150 



THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



the only ones provided with something like adequate accommo- 

 dation. 



Although Chicago has, amongst its other attractions, a series of 

 splendid public parks and gardens, I could not learn of there 

 being any collection of living animals. 



In the great Golden Gate Park of San Francisco there are a few 

 large enclosures for animals. In one is a fine lot of American 

 Elk, with young ones in various stages of growth. There is also 

 the largest semi-open-air aviary I have seen, in which are growing 

 trees and shrubs, amongst which are domiciled many tropical birds 

 in a state of comparative freedom. The aviary is a large glass 

 building, in which the walks for visitors are fenced off with wire 

 netting. Just outside the Golden Gate, as the entrance to San 

 Francisco Harbour is named, is the Seal Rock, which is quite 

 crowded with seals. The rock is close to the beach, and the seals 

 form a great attraction to visitors, as they are plainly visible at all 

 times. 



(To be continued.) 



A HOLIDAY TRIP TO BENJEROOP. 



By Jos. Gabriel. 



(Bead before the Meld Naturalists' Club of Victoria, 16 th 



January, 1893.) 



On 4th November, after a tedious journey of 190 milts, 

 Mr. A. J. Campbell and myself alighted at Lake Charm railway 

 station, on the Bendigo to Swan Hill line, and after waiting a 

 short time had the pleasure of greeting Mr. Geo. Morton, who 

 had come some eleven miles to meet us with his horse and buggy. 

 In the latter we proceeded to stow ourselves and luggage, and a 

 pleasant drive soon brought us to Murray Meadows homestead, 

 where we received a hearty welcome from Mrs. Morton and 

 household. The welcome possibly was not quite so hearty as 

 t*hat of the mosquitos on the journey, but was far more pleasant. 



Tea over, we were very glad to turn in to rest our weary limbs. 



Early morning found us turning in again, but this time into the 

 beautiful Murray River, which was running a banker within a 

 stone's throw of the homestead. 



A hearty breakfast prepared us for the day's exertion, and, being 

 joined by our host, we crossed over the river into Dennis's 

 Swamp. In doing this we were assisted by the Pride of the 

 Murray, a flat-bottomed boat made to carry two, but if extreme 

 care is exercised will carry three. This boat had a sail attached, 

 whose mainsheet was composed of hay-band, which perhaps was 

 an advantage, for, if it parted when we had the strain of an extra 

 puff of wind, it would possibly save us a capsize and our joining 

 the ducks. In going over the swamp we were impeded very much 



