VICTORIAN NATURALIST.
THE JOURNAL AND MAGAZINE
OF THE
Hield Naturalists’ Club of Wirtoria
VOL. XLIV |
MAY: 1927, TO APRIL. 1928. on. Editar : CHARLES BARRETT
The Author of each Article is responishle for the facts and opinions recorded
MELBOURNE HORTICULTURAL PRESS PTY, LTD., BANK HOUSE, BANK PLACE 1928.
Wasp, Lissopimpto semipunctuta ..
INDEX v ' ERRATA Page 47—For “Anigezanthus” read “Anigozanthos.” Page 50—For “squatrosa” read “squarrosa.” Page 52—For “sambricifolius" read “sambuctfalius.” Page 118—For ‘Aspidium” read “Dryopteris.” Page 147-—For “rosemarinifolius” read ‘rosmarifolius,” and on - pp, 174, 189. Page 147—For “Pultenea’” read “Pultenace”; “illicifolia’ read ' “Wetfola.” Page 165—For “Patersoni” read “Patersonit.” Page 189—For “Waltheri" read “Walteri”’: “Sutiont’”” read “Sut- tonti’ Page 190—For “Pimetia" read “Pimelea,” Page 192—For ‘nivea” read * ‘cuneata.’ Page 195—For “suavolens” read “suateolens” | “linarifolie?” read “monogynda.” Page 236—-For “ramessissima” read “ramasissima.'' Page 299—For “Kangaroo Fern” read “Scented Polypody.” Page 348-—For “Asmunda” read “Osmunda.” ILLUSTRATIONS 4 PAGE Aborigines, A Native Fight... -. .. .. 4, + 306. Ant, Myrmecia nigriceps, Mayr. oH de oh B.'s, WSO Ants, Bull-dog .. -. 2. ifs ge Volow 63 es oo b>. Cad Ant, "Nest of Polyrackis macropus vt «bt glo baie tater es Cel Bees— Halictine .. ... opp tet te Phar 86 ade ST 8 ee TOP Details of Halictus .. .. A Re hres eee era P 109 Euryglossa asperithoran, 5pm Ht tame del eeeaty! ante 16 Beetle, Diagram of a4. ., 6c be ee ek et 170 - Birps— Australian Brown Plycatehér spate enlst Go ee SP on BOT Grey Thrush and Young beast ce 4, 258 Chaleid Gall .- 1. -. - eit cd he thet gh eh a8 ae ws 264 Cylindracheta. kochi .. .. dle en eS He SES 266 Cicada, Hatching Process ‘of .- wee . 200, 201, 203 Club Mosses of Victoria ,. 2, 2. 62 6. 5-00 993" 226 Fossils, Some Victorian .. 2. 2. 2, 44 pe be te ee ue ae oy TBR Grevillew polybractea, 1. St... oe ee ee a ee ee ee we ee ee TAL ORCHIDS— Pterostylis pedunculata .. 1. 2. 16 5 14 PB. berhete. i.) fa ee pia 43 42004 48 4 14 P. revolute .2 220s. b- wh a k A a 4 P, curt .... Oi owed opel deg techie dS Cryptostylis leptockila. fee tse gt eam ety -b ete’ at) Be es Greenhoods and Hybrids Sabie sales tele a La Madyet AB Opossum, Young - te fee dee pate dee ee oe EO BBL Shells, Feeding Place of Birds on .. .. .. bh tg peftebee, ob
The Victorian Naturalist
VoL. XLIV—No. 1, MAY 7, 1927- - No. 521.
FIRLD NATURALISTS’ CLUB-OF -VICTORIA.
A special meeting of the Club was held-in the Royal Society’s Ilall, Victorla-sireet, on Monday, April 11th, 1927. The President, Mr. FE. B, Pescott, F.L.8., occu- pied the chair, and about 70 members and visitors were
_ present,
The President atated that the meeting had been called for the purpose of considering the proposed alterations of the rules, ‘In accordance with nofice of motion given at the previous ordinary meeting, the proposed altera- tions and additions, as recommended by the Committee, were submitted seriatum, and, on the motion of Mr. G. Coghill, seconded by Mr. F. Pitcher, were accepted and passed unanimously,
Mr. A. J. Tadgell moved, in accordance with notice of motion given at the previous ordinary meeting, that the following addition be made to Rule 4. clause (b) :—''Pro- vided also that the Secretary and/or Treasurer shal), while he continues in office, be exempt from payment of member's subseription, but shall, ipso facto, be deemed a financial member of the Club,” ‘This was seconded by Mr. B.R. Hammett. After discussion, in which Mesérs. F. Chapman, G, Coghill, F. Pitcher, and C, Lambert took part, the motion was put to the meeting, but was not carried,
‘Mr. Tadgell gave notice of motion for the alteration of Rule 7 to read:—“The first year’s subscription of any new! y-elected member shall be paid in full on his or her election as a member af the Club.”
The Special Meeting then closed, and the ordinary meeting: was held,
ORDINARY MEETING. CORRESPONDENCE,
From Miss F. Smith, thanking the Club for exprés- sions of sympathy in her recent bereavement.
From Mr. E. S. Hanks, thanking members for sym- pathy expressed in connection with his recent accident.
From Department of Lands and Survey, advising that it had been decided to reserve 3,586 acres, as a Public
.Park, at Sperm Whale Head, in the Pariah of Boole
Poole. It was resolved that'a letter of thanks and appre- ciation be sent to the Minister of Lands in connection with this reservation.
2 Figld Naturalists’ Club—Procecdings [YS LXELY
From Under-Secretary for Victoria, stating that the absolute prohibition of the sale and -use of the pea-rifie was not deemed advisable, but that special instructions had been issued to the Police Force ta ensure that the provisions of the Act restricting the use of this weapon tw persons over 18 years of age, be enforced.
REPORTS.
Reports of excursions were given as follow :—Clematis Gally, Belgrave, Mr. F: Pitcher; Mentone to Black Rock, Mr L. L, Hodgson.
“ELECTION OF MEMBERS.
The following were elected as ordinary membera— Miss R. Rigg and Mr: G. Rigg, 20 Finch-street, East Malvern; Mr. and Mrs, W. H, McCartney, 42 Adelaide- street. Malvern; Ms. N. H. Seward, 457 Bourke-street, Melbourne; Mr. J. C. Porter, Centre Road, Bentleigh; ~ and Professor A.J. Ewart, D. Se., FR. S., F. LS. , Univer- sity, Carlton.
LECTURE,
The President introduced’ Mr. F. Lewis, Chief Inspec- tor of the Fisheries and Game Department, who delivered a lecture dealing with fish hatcheries and methods of fish distribution in various countries; and more particularly in Victoria. Mr. Lewis described the new method of brine-freezing fish, and referred to the valuable work done by Dr. Schmidt in elucidating the mystery of the breeding habits of eels. A series of lantern slides de- picting various phases of operatians ‘in connectian with Victorian fish hatcheries was shown. <A vote of thanks to Mr. Lewis, moved by Mr. ©; Daley, B.A. F.LS,, and seconded by Mr, F. G. A. Barnard, was-carried with acclamation. .
The President took the opportunity of thanking Mr, Lewis for the sympathetic way in which he had received various representations from the Club, particularly in regard to the protection of the Kookaburra, and the promptitude with which he had acted on suggestions placed before him by the Club.
EXHIBITS.
By Mr. A. L. Scott (in illustration of points discussed at the excursion to-Beaumaris) : Jaw of shark canght in South Seas, showing the successive rows of teeth, Under microscopes: teeth of various molluscs. Series of speci- mens illustrating various aspects of fossifisation,
By Mr. F. Pitcher: Mounted specimens of 22 species of ferns, collected at Clematis Gully (Belgrave). Bifur-
ee
Mey | Field Naturalists’ Club—Froesedings 3
cated frond of Alsopkila excetsa, growimg in exhibitor’s garden at South Yarra,
By P. B. H. St. John: Herbarium specimens of Dryopteris deecomposita (R.Brown), Ktze, “Shiny Shield Fern” (with creeping rhizome) ; Eastern Austra- lia. Tasmania, New Zealand. ‘*Dryepteris glabella (C. Christensen), “Smooth Shield Fern" (swith tufted rhizome); Eastern Australia, New Zealand. Collected by exhibitor at Clematis Gully, Kallista, Mareh 19, 1927. These two ferns have hitherto been mistaken for the one species, Dryopteris decomposita,
By Miss Amy Fuller: Dried specimens of Fieldia aus- tratis, A. Cunn., Blue Mountains, N.S.W. Truekymene erieoides, Sieber, and Humea oxothwmnoides, F.v.M,, posit Victoria, N.S.W. Sterculia quadrifida, R. Brown,
"New record for Victoria,
SPECIATION AND MUTATION.
In Lhe fina) paper of a brilliant series on the Origin of Species, Professor Henry Fairfield Osborne deals with Speciation and Mutation. From his summary of the conclusions drawn from the independent observations vf many kinds of living vertebrates, the following is quoted :—- c
“Tt appears that the problem of the age-long process .of the arigin of species can best. be studied under the natural conditions of past and present time; it appears that all vertebrates which range into a new sel of natural conditions, whether by geographic isolation or otherwise, in the course of time give rise ta new specific forms; ik appears that, where vertebrates can be traced from one geographic range as it merges inio another, ‘transitional’ or ‘intermediate’ forms are observed, so that if placed side by side one sub-species passes gradually into another by intergradzs, and thus supposed barriers existing between species and isub-species disappear."—(Atrerican Natuvelist, Vol, LXL, Jan-Peb., 1927.)
Specution is a word, perhaps unfamiliar to many Australian field naturalists, which is being widely used in America, thaugh admittedly “etymologically doubtful,” It is certainly ugly, but the use of it is approved by some noted English zoologists, and it is lfkely to gain general favour, as a word required, despite the dissent of zoologieal classicists. Speciation means, of course, ‘ “the making of species,” and is a normal and continyous pracess, which governs the greater part of the origin of species (Qsborne)-.
A generous gift from Mr. A, E. Keep has added to the Chil’s Library, two important botanical works, recently published, hamely, “Whe Ferns,” Vol. IL, by Professor FP. O. Bower, and “The Classification of Flowering Plants,” Vol. Tl (Dicotyledons), by Dr. A. B. Rendle,
4 ALEXANDER, Crune-Flies ov Duddy Long-Legs [| YS) sar
CRANE-ELIES GR DADDY LONG-LEGS, By QHARLES P. ALEXANDER, P1.D,, F.E.S.
The long-legged, delicate flies that are commonfy called crane-flies, In alluaion to their very long, crane-like legs, are known -to everyone who has observed the insect Sife of the shaded gullies or along the mountain streanis.
It is most unfortunate that these long, siender legs are so delicately attached that they are lost upon the.slicht- est mishandling, Tt is probable that it was this fragile nature of the legs, and the consequent unsightlinegs of the specimens, that caused crane-flies to be one ef the most neglected of all abundant and widespread groups of insects. This neglect is especially unfortunate, because the family of crane-fiies, or, as termed by the scientist, the fumily Ti ipulidae (after the first-named and largest genus, Tipwla Linnzeus) comes almost at the beginning of the great order Diptera. The flies of this family are thus vastly ancient, the earliest known types having appeared in all probability some 100,000,000 years ago. During this périod of the desvent of the eratie-Ries, the Dinosaurs and other gigantic reptiles have waned an disappeared, while the entire class of mammuls has been evolve. In the Rocene, some 44,000,000 years ago, crane-flies were already notably developed a5 a group, and were widely distributed over the world. At this period, the Dawn Horse, the tiny Hohkippus, the oldest known of the distinguished line of horses, was living in What is now western Northern America,
Having had such a vast period of time in which to evolve and spread, there is no cause for astonishment when we ascertain the facts in the crane-flies present-day distribution. For members of this group of delicate flies have been found in virtually every part of the world where insect life can exist. Species octur above the 80th degree of north latilude, in Greenland, within a few hundred miles of the North Pole. Others have invaded the lands furthest fo the south (excepting the Antarctic
-continent, which, to the writer’s knowledge. has produced
no winged insects}, including the storm-swept Straits ef MageUan and Cape Horn, the Falklands, and ever the Macquarie Islands and others in the South. The most remote oceanic islands have their quota of crane- flies, often reduced in number o7 species, and, strange ta say, tt is not the large, vigorous forms which occur, but the delicate, ethereal species.
May | ALEXANDER, Cravwe-Ilies or Daddy Long-Lege 5
in the mountains, crane-fies have been tound above 20,000 feet, in most regions of the world where the land attains this altitude. Im the mountains of Mexico, species have been taken above 13,000 feet. In the vast inlar- mediate and more oaptinum regions, members of the group, totalling an unknown number of thousands of kinds, oceur in a variety of haunts that includes almost every possible ecological habitat, with the exception of the very dry. Crane-flies are notable lovers of moisture, and the greatest number of species in any given region are to be found in the vicinity of streams or mountain brooks, in wet meadows or margins of bogs, or m the cool shade of damp woodlands, where the larvae, or de- vetopmerital stages, are spent in the damp moss, in thick leaf-mold, or in the wet, decaying wood of prostrate trunks of trees,
Victoria is wonderfully blessed with some of the most magnificent species of crane-files that have yet heen dis- covered. ‘fhe great orange-and-black species of Clyto- COSTES, the splendid black and silver- -spangied Platy- phasia regina Skuse, and additional species of the equally
_imposing senus Plusiomyia, occur in the gullies of the Dandenong Kange, and near Warburton, where they were first discovered by the late Mr. F. P. Spry, Mr. F. B. Wilson, my friend, Mr. J. Searle, and other collectors. Resides these large and magnificently colored species, these same gullies, and at least the lower ranges of the Vie- torian Alps, support a wealth of other large, but more ob- ecurely-colored crane-flies, as well as a host of the very small to medium-sized, usually hairy, gnat-like kinds that have been much neglected and are apt to add very greatly to our knowledge of certain problems of distribution. The affinities of the Victorian fauna, as shown by the material so far available, are with Tasmania rather then with the Blue Mountain region of New South Wales. Many of the species that have been taken in the Dan- denong Range likewise occur in Tasmama. It is un- iortunate that the crane-flies of the higher altitudes of the Victorian Aips and of Kosciusco, are still very poorly known. Almost any specimens from the mountains of Victoria would add to our knowledge of either seasonal or geographica) distribution.
Most, crane-flies are fully-winged in both sexes, but in wl regions of the world, subapterous forms have been found. In most eases these oceur only in the mountains or on the outlying wind-swept islands, or else in the cold
a ALEXANDER, Grune Ilias or Daddy Leug-Lens Wer otk,
of a northern winter, as in the case of the Snow Fly, Chionea, spp. In other cases. however, subapterism occurs Onder more normal conditions and such instances are difficult of explanation. In one case, the New Zealand genus Alezundrella Tonnoir, not only have the wings been lost, but also the halteres, In most crane-flies with reduced wings, it is the female sex only that is so de- formed, the males having the wings normally developed. In Victoria, there is a common species of Macreomastiz (fergusent Alex.), taken at Cockatoo hy Mr. Hill, near Warburton by Mr. Searle, and elsewhere, that has fully- winged and very active males, the females beiny much smaller and nearly wingless.
For more than 4 dozen years the writer has been en- vaged in securing materials for a comprehensive review of the crane-flies of Australia and Tasmania. Unfortun- ately this has proved a matter of the greatest difficulty, since only a relatively few collectors seern willing to save these delicate creatures when they find them in their nets, Lam writing this amall paper to see if some uf the younger students cf entomology cannct be interested to save these flies, especially when it is realised that they _ are Yery common in nature, ‘are not difficult to eollect,” are easily handled for shipment, and that their study is of the greatest importance in determining many dis- puted points of phylogeny and distribution,
METHODS oF COLLECTING,
These insects may be told from all other similar and related flies by the long, and usually very long, easily broken legs. It should be emphasised, that no specimens should be discarded, no matter how broken or legless they may be, because the characters most needed for final identification lie in the wings and structure of the male genitalia. As stated above, crane-flies may be swept with a light net from the ferns and other rank herbage prowing near streams, on the wet, dripping walls of cliffs, or elsewhere where there is a certain amount of moisture, Many species may be captured while resting, with all six legs (when this full number is present!) outspread, on the walls of houses or trunks of frees, near lakes and streams.
Many crane-flies are strongly attracted to lights, and make their way into houses in the evening, when they may be found the next day, resting on walls or on the windows. This habit may be further used by running a
fney | ALExANogR, Crane-Plies or Daddy Long-Ley's 7
(rap-lantern, as is done in the case of collecting for moths, Unfortunately, the majority of crane-flies thus attracted to light are females, which sex is almast value- less for accurate determination, Such collections should be supplemented by a vigorous sweeping or beating of the vegetation nearby when the missing males will be very apt to be taken, When crane-flies are found swarm- ing, the net may be passed through such a swarm and a rich haul results, since such individuals are apt to be all males, or virtually so. |
A day's collecting in the mountains of Victoria, ul the height-of the season (November to Janusry), might yield a Surprising range of these flies.- The largest would have a wing-spread up to nearly three inches, the smallest— hairy, midge-like pygmies—would be less than half the size of an ‘ordinary mosquito, The average size of the _ species would probably -be equal to or only a little larger
_than an ordinary gnat or mosquito. It is the small and
value -colored types-that are apt te prove of the greatest Value. ;
Crane-flies i in the temperate regions of the world have 4 remarkable. seasonal distribution that” has; heen but little studied for the Australian species. ‘The breaking up of the winter in Victoria would produce the early spring forms in September or October, These have a short flight-period and disappeur, being followed by others of the late spring and summer, which, in their turn, dis- appear, being succeeded by the late summer or autumnal types in March and April. It is probable that most of the Victorian species will have the above limited seasonal range, but some species will fly for a much longer part af. the season, while others will be found to be double- brooded, the firs!, generation appearing in the spring, the second late in the season. [1 should be emphasised that ‘there are many, and often very many, of these small and medium-sized types that look very much alike, and even ‘with a hand-lens might be pronounced identical, but which, upon a critical examination prove to be éntirely “distinet species. It is for this reason that all material found in the net should be taken, and the final settling of identities be done in the laboratory, with a microscope, and other necessary accessories at hand.
CARE OF MATERIAL,
Vt is not a. difficult matter to-care for the specimens so taken. When on collecting frips, a special bottle or
a ALEXANOER, Crane-Flies or Daddy Long-Legx [ YS .Pty
bottles should be reserved for these fies; or, at least, they should not be placed in the same bottles with moths or butterflies, or with heavy-bodied beetles and similar bulky insects, When thus collected, the specimens are usually found to be in good condition, with but few, if any, of the legs detached in the bottle. The specimens are best shipped by placing in small paper triangles or envelopes, as is commonly done with the Lepidoptera (Waterhouse and Lyell, Rutterfiies of Austrola, 1914, p. 228; Tillyard, Insects of Austratia and New Zeaiand, 1926, p. 486). A number of specimens of about the same size, and from the same place and date, may be placed in a single triangle. The data, place, date and altitude, together with the collector’s name or initials, should be placed on the envelopes. The altitude is of primary im- portance in mountain collecting, and should be ascer- tained as accurately as possible.
When a sufficient number of these triangles has beer gathered to warrant a shipment they may be sent in a small strong weoden or tin box, with a layer or cotien on top and bottom to prevent shaking. A. little powdered naphthalene sifted into the box will repel book-lice and other destructive vermin, Boxes up to 18 ounces weight may be sent by Sample Post rate (inscribe packages, “Dry insect specimens for study purposes only; sample post rate’), the charge being only 1d. for four ounces weight, When received by the special student, the flies are relaxed snd mounted. I[f newly killed<specimens are placed in a box reserved for the purpose, they travel through the mails in much better condition than do pinned and spread material.
The writer would greatly appreciate any co-operation m this matter, especially among the younger and more active entomologists, and would be very pleased to col- lect and exchange insects from North America. If any douht exists in the minds of the student as to exactly What ig a crane-ty, a careful reading of Dr. Tillyard's recent work (Tke Insects of Australia and New Zealand, 1926, pp, 346-349) will clear up the doubtful points, In concluding this brief account,.the wriler would express - his great appreciation of this most remarkable work of Dr. Tillyard. Australasin is to be congratulated upon now having such a comprehensive treatment of the various insect groups. It is very certain that no finer or more scholarly account of the insects of any region of the world has ever appeared,
cee all Pescort, The Orchids af Viclorin HT (edi bab vate olen el Hmm vqjovcosonhee) ds Me bb etme pany mt 6 BDI Dapeng pos engn cB ba nemgat tol MAE UN deat (ste Ah mv Lab MM saEheYDOR CAEU Clb heat heen etn mao OLetaS
The Orchids of Victoria BY EDWARD E. PescoTt, F.L.8., F.R-H.S,
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PO a Ld
Part IX.
12. P, ALPINA, Rogers (alpine). “Alpine Greenhood,” Plant slender, usually tall, from 6 to 24 inches. No basal leaves; severa] leaves and bracts on stem, larger ones 3 or 4 inches long. Flower solitary, very erect, - shining, pale green, galea upright and then curved for- -ward, blunt; lower lip with wide sinus, bent forward in a swollen manner, then somewhat abruptly inecurved, embracing the galea, the lobes somewhat exceeding Ht. Labellum, linear, lanceolate, movable, much curved for- ward al end, blunt, appendage quite pencillate. Column shorter, upper lobes toothed, lobes usually wide, lower lobes narrowed, ciliated.
The Alpine Greenhood usually grows in hilly or moun- fain areas, and especially favours moist places: Its soft green, almost succulent appearance gives it a daintiness much admired, The flower frequently has white or whitish markings. lt flowers from September to Novem- ber, later in high mountain areas, Recorded from all parts except the N.W., and also from Tasmania.
18. P. rurcatA, Lindl. (forked, referring to the points of the sepals), “Forked Greenhood.”
Plant slender and glabrous, 6 to 12. inches high. Leaves broad, un long petioles, not radical. Flower solitary, rather large, green with brown markings. Galea up- right, then curving forward, and somewhat upwards; tower lip with medium sinus, the long linear points em- bracing and far passing the galea. Labellum movable, oblong linear, blunt, curved outwards, having a central ridge, channelled on each side. Basal appendage very pencillate. Upper wing's with a short round point, lower wings blunt and ciliate,
This ig one of our very rare orchids, having been col- lected only a few times. The recorded localities are Bun- inyong, the Dandenong Ranges and the Western district. Flowers late, November to January; recorded also from South Australia and Tasmania.
14. P. GRANDIFLORA, R.Br. {large-flowered). ‘‘Long- tongue Greenhood,”
10 PescarT, The Orchids of Victorie [ wee
Plant tali, slender, 6 to 18 inches high; leaves in a basal rosette, 3 to 5, with several clasping stem bracts, becoming larger as they near the flower, Flower large, solitary, rarely 2 or 3; galea much decurved, the central lobe extending to a tong filiform point. The conjoined petals quite widely wing-lke, markedly veined, and usually of a rich red-brown colour. Lower fip with. wide sinus, having very long filiforra points, embracing and far exceeding the galea, points upright, ' Labelium linear, long, somewhat contracted towards tip, and then pointed; wings of labellum moderately broad.
This is one of our largest, and most distinctive of Greenhoods. It is quite rare, and until a few years ago, was quite lost for over twenty years. It never appears in colonies, and reproduces slowly. It is found in mountain and hill gullies, usually growing In shaded apots. The wide, beautifully brown and veined petals are its dis- tinctive features, It is recorded only from the South, and slso from New South Wales and Queenslund. Flowers in winter and early spring.
7 i P_ REFLEXA, R.Br. (bent back}. UStriped Green- ao
Plant. slender, about 6 to 8 inches high. Leaves all stem
clasping, lanceolate, Flower green, striped with white, Solitary, large, Galea upright, with around short fine point, Somewhat recurved, Lower: lip-erect, sinus wide, having ‘long filiform points, embracing and far exceed- ing the galca, Labellum lanceolate, tapering to a sharp point, exceeding the column. Basal appendage curved, pencillate.- Upper. wings of column acute, lower wings ‘blunt and ciliate.
“Recent investigations have shown that: this species ‘déubtfully exists in Victoria. The plant that we have long classed as P! refleza, does not altogether conform ta ‘Brown's type. Dr. Rogers is at present investigating the
problem.’ He states, ““There was'a time when | thought thatit (P. reflexa) did” (exist in Victoria) “although for a good many years I have been of, opinion that the well known species common to your State and our own ‘(South Australia) (and since placed as a variety of P. alata by Fwart) was not conspecific with P. reflera of R.Br’ Then of course there was another difficulty intro- duced, owing to the desirability or undesirability of re- taining, P. revoluta as a species distinct, from P. reflexc. As you know, Bentham deliberately masses all these species together as P. reflexa. This was certainly the
May : Pescorr, The Orchids of Victoria i
shortest and easiest way of dealing with a very dificult problem. But I think we have now advanced sufficiently in our investigations of these three forms to admit the desirability of keeping them separate, although there are sure to be a good many intermediate forms which wil give trouble in sharply defining each of the three. In the light of our more advanced experience in the ' yarious States, I feel that caution should be exercised in definitely excluding P. refleta, Br., from Victoria; in Tact, on locking through my herbarium, 1 find 2 ‘few which appear to he identical “(except yierhaps in size) with Brown's species,’
Recorded from all States, flowering from May to Sep- tember.
' By P. REVOLUTA, R.Br. (revolute}. “Autumn Green- 00
Plant slender, from 6 to 15 inches in height; basal leaves absent. Stem bracts small and slender, Flower- solitary, quite large, pale green or white, striped, with. light brown stripes and markings. Galea long, evenly - curved, extending to a long, filiform point, with a down- ward flexure. Lower lip long, gracefully curved inward and upwards. The long filiform points embracing and far exceeding the galea, usually wide spreading. Label- lum long linear, somewhat pointed, curved-outward, ap- pearing through the galea. Column pinge as in P. reflexa, © — ;
This beautiful Greenhood is found in autumn, its slen- der stem, with very small stem bracts carrying the large coloured flower, makes it. a readily noticed plant. In some localities it is quite rare, while in others it is_seen in considerable numbers. Flowering from Mareh to June, and recorded from the S., S.W. and N.E. Recorded alsa from New South Wales.
r af P. TRUNGATA, Fitz. (shortened). “‘Brittle Green- oo eae °
Plant dwarf, up to 8 inches high, Leaves almost ovate in rosette stage; stem clasping and narrow lanceolate in flowering stage. Flower solitary, large, Galea long, much widened or expanded at middle and towards end; point quite blunt or truncate. Lower lip relatively small, with long very filiform points, embracing the galea and far exceeding it, somewhat recurved. Labellum linear, taper- ing to a fine point, somewhat twisted, Gojamin wings » wide.
12 Pescorr, Uh Orehids of Victoria We ie
The vernacular name is quite apt, for the galea is very brittle, and the flowers do not carry well. The very large flower, and the low stature, give the plant a strange dwarfed appeurance. It has only been recorded from Tottenham, Sunshine, Brisbane Range, and You Yangs. The latter is the original locality, where it was discovered by W.. H. Nicholls: Recorded also from New South Wales. Flowers April to June.
18. P. ALara, Reich. f. (winged). 'Purplish Green- hood.” (Synonym, P. PRAECOX, Lindl.).
Plant slender, up tv 10 inches high, no basal leaves at flowering time, stem leaves 8-4, small, the upper one enclosing the bud. Flower solitary, long, grey green, with brownish stripes. Galea erect and only slightly in- curved, ending in a short point. Lower lip erect and up- right, the sinus wide and notched, the fine points em- bracing the top of the galea, and exceeding tt, being often bent forward. Labellum straight. short pointed, red brown at tip, having a central brownish line, raised. Upper column wings curved, lower lobes blunt and eill- ated.
Kaown for years as FP. praecoz, this name was suitable on account of the early appearance of the flower. It is smaller than the plant hitherto known as P. reflera, and cof a general duller appearance, Like many greenhoods, the foliage of the juvenile plants is in the form of a rosette, having from 3 to'7 leaves, In subsequent years, as the tuber becomes stronger, frequently, but not always in the second year, this juvenile tuber becomes a flower- ing tuber, without basal foliage. Recorded from all parts of the State except the N.W.; and also from New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. Flowers from May to July.
19. P. optusa, R.Br. (obtuse or biunt labeljum). “Blunt-tongue Greenhood.”
Plant more slender than No- 18, but taller, up to 10 inches high. No radical rosette al owerme time, 3-4 stem leaves, broadly Jancevlate, Flower solitary, green, shaded with deeper green shades. Galea compact, the end much incurved, ending in a long fine point. Lower lip quite erect. bread at the notched sinus, the long fine points embracing the galea and far exceeding it, usually facing forwards. Label:um oblong linear, brownish, itp quite blunt or ottuse. Upper column wings toothed, lower ones blunt.
iat, PrscortT, Tre Orchidy of Victoria 13
This dwarf Greenhood is at once distinguished by its hlant, reddish brown labellum, which does not project through or beyond the sinus, It ts recorded from the S, and E., and also from Qucensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. It is autumn flowering, usually occurring in April-May,
20. P. pecurva, Rogers (downward curved). “‘Red- tongue” Greenhood.
Plant slender, graceful, glabrous, radical leaves 2-
not present at flowering, oval on long slender pedicels; bracts 4-4. Flower large, solitary, green, with slight reddish touches at points. Galea upright and then much ineurved and deflexed, the point long, extended almost even with base of ovary. Lower lip erect, with wide sinus, the: filiform lohes being much prolonged, embrac- ing and in an upright position, far exceeding the galea. Labellum linear oblong, obtuse at apex, much recurved, wand protruding through the situs, with a raised central line, dull red in colour, appendage curved and _ trifid. Upper column wings tovthed; lower wings bluntly oblong, both wings reddish in front,
This very datnly Greenhood was first brought under my notice by A. N. Burns, who found it growing freely at Lower Fern Tree Gully. It does not oveur in colonies. The three long, fine, filiform points make it easily recog- nised, as does alzo the curved red tongue. It has only been found in and near the Dandenong Ranges, and in Tasmania, Flowers in December-January.
21, P. pakvirtorsa, R.Br. (small flowered). ‘Tiny Greenhood,” .
Plant slender, often quite amall, ranging from 2 to 9 inches high, rarely up to 15 inches. No radical leaves al- Howering, severa) small acute bracts on stem, and one below each fiower. Flowers small, several, usually up to 5, occasionally 10 or rnore. Flower erect, galea much tncurved, marked with dark green or brownish streaks, point somewhat blunt. Lower lip erect, wide sinus, notehed, lobes embracing, but shorter than, the galea. Ladetlum oblong, tip obtuse and somewhat re- cursed, having a central broad red. line, and with a nar row line on etther side. Upper angle of column wings toothed, lower broad and ciltate.
The Tiny Greenhood has small flowers, and is often quite a diminutive plant, The erect flowers are promin- ent. A variety occurring in New South Wales and Tus- mania is known as. P. apkylla. It is a short stout plant,
14 Prescott, The Orchids of Vistoria sone with the flowers crowded together. at the top-of the’ stem, | and nol separated as in the species. The rosette of leaves: often found at the .base of the stem, is fr6m.a small, non-- fluwering tuber. It is recorded frorn all parts except the N.W,, and also from al States except West Australia.
Flowers from March to June.
" 22. Po BARBATA, Lindl. (Bearded). ‘Hearded Gteen- ood. :
“Blacit usually robust, 4 to 12 inches hist: Leaves.
numerous, crowded at base, especially before flowering tite; also passing up the stem. and merging ‘Into stem. bracts. Flower pale green, with rich green veinings and reticulations, Galed quite erect, ending in a short rounded’ point, much infiated at lower half. Lower lip with long linear points. nwite reflexed, lobes pointing downwards Labellum-filiform, with a dilated base, ending in an un- evenly rounded red brown knob, the whole portion ex- cept the knob being covered with long. yellow hazrs. Upper ~ column wings (see plate showing lahella). rounded, lower wings blunt, pointing forward.
This plant is easily distinguished by its leafiness, its beautifully veined flower, and the unusual yellow-haired lahellum. It is found alike in the dry mallee, and in the coastal -areas, being recorded from all parts. It is also recorded from all States except Queensland. Flowers ss deta toher.
. P. mutica, R.Br. (dovked). “Midget Greenhood.” Sonat slender, small, somewhat compact, up to 3 inches high, green. Leaves in a radical rosette; one or two stem bracts.’ Flowers ‘green, quite small, 2-12. Galea in- curved, blunt; lower lip broad, reflexed, pointing dawni- wards. - Labellurm breadly ovate, tip rounded, Upper column wings rounded, ciliate margins; lower lobes bhintly’ triangular, ciliate. Recorded from all parts and from Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. Flowers August-to, November. °
24. P. OYCNOUEPAALA, Fitz, (swan-headed—appendage to Jabelum), “Swan Greenhood.”
Plant stout, taller than No, 22. Leaves up to 10 in radical rosétte ; 1-3 stem bracts. Flowers up to 10; quite gmail, green. Galca incurved erect; lower lip short, re- flexed pointing downwards, lubes united almost all the -qay.' Labellum almost circular, with broad round tip-
THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. xiiv. Mey, 1927 Plate XXII.
PTEROSTYLIS PEDUNCULATA, P. BARBATA, Lindl. R.Br. (two flowers). Bearded Greenhood. Maroon Hood.
P. REVOLUTA, R.Br. P. CURTA, R.Br..
et ee et
eS ey ew Fe EE Ti Ah oe aS
eae
pay Pescorr, Phe Orchids of Victoria 16
Appendage to labellum pointing towards the tip. Upper column wings rounded, iower wings triangular, botir ciliate.
Reeorded from all parts but the E., and from New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. Flowers. September-October,
These two species, Nos. 22 and 23, might be for the same, or for varieties. They are ‘very simdlar in out- ward appearance, both being dwarf, and uniformly green. F. mutica, however, is usually stouter and shorter than P, cyenocephala; but the important difference be- tween the two lies in the fact that the irritalile append- age of the labellum of P. cyenocephala points outwards towards the tip, while that cf P. mutica, is pointing inwards. :
25, P, PUSILLA, Hogers (small). “‘Ruddy-hood,”
Plant small, slender, glabrous, up to 6 inches high, green rosette of leaves at time of flowering, 2 or 3 stem ‘hyacts. Flowers 1 to 6 on slénder stems, vreen, with rusty red shades and tints on galea, lower tip and label- lum. Galea erect with short rounded point, Lower lip reflexed, pointing downwards, lobes shortly pointed. Tubellunt ablong, irritable on a long claw, feshy, concave, tan not bent, but round and blunt, lateral margins ciliate, with few hairs, under side with a deep central channel, having two pear-shaped swellings directed. forwards, Upper column wings wide, quadrangular, lower wings rounded, all more or less ciliate.
Recorded from the 5. 8,W., and N.E,, and also from South Australia and Tasmania. Flowers September and October.
26. P, rua, R.Br. (reddish). “Rusty-hood."
Plant moderately stout and robust, from 4 to 12 inches high. Basal rosette of leaves withered at flowering time; 2-5 stem bracts. Flowers fairly large, 2-5, green, with rich red-brown markings and streaks, Galea broad, in- curved, the puint produced to a long fine point, Lower lip reflexed, pointing downwards, margins of concave portion ciliate, produced to long fine points, often 1 inch long. Labellum, narrow oblong, attached by a long claw, membranous, sensitive or irritable, with an upturned blunt tip, margins very ciliate, with two long prominent bristle like hairs at base, deeply channelled on under side- Column wings rectangular, ciliate.
Recorded from N.W., S.W., and. S., and also from all the other States. Mlawers November-December.
16 Prscott, The Orehide of Victoria ish, Mas
27, P, SQUAMATA, R.Br. (scaly—referring to bracts}, “Scaly Greenhood.”
Plant stout, up to 9 inches high. Leaves in a withered basal rosette at flowering time; stem bracts up to 8. Flowers. dull green with red markings, up to 4, on long stems. Galea incurved, produced to a fine point. Lower lip reflexed, pointing downwards, lobes produced to fine points. Labellum thick and fleshy, glandular, drritadle, ovate oblang, the tip upturned and bifid, margins thick- ened, cilzafe with long hairs. Column wings almost square, lower ones ciliate,
Recorded from S. and N.E., and also from South Aus- tralia and Tasmania. Flowers November-December.
28. P, MITCHELL, Lindl, (after Sir Thos. Mitchell). “Mitchell Greenhood,”
Plant slender, up to 10 inches high, Leaves in 3 green basal rosette at time of fowering, stem bracts 2-4, Flowers fairly large, up to 6, green with rich red tints and markings, Galea upright, recurved, the point finely produced. Lower lip reflexed, pointing downwards, hav- ing a spreading sinus, the two lobes produced inte long
points very divergent. Labelluwm thick, fleshy, glandular,
irritable, slipper shaped, tip depressed and slightly biful, under surface channelled, marging ciliate except at the contracted basal portion. Upper column wings acute, lower blunt, both ciliate, ;
Recorded from §.W., and &.; and also from Queens- land, New South. Wales, Tasmania, and South Australia. Flowers August-October.
The above four species represent what is known as the “Rufa" group of Greenhoods. Originally all were “lumped” together as one species, but were gradually separated, FP. pusilla forming the last member of the group. Critical examination has disclosed the fact that P. squamata may not be found in Victoria, but one speci- men in my herbarium from the N.W., seems to agree with that species, All four species are fond of somewhat dry and hillside conditions.
The differences between the four species are clearly set out by Dr. Rogers, in Trans. Roy. Sac. Sth. Aust., vol. xilii., 1918. Briefly they are as follow:
P. pusilla. Labellum fleshy, tip straight, Rosette ,
green,
P_ rufa. Labellam membranous, tin upiurned. Rosette withered.
nae ee wit
maz | Prescott, The Orchids of Victoria 17
P, sinamata. Labellum fleshy, lip upturned, Rosette withered.
P, Mitekelizi, Labellum fleshy, tip depressed. Rosette green.
29, P. LONGIFOLIA, R.Br. (long-leayed). "Tall Greer- hood.'
Plant robust and rigid, dull green, up-to 20 inches high, Stem leaves up to 8, larger towards the centre, amail and bract-like at base, no basal rasette. Flowers small, green, up to 8, rarely more. Galea somewhat in- curved, not produced to a fine point, carried almost hori- zontally, in two shades of green. Lower lip reflexed, pointing downwards, Labellum irritable, oblong, glandu-- Jar, slightly three-lobed at end, tip upturned and bifid, base thick and solid. Upper column -wings bluntly
toothed, lower elongate, frontal margins ciliate.
; The Tail Greenhond is a winter to spring flower, the latter season being for mountain plants. It inhabits forest and shady hill country. The irritable labellum is very sensitive to the touch, springing inwards, but slowly returning after the lapse of about half an hour. The tall, several flowered, green plant is readily recognised,
Recorded from all parts of the State and fram ail States except West Australia. Flowers from July to October,
30. P. virratTa, Lindl. (banded). “Banded Green- hood.”
Plant rather robust, similar in ‘habits of growth, ‘flowers and follage to No. 29, except that it is shorter
and stouter, ihe flowers being much larger. Plant up to 16 inches high. Flowers up to 8, very pale green, with vedidish or nurplish brown bunds, Galea broad and long, ending in a short acute point. Lower lip reflexed, point- ing downwards, wide, ovate, lobes with acute, short points, Labellum irritable on a long claw, broadly oblong, ' glandular, point, tip upturned and bifid; margins cillate, the base thickened, carrying a short and thick point or apike. Upper lobes of wings bluntly toothed; lower nar- row and ciliate.
The Banded Greenhood is often found amongst tea tree and other scrub, right along the coast, as wel] as inland. The grey pale green, and rich brown markings are very distinct. Occurring in winter, it is often missed by col- lectors. Recorded from all parts except the N.E.; and also from Tasmania, South and West Australia. Flowers May tao duly.
ib Pescorr, the Ovehida of Victoria we tay
New SPECIES.
With the passing of years and the increase of interest and study in Orchidology, it is only natural that new forms and species should be discovered. When Baron von Mueller wrote his ‘Key” (1888), he published 78 species of orchids for Victoria. Now we have over 150.
Since this work was commenced new records have been made, and more than half a dozen new species Toust be added to the list.
»Three new Prasophylla have been collected; one from Lara, by Rev, A. ©. F. Gates, M.A,; one from Ringwood,
. by C. French, Jr.; and one from Bairnsdale, by T. S. Hart, M.A, (Prasophyllum Hartii) - These are all moderately tall, spring flowering species. A new Calo- chilus (C. imberbis, Rogers) has been collected from Rushworth hy Mys, Rich: this is a unique Calecitlus Without a beard. A new Diurus (LD. fastidiosa, ey Hea recorded frem Tottenham district by W,
icholls
A. J. Tadgell and others have cadordod Caladenia alpina, Rogers, from Mount Bogong. I understand that C. French, Jr., collected this orchid 30 years ago on Mount. Hotham, but von Mueller recorded it as C. carnea, A, J. Tadgell has also re-collected Mueller’s Thelymitre Ehzohethae (named atter Mrs. McKibbin) from Ring- wood, originally collected near Camberwell. Mr. Tad- rell courteously supplies field details of these two orchids.
THELYMITRA ELIZABETHAR, F.v.M.
Plant. slender, Flower small, solitary, rarely 2. Colour red, with reddish stems. Leaf solitary; one stem hract, Summitof column denticulate and V cleft. Sum- mit of column yellow at back: back of wings dark red. Anther crest erect, and very prominent; 2 crested appen- dages slightly fringed. Usually tardily opening on a warm day, closing firmly, Flowers in Oetober.
It differs from 7. carnea in being a more slender plant, with smaller flowers, darker stems and flower: summit V spaced instead of closed. The summit of column is yellow instead of red as in 7’. curnea, The 2 crested appendages are fringed and not denticulated. 7. carnea readily opens and is closed loosely.
» GALADENIA ALPINA, Rogers (alpine).
Plant robust up to 11 inches high, Stem reddish, glandular hairy, clasping bract pointed above middle of
My ' Pescort, The Orchids of Vietoria iv
stem. Leaf thick, broad, pointed, with scattered hairs, ustially as long as, sometimes longer than the stem; 8 thick lines. | Flowers 1-2, rarely &. Bratt sheathing Dorsal sepal rigid concave and incurved, broad ovate, almost inclosing- labellum. Lateral sepals concave, broad, elliptic, standing out. Petals faleate, flat, broad. spreading. Segments free and equal. Ovary elon- fale, slender, hairy, green, 3 prominent red angles.
. Labellum ovate, concave, on short claw. Tateral
lobes erecl, entire margins; on half its length transverse stripes; then about 6 teeth like lobes on either
side of middle lobe: membranous edges slightly ciliate:
very distinct,
lamina with 2 erect thick yellow calli at posterior end:
‘6 rows of clubbed yellow calli, follawed by 4 rows of
yellow calli on middle lobe, then 4 rows of small white
_ calli lo antevior Jobe. Column cleft where wings join
anther, Wings narrow, red lined, Anther pointed,
incumbent.
Flowers in January at Mount Bogong, CALADENIA CARNEA, R-Br., var. AURIANTICA, Rogers, lt i8 quite probable that this variety from -Albeérton
_ (ACJ. Tadgell) will be raised to specific rank when mare
material is collected. The orange-coloured Jabellam ts
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. The descriptions of the genera have been ahlefly taken
-from Bentham and Mueller’s “Flora Australiensis,”
which is the standard reference work for ‘Australian Botany.
Very considerable help has becn ‘obtained trom the
anuesta and quite unique stereoscopic photographs of | -T, Green. Itis very easily: possible to deacribe any archi by the use of these-splendid pictures.
A very free use has-been made, by special permission, of the descriptions of the- species. ‘of orchids by that emi- nent orchidologist, Dr. R. S. Rogers, M.A., F.L.S. It is impossible to give finer descriptions than those given in the Doctor's works; and no Australian student can afford to be without these, Indeed, the descriptions are 80 com- plete and so perfect, that they stand as a model for all orchid students. Australian students are so steeped in the work of Dr. Rogers, that any work done at all, is merely a reflection of his own. His help, generously given at all times, 1s also characteristic, and I cannot. be tov grateful for all the help and advice that haye heen so readily aceorded, and so Sreely used,
. . , Vie € aU CoreMAN, Pollination of an Orchid hee
POLLINATION OF THE ORCHID CRYPTOSTYLIS LEPTOCHILA.
By (Mks.) EDITH COLEMAN.
An interesting, but perplexing, problem hay presented itself in connection with the pollination of the Small Tongue-orchid, Cryptostylis leptochkila. Early in January my daughter described to me certain remarkable actions on the part of a wasp, which she had observed visiting the flowers of C. leptochila. It entered the flowers hackwurds, instead of in the usual manner of nectar- feeding wasps: the tip of the abdomen appeared to be imbedded in the stigma of the flower, and, in every in- stance, the insect freed itself with a. jerk, which shook the stem and suggested resistance.
_ _ Investigations fully bore out her statements, and added
further unusual observations which, though they have so far puzzled several leading entomologists, have adduced at least two important facts in connection with the pollination of this orchid. At Upwey and Belgrave. where C, leytochila is fairly numerous, we watched many of these insects visiting the Aowers, and always they backed into them. They seemed to come from the trees, never from the ground; and each would dart in- stantly into a flower, backwards, without any attempt to locate a possible victim in the shape of a moth larva, and with no apparent interest in any flower other than the one selected.
After backing into the stigma, the end of the wasp’s body took an inward faleate curve, and the base of the flower’s labellum appeared to be gripped by the claspers, This curve of the end, brought the abdomen just in posi- tion for the upper- surface, at about the second last ring, to rest on the flower’s prominent rostellum, with its dark- eoloured disc. The insect quivered for a moment. and then became motionless. After a second or two, it freed itself, with an apparent effort which shook the flower. Resistance by the blossom could be plainly felt when we withdrew the insect with our fingers. In every instance, when we gave if time enough, the effort was sufficient to release the pollinia, which, with the viscid disc, were carried off by the insect on the tip of its abdo- meén, never on any other part of the body. Owing, no doubt, to this resistance, pollen was frequenthy deposited on the stigma of the same flower, and more was yepbably carried to the stigma of the next flower visited.
Mayy Comeman, Pollination of uw Orchid 21
Some of the insects bore pollen before they entered our flowers, while others took away more than they brought. It took at least a second to complete the act, and if we disturbed the wasp too soon, no pollen was abstracted. The inseets were identified as Lissopimpla semipunctata, Kirby. Theoretically, being Ichneumon-flies, they should not be interested in the flowers, except in so far as they may harbour moth larvae, or secrete nectar; yet I think we have proved that neither larva hor nectar was the object of their visits to the flowers. ‘Their swift- hess suggests either exceptionally sharp eye-sight or keen sense of smell. It may be both.
Though, to our senses, the perfume of the Small Yongue-orchid is not very pronounced, 1 think it may, in the first instance, lure the insects to the flowers from quite a distance, for most of my expériments have been made on very hot days, when orchid-perfumes are usually more powerful, and when there has been a breeze. But T think jt cannot be scent only, for the inséct has no further interest in a flower once the dark-brown dise has heen removed, though the perfume has possibly not decreased with its removal. Can it be that the rostel- lum, with its dark disc, holds fhe key to the solution? Roughly, in shape and colouring, the labellum somewhat resembles the body of the insect visitor, As the flower matures, the curve taken by the labellum with its upright posterior margins, So exactly meets the needs of the wasp, (hat one is easily tempted to hazard a Lheery.
From the shape and structure of its essential organs the service of an agent is necessary im the pollination of this orchid, whether with pollen brought from another plant, or pollen from the same flower. Sv far as the henefit, to the orchid is concerned, T am satisfied, but I am not an entomologist. I have set oul the essential facts in the hope that some reader yersed in entomology may be able to elucidate something more definite, The only facts we feel that we have confidently established are?
1. That [assommpla semipunciata visits the orchid purposely, and enters the flower hackwards.
2, That it successfully effects pollination, and there- fore can be regarded as the orchid’s agent—possibly its only one, Though most of the insects were identified aa males, we searched the fiowers for trace of eggs or moth larvae, but the microscope revealed nothing.
What, then, was the payment exacted by the insects
22 Cormmat, Pollmation of on Orehid Vters. Wat.
far the service it atidoubtedly rendered? The fact that it is not deterred by any slight discomfort, from maling subsequent visits, would suggest that it has in some way received payment for its former visltz., The accompanying photographs were taken by Mr. T. ~_Green, a former member of this Club. -They show the insect in the act. The flowers were snipped off into a killing bottle while the wasp was oblivious to our pre- sence, and were photographed with their visitor after having been in formalin for over a week.
EXCURSION TO CLEMATIS,
Twelve members and friends attented the excursion to Clematis Guliy, on March 19th. Al Belgrave Mr. O*Donoghue, Forest Officer, met us, and kindly drove several of the ladies to the Gully in hie eay, ‘The remaining members of the party walked about two miles, to South Sassafras. We were at the Gully before noon, The leader planted a bree, Fugenin Sumithi (brought fram the Botanic Gardens by Mr, P, BR. H, St. John) on the north side of Clematis Avenue. We then proceeded to explore the Gully for ferns, whith are readily collected here in pleasing variety, as the specimens exhibited testify.
Permigsion to -collect Terns for Club purposes, had kindly been wiven.by the Forests” Commissioners. Mr. St. John has been able to determine, from the specimens thus obtained, the epecific differences between Dryopteris decomposita und £, giabellu, and definitely to add the latter to the list of Victorian ferns,
We visited Dr. Glendinning’s garden, which is clase to the Gully, and, after lunch on the baleony of the house, viewed a nobie col- lection af Conifers and other trees, incliding 2 number of Aus- tralian species, Waratahs from: New South Wales, showed remarkably robust growth... Returning to the Gully, we made fiirther investigations among the ferme”. Later we walked alung the Sherbrook road and entered the Forest area, passing through a portion that recentiy was planted with treés “by the pupils of various schools, under the direction af Forest OiMicers. At the head of the Gully, Lyre-birds were heard calling, snd some were observed at their dancing-mounils.
The following is a list of the 22 ferns of which specimens were jblained and mounted, and are exhibited here to-night-—
Bristle Fern, Trichumanca venonum; Austral Filmy Fern
' Hymtenophyllum australe; Shining Filmy Fern, A. Aabetlutim; Soft Tree Fern, Dicksonia antaratea; Rough Tree Fern, Alsopnita: australis, Shining Shield Pern, Dryopteris deconpostta; Smooth Shield Pern, D. glabelia; Ground Polypody, D. pinctata,; Common Shield Fern, Polystichwm aculeatum; Leathery Shield Fern, P. adiantiforme; Necklace Fern, Asplenium finbellifoliun; Gristle Fern, Blechnwm dartilaginewm; Pishbone Fern, B. discolor; Leather Fern, & devigatim; Lance Fern, B. lanceolatem; Common Maiden- hair Fern, Adiantum xthiapioum; Batswing Fern, Histionteris
_ineisa; Common. Bracken, Péeridum aquilinum; F inger Fern, “Polypodiwm Billdrdieri; Scented Polypody, PF. diverstfatinem, ‘Mother Spleeawort, Aspleniwim dulbiferwm; Shade Spleenwort, Athyium umbrosum—P, PitcHer.
THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. xtiv. May, 1927 Plate XXIII.
ICHNEUMON-ELY visiting flowers of Cryptostylis leptochila,
cyan | The Platypus Rook 23
THE PLATYPUS BOOK,
Australian zoologistsa are setting botanists an excellent. example, Instead of census lists, useful indeed, but un- satisfying to those who are cager for more than a know- ledge of names, we have now a chvuice of books on native animals that may be read for pleasure as well as for in- struction, and not merely opened for refcrence, The latest addition to real natural history books is ““The Platypus,” by Harry Burrell], C.M.Z.5. The publishers are Mesars. Angus and Robertson Ltd. (Syd.), whose imprint appears on so many Worthy volumes, notably Dr, R. J. Tillyard's “Insects of Australia and New Zealand.”
Mr. Burrell, widely known as a field naturalist, has devated practically a lifetime to studying our wonder mammal, chiefly in its native haunts; and he must be regarded as the foremost authority on the habits and life history of Ornithorhanchus anatinua. He gives ua, in this fascinating book. the results of his observations and research work, The Platypus fives in the pages and illustrations. The volume is a Boaswellian bio- graphy, one might say: Chapters deal with the discovery and early descriptions of OrnithorAynchus, controversy on its zoological position and the laying of ergs, general characteristics, nesting burrow, breeding habits, etc. The illustrations include a -eoloured plate, and Many half- tones from photographs.
The Platypus was origmally described, in print, in 1799; und when specimens were first brought to Europe, many naturalists considered them to be “fakes,” duc to the misapplied skill of the Chinese who delighted, while they deluded, Europeans in quest of the marvellous, Even after Ornithorhynchus had been generally recognised asa product of nature, and not of artful Orientals, contre- versy continued, as regards its zoological position, itsege- laying habil, and so forth. Ib was a most. puzzling animal to the savants of Eurape for nearly a century. In some respects it is puzzling still; though Mr, Burrell’s book makes plain much that hitherto has been mysterious. He remarks that a great deal of anatomical investigation remains to be dare. But, so far as studies of the living Platypus are concerned, no one is ever likely to reap a harvest nearly so ri¢h as that which has rewarded Harry Burrell’s devotion to the most. wonderful of all existing mammals. Every Australian nature lover should resd his book. It is ‘intended mainly for general readers,"’ but is also truly scientific.
2d Report of Plunt Reeards Committee { ae re at
It is not practicable to produce popular books dealing in detail with all the native plants of even one state, but should we not have readable handbooks to the Ferns, the Orchids, the Eucalypts,. the Acacias, etc., and gencral wildHower books, on the lines of those numerous guides to the floras of European countries and America?—C.B.
REPORT OF PLANT RECORDS GOMMITTER,
The following is a list of new Victorian Records established recehtly—chiefly by members of the Field Naturalists’ Clab—which will be included in the forthcoming supplement tc the Censuz of Victorian Plants, The list excludes alien plants.
By Mr. GC. Barrett, C-M.Z.S.: In Bast Gippsland :—Puiltenaed Readestsnas new for East; Trichomanes coudatum, new for Viec- oria. :
By Mr. F. Barton, Jr: At Foster: Epeecris lanuginosa, Lepido- Sperma sewiteres, Gladium acutim, Chulium tetragonim, Kucalyp- tus Kilsoniana, Burnettia cuneate, Thelymitra grandiflora, Veronien peregrina, Utricularia luteriflera, Thelymitra puncifiorn, Sagine procumbens, Tetrarrhena distichophylla, Prasophyllum Archerd. At Sperm Whale Head:—Prasophyllam nigricans, Ghicine tabavina, Frunkenia panciflera, Buvoken rwmosixeime, Cotula integrifolia, Triglochin minutissima; Anytanthus Prela- ensert} Lepturus incurvatus, Gypsophile tubulosa; all new for Mast,
By Miss Hrica Barton: At. Foster:—Prasophylluns Frenehiv, Celochilus eupreus. At Ovean Grange:—Oleuria glutinosa; new for Fast.
By Miss J. Galbraith: At Tyers:—Cladium tetragonum, Gre- villee vosmerinifolia, Olcaria sbellulata, At Bulga Park:— Prostunthera melixsifolia; new for Hast, At Reechworth:— Prostunthern mea, Pterostylie Mitchellii, Thelymitroa grandiflora, and Coladenia cxcullata; new for NE,
By Rev. A. C. FP, Gates, M.A: At Goclong:—Amphitpogon striefua. At Lara;—Triglochin minttissinn, Fragroates pilosa, Stipa wrixtighemis, Riemer eryetallinus, Kochia humillimo, Psoralea parva, Festucu. Hookeriane; new Lor South, At Dingee: —Brugross pilosa; new Jor NW. At Lorne:—Nymenvphyltum rarain, new for Victoria, ;
By Mr. Maurice Keppel: At Buxton:—Huculyptus Perrivianda; new for South,
By Mr. V. Miller; In East Gippsland:-—Greutlies Vietorite; new for East. -
By Mr PL P. Morris: Abt Colae:—Chuoneeraphis spinescens, gras; new for South,
By Mr. D. J. Paton: In Bendigo District: Asplanium Aabalti- folium, Anogrumma leptophylin, Notholaena cistans, Kyllingia witermeadia, Leupidosperma filiforme, Curex peeudo-eyperus, Lomendra multiflora, Prasophylhon nigrieans, FP. odaratum talbum), Thetymitra aristata, T. carnea, T. Macemilanit, I. lateo- ciate, Mierotis norviftora, Calsana gajor, Cyrtostylis reniformis, Coladeuu coerulea, Catudenia curnka, Diurns alba, D. patachila,
etal Report of Plunt Records Convmittec 26
D, sulphured, Plorostylis alata, P. pusilla, P. parviflora, P, revu- ful, Persoonia ripida, Grevillea keugera, Marianthus praoumbons, Acuclea deatbata, A. deourrens, A. laprosa, A. lanigera, A. ralinudes, Decinedium uerians, TWibhertia acicularis, Pimelea spathulata, Pucalyptue claeophora, Fy wmidcrorrhynecha, Rasckea ranwstsatne, Halorrhagis teuecrioides, Astrotiicha ledifolia, Meliehrus urcenla- lus, Logania flarihunda, Prostunthera, hirtutes, Vervnied perfoliata, Stylidiume despectum, Olearia floribunda, Hurred ozathamnoides, Achiohrysum vhoordatumys all new for N.W.
By Mrs. Rossiter: At National Park, Wilson's Promontory:— Cryptostylis leptoehila; new for Fast.
By Miss’ Daphne Rhodes: At Gellibrand River:—Oleariw efel- lulata; new for 5,W.
By Mr, A. J. Tadgell: At Mount Fainter:—Caren steliadata and Euphrasiu antureticd, hitherto doubtful records for’ Victoria; Bwortia nufigensa, Geranium sessiliflornn and Pratin puberula, hitherto recorded only trom “Cobberas.” At the “Alps";—Agros- tié venusta, Diohkelachne soturea, Crticn ineviva, Didisous Bent- honiit, Helorrhagia teucrtetdes, Scirpus actaceus, Aymenantkera dontatd, Juncus plebejus, J. privmatocarpus; new for N.E, At Healesville:—Veronien serpulléfolia. At Werribee Gorge: Halorrhigis elata; new for South,
By Mr. H. B. Williamson, F.1,S.: At Moonlight Head;:—Thely- mites grandiflora; new for SW, At Omeo:—Mileonta rotundi- folta. On Bogong UWigh Plain:—frathycome alpina, Morris; new to Seierice. At Chiltern: Swoinsona Morrisiane, J, M. Black! new ta Victoria, also collected by D, McLachlan, in Wimmera.
HACURSION TO MENTONE AND BLACK ROCK,
A party of 14 members and friends took part in the excursion from Mentone to Black Rock, on Saturday afternoon, April 9th. On arrival at Mentone station, we directed our steps to the beach, where Lhe many varieties of seaweeds, range from pale pink to deep green in udlour, were much admired. Mr. W. H. A. Roger exhibited an interesting collection, which he had pressed on cards- A number of crescent-shaped pieces of a jelly-like substance were observed lying about the beach, which, on examination, were found to contain thousands of minute fish-ovs. On reaching the south. ern end of the beach, we ascended the cliffs, and walked to the foesil-beach at Beaumaris. Sume time was spent here, but, though the tide was conveniently low, only 42 few fossils, ineladin a shark's tooth, were found, Several of the curionsly spiral- shaped egg-cases of the Port Jacksan Shark: were examined,
The coast line was then followed, partly on the cliffs and some- times on the beach, a large flock of Silver Gulls being observed on a veef some distance from the shore, while nearby, several Pacific Guils and Cormorants were perched on some rocks, Six Black Swana were also noticed, close inshore. We viewed an interest- ing relie of the early days. consisting of fuur high walls built af irregular bloeks of local stone roughly cemented together, and enclasing a courtyard, the object, I understand, having been Lo atford protection from the aborigines,—L, L. Honcsan.
oti Barnetr, Notes on Ant-Lions | Vorxnty
NOTES ON ANT-LIONS.
The tamily Myrmeleontidae is the dominant one of the Order Neuroptera, Dr, R. J. Tillyard states, and is per- haps hetter known ‘from its familiar larval forme, the
“ant-lions,” rather than from the adult lacewings, (Insects. of Australia and New Zealand, p 323). In Aus- tralia there are 36 genera and 95 described species > but little is known concerning the habits of our ant-lion lacewings; and keen observing and collecting would cer- tainly be rewarded.
Referring to lacewings generally, in. a recent letter, Dr. Tillyard informs me that most of them, including all the ant-liors, are to be found in the drier parts of Aus- tralia. Tf one goes inland inte the back country of Victoria or South Australia, or, better still, towards Central Australia, they will be found in thousands, There are mary new species vet to he discovered.
I first became interested in ant-lions and other lace- wings in Egypt, which is the homeland of some wonder- ful species of Nemopteridae, insects with very long and slender hind-wings, which are tratled behind them like filaments, when the fies flutter among the sand-dunes of Lhe desert. Around the Pyramids at Gizeh, I ob- served riumerous pit-falls, made by ant-liens. It is donbtful whether pits are formed by Nemopterid larvae, which are Similar in appearance to ant-lion larvae, but have long and slender necks. This group is represented in northern Australia, ranging from the West to Queens- land.
Though ant-lions aré much more abundant in our mallee country, some species are fairly numerous around Melbourne. I have seen many pits, for example, on the cliffs at Brighton Beach, where spray from storm-waves could reach them. On the heath-grounds at Black Rock, a species of Glenolean may be seen occasionally. in weak, fluttering flight, or resting on leaf ar twig with its long wings folded. A tine ant-lion, with beautifully marked, faleate wings, was captured in a city building, in the daytime, If was, probably, a specimen of Periclystus circuiter Walk. ,
In the Linga district, Vie. Mr. F. . Wilson and [ saw ant-lion pits in hundreds, around bushes and irees, where the sand was fine and loase, as if it had been sifted, Rarely a larva was observed travelling among ihe pii- falls, its movements. almost as queer as its appearance.
jay} Trarrert, Noles on Ant-Lieng oF
Ti:is the popular belief that the larvae of all speeies of ant-lion lacewings form the conical pit-falls that gains for them “easy” meals; whereas those of only two Aus- tralian genera, Myrmeleon and Callisteleon, are known to do so, Dr. Tillyard states. However, the most of the larvae live secretly in sand or debris. They dre nol cap. tured without difficulty, in my experience. Failure is Srequent when one tries te dig aut ant-lion larvae; they seem to melt into loose, clinging sand,
Some of our ant- lions are rare, or are seldom met with in the adult, “lacewing™ stagé; others aré moderately plentiful, or abundant. Many species are handsome insects; others are drab-colored, and easily averlooked at very close range, when they aré resting.
The larvae of M2 yemeleon (nine Australian species) form the pit-falls most commonly seen in sandy places; often un the fringe of frequented ways, and even in yards and gardens, Beneath a house or other building, in dust or sandy-soil, ant-lion pits may be found. Ants areamong the common victims that glissade into the ant- lion’s gaping, calliper-like jaws, just showing in the centre of the bot- tom of the pit; but small insects of many kinds are snared.
Ant-lions were known to the ancients; and in Latin Bestiaries of the Middle Apes, accounts of the ““Mirmi- ealeon” are given. The Jife history of the ant-lion (Palpares libelluloides), in_its legendary form, has been traced by G. C. Druce, F.S.A. His paper, erudite, but highly entertaining, probably has been overlooked ‘by miany naturalists: it.appears in The Antiguar ies J ournal for Octoher, 1923.—C. BARRETT.
With this issue a new volume of. the Muteratist bepins;-and our aim should be, to make if the best of a long series. Contributions for the “Field and Study” section especially are desired. Merybers are invited'to help the Editor, by contributing more freely.
Often an exhibitor uight hand in a note, dealing generally with his exhibit. Many interesting happenings in Natvre are observed, brat not recorded, by Club members. Nature notes, certainly, are popular; and several pages of each number af our journsa) should be devoted to them, -
Articles, not too lengthy, will also be needed during the ensuing Club year Specialists who will winte im » popular way, make their studies. of general interest, could help much by contributing to the Meetteralist, |
28 Notes from Field aad Stidy Porte
_ DWARF SUGAR GUM TREE,
The jyiportance of the Sugar Gum, Mucatyptus claducalyr, Fy,M., to Australia is not fully renlised until one visits such towns 26 Horsham or Warracktuabeal, or such districts as Lismore and Cressy. In the Lismore district, there are miles of gum tree plantations, Sugar Guine and other species, growa Lor wind breaks and shelter belts.
The wne ¢letrimental feature of the Sugar Gum is its quick rowth, which produces a-tree with o very fine top of limbs and fotiage, but«devoid of any growth for 10 ft. to Ub ft. up. Thus; ‘while a belt. of Sugar Gums may break the wind over a large ares, it provides little shelter for stock in cold weather.
Attempts have been made to interplant the belts with such low- growing gums us BE, Lekmeanni, bul the work has not always been BueCesSE tal. f
While ut Beaufort recently, J heard of plantings of a “dwart" Sugar Gum, which was interplanted with the ordinary Sugar Gum, the combination thus giving a complete ahelter belt From top to bottom. Mr. Hooke, of "Yersbin,’’ Buangor, first men- tioned it, telling me that Cr. H, Troy, and the Hon. Theodore Beze, M.L.C., both grew the gum extensively. Pursuing enquiries, and obtaining specimens, I ascertained that there was really a dwart Sugar Gum, or a dwarf varicty of Bucalyptus claducalyx im exist- tence, Tater I found that Dr, ©, §. Sutton ia well acquaintet with she tree, which, he says, is both dwarf and bushy, and, in the sun, presents a golden tmt of foliage,
1 predigt a wonderful future for this dwarf tree Its import- ance cun as yet be hardly rpalised. Byt ik is certain that in the futnrce literally millions of plants will be planted all over the Com- monwealth. Tree planters have been looking for a gum tree, eatrying all the desirable characteristics of the Sugac Gutn, with- gut its undesirable long bare trunk. And here Nature has given it to us, in the form of @ seed variation, which woriderfully and fortunalely comes true from seed. The one detrimental fealure of the Sugar Gum has thus been removed for us, by this geeat getft of Nature—E_. B, Prscort,
WEEPING MAHOGANY GUM.
In the Caniberwell Gardens, there is a very faiy specimen of 2 weeping Mahogany Gurm,-fecalyptis bolrwwides. The bonghs of the tree are of a distinclively weeping form, while the branch- lets are very pendant in character, Sveh a specimen is evidently 2 séed variation, for the upright character of the Mahogany Gum i= well known —BE. &, Pescotr. :
The Victorian Naturalist
- You. KLIV—No. 2. JUNE 7, 1927. No. 522.
eS ——EeeSS OSE —e—E———e—e—eeoEoee—eEe—™E—EeeEEeeoe SS EE —S——_ = SSS SSS EEE 3
FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA,
A special meeting of the Club was held in the Royal Society’s Hall, Victoria-street, on Monday, May 9th, 1927, ‘he President, Mr, B, &, Pescatt, F.LS., oceu- pied the chair, and about 90 members and visitors were present,
In accordance with notice of motion given at the pre- vious special meeting, Mr. A. J. Tadgell moved that Rule 7 be altered to read:—“The first year’s subscription of any newly-elected member shall be paid in full on bis or her election as a member of the Club."" Mr. A. L. Scott seconded the motion. Mr. G. Coghill moved an amend- ment, that the Rule be altered to read:—Persons elected as members of the Club, after the first day of November in any year, shall pay half the ordinary subscription to the end of the Club’s year (April 30th), and thereafter - the full subscription shall become payable on the first day of May each year.’ This was seconded by Mr, H, B, Williamson. After some discussion, the amendment was put to the meeting and lost, The mation was then put, and carried by a large majority.
The .special meeting then closed, and the ordinary meeting was held.
REPORTS. '
Reports of excursions were given as follow:—Mace- don, Mr. E. E, Pescott; Zoological Gardens (substituted for Agricultural School, owing to fllness of: the leader, Mr, 1. L, Hodgson) .
ELECTION OF MEMBERS.
The following were elected “as ordinary members:— Miss Gladys Smith, 39 Fitzroy-street, St: Kilda; Mr. G. W. Tranter, 23 Embling-road, Malvern; Mr. A, E. Proud- foot, Evandale-road, Malvern; and Mr. E. J, Roberts, 6 Davies-street, Moonee Ponds. As country member :— Mrs. B, M. Cooke, “Heathlands,” Toolangi, As Asso- ciate Member :—-Master Chas. Ostberg, McIndoe-parade, Mordialloc,
GENERAL
The President welcomed Mr. Burrows, of the Horficul- tural Society of New South Wales. Mr. Burrows briefiy responded,
The Hon. Secretary reported that the proposed Natural] History Exhibition would be held in ‘the Independent
a Field Naturalists’ Club—Proceedings POLE
Hall;--Collins-street,-on--the -afternoon and evening’ of Wednesday, July 20th next..:_A sub-committee had been appointed to-arrange detailsand the support and sasist- ance -of members and.-friends in exhibiting specimens illustrating “the various branches of natural history, would be appreciated by the committee.
The President announced that a conference of the various Societies interested in the preservation of the Sherbrooke Gully and Forest in its natural state, had been held, and,.as a result, a deputation had waited on the Forestry Commissioners, who undertook to discon- tinue the planting of conifers and exotic trees in the area under their control, and promised that strict supervision would be maintained to ensure the preservation of the natural flora and fauna. The Commissioners had fur- ther agreed to appoint 2 number of honorary forest officers, one nomination to be submitted from each Society represented. In view of this, the Committee had paid him (Mr. Pescott) the honour of nominating him as the representative of the Field Naturalists’ Club. Mr. G. Coghill moved that the action of the Committee in this matter be endorsed. This was seconded by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, and carried unanimously.
Mr. A. D. Hardy stated that the necessary arrange- ments for the formal declaration of Sperm Whale Head as a temporary National Park were now being proveeded with, and the proclamation would be gazetted very shortly. Although the reserve would only he of a tem- porary nature in the meantime, he fully expected that it would eventually be made permanent, as in the case of the National Park at Wilson’s Promontory.
ELECTION OF AUDITORS.
On the motion of Mr. F. Pitcher, seconded by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, Messrs. C. A. Lambert and W_ H. Ingram were elected Auditors for the year.
NOMINATION OF OFFICE-BEARERS, 1927-28.
Nominations were received as follow :—
President: Mr. E. FE. Pescott, F.L.S. (proposed by Mr. G. Coghill, seconded by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard). — Vice- Presidents: Mr, P. R. 4. St. John (Mr. A. D. Hardy and Mr. F. Pitcher); Mr. A. B. Keep (Mr. A. 8. Blake and Mr, H. 8, Willismson). Hon. Treasurer: Mr. A. G, Hooke (Mr. G. Coghill and Mr. -H, Hughes}. Hon. Librarian: Dr. C. §. Sutton (Mr. A. D. Hardy and Mr. F, G. A. Barnard). Hon, Edifor: Mr. C, Barrett,
Tait Field Noturotiste’ Club—Proceedings 8t
C.M.Z.S. (Mr. A, B. Rodda and-Mr, L. L. Hodgson). Hon, Secretary: Mr, L. L. Hodgson (Mr. ©. French, Jr., and Mr, J. Ingram). Hon, Asst. sperreasy and Librarian, Mr. H. B. Williamson, F.L.S. (Mr.3, G. A. Barnard and - Mr. F, Pitcher). Cornmittec: Messrs. C. Daley, B.A, F.L.S. (Messrs. H. Hughes and G, Coghill), F. Sis bat A.L.S. (Messrs, A, D, Hardy and,C, A. Lambert), J .A Kershaw, F.E.S. (Messrs. F. Pitcher and W. Thorn}, J. W. Audas, F.L.5, (Mesars. P, R. H. ats John and L. L. Bodgsat), and V. Miller (Messrs. L. L. Hodgson and C. arre -
PAPERS, ETC.
By Miss R. S. Chisholm, B.A,: HA Chat on Canada.” An account was given of the climatic and physiographical features of ‘Toronto and other parts of Canada, and re- ference was made to many aspects of nature observed in that, country. Miss Chisholm's - remarks were illus- trated by an interesting series of lantern slides.
By Mr,-G, Coghill: “A Holiday in New Zealand,” Owing tu the lateness of the hour, it wae RenBABANY to postpone the reading of this paper,
EXHIBITS. *
By Mrs. E. Coleman: Ichneumon Flies (Lissopimpla semipunctata (Kirby), after visiting the orchid Crypto- stylis lentochila (F.v.M.),. showing curve of abdomen, and complete pollinarium on each one,
Exhibited by Mr. A. J. Tadgell: Hyacinth Orchid, with branching stems. Collected at Wandin, May, 1927. No. 1 stem, 3 feet 6 inches in height; No. 2 stem, 18 inches, about 4 inches from base; No, 3 stem, 3 feet 4 inches, ‘about 2 inches from base. Usually a Dinodium punetatum orchid has only one stem with flowers. It is very rarely found with more than one simple stem, but several flower shoots may spring up close together from underground. The flat pseudo-stem No. 3 sug- ests a last season’s shoat, No, 2 shoot appears to have been the original stem, as the seed pods are beat developed. This evidently had a side shoot, that, for gome reason, assumed the lead, as No. 2 stem is only half the diumeter in thickness, half the height, with only half the flowers of No, .1,
By Mr. W, H. Ingram: Collection of Sea-weeds from Beaumaris, mounted on cards, ©
By. Miss C. C. Currie (Lardner), per Mr. L. L. Hodg- sen: Specimen of large goat moth, captured at Lardner,
a2 Field Naturctiete’ Club—Procesdings — [-Yis: iat.
By Miss R. Rigg: Collection of water-color paintings ot New Zealand flowers, ete.
By Mr. G. Coghill: Collection of herbarium specimens of New Zealand flora”
By Mr, V. Miller. —Gecko lizard, found jn a rolled-up blind at State.Government Houge, Melbourne.
HUDSON BOOKS AND LETTERS.
Members of the Club who possess first editions of books by W. H, Haden, the English Naturalist, are fortunate. These volumes are now eagerly sought by collectors, and prices range high,
Recent quotations indicate that a slonder volume in my library, purchased for 1/6-yesrs ago, js worth about £5 now. Another
-of my "Hudsons,” which cost me 14/>, is worth £12, accurding to a London booksellers catalogue. Hudaon’s letters, also, are bring- ing big prices overseas—up to £16/15/-. Everything he wrote is treasured, .
Not to have read Hudson,.is to have missed some of the noblest English prose: Tudson was a great writer, and wild nature moat often was'his theme, He hated all the enemies of wild life, but most of ali collectors of bird skins and nest robbers.
Writing te me, long ago, Hudsén said: “Those who read "The Naturalist in La Plata,’ do tiet know, or consider, that it gives the
- compressed resulta of 20 years or more of observation and niedi- tation, and it consequently gives the impression of an exuberant nature.and of great abundance and variety of wild life, All books about Nature must, in a measure, produce that false impression owing to the necessity the ‘titer is under of sclecting his facts, ahd, finally, only the best and most important,” Hudson believed that a book on Australian wild life, might be written, to pival in interest his “La Plata.” But he wrote: with a golden pen of geniue, We have no Hudsons in Australia. Nor is there living in uny country, a naturslist who, as a literary crattsman, may he renked with the author ef “Hampshire Days,’—C.B-
During January { found a Platypus and an Echidna that had met their fate at the hand of man, The Platypus had bern killed by warkmen engaged in removing rushes from a portion of the Olinda Greek, at Lilydale, and the Spiny Ant-eater had becn des- troyed by some campers on the Cardinia Creek, at Upper Beseons- field. With wilful destruction of this kind taking place in Vic- toria, it is not at all surprising that the Echidna has diminished in numbers daring fhe last 15 years. In localities where this atiimal existed mm fair numbers, some few years aga, it is now seklom secn, having been exterminated partly as a result of scttle- ment, but zenevally, by vandals —D.D,
Prof. F, 3, Beattie, Dept. of Chemistry, Lowell Textile School, Lowell, Mass, U.S.A., in & letter to the Hon, Sec. of our Chub, states that he would like to correspond with some member who ia 3 cially interested in botany, and- exchange specimens of New
Theland planta for Australfan spocles, He -will seknowledge promptly any letters that he receives. ; ‘
Fuge CLARE, The “Ants of Vietorio 88 THE ANTS OF VICTORIA By J, CuarK, F.LS. [Part TIT]
In part Ll. of this series, the habits of the Bull-dog Ants were mentioned. Although not complete, the in- formation given is practically all. that is at present known concerning these primitive ants. Most of the species have somewhat similar habits.
To illustrate the various forms, a plate has been in- eluded, showing workers, females, and a male. The figures are slightly under natural size, but are all on the same scale. Figure 6 is a male, showing the small head and mandibles, also the lung, straight antennae. The male retains the wings attached throughout his short life, which generally terminates with the nuptial flight.
Figure 4 is a normal winged female. After the nuptial , flight, the female removes her wings, which are easily detachable, using legs and mandibles for the purpose, It may be noted that, in many cases, a nest will contain members of one sex only, while in others, one sex will far outnumber the other; in 4 few instances, males and females will be found in almost equal numbers. No .doubt this is a provision of nature to prevent the de- terioration of the species by inbreeding among the mem- bers of the same colony,
With her wings removed, the female appears as in figure 38, which depicts a normal queen found in the nest. Here the large scuteldum and small mesonotum sre seen. The worker does not possess a scutellum; but the meso- notum is large. Figure 8 represents an ergatoid female; that is, a werker in which the scutellum and other seg- ments are partly developed, but which bears no wings. - This form of female usually is larger than the worker, but rarely so large as the true female. The exact posi- tion of this form in the colony is at present unknown.
The photograph of Myrmecia nigriceps Mayr, a species that was dealt with in part IT., is here included to ilus- trate a side yiew of the ant, showing the normal position as in life. The ant is enlarged 24 times, This illustration is typical of ali the species of the genus. The long, power- ful ating is to be seen at the apex of the gaster. This is the painful end of ‘the ant, The large jaws cause little or no pain to the victim; they have only sufficient power -to enable the ant to cling in order that she may drive -her sting into the’ victim. The sting of the ant is not barbed, and is not left in the victim, a3 is the case with
$4 CLARK, The Ants of Vietoria Vor xe
the honey-bee, The ant ¢an use her sting repeatedly, and appears to take #reat delight in doing so.
13, MyYRMBCIA TARSATA, Smith. (PI, III. figs. 2 and 8). Millgrove (F. E. Wilson), Smith, Cat. Hymn. Brit. Mus., 6, p. 145, 1868; Roger, Berl, Entom. Zeitschr., 5, Ds 53, 1861 ; Mayr, Verh. Zool-bot. Ges, Wien., 12, p. 726, 1862; Forel, Fauna Sudwest Aust. I, p. 286, 1907; Froggatt, Agric. Gaz., N.S. Wales, POD. 5 and 10, 1905,
_ The worker is 19-22 mm. in length, and rather slender. ‘Colour, black, or blackish brown; the mandibles; labrum, antennae, tarsi and the apical segments of the gaster, reddish yellow; .postpefiole and gaster, black, with a
slight bluish tinge, and smooth and shining. .
The female is much larger than the worker, measuring over an inch in length. In colour and sculpture the sexes .are very much alike, Figure 8 depicts an ergatoid female of this species, captured, with workers, by Mr. Wilson, at Millgrove,
This species does not appear to be common in Vie- toria. It was described as from N.S. Wales, and is abundant around Sydney. It oecurs also in Queensland, Froggatt calls this the “Black Bul-dog Ant,” and says that., “if oné or two are captured the other ants retreat into the nest and do not show fight.” -
14. MyRMBCIA ANALIS, Mayr. Portland (H. ‘W. Davey), Mayr, Verh. Zool-bot. Ges. Wien, 12, p. 725, B62.
Myrmecia atriscapa, Crawley, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 9, vol, 16, p, 580, 1925, The worker is 17-20 mm. in length. Head, thorax, and _ node light reddish, the head'often slightly darker: scapes _ of the antennae, legs and postpetiole, lighter, more yel- _lowish; mandibles and apex of the gaster, yellowish red; gaster, black, often with the base of the first segment reddish, particularly on the sides; basal two-thirds of the - scapes, ‘brown, or blackish.
The female is similar to the worker, but larger. The
_apex of the gaster is darker, more reddish. Originally described by Mayras from Neu Holland, this species has.a wide distribution in Southern Austra-
Jia. It ranges from Bunbury, W.A., to Brisbane, Q. I
have frequently found this species "nesting in decayed logs and grass-trees (Xanthorrhoea). The colonies
“Tyne a| CLaRK, The Ante of Vietora 35
usually contain about 200 individuals. They are pugna- cious, and will generally follow an intruder for some dis- tance. They readily drop from trees on to a person pass- ing close by,
15. MYRMEGIA'‘LUCIDA, Forél. Cheltenham (C. Barrett, L.B. Thorn). Ferntree Gully (F. P. Spry). Forel, Artin, Soc. Ent. Belg, 37, p. 458, 1893. Myrmecia regularis, Crawley. yee Mag: Nat. Hist. 9, vol. 16, p. 579, 1925,
‘The worker is 17-20 mm, in length, Shining brownish red; scapes and legs, darker, more brownish; mandibles, ranging from red to brown, in some species; caster, black with the apical segments castaneus
The female is much larger than ‘the worker, but other- wise similar.
The male is castaneus in colour, excepting the man- dibles and antennae, which are slightly darker.
This species was ‘originally described from Tasmania. It is found in various parts of Victoria and Western Australia. The ant faunas of these three States have much jn common; this applies particularly to the ancient and primitive forms.
16, MYRMECIA FORFICATA,. Fabr. (Pl. IIT. figs. 8 and 9). Widely distributed throughout the State. fPabr., Mant. Insect. 1, p. $16, 1787. Smith, Cat. Hymn. Brit. Mus. 6, p. 143,°1858; Mayr, Verh. Zool,-bot. Ges. Wien, 12, p, 436, 1862, Forel, Fauna Sudwest Aust. 1, p. 265, 1907.
The worker is 19 to 23 mm. in length. Brownigh red; mandibles, clypeus and sometimes the front of the face, lighter red; gaster, black and shining, clothed with long, yellowish hairs, which sre longer and more abundant on the apical segments.
The female is considerably larger than the worker, but does not differ in colour, Ergatoid females often are found in the nests of this species, They differ from the normal females only in not having the wing sclerites properly developed.
The male is slightly smaller than the worker. The head, thorax and gaster are black; mandibles, antennae, node, postpetiole, and legs, reddish, or sometimes brownish,
This is the commonest species in South-eastern Aus- tralia; but has not been found in W. Australia. It was one of the first species described from the collection made by Banks, in Tasmania.
36 CuaRK, Uhe Ants af Victoriu [ae xt This appears to be one of the species that were kept in
artificial nests by E, E, Barker, and described by him in
the Victorian Naturalist, 1903. - - * -- > . °
17. MYRMECIA FORFICATA, Fab, var. BREVINODA, Forel. Bendigo (J. B. Thorn), Gisborne (W. W. Frog- gatt, Type locality).
Forel, Rev. Suisse Zoo]. 18, p, 2, 1910, This form is very much like forficate, differing only in having the node shorter. It is slightly smaller, but the colour, sculpture and pilosity are similar.
Photo. J. Clerk. MyRMEcia NIGRICEPS, Mayr. : Lateral view of worker (x. 23),
18. MYRMECIA RUBRA, Forel. (PI. IIL, figs. 1 and 9.) Yarra District (W. W. Froggatt, Type locality) ; Ferntree Guily (F. P. Spry) ; Belgrave (F. E. Wil- son); Croydon (J. A. Kershaw); Cheltenham (C. Barrett and i. 8. Thorn).
Myrmecia forficata, Fab. var. rubra, Forel. Rev- Suisse Zool. 18 p. 3, 1910.
Worker 19-23 mm. Dark red, almost blood-red, the gaster black and shining; mandibles and apical joints of the antennae, lighter in colour, the scapes tinged with brown; yellowish hairs on the gaster are short, and not abundant. '
The female, in colour identica}, is very slightly larger than the worker, but is more robust in form.
Forel described this species as a variety of forficata. It ts, however, quite distinct from that species. The
June) Ceank, The Ante of Vietorre ST females are even more widely separated than the workers.
19. MYRMECIA PYRIFORMIS, Smith (FI. TUL, figs. 4.6). Ferntree Gully (F. P. Spry). Smith, Cat. Hymn. Brit. Mus, 6, p. 148,. 1858, pl. 10, f. 1-6; Mayr. Verh, rool. -bot. Ges. Wien. 12, p. 726, 1862; Froggatt, Cat. Aust. Ants, Agric. Gaz., N.S. Wales, p. 10, 1905; Emery, Gen. Insect. 118, p, 21, 1911. Myrmeeia forficata, Fab. r. pyriformis, Smith ; Forel, Rev. Suisse Zool. 18, p. 2, 1910.
This species is much darker and larger than forficata. The head is nearly square, whereas, the head of for ficata is much narrower behind than in front. The gaster is more or less covered with a dense greyish pubescence, not shining, as in forficata.
The female is much larger than the worker; but simi- lar in colour and sculpture.
The male is as large as the worker, and is black, with ‘brownish mandibles and antennae, -
_ This species is generally called the Black Bull-ant, but the term is also applied to all the dark species,
20. MYRMECIA SIMILLIMA, Smith, var. VIOLACEA, Forel. Millgrove (F. E. Wilson), Woori Yallock (L. B. Thorn).
Myrmecia forficata, r. simillima, var. violacea, Forej. Arkiy. for Zool. 9, 16, p, 5, 1915.
This form is very close to simillima, which it closely resembles in all but colour, The sculpture is almost identical, The head and thorax are reddish brown, gen- erally with a slight metallic tint; gaster, black with a violet sheen; node and postpetiole, with a more greenish sheen; mandibles darker in colour than: those of simel- lime, but similar in formation,
Some new species still remain to be added to the Vic- torian list. Several undetermined males are available; but, as they could only be attached to the species with doubt, they have been excluded for the present.
Sub-genus PROMYRMECIA, Emery.
Genera Insectorum, 118, p. 19, 1911; Wheeler, Biological Bulletin, Vol. XLIL., A, 1922,
Pristomyrmecia, Emery (in part) Gen, Insect. 118, p. 19, 1911.
Halmanyrmecia, Wheeler [in part) Biol, Bull. XLIL, 4, 1922, .
43 Crakk, Phe Aris of Victoria Vee,
I include all the Jumping Bull-dog Ants in this sub- genus. They form a natural section, Saltateria, of. the genus Myrmecia. ; dey
| These ants are readily- distinguished from-the-Gres- soria by their smaller size and more robust form. The mandibles are shorter and the scapes rarely reach to the occipital border of the head. ‘The node is always -short and broad, with a very short petiole in front. The femur of the hind leg is slightly thickened near the base; the legs are well adapted for jumping. The formation of the mandibles is variahle, but a study of these greatly assists in grouping the species. . All the species are more or less highly coloured. A few, hdwever, are quite black, with little or no variation. Others have the gaster densely clothed with bright golden pubescence, giving the ant a handsome appearance, black and gold. ’
The jumping habit of these ants is very difficult to account for, Apparently, in their present habits or mode of life, they do not differ from the non-jumping section. It: is, however, only when they are disturbed, or excited, that they do leap; at other times they walk, in the man- ner of the large non-jumpers. The habits of ants of both sections are similar. During the bright sunny hours they hunt on trees and shrubs in flower. All the members of the sub-genus are most active in the late afternoon, from about four o'clock until sandown, when they retire for the em They come out in the morning as soon as the sun is high.
Nesting habits do not differ greatly in the two groups, A few species of jumpers construct nests similar to, but smaller than, those made by non-jumpers, All the mem- bers nest in the ground, usually deep down, the depth ranging from 18 inches to 2 feet, rarely more. Some species construct their nest under stones or logs, but others prefer the open spaces, with no covering stone or log. Promyrmecia picta very rarely has any cover. The nest is deep underground, and its existence is indicated only by the small holes forming the entrance, or. exit. A typical nest closely examined was two feet square, and had five entrances, each just large enough to admit one ant at a time. This nest, as is usual, was constructed near the base of a tree. The ground was strewn with fallen bark. Another nest was constructed at the side of a foot-track through the bush; ali the entrances being protected by small plants. This is rather dnusual with the species.
dene | CLARK, The Ants of Victoria ag
A few species of jumpers seem to. prefer to make (heir nests in Termites’ mounds; some species being found mainly in such situations,
Like the non-jumpers, the ants will always show fight when the nestis approached. They rash out from all the exits. Their sight is very keen; they come straight at the intruder; even when he is several feet away from the-nest. They will also follow one for a considerable distance,
The jumpers are widely distributed throughout Aus- tralia, but are mvre abundant in the South than in the North, One species, belonging to this sub-genus, -has been described from New Caledonia, This is the only Bull-deg Ant found outside of the Commonwealth of ~ Austr alia.
Ten spevies are known in this States many of these are also found elsewhere.
21. MYRMECIA (PROMYRMECIA) ABERRANS, Fore). Myrmecia aberrans, Forel, Ann. Soc. Kint. Belg. 44, p. 64, 1900. Rev. Suisse Zool. 18, p. 9, 1910. Fr oggatt, Agric. Gaz. N.S.W., p. &, 1905, Myrmecia (Promyrmecia) ” aberrans, Forel, Emery. Gen. Insect. 118, p. 19, pl. 1, fig. £0, 1911.
The worker is 10 to. 15 mm. in length. Black, the head, paris of the thorax, and the node, red; mandibles and labrum, yellowish red. The mandibles are short, and broad; the scapes do not reach the back of the head,
This is a very rare ant; so far only odd specimens have been obtained—by the late Mr. F. P. Spry, and by Mr. C. Oke, at Broadmeadows and Coburg.
22."MYRMECIA (PROMYRMECIA) PICTA, Smit. Sea Lake and Maldon (J. CG. Goudie) ; Lake Hattah (J, &, Dixon}.
Smith, Cat. Hymn. Brit. Mus. 6, p. 146, 1858, Lowne, The Entomologist, London, 2, p. 236, 1865; Mayr. Jour. Mus. Godeff. Mayr, Verh. Zool-bot, Ges, Wien. 12, p. 727, 1862.
Length of the worker, 9 to 12mm. This species is most variable in colour, generally black, more or less marked with red. Some examples are wholly black; others, red. The mandibles, clypeus and front of the fate are, how- ever, always yellow. The antennae and front legs are reddish yellow; middle and hind legs more brownish.
The female is larger than the worker, but similar in colour and sculpture. Ergatoid females often are found
40 Crank, The Ants of Vietorice { Yes a Bat:
in the nests of this species; and T have frequently fourd several active females in the nests. It is very unusual to find more than one female in a nest of any species of this genus,
The male is as large as the worker; black, with the mandibles, front of the face, and whole of the legs yellow.
For more than fifty vears this species has been con- founded with another species, xzrens Lowne, which it somewhat resembles. Apparently it had not been seen since Smith deseribed it, from Adelaide, in 1858. It is an inland species, not ranging on the coast. On the other hand, urens isa coastal species, not found inland. The two species are not connected, although both have a some- what similar range of colour varieties. Forel has des- cribed two varieties of picta; these, however, should he ~ attached to urens, as Forel identified this species as picta. One of the yarieties described, xigra Forel, is not a variety; it is the black form of the typical zrens Lowne,
KEY TO PLATE IIT.
Fig. 1, Mirmecia cubpe, Forel, female. Fig. 2, M. tareata, Smith, worker, Fig, 8, M, forficate, Fabr., female. Fig. a Mu pyriformis, Smith, fenvale, Fig. 5, M. pyriformis, Smith, worker. Fig. @, M. pyriformis, Smith, male. Vig. 7, My forficata, Fabr., worker, Fig. 8, J, tarseta, Smith, female. Pig. 9, M. rubre, Forel, warker.
NATURAL HISTORY EXHIBITION.
The Club's natural history exhibition will be held on July 20th, in the Independent Hall, Melbourne. All ranches will be repre- sented, it ie hoped, from entomology to ethnology. Members of the Club have been appointed to organise the various sections; and already some tine exhibits have been promised. Tickets will be posted, to menibers, who are asked by the committee to do all they can to assure the success of the exhibition.
A BIRD TRAGEDY. When driving from Glenthompson to Moyston, some years ago, my attention was attracted to the extraordinury poise of a bird over a pool of water by the roadside. I stapped and watched, and found that the bird, a Pipit, Anthus austratis, was perfectly motion- less, with ontspread wings, and with no apparent support, Closer examination showed that it was supported by 4 piece of fencing wire, agdinst which it had flown and become impaled. T'he sharp iron had penetrated its ¢hest at the néck, causing it to remain poised in the wonderfully life-like manner in which I found it,
probably some weeks after the accident—H. B. WrtatamMson,
Correction—The plates In May. 1927, iasve of the Naturalist, should have been numbered J. and II, respectively, instead of xxii. and xxiii,
THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST Vol. xiv. Jime, 192.
Plate IIL.
Photos. J. Clark. Buli-dog Ants of Victoria.
dune - NICHOLLS, Ptarontylis acunttiata 4L
PTE ROSTYLIS ACUMINATA, R.BROWN, AND HYBRIDS.
By W. fi. NICHOLLS.
The form of Pi. acuminata found in New South Wales and Queensland, where it is fairly common, is readily recognised aa the type (Figs. e and f) of this Green- hoed orchid. Doubtless the original specimens—from which Robert Brown described the species—-were cal- lected in the former State. - This form blooms during the autumn months. During the last few years, I have collected, or haye received from others, interesting specimens, variously considered, either as hybrids, Or as Pt, faleata, Pt. acuminata, or Pt. furcata.
These came from districts either in Victoria or Tas- Mania.
I have also received from the Paterson district, N.S.W., excellent examples of the type form. Particulars of all these specimens are included with the line drawings accompanying these notes. A survey of these’ specimens is of interest, and one cannot. fail to notice vertain char- acteristic features of two well-known species, viz., Pt. faleala, Rogers, and Pl. Nutens, R.Brown. The varia- tions in the individual specimens, and the general] out- ward dissimilarity of all from the aceepted type of acuminata is clearly shown. We must admit them to be hybrids—puzzling intermediates; showing every possible variation between the parents; which, according to the evidence, are the above-mentioned species.
None of these specimens (with one exception) was eal- lected far from the haunts of these two species; in fact, the majority of them were growing in company of either faleate or nutans (or both). The exception (Fig. k) has an interesting history, Several years ago, 1 received from the Tallangatta Valley (Vic.) plant specimens of two very rare species of chiloglottis. A, fair quan- tity of soil accompanied these plants, which were accom- modated in a large fern-pot. A few months later, a small, ovate-shaped leaf was. noticed protruding through the soil, I removed the possible seedling {o a smaller pot, for observation, A year later, it had three much larger leaves. In the following season the plant had progressed sufficiently to develop a bud; two months later (Dec.) it had developed into the fine specimen iltustrated.
Vie. Nat. VoL XLIV -
intitle. |
NICHOLLS, Ptorostylis wer
enhood Orchids and Hybrids.
Gre
iste | NICHOLLS, Pteroxtylis ceuninata 43
¥t must be remembered that new forms are continually being evolved, and the ill-fitted intermediates die out. It is possible that some of the forms illustrated here will never be found again. On the other hand, should any of them persist, would it be advisable to add more names to our list? I think not; if we examine the internal structure (labellum and column) of these hybrids, we find that these organs agree respectively with each other; and, for a)l practical purposes, with those of the type form, they are almost identical, Generally speaking, in atl the recognised species of pterostylts (to mention but one genus), we find that it is the tabellum that varies the most; any important variation in this organ is regarded ag of paramount significance. : ' Tt is possible that.the ancestors of the type were: Pt. nutans and Pl. falcata, or some other Greenhood some- what like the faleate species. Possibly Pt. RBaptistiz; Fitz.; who can disprove ii? The stmilarity of this fine species to Pt. acuminata hus been noted by others also,
Pt, Toveyana, Ewart-and Sharman, is still in a tran- sitional stage. We have found interesting intermediates here also, Intermediates are knowrm in some other genera. For instance, in one other genus (Chiloglottis), unbroken -chains have been collected, showing interme- diates from one species to another. ©
Summary :-—Collectively, we find a startling number ef differences in the forms before us; indivi~ dually, however, the variations are of littl value, are triviat. To regard them as forma of either Pt. nutans ar Pt. faleata, or any other species not mentioned here, is, to me, unsatisfactory. » In my opinion, the only satisfactory way of dealing with these puzzling forms is to regard them as forms of the species which they resemble closely, viz., Pt. acuminate, R.Brown. The colouring of all the species mentioned in these notes is practically the same, greenish with brown markings, Pt. Baptistii having the brightest colouration, the markings being a light reddish-brown.
Key & Figures, P_ 42,
(a) Pt. wutans, R.Er., Ringwood (Vic.), Oct. (W-H.N.); (1) stigma (2) column (3.5.) Inbellum (4) petal. (b} Hybrid, Bays- water (Vic.) (2 sp'ms), Nov. (A. B. Braine); details similar te those of (J) (note appendage above upper bract). (c) hybrid, Bayswater {(Vic.), Oct. (3 sp’ms) (W.H-N.), growing wilh Pt. felewta and Pl. nutans; (16) petal; other details as those of (1) td) Pt. Baptistii Fits, Lake Macguarie (N.S.W.J, Sept. (Miss
44- NICHOLLS, Pisrastilis aeumindla | ye hae
Rupp} (10.1%) labellum (13) petal (14) stigma (15) column. fe) Pt. acuminate, R.Br,, Sth. Moreton, Bay (Qid-), July (Miss H. Gelgsoiann) ; details as those of (f}. (1) PA acurmimela, R.Br,, Paterson (N.S.W), June (Rev, H. M. RK. Rupp}; (12) stigma (16.17) labellum (18) petal (19) front of flower. (g) Pt. faicata, Rogers, Warburton (Vie,), Dee (W.HN-)4- (6&7) labellum (3) pen {9) stigma. (bh) Hybrid, Bayswater (Vic.), Sept. (A. B-
raine), growing with Pé. foleata and Pf. mutans; (25) front. of flower (numerous); details as those of (1). (i) Hybrid, Mordial- loc (Vic.), Ang. (A. J. Tadgell), several sp'ms growing with Pt. nulins; details as those of (lL). 43) Hybrid, near Waratah. (Tas.} (Archn. Atkinson), Nov., 3 sp’ms growing with Pt. falenta; leaves have entire margins, very similar to Pi. faloata’s but numerous; (27) petal (28) front of flower (29-31) labellum (30) stigma. (kt) hybrid grown from seedling (7) Tailangatta (Vic.), Dec., leaves similar to (j)); (26) petal; other details as those of (1)- (|) hybrid, Bayswater, Oct. (W.H.N.), 2? sp’m; growing in a elump cf #2. fulewta and near several Pt nutans and Pt, curta; (20, 21) labellum (22) stigma (23) petal (24) eolumn; Seaves similar to ¢{j); labella of fa, b, ¢, hy, i, J, K, 1) ptthescens.
ANTIQUITY.
Antiquity, it has been finely said, may be used as a lantern Lo explore Futurity. -In Austratia, the antiquary and the archaeclo- gist, have limited fields, “unless they glean in those that some folks betieve, are non-existent. We must -follow faint little trails that may lead us to some highway, ending in a prehistoric field.
The first number of “Antiquity," a quarterly Review of Archaeology, published in England, has just reached Mejbourne, Tis aim is to “attempt to summarise and eriticise the work ‘of those who ate recreating the past’; its field is the Earth; its “range in Lime 2 million yéars or so," its subject the human race. New Zealand is represented in this first issue—an article on Maori Hill-forts. Australia doubtless will not be overlooked; since our country may yet become as important to students of pre-historic man af are the other continents.
India has revealed a new civilisation, undreamed of by archaevlugists. Sir John Marshall's discoverics, in the Punjab and Sint, described in the Axnual Heport of the Archweologicai Survey of India, 1923-4 (published in 1926), are not less remark- able than those made in Crete, long ago, by Schliemann; and, later, by Sir Arthur Evans: they resurrected the pre-historic age of Greece. The excavation of Indo-Sumerian sites in India, has revealed that the peopics of the Panjab and Sind, at least 5000 years ago, “wore living in well-built cities, and were in possession “of a relatively mature culture, with a high standard of art and craftsmanship, and a develope system vf pictographic writing.” Excavaters in Australia may hope for no startling discoverics, of lost civilisations; they may hupe to find relics of a pre-historic Yace, to continue the story of which, already, some pages have been written—C.B.
is" | CHAPMAN, Colour Bands in an Anciend Shell 45
COLOUR BANDS IN AN ANCIENT SHELL. By F. CHAPMAN, A.LS.
Among the many startling things revealed to the student, of fossils, not the leaat curious is occasional evidence of colour preserved over very long poriods. When we say long periods, we do not refer to time in the humun or ephemera] sense, but in the way that the geo- logist has inured himself to think, literally in millions of years. -“
When, however, the original colour is seen in its more or less perfect preservation, in a shell dating back for at least 50,000,000 years, as, for example, in the primitive ammonite «shell, Glyphioceras, of the Carboniferous period, we may cease to wonder at the “fast” colour seen in the shell under notice,
The colour on this fossil, to which we now refer, is a rea] pigment-tinting, and not the resplendent. pearly, or opaline colour seen in the inner layers of the pearl oyster, the mussel, and the pearhy Nautilus. For this pearly character, which is also preserved for even much longer periods, is due to physical characters in the struc- ture of the shell. The true colour of a shell is much more easily obliterated by chemical changes going on during and after preservation.
The subject of this note is a broken specimen of the curious nautilus-like shell, known to palaeontologists as Aturia australis. The species was named by Professor McCoy, in 1876, and it is, therefore, fitting that the pre- sent fossil should find an honoured place in the National - Museum, where the Professor was Director and Palaeon- tologist. This unique specimen was found by one of the members of the Mornington Field Naturalists’ Club, Miss Ivey ‘Chitts, who gave it to the Museum, :
In its perfect condition the shell would have been 5 inches across in its longer diameter, and what remains is ‘a little less than one half of the original shel]. It was obtained from _the blue mar! of the Balcombian heds, of Oligocene age, and is, therefore, at least three or four million years old.
The surface of the shel! is distinctly marked with brown-pink colour-bands, reminding one of those seen in the living pearly Nautilus. The colour-bands have a strong backward sweep, corresponding to the growth lines of the shell, broadest in the middle, and narrowing
46 CHAPMAN, Colony Bands in an Anctént Shell f Aa nepay
towards the periphery, and less so towards the ymbilicus. When this molluse died, the marly ooze, with its “fal)- ing cain” of sea-butterflies, -foraminifera, ostracoda, and radiolaria, must have settled down gently and completely, so as to coat the fossil in’'an, impervious covering, ‘Another fortuitous incident favouring the discovery of this important specimen, was the founding of the Morn- ington Field Naturalists’ Club by the Rev, Geo. Cox, who is doing splendid work in encouraging the younger gen- eration in field study.
MOUNT PIPER,
Locally known as the ‘Sugarloaf,’ Mount Piper stands evt quite prominently in the landscape when approaching Broadford per train from Melbourne. A walk of two miles from Broaiford brings us ta the mount, which Is only a few hundred: feet in height. The climb is rough, but easy. A magnificent panoramic view ix to be olttained from the top, the hiils, mountains ang ‘plains being seen for many miles around,
The result of the drought was rather disastrous, and some in- teresting notes were made on a recent visit. Large clumps of the Rock. Fern, Chetlanthos tenuifolia, covering quite a Koodly ares, wete lifeless. I did not see’ one living plant on the “mount. Itis to be hoped that Nature has stored a stock of spores for future growth.
Many hundred plants of the Wiry Dock, Rumen flexugsus, were all dead. The long thick roots of many plants which I dug up were also killed by the drought. Unfortunately, these planta “left a large supply of their seeds.
~ Quite a number of trees. of the “Lightwood,” Acacia implena, as well as plants of the Common Heath, Epacris impressa, had been ited, Dead patches of the Prickly Starwort, Stellaria pungens, were common everywhere. —
It was very depressing, for this is usually — most prolific moun- ‘tain-for beautiful native plants. I only found one poor little _Spetimen of Parson’s Bands, Briochilus autumnalis, the svle repre-
sentative of the orchid family,
I-collected an interesting stone. It was a piece of glacial con- glomerate, known as “Pudding Stone,” which was quite a foreigner to the district. Mr, Brittlebank is of opinion that this piece came ?from the glacial area in the Werribee River, near Bacchus Matsh. Té'was surely carried to Mount Piper by the aborigines. —k. E. PESCOTT.
Jura) Busselton dad Yutlinghup Cove 47
A TRIP TO BUSSELTON AND YALLINGHUP CAVE, By F, Pircuer and J, STICKLAND, .
(Read before the Yield Naturaliste’ Club of Victoria, November Sth, 1926.)
During the meeting of the Australian Association for the Advancement of Science, in Perth, W.A., August and September, 1926, my wife and I, with Mr. Stickland, visited the Yallinghup Caves. Qn the journey, we were pleased by the sight of numerous wild-flowers, brighten- ing the railway line, on either side. Among them were the crimson and green Kangaroo Paws, Anigozenthus Manglesi, with their tall flower-spikes, erect. above Leschenaultia biloba, Hoveas, Burchardias, and orchids of different species,
At Serpentine, 34 miles from Perth, the Serpentine Falis were viewed, in early morning sunlight, from the carriage window. The water flows over rugged rocks, from a height of more than 100 feet. At North Darda- jJup station an immense quantity of, jarrah timber was stacked. The brown and orange Kangaroo Paw, Anigozanthus flavidus, now mixed ‘freely with A. Man- glest, and other flowers beside the railway line.
We had been passing grass trees or “Blackboys” {Xanthorrhea) in thousands, in various localities for several miles, but comparatively few were yet flowering. A peculiar growth was noticed in the crown in some specimens. We learned that these were known as “Drumhead Blackboys,” and their stems made good floor- ing for sheds, etc. They appeared to have. several sheathed stems, 6 inchés or 8 inches high, standing up from their crowns, among the leaves, with a flower-head several inches broad on top. Subsequently, I was told hy Mr. Gardner, the assistant Government Botanist of the Agricultural Department in Perth, that these plants were the endemic Aingia australis,
From Pinjarrah, we travelled through flooded country. with, here and there, drier areas, thickly studded with Macrozamia Fraseri. Near Mamel Station we passed one of the Forest Nurseries of the State, Pinus insignis plants, close to the railway Jine, are marked “Planted in 1904." They were about 20 to 30 feet in height, and had stems of only 9 inches to 12 inches in girth, We now passed into more hilly and better. country, where grazing and dairying seemed fo be carried on, and reached Yarloop, the centre of a very busy district.
4B Busielton and ¥ allinghup Cave [ ict Na
Large, stocks of timber are brought to this, as well as to Wokalup station, 10 miles further on. The largest mass of jarrah timber that we had ever seen was at this latter - place, .Comfortable looking homes and country similar
"to parts of Gippsland, with sheep and cattle- looking, in prime condition, were again seen, as we were reaching Benger station. Brunswick station is the junction for ‘the Collie district, where the Collie coalfields are situated about 25 miles distant.
_ Further evidence of the severity of the floods was seen ~ as we travelled over low-lying country, At Dardanup ‘a small Xanthorrhkwa, probably X. gracilis, was growing ‘beside the line in large numbers. On the platform at ‘another station were three of the finest Kurrajong trees we had ever seen, They were about 40 feet in height, and 24 inches to 30 inches in diameter at the base, Each tree had several stems, was well shaped, and of pyrami- ‘dalform, Seed pods taken from these trees have been given to our Botanic Gardens. The trees are of the variety oecidentalis, of Brachyechiton diversifolium. Numerous’ large specimens of what appeared to he “Eucalyptus gomphocephala, of E. cornuta and E, ‘calophylia, were passed as we journeyed through Fregweli, Elgin and Capel districta. Near Lud- ‘low further extensive Pinus tmsignis plantations, in “splendid condition, exist running parallel and adjacent to -the line for long distances,
Between Ludlow and Busselton we saw Hardenbergia Comatoniond more gloriously beautiful than we could have imagined. In addition to clothing the sreas in large patches beside the railway line and mixing with Kangaroo Paws of different species and other beautiful flowers, the plants had sent their stems climbing into the -prevailing forest trees of Agents on either side of the line for about half a mile. Rich blue flowers flaked ‘stems stretching from tree to tree ut heights up to 20 feet.—F. PITCHER. -
- From Busselton, a small coastal town, we travelled by
‘motor car, about 20 miles, to the Caves "House, in a tim-
‘heyed: glen. Near by is a pictuesque outcrop of lime-
stone. The abundance of orchids in this distriet was
indicated hy a large bunch gathered by some visitors - who had been out for the day, and a spider orchid, Cala- ‘denia, sp., of large size, was well represented.
' The following morning a pleasant walk of about half a
mile down the creek valley brought us to the ocean beach.
June) Buasdlion ond Yailinghup Cave 43
‘Numerous sponges of extraordinary shapes and large size, very different from those to be collected near Mel- bourne, were noted. In the afternoon, we walked through the bush to the cave. Caves of the type visited occur in limestone formations, and are hollowed out by the action of water, and enlarged by- the fall of masses from the root’and sides. In some cases the stream, presumably responsible for the excavation, continues to flow through the cave. Generally, however, the caves are compara- tively dry.
Yallingup Cave is situated at about the northern end of a large limestone formation, running parallel to the coast, and extending from near Cape Naturaljiste to Cape Leeuwin, honeycombed by caves for its whole length. Very few of these are available for in- spection. The narrow and tortuous passages of the cave we inspected are well lit by electricity. Beautiful formations were seen on every hand. The walls of the _ various chambers are extensively covered by an alabas- ter-like layer of calcium carbonate, while from the “ceil- ings” hang innumerable stalactites of all sizes and shapes. Some of these resemble glass tubes, so frail as ta be easily crushed by the hand. Some large groups are very beautiful.
All these formations are built up by the action of rain water from the surface of the ground above, which, charged. with carbonic acid, percolates through the lime- stone, dissolving it and reaching the cave charged with carbonate of lime. The water drops so slowly that the calcium carbonate is re-deposited,
Perhaps the most beautiful formations are those known as shawls, or blankets, the latter being the more correct descriptive name. These extraordinary objects are suspended from the ceiling by their edges, and consist of tin sheets of calcium carbonate, perhaps a quarter of an inch thick, and varying in length up to 5 feet or more. They hang for a width of 18 or 20 inches. Their colour is exactly like that of a new blanket, the coloured stripes near the edge being represented with remarkable exacti- tude, together with the sewing along the very edge. A certain corrugation of the surface of some of these blankets suggests the idea of fancy weaving. These are foynd hanging from a sloping ceiling.
An astonishing feature of the blankets in this cave is their being folded, thus instead of hanging down as a 4ingle film, they are turned back at the ends and become double, Innumerable diminutive blankets hang from
40 Busselton. and ¥ oltingha Cutie ie, fiat.
the ceiling, and closely resernble rashers of bacon, by ‘which name they are-known.... =-.. “I
“Among the objects which set one wondering are the _Mystery Formations. Beginning like ordinary stalac- tites, as'a perpendicular pendant, they take a sudden tarn to_one side, and extend in a horizontal direction; then, many of them turn upward. How water oozing down from above can cause this apward “growth” is a mystery.
in one of the Buchan cayes a considerable cluster of tree roots has penetrated the rock and hangs frum the ceiling. This is altogether outdone in the Yallingup Cave, for here a root about 3 inches in diameter, cumes through the ceiling and passes through the floor. It is supple, and may he bent aside. When it is considered that the lowest part of the cuve is 150 feet below the sur- face, the presence of such a root of such a size is most remarkable. -
The “amphitheatre” is the crowning glory of the cave. ’ It is a vireular chamber, about 75 feet in diameter, and of- similar height, with a domed ceiling, which is practi- cally covered with large stalactites, while from the edge of every rocky ledge hangs a calcareous fringe.—J. STICKLAND,
1 TREES AT NEWHAVEN,
While at Newhaven, on the eastern end of Phillip Island, recently, on the property of the Church of England Boy's Hume, I saw i number of magnificent specimens of the Scented Paper- Park, Melaleuca squetrosy. They were the largest specimens
have ever seen. I measured several which were over eighteen inches in djameter three feet from the ground; a few were two feet through; while one that had heen recently felled, measured two feet six inches in diameter, The trees were fully 30 feet in height,
These trees surely constitute a record, for it is usually con- sidered that this is rather an undersized tree, of quite a small diameter.
It is pleasing to learn that this grove is to be preserved as a shelter paddock for stock,
’ The Sweet Bursaria, Bursaria emmoad, is very abundant at New- haven, where it is commonly known as “Myrtle.” - The bushes are very vigorous, and very well clothed in foliage. Several Jocal residents were loud in its praise, saying that the bushes Aowered — very freely, and were a source of great pleasure at New Year, T was very pleased to note that everybody was in favour of pro- tecting the shrubs, one resident being very proud of having one plant inside the fence.
There were also some fine specimens of the Trec-violet, Hymenanthera dentale, which were already showitg abundant buds for the spring flowering.
The soi] at this end of the island is very rich and tertile, and this 3 accounts for the excellent growth of the native trees —E. E.
ESCOTT. ° e . tepm,
Notes from Field 6nd Study - fi
ar as
THE FLAME-BRRASTED ROBIN, —-
In the “Australasian, January. 15, 1927, Capt. S. A. White diseusses the migration habits of some Australian birds, and in- elades the ‘Plame-hreasted Rubin (Petrotsa phoenicea) as 8 migrant between ‘l'asmania and the maintand. In Gould’s time, and for fifty years ufterwards, it was generally believed by armi- thylogists that these Robine crossed Bass Strait every spring to Tear their broods in the highlands of Tasmania; however, in recent gears ib has bevome an established fact that Fiame-breasted Robina, so plentiful in the open country in Victoria, during winter, relire into the mountains 4 nes They have been observed in egrest numbers dyring the summer months.
In a monograph on‘this epecies (Emu, vol. 8), Mr. A. G, Comp- bell pointed gut thai jb woul be impossible for such weak fliers ta cross the Strait in the season of storms. On the high ranges around Noojee, many of their nests have been found; while the binds are quite numerous throughout ibe spring and summer months, Nearer Melbourne, in the Dandenong ranges, especially around (linda, many pairs have been seen nesting; one pait in three conseculive years, reared brovids ina nest beneath a house reised a few feot above the ground. November seems to be the usual breeding month of this species, Neste generally are placed on ledges of embankments, or burnt tree-trunks—D_D-
SHRIKE-TITS IN TOWN.
Among recent bird visitors to my garden, in Eisternwick, were three Wastern Shrike-tits, Paicunculus trentatus. T have seen Lhis species, or heard its call, in city parks and gardens! have had glimpses of it in several enburbs; and conelude that it is not rare around Melbourne.
Shrike-tits like the tree taps, and so are scldom noticed, unless their notes betray them, being familiar sounds to the bird observer. he crested birds are “foreign-teoking’ to some folks, who might find it difficult to distinguish a Goldfinch from u New Hollund Honey-sater,—0
EXCURSEON TO TOOGLANGL
Toolang) has been twice previously visited by members of the Club, namely in 191U and 1922, An account of the district, by Mr. F, G. A. Barnard, appests in the Naturalist fot March, 1910 Ty the 17 years since then, saw-millers and bush-fires have changed the face of primitive nature considerably; but portions of the forest Souuty, and several beautiful fern gullies, still rematn un- scathed. , -
82 Notes from Field and Study =. [US SE
Light members cf the Club assembled at “Heathiands,” on April 14 last. The house is - genuine specimen of half-timbered work, a strong hardwood framework, with ite spaces filled in with locally-made bricks, It stands in its own grounds (some 56 acres), and is tet well back from the’ Yarra Glen~Road, while the. Yea River, locally known as ‘The Muddy,” runs at ifs rear, In the orchard at the back of the house many Crimson Parrots (Platy- cereus elegans) were disporting themselves, most of them being young'birds. Another constant visitor to the apple and quince trees was a Pied Bell Magpie (Strepera graculind), while the musical calls of the Butcher Bird porne tions torquatus), and the Grey Shrike Thrush (Collurictnela harmonica) were often heard from the verandah. .
Owing to the lateness of the'season few native plants were in flower; but ferns were much in evidence, and sny specialist in fing! might have secured & good selection. Cordyceps Taylori, a fungus that grows ont of the hinder end of the caterpillar of the Swift Moth, is deseribed by Dr. J. A. Leach, in Australien Nefure Sindies, as a “beneficent” fungi, Such a term_in Nature's pro- cesses isimerely relative, and probably the caterpillar is of a dif- ferent opinion.
Altogther, 130 species of plants were noted, including 23 varie- ties of ferns. Only SL plants were found in fower, among which Corren Lawrenciann, locally known as “tangle-foot,’ was promi- nent. Great masses of Coral Fern, Gleschenia lmevigata and (, eireinuta, growing along the henks of the Yea River, and the smaller streams, were csvecially beautiful.
We visited mest of the places previously explored by members of the Chub, in earlier visits, such as The Sylvia and Smedley Falls, and what is known as “The Canoe’; but also broke frosh ground m visitng two fern gullies, “Cooper's” and “Nolan’s.”" -Cooper’s Gully, through which the Chum Creek runs; suffered somewhat from last year’s fires, and we noted here the luxuriant growth of the Giant Mountain Grass, Glycerid dines F. v, M., which was, in places, fully 10 ft. high, A shrub that seemed to be doing well in this gully was the Elderberry Panax, Tieghemopanar sonbrietfoltus.
Nolan’s Gully, which is reached by the old hardwood timber mills track, at the back of Beach's saw mill, is one of the most - beautiful gullies te be found within easy distance of Melbourne. We traversed the forest, following the cld tram-track for miles, pausing every now and then to listen to the calls of Lyre Birds, or the wailing cries of the Black Cockatoo. Some et the Mountain Ash trees -we passed were very finé specimens. Indeed, one fallen giant, our zuide declared, was 300 ft. tn length.- In the gully itself the treeferns were of exceptional girth and height, and thely brenching fronds overhead shut out the sunlight. Many of the tree-fern trunks were clothed with most beautiful mosses, while others were scarred with initials, which same previous visi- tors had cut upon them, thus desecrating one of Nature's sanc- tuaries.
‘‘Fwo things: one would like to bring under the. notice of the local Progrest Association, the tracks, especially those to Sylvia- Falls, and Nolan's Gully, requiré attention, and a rough sketch map of the district, showing the points of interest and the tracks leading thereto, is needed. At present, it ls an easy matter to. lose ‘one's way.—A.E.K, '
ee
The Victorian Naturalist
VoL. XLWV—No. 3 No. 3 JULY T, 1937. No, 523,
FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUE OF VICTORIA,
The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was, held in the Royal Society’s Hall, Victoria-street, on Monday, June 13th, 1927. The President, Mr. E. E. Peseott, oc- cupied the chair, and about 100 members and visitors were present. :
CORRESPONDENC E.
From Department of Lands and Survey, stating that the reservation of 3,586 acres at Sperm Whale Head, as a site for 4 Nationa) Park, was notified in the Gavern- ment Gazette of May 4th last,
: REPORTS.
Reports of excursions were given as follow :-—Geologi- cal Museum, Mr. A. B, Rodda; Ringwood to Mitcham, Mr. G. Coghill.
ELECTION OF MEMBERS.
The following were elected as ordinary members:— Miss A, H, Moors, 14 Vincent-street, Malvern; Dr. Chas. P, Alexander, Massachussets Agricultural College, Am- herst, Mass., U.S.A.; and as a Country member; Mr. Her- bert J. Prentice, Forestry Department, Orbost,
ANNUAL REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET.
The Annual Report for the year ended April 80th, 1927, was read by the Hon, Secretary, who moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by Mr, A. G, Hooke, and carried unanimously.
The Hon. Treasurer submitted the Balance-sheet and financial statement for the year, und moved their adop- tion.. Mr. G. Coghill seconded the motion, which was car- ried unanimously.
ELECTION OF OFPICE-BEARERS AND COMMITTEE.
‘The President referred to the fact that the whole of the retiring office-bearers and members of the Committee were unopposed, which he considered an unique event in the Club’s history. It. indicated the complete satisfac- tion and confidence of members in the various officers and Committeemen. He had much pleasure in duly declar- ing them t re-elected for the ensuing’ year.
' ‘VISITORS.
The President welcomed Mr. Robert Hall, of Tas-
mania, Rev. W. Tippelt, President of- Geelong Ficid
54 Field Naturalists? Club—Proesedings [ ¥ol*Ht¥ Naturalists’ Club, and Mr. R, D. Elliott, Acting Chair- man of the National Museum Committee. Hach of these gentlemen briefly responded, Mr. Hall recalling his carly assuciation. with the Club, while Mr. Elliott referred to the assistance which he hoped to receive from members of the Club towards popularising the National Museum. F GENERAL. .
Mr: C. Barrett moved:-“That the Chief Seeretary be written to urging him to veto the proposal that an open season be declared for the trapping of opossums.” Mr. A. G. Hooke seconded the motion, which, after 4 short discussion, was carried without a dissentient.
The President referred to the proposed planting o- evergreen and deciduous trees along the Geelong roau, and stressed the importance of the planting of thia road being confined to Australian evergreens. Mr. G. Coghill moved: “That the Club requests the Country Roads Board to make the Geelong Road a distinctively Austra- lian avenue, by planting it exclusively with native ever- green trees,"' Mr, D. Dickison seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
The President announced that an anonymous donation had been made to the Ciub for the purpose of financing a natural history expedition to parts. of Victoria which have not yet been thoroughly investigated, and of pub- lishing the results thereof; ail the material collected to be presented to the National Museum and the National Herbarium. Mr. C. Barrett moved: “That the grateful thanks and appreciation of the members of the Club be conveyed to the donor through Mr. RB. D, Elbott, together with an intimation that the Club accepted the donation under the terms laid down." Mr. F, Pitcher seconded the motion, which was carried.
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS,
The President delivered the Presidential] Address, in the course of which he made a strong appeal] to the yoimger Members of the Club te specialise in some of the many fields of natural history, in order to carry on the splendid work achieved by the older members. Mr. Pescott then exhibited a very fine series of lantern slides in'natiral colour, depicting many of the wildflowers of Western Australia observed during his visit to that State last year.
as EXHIBITS. , By Mr. G. Coghill: Cultivated specimen of Grevillea rosmarinifolia A. Cunn. {also dried fruits of the plant
ty
aay ; Notea from Field and Study 56
from Western Australia) ; Flame Heath, Astroloma conr- ostephioides, F. v. M., and Desert Banksia, B, ornate F,
v. M., from near the South Australian border.
By Mr. E. E. Pescott, F,L.S.: Cultivated specimen of Bushy Heath-Myrfle, Thryptomene calycinag (F. v, M Stapf; sample of sand plain soil, from Western Australia.
By Mr. F. Pitcher: Flower-heads of the Drumbhead Blackboy, Aingia australig R.Br,, from Harvey, Western Australia, the only species of the Genus Kingia, Family SUNCOCHAE.
By Mr. W. H. Roger: Specimens of Caterpillar-fungus Cordyceps Taylor?, obtained at Toolangi, April, 1927-
By Miss €. Nokes: Cultivated specimens of Hakea laurina, a Western Australia species. -
By Mr. C, Borch: Case of Swallowtails, Papilio egipeus, from Cairns district, Q., showing the great difference between the colouring of the sexes.
By Mr. C. French, jr.: Cabinet drawer of 28 species of insect pests of street trees.
By Mr, H. B. Williamson, F.L.S.: Dried specimens of planis new to Victoria: Swaingona Morristana J, M. Black, collected at Chiltern by the exhibitor, Dec., 1897, and at Pimpinio (Wimmera), by Mr, D. McLachlan, and sent to exhibitor, Aug., 1904. Determined by Mr. Black, who recently described the species from South Australian specimens. Ruelingia prostrata Maiden and Betche, Creeping Kerrawang, collected at Monkey Creek, South AEE by Miss Erica Barton, and sent to exhibitor
ov
PIONEER NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER.
. Claude P. Kinane, who died‘on June 14 last, from in- juries received in a motor car accident, was one of the first nature lovers in- Australia to realise the import- ance of the eamera in field work. His photographs of birds at their nests, and of fledglings in their nurseries or just out in the world, were novelties, about twenty years ago. He obtained an unique series of photo- graphe, illustrating the early life of an Australian cuckoo
Always keenly interested in wild nature and the open air, Claude Kinane, first as a dairy farmer, and later as an orchardist, had opportunities for observing birds that he did not neglect. But for some years prior to his death he lacked the Jeisure necessary for nature photography. His name will always be associated with the pioneer period of « hobby that has become of scienti- fic importance. He helped to popularise nature study, and waa helpful to many who followed in his steps, bird hunting with field glass and camera.—U.B,
iG Annwil Report und Balwier Sheet Nice ae
ANNUAL REPORT:
To the members of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria. Ladies and Gentlemen,—
- Your Committee has-much pleasure in presenting for your consideration the forty-severth annual report, deal- ing with the activities of the Club for the year ended April 30th, 1927, and tt affords them much gratification to report that the Club has passed through a very suc- ~ cessful year, with encouraging prospects of a continuance of this satisfactory position.
During the termunder review, Licwsnibashiodaes shown a large increase, 82:new members having been enrolled (60 ordinary, 14 country, and eight associate members), while 16 names bave been removed on account of deaths, resignations, and other causes, leaving a net increase of 66 for the year. .The total membership is now’ 320, comprising two honorary, cight life, 233 ordinary, 62 country, and 15 associate members, .
The deaths of Messrs. G. A. Keartland and F, Wise- would during the year are deeply regretted. Both gentle- men were oid and valued members of the Club, Mr, Keartland’s membership extended over a period of 40 years. He was a noted ornithologist and performed much valuable work as a member of the Horn Expedition to Central Australia in 1894, and the ill-fated Calvert - Expedition to North-west Australia in 1896. He was President in 1907-8 and 1908-9, and acted on the Com- mittee of Management for many years, The Club has sustained a great loss in his death. Mr. Wisewould was an “originai” member of the Club, and occupied the office of President in 1910-11 and 1911-12, in addition to other positions on the Committee. over a period of 16 years, He was a keen and enthusiastic worker, espe- ‘cially’ at the annual wildflower shows. His genial per- “sonality and kindly disposition endeared him to all with whom he came in contact,-and his passing hence leaves a void difficult to fill. _
,The monthly meetings have been held regularly, and large attendances have been attracted. The policy of the Committee in providing for papers and lectures of a more popular nature has been justified by the increased interest of members and the public. On several accasions more than 100 persons have been accommodated at our meetings. A number of papers and lecturettes, deal- ing with various branches of natural history, were con- tributed during the year by Messrs. A. D. Hardy, J. A.
uy ; Annwul Report und Bulance Sheet. 57
Ross, E. E. Pescott, eee C. Barrett, C.M.Z.5., W. H Nicholls, L, L. Hodgson, A. EB. Rodda, C. Daley, B, AL F.L.S., F. Pitcher, T. Tregellas, Rev. Lang, A. 5. Kenyon, J. Searle, J. A. Kershaw, H. W. Davey, F.E.8., and F. Lewis (Chief Inspector of Fisheries and Game Depart- ment), The subjects dealt with were diversified: Pond- life, two, Birds, two, Reptiles, two, Fish and Anthro- pology, one each; six related to Botany, and fourtto sub- jects of a general nature, The great majority *of the papers and lectures have been ‘illustrated with lantern slides, thus adding considerably to their interest. =
The forty-third volume of the “Victorian Naturalist” has been completed, and the thanks of the Club are due to Mr. Chas? Barrett, the editor; for the large amount of valuable work which he has devoted to tha publication of the journal, and the high standard that has -been maintained. In addition to many interesting short articles and papers by variaus authors, a valuable series A articles on Victorian Ferns by Mr. H. B. Williamson,
F.L.S., was published in the journal, and a number of reprints thereof were made available by Mr, Williamson for disposal by the Club; they found a ready sale among members, Mr, EB. E, Pescott’s fine series’ of articles describing the Orchids of Victoria was also published in the “Naturalist,” the last instalment appearing in the May issue. These contributions form valuable: and con- venient references for students of the particular subjects dealt with. Members are urged to assist the edifor-by submitting for publication articles on any branch .of natural history with which they are familiar, and-by contributing notes on various aspects of nature which may come under their notice, for the ‘Field and Study” section of the journal.
A comprehensive syllabus of excursions was drawn up carly in the year, and members have largely availed them- selves of the opportunities afforded for. field work- under the various leaders. Half-day visits were made to numerous places in and around the metropolis, and full- day trips were undertaken fo Sherbrooke Gully, Morn- ington, Geelong, Hurstbridge, Tooradin, Healesville. Millgrove, Yan Yean, Killara, Belgrave, Cockatoo and Macedon. More extended excursions included a Christnias “camp-out” at the Mitchell Gorge under the leadership of Mr. €. Daley, B.A., F.LS., a week-end at East Wir- burton, and a five-day visit to Toclangi, At several of the) more distant places visited, a ‘native tree, made avail
58 Annuwt Report and Ratunce Sheet — | yi\yg4t
able through Mr. P. R, H, St. John by the Director of the Botanic Gardens, was planted in commemoration af the Club’s visit.
The-annual Exhibition-of Wildflowers was held in the St. Kilda Town Hall on Tuesday, October 5th, and was opened by the President (Mr. E. E, Pescott, F.LS.), in the absence of His Excellency the Governor (Lord Somers) through illness. General opinion pronounced the display to be one of the finest and most successful - of the series held by the Club, this satisfactory result being largely due to the splendid supplics of flowers forwarded by Seabees and friends im the country dis- tricts and neighbouring States, and to the valuable and enthusiastic work performed by a number of capable helpers. A net profit of 129/7/1 resulted, of which amount the sum of £24 was donated to the Children's Hospital Appeal. In appreciation of this donation, the Hospital Committee invited the Club to nominate a Life Governor, and Mrs, V. H. Miller was nominated for this position, .
In June last, on: the suggestion of Mrs. E. Coleman, an Orchid Section was formed, membership being re- stricted to members of this Club, but other persons in terested im the subject being welvomed as visitors to the meetings. Several meetings have been held at the National Herbarium kindly placed at the disposal of the Orchid Section by the Government Botanist, and various matters relating to the numenclature of species of the erchidacex discussed and recommendations made in regard thereto.
Your Committee has much gratification in reporting that the efforts of the Club to have a large area of Crown Lands situate at Sperm Whale Head, in the Gippsland Lakes, declared a National -Park, have met with success; . ati‘area of 3,586 acres having been declared a sanctuary some months ago, and the proclamation of this area asa National Park has recently been gazetted.
The Club has also been largely responsible for the de- cldration of the Sherbrooke Gully and Forest as a sanctu- aty for native fauna. A conference was held in March laSt to discuss the proposal to have this area proclaimed a
ational Park, but, in view of the fact that it. was already uhder the control of the Forestry Commission, it was decided ‘to form a deputation of representatives of the Various societies interested, to interview the Forestry Commissioners, in order to urge stricter supérvision’ for
/
wag ; Annual Report and Balonee Sheet 52
the prevention of destruction, and the preservation of the area in its natural condition. [In response to the requests made by this deputation, the Commissioners promised to discontinue the planting of coniferous and exotic trees, and to see that every care was exercised to maintain the grea in as natural a state as possible. They further agreed to appoint a number of honorary forest officers to be nominated by the various societies represented on the deputation, Mr. E. E. Pescott, F.L.S., has accordingly heen nominated as the representative of this Club.
Tt is a matter for regret that our Library, which con- tains so much valuable and interesting matter, is not made use of more freely by members, and the hope may at the same time be expressed that some of those who doe use it and have retained volumes or parts for an undue length of time, will return them without further delay in order that a stock-taking can be made. In addition to publications ordinarily received by the Club in exchange, are four others, of which the Bulletins of the Dominions’ Museum, New Zealand, and the Records of the South Australian Museum, may be mentioned.
Some 15 volumes were acquired during the year, most of them by donation, from the Clarendon Press, the Oxford University Press, and various members. Notable additions were Ie Soeuf and Burrell's “Wild Animals of Australasia”; Burrell’s “The Platypus,” and the third part of Black’s “Flora of South Australia." The Club is specially indebted to Mr. T. G. Sloane, who kindly pre- sented a copy of Dr. Tillyard’s volume “Insects of Aus- tralia and New Zealand," to the Library, and also to Mr. A, E, Keep, who generously donated two valuable batani- - ca) works (“The Ferns,” Vol, II., by Professor. F.. 0. Bower, and “The Classification of Flowering Plants,’ Vol. If., by Dr, A. B: Rendle}, to this department, Dona- tions of books dealing with any branch of natural history are at all times welcomed and appreciated by the Com- mittee and members,
Careful consideration has been given to the Rules of the Club, and, in otder to bring them up to date, several suggested alterations and additions were sub- mitted to members at the April mecting. These recom- mendations were duly approved and passed, and will be incorporated in the revised sets of Rules which it is ex- pected will be available at an early date.
The Mornington Naturalists’ Club, which is affiliated with this Club, and consists of a number af juveniles, under fhe enthusiastic guidance of Rev. G. Cox, has been
60 * Aunual Report and Batonee Sheet Pye stv active ‘during the past yéar, and the members have col- lected various interesting specimens of fossils and other natural history objects, while notes desertptive of their
activities have been-contributed. to -the Naturalist from _
time to time.
Your Committee is again ciueh indebted to Messrs- Coghill and Haughton for kindly making their rooms available for Committee meetings, Attendances at the 12 meetings held during the year were as follow:— Messrs. St. John, Williarnson and Hodgson, 12; Messrs.” Keep and Daley, 11; Mr. Hooke, 10; Messrs, Pescott. Barrett, Chapman, and Audas, 9; Mr. Millar, 8; Dr. Sutton,: Ts Mr, Coghill, 6; and Mr. Kershaw, 5,
In concluding their report, your Committee desires to thank all who have assisted in furthering the objects of the Club, and in stimulating interest in the various branches of natural history. It is confidently hoped that the same valuable help will be accorded the Committes for the ensuing year, in order that the prestige and in- fluence of the Club may not only be maintained, but steadily increased,
Ed. E. PESCOTT, President, L. L. HODGSON, Hon. Secretary.
FIHLD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA.
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AXD EXPENDITURE FOR TWELVE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 20th, 1927.
RECHIPTS, - Toa Balanee in Bank and payin in . > Rand on May 1, 1926 .. .. g22 3 2 », Subscriptions— Town Members-— Current Year .. .. .. ..€162 17.6 Arrears .- .. ., -- -, -- 26 18. 6 In advance ,. -. .- ,. -. WM 4 0 Country Members— Ourrent Year .. .. .. .. 8712 6 Arrears .... --, -, -- & 16 9 In advanee .. .. 5. we oe 511 0 Associate Members .. .. .. 3 5 O ; £237 5 9 » “Victorian Naturalist’'—~ i -Subse¢riptions .. .. .. .. .. 38 4 0 Uash Sales .. .2 .. .. 2. c. «28 OBIT Reprints Charged 6 9 2 Refunds Account of ‘Tus. ‘
trationa .. _.
ny Annual Report and Bulunce Sheet — . 61 » Donations to Publishing Fund 90 9 j, interest from Savings Bank 7 8 8 » Sale of Club Badges .. 0 5 0 “99 J. H, Maiden Memorial Fund, ' : ~ Donation Received .. ' . 2 2 0 ;,-Plant Census Account, Sale of - -- - Books in Year .. 7 3,0 » Wild Flower Exhibition, Octo- ‘ ber, 1926— ‘ - : Ticket Sales .. .. .. .. 84 9 3 Cash at Doors .. .. .. -. 67 1 @ te Sale of Plants, Flowers Hi and Ratfeshinents tote, BO 7 7 a Donations .. .. 2... 1. 1 6 0 ys - 172 14 10 “go 1818 OB £506 16 7 EXPENDITURE. “By “Victorian ides seid Printing .........:.. ,.£235 O 4 Mustrating -- an ... 6918 6 Roe Wrapping, Despatehing pas : a s Postage ™.. .. . .. 2 8 O ma Reprints-— ~* . i . vee ye avec ean TER YO Charged .. .. .. .. .. .. 3812 0 : £348 9 9 » General Printing .. .. .. .. 12 311 » Library Account, Purchases and Binding .- . - 22 14 9 » Rent of Hall and Fee to Care- taker... : 13 10 0 1 Postage, Bank "Charges, ‘In- surance and Sundries .. , . 1113 9 » J. H. Maiden Memorial Fund | 22 0 » Char-a-bane Exeursion -. : 244 0; » Wild Flower Exhibition, Octo- ber, 1926— Hire of St. Kilda Town Hall . 9 $9 @ Purchase of Plants ‘and Flowers .. , 40 0 Printing and Advertising 6 6 2 Cartage, Freight and Sun- dries .. 23.10 7 Donation to Children’ FI Hos- pital .. .. 20 8 (Balance retained in funds of Chub, £104/9/1.) i 68 5 9 » Deposit St. Kilda Town Be for 1927 Exhibition .. .. . 1 0 £482 8 jl mT Balance in Bank: on n- April 30, 1 : 1927 ., ... : 24 7 8
£506 16 7
62 = Annuil Report and Balance Sheet Vier Net
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABIIITIES ON - APRIL 30, 1927,
ASSETS.
Arrears of Subscriptions, £91, estimated ti realise , ee ae eee £50 OD 6 E.S. & A. Bank Balance inp ott gseta ayia t 247 §$ State Savings Bank .. .. 175 8 0 Library-and Furniture ( Insurance yas ; 180 0 0 Mounted Badges on Hand ., . ; 017-6
Plant Census Account (difference between cost and sales of books) .. .. . 138 2 tO
Accounts Owing te Club— i For Advertisements in “Victorian
Naturalist” .. . haa cecae.. £710 6
Tor Reprints Charged . eves oe OO i SS 7 18 0 £526 6 0
LIABILITIES. |
Subscriptions Paid in Advance .. i... ..-... +. +. £2011 0 Balance of Char-a-banc Fund .. -. .. .. -. 2... e. 212 0 Outstanding Accounts .. ., -. .. .. ss es ee ss 8418 56 447 16 5
A G, HOOKE, Hon. Treasurer.
Examined and found correct on June 9th, 1927, Y etaenane } Hon. Auditors,
THE ANONYMOUS GIFT.
The wonderful uplift that our Club has received in the welcome generosity of the unknown citizen, who has presented us with the sum of £200 for research excursion purposes, deserves more than a passing notice which is given to if in our annual report. I think this is the first occasion that Natural History has been so recog- nised in our State,. There surely must result a wonder- ful stimulus to our work, as there has resulted an in- crease of membership.
The advertisement that has already seornsd: and that will further come, will be of wonderful benefit to the Club, and its members, and the correspond- ing impulse should be a great one,‘ The officers and Com- mittee express their hope that members will take their Work and responsibility more seriously than ever, so that the State shall not lack for Nature workers and N: ature lovers in the years to come—THE PRESIDENT.
1305. Baer, The History of Florm Australionsis 63
THE HISTORY OF FLORA AUSTRALIENSIS. By Cuas. DaLey, B.A., F.LS,
{I.) INTRODUCTION.
In the prefare to a memoir of the life of Baron von Mueller, published two years ago, the writer made ‘men- tion of the disappearance of the voluminous correspon- dence, nutes, and memoranda which were ‘existent at the death of ‘the eminent bot; ~‘st. Enquiries had failed to bring anything of importance to light, except evidence that a mass of valuable written matter had, at different times, been wantonly burned.
An old friend of the late Baron had been asked, in 1909, to write a biography, and every facility and oppor- tunity were given for the examination of the papers and correspondence so necessary in producing a satisfactory work, The preliminary investigation of written material was entrusted to the late Mr. Renner, formerly of the National Herbarium, whose task was to examine correspondence, etc., and select any pertinent matter His work continued for more than six months, then, for some reasons not apparent, the project of writing a biography was abandoned, never to be resumed, The disappearance and dispersal of the papers, ete., scem tn have occured about this time, and so completely, that avec years afterwards ‘no trace of them was obtain- apple
About six months after the publication of the Memoir by the writer of this article, it was casually and tardily remembered that a parcel of papers had been handed in to the Nationai Herbarium some years before, {rom the gentleman who had contemplated publishing, and taken the preliminary steps for writing, a biography of Baron von Mueller. On a search being made, a long-forgotten packet was found; mainly a selection of letters from Mueller’s firm friends, Sir William Hooker, Dr. Joseph Hooker, and William Benthain, three of the most eminent botanists of the nineteenth century, all inti- mately interested in the flora of Australia. This correspondenée, extending over forty years, is closely connected with the advance and extension of the know- ledge of Australian plants,
From their intimate connection with the activities of the Kew Herbarium, the three English botanists, and especially Bentham, as author, were closely concerned
fe Daney,, Pac History of Flora Austrationsis | YP) ShTY with the production of the Flora Australiensis, the classic work on the subject, in which Mueller so loyally and una- selfishly collaborated. This important correspondence, salvage from the wreck, was made available to the writer for perusal at the National Herbarium, Melbourne; and the letters; in whole or in part, have been embodied in telling, the story of the. genesis and production of the Flora Auatraliensis, and of the cordial relations of Baron von Mueller with this trio of distinguished and great- hearted scientists. ”
Sir WILLIAM HOOKER. |
Mueller’s. intercourse with Sir William Hooker, systematic and economic, commenced with. correspond- ence on botanical matters when the former was at Ade- laide, from 1848 to 1852, Hooker recommended Mueller te Governor Latrobe for the position of Government Botanist of Victoria, for some years was in close corres- pondence with him, and until his.death, was warmly iin- terested in Mueller’s researches. and botanical work.
Mueller, while on his first botanical excursion to the Australian- Alps, wrote to Sir William, announcing his appointment as Government. Botanist. In his next ex- tended excursion, to the Grampians, the north-west, and the north-east of Victoria, Mueller wrote to him from the Victoria Range, and later, from Torumberry. January 5th, 1954.* To these letters Sir William
Hooker replied on the 9th of April:—
Royal Gardens, Kew, April #, 1854. _ My Dear Sir— :
I have two most interesting, letters to thank you for, one bearing date, Victoria Range, the 2ist Nov., 1953, the other Torumberry, 5 Jan., 1844; the latter, too, giving me the highly welvomeé intelligence that you are en route for the Alps, the very locality that I lately suggested to your new Governor, Sir Ghas. Hotham, as certain to yield a most interesting flora, or ane that must be very instructive for botanical geography. He has promised to de all in his power te promote the cause of Botany, and to place you and ma in frequent communication. No jess gratified have [ been with your first Botanical Report, which the Duke of Newcastle sent to me only a few days ago; and already you will see that the principal part of it 1s trans- ferred to the pages of my journal. I could not help writing to the Duke expressty to tell him how pleased I was that you had been selected, for such an appointment. :
*For account of this journey see writer's Memoir of Life of Baron Sir Ferd, von Mueller,
cn DaLey, The History of Flora Austratiensia 85
If I were pleased with your repurt, T cannot say that I gaye to our Secretary for the Colonics an equally flattering account of Mr. Swainson on the Gum Trees!!! In my life 1 think L never. read such a series of trash and nonsense.’ There is a man who left this eouniry with the character of a first-rate naturalist (though with many eccentricities), and of ‘8 very ' fivst-rate Natural History artist, and he goes to Australia and takes up the subject of Botany, of which he is as ignorant as a goose, IJ only wait for a spare page in my journal to show that he really is so. Though that T would not have -troubled myself ta do if 1 did not wish to draw a contrast between the two reports. It was stated in a Sydney paper that Swainson rerejyved £200 fow writing all that nonsense. He makes, J think, some 300 species of Hucanlypius of one small district. I only hope that his drawings are valuable and Fairly in possession of your garden. "
1 am now writing to Dr. Harvey ac Adelaide. You will, 1 am sure, be mutually pleased with each ather. Wis talents and acquirements are first-rate, and he is as humble and modest as he iS clever, I haye just heard from him from King Geerge’s Sound. He had intended going on by land to Swan River, but he dreaded the heat, and preferred searching for Algae in Sutth Australia. Io am now publishing two, most elegant Algae he discovered in Ceylon, new az to Genera as well as species. ~ ;
No doubt you will find the Alps. o contain plants analogous to those of Van Diemen’s Land, and I do hope you will collect and send to us seeds: as well as specitnens. Such plants would flourish in the open air with us. ; a
I do trust your late Governor, Mr. La Trobe, is bringing home seeds and plants with him, Our last steamer took out the new Governor, Dr. Hooker is very busy commencing on the last. of his three works, the result of his Antarctic voyage, the Flora Yusmanicd, and he contemplated a visit to Mr. Sonder, at Hamburg, if he can possibly spare the time, IT have just received a most rich set of Cryptogramae Irom a Mr. Oldfield, in Van Diemen’s Land, He is not neglectful of other plants, buf. has a most extraordinary affection for the Acotyledons, and we are very thankful for anyone whe will be at the pains ta collect them, sa J give him ail the encouragement I can, and there are several charming things.among them. Indeed our Herbarium is daily increasing in-extent and value. Lust year was added to our collection all the late Dr. Bromfield’s Her- barium and Library bequeathed to us, and now only last week Mr. Bentham's whole collection (the largest private Herbarium in the world probably next to my own) of plants, and his entire bolanical library is given to us, and now sefely deposited here. Jt is fortunate that the Queen hag graciously given me the use _ of the whole of the King of Hanover’s House; and J& rooms are now completely filled with the Herbariuin alone. We have two assistants constantly employed to ltecp them in order, and every day there are never lesy than five Botanists constantly work- jing there, and yet extencive as this Hortus Siveus is, you will have it in your power to add materially te it
Truly this is the era of discovery in Australia. I have just had the Report of the Navigation of the Murray sent to me. Mfr. Rae has penetrated a little into the South-West interior, T have just received Drummond's very fine plants’ collection,
i]
66 Datey, The History of Flora Australiensis[ View SAR
300 miles north of Swan River, and now the Duke of Neweastle is contemplating an expedition into the North-West interior, which is, I hope, to be under the command of Capt, Shut, and which my friend, Dr, Thomas Thomson, a first-rate Batanist, ig accompanying in that.capscity. A capital artist, too, woes with it, Mr. Baines. I sent some seeds through the Colonial Office very lately, of the famous Argan of Moroceo, to Mel- bourne, but whether J sent then directly to you or to Mr, La Trobe, T cannot exactly remember. In “ither case they will be sent to your Botanic Gardens, T do not doubt, I enclose for you a little account of the same, I think your climate would be suitable, The fruits were obtained at great expense and with great difficulty in the freshest state possible. You will, I am sure, kindly allow me to publish extracts from your letters, iltustrutive of the botany of Victoria, Such information can- not be mads too public. Nothing in the shape of plants, seeds, or specimens have reached me yet from Victoria, nor sume MSS. to which you allude. Probably the late Governor will bring them home with him.
lf Mr. Swainson proenred the quantity of seeds of Hura- lypts he professes ta have done, some of them should have been sent to Kew. :
Yours, My Dear Sir, Very truly and faithfully,
: W.J. HOOKER,
In this letter may be noticed Sir Wiiliam’s unfeigned pleasure at Dr. Mueller's appointment, and at his suc- cess with the Alpine flora, in which, naturally, from his csanection with Dr. Jos. D, Hooker, who was issuing Flora Tasmanica, he was closely interested. The caustic stric- tures on Swainson seem to have been deserved, a8 alao the approbation of Dr. Harvey, an eminent botanist, at this time making a collection of Australian Alga,
It was from this letter that Dr. Mueller first obtained information as to the project encouraged and financed by the Dike of Newcastle, Secretary of State for the Colonies, and approved by the Royal Geographical So- etety, to send out a properly-equipped exploring expeili- tion to the North-West of Australia, . Hooker’s friend, Dr. Thomas Thomson, a first-rate botanist, who had been selected to accompany the expedition, was, how- ever, unable to go; and, in default, it was natura] that Dr, Mueller should receive Sir William’s warm recom- meéndation for the position, and thus be appointed az Botanist under the command of the leader, A, C. Gregory.
The expedition left Sydney on July 18th, and on Sep- tember 24th, 1855, reached the mouth of the Victoria River. From “On board the Monarch,” Mueller wrote to Hooker, in reference to the suggestion of a visit to England on return from exploration: “Should the botani- cal results to be gained during the journey be but pro-
aus Davey, Thé History af Flow Austrabiensiv 67
portionately small, which is very possible, considering the nature of the expedition, and the probable absence of high ranges in Central Australia, I shall then not apply for leave of absence to return to England, but shali rather continue my labours jin some part of Australia, provided the Colonial Government will again supply limited subsidia for that purpose.” ..... “but, if the Flora of the-interior should prove so rich as to’ answer my Sanguine expectations; and, if the means of transport will adrmit.of my collecting all the species occurring there; and, above all, if Providence grant me life and health for the work, then I shall be greatly cheered in my home journey to Europe by the anticipation of the pleas- ure of paying you personally my respects and gaining so much information at your magnificent establishment,”
Sir William acknowledged receipt of this letter, dated September 3rd, but giving particulars as to departure after quitting the “Monarch,” His remarks as to the dis- posal of specimens and the rights of collectors are inter- esting, In an optimistic vein he stresses the desirability of Mueiler visiting England, ‘to do what nobody but yourself can do towards the publication of your treasures.”
R.G,, Kew-
Jan. 4, 1866. My Dear Dr, Mueller,—
Two days ago your most welcome letter of September 3rd, written as you were on the point of quitting the “Monarch” to undertake your arduous journey, reached my hands, and as the 7th is post day for Australia, I hasten to acknowledge it. A few days ago I replied to your former letter, written “off More- ton Bay," and sent that answer care of Mr. Moore. I wrote also te Sir Wm. Denison, and now by this post I write to Sir Charles Hotham. I hope and betieve that these gentie- men, and ovr Secretary of State are all interested in vovr success, and I must try and keep them alive to it. | gave ew decisive answer in favour of your receiving u full set of all the plants, you.gather, That I consider to be a sine qua non for evety Stientilic botanical. collector, If he does not deserve that he deserves nothing. I replied also to the query of Sir Wm. Denison and Mr. Labouchere, our Colonial Seerctary, as to whom the collections should go to in England, assuredly to Kew. You do quite right, however, to address the packages to the Calonial Office, as yor have done the box you have already (thanks to your industry} despatched,
There came to me a separate note or invoice to that effect aiso, and that I immediately sent ta the Secretary for the Colonies, and they will inform me as soon as ever the col- lection arrives, and IT shall send for it. I dare say it will soon Active, if it Has not by this time, and depend upon it, my son and [ and Bentham will scon overhaul! it; and then I shall have the plewsure of writing to you aguin. :
GA Daley, The History of Flora Austratiensis [ YS . Ret:
- My present letter } send through the Colonial Office, because they will be sure to send it officially, and I think the: tnvere familiar yout natne is made there the better, I have put up for you in as amall a compuss as Tf can, extracts which,I haye printed from your letters and my figures of that extra-Aus- trahan Proteeeee; found by our collector in Capt. Denison's ship the "Herald”-—and also, as I see you have gathered Miagel-- larva indica, I bave put in a figured description of a new flagella plant, with habits, however, more like a grass er Cyperacea, 60 that, Brown was quite startled when he first saw it. ° ,
The little Goodenia from the entrance of the Victoria, is quite new, at-least there is nothing like it in my Herbarium (and T haye mest of what have been collected by Bynoe), nor is it in De Vries’s Monograph. This augurs well for the future, Indeed, I am of opinion that, though non-mountainous country, you will find a good deal of novelty. It is so distant from any region that has beon botanically explored. Uf, too, you enter Leichardt's Country, his collection you mow went to Paris. Myr. Bentham examined the Leguminosez and found several new ones, but the specimens so bad that they could not be described. He might as well have let them alone. You will please to-pay attention to the Zentia’s leaves, flowers, and fruit, They have heen too much négiected. Your excellent artist in the expedition will aid you by his pencil, Is the Pandaniwes of the country certainly PY. spiralis?
Does Scecvola Konigii grow very large in N.A,, and its nal the pith very abundant and white? ‘[t has in India and China teen by sume considered to be made into Rice-paper. A good section of a long stem would be interesting, a foot or more Jong.. I have bean lovking into Stokes’s “Voyage,” and he re- presents charming scenery, buth in Victoria and the Albert.
_ Hills rige from 200 to 800 feet. I see what. I take to be Kingia _‘représented in Albert River in a plate, vol. LI., opposite p. 316, or it may be » bad representation of a Xonthorrtea. T am amused at Stokes saying (vol. I1., p, 357), that my opinion of a handful of ¢arth he sent me, which confirmed his opinion, suggested for that part of the continent the uame of. “The Land of Promise." . T wonid andertake to find seme as good in Iceland or in the South Shetland Isles, but they are not therefore “Lands of - Promiee” quod fertility. However, God grant they may prove bands of Promise to you and al) your intrepid party. OF one thing I om sure, that the country will be very interesting as regards the geographical distribution of plants. That the bttle Goodenia, allicd to a species of the Sonth of ‘Australia, should be assuciated with Flugellaria iweica, is truly remarkable, and IT am much mistaken 1f. with your industry, ability, and re- search, yon will not be in possession of ample materials to make ik desirable you should visit England, and do what nobody bot yourself can do, towards the publication of your treasures, let alone all you have collected in the South. A visit to our Kew ‘Herbaria and Libraries and our Botanists would refresh you and strengthen you for further labours, It will be # great disappointment to us if you should not nd it needfel to come ta Europe. However. [ shall write you again IT trost ere Tong, , Na doubt in the meantime some of your MSS., on heing veri- fied, ought to’ be published, if it were only to raize- public curiosity or to prepare for what ts. to ‘follow hereafter. As
1g]. Maney, The History of Flore, Austiatienais aa
-soan 48 we shall have seen your firet collections we will give you the best advice and will write to you again, :
Ur. Hooker desires his best remembrances to you, and thanks for all your kind and generous mention of him. I trust we shall all meet in health Make my kinds regards to Mr. Baines, and though personally unknown to him, | should be proud to be remembered ta your distinguished commander.
Faithfully and affectionately yours, . W: J. HOOKER. The following letter was alsu sent during the absence of the exploring party :— ' Royal Gardens, Kew.
I Feb, 2/56. My Dear Dr. Mueller,— . 3
Where or when this will reach your hand I do not know, but T send it through the best channels, through the Colonial Office. I want you to see that we are doing the best we can to bring your exertions or important labours in the cause of science inte nolice, The Seeretary for State fur the Colonies, Mr. Labouchere, highly approves of my publishing notices from the communications I receive from you relating to your succesa or progress, and f send him and other official people (Sir Wm. Denison, for example) copies as they nppear. Dr, Hooker and Tare thus issuing two series, if [ may vay vu, of your labours: 41) the new and rare Victorian plants, and (2) the particu- Jars, or ruther generalisationg of your North-Western journeys, and with such we have begun the new valume of the Journal of W856, and sha!l continue to do so as health and time and the information we receive from you may allaw,
I should be deenly sorry if anything should prevent your visit to Eurepe soon after the present explorations are fin- ished. Should your worst fears be realised, viz., that +the absence of high mountains may oceasion a scanty vegetation ‘analogous to adjacent intra-tropical and maritime regions, yet the geographical limits or distributions, gubjects that you never neglect, and yonr great ardour and enthusiasm, which will leave no species, phanerogams or eryptogams unedllected ar unrecorded, all this must lead to very important results, and
' Zé is na small niatter in your favour that you are, so Iamiliar with the vegetation of the extreme south of the same islands, (for you are on one*oft the same pierces of a cireumsertbed in-
ulated ground), that you have ‘yourself touchud here and thore . ,an the Bast Coast, that much of the West is familiar to you, by
* Drummond and Preiss, etc—and new you are in the extreme north of that fine, immenso island. ;
Let me say, toc, that the few plants there from Stokes (gathered by Bynoe), are new and enurious, and the interior plants will be found more peculiar than the coast ones. God grant you health and freedom from accidents, and F have no fenv of your success. Your collections from the mouth of the Vietoria River, as you were on the point of tanding, have all come safe, and have beew immediutely despatched here by the Secretary of Colonies, and are undergoing as careful an im- vestigation as will be necessary to make such a report as shall be sufficiently free from errors. without subtracting from the novelty of your undertaking on your visit teu Europe. With the heartiest’ good wishes, from Dr. Hooker and myself, believe me,
Your faithful and affectionate. W. J. ROOKER.
0 ” The North-West Expedition Nis. g Nat:
THE NORTH-WEST EXPEDITION.
This North-West expedition under A. C. Gregory was successfully carried out, the Victoria River being traced to -its-source, and the ‘character of the country deter- mined over a vast area. -Return was ‘madé overland yia the Gulf of Carpentaria, the rivers Elsey, Roper, Albert Leicharat, Flinders, Gilbert, and Burdekin, being crossed. and the settled areas being reached at the Dawson River after journeying 5,000 miles in sixteen months.*
On/this adventurous journey, Dr. Mueller was inde- fatigable in collecting specimens of the varied flora, some- times being so occupied in his task, as to lose sight of his comrades, to their anxiety, and the no small danger to' himself in this wild country. Gregory, in his report of the expedition, writes (p. 168, July 29th, 15 deg. lat. 59, long. 45) ;
“About three miles before we reached the eamp, Dr,- Mueller had fallen some distance behind the party; but, as this was a frequent occarrence in collecting botanical specimens it was not observed until we reached the camp, when he wus out of sight. After unsaddling the pack- horse, I was preparing to send in search of him, when he came up to the camp, the cause of delay having been that his horse had knocked up. This was unfortunate, as the load of one of the packhorses had to be distributed among the others, in order to remount the doctor, who requires stronger horses than any other person in the party, having knocked up four since January, while not one of the riding-horses had failed, though carrying heavy weights."
Gregory relates another instance (p. 121): “4th Jan., Timber Creek’:
“Started at 7p. p.m., and followed up the Creek. Dr. Mueller having wandered away into the rocky hills and lost himself, I halted at the first convenient spot, having despatched several of the party to search for him, but it was not till 4 p.m. that the Doctor reached the camp.”
There was little fear of the Doctor losing himself, after his wide experience travelling alone over thousands of miles in unknown country. In an interesting letter to Sir William Hooker, dated January 14th, 1857, Melbourne, and published in Hooker's “Journal of Botany,” he gives some important details which supplement Gregory's for- mal account, but are mostly in reference to botanical features and camp routine,
“See Memoir, oy, Baron Von Mueller, p. 11,
yt g ] he NortheWext Eapedttion 71
“T found it necessary for the sake of satisfactory dis- tinction to describe all the tropical Eucalypts. (nearly 30 species) on the spot, and I was never at a loss how to discriminate between variety and species, by consider- ing all the characters of the trees collectively, and by paying due attention to the soil, habit, stracture, and texture of the bark, the manner of its decortication ; con- sulting likewise, as very important, the insertion and form of the fruit-valves, which, before opening, from either a flat or a more or less convex vertex to the cap- sule, a character, which, beautiful as it is, can only be studied in living plants. Important also is the structure and form of the fertile seeds, most of the ovules becom: ing abortive; the former are in many kinds provided with a very long wing, although the seeds of the generality of the species are wingluss.”
“Tmpossible as it wag to remain so far behind of the . party on account of the hostilities of the natives, who attacked us twice, I have not secured as many kinds of seeds as I might have wished, particularly during the latter part of the exploration, one bagful being unfor- tunately lost on a very rainy day, when we broke through some dense mountain scrub; but when I say, Sir William, that I never Jost a single minute in repose or useless oc- eupation, I trust that you will be content with the small quantity 1 have to offer. My time indeed was so much occupied that I could not even write my journal at day- light, but I devoted part of my two hours watch at the bivouac fire for the purpose."
“We were roused precisely at d a.m. by the last sentry on watch, finished our simple breakfast in a quarter of an-hour, went at once in search of our horses, and man- aged generally to have them caught, driven in, saddled, and packed a little past sunrise. We travelled hardly ever less than eight hours, often ten, at the rate of three miles an hour; but when grass or water was not con- veniently found, sometimes considerably longer, unload- ing, going through our little domestic duties, repair of clothes, attendance to our noble animals (without which we should have been helpless beings in the wilderness), pitching our calico sheets, and refreshing ourselves with a -hasty meal would occupy us for better than an hour, the rest of the day, about two hours a day at the aver- age, was allotted to the respective duties of ovr de-
72 The North-Wesl Banedition Vic, xtiy
partments, I would employ myself in examining the “plants around the camp, in attending to the specimens and seeds snatched on the way, or writing botanical notes, At night-we stretched. ourselves on our blankets, and gen- erally in fullelothes, to he ready for defence at a-second’s natiee, she gun alongside, the Be YeE une our head. sae
°
-epiiving our journey around the south part. of the Carpentaria Gulf, the season was so dry that even that precious providential gift of Nature, the Purslane, wes parched and bitter. Our rations were small, the salt pork, melted by’ the heat to a quarter of its original weight (which of course remained the standard), it be- came_randid and most indigestible. Game was scarcely. to be had: But when we proceeded to the Eastern part of the Continent. rain-showers had refreshed the vegeta- tion, and we enjoyed not only the Portulaca. again, which was Valuable above anything of the kind in heing gath- ered without logs of time, and being in its fresh state, at unce ready for use, but we relished also occasionally the boiled Chenopodium erosum, which is hardly inferior ta spinach, although we could badly afford’ the time for collecting it, ws
‘ hitendtbee letter to Sir William, dated from Sydney Botanical Gardens, on March 6th, 1859, he reports having sent 1,000 specimens, nearly 250 species, per Mr. Elsey, by the “Alnwick Castle,” and states that “The Messenger,” with specimens had not arrived from Java. Fifteen hundred species of the flora hat heen collected, five hundred of which had nol yet been described.
It will‘be seen that the’ suggestion for Mueller to go to England on return from the N.W. expedition, was under consideration, but, whether he personally decided against it, or could not get the requisite extended leave from the Victorian Government, is not quite clear. On return to Victoria, he resumed his studies of the flora of the State, and directed his energies in preparation for the publication at a future date of the Flora of Aus- tralia. A few years before, owing to the strong repre- sentationa of Sir Wm, Hooker, the advisability of pro- ducing works descriptive of the local flora of India and the Coloni¢s had been affirmed, and endorsed by the Treasury, Admirulty, the Indian, and the separate Col- onial Governments. Sir William had undertaken that of British North America, and he inaugurated the pre-
aule The North-West Bepedition 73
paration of those of New Zealand, Australia, British West Indies, the Cape, and Tropical Africa.
In regard to that of Australia, Sir William and Dr, - Jos; Hooker looked to Mueller as being the botanist best fitted for undertaking the work; “but it was also recog- nised that to perform it effectually it was very necessary to have ready~access to the great collections of previous Australian botanists such as Brown, Cunningham, etc., also those of the French botanists. This was the reason why the Hookers, father and son, so strongly brged Mueller to come to England to undertake the work.
In a letter dated from Kew, June 5th, 1857, Dr. Jos. D. Hooker, who seems from this time to have relieved his father from most of his correspondence with Mueller, expresses “how sincere a pleasure your success in your botany and travels and gardens gives to my father and myself in the earnest regard my father has for you and your pursuits,” He expresses their disappointment that Mueller is not coming to England to work out plants: “My father and I have the most, sincere desire to aid you from here in every way,” but there are so many'cor- respondents to attend to, so little time, so much work,”
“T have often felt that the best I can do towards com- paring your specimens before publication, converting the proofs, etc., is infinitely far short of all you desire, and all I would be glad to do; and as it is I feel that it is infinitely less than you must naturally expect, for I know that not a half or one quarter of the queries you address to us are answered, nor half of the descriptions, fully compared.” ‘ !
“Time is the measure of what we can do to help you.”
In consequence, Dr, Hooker again urges: “I cannot therefore, too strongly advise, if there be any possibility of avoiding it, to refrain from publishing your Victorian plants until you have compared them in England,” “Come to Kew” is the invitation. “No one is now nearly so well qualified as you are to publish an Australian. Flora, and nobody else can do it at all.”
He thanks Mueller for ‘valuable criticism of Flora Taamanica, and. begs for more. He states that he is “keeping up a very rough catalogue of Australian plants in the hope that it will be useful to you and save you much time in referring to the Herbarium.”
“It already contains 6,040 Dicotyledons, and I have now begun the Monocotyledons.” The final injunction is:
es The North-West Pupedition Vor xeit
“T hape that you ..... will come to England and aceept my poor services in the Hookerian Herbarium.”
The plants collected on the North-West Expedition had been forwarded to England, and on October 10th, 1857, Dr, Hooker writes from Kew, that his’ father had-re- ceived “the very splendid and most interesting collec- tion of North Australian plants ...-. whigh have given the greatest satisfaction. They are in all respects better than could possibly have been expected, and we are quite at a loss to imagine how you could have managed te col- lect so much and preserve a0 well, on so hazardous and fatiguing an expedition.” He mentions that some genera had been published in the last number of Hooker's “Jour- nal of Botany.” Of the remainder the comment is that it “is quite Impossible for anyone to do much with them but yourself." He is engaged on the floras of Tasmania and of India and has his time fully occupied.
In a letter from Kew, June 22nd, 1858, Dr. Hooker suggests that Mueller should join the Linnean, Society, and in referring to Acacias and Eucalypts, writes, "Mr. Bentham very kindly revised the former, and you will be surprised to hear that it took him upwards of a week's hard work; working as you do, you have evidently no idtea of the time and care it takes to turn out satisfac- tory botanical work, Comparing specimens and deserip- tions and confirming synonymy and reference with pyro- per care, ig much slower work than you are aware of. We think no errors trivial or venial that can be avoided with proper care and proper materials. You have no conception of the amount of trouble and time it takes to correct an error of identification,”
“The slap-dash style of publication has brought the science into terrible’ confusion already, The whole of your extensive and splendid collections are now put away in the general Herbarium, They are truly wonderful, and the knowledge you have displayed in naming and arranging them is very great.”
(To be. continued.)
EXCURSION TO GROLOGICAL MUSEUM,
Ry permission of the Director of Geological Survey of Victorig (Mr. W. Baragwanath), the Museum was specially opened on Saturday, May 21st, for this excursion, Sixteen members and friends attended, and — general inspection of the specimens was made, particulay attention being paid to carhon in its various forms, and iis inorganic compounds. J would like to acknowledge the courtesy of Mr. W. & Abraham, the Curator of the Museum, who was present, and made available some valuable specimens not usually on exhibition—A. BE. Rona.
July, W27
Vol, XLiv,
BE VICTORIAN NATURALIST
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Taoy | RAYMENT, A new Austritian Clif Reo 76
A NEW AUSTRALIAN CLIFF-BEE. ' BURYGLOSSA ASPERITIORAX, Sp. ns By TARLTON RAYMENT,
TrPe |—Length about 4 m.m Entirely black, with the exception of pallid spots on tibia and tarsi, and two dis- tinctive pallid crescents at sides of clypeus. Head ordin- ary, eyes converging below; clypeus fiat, with a few short stiff pale hairs; supra clypeal area rising at its apex to 4 median ridge. Frons coarsely and excessively punc- tured, with two amall sutures parallel with the compound eyes, Mandibulse acute, obscurely red st tips. Antenne ordinary. Mesothorax dull, and under a 1 inch objective well punctured, with several striae radiating from each puncture;.a sharp ridge along the median line, a sparse coat. of short stiff pale hair. Scutellum sharply depressed at each side, two pallid spots near mesopleurs, Abdo- men ordinary, shining, well punctured; hind margins of segments obscurely paler, a sparse coat of short stiff pale hair. Legs black, except pallid patches on apical ends of tibiae and distal ends of tarsi. Tegulae black, with pallid margins. Nervures almost black, stigma black. Wings hyaline.
On flowers of Goodenia ovata, and Olearia ramulosa, February 23rd, 1927, at Sandringham, Port Phillip, Victoria. ;
Has @ superficial resemblance to Furyglossa goodeniae Ckel. and £’. oleariae Raym, but the pale crescents, and the unique surface of the integument of the mesothorax, at once distinguishes this apecies.
KEY TO PLATE:
Details of Euryglossa asperithorax sp. n., at various magni- fications -— wo
1, Front view of head capsule, 2, Labial palpi: note the stout basal joints that are characterise of bees included in this genun. 8, Abdominal. “half-ring” or tergite, showing the ridges or apo- demes which serve as reinforced ribs for the attachment of muscles, 4, Maxillary paipt are of six joints: the basal one is the sfoutest. 5, Rear view of head eapsule. 6, Anterior wing: the small square cubital cell receives both recurrent mervures in this genus. 7, Portion of wing highly magnified to show the minute hairs that cover the membrane. 8, Portion of sting showing pores: perhaps olfactory in function, 9, Mesonotuns and tegulae- 10, Hind Jeg: note absence of pollen-combs. 11, Mandible or jaw: 12, Portion of spinose surface of hind tibia of Huryylassa good- eniag, Ck; this is another characteristic of the genus. 13, The antenna clearer on Fronk lew of Apia mullifera, Linu, 14, Frowt lege of Buryglossa fusciatella, CKi.: compare Lhe cerrate form of peg with that of the Hive-bee, Ajis.
76 RAYMENT, The CHF Bove [eee cht: 7 any
THE CLIBE-BEES. By TARLTON RAYMENT.
‘September is’ a mercurial month—sunshine for one day, and a cold, bitter wind the next. “ On the fine days I go along the coast to make the acquaintance of the wild- bees, waking from their winter sleep, Of course, I find many! of them a-wing, for that is the easidst part.. But { am-like Fabre, for I desire to know how the creatures live and have their being. ~
To’ find the nest is ‘a matter of some moment, and since | cannot learn‘ the insects’ story without interview- ing them in their own domain, why, I must just keep on searching, Each Spring my first glimpse of this bee is obtained about the first week in September, when I note hundreds of them flying over the ‘tips of the Tea-tree, and since these twisted growths are the chief feature of my coast'line; 1 have plenty of material to go over,
I think it was Tickner Edwards, in the “Lore of the Honey Bee," who first suggested that the young Ayis, or hive-bees, had to learn how to garner the pollen-meal, and search the flowers for nectar; but a life-time spent among honey-bees fails to provide me with any evidence in support of that contention, When I first discovered the Cliff-hee, Euryglossa fasciatella CkIL, and other wild bees.concentrating over the tips of the Tea-tree, the blos: soms,of which were unopened, I began to think the Tickner Edwards might be right after all. Second thoughts, however, were aufficient to make me realise the error, ‘The bees are all young ones that have never har~ vested from: any flowers, and there is not one old bee present to teach them “the tricks of the trade,”
The insects certainly look in the right place for the flowers, but are a week or so too early. Now 1 do not find these insects on any other plant but Coasta! Tea-tree, - Leptospermum lavigatum, and it is an ‘astounding thing that they are able to congregate.about the trees as though anticipating the source of the supplies,
When 1 remember the many debates on how bees find the nectar in. blossoms, I am still further confounded by these assemblages: You probably have heard all about the brilliant ray -getels of many flowers being mere flags to attract the honey-gatherers that find the nectar sources by sight. On the other hand, we are assured that the olfactory powers of the.hbee are so highly developed that honey-plants are found by- *scent”’ alone.
13st. Raveiene, The Chie Boos "9
But the Cliif- bee, emerging from its winter retreat before ; tts food supply is available, havers persistently over the
“promised land.’ How am I to account for its per- spicacity? I have captured males among::the bees that congregate in this way, but I have never been lucky enough to see them mate, though I believe that the nup- tials are celebrated about the budding Tea-tree. There are no white sign-boards to “catch the bee’s eye,” neither ig there any ethereal odour to tickle its sense of smell. Fortunately, I do not have to account for the gatherings; I simply. tell you of the place and time when you may observe the phenomenon for yourself. ..
But the Cliff-bee is small in statue, and has a tapid flight that soon puts her out of view. For many ses- sons ] have examined the shores with extra care in the endeavour te Jovate the home, At odd times, when I thought I had seen a black bee dive down into the grass, I have patiently picked off the green blades, one by, one, until L had laid bare quite a large ares, ever hoping to uncover the tiny shaft. I am blessed ‘with very good “eye-sight,” but these small, black bees test it to the ex- treme limit, and often without availing me anything. I certainly found other nests, but I will write of them in another place,
It is disconcerting to have people stand and watch you carefully plucking away the grass, stalk’ by stalk. The most unsatisfactory part is my knowledge of thei= thoughts. One morning, when I was returning from my awim, { was fortunate enough to see a Cliff-bee‘ alight on a patch. of bare ground, but in my anxiety to obtain a closer view, I made un incautious movement: “Zip,"’ she was away. Subsequent examination of the area failed to disclose a single shaft. But this chance happening wave me food for thought,
At Sandringham, on the eastern shore of Port. Phitip, the cliffs are 456 feet or more in height, and the “face, which receives the fuJl brunt of the hot, summer sug; and resists the south-west winter wind, is composed of a light-yeliow, stiff clay, mixed with much fine white sand. a combination that is due to the decomposing of the original stratum. These cliffs rest on brown rock, the particles of which are cemented together with much iron-rust, and is known Jovally us a pseudo ironstone. Needless to say, wherever that dark foundation runs down into the water, it forms a serics of smal] capes that resist the pounding of the wintér gales, In between, the softer sand and clay mixture weathers sway, so thut
78 Rayment, The Clif Bees Vat xbie
coves aré formed, with lovely half-moon beaches of golden sand, The top of the cliff is covered with a fine, sandy loam.- .
Many people of the district do not walk along the asphalted ramps when going down to the water, but simply ‘‘slither” down the face of the cliffs, and this foot-traffic; combined with the erosion caused by thraah- ing of the wild “south westers,” soon results in number- less ‘‘washouts.” T say the fierce trials of such an ex- posed’ face soon weather away ‘the softer portions, anu leave the harder almost rock-like strata, standing up in barren escarpments,
It was in such inhospitable country that I saw the . Cliff-bee alight, but I found nothing. All that morning IT had searched the coast without result, It is not my habit to eat much lunch, but the house-wife prefers that. 1 leave the bees for an hour at noon, and come home, if only té drink a mouthful of coffee. Home I go,
But J cannot forget that a Cliff-bee alighted in a wash- out, in a barren, sun-scorched, wind-swept place without any protection whatever from the brawling sea. Why, in winter I have often watched the spume and spindrift whirling up the face of the cliff like smoke-wraiths. Surely no-bee would be so bold as to build there in the sand-stone.
. No, I cannot write: even the paint-box fails to charm
me. Nothing in my home will content me, so I go out once more to take up the quest for a tiny tube less than one-eighth of an inch in diameter. It does seem rather a futile thing for a man to do. Nevertheless, such is my nature, that I go down and traverse almast the same ground that I had searched before noon, but this time I concentrate on the hardest portions, and though it seems that the bee could not dig in such firm concrete, F still persevere. Ii seems ridiculous, but I have the patience of Fabre. I also have the luck of that lovable old Frenchman, for i am rewarded,
Right in the hardest ridge that defies the weather I find dozens of tiny black holes. I take out my strong pocket-knife—it is the only implement I have at the moment—and stab at the rock-like clay. T succeed in splitting off a slice about half an inch in thickness: the holes still go down. I almost break my blade, but I man- age to clip off another inch. Of course, J make some dust, and I remove this debris very carefully ev ag not to block up the little shaft,
inet | Rayment, The Chg Bees 79
To my disgust, in among the loose, white grains, I find a bee's head with the antennae still quivering. But my disappointment is tempered by the knowledge that at last I know where the black Prosopoid Bees nest. Here are dozens of tiny burrows.
The shafts ] uncovered were slightly winding, and not more than three inches or so in depth. The sides were so smooth that the ubiquitous varnish was at once sug- gested. However it may be, the lining of the shaft was fairly hard, and resembled the glaze of dark earthen- ware.
Each day the Clifft-bee continves its excavating, and J see her burrowing with great energy, Some new arrivals attack a bare spot, and at once begin to bite out the quartz granules, grain by grain. The digging of the shaft is an heroie labor, but at length the bee gets. her head buried. Darkness intervenes, and the little laborer sites away to shelter for the, night in the old winter
urrow.
Early next day she i is at the Work again, and, by noon, she is down nearly an inch, I see her pushing out the grains, aggregating = match-head in volume, and which are just moist enough to hang loosely to- gether; the Joad is levered out by the hind legs and the end of the insect’s body. She does not cast the material away, and so long as if reaches the mouth, she is, fully content,
But her laxity slesutts in the formation of a eax'een that almost hides her labors. More-over, when the hee returns from refreshing herself at the white flowers of the Tea-tree, she sometimes mistakes another's mound- let for her own demesne. As soon as she alights, the Cliff-bee rakes aside the loose spoil, and seeks to enter. At once an irate owner appears from helow; and bids her begone. But the Cliff-bee has a poor sense of location and the ynerring homing precision of the Hive-bee is unknown to her,
For weeks at a time, T watch her digging her burrow Though I do not; see her do it, yet the fresh spoil at the pit-mouth tells me of the laborer down below. Tn be tween spells of Jabour and refreshment, 1 see her sitting at the door, and blocking it with her tiny, black head, just like the Halicti.*
When I move, she dussende a trifle; I retreat, in- stantly, her head reappears. I keep on repeating the
*See F2. raynient? and other Wuliefé described elsewhere.
oe RarMrent, The Clif Bees vit shee
manouvre, but T desist first, for her patience is greater than mihe.
~ At this stage I open a number of nests, but all that . find’ is a lone. bee crouching in the bottom of the shaft. I discover a number of deserted winter burrows, which still house an odd female or two that have not vet started their new shafts. In one or two I find a dead bee, and it is plain that when-she matured she had been. unable to'pierce the sand-plug at the top of the shaft, and had never known the light of day, and the. joy of life in the sunshine.
it is a very easy matter to distinguish these old. de. serted nests, for at the bottom there is always a tiny chamber, about the sixe and shape of a large grain of wheat, and which is lined with a wonderfully delicate, silvery, skin purse. This marvel of workmanship ts slightly yellow with age, and is always buried with an inch jot loose sand, You see, when the shaft is com- pleted, the mouth is closed with a sand-ptug, and to reacn day-light the baby bee has to bore upwards; the grains 50 displaced fall to the bottom and so fill up the o. purse or cradle,
At first, I thought that the Cliff-bee carried no potlen- granules beeatise she was only seeking sustenance for herself, and, theréfore, needed no pollen until the nest was completed. However, the bee is almost devoid of ‘hair, being smooth and shining, so that she hag no har- vesting tools. But she does collect plenty of pollen-meal, as we shall see presently.
I notice, too, that when the Cliff-bee alights, the body- rings expand and contract in a very rapid manner, the pulsations, if one may use the word, being about. four to the second. Panting may not be an unsuitable word te describe the action.
I find it essentiai to see the nests every day, for if I “miss a visit-there is sure to be something done that I regret having had no opportunity 'to observe. If the weather be dull, as it often is in September, when the failing hand of winter still clutches at the wings of the Southern breeze, I find the Cliff-bees sitting at the door. ways, and-blocking the entrances with their heads. It seems that no work is undertaken unless the day be bright and warm, When the climbing sun overpowers the ‘nippy’ wind, the bees, making several feintings and retreatings, emerge from the shafts. To all Intents and purposes they imitate the suspicious behaviour of the
3323.) Rayment, The Clif Bev gl
eas:
ive-queen When she first issues from the natal queen-
When the bee is away the entrance of the home is Jeft entirely uncovered. Only once have I seen two bees come out of the shaft, and though I have‘examined hun- dreds of nests, in only one instance have I found two cells. In the latter case, the lower silvery nurse looked as though it belonged to the previous season, for it was full of sand, showing that the original occupant had leared out the entrance plug before the second purse had been constructed. ~
My field notes show that all through October the bees mate, and are occupied with the excavation of the shafts and the collection of stores from the Tea-tree. <Abont the first of November I note one or two covering up the portals of the homes with a few loose grains of sand, so { unearth quite a number of nests, and in every case I find a solitary cell at the bottom. The chamber, I ‘say, is about the size and shape of a large grain of wheat, and the wall is covered with an extremely delicate, silvery tissue of impalpable fineness. Should I draw the edges of the purse together Iam quite unable to separate them again. :
This bee has a broad tongue-tip, that L know makes an excellent trowel], This clever bee weaves with the plas- terer’s implement. She stands crosswise in the cell, and begins a series of head-noddings with her tongue pro- truding and travelling from floor to ceiling with quiet rythmical movements. Esch swing of the head lays down a thread of clear liquid that instantly hardens into & membrane. Over and over the interior “wall. a web is woven, and the minute interstices are filled: in with the same action and material until the skin is'com- plete. The threads seem to amalgamate perfectly, for the material Is waterproof, and cannot be pf a resinous character, because jt is insoluble in turpentine. It does Be adhere to the smooth walls, although it is formed on them. :
When the cell ts ready to receive its stores, the sitvery purse, urn, or cradle, what you will, is like an egg, with the end removed, and the stores are of the consistency of thick batter, and are olive-green in colour. The ynusual tint is due to the dark honey and pollen gathered from the Coastal Tea-tree, the only plant visited by this bee, The pollen js carried home in the insect’s honey-sac, and the granular nature. of the stores leads me to. suggest that
82 Rayment, Uho Cliff Bees yes: xy
there is about 50 per cent. pollen, The great majority of the cells are sHghtly more than half full, and the con- sistency of the food is the same throughout.
Once or twice I have found cells containing a tiny drop of white liquid, resembling milk. Ah, what an intrigu- ing discovery! What a wonderful opportunity to hint that here is the beginning of the undigested pap of the Hive-bee, the concentrated super-food that forces the development of that fecund mother! No, J give you the bare fact that, in odd cells, T have found a drop of white liquid. I make no comment whatever,
Once or twice I have uncovered cells two-thirds full of stores, and since the silvery purse is not closed at once, it looks as though the mother added to the amount, but I have to confess that the larvae on the extra food were, no older, or larger, than those on the smaller amount.
You may say that males emerge from the scanty pro- visions, and females from the abundant store, for that is the rule in Beedom. Well, I do not know, and I am just as anxious as you are about the point. I find that each mother makes but two burrows, each with one cell. At least I have had individuals under observation for the entire season, and have seen them make only two shafts. Now, do the first ones produce females and the second males? -I cannot answer the question.
“Rather helpless.” © ,
Perhaps, but no matter, I make the admission freely,
The ogg is floated on the top, and when the shell breaks, why, the larva has only to open its mouth snd begin to feast on the tasty batter. In a fortnight it is fully! grown; the stores sre all consumed; the cap is woven to close the cradle cell, and the larva enters into the mysterious sleep from which it wil! be awakened, by the wafting of some fairy wand, to find itself changed into a new creature gifted with antennae, legs, eyes, sting ant wings.
I take some of the Jarvae on October 24th, and ? lift them out in a simple manner, so as not to disturb them unduly. Ihave on hand some small medicine bottles of two ounces capacity. By pressing a glazier’s diamond on the side, about 4 inch from the bottom, I am able to rotate the bottle so that a cut encircles it, A tap with the cutter and the bottom falls off, sometimes smoothly, sometimes with jagged edges. The latter kind are best for the Chiff-bee nests, because I can surround the cell, and by turning the bottle can use it very successfully as
rca RaYMent, The Cliff Bees- 84
a bore to take out a circular core containing the cell.
_By the first of Navember the Tea-tree flowers are all gone, and no longer do I find the Cliff-bees a-wing. visit many of the nests, but all are closed with a few grains of Joose sand just at ground level. I remove them carefully, and um astonished to uncover a sepulehre Behold the corpse of the worn-out mother,
I say that the industrious parent, exhausted by the heroic labour of digging aut of stone two twelve ‘inch shafts, and the weaving and provisioning of the sitken cradles, closes the shaft with a one inch thick plug of sand placed a little below ground level. Between it and the surface there is just room for a mortuary. Immur- ing herself in that dread chamber, and with her strength rapidly waning, she performs her last:unhappy task. A few grains of quartz are drawn loosely over the aperture, and the indefatigable mother now awaits the call of Death. At the bottom of the shaft there is a natal chamber, and at tha top is a Sarcophagus of Death. |The child will emerge to life through the very bones of its creator.
In my bottles I have life. ‘I see that the jneyad sre not curled up like those of the Hive-bee, but lie in the cells, almost straight. Whereas the larvae of the Hive- bee are pearly white, with the segments convex, as though they were about to burst with fatness, the larva of the Cliff-bee is dull-white in colour, and the pageants are concave,
I gathered these larvae on October 24th. It is now Feb. ruary in the new year, What a long sleep, but now I'can see beginnings of movement; the tail part wags slightly, and the larval skin looks more flacid. ‘Each succeeding: day the skin gets drier, and on February, the 7th day, the skin splits, and a creamy-white pupa struggled' out with strong actions. Even the eyes are white; and the antennae are crossed in front like the hands of'a saint’s effigy. The wrinkted larva] skin or pellicle is at last cast behind; this is the awakening after more than four month’s sleep in a temperature of 75 dearogs F,
Three days later_—F abruary 10th—the pupa is un- changed, save that.the two compound eyes are showing just the faintest trace of a drab pink colour. By the 14th, the eye-tint has deepened to a dull lilac-pink shade. The next day: Compound eyes are now definitely dark- maroon, with the ocelli the smallest of three dark specks.
R4 Rayment, The Cliff Bees Rosie
The body color now slowly deepens to a drab white, which strengthens day by day until .
* February. 23rd, when another larval skin is moulted, under low magnification I watch the hind pair of imma- ture legs, endeavoring to thrust off the pelliele, which appears to be still attached to the annal end. The abdo- men keeps up.a strong wagging movement. ~
February 28th.—The head is now a dark coffee-colour, with the eyes deep maroon, the mouth paris, which seems to project in a very marked manner, are rusty-red, the top of the thoraz is now distinctly dark slate; another Jarval pellicle has been shed during the night.
The sable colour gradually extends from the thera2, but there are two darker spots on the under part of the abdomen. Colouring is slowly deepening.
March ard.—The slate shade has merged into black at the top of the thoraz; the pigment may now be ob- served entering the legs at the coxee; the seape is now almost black, though the antennme are still a light coffee colour. The tarsal . joints and the tip of the abdomen are © the last te be affected,
March 5th—The colour is now uniformly black, with the exception of the tips of the antennae, tarst, or foot joints, and the underpart of the abdomen near the anal end. The immature legs are constantly endeavouring te dislodge the two dried skins.
March 8th.—The elements of the wings, folded towards the under-surface of the thorax, are now plainly visible. Hairlis showing on the tarsi, which are fully devetoped with the exception of the pad {empedium or pulvillas) , and the claws (anguicult).
March 12th—The mouth parts still protrude, and ap- pear to be blood-red. The antennae are atill clasping the under-lip, and the elements of the wings are folded round under the thorax.
March 14th—The bees have reached the imago stage, for they are now fully develaped, with wings complete in final position, But the insects are lethargic, and scarcely move; the abdomen is rather plump compared with that of other Spring-flying bees. The period required for de- velopment at the temperature mentioned, is more than 200 days.
But 1 must leave the Cliff-bees, for one must eat, and the night falls quickly.
Iam greatly indebied te Prof, T. D. A. Cockerell for his help in connection with my studies of Australian bees,
‘The Victorian Naturalist
Vor. XLIV—No. 4. AUGUST 4, 1927. 4, 1927. BNO: & B24,
. FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB OF VICTORIA. - ‘The ordinary monthly meeting of the Club was heid in the Royal Society’s Hall, Victoria-street, on Monday, July lith, 1927. The President, Mr. E. E. Pescott, occupied the chair, and about 100 members and visitors were present. :
—— ee ee ee
DEATH OF MEMBER.
The President referred to the death of Mr. W. H, A. Roger, an old member of the Club, and members stood as amark of respect. It was resolyed that a letter of con- dolence be written to the relatives of the deceased member. °
CORRESPONDENCE.
_.From Country Roads Board, stating that consideration would be given to the Club’s request that the Geelong Road be planted exclusively with Australian evergreen trees. From Chief Secretary for Victoria, stating that con- sideration would be given to the Club’s representations in opposition to an open season for the trapping of opossums. -
From Chief Secretary for Victoria, intimating that the request of the Club that it be afforded an opportunity of submitting nominations for representation on the pro- posed Advisory Council in connection with matters per- taining to native fauna, would receive consideration when this subject. was under review.
. From Bird Observers’ Club, stating that it was pro- posed to form an Advisory Council te make recommen- dations to the Chief Secretary in regard to the preserva-
-tion and propagation of native fauna, and inviting this Club to appoint two delegates to a Conference to be held on July 19th to consider this matter.
The President referred to the recent action of the Chief Secretary in refusing to sanction an open season for the trapping of opossums, a decision which was most gratify- ing to members of this Club, and kindred sacietias.
- ‘Messrs. A. E. Keep and! G. Coghill were nominated to represent the Club at the Conference arranged by the _ Bird Observers’ Club on July 19th, and were elected unanimously. ; REPORT. .
A yeport of the excursion to Sherbrooke Gully was
given by Mr. A, G. Hooke. -
36 Field Naturalists’ Ulub—Proceedings ye NEW
vo ELECTION OF MEMBERS, it
The following were elected as ordinary members:— Misa Elizabeth Andrew, B.Sc., 93 High-street, Kew; Mr. J. L. Stamp, Menzies-street, -Brighton;.Dr. H. Flecker, 71 Collina-street, Melbourne; Mr. A. 8, Kenyon; M.I.E.Aust., “Marringal,” Plenty-road, Heidelberg; and a3 a ‘country member>—Mr. Thompson Nobie, Campbell House, Campbell-street, Castlemaine.
GENERAL.
The: President announced that arrangemenis were being made for an inspection on July 23rd, by members of the Club and others, of the Tea-tree growing along the foreshore, from Brighton to Mornington, in order to ascertain the cause and extent of the decay of and dam- age to this valuable growth,
The President read a letter from Mr. John Wilson, of
Cheltenham, referring to the proposed granting of per- missive occupancy of portion of Cheltenham Park for parkmg motor-cars, It was urged that a strong protest should be made. Mr. F, Pitcher moved: “That the Sec- retary for Lands be written to asking that a deputation be arranged to interview the Minister for Lands, mm order to urge the refusul of permission for any portion of Cheltenham Park to be used as a parking area.” The motion was seconded by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard, and sup- ported by Messrs. A. J; Tadgell, C. Barrett, A, L, Scott, and A. D. Hardy, and carried unanimously. * The Hon. Secretary announced that Hon, G. M. Pren- dergast had consented to open the Natura) History Ex: hibition on July 20th, and that His Excellency the Gover- nor (Lord Somers) had accepted the invitation of the Committes to perform the opening ceremony at the Wild Blower Show on September 27th next.
Mr. A. D. Hardy reported that the Committee of Management of the National Park at Sperm Whale Head had now been appointed, this Club being represented by several of the members. i Y Pa
Mr. W. Ramm referred to the open season for opos- sums and koalas recently declared ‘in Queensland, and suggested that the Club should take action to have the declaration withdrawn. It was decided to communicate with the Queensland Naturalists’ Society on the matter.
PAPERS, ETC. _ Mr. G..Coghill read a paper on “A Holiday in New Zea- land,” descriptive of many of the intéresting and scenic portions of the North and South Islands; referénee being
tot7l Field. Naturatists’ Clubh—Prodecdinga BT
made to the botanical features observed. The paper was illustrated by a series of lantern slides, loaned by the New Zealand Tourist Bureau.
EXHIBITS,
By Mr. C. H, Borch: A rare Victorian Lycaenid, Mile- tus delice, from Springvale. Larvae, attendants to larvae, pupa cases from which butterflies had been bred, and perfect. insects.
By Mr. A. N. Burns: Rare Lycenids, from Cairns dis- trict, North Queensland. All the species exhibited, with the exception of 7, cyanea-arinia, Fab., may he regarded as rare, being found only in isclated, favoured spots even though their food plants are widely distributed. Butter- flies of the genus Miletzs are noted for the brilliant markings of the underside, Among others, the exhibi- tor bred-M. narcissus and M, arinia, in 1926, this very probably being the first time these two species have been bred. “Rainbow,” -or “Great Day-flying Moth," Nyctalemow orontes, of North Queensland. These insects ily in countless numbers, usually from North to South, during the greater part of the year. At times, in selected spots, generally in scrubs or near rivers and creeks, they may be observed resting with outspread wings, often in such numbers as to weigh down the branches. The great flights of “many-oloured butter- flies” recorded from North Queensland were, in reality, flights of these moths. Twenty or more may easily be captured with one sweep of the net,
By Mr. G. Coghill: Dried specimens of New Zealand flora, fruits of Cape Gooseberry, Physalis Francheti, a native of China; Maori carvings; volcanic bomb, green- stone and pumice-stone from N.Z.; poi-poi used in "dances; photographs of N,Z, scenes, etc, ; cultivated specimens of Greville rosmarinifolia,
By Mr. ©. J. Gabriel; Marine shells: Humphreyia strangei, A.Ad., Western Port, Victoria; Aspergitlum vaginiferum, Lam., Red Sea; Aspergillum pulckrum, Desh,, Singapore; Dacosta australis, Sowerby, Port Jack- son, N.S.W.; Gastrocheena tasmanic, T.Wds., Port Phil- lip; also a series of New Zealand shells.
By'Mr, L. L. Hodgson: Cultivated specimens of Rose- | mary Grevillca, G, rosmarinifolia, aiid Crimson Bottle- brush, Callastemon, citrinus,
By Mr. E, E; Pescott, F.L.S.: Foliage of variegated form of Agonis flexuosa, rare; flowers from cultivated plants of Thryptomene calycina (F.v.M.), Stapf.; Stone
88 Field Naturalists! Clab—Proceediiga [Yi 5.NEp
implements, crude and finished, from New Zealand, seed- pod of the Australian Wistaria, Milletia. magasperma. _.By Mr, F. Pitcher: Specimens of 86 Ferns and Lycopods of Southland district-of Otago, New Zealand, 12 of which are also to be found in Victoria.
By Miss J. W. Raff, M.Sc., F.E.S.: Specimen (from the Botanical Dept., Melbourne University) of a low-grow- ing Alpine plant from New Zealand—the so-all “Vegetable Sheep," Haustia pulvinaris. :
By Mr, A. L. Seott: Sands from