T H E T ASM A NIA N N AT U R A LI ST. 
in cabinets that it will not do to pass them over, especially since in past 
times they were so abundant, an enormous number occurring in the 
fossil state. Only eight genera are now living. Shells belonging to this 
class are readily recognised by the fact of one valve being larger than the 
other and possessing a distinct beak, the apex of which is perforated. 
The Terebratulidae are the most extensive family of this class. 
(Fig. 33 )* 
July, 1909* 
Billardiera Berry* 
By L. ROD WAY. 
I T is well to call our climbing berry by the above name for two good 
K. reasons : it is the correct scientific name, and it avoids confusion. 
If we call it Blue Berry it clashes with the Dianella Lily, which is also 
so called; if Blue, or Purple, Climbing Berry there is also confusion, 
as it is sometimes white or red, or some mixture of these. If we call it 
Billardiera we are fairly safe ; for the only other such plant found in 
Tasmania is a closely related form with long, greenish berries that grows 
in the north. 
Billardiera is so named in honour of M. Labillardiere, an eminent 
French botanist, who did much good work amongst our plants in the 
early part of last century. In general appearance it appears very unlike 
any other of our wild shrubs, yet the structure of the flowers shows that 
it is closely related to Pittosporum. Young botanists must learn that 
general appearance does not necessarily indicate relationship. This fact 
is not so only amongst plants, as a dolphin or porpoise is very like a 
fish, a bat is somewhat like a bird. 
Another source of confusion is in the fruit. We all respect the 
source from which we take the quotation : 1 By their fruit shalt thou 
know them but by this was not meant that similar fruits mean rela¬ 
tionship. Similar fruits sometimes do indicate such a fact, but not 
always. The fruit called a legume, familiar to us in pea and bean, is 
confined to one family ; the same with grain as found in grasses, but 
with such a form as berry it is found upon all sorts of plants. 
If you find Billardiera in flower you will see the corolla is 
yellowish or somewhat green, and is long (from this it has received 
the scientific name of Billardiera longiflora) and tubular. This tubular 
form is caused by the petals adhering to one another along their edges, 
and not by being united in a tube; a most important character to note, 
as it indicates wide difference of relationship. If you dissect the flower 
you will find outside five small sepals that usually fall early ; alternating 
with these, and inserted close above them, are five well-developed petals 
that tend to cohere along their margins ; within these are five stamens 
