8 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 
was in the colonies, to tell us much of the oology of our Aves. 
Now that students are directing their attention to life histories, a 
knowledge of embryology has become a matter of great importance, 
and, in connection with embryology, oology is likely to assist in the 
elucidation of many mysteries. During the year Prof. M‘Coy has 
been enabled to publish the ninth decade of the “‘ Natural History 
of Victoria.” The first of these decades bears date the 24th June, 
1878, so that at the present rate we get the.description on an 
average of fifteen forms a year. Our mathematical friends will be 
able to calculate at what distant period the memoirs of our museum 
will be complete, and geologists may perchance uream as to what 
will be the geological state of our earth when the last plate shall 
be issued, and how many of the present living forms will then 
more fitly find a place in a paleontological record. As to the pro- 
dromus of the paleontology of Victoria, the last decade bears date 
1st of September, 1881. Since that date many collectors of 
organic remains have been anxiously and patiently waiting for their 
description. It is much to be regretted that the able and learned 
professor, whose accurate knowledge none can doubt, is unable, 
from his numerous and important engagements, more frequently to 
issue these helpful and beautifully illustrated papers, for it can 
hardly be that the Government of so wealthy a colony grudges the 
sum required for their production. True students will, however, 
battle on with or without aid, and doubtless difficulties will only 
incite to noble effort. 
In this connection I cannot but mention the ‘“ Forest Flora ot 
South Australia,” by Mr. J. E. Brown, Conservator of Forests in 
that colony. The size and beauty of the plates will charm all the 
lovers of our native woodlands. Nor must we forget our own 
modest manual of the Club’s proceedings, ‘‘ The Victorian 
Naturalist,” of which our first volume has been published, and in 
which will be found many papers of interest—a baby yet among 
such like productions, but promising to grow bigger and stronger 
as members of the Club enrich its pages by their observations, and 
increase its circulation by their efforts. 
Passing from the literature of our subject, we come to collections 
of specimens alive or dead. The student of animal life can spend 
many pleasant hours in the zoological collection at the Royal Park, 
and if he has the good fortune to secure Mr. Le Souef as his guide, 
philosopher, and friend, his pleasure will be doubled. Whatever 
blame may possibly, and only possibly, rest on the shoulders of the 
Acclimatisation Society of Victoria in respect to some of their 
introductions into the colony, nothing but praise can be awarded to 
them for the care and enterprise that has been shown in the 
collection and management of their gardens—gardens that will 
surely induce a love of natural history in the minds of young 
