J^'l Excursion to Gembrook. 127 



to occupy. This proved more than a makeshift, for we found 

 everything provided for us — beds, bedding, furniture, cooking 

 utensils, &c, and set in the midst of a fine old garden, full of 

 flowers ; so our lines were indeed cast in pleasant places. We 

 soon had tea ready, and afterwards went for a stroll to Gembrook 

 West, about a couple of miles distant. Along the roadside 

 Stackhousia linarifolia grew in abundance, and a number of 

 spikes of bloom were picked. These flowers keep well when 

 picked, and it was noticed that their pleasant perfume increased 

 perceptibly during the evening. The evening was spent 

 chatting on a variety of subjects with Mr. and Mrs. MTnnes, 

 who had so kindly placed the cottage at our disposal. Then we 

 learned that the property had formerly been the country home 

 of the late Mr. F. R. Godfrey, for many years a member of our 

 Club, which accounted for the large number of fine exotic trees 

 and shrubs round the house. Rain came on during the night, 

 and prevented any early morning rambling. After breakfast 

 a start was made for some well-wooded paddocks not far 

 distant, where numerous birds were in evidence ; but, in the 

 absence of an ornithologist, I am unable to say whether any 

 of the individuals seen belonged to uncommon species. A few 

 butterflies of the commoner species were noted, while the green 

 cicadas made themselves heard all round. A specimen of this 

 insect was rescued from a small bird, which was endeavouring 

 to make a meal of it. Leaving the cottage early in the after- 

 noon, we made our way back to the station by the old road, 

 gathering fine bunches of tinted gum-leaves and wild-flowers 

 as we went along. The pea-flowered shrubs were past their 

 best, but here and there sufficient remained to show that 

 Pultencea scabra, P. Gunnii, P. Muelleri, and P. stricta had 

 been very fine. The white variety of Tetratheca ciliata was 

 plentiful, the normal species not being so dark a pink as often 

 met with. The white flowers of Aster stellulatus were con- 

 spicuous in many places in the scrub, while the deep blue of 

 Damfriera stricta formed a fine contrast. Our trip, though 

 slightly marred by rain, was an enjoyable one, and we regretted 

 that so few members had availed themselves of the oppor- 

 tunity to visit this interesting district, which also has many 

 scenic charms, while the pleasure of it was greatly enhanced by 

 the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. MTnnes. — Harry Witty. 



Exhibition of Wild-Flowers. — With reference to the 

 flowers received from Sydney, it appears that parcels were sent 

 by both Mr. J. H. Maiden, Government Botanist, and Mr. R. T. 

 Baker, Curator of the Technological Museum, Sydney, but 

 owing to the rush when opening the packages the names of the 

 senders were unfortunately not recorded at the time, 



