Jan., 1908.] THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 139 



for Onion Grass (Pink Star), and finally reference was made to 

 Europe, and the name changed from Romulea hulbocodium to 

 R. rosea. On referring to the same sources, Mr. M'Alpine has 

 naturally obtained the same identification, which is an approach 

 to the truth, but not the whole truth. Our plant always has the 

 style shorter than the stamens (self-pollination), and this form was 

 distinguished as E. (Trichonema) cruciata by Ker-Gawl. The 

 section of the leaf also differs from that of B. rosea, and still more 

 from that of E. bulbocoditcm. Finally, the flower of E. rosea is 

 much larger than that of E. cruciata. The statement that the 

 length of the style is very variable does not apply to the Australian 

 E. cruciata. It is remarkably constant, and it is absurd to refer 

 on a point of this kind to Europe, where the plant does not grow, 

 and where only scanty herbarium material is available. A point of 

 this kind can only be settled by continued field observations in 

 Australia or South Africa. Those interested in the matter may 

 see the true E. rosea growing in the Botanical Gardens, and 

 compare it with the wild E. cruciata. 



Mr. F. R. Godfrey said that personally he was more concerned 

 with the manner in which this weed could be successfully got rid 

 of than as to which name was the correct one. He became 

 acquainted with the plant in the Royal Park, where the ground 

 ■ was covered with it, and stated that it had been successfully 

 eradicated by the frequent ploughing and cutting up of the ground 

 and leaving the roots exposed to the sun. 



2. By Professor A. J. Evvart, D.Sc, Ph.D., entitled — "Some 

 Notes on Field Work." 



The author pointed out that much more might be made of 

 many of the Club excursions than is really done. With reference 

 to botany, many points interesting especially to the beginner 

 are overlooked. Taking the leaf for instance, the reasons 

 for the different characters of leaves might be readily demon- 

 strated on some of our common plants. Then, again, the 

 relations of leaves to light, the daily variation movements of 

 leaves, in some cases very rapid, in response to intense light, 

 such as direct sunlight, and to darkness could be easily 

 observed. 



The paper was discussed by Messrs. D. M'Alpine, C. French, 

 jun., H. J. Coles, T. S. Hall, M.A., and the president. 



NATURAL HISTORY NOTE. 



Mr. C. J. Gabriel drew attention to his exhibit of wild flowers 

 from Switzerland. 



EXHIBITS. 



By Mr. R. W. Armitage. — Small case of insects (Lepidoptera 

 and Coleoptera) from N. Queensland. Nest and two eggs of Sun- 

 bird, Cinnyris Jreuata, S. Miill. ; the nest was found hanging 



