May, 1932. 
The Queensland Naturalist. 
23 
inches in diameter, usually of a lightish green in colour, 
and are covered thinly with fine stinging hairs ; these when 
carelessly encountered cause considerable pain, which is 
persistent and recurs at each washing for days It has 
been reported as sending horses (which have a thin skin) 
mad. 
The common Cunjevoi ( Alocasia macrorhiza ) . with 
caladium-like leaves, usually found in the same localities, 
is a rather good remedy. The stem or root portion is sliced 
and rubbed on the affected parts. (Note. — This remedy 
does not appear to be so effective in the case of the smaller 
shining-leafed stinging tree ( L . photinipliyllx ) . 
The flowers of the stinging tree are insignificant, and 
the fruit forms a twisted fleshy mass. 
The accompanying photo was taken at Cunningham’s 
Gap, Main Dividing Range. 
NATIVE COMPANIONS AT LOWER NUDGEE, 
NEAR BRISBANE. 
In response to a request for information, Mr. J. A. 
Beck writes : — 
“The Native Companions .which nest at Lower 
Nudgee are free birds and have been nesting for a number 
of years in the same vicinity. I have not had the privilege 
to see the nest myself, but no more than two eggs are laid, 
and sometimes only one. The nests are generally on pri- 
vate ground ; the owner is rather keen about them and does 
not have them disturbed. 
“Two years ago the birds nested on the reserve, and 
the eggs were taken and destroyed as they were nearly 
hatching. The birds rebuilt a distance from the old site 
and succeeded in rearing one chick. This last season they 
managed to get through with another chick. Last Thurs- 
day, February 25, a friend and myself were at Lower 
Nudgee and saw three birds flying low to the swamp and 
concluded they were the old and young birds. 
“About August when birds are moving and migrating, 
the Native Companions assemble in big numbers on the 
flats at dusk, and my friend says it is very interesting to 
see them go through their different movements. 
“We have counted 28 birds in one flock making for the 
flats at dusk presumably for feeding. 
“Any further information I receive I will send 
along. ” 
