PREFACE 



The following sketches in Tasmanian natural 

 history are the result of a six months' stay in 

 Tasmania during the spring and summer of 

 1907-8 ; the expedition was undertaken at the 

 suggestion of Professor G. C. Bourne of Oxford, 

 with the object of studying especially the fresh- 

 water life of Tasmania, and besides the material 

 help which he gave me I am happy to express 

 my indebtedness to the Warden and Fellows of 

 New College for allowing me leave of absence, 

 and to the British Association for a substantial 

 grant. I should also like to acknowledge the 

 assistance which Mrs. Weldon has given me, and 

 if anything in these pages could be thought 

 worthy of being dedicated to the memory of 

 Professor Weldon, to whom I owe so much, my 

 constant aim would be in some measure achieved. 



It is a delightful experience for the Englishman 

 after travelling for about twelve thousand miles 

 SiWSiy from home to meet with his fellow country- 

 men at the Antipodes, and to be received with 

 that hospitality which has become almost pro- 

 verbial with us here ; but a special delight is 

 added to the naturalist from home, who can 

 converse with kindred minds in these distant 

 countries, and learn to appreciate the ideas which 



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