THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 99 



EXHIBITION OF WILD FLOWERS. 



The exhibition of native flowers usually held in the spring by 

 the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria was not so extensive this 

 year as usual, on account of the unpropitious weather experienced 

 at the time (8th October). However, through the instrumentality 

 of Baron von Mueller, K.C.M.G., there was a very fair display 

 from several country correspondents. Amongst the specimens 

 sent as particularly noteworthy may be recorded : — Ilibbertia 

 acicularis, var. sessiliffora, Eriostemon obovalis, Helichrysum 

 obcordatum, Pimelea stricta, and several table bouquets, from Mr. 

 G. Knight, J. P., Bendigo ; Bceckea diffusa, Grevillea aquifolium, 

 and Pterostylis barbata, from Mr. A. Purdie, Bendigo; Acacia 

 armata (a form almost without prickles), Grevillea ericifolium, 

 and Helipterum incanum, from Mr. F. L. Billinghurst, president 

 of the Field Ramblers' Club, Castlemaine ; Dodontea boronifulia, 

 Daviesia ulicina, var. ruscifolia, Pultencea mucronata, and 

 Thryptomene ciliata, from Miss Oke, Beechworth ; Borouia 

 polygalifolia, var. auemonifolia, Correa speciosa (red variety), 

 Styphelia, sp., a rare small-leaved species of the section 

 Leucopogon, Thelymitra longifolia (a variety with almost 

 membranous flowers), Pterostylis concinna (not known from 

 Gippsland previously), and Caladenia Cairnsiana (only once 

 before observed in Victoria), from Miss May Wise and Miss 

 Muriel Bennett, Sale, youthful disciples of Mr. Alex. Purdie ; 

 Swainsona procumbens, Eucalyptus leucoxylon, Brachycome 

 pachyptera (the erect-growing form), Calotis scabiosifolid (with 

 white rays), and Helipterum Jessenii, from Mr. Henry King, 

 F.R.H.S., Echuca. Mr. T. S. Hart, M.A., exhibited a number 

 of specimens from the Brighton district, and other exhibitors 

 helped to make up an interesting display. 



Special acknowledgment is due to Messrs. T. S. Hart, M.A., 

 and C. French, jun., who kindly undertook the arranging, and 

 largely also the naming, of the specimens. 



It has been suggested that in future years the scope of these 

 exhibitions might be extended by the admission of original 

 coloured drawings of native flowers and plants, wax models, 

 framed groups of dried native flowers, or other floral designs, 

 showing the practical applicability of the native floral wealth; and, 

 as on such occasions as these annual displays the public is freely 

 invited to be present, a greater interest in our floral surroundings 

 might be inspired, and a better knowledge of the indigenous 

 flora gained. 



