VTs'I Pescott, Reproduction of Terrestrial Orchids. 179 _ 



was collected which had a small leaf growing independently 

 from one of these old sheathing shells ; and at the same time 

 a plant of Caladenia fimhriata was noted with a single small 

 leaf growing out of the same tuber from which the adult 

 foliage was growing, showing that a juvenile tuber had 

 developed inside the sheathing envelope, and was therefrom 

 producing its foliage. 



From these observations it is certain that in some species, 

 if not in a considerable number, the root-stalk or underground 

 stem, extending from the tuber to the surface, is of a permanent 

 character, forming a permanent and protective medium for 

 the conveyance of the sap, resulting in a minimum amount of 

 sap evaporation. 



A considerable number of genera remain to be discussed, 

 and they will be considered in a future paper. But enough 

 has been said to show that terrestrial orchids are largely 

 dependent upon tuber development and increase for the 

 continuance and extension of the species. Little is known 

 regarding the seeds of these plants. In very many species 

 seeds are produced in hosts. Whether they are germinable, 

 whether they remain in the soil awaiting suitable conditions 

 for development, or whether they are all abortive, is not 

 known. Apparently there is no necessity for the production 

 of seed, owing to the tuberous increase, and apparently the 

 elaborate apparatus or arrangement of the organs is to some 

 extent but a survival of the pollination and fertilization 

 operations of other days. 



[The paper was illustrated by a large series of lantern slides 

 depicting the flowers and their various parts. — Ed. Vict. Nat.] 



The Austral Avian Record (vol. iii.. No. 5), bearing date 

 26th December, 1917, contains fewer additions and corrections 

 to Mr. Mathews's list than usual, none of them affecting Vic- 

 torian birds. The editor and Mr. T. Iredale devote several 

 pages to " Avian Nomenclature Notes," in which several changes 

 are proposed. A coloured plate is included, which figures the 

 Black-and-White Wren, Nesomalurus leucopteriis, and the Dirk 

 Hartog Grass- Wren, Diaphorillas carteri. 



TooROURRONG RESERVOIR.— This pretty little lake, situated 

 amid the foothills of the Plenty Ranges, and visited on several 

 occasions by excursion parties of the Field Naturalists' Club, 

 is in danger of being polluted by a plant well known to the 

 microscopist, Vallisneria spiralis. This plant has found the 

 shallow margins of the lake an ideal habitat, and has spread 

 enormously. The authorities are now engaged in raising the 

 embankment, so that a greater depth of water can be im- 

 pounded, and the plants thereby drowned. 



