.A, NAT., VOL. XIV. 
P'ebruary, 1933 . 
Annual Meeting. 
51 . 
D What comprises a most interesting line of investigation 
is called ECOLOGY or plants at home, i.e.. the plants- 
and their surroundings and life companions. By noting 
the kinds of plants in a particular piece of scrub, forest 
or flat and tlieir relative dominance or otherwise, this- 
gives the character of the vegetation — such as a Kucah 
yptus forest (where the Eucalypts arc the main tree, 
heath country (where tlie heath predominates) or rush 
swamp (where the rushes form the main species.) 'I’lien 
the divisions into which this particular stud}' can be 
made are innumerable and all are full of interest to 
the searcher after nature’s secrets. The endeavour to 
soK^e the “Wliyr" in nature will lead tlie investigator 
into many Intricate paths, some of which may reveal 
their goal, others may hide their final aim to all but the 
most skilful and patient student. However, not to find 
the answer to et'ery ‘‘Why:” does not mean a lack of 
revealed wonders by the way and those of us with the 
least knowledge of these things will find a wealth of 
interest in any of the innumerable side tracks, which 
may lead to main avenues, if studied persistently. 
But to come to something practical, I wHl mention: 
a few of the items of botany of special groups- which: 
will repay a close e.xamination. 
a. Wattles (Acacia spp.) 
b. Ferns. 
c. Water Plants. 
d. Mosses. 
e. Seaweeds. 
f. Grasses and Fodders. 
It is pleasing to know that some of our new mem.bers are- 
■taking up the study of special groups and the}' are setting aa 
example which could be emulated b>' man}' more of our members.. 
IT. THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. 
A. The Mammals. 
B. Fish. 
■ C. Marsupials and Reptiles. 
D. Birds. 
E. Insects. 
F. Shells. 
