24 Dry Rot 



upon this plan, they were to get, if possible, on to the great 

 yam plains unperceived by the wicked old bird. One was 

 to hide in the tall yam stalks, and the other was to pretend 

 to feed, and afterwards to sleep, and when the old beast 

 came to procure his disgusting meal, at a preconcerted signal 

 they were to fall upon him and slay him, and so rid Bustardy 

 for ever of the worst monster that ever lived. All of this 

 they succeded in carrying out effectually, and when being 

 feasted and caressed by the whole Bustard nation who had 

 congregated to do honour to those gallant young slayers of 

 the hideous monster, they suddenly soared away in curling 

 whirls, higher and higher, until they reached the sky, and 

 became the two stars that always point to the southern 

 cross. The consternation and grief of the poor bustards was 

 immense, when they saw their two deliverers soaring away 

 towards the heavens, but when they saw them fixed as stars, 

 they danced with joy, saying the earth was not good enough 

 for them, and that they were better rewarded for the great 

 good they had done on earth, by being made two such bril- 

 liant stars, than if all the bustards in the world had given 

 them everything they possessed ; and these two beautiful 

 stars can easily see from their glorious position, how 

 everlastingly grateful all the Bustard people are, and will be ; 

 and gratitude is to them as the fragrance of the myall is to 

 the nostrils of the yam feeding bustards. 



Art. VIII. — On Dry Rot By Thomas S. Balph, Esq., 

 M.B.C.S., &c. 



[Abstract of paper, the original read 30th September, 1861] 



The various kinds of fungus were shown, interlaced with 

 the woody fibre. The rot might take place externally in 

 timber, in damp and dark places ; yet it was commonly 

 found in such a position as left no room to doubt that it 

 must have grown up inside the tree before it was cut 

 down. 



The remarks were chiefly in reference to pines, but Mr. 

 Ralph stated his intention of prosecuting his researches on 

 the same subject in connection with the woods of this 

 country 



