78 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



fortunately met with a large number of the Australian member of 

 the rhizotic group (Lacinularia pedunculata), and at the con- 

 clusion of his remarks a slide of mounted individuals was handed 

 to each member for careful examination under the microscope. 

 Half an hour was profitably spent in the endeavour to make out 

 all the points of detail in the specimens, during which time Mr. 

 Shephard also supplied full information as to the best methods of 

 mounting and examining these interesting organisms. Some four 

 or five entomologists had a quiet corner to themselves, where they 

 compared specimens and talked over some plans for future 

 operations. Altogether the evening was a most successful one, 

 and it is hoped that the attendance at future meetings will warrant 

 the committee in permanently allotting an evening every month 

 to work of this nature. Such work cannot well be carried on at 

 the ordinary monthly meetings, yet it is work which will 

 materially strengthen the hands of those members who feel the 

 need of a little practical advice from those whose special leanings 

 and opportunities have enabled them to follow particular lines, 

 and who are willing to impart this special knowledge to their 

 fellow-workers. Hence the need of these special evenings for 

 practical work, and hence the hope that members will system- 

 atically and regularly avail themselves of them. 



ELECTION OF MEMBERS. 



On a ballot being taken, Messrs. R. A. Bastow, G. Hickman, 

 and G. B. Turner were elected members of the Club. 



The only paper read was one contributed by Mr. Henry Grayson 

 on " The Collection, Cleaning, and Mounting of Diatoms," and 

 as the subject dealt with a branch in which the author has been 

 working successfully during the past few years, the facts and details 

 given were of the greatest value to those who are interested in 

 these lowly subjects of the vegetable kingdom. Mounted speci- 

 mens exhibited by means of microscopes bore convincing 

 testimony to the excellent character of Mr. Grayson's methods of 

 work. For further details we must refer members to the paper 

 itself. 



NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. 



Mr. C. French, F.L.S., drew attention to a valuable series of 

 papers on the Australian butterflies which is now appearing in 

 the Queenslander. Four parts have already appeared. 



Mr. T. S. Hart, M.A., read a note giving some interesting 

 particulars as to the variations in Wurmbea dioica, notably in 

 reference to the number of the carpels and segments of the 

 perianth. 



