THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 49 



June. About 25 members took part in it, and evinced a great 

 deal of interest in the improvements which have been lately- 

 instituted there for the better housing of small birds, as well as an 

 exercising enclosure for the lions and tigers, and new quarters for 

 the elephant. The young pumas and black leopard, and the 

 black-headed snake from Queensland, also interested the visitors 

 very much. 



PROPOSED GUN TAX. 



A deputation, organized by the Field Naturalists' Club and 

 representing the Royal Society, Royal Agricultural Society, Royal 

 Horticultural Society, and Zoological and Acclimatization Society, 

 waited upon the Minister of Customs on 1st July. In intro- 

 ducing the deputation, Messrs. G. D. Carter and J. Bosisto, 

 M's.L.A., dwelt upon the necessity of protecting our insectivorous 

 birds from the reckless and indiscriminate shooting which is now 

 so prevalent, as well as human lives, which are frequently sacrificed 

 to the inexperience of sportsmen. The imposition of such a tax 

 as a legitimate source of revenue was also suggested. Professor 

 Kernot (Royal Society), Mr. C. M. Officer (Zoological Society), 

 and Mr. C. Draper (Royal Agricultural Society), also emphasized 

 these views, the former specially dwelling upon the fact that if a 

 tax was imposed it should be of sufficient amount to fulfil the 

 objects of its institution. Mr. F. Wisewould referred to the draft 

 which had been drawn up by the sub-committee of the Field 

 Naturalists' Club — a draft based upon similar acts in England 

 and some of the Australian colonies. A few new features had, 

 however, been added, notably that which made it illegal for 

 persons under the influence of liquor to carry firearms. It was 

 also provided that under no circumstances should a license be 

 given for the use of swivel guns. The Club was also represented 

 by Mr. D. Le Souef and Rev. W. Fielder (hon. secretary). In 

 answer to the deputation the Minister said that he would take the 

 draft bill which had been prepared into favourable consideration. 

 He would have an amended draft drawn up and submitted to 

 those interested before its introduction into Parliment. He was 

 of opinion, however, that a 5s. tax, as proposed, was not heavy 

 enough, since it would be worth the while of those who let out 

 guns to pay the tax themselves. 



ELECTION OF MEMBERS. 



A ballot for new members resulted in the election of Messrs. 

 C. Burton, D. M'Eacharn, and C. Peers as members of the Club. 



PAPER. 



Mr. R. S. Sugars gave an illustrated paper on " A Trip to South 

 Gippsland," which took place in January last. Making Toora his 



