18 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. IVoI. XXIV. 



GENERAL BUSINESS. 



The question as to whether the Black Swan should be further 

 protected by extending the close season for the whole year was 

 again brought forward for consideration. The hon. sec, Mr. 

 J. A. Kershaw, stated that he had made inquiries among a number 

 of persons keenly interested in the question as to whether there 

 was any noticeable diminution in the number of birds under the 

 protection at present afforded by the game laws, and also as to 

 whether it was considered necessary to extend the close season. 

 He found that the general opinion was that, except perhaps in 

 some inland districts, there was no noticeable decrease in the 

 number of the birds, and that the protection at present 

 afforded — viz., from ist August to the 31st January — was 

 considered sufficient. He was of opinion, however, that as 

 it was well known that the eggs were to be found right 

 up to the end of January, the season should be extended for 

 two months longer — viz., to ist April. He moved a resolution to 

 that effect, which was seconded by Mr. G. A. Keartland, who 

 stated that, on account of such a typically Australian bird as the 

 Black Swan, it was desirable that some further protection should 

 be afforded them. Mr. G. Coghill moved, as an amendment — 

 " That the Black Swan be protected during the whole year." This 

 was seconded by Mr. A. D. Hardy, F.L.S. After some further 

 discussion, during which several other members spoke, the amend- 

 ment was put to the meeting and declared carried. 



A communication was read from the Inspector of Fisheries, 

 Melbourne, stating that a suggestion had been received that the 

 close season for the Opossums might, with advantage, be altered 

 from the present date (viz., ist June to 31st December) to that of 

 the ist March to 31st October in each year, and requesting the 

 opinion of the Club on the matter. The question was discussed 

 by several members. Mr. J. A. Kershaw, F.E.S., urged that it 

 was known that these interesting and perfectly harmless animals, 

 which embraced the Flying as well as the Common and Ring- 

 tailed Phalangers, were being rapidly exterminated, they should be 

 protected for the whole year. Mr. G. A. Keartland stated that 

 the breeding season extended from May to July. Mr. A. D. 

 Hardy stated that the Opossum was known to attack both fruit 

 and vegetables. It was finally decided to postpone the question 

 for further consideration. 



NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE-BEARERS. 



Nominations for office-bearers for 1907-8 were received, and 

 Messrs. D. Best and J. Shephard were elected to audit the 

 accounts for the past year. 



PAPERS. 



I. By Mr. E. Jacobson, entitled " Notes on Web-spinning 

 Ants," communicated by Mr. F. G. A. Barnard. 



