THE AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST. 79 
several species of Acacia. The creek was of great interest to 
some of the party, many water creatures being secured, inelud- 
ing Notonecta, gyrinid beetles, water-striders, some fine dragon- 
fly larvae, caddis flies, fresh water shrimps and a fine crayfish, 
dark green, mottled with red. 
On November 11th a very enjoyable afternoon was spent 
at the same place, there being some 31 members present. The 
glory of the early spring flowers was past, and a good deal of 
destruction had resulted from a severe bush fire earlier in the 
week, yet a goodly collection remained. 
Some fine bunches of flannel flowers (Actinotus heliantht) 
were obtained, Callistemon lanceolatus was a glorious sight, as 
also were many of the following:—Melaleuca cricifolia and M. 
styphelioides, Pultenaea, Dampiera, Goodenia, Bauera, Dillwy- 
nia, Boronia, Tetratheca and others. Aquatic specimens included 
Dragonfly and tipulid larvae, the water scorpion (Nepidae) and 
many others. 
Apa J. Firz-Joun. 
EXCURSION TO BALGOWLAH. 
Under the leadership of Mr. E. Cheel a party of enthusiasts 
met at North Sydney on the 7th October bound for Balgowlah, 
via The Spit. 
As our tram wends its way along we read the history of 
the progress of this part of Sydney. We see the homes of a 
past generation, which have stood the test of time-congested old 
timers; we pass rows of modern shops; and further on we see 
modern bungalows, and, with their advent comes a fresher, a 
cleaner atmosphere, and a sense of freedom not to be found 
in the congested areas. Then as the tram winds down to its 
destination glorious vistas of the harbour nestling under the 
shadow of the hills greet our eyes. On its waters are the white 
sailed craft so familiar to us. 
Then our attention is drawn to the incoming punt whieh is 
to carry us to the farther shore. Maybe our minds go forward 
to a future day when this obselete mode of transport will be a 
thing of the past, and a fine span of bridge will grace these 
shores. However, at last we set foot on the opposite shore 
where we add a few more to our party. This brings our num- 
ber up to about 20. 
We scramble into the tram, which seems to be in a hurry, 
for if soon wends its way up the steep mountain side richly 
