34 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 
Erviochilus fimbriatus, were here in considerable numbers, and were 
secured for the purpose of either cultivation or herbaria. Proceeding 
onwards towards the hills, we find our old favorite Styphelia 
humifusa, in full bloom, its beautiful crimson tubular-shaped flowers 
rendering it a general favorite. Several specimens of the Prasophyllum 
found on last trip were also seen, and as this small species may not 
be either P. archeri, or P. intricatum, a sharp look-out in the early 
part of April next, should be kept. As we steer towards the flat 
or swamp known to old colonists as the Hawk’s nest, we pass 
numerous specimens in flower of Monotoca scoparia, and Epacris 
impressa, which by the way reminds us that it was only about two 
miles from this spot, where was found the first specimen known of 
the beautiful ‘‘ double white” variety of this species, and which now 
is, or was, in the collection of Mr. Scott, of the Royal Nursery, 
Hawthorn. Birds hereabouts are few, although we were informed 
that there were quail to be found not far from us, and a few 
specimens of the Honey-eaters, Meliphagide, some little Wrens, 
and a bronze-winged Pigeon, were about the only ‘land birds” seen. 
As the afternoon wore on, and we were apxious to do what we 
could, after collecting a few specimens of the common but very 
curious lichen, Cladonia retipora, which was in fine fruit, and three 
specimens of Pterostylis nana, (the only ones seen during the trip,) 
we steer a bee-line for the coast, collecting on our way bouquets of 
wild flowers, as Epacris, Styphelia, Banksia, Acacia suaveolens, 
which together with the curious bronzy-coloured Restzaceous Hypolena 
fastigiata, made a very pretty bunch, in which the Correas and 
Hibbertias were prominent. The belt of scrub being reached, a 
search was made for the early orchids, and very soon was found 
Pterostylis vittata, and Acianthus easertus, The Jungermannie 
were seen, but as it is too early for fruiting specimens, they were 
passed, or left for a future occasion. To those interested in spiders, 
it may be mentioned that a very fair collection might be made in the 
district, and some of these species are very handsome. As it was 
now getting dusk a start was made for the Red Bluff Hotel, and 
although barely able to distinguish one plant from another, several 
pretty mosses and huge Polypori were seen, in company with 
numerous other fungi. A specimen of Lastopetalum Bauert, now 
somewhat rare about Melbourne, was here found growing just above 
high water mark, near which were specimens of Lobelia anceps, 
Salicornia, Aster, and other sea coast plants. On reaching the 
hotel, the conveyance being in waiting, the railway station was 
reached in good time, and thus a very pleasant afternoon had been 
passed, It is to be hoped that during the present year of the Club’s 
existence, these excursions will be better attended as much may be 
gained thereby physically as well as intellectually. Melbourne 
was reached at about seven o’clock. 
