THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. Ill 



Myxogastres. These fungs were found by him this season on 

 the bark of a gum tree in Studley Park, they were so closely 

 pressed together that the upper portion presented nothing to the 

 eye but an amorphous patch of brown. The stem was not 

 unlike horsehair about three-quarters of an inch long, growing out 

 of a membranous-looking mycelium and bearing a brown sausage- 

 shaped spore-bag nearly half an inch long. On placing the bag in 

 alcohol the peridium burst and thousands of spores were pre- 

 cipitated to the bottom of the spirit, when it was seen that they 

 were either growing on or retained by a beautiful lace-like hollow 

 structure with an isolated stem passing through its centre. 



In conclusion I may mention that I was enabled this season to 

 give twenty-seven specimens which were unknown to me to Baron 

 von Mueller, who has kindly forwarded them to Professor Cook 

 for classification. 



A BASKET OF FISH. 



By a. J. Campbell. 



( Read before the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria^ ^thjuly, 1889.J 



Having lately visited the Fish Market with the chief inspector of 

 fisheries, I lay before the club a few of my unofficial observations, 

 which may not be deemed out of place, as much interest is being 

 centred at present in our fisheries, consequent upon Government 

 activity to improve our fish resources, and the late successful 

 experimental trawling cruise off the Gippsland coast by the 

 steamer Lody Loch. 



On a winter's morning a few private sales, commencing at half- 

 past 5 o'clock, are transacted. To attend these one must needs 

 be up betimes. The auctioneers — six or seven in number — mount 

 their respective stands punctually at a quarter to 6, and soon lusty 

 voices resound through the market : " Now, you live mullet 

 buyers," " Now, you flathead buyers," &c. There are about 200 

 buyers present. The common mullets have a brisk time of it. 

 Youths love to dangle their legs over the various piers m the Bay 

 endeavouring to hook them, but these are taken in seine nets, and 

 35-lb. baskets are knocked down for tis. They are tasty-eating 

 fish. 



The flatheads ( Platyceplialus) were taken by set nets on sand- 

 banks in the Bay, while rock tlatheads (two species), sometimes 

 taken by hook, were from Western Port, One large dark boomer 

 weighs nearly 10 lbs., and is offered to me for 4s. 6d., but the light 

 drab-coloured species is the more splendid eating. Prices range 

 from IDS. to 15s. per basket. 



Strangers ( Odax richardsoiii) appear to be the cheapest lots, 

 really splendid baskets going for 7s. 6d. These sweet little fish 

 were taken by seine net amongst the marine meadows of Western 



