THE AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST. ‘181 
Council of the “‘Zoo.”’ to construct a well-equipped modern 
aquarium whenever the necessary funds are available. This 
would do away with the disabilities such as the imperfect 
conditions and arrangement of the light under which’ the 
present Aquarium suffers. Speaking of ‘‘lions’’ reminds me 
that, although there is not a male representative of the “King 
of Beasts’? on view at present, one will shortly make its 
appearance from abroad. 
After the inspection of the Aquarium tanks, the party 
adjourned for afternoon tea, and thus ended a pleasant 
afternoon.—D. G. Srkap. 
Botany Ponps. 
Junr.—T'welve members and friends attended excursion’ to 
Botany Ponds, where a good deal of aquatic microscopic life 
was obtained, including a number of fishes for aquaria, and 
some good specimens of aquatic plants. The excursion was 
under the leadership of Mr. H. H. Finckh, whose practical 
knowledge of many forms of aquatic life was found most 
helpful.—H. HE. Fincxu. 
CONVERSAZIONE. 
_A CONVERSAZIONE in connection with the. Naturalists’ 
Club was held on Wednesday, 23rd June, at the King’s 
Hall, Phillip-street, Sydney, and was a distinct success in 
every respect. The hall was prettily decorated, and there 
was a large number of interesting exhibits. In addition to 
members of the Club there were a large number of. guests. 
The exhibits were arranged and displayed by the organising 
committee—Messrs. D. G. Stead (president), G. A.. Water- 
house, B.Sc., H. E. Finckh (hon. treasurer),,and L. Harri- 
son (hon. secretary). A ladies’ committee, consisting of 
Mesdames D. G. Stead, H. E. Finckh, and L. Harrison, 
supervised the refreshments, and the social success of the 
function was due in a larger measure to their efforts. 
The exhibits were both numerous and interesting. Aquaria 
were displayed by Messrs. R. J. Geddes and H. E. Finckh. 
This side of nature study has become very popular of recent 
years, and judging by the interest displayed in the fascinat- 
ing exhibits is destined to become even more so in the 
future. Mr. G. A. Waterhouse’s butterflies, as usual, at- 
tracted attention. The exquisite specimens, both large and 
small, and the perfect setting, were greatly admired. © In, 
