48 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



Destructive Insects of Victoria,' and the ' List of the Lizards 

 Indigenous to Victoria,' published in the ' Proceedings of the 

 Royal Society,' by Messrs. C. Frost and A. H. S. Lucas, M.A. 

 Two other members — Professor Spencer and Mr. G. A. Keartland — 

 represent Victorian science in the exploring expedition recently 

 sent out by Mr. W. A. Horn, of South Australia. They are now 

 near the Macdonnell Ranges, in the interior, and are, according 

 to latest accounts, in excellent spirits, and doing good work. 

 Both have gained considerable experience in field collecting 

 under the auspices of the Club. 



" In December last the Rev. Walter Fielder, who had acted as 

 hon. secretary for the previous three years, tendered his resigna- 

 tion, and Mr. H. P. C. Ashworth was elected to fill the vacant 

 position, the opportunity being taken by the members to 

 present Mr. Fielder with a valuable microscope and accessories, 

 in recognition of his services. 



" The idea of an annual conversazione had almost been aban- 

 doned, on account of the expense and want of funds, when a 

 proposal was brought forward to make a charge for admission. 

 This was agreed to, and a further innovation in extending the 

 conversazione over two evenings and the intervening afternoon was 

 also adopted. It rests greatly with members to make the scheme 

 a success. The exhibition will be held at the end of the present 

 week, and we are pleased to be able to report that the prospects 

 are very encouraging. 



" The financial position of the Club continues unsatisfactory. 

 The receipts for the year amounted to ^125 16s. 5d., and the 

 expenditure to £m 9s. 6d., leaving an apparent credit balance 

 of ,£83 18s. id. Included in this is the amount 'locked up' in 

 the Metropolitan Bank, which has been reduced by the receipt of 

 a dividend of £2 14s nd. to jQ6o 18s. nd. Liabilities— princi- 

 pally for publishing the Club's journal — exist to the amount of 

 about ^65, but these are more than covered by arrears of sub- 

 scriptions and the unavailable deposits. There is also a sum of 

 £1 13s. to the credit of the Prize Competition fund. 



" In conclusion, the committee would urge on all members the 

 benefits of attending the ordinary meetings, the meetings for 

 practical work, and the field excursions, and also helping with 

 either papers or notes for the information of their co-workers. 



"Signed, on behalf of the committee, 



" Henry Thos. Tisdall, Chaitman. 

 "H. P. C. Ashworth, Hon. Sec. 

 " 11/// yune, 1894." 



The report was adopted, on the motion of Messrs. Hall and 

 Macgillivray. 



