134 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



GENERAL BUSINESS. 



Mr. F. Wisewould drew attention to a map of Wilson's Prom- 

 ontory, showing the most likely spots suitable for the introduction 

 and maintenance of native animals and birds, and remarked that 

 residents of the surrounding districts regarded the locality as 

 quite unfitted for a national park, owing to the barren nature of a 

 great part of the area. 



The Chairman mentioned that two members of the Club, Miss 

 Freda Bage and Mr. J. A. Leach, had qualified for the degree of 

 Bachelor of Science at the recent examinations of the Melbourne 

 University. 



PAPER READ. 



By Messrs. C. L. Barrett and E. B. Nicholls, entitled " Bird 

 Notes from Olinda Vale." 



The authors recorded a very interesting series of tield notes 

 made during visits to the valley of the Olinda Creek, between 

 Lilydale and the Dandenong Ranges. Forty-nine species of birds 

 were under observation from time to time, of which thirty-five 

 were found nesting. 



Several interesting notes on the habits of the cuckoo, and the 

 markings r,f young birds, were made, and the paper was illustrated 

 by about fifty very fine photographs. 



Mr. G. A. Keartland complimented the authors upon the 

 paper, and said that very little information regarding young birds 

 and the progress they make are known, even of the commoner 

 birds. The work done by the authors deserved the highest 

 praise, whilst the photographs exhibited were both unique and 

 extremely interesting. 



Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., also remarked upon the good 

 work done by the authors, and specially referred to the photo- 

 graphs exhibited showing the young of the Superb Warbler, 

 Maliirus superbus, being ejected from its nest by a newly-hatched 

 Narrow-billed Bronze Cuckoo, C lialcococcyx basalis. 



Mr. A. Mattingley mentioned that he had often wondered 

 whether the young cuckoo acted from reason or instinct in 

 throwing its companions out of the nest. 



In reply Mr. D. Le Souef said that instinct probably moved 

 the bird, and that cuckoos in all parts of the world possessed 

 the same habit. 



The chairman congratulated the authors upon their excellent 

 paper, and trusted that others of a similar nature would be 

 brought before the Club. 



Owing to the lateness of the hour, Mr. F. M. Reader's paper, 

 entitled " Notes on the Cruciferous Plant, Geococcus pusillus," 

 was held over until the following meeting, 



NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. 



Large Snakes. — Mr. A. Mattingley referred to his exhibit of a 

 large snake skin, and asked for information as to the largest 



