42 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. XXV. 



" In consequence of reports being received regarding the 

 destruction of the native wattles in the vicinity of Melbourne, an 

 appeal was again made through the press for their preservation, 

 with, it is hoped, beneficial results. 



" A. proposal to grant 15 acres of the Domain grounds as a site 

 for a new hospital was viewed with serious concern, and a strong 

 protest was made on behalf of the Club against any further 

 alienation of our public parks. Similar action was also taken 

 with regard to a suggestion that portion of the Royal Park be 

 utilized for the same purpose. 



" The extremely interesting geological sections exposed during 

 the formation of Alexandra-avenue was found to be in danger of 

 being altogether lost, owing to the planting of creeping and 

 other plants on the face of the cutting. The Public Works 

 Department has been approached on several occasions with a 

 view to the preservation of two small sections, with so far no 

 satisfactory results. Further action will be taken, and it is hoped 

 that the department will fall in with the wishes of the Club. 



" As announced in the last annual report, a similar request to 

 the Railways Commissioners, regarding certain sections in the 

 railway cuttings, was readily granted. A further request has been 

 made to the Commissioners that notice boards, indicating the 

 nature of the formation, be erected on each of the sections. 



" During the year a sub-committee, with Dr. C. S. Sutton as 

 as secretary, was appointed to compile a list of popular names 

 for our commoner native plants, with the ultimate object of 

 publishing a ' Floral Calendar,' and a revised issue of ' The 

 Flora of Victoria.' The work will necessarily take some con- 

 siderable time to accomplish, but satisfactory progress has already 

 been made, and we are pleased to report that the Minister of 

 Agriculture has consented to publish a recording census, which 

 will be extremely useful to the committee. 



*' The usual exhibition of wild flowers was held in the Club 

 rooms in October last, and, notwithstanding the exceptional 

 dryness of the season, a good display was made, thanks to the 

 energy and enthusiasm shown by several of our members. 

 Collections were forwarded from various distant parts of the 

 State, while the localities nearer Melbourne were represented by 

 an excellent collection of flowers. Great credit is due to the 

 members who undertook the work, and devoted so much of their 

 time to the labelling and arrangement of the exhibits. 



'' The thanks of the Club are due to the various leaders of 

 excursions and others who have assisted in a practical manner to 

 forward the work of the Club. To Mr. J. Searle, our hon. 

 lanternist, we are again much indebted for continuing to 

 gratuitously place his lantern and services at our disposal. To 

 Messrs. T. R. B. Morton and G. Coghill we have to tender our 



