104 
The Queensland Naturalist 
July, 1931 
tletoe-birds (Dicaeum hirundinaceum), king parrots 
(Aprosmietus scapularis) white-throated tree-creeper 
(Climaeteris picumnus), rufous and grey shrike-thrush 
and the ubiquitous brown tit (Acanthiza pusilla). 
We left the camp with many regrets, packed into the 
waggon, and then on to the timber train, and at last found 
ourselves again on board the ‘‘Relief'' starting on the 25 
mile run up the Mary River. 
THE ’POSSUM SEASON. 
(By J. E. YOUNG.) 
Alas! The word has gone forth! An “open season” 
for ’Possums has been declared in this State. 
The announcement was in the nature of a surprise to 
us, for we had been given to understand that the danger 
for this year had passed, but the strenuous economic period 
is given as a reason. 
Readers will doubtless be aware that this Club has 
consistently fought against the far too rapid extermina- 
tion of this interesting marsupial, and its cousin, the 
Native Bear, as well as other disappearing species. 
It is to be hoped that the regulations will be rigidly 
observed on this occasion, especially regarding spotlight 
shooting and sanctuaries; for although the gun is probably 
more humane than the noose, it gives the animals no 
chance, and an almost clean sweep is made; this is bound 
to include the protected “Bear,” as the difference cannot 
well be detected with the light, and our very small remain- 
ing number of these will be sadly reduced. 
Rpssibly some of our members may be able to advise 
the authorities of detected or suspected breaches of the 
law, with a view to action. 
One is apt to wonder if the institution of some form 
of ’possum farming might not prove a solution, by which 
the extermination may be averted, and an industry pre- 
served, for though some quarters report “ ’possums plenti- 
ful,” we know from actual experience what such reports 
are worth. 
May the 'possums’ worst days sooii be over is the hope 
of all true Nature lovers. 
