80 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



almost exhausted, and we predict there will be considerable 

 demand for the new part, the work being almost indispensable to 

 that largely increasing class in our midst — viz., those dependent 

 for their living upon the produce of the garden or field. 



The work will be continued in subsequent parts, the next 

 being already well in hand. 



NOTES AND QUERIES. 



Effect of Vibration on Ballast. — During a recent geo- 

 logical excursion we were examining the sections displayed in the 

 railway cuttings near here, when my attention was drawn by a 

 student to a little peculiarity I had not previously noticed. The 

 constant vibration produced by the passing of trains over the 

 rails had caused the ballast which covered the ends of most of 

 the sleepers to become as well rounded as if it were composed of 

 waterworn gravel. The dust produced by the grinding covered 

 the stones with a light grey coat, while close beside the sleepers 

 the ordinary dark colour of the basaltic material was shown by 

 the angular fragments of ballast that had not been acted upon. — 

 T. S. Hall, Castlemaine. 



Amphibia and Reptilia. — Being engaged on a work on the 

 " Development of the Maternal Instinct," I should be glad if 

 any workers could give me information as to the number of eggs 

 laid by Frogs, Lizards, Snakes, Tortoises, Turtles, &c. — in fact, 

 any of the Amphibia or Reptilia Information as to birds I have 

 in abundance, also for mammals, though I should like to have 

 further notes on the number of offspring of the Marsupials and 

 Monotremes. Instances of parental care and affection are 

 greatly desired, and for all observations used the name of the 

 observer will be quoted.— Alex. Sutherland, Heronswood, 

 Dromana, Victoria. 



ARTICLES OF INTEREST TO VICTORIAN NATURAL- 

 ISTS IN RECENT PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. 



In " Proceedings of Royal Society of Victoria," vol. v., new 

 series : — 



" Preliminary Notice of Victorian Earthworms," part 2, by 

 Prof. W. Baldwin Spencer, M.x'\. In this are described 

 and figured 22 (20 new) species of the genus Pericheeta. 



" Further Notes on the Oviparity of the Larger Victorian 

 Peripatus, generally known as P. leuckartii" by A. Dendy, 

 D.Sc, F.L.S. 



