342 



special studies were ornithology, entomology, and botany. The 

 collectors in each of these branches were amply repaid for the 

 journeyings, and the Easter trip to Kangaroo Island will 

 probably become an annual fixture. 



May 4 found the members again in the field at Upper 

 Sturt, taking the road via the National Park. The results 

 obtained on this excursion were chiefly ornithological. It is 

 gratifying to note that the native birds, whilst driven from 

 the open by the extension of the areas of closer settlement,. 

 find in the park a secure retreat. 



Hallett's Cove has special attractions for the naturalist,. 

 and on June 3 fifty members, with the Microscopical Section,, 

 journeyed thither for a whole day's excursion, which yielded 

 points of interest in most departments of natural-history 

 studies. 



On June 15 the Mount Lofty district was again visited^ 

 the vicinity west of the railway station being;' explored. The 

 district is the home of the Epacris, and the scrub was a beau- 

 tiful profusion of red colourings from this favourite flower. 

 Mr. T. D. Smeaton led the party on this occasion, and amongst 

 many other observations drew attention to the geological for- 

 mation of the hills, and the consequent peculiarities of their 

 physical geography. 



Athelstone, at the foot of the Black Hill, is a popular 

 locality, and a good number travelled thither. It was suit- 

 able weather for climbing, and some of the members gained 

 the summit of the hill. Botanists were particularly well re- 

 warded in collecting early varieties of plants. 



July 27 was the one day of the year's arrangements that 

 could not be counted a success. The appointment was a walk 

 across the swampy country from the Glenelg Railway to a 

 ridge of pine forest on the Grange seacoast. The weather 

 and the place were equally uninviting, and the few mem- 

 bers who essayed the journey were disappointed with the re- 

 sult. 



Blackwood easily holds the palm for botany of all the 

 districts near to the city, and by the kind permission of Mr. 

 C. Downer, the Craigburn Estate was traversed as far as time 

 would permit, on August 17. Where the flowers are, there 

 also are the insects and the birds, and the naturalists always 

 enjoy a ramble in this district, for so much is to be observed. 



For business purposes, the year for the Section closes on 

 September 30, and the annual general meeting is held on the 

 third Tuesday of the same month. The last excursion during 

 the business year, therefore, was held on the holiday proclaim- 

 ed for September 1. This gave the opportunity to hold a 

 three-days' outing to Victor Harbour. The party left on 



