58 THE WOMBAT. 
For the future only the English Thrush and Skylark, and the Java 
Dove, are to enjoy this immunity. That is to say, that the 
Blackbird, Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Starling are at last recognised 
with the Sparrow and Minah as the nuisances they undoubtedly 
are. It does not need the eye of a prophet to foresee that they will 
be joined by the English Thrush before long. The Skylark has yet 
to prove its usefulness or otherwise. It seems as if this mania for 
acclimatising anything, so long as it does not naturally belong to 
‘Australia, has gone about far enough. ‘Ihe touching sentiment 
for the homeland that led our fathers to introduce the Sparrow and 
Rabbit and Fox has Jaid-a grievous burden on the orchardists and 
graziers of to-day. Meanwhile the noble Wild Turkey, the graceful 
Hgrets and the Lyre Bird are becoming extinct. Cannot the 
Australian Natives’ Association do something here? We need 
more stringent enforcement of the law for the protection of our 
native birds, which are almost to a species beneficial; and an 
absolute prohibition of the importation of foreign birds, which 
bitter experience has taught us become pests in nine cases out of 
ten in this country, whatever they may have been in their domicil 
of origin. 
A curious plant, a native of Mexico, was exhibited to the club on 
October 8rd by the Rey. Williams, F.M.8. The name is Selaginella 
convoluta, and the specimen in Mr. Williams’ possession was 
brought to Victoria several years ago. When the plant is in a dry 
state the fronds are brown in hue and incuryed towards the centre, 
but on being placed in water it gradually opens out into a flat circle, 
with a diameter of about 9 inches, while the colour changes to 
green. Afier removal from the water it gradually dries up and 
resume: its original nest-like appearance. 
The Hon. Secretary desires to acknowledge the receipt of the 
“Victorian Naturalist ” for October and November, and the 
* Zoologist,” Vol. VI., No. 68. 
z = pe 
Henry Franks & Co, PRINTERS, GEELONG. 
