102 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



further to find spots equal to them in every respect. A walk 

 across country from Cheltenham or Mentone to Oakleigh will 

 reveal many localities that collectors rarely visit, and where 

 objects of great interest are to be obtained. 



Entomologists could hardly wish for a better field, more 

 especially for the smaller forms, which abound in countless multi- 

 tudes. Every step taken through these heathy grounds rouses 

 scores from their hiding places, and each sweep of the net adds 

 something to the day's takings. 



Many varieties of birds can be taken around Oakleigh. The 

 peculiarly plaintive note of the White-eared Honeyeater is heard 

 here more frequently than in any other spot near Melbourne, and 

 its graceful cup-shaped nest, containing two or three prettily- 

 spotted flesh-coloured eggs, may be found in the heart of some 

 low bush or stunted sapling. 



The Spotted-sided Finch, a bird not by any means common 

 near the metropolis, builds every year in this neighbourhood. 

 Its favourite haunt is some four miles from the railway station, in 

 a south-easterly direction, where it builds in the young gums a 

 rough-looking dome-shaped nest of coarse grass. 



The Field Calamanthus is another frequenter of these moors, 

 and the diligent searcher will sometimes be rewarded by finding 

 its beautiful feather-lined nest, snugly hidden away under the 

 thick low-growing branches of a stunted bush. 



A still greater prize would be the nest and eggs of the tiny 

 Emu Wren. Last year I observed several, one being a half- 

 fledged male, within a hundred yards of the railway line; so it is 

 very evident they breed in the neighbourhood. 



Many more birds could be named as obtainable here, either 

 amongst the sedges which surround the numerous swamps and 

 small lagoons, the ti-tree scrub by the creek, or amongst the 

 branches of the gums. 



A better general collecting ground than this district offers could 

 hardly be found, and I would urge all collectors to hunt it, and 

 to hunt it well, and will guarantee that their efforts will meet with 

 ample reward. 



Away in a north-easterly direction from Oakleigh are many 

 excellent localities well within walking distance of the station. 

 Along the Ferntree Gully and Waverley roads are numberless 

 well-timbered paddocks and some thickly scrub-lined creeks, 

 where the naturalist may wander all the day, and many days, 

 always finding something to claim his attention or to evoke his 

 admiration. 



A walk along the high road to the crossing of the Dandenong 

 Creek brings one into almost new ground, approaching the 

 primeval in secluded spots, carpeted with wild flowers in spring- 



