Vict. Nat. 



44 Field Naturalists' Club — Proceedings. [^"'luiy 



is hoped that members will, in response to the committee's in- 

 vitation, supply the natural history notes in writing, and 

 consult the secretary before reading, as many of the notes, 

 if expanded, would have increased value, and be more accept- 

 able as papers. The natural history note, as such, should 

 not be a vehicle for the publication of original matter, if liable 

 to contention or controversy. In response to the suggestion 

 in the last annual report, in addition to novelties, many 

 interesting though previously recorded species and objects were 

 re-exhibited, and did not fail to gain attention, especially of 

 the newer members, who thus had an opportunity of viewing 

 them for the first time. 



" The thanks of the Club are due to the leaders of senior and 

 junior excursions, which,* on the whole, were of a successful 

 character, and to Mr. Chas. Stout, an associate member, who acted 

 as hon. secretary to the juniors. It is regretted that the projected 

 Easter visit to Anglesea was not realized, and that intending 

 excursionists were disappointed, especially as the Christmas 

 excursion had been purposely omitted from the programme. 

 The committee has prepared a provisional list of excursions for 

 the coming year, so as to be ready for the consideration of their 

 successors on taking office. 



" The annual exhibition of wild flowers was not so successful 

 as in previous years, owing to the unfavourable weather con- 

 ditions, which, to a great extent, prevented collecting, and 

 lessened the attendance at the hall. Nevertheless, an inter- 

 esting show was arranged, and the committee are satisfied that 

 the plan of holding the exhibition on the evening of the general 

 meeting and on the afternoon and evening of the following 

 day is one that should be repeated. 



" The 27th volume of the Victorian Naturalist has been 

 completed and issued, with index, list of exchanges, and revised 

 list of members. It is characterized by increase in the number 

 and excellence of the illustrations. Messrs. Patterson, Shugg 

 and Co. and Messrs. Walker, May and Co. have been responsible 

 for the processes of reproduction, and little, if any, of the 

 merit of the original photographs and drawings has been lost. 

 " The Club has been actively engaged, as a whole or by the 

 committee, in initiating or supporting movements for the 

 preservation of the native fauna and Ifora and of scenery in 

 Victoria, and for the protection of gay-plumaged birds generally. 

 Much progress has been made, and it is pleasing to record that, 

 in addition to State areas protected in Victoria, fourteen 

 additional private properties have been proclaimed ' sanctuaries ' 

 at the request of the owners, making a total, in this class, of 

 about thirty-five. As to Crown lands, the results are not dis- 

 appointing, and. while looking for an augmented list during 



