We - px yo 
AEn ‘THE GEELONG NATURALIST. 
res. s exterminated the pasture grasses, but the plant is said to be 
wholesome for sheep, hence its African name * Sheep-tonic.” 
What is known as the “Cape Weed" (Cryptostemma 
E calendulaceum) so common in other parts of the colony, is- 
rarely seen. One of the curiosities of the floral world is the 
“ Stylewort " (Stylidium graminifolium) which plant is easily 
recognized by its tall spike of pink blossoms, and, as its 
specific name implies,—grass-like leaves. ‘The stamens and 
style of each floret, blended together in a peculiar way, form 
the column, and this is so sensitive that on the slightest 
= ~ touch it instantly springs back, hence the name “ Trigger 
plant." 
. Of the order Goodenoview, the three yellow Goodenias are 
pretty, especially G. ovata, which is a fair sized shrub, but 
everyone must pause to admire the singular beauty of the 
bright azure blue *Lady's button" or so called ** Native 
Forget-me-not" (Brunonia australis) which bejewels the 
meadows or open spaces, but more frequently the drier ridges 
- inland. The three Lobelias too, of the Campanula family, 
especially Lobelia gibbosa, whose spikes of sapphire blue, 
occurring sometimes in patches, intensify the brilliancy of all 
yellow blossoms near. But the closely related Victorian 
Blue-bell or * Harebell" (Wahlenbergia gracilis) by its simple 
loveliness and presence, everywhere contributes yet a greater 
charm to the wild pasture. Lobelia pratioides is dangerously 
-poisonous to cattle and sheep, probably the other two species 
- are more or less harmful, but the first named, as a gathered 
' flower, it may be interesting to know, has the power of 
- retaining its freshness of colour and vitality for months without 
water. 
The Epacridiez or ‘ Australian Heath” family does not 
. seem to be so well represented as it probably may be in other 
Cranberry ” (Astroloma humifusa)—a neat low-growing dense 
little bush studded with crimson tubular blossoms and some- 
 Richei)—a shrub of considerable size, and the Twiggy 
— blossoms and leafage, are always pleasing objects. The 
- . Plumbago or **Leadwort" and Primrose families, are each 
= poorlyrepresented,asisalsothe Apocynacec. The latterorder, 
however, claims one fine evergreen shrub, usually 5 or 6 feet 
high, bearing white Jasmine-like florets sweetly scented, and 
for edgings. It is the “ Tonga Bean Wood” or Heath box 
shore. Two interesting small herbs belonging to the Gentian 
- / 
parts of Bellarine, but one gem of the order is the “ Native: 
. times small edible fruit. The “ Carrot-wood "—(Leucopogon | 
- Leucopogon virgatus, with their wealth of white heath-like . 
foliage not unlike that of the Turkey box which is often used - 
- (Alyxia buxifolia) which often forms dense thickets close to the : 
