26 
Oct., 1921 
The Queensland Naturalist. 
their eggs; they have chewed and ruined much valuable 
palm-seed; they have seriously affected cultivation (par- 
ticularly of fruit) on the island; and between whiles 
they have eaten largely of snails. The dense nature 
of the undergrowth has rendered the extirpation of the 
rodents an exceedingly difficult matter, but the problem 
has been tackled determinedly. Recently a thick covert 
was cleaned away, and 12,000 rats killed, and it is hoped 
that the rest may be kept in control. This story was a 
feature of Mr. McCulloch’s address, but he also gave a 
good deal of interesting information about the island, and 
showed, with the aid of a lantern, much of the rugged 
beauty and luxurious vegetation of the area. 
September 17. — Annual Wild Flower Show and 
Natural History Exhibition. The display in all sections 
was good, and there was a crowded attendance. Those 
present included His Excellency the Governor (Sir Mat- 
thew Nathan), who was welcomed by the President of 
the Club (Mr. A. H. Chisholm), and shown through the 
flower sections by the Government Botanist (Mr. C. T. 
White). His Excellency was warmly appreciative of the 
grace and beauty of most of the flowers,, and expressed 
the view that they should be more cultivated. He also 
admired a tine collection of photographs, lingered over 
the microscopes, and viewed with appreciation other 
sections of the exhibition. Prior to the arrival of His 
Excellency, the show was officially opened by the Mayor 
of the city (Alderman H. J. Di'ddams, C.M.G.), wh6 em- 
phasised that the naturalists were engaging in a delightful 
and valuable hobby. 
The photographs comprised a large number of studies 
of wild birds and their nests, taken by Messrs. A. H. 
Chisholm (Brisbane) and D. W. Gaukrodger (Alice 
Downs, Blackall), a fine lot of scenic views by Messrs. 
R. L. Higgins, C. S. Fryer (Brisbane), and II. I). Curtis 
(Albert River), and some remarkable enlargements of 
pond life studies by Mr. W. R. Colfedge,, who was assisted 
by Mr. W. M. Tanner. Other exhibits were several cases 
of radiant butterflies and moths, shown by Mr. R. Illidge, 
Mr. S. Hainsworth, and Dr. Jefferis Turner, a few unique 
birds’ nests (taken after use), a good range of mineral 
specimens, shown by Mr. J. R. Dunlop, and a coral jar- 
diniere from one of the Pacific Islands, shown by Mrs, 
C. A, MacFarlane, 
