98 Excursion to the You Yangs. \vo\*'^x\\\'v 



hulbosa, Eutaxia empetrifolia, ChaincBScilla corymbosa, Pimelea 

 linifolia, and a solitary Diiiris sidphurea, witli the composite 

 Brachycome exilis. Prostanthcra nivea was here in much better 

 bloom, acacias more forward, and conditions of growth in every 

 way better. It was noticed that the acacias, as a rule, were 

 but little affected with the borer, as is so frequently the case. 

 Passing the huge granite mass to the south-west, we reached 

 the residence of the curator, Mr Kelly, on the edge of the forest 

 reservation. Mr. Kelly kindly conducted us over the plant- 

 ation, where a forest, principally of eucalypts and conifers, 

 has been planted many years. A good deal of Pinus insignis 

 is at present being cut down. The area is a very dry one, 

 with a comparatively scanty rainfall, militating against rapid 

 growth. We noticed beneath a Red Box a profusion of 

 blossoms on the ground. On approaching we ascertained that 

 it was caused by the activities of a flock of Gang Gang 

 Cockatoos, which flew off noisily at our coming. In feeding on 

 tlic flowers, they nip the flowering twigs, which fall in great 

 abundance. The caretaker informed us that the beautiful 

 Bronze-winged Pigeons, which are numerous at the You Yangs, 

 nested preferably in the pines, and, whilst these trees were 

 being cut down, sat closely and confidently on their nests in 

 neighbouring trees, which were left intact until the broods had 

 flown. Birds were only incidentally observed, but were 

 numerous and varied in species, the well-wooded slope on the 

 south side and the plantation to the west giving food and 

 shelter. The Skylark had welcomed us on the plains, and 

 other birds noted were the Red-capped Robin, Flame-breasted 

 Robin, Black-and-white P"antail, Pallid Cuckoo, Harmonious 

 Thrush, Rosella, Striped Brown Hawk, Magpie, ja. fine Eagle, 

 Blue Wren and family, Acanthi/.a, Little Falcon, and two or 

 three unrecognized birds of a kindred species. Starlings were 

 numerous on the plains. The warmth of the sun tempted 

 several lizards from their seclusion, a family of three basking 

 contentedly but warily on a lichen-clad l:)oulder near us, whilst 

 two or three Blue-tongued Lizards monuntaril}- showed them- 

 selves. Although this area is a sanctuary, two youths with 

 pea-rifles were out to shoot anything that moved. One had 

 killed an unoffending lizard, about 10 inches long. I said, 

 " What did you slioot it for ? It is a harmless thing." 

 " Yes, it seems a waste of life, doesn't it ? But I had to shoot 

 it," was the reply. It is a pity that such thoughtless persons 

 are entrusted with firearms. After going through the reser- 

 vation, we made our way to Lara railway station, after a very 

 pleasant and enjoyable outing, of which we were sorry a 

 greater num])er had not taken advantage. — C. Daley. 



[Reports of previous excursions to the You Yangs will be 

 found in the Xulurulisi, vols, iii., p. 99, and xxv., p. 125. — Ed.] 



