132 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



Insects," and as the Victorian insect is closely allied to the 

 British species, I take the liberty of making the following 

 extract from his book. At page 22 he says : — " When alarmed 

 it throws out a small quantity of this fluid, which immediately 

 volatilizes with a slight explosion when it comes in contact 

 with the atmosphere, and looks very much like the fire of 

 miniature artillery. This curious property is used in defence. 

 This beetle, being a small and comparatively feeble one, is liable 

 to be attacked by the larger Geodephaga, especially by those 

 belonging to the genus Carabus. The lesser insect could have 

 no chance of escape but for its curious weapons of defence. 

 When the Carabus chases the Brachinus the latter waits until the 

 former has nearly reached its prey, and then fires a gun (so to 

 speak) in its face. The effect on the Carabus is ludicrous. The 

 insect seems quite scared at such a repulse, stops, backs away 

 from the tiny blue cloud, and allows its intended prey to reach a 

 place of safety. The volatile fluid which produces such curious 

 effects is secreted in a little sac just within the end of the 

 abdomen ; it is potent enough to discolour the human skin when 

 discharged against it, as many have found who have captured 

 Bombardier Beetles by hand. Even after the death of the beetle 

 the explosions may be produced by pressing the abdomen 

 between the finger and thumb." 



On our return from the marsh, Black-capped Sittellas were 

 again seen, but no nests were found. Amongst plants noticed 

 were — Eucalyptus gracilis, Hakea leucoptera, Verbena officinalis, 

 Cressa crelica, and Panicum gracile. 



ioth November. — Started out early and took several nests 

 previously found, and after an early dinner crossed into New 

 South Wales to work some swampy country. Disappointment, 

 however, again awaited us, no nests being taken, though birds 

 were numerous, amongst which the following were conspicuous : 

 — Painted and New Holland Snipe, Dottrel (of four species), 

 Rails (of two species), Bee-eaters, Ibis, Black-tailed Tribonyx, 

 &c. 



Altogether upwards of 100 different species of birds were 

 noticed. Plants to the number of about seventy were collected, 

 in flower, which was a very fair collection, considering the dry 

 season. Beetles were fairly numerous, about eighty species being 

 collected. Appended are lists of the specimens obtained on our 

 excursions. In conclusion, I beg to thank my father, Mr. C. 

 French, Messrs. C. Walter and J. G. Luehmann, for kindly 

 furnishing me with the names and other information on the 

 specimens collected ; also, Mr. and Mrs. Morton for their 

 kind hospitality and attention to us while staying at " Murray 

 Meadows." 



The following birds were noticed : — 



