Vol.xxviil.j Field Nafiiralisls' Cluh—PyocecdiuiiS. 49 



attention to the past and probable future activities ol the 

 treasurer. 



On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. Mattingley, 

 the report was adopted. 



ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS FOR I9II-I2. 



The following office-bearers, being the only nominations 

 r^^'^eived, were declared duly elected : — President, Mr. F. Wise- 

 would ; vice-presidents, Mr. J. A. Leach, M.Sc, and Mr. J. A. 

 Kershaw, F.E.S. ; hon. treasurer, Mr. G. Coghill ; hon. 

 librarian, Mr. J. T. Hamilton, F.L.S. ; hon. editor, Mr. F. G. A. 

 Barnard ; hon. secretary, Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S. No nomina- 

 tion was received for the position of hon. assistant secretary 

 and librarian. On a ballot being taken for five members of 

 committee, Messrs. R. W. Armitage, B.Sc, J. Gabriel, G. A. 

 Keartland, F. Pitcher, and Dr. C. S. Sutton were duly elected. 



PAPER READ. 



I. By Mr. H. B. Williamson, entitled " A Cycle Trip tiirough 

 Eastern Gippsland." 



In the absence of the author, the paper was read by Dr. 

 Sutton. The author described the principal botanical features 

 of the Orbost district, referring especially to the palm grove at 

 Cabbage-tree Creek, which, so far as Victoria is concerned, is 

 unique. He exhibited photographs of some of the palms, which, 

 he said, numbered about forty, and remarked on the absence 

 of young plants to replace those which might be destroyed 

 either intentionally or by accident. 



In the discussion which followed, the question of better 

 ])rotection for the palms, Livistona ansiralis, at Cabbage-tree 

 Creek was raised, Mr. St. John having, during a recent walking 

 tour, seen that some persons had cut out the tender, growing 

 heart of the crown of leaves, presumably for food. 



Dr. Hall questioned the advisability of too hurriedly claiming 

 isolation for the group of palms referred to, there being portions 

 of Gippsland not yet fully explored, and other groups or in- 

 dividuals might be discovered. Protection, however, was very 

 necessary, and the amount at present afforded should be 

 inquired into. 



Messrs. Barnard, Hardy, Gates, and Pitcher also spoke. 



NATURAL HISTORY NOTE. 



Yellow-footed Pouched Mouse. — Mr. A. H. E. Mattingley, 

 C.M.Z.S., said that he had recently taken specimens of the 

 Yellow-footed Pouched Mouse, Phascofi^ale flavipes, Waterhouse, 

 in the Bacchus Marsh district, near Parwan. These little 

 animals may be easily mistaken for rats, as they measure about 

 8| inches in length, and are therefore very large for mice. They 



