THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 35 



Healesville, and proved a success in almost every way, nearly 

 all branches of natural history observers being represented in the 

 party, and some interesting work being recorded. 



"The programme of excursions drawn up for the year has been 

 carried out and some very instructive and enjoyable afternoons 

 spent. We again plead that members should strive to attend 

 these outings in larger numbers, as being one of the best ways 

 for them to get to know their fellow-members and to revive or 

 quicken the love for natural history pursuits. The annual picnic 

 was held at Blackburn, and was again a most pleasant re-union. 



" The only course of practical evenings was a series of four on 

 botany by Mr. H. T. Tisdall, which were much appreciated. 



" The exhibition of wild flowers in conjunction with the October 

 meeting was not quite up to the standard of past years, though, 

 to somewhat counterbalance this, almost all the specimens were 

 named. 



" The Club has during the year had letters written to the proper 

 quarters relative to the destruction of the Wattle (Acacia, various 

 species) ; the spread of the Water Hyacinth, Pontederia speciosa ; 

 and of the Iris, Romulea hulbocodium ; the keeping closed of 

 the Lake Moodemere Reserve at Rutherglen ; and the too early 

 opening of the Quail season — all, we trust, with some result. 



" Our National Museum has been re-opened in its new quarters 

 at the Public Library buildings, the change in the appearance 

 and display being a great credit to the director, Professor W. 

 Baldwin Spencer, F.R.S. We trust the Government will shortly 

 complete the buildings, and thus give room for the exhibition of 

 the treasures now stored away, and consequently of little present 

 use to students. 



" We have to thank the various authors of papers, contributors 

 of illustrations, leaders of excursions, and demonstrator at prac- 

 tical evenings for their aid in the work of the Club, and Messrs. 

 Morton and Coghill for the use of their offices for committee 

 meetings. 



" The hon. librarian reports that the library has been increased 

 by nearly 200 volumes and parts of proceedings, &c., and that 

 it is in good repair and the books arranged systematically. The 

 necessary binding has been done, and records of all donations 

 made, wliile members have availed themselves of the books rather 

 more thah formerly. 



" We are glad to say that, despite heavy additional demands 

 for the printing of the Naturalist, the finances show a slight 

 improvement. The year commenced with a credit balance of 

 ;^4 2S. 3d., and concludes with one of ^'j 8s. 3d., with all 

 accounts paid, the receipts having been ;i^ir8 14s., and the ex- 

 penditure p^i 15 8s. 



" In concluding this report we cannot refrain from thanking 



