12 
THE GEELOJs'^G NATURALIST. 
exquisite views were obtained by Mr. Gr. L. Massingbam, and a 
number of botanical specimens, of rare occurence, were secured by 
our enthusiastic botanist (Mr. Gr. H. Adcock) who records Shelford 
as a new locality for Plectranthus parviflorus (Willd.) 
Mr. J. F. Mulder found a new fossil bed, and had considerably 
over 100 varieties as trophies ; he was also seen, with his customary 
enthusiasm, chasing a new species of the Lepidoptera, and his per- 
severance was rewarded by the capture of quite a number. On 
returning to the homestead, light refreshments were partaken of, and 
soon after 4 o'clock a start was made for the Eed Bluff. Here fossils 
engaged the attention of members for a considerable time. Splendid 
specimens of Voluta antis-calaris, Triton protensus, Turritella 
murrayana, Carditascarbosa,Cytheraeburnen, Voluta ancilloides, and 
others were obtained. While busy at work, the Club photographer 
took a snap shot. One or two Ornithological specimens were secured, 
namely, Strepera gracuiina, Playcerus eximius, Euphema 
elegans and Hieracidea berigora ; also others noted, namely 
Aquila audax, Hirundo neoxena, Artamus sordidus, Callocephalon 
galeatum and Geronticus spinieollis. After tea a start was made 
for home, and passing through Inverleigh, the party safely reached 
home after a most enjoyable and instructive day, and having received 
kindness of no ordinary character at Golf Hill. The arrangements 
were carried out without a hitch by the club's energetic secretary. 
OYSTER CULTURE. 
By "W. H. Kingsbury, late Travelling Inspector 
OF Fisheries. 
Eead before the Geelong Field Naturalist Club, 
November 17th, 1895. 
Experts on oyster culture affirm that there are very few localities 
suitable for oyster farming. Oysters abhor sand, and where sand 
is oysters cannot possibly exist. The reason is, the grains of sand 
get into the hinges of the oyster, and, like a stone in the hinge of 
a door, prevent his opening and shutting his shell. The sand 
smothers the oysters, he gapes his shell and dies. 
The oyster has many difficulties to encounter One of his 
worst enemies is the " five-finger," or star fish. It entwines the 
oyster in his deadly grasp, and by protruding his elastic body eats 
up the oyster, leaving nothing but empty shells. Another enemy is 
what is termed the " dog-whelk." These have the power of boring 
into the oyster shell with their rasp-like tongue, and they often 
destroy hundreds of pounds worth in a season." The stingray also 
is very destructive to oysters, also mussels, which with their 
curious silk-like webs, and by which they are enabled to anchor 
