THE 



^ictovian ItaturaU^t. 



Vol. YIIL— No. 8. DECEMBER, 1891. No. 96. 



FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB OF VICTORIA. 



The ordinary monthly meeting of the Field Naturalists' Club was 

 held in the Royal Society's Hall on Monday evening, i6th 

 November. Mr. C. Frost occupied the chair, and there were 

 about 8o members and friends present. 



PROTECTION OF INSECTIVOROUS AND NATIVE BIRDS. 



Baron von Mueller, one of the patrons of the club, was 

 accorded a hearty welcome when he rose to advocate the pro- 

 tection of insectivorous and native birds. He thought that this 

 object could be attained not only by putting a comparatively 

 heavy tax upon guns and a greater strictness in carrying out the 

 present laws, but rather, perhaps, by the initiation of some scheme 

 which would enlist the sympathy and co-operation of all persons 

 interested in the subject. To this end Baron von Mueller ad- 

 vocated the use of a distinctive badge to be worn by members if 

 such a union were ever inaugurated. This subject has been 

 before the Club several times during the present year, and it 

 is hoped that some scheme of a practical nature will be set on 

 foot before long. 



PRIZE COMPETITION FOR NATURAL HISTORY SPECIMENS. 



The chairman then communicated to the Club the details of a 

 scheme which has been drawn up with a view to increase the 

 usefulness of the Club. That this scheme may come directly under 

 the notice of those for whom it is intended the details of it will be 

 sent to the " heads " of the principal schools in the colony with a 

 request that they will extend to it a helping hand. The com- 

 petition, however, will not be confined simply to those pupils 

 attending the schools to which a notice is sent, but will be open 

 to anyone in Victoria under the age of 18 years. It is not in- 

 tended to come upon the general funds of the Club for the 

 prizes, and already a good many promises of help towards a 

 special prize fund have been received, and the general outlook as 

 regards the success of the scheme is very promising. The 

 schedule and conditions of competition will be found in detail ori 

 another page. 



