244 



in South Australia." This was given with illustrated views, 

 and Mr. Gill's enthusiasm in his work as Conservator of 

 Forests showed how closely his life-work was bound up with 

 this important industry. 



On May 16 Mr. J. W. Mellor delivered a lecture on his 

 visit to the Capricorn Group of Islands, on the Great Barrier 

 Reef, north-west coast of Queensland. The visit was made in 

 connection with the Congress of the Ornithological Union held 

 last year. Mr. Mellor 's address was full of interest in bring- 

 ing under notice the life history of the birds, as well as the 

 marine zoology and plant growth new to those who have not 

 had the opportunity of visiting the places referred to. Many 

 specimens collected on the trip were shown and described. 



Following upon this lecture Captain S. A. White, who 

 was also with the same party, gave an interesting address, 

 illustrated by numerous views of the life and habits of the 

 birds that live on and frequent the coastal islands of Queens- 

 land. 



Members, having caught on to the charm of travels 

 abroad, next requested Dr. R. S. Rogers to give some in- 

 formation regarding the natural history and other phases of 

 life in Africa. This lecture proved equally fascinating, as by 

 the aid of lantern views Dr. Rogers described a journey he 

 and Mrs. Rogers took through Natal during the progress of 

 the Boer war. These observant naturalists were able to 

 describe many matters of interest in the fauna and flora, as 

 well as adventures peculiar to the stirring times of war. 



Exhibits. 



While natural history abroad was of absorbing interest 

 objects nearer home were not neglected, and the next meeting 

 was devoted to the description of exhibits. Mr. A. M. Lea 

 showed a case of beetles, Dr. Pulleine a collection of spiders, 

 Mr. Elkan a specimen of micaceous ironstone from near Para- 

 dise, Mr. J. F. Mellor leaves, pods, and seeds of a Queensland 

 Stottea, Miss Phillipson a ball of kauri-gum from New Zea- 

 land, a.nd Mr. Stokes chitons, spiders, and land shells. The 

 exhibits were described and commented upon by the exhibitors 

 and others, and a profitable meeting was held. At most of 

 the evening meetings exhibits have proved an interesting and 

 instructive feature. 



Excursions. 



The field work for the year has maintained its usual in- 

 terest, but the attendance at the engagements has been some- 

 what spasmodic. Some have been poorly attended, while 

 others have drawn the largest attendances for many years. 



