HARVARD UNIVERSITY. LIBRARY OF THE MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY. #9] B rught I, IG Is. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. VO. << 1906—7- ; id - i \ j POLLAN Oe VIGTORIAN NATURALIST: THE JOURNAL & MAGAZINE OF THE Viel Ratuyalists’ tub of Victoria, MAY, 1906, TO APRIL, 1907. thon. Bditor: MR. F. G. A. BARNARD. The Author of each Article is responsible for the facts and opinions recorded. Melbourne: WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, MACKILLOP STREET (OFF 390 LITTLE COLLINS STREET), 1907. INDEX TO VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 57OLs, SXSSIIT. 1906-7. PAGE PAGE Abnormal Apples - - 26 | Brisbane Field Naturalists’ Acacia decurrens - - - 112 Club - - = Acacias, Seedling - - 144 | Broadmeadows, iggnnstom to 32 Across Owen Stanley Range 156 Acrotriche (Styphelia) serrulata, var. ventricosa - 3, 40 Agaricus (Pleurotus) candes- cens— = - - - 174 Agrotis spina = - - - ol Algee, Fresh-water, of Vic- toria - - - 3, 18, 33 Algee, Marine, of King I. - 90 Ammotretis rostratus - - lol Apples, Abnormal’ - - 26 Arenaria axillaris - 3, 42 Australia, Rusts of = - So. Australian Naturalist, The - 28 Australian Plants, Supposed New - 0, 48 Barnard, Eigparnllers TNeees for Native Plants - - 136 Barnard, Valley of Upper Yarra - - - - 245 Barrett, Bird Life on Olinda Creek - = - 30, 84 Bayswater, Excursion to - 141 Bees and Grapes - - 31 Beetle, Golden - = - 116 Bellows Fish - - - 125 Belone ferox - - - 126 Billida graminea - - - 148 Bird Life, English - ~- 135 Bird Life on Olinda Creek 30, 84 “Bird Plant,” The - - 99 Bird Plumage, Use of - - d4 Blackburn, Excursion to - 141 Bogong Moth, The - - 31 Boronia holtii —- - 3, 44 Boronia tetandra, var. bicolor 3, 44 Botany of Mt. Buller - - 175 Braybrook, Excursion to - 129 Buchan Caves, The _ - - 170 Buller, A Botanist at Mt. - 174 Burnley Quarries, Excur- sion to - - - 29 Butterfly, A Rare = = 11s Cape Barren Goose - - 112 Centriscus scolopax = = - 126 Centrolepis plutychlamys, n. sp. 2, 23 Cereopsis novee-hollandie - 112 Chanos chanos - - 128 Chapman, Gmemmall Leaf of Gangamopteris =o Chapman, Fossiliferous Mud- stone at Croydon - 237 Cheltenham, Excursion to - 129 Chione roberti, nom. mut. - 117 Clifton Hill Quarry, Excur- sion to - 244 Close Season for Wild nace 243 Coburg, Excursion to - d7 Cosmarium biretiforme,n.sp. 20 Crotalaria cunninghami - Croydon, Fossiliferous Mud- stone at ~ - - - 237 Cuckoos) - - - 27, 78 Cyprena - - - 129 Darebin Creek, Excursion to 1 Desmids of Victoria - - 41 Diplodonta balcombensis, nom. mut. - - - - 117 Diuris punctata, var. d’altoni - 240 Dromeus minor - - - 139 Emu, The King Island - 139 Eucalyptus in Italy - - 155 Eucalyptus rubida - - 155 Ewart, Marine Alge of King Island - - 90 v1 INDEX. PAGE Ewart, Phosphorescence of Pleurotus candescens 154, 174 Ewart, Physiologist of 17th Century - - - 145 Ewart, Supposed New Aus- tralian Plants - = 4p Exchange Notices 22,96, 152, 184 Fauna, Preservation of Native - - - - - 00 “ Hibre Balls” - = = 145 Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria— Annual Report =e eae, vor Conversazione for Juniors 1 Excursions— Bayswater - - - 141 Blackburn - - - 141 Braybrook - - - 129 Broadmeadows - - 32 Burnley Quarries - - 29 Cheltenham - - 129 Clifton Hill Quaney - 244 Coburg - - 57 Darebin Creek - = xia Heidelberg - - Salley Kew - - - Soi Mornington - - 169, 185 National Museum = Wi Olinda Vale - - 172 Exhibition of Wild Flowers 130, 132 Financial Statement = 162 Office-bearers, 1906-7 = Aa President’s Address - 63 Proceedings, 1, 29, 57, 81, 97, 113, 129, 141, 153, 169, 181, 241 Fish Fauna of Victoria = Bil Flora of Victoria, Additions to - - - 23, 89 Flowers, Mechanism of - 130 Fly-catchers and Laughing Jackass - - - 168 Flying Fox - - - 99 ‘“* Fossil Apples” - - 4 Fossiliferous Mudstone at Croydon’ - - - 237 Fungus, Phosphoresence of 17 Gangamopteris spatulata = ian Geelong Nature phudy Ex- hibition - - 26 Grant, The late F. EB. - = 173 Grapes and Bees - - 31 Greer, Nehemiah - - 145 PAGE Gun Tax - = = 242 Hardy, Fresh- spate Algee of Victoria - - 93, 18, 33 Hawthorn and Camberwell Microscopical Society - 136 Heidelberg, Excursion to - 114 Hirundo neorena - - - 1138 Honey-eater, Desenpaen of a New - 104 Honey-eater, White-plumed 54 House- Swallows - - 1138 Iguana Eggs - - - 121 Iguanodon - - 56 Tnitroduced Plants, Reaara of 184 Iridomyrmex nitidus - - 240 Kangaroo I., Plants of - d4 enone Emulsion = 127 Kershaw, Additions to Fish Fauna of Victoria 115, 121 Kew, Excursion to - = 97 ‘‘ Key to Birds of Australia” 135 King Island Emu, The - 139 King Island, Marine Algze of 90 Kitson, Mr. A. E. - - 142 Lamprima rutilans — - - 116 Lamprotreron superbus 30, 53 Lecaniodiaspis frenchi - 240 Lightning and Growing Tree 128 Lycoperdaceze - - - 28 Malleson’s Glen - - - 135 Malurus cyaneus - - - 78 Macaliister Valley, The Upper 5, 56 Mattingley, Trip to Mud I. - 243 M‘Alpine, Rusts of Australia 44 M‘Coy, Professor - = }79 Mechanism of Flowers - 130 gs Memoirs of National Mu- seum ” 94 ‘« Minerals and Racks of Wee: toria, The Economic”’ - 151 Mistletoes - - - - 100 Mollusc, Emission of Colour by - - - - 154 Monostroma expansa, n. sp. - 21 Mornington Camp-Out 169, 185 Barnard, F. G. A., Locality 189 eee Re dis A, sede my - 228 Baer Wild Tee - - 212 Bothroyd, A Visitor’s Im- pressions = - - 230 French, Hntoninlaee - 210 Hall, Australian Mammals 223 INDEX. vil PAGE Mornington Camp-Out— Hall, Geological History of Port Phillip - - 203 Hall, Rocks” - - - 214 Hocking, Field Naturalists’ Work - = = Wa Keartlana, Bird- Sime 194 Keartland, Ornithology - 191 Leach, General - - 185 Leach, Mosauitoes - - 216 Lees, Trees” - - - 225 M‘Lennan, Botany - - 206 Pritchard, Geology san Palwontology - - 197 Sayce, Invertebrate Life - 220 Sayce, Shore Life - - 219 Shepherd, Pond Life - 222 Moths, Plague of - = wil Mews for Native Plants 136, og National Herbarium - = National Museum 23, 52, 79, a Native Companion - 99 Nature Study Eahibition! Geelong - 26 “Nests and Eggs of “Bindls Breeding in Australia and Tasnhenaa 2a = 152 New Guinea, In British - 156 “‘ Nile of Australia, The’? - 111 Niso kimberi, n. sp. - - 119 North, Description of New Honey-eater - 98, 104 North, Superb Fruit-Pigeon 653 Obsidian Bomb - - - 100 (Qdigonium victoriense, n. sp. 22 Ogyris genoveva - - - 1165 Olinda Creek, Bird Life on 380, 84 Olinda Vale, Excursion to - 172 Orchid, A New Variety of - 240 Orchid, Rare Victorian 4,79 Paleontological Notes - 117 Peltorhamphus bassensis - 1651 Petroeca phenicea - - 64 Petrel, White-faced Storm- 243 Phillips, Origin of Names at Wilson’s Promontory - 106 Phosphorescence of Plewrotus candescens - 154 Physiologist of Lith Com tury, A - 146 Pigeon, The Saperp Fruit- - 63 Pigeons, Protection of Native 181 Plants of Kangaroo I. - d4 ** Plants of New Zealand”? - 93 PAGE Plants, New Varieties of Victorian - - 265 Plants, Popular Names for Native - - 136, 167 Plants, Supposed New Aus- tralian - 3, 44 _ Plants, Unrecorded Taro: duced - - - - 184 Plants, Victorian 23, 89, 120 Plants of Victoria, The Pro- claimed - - - 127 Pleurotus candescens - - 154 Pleurotenium ovatum, n. sp. 21. Plumage, Use of Bird - - 4 Poa hackeli, n. sp. - - 89 Popular Names for Native Plants = - 186, 167 Porpoise in Yarra - - 145 Posidonia australis - - 148 Prasophyllum dixoni - - 79 Prasophyllum frenchii - - 144 Preservation of Native Fauna 55 . Pritchard, Some Palzeonto- logical Notes - - 117 Pteropus poliocephalus - - 99 Pterostylis grandiflora - = 4 Ptilotis penicillata - - d4 Puff-Balls - - 28 Quarter of Century a Field Naturalists’ Club - - 63 Rabbits, Spread of ~= - - 31 Reader —- Contributions to Flora of Victoria - 23, 89 Ringwood, Stream Capture at 101 Robin, Flame-breasted 54, 180 Robins’ Nests - - - 180 “Rocks of Victoria, The Keonomic”’ - - - 151 *« Rusts of Australia ”’ - - 92 Rusts of Australia, Notes on 44 Salmon Herring, The - - 123 San Francisco: Popenauake - 965 Scala australis - 154 Scale-Insect, A eienbAple 240 Sea Serpent - - 128 Simson—Across British New New Guinea - - 156 Slender Long Tom, The - 126 Sole, The Common - - 151 Spencer—King Island Emu 139 Stentor roeselii - - - 114 Stream Capture near Ring- wood - - - 101 Styphelia Beprulata - - 48 Vlil INDEX, PAGE Superb Fruit-Pigeon, The - 53 Superb Warbler - - - 79 Sutton—A Botanist at Mt. Buller - - - - 175 Synaptura nigra - - 161 Tasmania, Map of - - lll Tasmanian Field Naturalists’ Club, The - - - 95 Telopea truncata - - ica Thiele—Notes on Macpllisten Valley - - 56 Thiele—Stream Capture near Ringwood - - - 101 Triglochin turrifera - - 43 Trigonia acuticosta - - 118 Turbo grangensis, nom. mut. 117 Victoria, Desmids of - - 41 Victoria, Fish Fauna of - 121 Victoria, Flora of 23, 89, 120, 240 Victoria, Fresh-water Algze of = = = 18, 33 Victorian Plants, New Varie- ties of - - - - ‘‘ Victorian Year-Book, The” 95 Orchid = - _Walter—New Variety of an Wattle, The Black - - Werribee Gorge - - = ‘““ Western Australian Year- Book ” = Wilson’s Promontory, Origin of Names at Witches’ Broom - - Woodfordia superciliosa Xanthidium gloriosum, D. sp. Yarra, In Valley of Upper - 2 Yarra Falls, Visit to - Yeringian fossils - ILLUSTRATIONS. Gangamopteris spatulata, Abnormal Leaf of - - Fruit-Pigeon, The Superb Lyre-bird, Dancing Mound of Lyre-bird, A Young - Macallister Valley, Map of Ringwood District, Map of Woodfordia superciliosa - PAGE 26 - 240 112 06 ‘ e / nN 4 a 7 \ / \ / \ 7 \ / \ 4x \ / \ / \ / \ 7 \ / \ , \ / x / \ / \ 4 Xe ud, \ / N A \ 7 \ f \ / \ ri! \ 7 \ 4 \ / \ / \ / \ eh \ / \ / \ 7 \ / \ 7 \ 7 \ / \ / \ / \ 7 \ i \ Ye \ / 5 Us \ us \ / \ 7 \ / ns 7 \ / \ / ! The Victorian Naturalist: THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE E2OR She Field jYaturalists’ Club of Victoria. PUBLISHED 1oth MAY, 10906. Hon. Editor: F. G. A. BARNARD, Esq. The Author of each article is responsible for the facts and opinions recorded. C@ aN EEN aS = THE Fre_LD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA On AN ABNORMAL LEAF OF GANGAMOPTERIS SPATULATA. By F. CHAPMAN, JN Oise NOTES ON THE UPPER MACALLISTER Vattey, N. GIPPSLAND. By E. O. THIELE THE FRESH-WATER ALG OF Tacos Pine ‘Tn. By A. D. Harpy, F.L.S., F.R.M.S. (CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE Fern OF VICTORIA. No. XVI. By F, M. Reaper, F.R.H.S. “THE NATIONAL MUSEUM ; NEW VARIETIES OF VICTORIAN Deana ' GEELONG NATURE-STUDY EXHIBITION < PRICE SIXPENCE. & Agents for Gurope : DULAU & COQO., ‘37 Soho Square, London. ee Avihoices WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP STREET. 1906. Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, I. 2. ROOMS—ROYAL SOCIETY’S HALL, VICTORIA ST., MELBOURNE. BUSINESS PAPER FOR MONTHLY MERTING. ri MONDAY, r4th MAY, 1906. Correspondence and Reports. Election of Members. As OrDINARY MEMBERS— Proposer. Seconder. Mr, A. O’Brien .. i Mr. T. S. ‘Hall, M.A... Mr. J. A. Leach, B.Sc. Botanical Dept., University. My, E. V. De Little a Mr. S. W. Fulton is My. T. S. Hall, M.A. The Exchange, Collins Street. Mr. Ronald Wettenhall .. Dr. U. Sutton .. 38 Mr, J. F. Haase 189 Hotham St., H. Melbourne As an ASSOCIATE— Walter J. Bennett As Junior MEMBERS — Misses M. and A. Minogue, Masters J. and H. Minogue, Master C. De Little, Misses K. Brock, D. Brock, C. Flexmore, F, Gayer, M. Webb, J. Hawker, J. Barritt. Nominations for Membership. Members making nominations will oblige by handing the full name and address to Hon. Secretary. General Business. (a) Nominations for Office-bearers for year 1906-7. (b) Election of two Auditors. (All nominations must be made in writing.) Reading of Papers and Discussions thereon. (Authors are requested to hand in a brief resume of their papers to the Secretary.) x By Mr. A. J North, C.M.Z.S., entitled—‘‘ Note on Fruit Pigeon, Lampro- treron superbus, Temm.” 2. By Mr. C. L. Barrett, entitled—“ Bird Life on Olinda Creek.’’ Illustrated by 60 lantern slides. Reading of Natural History Notes. Members who may note any unusual occurrence, or see anything of interest in Foreign or Colonial papers, are requested to inform the Secretary of the same that he may arrange for their bringing them before the meeting; such notes should, however, be brief. Exhibition of Specimens and Conversazione. Members exhibiting specimens are requested to furnish the Hon. Secretary with written particulars of their Exhibits for record in Minutes and Maturadzst. => <¥ EXCURSIONS. *® SATURDAY, 12TH May.—Broadmeadows. Under the leadership of Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A. Object—Geology. Members are requested to meet at Flinders Street Station at 1.20 p.m. SATURDAY, 9TH JUNE.—Coburg to Essendon. Under the leadership of Mr. J. Leach, B.Sc. Object -Geology. Train leaves for Coburg at 1.30 p.m. ‘ % ; ee Che Victorian Naturalist. Vou. XXIII.—No. 1. MAY 10, 1906. No. 269 FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society’s Hall on Monday evening, 9th April, 1906. The president, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, occupied the chair, and about 80 members and visitors were present. REPORTS. A report of the excursion to Darebin Creek, Preston, on Satur- day, 24th March, was given by the leaders, Messrs. G. A. Keart- land and W. Stickland. The former said that birds were very scarce on the day of the excursion, though at times he had noted a great variety in the vicinity. One bird which he had frequently noticed there seemed to be a dark variety of the Superb Warbler, Malurus cyaneus, but whether identical with M. elizabethe, Campbell, he was unable to say. Mr. Stickland said that pond life was scarce, the visit having been made just after a heavy fresh in the creek had occurred. A number of species of Oscillaria were taken, among them Spirulina oscillarioides, interesting from its inconceivably slender spiral filaments, which are only about one twelve-thousandth part of an inch in diameter. The most plentiful diatom was a short-stemmed Achnanthes, probably A. subsessilis, K. The variety of animal life was poor; almost the only protozoan was apparently Thuricola operculata, Gruber, with which was associated Cothurnia imberbis, Ehr. The solitary rotifer taken was Brachionus urceolaris. The creek, however, would doubtless be worth visiting under more favourable condi- tions. The president reported that the conversazione for the junior members, held at the Club rooms on the previous Saturday afternoon (7th April), to mark the termination of their financial year, had been a great success. With the kind co-operation of several senior members, a good display of choice Victorian birds, insects, shells, dried plants, &c., had been made, in which the juniors and their friends appeared greatly interested. He had taken the opportunity of briefly calling attention to some points in the history of the Club, and of offering suggestions and encouragement for future work. He also stated that, in accord- ance with a promise made some months ago to award a prize for the best series of notes on the field excursions of the half-year, he had presented Master Montaigne O’Dowd with a copy of “ Real Things in Nature,” by E. S. Holden, and expressed the opinion that the Club had some promising future members in the ranks of the juniors. 2 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. The hon. librarian reported the receipt of the following dona- tions to the library :—Zhe Hmu, vol. v., part 4, from the Aus- tralian Ornithologists’ Union; Journal of Agriculture of Victoria, February, 1906, from the Department of Agriculture; Zhe Aus- tralian Naturalist, vol. 1., part 1, from the New South Wales Field Naturalists’ Club; “‘ Records of the Geological Survey of New South Wales,” vol. vill., part 2, with 3 maps, from the Department of Mines, Sydney; Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, March and April, 1906, from the Secretary for Agriculture, Sydney ; ‘‘ Contributions to the Flora of Queensland,” 7 parts, by F. M. Bailey, F.L.S., Government Botanist, from the author ; ‘‘ Remarks on Homes of Australian Birds,” reprint from Ibis, by A. J. North, C.M.Z.S., from the author; Wature Notes, March, 1906, from the Selborne Society, London. ELECTION OF MEMBERS. On a ballot being taken, Miss M. P. Shappere, Miss A. F. W. Flower, Prof. J. A. Ewart, D.Sc., Mr. R. W. Armitage, Mr. E. Lees, Mr. W. Reed, Mr. Wm. L. Davies, and Mr. P. D. Flower were elected ordinary members, and Master David Johnston was elected a junior member of the Club. GENERAL BUSINESS. Prof. Ewart remarked that there was some misapprehension as to the manner in which the collection at the National Herbarium was to be treated, judging by the report in the February issue of the Victorian Naturalist. There were some who feared that it was his intention to let loose a crowd of students amongst the collection; such was, however, not the case, for he would jealously guard the valuable plants entrusted to his care. He mentioned that he occupied a difficult position in having to lecture without specimens:being available for examination, and he would ask members when taking part in any of the Club’s excursions to kindly collect for him duplicate specimens of plants for the University Museum ; any such plants forwarded will duly bear the name of the donor. Personally, he felt that the botanical department of the University and the National Herbarium should be under the one roof, and the most suitable site for the building would be in the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens. PAPERS READ. 1. By Mr. F. M. Reader, entitled ‘‘ Contributions to th? Flora of Victoria, No. 16—Centrolepis platychlamys, sp. nov.’ The author gave a description of this minute moss-like plant, which is usually under 1 inch in height. The new species is closely allied to C. muscordes, C. pulvinata, and C. pusilla, and is described from specimens obtained by the author from Little THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 5) Desert, Lowan, from swampy ground. ‘The paper was illustrated by mounted specimens of the plant. Peover A. Di Elardy, Puls. ‘entitled “The Eresh-water Algze of Victoria,” part 11. The author referred to four new species of Victorian fresh- water Alge, giving notes of their habitats, &c., and submitted technical descriptions of them, together with a number of additional records of localities for Victorian species, which were taken as read. Baeyeeron As Jj. wart, Disc; PhDs EL.S:, Government Botanist, entitled ‘“ On Certain Supposed New Australian Plants.” The author provisionally described as new certain specimens in the National Herbarium collection, which had been referred to by the late Mr. Luehmann in the Victorian Naturalist for July, 1900—viz., Arenaria axillaris (?), Luehm., collected by Mr. E. St. Eloy D’Alton at Dimboola ; 7riglochin turrifera, collected by Mr. J. P. Eckert at Taylor’s Creek, in the Wimmera district ; Acrotriche (Styphelia) serrulata, var. ventricosa, collected by Mr. P. St. John near Lilydale; and Boronia tetandra, var. bicolor, Turcz, collected by Mr. A. Holt 50 miles north of Swan River, Western Australia, and named by Mr. Luehmann B. holta. 4. By Mr. D. M‘Alpine, entitled ‘“‘ Notes on Rusts of Aus- tralia.” In a very interesting paper the author described at length some of the groups of fungi, more particularly the red rust in wheat, and pointed out the enormous losses that are sustained yearly throughout the world by its agency. He briefly outlined their nature and mode of life, and gave a few notes on their distribu- tion in the several States of Australia, with examples of indigenous and introduced forms. The paper was illustrated by a large series of photographs, specimens, and blackboard diagrams. Professor Ewart commented upon the economic aspect of rusts and fungi, and mentioned that Professor Buller, of Manitoba, had informed him that from a comparatively small area in that country the annual loss from rust in wheat was between one and two millions sterling. He would like to know if the mycroplasm hypothesis of Prof. Eriksson had received any confirmation or otherwise in Australia. He trusted that Mr. M‘Alpine would do his best to prevent the further introduction of fungi, and, speaking for himself, he would endeavour to have all noxious plants kept out. The author stated that this hypothesis, which assumes that the germ of the rust is in the seed, had not yet been proved, and there was no evidence of any other mode of infection than by spores. 4 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. The chairman wished to know if the galls on the wattles, said to be produced by rusts, might not be partly due to insects, but it was explained that while the galls might be bored and tunnelled by grubs after being formed, none of the insects found belonged to the gall-forming species. He also asked whether some of the rusts could not be used for destroying noxious weeds, but Mr. M‘Alpine considered this was hardly feasible, since some plants, like the Mallows, were very subject to rust, and yet they managed to thrive in spite of it. NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., drew attention to his exhibit of some so-called ‘fossil apples,” which had been found amongst coal in various parts of the State. On examination they proved to be the nuts or seeds of a palm, and resembled the vegetable ivory nut of commerce. From inquiries it seemed that they must have become mixed with a coal cargo on one of the wharfs, and thus distributed to distant inland towns. Mr. D. M‘Alpine referred to a curious abnormal formation of apples underneath the bandage of a graft, and exhibited the specimens. EXHIBITS. By Mr. H. H. Baker, F.L.S., F.R.M.S.—Land shells from the ~ New Hebrides. By Miss S. W. L. Cochrane.— Paintings of Victorian orchids. By Mr. J. E. Dixon.—27 species of Coleoptera, collected recently. By Mr. C. French, jun.—Rare Victorian orchid, Péerostylis grandiflora, F.v. M., collected near Bacchus Marsh by Mr. C. C. Brittlebank, 6th April, ’06. By Mr. C. J. Gabriel.—Shells from Western Port, Victoria— Fasciolaria australasia, Perry, Pusus undulatus, Perry. By Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A.—Seeds of palm, known as vegetable ivory, found among coal cargoes, Melbourne wharf, in illustration of note. By Mrs. A. D. Hardy.—Dried blooms of Golden Spray or Swamp Oak, Viminaria denudata, from Wilson’s Promontory, Christmas, 1905. By Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S., F.R.M.S.—Fruit specimens, preserved in salt solution, of Native Olive, Wotelea ligustrina, collected by Mr. Mackay, Otway Forest; Fresh-water Algze— Monostroma expansa, G. S. West (sp. nov.), Xanthidiwm gloriosum, G. S. West (sp. nov.), in illustration of paper. By Mr. J. A. Hill—Hybrid parrot, from the male of the Yellow-vented Parrakeet of Victoria, Psephotus xanthorrhous, Gld., and a female of the Pale-headed Parrakeet of Queensland, Platycercus pallidiceps, Vig. Ln THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. May, 1906. | LEAF OF GANGAMOPTERIS SPATULATA. M‘Coy. With Median Groove. From Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. (Slightly enlarged.) THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 5 By Mr. A. E. Kitson, F.G.S.—Piece of pittosporum bush showing honeycomb without honey in it. This was found attached to a living bush in the open scrub along Ruby Creek, Koorooman, near Leongatha. By Mr. G. A. Keartland.—Eggs of Bristle-bird, Sphenura broad- bentr, M‘Coy, and White-headed Sittella, S. ewcocephala, Gld. By Mr. D. M‘Alpine.—Large gall formed on Acacia implexa by Uromycladium tepperianum; Witches’ Broom on Acacia impleaxa, due to the same rust; Witches’ Broom on Gompholobium latifolium, due to Cronartium jacksonie ; and various rusts, in illustration of paper; also, abnormal apples formed under bandage of graft. By Mr. E. B. Nicholls.—Short-nosed Bandicoot, Perameles obesula, Shaw, from Western Australia. By Mr. W. Stickland.—Protozoan, Cothurnia, sp., probably C’. emberbis, from Preston. After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated. ON AN ABNORMAL LEAF OF GANGAMOPTERIS SPATULATA, M‘Coy, FROM BACCHUS MARSH. By F. CHapman, A.L.S., &c., Paleeontologist, National Museum. (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 12th March, 1906.) GENERAL REMARKS.—The specimen to which the following notes relate was found in the Gangamopteris leaf-beds at Bacchus Marsh by the Rev. A. W. Cresswell, M.A., and exhibited by him at a meeting of the Royal Society of Victoria a few years ago. Mr. Cresswell has kindly presented this specimen to the National Museum, and in view of the curious likeness of this leaf to Glossopteris, a genus at present unknown in the Bacchus Marsh beds, although associated with Gangamopteris elsewhere, there seems sufficient reason for submitting the following remarks upon it. The fossil consists of an impression of an ovate or spatuliform leaf of the type of Gangamopteris spatulata, M‘Coy,* preserved in pale-coloured friable sandstone, of the kind usually occurring in the leaf-beds at Bacchus Marsh. But for a cross fracture dividing the leaf below the middle, the specimen would be perfect. The elongate-reticulate venation of the leaf resembles both that of Gangamopteris spatulata, M‘Coy, and Glossopteris gangamopteroides, Feistmantel.t The abnormality referred to consists in the presence of a median sulcus, which at first suggests a comparison with Glos- sopteris, whose chief distinctive character is its definite midrib. * Prod. Pal. Vict., Dec., ii., 1875, p. 12, plate xiil., figs. 1, 12. + ‘* Foss. Flora Australia,” 1890, p. 125, plate xx., fig. 4. 6 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. In a typical Glossopteris leaf this primary vein or midrib is not formed by the gradual coalescence of the basal portions of the secondary veins, but consists of an apparently definite vascular bundle, very strong at the leaf base, and more or less gradually tapering to the apex. The generic distinctions between leaves of the Gangamopteris and Glossopteris types are based on very slight characters ; and in illustration of this point I may quote the recent re- marks by Mr. A. C. Seward* in a work received during the writing of these notes. On page 2 of the work referred to below, Mr. Seward says :—‘‘ There can be no doubt that the recognized distinction—namely, the absence of a true midrib— between Gapngamopteris and the slightly better known genus Glossopteris is a character which cannot be recognized as one of great taxonomic importance. Several authors have referred to the difficulty of drawing a satisfactory distinction, in certain cases, between these two genera, and there can be little doubt that the simple leaves, which it is customary and convenient to designate by the name Gangamopteris, are those of a fern which was closely allied to Glossopteris. We cannot assert with confidence that the fossils described under the two names are generically distinct, but it is convenient to retain both terms, particularly as the leaves without the midrib appear to have a range in time somewhat different from those with a well marked median rib.” In con- nection with our specimen, it is also noteworthy that Mr. Seward has figured and described — an elongate form of Gangamopteris with a similar, but wider, pseudo-midrib, formed of more or less parallel veins only occasionally anastomosing. Another eminent paleeobotanist, Mr. Newell Arber, expresses a similar opinion to the above, remarking that “since the dis- covery of the scale-leaves of Glossopteris, the presence of a mid- rib is no longer a necessary characteristic of that genus. It is therefore, in the absence of all knowledge of the fructification of either type, extremely doubtful whether the genus Gangamopteris should not be merged in Glossopteris.” ¢ DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIMEN.—The rock in which our specimen is preserved—a soft, friable sandstone—is hardly suited for the close and critical examination necessary for the deter- mination of the relation of the secondary veins to the sulcus. I have, however, compared it with better preserved examples of the same type of leaf from Bacchus Marsh, in the collection of the National Museum, where there are several specimens of undoubted Gangamopteris leaves exhibiting a median groove. ‘This groove * Mem. Geol. Surv. India (Palzeontologia Indica), vol. 11., Mem. 2, 1905. + Loc. supra cét., p. 3, plate vili., figs. 1-6 ; plate ix., figs. I, 2. + Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc., vol. lvili., 1902, p. 14. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. a is not usually so straight as in the specimen before me, being slightly curved, and hence not so suggestive of Glossopteris, but sufficiently well marked to show that a decided median sulcus is sometimes found in the Bacchus Marsh leaves, and more often in those of the spatulate type. Although this groove does not partake of the character of a distinct midrib, yet it is seen to be formed of a series of greatly- thickened veins, starting from near the petiolate end, and running nearly parallel as far as the sulcus extends. The sulcus never occurs actually at the base of the leaf as in Glossopteris, and is strongest in the median area. Sometimes, as in the present specimen, it is persistent to the apex. The measurements of our specimen are :—Length of leaf, 5° mm. ; greatest width (at 32 mm. from the base), 24 mm. ; width of median sulcus at widest point, about 1.25 mm. ; the angle of divergence of lateral veins from the median sulcus, i ae) 5 Conc.Lusions.—The reasons for believing this example to be merely an abnormal type of Gangamopteris, whilst bearing in mind, however, the several points of relationship between the two genera, are :— 1. The sulcus is not persistent throughout the length of the leaf. 2. The lateral margins of the sulcus are not so clearly defined from the area bearing the lateral veins as in a typical Glossopteris leaf. 3. Other examples of leaves with a similar median fold, although not so regularly disposed, occur in the same beds at Bacchus Marsh, which are undoubtedly examples of Gangamop- teris as we at present attempt to define the genus. On the other hand, it is only required that the median veins become locally fasciculate and persistent throughout the length of the leaf to resemble the Glossopteris type; and evidence of such a modification with intermediate characters seems to exist in Glossopteris gangamopteroides. There is, by the way, nothing of the conspicuous net-venation in Our specimen which would justify its reference to the genus Sagenopteris, a form which also possesses a fine mid-rib. Judging by the figures given by Johnston * of immature leaves of Gangamopteris, it would appear that forms such as the present are of not rare occurrence in Tasmania. In Johnston’s examples, however, the median fold seems remarkably well defined near the base of the leaf, as compared with similar small Victorian examples in the National Museum collection. In view of the close relationship between the two genera * Geol. Tasmania, 1888, plate x., figs. 4-8. 8 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, Gangamopteris and Glossopteris, it is possible that other tran- sitional and perhaps better preserved forms may yet be found, more especially in the Victorian strata, since Glossopteris is still unrecorded from the beds at Bacchus Marsh, although both genera are. associated in the upper coal measures of Newcastle, New South Wales, the Mersey River beds of Tasmania, and the Talchir shales and Karharbari coal beds of India, as well as the Ecca beds of South Africa. NOTES ON THE UPPER MACALLISTER VALLEY, NORTH GIPPSLAND. Ign Jd, (OQ), Aisaasies: (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 12th March, 1906.) In January of 1905 an excursion was made, in company with several others, to Mt. Wellington and Lake Karng, and an account of the trip appeared in the June number of the Victorian Naturalist (vol. xxil., p. 22). In the same month of the present year another part of this mountain region was examined. At the outset it was intended to follow the Macallister River into the area to the north of that part dealt with in Murray’s sketch geological map. It was hoped that, by climbing to the snow- plain country to the east of the Upper Macallister, a fairly easy grade would be found leading up to Mt. Howitt on the Main Divide. Several unforeseen delays in getting a start, together with the extreme roughness of the country, prevented our ac- complishing all that we had set out to do in the time at our disposal. Some interesting information, however, on the geography and geology of the area was obtained, and is embodied in the following notes. The party consisted of three members—Mr. A. O. Thiele, of Malvern, Mr. W. Reid, of Glenmaggie, and myself. Mr. Reid provided the riding horses and the one pack-horse, but was unfortunately prevented from starting for some days after the selected date. The other two members of the party therefore set out with the pack-horse and provisions, and established a camp on the Glencairn bridle track, in a smal! gully close to the crossing on the Barkly River. It was decided to wait here and examine the surrounding country till Reid should arrive. This district is included in Murray’s map, which proved a good guide to our excursions. Though anxious to get on to the unknown country, the next few days were very profitably spent among the ranges. The rocks here consist of fairly coarse, hard, reddish- brown sandstones, chocolate-coloured shales, and some _ con- glomerate, though the latter is rare in the vicinity. The western margin of this upper palzeozoic belt of the Avon series is not far THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 9 away, for, not many miles to the west, the older rocks rise up to the Main Divide. The prevailing dip of the rocks for many miles northwards along the Macallister valley is slightly to the south of west and at angles ranging from 20° up to 40°. This is a marked contrast to the much less angle of dip to the east along the Wellington valley. At the ‘Crinoline,” and to the north and north-east, for many miles the strata are almost horizontal, while to the west of this area a sudden change takes place, pointing to the existence of an extensive irregular fault, running more or less parallel with, or coinciding with, the Macallister Valley. From below the junction of the Barkly, northwards, for many miles, the western side of the river is overlooked by steep scarps, rising in many places almost as sheer cliffs, to over 600 feet in height. On the eastern side the slopes, though higher, rise more gradually to the “ Crinoline ” ridge. The river valleys of all this area possess several features worthy of attention. The long spurs from the higher ranges which confine the main valleys end for the most part in steep and abrupt shoulders overlooking narrower steep-sided valleys some five or six hundred feet below. The lower parts of the valleys are, in fact, almost canyon-like. Very narrow alluvial flats are found on one side or the other of the valleys, and steep projecting shoulders of the spurs in many cases leave little room for even the bridle path along the river. Further down the Macallister, towards Glenmaggie, the Blanket Hills form a lower ridge in the main valley and on the western side of the present river. ‘This ridge runs parallel with present valley, and is capped with basalt and river gravels at a height of from 400 to 500 feet above the present river bed. It marks, in fact, the ancient river bed. The present river channel is confined in a steep-walled valley, cut down on the eastern side. The Barkly River joins the Macallister through a narrow cliff- walled gorge. At the junction, on the south side of the Barkly, there is a very instructive cliff ; it is flat at the top, with water- worn boulders on its surface marking the old bed of the river; deep below, the swift-flowing waters rush along to join the main stream. Further evidences of this nature could be cited, all pointing to the same fact—namely, that the river system of this region has been revived, causing its channels to be entrenched some four or five hundred feet. This result is due to a general uplift of the country, the last probably of a succession of such movements which have taken place since Tertiary times. Another interesting feature in the drainage system of this area is an elevated and almost deserted stream bed of considerable extent running parallel with the Macallister River for a number of miles, and only separated from it by a narrow, sharp ridge. This is the Glencairn Valley (see section); it exends from the Barkly River, 10 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Sketch Map of Upper M Muacallister Valle alley. Topography only approxima ifs Probable pasilion of sources of main streams chown by dotled lines Roule thus» o ie ° ives eM Tener rl iy Tinoline cis . ok Wernpgl® v J Ss A Fassels Lepidodindron 5 8 Lendedendran in loose ston st laHey field ¢ Basalt on plateau B 23732 miles River Locality Plan Area considerrd shaded this ff Uf rae — - es iilsoas Prem SKETCH MAP OF VICTORIA. The Crinolh ne THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 7000 2000 3000 4000 0 Vertical Scale in fet ne) ~ ~S & ~ S nN oy ™ S ~_ = Ss : c = 12 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. just above its junction with the Macallister, northwards for a distance of about eight miles, where it drops into the Macallister valley. About midway between the two extremities of this valley the Glencairn homestead is situated. Here, and for some three miles or more to the north, the valley is broad and open, being probably nearly a mile wide. It is wooded and park-like for the most part, and is practically a dry valley ; only a small, insignificant channel exists here. Most of the winter rains from the slopes on either side evidently spread out as a sheet over the grassy and even bed of the valley before they finally gather into a defined channel further down the valley. This old valley appears here to be deeply filled with hill wash, which has rounded off its outline. At Glencairn there is a fertile patch under cultivation of some 80 acres or more. It consists of fine black soil, some feet in depth, resting on a reddish clay of undetermined depth. The waters from a tributary gully cross it, and since the breaking of the surface a channel over 20 feet deep has been cut through the deposit. About three miles north of Glencairn the bed of the valley is not much below the top of the narrow ridge which separates it on the east from the deeper Macallister valley, 600 ft. below on the opposite side. Almost imperceptibly the direction of drainage changes from south to north, and then rapidly falls by a narrow-cut valley to join the Macallister through a gap in the dividing ridge. Just below Glencairn on the southerly slope the valley narrows and deepens and falls by a steep grade through a rocky bed to the Barkly. It seems probable that a branch of the Macallister formerly flowed down this valley, and that the dividing spur has been destroyed at the present northern outlet and the waters diverted into the present main stream. The “Crinoline.”—This mountain forms a prominent feature in almost every view from the ranges of this area. It is the nearest and most accessible mountain of any importance to be seen from Glencairn, being about five miles to the east of the homestead. Its almost bare rocky top, girdled with horizontal rock ledges, shows clearly in the eastern sky line above the nearer ridges which hide the Macallister valley along the western base of the mountain. It was decided, as the third member of the party had not yet arrived, to ascend to the top of the mountain to obtain a good survey of the surrounding district. Accordingly we got directions from Mr. Sweetapple, of Glen- cairn, who willingly pointed out the best spur by which the ascent could be made. From the sharp ridge to the east of Glencairn a fine view of the western face of the mountain was obtained. Some hundreds of feet below lay the narrow bed of the Macallister, its clear waters only visible in a few places through the vegetation which lines its banks. On the eastern side steep THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 13 slopes and rocky spurs led up to the double top of the cliff- walled summit. A rapid descent was made to the river, whose bouldery bed was soon crossed. A flask was filled with water, for though springs exist on the mountain they are not easy to find. A stiff climb of 2,800 feet is necessary to reach the top, and though arduous and fatiguing it is well worth the effort. Towards the top, between the rocky knolls and ridges of sand- stone, gentler slopes and saddles are found, and though it was the middle of January these were beautifully carpeted with green kangaroo grass, brightened by a wealth of wild flowers. Most abundant were the graceful blue bells of Wahlenbergia gracilis and small yellow and white everlastings, Helichrysum leucopsidium, Cand. The blue buttons of Brunonia australis, Smith, and the deep pink flowers of the Trigger Plant, Candollea serrulata, Lab., were also very conspicuous. A belt of Snow Gums with some curious bare grassy patches interspersed, covers the last steep face, and above this rise the bare rock ledges of the summit. The top is small in area, and in this respect is a strong contrast to nearly all the mountains of the region, which still preserve considerable areas of the extensive table-land out of which they have been carved. The top of the mountain is double, being divided by a great vertical joint, so as to form a slightly higher northern point, crowned with stunted Snow Gums, and a southern part consisting of a flat table of bare rock of only a few square yards in extent. Projecting ledges of almost horizontal sandstone, formed by the weathering away of the softer intervening red shales, form precipitous cliffs on either side, and make the outlook from the summit a dizzy height indeed. Though the lowest of the important mountains around, the position is a particularly com- manding one. Two deep valleys, nearly 3,000 feet below, are overlooked on either hand. To the west one looks right down to the bottom of the Macallister valley, and it is possible to follow its southerly course away down to the low country, more than 30 miles off. To the east, over the other edge of the small rock table, the face of the mountain is even more precipitous, and the view extends over a maze of overlapping spurs of the Wellington valley, to the precipitous sides of Mt. Wellington, which forms the most imposing mountain of the whole scene. Its flat top was just visible under the descending mists, which soon hid it from view, and on the north-western face the prominent outstanding knob which sentinels the hidden lake could be clearly distinguished. A most striking cloud shadow effect blended harmoniously with the blue haze of the valley and added to the impressiveness of the scene. Mt. Tamboritha, 5,381 feet, rises to the north-east, scarcely five miles away in a straight line. 14 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Its general outline appears to rise only slightly above the range on which it stands. This great ridge obscured our view to the north and north-east, the direction in which we desired to travel later. To the south-west Mt. Useful is clearly visible, and in a more westerly direction the basalt-capped outlines of Fullarton, Spring Hill, and Connor’s Plain risé up in steep slopes from the valley of the Barkly to a height very slightly above the general line of the Main Divide on which they stand. Most prominent on the western sky-line, though most distant, is Mt. Skene, whose steep northern or southern shoulders support a massive mountain overlooking the upper waters of the Barkly. A natural contour map is spread out in high relief around this exalted outlook, but the rapidly descending mists soon made it necessary to finish observations and prepare for the return. To follow a main spur up does not require much care, but to retrace one’s steps down the same ridge necessitates watchfulness, and this we found to our cost on the descent. The spur was followed correctly for about half-way down, but soon alter it was noted that the upward route had been departed from. It was not possible to miss the river valley below, so the descent was continued, but the rest of the travelling to the river was rough and tiring. The mist had now obscured the familiar land-marks on the ranges, and we failed to recognize the position of the saddle by which we had crossed from Glencairn. After travelling in the wrong direction up the river for some distance, it was decided that, rather than retrace our steps, we would climb the scarp on the opposite side of the river to reach the Glencairn valley. This proved no easy task, and a climb of 600 feet of hand and leg work was not a welcome wind-up to a heavy day’s climbing. Once this height was scaled, however, the travelling down the Glencairn valley was easy walking. We were Mr. Sweetapple’s guests that night, and next morning that gentleman showed us a number of the rock specimens which he had collected in the ranges, for he takes a keen interest in geology. One specimen in particular attracted our attention, for it was a piece of sandstone which showed the diamond-shaped markings of the impression of a lepidodendron stem. Mr. Sweetapple generously offered us the specimen, which we accepted, and decided to search diligently for further fossils. This particular specimen was picked up as a loose rock in the Glencairn valley, several miles to the north of the house. Though we spent a whole day searching the rock exposures of the vicinity, we were unsuccessful in finding any fossils. However, close to our camp near the Barkly, as indicated on the sketch map, we were more fortunate, and here we secured a number of specimens of Lepidodendron australis, M‘Coy, pre- THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 15 served in the reddish shales. The exposure was a small one, in a dry gully a few chains to the south-east of Reid’s hut. This interesting find bears out the view that has been put forward that the red sandstones and shales of the whole of the area form part of the Avon series, which were regarded by M‘Coy as Upper Devonian or Lower Carboniferous. When Reid arrived a start was at once made for the country beyond Glencairn. At a spot on the Macallister River, just above where the northern outlet of the Glencairn valley empties itself into the river, the main stream divides into two branches of approximately equal size and volume. The easterly branch .had perhaps a slightly stronger stream at the time of our observations. One branch continues more or less northerly, while the other makes a big sweep to the east at right angles to the course of the valley below the junction. Which branch is the Macallister? This question puzzled us. Murray accepts the east branch on his map, but does not even name the northern branch, which is only indicated as a subor- dinate tributary in the northern edge of his map. On the geolo- gical map of Victoria the Macallister River is shown continuing right up to the Main Divide to the west of Mt. Clear, but an intervening river between the Macallister and the Wellington is shown, which does not exist at all. The northerly branch appears ‘to have always been known locally as the Macallister, and the easterly branch as the Caledonia. This view has been accepted in the rough sketch map appended. The northern branch was followed up about three miles. This valley was so scrubby that travelling was by no means easy, especially for the pack-horse. The steep mountains so shut in the river on either side that very little could be seen. A camp was therefore established at a spot on the east side of the river where the slope to the mountain was a little more gradual and there was some picking for the horses. Two of the party then climbed a steep, rocky spur to a prominent point 2,500 feet above the camp to reconnoitre for a spur by which to climb with the horses to the snow plateau. A magnificent view was obtained. Away to the north stretched the valley of the Macallister right up to the Divide. Immediately to the south lay the deep, pre- cipitous valley of the Caledonia, trending eastwards towards a high line of the snow plains. On the southern side of this valley a huge wall of mountain face rose up to form the northern termina- tion of the “Crinoline” ridge, which here turns sharply east to rise to Tamboritha’s summit. The same interesting rock structure referred to earlier in this paper was again clearly marked. The main mountain mass right up to the top showed clearly the horizontal rock ledges, while the western spurs of the Macallister valley were strikingly 16 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. ribbed with exposed strata dipping at angles from 30° to 40° westward. Mts. Clear and Macdonald were picked out to the north and north-west, but Howitt was hidden behind the higher country, in close proximity, which bounded our view to the north- east. It was decided to try another spur on the descent, as the first was impossible for horses. This one proved less rocky, on the whole, but equally steep. On return to camp plans were discussed for the morrow. We determined to hobble the pack- horse and leave her behind, to tie just what was absolutely necessary for several days to the saddles, and endeavour to lead the horses up by way of the second spur. This was accomplished, but only after one of the most trying experiences to both man and beast. The tangle of stunted vegetation growing between sharp-edged sandstone blocks was almost too much for us. To further hinder us, we found that the western part of the plateau we had reached with such difficulty consisted of a forest of Snow Gums so thick that our view was completely shut out in every direction. This necessitated much waste of time in finding a suitable route in the required direction. One interesting feature, however, was noted in these otherwise unpleasing surroundings. The extra growth of vegetation was observed to be due to a cap of fairly decomposed basalt which covered the table-land, evidently only as a thin sheet, for in many places projecting blocks of the underlying sandstone were observed mixed up with the basalt. The surface, on the whole, was fairly rocky, and not covered by much depth of soil. The elevation of this area is, roughly, about 4,000 feet above sea level. It was well on in the afternoon before any water was found, when a welcome spring, evidently coming out from under the basait, was found in a gully. The timber now became more open, and a short descent brought us to a well-watered, grassy valley in the plateau. This was followed for a considerable distance eastwards. In several places the sub-alpine flowers were extremely abundant. Fields of white iris were specially admired. A striking geographical feature is well illustrated by this valley. It meanders across the table-land, starting near its eastern edge ; it approaches within half a chain of the northern margin of the plateau, where a low saddle of about 20 feet in height separates it from a precipitous fall into a tributary of the Macallister ; it then makes a sharp turn to the south and continues with a gentle grade to the southern side of the plateau, where it at last drops by a steep course into the Caledonia. Here is a striking instance of river capture in the process of formation, and at a stage when but slight additional lowering of the saddle would turn the upper course down the northern slope. On the eastern side of the plateau it was found that a deep valley THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 17 of a tributary of the Caledonia barred all progress in this direction. Continuing north-easterly we were not long in finding, to our disappointment, that the snow plain narrowed to a sharp, rapidly descending spur, down which it would be necessary to follow, and then ascend again by laborious climbing a continua- tion of this ridge to the Main Divide. Mts. Howitt and Magdala were now clearly visible, but it was plain that another long day’s journey would be necessary to reach them. ‘This meant two days to return to our present position, but as we only had one day to spare before we must turn homewards, it was decided that it would be unwise to go on. We had fortunately carried a billy of water from the last spring, so we camped for the night on the narrow spur. Next morning, before sunrise, we turned our backs on Mt. Howitt, and started for home. The northern edge of the plateau was followed to its north-western extremity, where some sheer precipices overlook the deep tributary valley of the Macallister, which bears north-easterly in the direction of Mt. Howitt. Another spur on the western face appeared more pro- mising from the top for the descent to the river, so we determined to try it. For more than half-way down it was a decided improvement, but it finally ended in a steep, rocky shoulder over- looking the river. It was necessary, therefore, to scramble down by the best means possible into the scrubby valley on the right, and follow it along to the river. Unfortunately the junction proved to be the densest tangle of hazel and other growth we had yet experienced. After much labour the river bed was at last reached, and though it was rough and bouldery, slow travelling for a short distance along its irregular channel carried us beyond the zone of dense scrub, and the bank was then resumed. After nearly an hour’s travelling the welcome sound of the bell of the pack-horse was heard, and the animal was soon secured, none the worst for its lonely holiday of two days on the restricted river flat. A halt was made for the night at the old camp, where everything we had left was found undisturbed. A good haul of blackfish was secured in a deep, rocky pool near the camp, and proved an agreeable change of diet after our plain fare on the mountain. Next day we were not sorry to resume riding, and a long day’s travelling carried us down to an old camping spot some 25 miles from Glenmaggie, and soon our trials were a thing of the past. The future development of much of this great mountain tract as an area for man’s permanent abode and use is still probably somewhat distant. Narrow river valleys form the only means of access to much of this country, and the frequent crossings necessitated by the precipitous cliffs and steep shoulders of the spurs mean almost complete isolation to much of this country 18 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. when the rivers are in flood. Large areas of snow-plain country offer only short periods of summer feeding to mobs of cattle driven up with difficulty from the plains of the low country. Much of this country is, however, far too poor and inaccessible to be worth the risk and hardship of getting to it. Some of the more favourable slopes may be profitable for sheep in time to come, when the outlet along the river is made more certain from floods. The present importance of this vast area lies in the fact that it forms a large gathering ground for the supply of three important rivers, which water the Gippsland plains. The Wonnangatta or Mitchell, the Avon, and the Macallister all take their rise in this mountain region. Marsupial life does not appear to be very plentiful, but bird-life is fairly abundant along the river valleys. Many indications of Lyre-birds were noted, and one was seen close to the upper camp on the Macallister. The scenery on the whole is wild and grand, but the district can only be recommended to those who enjoy mountain travelling of the roughest kind. [The paper was illustrated by a fine series of lantern slides.— Ep. Vict. Nat. | THE FRESH-WATER ALG OF VICTORIA. ARuemielle By A. D. Harpy, F.L.S., F.R.M.S. (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 9th April, 1906.) In August, 1905 (vide Vict. Nat., vol. xxii, p. 62), I presented an account of the Victorian Desmidiaceze. The list comprised 21 genera, including 156 species and varieties, of which 27— compiled from several sources—were queried as doubtful owing to the omission of authors’ names. In the present paper I am bringing the fresh-water Algze of this State—with the exception of the class Bacillarieze—up to date, the following lists including new species and _ species not uncommon in other parts but recorded for the first time for Victoria. There is also included a number of Desmids supple- mentary to the list already published, and others which, though previously recorded, are noted for new localities. To Professor G.S. West I am indebted for his kindness in naming and describing the new forms, and for his assistance in the identification of others. Of the new forms two are Desmids, one a Monostroma, and another an @dogonium, while a fifth is a zygospore of marked peculiarity, belonging to the not very uncommon Plewrotenium ovatum, Nordst., var. twmidum, Mask., which is to be found in several parts of Victoria. The new Monostroma was obtained from a quarry at Burnley THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 19 where the basalt has been cut through vertically to an old river bed which is about go feet below the surface level of the lava flow. ‘The irregular floor of the quarry is about half an acre in extent, and the walls are perpendicular cliffs of roughly columnar basalt. The rain-water drainage of the floor and water which oozes from the surrounding rocky walls forms in pools here and there. One of these pools is at the foot of the vertical wall on the northern side, thus enjoying a maximum of shade, and there, a year ago, the Monostroma was plentiful, associated with Hnteromorpha intestinalis, Link, and Zygnema, sp., which I have not found in other than a sterile condition. The Monos- troma appeared when viewed from the top of the quarry wall like a floating collection of large lettuce leaves, having exactly that light green colour and crinkled surface. On closer exami- nation it was seen that many of the plants were floating at the surface, partly buoyed, up by imprisoned gas which ballooned portions of the thallus, while parts of these and the whole of other individuals were lightly touching the mud at the bottom, being weighed down by a little quarry dust, and, to some extent, by large numbers of a small fresh-water mollusc. If the whole of these plants in the pool had been straightened out in one plane the total area would have considerably exceeded the area of the water surface. ‘The size of this species often exceeds that given in the technical description by a inch or more, but in such cases the thallus is invariably in a torn and dilapidated condition, and all the plants approaching mature size have torn or split margins. The shallow, grassy pool from which the new species of (idogonium was obtained is one of many small depressions of only a few feet in diameter and under a foot in depth, on a gentle northern slope of the Yan Yean drainage area. These small holes are full only during the rainy season, and are then isolated, except for the more or less swampy ground, on which grow various terrestrial and semi-aquatic plants. ‘The new species of Desmids were found amongst weeds in a permanent swamp near the rifle range at Cheltenham, a moor- land depression such as many others in the district, and supplied with water by surface drainage and soakage. The weeds of the swamp were chiefly Potamogeton natans and Myriophyllum varu- Jolium, intermingled together with terrestrial grasses which had been some time submerged. Plewrotentwm ovatuwm, Nordst., var. twumidum, Mask., of which a new zygospore is described, is found also in New Zealand. DESCRIPTION OF NEw Forms. XANTHIDIUM GLORIOSUM, G. S. West (sp. n.) Very large, almost 134 times longer than broad, very deeply 20 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. constricted, sinus open and acute-angled ; semi-cells somewhat narrowly pyramidate-truncate (more or less three-lobed); basal part of semi-cells on each side sub-rectangular, each upper and lower angle furnished with a short, 3-4-spimate process and with a similar process arising from within the upper part of the lateral margin ; upper two-thirds of lateral margins deeply concave, apex convex but retuse in the middle, apical angles furnished with a short 3-4-spinate process and with another similar process arising within the apical margin close to each angle ; witb a shorter imarginate or 3-4-dentate process in the centre of the lower part of the semi-cells, and often with one or two dentate projections well within the concave portions of the lateral margins. Vertical view elliptical, poles furnished with a short spinate process, with a similar process on each side of the polar one, and at the middle on each side with a shorter dentate projection. Side view of semi-cell narrowly ovate-pyramidate, with a sub-truncate apex; disposition of processes shown clearly in empty individuals. Cell wall punctate. Length with short processes 288-298 p, without processes 197-200 y; breadth with short processes 163-178 jp, without processes 134-153 y; breadth of apical part of semi-cell, 61-74 p; breadth of isthmus, 35-46 p. ' Habitat.—Cheltenham, Victoria ; abundant, 26th June, 1905. Notre. — This handsome species stands very near to YX. bifurcatum, Borge, but is more than twice as large, the apical part of the semi-cells (the apical lobe) is much more produced and outstanding, and the processes are proportionately very much smaller and 2-3-4-spinate (not bzfurcate). X. bifurcatum was described from Queensland, and, as the Victorian plant has such distinctive characters, as its much smaller spinate processes (which are not bzfurcate) and the greatly produced apical lobe of the semi-cells, it is better regarded as a distinct species. Moreover its dimensions are much greater than those of X. bifurcatwm—ain fact, it is much the largest species of the genus yet found. X. gloriosum exhibits certain irregularities with regard to the disposition of its processes, more especially those at the apex of the semi-cells. The normal number of apical processes is six, one at each apical angle and two others on each side of it nearer the middle. Sometimes there are two processes at each apical angle, and then the two remaining ones are obliquely disposed. In rarer instances, seven processes occur at the apex. The central dentate wart is also variable, and is not infrequently absent. COSMARIUM BIRETIFORME, G. S. West (sp. n.) Of medium size, about as long as broad, or sometimes 14 times longer than broad, deeply constricted, sinus very short or THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 21 sometimes long, narrowly linear, with the inner extremity widely dilated; semi-cells elliptic-hexagonai or trapeziform, angles rounded, upper oblique margins slightly concave or sub- straight, apex truncate or slightly convex. Side view of semi-cells depressed-spherical, vertical view broadly elliptic, with the lateral margins towards the poles very slightly concave. Cell wall furnished with a very dense covering of pearly granules, which are somewhat more prominent at the lateral angles ; granules in the centre of the semi-cell slightly larger and flattened, with small intervening scrobiculations, and in the middle of the apex considerably reduced in size. Length, 85-106 »; breadth, 82.5-92 «; breadth of isthmus, 19-32 mw; thickness, 61.5-64 p. Habitat.—Cheltenham, 26th June, 1905. Lagoons of the Yarra Yarra River, March, 1905. This species is, perhaps, more closely related to C. biretum, Breb., than to any other. It approaches it in the denseness of its granulations, in the elevated apices of its semi-cells, and in the tumid vertical view. It differs from that species, however, in the pronounced lateral angles and in the inequality of its granulation. The median inflated part of the semi-cells is much greater than in C. biretum, and in this region there are small scrobiculations between the granules. C. biretiforme is very variable in the outline of the semi-cells. The most abundant form seen possessed elliptic-hexagonal semi- cells and a short, widely dilated sinus; but another common form had more trapeziform semi-cells, with less pronounced lateral angles, and the sinus was much longer. Between these extreme forms were many other gradations. PLEUROTENIUM OvATUM, Nordst. ; var. TUMIDUM, Mask. Length, 240-255 3; breadth (max.), 89-98 w; breadth of apices, 29.5-32.5 4; diameter zZygospore, 96-108 p. Habitat.—Cheltenham, Victoria, 26th June, 1905. The specimens were remarkable for the prominence of the apical teeth, which were conical, blunt, and 8 or 9 in number. One zygospore was observed. It was sub-globose, with a smooth exterior. There were three distinct coats each of which was lamellose, and the median coat had shrunk away from the outer one (especially at one side). ‘This median coat was papillate, the papillze being sparsely scattered, blunt, and 2-2.7 in length. MONOSTROMA EXPANSA, G. S. West (sp. n.) Thallus membranaceous, broadly expanded, and slippery, somewhat folded (or plicated) towards the margins, which are generally slightly torn; cells more or less rounded or rounded- polygonal, crowded, in a vertical transverse section of the thallus elliptic-sublunate ; chloroplasts parietal, solitary, with a single pyrenoid. 22 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Length of thallus, up to 36 cms. (or even more); breadth of thallus, up to 24 cms.; thickness of thallus, 23 »; diameter of cells, 4.6-10 p. Habitat.—In a pool in a quarry at Burnley, associated with Enteromorpha intestinalis. The only other fresh-water species approaching J. expansa is M. membranacea, W. and G. S. West, but the Australian species possesses a much larger and more expanded thallus, and the cells are much more rounded and scarcely more than half the size. CEDOGONIUM VICTORIENSE, G. S. West (sp. n.) Dicecious, nannandrous, gynandrosporus ; oogonia solitary, ellipsoid-globose or ellipsoid-doliform, with a superior widely opened pore ; oospores exactly globose, not filling the oogonia ; epispore smooth ; androsporangia 5-6 celled ; nannandria situated on the supporting cells of the oogonia, furnished with a curved stalk, antheridia internal and 2-cellular; supporting cells of oogonia very slightly swollen. Crass. cell. veget. 25-29 px, altitude 2-3 times diameter ; crass. oogonia 49 p, altitude 57 y; crass. oospores 39 p, altitude 39 nw; crass. androsporangia 25-26 mu, altitude 4.2-8 w; crass. antheridial cells 7.5 p, altitude 4.4 p. Habitat.—Shallow grassy pool, Yan Yean drainage area, Octo- ber, 1905. This species stands nearest to (. crassvusculuwm, Wittr., but differs in its solitary oogonia and exactly globose oospores, the Jatter by no means filling the former. The nannandria are also curved, and the antheridia are 2-celled. From W@W. macrandrium, Wittr., it is distinguished by the greater thickness of its vegetative cells, by the solitary oogonia with a superior pore, and by the oospore not nearly filling the oogonium. Itis also gynandros- porous. Compare also with @. cataractum, Wolle. With regard to my previously published list of Desmidiacez, the following corrections are necessary :—(1) Professor Nord- stedt’s record of Australian fresh-water Algee was published in 1888, not “1896 ;” (2) “‘ Penvwm nogeli, Breb.. is Onenol 9a group restored to the genus Wetriwm ; and (3) for Huastrwm circulare, Hass., read “ #. ansatwm, Ralfs.” [Owing to pressure on space, the list of additional records of known species is held over until next issue.—Ep. Vict. Vat. | ExcHancre.—The Ames Botanical Laboratory, North Easton, Mass., U.S.A., is anxious to enter into correspondence and exchange with plant collectors. Herbarium specimens of Orchidacez and of seedling Droseras particularly required. / / THE VICTORIAN NATURALISI1. 2B) CONDRIBUTIONS TO THE FLORA OF VIGTORIA. No. XVI. By F. M. Reaper, F.R.H.S. (Communicated by J. F. Haase.) (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 9th April, 1906.) CENTROLEPIS PLATYCHLAMYS, Sp. Nov. A minute, slender, glabrous moss-like plant, usually under 1 inch high. Leaves subulate-filiform, dilated at the base into imbricate broad membranous sheaths, the inner without laminz ; in the larger plants shorter, in the smaller as long as, or slightly longer than, the scape. Floral bracts close together, erect or spreading, with the awn scarcely more than 1 line long. Outer bract with a straight or recurved short point or awn, broadly ovate, acuminate with the awn, at the margin narrowly membranous ; inner bract about % shorter than the outer, with the margin broadly membranous, no awn and obtuse. Flowers 3-5, two with a stamen and no scales, the others devoid of either. Carpels of the ovary usually from 5-9. This species is closely allied to C. muscoides, pulvinata, and pusilla. From the first it is distinguished by the smaller and broader bracts and the absence of scales. In CU. pulvinata the bracts are a little distant from each other, and rather long hyaline ‘scales are present. C. pusilla has both bracts obtuse or scarcely pointed and each flower with one or two hyaline scales. Swampy ground, Little Desert, Lowan; F. M. Reader, November, 1900. Also found by Mr. H. B. Williamson at Hawkesdale in March, 1904. THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. ADVANTAGE was taken of the celebration of the jubilee of the opening of the Melbourne Public Library, during the week 2rst to 28th April, to formally open the recently completed addition to the National Museum. Some account of the then proposed additional halls was given in the Victorian Naturalist, vol. xvil., p. 14, and a sketch of the arrangement of the Museum as then existing in vol. xvili., p. 72. By the opening of these additional halls on Saturday, 21st April, by His Excellency Sir Reginald Talbot, the public are now enabled to appreciate fully the Director’s (Prof. W. Baldwin Spencer, F.R.S.) scheme for devoting one of the new halls entirely to representatives of our Australian fauna. The main entrance to the Museum, which in future will be from Russell-street, opens into a large hall, measuring 113 feet x 52 feet, one end of which is temporarily partitioned off to provide 24 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. office accommodation for the Curators and the Museum Library. This hall, it is understood, will be devoted to exhibits of a special nature, and at present is occupied with a number of large cases containing special groups of mammals, birds, reptiles, &c. Passing through into the former main hall it is pleasing to notice that in consequence of the removal to their new quarters of the whole of the Australian mammals, birds, &c., greater space has been given to the remaining exhibits on the ground floor, which are thus seen to much better advantage. The space gained by the removal of the Australian birds from the general collection has permitted of the exhibition of a large number of additional foreign species which were unable to be represented before owing to the want of space, while the tendency to crowding before noticeable has now been avoided. The entrance to the new Australian Hall is gained from the gallery of this hall. This is a large room, lighted from the top, and measuring 113 feet x 52 feet, with a gallery running round three sides. Under the gallery the wall space is occupied with continuous wall cases, with larger projecting cases at intervals. Here are arranged the Australian mammals and birds, which are seen to very great advantage. Many interesting additions are noticeable. A fine series of bird groups, showing their nests and natural surroundings, has been recently added, making a very attractive as well as instructive feature in this section. The centre of the hall is occupied with a number of very large cases of mammals and bird groups. In addition to the large cases of Black Swans, Native Com- panions, and Lyre-birds, which have been a feature of the Museum for some time past, there have been added four new cases of mammals. The largest of these, which measures 17 feet x 12 feet x ro feet, occupies) the (ceninewolmencmsnall: and contains an excellent group of Kangaroos amid _ their natural surroundings of rocks and shrubs. Two other cases, each about 12 feet x 6 feet, contain groups of Wallabies and Opossums respectively, while in the remaining one is exhibited a group of Bandicoots. The gallery will be occupied with Australian invertebrates, &c. This arrangement of the whole of the Australian fauna in one great hall has never been attempted before in any museum, and the hon. Director is to be congratulated on the success of his efforts, which will be greatly appreciated by everyone interested in our Australian fauna. The galleries in the main hall are now practically complete so far as their arrangement is concerned. In the north and west galleries are exhibited an exceedingly fine series of Australian and foreign minerals and rocks. The east gallery is confined to the splendid collection of Australian fossils, recently rearranged by THE VICTORIAN NATURALIS?. 25 the Palzontologist, Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., while the south gallery is devoted to the foreign collection, including a number of interesting casts of the larger extinct animals. The work of arranging the reference collections in their new quarters is being pushed on as rapidly as possible. The entomo- logical collection is already available to students and others interested in this branch, while it is hoped that most of the other collections will be rearranged in the course of the next few months. The last three months have been a busy time for the hon. Director and the Curators (Messrs. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., and R. H. Walcott, F.G.S.), and the display is now a most creditable one, and compares more than favourably with any in the world. NEW VARIETIES OF VICTORIAN PLANTS. At the February meeting of the Club dried specimens of new varieties of the following Victorian plants were exhibited by Mr. F. M. Reader :— Brachycome ciliaris, Less., var. subintegra. New variety. Brachycome goniocarpa, Sond. and F. v. M., var. longiscapa. New variety. Calythrix tetragona, Lab. A form with no or minute hair-like awns. Cardamine hirsuta, L. A form with the pinne of the leaves of various breadth and toothed or pinnatifid. Cassinia aculeata, R. Br. A form with long leaves. Cassinia aculeata, R. Br., var. angustata. New variety. Centrolepis polygyna, Hier. A small and densely czespitose form. Convolvulus erubescens, Sims. A form with the leaves sub- hastate or cordate, entire or pinnate, lobed or pinnatifid, with long pedicels. Gnaphalium luteo-album, L, var. minor. New variety. Helichrysum apiculatum, D.C. A form with margins of leaves revolute, and additional short branches with small leaves in the axil of each leaf (abnormal state). Lepidium ruderale, L. A form with the flowers subcorymbose. Poa czespitosa, Forst., var. flexuosa. New variety. Scirpus riparius, L., var. nanus. New variety. Stipa acrociliata, F. M. Reader, var. minor. New variety. Styphelia costata, F. v. M., var. amplexans. New variety. Vittadinia australis, A. Rich. ny Melbourne : WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP STREET. 1906. ORO NN NN IN I IN IN IN IN NIN IF IN I I IN I IN NN IN IN I IN IN NIN IN NIN ON rw AG Field Naturalists’ Club OF Victoria, ROOMS—ROYAL SOCIETY’S HALL, VICTORIA ST., MELBOURNE. BUSINESS PAPER FOR ANNUAL MEETING. MONDAY EVENING, 1th JUNE, 1906. t. Correspondence and Reports. 2. Election of Members. As ORDINARY MEMBERS — Proposer. Seconder. Mr. J. W. Audas +2 Mr. C. French, jun. ee Mr. F. G. A. Barnard National Herbarium. : Mr. J. W. Bainbridge .. Mr. A. E. Kitson, F.G.S. - Mr. J.S, Kitson Crown Lands Dept. Mr. G. Renner .. 3 Mr. G. Coghill .. 56 Mr. A. Mattingley 92 Leopold Street, South Yarra. As a Country MemBER— Mr. T. Slack .. 3 Mr. T.S. Hall, M.A. 56 Mr. J. Leach, B.Sc. State School, Bacchus Marsh. As aN Assoc1aTE— Montaigne O’Dowd. As Junior MemBers—Miss D. H. Chapman, Master David Young. 3. Nominations for Membership. Members making nominations will oblige by handing the full name and address to Hon. Secretary. 4. Consideration of Annual Report and Financial Statement for year ending 30th April, 1906. 5. President’s Address. 6. General Business. Election of Office-bearers for 1906-7. The following nominations have been received :— President—Mr. F.G. A. Barnard - Vice-Presidents—Messrs, G. A. Keartland and F, Wisewould Hon. Treasurer—Mr. G. Coghill Hon. Inbrarian—Mz. S. W. Fulton Hon. Secretary—Mr. J. A. Kershaw Hon. Assist. Secretary and Assist. Librarian—Mr. W. H. Roger Hon: Editor—Mv. F. G. A. Barnard Committee—Mr. F. Chapman, Professor J. A. Ewart, Messrs. J. Gabriel, J. F. Haase, T. S. Hall, A. D. Hardy, Dr. J. C. Kaufmann, Messrs. A. E. Kitson, J. Leach, A. Mattingley (five to be elected). 7. Reading of Natural History Notes. Members who may note any unusual occurrence, or see anything of interest in Foreign or Colonial papers, are requested to inform the Secretary of the same that he may arrange for their bringing them before the meeting; such notes should, however, be brief. 8. Exhibition of Specimens and Conversazione. Members exhibiting specimens are requested to furnish the Hon. Secretary with written particulars of their Exhibits for record in Minutes and Vatzra/lést. => «<# EXCURSIONS. *® SATURDAY, 9TH ,JUNE.—Walk across country from Coburg to Essendon. Under the leadership of Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A. Object.—Geology. Train leaves Flinders St. Station for Coburg at 1 30 pm. Failing to make satisfactory arrangements with the Trustees of the Exhibition Buildings, the excursion that was to be held at the Aquarium on Saturday, 14th July, will now take place in the National Museum, under the leadership of the Curator, Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., on the same date. Full particulars will be announced in the July Naturalist. Che Victorian Haturalist. Vou. XXITI.—No. 2. JUNE 7, 1906. No. 270 FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society’s Hall on Monday evening, 14th May, 1906. The president, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, occupied the chair, and about 70 members and visitors were present. REPORTS. A report of the excursion to the Zoological Gardens on Saturday, 28th April, was given by Mr. F. Pitcher, who acted as leader in the absence of the Director, Mr. D. Le Souéf, C.M.Z.S. Owing to the somewhat threatening weather, the attendance was not large. However, a very enjoyable afternoon was spent in viewing the mammals and birds. A report of the junior excursion to the Burnley quarries on Saturday, 5th May, was given by the leader, Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., who reported that about 40 juniors attended. Before making a descent into the quarry, he made a few remarks upon the nature and structure of basalt and the probable origin of that under observation. Later some fine specimens of columnar basalt in an old quarry near the river were examined with great interest. Owing to the recent rains, the floor of the quarry (the original land surface) was not accessible. A report of the excursion to Broadmeadows on Saturday, 12th May, was given by the leader, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., who said that there was a good attendance of members, who evinced con- siderable interest in the variety of geological features revealed during the ramble. An exceedingly fine view was obtained from Gellibrand’s Hill, a granite outcrop about two miles north of the township. The hon. librarian reported the receipt of the following donations to the library :—‘“‘ Bulletin of the Geological Survey of Victoria,” No. 18, from the Mining Department, Melbourne ; Journal of Agriculture of Victoria, vol. iv., part 4, April, 1906, from the Secretary for Agriculture, Melbourne; Geelong Naturalist, No. 31, March, 1906, from the Geelong Field Naturalists’ Club ; “Proceedings Linnean Society of New South Wales,” vel. xxx., part 4, and Supplement, from the society; Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, vol. xvil., part 5, May, 1906, from the Secretary for Agriculture, Sydney; Watwre Notes, April, 1906, from the Selborne Society, London; Annual Report for 1904, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, from the institute; “Bulletin American Museum of Natural History,” vol. xxi., 1905, and 30 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. “Memoirs,” vol. ix., part 1, from the Museum ; “ Bulletin of the New York Botanical Gardens,” vol. v., No. 15, from the Director ; “ Proceedings of the Hawaian Entomological Society,” vol. i., part 1, 1905, from the society. ELECTION OF MEMBERS. On a ballot being taken, Mr. A. O’Brien, Botanical Depart- ment, University, Mr. E. V. De Little, The Exchange, Collins- street, Melbourne, and Mr. R. Wettenhall, 139 Hotham-street, East Melbourne, were duly elected ordinary members; Walter J. Bennett was elected an associate ; Misses M. and A. Minogue, K. Brock, D. Brock, C. Flexmore, F. Gayer, M. Webb, J. Hawker, J. Barritt, and Masters J. and H. Minogue and C. De Little were elected junior members of the Club. GENERAL BUSINESS. Nominations for office-bearers were received for the year 1906-7, and Messrs. D. Best and J. Shephard were elected to audit the accounts for the past year. PAPERS READ. 1. By Mr. A. J. North, C.M.Z.S., entitled “‘ Note on the Superb Fruit-Pigeon, Lamprotreron superbus, Temm.” Specimens of this bird having been recently described as a new species, the author forwarded specimens for exhibition, and called attention to the attenuation of the first primary feather in both sexes, which, however, is not so pronounced in young specimens, hence its liability to be overlooked. This singular formation occurs also in one genus of the parrot family and in one genus of the Birds of Paradise. 2. By Mr. C. L. Barrett, entitled ‘‘ Bird Life on Olinda Creek.” In this paper, which was the outcome of several years’ study of bird life in the open, the author gave many interesting and valu- able notes on the early stages and habits of a number of our native birds as seen in their mountain homes—the thickets along the Olinda Creek, near Lilydale. The paper was illustrated with about sixty unique lantern slides, from photographs taken by Mr. C. P. Kinane. Mr. G. A. Keartland said that the views shown that evening were very fine. He believed that Mr. Barrett was working in the right direction, for there was much to be learned from the careful study of the immature stages of birds. Mr. A. Mattingley complimented the author upon his paper, and said that he fully appreciated the difficulties that had to be overcome before photographs such as were shown that evening could be secured. The chairman said that the paper was the most interesting that THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 31 had been given before the Club for some time, and he hoped that it would be possible to publish one or more of the photographs in the Club’s journal. Mr. A. J. Campbell and Mr. J. F. Haase also took part in the discussion. NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. THE SPREAD OF Raspits.—Mr. A. E. Kitson, F.G.S., drew attention to a paragraph in a recent newspaper stating that rabbits had been seen close to Korumburra, South Gippsland, and said that if true it was a very important matter, as the National Park at Wilson’s Promontory was not far off, and if the rabbits once reached it no efforts would be able to dislodge them. They were known to exist in great numbers about Tooradin, but hitherto it was thought the Bass Valley and the Bass and Strezlecki Ranges were free from the pest. Mr. G. A. Keartland said that some years ago he had shot rabbits not far from Korumburra. ; PLaGuE oF Morus.—Mr. Kitson asked for information with reference to the great abundance of the so-called ‘“ Bogong” Moth, Agrotis spina, which in some localities is almost a house- hold plague ; but no reason could be assigned by members for the immense numbers occurring at the present time. BEES AND FRuIt.—Mr. Kitson also called attention to a recent newspaper correspondent’s statement that bees destroyed grapes by piercing the skins and sucking the juices out of the berries. Members seemed to think, however, that the bees only took advantage of grapes already bruised or damaged by birds. FLAME-BREASTED Ropin.—Mr. G. A. Keartland reported seeing a young Flame-breasted Robin at Preston recently which was showing the change from immature to adult plumage. EXHIBITS. By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard.—Granite from Gellibrand’s Hill, and scales of Lerp insect, from Broadmeadows excursion. By Mr. A. J. Campbell. —Skin of Striated Tree-runner, Satéella striata, Gld., from Flinders River, North Queensland. By F. Chapman, A.L.S.— Recent foraminifera from shore sand, M‘Haffie’s Reef, Phillip Island, Western Port Bay. From material collected by Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A. By Mr. C. J. Gabriel—Rare Victorian shells from Western Port, including Conus segraver, Gatliff, Lippistes blainvilleanus, Petit, Mitra glaba, Swain., Clavagella australis, Sow., Humphreyia stranget, A. Ad., Modiola victorie, Prit. & Gat., and J. arbores- cens, Sow. By Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S.—Orchid, Pterostylis parviflora, from Walhalla, elevation 1,500 feet. Collected by Mr. W. Thorn. 32 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. By Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., for National Museum.—Bird skins—male of Ptitlopus minutus, Campbell, type, from Cairns, Queensland ; P. swperbus, young and adult male, from Queens- land ; also female of same ae Batchian Island. By Mr. A. H. E. Mattingley.—Egg of Keartland Honey-eater, Piilotis keartlandi, North, from N.W. Australia. By Mr. A. J. North, C.M.Z.S.—Skins of Superb Fruit-Pigeon, Lamprotreron superbus, Temm., from Cardwell, Queensland, in illustration of paper; also photograph of wings of L. superbus and Spathopterus alexandra. By Mr. F. M. Reader.—Dried specimens of following plants : —Crepis taraxacifolia, naturalized and new for Victoria ; Bartlingia gracilis, F. v. M., new for S.W. Victoria; and Salicornia australis, Sol., var. tumida, new variety. After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated. EXCURSION TO BROADMEADOWS. OVER a dozen members, including four ladies, took part in the excursion to Broadmeadows on Saturday, 12th May. On a previous excursion to this locality, after passing through the township of Broadmeadows, which lies in a deeply trenched valley cut through the bluestone of the plain well down into the Silurian, we went up the valley of Moonee Ponds Creek. On the present occasion, in order to get some variety, we determined to push on to Gellibrand’s Hill, about two miles northerly along the Mickleham road, in all four miles from the station. ‘This is the nearest outcrop of granite to Melbourne, and from it was quarried the stone for the former Prince’s Bridge. ‘The creek valley below Broadmeadows, owing to the resistant basalt capping, is steep-sided and narrow, but on leaving the township and walking north-westerly towards the mount the slope is long and gradual, as no basalt is met with. The road passes from the Silurian, which, in most places, is weathered into a soft dazzling white clay, in which only occasionally the stratification can be readily seen, to the granite. The great feature of the granite area is the change in the vegetation. ‘Trees which are typically absent from the basalt now become plentiful. There are a few She-Oaks, Casuarina quadrivalvis, Lab., and Lightwoods, Acacia melanoaxylon, R. Br., which, however, are not very good specimens, while the Prickly Box, Bursaria spinosa, Cavan., is not uncommon. ‘The chief feature, however, are the gums. Box is common, and fairly well grown, while splendid specimens of Red Gum, Awucalyptus rostrata, Schlecht.—that is, from a picturesque point of view— occur plentifully. I have rarely, if ever, seen finer specimens, the foliage being very dense for the species. Near the top of the hill are some fairly old specimens of various species of pines and THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 33 araucarias, but the Red Gums are so varied and beautiful that one wonders why people should go to the trouble and expense of planting exotics. The view from the top of the hill, about 500 feet above sea- level, is a very extensive one, and the gleams of sunlight which cut through the clouds lit up the distance in a wonderful way. The ships at Williamstown, Mount Eliza, Arthur’s Seat, the Bellarine Hills, and the Barrabools (fifty-five miles away) for their whole length were clearly seen, while we had a splendid view for a few minutes of the Werribee Gorge. However, my report is perhaps becoming too topographical. Besides discussing the scenery and identifying hills in all directions as far as we could, we paid some attention to the many geological and geographical features which force themselves on one’s attention on all the trips we take. Flowers, as might be expected, were scarce, but growing in the rich soil at the bases of the numerous granite tors nice specimens of the creeping fern, Asplenium flabellifolium, Cavan., and the Parsley Fern, Chealanthes tenuifolia, Swartz, were noticed. The outing was a thoroughly enjoyable one from every point of view, though some of us reached home rather late in the evening.—T. S. HALL. THE FRESH-WATER ALGA! OF VICTORIA. Part III. (continued from Vol. XXIITI., pages 18-22). IBY AL DS EUAR DYa Gis Helwe Vio: (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 9th April, 1906.) (Nore.—The species in brackets | ] are those recorded by Watts without authors or localities, and which I have not seen.) Class I—RHODOPHYCE A. Order. -NEMALIONACEZA.. Fam.—Helminthocladiez. Genus.—Batrachospermum, Roth. B. moniliforme, Roth. .. Sydenham Class 1!.— PH AOPH YCE 24. Order.—_SYNCENETICEA. Fam.— Dinobryacee. Genus.— Dinobryon, Ehrenb. D. cylindricum, Imhof. ... Yan Yean (plankton) D. cylindricum, var. divergens (Imh.), Lemm. ... .. Yan Yean (plankton) 34 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. D. elongatum, Imh., var. undu- latum, Lemm. ... ... Yan Yean (plankton) Class I1I.—CH LOROPHYCE A“. Order.—QEDOGONIALES. Fam.— Gedogoniacee. Genus.—@dogoniuwm, Link. CE. pisanum, Wittr. ... ... Yan Yean (pool) ; Crass. cell. veget. 4.3-8 ; altit. 6.5-8-plo. major. Crass. oogon. 23-27 p; altit. 38-54 4. Crass. oospor. 20-24 p ; altit. 32.5-37 w (G. S. West). G:. undulatum (Bréb.), A. Br. ... Willsmere (pool) (E. victoriense, sp. n.(G.S. West) Yan Yean (pool) @ireapillane (ils) ip ... Yarra River (backwater) ? “CE. tenellum ” | [? “CE. vestitum ”] Genus.—Bulbochete, Ag. B. setigera, Ag. se ... Yarra Glen, Willsmere [? “ B. pygmea ”| Order—_CHA.TOPHORALES. Fam.— Ulotrichacee. Genus.— Ulothrix, Kutz. U. subtilis, Kiitz., var. variabilis Kirchn. ou: ... Yan Yean (pool) U. equalis, Kutz. ... ee aia Raven U. zonata (Webb et Mors), Kitz. Yarra River Fam.—Cheetophoracee. Genus. —Chetophora, Schrank. C. elegans (Roth.), Ag.’ ... Fitzroy Gardens, Melb. (pool) Genus.—Draparnaldia, Bory. [2 aD iasp:-] Genus.—Myxonema, Fries. M. tenue (Ag.), Rabenh. ... (Common) Order.—ULVALES. Fam.—Ulvacee. Genus.— Yonostroma, Thur. M. expansa, sp. n. (G. S. West) Burnley Genus.— E'nteromorpha, Link. E intestinalis, Link ... ... Burnley THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 30 Order—CLADOPHORALES. Farn.—Cladophoracee. Genus.—Cladophora, Kiitz. C. glomerata (L.), Kiitz. ... Yarra River (backwater) C. fracta, Kiitz. ee ... Yarra River (backwater) lee (edebilis ~| Fam.—Spheeropleacee. Genus.—Spheroplea, Ag. [? “S. annulina ”] Order.—SIPHONEA. Fam.— Vaucheriaceez. Genus.— Vaucheria, D. C. V. sessilis (Vauch.), D.C. _.... Treasury Gardens, Melb. [P “ V. clavata ”] [? “ V. velutina ”] Order.—_CONJUGATEA.. Fam.—Zygnemacee. Sub-Fam.—M ESOCARPE. Genus.—Mougeotia, Ag. M. gracillima (Hass.), Wittr. ... Sandringham Sub-Fam.—ZYGNEME. Genus.—Zygnema, Ag. Z. insigne (Hass.), Kiitz. ... Box Hill (pool) Z. stellinum (Vauch.), Ag. ... Botanical Gardens (lake) Genus.—Spirogyra, Link. S. porticalis (Vauch.), Cleve ... Yan Yean (pool) S. nitida, Dillw. ake ... Botanical Gardens (lake) S. longata, Vauch. ... ... Berwick (dam) [*S. condensata ”] (le Sadecima/] [“S. flavicans ”] 5S. majuscula, Kutz. ... ... Deepdene (swamp) [S. pellucida ”] S. tenuissima (Hass.), Kutz. ... Yarra Glen Fam.—Desmidiacee. (Supplementary to Part I. See Vict. Nat., vol. xxi1., No. 4.) Genus.—Clostertwm, Nitzsch. C. lagocense, Nordst., var. glab- rum, W. and G. S. West .... Whanregarwen C. parvulum, Nag. ... ... Whan., Yarra (lagoons) Ing} Ing} Io} Ino} Ine) E. denticulatum (Kirch.), Gay . truncatum (Bréb.), He . ehrenbergii (Breb.), De Bary, . Incurvum, Breb. . pritchardianum, Arch. . acutum (Lyngb.), Breb.* . lunula (Mull.), Nitszch.* gracile, Breb., var. tenue, (Lemm.), West and G. S. WEEE Ses THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. \ Yarra (lagoon) Heidelberg, Cheltenham Heidelberg Cheltenham Cheltenham Can aes Nag. Nag. var. elongatum, West . coronatum (Breb.), Rabenh. . trabecula (Ehrenb.), Nag. . Ovatum, var. tumidum, Mask., with zygospore ... H’berg., Chelt., Y. Yean (pool) Heidelberg, Yan Yean (pool) Heidelberg, Yarra (lagoon) Heidelberg, Yarra (lagoon) Cheltenham Genus.—Zuastrum, Ehrenb. turnerll, West Yan Yean (pool) Heidelberg, Cheltenham Genus—Wicrasterias, Ag. M. jenneri (Ralfs), var. simplex AOOa COQaAG . angulosum, Breéb., var. Mt. Baw Baw (Sphagnum pool) Genus.—Cosmariwm, Corda. . sub-speciosum, Nordst. . punctulatum, Breb. . lundellii, Delp. . tinctum, Ralfs . granatum, Breb. subtumidum, Nordst. . abbreviatum, Racib. . subpunctulatum, Nordst. . contractum, Kirch., var. ellip- soideum (Elfr.), West and G. S. West, with zygospore con- cinnum . pokornyanum (Grun. ), W. and G. S. West C Cc C. meneghinii, Breb. (p.q.) @ Cr Cc: meneghinii, forma octangularis, Wille ... quadrifarium, Lund. binum, Nord. Whanregarwen Whanregarwen, Cheltenham Whanregarwen Yan Yean (pool), Yarra (lagoon), Y. Yean (pool), Cheltenham Yarra (lagoon) Heidelberg Yarra (lagoon) Yan Yean (Res., weeds, plank.), Cheltenham, Heidelberg: Heidelberg Heidelberg Heidelberg, Cheltenham Cheltenham Cheltenham * These two species were doubtfully included in previous list, and have since been identified. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 37 C. phaseolus, Breb. ... ... Cheltenham C. amcenum, Breb. ... ... Cheltenham C. blyttii, Wille ie ... Cheltenham C. biretiforme, sp. n. G S. West) Cheltenham Genus.—Xanthidium, Ehrenb. X. gloriosum, sp. n. (G. S. West) Cheltenham (swamp) Genus.—Staurastrum, Meyen. S. senarium, Ehrenb. ... Yan Yean (Res., w., plank.) S. apiculatum, Bréb.... ... Yarra (lagoon), Heidelberg S. orbiculare (Ehr.), rae var. depressum ... Yarra (lagoon), Heidelberg S. mucronatum, Ralfs ... Heidelberg S. avicula, Bréb., var. subarcua- tum (Wolle. ), West ... Heidelberg S. alternans, Breb. ... .. Cheltenham Genus. uC eel Corda. S. granulatum, R. et B. ... Heidelberg Genus.—Onychonema, Wall. O. filiforme, R. et. B. ... Heidelberg Genus.—Desmidiwm, Ag. D. baileyi (Ralfs), Nordst. ... Heidelberg Order.—PROT OCOCCOIDEA-. Fam.—Cheetopeltideee. Genus.—Chetospheridium, Kleb. C. globosum (Nordst.), Kleb. ... Heidelberg, Yarra (lagoon) Fam.— Volvoceee. Sub-Fam.—CHLAMYDOMONADE/~. Genus.—Spherella, Sommerf. S. lacustris (Girod.), Wittr. ... (Common) Sub-Fam.—VOLVOCEE. Genus.—Zudorina, Ehrenb. E. elegans (Ehrenb.)... ... Cheltenham, &c. Genus.— Volvox (L.), Ehrenb. V. globator (L.), Ehrenb. ... (Common) V. aureus, Ehrenb. ... Pe derdelbers Fam.—Characiee. Genus.—Characium, A. Br. C. Pe caianamn) heteromerphum, Reinsch : ... (Common) 38 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. C. tenui, Herm. ... Yarra (lagoon) C. ornithocephalum, A. Br. ... Rosstown Fam.—Pleurococcacee. Genus.— Plewrococcus, Menegh. P. vulgaris, Menegh. ... ... (Common) P. mucosus, Rabh. ... .... Yan Yean, Bendigo, &c. Fam.—Hydriodictyacee, Sub-Fam. — PEDIASTREL. Genus.—Pediastvum, Meyen. P. duplex, Meyen ... Yan Yean (Res., plankton) P. duplex, var. clathratum, A. Br. Yan Yean (Res., plankton) P. duplex,var. reticulatum, Pate Yan Yean (Res., plankton) P. tetras, Ehrenb. .... . Whanregarwen P. boryanum (Turp. ), Menegh. Cheltenham [‘< P. ehrenbergii ”] Fam.— Protococcacee, Sub-Fam.—CCiLASTREA. Genus. —Ccelastrum, Nag. C. proboscideum, Bohl. ... Cheltenham Sub-Fam.—C RUCIGENIE. Genus.—Crucigenia, Morren. C. rectangularis, (Nag.), Gay ... Rosstown C. tetrapedia (Kirchn.), West and G. S. West ... Rosstown Sub-Fam.—SELENASTREA. Genus. —Scenedesmus, Meyen. S. bijugatus (Turp.), Kutz. ... Yan Yean (plank.), H’berg. S. obliquus (Turp.), Kutz. ... Cheltenham, Fernshaw * S acutiformis, Schroeder ... Cheltenham S. denticulatus, Lagerh., var. linearis, Hansgh. Yarra (lagoon) S. quadricauda (Turp.), Breb. Fernshaw* en et odesmus, Corda. A. falcatus (Corda), Ralfs ... Yan Yean Reservoir (plank.) A. falcatus, var. acicularis (A. Br.), Mob. sae ... Yan Yean Reservoir A. falcatus, var. spiralis (Turn.), Mob. ... Uae ... Yan Yean Reservoir * These species were collected by Dr. Berggren in 1875, and recorded by Prof. Nordstedt. C. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 39 Genus.—Closteriopsis, Lemm. longissima, Lemm. ... Yan Yean (plankton) Genus.—Kirchneriella, Schmidle. K. lunaris (Kirch.), Mob. ... Yan Yean (Res., plank). FE. D. Wa A. Sub-Fam.—OOCYSTIDE. Genus.—Oocystis, Nag. mSOlitantay VWitths a e: ... Yarra (lagoon), Heidelberg parva, W. and G.S. West ... Yarra (lagoon) Genus.—Hremosphera, De Bary. viridis, De Bary ... ... Yan Yean (pool), Cheltenham Genus.— Palmellococcus, Chodat. . miniatus (Nag.), Chodat ... Yan Yean Reservoir Genus.—Chlorella, Beyer. vulgaris, Beyer... ... Rosstown Sub-Fam.—DICTYOSPH HRIEA. Genus.—Dictyospherium, Nag. pulchellum, Wood ... Yan Yean (plankton), H’berg. Genus.—Tetracoccus, West. . botryoides, West ... oe Kaildon Genus.— Botryococcus, Kiitz. pratinit, Koitze 9 o. ... Geelong Res., Yan Yean Res. Fam.— Palmellaceeze. Sub-Fam.— PALMELLEA. Genus.—Spherocystis, Chodat. . schroeteri, Chod. ... ... Yan Yean (plankton) Sub-Fam.—TETRASPORE. Genus.—Tetraspora, Link. gelatinosa (Vauch.), Desv. ... . Rosstown Genus.—Apiocystis, Nag. brauniana, Nag. ... .... (Common) Sub-Fam.—GLAXOCYSTIDE:. Genus.—Gleocystis, Nag. gigas (Kiitz.), Lagerheim ... Cheltenham vesiculosa, Nag. ... .... Heidelberg and Cheltenham 40 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Class IV.—HETEROKONT 2. Order.—_CONFERVALES. Fam.—Tribonemacee, Genus.—Ophiocytium, Nag. O. parvulum (Pertz.), A. Br. ... Heidelberg O. bicuspidatum (Borge), Lemm. Cheltenham Fam.—Botrydiacez. Genus.— Botrydium, Wall. B. granulatum (L.), Grev. ... Alexandra and Willsmere Class V.—-BACILLARIACE A. (Omitted—reserved for a separate paper.) Clas VI—MY XOPHYCE A. Sub-Class.—Archiplastideee. Order—_HORMOGONEZ. Sub-Order.—PSILONEMATEZ. Fam.— Nostocee. Genus.—WVostoc, Vauch. INewlinekiassborcenmrer ... Botanical Gardens, Melbourne Genus.— + Melbourne : WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP STREET. 1906. \ ¢ \ Z he 7 4 / Y me 4 7 XN / \ 4 > ih: vs \ th \ wi \ fe \ , \ vA \ ¢ \ ( A 7 x v4 \ A \ , \ ve at fe \ / NY / \ y, * J \ f \ vA \ / \ f \ yg \ 4 \ / \ ua \ 4 \ rA \ / \ 4 aN th Ny f \ 4 \ 7 \ es \ A XV / \ 4s \ 4 \ Hy \ Dae \ / \ va NN NN NN NN NN NN IN IN NN Nn NN NN IN CN NIN IN IN I NN ON INF NN NN NN NINN ON A I I ae te Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, ROOMS—ROYAL SOGIETY’S HALL, VICTORIA St. wee BUSINESS PAPER FOR MONTHLY MEETING. MONDAY EVENING, 8th OCTOBER, 1906. [i Correspondence and Reports. 2. Eleqtion gf Members. As aN ORDINARY MEMBER— Proposer. Seconder. Myr. John Jackson «. |\Mr.R.W. Armitage .. Mr. J. A. Armitage “Glen Garnock,’ Rossmoyne Su 24 j Northcote. As Junior MEMBERS— Miss Eileen Shallberg .. Mr. R. W. Armitage .. Mr. J. S. Kitson Continuation School, Melbourne. : Master Percival R. Weldon Mr. A. E. Kitson -. Mr. J. S. Kitson Master W. R. W. Purves Mr. Jas. A. Kershaw .. Mr. G. Coghill “ Glenronald,’ Domain Road, South Yarra. 3. Nominations for Membership. Members making nominations will oblige by handing the full name and address to Hon. Secretary. 4. General Business. 5. Lecturette. By Professor A. J. Ewart, D.Sc., Ph.D., entitled, “ The Mechanism of the Flower.” 6. Reading of Natural History Notes. Members who may note any unusual occurrence, or see anything of interest in Foreign or Colonial papers, are requested to inform the Secretary of the same that he may arrange for their bringing them before the meeting ; such notes should, however, be brief. 7. Exhibition of Specimens and Conversazione. Members are invited to exhibit objects of interest and are requested to furnish the Hon. Secretary with written particulars of such Exhibits for record in Minutes and Naturalist. Ss “= EXCURSIONS. ® SATURDAY, 13TH OcTopER. —Olinda Vale. Under the leadership of Mr. G. Goghill. Object—Botany Meet at Prince's Bridge Station at 120 p.m. Train leaves . at 12.15 p.m. SATURDAY, 27TH OcToBER —Bayswater. Under the leadership of Mr. C, French Gun.) Object—Entomology and Botany. Meet at Prince’s Bridge Station at 1 20 p.m. ~ Train leaves at 1.35 p.m. SATURDAY, toTH aoe Kesha Under the leadership of Mr. J. A. TO Kershaw, F.E.S. Object—General Collecting. Monpay, 12TH NOVEMBER. ‘Train leaves Prince’s Bridge Station at 8.50 a.m. Members desirous of attending this excursion are requested to for- ward their names not later than 31st October. SPECIAL NOTICE. The November meeting will be held on the 13th November instead of the 12th, on account of Public Holiday. SUNIOR EXCURSION. SATURDAY, 6TH OcroBER.—Sandringham. Under the leadership of Miss J. White, B.Sc. Object -Witp Frowers. Train leaves Flinders Street Sation at 2 p.m. SATURDAY, 3RD NovemBer.—Blackburn. Under the leadership of Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S. Object -Insrcts. Train leaves Prince’s Bridge Station at 1.35 p.m. Che Victorian Naturalist. Vou. XXIII.—No. 6. OCTOBER 4, 1906. No. 274. FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society’s Hall on Monday evening, roth September, 1906. The president, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, occupied the chair, and about 60 members and visitors were present. CORRESPONDENCE. In reply to a letter from the Club, drawing attention to the destruction of the wattles and native shrubs along the Yarra, near the Kew Asylum, and asking that some action be taken to preserve these plants, a letter was read from the Inspector- General of Asylums, Dr. W. E. Jones, expressing sympathy with the object of the Club, and stating that earnest endeavours were being made to prevent any further destruction taking place. The president reported that in response to an invitation from the Medical Superintendent of the Kew Asylum, he had visited the locality and pointed out the shrubs which the Club desired to be protected, and that immediate action was taken by the Superintendent to conform with the wishes of the Club. He was sure that members would be pleased with the practical response on the part of the Asylum authorities. A letter was also received from the Railway Commsssioners, in reply toa letter from the Club asking that certain railway cuttings be left in the original condition, for the purpose of studying the formation. The Commisssioners requested that a list of the localities which the Club considered most suitable for the purpose be furnished. On the motion of the president, seconded by Mr. G. Coghill, Messrs. T.S. Hall, M.A., J. A. Leach, B.Sc., A. E. Kitson, F.G.S., and the hon. secretary were appointed to furnish the necessary information. Mr. T. S. Hart, M.A., of the Ballarat School of Mines, wrote drawing attention to a very complete botanical collection, repre- sentative of the Yendon district, exhibited by the Yendon State school at the State Schools Exhibition. Mr. Hart stated that the country consists of granite, Ordovician ranges, volcanic soils, and alluvial flats and sandy hills, and varies from about 1,300 feet in the Moorabool Valley to 2,450 feet on Mt. Buninyong. The general level is about 1,500 to 1,600 feet above sea level. A letter was read from Mr. E. A. Elliott, hon. secretary of the Tasmanian Field Naturalists’ Club, Hobart, stating that he was collecting data relating to the migration of House-Swallows, 114 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Hirundo neoxena, by obtaining the times of arrival throughout Tasmania, with a view to finding the time taken by them in crossing the Straits. He asked that members of the Club might communicate their observations on the times of departure of flights from the main land. REPORTS. Reports of the Club excursion to Heidelberg on Saturday, 25th August, were given by Messrs. G. A. Keartland and J. Stickland, the former dealing with the ornithology, which was very dis- appointing, the only birds to attract attention being some beauti- ful examples of the Blue Wren, Malurus cyaneus, Ellis, in the wattles along the river bank. Mr. Stickland reported a large attendance of pond-life collectors, who had a most successful afternoon. Rotifers of various species were abundant. Of Protozoa several noteworthy captures were made, among them being the comparatively rare Stentor roeselii, Ehr., with Peridinium tabulatum, Ehr., Phacus pyrum, Ehr., Anthophysa vegetans, Miill., &c. A number of fresh-water algae were also secured. In the absence of the leader, Mr. J. A. Leach, B.Sc., Mr. G. Coghill reported that the junior excursion to Studley Park on Saturday, rst September, was well attended, and an interesting afternoon spent. He took the opportunity of saying that Mr. Leach’s methods seemed to be the right ones for leaders of excursions, and hoped that they would be adopted by others. The hon. librarian reported the receipt of the following donations to the library :—‘“ Report Trustees Public Library, Museums, and National Gallery of Victoria, 1905,” from the Trustees; ‘Annual Report Department of Mines and Water Supply, Victoria, 1905,” from the Department; “Rusts of Australia,” by D. M‘Alpine, Government Vegetable Pathologist, from the Department of Agriculture, Victoria; Journal of Agriculture of Victoria, August and September, 1906: Geelong Naturalist, June, 1906, from the Geelong Field Naturalists’ Club; ‘“‘ Forest Flora of New South Wales,” vol. iii., part 1, by J. H. Maiden, F.L.S., Government Botanist, New South Wales, from the author; ‘‘ Manual of Grasses of New South Wales,” by J. H. Maiden, F.L.S., from the New South Wales Government ; “Proceedings Linnean Society of New South Wales, 1906,” part 1, from the Society; Australian Naturalist, vol. i., part 3, from the New South Wales Field Naturalists’ Club; and “ Plant Geography,” Schimper (purchased). ELECTIONS. On a ballot being taken, Mr. Jas. King, Continuation School, Melbourne, was duly elected an ordinary member ; Masters Jas. Johnston, Percy Kewish, and Frank Watson, of the Continuation THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 115 School, Melbourne, as associates ; and Miss Dorothy and Master Eric Bailhache, Brinsley-road, Camberwell, as junior members of the Club. GENERAL BUSINESS. The president announced that the committee had decided to allow authors of papers containing original matter twenty-five copies free of cost. PAPERS READ. 1. By Mr. G. B. Pritchard, F.G.S., entitled “‘Some Palzeonto- logical Notes.” The author contributed notes on several species of fossil molluscs, and described a new species, WViso kimberi, from the lower beds of the Aldinga series, South Australia. Three species were renamed by the author, owing to the previous names being already pre-occupied. 2. By Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., entitled ““On Some Additions to the Fish Fauna of Victoria.” As the result of an examination of some of the fishes in the National Museum, Melbourne, the author was able to add four additional species to the Victorian fauna, with notes on each species, together with some observations on a recently recorded species. 3. By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, entitied ‘‘ Are Popular Names for our Wild Flowers Desirable ?” The author considered that popular names would greatly assist a general knowledge of the native plants, and outlined a scheme for collecting and compiling names by means of school children and teachers of nature study. The paper excited a good deal of discussion, the members being unanimous in their approval of the object in view. It was felt, however, that many difficulties would be met with in drawing up a list of suitable popular names, and that further consideration at a future date was advisable. Messrs. A. E. Kitson, F.G.S., G. Renner, F. Pitcher, O. A. Sayce, T. S. Hall, M.A., and G. A. Keartland discussed the paper. NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. Mr. A. E. Kitson, F.G.S., made some observations on his exhibit of a portion of a Termites’ nest containing some Iguana eggs, and a portion of a tree which had been struck by lightning. Mr. Jas. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., drew attention to a specimen of the rare butterfly, Ogyris genoveva, Hew., which he exhibited on behalf of the National Museum. The only previous record for this species in Victoria was made by Mr. G. Lyell, F.E.S., Vice. Nat., xxi. (1905), p. 166, who succeeded in breeding some speci- mens from larve taken at Dimboola. The specimen was 116 ‘ THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. collected near Bacchus Marsh by Mr. T. Slack, who presented it to the Museum. Mr. A. Mattingley stated that the common Bandicoot, formerly plentiful around Melbourne, but which had become very rare of late years, had been met with recently near Melbourne. Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., remarked that these animals were found to be increasing in number at Camperdown. Mr. F. G. A. Barnard made some remarks on the larve and eas beetles of the Golden Beetle, Lamprima rutzlans, which e had recently taken from a red gum verandah post at Kew. The post had been in its present position for more than twenty years, and therefore the larvee of the beetle must have got into it since it was placed in its present position. Over twenty larvee and perfect beetles were obtained, the larvee resembling very closely those usually regarded as the larvee of the Cockchafer, Anoplognathus, sp. The perfect beetles were all of small size, but very highly coloured. EXHIBITS. By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard.—Pot specimens of the orchids Pterostylis conconna and P. nutans; also the larve and perfect beetles of Lamprima rutilans, Golden Beetle, obtained in a red gum verandah post at Kew. By Mr. H. J. Coles. —Two stuffed specimens of adult males of the Crimson Parrakeet, Platycercus elegans—one in normal plumage, the other a semi-albino—from Bairnsdale, Victoria. By Mr. C. J. Gabriel. — The following marine shells : — Aspergillum radix, Desh, Amboyna; A. pulchrum, Desh., Singapore; A. sparswm, Sowb., Philippines; A. vaginiferwm, Lam., Red Sea; Mitra regina, Sowb., Andaman Islands; JM. sanguisuga, Linn., Philippines; J. vittata, Swains., Moluccas ; Spondylus wrightianus, Crosse, Northern Australia. By Mr. Jas. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., for National Museum.—A specimen of the rare butterfly, Ogyris genoveva, Hewits., collected near Bacchus Marsh by T. Slack, and only recorded once pre- viously for Victoria ; also drawings and specimens of Victorian fish not previously recorded from Victoria, in illustration of his aper. By Mr. A. E. Kitson, F.G.S.—Portion of a ‘Termites’ nest con- taining three eggs of the Iguana; also piece of green Ironbark, _ Eucalyptus sideroxylon, which had been struck by lightning, showing course of electric fluid. Both obtained near Dunolly, Victoria, by Mr. W. H. Ferguson. By Mr. A. Mattingley—Eggs of the Blue Wren, Malurus cyaneus, from Kangaroo Island, South Australia, collected 27/11/05. After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated. ba THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 117 SOME PALZOONTOLOGICAL NOTES. By G. B. PritcHarpb, F.G.S. (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 10th Sept., 1906.) CERTAIN species that have come under my notice lately require some reconsideration, so I have thought it advisable to embody my observations in the following notes :— TURBO GRANGENSIS, nom. mut. 1904. Turbo hamiltonensis, Pritchard (non Harris, 1897). Pree, Row, Sees Wie, Well Saniks THUS ole Te jo}o) 329, 330, pl. 19, f. 4. Loc.—Upper beds of the Grange Burn, near Hamilton, Western Victoria. Kalimnan—Mlocene. Obs.—When describing and naming this species I omitted to remember that Mr. Harris, in his British Museum “ Catalogue of Australasian Tertiary Mollusca,” had already used this name, Turbo hamiltonensis, for a distinct species from the lower beds of Muddy Creek. I regret the possibility of confusion arising from this mistake, and take this opportunity of changing the name of my species. The species I described is of the type of 7. wndu- lutus, Martyn, but may be distinguished from that species by its sculpture, small umbilicus, and stout columella; while the species described by Mr. Harris is a close ally of Z. etheridger, T.-Woods. CHIONE ROBERTI, nom. mut. t901. Chione hallii, Tate (non Pritchard, 1895). Trans. Roy. Soc. South Aust., vol. xxiv., pt. 2, p. 107, Dle2pute 5. Loc.—West side of the Cat’s Ears, ewuelen Island. Obs.-—In 1895, in a paper to the Royal Society of Victoria, entitled ‘‘ Contributions to the Palaeontology of the Older Ter- tiary of Victoria—Lamellibranchs, Part I.,” I named one of our fossil bivalves from the Spring Creek beds, near Geelong, after Mr. T. S. Hall as Chione hallt. Subsequently, in 1900, when Professor R. Tate was dealing with a collection of fossils from Kerguelen Island made by Mr. Robeit Hall, he paid that gentle- man the compliment of naming some of the species after him, and amongst these may be noted Chione hallw, unfortunately over- looking the fact that that name was already preoccupied. So that Mr. Robert Hall may still have the credit of having obtained this collection, I take the liberty of renaming the Kerguelen shell as Chione roberte. DIPLODONTA BALCOMBENSIS, nom. mut. 1887. Diplodonta subquadrata, Tate (non Carpenter, 1855). Trans. Roy. Soc. South Aust., vol. ix., Lam., pt. 2, p. 147, pl. 14, f. Toa, IoB. 118 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 1888. Diplodonta subquadrata, Johnston. Geology of Tasmania, p. 234, pl. 32, f. 14, 144. 1893. Diplodonta subquadrata, Tate and Dennant. Trans. Roy. Soc. South Aust., vol. xvil., pt. 1, pri2215% 1896. Diplodonta subquadrata, Pritchard. Proc. Roy. Soe. Vic.) VOL. vill.) mse pana 1897. Diplodonta subquadrata, Harris. B. M. Cat. Aust. Tert. Moll., pp. 375, 376. Loc.—Lower beds of Muddy Creek, Western Victoria; clay beds of Mornington or Balcombe’s Bay, and Grice’s Creek ; Shelford ; Barwon River beds below Inverleigh ; lower beds of the Lower Moorabool Valley—Balcombian. Spring Creek beds, near Geelong; Tabie Cape beds, Tasmania — Jan-Jukian — Eocene. Obs.—In the ‘Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London” for 1855, on pages 230, 231, Carpenter describes a Diplodonta subquadrata from the Californian and West Mexican coasts, which is quite a distinct shell from ours. As this living species has priority over our fossil, which was similarly named by Professor Tate in 1887, it becomes necessary to bring forward a new name for our fossil species. TRIGONIA ACUTICOSTATA, M‘Coy. 1866. Trigonia acuticostata, M‘Coy. Geo. Mag., vol. 11D A Oks eA C2 nt etn 1875. Trigonia acuticostata, M‘Coy. Prod. Pal. Vict., DEG ie pe G, llamo. tiene. 1876. Trigonia acuticostata, M‘Coy. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., p. 273. 1886. Trigonia acuticostata, Tate. Trans. Roy. Soc. South Aust., vol. vill., p. 145. tgo1. ‘Trigonia acuticostata, Hall. Proc. Roy. Soc. Vic., vol xiv.,':S:, pt. 1.,uppa lyse i Loc.—Sandy clays of Beaumaris, Port Phillip; Jemmy’s Point beds, Gippsland Lakes ; upper beds of Muddy Creek and Grange Bum, Western Victoria ; oyster beds of the North-West Bend, Mutray River, South Australia ; from Tickera, near Wallaroo, and from the upper beds at Aldinga, Professor Tate says casts pro- bably of this species. Obs.—This is a well-characterized species and easy of identi- fication, especially with M‘Coy’s excellent figures in the “ Pro- dromus,” but, unfortunately, some little confusion has - arisen concerning it, as the outcome of M‘Coy’s own statement that he had identified it as a living species in Bass Strait. Even so late as 1902, when hunting through living Trigonias, Mr. Hedley’s endeavours to place this species only resulted in fixing it as a THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 119 variety of Trigonia margaritacea, Lamarck.* Fortunately the specimens cited by M‘Coy as the living representatives are to be seen in the National Museum, Melbourne, and a critical examina- tion of them shows a form of comparative rarity, and a variety of T. margaritacea, but, nevertheless, easily distinguished from the fossil 7’. acuticostata. As the forms originally described by M‘Coy were the fossils, there can be no reasonable objection to retaining the above name for them, especially as the lapse in the identification of the recent species can now be so satisfactorily explained. The principal horizon for the fossils is from the Miocene or Kalimnan of Victoria and South Australia, and they are fairly common from the sandy clays of the Beaumaris beds, originally referred to by M‘Coy as “‘ Older Pliocene beds of Mordialloc.” In dealing with “ The Growth Stages in Modern Trigonias,” Mr. T. S. Hall states that there is a similiarity in the prodissoconch of 7. margaritacea and 7’. acuticostata, but a difference in the brephic stage ; also that 7’. acwticostata is said to be most closely allied to 7’. Jamarckiw. The latter remark does not appear to be altogether in conformity with general opinion, for, even when M‘Coy described 7’. acuticostata, he says :—“ The present species is easily distinguished, even in fragments, from the 7’. lamarckha, T. pectinata, and other recent species by the character indicated in the specific name, &c.” NISO KIMBERI, Sp. nov. Description.—A narrow, elongate shell, with a very acute apical angle of about 18 degrees, the embryonic portion consist- ing of about one whorl and a half, smooth and shining, and somewhat blunt at the extreme tip. Spire-whorls, eleven, strongly flattened between the sutures, and perfectly smooth and shining, the overlapping of the whorls leaving only a slightly impressed suture ; there are faint sigmoidal lines of growth, with occasional and periodic strong development of variceal-like breaks. Body- whorl rounded off suddenly to the base, which is convex to the deep but narrow and margined umbilicus. Aperture narrow ovate, and posteriorly running out acutely to the angulation of the body-whorl, anteriorly narrowed to the columellar junction and slightly effuse ; outer lip thin at the edge and sigmoidally arched. Dimensions.—Length, 11 mm.; breadth of body-whorl, 4 mm. ; length of aperture, 2.5 mm.; breadth of aperture, 1 mm. ; diameter of umbilicus, about 1 mm. Loc.—Lower beds of the Aldinga series, South Australia, collected by Mr. W. J. Kimber. Jan-Jukian—Eocene. Obs.—This new species of Niso makes the second of this genus represented in our Older Tertiaries, and is named after Mr. * Trigonia margaritacea, var. acuticostata, Hedley. Mem. Aust. Mus., vol, iy., pt. 5, pp. 301, 302, 1902, 120 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Kimber, of Aldinga, by whom it was collected and kindly for- warded to me for examination, together with many other interesting forms from the same locality. This species is in all probability the same as that recorded by the late Professor Ralph Tate in his list of Aldinga fossils as Niso, sp. (aff. VV. psila), for it does resemble that species in some respects. From Wiso psila, T.-Woods, the present species differs in its much flatter whorls, its more regular taper, and its proportionally greater narrowness, its flatter base and much smaller and narrower umbilicus,.and its more sigmoidal variceal development. VICTORIAN PLANTS.—Some errors in the naming of Victorian plants occur in recent Waturalists which I should like to have the opportunity of correcting. In the March number (vol. xxii, p. 186) Dr. Sutton, in his interesting paper, ‘‘ A Botanical Collector in the Mallee,” mentions an introduced poppy as Papaver incisa, which, after correspondence with the author, I find should be P. hybridum. In the same page Sertya oleifolia is men- tioned ; this should be &. mitchelli. The former is not found in Victoria ; the name is wrongly included in the ‘‘ Key to Victorian Plants,” and has been corrected in the “‘ Census.” With regard to Prof. Ewart’s paper in the June Naturalist (vol. xxiil., p. 42), “On Certain Supposed New Australian Plants,” 7 NN AN IN AN NN FR NN NN NN IN RNIN I IN NN CN NNN FN DF BP DDS OOOO OO OeeOeeeOet NNN NN Nee . Melbourne : WALKER, MAY & CO,, PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP STREET. ei 1906. OT TE TT TT ROOMS—ROYAL SOGIETY’S HALL, VICTORIA ST., MELBOURNE. BUSINESS PAPER FOR MONTHLY MEETING. TUESDAY EVENING, 13th NOVEMBER, FO00: ; é oe t. Correspondence and Reports. | 2. Election of Members, | eS eal As GCREINEY Mensins~ ane Proposer. Seconder. Miss Leslie _ »,) OA + Rew, iW, Fielder, F.R.M. S... Mr. J. F. Haase © 406 Seine Street etbourne. Mr. W. J. Bateman’.. = <, Myr. J. Kitson is -. Mr. R. W, Armitage — Continuation School, ‘Melbourne. | isos Mr. C. F. Coles ol .- Mr. J. Wilcox .. He .- Mr. J. Stickland tg Carnarvon Street, Hawthorn. : Mr. Jos. Melloids .. Boe MN Seka s ta a SASS Sc -- Mr. J. Shephard 18 Arthur Street, South Yarra. ) : Mr, Thos. A. Edwards woe VLE Se Wie Palon 55 .» Mr. G. Coghill Queen Street, Melbourne. As Junior MEMBERS — Miss Doris Manton ee ‘ Miss Ruby White \ Miss F. Bage on -. Mr. G, Coghill c/o Miss Chambers, Alma Road, East St. Kilda. Miss Kathleen Wilson .. Mr. D. Le Souéf, C.M.Z.S.. Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S. Heyington Place, Toorak. ; Master G. Mendelssohn Hall Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S. Mr. G. Coghill 28 Harold Street, Middle Park. : 3. Nominations for Membership. Members making nominations will oblige by eran the full name and address to Hon. Secretary. 4. General Business. 5. Reading of Papers and Discussions thereon. (Authors are requested to hand in a brief resumé of their papers to the Secretary.) rt. By Professor A. J. Ewart, D.Sc., Ph.D., entitled, ‘‘ A Physiologist of the Seven- — teenth Century.” 2. By Mr. A. J. North, C.M.Z.S., entitled—‘‘ Description of a New SHES SS of Finch y from Cape York, Queensland. Fe : 308 By; Drs G: C. Simson, entitled —‘‘ Across the Owen Stanley Range, British New : Guinea.” Communicated by Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S. 6. Reading of Natural History Notes. Members who may note any unusual occurrence, or see anything of interest in F oreign or Colonial papers, are requested to inform the Secretary of the'same that he may arrange for their bringing them before the meeting; such notes should, however, be brief. i 7. Exhibition of Specimens and Conversazione. Members are invited to exhibit objects of interest and are requested to furnish the Hon. Secretary with written particulars of such Exhibits for record in Minutes ~ and Naturalist. «“# EXCURSIONS. &® SATURDAY, 24TH NovEMBER.—Beaumaris. Under the leadership of Mr. J. Shephard. Object —Marine Life. Meet at Flinders Street Station at 1.50 p.m. Train leaves at 2 p.m. SATURDAY, 8TH DECEMBER.—Olinda Vale. Under the leadership of Mr. E. B. Nicholls. Object—Omnithology. Meet at Prince’s Bridge Station at'7.50 am. Train leaves at 8.7 a.m. NOTICH—Excursion to Warburton, 10th November.—As no names have been received this Excursion will not take place. CHRISTMAS CAMP-OUT.—For particulars see back cover. SUNIOR EXCURSION. The next Excursion will take place at Clifton Hill Quarry on Saturday. rst December, under the leadership of Mr. E. O. Thiele. Object—Lava. Meet at Clifton Hill Station ~ at 2.30 p.m. Che Victorian Naturalist. VoL. XXIII.—No. 7. NOVEMBER 8, 1906. No. ons. FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society’s Hall on Monday evening, 8th October, 1906. The president, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, occupied the chair, and about 150 members and visitors were present. REPORTS. Reports of the following excursions were taken as read :— The excursion to Cheltenham on Saturday, 8th September, was well attended. In the absence of the leader, Dr. Sutton took charge of the botanical section, and worked across the heath land towards Sandringham, where the usual spring flowers, such as Sprengelia incarnata, Styphelia virgata, Wurmbea dioica, and Craspedia richea, were found to be in the best form. Among the orchids collected were Corysanthes pruinosa, Caladenia deformis, and Péerostylis vittata. The pond-life section, under Mr. J. Shephard, searched the pools in the vicinity diligently, but with only moderate results. The excursion to Braybrook on Saturday, 22nd September, was very poorly attended, owing, doubtless, to the very wet weather in the morning. On reaching Braybrook Junction the party, under the leadership of Mr. F.G. A. Barnard, walked towards the Kororoit Creek, and followed it up stream nearly to the Ballarat road at Deer Park. The stream showed many signs of the heavy flood of a few weeks before, and little or no pond life was noticed, but a little exploration in likely spots revealed numbers of specimens of a rather local bivalve shell, Cyprena, sp., and some good examples were secured. The botanical results were not important. Clematis microphylla and Hymenanthera banksu were the most prominent flowering plants, while four ferns, all lovers of rocky ground, were noticed—viz., Adiantum cethiopicum, Cheilanthes tenuifolia, Asplenium flabellifolium, and Grammitis rutifolia. The habitat of the latter is perhaps the nearest locality to Melbourne in which it can be found. A return was made by the Ballarat road to Footscray station. The junior excursion to Sandringham on Saturday, 6th October, was fairly attended, and, under the leadership of Miss J. White, B.Sc., an interesting and instructive afternoon was spent among the wild flowers. ELECTIONS. Mr. John Jackson, ‘‘ Glen Garnock,” Rossmoyne-street, North- cote, was elected an ordinary member; and Miss Eileen Shall- 130 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXTIT. berg, Continuation School, Melbourne, Master Percival Weldon, and Master W. R. W. Purves, ‘‘ Glenronald,” Domain-road, South Yarra, were elected as junior members of the Club. PAPERS. In consequence of the annual exhibition of wild flowers, ne papers were submitted for reading ; instead of which, Prof. A. J. Ewart, D.Sc., Government Botanist, delivered a lecturette, illus- trated with lantern views, entitled “‘ The Mechanism of Flowers.” In a brief and simple manner the lecturer pointed out that plants produced flowers in order to propagate the species, and that many different plans existed in the plant world for conveying the pollen from the stamen to the stigma, and so causing fertilization. He took for examples a wind-fertilized flower, such as a grass; the water plant Vallisneria; and insect-fertilized flowers, such as the Salvias, Orchids, &c., and demonstrated how the fertilization was effected in each case. ‘The lecturer mentioned that little had yet been done in the study of Aus- tralian insect-fertilized flowers, and that there was a large field open for the patient investigator. EXHIBITS. The exhibits of the evening consisted almost entirely of wild flowers. The following were the principal exhibitors :— By Mr. J. W. Audas.—About 15 species from Sandringham, including Pultenea dentata. By Miss Bage.—About 40 species from Sandringham, including Isopogon ceratophyllum, Thelymitra antennifera, &c., also the phosphorescent fungus, Plewrotws candescens, collected by Miss Rees at Sandringham. By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard.—A fine spike of the orchid Den- drobium speciosum, grown at Kew. By Messrs. Barnard and Haase.—About 10 species from Belgrave and Sassafras (Dandenong Ranges), including P2étos- porum bicolor, Zreria smithu, Acacia leprosa, and Pterostylis cucullata, var. alpina. By Mr. A. J. Campbell.—About 25 species from Nhill, including Lasiopetalum behrui and Acacia salicina. By Miss Cochrane.—About 30 species from Ringwood, including Péerostylis nana, Caladenia swaveolens, Diwris macu- lata, Prasophyllum elatum, Utricularia dichotoma, Polypompholyx tenella, &c. By Mr. G. Coghill.—About 50 species from Tunstall and Launching Place, including fine specimens in good condition of Aster stellulatus, Daviesia latifolia, Ranunculus lappaceus, &c. By Mr. St. E. D’Alton.—About 25 species from Dimboola,. including Acacia rigens, A. calamifolia, A. brachybotrya, Hremo- Nov., 1906.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 131 phila gibbosifolia, Prostanthera coccinea, P. chlorantha, G'revillea aquifolium, Lriostemon pungens, Styphelia sonderi, &c. By Mrs. C. French, jun.—Dried specimens of pink Hpacris impressa with double flowers, collected recently at Olinda Vale. By Mr. S. Fripp.—About 15 species from Carrum, including Ricinocarpus prnifolrus. By Mr. G. R. Hill.—About 30 species from Mt. Mistake (Pyrenées), near Ararat, including Grevillea alpina, (. oleoides, G. wheifolia, Correa speciosa, var.. hallia (very fine), Styphelia strigosa, Gompholobium minus, &c. By Miss Montgomery. —About 30 species from Echuca, includ- ing Swansonia (three species), Prasophyllum fuscum, P. patens, &c. By Mr. J. P. M‘Lennan.—A fine collection of about 80 species from Emerald, including Friostemon corretfoliws, Caladenia menziestt, Acacia diffusa, Sprengelra incarnata, &c. By Mr. J. T. Paul.—About 35 species from Grantville, includ- ing Tecoma australis, Caladenia cairnsiana, Glossodia major (white), Pterostylis nana, P. barbata, P. longifolia, Acianthus caudatus, Chiloglottis gunnii, &c. By Mr. F. M. Reader.—About 40 species from Casterton, in- cluding Boronia pilosa, B. filifolia, B. caerulescens, Caladenia latifolia, Dillwynia hispida, &c. By Mr. G. Shephard —About 25 species from Somerville, in- cluding Sprengelia incarnata, Acacia verticillata, Indigofera australis (white), &c. By Dr. Sutton.—About 30 species from Plenty Ranges, includ- ing Pittosporum bicolor, Hriostemon correifoliws, Dampiera stricta. By Mr. O. A. Thiele-—About 25. species from Castlemaine, including Grevillea rosmarinifolia, Hriostemon obovalis, &c. Flowers of the following Australian plants then in bloom in the Melbourne Botanical Gardens were exhibited by Mr. F. Pitcher, on behalf of the Director, Mr. W. R. Guilfoyle, F.L.S. :— Acacia binervata (De Candolle), Illawarra Black Wattle macradenia (Benth.), Port Mackay Wattle saligna (Mendl.), Weeping Wattle, or Willow- ifike Acacia ‘ verticillata (Willd.), Whorl-leaved Acacia Anigozanthus manglesii (D. Don.), Mangle’s Kangaroo Paw, or Sword Lily Banksia ericifolia (Lin. //s), Botany Bay Sand Bush, or Heath-leaved Honeysuckle *Bauera rubioides (Andrews), River Rose of Tasmania, or Wire Scrub Bush = sessiliflora (F. v. M.), Showy Wire Scrub Bush Boronia elatior (Bartling), Tall Boronia heterophylla (F. v. M.), Various-leaved Boronia megastigma (Nees.), Dark-flowered Scented Boronia Brachysema lanceolata (Meissner), Lance-leaved Swan River Red Pea Chorizema cordata (Lindley), Heart-leaved Flame Pea Bush ilicifolia (Labill.), Holly-leaved Flame Pea Bush *Commerconia fraseri (J. Gay), Blackfellow’s Hemp 2 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. *Eriostemon myoporoides (De Cand.), Woolly-stamened Flower *Goodia lotifolia (Salisbury), Salisbury or Yellow Pea (Native Laburnum) 4 crevillea acanthifolia (A. Cunn.), Acanthus-leaved Grevillea alpina (Lind.), var. Dallachiana (Bentham), Dallachy’s Grevillea asplenifolia (Knight), Spleenwort-leaved Grevillea x confertifolia (F. v. M.), Crowded-leaved Grevillea hookerianum (Meissner), Toothbrush Plant, or Hooker’s Grevillea linearis (K. Brown), Narrow-leaved Grevillea punicea (R. Br.), Crimson-flowered Grevillea *Hakea rostrata (F. v. M.), Bird’s Beak Hakea Melaleuca densa (R. Br.), Dense Tea-tree *Olearia (Aster) myrsinoides (F. v. M.), Myrsine-like Daisy Tree me (Aster) stellulata (De Cand.), Victorian Snow Bush Pomaderris lanigera (Sims), New South Wales Wild Hazel e vaccinifolia (Reiss. and F. v. M.), Vaccinium-leaved Pomaderris *Pultenzea villosa (Willd.), Hairy Bush Pea *Stypandra glauca (R. Br.), Grey-green-leaved Stypandra *Tecoma australis (R. Br.), Wonga Wonga Vine Telopea speciosissima (R. Br.), ‘Waratah of New South Wales *Tetratheca ciliata (Lind.), Purple Heath Flower *Westringia rosmariniformis (Smith), Australian Rosemary Tree *Zieria smithii (And.), Sandfly Bush. (Those marked with an asterisk are Victorian.) After an extended conversazione the meeting terminated. EXHIBITION OF WILD FLOWERS. FoLLowING the custom of late years the October meeting of the Field Naturalists’ Club consisted chiefly of an exhibition of wild flowers. These had been sent by members and friends from many distant parts of the State, such as Casterton, Dimboola, Echuca, Benalla, Sale, Castlemaine, Bendigo, &c., and, thanks to the cool weather, arrived in very good condition, so that the display was one of the best yet held. An additional feature was a fine series of flowers of Australian plants blooming in the Melbourne Botanical Gardens, showing that, contrary to the prevailing idea, many of our indigenous flowers are capable of cultivation. The following is as complete a list of the flowers as could be obtained, systematically arranged (omitting those exhibited from the Botanical Gardens) :— Ranunculaceze— Monimieze— Clematis aristata . Hedycarya cunninghami Ranunculus lappaceus rivularis Cassytha glabella giants | Cruciferee— eta ee vee Cardamine hirsuta stricta Violaceze— billardieri Viola betonicifolia serpillifolia hederacea fasciculata Pittosporeze— virgata . Pittosporum bicolor obtusifolia Billardiera scandens Noy., 1906.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Bs Droseraceze— Drosera auriculata menziesii Polygaleze— Comesperma volubile ericinum Tremandreze— Tetratheca ciliata * ciliata (white variety) ericifolia Rutaceze— Zieria smithii Boronia pilosa filifolia ccerulescens Eriostemon pungens correifolius obovalis Correa speciosa speciosa (red variety) speciosa, var. hillii Lineze— Linum marginale Geraniaceze— Geranium pilosum Oxalis corniculata Sterculiacezea— Lasiopetalum behrii Malvaceze— Plagianthus pulchellus Euphorbiaceze — Beyeria opaca Ricinocarpus pinifolius Amperea spartioides Sapindaceze — Dodonzea viscosa Stackhousieze — Stackhousia linarifolia Caryophyllecee— Stellaria flaccida Amarantaceee— Ptilotus spathulatus Ficoideze — Mesembrianthemum zequilaterale Leguminosee — Gompholobium huegelii minus Sphzrolobium vimineum Daviesia latifolia corymbosa corymbosa, var. mimosoides corymbosa, var. St. Johnii ulicina Aotus villosa Pultenzea daphnoides scabra dentata gunnil fasciculata | Eutaxia empetrifolia Dillwynia hispida ericifolia floribunda cinerascens Platylobium formosum obtusangulum triangulare Bossizea cinerea prostrata Hovea heterophylla Goodia lotifolia Indigofera australis australis, var. alba Swainsonia procumbens lessertifolia Glycine clandestina Kennedya prostrata monophylla monophylla, var. alba Cassia eremophila Acacia colletioides juniperina diffusa rigens calamifolia acinacea leprosa salicina brachybotrya myrtifolia oxycedrus verticillata decurrens dealbata Rosaceze— Aczna sanguisorbee Saxifrageze— Bauera rubioides rubioides, var. alba Crassulaceze— Villea macrantha Myrtaceze— Calycothrix tetragona Lhotzkya genetylloides Thryptomene ciliata Beckea diffusa Leptospermum lzvigatum lanigerum lanigerum, var. pubescens scoparium myrsinoides Melaleuca ericifolia Eucalyptus leucoxylon leucoxylon, var. rosea Rhamnaceze— Pomaderris apetala Cryptandra hookeri tomentosa, 134 THE VICTORIAN Santalaceze— Exocarpos stricta Proteaceae— Isopogon ceratophyllus Grevillea alpina rosmarinifolia aquifolium ilicifolia Hakea pugioniformis ulicina Banksia marginata integrifolia Thymeleze— Pimelea glauca linifolia humilis axiflora flava Rubiaceze— Asperula oligantha Galium australe Compositee— Brachycome cardiocarpa Aster myrsinoides stellulatus Gnaphalium luteo-album japonicum Podolepis acuminata Leptorrhynchos tenuifolius pulchellus Helipterum cotula corymbosum Helichrysum scorpioides Craspedia richea Cotula australis Senecio lautus Erechtites arguta Microseris forsteri Campanulaceze— Wahlenbergia gracilis Candollaceze— Candollea serrulata Goodeniaceze— Brunonia australis Dampiera stricta lanceolata Goodenia ovata geniculata elongata Velleya paradoxa Gentianeze— Erythreea spicata (australis) Scrophularinee— Euphrasia brownii Lentibularinae— Utricularia dichotoma Polypompholyx tenella Bignoniaceze— ‘Tecoma australis NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. Asperifolize— Halgania lavandulacea Cynoglossum suaveolens Labiatee— Prostanthera rotundifolia coccinea chlorantha Myoporineee— Myoporum viscosum Eremophila gibbosifolia Epacrideze— Styphelia sonderi strigosa adscendens humifusa australis richei thymifolia virgata Epacris impressa obtusifolia microphylla Sprengelia incarnata Orchideze— Dendrobium speciosum Thelymitra ixioides antennifera longifolia Diuris maculata pedunculata sulphurea longifolia Prasophyllum elatum patens fuscum Pterostylis concinna curta nutans pedunculata nana cucullata cucullata, var. alpina barbata longifolia Acianthus caudatus Caladenia menziesii patersoni latifolia suaveolens carnea deformis cairnsiana congesta Chiloglottis gunnii Glossodia major major, var. alba Trideze— Patersonia longiscapa Nov., 1908.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 11335) Amaryllide— Lilaceee— Hypoxis glabella Arthropodium strictum Liliacezee— minus Dianella revoluta Xanthorrhoea australis Wurmbea dioica Burchardia umbellata Bulbine bulbosa Chameescilla corymbosa Cyperaceze— Stypandra glauca Cladium tetraquetrum Restiaceze— ; Calostrophus lateriflorus HAWTHORN AND CAMBERWELL MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY.— This society, which is the only one of its kind in the State, held a most interesting conversazione on the 17th October last, when there was a very large attendance of members and friends. The president, Mr. O. A. Sayce, gave a lecturette, entitled “ On Popular Forms Exhibited,” and the Rev. J. Gibson one entitled “Eyes.” There were a large number of exhibitors, many of whom are well-known members of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, and their efforts to enlighten and instruct were greatly appreciated. “A Key TO THE BirDs oF AUSTRALIA.”—This work by Mr. R. Hall has the distinction of being one of the first Australian scientific works to reach a second edition, and so proving that it must have filled a want in our ornithological literature. While the main text is the same as the previous edition, the new volume differs in two features from its predecessor. A number of illustrations, reproductions from the plates in Gould’s ‘“ Birds of Australia,” have been added, and, though on a rather small scale, will doubtless prove of service to the student. The second feature, and one which will commend itself to the non-scientific reader especially, is that, wherever possible, the derivations and meanings of the scientific names are given. To the 763 species of birds listed in the first edition 52 species and sub-species are added as having been recorded for Australia during the seven years’ interval since the publication of the first edition. Owing to the manner of republication adopted nearly two pages and a half have to be devoted to notes and corrections of the original descriptions. In its present form the ‘‘ Key ” will doubtless prove even a more useful companion to the bird-lover than it did before, though it is to be regretted that the index was not rewritten so as to include the additions and corrections. Ma.ieson’s GLeEN.—It will be learned with satisfaction that, as urged by the Field Naturalists’ Club, 722 acres in the parishes of Gracedale and Yuonga have been permanently reserved as a site for public purposes. ENGLISH Birp Lire.—For a charming glimpse of this subject bird-lovers should read an article on the subject, from an American point of view, by Mr. Frank M. Chapman, in Scribner for June, 1906, and which has the merit of being splendidly illustrated. 136 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. ARE POPULAR NAMES FOR OUR NATIVE PLANTS DESIRABLE? By F. G. A. BARNARD. (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 10th Sept., 1906.) For the title of the paper I desire to submit to you to-night I have chosen the query—‘ Are Popular Names for our Native Plants Desirable ?” to which I at once answer, ‘“‘ Yes.”” But—and here comes my difficulty—how, in drawing up a list, is anything like unanimity to be arrived at? The question is one that I have thought, over for years, but until lately I have not seen any practical way of taking the matter in hand. But, before taking you into my confidence, let me indulge in the usual introduction with which an author may preface his remarks. Some twenty years ago, not very long after our Club was established, a lengthy article bearing on the subject of my paper appeared in the Argus, with indications that its author was at the time a member of this Club; who the writer was I never learned, and if he is still a member perhaps I may venture to ask his aid in furthering the object which he then had in view. The gist of the article was this—the writer, who had some knowledge of botany, was expecting the arrival from the old country of a college friend, who, he knew, would at once want to see our native flowers, so to refresh his memory and make himself perfect in the plants around us he attended some of the Club excursions to Sandringham, and by means of specimens and names obtained from the leaders, managed to get a fair grasp of our heath flora. So, when his friend arrived, and, as anticipated, put the request—‘‘ Let me see some of your wild flowers,” he at once consented, and suggested a trip to Sandringham. This duly took place, and one of the first flowers to attract his friend’s attention was Gompholobium hwegelit. ‘ What do you call this ?” he said. “Oh! Gompholobiwm huegelii,” replied the writer of the article, proud of his knowledge. “I don’t want the Latin name,” replied his friend; ‘what do the folks hereabouts call it?” “They don’t call it anything at all,” replied the writer. ‘“ But surely there’s a popular name for such a pretty flower,” said his friend. ‘Oh, yes,” was the reply—* Huegel’s Gompholobium.” “Good heavens!” he cried, ‘“‘is this the way you treat your flowers ?” Then the writer espied in the distance a plant of Correa, so he hurried on, and presented his friend with a branch of Native Fuchsia. He looked at it and said—‘“‘ Well, this is better, but surely it’s not a fuchsia ;” and, after a slight examination, said— ** Well, this is as much like a fuchsia as I am a rose.” Further Nov., 1906.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 37 details might be quoted, but I will pass on to the finding of a patch of Leptorrhynchos squamatus. A country lad was passing, so the friend said—“I don’t want any more of your popular names, I will ask this lad if he can give me its name.” “Billy Buttons,” promptly replied the boy. ‘‘ Good,” said the friend, ‘a sensible, appropriate name at last.” These quotations will suffice to show how the want of popular names for our plants appears to a stranger, and surely our own people must often experience the same difficulty. We must all have noticed how frequent queries about birds have become in the weekly ‘“‘ Nature Notes” inthe Argus. Why? I take it, simply because the greater number of our birds have more or less agreed-upon popular names. Why do we so seldom see questions asked about our flowers? Simply because the average observer, ignorant of the scientific name, cannot indicate in a precise way to what plant or flower he wishes to direct attention. I recently attended a most interesting illustrated lecture on one of our well-known watering places. Among the illustrations the lecturer showed slides of ‘‘a bush with purple flowers,” ‘a prickly bush with white flowers,” and so on, and confessed that he knew no names for them. I helped him by remarking that the first was “ Prostanthera rotundifolia,’ and the second ‘ Leptospermum scopartum,” but the audience was none the wiser—the names indicated nothing to them. Glancing at the exhibits of wild flowers at the State Schools Exhibition, now open, I find the labels provide for a popular name, but in many cases the space is left blank, while the albums of dried plants exhibited are just as destitute of names which might suggest something, either of some peculiarity of the flower, or the habit or nature of the plant. I feel sure the teachers of nature study in our schools must have felt the want of popular names time after time, and may in many cases have adopted names of their own coining to help them out of the difficulty, without any reference to their neigh- bours. Hence it is probable in a short time what few flowers we have with popular names will be in a most hopeless state of con- fusion, and we shall be in a worSe position than ever. I think, therefore, that this Club of ours might take up the question, and endeavour to fix names for some at least of our most prominent or showy flowers, and thereby render them easily distinguishable throughout the State. Some common or vernacular names have been used in different works. Thus Baron von Mueller, in the “Key to Victorian Plants,” gives a list, but many names are almost as awkward as the scientific names. A more extensive and better list appears in the recently published “ Flora of Tasmania,” by Mr. L. Rodway. 138 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. Mr. J. H. Maiden and Mr. F. M. Bailey seem as far as possible to always quote the vernacular names in reference to New South Wales and Queensland vegetation, so that by a comparison of these works much might be done in the way of compiling names, but without some way of indelibly connecting the names with the plant referred to, the result wiil be of little benefit. Even our ferns, some of which are to be found almost every- where, such as Davallsa dubia, have yet to receive a popular name, and let me say here that if it were possible I would like to revive and fix the names used by the aboriginals in preference to others that might be suggested. Now I will tell you my scheme. We have at present a larger number of country members than we have ever had, and if we could give them something to do they will feel a greater interest in our Club, and I have no doubt will respond to the invitation, and thus strengthen the bond of union between town and country members. We have also among our members a number who are teachers of nature study. Now, it seems to me it would not be difficult for these members to get the children of different districts to collect and dry the flowers for which they have popular names, and forward them to this Club to be submitted to a committee composed of, say—the Government Botanist ; the Government Entomologist (for, from his duties, he is almost as much interested in plants as insects, and must often refer to them in his reports) ; the Director of the Botanical Gardens, Mr. W. R. Guilfoyle, F.L.S., who loses no opportunity of putting vernacular names before the public ; a couple of school teachers, and representatives of this Club. When the names are decided upon, let the flower or plant be photographed, actual size or larger, reproduced by a process block, and published, with the permission and help of the Education Department, as a supplement to the School Paper, or some other appropriate publication. ‘The blocks to be put aside, and when the scheme is completed the whole to be republished, with notes, as an illustrated handbook of the wild flowers of Victoria. The success of this method of illustration is easily seen in the recent work on “The Plants of New Zealand” published by Whitcombe and Tombs (Vict. Mat., xxiii, p. oF am well aware that the publication of such a work is beyond the means of this Club, but I think we have sufficient enthusiasts among our members to do the photography, and if we can prevail upon the Education Department to assist in the preparation of the blocks the chief difficulties will be overcome, and in the course of a year or so we shall have the pleasure of welcoming a popular handbook to the wild flowers of Victoria. Such is a brief outline of the scheme I would suggest. Details will have to be thought out. I know it is very crude, but I think Noy., 1906.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIS‘. 139 all will agree with me that it is a work this Club can and ought to do, and, I have no doubt, do itself credit at the same time. Do not imagine for one moment that I want to coin a name for every individual species of our flora. Such a proceeding will be impossible; but when we find a universally admired flower like Tetratheca called in some districts ‘‘ Native Boronia,” though we already have real Boronias here, surely this is some indication of what may be termed a long-felt want. I could quote other examples of inappropriate local names, but as I have put these remarks before you more for the purpose of provoking criticism and discussion than for recording facts, I will content myself with what I have already said. THE KING ISLAND EMU. By PROFESSOR BALDWIN SPENCER, F.R.S. For many years past considerable interest has been taken in the question ofthe former existence of an Emu in Tasmania and the, islands of Bass Strait. The specimens of Dromeus ater secured on Kangaroo Island during Baudin’s expedition are the only ones known of that bird, which is now, unfortunately, extinct. One specimen seems to have found its way to Florence, where it was discovered by Dr. Giglioli in 1900. In 1903 a few bones from the sand dunes of King Island came to the National Museum, Melbourne, but they were insufficient to form any decided opinion upon. Recently, however, Mr. R. M. Johnston, 1.S.0., and Mr. Alex. Morton visited King Island, and brought back a considerable number of bones, which they have kindly placed in my hands for description. A complete account of these will be published later ; meanwhile I take the opportunity of describing the Emu, which I think is undoubtedly a new species, though probably closely allied to D. ater from Kangaroo Island. The total collection of bones at my disposal includes 17 femurs, 28 tarso-metatarsi, 19 tibias, and portions of 8 pelves. During Baudin’s expedition the naturalists interviewed a whaler named Cowper on King Island, and closely catechized him* in regard to the Emu, though it is rather curious that they did not secure an actual specimen, and now, unfortunately, it is too late to do so. A careful comparison of certain bones of Dromeus novee- hollandie and D. ater is given by Messrs. Milne-Edwards and * “Bull. du Museum d’Histoire Naturel,” vol. v., 1899, p. 206. I am indebted to Mr. R. Etheridge, jun., for the opportunity of consulting this work, 140 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, [Vol. XXIII. Oustallet,* and I have also, through the kindness of Dr. Stirling, been able to examine a tibia and tarso-metatarsus from Kangaroo Island, the size of which, though they evidently belonged to a young animal, indicates, I. think, that they are those of D. ater. There is considerable variation in the dimensions of the bones, some belonging to fully grown and others to younger animals, difference in sex probably also partly accounting for the variations, but there are only two the size and nature of. which indicate that they are those of really immature birds. 1. The tibia. The greatest length is 332 mm.; only two exceed 320 mm. The length of the tibia in D. ater is 342 mm. 2. The tarso-metatarsus. The greatest length is 277mm. There are only two that exceed 270 mm., and, judging from the appear- ance of the 28 specimens, these belong to birds of above the average size. The length of the tarso-metatarsus in D. ater is 290 mm. 3. The femur. The greatest length is r80 mm. Ten are - between 170 mm. and 180 mm. The length of the femur in D. ater is 180 mm. 4. The pelvis. The length of the three pelves which are in condition to be measured are respectively (1) 274 mm., (2) 276 mm., (3) 280 mm. The front width of (1) is 64 mm., and the width behind the acetabular cavity of five specimens is respect- ively 8omm., 78 mm., 84 mm., 84 mm., 86 mm. The corre- sponding measurements in D. ater are 340 mm., 75 mm., 92 mm. Taking in each case the largest measurement available—and there can be, I think, no doubt as to the adult condition of the majority of the specimens—we find that we are dealing with a bird of distinctly smaller dimensions than D. ater. If it be safe to form any conclusion from a comparison of the two bones from Kangaroo Island with similar bones in the present collection it would also appear that we are dealing with a bird of more robust build. I have little doubt but that the two are specifically distinct, and I therefore propose the name of Dromcews minor for the new form, which can be briefly described as follows :— Dromeus minor, sp.n. Smaller than D. ater. Tibia not or only slightly exceeding 330 mm. in greatest length. Tarso- metatarsus not exceeding 280 mm. in greatest length. Pelvis, ' length not or only slightly exceeding 280 mm. Hab., King Island, Bass Strait. Now extinct. * “ Notice sur quelques Espéces d’Oiseaux actuellement éteintes, &c. Vol. commemoratif du centenaire de la fondation du Museum dvhistoire naturel.” Paris, 1893. P. 66. Iam indebted to Professor Stirling for the opportunity of referring to this. ee a eee ee = eee ae a oF ae : Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, * OF FICE-BEARERS, 1906-1907. * Prestdoent: MR. F. G. A. BARNARD. Wice=Presidents: MR. G. A. KEARTLAND, MR. F. WISEWOULD Hon. Treasurer: MR. G. COGHILL, 72 Swanston Street. : Hon. Librarian: MR. J. F. HAASE, 17 Swanston Street. Won, Secretary: MR, J. A. KERSHAW, F.E.S., National Museum, Melbourne. Don. Asst. Secretary and Librarian: MR. W. H. ROGER. Don. Boitor of the ‘* Victorian Maturalist : ’” MR. F. G. A. BARNARD, 49 High Street, Kew (Telephone 443, Hawthorn). hon. Danternist: MR. J. SEARLE, 274 Collins Street. Committee: — PROF. A. J. EWART, D Sc., Pu.D., F.L.S., MR. T. S. HALL, M.A., MR. J. H. HARVEY, MR. A. E. KITSON, F.G.S., and MR. J. A. LEACH, B.Sc, MORNINGTON CAMP-OUT. 22nd DECEMBER, 1906, to 2nd JANUARY, 1907. _Members desiring to take part are particularly requested to send in their names, with a deposit of 10/- each, to the Hon. Secretary, or the leader, Mr. J, A. Leach, B.Sc., Edu- cation Department, Melbourne, as early as possible, and not later than ist December. No Children under 16 yeas of age will be permitted to attend. A good site has been selected about two miles beyond the Mornington township, and most of the leading Members of the Club will take part. . Short Excursions for each day, and Evening Lectures have been arranged. The List closes on 1st December. For further particulars see the December ‘‘ Naturalist. WATSON’ § REQUISITES FOR FIELD NATURALISTS. JBROABEDRASRAGasces--- JOINTED COLLECTING STICK, with bottles, ecu line and reel, meee ; spoon, and cutting hook a ae te 23/- CORKED GLASS COLLECTING TUBES, feat Ag b ae . 1/6 doz. FIELD COLLECTING BOOK as BOTANY), Heriwapd boards, blottins paper, and straps: oh oe ies he ke ce i 5/6 BUTTERFLY NET, with folding ne 4 joints eee pis BS 4 he aS 6/- GLASS FRONT SHOW BOXES, corked and papered .. :. 14x10, 7/-; 17 x 13, 10/6 INSECT-KILLING BOTTLES as 3 ve of er be ay 1/6 and 2/- ENTOMOLOGICAL PINS, assorted ae uss Me A .. per box of 1 0z., 2/- INSECT FORCEPS, with broad gauze jaws at 33 Ki eat ne ie 3/- SETTING FORCEPS, finest nickelled steel be Sy es be if é 2/- GEOLOGICAL HAMMERS . bye ue SH ot ne ae 3/= and 4/6 POCKET ACID BOTTLE, in hoxwood case ee “aN Nes aH “8 S 1/6 THREE-POWER POCKET MAGNIFIER «wwe wee tet 4/6 DOUG LL wewnreeserie W. WATSON & SONS, OFclans 78 SWANSTON ST., MELBOURNE. FELTON, GRIMWADE & (0, IMPORTERS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF MICROSCOPES, GALVANIC BATTERIES, Ghemical and Seientifie Apparatus, &e. STUDENTS’ MICROSCOPES. With Sliding Coarse Adjustment, Screw Fine — EITZ MIGROSCOPES, Adjustment, Micrometer, Objectives Nos. 3 and 7, Eye-pieces 1 and 3, Magnifying 84-600. In Mahogany Cases. Fe 2 idi Adjust t, Screw NACHET'S [MIGROSCOPES,] Fs “hctment,bowte siren, sia and 3, Objectives Nos. 3 and 6, Glass Slip. Cover Glusses, Mounted Object Forceps, Magnifying 80-550. In Mahogani Cases. Microscopic Glass Slips, 3in. x lin., Extra Thin, Ground Edges and Rough Edges. Micrescepic Cover Glasses, Nos. 1 and 3, \%in., win. and hin. Circles. No, 1 square, Yin. and in. ; No. 3 square, %in. and Yin. 342-6 LITTLE FLINDERS STREET, MELBOURNE. 3d. SEARLE, Watchmaker and Scientific Instrument Maker, 274 COLLINS STREET (Over Glen’s Music Warehouse). Manufacturer of every description of Physical Apparatus for School and Experimental Work, Limelight Apparatus, Lanterns, Slides, and every requisite for the art of projection. Simplified Apparatus and Repairs a Speciality. ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS, E. CHERRY & SONS, GISBORNE (VIC.), and 264-266 SUSSEX STREET, SYDNEY. ENTOMOLOGICAL PINS (Kirpy Brarp’s),in 8 sizes, 1 /- to 2/- per box; Mixed, 1/- per packet STORE BOXES.—Dovetailed, hinged, corked, and papered. Size,14 x 10 x 31. 7/ each SETTING BOARDS.—Corked and papered. Flat. Length, 14 inches; depth of groove, % inch. 1 and 1% in. wide, 1/- each; 2 and 21 in., 1/3; 3in., 1/6; 4in., 1/9; 6in., 2/6 CORK LINOLEUM.—Specially soft and thick, 12 x 10, 9d:; 24 x 20, 3/-. Any size at same raie GORK MATERIAL (SUBERIT).—Very light; in 11-in. x 3}-in. sheets, 2/6 per doz. BUTTERFLY NETS.—Best English folding. 3 shield joints, With bag, 7/6 KILLING BOTTLES (CYANIDE), 1/6 “°,°® STEEL SETTING FORCEPS, 2/6 and 3/6 POCKET BOXES,1/6 GLASS-BOTTOMED PILL BOXES—in 2 sizes, 2/- and 2/6 per doz CABINETS.—From £2 upwards Write for Price List. SANA N RNR II III Z DECEMBER, 1906. P\ 3 THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE OR The es Waturatists’ Club of Vietoria. Published 6th tebe ee 1906. Hon. Editor: F.G. A. BARNARD, Esq. recorded.. CONTENTS : Tue FigLp NaTurRALists’ CLus oF VICTORIA _ ... A PHYSIOLOGIST OF THE 17TH CENTURY By PROFESSOR A. - Pe Ewart, D.Se. Pi), FL.G. ho3 7 Me Heras “ PRICE SIXPENCE. Agents for Gurope : ‘DULAU & CO., 37 ‘Soho Square, London. — > EN NNN EN RR NN RN RR NR ON IN RAN DIN NIND TNRR FE BR AARER AAA DAA DAB OO ae Melbourne : "WALKER, MAY & CO,, PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP STREET - 1906. ~' ~~ ~s TE TE SE TT SE I I I PE field Naturalists’ Cub as Victoria. ROOMS—ROYAL SOCIETY’S HALL, VICTORIA ST., MELBOURNE, : eo ae PAPER FOR MONTHLY. MEETING. MONDAY EVENING, roth DECEMBER, 1900. t. Correspondence and EDT i iG) 1) J 2. Election of Members, | / ty 1.4 ~ As ORDINARY Neti Py Sh 3 Seconder. F Mr. A. G. Campbell -. Mr, J. A. Kershaw; F.E.S... Mr. G. Coghill . i Elm Grove, Armadale. ~ p cd - ue As CounTRY MEMBER— — oF ey Mr. Oliver Gray .- Mr. R. W. Armitage .. -. \Mr. J. S. Kitson Wedderburn. — . As ASSOCIATE ee ae Master Hs W. L. Schuchard lle 2M Renhy, F.E.S... Mr. G. Coghill “* Minden,’ Cambridge eee ‘Auburn. - Master John Mann .. .. Mr. R. W. Armitage .. -. Mr. J.S. Kitson Mr. John Robinson .. see Mirsd@s ees Aiyns 50 .. Mr. J. A. Leach, B.Sc. New Street, Brighton. % As Junior MEMBERS— Miss Eleanor Archer ..- .. Miss Freda Bage ne -. Mr. T.'S. Hlall, M.A: Trinity College Hostel, Parkville. Master Chas. W. Hutton .. Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S... Mr. G. Coghill “ Kinross,’ Ramsden Street, Clifton Hill. 3. Nominations for Membership. Members making nominations will obiige by handing the full name and address to Hon. Secretary. / General Business. 5. Reading of Papers and Discussions thereon. (Authors are requested to hand in a brief resumé of their papers to the Secretary. ) : eh 1. By Professor A. J. Ewart, D.Sc., Ph.D., entitled, “ Note on the PE Rosplags escenee of Agaricus (Pleurotus candescens, Mill) 6. Reading of Natural History Notes. Members who may note any unusual occurrence, or see anything of interest in Foreign. or Colonial papers, are requested to inform the Secretary of the same that he may arrange for their bringing them before the meeting; such notes should, however, be brief. 7. Exhibition of Specimens and Conversazione. Members are invited to exhibit objects of interest and are requested to furnish the Hon. Secretary with written particulars of such Exhibits for record in Minutes and Naturasist. < EXCURSIONS. *® SaturpDay, 8TH DeEcEMBER.—Olinda Vale. Under the leadership of Mr. E. B. Nicholls.) Object—Ornithology. Meet at Prince’s Bridge Station at 7.50 a.m. Train leaves at 8.7 a.m. SaTURDAY, 12TH JANUARY.—Darebin Creek (via Preston). Under the leadership of = Mr. W. stickiand. Ooject.— Pond Life. Meet at Prince’s Bridge Station, 1.27 p.m. SaTuRDAY, 26TH JANUARY to Monpay, 28TH JaNuARY.—Plenty Ranges. Full details in next Naturalist. Leader: Mr. F. G. A. Barnard. CHRISTMAS CAMP-OUT.—For particulars see back cover. SUNIOR EXCURSION. The next Excursion will take place at Heidelberg on 2nd February, under the leader- ship of Mr. O. A. Sayce. Object.—Pond Life. Meet at Prince’s Bridge Station at 2. o p.m. > = i ee ae C=" avs i i tl Che Victorian Naturalist. Vou. XXIII.—No. 8. DECEMBER 6, 1906. No. 276. FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society’s Hall on Tuesday evening, 13th November, 1906. The president, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, occupied the chair, and nearly 60 members and visitors were present. REPORTS. A report of the botanical excursion to Olinda Vale on Saturday, 13th October, was given by the leader, Mr. G. Coghill, who said that, owing to showery weather, the party was not able to get about as well as they would have liked. A large number of plants of ordinary species were obtained in bloom, and on the whole an enjoyable outing resulted. A report of the excursion from Bayswater to Ringwood on Saturday, 27th October, was forwarded by the leader, Mr. C. French, jun., who was unavoidably absent. He stated that the excursion was well attended, and a large variety of plants in bloom were collected. A patch of about thirty specimens of the beautiful blue orchid, Thelymitra aristata, attracted much atten- tion, one spike having no less than thirty-two flowers. Other orchids noted were Caladenia menziesii, Thelymitra ixioides (this also was very fine, and a specimen bearing a double flower was collected for the National Herbarium), 7. carnea, 7’. flexuosa, Microtis atrata, and the ‘tare Prasophyllum frenchii. Among other flowers noted were Bossiwa prostrata, Dillwynia floribunda, Pultenea gunnii, Utricularia dichotoma, and Viola hederacea with double flowers. Insects were scarce, only a few Carab and . Buprestid beetles being seen, doubtless owing to the lateness of the season. A report of the junior excursion to Blackburn on Saturday, 3rd November, was forwarded by Mr. C. French, jun., who acted as leader in the unavoidable absence of Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S. The attendance was moderate, but great interest was shown by the juniors in the various objects pointed out to them. The afternoon was devoted to entomology, and the presence of larve and perfect beetles in the branches of Black Wattles was demonstrated. Attention was given to the destruction caused. by gall insects, and opportunity was taken to point out the way to pin and set insects. Among the beetles taken were the longicorns Oracanthus triangularis, Phoracantha recurva, Hebecerus, sp., Tryphocaria mastersi, and EHpithora dorsalis, together with the Apple Root-borer, Leptops hoper (Curculionide). A few flowers were collected, and some questions about the land crab, “‘ Yabbie,” explained by Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A. 142 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. ELECTION OF MEMBERS. On a ballot being taken, Miss Leslie, 406 Collins-street, Mel- bourne, Mr. W. J. Bateman, Continuation School, Melbourne, Mr. C. F. Coles, 19 Carnarvon-street, Hawthorn, Mr. Jos. Melloids, 18 Arthur-street, South Yarra, and Mr. Thos. A. Edwards, Queen-street, Melbourne, were elected as ordinary members ; Miss Doris Manton and Miss Ruby White, Alma-road, East St. Kilda, Miss Kathleen Wilson, Heyington-place, Toorak, and Master G. Mendelssohn Hall, 28 Harold-street, Middle Park, as junior members of the Club. GENERAL BUSINESS. A letter was read from Mr. A. E. Kitson, F.G.S., resigning his position on the committee in consequence of his having accepted a position under the Imperial Institute to take charge of a Mineral Exploration Expedition in Southern Nigeria, Africa. The president regretted that the Club would lose Mr. Kitson as a working member, and he would also be a’ loss to the State service, but he felt sure the change would result in Mr. Kitson’s advancement, and would give him greater opportunities for distinguishing himself. PAPERS READ. t. By Professor’ A. J. Ewart; D:Sc.;, Ph: Diy entitledmner. Physiologist of the Seventeenth Century.” ' The author pointed out that the researches of Nehemiah Grew, author of the ‘‘ Anatomy of Plants” (London, 1682), had hardly received the acknowledgment they should have from modern writers, more especially as regards experimental and deductive plant physiology, of which Grew was practically the founder, and by quotations from his work showed how Grew had anticipated many theories of comparatively recent origin. ’ Some remarks relating to the paper were made by Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S., and the president. 2. By Mr. A. J. North, C.M.Z.S., entitled “ Description of a New Species of Finch from Cape York, Queensland.” [At the request of the author the paper has been withdrawn from publication at present.—Eb. Vict. Vat. | 3. By Dr. C. C. Simson, entitled ‘‘ Acrogs the Owen Stanley Range, British New Guinea.” Communicated by Mr. J. A. Ker- shaw, F.E.S. The author gave an interesting account of a trip from Port Moresby over the Owen Stanley Range to the Kokoda Station, in the Northern Division of New Guinea. One of the main objects of the trip was to obtain a collection of birds of paradise, a good many species of which he collected during his journey. Included among these were several rare species, such as Paradisornis rudolphi, Epimachus meyeri, Astrarchia stephanie, Drepanornis albertist, and Parotia lawest. The Orange-crested Bower bird Dec., 1908.} THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 143 Amblyornis subularis, was also taken, and several bowers or play- grounds were observed and described. Some notes on the eggs and food of several of the birds of paradise were also given. Altogether eleven species of birds of paradise, eleven species of pigeons, six parrots, and many other birds were obtained, together with a number of birds’ eggs, butterfles, and moths. A series of photos. were shown in illustration of the paper. Messrs. A. E. Kitson, F.G.S., F. Pitcher, and J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., spoke to the paper. NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. Frpre-Baiis.— Mr. F. M. Chapman, A.L.S., remarked that in July, 1904 (Vict. Nat., xxi, 47, 62) some fibre-balls from a South Australian beach were exhibited at a club meeting with the view of obtaining opinions on their origin, but with little result. He had since ascertained that an article on the subject by W. Russell appeared in the Revue Générale de Botanique for February, 1893, of which a réswmé was given in Natural Science for April, 1893, pp. 250,251. The article traced the various theories which had been advanced for their origin, and the conclusion arrived at in 1857 that the fibres were the remains of a marine plant, Posidonia caulini, felted by the action of the waves. [At the July meeting of the Linnean Society of New South Wales (Proc., 1906, p. 425) Mr. J. H. Maiden, F.L.S., referring to an exhibit of a similar character at a previous meeting, ex- pressed the opinion that the fibre was the product of a marine plant, Posidonia australis, Hook., f., belonging to the Naiadez (Fluviales, F. v. M.)—Ep. Vict. Wat. | Acacta SEEDLINGS.—Mr. J. P. M‘Lennan, of Emerald, con- tributed a note calling attention to some specimens of seedling acacias exhibited bearing true leaves as well as phyllodes. Porpotse.—Mr. R. W. Armitage reported that on Saturday, 22nd September, he saw a Porpoise in the Yarra at Studley Park, between the Victoria-street and Johnston-street Bridges, about 12 miles from the mouth of the river. The porpoise was watched for fully five minutes gambolling about as it gradually made its way down the stream. The water in this part of the river is quite fresh. EXHIBITS. By Mr. J. W. Audas.—Introduced plant, Gnaphalium candid- assimum, Lam., collected at Kilmore Junction. By Professor A. J. Ewart, D.Sc., Ph.D.—Specimen of Billida graminea, Ewart, genus and species. new (Proc. Roy. Soc. Vic., Oct., 1906). Locality—Jibberding, W. Australia. By Mr. G. Coghill.—A small collection of wild flewers from Point Lonsdale. By Master Frank Cudmore.—Fossils from new coal shaft at Altona Bay. 144 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIM. By Mr. J. E. Dixon.—Specimen of rare longicorn beetle, probably a new species, from Merri Creek, Campbellfield, taken 6/10/06 ; also a specimen of Distechocera kirbyi, from Moorooduc, Vic. By Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., for National Museum.—Birds of paradise, in illustration of Dr. Simson’s paper—Asérarchia stephanie, Finsch and Meyer (male and fem.), Parotia lawesz, Rams. (male), Lophorina superba, Penn. (male), Drepanornis albertist, Scl. (male and fem.), and Paradisea raggiana, Scl. (male). Also on behalf of Dr. C. C. Simson, a series of New Guinea photographs, in illustration of paper. By Mr. E. Lees.—Three sections of Silky Oak Tree, Grevillea robusta, one cut transversely and two longitudinally ; one of the latter showing a piece of a flower pot which had become embedded in the substance of the trunk. By Mr. J. P. M‘Lennan.— Four specimens of seedling Acacias in illustration of note. By Mr. F. M. Reader.—Dried specimens of Acacia pyenantha, Benth., var. diglandulosa, Reader, new variety ; locality—Little Desert, County of Lowan; collected 12/8/94. Ranunculus parviflorus, L., a form with smooth achenes ; locality—County of Lowan; collected 11/9/98. Pterostylis obtusa, R. Br.; a new locality—County of Follett ; collected 26/8/06. After the usual conversazione the meeting terminated. ACACIAS WITH LEAVES AND PHYLLOoDES.—I am sending by same post four specimens of seedling acacias bearing true leaves as well as phyllodes. I have noticed that all the acacias in this district have true leaves when in a young state. Some have leaves only, and no phyllodes, in the very early stages, the phyllodes developing later. The acacias noted are—A. linearis, A. oxycedrus, A. verticillata, A. myrtifolia, A. diffusa, A. stricta, and A. melanoxylon. The last-named I have noticed occasionally, when fairly tall trees, bearing more leaves than phyllodes. It seems to me to be an indication that in a former period of their evolution these acacias all bore true leaves. It would be interest- ing to know whether these facts have been noticed in connection with other species that now bear phyllodes.—J. P. M‘LENNAN. State School, Emerald, 8th November, 1906. A Rare Orcuip.—Among the specimens collected during the Bayswater to Ringwood excursion of the F.N.C. on Saturday, 27th October, was FPrasophyllum frenchw. This orchid was named by. Baron von Mueller after the finder, Mr. G. French, from a specimen obtained near Dandenong Creek in November, 1889 (Vict. Nat., vi, 126). It was found on the same day by an excursion party of the F.N.C. at Tooradin, Western Port (Vict. Nat., vi., 121), and has not been recorded again until the present specimen. Dec., 1906.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 145 A PHYSIOLOGIST OF THE 177TH CENTURY. By Prorssor ALFRED J. Ewart, D.Sc., Ph.D., F.L.S., Govern- ment Botanist. (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 13th Nov., 1906.) In Sachs’s masterly sketch of the history of botany from ancient to modern times, full justice is done to Nehemiah Grew’s researches in phytotomy and vegetable histology; and it is, moreover, shown that Schleiden’s accusation ( “ Grundziige d. Botanik,” 1845, 1., p. 207) was entirely unjust and unfounded, for Grew was not merely Malpighi’s contemporary but in many ways his superior. Besides being a careful observer and an accurate and painstaking draughtsman, Grew also possessed in an eminent degree the power of drawing logical conclusions from the facts at his command, and this is especially noticeable in his essays upon plant physiology, of which Sachs makes almost no mention. Itis the purpose of the following note to show that Grew is certainly to be regarded as one of the foremost founders of experimental and deductive plant physiology, for many facts, ideas, and theories which are supposed to be of comparatively recent origin were first propounded or established by him. The mere mention of a few of the more important of these will suffice to indicate the permanent value of Grew’s physiological work. Thus (book i, p. 25)*:—‘‘Of the lignows body it is so apparent by its Pores, or rather by its vessels, that we need no further evidence. For to what end are vessels but for the con- veyance of Liquor? And is that also, which upon cutting the young Branch of asappy Z’ree or Herb, by an accurate and steady ‘view may be observed. But when I say the Vessels of the Lignous Body I mean principally them of the younger shootings, both those which make the new Ring and those which are mixed with the Cortical Body in the Barque.” It seems probable that by the vessels of the cortex Grew refers to sieve tubes, for he distinctly states that they are completely filled with watery contents; but it is also possible that he is referring to sclerenchyma fibres. Grew recognizes the fact that the rapid ascent of water occurs in the young spring wood, although the vessels may be largely filled with air, and evidently supposes that both capillarity and imbibition aid in the process, for experi- ments are mentioned upon the ascent of coloured fluids through fibres of cotton and in capillary glass tubes. It is distinctly stated in the introduction (p. 33) that the main function of the leaves is to aid in the ascent of sap and to prepare * The whole of Grew’s researches are contained in ‘‘ The Anatomy of Plants,” published in 1682 (London), although many of the separate works were published ten years before. 146 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. and elaborate it for use by the flowers and fruits, while later on (p. 82) it is mentioned that dilute solutions of salts are absorbed from the soil by the roots. According to Grew the sap thus obtained is ‘‘strained” in passing through the epidermis, and distends' the “bladders” of the parenchyma to the utmost possible extent. These are not openly pervious, and hence the sap is “strained” a hundred times over in its passage from bladder to bladder. The different tissue elements will absorb various constituents of the sap, and at the same time the latter will receive other substances from them, so that it may be much altered in its passage upward (p. 83). Grew’s ideas upon the ascent of water are extremely interesting, and have anticipated Godlewski’s and Westermain’s pumping action theory by a couple - of centuries, for in one point only is Grew certainly in error— namely, when he supposes that the turgid parenchyma pressing upon the vessels will cause them to contract, so that a rhythmic repetition of this pressure would pump the water upwards. It is obvious that Grew was unaware of the rigidity and elasticity of the walls of the trachea and tracheides, but, nevertheless, his remarks are interesting on this point, since they clearly indicate that he understood and had observed the existence of positive and negative tissue tensions in plants (p. 84, &c.) This is how our author sums up (p. 126) :— 13 §. ‘From what we have now above and elsewhere formerly said, we may also understand the manner of the Ascent of the Sap. As to which I say, First, That considering to what height and plenty, the sap sometimes ascends, it is not intelligible, how it should thus ascend by virtue of any one part of a plant alone ; that is neither by virtue of the parenchyma nor by virtue of the vessels alone. Not by the parenchyma alone. For this, as it hath the Nature of a Sponge or Filtre to suck up the sap, so likewise to suck it up but to a certain height, as perhaps to about an inch or two and no more.’’* \ 14 §. “Nor by the Vessels alone for the same reason. For although we see that small Glass-Pipes immersed in water will give it an ascent of some inches, yet there isa certain period, according to the bore of the pipe, beyond which it will not rise. We must therefore joyn the Vessels and the Parenchyma both together in this Service, which we may conceive performed by them in the manner following.” 15 §. ‘Let AB be the Vessel of a Plant. Let C E D F be the Bladders of the Parenchyma, wherewith, as with so many little cisterns, it is surrounded. I say then, that the sap, in the pipe B A, would, of itself, rise but a few inches; as suppose from Dto L. But the Bladders D P, which surround it, being swelled * Cy. Pfeffer, <‘ Physiology of Plants,” 1900, p. 210 (Transference of water through parenchyma), Dec., 1906.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 147 up and turgid with Sap, do hereby press upon it, and so not only a little contract its bore but also transfuse or strain some Portion of their Sap thereinto; by both which means the Sap will be forced to rise higher therein. And the said Pipe or Vessel being all along surrounded by the like Bladders, the Sap therein is still forced higher; the Bladders of the Parenchyma being, as is said, so many Cisterns of Liquor, which transfuse their repeated sup- plies into the Vessel. So that by the supply and pressure of the Cisterns or Bladders F D, the sap riseth to L; by the Bladders Q Lit rises to M; by the Bladders N M it rises to I, and so to the top of the Zee. And thus far of the motion of the Sap.” This is a very remarkable account, considering the physical knowledge of the time, and that the laws of osmosis, as well as the existence of a “primordial utricle ” within the cell-wall had yet to be discovered, while the high cohesion of a suspended continuous column of water was not even suspected. We have made com- paratively little advance in essentials since Grew’s time, in spite of the host of workers whose energies have been directed to the solu- tion of these problems. Without using any special term to denote the phenomena of imbibition, Grew clearly held, on experimental grounds, that imbibition alone was insufficient to produce the ascent of the sap, and in this respect his ideas were more correct than those of Sachs. Grew regarded spiral vessels as of especial importance for the conveyance of air, although he also states that intercellular spaces aid in the process, and that they become of especial importance for the aeration of water-plants. The abundance of spiral vessels in leaves was noticed, and also the unravelling of a spiral thread from the vessels of a torn leaf—a ready method of demonstration which is in use at the present day. As regards the entrance of air, Grew assumed that it was absorbed mainly by the root and pressed upwards with the transpiration current, though he observed the existence of pores on stems and stomata on leaves, and states that a certain amount of air enters by these means. The error arises from the attempt to compare the root of a plant with the mouth of an animal ; and, indeed, many of the older botanists regarded a plant as comparable with an animal standing upon its head, so that had the life-history of any cirrhipede, such as Balanus or Lepas, been known it would have been regarded as an example of direct metamorphosis from an animal to a plant. Among a variety of miscellaneous observations made by Grew the following are worthy of notice:—A distinction is drawn between vessels bearing clear sap (p. 67) and those with milky sap (lactiferous tubes, p. 86). The weathering of soil is mentioned (p. 81), the importance of humus recognized, and also the loss of the volatile products of decomposition in exposed 148 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. humus soils. The aeration of the soil is also fully discussed, for Grew considered that plants absorbed air mainly by means of their roots. The first recorded experiments upon geotropism were per- formed by Grew (p. 136), and these clearly showed that the downward growth of the root is not merely due to a tendency to grow into the soil (somatotropic or chemotropic attraction), for the curvature occurs equally well when the root is reversed but surrounded on all sides by soil. The tendency of the stem to grow upwards was considered to be due to a magnetic correspon- dence between the air-vessels and the atmosphere. Grew evidently sought an analogy with the compass needle, plants being credited with a tendency to place their long axes parallel to the supposed magnetic lines of force radiating from the air. It was, however, noticed that certain stems and roots grow horizontally, and that the roots of many plants annually pull the stem deeper into the ground. The latter is an observation which has recently been shown by Rimbach to apply to a large number of ‘“geophilous plants.” It was reserved for Knight to rectify Grew’s misconception, and to show that gravity is the direct exciting cause of the downward curvature of primary roots and of the upward growth of seedling stems, and that it may be replaced by centrifugal force. The remarks upon the winding of stems, tendrils, &c., are very vague, and largely incorrect, although they seem to indicate that the phenomenon of circumnutation had already been observed. It is, however, possible that in stating that “the claspers of the vine have a motion of convolution” he may merely refer to their tendency to become spirally coiled (p. 137). Grew’s ideas upon constructive and nutritive metabolism seem to us highly grotesque, but, considering the almost entire absence of any accurate chemical knowledge, and the absurd speculations then rife, nothing more could be expected, and although the basis is unsound the conclusions are usually logically correct, even if erroneous according to the knowledge of the present day. Sulphur played a great part in the chemistry of the time, and when Grew observed that the carbonized residue of a plant largely disappeared, leaving a certain amount of ash when further heated, he supposed that this was due to the “sulphur” as it volatilized carrying off with it the greater part of the plant’s sub- stance, and the same reason is given for the almost entire absence of any residual ash when starch is burnt (p. 258). Grew’s observations (p. 261) upon the crystalline salts which may be extracted from the residual ash of plants led him to conclude that the different tissue elements were formed by the deposition and apposition of crystalline elements, so that we have here apparently the germ of Nageli’s micellar theory. Grew, however, Dec., 1906.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 149 seems to have held that the different salts directly formed the different tissue elements, and that the shape of the latter was determined by the crystallizing tendency of the former (p. 159, &c.) It is only a few years since atoms have been shown not to be the ultimate units of matter, but to be capable of still further subdivision into electrons, and to the scientist of days to come Nageli’s micellar theory may appear to be just as absurd and erroneous as Grew’s ideas do to us now. The remarks upon the contrivances for the dispersal of seeds, and upon the function of the different parts of the fruit and seed (pp. 136, 189, 191, 198), are especially worthy of notice, for in many respects they still hold good, as may be seen by reference to Kerner’s ‘‘ Natural History of Plants.” The presence of stomata in the epidermis of leaves is mentioned (p. 153), and Grew states that these may serve for the admission of air and also for the excretion of superfluous sap, so that apparently water-stomata had been observed as well. As regards the phenomena-of sexuality and reproduction Grew clearly states that phanerogamic plants and flowers are herm- aphrodite, and that the “ globulets” er “ vegetable sperm ” (pollen grains) fall upon the seed case (gyncecium) and so touch it with ‘“‘a Prolifick Virtue.” Apparently the existence of unisexual plants and flowers had. not yet been noticed, which is hardly surprising, considering that the entire matter was still in its infancy. The existence of unisexual plants was, however, deter- mined by Ray ten years afterwards, and the sexuality of flowering plants was placed upon a scientific basis by the systematic experiments of Camerarius within the next three or four years. The usual tendency of the time was to institute rigid and artificial comparisons with the known organs of animals (Mammalia), and the attempt to make such an analogy obvious leads Grew to put forward some very curious comparisons in regard to the organs of flowers (page 173). Even here, however, a certain revolt is made against the tendency then prevailing, thus :—‘‘If anyone shall require the similitude to hold in everything, he would not have a Plant to resemble, but to be, an animal.” Grew was the first to observe that different parts of plants yielded different amounts of ash constituents, and that various forms of crystals could be obtained by allowing the watery extracts of the latter to slowly evaporate, while from the figures given it is evident that he obtained in crystalline form several of the commoner saline constituents of plants (Tab. 83), and indeed recognized that plants contained marine salt (sodium chloride) and also what he terms ‘essential salts,” although these must have also included others which are not essential. In treating of the colours of plants the deficiency of the chemical knowledge then extant renders almost the entire dis- 150 YHE VICTORIAN NATURALISY. [Vol. XXtii. cussion valueless, for Grew considered that pigments were directly produced by interaction between “sulphur,” saline constituents, and the air, green appearing when the air exercises the predomi- nant influence, yellow when the ‘‘sulphur” and air are more equivalent, blue when “sulphur” predominates, and red when it is very abundant* (p. 272). The changes of colouration which many flowers undergo in the progress of development were also observed (p. 271), as well as that many roots turn red, green, or purple when exposed above ground. Grew regarded this as due to the direct action of the air, although he was well aware that an ordinary soil is well aerated for some distance below the surface. ‘The fact that water-plants are also able to turn green was regarded as being.due to the large amount of air which such plants usually contain (p. 270). The solvent powers of oil, water, and spirits of wine were investigated, and it was observed that olive oil slowly extracts a green and a yellow pigment from ordinary leaves, but extracts a red pigment only from alkanet root. Blue and red pigments were found to be soluble in water, but not green, whereas spirits of wine dissolved the latter readily (p. 274) but not the former ; and, moreover, it was noticed that the green extract appeared red by transmitted light, which is probably the first mention of the fluorescence of chlorophyll. Grew also found that blue pigments may turn red on the addition of dilute sulphurous acid and green with ammonia, and that yellows are comparatively unaffected by acids and alkalies (p. 276). From these facts the conclusion was drawn that alkalies predominated in greens, acids in reds, while in blues they approximately neutralized each other, although, as is now known, the observed phenomena have a widely different meaning. The work concludes with an account of the smells and tastes of plants (pp. 279, 284), and one appendix is added upon the solution of salts in water (p. 296) and another upon the mercury barometer. Although certain of Grew’s ideas upon the latter will hardly recommend themselves to physicists of the present day, still the former is well worthy of attention, for the changes of volume on solution were noticed and the chief phenomena correctly interpreted, while a method is also given for obtaining the specific gravity of a soluble salt. Indeed, it is evident that had Grew turned his energies entirely to physical research his * The vague term ‘‘ sulphur” comprised approximately everything which disappeared when a plant was burnt, and hence included carbon compounds, as well as the actual element sulphur, which was well known to the early chemists. If we suppose that ‘‘ the influence of the air’ comprises not only the action of all gases which may be preseat in it, but also all influences light, &c.) which may reach the plant through the agency of the air, Grew’s remarks become more intelligible. Dec., 1906.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 151 discoveries in this department of science would have been no less remarkable than in that of botany, while there can be no doubt that if Priestley and his immediate successors had only preceded Grew instead of following him, the chemical physiology of the latter would have attained the same standard of excellence as his other work. However that may be, what remains is sufficient to give to Grew the honour of being one of the foremost, if not the foremost, founder of experimental and deductive plant physiology, and his researches form the definite point of departure from the more philosophical and speculative methods of former times. Grew, it may be mentioned, was secretary to the Royal Society of London when Malpighi’s classical work was submitted to the society. This naturally caused him to publish a full account of his own work, parts of which had been published some time before Malpighi’s work was received. Few copies of Grew’s work are in existence. The extracts in the foregoing paper were made from the copy in the Botanical Library of the Oxford University Gardens. So far as I am aware no copy exists in Australia. The special merit of Grew’s physiological work lies in its striking originality. NOTE ON THE “ComMMON SOLE” oF VicToRiIA.—In a recent paper (Rec. Austr. Mus., vi. (1906), 3, p. 198) Mr. E. R. Waite assigns to this fish the name of Peltorhamphus bassensis, Castlenau. This is rather a step backward. Ogilby (Cat. Fishes N.S.W. (1886), p. 49) pointed out as far back as 1886 that Castelnau’s Rhombosolea bassensis was to be identified with Kner’s (Voy. Novara, Fische, p. 286) Ammotretis rostratus, var. adspersus—a determination which, in my opinion, was undoubtedly correct. In any case there would not appear any justification for placing this species in the genus Peltorhamphus, from the single species of which it differs in a very marked degree. Ammotretis rostratus, Gunther, has a fairly wide distribution, being found along the coasts of New South Wales (where it is known as ‘‘ Long-snouted Flounder ”), Victoria, Tasmania, and New Zealand. In Victoria and Tasmania it is usually termed “Sole,” a name applied in New South Wales to Synaptura nigra, Macleay. In colour the species is exceedingly variable, being modified to agree with its surroundings.—Davip G. STEaD, Department of Fisheries, New South Wales. VICTORIAN YEAR-BOOK FOR 1905.—An article contributed by Mr. A. E. Kitson, F.G.S., to part ix., Production, of the Victorian Year-Book for 1905, entitled “‘ The Economic Minerals and Rocks of Victoria,” has been reprinted as a special report (price 6d.) by the Department of Mines. In some 19 pages Mr. Kitson briefly deals with the various minerals which have been found in Victoria, giving their mode of occurrence and the ae ee 152 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. principal places where they have been found. The precious stones and economic materials, such as limestone, clay, coal, &c., are treated in the same manner, and the pamphlet is a useful addition to our literature on the subject. NEsTs AND Eccs oF Birps FouND BREEDING IN AUSTRALIA AND Tasmania, by A. J. North, C.M.Z.S., Ornithologist, Australian Museum.—The first part of vol. ii. of this catalogue, consisting of 105 pages, has been issued by the Trustees of the Australian Museum. It contains the families Lantidz, Certhiidz, Sittide, and part of the family Meliphagide. Besides numerous woodcuts and halftone blocks in the text, full-page plates are given of the nest and eggs of White-throated Thickhead, Pachycephala gutturalis, Vig. and Hors., nest of the Crested Shrike-Tit, Falcwnculus Jrontatus, Gld., and nest and eggs of the White-cheeked Honey-’ eater, Meltornis sericea, Gld.; also, two plates of eggs, containing 25 and 36 figures respectively. Mr. North gives many interesting details both as regards the habits of the birds or the histories of the recorded specimens, while on page 62, in the course of a few appropriately worded sentences, he calls attention to the spot where Australian zoology and botany first received attention. GLIMPSES OF AUSTRALIAN Brrp Lire.—Such is the title of a sixty-page booklet received from Mr. T. C. Lothian, publisher, 49 Elizabeth-street, Melbourne. It consists of a series of about thirty typical pictures of Australian bird-life reproduced from original photographs by Messrs. R. Hall, A. Mattingley, A. B. Lord, and the late H. P. C. Ashworth. Each is accompanied by brief explanatory notes by Mr. R. Hall, F.L.S., C.M.Z.S. The pictures range through many orders of birds, and both adult and young birds, as well as nests and eggs, are figured. Many it willbe seen at a glance are unique, and it is stated that Mr. Ashworth’s “‘ Albatross Feeding its Young” was only secured after twenty days of patient watching. The booklet forms an excellent souvenir to send to naturalists in other lands. AUSTRALIASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ Union.—The sixth annual meeting is now being held at Hobart, under the presidency of Dr. C. S. Ryan, and from reports received a very successful congress is in progress. A.A.A.S.—The next meeting of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science will take place in Adelaide during January next. The local hon. secretary, Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., University, will be pleased to give any information desired to intending members. EXCHANGE.—AUSTRALIAN BUTTERFLIES.—A German collector desires to exchange with Australian lepidopterists. Address— Gustav Eberhard, architect, 1 Beckerst., Frisdenau, Berlin, Germany. ee eee! Joe ete eee Sse, « Field Naturalists Club of Victoria. 4 OFFICE-BEARERS, 1906-1907. # President: MR. F. G. A. BARNARD. Vice=Presidents: MR. G. A. KEARTLAND, MR. F. WISEWOULD Don. Treasurer: MR. G. COGHILL, 72 Swanston Street. t Won. Wibrarian: MR. J. F. HAASE, 17 Swanston Street. bon, Secretary: MR. J, A. KERSHAW, F.E.S., National Museum, Melbourne. | thon. Hast. Secretary and Librarian: MR. W. H. EGieal Don. Editor of the “ Victorian Waturalist : MR. F. Gc. A. BARNARD, 49 High Street, Kew Oe: 443, Hawthorn), on. Danternist: MR. J. SEARLE, 274 Collins Street. Committee : PROF. A. he EWART, D Sc., Pu.D., F.L.S., MR. T. S. HALL, M.A., \ MR. J. H. HARVEY, MR. A. E. KITSON, FGS, and MR. J. A. LEACH, B.Sc. “MORNINGTON CAMP-OUT. 24th DECEMBER, 1906, to 2nd JANUARY, 1907. Complete arrangements Rive now been made for the above. A full Supply of tents, mattresses and waterproof sheets have been obtained, so that campers will only need to provide themselves with their blankets, sheets, pillows and personal outfit. The meals are being supphed by a well-known caterer at a very reasonable rate. Members tired after the day’s field work will, as a’ consequence, not be worried by the ‘thought of camp duties. Crockery and cutlery are being pro- vided by the caterer, thus still further reducing the number of articles to be brought. The proximity of the township of Mornington also saves the necessity of providing against all possible emergencies. Lantern lectures will be given of an evening in the large dining _ mInarquee by the leading lecturer of the Club. Each day’s field work will, as far as possible, be directed to a different object, and will be under a different leader. Professor Ewart, Messrs. T. S. Hall, J. B. Pritchard, A. O. Sayce, G. A. Keartland, C. French, jun., F. G. A. Barnard, J. P. M‘Lennan and other leaders have already signified their willingness to take part. A detailed list of suggested articles for camp use is being sent to each camper on receipt of the 10s. deposit. It is expected that the total cost will be within £2. WATSON’S REQUISITES FOR FIELD NATURALISTS. JOINTED COLLECTING STICK, with Dees foecnes line and reel, megane spoon, and cutting hook as tse ai 23/- CORKED GLASS COLLECTING TUBES, frat es . 1/6 doz. _ FIELD COLLECTING BOOK ee BOTANY), Pardeand boards, Botting paper: ; and straps oe Re ate ae : ae 5/6 BUTTERFLY NET, with folding ae 4, ial te oe ee A 8/- GLASS FRONT SHOW BOXES, corked and papered .. os 14% x ‘10, 1-3 47 x 13, 10/5 INSECT-KILLING BOTTLES Se te op ee a a a 1/6 and 2/- ENTOMOLOGICAL PINS, assorted Es he 3 Aye .- per box of 1 0z., 2/- INSECT FORCEPS, with broad gauze jaws i Sick avers ad a se 1 3/- SETTING FORCEPS, finest nickelled steel ai aS we ae ae ‘ 2/- GEOLOGICAL HAMMERS. is a oe ae Mate eS 3/- and 4/6 POCKET ACID BOTTLE, in Spoxwead easel Ae ve 3 iis we ie 1/6 THREE-POWER POCKET MAGNIFIER Pe ats se ua He Sb 4/6 FELTON, GRIMWADE & (a, IMPORTERS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF MICROSCOPES, GALVANIC BATTERIES, Ghemical and Seientifie Apparatus, &e. STUDENTS’ MICROSCOPES. With Sliding Coarse Adjustment, Serew ae ea LEITZ MICROSCOPES, Adjustment, Micrometer, Objectives Nos. 3 and m 7, Eye-pieces 1 and 3, Magnifying 84-660. In Mahogany Cases. With Sliding Coarse Adguataot Screw NACHET'S | MICROSCOPES, ane adjustment, Doubte atirron, Side 4 Condensing Lens, Eye-pieces Nos, i ‘ and 3, Objectives Nos. 3 and 6, Glass Slip, Cover Glasses, BLOT Re Object Rah. Forceps, Magnifying 80-550. In Mahogany Cases. ect Microscopic Glass Slips, 3in. x lin., Extra Thin, Ground Rages and Rough ; a Edges. HMicrescopic Cover Glasses, Nos. 1 and 3, Y%in., Yin. and jin. Circles. No, i square, {in. and %in.; No, 3 square, %in. and Yin. 342-6 LITTLE FLINDERS STREET, MELBOURNE. 3d. SEARME, | Watchmaker and Scientific Instrument Maker, — 274 COLLINS STREET (Over Glen’s Music Warehouse). Manufacturer of every description of Physical Apparatus for School and Experimental Work, Limelight Apparatus, ,Lanterns, Slides, and every requisite for the art of projection. Simplified Apparatus and Repairs a Speciality. ENTOMOLOGICAL APPA RATUS. — : E. CHERRY & SONS, ; GISBORNE (VIC.), and 264-266 SUSSEX STREET, SYDNEY. ENTOMOLOGICAL PINS (Kirpy BeEarp’s),in 8 sizes. 1/- to 2/- per box; Mixed, 1/- per packet 4 a STORE BOXES.—Dovetailed, hinged, corked, and papered. Size, 14 x 10 x 34. 7/ each SETTING BOARDS.—Corked and papered. Flat. Length, 14 inches: depth of groove, 3 inch, 1 and 13 in. wide, 1/- cach; 2 and 2} in., 1/8; Sin, 1/6: 4in., 1/9; 6in., 2/6 eke CORK LINOLEUM.—Specially soft and thick. 12x 10, 9d.; 24 x 20, 3/-. Any-size at same rate CORK MATERIAL (SUBERIT).—Very light; in 11-in. x 31-in. sheets. 2/6 per doz. ‘ BUTTERFLY NETS.—Best English folding. 3 shield joints. With bag, 7/6 KILLING BOTTLES (CYANIDE),1/6 °,°* STEEL SETTING FORCEPS, 2/6 and 3/6 POCKET BOXES, 1/6 GLASS-BOTTOMED PILL BOXES—in 2 sizes, 2/- and 2/6 per ao x CABINETS.—From £2 upwards Write for Price List. THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE ee Be gate One : ‘She Field jYaturalists’ Club of Victoria. Published 1oth January, 1907. Hon. Editor: F. G. A. BARNARD, Esq. The ‘Author of each article is- Ernaneible for the facts and opinions recorded. roe f ¥ 8 uy \ se Saray Bi \ o) Ne eS aN ¥ py AY , eG CONTENTS : ~ don 2 , PAGE ‘THE FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA... - 153 Across THE OWEN STANLEY RANGE, BRITISH N EW GUINEA. By C. C. Simpson Ch ae ny ues tty Zeelso _ CoRRESPONDENCE ave * bh es r67 “# PRICE SIXPENCE. & Agenis for Gurope : PULAU & co., 37 Soho Square, London. = WANN ENN EN ISN ANN ENN EN RNS NN ESN ASN SS SES ONES INIIN BR RR ENN EIN NNN IN NES ESN ANS OR NSN ENON Nee Melbourne : WALKER, ‘MAY & CO%, FRONT ees) 25 MACKILLOP STREET 1907. Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, ROOMS—ROYAL SOCIETY’S HALL, VICTORIA ST., MELBOURNE. BUSINESS PAPER FOR MONTALY MEETING. MONDAY EVENING, 14th JANUARY, 1907. WAN Dt 4 : Correspondence and Reports. { } 4) hag \ Election of Members. As ORDINARY MEMBER— | Proposes Seconder. Dr. Mackeddie .- Mr. O. A. Sayce .. -. Mr, T. S. Hall, M A. As Junior MEMBERS — f Master Norman Struck —.. Miss S. W. L. Cochrane .. Mr. J. F. Haase ~ Queen’s Buildings, Carlton. Master Sydney John Docwra Mr. G. E. Shepherd -. Mr. C. French, jun. _ Somerville. ; Nominations for Membership. Members making nominations will oblige by handing the full name and address to Hon. Secretary. General Business. Reading of Papers and Discussions thereon. (Authors are requested to hand in a brief resumé of their papers to the Secretary.) 1. By Dr. C. S. Sutton, entitled—‘‘ A Botanist at Mount Buller.” Reading of Natural History Notes. Members who may note any unusual occurrence, or see anything of interest in Foreign or Colonial papers, are requested to inform the Secretary of the same that he may arrange for their bringing them before the meeting; such notes should, however, be brief. Exhibition of Specimens and Conversazione. Members are invited to exhibit objects of interest and are requested to furnish the Hon. Secretary with written particulars of such Exhibits for record in Minutes and Naturaéist. => «“# EXCURSIONS. ® SATURDAY, 12TH JANUARY.—Darebin Creek (via Preston), Under the leadership of Mr. W. Stickland. Object—Pond life. Meet at Prince’s Bridge Station, 1.27 p.m. SATURDAY, 26TH JANUARY, TO MonpDAy, 28TH JANUARY.—Whittle- sea. Train leaves Spencer Street Station at 10.17 a.m. Members who wish to attend this Excursion are requested to notify the Hon. Sec. not later than 21st January. SATURDAY, 9TH FEBRUARY.—Heidelberg. Under the leadership of Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S. Object—Pond life. Meet at Prince’s Bridge Station at 1.55 p.m. Train leaves at 2.10 p.m. SUNIOR EXCURSION. The next Excursion will take place at Heidelberg on 2nd February, under the leadership of Mr. O. A. Sayce. Object—Pond life. Train leaves Prince’s Bridge Station at 2.10 p.m. tt Seta a he Sige le See ro i —" atl eG) Sey & as es y Che Victorian Naturalist. Vou. XXIII.—No. 9. JANUARY 10, 1907. No. 277. FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held at the Royal Society’s Hall on Monday evening, roth December, 1906. The president, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, occupied the chair, and about 50 members and visitors were present. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was read from the Railway Department, stating, in reply to the request from the Club that certain railway cuttings might be left in their original state, so as to allow the geological features to be studied, that as far as possible the places mentioned will not be interfered with. REPORTS. A report of the excursion to Beaumaris on Saturday, 24th November, was, in the absence of the leader, Mr. J. Shephard, given by Dr. Kaufmann, who stated that a very pleasant outing had resulted. Though favoured by a low tide, a high wind caused a rough sea, and so to some extent prevented much work being done. Cyclops were found in abundance, and three stages of development in crabs were noted, as well as other forms of marine life. A report of the excursion to Olinda Vale on Saturday, 8th December, was given by the leader, Mr. E. B. Nicholls, who said that the party had spent a most instructive day amongst the bird life so plentiful along the creek, and that a fair number of flowers had also been collected. A report of the junior excursion to Clifton Hill Quarry on Saturday, rst December, was given by Mr. R. W. Armitage, who said that there had been a good attendance of juniors, and, under the leadership of Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A., in the unavoidable absence of Mr. E. O. Thiele, the afternoon was devoted to the examination of the lava flow, and a search for Zeolites, of which a number of fine specimens were obtained from the cavities in the bluestone. The hon. librarian acknowledged the receipt of the following donations to the library :—‘‘ The Economic Minerals and Rocks of Victoria,” by A. E. Kitson, F.G.S., from the Department of Mines, Melbourne ; Journal. of Agriculture of Victoria, vol. iv., part 2, from Department of Agriculture, Melbourne ; Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, vol. xvii., part 9, from the Secretary for Agriculture, Sydney; Jowrnal of West Australian Natural History Society, July, 1906, and “ Catalogue of Library,” from 154 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. the Society ; and Knowledge (new series), September and October, 1906, from the proprietors. ELECTION OF MEMBERS. On a ballot being taken, Mr. A. G. Campbell, Armadale, was elected an ordinary member; Mr. Oliver Gray, Wedderburn, a country member; Mr. John Robinson, New-street, Brighton, Master H. W. L. Schuchard, Cambridge-street, Auburn,and Master J. Mann, as associates ; and Miss E. Archer, Parkville, and Master C. W. Hutton, Ramsden-street, Clifton Hill, as junior members of the Club. GENERAL BUSINESS. The Chairman announced that the botanical collections of Mr. F. M. Reader and the lichen collection of the late Rev. F. R. M. Wilson had recently been purchased by the Government for the National Herbarium, and moved that a letter conveying the appreciation of the Club of the purchase be forwarded to the Minister of Agriculture. Seconded by Mr. A. H. Mattingley, and carried. The Chairman also stated that trustees had recently been appointed for the land at Gembrook which had been set aside as a reserve for the public. PAPER. By Prof. A. J. Ewart, D.Sc., Ph.D., entitled “Note on the Phosphorescence of the Fungus Agaricus (Plewrotus) candescens, Mill.” The author recorded the results of a number of experiments made with this well-known luminous fungus with the view of finding out the nature and uses of the luminosity. The results seemed to indicate that the luminous property is confined to the gills, and is probably used as a means of attraction for insects, &c., and so aid in the distribution of the spores. Some discussion ensued, in which Mr. O. A. Sayce asked whether, as had been stated, the species was restricted to the coast line, and thus perhaps under the influence of sea air, but Prof. Ewart said the species was widely spread in Victoria, and the genus was common to the whole of Australasia and Tasmania. Mr. F. G. A. Barnard said that he had obtained some fine specimens at Warburton last Easter, at an elevation of about 2,000 feet, which had retained their luminosity for several days. Mr. Mattingley said that he had recently seen the fungus at Mt. Barrow, N.E. Tasmania, and had found a number of snails feeding upon a specimen growing on the stump of a tree. NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. EMIssiIoN OF COLOUR BY A Mo.tuiusc.—Mr. C. J. Gabriel called attention to his exhibit of specimens of the shellfish Scala Jan., 1907,] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. ; 155 australis, Lam., and S. granosa, Quoy and Gaim. These molluscs, recently obtained at the Ocean Beach, Point Nepean, when placed living in alcohol emitted a brilliant purple colouring matter on the death of the animal. FIGHT BETWEEN Brrps.—Mr. F. G. A. Barnard gave some interesting particulars of a fight which he had witnessed between a Great Brown Kingfisher (Laughing Jackass) and a pair of Black and White Flycatchers. EXHIBITS. By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard.—Wild flowers from Olinda Vale, including Prasophyllum patens and Lomatia ilicifolia. By Mr. C. French, jun.—Specimens of Queensland Fruit Flies, from cucumbers sent from Queensland ; also specimens of New South Wales or Mediterranean Fruit Flies from Seville oranges received from New South Wales. By Mr. C. J. Gabriel.—Shellfish Scala australis, Lam., and S. granosa, Q. and G., from Ocean Beach, Point Nepean, in illustration of note. By Mr. A. H. Mattingley.—Clutch of eggs of Spinebill Honey- eater, Acanthorhynchus tenwirostris, with one of Pallid Cuckoo, Cuculus pallidus, taken at Ringwood, 9/10/06. By Professor A. J. Ewart, Government Botanist.—Aster dumosus, Linn. (Composite); sent from New South Wales by Dr. Woolls ; probably the earliest record of this introduced weed in Australia; now spreading over this State. Hremophila sub- jlozcosa, Benth. (Myoporineze) ; very rare; from Western Australia. Anthocercis odgersi, F. v. M. (Solanaceze); new for Western Aus- tralia, previously only recorded from North Australia ; locality, Cowcowing, Western Australia. By J. W. Audas.—Zucalyptus rubida, Deane and Maiden, “‘ Bastard White Gum,” collected at Kilmore Junction, November, 1906 ; new for Victoria. By J. R. Tovey, National Herbarium.—A specimen of Agrostis quadriseta, R. Br., variety montana (Graminez), showing a connection between A. quadriseta and A. montana, A. montana being only a variety ; collected at Mentone, December, 1906. By Mr. E. B. Nicholls——Nest and eggs of Flame-breasted Robin, Petreca phenicea, from Tasmania ; skins of Collyriocincla rectirostris, Graucalus parvirostris, Malurus gouldi, Melithreptus melanocephalus ; also fresh flowers of the Tasmanian Waratah, Telopea truncata, collected on Mt. ane, North-East Tasmania, at about 3,500 feet elevation. By Mr. F. H. Schafer.—Ground stone axe, from Coranderrk. By Mr. G. E. Shepherd.—Egg of Long-billed Stone Plover, from North-East Australia; eggs of Satin Bower-bird, from South Gippsland, and Great Bower-bird, from North-West Australia. 156 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. ACROSS THE OWEN STANLEY RANGE, BRITISH NEW GUINEA. By C. C. SIMPson. (Communicated by J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S.) (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 13th Nov., 1906.) Tue chief object of my journey into the bush from Port Moresby was to pass over the Owen Stanley range of mountains and reach Kokoda, a Government station in the Northern Division. The Owen Stanley range of mountains separates the Northern Division from the Central Division of British New Guinea. I also hoped, by camping for a few days at various places along the route, to obtain a collection of birds of paradise, there being a number of species to be met with at various elevations above the sea level in the Central Division. I had received from the Government a permit to shoot a few specimens of each species. My party consisted of twenty boys from the Sogeri and Moroka districts, who accompanied me through the whole of my travels. I had also, when marching, thirty carriers, whom we obtained locally in the different districts we visited. The carriers were chiefly women, some of whom carried a baby, in addition to a load of thirty pounds, over steep and difficult hills. For the first few days we had about fifty people, in addition, following us for pleasure. Authony, who has had great experience as a bushman in British New Guinea, and is responsible for the success of the expedition, had charge of everything. He was recently manager of Sogeri Coffee Plantation, and is on very friendly terms with the chiefs of the Sogeri, Moroka, Eafa, and Kage districts. We were con- sequently able to travel through these districts without trouble. The natives will only carry for the traveller if they have a friendly feeling for him. I learnt from Anthony something about the birds we obtained, which were beautifully skinned by him. On 28th October, 1905, we started into the bush from Mr. Ballantine’s coffee plantation in Sogeri district, about thirty-five miles east and slightly north of Port Moresby, and 1,600 feet above sea level. Our destination was a cave at the base of Mount Oriori, in a north-easterly direction, the cave probably being about 3,500 feet above sea level. By taking this direction we kept well to the east of the track in use to reach the gap in the Owen Stanley Range, and as far as the gap we were on tracks of which little is known. Our march to Mount Oriori was chiefly through the Moroka district, the track at first passing. through country consisting of blade grass and low scrub, and then of high scrub and successive ridges. We travelled slowly, stopping one whole day at a Moroka village on the way, and reaching Mount Jan., 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 157 Oriori on 31st October. The villages in this district consist of five or six houses on a cleared space on the sides of the hills, and were of the same type as those seen about Port Moresby—a hut on poles with a verandah in front, the hut being thatched with blade grass. There was the usual accompaniment of mangy dogs, pigs, and fleas. Some of the villages are very pretty, there being bright-coloured flowers and plants growing about them, including the tobacco plant, various crotons, and a pretty foliage plant, the seed-pods of which contain a red substance, with which the natives colour their faces. There is also a creeper grown for the sake of the root, which has the property of stupefying fish when thrown into the water. In the gardens are grown various kinds of bananas, taro, yams, sweet potatoes, sugar-cane, bread fruit, pumpkins, native cucumbers, Indian corn, and tomatoes, the last two of which have been introduced from civilized sources. The high scrub which covers the mountains and valleys is cleared by the natives every year to make new gardens. As the natives now have steel tomahawks, instead of the old stone ones, they are able to make larger gardens, and with less labour than formerly. Physically the natives here are of a lighter build than those met with ata higher elevation. They have prominent abdomens, and many have enlarged spleens, due to the malaria, which is prevalent in this district. My shooting beys brought in good specimens of four species of birds of paradise—Paradisea raggiana, Port Moresby Rifle-bird, Ptelorhis wntercedens, The Magnificent Bird of Paradise, Diphyllodes magnifica, and King Bird of Paradise, Cicinnurus regvus, Linn. The birds of paradise are tracked by their cry, the native following up the call till he is right under a bird. They are not often seen flying about, with the exception of the raggzana, which is frequently seen in the high trees in this distriect, and whose loud cry dominates the forest. Besides the birds of paradise we got three species of pigeons—a large blue pigeon, Carpophaga rubiensis, and.a large and small bronze-wing pigeon. We arrived at the cave in Mt. Oriori 31st October, but only remained one night, and did not go to the top of the mountain, as we were anxious to push on while the weather was fine, and intended making a longer stay in this neighbourhood on our return. Leaving the cave, we proceeded up the Anoki Moia ridge, and camped on this ridge after walking 2% hours in a westerly direction. We remained here till 3rd November, I think at an elevation of about 4,500 feet. Between this ridge and Mount Oriori was a rich valley with lofty trees, and quantities of wild fruit lying about on the ground. In this neighbourhood, in addition to the four species of birds of paradise already men- tioned, we got five new ones—D’Alberti’s .Bird of Paradise, Drepanornis albertist, the Superb Bird of Paradise, Lophorina 158 HE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. {Vol. XXiIt. superba, Southern Six-plumed Bird of Paradise, Parotia lawesz, the rare and beautiful Prince Rudolph’s Bird of Paradise, Paradisornis rudolpht, and the large longtail, Hpimachus meyert. The cry of the Southern Six-plumed or Sixpenny Bird of Paradise is almost exactly imitated by the native, so it is easily secured, the bird answering the call of the hunter. Further up the ridge Anthony pointed out to me the dancing ground of the Southern Six-plumed Bird of Paradise. It con- sisted of a space on the ridge cleared of moss and dead leaves, across which were three thin branches within a foot of the ground and bare of leaves. The birds hop to and fro from the branches to the ground whilst displaying their plumes. We got our third variety of bronze-wing pigeon here, and a pretty little fruit- pigeon, about half the size of a domestic pigeon, of a deep green colour, yellow stomach, yellowish-green beak, and pink legs. We found three bower-birds’ play-grounds within a quarter of a mile of camp, of which I was able to get good photographs. The play-ground consists of a dome-shaped mass of twigs, with two rounded openings which communicate within. The space between the two openings is occupied by a flower garden, the bed of which is formed of the fibre taken from the stems of the tree ferns. Into this bed the bird sticks flowers, berries, bright-coloured leaves, and beetles’ wings, renewing the flowers as they fade. In front of the two openings is a yard enclosed with twigs and strewn with large scarlet fruit. This type of play-ground seems to be confined to an elevation of 3,000 to 6,000 feet, and is usually situated on a slope just below a ridge. Above this elevation the play-ground is differently con- structed. In these play-grounds I have never seen the feathers, shells, and pebbles common in the play-grounds of some of the Australian bower-birds. These birds are very cunning, never approaching their play-grounds or calling out while anyone is about. Whilst in the mountains I only got one specimen—the Orange-crested Bower-bird, Amblyornis subaiaris. The different varieties of this bird are trapped by the natives in their play- grounds, and the yellow or orange coloured crests are taken to torm head-dresses. This ornament is highly prized, and is a difficult curio to obtain. Amongst the plants in this district are two fine creepers. The flowers of one are cerise-coloured and of the other white, and are borne in great masses, making a fine display. There is a tree parasite which grows on the highest trees and resembles a rhodo- dendron in the leaf. The flower is nearly four inches across and of a beautiful salmon-orange colour, there being four or five flowers in a cluster at the end of the stalk. When growing on the trees these flowers have a lovely rich golden appearance. There is another variety with similar foliage, but the flower is San., 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 159 white and has seven petals instead of five, and it is not so free- flowering. I brought the roots of both these plants to Melbourne with me, and left them at the Botanical Gardens, but I think they were dead. In this locality I found two varieties of an orchid growing in deep shade, of which the leaf is veined in a very distinct manner with silver lines, and which I think is an Anzecto- chilus. At the Temple Flower Show in London I have seen a -somewhat similar orchid. I had several of the largest trees cut down to examine the orchids growing at the top, but in every case the flowers were of an inferior nature. On 3rd November we proceeded up the Anoki Moia ridge till we got to the summit, and then down the other side to Orege- numu village, in the Eafa district. The valley above which the village is situated is watered by a tributary of the Brown River. In this day’s march we went about 15 miles in a N.N.E. direc- tion, the summit of the ridge being, I think, about 6,000 feet above sea level. We were walking most of the time on roots and mosses some distance above the actual ground. The trees on the ridge were mostly small, and many had the Pitcher Plant growing on them, but on the slopes there were large trees. Amongst these was a curious tree, the trunk of which was surrounded with successive pieces of rolled bark, having the appearance of thatching. There was also a tree which resembled the Bunya Bunya, but with fewer branches and growing to a great height. The Eafa tribesmen, who met us half-way to take us to their village, are a very sturdy lot, being short, but with big bones and muscles and strong features, and there is great breadth between the eyes, contrasting with the more slender Moroka boys. These men wore the short kilt peculiar to the mountaineers, composed of plaited native string or of strips of bark taken from trees grown in their gardens, the kilt being about a foot long. Orege- numu village is prettily situated on a ridge, with handsome trees and tree-ferns resembling the Norfolk Island variety growing close by. It commands a fine view of the Owen Stanley Range, a succession of well-wooded mountains and ridges leading up to the bare summits of the range. Mount Victoria and neighbouring peaks could be seen with great distinctness in a_ northerly direction, and the peak of Mt. Nesbitt a long way further east. The arrangement of the dwellings in this village is peculiar. At one side of the clearing are the bachelors’ quarters, consisting of two houses with a covered in space in front. On the other side are quarters of the married people and children, consisting of a number of tiny huts, in a row, completely separated except for a common roof which spans the spaces between the huts and extends for about sixty yards. I believe this type of building is uncommon in New Guinea. The chief has a separate house at 160 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXII. the end of the clearing. The population numbers about seventy, and Anthony tells me that this is the first time it has been visited by a white man. The Superb Bird of Paradise, Lophorina superba, is very common here, its harsh cry being heard all round the village. I got my first specimen here of the small longtail bird of paradise, Princess Stephanie’s Bird of Paradise, Astrapia stephanie. One of the boys found a male and female blue- shafter, Prince Rudolph’s Bird of Paradise, Paradisornis rudolphi, - sitting on a bough. He fired at the male, which he missed, but killed the female. This is the only female bird of paradise I got with bright-coloured plumage, the wings being of a beautiful blue colour. ‘The village children, who all went bird-nesting, brought in a large number of eggs and some beautiful little nests. The eggs were mostly those of a bronze-wing pigeon very common here, and building its nest in the low scrub where old gardens had been. The gardens here are very large, and contain quantities of taro, which appears to be much the most nutritious of the native foods. The natives say they can go all day on one meal of taro, but cannot do so on yams and other foods. Where taro is plentiful the natives generally have a fine physique. On 7th November we started for Kage, crossing the river (a tributary of the Brown) and ascending the opposite range. Before reaching the top of the range we passed through some low scrub and bamboos, reported to be a good hunting ground for the P. rudolpht. On reaching the summit we travelled in a north- east direction along ridges through scrub country, keeping the valley we had crossed on our left, and reaching the chief Géve’s house in the Kage district on the evening of 7th November. The -second day’s march was very severe, being up and down a succession of very steep hills. It is wonderful how the women carriers kept going. They seemed little the worse in the evening for their hard day’s work, whereas I was tired out, though carrying nothing but a stick. We passed many creeks on the way con- taming broken slate and quartz. Five miles before reaching Géve’s house we came across about forty Kage tribesmen who were seated in a garden house consisting of nothing more than a roof and floor. There was a feast about to be held to celebrate the making of a new garden, and the chief, a man of most pleasing aspect, came forward and shook hands with me, my followers grouping themselves in the grass around. ‘The chief distributed food to my party. With natural courtesy he served first of all the Moroka boys, who came from a distance and were strangers to him ; then the Eafa people, who were friendly neigh- bours ; and last of all his own invited guests in the garden house. He presented Anthony and myself with a roasted cuscus or opossum, which I was hungry enough to enjoy. I saw no real villages in this district, but there seems to be a large population. Jan., 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 161 There were wooded ridges everywhere, which were studded with cleared spaces where there were gardens and native huts. The next day, 8th November, we rested in.camp to arrange our trip over the Owen Stanley Range, the gap in the range being close by. Géve, the most influential of the Kage chiefs, is a fine- looking man, with a pleasant voice and manner. Not being able to speak the language, I endeavoured to propitiate him with anchovy paste and tinned fruits, also promising to send him the old hat I was wearing when I returned to port. Géve’s son agreed to act as guide to Kokoda. As the track had the reputa- tation of being very rough, and not very safe without police, we determined to travel light and get through as quickly as possible. We left almost everything behind in charge of Géve and ten of our boys. We started the next day, 9th November, with ten of our boys, three local carriers, and Géve’s son, having with us a rifle, a shot gun, and revolver. We intended trying to reach Kokoda station in two days. At first we gradually ascended a ridge, on the slopes of which and on other slopes were natives’ huts and gardens containing maize, sugar-cane, and bananas. On getting to the summit the walking was easy for a time, there being little undergrowth and the track being soft to the feet and the air cool. On approaching the Iuroa River, which flows through this part of the range, we descended sharply through groves of bamboos, the cut ends of which, sticking up on the track, we had to be careful to avoid, as they cut like a knife. On crossing the river we climbed a mountain and then came on the river the other side. We were able to cross the greater part of the river here by rocks, there being little water. .Where the water was deep and flowing swiftly there was a small bridge, about a foot wide, and composed of thin saplings loosely held together at the ends by loya cane. A false step on this bridge would probably mean a broken leg. As it was too late to get to Isurava village that night, we camped, and reached the village at 9 the next morning. On appearing about 200 yards above the village we caused a great commotion. The women screamed and rushed into the scrub, while the men yelled and seized their spears, disappearing down the track which led out of the village. Anthony sent Géve’s son forward, who succeeded in bringing back two men, who received presents and had a smoke with us. In the course of an hour we managed to get the others back by trading with them for fruit and vegetables. The natives here almost all blacken their faces, with the exception of a line down the centre of the face. Many wear their hair in little, short ringlets. The tail of the Tree-climb- ing Kangaroo is a favourite article of adornment. A _ piece of bamboo is placed in the hole in each ear, and through this the end ‘of a tail is thrust, presenting the appearance of 162 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. a whisker on each side of the face. We now found that Géve’s son had never been further than Isurava, and did not know the way to Kokoda, but luckily an Isurava native with a huge cassowary plume head-dress and forbidding blackened face consented to act as guide. ‘The first few miles from Isurava were terribly rough for rapid walking, the track being on the steep slope of a mountain. One was continually tripping or slipping over loose stones, slippery rocks, logs, creepers, and roots hidden on the track, and where the scrub was low one’s hat or clothes were frequently caught in the tendrils of the wild rasp- berry. On such a track one would be an easy prey to a native hiding with a spear, as the eyes had to be always fixed on the track to avoid falling. The streams were spanned with slippery logs, often some height above the water, which I had to cross with great care, though the natives got over quickly enough with their bare feet. Our Isurava guide was always wishing to go back, but we managed to keep him till we got directly over the flat country at the outlet of the gap, when he insisted on return- ing, telling us that the station was just below. This ugly creature was delighted on receiving a looking-glass as a present. We went down the mountain and came on a creek, which for the greater part of the way was the only track to the station. As we did not even know the station was on the creek, we followed a track which took us to a few deserted huts and a pumpkin patch about 8 miles from where our guide had left us. We had been travel- ling at a great rate in our desire to reach the station before night- fall, but without result, the flat being covered with lofty trees, which excluded all view of the country, and we were obliged to camp for the night. The boys were knocked up with sore feet from rocks and leech-bites, and disheartened at not reaching the station, all finding themselves in a country unknown to them. After some trouble we found the track the next morning, and reached the station at 11 a.m. Kokoda station is situated about 1,000 feet above sea level, on a slight elevation above the surrounding flat country, and has a very large garden, beautifully kept, and containing chiefly taro. We were very kindly received and assisted by the officers of the station. I wished I had taken my trade and stores through with me, so that I could have travelled about this.country. ‘There were more birds and butterflies than on the other side, and the Marquis Raggi’s Bird of Paradise and the Goura Pigeon are slightly different. Before reaching the station, Anthony pointed out to me what he thought was the dancing ground of the Magnificent Bird of Paradise. It consisted of nothing more than a rounded space in the scrub, about 3 yards in diameter, cleared of moss and dead leaves. The country on the way to Kokoda was strewn with fruits of various shapes and sizes and of the most brilliant Jan., 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIst. 163 colours, very tempting to the eye, but all those I tasted had a dis- agreeable flavour, and many made the sputum froth. We only remained at Kokoda one day, starting back on 12th November, and reaching Kage by the same route on 14th November, where we found the stores and trade safe. We found the Isurava people quite friendly on our way back. The chief was at home, and accompanied us back to Kage. His hair was done up in a number of dirty ringlets, which Anthony assured me were false, but I had not the courage to satisfy myself about this. In our march Over the main range I think the highest point we reached was about 8,000 feet above the sea level. ‘The ridges at this elevation are still covered with trees, which are smaller, and there is not so much undergrowth. When camping at this elevation and having our tea, there were two females of the small long-tailed Princess Stephanie’s Bird of Paradise, Astrapia stephanie, feeding over our heads in a pandanus tree, and I have seen in this locality as many as six of these birds feeding in a single tree. They are easily seen, but make very little noise, not more than a twittering. The large longtail, Hpimachus meyeri, met with at the same elevation, is not so common, but is easily tracked by its cry, which somewhat resembles the roll of a kettledrum. I saw herea bower-bird’s play-ground, which differs from the one already described. It has the shape of a saucer, about a yard in diameter, and composed of moss. In the centre of the saucer and round the stem of a bush is placed a bundle of twigs. I have seen three of this kind of play-ground, all being, I think, over 6,000 feet above sea level. I found two varieties of begonia growing close to the river with fine foliage and larger flowers than those I had previously seen. On all the mountains where I travelled there were wild raspberries, and a fruit resembling the Alpine strawberry, the bush of which, however, grows to a height of 6 feet in the low scrub. There is a fair amount of quartz in the river here, and Anthony washed some of the deposit for gold, but did not find any. We remained in the Kage district till 2oth November, sending boys to the higher elevation to shoot a few specimens of the two longtail birds of paradise. I could not get about very much, my legs and feet being a mass of small sores from scrub itch, which somewhat spoilt the rest of my trip. »The boys had made a collection of birds’ eggs while I had been away, and there were two eggs which the finder declared to be those of the Astrapia stephanie, but Géve said that this was not so. We got a specimen here of the little Scarlet and Black Mountain Honey-eater. Some of the spiders here resemble a crab, having a very hard case on the dorsum and ventral surface, with lateral horns. Géve killed a pig the night after our return, and there was a feast, the Kage tribesmen, who have fine voices, singing far into the night— gardening songs, I think. Their voices are powerful, and messages 164 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. are carried a long way very quickly by calling out from ridge to ridge. The distribution of hair on the bodies of some of these mountaineers is peculiar, there being little tufts of hair all over the back. I believe this distribution of hair is extremely rare amongst the races of man. On 20th November we left for Oregenumu Village, returning by a different route to this village. Going in a southerly direction we reached Argulaugau, an Eafa village situated in a rich flat with hills all round. On the way to this village we got two specimens of the grey mountain-parrot, Dasyp- tilus pesquett. I had often seen these birds flying at a great height over the valleys. At Argulaugau I saw two Raggiana Birds of Paradise dancing on a tree, but without plumes. I was given here two eggs which I have since come to the conclusion are those of some bird of paradise, probably a Manucode. There is a palm tree here remarkable for its height, being nearly twice the height of the forest trees, which are large here. We heard here for the first time of the massacre of Ekin Village, 20 miles inland from Port Moresby, nineteen people being murdered. The massacre had taken place about two weeks previously, but had been concealed from us by the natives amongst whom we were. On reaching Oregenumu Village we camped for three days on a ridge above the village, chiefly to see if we could get any more specimens of Prince Rudolph’s Bird of Paradise, Paradss- ornis rudolpht. There was a lot of low, thick scrub on the ridge, and dense masses of bamboos, with larger trees on the slopes. We got three males of P. rudolphi, two of which were completely out of plumage. There was a bird in the low scrub adjoining the camp which was always making a rasping noise, and which Anthony thought must be a bower-bird, but we could never catch sight of it. On the last day I crawled into the thickest part of the scrub, and to my surprise the female of the rare Prince Rudolph’s Bird of Paradise came flying round my head. We found the nest on a small tree hidden by the lower scrub. Ifthe bird had not shown the way it would have been quite impossible to have found the nest. A native climbed the tree and brought down a young bird almost ready to leave the nest. We replaced the bird. The yoy said the nest was com- posed of twigs. I believe this is the first time the nest has ever been found. The young bird almost exactly resembled the adult female. I got my only specimen here of the Orange-crested Bower-bird, Amblyornis subalaris, my fourth variety of bronze- wing pigeon, and another pigeon of a dark-grey colour, almost black, green-bronze on the back, neck, and breast, red legs, scarlet wattle round the eye and beak, and with a clear-cut white throat like the domestic pigeon the Beard, which may be Columba albigularis. It is a very fast flier and makes a great noise with Jan., 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 165 its wings. During the wet weather, of which we had a good deal at this camp, the boys would employ themselves making arm bracelets from the fibre taken from the stems of ferns, which are very neatly plaited. The particular fern they were using grows to a height of 20 feet in the scrub. They usually put into the bracelet in addition a few strands taken from the stems of orchids, the orchid stem being first baked in a piece of bamboo till it turns the desired golden colour. Whilst returning to Mount Oriori along the same route we had taken in going north we found a few nests of the Cat-bird, Aelurcedus, along the ridge. The nest is cup-shaped and com- posed of twigs, and all those I saw were built in low pandanus trees, the nest only containing one egg of a yellowish-white colour. On reaching the neighbourhood of Mount Oriori we stopped for three days on a sugarloaf-shaped mountain in a cave formed by a huge overhanging rock and commanding a fine view of a gorge and of a mountain on the opposite side. The Moroka boys were very glad to be back in their own district, but were not so energetic as they had been, preferring to sit about and chew their beloved betel nut, which they had not been able to obtain in the Eafa and Kage districts, or to recount tales of their doings on the main range. In this district we got five Tree-climbing Kanga- roos, which were larger than those in the Melbourne Museum. To secure this animal a native climbs the tree and drives it out to a far-out branch, and as the native keeps approaching the animal drops to the ground, where it is clubbed. We got here wallabies, cuscuses, scrub turkeys, Manucodes, a Cat-bird, a horn- bill, five different species of parrots, and a Cassowary’s egg. ‘There were several bower-birds’ play-grounds on the mountain, but we were unable to shoot another specimen of the bird. On leaving the cave we travelled to Barikoro, a small village six miles north-east of Sogeri Coffee Plantation. From this village there was an extensive view of a valley extending to the north- east, watered partly by the Laloki River and partly by the Kemp Welsh, beyond which were densely-wooded ridges as far as the main range. We remained here for one week, chiefly to get some more specimens of the commoner birds of paradise met with at a lower elevation, but all were out of plumage, so we gave up shooting them ‘after the first three days. I usually spent the afternoons here down at the creek, taking down two boys with butterfly nets with me. There were large trees lining the creek which gave plenty of shade during the heat of the day, and I divided my time between bathing, reading, and assisting my boys to catch butterflies, which in their course up and down the creek stopped to settle on some white flowers where my boys were stationed. On returning to camp in the evening there were always the birds and animals to look at which the shooting boys 166 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXTIT. had brought in. We got here Cassowaries, Goura Pigeons, two large grey hawks, a very large swift, bandicoots, an iguana, and two beautiful fruit-pigeons, Megaloprepia poliwra and Pétilopus sonurus (Salvad.) I spent a good deal of time in this neigh- bourhood looking for the nest of the raggiana, the bird being plentiful here, but without success. I think the nesting probably takes place in the low scrub where old gardens have been. Dermou, one of my boys, often brought in fish and prawns from the creek. When travelling from Sogeri plantation, and before reaching the Laloki River, we found a tree-house two miles to the right of the track. The natives had deserted their village, Oregenumu, and were building tree-houses. They said they were returning to the custom of their forefathers, and were going to build no more houses on the ground, Ekiri, a neighbouring village, having been recently massacred by the mountain tribes. On our way into port we stopped one whole day at Sapphire Creek, where it enters the Laloki River below the Roma Falls, so that we might travel over the hot plain country at night. The river was very low, and the boys employed themselves catching fish. They caught ten in a short time, some of which must have weighed over 2 lbs. The natives had a net about the size of a tennis racquet in each hand with which they dived into the water- holes. The fish, being scared by the divers, hid under the rocks and in crevices, where they were caught in the nets and brought to the surface. We arrived safely at Port Moresby 13th December, having been away in the bush for nearly seven weeks. We had shot eleven species of birds of paradise, eleven species of pigeons, six parrots, and many other birds, among which the following have not already been mentioned :—Lorius erythro- thorax, Charmosyna stelle, Peltops blainvillei, and Henicophaps albifrons. I collected thirty-one species of birds’ eggs, and seventy species of butterflies and moths, most of which were large and bright-coloured. Amongst the plants I had seen seven varieties of begonia, four varieties of what I think is a balsam, two coleus, and a great variety of orchids. As there appeared to be a difference of opinion amongst people I had spoken to in port as to the nature of the food of the birds of paradise, I opened the crops of each species we shot and examined the contents. The Raggianas had the soft pulp of an orange-coloured fruit, called by the natives varvio, in their crops, sometimes other fruit, and occasionally a tree grasshopper. The crop of a King bird contained wild banana pulp and seeds; that of the Rifle-bird contained in one case very hard, large seeds, and in another soft fruit and a tree grasshopper. The other birds all had various Jan., 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST, 167 kinds of fruit in their crops and sometimes a tree grasshopper, with the exception of a large longtail, Hpimachus meyert, whose crop contained what looked like moss. Another large longtail had berries in its crop almost exactly resembling the common English blackberry. The Raggiana has a special tree where the males congregate to dance. The Six-plumed and Magnificent have dancing grounds, which I have already described. I believe the other species of birds of paradise in this district do not congregate in one tree, but dance and display their plumes in any tree. Many of the rarer birds of paradise appear only to have one egg. Anthony once found in a pandanus tree the nest of the Twelve-wired bird, Seleuctdes nigricans, which contained only one egg. The nest of Prince Rudolph’s Bird of Paradise, Paradisornis rudolphi, which we found contained only one young one. One of my boys, Marria, once found the nest of the Magnificent containing only one egg, which the bird hatched. I believe the Raggiana, which is very common, has three eggs. We were fortunate in having a drought while in the mountains, as these regions have a terrible reputation for rain. CORRESPONDENCE. To the Editor of the Victorian Naturalist. Str,—The paper by Mr. F. G. A Barnard, “ Are Popular Names for our Native Plants Desirable?” which appeared in the November Naturalist, touches on a question of some little interest and importance. Why should not our native plants (at least the common ones) have recognized common names? A name-label is required by every natural history specimen, and is necessary alike to the teacher and the beginner. Folk in either of these positions would be greatly benefited by any definite action of the Club to determine vernacular names for common plants, for it is generally recognized that scientific names are unsuitable, or even meaning- less. However, though Latin names may be cumbrous, there are some of the shorter ones that could easily be of general use. Bursaria, Cladium, Juncus, Carex, Pimelea, Kerotes, Aczena, &c., are as short and pithy as Geranium, Dahlia, Oxalis, Ixia, &c., already in common use for Old World plants. Mr. Barnard’s paper is full of good propositions, but I would suggest that the club take the lead in this matter, and not be at the mercy of school children’s wit by inviting specimens from them with names attached. ‘The vernacular names of Australian birds were deter- mined by a select committee of competent men acquainted with 168 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. both the scientific and popular aspect, who said this or that shall be the name, and it was readily taken up by the public.—Yours, &c., A. G. CAMPBELL. Armadale, December, 1906. To the Editor of the Victorian Naturalist. Sir,—Referring to the question of popular names for our native plants, I had a good opportunity of noting many of these at the late State Schools Exhibition. All the flowers that were exhibited (some thousands of specimens) passed through my hands. I regret that I did not keep a record of every name that was sent, but I have a list of a good many of them, which will be available for future use. I may say that very often the same popular name referred to a number of different plants, and of course, too, one plant often masqueraded under many popular names. Epacris, Styphelia, Thryptomene, Tetratheca, Calycothrix, and Cryptandra amara were all “heath flowers.” Waurmbea dioica was known as Lords and Ladies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Cats and Dogs, Hen and Chickens, and about ten other names, but did not once bear the label ‘Victorian Snowdrop” or “ Harbinger of Spring.” Most of the Pultenzeas and Dillwynias were ‘Wild Wallflowers.” One name that struck me was “ Elephant’s Trunk” ; it was given to a Grevillea, and seemed a very suitable one. The movement by the Club towards collecting the popular names is a good one, but I think there will be many difficulties in the way.—I am, yours truly, : J. P. M‘LENNAN. State School, Emerald, gth November, 1906. FLYCATCHERS WORRYING A LAUGHING JacKass.—After leay- ing the F.N.C. party at Olinda Creek on Saturday evening, 8th December, I had what was to me a very singular ornithological experience. My attention was attracted by a snipping noise not far away, and on looking in the direction I saw a Laughing Jackass being worried by two Black and White Flycatchers. The Jackass was perched on the top of a burnt tree stem, with a Fly- catcher on either side, each of which repeatedly exchanged positions, and-as they passed and repassed the Jackass pecked at it, the Jackass at the same time snapping at them, and making a loud noise with his bill. He had his feathers ruffled up, and through my field-glass looked an object of abject misery. I watched this performance at a distance of about ro yards for some 40 or 50 seconds, when he flew off, pursued by the two Fly- catchers, and I heard the same performance going on again, but this time too far off to get a sight of —F. G. A. BaRNARD, Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, € OFFICE- BEARERS, 1906- 1907. * President: MR. F. G. A. BARNARD. Vice=sPresidents: MR. G. A. KEARTLAND, MR. F. WISEWOULD fon. Treasurer: MR. G. COGHILL, 72 Swanston Street. Don. Librarian: MR. J. F. HAASE, 17 Swanston Street. bon. Secretary: MR. J. A. KERSHAW, F.E.S., National Museum, Melbourne. : Hon. Asst. Secretary and Uibrarian: MR. W. H. ROGER. Hon. Editor of the “Victorian Waturalist :’’ MR. F. G. A. BARNARD, 49 High Street, Kew (Telephone 443, Hawthorn). hon. Wanternist: MR. J. SEARLE, 274 Collins Street. : Committec : ti PROF. A. J. EWART, D Sc., Pu.D., F-L.S., MR. T. S. HALL, M.A., ; & MR. J. H. HARVEY, MR. A. E. KITSON, F.G.S., and MR. J. A. LEACH, B.Sc. “= OBJSECTS. *® Yuis CLus was founded in 1880 for the purpose of affording observers and lovers of Natural History regular and frequent opportunities for discussing those special subjects i in which they are mutually interested ; for the exhibition of Specimens; and for promoting Observations - in the Field by means of Excursions to various collecting grounds around the Metropolis. 4 cc SPECIAL NOTICE. , Members are reminded that their subscriptions for 1906-7 became due on ‘the ist May last, and should be forwarded to the Hon. Treasurer, Mr. G. Coghill, 72 Swanston Street, Melbourne. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST : Contains the proceedings of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria. OST ot the Numbers ‘from the commencement, January, 1884, can be obtained from the Hon. Sec., Mr. J. A. Kershaw, at Sixpence each, or in sets with title page and index, 6/— per volume. WATSON’S REQUISITES FoR FIELD NATURALISTS. - JOINTED COLLECTING STICK, with eee case line and reel, es spoon, and cutting hook Ne RS LS 23/= - CORKED GLASS COLLECTING TUBES, from. x . 1/6 doz. FIELD COLLECTING BOOK a et anee a hardwood boards, plotting paper, and straps Be Be ae Ee ie 5/6 BUTTERFLY NET, with folding ane 4 joints st Rs By ie , §/- GLASS FRONT SHOW BOXES, corked and papered .. .. 14x10, 1-3 47 x 13, 10/6 ~ INSECT-KILLING BOTTLES vs ee ab be a Kd .. 1/6 and 2/- _ ENTOMOLOGICAL PINS, assorted fe ue i ae -. per box of 1 0z., 2/= INSECT FORCEPS, with broad gauze jaws Be oy ae oe Pe ie 3/- SETTING FORCEPS, finest nickelled steel y sh ae rtd we 2/- GEOLOGICAL HAMMERS . we AY, co fe at Bes 3/- and 4/6 POCKET ACID BOTTLE, in bHaxwoad coach oe Pedic oe ve ie 1/6 THREE-POWER POCKET MAGNIFIER x ne ‘3 3 pe e% 4/6 CUE _W. 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With bag, 7/6 KILLING BOTTLES (CYANIDE),1/6 °,.° STEEL SETTING FORCEPS, 2/6 and 3/6 POCKET BOXES,1/6 GLASS-BOTTOMED PILL BOXES—in 2 sizes, 2/- and 2/6 per doz CABINETS.—From £2 upwards Write for Price List. eee rate re PX : AE Se AND MAGAZINE ee ; — OF — The Feld ‘raturalists’ Club of Vietoria. Published 7th Repeudey, 1907. SANNA ARAB BBB DB Os eat F. G. A. BARNARD, Esq. The Author of each article is responsible for the facts and opinions : recorded. PAGE THE PiLp NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA ai Eto EXCURSION TO OLINDA VALE ie Na ate erly -NoTE ON THE PHOSPHORESENCE OF AGARICUS (PLEUROTUS) CANDESCENS, Mutt. By PRoFressor A. J, Ewart, D.Sc, PH.D, F.L.S. an; BAS oe «=, 174 A Boranist aT Mt. Buiter. By Dr. C. S. SUTTON ... 175 && PRICE SIXPENCE. Agents for Ourope : DULAU & CO., 37 Soho Square, London. ‘ > Hoe Melbourne : WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP STREET. My = Ni oes 2 is pe” Dee \ / & ars sat vs \ ae nf i \ NE \ 7 ; Me \ “td ee , ay / » \ Hh a MM \ \ / \ ) ee ) \ 4 Wy) ) \ / ay yee NN ee i i i et Pield Haturslists’ Club of ¥ictoria. : ROOMS—ROYAL SOCIETY’S HALL, VICTORIA ST., MELBOURNE. — BUSINESS PAPER FOR MONTHLY MEETING. — | MONDAY’ EVENING, 11th FEBRUARY, 1907. ee 1. Correspondence and | Reports.) a ee : 2. Election of Members. : A See As ORDINARY MEMBER— Proposer. Seconder. Mr. Henry Barkley .. .. Mr. R. W. Armitage .. Mr, J. S. Kitson 9 Denham Street, Hawthorn. : Soape ee As Country MEMBER— : a8 Mr. Chas. F. Kellock .. Mr. R.W, Armitage - .. Mr. J. S. Kitson~ es Archie's Creek, via Grantville. 5 > : 3. Nominations for Membership. : Members making nominations will oblige by handing the full name and address to Hon. Secretary. : zs 4 General Business. 5. Reading of Papers and Discussions thereon. (Authors are requested to hand in a brief resumé of their papers to the Secretary.) x. By Mr. F. Chapman, A L.S., entitled—‘‘ Note on the Occurrence of Yeringian ~ Fossiliferous. Mudstone at Croydon. : 2. By Mr. C, Walter, entitled—‘‘ A New variety of a Victorian Orchid,” com- | ‘municated by Mr. C. French, jun. 3. By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, entitled—* In the Valley of the Upper Yarra.” 6. Reading of Natural History Notes. Members who may note any unusual occurrence, or see anything of interest in Foreign or Colonial papers, are requested to inform the Secretary of the same that he may arrange for their bringing them before the meeting; such notes should, ~ however, be brief. ; 52 7. Exhibition of Specimens and Conversazione. Members are invited to exhibit objects of interest and_are requested to furnish the Hon. Secretary with written particulars of such Exhibits for record in Minutes and Naturalzst. : : => &“& EXCURSIONS. *® _ SATURDAY, 9TH FEBRUARY.—Heidelberg. Under the leadership of Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S. Object—Pond life. Meet at Prince’s Bridge Station at 2.0p.m. Train leaves at 2.10 p.m. SATURDAY, 23RD FEBRUARY.—Botanical Gardens. Under the leader- ship of Mr. F. Pitcher. Object—Botany. Meet at the Office, Domain Entrance, at 2.30 p.m. SATURDAY, 9TH MarcH.—Clifton Hill Quarry. Under the leader- ship of Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S. Object—Geology. Meet at Prince’s Bridge Station at 2.0 p.m. Train leaves at 2.10 p.m. SUNIOR EXCURSION. The next Excursion will take place at the Botanical Gardens on Saturday, 2nd March, under the leadership of Mr. F. Pitcher. Object—Trees. Meet at the Office, Domain Entrance, at 2.30 p.m. sharp. Che Victorian Naturalist, Vou. XXIII.—No. 10. FEBRUARY 7, 1907. No. 278. FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society’s Hall on Monday evening, 14th January, 1907. Mr. G. A. Keartland, one of the vice-presidents, occupied the chair, and about 50 members and visitors were present. REPORTS. A report of the Christmas camp-out at Mornington was sub- mitted by the leader, Mr. J. A. Leach, M.Sc., who gave a general outline of the proceedings during the nine days’ camp. The outing this year took the form of an instruction camp, and the programme was so arranged that a different branch of Natural History was treated each day, under the charge of one of the Club’s experts in that particular branch of study. In the evenings the day’s field work was supplemented by a lecture, as far as practicable, on a kindred subject. Much enthusiasm was aroused, and each day’s proceedings were followed with keen interest by those taking part. The total number who availed themselves of this excursion reached over 100, over eighty of whom spent the time under canvas. Among these were some fifty State school teachers, who, at the invitation of the Club, were nominated by the Director of Education, Mr. F. Tate, M.A., who also attended and took great interest in the work. The outing proved a decided success in every way, and has served to kindle a lively interest in the work of the Club. A report on the Club’s excursion to Darebin Creek on - Satur- day, 12th January, was given by the leader, Mr. W. Stickland, who stated that, although rather poorly attended, some very interesting pond life material was obtained, which, however, had not yet been closely examined. ELECTIONS. On a ballot being taken, Dr. M‘Keddie, Melbourne, was elected an ordinary member, and Master Norman Struck, Queen’s Buildings, Carlton, and Master Sydney John Doewra, Somerville, were elected junior members of the Club. GENERAL BUSINESS. The chairman announced that Mr. F. Pitcher had been elected to fill the vacancy on the committee caused by the resignation of Mr. A. E. Kitson, F.G.S., who had left the State, and drew attention to the fact that Mr. Pitcher was one of the few remain- ing original members of the Club. 170 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. Mr. T.S. Hall, M.A., reverting to the Mornington Camp, spoke very highly of the cordial assistance which the Club has received from several sources. He mentioned particularly the Defence Department, which had granted the loan of the tents and general camp equipment; the Lands Department, for per- mission to use the site for camping purposes ; the committee of the Mechanics’ Institute at Mornington for the free supply of the large quantity of water used; Mr. J. Searle, the Club’s honorary lanternist, who provided the lantern to illustrate the lectures ; and the daily papers, for the splendid daily reports of the proceedings. He moved—“ That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded those mentioned for their valuable assistance to the Club.” This, on being seconded, was carried with acclamation. PAPER READ. By Dr. C. S. Sutton, entitled “A Botanist at Mount Buller.” The author briefly referred to the many interesting plants noted or collected during a visit to Mt. Buller, near Mansfield, in November last, and stated that the mountain, while to a certain extent disappointing from a botanical point of view, amply repaid the explorer by the grand outlook obtainable from its summit. NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. Mr. T. S. Hall gave an interesting account of a recent visit to the limestone caves at Buchan, which he undertook at the request of Prof. Spencer, Director of the National Museum, in order to investigate the fossil remains said to exist in some of the caves. The caves were found to be fairly numerous, though most of them were very difficult of access, and Mr. Hall gave a very graphic description of his experiences in some of those he visited. A number of bones of kangaroo, wallaby, and other animals were obtained from one of the larger caves, while imbedded in the roof of another was found portion of the remains of a fairly large kangaroo. Further animal remains would probably be discovered when the caves had been made more accessible. The most important of those obtained is the limb bone of a large animal which, so far, it has not been possible to determine. The specimens are now in the National Museum, where they will shortly be worked out. Messrs. J. H. Harvey and J. Shephard also made some observations on these caves, the latter of whom urged the necessity of some early action being taken to carefully preserve both the caves and the fossil remains contained therein from being interfered with until such time as they have been properly examined by experts. Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S., stated that Mr. Jamieson, of Kangaroo Ground, had informed him that a White Magpie, presumably Gymmnorhina lewconota, had been seen for some time Feb., 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 171 in his neighbourhood, and had this season built a nest, and was engaged in rearing a brood. Mr. S. W. Fulton reported having found specimens of the orchid Caladenia patersoni in flower near the Dandenong Ranges during the previous week, 6th—12th January. EXHIBITS. By Mr. G. Coghill.—Wild fruits and flowers from Launching Place. By Mr. C. F. Cole.—Buff-coloured English Thrush, 7’urdus musicus. This bird had been kept in confinement for twelve months. It moulted lighter in colour, and the markings on the breast were very distinct. By Mr. J. E. Dixon.—30 specimens of Coleoptera collected recently. By Mr. C. French, jun.—A book, “* The Entomological Album of Australian Butterflies, Moths, and Beetles,” containing 150 figures photographed and coloured from nature by Mr. D. M‘Donald, of St. Kilda, 1871. By Mr. C. French, jun., for Mr. C. Walter.—A new variety of the orchid Diuris punctata, Smith, collected by Mr. St. Eloy D’Alton, at Mt. Arapiles, December, 1906. By Mr. C. J. Gabriel—Specimens of Pecten maximus, Linn., Ireland ; Chlamys lentiginosus, Reeve, Moluccas ; C. cristularis, Ad. and Reeve, Moluccas ; C. clavatus, Poli, Sicily ; C. hyalinus, Poli, Mediterranean ; C. spectabilis, Reeve, Japan ; C’. flexuosus, Poli, Mediterranean ; and C. rubidus, Hinds. By Mr. F. Pitcher.—Specimen of Native Centaury or Bush- man’s Tonic, Hrythrea australis, var. alba, collected at Wandin by himself. By Mr. F. Pitcher, for Director of Botanic Gardens, the following Australian plants, now flowering in Melbourne Botanic Gardens :—Sterculia acerifolia, Flame Tree of New South Wales and Queensland ; Anigozanthus rufa, Reddish Kangaroo-paw Flower, Western Australia ; Hwmea elegans, Amaranth Feathers, Victoria and New South Wales ; Melaleuca lateritia, Robin Red- breast Bush, Western Australia; Grevillea banksii, var. forsteri, Forster’s Grevillea, Queensland and New South Wales ; Hucalyptus fictfolia, Scarlet-flowering Eucalypt, Western Australia. By Master F. H. Schafer.—Ground stone axe, found at Woori Yallock, Vic. By Dr. C. S. Sutton.—Specimens of Boronia polygalifolia and Ranunculus gunnianus, from Mount Buller, Victoria; and Pierostylis cucullata (new for north-east Victoria), from Blue Range Creek. After the usual conversazione, the meeting terminated. Wee THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. EXCURSION TO OLINDA VALE. A FINE day favoured the excursion of the Field Naturalists’ Club to Olinda Vale on Saturday, 8th December. The party con- tained, besides members of our own Club, several Adelaide repre- sentatives of the Australasian Ornithologists’ Union, who the day previous had returned from a ten-day’s camp-out at Mt. Barrow, Tasmania. Two members of the Bird Observers’ Club were also in attendance. The early morning train from town was caught, and after a two-hours’ journey our destination was reached, and a move made direct for the Village Settlement of Olinda, situated at the foot of Mt. Dandenong. Here the bush hut of the ‘“*Woodlanders ” was inspected, the billy boiled, and an early lunch partaken of. After lunch a ramble of some few miles along the Olinda Creek followed, and many of our commoner forms of bird-life, such as the honey-eaters, thickheads, cuckoos, thrushes, tits, &c., were met with and identified, special attention being paid to the call-notes of the birds. The members of the Ornitho- logists’ Union accompanying us had the opportunity of contrast- ing in the field several of the mainland forms with the closely allied species they had met with three days’ previously in Tas- mania, amongst these being the Scrub-Wrens, Sericornis frontalis and S. humilis, the Fantails or Flycatchers, Rhipidura albiscapa and R. diemenensis, the Shrike-Thrushes, Collyriocincla harmonica and C. rectirostris, the Blue Wrens, Malurus cyaneus and WM. gouldi, the Magpies, Gymnorhina leuconota and G. hyperleuca, the Robins, Petreca leggi and P. vittata. In connection with the last-mentioned, the absence of the Flame-breasted Robin from Olinda at this time of the year was commented upon, the more especially as this bird had been the one most commonly met with on the island, where several of the party had secured its nest and eggs. It is one of the few birds which migrate south to breed, and it is remarkable that a very feeble flier, as this robin is, should travel such a distance across the sea to nest when all the conditions necessary to its nidification are to be found here in Southern Victoria. Throughout the day the whip-like crack of the Coachwhip-bird resounded through the valley, and the peculiar note of this bird, together with that of the Laughing Jackass, served to remind us that we had not heard them in the Tasmanian bush, where these birds are entirely wanting. Late in the afternoon we were joined by five other bird-lovers, including Mr. Trebilcock, the hon. secretary of the Geelong Field Naturalists’ Club, and this brought our total to fifteen. These last-comers risked the hospitality of our bush hut and stayed over the Sunday. Some of our Adelaide visitors were much interested in the Feb., 1907.) THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 173 botanical specimens met with, and our president, Mr. Barnard, who was with us, has kindly given the following notes on the botany of the outing :— “‘ The first flower to attract our attention was the Fringed Lily, Thysanotus tuberosus, which made a gay scene about Mooroolbark station, and thence onward for the rest of the day. Near Olinda Vale station the singular flowers of Aster myrsinoides, with their three floral rays, attracted attention. The Blue Pincushion Flower, Brunonia australis, was in evidence everywhere. Several orchids were collected, such as Péerostylis cucullata, Thelymitra aristata, Microtis porrifolia, Caladenia carnea (very fine, with very dark flowers, near the creek), and Prasophyllum patens. Utricularia dichotoma could have been picked in hundreds, if not thousands, on Brown’s Flat, near the Olinda Creek. Here also, on the banks of the creek was a wealth of fern vegetation of the commoner sorts. However, as a collecting ground for young seedlings of ferns, no place that I know of is equal to the water-race of the Lilydale Water Trust, which follows the contour of the hillside on the north side of the creek, and is met with in less than half a mile along the road from Olinda Vale station, south towards Mt. Dandenong. On Saturday, in a space of about half a dozen yards, without any special searching, I got nice plants of the two Gleichenias and ten other species of ferns, and anyone who wishes to start a fernery cannot do better than go there and get these little plants. They are far easier to manage than the larger ones often seen brought home by excursionists to our fern gullies. On Brown’s Flat also grew plenty of Maidenhair and Lindsaya linearis. Though rather late for a good display of wild flowers, still some twenty-five species were collected.” After early tea at the ‘“‘Woodlanders’” hut the party walked across the creek flats to Lilydale, a distance of some three miles, and caught the evening train there, thoroughly pleased with their outing.—E. B. NICHOLLS. THe Late F. E. Grant.—It is with great regret that we record the death of Mr. F. E. Grant, of Sydney. Mr. Grant, when stationed in Melbourne, was an active worker in the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, and filled the position of librarian for the year 1900-1. He contributed on several occasions to its proceedings, and his loss as a worker on the Victorian crustaceans, in conjunction with our member, Mr. Sydney W. Fulton, will be deeply felt by all interested in this branch of natural history. 174 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. NOTE ON THE PHOSPHORESCENCE OF AGARICUS (PLEUROTUS) CANDESCENS, Mutt. By ALFRED J. Ewart, D.Sc, PaDe) shes: (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 10th Dec., 1906.) ACCORDING to recent research* the phosphorescence of at least one animal (Pholas dactylus) is due to the production of two substances, luciferin and luciferase, which, when brought together, produce an emission of light, probably as a result of chemical action. In this case phosphorescence is possible outside of the body or of the living cells. Opportunity was taken of the receipt of some unusually fine luminous sporophores of Plewrotus candescens to test the applicability of the above statement to a luminous plant, but with entirely negative results. Only the gills were luminous, and the luminosity was greatest between 20 and 30 C., becoming dim and fading at from 5 to o°C. A slowly fading ]uminosity was still present at 40-50: C., but it was immedi- ately lost when the specimens were dropped in thin pieces into boiling water. Large entire sporophores emitted rapidly fading light for a second or two after being dropped in the boiling water. Entire specimens immersed in cold water (18° C.—20° C.) became very faintly luminous in half to one hour, and the luminosity immediately brightened on exposure to air. After being kept under water for 4 hours the sporophores became non-luminous, but began to glow within 5 to ro seconds after re-exposure to air, the luminosity being, however, patchy in distribution and absent from all dead parts. No luminous juice could be extracted from the sporophores, although pressed portions of the gills may remain faintly luminous until all the cells are dead. If strongly crushed the luminosity disappears immediately. When sporophores are dropped into spirit the luminosity rapidly fades and disappears, no recovery being then possible. Dropped into carbon dioxide the luminosity fades and disappears with equal, or even greater, rapidity, but in an atmosphere of nitrogen the luminosity lasts for a somewhat longer time, though fading from the commencement of the experiments. In this plant, therefore, the production of light is intimately associated with the respiratory katabolism involved in the forma- tion of spores, and any factor which diminishes the respiratory activity also diminishes the production of light, these two functions tracing closely parallel curves. As to the biological significance of the luminosity, its restriction to the gills shows that its present function is evidently to attract molluscs, as well as creeping and flying insects, which may aid in the distribution of the spores, but says nothing as to the primitive origin of this special peculiarity, or as to why it should be restricted to particular members of this genus. * Dubois, Compt. rend., 1896, T., cxxlii., p. 653. Feb., 1907.1 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 175 A BOTANIST AT MOUNT BULLER. By Dr. C. S. SuTTon. (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 14th Jan., 1907.) On the occasion of my visit to Mansfield last November my main objective was, of course, Mt. Buller, whose summit, lying about 25 miles due east, was, for two short periods during my stay, obviously snow-covered ; but while awaiting my opportunity to make its closer acquaintance I devoted my spare time to the flora in the vicinity of the town. The Upper Paleozoic area of Mansfield is described by Mr. Reginald Murray as beautifully park-like in character—well grassed and thinly timbered, and having been long settled and always well stocked, the original flora has naturally suffered. In effect the only flowering plants seen on the flats were Pumelea humilis, Goodenia pinnatifida, Viola hederacea, Vittadinia autralis, large patches of Lobelia pedunculata, Erythrea australis, Convolvulus erubescens, and a profusion of Hydrocotyle laxiflora, often betraying itself by its characteristic odour, and Helipterum dimor- pholepis. Among the low hills lying close to the town, and which seemingly had never carried much timber or scrub, my fortune was better, for I found Hibbertia obtusifolia, with its fine large bright yellow flowers, everywhere, and collected the curious little composite so like a gnaphalium, Stwartina muellert. The still smaller Rutidosis pumilo was very plentiful, and the charming little alien, Alchemilla arvensis, or Lady’s Mantle, was noticed, as were also Asperula oligantha, Galium australe, Ranunculus | parviflorus, in seed, and Caladenia pattersont, of very low growth, C. carnea, and C’. congesta, the last with a very characteristic and not unpleasant perfume. My efforts were still better rewarded on a visit to Blue Range Creek, an affluent of the Broken River, which, flowing in a northerly direction to join the Goulburn, separates the Blue Range from the adjacent Strathbogies. On the creek banks, among a number of old friends recognized, were the ubiquitous Hibbertia obtusifolia, Styphelia virgata, Brachyloma daphnoides, Brunonia australis, Tetratheca ciliata, Thelymitra longifolia, Xanthorrhea australis, and Adiantum cethiopicum. Mirbelia oxylobioides, looking at first sight like a Pultenea gunn, was not uncommon, and had just passed its best flowering time. The only acacia seen in bloom was A. tenwifolia, and the number of other leguminous plants in blossom was surprisingly small, only Glycine clandestina, Kennedya monophylla, and Gompho- lobiwm huegelai (growing in rather robust fashion in thick clumps), being noticed, with Dawiesia corymbosa fruiting. On the side of the range, across the creek, Glossodia major was plentiful, as were the Caladenias previously mentioned, Diuris sulphurea and longifolia. Here also were Grevillea 176 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. rosmarinifolia and Candollea serrulata and the fern Chewlanthes tenurfolia. On returning across the creek I was gratified on finding a boronia with clear white, waxen flowers growing rather plenti- fully along the banks. It had the habit of that variable species, B. polygalifolia, which it indeed turned out to be, but, unlike the form met with,in the Grampians, it was glabrous and had simple leaves. On comparison with specimens in the National Herb- arium, I found it most akin to a variety that had been originally named JB. tetrathecoides, D. C. Another novelty for me obtained here was Arthropodiwm - strictum with pure white flowers, and growing to an unusual height in the tussocks, and a surprise also in finding in a little swamp bordering a rivulet running into the creek quite a number of plants of Péerostylis cucullata, the only representative of the genus, and apparently not yet recorded from the N.E. My opportunity to visit Buller at last came, and on a clear starlit night, which gave good promise of fine weather for my ascent next day, I rode the 12 miles out to Merrijig. On arrival, feeling that the effort to come might need all my powers, seeing that my previous riding experience dated nearly three years back, when, with Mr. Weindorfer I visited Mt. Bogong, I very soon took refuge in one of the comfortable beds that Lovick’s snug little hotel provides. Daylight found me awake, and soon banishing the last dregs of sleep in the icy, clear waters of the Delatite, and after a hasty breakfast and some little delay in fixing the shoes of our mounts, we made a Start. Crossing the bridge and passing the milk factory, which, with the hotel, school, and a church, practically constitutes the township of Merrijig, we rode along the left bank of the river. With its music always in our ears and enjoying from time to time the prospect of its delightful stretches of broken water—certainly the most charming water I have seen in the State, and, moreover, stocked with English trout for perhaps a length of 25 miles—we jogged along, the nature of the track only allowing us occasionally to break into a trot or canter, Only two homesteads were passed on our way, and at the latter of these we borrowed an axe, in view of possible obstructions on the track, which had not been traversed since the stock had been removed from the high ground the previous season. Very soon, indeed, and rather too frequently for my fancy, we found it necessary to make use of the axe, as every now and again we found our way barred by spars that had either been blown down or fallen through the weight of the winter snows. When these were single, and not too big or lying too high, we led the horses over, but frequently chopping had to be resorted to, and several times we were obliged to make a detour, scrambling Feb., 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Une through the scrub as best we could, cutting saplings as occasion required. On two occasions my guide’s horse, which was not so clever as the one I rode, got himself so tangled up with a sapling wedged between his hindquarters that he was unable to extricate himself until some perilous chopping had been done. Fortunately, with only the loss of a little time, all our obstacles were surmounted, and soon we found ourselves come to the only piece of level ground we were to meet with—a plain of a few acres, thickly carpeted with lush green grass, and lying between the range and a stretch of most picturesque cascades. Next Buller Creek was passed, hurrying to swell the volume of the river and not long after, finding the way here close to the river bank barred by driftwood which had piled itself up against a stranded tree trunk, we were obliged to cross and recross the stream, with some little trouble getting our nags to take to the water, down the steep banks, and trouble again in scrambling them up the other side. Crossing the river again some distance further on, the right bank was followed until the track leading over to Mount Cobbler was reached, when we branched off down to the river, and over again for the last time. Up to this point nothing uncommon had been noticed—just the usual river vegetation. One fine mass of Clematis aristata was seen, the loveliness of its fine ivory-white flowers making one regret the neglect it shares with half a dozen more of our climbing plants at the hands of our nurserymen. Glycine clandestina was frequent, as was Pomaderris apetala, both in bloom, but Prostanthera lasiantha, Cassinia aculeata and longifolia, which with Aster argophyllus, A. stellulatus, and Senecio bedford: formed the bulk of the scrubs, were hardly yet in bud. The same was the case with Panax sambucifolius, Sambucus gaudichaudiana, Coprosma billardiert and C. hirtella, but Candollea serrulata, Brunoma australis, Veronica derwentia, Stellaria pungens and flaccida were blossoming. After the last passage of the river the ascent began in earnest, and just here the handsomest shrub seen all day was met with in fine shapely bushes of Daviesia latifolia up to 8 to to feet high, and covered with orange-yellow coloured blossom. On the way we flushed a Lyre-bird, and this, with the usual hawk poised near the summit, were almost the only feathered things seen. As we went flowers became even more infrequent, and practically nothing was noticed until the Snow Gums were reached, when clumps of Hovea longifolia occurred and prevailed even up to the cairn. The summit being now near at hand on our right, with patches of snow lying on its eastern side, we cheerfully engaged in a tussle with the Snow Gums, through which there was no visible track, and which reminded one rather forcibly of a nightmare of 178 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIIq. delirious clothes props, and at last, passing through a rough fence on the other side of the belt, descended into the saddle below the summit. Riding over the springy turf large areas of Goodenia hederacew were seen, not in flower, but presently, in full bloom, clumps of Ranunculus gunnianus were met with and collected— perhaps, indeed, from the self-same place whence Baron von Mueller gathered it more than half a century ago, for only the other day, looking through an old collection of plants at the Burnley School of Horticulture, I noticed a specimen labelled— “From the saddle below the summit of Mount Buller (March, 1853). Passing along, the foliage of Aster celmisia, Aciphylla glacialis, and Brachycome nivalis was recognized. The last part of the ascent being steep and rocky, we left our horses to feed near the springs, where Wageta alpina, Helichrysum baccharoides, Richea gunn, and Eriostemon phylicifolius were thickly growing, but only the last showing any sign of flower, and made for the cairn, going out of our way to trudge through the snowdrifts we had seen. From the summit, which is 5,911 feet above sea level— Buller being sixth on the list of our mountains—the outlook was magnificent, and the day being bright and clear, there was nothing to mar the prospect, and for the moment plants were quite forgotten in its enjoyment. Only the faintest breeze was blowing, and, except for a ring of small cumulus clouds sleeping near the horizon, the sky was quite clear. The hawk was poised in mid-air, a solitary lizard basked among the warm stones, and numbers of White Capper butterflies fluttered on all sides. As we munched our sandwiches we first scrutinised the way we had come. Looking past Timbertop or Warrambat, which is the end of the spur running from Mt. Howitt, and of which Buller is the highest point, we recognized the Delatite station, and clearly saw the houses in Mansfield, and the Melbourne road as it ran at the foot of The Paps on the way to Maindample. To the north, beyond the well-grassed range, covered with dead timber, that we had had on our left ascending the spur, was seen the Cobbler, with a broken, abrupt face to the west and sloping away to the east. Beyond was the Buffalo, showing a series of peaks, and further away to the right, carrying large patches of snow, were probably Bogong and the heights beyond Harrietville. Quite close on the east was the round-topped Mount Stirling, a serrated ridge seeming to join it to Mount Howitt ; to the south of this and across the valley of the Howqua Mount Magdala and some bold bluffs, and further round to south-west Mounts Matlock and Torbreck. After feasting on this glorious view for quite an hour, attention was again directed tothe flora of the Mount. Hriostemon alpinus, just commencing to open its flowers, disputed possession with Feb., 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 179 Hovea longifolia ; and Beckea gunniana and G'revillea australis, both in bud, and Westringia senifolia and Drimys aromatica, in leaf alone, were the only others identified. On the whole I am inclined to say that Buller botanically hardly repays a visit like other mountains, such as Bogong, Buffalo, Hotham, the Grampians, or the Baw Baws, and although the season was somewhat late, and my visit rather early, I think, beyond the plants I have mentioned, would afford very little else to the botanist coming to it even at Christmas time. As, notwithstanding the difficulties we had encountered, only six hours had been occupied in our journey up, we felt we could afford to waste a little further time before starting back, and accordingly spent it exploring the spot most likely to furnish interest—the scrub at the springs where we had left the horses— but, alas, without finding anything not already seen. So, picking up the trailing bridles of our horses, we made the best of our way back, noticing on the way, in addition to those plants already mentioned, Leptospermum lanigerum and scoparium, Lomatia longifolia, Pimelea axiflora, and Cymbonotus lawsonianus, among others, and only pausing to gather several.specimens of Gentiana saxosa, bearing nearly white flowers, a single specimen of Gas- trodia sesamoides, Schenus apogon, and Carex cespitosa, arriving back at our starting point after a 12-hours’ absence, if not with a well-filled portfolio, at least well pleased with a very delightful day, and with a very satisfactory appetite for our evening meal. The following is a list of the plants observed during the trip. Those marked B were confined to Mount Buller. The species marked * were not in bloom or in fruit. Clematis aristata * Portulaca oleracea B Ranunculus lappaceus Stellaria pungens B gunnianus flaccida parviflorus (fruit) Gompholobium huegelii Hibbertia stricta Daviesia corymbosa (fruit) obtusifolia latifolia *BDrimys aromatica ulicina Viola hederacea Mirbelia oxylobioides betonicifolia B Hovea longifolia Drosera auriculata Glycine clandestina Hypericum japonicum Kennedya monophylla Tetratheca ciliata * Acacia melanoxylon Boronia polygalifolia (Blue Range | * dealbata Creek) tenuifolia (Blue Kange Creek) B Eriostemon alpinus Rubus parvifolius B phylicifolius Aczna ovina Correa lawrenciana sanguisorbze Linum marginale Epilobium glabellum Geranium pilosum Lythrum salicaria Oxalis corniculata Haloragis tetragyna Urtica incisa B"Bzeckea gunniana Stackhousia linarifolia Leptospermum lanigerum B Claytonia australasica scoparium 180 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Pomaderris apetala *pPanax sambucifolius Hydrocotyle laxiflora *pAciphylla glacialis * Exocarpos cupressiformis Grevillea rosmarinifolia *B australis * Lomatia longifolia Pimelea humilis axiflora * Coprosma hirtella * — pillardieri Asperula oligantha Galium australe *BSambucus gaudichaudiana -Brachycome diversifolia B nivalis decipiens Aster argophyllus *B celmisia stellulatus Vittadinia australis Stuartina muelleri Gnaphalium japonicum Leptorrhynchos tenuifolius squamatus Helipterum dimorpholepis Helichrysum scorpioides semipapposum *B baccharoides * Cassinia aculeata Rutidosis pumilo Craspedia richea * Senecio bedfordi * Cymbonotus lawsonianus Microseris fosteri Lobelia pedunculata Wahlenbergia gracilis Candollea serrulata Brunonia australis *BGoodenia hederacea pinnatifida * Erythrzea australis Gentiana saxosa Convolyulus erubescens Gratiola peruviana Veronica derwentia Cynoglossum suaveolens Prostanthera lasiantha *BWestringia senifolia Ajuga australis Styphelia virgata Brachyloma daphnoides *BRichea gunnii *BNageia alpina Gastrodia sesamoides Thelymitra longifolia Diuris sulphurea longifolia Pterostylis cucullata Caladenia carnea congesta patersoni Glossodia major Hypoxis glabella Dianella revoluta Wurmbea dioica Burchardia umbellata Bulbine bulbosa Ceesia vittata Tricoryne elatior Arthropodium paniculatum Xerotes longifolia Xanthorrheea australis Luzula campestris Scheenus apogon Carex czespitosa Dicksonia antarctica Adiantum ezthiopicum Cheilanthes tenuifolia Pteris aquilina Lomaria discolor Blechnum cartilagineum Aspidium aculeatum. [Vol. XXIII. Rosins’ Nests.—Mr. Donald Macdonald, in the last series of his interesting ‘‘ Nature Notes,” states that when at Lorne recently he observed the nest of a Flame-breasted Robin built upon a little ledge of a cliff on the Erskine River, instead of in a musk tree, as is usually the case. This nest, contrary to the general rule, was not decorated with lichens on the outside, and was of a uniform grey like the rock. He asks how does this bear upon the reason or instinct controversy, and says :—‘“ Had the bird followed a blind instinct it would have used lichens, as when building upon the lichen-spotted musk trees, and so made its nest conspicuous.” His answer is that the action is to be regarded as a proof of observation and discrimination on the part of the bird.— Argus, 1st February, 1907. Natueatists’ Glub of Vietorta. | # OFFICE-BEAREBS, 1906-1907. * President: MR. F. G, A. BARNARD. Pieces presivcnte: MR. G, A. KEARTLAND, MR. F. WISEWOULD » ‘Hon. Treasurer: MR. G. COGHILL, 72 Swanston Street. - on. Wibrarian: MR. J. F. HAASE, 17 Swanston Street. Bon., Secretary: MR. J. A. KERSHAW, F.E.S., National Museum, Melbourne. : thon. Asst. Secretary and Librarian: MR. W. H. ROGER. é . Hon. Bditor of the “ Wictorian Maturalist :’ MR. F.-G. A. BARNARD, 49 High Street, Kew (Telephone 443, Hawthorn). ‘on. QDanternist: MR. J. SEARLE, 274 Collins Street. Committee : PROF. A. J. EWART, D Sc., Pu.D., F L.S., MR. T. S. HALL, M.A., MR. J- H, HARVEY, MR. F. PITCHER, and MR. J. A. LEACH, M.Sc. “< OBSECTS. ® Tuts Cius was founded in 1880 for the purpose of affording observers and lovers of Natural - History regular and frequent opportunities for discussing those special subjects in which they are mutually interested ; for the exhibition of Specimens; and for promoting Observations _ in the Field by means of BSOU Sas to various collecting grounds around the Metropolis. nee end in their names to the Hon. Secretary, National Museum, not ater than rst ats in order that the necessary arrangements ay be made. - ss SPECIAL NOTICE. Members are reminded that their subscriptions for 1906-7 became due on he ist May last, and should be forwarded to the Hon. Treasurer, Mr. G. Coghill, 72 Swanston Street, Melbourne. WATSON’S Requisites FoR FIELD NATURALISTS. JOINTED COLLECTING STICK, with bottles, eee ee line and reel, ae ae spoon, and cutting hook — : é Se a 23/= - CORKED GLASS COLLECTING TUBES, ‘from # 3 se .. 1/6 doz. FIELD COLLECTING BOOK oe BOTANY), hardwood boards, biotting paper, : and straps = 3 oy mk se 5/6 BUTTERFLY NET, with folding wee 4 joints - ee as §/- GLASS FRONT SHOW BOXES, corked and pies Ta ~. 14 x "40, 1-3 17 x 13, 10/5 INSECT-KILLING BOTTLES us ae Titott tis - .. 1/6 and 2/- ENTOMOLOGICAL PINS, assorted ai 3 he ke ar .. per box of 1 02., 2/- ___ INSECT FORCEPS, with broad gauze jaws i Heer ele ae %: 5 8/- _ SETTING FORCEPS, finest nickelled steel Ns oi 3 ae a oF 2/- GEOLOGICAL HAMMERS. ’ A he i wes ee ~=—8/~ and 4/6 _ POCKET ACID BOTTLE, in shoxwood ease yi se Ly, ee ae af 1/6 THREE-POWER POCKET MAGNIFIER oe be ae Pe $s 4/6 w. WATSON & Son. OPTICIANS, 78 SWANSTON ST., MELBOURNE. weneeeerseie J FELTON, GRIMWADE & (0, IMPORTERS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION OF MICROSCOPES, GALVANIC BATTERIES, ; Ghemical and Seientifie Apparatus, &e. STUDENTS’ MICROSCOPES. 7 = With Sliding Coarse Adjustment, Screw Fine a LEITZ MICROSCOPES, Adjustment, Micrometer, Objectives Nos. 3 ana 2 7, Eye-pieces 1 and 3, Magnifying 84-600. In Mahogany Cases. With Sliding Coarse Adjustment, Screw Se NACHET’S MICROSCOPES, roe Adjustment, Double Mirror, Side 5 Condensing Lens, Eye-pieces Nos. 1 and 3, Objectives Nos. 3 and 6, Glass Slip, Cover Glusses, TCE ques Forceps, Magnifying 80-550. In Mahogany Cases. Microscopic Glass Slips, 3in. x lin., Extra Thin, Ground Edges and Rough Edges. A: Micrescopic Cover Glasses, Nos. 1 and 3, Y%in., in. and Rin. Circies. No, ; Z square, Yin. and %in.; No. 3 square, win. and Kin. S 342-6 LITTLE FLINDERS STREET, MELEOURNE. 3. SEARLE, Watchmaker and Scientific Instrument Maker, a 274 COLLINS STREET ~— (Over Glen’s Music Warehouse). Manufacturer of every description of Physical Apparatus for School and 3 Experimental Work, Limelight Apparatus, Lanterns, Slides, O and every requisite for the art of projection. Simplified Apparatus and Repairs a Speciality. ENTOMOLOGICAL APPARATUS, EE. CHERRY & SONS, GISBORNE (VIC.), and 264-266 SUSSEX STREET, SYDNEY. ENTOMOLOGICAL PINS (Kirpy BEArp’s),in 8 sizes, 1/- to 2/- per box; Mixed, 1/- per packet _ STORE BOXES.—Dovetailed, hinged, corked, and papered. Size,14 x 10 x 3}. 7/ each = SETTING BOARDS.—Corked and papered. Flat. Tength, 14 inches: depth of groove, inch. — 1 and 1 in, wide, 1/- each; 2 and 2} in., 1/3; 3in., 1/6; 4in., 1/9; 6in., 2/6 a CORK LINOLEUM.—Specially soft and thick, 12 x 10, 9d.; 24 x 20, 3/-. Any size at sameraie — CORK MATERIAL (SUBERIT).—Very light; in 11-in. x 34-in. sheets. 2/6 per doz. E BUTTERFLY NETS.—Best English folding. 3 shield joints. With bag, 7/6 ; KILLING BOTTLES (CYANIDE),1/6 °,* STEEL SETTING FORCEPS, 2/6 and 3/6 — POCKET BOXES, 1/6 GLASS-BOTTOMED PILL BOXES—in 2 sizes, 2/- and 2/6 per doz CABINETS,—From £2 upwards Write for Price List. \ PN Oli XXIIL.—No. ¥I, ictorian THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE : Sie She Field jYaturalists’ Club of Victoria. : Published 7th March, 1907. "Hon. Editor : eG A. oe ete Esq. The Author of each article. is responsible for the facts ‘and opinions recorded. CONTENTS: ik Oh. q PAGE e THE FIELD NaTurAaLists’ CLUB OF VICTORIA es a LOL ; THE MornincTon wee a Si bgelte oa eni88 ON ‘THE OccuRRENCE OF YERINGIAN FOSSILIFEROUS MuD- - STONE AT CrRoypon. By F. CHapMan, A.L.S. Lt 23H A NEw VARIETY OF AN ORCHID. By C. WALTER. is. 240 # PRICE SIXPENCE. & ~ 2 Agents for Graespe ‘purau & CO., 37 Soho Square, London. ates ; Auslnourae. WALKER, | MAY & CO,, PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP STREET. 1907. al! \ 4 ‘ Gs f \ ( J \ ( , vA \ ( ( / \ ( f ( } ( ( ( ¢ \ / \ f \ v4 \ 4 \ / \ / \ / \ / 4 \ / \ / \ / \ ( / \ / \ ( \ v4 \ / \ Ma \ / \ 4 \ / \ ( eld Watuealigie (ub of Victoria, ROOMS—ROYAL SOGIETY’S HALL, VICTORIA Sik. MELBOURNE. BUSINESS PAPER FOR MONTHLY MEETING. MONDAY EVENING, 11th MARCH, 1907. t. Correspondence and Reports. yee a 2. Election of Members. As Country Members! Wat Proposer. - Seconder. Mr. Jos. Catron . )., >, Mx.d.P.M‘Lennan .. Mr. J. A. Leach, M.Sc. State Schocl, Narre Warren. : Mr. Jos. Akeroyd.. .. Mr.J.P.M‘Lennan .. Mr. J. A. Leach, M.Sc. State School, Barwon Downs. ; Mr. T. W. Bothroyd,M.A. .. Mr. J. A. Leach, M.Sc. Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S. Inspector of Schools, Castlemaine. : Mr. W. Boyd Jamieson, M.A. Mr. J. A. Leach, M.Sc. Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S. State School Mudgegonga. Miss L Horner... .. Mr.J.A, Leach, M.Sc. Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.H.S. State School, Doncaster. 2 As an ASSOCIATE— : Master Leslie J. Clendinnen.. Dr. C. S. Sutton .. My. J. A, Kershaw, F.E.S. ‘““Haven,” Williams Road, Hawksburn. As Juniork MEMBERS — Master Maurice Cronin .. Mr, A. O’Brien .. Prof. A. J. Ewart, D.Se. Botanic Gardens, SOuth Yarra. : Master John Drought Rev. W. Fielder, F.R.M.S. Mr. J. A, Kershaw, F.H.S. St. John’s Parsonage, Toorak. 3. Nominations for Membership. Members making nominations will oblige by handing the full name and ndtivess E to Hon. Secretary. 4. General Business. Reading of Papers and Discussions thereon. (Authors are requested to hand in a brief resumé of their papers to the Secretary.) — By Mr. A. Mattingley, entitled—‘‘ A Trip to Mud Island.” Tlustrated by lantern views. 6. Reading of Natural History Notes. Members who may note any unusual occurrence, or see anything of interest in Foreign or Colonial papers, are requested to inform the Secretary of the same that he may arrange for their bringing them ae the meeting ; such notes should, however, be brief. 7. Exhibition of Specimens and Conversazione. Members are invited to exhibit objects of interest and are requested to furnish the Hon. Secretary with written particulars of such Exhibits for record in Minutes and Naturalist. => “ EXCURSIONS. ® SATURDAY, 9TH Marcu—Clifton Hill Quarry. Under the leadership of Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S. Object —Geology. Meet at Prince’s Bridge Station at 20 pm. Train leaves at 2.10 p.m. SATURDAY, 23RD Marcu—Kororoit Creek (via North Williamstown). Under the leadership of Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A. Object—Geology. Meet at Flinders Street Station atz.2op.m. Train leaves at 1.33 p.m. SUNIOR EXCURSION. The next Excursion will take place at Beaumaris on Saturday, 6th April, under the leadership of Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A. Object—Fossils. Meet at Flinders Street Station at 1.45 p.m. Train leaves at 2.0 p.m. ———— Che Victorian Naturalist. Vou. XXITI.—No. 11. MARCH 7, 1907. No. 279. FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the . Royal Society’s Hall on Monday evening, 11th February, 1907. The president, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, occupied the chair, and about 65 members and visitors were present. CORRESPONDENCE. From Mr. F. Tate, M.A., Director of Education, thanking the Club for the invitation extended to the State school teachers to join the recent Christmas camp at Mornington. The teachers selected for attendance, he stated, had a most profitable and stimulating time. He congratulated the members on the value and extent of the work accomplished, and wished the Club even greater success in its future progress. — From the Inspector of Fisheries, Department of Ports and Harbours, Melbourne, asking for an expression of opinion from the Club regarding a request made that all kinds of native pigeons be protected for the whole year. After discussing the question, Mr. Jas. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., moved—“ That in the opinion of this Club it is desirable that all species of native pigeons be protected for the whole year.” This was seconded by Mr. O. A. Thiele, and carried unanimously. REPORTS. A report of the Club excursion to Heidelberg on Saturday, gth February, under the leadership of Mr. J. Shephard, in the un- avoidable absence of Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S., showed that good work was accomplished, resulting in some interesting specimens of Protozoa and fine clusters of Rotifers being collected, some of the latter being exhibited at the meeting. The junior excursion to Heidelberg on Saturday, 2nd February, under the leadership of Mr. O. A. Sayce, was reported to have been well attended, and an interesting afternoon’s work was spent in investigating the pond-life of the locality. The hon. librarian acknowledged the receipt of the following donations to the library :—“ Picturesque Victoria and How to Get There,” from the Victorian Railways; Journal of Agri- culture of Victoria, December, 1906, January, 1907, from Department of Agriculture ; Hmw, October, 1906, January, 1907, from the Australasian Ornithologists’ Union ; Geelong Naturalist, October, 1906, from the Geelong Field Naturalists’ Club; “ Fishes of Australia,” by D. G. Stead, and Annual Report for 1905, from the Board of Fisheries, New South Wales ; Agricultural Gazette : 182 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIIT. of New South Wales, vol. xviii., part 1, from the Secretary for Agriculture, Sydney ; ‘‘ Transactions Royal Society of South Australia,” vol. xxx., from the Society ; Knowledge, November, December, 1906, and January, 1907, from the publishers ; Nature Notes, November, December, 1906, and January, 1907, from the Selborne Society, London; “ Marine Investigations in South Africa,” vol. iii, from the Department of Agriculture, Cape Colony ; and “Instructions for Collectors, British Museum ” (purchased). ELECTIONS. On a ballot being taken, Mr. Henry Barkley, Denham-street, Hawthorn, was elected an ordinary member, and Mr. Chas. F. Kellock, Archie’s Creek, a country member of the Club. GENERAL BUSINESS. Mr. G. A. Keartland drew attention to the fact that the gazetted notice proclaiming the Waranga Basin a reserve for the breeding and protection of water-fowl had recently been rescinded by the Government, and the area was now open to sportsmen. He thought that some action should be taken to bring before the authorities the necessity for permanently reserving this area as a sanctuary for our native water-fowl. Mr. J. H. Harvey thought that a fair opportunity should be given to prove whether the area was suitable for the purpose before withdrawing the protection. After some discussion, Mr. Keartland moved—‘ That this Club strongly protests against the action of the Government in withdrawing the protection afforded to water-fowl at Waranga Basin.” This was seconded by Mr. R. Hall, C.M.Z.S., and carried. The wholesale destruction of game during the first few days of the opening of the shooting season was referred to, and several members were strongly of opinion that some steps should be taken to limit the number of birds indiscriminately destroyed every year by amateur shooters. Mr. J. A. Leach, M.Sc., moved—‘ That a letter protesting against the wholesale destruction of game during the open season be sent to the press and the Commissioner of Public Works as administrator of the Game Act.” This was seconded by Mr. G. Coghill, and carried. Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S., gave notice that he would move at the next meeting of the Club—“ That in the opinion of this Club a gun tax is desirable and necessary in order to lessen the indiscriminate slaughter of native animals, especially birds.” PAPERS READ. 1. By Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., entitled “Note on the Occur- rence of Yeringian Fossiliferous Mudstone at Croydon.” March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 183 The author briefly described the general disposition of the Silurian strata to the north and east of Melbourne, and pointed out the great difference between the fossil faunas of the Mel- bournian and Yeringian divisions of this formation. To the latter series belongs the interesting collection of fossils found at Croydon, worked out by the author from material presented by Mr. Thos. Warr to the National Museum. Several of the species, and even genera, are new to Australia, and their chief points of scientific value were then indicated by means of some sketches of the principal fossils found. - Questions relating to the paper were asked by Messrs. F. G. A. Barnard and A. D. Hardy, and replied to by the author. 2. By Mr. C. Walter, entitled “ A New Variety of a Victorian Orchid,” communicated by Mr. C. French, jun. The author described a form of the orchid Diuris punctata, found by Mr. St. Eloy D’Alton at Mount Arapiles, near Natimuk, which he considered of sufficient difference to warrant the varietal name @altoni being bestowed upon it. 3. By Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, entitled “In the Valley of the Upper Yarra.” The author briefly described a visit recently paid to the valley of the Upper Yarra, for some 35 miles above Warburton, including the Yarra Falls. He stated that the vegetation was not as luxuriant as he had expected. owing to the country being entirely of Silurian or Ordovician formation, and that the rich vegetation of the granite country is distant some two miles from the Falls: A large-scale map of the district was exhibited in illustration of his remarks. Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., made some inquiries as to the geological features of the country dealt with, stating that Silurian fossils had been recorded from Starvation Creek many years ago. EXHIBITS. By Mr. J. W. Audas.—Nine species of birds’ eggs from Wyalong district, N.S.W. By Mr. F. G. A Barnard.—Collection of Coleoptera, including Stigmodera skusia, taken at Reefton, Upper Yarra, in illustration of his paper. By F. Chapman, A.L.S.—Specimen of fossiliferous (Yeringian) mudstone from Croydon, in illustration of his paper. By Mr. C. F. Cole. —Head of blacks’ tomahawk unearthed at Hawthorn at a depth of about two or three feet, being one of several found, in addition to numerous pieces of sharpening stones. Also, two peculiarly shaped fowls’ eggs. By Mr. M. R. Cudmore.-—-Obsidian bomb found on Avoca station, Wentworth, N.S.W. 184 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Vol. XXIII. By Professor A. J. Ewart, D.Sc., Ph.D.—Unrecorded Intro- duced Plants :—WMedicago minima, Linn., Small Burr-Medick, Geelong, H. B. Williamson, received February, 1907. Medicago tribuloides, Desr., Caltrop-Medick, Geelong, collected H. B. Williamson, received February, 1907. TZrifoliwm scabrum, Linn., Rough Clover, Geelong, collected H. B. Williamson, received February, 1907. TZrifoliwm striatum, Linn., Knotted Clover ; localities—near Kew, W. Gamble, January, 1907 ; Port Camp- bell, Weekly Times, January, 1907; Penshurst, H. B. William- son, December, 1906, received February, 1907. Centaurea prcris, Pall., Thoona district, January, 1907. Also, a purple- flowered variety of the Saffron Thistle, Kentrophyllum lanatum, De C. and Duby, from Romsey, collected Ken. Campbell, jun., February, 1907. And, on behalf of Mr. John Hopcraft, of Red Hill, a monstrosity in a rose, and specimens of Petunia showing variation, single and double varieties; also some examples of false fructification. By Mr. C. French, jun., for Entomological Branch, Department of Agriculture.—Three new species of scale-insects from the Mallee, collected by Mr. C. French, jun., 11/06 :—Aspidiotus lectularis, Green; Mytilaspis beyerie, Green; Lecaniodiaspis Srenchii, Green. Also a marked variety of Lachnodwus lectularis, Green ; locality, Mallee, 11/06. By Master C. French.—Eggs of the following Western Aus- tralian birds:—NXerophila castanewentris, Milligan; Acanthiza pallida, Milligan ; A. robustirostris, Milligan. By Mr. C. J. Gabriel—Marine shells from Mauritius :—Harpa ventricosa, Lam.; H. costata, Linn. ; H. conoidalis, Lam. By Mr. J. H. Harvey.—Autotypes of trees in Fitzroy Gardens. By Mr. W. J. Morgan.—Collection of Tasmanian aboriginal stone implements, collected by Mr. J. V. Cook, Hobart. By Mr. F. Pitcher, on behalf of Director of Botanic Gardens.— Four species of Acacias now flowering in the Melbourne Botanical Gardens :—Acacia elata, Pepper-tree, or Wellington Acacia, New South Wales; A. pruinosa, Frosty Acacia, New South Wales; A. linearis, Narrow-leaved Acacia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania; A. Jlinarifolia, Flax-leaved Acacia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. By Mr. J. Stickland.—Rotifer cluster, Megalotrocha alboflavicans, from Heidelberg. After the usual conversazione, the meeting terminated. EXCHANGE.— Tasmanian Aboriginal Stone Implements.—Mr. J. V. Cook, of ‘ Maffra,” Domain-road, Hobart, will be pleased to exchange these with collectors of aboriginal implements in Victoria or any of the Australian States. March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 185 THE MORNINGTON CAMP.* THe LEADER’S REPORT. By J. A. Leach, M.Sc., Organizing Inspector of Nature- Study, Education Department, Victoria. This year, instead of a collecting and exploring excur- sion for the Christmas and New Year vacations, the com- mittee of the Victorian Field Naturalists’ Club decided to hold an instruction camp. It was also decided to invite the Director of Education to accompany the party, and to nominate fifty teachers to share in the instruction. Since it had happened that I brought up the idea of an instruction camp, the committee appointed me as leader. To look after the commissariat side, Mr. James Armitage was appointed joint leader. On account of a prior en- gagement, however, he was unable to take part, and so I was left in sole charge. To assist in carrying this undertaking to a successful issue, a committee, consisting of Messrs. R. W. Armitage, Heieces ino. Keitson, i. Se Hall G. Bi. Pritchard: and J. A. Kershaw, was appointed at my request. Mr. Armi- tage, as secretary and treasurer, rendered valuable assis- tance, and kept the accounts so well up to date that the whole financial business was completed before we left camp, and a balance-sheet was presented to the party. Mr. E. Lees aided in various ways. Especially was he helpful in drawing up specifications for the contractor. Mr. J. S. Kitson personally assisted in many mat- ters and on many occasions. Myr. Pritchard came at the beginning of the camp, and stayed most of the time. He quickly got a firm hold of the whole party, and was a great factor in its, gratifyime, success: Mr. i. S.) Hall was an invaluable member of the committee. His wide experience and great knowledge of affairs in general were always placed freely at my disposal. He also stayed with the camp until the last day, and was one of the strong pillars of the whole undertaking. Mr. Kershaw, though he was out-of the State and could not attend the camp, was a more than useful member of the committee, for I found it needful to consult him on many matters, and his advice was always most helpful. To these six gentlemen I am personally much indebted for their valuable aid. * [These reports appeared simultaneously as a Supplement to the Hdweation Gazette and Teachers’ Aid, Education Department, Victoria.—Ep. Vict. Nat ] 2761. a 186 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXEIT. The committee decided to invite tenders for the catering for the large party. We were fortunate in securing an offer from Mr. Cumberland, the well-known caterer, of South Melbourne, to manage camp at 3s. 8d. a day, with a minimum of sixty guaranteed for each meal. He also- tendered for erecting tents, &c., and returning same to the Defence Department, at a total of about £8. This re- lieved us from a great deal of anxiety. As the catering throughout was excellent, and the meals supplied were of a far higher class than we had dared specify, this formed a very prominent factor in the success of the whole. The chef (Mr. F. 'Brooks) excelled himself. Each meal was a decided success, and was admitted to be better than a higher-priced meal at a hotel. . For the instruction of the campers, it was decided that a different branch of nature-study should be treated each day, and that the club’s recognised leader for that branch. should be invited to take charge of that day’s work. Thus, the programme was—First day, birds, Mr. G. A. Keart- land, leader; general life, the president, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard; second day, fossils, Mr. G. B. Pritchard; third day, plants, Professor Ewart and Mr. J. P. McLen- nan; fourth day, insects, Mr. C. French, jun. ; fifth day, tocks, Mr. IT. S. Hall; sixth day, shore life, Mr. OQ: AL Sayce; seventh day, pond life, Mr. J. Shephard; eighth day, trees and timbers, Mr. E. Lees; each evening, astro- nomy, Mr. R. J. A. Barnard. This insured great variety of work; and, in addition, the young members and the teachers saw an expert in the different branches working in a recognised scientific manner. Thus the members of the party will now be able to set to work on satisfactory lines in each branch. This programme was carried through without alteration, the leaders responding magnificently to the ciub’s call. The field work was a revelation to one and all, and it was interesting to note how each branch impressed itself on the campers. First, birds got hold of them, and they were enthusiastic followers of Mr. Keartland. Then fos- sils engrossed every thought, and the audience hung on Mr. .Pritchard’s every word; and so on with each day’s work. It was most satisfactory to see that each branch thus took full possession of the students as they saw the enthusiast lover of that branch at work. To occupy the evenings, it was intended that each leader, as far as practicable, should supplement the effect of the day’s field work by a lecture on a kindred topic. Unfortunately, Mr. Tate was recalled to town, and Mr. ri ae March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 187 C. French and Mr. Shephard could not spare the evening for us, so that the evening programme was not quite so rigidly adhered to. At the last minute, to our great dis- appointment, Mr. Donald Macdonald could not manage to get down to deliver his lecture. This meant that sub- stitutes had to be found. The lectures actually given were:—Monday evening, “Bird Preserving,’ Mr. G.: A. Keartland ; “‘ Hints on the Collecting and Mounting of Insects,’’ Mr. F. G. A. Barnard; Tuesday evening, ‘‘ Geological Time and the Meaning of Fossils,’’? Mr. G. B. Pritchard; Wednesday evening, “‘ The History of Port Phillip Bay,’’ Mr. T. S. Hall; Thursday evening, ‘“ Pollination of Flowers,’’ Professor Ewart; Friday evening, ‘‘ Bird Life at Olinda Vale,’’ Mr. C. L. Barrett ; Saturday evening, ‘‘ The Mos- quito,’”’ Mr. J. A. Leach; Monday evening, “ Some Common Port Phillip Forms and their Inland Allies,’’ Mr. O. A. Sayce; Tuesday evening, ‘‘ The Mammals of Australia: their Places of Origin,’’? Mr. T. S. Hall. The evening lectures were given in the large dining marquee. They were illustrated by lantern views, the lantern being kindly loaned by the club’s honorary lan- ternist, Mr. J. Searle. It was worked each evening very efficiently by. Messrs, J. Akeroyd and J. M. Edgar, two of the teachers at the camp. Great interest was aroused, both within the camp and without it. The Melbourne morning papers and the even- ing paper published very fine reports from day to day, and thus aroused great interest throughout the State. is each leader has furnished a separate report, it only remains for me to express here my sincere thanks to them for so readily and effectively undertaking the prac- tical work in the field and the lecture-room. Visitors to the camp were numerous, and a custom of after-dinner speeches became a marked feature of the day’s programme. After the first day or so, each meal was followed by a parting or a welcoming speech from some friend or camper. This added greatly to the friend- liness, and took off any stiffness or shyness. The party was animated by a single aim, and it would be difficult to imagine a happier or more united family. The amount of good solid work done was surprising. The leaders were out for business ; the campers also were equally business-like, and their capacity for reception was astonishing. Fortunately, Mr. R. J. A. Barnard, president of the Victorian branch of the British Astronomical Association, a2 188 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [ Mol. axonal: was with us. It was decided to hire a telescope, and Mr. Barnard was very successful in introducing the party to many of the marvels of the heavens. This added an- other interesting field to our varied domain of observa- tion. The party went into camp on Monday, 24th December, about 11 o’clock, and camp was broken up on Wednesday, 2nd January, 1907, at 3 oclock. Thus it lasted for 9% days. Charging 3s. 8d. a day, and calling up £2, it was found that there was a surplus of over £3. This sum was divided amongst Mr. Cumberland’s capable and obliging staff. The total cost for the whole time was thus just under #2 per camper. On the last day, hearty votes of thanks were carried to the Defence Department for the free loan of tents, palliasses, and waterproof sheets; to the committee of the Mechanics’ Institute for the free supply of the large quantity of wate: used at the camp; to Mr. Noble for the loan of seats and general help; and to the general leader, the excursion leaders, the lecturers, and the com- mittee; also to Mr. Searle for the loan of the lantern, and to the press for the valuable reports issued from day to day. Several gentlemen offered to give lectures or lead excur- sions, but our programme was complete, and it was not possible to accept these. It was decided that every person taking part should contribute to the general expense. This was done in one of four ways: 2) If meals were taken in the camp, then that person paid 4s. 6d. a day up to four days inclusive (this was for meals, lectures, &c.); (2) if he stayed more than four days and less, than eight days, he paid 3s. 8d. a day, plus Ais SQ yeikt, take) stayed the full time, 3s. 8d. a day for 94 days, plus 5s. 9d., or a total of £2; (4) if he had no meals ir the camp, then he paid ts. a day for lectures or excursions. Many members and visitors did this. Thus every person contributed directly to the consider- able expense involved. Our caterer’s bill came to just under £120, and our general expenses were heavy. Over eighty actually camped in the tents, and the total number taking part in the outing exceeded too. More than double the number of members of the club who usu- ally attend the Christmas camp took part on this occasion. On all hands it is admitted to be a decided success, and the club is to be congratulated on carrying to a successful issue a movement so far-reaching in its effects on the edu- cational well-being of the State. a Awl March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 189 GENERAL REMARKS ON SURROUNDING Country, ETc. By F. G. A. Barnard, President, Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria. The site chosen for the camp was a fairly large opening in the natural belt of trees and shrubs, which for many miles forms a prominent feature along the eastern shore of Port Phillip Bay. Just at this part the land surface was 100 feet or so above high-water mark, and the somewhat sloping cliff face was in many places covered entirely With vegetation, characteristic of such exposed situations, right down to the sand and shingle of the beach. The prominent trees in this belt of vegetation were the coast tea-tree (Leptospermum levigatum), the coast honeysuckle (Banksia integrifolia), one of the she-oaks (Casuarina quadrivalvis), with occasionally a blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), or a black wattle (A. mollisstma). Smaller trees and shrubs were the prickly box (Bursaria spinosa) (in bloom), Alyxza buxifolza (in bloom), Sty- phelia richet, Acacia longifolia, and Myoporum insulare. Climbing among these might be noticed one of the so- called “supplejacks ’’ (Clematis microphylla), usually of medium growth, but here possessing stems 20 to 30 feet long, and three-quarters of an inch in diameter; also Cassytha glabella, really a parasitic plant. Some trailing plants were Zetragonia implexicoma, a close relative of the New Zealand spinach; Muehlenbeckia adpressa, known in Tasmania as the Macquarie Harbor vine; and the well-known pig-face Mesembryanthemum Australe. Smaller plants were Goodenia ovata, Rhagodia billardieri, and the everlasting Helichrysum apiculatum. This belt of shrubbery afforded shelter for many of our smaller birds, which could be seen hopping through the bushes at all times of the day; while under the shade of the tea-tree, in early spring, would probably be found representatives of several orchidaceous genera such as Pterostylis, Acian- thus, Corysanthes, &c. Along the road separating the coastal belt from the inland paddocks, the prostrate Styphelia humifusa, corm- monly known as cranberry, grew in unusual quantities. Across the road ‘were paddocks, which were poorly grassed, the land being principally occupied by Restia- ceous and Cyperaceous plants, with here and _ there prickly shrubs, such as Leptospermum scoparium, Hakea nodosa, or Daviesia ulicina, while a few liliaceous and allied plants helped to relieve the mono‘ony of the coarse- leaved sedges, &c. 190 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. fWol. XX. Further inland there was a little eucalyptus growth, but large trees were very scarce. About a mile and a half south of the camp the valley of Balcombe’s Creek, occu- pied a considerable tract of country, much of which was overgrown by the swamp tea-tree (Melaleuca ertczfolza) and M. squarrosa, forming in places very dense patches. Further up the creek were fine thickets of Bursarza, Cop- rosma, Leptospermum, &c., affording grateful shelter to a number of small birds; while in several places the golden spray (Viminaria denudata) was in full bloom. Arriving in camp at midday on the first day, I was asked by the leader to spy out the land, so as to be able to suggest the most suitable directions for the proposed col- lecting trips to take, and, as I was further expected to give a demonstration on insect setting in the evening, it was necessary to secure a few specimens for that purpose. Accordingly, accompanied by Mr. 'G. A. Keartland, who wanted some bird specimens for the purposes of his bird- skinning demonstration, and some other campers, I took a ramble of several miles during the afternoon. After following the coast road south for about a mile from the camp, we turned inland, and in another mile came to the cemetery, which in country places is usually a good collecting ground. Here I secured specimens of the large brown butterfly (Heteronympha merope) and the white caper butterfly (Belenots tuetonia), the latter insect notable on account of the enormous numbers in which it appears in some seasons, the present having been one of its marked frequency. A few beetles were also secured from under the bark of the eucalypts and decayed wood. We then followed the Dromana-road to Balcombe’s Creek, where, the locality appearing suitable for birds, some little time was spent in securing a few specimens. We then turned towards the coast, passing a large quantity of tea-tree scrub, and on reaching the coast road returned to camp with a fair idea of the capabilities of the country as regards plants and insects. On Tuesday an early morning walk, taken due east of the camp, revealed little of interest. The forenoon of Tuesday (Christmas Day) was devoted to a further search for plants and insects, over much the same ground as the previous afternoon, and, the party being larger, with bet- ter results. The orchids Prasophyllum patens and Microtts porrifolia were noted, and the beautiful cetonid beetle Eupecila (Schizorhina) Australasi@, also the golden beetle (Lamprima splendens), and a few other beetles taken. March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 191 Not being satisfied with the results near home, I made a before-breakfast trip to Mount Martha, distant some 5 miles from the camp, hoping that the granitic forma- tion of that locality would afford better results, and I was not disappointed, for a splendid patch of heath land was crossed, which earlier in the year should yield good results, both to the botanist and the entomologist. Here were growing such plants as Epacris impressa, Bossi@a cinerascens, Isopogon ceratophyllus, &c., and while feeding on Leptospermum scoparium, a number of the Buprestid beetles (Stigmodera macularia) were taken. The success of this early-morning trip. having become noised abroad, a larger party set out just at sunrise the next morning for the same locality, and were quite satis- fied with the results of their early rising. Taken as a whole, however, I do not think that at any season of the year would the vicinity of the camp provide many un- common species, either for the botanist or entomologist. The evering demonstration on insect setting was prin- cipally devoted to pointing out to collectors the desir- ability of setting their captures so as to make them look as lifelike as possible, and of impressing upon beginners the few recognised rules for pinning the various orders of insects. How to utilize as setting boards corks such as are used for pickle bottles was mextioned, and the ease with which a specimen can be set on them, as com- pared with the long strips of cork commonly used, was demonstrated. ORNITHOLOGY. By G A. Keartland, Vice-President, Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria. During the train ride from Melbourne to Mornington, it soon became evident that a number of the campers took a keen interest in ornithology ; and, as various species of well-known birds were noted ex route, their habits were discussed. On arrival at the camp, most of the party decided to accompany Messrs. G. A. Keartland and F. G. A. Barnard ir a ramble, in order to study the birds and insects in the field. The route lay through the tea- tree for some distance, then along ihe road towards Dromana. A turn to the left, past the cémetery, and down to the creek, led us to some derse scrub intermixed with several varieties of eucalypts. Although, owing to the lateness of the season, birds were not very numerous, 4 192 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. (Vol. XXIII. still about 40 species were noted, and their chief cha- racteristics explained. On entering the tea-tree, we found the well-known striated acanthiza hopping amongst the foliage in quest of spiders, &c. Surprise was ex- pressed at so small qa bird being selected by the fantail cuckoo as foster parent for its young. Then a number of superb warblers or blue wrens were seen, searching for their food near the roadside. Whenever two adult males came in contact, a battle followed, but the females and young were quite sociable. White-shafted flycatchers were particularly numerous, and their fearless method of fluttering around us in pursuit of flies proved most inte- resting. Several spine-billed honey-eaters displayed their agility amongst the blossom of the mistletoe. As many bunches of this plant were passed, it was explained how it is distributed by the aid of birds, which swallow the fruit whole and then drop the undigested seed on the bark of a fresh tree, where it adheres ard germinates. A grey minah soon espied one member of the party carrying a gun, in order to shoot a few birds for the evening lesson in taxidermy. It gave its usual warning note, ard then flew away. At the creek, a yellow-breasted robin’s nest was found, with two young ones crouching in the bottom. Whilst they were being examined, the parert birds, with grubs or moths in their bills, came near, and, instead of perching on a convenient branch, secured a foothold on the rough bark of ar adjacent tree. As lizards were nu- merous, we were not surprised at the melancholy dullness of a laughing jackass which had apparently eaten enough at one meal to suffice for two. As some of the trees were in blossom, honey-eaters were numerous, and, within a short distance, the white-plumed, New Holland, yellow- faced, lunulated, and spine-billed species were noted. In returning to camp, a bronzewing pigeon was disturbed from its evening meal of tea-tree seed, of which it is very fond. A general conversation on the anatomy of the various orders of birds took place, and attention was called to the fact that, whilst the pigeon and other seed-eating birds are furnished with a sack-like crop, in which to soften their food before it passes into the stomach to be digested, the strictly insectivorous birds have a straight gullet, down which the food immediately passes into the stomach. Owirg to the large amount of moisture which the insects contain, the latter species can live with a limited water supply, whilst the seed-eater drinks often... March, 1907. ] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 193 Next morning most of the campers were disturbed from their slumbers by the loud notes of a butcher-bird, which stayed near the camp for some time. Then a wattle-bird uttered his peculiar croak as he passed in pursuit of a spiny-cheeked honey-eater. But the most musical birds were the rufous-breasted thickhead and harmonious thrush. During an early morning ramble, the pallid cuckoo, mountain thrush, and striated pardalote were seen, and’ some interesting notes taken. Tue EcoNoMIC VALUE OF SOME NATIVE BirDs. Immediately after tea or Monday evening, Mr. G. A. Keartland gave a short lecturette on the economic value- of some of our native birds. He said: ‘‘ In addressing so many of the teachers of our children, I- gladly avail myself of the opportunity of impressing upon them the great value of many of our insectivorous birds. We all know that the ambition of the young Australian, especially in the country, is to be the possessor of a gun. Having grati- fied that desire, he finds it necessary to try how it shoots. No matter how useful the birds may be to the farmer or gardener, anything and everything with feathers is shot at. Nor are boys the only wanton destroyers of bird life. Some older individuals, members of gun clubs, are not ashamed to boast of the number of swifts or swallows. they can kill with a given amount of cartridges. | Some fruit-growers inflict serious injury on themselves by the indiscriminate slaughter of all the small birds in their vrchards. The yellow- tailed tit, ringeye, blue wren, and several other small birds are particularly fond of the aphis found on apple trees. The pallid cuckoo will leave all else for the vine caterpillar, which is so injurious in the vineyard. The harmonious thrush, robins, starlings, magpies, magpie larks, ground larks, ard several other birds will follow the ploughman in search of those white grubs, the larve of the little brown cockchafer, so de- structive to grain and grass plarts. The common little welcome swallow, which builds its mud nest in the stable. renders great service in clearing the place of flies, mos- quitoes, &c. Such nocturnal birds as the nightjar and podargus live principally upon right moths and beetles. On a moonlight evening, the owlet nightjar may be seer skimming between the apple-trees, capturing codlin moths in great numbers. In fact, where these birds are nume- rous, orchard insect pests are almost unknown. athe 194 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. podargus, often erroneously called the “ mopoke,’’ is ‘specially fond of those large moths which are responsible for the destruction of the wattle-trees. Our much-abused crow will consume over a pint of grasshoppers in a day. But the most valuable of all our rative birds are the ibis and bustard, which are credited with the consumption of nearly half-a-gallon of crickets, grasshoppers, or beetles per diem. Then there are a number of waders, such as dottrels, herons, stilts, avocets, mud larks, &c., which -sseek their food in shallow swamps, and devour great numbers of those fresh-water snails which are the host of the fluke, so destructive to sheep. Most farmers’ wives are anxious for the death of every hawk they see, but the pretty little nankeen kestrel never kills chickens, although he will hover near a haystack all day, in order to capture the mice which damage the fodder. It is satisfactory to know that the State Government has placed most of our insectivorous birds under the protection of the Game Act. and it will be of benefit to both teachers and scholars if one of the Game Schedules is posted in the school, and the children taught to know that the eggs, as well as the ‘birds, are protected. To Prepare Bird Skins.* That the preparation of birds’ skins is not so difficult - a matter as some people imagine I will now proceed to demonstrate. To begin with, the tools required are a sharp penknife, pair of scissors, piece of wire, gum brush, ard small sponge. The materials consist of some arsenical soap, plaster of Paris, tow, wadding, and needle and thread. Wher the bird is shot, a small piece of waddiny should be pushed down the throat to prevent leakage of blood or other fluid on to the feathers. Then make a screw bag of stiff paper (old copy-books will do), like those used by grocers. Drop the bird in head first, close the bag without bending the tail, and place it in the basket. On your arrival home, the bird will be found nice and smooth. In preparing the bird for skinning, remove the soiled waddirg from the throat, and replace it with a fresh piece. ‘Take your needle and thread, and pass the former through the nostril and lower bill, so that the two mandibles can be tied close together. Cut off the thread about 9 inches from the head, leaving the at- tached piece for future use. Then examire the bird for * Of course, it is not necessary that our pupils should do any bird killing. March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 195 any blood marks. ‘These must be washed perfectly clean with the sponge and cold water. Then take off as much water as possible by means of the sponge and a piece of dry rag. Lay the bird on a sheet of paper, put a liberal supply of plaster of Paris on the damp part, scrape the back of the knife over the part so as to remove most of the plaster, then put on a fresh supply and knock the feathers backwards and forwards quickly until quite dry. It is important that, from the moment the plaster is first -put on, no time be lost. Then shake off the surplus plaster, and brush the feathers backwards and _ for- wards with a bunch of tow, blowing them to assist in removing the last trace of the plaster. Now lay the bird on its back on a sheet of paper, with the head towards the right hand and tail towards the left. Part the feathers down the keel of the breastbone, and cut the skin from about the centre of the breast to the vent, taking care rot to cut into the entrails. Now put a little plaster of Paris along the cut. Seize the skin of the breast with the left thumb and finger, and draw the body away with the knife, taking care to work the plaster of Paris on the moist side of the skin, to prevent it from adhering to the flesh. Take the leg in the left hand, and push the skin back with the right, so that the leg can be detached from the body with the scissors at the thigh joint. Clean the flesh off the thigh bone after pushing the skin off down to the shank joint. Now seize the foot and draw the thigh bone back into the skin. . Treat the other side in the same manner. Stand the bird on its chest, bend thé tail down the back, and work the skin clear near the tail, so that the butt of the tail can be detached from the body. Push the skin down the back, sides, and breast until the junction of the wings with the body can be seen; cut off the wings close to the body. The skin is now turned irside out. Push it down the neck and over the skull. Cut away the body, leaving about half the neck. The greatest care is now required _ In disengaging the ears and eyelids. Work the back of the krife under the ear, and then cut towards the back of the skull. Then cut through the transparent skin over the eye, taking care not to cut the eyelid. Cut out the tongue, scrape the flesh off the base of the skull, at the same time removing the piece of neck. Insert the scissors at the point of the jaw, and make a slarting cut towards the back of the crown. Insert the scissors on the other side, and cut towards the end of the first cut. Then cut 196 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. from point to point of the jaws, so as to liberate a tri- angular piece of bone. Clear out the brains through the hole thus made. Remove the eyes. Dress the skuil inside and out with the arsenical soap. Fill the eye- sockets with wadding, and the brain cavity with tow, cut into short lengths. Dress the skin of the head and neck with the arsenical soap. Now turn the skin back, so that the cotton left on the bill can be secured, and draw the head back into the skin. Smooth the feathers on the head, and arrange the eyelids nicely with the point of a needle. Now secure the end of the wing and draw it out, pressing the skin off with the thumb-nail. When the first joint is clear, push the large feathers off the double bone, and the urder side wall) clear itself. As soon as the last joint is reached, clean the flesh off the double bone, remove the first piece at the joint, tie a piece of fine string to the end of the double bone, leaving a piece about 6 inches long hanging. Dress the bone and skin with preserve, and return the bone to its place by simply lifting it by the long feathers. Treat the second wing similarly. Lay the skin or its back, and by the aid of the strings draw the ends of the wing homes until they almost touch in a small bird, but about a quarter of an mch apart in a rosella parrot, tie the strings, ard cut off any surplus. Draw out the leg bones, dress them with the preserve, wrap a little wadding round the bone to form the thigh, dress the skin with preserve, and draw the bone back into its place; smooth the feathers down the thigh. Treat the other leg similarly. Now lay the bird on its back, and, whilst holding the skin open with one hand, dress the whole of the inside with the preserve, taking care to push the brush well up the neck. Make a pointed stick, and wrap a little wadding round it, and press the point well into the back of the skull, taking care that the skir is not caught on the point. Fill up the body with wadding, sew up the breast, always taking care to insert the needle on the skin side. With a few stitches the skin can be drawn together. Ascertain the sex of the bird by cutting it open. If a female, tie the left leg over the right; but if a male, the right over the left. Smooth and arrange the feathers, and push it gently head first into a paper cylinder to drv. Number, date, and catalogue. March, 1907. ] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 197 GEOLOGY AND PALAZZONTOLOGY. By G. B. Pritchard, F.G.S., Lecturer on Geology, &€., Working Men’s College, Melbourne. One of the first difficulties to the beginner in geology is a proper conception of geological time; but as he be- comes better acquainted with Nature and her methods he begins to obtain a better appreciation of the magnitude of past events in our earth’s history, and soon gives up the absurd idea of wanting to measure everything ir years. The question is, however, always being asked of the poor unfortunate geologist to state a definite number of years for his periods of time, and occasionally an extra-considerate individual will say, ‘‘I don’t mean to within a thousand or two years, but I would like to have some idea in approximate round numbers.’’ Let us glance, then, first at one aspect of man’s history, say, for instance, in Ancient Egypt, and we find relics and inscriptions which carry us back in all probability some 8,000 or 10,000 years, and yet even this is very far from the origin of man and the beginnirg of his history, which must be placed still further back in time. Turning to another aspect, glance at some of the changes in the crust of the earth which have been wrought by natural agencies, such as wind and water, during what is called ‘‘ recent ’’ geological time, and we see enor- mously greater inscriptions and sculpturings than any ever left by man. Niagara Falls, for example, shows its past history very clearly, and the eating back of its 7 miles of gorge has been closely investigated, and time estimates made of from 6,000 to 8,000 or more years. But there are much greater works of nature than this of recent geological date, and vast periods of time must be allowed for their development. The geologist then finds it conveniert to give up years of reckoning, and he divides the rocks which make up the crust into three divisions, according to the groups of animal and plant remains fourd in some of the strata or layers of those rocks, as Paleozoic (ancient life) or Pri- mary, Mesozoic (middle life) or Secondary, Cainozoic (recent life) or Tertiary. These terms, however, only give the headlines, and further subdivisions are necessary to give us sufficient rungs for our ladder of time. Thus we have the follow- ing table: — Recent Cainozoic Pleistocene or Pliocene Tertiary Miocene Eocene. 198 ; THE VICTORIAN NATURATIST. [Val XNTHE Mesozoic Cretaceous or Jurassic Secondary Triassic. Permian Carboniferous Paleozoic Devonian or Silurian Primary . Ordovician Cambrian Pre-Cambrian. This scheme is accepted by almost all geologists, and is ot world-wide application. When minute, detailed work is done on any set of beds, still further subdivision is almost always necessary, and it is here that local names are of the utmost service. What comes to the same thing is that, “howe the main terms have a general application, there are usually local developments in geographically distinct areas, which have sufficient characteristics to warrant distinguishing terms. All this can be brought about properly only by a most thorough and exhaustive examination of the fossils from the rocks themselves. The term fossil is applied to the remains of any animal or plant that has been buried in the rocks of the crust of the earth by natural agencies, even though it be but an imperfect and obscure im- print. Each period of past time had its more or less charac- teristic life forms, ard by the remains of these, however fragmentary, we know the period. Graptolites, or forms of invertebrate life of the hydroid type, have left abun- dant fret-saw-like impressions of various shapes on the rocks of many of our gold-fields, such as Bendigo, Cas- tlemaine, Daylesford, &c., and belong to the Ordovician part of the Paleeozoic. _ Trilobites, a group of extinct crustaceans, are another characteristic Paleozoic type— when perfect, somewhat resembling an exalted woodlouse; but, unfortunately, these forms had the unhappy knack of parting with their heads and tails, so that all sorts of fragments may usually be collected—as near Kilmore, Wandong, Melbourne (Moonee Valley, and along the Yarra above the Botanical Gardens), Lilydale, Upper Yarra, &c. These localities are of Silurian age, but it must be also borne in mind that some other forms of Trilobite may denote any of the other subdivisions of the Palzeozoic. Ammonites is the old name for a group of shell-fish belonging to the highest class (Cephalopoda) of the Mol- lusca. In some respects the ammonite may be said to March, 1907. ] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 19S resemble the pearly nautilus shell, but it is much more ornate outside, and, instead of having the smooth, regular partitions of the nautilus, it is divided up by partitions with mary lobes and much puckering. This is one of our old names which has outgrown its usefulness, in that too many diversified forms were included under the one head, and it became necessary to subdivide and introduce a large number of new names. These forms of shell are very characteristic of Mesozoic, and, though not known from Victoria, the other States contain many of these shells yet to be worked out, though some have already been reported on. Champion Bay, Western Australia, is one of our best localities for certain types, whilst others may be procured from the Lake Eyre Basin, Central Aus- tralia ; White Cliffs, New South Wales; and the Rolling Downs Formation, Queensland. Belemnites are another Mesozoic group quite as typical as the Ammonites, and belong also to the Cephalopoda. They are ancient relatives of the living squid, with a strong, solid, calcareous end, or guard, resembling a pencil. Some of these have been so exceptionally well preserved as to show the impression and position of the so-called inkbag of the creature. These are usually to be found associated with the preceding, so that the locali- ties already given will suffice here also. Very mary other forms of life were also abundant in Paleozoic and Meso- zo:c times, but mention need only be made in this place of the armour-plated fishes of the former (especially of the Devonian portion), and the gigartic extinct reptiles and sea-lizards (such as the Dinosaurs and Ichthyosaurs) of the latter. These forms have given rise to the popular idea of referring sometimes to the Paleeozoic as the ‘‘ Age of Fishes,’’ and the Mesozoic as the ‘‘ Age of Reptiles.’’ Paleozoic time also had its characteristic plants, and these accumulated in such abundance in some places as to: give us our most valuable coals of the present day. Such plants as the Lycopodiacez, or club-mosses, allied in some respects to the living Lycopodium, another group commonly known as horse-tails, as well as an important series of ferns, made up the main features of this ancient flora. Mesozoic time likewise had its own particular predomi- nating types of plants, which may be briefly indicated as Cycads and Conifers, and these also have in many places. formed important coal seams. 200 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. faVioly XoNGhstiLs Amongst Australian imstances of palzozoic coal, the well-known Newcastle beds of New South Wales, some- times called Hunterian, on account of their development on the Hunter River, may be taken as a good representa- tive; while nearer home we have the Jumbunna, Out- trim, Cape Paterson, and other black coals of Victoria, of the Mesozoic age. Turning now to cainozoic or tertiary time, we note a very remarkable development of mammals, including man himself, so that for this we sometimes hear the ‘‘ Age of Mammals ’’ spoken of ; but some persons have been so impressed with the advent of man (and his importance) that they have desired to introduce a fourth, or Quater- nary, period for his reception, but the closer one studies this period the more he is compelled to admit that the Tertiary period still exists, and that we may yet be a long way from the conclusion of its events. The most important group of fossils for the determination of the relative age of the subdivisions of Tertiary time is the Mollusca, or shell-fish, which, when treated fairly and thoroughly, yield remarkably reliable results. Thus, when a thorough study of the shells of any zoological region is made, what is more reasonable than to make comparisons and contrasts with the fossil shells of the same region of older date, and one method of giving expression to this idea is to work out the percentage of recent or living to extinct forms. Then the dawn of recent life, termed Eocene, shows the furthest removal from recent forms, whilst the other terms grade upwards till we actually come to the present time. Plant remains are also abundant in our rocks of ter- tiary age, and of a type more or less closely allied to . ‘our ordinary forest trees, and these have given rise to our immense brown coal deposits, which some day must be turned to good account. Mornington is one of our happy hunting grounds for showing some of the changes which took place in the earlier part of our tertiary time, for, following on from the terrestrial conditions as represented by the mesozoic coal-bearing rocks which outcrop on the foreshore a little to the south of Grice’s Creek, we have evidence of a continuation of terrestrial conditiors, with drift deposits into comparatively shallow water, and the formation of leaf-beds and lignite deposits. Then over these deposits came an outpouring of molten lava, giving us the earliest of our tertiary eruptions; but the magni- tude of it is difficult to grasp, as Nature has wrought March, 1907. ] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 901 such sad havoc as to leave only a small and very decom- posed remnant. Still, it is fairly evident that the flow originally stretched across to Portarlington, as well as up to Melbourne, for further remrants may be observed at South Melbourne, North Melbourne, and Royal Park, whilst the stumps of some old volcanoes may be noted along the beach near Curlewis. After the volcanic outpourings, the land was evidently depressed beneath the sea for some considerable time, to permit of the formation of the well-known fossiliferous -clays, sandy clays, and sandstones, which have formed such a strong attraction to geologists and others for so many years. In these deposits we find the remains of all sorts of delicate organisms, especially in the grey clays, in the most perfect state of preservation. So per- fect are some of the forms that the uninitiated look at you sceptically when you say they are fossils, and it is not until you point out similar specimens equally well preserved in some of the hardened concretionary marl- stones or earthy limestone layers that scepticism is turned into wonder at Nature’s fine work. Here may be found the remains of some of the lowest organisms of the animal kingdom capable of preservation—the Foraminifera—to the extent of some 200 or 300 different species—also sponge remains, corals, lamp-shells, fish remains (such as sharks’ teeth, &c.) polyzoa (about 200 species), and mol- lusca (about 400 species)—in all a fairly rich assemblage of forms representing one view of the conditions existing in that neighbourhood in early tertiary time. Some ex- ception has been taken to the use of the term eocene for the age of these beds, and consequently, to avoid con- fusion until the full fauna is more thoroughly known, the term ‘‘ Balcombian,’’ derived from the local name of Bal- combe’s Bay, at this section, has beer used as a local age term for the time being. A few of the commonest and most characteristic shells may be listed as follows :— Lamellibranchiata— Dimya dissimilis, Tate. Amusium zitteli, Hutton. Spondylus pseudoradula, McCoy. Plagiarca cainozoica, Tate. Cardita polynema, Tate. Chama lamellifera, T. Woods. Chione cainozoica, T. Woods. Meretrix eburnea, Tate. Corbula ephamilla, Tate. Capistrocardia fragilis, Tate. b 2761. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. Gastropoda— Murex velificus, Tate. Argobuccinum maccoyi, Pritchard. Lotorium woodsi, Tate. Siphonalia lorgirostris, Tate. Euthria ino, T. Woods. Nassa tatei, T. Woods. Loxotaphrus variciferus, Tate. Voluta hannafordi, McCoy. Voluta ancilloides, Tate. Voluta maccoyi, T. Woods.. Voluta antiscalaris, McCoy. Lyria harpularia, Tate. Mitra alokiza, T. Woods. Marginella propinqua, Tate. Marginella wentworthi, T. Woods, Ancilla semilevis, T. Woods. Cancellaria varicifera, T. Woods. Pleurotoma murndaliana, T. Woods. Bathytoma rhomboidalis, T. Woods. Clathurella obdita, Harris. Buchozia hemiothone, T. Woods. Teleochilus gracillimum, T. Woods. Columbarium acanthostephes, Tate. Columbarium craspedotum, Tate. Conus cuspidatus, Tate. Conus ligatus, Tate. Conus heterospira, Tate. Cyprea gigas, McCoy. Cypreea gastroplax, McCoy. Cypreea leptorhyncha, McCoy. Cypreea eximia, McCoy. Cypreéa contusa, McCoy. Trivia avellanoides, McCoy. Semicassis sufflata, T. Woods. Natica polita, T. Woods. Solarium acutum, T. Woods. Turritella murrayana, Tate. Tenagodes occlusus, T. Woods. Eulima dane, T. Woods. Niso psila, T. Woods. Cerithium apheles, T. Woods. Newtoniella cribarioides, T. Woods. Subemarginula occlusa, Tate. Scaphander tenuis, Harris. Dentalium mantelli, Zittel. Cephalopoda— Aturia australis, McCoy. March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 903 a The above will serve to give a very fair idea of the general appearance or facies of this particular horizon in our tertiary rocks, and when a similar set of fossils is obtained elsewhere we are justified in correlating them to the same horizon. Subsequert to the deposition of this series, and after the lapse of some little time, a shoaling of the waters gradually took place, and then further deposition of, more generally speaking, a shallower water series of younger date, as represented by the Beaumaris, Sandringham, and Brighton beds. This series has beer referred to as miocene, but here, again, a difference of opinion exists; hence the use of the term Kalimnan is preferable. The beds yield a distinctive set of fossils. and can be readily discriminated from the Balcombian. GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY AROUND, PORT PHILEIP. By T. S. Hall, M.A., Lecturer and Demonstrator in Biology, Melbourne University. There are very few places more favorably situated than our camp at Mornington for examining rocks of varied geological age, although in the short time at our disposal we shall not be able to see many of them. As it is im- possible to tell the ages of rocks in years, geologists speak of them by their relative age, and for convenience of reference have divided past time into a series of “periods.’’ In history we might, to some extent, dis- pense with dates, and remember that certain events took place during the reign of a certain sovereign. . Then, knowing the order of the sovereigns’ reigns, we should know the relative times at which events occurred. Lawyers speak of Acts of Parliament in this way, and they know that an Act of Anne’s reign was subsequent to one of Elizabeth’s, without quoting actual dates. Similarly, the geologist knows that a rock of silurian age is older than one of jurassic age. The lawyer learns the sequence of the kings from written history ; the geologist sees that, of two sedimentary rocks in the same cliff-face, the lower ore is the older. Then he examines the fossils in the two rocks, and so knows these rocks again wherever he may meet them. They are branded unmistakably by their contained fossils. Names, then, such as _ ordovician, jurassic, eocene, need disturb us no more than Ethelred, or Mary, or those of any other sovereign. b2 204 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. The oldest rocks close to Port Phillip are ordovician in age. There are slates and sandstones at Mount Eliza and at Red Hill, near Dromana, with fossils in them like those of Bendigo. The granite of Mount Martha and other places near is younger than these rocks, for veins of granite penetrate the slates. Younger, again, than these rocks are the coal-bearmmg sandstones and shales of the Otways and South Gippsland. They are called jurassic, for they are, so the fossils tell us, the same age as the rocks of the Jura Mountains. Nearer to us than the Otways we find them in the Barrabool Hills, at Port- arlington, and on the beach at Mourt Eliza. They con- tain the remains of only land and fresh-water animals and plants—giant carnivorous reptiles, fish, ard many kinds of ferns. So they must have been deposited in a lake. They are lake-sandstones. After these rocks were formed, another series of lake or swamp deposits was laid down. These are the leaf beds, or lignite beds, and ir our excursion we shall ex- amine them closely. ‘Then came an outpouring of blue- stone, known for convenience as the older volcanic rock. This we shall also see on the beach. Then the land sank, and the clays, limestones, and sands of eocene age were deposited. In these beds. you have already been digging for fossils. ‘Then came the newer bluestones, or lavas, of our western plairs, as shown from Williams- towr to near Geelong. ‘The youngest rocks of all are the sand dunes and alluvial deposits. Port Phillip is a drowned valley with a very flat floor. On this. floor we can still trace the course of the Yarra, and still more clearly that of the Werribee. As it sank, its eastern bourdary was marked by a great fault, or fracture, which can be traced from Frankston to the Schanck. Another bounding fault runs from Geelong to Portarlington, and much further east and west. At first the harbor was widely oper, from Ocean Grove ‘to the Schanck. Then sand dunes barred it. The lecturer devoted a good deal of time to discussing the types of flora found on the various rocks. The real governing factor of plant distribution is water. The amount de- pends, of course, chiefly on the rairfall, but is modified by the annual distribution of that rainfall, and to a marked extent by the water capacity of the rocks. Solid bluestone holds practically none. So plant growth on solid bluestone in our climate takes place only in wet weather. Nothing can live in the driest weeks of summer. March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 205 Hence there are no trees. We can trace the same principle in all our other rocks. Since too much salt is poison to a plant, those plants living ir salt soils absorb but little water, and many plants are common to salt soils and dry soils, as, for instance, saltbushes, pig’s face, sheoak, and many others. Whether there is actually but little water, or the water is too salt to drink, is all one to plant and animal alike. BOTANY. tmelro, wewurt., RUD.) DSe., yf £.Ssn4 Government Botanist and Professor of Botany, Melbourne Uni- versity, and J. P. McLennan, State School, Emerald. Thursday, the 27th of December, was the day set apart for Botany; but during the week two or three early morning trips were made by some of the keener spirits. A better idea of the varied character of the flora of the district was obtained from these extended trips, the characteristic plants of the granite soil near Mount Martha especially being noted. As the camp was situated on the edge of the cliffs, a splendid opportunity was afforded of comparing the coast plants with those of the inland fields. The plan adopted was to stroll along, collecting typical “specimens as they were found, and to make an occasional halt, when a lecturette on the characters of flowers and natural orders, together with the names of most of the flowers seen during the outing, was delivered. In the morning, the plants along the shore line were examined, and Professor Ewart pointed out the chief characteristics of the plants growing on such exposed situations ; the large number having succulent stems or leaves was noted. In some places, there were thick mats of Tetragonia antplexicoma, or New Zealand spinach, as it is some- times called. Another succulent plant growing very pro- fusely was Mesembryanthemum australe. The Sea Rocket (Cakile maritima), Rhagodia billardiera, Goodenta ovata, Flelichrysum apic ulatum, and Senecio lantus were ae noticed in bloom. The last-named was not so robust as it usually is when growing away from the sea. Several plants of Comesperma volubile, the common blue ‘ creeper, were seen growing quite unsupported, having assumed the erect habit. An introduced Polygala or 906 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vola Xoeiiine Milk-wort (Polygalia myrtiflora) was noted. Its flowers have an externa] resemblance to those of the Pea family. There was also an introduced Ind (Watsonmza Mariana var. iridifolia) developing bulbils on its flowering axis, and likely to prove a troublesome weed if allowed to spread. Most of the shrubs near the coast seem to be doomed owing to the ravages of scale insects, borers, and other pests. The coast honeysuckle (Banksia integrifolia) is affected especially by borers, and it seems to be only a matter of time for it to be completely destroyed. Before leaving the shore, Professor Ewart dealt with seaweeds, and indicated an easy method of making a rough classification of these interesting plants. During the afternoon, the campers rambled over some of the inland fields, and Mr. McLennan supplied the names of the plants that were found in bloom, and dée- scribed the characters of the eucalypts while a halt was made under a wide spreading blue gum (£ucalyptus globulus) which had been planted here. Professor Ewart described the method of selecting, collecting, and packing specimens for carrying purposes. If possible, every organ of the plant should be repre- sented, as every part of a plant must sometimes be examined before its identification can be determined accurately. Collectors should leave specimens for future generations ; in the case of plants that are numerous it does not matter so much, but some of. the rare plants found should be left. One Victorian orchid, Thelynatra epipactoides, is now practically extinct. He also pointed out how the plants could be referred to their proper botanical orders and classes—grasses, lilies, and orchids being specially dealt with. Specimens of each order taken had been collected by each member of the party, the kangaroo grass (Anthistiria ciliata) being taken to illustrate the Graminese. Several lilies were collected, the pretty little grass lily (Caesia parviflora), the fringe lily (Thysanotus tuberosus), and Trycoryne elatior being typical specimens. Only two orchids were found in flower, Microtis porrifolta and Prasophyllum patens. A few of the plants seen in bloom were Goodenia geniculata, Leptorrhynchos pulchellus, Hypoxis hygrometrica (Vic- torian crocus), Vzminaria denudata, Xerotes longifolia, Bossiea prostrata, Helichrysum ferrugineum, and /sotoma fluviatilis. On the granite country, around Mount Martha, a few plants of Epacris impressa (native heath), were still March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. A007 blooming. The minute Candollea despecta was found in a swamp, together with Lobelia anceps. Two species of the Australian mistletoe were seen, Loranthus pendulus and ZL. celastroides, the latter growing on Eucalyptus viminalis, Leptospermum and Casuarina (she-oak). In the evening, members gathered in the large lecture tent to hear a lecture by Professor Ewart on the Pollina- tion of Flowers. The Director of Education, Mr. F. Tate, in a short speech, introduced the lecturer. The lec- ture was preceded with a few remarks on Nature-study and the history of botany. Nature-study does not con- sist of learning off a long list of scientific names. It is far better to know a few plants well—their habits, growth, chief characters, &c., than to simply learn many names. The oldest school of botanists studied plants from a medicinal point of view only. Then followed the systematists, who studied only structure; they named and catalogued the plants, but neglected the functions. Pre- sent-day botanists strive to find out the meaning and uses of the various parts of the plant. By means of lantern slides of beautiful photographs of flowers, the lecturer then described some of the most interesting and wonderful methods by which pollination is effected. ‘The three chief methods by which the pollen is conveyed from the stamens to the carpels are by means of wind, water, and animals. Grasses are typical wind-pollinated flowers ; Vallisneria is a typical water-pollinated plant; and many illustra- tions were presented to show the devices adopted by plants whose flowers are pollinated by means of insects. Some orchids are highly specialized to effect this pur- pose. After a number of questions were answered, the company dispersed and retired to rest. NOTES ON COLLECTING AND PRESERVING PLANTS. Specimens which are to be dried and kept in a herbarium should be carefully selected so as to get typical forms. They ought to be taken when in flower, but, specimens with the fruit on should also be taken, if possible. Small plants should be collected, roots and all, not omitting the basal leaves. In some plants the basal leaves wither before the time of flowering; specimens of these should be gathered before the basal leaves have fallen off. It is a good plan to have specimens of plants showing the unopened bud, the expanded flower, 908 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. (Vol. XXIII. and the ripe fruit, but not necessarily on a single speci- men. If this is done, the plant is shown in its succes- sive stages, and a seedling or seedling leaves of such plants as Acacia or Eucalyptus should always be added to the flowering specimen. It is advisable to collect two or three specimens of each kind of plant, so that after pressing, the best looking one can be kept for the her- barium. Besides, it is as well to have duplicates for purposes of exchange with other collectors. The specimens should be carried home either in a tin box or between sheets of blotting paper in a portfolio. Very small and fragile plants may be placed between the leaves of a book, and carried in the pocket. An enthusiastic collector who intends to have well-pressed specimens will carry a portfolio. Most plants will wither very quickly if carried in the hand. (he collecting portfolio is best made with two pieces of millboard, fastened either by tape or straps. A very useful size is 17 inches long by 11 inches wide. A supply of blotting or other absorbent paper must be pro- vided, in sheets the same size as the paste-board covers. The materials required for the press are blotting paper, flat boards, and weights. Any paper that is absorbent will do; some use ordinary newspaper, and good results can be obtained if great care is exercised. The flat boards and the sheets of paper should have the same size, preferably, that of the collecting portfolio. The weight to be placed on top will vary with the nature of the plants, whether they are dry or succulent, and also on the number being pressed. The weights generally used are from 30 to 60 lbs. In laying out the specimens in the press, it is well to use plenty of paper, so that the moisture will be quickly absorbed. The paper should be quite dry. Spread the specimens out carefully on the paper, crumpling the leaves and flowers as little as possible. Then cover with -paper; place more specimens, then paper, and so en, until there are perhaps six or seven layers. Place one of the flat boards on top; then more specimens and paper, until there are six or seven more layers. On top of all put another flat board and then the weights. By this method a large number of specimens can be pressed at one time. Care should be taken that the specimens are not put just in the middle of the paper; they should be spread evenly over the sheet to insure that every one is pressed. Specimens that are too long for the paper March, 1907. ] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 909: should be folded or cut in two. Very fleshy specimens should be dipped in boiling water for a minute or two before drying. Thick stems, root, rhizome, or bulbs, should be split in two, or have a slice taken from the under side, so that they lie flatter on the paper. The paper should be changed once a day or oftener during the first three or four days, less frequently after- wards ; the length of time necessary to dry the specimens varies with the nature of the plant (whether dry or suc- culent) and with the kind of paper used. Many little expedients will be suggested by practice. To retain colour, rapid drying is necessary. This can be done by using drying paper warmed in an oven and frequently changed, or by placing a layer of hot dry sand on the sheet of paper above the specimens, and im- mediately applying pressure. Care is needed to obiain good results. The dried specimens may be kept loosely between double sheets of paper, the size usually adopted being 17 inches long by 11 inches wide. But for use in schools, where the specimens are likely to be handled much, they are better fastened to stiff sheets of paper of white card- board. Strips of gummed paper or linen are often used for this purpose, but it will usually be found better to fasten the whole specimen to the sheet by means of glue. The best glue should be used; it ought to be of the consistency of cream, and dabbed on, while hot, with a brush. When the specimens are mounted, the sheets should be placed between newspapers, and pressed. The specimens should be accurately labelled with the locality, name of collector, date, botanical and common: names, and any other details that may be thought neces- sary. It will ‘be well to keep the native plants separate from the introduced ones, and to classify them accord- ing to their natural orders and genera, if possible. Other methods of classification may be adopted, e.g., garden weeds, pasture weeds, fodder plants, plants growing near water, trees, shrubs, climbers, &c. The cabinet. should be securely closed to keep out dust; and camphor or naphthaline should be placed on the shelves to keep off the small insects that will otherwise attack and destroy the specimens. If any insect or insect larve obtain entry in spite of this, place a saucer of carbon bisulphide in the case after school on Friday, close the case, and remove any carbon bisulphide remaining before the children return to school on Monday, taking care that 910 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIIT. no light is brought near the case until no strong odour is perceptible. If a list of the district plants is kept, it should show the time of flowering, and the kind of soil on which the plant grows, such as humus, swampy, clayey, calcareous, sandy, &c. ENTOMOLOGY. By C. French, Jun., Assistant Government Entomologist. The morning of 28th December was devoted to prac- tical field work; all the members attending camp—in- cluding the Director of Education—were present. The route taken was along the road towards Mount Martha, where many fine trees of the coast tea-tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) were dead, the cause being the attacks of scale insects, Planchonia and MM ytilaspis. The life history of these was explained to the teachers and notes were made of them. Several fine eucalypts (Eucalyptus globulus) were gradually being killed by longicorn beetles (77yphocaria Ephithora, Phoracantha, &e.), also by a scale Mytélaspis, which literally covered the boughs of the trees, causing them to wither and die off. A sooty fungus, which grows on the secretion from the scale insects closing up the pores of the leaves, &c., is -also largely responsible for the killing of many tea-trees. The remarkable galls (mimicking a flower bud) of a fly, Ceczdomyia, were gathered from the coast tea-tree. Many ot the black wattles are being attacked by beetles, prin- cipally the Uvacanthus triangularis, and on cutting open some boughs, the larva pupa, and perfect beetle were found. The banksias (coast honeysuckle) bore traces of the ravages of Buprestid@, chiefly the beautiful Bupres- tis, Cyria imperialis, and the large Malladon longicorn, Cremoplites edulis. ‘The larve of these were regarded by the aborigines—once plentiful on the coast, as a deli- cacy. On the she-oaks (Casuarina) were noticed many strange galls, some resembling the female flowers of the Casuarina, others like so many small pieces of wood plugged into the tree. The latter species was first dis- covered by Mr. C. French, sen., Government Entomolo- gist, in the Mallee district of Victoria, and named after him (f/renchia casuarinae) by the late W. Maskell, ene of the best authorities on scale insects in Australia. The life histories of the various specimens met with were explained, and a great number of EEA bos asked were answered at some length. March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 211 = The difference between galls caused by insects and those by furgi was pointed out, and some fine specimens of the latter were found on Acacia armata, where they were destroying a fine tree, over 100 galls being counted on one plant. Many other specimens were collected for further study by those present. After lunch, some demonstrations were given, viz. :— (1) The material required—umbrella, nets, cyanide bottle, bottle of methylated spirits, breeding cages, pill boxes, pocket boxes, forceps, lens, &c., for collecting. (2) Where to look for specimens; under bark, logs, stones, dead leaves, and branches of trees ; native flowers, &c. (3) How to relax, pin, and mount micro-coleoptera, hymenoptera, diptera, galls, &c. ; how to pre- serve and inflate larve; label and arrange in cabinets. (4) How to collect ertomological specimens. (5) The preservatives to use against various insects destroying stored collections. The teachers were afterwards invited to set, pin, and label moths, butterflies, and ‘‘ card ’’ micro-beetles. THeir work was very well carried out, showing that attention was paid to the demonstrations. A cabinet drawer be- longing to the economic entomological collection at the Department of Agriculture was shown, to enable those present to see how specimens should be arranged. After the demonstration was finished, questions were asked and answers given to each. An invitation given by the Government Entomologist, Mr. C. French, to visit the office collections was availed of, and on Thursday, 3rd January, about forty teachers attended, and were shown over the extensive collections by Mr. French and his son. The life histories of the various specimens were explained. The fine collection of Aus- tralian and foreign butterflies, moths, and beetles belong- ing to my father were greatly admired, and have since been inspected by many teachers who remained a few days longer in Melbourne. The teachers passed a hearty vote of thanks. In reply, Mr. French, sen., assured the party that the little assistance they could give was always gladly given by his son and himself. He hoped it would help to further Nature-study in our schools. ie THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. DIRECTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND MOUNTING BEETLES, ETC. Materials required for Field Work.—1. An umbrella, into which insects are shaken from bushes. This can also be used when pulling bark off eucalyptus trees. Hold umbrella under bark, and beetles will fall into it when bark is being pulled off. 2. A net, with 6-foot handle, for butterflies, moths, and beetles that are flying, or up on high branches. 3. Spirits of wine for killing the beetles. (N.B.—The imsects should be left for a day to dry before pinning.) Where the insect is highly coloured, formalin should be used, or, better still, cyanide of potassium. (N.B.—Great care should be used in using the latter so as not to inhale the fumes.) 4. Camel-hair brush, for transferring very small beetles to the bottle of spirits of wine. 5. For taking night-flying insects, a sheet of white cloth and a lantern are used; the insects flying towards the light remain on the sheet. Where to look for Beetles.—1. Dead bark of gum, wattle, and other trees. 2. Underneath stones and logs (ground beetles). 3. Flowers of tea-tree, prickly box (Awursavia), carrot, gum- trees, Kunzea, &c. 4. Among dead leaves. (N.B.—Shake leaves over umbrella.) 5. In burrows beside cow droppings (burying bettles). 6. In the déd7is left by floods (mostly ground beetles). >. Under seaweed on beach (very small beetles). 8. Inside fungus growths attached to trees, logs, &c. (fungi beetles). 9. Under bodies of dead animals (carrion beetles). 10. In old deserted birds’ nests (bird-nest beetles). Pinning and Labelling.—1. For pinning use entomological pins (No. 5). These do not rust, and are much better than ordinary pins. 2. Pin beetles on right wing case, near prothorax. 3. Prepare small, neat label of cardboard (to be fixed on the pin, (The dot denotes the position of pin in right wing case.) underneath the specimen). The label should give—(a) name; (0) where found; (c) date; and (d) locality. (N.B.—Very small insects should not be transfixed on the pin, but should be fixed with gum-mastic, seccotine, or istic upon a small, neat piece of cardboard, through the end of which the pin can be thrust. MACTURE ON WILD LIFE, At” HONE: By C. L. Barrett, Hon. Sec. Bird Observers’ Club. In the evening Mr. C. L. Barrett delivered a lecture entitled *‘ Wild Life at Home,’’ which was illustrated with an interesting series of lantern slides from photo- graphs taken direct from rature by Messrs. C. P, Kinane, E. B. Nicholls, and the lecturer. Mr. Barrett, it was soon seen, was an observer of wild life, and not a mere anatomist. The study of living crea- tures was most fascinating, and of great utility from an March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 21 oo economic stand-poirt. By watching birds, for instance, at work and play, in their native haunts, one learned their value as destroyers of insects and other pests whose depredations meant an immense arnual loss to the State. The working out of an animal’s life-history was just as important as classifying it and studying its anatomy, Nc. The lecturer then described ‘‘ Walden Hut,’’ a pictu- resque little bush home, built on the banks of Olinda Creek, about 3 miles north-east of Lilydale, which he and his companions secured some four years ago, with the object of photographing and observing the wild lite of the district. The experiment was suggested by reading the works of H. D. Thoreau, the poet-naturalist of Concord, U.S.A..,. and John Burroughs, the charming American Nature stu- dent, who at the present time is living at ‘‘ Slabsides,’’ a rural retreat similar to ‘‘ Walden Hut.”’ The lecturer then proceeded to give an account of the bird life of Olinda Vale, illustrating his remarks with lantern pictures of the rests, eggs, and young of many familiar species, including blue wrens, fantails, butcher birds, &c. He also showed portraits of several wild pets, among them being a pigmy. flying phalanger and a blue- tongued lizard. The habits of the cuckoos were dealt with at some length, the origin of their parasitical habits beirg touched upon. Mr. Barrett showed a remarkable series of slides depicting the life-history of a cuckoo from the time of its birth to the day it left its foster-parents to become a melancholy-voiced wanderer through the bush. Referring to the much-disputed question whether ani- mals possess any power of reason, the lecturer related how three young laughing jackasses, reared rear ‘‘ Walden Hut,’’ were taught by their parents to utter the loud, gurgling notes so familiar in the bush. He also described the action of a pair of scarlet-breasted robins, who dis- played almost human intelligence in rescuing a nestling from captivity. Many instances were giver of the trials of the bird- photographer, who is often compelled to endure agonies from mosquitoes, which he dared not move his hand to brush away for fear of frightening his subject. The lecture was concluded with a short disquisition on the value of insectivorous birds to the farmer and orchardist, and the urgent need for their fuller protection. Mr. Barrett’s lecture supplied a complete answer to ‘those who so often say that Nature-study is cruel, and 914 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. {Vol. XXIII. means pain and death to the “subject ’’ studied. Here was a glimpse of genuine Nature-study—that real study which leads directly to its correlative, Nature nurture. This is our best result, for our purpose is the loving study of the living. Would that more of our teachers could have heard it, and seen for themselves the fascinating life of these patient bird-lovers, who found so much of interest and value in a district within about twenty miles of Mel- bourne. Most of our teachers have opportunities, and often better opportunities of similar studies in connexion with the wonderful bird-life of this favoured State. THE ROCKS STUDIED IN THE FIELD. By T. S. Hall, M.A., Lecturer and Demonstrator in Biology, University of Melbourne. Attention was mainly devoted to the results of the de- composition of rocks, as consideration had elsewhere been given to their formation, The first rock examired was a coarse sandstone forming part of the lignitic series. The rough grains of sand, irregular and fissured, are derived from the decomposition of a granite like that of Mount Martha, close by. The cement is iron oxide, or iron rust. The grains of sand are knocked off the solid rock by the scour of the loose beach-sand driver by the waves. The coat of iron cement is partly scrubbed off and partly dissolved by the sea water. The fine material is carried off to deeper water, and white and transparent quartz grains form almost all the beach. This sand may have formed part of many rocks in succession, and is now ready to form part of some new rock. Next, we considered bluestone or basalt. This is a vol- canic lava. It is dark in colour, and heavy, on account of the large amount of iron in one of its constituent minerals, for it is composed of several. Ore of its mine- rals, felspar, looks like chopped grass. The lath-like crystals are seen under the microscope to interlace. They are tough, just as sal-ammoniac or asbestos is tough, so that, though this felspar is not so hard as quartz, it is not so easily pounded to powder. Owing to the felt-like structure of the rock, and its toughness, bluestone forms the best of all rocks for road-making where the traffic is heavy, and is extensively used in Victoria. March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 915 Though bluestone is so tough, yet it will decay under the action of rain water. ‘The felspars decompose, the soluble parts wash away, the iron dissolves out, and at last we get a white clay. These changes were clearly traceable step by step in the cliff. If aurirg decompo- sition plant-roots penetrate and decay, then the mixture of decaying rock and plant produces the rich chocolate or black soil characteristic of our bluestone plains, and so eagerly sought after by the agriculturist. Then we turned our attention to the high cliffs of sand, cemerted by iron-rust, which are so marked q feature of parts of the Mornington coast. The top of the cliffs is crowned by a dense growth of coast tea-tree, sheoak, and honeysuckle. For the first 20 or 30 feet downward the sands are white; then gradually they become more and more mixed with iron-rust. The colour changes from yellow to a rich dark-brown, or even in places to a brown- ish-red. Lower stil!, the colour fades somewhat, and a uniform brown reaches to the bottom of the cliff. By the colour we can, even at a distance, judge the proportion of iron rust in the sands. The uppermost part contains almost none, except for a band a couple of feet from the top.. This is the iron-pan, and we discussed it subse- quently. The lowest part at the foot of the cliffs con- tains less iron than the middle series below the white sand. The stratification lines, which mark the successive sheets of sediment, are horizortal, but the white band follows the surface of the ground. It has been formed subse- quently to the piling of the sediment. All the sands were once brown. Something has removed the iron from the upper layers, and added it to that already in the middle layers, while the lower layers are unchanged. Bacteria are popularly regarded as entirely noxious and injurious. But many of them promote decay of organic material. Without the decay, all plant and animal food would be soon locked up. As the scrub we see on the cliff-top dies, bacteria attack it. In the complicated series of changes they brirg about, abundant acids are formed, which are capable of dissolving iron as well as other things. They remove all the iron from the surface layers. and, as they alter their composition deeper down, the iron is again set free, to increase the amount in the middle layers. Ir the afternoon, the structure, composition, and pro- ducts of decay of the Mount Martha granite were ex- amined, and the characteristic flora of granite under similar conditions of climate was pointed out. 916 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. THE MOSQUITO. By J. A, Leach, M.Sc., Organizing Inspector of Nature- study, Education Department, Victoria. Owing to the unfortunate recall to Melbourne of the Director of Education, it was necessary to substitute, at short notice, a lecture for Saturday. A lecture, illus- trated by lantern views and living larve and pups, was therefore given by Mr. Leach on the Mosquito. As the mosquito has been shown to be a necessary agent in the spread of such dangerous diseases as malarial and yellow fever, as well as of filariasis, and possibly of dengue fever, this small creature is attracting an amount of notice quite disproportionate to its size. The name mosquito, derived through the Portuguese from Lat. musca, causes some slight confusion. In Brazil, the animal we know as the sandfly is the mosquito, while in England the mosquito is called the gnat. The difference between gnats and mosquitoes seems to be, in fact, entirely one of temperature. In cold weather, the animal does not suck blood, and so it is a ‘‘ gnat.’’ But, with increasing temperature, she seems to develop a thirst which can only be appeased by blood-sucking. Thus the grat of cold weather is identical with the mosquito of warmer weather. But there is not likely to be any con- fusion in Victoria about the identity of the animal, for you all know her well. By means of lantern views, mostly photos. taken with the help of the miscroscope by Mrs. F. Stone, of Mel- bourne, the structure of the insect and its wonderful set of bloodsucking implements was shown. These blood-sucking implements are things of wonder and of beauty, for, just as there is a beauty of form and colour, so there is also a beauty of adaptation to function, and these interesting mouth-parts are perfectly adapted for their unpleasant work. The mosquito was seen to be a typical insect divided ‘clearly into the usual parts—head, thorax, and abdomen. The abdomen, concerned with digestion and egg-pro- duction, has no appendages. The thorax is concerned with locomotion, which is effected in two ways. First, the animal walks by the aid of its six jointed legs. Then, it flies with the help of its one pair of wings, the second pair, as in the house- fly, being reduced to mere knobs. ‘These, possibly, serve as sense-organs, and assist the animal in maintaining its ‘balance. Hence, they are called balancers. March, 1907. ] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. D1 -~J The head, concerned with sense organs, and food-gett- ing, bore the usual compound eyes, the feelers or antenne, delicate sense organs about whose use we know but little; and the wonderful beak or proboscis. The latter really consists of a very perfect and complete set of appliances for blood-sucking purposes. The upper lip is much elongated, and is tubular in cross-section. The first pair of jaws (mandibles) is much elongated, and very sharp and delicate, to serve as lancets to pierce the flesh of the unoffending victim. The second pair of jaws (first maxillz) are also elongate, but are stouter than the man- dibles. The lower ends of these are toothed, so that they are modified into very delicate ard effective saws. The third pair of jaws (second maxille) have grown together and formed the large tubular structure known as the beak or proboscis. Thus, this is really a case to enclose and support the very delicate surgical instruments within. In addition to these five elongate piercers (upper Jip, two lancets, and two saws), the mosquito has the honour of a new structure. Nature modifies an existing structure to any required extent, but she seems very reluctant to allow a new structure, so that the mosquito is highly honoured. The extra structure serves two purposes. First, it con- veys the saliva down into the blood of the victim, for this saliva, being used to thin down the blood ard prevent its coagulation, would be useless in the mosquito’s mouth. It is wanted down in the victim’s blood, so the salivary duct is continued down a fine structure called the “ hypo- pharynx.’’ This structure, being flattered, serves also to close the tubular upper lip, so that the blood can be drawn up that into the mosquito’s body. When a mosquito bites, it places the end of the lower lip on the victim’s hand, and shakes its head, thus sawing through the skin. The lower lip now bends up near the head, and so the end of it is raised, while the six piercers sink into the flesh. The muscular throat now acts as a pump, and the blood is speedily pumped up. In return for our kindness in giving the mosquito blood, she gives us with the saliva two things we decidedly ebject to. First there is poison, which produces a most irritating effect on some people, while others seem to be immune to it. Secondly, there are very tiny microscopic animals, which give rise to the deadly diseases already mentioned. The mosquito is the involuntary, but neces- sary, agent in the transmission of these animals; but why 2761. ¢ 918 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. she has poison, which apparently serves no useful pur- pose, is a puzzle. Or the side of the first maxille are the maxillary palps, feeler-like processes. These are probably of very little use to the mosquito, but are of great use to us. In the female mosquito (Culex) these palps are very short, so she may be recognised at once. In the male Culex they are very long, longer than the beak. The feelers are also very hairy in the male, so that he can be recognised by the naked eye with ease. He is about the same size as the female, but is a harmless vegetarian. He has no saws and no sucking throat. His mouth parts are also poorly developed when compared with those of the female. The life-history was described in detail. It is one of the most fascinating and marvellous of all life-histories, for at every stage the animal takes advantage of the won- derful top of the water—a thing we, as yet, know com- paratively little about. The mosquito makes full use of it at all stages. At the same time, though, it proves a source of great danger to her, for, should she get her toes wet, it will hold her fast prisoner and drown her. Larve and pupe were shown alive by means of inspec- tion troughs placed in the lantern. These excited great interest by their active movements. The malarial mosquito, formerly recorded as being ab- sent from Victoria, was illustrated by lantern photos. of the Melbourne Anopheles (male and female) by Mrs. Stone. It is easily recognised, for, while the common mosquito rests with its body parallel to the surface it is resting on, and its back hunched, with the mouth parts at right angles to the body, the Anopheles keeps mouth parts, head, thorax, and abdomen all in the one line, so that it stands on its head approximately at right angles to the surface it rests on. While the Culex has gauzy wings, the Anopheles has white and black splots along the frort edge of each wing. Thus it somewhat resembles the large feathers of a lyre- bird’s tail. Again, the maxillary palps are about the same length in each sex as the proboscis. ‘The male may be distinguished from the female Anopheles, as he is very hairy. He has been called the whiskered male, the feelers having whorls of long hairs at each point. By means of the inspection troughs and the lantern, kerosene was shown to be an efficient agent in killing the larvee and pup, so that any one troubled by mosquitoes can quickly reduce the pest by ‘‘ pourirg oil on the (stand- ing) waters.”’ March, 1907. ] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. I19 SHORE LIFE. By O. A. Sayce, Demonstrator of Bacteriology, Melbourne University. Monday, 31st DecemLer, was devoted to studying shore- life under the leadership of Mr. O. A. Sayce, of the Mel- bourne University. To secure low tides, it was necessary to be up early in the morning, to which call the whole of the camp cheerfully responded. The party was taken first to a rocky point near the camp. Before any collecting was done, the leader offered some remarks on different methods adopted in searching for animal life. Besides a few wide-mouthed glass jars and smaller bottles, a glass dipping-tube, with indiarubber compres- sible bulb attached to one end, and a wash-hand basin were taker, and it was shown that, after collecting hand- fuls of sea-weed and rinsing them in the basin of water, numbers of animals were seen to swim away. Some could be caught by the fingers, but the smaller ones re- quired other means. It was shown that, by taking a dip- ping-tube and compressing the bulb, then placing the open end of the tube in the water (when brought near to the little creature sought), and allowing the bulb to sud- denly expand, the animal was drawn up with some water into the tube, the conterts were expelled into one of the smaller bottles, and the object could then. be observed living, or killed and preserved. Many kinds of sedentary forms also were found inhabiting sea-weed. By letting favorable pieces spread out in the basir of water, small sponges, colonies of hydioid zoophytes, polyzoa, and- others could easily be detected and transferred to bottles or jars containing sea-water ; these being kept quiet for a little and searched, preferably with the aid of a magni- fying glass, tiny animals, often most beautiful in appear- ance, were seen to extend themselves from their cells or tubes. After this demonstration, the party commenced collect- ing, and, besides searching under stones and ir rock-pools along the area exposed at low tide, some members, who came prepared with boots and trousers that would not suffer by getting wet, waded into the water and carried to the shore boulders taken from under the water. Soon the visitors were struck by the immense variety of living things found thereon ; also, when the softer boulders were broken up, they saw strange and brightly-coloured worms, some of them tube-dwellers, with feathery heads of beau- tiful colours, along with many burrowing shell-fish. c2 290 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIEt. After about an hour’s collecting in this way, the leader classified the animals into groups of common kinship, and explained their anatomy, life-histories, and peculiar habits, in which Mr. Leach assisted. It was seen that all the larger groups of invertebrate animals were represented. After some further searching by the party, they were taken to a different place, and consideration was given to certain crustaceans—crabs, shrimps, and shore-hoppers. Showers of rain continuing to fall, the party adjourned to one of the large marquees, where Mr. Sayce explained various methods of permanently preserving invertebrate animals, and showed examples. Also he exhibited some animals he had dredged up in the bay not far off—tor instance, some ‘‘ masking crabs’’ that clothed themselves with sea-weed by snipping off pieces and attaching these to hooks on the surface of their body and legs. He said they clothed and unclothed themselves to match their er- vironment, so as to make the purpose of hiding themselves from predatory animals effective under altering conditions. Other masking-crabs were shown that had specially modi- fied hind legs to enable them to hold a sponge or shell over their backs and walk about without attracting notice. In the afternoon, further work was done on the shore. A piece of reef-building coral of the species found living in a few places, but of small extent, in our bay, led to a chat about what is thought about the formation of coral islands. The leader stated that they are mostly inhabi- tants of warm, shallow seas, and our species is but a rem- nant left to struggle on against adverse circumstances. Their relation to the solitary corals (a fossil species picked up being shown), sea-anemones, and hydroids was given. PORT PHILLIP INVERTEBRATES AND THEIR INLAND RELATIONS. By O. A. Sayce, Demonstrator of Bacteriology, Melbourne University. On Monday evening, a lecture was given by Mr. Sayce, illustrated with lantern slides, entitled ‘‘ Comparison of some Port Phillip Invertebrate Animals with their Inland Relations.’’ He pointed out the peculiar vicissitudes to which animals at the shore were exposed as compared with land and fresh-water forms,.and spoke of it as the place at which many adaptations and varieties of forms had originated, and very many of the great lessons of ye, March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 22] life were learnt and passed on to succeeding generations. He said that the shore and shallow-sea fauna was the original one, whence have been derived, on the one hand, the deep-sea fauna, and, on the other hand, the fresh- water and terrestrial faunas. No other environment pos- sessed such a diversity of kinds of animals living within narrow limits. When contrasted with a freshwater or land fauna, it was easily seen that, in either of these, there was a much greater uniformity. With the aid of a fine series of lantern slides, he made comparison of different animals living inland with allied forms found that day on the shore. It was seen that, with the exception of the echinoderms, to which sea-urchirs, starfish, and sea-cucumbers belong, all the larger groups of invertebrate animals, such as sponges, ccelentera, seg- mented and unsegmented worms, crustaceans, insects, and molluscs were represented by allied forms in our inland fresh waters. In the explanation of the structure and life-history of the hydroid zoophytes, belonging to the group C@lentera, the audience was much interested with the remarkable alternation of generations which they possess, and received a clear exposition, by comparison of the free swimming medusa with its parent, the colonial form (often called a seaweed), and with the simple naked hydra inhabiting our fresh waters. Others of the Celentera — the sea- anemones and corals—were briefly referred to and com- pared with the zoophytes, and, although so unlike on a casual observatior, it was seen that on close examination they all possessed a similar ground-work of structure. In the crustaceans, it was shown that the common shore- hopper possessed very close relations living inland in damp forest country, where two species existed, one called Talitrus sylvaticus, and another undescribed species. These terrestrial forms were compared with their nearest marine relatives, and it was seen that certain adaptations in structure existed—particularly ir the organs of loco- motion and the breathing apparatus—to fit them for their altered ervironment. It was also said that several species inhabited our fresh waters, but were not so closely related. Speaking further of the Crustaceans, the lecturer said that we possessed in our mountain streams remnants of an archaic fauna, several species of which were blind, and were of considerable zoological interest. 299 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. POND LIFE. By J. Shephard, Electrical Engineer. A start was made for some ponds not far from the camp. The leader, not having been in camp previously, was ‘n- debted to several members who had noted the locality of the neighbouring pools, and were able to direct the party, without loss of time, to the most promising places. On reaching the first pool, the party grouped itself under the shade of a convenient tree, while the leader made some remarks generally descriptive of the organisms coming under the comprehensive term of ‘‘ pond life.”’ It was pointed out that the range was wide, stretching from the simple Protozoa to Vertebrates. ‘The Protozoa being all microscopic, the necessity of optical means for their study was apparent. The suggestion was made that where possible a microscope would be a useful addition to a school. If the instrument were of a simple character with moderate powers, the glasses might be of excellent quality and yet of very reasonable price. Such an instru- ment would open out a very large field of interest. The best methods of collecting were explained. In the case of small free-swimming animals the lecturer advised the use of a _ small muslin ret of conical shape, which could be made very much more efficient by the addition at the apex of a piece of glass tube 2 to 3 inches long and about ?-inch diameter, with muslin over the free end; and where this was not available, an ordinary small round bottle was much superior to the net alone. The use of a flat-sided bottle or trough to further examine the gathering was shown. The groups Exztomostraca, Insecta, Rotifera, and others were described briefly, allusions being made to their methods of preserving the species over periods of drought. Stress was laid on the fact that very little work had been dore throughout the State in this branch of Nature-study, and that opportunities of making valuable observations as to the distribution of well-known forms were open to teachers who were distributed in everv part of the State. The audience listened with attention, and it is hoped heard something to help them in the branch of Nature- study dealt with. Afterwards the pools were examined’ the members of the party being most persevering in their efforts to discover as much as possible. All the ponds visited were probably excavations for stock-watering pur- poses, but many objects of interest were obtained. + ae March. 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 293 Naturally, the larger forms readily discernible by the naked eye received most attention; and, amongst these, examples of the beetle tribe were found, which included Dytiscus, Hydrophilus, both larval forms and the per- fect insects, and of course the family Gyrinidae perform- ing their evolutions on the surface. Larval forms of the dragon flies, caddis flies, dragging about their ingeniously- made cases, mosquitoes, and many others were all pointed out. Unpromising as the pools looked, specimens of Polyzoa rewarded the searchers, and opportunity was taken to point out how the resting eggs of this and ‘others forms might lie dormant in the dust and retain their vitality even in the extreme state of dessication im- posed by our fierce summer heats, and allusion was made to the rapidity with which the pools became stocked with life when the autumnal rains filled the hollows with water. One pool was thought from its greenness to con- tain Volvox, but closer examination showed that the organism was a unicellular plant. Opportunity was taken to show what interesting problems as to the dividing line between animals and plants were raised by such forms as Volvox. Opportunity was taken, also, to show that, besides a scientific side, there was also an economic one, hydatids and sheep fluke being matters on which a correct view of their cause could be obtained by a knowledge of the pond life organisms which harboured them. A second trip was made after lunch, and the pools visited were all of the same character. The haphazard way in which the objects turn up in such circumstances necessarily made the work done of a disconnected charac- ter; and, further, many objects, as was, pointed out, re- quired careful examination to determine, but the work done would be of use to those previously unacquainted with the subject who might apply themselves to it. AUSTRALIA’S MAMMALS AND THEIR PLACES OF ORIGIN. By T. S. Hall, Lecturer and Demonstrator in Biology. Melbourne University. The scrappy chapters on animal and plant distribution at the end of geographies are usually bare catalogues. The whole philosophy of the thing is ignored. We learn that rhinoceroses are found in Africa, sloths in South 994 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Volwax xen America, and nowhere else. There are no giraffes in Australia, and so on. There is a reason for these facts, and one that can be found if we search diligently for it. It is now accepted by zoologists that all animals now existing have descended from pre-existing forms, and that the diversity of animal life is due to modification during this descent. It is held that all lions, tigers, and other cats, both large and small, have descended from common ancestors. Similarly all mosquitoes spring from the same ancestral mosquito-stock, and so on throughout both animal and plant world. This, it may be noted in pass- ing, is not the Darwinian theory. What Darwin did was to offer an explanation of how the variations from the original stock were emphasized and perpetuated, giving rise to species and to the various Jarger groups. The mammals of Australia comprise marsupials and egg-laying mammals, and a few higher forms which are late-comers ; they are interlopers or strays from elsewhere. In the lecture the characters of the platypus and echidna, or porcupine ant-eater, which are egg-laying mammals, were briefly indicated, and by the aid of a series of lantern slides, many of which were due to Mr. Dudley Le Souef, the main kinds of marsupials were de scribed. Running through the whole class of marsupials. is the clearly-seen bond of kinship. They are sprung all from the same ancestral stock. The only other place in the world where marsupials. are found is America, and they are commoner and more varied in South America. But the American marsupials, as a whole, are not very closely allied to our Australian ones, so that though both sets must have a common mar- supial ancestry, yet it must have been very long ago that they diverged. The two branches have had time to become very different, and the time cannot have been short, for the differences are great. Land mammals cannot cross the ocean; even a narrow strait is a barrier that sets definite bounds to their spread. If, then, we find the same animals on an island as we ds on the neighbouring mainland, we must conclude that the island was once part of the mainland, and that the animals passed over dry-shod. A very large proportion of animals of all kinds, marsupials, egg-laying mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, freshwater fish, insects, worms, and so on, are identical in Tasmania and Southern Victoria. Indeed, the zoological relationship of Tasmania and Southern Victoria are closer than those of Southern and Northern Victoria. March, 1907. ] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. bo Lo Or The only satisfactory explanation of the Tasmanian alliance is a landbridge, and that a fairly recent one, where Bass Strait now lies. As regards the relationship of Australia and South America, they are closer than those of Australia and any other continent. There is practically no relationship, for instance, with Asia. As Australia must have obtained its land animals from some- where, we look then to South America as their source; or to put it more cautiously, the two continents must both have obtained their animals from a common source, which was long shut off from the rest of the world. Continents are not everlasting, “ like mists they form themselves and go.’”’ Parts now joined were once sepa- rated, and parts like South America and Africa now divided by sea were once joined. Some groups of animals are older than others, and the older they are the more opportunities they have had of spreading. So we find tapirs on the Orinoco and in Malaysia. The lecture concluded with the display of a series of maps, showing the probable distribution of land and water at varlous epochs in the past. TIMBER AND TREES. By Ernest Lees, Teacher of Woodwork, Continuation School, Melbourne. On Wednesday morning, 2nd January, 1907, Mr. Ernest Lees, of the Melbourne Continuation School, led the party to study the trees of the district. The first halt was made under an old gum-tree, which was surrounded by tea-tree scrub. Mr. Lees pointed out that botanists placed the gum-tree (Eucalyptus) in the same natural order (M/yrtacee@) as the tea-tree (Leptos- permunr), though to a casual observer they were not much alike. The eucalyptus leaf was studied, and its falcate shape, leathery structure, and oil glands noted. The shadeless character of eucalypts was seen to be due to the habit the leaves have of turning edgeways to the sun. How the stimulus is received and transmitted is not thoroughly known, but is comprehended under the term “negative heliotropism.’’ Sections made of the fruit disclosed many small seeds lying in the ovaries. 296. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. (Vol. XXIII. The timber of many species was spoken of in high praise by Mr. Lees. The red-gum (£. vostrata), of which a grove of a few acres was discovered in the vicinity of ° the camp,. perhaps, occupies first place, on account of its wonderful durability, which is only rivalled by the West Australian jarrah (/. marginata). So great have been the demands on red-gum for fence-posts, foundations of ~ wooden structures, bridges, and shipping piers, that it is becoming scarcer every year; and one carnot help feeling, both with regard to this and other timbers which will be presently mentioned, that it is a great pity that a more satisfactory system of forest conservation has not been adopted in order to save our timber areas for the future as well as the present benefit of the community. Blue-gum (Z. globulus) is very valuable for the under- carriage of vehicles and in any position where strength combined with elasticity and durability is necessary. This tree requires deep rich soil and abundant rainfall, and flourishes in such localities as Cape Otway Forest and Tasmania. The few artificially-planted specimens in the neighbourhood were seen to be sickly, owing to unsuita- bility of soil. Numerous other eucalypts were mentioned, e.g., iron-bark (EF. leucoxylon), yellow box (E. mellio- dora), stringy-bark (E. macrorrhyncha), messmate (E. obliqua), and peppermint (£. amygdalina), the tallest tree in the world. Their uses were briefly enumerated. The tea-tree (Leptospermum levigatum), on account of its gnarled and twisted trunk, is of little use as timber, but is splendid for fuel, and much sought after by bakers for heating their ovens. It is extremelv useful as a break- wind along the coast, and as a sand-binder. The next tree met with belonged to the she-oak family. The name she-oak is a most misleading one, for the tree bears not the slightest resemblance to an oak, and the timber is only similar in having prominent “silver grain Hi (medullary rays). On a cross-section being made, these were seen radiating from the pith to the barklike spokes in a wheel. They are present in all trees, though not always visible to the naked eye. The botanical name for she-oak is Casuarina, from the resemblance of the foliage to the plumage of the cassowary (Z. Casuarius). The apparent leaves were found to be branchlets at whose joints a whorl of very minute rudimentary leaves was seen. These branchlets perform the function of leaves, and are of course coloured green with chlorophyll. March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 297 Several of the species provide timber suitable for cabinet work, and, as the whole genus prefers a dry or a saline soil, some fine samples were observed during the outing. Native honeysuckles (Ganksia) were fairly plentiful, quite a forest being seen at Balcombe’s Creek, where one specimen was found to be 4 feet in diameter. Their leaves, dark-green above and almost white beneath, when tossed in the breeze, give the same effect as the leaves of the silver poplar. The name honeysuckle is altogether misleading, though there is a story that the aborigines ‘used to suck honey from the large bottle-brush shaped flowers. The scientific name is Banksia, in honour of Sir Joseph Banks, the botanist who accompanied ‘Captain Cook to Australia. Grevilleags and hakeas belong to the same order, Proteace@, most members of which are in- digenous to Australia. Linnaeus named the order after Proteus, the sea-god, who had the power to assume any form he pleased, as some of the species are outwardly so different from each other. Banksia timber is beautifully marked with ‘‘ silver grain,’’ is fairly easily worked, and is suitable for cabinet work, having a very pleasing appearance when polished. The wattles were found in great abundance ; and, under the feathery (d2-pinnate) leaves of a black wattle, a lesson on the family was given. ‘The common name is again not a good one. The botanical one is simple and suitable— Acacia, derived from a Greek word, @ké, a sharp point, for some of the family are provided with thorns, and, in the case of Acacia armata, make a cattle-proof fence. Several of the acacias possess a large quantity of tannic -acid, which is valuable for converting hides into leather, and much of the tannin is secreted in the bark. The black (A. decurrens), the silver (A. dealbata), and the golden wattle (A. pycnantha), are of commercial value in this respect. Most of the order provide very tough elastic timber, with very dark duramen (heart-wood). Mr. Lees indicated the most valuable timber-tree of all the acacias—the renowned blackwood (A. melanoxylon), whose uses for furniture and cabinet work are so well known. Perhaps no timber in the world is more hand- some than the justly celebrated fiddleback blackwood, which is so much in request for billiard tables, &c. In responding to a vote of thanks, Mr. Lees said if the pupils of our schools could be got to take an intel- ligent interest in tree-life, the forestry problem, which, up to the present, had not received the attention it de- served, would be solved; and Victoria would then be 9I8 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol, XXTIT:z able to take full advantage of the great gift that Nature had given in her splendid forests. He himself would be pleased to hear from the teachers if they thought he could be of use in identifying specimens or giving in- formation. ASTRONOMICAL DEMONSTRATIONS. By R. J. A> Barnard, M.A., Lecturer in Mathematics, and Natural Philosophy, Queen’s and Ormond Colleges, Melbourne University. Mr. Barnard pointed out first some of the more im- portant constellations and brighter stars; and explained that the stars were, from early times, classed according to their brightness in six classes or magnitudes. In modern times, this classification has been made more accurate by dividing the magnitudes up so that we now speak of a star as being of magnitude 2.4 or 5.6, or any- thing else of the kind, so that there is a regular gradation from the first magnitude to the sixth the latter being the faintest visible to the ordinary naked eye. A tenth of a magnitude is the smallest difference that one can generally be sure of in comparing two stars. Starting from near the Southern Cross, Alpha Centauri, the brighter of the two “‘ Pointers,” and the nearest star to the earth, was seen, with the small telescope lent to the camp, to consist of two separate stars, which, in reality, revolve round one another in eighty years. The fainter of these two is very similar to the sun in con- stitution, mass, and brilliancy, and probably also in size. Their distance apart averages only a little more than the distance of Uranus from the sun. Among other objects observed were clusters of stars in the Milky Way in Argo, especially the great combination of star cluster and nebula surrounding Eta Carine (better known probably as Eta Argus). This star is itself remarkable for having been, between 1840 and 1850, equal in bright- ness to Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. At present, it is invisible to the naked eye. Another remarkable nebula, that in Orion, was also well seen in this tele- scope. Recent photographs show that this nebula really extends over the whole of the constellation of Orion. One or two of the brighter variable stars were also pointed out, especially 2 Carine, whose variations in brightness are very easy for a beginner to observe, either with the naked eye or with the help of a field glass. To make such observations, it is only necessary to have a March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 2929 list of some of the surrounding stars with their magni- tudes, for example, the following stars in Carina, namely— Lipson, macnitude 3-4 5° omega = 3:7 50 @ =13.0:; CS AGRE RSS: Then finding, for example, that the star lies in bright- ness between a@ and 7, it is possible to estimate its brightness to the tenth of a magnitude, at least after some practice at the work. In this way, it was easily found at the camp that, on the successive nights of 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th December, the magnitudes of 7 Carine were as nearly as possible 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9. The star varies from magnitude 3.6 to 5.2 and back in about thirty-four days. Put in another way, it means that the star was giving us just about four times as much light on 25th Dagens vee as it would be about seventeen days after. Other stars go through changes more or less complicated in much shorter times. For example, not far from / Carine a rather fainter star, V Puppis, is easily observable, by a practised observer, to go through a complete series of changes in thirty-five hours, and in that time, starting from the minimum brightness, it increases to a maximum, falls off a little again, increases to its maximum, and goes down to its original minimum. Its brightness is represented gra- phically thus— Magnitude 4:/ $4 4-7 hime Z 6 17 26 35 in hours It is, consequently, easy to observe the change in bright- ness in the course of two or three hours, “if properly observed with a field glass. In this case, the changes are doubtless due to the presence of two stars very close to one another, revolving and mutually eclipsing one another. But ‘this is not the explanation in the case of Z Carine, of which indeed, as well as of the great majority of variable stars, the explanation is taknown. : 230 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. (Vol. XXIII. Castor in the Twins gave a good example of what has been learnt of late years by means of the spectroscope. In a small telescope this star appears to be double, like Alpha Centauri, but with a period of about 300 years. The spectroscope, however, has proved that each of the two components is double, though they can not be seen so in any telescope. In one pair, the stars revolve round one another in nine days, and in the other in three days, so that we have here a very complicated system of four separate large stars. A VISITORS IMPRESSIONS: By T. W. Bothroyd, M.A., Inspector of Schools, Education Department. The recent Nature-study Camp at Mornirgton, under the auspices of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, was one of the most significant educational gatherings ever held in Victoria. Here fifty or sixty teachers were as- sembled together to receive instruction in various aspects of Nature from acknowledged experts. They were af- forded an opportunity of seeing scientific methods applied by trained minds to interpret the phenomena of Nature. Since the selected teachers came from every part of Victoria, it is easy to see how far-reaching will be the effects on the study of Nature in Victoria. The camp was pleasantly situated in a break of the tea- tree about two miles south of Mornington; and, from it, ar uninterrupted view of the Bay was-gained. The organization of the leader, Mr. Leach, and his committee —consisting of Messrs. T. S. Hall, Kitson, Armitage, Pritchard, Kershaw, and Lees—was perfect, and over- looked nothing needed for the comfort and instruction of the visitors. A fine spirit pervaded the camp. So far as I observed, not a singe discordant note was struck. The definition of Lloyd Morgan, so frequently quoted by Mr. Leach, ‘‘ that Nature-study is a process whereby commor things acquire a meaning,” took on a deeper significance in these excursions. The immediate vicinity afforded an ample and varied field of observation. Under the skilful interpretation of Messrs. Hall and Pritchard, the sea-shore and cliffs were made to yield up their storv of the past ages. And what a fascirating story it is! ‘There rolls the deep where grew the tree, O Earth, what changes hast thou seen !” March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 231 The lignite and leaf beds exposed at certain places on the beach were evidence of the former existence of a quiet fresh-water lagoon, into which the vegetation on the margin was drifted, to be later mixed with sand and grit. This, again, was covered by a flow of lava, probably having its centre of activity near Portarlington. This was portion of the older volcanic outburst, patches of which may be seen at North Melbourne, around Warragul and Drouin, near Leongatha, Mirboo North, and other places in South Gippsland. Denudation has removed the greater part of these older lava flows. The marine fauna found in the blue clays bore testi- mony of forms of life ard climatic. conditions long since passed away. The gypsum deposits, the variously coloured clays in the cliffs, the very sands, and the ironstone pebbles, were seen to be fraught with meaning. All these phenomena were connected and co-ordinated in a series of illuminating talks, listened to with the deepest interest. In these, it was shown that the changes ob- served were brought about by the existing forces of Nature. operating throughout all the ages with the same average intensity as at present. The disintegrating influence of the sun, of the atmosphere and its phenomena, and the ceaseless beating of the waves upon the cliffs, are as potent to-day as ever. Accordingly, the surface of the earth is undergoing gradual change, which, given time enough, will produce all the physical phenomena met with. Thus it was with each excursion. The wonderful variety of shore life was studied in its native habitat. It was shown how the vegetation of the coast had adapted itself to the corditions of life ruling there. The mar- vellous examples of mimicry in the galls found on the tea-tree and she-oak were pointed out and examined. Many insect pests destructive to vegetation were seen, and their life-histories worked out or described. | How these are kept in check was indicated, and how great the need for the protection of useful birds and insects impressed. The study of the myriad forms of plant life was full of charm. With the aid of a telescope, Mr. R. J. A. Bar- nard gave nightly lecturettes upon astronomy. ‘These, giving visitors glimpses into the wonders of ‘‘ the star- sown depths of space,’’ were greatly appreciated. The evening lectures, illustrated with lantern views, were not the least enjoyable and instructive features of the camp. D3) THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. And what has this Nature-study camp done for the teachers who attended it? It has done much — how much it would be impossible to say.. The quiet, sus- tained enthusiasm shown throughout was proof of the deep interest awakened. It aroused in them the spirit of inquiry, and gave them an insight into scientific methods of investigation. Each will find in his or her district an ample field for the exercise of this new-born power. It is not at the seaside alone that Nature allures with her wonders and mystery. She does so everywhere, but in no two districts precisely alike. Yet, notwithstanding this difference, all that is essential everywhere in respect of the main facts of Nature, and indeed of human life, is repeated in miniature in every spot. Each district is a microcosm ; and, if the chief manifestations of Nature in it be understood, her main operations everywhere will become intelligible. The stock of concrete local facts and imagery gained in childhood are, perhaps, the most abiding impressions of life. Every healthy boy and girl roaming over their dis- trict, gathering wild flowers, bird-nesting, climbing hills, and peering into everything that stirs their inquisitiveness, are contriving to acquire a mass of these. Such experience is one of the most potent influences in their education. In the past it has been almost wholly neglected, and we are only now beginning to recognise that it must have a place in any effective scheme of edu- cation. It is the special province of Nature-study to systematize the workings of this native impulse of youth. The immediate result of this camp will be to transfer the teaching of this subject from the schoolroom to the open air. The few minutes devoted each day to conversations upon natural facts observed and the set lessons will still be needed to teach pupils what to look for, and how to collate the facts noted, but the real work must be done in the field. Therefore, it cannot be doubted that this camp will exercise a markedly beneficial influence upon the teaching of Nature-study. I should like to think that teachers who took part in it will organize Nature-study outings in their respective districts, and will thus communicate to their fellow teachers something of the enthusiasm with which they themselves were infected. They and the Education Department owe much to the Field Naturalists’ Club in connexion with this camp. It March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 93: Qo was pleasing to note the deep interest taken by members in the work of education. They cheerfully gave up a portion of their holidays to lead the excursions, and to deliver lectures, and, at all times, showed the utmost willingness to impart information to inquiring teachers. PIELD NATURALISTS’ WORK: ITS VALUE TO TEACHERS. By J. Hocking, B.A., Principal, Melbourne Continuation School. It was a happy suggestion that brought field naturalists and teachers together. The former are graduates in Nature’s school, the latter are beginning to learn her ways. A common interest gave to the campers a sense of comradeship, and out-of-door life a holiday zest to the proceedings. Teachers had an opportunity of seeing the experts of the Field Naturalists’ Club at work, and there is no doubt that, in their particular branches, it would be difficult to surpass them. In contact with the Field Naturalists, one feels instinc- tively that a Nature student is such from desire. He is full of sympathy, and glows with his subject. There is about him a self-forgetfulness and an abandonment which electrifies his hearers. Though in close sympathy with Nature, he does not fall into mere sentimentality. He deals with facts ; his aim is to gather data, not collections of curios. Here is a fact, this fact has some meaning, and the discovery of the meaning gives pleasure. This method was clearly illustrated by Mr. French, the Assistant Government Entomologist, as we sat resting under the branches of a casuarina (she-oak). An exami- nation of the galls on the tree showed that, in an early stage of their growth, they resembled the flowers, and that, later, they became like the fruit. Altogether it was an admirable example of mimicry. The wonder-po-nt being reached, various theories were advanced as to their development. The lecturers were ready at all times to clear up difficulties, and to put teachers in the direction which may lead to correct solutions of unknown problems. Mr. T. S. ‘Hall, in his lecture on ‘“ The .Geological History of Port Phillip,’’ pieced together scraps of evi- dence obtained in various localities. An examination of 2761. d 934 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. the coal-bearing strata of South Gippsland, Otway Ranges, Bellarine Peninsula, Barrabool Hills, and Merino Downs shows that they all contain ferns, fresh-water plants, fish and mussels, leading to the supposition that they once formed the bed of an enormous lake or inland sea, reach- ing from Traralgon to the Glenelg. When treated in this way Nature has meaning. The work done here in the field showed that Nature- study is not primarily a class-room subject, nor can it be best taught by means of museum and text-book. Class- room lessons may even be uninteresting and disconnected. One may study form and structure, and gain knowledge, but experts are agreed that Nature-study must begin in the field. Movement and colour are found there, adaptation of structure to environment is learnt by the sea-side or in the tea-tree glade, the relation of the insect to the plant and the balance of Nature can only be studied in the open. Scale insects destroy the honeysuckle, insectivorous birds destroy these in turn. Again, our best thoughts of Nature rest on a realistic back-ground. Some association formed long since, it may be, but ready to spring into being again at the first suggestion. The flower of the gorse is beautiful in itself, but its beauty is intensified when, in the early morning, the hedge of golden blooms is seen winding away to the horizon. The glory of sunrise and of sunset, the grandeur of the mountain range purpled by distance, the profusion of the fern gully, the sparkle and music of the waterfall, the majesty of the gathering thunder-clouds, cannot be brought into the school-room. Out of doors there is access to appropriate conditions. Data must be collected, and a general familiarity with things cultivated. A geological specimen gives no idea of geological time, a dried plant trails with it nothing of the glory of sky and woods, that the larva of the Buprestis is destructive to trees means nothing when told, but to see the larvae at work gives meaning to the statement. Class-lessons, however, are a valuable adjunct to field- work, though subordinate; and here, again, teachers at the camp unconsciously derived valuable aid as to their purpose and character. As we wander from one point of interest to another, notes are discussed, theories advanced, and specimens compared. At intervals .in camp, too, students gather round the lecturers, with a view to clear- ing up difficulties which arose from the excursion. The class-lesson should do this. Notes might be carefully March, 1507. ] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. is) (SU) Ou written up, errors corrected, specimens labelled, and fur- ther information given. Text-books are of service to the teachers in this respect. During an excursion, material sufficient for many class lessons will be procured, and will find its way to the school museum, which should be readily accessible to the pupils. The treasures gathered are placed there for observation and study. The time will come when the confined schoolroom will prove too small for Nature-study material, and, rising amid the blossoms of the school garden, will be seen the Nature- study pavilion, with its pot-plants, aquaria, and shelves of objects for daily and incidental study. To succeed in Nature-study, patient investigation is necessary. It was said of one of our lecturers that he was ‘‘ without bot- tom,’’ so deep was his knowledge of the district, gained on the spot, and as the result of many visits. Many teachers to-day have the right attitude, but lack adequate knowledge. The remedy lies in skilled instructors. The evening lectures showed how useful are the camera and lantern in disseminating knowledge. The Education Department may render real assistance in getting together sets of slides illustrating bird life, rock formations, insect homes, and so forth. These should be accompanied by concise descriptions. In our ranks are many who would make good use of a lantern. The travelling showman, an outsider, with his quaint figures and funny pictures, is able to gather an audience in a far-back school. His place might well be taken by a teacher with a suitable _ outfit. He would interest parents as well as pupils, and would dispense valuable information as regards noxious plants, destructive insects, and insectivorous birds. In this way the economic side of Nature-study would be developed, and parents brought into closer touch with their schools. In the hands of the Field Naturalists, an excursion is not an aimless ramble. The ground is gone over and studied beforehand, and the time to be spent at each place carefully determined. ‘The leader has his programme. The camp for school pupils in place of teachers is an institution of the immediate future, and, at Mornington, the arrangements were so simple, and so complete, and the cost so little, that they may be taken as a model. Here we learned how to free ourselves from the unaccus- tomed task of cooking, and to conserve the greater part of the day for study. Here, too, was seen the secret of camp discipline—a few simple rules and adherence to 236 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. a! them. Each day passed pleasantly, and each evening gave peaceful rest. Mr. Leach proved a very efficient manager, the lecturers an expert band of teachers, and the students a class of which any one might be proud. Whether we look or whether we listen, We hear life murmur or see it glisten; Every clod feels a stir of might, An instinct within it that reaches and towers, And, groping blindly above it for light, Climbs to a soul in grasses and flowers. And there’s never a leaf nor a blade too mean To be some happy creature’s palace. The little bird sits at his door in the sun, Atilt like a blossom among the leaves, And lets his illumined being o’errun With the deluge of summer it receives. —Lowell. March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 237 ON THE OCCURRENCE OF YERINGIAN FOSSIL- IFEROUS MUDSTONE AT CROYDON. By F. Cuapman, A.L.S., &c., Paleeontologist, National Museum, Melbourne. (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Olub of Victoria, 11th Feb., 1907.) THE younger series of Silurian rocks in the vicinity of Melbourne was formerly partly referred to the Bala beds, and partly to the Wenlock series, by Sir F. McCoy.* At the time when McCoy expressed this opinion very little was known of the actual fauna of these beds. Since then, owing to the work of Mr. R. Etheridge, jun., and others, Prof. J. W. Gregory found it possible to distinguish a higher series than the group of sandstones and shales of the Melbourne area (Melbournian), which he called the Yeringian.+ So far as our present knowledge of its fauna allows us to speak, the Yeringian beds probably represent both the Wenlockian (in part) and the Ludlovian of Great Britain and adjacent areas. It may, as in that country, be capable of further subdivision, the lower or typical Yeringian beds being developed round Lilydale, the upper in the shales of the Upper Yarra and near Tanjil. The Yeringian series are characteristically seen in the neighbourhood of the Yarra Flats, where they appear to lie in a synclinal fold on the Melbournian (older Silurian) series. At Lilydale there is a lenticular mass of limestone, yielding many corals and gastropods, and both towards Mooroolbark and Seville this seems to pass very rapidly in a horizontal direction into a hard mudstone rock. In the Yering district the rocks are chiefly yellowish or ochreous mudstones, containing an interest- ing brachiopod fauna: the fossil shells in many cases still remain very little altered. Near Seville the beds are represented by a hard mudstone, in which the fossils are only found as moulds and casts, often, however, very faithfully preserved, whilst in the same district, farther to the east, an impure limestone of a’dark blue colour is found, which yields many corals and trilobites. Up to the present time no record has been made as to the occurrence of Yeringian beds so far south of Lilydale as Croydon, and therefore the following notes have been written, showing that Yeringian mudstones containing fossils similiar to those of the Yering district are found between Croydon and Mt. Dandenong, about 8 miles to the south-west of the nearest previously known locality—namely, that near Seville.t * Intercol. Exh. Essays, Recent Zool. and Palzont. of Vict., 1867, p- 23 (p. 329). t Proc. R. Soc. Vict., vol. xv., N.S., part ii., 1903, p. 172. ~ Proc. R. Soc. Vict., vol. vi., N.S., 1894, p. 156, The Rev. A. W. Cresswell, M.A., who, excepting the earliest geological surveyors of Victoria, probably collected and recorded more material from the Yering district than 238 PHE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXII. In March, 1905, Mr. Thos. Warr presented a fairly large series of fossil casts and blocks of fossiliferous mudstone to the National Museum, which had been obtained at Kilsyth, about 2 miles from Croydon, on the road between the railway station and Mt. Dandenong, at a depth of 5 feet from the surface. The mudstone is of a pale purple colour, sometimes bleached quite white, and the fossil impressions are stained of a bright ochreous yellow. The texture of the rock varies, and is often as soft as pipe- clay. . The interest attaching to this collection is two-fold, for not only does it extend the line of outcrop of the Yeringian series, but. also adds many additional species to our list of the fauna of . this richly fossiliferous set of beds—a series, by the way, which shows an almost entirely different facies from that of the older, Melbournian beds. It may seem unfortunate that apparently every particle of calcareous matter has been leached out of the rock, so that we have to deal with impressions, instead of the actual shells. This peculiar condition of the rock, however, is not so adverse to the investigations of the palzeontologist as would at first sight appear, for the moulds and casts are so faithfully preserved as to show every minute granulation on an ostracod valve, or the muscle impressions on the interior of the brachiopod shells. The extreme friability of this particular mudstone renders the handling of the material difficult, as the gentlest touch is often sufficient to remove the sharpness of the cast. This difficulty is overcome to a great extent by quickly dipping the specimens into a hot solution of thin gelatine, for even the use of a soft camel-hair brush on their surfaces is likely to do damage. The rock is so extremely fossiliferous at this locality that a tap of the hammer on a block of the mudstone will frequently reveal a crowded mass of fossil casts consisting of crinoid stems, fenestellids, brachio- pods, bivalves, trilobites, and ostracoda. The abundance of these fossil remains show unmistakably that here, especially, there must have been extensive shell-banks accumulating, probably close to the shore-line of the Yeringian sea, just as there were in the well-known locality of Wenlock Edge, in Shropshire, England. The new species of fossils found in the present collection will be described subsequently, as opportunity offers, and meanwhile the subjoined preliminary list of genera and species, so far as determined, is submitted. The Pelecypoda have already been described in MS. by the author. any other, has noted Yeringian mudstone—first, on the Mooroolbark road, near the entrance to Kinsella’s farm ; second, on the old Melbourne road, near top of hill, half a mile above Lilydale (Wilson’s) ; third, about 3 miles north of Wilson’s, at Hughes’s quarry. March, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 239 PRELIMINARY List oF FossILS FROM THE SILURIAN (YERINGIAN) ROCKS OF CROYDON. . CORALS. Favosites, sp. Monticuliporoids (indet.) CRINOIDS. Portions of the column, apparently of several genera and species. POLYZOA. Fenestella margaritifera, Chapm. BRACHIOPODS. -Pholidops (probably a new sp.) Strophonella euglyphoides, Chapm. Strophonella, sp., cf. punctulifera, Conrad Stropheodonta (Brachyprion) lilydalensis, Chapm. Leptena rhomboidalis, Wilckens, sp. Leptena rhomboidalis, var. undata, McCoy Chonetes robusta, Chapm. Stricklandinia, sp., aff. lirata, Sow., sp. Pentamerus australis, McCoy ? Camarotachia Wilsonia, sp. Uncinulus, sp. Atrypa reticularis, Linné, sp. Spirifer perlamellosus, J. Hall, var. nov. (= S. sulcatus, McCoy, non Hisinger). BIVALVES. Pterinea lineata, Goldfuss Pteria (Actinopteria) boydi, Conrad, sp. © Pteria (Actinopteria) asperula, McCoy, sp., var. nov. Levopteria, cf. owent, J. Hall Glossites, sp. nov. Cypricardinia contexta, Barrande. TRILOBITES. Homalonotus, sp. Calymene, cf. tuberculata, Salter. OSTRACODA. Beyrichia kledent, McCoy Beyrichia kledent, var. granulata, Jones Beyrichia woorryallockensis, Chapm. CIRRIPEDIA. An incomplete specimen, probably referable to this group, but differing from any known form. 240 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. A NEW VARIETY OF AN ORCHID. By C. WALTER. (Communicated by C. French, jun.) (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 11th Feb., 1907.) DIuRIS PUNCTATA, var. D’ALTONI, Walter. This variety, collected by Mr. St. Eloy D’Alton, of Dimboola, at Mt. Arapiles, near Natimuk, in December, 1906, differs from the typical form of Diuris punctata, Smith, in -having shorter petals (only % of an inch in length), while the lower lobes of the calyx are threadlike and much longer (fully two inches in length) and of a pale green colour. This variety I have named as above in honour of the finder, who for many years has taken great interest in the indigenous flora of the north-western and south-western divisions of Victoria. For com- parison I append brief descriptions of the normal form and a possible variety of this orchid. Diuris punctata, Smith, syn. Diuris elongata, Swartz.—Petals eliptical-oblong, clawed, nearly 1 inch long; flowers purplish, sometimes dotted; sepals nearly 2 inches long, deflexed, narrow, sometimes crossed ; leaves 1 or 2, linear, 3 to 13 inches long.—Upper Yarra, November, 1882. Coll. C. Walter. Diuris alba, R. Brown, syn. Diuris punctata, var. alba, F. v. M.—Flowers white, blotched with violet ; lateral lobes, 1 to nearly 2 inches long, deflexed ; leaves usually narrow, sometimes: one of them nearly as long as the stem below the inflorescence— Keilor Plains, October, 1898. Coll. C. Walter. NoTE ON A REMARKABLE SCALE-INSECT.—While on a collect- ing trip to the Mallee with Mr. J. C. Goudie, I noticed on stems of the Mallee Gums, wucalyptus gracilis, some cocoon-like swellings, measuring sometimes four inches long by three or more inches wide and about one inch high, placed about two feet from the ground, and on pulling them to pieces was surprised to see imprisoned colonies of fine large scale-insects, a specimen of which I sent to Mr. E. E. Green, F.E.S., of Ceylon, who pro- nounced it as new to science, naming it, after myself, Lecaniodi- aspis french. The cocoon-like swellings are composed of bits of leaves, small pieces of grass, pebbles, sand, and clay, and are made by small black ants, Jridomyrmex nitidus, Mayr., which completely build the scales in, leaving only a little hole through which the ants run to obtain the sugary secretion from the scales. Underneath the covering is quite moist, so evidently the ants obtain a fair amount of food. Specimens of this scale were exhibited at the last meeting of the Field Naturalists’ Club.— C. FRENCH, jun. « OF FICE-BEARERS, 1906-1907. # President: MR. F. G. A. BARNARD. Vice=Presidents: MR. G. A. KEARTLAND, MR. F. WISEWOULD Mon. Treasurer: MR. G. COGHILL, 72 Swanston Street. Don. Librarian: MR. J. F. HAASE, 17 Swanston Street. Won. Secretary: MR. J. A. KERSHAW, F.E.S., National Museum, Melbourne. thon. Asst. Secretary and Uibrarian: MR. W. H. ROGER. Don. Editor of the “ Victorian faturalist :” MR. F. G. A. BARNARD, 49 High Street, Kew (Telephone 443, Hawthorn). fon. Lanternist: MR. J. SEARLE, 274 Collins Street. Committee : PROF. A. J. EWART, D Sc., Pu.D., F.L-S., MR. T. S. HALL, M.A., -iMR. J. H. HARVEY, MR. J. A. LEACH, M.Sc., and MR. F. PITCHER. ; «< OBSECTS. Tuts CLus was founded in 1880 for the purpose of affording observers and lovers of Natural History regular and frequent opportunities for discussing those special subjects in which they | are mutually interested ; for the exhibition of Specimens; and for promoting Observations in the Field by means of Excursions to various collecting grounds around the Metropolis. EASTER EXCURSION TO SAN REMO. FRIDAY, 29th MARCH to TUESDAY, 2nd APRIL. E Members desiring to take part in this Excursion are requested to send in their names to the Hon. Secretary, National Museum, not _fater than 16th March, in order that the necessary arrangements _ may be made. Pst ———- WATSON’S ReQuisites FoR FieLD NATURALISTS. _ JOINTED COLLECTING STICK, with ee drag-hooks, line and reel, net-ring, 5 spoon, and cutting hook ae ae we ae at Sie 23/- 7 SORKED GLASS COLLECTING TUBES, from 56 as ric .. 1/6 doz. _ FIELD COLLECTING BOOK Seen: BOTANY), hardwood boards, plotting paper, F and straps oe te ote dic as 20 BG 5/6 i - BUTTERFLY NET, with folding ring, 4 joints ne AS ois §/- 7 GLASS FRONT SHOW BOXES, corked and papered .. pee 8 x "40, 1-3 17 x 13, 10/8 _ INSECT-KILLING BOTTLES .. .. .. ..«. - + 1/6 and 2/- % ENTOMOLOGICAL PINS, assorted Li vA ae ae .. Der box of 1 0z., 2/- INSECT FORCEPS, with broad gauze jaws in Cs ie ae Me ap 3/- _ SETTING FORCEPS, finest nickelled steel ee ve es +. oe ar 2/- . ‘i GEOLOGICAL HAMMERS .. aie io sc Je ats ne 3/- and 4/6 _ POCKET ACID BOTTLE, in boxwoodeaseo =... 2s. see we «1/8 eS THREE-POWER POCKET MAGNIFIER sis ats AS AG sc ae 4/6 P0ereececeumns awemzennsese __W. WATSON & SONS, Opticians, 78 SwansToN St., MELBOURNE. 5 AS he " 2 Ce ae i mt cai ey FELTON, GRIMWADE & MICROSCOPES, -GALVANIC. BATTERIES, Ghemieal and Scientific Apparatus, nal Store? MICROSCOPES. With Sliding Coarse Adjustment, Moras soe LEITZ MICROSCOPES, Adjustment, Micrometer, Objectives Nos. 3 and 7, Eye-pieces 1 and ae Magnifying 84-600. — In Mahogany Cases. With Sliding Coarse Pe Were: 4 NACHET’S MIGROSGOPES, Fine Adjustment, Double Mirror, Side Condensing Lens, Eye-pieces Nos. ft and 3, Objectives Nos. 3 and 6, Glass Slip, Cover Glasses, Mounted Objee Forceps, Magnifying 80-550. In Mahogany Cases. Microscopic Glass Slips, 3in. x lin., Extra Thin, Ground Edges and Rough Edges. Micrescopie Cover Glasses, Nos. 1 and 3, %in., Yin. and hin. Circles. No. 1 square, Yin. and in.; No. 3 square, %in, and Yin. 342-6 LITTLE FLINDERS STREET, MELBOURNE. 3. SEARLE, | Watchmaker and Scientific Instrument Maker, : 274 COLLINS STREET (Over Glen’s Music Warehouse). Manufacturer of every description of Physical Apparatus tok School — a Experimental Work, Limelight Apparatus, Lanterns, Slides, and every requisite for the art of projection. Simplified Apparatus and Repairs a Speciality. = 0 ENTOMOLOGICAL APPA RATUS. E. CHERRY & SONS, GISBORNE (VIC.), and 264-266 SUSSEX STREET, SYDNEY. ENTOMOLOGICAL PINS (Kirpy Brarp’s), in 8 sizes, 1/- to 2/- per box; Mixed, 1/- per packet STORE BOXES.—Dovetailed, hinged, corked, and papered. Size,14 x 10 x 34. 7/ each SETTING BOARDS.—Corked and papered. Flat. Length, 14 inches: depth of groove, 3 Inch.. land 17 in. wide, 1/- each; 2 and 21 in., 1/3; 3 in., 1/6; 4in.,1/9; 6in., 2/6 CORK LINOLEUM.—Specially soft and thick, 12 x 10, 9d.; 24 x 20, 3/-. Any size at same rate CORK MATERIAL (SUBERIT).—Very light; in 11-in. x 34-in. sheets. 2/6 per doz. BUTTERFLY NETS.—Best English folding. 3 shield joints. With bag, 7/6 tg : KILLING BOTTLES (CYANIDE),1/6 °,.* STEEL SETTING FORCEPS, 2/6 and 3/6 POCKET BOXES, 1/6 GLASS-BOTTOMED PILL BOXES—in 2 sizes, 2/- and 2/6 per dor: CABINETS,—From £2 upwards Write for Price List. ; Ames memes mem mY SN neeern APRIL, 1907. i¢ Victorian aturalist: ' THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE = OR “The Field Vaturalists’ Club of Vietoric. = pa oR Published 4th April, 1907. Sie “Hon. Editor: F. G. A. BARNARD, Esq. Me The Author of each article is responsible for the facts and opinions Be eke recorded. CONTENTS : THE FIELD NaTuURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA -... _ Excursion To CLIFTON HILL QUARRY ... a IN THE VALLEY OF THE UPPER YARRA. -By F. G, A. BARNARD ae mide tees see von 2ADE t 4 * PRICE SIXPENCE. Agenis for Gurope: < _DULAU & CO.,, 37 Soho Square, London. > x Melbourne : WALKER, MAY & CO., PRINTERS, 25 MACKILLOP STREET. 2 1907. - SN IN IN ON RN RN NN RN IN NN DN DN NN OF CNN CD OF ON OF OOO eee OO Oe eee eee eee eee eee BUSINESS PAPER FOR MONTHLY MEETING. 2. Election of Members. e Sea). o 3. Nominations for Membership. 7. Exhibition of Specimens and Conversazione. Obiect—Water Action. Meet at Coburg Tram terminus at 2.45 p.m. MONDAY EVENING, 8th APRIL, 1907. Correspondence and Reports. ' tae As Orpinary MemBeR— Proposer. Seconder, Mr. Arthur E: Stenning. ~).Mr.-G. Coghill .. Mr. J, A. Kershaw, F. ES. re 459 Collins Street, Melbourne. : As Junior MEMBERS — Master Archie Chase Browne us Laurence G. Travers Mat E. J. Tumer .. Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F-.E.S. ms Eric Harbison : i c/o Miss Turner, South Yarra. Members making nominations will oblige by ene the full name and SULP IES to Hon. Secretary. General Business. Reading of Papers and Discussions thereon. (Authors are requested to hand in a brief resumé of their papers to the eens: vie 1. By Professor A. J. Ewart, D.Sc, Tens) DICE BE a Sis entitled —‘fNew or Rare Australian Plants in the National ‘Herbarium, Melbourne.” 2. By Professor A. J. Ewart, D.Sc., Ph D., F.L.S, entitled —“ Unrecorded Intro- — duced Plants.” 34 By Mr. E. O. Thiele, entitled —“ Further Physiographical and Geological Notes : on the Mt. Wellington District, North Gippsland” ; with an Appendix on some ~ Fossils by F. Chapman, A.L.S., illustrated by lantern views. Reading of Natural History Notes. Members who may note any unusual occurrence, or see anything of interest in Foreign or Colonial papers, are requested to inform the Secretary of the same that he may arrange for their bringing them before the meeting; such notes should, — however, be brief. Members are invited to exhibit objects of interest and are requested to furnish hese Hon. Secretary with written particulars of such Exhibits for record 1 in Minutes and Naturatlist. a> «+ EXCURSIONS. *® SATURDAY, 13TH ApRIL—Ringwood. Under the leadership of Mr. E. O. Thiele. Object —Geography. Meet at Prince’s Bridge Station at 1.20pm. Train leaves at 1.35 p.m. SATURDAY, 27TH Aprit—Fishermen’s Bend. Under the leadership of Mr T.S. Hall, M.A. Object—General. Meet at Flinders Street Station at 1.45 p.m. Train leaves at 2.0 p.m. SaTURDAY, 11TH May—Coburg. Under the leadership of Mr. T. S. Hall, M.A. Object -Geology. Meet at Brunswick Tram Elizabeth Street terminus at 2.t5 p.m. SUNIOR EXCURSIONS. The next Excursion will take place at Beaumaris on Saturday, 6th April, under the leadership of Mr. J. A. Leach, M.Sc. Object—Fossils. Meet at Flinders Street Station at 1.45 p.m. Train leaves at 2.0 p.m. SaTURDAY, 4TH May-Coburg. Under the leadership of Mr. R. W. Armitage. ‘ Che Victorian Paturalist. Vou. XXIII.—No. 12. APRIL 4, 1907. No. 280. FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. THE ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society’s Hall on Monday evening, 11th March, 1907. The president, Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, occupied the chair, and about 60 members and visitors were present. REPORTS. A report of the Club excursion to the Botanical Gardens on Saturday, 23rd February, was given by the leader, Mr. F. Pitcher, who reported a good attendance and an interesting afternoon’s inspection of the gardens, then in very good condition. A report of the junior excursion to the Botanical Gardens on Saturday, 2nd March, was also given by Mr. Pitcher, who stated that the outing was well attended, and keen interest was taken by the junior members in the information imparted by the leader on the subject of trees. A report of the excursion to the Clifton Hill Quarry on Satur- day, 9th March, was given by the leader, Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S., who said that there had been a large attendance of members, who evinced great interest in the geological features exposed. The hon. librarian reported the receipt of the following dona- tions to the library :—“‘ Records Geological Survey of Victoria,” vol. 1., part 4, from the Department of Mines, Melbourne ; Geelong Naturalist, second series, vol. ili, part 2, from the Geelong Field Naturalists’ Club ; ‘“‘ Proceedings Royal Society of Victoria,” vol. xix., part 2, from the society; ‘Annual Report Australian Museum, Sydney, 1906,” from the trustees ; ‘‘ Annual Report, Botanic Gardens, Sydney, 1906,” from the director ; ““ Transactions Royal Society of South Australia,” vol. xxx. (1906), from the society; Wature Notes, February, 1907, from the Sel- borne Society, London ; and Knowledge, January, 1907, from the publishers. ELECTIONS. On a ballot being taken the following were duly elected members of the Club :—As country members—Mr. Jos. Catron, State school, Narre Warren; Mr. Jos. Akeroyd, State school, Barwon Downs; Mr. T. W. Bothroyd, M.A., Inspector of Schools, Castlemaine; Mr. W. Boyd Jamieson, M.A., State school, Mudgegonga; Miss L. Horner, State school, Doncaster. As an associate—Master Leslie J. Clendinnen, ‘ Haven,” Williams-road, Hawksburn. As junior members—Master Maurice 242 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. {Vol. XXIII. Cronin, Botanic Gardens, South Yarra; Master John Drought, St. John’s Parsonage, Toorak. GENERAL BUSINESS. In accordance with his notice of motion at the previous meeting Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S., moved—“ That in the opinion of this Club a gun tax is desirable and necessary in order to lessen the indiscriminate slaughter of native animals, especially birds.” In support of his motion Mr. Hardy stated that his object in bringing the matter before the Club was to endeavour to check, as far as possible, the indiscriminate shooting of native animals by ignorant persons and youths, especially during the holiday seasons. He instanced several cases which had come under his notice of protected mammals and birds being shot with no further object than to gratify the passion for killing something. The imposition of a tax was suggested, not with the object of raising revenue, but with a view to restricting the use of the pea rifle and shot gun by irresponsible persons, who ignored the protection afforded our useful birds and mammals by the Game Act. There was no intention to interfere with the true sports- men, who, it was felt, would willingly support the object in view ; while it would tend to strengthen the hands of the police in enforcing the provisions of the Game Act. In the case of farmers, graziers, orchardists, and others, to whom the gun was indispensable for the purpose of keeping in check destructive animals, such as the introduced fox, rabbits, and birds of prey, &c., it was recognized that the imposition of a gun tax would be a hardship, but in such cases it was suggested that exemptions might be provided for. Mr. A. Mattingley seconded the motion, and thought that something should also be done with a view to restricting the number of birds shot during the open season. Mr. G. A. Keartland was of opinion that instead of a gun tax every effort should be made to have the game Jaws rigidly enforced. He thought that there should be more prosecutions, and heavier fines imposed on those who persisted in evading the provisions of the existing Game Act. He instanced the very rigid manner in which the game laws were administered in America, and urged that some restriction should be placed on the number of birds killed during the open season. Messrs. J. Shephard, D. Best, and R. Hall, C.M.Z.S., also discussed the question. On the motion being put to the meeting it was declared carried. The president announced that the committee would consider what further steps should be taken in the matter. The hon. secretary reported that a communication had been received from the Inspector of Fisheries regarding a request — April, 1907.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 243 received from the Hon. the Premier of New South Wales that the close season for wild duck in Victoria be altered to conform with that on the other side of the Murray. He asked for an expression of opinion from the Club as to whether the present season—namely, from the 1st August to the 31st January following —affords sufficient protection, or whether it is considered that the close season in New South Wales, commencing on tst July and ending on the same date as the Victorian season, should be adopted. Opinions had been obtained from over twenty officers in charge of police stations situated along the Victorian side of the Murray on the question, the large majority of whom favoured the proposed alteration. As an early reply was requested, the matter had been dealt with by the committee, the alteration being approved of, which was endorsed by the meeting. PAPERS. By Mr. A. Mattingley, entitled—‘“‘ A Trip to Mud Island, Port Phillip Bay.” The chief object of the visit was to investigate the breeding and times of arrival and departure on the island of the White- faced Storm-Petrel, Pelagodroma mariuna, Lath. A series of lantern views was shown, illustrating the nesting-ground, eggs, young, and adult birds. It was shown that the action previously taken by the Club, by which these interesting birds are now protected during the whole year, has resulted in a large increase in their numbers. The authors remarks were supplemented by Mr. A. G. Campbell, who gave an interesting réswmé of the plants found growing on the island. The paper was discussed by Messrs. T. S. Hall, M.A., G. A. Keartland, and the president. NATURAL HISTORY NOTE, Mr. A. D. Hardy drew attention to an abnormal growth in the flowers of an Aster and Marguerite exhibited by him. EXHIBITS. By Mr. A. G. Campbell.—Fossil skull of Wombat, Phascolomys mitchelli (?), from limy sandstone rock, Bats’ Ridges Caves, Portland. By Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.S.—Volcanic tuff and a volcanic bomb from Collingwood Quarry. By Mr. C. J. Gabriel.—Marine shells, Chlamys kuhnholtzi, Bern., from New Caledonia and Western Australia. By Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S.—Malformations of blooms of Aster and Marguerite (cultivated). By Mr. F. W. Schafer.—Spear or arrow heads made by American Indians ; also, ground stone axe from Murrumbidgee. After the usual conversazione, the meeting terminated. 244 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. EXCURSION TO CLIFTON HILL QUARRY. AFTER a somewhat threatening sky in the forenoon of Saturday, gth March, the weather proved, later in the day, very favour- able to the 22 members and friends who joined in the above excursion. On reaching the quarry it was at once seen that a great deal of rock had been taken out since our last visit, consequently revealing some new features. The general aspects of the volcanic phenomena shown in this quarry, such as the columnar, spheroidal, vesicular, slaggy, and ropy- structures, were pointed out on the way down ; particular notice being taken of the irregular nature of the lava near the sloping track, where it looks as though the scoriaceous rock had been hurtled over a precipitous bank, followed by a flow of the more compact lava. To enable members to judge of the minute structure of the more compact basalt, a lantern slide of a photomicrograph of the basalt, taken from the top of the flow at this quarry, was handed round. A projecting mass of silt stained with car- bonaceous matter, near the floor of the quarry, showed a portion of a tree-trunk embedded in it, and this formed a prominent object lesson. On the southern side of the quarry a fresh exposure had been made, which revealed a pale brick-red tuff bed, similar to that exposed some time since at the eastern end, containing small volcanic ejectamenta (lapill1), first noticed by Mr. T. S. Hall. This new exposure contains, besides lapilli, volcanic bombs measuring more than two inches in their longer diameter. There is, perhaps, hardly enough evidence to decide the point as to the existence of a tuff-cone at this spot although there are unmistakable signs in this new exposure of false bedding, especially where the wind has denuded the tuff, thus differentiating the hard and soft layers. Resting on this tuff bed is a layer of scoriaceous basalt, and this is immediately followed by very ‘compact lava. The steep ascent to the machine sheds was then made, the party being interested half-way by the sight of a large boulder of basalt showing part of a large vesicle with a layer of pretty crystals of Phacolite on a dark green ground. Our steps were then turned towards the Merri Creek, where we had an op- portunity of seeing a clear section of basalt resting on Silurian mudstone. Some interesting features in the terracing of the Merri Creek valley were pointed out by Mr. J. A. Leach, M.Sc., and a forsaken watercourse of the Merri Creek, leaving a pro- minent islet, was also remarked. Although this excursion has been several times repeated, there are always some fresh features of interest to be seen. Among the minerals collected were Aragonite, Ferro-calcite, Steatite, Phacolite, Vivianite, Magnesite, and Halloysitic clay. The rock specimens included compact basalt, scoriaceous basalt, tachylyte, and tuff—F. CHAPMAN. April, 1907.] TUE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 245 - IN THE VALLEY OF THE UPPER YARRA. By F. G. A. BARNARD. (Read before the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 11th Feb., 1907.) Last month (January, 1907) I had the good fortune to form one of a party of tourists who succeeded in reaching the hardly known Yarra Falls, of which we have already had views exhibited before this Club. However, little has yet been written about the route, thither, so I propose to give a few notes about that all-important point, for when we made up our minds to drive as far as we could up the Yarra valley we found it very difficult to get reliable information. I trust, therefore, my remarks will prove helpful to others. I will commence my story at Warburton, for there the Yarra valley assumes a different character, which is explained by the geology of the district. Travelling from Melbourne, for nearly fifty miles Silurian formation is passed over, but just about Millgrove, the new station between West Warburton and Warburton, a change occurs ; a large area of porphyritic formation comes in on the north, and a smaller area of granite on the south, with the river almost forming the boundary between them. The vegetation on either soil is very rich, and one naturally expects it to continue, but these two areas, after being in close contact for a couple of miles, recede, and Silurian again fills the gap. Consequently, after descending the hill towards Sunnydale, on the other side of Warburton, and getting on to the flat country beyond, one finds oneself back on the uninteresting Silurian, and this continues without a break right up to the main divide. Though the Upper Yarra is usually regarded as commencing at Queen’s Bridge here in the city, I think Millgrove a far more natural commencement, for the reasons given. Here the stream, though perhaps 75 miles from its mouth, is little more than 400 feet above sea-level, and seems to come through a natural gateway formed by the huge Donnabuang Range, 4,000 feet high, on the northern (Yuonga) side, and the conical hill known as “ Little Joe” on the Warburton (southern) side. Some descriptions of the surroundings of Warburton have already appeared in the Watwralist as the results of the Club excursions to that district in 1904 and 1905 (Vict. Nat., xxi., 136, and xxii., 128), so that I need not give any further details now. Several smaller streams are crossed soon after leaving the township, and at about three miles distant Big Pat’s Creek is reached. This is a fine stream coming in from the south-east. A timber tram leads up the valley, making for the valley of its tributary, the Mississippi Creek, near the head of which a fine belt of milling timber exists. The creek is fringed on both sides with 246 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXIII. a dense growth of Leptospermum lanigerum, Melaleuca ericifolia, and other vegetation of a similar character. Just here the Yarra valley opens out again, the enclosing hills being much further away from the stream. The road in some places is quite close to the river; in other parts there is room for selections along the river bank. Approaching East Warburton school the pretty shrub Bawera rubioides is seen in bloom along- side the road, otherwise flowers are scarce. The road passes along the fringe of a forest of rather poor timber, and heads round several small gullies, with an occasional Hill Tree Fern, Alsophila australis, visible amongst the fringing bushes. The valley trends in a north-easterly direction, and presently opens out considerably to the north, where a fairly large tribu- tary—variously known as the Ligar River or O’Shannessy or Bellell Creek—starting in the main divide-near Mt. Grant, on the old Yarra track, comesin. This stream before joining the Yarra runs for some distance almost parallel to it, being separated by a low wooded ridge. At M‘Donald’s Creek, a nice little stream crossing the road, some bursaria bushes afford the opportunities of capturing a few beetles as we halt for refresh- ment. About a mile further Crooked Creek is crossed, and in another half a mile a creek with the ominous name of Starvation is reached. Starvation Creek is a fine rushing stream, and on its banks are signs of gold digging. Whether the results were good or bad we do not know, as there seems to be nobody there to tell the tale. We decided to camp here for the night, and set about capturing a few blackfish for the next morning’s breakfast, with some amount of success. The sides of the creek are bordered with the usual ferns, such as Maidenhair, lomarias, &c. Numbers of a pure white everlasting, Helichrysum lewcopsidiwm, deck the sides of the diggers’ trial shafts, while fine trees of Prostanthera lasiantha are beginning to shed their flowers. On our return a number of bursaria bushes here yielded a few beetles and other insects. Everywhere along the road the Meadow Brown Butterfly, Heteronympha merope, was seen in large quantities, and very fine specimens.