when passing along some of the country
roads, and only recently counted no less than twenty-seven dead
magpies on three miles of road. The constable's statement was
verified by Messrs. G. A. Keartland, C French, F.L.S., and C.
C. Brittlebank, who stated that they had frequently found
numbers of birds and opossums lying dead on the ground in
districts where poison had been laid.

On the motion of Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, seconded by Mr. C.
French, F.L.S., Messrs. J. A. Kershaw, G. A. Keartland, and C.
C. Brittlebank were appointed a sub-committee to draft a reply
on the matter.

REPORTS.

A brief report on the Club's excursion to Broadmeadows on
Saturday, 19th April, was given by Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., who
acted as leader on the occasion. The party, consisting of twelve
members, worked along the Broadmeadows Creek, and spent a
pleasant and profitable afternoon in examining the geology of
the district.

ELECTIONS.

On a ballot being taken, Mr. F. Chapman, F.R.M.S., National
Museum, Melbourne ; Mr. Clifford Coles, Elizabeth-street, Mel-
bourne ; and Mr. W. J. O'Neil, Lands Department, Melbourne,
were duly elected as ordinary members ; and Mr. J. C. Goudie,
Birchip, and Mr. A. J. Smith, Port Albert, as country members
of the Club.

22 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

GENERAL BUSINESS.

Nominations for office-bearers for 1902-3 were received, and
Messrs. D. Best and S. W. Fulton were elected to audit the
accounts for the past year.

Mr. J. Shephard gave notice of his intention to propose the
following alteration to rule 6 at the annual meeting to be held
in June next : — " That the words ' subscription shall have been
paid, or while his subscription is in arrears ' be omitted, and the
words ' first subscription shall have been paid, or while any sub-
scription subsequently due is more than six months in arrear.' "

Mr. G. A. Keartland reported that the deputation which, at
the instance of the Club, waited on the Minister of Public Works
to present the report of the sub-committee re the Gavie Act, was
well received by the Minister, who promised to favourably con-
sider the recommendations in respect to quail and ducks with a
view to their adoption, and also to consider the advisability of
altering the close season for opossums, and the proposed re-
arrangement of the close seasons for other protected birds.

The President stated that the Club was indebted to Mr. Keart-
land, to whose efforts the successful carrying out of this matter
was mainly due.

PAPERS.

1. By Mr. E. Anderson, entitled — " Notes on the Larvse of
Gastrofliora lienricaria and Fhallaria ophiusaria."

The author described the larvae of these two rare Victorian
moths, which had been successfully reared from the eggs, and
noted their food plant, &c.

Mr. C. French, F.L.S., remarked on the prevalence of a
species of fungus which frequently destroys the larvae of some
of our moths, and was supported in his remarks by Messrs. F.
Spry, D. M'Alpine, and the author.

Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., stated that there was a necessity
for further work of a similar character to that given by the
author among our Victorian Lepidoptera, as, although the perfect
insects were now fairly well known, there was a tendency to
neglect the study of their life-histories, regarding which com-
paratively little had been published. He trusted the author
would continue to give the Club the results of his researches in
this direction.

2. By Mr. R. Hall, entitled " Notes on the Fish Harpagifer
bispinis," Forster.

The author gave a few notes on a single specimen of this fish
which he had collected in Royal Sound, Kerguelen Island, on one
side of which, he stated, the lateral line was clearly visible through-
out its whole length to the caudal, but on the other side was only
visible on the anterior portion.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 23

The paper was discussed by Messrs. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S.,
and Professor Baldwin Spencer, M.A., F.R.S.

3. By Mr. F. S. Billinghurst, entitled " Effect of a Cloud-
burst."

The author described the damage caused by a cloudburst on a
range of hills known as the Blue Range, near Alexandra, in
December last. The sudden rush of water had washed away
every vestige of vegetation from the hillside, while the beds of
adjoining gullies had been torn out to a depth of from 4 to 6
feet.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES.

Mr. R. Hall recorded the capture of a Tupong in the Werribee
River on the 21st April, in the mouth of which were five young
eels about 2 inches in length.

Mr. F. G. A. Barnard drew attention to a paragraph in Know-
ledge re animal matter, &c., in water mains, at Manchester, Eng-
land.

Mr. J. Shephard stated that it consisted mostly of freshwater
Polyzoa, and the occurrence was not uncommon in Victoria. It
was known as " pipe moss."

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. E. Anderson. — Specimens of Moth, Mnesamj)ela
comarcha, Victoria.

By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard. — Fern, Botrychium ternatum, Swartz,
with fertile frond, obtained on a Club excursion to Oakleigh
some fifteen years ago, and since cultivated by exhibitor.

By Mr. A. Coles. — Two specimens of White Goshawk, Astiir
novce-hoUandice, showing the adult and young plumage.

By Mr. J. L. Dixon. — Native tomahawks and Quartzite
chippings, evidently used by the aboriginals.

By Mr. C. French, F.L.S. — Moth, Charagia mh^abilis, Queens.,
male and female. Butterflies — Ogyris ianthis, New South Wales,
male and female ; HypochrysoiJS olliffi, Hesperilla dirphia,
Victoria.

By Mr. C. French, jun. — Larva and perfect beetle oi Stigmodera
heros, the Oak Root-borer, from Wimmera, also large specimen of
fossil shell, Cyprcea dorsaium, Tate, collected at Grice's Creek,
Mornington.

By Master C. French. — Eggs of Radjah Shieldrake (Burdekin
Duck), from Northern Territory, first time exhibited in Victoria ;
also light-coloured egg of Pink-naped Bower-Bird, from Queens-
land.

By Mrs. H. W. Hunt. — Abnormal flowers of Rose.

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated.

24 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

SOME NOTES ON THE DRAGON-FLIES OF THE
ALEXANDRA DISTRICT.

By F. L. Billinghurst.
{Read hefore the Field Naturalists' Cliih of Victoria, \Oth March, 1902.)
In the " Memoirs of the Zoological Society of France," for 1901,
vol. xix., p. 220, appears a paper by Mr. R. Martin, entitled
" The Odonata of the Australian Continent," which gives a list
of all known species authentically reported from one part or
another of Australia proper, with descriptions of new species.
The total number listed is 107, but it must, of course, be under-
stood that, this group having been so little worked, tlie number
is open to be largely augmented. This is shown by the fact that
during the three summers I have been collecting for Mr. Martin
in the Alexandra district, which is about 100 miles north-east
of Melbourne, I have forwarded him 41 out of the 107 from the
immediate district, 9 of which were quite new, and one other
not previously described in print ; and since I received the list I
have sent him two more which do not appear in it, and which he
has not yet identified. They are probably also new.

Having now something authentic to work from, I propose to
give a list of my 41 species, with a few general remarks on their
habits and appearance.

For the study of Odonata a well-watered country is necessary,
the larvae being aquatic, and in this respect I have been fortunate,
Alexandra being situated in the valley of the Upper Goulburn,
and surrounded by mountainous country. The Goulburn itself is
a first-rate hunting ground ; also the marshes and lagoons in its
valley, and the creeks and smaller rivers which come down from
the mountains are productive of many good things.

The Odonata are divided into three families, or seven sub-
families, but as these were explained in some notes of mine
published in the Victorian Naturalist, vol. xvii., p. 5 (May, 1900),
there is no necessity to recapitulate, and I can proceed at once
to enumerate the species found here under their respective
families and sub-families : —

Family I. — Libellulid/e.
Sub-family — Libellulin?e.

Diplax melanopsis, Selys.

„ nigrescens, Martin, nov, sp.

„ bipunctata, Brauer.

,, rubra, Kirby.
Orthetrum caledonicum, Brauer.

The four species of Diplax are all comparatively small, red-
bodied insects, the first three being marked with black ; B. ritbra
entirely brilliant red. The females are yellow, marked with

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 25

black. They frequent lagoons and marshes, and I have very
seldom seen them about running streams. They are not par-
ticularly strong of flight, and settle frequently on reeds, bushes,
&c., and on the ground.

The male of 0. caledonicum is a very pale blue, or heliotrope,
much larger than Diplax. The body has a flattened appearance,
tapering almost to a point. The female is brownish-yellow, with
bronze markings. It is a swift-flying, restless insect, but fre-
quently settles on the ground. I have seen it on ponds, creeks,
and the Goulburn, but never far from water.

Sub-family — Cordulinse.
Cordulephya pygmjea, Selys.
Hemicordulia novse-hollandise, Selys.
,, australi£e, Rambur.

„ tau, Selys.

Synthemis eustalacta, Burm.
„ guttata, Selys.

„ brevistyla, Selys.
„ virgula, Selys.

C. pygmtea is a pretty little insect, very rare. I have only
seen it in one spot, a small lagoon, where it appears in small
numbers every March, and seems to spend most of its time
settled on tree trunks, logs, or posts, with its wings folded down
the back, which is opposed to the habits of the two following
genera, which settle with their wings spread out. It is bronze-
black, with thin yellow rings. No diff"erence of colouration
between sexes.

The Hemicordulia are swift -flying insects of fair size, and have
no special resort. They are frequently met with in the bush, far
from any water. The three species mentioned are very similar
in appearance, brownish-yellow with bronze markings. H. taa
has a black T on the face, hence its name. H. auslralicn has
two brilliant metallic points and no T ; the male has a tooth on
the upper anal appendages, which is wanting in H. novca-hoilandiai,
as are also the T and the metallic points. No difference of colour-
ation between sexes.

The Synthemis are similar in habits and size to the last genus,
but are all black insects marked with yellow spots. They
resemble each other a good deal, and are somewhat difticult to
differentiate. The sexes differ somewhat in markings but not in
colouration.

Family II. — ^EscHNiDiE.
Sub-family — Gomphinse.
Austrogomphus gue'rini, Rambur.
,, gouldi, Selys.

,, ochraceus, Selys.

26 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Medium-sized black and yellow insects, smaller than Synthemis.
No difference of colouration in sexes, and very little in the
markings. Frequent rivers, creeks, and marshes. Seldom seen
far from water. There are twelve species of Austrogomphus
recorded in Mr. Martin's list. I have only seen the three noted
above.

Sub-family — ^schninse.

Hemianax papuensis, Burm.
iEschna brevistyla, Rambur.
Planteschna tripunctata, Martin, nov. sp.

,, sagitta, Martin, nov. sp.

„ longissima, Martin, nov. sp.

„ multipunctata, Martin, nov. sp.

Austroseschna parvistigma, Selys.

„ inermis, Martin, nov. sp.

Telephlebia godefroyi, Selys.

The ^schninse are all large, swift-flying insects, frequenting
rivers, creeks, lagoons — in fact, water of any kind — and, like
Hemicordulia, are often seen in the bush at a distance from any
water at all. On account of their rapid flight they are difficult to
capture, requiring a large net and a quick eye and hand. This is
probably one reason of so many of my species being new. They
are always on the move during the day, but towards evening begin
to settle on trees, bushes, &c., generally pretty high out of reach.
Some of the species enumerated I have never seen in the valleys
and lower grounds, but only on the mountain streams at some
altitude. P. longissima and T. godefroyi are examples.

H. papuensis is brownish-yellow with black markings. The
^schnse are all black or chestnut-brown, with yellow or greenish
spots and patches. T. godefroyi is a very striking insect, of a pale
brown colour and easily recognizable by the fact that the wings
have a dark brown stripe extending from the base along the costa
to the tip, with a brown patch surrounding the nodus. It has a
penchant for settling on rocks and stones, and is very rarely
met with.

The sexes in the ^schninae do not differ in colour, but more or
less in markings.

Family III. — Agrionid.^.
Sub-family — Calopteryginae.
Diphlebia lestoides.

This is the sole recorded Australian representative of the sub-
family. It is a very variable insect, both in size and colour. The
adult males are blue or pale green with bronze-black markings.
The young males are the same colour as the females — brownish-

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 27

yellow with black markings. Frequent rivers, creeks, and
lagoons, and are fond of settling on the ground.

Sub-family Agrioninse.

Lestes leda, Selys.

,, annulosa, Selys.

,, analis, Rambur.
Argiolestes icteromelas, Selys.

„ grisea, Selys.

Synlestes weyersii, Selys.
Nososticta solida, Selys.
Isosticta simplex, Martin, nov. sp.
Ischnura heterosticta, Burni.

,, delicata, Selys.
Pseudagrion cyane, Selys.

,, billinghursti, Martin, nov. sp.

Xanthagrion erythroneurum, Selys.
Agriocnemis splendida, Martin, nov. sp.
Hemiphlebia mirabilis, Selys.

The Agrionin^ are slender-bodied insects, mostly weak of
flight, and the majority frequent only ponds, lagoons, and marshes,
A. icteromelas and aS'. weyersii being exceptions. Some of the
species are very small, the rest medium, except /"*. billinghursti
and S. loeyersii, which are fairly large. They are of a variety of
colours, but all have a more or less metallic tinge. In nine out of
the fifteen species named the sexes are alike in colour. In the re-
maining six they are very different, and it is a fact worthy of note that
in all these six the males are blue or have blue somewhere on their
bodies ; none of the others have ; and this is also to be noticed in
Orthetrum caledonicum and Diphlebia lestoides. The only other
cases in my list where the sexes differ materially in colour are the
red Diplaces. Owing, I presume, to the weakness of their flight,
most of the Agrioninje appear to be gregarious, and when one of
a species is seen there are generally several more near. This is
especially the case with L. analis, which is our commonest Dragon-
fly, frequents reeds and rushes, and can be taken in scores in a
patch a few yards square. It is bronze and pink in color. S.
weyersii, A. spUndida, and //. mirabilis are brilliant metallic
green. The latter, a very small species, was only recorded from
Queensland before I took it. It is very local and rare here.
N. solida is a beautiful little insect, dark bronze with brilliant
orange thorax and the wings tinged with saffron. The males of
/. heterosticta and P. cyane are very similar at first sight — bronze
with anal segments brilliant blue — but the latter is only about half
the size of the former. The females are very different from each
other. The male /. delicata is red with blue anal segments ;

28 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

female, dull metallic green. It is the smallest of the flies listed.
P. hillinghursti is a striking insect, brilliant blue marked with
bronze ; female yellowish, with same markings. A. icteroinelas is
a very common insect, dark bronze, almost blackish, in colour. A.
grisea is smaller. X. erythroneurum has a red thorax.

NOTES ON THE ARGONAUTS.

By Jas. a. Kershaw, F.E.S., Curator of Zoology, National

Museum.

(^Readhef ore the Field Naturalists^ CI uh of Victoria, IQtliMarcli, 1902.)

The great interest which has been aroused in the Argonauts, owing
to the large numbers which have recently appeared in Port Phillip,
and the tendency to confuse this form with the shell commonly
known as the Pearly Nautilus, Nautilus pompilius, has induced
me to put these few notes together, in the hope that they may
prove of interest to such of the members who are unacquainted
with the history of this animal. Though I do not claim to add
anything of importance to what has already been published from
time to time, I trust they may tend to stimulate further research
among our members with a view of learning more of the life-
history, and filling up some of the gaps in our knowledge of these
interesting creatures.

For some time past, and particularly during December and
January last, large numbers of these shells have been washed ashore
in various parts of the Bay, which, on account of their beauty and
novelty, have created a good deal of excitement among seaside
visitors and others, many of whom have searched the shores early
and late — even after dark with the aid of a lantern — in the hope of
picking up some of these greatly prized shells. Some of the more
fortunate searchers have succeeded in gathering in a short time as
many as twenty-five and thirty specimens each, either on the
sand or by wading in the shallow water, and it was no uncom-
mon sight, as daylight was breaking, to see a number of figures
wading about in the water and watching for the shells to float in
with the tide. Small parties of fishermen, witli the assistance of
their boats and a shrimp net, have been known to have collected
as many as seventy or eighty shells each, and these they have
disposed of to seaside visitors and others at from 5s. to 15s. and
even ^i per pair, according to their size. The broad sandy
beaches of Mordialloc and Carrum have probably yielded the
largest number, while they have also been found more or less com-
monly all along the shores on both sides of the Bay. During the
early part of February two specimens were captured just outside
the Heads, at Point Lonsdale, while slowly drifting in towards the
shore, and others were reported from various places both east and
west of the Heads.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 29

Two species of Argonauts have been recorded from Victorian
waters — namely, Argonauta nodosa, Sol. (long known to collectors
as A. tubei'cidata), and A. argo, Linne. The former is the species
which so frequently visits the Bay, and occasionally appears in
large numbers, though the quantities found recently probably
greatly exceed those of any previous year. It has a wide dis-
tribution, being recorded from Chili, Brazil, Cape of Good Hope,
Indian Ocean, Moluccas, New Zealand, Tasmania, and Australia.
Of Australian specimens the National Museum, Melbourne,
possesses examples varying in size from very young to the largest,
from Western and South Australia, Tasmania, Clark Island,
Phillip Island, and various parts of Port Phillip Bay ; several of
these shells contain the animal, and in one or two instances the
ova.

Argonauta argo has been recorded from the Lakes' Entrance,
Gippsland, but it is rarely found in Victorian waters, though why
this should be so is difficult to understand, seeing that it is met
with on -the coasts of Western and South Australia, New South
Wales, and Queensland as far north as Torres Straits.

This species has also a very extensive range outside Australia,
being found plentifully at certain times of the year in the Medi-
terranean, and has also been recorded from the tropical parts of
the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans, and the Cape of Good
Hope.

The Argonauts belong to the order Dibranchiata, which
embraces those forms which are furnished with only two gills,
and to the sub-order Octopoda, having only eight arms. These
arms are all furnished with suckers similar to the common Cuttle-
fish. It is the female only which constructs a shell, which is
readily recognized by its thin, wrinkled, single-chambered
structure, and is really nothing more than an egg-cradle for the
protection of the ova, though at the same time it affords pro-
tection to the animal itself, and perhaps also for the newly-
hatched young. In no sense is it equivalent to the ordinary
Molluscan shell. It is not organically connected to the shell in
any way, as is the case with the Pearly Nautilus, merely retaining
its position in the shell by means of its two broadly-webbed
dorsal arms, which are furnished with suckers from the base com-
pletely round the extreme margin of the web.

These clasp and cover the whole shell, just as the shells of the
Cyprgea are covered by the mantle of the animal. By the webbed
extremities of these two dorsal arms the shell of the Argonaut is
secreted, and from the observations made on A. argo by Madame
Power, published in 1838 and commented on very fully by
Professor Owen, it is shown that the animal quickly repairs any
damage sustained by the shell. According to the same authority
the young Argonauts are excluded from the eggs naked about

30 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

twenty-five days after oviposition, and in ten or twelve days
more they were discovered to have formed their Httle shells.
Exactly when they begin to form their shells is yet unknown.

The body of the smaller Cephalopods occupies the whole of
the cavity of the shell, to which it closely corresponds in form,
and, as stated by Professor Owen, evidently " serves as a mould
upon which the shelly matter has been deposited," tlie shell being
gradually enlarged as the animal grows. With the larger
animals the body is drawn from the apex of the shell when the
ovarium begins to enlarge, and the unoccupied space forms a
chamber in which the ova are deposited. The ova consist of a
large bright red mass, and are attached together by a network of
filaments, and fill the spire of the shell.

The Argonaut sits in its shell with the funnel turned towards
the keel, and swims, like other Cephalopods, by forcibly emitting
jets of water, which has served the purpose of respiration, through
its funnel, the reaction driving the animal in the opposite
direction. Like the Cuttle-fish also, it is furnished "with an
ink-bag, from which it secretes through the funnel an inky fluid,
which serves to facilitate its escape from danger. This is
frequently experienced by anyone who has captured an Argonaut
while gently swimming in the water, the least alarm causing it to
eject its inky fluid, which discolours the surrounding water, while
the animal suddenly sinks with its shell and swims rapidly away.
The ink is said to have been used by the Chinese in the prepara-
tion of sepia, and in Turkey and Italy the preparation of sepia
from the dried pigment of the ink-bags of the Cephalopods is still
practised.

The oft-repeated statement that the Argonaut takes advantage
of fine weather to come to the surface, and spreading its
broad dorsal arms so as to act as sails, allows itself to be
propelled along by the breeze, is now discredited by all modern
naturalists. It was also contended by some of the earlier leading
Malachologists that the animal inhabiting the Argonaut shell was
a parasite, which, by either expelling or succeeding the original
owner, obtained possession. This led to a long controversy
among many of the leading authorities on the subject, including
Owen, Rang, de Blainville, Gray, and others, the result of which,
greatly assisted by the results of the observations made by
Madame Power, has been to establish the fact beyond all doubt
that the female Argonaut constructs her own shell by means of
the webbed dorsal arms.

The male Argonaut, which is very rarely met with, differs
greatly from the female, being always considerably smaller ; the
body, not exceeding an inch in length, is not provided with a
shell, nor is the dorsal pair of arms developed as in the female.
One of the arms, the third on the left side, is, however, modified

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 31

in a curious manner, being at first enveloped in a kind of cyst,
which later on bursts and allows the arm to expand to its full
extent, when it greatly exceeds in length the other arms. It is
furnished with suckers for part of its length, the remainder con-
sisting of a long thread-like organ. This is known as the hecto-
cotylus arm. The male has the power cf detaching this arm,
which it leaves within the mantle-chamber of the female, and
which retains the power of independent movement for some con-
siderable time. It was owing to one of these being discovered
within the mantle of the female which led to its being described
by Cuvier as a parasite, under the name of Hectocotylus
octopodis.

The Argonaut is readily distinguished from the Nautilus, owing
to the latter being permanently attached to its shell, the arms
being numerous, short and pointed, and devoid of suckers, and
the absence of an ink-bag. The shell is divided into a number
of chambers by regularly curved divisions or septa. These septa
are perforated in the centre to allow of the passage of a long,
narrow tube known as the siphuncle, the use of which is un-.
known, which traverses the whole length of the shell to the apex,
and is connected with the animal, which occupies the outer
chamber. The Pearly Nautilus belongs to the order Tetra-
branchiata, and is the only living Cephalopod which is provided
with four gills. It is the sole surviver of the order, and includes
among its fossil relatives the beautiful and well-known
Ammonites. The genus embraces four living species, three of
which have been recorded from the New South Wales and
Queensland coasts, but none have been known so far to occur in
Victorian waters. Shells of all these species are represented in the
National Museum collection, two of which contain the animal.

There are many points in the history of this animal which
still require clearing up. Although shells containing the animal
and ova are very frequently collected, none, so far as I can
learn, have been found occupied by the newly-hatched young.
This would lead us to conclude that the young, which,
like other Cephalopods, grow very rapidly, desert the shell
of the parent immediately after hatching, and start out for
themselves.

One of the questions which suggest themselves is, that as the
shell is regarded more as an egg-cradle than as a permanent
abode for the protection of the animal, does she either before or
shortly after the hatching of the ova purposely desert her shell ;
and if such be the case, does she then die ? Sir F. M'Coy, in the
"Prodromusof Zoology of Victoria," vol. i., plate 6i, after describ-
ing the rapid variation of the colours of the animal, continues : —
" This colouring of the surface of the body, like naked Cuttle-
fishes, is another reason for believing that the shell is not a per-

32 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

manent habilation, but a temporary egg-case." Professor Owen,
however, states that the fresh shell, being permeable to light, it
was obvious that light would act in developing the coloured spots
on the body of the Argonaut.

It is quite true that the animal can, and sometimes does, when
greatly frightened, leave its shell, but does it re-enter it again ?
Sir F. M'Coy states, regarding a specimen which he kept alive
for some time. " that when greatly frightened it abandoned its
shell ?,nd darted away with great velocity, but got hack into it
again when left alone." According to Madame Power, "the
constant result of depriving the Argonaut of its shell is a gradual
loss of vital power and ultimate death within a few hours at
furthest." Again, Mr. A. Adams, in giving the results of his
observations on a number of specimens which he captured
during the voyage of the Samarang, and kept in captivity, says
that, although the Argonaut can readily disengage herself from
the shell, "she has not the power — or, more properly, the
sagacity — to re-enter her nest, but, after darting and wounding
herself against the sides of the vessel, soon becomes languid, and
very shortly dies."

These results, being from observations made on the animals
in captivity, where, being confined in a limited space and under
frequent observation, they would naturally be in a continual
state of alarm, maj' not apply to the animal in its natural environ-
ment. As shown above, the death of the animals was really the
result of injuries received in their endeavour to escape from con-
finement, and no doubt accelerated by fright ; therefore, if the
animal in the free state were by any means deprived of its shell,
it may still survive its loss. The probability is that, under
natural and healthy conditions, the animal never leaves her shell,
but carries it about with her continually as a receptacle for her
eggs. The opportunity is now afforded any of our members who
may be inclined to take the matter up to endeavour to complete
our knowledge of the habits of these Argonauts.

EFFECT OF A CLOUDBURST.

Bv F. L. BiLLINGHURST.
[Read be fur e the Field Naturalists' Cluh of Victoria, Vltli May, 1902.)
On the 31st December, 1901, the Little River, which joins
the Acheron at Taggerty, was observed to rise about a foot, and
the garden of a settler living near it was flooded. For two or
three weeks afterwards the water was so muddy as to be unfit
for drinking, though it is usually one of the clearest of mountain
streams. Such an occurrence naturally created some curiosity,
and a search was made for its cause, which appears to have been
the bursting of a cloud on a range of hills known as tiie Blue
Range, which runs parallel with the Alexandra-Taggerty road

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 33

the altitude of the ridge being, I should judge, somewhere about
3,000 feet. I have recently paid a visit to the scene of the
afifair, and was much struck by the devastation which has been
created in what was previously a very ordinary little fern gully,
and possibly a short description of it may interest some of the
members of the Field Naturalists' Club.

The flow of water commenced high up the range, but not quite
at the top, and came down two narrow gullies which run nearly
parallel with each other and eventually join. The hill here is
very steep, and the force of the water must have been something
tremendous, as not only is every vestige of vegetation washed
away, but towards the junction the bed of each gully has been
torn out to a depth of 4 to 6 feet, while up on the banks are
barricades of huge tree trunks, roots, and tree ferns. After the
junction the descent is more gradual, and the gully is wider. As
before, all vegetation has been washed out, and the gully has been
filled with granite rubble from the size of a cricket ball upwards.
This rubble varies in width from 20 to 50 feet, and continues for
perhaps a mile and a half, the same barricades of tree trunks, &c.,
being met with here and there. It ends quite abruptly at a point
from which the descent becomes very gradual, and here the water
evidently spread out, as the first signs of silt and sand are met
with, but the bulk of this must have been carried right down into
the Little River, which will account for the muddied appearance
of that stream afterwards.

What strikes the spectator more than anything is the way big
lumps of granite have been rolled about like so many marbles and
tree trunks washed about like saplings. Another curious feature
is that the gullies on either side, at comparatively short distances,
have not been touched. Both the force and the volume of the
water must have been enormous, and though I understand such
occurrences are not unknown in this State, I doubt whether many
have left such traces of wreckage behind them. Probably the
whole thing was over in a quarter of an hour, but just now that
gully looks as if a company had been hydraulic sluicing there for
years.

West Australian Birds. — An extensive paper, containing
notes on some seventy species of West Australian birds; from
the pen of Mr. Robert Hall, appears in the Ibis for January
and April, 1902. He also contributed to the Emu, April, 1902,
a paper on " Some Bird-Skins from the Fitzroy River, North-
West Australia."

Ferns. — In continuation of his "Studies in the British Flora,"
Mr. R. L. Praeger writes in Knowledge for May, 1902, on
" Ferns," and gives a well-illustrated article on the life-history of
this favourite group of plants, many of his remarks being appli-
cable to our Victorian species.

34 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME AUSTRALIAN BIRDS' EGGS.

By Alfred J. North, C.M.Z.S., Ornithologist, Australian
Museum, Sydney.

Among a number of nests, eggs, and bird skins lately received
by the Trustees of the Australian Musuem, Mr. G. A. Keartland
and Mr. Chas. French, jun., of Melbourne, from the neighbour-
hood of the Daly River, in the Northern Territory of South
Australia, are the eggs of the following species : —

Chlamydodera nuchalis, Great Bower-bird.

A beautiful egg of this species in Mr. French's collection is a
pronounced elongate-oval in form, and exceeds in length any
Bower-bird's egg I have measured. It is of the usual pale
greenish-grey ground colour, and umber-brown scrolls, lines,
blurred streaks, and labyrinthine surface markings, but is
remarkable for having one near the smaller end bearing a striking
resemblance to a man's face. Length, 1.83 x 1.13 inches. Tiiis
egg, taken in January, 1902, was the only one in the nest;
apparently it was in an advanced state of incubation.

Pitta iris. Rainbow Pitta.

The eggs of this species are typically rounded oval in form, the
shell being close-grained, smooth, and slightly lustrous. They
are white, with small freckles, rounded spots, and a few larger
irregular-shaped blotches of inky or blackish-grey scattered over
the surface of the shell, intermingled with less numerous under-
lying markings of a lighter shade. In most specimens the larger
blotches are darker and unevenly distributed ; in one the
markings are all small and are confined to the thicker end, but
in none do they assume the form of a zone. A set of four, taken
on the I St February, 1902, measures as follows : — Length — {a),
1.02 X .84 inches ; (b), 1.02 x .83 inches ; (c), 1.04 x .84 inches;
(d), I.I x .84 inches. Another set of four taken on the following
day, measures — (a), 1.02 x .85 inches; (b), 1.06 x. 83 inches; (c),
I X .83 inches ; (d), T.03 x .85 inches. This bird builds on the
ground in clumps of bamboos, but the nest was too frail to
bear removal. A skin of a young bird was sent with these eggs
for identification.

Ortygometra cinerea (Porzana leucophrys, Gould), White-eye-
browed Water Crake.

Judging by the number of sets of eggs of this species I have
examined, it is apparently a very common bird in the Northern
Territory. The eggs, which vary from four to six in number for a
setting, are oval or rounded oval in form, the shell being close-
grained, smooth, and slightly lustrous. The ground colour varies
from a dull greenish-white to a light yellowish-clay shade, which

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 35

is almost obscured by innumerable fleecy markings, varying from
yellowish-brown to dull chestnut-brown. As a rule the markings
are fairly even in size and distributed over the entire surface ; in
others they are intermingled with a few large confluent patches,
while in some they are larger and predominate chiefly on the
thicker end. A set of four taken on the 20th February, 1902,
measures as follows : — Length — [a), i.n x.9 inches ; (b), i.i x .87
inches; (c), i.ii x .87 inches; (d), 1.07 x .83 inches. A skin
of the parent bird was sent with these eggs. A set of six eggs
in Mr. French's collection, taken on the 21st January, 1902,
measures — (a), 1.13 x .87 inches; (b), 1.13 x .85 inches;
(c), 1.17 X .85 inches; (d), 1.16 x .86 inches; (e), 1.13X .85
inches; (/), 1.13 x .85 inches.

Nettopus PULCHELLUS, Pygmy Goose.

A nest of this beautiful species found in the grass on the margin
of a swamp on the loth February, 1902, contained five fresh eggs.
They are blunt ellipses in form and faint creamy-white in colour,
the shell being very smooth, lustrous, and more or less nest-
stained, two of the specimens so much so that they are of a uniform
light yellowish-brown. Length — (a), 1.69 x 1.35 inches ; {b),
1.82 X 1.37 inches ; (c), 1.75 x 1.36 inches ; (d), 1.7 x 1.36 inches ;
1.73 X 1.35 inches; (e), 1,7 x 1.35 inches. A skin of the parent
was sent with these eggs. A set of eight in Mr. G, A. Keartland's
collection, taken on the 7th February, 1902, measures — (a), 1.75
X 1.37 inches; (b), 1.77 x 1.42 inches; (c), 1.77 x 1.4 inches ;
id), 1.72 X 1.38 inches; (e), 1.83 x 1.4 inches; (/), 1.7 x 1.34
inches; (g), 1.76 x 1.38 inches; (h), 1.7 x 1.35 inches,

Dendrocygna arcuata, Whistling Tree-Duck.

A skin of this bird was sent, together with five eggs taken from
a nest in the grass on the 5th February, 1902. They are oval in
form, faint creamy-white in colour, the shell being smooth,
lustrous, and more or less nest-stained, and measure as follows : —
Length — (a), 2.02 x 1.5 1 inches ; (b), 2 x 1.5 inches ; (c), 2.04 x
1. 51 inches; (d), 2.07 x 1.53 inches; (e), 2.06 x 1.54 inches.

Dendrocygna eytoni, Eyton's Tree-Duck

A set of ten eggs in Mr. G. A. Keardand's collection, taken on
7th March, 1902, vary from oval to rounded oval in form, the
shell being close-grained, smooth, and slightly lustrous. In a few
places where the original colour is revealed they are of a milk-
white, but are much nest-stained, some being of a uniform,
others of a partial pale brown hue. They measure : — Length (a).,
1.97 x 1.45 inches; (b), 1.92 x 1.48 inches; (c), 1.83 x 1.45
inches; (c?), 1.98 x 1.47 inches ; (e), 1.95 x 1.45 inches ; (/), 1.83
X 1.4 inches; (g), 1.95 x 1.5 inches; (A), 1.94 x x.49 inches;
(i), 1.84 X 1.49 inches; (j), 1.9 x 1.52 inches.

36 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Tadorna kadjah, White-headed Sheldrake.

An egg in Mr. Keartland's collection, taken on the 6th April,
1902, is a nearly true ellipse in form, the shell being close-grained,
very smooth, and lustrous. It is of a uniform pale cream or
creamy-white. Length, 2.48 x 1.68 inches. Two similar eggs in
Mr. French's collection, from the same set, measure — (a), 2.35
X 1.7 inches ; (b), 2.3 x 1.7 1 inches.

Some South African Birds' Eggs. — Some particulars re-
specting the eggs exhibited this evening may be interesting. The
large eggs in the case are those of a bird commonly known
in the Transvaal as the Sooty Frog-wader. They were
taken on 24th August, 1901. The nest was built in an old
giant willow, about 40 ft. from the ground ; from a little
distance it looked very similar to that of our Wedge-tailed Eagle.
On reaching the nest I found it to be a covered-in one, the
entrance being on the side facing the east ; it was composed of
sticks, bamboos, &c. (to say nothing of two old socks), and
smelt very unpleasant. On removing the roof I exposed a
cavity of about a foot high and two wide ; it contained three ugly,
recently-hatched, violet-hued young and two addled eggs. The
young strongly protested against being handled, and made their
objections manifest by much squeaking and pecking. The
parent birds did not put in an appearance, although it was
evident that they had witnessed the transgression, for many shrill
notes issued from a neighbouring clump of bushes. There were
two more nests in adjacent trees; they had, to all appearance,
been used for several successive seasons. The greenish-blue
eggs are those of a bird commonly known as the Red Bishop-
bird, Pyromelana oryx. They were taken at Wilmansrust in the
Transvaal, the scene of the Victorians' disaster ; the nests were
built in some wattle trees, close by the graves of the fallen. This
handsome little scarlet and velvety-black bird is seldom found far
from marshy ground. It usually nests in colonies. The nests are
domed, and are woven out of grass, and are, as a rule, four or
five feet above the ground or water; the freshly-made nests are a'
bright green, but soon dry to a yellow colour. The colony
mentioned was of considerable extent ; roughly estimating, I
should say there were some 60 nests in about 40 square yards.
The nests contained from 3 to 11 eggs. The eggs vary a good
deal, even in the same nest. I found many freshly laid eggs on
the ground. Most of the other eggs in the case belong to
different species of Weavers ; they generally build their nests in
bushes overhanging a spruit (stream). — H. Ernest Gatliff.
Carlton, loth March, 1902.

Che Uktorian Ddturalist

Vol. XIX.— No. 3. JULY 10, 1902. No. 223.

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The twenty-second annual meeting of the Club was held at the
Royal Society's Hall on Monday evening, i6th June, 1902. The
president, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., occupied the chair, and about
60 members and visitors were present.

REPORTS.

A report of the Club's visit to the Zoological Gardens on
Saturday, 17th May, was read by Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., who
stated that some 20 members attended, and, under his guidance,
spent a pleasant afternoon viewing the various animals contained
therein. Several improvements were noticed, particularly in the
aviaries, which are now constructed of wire-netting only, some
large shrubs providing all the shelter necessary. The birds
certainly looked at home here, and were in perfect condition. A
number of the smaller kinds of native birds were noticed, such as
Quail, Collared Plain Wanderers, Warty-faced and Lunulated
Honey-eaters, &c., while the nesting mounds of the Scrub
Turkeys again attracted much interest. Among the larger
mammals is a fine Indian Tapir, which has been added to the
collection since the Club's last visit, while the Polar Bears now
seem to be thoroughly acclimatised and are in perfect condition.

A report of the excursion to Mitcham on Saturday, 14th June,
was read by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard. Messrs. C. French, jun., and
A. H. Weslley acted as leaders, in the unavoidable absence of
Mr. G. Coghill. After following the Doncaster road for about
half a mile some paddocks which sloped towards the MuUum
Mullum or Deep Creek were visited. Here the Native Heath,
Epacris impressa, principally the white variety, was fairly plentiful,
but, being almost midwinter, other flowers were necessarily scarce.
However, stray specimens of Viola betonicifolia, Erythrcea aus-
tralis, Daviesia corymbosa, and Acacia verticillata were found in
bloom. The best flower of the day was Hibbertia obticsi/olia,
which, with its handsome yellow flowers, about an inch across,
brightened the hillside near Mr. Westley's house. Fungi were
fairly plentiful, but none of particular interest were seen. The
most surprising find of the afternoon, however, was a spray of
Bursaria s2nnosa in bloom, which was thus either six months too
late or six months too early. Such a divergence from the normal
flowering season seemed worth recording.

The hon. librarian acknowledged the receipt of the following
donations to the library : — Entomologists' Monthly Magazine,

38 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

several parts, from Mr. S. W. Fulton ; '* Report on the Pitfield
Plains Goldfield, Victoria," from the Department of Mines ;
Journal of Agriculture of Victoria, vol. i., part 5, from Depart-
ment of Agriculture ; " Catalogue of Nests and Eggs of Australian
Birds," part 2, and " Records of Australian Museum," May,
1902, from the Australian Museum, Sydney ; " Queensland Flora,"
part 5, by J. F. Bailey, F.L.S., Colonial Botanist, from Depart-
ment of Agriculture, Brisbane; " Proceedings of Royal Society of
Queensland," vol. xviii., part i, from the society ; " Proceedings
of Linnean Society of New South Wales," vol. xxvi., part 4, from
the society ; " Report on Forestry of Tasmania," from Royal
Society of Tasmania ; " Annual Report of Smithsonian Institu-
tion, 1900," from the institute; Nature Notes, April and May,
1902, from the Selborne Society, London ; Science Gossip, April,
1902, and Knowledge, April and May, 1902, from the proprietors.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

On a ballot being taken, Mr. H. Darrell Hawkins, Rowan-
street, Elsternwick, and Master Roy Felstead, 39 Brighton-road,
St. Kilda, were elected as ordinary members ; Mr. Ed. Henry
Hatfield, Pakenham, and Mr. D. Goudie, Birchip, as country
members ; and Master C. French, Richmond, as a junior
member.

ALTERATION TO RULE.

Mr. J. Shephard, being unable to attend to move his proposed
alteration to rule 6 of the Club rules, wrote asking that the matter
be postponed to the following meeting. Mr. F. G. A. Barnard
therefore moved — " That the next ordinary meeting be a special
meeting for the purpose of considering the proposed alteration of
rule 6," which was seconded by Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., and,
after a short discussion, was carried.

ANNUAL REPORT.

The hon. secretary, Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., then read the
twenty-second annual report for 1901-2, which was as follows : —

"To the Members of the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria.
Ladies and Gentlemen, — In presenting to you the twenty-second
annual report, embracing the work of the Club during the past
year, ending 30th April, 1902, your committee have much
pleasure in congratulating you on the continued steady progress
being made.

" The membership is steadily increasing, and now totals 164,
comprising 145 ordinary, 2 life, 9 honorary, and 8 country
members, while recent nominations point to a still further
increase in the year upon which we have just entered.

" Our roll of honorary members has sustained a loss in the
death of Professor Ralph Tate, F.G.S., who for 25 years occupied

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 39

the chair of natural science at Adelaide, and whose good work in
Australian palaeontology, conchology, and botany was appre-
ciated throughout the scientific world.

" The attendances at the monthly meetings have been most
satisfactory, a feature which is especially encouraging to authors
of papers, who thus feel that their work is appreciated by their
fellow-members. The papers read have in many instances
excited considerable discussion, which has lent additional interest
to our meetings, while several have been well illustrated by
lantern views.

"Of the papers read i8 were on zoological subjects, 2
botanical, 2 geological, 2 general, and 3 were accounts of trips,
totalling altogether 27. Of the zoological papers 8 were devoted
to birds, 8 to insects, i to fish, and i to molluscs.

" The authors were Messrs. F. L. Billinghurst, F. P. Dodd, W.
V. Fitzgerald, J. F. Haase, T. S. Hall, M.A., R. Hall, G. A.
Keartland, J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., S. A.
Le Souef and H. Bullen, J. Lidgett, J. H. Maiden, F.L.S., A. W.
Milligan, G. B. Pritchard, O. A. Sayce, H. T. Tisdall, and C.
Wallis.

"In addition to these, Messrs. R. Hall, A. J. North, C.M.Z.S.,
and D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., contributed articles of a technical
nature, which were printed without being read.

" Natural history notes have been read at nearly every meeting,
while the exhibition of specimens still continues to prove one of
the most valuable features of our meetings. Still more, however,
might with advantage be done in this direction, the keen interest
shown by members being sufficiently encouraging for a further ex-
tension of this part of our monthly programme.

"Another volume, the i8th, of the Victorian Naturalist has
been completed under the able editorship of Mr. F. G. A.
Barnard, to whom we are again indebted for his conscientious
work and the unfailing regularity with which our journal is issued.
To Mr. E. H. Swan, of the Triumph Engraving Company, our
thanks are again due for gratuitously providing process blocks
when required for illustrating our journal.

" The holding of camping-out excursions has proved a valuable
addition to our annual excursion list, and is now thoroughly estab-
lished as a most important part of our field work. Two of these
' camps ' have been held during the year — one in November, at
Gembrook, in which some of our lady members took part, and
the other in March, at Shoreham, on Western Port Bay. Both
were well attended, and the results obtained most satisfactory.
These prolonged excursions are specially valuable in that they
afford the opportunity of working the selected areas much more
thoroughly than can be done by short visits, besides stimulating
individual interest through working in the company of others of

40 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

similar tastes. The usual short excursions have been in many
instances well attended, but it is to be regretted that more of the
members do not avail themselves of these excellent opportunities
for increasing their knowledge in their respective branches of
natural history.

" The usual exhibition of wild flowers was held at the October
meeting, which was on this occasion set apart for this purpose,
and, though the exhibitors were not so numerous as they might
have been, a good collection of native flowers was shown and
duly appreciated by the large attendance of members and
visitors.

" During the year the Club attained its majority, and as such
an occurrence is worthy of special recognition it was decided to
celebrate it by a musical reunion, in which a number of friends
assisted. Among those present were nine of the original
members of the Club, and a most enjoyable evening was
spent, during which Messrs. C. French, F.L.S., and D. Best
related some amusing experiences of the early days of the Club.
This opportunity was taken to present Mr. G. Coghill, the
retiring hon. secretary, with a bound set of " Chambers's
Encyclopaedia," which had been subscribed for by his fellow-
members, in recognition of the valuable services he had rendered
while acting as hon. sec. during the previous four years. As a
momento of this interesting stage of the Club's career, Mr. F. G.
A. Barnard presented to the Club a framed record he had
prepared, showing the office-bearers during the 21 years, together
with a list of the original members, which is now hung in the
Club room.

" In order to coincide with the wild flower season, and thus
introduce a new feature, it has been decided to hold a two days'
conversazione during September next, when it is hoped that every
effort will be made by members to make it the success it deserves
to be.

" It was also deemed advisable by your committee to reprint
the Club rules, and, as several alterations had been made since
last printed, the whole were carefully revised and adopted at a
special meeting convened for the purpose, and will shortly be
ready for distribution.

" In order to enable members, and more especially those who
have only recently joined, to more readily distinguish fellow-
members while attending field excursions, meetings, &c., the
adoption of a distinguishing badge was suggested, and after long
and careful consideration of the several suggestions received, it
was decided to recommend that the shell Nassajasciata, which,
mounted as a pendant, could be either worn on the coat or
attached to the watch chain, be the badge of the Club, which was
endorsed by the general meeting.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 41

" During the year a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. R.
Hall, G. A. Keartland, and D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., was appointed
to organize a representative committee of naturalists, sportsmen,
agriculturists, and bird dealers, to inquire into and report on the
working of the Game Act. The matter was carefully gone into,
and a detailed report, with a list of suggested alterations,
particularly with regard to the date of opening the shooting
season for quail and ducks, was submitted for your con-
sideration, and, having been endorsed by the Club, was then
submitted to the Minister of Lands by a representative deputation,
with the result that there is every prospect of the list as amended
being adopted.

" We desire to thank the various authors of papers, leaders of
excursions, and others who have contributed their aid in for-
warding the work of the Club ; and also Messrs. T. R. B. Morton
and G. Coghill for so generously continuing to place their offices
at the disposal of the Committee for their meetings. To Mr. J.
Searle the Club is also much indebted for his continued kind-
ness in placing his lantern and services at the disposal of the
Club.

" The hon. librarian reports that the library has been mater-
ially increased by the addition of a number of valuable works,
parts of proceedings, &c., while the binding is being proceeded
with as funds permit. The use made of the library shows a
slight increase, but members cannot be aware of the value of the
collection at their disposal or it would be more freely availed of.
A properly arranged card-catalogue in connection with the library
is greatly needed, and would be much appreciated by members.

" It is with much pleasure that we are able to report the
financial position of the Club as most satisfactory. Starting the
year with a credit balance of jQ-j 8s. 3d., it concludes with one
of ^21 7s. 3d., with all accounts paid. The receipts for the
year amounted to ^131 3s. yd., while the expenditure was ^117
4s. 7d.

" In conclusion, while congratulating members on the con-
tinued steady improvement of the Club, your committee would
like to draw the attention of our new members especially to the
opportunities that exist for doing good work, which, besides
benefiting themselves, would forward the interests of natural
science. Splendid possibilities are awaiting those who are
willing to devote their leisure time to systematic work. Plenty
of material is ready at hand, and it is greatly to be regretted that
these opportunities are being allowed to slip by, only to be
eagerly availed of by the scientists of other countries, the import-
ance of which we shall only realize when too late to remedy.

Only those who know from experience the value of being able
to refer to the original types can estimate the enormous dis-

42 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

advantages through these being scattered among the numerous
museum and private collections in various parts of the world.

" T. S. Hall, President.

" J. A. Kershaw, Hon. iSecretary.

" Melbourne, C)th June, 1902."

Mr. F. Pitcher, in moving the adoption of the report, con-
gratulated the members on the work accomplished during the
year.

Mr. F. Wisewould seconded the motion, which was carried
unanimously.

FINANXIAL STATEMENT.

The hon. treasurer, Mr. J. F. Haase, read the financial state-
ment for 1 901-2, which was as follows : —

£7 8

Receipts.

To Balance, 30th April, 190]

[

,, Subscriptions

^102

I 6

,, Victorian Naturalist —

Subscriptions

£(> 2

I

Sales

0 13

0

Reprints ...

5 I

0

Advertisements

7 10

0

6 I

• y

,, Sale of Club's Badges

... 2

10 0

,, ,, Tickets Musical Reunion

... 7

6 0

;^I38 II 10

Expenditure.
By Victorian Naturalist —

Printing ... ... ^71 7 6

Reprints ... ... 410

,, Rooms — Rent and Attendance
,, Library — Periodicals ...

Binding

Insurance

,, Postages, &c.

,, Wreath (late J- T. Gillespie)

,, Expenses Musical Reunion

,, Club Badges

,, Balance

F. HAASE, Hoj!. Treasurer.
iZth May, 1902.

Audited and found correct.

—

£n

8

6

I II

s'

■ ■ 9

0

5

3 4
0 6

0
6

5
.. 12

2
2

•

6

.. I

0

0

.. 10

7

0

•• 4

4

0

4

7

21

7

3

^138

II

10

SYDNEY W. FULTON,) .

30t/i May, igo2. D. BEST, ,ji ^minors.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 43

The following statement of assets and liabilities was also
read : —

Assets.

Balance in hand ... ... ... ... ... £1^- 7 3

Arrear.s of Subscriptions (^50), say... ... ... 27 10 o

Club Badges in hand ... ... ... ... 200

Library and Bookcases ... ... ... ... 120 o o

;^i7o 17 3

Liabilities.
Subscriptions for 1902-3 Paid in Advance ... ... £\ 15 o

After a short discussion the statement was adopted, on the
motion of Mr. J. H. Gatliff, seconded by Mr. F. Wisewould.

OFFICE-BEARERS FOR I902-3.

The following office-bearers were declared duly elected, being
the only nominations received : — President, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A. ;
vice-presidents, Messrs. O. A. Sayce and D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S. ;
hon. treasurer, Mr. J. F. Haase ; hon. librarian, Mr. S. W.
Fulton ; hon. editor, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard; hon. secretary, Mr.
J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S. ; hon. assistant secretary and assistant
librarian, Mr. C. L. Barrett.

A ballot for five members of committee resulted in the election
of Messrs. E. Anderson, G. Coghill, J. Gabriel, G. A. Keartland,
and F. Wisewould.

A vote of thanks to the retiring office-bearers was moved by
Mr. D. Best and seconded by Mr. A. Coles, and carried by
acclamation.

The president, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., returned thanks on
behalf of the office-bearers.

GENERAL BUSINESS.

Mr. J. H. Rutter made some remarks re the close season for
game, and stated that his experience during the last six or seven
years shooting at Gippsland Lakes and Western Port Bay had
been that in the majority of cases the ducks were all well
matured birds at the opening of the shooting season, and were
in large groups, and not in scattered pairs as they occur during
the nesting season.

Mr. G. A. Keartland replied that before recommending any
extension of the close season the opinion of most of the leading
sportsman was obtained, and they strongly supported the recom-
mendation to alter the date of opening the shooting season to
February.

Mr. D. Le Souef, G.M.Z.S., supported Mr. Keartland's remarks,
and stated that many of the sportsmen stated that they frequently
found young birds after the old date of opening the season in
December.

44 THE VlCTOUrAN NATURALIST.

president's address.

The president, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A.,then delivered the follow-
ing address : —

" Ladies and Gentlemen, — The custom of delivering a presi-
dential address has long fallen into disuse among us, but some
injudicious remarks on my part at a recent committee meeting
induced a combined assault on me, which I was powerless to
resist, and hence my appearance before you this evening.

" During the past year we celebrated the twenty-first anniver-
sary of our existence as a club, and I thought that it would be a
convenient occasion for me this evening to offer a few remarks
on our aims, and how far we have attained or fallen short of
them.

" Our long list of members and the attendance at our meetings
show that the Club successfully fills what would otherwise be a
vacant place in the cultivation of natural science in Victoria.
We number amongst us nearly all those who are doing original
work in zoology, botany, and geology in the State. But we must
recollect that our very success shows us that we should beware
how we vary from our present methods. The Club is not spec-
ially founded for the forwarding of the detailed study of morphology,
nor the long description of new species of all sorts of life. We
do not ask here for papers replete with references to previous
work, full of minute descriptions of geological strata, and packed
with the evidence derivable from long lists of fossils. If we did
ask for such, could we, with our limited means, publish them as
they should be published, and then distribute them as they should
be distributed to the scientific societies of the world ?

" I touch on this point, for it has long been before my mind,
and has frequently been a subject of discussion with individual
members of the Club. What are the aims of a society such as
this ? Are they the best aims for us, and how far are they being
fulfilled ?

" What our aims are may best be answered by calling to mind the
circumstances surrounding the founding of the Club. Then the
only societies in Victoria which paid any attention to natural
science were the Royal Society of Victoria and the Microscopical
Society of Victoria. There was, as the societies were then carried
on, no place where the field naturalist could meet his friends, or
his foes, and discuss with them those minor facts which the field
worker must know, facts which no book can satisfactorily tell him,
but which are handed down by oral tradition. Show me how I
can skin this bird so as best to hide the damage it has sustained.
Where can I take this or that insect ? What sort of paper should
I get for my dried plants, and where can I buy it ? These, and a
host of similar questions were the ones our early members felt

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 45

they wanted, some to ask and others to answer. The success of
a society which would take charge of such matters was assured
from the start. The old societies aimed at describing for the out-
side world the characteristics of our natural history. The new
society, on the other hand, was a body of people anxious to help
one another to study what lay around them. This, to my mind,
is the fundamental distinction between a society such as this
and the Royal Society. Still we have to treat the distinction with
a certain amount of latitude. There are groups of animals and
plants in which popular interest is always great ; groups which,
by their beauty, their grace, and their wide distribution, are ever
attractive and ever before us. Pre-eminent among such groups
are birds, butterflies, and orchids. Groups like these it is per-
missible for us to study more deeply than others which are not so
generally known or so much sought after by the ordinary lover
of nature. These latter groups, when treated of in the Club, it is
better should be handled with a lighter touch. We can get a full
meeting for a paper on the habits, distribution, or specific characters
of a bird or a butterfl}', and on the paper we can get half a dozen
members to speak who probably know as much about the question
as the author himself We can do the same with ferns and
orchids, and to a less extent with a few other groups. Outside
this range the character of our papers must change. How would
our meetings be attended, or what pleasure and benefit would
members derive from a series of papers of equal standard dealing
with microscopic fungi, fossil echinoids, or a whole host of other
organisms. Let me not be misunderstood on this point. We
will take papers on any of these subjects gladly, but they must be
papers of a certain kind. They must be introductory and explana-
tory ; they must assume no knowledge of the subject on the part
of the hearers, or else they will fail in their purpose, which is to
instruct and rouse the interest of the members of the Club, and
not, as I before remarked, to lay before the scientific world some
original contribution to our knowledge of the group in question.
It is papers of these two distinct kinds that we in the main
require. Such have been our papers in the past, and by ad-
herence to this policy we have reached and maintained the
position which we now hold, for the Field Naturalists' Club
of Victoria is amongst the most vigorous and useful clubs of its
character to be found anywhere in the world, and we must
keep it so. It is clear, from our success, that we are meeting
the wants of a large number of people by the manner in which
the Club is conducted. I do not, of course, wish to be under-
stood as saying that no improvement is possible, for I certainly
think there is room for change for the better ; but I think that
the change should not be made from any mistaken ideas about
indefinitely raising the standard of the papers and discussions.
We are, before all, a ' popular ' scientific Club, and in our own

46 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

line we do work no other Victorian society can do. But there
are departments of natural science which it is not advisable for
us to deal with — branches which require much preliminary train-
ing and study to master, and in some of these branches many of
our members, who first devoted their attention to science in our
ranks, are now recognized authorities. Our society cannot
afford to publish their work, and this not only in a monetary
sense, but in a still more vital one for the Club's existence, for
long papers on subjects in which but two or three members have
any personal interest would soon make the Victorian Naturalist
so change its character as to be valueless to those for whom the
Club was founded, and they would again become ' sheep without
a shepherd.'

" If I point out where I think no change in the methods of the
Club is advisable, I may as well indicate a direction in which I
think improvement is possible, and in this I know that many of
the members of the Club are with me. At every meeting exhibits
are brought forward and laid on the table, and the secretary
reads out a list of what is on view. Now, I think that we should
devote more attention to this branch of our work, and with this
aim the committee some time ago decided that no fresh business
should be brought on after a quarter past nine, in order that
more time should be available for those present to examine and
chat over the specimens. When this alteration was made
members were asked to supply a note on their exhibits for in-
clusion in the Naturalist. There are, of course, instances in
which such a note is unnecessary, for we do not want merely to
pad out our publication with needless paragraphs ; but there are
many instances where a few lines would be advisable, and under
the present method a record is apt to be lost. It is here that I
would earnestly advocate a change in our procedure. Our list
of exhibits might well take up more space in the Naturalist than
it does at present. There is, of course, one class of note that
the Club would not accept, and that is the description of new
species under the guise of a natural history note. A new species
is too important a matter to be treated in an off-hand manner on
the spur of the moment, and should be handled in the recognized
way. If we have a series of short paragraphs of this kind, each
with its appropriate heading, it will be possible to notice in the
index to the volume much that now is passed over. One member
of the committee has suggested that all the exhibits should be
indexed, and there is no doubt that there is a good deal to be
said in favour of the suggestion. Personally I know an adoption
of the plan would frequently have saved me from a great loss of
time in hunting a record which I knew was hidden away some-
where in the depths.

" Still, to index every exhibit is, I think, scarcely necessary.
The more important should be paragraphed and then indexed

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 47

but the paragraph should be written by the exhibitor, for both
the secretary and the editor have quite enough work to do as it
is, and the exhibitor should know what points he wishes to draw
attention to.

" There is one other point that I should like to enlarge upon,
and that is the strange way in which the study of many divisions
of both our fauna and flora is being neglected. There is always
in all societies a tendency for members to crowd on to one par-
ticular branch, and we can illustrate the tendency from our own
history. Once the members were all for orchids ; later on there
was an attack of microscopic fever, and now the air is full of
feathers. There is, undoubtedly, an advantage in a combination
of forces to carry a position, and I should be the last to ask any-
one to throw up his favourite study, in which he was perhaps
either doing, or capable of doing, sound work. But there is a
danger to the other members, who are, after all, but human.
When a large body of investigators is interested in a subject every
small fact that is new, or appears to be new, is eagerly seized
upon and recorded. Facts in other branches of science, equally
as important — for all facts are important — may be noted by the
solitary worker, and because he does not find the bulk of the
members interested he lets the thing go. It is very wrong of
him, and he must be remonstrated with.

" As field naturalists our first aim should be the study of living
animals and plants. As it is necessary for us to communicate
our results, the first thing we have to do is to attach a label to
all ' the little things we care about.' You know the first piece of
human work on record was the naming of species. Man has
been at it ever since, but the end is not yet. There is still
abundance of work awaiting the systematist. When we know
what names our species are to bear this usually means that we
know their position in the scale of life, and we can tell something
of their general structure and habits. But we must take nothing
for granted. We must prove all things, and it is often surprising
the discoveries that are made in the case of the commonest
objects. There are many groups in which our members are
interested of which we have a very good general knowledge.
We know what they are, where they are found, and something
about their habits ; but it is rather surprising the way in which
many are almost entirely neglected. The harvest is crying out
for labourers, and why are more not forthcoming ? Everyone
can add a stone to the cairn of knowledge. You have heard that
so often that perhaps it does not come home to you. But I wish
every member of the Club to realize that he or she can, if
desirous, find out something that no one else knows. Find it out,
then, and tell it to us. We will hearken gladly. Mere collecting
and storing up in boxes or cabinets is useless, dead and unprofit-
able. Collect less and study more. It does not matter how

48 THE VICTOKIAN NATURALIST.

small a compartment of knowledge you occupy. But investigate
it thoroughly.

" Let me point out a few of the departments in which we are
still very ignorant, and where work is wanted. Above all things
our land and freshwater organisms need careful study. The
march of settlement and the spread of introduced forms are fast
dispossessing the original dwellers, and this work must be done
soon or much will be lost. I am not asking anyone who is
really working at any marine group to leave it and turn his
attention elsewhere. What we want is some of those who are
merely taking a general interest in science — in plain words, who
are doing nothing — to rouse themselves up and work.

" What do we know of our freshwater algse, our liver-worts
and mosses ? When will any one seriously tackle the protozoa
of our ponds? Hitherto we have had a few specimens named
at random. Others besides myself have tried in vain to get
someone to take up this branch. What offers are there ? Why
will no one tell "us of what freshwater sponges we have ? Is
there anyone who will work out our freshwater polyzoa ? Only
the other day a naturalist in another State asked me, ' Is there
no one who will study your land and freshwater mollusca ? ' and
I pass the question on to you. There are other groups, but I
pass them by, for here is enough and more than enough to
occupy our energies for a long while to come.

" In beginning the study of any of these groups difficulties will
be met with, but there are many of our members who will only
be too glad to start you on your way, and to show you how to
find and use your literature. Our libraries are fairly well
stocked, and if there are any books not in them which are
necessary for your study the proper authorities have, as a rule,
only to be approached for your wants to be met. Have no
scruple in asking for directions ; those who can help you
will be only too glad to do so if they feel that you really mean
business.

"In conclusion, let me express the hope that my remarks to-
night will bear fruit, that you will apply my suggestioris to your-
selves and not to your neighbours, that every year will see the
fields over which our energies range enlarge, while with it our in-
fluence shall increase. We can look back on twenty-one years of
successful work. May our future be as bright."

Mr. F. G. A. Barnard moved a vote of thanks to the president
for his excellent address, and trusted that members would bear
in mind the president's remarks, especially as regards their
exhibits.

Mr. F. Wisewould seconded the resolution, which was carried

unanimously.

The president briefly replied.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 49

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES.

Mr. G. A. Keartland made some remarks regarding the plant
Euphorbia drummondi poisoning stock, a matter which he had
previously brought before the Club, and stated that he had
recently received a communication from a gentleman in Central
Australia, complaining of the loss of horses through eating this
plant. Subsequently a valuable horse was found suffering in a
similar manner, and the treatment as recommended in the paper
which he had read on the subject was adopted, with the best
results.

The President and Messrs, O. A. Sayce, F. Wisewould, and
F. Pitcher also discussed the matter.

Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., stated that a small flock of the
little Swallow Dicseiim, Dicceum liirundinaceum, was at present
frequenting the Zoological Gardens, this species being rarely seen
so near Melbourne.

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. A. G. Campbell. — Pair of Black-chinned Honey-eaters,
Melithreptus gularis, from Werribee Plains, June, 1902 ; also a
small race of White-eared Honey-eaters, Ptilotis leucotis.

By Mr. A. Coles. — Four specimens of Cyprcea decipiens and
one of C. thersites, from Western Australia.

By Mr. C. Coles. — Four gizzards, and contents of five others,
taken from specimens of Magpie Lark, Grallina picata. These
birds were found by Mr. A. J. Smith, of Burwood, under one
tree, having evidently been poisoned by wheat laid to kill
vermin.

By Mr. C. J. Gabriel. — Specimens of Verius lamellata, dredged
from Port Phillip Bay.

By Mr. R. Hall. — Flock Pigeon from North-Western Australia,
showing sky and ground colours as a protection against hawks
flying above or beneath them ; also recognition marks for others
of the species ; also Brown Quail, showing an almost total loss of
brown and black pigments, with a strong development of greyish-
purple — locality, near Melbourne.

By Mr. A. D. Hardy. — European Mole, Talpa europcea^ from
Northumberland, England.

By Messrs. G. A. Keartland and C. French, jun. — The following
rare eggs from Northern Territory, South Australia, described in
Victorian Naturalist for June by Mr. A. J. North, C.M.Z.S. : —
White-eyebrowed Water Crake, Burdekin Duck (Radjah Shiel-
drake), Eyton's Tree Duck, Whistling Tree Duck, Pigmy Goose,
Great Bower-bird, and Rainbow Pitta. Also, the following since
received : — Royal Spoonbill, Jabiru, White-quilled Pigmy Goose
and skins, and skin of the Masked Owl.

By Mr. H. B. Williamson. — The following dried plants from
new localities : — Helichrysum rutidolepis, De C, new for N.E. ;
locality Murray River, near Rutherglen, 12/01. Kochia hrevifolia,

50 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

R. Br,, new for S. ; Geelong, 1/96. Festuca hookeriana, F. v. M.,
newforS.W. ; Hawkesdale, 12/01. Lepidosperma elatius, Labill.,
new for S.W. ; Hawkesdale, ii/oi. Bellis perennis, L., Port-
land district; well established, 1894 and n/oi ; perhaps not
recorded as naturalized in Victoria. Calocephalus citreus, Lessing,
new for N.E. ; Murray River, near Rutherglen, 12/00. Calotis
anthemoides, F. v. M., new for S.W. ; Dunkeld, ii/oi. Poa
lepida, F. v. M., Coast Hills, Port Fairy, ii/oi. Chorizandra
cymbaria, R. Br., new for S.W. ; Hawkesdale, in Great Swamp,
12/01. Eucalyptus dives, Schauer, new for S.W. ; Grampians,
12/01. Cyperus tenellus, L., new for S.W. ; Hawkesdale, ii/oi.
After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated.

DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME NEW MALLOPHAGA

FROM MARSUPIALS.

By S. A. Le Souef.

(Communicated by D. Le Souef)

[Read before the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, lOth March, 1902.)

1. BoopiA NOTA-FUSCA, found on Black Wallaby, Macropus

ualahatus.
Dirty white, with light chestnut markings on upper parts of the
body and legs ; head equilateral ; clypeus convex and smooth,
with a broad chestnut band posteriorly extending to the base of
a wide, shallow lateral sinus, in the anterior part of which the
eyes are situated ; palpi with distal end a little enlarged ;
antennae capitate ; eyes large and convex ; temporal angles
truncate ; a chestnut patch on each side of occiput ; prothorax
elliptical, nearly as long as broad ; metathorax sub-conical and
truncate ; legs long, first joint chestnut, second pale with chestnut
ring distally, third chestnut on distal two-thirds; first tarsal joint
with a small nodule inferiorly ; second tarsal long and slightly
curved, chestnut with numerous very fine hairs inferiorly ; ungues
large, finely serrated on under surface ; abdomen ovate, the sides
being wavy. Length 1.76 mm., breadth .80 mm.

2. BoopiA BETTONGIA, fouud On Jerboa Kangaroo, Bettongia

Tufescens.
Pale yellowish-white and smooth ; clypeus convex ; palpi
slightly clavate and long ; antennae with last joint produced to a
blunt point ; eyes slightly convex, with a strong spine growing
out of the socket ; basal angles produced and rotundate ; base
slightly concave ; prothorax large, broader than long, with three
spines on the lateral margin, rotundate posteriorly ; metathorax
quadrate, concave anteriorly and truncate posteriorly ; legs pale,
second tarsal joint stout and curved, with a double serrated ridge
inferiorly ; abdomen ovate, bluntly serrated laterally. Length
1.60 mm., breadth .67 mm.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

July, 1902.

3. A. LE SOUEF, Del. Process Blocl. TRIUlIPH ENG. Co.

NEW SPECIES OF MALLOPHAGA.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 51

3. BooPiA MiNUTA, found on Dorsalis Wallaby, Macropus

dorsalis.

Pale yellowish-white ; head tawny yellow, darker anteriorly ;
clypeus semilunar ; palpi long and slightly clavate ; antennae
with last joint produced to a blunt point and flattened posteriorly ;
temporal angles broad and truncate ; eyes slightly convex ; base
convex ; prothorax elliptical, truncate anteriorly and rotundate
posteriorly, slightly broader than long ; metathorax sub-conical
and truncate ; legs, a chestnut ring on distal femur and tibia,
second tarsal joint has several transverse rows of small hairs
inferiorly; abdomen ovate, bluntly serrated laterally. Length
1. 18 mm., breadth .60.

Genus. — Latumcephalum.

Generic characters : — Head broader than long, three divisions
on lateral margins ; eyes small ; palpi apparently two-jointed,
but in reality four-jointed, first very short and fourth and fifth
welded together; antennte four-jointed; abdomen deeply
serrated laterally ; tarsal joints nearly equal in size ; two ungues.

4. Latumcephalum macropus.

Colour whitish ; head fiattened, cone-shaped, with three
depressions or slits on the lateral margins, about one and a half
times as broad as long, with truncate basal angles and sinuously
concave base ; chestnut markings round basal margins and on
the inner side of a wide, shallow sinus which holds the antennge ;
clypeus narrow and semilunar ; palpi exserted, four-jointed, first
very short, second long and cylindrical, fourth and fifth clavate
and. welded together ; antennae stout and capitate, first joint
semi-cylindrical, second globular, third pedunculate, and fourth
semi-globular ; prothorax transversely elliptical, slightly concave
anteriorly and convex posteriorly, lateral angle acute ; metathorax
somewhat quadrate, concave anteriorly and convex posteriorly,
with depression in each lateral margin ; legs robust, first tarsal
joint a little smaller than the second ; abdomen oval, nine
segm::nts, bluntly and deeply serrated laterally. Length 1.15
mm., breadth .44 mm. Found on the skin of the Wallabies.
Feeds on epidermis. Rather sluggish in movements.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE.

I. — Boopia nota-fusca (male).
2. — B. bettongia (male).
3. — B. minuta (female).

4. — Latumcephalum macropus (fe-
male).
4A. — Do do — palpi.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS.

" Catalogue of Nests and Eggs of Birds found Breeding
IN Australia and Tasmania." — The second part of this
publication, the general plan of which was given in the Victorian
Naturalist, vol. xvii., p. 66, has recently been issued. The

52 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

portion under notice, pages 37-120, deals with the Bower-birds
(continued), Orioles, Wood-Shrikes, and Cuckoo-Shrikes,
embracing altogether thirty-one species, though it is remarked
that the nests and eggs of Newton's and the Tooth-billed Bower-
birds are still unknown to science. Good illustrations are given
of the bowers of the Spotted and Great Bower-birds, and among
other noteworthy illustrations are the nest and eggs of the Cat-
bird, the nest of the Rufous-breasted Shrike-Thrush, and a
peculiarly situated nest and egg of Jardine's Caterpillar-eater.
The part includes three plates of eggs, figuring some sixty
specimens, which in the coloured edition faithfully reproduce
the natural appearance of the eggs. The author, Mr. A. J. North,
C.M.Z.S., and the illustrator, Mr. N. Cayley, are to be congrat-
ulated on the successful carrying out of their respective parts.

"A Monograph of the Culicid^ or Mosquitos." — The fact
that malaria and some other diseases are communicated by
Mosquito bites has led to the concentration of a considerable
amount of attention on the Culicidse. The necessity of
identifying the different species was, of course, felt, and it was
then realized that, as a matter of fact, this branch of work had
been much neglected in the past. Several important monographs
have appeared on the anatomy of certain species, and there has
just been issued by the British Museum "A Monograph of the
Culicidse or Mosquitos," which will make the study of the family
simple in comparison with what it once was. The author is Mr.
F. V. Theobald. The work is in two volumes of the size and
appearance of the well-known British Museum catalogues, and is
accompanied by a volume of coloured plates. The family does
not seem to be extensively represented in Victoria, though doubt-
less further species will be discovered on a more careful search.
We notice, however, Culex frenchii recorded as a new species.

"The Emu." — The July number (vol. ii., part i) of this
publication contains a number of interesting ornithological articles,
two of which are illustrated, while under the title of " Stray
Feathers " a variety of notes relating to birds are gathered
together from all parts of Australia. Mr. A. J. Campbell
furnishes a report on the Mutton-bird "rookeries" at Phillip
Island, which he visited at the end of March last. Six of the
seven existing rookeries were examined, four of them being found
in good order, but the other two seemed to have been somewhat
depleted by egg-gatherers and birding parties. A copy of the
report was forwarded to the Chief Inspector of Fisheries, who
administers the Game Act, and on his recommendation it has
been decided to close the Red Cliff and Nobby rookeries for four
years from September next, and to require egg-gatherers at the
other rookeries to register their names with the local assistant
inspector.

Cbe Ulctorlan HaturaHst

Vol. XIX.— No. 4. AUGUST 7, 1902. No. 224.

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The special meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society's
Hall on Monday evening, 14th July, 1902. Mr. O. A. Sayce
(one of the vice-presidents) occupied the chair, and about 40
members and visitors were present.

CORRESPONDENCE.

The hon. sec. read a communication from the Royal
Geographical Society of Australasia, Queensland Branch, stating
that arrangements had been made to celebrate, on the
I St August next, the 83rd birthday of their first president and
honorary councillor, the Hon. Augustus Charles Gregory, C.M.G.,
F.R.G.b., one of the greatest Australian explorers, when addresses
appropriate to the occasion would be delivered and presentations
made to Mr. Gregory, who, in replying, will allude to his
contemporaries in the field of Australian exploration and
discovery, and the society invited the Field Naturalists' Club to
take part in the celebration.

The hon. sec. mentioned that the committee had asked Mr. F.
M. Bailey, F.L.S., Government Botanist of Queensland, to repre-
sent the Club on the occasion.

REPORT.

The hon. sec. read a report from the sub-committee (Messrs.
C. C. Brittlebank, G. A. Keartland, and J. A. Kershaw) appointed
to draft a reply to a report forwarded by Mr. C. W. Maclean,
Inspector of Fisheries, from Constable Carey, of VVhittlesea,
regarding the wholesale destruction of native birds through
eating poisoned grain laid for rabbits. The sub-committee fully
upheld the constable's statements, and these were endorsed by
all the evidence obtained on the subject from various parts
of the State, and stated that among the birds and mammals
destroyed in this manner were Cockatoos, Parrots, Bronze-wing
Pigeons, Satin Bower-birds, Magpies, Quail, &c., and Opossums,
and where " Toxa " poison is used many honey-eating birds are
killed. It was pointed out that as the law at present stands
farmers are compelled to lay poison to destroy the rabbits, and it
was urged that some means other than that now used be adopted.
With this view it was suggested that the use of bisulphide of
carbon to suffocate the rabbits in their burrows would be more
effectual, and would destroy both the young and old at the same
time without causing the serious loss among the native birds.

%

54 rilK VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

The report was discussed by several members, mainly as to the
best means of destroying the rabbits without injury to the native
birds.

The report was adopted, on the motion of Mr. J. Shephard,
seconded by Mr. A. J. Campbell, and ordered to be sent on to
the Inspector of Fisheries.

Mr. G. CoghiU moved — " That a standing committee, consisting
of Messrs. C. C. Brittlebank, G. A. Keartland, J. A. Kershaw,
and O. A. Sayce, with power to add to their number, be appointed
to deal with all matters similar to the above as they arise." This
was seconded by Mr. U. Best and carried.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

On a ballot being taken, Mr. R. A. Bastow, 183 Brunswick-
street, Fitzroy, Mr. Alister Clarke, Bulla, and Miss Gweneth
VVisewould were elected as ordinary members, and Mr. H. W.
Davey, 55 Drummond-street north, Ballarat, as a country member
of the Club.

ALTERATION TO RULE.

Mr. J. Shephard moved the following alteration of rule 6 : —
"That the words 'subscription shall have been paid, or while his
subscription is in arrears ' be omitted, and the words ' first
subscription shall have been paid, or while any subscription
subsequently due is more than six months in arrear ' sub-
stituted."

In speaking to his motion, Mr. Shephard said that he thought
it would be to the advantage of the Club to allow a little
more latitude in the payment of subscriptions than was provided
by the present rule, which debarred any member who had not
paid his subscription from taking part in the annual election of
office-bearers, and was supported in his remarks by Mr. F.
Pitcher, who seconded the motion, and by Messrs. A. J. Campbell
and A. D. Hardy.

Mr. F. Wisewould expressed himself strongly in favour of
the present rule, which had been in existence for some fifteen
years and had been a most useful rule.

Mr, J. F. Haase said that from his experience as treasurer
he considered the rule a most valuable one, and that it saved
the treasurer a considerable amount of work.

Messrs. Sayce, Best, and Coghill also spoke in favour of the
existing rule, and the motion on being put to the meeting was
lost.

PAPERS.

I. By Mr. Jas. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., entitled " Notes on a
Rare Victorian Shark."

The author gave a detailed description of a large Basking
Shark, Cetorhinuti maximics, whicli had recently been captured in

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 55

Hobson's Bay, ofFWilliamstown, and gave a detailed account of the
habits and distribution of the species. The specimen measured
a total length of 12 feet 11 inches, and was pecuHar in tliat the
front of the head was greatly extended, and formed a thick, fleshy
snout, the extremity of which terminated in a fleshy hook. It is
the second specimen of the species recorded from Victoiian
waters.

Some photographs of the fish and of some of the teetli (enlarged)
were exhibited in illustration of his remarks.

The chairman, Mr. O. A. Sayce, and Mr. A. D. Hardy made
some remarks on the paper.

2. By Mr. A. J. North, C.M.Z.S., entitled "Note on Ere-
miornis carteri."

The author stated that he had forwarded examples of Carter's
Desert-bird to Dr. P. L. Sclater, secretary of the Zoological
Society, London, who, when exhibiting them before the British
Ornithological Club, remarked : — " The genus is closely allied to
Schcenicola of India, and perhaps hardly distinct ; but the
specimen is not in very good condition, and I am unable to
decide definitely upon it." Mr. North stated that after com-
paring specimens of the two genera he was strengthened in his
opinion that although Schcenicola and Eremiornis bear a close
resemblance to each other they are quite distinct, and described
the diiferences in detail. A photograph of the two birds was
exhibited to illustrate his paper.

3, By Mr. Frank Madden, M.L.A., entitled " Notes on the
White Ibis," communicated by Mr. G. A. Keartland.

The author gave a very interesting account of the habits of
the White Ibis, Threskior7iis strictipennis, emphasizing its
value in keeping in check the swarms of locusts and other insect
pests, as the Sacred Ibis does in Egypt, and stated that farmers
should do everything in their power to protect and encourage
these birds to increase and multiply. He stated that though on
the list of protected birds permits can be obtained to allow
keeping them as pets in gardens, where they would do infinite
service in keeping down injurious insects.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES.

Mr. G. A. Keartland mentioned that a new Grass-Wren, named
Amytis housei by Mr. A. W. Milligan, of Perth, had been dis-
covered by Dr. House while on the recent Kimberley Exploring
Expedition in North-Western Australia. A White Cockatoo was
also taken, which had been referred to as doubtfully new on account
of its smaller size as compared with Cacatua galerita. Mr. Keart-
land remarked that he obtained a specimen of this bird when at
Derby, North-Western Australia, and drew attention at the time
to its smaller size.

56 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. A. Coles. — Stuffed specimen of Blackfish, Gadopsis
gracilis, caught in the Biinyip River. Weight, 5 lbs. 4 ozs. ;
length, 24 inches.

By Mr. C. French, jun. — Twig of apple tree showing seeds of
mistletoe (Loranthus) germinating. The seeds of mistletoe are
disseminated by the birds known as the Swallow Dic^eum.

By Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., for the National Museum, Mel-
bourne.— Photographs of Basking Shark, Getorhlnus maximus ;
also of teeth of same (enlarged), in illustration of paper.

By Mr. A. J. North, C.M.Z.S. — Photographs of Schoenicola
platyura and Eremiornis carteri (natural size) in illustration of
paper.

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated.

ON THE SHELL-FISH FOOD REMAINS OF
ABORIGINALS.
Bv D. Le Souef.
{Read before the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, Uth April, 1902.)
In days gone by the aboriginals who inhabited the vicinity of
the sea-coast seem to have lived largely on shell-fish, and
during the course of ages — how long we do not know —
enormous quantities of shells have gradually been heaped
together, in many places forming mounds of considerable
height — for instance, in Northern Australia, on the shores of
the Gulf of Carpentaria. Mr. W. E. Roth says : — " Between
the junction of the Hey and Embley Rivers are to be found
middens of burnt shell, mainly of A7-ca granosa, some of tiie
mounds reaching to a height of over thirty feet, and dotted
over a distance of from a quarter to half a mile in length. On the
tops of them may be seen remains of fires and huts, the shells,
after cooking, having been thrown down the sides. Considering
that the total number of tons of shells comprising these mounds
must be reckoned in hundreds, probably thousands, cind that the
local population is comparatively scarce, the process of their
formation has evidently been going on for several generations
past."

Personally I have not seen any mounds of a similar size on the
Victorian coast, although it is quite possible they exist, but whether
you go along the ocean beach or the shores of the bay, or many of
the river banks, you will find evidences of the former existence of
natives by the remains of their kitchen middens and the bones
and shell remains scattered about them. For instance, take the
ocean beach at Sorrento as a sample of the rest. There you will
find on the top of the cliffs, or on sand hummocks now more or

THK VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 57

less covered with dense scrub, large deposits of shells, consisting
principally of Limpets, Patella tramoserica, Cockles, Natica
plumbea, Haliotis, H. ncevosa, Mussels, Mytilus latus, Oysters,
Ostrea edulis, also Purpura, succlncta and Scutus anatinus. Then,
again, as these sand hummocks gradually get blown away by the
wind, deposits or strata of shell, together with soil which has been
mostly darkened and discoloured by the action of fire, will be
noticed exposed at varying distances from the present surface ;
these shell remains again collect at the bottom of the hollows so
formed, with any stones that may have been used for the old fire-
place. These again get covered up by sand, but the deposits so
formed are easily recognized by the absence of any sand dis-
coloured by fire, and also the more delicate parts of the shells,
especially in Haliotis, have crumbled away through being exposed
to the weather, whereas in deposits left where thrown by the
natives, most of the Haliotis shells, though partially decomposed,
are entire. The Cockles and similar shells have all been broken,
so as to extract their contents, and it is seldom that a perfect one
is found, but the Haliotis and Limpet shells are of course unbroken,
except that the latter have a small portion of the rim always
broken off, where the natives struck them with a sharpened stone
or jagged end of a bone to disengage them from the rock to
which they clung.

The natives generally made their fires in shallow hollows, and
when the fire was well started threw stones into the flames, and
when a sufficient number had been thrown in and thoroughly
healed, they took the stones out, and placing their food in the
hollow, covered it with the heated stones and so cooked it. A.t
Sorrento dune-sandstone was the principal kind used for this
purpose, and these stones soon became blackened by the action
of the fire, and many of the remains of those made on firm soil
may still be seen, but the burnt stones of those made in the sand
hummocks have long ago been scattered from their original
position by the action of the wind, and round these old fireplaces
is where the shells are found, although, as before stated, many
large deposits of shells may now be found among the sand hum-
mocks without any sign of a fireplace, that having been destroyed
by wind ; but, if originally made on firm soil, the remains of the
fireplace will generally be found. The natives evidently did not
roast the shell-fish to any extent in their shells, as very few of
these are much burnt ; they probably put them in the fire just
long enough to kill the occupant and make it easy to extract,
although it may have been subjected to more cooking after-
wards.

Near these old fireplaces, some of which appear to have been
used for a considerable time, judging by the large accumulation
of shells, native weapons, also the stones and jagged pieces of

58 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

bone they used for knocking the Limpets and Haliotis shells off
with, as well as smaller sharp stones, splintered off from a larger
piece, probably by pouring water on a heated stone. These they
evidently used to cut up their food with, as remains of Kangaroos,
Wallabies, &c., are found at these old feasting-places, as well as
shells, and occasionally stones .are found that they used for
crushing and grinding up certain seeds, with which they made
paste for food.

It is interesting to notice how these ancient middens, if we
may so call them, show us how the sea coast is gradually altering.
For instance, we may find a large deposit of shells, whereas in the
sea opposite there are no rocks on which the shell-fish could live,
showing conclusively that the rocks were there formerly, but have
been worn away by the action of the sea. On the shores of
Port Phillip Bay much of the coast on the western side has been
so eaten away, and therefore most of the shell deposits, as left by
the natives, have disappeared, but on the eastern side they may
still be found, and are almost continuous, in varying quantities,
depending, of course, on the amount of rock exposed at low tide
opposite, but they do not seem to be found to any considerable
depth, there being, for instance, no sand hummocks to bury them,
and I do not think that the depth at which these old fireplaces
are found gives us much clue as to the time the natives have
been here, as the bay is gradually extending, through the action
of the waves, and therefore the natives would have their middens
shifted further and further back as the sea encroached.

When visiting our sea shores I have heard over and over again
that the fact of these shell deposits being where they are show
that the shores have risen, and that what was once a shell-covered
sea bottom is now dry ground and many feet above high-water
mark, and it is probably thai many of my hearers may be of the
same opinion, and I have written these few brief notes and brought
the specimens with me this evening so that it may be an inducement
to them to make further research when visiting these interesting
localities. Anywhere round our coast line they will probably find
ample evidences of what has been stated, and if they can write
short notes on anything of interest they may find so much the
better.

Shells which may have been occasionally blown a short distance
inland from the beach are easily recognized from those brought by
the natives, as they are much worn by being washed to and fro
in the surf, their thinner parts being often worn away through
abrasion, mostly on the apex, and Haliotis shells are invariably
broken, but such shells are generally scattered, and rarely found in
any quantity at one place.

[The paper was illustrated by a series of lantern slides. — Ed.
Vict. iVal.]

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

August, 1902.

GASTROPHORA HENRICARIA, Gn.

Male, female, and larva.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 59

NOTES ON THE MOTHS GASTROPHORA HENRIGARIA
AND PU ALL A HI A OPHIUSARIA, Gn.

By Ernest Anderson.
{Read htfvre the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, 12th May, 1902.)
In submitting a few notes upon these two species 1 may remark
that I am led thereto by Meyrick's note respecting the alUed
genus Mo7ioctenia, of which he says: — "The species are very
retired in habit m the imago state, and it is not unhkely that
their number may yet be considerably increased by rearing the
larvee, of which little is known."

These remarks apply with equal force to Gastrophora and
Phallaria, hence any advance upon our present recorded infor-
mation should be of value, and has induced me to record such
particulars of their economy as I have been able to discover.

The Geometers are chiefly small moths of slender structure,
but in the family Monocteniadse we find genera in which this
rule is departed from ; thus Gastrophora, Phallaria, and the
typical genus Monoctenia are composed of comparatively robust
species attaining considerable size. All of these must be con-
sidered rare, and as a rule are not likely to be met with by those
unacquainted with their habits and time of appearance. The
characteristic marking is simple enough, consisting of a line or
narrow band across the wings, starting about the centre of inner
margin, and running either to the centre of costa, or more often
to the apex of the wing. As these moths rest during the daytime
they furnish a good example of protective resemblance, their
colouration matching withered leaves ; the line across the wings
representing the midrib of the leaf

GASTROPHORA HENRIGARIA, GN.

My first record of this beautiful moth is November, 1890, when
I found a male at rest at Bayswater. It had been very stormy
the night before, but the specimen was in first-class condition.
It was found high up on the ranges. The following year a
specimen was secured by one of the members attending the
F.N.C. camp-out at the Grampians, this specimen being a female.
Apparently, however, no attempt was made to obtain ova, and to
the best of my knowledge no further Victorian captures were
made until four years later, when Mr. Spry captured two speci-
mens at Box Hill (26th December, 1895).

Recognizing the importance of his capture, Mr. Spry took
special care to obtain ova, and fortunately was successful. The
young larvae emerged almost immediately, and on the 20th
January I received eleven specimens from him. They were then
of a steely-drab colour, almost black, and about i inch long,
but so voracious were they that in three days they had doubled
their size, and then became mottled with various shades of brown.

60 THE VICTORIAN NATUKALIST.

Having moulted, they continued feeding, readily devouring any
species of eucalypt given tiiem, but choosing always the young
shoots and tender leaves, the old ones being rejected. They
were active in getting about, and would roam all over the cage
when looking for a further supply of food. The rapidity of their
growth was marvellous. When full fed one died during very hot
weather prevalent at the time ; the others pupated just beneath
the surface of the ground. Three went down on loth February,
the others during the next few days, the larval stage thus taking
about six weeks. The full-fed larva is sienna-brown, with lateral
stripes of a lighter colour, the general appearance being very
much like a piece of stringy-bark. As if aware of this protective
resemblance they generally attach themselves to the bark, or stay
among the small stems by day, remaining motionless, with the
legs extended, as shown in the figure. At dusk they make their
way to the end of the branches, feed ravenously during the night
upon the tender young foliage, returning at break of day to their
retreats. There are sub-dorsal projections on the 7th and 8th
segments but no anal horn.

Although all the brood hatched from the ova simultaneously
and changed to the chrysalis stage within a few days of each
other there was a very wide disparity in the dates of emergence.
The first moth, a male, came out on 12th March, and another
male on 19th July. Up to this date Mr. Spry had not reared any,
but between this date and the end of the month a number of his
specimens emerged, the cage being kept in the open, and the
weather cold and inclement. On 2nd and 4th August females
appeared, on 17th November 2 females, 24th November a male,
and 1 2th December a male, making 8 specimens reared from the
II larvae originally received.

Mr. Spry succeeded in obtaining ova from the specimens he
reared, and on 13th October gave me about 20 young larvse
about three-quarters of an inch long. The rest of the brood
retained by him were attacked by fungus, and all died in a week's
time. Mine fed for a month, and attained a large size, but early
in November they all died during a heat wave. Had they lived
they would probably have pupated before the last one of the
previous brood had emerged.

It is hard to determine, in view of such irregular emergence,
whether this species is single or double brooded. Possibly it is
really a northern species, probably double brooded there, and
extending its range southward, may be with us in a transitory
stage, in which inherited tendencies are fighting against climatic
influences.

I mentioned in my opening remarks the resemblance these
moths at rest have to leaves, but looking at specimens set out in
collections one would hardly expect this to be the case, for the

''%S^'

vV'ffvir'S'^

THE VICTORIAN NATURAIIST.

Augiist, 1902.

PHALLARIA OPHIUSARIA, Gn.

Moth (female) and larva.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 61

decided markings and vivid orange underwings of the male seem
so distinct that apparently it would require some very exceptional
and abnormal leaves to in any way match it ; but when at rest
the orange underwings are folded beneath the forevvings and
concealed, while the insect avoids green leaves, settling down
either amid dead leaves on the ground, or on some broken branch
having withered, discoloured leaves. In these situations it easily
escapes notice. The female also hides the underwings, and the
forewings being without the bar across, and speckled all over,
assimilate even more closely with the cover selected.

PHALLARIA OPHIUSARIA, GN.

This species differs both in appearance and habits from the
preceding one. The colouration is more subdued, nor is there
so marked a difference between the sexes. The method of resting
is also dissimilar, as this species rests with the underwings almost
entirely exposed. The protective resemblance possessed by the
insect is, however, fully equal to that of G. henricaria, and, like it,
it is leaf-like, only, in place of representing a portion of a leaf,
P. ojyhiusaria resembles an entire leaf.

Whilst collecting at Spring Vale during the month of March I
disturbed a female of this species from a dead branch of a small
gum tree growing in the heath ground. It was easily captured,
flying in a bewildered sort of manner, and finally pitching down
amid the scrub a short distance away. From this I obtained ova,
which were globular and of a dull greenish-white. On the 23rd
they slightly changed colour, and hatched on the 30th. The
young larvse were very dark brown, almost black, the head look-
ing very large and disproportionate. As Meyrick mentions
Leptospermum as a probable food, and as the moth was found in
a locality where that plant largely prevails, I put them on that
food, but took the precaution to also introduce some tender
eucalyptus shoots. This was fortunate, for they would have
nothing to do with the Leptospermum, but took readily enough
to the othtr, at once attacking the edges of the leaves instead of
gnawing the epidermis or eating round holes, as most young
larvae do.

They fed by night only, resting straiglit out from the food and
motionless by day. They grew very slowly, being in marked
contrast to G. henricaria larvge. By 25th May, nearly two
months after hatching, they were only just over an inch long.
However, though slow, they fed steadily enough throughout the
winter months, and in another three months — that is, by the end
of August — some were a large size. They always went down to
the debris at bottom of the cage when about to change their
skins, an operaticn taking some days to complete. It was not
until the end of October that they began to pupate, forming a

62 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

very loose cocoon of moss and earth on the surface of the ground
or just beneath it. A few fed on to the end of November.

The full-grown larva is 23^2 inches in length, stout and
somewhat stumpy looking, head flat and slightly retracted ; legs
ten, the true legs being folded tightly together when the larva
is at rest ; a curved horn on twelfth segment. Colour varies
from putty colour to dark smoky-brown. There is a dark dorsal
line extending from the horn about half-way towards the head.
Immediately after the thoracic segments underneath is a light-
coloured patch, and the 7th and 8th segments each have con-
spicuous white blotches on the side.

These larvae are very sluggish, remaining absolutely rigid during
the day time, even if touched, and crawling very slowly at night,
stopping instantly if a light be brought near.

The first moth emerged on 26th February, and they continued
appearing until the end of March, invariably emerging very late at
night.

NOTES ON A RARE VICTORIAN SHARK.

By Jas. a. Kershaw, F.E.S., Curator of the Zoological Dept.,

National Museum.
{Read lefore the Field Naturalists'' Club of Victoria, lith July, 1902.)
On the 2nd May last a large shark was captured in Hobson's Bay,
off Williamstown, which was quite unknown to any of the fisher-
men and others who saw it. Jt was captured through becoming
entangled in the nets of some local fishermen, which it damaged
considerably, and unfortunately bruised itself a good deal in its
powerful struggles to escape.

Its captors immediately disembowelled it, and had it conveyed
to the city for exhibition purposes, where it was secured for the
Museum.

It proved to be a medium-sized male specimen of the Basking
Shark, Cetorhinus maxirnics, Gunner, and measured a total length
of 1 2 feet 1 1 inches.

This species, which is the only one of the genus, is a very rare
visitor to Australian waters, but is well known in the European
seas, and particularly along the British coasts, where it is
frequently found entangled in the herring nets of the fishermen.
On the west coast of Ireland it is regularly hunted for the sake of
the large quantities of valuable oil obtained from its liver, one
fish yielding from a ton to a ton and a half. A specimen cap-
tured in Cornwall, which measured 31 feet 8 inches long, is stated
to have yielded 198 gallons of oil, and medium-sized specimens
are valued at from ^30 to ;^~4o each. This is probably the
largest species of shark known, and attains a total length of from
35 feet to 40 feet. At certain seasons it is gregarious, and con-

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

August, 1902.

O

THE VIC TOR I A N NA TURAL IS T.

August, 1902.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 63

gregates in very large shoals of from 60 to 100 and more
individuals, when they may be seen occasionally leaping out of the
water to a height of several feet. It is of a quiet, sluggish nature,
and is frequently observed lying motionless on the surface, with its
large dorsal fin projecting out of the water, and basking in the
warm rays of the sun, hence the names Basking Shark, Sun-fish,
Sail-fish, &c., by which it is known.

Unlike the majority of sharks, it is quite harmless if not inter-
fered with, and will permit a boat to come almost in contact with
it without showing any alarm — in fact, it is recorded that one
specimen captured at the Isle of Wight actually made no resist-
ance to a rope being passed round its tail and being dragged
quietly along.

It is, however, a very dangerous customer when attacked, and
great care must be taken to keep the boats out of reach of its
powerful tail, a blow from which would easily sink them.

The only previous record of its occurrence in Victorian waters
is that given by Sir Frederick M'Coy in the Prodromus Zoology
Victoria, vol. ii., where he describes and figures a large specimen
measuring 31 feet 6 inches, which was captured in the fishermen's
nets at Portland in November, 1883. This specimen was
exhibited in the city for some days, but, being hot weather, it
was rendered useless for museum purposes.

The only other record of its occurrence on the Australian coast
is that of a small specimen measuring only 9 feet long, which was
captured at Twofold Bay on the New South Wales coast last year,
and is included in the list of additions to the Australian Museum,
Sydney, for 1901, which were published in the Museum "Records,"
vol. iv.. No. 6, issued in May last.

About a year ago a fisherman from Queenscliff mentioned to me
that a large shark had been recently caught inside Port Phillip
Heads which was quite a stranger to the fishermen at Queenscliff,
and which he described as having a long, thick snout, terminating
in a hook. No attempt was, how;:*ver, made to preserve the
specimen. This was probably the same species as the present
one.

The specimen recently captured differs considerably in general
appearance from the one figured in the " Prodromus," in that the
front of the head is considerably extended, and forms a thick,
fleshy, truncated snout, with the extremity produced into a curved,
fleshy hook, which altogether gives the fish a most extraordinary
appearance. This peculiarity, according to some earlier observers,
occurs only in the young specimens, and has led to the erroneous
opinion that several diff'erent genera and species of Basking Sharks
existed, an opinion which can hardly be wondered at considering
the greatly different appearance this gives to the fish.

The gill-slits are also very much longer than those shown in the

64 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

figure of the Portland specimen, extending along the whole side of
the neck, the first pair meeting within three inches on each side
of the dorsal surface, while they practically join under the
throat.

The particularly flabby condition of the branchial cavities gives
to the head a most singular appearance in specimens lying dead
on the ground.

In colour this specimen is of a uniform brownish-black on the
upper surface, and becoming a dirty white with a slight yellowish
tinge, particularly under the throat, on the under side. The skin
is covered all over with numerous irregular short wrinkles or folds,
and is very rough to the touch, especially when the hand is passed
along from the tail towards the head, owing to the presence of
innumerable minute curved spines directed backward. These are
more noticeable on the snout, where they can be distinctly seen
with the naked eye. The snout is covered with numerous small
mucous pores which occupy the top and sides, disappearing below
the eyes. The spiracles are small, and situated directly above,
and in a line with, the angle of the jaw. The eyes are placed
low down on the sides of the head, near the edge of the upper
jaw, and about three inches from the nostrils^ which are on the
edge of the upper lip.

The teeth in this specimen are arranged in two to three rows
round the edge of each jaw, and are extremely small, rounded,
simple and conical, and terminate in a sharp, slightly-curved
point. They are directed inwards, towards the interior of the
mouth, with their points curved downwards, and are fixed to the
skin of the jaws by a small pedestal of hardened material. In
the fresh specimen only the smooth, rounded, central portion of
the teeth is exposed, the base and points being embedded in the
surrounding flesh of the jaw, so that they look very much smaller
than they really are.

On the inside of the teeth row is a row of what at first sight
appears to be teeth, but which are soft, white, swollen bodies, of
exactly the same form as the teeth proper. As the skin of the
jaw shrinks in drying, these collapse, and are represented only
by small, flat, triangular-shaped pieces of white skin — in some
instances with the lower part which connects them with the skin
of the jaw more or less hardened, evidently showing the com-
mencement of the growth of another inner row of teeth. In the
larger specimens described the number of rows of teeth are
usually given as five and six. In the specimen from Portland Sir
F. M'Coy mentions six rows in the lower jaw and five in the
upper, the largest tooth measuring ^ inch. In the present
specimen there are only two to three rows, and the largest tooth
measures ^ inch long and '/le inch broad.

The gill openings are five in number on each side, and are said

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 65

to contain rays or fringes of a substance like whalebone, which
act as strainers, and serve to retain the large quantities of minute
animals upon which the fish feeds. These fringes were referred
to by Bishop Gunnerus as early as 1766. Giinther says : — " The
branchial arches of Selache (Cetorhinus) are provided with a very
broad fringe of long (5 to 6 inches) and thin gill-rakers, possessing
the same microscopical structure as the teeth and dermal produc-
tions of sharks. Similar gill-rakers have been found in a fossil
state in the Crag of Anvers in Belgium, proving the existence of
this Selachian type in the tertiary epoch." I could, however, find
no indication of them in the present specimen.

Regarding the food various suggestions have been made, such
as medusae, seaweeds, small fish, &c. Dr. Giinther says : — " Its
food consists of small fishes and other small marine animals
swimming in shoals." Sir E. Home, referring to a specimen
which he examined, states : — " The contents of the stomach
consisted of several pails full of pebbles, a quantity of mucous,
and a small portion of a substance which proves to be the spawn
of a univalve ; " while Sir Frederick M'Coy states that a sample
of the contents of the intestines of the Portland specimen was
" altogether composed of body and shells of a species of the genus
Cuvieria or Triptera (Pteropoda), the mass being tinted of a
'boiled-shrimp ' red from the remains of the soft parts." There
is no doubt that its food largely consists of similar kinds of minute
oceanic animal forms as that of the whale.

Nothing appears to be known so far of the reproduction of this
shark, which has been recorded so long ago as the year 1662
from Norfolk, England. Sir E. Home, in his "anatomical
account " of this species, states that it " appears in many respects
to be similar in its structure to the shark, but it differs essentially
from it in the form of the stomach, and in that respect forms an
intermediate link between the shark and the whale." Low
mentions that the flesh was eaten by the poorer classes in the
Orkneys.

Measurements. — Total length from tip of snout to tip of upper
lobe of tail, 12 feet 11 inches; to origin of first dorsal, 4 feet
10 inches ; posterior base of first dorsal to anterior base of second
dorsal, 2 feet 65^ inches; posterior base of second dorsal to
anterior base of caudal, i foot 3 inches ; tip of snout to anterior
base of pectoral, 3 feet 4 inches ; posterior base of pectoral to
anterior base of ventral, 3 feet 4 inches ; posterior base of
ventral to anterior base of anal, i foot 2 inches ; posterior base
of anal to base of lower lobe of caudal, i foot i inch.
Length of anterior edge of first dorsal, i foot 7 inches ; of outer
edge, I foot 154 inches ; of posterior edge, 5}^ inches ; of base,
I foot lyi inches. Length of anterior edge of second dorsal,
6 inches ; of outer edge, 3}^ inches ; of posterior edge, 4^4^ inches ;

66 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

of base, 4}( inches. Length of anterior edge of caudal, upper
lobe, 2 feet g inches ; of lower lobe, i foot 7 inches. Length of
anterior edge of pectoral, i foot 1 1 inches ; of outer edge, i foot
5 inches ; of base, 8 inches. Length of anterior edge of ventral,
10^ inches; of outer edge, 9 inches; of base, gl4 inches; of
claspers, 6 inches. Length of anterior edge of anal, 5 ^A inches ;
of outer edge, 3 inches ; of posterior edge, 4 inches ; of base,
3^ inches. Distance between first pair of gill-slits on dorsal
surface, 3 inches, extending to 8^ inches between the last pair.
Length of projecting hook of snout, i ^ inches ; from tip of snout
to anterior edge of eye, 11 inches ; tip of snout to edge of teeth
row, upper jaw, 12 inches. Circumference of snout at thickest
part, half-way between eye and tip of hook, 19 inches. Girth in
front of first dorsal, 3 feet 7 inches ; at base of tail, i foot
2 J^ inches. Diameter of eye— horizontal, i inch 4 lines ; vertical,
i^ inches. Length of nostril, i inch 23^ lines ; of teeth band,
upper jaw 11 inches, lower jaw 10^ inches.

I have to express my indebtedness to Mr. F. Chapman,
F.R.M.S., for kindly photographing a section of the teeth row for
the illustration.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS.

•' Guide to the Botanic Gardens, Melbourne." — A handy
little guide to the Melbourne Botanic Gardens has recently been
issued from the Government Printing Office. Such a publication
has long been wanted, as the larger " Catalogue of Plants Culti-
vated in the Gardens " has for many years been obsolete, and the
description with plan and references in Bailliere's " Guide to
Melbourne" (1880) is probably known to few. A short history
of the gardens is first given, then the visitor is taken along the
principal walks of the gardens and the more interesting features
pointed out, each being indexed so that it can readily be found
on the accompanying plan. The naming of the lawns will also
assist visitors in finding the groups of plants, but it is to be
regretted that a shorter name than "Anderson-street" was not
chosen for the lawn near the Yarra Bridge. Had, for instance,
" Mueller " been adopted it would have recorded a name which
for many years was associated with the gardens, laying the
foundation of many noble plants. Thus the Guide says : — " Many
of the now fine specimens in the groups of New South Wales and
Queensland trees were raised from seeds obtained by the late
Baron von Mueller." A list of memorial trees planted by dis-
tinguished visitors is given, any of which can easily be found by
reference to the plan. The index enumerates the principal
groups and some of the more prominent individual specimens,
but might have been considerably enlarged. Two plans are

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. G7

given, one showing the gardens in 1873, when the present director,
Mr. W. R. Guilfoyle, F.L.S., took charge, and commenced an
entire remodelling of the gardens, substituting extensive lawns
with small beds in iheni for the numerous borders and paths of
Dr. Mueller's plan. Lately several important changes have been
necessitated by the alteration of the course of the River Yarra.
Unfortunately no scale is given on the plan, but from comparison
with other maps it seems to be about 90 yards to the inch,
consequently each of the squares into which it is divided will
have an area of about three-quarters of an acre. The Guide,
which is published at the popular price of sixpence, should prove
extremely useful to visitors, and will give botanists in other
countries some idea of the treasures the Melbourne Botanic
Gardens contain.

Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. — The July number (vol.
i., No. 7) of this publication contains several articles of interest
to naturalists. Mr. C. French, F.L.S., furnishes an article on the
Horse Bot Fly, Gastrophilus eqtii, Fab., which is illustrated by
a plate drawn by Mr. C. C. Brittlebank. Under the heading of
" Vegetable Pathology," Mr. D. M'Alpine writes on the Brown Rot
or Ripe Rot of fruit, M onilia fruiticans, which is illustrated by
a coloured plate, also drawn by Mr. Brittlebank. The first of a
series of articles on the " True Grasses of Victoria " from the pen
of Mr. J. G. Luehmann, F.L.S., Government Botanist, contains
descriptions of seven species, with illustrations of three of them,
the journal altogether forming a publication which should be
useful alike to the farmer, the orchardist, and the stock-breeder.

CORRESPONDENCE.

DESCRIPTIONS OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS' EGGS.

7'o the Editor of the Victorian Naturalist.

Sir, — The June number of the Victorian Naturalist contains an
article by Mr. A. J. North, entitled " Descriptions of Some
Australian Birds' Eggs," in which the eggs of seven species of
birds are described, and though all of them had been previously
described, no reasons are given for their re-description, nor yet
references to previous descriptions. It would take up too much
of your valuable space to give all the references, so I will content
myself with the following : —
Chlamydodera nuchalls, Great Bower-bird.

Le Souef, Ibis (1899) : Le Souef, Vict. Nat., xvi., p. 66 (1899).
Type egg exhibited at F.N. Club, May, 1900.
Pitta iris, Rainbow Pitta.

Le Souef, Vict. Nat., xviii., p. 15 (1901). Two clutches
exhibited at F.N. Club, April, 1901.

68 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Ortygometra cinerea, White- eyebrowed Crake.

Ramsay, Proc. Zool. Soc, p. 388 (1868), &c.
Nettopus pulchellus, Pigmy Goose.

Gould, " Handbook Birds Australia," vol. ii., p. 357 (1865), &c.
Dendrocygna arcuata, Whistling Tree Duck.

"Anas Thein Fortflanz ges Vog.," tab. Ixxxi., fig. 4 (1845-54).

Gould, " Handbook Birds Australia,'' vol. ii., p. 374, &c.
Dendrocygna eytoni, Eyton's Tree Duck.

Ramsay, Proc. Zool. Soc, p. 346 (1877), &c.
Tadorna radjah, White-headed Sheldrake.

North, Proc. Lin. Soc. N.S.W., vol. ii., 2nd series, p. 446, &c.

I am, yours, &c.,

D. LE SOUEF.

The English Daisy a Naturalized Plant. — With reference
to Mr. Williamson's query on page 50 of the July Naturalist, as to
whether the English daisy, Bellis perennis, had been recorded as
a naturalized plant in Victoria, the following sentence occurs in
a paper by Mr. C. French and myself, " A Holiday Tour in
Western Victoria," published in the Victorian Naturalist, iv., p.
II (May, 1887): — "Round the house the little English daisy,
Bellis perennis, grew very plentifully, and reminded some f)f the
party of home." The locality spoken of was at Muddy Creek,
Hamilton.— F. G. A. B.

Nature Study. — The Education Department has arranged
with Mr. Robert Hall to deliver a series of lectures to teachers
on elementary natural science at various centres round Mel-
bourne. It is hoped by this means that, through their teachers,
a greater love of nature will be fostered among the children of
the metropolitan schools.

Marine Animalcules. — According to an article in the March
number of the American Naturalist, a remarkable phenomenon
was observed some little time ago on the Californian coast. A
streak of " red water " was noticed some distance off the mouth
of San Pedro Harbour, which subsequently broke up into a
number of patches, each of several acres in extent. In the
course of a few days these patches reached the shore, when the
red colour was found to be due to the presence of countless
myriads of animalcules belonging to the " flagellate " group. At
night the sea was brilliantly phosphorescent over the red area.
The most extraordinary fact connected with the visitation was
the death of a large number of marine animals, including rays,
sharks, and sea cucumbers, which were apparently poisoned by
the animalcules. The bodies of these creatures when cast up on
the beach exhaled a most pestiferous odour. At least two
hundred miles of coast came under the influence of the " red
water."

\o^ NEW YORK. ^ f

Cbe Uictorian naturalist

Vol. XIX.— No. 5. SEPTEMBER 4, 1902. No. 225.

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal
Society's Hall on Monday evening, nth August, 1902. The
president, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., occupied the chair, and about 35
members and visitors were present.

CORRESPONDENCE.

From His Excellency Sir George Sydenham Clarke, K.C.M.G.,
F.R.S., Governor of Victoria, accepting an invitation from the
Club to open the conversazione on the 16th September next.

REPORTS.

A report of the excursion to Sandringham on Saturday, 19th
July, was given by the leader, Mr. C. French, jun., who stated
that there was a fair attendance of members. Traversing the ti-
tree fringing the cliffs a number of interesting plants were found
in bloom, such as Aster ramulosus, Alyxia buxifolia, Muehlen-
beckia adpressa, Tetragonia implexicoma, and Acacia suaveolens.
Among the orchids found were Pterostylis vittata (now getting
scarce here), P. nana, P. concinna, the rare P. prcecox, van obtusa,
Corysanthes pruinosa, and Cyrtostylis reniformis. After a
diligent search in a piece of swampy ground the remarkable little
fern Ophioglossum vulgatiim was found, and later on the equally
remarkable Lycopod Phylloglossum drummondii was secured.
Several interesting scale insects, such as Chionaspis angusta (new
to science), Planchornia siyphelia, Aspidiotus Jrenchi, and
Lecaniodiaspis acacice, were collected. On the way back to the
station, through the heath ground, Epacris impressa, Styphelia
virgaia, Bossicea cinerea, Pimelea octophylla, and Ricinocarpus
pini/olius (very early), and others were collected, altogether some
forty species of plants in bloom being noted.

The hon. librarian reported the receipt of the following
donations to the library : — Journal of Agriculture oj Victoria,
vol. i., parts 6, 7 (June, July), from Department of Agriculture ;
£viu, vol. ii.. No. i, July, 1902, from the Australasian Ornitholo-
gists' Union ; Reprints from JVew South Wales Agricultural
Gazette, by W. \V. Froggatt, from the author ; " Transactions
Royal Society of South Australia," vol. xxv., part i, 1902, from
the Society; Nature Notes, June and July, 1902, from the
Selborne Society, London ; and Knowledge, June and July, 1902,
from the proprietor.

70 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

PAPERS.

1. By Mr. S. A. Le Souef, entitled " New Australian Mallo-
phaga," part iv., communicated by Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S.

In this paper, which was of a purely technical character, the
author described four species of Mallophaga found on the Brown
Quail, Chestnut-bellied Quail, Black Swan, and Australian Spoon-
bill.

2. By Mr. J. H. Gatliff, entitled " Notes on Perry's Conch-
ology."

The author, in describing this work, which was published in
London in 1811, and which seems to have been ignored or over-
looked by many later writers, including Messrs. Sowerby and
Reeve, drew attention to a number of Australian shells described
and figured for the first time by this author, whose names, follow-
ing the law of priority, take precedence over many well-known
names, such as Chione lamellata, Fasciolaria coronata, &c.

The work, together with examples of many of the shells
described and figured therein, was exhibited to illustrate the
author's remarks.

Messrs. J. Shephard, F. Wisewould, and the President discussed
the paper.

3. By Mr. F. L. Billinghurst, entitled " A Day on the Rubicon
River, Alexandra."

The author gave an interesting description of the class of
country met with in the district, and mentioned the principal birds,
&c., noticed during a day's ramble, when no less than thirty-eight
species of birds were identified. On a previous visit the author
remarked that he had found a small specimen of the only land
shell he had met with in the Alexandra district, viz., Rhytida
la'ni'pTa.

4. By Mr. D. Goudie, entided " Notes on the Larvae and
Pupse of Birchip Heterocera," part i.

In this paper the author gave some notes on the habits,
together with a description of the larva and pupa, of Xylorycta
homoleuca, Lower.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES.

Mr. G. A. Keartland read a note recording the occurrence of
the Sanguineous Honey-eater at Bayswater.

Mr. A. J. Campbell stated that the drought was, no doubt,
responsible for the appearance of these birds so far south.

Mr. G. A. Keartland also read a note recording the fact of a
Plain Wanderer having been killed by a wild Magpie near
Healesville.

Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., mentioned that a male White-
capped or Shy Albatross, Thalassogeron cautus, was found in a
dying state on Mordialloc beach on the 3rd April last.

Mr. C. Coles stated that the Delicate Owl, Strix delicatula,
had recently been very common all round Melbourne.

THE VICTORIAN NA7VRALIST.

Sep tern ber, 1 902 .

SCHCENICOLA EREMIORNIS

PLATYURA, Jerdon. CARTERI, North.

(Natural size.)

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 71

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. A. Coles. — Two specimens of the Leafy Sea-Dragon
Phyllopteryx foliatus, from Portsea.

By Mr. C. French, jun. — New Scale Insects, Chionaspis
forinosa, from Murray River, Victoria.

By Messrs. C. French, jun., and G. A. Keartland. — Rare eggs
of the following birds : — Little Flycatcher, Buff-sided Robin,
White- gaped Honey-eater, and Wood Fan tail ; the two former of
which are new to science, having been recently described by Mr.
A. J. North, C.M.Z.S., of Sydney.

By Mr. J. H. Gatliff. — Perry's " Conchology," a folio volume
published in 1811, also the following marine shells, in illustration
of his paper : — Lotorium [Argobuccinum) australasice, Perry ;
Murex abortiva, Perry ; Lotorium parkinsonia, Perry ; Lotorium
rubicunda, Perry ; Phasianotroclous carinatus, Perry ; Fusus
undulata, Perry ; Fasciolaria australasice, Perry ; and Chione
disjecta, Perry.

By Mr. H. E. Gatliff. — Set of eight black and white sketches
drawn by an aboriginal known as King Tommy, of the Murray
tribe.

By Mr. A. Mattingley. — Photo, of Iguana on a eucalypt,
illustrative of the use of protective colouration.

By Mr. C. Walter. — Atriplex angulatum, Benth., Myrniong
road, Bacchus Marsh -, a new locality. Previously recorded
only from the Mallee district (N.W. Victoria).

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated.

By Mr. H. B. Williamson. — The following dried plants : —
Solivia sessilis, Ring, and Pavon. (introduced), new record for
Victoria ; Schosnus sculptus, Boeck., Euroa, new for Victoria ;
Billardiera cymosa, F. v. M., Victoria Ranges, 1,500 feet, new
for S.W. Victoria.

NOTE ON EREMIORNIS CARTERI.

By Alfred J. North, C.M.Z.S., Ornithologist, Australian

Museum, Sydney.

{Mead before the Field Naturalists^ Chtb of Victoria, Mth July, 1902.)

Some time ago I forwarded examples of Eremiornis carteri and
Platycercus macgillivrayi — described by me in the Club's journal,
Victorian Naturalist, xvii. (1900) — to Dr. P. L. Sclater, Secretary
of the Zoological Society of London. These he exhibited at the
February meeting, 1902, of the British Ornithologists' Club, and
of which he has kmdly forwarded me a reprint of their pro-
ceedings. Of Eremiornis carteri he remarks :- — " Mr. North
kindly sends me an example of this supposed new genus and
species of Austrahan birds. The genus is closely allied to
Schcenicola, of India (Cat. Birds Brit. Mus., vol. vii., p. no), and

72 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

perhaps hardly distinct, but the specimen is not in very good
condition, and I am unable to decide definitely upon it. It is at
any rate a new species, and a most interesting addition to the
AustraHan avifauna."

Before describing the genus Eremiornis I carefully compared
the specimen on which it is founded with the characters given
in the " Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum," vol.
vii. (1883) of the genus Schoenicola and its allies, and concluded
that it varied from all of them. Since then the Trustees of
the Australian Museum have received two specimens of
Schcenicola platyura from the Director of the Travandrum
Museum, India, and the species upon which Jerdon founded
the genus. These specimens strengthen me in my opinion
that although Schoenicola and Eremiornis bear a close resem-
blance to each other, especially in the broad tail-feathers and
the long upper and under tail coverts, they are quite distinct.
In Schcenicola the bill is deeper and more curved at the tip, the
rictal bristles stout, the primaries distinctly longer than the
secondaries, the tail barely exceeding the length of the wing, the
tarsi and feet long, the mid-toe when extended reaching beyond
the ends of the longest under tail coverts. In Eremiornis the
bill is straighter, the rictal bristles feeble and hardly visible, the
wing more rounded and distinctly shorter than the tail, the tarsi
short and feet small, the mid-toe reaching when extended about
half-way down the longest under tail coverts. What I regard as
constituting the chief point of distinction between the two genera
is, that in Schoenicola the tarsi and feet are long and strong as in
Acrocephalus and other Reed-Warblers, while Eremiornis has the
tarsi short and the feet comparatively small, the tarsus only
equalling in length that of Smicrornis Jlavesceois, the smallest
species of Australian birds. For the purpose of comparison the
measurements of adult specimens of Schcenicola platyura and
Eremiornis carteri are given below : —

Sex. Total length. Wing. Tail. Bill. Tarsus.

Schcenicola platyttra - Adult male 6.1 inches 2.6 2.8 0.46 0.8
Eremiornis carteri - Adult male 5.7 inches 2.05 2.7 0.46 0.55

An accompanying photograph is exhibited here this evening
of skins of the two birds of the natural size.

NOTES ON THE WHITE IBIS.
By Frank Madden, M.P.

(Communicated by G. A. Keartland.)
{Read before the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, 14th Jnly, 1902.)
The ancient Egyptians were an eminently practical people,
knowing their friends and their enemies, and dealing manfully

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 73

with both. They lived in a country which was then, as now,
plagued by insect pests, and their constant endeavour was to
protect themselves and their crops from these marauders. We
have no record of the time when they did not regard the Ibis
as one of their best friends. While they did not " canonize him
by the name of Jim Crow," they went as near it as they knew
how in those early days. They proclaimed him " sacred," reared
him in the temples with veneration, and made it a crime punish-
able at law to injure or destroy an Ibis, and after his death they
embalmed him. They erected monuments to his honour, and on
almost every mural decoration of theirs which we know the Ibis
is portrayed as the companion and friend of man. They also
named the bird " the father of the sickle." Unthinking persons
have suggested that this was because of the slightly curved beak
of the Ibis, but the Egyptians did not give a nickname for such a
silly reason as that. The Ibis was named the father of the sickle
because his actions in destroying insect life made the sickle
necessary to cut the crops, which would not have existed if the
Ibis had not held the locusts et hoc genus omne in check. To
what state Egypt would have been reduced if the Ibis had not
been protected, God only knows, but we have it on the best
authority that in spite of bad seasons there still " was corn in
Egypt." I write this introduction merely to show that the value
of the Ibis to the farmer is no new discovery, and that as we
occupy a country infested with similar insect plagues to those in
Egypt, and are blessed with the same means of combating them,
we should do everything in our power to protect these sacred
birds and encourage them to increase and multiply. I do not
purpose to write of the Ibis from a scientific point of view, but
merely to draw attention to the bird as an active and constant
friend to the farmer, the grazier, and the gardener.

Other insectivorous birds, from the Bustard to the Blue Wren,
feed on insects all the year round, but the insects increase in
spite of them until a visitation of Ibis takes place. When the
Ibis come in numbers to a district they remain until they have
completely cleaned off all insect life which they can reach, and
so that district is allowed to bear crops for several years free, or
almost free, from the depredations of local insects. Of course the
locust, which comes from a distance, may cause damage, but the
cricket, the take-all, the harvest caterpillar, and other dire
enemies of the farmer will not be noticed. Those of us who have
observed the methods of the Ibis, know how thoroughly they
work a district so as to be sure they have completed their mission
and devoured all there is for them to eat. Watch a flock of Ibis
on an autumn day on ground which is cracked by the heat of the
previous summer, and where the crickets have effected a lodg-
ment. Before the birds come the land is alive with these

74 THR VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

ravenous insects. When a flock of Ibis arrive they settle on one
spot and pick, and pick, and pick by the hour. Then the
crickets which have so far escaped become frightened, and
disappear beyond the reach of the Ibis into the cracks in the
ground, and the Ibis rise and seek a fresh place and commence
operations there. When the crickets left in the first patch find
that the birds are gone, they come out to graze, as they are as
ravenous for grass as the Ibis are for crickets ; and this the birds
well know, and when they have reduced the second point of
attack to the same condition as the first was in when they left it,
they return to the first, and remain while a single cricket remains
above ground, and so from place to place. I have noticed that the
birds leave longer and longer intervals between their visits to any
one spot, and the oftener they return the shorter time they remain,
proving that they only come and stay so long as there is insect
food to be had. Examine a place where locusts have deposited
their eggs after it has been visited by a flock of Ibis, and you
will find the ground as full of holes as a cullender. These
holes are made by the powerful beak of the Ibis being driven
into the ground to reach the eggs or newly hatched insects,
and the millions of the pest they thus destroy can only be
imagined.

Farmers will doubtless remember the benefits they have
received in the shape of heavy crops after the Ibis have stayed a
season with them, and some farmers have the good sense to
protect the birds. In the year 1890 the harvest caterpillar was
extremely bad in the Western District of Victoria. Crops had to
be cut before they were ripe to save anything from this pest, and
a great deal of fodder was spoiled in the stooks by the excreta of
the insects which remained in the crop after it was cut. I
remember a most lovely crop of malting barley, which was grown
close to the railway station at Camperdown. I saw it just as it
was becoming fit to cut, and admired it greatly. Three days
afterwards there was hardly a grain of corn to be seen of it. The
caterpillars had cut off all the heads, and the farmer had to turn
his stock in to eat the fallen grain. That autumn the Ibis came
not in battalions or regiments, but in whole army corps, and
stayed during the winter, and for three years afterwards hardly a
single harvest caterpillar was to be seen.

If kept in gardens as pets these birds do infinite service in
keeping down injurious insects. Permits to keep them for that
purpose may be had from Mr. Martin, the Secretary for Public
Works, in whose hands the administration of the Game Act rests.

The chief difiiculty in keeping Ibis in a semi-wild state is that
foxes prey upon them whenever they get an opportunity, and a
pinioned Ibis has no chance against Reynard.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 75

NOTES ON PERRY'S " CONCHOLOGY."
By J. H. Gatltff.
{Read hefore the Field Naturalists^ Club of Victoria, Wth Aug., 1902.)
Perry's " Concliology " is a folio volume, with a short preface,
published in London in 1811, and contains 51 coloured plates,
comprising 338 figures. Opposite each plate is letterpress, with
brief description of the shell, followed at the bottom of the page
by remarks ; the pages are not numbered, and the figures are, in
most instances, enlarged.

Having recently obtained a copy of this work from London, as
some of our shells are there named, figured, and described, and
such descriptions and names have since been generally ignored, I
will set forth some of the facts worthy of adequate recognition.

Taking what may be, perhaps, considered tlie best known
genus, Cypr^ea, Perry is the first to figure and name one of the
rarest, and, I think, the most beautiful shell in the genus. I refer
to Cyprcua valentia ; it is about the size of what is commonly
known as the Tiger Cowry, and was subsequently named Gyprcea
'princefs by Gray in 1824. Cosmo Melvill, in his " Survey of the
Genus Cypraea," published in 1888, says there are only six
specimens of this rare species known, one of which is in the fine
collection of Dr. J. C. Cox, of Sydney, who afforded me ihe
pleasure of examining it. Melvill, in his work, states in a foot-
note : — "Mr. George Perry, in 181 1, published a large folio
volume, in which many shells were delineated and described for
the first time. Unfortunately he does not appear to have taken
the trouble to consult previous authors, hence his writings abound
with duplicate names, glaring errors, descriptions of young shells
as separate species, and the like. He has fallen under the lash
of subsequent writers, especially Messrs. Sowerby and Reeve,
wh> ignore all his de.scriptions, but in justice to him and to the
law of priority, where his species can be deciphered, many of the
paintings being very fanciful, it is only right to attach his names
— C. princeps, Gray, nebulosa, Kien., iurdus, Lamarck, and
melanostoma, Leathes, thus become valentia, surinamensis, ovata,
and camelopardalis (all of Perry)." I am doubtful as to whether
C. surinamensis = G . nebulosa, as the latter has many more teeth
than are depicted in Perry's figure. Try on and Melvill both fall
into error in stating C. misella, Perry = G. ziczac, L., and G.
gemmosa. Perry = C. nucleus, L., whereas the reverse is the fact j
G. misella = G. nucleus, and G. gemmosa = C. ziczac.

Although Messrs. Sowerby and Reeve seem to have ignored
Mr. Perry's work when they followed on a generation or more
later, it would have been more advisable if they had given credit
for those portions of it in which he for the first time figures and
very briefly describes certain shells, and when such work becomes
known to later workers it must have due value given to it. When

7C THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

he is found re-naming species of Linnyeus, such as Cyprcea mappa,
some of which should have been well known to a conchologist,
perhaps it is only to be expected of human nature that his work
should be treated by some of his successors in a similar manner.
In his figures giving a side view of the shell of Cyprgea, for
instance, he has also attempted to give a partial delineation of
the base, which, until his aim is understood, gives a most
erroneous impression of its natural appearance ; and his extremely
meagre and unscientific description would be useless if he had
not figured the species. It therefore follows that when the
figures are past recognition the work is useless so far as it relates
to them ; but other figures are most excellent.

I will now only briefly refer to some of the shells found in
Australian waters where his name for the species is entitled to
rank prior to the name which has hitherto been generally
accepted, thus : —

Biplex australasia, pi. 4, ff. 2 and 4 = Lotorium (Argobuccinum)
leucostoma. Lam. 1822.

Triplex frondosa, pi. 6, f. i.

Triplex abortiva, pi. 6, f. 5.

Triplex denudata, pi. 7, f. 2.

These three represent merely varieties in form of one species —
viz., Murex australis, Quoy and Gaimard, 1833. Mr. Brazier, in
Proc. Lin. Soc. N.S.W., vol. viii., p. 113, arrives at the same
conclusion respecting fig. i, pi. 6, but wrongly quotes it as T.
ponderosa ; and again in Part iii. Aust. Mus. Cat., No. 15, at
p. 60, he quotes it as T. pondosa. The name frondosus having
been already used by Lamarck in 1803 for a fossil Murex, Perry's
second name oi abortiva should become that of the species.

Septa parkinsonia, pi. 14, f. i = Lotorium fusiformis, Kiener.
1842 (?).

Septa rubicunda, pi. 14, f. 4 = Lotorium australis, Lam. 1839.

Bulimus carinatus, pi. 30, f. i ; Bulimus eximms, pi. 30, f. 2.
Two varieties of the same shell and = Phasianotrochus rosea,
Lam. 1822.

Pyrula undulata, pi. 54, f. i=Fusus pyrulatus, Reeve. 1847.

Pyrula australasia, pi. 54, f. 4 = Fasciolaria coronata, Lam.
1822.

Venus disjecta, pi. 58, f. 3 = Chione lamellata, Lam. 1818.

P.S. — The foregoing paper was read on nth August. I have
since received the "Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New
South Wales," 1902, part i, issued on 22nd August, containing
an article by Mr. C. Hedley, Conchologist, Australian Museum,
Sydney, entitled " Studies on Australian Mollusca," part 6, in
which he refers to the same work, and it is noticeable that his
conclusions, arrived at quite independently of mine, are, on the
points included in both papers, almost identical. — J. H. G.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 77

A DA.Y UP THE RUBICON RIVER.

By F. L. Billinghurst.

(Bead be/ore the Field Naturalists^ Club of Victoria, llfh August, 1902.)

To most minds the name of the Rubicon River is associated with
a crossing ; but when, where, or how probably few know or care.
They merely know that to "cross the Rubicon" means to enter
on some enterprise from which there is no turning back, as did
the ancient Csesar when he crossed the original river of that
name, which divided Italy from Cisalpine Gaul. I am not aware
what kind of a river that was, or is, but we in Alexandra associate
the name with a lovely little swift-flowing mountain stream,
emptying itself into the Goulburn not many miles from the town,
a favourite place for picnics, where on a warm summer's day one
can lie in the shade of the tree ferns, or the lightwood trees,
listening to the babbling of the cool water, and watching, it may
be, a fine fat trout under the banks — for there are trout in the
stream, and good ones, too. A river to delight the heart of the
naturaUst, where the beautiful white and green Papilio
macleayanus may be seen by the dozen, with lalmenus,
Upitiephile aheona, and numerous other Lepidoptera of various
families and genera ; where big brown Cetonia beetles buzz past
in a terrible hurry, and huge Dragon-flies unknown to science float
in the air, or dart rapidly hither and thither after the gnats and
other small fry which form their daily bread ; a river where you
can fill your collecting box or bottle, as the case may be, without
undue exertion, and then have time to revel in the ferns and the
cold water — cold on the hottest summer's day — and go home with
a sensation that you have lived for one day at least.

Feeling rather cobwebby last week, I thought a tramp up
the Rubicon, with or without the proverbial crossing, would
do me good, so got on my horse one morning, and a smart ride
of ten miles or so brought me well up the river, where, leaving my
nag at a friendly farm, I proceeded to enjoy the beauties of
nature as only a naturalist can. Being the month of May, insect
life was conspicuous by its absence, so I did not trouble myself
about it. But the birds! — there are always birds about — therefore I
looked at the birds, and admired them, and took particular note
of the various kinds I saw, and jotted them down in my memory,
and then I thought it might interest some of the bird-loving
members of the Field Naturalists' Club to know what sort of birds
may be seen up the Rubicon River on a sunny day in May,
hence all this prologue and its suite.

My friend the farmer knows my proclivities, and informed me
before I left him that there was "a powerful lot of Satin-birds
about lately." This is the local name for the Satin Bower-bird,
Ftilonorhynchus violaceus, and I had not gone far before I struck

78 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

a flock of them. There must have been pretty well a hundred,
and the sun glinting on their plumage had a beautiful effect as
they flew from tree to tree. I only saw three black ones. The
scrub along the river was full of small birds. Little flocks of
Blue Wrens, Malurus cyaneus, and Red-browed Finches, Mgintha
temporalis^ hopped in and out of the bramble clumps ;
Acanthiza lineata and A. pusilla were plentiful ; Robins, Yellow-
breasted, Eopsaltria aiistralis, Flame-breasted, Pelroeca
Phoenicia, and Scarlet-breasted, P. leqgii, the Grey Shrike-
Thrush, Collyriocincla harmonica, White-shafted Fantail,
Rhipidura albiscapa, Black Fantail, Sauloprocta motacilloides,
a single specimen of the Mountain-Thrush, Geocichla lunulata,
Yellow-rumped Tit, Acanthiza chrysorrhma. White-throated
Thickhead, Pachycephala gutturalis. White-throated Tree-
creeper Climacteris leucophcm. White-browed Scrub-Wren,
Sericornis frontalis. All these birds were noted — common little
fellows, but helping to make the scrub lively. Twice I was
startled by a loud whirring close at hand, the cause being a fine
Wonga Pigeon, Leucosarcia jncata, which in each case merely
flew up into an adjacent wattle tree, and allowed me to approach
right up to the tree without moving. Twice also I heard the note
of the Lyre-bird, Menura superba. On more than one occasion
previously, when accompanied by dogs, they have put up these
birds, but, having no dogs this time, I did not get a sight of
them.

Emerging from the scrub sometimes, and walking along the
sides of the hills, a different class of birds was seen. Sulphur-
crested Cockatoos, Cacatua galerita, irritated with their harsh
scream ; one flock of five Gang-Gang Cockatoos, Callocephalon
galeatum, flew across. Occasionally the mournful note of the
Chough, Corcorax melanorhamphus, drew attention to a small
flock of a dozen or so. Red Lories, Platycerus pennantii, in all
stages of plumage, and Rosellas, P. eximius, chattered in the
gum trees, some of the former very gorgeous in their crimson and
blue. The Black-backed Magpie, Gymnorhina tihicen, and the
Laughing Jackass, Dacelo gigas, were common. The only Honey-
eaters noticed were the Wattle-Bird, Acanthochcera carunculata,
and the Minah, Manorhina garrula. A few Brown Tree-
creepers, Climacteris scandens, were seen, also two Grey Magpies
Strepera cuneicatulacuta, and an occasional Crow, Corvus
coronoides.

One thing I noticed was that the higher I got into the moun-
tains the scarcer the birds became, until at last they seemed to
disappear altogether, so after some lunch and a rest I turned back
and retraced my steps to the farm where I had left my horse.

Mammals are rather scarce in these districts, and the only
specimen I saw was a Ring-tailed Opossum, which I shook out of

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 79

its nest in a sapling ; but I noted tracks of both Kangaroo and
Wallaby, and any number of Wombat holes. On one
occasion when I was up this river with a little fox
terrier he disappeared into one of these holes — one
might almost term them tunnels — and I could hear him
and the Wombat arguing matters in no uncertain tones. I
tried to call him out, but without success, and, supposing he could
not hear me, got head foremost into the tunnel, and eventually
succeeded in calling him off. I only mention this incident
because I lit a match before I got into the hole, and crawling up
the side I found a small specimen of Rhytida lampra, the only
land snail I have seen in the Alexandra district.

During my ride home I noted the following birds in addition to
those already mentioned, mostly on the lagoons which intersect
the Goulburn flats : — Blue Crane, Ardea novce-hollandice, Spur-
wing Plover, Lohivanellus lobatus. Black Duck, Anas
superciliosa, Bald-Coot, Porfhyrio melanonotus. Straw-necked
Ibis, Geronticus spinicollis, Spoonbill, Platalea flavipes, Magpie
Lark, Grallina picata, and a Hawk I could not identify. This
makes a list of thirty-eight birds noted in one day's walk, which I
suppose is a fair average for a district.

NOTES ON THE LARV^. AND PUP^ OF BIRCHIP
HETEROCERA.

Part I.
By D. Goudie.
{Read before the Field Naturalists^ Club of Victoria, llth Aug., 1902.)
Xylorycta homoleuca. Lower. — This insect, though somewhat
local, would appear to have a wide range, being found not only
in the Mallee, but in North Queensland. The caterpillars bore
into the twigs of the Needlewood, Hakea leucojjtera, to the depth
of about 1% inches, and fastening the mouth of their
habitation with web and refuse, devour at their leisure the leaves
they convey there during the night. They attack young and
stunted trees in preference to old ones, and generally choose a
fork in which to make their abode. When about to change they
spin a very hard yellow wad across the entrance of their tunnel,
and it can thus be seen when to take them. The moths emerge
in November. The following descriptions of the larva and pupa
may be of use to collectors : —

Young Larva. — Head dark brown. First segment dark,
shining red. Prominent. Ground colour of body slaty-grey,
darker in the full-grown caterpillar. Dorsal line dark grey ; this,
however, appears to come and go with the respiration of the
larva. On each side of this there is a row of polished black

80 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Streaks, broadening into spots near the anal segment, which is
dark grey without markings. Lateral area with three rows of
small black specks, with violet-pink markings between. These
are very variable, however, and sometimes are altogether wanting.
Head and body covered thinly with a few fine hairs. Feet red,
darker in full-grown specimens.

Pupa. — Length, from J^ to ^ of an inch. Narrow. Light
brown when freshly changed, but soon becoming darker. Head
dark brown or black ; not pronged like X. cryptophaga. As the
time for emerging draws near the whole pupa, with the exception
of the wing-cases, turns nearly black, and this, contrasted with
the shining white wings inside, gives it quite a handsome
appearance. The moths generally emerge during the night.

Plain Wanderer. — On 26th July Mr. F. Syme, of Dairy,
Healesville, forwarded me a male Plain Wanderer, Pedionomus
torqualus, which was killed by a wild Magpie on his estate. I
found on skinning the bird that its skull was broken by a single
snap of the powerful mandibles of the Crow-Shrike (Magpie). — G.
A. Keartland.

Prism Binoculars. — We have received from Messrs. Ross
Limited, the well-known opticians of London, a report,
in pamphlet form, by Mr. Charles Dixon, a leading English
ornithological author, on " The Advantages, Possibilities, and
Uses of the Ross Prism Binocular, as applied to Field Natural
History." In this little work of some twenty pages Mr. Dixon
points out how much more interesting it is to take a glass out
into the country and watch and note down what one can observe
in the habits of birds, or even of insects, rather than use a gun
to bring down the object of your investigation, and thus perhaps
end a useful life. To show the superiority of the new glass over
one of the highest class binoculars, which he had used for years
and did not think could be beaten, he states that a number of
rabbits amongst short grass and dead bracken, at a distance of
four hundred yards, quite indistinguishable to the human eye,
through his old glass appeared as round objects of some kind,
but with the prism binocular they came out in the clearest detail,
the exact attitude each was sitting or lying in being clearly shown,
while at forty measured yards the pupil of a rabbit's eye was
brought out with beautiful clearness. The glass is manufactured
by Messrs. Ross in three powers, 8, 10, or 12 diameters of mag-
nification, and ranges from ;£% los. to ^10 los. in price. The
pamphlet is worth obtaining by anyone interested in this branch of
natural history work, and will be forwarded on receipt of sixpence
in stamps by Messrs. Ross Limited, in New Bond-street VV.,
London.

\o^ NEW YORK. ^-S

Cbe UiciSfit naturalist

Vol. XIX.— No. 6. OCTOBER 9, 1902. No. 226.

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal
Society's Hall on Monday evening, 8th September, 1902. The
president, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., occupied the chair, and about 50
members and visitors were present.

CORRESPONDENCE.

A letter was read from Mr. W. J. Crisfield, North Carlton,
regarding the poisoning of rabbits, in which the writer referred to
the differences of opinion existing as to the young rabbits taking
the poison, and suggesting that a conference of farmers and land-
holders be held with a view to obtaining a decided opinion on
the matter.

After a short discussion, it was not deemed necessary for the
Club to take any action, and the matter was allowed to drop.

REPORTS.

Mr. G. Coghill, who acted as leader on the Club's excursion to
Greensborough on Saturday, 23rd August, in place ot Mr. F. G.
A. Barnard, who was unable to attend, reported that over twenty
members and friends attended, some of whom decided to go on
to Eltham. The Silver Wattles, Acacia dealbata, along the Plenty
River were in full bloom, presenting a beautiful sight, and well
repaid the visit. Wild flowers were, however, very scarce, not
more than ten or twelve species being seen altogether during the
afternoon.

Mr. R. Hall reported that about seven members attended the
excursion to Dandenong Creek {vid Mitcham) on Saturday, 6th
September. Birds were, however, not very plentiful. Crows,
which are usually found on the western side of Melbourne, were
seen and heard, while the sub-species of Pardalotus ornatus was
identified with the aid of field-glasses. Of wild flowers some
twenty-four species were met with, among which the following —
Hovea heterophylla, Acacia suaveolens, A. myrtifolia, Diuris
maculata — taken from a list supplied by Dr. C. S. Sutton and
Mr. A. D. Hardy, may be mentioned.

The hon. librarian reported the receipt of the following dona-
tions to the library : — Journal of Agricidticre of Victoria, vol. i.,
part 8, August, 1902, from Department of Agriculture; "Pro-
ceedings of Royal Society of Victoria," vol. xv. (new series),
part I, from the society; The Wombat^ vol. v., No. 3, from the;

82 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Geelong Field Naturalists' Club ; " Records of the Mining and
Geological Museum, Sydney," vol. vii., part 2, and " Handbook of
Mining and Geological Museum, Sydney," from Department of
Mines, New South Wales ; " Records of Australian Museum,
Sydney," vol. iv., part 7, from the Trustees ; " Proceedings of
Linnean Society of New South Wales," vol. xxvii., part i., from
the Society; Nature Notes, August, 1902, from the Selborne
Society, London ; and Bulletin American Museum of Natural
History, vol. xvii., part 2, from the Museum.

ELECTION.

On a ballot being taken Dr. George Home, M.D., Mrs.
George Home, and Miss Bowie, of Clifton Hill, and Dr. F. H.
Cole, M.B., Rathdown-street, Carlton, were unanimously elected
members of the Club.

PAPERS.

By Miss G. Sweet, M.Sc. (communicated by G. Sweet, F.G.S.),
entitled " Mosquitos and Disease."

The author described the main features of the principal genera
of mosquitos, and then pointed out how certain diseases had
been traced to the infection carried to healthy individuals by
mosquitos from persons already attacked, and said that it is
probable other diseases will be found to have been spread by
similar means.

In the discussion which ensued, in which Miss Sweet was
complimented on the interesting nature of her paper, Mr. D. Le
Souef, C.M.Z.S., mentioned the practice adopted by residents in
Queensland in allowing swallows to build their nests about their
houses for the purpose of encouraging them to remain in the
district and so help to keep down the numbers of mosquitos.

Mr. G. A. Keartland stated that a very small species was very
plentiful in North-Western Australia, which frequently causes
blindness in the horses and camels, unless the precaution is
taken of rubbing the animals with castor oil.

Mr. J. Shephard instanced a water tank in which the water was
sometimes nearly boiling, but in which the larvae of mosquitos
flourished.

Mr. A. D. Hardy stated that he had lived for some months in
the Niger Coast Protectorate (now Southern Nigeria), West
Africa, a country rendered almost uninhabitable for the white
man by fever, and mentioned that it was from Major Ross, who
represented the School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, that
many had first heard that mosquitos, and more particularly
the genus Anopheles, were responsible for the transference of the
fever germ, and that the genus Culex was innocent of the evil.
Prior to this being made known it had been noticed that when

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 83

the opening of trenches or other excavations in marshy tracts was
in progress there was almost invariably an attack of fever among
the white men superintending the work, which was supposed to
be due to the freeing of gases from decomposing vegetation.
Regarding the suggestion that eucalyptus trees tended to keep
away mosquitos he instanced a bungalow in the Niger country
which was particularly noticeable for the prevalence of mosquitos,
notwithstanding that two eucalypts, E. citriodora, were growing
close by the door.

Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., drew attention to the valuable work
recently published by Mr. F. V. Theobald on this subject, and
remarked at the same time on the very limited extent of our
knowledge of this group in Victoria.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTE.

The hon. secretary read an extract from a letter from Mr.
M'Bain, of Point Lonsdale, to Mr. S. A. LeSouef with reference to
the spawning of the Murray Cod, Oligorus macquariensis, in
which the writer gave it as his experience that the fish spawns
about November, when the river, owing to the melting of the
snow, is at its highest, and spreads over the flats along its banks,
sometimes for miles. Though he had not seen the ova he
believes the fish spawn in hollow burnt logs on the flats, where
the water is warm, having frequently disturbed the fish in such
places, and afterwards seen young fry not more than a quarter of
an inch long swimming about in the holes. Directly the water
commences to recede the young fry depart and are next found
in the main streams in places where there are eddies, and the
banks fringed with weeds and long, thin grass ; here they are about
an inch long, and if not disturbed will remain in the locality until
the next season, when they will be about 4 inches in length.

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. A. Coles. — A specimen of the Diving Petrel, Fele-
canoides urinatrix, captured on board a steamship in Bass
Strait.

By Miss S. W. L. Cochrane. — Painting of wattles in bloom at
Greensborough.

By Mr. C. French, jun. — Cocoons, pupae, and perfect insects,
male and female, of the Bee Moths (Galleria) ; also samples of
honeycomb destroyed by these moths.

By Mr. H. J. Grayson. — Beck's " London microscope " stand,
No. 1,129, K^-j with the following note : — " Members interested in
microscopical matters will observe that this microscope, though
small, is equipped for a considerable range of work, being fur-
nished with objectives possessing excellent corrections. The
instrument is well made, extremely compact, and probably lower
in price than any other microscope of the same capacity hitherto

84: THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

obtainable." Also a series photo-micrographs, taken with a i-inch
Beck orthostigmat-photographic lens.

By Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S.— Flame-breasted Robin with
unusual colouration of breast.

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated.

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB CONVERSAZIONE.

The fourteenth conversazione of the Field Naturalists' Club of
Victoria was held at the Athenseum Hall, Collins-street, on
Tuesday and Wednesday, 23rd and 24th September, 1902.

It was expected that His Excellency Sir George S. Clarke,
K.C.M.G., F.R.S., Governor of Victoria, would have opened the
proceedings on Tuesday evening, but at the last moment wrote
regretting his inability to be present. The letter, however, went
astray, and the non-arrival of His Excellency caused considerable
disappointment. The president, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., therefore
undertook the duty of declaring the conversazione open, which he
did in a few brief sentences.

There was a large attendance of members and of the general
public, and the display of objects was equal to if not better than
any previous effort of the Club, and those who had not previously
attended one of the Club's conversaziones were greatly pleased
with the wealth of interesting natural history objects on view.

A feature of additional interest in this year's display was the
introduction of exhibits of wild flowers, which, considering that it
was somewhat early in the season for the majority of our plants,
was very creditable, and spoke well for the enthusiasm of the
exhibitors, who had travelled many miles and braved some
unpleasant weather to secure the specimens. Through the
kindness of Mr. C Walter most of the flowers were labelled with
their scientific names, while it may be mentioned that Mr. G.
Coghill's collection of some 150 species from Bairnsdale, &c.,
was arranged in systematic order according to the " Key to
Victorian Plants," in addition to which he exhibited some 40
species of flowers from the Mallee.

Among the many interesting exhibits it may be invidious to
make distinctions, but Mr. G. Lyell's exhibit of an almost
complete series of Australian Lycanid (blue) butterflies deserves
special notice, while Mr. R. Hall's case illustrating special
features in certain species of birds, such as "recognition marks,"
" protective colouring," " power of flight," " sexual colouration,"
&c., seemed to appeal directly to the most uninterested visitor.

On Wednesday afternoon Mr. D. Le. Souef, C.M.Z.S., gave an
interesting lecturette, entitled " The Protective Colouration of
Birds, their Eggs and Nests," in which he showed why in many
families of birds the male did all the sitting instead of the female ;

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 85

why plovers and similar birds laid dark-coloured eggs on dark-
coloured, damp soil, while, excepting pigeons', white eggs were
laid in hollows of trees ; the wonderful way in which many birds
built their nests to escape observation ; how many birds remain
perfectly still when a hawk passes over ; also, why certain birds
had their protective colouration on the back, while others had it
on the breast. The lecturer was followed with great interest, and
his remarks were illustrated by numerous lantern slides.

In the evening Professor Baldwin Spencer, M.A., F.R.S., gave
an interesting lecturette entitled " Scenes in Central Australia," in
which he explained, by means of a fine series of lantern slides,
the different types of country to be met with in the centre of the
continent, and graphically illustrated the difficulties which beset
the explorer in that region.

The Club was again indebted to Mr. J. Searle for placing his
lantern at its disposal, so that the lecturettes might be suitably
illustrated.

A fine display of objects under microscopes was made by
members who take up that method of studying nature, and some
twenty instruments were fully occupied during the whole time of
the conversazione.

A number of specimen plants for platform decoration were
kindly lent by Mr. R. Cheeseman, of North Brighton, while
Messrs. Watson and Sons had an interesting exhibit of the latest
improvements in microscopes, choice mounted microscopic
objects, spirit specimens showing the metamorphoses of reptiles,
&c., and collecting materials.

EXHIBITS.

The following is a list of the exhibitors, with particulars of
their principal specimens : —

Anderson, E., Toorak — British and Victorian Lepidoptera. Living Larvae
of Victorian Moths. Drawings of Larvae of Victorian Moths.

Best, D., Hawthorn — Five cabinet drawers of Australian Beetles (Cole-
optera). One drawer of Australian Wasps, Hornets, &c. (Hymenoptera).
One drawer of Victorian Butterflies.

Campbell, A. G., Armadale — Bird Architecture and Live Opossum.

Chapman, F., A. L.S. — Collection of Foraminiferal Limestone from Egypt,
Sinai, and India. Collection of British Fossils.

Cochrane, Miss S. W. L., Melbourne — Paintings of Wattle Blossom, &c.

Coles, A., Melbourne — ^ Kangaroo, Emu and young, Pair of Wedge-tailed
Eagles, Black Eagle, English Badger, Platypus, Group of Entellus
Monkeys, White-faced Monkey, Giant Penguin, case of Royal Spoonbills,
New Zealand Huia, case of Grass-Finches, covey of Brown Quail, covey
of Stubble Quail, case of Golden Plover, Snowy Owl, Schnapper, King
Schnapper, Murray Perch, Spotted Ling, Parrot Fish, Pike, Yellow-tail,
Red Mullet, Bream, John Dorey, and Blackfish.

Department of Agriculture, Entomological Branch — Five cabinet
drawers of Life- Histories of Insects. One drawer of Scale Insects
(Coccidse).

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Drayton, S., Brighton — Live Gallinulc (Moor-IIcn), caught on board ship
i,000 miles off Brazilian coast.

French, C, F.L.S., Malvern — Four cabinet drawers of Australian Lepi-
doptera. Four drawers of Foreign Lepidoptera. One framed drawing of
Australian Longicorn Beetles.

French, C, jun., Richmond — Collection of Victorian Aboriginal Stone
Implements — viz., Tomahawks, Adzes, Pounding, Grinding, and
Sharpening Stones, &c.

Fkknch, Mrs. C, jun., Richmond — Collection of S]5ondylus Shells.

Gakkiei,, J., Abbotsford — Collection of Australian Birds' Fggs.

Gahriel, C. J., Abbotsford — Collection of Marine Shells.

Gatlikk, J. 11., Carlton — Two cases Marine Shells (family Olividje).

Gatlife, "E. H., Carlton — Specimens of Kaffir Native Work.

Haase, J. F., Melbourne — Four cases of Australian Lepidoptera {Butterflies}
and Live Larva- of Victorian Moths.

Hall, T. S., M.A., Carlton — Collection of Geological Specimens.

Hall, R., Box Hill — Australian Bird Skins, showing particular features.

Jarvis, E., Richmond— One case showing external anatomy of a Beetle.
One case showing external anatomy of a Butterfly.

Keartland, G. a., Preston — Collection of Birds' Skins, Eggs, Live Birds,
and Native Weapons.

Kershaw, J. A., F.E.S., Windsor — Six cabinet drawers of Australian
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). Two drawers of Australian Lepi-
doptera with their Larvte, &c. Live Larva; of Victorian Lepidoptera
(Moths).

KiTSON, A. E., F.G.S., Melbourne — Native Bread from Moyarra, near
Jumbunna.

Le Souef, D., C.M.Z.S., Parkville — Magpie's Nest (made principally of
wir^). Young Platypus in spirits. Young (jrey Kangaroo (from pouch).
Carapace of Hawk-bill Turtle. Snakes in spirits, I'.ggs of Carpet and
Black Snakes, Cast Snake Skin. Dugong Tusks, Queensland Shells,
Queensland Bean in Pod, White Ants' Nest, Green Ants' Nest, Hornets*
and Wasps' Nests, Vegetable Caterpillar, Devil Lizard, &c. Live
Carpet Snake, Blue-tongue Lizards, Stump-tail Lizards, Gould's Monitor,
&c.

Lyell, Geo., jun., Gisborne— Three cabinet drawers of Australian Blues
(Butterflies), 77 species.

Mattinglev, a., North Melbourne, and Cummins, R. H., B. Sc, Adelaide —
Australian Echinoids (Starfish and Sea Urchins).

Pitcher, F., Brighton — Collection of Australian Ferns (dried).

Pritchard, G. B., Moonee Ponds— Collection of specimens showing the
preservation of Fossils.

Shepherd, G. E. — Australian Birds, mounted.

Smart, II. C, Camberwell South — One case of Victorian Birds' Skins.

Spry, F. P., South Melbourne — Three cases of Australian Lepidoptera
(Butterflies).

Sweet, G., F.G.S., Brunswick — Collection of Australian Geological Speci-
mens.

Thiele, E. O., Melbourne — One case of Tasmanian Marine Shells.

Townsend, S. p., Mornington — Australian Birds, mounted.

Walter, C., Melbourne — Botanical Specimens collected by Dr. Ludwig
Leichardt in 1843.

Weindokfer, G., Melbourne — Algae, collected during the Club's Camp-out
at Shoreham (Western Port), 28th March to 1st April, 1902. Plants
collected during the Club's Excursions to Sandringham and Lilydale.

Microscopic Section. — Microscopic exhibits were made by —
Miss Bainbridge, pond life.
Mr. R. a. Bastow, mosses.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 87

Microscopic Section — continued.

Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., recent foraminifera.

Rev. W. Fielder, F.R.M.S., development of an eye,

Mr. J. Gabriel, pond life.

Mr. A. D. Hardy, pond life.

Mr. J. F. Haase, entomostraca.

Mr. C. Hallam, pond life.

Mr. W. J. M'Caw, biological preparations.

Mr. J. Shephard, pond life.

Mr. J. Stickland, pond life.

Mr. W. Stickland, pond life.

Messrs. W. Watson and Sons, various choice mounted objects.

Wild Flowers.— Exhibits were made by —

Miss Bainbridge.

Miss S. W. L. Cochrane, from Beaumaris.

Mr. Geo. Coghill, from Quambatook and Ultima (Mallee district), Mans-
field, Bayswater, Beaumaris, and Bairnsdale.

Messrs. C. French, jun., C. Walter, and G. Weindorfer, from Dandenong
Ranges.

Mr. C. M. Maplestone, from Eltham.

Mr. J. T. Paul, from Grantville.

Mr. W. Scott, from New South Wales.

Dr. C. S. Sutton.

Miss G. Wisewould, from Gembrook.

MOSQUITOS AND DISEASE.

By Georgina Sweet, M.Sc.

(Communicated by G. Sweet, F.G.S.)

{Read before the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, 8th Sept., 1902.)

[abstract.]
The increasing evidence of the connection between mosquitos
and many blood diseases renders the study of these pests both
necessary and interesting. Further, a knowledge of their habits,
their Hfe-histories, the invariable relations of some forms with
such diseases, and of the numerous side issues therefrom, is
rendered now much more readily obtainable since the long
labours of many working in tropical and sub-tropical regions,
some of whom have lost their lives in the investigation. I am
greatly indebted for information derived from the works of Mr.
F. V. Theobald, Dr. P. Manson, and Dr. T. O. Howard, also Dr.
Nuttall, and others.

The general external features of these six-footed, two-winged
" flies " are well known — the head with sensory appendages, thorax
with walking appendages and wings, and the abdomen ; the
piercing and sucking mouth and proboscis, through which
passes out the poison which assists the suction of the food, the
great variety of scale structure, and the conspicuous venation
of the wing, are characteristic structures.

The main genera so far known to be connected with disease
are — Anopheles with malaria, Culex with filariasis, and Stegomyia

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

with yellow fever. In the life-history of the two former are
numerous differences in detail, Stegomyia being more closely
allied to Culex, of which genus it was until recently a
member.

The ova of Culex are generally laid in concave boat-shaped
masses on artificial collections of water, while the elliptical ova
of Anopheles float in loose masses of 40 to 100 eggs, or isolated,
each on its side, in natural collections of still or slowly flowing
water. The larvae of each, with the large thorax, flexible abdo-
men, and rotatory head, are very active, those of Culex feeding
on animal matter, often at the bottom, and those of Anopheles
chiefly on vegetable matter near the surface. _ The former,
being slightly heavier than water, hangs vertically, with its
head downwards and its long respiratory tube on the last segment
but one of the abdomen just piercing the surface film of the
water, these being air-breathing larvae. Anopheles larvae, on
the other hand, have no respiratory tube, and lie horizontally
just below the surface of the water, with the respiratory opening
near the end of the abdomen touching the surface film. When
disturbed a Culex larva will sink instantly to the bottom, while
Anopheles will glide away near the surface, or descend by vigorous
jerks of the abdomen, rising to the surface within about 15 minutes.
The pupae of these two genera are very much alike, except that
Anopheles, the head of which is much more baggy, assumes a
curled position, with its short and broad funnel-shaped respiratory
tube at the surface of the water. In Culex the position of the
pupae is nearly perpendicular to the surface, and the respiratory
tube long and slender. In each case this tube leads into the
thorax, so that the pupa, unlike the larva, is supported head
uppermost. The adults of these two forms are readily distin-
guishable. Culex, with its unspotted wings, has in the female very
short palpi, one on each side of the proboscis, and in the male
long, feathery palpi. The large and bloodthirsty adult of Ano-
pheles has in most species spotted wings and long palpi in both
male and female, the antennae of the male in each case being large
and feathery. When at rest Culex stands with its body bent, though
more or less parallel with the surface on which it rests, while
Anopheles has its body in a straight line, and more or less per-
pendicular to the wall on which it rests. The adult male is
always vegetarian in habit, while the adult female may be vege-
tarian or sanguinary as circumstances permit, the blood of very
many animals serving in place of that of man. The mainten-
ance of species during dry or frosty weather is brought about by
the persistence of the adult female in the former case, and of the
adult female, or often larvae, in the latter case, hibernation being
a common occurence. Fish, frogs, dragon-flies, and water-beetles
help to keep down the superabundance of the larvae and pupse,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 89

while the similar office is performed by birds, bats, and dragon-
flies in catching and devouring the winged adults. The wide
distribution of many species over the earth's surface is due almost
entirely to man's agency, either by water in ships as in the
Hawaiian Islands, or by trains as in the case of many newly-
opened inland centres.

The chief Australian forms are three species of Anopheles
in Queensland and the Blue Mountains, N.S.W., one species
of Megarhinus, a form with a curved proboscis, of which
practically nothing is known as to its life -history ; and in
Victoria, Stegomyia fasciata, a spotted form with banded legs,
which serves as the carrier of yellow fever elsewhere, and
Gulex frenchii and C. occidentalis ; also four species of purely
vegetarian genera.

Malaria is carried from infected to healthy human individuals by
Anopheles (chiefly A. maculipennis) after an interval of 7 to 8
days, which period is necessary for the development of the sexual
phase in the wall of the gnat's stomach, and the formation and
transport of the spores to the salivary glands, whence they are
poured into the blood with the " poison."

Yellow fever is probably due to some protozoan parasite
following a somewhat similar life-round to that of the malarial
organism. The germ of yellow fever is carried by Stegomyia
fasciata after a period of 10-13 ^^J^ after its ingestion from an
infected individual. Because this mosquito is found in Victoria
it does not follow that there is any special danger of yellow fever,
unless one or more cases of this disease were introduced and
exposed in such a way as to allow the mosquitos to become
infected by sucking the blood, and to then fly away to some healthy
individual.

The Oriental tropical disease, filariasis, which is due to the
presence of parasitic worms of the genus Filaria under the skin, is
propagated by Culexfatigans, and possibly some other species, in
which the embryos must pass part of their existence. It is
considered probable that other diseases are also carried by
mosquitos — e.g., cholera, plague, Mediterranean fever, and
typhoid.

Remedial work against the early stages of the life-history of
mosquitos may be carried out by the treatment of breeding
places with insecticiiies, such as kerosene poured on the surface of
the pools once in seventeen days, or three weeks, the abolition
of breeding places by filling with earth or drainage of swamps,
or by the introduction of fish, frogs, «&c. Screening of houses,
smoking-out of rooms, and such measures, seem the only means
of getting rid of the adults. The value of eucalyptus trees in
driving away the adults, while great in some parts, is very doubt-
ful in others.

90 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME NEW SPECIES OF MALLO-

PHAGA FROM AUSTRALIAN BIRDS. — Part IV.

By S. a. Le Souef.

(Communicated by D. Le Souef)

{Read before the Field Naturalists'' Club of Victoria, llth August, 1902.)

GoNOiDES RETRACTUS, found on Brown Quail, Synoecus australis-

Elongate ; a chestnut line round the body ; head somewhat oval
and irregular, with a chestnut line running round the circumference,
darker posteriority ; clypeus semilunar; antenna rather small, third
joint hooked ; the temples have three prominent projections,
central one being the largest ; prothorax nearly quadrate,
narrowest anteriorly, rotundate posteriorly, separated from
metathorax by band of fascia, which is divided centrally ; meta-
thorax transverse, sides rotundate, concave anteriorly, surrounded
by a deep chestnut band, which is divided on the median line ;
legs pale, with a dark line on anterior femora and tibia ; abdomen
clavate, ending abruptly m a concavity, each segment having an
irregular dark line laterally, which is continued lightly towards the
median line, which is light chestnut. Length, 2 mm. ; width,
.90 mm.

GoNOiDES LONGUS, found on Chestnut-bellied Quail, Excalfactoria
chinensis.
Very long ; a ferruginous margin round the body ; head longer
than broad, with a deep ferruginous margin ; clypeus semilunar,
with a tricoloured margin ; antenna small and filiform ; eyes pale,
small, and prominent ; prominent tubercle growing on the
temples, with two very long hairs on its summit; two smaller acute
points on each side of occiput, base sinuous ; prothorax nearly
quadrate, rotundate posteriorly, deep ferruginous margins ; meta-
thorax transverse, sides rotundate, deep ferruginous margins,
which are divided at the median line ; legs dark on anterior
femora and on anterior and posterior tibia ; abdomen very long
and clavate, bluntly serrated, and deep chestnut laterally, the
colour extending inwards in a broad reducing band, which is pale
in the first segment and meets in the last ; sixth segment broadest ;
median line pale. Length, 2.50 mm. ; width, .75 mm.

Triniton NIGER, found on Black Swan, Chenopis atrata.

Elongate ; black and shining abdomen, with pale sutures ;
head triangular, uniform brown, except clypeus, which is pale,
and black markings behind the eyes ; palpi small, with pale
sutures ; antenna small and pedunculate ; temporal lobes
rotundate, base truncate ; prothorax with a triangular black
mark in the centre, margins pale, with a projecting tubercle antero-

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 91

laterally on each side, base convex, nearly semilunar ; meso-
thorax produced antero-laterally ; metathorax deep brown, sides
rotundate, base truncate ; legs chestnut, anterior femora sub-
ovate, with a pale band anteriorly, second and third pair
margined with deep chestnut ; abdomen elongate, elliptical,
lateral margins deep chestnut, sutures pale, last two segments
yellow throughout. The body and legs are clothed with long
hairs. Length, 7 mm.

This species is the largest of the genus ; it is very strong, and
swift in its movements. I have found it only on the Black Swan.

Ornithobius fuscus, found on Black Swan, Chenopis atrata.

Female chestnut, with centre of head and thorax and centre
and sutures of abdomen pale ; head large and cordate ; clypeus
obtuse, with six hairs growing from each side ; antenna large
and filiform, pale ; temples nearly semilunar and chestnut,
darker towards the margins ; centre of the head pale and broadly
channelled, base concave ; prothorax nearly quadrate, rotundate
anteriorly and posteriorly, deep chestnut laterally, and channelled;
metathorax broad and rotundate laterally, chestnut antero-
laterally, pale posteriorly and in the centre ; legs pale, with
anterior femora and tibia chestnut ; abdomen clavate, each
segment chestnut with a pale centre, with one or two hairs
growing laterally at each segment ; sutures pale. Length,
4.50 mm.

Found (generally on the wing primaries) on the Black Swan.
I have also met with it on the Australian Spoonbill and on the
White Swan ; but this latter must have been a stray, since the
Black and White Swans were together, and it has not been re-
ported from this bird from other countries.

DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME AUSTRALIAN BIRDS' EGGS.

By D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., &c.

Calyptorhynchus macrorhynchus, Great-billed Black Cockatoo
(Cat. Birds Brit. Mus., vol. xx., p. no).

This bird nests in the hollow limbs of the eucalyptus trees in
the neighborhood of Port Darwin, Northern Territory, and is, I
think, the only Australian cockatoo that has not had its eggs so
far described.

The eggs were laid on the decomposed wood at the bottom of
the hollow, and there was only one egg in each of the three nests
found, so it is probable that that is the usual number, as with the
Kanksian Cockatoo, and all three were found in July, which
therefore appears to be their breeding month. The eggs are

92 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

white, and elongated in shape ; the shell is finely pitted, and one
has a few limy nodules on the larger end ; they have very little
gloss, and measure — (a) 1.88 x 1.35 inches ; (6) 1.89 x 1.22 ;
(c) 1. 91 X 1.22 inches. It will be noticed that one is slightly
more rounded than the others.

NiNOX CONNIVENS (sub-species occidentalis). Western Winking
Owl (Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., 2nd series, vol. i., p. 1,086).

A clutch of three fresh eggs of this fine owl was found on 25th
July in the western portion of the Northern Territory of Australia.
As far as I know they are undescribed. They were laid at the
bottom of a hollow spout in a eucalyptus tree on decomposed
wood. They are a swollen oval in shape, pure white, and slightly
glossy, and measure — (i) 1.78 x 1.54 inches; (2) 1.82 x 1.52
inches; (3) 1.76 x 1.52 inches.

NiNOX STRENUA (iV. rufa, Gould), Powerful Owl (Cat. Birds
Brit. Mus., vol. ii., p. 178).

This large bird has a wide range over Australia, extending from
Victoria to the Northern Territory, vid the eastern side. The
only previous description of its egg that I can find is in Mr. A. J,
Campbell's book, of a specimen in the Adelaide Museum, but
which has no data.

One fresh egg of this bird was found in a good-sized hollow in
the trunk of a eucalyptus tree, near Port Darwin, on 2nd August,
and although the bird was on the nest tlie clutch was probably
not complete. The egg was laid on the decayed wood rit the
bottom. It is a swollen oval, pure white, and slightly glossy, and
measures 1.96 x 1.56 inches.

These eggs will be exhibited at the October meeting of the
Field Naturalists' Club.

Sanguineous Honey-eater. — During the months of June and
July the Sanguineous Honey-eater, Myzomela sanguineolenta,
made its appearance in considerable numbers at Bayswater.
Master Leslie Chandler (the son of an old member of this Club)
wrote to say that the birds were most numerous on the white
Epacris blossom, which appeared to possess a special attraction
for these beautiful little birds. I was delighted to receive this
note, as some years ago, when I reported seeing one of these birds
at Bayswater, there was some doubt in the minds of several
members as to the identity of the bird. Master Chandler has
since sent me a couple of skins. — G. A. Keartland.

Correction. — The word " White " should not have appeared
in the title of the paper contributed by Mr. Frank Madden, M.P.
(see pages 55 and 72). The notes referred to the Ibis family in
general, and not to any particular species. — Ed. Vict. Nat.

Cbe Uictorian naturalist

Vol. XIX.— No. 7. NOVEMBER 6, 1902. No. 227.

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of ttie Club was held at the Royal
Society's Hall on Monday evening, 13th October, 1902. The
president, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., occupied the chair, and about 50
members and visitors were present.

REPORTS.

A report of the excursion to the Yarra at Kew on Saturday,
27th September, was read by the leader, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard,
who said that the party had enjoyed an interesting ramble amid
picturesque scenery. The most noticeable flowering plants
obtained were Styphdia strigosa, restricted to a small area on the
top of a stony bank; Acacia pycnantha, A. acinacea, Myoporum
viscosiim, Nicotiana suaveolens, and Indigofera australis.

A report of the excursion to Eltham on Saturday, nth
October, was given by Mr. J. Stickland, in the absence of the
leader, Mr. C. Maplestone. The party visited a picturesque spot
near the Yarra known as the " Devil's Bank," but the botanical
results of the outing were not very striking. Lists of the flower-
ing plants and of the cryptogams collected were given by
Messrs. G. Weindorfer and R. A. Bastow. Few specimens of
pond-life were obtained, but among these was an interesting
protozoan not yet identified.

The hon. librarian reported the receipt of the following donations
to the library : — The Emu, October, 1902, from the Australasian
Ornithologists' Union ; " Journal and Proceedings of the Royal
Society of New South Wales," vol. xxxv., 1901, from the society;
"Annual Report Sydney Botanic Gardens, etc.," 1901, by J.
H. Maiden, F.L.S., Director, from the Director ; "Transactions
and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute," vol. xxiv., 1901,
from the Institute ; Nature Notes, September 1902, from the
Selborne Society, London ; Knowledge, September, 1902, from
the proprietor.

GENERAL BUSINESS.

In the absence of the hon. secretary, Mr. J. A. Kershaw,
through ill health, Mr. G. Coghill reported that the recent
conversazione had in every way proved a decided success, and
that there would be a small credit balance when the accounts
were finally closed.

94 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

PAPERS.

1. By Mr. E. E. Green, F.E.S., Government Entomologist,
Ceylon, entitled "Notes on a Singular Coccid from Victoria"
(communicated by Mr. C. French, F.L. S.)

The author stated that some specimens of a coccid found on some
old and wet timber in the 300-feet level of a mine in Gippsland,
and forwarded to him by Mr. C. French, F.L.S, had proved on
examination to be specimens of Orthezia floccosa, De Geer, the
first record of an Orthezia from the Australian region.

2. By Mr. F. M. Reader, F.R.H.S., entitled "Contributions to
the Flora of Victoria," No. XII. (communicated by Mr. J. A.
Kershaw, F.E.S.)

The author described as new a minute plant, belonging to the
order Restiacese, on which he bestowed the name of Cenfrolepis
cephalojormis, and compared it with other members of the genus.

3. By Mr. G. Weindorfer, entitled " On the Fertilisation ot
Phanerogams — i. Dispersion of Pollen by the Wind."

The author drew attention to the various provisions in flowers
by which the dispersal of their pollen by wind for purposes of
fertilization is promoted or assisted, and briefly referred to the
shapes of the stigmas and to the vast numbers of cells composing
the pollen.

The President, by means of blackboard sketches, illustrated
the subject of the paper, and gave further details of the actual
fertilization.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES.

Mr. J. C. Goudie, of Birchip, forwarded some notes on a
number of interesting observations made during a recent trip in
the Mallee.

Mr. G. A. Keartland mentioned that the whole of the Club's
recommendations with regard to the close season for certain birds
had been embodied in the recently published schedule of the
Game Act but that all reference to fish had been omitted,
evidently a departmental error, and moved that a letter be
written to the Department, asking if the omission of fish was not
an oversight. This was seconded by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard and
carried.

Mr. J. Gabriel drew attention to the fact that INIutton-birds are
now protected at Phillip Island.

Mr. A. Coles said he thought it was rather hard that, owing to
the provisions of the Game Act, persons were not allowed to keep
certain native animals and birds as pets. ,

Mr. A. Mattingley stated that authority could be otttained by
those who had pets in their possession for some time to retain
them.

Mr. G. A. Keartland described the changes which had taken

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 95

place in the plumage of a female quail in his possession, and
which was now assuming the garb of a typical male bird.

Exhibits.

By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard. — Fifteen species of wild flowers
from Plenty Ranges, including Grevillea alpina, Eriostemon correi-
folius, Bauera rubioides, ^^prengelia incarnata, and Goodia
lotifolia,.

By Mr. R. A. Bastow. — Specimens of mosses collected on the
Club's excursion to Eltham on Saturday, nth October.

By Mr. A. Coles. — -Skin of Black Snake, Pseudechys porpliyri-
aciis, measuring seven feet six inches in length, shot at Stratford,
Gippsland.

By Mr. C. French, jun. — Scale Insect, Lecanium berherides,
now doing considerable damage to vines in Victoria.

By Master C. French.— Stone used by aborigines for grinding
food, from Terang, Victoria.

By Mr. J. H. Gatliff. — The following marine shells: — Solai-ium
perspectivicm, Linn., Solarvmn perdix, Hinds, (including a speci-
men obtained by Mr. D. Le Souef at the Barrier Reef, North
Queensland) ; «S'. cethiopica, Pease ; S. reevei, Pils. ; ;S'. creiiella,
Lirm. ; S. cinguhim, Kien. ; Phillipa luiea, Lamk.

By Mr. G. A. Keariland. — Collection of eggs of all known
Australian Cockatoos, as follows: — Microglossus aferrimus, Galyp-
torhynchus macrorliynchus, G. stellatus, C. baudini, G. lenchii,
C. banksia, G. Jmieretis, Ccdlocephalon yaleatum, Gacatua galerita,
C. leadbeateri, C. sangnhiea, G. gy)niwpis, G. roseicapllla, Licmetis
nasica, L. pastinator. Also native sheath knife and fishing
lines from Northern Territory.

By Mr. D. Le Souef. — Clutch of eg£;s of Western Winking
Owl, Ninox Gonnivens, sub-sp. occidentalis, and eggs of Powerful
Owl, Ninox sirenua, North Australia, and Great-billed Black
Cockatoo, G cdyptorhyndtiis inacrorohynchits, North Australia.

By Mr. J. G. Luehmann. — Victorian plants from new localities,
collected by Mr. H. B. Williamson, Hawkesdale.

By Mr. J. Stickland. — The Star Puff-ball (Geaster), from
Eltham.

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated.

NOTES ON A SLNGULAR COCCID FROM VICTORIA.

By Ernest E. Green, F.E.S., Government Entomologist,

Ceylon.

(Communicated by C. French, F.L.S.)

{Read he/ore the Field Naturalists' Clnh of Victoria, VSth Oct., 1902.)

Some examples of a coccid forwarded to me by Mr. C French,

Government Entomologist, Department of Agriculture, Victoria,

96 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

have proved on examination to be specimens of Orthezia floccosa,
De Geer. They were found " on some old and wet timber at the
300-feet level in a mine in Gippsland, Victoria," a truly remark-
able situation in which to find living Coccidae ! The food of
0. floccosa has not been absolutely determined in Europe. The
insects are usually found amongst wet moss or Sphagnum, and it
is possible that they may feed either on these mosses or upon
Algae associated therewith. All the species of Orthezia appear
to be able to exist for long periods without food (a characteristic
found also in many Monophlebinse). It is possible that these
individuals from the mine may have been carried down from the
surface with the timber, and to have sustained themselves upon
small cryptogamic plants during their sojourn underground.
These same examples survived the journey by post from
Australia to Ceylon, absolutely without food, and are still living
in the pill-box in which they were received.

In comparing the insects with European species for the pur-
poses of determination I noticed a character in 0. floccosa which
does not appear to have been remarked before, distinguishing it
from all its allies, but connecting it with Ortheziola. The tibio-
tarsal articulation is absent in all the legs, and the terminal seg-
ment of the antenna is apparently composed of two fixed joints,
forming a scape-like termination, the antennge thus consisting of
seven distinct joints as in Ortheziola to ei^ht in other species.
In Ortheziola another remarkable character is the very long basal
joint of the antennae ; the number is still further reduced, three
only being apparent.

Signoret (Essai, p. 424) considers floccosa to be a synonym of
urtica', L., but it seems evident to me that he has confused the
two species in his description, and figures (plate xxi., fig. ib)
which Signoret suggests (with a query) may be male larvae of
urticai is really the adult of floccosa. His drawing correctly
represents it with fixed tibio-tarsus and long terminal joint to the
seven-jointed antennae.

This is the first record of an Orthezia from the Australasian
region. I have compared the Australian insect with examples
from Bohemia and England, and it agrees with the typical form
in every character. With this connecting link it is a question
whether Ortheziola should rank as more than a sub-genus.
Another sub-genus might be erected for the species having fixed
tibio-tarsus with seven-jointed antennae. I would suggest the name
Douglasia for the proposed sub-genus, in honour of the veteran
entomologist whose valuable papers on CoccidcC were a feature
of the '■ Annals " for so many years. Type, Douylasia floccosa.

THE VICTORIAN NATUEALIST. 97

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FLORA OF VICTORIA.
No. XII.

By F. M. Reader, F.R.H.S.
(Communicated by J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S.)
{Read hefore the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, loth Oct., 1902.
Centrolepis cephaloformis, sp. nov., F. M. Reader.

A minute, moss-like, glabrous plant, growing frequently in
head-like tufts, from 2 lines to i inch in diameter. Leaves shorter
than or as long as the scape and spike usually 4 or 5, with
a broad scarious sheathing base, tapering in a linear or subulate,
usually recurved upper part, and ending in a fine transparent
point ; the lower broad part about half the size of the whole leaf.
The inner leaf reduced to a membranous sheath, broad, white,
shining, and blunt ; vein strong, green or brownish. Scapes very
short, about }i of an inch long. Floral bracts close together ;
outer bract with the upper subulate recurved and fine point about
2 lines long, the subulate portion shorter than the broad mem-
branous part of the bract ; inner bract narrower, without a point,
about I line long, with a narrower scarious margin. Flowers
three, two in the outer and one in the upper bract, two of them
only with a stamen each, and no hyaline scales in any of the
heads examined. Styles connate to about the middle. Carpels
usually 6 to 10.

Flowering specimens may be found as well in September as in
October and November. Sandy desert, Lowan, 1892 ; F. M.
Reader.

This species is distinguished from C. humillima, which closely
resembles it, by the three flowers and two bracts. It differs from
C. polygyna in the number of flowers in the filament, being free
from the axis of the carpels, and in always being of a green or
pale colour. C. alepyroides has the scapes much longer and
slender, and an inner scale to each flower, with fewer carpels.
From C. glabra it is distinguished by the stouter scapes, number
of flowers, &c. From G. mulica also it differs in the number of
flowers, the stout and short scape, and the number of carpels.
It is allied to the Tasmanian C. muscoides ; but there are three
flowers in the new species, the floral bracts are much broader,
and the inner bract much shorter. The Tasmanian species C.
monogyna has narrow and short bracts, and one stamen, one
ovary, and one single carpel only. From G. pulvinata, a third
Tasmanian species, G. cephaloformis is separated by its shorter
and stouter scapes, longer floral bracts, by the flowers, and
absence of scales ; and, lastly, from the Queensland G. pusilla
this new species is different in the outer bract, being larger, in
the absence of the scales, and in the connate styles.

98 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

ON THE FERTILIZATION OF PHANEROGAMS.
I. — Dispersion of Pollen by the Wind.
By G. Weindorfer.
{Read he/ore the Field Naturalists^ Cluh of Victoria, I3th October, 1902.)
For the conveyance of pollen between flowers there exist two
main agents, viz., the wind and insects. Phanerogamous plants
have been separated by botanists into " anemophilse," or wind-
fertilized, and " entomophilae," or insect-fertilized plants.

As would be naturally expected, it is, speaking generally, only
pollen of a dusty consistency which is transported by the wind ;
but the pollen of some flowers is occasionally torn away from the
anthers, in the form of sticky masses, and conveyed to the stigmas
oi neighbouring flowers by the wind, but the occurrence can only
be looked upon as accidental, and would happen only in the
rarest instances.

Still more remarkable is the fact that in certain water plants the
pollen, though cohering in sticky masses, is blown by the wind in
a kind of little boat to the stigmas, which are raised above the
surface of the water. The phenomenon was first observed on
Vallisneria spiralis, a water plant, widely distributed in Southern
Europe and also in Australia. Here we have a plant, living
under water, whose leaves, arising from the stems, are erect, very
long, and like thin ribbons. In the axils of these leaves a variety
of buds are produced, of which generally two grow straight up-
ward. Each of the upward growing shoots prod ices a kind of
bladder in which are the flower buds. These, hitherto connected
with the axis of the raceme by diminutive stalks, become detached,
ascend in the water, and float about on the surface. Three con-
cave leaflets (the sepals), which form the outer whorl of the
perianth, are thrown back, and assume the appearance of three
boats connected together at one spot, and the stamens project
obliquely up into the air. The opening of the petals is immedi-
ately followed by the dehiscence of the anthers, which contain
generally only thirty to forty comparatively large and very sticky
pollen cells. The three sepals underneath the anthers respond to
the slightest movements of the water without upsetting, and are
blown to and fro by the wind, and accumulate in the neighbour-
hood of fixed bodies. When the little craft happen to get
stranded in the recesses of a female Vallisneria flower they adhere
to the three-lobed stigma, and some of the pollen cells are sure to
be left sticking to the fringes of the margin of the stigmatic sur-
faces. This kind of fertilization through the wind is known in
only thirteen species of the Hydrocharideas.

The number of plants which produce pollen in form of a fine
dust, and wherein the pollen is dispersed exclusively and through-
out the period of flowering by the winds, would probably exceed
10,000 — about a tenth of the total number of Phanerogams. One

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 99

Striking characteristic of these exclusively wind-fertilized plants is
the absence of fragrant and bright-coloured flowers, while the in-
terior of the flower is destitute of honey and perfume ; among
such may be mentioned conifers, beeches, poplars, walnut, many
palms, and the grasses and sedges. It is of no advantage to these
flowers to be visited by insects, and accordingly they have no
need of any devices for attracting bees, butterflies, or flies. Of
course the flowers of the plants in question are not infrequently
visited by insects, but these visitors play only a very subordinate
part in the dispersion of the pollen.

Wind-storms, whether with or without rain, are anything but
beneficial in the dispersion of pollen. The pollen, removed from
the spot where it has been crowded together within the province
of the flower, and contained in a space about the size of a pin's
head, has to be scattered over an area many million times as great.
A gradual dispersion is occasioned only by a gentle wind, and
thus the light breezes which sweep through valleys shortly after
sunrise, ascending air currents, or the alternating land and sea
breezes of the coast winds are the most favourable agents of
pollination.

The form of distribution of the stigmas to be covered with dust
pollens are also in harmony with these conditions. Most anem-
ophilus plants have dioecious or monoecious flowers, and those which
develop hermaphrodite flowers exhibit complete dichogamy — that
is to say, the androecium and gynoecium ripen at different times,
so that when mature pollen is distributed the stigmas of the same
flowers are already withered, and therefore not in a condition to
receive the pollen cells, or they are still so immature that they
cannot be covered with pollen. The pollen has therefore to be
blown to other flowers in the neighbourhood, whose stigmas
happen to be in the acceptive stage of development. In all these
dichogamous plants the flowers with stigmas in the receptive con-
dition are situated higher than the anthers from which the mature
pollen is committed to the wind. Therefore in order to reach
the receptive stigmas the pollen must travel upwards, and it is
unquestionably true, in the majority of cases, that the clouds of
pollen which are carried off by moderate winds, at first soar up-
wards and either directly reach the stigmas awaiting them at a
higher level, or later, as the pollen cells sink down, being
deposited on the stigmas.

In some species, at the very moment when the anthers burst
open the pollen, is ejected violently into the air and ascends
obliquely in form of a little cloud of dust. This phenomenon is
afforded by the nettles, whose filaments bearing the anthers are
coiled in the bud, and suddenly spring up at the same moment
that the dehiscence of the anthers takes place. In all these
plants ejection of pollen only ensues when a light dry wind blows,
which causes an alteration in the tension of the tissues concerned.

100 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

If there is no wind or if the air is close and damp, the ejection of
pollen is postponed until the atmosphere has again become dry.

In another group of plants the anthers are borne on long
filaments, and are set oscillating and vibrating by the least breath
of wind, the pollen being in consequence discharged in little
pinches. The flowers of this kind contain pistils as well as
stamens, but they are dichogamous, and the pollen dust must
be transported to other flowers which happen to be at a younger
stage ot development.

Prominent among the plants belonging to the first-mentioned
category stand the grasses and sedges. With these temperature
and the hygroscopic condition of the air in particular play an
important part. The most favourable conditions for pollination
in the case of most grasses prevail in the early morning, when the
first rays of sunshine fall upon the flowers, and the temperature is
rising gently. Under such conditions pollination is accomplished
with astonishing rapidity. In some cases the glumes spring open,
the stamens grow out, the anthers open, and the pollen is
scattered all in the space of a few minutes.

In all the cases discussed hitherto the pollen escapes from the
place where it originates into the air direct ; but there is also a
large number of plants whose pollen falls, in the first instance, on
to some spot within the province of the flowers where it is pro-
tected from becoming wet, and in which it remains a period ot
varying duration. Very different parts of a flower are utilized in
this manner as temporary halting-places for the pollen. The
temporary deposition of the pollen on the backs of the flowers is
common to all the numerous trees and shrubs which have their
male flowers aggregated in pendant catkins or spikes, resembling
tassels or fringes in appearance. The floral spikes of all these
plants are erected at first, and in the form of short sticks, cones,
or cylinders. A short time before the anthers burst the axis of
the spike elongates and becomes pendant. The back of each
flower is so contrived as to catch the pollen falling from the
set anthers of the flowers above it, and retain it until the tassels are
swinging by the wind, and the pollen is, in consequence, distributed.

A close connection exists between these various contrivances
to ensure that pollination shall only take place at the best
possible moments, and the maintenance of a free passage in the
direction in which the pollen is to be transported by the wind,
and, further, between these adaptations and the shape of the
stigmas devised for the reception of the pollen. It is obvious
that no barrier must be interposed in the path of the little clouds
of pollen dust on their journey to the stigmas. On this account,
also, all flowers which have the pollen blown out of them by the
wind are arranged in spikes and panicles, and project freely into
the air, and are never clothed with a mass of foliage.

Particular attention may be drawn to the fact that a large

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 101

number of plants, wherein the pollen is in form of dust, flower
before coming into leaf. Were these plants to begin to blossom
after the complete development of their extensive foliage the
wind transport of the pollen would be rendered almost impossible.
The pollen would be inevitably deposited upon these obstacles
and stranded.

Regarding the stigmas, we find that in plants with dusty pollen
they are invariably fashioned so as to catch the dust. In one
case they are fleshy and swollen and have the surfaces which are
exposed to the wind covered with a velvety coating ; in another
they are in the form of tufts of long papillose or capillary fila-
ments. At the time when pollination takes place they are al-
ways fully exposed to the wind, and so placed that when the
pollen cells are blown against them they are caught like midges
in a spider's web. Yet, in spite of all these contrivances, it
would remain very doubtful whether the stigmas would be dusted
with pollen through the action of wind were it not for the
concurrence of another circumstance. Supposing that only two
thousand pollen cells are produced in an inflorescence, it would
be only by a lucky chance that a single one of these cells would
be caught by the stigmas of a plant at the distance of a few feet,
but the number of cells constituting the pollen dust amounts
to millions.

In years peculiarly favourable to the flowering of conifers,
vast clouds of pollen are borne on gentle winds, and in the
event of a thunderstorm pollen may be washed off the plants
and run together by the water on the soil, leaving behind patches
of a jellovv powder, a phenomenon which has given cause for the
statement that a fall of sulphurous rain has taken place.

ON THREE APPARENTLY UNDESCRIBED SPECIES

OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS.

By Alfred J. North, C AI.Z.S., Ornithologist, Australian

Museum, Sydney.

Rhipidura intermedia, sp. nov.

Adult male. — Like the adult male of Rhipidura rufifrons,
Lath., but distinguished from that species by the less extent of
orange-rufous on the basal half of the tail feathers, the terminal
half being blackish-brown, and distinctly tipped with white ; by
the narrower black band on the lower throat, the less scale-like
appearance of the feathers on the fore-neck, and the centre of the
breast and abdomen being white, the latter washed on the sides
with pale fawn-buff; sides of the breast ashy brown ; under tail
coverts pale fawn colour. Total length, 5.9 inches; wing, 2.9;
tail, 3.3 ; bill, 0.32 ; tarsus, 0.7.

Hah. — Scrubs of the Bellenden-Ker and Seaview Ranges,
North-Eastern Queensland.

102 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Type. — In the Australian Museum.

Dr. Sharpe's description of Rhipidara rufifrons in the " Cata-
logue of Birds in the British Museum," vol. iv., p. 319 (1879),
evidently applies to this species, for he describes the tail feathers
as being " distinctly tipped with white." The type of lihipidura
riijifrons characterized by Dr. Latham, was obtained in New
South Wales, and has the tips of the tail feathers pale brown, not
white. In the latter respect Ehipidura intermedia agrees with
B. torrida, described and figured (Proc. Zool. Soc, 1865, p. 477,
pi. xxviii.) by Dr. Alfred Russel Wallace, from the island of
Ternate, but -R. torrida differs from R. intermedia in having the
ear-coverts and upper breast black.

The eggs of R. intermedia are indistinguishable from those of
its ally, R. rufifrons, being oval in form, of a pale cream ground
colour, and slightly darker at the larger end, where they are
dotted and spotted with dull umber-brown, intermingled with a few
underlying spots of faint bluish-grey. A set of two measure : —
length (A), 0.69 x 0.52 inches; (B), 0.68 x 0.49 inches.

Calamanthus albiloris, sp. nov.

Adidt female. — Like the adult female of Calamanthus fidigino-
sus, Vigors and Horsfield, but distinguished from that species by
having a large triangular-shaped white patch in front of the eye,
joining the white eyebrow above, and extending in a broad line
of white feathers below the eye. Total length, 5.2 inches ; wing,
2.15 ; tail, 2 ; bill, 0.5 ; tarsus, 0.9.

Hab. — Victoria.

Type. — In the Australian Museum.

The specimen of Calamanthus, in which the above distinguish-
ing characters have been pointed out, forms part of the Old
Collection of the Australian Museum, and nothing is known of its
history beyond that given on the label — " Cakwianthus fuli-
ginosus, Victoria, 1865." Formerly I regarded the species of
Reed-Lark found by me breeding near Melbourne as C. cam-
pestris (Nests and Eggs Aust. Birds, p., 148, 1889); but, from
the situations it frequented, I have no doubt now it was C. fuli-
ginosus, or, perhaps, the present species, C. albiloris. All the
eggs I took were, however, distinctly smaller than those of C.
fuliginosus obtained in Tasmania, and agreed precisely in size
"and their average paler colour with the eggs of Calamanthus
campestris taken in South Australia. Dr. Sharpe, in the " Cata-
logue of Birds in the British Museum," vol. vii., p. 502-3 (1883),
includes Victoria in the habitat of 6'. campestris, but omits that
State from the habitat of C . fuliginosus. The latter is clearly an
oversight, for in the list of specimens enumerated by him is one
from Melbourne. I have never handled or seen a properly
localized specimen of 0. camj)estris from any part of Victoria.

[Since the above was sent to press Mr. Keartland has forwarded
me a specimen of an adult female obtained by him at Clayton,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 103

Victoria. It belongs to the present species, C alamanthus albiloris,
but the loral patch, eye-brow, and hne of feathers below the eye
are not so well defined as in the type, and are of a dull white.]

Amytis modesta, sp. nov.

Ainytis textilis (nee Quoy and Gaim.), Gould, Birds Aust.,
fob, vol. iii., pi. 28 (1848).

Amytis textilis, North, Rep. Horn. Sci. Exped. — Zoo!., p. 79
(1896), part.

Adult male. — Like tlie adult male of A. textilis, Quoy and
Gaimard, but distinguished from that species in having the head
and upper parts of a much paler brown, the line extending from
the nostril above the anterior portion of the eye of a very pale
rust-red, the throat whitish ; remainder of the under surface pale
isabelline, becoming slightly darker on the sides of the neck and
breast, the former indistinctly streaked with white ; sides of the
abdomen, flanks, thighs, and under tail coverts pale isabelline-
brown. The bill, too, is deeper in shape and not so pointed at
the tip as in that of -4. textilis. Total length, 6.5 inches; wing,
2.55 ; tail, 3.2 ; bill 0.42, depth at nostril 0.22, breadth at
nostril o 2 ; tarsus, o 95.

Hab. — Central Australia, South Australia, New South Wales.

Type. — In the Australian Museum.

Mr. Keartland has always contended that some of the birds
brought back by the Horn Scientific Expedition from Central
Australia, and regarded by me as the immature female of Ainytis
textilis, belonged to a distinct species. In support of his opinion
he has since sent me several skins, and among them the adult
male described above, which was obtained near Meerenie Bhiff,
Central Australia. This specimen agrees fairly well with Gould's
figures of Amytis textilis, except that it has not any rust-red patch
on each side of the breast, but this is apparent in a female shot
at the nest. Others obtained in South Australia and Western
New South Wales show more or less indication of this rust-red
patch, the throat also being very pale isabelline, and which, to-
gether with the upper breast, is more distinctly streaked with
white. None, however, approach any way near in depth of colour
to what I regard as the true Amytis textilis of Quoy and Gaimard.
These authors, in the Atlas of the "Voyage of the Uranie," also
Lesson in his " Traite d'Ornithologie," represent A. textilis with
the under as well as the upper surface distinctly streaked with
white, while Gould figures the birds he procured on the plains
bordering the Lower Namoi River in New South Wales with the
under parts like those I propose to distinguish under the name
of Ainytis modesta. Eggs of the latter species received from
Mr. Keartland are not to be distinguished from those of A.
textilis, previously described by me in the Zoology of the Horn
Expedition. A set of two taken by Mr. C. E. Cowle near
lUamurta, Central Australia, are oval in form and of a reddish

104 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

white ground colour, which is freckled and spotted with rich
reddish-brown, more abundantly on the thicker end : — length
(A), 0.8 X 0.77 inches ; (B), 0.8 x 0.77 inches.

NEW DISTRICTS FOR VICTORIAN PLANTS.

The following plants, from various localities, have been identified
by Mr. J. G. Luehmann. F. L.S., Government Botanist, and are
now recorded as new for the respective botanical regions of Vic-
toria, while Schcenus scufptiis is new for Victoria. Specimens of
each were exhibited at the October meeting of the Field
Naturalists' Club : — •

PiTTOSPURE/E

Billardiera cymosa, F. v. M. ... — S.W. — — —

(Victoria Ranges, 1,500 ft., Nov., 1901.)
Salsolacpte —

Kochia brevifolia, R. Br. ... ... — — S. — —

(Geelong, January, 1896.)

MYRTACE.E —

Eucalyptus dives, Schauer ... ... — S.W. — — —

(Grampians, December, 1901.)

COMPOSITiE —

Calotis anthemoides, F. v. M. ... — S.W. — — —

(Dunkeld, November, igoi.)
Helichrysum rutidolepis, D. C. ... — — — N.E. —

(Murray River, near Rutherglen, Dec,
1901.)
Calocephalus citreus, Lessing ... — — — N.E. —

(Near Ptutherglen, December, 1901.)
Cyperace^e — ■

Cyperus tenellus, Linn. ... ... — S.W. — — —

(Hawkesdale, November, 1901.)
Chorizandra cymbaria, R. Br. ... — S.W. — — —

(Hawkesdale, November, 1901.)
Schcenus sculptus, Bceckeler ... — — — N.E. —

(Unrecorded for Victoria. Near Euroa,
December, 1901.)
Lepidosperma elatius, Labill. ... — S.W — — —

(Hawkesdale, November, 1901.)
GRAMINEiE —

Poa lepida, F. V. M. _S.W. — — —

(Port Fairy, November, 1901.)
Festuca Hookeriana, F. v. M. ... — S.W. — — —

(Hawkesdale, December, 1901.)

Introduced Plants considered Naturalized.

Bellis perennis, Linn. Portland, 1894, and November, 1901.
Soliva sessilis, Ruiz and Pav. Hawkesdale, 1893. (Unrecorded
for Australia.) H. B. Williamson, Hawkesdale,

ftNTRAL PARK,

^

^ NEW YORK. ^.

Cbe UKtMait naturalist

Vol. XIX.— No. 8. DECEMBER 4, 1902. No. 228.

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Royal
Society's Hall on Monday evening, lyih November, 1902. The
president, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., occupied the chair, and about 50
members and visitors were present.

CORRESPONDENCE.

From the hon. secretary, Mr. J. A. Kershaw, regretting his
inability to be present, owing to ill-health and absence from
Melbourne. On the motion of Messrs. J. Shephard and O. A.
Sayce, the acting hon. secretary, Mr. G. Coghill, was requested to
convey to Mr. Kershaw the members' sincere regrets at his
continued illness, and to express the hope that he would soon be
able to resume his accustomed duties.

The president welcomed Mr. O. A. Sayce to the Club again
after his recent severe illness, and mentioned that certain of
Mr. Sayce's work on the fresh-water Crustaceans had been referred
to by Prof. Howes in his address at the recent meeting of the
British Association for the Advancement of Science.

REPORTS.

A report of the excursion to Sandringham on Saturday, 25 th
October, was furnished by the leader, Mr. C French, jun., who
stated that there was a fair attendance of members. The more
interesting plants met with on the swarnpy ground were : —
Claytonia ausfralasica, Utricularia dichotoma, Limiaanthemum
exaltatum, Lobelia pratioides, Epacris obtusifolia (rare), and the
orchid Microtis atrata. On the higher ground were found : —
Daviesia ulicina, Aotus villosa, Pidteruea pcdacea, Fimelia
octophyllxi, and Thelymitra antennifera with a species of rust
fungus on the stem. After considerable search two fine
specimens of the orchid Thelymitra epipactoides, once common
here, were found. Several scale-insects were collected, but other
insects, with the exception of the very destructive Cherry Beetle,
Diphucephala rugosa (literally in millions), and Stigmodera
macularia, were scarce. Specimens of the Southern Blue-tongued
Lizard, Cyclodus nigro-lateus, and Granvnatophora muricata were
taken.

A report of the excursion to the Lerderderg Ranges, instead

of the Werribee Gorge, on Monday, loth November, under the

leadership of Mr, C. C. Brittlebank, was furnished by Mr.

ft^.F. G. A Barnard, who said that though the results were not

106 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

very important an interesting day had been spent. Some fine
specimens of the orchid Pterostylis rufoj had been collected, and
altogether about forty species of plants were noted in bloom.

A report of the "camp-out" at Shoreham, Western Port Bay, from
Friday, yth November, to Monday, loth November, was read by
the leader, Mr. S. W. Fulton, who gave a general account of the
outing, the results of which were on the whole very satisfactory.
Detailed reports were read by Mr. G. Weindorfer, on the Botany;
by Mr. S. W. Fulton, on the Crustacea ; by Mr. A. Mattingley,
on the Echinoids ; by Mr. G. B. Pritchard, on the Conchology,
Geology, and Minerology ; and by Mr. F. Chapman, on the
Foraminifera, and a note on the occurrence of musical sand.

The president congratulated the Club on the excellent series
of reports submitted to the meeting.

The hon. librarian reported the receipt of the following
donations to the library : — Journal of Agriculture of Victoria^
September, 1902, also various Bulletins, from Department of
Agriculture, Victoria ; " Annual Report for 1901 of the Depart-
ment of Mines, New South Wales," from the Department ;
"Researches on the Eucalypts," from Technological Museum,
Sydney ; " Proceedings Linnean Society of New South Wales,"
vol. xxvii., part 2, from the Society ; Nature Notes, October,
1902, from the Selborne Society, London; Knowledge,
October, 1902, from the proprietor; and Knowledge 1897,
1898, 1899, from Mr. F. G. A. Barnard.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

On a ballot being taken, Misses Kate and Laura Cowle, of 138
Clarendon-street, East Melbourne, were elected members of the
Club.

PAPERS READ.

I. By Mr. A. D. Hardy, entitled "Some Notes on Nigeria."
The author gave an interesting account of the country and of
natural history objects noted during a residence of some months
at Old Calabar, Nigeria, West Africa.

The paper was discussed by Mr. D. Le Souef, who drew
attention to the many points of resemblance in plants and insects
with those of Nortliern Queensland, and by Messrs. A. J. Camp-
bell, F. G. A. Barnard, and A. Mattingley. Owing to the late-
ness of the hour, the other pa|jers were postponed*

AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION.

The chairman drew attention to the meetings of the Union to
be held in Melbourne during the week.

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard. — Ordovician Slates from Lerderderg
Ranges, also eucalyptus leaf 14 inches long.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 107

By Messrs. D. Best and C Walter. — Eleven species of Acacia
from the Victorian Alps, flowering in October ; also Grevillea
victorice, F. v. M., the emblem flower of the Victorian Alps.

By Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S. — Musical sand and Foraminifera
from Shoreham.

By Mr. C. French, jun. — Double ^owtxs oi Epacr is impressa
(red variety), collected by J. T. Paul, Grantville ; rare Victorian
Blue-tongued Lizard (alive), Cyclodas occipitalis.

By Master C. French. — Rare Victorian orchid, Caladenia
cairnsiana, collected at Ringwood ; Loranthus (Mistletoe),
showing two leaves just developed.

By Mr. A. D. Hardy. — Photographs, woven cloths, &c., and
natural history specimens from Nigeria, West Africa, in illustra-
tion of his paper.

By Mr. G. B. Pritchard. — Marine shells from Shoreham, in-
cluding Conus segravei, Cancellaria maccoyi, and Astele suh-
carinata ; shells, flints, &c., from old kitchen midden of the
aborigines. Flinders, Ocean Beach ; Selwyn's early map sections
and reports on the Mornington Peninsula.

After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated.

THE SHOREHAM CAMP-OUT.

The morning of yth November opened fine and bright, and
promised well for our second visit to Shoreham — a great contrast to
ihe forbidding weather we faced at Easter. The advance party,
consisting of nine, left Flinders-street by the 8 lo a.m. train for
Bittern railway station. The journey was a pleasant one, and
the wild-flowers along the line called forth the admiration and
raised ihe hopes of our botanical members, who would have put
on the breaks and brought the train up, if they had known how,
just to secure a treasure here and there. On arrival at Bittern a
special conveyance for our camp equipment and personal effects
was in waiting, and while the luggage was being packed away
several of the party indulged in a light breakfast or cup of tea.
Six of us took our seats in Haddon's coach, while the other three
took the road on bicycles. A stop was made at the two stores to
pick up bread and groceries ordered in advance, and while the
coach made a detour to deliver its mails at Balnarring Post-Office
five of the party walked along the direct road and met the coach
about a mile further on. The bicycle party did not fare so well,
for later we noticed one of them ensconsed on the top of our
luggage with his bicycle, which had broken down.

Arriving at our old camp at 12.30, we were not long in pegging
out our sleeping claims and getting ready for a mid-day meal.
The services of a local camp-man having been arranged for, we
found the house open and a fire going, so a billy was quickly un-

108 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

packed and put on to boil. Two doors pressed into service made
an excellent table when mounted on trestles, and as the forms,
&c., made the last time were still there it did not take us long to
make things comfortable. A detailed description of the camp's
surroundings is unnecessar^^ being fully described in the May
number of the Naturalist, vol. xix., page 7, in the report of the
Easter camp-out. After a solid lunch we spent the afternoon on
the beach ; but as the tide was coming in fast no work could be
done on the reefs, and the party straggled off in twos and threes
up the creeks and gullies, collecting insects and plants, which
might be of interest to some other member in camp or at home.
Returning to the camp about 6 p.m., dinner was got under way
and served up as the second instalment of our party, who had
come down by the afternoon train, arrived on their bicycles, and
were not slow at settling to the good things provided.

The party now consisted of Messrs. F. Chapman, R.
Coghill, Roy Felstead, C. Frost, Dr. J. C. Kaufmann, J.
Leach, A. Mattingley, V. R. M'Nab, W. J. M'Caw, D. W.
Patterson, G. B. Pritchard, H. Sum.mers, A. O. Thiele, E. O.
Thiele, and G. Weindorfer, with S. W. Fulton as leader.

The evening was spent in making our plans for the trip, and
discussing the prospects and merits of the surrounding collecting
grounds, and then to bed and rest to prepare us for the astound-
ing feats of the morrow.

Rising early on Saturday morning (4.45 a.m.), and breakfast
disposed of, we made along the shore towards Shelly Beach, some
members of the party, according to their bent, dropping out to
search the reefs for si ecimens until driven off by the rising tide.
The " shell-men " returned later, and were not too well satisfied
with their takings ; but it must be remembered most of them had
spent a lot of time on the same beach last Easter, and what
were treasures to them tlien did not call for so much enthusiasm
this trip ; still they could not complain, as their report will
show.

Sunday morning another early start was made. Seven of the
party, who had brought bicycles for the occasion, made for the
Basalt Cliffs, beyond Flinders, in quest of Zeolites, &c. ; and
judging from the equipment of heavy hammers and gads, the
amount of bluestone brought home, and the wrecked state of their
bicycles, there must have been a considerable alteration made in
the coast line. But this is only the surmise of one who did not go
out ; those interested will doubtless put a better complexion of the
result of their trip in their report on the minerals found.

Our botanist, Mr. Weindorfer, was most energetic, walking over
to Dromana, and returning much pleased with his collecting.
Again, on Monday, he made an early start by coach to Bittern,
and walked most of the way along the railway line to Frankston

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 109

in quest of the flora we had noted from the train on the way
down, with equally good results.

The rest of our party worked the reefs for marine life, and
waited patiently for the boat from Flinders, that was to take some
of them out dredging ; it did not come, so unfortunately we were
unable to get any specimens outside the low tide zone.

Monday. — Breakfast over at 7.30 and nearly all packing done,
we set to work to make the most of our last day. Three of our
most energetic mineral collectors went out for a further supply of
spalls, some of which are believed to have been used for road
metalling. Another party went to Shelly Beach after shells, and
the rest resorted to the rocks and reefs, all the parties returning
for our last camp meal at 2 p.m. ; and then followed a final
packing-up in readiness for the luggage trap and coach at
5 p.m.

This is a very interesting camping-ground, and much good
marine work could be done here. I think that our trip will bear
good results when the individual members have had time to more
critically examine their collections ; but as the monthly Club
meeting follows so closely on our camp-out, members have not
had time to work up the material collected.

At 5 p.m. the vehicles arrived, and after loading up and being
" snap-shotted," we started home. On arrival at Bittern we
found that the bicycle party entrusted with the billy had not
arrived, having made a slight side excursion along the Dromana
road, but another was quickly unpacked, and a last attempt was
made to consume the balance of our provisions. A fire was
lighted, and a mug of tea all round prepared us for our train
journey.

Having secured two semi-divided compartments we made our-
selves comfortable, and arriving at Flinders-street half an hour
late, a most pleasant outing came to an end.

I would here thank the members for their assistance in carrying
out the details of the camp, and eating what little I could provide,
notwithstanding frequent complaints that they were still hungry;
but there is no accounting for the action of camp life and
sea air on the appetites of field naturalists.

I must also thank Mr. Mattingley for the use of his camp equip-
ments ; and lastly, but not least, Mr. H. G. Marriott, of the
Perpetual Executors and Trustees Association, for his kind
permission to occupy the cottage at Shoreham.

I append brief reports from the individual members, dealing
with their respective branches. — Sydney W. Fulton.

General. — Only two snakes, both Copper-heads, Denisonia
superba, were seen, and of lizards about half a dozen, of three
species, all common, viz., Tihqua nigro-lutea (captured by the
cycling party on the way down), Hinidia quoyi, Liolepisma
e nirecas teauxii .

110 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

The ft?V spiders met witli were common species and not
numerous, with llic cxccplion ol Argiope, whose nets were very
numerous amongst the low scrub, much to the discomfort, I fear,
of our " pol-huntcrs."

C^nly two ln.)i;s were nolctl, both I'nt'itiiophrync nciiii-tnor-
niorala. Llndcr U)i;s rhmariaiis were plcnliful, bul only three
species were noted, viz., (i\'(i/)l<niti si(//>/iiir(<<, aiKjdoii, and iiiitti<hi,
the latter species by far the most numerous, and as a large
proportion were quite young this would appear to be their
breeiling season, as also of the Scoloi)endridai.

Among insects Lepidoplera and Coleoptera were not nuuh in
evidence, bul as we had no enloiuologisi with us lo advise on
tiiese matters the apparent dearth of species may be due lo the
unpractised eye. The same remark will apply to birds, our bird
men evidently reserving their energies for the Mullon-bird camp-
out later this month. — S. W. Fulton.

CkUsiACKA. — The prevailing high tides and southerly winds
prevented much research on the low tide zone, which afforded
such good results at the l\aster cami)-out at Shoreham, so much
so that one sand antl mud bank on which we worked last time,
and which was expected lo give even better results umler systematic
digging, was under water the whole time, and could not be
worked, liut this disajipointmenl was partly compensated for
by the discovery of a somewhat similar patch of ground on the
reef south of the pier, where Messrs. Fulton and Coghill put in
an hour or two of solid manual labour, in first cutting an opening
through the rock at the lower entl and carryuig a ditch up the
centre of the flat, effectually ihaining it, thus enabling them to
turn over the ground m search of marine treasures.

The result ot this energy was the securing of a large number
of sjjecimens of Callianassa, a new species found at Faster, but
yet to be described, which will be ilone on the result of some
inquiries Mr. \'\ F. Grant is making at the British Museum, while
on a visit to the old country. Several specimens of a ^mall
Slomatopod and a little meniber ol the f;imily Leucosiidiv, neither
of which have yet been identified.

Allenlion was then directed to some of the shallow rock pools,
when a systematic removal of all stones and seaweeds gave a good
return, and two specimens of another species, not known to any
of our niembeis, evitiently belonging to the sub-tribe Thalassinida;,
were taken.

The usual foreshore and rock haunters, Cyclograpsus punctatus,
ChasmagnathusipKuhidentatus, Chasmagnathus hcvis, Utica cras-
siniana, Ueterograspsus oclodentatus, were plentiful. On the
reefs were lound Alphaus villosus and A. socialis. Ciyptodromica
lateralis (hidden in his sponge), Lomis hirta, Cryptocccloma fim-
brialum, i\;c. : while the results of the rock pools gave several

rilK VIO'I'OillAN NA'riJJtAiJHr. 11 J

members of llie (Jxyrliynclia ii^rowp dressed and disguised with sea-
weed.

Amphipoda, &c. — Many of these sessile-eyed crustaceans were
taken, jjut as nona of our party knew anything of these groups,
they will he handed on to those working tlieni.

'I'he Club meeting following so cl(;sely on the excursion, there
has r;ot been time lo go into the collections in detail, or identify
the result of our labours.— S. W. Fulton,

M(JLLU.SCA. —The previous camp-out was so strikingly successful
from a conchologist's point of view that much additional material
could hardly have been expected on this occasion ; still the results
were good, but none of our favourite spots were at all up to their
usual standard. 'I'he effect of wind and tide in sorting out and
washing up shell material is strikingly illustrated in this neighbour-
hood, and our favourite beach, s(;me two or three miles from
Shoreham, and generally referred to as "Shelly iJeach," was this
time little more than a barren stretch of sand. .Several of our
friends might have been overheard saying — " Is this the Shelly
Beach ? Well, I don't think much of it," &c. In fact, some of us
were looked upon as having drawn the long bow in our descrip-
tion of this splendid gathering ground. To these sceptics our
only wish is that they may some day have the opportunity of
.seeing these beaches in their best attire, and then, if they are not
fully satisfied, well, all I can say is they ought to be. Some of
the more interesting species o'^tained and most worthy of note
were as follows: — Murex umbilicala, T. Woods; Purpura
baileyana, T. Woods ; Lyria mitraeformis, Lamarck ; Cancellaria
maccoyi, Pritchard and Oailiff ; Conus segravei, (jatliff ; Adeorbis
vincentiana, Ang;js ; Astralium fimbriatuni, Lamarck ; Oibbula
tiberiana, Crosse ; Calliostoma legrandi, T. Woods ; Asiele sub-
carinata, .Swainson ; Subemarginula emarginata, lilainvillc ;
Aspergillurn strangei, A. Adams, —G. li. Pritchaki).

EcuiNODEK.MA. — Western Port is an ideal locality for
Echinoderms, the sea floor of the channels being in most parts
covered with these |>retty and intere-ting animals. liut since the
collecting was perforce confined to the reefs at Shoreham, owing
to the fishermen, whose boat was engaged for dredging,
disappointing us, the number of species collected was somewhat
restricted. Since it is my intention, at some future date, to give
a paper on some of the Western Port P^chinoderms, I will now
give but a brief reauiHK of the work done on the reefs at Shoreham
during the " camp-out." The method of collecting on the reefs
for Echinoderms is by turning over the rocks close to the water's
edge when the tide is out. One will then find Asteroids or
Common Starfish, Echinoids or Sea-eggs, Holothurians or Sea-
slugs clinging to the under parts of the rocks, whilst the

112 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Ophiuroids or Brittle Stars are usually seen wriggling in the
water beneath.

Phanerozonate Asteroids were numerous, especially Asterina,
gunnii. Asterina calcar was rare, as was also a very small Asterina
which so far I have not been able to identify, whilst Pentagonaster
australis was occasionally met with.

Cryptozonate Asteroids were numerous, Stichaster Polyplax
especially so, four-rayed varieties being not uncommon, whilst
Asterias calamaria was well represented.

Ophiuroids were frequently met with, and much difficulty is
experienced in obtaining these long-rayed animals intact, as they
drop off their rays at the least interference. They were
represented by two species of the order Zygophiurae and family
Ophiocomidgs.

Echinoids were also fairly plentiful under rocks, and comprised
two species of the sub-class Regularia Ectobranchiata.

Holothurians were fairly numerous ; some of the specimens
obtained, of a creamy colour, measured 5 inches long by about
I inch diameter. Three species were obtained, belonging to
the order of Actinopoda, family Cucumariidse.

Crinoids were not represented. — A. Mattinglev.

FoRAMiNiFERA (Recent). — However rich this locality may be
for shells of the Mollusca, the same can scarcely be said of the
Foraminifera, so far as we have had an opportunity of judging.
One or two samples of tide-marks were taken, and the contents
worked over. Although the species are not numerous (17 in all),
they present certain points of interest.

The tests of Discorbinse are by far the most numerous, and
they are represented by four species. There is also a new variety
of Clavulina parisiensis . The specimen of Reophax is very
flexible, and the test is composed of chips of Echinus spines,
coralline joints, sand grains, and smaller tests of its own
ilk.

The foraminiferal shells are in some instances naturally coloured
by the contained sarcode ; for example, Pidvinuli7ia repanda,
which is of a lemon-yellow colour, and the various species of
Discorbina, which have the greater part of their tests, and more
especially the initial series of segments, stained of a beautiful
brown-pink.

The following may be regarded as a preliminary list from this
locality : — Biloculina depressa, d'Orbigny ; Spirolocuhna nitida,
d'Orb. ; Miliolina ferussacii, d'Orb., sp. ; M. trigonula, Lam., sp. ;
M. subrotunda, Montagu, sp. ; M. circularis. Born., sp. ;
M. undosa, Karrer, sp. ; Reophax scorpiurus, Montfort ;
Clavulina parisiensis, d'Orb. (new var.) ; Planorbulina mediter-
ranensis, d'Orb., sp. ; Discorbina rosacea, d'Orb., sp. ; D.
globularis, d'Orb., sp. ; D. rugosa, d'Orb., sp . ; D. vesicularis.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 113

Lamarck, sp. ; Pulvinulina repanda, F. & M., sp. ; Polystoraella
macella, F. & M., sp. ; P. crispa, Linne, sp.

Three species of Ostracoda were also found in these samples of
shore sand, belonging to the genera Bairdia and Cythere. — F.
Chapman.

Botany. —The Shoreham district did not fulfil my expectations
as a botanical collecting ground. Pomaderris apetala. Aster
argophyllus, and Clematis aristata were developed in great
luxuriance, but rarer specimens were conspicuous by their
absence. Along the shore I found only three specimens of
Myoporum insulare, some of Helichrysuvi seinijjapposum, Daviesia
latifolia (almost over), Mazus pumilio, and at the mouth of the
Stony Creek a few splendidly developed specimens of the ferns
Polypodiiim pustulatuvi and Asplenium Jlabellifoliiim. This
poor representation of wild flowers induced me to extend my
searches along the Stony Creek until reaching its source, but with
little better success. Near the top of the Red Hill ranges I
collected Pultencea gunnii and P. daijhnoides in full bloom
In crossing the high country from the basaltic to the syenitic
formation, I was struck with the sudden change in the flora,
which was entirely different to that of the eastern slope. Thus
Sphcerolohium viminceum, Goodenia ovata, G. pinnatijida, Calotis
scabiosijolia , SisyrincJiiiim pidchellum, Prasophyllum patens,
Thelymitra ixioides, Microtis porrifolia, and Diitris sidphurea
were found on the sloping ground in great profusion ; while, on
the other hand, Melaleuca sqnarrosa, Vimmaria denudata,
Arthropoditim strictum, Patersonia longiscajxi, Ccesia vittata,
C. parvijlora, and Dianella revohita blended their colours
harmoniously along the banks of the creek. On gaining the
lower country towards the coast, close to Dromana, cultivation
interfered considerably with the flora, and, finding the variety of
plants exhausted, I returned to the camp, satisfied with ihe day's
collecting

The great variety of flowers observed growing along the railway
line between Frankston and Bittern made me decide to leave the
camp at 8 o'clock on Monday morning, taking the coach to
Bittern, from which station I walked towards Frankston, mostly
botanizing along the railway reserve. Here Helichrysum lucidum,
Stackhousia Jlava, Leptorrliynchus squamatiis, Xanthorrhoea
minor, Dillwynia ericijolia, Euphrasia brownii, Goodenia
elongata, and Linnm marginale grew to great perfection. On
passing the Langwarrin station a similar change in the flora as
seen on the Red Hills was observed. The appearance of such
familiar plants as Leptospermum scoparium, Ricinocarpus
pinifolius, Gasttarina distyla, and others, made me aware of the
fact that I was once more on sandy soil. Drosera binata,
Utricularia dichotoma, Polypompholyx tenella, Gnaplialium luteo-
album, Limnanthemum exaltatiwi, and Isotoma Jluviatilis pre-

114 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

ferred the damp soil of the drains along the embankments, while
Viminaria denudata, Ditiris lo7igi/olia, D. jmnctata, Oxalis
corniculata, and Helichrysum apiculatum were conspicuous in
the drier ground right up to the Frankston railway station, where
I ended my walk and took train for Melbourne. — G. Weindorfer.

Mineralogy. — The mineralogists were even more successful
on this occasion than on our last visit. After the experience of
the former trip the party this time equipped themselves with
bicycles, as the long walk home after a heavy day, and with no
light load to carry, was apparently not over-relished. How far
the bicycles were a success it is difficult to say, for such a
chapter of accidents as befel nearly the whole of the machines it
would be hard to match. Of course one might think it was the
success of the expedition that was too weighty for the bicycles ;
but, strange to say, the majority of the mishaps occurred before
loading up time in the evening. Our first point of investigation
was on the ocean shore below Flinders, where certain well-
developed dykes were examined, specimens of the rock and of
some fine included minerals — notably good Hornblende — were
obtained. Thence some of the party walked along the beach to
the Older Tertiary (Eocene) Limestones, which rest on an old
shingle bed derived mainly from the Older Basalt (Eocene), and
put in some time at collecting fossils from this outcrop. Our
next stopping place was some miles further along the coast, at
the Zeolite patch. Here the superfluous energy of some of our
members expended itself with great violence, and the place was
scarcely recognizable by the time it had been finished with. The
results were, however, highly gratifying, as some magnificent
specimens of Gmelinite, Analcite, and Natrolite were obtained,
some of the crystals of the former being considerably over an
inch in diameter. Some very fine specimens of parallel twinning
of rhombohedra, apparently of Dolomite, were also procured. All
spent a most enjoyable day, and profited considerably in good
typical specimens of the above and several other minerals which
have been mentioned in a previous report. In fact, if one might
judge by the weight of the bags that returned home that night,
there was more than enough to satisfy the most exacting collector
that ever existed.

The additional minerals obtained this time include Chalce-
dony, Agate, Flint, Goihite(?), and Steatite. — G. B. Pritchard.

Note on the Occurrence of Musical Sand at Shoreham. —
As the members of the Club were traversing the Shelly Beach
near Shoreham, during the recent camp-out, the peculiar
phenomenon of musical sand was noticed, a distinct screech
being given out when the dry sand was struck by the foot in
pacing through the shifting material. It was most audible when
the sand was struck sharply with the heel.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 115

Hugh Miller, the well-known Scotch geologist, recorded a
similar occurrence of musical sand in the Island of Eigg, Inner
Hebrides, and he noted that it was heard at its best when there
was a damp semi-coherent stratum of sand 3 or 4 inches beneath.
Other well-known localities for its occurrence are those of Jebel
Nakous, or the Mountain of the Bell, in Arabia, where the sand
slides down a declivity and produces a sound like that of the
jeolian harp ; Reg Rawan, near Cabul ; and at Bournemouth in
England.

Our president has already recorded its occurrence in Victoria
(see Naturalist, vol. ix., 1892, p. 39) at Phillip Island, and he has
stated that the sound could be detected at 40 paces — a distance
which agrees very nearly with that arrived at by Hugh Miller in
the Island of Eigg.

The sand at Shoreham was most musical on the dry portion,
but the sound was also slightly noticeable on the damp surface,
nearer the receding tide. I brought away a small sample of the
musical sand from Shoreham in order that those interested may
judge of this peculiar phenomenon for themselves.

Several theories have been suggested to explain this curious
property in certain sands, one by Carus Wilson being that the
sound is due to evenness and cleanness of grain.

Under the microscope the musical sand of Shoreham is seen to
consist principally of quartz grains. Many other adventitious
particles are present, such as calcareous organic fragments,
corallines, Echini spines, and shell fragments, but these are in
very small proportion.

The present sample does not support Carus Wilson's theory
regarding the evenness of grain, for the quartz granules are of
many different sizes, varying from .16 to 2 mm. in diameter, the
limit ratio being about i to 12. Further, the degree of rounding
in the grams is not an essential factor in this instance, since some
of the particles are sharply angular and others are wind-polished,
and between which every gradation may be found. The quartz
granules are presumably derived, as is the sand of the dunes, from
the gritty Tertiary strata covering a large portion of the Promon-
tory, which in turn have been supplied with material from the
decomposition of the granite, such as that of Phillip Island opposite.
Particles of secondary quartz are present, but are few and far
between ; chalcedonic and jaspery particles are, however, not
unconmion. — F. Chapman.

In connection with the Melbourne session of the Australasian
Ornithologists' Union, several of the members and their friends
spent the last week of November at the Mutton-bird rookeries at
Phillip Island, in order to see the wonderful sight of the arrival of
the birds, and otherwise study their habits.

116 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

SOME NOTES ON NIGERIA.
By a, D. Hardy.

{Read before the Field Naturalists'' Club of Victoria, llth Nov., 1902.)
(abstract.)

The Niger, which rises near Sierra Leone and flows towards the
Saharan desert, turns near Timbuctu, and flows south east and
south towards the Gulf of Guinea, finally bifurcating and ramify-
ing into a labyrinth of channels through the great mud flats of
the delta. The deltaic area measures about 200 miles from
apex to coast, and has a sea fronlage of about 250 miles.
Further to the east the country is drained by two rivers, the
Cross and the Calabar, which have no known connection with
the Niger, and reach the Bight of Biafra by a common estuary.
On each side of the estuary, which is 10 miles wide at its mouth,
numerous creeks and ana-branches reticulate the mud reaches.
As in the Niger delta, these mud flats are covered with man-
groves. The junction of the Cross and Calabar Rivers is
about 60 miles from the sea, and at a few miles up the Calabar
(lat. 4^ deg. N.) is situated Duketown, which has a population,
comprising Efik negroes, of about 8,000 or 10,000, and about 90
white men.

The vegetation of the low-lying tracts is chiefly mangrove scrub
and palms. Of the mangrove there are two species, viz., Rhi^so-
phora racemosa and li. mangle. The peculiarities of the man-
groves are pretty well known. The spreading, much-exposed
roots, and the germination of the seed while the fruit is still
attached to the tree, being common to most of the species.
These mangrove and mud areas are a paradise for the Crocodiles,
Crocodilus tdlotvms, some of which I estimated to be over 15 feet
in length.

Further up the rivers, practically out of tidal influence, Hip-
popotami may be found, but I have seen no more than their
clumsy-looking snouts above the water at a distance.

Several species of Monkey, mostly small, climb and chatter in
the scrub. Monkey flesh is commonly sold in the native markets,
and has nothing objectionable about it in taste when stewed in
palm oil. One species, less common, is a brown animal, stand-
ing on all fours about 2 feet high. The head and forearms black;
tail long and non-prehensile.

A large dipterous insect resembling a huge blue-bottle haunts
the mangrove scrub, and has, in common with our March-fly, a
silent flight. It inflicts a bite which causes some days of pain
and discomfort.

One species offish specially interesting is to be found skipping
about on the mud or resting high, and almost dry, on a snag or
mangrove root. Length, 4 to 5 inches; colour, mottled brown, with

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 117

metallic-blue spangles. It has a large, clumsy-looking head, and
the body tapers evenly to the tip of the tail. Near the gills there
are two limbs with muscular development, and fan-shaped finned
extremities. The fish uses these fins and tail to skip along the
mud banks and climb the mangrove roots. The eyes are situated
on the top of the head, are very prominent, can be moved to view
all points of the compass, and have movable eyelids. The pupil
of the eye is black, and the iris bright red. The fish can depress
these eyes until they are at same level as the top of its head.
The creature seems like a link between fishes and amphibians,
and is known to science as Periophthalmus, because of the
peculiar eyes. Sometimes it raises itself on its " elbows " to get
a better view. The " mud-skippers " of the North Australian
coast are probably allied species.

The Grey Kingfishers here are protected by native "ju-ju," or
fetish worship, and are plentiful.

Leaving the river-side and entering the country to the east,
which rises interiorly, the typical African bush comes into view,
and is, in general appearance, a dense, impenetrable thicket of
various flowering plants, relieved here and there with palms and
occasional tall trees.

Of the palms, three are conspicuous and important. The Oil
Palm, Elais yuineensis, grows only in this part of the world. It
resembles the Cocoanut Palm, and grows to a height of 80 feet or
more. One tree yields about 20 lbs. of nuts in a season. The
nuts give nearly half their weight in oil. Two crops are taken,
one in the dry season and the other during the rains. The ripe
fruit — consisting of a pulp, fibrous and orange-coloured on outside,
and containing a dark-skinned, white kernel — is about the size of
a walnut, and droops in bunches several pounds in weight from
the centre of the crown of pinnate leaves. The pulp is separated
from the kernels and boiled, and the oil, which rises to the surface,
skimmed off and sent to the traders. The kernels also yield a
good oil when crushed, heated, and pressed.

Two other palms are species of Raphia. R. Hookeri, known
locally as the Ukot, has a matured height of 70 or 80 feet. The
sap, extracted by the natives, is of milky appearance, and tastes,
when fresh, like cocoanut milk, but when fermented is sour, and
becomes a powerful stimulant, called mimbo, or palm wine.

The third palm of the three selected for reference is the Bamboo
Palm, R. vinijera. The mid-ribs of the leaves are used for hut
building, the leaves for thatching, and the pinnules — when
stripped of the cellular epiderm — yield an excellent fibre for
mat and native cloth making. This species is short-stemmed.

A bird which resembles a small brown thrush cleverly ties its
nest to the pinnules of the tall palms, and even the force of a
tornado fails to dislodge it, though the palm may be bent until

118 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

the leaves touch the ground. The Pahii-birds congregate Hke
sparrows, and make a great chattering.

A tree which towers above the thicket is the Kapok, or Silk-
wool tree, Erlodeadron anfrw.tunsum. It grows to about loo
feet, with thick, straight trunk, and horizontal, whorled branches.
The seed-pods are very numerous, and supply the kapok of
commerce, which is the silky hair in which the seeds are em-
bedded.

Another plant peculiar to Nigeria is the Ordeal or Calabar
Bean, Physistigma venenosum, a, leguminous climber, reaching a
height of 30 or 40 feet. The brown beans — of which a few are
exhibited — are used by the " witch doctors " in preparing a
poison-drink by which they are popularly supposed to ascertain
the guilt or innocence of accused persons. A small quantity
causes convulsions, paralysis, and finally death, but an overdose
acts as an emetic. The accused's only chance of innocence is by
"tipping" the witch-doctor to obtain an overdose. The Calabar
Bean is also used in ophthalmic surgery, the effect being the
reverse of that of belladonna.

■ (To be continued.)

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES FROM THE MALLEE.

By J. C. GouDiE.

During a recent trip into the Mallee, north-west from Birchip,
and near the route of the Birchip-Mildura railway, now in course
of construction, I ha<i opportunities of making a few observations
on the natural history of that locality. The country thereabout
is rather of a superior description, being of a sandy nature, and
in spite of the prolonged drought many of the crops were looking
well. Sand ridges, clothed with splendid belts of Murray Pine,
are a conspicuous feature. On the way up numbers of Emus
were seen sedately walking the plains, or at intervals treating us
to a display of their sprinting powers. On all sides, we were told,
the Kangaroos and Emus were leaving the mallee and making for
the open country on account of the scarcity of water. Were it
not for the Game Act there would probably be a great slaughter,
as in their weakened condition they fall an easy prey to dog and
gun. The first thing one noticed in walking over the sand-hills
was the vast numbers of ants' holes to be seen, the ground often
for three or four acres in extent being completely riddled. Very
little of the excavated earth was visible, the tops of the holes
being flush with the surface, quite round, and appearing as if
made with a gardener's " dibble." They vary from an inch to
about 3 inches in diameter, slightly wider at the top, and about
6 or 8 inches in depth, branching at the bottom into lateral

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 119

galleries. The ant which makes them is i^-inch long, of a pale
brownish colour, and very sluggish in its movements. Another
shining black species builds a clay or earthern enclosure several
inches in height round the stems of a small shrub ; these have
the entrance hole at the side, about 2 inches from the top.
The number of species of ants in the Mallee is legion, and a fine
field awaits the systematist and observer in the Formicidae of
Australia. In places where the pink mallee grew (so called from
the colour of the wood) little piles of sawdust-like material round
the butts indicated the presence of borers, and a (ew strokes with
an axe brought to view a number of very large Buprestid larvae,
probably o^ Stigmoderaheros, a fine insect — the largest, I think, of
the Victorian Buprestidae. In the proper season the perfect
beetles must be quite plentiful, and a collector paying a visit
about the end of December or January would probably secure a
good many specimens. A few larvae were also found of the rare
Longicorn, Microtragvs mormon, Pasc, a brown or drab-coloured
beetle about an inch in length, which has a curious superficial
resemblance to some of the ground Curculios of the genus
Sclerorrhinus. The life-history of this species is interesting, and
does not appear to have been recorded. The grubs feed in
fallen dead timber, generally preferring the kind known as black
mallee, always confining themselves to the un ler side of the log,
and at a place where it rests on or is partly buried in the soil.
If the wood is a little decayed so much the better ; they appear
to be slow feeders, and do not make long tunnels, diff"ering
widely in this respect from many others of the Cerambycidae.
When full-grown the grubs, which are about an inch and a half
long, somewhat cylindrical, and yellowish-white in colour, come
right out of their tunnel and construct a firm, compact oval
cocoon, composed of gnawed wood and particles of sand, &c.
This cocoon is generally quite detached and buried in the soil,
rarely being attached to the under side of log. The beetles
emerge from about the end of November to February, often
remaining in the cocoon several weeks in the perfect state.

As the time of our visit (end of August) was too early for most
insects, we did not expect to find many, but later on in the season
I think it should prove a first-rate collecting ground, as there is
any amount of scrub of a kind that insects like. A few of the
commoner beetles, such as Steropus, Simodontus, Spragus,
Adelium, Pempsamacra, &c. , were met with, and several
specimens of a rather good Longicorn (Uracanthus, sp.) were
taken in their tunnels in the branches of an Acacia {A. hakeoides).
Remains of a Cetonia like Diaphonia dorsalis, but minus the black
dorsal mark, were also found. Lepidoptera were exceedingly
scarce, Holochila erinus (bright variety) and Pyrameis kershawi,
being the only butterflies, while the moths were represented by a

120 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

couple of Geometers, Selidosema argoplaca and *S'. cognata, the
ever common Taxeotis isophanes, and a few of the pretty little
CEcophora poli/chroi. A peculiar-looking hyinenopterous insect
belonging to the Evaniidse was often seen resting on trees with
its minute abdomen held up at the end of a long petiole, while on
sunny days numbers of brown and red dragon-flies darted to and
fro amongst the spinifex.

Of birds there was a fairly good muster, but mostly of
the species enumerated in the list of Birchip birds published
in the Naturalist a i^^w years ago. Occasionally, however,
a flock of Black-tailed Parrakeets would fly past. Red-backed
and Barnard's were very numerous, and one of the latter,
a male, showed a divergence from typical specimens in having
the whole of the top of the head of a bright yellow colour,
matching the yellow breast-band ; in other respects the plumage
was normal. I was sorry I had not a gun at the time, as it was
one of those occasions when a bird in the hand is worth quite a
number in the bush. Round about our camp a flock of about a
dozen Pink Cockatoos were often in evidence, and making a
great show of cleaning out hollows for nesting purposes. Chest-
nut-backed Ground-Thrush, Bronze-winged Pigeon, and Peaceful
Doves were plentiful, and a few Scrub-Robins were seen, but no
nests found. In the course of our rambles we came across a
good many Mallee Hens' nests, but the birds were not working ;
they never do so until a fall of rain occurs, so that the material is
wet when scraped into the mound. If one wishes to see them at
the nest he must approach with extreme caution against the wind,
as at the least noise they rush away into the scrub. In observing
the habits of the different birds as they came under notice, we
aften remarked the similarity between the actions of some of
the smaller Honey-eaters and the Tree-creepers and Sitellas.
The Graceful and VVhite-eared especially seemed to pass most of
the time hunting for insects under the bark of trees, performing
various gymnastic feats with apparent ease, and evidently quite
" up to " the tree-creeping business in all its branches. Specula-
tion flits through the observer's mind as to whether Darwin
could have told us of a Honey-eater with true scansorial feet,
which ate the nectar from blossoms, and made its nest in hollow
trees.

A remarkable fact was the almost entire absence of raptorial
birds, one specimen each of Wedge-tailed Eagle, Brown Hawk,
and Goshawk being the only ones seen in the Mallee ; but in the
open country bordering the plains they were more numerous,
dead sheep and lambs doubtless being the attraction.

Of reptiles, a young Brown Snake, Blue-tongued Lizard, Jew
Lizard, and a species of Gecko found under the bark of trees
may be mentioned.

Cbe Uktorlan naturalisi

Vol. XIX.— No. 9. JANUARY 15, 1903. No. 229.

FIELD NATURALISTS" CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal
Society's Hall on Monday evening, 8th December, 1902. The
president, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., occupied the chair, and about 45
members and visitors were present.

REPORTS.

A report of the Club excursion to Cheltenham on Saturday,
22nd November, was given by Mr. C. French, jun. The
members divided into two sections, one for pond life and the
other for general collecting. The latter went in the direction
of Oakleigh, and noted altogether about 25 species of plants in
flower, among which were Drosera hinata (plentiful) ; the orchid
Cryptostylis longifolia, in bud, some plants being taken for home
cultivation ; Xyris gracilis, Epacris ohtusifolia (some of which
were fully 7 feet hiuh) ; Viminaria denudata and Epilohium
glabellum. On the leaves of the orchid Cryptostylis longifolia
was found a fungus, which, on being submitted to Mr. D.
M'Alpine, was found to be new to science, and will shortly be
described in the Naturalist. Several species of scale-insects,
Coccids, were collected, one species in particular, Aspidiotus
bossice, being fairly plentiful. A pair of Blue-tongue Lizards
Tiliqua nigrolutea, Gray (?), were met with, and on the male
some large ticks, a species of Ixodes, were found and bottled.
Beetles were scarce, only a few common species of Buprestidse
being captured.

Mr. VV. Strickland reported that those members who devoted
the afternoon to pond life were unfortunate is discovering but
little water in which to prosecute their search, while the material
collected was not very rich in life. Even the Entomostraca were
scarce, while the few Rotifers noted were all of common species.
The chlorophyll-bearing Vorticella, of which specimens were
obtained in this district several years ago, was, however, found
again, but the most interesting animal form was one of the
Testaceous Rhizopods, Lecqueureusia (sp.), which was altogether
new to those present. Among the more interesting Desmids
noted were Micrasterias denticulata, Doeidiur)i nodosum (being
new to those present), and species of Spirotsenia and
Tetmemarus.

The hon. librarian reported the receipt of the following
donations to the library : — " Fungus Diseases of Fruit Trees,"
by D. M'Alpine, Government Vegetable Pathologist, from the

122 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST,

Department of Agriculture, Victoria ; " Year-Book of Western
Australia," 1900-1, vol. i., from the Western Australian Govern-
ment; Nature Notps, November, 1902, from the Skiborne Society,
London ; Knowhdge, November, 1902, from the proprietors ; also
a number of parts of proceedings, &c., of American scientific
societies, through the Smithsonian Institution, Washington.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

On a ballot being taken, Messrs. H. Summers, Working Men's
College, Melbourne; Frank Madden, M.L.A., Studley Park,
Kew ; Alan S. Johnston, " Wiilesden," Chapel-street, St. Kilda ;
and J. A. Leach, 151 Richardson-street, Middle Park, were
elected as ordinary members ; and Mr. Fredk. J. Cayley, Outtrim,
as a country member of the Club.

PAPERS.

1. By Mr. D. Goudie, entitled " Larvse and Pupse of Birchip
Heterocera," part ii. In this paper, which was of a technical
character, the author described the different stages, together with
the food-plant, of Destolinia lanceolata, Walk., a moth which has
also been taken, as well as the larva, within a few miles of Mel-
bourne.

2. By Mr. F. L. Billinghurst, entided " Curious Effect of the
Bite of Certain Ants." The author described the effect he
personally experienced from the bites of a species of ant,
described as the "jumping ant," the scientific name of which was
unknown to him. Shortly after being bitten he was seized with
a fit of vomiting, and within a few minutes he had another and
more violent attack, after which he fell down unconscious, in
which state he remained for over half an hour. After coming to
a red rash developed itself, which lasted only a short time, and
in a couple of hours he was well again. The author stated that
he afterwards ascertained that two young men, residents of the
same district (Taggerty), had experienced exactly the same
symptoms, one being unconcious for three hours.

The paper was discussed by several of the members present,
none of whom had, however, heard of a similar case.

3. By Mr. G. Weindorfer, entitled "On the Fertilization of
Phanerogams — Part 2 : Dispersion of Pollen by Insects." This
paper, which was a continuation of one read at the October
meeting of the Club, dealing with the dispersion of pollen by the
wind, excited some discussion, Messrs. O. A. Sayce, J. F. Haase,
F. G. A. Barnard, the President, and others taking part.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES.

Mr. F. G. A. Barnard called attention to his exhibit of a plant
of the fern Asplenium bulhifenini, G. Forster, collected at the
Mathinna Falls in December, 1900, on the surface of the fronds

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 123

of which several young plants had appeared, a circumstance
which he had not before noticed in Victorian specimens of this
fern.

He also drew attention to an abnormal growth of a rose, in
which the stem of the rose is continued from the centre of the
flower for several inches beyond the ring of petals, and bears
several leaves.

Mr. G. A. Keartland mentioned an exhibit by him of the eggs
of five species of honey-eaters and a bower-bird, two of which,
tlie Yellow-backed Honey-eater, Mdithreptus Icetior, and the
Guttated Bower-bird, Gldaniydod-,ra guttata, being the type
specimens.

Mr. G. A. Pritchard remarked on the abnormal growth of two
species of shells, the common Mussel and the common Cockle,
which he exhibited, one valve of which was very much smaller
than the other.

Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., drew attention to an exhibit by the
National Museum of a rare species of burrowing frog, which had
been recently received by the Museum, and which Professor
Spencer identified as Philocryphus Jiavoguttatus, Fl. The
specimen, which was a male, was captured at Tongio West, East
Gippsland, Victoria, and is the first recorded specimen from this
State, previously recorded only from New South Wales. This
species is peculiar in having its first, second, and third fingers
furnished with several black, horny, acute tubercles, one of which,
on the first finger, being much larger than the others.

He also mentioned a recent capture at Port Fairy of a Basking
Shark, Cetorhinus maxinms, Gunn, which he had been able to
examine. The specimen was a male, and similar in every respect
to the specimen described and figured by him in the August
number of the ^ aturalist, xix., page 62, though much shorter.
As this specimen had not been previously opened, he was able
to secure a sample of the food from the intestines, as well as
to observe the peculiar whalebone-like gill-rakers, which had been
removed from the previous specimen before reaching the Museum.

Mr. A. Coles also made some remarks on the same specimen,
particularly with regard to the gill-rakers, which he had observed
while stuffing it.

Mr. A. J. Campbell remarked on a large double-yolked egg of
the Mutton-bird which was exhibited by Mr. J. Gabriel.

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard. —Growing Victorian ferns — Ophio-
glossum vu^gatum, collected on Sandringham excursion, July,
1902 ; Asplenmni hidbiferum, collected at Mathinna Falls, on
Healesville excursion, November, 1900; also abnormal growth of
rose.

124 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

By Mr. A. G. Campbell. — Some typical rocks from King
Island, Bass Strait: — Plutonic — (i) Granitoid mixture of sanidine
amphibole, quartz, and biotite ; (2) Granite, with crystals of tour-
maline ; (3) Aplite, showing crystals of tourmaline; (4) Grisen;
(5) Gabbro ; (6) fme-grained (?) Dyke-rock ; (7) Gneiss, showing
characteristic rugged weathering. Organic — (8) Dune Limestone
and Granite Sand, with comminuted shell from which it is formed ;
(9) Crystalline Limestone. Also skins of four species of Maluri
— Maiurus cyanochlamys, Queensland ; M. cyaneus, New South
Wales and Victoria ; M. gouldi, Tasmania ; and M. elizabethce,
King Island.

By Mr. A. Coles. — Common Sparrow, Passer domc-sticus, albino,
shot at South Melbourne ; and clutch of eggs of King Quail,
Excaljactoria lineata.

By Mr. St. Eloy D' Alton. — Rare Victorian lizard, Tiliqua
occipitalis, Peters (alive).

By Mr. J. Gabriel. — Abnormally large egg of Mutton-bird,
Pufinus tenuirostris, Temm.

By Mr. G. A. Keartland. — Eggs of Chlamydodera guttata
(type), Melithreptus Icetior (type), Myzomela pectoralis, M. nigra,
M. erythrocephala, and M. sanguinolenta.

By Mr. J. A. Kershaw, for National Museum. — Frog, Philo-
c7-yphus Jlavoguttatus, Fl. (male), locality Tongio West, Victoria,
first time recorded from Victoria.

By A. Mattingley. — Dry Sponges from the Nobbys, Phillip
Island.

By J. T. Paul. — Six species of flowering plants, including
Crijptostylis longifolia, Loinatia ilicifolia, &c., from Grantville.

By G. B. Pritchard. — Abnormal growths of common Mussel
and common Cockle.

By Mr. F. M. Reader. — Dried plants from Wimmera — Lamiiim
amplexicaule, L., Bromus madritensis, L., naturalized, both new
for Victoria ; Lepidosperma liiieare, R. Br., new for N.W. of
Victoria ; Centrolepis cephahforniis, n. sp. ; also medical plants
from North America — Polygala senega, L., Podophyllum peltatum,
L., Hamamelis virginica, L., Hydrastis canadensis, L.
After the usual conversazione, the meeting terminated.

EXCURSION TO BACCHUS MARSH.

The members who met at Spencer-street on the morning of Cup
Day, 4th November, were few but enthusiastic, and, notwith-
standing the promised hot wind, were prepared to carry out the
lo-mile walk suggested in the monthly notice paper. However,
acting on the advice of the leader (Mr. C. C. Brittlebank), con-
veyed to one of the party some days before, it was determined to
take the coach from Bacchus Marsh to Myrniong (Pentland

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 125

Hills), where we were heartily welcomed by the leader and his
family. During the railway journey we got numerous glimpses of
flowers along the line, principally composites, but what species
we were unable to determine. After luncheon at " Dunbar," the
leader said, as the visitors were more inclined to botany than
geology, that a visit to the Lerderderg Ranges would be more
productive of flowers than the Werribee Gorge, and off"ered to
drive us thither, which we gladly accepted, as the day was rather
hot for walking. So, taking our seats in our host's buggy, we were
soon on the way to the ranges. Passing several fertile farms and
over some well-grassed paddocks, we soon reached the Korkuper-
rimul Creek, where we left the buggy and any extra impedimenta
for the present, and prepared for some hard work. Striking up a
little valley, we found everything very dry. Numerous legumin-
aceous shrubs, such as PuUencea daplmoides, Daviesia corymhosa,
and Acacia armata, were bearing their burdens of seed-pods. As
we ascended we did a little better. Helichrysuin obcordatum was
noted, and presently what was at first glance thought to be a
Styphelia, but turned out to be Braclnjloma da}>hnoides. Another
dwarf shrub obtained was Trachymene billardieri, belonging to the
Umbelliferag, but it was not quite in flower. As we neared the
crest of the range, a very stony hill was ascended — a very unlikely
place for orchids, one would say ; but here Fterostylis rufa grew in
abundance, several plants being found with three and four blooms
on the stem. Diuris longifolia was also noticed, and a pretty
little Veronica, V. calycina, was common among the stones.
Arrived at the top we found an extensive valley spread out before
us, the sides covered with a thick growth of scrubby Eucalypts,
&c., principally E. leucoxylon and E. behriawf, with the Lerder-
derg River about 1,300 feet below. The descent was somewhat
rough, as the hillside was composed of loose, thin flakes of stone,
the result of the weathering of the Silurian rocks. However,
after numerous slips and slides, we got down to firmer ground,
and finally reached the river some three or four miles above the
sire of the "camp-out " in 1899. Num.erous flowering shrubs
attracted our attention here, and while some bathed, others
rambled about and secured specimens of Aster stellulatus, Clematis
aristata, Veronica j^erfoliata, V. derwentia, Myoporum viscostim,
Prostanthera nivea, F. rotundifolia, Beyeria viscosa, Acacia decur-
rens, Helichrysum lucidum, &c. A young Eucalyptus, apparently
E. globulus, afforded some extremely long leaves, one of which
measured 14 inches along the mid-rib. But we could not stay
too long, as that 1,300-foot hill had to be climbed ere we could
reach our buggy, so, shouldering our specimens, we found an old
gold-miner's track, which zig-zagged up a spur, and in time
reached the top, on the way adding Euphixisia brownii (stunted
specimens) and Eucalyptus mdliodora to our collections. Arrived

126 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

on the top additional plants such as P^dtencea mollis, Eutaxia
impetri/olia, and Grevillea alpina were added to our list. Alter
struggling through a thick growth of dwarf gums, &c., we at
length reached our vehicle, and were soon back at " Dunbar,"
where Mrs. Brittlebank had prepared a meal suited to the wants
of hungry naturalists. After tea there was little time to chat
before the conveyance which was to take us back to Bacchus
Marsh (eight miles) arrived, and we were soon en route for the
station, and in due course reached Melbourne again about 10.30
p.m., well pleased with our trip, though at one time rather
inconvenienced by the heat. Insects were very scarce all day.
Altogether between 40 and 50 species of plants were noticed in
bloom, and the resemblance of the flora to that recorded in the
report of the Gisborne excursion {Vict. Nat., xvi., page 146) was
very noticeable ; but it must be borne in mind that the same
barren Silurian formation extends right across almost to that
place, a distance of some 12 or 14 miles. — F. G. A. Barnard.

SOME NOTES ON NIGERIA.

By a. D. Hardy.

{Read hefore the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, llth Nov., 1902.)

{Concluded from page 118,)

The Crab's-eye Bean, Abrus precatorius, growing here, is also to
be found in Queensland, the beautifully-coloured red and black
seeds being used as ornamental pin-heads.

Thevetia neriifulia is a fine shrub, about 10 feet in height,
having bunches of long lace-like leaves, and large yellow,
trumpet shaped flowers. It is interesting, when a Thevetia in
bloom has attracted a species of Humming-bird, to watch these
tiny creatures buzzing rather than flying, and, whilst on the wing,
thiusting their long, curved bills through the corolla tubes to
suck the hidden sweets.

Rubber, one of the chief products of the country, is obtained
from species of Ficus, Landolpliia, and Kicksia. Allied species
of Ficus grow in Queensland, and are well known. The Lan-
dolphia is a strong twining plant, and the Kicksia somewhat
resenibles an Orange tree, and grows to 20 feet in height. The
presence of rubber trees in this locality was discovered through
the natives using the semi-coagulated sap as bird-lime.

In gathering rubber the natives slit the bark, and — in case of
Landol[jhia, the sap of which rapidly coagulates — smear their
bodies with the milk as it exudes. The plaster is then peeled off
and rolled into balls for the traders, who export it for special
treatment.

The Kola-nut tree. Cola acuminata, grows plentifully in North

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 127

Guinea. Matured height, 20 feet. The brown-skinned kernels
of the nuts are white or reddish-coloured, and have stimulating
properties, for which they are used in adulterating cocoa, tonics,
&c. The Kola-nut is as inseparable from the West African as
the Betel-nut from the East Indian and Javanese. The negro
can go on a long day's march with no other food than a Kola-
nut, and he also cuts from the root a thin, flat lath, the end of
which he sucks and chews in order to keep his teeth white and
his breath sweet.

One of the chief native foods is Cassava, the tuberous root of
Manihot utilissima. The poisonous juice is expelled by squeez-
ing, and the residue pulped and eaten. The principal yam
grown for food is Dioscorea acul-ata.

Of insects, myriads, belonging to the orders Coleoptera,
Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera, may be encountered. Worthy
of special note among the Coleoptera is the Winnebah Beetle,
Goliathus yiganteus, of which a natural size and coloured sketch
from life is exhibited, and the small brown, narrow beetle, of
which several specimens are exhibited. The latter is the West
African Fire-fly. The flashes of electric-blue light are emitted
from the white patch which will be seen on the lower surface of
the posterior abdominal segments. The light is so strong that,
having had occasion to consult a chart at night, I have impro-
vised a lantern with satisfactory results by placing one of these
insects in the fold of a silk handkerchief.

The large black ant exhibited is not so graceful as the red
Bulldog Ant of Victoria, of which I exhibit a specimen for com-
parison. This is the Driver Ant, which marches in columns
several inches broad, with guards thrown out on either flank.
They do not pass each other, but all march in one direction, the
guards falling in with the retreating column at the end of the
night's foraging.

There are many Snakes, varying from 12 inches in length to
large Pythons.

Of Lizards, two are noted. One of these, about 6 to 9 inches
long, and vari-coloured, climbs actively and in large numbers
about the trunks of the Kapok trees. The other resembles a
small snake, being without legs and of almost even diameter of
Yz inch throughout, 12 inches in length. It answers to the descrip-
tion of Anyuis fragilis, having almost imperceptible eyes and
mouth. In colour it is of silvery-blue, and is very active in habit,
gliding swiftly among grass and dead leaves, and, when attacked,
writhing in marvellous contortions, like an injured worm.

Want of space precludes a description of a great many other
forms of faunal and floral life ; but, in conclusion, the following
note on the climate may prove interesting.

The year is divided into rainy season and dry season. In the

128 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

dry season is the highest temperature, which does not exceed
95 deg. Fahr., and in some of those months there is no rain. In
the rainy season as much as 20 inches fall in one month, 5 inches
having been registered in 24 hours. The lowest temperature is
68 or 70 deg. F. The death rate for Europeans, chiefly through
malaria and other climatic causes, varies from 5 to 25 per cent,
of the population.

ON THE FERTILIZATION OF PHANEROGAMS.
II. — Dispersion of Pollen by Insects.
By G. Weindorfer.
{Read before the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, 9th December, 1902.)
In my previous paper I spoke of the fertilization of flowers
through the agency of the wind. I purpose now giving some
account of the part insects play in effecting the same object.

Now, the male and female cells, or the organs which produce
them, arise either close to one another or at a distance on the
same plant, or they may arise on different individuals of the same
species ; the sexual cells of the same species of plant may thus,
according to their origin, be more or less closely related, behaving
towards one another as sister cells, as cousins, or as their grand-
children and great-grandchildren, and so on.

When in one and the same flower, the organs in which the
pollen and those in which the ovules are developed stand closely
side by side ,; it might be thought, therefore, that the pollen would
be certain to reach the adjoining stigma, but this opinion is not
confirmed by experience. It has been demonstrated that it is of
advantage to the plant that the pollen of one flower should reach
the stigma of another — indeed, of a flower of quite another plant,
often some distance- away. The wonderful and extremely
complicated contrivances which are met with for the attainment
of the dispersion of the pollen by means of insects will be partly
considered in to-night's paper.

Contemporaneously with the opening of the earliest spring
flowers occurs the escape of the first pioneer butterflies from
their chrysalides, and the same sunny day which rouses hive
bees and humble bees from their winter sleep sees the flowers
offering their pollen and honey to the world at large. Many
flowers which open early in the morning are visited only by par-
ticular insects which leave their nocturnal haunts at the same
hour. Other flowers do not open till sunset, when day-flying
insects are already gone to rest and they are visited by others,
which have remained throughout the day concealed in shady
nooks and commence their rambling when dusk sets in.

Now, first of all the question arises : what is it that induces

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, 129

insects to visit flowers, and what advantage accrues to a plant
from the visits with which its flowers are favoured ? The answer
is, that the inducement is in some cases care of young, in others
the desirabihty of securing themselves against dangers from
storms, and most commonly of all it is the craving for food.
Flowers, however, do not provide animals with breeding-places,
with temporary shelter or suitable nutriment without claiming a
reciprocal service^ but have their parts so adjusted that their
visitors become laden with pollen, which is then transported to
other flowers and deposited on their stigmas, where it initiates a
series of changer, resulting in the setting of the seed.

The efficacy of all the arrangements for promoting the quick
and easy obtaining of food from flowers by bidden guests is
obviously much enhanced by the existence of others for the
exclusion of hurtful and undesired visitants. As hurtful may be
characterized all such animals whose visits interfere with or pre-
vent the speedy transfer of the pollen from flower to flower.
Such are small wingless animals, which must of necessity reach
the honey and pollen on foot. Su|)pose such a little pedestrian
has reached a flower and covered itself with pollen ; it has now, in
order to transfer this pollen to a stigma on another plant, a long
and toilsome journey, beset with dangers to the pollen, quite
apart from the length of time taken. Shortly, the pollen may be
easily rubbed off" on the journey, or it may be washed off by the
rain. How otherwise it is with the lightly-flying insects. They
dart from plant to plant with extraordinary rapidity and visit
half a dozen flowers within a minute or so, thus transferring the
pollen new and fresh. Winged insects are therefore in the most
cases ideal agents for the crossing of flowers, and are the most
welcomed of all guests.

The simplest case, where insects after reaching the flowers are
covered with the pollen, is that where the insects rove and climb
about the flowers and so get powdered all over with pollen. This
hai pens in inummerable plants which, owing to the association
of large numbers of flowers in umbels, fascicles, spikes, and
capitula, afford a playground, richly furnished with slender waving
stamens, where pollen is easily to be shaken or brushed off the
anthers on every liand, although each single blossom only con-
tains a few stamens.

Remarkable is the fact that insects after being imprisoned for
a lime in the flower of Aristolochia clematitis are quite covered
with pollen when they emerge. The way into the enlarged base
of the flower is over a convenient ligulate alighting place and
through a dark and comparatively narrow passage lined with
hairs. The free extremities of these hairs point inward, and
permit visitors from the insect world, small black midges, to pass
into the chamber. Not uncommonly 6 to lo such flies may be

130 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

found in a flower. They are imprisoned, and cannot escape
because, as mentioned, the throat of the flower is beset like a
trap with long motile hairs, which bar the passage out as in a
weir basket. While the insect is thus wandering around the
cavity it brings its pollen-laden back in contact with the sti^matic
surface and pollinates it. As soon as this has taken place, the
anthers, which have been closed hitherto, dehisce and become
freely accessible at the same time by the change in the stigma.
About this time the hairs in the narrow passage wither and
collapse, leaving a free exit, and the midges, all be-powdered
with pollen, hasten to leave the flowers. That they retain no
unpleasant recollection of their temporary confinement may be
inferred from the fact that they have no sooner escaped from one
flower than they creep into another.

It may be mentioned that so long as the stigma is still re-
ceptive, the perianth opens outwards, presenting to the flies a
hospitably open door ; but as soon as they have accomplished
the pollination of the stigma, and when the flies, again laden with
pollen, have flown away from the flower, the banner-like lobe of
the corolla closes over the mouth of the throat, stopping the
entrance to the flies, which have now nothing more to do here.
In fact, it were a contradiction for the invited guests on their
arrival that a flower should remain widely open when no more
nourishment was to be obtained — when the meal, so to speak,
was finished. VVhen this is the case it is undesirable that they
should interfere with the other younger flowers by competing with
them for visitors.

In very many of the Papilionaceae the two lateral petals, called
wings, converge towards their upper margins, along which they
are in contact, so that they form a convex saddle, arching over
the keel. The wings and keel are locked together, and every
pressure upon the pair of wings is transmitted to the keel, in
which are the anthers. Consequently when an insect sets itself
astride on the saddle-ridge formed by the wings, not only is the
latter pressed down but also the keel, and this movement is
accompanied by the extrusion of a pasty vermicular mass of
pollen, and by the simultaneous adhesion of the pollen to the
insect's belly, or sometimes to its legs. In this case the action
of the stamens within the cavity is just the same as that of the
piston inside a pump, and has therefore been called "pump
apparatus," which appears to be confined to papilionaceous
flowers only.

The mechanism to be described next does its work by means
of impact, and performs the movement of the filaments resembling
the striking of a hammer. The best known examples of the
hammer form of mechanism occur in the genus Salvia. The
under lip of this labiate flower serves as a landing stage for the

THE VICTORIAN NATJRALIST. 131

humble bees to alight on. On either side of the entrance to the
back part of the flower, in which the honey is hidden, is a stamen,
composed of a short, erect, firm, and immobile filament and an
anther borne at the extremity of a much elongated and sHghtly
curved connective which rocks at the top of the filament. This
part of the stamen, which is liable to be set rocking, is a curved
lever, consisting of two arms of unequal length. When a humble
bee pushes the lower arm, which is the shorter one, in the
direction towards the interior of the flower, the upper arm drops
and the anthers fall upon the insect's back, which is consequently
covered with pollen. The bees laden in this manner rub the
pollen off on to the deflexed stigmas of the flowers they sub-
sequently visit.

The number of contrivances by means of which pollen is
distributed by insects is very large, and I must therefore confine
myself to an account of the most curious forms. It remains still
to speak about the apparatus of the explosive variety, which is
adapted to besprinkle insects with pollen.

In the case of Crucianella stylosa, which flowers are con-
glomerated in terminal heads, the style is twisted into a spiral,
and the thick stigma at the top of it is wedged between the
anthers. The moment the anthers open the pollen pours out
and rests upon the papillose surface of the stigma. Soon after-
wards the style elongates, with its coating of pollen, until it comes
against the dome-shaped top of the closed corolla, where its
further ascent is stopped. At this stage of development the
style is in a condition of such extreme tension that when
the limb of the corolla opens it springs up, scattering a
cloud of pollen from the surface of the stigma. A sudden
opening of the corolla can be caused if a small bee or
fly chances to touch the top of a closed flower on its way
to visit an open one, and involuntarfly the insect is then
dusted with pollen from below — a state of affairs not always
agreeable to them. At the same time it cannot be very dis-
agreeable, for the animals may be seen, immediately after flying
off the pollen-strewing flowers as if frightened, visiting flowers
of the same species in the next moment, where they will
experience the same treatment. It would indeed be strange if
the same flowers should on the one hand have such contrivances
as will allure insects in order that they may transfer the pollen
from plant to plant, and on the other hand be so arranged as to
shock these laden and attracted guests, and disincline them to
further visits. Such a contradiction never does occur in the
flower world, but all the contrivances connected with the trans-
ference of pollen display a harmony which fills those who busy
themselves with these phenomena with astonishment and
admiration.

132 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

NOTES ON THE LARV^ AND FUFJE OF BIRCHIP
HETEROCERA.

Part II.
By D. Goudie.
{Read be/ore the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, 8th December, 1902.
Destolmia lineata, Walker. — The larvae of this moth are to be
taken in this district from the end of August to the beginning of
October, feeding on the leaves of Acacia stenophylla. They
belong to that class of caterpillars that are termed " loopers " by
entomologists, on account of the way they arch their bodies when
crawling. When not engaged in demolishing the leaves they
generally rest on a twig, holding only by the claspers, after the
fashion of the larva of Gastrophora henricaria, recently described
and figured in the Naturalist by Mr. E. Anderson. They are
very numerous at times, almost stripping the trees on which they
feed ; but so numerous and active are their parasitical enemies
that the collector can consider himself lucky if he gets a single
moth from twenty or thirty caterpillars. When full-grown they
enter the hard earth, generally a foot or two from the butt of the
tree, and there form a cell. The duration of the pupal stage
under normal conditions is about six months, the moths emerging
in March. I may also mention that these caterpillars are easily
dislodged by shaking.

Larva. — Length, i]^ to i^s inches. Head shining bluish
green. Ground colour of body yellowish-green, slightly darker on
lateral area. Dorsal line somewhat indistinct, dark green in
colour. Below this there is a suffused crimson sub-dorsal line
bordered with yellow below and pinkish white outlined narrowly
with black above. A lateral row of plain black spots is also
present, the first, close behind the head, being especially large and
noticeable. Upper surface, with the exception of the first
segment, covered with small white spots clearly outlined with
black. A few short black hairs are also present. Ventral
surface bluish-green, bordered with white. Hind claspers green,
without markings. Legs green ; feet dark red.

Pxhfa. — Length, from J^ to ^ of an inch. Moderately stout.
Light green at first, changing to reddish-brown ; anal segment
terminating in a bifurcate spine. Dorsal half immediately above
latter hollow.

Note. — In the first part of this paper, Yict. Nat., xix., page 8o,
the words " not pronged like X. cryptophaga " should read
" not pronged like Cryptoj^haga leucadelpha."

tbe Uktorian Daturalisi

Vol. XIX.— No. 10. FEBRUARY 5, 1903. No. 230.

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal
Society's Hall on Monday evening, 19th January, 1903. The
president, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., occupied the chair, and about 65
members and visitors were present.

REPORTS.

Mr. O. A. Sayce reported on the Club's excursion to Beaumaris
on Saturday, 13th December, at which about 13 members
attended, and spent the afternoon searching the locality for
specimens of interest. Unfortunately the tide was not favourable j
still a number of interesting specimens were collected and
preserved for further examination, though nothing new or very
striking was noticed.

The excursion to Greensborough on 20th December was
abandoned on account of rain, and that to Bulleen on 17th
January on account of intense heat.

The hon. librarian reported the receipt of the following
donations to the library : — " Memoirs of the Royal Society of
South Australia," vol. ii., part i, "The Cretaceous Mollusca of
South Australia and Northern Territory," by R. Etheridge, jun.,
from the Society ; The Umu, vol. ii., part 3, January, 1903, from
the Australasian Ornithologists' Union ; Nature Notes, December,
1902, from the Selborne Society, London; and Knowledge,
December, 1902, from the proprietors; and that five volumes
of the Cambridge Natural History — viz.. Mammalia, Birds,
Molluscs, Amphibia, and Insects, part 2— had been purchased.

The chairman announced that the Committee had ordered
several other text-books.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

On a ballot being taken, Messrs. W. H. A. Rogers, National
Bank, Collins-street, Melbourne, J. M. Spark, Isabella-street,
Malvern, and J. F. d'Oliveyra, " Kooyong," Kooyong Koot-road,
Hawthorn, were elected members of the Club.

PAPERS.

I. By Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., entitled " Records of
Snakes Casting Their Skins." This was a short paper, in which
the author recorded the dates certain species of snakes cast their
skins, while kept in confinement at the ^Melbourne Zoological

134 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Gardens, together with some notes thereon. An interesting
discussion ensued, chiefly relating to any effect the altered con-
ditions of the snakes through being confined would have, in
which Messrs. F. G. A. Barnard, G. A. Keartland, D. Best, O. A.
Sayce, W. J. Morgan, and others took part.

2. By Mr. G. B. Pritchard, entitled " Geology of Flinders."
The author described at some length the geological features of
the district around Flinders, his remarks being illustrated by a
large series of lantern views, showing the more interesting portions
of the coast line from Shoreham to Cape Schanck.

Mr. Pritchard's remarks were discussed by Messrs. D. Le
Souef, F. Wisewould, and the President, the former stating that
" Pulpit Rock " was so called from the fact that for many years
there was on the rock a White-bellied Sea-Eagle's nest, which at a
distance looked like a pulpit.

A vote of thanks was accorded Mr. J. Searle, on the motion of
Messrs. G. Coghill and D. Le Souef, for again placing his lantern
at the disposal of the Club.

3. By Mr. J. G. O. Tepper, F.L.S., communicated by Mr. C.
French, F.L.S., entitled "Notes and Remarks on the described
Genera and Species of Australian and Polynesian Phasmidse."

Owing to the lateness of the hour, this paper was taken as read
and ordered to be printed.

A paper by Mr. J. F. Haase, entitled " Records of Victorian
Entomostraca," was postponed until next ordinary meeting.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES.

Mr. F. G. A. Barnard read the following paragraph from
Bunce's '-'Travels with Leichardt " : — "The River Yarra Yarra
was then (October, 1839) densely covered on both banks with
Melaleuca or Tea-tree and the Monomeeth Parbine. This latter
was called ' the good mother ' by the aborigines, from the seed-
pod, or receptacle for the developing process of the seeds, being
attached in whorls to the stems or branches on which they are
produced years after the trees at those parts have shed their
blossoms. The long, heavy branches of the Monomeeth Parbine
hung in massive, graceful arches over the river's side ; " and asked
if any member could tell him what shrub was referred to as the
" Monomeeth Parbine."

Mr. F. G. A. Barnard also read a paragraph from Mrs. Campbell
Praed's recently published book, " My Australian Girlhood " (page
.109), as follows: — "Bad times come, with the scab among the
sheep, and the treading down of those green thick-leaved fat-hen
plants (of which very good spinach could be made) in an access
of activity round the disused boiling-down pots," and asked for
information as to what plant was known as the " fat-hen
plant."

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 135

Mr. J. A. Ross, Jumbunna, conlributed a note on musical sand
noticed by himself and others at Anderson's Inlet, in which he
stated that while walking in their bare feet every step on the dry
sand caused a " very distinct screech," which was not noticed on
the wet sand.

In connection with this subject, Mr. J. A. Kershaw read an
extract from the December number of the Geological Magamiie
(vol. ix., No. 12, p. 573, 1902), contributed by Mr. H. J. Lowe,
F.G.S., entitled "Sonorous Sand," which he met with near Tenby,
Skrinkle Haven Bay. He states that " the notes were clear and
metallic, and were emitted only from the dry, loose sand above
the range of the tide." He refers to explanations regarding thest
sounds. Dr. Julian and Professor Bolton attribute them to " a
film of condensed air round each grain of sand, which acts as an
elastic cushion, and enables the sand to vibrate when disturbed ; "
while Mr. C Carus Wilson considers the sound to be caused by
friction, " the cumulative effect of numerous vibrating particles
that becomes audible."

Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., in remarking incidentally on the
above note, said there was a probable explanation of tlie phe-
nomenon in both the theories quoted, and that, whilst the
primary cause of the sound was friction between the separate
grains, this was perhaps assisted by a film of air acting as a
cushion. This layer of air would, however, be better conceived
as rarefied rather than condensed, for the occurrence of such
sonorous sands seems generally to take place in warm climates, or
under bright sunshine ;' but more direct evidence on this point is
especially wanted.

Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., mentioned that the Talegallas in
the Zoological Gardens were breeding, and had hatched out
several chicks during the last few days.

Mr. G. A. Keartland mentioned an instance in Queensland of
the Talegalla interbreeding with the domestic fowl, and a hybrid
fowl had laid 100 eggs this season.

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. F. Barnard. — Photographs by Mr. Mann of sections of
Victorian woods from micro, slides prepared by the exhibitor ;
also, fasciated stem of Jessamine.

By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard. — Pot Fern, Gleichenia circinata,
collected at Gembrook excursion in November, 1901.

By Mr. A. G. Campbell, on behalf of Mr. A. W. Milligan,
W.A. — Skins of a pair of \Vestern Brown-headed Honey-eaters,
Melithreptus leucogeiiys, new species ; Brown Shrike-Thrush,
Collyriocincla brunnea : and Blue-headed Wren, Malurus pul-
cherrimus.

By Mr. Cliflford Coles. — Life series of Pine-boring Beetle,

136 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Promethis nigra, from the larva to the adult male and female,
together with portion of tree from which they were all taken
simultaneously at Ascot Vale ; also, Little Penguin, Eudyptida
undina, young in different stages, and egg, collected during the
ornithologists' trip to the Nobbies, Phillip Island.

By Miss S. W. L. Cochrane. — Sponges and fossils from Warr-
nambool.

By Mr. G. Coghill. — Flowers of Batiksia serrata, from Bairns-
dale.

By C. French, jun. — Two varieties of White-lipped Snake, from
Dandenong Ranges and Ringwood.

By Mr. J. F. Haase. — Specimens of Entomostraca, Daphnia
carinata and Simocephahis elizabethce.

By Messrs. G. A. Keartland and C. French, jun. — Clutch of
four eggs of Princess of Wales Parrakeet, Polytelis alexandrce,
taken in December, 1902 ; also, eggs of Gilbert's Thickhead,
Scrub Robin, Yellow-rumped Pardalote, and Graceful Honey-
eater, from the Mallee District, collected in November and
December, 1902.

By Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S.— An egg of the extinct Tas-
manian Emu, collected about forty years ago in the St. Mary's
district, on the east coast of Tasmania.

By Mr. D. M'Alpine. — The so-called petrified mushroom
found by Mrs. Gray, of Hamilton, on the beach at Bridgewater,
Victoria.

By Mr. F. Pitcher. — Flowers of the Scarlet-flowering Gum,
Eucalyptus Jicifolia, from Western Australia, showing floral
development.

By Mr. G. B. Pritchard. — Eocene fossils from Flinders lime-
stones, including Plectroninia halli, Hinde ; Bactronella australis,
Hinde : Tretocalia jiezica, Hinde ; and Lepas pritchardi,
Hall.

By Mr, E. O. Thiele. — Some minerals, rocks, and fossils from
the New South Wales coast, near Kiama.

By Mr. H. T. Tisdall. — A collection of marine shells from San
Remo, Victoria.

By Mr. S. P. Townsend. — Specimens of rare Limicolse, shot in
Port Phillip Bay, around Mud Island : the Knot, Tringa
canutus ; the Turnstone, Arenaria hiterpres.

By Mr. H. B. Williamson. — The following plants from
Victoria: — Erophila vulgaris, naturalized in Victoria; Helio-
tropitim europoiuin, L., new for N.E. Victoria ; Xanthosia
atkinsonia, F. v. M., new for S.W. Victoria ; Gnaphalium pur-
pureum, L., new for Victoria; and Ilakea sericea, new for S.W.
Victoria.

After the usual conversazione, the meeting terminated.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 137

RECORDS OF SNAKES CASTING THEIR SKINS.

By D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S.

{Read before the Field Naturalists^ Club of Victoria, 12tli January, 1903.)

It may be of interest to give some dates on which different
snakes cast their skins, as it is a subject about which compara-
tively little is known. I therefore had records kept at the
/ Melbourne Zoological Gardens for several months of some of
those kept in captivity there, and from them one learns that the
skins are cast far more frequently than is generally supposed to
be the case.

Take, for instance, a Black-headed Snake, Aspidiotes inelano-
cephalus, Northern Australia, which cast its skin on 20th April,
27th May, 30th July, and i8th September. Then, again, a Black
Snake, Pseudechis porphyriacus, cast its skin on 15th April, 25th
June, and 30th July ; a Tiger Snake, Hophcephalus ctir-tus, on
22nd April, 2ist July, and 31st December ; an Olive-green Rock
Snake, Liasis olivacea, from Northern Australia, on 12th April,
29th May, 1 8th September, and 24th January. A Carpet Snake,
Morelia variegata, cast its skin on 19th April, 19th July, 20th
September, 26th January, i8th May, and ist September.

As can be seen from the dates, the skins are cast frequently,
and irregularly as regards time ; but it is possible that the snakes
being kept in confinement, and possibly somewhat out of health,
may have something to do with that, for when a snake has
difficulty in shedding its skin except piecemeal it is generally a
sign of ill health.

Just previous to the skin being shed it is usually lighter in
colour, and opaque over the eyes, consequently the snakes are
practically blind for the time being. They then rub their snout
against some hard substance, such as a log or stone, and when
they have succeeded in freeing the skin from the lips they gradually
push it off. As a rule it is shed entire, including the skin over
the eye. The larger non-venomous snakes are fond of lying in
water for a kw hours before changing, so as to soften the skin.
The Indian Pythons nearly always do so, but their skin is
generally shed piecemeal. '

These are only a few fragmentary notes, but later on I hope to
be able to give them for a longer time. It is difficult to get the
dates of changing without keeping these reptiles in confinement.
They are not as a rule sought after as pets.

138 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

NOTES AND REMARKS ON THE DESCRIBED
GENERA AND SPECIES OF THE AUSTRALIAN
AND POLYNESIAN PHASMID.E OR "SPECTRE
INSECTS."

By J. G. O. Tepper, F.L.S., &c.

(Communicated by C. French, F.L.S.)

{Read hefore the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, Wth Jan., 1903.)

The Phasmidse form a well-defined family of the order Orthoptera,
in the class Insecta, among the Articulata. They include the
largest insects known, and are popularly called " Walking-stick
Insects," or " Spectre Insects," on account of the excessive length
of their bodies and limbs compared with their thickness and
bulk. In this respect only one other family — that of the
Mantidse — approaches them in general size, form, and colouration.
The latter, however, have very strong and stout raptorial fore-
legs, while the former have long, slender, and weak ones, not
fitted for grasping, but for climbing, which indicates the respective
habits. For, while the Mantids are exclusively predatory, the
Phasmids are as exclusively herbivorous. I have observed one
of the indigenous Mantids that had captured a Phasmid twice its
size, and had, when seen, devoured about one-half of the larger
insect. Another peculiarity is that the femora of the forelegs are
bent or excised near their base in such a way that they can be
extended forward parallel to each other, and then enclose the
head between them. The middle and last pair of legs are
usually stouter than the first, and in some cases furnished with
strong ridges and more or less prominent spines and appendages.

The head is more or less flattened, elongated, and firmly fixed,
so that it cannot be turned, as is the case with the Mantids. It
is furnished with promiscuous palpi and antennae of various length
and number of joints, also sometimes with one to three ocelli.

The prothorax is very short comparatively; the mesothorax,
however, exceeds the former several times in length, but bears the
tegmina or wing-covers as well as the middle pair of legs at its
posterior end. The metathorax, again, is short, but stout, bearing
the hind legs, and the wings, if present. It is intimately conjoined
to the first abdominal segment, the junction being indicated by a
low transverse ridge above.

In many genera both sexes remain permanently wingless ; in
others the females alone remain so, while the males are provided
with more or less ample wings ; in the remainder, though both
sexes possess wings as adults, the latter present a great variety in
respect of their development, for, whereas those of the males are
always permitting their use for flight, those of the females range
down from most ample to most diminutive dimensions in different
genera, so that the two sexes present a very different appearance,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 139

rendering the correct mating very difficult for anyone not well
acquainted vvith the living insects in their native habitat. More-
over, this difficulty is still more increased by not a single
prominent character being quite permanent either in the sexes
or the species.

Regarding the metamorphoses of our Phasmidse, it may be
remarked that the larvae, when leaving the egg, have already the
approximate form of the adults, except the wings and sexual
appendages, but at this early stage the limbs of the young present
a most disproportionate length compared with the insignificant size
of their body, even in some of our largest species. This tiny body
emerges first from the egg-shell, and is lifted perpendicularly above
by the gradually extending limbs, their extremities being the last
to get free, in this respect presenting an analogy to what takes
place when a mosquito emerges from its pupa case on the water.
The ova are more or less elongate, with the anterior end
truncated, and closed by a lid, which is let in like a stopper, and
pushed out by the infant larva when emerging. The above
recorded observations specially refer to the hatching of some eggs
of Troj}hidoderus rhodomus, M'Coy, deposited by a specimen
sent to the S.A. Museum. Some of the larvae died in the position
mentioned, being unable to free their claws, owing to the air
being too dry, which caused the fluids within the shell to dry too
rapidly.

In connection with the succeeding metamorphoses, it may be
mentioned that often, during the operation of withdrawing the
limbs from the enveloping old skin, one or more of the legs
become detached from the body, either wholly or in part. In
such a case a young limb develops and grows from the wound.
This is at first quite minute and extremely soft, but elongates and
hardens in course of development, and is an analagous case to
that of the limb-restoring capacity among some Crustaceans, and
of the much higher Gecko Lizards respecting the tails. How-
ever, such restored limb or limbs remain frequently shorter and
more slender than the others, although in other respects quite
similar.

In their habits the Phasmidse are chiefly nocturnal, remaining
more or less quiescent during the daytime, and moving sluggishly
when disturbed. They then sit quietly and almost immovably
among the foliage, or are stretched out to their full extent along
the twigs of trees and shrubs which they frequent. In these
positions their colouration (green, grey, brown, or mottled), as
well as their form, proves highly protective to them, being
imitative of their surroundings. The bright red and other spots
which adorn some species, on the contrary, serve as warning
signals for birds and lacertilians, which are very fond of the plain-
coloured kinds, but avoid the briglnly decorated forms generally.

140 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

The Phasmidse are distributed throughout the warmer regions
of all continents, but in Europe only a few small wingless species
occur, in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. In West-
ward's " Catalogue of the Phasmidse " 38 genera with 481 species,
&c., are mentioned, including some 17 genera with 61 Australian
and Polynesian species. But these have been since that time
(1859) largely added to. In Rainbow's "Catalogue " of 1897 there
are enumerated 17 genera with 61 species for Australia alone. In
a list which appeared in the " Transactions of the Royal Society
of South Australia," for 1902, 50 genera with about 122 species
are recorded. Owing, however, to some uncertainty in correctly
recognizing the sexual and larval states in some cases, on account
of their great divergency in form, and (2) to the difficulty of
correctly diagnosing allied species from dried or spirit specimens
in others, the above numbers may admit of corrections and
considerable fluctuations, according to the subjective views of
observers and authors.

Economically only a few kinds have proved injurious to any
considerable extent, and this no doubt owing to the blind
destruction or diminution by man of their principal natural foes
— viz., birds, smaller reptilians, and small mammals, especially
lizards and bats, either through prejudice, savage love of de-
struction, or for sport. Of such economically injurious species
the following may be mentioned : — Graeffea (Lopaphus)
cocophaga, Gray, is known to have sometimes seriously injured
young Cocoa Palm plantations at Fiji and elsewhere. Her-
mardius (Fhibahsoma) phytonius, Westwood, is reported as
occasionally greatly injuring the young shoots of sugar cane,
which the insects resemble when at rest. Podocanthus ivilkin-
soni, Macleay, is stated to have defoliated considerable tracts
of eucalyptus woods when present in inconceivably large
numbers. Most other species (and perhaps the above too at
ordinary times) are usually more or less rare and quite harmless.

The literature referring to the Phasmidae is not very extensive,
but scattered, costly, or otherwise not easily accessible. This
paucity is largely due to considerable difficulties in collecting,
preserving, and conserving specimens^ as well as in accumulating
extensive collections, owing to the large size, softness (when
fresh), and fragility (when dry) of the specimens ; nor are the
insects, for the same reasons, in favour with collectors either. To
this must be added the difficulty of correctly diagnosing from
frequently mutilated or distorted specimens, and by descriptions
in dead or foreign languages without illustrating figures.

The first to enter the list with an important classificatory work
was G. R. Gray, in the early part of last century ( " Synopsis of
the Phasmidse " and " Entomology of Australia " ), followed by
Latreille, Serville, and others. Next we have J. O. West-

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 141

wood's fine and illustrated but costly " Catalogue of Orthopterous
Insects: Part I.— Phasmidse " of 1859, supplemented by Henry
de Saussure's voluminous " Melanges Orthopterologiques "
(illustrated), 1869-71, with several minor works. In 1875 C.
Stal published his still indispensable work (in Latin) " Recencio
Orthopterorum," in the third part of which he furnished a
systematic key for the classification of all the genera after the then
known species of this family, and some time later some modifi-
cations in his "Observations " (1875) and " Orthoptera Nova ex
Insula Philippinis Descripti."

The system elaborated in the first-mentioned work by Stal is
that upon which the arrangement of the now forthcoming list has
been based, and among which the genera and species described
more recently have been intercalated, as well as I was able, but
subject to correction probably.

The latest classificatory work known to me is Brunner von-
Wattenwyl's " Re'vision du Systeme des Orthopteres," 1893, in
combination with descriptions of the Burma species. But as only
a part of Stal's genera are therein mentioned it could not be
availed of for the purposes of the list.

The following enumeration, however, shows the order in which
Stal's genera are arranged, and will or may assist curators of
larger collections of Australian Phasmids to arrange them accord-
ingly, if so minded : —

Family — Phasmids, Brunner, Rev. Orth.
Tribe I. — Lanchodides {op. ci>., p. 81),

Myronides, Lanchodes, Dixippus, Hyrtacus, Promachus.
Tribe II. — Bacunculides {op. cit., p. 82).

No Australian, &c., species.
Tribe III. — Bacterides {op. cit., p. 83).

Phibalosoma (to include Hermarchus, Stal), Bacteria, Bac-
tridium, Asprenas (Neanthes = female of Asprenas),
Orxines.
Tribe IV. — Necroscides {op. cit., p. 83).

Necrosia.
Tribe V. — Clitumnides {op. cit., p. 87).

Clitarchus, Pachymorpha, Karabidion, Eurycantha, Canachus.
Tribe VI. — Acropphyllides {op. cit., p. 97).

Tropidoderus, Diura, Extatosoma, Podocanthus, Graefifea,
Acrophylla, Ctenomorpha, Cyphocrania, Anchiale,
Vetilia.
Tribe VII. — Cladomorphides {op. cit., p. 98).

Heteropteryx, Pylaemenes.
Tribe VIII. — Anisomorphides {op. cit., p. 98).

No Australian, &c., species.
Tribe IX. — Phasmides {op. cit., p. 99).

Metriotes, Prisopus, Leosthenes.

142 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Tribe X. — Aschipasmides (pp. cit., p. loo).

No Australian, &c., species.
Tribe XI. — Bacillides {op. cit., p. loi).

Bacillus.
Tribe XII. — Phyllides (oj). cit., p. loi).

Phyllium, Chitoniscus.

[The detailed list of species appears in the " Proceedings of
the Royal Society of South Australia," vol. xxvi., part 2, pages
278-287.— Ed. Vict. Nat.]

THE GEOLOGY OF FLINDERS.
By G. B. Pritchard.

(Bead before the Field Naturalists^ Club of Victoria, 19th January, 1901.)
My intention in submitting a few geological notes on this district
to members was not to write a detailed paper, but rather to
explain some of the more interesting natural features along this
part of our coastal line by means of lantern views, in this way
reviving old memories of many present who have had the oppor-
tunity of enjoying the wondrous workings of nature in this
neighbourhood, and to others, perhaps, a new interest in coast
scenery for future enjoyment. This locality has been known
geologically for a very considerable time, having been mapped
and reported on in the first place by Mr. A. R. C. Selwyn as
early as 1854; but, strange to say, though so interesting, very
little work has been done since. One of the points of attraction
has been a small outcrop of Older Tertiary limestone and sand
on the shore-line just below the racecourse, and about a mile
west of West Head. This spot has been honoured by a very
large number of visits from geologists, but still it appears as rich
as ever in organic remains. At first sight there does not appear
to be much variety, but one is struck by the abundance of
Foraminifera, Calcisponges, and Polyzoa, but on closer investi-
gation the fauna shows very interesting variety, for, in addition to
the groups already mentioned, representatives of Echinoderma,
Palliobranchiata, Crustacea, Cirripedia, Lamellibranchiata, and
Gastropoda also occur. Some of these remains are in a good
state of preservation, being of a type capable of retaining their
form, even in such an extremely porous stratum ; but others,
notably the Gastropoda, are usually only preserved as internal
casts. The character of the enclosing rock being against the
retention of the external features, it is seldom that trustworthy
identifications can be made. One group of fossils to which con-
siderable interest attaches is that which has been so ably worked
at by Dr. G. J. Hinde— namely, the calcareous sponges — which
proved of considerable value from a biological as well as from a
palgeontological point of view.

Another attraction has been the beautiful zeolites and other

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 143

minerals to be obtained from certain layers of the old lava flows.
Beyond general collecting of the above character, little or nothing
appears to have been done.

Regarding the old volcanic rocks of the district, usually
referred to as " Older Basalt," Mr. Selwyn's original description
on his map gives a good idea of their character: — " Cliffs of hard,
dark basalt, with bands of soft red earthy porphyritic rock,
probably beds of volcanic mud. . . . " In his report * he
gives a much fuller and more accurate description of these rocks,
mentioning that — " The principal area occupied by them
extends eastward from Arthur's Seat to Cape Schanck, em-
bracing nearly the whole of the islands and southern shores of
Western Port Bay." Regarding the mapping of this area, ex-
ception has been taken to its delineation in the neighbourhood
of Sandy Point by Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., in his report on the
geology of the Shoreham camp-out f for he remarks : —
" At Sandy Point, Mr. Grant tells me, Silurian crops out
on the beach pretty extensively. Selwyn maps the country
there as volcanic." On the 1854 map this area is undoubtedly
coloured wrongly, but who was responsible for this error it is
difficult to say. Apparently it should have been coloured as
Palseozoic, for the boundary, though perhaps a tentative one, is
clearly defined. The part towards Sandy Point is indicated with a
Tertiary capping. However, on the part apparently erroneously
coloured there is clearly printed a remark which also extends
well into the area coloured as Palsezoic : — "Very little rock to
be seen in place from which the geological formation can be
ascertained. Probably Palaeozoic sandstone and slate." This
would mean an extension of the Palaeozoic over towards and
under Sandy Point, as the Tertiary is mapped as yellow dots,
which is usually taken to indicate a thin capping. Then on the
1856 map, for some reason or other, the boundary line running
from Hann's station north-westerly is omitted, and the Palaeozoic
remark is contracted into the more northern areas. Thus,
though the later map has more detail, and covers a larger area,
the earlier one would have been better but for the slip in colour-
ing, so far, at any rate, as the Sandy Point area is concerned.
The 1856 map, however, shows the Tertiary outcrop on West
Head and its westerly extension, whereas this feature is absent on
the earlier one. This region, during the reign of volcanic
activity, must have been a particularly warm quarter, and it
appears to me that the whole series of volcanic rocks of this end
of the peninsula is but the remnant of a nest of volcanic cones.

* " On the Geology, Palaeontology, and Mineralogy of the Country situated
between Melbourne, Western Port Bay, Cape Schanck, and Point Nepean,
accompanied by a Geological Map and Sections," by A. R. C. Selwyn.
November, 1854.

t Vic. Nat., vol. xix., No. I, May, 1902, p. 17.

144 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Judging by the decomposed breccia beds, ash beds, lava streaks,
and occasional dykes, by the changing dip of the ash, and other
layers at diflferent spots, there were several points of eruption in
the neighbourhood. One of these I would locate near Shoreham,
and inland from the present coast ; another about a mile and a
half west from West Head and close to the present coast line ;
and a third a short distance seawards from Elephant Rock and
the Blowhole, a locality about three miles east from Cape
Schanck. The Cape Schanck material may have come from the
same point of eruption as the last, or perhaps from a closely
adjoining vent.

Sehvyn remarks on the hardness of the olivine basalt and on
the absence of scoriaceous trap. Certainly some of the rock is very
dense, especially some of the shingle pebbles, but a great deal of
it is vesicular to a considerable extent, apart from some of the
zeolite layers, which are particularly cavernous. The materials
appear to me to clearly indicate the eruption of alternations of
ash and lava, some of the ash being fairly coarse, angular
fragments, apparently of decomposed scoria, of considerable
dimensions being frequently met with at each of the above-
mentioned localities. In some of the coast sections as many as
eight and nine lava flows with intercalated layers of ash and
breccia can be distinctly made out, especially at the Elephant
Rock section.

The basalt layers are well and closely jointed, and as a
consequence the weathering has made marked inroads, and much
of the rock is badly decomposed. Very good examples of
columnar and tabular jointing may be examined at various spots,
the latter structure being on the fine as well as on the coarse
scale. On the other hand, the ash layers, owing to their present
clayey consistency, are tough and tenacious when wet, and resist
removal to a marked extent, but when dry shrinkage cracks break
the mass up in a more or less rubbly manner, and the material
falls away rapidly. Thus, in the cliff sections above high water
mark the ash layers are frequently somewhat excavated, whilst
the harder basalt layers, though much battered-looking and
rounded off, form fantastic projections which lend to the cliffs
along this coast much of their natural beauty.

Then, again, the marine denudation lends another and perhaps
the strongest charm. The ceaseless battering to which the base of
the cliffs is subjected appeals to one so strongly that more result
is almost expected, for when one visits the same spot year after
year, and can notice no appreciable difference, the enormity of
time required by Nature for most of her carvings appears quite
incomprehensible. Yet there is the result. We gaze ! and admire !
and try to comprehend as much as possible.

[An excellent series of lantern views was shown in illustration
of the author's remarks. — Ed. Vict. Nat.]

Cbe Utctorlan naturalist.

V^OL. XIX.— No. 11. MARCH 5, 1903. No. 231.

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal
Society's Hall on Monday evening, 9th February, 1903. Mr.
O. A. Sayce (one of the vice-presidents) occupied the chair, and
about 45 members and visitors were present.

REPORTS.

A report of the Club's excursion to Launching Place from
Saturday to Monday, 24th-26th January, was read by the leader,
Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, who said that a most enjoyable outing had
been spent, and some profitable work done, more especially in
botany. The locality proved to be a good one for field work in
most branches of natural history.

The hon. librarian reported the receipt of the following
donations to the library: — "The Queensland Flora," part vi.,
by F. M. Bailey, F.L.S., Government Botanist, from the Depart-
ment of Agriculture, Queensland; and Knowledge, January, 1903,
from the proprietors. Also that the following works had been
purchased : — " Natural History of Plants," by Kerner and Oliver
(2 vols.); "Geology of Sydney and Blue Mountains," by J. M.
Curran ; and " The Foraminifera," by F. Chapman, A.L.S.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

On a ballot being taken, Mr. A. J. Day, Lands Department,
Melbourne, and Mr. Gordon Woods, Marshall-street, Moonee
Ponds, were elected members of the Club.

PAPERS.

1. By Mr. J. F. Haase, entitled "Records of Victorian
Entomostraca."

The author gave a brief outline of the group, and recorded
five species of the sub-order Cladocera, pointing out their
characteristics.

The chairman (Mr. O. A. Sayce) and Mr. J. Shephard made
some remarks on the paper.

2. By Mr. G. A. Keartland, entitled " Notes on the Genera
Polytelis and Spathopterus."

The author dealt more particularly with the habits of the
parrots belonging to these genera, both in confinement and
in their natural state, and drew attention to some of the
variations in plumage in the young forms.

Messrs. C. Coles, G. Coghill, and J. A. Kershaw discussed the
paper, the latter expressing a hope that Mr. Keartland would

146 tHE ViCtORtAN NATURALIST.

continue the work, especially the description of the intermediate
stages, the accomplishment of which would be much appreciated
by all workers in this branch.

3. By Mr. A. G. Campbell, entitled "Notes on the Geology of
King Island."

The author gave the results of some geological observations
made on a recent trip to King Island, and pointed out the
relations between the geology and the pastoral products of the
island.

Mr. F. Chapman made a few remarks on the paper.

4. By Mr. D. M'Alpine, entitled " The Micro-Fungi of
Australian Lobelias."

The author recorded the finding of nine different kinds of
fungi on a single species of Lobelia, and stated that eleven
different species of fungi are to be recorded as occurring on
Lobelias for Australia alone, each species of which belongs to a
different genus,

Messrs. F. G. A. Barnard and the chairman made some
remarks on the paper.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES.

Mr. Fred. S. Bryant contributed a note on " Minahs as Vermin
Destroyers," in which he stated that he had seen a pair of
Minahs (no doubt the introduced Indian Black-headed Minah
Temenuchus pagodorum) destroy two mice, and afterwards found
a third mouse apparently killed in the same manner.

Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., read an extract from a recent paper
on some Foraminifera collected on the South Australian coast,
and asked collectors to be on the watch for the species here.

Mr. A. D. Hardy made some remarks on his exhibit of the
skins of the Rattlesnake, Crotalus conjluentus.

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard. — Coleoptera, including Schizorhina
besti, collected during Launching Place excursion.

By Mr. C. French, jun. — Two rare Victorian beetles — viz.,
Tragoceriis spencei, from Mordialloc, and Ghalcojjhora albivittis,
from South Gippsland ; also a beetle, Cnemoplites (Malladon)
edulis, very destructive to the Banksias on the coast near
Cheltenham, Mordialloc, &c.

By Mr. A. D. Hardy. — Skins of Rattlesnake, Ci'otalus
conjluentus, Mexico.

By Mr. G. A. Keartland. — Skins of Polytelis barrahandi,
P. melanura, and Spathopterus alexandrce, in illustration of his
paper.

After the usual conversazione, the meeting terminated.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 147

EXCURSION TO LAUNCHING PLACE.

This excursion was arranged so as to allow of three days'
collecting -viz., 24th, 25th, and 26th January, Launching Place
is picturesquely situated on the Yarra, forty-one miles from town by
the new Warburton railway. The party consisted of Messrs. R.
Felstead, A. D. Hardy, C. S. Sutton, G. Weindorfer, and F. G. A.
Barnard (leader). The first day (Saturday) was spent in visiting
Warburton, seven miles further up the Yarra. Here a brief visit
was made to the Yithan Creek, about two miles from the town-
ship, where a good variety of ferns was obtained. Aspleniiim
umbrostim, Polypodinm grammitidis, and Pteris incisa were
particularly fine, and good specimens of Asplenitun hulhiferum
bearing numbers of young plants on the fronds were also
secured. Altogether some sixteen species of ferns were noted.
Among shrubs the most noticeable were Correct, lawrenciana (in
bloom) ; the Native Currant, Coprosma hillardieri, laden with
fruit ; and the Native Elder, Sambucus gaudichaudiajia, also in
fruit. Some specimens of the terrestrial amphipod, Talitrus
syJvaticus, were collected for anatomical observations. On re-
turning to Launching Place an hour or two was spent among the
shrubs along the Yarra, when some bushes of the Prickly Box,
Bursaria spinosa, were found to be fairly alive with beetles.
Among the specimens secured may be mentioned Eupoecila
(Schizorhhia) australasice, Don ; Polystigma (Schizorhina)
punctata, Don ; Ctiris auro-vittata, Boh. ; iStigmodera hurchelli,
Gory ; S. bicincta, Bdv. ; Lamprima splendens, Erich. ; Hesthesis
cingulatus, Kirbv ; Otnotes erosicoUis, Pasc. ; Obrida fascialis,
White ; and Mordella d^imhrella, Lea. Later on in the evening
Schizorhina christi/i was taken on the wing. Some fine specimens
of the Bullrush, Typha angustifolia, were collected ; also some
mud from the bed of a dried-up lagoon for the purpose of
cultivating Entomostraca, &c., at home.

Next day (SunHay) Malleson's Glen, on the Don River, about
five miles from Launching Place, was visited. Here the ferns
Lomaria lanceolata and L. Jtnviatilis were particularly fine ;
Aspidium capense, and several other species, were added to the
list. Fine specimens of the Sassafras, Atherosperma moschata,
and the Beech, Fagus ctmninghami, exist in this gully. A single
specimen of the Black Land-snail, Helix atramentaria, was taken,
and further examples of the amphipod, Talitrus sylvaticus.
Gorrea lawrenciana, Lomatia longijolia, and the orchid Microtis
porrifolia were noted in bloom. A couple of specimens of the
beetle Schizorhina besti were taken on the Bursaria.

The last day (Monday) was devoted to a visit to the Britannia
Creek valley, situated in the ranges midway between the Yarra
and the Little Yarra, about five and a half miles from Launching
Place. The most noticeable flowers collected were Mazus

148 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

pumilio, Helichrysum leucopsidium, and II. Jerrugineum. Come-
sperma ericinum, Tetratheca ciliata, Dianella longifolia, and
Lobelia simplicicaulis were also noted in bloom. A couple more
species of ferns were added to the list, and regret was expressed
that time did not allow of further exploration in such an
interesting district. — F. G. A. Barnard.

RECORDS OF SOME VICTORIAN ENTOMOSTRACA.
By J. F. Haase.

(with plate.)
(Read before the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, 9th Feb., 1903.)

The object of writing this paper is to bring before the members
this very interesting group, the study of which has been so
peculiarly neglected in our State. The species here mentioned
are the most likely forms to be met with in the neighbourhood
of Melbourne.

This paper will only deal with the Cladocera, one of the three
groups of the Entomostraca, the other two being Ostracoda and
Copepoda.

A few brief remarks dealing with their habits and mode of
reproduction may be of interest, particularly to those members
who may not have the opportunity to avail themselves of the
literature on the subject. As far as I am aware there are no
figures obtainable of the below species in our public libraries,
and I have thought it not out of place to illustrate the specimens
recorded.

The body, with the exception of the two pairs of antennae, is
enclosed in a shell or carapace, joined at the dorsal surface.
The ventral edges are open and movable.

Throughout life the animal undergoes a series of moults, more
noticeable in the young. Being much afflicted with growths of
Vorticella on the edges of the shell and appendages, rapid
moulting is a great advantage.

Respiration is carried on by means of branchise attached to the
feet. The feet, 5-6 pairs, vary in number in different genera.
They are not adapted for locomotion.

The head is furnished with two pairs of antennse, the
superior being one or two jointed, and having at the apex a
number of fine setae. These setae are considered to be the
olfactory organs. The inferior or swimming antennae are very
large, two-branched, many-jointed, and often densely plumose.

The eye is single and very distinct. An ocellus is often
present, sometimes small, but in the Chydoridae attains a large
size.

The alimentary canal, which is generally very conspicuous, is

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 149

nearly straight, but in some families becomes looped. Connect-
ing the mouth with the stomach is a short oesophagus.

There are two kinds of females — parthenogenetic, and the
ephippial, or sexually matured form.

The ordinary or parthenogenetic female deposits a number of
ova in the brood-cavity on the dorsal surface, being held in
position by the large curved lappet on the dorsal surface of the
tail.

When fully formed the young are thrown out at the posterior
edges of the valves. There is a close resemblance to the parent.

Towards the summer males begin to appear, and now are
developed by the females what are known as the resting eggs.
These eggs require fertilization in order to develop. After
fertilization, the ephippium, with the enclosed eggs, is thrown
off, and, as the pond dries up, becomes embedded in the mud.
There the eggs will remain until the autumn rains fill the pond,
when the young will again appear, and so start another cycle of
generations. A few words about the male may be of interest.
In size they are inferior to the female. The shell is more
angular and much narrower. The superior antennae are larger,
and often attain a considerable length. The first pair of feet are
generally provided with a strong curved hook. Time of appear-
ance coincides with that of the ephippial female.

SUB-ORDER— CLADOCERA.

Family — DAPHNiDiE.
Genus — Uaphnia, Muller.

Daphnia carinata, King, Proc. Roy. Soc. Van Diemen's Land,
vol. ii., part 2, p. 246, plate i., p. 253, plate vi.A ; G. O.
Sars, Arch. Natur, Christiania, xviii., No. 2, pp. 2-11 (includ-
ing typical form and varieties intermedia and magniceps).

This fine species is very abundant in the vicinity of Melbourne,
occurring in almost every small pond, attaining a very large size
in pools of a clayey nature. In common with others of the genus,
variation occurs to a considerable degree, both in the shape of the
crest and length of spine. Fig. i closely resembles typical form
figured by Prof G. O. Sars. Fig. 2 shows a very distinct variety
from a pond in the Albert Park, the spine being extremely short.
This is very noticeable even in the very young.

DistribiUion. — Near Sydney (King) ; near Hay ; near Sydney
(Sars) ; neighbourhood of Melbourne, Werribee.

Genus — Simocephalus, Schoedeler.

Daphnia elizabethce, King.

Simocephalus elizabethce, King, G. O. Sars, Vid. Selsk, Christiania,
1888, No. 7, pp. 22-25, plate ii., figs. 6 and 7.

150 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

S. elizabethce, King, Sars, Arch. Natur, Christiania, xviii., No. 3,
pp. II and 12.

I have found this handsome species abundantly at Heidelberg.
Up to the present no ephippial females or males have come under
my notice. This form has kept very well in a small aquarium,
increasing moderately during the last eight months.

Distribution. — Near Rockhampton ; near Sydney (Sars) ;
neighbourhood of Melbourne.

S. acutirostratus, King (syn. S. paradoxus. Schoedeler ; Daplmia

elizabethce, var. acutiros trains, King).
S. acutirostratus, Kmg, G. O. Sars, Arch. Natur, xviii,, No. 4,

p. 12, plate ii., fig. 1-3.

A few fine specimens were taken at Mordialloc during
September. It can be easily distinguished from the preceding
species by the acute rostrum, also in being much larger and of a
deep green colour.

Distribution. — Near Sydney (G. O. Sars) ; Mordialloc.

Genus — Moina, Baird.

Moina tenuicornis, G. O. Sars, Arch. Natur, Christiania, xviii.,
No. 3, pp. 24-27, plate iv.
This is a very abundant species, increasing at an astonishing
rate. The body of the female has an orange tinge. The males
are highly pellucid.

Distribution. — Near Sydney (G. O. Sars) ; neighbourhood of
Melbourne.

. Family — Chydorid^.

Genus — Pleuroxus, Baird.

Pleuroxus inermis, G. O. Sars, Arch. Natur, Christiania, pp.
31-35, plate v., figs. 8 and 9.

This very small species was reared by me from some mud
taken at Heidelberg. It generally keeps close to the bottom,
swimming about at a very rapid rate.

Distribution. — Near Sydney (G. O. Sars) ; neighbourhood of
Melbourne.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE.

Fig. I. — D. cariiiata, typical form ; s, spine.

Fig. 2. — D. car mala, variety ; e, ephippium.

Fig. 3. — S. elizabethce; f^-f^, feet (five pairs); e, eye; oc, ocellus;
a}^, first antennas; a?, second antennas; la., labrum ; h, heart; a.c, ali-
mentary canal ; an., anus.

Fig. 4. — .S". actittrostratiis ; b.c, brood cavity, containing ova, 0.

Fig. 5. — M. tenuico'uis.

Fig. 6. — F. inermis.

(All figures highly magnified.)

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

March, 1903.

-J.F.K del

VICTORIAN ENTOMOSTRACA.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 151

NOTES ON THE GENERA POLYTELIS AND
SPATHOPTERUS.
By G. a. Keartland.
{Read before the Field NataraUsts' Club of Victoria, 9th Feb., 1903.)
The genera under notice are probably the most interesting of our
Australian parrots. In some respects they occupy a mid-position
between Psephotus and Trichoglossus, but are quite distinct from
either. Whilst their flight is as rapid as that of the latter, the
extreme length of the wings and tail form a distinguishing feature.
Although their bills are not so broad as that of Psephotus, they
are able to crack and shell grain and seed rapidly. At the same
time the upper mandible is not so pointed as that of the
Trichoglossi, but they extract honey from blossoms with equal
facility. In fact, one of the prettiest sights I saw during a trip to
Riverina was a flock of male Polytelis barrabandi devouring the
honey in the blossom of the yellow box. They suspended
themselves in all manner of attitudes, and worked away regard-
less of whether head, tail, back, or breast was uppermost.
Ovving to the length of their wings these birds are able to travel
a great distance in a short time, and they always seem to be in a
hurry. Still their geographical range is somewhat restricted. In
captivity the Polytelis become most interesting pets on account of
their activity and gentle disposition. Whilst the Platycerci almost
invariably become spiteful after a year's confinement, the
Polytelis seem to increase in confidence and affection for their
keeper. A brief note on the different species will perhaps prove
interesting to some of our ornithologists, commencing with

Polytelis barrabandi, Green-Leek Parrakeet.

Although this bird has its headquarters in southern New
South Wales and northern Victoria, in the early days of the
colony flocks of them were found as far south as the Yarra River
at Heidelberg, and along the creeks at Keilor. My late father
shot them at both places. They are also occasionally seen along
the Warrego and Condamine Rivers in Southern Queensland.
These beautiful parrakeets are now found in greatest numbers
along tiie courses of the Murrumbidgee and Murray Rivers, where
they breed in the hollow spouts of the giant trees on the river
flats, usually selecting the highest branches. During the breed-
ing season the males congregate in flocks, whilst their partners
are engaged in the work of incubation. As illustrating their
sociable disposition, I may mention that as many as four nests
containing young ones were found in one tree. The Green-Leek
feeds on grass seed and thistles during part of the year, but as
soon as the eucalypts blossom honey becomes its staple food.
During the first year there is difficulty in distinguishing the sexes.

152 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

The plumage is almost uniformly dull green, with a slight roseate
tinge on the throat, pink on the inner webs of the tail feathers,
and scarlet on the thighs. At the age of six months the first
moult takes place, but beyond a slight brightening of the colours
no perceptible change is noted. At twelve months the male
changes to a beautiful bright green and acquires the gamboge-
yellow forehead, face, and throat, with a bright scarlet crescent
dividing the lower margin of the yellow from the green. At the
third moult the scarlet on the thighs disappears, and the inner
webs of the tail feathers become black. The female undergoes
very slight change in plumage beyond losing the scarlet on the
thighs.
PoLYTELis iMELANURA, Black-tailed Parrakeet.

This is decidedly the largest species of the genus, and is also
known as the " Smoker " and " Rock Pebbler." It is confined
to a comparatively narrow strip of country, embracing Southern
New South Wales, Northern Victoria, across South Australia to
near King George's Sound in the west ; but the greatest numbers
are seen in the St. Arnaud and Wimmera districts. They are
partial to Mallee country, where they find sufficient grass seeds to
supply their wants during the greater portion of the year, but
when the Mallee is in blossom, which usually happens about
September or October, they abandon the seed in favour of honey.
During these months the young broods are reared. The eggs,
five or six in number, are deposited in the hollow spout of any
convenient tree, generally in the vicinity of fresh water. In
favourable seasons as many as five or six young ones may be
taken from a nest, but when, as often happens in the Mallee, the
season is dry and blossom scarce, only one or two eggs are
hatched. At the age of about three weeks the young leave the
nest. The birds then congregate in flocks, and remain so for
about three months, when they separate into pairs or small
groups. During the breeding season the males may be seen in
flocks whilst their mates are sitting, but as soon as the young are
hatched both parents assist in supplying their wants. Like
P. barrabaridi, the young of both sexes resemble the female. The
adult male has head, neck, and under parts all bright jonquil-
yellow, olive saddle, with scarlet patches on the wing coverts.
The under side of the tail is black. The female is dull olive-
green where her mate is yellow. The inner webs of the tail
feathers are rosy pink. The remaining marks are similar, but not
so bright as those of the male.
Spathopterus ALEXANDRA, Princess Alexandra Parrakeet.

This bird was placed in the genus Polytelis by Gould, but
when a series of carefully sexed birds, collected by myself on the
Horn Scientific Expedition, was submitted to Mr. A. J. North,

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 153

that gentleman noticed a peculiar spatula formation at the end of
the second primary feather, and at once placed it in a separate
genus under the name of Spathopterus. Mr. North's action has
been challenged by some local critics, but the fact that the
British Museum authorities have endorsed the alteration should
satisfy our members that the change was warranted. As Gould
has omitted any mention of the sexes of the specimens he
examined, it is only just to assume that the required information
was not at hand. However, as the birds exhibit many of the
characteristics of the Polytelis, I have embraced them in this
paper. The range of this species has been traced from about
loo miles east of Alice Springs in Northern Territory to near
Mount Bates in Western Australia, and from Joanna Springs in the
North-West to the Finke River, at Crown Point, in the southern
part of the Northern Territory. During the greater part of the
year they are in flocks scattered over the most desert-like portions
of the interior, where they subsist on the small seeds of the
Spinifex (Triodia), and seek shelter in the desert oaks (Casuarina).
But whenever their breeding places have been discovered they
were near water. During September or October, 1895, Mr.
Chas. Pritchard found them breeding on the Todd, Hugh, and
Palmer Rivers. Although they had not been known to visit
those localities during the previous thirty years, strange to relate,
they bred there again in 1901. With the exception of the
spatulate wing feathers, previously alluded to, the sexes are alike
in plumage, and the young differ very slightly from their parents.
Mr. A. Zeitz, of Adelaide Museum, who has bred several young
ones in his aviary, informed me that the spatule does not
appear until the third moult. Gould was slightly in error in
stating that this bird is of the same size as P. harrabandi. It is
much smaller, but has a longer and narrower tail.

NOTE ON AN INTERESTING OCCURRENCE OF THE
PELAGIC FORAMINIFER, CYMBALOPOBA (TRET-
OMPHALUS) BULLOIDES, ON THE COAST OF
SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

In the " Journal of the Quekett Microscopical Club," November,
1902, pp. 309-322, Mr. A. Earland has given an account of
some pure foraminiferal material, formed of the above species,
which was gathered by Mr. E. H. Matthews, of Yorke Town,
South Australia. The latter recounts finding the material stranded
on the shore at Corney Point, Hardwicke Bay, west of Yorke
Peninsula. Mr. Matthews says : — " The tide was beginning to
ebb, and I found along the ripple edge what I took at first to be
seaweed spore, got my glass out and found it to be this foram.
. . . I gathered about a teaspoonful, and could have got

154 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

pints. In places it was four or five inches wide, and extended
for quite a quarter of a mile. . . . The bay extends for
about eighty miles, and is more or less sandy along the whole
length, and shallow, the five-fathom line ranging about one and a
half miles from the beach — in fact, I do not think any part of the
bay exceeds seven fathoms. The bottom in patches is densely
covered with a growth of sponges and seaweed, with muddy ooze
containing Lima and other mollusca."

Mr. Earland discusses in detail the relationship of the
" balloon " chamber and the inner float chamber, and the latter,
he suggests, may possibly be used to modify the specific gravity
of the shell, as a means of travelling upwards from the sea
bottom or vice versd.

In view of clearing up many points of great interest and im-
portance regarding the function of the " balloon " chamber and
its reproductive contents, it is hoped that local naturalists here
and elsewhere, who are favourably situated, will look out for such
occurrences, and endeavour to preserve the fresh material either
in spirit or formalin for future observation. Hitherto this par-
ticular form has been usually found in the neighbourhood of coral
reefs and in lower latitudes.

As Mr. Earland observes, these shoals of organisms must have
been driven ashore by steady currents caused by the north wind,
which had been blowing in the same direction for some days. —
F. Chapman, A.L.S.

BOOK NOTICES.

Nature in New Zealand. Compiled by Jas. Drummond and
edited by Capt. F. W. Hutton, F.R.S., Director Christchurch
Museum. Christchurch : Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd.
1902. Price 2S. 6d.
" Nature in New Zealand," the editor tells us, originated in a
series of conversations between Mr. Drummond and himself,
which formed the foundations for several newspaper articles,
entitled " Rambles in a Museum." These, it was afterwards
thought, with a little modification would form a suitable Natural
History reading book for schools, hence the book under notice.
Though designed for a school book, it is written in such a form
that many an older student will be glad to avail himself of its
pages, and to Australian students it is especially valuable. It is
charmingly written, well illustrated, and beautifully printed. New
Zealand being naturally so deficient in mammals, reptiles, and
insects, the authors have been compelled to make considerable
use of birds, but geology and plants have not been forgotten,
while some seventy pages are devoted to the origin and history of
that extremely interesting race, the Maoris. An appendix giving
the principal authorities on New Zealand natural history and on

tHE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 155

the Maoris, hints on the pronunciation of Maori names, summaries
of the chapters, and a good index, help to complete the volume,
and make up a book which should be on every nature student's
bookshelf.

Nature Studies in Australia. By VVm. Gillies, M.A., and
Robert Hall, C.M.Z.S., F.L.S. Melbourne : Whitcombe and
Tombs Ltd. 1903- Price 2s.

This little volume of rather more than 300 pages, to which Mr.
Frank Tate, M.A., Director of Education, contributes an excellent
introduction, has been j)ublished " as a reader designed to
interest the senior boys and girls of elementary schools." Seeing
that so little has been written in the way of popular books on
Australian Natural History, we feel sure that older folks cannot
fail to be interested and instructed by perusing its brightly written
and illustrated pages, learning thereby something of the why and
wherefore of the life around them. As may be expected from the
sympathies of one of the authors, the book deals largely with
bird-life in its different aspects, but the lower forms of life, such
as reptiles, marine creatures, and insects, have not been over-
looked. The chapters are written in the conversational style, by
which the authors have been enabled to lay greater stress on certain
points. The illustrations, which number about eighty-five, include
a coloured frontispiece of the heads of robins, showing the
"recognition marks." The final chapter, headed "Method in
Nature Study," shows how to apply the lessons to everyday
observations. Fifteen pages of notes, really an extended glossary,
should prove useful to the young student. The most novel
feature in the volume is a "Nature Study Calendar for Victoria,"
in which has been attempted for the first time a monthly record
of the first appearance, &c., of birds, insects, other animals, and
flowers. As Victoria presents several marked differences of climate,
the records are arranged according to the divisions adopted by
the late Baron von Mueller in part ii. of his " Key to the System
of Victorian Plants," and the authors are to be congratulated on
the clearness of the scheme, which cannot fail to arouse a greater
interest in the study of nature, and in future editions of the work
can be improved and extended. A list of the common names of
Victorian birds and a copious index complete the work, which
we trust will be adopted for the senior classes of public and
private schools throughout Victoria.

Honours. — At the twentieth congress of the American
Ornithologists' Union held in Washington, D.C., in November,
1902, Mr. A. J. North, C.M.Z.S., Ornithologist of the Australian
Museum, Sydney, was elected a Corresponding Fellow of the
Union.

156 THE Victorian naturalist.

Mr. Robert Hall, the well-known bird-lover, and member of
the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, left Melbourne early last
month on an extended collecting trip through Ceylon, Singapore,
and Japan to Siberia, and thence to Europe. He is accompanied
by Mr. R. E. Trebilcock, of Geelong, also an enthusiastic
naturalist, and we wish them every success in their investigations.

Pulpit Rock, Cape Schanck. — The Pulpit Rock, off Cape
Schanck, was named over sixty years ago on account of its bearing
on its summit an excrescence about 6 feet high that suggested to
seafaring men passing by in their vessels the appearance of a
pulpit ; but few, if any, knew what the so-called pulpit was
composed of In reality it was the nest of a pair of White-bellied
Sea-Eagles, Haliaetus leucogaster, which had probably been used
for many years, and so had reached a very large size. It was
composed mostly of sticks, many being fairly large, as well as
some seaweed, bones, &c. ; but unfortunately for the birds they
were both shot by visitors from Flinders many years ago, and the
nest, strong as it was, has gradually been blown away bit by bit,
until nothing remains of it. The rock on which it was placed,
and which is named " Pulpit Rock " on the chart, is now often
wrongly called by visitors " Pyramid Rock," as they see nothing
on it that gives the appearance of a pulpit. Pyramid Point is on
Phillip Island. Although this rock is close to the mainland, it
has surf breaking all round it, and in consequence is exceedingly
difficult to land on, and one life was lost some years ago in an
attempt to do so, the venturer being drawn out to sea and
drowned. — D. Le Souef.

[An illustration of Pulpit Rock will be found as a frontispiece
to vol. ii. of " The Aborigines of Victoria," R. Brough Smyth,
F.L.S., Melbourne, 1878.— Ed. Vict. Nat.]

Prostanthera walteri, F. v. M. — This shrub, originally
found by Mr. C. Walter on Mount Ellery, Croajingolong, East
Gippsland, in December, 1869, and named after him by Baron
von Mueller (" Fragmenta," vol. vii., p. 108), and subsequently
found by a New South Wales collector on Mount Hay in that
State, has recently been added to the flora of N.E. Victoria,
having been found by Dr. Sutton and Messrs. Barnard and
Weindorfer during a collecting trip in the Buffalo Mountains,
December, 1902.

New Australian Birds. — The Ibis for October, 1902,
contains coloured plates of the two new Australian birds,
Eremiornis carteri and Platycerctos macgillivrayi, named and
described by Mr. A. J. North, C.M.Z.S., Australian Museum,
Sydney, in the Victorian Natur-alist, vol. xvii. (1900). The
birds were exhibited at a recent meeting of the British
Ornithologists' Club, and the illustrations are accompanied by
some remarks by Dr. Sclater, F.Z.S.

Cl)e Uktorlan naturaltsi

Vol. XIX.— No. 12. APRIL 9, 1903. No. 232.

FIELD NATURALISTS" CLUB OF VICTORIA,

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal
Society's Hall on Monday evening, 9th March, 1903. The
president, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., occupied the chair, and about
forty-five members and visitors were present.

REPORTS.

Mr. J. Shephard reported that, owing to bad weather, the
excursionists to Black Rock on Saturday, 14th February, were
disappointed with the results of their outing. The intention was
to have used the tow-net for surface forms, but, owing to the water
being too rough, the attempt made was unsuccessful.

The hon. librarian reported the receipt of the following
donations to the library : — " Proceedings of the Royal Society of
Victoria," new series, vol. xv., part 2 (1903), from the society;
Wombat, vol. v., part 4 (December, 1902), from the Geelong Field
Naturalists' Club ; The Agricultiiral Gazette of New South Wales,
vol. xiii. (1902), vol. xiv., parts i and 2 (1903), from the Depart-
ment of Agriculture, New South Wales ; " Forest Flora of New
South Wales," part i., by J. H. Maiden, F.L.S., Government
Botanist, from the author ; Nature Notes, January, 1903, from the
Selborne Society, London ; Knowledge, February, 1903, from the
proprietors.

PAPERS.

T. By Mr. S. P. Townsend, entitled " A Trip to Mud Island
Port Phillip Bay."

The author, in an interesting paper, which was read by Mr. C.
Coles, dealt principally with the bird life of the island, and more
particularly with the Storm Petrel rookeries, which, the author
stated, were evidently at one time very extensive, but which have
been to a great extent destroyed by the guano-diggers. He gave
some valuable information as to the habits of these birds and the
results of two separate visits to the island, and suggested the
advisability of the Government protecting these rookeries from
demolition by the guano-diggers.

In the discussion which followed Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S.,
stated that members would be glad to know that the Government
have issued a notice protecting the Petrels and preventing the
removal of the soil and guano from the rookeries.

The President and Messrs. F. G. A. Barnard, G. Coghill, A.
Coles, and S. W. Fulton also discussed the paper, the latter stating

158 ■ THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

that the crabs mentioned were probably a species of Hetero-
grapsus.

2. By Mr. D. Goudie, entitled " Notes on the Larvae and
Pupee of Birchip Heterocera," part iii.

The author gave an account of the life -history of the moth
Hyleora dihioida, Felder, and exhibited a water-colour drawing
of the moth, larva, and pupa.

Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., in speaking on the subject, drew
attention to the close resemblance between H. caustopis and
H. eucalypti, the latter of which is one of the rarest of our Vic-
torian moths. So far as he could find, the National Museum
collection is the only Victorian collection which contains Victorian
examples of H. eucalypti. These specimens were collected by
the late Mr. W. Kershaw about thirty years ago, and, as far as he
could ascertain, this species had not been taken in Victoria since
that time. He mentioned that Dr. Turner, of Queensland, was
at present engaged in revising this group, and the results of his
work would shortly be published.

3. By Dr. C. S. Sutton and Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, entitled
" Among the Alpine Flowers."

The authors gave an interesting account of a visit to the Vic-
torian Alps (Mt. Hotham) and the Buffalo Mountains at Christ-
mas time, mentioning the principal plants and shrubs then in
bloom, their observations resulting in several additional species
being recorded for the N.E. district of Victoria. The paper was
well illustrated by maps, photographs, and specimens.

Messrs. H. T. Tisdall, J. Shephard, and the President
congratulated the authors on the splendid results of their trip,
and spoke highly of the great trouble they had taken in placing
such a large and interesting exhibit, consisting of the plants, &c.,
collected during their trip, before the meeting.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES.

Mr. F. C. Christy contributed a note on the English Blackbirds,
Turdus merula, feeding their young on the larvae of the Vine
Moth, Agarista glycine. Mr. G. A. Keartland remarked that the
Pallid Cuckoo, Cuculus pallidus, was one of our most useful
birds for destroying these larvae.

Mr. Kearthmd also mentioned that he has four different species
of birds sitting on eggs at the present time, and stated that it was
rather remarkable that they should be nesting at this time of the
year.

EXHIBITS.

By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard. — Living fern, Lomaria alpina, from
Mt. St. Bernard ; geological specimens from summit of Mt.
Hotham and the Buffalo Gorge ; also maps and photographs in
illustration of paper.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 169

By INIiss S. W. L. Cochrane. — Native Grinding Stone, found
at Tocumwal, N.S.VV.

By Mr. A. Coles. — Glossy Ibis, Ibis falcinellus.

By Mr. C. French, jun. — Fine specimens of the remarkable
Cotton-like Scale Insect, Pidvinnria tecta, on Kunzea, from
South Gipsland.

By Mr. G. A. Keartland. — Eggs of Wedge-tailed Eagle, one of
which is pure white. Both taken from the same nest.

By Mr. F. M. Reader.— Medicinal plants from Minnesota,
U.S., America : — Frunics serotina, Veronica virginica, and
Monarda inmctata. Also the following naturalized plants, new
for Victoria : — Medicago turhinata, Dimboola ; Papaver dubium,
Lowan ; Sisymbrium columnce, Dimboola and Borung,

By Dr. C. S. Sutton. — Dried plants in illustration of paper,
including Prostanthera walteri, Leontopodium. catipes, Aciphylla
glacialis, and Epacris mucronulata.

By Mr. W. Scott. — Butterflies and moths from Ceylon.

By Mr. S. P. Townsend. — Specimens of White-faced Storm
Petrel, Pelagodroma marina, showing the adult and young in
different stages of development, in illustration of his paper.

By Mr. C. Walter. — Plants new for N.W. of Victoria : — Kochia
microphylla and Euj)horbia drummondi, collected at Saltwater
River, near Maribyrnong Racecourse, by Mr. C. French, jun.,
February, 1903.

By Mr. G. Weindorfer. — Dried plants in illustration of paper
by Dr. Sutton and Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, including Veroiiica
nivea, Bceckea crenatifolia, Spiranthes australis, Kxhnzea
corifolia, &c.

By Mr. J. Wilcox. — Sea-horse from southern coast of Tasmania,

After the usual conversazione, the meeting terminated.

THE MICRO-FUNGI OF AUSTRALIAN LOBELIAS.
By D. M'Alpine, Government Vegetable Pathologist.

[Read hefore the Field Naturalists'' Cluh of Victoria, 2th Feb., 1903.)

The immediate cause of writing this paper was the finding of
nine different kinds of fungi on a series of specimens of a small
species of Lobelia kindly forwarded to me by Mr. C. French,
jun., who has recently been adding considerably to the micro-
fungi of Victoria by his enthusiastic and intelligent collecting.

The Lobelias belong to the natural order Campanulaceae, and
are represented by about 200 species of greenhouse and hardy
herbaceous plants, shrubs being very rare among them. They
contain the poisonous alkaloid known as lobeline, in the form of
a yellow viscid liquid, but this evidently does not prevent them
being attacked by fungi.

160 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

If we take the Index Kewensis as our guide, there are 22 species
of this genus in AustraUa, and of these about one-third, or 7, are
found in Victoria. Of the 12 usually given for Victoria 4 are now
assigned to the genus Pratia, which differs principally from
Lobelia in the fruit being a berry and not a dry capsule.
Further, the L. browniana and L. sirnplicicaulis are considered
to be synonymous with L. gibbosa, Labill. ; so that there remain 7
Victorian species, as follows : — L. anceps, Thunb. ; L. benthami,
F. V. M. ; L. gibbosa, Labill. ; L. microsperma, F. v. M. ; L.
pratioides, Benth. ; L. purpurascens, R. Br. • L. rhombifolia, De
Vriese.

According to Saccardo's comprehensive work, the " Sylloge
Fungorum," only 17 species of fungi are recorded on this genus
of plants ; and of these only one has hitherto been found in
Australia, viz., Puccinia aucta, Berk, and F. v. M.

Now, there are 11 different species of fungi to be recorded on
Lobelias for Australia alone, and when I state that 9 of them
have to be added from having been found on a single species of
Lobelia (L. gibbosa, Labill.) collected during the past season by
a single member of this Club, you may be able to form some
faint idea of what a wealth of new forms awaits the investigator
in this fascinating field of fungi, and how much still remains to be
done in connection with the fungus-flora of Australia.

Now let us take these 1 1 species of fungi and see how they
are distributed among the different divisions of this great group of
plants. I have no intention of framing a classification of fungi,
but simply to place these forms in their respective families, and
give some idea of their affinities.

Uredines — I. Puccinia aucta, Berk, and F. v. M.
2. Cseoma lobeliae (Thuem.), M'Alp.

Sph^ropsides — 3. Phoma lobeliae, B. and Br.

4. Macrophoma brunnea, M'Alp,

5. Coniothyrium olivaceum, Bon.

6. Hendersonia lobeliae, M'Alp.

7. Rhabdospora lobeliae, M'Alp.

8. Pestalozzia citrina, M'Alp.

Hyphomycetes — 9. Fusarium gracile, M'Alp.

10. Septotrichum lobeliae, M'Alp.

11. Sclerotium.

It will be noted that each species belongs to a different genus,
and they are all found in Victoria with the exception of Puccinia
aucta, which is a South Australian form, and Cceoma lobelice,
which occurs in New South Wales as well as in Victoria. Among
the Uredines or Rusts there are two species. The one is a
Puccinia, and only found at Port Lincoln on Lobelia anceps.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 161

Through the courtesy of Mr. J. G. Luehmann, F.L.S., I am able
to show you this unique specimen from the National Heriiarium.

The other is a Cseoma, and it is interesting as being one of
the only two recorded for Australia. Cseoma-forms are just
..^cidia without the cups or pseudo-peridia, and represent one of
the stages of the development of rust-fungi.

It has been experimentally proved that a number of these
Cseoma-forms represent a stage in the life-history of the
Melampsorese, but none of this genus has been found as yet on
Lobelia. From their general appearance and close resemblance
to ^cidia it is not surprising that these Caeoma-forms are
mistaken for them, and ^cidium lobelice, Thuem., now turns out
to be a Cseoma.

The Sphseropsides are a group of imperfect fungi, so called
because they are assumed to be the imperfect stage of a higher
group in which the spores are not only contained in a capsule or
perithecium, as in this instance, but are also enclosed in a bag or
ascus inside the perithecium. Although the connection between
the so-called lower and higher forms has been proved in a few
cases, yet in the great majority it has not been traced.

On our Lobelias there are six genera in this group, representing
as many species, and they have either colourless or coloured
spores, which are either continuous or divided by transverse
partitions or septa.

The Hyphomycetes or Moulds are represented by two species.
The one, Fusarium gracile, is ruddy in the mass, while the
slender, graceful conidia are colourless. The other is a black
fungus, and the most common of all on Lobelia gibbosa, yet it is
so peculiar in its structure that I had to place it in a new genus,
named Septotrichum from the dark-brown setje or hairs which
cover it being septate.

There still remains to be described a hard, black, irregular
body, known as a Sclerotium. On some of the whitened stems
found by Mr. French at Carrum there were black bodies, either
naked or covered, round or irregular in shape, and varying in
size from ^ mm. to 2 or 3 mm. in length. As the stems decay
these bodies are set free and lie on the ground until growth
commences again, and then they produce the reproductive stage
of the fungus. When cut across ihey are seen to be composed of
innumerable fungus-filaments, closely compacted, whitish in the
interior, but dark toward the outer surface. These Sclerotia or
hard bodies represent a resting stage of the fungus in which the
mycelial threads are twisted round each other like a ball of
worsted and rendered compact. They are usually of a dark
colour on the outside and more or less white within, and vary in
size from very small shot to that of a child's head.

Formerly this was reckoned a genus by itself, but it is now

162 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

known simjjly to represent a stage in the history of a fungus in
which it remains dormant, and goes into winter-quarters at the
end of the growing season. There are quite a number known in
connection with various fungus diseases, and the one belonging
to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Massee, is considered to surpass any
other parasitic fungus in the variety of species it attacks and kills.

A well-known form is the Ergot of Rye, but perhaps you are
more familiar with the " Native Bread," which is the Sclerotium-
stage of what is now called Polyporus mylittce.

The distribution of these fungi is rather interesting. Puccinia
aucta is only known from Australia on the single species L.
anceps, and in fact from a single locality. Port Lincoln. Since
the host-plant on which it occurs is found in all the Australian
States, as well as in New Zealand, South Africa, and South
America, I see no reason why this rust should not be found
elsewhere if carefully searched for.

Gceoma lobelice is the jEcidvum. lobelue, Thuem., and the
/Ecidium microstomum, Berk. It is given in Cooke's " Hand-
book of Australian Fungi " as the ^cidium-stage of Puccinia
aucta, but that connection must now cease. It likewise occurs
on a single species of Lobelia (Z. j^ratioides), although it is also
found on Pralia erecta, P. pediinculata, and P. platycal jx. It
has been found both in Victoria and New South Wales. The
remaining nine species of fungi are confined to L. gibbosa, with
the exception of Coniothyrium olivaceum, which is common on
a great variety of plants in different parts of the world, and were
all discovered at Sandringham or Carrum in December and
January.

I have confined my attention in this paper to a single genus
of plants, and, although limited in its scope, it shows how rich and
varied our fungus-flora is, and also indicates that a number of
our native plants which at present are supposed to be free from
fungi may, by the intelligent collector, be made to yield a rich
harvest.

But while individual genera are thus studied, it is more satis-
factory from a scientific point of view to take some well-defined
family of plants and see the assemblage of fungi which affect it
as a whole. This is at present being done in the family of
orchids, and Mr. French, jun., has already added several to the
list.

It is commonly stated that there is no family more free from
the attacks of parasitic fungi than the orchids, owing to their
generally hard leaves being furnished with a compact epidermis,
a very thick cuticle, and very small stomata, but I find that even
here they are not so scarce when particular attention is directed
to them.

If this brief account of the fungi found on our Australian

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, 163

> '

Lobelias should lead to more attention being paid to the fungus-
parasites which affect our native vegetation, then I will feel amply
rewarded for the time bestowed upon their examination.

NOTES ON THE GEOLOGY OF KING ISLAND.

By a. G. Campbell.

{Read before the Field Naturalists^ Cluh of Victoria, 9tli Feh., 1903.)

In November, 1887, an expedition consisting of some twenty-six
members of this Club visited King Island, in Bass Strait, about
50 miles to the south of Cape Otway. The reports published in
the Victorian Naturalist of January, 1888, show that the only
regret was that more time could not be given to the geology of
the island.

A few observations which I was able to make during a recent
visit, I trust will be of some service, not only from an economical
point of view, but also in making more complete the said reports
of the fifteen-year-ago expedition.

Between then and now King Island has established itself in the
industries of cattle-rearing and dairy farming, and has become a
very valuable asset to Tasmania. The natural herbage and scrub
gave little promise of the soil's capacity to bear such magnificent
pasture as is now found throughout the length and breadih of the
island. It should, of course, be recognized that the governing
influence in the productiveness of any tract of country is just its
geological formation, plus the amount of that most essential thing,
rain or drainage water, with which it is blessed. Some
formations deliberately waste this magic substance, and no amount
of man's ingenuity can save sufficient to keep the surface soil
productive ; but, on the other hand, of all the areas where Nature
assists man by conserving the waters for him, it is doubtful if any
are so favoured as King Island. Here geology shows as plainly
as anywhere in the southern part of this continent its beneficent
connection with agriculture.

Looking at a map of Bass Strait, it is seen that on the eastern
side a continuous chain of islets runs from Wilson Promontory
to the north-east point of Tasmania, and we believe that this is
all that now remains of a once existing land bridge between the
two. On the west islets again lead out from Tasmania as far as
King Island, but between there and the mainland at Cape Otway
is a deep strait, doubtless marking the place where the first
disruption in earlier geological times took place.

All the islands, both 00 the east and on the west, are built of
the one class of material — igneous granitoid rock — (this fact is
strong evidence of their connection once upon a time).

The base rock of King Island is no exception — it is granitoid,

164 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

and the platform, as it were, of this material rises to just above
sea-level. On this rests a Tertiary formation of dune sand very
similar to what is found about Sorrento. This has been derived
from some old sea-shore where an ancient sea pounded up shells
with the grains of quartz and felspar derived from the breaking
down of the granite, and strong winds took the smaller pieces
away and piled them up high and dry. The prevalent winds are
from the west and south-west, and have been so for ages, for the dune
sand (which had its origin on the west side only) now completely
covers the granite platform, and is advancing into the sea on the
eastern side of the island. The base rock, as would be expected
from this, is exposed at the seashore for practically the whole
length of the west coast, and at any part its hard and varied
character can be seen. Much of it shows gneissic characters ;
it is in layers, or bedded, as if it underwent movement before
thoroughly cooled. The gneiss gives an indescribably wild and
rugged coast-line standing out in many hard ridges and sharp
points, cleft by deep gulches, and guarded by many outlying reefs.
In great contrast is the purely granite coast where beautifully
rounded and tumbled boulders are found. To see what variety
there is in the graintoid material, one has only to examine perhaps
loo yards of the coast where the foliated rock appears. Beds of
gneiss, very fine in the grain, are commonest, but between them
will be found layers of coarse admixtures of quartz and mica, of
quartz and felspar, and of quartz and felspar with hemihedral
crystals of tourmaline, some fine like pins and others the thick-
ness of a finger, while thrust up between or into these beds are
bosses of granite and dykes of a very fine-grained rock.

The platform of base rock, however, on the west coast averages
only lo feet above sea-level, though at one place inland it rises
into a hill loo feet or more. In some low-lying places the
granite is decomposed to a gritty clay, from which bricks have
been made. The influence of this platform on the drainage
water can easily be imagined. It forms an impassable barrier,
effectually preventing it soaking away to unknown depths. Thus
lagoons in plenty are formed in low-lying places by the under-
ground waters soaking in laterally through the loose sand dunes.
In two or three specially favoured places the granite outcropping
around the margins proves them to be natural reservoirs set in
exposed depressions of the bed rock. Then, at certain points,
the overflow from the lagoons filters away and finds outlet to the
sea, sometimes by running streams, but more frequently by per-
colating beneath the sand dunes again and trickling out over the
granite just above high water mark in many clear springs. The
largest sheet of water is in the north, and well worthy of the
name of Big Lake, for it is 700 acres in extent and of consider-
able depth.

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 165

This simple geological formation thus endows King Island
with a magnificent supply of good water within easy reach. In
some wells, however, brackish water is found, but as these may
be quite close to fresh and pure water they seem to prove that
there are pockets in which the saline material from the soil is
concentrated. If pumped out they ultimately give good water.

In the south of King Island the geology is more varied. Two of
the rivulets have eaten their way down and exposed what is
taken to be Silurian sandstone, while the highest hill, Mount
Stanley, 700 feet, is said to be capped with a thin layer of
basaltic rock ; but I had not the opportunity of examining these
formations.

Over the surface of the island the dune sand deposit, which
must have been of much greater thickness, is carved down by
the action of streams and of the wind itself which originally
built it up, and in the sides of the valleys is found hard limestone
chemically formed by the action of percolating water collecting
the lime from the comminuted shell so abundant in the sand,
and depositing it lower down in the formation. At a place
called " Dripping Wells," in the south-west, the limestone is found
at the seashore in an outcrop 20 or 30 feet high and 150 yards
long. Water has so eaten out the base that caves are formed
in which pretty stalactitic and stalagmitic deposits of lime are
seen.

The sand dunes near the coast, which reach to 200 feet in
height, being higher (and younger) than those further inland,
give good protection from the prevalent strong winds, and allow
of vegetation thriving. But especially in exposed positions is the
loose material still liable to be moved by the wind ; sand-blows
are started, and if not attended to and pegged down with brush-
wood whole hills might gradually dribble away. That movement
such as this has been frequent in past times is sufficiently proved
by finding buried land surfaces in the sections by the roadside,
and on the other hand by tubes of limy secretion which were
deposited round tree roots, now rotted out, standing white and
gaunt above some of the present sand blows. This movement,
too, has been undoubtedly responsible for the holding up of
water in places where trees formerly grew, and as a result acres of
gum-tree butts are, at two places notably, in the north and in the
centre, now standing dead in several feet of water.

In the pastures of King Island two introduced plants thrive
amazingly — a grass, Bromus sterilis, and a trefoil, Melilolus
parvijiora. So well do they grow that they can be cut for hay
or ensilage with as much ease as sown crops or cereals on
ploughed land. The secret of the good growth lies in the fact
that the loose soil, rich in lime and plant foods, is kept
ever at the service of the plants by the grand supply

166 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST,

of water. Heavy rain soon disappears to lower levels, and
is not allowed to saturate and sour the soil unduly, while
from these lower levels in summer the water is easily attracted
back again to the surface by the sun's heat in quantities
sufficient for the plants' uses. Thus the soil, which without this
water would be a desert half the year, becomes a paradise for
the island cattle.

A TRIP TO MUD ISLAND, PORT PHILLIP BAY,
WITH NOTES ON THE WHITE-FACED STORM-
PETREL, FELAGODliOMA MARINA.

By S. p. Townsend.

(Read he/ore the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, 9th March, 1903.)

Between Christmas and New Year, having heard from the
fishermen that " Storm Petrels " bred on Mud Island, I deter-
mined to go down there and ascertain approximately the numbers
of birds and extent and condition of the rookeries. Sailors as a
rule have never heard the name petrel applied to tliese birds,
but always call them " Mother Carey's Chickens," and have a
superstition that their appearance forebodes a storm.

We set sail from Sclinapper Point (Mornington) in the early
hours of the morning, and with a fair wind made the island in
about three hours' sailing. Mud Island is situated in Port
Phillip Bay, about i8 miles south-west from Mornington and 5
north-east from Queenscliff. It is an irregular oval, with a
shallow lagoon in the centre, with creeks running out of it. The
island itself is about three miles in circumference, and the soil
consists of sand and beds of cockle shells, and on the surface
this is in a loose, friable state, but lower down is a hard con-
glomerate of shells and sand (see exhibit). The vegetation
consists of different species of Saltbush, Currant Bush, and Pig-
face weed (Mesembryanthemum), with some stunted Lightwood
(Acacia nielanoxi/lon) scrub at the north end. There are shallow
tidal banks round the island, and on some of these sea-grass
grows, and forms the feeding ground of a large number of Swans.
The lagoon in the centre goes j^artially dry at low water, and at
the time of my visit was covered with flocks of Limicolse of a great
many difterent species. On a sand-bank, a few hundred yards
from the shore, there were eight Pelicans, which seemed to sleep
all day, but occasionally woke up and gave a tremendous yawn in
a most ludicrous manner. There are a few rabbits on the island,
which evidently live on bushes and Pig-face, as there is no other
■ feed and absolutely no fresh water. The only land birds I
observed were the Grass-bird (which is fairly plentiful in the low
bushes), White-fronted Chat, Sparrow, Meadow Pipit, and Swamp-

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 167

Hawk. The sparrows were building large nests, composed
principally of sea- weed lined with sea-birds' feathers, in the Light-
wood scrub, and what attracted my attention to them was the
tremendous noise they were making ; on looking into the scrub
I saw some dark object moving backwards and forwards, which I
ascertained to be a hawk of some kind. I fired a shot and
scrambled in and discovered a fine Gould's Harrier, which had
evidently been looking out for young sparrows. I was interested
in watching through the glass a little Red-capped Dotrel feeding.
It would run a few steps, then scratch with one foot in the sand.
The scratching was done so quickly that the leg looked as
if it were quivering. The Storm Petrel " rookeries " were
evidently very extensive at one period, but the digging up of
the surface for guano has destroyed a large portion of them, and
will in time destroy the whole if the taking away of the surface
is not prohibited. Though there was, I believe, some true guano
on the island years ago, what the boats now take is only a
mixture of sand and shell, and in my opinion should be stopped
if the rookeries are to be preserved. One large rookery is in
process of demolition at the present time. The principal
rookeries are situated on the east and south sides ; some are
amongst Blue-bush scrub, and others amongst Ice-plant and
Native Spinach, Telragona exparisa. There was a species of land
crab which had holes like Petrel burrows amongst the stunted
bushes, but on a lower level to the rookeries. Some of the petrel
burrows, however, contained crabs, which may go into the holes
and eat the young birds ; anyhow they seem quite large enough
to do so. The White-faced Storm Petrel, as may be seen from
specimens on the table to-night, is a very small bird to withstand
the buffeting of fierce gales. It is only 8 inches in total length,
and weighs but one ounce and three-quarters, but the wing
expanse stretches to 17 inches. I have myself seen the bird
following a ship whilst running the easting down between the
Cape of Good Hope and Australia, and they have a habit of
flying with their legs dangling down, seeming to literally walk on
the waves, and I take it that they got the name petrel in reference
to St. Peter's walking on the water. Pe'trel in French is the
diminutive of the name Peter.

The nesting burrows are from one to two feet deep, but some
I could not bottom with my whole arm thrust in up to the
shoulder. The holes contained young at the time of my visit,
one in each hole ; but in one hole I found two. The second bird
probably strayed in, as some of the holes run into one another,
they are so close together, the ground being fairly riddled.
Unlike the Mutton-bird, no attempt at a nest is made. The
young birds, like all petrels, are very oily ; one I obtained for a
specimen (see exhibit) had half an egg-cupful of oil in its

168 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

stomach. I have read that some years ago in the remote
islands of the Hebrides, the inhabitants actually formed them into
candles by passing a rush through the body and out at the beak,
which is found to burn as well as if dipped in tallow or any
other grease.

I was anxious to ascertain at what hour the parent birds
returned from sea, as the holes were only tenanted by the young.
I waited at dusk, thinking they would come in about the
same time as the Mutton-birds ; however, there was no sign
of them until it was pitch dark, showing that they are a more
timid bird than their dusky relative. It was after nine before I saw
a sign of a bird, and then a couple flew close to me. It was too
dark then to make any observations, so I set off back to the boat.
Whilst walking back alongside a shallow creek that led to a larger
rookery, I heard what I took to be fish rising ; the fisherman who
was with me, however, said he thought they were Mother Carey's
Chickens, striking the water with their feet as they flew over it.
By striking several matches at once, we saw that they were indeed
the birds we were looking for, returning in the dark to their
young. I learned from my companion that when he has been
seining round the island the birds have frequently struck the
hauling line of the net at night.

The night of my visit being too dark to make observations, I
determined to make another trip whilst there was a good moon.
Therefore, accompanied by Mr. Clifford Coles, I left Mornington
on 1 6th January. We had a grand moon on the night of our
visit, and at dusk we took up a position on the rookeries to wait
for the birds. The first bird was seen at a quarter past nine, and
they came in a few at a time until near ten o'clock, when there
were large numbers arriving. They circled round the spot
several times, evidently to identify their particular burrow, and
then noiselessly and gracefully alighted within a foot or two of
the entrance, and, finding it, burrowed energetically for a moment
or two and disappeared below. The birds flew with a soft flight,
making scarcely any noise, and gave no call, so that on a dark
night, with a breeze, one would scarcely know there was a bird
about.

Shortly after ten we went and tried a few holes to see if the old
birds were in, but, after trying several and only finding young, we
soon came to the conclusion that the petrels merely stayed in the
burrows long enough to feed the young one, and then flew away
to sea. This was verified in a few moments, as I saw a bird
enter a burrow close by. The young one made a noise like a
chicken the whole time it was evidently being fed. After the old
bird had been in the nest exactly seven minutes, it came out and
flew away. Odd birds came in until twelve o'clock, and
apparently stragglers continued to arrive later, as on waking up

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 169

at two a.m. we still saw an odd bird or two, but I have an idea
that these were birds too timid to enter their burrows, alongside
which we were rolled up in our rugs. Being curious to know
what the young petrels were fed on, we captured a bird just as it
was entering a burrow, killed it, and took from its throat a pasty
substance which looked and smelt not unlike the bloater paste
of commerce. We also took a young bird from a burrow, and
found its stomach abnormally extended with this substance, the
only solid portion of which we identified as being part of a small
shrimp. When the birds alight at the burrows they commence
to scratch exactly like the Mutton-bird does. Query : Does the
Mutton-bird only come in for a few minutes every night to feed
the young, and then off' to sea? We also ascertained that the
Storm Petrel, unlike the Mutton-bird, can rise readily from the
ground, its long legs accounting for this, the only impetus
necessary being a hurried step or two with wings outstretched.

A fisherman lately brought me a Storm Petrel that he had
found in his boat at the Mornington pier. This bird must have
missed the island during the night, and they seem to have a habit
of hiding themselves in the daytime, as I kept it in a room, and
it would burrow into the curtain in the day, but at night became
quite lively. I took it down on the rocks at night to let it go,
but its wings were probably too stiff" to fly, although it would
stand with wings outstretched and quivering

There were three boats taking away soil at the time of our
visit to Mud Island. The men stated that they paid a license
of ;^io each for three years — a trifling recompense for the loss
of the breeding ground of such an interesting ocean wanderer as
the Storm Petrel. We roughly estimated that about five
thousand pairs of birds nested on the island.

Coming home in the boat to Mornington we sailed by a flock
of about three hundred Mutton-birds. This is the first time I
have seen these birds in Port Phillip.

There were several Harriers flying about the island, and
they, no doubt, kill a number of young petrels. I disturbed
one in the act of devouring a bird, and found the remains of
several freshly killed. The hawks seemed to hover about the
rookeries, watching a chance to seize any young bird foolish
enough to come to the mouth of the burrow.

I identified the following species of birds on or around the
island : —

Gould's Harrier ... ... Circus gouldi

Grass-bird ... ... Megalurus gramineus

White-fronted Chat ... Ephthianura albifrons

Meadow Pipit ... ... Anthus australis

Turnstone ... ... Arenaria interpres

170

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Pied Oyster-catcher

Lesser Golden Plover

Red-capped Dottrel

Barred-rumped Godwit

Curlew ...

Little Stint

Sharp-tailed Stint ...

Curlew Stint

Knot

White-faced Ternlet

Crested Tern

Silver Gull

Pacific Gull

Richardson's Skua

White-faced Storm Petrel

White-fronted Heron

Pelican ...

Black Cormorant ...

Pied Cormorant ...

Hoary-headed Grebe

Black Swan

Musk Duck

Sparrow (introduced)

Hrematopus longirostris
Charadrius dominicus
^gialitis ruficapilla
Liraosa novse-zealandioe
Numenius cyanopus
Limonites ruficollis
Heteropygia acuminata
Ancylochilus subarquatus
Tringa canutus
Sterna nereis
Sterna bergii
Larus novse-hollandiae
Gabianus pacificus
Stercorarius crepidatus
Pelagodroma marina
Notophoyx novse-hollandiae
Pelicanus conspicillatus
Phalacrocorax carbo
P. hypoleucus
Podicipes poliocephalus
Chenopis atrata
Biziura lobata
Passer domesticus

NOTES ON THE LARV^ AND PUP^: OF BIRCHIP
HETEROCERA.

Part IH.
By D. Goudie.
{Read he/ore the Field Naturalists^ Club of Victoria, 9th March, 1903.)
Hyleora dilucida, Felder. — The larvge of this moth are capable
of doing considerable damage to the various species of eucalyptus,
especially the Sugar Gum, Eucalyptus corynocalyx, which is grown
for shelter. They are liable to be passed over on account of
their resemblance to the leaves, but a careful search amongst the
half-bared twigs is generally sufficient to unearth the culprit. In
August and September, igoi, I procured a fair number of these
larvae — the first, which fed ravenously, and attained a large size,
entering the earth I had provided on 25th September, the change
into the pupal stage taking place ten days later. The last of the
caterpillars, of which I had over thirty, pupated on 28th October.
The first emerged on 14th March, 1902, and the last on 21st
April.

The full-grown larva is nearly three inches in length, of a
bluish-green colour, rather square-shaped on the back, with a
whitish, serrated, sub-dorsal ridge. There are two large spots on

THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 171

the ventral surface near anal end, one-half of each being yellow,
or sometimes red, and the other half velvety black. These are
greatly distended when the caterpillar is alarmed. The legs,
pro-legs, and the little-used hind claspers are dark red.

The pupse are dark brown or black in colour, generally from
i}( to ij^ inches in length, and are contained in large, fiat,
oval cocoons, made of sticks, leaves, and other rubbish fastened
together with coarse web. They are generally placed close to
the surface, and sometimes even the chrysalis inside is visible
from above.

To-night I have placed on exhibition water-colour drawings by
my brother (Mr. J. C. Goudie), of the larva, pupa, and imago of
this species, to enable members to follow the description more
closely.

Note. — Since writing above, the drought has affected this and
many other species to a wonderful extent. Some of these which
were quite common before are now apparently extinct in this
district. — D.G.

Blackbirds Useful in Gardens.— Members of the Field
Naturalists' Club may be interested in hearing that my gardener
has watched a pair of English Blackbirds, Turdus nier^da, last
week clear the vines in the gardens of my neighbours as well as
my own of the Agarista caterpillars, carrying two or three at a
time in their beaks to their young in a nest in a tree close by.
Lately I have observed six Blackbirds every evening in my
garden flying to these vines, and have examined the vines, and
find them free from caterpillars, whilst in previous years the vines
have been denuded of their leaves. The grapes (unripe) are un-
touched. The Bronze Cuckoo is the only other bird I have ever
seen eat this caterpillar. The Agarista caterpillars appear in
early spring and destroy the vine blossoms, and throughout the
summer, so that poisons are useless unless applied frequently.
If any bird will keep the vines clear it would be a boon to the
vigneron. — F. C. Christy, South Yarra.

" Fat-hen." — It would seem, from notes received from several
correspondents, that this name is applied to various species of the
genus Chenopodium, " Goose-foot," in different parts of Australia.
Bentham and Mueller give it as the vernacular name of C.
miriconnmi, Lindley, indigenous in all the States except Tasmania.

" MoNOMEETH Parbine." — This name does not seem to be in
recent use, but from the rest of the paragraph quoted (Vict. Nat.,
xix., p. 134), the description seems to agree best with Callistemon
salignus, Candolle, which, doubtless, was plentiful along the
lower Yarra at the time mentioned.

172 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST.

Honours. — Mr. A. W. Howitt, F.G.S., an honorary member
of the Field Naturalists' Club, has recently been elected an
honorary member of the Anthropological Institute of Great
Britain and Ireland, in recognition of his distinguished work in
Australian ethnology.

Mr. A. J. Campbell has had further honours conferred upon
him in being elected a Corresponding Fellow of the American
Ornithologists' Union, in recognition of his devotion to Australian
ornithology.

Microscopical. — The opening meeting of the fourth winter
session of the Hawthorn and Camberwell Microscopical Society
took place recently, when the president, Mr. O. A. Sayce, gave
an interesting demonstration on the culture of Bacteria, which
was very fully illustrated by specimens, &c. This society, which
meets monthly at members' houses, includes several members of
the Field Naturalists' Club among its members, and, in seeking to
provide mutual help to workers with the microscope, takes up a
position useful to many nature students.

MiNAHS AS Vermin Destroyers. — I was much surprised on
Sunday last to see a Minah in my garden with a live mouse in its
beak. I watched the bird for a few moments, and saw it carry
the mouse to a bricked path and knock the mouse on it several
times. In order to make sure, I frightened the Minah away, and
found the mouse hardly able to crawl. Leaving the mouse in the
spot where the bird had left it, I went away some distance. The
Minah returned and finished the mouse off. Shortly after the
Minah returned with its mate, and one of them caught another
mouse, and they killed it in the same manner. I took the two
dead mice away, and about an hour afterwards I found a third,
apparently killed in the same way. The mice came from a shed
in the garden in which the fowls' food is stored. — Fred. S.
Bryant. 64 Barker's-road, Hawthorn, 5th February, 1903.

The Emu. — The April number of this magazine, being the
concluding part of the second volume, is to hand, and contains a
number of interesting articles. An additional attraction is the
first coloured plate issued. This is devoted to figures of three of
our rarest Blue Wrens — viz., Malurus elizahethce, M. whitei, and
M. assimilis — and has been excellently produced by the artist,
Mr. H. Gronvold, and the printers, Messrs. Mintern Bros., of
London. The colours of the birds being so brilliant, the plate is
a particularly attractive one.

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