162 
REPORTS OF SOCIETIES. 
fruits, such as bananas, pineapples, and melons, which are 
produced in lavish abundance; by abstaining from the use of 
animal food in such quantities as was his wont in northern 
climes, and by abjuring all excess in alcoholic stimulants. 
The climate during the remainder of the year is delightful, 
although the westerly winds of winter may be rather too 
bracing for those who have long suffered from serious chest 
affections. And, again, our observations so far show that the 
climate of those vast inland regions, such as the Darling 
Downs, Maranoa, and Warrego districts, is distinctly salubrious 
and much drier than that of the ocean slope. In fact, during 
those months that are virtually tropical on the Pacific coast, 
where the humidity is relatively high, the difference between 
the dry and wet bulb thermometers at such places as Eoma 
and Tliargomindah may exceed 37 degrees, giving a percen¬ 
tage of humidity as low as 4, saturation equalling 100. 
Heavy ground frosts occur on the Downs and Border Table¬ 
land during May, June, and July, and ice is of frequent 
occurrence there during that period. 
That there is a variety of climate within South Queensland 
suitable for every type of those invalids, to whose restoration 
to health climatological conditions are the most important 
factor, is mv firm conviction; and when we consider the 
abundant rainfall of Eastern South Queensland (despite periods 
of drought) as compared with that of some places in the 
Southern Australian Colonies, and the magnificent agricul¬ 
tural, pastoral, and mineral resources of the Southern portion 
of the colony as a whole, it is evident that Brisbane, as the 
capital city and principal outlet of produce, must increase, 
and that it has before it a future that will prove unique in 
the annals of prosperity, and in the history of the great 
British Empire. I believe that the underground water reser¬ 
voirs in the far West are most ample. I reserve notes on the 
climate of North Queensland until more data are forthcoming, 
although from what is already known of its tropical climate 
and magnificent natural wealth, it is difficult to foresee a 
future any less brilliant than that we most conscientiously 
predict for the Southern portion of the colony. —Clement L. 
Wragge, Government Meteorologist of Queensland. 
Reports of jStotitties. 
BIRMINGHAM NATURAL HISTORY AND MICROSCOPICAL 
SOCIETY. —Microscopical Section.— May 3rd. The first meeting of 
the section this year was made special by a large number of micro¬ 
scopes being exhibited, and the members were successful in affording 
