56 XHE WOMBAT. 



obtain the picture forming the frontispiece of the book just 

 issued by Messrs. Cassell & Co. 



This excellent work of these painstaking naturalists is 

 worth the attention of all interested in natural history, as it 

 shows what can be done by the camera, work which is of the 

 utmost scientific value, and to which attention has not yet been 

 fully given. The photographer encountered many difficulties 

 in his arduous undertaking, as when all was ready preparatory 

 to moving the cap, as if by the malicious intervention of some- 

 unkind fate, the screw affixing the camera to the tripod 

 suddenly dropped out, and the apparatus toppled over sea- 

 wards. It was well on its way to what the Americans 

 describe as "everlasting smash," when by a dexterous move- 

 ment it was caught, and saved fr<om destruction. By the aid 

 of some strong feather shafts — the only materials available — 

 the apparatus was fixed on again, and while one photographer 

 held on to the tripod, the other from a more secure footing 

 held him by the coat-tails on to the crag, and in this way the 

 exposures were obtained. Of course this adventure was 

 exceptional, but all photographers may imagine how often the 

 best efforts are spoilt by reason of weather and accident to 

 those who endeavour to work in such departments as that of 

 natural history, and the patience and perseverance necessary 

 do not fall to the lot of every photographer as must be 

 possessed by such masters of the art as Messrs. Gambier 

 Bolton and Sandland, whose natural history studies are- 

 beyond compare. 



The lecturer said much that will not easily be forgotten,, 

 while the splendid lantern slides shown to advantage by 

 Messrs. Webster and Girling, of Upper Baker Street, were 

 a complete success. 



THOS. FERRY & SON, 

 Gunsmiths, Locksmiths & General Machinists. 



Scales & Weighing Machines Repaired & Adjmted. Metal Turning & Screw Cwttiag. 



3R.YRIE STREET EAST, GEELONG. 



