^^■'
V
^ c.
|
• ■ t' |
|
|
: .'' /^ |
|
|
'■m- |
Q93 .P36
|
FOR THE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE |
||
|
LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY |
'OT
PapiTS and P^'oceedings
ROYAL SOCIETY
FAS MANIA,
8 7o.
T A s ^r
RESS OFF I'
MONTHEY NOTICES
Papers and Proceedings
OF THE
ROYAL SOCIETY
OF
TASMANIA,
FOR
I
8 7o.
^^
TASMANIA:
PRINTED AT THE " MERCURY " STEAM PRESS OFFICE, HOBART TOWN.
I 8 7 I.
Page
Proceedings of the Society for March , 1
Presentations to Museum, kc ]
Cuttle Fish 2
English Sparrow, and "White Eye 3
"Sea Hare" (Aphisiasp.), Specimen of 3
Sarcophilus, Fossil Remains of 3
Rocks from Port Cygnet, Rev. "W. B. Clarke's Remarks on 4
Proceedings for April 5
Ditto for INIay 7
Fossil Ripple Marks from Southport 7
Tasmanian Land Shells, New Species of 7
Red Spider, The, in Hops 8
Salmon Question, Present State of 8
Discussion on ditto 9
Salmon, arrest of development of, when retained in freshwater 10
Phytography of Tasmania, contributions to 11
1) Argus, additional observations on, changes in 21
Meteorology, &c., for Jan., 1870 i.
Ditto for Feb., 1870 ii.
Remarks on Observatory Records, with Health Report for Jan. and Feb., and comparison of vital statistics of 1869 with those of
previous years iii.
Meteorology, kc, for March. 1870 iv.
Analysis of Observatory Records, with Health Report for March v.
Meteorology for April, 1870 viL
Analysis of Observatory Records and Health Report, April viii.
Meteorology for May, 1870 ix.
Analysis of Observatory Records, with Health Report for May x.
Meteorology, &c., for June, 1870 xi.
Proceedings for June 27
Heavy Rainfall at Swansea 27
Large Mussels from the Derwent 28
Red Spider of Hop Grounds 28
Ditto, Discussion on ... 29
Salmonoid, first sent from Tasmania to England, on the 29
Esparto Grass, conversation on 31
Proceedings, July 32
Cheironectes politus 32
Caterpillars, which destroyed crops, 1870 32
Letter from J. Walker, Esq., on manufacture of Beet Root Sugar in
England and on the Continent ". 33
Beet Root Sugar, manufacture of in Tasmania, discussion on 34
Proceedings, August 36
Salmon, a young, which had been detained in the breeding ponds,
remarks on 36
Prawns taken from stomach of Rock Cod 37
Proceedings, &c., printed, received from Societies in England 37
Remarks on the two books publisherl by James Bonwick, on the
Aborigines of Tasmania. By Dr. Milligan 37
Seed of Grass-cloth Plant
Crayfish, large freshwater, discussion on 38
Land Shells of Tasmania, on the, with list of species. By W. Legrand 39 Crayfish, large Freshwater, of Northern Rivers of Tasmania, Distribu- tion anc; Habits of. By C. Gould, F.G.S 42
CONTENTS. iii.
Page
Notes on Meteorology and Mortality of month of June , xiii.
Meteorology, July, 1870 xiv.
Notes on ditto, and Mortality, July xv.
Meteorology, August, 1870 xvii.
Notes on ditto, and Mortality, August
Proceedings of Society for September 45
Books received from America 46
China Grass-cloth Plant 46
Proceedings f'>r October 48
Swamp Tea-tree, Bark of 48
Sulphur, experiment with fiimes of, for the destruction of Rabbits 49
Smolt caught at New Norfolk, remai'ks on 49
Salmon Experiment, extract from letter on 49
Proceedings of Society, November 51
Coal from Three Hut Point 52
Salmon Trout at Eiver Plenty, Notes on 52
Excursion to Curamings's Head and Falls of the Meander, Notes on.
By ^Y. Archer, F.L.S 54
The Sun and its Otfice. By F. Abbott, F.Pv.A.S 62
Califoruian Thistle, Notes on. By W. Archer, F.L.S 70
Meteorology for September xix.
Notes on ditto, with Health Report xx.
Meteorology for October xxii.
Notes on ditto, with Health Report xxiii.
Meteorology for November xxiv.
Notes on ditto, with Health Report xxv.
Meteorology for December xxvii.
Notes on ditto, with Health Report xxviii.
Meteorology^ for January, 1871 xxx.
Notes on ditto, with Health Report xxxi.
Meteorology for February xxxii.
Notes on ditto, with Health Report xxxiii.
List of Fellows 76
Minutes of Annual General Meeting 80
Report for 1870 62
Balance Sheet for ditto 88
Books Purchased and Presented 89
Presentations to Museum 91
Plants sent from Gardens 94
Ditto supphed for decoration of public places 95
Ditto, &:c., received at gardens 95
Plants introduced into gardens .. 96
€);vat».
Page 12. — Enrl of third, and beginning of fourth line for " Elseorarpus, " read " Elseocarpus. "
Page 12. —Last line, for " desv. Journ. Bot.," read "Desv. : journ. Bot,
Page 14. — Third line of third paragraph, for " Pterygapappus," read " Pterygopappus."
Page 14, — Ninth line of ditto for " Ptorygopappus," read " Pterygopappus."
Page 20. — First line of second paragraph, for " Gunii," read "Gunnii."
Page 32. — Tliird and fourth lines of paragraph beginning No. 8, for " Chironectes," read " Cheironectes."
Page XXV.— Second line of heading, for "1820," read "1870."
Page xxvii. — Ninth line below table, (Barometer Mean,) for "29.813 in.," read "29.863 in."
Page XXX.— Last line of table. Barometer Mean, for " 29.877," read "29.887."
Page xxxii.— Fifth line, Barometer Mean, for "29.819 in.," read "29.879in."
EOYAL SOCIETY,
MARCH, 1870.
The first monthly evening meeting of the session was held on Tuesday, the 8th March, J. Barnard, Esq., in the chair.
The Secretary, Dr. Agnew, laid on the table the following returns : —
1. Visitors to Museum during January and February, 1836.
2. Ditto Gardens ditto, 3687.
3. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in
Society's Gardens during February.
4. Tench supplied from pond in Gardens during February, 12.
5. Books and Periodicals received in January and February.
6. Presentations to Museum since last meeting. Meteorological Retiiyns.
1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., — tables for January and
February.
2. Port Arthur, from J. Boyd, Esq., — table for January.
3. Swansea from Dr. Story, — ditto for December and January.
4. Westbury, from C. Belstead, Esq., — ditto for January and February.
5. New Zealand, from the Government, — ditto for November and
December.
6. Brisbane, Queensland, from E. McDonnell, Esq., Government Ob-
server,—tables for October, November, and December, 1869. The presentations to the Museum were as follow : — •
1. From Miss H. May son and Miss J. Mitchell — A collection of Shells
from East Coast of Tasmania.
2. From J. T. Leake, Esq., Campbell Town — A specimen of Eoman
Brick from St. Albans, England (the ancient Verulamium).
3. From the Very Rev. Archdeacon Marum, per Dr. E. S. Hall — A
collection of Fossils from neighbourhood of Dromedary Mountain.
4. From Mr. 0. H. Hedberg — A collection of Swedish Coins and Notes.
5. From Mr. Dinham — Two stone Hatchets made by Aborigines of
Australia and Tasmania. Portions of Skull, &c., of Aborigine dug up ac Mona Vale, Tasmania. A fossil Seed from the sand- stone, Somersetshire, England, found 80 feet below the surface.
6. From Mrs. S. Crouch — A collection of weapons, (fee, from Fiji and
Samoa, viz. : — One Fijian Pillow, two pieces Tappa cloth, one female Fijian chief's Dress, one Paddle, two War Clubs, one piece Samoan Cloth, one Sandwich Island Spear, one Spear, Skull of Porpoise, Foetal Porpoise.
7. From Mr. M. Weber— A War Club from Fiji.
8. From J. W. Graves, Esq. — Two skulls of Axis Deer from Slopen
Main. [These deer were bred from those imported by Sir W. Denison from the Lower Ganges, and turned loose on Tasman's Peninsula.]
9. From Mr. Fencker — Four specimens of auriferous quartz from the
Pioneer Reef, Lyndhurst (Waterhouse).
10. From W. A. B. Gellibrand, Esq. — A stone Axe from New Zealand.
11. From H. M. Hull, Esq. — A Lizard, 8 Crickets, and two Fish.
12. From J. W. Graves, Esq. — Nest of Sparrow from a gum tree in Mr.
Turner's millyard. A Black Snake (Hoploccphalm curtusj. [This snake was killed near the upper end of Goulburn -street, Hobart
Town, and measured 1ft. Hn. in Icnj^th. Tlio li<j;ht colour of the specimen is due to its havinc: but recently chanf^ed its t?kin when killed.]
13. From I\Ir. G. Weaver— A Musk Duck ( liiziiira lohnta).
14. lYom I\Ir. Luttrcll — Specimens of (|uartz from Tomahawk River
and Pioneer licef, Waterhouse. that from the latter place being auriferous. Four small Crabs from North Coast.
15. From INIr. D. Chisholm — A large Fungus from a gum tree. Skeleton
of young Sting Ray. IG. From Mr. A. Nicholas, per Mr. F. Abbott — A fossil Spatangua from New Zealand.
17. From Mr. R. Propsting — A Swamp Hawk (Circus Assimilis—AWiedt. Harrier).
18. From Mr. Geo. "W. Rex — The crop of a Fowl containing an entire
Whip Snake. [This specimen was discovered on the fowl being killed, and in course of preparation for the table. The bird had previously presented no unusual appearance, and had received no injury from swallowing the reptile.]
19. From Mr. A. Neilson — A very large specimen of the common Slug,
which when alive measured six inches in length.
20. From Mr. F. Smith, Holbrook Place — A large moUusk (Ajjlt/sia
sp.J, from Brown's River.
21. From Mr. R. James — Part of the skeleton of a Ray (?).
22. From Mr. G. J. Smith — Piece of native box wood, with thorns
embedded in its substance.
23. From Mr. Exton, Oatlands — A Rail (Ralhos Lewinii).
24. From Mr. H. Nelson — Sample of Coal from Greymouth, New
Zealand. The seam from which this coal is obtained is said to be 16 feet, in thickness.
25. From Mr. Plunkett, Sandy J3ay — A Pair of Mittens made by
Esquimaux of Behring's Strait.
26. From M. Allport, Esq— A collection of Insects from Port Arthur.
27. From Mr. Gidley Lewis — A Russian Silver Coin of the Empress
Catherine, 1796. Specimen of handwriting of General Moreau.
28. From Mr. R. P5'bus, Bruni Island— A 5s. piece of Charles II, 1677.
29. From Mr. W. Cole, Cleveland — One Spanish silver coin, Carolus
III., 1781. One United States ditto, \ dime, 1854. One brass ditto, Louis XVI. of France, 1792. One silver Coin unknown.
30. From H. Hopkins, jun., Esq., a foetal lamb (a monstrosity.) Two
Dories,
31. From the Trustees, Australian Museum, Sydney, per the Hon. E.
Deas Thomson, C.B. — Part of skull and upper jaw of fossil
Sarcophilus (Devil) from Wellington Caves, N. S. Wales. Eight
photographs of Ceratodus Forsteri, a fish inhabiting the Burnett
River, N.S.W.
[This fish is admirably adapted to many of the streams of the colony,
which although comparatively large rivers in the winter season, present
only a chain of pools in the summer. The Ceratodus by means of its
fins is enabled to travel considerable distances on land, and when a
pool in which it may be present is dried up it can thus go in search of
another.]
32. From M. Allport, Esq.— Part of skull of Tunny, washed on
shore. North Coast of Tasmania.
33. From Baron F. Von. Miieller — Skeleton of a White Swan.
34. From Mrs. Chapman, Macquarie-street — Seeds from Borneo.
35. From Mr. James, Collins-street — Jaw of species of Shark.
36. From Mr. Walter Paisley, Franklin, per Mr. Graves— A Guttle
Fish. [This interesting Cephalopod belongs to the Octopodidcey and specimens
have several times been captured on our coasts. It is very rapacious, and swims with great rapidity by means of its powerful fluke-like tail. Any wounded fish in its neighbourhood are instantly attacked, and the rapidity with which its parrot-like beak cuts into and kills its prey ia astonishing. A few years back one of these cuttle fish was exhibited in Hobart Town, and was described by an anonymous writer as belonging to the genus Ouychoteutkis, but this was undoubtedly an error, as the hook- like processes on the long tentacles, which are the distinguishing mark of the Onychotenthidce^ and from which the name is derived, are absent in this species.]
The only donation to the library was a work by Fleetwood Buckle, Esq., M.D., of H.M.S. Liverpool, on the "Vital and Economical Statistics of the Hospitals, Infirmaries, &c., of England and Wales," presented by the author, per Dr. E. S. Hall.
In reference to the nest of the Sparrow (Presentation No. 12), Mr. Allport remarked, that he was, at first, adverse to the introduction of these birds, but for some time back, he had reason for changing his mind. He found, so far as his observation had as yet extended, that wherever the Sparrow came, it drove away the White Eye (Zosterops dorsalisj^ a most destructive bird to fruit.
Mr. Graves had a better opinion of the White Eye than Mr. Allport, and had no doubt, that its good qualities were greater than the bad. The benefit which these, and many of our smaller, and comparatively un- known birds conferred on our farms and gardens, by destroying noxious insects, &c., was incalculable. As an addition to our insectivorous birds, he had himself liberated some Canaries, which already had progeny, and if spared by their enemy the cat, would, he thought, become thoroughly acclimatised.
Mr. M. Allport called attention to the presentation of the " Sea Hare " (No. 20), by Mr. Francis Smith (son of the Chief Justice), which is of peculiar interest, as being another example of the manner in which forms of animal life of the lower types are reproduced at opposite ends of the world. The present specimen is of the Genus Aplysia, and so closely resembles the English creature Aplysia punctata, as to be all but identical — the Tasmanian form being the larger. Its true position amongst the mollusca is beautifully exemplified by the rudimentary shield — like shell which is buried in the tissues of the back, and serves as a guard to the delicate branchial organs of the creature. (This shell, dissected out, was exhibited to the meeting.) Mr. Allport expressed a hope that others of our youth would follow the good example set by Mr. Smith in forwarding to the Museum that which struck him as being new or curious, instead of casting it aside without enquiry, or heed to its scientific value.
Presentation No. 31 is interesting, as proving the former existence on the main land of the larger carnivorous marsupials now found living in Tasmania. In his paper on Mr. Krefft's " Notes on the Fauna of Tas- mania," read before a meeting of this Society, Mr. Allport pointed out the probability that the Dingo fCanis dingo) had usurped the position of the Tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalusj and the Devil fSarcojMlus ursinusj on the main land ; and that the absence of the Dingo in Tasmania ex- plained their continued existence in the latter colony.
The Secretary read a paper,* entitled "Contributions to the Phytography of Tasmania," by Baron F. Von Miieller, C.M.G., F.R.S., &c. The paper was accompanied by notices of upwards of a hundred plants, many of them hitherto undescribed, observed by the author in the region of Mount Field, &c.
" This paper is tlie second on the same subject contributed by Baron Von MUeller, for the first see Trans, lloyal Soc. Tasmania for 18G8, p. 7.
Mr. Stephens bogged to mention in reference to a paper which ho brought before the 8ociety in October last, on " The occurrence of gold at Port Cygnet," that he had sent some specimens of the rocks ho had found there, and described, to tho Rev. W. B. Clarke of Sydney. Ho would read a few lines from Mr. Clarke's reply, as it was satisfactory to find the theory broached in his paper confirmed by so eminent an authority : — " I see so much in those specimens like rocks I have often found in tho gold-fields, and especially like tho porphyritic bands that traverse the gold-fields, of the Gilbert Iviver and Crvmpio in (iuconsland, and I think there must boa relationship. It would be premature to designate tho formation at Port Cygnet geologically, but I agree with you as to its probable great antiquity."
Mr. M. Allport proposed a special vote of thanks to Baron Von Miieller. It was pleasant to find a savant of such world-wide fame, and whose scientific labours are so much greater than wo are aware of, communicate so freely with this Society, when so many of our other corresponding members are silent. He would also include in the vote the name of Dr. Hall, to whom on this occasion, and formerly for a period of several years the Society was much indebted for the careful analysis he had given of the meteorological records, in connection with the vital statistics of the colony, which had so much enhanced the value and interest of these tables.
Mr. Davies, after some eulogistic remarks on Baron Von Miieller's labours on behalf of Tasmanian botany, cordially seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried, and the usual vote h?^ving been accorded to the donors of presentations, the meeting terminated.
APEIL, 1870.
The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, 12th April, H. Bilton, Esq., in the chair.
W. A. Guesdon, jun., Esq., who had been previously nominated, was duly elected by ballot as a member of the Society.
The Hon. Secretary (Dr. Agnew) submitted the usual returns for the past month, viz. : —
1. Visitors to Museum, 722.
2. Ditto to Gardens, 1846.
3. Plants, &c., sent from Gardens.
4. Time of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in
Botanic Gardens.
5. Books and Periodicals received.
6. Presentations to Museum. Meteorological Returns.
1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq.— Table and Summary for
March.
2. Westbury, from C. Bel stead, Esq.— Table for March.
3. Port Arthur, from J. Boyd, Esq. — Ditto ditto.
4. New Zealand, from the Government, — Ditto for January.
6. Sydney, from G. R. Smalley, Esq. — Ditto for November and Decem- ber, 1869, and January, 1870. The presentations to the Museum were as follow : —
1. From Captain Williams, a manuscript newspaper, the Western Aus-
tralia Gazette, June 13th, 1830.
2. From Mr. Watson, Brown's River, a kingfisher (Alcyone azureaj.
3. From M. Allport, Esq., a Diamond Snake (Kopolocephalus superbusj.
4. From Miss Sherwin, a Lamprey, from Brown's River.
5. From T. Giblin, Esq., a Fish (Clinus sp. ?J from Risdon.
6. From Captain Dart, of the Sapphire whaler, four Sharks' Jaws, a
Crustacean, a small Pilot Fish, and a Native Hen, from Howe's Island.
7. From Captain Forsyth, brig Waverley, a Snake and Lizard, from
Java.
8. From J. W. Graves, Esq., a Cape Barren Goose (Gereopis Nov(Z
Hollanclioe).
9. Two small Falcons fFalco front atus) , donor unknown.
10. From W. Knight, jun., Esq., samples of Cinnabar ore, from Cudge-
gong, New South Wales.
11. From Mr. G. Edwards, Oatlands, a White Kangaroo, an albino
variety of Halmaturus Bennettii.
12. From C. Degraves, Esq., four Fossils from the limestone at Cascades.
13. From Mr. W. Smith, a Flounder curiously marked.
14. From C. Dinham, Esq., a Collection of Mineral Specimens, «&:c.,
from Somersetshire and Cornwall, England.
15. From H. M. Hull, Esq., Specimens of Iron Pyrites and^ Malachite.
16. From Mrs. Makepeace, Swansea, four specimens of Echinodermata,
and the egg cases of Fasciolaria sp.
17. From Captain Clinch, the jaws of a species of Shark from Twofold
Bay.
18. From Mr. McKenna, a living specimen of Gordius aqtiaticus, from
New Town Rivulet.
19. From ]Mr. J. Young, Howrah, a Spider Crab.
20. From Mr. Docksey, three jNlineral Specimens, from Adelaide.
21. From Mr. Roblin, a specimen of Apli/sia sp., from Cornelian Bay.
22. From Mr. M. Tapfield, a specimen of Gorgonia, with species of
Astrophi/ton attached.
6
Mr. Abbott read a paper entitled " Rome additional observations on changes which have taken place in the Star 77 Argus, and its surrounding Nebula."
The paper was illustrated by drawings, showing the present appearance of the star and nebula. Drawings of the same by 8ir J. Ilerschel in 1834, by Mr. Abbott in 1863 and 18G8, and by Lieutenant Herschel in 1869, were also exhibited, showing in a striking mauoer the great and inexplicable changes which have taken place within a few years in this very interesting object.
Some conversational discussion having taken place, the usual votes of thanks were accorded to Mr. Abbott and to the donors of the various pre- sentations, and the proceedings terminated.
MAY, 1870.
The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, the 10th May, J. Barnard, Esq., in the chair.
The undermentioned gentlemen, who had heen previously nominated by the Council, were, after a ballot, declared duly elected as members of the Society : —
1. The Rev. Dr. Bleasdale, of Melbourne, as corresponding member. - 2. R. P. Adams, Esq., Hobaxit Town. 3. Frederick B. Walker, Esq., Rhodes.
The Secretary (Dr. Agnew) laid on the table the usual Monthly Returns, viz. : —
1. Visitors to Museum during April, 642.
2. Ditto to gardens ditto, 1,314.
3. Seeds received at gardens.
4. Time of leafing, &c., of a few standard plants in gardens.
5. Books and periodicals received.
6. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Returns.
1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq. — Table and summary for April.
2. Melbourne, from R. J. Ellery, Esq.— Tables for Jan., Feb., and March.
The presentations to the Museum were as follows : —
1. From Mr. Edwards, Kewstoke, near Oatlands — A large specimen of
Carnelian.
2. From Sir Robert OflScer — A Platypus fOrnithorynchns anatinus).
3. From Mr. J. Smith, brig Waverley — A collection of Snakes, Lizards,
&c., from China.
4. From Mr. T. Parker — Two specimens of auriferous Quartz from
Pioneer Reef, Waterhouse.
5. From T. L. Gellibrand, Esq. — A Wedge-tailed Eagle {Aquila fucosa).
6. From Mr. Ballantyne — A curious Fish, caught in the Derwent.
7. From Mr. M. Allport — A Rail {Ballus Leivinii),
8. From Mr. Pearsall, Muddy Plains— A Chestnut-faced Owl {Strix
castano2)s)
9. From Mr. J. J. Low, Richmond — A Black-cheeked Falcon {Falco
melanogemjs).
10. From Master Ernest Bayley — A Falcon {Falco frontatiis.)
11. From Mr. Ikin — Two spines from Sting Rays.
12. From Mr. 0. E. Hedberg— Jaws of Shark.
13. From Mr. S. H. Wintle — Two specimens of Granite from the
Tomahawk River. Fossil Ripple marks from Southport.
In reference to the last named presentation the following note from Mr. Wintle was read : — " These fossil ripple marks I obtained from a vertical section of the carboniferous strata at Southport, Tasmania. The shales in which they occur are overlaid by a bed of sandstone 12 feet thick. Underneath the smallest ripple marks I found a beautiful fossil impression of GlossojHeris angustifolia (McCoy). The cliff is one of great geological interest."
The following list of new species of Tasmanian land shells furnished by Mr. Legrand was laid on the table. The specimens have been named and
described by Dr. J. Cox, of Sydney, and will form the subject of a paper at a future meeting of the Society : —
|
He; II. |
lix modianus. holice. |
|
11. H. H. |
CC0SU8. austrinus. occuUua. |
|
H. H. 11. 11. |
ruga. marchianno. Stephensi. Agnewi. |
|
Helix ploxup. |
|
|
H. |
dubitans. |
|
vigens. fulgetrum. Gonldi. |
|
|
Kamsgatensis. Halli. |
|
|
Nelsonensis. |
|
|
Allporti. |
The Secretary intimated that he had received from Sir Robert Officer some specimens of the so-called Kcd Spider, which had recently affected the hops at New Norfolk, with a request to be furnished with any informa- tion that the microscope, or the experience of any of the Fellows could throw on its exact character, habits, food, &c. These observations had been commenced, but as it had been found advisable to compare the insect from the hop with those of a similar character from the apple tree, the hot- house, and possibly other sources, no report could be laid before the present meeting, but he hoped before the next some definite information ■would be obtained on the subject, if the season be nut too far advanced for procuring the perfect insect.
Mr. M. Allport made the following remarks on the present state of the salmon question : — As every step in the experiment for the introduction of salmon has been from time to time recorded in the transactions of the Society, it now becomes necessary to complete the series by a short account of the last step. As the Fellows are aware, one of the smolts captured in the Derwent was sent to Dr. Giinther for his opinion as to its species, and that opinion is embodied in the following extract from a letter which I received by the last mail : — " Some weeks ago a small specimen of a sal- monoid was handed over to me by the Secretary of the Zoological Society, •with the request to determine the species, and to let you know the result of my examination. The example is 9 inches long, and from its general appearance, small size of the scales, form of the caudal fin, arrangement of teeth on the palate, number of pyloric appendages, there cannot be the least doubt that it is an example of sea trout (Sahno tnittaj. I am in- formed that a lot of sea trout eggs were forwarded to Tasmania several ye.irs ago, and hatched in May, 1866 ; if you never on any other occasion received eggs of salmo trutta, it would follow that this example is 3^ years old, and consequently what may be called a stunted individual, as a fish of that age ought to have attained to a larger size, and exhibit a certain development of the sexual organs, of which no trace could be discovered in the individual sent." Dr. Giinther is with respect to reptiles and fish, ■what Professor Owen is to mammals, and it would simply be presumption in me to doubt the correctness of his opinion as to the species of the par- ticular fish sent to England, but I must demur to his assumption that such fish was 3| years old, and therefore a stunted individual. The fact that it was immature, affords to my mind the most conclusive proof that the fish sent was not S-^- years old, and my view is borne out by all the facts relating to the salmon trout eggs received in this colony, such facts being far more within the cognizance of the Tasmanian Salmon Commissioners than Dr. Giinther. In April, 1866, the only salmon trout eggs ever received by the Commissioners arrived. In May and June following they hatched. The majority of the fry were placed in the same pond with the salmon fry of that year, and the remainder were placed in a separate pond and rill, specially prepared for them, in the hope that these salmon trout might arrive at maturity, and spawn be obtained from them without
9
the usual migration to the sea. A large proportion of the young salmon trout which were placed in the salmon pond, assumed the smolt dress, and left for sea in October, 1867 ; and in October, 1868, all that were then left, departed in the same manner. Of the salmon trout retained in the special pond, several put on the smolt scales in November, 1867, became uneasy at their detention, and one or two which jumped out of the pond died ; of these latter, one is on the table before you. In November, 1868, the same restlessness under restraint was exhibited by the remaining fish and many died, leaving only 12 survivors. These 12 fish, however, were kept well fed, and became handsome silvery fish, weighing from half a pound to more than one pound, and in June, 1869, five pairs of them con- structed spawning rids and deposited ova. In September last this ova hatched, and the two fish now exhibited are of the produce of such ova — these two fish are seven months old, and do not in the least re- semble stunted unhealthy fish ; nor could they be the progeny of such. They bear about them the distinct characteristics of the parr of one of the migratory salmonidaB, and when fresh from the water exhibited in great perfection the brilliant orange coloured fins from which the parr of Salmo trutta derives its trivial English name. Bearing in mind all the above facts, I must now revert to Dr. Giinther's assumption, that the fish sent to England was hatched from the ova received here in 1866, and was consequently 3i years old. I have shown that the last of the fish derived from those eggs, which were at liberty to do so, went to sea in November, 1868 ; in June, 1869, the smallest of those unnaturally detained in fresh water weighed half a pound, had tinmistakeably passed the smolt stage, and had arrived at sexual maturity. Yet, we are asked to believe that the fish sent to England had found its way more than 30 miles from its birthplace, and had been 12 months in salt water without adding one inch to its length, or one ounce to its "weight. If it can be shown that it is possible, nay even probable, that our original salmon trout, spawned in Tasmania in the winter of 1868, all difficulty in accounting for the capture of the specimen sent to England vanishes, without the necessity of having recourse to the forced and un- natural assumption that such specimen was an abortion. Our first salmon trout smolts went to sea in November, 1867. If any of those smolts returned (as many British authorities assert they would) in February following the fish that so returned must have spawned in the winter of 1868, that is to say in June of that year, and a portion of the fry hatched in September, 1868, would have arrived in October, 1869, at the very stage in which the specimen sent to England was when caught. As scientific truth is, to my mind, of greater importance than the discussion of mere theories, I must here point out that none of the fish retained in the special pond did spawn in the winter of 1868, but it is quite possible that their unnatural detention from salt water retarded their sexual development for a year beyond their brethren, which were free to seek their own advantage in suitable waters. In conclusion, I may state that the beautiful specimen now before you, and which was caught six weeks later than that sent to England, will be forwarded (with tha other speci- mens referred to) to the Zoological Society, London, _ by the outgoing mail, and be submitted to the examination of any scientific men taking an interest in the subject. In this large specimen, I found the rudimentary sexual organs well developed, and, further, by the help of the written descriptions of Yarrell and Dr. Giinther, I have come to the conclusion that it is a true salmo salar.
Judge Francis, of New South Wales, offered some remarks to the effect that he had had long and varied experience of fishing generally, and although rather a practical sportsman than a scientific naturalist, was perfectly well acquainted with the appearance and habits of the Salmonidae
10
in tho lakes and stroams of England, Wales, and Scotland. lie had also frequently compared the young of the difl'ercnt varieties with each other and could speak with confidence in tho matter. lie had not the slightest doubt that tho specimen now before them (caught Dec, 1869) was a true salmon, and a fine and well-grown fish. He would say it had been about eight weeks at sea — was assuming the grilse condition, and would in the course of the autumn have proceeded up the river to spawn. As to tho fish sent home (of which an exact counterpart was said to be before the meeting) he could not in any way agree with Dr. Giinther's hypothesis that it might be a stunted or abortive individual, incapable of performing the functions of reproduction. In the case of a young salmon in one of the Welsh brooks, which had been accidentally debarred from proceeding to sea, he had had the opportunity of noticing how these unnatural cir- cumstances affected the appearance of the fish, and certainly its lanky and big-headed figure was unmistakeable. There could, therefore, be no difficulty in coming to a conclusion as to a fish being stunted or otherwise, and no one could look on the comely and shapely specimen before them and say it was imperfect in any respect. Even admitting, however, that the fish sent home was, as Dr. Giinther admitted, a Salmo trutta, that fact alone was confirmatory of the entire success of the experiment. They knew, that of the Salmo trutta, about two hundred only were sent to sea, whilst of the Salmo solar not less than four thousand five hundred were liberated from the breeding ponds. If, therefore, several of the former had been caught in the salt water, so full of health and vigour as to show they were at home in these southern waters, a fortiori how much more certain was it that the true salmon had escaped all their imaginary danger, and in far greater numbers than the others had become thoroughly acclimatised.
Discussion of a conversational character ensued, in which the Rev. Dr. Bleasdale, Mr. Buckland, Mr. Giblin, Mr. Stephens, and Judge Francis took part. In reply to an observation by the latter to the effect that he wished we had a fresh supply of salmon ova at command, in order to try if in the event of the young fish being retained in the ponds, and never allowed to proceed to sea, they could arrived at maturity, and prove capable of perpetuating their species.
Mr. Allpor t stated that in part II, of the proceedings of the Zoological Society for 1868, there was a paper on the supposed arrest of the development of the salmon when retained in the fresh water, by James Murie, M.D., F.L.S., F.G.S., and from which paper it would appear that the experiment had been virtually tried if it could be positively ascertained that the fish experimented on were really specimens of salmon salar, but on this point authorities differed. In the account of the experiment the most curious circumstance noted was that in the summer of the second year several of the fish assumed the silvery scales of the smolt, which scales were partially lost in the autumn following, the parr markings becoming again distinctly visible. This was repeated in the summer and autumn of the third year — after the fourth year the fish came to a standstill as to growth, and at the end of the fifth year only two remained, figures of which accompany the paper referred to. These figures show them to have been large-headed long-bodied fish with the parr markings distinctly visible, and bearing little resemblance to a healthy smolt.
A vote of thanks having been accorded to the donors of presentations, the meeting terminated.
11
CONTEIBUTIONS TO THE PHYTOGEAPHY OF TASMAJSIIA.
By Feed. Yon Mtjellee, C.M.G., M.D., F.E.S.
11.
The following pages have but slight claims on special scientific consideration. They are merely the results of a short excursion through Tasmania, at a time when the writer sought invigoration from the bracing air and rural tranquillity of the island, and preferred to spend the very few days allotted to his stay rather in the undisturbed highland solitudes than in the pleasures of sociality. He bent his way to the phyto- logically unexplored ranges of Mount Field, to institute a comparison of their vegetation with that of other alpine rises of Tasmania. The charm of this occupation was augmented by the circumstance that it was his first visit to a country whose vegetation he had aided to elucidate from museum- materials more than 20 years since, and with whose plants he commenced to become acquainted fully 30 years ago. Here, then, for the first time, he could glance over the many endeared highland plants, in all their gay freshness and wild natural grace ! This short exploratory tour had still another addi- tional interest. It afforded means of contrasting not only the considerations of many alpine plants of Tasmania with the com- plexer of highland species in the Australian Alps, but it led also to some researches by which the relation of the existing Tasmanian vegetation to distinct geological formations should be trac'ed. In this direction lengthened inquiries need yet to be carried on — inquiries which are of general philosophical importance.
For the notes herewith offered, some material was also con- tributed by enlightened and generous friends, whose taste and knowledge led them to observe the forms of vegetation near their domiciles. It may encourage future inquiries to know that the whole tracts of lofty ranges from West Mount Field to Mount Humboldt and Frenchman's Cap remain, as regards vegetable life, hitherto utterly unexplored ; that also from the country about Port Davey hardly any plants have ever been brought away, although the snow-clad summits of the former, and the jungles of the latter, must teem with rarities. Even the extreme north-east of Tasmania, as well as Hunter's Island and the adjacent shores, promise to render known to systematic searchers many kinds of plants, with which we are only hitherto acquainted from Gipp's Land, and this remark
12
applies still more forcibly to portions of the Funieaux Group and to King's Island. Indeed the three genera recorded on this occasion for the first time as Tasraanian — viz., Elseo- rarpus, Pseudanthus, and Lecuwenhoekia — came from the islands of Bass Straits. The freshwater plants of all Tasmania need yet largely renewed investigation. Again, any tide may cast ashore additions to the 300 Algae which, through the glorious labours of Professor Harvey and his co-adjutors, rendered Tasmania famed as one of the richest and most remarkable phycolagii stations of the globe. Since Flinder's voyage in the beginning of this century, hardly any new searches after marine plants have been instituted at Kent's Group, yet Turner obtained, for his large work, from there some ot his rarest treasures. Under any circumstances, we have still much to learn in reference to the range of the species over the main island and all the islets which stand under Tasmanian dominion. To Wilson's Promontory, Queenscliff, or Cape Otway, on the extremes of the Victorian coast, numerous plants extend, of the existence of which on the islands of Bass's' Straits we are as yet not aware, however likely such may be. We may be thus reminded of the probability that such plants as Cakile maritima, Erodium cygnorum, Drosera, Whitakiri, Viminaria denudata. Acacia oxycedrus, Myriophyllum, Muelleri, Leptospermum myrsinoides, Eclipta platyglossa, Lobelia platycalyx, Banksia integrifolia, Hakea nodosa, Triglochin muconata, Lemna oligorrhiza, Aspidium decom- positum, Blechnum cartilagineum, &c., would likely not in in vain be searched for on the Straits' islands, not to mention many other species. Enough has been explained to demon- strate the desirability of carrying phytological investigations into many new directions within Tasmanian territory ; and that this end may early be attained is all the more to be desired, while yet the volumes of the universal work on Aus- tralian plants are under elaboration. The writer of this brief record, should life and health be spared him, will always experience delight in the elucidation of plants from any of the localities indicated, or of places otherwise remarkable ; and this would afford him also the privilege of continuing this series of essays for the meetings and literary notices of the Tasmanian Eoyal Society, Melbourne Botanical Garden, New Year's Eve, 1869.
CaltJia introlola, F. M. in transact, Phil. See. Vict. i. 98. On alpine brooks of Mount Field East, at an elevation of 4000'.
Lepidiumfoliosumj desv. Journ. Bot. iii. 164. King's Island.
13
*Fimaria officinalis^ L. sp. 984. King's Island, immigrated but now naturalized.
*Papaver aculeaticm, Thunb. Fl. cap, 431. King's Island.
Drosera Arcturi, Hook. Journ. of Bot. i. 247. In Alpine morasses of Mt. Field East, at 3-4000' elevation.
* Elceocarpiis cyaneus, Ait. Epit. bort. Kew. add. 367. In various parts of King's Island; M'Gowan.
Lasiopetalum dasypliyllum, Sieb. according to Hook. Journ. ii. 404. Scbouten Island ; Dr. Story.
Acaena onontana, T. Hook, in Lond. Journ. of Bot. vi. 276. On alpine springs at Mt. Field East, 3-4O0G'.
Biihus Gunnii, Hook. icon, plant, t. 291. Descends on Mt. Wellington and Mt. Field East to 2000.'
Bauera ruhifolia, Salisb. in Keen, and Sims's Annal. of Bot. i. 514 t. 10. In a depressed small-leaved state, ascending tbe summits of Mt. Field East and Mt. Wellington, therefore undoubtedly hardy in Middle Europe.
JDonatia Novce Zelandice, J. Hook. Flor. Nov. Zel. i. 81, t. 20. On moist alpine meadows bordering Lake Fenton, at about 3C0O' elevation. The remarkably rigid white flowers scattered lite pearls over the shining green cushions of the foliage, impart to this plant a singular beauty.
Flatyloliiimformosum, Sm. in Transact. Linn. Soc. ii. 350. At Swanport ; G. Story.
Pultenoea pedunculata^ Hook. Bot. Mag. t. 2859. Kelvedon ; a. Story.
Melaleuca squamea, La Bill. Nov. HoU. plant, spec. ii. 28, t. 68. On the summit of Mt. Field East, bearing flowers and perfect fruit, although only a few inches high.
Eucalyptus urnigera, J. Hook, in Lond. Journ. of Bot. vi. 477. In the alpine regions of Mt. Field East, together with E. coccifera and E. Gunnii.
^Fseudanthus ovalifoUus, F. M. in Transact. Phil. Inst. Vict. ii. 66. Gathered in Flinder's Island nearly a quarter of a century ago, by Dr. Jos. Milligan.
Hicinocarpus joinifolius, Desf. in mem. du mus. iii. t. xxii. Schouten Island ; Dr. G. Story.
StachJiousia spatulata, Sieb. in Spreng. syst. cur. post. 124. King's Island.
Spyridiicm serpillaceum, F. M. Fragm. Phyt. Austr. iii. 80. At Swansea ; Story.
Spyridium ulicinumf Benth. flor. Austr. i. 434. The variety with bifid leaves on the Derwent at Fenton's Forest. Fruits separated by the bracts and often solitary. Carpels 1 line long, ovate, without a spacious aperture.
Actinotus hellidioides, Benth. Flor. Austr. iii. 369. On moist alpine meadows at Lake Fenton, 3000.'
14
Hnanara cordifolia, J, Hook, and Benth. gen. plant, i. 877 ; Diplaspis cordifolia, J. Hook. Fl. Tasm. i. 157. On springs in the highest regions of Mt. Field East.
GaJiinn albescens, J. Hook, in Lond. journ. of Bot xvii. 462. Swan port ; Dr. Story.
Ahrotanella forsieroidcs, J. Hook. Handb. New Zeal. Flor. 139. On Mount Field at an elevation, from 3500' to 5000', accompanied there by Pterygapappus Lawrencii. The dense cushion-like patches of these two plants impress quite a peculiar feature on the alpine vegetation of Tasmania, when contrasted with that of the Australian Alps, although this cushion-like vegetation of Composites is still more extensively developed among the alpine plants of New Zealand. The patches of Ptorygapappus are less vividly green and shining than those of Abrotanella, and more velvety in aspect. The former I did not observe on Mt. Wellington. Both deserve to be transferred to Musea, and it might be even tried to bring large aged masses to the Sphagnum-moors of Britain. Out of these patches sprout species of Restio, Danthonia, Sprengelia, Styphelia, and other plants in a diminutive state. Pterygopappus forms either cushions by itself or is nesting in those of Abrotanella. The peduncles of the former are not rarely as much as one inch long.
Coticla JiUcida, J. Hook, in Benth. Fl. Austr. iii. 551. Mt. Field East, 3-4000'.
Cotula alpina, J. Hook. Fl. Tasm. i. 192, t. 51 A. Mt. Field East, 4-5000'.
Aster ledifoliiis, A. Cunn. in Cand. prodr. v. 269. Mt. Field East.
Aster pinifolius, F. M. fragm. v. 71. Mt. Field East.
Aster persoonoideSf A. Cunn. in Cand. prodr. v. 268. Mt. Field East.
Aster ohcordatus, F. M. fragm. v. 69. In the alpine and sub-alpine regions of Mt. Field East.
Crospedia Bicliea, Cass. diet, soreni. nat. xi. 353, var. leucocephala. Mt. Field East.
JELelichrysum scorpioides, Lab. Nov. Holl. plant, spec. ii. 45, t. 191 ; var. pygmaea. Stems when flowering only 2-3 inches high. Alpine summit of Mount Wellington ; Abbott and Mueller.
Reliclirysum pumilum, J. Hook. Flor. Tasm. i. 213, t. 60. Mt. Sorell ; Dr. Milligan.
RelicJirysiun Backliousii, F. M. in Benth. Flor. Aust. iii. 632. Mt. Sorell and Black Bluff Mountain ; Dr. Milligan. Mt. Field East.
Helichri/sum Gunnii, F. M. in Benth. Flor. Austr. iii. 630. Flinder's Island j Milligan.
15
SelicJmjsum mitennariim, F.M. in Benth. Flor. Austr. iii., 632. At an elevation of 2-3000' on Mt. Field East.
Relichrysum haccharoides, in Benth. Flor. Austr. iii. 633, Mt. Field East in alpine regions.
Selichnjsum rosmarinifolium, Less, in Stend. nom. ed. i., 1821 ; var. erubescens on Mt. Field East. This shrub is of balsamic fragrance.
Helichrysum li/copodioides, Benth. Flor. Anstr. iii., 634. On this rare plant Dr. Story offers the following observations : — " I have discovered this on another locality, the summit of the rocky hills above Kelvedon, not growing by itself, as I always found it previously, but amongst other plants, much shaded by them ; and hence instead of being a straight stiff plant from 4 to 5 feet, it has grown slender, lax, and crooked, with long naked stems, but is easily recognised by its peculiar flowers. When in perfection it chose a bare spot with but little soil, which forms a shallow basin on the rock holding some water."
GnajyJialium indutum, J. Hook, in Lond. jour, of Bot, t. 121. King's Island.
GnapJialium Jajponiciim, Thunb. Fl. Japon. 311, var. monocephala. A dwarf variety less than one inch high, forming dense tufts on the flat, cold summits of Mt. Field East ; its leaves are very small, lanceolate or oval, densely grey — downy on both sides. The precise position of Gr. Travirsi to this variety merits further enquiry, especially as on the Snowy River in the Australian Alps scapelus forms of G. Travirsi occur, scarcely distinguishable from this one-headed variety of G. Japonicum.
Antennaria nuhigena, F. M. in transact, Phil. Soc. Yict. i. 45, var. Meredithse. On the highest alpine meadows of Mt. Field East in springy localities. This new form, to which possibly specific value could be attributed, differs from the ordinary plant in a less dense finally somewhat flavescent in- dument which in age almost disappears ; moreover its stems are often elongated into somewhat distantly foliate or bracteate peduncles, which attain a length of 1^ inches; the radiating scales are longer ; the female flowers are far less slender, also less numerous and more persistent ; the bristles of the pappus are more rigid and in their length more barbellate, while the achenes are almost silky. These characteristics, whether specific or indicating a singular variety, are sufficiently marked to entitle this plant to a special record, and I avail myself of this opportunity of attaching to this everlasting the name of a lady, who by her artistic skill, her fondness for flowers, and her literary accomplishments, has much contributed to raise a taste for the local study of the lovely Tasmaniau vegetation.
16
To this species approach in many respects Helichrysium Younfijii as well as Kaoulia suhsericea from the South Alps of New Zealand.
Senrcio ccnlropappus, F. M. ratal. Melb. Bot. Gard. 1858, pag. 26. Descends at least to 2000 feet on Mt. Wellington, which as yet remains the only known locality of this singular plant. It attains a height of at least 20 feet.
Senccio pectinatus, Cand. prodr. vi. 372 ; var. ochroleuca. This variety is frequent on the alpine plateau of Mt. Wel- lington, but I did not observe it on Mt. Field East. It pro- duces short-toothed leaves, single flower heads and ligules almost white. Although S. pectinatus is widely spread over the Australian Alps, I never noticed it with cream-colored rays. S. leptocarpus, a variety of this plant, occurs on Mt. Field East.
^Lohelia pratioides, Benth. Flor. Austr. iv. 131. South Esk.
Gooclenia humilis, Br. pr. 575. A one-flowered variety, only about one inch high, was discovered many years ago by Dr. MiUigan at Macquarie Harbour.
ScaevoJa Hookeri, F. M. first gen. rep. xv. On springs and in crevices of rocks. On the alpine parts of Mt. Field East.
* LeeuwenJioehia duhia, Sond. in Lehm. pi. Preiss. i. 392. A solitary specimen of this minute plant adhered to a specimen of Helichrysum bractatum, var. albiflora, from Strzelecki's Peak, Flinder's Island, in Dr. Milligan's collections. The plant abounds in some parts of Australia Felix.
*StypheUa lanceolata, Sm. Bot. New HoU. xlix. Port Dal- rymple ; E.. Brown according to Bentham.
StyplieJia deaJhata, Br. pr. in nota 536. Depressed into densely intricate very dwarf masses, like those of Decaspora pumila on the higher parts of Mt. Field East, sometimes growing out of cushions of Pterygopappus.
Styphelia Roolceri, F. M., fragm. vi. 44. Mt. Field East, 3^000'.
Styplielia pinifolia, Br. pr. in nota 536. Schouten Island ; G. Story.
Styplielia straminea, Br. pr. in nota 536. In the higher regions of Mt. Wellington and Mt. Field East. Flowers as indicated by the specific name, greenish yellow, not white.
* Styplielia scopat^ia, Sm. Bot. New Holl. 48. Bav of Fires ; Walt. Bissell.
^Styplielia elliptica, Sm. Bot. New Holl. 49. Swanport ; Story.
Trochocarpa thymifoUa, Spreng. syst. veg. i. 650. Mt. Field East.
*Bracliyloma depressvm, Benth. Flor. Austr. iv. 173. Biche- no ; G. Story.
17
JEpacris acuminata^ Benth. Flor. Austr. iv. 240. New Nor- folk ; Mt. Wellington; N. W. Bay; Gunn and J. Hooker.
Ricliea sjjrenr/eloides, F. M. Fragm. vi. 68. Mt. Field East, 3-4000'. Seldom above 3' high. Corolla yellowish-white.
Ricliea acerosa, F. M. Fragm. vi. 69. Mt. Field East, 3-4000', on Alpine flats. A shrub l|-3' high. Corolla nearly white.
Richea scoparia, J. Hook, in Lond. Journ. of Bot. vi. 273. Mt. Field East.
Ricliea Gtmnii, J. Hook, in Lond. Journ. vi. 273. Mt. Field East.
Ricliea dracoph/IIa, Br. prodr. 555. Lake Fenton.
Ricliea iDandamfolia, J. Hook. Fl. antarct. i., 50. Under the shelter of the highest alpine ridges of Mt. Field East, at 4,800' and descending to 4000' on the slopes towards Lake Fenton. This magnificent plant is said to occur also on the back parts of Mt. Wellington, but possibly Dracophyllum Milligani, which attains on Mt. La Perouse a height of 40', may have been confused with this Eichea, both being so similar in habit. I noticed on Mt. Field stems clothed to the length of 12 feet, with the very aged leaves and panicles, which thus are shown to be sometimes persistent for many years. The auxiliary inflorescence is remarkable. The flowers occur as often brilliantly red as white, and in all intermediate shades. Mess. Eayner contend that they had seen this Eichea attaining a height of about 70 feet in the rich alpine valleys of the Grordon Eiver.
Fernettya Tasmanica, J. Hook, in Lond. Journ. of Bot. vi., 268. At Mount Field East, from 3000' to 4000' elevation.
Solatium vescum, F. M. in Transact. Vict. Inst. 1855, 69. King's Island ; also towards the Eussell's Falls. Probably hybrids between this species and S. avidilare may occur. It produces occasionally white flowers.
Ourisia integrifolia, Br. pr., 439. On the highest alpine brooks of Mt. Field East sparingly, but on the summit of Mt. Wellington frequently occurring. The habitual aspect of this neat plant is almost that of a G-eutian. It attains a height of fully six inches, with occasionally three pairs or whorls of cauline leaves. Corolla pure white.
Gratiola nana, Benth. in Cand. prodr. x., 404. Mt. Field East.
* Veronica notahilis, F. M. First Gen. Eeport, 1853, 17. St. Patrick's Eiver ; E. Gunn.
* Veronica plelej a, Br. pr. 435. At Swanport ; G. Story. Veronica nivea, Lindl. Bot. Eeg. 1842, misc. 42. Mt. Field
East. Mitrasacme montana, J. Hook. Fl. Tasm. i., 274 t. 88 c. On
18
Lake Fenton. The inequality of the sepals, faithfully repre- sented by Fitch's drawing, is often particularly conspicuous in the fruit-bearing calyx. The ri])e seeds of this and the following species need still comparison.
Mitrasacme Archeri, J. Hook. Fl. Tasm. ii. 368. In the most elevated valleys of Mt. Field East and also on Lake Fenton. The leaves are singularly shining and rigid, along the edge remarkably transparent, and not so distinctly narrowed into the petiole as those of the M. montana.
* Litliosperimim arvense, L. sp. pi. 190. Naturalised in King's Island.
* Mijopontm parvifolmm, Br. pr. 516. In marshes at Long Point, Flinder's Island ; Dr. Milligan. To this plant belongs probably M. Tasmanicum j. J. Hook. Fl. Tasm. i. 287.
Myojwriini insidare, Br. pr. 516. To this the ordinary forms of M. Tasmanicum are referable.
Cheno])odiuvi gJaucum, L. sp. pi. 320. To this belongs pro- bably C. furfuraceum, Mog. in Cand. prodr. xiii. ii., 64, re- corded as a Tasmanian plant from D'Entrecasteaux's Straits.
Australina imsilla, Gaudich. voy. Uranie 305. Macquarie Harbour ; Dr. Milligan.
Leptomeria glomerata, F. M. in Jos. Hook. Flor. Tasm. ii. 370. Macquarie Harbour ; Dr. Milligan.
*Pimelia axiflora, F. M. in Linnaea xxvi. 345. King's Island.
* Pimelea stricta, Meissn. in Linnaea, xxvi. 348. Swan- port ; Dr. Story.
Fimelea serpillifolia, Br. pr. 360; Flinder's Island; Dr. Milligan. King's Island.
Pimelea sericea, Br. jDr. 361. Frequent on Mt. Wellington, but not noticed on Mt. Field East.
Orites aciciilaris, Br. suppl. 32. Abundant on Mt. Field East from 3-4000'. The foliage of a remarkable yello\sish green. Sepals white, with reddish tinge outside.
Orites diversifolia, Br. pr. 388 ; Mt. Field East, 2-4000'. The leaves some times toothed from the base.
Hahea lissosperma, Br. pr. 382. In the fern tree regions of Mt. Field East.
BeUendena onontana, Br. pr. 374, In the alpine regions of Mt. Field East, descending to 2500'. Flowers almost white, tinged at the upper extremities with red. The pedicels some- times dark-red. Some of the leaves may occur perfectly entire.
Fagus Cunninghamii, Hook, journ. 1840, p. 152, t. 7 ; var. alpina. Depressed by exposure and cold to a small shrub, as well on Mt. Wellington as on Mt. Field East. Leaves only 3-4 lines long.
Athrotaxis cupressoides, Don. in Transact. Linn. Sot. xviii. 172 t. 13. On Lake Fenton at 5000' elevation.
19
Athrotaxis laxifolia ; Hook, icon-plant, t. 573. Among boulders on the descent from Mt. Field East to Lake Fenton. Nearer the following than the preceding species.
Athrotaxis selaginoides ; Don. L. P. 172, t. 14. At Mt. Field East, from 3000' to 4000'.
Podocarpus alpina, E. Br. in Mirb. mem. du mus. xiii., 75. Creeping over boulders on the summit of Mt. Field East.
Microcachrys tetragona, J. Hook, in Lond. Journ. Highest alpine valleys of Mt. Field East. The whole fruit becomes in maturity beautifully crimson.
Plierosphaera Hooheriana (W. Archer in Hook. Lond. Journ. of Botany ii. 52 in part. ; J. Hook. 'Fl. Tasm. i. 355, t. I C). On the highest springs of Mt. Field East. An erect shrub, 2-4' high. Mr. W. Archer, F.L.S., of Cheshunt, who many years ago defined the genus Pherosphaera and more recently aided Dr. Hooker in the elucidation of the Alpine Coniferse of Tasmania, has shown me the kindness, while on a visit to Melbourne, to examine this plant with me. We established from remnants of the male amenta the identity of one of the dwarf, but erect, Coniferse of Mt. Field with his Pherosphaera, fruit not being found, although I searched long for it. It is however not improbable, that Diselma exists also there, and it seems even contained in my collection, as it is not easy to distinguish these bushes, except when in flower or fruit. That Pherosphaera much differs in habit from Microcachrys, is now for the first time rendered known. The absence of the genera Microcachrys, Diselma, Pherosphaera, and Athrotaxis in the Australian and New Zealand Alps, and indeed, in any other part of the globe, remains a remarkable phytographic fact.
* Potamogeton Qnarinus L. Sp. 184. In marshes between Bridgewater and New Norfolk ; F. Abbott.
Hewardia Tasmanica, Hook. ic. pi., t. 858. Lake Fenton.
JJncinia compacta, Br. pr. 241. On alpine brooks at Mt. Field East.
Oreololus Pumilio, E. Br. pr. 236. Alpine regions of Mt. Field East.
Herpolirion Novae Zelandiw, J. Hook, Fl. N. Zeal. i. 258 ; H. Tasmanise, J. Hook, Fl. Tasm. ii. 54, tab. cxxxii. B. Found very many years ago by Mn Milligan on the summits of the Hampshire Hills.
Lycopodiuin Selago, L. sp., pL, 1565. Mt. Field East.
Isoetes Gunnii, Al Braun in denMonat's berichten der Keen, Akad., der "Wissensch. zu Berlin, 13 Aug., 1868. On the shallow marginal bottom of Lake Fenton I observed tufts fully half a foot in diameter. The leaves are so rigid, that my companions bestowed jocularly the name " Water Porcu- i)ine" on this plant.
20
The Tasmaniau species of Isoetes became very recently the subject of Prof. Braun's masterly researches. From the important memoir above quoted I have translated the cardinal characters of the dia<j^noses, which I here the more readily subjoin, as the essay will not be easily accessible to Australian observers. The repetition of some of the characteristic notes was deemed necessary to contrast the four Tasmanian species with three or four from continental Australia, and with several other, to us, exotic species, those of Tasmania being all endemic. It is, however, possible that some of them may yet be discovered in the Australian Alps, or in the rivers of the lowlands of Victoria.
Isoetes Gicnii, Al. Br. L. C, and Monats Berrichton, 22 July, 1869. Lacustrial ; rhizome three-lobed ; leaves short, very stout, rigid; cuticle olive- brown, thick; sheath brown; stomata absent ; vellum, none or rudimentary ; sporangium small, upwards flat, acute at the margin, with copious sclerenchymatic cellules, macrospores very large, beset with numerous minute tubercules, microspores indistinctly tuberculate. In alpine lakes.
*Isoetes elatior, F. M. in Linnea 1852, 722 ; Al. Br. L. P. 536.
Fluvial ; rhizome 3-lobed ; leaves very long, flaccid, green ; sheath pale ; stomata absent ; velum none or rudimentary ; sporangium pitch-coloured, upwards flat, at the margins acute with copious sclerenchymatic cellules; macrospores moderately large, pale, beset with numerous minute tubercules ; micros- pores distinctly tuberculate. South Esk.
* Isoetes Immiliar, F. M., L. P, 722 ; I. Hookeri, Al. Br. L. P. 538.
Fluvial, rhizome, bilobed ; leaves hard ; cuticle thick, turn- ing brown ; sheat brown, short ; stomata absent ; vellum complete ; closed, brown ; sporangium without sclerenchymatic cellules ; macrospores rather large, pale, beset with numerous minute tubercules ; microspores intensely brown, short tuber- culate, South Esk.
Isoetes Stuartii. Al Braun, L. P., 539.
Fluvial ; rhizome two-lobed ; leaves rather slender and soft, green ; cuticle thin ; sheath pale ; stomata absent ; vellum com- plete, closed, pale ; sporangium mottled with brown and pale thickened sclerenchmatic cellules ; macrospores rather large, pale, beset with numerous minute tubercules. South Esk.
An excellent series of specimens of Isoetes, very obligingly secured by the Honourable W. Archer, from the waters of the Western Mountains, are since some time in the hands of Monsieur Durien de Maisonneuve, for elucidation in his illus- trated monography of the genus.
21
SOME ADDITITIONAL OBSERVATIONS ON MOEE
EECENT CHANGES WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE
IN THE STAR r, ARGUS AND ITS SURROUNDING
NEBULA.
By F. Abbott, F.R.A.S., F.R.M.S., Read 12th April, 1870.
I would remind the members present, that many of the notes in this short paper are intended to answer questions that have arisen in various discussions which have taken place on the preceding one on the same subject read in 1868.
These notes have been, for the most part, suggested by some critical remarks, made on the subject by Sir John Herschel, to which I shall presently refer.
In continuation of the observations detailed in the commu- cations referred to, I now bring under the notice of the Society a third paper, with accompanying drawings, relative to this singular object which has of late caused long and animated discussion in the astronomical world.
When I first bi ought the subject under the notice of the Society (see Papers and Proceedings for June, 1863), I was fully aware that the varied changes there recorded as having taken place in the object, and particularly the fluctation of the Nebula, would cause great excitement ; but did not expect it would meet with the severe critical test to which it has been subjected by Sir John Herschel, who, commenting on the drawing at a meeting of the R.A.S., remarks that " The question is not one of minute variations of subordinate features which may, or may not be attributable to diiferences of optical power in the instruments used by different oV)servers, as in the case of the Orion Nebula — but of a total change of form and character-— a complete subversion of all the greatest and most striking features, accompanied with an amount of relative movement between the star and the Nebula, and of the brighter portions of the latter i^ifer se, which remind us more of the capricious changes of form and place in a cloud drifted by the wind. The great increase of light that has taken place in the brightness of the Nebula is very remarkable ; it could not be seen at all by the naked eye, when I was at the Cape, but the changes which have taken place in the figure of the Nebula are still more startling. Mr. Abbott supplies two pictures, one representing the appearance of the Nebula as seen
22
in 1803, the other drawn in February 1868. Neither of these pictures resembles my drawing of 1834-8 in the slightest degree, nor do the two pictures in any way resemble each other, and Mr. Abbott remarks that a series of drawings taken at comparatively short intervals of time would afford even stronger evidence of the mutability; this is very strange, no phenomenon in nebulous or sidereal astronomy as yet ever turned up like this, and it must be settled."
Sir J. Herschel clearly supposes by these remarks, that my drawings are meant to indicate the true arrangement of the stars. He has been at great pains to try all possible means of reconciling his own splendid drawing of the Nebula with mine, so far as the distribution of the stars is concerned, but without being able to find a situation of the tracing paper, in which any tolerable coincidence of the stars in the two drawings could be noticed.
Lieutenant Herschel, Sir John's son, was sent out to India at the head of a party of scientific men to observe the great eclipse of August 18th, and was fully commissioned to settle in some way the nature of the capricious changes recorded of this object; how he succeeded can be seen by a comparison of his drawings with my own, and that of the Cape Monograph, now lying on the table. On the receipt of these drawings Admiral Manners, President of the Royal Astronomical Society, thought that Lieut. Herschel had not sufficient instrumental means at his disposal to settle the question.
The first object to be examined with the large Melbourne reflector was the Nebula in Argus, in reference to which Gen. Sabine, in his recent address to the Royal Society, regrets the temporary failure of that telescope from some cause or other not clearly known, but reminds the Society that it has been able to show some of the changes recorded in the Nebula of Argus.
These preliminary remarks will tend to show the present meeting a part of the interest excited by my last remittance to the Royal Astronomical Society on the subject, and I think the present paper and drawing will tend to set all doubts as to the fluctuations that have already taken place at rest.
The severe critical remarks of Sir John Herschel on the drawing and notes of 1868 were made with a view of dis- proving that which I never intended to prove, viz., a correct measurement of the distance applied to all the stars in the field of the telescope ; this in all probability arose from my not having expressed myself with sufficient clearness in my remarks on the drawing which acconipanied the observations. In this way the road to truth often runs through the midst of error, but that does not in any way alter the fact that changes have been, and still are taking place in the object— such
23
changes being principally confined to a space near to t? and the so-called lemniscate*
As some objections have been raised on the ground that larger optical means than those employed by me are required for recording truthfully the changes which occur in this object, it may be well, perhaps, to state that the 5ft. equatorial pre- viously mentioned, although the best for the purpose, is not the only instrument at my command ; other telescopes have been used in the open air, from a 3J inch Cook and Son's, to a 7ft. Dollond — with, for the whole, a complete battery of Micro- meters, and eye-pieces giving magnifying powers of from 25 to 450. This statement may go towards proving that with due care such observations can be correctly made without very large instruments.
In Mr. Proctor's article on the Nebula in Argo, {Frazers Magazine for December, 1868,) it is stated not to be quite clear that the stars which appear in my drawing of 1868 have been really copied from the view given by the telescope, &c. In reply to this I beg to state that all the drawings, the present, as well as the former ones, were carefully copied from the object,as described in the Astronomical JRegistei^ for January, 1869. There is little doubt but that Mr. Proctor's views on this subject would be much enlarged if he had the opportunity of seeing the star and its Nebula as they appear in the tele- scope, when above the Pole, at Hobart Town.
Having now seen the object with the large Melbourne re- flector, and compared the effect with that produced by my own instruments during the last two years, I feel greater assurance in communicating the result of observations on the changes which have taken place since 1868.
On comparing the present with the former drawing, it will clearly appear that alterations ha.ve taken place, both in the magnitude of the star 7;, and in the dispersion of the Nebula, and from what follows it will be seen that the remarks made by Professor Loomis and others on the period of this star are premature. At the time of my visit to Melbourne (21st June last), Mr. Ellery considered the star -n to be of the 7th mag- nitude, and Mr. Le Suer thought it to be Q\. On returning to Hobart Town, and resuming the observations on this in- teresting object, I found by comparison with other stars, given in the drawing and recorded in the Cape Catalogue as of the
* I scarcely think this term a good one, Lemniscate, or Lemniscus — a curve formed as the figure 8, or a bow tied of a riband (Barlow and B. H. Smart). Such a curve is closed in the centre, which is not the case in the Cape drawing, the space being there shown as a long enclosure, slightly- compressed in the centre. It was in this compressed part of the dark space that the star s- appeared when out of the dense Nebula in 1863.
24
7tli magnitncle, that -q Argns cannot now be more than a 7th magnitude star. In the catalogue there are two stars of the 6th and nine of the 7th magnitude, the remainder being all of low magnitude. In the drawing the two 6th magnitude stars are out of the field, and the nine of the 7th magnitude in the field, are by careful comparison exactly the same mag- nitude as V, which is left among tbem not marked. The magnitudes of these stars are given by Sir J. Herschel, and may be considered correct.
Measures of these stars have recently been recorded ashaving been made by small transit means ; but from my own experience in such observations, I believe it all but impossible to measure correctly such a cluster of small zenith stars by these means. Two years ago I disxuounted a 24 inch transit by Varley in order to re-place it with a 3 > inch by Dallmayer, made with a deep diagonal eye-piece for the purpose of reaching small zenith stars up to the 7th mag., as agreed upon for correcting any error in longitude between Hobart Town and Melbourne. Mr. Ellery selected 49 such stars, which were to be used at both places, reversing the instiuments for each observation so as to eliminate any errors. With these means, and for this pur- pose, I find it difficult, and only under very favourable cir- cumstances possible, to reach zenith stars of the 7th mag. My reason for not attempting measures with the equatorial is in consequence of a long experienced difficulty arising from the want of clock movement, which I consider indispensable for the accurate measurement of distances. I have therefore preferred an eye and hand drawing when the object has been inaconvenient position — approximately 75° from the meridian towards the East, and 35° from the zenith.
A very singular circumstance in connection with the extra- ordinary object under consideration is, that although it has within the last few years undergone such rapid changes, causing great excitement amongst astronomers in Europe, and laying a foundation for new theories— yet, apart from the Melbourne Observatory, scarcely any one in the Australian colonies appears to know it, notwithstanding that on every fine night through the year it is to be seen above the horizon at Hobart Town, and particularly well situated for examination, when near the meridian. The only person who occasionally studied this object with myself was a member of this Society — the late Joseph Facy — who on suitable occasions would devote a few hours to an inspection through the telescope of some of the principal objects in the great Creator's workshop. He would, in his pious zeal, apart from theological theories, frequently comment upon the mode of manipulating, mechanical, geometrical, and
W YORK.
3C
to X5
|
^ |
2 |
|
r) |
V |
|
2 |
|
|
UJ |
< |
|
z |
G. |
|
a |
|
|
ei |
c |
|
z |
o |
|
~ |
'O |
|
■z. |
<: |
|
o or |
•X |
|
a: |
'~ |
|
r? |
|
|
CTj |
o |
|
LiJ |
ir |
|
X |
o |
00
00
lO
■^ o o 00
/ ^
|
tn |
||
|
cc |
||
|
«< |
||
|
1— |
||
|
CO |
||
|
Ci? |
||
|
tt^ |
z |
|
|
-1 |
>- |
|
|
|
-c |
|
|
uJ |
CD |
|
|
CD |
o o o |
^ |
|
Q |
< |
IxJ |
|
ID |
ixJ |
s »- |
|
O' |
H- |
|
|
cc |
1- |
|
|
oc |
U- |
z |
|
3 |
O |
UJ to |
|
CO UJ |
o |
UJ cr |
|
31 |
I;:: |
|
|
1— |
(/) |
UJ |
|
C |
X |
|
|
O |
Q- |
l~ |
|
>- |
Q |
o |
|
h- |
z: |
\- |
|
Ij |
< |
Cl |
|
m |
UJ |
:3 |
|
< |
c |
|
|
5 |
o |
|
|
< |
h- |
|
|
> |
z: < |
o
OO,
27 ROYAL SOCIETY.
JUNE, 1870.
The monthly evening meetin<? of the Society was held on Tuesday, Hth June, James Barnard, Esq., in the chair.
The following gentlemen, who had previously been put in nomination by the Council, were, after a ballot, declared duly elected as Fellows of the Society :— F. Aubin, Esq., Spring Bay ; C. J. Willes, Esq., Oatlands ; R. McI. Isaacs, Esq., Hobart Town ; R. C. Read, Esq., Redlands, New Norfolk.
The Secretary, Dr. Agnew, submitted the following returns for the month of May; viz.: —
1. Visitors to Museum, 514.
2. Ditto to Gardens, 1969.
3. Plants received at Gardens.
4. Leafing, flowering, and fruiting of a few standard plants in Society's
Gardens.
5. Books and Periodicals received.
6. Presentations to Museum. Meteorological Rctmiis.
1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., Table and Summary for May.
2. Port Arthur, from J. Boyd, Esq., ditto for April and May.
3. Swansea, from Dr. Story, ditto for February, March, and April.
4. Queensland, from the Government Observer, tables for August, Sep-
tember, and October, 1869 ; January, February, March, 1870 ; and table shewing rain-fall at various stations during February.
5. New Zealand, from the Government, tables for February.
6. Melbourne, from R. L. J. Ellery, Esq., table for April. Accompanying the returns from Swansea were some remarks by Dr.
Story, from which the following extract was read : —
" We have now (19th April) had nearly six inches of rain since the be- ginning of the month, more than has fallen in so short a time for many years ; it will no doubt act beneficially upon all vegetation. I have always observed that after a drought the rain first began in New South Wales, and when we heard of it falling there we shortly had it on the East Coast ; but this time it has been longer in reaching us than I ever before knew. Now we have had as much rain as will moisten the deepest roots."
The presentations to the Museum and Library were as follows : —
1. From G. Dinham, Esq. — A copy of "The whole workes of W.
Tyndall, John Frith, and Dr. Barnes, three worthy martyrs and principal teachers of this Churche of England, collected and com- piled in one tome together, being before scattered, and now in print here exhibited to the Church. To the prayse of God, and profit of all good Christian Readers. At London. Printed by John Daye, and are to be sold at his shoo under Aldersgate, An. 1573."
2. From H. Cook, Esq.—" A brief and accurate treatise concerning
the taking of the fume of tobacco." By Tobias Venner, Doctor of Physic, 1621.
3. From T. Giblin, Esq. — A list of subscribers (with signatures), to
a testimonial for presentation to Mr. Taylor, of Macquarie River, for his spirited and manly conduct in resisting an attack upon his house by escaped convicts from Macquarie Harbour. Dated 20th July, 1824. [Of the forty-six persons whose names appear in this interesting document, only four are now living ]
4. From Mr. Cearna. — Large Bpecimens of Oysters from North-
West Bay.
28
5. From Mr. R. A. Jeffrey, Campbell-street.— Two large Mussels,
from near New Wliarf.
6. From Mr. K. Giblin. — A fish said to have been taken in Mr.
"Walker's mill-nice.
7. From J. Butlor, Esq., Dimodin, per J. W. Graves, Esq. — A thigh
bone of the Moa {Diiioniis up.)
8. From Rev. II. D. Atkinson.— Specimen of Ibacus, from Three Hut
Foint.
9. From the Hon. J. Maclanachan, Esq. — A Carolina Drake, and a
Peacock. 10. From Captain Serckoff, H.I.M.'s corvette " Boj^arin." — A collection
of Russian coins, viz : — Gold — 5 roubles (half imperial), Russian.
Silver — 20 kopeks, Russian ; 15 ditto ; 10 ditto ; 5 ditto ; 25 penny,
Finnish. Copper — 5 kopecks, Russian, old mint ; 3 ditto ; 2 ditto ;
1 ditto; 5 ditto, new mint; 3 ditto; 2 ditto; 10 ditto, penny,
Finnish ; 1 ditto. In reference to presentation No. 5, Mr. M. Allport remarked that these enormous mussels (which measure eight inches in length, and the same in girth are of a different species to the small common kind. They are re- markable for having a disk-like termination to the fibres of the byssus, several of which fibres are seen to be attached to the external surface of the shell. This species is found in mud in deep water, and specimens have been obtained from Southport and Spring Bay, as well as in the harbour. Dr. Agnew then referred to the subject of the red spider of the hop, •which he had brought under the notice of the Fellows at the last monthly meeting. As he then feared, he had not been able to procure from Sir R. Officer any better specimens of the insect, owing no doubt to the lateness of the season. On microscopic examination, however, of those sent they were found to be identical with the Acanis tclarius, as figured in Mcin- tosh's Book of the Garden, vol. 2, p. 77 ; although a later authority gave it the name of Gamasus tclarius — an allied genus of the same great class, Arachnida. It is oviparous, and many broods are hatched during the season. The ova are probably for the most part deposited on the under surface of the leaves, whence the young when hatched can extract nourish- ment, but it is possible some may also be deposited in the bark of the hop poles, or even in the ground (as suggested by Mr. M. Allport), where the animals themselves are found in great numbers. The presence cf the pest is attempted to be accounted for in two ways. Some think the hop itself from exposure to high winds, from scant supply of water or manure, or from other causes, first becomes sickly, and thus favours or provokes the development of the spider. Others think the fault is not in the plant in the first instance, but that under some peculiar and unknown influence, whether atmospheric or telluric, or by consent of both, vast developments of animal life take place at certain periods in a manner not yet accounted for. We have all seen plagues of green beetles, aphides, and caterpillars, and again we read of locusts, grasshoppers, etc., appearing in one year in over- whelming numbers, and in the next being almost altogether absent ; and as these visitations take place without any apparent disease having previously existed in the plants destroyed by them, the inference was in favour of the latter view, viz., the primary development of animal life, and with this he (the speaker) was inclined to agree. In either case the efi'ect would be the same ; the weak and sickly plants would first yield to the attack of the enemy, whilst the strong and healthy would make a struggle, in many cases a victorious one, for existence. By the assistance of Mr. Roblin he had mounted specimens of the acari from the hop, from some hot house plants, and from the apple tree. For the last, which was accompanied with several ova, he was indebted to Mr. Stephens, who had paid a good deal of attention to the subject. These were placed under the
29
three microscopes now before the meeting;, and the Fellows could examine them for themselves. All were evidently of the same genus, which also embraced the parasite of the itch in man, and of the scab in sheep, etc. As to remedial measures, he could scarce offer any suggestions. As a matter of course, seeing that the healthy plant alone had a chance of resisting the destroyer, every suitable hygienic measure should in all cases be adopted. Due shelter from winds should be afiforded. If the ground ■was found to be exhausted of any necessary chemical element, this should be restored, and proper quantities of manure and water furnished. From the numbers of the animals he had seen in the bark it was evident the poles should be carefully deprived of their bark, and it would probably be advisable to soak them in tar before setting them up. This could be done very cheaply, by means of rude wooden troughs of the same length as the poles, as coal tar could be procured at a nominal price from the gas works. The poles would thus be no longer a nidus for the parasite. As to any application to the plant itself, it was difficult to imagine how it could be effected as it was impossible to reach by any means at our command, the under surface of the leaf where the insect and the ova were chiefly found. The soil itself, however, as has been already noticed, was greatly infested, and here the same agent, sulphur, which was so noxious to the acarus (itch) in man and in sheep (scab) naturally suggests itself, as a possibly effective application.^ A pound of sulphur mixed with a pound of quicklime, might be boiled in a ' gallon of water for half an hour. When cold, the clear liquor to be diluted with water in the proportion of about one to sixty. This, by means of a watering-pot, would be of easy application, and if found to answer, would probably be as cheap as any other remedy, as sulphur, if in large demand could, he was informed, be obtained in any quantity, and at a very moderate price from New Zealand or its vicinity.
Mr. M. Allport remarked he had been speaking on the subject a few days ago to Mr. Wright, who informed him that sulphur had been tried at home, but was decidedly objected to as it was found to be injurious to the plant, although it was made use of with advantage in the preparation of the hop for market.
Dr. Agnew did not know anything of the matter practically, but thought if the experiments made at home were not conclusively adverse to the sulphur, it would be well worth trying it in the manner indicated, if only, on a small scale, and on a few plants in the first instance. (As to- bacco is noxious, to the parasite and can be grown so cheaply, would it not, in the case of so valuable a plant as the hop, be worth a trial in the form of a very dilute decoction applied in the same manner as suggested for sulphur ? If the pest were treated vigorously by _ either of these means, on its first appearance, even at the risk of injuring some of the plants, a great discouragement might be given to its further progress, and thus the nuisance be at least abated if not abolished.)
Mr. Davies considered the subject just treated was one of considerable interest, and suggested that the remarks by the honorary secretary should appear in the form of a paper. Dr. Agnew promised he would at all events notice the discussion at length in the official report of the proceedings.
Mr. M. Allport said : Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, at the risk of wearying you with the frequent recurrence to one subject, I must again refer'for a few moments to the small salmonoid first sent to England. By the mail before last. Sir Eobert Officer received a letter from^Mr. Youl, which contains much that will interest the Fellows of the Society, espe- cially as it tends to prove, as I have long suspected, that the difficulty of distinguishing between the smolt of the true salmon {Salmo salar) and the smolt of the sea trout {Salmo trutta) is very great. Mr. Youl says :— -" I brought the little fish home from Dr. Giinther's, and carefully examined
30
it myself with my son-in-liiw, a medical man. Wo did thia first with the description of the different varieties of the salmonidae and directions given by " Yarrell" for distinj^uishing them, but not being able to come to any decision we went to a fishmonger, and upon carefully comparing it with a full grown salmo salar, concluded that upon the whole it was a salmon or sea trout, Salmo trntfa, of Linnnous. After thia I took the fish to Mr. J. K. Lord, the principal editor of La/id and iratcr, a person fully com- petent to give an opinion, and with whom I had a personal acquaintance. Upon examination Mr. Lord stated his belief that it was a true Salmo salar. I asked him to examine it again, which he did in my presence and with his pocket microscope, when he again stated his belief that it was a true Salmo salar, but said if I would leave him the fish he would take time and give it a more careful examination ; tliis I did, and upon seeing him again he said that he had altered his opinion and thought it was a salmon or, sea, trout. I then told him for the first time that the fish came from Tasmania, and that Dr. Giinther had pronounced it to be a salmon trout Mr. Lord at the same time assured me that he had never heard anything about the fish ur.til that moment, and that his opinion was formed without anj' knowledge of where the fish came from or that anyone had given any opinion about it. He also mentioned tliat at the age of the fish it was most difiScult in his opinion to decide positively to which ofthe two species it belonged. I think it right to mention, that after leaving the fish with Mr. Lord I went to one ofthe largest fishmongers with my "Yarrell " and microscope, and was fortunate in seeing and examining three beautiful sea trout weighing from 1^ to 3^ lbs., and certainly 1 must confess that the teeth on their vomer corresponded exactly with those of your fish. I cannot, however, I must candidly own, make up my mind that it is a salmon trout, because if so it must have been as you "Well know at least 3 years and 5 months old when it was caught, and therefore ought to be half as large again as it is. You will note that Mr. Lord at first, and after a careful examination, pronounced it to be a true salmon. It was not till after a further and more extended comparison that he altered his opinion ; it is, therefore, not to be wondered at if you and Mr. Allport should prove to have formed an erroneous opinion upon so difiicult a point." It is a law of nature that the species and varieties of one given genus of animals resemble one another far more closely in the early stages of their existence, than they do when arrived at maturity. No birds differ more in the mature plumage than ducks, yet there are dozens of species that no naturalist could determine during the first few "weeks of their lives. I do not mean to saj'- that a Tasmanian black duck of a fortnight old could not be distinguished from an English wild duck of the same age, if they were placed in juxtaposition ; but that they resemble one another so closely, that it would be next to impossible to determine to which species either belonged, if examined alone. And no reference to a fully mature duck or drake could be of any service in solving the difficulty. Amongst the large carnivora in the genus felis we find the tiger, the lion, and the panther, each perfectly distinct when full-grown, yet the cubs all exhibit the striped skin, which is only found in the mature tiger, the stripes being lost in the lion, and changed to spots in the panther. Instances might be given from every division of the animal kingdom, but to come to fish, the genus Thyrsites contains two of our commonest fish, the king-fish and barracouta, and no one who has turned his attention to the subject could have any difficulty in distinguishing between them when grown, yet both Mr. Giblin and Mr. Buckland (either of whom it would be difficult to puzzle with a Tasmanian fish), would find it hard to determine the species of one or the other when four or five inches long. From this natural law, it follows that the more closely species ap- proach one another when mature, the more difficult is it to distinguish
31
between their young ; and as the mature salmon more closely re- sembles the salmon trout than the kmg-fish resembles the barracouta, I should expect to find that the difficulty of distinguishing the one smolt from the other was enhanced. And if we turn to Mr. Youl s letter, we find Mr. Lord, from the outer appearance of our fish, at once pronounced it a true salmon, and, after re-examination again pro- nounced it a true salmon, but, after having the fish left with him, changed his opinion. Unfortunately, Mr. Lord does not tell us why he changed his opinion ; but, from Mr. Youl's observations as to his own reason for thinking the fish a salmon trout, it is all but certain they were both puzzled by the presence of the vomerine teeth in our fish, and in the mature salmon trout {Salmo trutta) whilst such teeth were absent in the mature salmon {Salmo salar). And here I must trouble you with two short ex- tracts from " Yarrell," who, at pages five and six, says : — " The teeth of the salmon are short, stout, pointed, and recurved. As stated in the generic characters, they occupy five situations at the top of the mouth : that is, a line of teeth on each side of the upper jaw, a line on each palatine bone, with one line on the vomer between the palatine bones when young ; but the salmon loses a portion of the vomerine teeth during the first visit to salt water. I have observed that some specimens of the migratory or sea trout carry their vomerine teeth longer than the salmon ; and those trout which do. not migrate, appear to carry their vomerine teeth longer than those trout which do migrate. The teeth on the vomer of the salmon, when the fish is old, seldom exceed two or three in number, some- times only one, and that placed on the most anterior part. The salmon has, besides these, two rows of teeth upon the tongue, and one row along the outer upper edge of each lower jaw-bone." In speaking of the teeth of the salmon trout, at page 79, Yarrell says : — " The teeth are more slender, as well as more numerous, than in the salmon or grey trout ; those on the vomer extending along a great part of its length, and indenting the tongue deeply between the two rows of teeth that are there placed, one row along each side." Does not this at once reconcile the presence of vomerine teeth in our specimen with its being a true salmon smolt ? The Fellows of this Society well know how much we are already indebted to Mr. Youl for his unceasing exertions in this undertaking, and the Salmon Commissioners had no right to expect him to give up more of his valuable time for their advantage, still I hope that before the season was quite over our fish may have been compared with an undoubted salmon smolt from Stormontfield which had reached the same stage of develop- ment, because I believe that vomerine teeth will be found identical in the two specimens.
Mr. Davies, in referring to a paper by Mr. Barnard (read July, 1868) on the Esparto grass, mentioned that the Hobart Town Mercury news- paper had been printed for several months on paper manufactured from that material ; and asked if Mr. Barnard had acquired any fresh know- ledge on the subject.
Mr. Barnard stated that since the paper referred to by Mr. Davies, he had laid further information on the subject before the Society (July, 1869), from which it was evident that the cultivation of the grass could not be attempted in this colony with any chance of profit or success, and he had taken no further interest in it.
Mr. M. Allport observed it was well known that no vegetable product ■which required cultivation could be profitably grown for the manufacture of paper. Even if the wastelands of the colony were sown with Esparto grass seed, as had been suggested, this climate would be unsuitable for the plant.
Od the motion of Mr. Justice Dobson, a vote of thanks was given to Mr. Allport, Dr. Agnew, and the donors of presentations, and the meeting separated.
32
JULY, 1870.
The monthly evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, the 12th July, J. iiarnard, Esq., in the chair.
The following gentlemen, who had been put in nomination, were, after a ballot, dechircd duly elected members of the Society, viz. : — G. Wilson, Esq., J.P., lIobartTown; C. Ilazell, E.«q., J.P., Carlton; R. V. Legge, Esq., J.P., Cullenswood ; and Hon. J. Aikenhead, Esq., M.L.C., Laun- ceston.
The Secretary submitted the following returns :—
1. Visitors to Museum during June, G29.
2. Ditto to gardens during June, 1208.
3. Plants, &c., received at gardens.
4. Ditto sent from gardens.
5. Times of leafing, flowering, &c., of a few standard plants in Botanic
Gardens.
6. Books, &c., received.
7. Presentations to Museum. Meteorological Ret urns : —
1. Hobart Town— From F. Abbott, Esq., Table for June.
2. Port Arthur— From J. Boyd, Esq., ditto.
3. Westbury — From F. Belstead, Esq., ditto.
4. New Zealand — From the Government, ditto for May.
5. Adelaide — From C. Todd, Esq., ditto for January.
The presentations to the Museum and Library were as follows : —
1. From Mr. H. Turner — A Persian or Hindoo copper coin.
2. From Mr. W. Maum — A copper medal (apparently Masonic), found
at Clarence Plains.
3. From Rev. H. D. Atkinson — A Spider Crab from Three Hut Point.
4. From Mr. Ikin — 12 specimens Crustacea.
5. From Mr. A. Wood — A curious Crustacean from Blackman's Bay.
6. From Mr. Brand, Oatlands, per the Hon. J. Wbyte, Esq. — A foetal
wallaby.
7. From E,. C. Eead, Esq , New Norfolk — A native devil {Sarcophilus
ursimis) with three young in pouch.
8. From Mr. W. Pelham — A curious fish from beach at Kangaroo Point. [This fish belongs to the Lophiidce, and is figured and described under
the name of Chironectes politus in the Zoology of the Erebus and Terror {Plate IX., 2^ci(/e 16.) Of the genus Chironectes Cuvier remarks ; — " These tishes, from the peculiar conformation of their pectoral fins, can creep on land almost like little quadrupeds. The pectorals, by reason of their position, perform the office of hinder feet. They can live out of the water for two or three days."
9. From H. M. JBCull, Esq. — Shells and corallines from Warrnambool. The Secretary, after referring to the visitation of caterpillars with which
various parts of the colony were afflicted about six months ago, mentioned that he had placed several of them under observation for the purpose of determining their future development. He now brought under the notice of the meeting the empty case of a chrysalis which formed on the 18th of January, and a moth which was produced from it on the 14th of the month following. The moth was apparently an Agrotis, and therefore the of the same genus, but probably'- not the same species, as the one f Agrotis vastatorj the caterpillar or larva of which was so destructive to the crops and pastures of N. S. Wales in 1867. From the chrysalis of our cater- pillar one observer (Mr. H. Nelson) has expressed his conviction that flies have in some instances been produced. If this was the case it must have been due to the parent fly depositing its ova in the chrysalis, the sub-
33
stance of which would afford aourishment to the strange larva, though of course it would itself be destroyed.
A paper by Mr. Legrand, on "The Land Shells of Tasmania," with a list of new species recently discovered by him was read by Mr. Stephens. At the conclusion of the paper Mr. Stephens passed a high eulogium on Mr. Legrand, for the great zeal and devotion with which he had pursued this branch of natural history, at a cost he could ill afford, and with little, if any, direct benefit to himself. If they had some kindred spirits to work out other branches of natural history, valuable specimens would rapidly accumulate, and their museum would soon be rich indeed.
Mr. Barnard read the following letter from Mr. John Walker to Mr. Nowell, the Government statistician, and its enclosed communication from Mr. Arnold Baruchson, on the manufacture of beet-root sugar : —
32, Lansdowne Road,
Notting Hill, W., London,
19th March, 1870.
My Dear Sir, — I suppose that long ago you heard of my intended trip to Tasmania, and my unfortunate voyage, as the vessel was wrecked about 100 miles from Rio de Janeiro, and eight of the passengers lost and my wonderful escape, without any serious detriment to my health. I am, however, at present determined not to attempt to take another voyage at my period of life.
I see by the newspapers the subject of beet-root sugar has engaged the attention of some of the colonists, and that James Barnard, Esq., has taken an active part, so that the members of the House of Assembly have voted a gratuity to any one who would first produce 200 tons of sugar from beet-root grown in Tasmania.
In some of the letters I wrote on the subject, I took a different view, and stated that an Act should be passed to protect the i^rodacers from any duty for a stated number of years. I think I sent a letter from Mr. A. Bariichson, of Liverpool and INIagdeburg, from whom I received part of the seed I sent out, but I regret to say few tried it, and as it was a very dry season, those who did, did not succeed. I tried a little in my garden here, and it answered well. I let some grow, and it went to seed better than I expected.
I now send you a letter which I received from Mr. Baruchson on the 7th instant, and you can use it as you think best. I see by an Act of Council distillation is to be allowed. I do not think it would pay if made from malt, as one bushel of malt would cost from 8s. to 10s., and would only produce two gallons of proof spirit ; and the price of the rum exported from London is from 2s. 2d. to 2s. 4d. per gallon.
As there is a considerable quantity of molasses from beet, as well as from other sugar highly refined, it might be used for distillation ; but when I wrote I was aware that no distillation was allowed. I suggested that the molasses should be mixed with hay, made into chaff, as all kinds of cattle are very fond of it.
I was at Mr. Duncan's beet-root manufactory on the 3rd Maich, 1869, and saw his machinery at work, but as it was the first season, and the machinery not ready in time, the root was deteriorated, it should have been all used in January. The machinery was very inferior to what I saw in France and Germany.
At one "fabrick," as they call it in Stuttgart, in Germany, they rent land, and produce all, or nearly, the beet-root they require, and never dispose of the pulp, but keep it in large pits, 150 feet long and 20 feet broad, and cover the pulp with the stalks of maize, and then with earth sloped like the flat roof of a house, and sow maize on the earth, as the pits are all adjoining each other, and as the pulp ferments, the heat forces on the maize, and they get an excellent crop at an early season. They keep 200 buUocks and about 140 milch cows, and feed them with the pulp and maize stalks, and get a large quantity of excellent manure to keep tlae land in good order. "When five or ten of the bullocks are fit for the butcher, they are sold, and their places filled up with lean beasts, purchased at a low price. The milk is sold to milk- men in the town, and as Stuttgart is a large place, there is a good demand.
34
It isa noble *' fabrick," and the owners, Germans, remarkably civil. As ray daughter lives near it, I can see it whenever I go there. (See page 5.) At Stuttgart, when I was there last year the concern was so successful that they, for an increase of capital, then formed it into a company, and all was going on prosperously. Tliey have to pay duty on all the sugar they make, both in Germany and France, and seem to be very prosperous. At and about Douay, they have all the means and appHances in the best order, and wherever you travel you see little but crops of beet-root, and they get a full supply, and dispose of the pulp instead of keeping it to feed cattle.
You will see by the letter I enclose, that the machinery is very elaborate and expensive, and for many reasons tlie manufacture could not be com- menced on a small scale Avith any prospect of success, nor is there any per- son in Tasmania able to make the attempt, it would require at least ten Germans who thoroughly understand the process, and as the work can only go on in the winter months, say in November, December, and January, there must be a relay of competent men for boiling and the other operations night and day for three months, as any delay would probably be at a loss of at least £500. , , , .,
On the Continent they have this advantage, that the men, women, and chil- dren employed, could not procure any other work in the winter months, as the climate is far more severe than in England, and they get people at very low wa-^es. There may be employed in large manufactories about one hundred and fifty persons in cutting off the tops, washing, and other parts of the work. A large quantity of water is required, and at least two steam engines of, say from Sweaty to thirty horse power, and at least four steam boilers, as the whole system is carried on by steam. The so-called coppers have copper spiral tubes in them, three inches in diameter, and are very expensive.
There must be a proper kiln for burning the limestone used in the process, and the fume from the kiln is utilised in order to cause the lime which has been added to the extract to subside to the bottom. When this has all been deposited, it is thro%\Ti out and makes excellent manure. There is also a very considerable quantity of animal charcoal (burnt bones), used to discolour the extract, and make it as pure as clean water. This is used in all sugar houses, even if the sugar is from the canes. It should be made on the pre- mises, and reburned there also. This can be seen at Sandridge, and on a small scale at oar brewery in Hobart Town.
I fear I will not ever see or hear of a beet-root sugar manufactory, during my few remaining months or years, in Tasmania.
Make any use you please with this and Mr. Baruchson's letter.
I am, my dear Sir,
Your's truly,
JOHN WALKER. In the enclosed letter Mr. Baruchson calculates that from £60.000 to £100,000 would be required to establish in England a manufactory and dis- tillery on a scale large enough to ensure success.
Mr. Justin Browne doubted if the beet could compete in these colonies ■with the cane sugar, and it was to the disadvantage of the former that it was only used in the form of lump, or refined, not as brown sugar.
Mr. Barnard stated tbat on his visit to New South Wales, he had seen some very good brown sugar from the beet, and had presented a sample to this Museum. He knew that Dr. Coverdale had grown a quantity of the root at the Queen's Asylum, and was now, and in order to produce the Bugar, only waiting to be supplied with a machine which was found to work successfully in New South Wales, and the cost of which would be about £50. A friend of his in Sydney who has been engaged in the manufacture, was about to write on the subject, and they would probably hear something of it on the occasion of the approaching great agricul- tural meeting.
Mr. Stephens thought if the sugar could be manufactured profitably at all, they were in a better position than the New South Wales producer, as his climate was not equal to this for the growth of root crops, and he had
35
a rival in the cane at his very door. It was to be recollected that they could not hope to have any market for the sugar out of the colony.
Dr. Agnew, considering the risk and uncertainty incidental to the es- tablishment of this industry, requiring, as it appeared to do, such a very large amount of skill, capital, and experience for its successful conduct, thought as it was being tried apparently in a very economical manner, on a small scale, in New South Wales, it would be better to wait and observe the result of that experiment. If it succeeded at all in that colony, no doubt the great superiority of this soil and climate for the growth of root crops, would make its success in Tasmania still greater in a financial point of view.
Mr. Justin Browne observed, as apropos to the present discussion on colonial enterprise, that he had received by last mail a letter from a mer- chant in Madras, directing his attention to the tenders just issued by that Government for Australian preserved meat for the Indian army, &c. The opening up so vast and profitable an industry as this, both in the Home, and Indian markets, was one of the happiest omens for the future of these colonies.
The proceedings closed with the usual vote of thanks to the donors of presentations.
36
AUGUST, 1870.
The usual monthly meetinpr of the Society was held on the evening of Tuesday, the Dlh of August, T. Giblin, Esq., in the chair.
Amoni? the nionibers present were ^lossrs. M. Allport, Justin Browne, G. R. Napier, 11. J. Buckland, C. Gould, J. M. Clarke, T. Stephens, S. P. II. Wriglit, L. K. Castrav, Dr. Agnew, Hon. Sec, Rev. H. D. Atkinson, and Dr. E. S. Hall; Dr. H. B. Hinton, of H.M. Bengal Army, was also present as a visitor.
The Hon. Secretary submitted the usual monthly returns, viz: —
1. Visitors to JNIuseum during July, 7G7.
2. Do. to gardens do., 1152.
3. Plants "and seeds received at gardens — From Messrs. Taylor and
Singster, Melbourne, 26 plants. From Mr. C. F. Creswell, 24 packets imported flower seeds.
4. Plants, &c., sent from gardens: — To H. B. Laurie, Esq., Encounter
Bay, Adelaide, 100 plants of white mulberry. To Messrs. Todd and Co., Dublin, 10 packets seeds. To Military Barracks, 36 sycamores. To Mr. J. Archer, for Church grounds, Longford, 14 Coniferas. For grounds of St. Michael's Church, Now Norfolk, 54 plants. For Castray Esplanade, 32 pines. For Domain, 120 plants. For Government House grounds, 50 plants.
5. Time of leafing, &c., of a few standard plants in Botanic Gardens.
6. Books and periodicals received.
7. Presentations to Museum. Meteorological Bcinrns.
1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq. Table and summary for July.
2. Port Arthur, from J. Boyd, Esq. Table for July.
3. Melbourne, from the Government Astronomer, Tables and Notes for
May and June.
4. Sydney, from the Government Observatory. Printed table for
February, jMarch, and April.
5. New Zealand, from the Government. Abstract tables from various
stations for April. The presentations to the Museum were as follow : —
1. From H. M. Hull, Esq. — Nest of white shafted fantail fRhipidura
alhiscapa.)
2. From Mr. G. Gulliver, Melbourne — 125 specimens of Australian
Coleoptera, named.
3. From Captain Robinson, barque Free Trader — A sample of bituminous
coal from a new seam at Newcastle, New South Wales.
4. From Mr. Spurling — A specimen of Chimcera Australis caught in
the Derwent.
5. From Salmon Commissioners — A Salmon Parr from the breeding
ponds, River Plenty.
6. From M. Allport, Esq. — Prawns taken from stomachs of Rock Cod
(Gadus sp.j. Mr. M. Allport exhibited a young salmon (presentation No. 5), about four years old, from the breeding ponds at the Plenty, which had never been allowed to visit the salt water, as it illustrated a peculiar circumstance in reference to the development of the fish, which was stated in detail at the meeting of the Society three months ago. It was then shown, from the proceedings of the Zoological Societj" of London for 1868, that some salmon parr were prevented from going to sea at their due time, that they still assumed the silvery scales of the smolt but afterwards lost them, reassuming the parr markings. This change went on for two or more years, the fish becoming during the process sickly, stunted in growth, and finally perishing. The specimen now shown was very like those
37
figured in the Zoological Society's Transactions, the parr markings were very distinct, and the stunted and misshapen appearance of the fish was unmistakeable.
Presentation No. 6 was interesting, as, according to Mr. Allport's observations, nothing of the kind, as far as numbers were concerned, had ever occurred till last year. Since that time large numbers had been found in the stomachs of rock cod. This was a proof of the existence of great quantities of these prawns in our waters, and a systematic search would probably secure this delicacy for our market. The same might be said as to the large edible crabs, numbers of which were formerly captured on our coasts when the whales were brought on shore for the extraction of the oil. It was to be hoped that fishing as practised at home would be tried here for both these crustaceans.
The Secretary called attention to the following publications lately received from London, viz. : — Proceedings of Zoological Society of London, Journal of Linnean Society, Journal of Geological Society, Journal of Royal Asiatic Society, Journal and Proceedings of Royal G-eographical Society. Presented by the various societies. Also a complete set of the reports of the Paris Exhibition of 1867, the gift of the Society of Arts, per Dr. Milligan.
The following books, for which the Society subscribes, were also re- ceived in the same parcel : — Ray Society's vol. for 1868, " Vegetable Teratology," the Transactions of the Society of Arts for 1868-9, and the report of the British Association for 1868.
The Secretary read the following extracts from a letter he had re- ceived by last mail from Dr. Milligan : —
''London, I7th June, 1870. " By the Ethel, Captain Harmsworth, you will receive a parcel contain- ing a copy of each of the two books lately published on the Aborigines of V. D. Land by Mr. James Bonwick, formerly holding some position on the staff of the education department in Tasmania, and first known to me as an author b^ his having applied to me for scraps of information, touching topographical peculiarities, and geological conditions in sundry parts of the colony, which he embodied in school geographies, which he then brought out. I forget what I said (in a former letter) about the books which I have sent to you, but whatever it was it would scarcely be in their praise, for I consider that a spirit most unfriendly and disingenuous as regards the early colonists pervades the whole production. It is a great pity that he has not related a few of the numberless attempts which were made by the more respectable and intelligent of the early settlers to educate and improve the children of the aborigines, and the absolute failure of success in ninety-nine cases out of every hundred. This would have been only fair.
* * * * * * *
"In the same parcel you have three packets of seeds which I have pro- cured for the Royal Society's gardens, from the Secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society here : the several packets are respectively contribu- tions to the flower and kitchen departments of the gardens, and to your arboretum. Besides which I have sent one packet of seed of the plant which yields the well known and valuable fibre of which the grass cloth of China and India is manufactured. Should you succeed in maturing it, and I can perceive no natural bar to your doing so, you will confer a valuable boon on the colony, seeing that there must arise an unlimited demand for such a fabric (as grass cloth) on the continent of Australia, if indeed it does not already exist."
[This plant is now growing in the public gardens, and Mr. Abbott, the Superintendent, states that it is readily propagated from cuttings. It also
38
grows freely in Queensland, where, however, sorao difficulty has hitherto been experii-ncod in tho soparMtion of the libro for commercial purposes.]
Dr. Hall brouc;ht under tho consideration of the meetin*:? tho desira- bility of procuring direct from Japan a quantity of the scods of the Um- brella Pine, which Fortune, the Botanist, describes as such a magnificent tree for shade and tho ornamentation of parks, &c. He says : — " A whole company of soldiers could bivouac under a full grown tree safe from rain and sunshine." The Society obtained some plants frorn England at great cost some years ago, but only one has survived. Dr. Hall had no doubt the seeds would grow better hero even than in England, and stated that Mr. Assistant Commissary General Castray had informed him he could procure them for the .Society direct from Japan. Mr. Custray kindly undertook to do so, as it was the wish of tho meeting.
Mr. Gould read a paper on " The habits of the large crayfish ( /ifttaciix sp. ?) of the northern rivers of Tasmania." The principal points adverted to were the local character of its distribution, a comparison with the same of the blackfish, a discussion upon tho nature of its food in regard to the supply of the latter regulating the distribution of the species, a comparison with allied forms in the Northern Hemisphere, and a citation of a few other examples of allied, identical, or representative species, found in the two hemispheres, and impressing the conviction that such species had not originated in independent centres, but mutated under equal conditions, con- cluding with a reference to examples of species, tending to show that Tas- mania had been connected with the main land, within a late geological period, even within the term ot life of existing species.
JNIr. Allport observed, as to the food of this Astacus, that although large quantities of dead wood might be consumed, as noticed by Mr. Gould, he thought some animal food must also be taken.
Mr. Gould, in reply, quite agreed with Mr. Allport in supposing that they ate animal food when they could get it, but this was much seldomer than generally imagined ; that in regard to the Unio, which had been supposed to be the staple article of their food, it was his belief that it was entirely absent from many of the rivers inhabited by the Astacus. Neither did he think that the crayfish was by any means so destructive to the blackfish as imagined ; they must have great difiiculties in capturing them, and the blackfish did not seem to exhibit any of that fear and avoidance of these crustaceans, which would naturally be induced if they had been habitually preyed on by them.
In reply to Mr. Stephens, who wished to know if the crayfish was found in rivers east of the Tamar, Mr. Gould mentioned the Piper and Forres- ter Kivers, being from his own personal observation well stocked with them.
Mr. T. Giblin stated that he had brought, about four j^ears ago, from the North several living specimens of these era} fish, much larger than that now before the meeting, and had liberated them in the Derwent, about three miles above the falls at New Norfolk, but from that time he had never heard of them, and it was not possible to say with certainty whether they had succeeded or not.
Conversation having taken place as to the range of habitat of some of our fish, Mr. Giblin mentioned that the so-called cucumber fish {Proto- troctes imircena), of New Norfolk was at one time, and probably still is, plentiful in the Yarra. Mr. Gould observed that the presence of these and other fish in the rivers on opposite sides of Bass's Straits, was another proof that at some former period Tasmania and the Australian mainland had formed one continent.
A vote of thanks to Mr. Gould, Dr. .Milligan, the other donors of pre- sentations closed the proceedings.
39
ON THE LAND SHELLS OF TASMANIA, By W. Legrand.
When Woodward classed the Terrestrial Mollusks of Tas- mania, with those of Australia, south of the tropic, but little was known of them. At the time he wrote the number of described species of Helix was six, two of which have since proved to be identical, and two others doubtfully Tasmanian, thus reducing the number to three.
Since that time much work has been done, the number now described numbering over fifty. Tasmania has a fauna pecu- liar to herself, more nearly related to that of the Northern Island of New Zealand than Australia. Take the section Videna, Australia proper does not possess a single species, while Tasmania has five, Sinclairi, Hamiltoni, Launcestonen- sis, dubitans, and a new species lately discovered by Mr. Gould, at the Leven, proposed to be named DuGani (next to Launcestonensis, the largest Helix yet found here.) If the doubtful species bisulcata be admitted, the number is six. New Zealand has two — Dunnise and Greenwoodi. This is peculiarly an island section, the greater number being from the Solomon's. Our number is nearly equal to those from all other places together.
The nearest we have to the great New Zealand Busbyi (except with Albers we admit Vitrina Milligani, a classifica- tion which must have been made from the shell alone, the animal being essentially different) is fulgetrum. A shell found at Eingarooma, named by Brazier, Kingi comes very near. Victoria has one belonging to the same section — Helix atramentaria — which comes between, and is the largest land- shell yet found in that province.
New Zealand has several of the section Conulus. We have one, H. parvissima. Cox, which comes very near that, or such shells as H. alpha and beta, Pfr. Of the sections Discus. Patula and Hyalina, we have about the same proportionate number as New Zealand and Australia, and of the section Hemiplecta we have one, possibly two. This is also an island shell. Like New Zealand, the greater part of our Helices are minute.
Of the section represented by Allporti, Cox, there are six or eight species. For beauty of colouring must be noticed Tasmanise, fulgetrum, Juliformis, Nelsonensis, and ruga ; for peculiarity of form parvissima may be mentioned ; and for beauty of shape Stephensi and Kingstonensis must not be passed by.
One very fine shell (H. Davcyciisis), the largest yet found
40
belonging to the section Discus, coming from Port Davey, de- serves particular notice.
Austrinus is more noticeable from its habitat than from the shell itself, which is allied to Allporti. It comes from the extreme south of the island, near South Cape Bay.
We possess three introduced species, Morti, Sydneyensis, and Alexandra), all from New South Wales, and most probably brought in mould with plants.
Of our two species of Bulimus, the first well known one B. Dufresni, belongs to the same section (Caryodes) as a South Australian species, Angasianus. The second B. (Mesembrinus) Tasmanicus, Pfr., is nearly allied to an Aus- tralian species, Kingi. Nothing like either of these has yet been described as from New Zealand. We have no repre- sentative of sucli shells as Shongi. Our two Vitrinas belong to the section Helicarion ; one is also found in South Aus- tralia, and probably other parts of the continent. The other, the fine V. Milligani, is found only on the western side of the island.
Our one species of Succinea is also common to Australia.
We have neither Pupa, Pupina, or Balea, all found in North and North-eastern Australia, or Truncatella, which is very plentiful in South Australia. An gas gives us credit for a Blanfordia, I never found it or heard of it here ; the shell is however so minute that it might easily be passed by.
The materials yet collected are not sufficient to fix the geographical limits of the different species. Subjoined is a list of all yet described species : —
|
Helix. |
Helix. |
Helix. |
|
|
Launcestonensis |
Reeve |
austrinus |
, coepta |
|
Same | Sinclari shell \ bombycina |
Pfr. |
occultus |
, positura ,, |
|
,, |
ruga |
, vexanda , , |
|
|
bisulcata ? |
,, |
marchianae |
, Nelsonensis Brazie |
|
subangulata ? |
,, |
Stephensi |
, dispar ,, |
|
Diemensis |
Cox |
Agnewi |
, Onslowi „ |
|
Le Grandi |
»> |
plexus |
, neglecta ,, |
|
Hamiltoni |
?> |
dubitans |
„ Curacoa „ |
|
Hobarti |
,, |
vigens |
Pvicei |
|
lampra |
Pfr. |
fulgetrum |
,, ammonitoides ,, |
|
lamproides |
Cox |
Juliformis |
, rotella ,, |
|
minima |
,, |
Ramsgatensis |
Kingi |
|
similis |
,j |
Halli |
Fordei „ |
|
Tasmanise |
,, |
Daveyensis |
, DuCani Co3 |
|
Wellingtonensis |
,, |
trajectura |
, Introduced : — • |
|
AUporti |
,, |
tranquilla |
, Sydneyensis ,, |
|
meclianus |
,, |
mixta |
Morti |
|
belice |
,, |
parvissima , |
, Alexandras „ |
|
ccesuB |
,, |
Kingstonensis |
M |
41
|
BULIMUS. |
Vitrina. |
Succ |
INEA. |
||
|
Dufresni |
Leach |
Vei-rauxi |
Pfr. |
australis |
|
|
Tasmanicus |
rfr. |
Milligani |
i> |
||
|
Helix |
|
52 |
|||
|
Introduced |
|
3 — 55 |
|||
|
Bulimus |
2 |
||||
|
Vitrina |
|
2 |
|||
|
Succinea |
1 |
||||
|
Total |
... |
60 |
Fer
42
ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND HABITS OF THE LARGE FRESH-WATER CRAYFISH (ASTACUS SP.) OF THE NORTHERN RIVERS OF TASMANIA.
By C. Gould, F.G.S.
I trust that the members of this Society may bo interested in a few remarks, which I have to make upon the distribution and habits of the large fresh-water Crayfish which is so common upon the north side of the island.
I am not aware that this has been specifically described by naturalists, although its unusually large size, abundance in certain localities, estimation as a delicacy for the table, added to its facility of capture and observation should long since have acquired for it that attention at their hands.
Leaving its determination, however, to those within whose province it belongs, it is my purpose, as a field naturalist alone, to offer the result of a few observations, and collate them with other facts connected with the natural history of the island.
And in the first place must be noted the remarkable repre- sentative resemblance in most points, excepting size, of this to members of the Genus Astacus of the Northern Hemis- phere.
Here we have yet one more of the many numerous examples of a certain similarity in point of type, if not of close specific resemblance, obtaining under equivalent conditions between the forms of life at one extremity of the globe, and those existing at the other, while strongly distinctive, but often gradational peculiarities attend the forms controlled by the opposing conditions of the intermediate tropical regions. Hence the difficulty of referring the existence of such repre- sentative or affinitive types to independent acts of creation — and the apparently more sustainable solution by the theory of biological metamorphosis.
To instance 1st. The Rats and Mice among mammals ; 2nd. Plovers, Eagles, Snipes, Ducks, Owls, and Thrushes amongst birds ; 3rd. The Locusts and Painted lady and Admiral Butter- flies amongst insects ; 4. The Ferns and Mosses among plants, will be sufficient for my present purpose.
I may next remark upon the limited nature of its distribu- tion, as worthy of more than passing notice ; occurring more or less abundantly in all the rivers upon the northern side of the island, and being entirely absent from those upon the south, it follows closely in its distribution that of the Black- fish, with which it is always associated in the rivers falling into Bass' Strait, with the one exception of the Esk, from
43
which, as far as my knowledge serves me, it is absent — while, on the other hand, the Aslacus alone is met with in the tribu- taries of Macquarie Harbour. The range of these two then the Astacus and the Blackfish, is nearly the same, neither of them being found within the rivers flowing to the east or south coasts of the island. Yet there is nothing in the habits or the necessities of the Astacus which would explain its pre- sence in, or absence from, respective rivers ; although pre- ferring deep still pools and reaches, in which it may shelter beneath submerged and partially decaying timber, it is also commonly found in the shallower and swift running portions, and there are few of the streams adverted to from which it is absent, which do not, as far as may be judged from appearance, offer in some portions of their course, the kind of harbour, and if one may use the expression, cruising ground to which the Astacus is familiar, while the myrtle shrouded waters of the higher portions of the Huon identically resemble the upper portion of the rivers to the northward, in which both the black fish and the Astacus abound.
As to its ordinary food much misapprehension has hitherto, in my opinion prevailed.
The eagerness with which it fastens on any animal bait, the threatening aspect of its general appearance, and the enormous crushing power of the claws with which it is armed, have induced the belief that it mainly exists upon fish which it has captured, or the large species of Unio found in some of the northern rivers, and the absence of the latter from the southern ones, were considered a sufficient explanation of its being wanting also. This, however, appears to me to be erroneous, and from my observation I have concluded that the capture of fish or other animal prey by the Astacus is a rarity, and that as in many instances the Unio is entirely absent from the rivers which it inhabits this as a source of its food must be entirely disregarded. Indeed, to my great surprise, I found upon dissecting numerous examples of the Astacus, that the contents of the stomach consisted almost entirely of crushed and torn fragments of semi-decayed wood, and I have arrived at the conclusion that the main source of its subsistence are the slowly decaying stems and snags with which the timber bordered rivers are always encumbered.
Now, as the adaptation of the Astacus to certain localities in consequence of the presence of especial means of subsis- tence is untenable, the decaying timber abounding equally in the southern with the northern rivers, it becomes imperative to seek another solution, and we are thus led in considering the reputed identity of the Blackfish of this colony with that abounding in Victoria, the close similarity of the species of
44
Astacus here with that found on the same continent, the existence here of certain marsupial forms (Thylacinus and Native Devil) and of fossil remains of the same in caves in New South Wales, and in deposits of a late tertiary period, coupled with many resemblances in the vegetation of the two countries, which I hope to develope and comment on fully at some future period — to recog- nise as a fact that at some late period, so late indeed as to be within the term of existence of an animal species, a direct connection has existed between this island and what may be termed the mainland of Australia, and the examples quoted above, and many others which might be added to them, are but the remains of a fauna and a flora once common to the whole, and that the species of Astacus and other forms have probably extended southwards to their present position, and been arrested in their further progress by some physical diffi- culty which a more extended acquaintance with the geological history of the recent formations may reveal to us.
45
EOYAL SOCIETY,
SEPTEMBER, 1870.
The montlily evening meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, September 13th, Moiton Allport, Esq., in the chair.
The Secretary, Dr. Agnew, brought under notice the following returns for the past month : —
1. Visitors to Museum, 957. ,
2. Ditto to Gardens, 1199.
3. Plants and seeds received at, and sent from gardens.
4. Tench supplied.
5. Time of leafing, &c., of a few standard plants in Botanic Gardens.
6. Books and Periodicals received.
7. Presentations to Museum. Meteorological Returns : —
1. Hobart Town, from Mr. F. Abbott, Esq., table and summary for
August.
2. Westbury, from C. Belstead, Esq., ditto, ditto.
3. Sydney, from the Government Observatory, ditto for June.
4. Melbourne, from ditto, ditto, for July.
5. New Zealand, from ditto, ditto for May.
The presentations to the Museum were as follow : —
1. From Mr. Moir, junr., specimen of Alum from a cave near Mr. Moir's
house, Brown's Kiver Eoad.
2. From Mr. C. A. Gresley, 5 Eock specimens from Eiver Mersey.
3. From Mr. Gibbons, chicken with three legs.
4. From J. Forster, Esq., part of Human Skeleton dug up at Hamilton.
5. From Mr. M. Allport, specimen of Schorl from Flinders Ibland. A
lump ©f resin washed on shore at the same place. [This resin is probably the produce of the Oyster Bay pine, Callitris Australis.']
6. From James Scott, Esq., M.H.A., the cast skin of a Snake from
Eingarooma.
7. From Captain Lloyd, per Mr. 0. H. Hedberg, a shingle of Macquarie
Harbour pine, from the gaol at Macquarie Harboui", built in 1826. [This specimen shows in a very striking manner the great durability of the wood. Although it has been exposed to the weather for a period of 44 years it presents no appearance of decay — the saw marks even being plainly visible — and on removing the surface with a knife the wood is seen to be perfectly fresh beneath.]
8. From the Gore Browne Testimonial Committee, two photographs of
the testimonial presented by the colonists of Tasmania to Colonel (now Sir Thomas) Gore Browne, C.B., on his retirement from the Government of this Island.
9. From Mr. Philip, Franklin, part of Vertebra of "Whale.
10. From Mr. S. H. Wintle, 20 geological specimens from New South
Wales and Victoria, collected by himself ; with a descriptive cata- logue.
11. From Mr. M. Allport, two fish caught in the Derwent, off Sandy
Bay. [These fish were unknown to the fishermen who caught them, but closely agree with one figured and described under the name of EuDudichthijs lutidus^ by Dr. Eichardson, in the " Zoology of the
46
Erebus and Terror," page 47, plate 29. This fish was first discovered in Western Australia by (Sir G. Grey.] 12. Two fish caught off the South East Coast of Tasmania. [These are also unknown to the fishermen.]
The Secretary requested special attention to the very liberal and valuable presentation of books before the meeting, from the American Government, the Smithsonian, and other scientific institutions in the United States, comprising the following publications : —
Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge, vol. 15, 1867.
Ditto Iveports for 18GG-67.
American Patent Office Eeports, 1SG3, vols. 1 and 2.
Ditto ditto, 18G4,vols. 1 and 2.
Ditto ditto, 1865, vols. 1, 2, and 3.
Ditto ditto, 1866, vols. 1, 2, and 3.
Department of Agriculture, Washington, Report of, for 1866.
Ditto, ditto, monthly ditto, 1866-67.
Boston Society of Natural History, Memoirs of, vol. 1, part 3.
Ditto, ditto, Proceedings of, vol. 11, 1866-68
Ditto, ditto. Conditions and Doings of, 1866-8.
Portland Society of Natural History, Proceedings of, vol. 1, part 2, 1869.
Ditto, ditto, 6th Annual Report of Secretary of Maine Board of Agri- culture, and Reports on Scientific Survey, 1863.
Ditto, ditto, 2nd Annual Report on Natural History and Geology, State of Maine, 1861.
Ditto, ditto,Reports of Commissioners of Fisheries State of Maine, 1867-8.
Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts, Proceedings of, vol. 5, Nos. 5 to 8.
Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass.
Ditto, ditto, Annual Report, 1868.
Ditto, ditto. Bulletin of, Nos. 6 and 7.
Ditto, ditto, Contributions to Fauna of Gulf Stream, by F. de Pourtales, 1867-8.
American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, Proceedings of, Vol. 10, Nos. 78 and 79, 1867-8.
Ditto ditto, " General Connotations of Magnetism," and " Some Remarks on the Fall of Rain as affected by the Moon," by Pliny Earle Chase.
National Academy of Sciences, Washington, Report of, 1866-67.
Cincinnati Astronomical Society, Annual Address.
Ditto ditto,' Oration on laying corner stone of Observatory.
Columbia Institution for Deaf and Dumb, 10th Annual Report of.
Public Schools, Washington, 22nd Annual Report.
The Secretary, after reminding the Fellows that at the last meeting of the Society the subject of the Ramie plant (BceJimcria XiveaJ, from which the grass cloth of China is manufactured, had been discussed, read the following observations on it by Mr. F. Abbott, the Superintendent of the Gardens : —
" In reference to the China grass, (Bcelimcria Nivea,) seeds of which have been forwarded to the Society, through Dr. Milligan, it may be interesting to the Fellows to learn that the plant has already been in the garden 10 or 12 years, but no attempt has yet been made to extend its cultivation.
" It is very doubtful whether the climate of Tasmania will be found suitable for the successful cultivation of this fibre. The plant which is indigenous to China, India, Sumatra, &c. , requires a rich porous soil, and warm moist climate ; under these conditions it grows rapidly and affords from two to three cuttings during the season.
" In Queensland, whei'e the plant succeeds well, great difficulty has been experienced in extracting the fibre; this difficulty appears to have been generally experienced, as the English Government, through the Indian Office, are at pre- sent offering an award of £5000 for the invention of a machine capable of
47
extractinp; the fibre, the cost of separation not to exceed £15 per ton, and the value of the separated fibre to be not less than £50 per ton.
"In China where the plant is extensively cultivated, the fibre is separated by- hand, but this mode of separation, a tedious one, is only suited to labor of the cheapest description, and could not be adopted in the colonies.
"I have planted a small bed in the gardens with this plant, with the view of proving how far it is adapted for culture in Tasmania.
"F. ABBOTT, JuN.,
" 11. S. Gardens.
" 12th September, 1870."
A paper, entitled " Notes of an Excursion to Cummings's Head and the Falls of the Meander, on the Western Mountains, Tasmania," by W. Archer, Esq., F.L.S., was then read by the Secretary.
Special votes of thanks having been accorded to Mr. Archer, and to the Smithsonian and other institutions in America, the meeting closed with the usual thanks to donors of presentations.
48 OCTOBER, 1870.
The monthly evening meeting of the Fellows was held on Tuesday, the 11th October, Ilis Excellency, C. Du Cane, Esq., President, in the chair. The Hon Mrs. Du Cane and ]\Ir. C. M. S. Chichester, Private Secretary, were also present, together with the following members of the Society : — Dr. Agnew, Messrs. M. Allport, J. W. Graves, L. ll.Castray, S.Wright. F. Abbott. J. McC. Browne, F. Abbott, junr., H. Bilton, and Colonel Crawford.
The following gentlemen, who had previously been put in nomination, ■were after a ballot declared duly elected as members of the Society,viz. : — Mr. P, T. Smith, of Syndal, Koss, and Mr. J. Young, of Howrah, Belle- rive.
The Hon. Secretary, Dr. Agnew, laid on the table the following returns for the past month : —
1. Visitors to Museum, 685.
2. Ditto to Gardens, 1906.
3. Seeds received at Society's Gardens.
a. From Dr. Milligan — Collection of seeds of ornamental shrubs and
trees, flowers and vegetables ; from the gardens of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, London. A packet of seed of the China grass fibre plant {JBcehmeria mvea), from the Eoyal Botanic Society's Gardens, London.
b. From Mrs. Woodin — Seeds of Umbrella Pine of Japan {Sciodopitys
verticillata.)
4. Time of leafing, &c., of a few standard plants in Society's Gardens.
5. Books and periodicals received.
6. Presentations to Museum.
Meteorological Returns.
1. Hobart Town— From F. Abbott, Esq., table &c., for September.
2. Port Arthur— From J. Boyd, Esq., ditto, ditto.
3. Swansea — From Dr. Story, ditto July and August.
4. Westbury — From C. Belstead, Esq., ditto September.
6. Sydney — From the Government Astronomer, ditto for July.
6. New Zealand — From the Government Observer, tables from various
stationsfor June and July ; and from Wellington for August.
7. From Government Astronomer, Melbourne, table for August.
The presentations to the Museum and Library were as follow : —
1. From Mr. Baynton, Brown's River — A small collection of Land
Shells, Crustacea, &c.
2. From Mr. W. Johnston, Trinity Hill — A specimen of the Bronze-
winged Cuckoo {Chrysococcyx lucidus), from Kangaroo Bottom.
3. From Mr. J. W. Graves — A Sparrow Hawk {Accipter torquatus).
4. From Mr. F. Butler — Four specimens of ore from Penguin Creek
silver mine. 6. From Rev. J. Hutchison, New Town — A Hermit Crab (Pagurus sp).
6. From Captain Williams— A Cuttle fish from the Fast Coast.
7. From Mr. T. Giblin — Specimen of the paper-like bark of a species
of Tea-tree {Melaleuca sp. ?), from New South Wales. [The tree from which this bark was obtained is probably identical with, or closely allied to the swamp Tea-tree {Melaleuca ericcefolia), of this colony, in reference to which the following note appears in Hooker's " Flora Tasmaniae," vol. 1, page 129:— "Mr. Gunn describes this as one of the comm(mest inhabitants of the marshes, often forming an impene- trable scrub, most expensive to clear. Trees of it attain 70 feet, and
49
4-5 feet in girth ; one which that naturalist has measured waa unbranched for 27 feet, and was 5| feet in girth at 3 feet above the ground. In poor sandy soil it forms a dwarf bush. Of the bark, he adds, the natives used to make the catamarans, or canoes, so admirably figured in Labillardieres voyage, which were stitched with the bark of Sida, pulchella and Plagianthus sidoides.''] (Currajong.)
8. From Mr. F. Wise, a Smolt caught with rod and line in the Derwent
at New Norfolk.
9. From Dr. J. Milligan, F. L. S., a copy of " The I-ast of the Tas-
manians," and one of '* The Daily Lifeof theTasmanians," by J. Bonwick, F.R.G.S.
The Secretary read some " Notes on an experiment with the fumes of sulphur, and on other methods for the destruction of rabbits in their burrows," by W. Archer, Esq., F.L.S. The fumes were forced into a burrow by means of bellows, attached to a receptacle in which the sulphur was burned ; and that this was effectually done was proved by the escape of sulphurous vapour from the bolt-holes. When the burrow was afterwards opened, however, no trace of the fumes was left, nor •were the animals destroyed. The experiment was recorded as a " guide or warning to others who may be induced to try further experiments with the fumes of sulphur, or with any other vapour." (Carbonic acid gas ■would not become condensed, and it would be fatal to animal life, but its use would probably be much too expensive). Mr. Abbott read a paper " On the Sun and its Office in the Univers©." Some discussion of a conversational character having taken place, Mr. M. Allport begged to call the attention of the meeting to the fish presented by Mr. Wise (presentation No. S), on account of its high scientific importance, as furnishing a complete answer to the theory raised by Dr. Giinther in reference to the salmon first sent to England. The Doctor then assumed that the fish sent was hatched from one of the eggs imported from England in 1866. This assumption was met by the statement that the fry unnaturally detained in fresh water had reached a higher state of development than the smolt sent to England, and as the fish now presented was but just assuming the smolt stage, all the argu- ments used in reference to the smolts first caught apply with tenfold force to this specimen. It was, moreover, fortunate that the Museum possessed one of the fry hatched from the English eggs received per Lincolnshire in 1866, and which died in the spring of 1867. Upon com- paring this with the fish now caught, it would be found that they accorded with one another so closely, as to leave little doubt of their identity in species. No report had yet been received from England as to the smolt last sent, though they had heard of its safe arrival. Mr. Allport further observed that Mr. Youl, in writing to Sir Robert Officer, had expressed a wish that the Salmon Commissioners should make it publicly known that after careful examination he entirely concurred with Dr. Giinther in the opinion that the specimen first sent to England was a Salmon trout {Salmo trutta.)
His Excellency read the following extract from a letter which he had received from F. S. Corrance, Esq., M.P., an experibuced salmon fisher in Scotch, Irish, and Norwegian rivers, and who had considerable oppor- tunities of studying the habits of the fish : — " Concerning your salmon experiment doubts will soon cease. For although a few fish would bo undiscoverable in deep water, so soon as the spawning season begins they will be evident enough upon the upper fords and shallow waters. The success of the experiment will depend upon the mollusca upon the sea banks, and the absence of formidable enemies outside, more than the capabilities of the rivers themselves. And £ take it that the destruction
50
is so great that a constant and copious artificial supply will be requisite for some time to establish the genus unless under most favorable circum- stances. Whether they will rise to fly or not, is once more most uncer- tain. I believe it to depend entirely upon the habits in that respect ac- quired by the smolts before they leave fresh water. It is at all events a most interesting experiment." His Excellency stated he would, when replying to i\Ir. Corrance's letter, request him to examine the specimens of our smolts at the Zoological Society's Museum, London.
IMr. M. Allport remarked that Mr. Corrance's statement, that the fish would bo readily detected in the spawning season at the upper fords and shallow waters of the Derwent, was undoubtedly correct, but the fact was, it would bo quite impossible, with our pecuniary means, effectually to watch the hundreds of miles frontage in the upper waters of the Derwent and its tributaries. These streams run through great tracts of country uninhabited, and in places almost impassable. It was to be recollected, too, that all expense of this kind would bo virtually thrown away, as the result of the experiment must necessarily soon be known in the due course of events.
In order to show how unreasonable it was to argue that the salmon ex- periment had not succeeded, because no large fish had hitherto been caught. Colonel Crawford read the following extract from the " Reports of the Commissioners of Fisheries of the State of Maine, 1867-8," p. 22 : — " In the fall of 1850, I put into the Sandy River Ponds ten or twelve trout. For seven or eight years no indications of them were to be seen, notwithstanding thousands of people crossed those ponds every year. Since 1857, it is judged that not less than 2,000 pounds have been taken out annually."
The usual votes of thanks having been accorded to the authors of papers and to the donors of presentations, His Excellency left the chair.
51
NOVEMBER, 1870.
The monthly meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday, the 8th November, J. Barnard, Esq., in the chair.
Among the Fellows present were Colonel Crawfoi-d, Dr. Agnew, Messrs. J. Allport, H. J. Buckland, M. AUport, H. Bilton, F. Abbott, jun., J. Roberts, J. W. Graves, L. Susman, L. R. Castray, C. M. Maxwell, A. G. Webster, Justin McC. Browne. Messrs. Curtayne and McFarlane (2) were also present as visitors.
The Secretary laid before the meeting the following returns for the past month, viz. : —
1. Visitors to Museum, 737.
2. Ditto to Gardens, 2232.
3. Time of leafing, flowering, &c., of a few standard plants in Botanic
Gardens.
4. Books and periodicals received.
5. Presentations to Museum and Library. Meteorological Returns : —
1. Hobart Town, from F. Abbott, Esq., table and summary for
October.
2. Swansea, from Dr. Story, ditto for September.
3. Port Arthur, from J. Boyd, Esq. , ditto for October.
4. Sydney, from Government Ol^servatory, ditto for August.
5. Melbourne, from ditto, ditto for September.
The following presentations to the Museum and Library were brought under the notice of the meeting : —
1. From Mr. M. Allport. — A Black Snake ( Hoplocephalas curtus)
from near the waterworks reservoir. Length, 4 feet 6 inches. A Fox Shark, or " Thresher " (Alopias vulpes) caught in Adventure Bay.
2. From Caj)tain Warren, R.E. — Pair of feet of " Cariboo Deer " of
Nova Scotia, a pair of Indian mocassins made from skin of hocks of "Moose Deer" of Nova Scotia. (A note from Captain Warren, which accompanied these specimens, descriptive of the mode of preparing the mocassins, was read. )
3. From Mr. J, Young, Howrah. — A human Skull from Fiji, Jaws of a
species of Shark caught in the Derwent. [The fish from which this specimen was obtained is probably identical with the Port Jackson shark {Cestradon Cuv. ), figured in " Phillips' Voyage to New South Whales," p. 383, and is interesting as being the only known living representative of an extinct sx^ecies found in the European tertiaries.]
4. From Mr. F. Allison, Sorell. — A pair of Mexican Spurs.
5. From Salmon Commissioners. — A Salmon Trout Smolt, (Sahno
trutta) from breeding ponds. River Plenty.
6. From Rev. H. D, Atkinson. — Eleven specimens, embracing eight
varieties of Echini from Three Hut Point.
7. From Mr. Richard Robertson. — A large bony mass from a horse's
jaw which had been previously fractured.
8. From Mr. L. Henn. — Curious growth of Honeysuckle (BanJcsia
sp.) sapling.
9. From Mr. W. H. Price, Macquarie Plains. — A Ram's head with
four horns, 10. From Mr. T. Herpich, Glenora, Fenton Forest. — An Austrian note, value 1 Gulden (9d. English) ; two quarters of ditto ; five Turkish coins, one ^ Piastre, two I do. , two Paras ; Austrian three Kreutzers ; two Skillings, Hamburg.
52
11. From Mr. H. M. Hull. — Butterflies from Benalla, Victoria,
12. From Mr. G. Davies. — A chick with four legs.
13. From tlie Government of Victoria.— Results of Magnetic Survey of
Victoria, by Dr. Neumayer, 1 vol., 4to.
14. From Government of United States, per the Smithsonian Institu-
tion, Washington, United States Coast Survey for 1863-4 and 5, three vols. 4to, bound. [The Secretary called attention to the very great value of the presen- tations so frequently received through the Smithsonian Institution. The books before the meeting were profusely illustrated by valualjle maps, and could only have been prepared and published at a very large outlay by the American Government. ]
15. From J. Barnard, Esq. — Catalogue of Sydney Intercolonial Exhibition, 1870.
16. From J. Abbott, Esq. — A specimen of Coal with its overlaying shale, from Rook wood, Three Hut Point.
[Accompanying this presentations were several printed and other documents, extending over a period of nine or ten years, in reference to the value of the coal, &c.]
In reply to a query, the Secretary intimated that he had no informa- tion as to the thickness of the seam, but he had heard a very favorable opinion given as to the quality of the coal.
Mr. Maxwell suggested that the most practical and satisfactory method of establishing its value would be by having a ton of it sent to the Gas and Steam Companies for the purpose of being tested.
17. From J. J. Butler, Esq., Bagdad. — An English Perch (Per ecu fluviatilis), aged seven months.
Mr. Allport at the same time exhibited several young perch from a few days to three weeks old, in order to show the enormous rapidity of gi'owth, and consequent value of these fish as an article of food.
The Secretary read a continuation of " Notes on an excursion to Cummings's Head, and the Falls of the Meander," by W. Archer, Esq., F.L.S. Also a paper by the same author, entitled "Notes on the Calif ornian Thistle."
Mr. M. AUport read the following notes on the salmon trout (Salmo trutta) 3d, the River Plenty: — "Another, and an important addition has, since our last meeting, been made to the history of* the salmon ex- periment. It will be remembered, that in the winter of 1869, those of the salmon trout (Salmo trutta), which were detained in fresh water, first spa\\Tied, and when the eggs hatched, it became a question of great interest, whether the fry would, in due season, exhibit the migratory instincts of their species in the same manner as if the parent fish had spawned after a visit to sea ; and this question became of still greater interest from the doubts entertained by scientific men in England, as to whether the fish detained at the Plenty were really salmon trout at all, some going so far as to assert that they could not be genuine because they had spawned, and that no migi-atory salmon ever would breed without the pre%dous journey to sea. The Salmon Commissioners, some time since, sent to England specimens of the young fish, hatched from the first eggs laid by the salmon trout, such young fish being then seven months old, at which time they exhibited, in a marked degree, aU the characteristics of the par of migratory salmon, and especially the orange- coloured fins, which are looked upon as peculiar to the par of the salmon trout. Had the experiment stopped at the time when those young fish were sent away, many people might have jumped to the conclusion that some mistake had occurred, and that these young fish were really, as Dr. Glinther suggested, hybrids and not salmon trout ; but, fortunately,
53
we have now in the specimen on the table the most convincing proof that these young fish belong to some migratory species of salmon, and we have, therefore, no right to doubt the statement of those who sent the eggs from which the parent fish were produced, and must admit that their progeny are true salmon trout. The specimen before you (presentation No. 5) is a facsimile of some 300 others now in our large pond at the Plenty, all of which have assumed the full smolt dress of brilliant scales, which dress is not only the invariable characteristic of those which migrate seawards, but also the unerring sign that they are ready to depart. Besides the great fact of the final suc- cess of the salmon trout,which this specimen abundantly proves, there is another interesting point to which I desire to call attention. Of the two smolts caught in the estuary of the Derwent in the end of October last year (that is at the very same season at which this specimen has been taken from the pond) one was sent to England and pronounced by Dr. Gunther to be an abortive salmon trout, the other was kept here, and is now before you. Upon comparing these specimens, you will find that the salmon trout smolt from the pond at the Plenty, though a healthy, well-fed, well-shaped, silvery fish, is not one-fourth of the weight of its abortive brother, and they exhibit other differences which make it difficult to believe that they are identical in species. During the last fortnight the parent salmon trout, unhappily reduced in number to 11, and which first assumed the smolt livery three years ago, have exhibited marked restlessness at their forced detention, swimming round and round their pond, seekmg an outlet, and even throwing themselves out of the water at the lower grating in such a determined manner as to render it necessary to increase the height of the guard to prevent their escape."
A list, in course of publication by Mr. Legrand, of 42 new species of Tasmanian land shells, principally discovered by him, was laid on the table for inspection. Accompanying and illustrating the list was a series of lithographs, exquisitely rendered by Mrs. Forde and Miss Scott, of Sydney.
A very beautiful collection of roses, comprising thirty-two named varieties, from the Society's Gardens, was exhibited, and was examined with much interest by the Fellows. Mr. Abbott mentioned that the Gardens now contained about one hundred and fifty varieties of this flower.
After some conversational discussion, the usual vote of thanks having been accorded to the authors of papers and the donors of presentations, the meeting terminated.
54
NOTES OF AN EXCURSION TO CUALMINGS'S HEAD AND THE FALLS OF THE MEANDER, ON THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS, TASMANIA.
By W. Archer, F.L.S.
Accompauied by a friend and two servants I started on the morning of May lOtli, 1818, for an excursion to Cummings's Head, a spur of the Western Mountains near Cheshuiit, with the intention of visiting the falls of the Meander River, which I had seen before in the summer, when a mere silvery thread of water was all of them that was visible. We hoped at this season to find a large stream flowing over the dark basaltic rocks of the mountain side. Our provisions consisted of 411j. of cold meat, 1211). of bread, 31b. of rice, 5ib, of sugar, and |lh. of tea ; and we took with us an opossum-skin rug, a pair of blankets, and a light tent weighing 3fib. — besides the usual accompaniments of matches, knives, tomahawk, &c.
At the foot of the mountain we first passed through a gum- tree forest, with a thick underwood of " native hop " or "bitter leaf" (Daviesia latifolia), mixed with the "native indigo plant (Indigofera tinctoria), the " clover tree " (Goodia lotifolia), red and white Epacris (Epacris imjyressa) , "prickly beauty " {Fiiltencea juniperina), the common " fern " {Pteris aquilina, var. esculenta), and other less conspicuous plants, all destitute of flowers at this season ; and then entered a dense thicket composed for the most part of " musk- wood " {Euryhia argopliylla), " dog- wood " {JPomadenns apetalci) " daisy-tree " {Euri/Ua \lirata), "stink- wood" (Zieria laiiceolata), "fern- trees " (^DicJcsonia antarciica), and the common " fern " 6 and 7 feet high — growing beneath gigantic trees of " stringy-bark " {Eucalyptus rohastd), "white-gum" {Eucalyptus mminalis) "blackwood" (Acacia melanoxyloii), and "silver wattle" {Acacia deaThata) — and rendered almost impenetrable by the huge trunks and branches of fallen gum-trees, and a net-work of nettles (JJrtica incisa), with the rope-stemmed Clematis {Glematis coriaceci) and Lyonsia {Lyonsia straminea), here and there, stinging our hands and faces, or tripping us up as we scrambled and cut our way through the entangled mass of vegetation. To the right of our track were some many-crowned fern-trees (Dicksonia antarctica), one with about thirty crowns — a wonder of the vegetable world, — and some- what further on we came to a white-gum tree of enormous height, towering far above the surrounding forest, and rising to an altitude of some 300 feet, with a trunk about 40 feet in circumference at a height of 4 feet from the ground, tapering
55
very gradually up to the first branches, fully 150 feet from the
base.
At the height of 500 feet from the plain — about 1,400 feet above the level of the sea — plants which grow to a height of 30 feet on the low ground are dwarfed down to shrubs. "Native box" {Bursaria spinosd), for example, is here a thorny little shrub a foot to 18 inches high, and the small-leaved Coprosma {Coj^rosma micropliylld), is reduced from 12 to 2 feet in height. At an elevation of 2,000 feet above the sea, the character of the vegetation is altered considerably, and the gum-trees lose the straightness and slenderness of their branches, and their now spreading tops approach the ground more closely. The " waratah " {Telopea truncatci), 3 feet high, and *' wax-cluster plant " {Gaultheria liispidci), 2 feet high, grow here among the rocks ; and a little higher up the pretty little Tetracarpsea {T. Tasmanicd) makes its appear- ance. Huge masses of rock, detached from the crags above, are now met with, and the shrubs and trees have a somewhat battered and straggling form, until the summit is reached, when they are found to assume a dwarfed and more compact appearance.
On reaching the summit, we rested for awhile from our labours, and ate our dinners, water being found in a little hole which I had previously dug beneath a dripping rock. Before starting again, my friend and I clambered to the very apex of Cummings's Head, where there is a little plateau of a few yards square. From this sj)ot, situated at the brink of a terrific precipice, there is a wondrous view of the country lying to the west, north, and east, including the towns of Deloraine and Westbury in the middle distance, and the northern line of coast as far as the eye could reach to the eastward, and for a considerable distance to the westward, until shut out by Mount Roland and other intervening mountains. Wishing to get the bearings of some of the princi- pal mountain peaks, and especially of Quamby Bluff", rising in solitary grandeur on the east, I placed my compass on one of the rocks of the plateau, — when, to my great surprise, the bearing indicated was due west instead of due east; audit turned out that the local attraction was so great that the points of the compass were all reversed as long as the compass remained in direct contact with the rock. On removing it from the rock, and raising it to the height of three feet above it, I found the bearings restored to their true position. This fact shows how careful explorers should be in availing them- selves of commanding points for the purpose of fixing the positions of their camps of rest or observation ; or the routes to be taken in order to reach other localities. AVe now
56
descended about 400 feet, to a plain lying between the beads or sources of two rivulets, one flowing to the east and entering the Meander, just above Archer's Sugarloaf, and the other flowing to the north-west into Dale Brook, near Gibson's Sugarloaf.
Upon this plain are found the large " mountain ranunculus" {Ranunculus Gunniamis), with its bright, varnished yellow flowers, purple underneath, and much-divided leaves, and the curious little " Caltha" (C introloha) both found also on the Vic- torian Alps by Dr. Mueller, — a little yellow-flowered " Stack- housia" {S. 2^ulvinaris), occurring also on the Gipps Land mountains, — a prostrate little Pultenaea (P. fascicularis)^ gathered also on the Cobberas Mounts in Victoria,— the singu- lar little Liparophjllum Gunnii, belonging to the Gentian tribe, found nowhere else in the world, small large-flowered plants of the " mountain gentian " {Gentiana montana), found also on the mountains of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia, — the WiilQMitrasacme Arc]ieri,iovi^2^ nowhere else, — Euphrasia alpina, striata, and cuspiclata, the first found on Mount Kosciusko in New South Wales, and on the Cobberas Mountains in Victoria, a most singular little plant — and the last nowhere but on the Western Mountains, Mount Sorell, and Mount La Perouse in Tasmania ; besides several other plants peculiar to mountainous localities, and some that are found also on the plains, such as the common "tea- tree'* {Leptospennum lanigfirum) which grows here in thickets to the height of 12 to 15 feet.
We erected our light tent — made of unbleached linen, and enclosing a space of six feet by six feet and a half — and leav- ing the servants to procure a large supply of dry fire-wood for consumption during the long and cold night, made our way down the valley of the eastern rivulet. After descending about 200 feet to a spot where the rocky sides of the valley rise steeply from each bank of the stream, we came to fine specimens of different species of the largest kinds of " moun- tain pine " — as I generally call it, — Atlu^otaxis cupressoidesy selaginoides and laxifolia, — and also the "celery- topped pine " Fhyllocladus rliomhoidalis, which occurs also on the Meander near Cheshunt. Here were also many beautiful and rare mosses, clothing or fringing the rocky margins of the brook ; here I found a pretty white violet, — found also in New Zealand, — Viola Cunnmgliamii ; here, straggling among the rocks, is Decaspora disticha, with its little clusters of purplish berries. Having gazed our fill at the rare and noble trees and curious alpine plants around us, and made a collection of botanical specimens, we returned to our tent.
One side of the tent being left open towards the large fire,
57
we passed a comfortable night, sleeping on a bed of tea-tree branches, with our feet towards the blaze, and only waking when the diminished heat warned some one of us to put on more wood. The coldest part of the night was— to use the words of a well-known song — " 2 o'clock in the morning,'' owing partly, I suppose, to the fire having died down at about that hour.
We started very early next morning in a direction nearly due south, in order to skirt a rocky gully, the hidden source of Dale Brook, and then crossed a plain in a south-easterly direction. On our way we passed through a large quantity of the mountain Bellendena (B. montana), a handsome glaucons- leaved small shrub, with pointed spikes of cream-colored flowers, followed by reddish-brown pods, — an alpine form of that very graceful branched fern, GleicTienia dicarpa, — ■ the pretty and rare Eurylia abcordota, only found on the Tasmanian mountains, with its wedge-shaped leaves, toothed at the apex, and daisy-like flowers, — the bright " green cushions," bespangled with the disproportionately large berries of the tiny Pernettya Tasmanica, a plant of the heath tribe, found only on the mountains of Tasmania, — and the beautiful little Gaidtheria antipoda, not found anywhere else in Australia, but occurring on lofty mountains of the Middle Island, New Zealand, — the cider- tree {Eucahjpus Gunnii), — and many other rare and interesting plants. On the plain just mentioned we found a small group of the cypress-like *• mountain pines" (Athrotajcis cupressoides), with a ragged and broken-down appearance. Shortly after passing them we began to ascend the western end of the Ironstone Moun- tain range, and came upon a kind of saddle between the trigo- nometrical station and " West Bastion Bluff." Here we found that curious little coniferous plant, Microcachrys tetragona, lying, here and there, perfectly flat on green- stone rocks, whose surfaces were nearly level with the ground ; and then, keeping too much to the left, we passed through or over an underwood of a dwarf pine, about four feet high, — which attains to the height of ten feet in very sheltered situations — called Diselma Archeri, with many straggling branches so close to the ground, that if one put one's foot between instead of on them, one's progress became slow and exceedingly laborious. My friend, who did not succeed well in making his way through them, on coming up to me, botanising while waiting for him, requested me particularly to tell him the name of the plant, " in order," as he said, *' that he might hate it all his life."
Looking from the top of West Bastion Bluff we saw Lake Lucy Long— a somewhat appropriate name— extending in a
lengthened, narrow sheet of water to the westward, on the plain below. Far away to the soutli-west the Frenchman's Cap stood up against the horizon, and to the southward lay the Lakes Augusta and Ada, and the other waters of the Nineteen Lagoons. Turning to the lel't after leaving the saddle, and skirting the upj)er part of Ironstone Mountain, we proceeded nearly in the direction of the Split Rock trigonometrical station, passing over ground covered with Astelia aljjiiia, and soon came to a small lake, which proved to be Lake Meander, the chief source of the Meander River.
Leaving Lake Meander, with its bright and pellucid water, and scrambling down the bed of a rivulet running to- wards the east, we soon found ourselves at the brink of a vast precipice, over the face of which the water of th*^ rivulet was falling in ar long silvery sheet, frayed at the edges into foam and liquid ravellings, and plashing into a nearly circular basin. Before us lay, in grand ruggedness and con- fusion of huge crags and great bare patches covered with rocks and stones, interspersed with lines and clumps of small trees and straggling shrubs fighting a hard battle of life for bare existence, the immense gorge at the bottom of which the rapid and winding Meander rushes along its sound- ing course to the plains below. This gorge extends upwards beyond " The Falls " for about a quarter of a mile, and termi- nates in a short curve where a stream runs under rocks from a pretty, little shallow lake, not far off, which I named " Lake Pediluvium," for a reason v/hich can be as well imagined as described. From the cliff, to the westward of the end of the gorge. The Falls looked like a tiny thread of silver, suspended from the brink of the precipice above, and we could not hear the noise they produced, after our rough scramble down the rocks and through the shrubs at the end of the gorge, until we were within about fifty yards of the pool into which the water tumbled after its gigantic leap.
On viewing The Falls from the front they had the appearance of an unbroken descending line ; but, on moving to the right or left, it became evident, at once, that they consisted of two parts separated by the basin which we had seen from the summit of the rocks. When standing close to the foot of the lower fall the effect was very grand, as the broken sheet of bright water, splashing, foaming, hissing, rent into a thousand fragments, then united, fell in a continuous torrent at our feet, just, in a word, as "the water comes down at Lodore."
One of my companions mounted to the summit of the lower fall, close to the basin, which we had seen from above, somewhat of a circular outline, and found it to
59
be about 100 feet across. From thence lie let fall a stone, attached to a ball of twine, until it reached the foot of the lower fall. On measuring the length of this line after- wards I found it to be 150 feet. Judging bj this ascertained height, the upper fall must have been fully 200 feet high, — making 350 feet in all.
After refreshing ourselves, and dividing our provisions into equal shares, in readiness for such emergencies as being lost, or being the victim of hungry companions, we started on our way homewards.
A little way above the Meander on the left bank, to which we had crossed immediately after leaving " The Falls," a fine specimen of the mountain pine called Athrotaxis selaginoides met our view. It was covered with its small cones just ripe, and afforded a rich harvest to one of my companions, who was on the look-out for such treasures. A little higher up the pretty Pimelea sericea occurs, a small shrub, with very pale green leaves, smooth above and covered beneath with long, silky hairs, and bearing (in December) rather large heads of flowers. Passing through a grove of small gum-trees, (?) Eucalyptus coccifera, and leaving the eastern bluffs of Ironstone Mountain on the left, we had to scramble across a plateau of great rocks, like those near the summit of Mount Wellington, with deep caverns beneath them into which there was much risk of falling, and then found ourselves on a plain sloping gently towards the river on our right, and dotted with small gum-trees and various shrubs. Here we pitched our tent near a bright lil tie rill, many of which flowed across the plain.
Next morning, pursuing our way nortliwards,we found a large patch of Coprosma oiitida, a kind of " native currant," — as it is absurdly called, merely on account of the colour of its fruit, — thickly covered with its shining, crimson berries. It occurs also on the Bau-Bau Mountains of Victoria. On the plateau of the mountain above us may be found another and much smaller species, {G. pumild) which is found on the Bau-Bau and Cobberas Mountains of Victoria. Two much larger species, — G. liirtella with much larger berries and leaves, and G. Bil- lardieri with berries and leaves smaller, — grow on the lower ground, the latter being very common in some localities. The berries of all the species named have a similar and by no means pleasant flavour.
By the side of a murmuring rivulet which we now crossed, were growing some beautiful plants of Athrotaxis laxifolia with its graceful pyramidal form, and delicate branches covered with bright yellowish-green leaves, only long and spreading enough to give the branchlets a somewhat serrated appearance, as they waved in the breeze. The Athrotaxis previously mentioned
60
(A. selaginoides), with loi ger and more spreading, prickly leaves, is more prized in England than this species ; but I think this is the more elegant of the two. The third species {A. cuprcssoides) is a much more sombre tree, with smaller and blunter leaves closely appressed to the branchlets. All the species are, I believe, peculiar to Tasmania.
Among the many shrubs through which we now walked and, sometimes, struggled, may be mentioned JPersoonia Gunnii, with its olive-shaped leaves and black sloe-like fruit, — Orites revolitta, Decaspora thymifolia, Tetracarpoea Tasmanicay ^i^;•yJm^Ji?^^/bZm, with itspungent leaves, — Ozothamnus Hooker i^ and Boeckia Gunniana. Above us, at a height of about 400 feet, was the summit of the mountain, to which we clambered by a sinuous course over the loose stones, taking care not to move until we were all proceeding in the same direction, in order to avoid rolling down the stones on each other. Arrived at the tolerably level ground above, covered here and there with flat rocks, or with great stones among the smaller shrubs and grass, we could see Cummings's Head to the northward, while the Ironstone Range, with its trigonometrical station and its " Bastion Bluffs," lay to the south-west, behind our left shoulder.
"The cider-tree " {Eucalyptus Gimnii) was plentiful on the stony rises, and various alpine shrubs grew beneath its shade, or on the open ground. Sp)rengelia montana and Cystanthe sprengelioides, — both of the Epacris tribe, the latter closely resembling Sprengelia incar7iata,h\xt with the peculiar calyptrate flowers of the genus Cystanthe, — are found here. Here are the " green cushions," already mentioned, so well-known to moun- tain excursionists, at first sight appearing to be composed of one plant only, but proving, on examination, to combine four or five ; for instance, Scleroleima Forsteroides and Pterygopappus Jjawrencii, both plants of the Composite Tribe, — Coprosma pumila, of the Madder Tribe, — Bernettya Tasmanica, of the Heath Tribe, and Oreololus Fumilio, a cyperaceous plant, are all found densely packed together in a green, rounded mass, dotted here and there with the drupes of the Coprosma, and the berries of the Bernettya, or powdered lightly with the tiny flowers of the various plants composing it. The little Hubus Gunnianus, of the Rose Tribe, with cream-coloured, bramble- like flowers, followed by blackberry-like fruit of good flavour, occurs in dry sandy spots ; the common burr {AccBna ^aiujuisorhcB), of the same tribe, exhibits its patches of pretty green, wrinkled leaves, smaller and more wrinkled than those of the variety on the low ground ; EuryVia persoonioides and E. alpina of the Composite or Daisy-flowered Tribe, — thrown together into one species by Bentham, but differing in some
61
important particulars, — are seen, often close together,witli their leaves, dark green and glossy above, and covered with densely- packed hairs beneath, — the flower-heads (daisy-like flowers so- called) of the former being several together on long slender stalks, while the latter bears single, larger heads of flowers, on short, stout stalks ; Boronia rhomhoidea and B. pilosa, with their pretty, pinkish, four-petalled flowers, and leaves smelling like Eue ; the little Mountain Sun- dew {Brosera Arcturi), found also in Australia, New- Zealand, Europe, Africa, &c., with its largish, white flower, — and the tiny Claijtonia australasica, of the Purslane Tribe, found also in New Zealand and America, — Nertera depressa, a very small plant of the Madder Tribe, found in Victoria on the Bau-Bau Mountains, and on the banks of the Snowy Eiver, — Liparophyllum Gunnii, a little plant of the Gentian Tribe, which occurs in Europe, &c., — Oarisia integri- folia, of iJie Foxglove Tribe, a small plant, found likewise in New Zealand, — the little ^Va>MQX-woxt (JJtricularia lateriflora), — and some other small plants are to be found in wet places ; Cryptandra aJpina, of the Buckthorn Tribe, — the curious little Stackhousia pulvinaris, with its stamens, abnormally, of nearly equal height, — the handsome great mountain Daisy (Celmisia longifolia), the large mountain Bachelor's Button (Craspedia monocepliala), — avarietyof C. Ricliea, iouwd alsoin south-eastern Australia, — Craspedia aIpina,io\ind on Mount BuUer in Victoria, — Baoulia catipes, of the Daisy-flowered Tribe, in whitish tufts, — the mountain GnapJialium (G. coUinum, variety ononocepha- lune,) — the minute Mitrasacme Archeri, the singular little iPimelea pyqmoea, the remarkable little Rib-grass {Blantago Archeri,) with its minute flowers and its leaves closely appressed to the ground, and hairy on both surfaces, — all these occur, here and there, with numerous other plants, over the area between Cummings's Head and Ironstone Mountain. There is also the extraordinary little Eyebright {Euphrasia citspidata)^ together with two other herbs of the same genus (C. alpina and C. striata) — to be found on the little plain below the summit of Cummings's Hd. to the southward. We noticed also, between and among the rocky rises farther back, plants o^ Bis- elma Archeri, and Microcachrys tetragona, together with Bodo- carpus alpina, — all belonging to the Coniferous or Pine Tribe. We returned to the summit of Cummings's Head, passing through a wood of dwarfed Beeches, called Myrtle Trees, {Fagus Cunninghamii), a little after noon ; and having eat n our dinner and refreshed ourselves with bush-tea, and enjoyed again the extensive view over the low country lying to the west- ward, northward, and eastward, we descended the mountain, and thus terminated a pleasant and most interesting excursion.
62
THE SUN AND ITS OFFICE IN THE UNIVERSE.
JReatl at a meeting of the Royal Spciety, Tasmania.
By F. Abbott, F.R.A.S., &c.
The Bim, to us, is not only the largest apparent star in the universe, hat also the most brilliant, and that which exercises over the earth the most dominant influences. It is from hiiu that all the energies developed on the surface of the earth incessantly flow, and are continually and successfully carried on by the two hundred and thirty millionth part of the force radiated, ^vhich is all the earth is able to receive of the sun's rays. From him also, at epochs immensely distant from us, the planets have been thrown out successively, at first in the form of nebulous rings — agglomerations of matter which have in the end become condensed, and now form the planets of our system.
Compared with the mass of the earth, the mass of the sun is only about 355,000 times as great although its volume is 1,4C 0,000 times larger, which indicates a less density. The matter of which the sun is composed is found to weigh but little more, volume for volume, than a quarter of that of which our own globe is formed. To express the weight of the sun in tons, by figures, would be useless — the number ranks among those which express nothing to the mind.
The light and heat received by our earth from the sun being taken as unity, the planet Mercury would be 6.673, and the planet Neptune, 0.001. Mercury is, therefore, lighted and heated nearly seven times as much as the earth ; and the light and heat of the sun have an intensity 6673 times greater on the planet Mercury than at the surface of Neptune, where the apparent diameter of the solar disc is only Imin. 4sec. To compare and know correctly the calorific and luminous intensity of the sun at the surface of the different planets of our system, we must be acquainted wdth the nature of their atmospheres, and in what proportion the waves of light and heat are absorbed, in passing through those gaseous envelopes. Mercury, for instance, may have an atmosphere so dense that the soil does not receive more of the sun's influence than the soil of the earth.
It was in August, 1612, that Galileo wrote, in the second of his three celebrated letters, concerning the spots on the sun. " For the time to come," he says, " there will remain to physicists a field for speculations about the substance and manner of production of such vast masses as are the solar- spots, concerning which problem I would not venture to affirm
63
anything." It is now more than two centuries and a half since Galileo discovered the solar-spots, and astronomers and physicists have speculated, and still speculate much to explain the phenomenon.
If the body of the sun be observed with a powerful telescope, the eye being properly protected, the enlarged image of the disc will usually appear more or less sprinkled with sun-spots — moveable belongings to the surface of the sun — which spots greatly help the study of the physical constitution of our luminary. The number of these spots follows a certain periodicity, which helps to establish a most interesting cor- relation between sun-spots and terrestrial magnetism.
When the sun-spots are observed with care during several consecutive days, they are found to vary both in form and position, amidst which variations there is one common and progressive movement in the same direction, from which has been deduced the rotation of the solar globe round an axis passing through its centre. This movement takes place from west to east, and fourteen days is the time during which a spot remains visible, and fourteen days is also the period which elapses between the diasppearance of a spot at the western border, and its re-appearance on the eastern. A point situated on the solar equator travels with a velocity of 4,560 miles an hour, or about 1| miles per second.
Sun-spots consist generally of one or more dark portions called umlrcB, which appear black in comparison with the luminous parts of the sun's disc ; around this dark portion is a grey tint, furrowed with dark striae, this forms the penumbra. The spots are frequently composed of several umbra, inclosed in one penumbra, and sometimes the penum- bra is not provided with umbrae. The penumbra frequently reproduces the principal contours of the umbra, and often presents a great variety of shades when examined with high powers.
The dimensions of the spots are variable, and are sometimes enormous ; Schroter measured one which he found equivalent to sixteen times the surface embraced by a great circle of the earth, equal to four times the entire superficies of our glob(5, or more than 29,000 miles. Sir William Herschel, in 1779, measured a spot consisting of two parts, the diameter of which was not less than 50,000 miles. In August, 1839, Capt. Davies measured a sun-spot 186,000 miles in its great- est length.
According to Sir W. Herschel the surface of the sun is made up of " corrugations." Mr. Nasmyth describes the surface as having the appearance of " willow-leaves." Mr, Daws asserts that these interstices differ greatly in form and size — some-
(J4
times resembling:,' an ill-sbaped arrow-head, at others an irregular trapezium with rounded corners, and that they vary so much in these particulars as to defy every attempt to describe them.
To try and explain the phenomena, in such a manner that they can be connected with the sun's physical constitution, has been the employment of astronomers since the time of Alexander Wilson in 1774, and the results arrived at are such as to satisfy nearly all the conditions required : —
1st. There is a dark central mass.
2nd. There is a luminous stratum, or photosphere, en- closing the former.
3rd. There is a vaporous envelope in which the two are enshrouded, and which constitutes the real atmosphere of the sun.
4th. Is an outer chromosphere, lying on the surface of the luminous photosphere, enshrouding the whole, and through which the solar-spots, of various magnitudes, can all be seen during their formation.
Solar- spots are cavities, or openings of enormous size in the photosphere, and are caused by a down-rush or in-rush of outer vapour into the photosphere — or general plane of con- densation for gaseous matter in the sun — which forms a cavity from 20,000 to 40,000 miles deep. On the 29th of August last I counted 42 of these spots, in three groups, on the surface of the sun while taking a transit, and about the same period there were brilliant displays of Aurora on three consecutive nights. On the 21st September I counted upwards of 70 sun- spots, the whole of which were immersed in the penumbra, and on the same evening appeared a strong Aurora. Sun-spots are now at a maximum, and Aurora disj^lays frequent.
On the 26th of September, in company with Mr. Eoblin, I counted 43 sun-spots and ;penumbra, and there were auroral displays on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th ; the 26th was cloudy.
The truth of Galileo's opinion that the solar-spots have some relation to the planets has been verified, first by Schwabe of Dessau, and after by Lamont at Monaco, who individually found that the maximum and minimum of solar-spots, and of the variation of the magnetic needle had each a period of about ten years.
Contemporaneously with Lamont, General Sabine — who together with Hanstein investigated terrestrial magnetism — from observations made at two opposite parts of the globe (Toronto and Hobart Town), accomplished for the perturba- tion of the magnetic declination, what Lamont had done for the variations was intensity, and proved that a lite period of about ten years was found for both inclination and intensity.
65
This period, observed in all the magnetic elements, precisely- corresponded with that discovered by Schwabe for the number of solar-spots.
This isochronous periodicity has been further proved by M. Gautier, of Geneva, and M. Wolfs, of Zurich, each un- acquainted with the other's researches, and ignorant of the observations of Sabine, Hanstein, &c.
Since these discoveries have been made, other relations of a different kind have been found to exist between the solar- spots and the position of other planets in the system ; not only the number or mpgnitude of the spots, but their position also is in part dependent on the places of the planets in space. The belief that the earth is a great magnet is of very ancient date, and the same power may be conceded to the other planets as being governed by the same laws. This was the opinion of Euler, Tobias Mayer, and Hanstein ; next came Gaus, whose system of terrestrial magnetism was what Newton's theory was to the solar system, as the law of magnetic force varies in inverse ratio of the square of the distance — just as is the case with universal attraction. The result of M. Gaus' investigations was a close agreement between theory and experiment.
There is, however, another phenomenon recognised in the Aurora, which is found to be produced by electro- magnetism, and is connected with the spots on the sun, their maxima and minima corresponding in every case.
It will be remembered by many members of the Society that on the 14th March, 1860, I had the honour to read, in connec- tion with Colonel Broughton, E.E., a paper on " Atmospheric Electricity." At that time solar-spots were at a maximum, and there were some very beautiful displays of Aurora Austral is. In the paper referred to I ventured on the following theory, viz., that the rapid rotation of the earth on its axis engendered a large amount of terrestrial magnetism at the poles, which becoming connected with atmospheric electricity, produced the beautiful corruscations which were then seen. My observations were sent home by Dr. Milligan, and forwarded to Professor Loomis, whose investigation of these and other records of the same nature enabled him to trace a period of about ten years for the maximum of sun-spots, of terrestrial magnetism, and of auroral displays.
Soon after that paper reached London I received a compli- mentary letter from a scientific meteorologist, who agreed with everything it contained except the theory of theproduction of the Aurora. Since that time, however, and onlv latelv (December, 1869), Mr. Balfour Stewart, Director of Kew Observatory, read a paper before the Koyal Afcitronoraleal
GQ
Society, on the auroral displays, between which and terres- trial magnetism he traced a connection.
This, as a theory, however, has been known since the time of Halley, who suggested that the ])henomenon might be due to the' passage of magnetism, from one magnetic pole to the other.
Although electro-magnetic power is so strongly developed in the universe, science has not as yet discovered the office it holds, or the part it plays iu the movements so well known to be influenced by it. The dynamical theory, according to Faraday and Professor William Thompson, rests on no physical hypothesis whatever, but on the fact that forces emanate from the poles of magnets in certain directions, which are called lines of force, and occupy a magnetic field. If any body is plunged \vitbiu this magnetic field, it disturbs or modifies these Hues of force according to its nature. If magnetic it concen- trates the lines, or draws them towards itself ; if diamagnetic it causes them to diverge — thus originating attractive move- ments for magnetic bodies, and repulsive ones for those that are diamagnetic.
These two forces when applied to the sun, in the same way that we apply the term " gravity," are each capable of pro- ducing the same necessary consequences, both varying accord- ing to the inverse square of the distance, a property belonging to the law of nature, and which law is capable of being expressed by other terms better known to possess forces than the one in present use. The law of universal gravitation has this inestimable advantage — it may be reduced to calculation, and by a comparison of the results with observation, gives a certain method of verifying the existence of some such force.
To use the words of Laplace, and follow this motion from the departure of a planet on its perihelion passage, " the velocity is then at its maximum, and its tendency to recede from the sun surpassing its gravity towards it, the planet's radius vector augments and forms an obtuse angle with the direc- tion of its motion. The force of gravity towards the sun, decomposed according to this direction, continually diminishes the velocity of the planet till it arrives at its aphelion. At this point its velocity is at a niitiimum, and its tendency to recede from the sun being less than its gravity towards it, the planet will approach it, describing the second part of its ellipse. In this part the gravity towards the sun increases its velocity in the same manner as it before decreased it, and the planet will arrive at its perihelion again with its primitive velocity and re-commence a new revolution as before. It is
67
liiglily probable that this law extends from one planet to another, and to every distance from the sun."
To my mind this explanation of a planet's revolution round the sun requires the knowledge to be conveyed by some better term, without relying on the prestige of a name. From the various results obtained by analysis of the solar spectrum may be found the different forces produced by electro-magnetism, so abundantly provided for in the immense magnitude of, and power derived from, the sun.
Of late years a much closer relationship between the sun and the earth than was formerly supposed, has been proved by means of the Spectroscope ; and we may consider that there is a still closer analogy between our own and other planets, so that as electric currents exist on the surface of the earth, similar currents exist on the surface of the other planets and of the sun. Venus, when in a crescent form, often appears to be covered with a phosphorescent light in the dark part, which indicates the presence of Auroras at the poles of that planet.
The sun is known to have a mean density equal to that of water, but not everywhere homogeneous or uniformly dis- tributed. The radiation, therefore, to which the sun is sub- jected must greatly disturb the distribution of caloric, and develope a large amount of electricity, which is a perennial source of heat and light. " This heating force," says Professor Donatti, " which the sun produces through infinite space, when it comes to be confined in the bowels of the earth, is changed into that force ^which the magnet obeys; in this ma,nner all motions are produced, whence arises heat, then electricity, magnetism, and light, which when combined form universal attraction, and eventually gravitation."
In solar chemistry, it is concluded with certainty, that in the sun's atmosphere, at a distance from us of 91,328,600 miles, the burning heat is produced by substances, the follow- ing of which have been found, viz., — calcium, barium, mag- nesium, iron, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, strontium, cad- mium, cobalt, manganese, aluminium, titanium, and hydrogen. The lines of all these substances have their dark representa- tives in the sunlight, and are so characteristic and distinct as to leave no doubt of their presence. Many metals still remain undiscovered in the spectrum of the sun. There is exhibited in London a chromo-lithograph, which contains five hundred of Fraunhofer's dark solar lines, which, in all pro- bability, have a representative in both the stellar and solar spectrum. In the former, especially in southern climes, where the atmosphere is clear, the stars are not all white ; here and there may be seen, in beauteous contrast, richly coloured
08
gems, red, oranpfo, yellow, blue, green, pnrple, &c. ; many of which are double stars exhibiting beautiful phenomena of complementary colours — yellow and purple, pale green and blue, orange and sea-green, yellow and sapphire blue, &c., &c. Coloured stars are also seen, with a good telescope, in small clusters invisible to the naked eye, such as I Crux, the area occupied by this object is about one-forty-eighth part of a square degree, and when viewed through an instrument of sufficient aperture, the object is extremely beautiful, giving the effect of a rich piece of fancy jewellery. Another such cluster in the same neighbourhood, about half a degree from ■n Argus, the constituent stars of which are equally brilliant and beautiful, is entered in the Cape observations as a neat cluster, but the colours are not named. These stars, either single, double, or in groups, are amongst the most beautiful objects to be seen with the telescope in either hemisphere, and when we consider that the colours of these stars are all produced by the same substances which we are so familiar with in the earth, we are taught that our knowledge of the universe does not depend only on the power of large telescopes, but that the human intellect may become familiar "with things which the human eye cannot see.
It is known from various reasons that the stars are all suns, more or less chemically composed like our own sun ; many of them are variable, some are known to have disappeared, and have not been seen since. Others, which before were invisible, have appeared, and remained visible since. About two years ago, there appeared a star of the ninth magnitude in the Northern Crown that all at once put on an unusual degree of brightness, and shone equal to a star of the second magnitude. The light of this star was examined by spectrum analysis, from which it was found to have been suddenly enveloped by flames of burning hydrogen. When the hydro- gen was all consumed, the photosphere became less luminous, and the star returned to its former state.
The question which concerns us is, whether our sun is likely to undergo such a sudden change. The most recent observa- tions show us that masses of hydrogen gas, in combustion, rise from the sun's photosphere many thousand miles in vertical height, and constitute the red prominences seen in total eclipses. If such should be the case with our sun — which the prolonged stability of our system does not justify ns in believing — two opposite effects might naturally ensue. Either the cause which produces the gaseous evolution may gradually diminish so as to lessen the heat radiation ; or this cause may augment and increase the power of the central fire : but in either case it is not certain that life would
69
become extinct, although the altered conditions might gradually give rise to a new Fauna and Flora. We maj then console ourselves without indulging in such flights of imagination as those so fitly pourtrayed by Lord Byron in his poem " Darkness " : —
" I had a dream, which was not all a dream. The hright sun was extinguished, and the stars Did wander darkling in eternal space, Eayless and pathless, and the icy earth Swung blind and blackening in the moonless air. Morn came and went — and came, and brought no day."
In concluding this brief paper I will mention a subject with which the Society is acquainted. Mr. Le Sueur, who had charge of the large Melbourne telescope, in his report to the Royal Society, London, — and contained in the Pre- sident's address— makes the following statement relative to the star and Nebula 77 Argus :— " The Nebula around 77 Argus," says Mr. Le Sueur, " has changed largely in shape since Sir J. Herschel observed it ; I believe the Nebula lies nearer to us than the fixed stars seen in the same field." Mr. Le Sueur also states his belief that the star -n shines with the light of burning hydrogen, and thinks that the star has consumed the nebulous matter near iv.
Without endorsing this opinion of Mr. Le Sueur, it is something to know that the fluctuations in the star r? and its Nebula have another authority, notwithstanding there is pending a correspondence on several questions set forth on the altered features of v Argus with a view to obtain a solution, and a closer agreement between the drawings made at Hobart Town, and those made at the Cape of Good Hope, and in India ; which, under the circumstances I believe to be impossible, as no two very dissimilar instruments will show nebulous matter alike— to detect small fluctuations will re- quire patient watching over a length of time, with one and the same instrument (a standard) similar to the 18-inch reflector used at the Cape of Good Hope by Sir J. Herschel.
70
NOTES ON " THE CALIFORNIAN THISTLE." By W. Archer, F.L.S.
The genus Carduus, as established by Liniia3us, consists of what are called " True Thistles," with a hairy pappus or calyx ; "Plume Thistles," with a feathery pappus or calyx.
Bentham, in his " Hand-book of the British Flora," follows Linnaeus ; but some botanists class the " True thistles " under the genus ' Carduus' and the " Plume thistles " under the genus Cnicus or Clrsium.
The " Milk Thistle " (Carduus Ilarianus) represents the " true thistles " in Tasmania, and the Carduus lanceolatus^ or " Spear Thistle " (Cnicus lanceolaius, of " The British Flora," by Hooker and Arnott), the Plume Thistles. The " Spear This- tle " of England is what is called in Tasmania " The Scotch Thistle ;" but it is not by any means peculiar to Scotland. (The Scotch heraldic thistle is the Onopordon acantMwni, which is a native of central Europe and of Asia, but certainly not a native of Scotland, according to Bentham.) The " Spear Thistle " (Carduus or Cnicus lanceolatus) has a biennial root- stock, which sends up for two years, (after which it dies), annual stems, winged and prickly, with broadish, pinnatifid, prickly -lobed leaves, and large, egg-shaped flower -heads, enveloped in involucral, spreading bracts, with stiif, largish prickles. The " Creeping Thistle " (Carduus or Cnicus arven- sis) has a perennial and creeping root-stock, which sends up, perpetually, annual stems, with rather narrow, pinnatifid, very prickly-lobed leaves, and dioecious flower-heads {i.e., the males on one plant and the females on another), — the male flower- heads nearly globular, and the female flower-heads egg-shaped, enveloped in involucral, appressed bracts, with small prickles.
Both the Spear Thistle and the Creeping Thistle are found abundantly in Europe and Asia. The Spear Thistle is, of course, the more easily destroyed of the two. The Creeping Thistle seems to be quite ineradicable.
The Creeping Thistle is mentioned by Professor Johnston as being called in the United States of America the " Cana- dian Thistle," — probably because it travelled thither from Canada ; and so, I suppose, the same thistle is called here the *' Californian Thistle " because it has come to us from Cali- fornia. It is nevertheless the " Creeping Thistle " of Great Britain, — and it never quits a country into which it has been introduced.
METEOROLOGY FOR JANUARY, 1870.
|
Private |
Observatory, Horart To-wn. |
|||||||||
|
Bar. 37 feet |
">j |
|||||||||
|
ibv. sea level |
Self-Registering |
Wind. |
.§ 12 a |
|||||||
|
corrected & |
Thermometers. |
1 ^^ g |
||||||||
|
reduced. |
B |
|||||||||
|
1 o |
1 |
1 |
1 a 1 |
1 o |
0 a bo |
1, o |
§2 25U |
1. ll |
a |i 1 1 i|ii I |
|
|
fi |
in |
3 |
!I3 |
Hi |
s |
3 |
s |
f^ |
Ph |
« og^-g :3 |
|
-s ^^%% 3 |
||||||||||
|
In. |
Tn. |
~ |
^~ |
o |
= |
>. «« fl 2 a^ a |
||||
|
1 |
30-032 |
29-999 |
71 |
50 |
115-0 |
46-5 |
NW SE SW |
104 |
||
|
2 |
29-971 |
29-829 |
70 |
51 |
117-0 |
48-5 |
NW SE |
1-30 |
||
|
3 |
29-657 |
29-320 |
86 |
58 |
122-5 |
560 |
NWENW |
1-04 |
||
|
4 |
29-570 |
29-460 83 |
50 |
1080 |
47-5 |
SW |
8-33 |
1-71 |
^ g>o^^ i |
|
|
5 |
29-665 |
29-650 |
j70 |
51 |
116-0 |
510 |
NW |
1-04 |
S 1 -^^ "^ |
|
|
6 |
29-657 |
29-617 |
!69 |
54 |
113 0 |
51-0 |
SWWNW |
3-12 |
2 oS§^ 2 |
|
|
7 |
29-837 |
29-710 |
67 |
47 |
107-5 |
44-5 |
NW SW |
3-64 |
- Sg-gl = |
|
|
8 |
29-433 |
29-317 |
68 |
48 |
no-0 |
46-5 |
NE W |
10-41 |
-1 fill 1 |
|
|
9 |
29-665 |
29-583 66 |
48 |
103-0 |
470 |
NW W SE |
1-56 |
'0-06 |
||
|
10 |
29-684 |
29-504 76 |
49 |
106-0 |
43-5 |
NW SE NW |
1-30 0-02 |
•s ^ 3^ -3 |
||
|
n |
29-769 |
29-617 |
73 |
55 |
116-0 |
52 0 |
NW SE W |
104 |
M g o 5j 2 |
|
|
12 |
29-671 |
29-46J |
99 |
55 |
75-5 |
54-0 |
NW SE |
-26 0-29 |
||
|
13 |
29-540 |
29-483 |
62 |
51 |
67-0 |
49-0 |
S SE |
-52 1-53 |
||
|
14 |
29-954 |
29-842 64 |
48 |
108-0 |
46 0 |
SESW |
1-30 |
0-14 |
||
|
15 |
30-094 |
30 070 63 |
48 |
110-0 |
45-0 |
SW SE |
104 |
|||
|
16 |
30-107 |
29-935 68 |
46 |
108-5 |
43-0 |
NE SE |
1-30 |
|||
|
17 |
29-826 |
29-795 69 |
55 |
114-0 |
52-5 |
SE |
1-04 |
S -isso 2 |
||
|
18 |
29-535 |
29-240 82 |
58 |
122-0 |
55 0 |
NW |
26-56 |
|||
|
19 |
29-765 |
29-575 78 |
53 |
106 0 |
47 0 |
NW SW NW |
7-80 |
|||
|
20 |
29-977 |
29-800 69 |
55 |
112-5 |
50-0 |
NWSWW |
1-04 |
3 :5^2« 1 |
||
|
21 |
30 090 |
30 049 '76 |
45 |
112-0 |
42-5 |
NW SE |
1-30 |
|||
|
22 |
30-076 |
29-89177 |
53 |
120-0 |
49-0 |
NWSE |
1-04 |
M « S 2 rS |
||
|
23 |
29-810 |
•29-683 99 |
58 |
138-0 |
54-5 |
NWW |
104 |
|||
|
24 |
29-852 |
29-817 78 |
61 |
99-0 |
59-5 |
SE |
104 |
|||
|
25 |
29-663 |
29 -604 '69 |
60 |
90-0 |
59 0 |
ESE |
■52 |
0-74 |
^ I'^'l 5 |
|
|
26 |
29-874 |
29-684167 |
49 |
109-5 |
46-5 |
swsw |
1-04 |
0-05 |
||
|
27 |
29-842 |
29-715 i66 |
46 |
101-0 |
44-0 |
NW |
-78 |
.sal-"b§ i |
||
|
28 |
29-870 |
29 -736 '67 |
54 |
95-0 |
49-0 |
SW SE |
-78 |
sPlsl i |
||
|
29 |
29-926 |
29-779 78 |
54 |
119-5 |
51-5 |
NWW |
5-99 |
0-03 |
|||^;rs«s |
|
|
30 |
29-879 |
29-871 75 |
53 |
86-0 |
46-0 |
NW |
3-38 |
|||
|
31 |
30-101 |
30-091 66 |
46 |
1080 |
44-5 |
NW SE |
1-04 |
«> 3 03 S ■=« « o <u S3 .S r> U |
||
|
Monthly mean 62 |
62 |
107-60 |
49-08 |
Total Force . . |
92-63 |
4-57 |
||||
|
29-758 ' |
||||||||||
Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a few Standard Plants in the Royal Society's Gardens during the month. 1st. — First apricot (royal) gathered. 8th.— Gre-vdlea robusta in full flower. 9th. — Jargonelle pear ripe. 12th. — Mulberries commencing to ripen. 14th. — Veronica angustifoUa in fuU flo-wer.
Barometer mean, 29 758 in., being 0 031 in. above the average.
Temperature mean, 62 62', being 0-2-2° below the ditto.
Solar intensity mean, 107 60°, being 2-04' below the ditto.
Dew point mean, 49-0°, being 1-55' below the ditto.
Humidity of air mean, 64, being 03 per cent, below the ditto.
Elastic force of vapour mean, 361, being 012 per cent, below the ditte.
Total amount of rain, 4-57in., being 3-21in. above the ditto.
Increase of spontaneous evaporation on rain faU, 0-23in.
Mean amount of ozone, 5 85, being 102 of chromatic scale below ditto.
Electricity active on the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 14th, I7th, 19th, 20th, 21st, and 29th.
Hot wind on the 3rd, followed by thunder, lightning, and rain. Hot wind on the 18th. FRANCIS ABBOTT.
u.
METEOROLOGY FOR FEBRUARY, 1870.
|
Private |
Observatory, Hobart Toy |
||||||||
|
Bar. 37 feet abv. sealevel corrected &, reduced. |
Self - Register- ing Thermo- meters. |
Wind. |
|||||||
|
4 |
6 |
Si |
S3 |
||||||
|
o |
1 |
1 |
a c 1 |
5 1 3 |
a 1 a |
i 1 1 |
ft m |
p. . |
a a 1 |
|
In. |
In. |
0 |
o |
, |
o |
||||
|
1 |
30 121 |
29 936 |
82 |
55 |
1210 |
54-5 |
NW SW SE |
•78 |
|
|
2 |
20-849 |
29-807 |
77 |
59 |
118-0 |
58-0 |
NW SE |
6-25 |
|
|
3 |
29 830 |
29-752 |
73 |
60 |
1120 |
59-0 |
ESEE |
104 |
|
|
4 |
30-239 |
30-213 |
68 |
46 |
106-0 |
43-5 |
SWSE |
1-04 |
|
|
5 |
30 197 |
29-909 |
82 |
49 |
1160 |
47 0 |
NW NE SE |
104 |
|
|
6 |
29-941 |
29-865 |
74 |
50 |
61-1 |
55-0 |
SE |
2-82 |
0-03 ^ |
|
7 |
30-178 |
30-158 |
65 |
43 |
1050 |
40-5 |
NW SE |
104 |
|
|
8 |
30142 |
30 057 70 |
47 |
110-0 |
45-0 |
NW SE |
1-30 |
||
|
9 |
30 076 |
30-063 65 |
54 |
89 0 |
50-5 |
NW SE |
-78 |
||
|
10 |
30-063 |
29-955 63 |
55 |
72-0 |
54 0 |
NW NE NW |
■78 |
||
|
n |
29-706 |
29-421 82 |
54 |
1200 |
52-5 |
NW W |
10-68 |
||
|
12 |
29-726 |
29-697 72 |
54 |
103-5 |
53-0 |
NW |
5-72 |
||
|
13 |
29-821 |
29-805 75 |
58 |
1100 |
55-5 |
NW |
1-30 |
||
|
14 |
30-032 |
29-924 77 |
47 |
110-0 |
45-5 |
NW SE |
1-04 |
||
|
15 |
29-768 |
29-570 89 |
52 |
129-0 |
51-5 |
NW SE |
1-30 |
||
|
16 |
29-902 |
29-763 81 |
54 |
1110 |
53-5 |
SE SW SE |
-52 |
||
|
17 |
29-975 |
29-883 |
68 |
43 |
108-5 |
39 0 |
NW SE |
1-30 |
|
|
18 |
29-684 |
29-548 |
81 |
49 |
1140 |
47-5 |
NW E |
1-56 |
|
|
19 |
29-772 |
29-617 |
74 |
56 |
115-0 |
54-0 |
NW W |
6-25 |
|
|
20 |
29-917 |
29-821 |
76 |
52 |
113-0 |
49-0 |
NW SE |
1-30 |
|
|
21 |
29-879 |
29-520 |
92 |
54 |
130-5 |
48-0 |
NW |
•52 |
|
|
22 |
29-735 |
29-606 |
87 |
57 |
91 0 |
57-5 |
NW |
1-30 |
|
|
23 |
29-735 |
29-606 |
:69 |
49 |
1130 |
47-5 |
N SW NW |
1-04 |
0-01 |
|
24 |
30-092 |
29-874 |
!76 |
45 |
110 0 |
42-0 |
NW SE |
1-30 |
|
|
25 |
29-824 |
29-771 |
71 |
52 |
108-5 |
48-0 |
SW NW |
•78 |
0-03 |
|
26 |
30-233 |
30-045 |
59 |
43 |
95 0 |
41-0 |
W SW |
5-66 |
0-24 |
|
27 |
30 500 |
30-438 |
60 |
45 |
103 0 |
42 0 |
SE |
1-30 |
0-04 |
|
28 |
30-455 |
30-361 |
69 |
42 |
106 0 |
39-0 |
NWSE |
1-36 |
|
|
Monthly mean |
63 |
45 |
107-36 |
45 46 |
Total Force .. |
60-88 |
0 35 J |
||
|
29-928 ' ' |
a -6
a 0-" 2?
11
a 5
c'C >- * s Si
-•3S" g
g°t:2 %
r-( <u o ea "
rS O 55 ^ O
•S S .5 fl *-
rj 3 X <u a>
c8 a >H.a> fl
.^^-^
>?^ •:§
mi's
5 g^-d
05
a
«.2 8^ 1
5 -o
3 « 03
' ;!!.a «^ §
d (D o ^ 0) o a>
Leafing, Flowering, and Fruiting of a fexo Standard Plants in the Royal Society's Gardens during the month. 1st — Kerry pippin apple commencing to ripen. 2nd — Windsor pear ditto ditto. 4th — Bon Chretien pear ditto ditto. 6th— Greengage plum ditto ditto. 15th — Common ash commencing to shed seed. 18th — Common Sycamore ditto ditto.
Barometer mean, 29 928 in., being 0-097 in. above the average.
Temperature mean, 63 45°, being 1-57° above the ditto.
Solar intensity mean, 107-36°, being 0 51° belo-n: the ditto.
De-w point mean, 48-2°, being 2 35° below the ditto.
Humidity of air mean, -62, being •OS per cent, belo-w the ditto.
Elastic force of vapour mean, •355, being ^019 per cent, below the ditto.
Total