THE AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST. 227 
about 50 specimens of Chameleon from Madagascar, which 
showed to perfection the remarkable power of colour change. 
Some Giant Toads from Japan were fond of garden snails, 
and on this account might prove useful. At the close of the 
excursion the party was entertained to afternoon tea by Mr. 
and Mrs. le Souef, when the hearty thanks of the members 
were tendered to Mr. le Souef by the President (Mr. Ed- 
wards). E.C. 
Kurnetu.—On Aug. oth, the usual monthly excursion 
was held at Kurnell (Capt. Cook’s landing place). There 
were upwards of g5 present. Near the homestead a number 
of “‘Watties’’ have been planted. Acacia spectabilis was 
covered with a glorious wealth of golden trusses, while a 
number of other species were also in bloom. A Native Heath 
(Epacris longiflora) was in full flower, some of the trusses 
of bloom being white instead of the usual pink. Some fine 
shapely trees of Banksia integrifolia were noted, suggesting 
the suitability of this species for cultivation as an ornamental 
tree. Different species of Hibbertia, mingled with Lysinema 
pungens, Leucopogon esguamatus, L. ericoides, and the more 
stately Monotoca elliptica were all in beautiful flower. 
Hugenia cyanocarpa was noted, this plant, we believe, not 
having been previously found nearer than National Park. 
Pods of Bossiaea heterophylla infested with Aecidium ebur- 
neum were found, also several] Orchids including Caladenia 
alba, Pterostylis nutans, and Thelymitra ixtoides. Altogether 
72 species were identified. Afternoon tea kindly prepared 
by Mrs. Finckh and Mr. E. 8. Edwards, brought to a close 
a most delightful and profitable excursion. E.C. 
Oatley.—Foremost amongst the plants met with at Oatley 
on Sept. 6th were Hriostemon scaber, which was in profusion, 
as was also Lcinocarpus pinifolius. Daviesia corymbosa, Pul- 
tenaea daphnoides, Tecoma australis, Hibbertia bracteata, and 
Pomaderris ferruginea were out to perfection. Two interest- 
ing plants, M/ztrasacme polymorpha and Pomaz wumbellata, 
were also noted, as was Omphacomeria acerba, which re- 
sembles the native currant Leptomeria acida. — Some of the 
plants were laden with flowers and fruit, while others had in 
place of the fruit a heavy crop of insect galls. 
N. F. BLAKELY. 
NOTES AND COMMENTS. 
THE LATE Mr. EH. Betcun.—It is with regret that we 
record the death since our last issue, of this gentleman. Mr. 
Betche was for many years employed at the National Her-. 
barium, Sydney, where he did much taxonomic work of a 
high order of merit. In a recent number we published his 
“Key to the Goodeniacea,’’ which is one of the last pieces of 
work which he carried out for publication. 
TEMPORARY STERILITY IN RainBow Trovut.—While on a 
visit to Jenolan last June, I had an opportunity of adding to 
