j;e5 Royal Australasian Ofniihologists' Union. [ibt "jan. 



Flora Protection and National Parks." A committee was formed, 

 with Mr. Robin as hon. sec. (Mr. M. Symonds Clark now holds the 

 position) and Mr. Samuel Dixon as chairman. The committee 

 urged the Government to grant an area for a park, and eventually, 

 in 1891, with the help of Mr. Walter Gooch, the efforts were 

 rewarded. An area of 2,000 acres in the Mount Lofty Ranges 

 was proclaimed, and vested in a board of trustees for all time. 

 Since then the National Park has been a source of pleasure to the 

 Adelaide citizens, who journey thither by train on holidays and 

 enjoy a bright day in the hills, where they can observe the birds, 

 but are not allowed to shoot them. 



Flinders Chase. 



More recently a reserve was proclaimed at the extreme western 

 end of Kangaroo Island, known as the Cape Borda light-house 

 reserve, but which it is proposed to name FHnders Chase, in 

 honour of the navigator, who landed on Kangaroo Island. It is 

 hoped that eventually a larger area will be granted. The lead in 

 securing this reserve was taken by the Native Fauna and Flora 

 Protection Committee, of which I have been an active member 

 since 1895. The South Australian Ornithological Association has 

 also assisted. In 1907 the Price Government granted an area 

 of 60 square miles, and in 1910 the Peake Government granted an 

 additional area of 86 square miles, making a total of 146 square 

 miles. To make the reserve a proper sanctuary at least 300 square 

 miles must be included, and a strong fence and a fire-break, from 

 the north shore to the south, erected ; then the birds and animals 

 will be secure. The country for the most part is rough and 

 rocky, with high cliffs facing seaward, unfit for cultivation, and of 

 little use for grazing purposes. There are isolated spots, a few 

 acres in extent, which grow good herbage, but this is needed for 

 native animals. 



The South Australian Ornithological Association has already 

 caused a number of Mallee-Fowl {Lipoa occUata) to be liberated 

 in the reserved area. The birds were taken down on different 

 occasions under my personal supervision, and they seem to be 

 doing well. It is hoped that they will breed. The Royal Society 

 is at the present time urging the present Minister for Crown 

 Lands, Mr. F. W. Young, to grant the extended area, and the 

 Minister seems sympathetic, so that there is every reason to 

 believe that at no distant date "FHnders Chase" will be an 

 established fact. It is proposed to vest the Chase in a board of 

 trustees for all time, to prevent the area being reclaimed. 



Forest Reserves. 



Large areas have been set aside as forest reserves in different 

 parts of the State, the total area being 147,084^ acres, over which 

 Mr. Walter Gill, F.L.S., has supervision as Conservator of Forests. 

 In these reserves birds are protected and allowed to breed, only 

 destructive species being killed, under the direction of the care- 



