THE GEELONG NATURALIST. SUN 
OUR MAGAZINE. 
The re-institution of “ Magazine Night" has given. a new zest 
to our meetings, and has provided an opportunity to many of 
“our members, who shrink from the ordeal of a ** paper," to come 
forward and contribute a few notes to the Magazine. “A 
Rolling Stone ” gives some of his impsessions of Canterbury, 
N.Z., comparing Timaru with Geelong. He describes the 
changing and ever beautiful appearances presented by the 
Southern Alps with their snow-capped peaks, the highest of which 
is Mt. Cook, ascending 10,000 ft, skirted by avalanches and 
moraines of glaciers. Mr. Watts draws an analogy between 
plants and animals, and points out the leading points of resem- 
blance between the two kingdoms, marking them off from the 
inanimate section. Mr. A. Wilson suggests that the advent of 
new members should be marked by a little more cordiality, by 
the recruiting member formally introducing the new members to 
the chairman and others present. 
Among the separate papers contributed are :—‘‘ Notes on a 
trip from Adelaide to Pedinga," by Mr. H. Watts; “Animal 
Psychology," by Mr. J. B. Leitch; “ Flowers," by Mx. J. C. 
Palmer; and * Coral Islands," by Rev. J. S. Royce. 
Mr. Watts records his observations on the general features 
and characteristics of the country passed through between 
Adelaide and IKarkalla, en route for Pedinga. He also 
remarks on the habits and customs of the native races inhabit- 
ing these regions. ltappearsthatthe men are of good physique; 
better than the usual run of Australian blacks in robust appear- 
ance and general character. The women, on the other hand, 
are not so favored, being undersized, and disproportioned, no 
doubt due in great measure to the insufficient supply of food, the 
heavy burdens they are obliged to carry, their early marriages, 
and the length of time they suckle their children, a period some- - 
times extending to three and four years. The modes they have 
of decorating themselves with fat and various colors rubbed on, 
with emu feathers and other ornaments. is described in some 
detail. The various implements used in fishing and hunting are 
named and described, and the methods of using them indicated. 
Having set out across country with a black boy guide, Mr. 
. Watts soon discovers that his so-called guide is merely one in 
name, and that they are muko, or in plain Australian, ** bushed."* 
We are then asked to leave Mr. Watts making his way to the 
coast, and tell us on some future occasion of his success, and 
ultimate arrival at Pedinga. 
Mr. Leitch, under the heading * Animal Psychology,” opens 
up an interesting field for the discussion of the question—Do the 
lower animals possess souls? He contends that there is a ten- 
dency to overrate the mental powers of man; that the lower | 
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