PEOCBEDINGS, MAY. XI 



necessarily interfere with the production of the native goods which we 

 exported to pay for them. I do not for a moment suppose that Mr. 

 Johnston would dispute this root matter, and I am sure he will not feel 

 annoyed at my pointing out that in my view it deserves more attention 

 at his hands than it has received in this paper." He moved a vote of 

 thanks to Mi. Johnston for his papers, which was passed. 



HOP PLANT. 



Mr. Alfred J. Taylor called attention to a specimen of the native 

 hop (Daviesa latijolia). This shrub was to be found on all the stony 

 ridges and barren bush lands of the co'ony. He had been assured that 

 some remarkable cures of hydatids had been effected in Victoria by the 

 administration of an infusion made from the leaves of this plant. 

 Perhaps the Government Analyst would kindly prepare some notes on 

 the plant for some future meeting of the Society. He also showed two 

 interesting illustrations of homes made without hands in peculiar 

 formations of gum leaves. 



rORAMINIFERA AND MOLLUSCA. 



Mr. Morton drew attention to a recent dredging trip in the harbour, 

 and regretted that Mr. Durrand, who was introduced at the last meeting, 

 Was unable to be present to submit a microscopical slide containing some 

 very interesting examples of various forms of foraminifera that he had 

 mounted for the inspection of the Fellows. The result of the dredging 

 trip was of importance, as the forms obtained resembled the marine 

 fauna of Port Jackson, and the results of a tew dredging trips 

 intended during the season would no doubt prove very interesting. 

 Among the specimens dredged were a large number of mussels, and each 

 contained a small crab, which ou examination appeared to belong to the 

 genus Fabia. It was rather interesting to learn from some of the old 

 residents that many years back, when mussels were numerous as at 

 present, in the majority of cases every mussel contained a crab similar 

 to those exhibited, and that the oysters, while mussels were in large 

 quantities, were few. Some time afterwards the mussel became nearly 

 extinct, while the oyster multiplied. Whether that was due to this 

 parasitical crab or not he was unable to say, but the fact was singular 

 that while the crab was now noticeable in the mussel the oyster was 

 increasing in numbers. Whether history would repeat itself it would 

 be difficult to say, but it would be interesting to observe the result. In 

 conjunction with Mr. Durrand he intended at next meeting to submit a 

 paper on the results of the dredging of the harbour. 



Sir Lambert Dobson recollected that many years ago, when mussels 

 were plentiful, they were destroyed by a little red crab. For many years 

 there were no mussels, now they were again plentiful. 



Mr. R. M. Johnston said he had noticed as a remarkable coincidence 

 that the disappearance of the mussel in former years was followed by 

 the increase of the oyster, and the decrease of the oyster meant the 

 increase of the mussel. It was desirable to know the cause of this 

 Phenomenon, and he hoped Mr. Morton would pursue his investigations 

 in regard to those molluscs and their enemies. 



Mr. Morton said that he had had forwarded to him, by the Fisheries 

 Commission of New South Wales, a most valuable paper prepared by 

 Mr. Thos. Whitelegge, F.R.M.S., Zoologist to the Sydney Museum, on 

 the disease observed iu the oysters on the New South Wales coast. As 

 the question of introducing the Sydney oyster on the Tasmanian coast 

 occupied the attention of the Fisheries Board at present, he intended to 

 submit some extracts from Mr. Whitelegge's valuable paper at next 

 meeting of the Society. 



The President moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Johnston for his 

 valuable papers. 



The proceedings then terminated. 



