875 



30,000 to 40,000 tons annually by this process. All the other 

 salt-producing areas in South Australia were discussed. Mr. 

 Riddle illustrated his lecture with a fine series of slides, which 

 portrayed the salt and gypsum deposits, together with their 

 associated geological features. 



On July 22, 1915, an interesting lecture, illustrated by a 

 large number of lanlern slides, on the subject of ''Forestry'' 

 was delivered before a large audience by Mr. Walter Gill, 

 F.L.S. The lecturer first dealt with the economic importance 

 of South Australian timbers, and stated that during the last 

 few years 5,000 acres had been planted with 2,600,000 trees, 

 mainly pines, of which 90 per cent, were alive. Hardwood 

 required at least sixty years to mature for most purposes, 

 whereas pines required only half that time. Planting had 

 been carried out in Wirrabara, Kuipto, and Second Valley 

 Forests, as well as in the South-eastern Forests of Penola, 

 Caroline, and Mount Burr, all of which are in a highly satis- 

 factory state of development. Extensive work had also been 

 done in regenerating some of our native timbers, notably the 

 stringy bark, the value of which had long been recognized. 

 Mr. Gill illustrated his lecture by a fine series of lantern 

 slides. 



On August 19, 1915, before a large audience, Mr. L. H. 

 Howie, by means of the episcope, showed on the screen a large 

 number of oil and water-colour sketches of South Australian 

 scenes, many of which were of localities visited by the Section. 

 Over 100 views were shown and great interest was displayed in 

 the collection. 



Excursions. 



The greatest number that attended an excursion was sixty 

 and the lowest twelve, with an average attendance of thirty- 

 two. 



On September 26, 1914, the first excursion took place 

 under the leadership of Professor T. G. B. Osborn, M.Sc. 

 A visit was made to the Torrens Gorge, but owing to the dry 

 conditions of the country specimens were scarce. Nevertheless, 

 a good many interesting plants were collected, which formed 

 the subject matter of an instructive address by the Professor. 



On October 14, 1914, Barossa Reservoir was visited. 

 Under the leadership of Mr. J. W. Mellor the members were 

 afforded an opportunity of studying the bird life of the district. 

 The extreme dryness of the season interfered with the usual 

 habits of the birds, and only a limited number were met with. 

 Those members with geological interests were entrusted to 

 Mr. Riddle's leadership. After a good deal of country had 

 been examined and specimens collected, Mr. Riddle discussed 

 the neighbourhood and gave a survey of the work that had 



