The Victorian Naturalist

Home , Acacia jamesiana, Acacia microcarpa, Acacia wilhelmiana, Acaena, Acaena echinata, Acianthus

J The Victorian Naturalist

Volume 113(1) 199 February

Club of Victoria Published by The Field Naturalists since 1884 MUSEUM OF VICTOR A

34598 From the Editors Members Observations

As an introduction to his naturalist note on page 29, George Crichton had written:

'Dear Editors late years the Journal has become I Was not sure if it was of any relevance, as of ' very scientific, and ordinary nature reports or gossip of little importance

We would be very sorry if members felt they could not contribute to The Victorian Naturalist, and we assure all our readers that the editors would be more than pleased to publish their nature reports or notes. We can, however, only print material that we actually receive and you are encouraged to send in your observations and notes or suggestions for topics you would like to see published. These articles would be termed Naturalist Notes - see in our editorial policy below.

Editorial Policy

Scope The Victorian Naturalist publishes articles on all facets of natural history. Its primary aims are to stimulate interest in natural history and to encourage the publication of articles in both formal and informal styles on a wide range of natural history topics. Authors may submit the material in the following forms: Research Reports - succinct and original scientific communications. Contributions - may consist of reports, comments, observations, survey results, bib- liographies or other material relating to natural history. The scope is broad and little defined to encourage material on a wide range of topics and in a range of styles. This allows inclusion of material that makes a contribution to our knowledge of natural his-

tory but for which the traditional format of scientific papers is not appropriate. Naturalist Notes - short and informal natural history communications. These may include reports on excursions, talks or noteworthy observations.

Book Reviews - priority is given to major Australian publications on natural history. Whilst reviews are commissioned, the editors welcome suggestions of books to be considered for review. News - any items of news concerning the FNCV. Obituaries - due to space restrictions please try to limit this to 500 words and one photograph. The style should follow the traditional format of scientific papers. Preference will be given to short articles not exceeding 2500 words. Review Procedures Research reports and some contributions are subject to refereeing. The Victorian Naturalist is not in general a taxonomic journal but will publish taxonomic papers not provided for in Australian taxonomic journals. The editors reserve the right to accept or reject material submitted for publication. Authors Copies

Five complimentary copies of the journal will be sent to authors for their use. Reprints and additional copies of the journal can be arranged at the time of the final submission of the paper. 6 The Victorian Naturalist

F.NCv.

Volume 113(1)1996 February

Editors: Ed and Pat Grey

Research Reports Negative Effects of Fuel Reduction Burning on Habitat of Grey- crowned Babbler, by P. Adam and D. Robinson 4 Drifting Sand and Marram Grass on the South-west Coast of

Victoria in the Last Century, by J Heathcote and S. Maroske .. 10

Contributions A Transient Soil Seed Bank for the Yam Daisy, by I.D. hunt.... 1 The Little Pygmy-possum: An Addition to the Fauna of South-west Victoria, by L.E. Conole 20 Naturalist Notes Wombat Behaviour, by G.K. Smith 25 Middle Yarra Timelines: High Summer, by G, Jameson, Naturalist in Residence 26 Greater Glider with Pouched Young, by R.G. Taylor 29 Magpies, by G.A. Crichton 29 How to be a Field Naturalist Photography, by W. Clark 31 Book Reviews Saving a Continent. Towards a Sustainable Future, by David Smith, reviewer Robert Wallis 31 The Dingo in Australia and Asia, by Laurie Corbett, reviewer Brian Coman 32 Wildlife of the Australian Snow-country, by Ken Green and William Osborne, reviewer Robert Wallis 34 Kangaroos. The Biology of the Largest Marsupials, Coulson 35 by Terence T. Dawson, reviewer Graeme The Fauna of Tasmania: Birds, by R.H. Green, 37 reviewer Peter Brown

- Frank Shepherd, In Search of the Buttercup A Ramble, by 38 reviewer R.J. Fletcher

ISSN 0042-5184

G.K. Smith, (see page 25) Cover: Wombat carrying young. Photo by Research Reports

Negative Effects of Fuel-reduction Burning on the Habitat of the Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis

P. Adam 1 and I). Robinson

Abstract We examined the effects of annual fuel-reduction burning on the roadside habiiai of the endangered Grey crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis in the former Violet Town Shire in northern Victoria. Approximately 25% of the Victorian population of the Grey-crowned Babbler is found

ill Violet Town Slme, and mote than W;; (if those birds depend on remnant woodland habitat found along the roadsides. Conservation oi the (Irey-erowned Babbler therefore requires appropriate management of roadside habitat, The numbers of trees, saplings, wattles, Babblers' nests and Babblers

were recorded along the burnt and unburnl sides of an I I km section of strategic firebreak road which supported 14 known groups of Gfey-crowned Babblers. With the exception of trees more than 10 m tall, all other si/e classes of trees and wattles were less common on the burnt side of the road than on the unburn! side. Five times as many Babblers' nests were recorded in plants on the unburnl side of the road as on the burnt side, and all Babblers seen during the survey were observed

on the unburnl side. The results thus indicate that fuel-reduction burning is having a considerable impact on the habitat of the Grey-Crowned Babbler and that fire-prevention practices need to be modified to protect roadside habitat for the Circy-cruwned Babbler and other understorey-dependent species, A range of alternative fire-prevention practices is suggested here. (The Victorian Naturalist 11.1(1) 1996,4 9)

Introduction weed invasion, and fire prevention works The Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatosto- (Robinson el al. in prep.; Robinson and temporalis is a threatened species mus of Davidson in prep.). Predation by cats and bird in south-eastern woodland Australia. birds may also be a significant cause of It lives in family groups of about two to decline in certain districts (Robinson and fifteen birds which occupy permanent ter- Davidson in prep.). ritories of about ten hectares in si/e. In The habitat of the Grey-crowned contrast to many species of lite birds, Babbler in Victoria comprises five critical Grey-crowned Babbler sleeps in a nest at elements: woodland or open-forest vegeta- night, the whole family roosting together tion communities on fertile or heavy soils; in a single nest. The bulky stick nests are relatively many trees in the immediate built in eucalypt saplings, small trees or landscape in contrast to sites without mature wattles, and several nests ate usu- Grey-crowned Babblers; relatively many ally in active use by the same family at trees larger than about 60 cm trunk diame- any one tune. The Grey-crowned Babbler ter at breast height (dbh); an understorey has recently become extinct in south-cast of young trees and shrubs in the 10-25 cm em South Australia, is endangered in dbh range for nest sites and shelter and a Victoria (CNR 1995) and is declining in relatively sparse ground layer with more parts of New South Wales and southern litter and less grass cover than at non-bab- Queensland (Robinson el al. in prep.). In bler sites (Robinson and Davidson in every part of its range, the principal cause prep.). Wherever one or more of these of decline has been extensive habitat habitat elements is missing, or is removed, clearing (Robinson and Davidson in Grey-crowned Babblers are absent, or prep.). The other significant cause of soon disappear (Robinson and Davidson in decline has been, and still is. the severe prep.). modification of Babbler habitat by a range In northern Victoria, the most signifi- of degrading processes, notably grazing, cant element missing in the remaining intensified land use, roadside earthworks, woodland landscape is an understorey of young trees and shrubs. In the former I RMB 2066, VTffltol Town ,««>" J RMBti34,Bei»lU3673 Violet Town Shire - the most important

The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

locality in Victoria for Grey-crowned be managed as strategic firebreaks for the - Babblers 370 km (80%) of the 463 km of prevention of the spread of fire and access public road surveyed in 1993 had a sparse in the event of a fire. However, in contrast understorey or none at all, and 96 km to the situation in most other Shires, two (93%) of the 103 km of unused roads with of these roads also provide habitat for the trees had a sparse understorey or none at Grey-crowned Babbler, altogether sup-

all (Robinson et al. in prep.). While graz- porting some 18 groups ( 20% of the ing is the major cause of death of young Shire's population and 5% of the State's trees and shrubs in the woodland land- population) (Fig. 1). We used one of these scape, fire-prevention works along select- strategic firebreak roads as our study urea. ed roadsides in Violet Town Shire have The Violet Town-Dookie Road is a been a significant, additional cause of the three-chain-wide (60 m) road reserve death of young trees and shrubs. Here we which supports 14 Babbler groups over a report on the effects of that control-burn- 14 km section (Fig. 1). Management of ing on the habitat and abundance of the both sides of the road in the Babbler sec- Grey-crowned Babbler. tion has been similar over the past 30 years, with the one exception of fire con- Study Area and Methods trol (P. Adam, pers. obs). For the last 30 The former Violet Town Shire (now years, the east side of the road has been part of Strathbogie Shire) is located in burnt every year, whereas the west side north-eastern Victoria between the has never been burnt (apart from a 3 km Strathbogie Ranges and the Broken River. section burnt three years ago. This was The Shire contains by far the largest popu- excluded from our study). On both sides firebreak is lation of Grey-crowned Babblers found in of the road, a 5-m-wide the State (about 90 groups, or 25% of the scraped close to the fenceline. side of the known State population) (Robinson et al. Three months after the east Violet Town-Dookie Rd was burnt in late in prep). The Strathbogie Shire is, further- travelled 1 1 km of road more, the principal public authority January, 1994, we (burnt) side and responsible for the conservation of the and counted on the east side, the number of euca- Grey-crowned Babbler in the Violet Town west (unburnt) more than 10 m tall, eucalypts district; firstly because more than 90% of lypts eucalypts Babblers depend on vegetation found between 6 and 10 m tall, 2 and 5 m, eucalypts less than I along public roads managed by the Shire between Wattles Acacia pyenaniha (Robinson and Davidson in prep.), and m. Golden Golden Wattles less secondly because the Grey-crowned more than 1 m high, other wattles. We also than 1 m high and Babbler is listed under the Flora and number of Babblers' nests Fauna Guarantee Act (1988). recorded the and the number of Babbler groups sighted. Accordingly, as stated under Part 1, 4(2) area burnt is restricted to the public authority must be Because the of the Act, 'a only road side of the scraped firebreak, we administered so as to have regard to the information for the approximate- fauna conservation objectives". collected flora and the road edge ly 10 m wide area between These objectives include Part 1, 4(1): (a) Victoria's and the scraped firebreak. to guarantee that all taxa of listed in flora and fauna other than the taxa Results flourish and retain Schedule 1 can survive, Altogether, there were twice as many evolutionary develop- their potential for unburnt side of the conserve trees and shrubs on the in the wild; (b) to ment burnt side (Table 1). Trees and fauna; road as on the Victoria's communities of flora common than 10 m tall were more potentially threatening more and (c) to manage All other cat- on the burnt side of the road. processes. the plant were less common on Violet Town egories of As in many other Shires, unburnt side burnt side than on the and the Country Fire (Strathbogie) Shire contrast to the well-estab- roads to (Table 1). In Authority have identified several

Vol. 113(1)1996 Research Reports

VIOL6T TOWN

KH-aMvmM

Fig. 1. The distribution of Grey-crowned Babblers and strategic firebreak roads in the northern part of Violet Town Shire. Roads marked to Murchison' and 'to Dookie' are strategic firebreak roads. Dots indicate localities of known groups of Grey-crowned Babblers. Broad black lines show sealed roads. Thin lines show unsealed roads. lished finding that wattles are favoured by burnt side of the road were growing in fires (Christensen and Kimber 1975; unburnt 'islands'. Purdie and Slatyer 1976; Gill 1981; Shea Considering only those trees and shrubs et al. 1981; Hamilton el al. 1991), the that represent potential nest trees for Grey- number of Golden Wattles shrubs on the crowned Babblers (eucalypts between 2- unburnt side as on the burnt side, and 10 m high and Golden Wattles > 1 m every Babbler group sighted during the high), there were 2.5 times as many poten- two-day survey was observed on the tial nest trees on the unburnt side as on the unburnt side (Table l).More than 50 burnt side (Table 1). Five times as many Varnish Wattles and several hundred of babblers' nests were recorded in trees and- each of the three other species were count- shrubs on the unburnt side as on the burnt ed on the unburnt side, while only 24 side, and every Babbler group sighted dur- Bent-leaf Wattles, 40 Gold-dust Wattles ing the two-day survey was observed on re-sprouting from roots and 67 Spreading the unburnt side (Table 1 Wattles ). were recorded on the burnt side No Varnish Wattles at all were recorded Discussion on the burnt side of the road. Significantly, Most studies of the effects of fuel- nearly all of the wattles growing on the reduction burning on landbirds in

The Victorian Naturalist 1

Research Reports

Table 1. Numbers of eucalypts. wattles and few environments; it is only applicable to Grey-crowned Babblers and nests on the certain wildlife communities or unburnt and burnt roadsides of the Violet Town certain species and it Dookie Rd. Potential nest trees comprise is only valuable in those communities all eucalypts 2-10 m high and all Golden or for certain taxa if the land Wattles > 1 m high. managers burn the environment according to ecological Category lln Burnt Ubnurnt/ principles rather than for burnt Burnt Ratio other reasons (Meredith 1988). that Eucalypis> 10 m high 888 964 0.9 Given 6-9 (a) the largest remaining Eucalypts m high 931 721 1.3 population of Grey-crowned Babblers in Vicloria Eucalypts 2-5 m high 494 264 1.9 is found in Violet Town (Strathbogie) Eucalypts < 1 m high 606 423 1.4 Shire, AH Eucalypts 203 1408 1.4 (b) 20% of the Shire's Babbler popula- Oolden Wattles > 1 m high 1100 26 42.3 tion is found along two strategic fire- Golden Wattles < 1 m high 351 36 9.7 break roads, and All Golden Wattles 1451 62 23.4 (c) current fire-prevention practices are

> 1 Other Wattles m high 167 1 1 67.0 reducing the area of potential habitat for Other Wattles < 1 m high 1068 130 8.2 the Grey-crowned Babbler, All Other Wattles 1235 131 9.4 fire-prevention practices along those two All Potential Nest Trees 2525 1011 2.5 roads and other strategic firebreak road- Babhler Nests 40 8 5.0 sides within the Grey-crowned Babbler's

Babbler Groups 4 - range need to be examined to establish whether or not changes can be made Australia have concluded that fuel-reduc- which increase the area of potential tion burning either increases species diver- Babbler habitat without jeopardising the sity (Kimber 1974; Christensen and safety of human life or property. Kimber 1975; Christensen et al. 1985; The Shire and the Country Fire McFarland 1988) or else has little long- Authority have a legal responsibility under term effect on bird populations (Cowley the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 to 1974; Loyn et al. 1992) - so long as the minimise the risk of wildfire. They also area is not burnt too often. have a legal responsibility under the Flora Our study clearly showed that fuel- and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 to con- reduction burning is having a consider- serve the Grey-crowned Babbler. The crit- able, detrimental impact on the habitat of ical issue from the perspective of conser- the Grey-crowned Babbler and therefore vation is that roadsides provide the princi- on the bird itself. Because of repeated, pal habitat for 98% of all Babbler groups annual burning, there were fewer numbers in Violet Town Shire. Furthermore, of saplings and wattles on the burnt side of because Grey-crowned Babblers are the strategic firebreak road than on the dependent on sites with old trees unburnt side. There was consequently less (Robinson and Davidson in prep.), their understorey habitat in which the Babblers habitat cannot easily be created elsewhere. could nest or shelter. As a result, there was Protection of roadside habitat consequent- one-fifth the number of babblers' nests on ly remains the priority for Babbler conser- the burnt side of the road. Control burning vation for at least another 100 years until effectively restricting the Grey- is thus regeneration on private land can provide crowned Babbler population to one side of alternative, mature woodland habitat for road, and preventing new groups from the the birds (Robinson and Davidson in establishing in otherwise suitable habitat prep.). side of the road. The along the burnt The Country Fire Authority has already fuel-reduction burning gen- induction that undertaken the first step towards conserva- erally increases species diversity or bene- tion of Grey-crowned Babbler habitat by communities must therefore fits wildlife only burning one side of the strategic fire- caution (Wooller and be regarded with break roads in Violet Town Shire. The in a Calver 1988): it has only been tested

Vol. 113(1)1996 Research Reports

next step is to evaluate whether there is tat required by the Grey-crowned Babbler any need for any fire control measures and some other species of wildlife will within the road reserves with Babbler continue to disappear, so preventing popu- habitat; understanding that the strategic lations of those species from increasing in firebreak roads have the dual functions of size or, in some instances, causing those preventing the spread of fire and of pro- species' further decline. viding safe access in the case of fire (Shire of Violet Town 1993). The understorey Acknowledgments and ground cover along the unburnt side This project was pan of a three year study con- of the Violet Town-Dookie Rd consists ducted by the Royal Australasian Ornithologists predominantly of Acacias and native Union with funding from the National Estate Grants Program, Vic grasses (mostly Danthonia spp., Stipa spp. Roads and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. and Elymus scaber) and the fire hazard To all of these organisations, we express our thanks. may well be low (Meredith 1988). In that Our thanks also to Mr John Dunn, the former case, no fire-prevention works may be Shire Engineer of Violet Town Shire and to required, or else works may be needed members of the Sheep Pen Creek Land only once every 5-20 years. Management Group for their support. Even given that some fire-prevention Comments by David Baker-Gabb, Ian measures are needed along the roads, Davidson, Pat and Ed Grey, Sally Mann, localised fire control could occur within Charlie Meredith, Stephen Petris and a referee Grey-crowned Babbler habitat by improved earlier drafts. means which left some of the under- References storey intact (e.g. by slashing or burning Christensen, P.E. and Kimber, P.C. (1975). Effect of only areas of vegetation identified as hav- prescribed burning on the flora and fauna of south- ing high fuel loads or as being a threat, west Australian forests. Proceedings of the Petris and Spittle 1994), or that which Ecological Society ofAustralia 9: 85-107. Christensen, resulted in patches of unburnt and burnt P.E.S.. WardeH-Johnson, G. and Kimber. P. (1985). Birds and tire in southwestern clumps of understorey vegetation along forests. In 'Birds of Eucalypt Forests and Woodlands; the roadsides. Alternatively, if those sec- Ecology, Conservation, Management'. Eds A. tions of roadside with Babbler habitat Kcast. H.R Recher, H. Ford and D. Saunders. were assessed as having high fuel loads, (RAOU and Surrey Bealty & Sons: Sydney). the CFA could relocate the strategic CNR (1995). Threatened Fauna in Victoria - 1995, Department of firebreaks to other, low conservation- Conservation and Natural Resources. Melbourne. value roads; although this option requires Cowley. RD. (1974). Effects of prescribed burning on the existence of other wide roads that birds of the mixed species forests of west central could provide the dual functions of the Victoria. In 'Proceedings of the Third Fire Ecology firebreak roads (only partly possible in Symposium',(Monash University: Melbourne). Gill, A.M. Violet Town Shire). Another option might (1981). Adaptive responses of Australian vascular plant species to fires. In 'Fire and the be to construct alternative access routes Australian Biota'. Eds A.M. Gill, R.H. Groves and through nearby paddocks to avoid the I.R. Noble. (Australian Academy of Science: roadside habitat with its many trees. Canberra). Similarly, it might be better to construct Hamilton, S.D., Lawrie. A.C., Hopmans, P. and firebreaks Leonard, B.V. on adjacent farmland rather (1991). Effects of fuel -reduction than burning on a Eucalyptus ohliqua forest ecosystem maintaining firebreaks along the in Victoria. Australian roadside and beneath Journal of Botany 39: 203- trees (Oates 1994- 217. Petris and Spittle 1994). Kimber, P.C. (1974). Some effects of prescribed burn- Without a detailed inspection of the ing on jarrah forest birds. In 'Proceedings of the 3rd strategic firebreak roads by fire-prevention Fire Ecology Symposium.' (Forests Commission of planners and Vic: Melbourne). ecologists. it is impossible to prescribe Loyn. R.H., Hewish, MJ. and Considine, M. (1992). the most appropriate means of Short-term effects of fuel reduction burning on bird tire control for either road. However populations in Wombat State unless Forest. In 'Ecological such alternatives as outlined above Impacts of Fuel Reduction burning in Dry are considered soon, the understorey habi- Sclerophyll Forest: First progress Report'. Eds K.

s The Victorian Naturalist .

Research Reports

Tolhurst and D. Flinn. (Dept of Conservation and Journal oj Ecology 1: 223-236. Environment, Melbourne). Robinson, D. and Davidson. 1. (in prep.). Management McFarland, D. (1988). The composition, microhabitat plan for the conservation of the Grey-crowned use and response to fire of the avifauna of subtropi- Babbler in Victoria (DCNR).

cal heathlands in Cooloola National Park, Robinson, D., Davidson, 1. and Lockwood, D. (in Queeensland. Emu 88: 249-257. prep.). Inaction equals extinction: a case study with the Meredith. C. (1988). 'Fire in the Victorian environ- Grey-crowned Babbler. Shea, S.R., Peet, G.B. and ment: a discussion paper'. (Conservation Council of Cheney, N.P. (1981). The role of fire in forest management. In 'Fire Victoria: Melbourne). and the Australian Biota'. Eds A.M. Gill, R.H. Groves and Oates, N. (1994) 'Draft Roadside Management Plan I.R. Noble. (Australian Academy of Science: for the Shires of Benalla, Euroa, Violet Town' Canberra). Petris, S. and Spittle, J. (1994). 'Roadside Shire of Violet Town (1993). 'Roadsides Vegetation Management Guidelines for Fire Prevention Strategy'. (Shire of Violet Town). Planners'. (Country Fire Authority: Melbourne). Wooller, R.D, and Calver, M.C. (1988). Changes in an Purdie, R.W. and Slatyer, R.O. (1976). Vegetation assemblage of small birds in the understorey of dry succession after fire in sclerophyll woodland com- sclerophyll forest in south-western Australia after munities in south-eastern Australia. Australian fire. Australian Wildlife Research 15: 331-338.

Recent Additions to the FNCV Library

1. and Broome, L. (1994). 'The Albrecht. D. (1993). 'Collecting and Preserving Mansergh, Herbarium Specimens'. (National Mountain Pygmy-possum of the Australian Kensington. NSW). Herbarium: Melbourne). Alps'. (NSWUP: S.R., Short, J. and Barker, R.D. Asian Association for Biology Education. 14th Morton, Biological Diversity in Biennial Conference. (1992). (1995). 'Refugia for Semi-arid Australia'. (DEST: 'Environmental Management in Asia'. Arid and (Deakin University, Rusden Campus: Canberra). Nachtigall, W. (1974). 'Insects in Flight'. Melbourne). (Allen & Unwin: London). Augee, M. and Gooden, B. (1993). 'Echidnas T. (1995). 'The You Yangs Range'. of Australia and New Guinea'. (NSWUP: Pescott, (Yaugher: Belmont, Victoria). Kensington, NSW). Rose, D.B. (ed.) (1995). 'Country in Flames: Backhouse, G. and Jeans, J. (1995). 'The Proceedings of the 1994 Symposium on Orchids of Victoria'. (Miegunyah Press: Biodiversity and Fire in North Australia'. Melbourne). (DEST: Canberra) Calder, D.M. and Calder, J. (1994). 'The Simon-Brunet, B. (1994). 'The Silken Web'. Forgotten Forests: a field guide to Victoria's (Reed: Chatsworth, NSW). Box and Ironbark Country'. (VNPA: Slattery, K.P. and Wallis, R.L. (1993). Melbourne). Flora in Austalia: a Select and 'Threatened Costermans, L. (1994). 'Trees of Victoria Bibliography'. (Deakin University, Rusden Adjoining Areas'. 5th Ed. (Costermans: Campus: Melbourne). Frankston, Victoria). Strickland, K. and Strickland, P. (1994). Cronin, (1987). 'Key Guide to Australian L 'Peninsula Plants'. Volume 2. (Kareelah: (Reed: Chatsworth, NSW). Wildflowers', Victoria). (1994). Balnarring, 'Flora of Australia'. Volume 55. Frogs Tyler, M.J. (1994). 'Australian (CSIRO: Canberra). NSW). Revised, edition. (Reed: Chatsworth, Pipes National Park: Kemp, B. (1994). 'Organ and Entwisle, T.J. (1994). "Flora Pipes Walsh, N.G. Natural History'. (Friends of Organ Melbourne). A of Victoria'. Volume 2. (Inkata: National Park: Keilor, Victoria). Data Search: Klippel, K. (1992). 'Wildlife Sheila Houghton of New South Threatened Animal Species FNCV, Hon. Librarian Centre: Wales'. (Total Environment Sydney).

Vol. 113 (1) 1996 Research Reports

Drifting Sand and Marram Grass on the South-west Coast of Victoria in the Last Century.

1 : Jill Heathcote and Sara Maroske

Abstract Poor land management from the lime of white settlement quickly resulted in the degradation of coastal dunes on the south-west coast of Victoria. Local councils sought advice on how to stabilize the dunes from the Government Botanist, Ferdinand von Mueller. He recommended a combination of native and exotic species that could be used on the dunes. With colonial government support, and the success of local experiments by Samuel Avery, Marram Grass soon became the dominant species planted. Marram Grass Ammophila arvnaiia was exported to settlements along the Victorian coast, as well as to other colonies and overseas. Some native species of plants now appear to be re-establishing themselves on the dunes. (The Victorian Naturalist 113(1) 1946, 10-15)

Introduction also concerned about the build up of sand The coastal dunes between around Thornton's Jetty in Lady Bay, but Warrnambool and Port Fairy (formerly this problem was eventually found to be Belfast) have had more than their fair due to tidal action rather than sand coming share of neglect and exploitation from the down the river (Gill 1985). Each council time of white settlement. Residents of both appointed a group 'to consider the best towns used ihe dunes for grazing, and means of counteracting the evil' of drift practically all the timber was cut down for sand (BM 23.1.1867), and Warrnamboors firewood. As the Harbour Master of group recommended that stock should be

Belfast, .1. B. Mills, testified in 1858: 'the fenced out of the eroded hummocks coast for about seven miles to the west- (Examiner 3.4.1866). The Town Clerk of ward of Warrnambool is composed of Warrnambool, Henry Laurie, also suggest- moderately high sand hummocks, partly ed seeking advice from the Government covered with brushwood with [a] few bare Botanist, and Director of the Melbourne sand patches, forming a great contrast with Botanic Garden, Ferdinand von Mueller the coast further to the westward, which is who had been supplying plants to the formed of low grass hummocks', Council's Botanic Garden since 1859 (WC {Examiner 9.4. 1858). Within a few years 16.5.1866). the situation had deteriorated drastically Independently, an unidentified citizen and it was to be decades before the dunes also wrote to Mueller for advice and were rcstabilized. Then they were not sim- received a reply which reiterated what the ply restored, because solutions favoured councils had already been told by their the introduction of exotics rather than committees about excluding animals. To what was widely thought of as 'native rub- revegetate the sand Mueller recommended bish' {Standard 10.7.1886). a combination of natives (Allocasuarina verticillala and Mesembryanthemum sens, Drifting sand lat.) and exotics (Pinus pinaster and P. Complaints about coastal sand drift nigra var. corsicana). He also suggested were first made to the Belfast Council in planting the flats with reedy grasses and 1865, and to that of Warrnambool in early the Sand Tea-tree Leptospermum laeviga- 1866. The problem area for Belfast was tum (which may not have been indigenous identified as being near Gorman's Lane to the area)*. Mueller argued that the (below Tower Hill), and that of native plants were a cheap and efficient Warrnambool, between the Hopkins and solution to the sand problem because they Merri Rivers (Fig. 1). Warrnambool was could be collected locally at little expense 136 Harrington Rd, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280 and were known to be able to grow in The University of Melbourne, Department of local contions (Examiner 15.2.1867). History & Philosophy of Science, The University of More than a year passed before a Melbourne Parkville, Victoria 3052

10 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Fig. 1. Map of Warrnambool and Port Fairy coastline (based on Natmap 1:100,000 series).

Warrnambool Sand Committee inspected sible that the coastal strip had ever been the hummocks, made suggestions about used for pastoral commons because the fencing and urged the Council to obtain result had been 'a total annihilation of all the seeds Mueller had recommended the trees, bushes, sedges, creeping herbs (Examiner 5.5.1868). No one could accuse and grasses' (Standard 13.7.1875). The them of acting in haste! coastal land from the mouth of the Merri In 1868 the Shire Engineer of Belfast, River to Gorman's Lane was not gazetted Thomas E. Rawlinson, also made a report as a reserve until 1873, and 194 acres of on sand encroachment. Rawlinson had land between the Hopkins and Merri learned from old residents that the sea Rivers was only reserved for public pur- coast of Villiers Shire was formerly cov- poses in 1875 (Standard 18.2.1873, letter nearly ten ered with bush and scrub consisting of 1 0.8. 1 875). Echoing his of honeysuckle (probably Banksia years before, Mueller recommended that allowed the marginata), sheoak, dogwood or, as it was no traffic or animals be on called locally, 'Bushy Sloe' (probably dunes. He reproduced his list of suitable Bursaria spinosa) (Hannaford 1860), and sand-stays and added to it native Couch- dactylon now grasses on the sandhills. The timber on the grass (probably Cynodon Moonah dunes had almost wholly disappeared and commonly regarded as exotic), lanceolata and for the first time the grass had vanished in extensive areas, Melaleuca Grass Ammophda are- with the remainder rapidly receding. the exotic Marram naria. In his encyclopedic work Select Rawlinson thought it would only be a mat- Extra-Tropical Plants Mueller identified ter of time before the sand advanced on coasts of Europe, North Africa and the adjacent farm land. In a conclusion the North America as the home of that seemed well ahead of his times Middle 'marram' or 'bent grass'. He Rawlinson proposed that Mounts Eccles 'moram', impor- recommended it as one of the most and Napier, with the surrounding stony grasses for binding drift sand because and Tower Hill reserve, should be tant country Mueller of its long creeping roots (e.g. included in the list of state forests, with 1876, 1895a). restrictions for sheep runs and regulations Mueller's recommendations were publi- for the conservation of timber (Examiner cized by the local press of both 5.5.1868). More impor- south-west Warrnambool and Belfast. In 1875 Mueller visited the to the Victorian of the tantly they were sent coast in person and was very critical then sent the first of a reprehen- Government which two councils. He thought it was

11 Vol. 113(1)1996 Research Reports

number of seed consignments to Vandals pulled up cuttings and cut the Warrnambool in 1876. Warrnambool Couch Grass (Standard 24.6.1879). shared them with Belfast, Portland and Rabbits were a constant nuisance (the Koroit (Standard 28.7.1876). The seed Ranger reported that they were even eat- consignments included Marram Grass ing Boxthorn) (Standard 21.8.1879). Fires Ammophila arenaria, Lyme Grass Leymus burnt out areas of vegetation**, and stock arenarius, Sandstay Bush Leptospermum were still getting onto the hummocks. laevigatum, and Sand Coast Tea-tree Belfast appears to have been more suc- Melaleuca lancealata (Standard cessful and planted between 30-40 acres 29.5.1879). Sea Rocket Cakile mahtima (12-16 ha) with Marram Grass. In 1885 was also introduced around this time and the Belfast Parks Committee informed

its seeds are now eaten by the threatened Mueller of the excellent results they had Orange-bellied Parrot Neophema chiyso- achieved in arresting drift sand (Gazette gaster (RAOU 1985). The gorse Ulex 13.3.1885). Mueller sent them some more eruopaeus is now a problem weed in Marram Grass seeds and requested infor- coastal areas at Portland, and Buffalo mation of the results of the planting so that

Grass Stenotaphrum secundatum grows in he could publicize it (e.g. Mueller 1894, unexpected places in the coastal areas of 1895a, 1895b, 1895c). Warrnambool. Both were recommended as Much of Belfast's success with Marram sand-stays by Mueller (1876). The dunes Grass can be attributed to the Ranger, are also host to large numbers of the Samuel Avery, who discovered a reliable

European snail (Theba pisana), which was way of establishing it. After propagating probably introduced during the trials of the seeds he transplanted the grass into various plants. rows, the depth of planting depending Warrnambool' s attempts at re vegetation upon the nature of the soil (Fig. 3, Anon.

were plagued with difficulties. By 1879 1893). Avery concluded to Mueller, 'I do the Merri River was almost blocked by a certainly say that if any person has got any large shifting dune at Levi's Point (Fig. 2). sandy land which is of a shifting nature,

Fig. 2. Levi's Point Homestead cl873 with bare sand dunes clearly visible in the background (original watercolour in the possession of Russell Everard, Warrnambool).

12 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

'•& -*#>•*

Fig. 3. Method of planting Marram Grass (engraving taken from a photograph obtained from Port Fairy by Mueller, Gardeners' Chronicle 16.12.1893).

Heathcote Cutting, 1994 (photographed by J. Fig. 4. Marram grass at Rutledge's burnt, or eaten off, the better it and on which they can get nothing to out, (Anon. 1894). Mueller was so to plant that improves', grow, I would advise them Avery's efforts that in July the land impressed with grass, and they would soon have 1893 he offered to nominate him as a with vegetation, which would pre- covered Horticultural Society feed Fellow of the Royal vent the sand from drifting, and be When the matter was brought grass is dug in England. for cattle, and the more the

13 Vol. 113 (1) 1996 Research Reports

Table I. Distributions of Marram Grass from Port Fairy and VVarmambool, IXX7-96,

Wear I'ort Fairy

ISH7 Request for Sorrento Park, 2 l) June Thanks from QueensclifT, 7 July

II. Zerwonki asks for 10 Ions (I'M 26 June)

Zerwonki stales grass received in unsatisfactory condition (PM 7 July) Department of Public Works, Melbourne requests 50 Ions at 21s per ton (PM 7 July) Avery receives jewellery from Zerwonki (I'M 30 October) Department of Public Works, Melbourne orders 10 tons (PM 6 June)

i sw Mueller requests grass for WA. NZ and Natal (PM 21 June)

I ton ol seed sent to SA (Gazette 7 July) Requests received from Kobe (SA), Nhill, Agricultural Bureau, Narracoorte (SA), Stockton (NSW), Adelaide, Stawell, llohart, Hngineer in Cliicl nl'SA, and Orbost (Standard ix August)

M asks for Seed and a photograph (Gazette 13 October) 894 1 ions despatched (Standard 31 August) Applications from various parts of the colony, and Harbours & Rivers Department of NSW.

Grass sent to Brazil (Gazette 1 1 June) IK<)5 M requests seedlings lor India (Gazette, I I January)

1 896 M asks lor seed to send to India (PM 15 January)

Year Warrnambool 1892 Request from Qyeensclifl (Standard 22 June) Requesi from Fremantle, and Van Dieman's Land Company (Standard 6 July) 1893 Request from I. II. Conner of Barwon Heads (Standard 16 August) 1894 Grass sent to Bellarine Council with man to superintend planting. Small parcels sent to Sydney and NZ. (Standard 29 August)

Up at a Port laity Council meeting debt lo him by proclaiming, 'if it had not (Belfast levelled to its original name of been lor him introducing Marram Grass, Port Fairy in 1887), (he councillors the sand dunes would now be overrunning laughed at the idea of 'Sam' being a the country' (Standard 21.10.1896). Port IKIIS and they 'hut common councillors' hairy was less grateful and when the ques- (Standard 1.7.1893), tion of erecting a memorial to Mueller was Once Avery's method of growing raised, one councillor said he could not Marram Grass was perfected, it was plant- see any connection between the benefit ed extensively all along the south western received by the labouring class and the coast of Victoria (Pig. 4). Joseph Maiden, late Baron, who, he considered, had only botanist ami soon to be Director of the done his duty as Government Botanist, Sydney Botanic Gardens, concluded. It and had been well paid for his services has proved to be the most effectual sand- (dazctif 10.12.J897), slay ever 1 planted", (Maiden IK )?). By the late 1880s Port Fairy, and later Conclusion Warrnambool, sold it by the ton around If, in the early days of settlement, the Australia and overseas (Table I , Port I airy inhabitants had had the foresight to leave Borough Council [1895]). In 1889, for the hummocks alone, when the native veg- example, the Department of Public Works etation was providing adequate cover, ordered .SO tons at 2 1 shilltngs a Ion from none of the subsequent problems would Port Fairy (PM 10.7.1889) so it seems thai have arisen. The councils were prompt to 'he Council did very well financially out seek advice on how to stabilize the sand ol what began, lot them, as a problem" but were very slow to act on it. Alter As late as Mueller's death in 1896 the 1 939 the Department of Lands and Survey Warrnambool Council acknowledged its proposed to lease the foreshore between

14 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Dennington and Gorman's Lane for graz- References and abbreviations ing (Standard 28.7.1939). and cattle Anon. still (1893). Marram Grass. Gardeners' Chronicle get into this area today, illegally. Mueller Id December. 750. Anon. (1894). Marram Grass. suggested a variety of plants as sand-stays, Garden*) Chronicle 3 November, 532. native and exotic, but with the success of Belfast Borough Council Minutes (ISos 87) Avery's work in Port Fairy Ammophila lAbbrev.: BM| Belfast Gazette (1875-87). arenaria soon became the cure-all. It is (Abbre\ .: Ga/ette| Gill, E.D. (1985). Coastal heartening to see now that in some places Protease* and the Sanding of Wanmmbool Harbour. (Warrnambool Institute that indigenous vegetation is slowly taking Press: Warrnambool.) over from Marram Grass, particularly Hannaford. S. (I860). Sea ami Riverside Rambles. (Heath and Cordell: Hairy Spinifex Spinifex sericeus along the Geelong.) Maiden. J.H. (1895). Marram Grass ijl high-tide mark and Coast Beard-heath Australia. Indian Forester 21, 352-58. Leucopagon parviflorus, and Small-leaf Mueller. F. von (1876). Select Hut a Tropical Plants. Clematis Clematis microphylla in the (Government Printer: Melbourne.) dunes. Mueller. F. (1894). Marram Grass - I'satnma arenaria. Proceedings and Journal of the Agricultural and * Importations of Leptospermum laeviga- Horticultural Society of India. 10. 8-10. Mueller. F. von (1895,?). tum seed are recorded in: Examiner Select Extra-Tropical Plants. (Government Printer: Melbourne.) 5.5.1868, 2.6.1868; Standard 29.5.1879, Mueller. F. von (1895b). What to plant in sandplots. A 3.3.1881,3.8.1892. valuable recommendation. Journal of the Bureau ** of fires in: Coastal are recorded Standard Agriculture of Western Australia. 2. 494. 16.1.1877, 31.12.1878, 6.1.1886. Mueller. F. (1895c). Psainma arenaria. Proceedings and Journal of the Agricultural and Horticultural Acknowledgements Society of India. 10. 185. Port Fairy Borough Council (|I895|). Marram grass. We would like to thank Neville Walsh and A wonderful sand stay. (Port Fairy.) Roger Spencer for providing current botanical Port Fairy Borough Council Minutes (1887-96). names, Betty Beavis. John Williams and the |Abbrev.: PM|

Warrnambool City Library for assistance with Port Fairy Gazette (1887-97). | Abbrev.: Gazette] research, and Tom May for comments on our RAOU (1985). Conservation statement on Orange drafts. Thanks to Russell Everard for permis- bellied Parrot. Warrnambool Borough Council (1966-83) and Town sion to reproduce the watercolour in Fig. 2. The Council (1883-96) Correspondence. [Abbrev.: WC| research was supported by the Mueller Project, Warrnambool Examiner and Western District Department of History and Philosophy of Advocate (1858-75). |Abbrev.: Examiner] Science, University of Melbourne, and the Warrnambool Standard (1874-1939). [Abbrev.: Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. Standard]

Books Available from FNCV

can be The Club has, over the years, published a number of books on natural history topics which four, as follows: purchased from the Book Sales Officer. It is currently distributing

$12.50 'What Fossil Plant is That?' (J.G. Douglas) and fossil collecting. A guide to the ancient flora of Victoria, with notes on localities 'Wildflovvers of the Stirling Ranges'. (B. Fuhrer and N. Marchant) ....$7.95 144 magnificent illustrations of the spectacular flora of this region. $16.95 'Down Under at the Prom'. (M. OToole and M. Turner) Promontory A guide to the marine sites and dives at Wilson's (with maps and numerous colour illustrations). Fuhrer) $19.95 'A Field Companion to Australian Fungi'. (B. photographs and incorporating name changes. A reprint of the earlier book with additional Alan Parkin Book Sales Officer 9850 2617 (H), 9565 4974 (B)

15 Vol. 113 (1)1996 Contributions

A Transient Soil Seed Bank for the Yam-daisy Microseris scapigera

Ian D. Lunt 1

Abstract An experiment was undertaken to assess the longevity of Microseris scapigera seeds in the soil. Seeds were buried in small bags of nylon mesh in a long ungra/ed and long-unburnt Themeda grassland in Canberra. Keplieale seed bags were unearthed alter 3, X and 12 months. M. scapigera was found to have a transient soil seedbank, since virtually all seeds germinated rapidly, and no viable seeds persisted for longer than 3 months. The implications of these results for the eonscrva- lion management ol M. scapigera in remnant grasslands are discussed. {Ttu Victorian Naturalist 113

(I) 1996, IS 19)

Introduction enables a population to re-establish after Two centuries ago, Yam-daisies dig. mature plants are killed (e.g. by fire or I), or Murnong (Microseris scapigera), grazing). By contrast, if all seeds germi- were abundant across the grassy plains of nate quickly, the population cannot recov- SOUth-eastertl Australia, providing a nutri- er if all existing plants die before flower- tious food supply for many Aboriginal ing, unless new seeds migrate into the site.

tribes (Ciott I 983). One European settler reported 'millions of murnong or yam, all Methods over the plain', and the wheels of KM. Microseris scapigera seeds (propagules (nil's dray 'used to turn them up by the of Microseris scapigera are technically bushel' (Gott 1983). called 'achenes', but are here called However, Yam-daisies proved extreme 'seeds' lor simplicity) were collected in ly palatable to sheep and rabbits November 1993 from a remnant Thanccla

( Fan inglon and Mitchell 1966; grassland in Canberra, ACT. They were Cunningham et al. 1981; Ciott 1983), as dried and stored indoors until early 1994, noted by Cum 'several thousand sheep not when they were placed in bags of fine only learnt to root up these vegetables nylon mesh (mesh size 0.85 mm x 0.95 [murnong] with their noses, but they for mm). Twenty filled seeds were placed in the most part lived on them lor the first each bag, and broken and unfilled seeds year, after which the root began to gel scarce' (Curr IXX6, in Gotl 1983). Microseris scapigera is now uncommon to rare in lowland grasslands and grassy woodlands, and most large grassland pop illations occur in ungra/cd remnants on roadsides, rail lines ami cemeteries (Prober and Thick- 1993; McDougall and Kirkpatrick 1994). Fortunately, the species remains common in other, less disturbed ecosystems, such as dry sclerophyll forests. Recently, as part of a larger experiment with ten grassland species, I invesli gated the longevity of M, scapigera seeds m the soil. Seed longevity is a critical factor in plant ecology, as long-lived seeds can form a buried seed bank, which

'School ol Botany, L» Trobe University, Bundoora Fig. l. Microseris scapigera (Photograph Victorid J083, courtesy of James Ross).

16 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

were discarded. On 27 May 1994, the bags petri dish. A few intact seeds were recov- were buried in a closed Themeda grass- ered after eight and 12 months, but all land in the Majura Valley next to Canberra were brown inside and obviously inviable. Airport. Microseris scapigera germination was The study site supported a long-unburnt not inhibited by a dense grass cover or and long-ungrazed natural grassland with extremely low soil moisture levels. In a dense, closed canopy of Themeda trian- August 1994, when the first seeds were dra. Associated species included Asperula unearthed, the topsoil was completely dry conferta, Desmodium various, Eragrostis and dusty, and few seeds of the other trachycarpa, Flantago varia, Tricoryne species studied had germinated (Lunt. elatior and the exotic herbs, Conyza unpubl.). Drought conditions persisted species, Hypochoeris radicata and throughout 1994, and there seems little Tragopogon porrifolius. The soil was a doubt that all M. scapigera seedlings dark brown, silty clay loam of pH 6.1 (S. would have perished. Sharp 1995, pers. comm.). Weather condi- Little information is available on seed tions during most of the experiment were persistence in Australian grassland herbs. extremely dry, as the region was experi- M. scapigera was the only species, of the encing a severe drought. ten studied in Canberra, for which no The bags were arranged (with more seeds remained viable after a year in the bags containing seeds of other species) at soil (Lunt, unpubl.). At least 20% of the regular intervals on a grid measuring 19 m seeds of each of the other species x 19.5 m. Half of the seed bags were remained viable after 12 months. Indeed, pinned to the soil surface, beneath the more than 70% of Vittadinia muelleri closed grass canopy, and the other half seeds, and over 80% of surface seeds of

were buried approximately 1 cm deep. Briza maxima remained viable after a year Eight surface and eight buried bags were in the field (Lunt, unpubl.). Seeds of the unearthed after approximately 3, 8 and 12 grassland daisies, Chiysocephalum apicu- months. In total, 160 buried and 160 sur- latum and Leucochrysum albicans, can face seeds were unearthed at each date. remain viable in the soil for at least a year (Gilfedder and Kirkpatrick 1993; Lunt Results and discussion 1995), whereas most seeds of species such Virtually all M. scapigera seeds germi- as Burchardia umbellata, Craspedia vari- nated rapidly, and no viable seeds persist- abilis and Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides

ed for longer than 3 months (Table 1 ). rapidly germinate in native grasslands, Two intact and visually healthy seeds with few seeds remaining viable after 6 1995). Like were recovered at 3 months (Table 1 ), but months (Lunt 1995; Morgan their viability remains questionable as nei- M. scapigera, R. leptorrhynchoides has ther could be induced to germinate in a declined dramatically in abundance since European settlemeni. The data presented here were obtained Table 1. Percentage of Microseris scapigera from seeds from one population, grown at seeds remaining viable after various periods in one place in just one year, and it remains the soil. to be seen whether seeds from other papu- Buried Date Event Surface lations behave similarly. The grassland similar seeds seeds habitat at Canberra is structurally grasslands in 27 May seeds sown 100.00 100.00 to any unburnt and ungraded 1990; 1994 south-east Australia (e.g. Lunt 0.00 and Kirkpatrick 1994). 29 August first recovery 1 .00 McDougall Microseris scapigera is a variable species 1994 (3 months) with many distinct forms (Gott 1983), and 19 January second recovery 0.00 0.00 seed behaviour may well differ between 1995 (8 months) populations, as occurs in Leucochrysum 6 May third recovery 0.00 0.00 albicans (Gilfedder and Kirkpatrick 1994). 1995 (12 months)

17 Vol. 113 (1)1996 ( 'ontrlhutlons

However, in a concurrent experiment in ing European colonisation. The unearthing the Melbourne area, Watson ( 1995) found <>l mature plains, selective grazing of sur- th.ii less than 2% "I M. scapigera seeds viving plants, and absence of buried seeds, remained viable aftei being buried for 6 led to the irretrievable demise of this once- months in a recently burnt native grass abundant species. This scenario echoes the land, and no seeds remained viable alter conclusion of many writers (e.g. Groves being buried rot 6 months in an unburnl and Williams l"Kl: Kirkpatrick et. al. grassland, which accords with the results I98K), that the most dramatic changes to found here, grassland ecosystems occurred extremely

The absence ol ,i persistent seed hank quickly, within the lirst lew years of occu foi M ficapigeru has three major implies pationby Europeans and their sheep, lions for conservation management, espe eialiv in productive grassland remnants Acknowledgments which rupidly accumulate a (hick grass This projeel was funded by the Australian

Nature < Conservation Agency, under a grassland covet .1 1 iii in,- research grant administered by the act Parks 1. II mature M scapigera plants are and Conservation Service Considerable thanks absent before a hie oi othei distnihanee. due to Sarah Sham, who collected the seeds, Hi... no seedling rccruitmenl can be ^ '"' '' "cl cted '"' *,ud Slle and i"" 1 1 1 • klom " 1 " expected aftei the disturbance, unless ? *

, dnhoii and admiiiisiinlive lliioimlnint , , , ,, /ai.i i assistance ( seeds aie inlioihu eil In the site. Allhoneh ... ,. , , ,

in i »|i-i- l';ii I ,, , . , die 1 nill and Ka/ Miirlin helped ' M. Sl'tipigt'l'tt seeils have a laij*e pappus, it ,. , ... . , ,. , , ,' ' , eoiinl Hie initial seed lots and sewed the seed ,s scaly and lacks eathery appendages, „ (i||| ^ Mw M llnh |>;||Mi||s ^ and seeds are unlikely to he dispersed into . s „ ;ll , Sh;|1| , ki||(||y commente<| „,„„, „ u ,„.,.,., isolated remnants by wind), script and James Ross provided the photograph. 2, II mature plains do occur at the silo, then substantial recruitment can only References mi occur immediately aftei u yoaj of high ' gham, G.M., Mulbem, W.B., Milthorpe, P.L. ' U[ >' u (l " sl1 l l '" ,t ' " nd ' Western New flower and seed production, as lew (if " '"

. . , • (Soil ul , ,1, . ., South Wales Conservation Service New any) viable seeds will he other present in SeuthWales Sydney) years (Lunt 1994) Curr, E.M (1886) 'The Australian Race',

1, II mature plants do occui ai the sue. (Government Printer: Melbourne), F«T|ngton.P and Mitchell. A (1966) fte Effects ol then seedling reeriiilmenl is unlikely to ... I ir.i/ni)'. I'V Muvm jiiiil Kaliluls m ,i Vii-loiiiin I'nivvl. occur immediately after spun,- burning, as ( unpubl Report, Soil Conservation Authority most (il not all) seeds will have germinal Victoria Melbourne) ed earlier in the year. Small seedlings are Olifedder.l end Kirkpatrick, l.fl (1993) Qemtinable

s "' 1 ' wl1 '""' """i"'"",v '' »J«««»™*«P» between i likely to be killed by a high intensity fire "... ,,, • , * rare native species and exotics in a semi nainial (Seedling recruitment may occur in future ,,,,,,„„• ,„ the Midlands Tasmania. Biological years though), ConstivaitanM, m * 119, If this model proves to be Correct then GUfeddor, i and Kirkpatrick. ).B (1994),

,! 1 ll - >""""' ''"!",""" '" ^ ""'"":," the principal impaci ol fire on grassland T'V' "T .' ' T . . . *~ ami morphology of tour populations ol a Tasmanian lores witti transient soil seed hanks, may endangered perennial daisy, Leucochrysum albl he (0 enable existing plants to produce eani Australian Journal ofBotany 41, A3] 440, more (lowers and seeds liom which new <; ""' " |I " ,SM Murnong Mlcroseris scapigera! a * """ seedlings can grow in the following yea, ^JL^X^^t tins scenario ol delayed post Ine recruit Oroves, Kit. ami Williams, u it. (1981), Natural ineni differs from the model of direct, fire grasslands, '» 'Australian Vegetation' Bd R.H. Qreves. University promoted recruitment from a sod seed (Cambridge Press: Cambridge). Kirkpatrick, J„ Ollfedder, I and Fensham, R. (1988). hint. ui,,..i, ,, i . i , hank which is commonly reported from . .&, ( lirks ,„ a Cemeteries Tasmania's Remnant miesi ecosystems l (e g, Purdie l >/7; Wark Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands' (Tasmanian eta], l')X7). Conservation Trust: Hobart),

' ||, ""' '""' ' ) A Hortotk survey ol the Derrlmut The absence of a persistent seed hank in " Grassland Reserve, Mi-iiimnnc. Victoria tha sodv. ni in,. ,„,,.; i . ... il.' i i «. ,, as pro\ ide an additional clue to ,.„„ ,,,,,„,, «,„„/ ,„, „., v (1/ „, ,„, Vh „„,„ ,» 2 . the rapid demise oi m scapigtra follow- n m

18 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Lunt, I.D. (1994). Variation in flower production of genetics of remnant grassy nine white box woodlands in grassland species with time since fire, and relation to their conservation. The Victorian implications for grassland management and restora- Naturalist 110, 30-36. tion. Pacific Conservation Biology 1, 359-366. Purdie, R.W. (1977). Early stages of regeneration after Lunt, l.D. (1995). Seed longevity six of native forbs in burning in dry sclerophyll vegetation, II. a closed Themeda triandra grassland. Australian Regeneration by seed germination. Australian Journal of Botany 43, 439-449. Journal ofBotany 25, 35-46. McDougall, K. and Kirkpatrick, J.B. (eds) (1994). Wark, M.C., White, M.D., Robertson, D.J. and 'Conservation of Lowland Native Grasslands in Marriott, P.H. (1987). Regeneration of heath and South-eastern Australia.' (World Wide Fund for heath woodland in the north-eastern Otway Ranges Nature: Sydney). following the wild-fire of February 1983. Morgan, J.W. (1995). Ecological studies of the endan- Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 99, 51- gered Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides. I. Seed produc- 88. tion, soil seed bank dynamics, population density Watson, S. (1995). Seed Ecology Of Five Native and their effects on recruitment. Australian Journal Forbs. In 'A Basalt Plains Grassland'. (Unpublished Botany 1-11. of 43, thesis, Victorian College of Agriculture and Prober, S.M. and Thiele, K.R. (1993). The ecology and Horticulture, Burnley: Melbourne).

Mueller - Commemorative Issue The Victorian Naturalist August 1996

1996 is the centenary of the death of Baron Ferdinand von Mueller. A special issue of The Victorian Naturalist will be published in August 1996 to commemorate Mueller's involvement with the FNCV as a foundation member, and as its

first patron. For this issue we have invited a number of authors to write on a variety of topics including Mueller's collecting work, his and the club's involvement with Wilsons Promontory, the FNCV's contribution towards his monument in St Kilda cemetery, as well as other aspects of his wider natural history interests. We invite YOU to contribute to this commemorative issue by writing on anything you know about Mueller. If you do not want to write, perhaps you have some suggestions for topics or articles that you would like to see included? suggestions or are able Please let us know, as soon as possible, if you have any the end of May to write for the journal. Written material will be needed by 1996.

you. The editors are looking forward to hearing from

Naturalist, All replies to: The Editors, The Victorian Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn 3130, or phone (home) 03 9435 9019.

19 Vol. 113(1)1996 Contributions

Fauna Survey Group Contribution No. IS

The Little Pygmy-possum Cercartetus lepidus; An Addition to the Fauna of South-west Victoria.

Lawrence E. Conole 1

Introduction Victoria. These represent the southernmost The Little Pygmy-possum Cercartetus records, and the first records from dry lepidus, the smallest of all possums, has a sclerophyll forest in Victoria. Cercartetus disjunet modem distribution in south-east- lepidus has not previously been recorded ern Australia, but its prehistoric range as a component of the fauna of south- shown in the fossil record was less frag- western Victoria (Menkhorst and mented (Green 1983). Until comparatively Beardsell 1982; Flannery 1994). recently, C. lepidus was thought to be con-

fined to Tasmania, but it was found on Fauna survey at Jilpanger Flora and Kangaroo Island, South Australia in 1964 Fauna Reserve is (Aitken 1970). The first living records on Jilpanger Flora and Fauna Reserve the Australian mainland, both in 1976, 8,290 ha in size (ERIN 1991 ) and is in the were from near Pinnaroo, S.A. (Aitken northern part of the Wannon region with a 1977), and in the Sunset Country of north- line of sight to the Victoria Range of western Victoria (Dixon 1978). A slightly Gariwerd (Grampians) National Park. It is earlier mainland record from near bounded to the north by the Wimmera Kingston S.E. in South Australia in 1974 Highway, to the south by the Douglas- has since been documented by Barritt Wombelano Road, and to the east and (1978). west by farmland. Jilpanger is an area with

In Tasmania, C, lepidus is found mostly annual rainfall of approximately 550 mm in dry sclerophyll forest, and to a lesser (Bureau of Meteorology and Walsh 1993). extent in wet sclerophyll forest, but not in Most of the reserve is dry sclerophyll for- rainforest (Green 1983) On Kangaroo est and woodland consisting of Desert on Island it occurs in dry sclerophyll foresl Stringybark Eucalyptus arenacea low (Green 1983), while in the Sunset Country siliceous dunes with a Desert Banksia and Big Desert of Victoria and contiguous Banksia ornata and heath understorey

South Australia it occurs in sandplain (Conn 1993). Small areas of Yellow Gum

heath and mallee (Dixon 1978; Bennett et E. leucoxylon woodland occur on clay ul. 1989). The distribution of C. lepidus pans. River Red Gum /:'. ccimuldulensis spans the climatic range from a maximum woodland in wetlands. Manna Gum E. annual rainfall in western Tasmania of viwimdis on waterlogged sandy soils, and about 1200 mm to a minimum of 300 mm Grey Box E. microcarpa and Buloke in the Victorian mallee. In Tasmania, C. Allocasuarina luehmanii woodland on lepidus is sympatric with the Eastern various clay soils (Conn 1993). Pygmy-possum C. nanus* but on Brief descriptions of the initial four pit- Kangaroo Island and the south-eastern fall trapping sites arc as follows: mainland it is sympatric with the Western (i) JP-1. On top of a high, yellow, sand Pygmy-possum C. coiicinnus (Green dune. Area burnt in wildfire during the 1983). summer of 1990/91. Low woodland (c, 4- In this paper, 1 report the capture of C. 5 m high) of E. arenacea, abundant flow- lepidus in dry sclerophyll forest in the ering Austral Grasstrees Kanthorrhoea Jilpanger Flora and Fauna Reserve, in the austraiis, regenerating Hakea and other northern Wannon region, south-western species and colonising ground cover plants

'2/45 over large areas of bare sand. Virginia Street, Ni-wlnwii, Victoria 3220

20 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

altitude, (ii) JP-2. Lower yellow sand dune nation of its dentition. I identified the ani- but with dark humic soil development mal as C, lepidus by the presence of the under heavy leaf litter. Abundant 0.5-0.75 diagnostic fourth molar (not present in C. m regeneration of Oyster Bay Pine concinnus or C. minus, Merrilees and Callitris rhomboidea underneath large, Porter 1979; Green and Rainbird 1983). circa 10 m E. arenacea with old fire scars Additional C. lepidus were captured dur-

(last fire 1978, DCNR fire map, Horsham ing the December 1 99! -January 1992 field office per David Venn). trip. The overall survey at Jilpanger is still

(ill) JP-3. Clay pan with woodland of E. in progress and other C. lepidus have sub- leucoxylon, with Scarlet Botllebrush sequently been captured in pitfall traps Callistemon rugulosus scrub and Gold- there (Russell Thompson pers, conuti.). dust Wattle Acacia acinacea and Common The first C. lepidus died and will be Fringe-myrtle Calytrix tetragona ground lodged with the Museum of Victoria as a cover. voucher specimen. (iv) JP-4. B. ornata scrub with emergent E. arenacea on low, white sand dune. Discussion Other abundant shrubs include Lavender The capture of the Little Pygmy-pos- Grevillea Grevillea lavandulacea and sum C. lepidus at Jilpanger Flora and Heath Tea-tree Leptospermum myrsi- Fauna Reserve in 1991 is an addition to of south-western Victoria. In noides. the fauna Desert Stringybark E. arenacea dry scle- In September 1991 as part of a biologi- rophyll forest, approximately 13 years cal survey of the Jilpanger Flora and wildfire (site JP-2), it was rel- Reserve, the Fauna Survey Group of the after the last atively more abundant than sympatric The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria = Western Pygmy-possum C. concinnus. installed four lines of pitfall traps (total Silky Mouse Pseudomys apodemoides and 40 traps) in the south-western corner of 1991- the introduced House Mouse M. musculus the reserve. During the December at However, it was not captured January 1992 and April 1992 survey work. (Fig. I). the other trap sites. a number of Cercarteius were trapped at Green (1983) described C. lepidus as a three out of the four lines. On 28 species that has contracted in range prior December 1991 a small male Cercarteius of south-eastern a to European settlement sp. was captured at site 3 along with Australia, and concluded that land clearing ). After exami- male C. conchums (Fig. 1

- -"i

8 fc^~ - 6

Silky Mouse L llle Pygmy-possu m House Mouse Western Pygmy-possum JP-4 M.lP-1 1- 1 JP-2 EH

Fauna Reserve in at Jilpanger Flora and of... small mammals Capture rales of four species Fig. 1. trap mgnts. of captures per 100 pitfall 19991/92. Capture rate is number

21 Vol. 113 (1)1996 Contributions

Little Pygmy-possum

172 retorts

since 1970 28 blocks t 1900 -IMS Oblocki

before 1900 (I blocks

i nib toiiil i blocks I". HI \ '. I.. X —V- 7 r--\

7^- ZL7-5 ^ =r 147 149

Source: Atlas of Victorian Wildlife.

1.1 ,

Western Pygmy-possum

179 in imls

since 1970 34 blocks )

before 1900 blocks + sub-fossil l«. V blocks

I p SI — 111 ' -x \ ,V-'"V_ /sT'—v

• I "v^

_>- IK >*> > s ^v A x^ r^' \ v -] l< i 14 3 147 149

Source; Atlas of Victorian Wildlife. 2 D tribUti0n maP f Li,tle W Pywny-Powum Cenartetus lepidus and (b) Western S«um r \°, Pygmy- V,Ct°na fr0m Atlas of Victorian Wi!dlife The isol d ' minute suuare to ;hr/'Tr, ^ ^ ^ ^S^^Sm^^ °" thC Lit,1C P^-P— -P ^ows the position of

22 Tlic \ iitoiian Nn.iir.ilis. Contributions

in the time since then has exacerbated the of the Grampians, but the added presence decline. Flannery (1994) speculated that of C. lepidus at Jilpanger means that the size the diminutive and secretive behav- three species may be very close to over- iour of C. lepidus may have led to it being lapping at a point near to that which overlooked in some areas, and that it may Wakefield nominated. The records of C. be more widespread on the mainland than concinnus at Jilpanger in 1991-92 are also current records suggest. Emison et al. the first on the southern limit of its range (1978) and Menkhorst and Beardsell since 1961 (Atlas of Victorian Wildlife). (1982) are the only systematic accounts of Flannery (1994) has characterised the mammal surveys in the Wannon Region, conservation status of C. lepidus as vul- but neither survey employed pitfall traps nerable because of the retraction in its (the most effective method for trapping range, although Andrew Bennett (pers. Cercartetus) at Jilpanger or in other simi- comm.) and Menkhorst (1995) regard the lar woodland remnants. species as well represented in the large Distribution maps produced by the conservation reserves of the Sunset Atlas of Victorian Wildlife after the inclu- Country and Big Desert in Victoria. The sion of the captures reported in this paper newly discovered population at Jilpanger show C. lepidus and C. concinnus to be can be seen as significant for the conserva- broadly sympatric in western Victoria, tion of the species in Victoria, in that it with an apparent absence of C. lepidus broadens both the known geographic and from the Little Desert (Fig. 2). Woinarski habitat range of the species in the state. (1988) claimed to have captured a C. lep- Much of Jilpanger carries similar vegeta- idus in the Little Desert, but no specimen tion to the first C. lepidus trap site, and so was taken and the record was not accepted the potential exists for C. lepidus to be by the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (Peter widespread and for the large conservation Menkhorst pers. comm.). The specimen reserve to hold a numerically significant backed record from Jilpanger, south of the population. Relatively little has been pub- natural history of C. lepidus Little Desert, makes it likely that C. lep- lished on the observations in Tasmania idus does indeed occur in the Little Desert. since early Hickman 1960; Green Barritt (1978) reports C. lepidus from (Hickman and Kangaroo Island ( Aitken 1974), Fairview and Jip Jip Conservation Parks 1980) and of which is that the species near Kingston S.E in South Australia; both an indication account in Flannery (1994) merely para- in an area of similar latitude and habitat Green (1983). Ward (1992) pub- range to the Little Desert. Museum of phrases limited details of C. lepidus life his- Victoria specimens of C. concinnus from lished Department tory in the Big Desert, and the the Little Desert probably now need to be Conservation and Natural Resources examined for the presence of misidentified of has collected abundant data on habitat C. lepidus. usage and body weights in the Victorian At Jilpanger, on the small amount of (Andrew Bennett pers. comm.). At 1991-92 trapping data, C. lepidus appears deserts C. lepidus is relatively abundant more abundant than C. concinnus in E. Jilpanger accessible, and this population would dry sclerophyll forest, but the and arenacea of C. lep- ideal for inclusion in a study in B. ornata scrub. be situation is reversed mainland. Ward idus biology on the Australian This observation is similar to that of (1992) for the two species in the Big Brown Acknowledgements Desert. Interestingly, analogous ot David Venn (Horsham Department baxteri forest only about Strineybark E. Conservation and Natural Resources east in Gariwerd (the 60-70 km to the suggested the Jilpanger survey the Eastern [DCNRJ) Grampians) is occupied by project. Permits as a Fauna Survey Group Pygmy-possum C. nanus (Emison et al. empowered the issued by the DCNR postulated that C. 1978). Wakefield (1963) Survey Group to trap and handle narrowly Fauna and C. nanus might be Baxter and concinnus protected species. Barbara north end patric somewhere near the

23 Vol. 113(1)1996 Contributions

Cercartetus lepidus (Thomas). The Victorian other staff <>f the Atlas of Victorian Naturalist Heidelberg, provided 55(l):4-7. Wildlife, DCNR Emison, W.B., Porter, J.W., Norris. K.C. and Apps, data and distribution maps of Cercartetus O.J. (1978). Survey of the vertebrate fauna in the species. Andrew Bennett (DCNR, (irampians-Edcnhope area of southwestern Victoria. Memoirs oj the Nulionai Museum of valuable on a Heidelberg) made comments Victoria 39:281 -363 draft of this paper. Peter Menkhorsl I.KIN (1991). Victorian Protected Areas. ASCII nie- llo khi erin Internet Gopher, URL (DCNR, Heidelberg) examined the C. Irp- gopher://kaos.erin.gov.au (Environmental /(//is specimen and concurred with my Resources Information Network! Canberra),

identification. I Tannery. T.F. (1994). Possums of the World. A Monograph of the Phalange roidea. (GEO I'he first pitfall sites at Jilpanger were Productions: Sydney). selected by l.awrie C'onole. and lines were Green, R.H. (1980). The Little Pygmy Possum. dug and installed by l.awrie C'onole, Grant Cercartetus lepidus in Tasmania. Records of the Queen Victoria Museum.. Launceston 68:1-12. Baverstock, Russell Thompson and Peter Green, IMI, (1983). Little Pygmy-possum Cercartetus Hansen. FSG personnel lor the subsequent lepidus. pp. 164-165. IN Slrahan. R.. The surveys were: Australian Museum Complete Hook of Australian Mammals. (Angus and Robertson: Sydney). PROJECT MANAGKR (1991/92): Oreen, Kit and Rainblrd, J.I.. (1983). Skulls of the l.awrie Connie. SURVEY TEAM Mammals in Tasmania (Queen Victoria Museum (1991/92)! Cirant Baverstock. Damien and An Gallery: Launceston). Hickman, V.V. and Hickman, J.L. (1960). Notes on Cook, Russell Thompson. Peter Hansen. the habits of ihe Tasmanian doormouse phalangers Andrea Dennis (Equipment Officer). Tom Cercartetus nanus (Desmarest) and Eudromicia Sault, Julian Grusovin (Records Officer), lepida (Thomas). Proceedings of the Zoolological Society. London 135:365-374. Felicity Garde, Peter Lynch, Mark Menkhorsl. P.W. and Bcardsell. CM. (1482). Greatorex, Stephen Spillard, Michael Mammals of south-western Victoria from the Little Desert i<> the coast. Proceedings of the Royal Howes, Ian Faithful], Amy Harris. Sharon Society of Victoria 94<4):22l -247 Mason. Peter Maiden. Stacy Malcolm, Menkhorst. P.W. (Ed.) (in press) Mammals of Alistair Traill, Alena Cilaister. Ian Victoria Ecology, Conservation anil Distribution. (Oxford University Press: Melbourne). (ilaister, John Smith, Bill Farrugia. Mibel Mctiilecs. I). and Porter. J.K. (1979) Guide to the Aguilar, Ray Gibson. identification of Teeth and some Hones of Native Land Mammals Occurring in the Extreme South References West of Western Australia, (Western Australian Museum: Perth). Aiikeu, P,F, (1970). Cercartetus lepidus (Thomas) an Wakefield, N.A. (1963). The Australian Pygmy-pus addition to the fauna of Kangaroo Island. Records sums The Victorian Naturalist 80:99-1 16 Of the South Australian Museum. I5( i):575 ^7<> Woinarski. J.C.Z. (1988). The vertebrate fauna of Ailken, P.F, 1 1974) The Little Pigmy Possum Hroomhush (Melaleuca uncinate) vegetation in tCercanetiii lepidus Thomas) on Kangaroo Maud. north western Victoria the environmental south Australia, South Australian Naturalist and 48( 1):36 43. elicits of ihe hroomhush harvesting industry, (Consen anon Council of Victoria: Melbourne) Aitken, P F. (197 1) I he I ittle Pigmy Possum (Cercartetus lepidus (Thomas)) found living on ihe Australian mainland South Australian Naturalist Sl(4):63 66. Barrilt, m k (1978) fwo further specimens of the Little Pigmy Possum [Cercartetus lepidus (Thomas)] from the Australian mainland, South Australian Naturalist 531 urn

Bennett, A F„ I umsden, I ,f and Menkhorst, P.* (1989). Mammals ol the Malice Region ol Southeastern Australia. IN; Noble, J.C and Bradstock, R A. (Eds) Mediterranean Landscapes in Australia Mallet Ecosystems and their Management. (CS1RO: Melbourne),

Bureau of Meteorolog i>. n.c. 1 1993) Climate of Victoria, pp. 47 60, IN: Foreman, D.B and Walsh, N.G (Bds) Flora of Victoria. Volume I. introduction, (Inkata Press: Melbourne), Conn, hi (1993) Natural Regions and Vegetation ol Victoria, pp. 79-158. IN: Foreman, D.B. and Walsh, N G. (Eos) Flora of Victoria. Volume I Introduction. (Inkata Press. Melbourne) Dixon, i M. (1978), The Drst Victorian and other Little Pygmy-Possum Ctrcartetus lepidtis. Victorian records of the Little Pigmy Possum (Photo courtesy Andrew Bennett.)

24 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

Wombat Behaviour

About noon on the 12 August 1995, questions. Has the baby had trouble fol- while cross-country skiing in the lowing the mother across the soft snow Kosciusko National Park (NSW), my when it was younger (just out of the friends and 1 were privileged to see a pouch) and now continues the practice out mother Wombat giving a rather large of habit? Alternatively, does the baby baby a piggy-back ride across the snow. have a problem with cold feet in the When the mother reached a patch of grass snow? The other unusual aspect of this the baby climbed off (Fig. 1) and fed on sighting is that the wombats were active at grass alongside the mother. It should be noon in the heat of a bright sunny day. I noted that the baby was approximately a wonder if the scarcity of food due to the third the size of the mother. The snow was exceptionally heavy snow cover had not particularly soft as the mother only forced the normally nocturnal wombats to sank to abut 100 mm in the softest sec- feed during the day. tions and most of the snow was quite firm. The location of this sighting was not far While the mother was feeding, the baby from Horse Camp Hut, in a tributary val- strayed briefly onto the snow and did not ley of Munyang River, upstream from appear to have any problems with move- Munyang Power Station. The power sta- ment. The wombats showed no signs of tion is abut 6 km from the Guthega Resort apprehension with the presence of in the Kosciusko National Park. There were about 8 people who witnessed this humans, so I slowly walked down to with- unusual behaviour. Some members from in 2.5 m of them to take a few photos. The and some from another group of rest of our group kept a little further dis- my group tance. After feeding, the baby climbed cross-country skiers. if other readers have observed back onto the mother and was carried off I wonder similar wombat behaviour of adults piggy- across the snow at a slow walk (Fig. 2). young, or feeding during the This piggy-back ride was observed for at backing their middle of the day. Please send details of least 20 m before our group had to leave our agreed rendezvous similar observations to the editors. them to ski to Garry K. Smith point for lunch. 5 Fourth St. ,Seahampton NSW 2286 This behaviour raised a number of

Fig. 2 Fig.l

25 Vol. 113 (1)1996 Naturalist Notes

From our Naturalist in Residence, Glen Jameson

The Editors are pleased that the 'Naturalist in Residence' series will continue in 1996 with Glen Jameson writing a series of six articles on the seasons of the Middle Yarra Valley.

Middle Yarra Timelines

The Middle Yarra Timelines project is being developed by The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, Gould league and Yarra Valley Parklands (Melbourne Parks and Waterways), in an attempt to record and analyse seasonality themes of the natural history of the Middle Yarra area, its rela-

tionships, interactions and sequence of events . The Middle Yarra area is the broad catchment area that begins at the confluence of Watson Creek and the Yarra River at Kangaroo Ground in the east and in the west ends at the Burke Road bridge over the Yarra. The project is endeavour- ing to establish a data base of information that, hopefully, will be essential to land managers, eco-tourist providers, environmental educationalists and those interested in Natural History. From the data supplied by naturalists, a six season calendar year has been produced. The seasons are cyclic, regulated by climatic variability and delineated by the occurrence and associations of natural phenomena. The idea behind this series of articles is to represent a mythical day for each of those seasons, a day that incorporates all of the important seasonal indicators and patterns that are characteristic of that season.

High Summer

High Summer and you wake up with the Australian Grayling Prototroctes maraena sun in your eye, and there it stays all day. disperse from estuary breeding grounds to Wander down to the Yarra River under colonize the river, while Tupong apricot dawn skies to breathe in the cool, Psuedaphritis urvillii continue their muddy smells before the day's heat upstream migration past the High Summer destroys it all. On the waters edge in the period. All take advantage of the rich riparian forest, River Lomatia Lomatia feeding opportunities that the low flow myricoides has its last flowers, having river provides. been out fully on the Summer solstice. River Reed Phragmites australis stimu- Timelonic* moments of truth as the Wood lated by the drop in water levels of the Duck Chenonetta jubata calls from along river, flowers and amongst the thick debris the river. Its call is carried by the steep of its leaves the Buff-banded Rail river gorge walls for miles. Gallirallus philippensis sleuths. Welcome The shallow, sun warmed river water, Swallows Hirundo neoxena gather to glide generates a rich benthic plant life growing above the glassy top of the water on which on rocks and other plants. The diatoms a cool layer still sits as the last wifts of especially are actively growing and in mist evaporate with an almost audible fizz. turn support a great variety of inverte- Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta in fast brates, many of which, in the ideal 'hummingbird' flight, a breath above the conditions, complete successive genera- water, skims the only layer of cool air. It tions. Chironomids, Water Pennies returns to the big Yellow Box Eucalyptus Sclerocyphon sp., Mayflies melliodora on the Riverbank where it has Tasmanocoenis sp., Caddis-Flies young in a hollow. Occasional Manna Cheumatopsyche sp. and Ecnomus sp., Gums Eucalyptus viminalis are in flower, Water-Boatman. Micronecta sp. and on one an immature Night Heron others supply food for small young fish, Nycticorax caledonicus, only perches warily. months old, to grow quickly' Yesterday an adult bird in flight, with its Spotted Galaxids Galaxis truttaceus and nuptial feather streaming behind it, fol-

26 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

lowed the river's course upstream. The landiae, Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis young of the Dusky Woodswallows spinicollis and the Intermediate Egret Artamus cyanoptems have already fledged Egretta intermedia. Occasionally a from nests made in the folds of peeling Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii bark on Manna Gums. At the feet of the takes off with a great flapping in a twist- Manna Gums, Hop Goodenia Goodenia ing, weaving flight. Fairy Martins Hirundo ovata sports plenty of flowers. Prickly ariel leave their mud nests in culverts to Coprosma Coprosma quadrifida, full of busily feed upon insects by the waters sweet red berries, attracts visits from nest- edge. Hidden amongst the thick leaves of ing Red-browed Firetails Neochmia tem- Cumbungi Typha domingensis Clamorous poralis and Blue Wrens Malurus cyaneus. Reed-warblers Acrocephalus stentoreus Pick a few of the dark red, well ripened give their melodious call and the River ones which are sweet to eat and listen to Red Gums Euclayptus camaldulensis the scissoring sounds of the Shining Fly- above them begin to flower. Olive-backed catcher Myiagra alecto. The Tree Violet's Oriole Oriolus sagittatus and Rufous Hymenanthera dentata ripened fruits, Whistlers Pachycephala rufiventris are smelling like sultanas, feed an array of still feeding young. birds. Later, in cool weather, large num- On grassy slopes full of flowering bers of seeds often germinate under Silver Yellow Rush-lily Tricoryne elatior morn- Wattles Acacia dealbata after being void- ing sun warms papery wings and Common ed by birds. Purple fruits of the Brown Butterflies Heteronympha rnerope Muttonwood Rapanea howittiana some- chase about in the Kangaroo Grass times prolific during the wet summers, Themeda triandra. Many Butterflies busy cluster on the bare wood of the branches themselves, Brown-shouldered above the running river water. In a thicket Heteronympha penelope, Australian of Burgan Kunzea ericoides a nesting Admirals Vanessa/Eastern ilea. Eastern Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons male, Ringed Xenica Geitoneura acantha. fusses with caught and offered insects. Dingy Swallowtail Papilio anactus and Amongst the rocks on the river rapids a Imperial Whites Delias harpalyce search young Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja for partners and sip nectar from the pro- textilis hunts amongst the crevices for a fusely flowering Sweet Bursaria Bursaria few frogs. In the mud built up around the spinosa which provides an important rapid's rocks, Pratia pedunculata flowers. source of nectar for a range of insects dur- The last few seed cases of the Silver ing this time. acacias drop to Wattles float past to new destinations. The seed of most local Downstream, bittabongs and wetlands the ground providing food for the Pigeon Phaps are going through a metamorphosis. Common Bronze-wing other plants are in Responding to low water levels, quick chalcoptera. Many elegant Pomaderris, growing herbaceous plants run riot on the seed, such as the Gynatrix pulchella, as well drying mud of the expanding littoral edge. Native Hemp Grasses and the lanky Lomandra The emergent herbfield is full of as the all helping to pro- Centipedia cunninghamii, Callitriche son- Lomandra longifolia, for the migrating birds, down deri, Polygonum plebeium and vide food High Summer. Amphibromus fluitans. Upon the water of for the the ridge tops, the view of the the wetlands a floating herbfield of Azolla From haze of horizon is distorted by the swaying pinnata, Azolla filiculoides, Wolffiaaus- heat waves. Bright pink Hyacinth traliana, Lemna disperma and Riccia the Orchids Dipodium punctatum, tropical in duplex create a tapestry of red and green. appearance, belie the dryness of the hills. Along the wetland edge quick move- dry. Summer has sloughed off ments of Lewins Rail Gallirallus pec- In fact all is moisture while the grasses rich its last skin of toralis finishing its hunting along the crackle underfoot. It is the fringe is turn brown and littoral pickings. Also stalking the peak dry period of the year. Lightwood the White-faced Heron Ardea novaehol-

27 Vol. 113(1)1996 Naturalist Notes

Acacia implexa, that handsome tough wat- In the gloaming dusk of an enervating tle, shrugs off the heat and thirst with a High Summers day, bats take advantage of profuse flowering amidst its sickle leaves. the prolific numbers of insects. Often, bats Jacky Lizards Amphibolurus muricaius. seems to be almost as prolific as birds with bright orange mouths in vivid con- when they feed in the darkening skies. The trast to the dried colours, hunt on the incandescent night is full of the pleasant rocky escarpments. Dusky Woodswallows chirruping of Long-horned (Katydids) swoop in well-practiced sweeps, catching Grasshoppers Caedicia olivacea and the insects - the smooth-flying harvesters of lovely whirring calls of the Owlet Nightjar the ridge tops. Aegotheles cristatus. They are interrupted A Black-shouldered Kite Elanus nota- only occasionally by the harsh rasps of tus pair, after an afternoon stretch of play- juvenile Tawny Frogmouths Podargus ful aerialism, lock feet together and fall strigoides amongst Red Box Eucalyptus towards the ground in a fast death defying polyanthemos as they find their way spiral, pulling apart at the very last around their home territory. moment. Cicada orchestras in rhythmic Once evening has fallen, a few pulses and swings of momentum, fill the Southern Brown Tree Frogs Litoria ewingi afternoon with vibrating musical patterns. and Spotted Marsh Frogs L.tasmaniensis Above the Yarra in the Warrandyte call from wetlands and occasionally they Gorge, a huge flock of White-throated are joined by the Pobblebonks Needletails Hirundapus caudacutus, Limnodynastes dumerilii. However they whose first appearance marked the begin- are all out-called by the maniacal cackle of ning of High Summer, now feast on a the Peron's Tree Frog Litoria peronii. The wave of insects using the updraft of the Peron's Tree Frog marks out the length of cool river air to gain height. The High Summer. It only calls during the Needletails sweep the airways with long warmest weather, starting on occasional raking glides, gracefully manoeuvering at balmy nights in September and finishing high speed to intercept the insects. as High Summer does, when the Yarra Working each area until the food supply is Valley cools and mists return to dominate exhausted, they move off in front of the the morning sky. changing weather conditions and herald a * Timelonic - a particular observation cool change. The change in the weather of a natural phenomenon which gives marked by the Needletails will become insight into the function or nature of an more frequent towards the end of High interaction or association. Summer. The hot weather can often have a bal- Acknowledgements anced, focused power which radiates 1 would like to thank Malcom Calder, Cecily through the ecosystem and energizes Falkinham, Patrick Fricker, Ed Grey, Pat Grey, everything, although this is not always the Alan Reid, John Reid, Elizabeth Seviour, Ken case with High Summer. In the days of Simpson, George Paras, Vin Pettigrove. the extreme north winds when temperatures Middle Yarra Timelines Committee and all who have contributed soar and threaten to ingnite every living to the data bank of information for the Project so far. thing, there is an awesome terror in their power. Glen Jameson PO Box 568, Templestowc. Victoria 3106. AUTHOR'S COPIES After publication of an article in The Victorian Naturalist, the author receives five (5) complimentary cop.es of that issue. Normally this would be sufficient when combined with photcopying. However, additional copies of The Victorian Naturalist may be ordered from the editors when a paper is submitted. Costs for 1996 will be:

25 c °P'es $30 plus postage 50c °P'es $60 plus postage

28 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

Greater Glider Petauroides volans with Pouched Young

27 September 1995 at 21.35 hours. were observed for 2-3 minutes. Then, to Whilst spotlighting in mixed species, give one so young a rest from the light, we wet sclerophyll forest near Healesville diverted our attention to a Yellow-bellied (Natmap 8022, AMG grid number Glider Petarus australis nearby. On 7 11 Easting, 336Northing, altitude 100 m), returning to view the Greater Glider some a Greater Glider Petauroides volans was five minutes later, the adult's posture on seen with pouched young. The baby's eye- the limb had altered slightly and the young shine, although faint, was still quite dis- one was not visible. tinct under red light and also when viewed It seems, from a discussion with staff of through 8 x 40 binoculars. The form of the the Department of Conservation and baby could not be distinguished against Natural Resources - Steve Craig, Jerry the abdomen of the adult. Alexander, Lindy Lumsden, Andrew Movement to the left and right side of Bennett (pers. comm.) - that a sighting the animal in an endeavour to sight both of such as this is rare, in that of the four peo- the baby's eyes was unsuccessful. The rea- ple spoken to, who between them have son for this may have been that only one had countless hours of spotlighting experi- side of the head was visible, or because ence, none had been privy to such a sight- the animal was so small that both eyes ing. My thanks to each of them for their

appeared as one. I believe the baby would comments. have been developed (furred) and that the R.G. Taylor posture of the adult on the limb was Victoria 3153 responsible for the protuberance of the 22 Coven Avenue. Bayswater North, baby's head from the pouch. The animals

Magpies

for more food and then flew fauna as well as our flora seem to verandah Our there the street in the usual way. So be having a battle to cope with the haz- across young that had not yet modern technology. The fol- was obviously still ards of our Shortly years ventured far away from the nest. is a case in point. For lowing onto the street and afterwards I drove out Magpies, with their young, have appeared of the power pole lay asking for assis- there at the bottom on our back verandah the bodies of the adult Magpie and the voracious appetites the tance in satisfying pole carries a be bru- young one. The power their young. Later they would of amidst the host of wires them off to transformer and tally attacking them, driving was being and insulators the young bird themselves. fend for reaching across from two adult arrived fed Obviously This year only one lonely had beer, neighbouring wires the birds This was for its young to ask for food. as if it had electrocuted. We felt almost the nest, presumably somewhere still in tragedy disappeared into been a human across the street since it the houses the many large gums amongst it arrived but G.A. Crichton on that side. Last Sunday teed of a power pole to Croydon, Victoria 3136 Hew up to the top 6 Ainslie Park Avenue, wings in a juvenile that was fluttering its back to the the usual fashion. It came

29 Vol. 113 (1)1996 Naturalist Notes

Photography

Wendy Clark'

manual systems. Introduction prefer a lot of the with zoom and Photography can be a wonderful tool Automatic cameras (fixed lens) - useful for scenery and for a field naturalist, covering anything macro ie groups of flowers geo- from identification, illustrations in both some close-ups animals. books and journals, or displays for talks logical features and larger and meetings, illustration of behaviour, Automatic cameras (prefer- wall decoration or simply travelling down Manual or override) with inter- memory lane. The hard part is to decide ably with manual lenses. These can be used for which to do. The skill level and techniques changeable depending on the lenses you for each type can be anything from basic any subject, to expert. have: wide angle lens - landscape and illustra- Activities tive; Photography can be useful on any field standard lens - landscape, people, large excursion for any of the groups within animals and objects; Field Nats e.g. photos of fungi for identifi- macro lens 50mm - all purpose close up; cation or illustrations on Botany Group macro lens 100mm - great for close ups excursions or surveys, photos of insects, without getting too close (like snakes); lizards or mammals at Fauna Survey telephoto lenses - animals, birds, peo- camps, just to mention a few. The one ple, landscapes, features etc. potential problem that could occur is if the Useful extras - Tripod, flashes, Flash act of photographing takes over, and starts metre, Extension tubes or diopters, micro- holding up the excursion too long. If your scope attachments, lens hood are a few of interest in nature photography itself the useful extras, though they will depend becomes overriding, then maybe separate on your exact field and degree of interest. photography field excursions would become necessary. Clubs and societies Local Camera groups for general pho- Books tography. Designing Wildlife Journals - Joe Field Naturalist groups for special McDonald. This book I own and it is interest photography. The level of infor- excellent. mation and help available will depend on Nikon Guide to Wildlife Photography - B. who is active in each group. Otherwise 'Moose' Peterson these will provide the opportunity and How to Photograph Insects and Spiders - subject matter for experimentation. Larry West with Julie Ridl. This book is new and may not be in Australia yet. Journals Landscape Photography - Kodak Nature Photograher The Backpackers Photography Outdoor Photographer Handbook - Charles Campbell Australian Camera Camera and Darkroom Equipment Darkroom Techniques and Creative These days technology has made life Photography much simpler with auto-flashes, flash meters, auto-exposure and auto-focus Enquiries Balwyn, (sometimes useful) though beware - the Wendy Clark, 2 Cityview Rd, North Victoria 3104. Tel: 9859 8091. systems can be fooled. Many people still Arthur Farnworth, 47 The Boulevarde, '2 Cityview Rd, Nth Balwyn, Vicloria 3104. Doncaster. Victoria 3108. Tel: 9848 2229.

30 The Victorian Naturalist Book Reviews

Saving a Continent. Towards a Sustainable Future

by David Smith

Publisher: University ofNew South Wales Press, Sydney, 1994. 185pp. RRP $29.95 (sb)

This is a book about Australia and its My two concerns have indeed been biota and environments. It covers a diverse allayed! Amazingly, the book treats the range of topics, not only providing a back- description of our land, its environments ground to the evolutionary history of and its flora and fauna in a highly enter- Australian landforms, animals and plants, taining, yet very informative fashion. The but also the environmental threats facing writing is clear, well-presented and techni- our biodiversity, and some of the success- cally sound. Smith's scientific training and es in overcoming the devastating problems expertise shines through as he dispenses of overpopulation and over-exploitation of with the pseudo-scientific values of GAIA resources. and the positively unscientific creationists. Many naturalists will fondly remember The examples he uses are up-to-date, topi- the ABC television series Nature of cal and well chosen. Australia which provided the basis for the Whereas the first half of the book sets describing Australia's geological book's first edition; it was originally pub- the scene and some adap- lished in 1990 as A Continent in Crisis. and evolutionary history, and The new version has a much more opti- tations and diversity of our flora it is the second component which is mistic title and as the back cover notes fauna, Smith addresses some of '...Australia's investment in environmental so relevant. Here difficulties facing our continent, e.g. research is starting to pay off: a great the through overclearing, many Australians are working at solving land degradation introduced species and overpopulation. the problems and are achieving notable philosophy is not completely that of successes. In a very real sense Australian His 'she'll be right' - the examples used to research is leading the world towards solv- the back cover's 'notable suc- ing the problems of overpopulation and illustrate are used sensitively to show just overexploitation of resources. The key to cesses' what can be done provided we have a achieving true ecological sustainability is philosophical out- substi- change of political and to redefine the goals of society by impression I came away two vital look. The overall tuting a model that incorporates ways with was a feeling that there are elements missing from current economi- which can help in solving some of our dominated approaches - long-term cally if we problems, but change will only occur thinking and concern for social strategic and to shift are willing to think differently well-being.' mindsets away from policies aims 01 the our collective On reading the scope and econom- designed to maximise immediate immediately had two concerns: book, 1 expense of long term eco- possibly ic gains at the - how can a book of 185 pages sustainability. of topics in an logical hope to cover such a range are its Other good features of the book informative way? (probably many derived product 32 colour plates - will this simply be another Australia), from the filming of Nature of saying that all is well which comforts us glossary (fairly neces- about an the inclusion of a is no need to worry and there with a weak scientific back- US econ- sary for those environmental crisis (rather like of valuable now ground) and the inclusion Julian Simon who claims we articles omist and graphs from scientific overcome all our tables have the technology to in a reference which have been included problems!)

31 Vol. 113 (1) 1996 !

Book Reviews

list. Students will find the inclusion of so To whom would this book appeal? much data very valuable. Certainly naturalists with an interest in the biota, If I was to make a criticism it would origins and diversity of our but have to be the degree of scientific detail. especially those interested in its future. Coming from a practising scientist, this This would also be an ideal book for first criticism may seem somewhat odd. year tertiary environmental science and

However, I really wonder whether lay biology students at university who have a readers need to know about the life cycle particular interest in flora and fauna man- of a moss, the digestive anatomy of the agement. A good value book, well worth Koala or the microstructure of the reading

Platypus electroreceptor? On occasions I almost had the impression some technical Robert L. Wallis figures were included to make the book School of Aquatic Science & Natural seem more authoritative, when it may sim- Resources Management, Deakin ply have the effect of turning away readers University - Rusden Campus. Clayton. who are unfamiliar with scientific jargon. Vic 3168.

The Dingo in Australia and Asia

by Laurie Corbett

Publisher: University ofNew South Wales Press, Sydney 1995. Softcover, 200 pp. RRP $24.95

This publication is the latest in the most of us were brought up with the University of NSW's 'Australian Natural notion that the dingo is 'Australia's native

History' series, a collection of books dog'. In fact, the animal is found over vast each designed to give a readable but high- areas of Asia and we have no real claim to ly accurate picture of a particular sole ownership. Ample evidence for this Australian animal. is provided in the book. Laurie Corbett is a CSIRO zoologist of The second chapter, dealing with meth-

long standing and I am delighted that he ods of studying dingoes is, in my view, has put pen to paper to produce this very badly placed and would have been better readable account of the Dingo. Corbett is situated as one of the Appendices. undeniably "Mr. Dingo' and he has spent Nonetheless, this is a useful account and, the greater part of a scientific career span- if for no other reason, demonstrates that

ning 30 years in studying the animal. I am an enormous amount of time and effort also particularly pleased to note that the has been dedicated to the study of this book is dedicated to the late Geoff animal throughout most of its range in Douglas, former Chairman of the Vermin Australia. This includes not only the work and Noxious Weeds Destruction Board in of Corbett and his CSIRO colleagues, but Victoria and a friend and mentor of both a very large and comprehensive study of Laurie and myself. the animal in WA by Peter Thompson of Corbelt's description generally follows the Agriculture Protection Board. a logical sequence and begins with an Then follows a chapter on the charac- account of the origin, ancestry and distrib- teristics and identity of the animal. ution of the animal. This will provide the Together with the final chapter on the first shock to most lay readers because future of expatriate dingoes, this is likely

32 The Victorian Naturalist Book Reviews

to raise the ire of the various dingo breed- sets the scene for the following discus- ing and dingo protection societies sion. The author believes that in the more throughout Australia each of which has a heavily settled areas, hybridisation is view on what is a dingo. Here, Corbett increasing so that the 'pure' Dingo is a gathers together a good deal of careful vanishing breed. This conclusion is not observation and study to justify the cur- fully shared by some other researchers, rent scientific name of the animal - Canis notably Jones (1990 Australian Wildlife lupus dingo. This tells us that the animal Research 17: 69-81) but such differences is single subspecies a of the grey wolf. in interpretation are to be expected Furthermore, dingo populations are uni- when dealing with an animal whose mor- form throughout their huge distribution in phology is variable over its range. I am Asia and Australia. This does not rule out pleased to see that the author has politely the existence of regionally distinct popu- but firmly put paid to the idea of main- lations which may represent subspecies. taining 'pure' dingoes by keeping them as There follows a series of chapters on pets etc.

the basic biology of the Dingo. These There is a series of 21 colour plates in cover breeding, social behaviour, diet, and the centre of the book which illustrate, population dynamics. They will be useful amongst other things, morphological

for the student and casual reader alike variations of the animal. 1 was particularly although, for the latter, much of the infor- impressed by the photo of a dog abattoir

mation will be too complex. This applies in Thailand for it amply demonstrates that particularly to some of the figures and one person's mate is another person's graphs which I found a little too technical. meal! It also illustrates Corbett's dedica- Spectrographs of howls, for instance, are a tion to his task. little difficult to translate into real In conclusion, this is a very readable sounds! The information varies from and interesting account of a fairly "politi- highly detailed accounts of social interac- cal" animal. From time to time the authors tions etc. in small captive colonies to laconic style and humour (for which he is more general accounts of general biology well known), peep through and add to the of the animal in the wild. readability. If I were to pick one major Of particular interest to many readers failing, it would be the fact that the main will be the chapter headed 'Predator-prey body of the text is not referenced so that origin of Interactions'. This, after all, is the reason the reader is unaware as to the why the dingo has been afforded the sta- the particular subject matter being dis- great pity because the tus of 'vermin' in most States and why so cussed. This is a much money has been spent on dingo serious student will not easily find the book reference control and on the erection and mainte- original research paper or it tends to give the nance of dingo fences. In this chapter, I being used. Also, that all of the subject matter is feel that the author has not really done impression the author's own work. This justice to the topic of dingo predation on drawn from Notwithstanding this, no-one sheep. While case studies are provided in is not so. the author's knowledge of his the case of cattle predation, sheep losses could deny has, over the years risked life are dismissed in a mere half page or so. subject. He remote corners of Asia study- Victoria and South Australia still spend and limb in This book will be a very considerable sums of money to protect ing his subject. useful contribution to our understanding their sheeplands from the depredation's of Dingo in Australia and elsewhere in dingoes and some better indication of the of the the world. extent of the damage and of control measures used would have been in order. Brian J. Coman Electric fencing, for instance is now being Technologies of Australia used by a number of pastoralists but this Animal Control 3025 1/56-60 Export Drive, Brooklyn, Victoria is not mentioned. Future The final chapter heading, 'The of Expatriate Dingoes' is a nice touch and 33 Vol. 113(1)1996 Book Reviews

Wildlife of the Australian Snow-country

by Ken Green and William Osborne

Publisher: Reed Hooks, Clwtswoori, 1994

200pp. RRP 39.95.

This is a book about animals that live in Attenborough). The first chapter, although Australian habitats which are subjected to technically very sound and authoritative,

a seasonal cover of snow. It rightly points is far too text book oriented in its out that although such habitats occupy a approach and would certainly turn away

tiny area of Australia, alpine and sub- 'amateur naturalists' for whom the book is

alpine habitats nonetheless support a var- written. The authors try, in fact, to pitch ied and interesting fauna which has only the work at 'amateurs and specialists recenly begun to be studied scientifically. alike', and rather patronisingly apologize

One of the book's great strengths is its for the need to use scientific names, the

stunning photography. Indeed, I suspect implication being presumably that natural- the publishers may well have toyed with ists would be confused by them. In my the notion of making this a 'coffee-table' experience, naturalists often have a greater

publication instead of a scientific account, knowledge of a wider list of scientific on the basis of the photos alone. names than the so called experts! Clearly the authors have a great knowl- Once the book leaves the rather dry edge and interest in these high altitude introduction which describes the physical

environments and their fauna. With the aspects of the environment, there is a wealth of excellent natural history books marked improvement when we meet the around at present, 1 must admit I was look- fauna themselves. Here the authors' expe- ing forward to an enthralling and stimulat- rience and knowledge shines through as ing written account to match the superb they describe aspects of the habitats our visual presentation. Unfortunately, the alpine animals use and behavioural adap- writing is quite laboured at times and pre- tations to such a harsh environment. A sented in dry, a scientifically sterile man- glossary and excellent reference list are ner which I am sure could have been made good aids which have been included. The more interesting. For instance. I am cer- two chapters on insects and other inverte- tain more stimulating prose could have brates are an added bonus - so often these been found for: important groups are ignored, usually '..in Australia it is the snow rather than because so little is known about them. the altitude which determines the reactions A few minor problems should also be of many of the animals living in the higher mentioned. The authors claim bats mountains. It is this theme that attracted "arrived in Australia from Asia about 15 the authors to this topic and it is one which million years ago..". Most mammalogists will recur throughout this book.' have been aware for some time that fossil

Indeed, I suspect one of the faults of the bats have been known from Murgon in book is that the authors do treat it as a sci- southern Queensland which are some 55 entific work, rather than one of natural million years old and certainly 25 million history imbued with science (a la David year old bats have been described from

34 The Victorian Naturalist Book Reviews

Riversleigh. The use of references has of its location. The discussion on the been somewhat selective; some important genus Kosciuscola occurs on p. 152, but refernces have been omitted for a couple the relevant Table does not appear until p of the species accounts. The discussion of 171.

over-wintering strategies ignores daily tor- These problems aside, I believe the por (the authors believe mammals either book serves a very useful purpose in intro- hibernate or remain active). Such an omis- ducing readers to the Australian alpine sion is fairly critical in the extensive dis- fauna - its diversity, history and adapta- cussion of competition between the two tions. The photography is excellent and species of Antechinus. the factual information in the many tables I suspect some editorial changes have and figures most useful. altered the placement of Figures and Tables to suit spacing requirements with Robert L. Wallis School of little thought to where the material is Aquatic Science and Natural Resources Management, referred in the text. Early on some pho- Deakin Univer- sity - Rusden Campus, Clayton. Vic 3168. tographs refer to 'Main Range' but it is

some time before the reader is made aware

Kangaroos. The Biology of the Largest Marsupials

by Terence J. Dawson

Publisher: University ofNew South Wales Press RRP $25.95

'Kangaroos' is the tenth and latest book mainly by CSIRO, on free-ranging kanga- in the Australian Natural History Series roos in the Australian arid zone. The next published by University of New South major contribution was 'Kangaroos. Their Wales Press. Previous books have cov- Ecology and Management in the Sheep ered species such as the platypus, koala, Rangelands of Australia' (edited by wombat, dingo, lyrebird and goannas, as Caughley, Shepherd and Short), which well as the lesser-known mountain pygmy was a detailed study of kangaroos as part possum. Now the archetypal Australian of grazing system in Kinchega National This followed mammals, the kangaroos, have joined the Park near Broken Hill. was Wallabies and Rat-kan- stable. The aim of the series is to make by 'Kangaroos, Grigg, Hume and wildlife research accessible to a lay audi- garoos' (edited by which was a valuable compendi- ence. The series has largely been success- Jarman), of the burgeoning research in the 20 ful, and the first book (The Platypus' by um and Calaby, but as a col- Tom Grant) remains a model of how to years after Frith of scientific papers was not very convey scientific information to the inter- lection to the general reader, and with ested but non-technical reader. accessible of $148 was prohibitively There have been surprisingly few books a price tag Terry Dawson's new book has about kangaroos, aside from an assort- expensive. long-awaited. ment of photographic compilations. Frith been 'Kangaroos* covers most topics that and Calaby's classic, 'Kangaroos', was would be expected. There are chapters on published as long ago as 1969. It reported classification of kangaroos, social organi- the first ecological research, conducted

35 Vol. 113(1)1996 Book Reviews sution. population dynamics, reproduction, kangaroos are unique amongst large ani- life history, feeding, ecophysiology and mals in getting around by hopping, and interactions with aboriginal and European covers the energetic benefits of this gait in humans. Presented in this order Ihey seem some detail, but fails to mention the a little disjointed, and repetition occurs in unique passive breathing system described some places, for example the observation by Russell Baudinette at Flinders of 12 Black Wallaroos feeding together University, whereby the viscera act as a occurs twice (p. 24, 35) and the details of piston that bounces up and down with birth (p. 69) are summarised in a subse- each stride, giving even more energy sav- quent chapter (p. 79). A more traditional ings. approach would have been to deal with the I detected few serious errors: Dawson workings of individual kangaroos, then refers to the Family Macropodinae (pp. 4- their relationships with other members of 5) but Sub-family is the appropriate taxo- their species and ultimately their interac- nomic level, and the German word tions with humans. Flehmen is miss-spelt twice on page 74.

1 enjoyed most the chapter on environ- The equations for estimating age from mental physiology. This is Dawson's molar index (p. 100) are unnecessarily research speciality and it shows. He nicely complex — a small table of equivalent outlines the immense problems faced by ages (in years) for a set of index values for the kangaroos as- they juggle temperature the three species would be far more user- and water requirements in the extremes of friendly. the arid zone, and the elegant solutions 'Kangaroos' has a strong focus on the that have evolved. Some other chapters do research done by Dawson and his col- not reach the same standard. This is most leagues at Fowler's Gap Station north of evident in the chapter on social organisa- Broken Hill. This represents both the tion. There are generalisations that can be strength and the weakness of the book. made about the social organisation of kan- The book is strengthened by its personal garoos, which at times can be disconcert- style and obvious familiarity with the ani- ingly fluid, but these are not drawn out mals, the environment and the researchers clearly. In particular, the outline of social working there. It is refreshing indeed to organisation of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo read Dawson's acknowledgement (p. 120) would have benefited by the inclusion of that, after more than 30 years of research, some of the work of Peter Jarman and his he had only recently appreciated that the colleagues at the University of New efficiency of forearm licking to dissipate England, as featured in the excellent ABC heat is enhanced by kangaroos holding the television program 'Faces in the Mob". evaporative surface in the shade of their There are a few omissions from the bodies. The limitation of the personal book. Readers of The Victorian Naturalist emphasis is that important research con- would expect to be told that the Eastern ducted by others elsewhere is given less Grey and Western Grey Kangaroos over- attention. However, we then may be lap in central and western Victoria and immersed in too much detail. south-eastern South Australia, as well as The balance is about right. Terry semi arid areas of New South Wales and Dawson has produced a readable and South-western Queensland as stated on informative book on an intriguing group p. 12. Diseases of kangaroo are discussed of animals. Kangaroos deserves to sit on (pp. 59-60), but there was obviously not your shelf alongside the others in the enough lead time to cover the recent epi- Australian Natural History Series. demic of Choroid Blindness Syndrome that has affected many kangaroo popula- Graeme Coulson tions in New South Wales, Victoria and Department of Zoology.University of Melbourne South Australia. Dawson points out that

36 The Victorian Naturalist Book Reviews

The Fauna of Tasmania: Birds

by R.H. Green

Publisher: Potoroo Publishing, Launceston 1995. RRP $14.95

This is a substantial and well-presented page and , as such, is a very interesting

soft-backed book comprising 1 70 pages of read.

informative text and 192 photographs of I found it refreshing to find some infor- Tasmanian birds. The photographs alone mation describing breeding habits of on constitute probably the most comprehen- the majority of the species, information sive photographic record of Tasmanian which is often missing from modern bird birds yet published. The quality of some books. Similarly, the numerous references of the photographs is not good, but they do to the habitats of birds clearly show that represent a fairly full photographic record this book has been written by a person of the birds which are likely to be with a great reservoir of personal informa- encountered in Tasmania. tion and very little has been 'borrowed' This volume is in many ways a compan- from other literature sources. ion volume to Green's previous work I fear the 'essay' form of the text will 'Birds of Tasmania' (1993) which lists somewhat devalue the lasting or long-term species, status and distribution of all useful value of the book as this format recorded Tasmanain birds. This latest does not make it an easy-to-use reference presentation would work, part 2 of his series on the fauna of work. I believe the the Tasmania, deals with each species in more have been significantly improved in species by having a detail but in a more anecdotal manner than discussion of each formal section with sub-headings for in his previous work. more However, Before addressing the species them- the various topics under review. said that it was probably the selves, there is a brief introductory section having to get away from a more on the origins of Tasmanian and another authors' intent format. on the special features of Tasmania and formal for major the I did miss a bibliography its birds, here the reader will find listed Tasmanian birds. This would 12 endemic species and reference to works on provided a valuable reference list for another 18 endemic sub-species, although have birders. unfortunately these are not listed. serious is a book aimed at the broader main body of the book deals with This The with a community, more, I felt, for those the various groups and families in taxo- very general interest in birds. Whilst there nomic order as Green presents information considerable amount of information species or group of species in is a on each not seen that this reviewer, for one, has turn. elsewhere, the presentation is field guide, published If the reader is expecting a However, clearly aimed at the 'generalist'. will be disappointed, it is not for he/she any way from what never this does not detract in in the field and I believe it was use and interesting addition book is is a very valuable intended to achieve that end. This some of to Tasmanian bird literature. really much more a summary of information Dr Green the vase amount of Peter Brown interest has accumulated over his lifelong Hobart. Tasmania 7001 in particular Parks and Wildlife Service, in Tasmanian Wildlife, and festooned with its birds. The book is infor- personal experience and anecdotal broad mation based on the author's every experience which comes through on

37 Vol. 113 (1)1996 Book Reviews

In Search of the Buttercup - A Ramble

by Frank Shepherd Publisher: Private. RRP 29.95 (plus $5 postage). Available from PO Box 484, Turramurra, NSW 2074

The title of this privately published, soft- subspecies and varieties. Each is accompa- covered book on A4 paper, is a little mis- nied by a standard description format from leading. It's not so much a ramble as an the root structure to the floral parts, with expedition. notes on habitat and the locations where

The author is a retired engineer who has they were observed. Line drawings by the spent over a decade of his spare time in author illustrate quite effectively the gener- travel and literature searches to resolve a al appearance of each specimen, with addi- personal challenge. The challenge began tional details for many of them. All of the with two plants that he knew to be 'butter- twenty-two native species or varieties cur- cups' but of very different appearance even rently recognised in Victoria are included, though growing together in the same habi- but none of the eight introduced species. tat. This could be seen as an unfortunate omis- The book has 250 pages, of which the sion, as in many cases they are the most first 148 are a record of the author's litera- likely ones to be seen by the casual observ- ture searches, both in Australia and abroad. er, especially in the more settled areas. There are several sub-sections in this part Most of the introduced species are found of the book dealing with the early expedi- throughout Australia in one area or another. tions by European botanists to the southern The descriptions appear to be accurate in hemisphere, the botanists involved and the detail, based mainly on those of the Flora of people who collected for them. Because so New South Wales, and are in line with many Ranunculaceae are found at higher those of current Victorian publications with altitudes, there is a section devoted to natu- small variations in terminology. ralists in the mountains. Writers of books, Nomenclature is almost without exception from John Hill, 'Hortus Kewensis', 1768, that in current use. One exception is the use and his successors, Carl Linnaeus, Banks, of/?., ligulatus where the current name is R. Solander and Dryander with a new book of millanii. the same name; Robert Brown, 'Prodromus Distribution information is generally Florae Novae Hollandiae' of the early nine- restricted to the locations visited by the teenth century; and others up to the present author, and this would need to be supple- time, are given due acknowledgement. mented by reference to other publications. Brief but informative sections on the his- The observations and line drawings have tory of botany, nomenclature, and the mainly been made in situ and reflect the importance of herbariums, both private and author's travels in all States, and especially public, are included. These are followed by the high country of New South Wales and an essay on the history and importance of Tasmania. The book begins with a detailed botanic gardens, beginning with their con- table of contents and concludes with a com- nection to medical studies in the sixteenth prehensive index. and seventeenth centuries and including the For an introduction to botanical history founding of the Melbourne Botanic and methodology, with particular reference Gardens in 1846. This section of the book to the genus Ranunculaceae, the book concludes with a brief look at the geologi- would appear to be good value at the price, cal record and the world distribution of the to members of the FNCV., of S29.95 (plus genus Ranunculaceae. Footnotes represent $5 p. & p.), and is available from the author a comprehensive bibliography. at PO. Box 484, Turramurra, NSW., 2074. The next hundred pages, dealing with the species, begin with a very useful glossary R. J. Fletcher of the terms used in the following descrip- 4/48 Newport Rd, Clayton South, Victoria 3169 tions of forty-six species, which include 38 The Victorian Naturalist . 1

Notice of the Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria will be held at 1 Gardenia Street, Blackburn, Victoria 3130, on Sunday, 5 May 1996 at 2.00 pm Agenda 1 To confirm the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting held on 10 April 1995 2. To receive and adopt the Annual Report for the year ended 3 December 1995 3. To receive and adopt the Financial Statements and associated reports 4. To appoint Auditors (remuneration determined by Council) 5. To elect Members of Council 6. To elect Office Bearers 7. To consider, and if thought fit, to pass as special resolutions the following resolutions: a) That the Club, which is at present a company limited by guarantee, be autho- rised to apply for incorporation under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 b) That the Statement of Purposes circulated to the members at least three weeks prior to the meeting be approved as a Statement of Purposes to apply from the date of incorporation under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 c) That the Rules circulated to the members at least three weeks prior to the meeting be approved as the rules of the Association to apply from the date of incorporation under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 accordance with the 8. Any other business of which proper notice has been given in Articles of Association 9. President's Address Election of Councillors and Office Bearers All members of Council and Office Bearers retire annually but are of the Club are required for the fol- eligible for re-election. Nominations by two financial members lowing positions: Council President 2 Vice-Presidents Secretary Treasurer Six other members

Offlet-* lifircrs (Field Nat News) Activities Coordinator Assistant Treasurer Editor Secretary Publicity Officer Editors (The Victorian Naturalist) Excursion Coordinator Sales Officer Conservat.on Sales Officer (The Victorian Naturalist) Book Librarian

Nomination and Proxy Forms for and/ Pnmuraee positions and arrange a nomination yourself o-"« P1ease carefully consider these tadso the Sc Nominations and Proxies should be m ^ a fellow member to be nominated. and Proxy Fon™ jea^lab.e^ Meeting. Nomination Forms before the start of the Annual General from the FNCV Office. Paterson on (03) 9571 6436 or from the Honorary Secretary, Geoffrey

By Order of the Council Geoff Paterson (Honorary Secretary)

vote instead of appoint a to attend and tne meeting is entided to OT rTLnber enUt.ed ,o attend and vote a, members vo,ins in person or three quarters °f the , tss^srt^^xs^ * by proxy. The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria

Established 1880 In which is incorporated the Microscopical Society of Victoria OBJECTIVES: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian flora and fauna.

Membership is open to any person interested in natural history and includes beginners as well as experienced naturalists.

9860 Registered Office: FNCV, 1 Gardenia Street, Blackburn, Victoria 3130. Phone/Fax (03)9877

Patron His Excellency, The Honourable Richard E. McGarvie. The Governor of Victoria

Key Office-Bearers June 1995 President- Professor ROBERT WALLIS, School of Aquatic Science and Natural Resources Management, Deakin University (Rusden), Clayton, 3168. (03)9244 7278, Fax (03)9244 7403. Hon. Secretary: Mr GEOFFREY PATERSON, 1 1 Olive Street, South Caulfield, 3162. AH (03)95716436. Hon. Treasurer: Mr ARMS DZEDINS, PO Box 1000, Blind Bight, 3980. (059)987 996. Subscription-Secretary: FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, 3130. (03)9877 9860. Editors. The Vic. Nat: ED and PAT GREY, 8 Woona Court, Yailambie, 3085. (03)9435 9019. Librarian: Mrs SHEILA HOUGHTON, FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, 3130. AH (054)28 4097. Excursion Secretary: DOROTHY MAHLER. AH (03)9435 8408. Sales Officer (The Victorian Naturalist): Mr D.E. McINNES, 129 Waverley Road, East Malvern, 3145. (03)9571 2427. Book Sales: Dr ALAN PARKIN, FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, 3130. AH (03)9850 2617. Publicity: Miss MARGARET POTTER, 1/249 Highfield Road, Burwood, 3125. (03)9889 2779. Programme Secretary/Newsletter Editor: Dr NOEL SCHLEIGER, 1 Astley Street, Montmorency, 3094. (03)9435 8408.

Group Secretaries Botany: Mr JOHN EICHLER, 18 Bayview Crescent, Black Rock, 3143. (03)9598 9492. Geology: Mr DOUG HARPER, 33 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert, 3127. (03)9890 0913. Fauna Survey: Ms FELICITY GARDE, 18 College Parade, Kew, 3101. (03)9818 4684. Microscopical: Mr RAY POWER, 36 Schotters Road, Mernda, 3754. (03)9717 351 1.

The Victorian Naturalist

All material for publication to The Editors, FNCV. Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, Victoria 3 1 30

MEMBERSHIP Members receive The Victorian Naturalist and the monthly Field Nat News free. The Club organises several monthly meetings (free to all) and excursions (transport costs may be charged). Research work, including both botanical and fauna surveys, is being done at a number of locations in Victoria, and all members are encouraged to participate.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES for 1996

(Subscriptions are due on 1 January.) First Member Metropolitan $40 Concessional (pensioner/studenl/unemployed) $30 Country (more than 50km from GPO) $30 Junior (under 18) $15 Additional Members Adult $15 Junior $5 Institutional Australian Institutions $55 Overseas Institutions AUD $65 Schools/Clubs $35

Printed by Brown Prior Anderson, 5 Evans Street Burwood, Victoria 3125 The Victorian

Nat t

Volume 113(2) 1996

Club of Victoria Published by The Field Naturalists since 1884

MUSEUM OF VICTORIA

36781 Our New Home Official Opening Sunday, 7 July, 2 pm

This will be the official opening of our new home at

1 Gardenia Street, Blackburn.

The well-known naturalist and broadcaster Alan Reid will be the key speaker. He will talk about the role of Natural History in creating an environmentally aware

community. This will lead into a discussion of the Club's role and how it can play its part in the future.

Entry is free and refreshments will be served

We look forward to a bumper roll-up of members and friends

New Members

The Council of the FNCV extends a warm welcome to the following new members. Ms Linda Archbold Doncaster East Ms Debora Medcalfe and Ms Barbara Archer Esperance Mr Greg Dunmill Diamond Creek

Ms Lisa Booth Thornbury Ms Josephine Milne Pearcedale Ms Linda Condon Hawthorn Ms Linda Moon Cranbourne North

Ms Suzanne Holmes Clayton North Ms K.A. Pantzopoulos Point Cook

Mr Rob Jones Glen Waverley Ms Lisa Pittle Northcote Clinton Mr Le Page Heidelberg Heights Ms Jill Plowright Surrey Hills Robert Mr and Mr John Rocke Box Hill Mrs Mary Lukis East Ivanhoe Mrs Lynn Smith Mitcham Mrs Deanna Marshall Mitcham Mr Martin and Mr Gordon McKenzie Hawthorn Ms Natalie White Tatura

Club Badges

The Club has metal and embroidered cloth badges for sale. These are available from the office or at general FNCV meetings

metal badges $4.50 cloth badges . $2.50

Support and advertise your club by wearing one of our badges ' The Victorian Naturalist

F.N.CV.

Volume 113 (2) 1996 April

Editors: Ed and Pat Grey

Index to Volume 112, 1995 is in the centre of this issue

Tribute James Hamlyn Willis, 1910-1995, by Margaret Corrick 44

Research Reports Secondary Juvenile Period and Community Recovery of a Themeda Triandra Grassland, byJ.W. Morgan 47 Fauna of the Grantville Gravel Reserve with Reference to Vegetation and Conservation Significance, byA.S. KuttandJ.V. Yugovic 58

Naturalist Notes Middle Yarra Timelines: Late Summer by G. Jameson, Naturalist in Residence 67 An Ibis Rookery and Powerful Owls, by Ellen Lyndon 70 An Inlet Lost - An InJet Regained, by Arthur Farnworth 71 Anointment of a Naturalist, by Bob Taylor 76

How to be a The Field Notebook - Recording your Observations, Field Naturalist by Alan Reid 75

Software Review The Bird-Book Book (CD-Room), by Ken Simpson,

reviewer Simon Bennett '

Book Reviews The You Yangs Range, by Trevor Pescott, reviewer Noel Schleiger Wilsons Promontory, Marine & National Park Victoria, 78 by Geoff Wescott, reviewer David Meagher

ISSN 0042-5184 - Vo.canoes of Mitchell on an FNCV tour of the Cover: Jim Willis (right) chatting to John page 44) South-western Victoria, March 1993,(see Tribute

James Hamlyn Willis 1910-1995

Margaret Corrick'

With the sudden death of James Hamlyn 600 copies were required to fill orders Willis D. Sc, AM on 10 November 1995 from Melbourne Teachers Training The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria lost College and Melbourne University Botany one of its long-standing and most revered School, as well as orders from overseas members, known to us all simply as Jim. institutions. These papers formed the basis Above all, those whose lives had touched of a book entitled Victorian Fungi pub-

Jim in any way, however small, felt that lished by the Club in 1941. It was reprint- they had lost a friend. His cheerful person- ed in 1950 with the new title of Victorian ality, friendly greetings and wise counsel Toadstools and Mushrooms. Further illuminated and enriched any gathering in reprints appeared in 1957 and 1963. which he participated. Jim led his first Club excursion on 30 Jim was born in Oakleigh on 28 January May 1934 - a 'Fungus Foray' to Cockatoo 1910, the second son of Benjamin James Creek (June 1934, The Victorian Naturalist Willis, then a teller in the Bank of 51. 45-48). This was the first of many such Australasia (now the ANZ Bank) at excursions and the 'Fungus Foray' became Yarram. In 1913 Benjamin Willis was a regular event in the Club's calendar. promoted to manage the bank's branch in In 1937 Jim negotiated a transfer from Stanley, Tasmania, where Jim had his the Forests Commision to the Lands early schooling, first from his father and Department and in October 1937 began then at the local primary school. In 1924, his distinguished career with the Royal at the age of fourteen, Jim came to Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium Melbourne to attend Melbourne High which lasted until his retirement in 1972 School. After matriculating in 1927 he when he held the position of Assistant was awarded a three year scholarship to Government Botanist and Acting Director the Victorian School of Forestry at of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Creswick. After receiving his Diploma in National Herbarium. 1930 he was posted back to the Creswick Shortly after Jim began work in district as a cadet Field Officer with the Melbourne the Willis family moved to Forests Commission. Brighton and Jim commenced part-time It was in Creswick that Jim met his study at Mebourne University, graduating future wife Mavis Howie. During October in April 1940 with the degree of B. Sc. 1932 Jim was appointed Assistant Forest (Hons.). The move to Melbourne enabled Officer at Belgrave and a year later, on 13 Jim to take a more active part in the Club. October 1933, he and Mavis were married On 20 November 1937 he led his first gen- and went to live at Cockatoo. eral excursion to the Frankston area with Jim was elected a country member of Ethel McLennan as joint leader (Jan. 1938, The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria in The Victorian Naturalist 54, 144) and in July December 1932 and in April 1934 his first 1938 he gave his first talk to the Club papers appeared in The Victorian entitled 'The Alluring World of Fungi', Naturalist. Entitled 'The Agaricaceae or illustrated 'by many colourful lantern Gilled Fungi', 'Beef Steak', 'Punk' and slides and projections by the epidiascope'. 'Blackfellows Bread' these papers filled A large collection of fungi was also the whole of Part 12 of Volume 50 and displayed contributed by J.H. Willis, aroused a great deal of interest. A note in H.C.E. Stewart and A. A. Brunton the July 1934 issue refers to the demand (July 1938, The Victorian Naturalist 55, 38). for reprints of the April issue; more than Following his retirement in 1972 Jim 7 Glcnluss Street, Balwyn, Victoria 3103 was able to travel more widely and many

44 The Victorian Naturalist Tribute

of these trips became the subject of talks marks in his publishing career. They were illustrated with his slides. The lecture hall the first comprehensive publications on was always well filled on these occasions the Victorian flora since A.J. Ewarl's long and the audience was assured of hearing outdated Flora of Victoria (1931). The well chosen words, clearly spoken and two handbooks formed the major pari of audible throughout the hall without ampli- his thesis presented to Melbourne fication. Apart from speaking at Club University for which he received a meetings Jim was in constant demand as a Doctorate of Science in 1974. In 1968 speaker on a wide variety of topics to Flowers and Plants of Victoria (in collab- other groups and societies in Melbourne as oration with R. Cochrane, E. Rotherham well as in country Victoria and interstate. and B. Fuhrer) was published in associa- One of his last talks was delivered on 13 tion with the Field Naturalists Club of October 1986 to the Botany Group of the Victoria. The captions to the 543 plates in Club, when he spoke for one and a half the book were entirely Jim's work. The hours on his trip to China. royalties from the book made a major Jim held several official positions in the contribution to the Club's publishing fund. Club; the first as a Committee member in In 1975, after his retirement, Jim revised 1941-43; Council member 1974-76; Vice- Ferns of Victoria and Tasmania by N.A. President 1944, 1971-72 and 1973-74; Wakefield, another Club publication. In acting Editor of The Victorian Naturalist 1982 Shrubs and trees for Australian for 6 months from July 1945, Assistant Gardens by the late E.E. Lord, revised 5th Editor 1947-48 and Editor 1948-51. He edn. by J.H. Willis was published. was a member of the Plant Names Sub- Jim was a great lover of nature in all its Committee from 1943 and its Secretary aspects, he delighted in any activity which 1948-1957 and a member of the Natural took him outdoors and into the country- History Medallion Award Committee in side. He was a tireless walker and even in the 1960's and again in 1973-76. the city he never lost an opportunity of A master of the written as well as the walking through the parks. If business spoken word, Jim contributed articles on a took him from the Herbarium to the City variety of subjects to The Victorian he preferred to walk through the parks Naturalist as well as to numerous rather than take a tram. He participated in Australian and overseas journals and local an enormous range of botanical and Victoria and suburban publications. Apart from botani- exploratory trips throughout Australian stale, to cal subjects Jim was a knowledgeable various parts of every Zealand. After his historian and wrote widely about early New Guinea and New with Mavis in Australian explorers and botanists. His retirement he travelled China. published works numbered over 800 Great Britain, Europe. Iceland and

1 made a memorable trip including 452 individual botanical and At the age of 8 he where he completed the arduous biographical entries in The Australian to Borneo the summit of Mt. Encyclopedia (1958). Over 200 of his walk almost to He was very disappointed that, papers appeared in The Victorian Kinabalu. shortness of breath, he was Naturalist and he took a modest pride in due to from attempting the last short, having published more papers there than restrained rocky scramble to the summit. anyone else. In the first 21 years after Jim never drove a car, he did his to Melbourne he published 150 moving later on forestry work first by bicycle and papers of which all but 25 appeared in The horse back. He continued to ride his Victorian Naturalist. the bicycle to work from Brighton to As well as Victorian Toadstools and Herbarium until 1960 when Mavis became Mushrooms Jim was author or co-author about his safety in the increasing books and published major worried of three other not affect his traffic. The lack of a car did revisions of two others. A Handbook to on bush trips; to take Jim 2nd edn. ability to get out Plants in Victoria Vol.1 (1962), was a sought after pleasure; were land- as passenger (1973) and Volume 2 (1972)

45 Vol. 113(2)1996 Tribute

his wide knowledge of history and local (from sub-alpine Victoria and history as well as botany made him a most Tasmania); entertaining and informative passenger. Eucalyptus willisii Ladiges, Humphries In the early 198()'s some of the more and Brooker (from SA and Victoria); active Club members felt the need for Goodenia willisiuna Carolin (from SA, botanical and general interest weekend NSW and Victoria); camps which would provide more oppor- Grevillea willisii R.V. Smith and tunity for walking and exploring than was McGillivray (from north-east Victoria). available on the usual day trips by car or Oleanites willisii I. Cookson (a fossil olive bus. At first these (Five Good Camp-outs, from Yailourn); 1985. The Victorian Naturalist 102, 5, f'ottia willisii G.O.K. Sainsbury (a moss 167-177). were organised by John Milligan from Standley Chasm, NT), and and subsequently by Will Ashburner. Jim, Stcccherinum willisii M. Geesteranus often accompanied by Mavis, was an (a hydnoid fungus from Lamington enthusiastic participant. Usually the first National Park, Queensland). astir in the mornings he would have Jim himself described 64 plant species, returned by breakfast time with a little bag two thirds of these as sole author, several of botanical specimens to be discussed and new varieties and made many new combi- usually pressed for donation to the nations. In 1958-9 Jim held the position of Herbarium. Jim always travelled with Australian Botanical Liaison Officer at a small bundle of newspaper and, as a Kew. In 1964 he was awarded the passenger mindful of space limits in a Australian Natural History Medallion and companion's car, would often travel in 1973 the Royal Society of Victoria sitting on his bundle of pressings. His Silver Medal for research. In 1974 the collecting notes were always clearly Faculty of Science, Monash University written in his beautiful handwriting on the appointed him an Honorary Fellow and in smallest scraps of recycled paper; as a true 1976 he was appointed a Fellow of the

conservationist nothing was wasted and it Linnaean Society of London. In June 1995

is doubtful if a search of his many collec- he became a Member of the Order of tions in the Herbarium would reveal that Australia.

he ever used new paper for his notes. Jim Jim is survived by his wife Mavis, two also had a keen sense of smell and taste sons, three daughters, 15 grandchildren and both were often employed as an aid to and four great-grandsons. identification of plants. The breadth and depth of Jim's scien- Jim had a wide range of hobbies and tific achievements place him in the front interests apart from botany; he was an avid rank of contemporary botanists; he was to collector of almost anything unusual or the National Herbarium this century what interesting, including books, minerals, Mueller was in the last, but his many shells, coins and postage stamps featuring friends and colleagues will remember him plant life. He was an accomplished pianist most for the simple things; his cheerful and had a fine baritone voice. He sang in personality, welcoming smile and sincere the choir and was a local preacher with the greeting which made one feel a person of Methodist Church (now the Uniting value. From eminent scientist to young Church) near his home in Brighton. He student, all who sought his advice or spoke French and German and, with the help received the same courtesy. With his aid of a dictionary and elementary gram- passing we have lost a true friend*. mar taught himself Latin and Welsh. He also had some knowledge of Icelandic.

The name of James Hamlyn Willis is *A more detailed biographical sketch of Jim's perpetuated in eight plants named after him: life and a list of publications was published in 1975 Muelleria 3 (2), 69-88. An updated list of Acacia jamesiana Maslin (from Great publications will appear in the 1997 issue of Victoria Desert to Yalgoo and Wiluna); Muelleria. Ept labium willisii Raven and Engelhorn

46 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Secondary Juvenile Period and Community Recovery following Late-Spring Burning of a Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra Grassland

J.W. Morgan 1 Abstract The vegetative regeneration, flowering and community recovery of a regularly burnt, ungrazed Themeda triandra grassland was followed for one year after a late-spring fire. The response to burning was compared to that observed in a grassland that had been burnt six months previously in autumn. All perennial species present pre-fire were found resprouting in the post-tire environment. Four species flowered prolifically in the summer following spring burning whereas 63% of all perennial species produced zero or few flowers in the same period. This may favour the regeneration by seed of some species over others, although the effect may be moderated by the regeneration strategy of the species concerned (i.e. seedling versus vegetative). The secondary juvenile period is extremely short for most species. One year after spring burning, all perennial species other than Lomandra micrantha had flowered. Themeda cover recovered quickly but differences remained at one year between the spring- and autumn-burnt grasslands. The effect of a late-spring fire on the to the grassland flora is probably minimal from a long-term ecological perspective when compared as the effects of fires in other ecosystems. Any effect of burning at this time may be magnified frequency of burning increases. Those species with increased post-fire flowering may be favoured this time. [The whilst susceptible life stages (e.g. seedlings) may be disadvantaged by burns at Victorian Naturalist 113, 47-57).

degraded Introduction As such, late-spring burning in recommended by Great uncertainty exists about the opti- remnants has been mum timing of burning in Kangaroo Grass Stuwe (1986). importance of Themeda triandra grasslands. Some of However, despite the burning, there is little empirical, or even this apprehension is probably due to the observational, evidence of its effects on differing management objectives of grass- community functioning in Themeda grassland fires. On the one hand, fire is crucial lands other than the work of Groves to the maintenance of species diversity by McDougall (1989) and Lunt preventing the dominant grasses from out- (1974), The debate on the optimum competing smaller, intertussock forbs (1990; 1995). of burning cannot be Parsons 1977; McDougall season and frequency (Stuwe and more furthered until the effects of fire are 1989). On the other hand, burning is sug- widely documented. gested as a potential means of favouring One way to consider the effect of burn- native over exotic species in invaded rem- it takes to determine the time that (1986), for instance, postu- ing is nants. Stuwe after the for resprouting plants to flower that spring burning may favour lated secondary juvenile period. over exotic annual fire i e. native perennial species 1995) el al. 1994). Lunt (1990. set in the annu- (Johnson species by preventing seed grassland has shown that many herbaceous thereby reducing the potential al grasses, prolifically in the spring years. species flower for recruitment in subsequent months an autumn burn (six to nine prior to seed shed after Annual spring burning presumably because the be necessary, after burning), for five to seven years may are vegeta- occurs when most species these species from fire however, to eliminate precedes the normal tively dormant and (Hitchmough etal. 1994). Late- most grasslands and flowering period for shown to favour growth autumn burning has been species (i.e. win- resprouting herbaceous a time when germinating annual grasses at of spring burning ter/spring). The effects Themeda is unlikely The summer-growing when most species are actively (Lunt 1990). at a time provide much competition however, are large- to growing or flowering, Scarlett and Parsons ly undocumented. Bundoora 1 Universi.y. School of Botany. La Trobe Victoria 3083 47 Vol. 113 (2) 1996 .

Research Reports

(1982) suspect that spring-flowering The two study sites were located in the Fabaceae may have been eliminated from vicinity of the old Manor station (37°56'S, approximately 35 km south- rail reserves that traditionally have been I44°35'E), Melbourne. sites have been burnt in spring/summer, although the high west of The frequency of burning (i.e. annual) may previously described by Stuwe (1986), have been more important than seasonal MeDougall (1987) and the Department of effects (McDougall 1989). Conservation and Environment (1990). Some information on the recovery of Average annual rainfall for the area is the plant community following autumn 540 mm. Quaternary basalt, burning is available, albeit mostly from Both remnants are on grassland remnants that have a history of on flat to gently sloping terrain and are grazing by domestic stock and infrequent dominated by Themeda triandra. The burning. Lunt (1990) found that all peren- community is part of the Keilor Plains nial species at the Derrimut Grassland association described by Willis (1964). Reserve regenerated vegetalively follow- The intertussock flora consists of a range ing burning and only 19% of native of forbs, dominated by species from the species recruited by seedlings. There were Asteraceae. Four rare or threatened species no obligate seed regenerators present in are recorded for the area: Comesperma the native flora. Exotic annual grasses polygaloides, Pimelea spinescens, such as Brim spp. and Vulpia bromoides Rutidosis leptorrhynehoides and Senecio increased dramatically after this fire. Rates macrocarpus (Gulian et al. 1990). Exotic of biomass accumulation suggest that pre- annual grasses (e.g. Briza maxima, B. fire biomass levels can return in these minor, Vulpia bromoides and Aira spp.) at grasslands within two to four years November 1993 had a mean overlapping (MeDougall 1989) with considerable cover of 18.5 ± 2.3% (± 1SE) (J. Morgan regrowth occurring in late-spring when unpuhl. data). Themeda triandra is actively growing The two remnants discussed in this paper (Groves 1965; MeDougall 1989). Morgan had the following characteristics: and Rollason (1995) found that nine (i) late November 1993 burnt grassland months after an autumn burn in a species- (hereafter referred to as the "spring-burnt' rich grassland, Themeda had recovered a grassland). Prior to the fire, this remnant canopy cover of 43% had been unbumt for three years. Mean A fire in the last week of November biomass at the time of burning was 2600 ± 1993 in a diverse Themeda grassland 250 kg/ha. Overlapping cover was 98.5% provided the opportunity to observe and and cover repetition was 6.83 ± 0.28 (J. document the effects of a late-spring fire. Morgan unpuhl. data). This paper reports the post-bum (lowering No data exists for the spring fire event responses of native and exotic species and which was undertaken for fuel reduction the rate of recovery of the community in purposes. Immediate post-fire biomass the year following spring burning, and was negligible indicating a thorough fire. compares these features to those observed At the time of burning (29 November in a grassland burnt in autumn, a time that 1993), most annual grasses were flowering is usually considered the 'norm' for man- or developing seed. Many native species agement burns in grasslands. were also flowering, although Senecio macrocarpus had flowered, shed seed and Methods had begun to die back to an underground Study Sites rootstock.

All studies were undertaken in grass- (ii) late April 1993 burnt grassland land remnants on the Mclboume-Geelong (hereafter referred to as the 'autumn- railway line. A feature of these rail reserve burnt" grassland). This grassland remnant, remnants is that they have been burnt approximately 3 km south-west of the regularly for fire protection and have been spring-burnt site, is included here for protected from domestic stock grazing. comparison as it represents the time of

48 The Victorian Naturalist )

Research Reports burning usually undertaken in grasslands. classification analysis of variance From casual observations of floristic com- (ANOVA) (Sokal and Rohlf 1981 ). position, it is assumed to have had the It) Changes in Biomass same characteristics as the above site prior At April and November 1994, biomass to being burnt. was determined in each grassland by col- No data exists for the autumn fire event 2 lecting 12-15. 0.25m samples of vegeta- although casual observations again indi- tion harvested to ground level. Samples cate a thorough fire. were dried at 80°C for 48 hrs before being Regrowth Flowering weighed. Differences in mean biomass Following spring burning, observations between the two grasslands at November of regrowth and flowering were made 1994 was compared using a single classification from January to May 1994. At each visit, ANOVA (Sokal and Rohlf 1981 ). all perennial species were classified Hi) Light Quantity at Ground Level according to the following response cate- The amount of light reaching the ground gories: surface relative to that above the canopy - 1 vegetative regrowth only no post- was determined in both grasslands at April fire flowering within six months of burn- and December 1994. A total of 15 reading. ings were taken in each grassland using a 2) flowering much less than expected LiCor Li 185 light meter with Quantum (from prior knowledge of the species) or sensor. Differences in the percent of light from that observed in the autumn-burnt at ground level were compared at grassland. December 1994 using a single classifica- 3) flowering similar to that expected tion ANOVA (Sokal and Rohlf 1981). or observed in the autumn-bumt grassland. 4) flowering much greater than Results expected or observed in the autumn-burnt Species Recovery species were grassland. A total of 51 perennial 43 Observations of the spring-burnt grass- observed during this study, comprising species. All land were also made at one year from native species and eight exotic species observed prior to the burning (October - December 1994) to perennial determine whether species that had spring fire were found resprouting in the flora. No annual exotic grasses remained vegetative in the first summer post-fire were observed in the flora subsequently flowered at one year from (four species) winter-spring 1994, approximately burning. until nine months after spring burning. Community Recovery Post-fire Flowering i) Changes in Cover Sixty-three percent of perennial species Twelve 12 m transects were established produced zero or few flowers in the six in both the autumn- and spring-burnt spring burning despite overlap- months following grasslands and the percentage of r exceptionally high summer rainfall (185 - and cover repetition was deter- ping cover Four species 1994 of average; Fig. 1; Table 1). mined at April and November produced substantially more flowers (approximately 4.5 and 12 months from (8%) than was observed in the autumn-burnt spring burning) by the point quadrat grassland (Table 1 ). 1992). A 3 mm method (Kent and Coker inhibit- Post-fire flowering was initially pin was lowered into the grass- diameter monocots. relative to dicots. transect ed amongst land at 20 cm intervals along each and amonsst native species relative to species and the number of touches and all (Table 2). All life forms of 720 exotic species per species was recorded. A total showed reduced flowering (Table 2). for each grassland on points was recorded and threatened species dif- percent The four rare occasion. Differences in burning. each their response to spring and cover repetition fered in overlapping cover of Comesperma polyga- (one The flowering at November 1994 were compared and Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides a single loides year from spring burning) using 49 Vol. 113 (2) 1996 Research Reports

Table 1. Post-fire flowering response grouped according to life-form of the study species in the six months following a late-spring fire. Life-forms are according to Tremont (1994) and Mclntyre etal. (1995) or based on personal observation. * denotes exotic species. Key: 1= Vegetative only; 2= Reduced flowering, 3= Unchanged flowering; 4= Pulse flowering

Resp- Life- form onse Phanerophyte Chamaephyte Hemicryptophyte Geophyte

1. Asperula scoparia Dianella revoluta Acaena echinata *Romulea rosea Pimelea glauca Calocepha lus citreus Carex breviculmis *Cynara cardunculus Danthonia setacea Dichelachne crinita Eryngium ovinum Goodenia pinnatifida Leptorhynchos squamatus Linum marginale Lomandra micrantha Minuria leptophylla *NasseIIa trichotoma Plantago gaudichaudii Poa sieberiana Podolepis jaceoides Ptilotus spathulatus Schoenus apogon Stipa bigeniculata Velleia paradoxa Vittadinia cuneata

2. Pimelea curviflora Comesperma polygaloides Danthonia duttoniana Haloragis heterophylla Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides Themeda triandra

3. Pimelea spinescens Brachyscome dentata Caesia calliantha Chloris truncata Chrysocephalum apiculatum C semipapposum Convolvulus erubescens *Foeniculum vulgare Homopholis proluta *Hypochoeris radicata Oxalis perennans *Paspalum dilatatum Pelargonium rodneyanum *Plantago coronopus *P. lanceolata Wahlenbergia luteola

4. Geranium retrorsum Glycine tabacina Senecio macrocarpus Wahlenbergia communis

50 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Tabic 2 . Post-lire flowering response in the six months after late-spring burning as influenced by life form, origin and growth form. 1 = % of species with reduced flowering. 2 = % of species with unchanged flowering. 3 = % of species with increased flowering.

Flowering Response

1 2 2 Monocots 75 25 Fig. 1. Mean monthly rainfall totals for the Dicots 53 36 11 period December 1993 to December 1994 versus long-term average recorded at the Exotics 33 67 Werribee meteorological station (approx. 7-10 Natives 65 26 9 km north of the study sites). Geophytes 50 50 was inhibited whilst flowering of Senecio Hemicryptophytes 58 33 9 Chamaephytes macrocarpus was substantially promoted. 100 Phanerophytes 75 25 The winter flowering Pimelea spinescens, which was only marginally scorched during the fire, did not appear to be affected The overlapping cover of annual grass- by the burn. es one year after burning was 0% in the By one year from burning (December spring-burnt grassland, as it was in the 1994), all species that were initially vege- autumn-burnt grassland. tative in the summer after spring burning were observed to have flowered, with the 2) Biomass exception of Lomandra micrantha. By Biomass accumulation was significantly contrast, the immediate promotion of lower in the spring-burnt grassland than in flowering of Geranium retrorsum and the autumn-burnt grassland at November Glycine tabacina and, to a lesser extent, 1994 (Table 3; p < 0.01). At one year from Senecio macrocarpus and Wahlenbergia burning, the spring-burnt grassland had communis, was not sustained into the sec- attained 36% of its pre-burn biomass. ond flowering season. Light Quantity There appeared to be little difference at 3) amount of light at ground level December 1994 in the flowering intensity The declined to 60% in the 4.5 months follow- between species in grasslands burnt 12 by December 1994 months (spring-burnt) and 18 months ing spring burning but year after burning), was 73% of the (autumn-burnt) previously. (one amount of light above the canopy. There Community Recovery was significantly more light at the ground autumn- 1) Changes in Cover level in the spring-burnt versus Canopy cover recovered rapidly after burnt grassland at December 1994 spring burning (Table 3). By April 1994 (Table 3; p< 0.001). (4.5 months after burning), the cover had returned to 84%, almost all of which was Discussion species found in the pre- attributable to Themeda (99%). By one All perennial resprouted vegelatively in the year from burning, the cover of the spring- fire flora Purdie (1977) calls such burnt grassland was not significantly post-fire flora. Tire-resistant'. There were no different (p>0.05) from the autumn-burnt species seed regenerators (or 'fire-sensi- grassland that had been burnt six months obligate species sensu Purdie (1977)). Post- previously. Cover repetition was margin- tive' recovery of this grassland, with a his- but significantly, lower in the spring- fire ally, follow at of recurrent fire, appeared to burnt versus autumn-burnt grassland tory model of initial floristic composition November 1994 (Table 3; p < 0.05). the'

51 Vol. 113 (2) 1996 1

Research Reports

Table 3. Community recovery following burning in autumn 1993 and late-spring 1993 at May 1994 and November 1994. All values are means ± 1SE.

Month of Parameter Spring-burnt Autumn-burnt Observation

May 1994 (6 months since burnt) (12 months since burnt) Total % Cover 84.2 ± 1.4 92.5 ± 1.0 Total Cover Repetition 2.7 ± 0. 3.9 ±0.1 Biomass (g/rrr) 115 ±14 1 38 ± 5 % Night at Ground 61 ±4 40 ±3

November 1994 ( 1 2 months since burnt) ( 1 8 months since burnt) Total % Cover 90.3 ± 2.0 93.5 ± 0.9 Total Cover Repetition 3.1 ±0.1 3.6 ±0.] Biomass (g/m^) 94 + 7 166 ±7 % Light at Ground 73 ±2 50 + 3

(Eglcr 1954). Lunt (1990) observed simi- spring-burning may have a greater influ- lar patterns of recovery following burning ence on vegetative population dynamics of a long-grazed Themeda grassland. than would a late-summer or autumn fire. Vegetative recovery following spring This remains to be verified. burning is not surprising when it is consid- By far the most obvious impact of late- ered that 90% of perennial species are spring burning, despite above-average hemicryptophytes or geophytes, with pro- rainfall immediately after the fire, was its tected basal meristems/buds at or below effect on regrowth flowering potential in the ground level (Chapman and Crow the following summer. Three response 1981). The close correlation between the categories were recognised (Table 1 ): capacity to resprout and the presence of (i) no or little regrowth flowering possi- protected buds from which shoots can ble in the following six months develop after burning is well known and is (decreasers); considered to be a characteristic feature of (ii) flowering unchanged relative to vegetation in fire-prone environments autumn-burnt areas (unchanged) but (Keeley and Zedler 1978; Frost 1984). greater than would be expected in long Whilst a spring fire did not lead to a unburnt areas; and, loss at the species level, the response may (Hi) pulse flowering (increasers). be more significant at the individual or The proximate cues for post-fire flower- population level (Daubenmire 1968; ing are poorly understood (Hulbert 1988; Purdie 1977). The susceptibility of a plant Le Maitre and Brown 1992; Lamont and to lire is partly a function of its phenologi- Runciman 1993). Changes in daily cal state at that time 1968- (Daubenmire temperature fluctuations in the soil follow- Frost 1984). ing fire, increased soil temperatures, better Plants which arc actively growing or light penetration, changes in physical and reproducing when burnt will experience a chemical characteristics of the soil, greater loss of active tissue and, because reduced competition, increased water ol depleted resources, a reduced capacity availability, leaf removal per se, a longer for regrowth, than will plants that are growing season, increased tillering and the dormant at the time of burning. This may production of ethylene have all been lead to the production of fewer ramets in postulated as being important (Gill and those species that are rhizomatous. Ingwersen 1976; Frost 1984; Le Maitre Amongst the grasses, once a tiller begins and Brown 1992; Lamont and Runciman to grow, it becomes progressively more 1993; Johnson el al. 1994). However, susceptible to defoliation (Tainton et al. these are most important for stimulated 1977). One might therefore predict that post-fire flowering that is usually

52 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports observed in the spring after a summer unchanged flowering response, some or autumn fire. Following late-spring species may have been burnt prior to burning, the ability to flower either growth and flower formation (e.g. 'unchanged' or 'increased' in the follow- 1 Pelargonium rodneyanum. Pimelea ing months of summer must also depend spinescens) whilst others, with perhaps on other more immediate factors. Two unspecialised flowering initiation require- seem appropriate to help explain the ments (e.g. Chrysocephalum apiculaiwn. response observed in this Themeda grass- C. semipapposum, Wahienbergia luteola), land: a) phenological development at the took advantage of the favourable soil time of burning and. b) growth habit/life moisture conditions over the summer. form. Some may have responded by growing a) phenological development - three of and flowering over their normal growth the four species exhibiting pulse flowering period. The C4 grasses Chloris truncata, (Geranium retrorsum, Glycine tabucina Homopholis proluta and Paspalum dilata- and Senecio macrocarpus) were largely tum were the only grasses that appeared to inactive at the time of burning. Senecio flower 'normally' while all C3 grasses macrocarpus had already flowered, set failed to produce any substantial regrowth seed and died back to below-ground root- flowering. Themeda triandra. whilst a C4 stock when burnt, and Geranium retror- grass, also produced few flowers in the sum was also in a phase of returning to post-fire environment, possibly because it dormant rootstock, as evidenced by the had initiated growth earlier (i.e. October) senescing canopy. Glycine tabacina, it than the other C4 grasses (McDougall appeared, had not produced any new 1989). - the growth for the season. Its pulse flowering b) growth habit/life form some of explained in after burning is in contrast to the predic- responses observed may be of tion of Scarlett and Parsons (1982) that part by the presence or absence organs. late-flowering Fabaceae are disadvantaged substantial subterranean storage Convolvulus by late-spring burning, apparently because Certainly Caesia calliantha. retrorsum. flowers are consumed by fire and there is erubescens, Geranium Hypochoeris radicata. Oxalis perennans, little regrowth flowering. The reasons for coronopus and P. lanceolata the response seen may, in part, have been Plantago have been able to exploit their due to the post-fire climate and the inter- would stored energy and nutrient reserves to val since the last fire (i.e. three years). soon after fire. Some geophytes Alternatively, the reason for the decline in flower fynbos can exploit Fabaceae from regularly burnt rail of South African below-ground storage organs to flower reserves may have been the inability of 7-14 days of burning (Frost 1984). new season's seedlings to cope with late- within All the above species, except Caesia spring burning. A once-off spring burn, were flowering within eight however, does not appear to have been calliantha. weeks of burning. detrimental to mature plants of this native Most of the species that do not possess pea. storage organs of any note (J. Morgan other extreme, decreasers at the At the also the pers. obs. and unpubl. data) were time of burning were largely either flower- decreased flowering follow- the possible species with ing or about to flower (with Asperula ing spring burning (e.g. exceptions of Carex breviculmis, Romulea scoparia. Haloragis heterophylla, rosea and Schoenus apogon). Fire Leptorhvnchos squamatus). Sixty-eight flowers or flowering primordia. destroyed decreasers possess small time to percent' of and there was either insufficient organs (relative to plants such as following burning, storage develop new flowers and Hypochoeris flowering Geranium retrorsum or an environmental control on of radicata). By contrast, only 36% photoperiod, thermoregulation) do not (e.g. unchanged species or increasers re-flowering (Frost 1984). prevented storage organs. the possess sizeable Of the species that showed

53 Vol. 113 (2) 1996 Research Reports

However, the failure of some species during 1994 and contributed to the decline with storage organs to flower at all (e.g. in annual grass cover from 18.5% at

Acaena echinata, Podolepis jaceoides, November 1 993 to 0% at November 1 994 Ptilotus spathulatus) shows that the in the spring-burnt grassland. response is clearly more complex than the Significantly, the autumn-burnt grassland mere presence or absence of stored root also had 0% annual grass cover at reserves. The relationship between storage November 1994, suggesting that environ- organs and phenological development ment was a greater factor than the time of may be crucial. burning on the annual grass component. By one year from late-spring burning, Anecdotal evidence from annually burnt

all species other than Lomandra micran- grasslands in western Victoria tha had or were flowering at levels far (McDougall 1989; Hitchmough et al. greater than are usually seen in long 1994) suggests that the species most unburnt grasslands (Lunt 1995). The sec- affected by burning at this frequency in ondary juvenile period for grassland plants early summer will be either the larger

is therefore extremely short. seeded species such as Briza maxima that The time to secondary flowering is even have not made their way into the soil or shorter for most grassland species after an late-flowering species (e.g. Phalaris autumn fire, presumably because burning aquatica). Most annually burnt grasslands occurs at a time when most species are have an exotic annual grass component dormant and post-fire conditions allow that is dominated by small-seeded species rapid and substantial accumulation of such as Aira cupaniana and Briza minor. carbohydrate for flowering. Lunt (1990) Briza maxima is largely absent from these found that all but 6% of perennial native sites. Late-spring burning may kill most species had flowered nine months after an seed either on the plant or on the soil autumn burn at the Derrimut Grassland surface and may reduce the relative Reserve, Melbourne, whilst all nine herba- dominance of these species in the ceous species studied in detail at Munro, following year. However, in the absence Gippsland by Lunt (1995) flowered six of follow-up late-spring fires, the reduced months after burning, although there were population of survivors could theoretically similar increases and decreases in flower- produce large quantities of seed so ing, as reported here, when compared to that pre-burn densities and cover may re- grasslands that had been burnt two years establish (Daubenmire 1968; McDougall previously. 1989). For this reason, Hitchmough et al. The differential species response (1994) suggest that annual burning would observed after spring burning was main- be necessary for 5-7 years to eliminate tained only for the first summer following many annual grasses from the grassland burning. One year after the fire, there community. appeared to be no difference in either the Following spring burning, the commu- number of species flowering or the inten- nity recovered rapidly. Six months after sity of flowering when compared to an the fire, the total overlapping cover had area burnt in autumn, six months prior to returned to 84%. This is not unexpected as the spring fire. the main contributor to cover, Themeda The annual grasses Aira cupaniana. triandra, is a C4 grass whose normal Briza maxima, B. minor and Vulpia bro- growth period is the warmer months of the moides all failed to germinate immediately year (Groves 1965; McDougall 1989) and post-fire despite above-average summer growth would have been possible over the rainfall. This may be due to inherent entire summer period due to above- dormancies of these species that prevents average rainfall. germination during the hotter months. Autumn-burnt grasslands initially Below-average winter rainfall (Fig. 1) recover a canopy cover much more slowly may have caused the subsequent very low than spring-burnt grasslands (Morgan and densities observed in both grasslands Rollason 1995), primarily because the first

54 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

six months of growth do not coincide with potential recruitment, may present a less the dominant species' growth period. In hostile seedling environment to many this study, the autumn-burnt grassland at species. This remains to be quantified. May 1994 had an overlapping cover of However, those species whose flower- 93% compared to 84% in the spring-burnt ing was either unchanged or increased grassland despite an extra six months after spring burning may be favoured over Total growth. cover repetition, however, decreasers by potential seedling recruit- was significantly greater in the autumn- ment only six months after burning in a burnt grassland indicating greater rates of grassland environment of lower biomass, vegetative regrowth here. This caused lower shading and lower canopy cover rel- significantly greater shading in the ative to autumn-burnt grasslands where autumn-burnt grassland relative to the recruitment may have to wait until one spring-burnt grassland. year after burning. Repeated late-spring Rates of biomass accumulation were burning may ultimately favour species much slower following burning than has with rapid summer regrowth flowering previously been reported. At 12 months potential over those species that cannot from spring burning, biomass was 939 flower until the following spring. The kg/ha whilst in the autumn-burnt grass- effect, however, will be determined land, at 18 months after burning, biomass primarily by the regeneration strategy of was 1660 kg/ha. Groves (1974) recorded the species concerned (Purdie 1977). rapid biomass accumulation after Given the apparently low reliance on September burning of a Themeda grass- seedling regeneration by many grassland land; 2500 kg/ha at one year after burning. species (i.e. the regeneration strategies Similarly, Lunt (1995) recorded a biomass appear to be primarily the obligate vegeta- of 4600 kg/ha two years after a spring fire. tive re-sprouters and auto-regenerating Productivity therefore varies markedly long-lived sprouters described by Bell el from site to site and absolute comparisons al. (1 984)), this may be of little concern to of biomass are perhaps meaningless. all but a few species that are short-lived Rather, the rate of regrowth or biomass and more reliant on seedling regeneration squama- accumulation at a single site is of more for turnover (e.g. Leptorhynchos many significance. At this study site, 36% of tus; J. Morgan unpubl. data). Since remnants are found on pre-fire biomass had returned by one year of the most diverse history of late- from burning. One would therefore predict rail reserves that have a (Scarlett and Parsons that pre-burn biomass levels will return spring burning regimes cannot have been within three years of burning. 1982), such the many native Immediate post-fire recruitment by overly deleterious to which are now abundant at these species that do not store seed in the soil is species Certainly, the effects of constrained by the amount of seed pro- sites (Lunt 1995). burning infrequently (e.g. five or more duced in the summer after the spring fire appear to have been much (Lunt 1995; Morgan 1995). Sixty-three year intervals) detrimental to the richness and percent of perennial species did not flower more diversity of native grasslands (McDougall substantially until one year after the spring 1990) than any potentially 1989; Scarlett and Parsons fire, with seedling recruitment effect of frequent late-spring burning. unable to take place until at least 18 months after the fire. The grassland Summary environment may be largely microsite native species resprouted growth All perennial antagonistic at this time to seedling fire and more than 35% gaps and after a late-spring (e.g. absence of large canopy the six of species flowered substantially in low light levels (Morgan 1996)) associated months immediately after the fire. No had two growing given that Themeda has sensitive' oblig- Autumn- native species were 'fire seasons to recover from fire. there seeders. One year after burning, have had only one ate burnt grasslands, that the flowering mten- was little difference in growth cycle of Themeda by the time to

55 Voi. 113 (2) 1996 Research Reports

vival after fire. Bulletin the Torrev Botanical sily of the spring-burnt grassland relative of Club 108, 472-478. to the autumn-burnt grassland. Thus, it Dauhcnmirc, R. (1968). Ecology of fire in grasslands. grass- appears that mature plants of most Advances in Ecological Research 5, 209-266, hind speeies seem to be relatively robust Department of Conservation and Environment (1990). 'Remnant Nalive Grasslands and Grassy and insensitive to the effects of fire sea- Woodlands of the Melbourne Area.' (Department son. Regular late-spring burning (e.g. at ol Conservation and Environment: Melbourne.) is unlikely intervals of two years or more) Egler. F.E. (1954). Vegetation science concepts. I. to harm grassland composition. Many of Initial floristic composition - a factor in old-field vegetation development. Vegetatio 4, 412-417. the most diverse remnants have been burnt Frost, I' Gil. (1084). The responses and survival of in virtually every year for spring/summer organisms in tire-prone environments. In decades. By contrast, in productive sites 'Ecological Effect* of fire in South African with rapid Themeda regrowth. far greater Ecosystems'. Eds. P de V. Booysen and N.M.

I. union, pp. 273-309. i Springer- Verlag: Berlin.) losses to plant diversity are likely to arise Gill. A.M. and Ingwcrsen. F. (1976), Growth ol burns for intervals greater from deferring Xanthorrhoea oustralii R.Br, in relation to fire. than 3-4 years due to diminished (lower- Journal ofApplied Ecology 13, 195-203. of australis ing and seed set, increased seedling mor- Groves, R.ll. (1965). Growth Themeda tussock grassland .it St. Albans. Victoria. tality and senescence of mature plants due Australian Journal of Kotanx 13, 291 302. to competition (primarily for light) with Craves, R.ll. (1974), Growth of Themeda australis the grassland dominant. grassland in response to firing and mowing. Field Station Records, Division of Plant Industry, CSIRO Acknowledgements Australia 13, 1-7. Gullan. P.K.. Cheal. D.C. and Walsh, N.G. (1990), r.nii/iii Rollason provided assistance in the Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria". field. Ian Lunl, Bob Parsons and Neville (Department of Conservation and Environment: Scarlett kindly on early drafts of commented Melbourne.) this paper. This research was supported by an Iliichmough, J.D., Kilgour, R.A., Morgan. J.W. and Australian Post-Graduate Research Award. Shears, LG ( 1994). Efficacy of some grass specific herbicides in controlling exotic grass seedlings in Glossary native glassy vegetation. Plant Protection ' C3: plants that use the C3 pathway of carbon Quarterly 9, 28- 34, dioxide fixation in the process of photosynthesis. Hulberi. I..C. (1988), Causes of fire effects in lalleuss prairie. Ecology 69, 46-58. C4: plants that use the C4 pathway of carbon Johnson, K.A.. Morrison. DA. and Goldsack, G. dioxide fixation in the process ol photosynthesis. (1994). Posl-firc flowering patterns in Blandfordia Cliamaephytc: with perennating buds or shoot nohilis (l.ihaceae). Australian Journal oj Botam apices borne close the to ground. 42, 49-60.

Cover repetition: derived from point quadrat Kceley. J.E.. and Zedler. I'll, (1978). Reproduction of data: Total number of times all leaves o\ chaparral shrubs after fire: a comparison of sproul- species A 'hits' the pointing pin per iilj; and seeding strategies. American Midland transect/Number of points per transect (in this Naturalist 99, 142-161. case. 60). Kent. M. and Coker, P. (1992). 'Vegetation Description and Analysis'. (Belhaven Geophyte; perennating buds below ground Press:Eondon.) level. Lamont. B.B. and Runciman. H.V. (1993). Fire may Ilcmicryptophyte: perennating buds at or just stimulate flowering, branching, seed production below ground level, and seedling establishment in two kangaroo paws Percent overlapping cover: derived from point (Hacinodoraccac). Journal of Applied Ecology 30, quadrat data: (Number of points at which 256-264. Brown. P.J. (1992). cycles species A is recorded per transect/Number of Le Maitre. D.C, and Life and firc-slimulaled flowering in geophyles. In 'lire points recorded per transect (in this case. 601) X in South African Mountain Fynbos'. Eds, B.W. van 100. Wilgen, D.M. Richardson, F.J. Kruger and H.J. van Phanerophyte: perennating buds or shoot llenshergen. pp. 145-160. (Springer- Verlag: apices on aerial shoots. London,; Lunl. I.D. (1990). Impact of an autumn fire on a long- References grazed Themeda Iriandra (Kangaroo Grass) grass- Bell, D.T., Hopkins, A.J.M. and Pule, J.S (1984), Rre land: implications for management of invaded, in the Kwoitgan. In 'Kwongan Plant Life of the remnant vegetations. The Victorian Naturalist 107, Sandptain". Hits. J.S. Pale and j.s. Beard, pp. 17H 45-51. 204. (University of Western Australia Press: Lunl, I.D. (1995). Variation in flower production ol Neaiands.j nine grassland species wilh time since fire, and Chapman, R.R. and Crow, G£. (1981). Application of implications for grassland management and restora- Raunkiacr's life form system to plain species sur tion. Pacific Conservation Biology I, 359-366.

56 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

McDougall, K. (1987). 'Sites of Significance in the pp. 89-105. (Australian Academy of Western Region of Science: Melbourne'. (Department of Canberra.) Conservation, Forests and Lands: Melbourne.) Scarlett. N.H. and Parsons, R.F. (1990). Conservation McDougall, K.L. (1989). 'The Re-establishment of biology of the southern Australian daisy Rutidosis Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass): Implications leptorrhynchoides. In 'Management and for the Restoration of Grassland'. Arthur Rylah Conservation of Small Population." Eds. T.W. Institute for Environmental Research Technical Clark and J.H. Seebeck. pp. 195-205. (Chicago Report Series No. 89. (Department of Zoological Society: Illinois.) Conservation, Forests and Lands: Melbourne.) Sokal, R.R. and Rohlf, F.J. (1981). 'Biometry'. (W.H. Mclntyre, S„ Lavorel, S. and Tremont, R.M. (1995). Freeman and Co.: New York.) Plant life-history attributes: their relationship to Stuwe, J. (1986). 'An Assessment of the Conservation disturbance response in herbaceous vegetation. Status of Native Grasslands on the Western Plains. Journal Ecology 31-44. of 83, Victoria and Sites of Botanical Significance'. Morgan, J.W. (1995). Ecological studies of the endan- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research gered Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides. 1. Seed produc- Technical Report Series No. 48. (Department of tion, soii seed bank dynamics, population density Conservation, Forests and Lands: Melbourne.) and their effects on recruitment. Australian Journal Stuwe, J. and Parsons, R.F. (1977). Themeda australis Botany AS, I -11. of grasslands on the Basalt Plains, Victoria: floristics Morgan, J.W. (1996). The effect of grassland gap size and management effects. Australian Journal of on establishment, growth and flowering of the Ecology 2, 467-476. endangered Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides Tainton, N.M., Groves, R.H. and Nash, R.C. (1977). (Asteraceae). Journal ofApplied Ecology (in press) Time of mowing and burning veld; short term Morgan, J.W. and Rollason, T.S. (1995). Base-line effects on production and tiller development. monitoring of a significant grassland remnant at Proceedings of the Grassland Society of South Evans Street. Sunbury, Victoria. The Victorian Africa 12, 59-64. Naturalist 112, 148-159. Tremont, R.M. (1994). Life-history attributes of plants Purdie, R.W. (1977). Early stages of regeneration after in grazed and ungrazed grasslands on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Australian burning in dry sclerophyll vegetation. I. -530. Regeneration of the understorey by vegetative Journal of Botany 42, 5 1 1 Willis, J.H. Vegetation of the basalt plains in means. Australian Journal of Botany 25, 21-34. (1964). western Victoria. Proceedings the Royal Society Scarlett, N.H. and Parsons, R.F. (1982). Rare plants of of Victoria 77, 397-418. the Victorian plains. In 'Species at Risk: Research of in Australia'. Eds. R.H. Groves and W.D.L. Ride. New Book Publishedjointly by the Geological Society ofAustralia (Victorian Division) and The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria

Roadside Geology

Editor Dr Noel Schleiger

A drive of discovery; a trip through time; an explanation of landscape, and underlying geological structure

Melbourne to Ballarat

geology and landscape using the vistas and cut- It aims to broaden understanding of Melbourne and Ballarat. This 99-page tings along the Western Freeway between and introduction to geology for both students soft cover book is an excellent route wh.ch is the geological scenery of this tourists alike. A brief text introduces illustrated by photographs and maps.

Good value at a RRP $18.00. Geological Society of Victoria. Available from FNCV Office or the

57 Vol. 113(2)1996 Research Reports

Fauna of the Grantville Gravel Reserve, with Reference to Vegetation and Conservation Significance

A.S. Kutt' andJ.V. Yugovic 2

Abstract Tin's paper presents a summary of a report tilled 'Flora and Fauna Assessment and Review of Management Issues, Grantville Gravel Reserve. Victoria' (Yugovie and Kutt 1995) prepared for the Bass Coast Shire Council hy Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. The flora and fauna of the Grantville gravel reserve, a remnant of native coastal vegetation on Western Port, were surveyed in 1994. The fauna survey recorded a total of 134 vertebrate species from primary and secondary sources for the reserve and surrounding area. Six species are assessed as being of conservation significance: the Swamp Anlechiniis Antechinus minimus: Haswells Frog Crinia haswelli; the Common Blue-tongue Titiqua scincoidesi the Metallic Skink Pseudemala metallica and the Long-nosed Bandicoot 1'entmelcs nasuta. The vegetation survey recorded seven vegetation communities and a vascular flora comprising 221 taxa. All vegetation communities are considered to be of state (Grassy Woodland. Swamp Scrub) or regional (Dry Heathy Woodland, Dry Forest, Riparian Forest. Wet Heathy Woodland, Wei Scrub) conservation significance. There is a discussion on the flora and fauna, and the significance of the gravel reserve and surrounding area for nature conservation. (The Victorian Nuumilisi 1U, 58-66),

Introduction Methodology A preliminary flora and fauna survey The fauna survey was conducted in was conducted at ihe Grantville gravel March 1994. Techniques used and survey reserve (hereafter gravel reserve), 1.5 km effort are as follows: active searching (16 south of Grantville, 85 km south-east of search-hours, 1 1 predator scats found and Melbourne (Map I). The gravel reserve is analysed); cage trapping (37 trap-nights); approximately 100 ha in area and is Elliott trapping (180 trap-nights); hair-tub- bounded by the Bass Highway road ing (160 tube-nights); bat (harp) trapping reserve to the north-west, by Ihe Stanley (6 trap-nights); spotlighting (4 spotlight Road road reserve and private residential hours); pitfall trapping (24 pit-nights); bird

land (the Adams listate) to the north-east, census (4 hours), and frog census (1 hour). and by the (proposed) Grantville State Additional records for the study area and Nature Reserve (hereafter nature reserve) to the south. Located in the centre of the study area are three large gravel pits (Shire of Bass pit, Vic Roads pit, public pit) and a landfill. The remainder (approximately half) of the study area supports native vegetation which is contiguous with the adjacent, undemarcaled nature reserve. The gravel reserve has a complex topogra- phy ranging from 18 m in elevation in the west along the Bass Highway, to 82 m in the east. A prominent creek runs through the centre of the study area, while smaller drainage lines, also running to the west, occur near the north and south boundaries.

omeni address Australian Coma' for Tropical Freshwater Research. James Cook University, Townsvillle, Queensland 4811, Biosis Research Ply. Ltd., 522 Bay Slreel, Porl Melbourne, Victoria, 3207. Map 1: Location of Grantville gravel reserve (indicated by arrow).

58 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

surrounding state nature reserve were the course of the survey. obtained from the Department of The recorded vascular flora (ferns, Conservation and Natural Resources conifers, flowering plants) comprises 221 (DCNR), Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, the taxa (species and varieties of plants), qf Western Port Group of the Bird Observers which 182 are indigenous. Given the size Club of Victoria and from personal com- of the area, indigenous plant species diver- munications with DCNR staff. sity is relatively high due to the range of The flora survey was conducted in vegetation communities present and the March, August and November 1994. The intact condition of most of the vegetation. study area was traversed on foot, and the Seven vegetation communities were composition, structure and condition of defined and their distribution is indicated the vegetation were examined. The vascu- in Fig. 1. lar flora (ferns, conifers, flowering plants) /. Dry Heathy Woodland - a widespread, was recorded. Seventeen 30m by 30m extensive vegetation community generally quadrats were sampled across the range of dominated by Narrow-leaf Peppermint £. vegetation types evident from aerial pho- radiata from 8 to 18 m with Coast Manna tography and ground-truthing (verified on Gum Eucalyptus pryoriana co-dominant

the ground). Vegetation classification in places. Below the tree canopy is a 4-6 utilised a computer-based, numerical m high shrub layer of Leptospermum procedure followed by manual -sorting of myrsinoides and L. continentale and a the computer out-put to further refine ground layer comprising a range of typical vegetation community descriptions heath species adapted to dry and low nutri- (Gullan 1978). ent conditions such as Xunthorrhoea australis, Pteridium esculentum, Epacris Results impressa and Amperea xiphoclada.

A total of 91 terrestrial vertebrate fauna 2. Damp Forest - a scattered and localised species (52 native and 3 introduced bird forest community co-dominated by species, 16 native and 3 introduced mam- Narrow-leaf Peppermint and Messmate E. mals, 9 reptiles and 8 amphibians) were obiupia, 18-25 m in height. There is rela- recorded during the present survey. The tively little shrub cover and Pteridium Western Port Group of the Bird Observers esculentum is prolific in the ground layer. Club of Victoria have recorded a further 3. Grassy Woodland - a woodland or 36 bird species for the study area, while open-forest community is confined to the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife records an north-facing slopes above the central creek additional seven species (I bird, 2 mam- and co-dominated by Messmate and mals, 2 reptiles and 2 amphibians) from Narrow-leaf Peppermint, 20-25 m in the local area which includes the adjacent height. Below the eucalypl canopy L. con- nature reserve (N 38° 25', S 38° 27'. E tinentale and Banksia mdrgtnaia provide a 145° 33', W 145° 30'). Unconfirmed patchy shrub layer 4 m tall. The ground sightings of a Red-necked Wallaby layer is relatively rich in species (e.g. P. Macropus rufogriseus and Lace Monitor esculentum, Themeda triandra, Stipa mol- Hypericum Varanus varius from the nature reserve by lis, Acrotriche serrulata. DCNR staff have also been reported. A gramineum, Lomandra longifolia. L fili- Wahlenbergia composite species list is presented in formis, Bossiaea prostrata. from hair- gracilis, Lepidosperma concavum). Appendix 1 . Species recorded - forest vegetation tubes, scat analysis, pit-fall traps, Elliott 4. Riparian Forest a to the narrow, allu- and cage traps, including trap effort, are community restricted along the central creek and co- presented in Table 1. In reference to vial plain in by Messmate and Narrow-leaf Appendix I, all species not identified dominated record- Peppermint, 25-30 m in height. Below the Table 1 and not indicated as being canopy is a patchy layer of smaller ed from the secondary sources listed eucalypt Acacia melanoxylon, above, were observed during the bird understorey trees, marginata, Melaleuca squarrosa, census, frog census or incidentally during B.

59 Vol. 113 (2) 1996 Research Reports

Tabic 1. Species recorded from Elliott and cage trapping (E), hair tubes (H), predator scats (S), pitfall traps (P) and bat (harp) traps (B), including total survey effort and vegetation communities from which they were recorded. * indicates introduced species. Numbers in parentheses indicate the total individuals trapped by cages, Elliotts or pitfalls. Vegetation community types corresponding to numbers are described in the text. Vegetation Community 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Species Swamp Antechinus Antechinus H E(2) H minimus Brown Antechinus Antechinus E(l) E(l) E(2) sluarlii Common Ringtail Possum E(2),S S Psuedocheirus peregrinus Long-nosed Bandicoot Perameles H

nasiiltt

Swamp Wallaby Wallahiti bicolor II S Bush Rat Rattusfuscipes E(9),S,H E(3),H E(2) E(l) E(5), H H E(6),H Chocolate Wattled Bal Chalinolobus B(2) morio Southern Forest Bat Vespadelus B(2) regains Little Forest Bat Vespadelus B(5) B(l) vulturnus Lesser Long-eared Bal Nyctophilus B(6) B(5) geoffroyi Dog* ( anis familiaris S Fox* Vulpes vulpes s S Striped Marsh Frog Limnodynastes P(l) peronii Pobblebonk (Banjo) Frog P(l) Limnodynastes dumerilii Common Froglet Crinia signifera P(l) McCoys Skink Nannoscincus P(2) maccoyi

Trap/survey effort Elliott/cage trap-nights 4 1 .00 12.00 20.00 40.00 40.00 24.00 40.00 Bat (harp) trap-nights 3.00 3.00 Pitfall trap-nights 18.00 6.00 Predators scats analysed 7.00 3.00 1 .00 Tube-nights 60.00 20.00 40.00 20.00 20.00

A.verticillata, 4-10 in tall and a dense 10-16 m in height. Below the eucalypts is ground layer (70-90% cover) of species a sparse shrub layer of L. continentale and typical of moist alluvial situations such as Alloeasuahna paiudosa, 3-6 m tall with Goodia lotifolia, P. esculentum, 5% cover. The ground layer supports Calochlaena dubia, Todea barbara and typical wet heath species such as G. radula, Gahnia radula. X. minor, Bauera ruhioides, Gonpcarpus 5. Wet Heathy Woodland - a scattered and mieranthus, G. tetragynus, Hibhertia localised woodland community on infer- proeumhens, Poa clelandii, Lindsaea tile, frequently wet sites, co-dominated by linearis, Selaginella uliginosa and Messmate and Narrow-leaf Peppermint, Sehoenus temiissimus. 60 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Dry Heathy Woodland (1) j Dry Forest (2) Grassy Woodland (3)

Riparian Forest (4)

Wet Heathy Woodland (5)

Wet Scrub (6)

Swamp Scrub (7)

Grantville gravel reserve. Fig. 1. Distribution of vegetation communities in the

Discussion 6. Wet Scrub - a scrub community number of terrestrial verte- restricted to wet, infertile drainage lines The large brate fauna species (134) recorded from that is co-dominated by L. continentale a rich and diverse and M. squarrosa, 4-5 m in height. The all sources represents for such a small area (100 ha) ground layer comprises a relatively small community survey period (5 days). This is range of wet-adapted species such as and a short reflection of the excellent undisturbed Gahnia radula, Selaginella uliginosa, B. a native vegetation commu- marginata, Leucopogon australis, condition of the the area and the diversity of avail- Schoenus tenuissimus, Dillwynia glaberri- nities in able habitat types. A survey of The ma, Gonocarpus humilis, H. procumbens similar area of remnant native asperula. Emergent trees of Gurdies, a and Schizaea shores ot coastal vegetation on the eastern Messmate occur in places. Western Port and located 3.5 km north of Scrub - a scrub community 7. Swamp highlighted the rich- northern the study area, also confined to the relatively fertile, (Wilson ness of the vertebrate fauna drainage line and dominated by Swamp 1990). ericifolia and L. continen- Paperbark M. not found in the emergent layer Other species, tale, 10-12 m in height. An survey, have been recorded tor occurs in places. Grantville of Swamp Gum E. ovata recorded three the area. Wilson (1990) ground layer consists of wet-adapted The The Gurdies - the Sugar laterale, P. mammals from species such as Lepidosperma the Koala Glider Petaurus breviceps, Gahnia radula, Coprosma quadri- tenera, Phascolarctos cinereus and the Swamp humilis, Senecio min- fida, Gonocarpus lutreolus. Additionally, the Clematis micro- Rat Rattus imus, Viola hederacea, Wildlife identifies the Atlas of Victorian Danthonia semiannulans, and a phylla Rat Hvdromvs chrysogaster Microlaena stipoides. Water Goodenia ovata and record (pre- 1900) ot the discolor historical Introduced Blackberry Rubus pxgmaeus tor Feathertail Glider Acrobates occurs along disturbed margins.

61 Vol. 113 (2) 1996 Research Reports

the area which includes the gravel and damp, high rainfall and altitude environ- nature reserve. However, given the low ments with a dense ground vegetation total spotlight and trap effort in the 1994 cover to 1 m (Menkhorst 1995). Disjunct study, it is likely that, with a more inten- coastal populations also exist in wet heath sive survey, these species may be recorded habitat in the south-east Wannon region, here. There is also the potential for a num- the Otway Range, the Mornington ber of additional significant, but more Peninsula and Wilsons Promontory, and in elusive, species to occur within the gravel coastal wet heath, Banksia woodlands and and nature reserves including the Swamp coastal forest in East Gippsland Skink Egernia coventryi, the Glossy Grass (Menkhorst 1995). Both the available Skink Pseudemoia rawlmsoni, the Eastern habitat types and the ambiguous hair-tube Pygmy-possum Cercarletus nanus, the result suggests that the Dusky Antechinus White-footed Dunnarl Sminthopsis leuco- may occur in the gravel and nature pus and the Long-nosed Potoroo Potoruus reserves. This further highlights the need tridactylus. for additional survey in the site and the Given the short period of overall significance of this area of remnant survey, there was an emphasis on indirect coastal vegetation. techniques such as hair-tubing and preda- The bird community recorded from the tor scat analysis to supplement trapping gravel reserve is reasonably species rich, and observational data. For many genera, and includes a number of interesting indirect techniques arc generally criticised records for the Western Port region. The for not providing an acceptable level of Eastern Whipbird and the Red-browed surety in identification or location. Lobert Treecreeper represent isolated populations and Lumsden (1991) attempted to quantify that are approximately at the western limit the accuracy and reliability of the micro- of their coastal range, while the Southern scopic examination of mammalian hair, Emu-wren, Beautiful Firetail and White- and grouped Victorian taxa into reliability browed Woodswallow are all uncommon categories: reliable; possible, and unreli- species along the coast of Victoria able. With reference to the present survey, (Lmison el al. 1987). A number of bird three species recorded by hair analysis are species recorded in Appendix 1 are more regarded as reliably identified: Long- typically associated with open wetlands, nosed Bandicoot Perameles nasuta, beaches and intertidal areas (e.g. Pacific Swamp Wallaby Wallahia hicolor and and Silver Gull, Sacred and Straw-necked Bush Rat Ratlus fuscipes (Lobert and Ibis, Pacific and White-faced Herons. Lumsden 1991). The latter two species Australian Pelican, Little Pied Cormorant, were also observed or trapped and though Mancd Duck, Hoary-headed Grebe). The the Long-nosed Bandicoot was not gravel reserve does not naturally provide trapped, numerous diagnostic diggings habitat for these species, however, the were also present in the habitat in which presence of the landfill and permanent the hair samples were recorded. standing water in the previously quarried The Swamp Antechinus Antechinus extraction area has created both an artifi- minimus is considered to be unreliably cial food source and wetland habitat for identified by hair samples and easily these species. confused with the Dusky Antechinus A. Of the vertebrate species recorded, one swainsonii (Lobert and Lumsden 1991). species of state conservation significance Two Swamp Antechinus were trapped in (Swamp Antechinus Antechinus minimus) Riparian Forest and confidently identified and five species of regional conservation as such. However, two hair samples significance (Haswells Frog Crinia collected in Dry Heathy Woodland and haswelli, Common Blue-tongue Tiliqua the Swamp Scrub and identified as A. scincoides, Metallic Skink Pseudemoia minimus/swainsonii (B. Triggs pers. metallica. Long-nosed Bandicoot eomm.) represent problematic records. Perameles nasuta) were identified. Dusky Antechinus are typically found in Significance was assessed according to

62 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

current documented accounts of regional Strait and Tasmania (Cogger (the Western 1993). Port Catchment) and state Therefore, all sites in South Gippsland are distribution and conservation status important for the conservation of this (Andrews et al. 1984; DCNR 1995). skink species in Victoria. Two individuals These are discussed briefly below. were recorded in Dry Heathy Woodland. Swamp Antechinus - this species is Common Blue-tongue - in the Melbourne classified as rare in Victoria (DCNR region, this large skink is most commonly 1995), and has been recorded in a range of found in grasslands and grassy woodlands habitats ranging from near-coastal dense associated with the western basalt plains wet heath, wet tussock grassland and and is considered to be moderately com- sedgeland and Brown Stringybark forest mon in the Melbourne Area District 2 with a wet heath understorey (Menkhorst (LCC 1991). It has not been recorded pre- 1995). In the Western Port area it is viously in the Western Port catchment considered to be very rare and restricted (Andrews et al. 1984) and is not expected (Andrew et al. 1984), with the most recent to occur in South Gippsland where the record being one individual trapped in Blotched Blue-tongue Tiliqua nigrolutea dense heathy shrubland at The Gurdies in is the common species (Cogger 1993). 1984 (Wilson 1990). Two individuals Therefore, the individual recorded in Dry were trapped in Riparian Forest, a vegeta- Heathy Woodland during the present sur- tion type that has many structural and vey may either represent a new record for floristic similarities to the Brown the local area or could possibly be a speci- Stringybark forest recorded as Swamp men collected from outside the Western Antechinus habitat by Menkhorst and Port catchment and released into the Beardsall(1982). reserve.

Long-nosed Bandicoot - this species has Haswells Frog - this frog is found in habi- been previously unrecorded in the coastal tats associated with water in wet and dry woodlands and foothills surrounding forests, woodlands, shrublands and coastal Western Port, except the southern tip of heath in eastern Victoria (Hero et al.

the Mornington Peninsula (Andrew et al. 1991). It is considered to be restricted and 1984; Menkhorst 1995). Within most of uncommon in the region (Andrews et al. its Victorian range, the Long-nosed 1984; LCC 1991), being recorded most Bandicoot is restricted to wetter riparian commonly from The Gurdies, Hastings sites, being more common in high-rainfall and Grantville areas. Two individuals areas such as the Eastern Highlands, were heard calling in Riparian Forest. Gippsland Plain, East Gippsland and the The vegetation over most of the study Otway Range (Menkhorst 1995). In the area, away from the existing pits, is con- undisturbed Western Port catchment it is restricted to sidered to be in excellent, not been burnt higher altitude forested ranges where it is condition. Large areas have considered widespread but uncommon for at least 45 years; this may have led to a (LCC 1991; Menkhorst 1995). Two sepa- temporary reduction in species diversity. the central creek is in rate hair-tube samples were collected from The forest along Dry Heathy Woodland and these are particularly good condition, and appears been logged. Large, mature considered as reliable records for reasons never to have in this area; one outlined earlier. trees are common has a girth at breast height of Metallic Skink - in Victoria the Metallic Messmate 4.9 m. Weed levels are very low, even in Skink is almost exclusively confined in Riparian Forest and Swamp Scrub, distribution to coastal, woodland and for- the usually prone to weed invasion. est areas in central and southern habitats vegetation communities within the Gippsland (Cogger 1993). Although it is All considered significant for widespread and moderately common in study area are nature conservation, due to their depletion the Western Port region (Andrews et al. Port either within Victoria or the Western 1984: LCC 1991), this species is restricted region. Two communities (Grassy in South Gippsland, the islands of Bass

63 Vol. 113(2)1996 Research Reports

Woodland, Swamp Scrub) are of state sig- The recommended transfer has nificance due to their depletion in Victoria been adopted in the draft regional sand resulting from land clearance, alteration of extraction strategy - Lang Lang to remnants (particularly through weed inva- Grantville - prepared for the Department sion) and their inadequate reservation. of Planning and Development through a Five communities (Dry Heathy Woodland, public consultative process (AGC Dry Forest, Riparian Forest, Wet Heathy Woodward-Clyde 1995). The draft Woodland, Wet Scrub) have regional sig- strategy addresses conservation issues, nificance due to their depletion within the particularly the need to maintain vegeta- region. In addition, several of the commu- tion linkages between the Grantville nities recorded in this survey are poorly nature reserve/gravel reserve and areas of reserved in the coastal areas around native vegetation further north, to Western Port and Port Phillip bays. facilitate wildlife movement and enhance Management of these areas of remnant reserve viability. vegetation to protect flora and fauna is a The Grantville gravel reserve lies priority for conservation in the region. adjacent to. and continuous with, the The gravel reserve is under consider- (proposed) Grantville state nature reserve able pressure for further development. In (an area of 378 ha). It is likely that all its Final Recommendations for the vegetation communities and fauna species Melbourne Area District 2 Review, the recorded in the gravel reserve also occur Land Conservation Council recommended in the nature reserve. These reserves division of the gravel reserve into a north- represent the southernmost remnant of ern Grantville refuse area (M14) to native vegetation in a chain of partially facilitate establishment of a landfill based connected remnants which collectively on the existing, almost worked-out gravel comprise most of the remaining native pit, and a southern stone reserve (LI) to vegetation in West Gippsland, an area facilitate further sand/gravel extraction which is over 95% cleared. Sand mining, (LCC 1994). A regional landfill and trans- residential development and land manage- fer station is proposed for Ml 4; these ment are important issues affecting the require relatively little vegetation clear- future maintenance of these connections. ance (<2 ha). Details of the proposed Given these conflicting land-use development and environmental mitiga- pressures, gazetting this reserve should be tion measures are given in the site a priority for regional conservation author- management plan for the proposed landfill ities. A complete survey and inventory of and transfer station (AGC Woodward- the flora and fauna of the entire Grantville Clyde 1994). Mineral exploration leases nature reserve is required for a more cover the remainder of the gravel reserve confident assessment of the conservation (LI). significance and management potential of The detailed report on the gravel this area. reserve (Yugovic and Kutt 1995), recom- Acknowledgments mends that consideration be given to The authors wish to thank Sid Larwill and transferring the south-eastern section of Charles Meredith, Biosis Research Pty. Ltd., for the gravel reserve, which includes the reviewing and editing this manuscript, Barbara creek environment, to the adjacent nature Triggs ('Dead Finish' Genoa Vic, 3891), for reserve. This highly significant 17.5 ha hair and scat analyses and Bessie Tyers area supports five vegetation communi- (Westerport Bird Observers Club) for additional ties, including Riparian Forest and Grassy bird records. All trapping was conducted under Woodland. The forest along the creek and the terms of Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) wildlife research adjacent slopes is in particularly good permit RP-92-154. condition and appears never to have been cleared. Since gazetting of the nature References reserve has not taken place, this transfer AGC Woodward-Clyde (1995). 'Draft regional sand would be administratively convenient. extraction strategy - Lang Lang to Grantville'.

64 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Report prepared lor (he Department of Planning LCC (199,4). 'Melbourne and Development, Area District 2 Review; AGC Woodward-Clyde Ply Ltd. Final Recommendations.' (Land (Richmond: Victoria). Conservation Council. Victoria). Andrews, D.I.., Lumsden, L.F. and Dixon, J.M. Loberl, B. and Lumsden. L. 'Sites (1991), Quantitative (1984). of zoological significance in the assessment of mammalian Western hair identification using Port region'. Environmental Studies Scries the technique of Brunncr and Cormun. 327. (Department of Conservation, In Forests and 'Ecological Survey Report No. JS: Flora and fauna Lands: Victoria). of the Goolengook Forest Block, East CHppsland, Cogger H.G (1993). Reptiles and Amphibians of Victoria'. Eds. BO. Loberl, G.R. Gillespie, I.D, Australia.' (Reed: Chatswood. New South Wales). Lunt, R.J. Peacock and D. Robinson. (Department DCNR (1995). 'Threatened fauna in Victoria'. of Conservation and Environment; Melbourne). (Department of Conservation and Natural Menkhorsl, P.W. (ed) (1995). 'Mammals of Victoria: Resources: Victoria). distribution, ecology and conservation.' (Oxford Hmison W.B.. Beardsell CM., Norman p.]., Loyn University Press: Melbourne). R.H. and Bennett S.C. (19X7). 'Atlas of Victorian Menkhorsl, P.W. and Beardsall. C. (1982). Mammals Birds.' (Department of Conservation. Forests and of south-western Victoria from the Little Desert to Lands and Royal Australasian Ornithologists the coast. Proceedings of the Royal Society »/ Union: Victoria). Victoria 94, 221-247. Gillian P.K. (1978). Vegetation of the Royal Botanic Wilson C.G. (1990). Mammals of The Curdles. Gardens Annexe at Cranbourne, Victoria. Western Port, a proposed flora and fauna reserve. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 70, The Victorian Naturalist 107, 52-57. 225-40. Yugovic. J and Kult, A. (1995). 'Flora and Fauna Hero J-M., Littlejohn M. and Marantelli 0, (1991). assessment and review of management issues, Frogwatch Field to Guide Victorian Frogs." Granlville gravel reserve, Victoria.' (Repon pre (Department of Conservation and Environment: pared for the Bass Coast Shire Council In BiOSis Victoria). Research Ply Ltd: Victoria).

LCC (1991 ). 'Melbourne Area District 2 Review: Descriptive Report.' (Land Conservation Council: Victoria).

Appendix 1 All fauna species recorded or reported from the Granlville gravel reserve and surrounding local area. 'W denotes species recorded in the reserve by the Western Port Group of the Bird Observers Club of Victoria. 'AVW' denotes records from from the Atlas ot Victorian Wildlife for the local area (N 38° 25'. S 38° 27', E 145° 33' W 145° 30') including the gravel and nature reserve. 'Anecdotal' denotes species reported from the reserve by Department of Conservation and Natural Resources staff but requiring confirmation.

Native Birds Galah Cacatua roseicapilla Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocepluthts polio- Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus cephalu W Crimson Rosella Plutycercus elegans Australian Pelican Pelecanus cn/tspicillntus Fastern Rosella Plutycercus cximius Litle Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidas mehmoleucvs W Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cuculus pyrrliophamts W Paci fie Heron Ardea pacified W Horsfields Bronze-cuckoo Chrysoeoccyx White-faced Heron Ardea novaehollandiae hasalis Chrysococeyx lucidus Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicm Shining Bronze-cuckoo W Nino.x novaeseelandiae Straw-neck ed Ibis Threskiornis spinicoltis W Southern Boobook Owl cauda- Maned Duck Chenonettajubata W White-throated Needlelail Hiritiulapus Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosa W anus W Dacelo novaegitineae Brown Goshawk Accipiterfasciatus W Laughing Kookaburra Halcyon sancta Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila attdax Sacred Kingfisher Swallow Hinmda neo.xena W Whistling Kite Haliaster sphenurus W Welcome Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novae- Black-shouldered Kite Elanus notatus W Black-faced hollandiae Australian Hobby Falco longipennis W Thrush Zoothera dauma Brown Falcon Falco herigora Whiles Scarlet Robin Petroka multicolor Silve r Gull Uirus novaehollandiae Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria austral'u Pacific Gull Larus pacifictti Jacky Winter Microeca leucophaea W Purple Swamphen Porphyrin porphyria AVW Falcitnculiis frontatus W Common Bronzewing Phaps chdeoptera Crested Shrike-tit Golden Whistler Pachycephaba pectoralis Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchtts funereus

65 Vol. 113(2)1996 Research Reports

Rufous Whistler Packycephala rufivenlris Native mammals Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglosstts aculeatus Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Swamp Antechinus/4/i/ec7M>w.y minimus Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuea Brown Antechinus Anlechinus stuartii Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons W Long-nosed Bandicoot Perameles nasuta Willie Wagtail Rhipidura Uucophrys Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpec- Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus ula Southern Emu-wren Stipiturus malachurus W Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus pere- Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus grinus White -browed Scrub-wren SericOtnis frontalis Red-necked Wallaby Macropus rufogriseus Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata Anecdotal Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana W Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla Swamp Wallaby Wallabia bicolor Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus Yellow-ramped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysor- White-striped Freetail Bat Tadarida australis rhoa W Chocolate Wattled Bat Chalinobus morio Varied Sitella Daphoenositta chrysoptera W Southern Forest Bat Vespadelus regulus Red-browed Treecreeper Climacteris ervthrops Little Forest Bat Vespadelus vulturnus W Lesser Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi White-throated Treecreeper Climactcris leu- Bush Rat Raltus fuscipes cophaea Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus AVW Brown Treecreeper Climactcris picumnus W Water Rat Hydromys chtysogaster AVW Red Wattlebird Anlhochaera carunctdata Noisy Miner Manorina melanoccphala W Introduced mammals Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenosiomus Dog Canis familiaris chrysops Rabbit Qryctolagus cuniculus White-eared Honeyeater Lichenosiomus leuco- Fox Vulpes wipes tis W While-plumed Honeyeater Lichcnostomus peni- Reptiles cillatus W Tree Goanna (Lace Monitor) Varanus varius Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevi- Anecdotal rostris Southern Water Skink Eulamprus tympanum White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus Eastern Three-lined Skink Bassiana duper- New Holland Honeyeater Philidonyris novae- reyi hollandiac Garden Skink Uunpropholis gitichenoti Crescent Honeyeater Philidonyris pyrrhopicra McCoys Skink Nannoscincus maccoyi Bastern Spinebill Acanthorhxnchus tenuirostris Grass Skink Psueudemoia entrecasteauxii Mistletoebird Dicaeum hintndinaccuni W Metallic Skink Pseudemoia metallicu Spotted I'ardalote Pardalotus punclatus Blotched Blue-tongue Li/.ard Tilupm nigrolulea Striated Pardalote Pardalolus strialus Common Blue-tongue Lizard Tiliqua scin- Silvereye Zostcrops lateralis coides Beautiful Firetail Emhlcma hclla W Lowland Copperhead Austrelaps saperhus Red-browed Firetail Emhlcma temporalis White-lipped Snake Drxsdalia coronoides Olive -backed Oriole Oriolus sagiitatus W AVW Australian Magpie-lark Orallina cyanoleuea Tiger Snake Notcchis scutatus AVW White-browed Woodswallow Artamiis supercil- liosus W Amphibians Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus W Southern Brown Tree Frog l.itoria ewingii Grey Butcherbird Cracticus lorquatus W Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis AVW Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Whistling Tree Frog Litoria verreaiLxii Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor Victorian Smooth Froglet Geocrinia victoriana Australian Raven Coitus cornoitlcs Pobblebonk (Banjo) Frog Limnodynastes Little Raven Corvus mcllori dumerilii Striped Marsh Frog Limnodynastes peronii Introduced birds Spotted Marsh Frog Limnodynastes tasmanien- Common Blackbird Tardus merula sis European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis W Haswells Froglet Crinia haswelli House Sparrow Passer domesticus W Common Froglet Crinia signifera Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Southern Toadlet Pseudophrvne semimarmora- Common Starling Stumus vulgaris ta AVW

66 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

From our Naturalist in Residence, Glen Jameson

Middle Yarra Timelines

The Middle Yarra Timelines project is being developed by The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, the Gould League and the Yarra Valley Parklands (Melbourne Parks and Waterways) to record and analyse seasonality themes the relationships, interactions and sequence of events of the natural history of the Middle Yarra area. The project is establishing a data base of information that will be critical of value to land managers, eco-tourist providers and environmental educationalists. interim six season calendar An year has been produced from this data. The seasons are cyclic, sensitive to climatic variability and delineated by the occurrence and associations of natural phenomena, rather than dates. The idea behind this series is to represent a mythical day for each of those seasons, a day that incorporates all of the important seasonal indicators and patterns, characteristic of that season. Late Summer

The coolness of the morning air is largely limited by the degree of turbidity. striking as you walk in the thick mist that The river water is still reasonably clear traces the journey of the river, mists that and warm enough to support a high present a new world, shrouded in mystery diversity of aquatic invertebrates. and magic. Silver mists that shimmer or However, the life cycles begin to slow, catch golden shafts of morning sun before with no new instars being formed as the they melt and race quickly downstream, populations of Chironomids, Mayflies following the flow of water. A chorus of Tasmanocoensis sp. Caddis Fly ten Kookaburras Dacelo novaeguineae Cheumatopsyche sp., Water Boatmen break the morning skies with a seasonal Micronecta sp. and others, mature and flocking of the local Kookaburra popula- begin to die off. The invertebrate fauna tion. over the True Spring to Late Summer Manna Gums Eucalyptus viminalis, period is dominated by fauna of tropical resplendent after shedding their bark dur- region origins. During the cooler, Winter ing High Summer, with their sleek and months, invertebrate fauna with elegant trunks and boughs and lush Gondwana affiliations will dominate. canopy of deep green dotted with cream It is the time for young Platypus from flowers; they are a commanding presence Omithorhynchus anatinus to emerge the first time since along the river. Winding down from the Riverbank nests for The nights foraging, a female Koala hatching in October or November. of Short-finned Phascolarctos cinereus, with a young on downstream migration Eels Anguilla australis, known as Silver its back, prepares for a quiet doze on a cycle, picks chosen bough. Last night a male was call- Eels in this part of their life momentum with a peak in migration of ing from along the river, marking out terri- up mainly mature females, between 10 and 20 tory. A mixed flock of Yellow-rumped towards the estuaries. Thornbills Acanthiza chrysorrhoa years old, heading swimming males have been and White-plumed Honeyeaters The slower All the Silver Lichenostomus penicillatus work the leaving since True Spring. will now begin a 2 to 3 month swim Riparian tree leaves for invertebrates. Eels the Coral Sea to spawn. Tupong River Reed Phragmites australis contin- towards Pseudaphritis unullii will complete its ues to flower on the river's edge. upstream migration from estuary breeding The river level is a little higher, and its flow and higher the grounds, reduced water pale creamy chocolate colour describes water temperature assisting its upstream degree of turbidity and suspended materi- migration. have been washed down with the als that weeks, the mists have localised Over the past rains, which have also caused up, especially after biological been slowly building erosion. This in turn affects the Thunderstorms and subsequent rain. The productivity of the Yarra River which is

67 Vol. 113 (2) 1996 Naturalist Notes

Thunderstorms dramatically descend upon past year have meant that the older and the Yarra Valley after sweeping across the shallower billabongs, such as the Annulus, flat landscape of the western basalt plains, are almost completely dry. A scattering of breaking up the pleasant settled weather Carp Cyprinus carpio corpses mark a criti- patterns of the late Summer, weather that cal low water level for these exotic fish.

is some of the most pleasant and liveable However, Bolin Bolin Billabong, which lor the whole year. It is a time for gather- was formed more recently and has a lower ings and celebration; a flocking of birds, a river ingress level, managed to fill during traditional gathering of the Wurundjeri the last modest rise in river levels in Tribe and Kulin Nation at Bolin Bolin to August last year. Its waters are still fairly dance the Gaggit and other healing cere- deep and support a range of wildlife monies, and marching at Moomba. The including Darters Anhinga melanogaster winds preceding the change cause an enor- that are breeding further downstream. mous amount of leaf to fall and carry Nomadic Black-fronted Dotterels flocks of White-throated Needletails Elseyornis melanops work the Wetland Hirundapus caudacutus that feed on the margins where Small Mud-mat abundance of invertebrates swept up in the Glassostigma elatinoides with pale mauve updraught caused by the change in weath- flowers. Small Knotweed Polygonum ple-

er. However, this is the last season before beium and Spreading Sneezeweed they return to Eastern Siberia, maintaining Centipeda minima try to cover the avail- an eternal Summer (to the envy of the able space. There is still an occasional great Australian beachcomber). Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwiekii to Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sancta see before they migrate to Japan during having completed their breeding cycle are the next season. The Frogs are generally often observed relaxing on their favourite quiet and will need a good soaking rain to perches before their northern trek. re-activate them again. The Peron's Tree However, some Rufous Fantails Rhipidura Frog Litoria peroni, have stopped calling rufifrons still have young in a nest in a altogether. damp gully and will need to work hard to The rains that have fallen have begun be ready for the northward migration to the greening of the grassy valley slopes New Guinea, 10,000 km away. The Pied where the bright-red, bell flowers of Currawongs Strepera graculina have Cranberry Heath Astroloma humifusum returned from their secretive mountain bloom, and the white orchid Parson's breeding places used over the True Spring Bands Eriochilus cueullatus join the and High Summer. They tour in huge Autumn Bird-orchid Chiloglottis reflexa assemblies, along the river valley with and the Autumn Greenhood Pteroslylis their whistling, ringing range of calls revolutu to mark the change of season. announcing their Timelonic* triumphant Occasional flowering of Twining Rush- return to the lowlands. After this, they lily Tricoryne elatior and Golden break into smaller groups to forage or to Weather-glass Hypoxis hygrometrica harass resident birds such as the Collared occurs as more temperate conditions Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus. return. Sweet Bursaria Bursaria spinosa Gang Gang Cockatoos Callocephalon jim- and Lightwood Acacia implexa will briatum have also returned from the complete their flowering. Flocks of up to mountains and both they and the Pied thirty Eastern Rosellas Platycercus exim- Currawongs take full advantage of the ripe ius feed on the ground among the native fruit of the highly invasive pest plant and exotic grasses. Large flocks of Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, which Sulphur-crested Cockatoos Cacatua has become naturalised along the Riverine galerita feed on the corms of the well- environment. established pest plant. Onion Grass Downstream billabongs and wetlands Romulea rosea. metamorphose further; low river levels Candlebark Eucalyptus rubida has also and lack of substantial floods during this shed its bark over High Summer and now

68 The Victorian Naturalist .

Naturalist Notes

gleams white in the afternoon sun. On one after a busy Late Summer of feeding. of its boughs a Drooping Mistletoe Often a group will sit huddled along a Amyema pendulum flowers, a food plant dead branch, preening and sunning. larvae of the for the Olane Azure Butterfly In the mid afternoon heat on a dry rocky Ogyris olane ocela. Silver-leaf ridge, Sugar Ants Camponotus 'eon.iobri- Stringybark E. cephalocarpa is also in nus' are in the process of launching flower and these trees are scattered winged reproductive males and females in throughout the Middle Yarra but are a anticipation of a change in weather, need- more dominant species in the vegetation ing windy days to help their dispersal. A towards Ringwood and beyond. A few chain of frenetically busy 'worker' ants clouds have begun to drift over the skies are helping the winged 'Flying Ant' reach and are more of a feature of the Late the top of a small flat rock which will be Summer as more moisture gathers in the the launching pad. An immense amount of

atmosphere. the Sugar Ant colony's energy is put into Excitable family flocks of Australian preparing each 'Flying Ants' for the Magpies Gymnorhina tibicen sweep the launch. Huge 'Soldier' Ants strut around tree tops, their ranks swollen with the now the perimeter checking security details. aerially able, sub-adults of the last breed- The whole process takes hours and ing season. Sugar Gums E. cladocalyx, in requires such a high degree of social plan- flower, provide an important focus for ning that it must be the envy of every increasingly larger flocks of Musk Moomba procession organizer. Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna and A Common Myna Acridotheres rristis, Rainbow Lorikeets Trichoglossus haema- and other birds, will take advantage of todus. Over the past few years they have Sugar Ants swarming prior to Late swept the Yarra Valley in vast flocks, Summer rainstorms by 'anting' them- numbering over a thousand birds as was selves (that is, using the ants to de-louse either take up a observed at Petty' s Orchard in Yarra their bodies). They will colony entrance, forc- Valley Parklands last year. Swift Parrots posture over the ant its body or by Lathamus discolor also take advantage of ing the ants to climb over actively picking up ants and placing them this and other nectar feeding opportunities wing. on the mainland, after their winter migra- under its huge gathering, almost fifty birds, of tion from Tasmania. A Cuckoo-shrikes Coracina Long-leaf Box E. goniocalyx is in Black-faced having radiated out into flower along the ridge lops. Its wood was novaehollandiae, the local forests of Warrandyte and not valued by timber harvesters over the Eltham to feed during the day, are now years, therefore it is often the dominant returning to their roosting trees in the late remnant tree on the drier hilltops. Snakes points afternoon. After returning from all are often observed now that the very more in of the compass, they have congregated hot weather has passed, out for the last Box E. polyanthemos on a over winter. The two large Red feeds prior to inactivity the of commanding ridge overlooking last of the Late Summer generation Warrandyte Gorge. Imperial Whites Delias harpalyce and Mole Crickets Gryllotalpa sp. ring out Wood Whites D. aganippe feed on some just prior to a sunset miqueliu their vibrating calls the flowers of Box Mistletoe A. has a spectacular range of texture the larvae of both which also a food plant for smog-painted atmos- Brown Butterflies and colour due to the species. Common centre. The phere above Melbourne's city Heteronympha merope are plentiful and Summer weather is conducive tops await- settled Late often accumulate on the ridge smoggy pollutants Some morn- to the build up of the ing breeding opportunities. industri- produced by the daily routines ot found fluttering help- ings they may be little breeze to alised cities and, with very their wings dry lessly on the ground until they blow them to other environments, overnight dew. Dusky out from the concentrated have become . Woodswallows Artamus cyanopterus with Sugar Gliders Petaurus breviceps to migration begun to flock, as a prelude 69 Vol. 113 (2) 1996 Naturalist Notes some newly weaned young, move into the Common, I.F.B. and Waterhoose, D.F, (1981} flowering Sugar Gums as soon as night 'Butterflies of Australia', (Angus & Robertson). Costcrmans, L. (1983). 'Nalive Trees and Shrubs of falls, taking advantage of the prolific nee- South-Eastern Australia'. (Righy Publishers). tar and pollen production of this non- Coventry, A., Robertson. P. (1991). 'The Snakes of indigenous Euealypt. Unfortunately the Victoria'. (Department of Conservation and Natural Sugar Gums being well pollinated by their Resources: Victoria). many visitors have begun to spread into Davis, S. (1989). 'Man of All Seasons'. (Angus & nearby Bushlands and hybridise with local Robertson), Euealypts. Deep into the darkness of the birth, H.J. ed, (1982). 'Reader's Digest Complete starry night, haunting deep calls of the Book of Australian Birds'. (Readers Digest Powerful Owl Ninox Strenua, boom out Association: bar East t.ld), Galbraith, J. (1977). 'Wildflowcrs of Soulh-East from a heavily wooded gully, resonantly Australia'. (William Collins & Sons). filling the river valley with its mystery and Koehn. J.D. and O'Connor, W.G. (1990). 'Biological strength. Information for management of Native Fish in Victoria' (Department of Conservation and Natural * Tiinclonic a particular observation of a natural phenomenon which gives insight into the function or Resources: Victoria). -

nature of an interaction *>r association. Menkhorst. P.W. ed. (1995). 'Mammals of Victoria . (Oxford University Press: Australia).

Acknowledgements Simpson, K. and Day, N, (1989). 'Field Guide to the I would like to thank Malcom Calcler, Cecily Birds of Australia'. (Penguin Books: Australia). Palkingham, Ed Grey, Pat Grey, Alan Reid, Society lor Growing Australian Plants Maraoondah John Reid, Elizabeth Sevier, Ken Simpson, Vin Incorporated (1991). 'Flora of Melbourne'. (Hyland Pettigrove, the Middle Yarra Timelines House: Melbourne). Committee and all who have contributed to (he Williams. W.D. ( 1994). 'Australian Freshwater Life' data bank of information for the Project so far.

Bibliography Glen Jameson Andersen, A.N, (1991). 'The Ants of Southern PO Box 568, Templcslowe, Victoria .1106. Australia'. (CSIRO: Australia).

Andfrom one of our naturalists in the country

An Ibis Rookery The summer of 1995/6 was a particularly grassy year. Beautiful level crops of Rye Grass gladdened the hearts of the hay-makers, if not those of the hay-fever sufferers. Bolh common species of Ibis worked over the newly-cut paddocks in their thousands.

The country between the township of Mirboo North and the district of Mardan is hilly with smooth rolling hills and broad-floored valleys, and many of the minor creeks have been dammed for irrigation purposes. On one of these lakes the Australian White Ibis Threskiornis niolucai has established a rookery. Wc estimated about 200

birds on nests this pasl spring/summer. It is quite a spectacular sight in the peak of their season on (his private properly. On the paddocks both species of Ibis were inter- mingled, but only the Australian Whites appeared to be breeding. The nests are on the flattened tops of Ihe drowned gully vegetation. The colony has apparently been there for some years. Powerful Owls On Australia Day in January of this year we had the pleasure of watching two Powerful Owls Ninox strenua, temporary visitors 1 think, in Morwell National Park. They were roosting in thick dark Blackwoods or Pittosporums, and had been under observation for some days previously, beside the creek track. The big birds suffered walk, talk and gawk parties with patience and aplomb. Ringtail Possums are a very plentiful species in Gippsland but we are a little nervous as to the fate of our few known Greater Gliders, There was no evidence of long-time roosting, so perhaps the owls were just passing through. Ellen Lyndon 7 Steele Street, l.eongatha, Victoria 3953 70 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Nates

An Inlet Lost - An Inlet Regained (with apologies to John Milton)

Arthur Farnworth 1

Mallacoota Inlet, well-known to many net in Bottom Lake, claimed the fish

FNCV members, has been described as 'a balance was being disturbed because i.)( quiet little fishing village some 520 km the lack of migration between sea and east of Melbourne near the border of lake;

Victoria with New South Wales'. It is an -several of the jetties around the lakes estuarine system comprising two rivers were partially or totally submerged so that (Genoa and Wallagaraugh) flowing into boat owners had to climb up rather than the upper of two lakes which are connect- step down from the jetty into their boat ed by a narrow strip of water and finally (fig. 3); discharging into the Tasman Sea through a - sections of the road connecting a residen-

narrow inlet across a sand bar (Fig. 1 ). tial area with the town were flooded and During the last Ice Age (20,000 years became impassable; ago) neither lake existed and the rivers - resultant ecological changes either flowed directly to the sea. As the polar ice attracted more water birds to the area or caps melted, the sea-level rose and led the existing already-large population to drowned the Genoa River Valley. Waves congregate in specific locations around the and currents then deposited sand, creating lake (Fig. 4). dunes and forming a barrier that closed off An unexpected outcome of this was an of 'pelican the lakes from the sea, apart from a narrow almost epidemic outbreak parasitic infection associated with inlet, the position of which occasionally itch', a numbers of changes by short distances, depending on the combined effects of large low, or no, water move- sea action and river flow. water birds and which affected humans making However, late in 1994 a combination of ment, and with the water. low rainfall upstream (which slowed the contact mid-July 1995 the East Gippsland flow of the rivers) and rough seas (which In Council, the Port Authority and the deposited tons of sand) made the sand bar Shire Department of Conservation and massive (1.8 m above lake level at its Victorian Natural Resources joined forces to try and highest point) and closed the inlet (Fig. 2). earth-moving equip- Local histo- open a channel using It remained so for over a year. too much optimism time this ment, though without rians believe it is only the third difference between the water has happened. The first because the century that this only level on either side of the bar was occasion was in the 1920's when the inlet about 0.3 m. In the event a breakthrough re-opened after a few weeks by dredg- was merely a trick- horse was achieved but produced ing and carting away the sand by a hoped-for 'ruddy blush". was in 1987 le rather that and dray. The next closure once Within hours the inlet was closed several weeks, until heavy and lasted for of sand by more, thanks to the movement storms inland created a river flow suffi- the waves. to break through the bar. , ciently powerful the situation had 1994/95 By mid-October The latest prolonged closure in was quite critical and a decision lakes to rise become caused the water level in the bulldozer and to bring in a large created several prob- taken quite markedly and channel across the again try to excavate a and considerable concern because: 24 lems This was done on Tuesday, upstream flooded adjacent bar -the rivers by lunchtime a trickle of salinity October and low-lying farms and caused newly-created water was flowing across a problems; Then nature . flat area of sand. licensed to wide low, -the professional fishermen,

3 OK 1 Victoria 47 The Boulevarde, Doncaster, 1

71 Vol. 113(2)1996 Naturalist Notes

Fig. I. The normal situation - Ihc lake and sea connected by the inlet/outlet across the sand bar.

Fig. 2. An intact sand bar seals off the lake from the : intervened. Ten centimetres of rain had steady flow across the flat became increas- lallen upstream over the preceding four ingly vigorous, cutting a channel, the sides days and this created enough turbulence of which kept collapsing inward to downstream to start moving sand. The increase its width. By the following

72 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

or totally submerged by the rising water, Fig. 3. One of the many jetties around the lakes partially leaving boats high but far from dry.

- iyr ' ijgfUh 7 J^ddi^ the .n spect,c areas. ^ e'can s cS^a W iTr^clan g^T- p increasing level of the lake. days rain over the next few a inlet„im 15-20i s 70 ™cm of morning a brand new 50-metre-w.de ^^ lstayed put> ensured m lake had I existed and the level of the ^.^ ^ Matetang ^ fall of dropped considerably. A further 73 Vol. 113(2)1996 .

Book Review

'lost' for just over a year, Mallacoota's this most unusual inlet had been 'regained' One final reflection on And, as they say in the classics, truth is occurrence; the jetties, lying a few stranger than fiction. The local newspaper, centimetres below the surface of the lake, 'The Mallacoota Mouth', reported that provided a golden opportunity for anyone 'people were carrying off bags of fish with delusions of grandeur to practice semi-stunned walking on water. Rumour hath it that which they had . nicked from the shallow sea water near the edges several MPs of all political persuasions of the boiling torrent. One lucky local had were occasionally seen at Mallacoota Inlet managed to wrestle a giant Flathead to during the latter months of 1995!!! shore bare handed'.

The You Yangs Range

by Trevor Pescott

Publisher: Yaugher Print, 4 Victoria Terrace, Belmont, Victoria 3216. 112 pages, size 21x15 cm. RRP $17.95. Available from bookshops or Yaugher Print.

This well presented book will appeal - orchids, grasses, fungi and flowering to most readers interested in local nat- plants. - ural history. It is divided into 3 parts, Finally the history from Aboriginal the physical study of the You Yangs through European settlement to the range itself (along with the extremes of present time - is treated from the local climate that have fashioned it), the view-point. Pages 101-103 then deal flora and fauna and, for the historians, with species which have disappeared the human history of the area. and the factors which have influenced As you read each, the reader realises this. It is interesting to read what early that there has been much detailed field naturalists from Melbourne and research and experience gone into Geelong thought about the You Yangs developing each section. The book is when it was explored during the last essential for the quarter million visitors century. per year making day excursions to the There is a two-page reference sec- Park. tion at the end of the book and most

The You Yangs Range is unique in date from 1950 to the present. A useful

that it is a granitic residual projection, index finishes the document. over 300m above the Plio-Pleistocene Trevor Pescott has clearly made a basalt plain. Attractively-coloured pho- most interesting and valuable summary tographs throughout the book illustrate of scientific and historical information the physical aspects of the range as on the You Yangs, and anyone inter- well as the flora and fauna. This breaks ested in the area, perhaps wishing to up the text, but the photographs then explore this region within a limited encourage the reader to search the text time, or wishing to do a local study is for more detail on a particular topic. well advised to buy a copy. It is also a Bird observers are well catered for must for field naturalists and day visi- as well as those who are keen on the tors to the area and good value at the botany of the area. In a book of this RRP of $17.95. size it is impossible to specialise in every topic, but the essentials are there Noel Schleiger

35/20 Were Street, Montmorency, , Victoria 3094

74 The Victorian Naturalist How to be a Naturalist

The Field Notebook Recording your Observations

Alan J. Reid 1

When you are out in the field, whether casually observing or undertaking a systematic

survey, an organised field notebook or standardised recording pad is a must. It is obviously so much easier for transferring your data to your permanent files, if the layout of the notebook or pad reflects the nature of your file recording at home.

A simple lay-out Up until 1995, I found that the simplest organisation for a notebook page was a two column format. In the smaller column I placed background details like date, time, place and weather; in the larger, I would record details of the event and include sketches if needed. To more easily find a reference to a species whilst browsing through the book, 1 would either underline the species name or place it in the first column. - In the field it was easier to use a simple kind of personal shorthand omitting preposi- tions, articles or conjunctions; using initials and abbreviations for the names of well-known animals and plants; including symbols for weather conditions. Below is an example :- Date, Place, etc Event lake - incubating 13/11 /94 Kildun 03 .0,090 BFCS nest 1 0m dead swamp gum N of f2w0 cloudy 20 10am AJR TA

Glenburn, on the 13th of Translated this meant:- At the Kildun property at November 1994 at 10am, the weather was cloudy with a force 2 westerly wind. The temperature was 20 degrees. of a At grid reference point 03.0,090, we found the nest Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, ten metres up in a dead was on swamp gum on the north side of the lake. A bird the nest. The observers were Alan Reid and Tim Anderson

M nin8 1 demonstrate connections between organisms The m ost uTeMreLds are those that between these two record- anlbetween organisms and events. Consider the differences înteat eesc b sitting <435pm.Ydl ^0^=:^^ 9f ; I on a stnmp While I was watching it P^^ÊSe fiewdowjtothegrounda^pecked ^J^SSSii * htter at something .n the , ^ mQal^î second observation! action recorded in the Note the meaningful follow-up R If^^cKSournal *^Â^2S5 doub,e or * entnes t0

^z=^^^r^events like those are cope with complex we at the Gould League ^^.f^.^Project is ope atmg,^ the Timelines Austraha for Now that a stancar ^^ their observations in encouraging naturalists to record

Victoria 3717 1 RMB 6297, Bums Road, Glenburn, 75 Vol. 113 (2) 1996 Naturalist Notes

computer entry into and extraction from local and national databases of seasonal informa- locality, veg- tion. This reporting requires the use of codes to categorise such information as etation, weather, behaviour and numbers in addition to the event description. The cuckoo-shrike observation above would now read as follows in my database file: Date Locality Veg. Weather Action Species Count Event Time Lat/Long Code Code Code Code Described

131194 Glenburn B03 D 16.00 BFCS 1AM BFCS nest in dead 10 am 37°.2.V, F01 Swamp 1AF Swamp Gum on N 145°.27' Gum side of lake 10m high

= In this example B03 = low, open forest, F01 = lake, D = Overcast, light breeze, 16 incubating, BFCS = Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, 1AM = one adult male and 1FM = one adult female. Details of the codes can be found in the Gould League's new nature diary, 'Banksias & Bilbies'. Copies of the standardised recording sheets for the Timelines Project can also be obtained from the League. But, of course, the basic ingredient is that first observation. If the recording in your field notebook can be tailored to fit into this scheme, opportunities for combining and sharing our knowledge of Australian natural history will be vastly increased.

Anointment of a Naturalist

It is said that one can't ride a bike until 30 m and spotlights the point where (A) one takes a fall, an actor doesn't become has his/her beam of light, and (A) then an actor until one breaks a leg, a racing moves a further 25-30 m. This leap-frog car driver doesn't earn his stripes until he action is repeated until you reach your has had a bingle, so there may be some- subject. This time when we arrived at the

thing in why this article is headed as it is, locality, nothing could be found. We were

I leave it for the reader to decide. confident we were within metres of where Whilst surveying with staff of the eye shine was first sighted and cast Melbourne Parks and Waterways (Craig around with the light for 2-3 minutes Lupton) in the Stonyford Creek area at before we were rewarded with a large Silvan on the night of 15.11.95, dull eye bundle of light grey, soft fur reclining in shine in the mid storey was observed at a the fork of a sapling some 5 m above distance of approximately 150 m. ground. We had found the source of the Identification with the aid of binoculars eye shine - a Koala, who was now fast could not be made due to the density of asleep. So after all this trivia, we have foliage. As each encountered animal was reached the reason why this article is being documented, it was necessary to titled as it is. obtain correct identification. One of the Looking skywards soft rain began to fall, difficulties in pushing into the scrub for the precipitation, at first very light, fell on such a distance towards the animal is that my shoulders and down the front of my you lose your bearing somewhat, espe- jacket - immediately one became aware of cially when the undergrowth is so dense. a distinct eucalyptus fragrance and as the Also unless there is some outstanding fea- precipitation fell on my face astigmatism ture to hone into, it is very difficult to immediately took place. The culprit was recognise the tree you think the animal found to be a Greater Glider. was in. If his happening can be considered as an To overcome these problems, the induction into the realm of the Naturalist, method used in this instance was for the it was indeed, a not too unpleasant expe- light to be held on the animal, or where it rience. was last seen by person (A). Another per- Bob Taylor son (B) then moves into the scrub for 25- 22, Coven Avenue. Bayswater North, Victoria 3153

76 The Victorian Naturalist Software Review

The Bird-Book Book

by Ken Simpson

Publisher: Natural Learning Pry Ltd, 1995. CD-ROM RRP $99.00 Requires a multimedia personal computer with a minimum requirement of !6mhz CPU, SVGA graphics, 30 mb hard disk, 8 bit soundcard, CD-ROM drive with 150 k+ bps transfer. A 486 cpu or better with 8 mb RAM and Windows 3.11 is recommended.

The Bird-Book Book is not a book at sequentially through them, or click on a all, rather it is a CD-ROM-based bibliog- letter to move to the first author whose raphy of over 4600 bird books, reports and name starts with that letter. For each letter monographs from Australia and the there is also an index of the first three southern Pacific covering the period letters of the author's name and you can 1800-1992/3. It does not cover the quickly jump to any of these. There is also general periodical literature i.e. scientific a simple search function that allows you to journals like The Victorian Naturalist. query the database by author, title, year, The package comes with seven pages of region, category and topic. While eventu- notes covering hardware requirements, the ally becoming used to it, I did find the installation process (which is very search definition process to be somewhat simple), as well as a brief overview of the cumbersome and limiting in that you program and some key functions such as cannot query all of the fields (e.g. you contents searching the database. cannot select a keyword from the can only conduct 'and' Upon starting the program you face a field) and, you screaming Barn Owl and some program searches e.g. you cannot retrieve articles Jones or Smith. options, the main one being Contents. On by author Another aspect that confused me is that selecting it you are presented with a two databases covering Main and screen which mimics a book with sections there are publications. A search of one such as Foreword, Preface, Acknowledge- Undated did not necessarily find listings ments, Books & Publications and Tutorial. database Perhaps they could be The main function and purpose of the in the other. combined. program is within the Books & multimedia programs, Here there are four With many Publications section. want finding your way to the section you options, the key ones being the related can be likened to navigating a maze, a Bird Publications and Browser. Selecting feature in this program is that you presents you with a well good Bird Publications chart can click on a '?' icon to give you a screen showing details of the first laid-out clicking on the of all the key functions and publication with sections for author, title, item takes you straight there. contents and description desired year published, very compre- region The bibliography itself is (physical) and on a separate page, in mind that the periodi- Zealand, Hawaii), hensive (bearing (e.g. Australia, New Overall, 1 literature is not covered). checklist, field guide, cal category (e.g. easy-to-use and 1 the program to be topic (e.g. biology, found report, poetry) and and to any- can recommend it to libraries genetics, taxonomy). The conservation, search the literature on as one with a need to presents the same information Browser and Pacific birds. except that Australian the Bird Publication function, paragraphs rather than it is arranged as Browser the better fixed fields. I found Simon Bennett the data. 123 Brown Street, way to peruse . DCNR alphabeti- 3084 The publications are arranged Heidelberg, Victoria can move cally by author, and you 77 Vol. 113 (2) 1996 Book Reviews

Wilsons Promontory Marine & National Park Victoria

by Geoff Wescott

Publisher: University ofNew South Wales Press, 1995. RRP $24.95.

Geoff Wescott's enthusiasm for Wilsons Promontory flora, yet true sedges (Carex idea Promontory spills from the pages of this species) are not mentioned at all. The new book from UNSW Press. There is a that Gahnia could be 'like grasses at first wealth of information about the Park to glance' is rather interesting. I'll be more keep any reader thoroughly engrossed for careful mowing the lawn next weekend. of hours: history, geology, vegetation, flora An odd omission from the descriptions Gull, surely and fauna, coasts, camping, walking - in common seabirds is the Silver the seabirds; it is fact, just about everything you can see or the most common of 122. do in the Park. The section on human mentioned only in passing on page impact, (which includes Aboriginal histo- Walks are well described, with one track ry and post-European history) and the important exception. The cut-out Millers marine life are especially welcome, as this from Five Mile Road (not sort of information about the Park is not Landing) to Chinaman Long Beach is not readily available elsewhere. While the one for inexperienced walkers, as it is passes content is clearly oriented to the local faint and often unmarked and visitor, interstate and overseas visitors are through Chinaman Swamp, which can be well provided for with special information chest-deep in spring: a far cry from 'the relevant to them. The pages are full of track can be damp after heavy rain'! A superb colour photographs that will make notable omission is the fact that, during even the seasoned Prom visitor itch to get peak holiday periods, Mt Oberon Road is there. usually closed to day-trippers, and a free Unfortunately, the positive aspects of shuttle bus runs between Tidal River and the book are marred by a number of Telegraph Saddle. mistakes and surprising omissions. I also To top things off, the errors continue found the layout very crammed and into the index, including carrying over confusing, but perhaps others may not find spelling errors from the text, such as Poa this a problem. poainformis and Tetrahena lunea; and The main map has numerous errors (for misordering entries. The matter in tables is

example, it does not show the track not indexed, and often these contain the between Roaring Meg and South Point, only references to some items, such as

and it shows a continuous beach between various rare plants and animals. There is Millers Landing and Chinaman Long also no cross-indexing. Beach where only mangrove swamps and But perhaps all this can be set aside for tidal mudflats exist). the majority of readers. The book is still Spelling mistakes and typographical very much an essential addition to the errors, especially with scientific names of library for anyone planning a trip to the plants and animals detract from the impact Prom, or for anyone who simply wants to of the book. There are also mistakes in know more about the Park, its history,

some figure captions. what it protects, and what it offers visitors. While the major plant and animal Buy this book, but put away your dictio- species are well described, there is no nary, buy a good map, and rely on addi- mention of liverworts (at least 50 species), tional advice from the National Parks lichens (other than those on coastal rocks) Service. or fungi (probably hundreds of species). David Meagher Sedges are an important part of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 123 Brown Street. Heidelberg, Victoria 3084.

78 The Victorian Naturalist Periodicals in the FNCV Library

Journals FNC Journals Australian Journal of Botany Basin Junior FNC Newsletter Australian Journal of Zoology Geelong Naturalist Australian Plants Junior Naturalist (Hawthorn Junior FNC) Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural North Queensland Naturalist History Queensland Naturalist Fieldiana - Botany South Australian Naturalist Fieldiana - Geology Western Australian Naturalist Fieldiana - Zoology International Union for the Conservation of Newsletters Nature Bulletin Australian Mycological Newsletter Journal of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens Australian Shell News Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia Conservation News Kew Bulletin Environment Victoria Memoirs of the Museum of Victoria Helmeted Honeyeater Newsletter Memoirs of the Queensland Museum Heritage Newsletter Molluscan Research History of Australian Science News Muelleria Indigenotes Occasional Papers of the Museum of Victoria In the Spotlight (Frog news) Pacific Conservation Biology Marine Newsletter Pacific Science Regent Honeyeater Newsletter Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of SGAP Newsletter Tasmania University of Queensland, Department of Proceedings of the Linnaean Society of New Geology - Papers South Wales VPNA Newsletter Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand Whirrakee Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria Magazines Publications in Zoology (University of Australian Geographic California) Country-side Records of the Auckland Institute and Museum Habitat Records of the Australian Museum Nature Australia Records of the Canterbury Museum Outdoors (DCNR) Records of the Queen Victoria Museum, Parkwatch Planet Launceston People and the and Natural Resources Records of the South Australian Museum Trees Society Review (WA) The Australian Birdwatcher Tree The Emu Wingspan Wildlife Australia The Tattler (Australasian Wader Studies Group) Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia Wildlife Research

From the Editors Interesting Articles

articles of interest appreciate a brief description on We feel that our members would

2SSSS3 - Sl^SES SSI piease^ie a fe. iiues p0 B ",ckbun Vic""ia3B0 ™&£X%«<- »«™« L«ked Bae ' '' our readers. Vidian for ihe =dif,c,,io„ of These would be published in THe A—, .

The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria

Established 18X0

In which is incorporated the Microscopical Society of Victoria OBJECTIVES: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian flora and fauna.

Membership is open to any person interested in natural history and includes beginners as well as experienced naturalists.

Victoria 3130. Phone/Fax (03)9877 9860 Registered Office: FNCV, I Gardenia Street. Blackburn,

Patron His Excellency, The Honourable Richard E. McGarvie, The Governor of Victoria

1 Caulfield. .3162. Hon. Secretary: Mr GEOFFREY PATKRSON, 1 Olive Street, South AH (03)9571 64.36. Hon Treasurer: Mr ARNIS DZEDINS. PO Box 1000, Blind Bight, 3980. (059)987 996. Subscription-Secretary: FNCV. Locked Bag .3. PO Blackburn. 3130. (03)9877 9860. Editors, The Vic. Nat.: ED and PAT GREY, 8 Woona Court, Yallambie, 3085. (03)9435 9019. Librarian: Mrs SHEILA HOUGHTON, FNCV. Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn. 3130. AH (054)28 4097. Excursion Sec-man: DOROTHY MAHLF.R. AH (03)9435 8408. Sales Officer [The Victorian Naturalist): Mr D.F. MclNNES, 129 Waverley Road, East Malvern, 3145.(03)9571 2427. Book Sales: Dr ALAN PARKIN, FNCV. Locked Bag 3. PO Blackburn, .3130. AH (03)9850 2617. Publicity: Miss MARGARFT POTTER, 1/249 Highficld Road. Burwood, .3125. (03)9889 2779.

Programme Secretary/Newsletter Editor: Dr NOFL SCHLEIGER, 1 Astley Street, Montmorency. 5094.(03)9435 8408.

Group Secretaries Botany. Mr JOHN EICHLER, 18 Bayview Crescent, Black Rock, 3143. (03)9598 9492. Geology: Mr DOUG HARPER, 3.3 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert, 3127. (03)9890 0913. Fauna Survey: Ms FELICITY GARDF, 18 College Parade. Kew. 3101. (03)9818 4684.

Microscopical: Mr RAY POWFR, 36 Schollers Road, Mernda. 3754. (03)97 1 7 35 1 1

The Victorian Naturalist All material for publication to The Editors, FNCV. Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn. Victoria 3130

SUBSCRIPTION RATES for 1996

(Subscriptions are due on I January.) First Member Metropolitan $40 Concessional (pensioner/sludent/unemployed) $30 Country (more than 50km from GPO) $30 Junior (under 18) $15 Additional Members Adult $15 Junior $5 Institutional Australian Institutions $55 Overseas Institutions AUD $65 Schools/Clubs $35

Printed by Brown Prior Anderson. 5 F.vans Street Burwood, Victoria 3125 7®. The 8

i c t o r i shfiSE Naturalist Volume 113(3) 1996 June

"'/JiffiSfVlCTORlA

Published by The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria since 1884 Errata the Volume 113 (1) 1996, 4-9. Negative Effects of Fuel-reduction Burning on temporalis. Habitat "I the Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus

should read Page 6, column I, line 4 and following greater on the unburn! side than on the the number of ( rolden Wattle* was 23 times

Wattles than I tall burnt side of the road and the number of mature Golden more m was 42 times greater, Other wattle species showed similar patterns. The total number Wattle A. acinacea, of four wattle species (Bent-leaf Wattle A. flexifotia, Gold-dusl Varnish Wattle A. verniciflua and Spreading Wattle A. genistifolia) was 9.4 limes greater on the unburn! side than on the burn! side, while the total number of these limes greater on the unburn! side (Table wattle species more than I m high was 167

I ). More

- Ratio Page 7. Table I, final column heading should be Unburn! / Burnt Page 7, column I, lines 4 and 7 et al. Should be in italics saplings Page 7, column I. para 2, lines 6 and 7 should read ... there were fewer and scaber Page 8, column I. para I. lines 12 mill 13 Danthonia, Stlpa Elymus should be in italics resulted in patches of Page 8, column I. paid 2. line 9 should read or which unburn! and burnt clumps of underslorey vegetation

The Editors and Printers apologise for these errors and suggest that readers mark the changes in their copy of the journal.

Wilsons Promontory Expedition Friday 26 July - Monday 29 July

In celebrate the 100th anniversary of the death of Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, an expedition has been organised to revisit siles and document the fungi and bryophyles (mosses and liverworts) where Mueller collected in the 1850s. Leaders will be Bruce I'uhrer, Tom May, David Meagher and Arthur Thies and a variety of collecting walks and learning workshops will be included.

Accomodation is at the lodge at Tidal River or by making your own arrangements. Contact Noel Schleiger (9435 8408) for bookings.

An Amazing and Lively Week-end is Assured.

Quark Xpress for PCs

Do you know how to use Quark Xpress for IBM or compatible computers? Ed and Pat would like to hear from you. In the near future we will need to prepare The Victorian Naturalist on Quark Xpress for our printer and we need help. Please ring us on 94359019 The Victorian Naturalist

F.NCV.

Volume 113(3) 1996 June

Editors: Ed and Pat Grey

Research Reports The Bryophyte Flora of Wilsons Promontory, by David Meagher 84

Founder Effects in Some Victorian Wild Rabbit Populations,

by Rosamond Shepherd and J. W. Edmonds 98

Observations After a Fire in a Degraded Grassland, by John Stewart 102

Contributions Back to the Heart of the Mallee, by R.J. Fletcher 107

How to be a Marine Invertebrates, by Clarrie Handreck 115 Field Naturalist

Naturalist Notes Lightning, by G.L. Howie 117

Middle Yarra Timelines, by G. Jameson, 22 Naturalist in Residence '

Book Reviews The Mosses and Liverworts of Rainforest in Tasmania and south-Eastern Australia, by S.J. Jarman and B.A. Fuhrer, reviewer Arthur Thies

A Field Guide to Australian Butterflies, 120 by Robert Fisher, reviewer Kelvyn Dunn

ISSN 0042-5184 -——— Beach, Wilsons tea-tree near Chmaman Long Cover: Funaria hygrometrica under burnt Promontory, photo D. Meagher Research Reports

The Bryophyte Flora of Wilsons Promontory

David Meagher 1

Abstract Wilsons Promontory was one of the founding regions for biyologicaJ studies in southern Australia. Mosses and liverworts were first collected there by Ferdinand Mueller in 1853, and a succession of collectors have added to the long lisl of species found Ihere. This paper reviews the history of bryophyte collections front Wilsons Promontory and presents the results of lite author's reeent systematic survey of hryophytes on the Promontory. The survey confirmed the presence of 122 moss species and al least 55 liverwort species. Thirty-four mosses and 28 liverworts were recorded for the first lime from the Promontory, and another six mosses and seven liverworts were recorded for the first lime since the IK.SOs. Eighteen mosses and al least nine liverworts previously recorded were not found in the 1994-95 survey. (The Victorian Naturalist 113 (3) 19%. X4-%)

Introduction pics from Scalers Cove in the winter of In the 1850s the knowledge of 1S57, for an exhibition. Most of Mueller's Victoria's native flora, and especially that bryophyte specimens lodged in the of hryophytes, was in its infancy, despite National Herbarium, Melbourne, are the extensive explorations of the region labelled 'Sealers Cove', the exceptions that had taken place in ihe preceding 50 Often being labelled merely 'Wilsons years. The lew collections thai had been Promontory'; the precise locations of his made had invariably found their way to bryophyte collections are thus unknown,

European herbaria, particularly the Kew although he is known to have collected Gardens in London. But in IK52 a young vascular plants from around Sealers Cove. German botanist came to the Victorian Ml Hunter and Darby River. His collec- goldfields from Adelaide lo start a phar- tions from these trips included what were maceutical business, fortuitously at a lime probably the first significant collections of

when Governor LaTrobe was searching hryophytes in Victoria - collections that for a competent botanist to undertake the have remained the principal source of first great survey of the Victorian flora information about Wilsons Promontory's (Willis I960). bryophyte flora for over 140 years. Ferdinand Mueller, a cloclor of philoso- History of collections phy from Kiel University, was already Mueller's collections in the 1850s num- well known in Europe through his writings bered 45 moss and 19 liverwort species, on the South Australian flora and through including perhaps some collected by his donations lo various European Walter (Gottsche 1880, Mueller 1882). herbaria. Thus Sir William Hooker, who After Mueller, more than 70 years were to had been impressed by young Mueller's pass before the next known collection of competence, did not hesitate to recom- mosses from the Promontory was made in mend his appointment as Colonial 1925, when J.R. Leslie (Leslie 1925) visit- Botanist to LaTrobe (Willis i960). ed the area and collected at least 30 Mueller commenced his duties enthusiasti- species. Garnet (1971) suggested that cally in 1853 by almost Immediately head- there might have been a collection from ing lo the Victorian Alps on the first of the lighthouse area in 1874, but there are many botanical expeditions around the no herbaria collections from that time or stale. From Ihe Alps he headed south to location. In 1951 Jim Willis collected 45 Port Albert and from there by ship lo species and further collections were made Wilsons Promontory, where he stayed al by Coralie Skewes in 1953, Mary Gillham Sealers Cove (then the centre of a thriving (on Sandy Island) in 1959 and Sophie timber industry) during May 1853. collect Duckerin 1960. ing and describing Ihe flora of the wet These collections were the basis of the forests in that area. lists of 85 mosses and 23 liverworts in Mueller must have found the area Ros Garnet's 'The Wildflowers of particularly interesting, as he returned in Wilson's Promontory', published in 1971. August 1854 and also ordered his assis- The lists prepared by Jim Willis, then tant, John Waller, lo procure wood sam- Assistant Government Botanist, were the is n.mnoi u,i,ni, Surrey hhk. Victoria Mil result of considerable herbarium research 84 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

and personal field work, and represented Rosser (1976), Calcheside (1980), Vitt much more than a mere list of species; (1980), Ando (1982), Scott (1985). they summarised the only knowledge Lewinsky (1989), Touw and Falter van available of Promontory bryophytes from den Haak (1989), Whitehouse and nearly 1 20 years of collections, commenc- Crundwell (1991), Beever et al. (1992) ing with Mueller in 1853-54. and Frahm (1994). Another 1 1 mosses and 4 liverworts As well as field surveys, collections in were recorded by various researchers in the three major Victorian cryptogamic the following 20 years: T.M. Howard and herbaria (at the National Herbarium o\' G.S. Hope in 1970 in their study of Victoria MEL, University of Melbourne Nothofagus forest (Howard and Hope MELU and Monash University MUCV) 1970); David Ashton and Rohan Webb in were searched for specimens from 1976 in their study of granite outcrops Wilsons Promontory. (Ashton and Webb 1976); George Scott in The islands of the Nalional Park were 1982 at Lilly Pilly Gully (MUCV not surveyed, largely because of the diffi- records); Chris Cargill (Pike) and Bruce culty of access. They remain a potential Fuhrer in 1982 in the northern section source of interesting finds for those will- (MUCV records); Arthur Thies in 1982 ing to make the effort. during an FNCV field trip (Thies 1982), Collections were made under National and subsequently (Thies all references), Parks Service permits 934/118 and and Evan Chesterfield et al. in 1990-92 on 945/121, and specimens representing new the Yanakie Isthmus (Chesterfield et al. records for the area have been lodged with 1995). the National Herbarium, Melbourne. also been made on the Collections have Taxonomy nearby islands, notablv bv Mary Gillham Nomenclature follows Streimann and in 1959 (Gillham 1961), J.S. Turner, Cumow (1989) for mosses and Scott and S.G.M. Carr and E.C.F. Bird in 1962 Bradshaw (1986) for liverworts, with the al. 1962) and G.S. Hope and (Turner et following exceptions: Thomson in 1971 (Hope and G.K. Lethocolea squamata is now Lethocolea Thomson 1971, these records are included pansa ( Symposia Biologica Hungarica

1 and 2 for completeness). in Appendices 35, 211) and princeps is now Tortula antare- The 1994-95 survey Tortula Laboratory 65. Methodology tica (Journal of the Hattori 81-144). In early 1994 a systematic survey of Because Scott and Stone (1976) is still bryophytes on Wilsons Promontory com- reference for identifying mosses menced. By December 1995, 74 sites had the major southern Australia, the following been surveyed, covering a complete sam- in changes to nomenclature since its publica- ple of habitats present on Wilsons 1 Authorities are tion are given in Table . Promontory (Fig. 1). Sites were chosen to given by Streimann and Cumow (1989). provide representative samples of broad Specimens that could not be determined habitats (open forest, closed forest, fern (usually because there was sand dune, sea- to species level gully, granite outcrop, to fertile material) were identified and to ensure that no shore meadow, swamp), taxo- genus level only. Groups in which microhabitats within those broad habitat nomic difficulty arose were treated as fol- types were sampled. Each site was limited square lows:- to an area no greater than 100 Bryum species. The genus Bryum pre- metres, and within that area all available considerable difficulties for most For practical sents microhabitats were surveyed. characters bryologists, the distinguishing located close to purposes, most sites were and size generally being the colour, shape several were tracks and roads, although attached to rhi- of microscopic 'tubers* collections were made off-track. Incidental identities of a num- zoids in the soil. The survey sites: of two species not recorded at collected during ber of Brxwn specimens cymbifolioides and Funaria Sphagnum need further investigation; sev- were based on the survey salsicola. Identifications species probably occur on and eral more descriptions and keys in Scott, Stone 85 Vol. 113 (3) 1996 Research Reports

Table 1. Nomenclature changes since Scott and Stone (1976).

Name in Scott and Stone ( 1976) Name in Streimann and Curnow (1989) Barbula auslralasiae Trkhoslomopsis auslralasiae Barbula Torquata Didymodon torquatus ( ampylopus pallidas Campylopus pyriformis Catagonium politum Catagonium nitens subsp. nitens Dicranalama billarderii var. robustum Dicranoloma robustum Eurhynehium muriculatum Rhyncliostegiella mum ulaiuni Funaria gracilis Entosthodon subnudus var. gracilis Funaria microstoma Funaria salsicola Grimmia apocarpa Schistidium apocarpuin Macromitrium tenue Macrocoma lenue subsp. tenue Macromitrium wcymouthii Macromitrium microstoimtm Rhizogonium mnioidcs Pyrrliobryum mnioides 3 Rhizogonium parramallensc I yrrhobrynm parramattense Scmatophxllum aniocnum Rhapidorrhynchium amoenum Toriclla culycina Barbula calxcina

Wilsons Promontory. The spelling of it, appear to be this variety seem always to Brxum hillardierei follows Jarmun and be H. cupressifonne var. mossmanianum. Fuhrer(1995). I have assumed that this is also the case Campylopus australis. A specimen for their record. collected from the slopes of Mt Bishop Macrocoma tenue subsp. tenue. has remarkable similarities to herbaria Streimann and Curnow (1989) follow Vitt specimens of C. umhellatus. a tropical (1980) in transferring Macromitrium Queensland species, but Dr Jan-Peter tenue to the new genus Macrocoma, and I Frahm (1994), an expert in Campylopus, accept this view reluctantly. The erection has identified the specimen as C. Australis oi' a new genus largely on the basis of the (pcrs. coiiitn.). He advised that the species straighlness of the leaves seems rather ten- might intergrade, or one might have uous and unnecessary. evolved from the other. Results Drepanocladus aduncus 8.1, This The survey recorded 119 mosses, species was found in a freshwater sea- including 34 new records for the shore meadow on Corner Inlet. There Promontory. This brings the total number appear to be some differences between the of moss species recorded for specimen and the type material of the Promontory to 139. about of the Hypnum aduncum Hedw. (= D. aduncus). 30% known Victorian moss flora (Appendix 1). The genus is soon to be revised, and this Six of these were found for the first time specimen is likely to be placed under a new name. since Mueller collected them in the 1850s,

but 1 8 that were recorded previously were Fissidens australiensis. A Fissidens not found. specimen from a site on Ml Margaret Forty-five liverworts were recorded, Track has been identified as /•'. austndicn- including 28 new records for the sis. Earlier collections of this species are certain Promontory, bringing the total number of to have been attributed to F. tenel- species recorded to 70, about lits, since the two species are outwardly 30% of the known similar (Stone 1990). Victorian liverwort flora (Appendix 2). Hypnum cupressiforme. This species Several records from previous collections presents particular difficulties because of the were reviewed during the study, enormous variation in its morphology. and the following conclusions were drawn: Ando (1982) has gone a long way to resolving - The unconfirmed record the confusion by describing the of an varieties Andreaea species (probably found in our region. Howard and from Mt Oberon summit) Hope (1970) recorded Hypnum cuprcssi- listed in Garnet (1971) is forme var. doubtful: the altitude (558 metres) is filifomw from Nothofagm for- much est on Wilsons lower than other Andreaea records from Promontory. However, all Promontory Victoria, the genus being mostly specimens that, on the face of alpine or subalpine; searches of a number of likely 86 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports ' Research Reports

sites has failed to find any Andreaea ed by early collectors. They include sand- species, and the original specimen cannot country species such as Barbuia crinita be located. I have therefore chosen not to and Didymodon torquatus, forest species include it as a legitimate record for such as Bazzania involuta, Campylopus Wilsons Promontory. clavatus, Fissidens lenellus, Isopferygium - Campylium polygonum was recorded limalum, Laphoeolea muricata and for the first time in Victoria by F. Leach Pogonatum subulatum, widespread in 1972. The annotation on the original species such as Gymnostomum calcareum, specimen in MEL is: 'fen behind Corner Kurzia compacta, Triquetrella papillate Inlet, Wilsons Promontory National Park'. and Zoopsis argentea, and rocky outcrop However, the duplicate in MUCV is anno- species such as Grimmia laevigata (Fig. tated 'Yanakie Beach, Victoria ... in 2), Jamesoniella colorata and drainage channel in sand dunes', and Scott Rhacomitrium crispulum. and Stone (1976) record the location as The lack of records of now-common 'not far from Wilsons Promontory". The sand-country mosses might be due to the likely location seems to be Yanakie Beach changes in vegetation that have occurred or Red Bluff Beach, both well outside the on the Promontory in the last 50 years,

National Park. However, I have chosen to particularly on the Yanakie Isthmus. For a let the record stand for Wilsons full description and discussion of these

Promontory, as it mighl well occur in the changes, see Chesterfield el ul. (1995). marshy sands around Coiner Inlet and The typically exposed, sandy areas of the could easily be overlooked as a robust isthmus probably expanded under pressure Form of Rhyncostegium tenuifoifum. from grazing and burning, and the inva- - Mueller's record of Sematophyllum sion of banksia woodland by Coast Tea- leucocytus is uncertain for the tree Leptospermum laevigatum may have Promontory, as the original specimen in further contributed to the increase in MliL is labelled merely 'vicinity of exposed areas. Fires, particularly the

Wilson's Promontory'. However, I have severe fires in 1907 (Fwart 1909. 1910), chosen to let it stand in the list as it is a the early 1950s and (o a lesser extent in species that is likely to be present in 1961. may have permanently altered many closed forest. forested areas, and the construction of A specimen collected by David tracks, roads, firebreaks and utilities has Ashlon and provisionally identified as an created bare soil and clay banks that can Andrewsianthus species (Ash ton and be colonised by species such as Fissidens Webb 1976) is Cephahziella exiliflom. lenellus, Lunularia erueiala and The specimen is in MUCV. Pogonatum subulatum, which otherwise Mueller's record of Blasia pusilta occur mainly on bare soils around the from Sealers Cove is extremely doubtful. roots of fallen trees, on the banks of Scott and Bradshaw (1986) note that the streams, on landslips and so on. In fact. species is otherwise exclusively found in the track from Oberon Saddle to Sealers the northern hemisphere and this single Co\e. along which many of these species collection is therefore extremely improba- ble. They suggest that the species should be removed from the Australian list and I have followed that suggestion here. The specimen cannot be located.

Mueller's record of Riccardia multifida (as Aneura multifidu) is also doubtful. as this is also an otherwise northern hemisphere species. It is likely to have been Riccardia bipinnalifida. This specimen, too, cannot be located.

Discussion - "• i .r>ivM*- . A ,> ill! Many species that arc now common in Kig. 2. Grimmia laevigata on southern slopes the area and easily found were not record- of Mt Oberon.

88 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports are now common, was not constructed lehmanniana, all liverworts of Notfwftigu.s until 1 940. Bazzania involuta is very forest and thus likely to he preen! in the common, especially in closed forest, and rainforests of the eastern Promontory. its absence from early records is thorough- Frullania pentapleura occurs mainly on inexplicable. ly Lophocolea muricala is rocks in river valleys, Lepidozia ohiusila- similarly common, but its smallness and ba is likely to be found on montane rocks, superficial resemblance to Lophocolea and Pallavicinia spinosu might be found semiteres might have led to it being over- on wet open ground in higher areas. looked. Typical hryophytes of broad vegetation It is harder to explain the lack of early types records of common rocky outcrop species. From the sites surveyed it is possible to On Wilsons Promontory Grimmia laeviga- describe a set of species that are typical of ta is not as common as it is in similar habi- broad vegetation types on the Promontory. tats in other parts of Victoria, but it is still These lists should be treated only as readily found. Rhacomitrium crispulum is guides to the species most likely to be a reasonably common species on the high- found in these habitats; bryophytes rely er exposed granite outcrops, and is not for the most part on particular microhabi- likely to be confused with any other moss. tats for their survival. Vegetation descrip- On the other hand, a number of species tions are derived from CFL (1987) and that are commonly found in similar habi- personal observations. Vascular nomen- tats elsewhere in Victoria have not been clature follows Ross (1993) and the found in the present survey. They include updates of the National Herbarium. subbasilare, Grimmia Goniobryum Melbourne. apocarpa, Conostomum pusilhim. Cralo- neuropsis relaxa and Hypopterygium Granite outcrops very rotulatum. Papiltaria flavolimbata is a Devonian granite outcrops are throughout the Promontory, moderately common epiphyte in Victorian . common above about 160 metres alti- rainforests, but it too has not been found especially outcrops do not carry a typical in the current survey despite careful tude. These flora because they occur in virtu- searches in accessible typical habitat. It is vascular broad habitat types. The rocks pro- possible that fires and other more subtle ally all perhaps the only substratum where changes in local conditions (or even vide grow without competition human interference) may have brought bryophytes can they do is from vascular plants, although about its demise from these sites, but it of compete to a great degree with lichens. likely to still occur in protected areas Species marked with an asterisk (*) grow less accessible fern gullies and rainforest. only (or almost only) on rock. The other Hxpnodendron comosum is a very distinc- species require some soil, but are still typ- tive species and is unlikely to be over- of this habitat. looked or mistaken for any other species. ical No species can be said to be dominant Mueller's superb specimen is in the on granite outcrops, but perhaps National Herbarium of Victoria (MEL). It bicolor is the most common that this species still Campvlopus is quite possible water runs large, flat outcrops where rainforest on the eastern on occurs in unburn! boul- and there is some soil. On although initial off slowly side of the Promontory, species are ders the more common searches have failed to find it. Dicnemoloma pallidum, Frullania pro- Polxtrichadelphus magelkmicus, normally bosciphora. Grimmia tricophvlla. of damp clay banks, a common coloniser and Rhacomitrium on the Hedwigia integrifolia seems not to be at all common crispulum. . recorded it , Promontory. Arthur Thies has dominate shaded have Campvlopus species slopes of Ml Oberon and I from the lower granite outcrops on the on the east coast. and found it at only one site being Promontory, Campylopus bicolor liverworts were not redis- At least eight dominant on flat, exposed survey. They noticeably covered in the 1994-95 is sometimes rocks The cover on rocks Trichocolea mollisstma, Gack- where include 100 per cent, especially Schistochtla close to stroemia weindorferi and 89 Vol. 113 (3) 1996 Research Reports

Thuidium furfurosum is present. Typical bryophytcs of open forests, albeit Dicnemoloma pallidum is common on occurring in a range of microhabilats. boulders north of Tidal River, but not Acrocladium ehlamy- Pogonatum subulatum common in southern areas. Grhnmia clophyllum Polytrichum juniper- billardierei mum species occur sporadically but are not as Bryum Campylopus intra- Ptychomnion acicu- prominent as they are on and north of the flexus htre Range. Great Dividing Campylopus piri- Khaeopilum eonvolu- formis laeeum BfyophytBS found on exposed granite tops C ephalozietia exili- Kh yncostegtutti tenui- Catnpylopus tricolor Lophoeolea semiteres flora folium i lavatus Rhacomitrium crisp- Campylopus Ceratodon purpureas Sematophyllum amoe- ( ampylopws intra- uhim* Dicranoloma bil- num flexus Rhacocarpus pur lardierei Sematophyllum homo- prullaiiia prohosei- puraseens* Dicranoweisia mtcro- mallum phora* Sematoph yllum homo- earpa Symphogyna Grimmia laevigata* tutilluin lissidens oblong- paaophyila Grimmia iricaphylla* Thuidium sparsum * ifotius Tayloria octoble- Medwigia "mtegrifolia Gymnostomum cal- pharis Bryopliyles found on rocks in shade oral lower lareum Thuidium furfurosum altitudes Hvpmim cupressi- Thuidium sparsum forme Triquetrella papillata Breutelia ajfinis Pk nemoloma pallidum* * Isopterygium limatum Zoopsis argentea Bryum billardierei Hedwigia integrifolia compacts Zoopsis leltgebktna Campylopus bicotof Lophoi ulea semiteres Kurzia Lophoeolea semiteres menziesii Campylopus clavatus Sematophyllum homo- Zygodon Metzgeriafurcata Catnpylopus intra- matlum flexus Thuidium furfurosum Blackwood gives way to Sassafras Ailienispenna moschatum in higher areas Open forests and to Myrtle Beech Nothofagus eunning- Open eucalypt forest dominates the hamii in sheltered catchments and gullies. granitic central spine of the Promontory. forests the The dominant vascular species are Some of the closed of Promontory represent the southernmost Messmate Stringy bark Eucalyptus ohlicpui. extension of our warm temperate rain- Brown Stringybark E. haxteri and Yellow forests, and thus of considerable scien- Stringybark E. mucllcriaiui. On the are tific importance (Howard and Hope 1970; Promontory much of this forest type has 1987). Lilly Pilly and Myrtle Beech been altered by fires. The tall trees that CFL are codominant in sheltered sites on the once grew in these forests have been eastern side of the Promontory, forming replaced by Prickly Moses Acacia verticil- an unusual meld of warm temperate and lata. Tree Everlasting Ozotkamnus ferrug- rainforest. Myrtle Beech incus, Ha/el Pomaderris Potnadcrris cool temperate aspcra and Musk Daisy-bush Olearia was once widespread on the Promontory, last years contracted to argophylla. Areas of the once-common but in the 5000 has small, sheltered areas (Howard and Hope Smithton Peppermint E. nitida (previously fires 1907 left few Myrtle thought to have been Shining Peppermint 1970). The of Beech stands unscathed, and although /:'. willisii, D. Rankin, pers. eomm.) and most appear to have recovered, the effect Mountain Ash /:. regiums still occur in less inaccessible areas, mostly on the eastern on the bryophyte flora is unknown. is usually side of the Promontory. Isolated stands of In fern gullies the understorey dominated by Soft Tree-ferns Dicksonia Drooping She-oak Allocasuarina verticilla- In occur on drier granite ridges and slopes. antarctica, and Slender Tree-ferns Cyathea cunninghamii are not uncommon Closed forests and fern gullies in some areas. Some easily accessible fern Closed forests, which were once more gullies appear to have been degraded by widespread on the Promontory, are now the construction of tracks and the unavoid- confined to unburnt areas on the east coast able trampling and abrasion to which and to sheltered gullies and alluvial flats bryophytcs are particularly susceptible. in other areas. Lilly Pilly Acmena smithii Lilly Pilly Gully, in particular, is notice- and Blackwood Acacia melanoxylan are ably more depauperate in bryophytcs than dominant species at lower altitudes, but 90 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

the less accessible comparable areas on nant species, although Coast Tea-tree the eastern side of the Promontory. Leptospermum laevigatum is advancing across large areas that have not been Typical bryophytes of closed forests (other than burnt for a long time. fern gullies) This advancing tea-tree is particularly noticeable near Fell Atrichum ctndrogynum Lophocolea muricata Swamp. Eucalypts, particularly Bazzania involuta Lophocolea semiteres Brown Stringybark Breutelia affinis Metzgerio furcata E. baxteri, are scattered through the Campylopus Plagiochila fasci- heathy woodland. intraflexus culata Typical Cephaloziella exili- Pogonalum suhulatum bryophytes of heaths and heathy woodlands. flora Ptychomnion acicu- Chiloscyphus argutus lare Barlnda cahcina Rhacopilum convolu- Cyathophorum bulb- Pyrrhobryum Barbula crinita taceum osum mnioides Bryum hillardierei Sematoph \llnm homo- Dawsonia superba Raduta buccinifera Ceratodon purpureas mallum Dicranoloma men- Rhacopilum convolu- Didymodon torquatus Thuidium sparsum Ziesn taceum Gymnostomum cal- Tortula papillosa Fissidens asptenioides Rhizogonium dis- careum Triquetrella papillata Fissidens oblongi- tichum Kurzia compacta Zygodon menziesii folius Rhvneostegium Lophocolea semiteres Fissidens tenellus tenuifolium Hypnum cupressi- Sematophyllum Grasslands forme amoenum The southern part of the Yanakie Isthmus Isopterygium iimalum Sematophyllum homo- supports extensive grasslands, probably Kurzia compacta mallum Lepidozici ulothrix Svmphogyna formed as a result of regular burning and sp. agg. podophylla cattle grazing. The flats behind Oberon Bay

Leptostomum Thuidium furfurosum were also once used for grazing, and still inclinans Tylimanthus tenellus support a population of feral deer. Leucobrvum can- Wijkia extenuata Introduced grasses and weeds are common didum Zoopsis argentea Lophocolea bidentata Zoopsis leitgebiana in these areas: Perennial Rye-grass Loliiim perenne, Dog's Tails Cynosurus spp., Cat's-

Typical bryophytes of fern gullies. ear Hypochoeris radicata. Suckling Clover Trifolium dubittm and Ribwort PlantagO Achrophyllum denta- Leptostomum incli- tum nans lanceolata. The dominant native species is Bryurn hillardierei Leptotheca gau- Blady Grass Imperata cylindricala. Catagonium petition dichaudii Coastal cliffs support a distinctive Chiloscyphus argutus Leucobrvum can- grassland dominated by Blue Tussock- Cyathophorum bulbo- didum There are also small sum Lophocolea bidentata grass Poa poiformis. Dicranoloma men- Lophocolea muricata tussock grasslands in wind-blown areas ziesii Lophocolea semiteres such as Windy Saddle, usually dominated Distichoph vllum Metzgeria furcata by Tussock-grass Poa labillardierei. microcarpum Plagiochila fasci- Bryophytes are often abundant in grass- Fissidens taylorii culata lands, but are mostly pleurocarpous (weft- Fissidens tenellus Sematophyllum little bare soil Hvmenodon pilifer amoenum forming) because there is Hypnodendron Symphogyna for acrocarpous (tuft-forming) mosses to vitiense podophylla colonise. Grasslands support the only furfurosum Hypnum cupressi- Thuidium known introduced bryophyte on the forme Promontory, Brachythecium albicans. woodlands Heaths and heathy Typical bryophytes of the grasslands. and heathy woodlands occur on Heaths Brachythecium albi- Hypnum cupressi- to salt infertile soils, in areas exposed cans forme spray and wind, and in areas with little Bryum hillardierei Lophocolea semiteres Thuidium sparsum topsoil. On the western side of the Promontory these areas occur largely on calcareous sandy soils, while on the east- Sand dunes Promontory supports large ern side they are mainly on siliceous Wilsons Promontory. of sand-dune vegetation. On the sandy soils. In the northern areas these dunes are calcareous, Saw Banksia Banksia serrata is the domi- western side 91 Vol.ll3(3)1996 Research Reports while on the eastern side they are Sea-shore meadows siliceous. New dunes are colonised by A single freshwater sea-shore meadow Sea-wheat Grass Agropyron junceum. is known on Corner Inlet, but others are Hairy Spinifex Spinifex hirsutus and likely to occur. It consists of a grassy bog Marram Grass Ammophila arenaria; the fed by a spring at the base of the foredune. last species being an introduction to help Although regularly inundated with saltwa- stabilise shitting dunes in many coastal ter and permanently exposed to saline areas in Victoria. Older dunes arc- spray, this meadow supports several colonised by Coast Everlasting bryophyte species. OzothamtlttS turhinatus and Coast Daisy- The most abundant species in the sea-shore bush Olearia axillaris. Coast Banksia meadows. Banksia integrifolia and Drooping She- Drepanocladtts Rhacopilum eon volu- oak Allocasitarinu verticillata may aduncus s.l. taceum colonise older dunes. Hypnum cupressi- Sematoph vllitni liomo- forme mallum Typical bryophytes of the sand dunes. Thuidiumfurfurosum Barbulu cuhcina Sematophyllum homo- Ctmipxlopits mallmn Conservation status of species inlrojlcxiis Tortula antarctica Little is known of the conservation sta- Cemtadon purpureus Tortula papillosa tus of bryophytes in Australia because of Didymodon torquatus Zygodcm menziesii Lophocolea semiteres the general lack of distribution and abundance data. There is no published list of Turner el al. (1962) recorded II bryophytcs that arc threatened nationally, bryophytcs from sand dunes on Sandy but there is a list of rare species for Island in Corner Inlet: Barbulu calycina, Victoria (Stone 1989). Seven mosses and Braehylheeium salehrosum, Bryum ajfme. two liverworts known from Wilsons

Bryum pacliylheca , Campylopus Promontory are considered to be rare in introflexus, Ceratadon purpureas, Victoria (Table 2). I'unaria hygrometrka, llypmun cupressi- In addition, 25 mosses and 18 liverworts forme, Lophocolea semiteres. arc considered by the author to be locally Sematophyllum homomallum and Tortula rare because (a) they have been recorded antarctica. from only one locality on the Promontory, Swamps or (b) they have not been recorded on the Promontory within the last years (Table Swamps were once widespread on the 50 This 'locally threatened' list perhaps Promontory, but tires, early timber 3). harvesting, cattle grazing and altered reflects the paucity of data as much as the drainage patterns have reduced many, true conservation status of some of these status of such as Sealers Swamp and Chinamans species, and the local some species will no doubt change as further Swamp. Swamp Paperbark Melaleuca ericifolia, Scented Paperbark Melaleuca records are gathered. squarrosa and Woolly Tea-tree Tabic 2. Species considered to be rare in Victoria Leptospcrmum lanigerufh dominate the Mosses Fissidens humilis swamp flora. Bog Gum Eucalyptus kttso- Dieranoweisia micro- Wcxmoiithia coch- niana and Swamp Gum E ovata occur cm -pa learifolia occasionally. Sedges, rushes and reeds Distk hophyllwn micro- grow in the more permanently water- carpum Liverworts Ei •hitwdium hispidum Fossombronia alma logged swamps, such as at Darby River Eriopus apiculatus Lepidozia ohtusiloha and Five Mile Swamp. Bryophytcs are Eriopus hrownii generally absent from swamps on the Promontory, mostly occurring sporadical- Acknowledgements ly as epiphytes (e.g. Hypnum atpressi- I am indebted to Dr George Scott for encour- forine, Lophocolea semiteres). Sphagnum aging my interest in bryophytes and for teaching me most of what I know of them. George cymhifolioicles occurs sporadically in the helped with field work, identified many of the northern section of the Promontory, prin- liverwort specimens, provided important refer- cipally in or alongside small creeks ences, and confirmed a number of difficult emerging from tea-tree thickets. mosses.

92 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Table 3. Species considered to be locally rare. Mosses Schistidium apocarpa not recorded since Bartramidula pusilla recorded from one site since 1853 1853 Sematophyllum leuco- Brachylhecium sale- recorded from one site, not recorded since cytus brosum in 1962 1853 Sphagnum cristatum Brvum affine recorded from one site recorded from one site, since 1 853 in 1953 Liverworts Brvum sp. aff. alpinum recorded from one site, Anthoceros in 1995 '.'laevis recorded from one site, 1995 Brvum dichoromum recorded from one site, in Asterdla drummondii in 1995 recorded from one site, in 1982 Campvlium polvga- recorded from one site, Chaetophyllospis mum in 1972 recorded from one whiteteggei site, in 1995 Cratoneuropsis relaxa recorded from one site, Cheilolejt'unea in 1951 recorded from one ?mimosa site, in 1995 Drepanodadus adun- recorded from one site, Chiloscyphus argutus not recorded since cus s.l. in 1995 185.3 Echiiwdium hispidum recorded from one site, Diplasiolejeitnea pli- recorded from one in 1995 catiloba site, in 1994 Entosthodon subnudus recorded from one site, Fossombronia alata recorded from one var. gracilis in 1960 site, in 1982 Eriopus brownii recorded from one site. Frullania deplanata recorded from one in 1994 site, in 1995 Fissidens fmmilis recorded from one site, Frullunia pentapleura not recorded since in 1995 1853 subbasi- recorded from one site, Goniobryum Goehelohryum recorded from one lare in 1953 unguiculatum site, in 1995 recorded from one site Holomitrium Lejeunea gunniana recorded from one since 1853 perichaetiale site, in 1995 not recorded since Hxpnodendron coma- Lepidozia ohtusiloba recorded from one 1925 sum site, in 1976 recorded from one site Macromitrium archeri Lophocolea ?'minor recorded from one since 1853 site, in 1994 recorded from one site, Macromitrium micros- Lophocolea '/biciliata recorded from one in 1994 lomum site, in 1995 recorded from one site, Philonotis scahrifolia Megaceros gracilis recorded from one in 1970 site, in 1995 recorded from one site, Pohlia nutans Pallavicinia spinosa recorded from one in 1994 site, in I960 recorded from one site, Pseudoleskea imbri- Riccardia multifida not recorded since cata in 1995 1853 recorded from one site, Rhyncostegiella Riccia sp- recorded from one in 1995 muriculatum site, in 1 994 from one site, Sauloma tenella recorded in 1995 calcareunv, Dr Turner of the for confirming Gvmnostomum Thanks are also due to: Lucille Sphagnum Environmental David Ashton for his advice about Arthur Rylah Institute for David cvmbifolioides at Wilsons Promontory; Research (ARIER) for her advice, support, and Rankin (ARIER) for advice on Eucalyptus mil- help on field trips; Jane Dickins, Phil The Botany Department, University ot Wierzbowski. Annette Muir, Susie Duncan, Sue da; access to the cryptogam collec- Smith (ARIER) and Barry Melbourne, for Berwick and Jill Botany Department. Monash for their support tion- The Traill and Stephen Patterson cryptogam collec- McKenzie, Jim University, for access to the on field trips; Vin Wright. Craig her help; and especially Chris Cargill tor McDiarmid ot the National tion Whelan and Paul of Victoria tor access assistance The' National Herbarium Service for their support and Dr Parks cryptogam collection, and especially work; Dr Helen Ramsay of the to the during the field help and advice; The National John Spence Tom May for his State Herbarium of NSW and Dr permission to col- Parks Service, Victoria, for use of their unpublished keys (Canada) for the within the National Park. being prepared tor lect material to the Australian Bryaceae Dr Lars Hedenas the Flora of Australia; Bibliography Drepanodadus adun- the (Sweden) for identifying Hvpnum in Ausiralas.a and confirming Ando H (1982). (Japan) for the Ihuor, Bonmuul cus s 1 ; Hisa Ando Pacific. Journal of mossmamanum; U\ southern var. 1 06. Hvpnum ciwressiforme l /thnmtnrv 52, 93- idcnti tying (19761. The ecology ol Jan-Peter Frahm (Netherlands) for AshtnDH and Webb, R.N. Whitehouse (England) C. australis: Dr H.L.K. 93 Vol. 113 (3) 1996 Research Reports

Victorian Naturalist 42, I 16-17. granite outcrops at Wilsons Promontory. Australian Lewinsky, J. (1989). Zygodon Hook. & Tayl. in Journal of Ecology 2, 269-96, including SEM- J. (1992). Australasia: a taxonomic revision Bccvcr, J., Allison, K.W and Child, The Olago studies of peristomes, Undbergia 15, 109-39. Mosses "I New Zealand'. (University ol Norman, F.I. (1967). The interaction of plants and ani- Press: Duncdin). mals on Rabbit Island, Wilsons Promontory Catcheside, D.C.. (1980). 'Mosses of South Australia'. National Park, Victoria. Proceedings the Royal (Government Printer: Adelaide). of Victoria 193 -200. CFL (19X7). 'Wilsons Promontory National Park Society of 80, 'Fragmenta Phylographiae Management Plan'. (Department of Conservation, Mueller, F. (1882). Australiae". (Government Printer: Melbourne). Forests & Lands: Melbourne). Ross. J. II. (1993). 'A Census of the Vascular Plants of Chesterfield, B.A., Trumbull Ward, A., Hopmans. P. vegciation Victoria'. 3rd edn. (National Herbarium: and Whelan, J. (1995). Early changes in Melbourne). from a grazing trial on Yanakie Isthmus, Wilsons Australian Promontory National Park. Flora and Fauna Scott. G.A.M. (1985). 'Southern Fauna Series No Technical Report No. 139. (Department ol Liverworts'. Australian Flora and Conservation & Natural Resources: Melbourne). 1. (AGPS: Canberra). Bradshaw. J. A. (1986). Australian Cropper, S.C., Tonkinson, D.A. and Scott, G.A.M. Scott. GAM. and annotated list of binomials (1991). 'A Census of Victorian Bryophyles'. liverworts (Hepaticae): checklist of published species with bibliogra- (Department ol" Conservation & Environment: and Melbourne). phy. Hrunonia 8, 1-171. Stone. I. (1976). 'Mosses of Knlwisle, T. (ed.) (1994). 'Aquatic Cryptogams ol Scott, G.A.M. and Australia'. (Academic Press: London). Australia: a Guide to the Larger Fungi. Lichens, Southern threatened Macroalgae. Liverworts and Mosses of Australian Stone, I.G. (1989). List of rare and In 'Flora and Fauna Inland Waters' Special Publication No, 10. bryophyles (Appendix 3). (Department of (Australian Society for Limnology: Melbourne). Guarantee Procedure Manual'. Forests and Lands: Melbourne). Ewarl, A.J. (1909). Biological survey of Wilson's Conservation. (1990). Fissidetn. sections Crispidium. Promontory. First report. Tht Victorian Naturalist Stone, l.G. and Serridium and subgenus 25, 142-49. Amblyolhallia Auslralasia; some taxonomic Ewart, A.J. (1910). Biological survey of Wilson's I'achyfissidens in Promontory. Second report. The Victorian changes and a key lo species. 'Catalogue of Naturalist 26, (29-32, Streimann, H.G. and Curnow. J. (1989). Australia and its External Territories', Frith m, J -P. (1994). A new synopsis ol the Mosses of (AGPS: Campxlapus species from Australia. Journal of Australian Flora and Fauna Series No. 10. Bryology 18,311-27. Canberra), (1982). The Centenary Expedition of the darnel. J. Ros (1971). 'The Wildflowers ol Wilson's fines, A.W. Victorian Promontory National Park', (Lothian: Melbourne). l-NCV 1-8 November 1980. The also Victorian Gillham, M.F.. (1961). Plants and sea birds ol granite Naturalist 99, 78. (See The 1986, 1990). islands in south-eastern Victoria. Proceedings <•! Naturalist for years 1983, 1984. Falter van den Haak, L. (1989). the Royal Society of Victoria 74. 21-36. Touw. A and (Musci). Journal the Got ISC be (1880). 'Fragments Phylographiae Australasian Thuidaceae of

67. I -57. Australiae', Volume II supplement. (Government llaitori Botanical Laboratory E.C.F. (1962). Printer: Melbourne). Turner, J.S.. Can. S.G.M. and Bird. succession at Corner Inlet. Victoria. Hope, G,S. and Thomson, G.K. ( 197 1 ). The vegetation The dune of Cliffy Island. Victoria, Australia. Proceedings of Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 75, 17-34. the Rami Society of Victoria 84. 1 2 1 -27. Howard. T.M. and Hope, G.S. (1970). The present and Vill. D.H. (1980). The genus Macrocoma I. and taxonomy of the species. past occurrence of NothofagliS cuminghamu Oerst I vilification of names at Wilson's Promontory. Victoria. Australia The Brvoloaist S3, 405-36. A.C. ProceedingS «l the Royal Society of Victoria 83, Whitehouse, H.L.K. and Crundwcll. (1991). 199 200. Uymnoslomum caUarcum Nees & Hornseh. and the Jarman, S.J. and Fuhrer. B.A. (1995V 'Mosses and allied plains in Europe, North Africa and Middle Last. Journal of Bryology 16, 561-79. Liverworts of Rainforest in Tasmania and South Willis. J. II (I960). Botanical science in Victoria 100 eastern Australia'. (CSIRO: Melbourne). years ago. Proceedings of the Royal Society ol Leslie, J.R. (1925). Mosses of Wilson's Promontory. Victoria 75, 41-45.

Fig. 3. Dicranoloma dicarpttm. A now record Fig. 4. Funarla hygrometrica at Tin Mine for Wilsons Promontory. Cove track. 94 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Appendix 1. Mosses recorded from Wilsons Promontory National Park x = not f6und in 1994-95 n = new species record for Wilsons Promontory * = introduced letters refer to records The following derived from various sources, including searches of the the crypiogamic herbaria at the National Herbarium of Victoria (MEL), University of Melbourne (MELU ) and Monash University (MUCV). V = F Mueller 1853; L = JR Leslie 1925; W = JH Willis 1951; A = DH Ashlon 195I+; S = SC Skewes 1953; G = M Gilham 1959; D = S Ducker I960; B = JS Turner, SGM Carr & ECF Bird 1962' H = TM Howard & GS Hope 1970; Y = L Leach 1972; X = DH Ashton and RN Webb 1976; P = DC Pike and BA Fuhrer 1982; Z = GAM Scott 1982; T = AW Thies 1982+; C = Chesterfield el al. 1992; M = DA Meagher 1994-95

n Acrocladium chlamydophylhim M n Fissidens leptocladus M Achrophylhim dentation VLWSM n Fissidens oblongifolius M Atrichum androgvnum VLWTM Fissidens pallidus L.STM Barbula calycina VBXZCM Fissidens pungens DM Barbula crinita TCM Fissidens taylnrii SM Bartramidula pusilla SM Fissidens tenellus ZM n* Brachythecium albicans M Funaria hygrometrica LWSBM Brachvthecium rutabulum ZM n Funaria salsicola M x Brachvthecium salebrosum B Gigasperma repens SAM Breutelia affinis VWSGDXTM x Goniobryum subbasilare S x Bryum affine VB Grimmia laevigata XM n Brvum sp. aff. alpinum M Grimmia pulvinaia WM Bryum billardierei VLWSGDHXTCM n Grimmia tricophylla M Bryum campylothecium XM Gymnostomimi calcareum WM Bryum capillare VM Hedwigia ciliata WDXM Bryum Icrassum P Hedwigia integrifolia LWXTM n Bryum dichotomum M Holomitrium perichaetiale VM Bnum chrysoneuron VM Hymenodon pilifer VLWSM Bryum pachytheca WSBM x Hypnodendron comosum VL Calyptogon mnioides TM n Hypnodendron spininervium M Camptochaete arbuscula VWSHTM Hypnodendron vitiense VLWSHM Camptochaete gracilis SM Hypnum cupressiforme VWSBHXTM var. mossinanianimiHM x Campylium polygamum Y Hypnum cupressiforme M Hypnum cupressiforme var. lacunosum n Campxlopus australis VWS Campvlopus bicolor WSDXM Hvpopterygium rotuUitum ereciticola AM Isopterygium limatum WM Campylopus bicolor var. VWSM Campvlopus clavatus AM Lembophyllum divulsum inclinans VHM Campvlopus introflexus VLWSGBXTM Leptostomum gaudichaudii LSM Campvlopus introflexus var. muticous M Leptotheca candidum VWSHAPTM Campvlopus pvriformis VLV Ijeucobryum ^J^I concinnum VI.WM Catagonium nitens subsp. mtens VSAXM Lopidium LWSBAM Macromitrium archeri VM Ceratodon purpureas V WS Macromitrium hemitrichodes x Conostomum pusillum Macromitrium microslomum M x Cratoneuropsis relaxa J™ tenue subsp. tenue VSM Cvathophorum bulbosum Macrocoma ,,/i^™] plumula WSTM Dawsonia superba Mittenia Sv?m Orthodontium lineare TM Dicnemoloma pallidum VWAXTM Orthoirichum lasmanicum M Dicranoloma billardierei VLWSPTM VH " Papillaria flavoliinbata n Dicranoloma dicarpum H Philonotis scabrifolia Dicranoloma menziesu SM m Philonotis tenuis Dicranoloma platycaulon M X n Pleuridium nervosum Dicranoloma robustum M TM n Pogonatum subulatiim n Dicranoweisia microcarpa J™ M L Pohlia nutans Didymodon torquatus icus LTM ™J Pohtnchadelphus Magellan crispulum n Distichophvllum J™ juniperinum LWSXTM microcarpum LWiM Poiytrichum M Distichophvllum Pseudoleskea imbricala pulchellum ™ M Distichophvllum ™ Ptychomitriwn australe Ditrichum cylindricarpum M n LS Ptychomitrium mitlenii VLWSHATM Ditrichum difficile m Ptychomnion aciculare aduncus s.l. VM n Drepanodadus Pyrrhobrvum mnioides urn M n Echinodium hispid u Pyrrhobrvum parramattense subnudus var. gracilis DHXM x Entosthodon Rhacomiirium crispulum apiculatus purpurascens SDAXTM n Eriopus M Rhacocarpus LWSAGCM n Eriopus brownii M Rhacopilum convolutaceum australiensis amoenum VWXM| n Fissidens Rhapidorrhynchium VLWM Fissidens asplenioides M Rhizogonium distkhum n Fissidens hum His

Vol. 113 (3) 1996 Research Reports

Appendix I cont. n Rhizogonium novaehollandiae M Thuidium sparsum VLWSGTM n Rhyncostegiella muriailatum M n Tortella cirrhata M Rhyncostegium laxatum VLM Tortula muralis TM Rhyncostegium tenuifolium VWSM Torlula papilloma VCM n Sauloma lenella M Tortula anlarctica LBWTM x Schixtidiian upocarpum V n Trichoxtomopxis auxtralaxiae M Seniatophyllum homornalluinW.VJGBXTM Triquetrella papillata WSM n Sematophyllum jolliffli M Weixxia controversa LWSM x Sematophyllum teucocytus V n Weymouthia cochlearifolia M x Sphagnum cristatum s Wijkia exlenuata VWSM Sphagnum cymbifolioidex SDAM Zygodon intermedius VSM Tayloria octoblepharix VLSTM Zygodon menziexii WDTM Thamnobryum pumitum SM Zygodon minutus VM Tlwidium furfuroxum VLWSGXTCM

Appendix 2. Liverworts recorded from Wilsons Promontory National Park x = not Found in 1994-95 n = new species record for Wilsons Promontory The following letters refer to records derived from various sources, including searches of the the cryptogamic herbaria at the National Herbarium of Victoria (MEL), University of Melbourne (MELU) and Monash University (MUC'V). V = F Mueller 1853; V = Audas & St John 1908; W = JH Willis 1951; S = SC Skewes 1953; G = M Gillham 1959; D = S Ducker I960; H = TM Howard and GS Hope 1970; X = DH Ashton and RN Webb 1976; P = DC Pike and BA Fuhrer 1982; M = DA Meagher 1994-95

Aneura alterniloba VM Lepidozia laevifolia XM n Anthoceros '.'luevix M x Lepidozia ohtuxiloba X x Axierellu drummondii P n Lepidozia ulothrix sp. agg. M n Balantiopxix diplophylla M n Lethoeolea panxa M Bazzaniu involute WPM n Lophocolea Ihiciliata M Cephaloz.iella exiliflofa XM n Lophocolea gunniana M

ti Chaetophyliopsis whiteleggei M n Lophocolea cf. villosa M n Cheilojeunea sp. M n Lophocolea '.'minor M

ti Cheilolejeunea Tmimosa M n Lophocolea muricata M Chilo.wyphus sp. H Lophocolea semiterex VBXM ChUost yphlts argutus VM n Lunularia cruciata M ti Chiloxcyphux coulitux M Marchantia berteroana UGM Chiloxcyphux et hinellux H n Marxupidium xurculoxum M Chiloxcyphux fixxixtipux VM n Megaceros gracilis M ti Cflilostyphus tridenlalux HM n Metzgeria decipienx M Cuspidatula mtmodon VM Metzgeria furcata VM n Diplaxiolejeunea plicatiloha M X Pallavicinia xpinoxa D ti I'os.somhroiiiu intextinalix M Plugiochila fuxciculata VHM x losxomhroniu alula P Radula hiucinifera VM it FrMania tlavata M Riccardia sp. H n Iriillaniu deplanata M n Riccardia aequicellularis M h'nillttnia fulcilohu VXM ti Riccardia craxxa M x Fraflania pentapleura V n Riccardia bipinnutifida M I- rulluniu jirohoxciphoru VM x Riccardia multifida V tl I'nillunia nionoi era M Ricciu sp. M n 1 iiillunia rostrum M x Scluxtochila lehnianniana VH x (iui ksirocmiu weindorferi VHX n Siphonolejeunca nudipes M ti Cochelohryum unguiculatum M Syntphogyna podophylla VHPM llymrnophyton flabetlatum VHM n Telaranea cenlipex M n Ixoxtachix intortifoliu M Txlimunthux sp. M Jumi'sonicllu colorutu XM I'ylimanthux lenellux H Kurzia campada XM x Trichocolea mollixxiinu VH Kurzja hippurioidcx SM n Zoopxis argentea M n Lejeunea gunniana M ti Zoopsia leitgebianu M continued back from page 97 2. (Australian Government Publishing Service: References Canberra). Scon, (i.A.M.. Stone I.G. and Rosser. C. (1976). 'The Vitt, DH. and Ramsay, H.P. (1985). The mosses of Southern Australia'. (Academic Press: Mticromirium complex in Australasia. Journal of London) the Hattori Botanical Laboratory 59, 325-451. Scon. (LAM. (J985). 'Southern Australian Arthur W. Thies Liverworts'. Australian Flora and Fauna Series No. 25 Davies Street, Fast Malvern, Victoria 3145

96 The Victorian Naturalist Book Reviews

The Mosses and Liverworts of Rainforest in Tasmania and South-eastern Australia

by S. J. Jarman and B. A. Fuhrer

Publisher: CSIRO 1995. 134 pages, RRP $24.95

Those acquainted with the quality of accuracy. Two pages then quote literature s published Bruce Fuhrer' colour photogra- for further reading. Finally, there is an phy of flowering plants, ferns, fungi and index of the species depicted. seaweeds will open this booklet with great So, of what benefit can the book be to a expectations. They will not be disappoint- Victorian field naturalist, at least one with ed by his photos of 50 mosses and 70 a strong bent to botany? Apart from what liverworts, mostly of species found also has been said before, anyone who can be outside rainforest. The accompanying text lured into a closer study of the bryophytes by the co-author is of matching standard. will find the book helpful. The majority of The aim of the book, quoting from its the plants depicted can be found in Introduction, is to provide a simple intro- Victoria, though often growing in different duction to, and increase awareness of, the habitats, which affects both appearance beautiful flora of mosses and liverworts, and colour. Bryophytes lend to look quite without scientific descriptions or identifi- different when they are wet and when they cation keys. are dry, and Thuiilium furfurosum e.g. Four general chapters fill the first 24 (Fig. 50) ranges from deep green to orange pages: 'A general introduction to according to habitat. Illumination in the bryophytes' describes structure, reproduc- forest presents formidable photographic solved tion, life cycle, evolution and classifica- problems. Fuhrer has generally use of flash tion briefly and clearly without losing sci- them admirably. The obvious has entific accuracy. "The Tasmanian on Lembophyihtm (Fig 23) e.g. the characteristic branch bryophyte flora' is essentially an annotat- brought out well occasionally, as with Atrichum ed list of literature for further reading. tips, but appearance is not as I recall 'Bryophytes in Tasmanian rainforest' pre- (Fig 35), the sents a brief survey of that forest's vegeta- it. scientific names are very much up- tion, and the distribution and ecological The to-date. Unfortunately so, for until the role of its bryophytes. 'Recognising bryophyte volumes of the Flora of bryophytes' is an excellent text on this Australia come out. Scott, Stone and non-trivial topic. It is well illustrated with and Scott (1985) will black-and-white photos, and could help Rosser (1976) remain the indispensable references of the many field naturalists to tell a fern from a serious amateur. The names used in these moss from a lichen from an alga. books could well have been added. The The presentation of the various species recognises this. thallose purely scientific literature is divided into three parts: mosses, Ramsay (1985). Also, flag- liverworts. The text, e.g. Vitt and liverworts, and leafy such ging the Tasmanian endemics as with each species, comments on signifi- helpful. relevant would have been cant features, substrates and other special commendation addi- The book merits Detail is often presented in points. the liverworts for giving equal weight to close-ups. The scientific names are tional feature in the popular ver- and "mosses, a rare given throughout - there are very few With the limitations stated, it anyway. literature. nacular names to the field nat- will be a valuable addition all species recorded in An appendix lists can only hope that it botani- uralist's library. One Tasmania's rainforests by their full study a few to take up the lacunosa (Col.) will encourage cal names, e.g. Treubia perhaps they can the bryophytes, where glossary of bryological of Prosk. A useful more than in any other follows^ still contribute and some general botanical terms branch of Botany. The explanations combine clarity with cont. on page 96

97 Vol. 113(3)1996 Research Reports

Founder Effects in Some Victorian Wild Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus L. Populations

1 Rosamond C.I I. Shepherd and J. W. Edmonds' Abstract 'Iht- founding rabbits on mosi Victorian islands were domestic-types and the domestic characteristics can still be readily observed. Although Thomas Austin's releases of agouti rabbits at Barwon Park near Winelielsea were the main progenitors erf the present wild rabbit populations, founder effects from other local releases can slill he detected. Evidence for Ihis is shown by genetic differ ences still observable in today's populations. These genetic differences were introduced with the original rabbit populations. (The Victorian Naturalist 113 (3)19%, 98-101)

Introduction Island before 1900, but was apparently This study formed pari of the background wiped out by myxomatosis (J. Sparkes, research into the myxomalosis/rabhil interac- Inspector, Department of Crown Lands and tion continued over the period 1950-1985. Survey pers. comm.). Prom Rabbit Island, This research was carried out by the staff of Norman (1970) reported 3000-4000 long- the Keith Turnhull Research Institute, eared, black-blue rabbits which were the si/e Department of Crown Lands and Survey of domestic-rabbits, i.e. larger than mainland (with its various name changes), and one of rabbits, and a few grey rabbits. Rabbits on its investigations was the genetic origin of Sunday Island were multi-coloured and also the wild rabbit Oryctolagus funiculus L. large: on Saint Margaret's Island, where the populations in Victoria. rabbits could travel to and from the mainland Until aboul 1970 it was generally accepted at low tide, there were some black and some that, although island populations of rabbits orange rabbits amongst the mostly wild-type often had widely different characteristics, or agouti coloured population (D. Mitchell, there was little variation within mainland Inspector, Department of Crown Lands and populations. This was because their domi- Survey pers. comm. 1975). nant progenitors, especially in Victorian pop- A Mr. Griffith may have released two ulations, were a small number of wild-type agouti rabbits on Lady Julia Percy Island in rabbits from Barwon /'ark near Winelielsea 1848 (Fig. 1) (the late G.W. Douglas,

(Fig. I (Rolls ) 1969). These wild-type rabbits Vermin and Noxious Weeds Destruction (agouti, commonly called grey) were part of Board, pew. comm. 1980). However. Pescotl a consignment obtained from England by ( 1965) reported that wild rabbits were intro- Thomas Austin which either escaped or were duced to Lady Julia Percy Island in 1868. released in I860 (Rolls 1969). Neither of these reports has been substantiat- persistence The of characteristics of the ed. The population on Mud Island in Port original mhbi\s, founder effects, can be read Phillip Bay was thought to have been found- ily observed in island populations, but there ed by wild agouti rabbits introduced in about has been no detailed investigation in main- 1926 from the neighbouring mainland (D. land populations. In this paper we discuss Venn. Ranger, Department of Conservation some island rabbit populations and consider and Environment pers. comm. 1982). some apparent founder effects in mainland The Churchill Island population is a spe- populations and their possible origins. cial case. Following a mortality rate greater than 99% from myxomatosis in Island Copulations 1952-1953, domestic-type rabbits were released and The first recorded release of rabbits on a maintained as a feral population (Edmonds el Victorian island was by Commander Stokes al. 1981). The domestic characteristics of in II. M.S. Beagle in June 1842. Aboul 12 colour and large si/e rabbits were persisted until eradica- released on Deal Island (Fig. I). tion programs were carried out by the Later releases were made on several other Bass Department of Crown Lands and Survey dur- Strait islands (Edmonds el al. 1976). ing the 1980s. Descriptions of these island rabbits refer mainly to colour and si/e. A colony of about Mainland rabbits 20 black rabbits was founded on Doughboy The first feral rabbits in Victoria were domestic-type escapees in Melbourne in (i Idon Avenue, PrantMton, Victoria 5199. 1837 (Stead 1935). It is believed that none of • Sis Willmvik- Road, Mmi.n', Victoria 3240, these survived for more than a short time.

The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

New South Wales

Morton Plains Dartmouth * — Goroke Alexandra*^. .— • Cobungra / • Omeo / Bemm RiveS / Frankston Seasprav Portland Winchelsea # oj Churchill CsOsland Mud Island Sunday Island Lady Julia Percy Island Bass Strait

— — Approximate southern Deal Island 9 limit of b allotype (Kent Group)

collection sites. Fig. 1. Map of Victoria showing rabbit release and

Edmonds 1976). A one year study (1979) in The first established population seems to Mallee (n=357) gave an average weight have been in the coastal dunes between the mature rabbits i.e. >1 10 days Portland and Port Fairy during the 1850s of 1470 g for mature domestic rabbits are in (Woodfield 1967). These rabbits were of old, whereas, the 2000 range. unknown origin. Other recorded feral popu- g for a study of structural which pre-dated the Barwon Park Sera were collected lations, antibodies gold- differences in rabbit release, were on the central Victorian (immunoglobulins). They were tested for at Morton Plains in the Mallee (Fig. 1) fields, whose struc- Goroke immunoglobulin (Ig) allotypes and in the southern Wimmera near by co-dominant alleles (dif- spread of wild-type rab- ture is controlled (Fig. 1). The rapid immunoglobulin appar- ferent forms of a gene) of bits from Barwon Park, Winchelsea, genes. The alleles tested for were any pre-existing popula- structural overwhelmed 1 ; ently and a' on the Ig the Aa locus alleles, a , a the spread from Barwon Park tions. Some of alleles b\ V heavy chain and the Ab locus deliberate for the first 3-4 years. The was chain. All tests were by and b" on the Ig light release in that district was next deliberate gel as described of antibody antigen reactions in the myxomatosis epizootics probably after Edmonds (1977). rabbits were by Herd and the early 1950s when wild-type population for released in order to maintain a Results and Discussion pers. comm.). We accepted that historical reasons (Anon. Although it is generally other organised rabbits at have no evidence of any Austin's release of wild-type 1875. founders tor releases on the mainland after Winchelsea provided the main populations (Rolls the present mainland Data Collection that other releases have 1969) it is known in the field by Coat colour was recorded in some coastal been significant contributors and from shot samples both live observation some islands (Edmonds 1977, recorded areas and on and weight (g) were and Edmonds Rabbit size et al. 1981; Herd wide ranging Edmonds shot samples as part of a island popu a- from 1977) Differences between wild rabbit popula- founder investigation of Victorian be the result of either Shepherd and tions could tions (Shepherd 1985, 99 Vol. 113 (3) 1996 Research Reports

effects or differential selection effects on dif- domestic rabbits available in the 1850s were ferent islands. The rale of evolutionary large and mixed in colour they generally change in the Australian wild rabbit has been failed to establish in the wild (Rolls 1969). sufficient to allow differences in colour and Perhaps Mr. Griffith was a percipient selec- body conformation between temperate and tor of rabbits and had collected his two arid zone rabbits, and also in rabbits under agouti rabbits from the coastal dunes. It is. of stress of high population density pressure course, possible that there were subsequent (Myers 1966; Myers 1970); rabbits from the unacknowledged introductions of wild rab- arid zone have yellowier coats (Stodarl quot- bits from the mainland. ed in Myer 1970). and rabbits from warmer Of a sample of 60 rabbits from Mud regions have significantly longer extremities, Island, 52 were agouti, six ginger and two both ear length and loot length arc longer in black. These rabbits were within the weight sub-tropical and arid zones than in the sub- range for mainland rabbits. The Mud Island alpine and Mediterranean zones (Myer population could have been founded by the 1970). release of rabbits from the mainland if these Subtropical Subalpine founders had been selected for colours with Ear length (mm) 82.05 77.64 subsequent selection not being affected by Fool length (mm) 92.01 89.38 terrestrial predators which tend to select out the more obvious colours. Genes for colour In Victoria the most readily apparent would then persist in the population. example is selection for black colour in mon- The only evidence we have found for the tane forest fringes, where black favours pro- survival of a probable domestic gene for tection from predation. This colour was colour in the agouti rabbits of the northern selected from the genetic pool available in and western plains of Victoria, is from the wild rabbit population (Edmonds el al. Morton Plains in the Mallee, where the 1976). The possible occurrence of selection occurrence of albinism is higher than in any pressure must be allowed for in any consid- other population we have observed. eration of founder effects (Shepherd and Although a shot collection is inevitably

Edmonds impiihl. data). biased towards albinos our collection of 1 1% f The characteristics being considered, coat compares with 2.2 <£ for rabbits collected colour and size, may be under widely difler- near Donald (n=47) and 0.0004% in 6693 ent selection pressures, even if the most rabbits collected over 10 years in other severe pressure is thought lo be predation by north-western Victorian districts. There is no raptors and foxes. Founder effects for both apparent reason why selection for albinism colour and size have been recorded lor sever- should have been greater at Morton Plains al Gippsland populations including those on than elsewhere in north-western Victoria. It Churchill Island, St. Margaret's Island and is likely that its high occurrence there is a Sunday Island and the coaslal strip near these founder effect from the domestic-type feral islands (Edmonds ci Bemm River (n = 23). northern or western plains rabbits. Seaspray (n=233). Swills Creek (n=55). Moe In following up a survey of immunoglobu- (n=53), Cobungra (n=l()4) and Negoura lin allotypes (Edmonds 1977. Herd and (n=64), and from Wilson's Promontory were Edmonds 1977) we have found that the order wild-type in colour and size. of frequencies of the Ab locus alleles on All rabbits 4 from Lady Julia Percy Island Lady Julia Percy Island, b^b^b , is unique (128) were agouti but mean weight (1080 g) in Australian rabbits and the b" frequency was less than that for mainland wild rabbits. (0.40) is the highest recorded (Edmonds and Grasses and other vegetation were sparse and Shepherd in prep.). Such an apparent founder dry at the lime of collection. These rabbits effect could have occurred with a small num- were also smaller than the mainland rabbits. ber of agouti rabbits but it is most unlikely The smaller size could be either a selection that they could have been taken by chance or a founder effect. In either case the sugges- from a population resembling the present tion that the founding population was two mainland population. If the founding date, agouti rabbits could be correct. Although the which is believed locally to be 1848, is cor-

100 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

rect, it is then also unlikely that the island cessing the rabbit samples. This work was part- population was supplemented with ly any sig- funded by the International Wool Secretariat. nificant number of wild rabbits from the References mainland afterAe Winchelsea rabbits. These Edmonds, J.W.E. (1977). Studies on the have a high b allele frequency, and estab- occurrence of Immunoglobulin Allotypes of Wild Rabbits lished themselves across south-western in south-eastern Australia. M.Sc. Thesis. Monash Victoria. Only speculation on the origin of University. these rabbits is possible now. Edmonds. j.W., Backholcr. JR. and Shepherd. A population sampled between Edenhope Rosamond C.H. (1981). Biological characteristics ol a feral rabbit population of wild and Goroke could be distinguished from and domestic origin. Australian Wildlife Research 8, 589-596. other Wimmera and neighbouring South Edmonds, J.W., Nolan, I.F., Shepherd. Rosamond s Australian populations by a high b frequen- C.H., Backholer, J B. and Jackson, R. (1976). cy (0.52), the highest recorded on the main- Rabbits on Gippsland Islands. 77te Victorian Naturalist 93, 110-112. land. The next highest b 5 frequency was 0.38 Herd, Z.L. and Edmonds, J.W.E. (1977). Population in a sample collected about 40 km east of genetics for Aa and Ab immunoglobulin allotypes Edenhope (Edmonds and Shepherd in prep.). in wild rabbits of south-eastern Australia. Journal The local belief that a wild rabbit population of Immunogenetics 4, 315-323. Myers, was established in about 1870 may be cor- K. (1966). The effects of density on sociality and health in mammals. Proceedings of the rect but its origins remain unknown. It could Ecological Society of Australia 1, 40-64. have been a small local release of Myers, K. (1970). The rabbit in Australia. In Winchelsea rabbits which, by chance, had a Dynamics of numbers in Populations. Proceedings high b 5 frequency. of the Advanced Study Institute, Oosterbeck. pp. 478-506. Eds. J.P. den Boer and G.R. Gradwell. The b' allele was not found in Gippsland (Centre for Agricultural Publishing and 1977). have (Herd and Edmonds We Documentation. Wagenitigen, Netherlands). attempted to determine the limits of the pres- Norman, F.I. (1970). Ecological effects of the rabbit ence of the b' allele (Fig.l) which has not reduction on Rabbit Island, Wilson's Promontory. been found on the mainland east of Victoria. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 83, 193-200. Frankston and south of the Dividing Range. Pescott. T. (1965). A visit to Lady Julia Percy Island. Frankston, possibly as It is now present near The Victorian Naturalist 81. 290-301. a result of the establishment of experimental Rolls, E.C. (1969). They all ran wild. The story of rabbit colonies during the 1970s. It is also Pests on the Land in Australia Angus and now present on Phillip Island, almost cer- Robertson. Melbourne. Shepherd, Rosamond C.H. (1985). Studies of the wild tainly by migration from Churchill Island rabbit. Oryclolagus cuniculus (L.) populations in the two across the causeway connecting the Mallee region of Victoria, following the release islands. of the European rabbit flea, Spilopsyllus cumculi (Dale). M. Agr. Sc. thesis Melbourne University. Conclusions Shepherd, Rosamond C.H. and Edmonds. J.W. (1976). Establishment and Spread of Spilopsyllus cuni- There is no doubt that Thomas Austin's The Host. culi (Dale) and its Location on the wild rabbits, released at Barwon Park and Oryclolagus cuniculus (L.) in the Mallee Region of rabbits (Rolls 1969), 29-44. which included wild Victoria. Australian Wildlife Research. 3, were the main progenitors of Victoria's wild Shepherd. Rosamond C.H. and Edmonds. J.W. (sub- Victorian wild rabbit rabbit populations. The massive spread of mitted). Diversity in some populations. Plant Protection Quarterly. rabbits began from there (Rolls 1969), since D.G. (1935). The rabbit in Australia. Publ. by release of wild Stead. it is the only evidence for the the author, Sydney. that could have survey ol rabbits in Western Victoria Woodfield. B.R.G. (1967). A sociological pool. in south-western contributed so greatly to the gene certain Agricultural practices Melbourne for this Victoria. M.Agr.Sc. Thesis. There is no other supporting data Agricultural School. massive spread, beyond the thousands of wild rabbits seen, and the initial spread some reported from Barwon Park. However, outside that of the small releases of rabbits to area have made presistent contributions the mainland gene pool. Acknowledgments staff of Keith We thank all the Technical Mr Ivan Turnbull Research Institute, especially and pro- F Nolan, for their help in collecting

101 Vol. 113 (3) 1996 Research Reports

Observations After a Fire in a Degraded Grassland

John Stewart 1

Abstract north Following a lire, in December 1994, through Hroadmeadows Valley Park, ca. 15 km of native flora, and then the intro- of Melbourne, Victoria, observations were made of the recovery duced species, in one area of the park. This was carried out from June to November 1995. (The Vicmrlan Naturalist 113 (3) 1996, 102-106).

BroadmeadOWB Valley Park (Mel ways Broom *Genista monspessulana that had map nos. 6 and 179) is a linear open park, been poisoned very early in the year. The extending about 6 km from Johnstone north-easterly slope was a mixture of Street, Broadmeadows in Ihe south to Canary Grass *Phalaris aquatica and Somerton Road, Coolaroo in Ihe north. Set Artichoke Thistle*Cv«ara earduneulus. in the valley of the Yuroke ("reek and its On the very end there seemed to be a had a lot tributary gullies, il is a badly degraded small area that was moister and grassland, having been used for agricultur- more herbs including Ox Tongue

al purposes from the 1830's to the I95()'s *Helminthotkeca echioides. Cat's Ear

and is now surrounded by urban develop- *Hypochoeris radicula and Ribwort ment. Before European settlement, judg- *Plantago lanceolata that kept most of the ing by remnants in other parts of the park grasses out. There were a few patches of and it was probably dominated by Kangaroo Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra Grass Themeda triandra with many Wallle Mat-rush Lomandra filiformis on daisies, lilies and other small herbs. the north-west slope a little past the area

Although it has a long history of European under study, and a patch of Common settlement, 41 genera and 109 species of Raspwort Gonocarpus tetragynus on the indigenous plants have been recorded point of the spur. These were the only

throughout its area of over 170 ha (Carr el indigenous plants evident to the casual

at. 1993; Arundcll and Kern 1994). eye. On 7 December, 1994. a grassfire swept Immediately after the fire on 10

through part of the park and burnt an area December, 1995, I walked the area and that to Ihe best of my knowledge had not found that all in the fire's path had been been burnt for at least four years. This burnt and nothing had survived. There had seemed a good opportunity 10 see what been some very hot summer weather at indigenous plants, if any, were present ibis time, but then there was some rain: 19 under the cover of the weeds. All plant mm on 22 December; 24 mm on 6 names in this article follow Ross (1993) January; 18 mm on 9 January; 7 mm

and Walsh and Kntwistlc ( 1994). between 10-29 January, then a further 16 The area under study is a spur with a mm on 30 January; 25 mm fell in southerly aspect on the end of a gully February; 91 mm in March, and 89 mm in entering the Yuroke Creek valley (Fig. I). April - a far better rainfall than was the

' The angle of slope is approximately 15 casein 1994.

and elevation 90-1 10 m. The soil is com- But to get back into sequence. posed of elements of the underlying By 8 January (1995) new growth after Silurian sediments and the late Tertiary the rain was quite evident and, from a low basalt that forms the plateau above the val- angle, the ground seemed almost green - ley with some boulders of sandstone con blades of grass were about 60 mm long glomerate and quart/ite strewn randomly and seedlings of dicots were poking their over Ihe slope. leaves up everywhere. Before the fire ihe slope to the north- By 22 January (1995) resprouts of west was covered with a thick mass of Variable Glycine Glycine tahacina were Chilean Needle Grass *.S7//><; necsiana scattered all over the slope with some with a small area of dead Monlpellier plants almost in flower, patches of what looked like Wahlenbergia spp. in various I'l Council Slrvcl.Clenmy. Vicion.i 1046 places, and Bindweed Convolvulus sp.

102 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Fig.l. Plan of area under observation, Ql and Q2 are quadrats. Numbers on lines are metres elevation

flowers were showing from small plants of the spur, and the western side was a line of 30° for 60 m. all over the lower slope. At one location up the slope on a bearing on the point of the spur, Solenogyne The north side across the top was a bear- 2 dominii covered an area of 2m with their ing of 120° for 45 m., while a bearing of 155° the slope picked up the south- little radial leaves and rayless flowers. I down away, this was the had only seen this plant in one other part eastern corner 65 m The whole contained area was of the park, so this was a pleasant surprise. east side. Because of other commitments I did not about 0.42 ha (Fig. 1). corner and the north- make any further observations until 29 On the north-west corner quadrats of 5 x 5 m were April, 1995. By then the Glycine had east out as data control bases, as these flowered, seeded and the pods opened. No marked were the most weed infested before seeds could be seen, taken away no doubt sites fire. The north-west quadrat was cov- by the insects that always beat seed collec- the on ered with *Stipa neesiana and the north- tors, while snails or slugs were feeding *Phalaris aquati- hard to east one was a tangle of the leaves so that the plants were a scattering the ca, *Cynara cardunculus and see with only the stalks left amongst * burnt of Wild Sage Salvia verbenaca. grass. All snails in the area had been survey of vegetation in these quadrats so these herbivores had either A in the fire, when they were elsewhere or was made from May, moved into the area from which out, until 3 November, by in the ground. Sweet marked developed from eggs too thick time the vegetation had become Hound's Tongue Cynoglossum suaveolens (Table 1 ). for the survey to be of value were flowering over a wide area from - were plenty of seedlings Small St. June There small single plants. Patches of too small for identification. Hypericum gramineum were but far John's Wort Tall Wallaby Grass fin- However, some although it had now also flowering, plants with the odd park. Danthonia sp. flowering in other parts of the were ished Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides Microlaena stipoides was Weeping Grass Although there was less bare seen and was evident. the only native grass to be month, only the ground than the previous not very common. tussocks really plants like thistles and decided that an area old On 28 May, 1995, 1 growth, also the Bluebells observations had shown real defined if these should be Wahlenbergia spp. and Sweet Hounds about it m be of any use, so I set had fin- were to Tongue Cynoglossum suaveolens the following way:- and were withering. Blue was 100 m, ished flowering The southern boundary ovinum could be ldenti- bottom Devil Eryngium measured along the fire track at the

103 Vol. 113 (3) 1996 Research Reports

Table I. Percent cover of species recorded in two quadrats, at various dates during the first year after burning. '*' '-' = not recorded, '+' = < 1% cover. introduced species.

Dates 1995

Species 28/5 24/6 22/7 20/8 6/10 4/11

North-west Quadrat No. 1 Acaena sp. 1% 2% 2% 5% 5% 2% * Aira caryophyllea - - - - - 2% * Avenafalua - - - - + + * lirizci maxima - - - - . + * Briza minor - - - - 5% 5% * Cerastium glomeratum - - - - + + * Cynara cardunculus 5% 5% 2% 2% 2% 2% Dlchelachne crinata - - - - + + * Galium aparine + 2% 1% + + + * Helminthotheca echioides + + 1% + + + * Phalaris aqualica + 1% 2% 2% 2% 2% * Plantago lanceolata 2% 2% 1% + + + * Romulea rosea - + + + . . * Rosa rubiginosa + 1% 1% + + + Rumex hrownii + + 1% 2% + + * Sherardia arvensis + + 1% + + + * Sonchus oleraceus + + 1% 2% + + * Stipa neesiana 50% 70% 70% 70% 70% 70% * Trifolium sp. 2% 3% 20% 25% 10% 10% Baa- ground 35% 15% 5% + - -

North-west Quadrat No. 2 Acaena sp. 5% 5% 5% 5% 2% 2% * Cerastium glomeratum - + 2% 5% 2% . * Cymwa cardunculus 20'/,. 25% 25% 25% 25% 25% * Galium aparine 2% 5% + + + _ * Helminthotheca echioides + + + + _ _ * Phalaris aquatica 35% 30% 40% 40% 60% 80% * Plantago lanceolata + + + + + + * Romulea rosea + + + + Rumex hrownii + + _ . * Salvia verhenaca 10% 10% 5% 5% 2% 1% * Sonchus oleraceus - - + _ * Stipa neesiana 20% 10% 10% 15% 5% 5% * Trifolium sp. - + 2% 5% 5% 5% Bare ground 10% 5% 5% + lied ami also Common Woodruff Asperula Sedge Carex brevicuhnis could be seen conferta. amongst its bright green grass-like leaves July - Bare ground had almost disap- while a large patch of Small Riceflower peared, trefoil seedlings were appearing Pimelea humilis was just coming into but too small to identify. Mouse-ear bloom with its tiny massed blooms putting Chickweed *Cerastium glomeratum on a great display. About halfway up the seemed to be growing more on the east slope Field Woodrush Luzula meridionalis side of the area than all over. plants were blooming and the yellow and August - No bare ground now. the only brown flowerheads could easily be seen. bate spots were where the bedrock out- Thus, from having only one specimen pre- cropped. Wall Fumitory *Fumaria murale viously recorded in the whole park, there was seen with its pink and purple flowers must have been at least fifty plants here on peeping amongst the green grass and the the spur. bright pink stars of Onion Grass 'Romulea September - No observations made. rosea were evident whenever the sun October - Most of the seedlings had shone. The flowers of the Short-stem grown big enough to be identified: Field

104 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Madder '"'Sherardia arvensis; Tabic Common 2. Native species which occupied ureas greater Biulsia'* Pareiiiucellia laiifoliii; Shivery than im during the first year alter fire. Grass "Briza minor, and probably French CatchfTy *Silene gallica. Flowers of the Area Species Pale Sundew Drosera pehala were now 5x2i Ai'dfiui sp. appearing, and flowerheads were also Irrr Cynogloxsum tuaveoleiu showing on the grasses. Common Tussock 1 x4 m Drosera pelttuu Grass Pan labillardieru. Soft Tussock 4x2 m Glycine tubacimi Grass Poci sieberiana. Long-haired Plume 4x2 in Hypericum gramineum 4x4 and 3 x 2 Grass Dichehuhne crinuta and Quaking m Hypericum grammeum 10 x 3 and 4x3 in Grass Briza maxima. Sweet Hound's Ganocarpus tetr&gynus 4x3 in Aspenda cortferta Tongue Cytioglossutn stiaveolens was 2x2 and 2 x 2 in Veronica gracilis

coming into bloom again, although they 6x4 and 2 x I in Wahlcnbcr^ia communis had flowered in April and one of the tre- 6x I in Wiihlcnhcr^ia lulcohi foils could now be identified as Suckling the original grassland herbs remaining. Clover *Trifolium dubium. However, the How to manage these exotic invaded areas weeds were now starting to cover all the is not clear, fire alone is not the answer. patches of native plants and it soon looked An article by Ian Lunl (I9°0) concluded as it did before the fire. with the following thoughts, 'Degraded, November - The quadrats were so over- invaded and isolated remnants should not grown now that the weather was warmer be managed solely by burning; burning that it was impractical to continue. The should be integrated with other methods cycle had neared completion, for, by of vegetation control, such as weeding, December, it would have been a year since poisoning and perhaps manipulated, sea- the fire. The north-west quadrat had more sonal grazing by native or introduced her- than 1Q% cover by Chilean Needle Grass bivores.' *Stipa neesiana while other weeds made Unfortunately interest in grasslands is up the remaining 3Q% and the height of not very high in the community, and grass was now over 50 cms. The the therefore funds don't come easily. But to north-east quadrat was no better, with the the few that know what an expanse ol Grass *Phalaris aquatka and Canary Kangaroo Grass or tall Spear Crass can Artichoke Thistle *Cynara carditnadus look like, we would like everyone else lo nearly 80 cms high, and in both quadrats see and enjoy it. Trefoil species were now struggling for sunlight. References Broadmeadows A Tew more plants could be identified. Arundel! M. and Kern 1.. (1.994J, Managing Grassland Remnants. Salsify ^Tragopogon porrifolim and Valley Park. Report for City ol Broadtncadows. and at Pink *Petrorhagia velutina , Vegetation, Fauna and man Hairy Can Ci.W. el al. (1993). dil- Park. least three Danlhonia spp. which were agemenl issues Rroadnieadovss Valley that City of Broadmeadows Ecological ferent from the Tall Wallaby Grass Report lor Hie the year Horticulture Pty Lid. in June. During ol had appeared ' Census ol die vascular plants Ross J It 1 1 w.i). A had a concentration (National Herbarium ol there were areas that Victoria'. 4th Edition- and of one native species (Table 2) Victoria). ol' autumn lire on a long I Impact an smaller patches, l.unl I.I). ( WO). there were other gra^s- although triandra (Kangaroo Grass) out as grazed Thenieda mentioned in Table 2 stood ol in\.uled. those fand- Implications lor management these plants Naturalist 10.. places where, over the years, remnant vegetations. The Victorian flowered and dropped their had grown, 'Plata of N.G. and Eniwisle T..I. ( 1994). this opportunity alter a Wajt'h seeds, so that with (Inkata Press). even Victoria' Volume 2. plants could come back, 'A Handbook ot Plants ol fire, native Willis J H. (I '"2). University grassland. Volume II. (Melbourne in such a badly degraded Victoria'. Press). Conclusion survey it could As a result of this rough area was cov- be seen that, although the traces ol ered with weeds, there were still 105 Vol. 113(3)1996 Research Reports

Appendix. A species list of plants seen on the "Spur" since the fire. * introduced species.

MONOCOTYLEDONS Clusiaceae Hypericum Cyperaceae Small St. John's gramineum Carex breviculmis Wort Short-stern Sedge Convolvulaceae Juncaceac ( dnvolvulus remotus Pink Luzula meridionalis Bindweed Field Wood-rush Convolvulus [ridaceae Grassy Bindweed erubescens 1 Romulea rosea var. Onion Grass Dichondra repens austraUs Kidney Weed Crassulaceae Liliaceae Crassula decumbens Tricoryne elcaior Rufous Stonecrop Yellow Rush Lily Droseraceae Poaceae Drosera peltata Pale Sundew * Aira carophyllea Silvery llairgrass Fabaceae * Avenafatua Wild Oat Bossiaea prostrala Creeping Bossiaea *Brim maxima QuakiiigGrass Glycine tabacina Variable Glycine *Hriza minor Shivery Grass * Trifolimn dubimn Suckling Clover Danthonia spp. Wallaby Grasses * Vicia hirsuta Tiny Vetch Dichelachne crinata Long-haired Plume * Vicia saliva Common Vetch Grass Fumariaceae Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass * I'umaria murale * Nassella trlchotoma Wall Fumitory Serrated Tussock Grass Geraniaccac * Phalaris aquatica Canary Grass Geranium relrorsum Grassland Crane's I'aa labillunlicri Common Tussock bill Grass Haloragaceae I'oa sieberiana Soft Tussock Grass 1 Gonocarpus tetragy- Common Stipa neesiana Chilean Raspwort Needle Grass nus Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass Lamiaceae DICOTYLEDONS * Salvia verbenaca Wild Sage Apiaceae Oxalidaceae Eryngium ovinum Blue Devil Oxalis perennans Yellow Wood-sorrel * Foenkulum vtdgare fennel Plantaginaceac Asteraceae * PUmtago laneeolala Ribwort * Cynara cardunculus Artichoke Thistle Polygonaceae * * Helminthotheca Ox Tongue Ai elosella vulgaris Sheep Sorrel echioides Rumex dumosus Wiry Dock * Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear Rosaceae Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed Aeaena echinala Sheep's Bun- Solenogyne dominii Solenogyne Acaena ovina Australian Sheep's * Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow Thistle Burr * Tragopogon porri- Salsify * Rosa rubiginosa Jolius Rubiaceae Boraginaceae Asperula conferta Common Woodruf Cynogiossum * suave- Sweet Hound's Tongue Slierardia arvensis Field Madder olens Scrophulariaceae Campamilaceae * Parentucellia latifo- Common Bartsia Wahlenbergia commu- Tufted Bluebell lia nis Veronica gracilis Slender Speedwell Wahlenbergia luteola Bluebell Thymeleaceae Caiyophyllaecae I'imclea curviflora Curved Riceflower : Cerastium glomera- Mouse-ear duckweed var. scricea linn I'imclea humilis Small Riceflower Petrorhagia vetutina Hairy Pink Silene gallica French Catchlly

106 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Back to the Heart of the Mallee

R.J. Fletcher 1

The story of Wyperfeld National Park temporarily reserved as Nalional Park. really begins with Edward John Eyre, who, Nothing much happened after that for a in the process of droving sheep or cattle while, partly because of the intervening (there appears to be some doubt which it war years, but in 1921 an additional 2600 was) from New South Wales to the new ha were added and the Park was gazetted settlement in Adelaide in 1838, 'rediscov- in October 1921. Additional areas were ered' the Wimmera River and traced it as gazetted in succeeding years, notably 3000 far north as Lake Hindmarsh. This was ha in 1922 and 2600 ha in 1930. In more named after Sir John Hindmarsh, the first recent years, further large areas have been Governor of South Australia. It would added extending west as far as the appear that he had attempted to reach the Murrayville-Yanac Road, making a total Murray River by way of what is now Pine of 356 000 ha Plains, but had to retrace his steps because Mattingley's paper, 'In The Heart Of of lack of water. The Mallee', was published in The The aboriginal population had regularly Victorian Naturalist 26, 1909. and his travelled along the course of the Wimmera observations began at Murtoa, which River and further north along Outlet he described on 13 September, 1907 as Creek, and by 1847 Europeans had fol- one of a number of 'more or less dreary lowed the same route to establish pastoral wayside stations', on the train journey runs. Three of these runs occupied part of to Hopetoun. The stop at Murtoa was of

what is now the Wyperfeld National Park, sufficient duration to go for a stroll to a namely 'Pine Plains', 'Cambacanya' and clump of 'Buloke' Allocusuarina possibly part of 'Brimin'. The area was of luehmannii. about a mile away, where considerable interest to early naturalists, nests were found containing young of the and as early as 1861 William Lockharl Black-backed Magpie (= Australian Morton took botanical specimens to Baron Magpie) Gymnorhina tibicen, Raven Mueller for identification. Some fifty-six (= Australian Raven) Corone australis of these specimens are now housed in the (= Corvus coronoides) and White- faced National Herbarium in Melbourne (Table Xerophila (= Southern Whiteface) = Aphelocepha leu- 1). Morton had spent June and most of Xemphilu kucopsis ( Red-capped Robin July of 1861 carrying out a survey of the copsis, while the goodenovii (= Petmica gooden- area. His chief interest was in finding suit- Petroeca Tit (= Yellow- able country for pastoral pursuits, but he ovii) and Yellow-rumped Acanthiza chnsorrhoa made other valuable contributions to our rumped Thornbill) their nests. Other birds knowledge of the area. were busy building the immediate area were By the turn of the century this interest observed in Swallow ( = Dusky Wood-swallow) had stimulated a number of excursions and Wood Artamus cvanopterus, Galah Cacatua the accumulation of considerable knowl- roseicappilla, White-fronted Chat edge of the local flora and fauna. One of Epthianura albifrons, Musk Lorikeet the leading naturalists of the time, Arthur Glossopsitta concinna. Grass Parrakeet (= H.E. Mattingley, had made a study of the Parrot) Psephotus Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata (Mattingley Red-rumped haematonotus, Ground-lark (= Richard's 1909b), during 1907 at 'Pine Plains' as Anthus novaeseelandiac, Noisy more extensive study of the avi- Pipit) part of a Miner) Manorina purpose of Minah (= Noisy fauna of the Mallee. It is the = Laughing Jackass ( steps of melanocephala, this paper to attempt to retrace the Kookaburra) Dacelo gigas and the Kestrel September trip (Fig. I). Mattingley's 1 907 cenchrmdes. (= Nankeen Kestrel) Falco largely due to the efforts of It was very no chance of finding ha were There is now Mattingley that in 1909, 3,900 within a Mattingley's 'clump of Buloke' and a current bird list 3169 mile of the station, '4/48 Newport Road, Clayton South, Victoria 107 Vol. 113 (3) 1996 Contributions

Tabic I. Collections in 'he Melbourne Herbarium made by William Lockhart Morion between Lake Hindmarsh and Underbool, Victoria (including Wyperfeld and Pi nc Plains) during June and July, 1861. This plant lisi is after J.H.Willis, 'Notes of a Tour in the Wimmera District' 1861, W.I. .Morton (published by National Parks Association, 1966. where it appears as an alphabetical arrangement of species).

Species Common Name Spiecies Common Name Acacia brachybotria Grey Mulga (ircvillca huegelii Comb Grevillea Acacia culuinifolia Wallowa 1 ncvillea pterospernta Desert Grevillea Acacia ligulalti Small Cooba (ixrostcmon Wheel Fruit Acacia lincala Streaked Wattle auslralasiciis Acacia oswahli Umbrella Wattle llakca Icucoplera Silver Needlewood Acacia rigens Nealie Hakca inncllcriana Desert Hakca Acacia spincscens Spiny Wattle Hetcroilciulron Cattle-bush At ncia iiinciira Three-veined Wattle olcifoliuin- Alectryoi Acacia wilhelmiana Dwarf Nealie olcifoliiis subsp. Adriana liookcri Malice Bitlerbush canescens AUocusuarinu Slaty She-Oak Hihbciiia virgala Guinea Flower iiiuellcriaua Iliunca pholitlola = Scaly Haeckeria Ardirocneniinn Shrubby Glasswort llacckcria pholidola arbusculwn- Kocliia aphylla = Leafless Blucbush

Scleroxtegia arbuscul i Muircana aphylla Alriplex slipitatu Kidney Saltbush lasiopclaliini hclnii Pink Velvet-bush Hacckca crassijolia Desert Bacckca l.e/ilospernuim Silky Tea- tree Banksia ornata Desert Banksia myrsinoides licrtya niitchellii Mitchell Berlya Lomandra leucoceph- Woolly Mat-tush llexeria lechenaidtii Pale Turpentine hush ala subsp. robiista Bcxciin opaca Dark Turpentine Bush Melaleuca pubescens Moonah Callitfh verrucosa Scrub Cypress = M. lanceolata CalytrLx tetragtma Fringe Myrtle Melaleuca uncinate! Broom Honey myrtle Cassia nemtiphila vat. Cassia Micromxrius ciliata Heath-myrtle platypoda - Senna Olearia lepidophxlla Club-moss Daisy-bush urtcnicsioides subsp. Olcuriu magfiiflora Splendid Daisy-bush pctiolaris Olearia intielleri Mueller Daisy-bush Codonocarpits Bell fruit Tree Olearia pimeleoides Piracies Daisy-bush conlinifolius = Burrobunga Ctmospcnmtni patens Smoke Bush I'intclcu inicroccphulii Mallee Riceflovver Dodonea allcnuata = Wedge leaved Hop- I'iniclcit slricta Gaunt Riceflovver /). viscosa subsp. bush Sanlalttnt acununatuni Sweet Quandong angwtiissinta leniplcloniia cgemi Round Templctonia Doaanea Small Hop-bush bush

I'lirstuiifolia 1 riodia irrilans = Porcupine Grass Eutaxia microphylla Eutaxia '/'. stariosa subsp. E.xocarpns sparlcus Broom Ballart \carioxa would be much more modest. This author lake included those listed in Table 2. noted at the Mtirtoa stop, little Waltlebird Lake Coorong is still a wonderland for Anlliochacra chrysoptcra; New Holland birdlife. although no longer the town water Honeyealer Phxlidonyris novacludlandiae. supply which now comes to the man-made as well as two birds probably not there in Lake Lascelles by channel from Lake 1907; the House Sparrow Passer domesti- Lonsdale. The channel that would have ciis and Common Starling Sturnus vul- carried the water from the lake to the town garis. in Maltingley's day is still there. Many of A much mote rewarding place for bird the birds noted by Mattingley were also watching today would be the Murtoa Golf seen by the author as well as the Great Course, some distance out o\' town and Egret A rilea alba. Black-winged Stilt which is also lull of botanical interest. Himantopus himantopus, White-necked (Fig. 2) Heron Ardea pacifica. Straw-necked Ibis As a leading ornithologist. Maltingley's Thresklornls spinicollis, Australian White chief interest at Hopetoun was the birdlife Ibis Thrcskiornis moiucca, Silver Gull on Lake Coorong, which contained ' Larus novaehollandiae, Noisy Miner excellent fresh water and was the town's Manorina tnelanocephala, and Red- Water supply". His observations around the rum ped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus.

108 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

route. Fig. 1. Map of area showing Mattingley's

Bird-watching on Lake Coorong and its floodplain demands a good pair of binocu- sheet of lars. The lake is a very extensive water formed at the northern end of Yarriambiac Creek which rises some 120 many km to the south, and is crossed times on the road up from Murtoa. Also recommended, is a pair of waders! The owner of Pine Plains Station in Mattingley's time was S. Poulton, a name district. He provided still evident in the pair Mattingley's party with a buggy and Plains via for the drive to Pine Cambacanya. Mattingley stated then that road' from there was a 'first class is now Hopetoun to Camba Canya (sic). It He noted bitumen for most of the distance. being cleared in that the dense Mallee was and that the favour of wheat cropping Lonsdale had stock water from Lake xanthochila, a rare and Apart from Fig. 2. Caladenia already arrived in the area. endangered species. 109 Vol. 113 (3) 1996 ( 'ouliihiilions

Tnl>le 2. liinls observed i>y Mattingley in I w*7 grandfather of the present owner look over around Lake < 'oorong llie properly during World War I. He said thai Ibe Poullon family had been hard bit Black Swim Cygnus hi > ni us by Ibe of 1914. year lliey Black Duck Anas suptrciliosa drought One bad Pacific Black Duck shorn 50 000 sheep but then Ihe drought Tippei Grehc Podictpt cristatus forced them to lurn the animals loose into ( iicii < Irested Grebe the scrub on a survival-of-the-fittest basis. Wlnic honied Heron Ni)l<>i>lniv\ iinv Ihe following year they had shorn 10 000! htmandiae Egrttta novtuh lumbar Ilus means thai 40 000 animals perished

Utile Egrel l.virim via - run during Ibe year and Ibis loss was the end Wliisiliiij' Ragle llnlinsliu \plirniiis lor ibe Poullons on Cambaeanya. The Whistling Kite sioek watering system now in use would Wedge tailed Eagle I hiini'liis iimlin be an insurance against such a thing hap At/mlit audio pening to thai extent again. (mil i ill it ii nil ii Black fronted Dotterel Aegialitis melanops One wonders if Ihe ravages of the sheep Eheyomis melanapn al Ihal lime have resulted in Ibe lack of M.ir.ii Tern ( liHiliiniils liyhmlii vegetation in some areas lo ibis day, espe- Whiskered Tern cially the laek of an underslorey in some S|)iny cheeked Honey Ariliilliiirlinria mil of the Black Box areas. ealei iiliiii\ Aranllmv yt rn\>.\ iiiIiiviiIiiiis Some of Ihe original buildings slill

Willie plumed I loney I'lilnlis prim illnlii stand al Cambaeanya (Pig. 3), At leasl one enlei I .ii lirmislinniis of the dwellings is Ihe original where Ibe prim i/lalm limestone is clearly visible, although there ( lljiiminitis I hni', I 'nlliiiirimlii Inn are reeenl additions. Some outbuildings Grey Shrike thrush mi mil n slill bul in ruins, Magpie lark (milium \nrnln stand, and are no longer

( illlllillll lYlllllllrilill used. Bul dominating Ibe surroundings iiiiiiiiil Willie Wag Rhipidura tricolor and made of more modern materials is ihe i. ni Rhipidura Inn aphi ys present main homestead and (be extensive shedding used lo bouse Ibe machinery roadside remnants there is no longer any necessary for large-scale cropping and for 'mill Ice scrub', and this must have a! lei! operating ibe open-cut mine. Mattingley's etl 1 1 it- blrdlife, Tabic 3 has been compiled vehicle 'bumped along fearfully" as he from Mattingley's article and many of made his way towards what is now the these birds were noled by ibe author in south-eastern portion of the Wyperfcld 1993, although by no means all. In addi- National Park. Ours was a less hazardous tion, on the roadside near ( 'ambeanya Ibe trip, although there is no road as such. We Purple gaped Honeycater Lichenostomux learned Ibal as long as you 'keep Ihe fence i ralilins was seen. on your right' you will eventually come The mosi notable remnants of tree ami otil on what is now Webster's Road. Apart shrubs along the verge include Buloke from some Malice fringing (be roads in Allot iiMim urn luthmanii of h (much Ibe distance, as you cross Cambaeanya Ihe infested with Buloke Mistletoe Amyema view is completely dominated by pad- linojfhyllum a marvellous example of plain 'mimicry'), Umbrella Wattle Acacia I'sunldii, and Desert Cassia Senna arlcinc .\iniilc\. ()n two of ibe dunes approaching Cambaeanya were line examples of Hen ican I'lciim/dulii loftgifolia, one in lull flower and llle other with very lew

flowers, but some fruit, Cambaeanya is a large and thriving concern based on wheal cropping, bill ibe first impression is that of an extensive open em gypsum mining project. The Pig, .V Ruins oi Cambaeanya Station

110 The Victorian Naturalist '

Brown Tree-creeper = Climacteris scandens= Black-backed Wren= Malurus meIanotus= Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus Splendid Fairy-wren Malurus spiendens *Spotted Bowerbird Chlamydodera mac- Chough= White- Corcotux melanoram- tdata= Chlamydera winged Chough phus metadata Black Cockatoo = Calyplorhynchus Brown Fly-catcher= Pseudogerygone=fusca Yellow-tailed funerais Jacky Winter Microeca - fascinans Black-Cockatoo White-throated Pachycephala pec- White-browed Babbler Pomatorhimis supercil- Thickhead= toralis iosus=P omatostomus Golden Whistler Cinclorhamphus mperciliosus rufescens= Bronze-winged Phaps chalcoptera Rufous Song-lark = Cincloramphus math- Pigeon=Common Rufous Songlark ewsi Bronzewing Red-throated Pacycephala gilberti= Wedge-tailed Eagle I 'roaetus audax Thickhead= Pacycephala momma -Aquilu audax Gilbert's Whistler Black-eared Cuckoo Misocalius osculuns= Black-breasted Zonifer tricolor^ Chrysococcyx osculans Plover=Banded Vanelius tricolor Blue Wren= Superb Malurus cyaneus Lapwing Faiiy-wren Chestnut-rumped Hylacola pyrrhopygia White-shouldered Ullage sueurii Ground-Wren = Caterpillar-eater = Chestnut-rumped White- winged Triller Heathwren Magpie= Australian Gymnorhina tibicen Mountain Duck= Casarca tademoides= Magpie Australian Shelduck Tadorna tademoides Bee-eater= Rainbow Merops ornata= Crested Oreoica= Oreoica cristata= Bee-eater Merops ornatus Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis *Curlew= Bush Stone Burhinus magnirostris- Pacific Heron= White- Notophoyx pacifwa curlew Burhinus grallarius necked Heron Ardea pacifwa Brown Hawk = Hieracidia orientalise Scrub Robin= Drymaoedus Brown Falcon Falco berigora Southern Scrub-robin brunneopygius= "Delicate Owl= Bam Slrix deticatula= Drymodes brunneopy Owl Tyto alba gia Kestrel= Nankeen Falco cenchroides White-eared Honey- Ptilotis leucoxh- Lich- Kestrel eater enostotnus leucotis Mopoke, Boobook= Nonox boobook= Ninox Golden-rumped Pardalolus xanthopy- Southern Boobook novaeseelandiae Pardalote= gins = Pardalolus Owlet Nightjar= Aegotlieles crislatiis Spotted Pardalote punctatus Australian Chestnut-rumped Tit= Acanthiza reguloides Owlet-nightjar (d> occiden- Buff-rumped Thornbill Night Parrakeet= Geopsittacus Pexoporus occi- Chestnut-backed Cindosoma castanon- Night Parrot talism Ground-bird=Cinna- oium- Cindosoma dentalis Psephotus mon Quail-thrush castonotum Red-rumped Parrakeel haematonotus Spiny-cheeked Honey Acanthochoera rufigu =Red-rumped Parrot Para- Psephotus multicolor= eater laris= Acanthagenys Many-coloured Psephotus vanus rufogularis keet=Mulga Parrot Parrakeet= Barnardius bamardi= Graceful Honeyeater Meliphega gracilis Mallee Ringneck Barbardius zonarius (NQ).probably Yellow- Australian Cacatua leadbeateri plumed Honeyeater Lichenoswmus ornatus Major Mitchell's Cockatoo j? Dromaius novaehol- mu Stipitunis mallee landiac Mallee Emu-wren Pardalotus afftnis- Plover=Cfairaf/m/.v melanops= Orange-tipped Black-breasted striatus Pardalote, Yellow- Pardalotus Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops tipped Pardalote= Pigeon= ? Crested Ocyphaps lophotes Striated Pardalote Pigeon Mallee-Fowl=- Lipoa ocellata Restless Flycatcher Sisura inquieta= Myiagra inquitea Malleefowl Cecropis nigricans - galerita Tree Martin Sulphur-crested Cacatua Hirundo nigricans Cockatoo albifrons White-faced Honey- Phvliidon vris Robin Petroeca goodenovii= Red-capped White-fronted Petroica goodenovii eater=? Honeyeater Galah Cacatua roseicapella

111 Vol. 113 (3) 1996 Contributions

docks of wheat on the grand scale. The Wonga Hut Camping Areas adjacent to northern end of Websters Road is also the Lake Brimin, possibly from near where entrance to the Park, joining the end of the Ranger Station is now situated. This Lowan Track at the locked gate. These would be a logical place to find 'elongated tracks or their predecessors, would proba- plains' and 'around their margins huge bly have been made by the traffic between Red Gums, Eucalyptus rostrata (sic) rear- Cambacanya and Pine Plains, and the ing their umbrageous heads. We were in problems with deep sand that Mattingley the ancient bed of the Wimmcra River.' suffered in several parts can still occur There was an 'iron hut' here, which today. may well have been the one destroyed in Mattingley made no particular emphasis the 1945 bush fires and replaced by the on the plant life along the way, his chief present similar structure. Unfortunately it interest being birds. However, in retracing would appear that the vegetation in this what must be very close to his route along vicinity has suffered greatly from the rav- the northern part of Webster's Rd.. Lowan ages of grazing, fire, flood, rabbits, and Track and perhaps Cambcanya Track, people. It was the country near here that there is a veritable garden awaiting the prompted Mattingley to comment thai it keen walker. Plants seen along Webster's 'would form an admirable national park Road, in the order noted, are listed in without any further making.' To see what Table 4 and those along the Lowan Track Mattingley saw, it is necessary to walk and Cambacanya Track are listed in some of the routes designated in the Park Table 5. It was most noticeable that each literature or along any of the management specimen of Thelymitru megacalyptta tracks. The circuit from Lake Brimin to seen along these tracks was growing out Eastern Lookout traverses most types of from a clump of Triodia scariosal habitat found in the Park. Mattingley passed along these tracks, or very close to them, and noted the changes Table 5. Plants seen along the Lowan and in soil types from soft sand to harder Hats, Cambacanya Track, listed in the order seen, which account for the distribution of exotic plain plants in the various areas. He certainly Baecitea behrii Broom Baeckea came to the area now known as the Adriana hookeri Mallee Bitter-bush C 'alatleuia striata Upright Spider Orchid Table 4. Plants seen along Websters Track. Lasiopeialum behrii Pink Velvet Bush listed in the order seen. Uisiopetalum baueri Slender Velvet Bush Thelvmitra mega- Scented Sun-orchid Acacia brachybotria Grey Mulga catyptra Acacia calamifolia Wallowa Micromyrtus cil'iata Heath Myrtle ( 'as sytha melaiilha Dodder 1 .aurel lie yeria lechenaullia Pale Turpentine Cryptandra tomentosa Prickly Cryptandra Bush

Podolepis i -apillaris Wiry Podolepis Caiytrix tetragona Fringe Myrtle Otearia tenuifolia Cypress Daisy- bush C 'alotis erinacea Burr Daisy Calliiris gracilis Slender Cypress Pine Pitlosporum philly - Weeping Pittosporum Eucalyptus oleosa Acorn Mallee reoides Eucalyptus calycogona Mallee Red Hakea vittata Hooked Needlewood Eucalyptus, iiu nissata Yellow Mallee Ajuga australis Austral Bugle Leptospermum Green Tea-tree Boron ia caerulescens Blue Boronia coriacetim Olcaria pimeleoides Pimelea Daisy-bush Leptospermum Silky Tea-tree Triodia scariosa Porcupine Grass tiiyrsinoiJes Exocarpus sparlcus Broom Ballart ZygopkyLlum Pointed Twin- Eucalyptus largiflorens Black Box apiculatum leaf Eucalyptus camald- Red Gum Phebalium bullatiim Silvery Phebalium ttlensis Glischrocaryon bcltrii Golden Pennants *Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco Dianella revoluta var Black Anther Westringia rigida Stiff Westringia re valuta Flax-lily Caladenia tensa Rigid Spide: Orchid Clematis inicrophylla Small-leaved Clematis Acaciafarinosa Mealy Wattle Billanliera cymosa Sweet Apple-berry Millotia tenuifolia Soft Millotia Melaleuca lanceolata Moonah Hibbertia stricta Erect Guinea-flower Aotus ericifolia Common Aotus Hibbertia virgala Twiggy Guinea flower|

112 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

From the Wonga Hut on Lake Brimin, transparent 'spectacle' pods. Mattingley's route basically followed Mattingley must have had good inlor Outlet Creek. The areas of open country, mation and also have been a good naviga- 'verdure clad bays forming the plains', the tor. It was dark soon after they left Wonga swales between the dunes, making a chain Lake and it was still over six kilometres as of "lakes' along the course of Outlet the crow flies to his next reference point. Creek, impressed him as the grazing Bracky Well. But of course the crow grounds of numerous emus and marsupi- would have been stumbling along through als, and this is still so. the sand, or if following along ihe creek One item is sadly missing in any quanti- bed, tripping over fallen timber and nesting ty, the mounds of the Malleefowl becoming confused by the numerous side Leipoa ocellata, which Mattingley found branches of the creek. in the to be numerous mallee areas in this If the creek bed is followed from where section of the Park. In another region a lit- it crosses the Nine Mile Square Track, one tle further north, he examined forty-five eventually comes across Emu Flat, and it mounds in a relatively small area. is on the edge of this Flat that Brueky Of course Mattingley's objective was Well stood. There are the remains of a the Pine Plains Station, still some distance windmill lying on the ground, chiefly the

away, and he proceeded up the Creek to tail-vanc. and a couple of decayed logs, all Lake Brambruk, the destination of one of that remains of the hut referred to by the Nature Walks - Lake Jerriwirrip. Mattingley. called 'Cherrywhip' by the locals at the Fortunately, somebody has erected a

time, and Wonga Lake. This route took sign indicating Bracky Well, or it would him through some of the richest bird be possible to walk past without noticing observing spots, and many of the species very much. From here it was only about in his checklist were noted along here. It is four more kilometres across much easier only a matter of a few kilometres to walk ground, the southern bed of Lake Agnes, this route, but folk doing so should have a to Pine Plains Station. good map and be able to make proper use Mattingley called this spol 'Bracke at the of a compass. As is stated in the Park liter- Well', and the local opinion is an ature, any extensive walks should be dis- moment is that 'Bracke' or "Bracky' referring to the cussed beforehand with the Rangers. It is abbreviation of 'brackish', not always easy to make out which is the quality of the water provided. current bed of Outlet Creek, and there could be Apparently the view from the Plains homestead, built by the late many false trails. Pine O'Sullivan on the site of (he original. Perhaps it was fortunate that Mattingley Tim changed much in nearly ninety and his party didn't divert a little to the hasn't There were then, as now, 'miles of west to try and avoid deep sand on the years. a trace of mallee; large ridges between Jerriwirrip and Wonga. country without without a vestige of timber, evi- The depression in this area is Lake plains dried up beds of ancient lakes, Plagianth, and on the occasion of this dently the fringed with picturesque Red Gums; 1995 visit had, in its central area, an graceful Murray Pines grow expanse of 'glutinous grey glug' which whilst the on the sand ridges.' enhanced one's height by a centimetre or profusely The principal "large plain' is of course two at each step. If Mattingley's buggy Wirrengren Plain, the ultimate destination entered they would have been and pair had the Creek Outlet Creek. It is unusual for than with the deep sand up of in more trouble Brambruk. and to run as far north as Lake on the dunes. Pine Plains, even more so for it to reach Growing in this grey mud was a fasci- that in very wet years it but it is recorded plant, not seen before by the nating little 1853 Wirrengren Plain Alyssum lim- has done so. In author, *Flax-leaf Alyssum and a depth of 12 feet (3.6 m). found in the flooded to folium. This small crucifer is difficult 4 feet (1.2 m). It's very similar areas in 1945 to drier parts of the state and in visualise such events (Fig. 4). it was in to in other states. At this season days Mattingley spent the next three in the tiny fruil, with the seeds visible 113 Vol. 113(3)1996 Contributions

exploring around the area. The Lake have surprised Mattingley, was that of a Agnes perimeter is still timbered with Red mob of camels, including a calf, on Gum, Black Box and Cypress Pine, and Wirrengren Plain (Fig. 5). These belong to bird life abounds. The dunes on the west- the O'Sullivan family, and have been used ern side of Wirrengren Plain are timbered since 1988 for safaris in various parts of with several mallee and acacia species, the country. Another development, begun and likewise abound in bird life. by Tim O'Sullivan, and being gradually Mattingley's bird list between Hopetoun completed by Susan O'Sullivan and fami- and Pine Plains included 50 species ly, is that of accommodation for visitors (Table 3) of the approximately 160 now to the northern end of Wyperfeld, includ- on the list recorded for Wyperfeld ing that part which was previously includ- National Park. ed in Pine Plains. This should be a boon This author's list, though not having for folk who don't wish to camp.

quite the same species as Mattingley, So it is that Mattingley's dream of a numbered fifty-seven, and included one National Park, the 'lungs of the city', has not mentioned by Mattingley, the come to fruition, on an even grander scale Peregrine Falcon Fcilca peregrinus. A pair than he imagined. It is possible, without were observed at nest (one that had been much difficulty, to traverse most types of abandoned by an eagle), not far from terrain in an ordinary vehicle or with day Bracky Well. The nest was near the top of walks. For the more adventurous walker, a Cypress Pine on the side of a sand dune. there is very little limit to what can be The male was particularly vocal in his dis- done. pleasure at our presence, wheeling around Adequate camping facilities are avail- and screaming. An hour or so later, on able in both the north and south sections returning, the same reception was given. of the Park, and unpowered sites are avail- The female quietly left the nest and able for caravans. Unlike Mattingley's perched a little distance away, presumably problems in deep sand with his 'buggy returning when all was quiet. Mattingley and pair', access to the major areas is by doesn't specifically mention the well-surfaced roads, including bitumen, Malleefowl being seen on the journey from Rainbow or Hopetoun. Access from from Hopetoun to Pine Plains, although he Patchewollock is by gravel road.

mentions the sighting of several nests or The western area of the Park, is accessi- mounds. However, the study of the ble by way of the Yanac to Murrayville 'Thermometer-Bird or Mallee-Fowl' was Track, but this is really only suitable for a major part of his work during this time. 4WD vehicles, and then only in dry The details of this work were published in weather. Unfortunately, some drivers feel Emu 8, Jan. 1909. There he describes the the necessity to barrel along this track, examination of 45 different mounds in the with the result that it is very cut up in vicinity of Pine Plains, over a period of some sections. The motto of the four- several months in 1907. wheel driver, "tread lightly", has not One current observation that would always been observed in this area.

Fig. 4. Bed of Outlet Creek near Pine Plains Fig. 5. Camels on Wirrengren Plain Station.

114 The Victorian Naturalist How to be a Field Naturalist

Acknowledgements Mallee. The Victoria Nmmiist 26 64 Thanks to: Damien Kerr, Principal Ranger, Mattingley, Wyperfeld A. HE. (1909b). Thermometer Bird or National 'Park, and Staff; Bill Roberts, Hopetoun; Mallee Fowl, find, 8. Mattingley, Max Brown, 'Cambacanya'; and Susan O'Sullivan,' A.H.E. (1931). The Wyperfeld National 'Pine Plains'. Park. The Victorian Naturalist 47 216 Morton, W.L. (1966). 'Notes on a Tour in the

Marine Invertebrates Clarrie Handreck'

Introduction This item complements Noel Schleiger's on 'Shell Collecting' in The Victorian Naturalist 112, 105 (April 1995). His lists of activities, equipment, references and clubs are of course relevant here. Most people's observations of marine invertebrates will be confined to intertidal and shallow subtidal areas. Keep in mind that the entire intertidal zone is exposed to human activity, with therefore widespread potential for deleterious effects from trampling, habi- wilder- tat disturbance, over-collecting, and exploitation for food and bait. There are no ness ('no-go') zones within current marine reserves (cf. terrestrial reserves where public access is mostly restricted to tracks).

Permits are required for collecting or research in all Victorian coastal and marine reserves.

purposes is discouraged Collecting live specimens outside reserves for non-research tissue quickly decays. Many,includ- too. Without immediate effective preservation, body preserved. ing seastars and most nudibranchs, lose all colour when

common species ThJSstanc^available within a club can speed up your recognition of appropriate taxonomtc groups, and help you to and the ability to assign specimens to or camouflaged animals. develop an eye for the many very small or motionless

Some Tips For Observing turbidity. Move slnwlv to minimise disturbance and , pools, without handhng them, TnsttuobseZtion of animals under stones or in rock seen. often increases the range of behaviours amongst the ^rSS"^™ tubes, ho,es, or from

for the hand. Watch out, too restrained in (limpets. ** » or those ^JSt^SSSSSAthat cling tightly — Trying to remove sessile species, cause damage or injury limbs or discharge ..,„„>, for animals that drop

respectively. 115 Vol. 113(3)1996 How to be a Field Naturalist

— Use soft-action forceps or a small art brush if you need to handle soft-bodied animals. In soft-sediment areas, distinguish species that live in various habitats: attached to seagrasses or algae, on the surface, in the top few centimetres of sediment, or deeper and perhaps in burrows. Digging and sieving soft sediments inevitably causes considerable habitat disturbance. In rocky-shore areas, turn and replace loose stones carefully to minimise the chance of animals being injured or washed off (our aim is to see them). Return each stone, right way up, to its original spot in the hope that the edges will quickly 'seal' again with sediment or shingle. If collecting dead shells, select those without things living on them (limpets, bryozou, etc.) or inside them (especially hermit crabs, many of which are in very small shells).

Literature (additional to Schlciger). George, D, and J. (1979). Marine Life: An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Invertebrates of

the Sea. Rigby. ISBN 7270 I 107 3 H/c. 288p. In print? Coleman, N. (1991): Encyclopaedia of Marine Animals. Angus & Robertson. ISBN 207.16429 0. H/c. 324p. Shepherd, S.A. and Thomas, I.M. (1982,1989): Marine Invertebrates of Southern Australia. Pi. I: Sponges, Cnidaria, 4 smaller worm groups; Bryozoans, Echinoderms. Pt. II: Molluscs. .Handbooks Committee and Govt. Printer of S.A.. ISBN 7243 4584 KSet). S/c.490&410p. Underwood, A.J. and Chapman, M.G. (1993): Seashores - A Beachcombers Guide. Uni. Press. NSW ISBN 86840 173 0, S/c. 1 I6p. Sydney species, but many occur in Victoria. Wilson, B. (1993,1994): Australian Marine Shells- Prosobranch Gastropods. Odyssey (Set of 2 vols.). ISBN 646 15225 4 H/c. 408 & 370p.resp.

Willan, R.C. and Coleman, N. ( 1 984): of Nudibranehs Australia. ISBN 949 373 01 . X. S/c. 56p. Jones, D. and Morgan, G. (1994): A Field Guide to Crustaceans of Australian Waters Reed. ISBN 7301 0403 6. S/c. 216p.

In preparation

Edgar, G. A book for the general reader and naturalist on the marine life of southern Australia. Over 1000 species described and colour-illustrated. Due to be published by Reed in the first half of 1996.

Clubs and Societies Marine Research Group of Victoria (MRGV*): Clurrie Handreck (03) 9870 3647. Malacological Society of Australasia (Victorian Branch): Edna Tenner (03) 9478 1 284 Port Phillip Bay Shell Group: Christine Bunyard (03) 9439 2147. Marine and Coastal Society of Victoria: Tim O'Hara (03) 9899 2509 Focus: marine environment management. Aquatic Naturalists CAquanats'): Glenys Greenwood (03) 9560.6024. Focus: divers' natural history group. Australian Marine Conservation Society (formerly Australian Littoral Society): Brisbane-based, branches in Qld. and NSW. Focus:research and management (07) 848 S215. FNCV: Noel Schleiger (03) 9435 8408.

Participants in MRGV activities can: — help build a Victoria-wide database; — assist with studies and reports on particular locations; — support the work of specialist taxonomists; — pursue their own interests or studies provide — diver support for research (shore and boat opportunities arise) — work as volunteers in Invertebrate Zoology, Museum of Victoria (Saturday and weekday' options).

116 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

Lightning

G.L. Howie'

Since my letter headed 'Lightning 'S 34.313 E 139.405 04:09:14.964 17- Strikes Again' was published (Howie DEC-95 -32 KAMB'. 1994), information has been printed which Times to 1 MS eastern standard. 1 16 shows that the published facts, on the for- flashes were recorded for the 'extended mation of thunderstorms and hence light- metropolitan Adelaide'. ning, if not incorrect, do not show what It is hoped to be able to associate the trip- really happens or indeed what forces are ping of power distribution circuit breakers present. (1 1 KV and over) with the location of par- Damage to trees shows the effect of the ticular flashes so that insulators and con- energy release pulses. While on a Field ductors can be examined for damage when Naturalists' Society Botany Club excur- supply has not been interrupted. sion (10/12/95) to a native vegetation area Thanks to media publicity, I was able within the Kuitpo Forest, which is other- the next day to go and examine (he wise mainly Radiata Pine Pinus Radiata, remains of a Silky Oak Grevillea robusta 30 km south of Adelaide, I noticed a which was struck. The trunk (30 cm diam- Eucalyptus obliqua with a strip of bark eter) 2-4 m above the ground was com- removed from the full length of the main pletely shattered with the bark totally trunk, obviously due to lightning. removed from that and the section below. Splinters of wood and bark were strewn The discharge spreading out in three all around for a radius of about 15 m branches, one of which damaged a tele- (about the height of the tree), the branch phone cable abut two metres away. (60 mm diameter) that had been struck, Unfortunately the trunk was cut up shortly complete with leaves which were dry after after the incident. 2-3 months, was lodged in the fork of the On New Year's Eve, Adelaide experi- main and dead trunk. enced another severe thunderstorm which

It appears that the current entered the had apparently developed not far to the

branch via a dead stick which was proba- north. I was able to examine two houses bly wet and thus acted as a conductor. that had been damaged by lightning. In About 3 m of the branch was completely one case about 35 roof tiles were broken splintered, with one piece about a metre and about 50 clay bricks in the upper part long stuck vertically in the soil directly of a side wall were shattered. Most of the the house had to be replaced, not below where it had grown. Down the main wiring in was seen as trunk the growing layer acted as the con- surprising as the discharge ductor and hence the strip of bark was three sparks from ceiling to floor in three blasted off. rooms. microwave Adelaide, on 17/12/95, experienced a The damage to the television, recorder and washing machine severe electrical storm with most strokes oven, video were plugged in, although apparently cloud to ground (the Electricity motor which that all electri- Corporation recording about 250 to main not switched on, illustrates appliances should be completely dis- power lines in South Australia). About cal is imminent. the extended connected if a thunderstorm 1 10 flashes were recorded in not surprised to be told metropolitan area between 4.30 am and 1 was, therefore, Field Naturalist member that two 12.30 by the Australia-wide radio by a pm reserve (E. obliqua) in the Society's detecting system now partly installed. The trees north-east of at Forest Range, 30 km initial receivers are at Wagga Wagga, Adelaide, had been struck by lightning on Cobar, Mildura and Mount Gambier. I New Year's Eve 31/12/95. have a copy of the print-out for 17/12/95, it was This occurrence is of interest as the first line being via one found that the initial discharge was was via a nearby tree but the return stroke (butts 10 m apart, tops about 5 m 1 5039 tree 53 Gladys Street, Clarence Gardens, SA 117 Vol. 113 (3) 1996 Naturalist Notes

apart). The bark of both trees was blasted that visible cloud-to-ground strokes were off along 6 cm strips right to the top and occurring at about 100 per minute. reduced to a mass of fibre resembling that Subsequently it was clear that the thunder- from a coconut (Fig. 1), most of it still head was very high, possibly 20-30 km, being attached to the remaining bark. The yet some ground strokes appeared to rest of the fibre and some splintered wood extend further upwards as a reddish glow. were spread about on trees, shrubs and A short paragraph published about the ground for 10 m in all directions (Fig. 2). same time, 'Gamma-Ray Thunderbolts' As with the other cases, the foliage. ('News Notes' 1995) subsequently con- because there was no evidence of burning, vinced me that what I had seen as inverted was obviously not part of the discharge triangles of light apparently reflection paths. A few small twigs with leaves were from below horizon thunderstorms, were, apparently broken off by the force of the in fact, upper atmosphere extension of the explosions and the condition of these indi- lightning flashes, obviously involving cated that the incident probably occurred potential differences much greater than on 17/12/95. that which could be caused by the thunder- Another fact about lightning is also storm alone.

gaining publicity in the media. For many I had, for over 20 years, been uncertain

years I have been of the opinion that light- as to why light flashes were seen as distant ning often extended far above the thunder- triangles with the apex always pointing head through the upper atmosphere and downwards, when, if they involved direct the night of the 2/1/95 provided further reflection of flashes, these should not be

evidence. I was alone in the Cooltong only inverted triangles. The explanation of Conservation Park, a mallee area with the upper atmosphere glows has come in a Bare Logania Logania inula, Skeleton Fan number of publications since (Hill 1995; Flower Scaevola depattperata and particu- Davidson 1995; Muir 1995; Kerr 1994b, larly Stackhousia megaloplera and domi- 1995; Lyons 1995; Holmes 1995). nated by Silver Mallee Eucalyptus Many cloud-to-ground strokes and/or cyanophylla, when an extremely severe the return strokes apparently extend up to thunderstorm came from the north-west. 100 km above the earth in the form of Before the rain and high winds inverted cones (seen as triangles) within

obscured my view , I was of the opinion volumes of up to 10, 000 krn^ of air. None of the published information has offered an explanation of the cause of 'Red Sprites' (salmon-red and carrot- shaped) and 'Blue Jets' (blue and foun- tain-shaped)(Fig. 3). One hypothesis is that they are formed from oxygen or nitrogen molecules excited by collisions with

Fig. I. Eucalyptus obliqua Forest Range. South Fig. 2. Left, Butt tree of Fig. 1. right, bundle of Australia! Lower pari of the trunk, bark shred- dispersed fibre on Acacia pyenantha, 6 m away. ded by lightning.

118 The Victorian Naturalist - 1 Naturalist Notes

high energy electrons, somewhat similar broken conductor, a damaged to those produced in auroras transformer (Kerr 1994; or a bush lire (an essential for the Lyons 1995; 'News Notes* 1995). exis lence ol many Australian However, questions plain species) still arise:- but what was the precursor high in (he - Do eharges resulting from solar activi- atmosphere and probably ty accumulate unnoticed by on earth, and if so, do these humans? charges subsequently escape into outer space with the assistance of thunderstorm References activity and hence the Davidson, K. "Red Sprites", etc.? (1995), Bolts from the blue ,v, „ Scientist It appears that 'Red Sprites' (August), 12 are best "ill; DK. (1995,, Str(lnge Ugh|s A|)ove observed from 200-250 km away from the rnunderstortns. Pacific Discovery 28 (3) thunderstorm (below the horizon) and, of 36. Holmes, B, (1995). Airborne elves course, well away from cities such as caugbi In the net Science (December), 17. Melbourne. Howie. G.L, (1994). Lighning Strikes Again. The Victorian Naturalist - Do the charges accumulated in the 111.41 15 Kerr, R.A. (1994a). Stalking Flashy Beasts Above Ihe capacitance formed by the earth, together Clouds. Science 265 (Augusi), 740, with the insulating lower atmosphere Kerr, K.A. (1994b), Atmospheric Scientists Puzzle Over High Aliunde Flashes, Science 264 (dielectric) and the conducting upper (May) ' 1250, ' atmosphere, assist in the formation Ken. of R.A. (1995). Lofty Hashes come down to earth thunderstorms and contribute to their Science 270 (October), 235. Lyons. W.A. intensity? et ai. (1995), Sprites, ELF transients, and Positive Ground Strokes, Science 269(Au»us() The result is a flash of light between 1088. tvluir, Ha/el. Striking cloud and earth, a damaged or demolished (1995), hack ,u I ightninj using Lasers. New Scientist 1998 (October), 2(< 27, tree, a smashed power line insulator, a 'News Notes'. (1995). Gamma Kay Thunderbolts. SJfc) and Telescope (January), 14.

1 MS vl KV ELVES I* . BRIOHT] 100 KM IONOSPHERE

MESOSPUERE

|,NI)KllS(Hluc/l'ur|*) STRATOSPHERE

Q BLUE JETS' 5 (IO0- 100 MS. Din fc TROPOSPHERE

i .

SEA 1

...ttil Nll.Mivr LEVEL" "«'""";»""•'" 200 KM UK) KM

Stratosphere and Fig. 3. Transient, Luminous Events in the Ifj^g^JJSfpbrtI 406, Walter A. Lyons, ASTeR Inc., O BOX Sprites - Elves - Blue JetS.Drawing courtesy Collins, Colorado 80522, USA

119 Vol. 113(3) 1996 Book Reviews

A Field Guide to Australian Butterflies

by Robert Fisher

Publisher- Surrey Beaux & Sons Pty Limited, Chipping Norton NSW. 1995. 254pp. RRPS29.95

to the eastern subspecies only. Regrettably, In recent years conservation attention to a identified number of rare butterflies, such as the there are at least 10 incorrectly (see appendix). Some Eltham Copper in Victoria, has seen an adults in the guide hesperiines involve at least increase in public awareness of the need to illustrations of name, sometimes learn more about our fauna. A modern field two species under one of different genera. The guide to assist identification of common comprising members for dobhoe seems to species in the bush and home garden has female depicted Sabera and the female of become a must for the environmentally he Telicota anisodesma, appears aware. This latest hand book, by a recog- one lycaenid, Candalides absimiiis, several nised authority on the South Australian under four different names. For sexes been mistakenly given fauna, is presumably directed to a lay or species the have young audience. Just over 200 butterfly (eg. Lampides boeticus). The colour repro- species of a national total exceeding 400 are duction is generally accurate, however some depict adults on unlikely illustrated. The book is hard bound, glossy of the field shots other 'live' butter- covered and sturdy, and its slim shape makes ornamental flowers, and flies appear deceased (eg. Parahieia pyrodis- it very portable. The introductory section includes general cus). information on nomenclature, life history, In places the work is up to 12 years out of distribution, butterfly morphology, and a date, although most of the new information is small component on how to use the guide in available in the journals cited in the bibliog- use of some- the field. The author recommends initial field raphy. This has resulted in the classification to family level, but this would obsolete names (eg. Hants hymetus is a be difficult for the novice using only the junior synonym of a New Guinea species, information provided. Psychonotus melius). There are very few The bulk of the book comprises a family spelling errors. Those found pertained only by family treatment of species in traditional to technical names, eg's. the mistletoe arrangement. An outstanding feature is the Notothisos (see p. 102). also the butterfly high quality colour illustrations of early Tirumala hamata (see pp.1 18-9). Some of stages of some 45 species. Each family is the bibliographic details are vague, incom- separately introduced, and for each butterfly plete or erroneous (eg. McCubbin was not species, a description of the adult male and revised in 1985; this is a reprint of the 1971 female, general distribution and some life- edition). Distribution data has suffered the - history information is given along with illus- most and in some places is wrong the rare trations of one or more museum specimens Barrington Tops subspecies Candalides To aid identification, wing measurements in heat hi doddi does not occur in the Blue millimetres are provided in the text. Very lit- Mountains. Errors are also present in the tle on species biology is included, and more descriptions of adults, eg. the female of emphasis on this, rather than descriptions, Hypolimnas alimena lamina is said to be would have enhanced the species accounts. without the blue band on the upperside - this There is a tendency towards technical lan- is applicable only to the NT subspecies, dar- guage with emphasis on scientific rather than winensis. The Australian life history of common names, but the inclusion of a three BindaharQ plwcides, published in 1983, is page glossary at the back of the book will stated to be undescribed (p. 2 10). assist the reader. The guide concludes with a For me. these inadequacies are a concern, bibliography and separate indexes of com- however the field guide will prove useful for mon and scientific names. those who wish to develop a casual interest Although, perhaps of limited concern to in butterflies or are seeking general informa- the novice, the guide does contain a sprin- tion in a readily accessible form for use in kling of inaccuracies which butterfly special- school projects. For this audience, the glossy ists will delect. Occasionally, incorrect com- presentation, brief text and simple structure mon names arc applied; Paralucia pyrodis- diagrams will be a major attraction. Indeed, Cus luvida. the famous 'Eltham Copper' is many common butterflies will be recognised called the 'Dull Copper", a name applicable using the clear colour plates, and for the

120 The Victorian Naturalist Book Reviews

more experienced enthusiast the first class Female upperside is C. absimilis photos of juvenile stages (SE Qld- (mostly unavailable NSW form). elsewhere) will be appreciated. Female underside is C. absimilis

In addition, Kelvyn L. Dunn Lambkin (1995) stated the female 1 5 Yackatoon Road Pelopidas illustrated is P. agna dingo, I am not Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria 3808 convinced of this and judge this female to be a variant of P. lyelli. Some years back I exam- Book Review ined Appendix: similar ambiguous material from north- Annotated list of the 10 mis-identified adult western Australia, and the female illustrated specimens and the juvenile stage referred to in may even be the specimen from Derby in the this review. SA Museum which I commented on in Dunn & Ocybadisles flavovittatus: (p.53). Dunn (1991 ). Lambkin also pointed out that the Male is Suniana sunias, illustration female is O. walkeri of Cupha prosope prosope seems to (It is not possible to confirm the identity of be C.p. turner! with which I agree. the underside specimen - it could be either O. walkeri or O. flavovittatus) Mis-identified juvenile stage:

O. hypomeloma: (p. 55). Catopsilia gorgophone pupa (fig. 13 p. 89) Male underside is S. sunias This is a female pupa of C. pomona (summer Neohesperilla xiphiphora (p.40). form) (see Dunn 1995). Female seems to be N. crocea Sabera dobboe (p. 65). References: Female seems to be Telicota anisodesma DeBaar, M. and Hancock, D.L. (1993). The Australian species of Elodina C. & R. Felder (Lepidopicr.i: Elodina perdita (p. 10 1 ). Pieridae). Australian Both sexes are Elodina walkeri (from NE Entomologist 20, 25-43. Dunn, K.L. (1995). Notes on the biology and wing Qld). variation in Catopsilia gorgophone gorgophone (Refer to generic revision by DeBaar & (Boisduval). Victorian Entomologist 25, 106-1 16. Hancock 1993). Dunn, K.L. and Dunn, L.E. (1991). Review oj Candalides margarita (p.213). Australian Butterflies: Distribution, Life history Female is C. absimilis (NQ form) and Taxonomy. Part 2 Family Hesperiidae. (Published by the authors: Melbourne). C. helenita (p. 215). Lambkin, T. (1995). Book Review. Journal of the Female is C. absimilis (NQ form) Australian Entomological Society 34, 192. 204. C. consimilis (p.217).

MEMBERSHIP Members receive The Victorian Naturalist and the monthly Field Nat News free. The Club be charged). organises several monthly meetings (free to all) and excursions (transport costs may number ot locations Research work, including both botanical and fauna surveys, is being done at a in Victoria, and all members are encouraged to participate.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES for 1996

(Subscriptions are due on 1 January.) First Member ..„ Metropolitan j™ Concessional (pensioner/student/unemployed) *^j Country (more than 50km from GPO) „. Junior (under 18) Additional Members jU Adult $5 Junior * Institutional 555 Australian Institutions AUD $65 Overseas Institutions 535 Schools/Clubs

121 Vol. 113(3)1996 Naturalist Notes

From our Naturalist in Residence, Glen Jameson

Middle Yarra Timelines

its creatures, there is not the This is a season of growth and activity for the bushland and shutting down procedures of the northern hemisphere's autumn. The dry Summer spell is broken with frequent rains from early March to May and there is a sense of renewal and replenishment, of gearing up for breeding and production. If it is to be a dry year with the affects of the El Nino Southern Oscillation bringing on drought, it will be in this season, Early Winter, that the effects will be first suggested.

Early Winter

On a rocky riparian escarpment over- cupressiforme, Marchantia foliosa and looking the Yarra River is a stand of Cladia aggregata have returned to an Black She-Oaks Allocasuarina littoralis. emerald green colour after substantial An uncommon plant along the Middle rains and illuminate the heavily shaded Yarra Valley, all these are males with pen- areas where Gnat Orchids Acianthus pusil- dulous golden flowers casting pollen to lus flower. the winds in the hope of reaching the soli- On the ground at the base of a Manna tary female plant way downstream. It is a Gum Eucalyptus viminalis, in a hole large

precarious existence and illustrative of the enough to fit your finger, is the larval case plight of many plants in this Riparian veg- of a Goat Swift Moth, family Hepialidae. etation community, perhaps one of the The first heavy showers soften the ground most degraded in the Yarra Valley. and send the Timelonic message for these Also on this rocky escarpment above huge Moths to emerge during that night in the rapids, grows Rock Correa Correa search of a reproductive partner. glabra covered in bright green bell-shaped Along the Jumping Creek in flowers in which Eastern Spinebills Warrandyte State Park and along bush- Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris search for land corridors, many of the smaller birds nectar with almost frenzied speed while including White-plumed Honeyeaters Bell Miners Manorina melanophrys, with Lichenostomus penicillatus, Brown-head- chicks in their nest, harass the Eastern ed Honeyeaters Melithreptus brevirostris, Spinebill at every opportunity. At the base Yellow-faced Honeyeaters Lichenostomus of the Rock Correa is the fungi Psilocybe chrysops. Grey Fantails Rhipidura fuligi- sp. Under thickets of Burgan Kunzea eri- nosa and Golden Whistlers Pachycephala coides, cryptogams such as Hypnum pectoralis will flock together and work the

122 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes trees for invertebrates. Amongst the lower larly heavy rain, the Bushlands appear vegetation strata the same flocking behav- drippingly fresh and clean. Even the heav- iour occurs between Superb Fairy-wrens ily polluted air has been purified and the cyaneus, Malurus White-browed smells of the land arc intoxicating. Scrubwrens Sericornis frontalis, Eastern Eucalypts now put on large amounts ,,| Yellow Robins Eopsaltriu australis, new growth with each species having its Yellow-rumped Thornbills Acanthiza characteristic young leaf colour. Yellow ehrysorrhoa and Grey Shrike-thrush Box Eucalyptus meliodora has a golden Colluricinca harmonica. colour and Red Box Eucalyptus polyan-

Unseasonal major rains have swollen themos is tinged with red. Fungi is grow- the river so that Mountain Tea-tree ing everywhere in response to the changed Leplospermum grandifolium and River weather conditions.

Bottlebrush Callistemon sieberi, half" sub- Gullies and grassy valley slopes are full merged, drag in the fast flowing water, of the fruiting bodies of Fungi which are whilst the curse of the river system. a major feature of the Winter seasons as Willow's Salix spp. leaves are turning yel- the food chain of decay gains momentum. low. The water is freezing cold so that the There are Dermocybe aff. sqnguinea diversity of aquatic invertebrates is con- amongst leaf litter. Armillaria luteohubiili- siderably lower than during the summer na at the base of trees, the Yellow seasons. However, there are still Staining Mushroom Agaricus xanthoder- Chironomids. Stoneflies Plecoplera, ma which seems to have taken domi- Mayflies Ephemeroptera and the Elmid nance over the much loved, collected and Beetles, family Elmidae, indicators of eaten Field Mushroom Agaricus good water quality, but many of the inver- campestris, huge boletes such as tebrate populations and large amounts of Phlebopus marginatus resemhling garden organic matter have been swept away by settings and, under the introduced an import- the racing river to be dispersed right down Monterey Pines Pimis radiata. fungi, Fly Agaric Amanita to the lower reaches of the Yarra. This ed range of Caps scouring of the food-rich riffle areas muscaria and Saffron Milk Splashes of Pink depletes the favoured feeding grounds of Lactarius deliciosus. impressa adorn the bush Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus and Heath Epacris overcast skies and perhaps threatens the survival of dispers- under the increasingly Pink Robins Petroica rodinogaster which ing juveniles. mountain forests Downstream, Bolin Bolin Billabong have moved down from gullies or across from Tasmania, brims to the bank with flooding water and and enjoy the solitude of Andersons Creek large emphemeral wetlands in the Yarra along the Gold Memorial Gully. The usu- Flats Park are created, to much vocalized ally solitary Black Swamp Wallaby praise by the Common Froglet Crinia sig- resident of quiet in Wallabia bicolor also a nifera, which have instantly appeared steeper slopes, gives birth use the opportunity gullies and their thousands to be Through the winter seasons and may the flood and also during this afforded by dur- occasionally observed with partners the Victorian Smooth Froglet season last heritage ing this time. Pecking at the Geocrinia victoriana is at its most vocal. apples on the trees at Petty's fauna and organ- variety of Much of the invertebrate form is a flock of the Tasmanian spills onto the Orchard ic matter swept downstream lateralis of Silvereye Zosterops lateralis enrich the wetland ecosys- floodplains to Winter. Jacky Winters Cattle Egrets over for the tem and a large mob of although Microeca fascinans are observed Ardea alba feed on the sodden grassy Wood- last sightings of Dusky Banksia Park and Yarra Flats the areas of Artamus cyanopterus and fairy Eucalyptus camal- swallows Park. River Red Gums arid are made as they copious pro- Martins Hirundo dulensis begin to shed their northward. the migration path leaves are attacked join duction of seed as the occasional sunny after- In flight on the bv Lace Lerps family Psyllidae. Cabbage White is the last of the ' Winter noon frequent showers of Early Blue Zrina The raphae, Common Grass the flora and Pieris a new lease of life into White Deltas inject labradus, and Imperial Sun after a particu- fauna. In the morning 123 Vol.ll3(3)1996 Naturalist Nates harpalyce Butterflies, although on small A staggering array of Moths are drawn Black Wattles Acacia meamsii Common to house lights, their eyes glowing golden Imperial Blue Butterflies Jalmenus evago- orbs. After the first rains break the ras arc still emerging. Catching the mid Summer dry, huge platoons of Southern afternoon sun is a small mob of Eastern Army Worm Moths Persectania ewingii Grey Kangaroos Macropus giganleus lay- appear. Beside them are Twin Emeralds ing in a clearing on a westerly lacing Chlorocoma dichlararia. Tiger Moths slope of Laughing Waters Park. Amidst Spilosoma glatignyi. Heliotrope Moths the tangle of a huge, long fallen branch, Utetheisa pulclwlloides, Urticating are plentiful juvenile Garden Skinks Anthelid Moths Anthela nicothoe. White Lampropholis guichenoti which have just Satin Moths Thalaina sclcnaea and, a hatched and they too catch the sun for favourite of the Warrandyte football team energy. Young Black Crickets because it has a red "W" on each white Teleogryllus commodus are also plentiful, wing (the team's colours), the Clara Satin often finding their way into houses as does Moth Thalaina data. All of these inverte- the introduced Black Millepede. brates contribute to a rich harvest for the Distant views from the ridges and hill- flocks of birds that glean the trees during tops are often prevented as rain clouds the day and night hunters such as Sugar cover the Kinglake, Dandcnong and Gliders Petaurus hreviceps and Feathertail Healesville Ranges. On the dry ridges are Gliders Acrabatcs pygmaeus. Foraging in found the early winter flowering forms of the dark, under the bark of trunks and (he Golden Wattle Acacia pycnaniha and large limbs of trees, or amongst leaf litter Spreading Wattle Acacia gcnisiifolia. for arthropods, is the endangered Brush- uncommon forms of plants which usually tailed Phascogale Phascagale tapaatafa. flower during Spring. Mistletocbirds Keenly alert and as agile as thought itself, Dicaeum hirundinaceum feed on the this species will mate this season, after ripening fruits of the Drooping Mistletoe which all the males of the population die, Amye ma pendulum growing from a Red to leave ecological room for the offspring. Box which is beginning to flower. Nearby Night skies are dominated by bright Long-leaf Box Eucalyptus goniocalyx car- stars of Achernar, Sirius, Procyon, Pollux

ries a heavy load of flowers as it tends to and Alderaran. Spurred on by the flush of do every second year and at its base the new growth on the local Eucalypts, Drooping Cassinia Cassinia arcuala is in Brushtail Possums I richosurus vulpecula flower in brown pendulous plumes. show little decorum by creating copious Overhead a pair of Wedge-tail Eagles amounts of noise as they copulate on tin Aquila audax. one carrying a European roofs. The females will be giving birth this Rabbit Oryctolagus funiculus plucked season and carry pouch young for the fol- from the grassy slopes of Longridge Park, lowing four to five months. Ringtail are out circling anti-clockwise with the Possums Pseudoclwirus peregrinus also high pressure air system to gain a vantage begin their breeding this season which is over the terrain. They scrutini/.e the fortunate for the Powerful Owl Ninox

forests carefully, for it is nest building strenua which depends largely on time and secret gullies must be evaluated Ringtails for food. Carried across the val- for their potential. ley, where saw-edged formations of mist As dusk falls, we watch fifteen Gould's mark the river like the vertebrae of an Wattled Bats Chalinolahus gouldii leave ancient creature, is the falsetto double in succession from a nest box on a dry hoot calls of the Southern Boobook Owls ridge in Yarra Valley Parklands. This Ninox novaeseelandiae. They are in coun- organised exit, may help them avoid pre- terpoint to the deep, resonant double hoot dation by Pied Butcherbirds Cracticus of the Powerful Owl, which is more often nigrogularis. Pied Currawongs Strepera heard as the largest bird of the Owl family graculina and Owls. Gould's Wattled Bats contemplates the approaching breeding will copulate during the Winter seasons. season. as will most of the species of Bats that Glen Jameson inhabit the Yarra Valley, although births PO Box 568, Templeslowe, Victoria 3106 will not take place until the Spring. The Victorian Naturalist

Volume 113(4) 1996 - August

Club of Victoria Published by The Field Naturalists since 1884 Natural Supported by the Department of Resources and Environment

MUSEUM OF VICTORIA

38330 From the Editors

Mueller and the FNCV

It is a measure of his greatness that Baron Ferdinand von Mueller found time in a busy and energetic life to encourage and be involved with the small group of amateur field naturalists who had recently formed The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, as well as supplying articles to actively support the development of

| its journal, The Victorian Naturalist. We are sure that Mueller would be pleased to see that the club is still strong and vital and embarking on a new phase of growth and activity following the purchase of its own premises at Blackburn. This edition of The Victorian Naturalist is to acknowledge and remember the

Baron, and while it deals with the wider aspects of Mueller's involvement with natural history, the central issue is his association with the club, and we begin with three articles dealing with this aspect.

Thank you

The editors would like to thank all the authors who have given freely of their, time to meet almost impossible deadlines in providing the material for the jour-, nal, and special thanks to Sara Maroske who helped to arrange and co-ordinate this issue, as well as check the printers page proofs. Behind the scenes the. anonymous referees and proof readers have provided invaluable help with their, conscientious efforts and timely comments. Our editorial team, Gill Earl, Iani Endersby, Ian Lunt, Ian Mansergh and Tom May, have provided support and given of their time, we are especially grateful for their checking of printers page proofs. The success of the issue is entirely due to all the hard work of these people.

Aknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the substantial finacial assistance provided by The Department of Natural Resources and Environment towards the additional costs of this issue. Without their help we would not have been able to publish the numbers of papers or to cover such a wide range of topics.

Registered Office: FNCV, 1 Gardenia Street, Blackburn, Victoria 3130 Telephone/Fax: (03) 9877 9860

Mail: Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, Victoria 3130

ISSN 0042-5184 The Victorian Naturalist

Mume 113(4) 1996 August Editors: Ed and Pat Grey

Mueller Articles traduction, by Sara Maroske 128 meline 130

'iron von Mueller in the Field Naturalists Tradition, by Angela Taylor 131

;iron von Mueller at Adelaide, by Ruth Dwyer 139 iron von Mueller and The Victorian Naturalist, by Sheila Houghton 140 ffdinand von Mueller, Exhibitioner Extraordinaire, by T. May and S. Maroske 143 Ve Legacy of Mueller's Collections, by J.H. Ross 146 151 'llarsia - One of Mueller's Puzzles, by Helen Aston 152 neller's Excursions in the Murray Scrub 1848-1851, by R. Grandison

1 63 •ueller and the North Australian Exploring Expedition, by Helen Cohn 169 ueller and the North Australia Expedition, by Alan Parkin Bay-Genoa District, ten Revisited ... Mueller's 1860 Journey ..Twofold 171 by D. Albrecht xieller's Oceanic Island Plants, by Ian Endersby Martin ueller and his 'Lady' Correspondents, by Susan Mueller, irah Brooks - Plant Collector for Ferdinand by B. Archer andS. Maroske 95 Palaeontology, by Tom Darragh ueller and Personal Names in Zoology and Trees, by Bernard Mace > jueller - Champion of Victoria's Giant ^ Ruth Dwyer • Honour a Noted Botanist, by 2q9 Parkin le Mueller Memorial Medal, by Alan

Wallace • te Baron and the Goldfield, by Ray by Alan Parkin ^ iieller, Acclimatiser and Seed Merchant, Paddle -—••• ... , by R.N. seller's Magpies and Marsupial Wolves Eponyms, Central Austraha - Victonan seller's naming of Places and Plants in ^ "' ""_''""','""' by L. Gillbank ^7 C. McPnee the Armytage Famdy, by •e Botanist at Como: Mueller and

'>ok reviews by Robert Zacharin, nigrant Eucalypts: Gum Trees as Exotics, ^ ...... viewer A. Parkin "^I'TZT;reviewer L. Gillbank..Citibank Elizabeth Lawson, le Natural Art of Louisa AtkinsonM

Mueller. The photo "^" -over: Baron Ferdinand von *^^ynd remembrance from Lutheran .churmann the most exalted of the P^^^annR.chard Schurmann. 1982.' Photo, courtesy ; March erd . von Mueller. Mueller Issue

Introduction

Sara Maroske 1

At time of the death of Baron Ferdinand a botanical taxonomist but he also made von Mueller on 10 October 1896 The significant contributions in the related Field Naturalists Club of Victoria (FNCV) fields of geography, agriculture, horticul- placed a notice in the daily newspapers ture, forestry, palaeobotany and pharmacy. calling on Club members to join with It is easy to feel overwhelmed and incred- other mourners in Mueller's funeral pro- ulous when attempting to summarize his cession (French 1896). The Club subse- achievements. His capacity for work was quently bought the grave-plot adjoining phenomenal. This special issue of The the one donated to Mueller by the Trustees Victorian Naturalist, which commemo- of the St Kilda Cemetery, thereby dou- rates the 100th anniversary of Mueller's j bling the area that could be devoted to his death, conveys something of the richness memorial (Mezger, B. 1989, pers. eomm.). of his endeavours in natural history, many

It was Mueller's wish that this grave be of which in later life involved the FNCV. tended (Mueller 1884 unpubi), and over In 'The Legacy of Mueller's the years The Field Naturalists Club sur- Collections', Jim Ross provides a broad rounded the memorial with Australian context for many of the other papers. As a plants and kept it in order (e.g. Willis fellow taxonomist, and one who uses 1957). These actions placed the Club in a materials accumulated by Mueller, Ross is interesting position of intimacy with in a good position to assess Mueller's Mueller. No family member was nearly so botany. He points out that in order to involved in his funeral proceedings (Wehl undertake taxonomic work in Australia 1896 unpubi). Mueller had to acquire the means to do so, Mueller called himself one of the earli- which were not initially at hand. The est naturalists in the colony. As such it is Government provided Mueller with a no surprise that he felt at home in the salary and ever-diminishing grants for FNCV. He was one of the 'original' mem- books, specimens and equipment. This he bers and later a Patron of the Club. His extended with his own funds, with the was a familiar face al meetings where he dedication of his small staff, and through exhibited extensively, and he also pub- the efforts of a large network of collectors. lished numerous papers in The Victorian Even with these resources Mueller could Naturalist. Many Club members had not unravel all the taxonomic problems he

' cause to feel grateful for the personal encountered. Helen Aston's paper on

' encouragement which Mueller gave them. Villarsia indicates that there is still plenty As W.B. Spencer observed in an obituary left for other botanists to do. in The Victorian Naturalist, probably In his first decades in Australia, Mueller every member of the Club had come into was able to make substantial plant collec- contact with Mueller. 'It is hard, indeed,' tions himself and several papers explore Spencer declared, 'to realize that a aspects of what this involved. Ralph younger generation must arise to whom Grandison traces four excursions which the presence of the Baron, so familiar to Mueller carried out in the Murray scrub of us, will only be a tradition." (Spencer South Australia, before he was appointed 1896). Government Botanist of Victoria. Helen Mueller, however, was no ordinary nat- Cohn's and Alan Parkin's papers detail uralist. As Government Botanist of Mueller's most ambitious journey as the Victoria and Director of the Botanic botanist on the North Australian Exploring Garden, Melbourne he was internationally Expedition, 1855-6. Despite losing some renowned for his knowledge of the specimens at sea Mueller was able to add Australian flora. First and foremost he was numerous species to the Australian flora from this venture. David Albrecht's paper Nominal Herbarium. Birdwood Avenue. South Yarra, describes Mueller's botanizing in the Victoria 3141

128 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Twofold Bay/Genoa district and thereby such as the Armytages whose Western reveals that while Mueller may have had District and Queensland properties bene- obstacles to overcome in his travels, so do fited from Mueller's importation of pas- researchers trying to uncover his tracks. ture grasses such as Panicum spectahile. Although he visited every Australian Australia's plants in turn become exotic colony, Mueller relied on collectors to when they were exported overseas. Alan give him an overview of the entire coun- Parkin sketches Mueller's very significant try's flora. Thus as Ian Endersby's and role in the acclimatization of Eucalypt Linden Gillbank's papers show, Mueller species in countries like California and was able to make a contribution to the tax- Italy where they were prized for their tim- onomy of Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands, ber, oils and sanitary vapours. and central Australia without ever visiting Current assessment of these ventures is these areas himself. Susan Martin reflects no longer unequivocally positive. on the nature of the relationship between Mueller's operations took place in a pre- botanist and collector and suggests that, ecology era where scientists were not fully although it was mutually beneficial, it was cognizant of the inter-relatedness of also unequal, especially in respect of species. In their articles on Thylacines and women, who had limited access to educa- tall trees R.N. Paddle and Bernie Mace tion and professions for most of the nine- tease out some of the complexities of teenth century. Barbara Archer and Sara Mueller's environmental position. Paddle Maroske present a detailed case study of asserts that Mueller was not a 'hardline' one individual woman collector, Sarah acclimatizer because he was concerned species and Brooks, who clearly got a great deal out of about the extinction of native favour exotics over her relationship with Mueller even if it did not automatically laments what has been lost was not the same kind of thing as he did. natives. Mace position on forestry The scientific rewards to be reaped because Mueller's and indicates some of the from the labours of Mueller's network was unpopular identifying truth in a subject were the discovery of new species, locali- problems in writers are rarely disinterested. ty information which helped to set the where had many like-minded com- geographical limits of species, and obser- Mueller in the FNCV and he co-operated vations on plant biology. Several of the panions preserve with the Club in its campaigns to papers in this edition are preoccupied with Wilsons Promontory and the Cabbage the process of naming. Mueller named Palms (Livistona australis) of East plants and geographical features after indi- Gippsland. The Club no doubt benefited viduals variously to acknowledge a collec- authority Mueller's to from the prestige and tor, a patron or a colleague, or simply support gave to its activities. In return it curry favour with a politician. Thomas an interested audience and a able to identify supplied Darragh has been papers ot record of Mueller's work. The instances in which this honour was Tom May and Sara Maroske, and Sheila returned to Mueller in names in zoology Houghton trace Mueller's use of Club and palaeontology. Ruth Dwyer adds a and The Victorian Naturalist and an insect to the list of exhibitions race-horse publish, with surprising to publicize and Mueller's eponymy, Bernie Mace a giant findings. Consequently the regnans, and speed, his new specimen of Eucalyptus where the type awarded Naturalist is the place Alan Parkin a medal which is species like descriptions of such exciting annually by ANZAAS. lochae and Thisnua rod- plants Rhododendron Mueller's research on Australian wavi are to be found. his work on exotics. is better known than when surveying this It is interesting as Ray Wallace demon- Nevertheless, note how many individuals Goldfield volume to in 'The Baron and the closer strates have been attracted to make a communication with many work, and Mueller's of Mueller's life and non-Australian inspection areas was on the subject of based on submit a written contribution shows that this to plants. Carmel McPhee Some authors call him with families their research. was also the case with individual

129 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 1

Mueller Issue affection and familiarity 'the Baton' ditjons, it does so in a way that illuminates contribution. others make a more critical appraisal of as well as appreciates his his work. All arc responding to an extraordinary individual. In Ikm paper 'Baron von References " October, • 13 ;, .... , ', .„i; French, C. (1896). Notice j. Argus , m B n I lie 1'ield Naturalists Mueller in Muellw.F. (1884). |La«wffl and testament). (««/>«« Tradition', Angela Taylor argues that minuscript, Public Record Office of Victoria, file Mueller's relationship to the Club has S^^XueMo'^nckir, 20 Ocob* It is a process been built into its folklore. |j, 1)() manuscript, library. Royal Botanic | ,„„,,„(,/ in which the fact that Mueller was iinpor Gardens, Melbourne, RB MSS MI 06). has to be better , ;ml i„ Club history tended ^^ylJZV^LWJ.' actual detads ol his von remembered than the Willis, I II (1957), Pilgrimage to Baron no- involvement. While this volume continues Mueller's Grave, The Victorian Naturalist 74. III. lo place Mueller m the centre of Club tra

Mueller Time-line

iii iii the German king- 1825 Ferdinand Jakob Hamuli Mullet is bom on June 30th Rostock dom ol Mecklenburg. sisters. Bertha and ( lara. [847 MUller arrives in Adelaide on Id December wilh his two of Kiel for a thesis In this yeai he is also mode a Doctor of Philosophy by the University on Ihe ilota ol soulh west Schlcswig. with Carl Sehedhch 1848 In April. Mueller lours Ihe Murray Scrub lo Lake Alcxaiulrma. SA his firs! trip to the Murray In Dcccmhct he makes a second nip lo Ihe Murray Scrub and River changes Ihe spelling ol his surname lo IB49 Midler is naturalized In South Australia ami Mueller, Murray Between February and March Mueller makes a second botanical trip lo the River, SA. ,, .. makes his third botanical excursion to the Murray River, SA. He I SSI Iii February, Mueller also navels to ihe Flinders Ranges in this year. 1KS2 Following the discovery of gold Muellei moves to Victoria. Lieul Governor is appointed Oovernmenl Botanist of Victoria by I KM <>n 26 January Mueller Victoria on 29 Charles la Ttobc He leaves lor his first major collecting trip in eastern January, Exploring Expedition led by Augustus 1855 (i Mueller accompanies the North Australian

i Iregory. Melbourne. LSS7 On 13 Augusl Muellei is appointed Director oi the Botanic Garden, of Rostock. In this veai Mueller is also made a Doctor of Medicine by the University National Herbarium of ISsS Ihe collections .u Phytologtc Museum of Melbourne (now Victoria) numbei about 45.000 specimens. in the Twofold Hay/Cenoa River district. NSW. I Still Mueller botanizes London. 1X01 Mueller is elected a fellow ol the Royal Society. seven volume work Flora ISM /s Wiih Mueller's assistance. George Bentham publishes the Auslrttliensis, ol 1865 Mueller donates his botanical library to the Government Victoria. 'von'. 1869 The King oi Wuittemberg bestows on Mueller Ihe title of Wiirttemhcrg raises Mueller to the hereditary title of Freiherr (Baron). 1 87 The King Melbourne, ism Mueller is removed from the Directorship of the Botanic Garden, work. Srl.ct Extra-Tropical Plants, is pub- 1876 ihe first edition oi Mueller's encyclopedic lished. Knighl ol the Most 1879 Queen Victoria confers on Mueller the title oi Commander Distinguished Order of St Michael and Si George iKCMG). as member number 36. ISSO Mueller joins the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria (FNCV) has a paper m the first and January issue of llw Victorian Naturalist. I ssi Mueller !'. publishes Ihe to the ISSs S On the suggestion of l'NCV President. Dr Dobson. Mueller Key System of Victorian Plants in two volumes. ISSfi Muellei is made a patron of ihe l-'NCV. (now National Herbarium ot [891 Ihe collections at Phytologic Museum of Melbourne Victoria) number about' 750.1XX) specimens in Soulh Yarra. He ts buried at [896 On 10 October Mueller suffers a fatal stroke al his home

the Si Kilda Cemetery on I I October.

130 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Baron von Mueller in the Field Naturalists' Tradition

Angela Taylor 1 Abstract Baron Ferdinand von Mueller was an 'original' member (1880) and Patron (1886-96) of [he Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria (FNCV), who valued his expertise, his familiar presence and the prestige his association lent the Club. After his death in 1896, the FNCV ritually commemorated Mueller as a pioneer of science on the main anniversaries of his death, birth and arrival in Australia. The high point of this tradition was reached in the inter-war years, when natural history had become marginalised by professional science. One outcome of FNCV tradition was that Mueller had his first published biography written by Charles Daley, an amateur naturalist-historian in the Club. Another outcome is that the lingering aura of tradition has clouded some perceptions of Mueller's

historical relationship with the FNCV. (The Victorian Naturalist 113 (4), 1996,131-139 )

Introduction dition? FNCV tradition has commemorat- A.H.S. Lucas, the first editor of The ed Mueller - 'he was the pioneer botanist Victorian Naturalist (1884-92) recalled in in its truest sense' (Willis 1949) - on every his autobiography how, on the very after- major anniversary of his death, birth and noon he landed in Melbourne in 1883, he arrival in Australia. Through repetition of was taken by his brother Dr T.P. Lucas memorial practices over the past one hun- (FNCV Vice-President 1880-81) to South dred years, Mueller has become a hal- links to the Yarra to pay a visit. lowed symbol of the Club's source In a small cottage, in a room littered pioneers of science in Australia, a with books and papers and specimens, of inspiration and example (Topp 1897). is a set of ritual a short elderly gentleman, with grizzled An invented tradition by repetition, seeks to hair, an ancient comforter about his practices which, and implies conti- neck, and a strong German accent, inculcate certain values appropriate historic past. received us with an effusive welcome. nuity with an The problem is that such a tradition, as It was the famous Baron Sir Ferdinand Hobsbawm and Ranger (1984) argue, can von Mueller, still, as we perceived, a understanding of the past. The most active Government Botanist obscure our enduring Mueller tradition has (Lucas 1937). FNCV's to enhancing the history of the Lucas' enthusiasm (indecent haste, per- contributed Baron's relationship with the FNCV. haps) to meet the famous 'Baron' reflected Mueller was the Thus, it is believed that the way amateur science was practised last founder (Grey 1996), that he was Patron century. Field naturalists saw themselves from the Club's inception (Spencer 1896), useful work for scientific special- doing popularisation of something and that he promoted the ists, in the hope of discovering natural science (Mueller 1885). new, by making inductive observations in 'original' member, one later, Mueller was an the field. Written almost fifty years elected at the first two the of 56 'gentlemen' Lucas' story is emblematic of the way of the Club, not the of Victoria monthly meetings Field Naturalists' Club elected founder. Before Mueller was (FNCV) has nurtured a sense of history, 1886, on his own suggestion, his with a distin- Patron in an awareness of continuity as Club is best described which Mueller status in the guished natural history past equals. A primus inter pares, first among exemplified. prophet of the popularisa- Professor self-proclaimed In his obituary of the Baron, Mueller's con- of the natural sciences, wrote, 'his name has tion Baldwin Spencer constrained by the fact that is tribution was amongst us ... It been a household word botanist, not a teacher gen- he was a systematic to realize that a younger Spencer hard, indeed, populariser (Mueller 1885; the presence or a eration must arise to whom nineteenth century there only 1896) In the Baron, so familiar to us, will 'popularisa- of the to the meaning of Only a tra- were limits be a tradition' (Spencer 1896). and amateur nat- tion' Specialist science were not. in fact, sharply History ural history 1 student. Master of Arts in Public History Victoria Department, Monash University, Clayton, divided. 3168. 131 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

Tradition was first planted and ritually mological. Charles French Snr. (1842- fertilised at Club conversaziones, meetings 1933), Dudley Best (1843-1928), David and Wild Flower exhibitions, and in obitu- Kershaw (1844-1883), Francis Barnard aries, papers and histories published in The (1857-1932) and J.E. Dixon (1852-1939) Victorian Naturalist. Commemoration fol- met frequently during the 1870s to talk lowed the same forms with different about natural history and discuss the expressions as each generation refurbished results of their weekend rambles in 'the the past with a new duster of interests and scrub at Brighton, the bush at values. Thus, in 'pilgrimages' to Mueller's Sandringham, and the tree country at Kew' St Kilda grave, the laying of wild flower (Pescott 1933, 1940). They gathered on wreaths in 1897 gave way to the memorial Sunday mornings at French's home inside planting of Australian shrubs in 1938. For the Royal Botanic Gardens, where he had in 1931 the Wild Flower Protection Act, an worked since 1864 as propagator and man- FNCV initiative, had come into force, and ager of the glass-houses. It was here that commemorative tree planting became they talked about establishing a natural established on excursions during the years history club (Pescott 1933). of the Great War. FNCV tradition was It is not inconceivable that Charles French, reinforced by the power of collective who had worked closely with the Baron at memory in the inter-war years. On com- the Gardens, discussed with Mueller the memorative occasions Club historians group's idea of starting a club. Had he spoke about Mueller's possessions, quoted done so, Mueller would have given his from his letters, shared anecdotes and enthusiastic encouragement. He was, after wrote sketches of his life and work. all, one of Victoria's earliest field natural- So strong had tradition become that ists of the solitary kind. But there is no evi- Mueller, 'the prince of Australian dence that the original idea came from botanists' (Pescott 1922) had his first biog- him. raphy written, not by a scientist or profes- The natural history field club was a sional historian, but by an amateur histori- transplanted British tradition. It was a an and naturalist, a member of the FNCV. hybrid which had grown by the mid nine- Charles Daley's Baron Sir Ferdinand von teenth century from two distinct stocks: the Mueller. Botanist, Explorer, and informal sociable field clubs of Geographer (1924) remained the only Berwickshire, Ayrshire and the middle published biography of Mueller until 1949. west of England and the rule-bound 'acad- In the decades when popular natural histo- emic' natural history societies of the indus- ry was being nudged towards the margins trial cities (Allen 1976). In Melbourne the of science (as amateur historians were organisation of collective endeavour began being ignored by professionals), FNCV on May 6 1880 when Charles French and historians were memorialising Mueller as a Dudley Best called a preliminary meeting Great Man of Science. This year's cente- at the Athenaeum to form the Field

nary is an appropriate occasion to place in Naturalists' Club of Victoria (FNCV historical perspective Mueller's relation- Minutes 6.5.1880). Dr Thomas Lucas ship with the Club and its 'Mueller' tradi- chaired this meeting and explained the Naturalists' tion. aims and practices of a Field Club from his experience of such clubs in From primus inter pares to patron, England (FNCV Minutes 6.5.1880, 1880-96 Barnard 1906). Growing up as the sons of The story of the FNCV's beginnings has a parson-naturalist who travelled the been told by Club historians, Francis Wesleyan country circuits for 40 years, Barnard and Edward Pescott (Barnard Thomas and Arthur Lucas had excellent 1906; Pescott 1940). It bears retelling, if opportunities for studying nature and only to dispel the misconception that learning of the operations of naturalists' Mueller was the founder. clubs (Lucas 1937). The FNCV had its genesis in the infor- The FNCV was formally inaugurated on mal gatherings of a small band of young May 17 1880, when rules were adopted field naturalists whose interests were ento- and office bearers elected (FNCV Minutes

132 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

17.5.1 880). Entomology was the most pop- ed naturalists in the FNCV perceived it as ular branch of natural history among those a 'learned society", and some were also present. This led to Frederick McCoy members of the Royal and Microscopical (1823-1899), Professor of Natural Science Societies, indicated that there was still a at Melbourne University being elected first mutually beneficial dialogue between spe- president (1880-83). The FNCV minute cialist and popular science. book does not record either Mueller or 'Popularising' science generated lofty McCoy being among the 30 or so 'gentle- rhetoric more often than practical action. men' present at the Athenaeum meetings To the Rev. J.J. Halley, FNCV President of 6 and 17 May. Mueller was No. 36 on (1884-87) and Congregational minister, the 'Original Members' list of 56 gentle- popularisation meant the 'domestication of men who were elected at the first two science' and the intelligent use of leisure monthly meetings of the Club in June and in the open air. By studying a little natural July 1880, and who were afterwards science alongside their menfolk in the termed 'original members' (FNCV field, mothers and sisters could be the Minutes 'Original Members' list 1880; instruments of mental and moral improve- Barnard 1906). ment in 'happy homes', thereby weaning The support of Melbourne's two leading the youth of Melbourne from the glorifica- scientists Mueller and McCoy was a neces- tion of cricket, football and rifle shooting sary but not sufficient condition to launch (Halley 1885). and sustain a successful club. By 1880 For Mueller, the 'domestication of sci- 'Marvellous Melbourne' possessed the ence' embodied not just a moral but a reli- other essential conditions: strong public gious imperative. He applauded Halley's institutions of learning; a period of buoy- rhetoric, just as he welcomed Halley and ant economic growth; a nucleus of knowl- other 'divines' in the Club: 'for the more edgeable and enthusiastic amateur natural- he and others worked amongst the wonders impelled they were to ists, who included a number of Australian of Nature, the more born; and, most importantly, the close recognise a First Great Cause' (Mueller proximity to the city of fairly open coun- 1885). aside, Mueller welcomed try, only a few miles by rail in any direc- Rhetoric Club but would not have tion, where every branch of natural history women in the be anything more than could be studied (Cornwall 1889). encouraged them to already had an The FNCV was conceived as a popular collectors. By 1880 he network of women correspon- scientific club, 'a body of people anxious extensive dents, most of whom collected for him to help one another study what lay around 1993). The 'hand-maiden of sci- them' (Hall 1902). When Mueller praised (Maroske attitude must have irked Flora the Club's progress at the 1885 annual ence' (1845-1923), an indefatigable conversazione, he recalled that in about Campbell of Victoria's macro-fungi for 1860, while chairing a meeting of the collector self-taught vegetable pathologist, Royal Society, 'he had prophesied the Kew, a of the destructive hop 'spi- growth and increased popularity of the an investigator for the Department of Natural Sciences in the der' (an acarid) study of the the Agriculture, and the entrepreneur for colony' (Mueller 1885). Exactly how he colonial funding of Dr. M.C. Cooke's had expected his prophecy to be fulfilled, Handbook of Australian Fungi Popularising science 1892 Mueller did not say. Broome 1886; Pearson about through a (Berkeley and would not have come the 1890). At the 'learned' end of as the Royal 1888. learned colonial society, such only amateur spectrum, Campbell was the Society of Victoria, which practised 'high in the FNCV to have her establish- female amateur science. It had to wait upon the published in The Victorian like the papers ment of popular scientific clubs century Naturalist in the nineteenth to describe tor FNCV, which aimed 1887, 1895). As Mrs London, the (Campbell 1886, Victorians, not scientists in 'Diseases of Flora Martin, her paper on of their colony's natural characteristics the 1890 Australasian fact Plants' to 1902). Nevertheless, the history (Hall for the Advancement of dedicat- Association that in the 1880s and 90s the most 133 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

Science (AAAS) conference in Melbourne (Dobson 1 884). He had in mind a key sim- was also the first by a woman (Anon ilar to the Rev. W. Spicer's A handbook oj 1890). the plants of Tasmania. Dobson never took Relations between Mueller and Campbell a walk in the bush in Victoria 'without my were strained. The Baron 'bitterly com- Spicer in my pocket' (Dobson 1884). plained' of Campbell's daring to send As a Member of Parliament, Dobson fungi specimens for naming to her mentor, probably exerted some pressure on Queensland Government Botanist Mueller the Government Botanist to write Frederick Manson Bailey, which she had the Key to the System of Victorian Plants, been doing since 1879 (Campbell 1885). which resulted in two volumes, 1885, Mueller angered Bailey and Campbell by 1887-8 (Dobson 1884a; Barnard 1906a). 'publishing as indigenous', without con- Mueller did not relish the laborious task on sulting Bailey, plants collected by Dr T.P. which he expended much "mental toil' Lucas on 'a Hying visit' to Queensland in (Mueller 1888a; Spencer 1896). Victoria's 1885. plants which Bailey insisted were flora was 'doubly as rich in species' as 'naturalized weeds or strays from the gar- Tasmania's, and the dichotomous method dens' (Campbell 1885; Mueller 1885a). of Lamarck disrupted 'the chain of affini- Campbell backed her loyal support of ty' which linked the orders, genera and Bailey with the authority of Father Julian species naturally together (Mueller 1888). Tennison Woods (1832-1889), with whom Many aspiring field botanists in the she had travelled in Queensland in the Club found Mueller's Key 'more of a 1870s and who had deeply regretted to her stumbling block than a help in elucidating on several occasions the speed with which the plants they had collected' (Barnard introduced plants spread (Campbell 1885). 1906). Baldwin Spencer conceded that as a This was a skirmish between two people field guide it was unsuccessful, partly with strong opinions and forthright person- because the Baron 'with his profound alities about loyalty, expertise, and spheres knowledge' was an investigator, not a of botanical influence. teacher (Spencer 1896a). Many years later, generous in his If it were to be a popular scientific club, Edward Pescott was more the FNCV needed to lake practical steps to appraisal. In 1922 he asked, 'What student attract women. Although Halley boasted of to-day can say that it may be done with- that the FNCV was the first of the out?' (Pescott 1922). Until the publication 'learned' societies to admit women, the in 1931 of Professor Alfred Ewart's The opening of the Club's doors to them hap- Flora of Victoria, Mueller's pioneering pened by default (Halley 1885). The first Key of 1888 was the only descriptive woman joined in September 1881 because Flora, albeit abridged, available for the her husband wanted her to accompany him amateur botanist (Sutton 1931). For almost botanist on excursions, 'if that is not against the a century after its publication, no rules' (Dobson 1881). Having elected the was able to improve on Mueller's seminal parliamentarian Dr F.S. Dobson in July field guide. 1881 without his prior knowledge, to lend Mueller the scientific botanist was no the Club social prestige, the FNCV was pedagogic populariser on the issue of ver- hardlv likely to refuse his request to admit nacular names for plants. He believed Mrs Dobson (Dobson 1881; Evans 1982). 'these superfluous appellations... are In 1885 there were 20 'sisters of science' vague, carry not beyond one language, and in the FNCV, compared to 140 men are almost useless burdens to the memory" (Hallev 1885; Barnard 1906). (Sutton 1909). His Key to the System oj Dr Frank Dobson, FNCV President in Victorian Plants included a short list of 1884, believed that more 'ladies' would some vernacular names, but many were join the Club to study botany if they had a 'almost as awkward as the scientific handy field guide for identifying Victoria's names' (Barnard 1906a). death, the plants. It was in this context that he urged Ten years after Mueller's the compilation of a 'Dichotomous Key', a FNCV addressed the issue of the lack of handbook to the plants of Victoria, and popular names for native plants. suggested that Mueller undertake the work Ornithologists (a select committee of the

134 The Victorian Naturalist 1

Mueller Issue

AAAS) had already chosen vernacular Minutes 12.8.1889; McCoy 1889). When names for Australian birds in 1898 (Anon McCoy died in 1899, he received a con- 1898). The burgeoning nature study move- ventional obituary in The Victorian ment in schools in the 1900s provided the Naturalist (Anon 1899). When Mueller impetus for botanists in the Club to do the died on 10 October 1896. the FNCV same for plants (Barnard 1906a). The labo- mourned him as an 'old friend', a 'familiar rious task of inventing popular names for figure' and a 'beloved Patron' (Topp Victoria's indigenous plants was entrusted 1897). to a Plant Names Committee of the FNCV in 1907. It took until 1923 to produce A From a household word to a tradition Census of the Plants of Victoria, which The first move to establish the Mueller listed all the known plants with their tradition was made quite decisively in selected vernacular names (Anon 1923). October 1897, when the annual spring The FNCV's popular spring Wild Wild Flower Exhibition was held over to very first anniversary Flower Shows, which began in 1 885, gave commemorate the of Mueller the opportunity of bringing botany the Baron's death (Anon 1897). Wild to a wider audience. A familiar figure at flower wreaths and native flowers sent these annual shows, the Baron assisted from friends in Victoria. New South Wales enthusiastically in naming plants and and Western Australia were afterwards securing exhibits from country friends laid on Mueller's grave. Charles Topp's (Anon !896;Topp 1897). A down-to-earth address urged the FNCV lo treasure the comment from George Coghill (1864- fine example' Mueller set in his devotion the benefit his fellow 1957). the Club's keenest collector of wild to science for of memory' flowers and organiser of these shows colonists, and 'to cherish [his| reveals that Mueller's enthusiasm could (Topp 1897). sustained the tradition for as occasionally be irritating. At the 1886 Memory alive Wild Flower Exhibition 'Baron von long as there were field naturalists Baron. The founding Mueller helped with the naming and his who remembered the generations of the F'NCV included remarks on the flowers was [sic| most botanists who had worked under Mueller interesting though rather delaying to those at the Herbarium or the Royal Botanic who had a lot to do' (Coghill nd). and for whom his name was. Mueller was offered but declined the Gardens, indeed, a household word. They shared Club presidency on five occasions between recollections. Charles French's firsl April 1886. citing either vivid March 1883 and pony sight of Mueller riding his white his many commitments or poor health along the Burwood road at the start of one (Mueller 1883. 1884, 1884a, 1885b, 1886). his botanical expeditions to Victoria's Perhaps not wanting to disappoint the of high country in the late 1850s or early FNCV, Mueller suggested in 1886 that he became a treasured memory Patrons of the Club, 1860s and McCoy be made 1872-1944). (Pescotl 1933). Percy St John ( thereby representing 'the two great branch- FNCV President in 1929-30, who had reg- natural history' (Mueller es of animated as a young ularly collected wild flowers his own rhetoric Mueller 1886). By 1880s for the 'benevolent embodiment ot hoy in the early became the symbolic study ot Baron', attributed his lifelong botany. encourage - eucalypti to Mueller's personal The FNCV Committee passed a resolii (Anon 1930). The death of James and Mueller to ment tion to invite McCoy the last personal was Audas in 1959 'snapped' become Patrons. Mueller accepted and with Mueller and the former 1886. McCoy either link elected in June Herbarium (Willis 1961 respond; FNCV Melbourne declined or failed to and memory combined to Perhaps he Example records are silent on this point. inter-war strengthen tradition during the Club's criti- was still smarting from the older and years as naturalists grew 1885 of the National Museum moral cism in searched the past for sources ot however, elected (McCoy 1885). He was, their exemplar. inspiration. Mueller was serve along- as Patron in August 1889 to 25th anniversary ol (T-NCV To commemorate the side Mueller, and accepted 135 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

Mueller's death. Club historians organised On this occasion the FNCV gave their a 'Mueller evening'. Charles Daley (1859- Mueller tradition a fresh lease of life by 1948) presented 'A Sketch of Mueller's establishing a fund to restore the Baron's Life', Edward Pescolt (1872-1954) 'Notes neglected grave at St Kilda Cemetery on Mueller's Published Works' and (FNCV Minutes 27.2.1934). Edward Francis Barnard 'Mueller's Botanical Pescott also suggested that the Club erect a Exploration of Victoria' (Anon 1921). plaque in memory of the Baron in the new Pescoll's talk was published in The Herbarium (FNCV Minutes 27.2.1934). As Victorian Naturalist as 'Notes on a result of these FNCV initiatives, m Mueller's Literary Work' (Pescott 1922). memorial plaque to Mueller was erected in He asked, 'Arc we ever to see a published the entrance hall of the Herbarium in 1936, biography and bibliography of the greatest and the Baron's grave was put in order by botanist Australia has ever seen?" 1938 (Anon 1936; Stewart 1938). At a. Charles Daley (Club President 1922-4) commemorative pilgrimage to Mueller's accepted Pescott's challenge and wrote a restored grave in 1938, the FNCV was memoir of the Baron's life for the joined by representatives of the German Historical Society of Victoria and the Club in planting Australian shrubs at the. FNCV. Daley's Baron Sir Ferdinand von base of Mueller's memorial. The Club also Mueller, Botanist, Explorer, and purchased a plot adjacent to the grave to after Geographer ( 1924) was printed as a book- plant with suitable species named the let in time to mark the centenary of Baron (Stewart 1938). Mueller's birth in 1925 (Daley 1924, 1927: Charles Daley and Edward Pescott were,

Pescott 1948). The FNCV sold it at the outside the FNCV, among the energetic Club's popular Wild Nature Shows in the leaders of patriotic local movements to' to 1930s for I shilling (Daley 1933). Thus, Australianise the teaching of history, Mueller the 'prince of Australian preserve Australian flora and fauna, estab- botanists' (Pescott 1922) had his first biog- lish national parks and to erect monuments raphy written by an amateur historian. It to Australian explorers (Davison 1988). long remained the standard work of refer- Daley, by 1924 a retired school teacher, ence and reached a popular audience was a member of the Historical Memorials (Pescott 1948). Committee of the Historical Society of Daley also wrote "The History of Flora Victoria, which inspired the erection of Auslraliensis' (the story of Mueller's col- cairns and plaques to explorers around laboration with the Hookers, William and Victoria between 1910 and the early 1930s Joseph, and George Bentham at Kew), (Griffiths 1996). Pescott, formerly which first appeared in eight parts in The Principal of the Burnley School of. Victorian Naturalist, and was later repub- Horticulture, led the FNCV campaign for lished as a booklet (Daley 1927-8; Pescott legislative protection of Victoria's tlora 1948). So vital a part of Daley's literary which resulted in the Wildflower life had the Baron become that, even as he Protection Act 1931. Through the Wattle lay dying in hospital, Daley sent a letter League, he promoted the wattle as drawing attention to his Memoir and his Australia's national flower (Hyam 1955). 1 long correspondence with Mueller to the Both men wrote histories of Victorian FNCV's centennial commemoration in places and pioneers. 1947 of Mueller's arrival in Australia The FNCV's Mueller tradition presents (Anon 1947). an apparent paradox. Daley and Pescott - For Victoria's Jubilee celebrations amateurs engaged in the sociable co-opera- 1834-1934, the FNCV organised another tive practice of natural history - in their lit- 'Baron von Mueller' evening in March erary memorials to Mueller wrote popular 1934 with the same cast. Daley reminisced history about a Great Man of Science. on the Baron's life and work, Pescott Their inspiration was, in part, a nostalgic spoke about some possessions of Mueller, looking back to the time when a mutually Thomas Hart quoted from letters relating helpful dialogue took place between spe- to the Baron, and Charles French followed cialist scientists and amateur naturalists in with anecdotes (Anon 1934). the Club. The high water mark of the

136 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

FNCV's Mueller tradition was reached by (Willis, 1949). the late 1940s, about the same time the Willis went on to point out that, during amateur tradition found itself stranded in Mueller's long term of office as the shallows. By the mid 1950s the Club Government Botanist (1852-96). he left had fallen on lean times because, in the surprisingly little for others to discover: view of one prominent member, the pro- 'most of the State's novelties introduced fessional scientists had no need, as in days by subsequent workers have been rather gone by. to belong to a natural history club the result of 'carving up' old species than (Garnet 1955). in discovering entirely new entities which In the broader cultural context, Daley he missed' (Willis 1949). and Pescott were local history enthusiasts In 1946, the 50th anniversary of wanting to foster a patriotic sentiment Mueller's death, Willis had suggested a towards Australia, her pioneers and her commemorative postage stamp with flora and fauna. They shared with others 'attractive floral motif to mark the 1947 'the antiquarian imagination' about which centenary of Mueller's arrival in Australia Tom Griffiths has written so eloquently (Willis 1946). The FNCV and the (Griffiths 1996). Their curiosity about the Victorian Council of Scientific Societies past grew out of intimate knowledge and supported the Government Botanist's memory of places, the landscape and peo- request for a commemorative stamp to the Minutes ple. The 'pioneer-explorer' was central to Postmaster General (FNCV 25.3.1947; their history: while looking forward to 28.1.1947; 25.2.1947; too late to mark the future progress, they searched the past for 29.4.1947). Although halfpenny sources of inspiration and example 1947 centenary, a twopence on 13 September 1948 (Davison 1988). Mueller, 'the last of the stamp was issued It featured Mueller's head and a great botanical explorers' was one source (Fig. I). noble, useful (Pescott 1922). Science shares with sprig of gum leaves of 'that Eucalyptus Muelleriana '[Yellow Australian culture the legend of the 'pio- tree Stringybark E. muelleriana] (Willis 1949). neer'. postage stamp was an appropriate tribute The late Dr Jim Willis, Victoria's distin- A who had been such a prolific cor- guished botanist and most recent of FNCV to a man In 1893 alone Mueller claimed historians made such a link between respondent. his own hand' about pioneers when, in to have written "by Australian and botanical was 6000 letters (Tadgell 1934). Mueller 1949, he disputed an historian's claim that 'there were no Australian pioneers after 1850' (Willis 1949). Such an arbitrary pio- date-line would exclude 'the greatest neer' of Victorian botany - Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller. In his series on 'Botanical Pioneers in Victoria' for The Victorian Naturalist, Willis' portrait of Mueller exemplifies the 'Great Man of Science' approach: ...before he had been in Victoria three years, this amazing man ,700 had collected and named some 1 flowering species and about 800 cryp- period he togams, too. In the same had travelled nearly 5,000 miles throughout the Colony-in Mallee remote and deserts, heavy rain forests, along lofty mountains, jungles, and botanical the sea coasts. Papers on pen, subjects flowed from his facile Stamp. 800 in The Mueller Commemorative the published works exceeding Fig. 1. death number to the time of his 1948. 137 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

9 April thus commemorated in a popular philatelic to Barnard, 1886. Mueller, F. (IXX6a). FNCV Archives 035-015: Mueller collectable, like the form, perishable but to Barnard, 17 June 18X6. plants he spent his life among. Mueller, F. (IXXXa). FNCV Archives 022-030: Mueller to Barnard, X October 1X88. During his lifetime the FNCV valued F'NCV Minutes (1X80). FNCV Archives 006: Minute Mueller's expertise and the prestige Book 1880-83, bestowed by his association as an 'origi- FNCV Minutes (1934), FNCV Archives 062 : Minute Book 1932,37 nal' member, an enthusiastic participant FNCV Minutes (1947). F'NCV Archives 073: Minulc and kindly Patron (1886-96), Such was the Book 1941-1954, correspondence ol high esteem in which he was held thai, VFRS 7593/Pl, Vol.1. Outwards the Chemist lor Agriculture, Department ol aftei his death, the FNCV initialed a com- Agriculture, Correspondence Book 2, Public Records memorative tradition which helped to Office, Favertoii. Victoria: A.N. Pearson to F.M. invest Mueller with almost mythical Campbell. 6 February 1X88. VI'RS 7593/Pl. Vol.2. Outwards correspondence oil a symbol of the Club's stature. He became the Chemist lor Agriculture, Dept. of Agriculture, links to the pioneers of science in PRO. I.averlon: A.N. Pearson lo F.M. Martin. 28 March 1X90. Australia. His first biography was written by an amateur naturalist in the Club. The Published sources enduring tradition has, however, tended to Allen, D.F. (1976), The Naturalist in Britain, A Social obscure a clearer understanding of some History (Allen Lane: Great Britain) important aspects of Mueller's relationship Anon (1890). Annual Report. The Victorian Naturalist 7,3. during his lifetime. with the FNCV Anon (1X96), Exhibition of Wild Flowers. The Victorian Naturalist 13, 85. Acknowledgements Anon (1897). Address. The Victorian Naturalist 14, 98 100. I wish to thank Sheila Houghton for her Anon (1X98). Review: List of Vernacular Names lor generous assistance with the FNCV Australian Birds. The Victorian Naturalist 15, 98. Archives, and also Linden Gillbank and Anon (1899). Obituary of Professor Sir Frederick McCoy. The Victorian Naturalist 16. 19. Sara Maroske for their comments. Anon (1921). Papers Read. The Victorian Naturalist 38, 58-60. References Anon (1923). Book Notice: A Census of the Plants ol Victoria. The Victorian Naturalist 40, 119- 20. Anon (1930). The Father Of the Lucalypts. Mr. P.R. St. Unpublished letters, manuscripts, John. Botanist-Ornithologist. The Cum Tree 11, 7. minute books and theses Anon (1934). Baron von Mueller Evening. The Campbell, P.M. (1885). FNCV Archives 002-026: Victorian Naturalist 50. 262; 51. 26. Campbell to Barnaul. October 1885. Anon (1936). Report. Memorial Plaque to Baron von 38. Coghlll, G. (net), FNCV Archives Series 0032 uncat. Mueller. The Victorian Naturalist 53. MS. 'History of Wild Flower Exhibitions L8&3- Anon (1947). Report of Centennial Address by J.H. 1929'. nd. Willis. The Victorian Naturalist 64, 150. Daley, C, (1933). FNCV Archives 033-029; Daley to Barnard. F.G.( 1906). The First Quarter ol a Century ol Colliver. il March 1933. the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria. The Victorian Dobson. I'.S. (1X81). FNCV Archives 001 (II I: Naturalist 23. 643-68. our Dobson to Best, 22Julj 1881. Barnard, F.G, (1906a). Are Popular Names for Dobson. F.S (1884tt). FNCV Archives 016-043/3: Native Plants Desirable? The Victorian Naturalist 23,

nolisim in Barnard, I- September 1884. 1 36 I 39. Fungi Evans, M.W, (1982), 'Taking to the Bush: Australian Berkeley. M.J. & Broome. C.E. (1XX6). List of Landscape as a Condition of Practice for the FNCV, from Queensland and other parts of Australia. III. 18X0 1400'. (u"/'»W. HA Honours thesis, Melbourne Transactions of the l.innean Society, tendon, Hoi. 1,

University I- 217-224. The Garnet, JR. (19551, FNCV Archives File 7 uncat.: Campbell. F.M. (18X6). Notes on Fdihle Fungi. Garnet to Lothian, IX February 1955. Victorian Naturalist 2. 137. 77i, Grey, E, (1966), FNCV Archives Uncat.: 'Mueller Campbell. F.M. (IXX7). Vegetable Pathology.

Commemorative issue. The Victorian Naturalist, Victorian Namirulist 4, I 24-5. Authors and Subjects',

138 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Victorian Naturalist 1, 42-44. Melbourne). Griffiths. T. (1996). Hunters and Collectors: The Pescott, E.E. (1922). Notes on Mueller's Literary Antiquarian Imagination in Australia (Cambridge Work. The Victorian Naturalist 38.98-102. University Press:Cambridge). Pescott, E.E. (1933). Charles French. The Victorian Hall, T.S. (1902). President's Address. The Victorian Naturalist 50, 57-60. Naturalist 19. 44-48. Pescott, E.E. (1940). Story of the FNCV, Year bv Halley, J.J. (1885). President's Address. The Victorian Year. The Victorian Naturalist 57, 4 7. 4-5. Naturalist 2, Pescott, E.E. (1948). Notable Naturalists Die: Charles Hyam, G. (1955). The Late Edward Edgar Pescott, Daley. The Victorian Naturalist 64, 202. F.L.S. The Victorian Naturalist 71. 166-8. Spencer, B. (1896). Baron von Mueller. The Victorian

Hobsbawm, E. & Ranger, T. (1984). The Invention of Naturalist 1 3. 87-92. Tradition. Eds. E. Hobsbawm and T. Ranger. Stewart. H.C. (1938). Visit to Baron von Mueller (Cambridge University Press: Cambridge). Memorial. The Victorian Naturalist 55, 69. Lucas, A.H.S. (1937). A.H.S. Lucas, Scientist: His Own Sutton, C.S. (1909). Progress Report of the Plant Story. (Angus & Robertson: Sydney). Records Sub-Committee. The Victorian Naturalist

Martin, F.M. ( 1895). A Ramble Amongst 26. 105. Fertilizers. The Victorian Naturalist 12, 87-91. Sutton, C.S. (1931). The New Flora of Victoria. The Maroske, S. (1993). "The Whole Great Continent as a Victorian Naturalist 48. HO. Present': Nineteenth-Century Australian Women Tadgell, A. (1934). Notes on the Rasp Ferns. The Workers in Science. In On the Edge of Discovery: Victorian Naturalist 51, 87. Australian Women in Science. Ed. F. Kelly (Text Topp, C.A. (1897). Address. The Victorian Naturalist Publishing Co.: Melbourne). 14. 94-97. Mueller, F. (1885). Reply to President's Address. The Willis, J.H. (1946). 'Muelleri Memona Floret'. The Victorian Naturalist 2, 14-15. Victorian Naturalist 63, 6. Mueller, F. (1885a). Additions to the Queensland Flora Willis, J.H. (1949). Botanical Pioneers - I, The by Dr. Lucas: Recorded by Baron von Mueller. The Victorian Naturalist 66. 87-88. - Victorian Naturalist 2, 74-76 Willis, J.H. (1961). The Passing of a Great Piantsman Mueller, F. (1888). Key to the System of Victorian James Wales Clarendon Audas. The Victorian Plants, Vols. I & II. (Government Printer: Naturalist TJ, 273-5,

'Baron von Mueller' at Adelaide

At the Adelaide Racing Club's Meeting used a little later, on another inclement on the birthday of she who was not occasion, and given the good Baron a stiff amused, 24 May 1881, a certain horse, shot of whisky, the result in the Park apparently a chaffburner, was placed Handicap may have been a win over the gained!' eighth in the Park Handicap. Heavy rains mile, and the 60 sovs. stake four-year-old, the had fallen during the night; the rain clouds With or without, as a fair name of began to shift as morning broke, and by horse went on to sustain the Mueller, by Gang midday only fitful sunshine had broken his renomee. Baron von

1 chestnut colt Forward out of Hippona, continued racing through . The horse was a colours of Dakin - black recorded in The Australian Turf Register in the distinctive and white cap. He as being the property of Sir Thomas body, yellow sleeves Suburban Plate, weight for Elder, businessman, pastoralist, public first won The 2 then The Yan Yean Stakes benefactor and M.L.C. It was a three- age, and in Melbourne on Cup Day in year-old, and in the Park handicap carried (Handicap) 1881, The Grand Stand Stakes at 6 st. 10 lbs. with Williams aboard. Mr The Flying Handicap in W.E. Dakin was the trainer'. Geelong, New Stand Handicap, Baron Ferdinand von Mueller was Adelaide and The event of Adelaide Racing Club. to have a quadrupedal name- another delighted the never horse continued to race until sake, T may go to the Races where 1 The 885/6 season, but ran unplaced" was before all my life". 1 Acknowledgement to Sara Maroske. If Dakin had followed the procedure

I Adelaide Advertiser. 25 May .881. ^j!^?*™^^^^ "*

12 Melbournc: ,o Ra,ph Ta,c ' Botanic Gardens - 'j&xsfimf**. « * m a-ss- Group. Melbourne. Southbank Communications . A 'SS t'SKKS;b.d A*g£«^ The 1 Adelaide of Adelaiue: Australia, 1990, vol 2, 32 Smjth Unj Uy "c I July 1881, 12 Tale, ™ ,1 ' various. Mueller to Ralph 1 880' s, s , r«t MelbournMelbourne. Co., 78 Collins Street. Australian Turf Register, S.illwell & Ruth Dwyef Victoria 3122 75 Wattle Road. Hawthorn,

139 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

Baron von Mueller and The Victorian Naturalist

Sheila Houghton'

At a meeting in December 1883 the would enable them to increase the size Committee of The Field Naturalists Club from 8 to 16 pages, which was 'urgently must of Victoria, having lost patience with the desirable' (Barnard 1884). Members July issue dilatorincss of Mr J. Wing in publishing have responded because the the Club's proceedings in the Southern contained 12 pages, and Mueller offered Science Record, decided to publish their to pay for printing at the rate of 5/- (five own journal (FNCV Minutes 2.12.1883). shillings) per page (FNCV Minutes They wasted no time in implementing this 4.8.1884). This apparently gave the their decision, and the first modest issue, of Committee ideas, because at resolu- eight pages, appeared in January 1884. September meeting they passed a Two of the Club's most famous members tion that authors whose papers had not contributed articles: Charles French, who been read before the Club would be 5/- printing supplied the first of his series of papers on charged per page for (FNCV Victorian orchids, and Baron Ferdinand Minutes 1.9.1884). The system evidently von Mueller, with Contributions to the worked well. Two years later the Phytography of Australia, dealing with Committee, no doubt as a mark of grati- Podopetalum ormondi, a species which he tude for past assistance, offered Mueller number of had dedicated 'to the honorable Francis two pages free of cost in each Ormond, M.L.C., whose almost boundless the Naturalist for the publication of your munificence for raising ecclesiastic and descriptions of new plants, also one or two educational institutions in this colony, was more as the Editor can spare them' meriting a permanent token of apprecia- (Barnard 1886). Pages in excess of this for. Mueller tion also in botanical science' (Mueller allowance were to be paid the 1884). replied that he was 'much beholden to Mueller was an enthusiastic supporter Committee ... for the ample concessions of The Victorian Naturalist. In proposing made' (Mueller 1886a) and enclosed a 5/- pages in the a vote of thanks to the President and lec- cheque for £1 for 5 of 7 turers at the 5th Annual Conversazione in previous number. April 1885 he said 'that as one of the ear- Mueller contributed 87 articles to The between 1884 and liest naturalists in the colony, it gave him Victorian Naturalist pages, great pleasure to witness the advance and 1896, varying in length from seven prosperity of the Field Club. A quarter of Observations on some Papuan and Polynesian Sterculiaceae, in volume 3 a century ago ... he had prophesied the growth and popularity of the study of August 1886, to which he referred in his Antholoma which Natural Sciences in the colony' (Mueller letter, to a brief note on 1885a), and he evidently saw the Club's occupied a mere quarter of a page in vol- journal as one of the means to this end. ume 8 February 1892. Volume 1 con- The Victorian Naturalist, price six- tained six articles by Mueller, dealing pence, was not intended primarily for mainly with plants from Papua and New two brief notes on species members of the Club. It was to be sold Guinea, with Australia. through booksellers, and, if members from Queensland and Western series Descriptions New Australian wanted it, they had to subscribe to it, in The of 3 addition to their Club subscription. The Plants began in volume November until April journal was soon in financial difficulties. 1886, and appeared monthly in July 1890 and In the annual report for 1884 the Hon. 1887. It was resumed the Secretary pointed out that the journal was continued on a fairly regular basis for last article being not repaying the cost of printing, but that rest of Mueller's life, the in volume 12, January 1896. if members would subscribe this would included (who suc- easily be rectified, leaving a surplus which After his death J.G. Luehmann ceeded Mueller as Government Botanist) '12 Scenic Court, Gisborne, Victoria 3437.

140 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

continued the practice, reading four papers ready to supply lists of plants collected on under the title Reliquiae Muellerianae to major Club expeditions, that to the Kent the Club, which were duly published in Group Islands (Mueller 1891), and to the volume 13 1897. This series dealt with Furneaux Group (Mueller 1894). plants from all over Australia - as J.H. While Mueller was keen to support The

Maiden remarked Mueller was 'not a Victorian Naturalist, he also found it use- Victorian botanist, but an Australian one' ful for his own purposes as evidenced by (Willis 1949) - and included the discov- his explanation accompanying A ery, which caused great excitement, of Supplementary List of Australian Lichens,

Rhododendron lochae, collected by W. that it had been intended to be part of the Sayer and A. Davidson on the summit of Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae, but Mount Bellenden-Ker. Mueller was partic- as volume 12 could not be completed due ularly gratified by this collecting expedi- to pressure of other literary work, he had tion, and his article in volume 3, April offered it to the Editor of The Victorian

1887, on Hypsophila halleyana (named Naturalist (Mueller 1 887a). A similar situ- after the Reverend J.J. Halley, President of ation applied to Brief Notes on some New the Club) is followed by a list of the plants Papuan Plants (Mueller 1892), and vol- which he exhibited at the March meeting, ume 5 contained a Supplement to the collected by Mr W. Sayer from Mount Enumeration of Victorian Plants, compris- Bellenden-Ker, 'the ascent of which (par- ing the species added since Part II of the Native ticularly in the interest of the geography of Key to the System of our (Mueller plants) the Baron wished to be effected Vegetation was published

' introduction to Notes on since many years (Anon 1887). 1888b). In the 1885c) he Notes appeared on other new discover- Victorian Fungs (sic) (Mueller that this material also was intended ies, a Victorian fern, Adiantum diaphanum said Fragmenta Phyto- (Mueller 1886b), the very localised, rare for volume 12 of Mueller explains Flannel-flower Actinotus schwarzii from graphiae Australiae, but he was unable to proceed Central Australia, and the small slender at length why publication, and the list of his daisy Athrixia croniniana from Western with this is formidable. There are Australia, named for Miss Cronin, one of commitments undertones of professional sensitivity Mueller's lady collectors (Mueller 1888a). Mueller observes that Dr M.C. He was always very ready to examine and here, too. celebrated mycologist', had describe specimens provided by Club Cooke, 'the 'an enumeration of all fungs members: Lepistemon lucae, collected by published up to (sic) from Australia known to him Dr T.P. Lucas in north Queensland, while 1885d), and hastens to of his health' 1883' (Mueller 'seeking restoration which out that it was his Department (Mueller 1885b); Prasophyllum frenchii point had supplied many of these plants (Maroon Leek Orchid), collected between follows a list of by (Mueller 1885d). There the Yarra and the Dandenong Ranges fungi, and Mueller hoped to named by the Baron the Victorian George French, and next num- publish an Australian list in the 'youthful collector, who has fil- after this Naturalist. This did principal ber of The Victorian ially inhered from one of the not happen. founders of The Field Naturalists Club his entirely clear how many or searches of his It is not ardour for forming, by before the Mueller's papers were read collections' (Mueller own, ... phytologic the fern Adiantum of Club Those on there was a long-winded way 1889). If diaphanum and the rare Victorian fungi the Baron was likely to putting things, and Cordyceps taylon cer- published Cyttaria gunnii volume 7, Mueller employ it! In One of the series Descripttons Victorian orchid, tainly were. a note on another Plants was read by J.G. (=Corybas ofNew Australian unguiculata seems that Corvsanthes in July 1890, but it this Luehmann unguiculatus. Small Helmet-orchid), The agenda for none of the others were. discovered by Charles rare floral gem' 1887 meeting lists a paper by Oakleigh and the October French, jnr, between Mueller, K.C.M.G. Notes on a was also Baron von Cheltenham (Mueller 1890). He

141 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

Remarkable Fungus from the Wimmera, Candolle (Mueller 1893) and Louis

but is was not published, nor was it report- Pasteur (Mueller 1895) are splendid exam- style, one can ed that it was read. Perhaps the Baron was ples of his rhetorical and unable to attend, or perhaps by the time imagine his audience being elevated to a Flora Campbell had finished her paper on plane of reverential emotion. Though his a variety of parasitic fungi, members felt style was naturally influenced by the cus- that the evening had been sufficiently tom of the time, he combined a flair for 'fungaceous'. invention with the exact use of the English In the distribution lists Mueller language, using words which, though acknowledged various collectors. When unfamiliar today, had, in some cases, been describing species he typically supplied in use for centuries. details of the history and nomenclature. Although it is evident that as the Club Some of these plants received the collec- increased in numbers and adventurous- tor's name but Mueller also used this ness, and there were more discoveries and means of paying tribute to people. expeditions to report, the early Editors of Rhododendron lochae was dedicated to The Victorian Naturalist did not want for Lady Loch, wife of the Governor, in 'spe- material, they still had reason to be grate- cial recognition of the patronage given by ful to the Baron for his cooperation and her to Victorian horticulture' (Mueller generosity, both financial and literary. 1887b), not to the intrepid Mr Sayer who endured so much in its collection. He was, References Anon (1887). The Plants of Ml Bellenden-Ker. The however, acknowledged in Helicia sayeri- Victorian Naturalist 3, 1 69 ana (family Proteaceae) and Dracophyllum Barnard, F.G.A. (1884). Fourth Annual Report. The 48-49. sayeri (family Epacridaceae). Similarly, Victorian Naturalist 1, Barnard, F.G.A. (1886). Letter to Baron von Mueller. the cycad collected by Will E. Armit, the 1 1 .8. 1 886. FNCV Archives 035-029. 'emissary of the Argus for itinerations in The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, Minutes (1883. Book 1883-1887. FNCV Archives New Guinea' (Mueller 1885e), was named 1884). Minute 007. first ruler Cycas scratchleyana, after the Mueller. F. v. (1884). The Victorian Naturalist of British New Guinea, General (January) 1,5. Mueller. F.v. (1885a). The Victorian Naturalist 2.14- Scratchley (Mueller 1885f). 15. extensive An example of Mueller's Mueller, F. v. ( 1 885b). The Victorian Naturalist 2, 74. Victorian Naturalist 2, 76. interests appeared in The Victorian Mueller. F. v. ( 1 885c). The Mueller. P. v. (1885d). The Victorian Naturalist!, 77. Naturalist volume 4 , December 1887, Mueller. F. v. (1885e). The Victorian Naturalist 1.168. where the Editor printed a letter from Sir Mueller, F. v. (18850- The Victorian Naturalist 2, 19. Richard Owen thanking the Baron for an Mueller. F. v. (1886a). Letter to Barnard 3.8. 1886. FNCV Archives 035-030 of Ornithorrhyncus (=0. embryo Mueller, F. v. (1886b). The Victorian Naturalist 3. 73. anatinus, Playtpus), which had convinced Mueller. F. v. (1887a). The Victorian Naturalist 4, 88. v.( 1887b). The Victorian Naturalist 3, 158. him that the Monotremes were ovo-vivip- Mueller, F. Mueller, F. v.( 1887c). The Victorian Naturalist 4, 120. indicate that arous. The ensuing comments Mueller, F. v. (1888a). The Victorian Naturalist 5. 54, Mueller had been of the same view for 76. v. (1888b). The Victorian Naturalist S, 14- some years, his opinion being reinforced Mueller, F. 16. dispatched it by this specimen before he Mueller, F. v. (1889). The Victorian Naturalist 6, 127. (Mueller 1887c). Mueller, F. v. (1890). The Victorian Naturalist 7, 50. Mueller, F. v. (1891). The Victorian Naturalist 7, 137- Baldwin Spencer, in his obituary of 139, (erroneously numbered 8). Mueller, referred to his 'quaintness of Mueller, F. v. (1892). The Victorian Naturalist 9. 1 1 1. speech and manner' (Spencer 1896). As Mueller, F. v. (1893). The Victorian Naturalist 10, 22- 25. active member of The Field Naturalists an Mueller, F. v.(1894). The Victorian Naturalist 10, 184. Club of Victoria and as its patron, Mueller Mueller. F. v.(1895). The Victorian Naturalist 12, 74- was frequently called upon to make 75. Spencer. W.B. (1896) Baron von Mueller. The his articles his notes were speeches. In Victorian Naturalist 13, 92. generally 'succinct' as he described them, Willis, J.H. (1949). Botanical Pioneers in Victoria 1. The Victorian Naturalist 66, 87. but in speaking Mueller gave full rein to his rotund and stately periods. The two eulogies which he gave on Alphonse de

142 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Ferdinand von Mueller, Exhibitioner Extraordinaire

Tom May 1 and Sara Maroske-' Abstract Exhibits of natural history specimens were a feature of meetings of The Field Naturalist's Club of Victoria in the nineteenth century. The exhibits provided by Baron Ferdinand von Mueller are typical of those of the time. He used exhibits to illustrate his current activities, often soon after discoveries had been made. Exhibits also served as a way of recognising the contribution of Mueller's network of collectors. Various other information can be gleaned from the reports of exhibits, including the time of introduction of exotic plants and the date of publication of Mueller's works. (The Victorian Naturalist 113,(4) 1996. 143-145)

Exhibits of natural history specimens (C. French); 'Victorian crabs, starfish and other objects were a feature of clubs and sea-eggs (A.H.S. Lucas); 'slides of and learned societies in the nineteenth transverse sections of the petioles of century. The Field Naturalists' Club of Eucalypts, under microscope' (D. Victoria excelled in this regard. Novel, McAlpine); and 'rare African and unusual or bizarre exhibits were a promi- American mosses; foreign micro-fungi; nent part of its meetings and on any European algae (mostly fresh-water)' (F. evening could include insects, birds and Reader) (Victorian Naturalist 4, 17-18. other animals, fungi, plants, wood sec- 28-31). There were also 750 at the 1888 tions, rocks, fossils, books, paintings and Conversazione, where those attending Aboriginal artefacts. Some exhibits were would have seen 'a wedge tailed eagle illustrative of papers read to the meetings, killing rabbit' and 'a laughing-jackass but others were by Club members for killing snake' (A.W. Coles); 'a collection whom such presentations were their only of about 100 species of dried plants from public participation in Club activities. King Island' (C. French Jnr); 'specimens Lists of the exhibits were provided in the of insect architecture, also geological reports of the Club meetings printed in specimens, and, under microscopes a vari- each monthly issue of The Victorian ety of interesting objects' (P.H. which Naturalist. Under the name of the Anderson); and numerous others of Patron of exhibitor the 'principal' exhibits were Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, that it 'seemed a pity given. Each 'exhibit' could itself" consist the Club, remarked brought togeth- of numerous individual items. Exhibits that' 'exhibits so skilfully members of the Club should were also a prominent feature of the year- er by the be on view for the one evening." ly Conversazione and were integral to the only Naturalist 5. 20-22). annual wildflower show. (The Victorian himself was a prolific exhibitor The centre piece at the Conversazione Mueller activities of the were pre- at meetings and other of 1 887, at which 750 people especially after he became Club sent, was a 250 lb giant clam shell from FNCV 1886. In the reports of the Singapore, provided by D. Le Souef, who Patron in monthly meetings of the Club in The also showed a tiger (dead) and a diamond Victorian Naturalist Mueller was noted as snake (alive). Among the other numerous providing exhibits at 87 of the 152 meet- animal, vegetable and mineral specimens ings held between January 1884 and (only the 'more important' were listed) only 19 of the 92 birds, September 18%. and at were 'a large case containing lyre during the period from January ground thrush, robins, etc.' meetings with nests, Mueller not 1889 to September 1896 did 'an orang-outang, a red (A.J. Campbell); evident provide exhibits. It is sometimes wallaby, a platypus, an alligator' (A ; present from the reports that Mueller was 'some fine walking-stick insects' Coles); he was noted as at the meetings because on papers read, or Avenue, having made comments 1 National Herbarium of Victoria, Birdwood presented a paper himself or intro- South Yarra. Victoria 3141 having ol a handful ' Mueller Correspondence Project. Department duced a visitor. There are only of Science. University of was noted as History & Philosophy of occasions where Mueller Melbourne, Parkville. Victoria 3052.

143 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

Victorian Naturalist 7, 31). present at a meeting but did not exhibit. 1890 (The species would Mueller presumably attended most of the Whereas novel Australian published elsewhere, mention meetings at which he did exhibit, although be formally recorded exotic plants often in some cases his exhibits may have been of the newly of exhibits. presented by others in the Club. He cer- occurs only in the reports

published new species in I tainly made some effort to attend Club When Mueller Victorian Naturalist it is often meetings. In January 1894 it is recorded The little time elapsed that he 'attended at considerable risk, suf- remarkable how

of the new species, I fering as he was from indisposition' (The between the collection description. Victorian Naturalist 10, 151), and in its exhibition and formal novel orchid on October 1895 Mueller managed to deliver George French collected a

Dandenong, I an address on the late Louis Pasteur the 9th November 1889 at

also observed on the • despite having 'been detained by another and the species was same engagement' (The Victorian Naturalist 12, Club excursion to Tooradin on the Victorian Naturalist 6, 121). On 74). day (The days later, Principally Mueller exhibited examples the following Monday, two orchid at the FNCV of new or interesting plants. These served French exhibited the (The Victorian the purpose of illustrating plants in an age monthly meeting 122), and Mueller formally where photography was still little used. In Naturalist 6, frenchii in addition, the plants exhibited had often described it as Prasophyllum the recently been received from one of the December issue of the Naturalist, was noted Mueller's Australia-wide network of col- very issue in which the exhibit lectors - whose contribution was thereby (Mueller 1889). occurred acknowledged in a more accessible and The same sense of immediacy with the immediate way than through his scientific when Mueller and others dealt monographs. For example, at the results of explorations further afield. On December 1893 meeting of the Club Mueller's suggestion W.A. Saver climbed Queensland and col- Mueller exhibited 'a specimen of the Mt Bellenden-Ker in These were exhib- extremely rare hopogon Fletcheri, recent- lected plant specimens. Mueller at the March 1887 meet- ly discovered by J. Fletcher, Esq., on the ited by Naturalist Blue Mountains', New South Wales (The ing of the Club (The Victorian described, mostly Victorian Naturalist 10, 134). At the fol- 3, 162 and 169-170) and at about the lowing meeting Mueller exhibited also in The Victorian Naturalist, 1887b). from New South Wales a variety of same time (Mueller 1887a, arduous expedi- Grevillea asplenifolia 'from Cole River, Saver's narrative of the read before the April 1887 meet- near Jervis Bay, where it was discovered tion was (Sayer 1887). Plants by a son of Mr P. L. C. Shepherd' along ing of the Club from Bellenden-Ker with a new species of Helipterum com- described by Mueller lochae which memorating the collector J. D. Batt from included Rhododendron (who knitted near Lake Lefroy, Western Australia and commemorated Lady Loch muffler). Not only was it the sole the first record of the exotic Soliva sessilis his known from Australia at collected by J. B. Williamson from near Rhododendron which Mueller Port Fairy, Victoria (The Victorian that time, but also a species be found on Mt Naturalist 10, 151). had predicted would The information mentioned in the Bellenden-Ker when he sailed by that northern Australia in reports of exhibits may supplement that locality en route to Also described provided with the formal description. For 1855 (Mueller 1887a). was the new instance, Helipterum fitzgihbonii was from from Bellenden-Ker halleyana described by Mueller (1890a) from vari- genus and species Hypsophila wrote: T have connected ous localities including 'Nullarbor-Plains; of which Mueller this tree - one from the highest J. Batt', but is more specifically noted as with - the name having been 'collected about 100 miles mountain of tropical Australia Halley, who, as President north of Eucla, W.A., by Mr. J.D. Batt' in of the Rev. J. J. Victorian Field-Naturalists' Club, the list of exhibits for the meeting of June of the

Naturalist 144 The Victorian Mueller Issue

has amidst the onerous duties of his eccle- also collected Lythrum hissopifolia and siastic position, still also advanced ener- Vallisneria spiralis: (The Victorian getically the studies of living nature Naturalist 13, 71). A list of these exhibits among us.' (Mueller 1887b). also exists in Mueller's handwriting As Mueller worked on his multifarious (Royal Botanic Gardens. Melbourne, RB publications he often kept the FNCV MSS M76) with a few minor differences. informed of progress by exhibiting various It would have been one of the last things works, sometimes at the proof stage. Thus that Mueller wrote for the Club, because in July 1 889 he showed advance proofs of he died on the 10th October, although he a new edition of his Census of Australian did contribute flowers to the annual exhi- Plants (The Victorian Naturalist 6, 74) bition of wild flowers on the 28th and in April 1893 he placed before the September, obtained through "country club proof plates of thistles drawn by Mr friends' St Eloy D'Alton of Nhill and Ashley (The Victorian Naturalist 10, 3), Miss Wise of Sale (The Victorian which later appeared in Illustrated Naturalist 13, 86). Description of Thistles .... a pamphlet The records of Mueller's exhibits and brought out by the Department of those of numerous other members serve Agriculture (Mueller 1893). When recent- not only to help us understand what being ly published works were displayed, the a field naturalist encompassed, but also reports of exhibits give a definite date by conjure up the atmosphere of past meet- which the book or part thereof must have ings. Mueller's regular presence must been published, as is the case for the have brought a sense of excitement at the fourth decade of the Iconography of sharing of recent discoveries, and he no Australian Salsolaceous Plants (Mueller doubt commented on the botanical 1890b) which was exhibited at the Club exhibits of other members. In Mueller's meeting of October 13th 1890 (The case the records of exhibits also provide professional scien- Victorian Naturalist 7, 102). This is useful important details of his for taxonomic works where date priority is tific work. of importance. The list of books received References for the Club library is another source of Mueller. F. von (1887a). Descriptions ol new information on publication dates. Australian plum-. The Victorian Naturalist 3. 157- Mueller occasionally brought to Club 160. new Mueller. F. von (1887b). Descriptions ol meetings books by other authors, and the 168- Ausiralian plants. The Victorian Nalaratisl 3, records of these exhibits help to establish 169. Dcsenplion Of an orchid new a picture of the development of Mueller's Mueller. F. von (1889). 1 2b- 1 28. for Victoria. The Victorian Naturalist 6. also occasionally shared with ol new library. He Mueller, F. von (1890a). Descriptions annotations the Club interesting letters from his volu- Australian plants, with occasional other with fellow The Victorian Naturalist 7. .18-39. minous correspondence a) Australian Mueller, F. von (18906). Iconography (Robert S. savants. Salsohicemis Plants. Fourth Decade. Melbourne). exhibits provided by Mueller at the Brain Government Printer: The Description ol attended IMueller. F. von| (1893). Illustrated last Club meeting which he the Piwisions W the Thistles etc. Included Within mix Brain. Government (September 14th 1896) are a typical Thistle Act of IH90- (Root. S, Melbourne). of the and the interesting, and were Primer: new ascent ol Mount Bellcnden- Saver, W.A. (1887). First follows: 'Galium murale, as 37-44. recorded as Kcr. The Victorian Naturalist 4. an introduced plant from South Europe; col- Ciyptandra bifida, new for Victoria, Reader: lected at the Wimmera by Mr. F. flowers, Cyrtostylis reniformis, with green also collected by Mr. J. Paul at Grantville; trop- the following plants as new for extra divaricata, ic Western Australia:- Bassia F. from near Coolgardie, collected by Mr. Wehl; Perotis rara, traced by Mr. J. Cusack towards Shark's Bay, where he

145 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

The Legacy of Mueller's Collections

J. H. Ross 1 Abstract The National Herbarium of Victoria dates from the appointment of Baron Ferdinand von Mueller as first Government Botanist for Victoria on 26 January 1853. Mueller worked tirelessly until his death on 10 October 1896 to build a world-class collection of herbarium specimens and a botanical library. The means by which he did so are outlined and an assessment is made of his contribution and the legacy he left for future generations. (The Victorian Naturalist 113,(4) 1996, 146-150).

Introduction 1853a). On 5 September 1853, in his First One of the tasks assigned to Baron General Report of the Government Ferdinand von Mueller when he took up Botanist, Mueller wrote: 'In accordance his appointment as Victoria's first with His Excellency's instructions, a col- Government Botanist on 26 January 1853 lection of dried specimens of plants has was a survey of the botanical resources of been commenced for the Government. the colony. Although more than sixty This Herbarium will be at all times acces- years had passed since the first European sible to the public' The National settlement in Australia, the flora of Herbarium of Victoria (MEL), or, as Victoria was very poorly known, this Mueller called it, the 'Phytologic Museum knowledge being based on opportunistic of Melbourne' had been founded. After collections gathered by visitors during fifteen months Mueller had covered 6,400

brief landfalls or overland travels. kilometres and collected 1 ,459 species not However, few, if any, of these specimens previously recorded for Victoria, many of remained in the colony. As was customary them undescribed (Mueller, 1854). Not at the time, early collections invariably only had Mueller plans to document the went to institutions or private collections flora of the colony of Victoria, but his in Europe. On taking up his appointment, ambition was to write what he termed 'an there was no nucleus of a collection for universal Australian Flora' (Mueller, Mueller to build on, apart from his own 1853b). In 1855/56 Mueller participated in private collection of specimens from the North Australia Expedition under the Europe and South Australia and a small command of Augustus Gregory during personal library. which he collected 2000 species, 800 of Charles Moore, Director of the Gardens them new to science or new records for in Sydney, was confronted with a similar Australia (Willis, 1949). situation. Despite the activities of collec- Mueller was conscious of his isolation tors such as Allan Cunningham, Charles from other professional botanists and the Eraser, Franz Sicber and others, Moore need to establish contacts. In October reported in 1855 that until 1853 the 1853 in a letter to Sir William Hooker, Garden lacked a herbarium and 'there was Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, not a single specimen' (Gilbert, 1986). Kew, England, he wrote: '... I confidently hope that I shall enjoy the indulgence of

Building the Collections the botanists, as I stand here perfectly Mueller had to start from scratch in alone, without any aid, only scantily pro- building a collection of specimens and vided with books, without access to books. This was a challenge that Mueller authentic specimens and even without a enjoyed and he worked tirelessly to this magnifying glass, powerful enough to end. Within days of his appointment, he examine the anther appendices of set off on his first collecting trip to parts Angianthea.' (Mueller, 1853c). of eastern Victoria during which he trav- Mueller knew that to carry out his job elled some 2500 kilometres (Mueller, efficiently he had to familiarise himself with the current state of knowledge of the 'National Herbarium of Victoria. Birdwood Avenue. Australian flora. He knew that the means South Yarra. Victoria, 3141

146 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

to accomplish this was to have access to varying degrees he was associated with all the published work of those who had gone of the exploration activities of the 1870s. before him and of contemporaries who He did this out of his interest in explo- had described native species, and access to ration but the prospect of more specimens a comprehensive herbarium containing from remote parts of the continent for his authentically named specimens for com- herbarium was always in his mind. parative purposes (Lucas, 1995). Many of Mueller's endeavours to purchase the early descriptions were insufficiently herbaria are well documented (Short, diagnostic to enable the species in ques- 1990). The National Herbarium of tion to be identified with certainty from Victoria library possesses an account book the description alone. Details of Mueller's covering the period 1868-1872. From this books and his endeavours to build his book we learn that Mueller purchased library are well documented (Maroske et specimens from numerous collectors al, 1992; Cohn, 1995). He expended a including Joseph Nernst from Queensland. substantial portion of his own money on George Maxwell from Western Australia, purchasing books and in 1865 donated the Samuel Hannaford from Tasmania, and library that he had established to the gov- J. P. Fullager from Lord Howe Island. A ernment (Mueller, 1865). complete list is reproduced by Short Mueller devoted much of his energies to (1990). Amongst the most important pri- building the collection of specimens vate established herbaria purchased by through a combination of his own collect- Mueller were those of Joachim Steetz and ing activities, encouraging others to col- Otto Sonder (Short and Sinkora, 1988, lect on his behalf, exchange with other Short 1990). Mueller received the Steetz herbaria, and the purchase of private herbarium in December 1863 and the con- herbaria. He knew that one of the best tents of this herbarium are detailed by means to acquire authenticated material Short and Sinkora (1988). for comparative purposes was to purchase The number of specimens in Steet/'s existing herbaria. Duplicates of some of herbarium is not known but Mueller noted

Robert Brown's Australian collections that it consisted of 15 large packing cases were obtained from Sir William and Sir (Mueller, 1863b). The Steetz herbarium Joseph Hooker of Kew. Mueller was very was the first large private herbarium from adept at harnessing the energy of count- Europe purchased by Mueller and its less collectors and he established a net- importance to Mueller cannot be over work of collectors around the country. emphasised. The herbarium contained Among these collectors were a number of many specimens gathered by early collec- women such as Anne McHard of tors in Australia that had been returned to Blackwood River, and Sarah Brooks of Europe, among them specimens collected Israelite Bay, both of Western Australia, by Franz Wilhelm Sieber in eastern who made important contributions. Australia. Of particular interest to Mueller Mueller paid some collectors out of his was the good set of specimens collected own pocket but others were pleased to by Johann Ludwig Preiss in Western donate specimens and many were rewarded Australia. These supplemented the set of by James Drummond by having species named in their honour. specimens collected made reference, Mueller was one of the most fervent and to which Mueller (1867) James Drummond, eloquent advocates of exploration that the the 'late meritorious enlightened son the country has known (Ericksen, 1978). from whose museum received the Mueller sponsored some of the early expe- Melbourne botanical normal collection of plants secured ditions of Ernest Giles to Central Australia whole during a long series of years (Barker and Barker, 1990), was an active by his father Australia, many of the plants member of the committee that organised in West solely contained as yet in this col- the Burke and Wills Expedition in 1860, being lection.' Mueller acquired more sent out relief expeditions the following Drummond specimens in the Steetz year, and was chairman of the Ladies' herbarium (Short, 1990). Leichhardt Search Expedition of 1 865. To

147 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

By far the largest herbarium purchased noted that the collection contained fur the Melbourne herbarium was the Otto 750,000 specimens (Mueller, 1891). Wilhelm Sonder herbarium. The Sonder herbarium probably contained in excess of Assessment of Mueller's contributions 250,000 specimens. Mueller (185") Any assessment of Mueller's contribu- claimed that the Sonder herbarium was tions must lake into account the circum- 'the richest of all private botanical collec- stances that prevailed at that lime. This tions in existence.' Details of its contents was about a hundred years before the era and purchase are discussed by Short of instant gratification conferred by such machine, (1990). Suffice it to say that it look more facilities as the facsimile com- than twenty years for Mueller to pursuade puters and e-mail. Communications were the government to provide the necessary poor. To send a letter to Europe and funds to purchase this important herbari- receive a response took at least three um. Mueller was at pains to point out to months. Field work was very demanding the government the benefits of acquiring and in parts of Australia often dangerous. the herbarium: '....I pointed out that such Transport was by means of ship from one acquisition, altho' in first instance a costly coastal point to another and overland it one, would save the expense of time and was often by horse or on foot. There was money in accumulating gradually such no possibility of pulling into a motel or a herbarium, whilst the possession of such is caravan park at the end of a day, enjoying after all tveruseful, ...'(Mueller, 1859). a good meal, the comfort of a good night's Mueller (1888) pointed out that 'Through sleep, and certainly no fast food. Sonder's herbarium, original specimens Distances that we to-day easily accom- from the collections of several disciples of plish in one day in a vehicle took Mueller Linnaeus were obtained, coming from weeks; air travel was unknown. Professor Lehmaun's herbarium.' The sig- Specimens had to be carried on a pack nificance of the acquisition of the Steel/ horse, often for weeks on end, during and Sunder herbaria was that they con- which time Ihey were often damaged. tained authentically named material and Paper for pressing specimens in the field many type specimens collected by early was always in short supply. European collectors to visit Australia. During Mueller's years the herbarium These specimens became available in lacked sufficient funds or staff to cope Australia for the first time and were of with many of the basic curatorial activi- inestimable value to Mueller. ties. None of the specimens was mounted. Unfortunately. Mueller's attempts to pur- This was unfortunate because of the ease chase the l.indley herbarium were thwart- with which a label may become separated ed by Government indifference. from the specimen to which it belongs. Mueller's herbarium grew in size rapid- Two possible outcomes of this are that the with a l\. He was the focal point of botany in wrong label becomes associated Australia for almost forty years and mater- specimen or that a specimen ends up with- eventuality, the ial poured in from every corner of the con- out any label. In either tinent. In 1858 he estimated that the specimen has practically no utility. herbarium consisted of 45,000 specimens: Although mounting of specimens has been at for over forty 'It comprises one of the most important underway the herbarium series of Australian plants anywhere in years, Mueller's acquisitions policy was existence, which will probably be consult- so successful that a century after his death ed centuries hereafter, and which amounts it is estimated that almost half a million to about 6.000 well-marked species in specimens are still waiting to be mounted, very numerous varieties' (Mueller, 1858). many of them collected by Mueller him- By September 1868 Mueller estimated the self. This is an unfortunate legacy which collection at approximately 350,000 Mueller could not prevent. (Mueller, 186"). In 1888 half a million Mueller did not number his collections specimens were said to be present as did other early collectors such as J. (Mueller, 1888) and in 1891 Mueller Drummond, L. Preiss and F.W. Sieber.

148 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

The reason given by Mueller is that he enabling one to gain a better appreciation used names, many of them manuscript of his taxonomic concepts. Secondly, the names, rather than numbers because of the verso of the label of each specimen that potential for inaccuracies when using was sent to Kew was marked with a 'B' numbers. In a letter to William Hooker on its return to Melbourne to indicate that written on 5 April 1855 Mueller wrote: 'It it had been examined by Bentham (Ross, is sad to me also, to see all against my 1995). This greatly enhanced the utility of remonstrations, nearly all of my old apel- these specimens to later generations of lations now in print: most of these names botanists.

have been years ago replaced by more cor- Mueller was very liberal with his speci- rect ones; they were originated mostly mens and dispersed many to other

when I was very inexperienced here and herbaria around the world. Indeed, there is much more in want of books than now and scarcely a major herbarium in the world should only serve instead of numbers that does not possess some of Mueller's which by a slight inaccuracy lead at once specimens. J.H. Maiden, in a letter to into mistakes.' (Mueller, 1855). It is a Alfred Ewart on 4 May 1917 wrote: '1 matter of regret that Mueller did not use know of Mueller's feverish idea to get rid

collecting numbers as it would have obvi- of his duplicates. He used to tell me that ated a great deal of confusion and prevent- he would distribute his duplicates during

ed the publication of countless manuscript his own lifetime and leave no man to do it names. In particular, had the specimens after he was dead. The consequence has

been numbered it would have made it far been, in the present case (Acacia Jelibrala easier to trace the type specimens of many and A. oligoneura), that crucial specimens of the taxa Mueller described. Mueller had have disappeared from the Melbourne a tendency, no doubt occasioned by the Herbarium.' (Maiden, 1917). Of course lack of time and any mechanical means of this dispersal occurred prior to the type copying labels, to abbreviate label data on concept as we know it to-day, but one of duplicates and sometimes to use different the legacies of Mueller's generosity or wording. Mueller's handwriting is some- enthusiasm to disperse his collections times scarcely legible which does not help partly explains why many types that one to find here are not here. matters! A consequence of this is that it is would expect Undoubtedly often difficult to determine whether a This is most unfortunate. alleged duplicates would in specimen in another herbarium is a dupli- many of the duplicates in the strict cate of a sheet in MEL or whether the fact not have been use the term today but speci- sheet in another herbarium is unique. As sense as we which Mueller had other Mueller did not number his own collec- mens of taxa of examples in his collection. tions, it is difficult to estimate the number means of evaluating Mueller's con- that he collected himself. It seems proba- One to examine what happened to ble that he collected between 10,000 and tribution is the years subsequent to 20,000 specimens. the herbarium in 1896. When Mueller was Mueller surrendered his ambition to his death in dominated the herbarium to the write a universal flora of Australia in alive he there was no natural successor favour of George Bentham who produced extent that of equivalent scientific calibre. Mueller's the 7- volume Flora Australiensis (1863- vacuum and almost immedi- Nevertheless, Mueller assisted death left a 1878). impetus and ately the herbarium ran out of to the extent of sending to Kew, Bentham material decline set in. The flood of new family by family, the entire holdings of a for naming that had poured in to Mueller the Australian material in the herbarium. around the country dried up and benefits accrued to from Two enduring to other material tended to be sent instead Australian botanists from this arrange- Bailey in Brisbane range botanists such as F.M. ment. Firstly, Bentham saw a wider in Sydney. Mueller was otherwise have or J.H. Maiden of material than would Government succeeded in the position of and cited many of the been possible Luehmann who in turn thus' Botanist by J.G. Melbourne specimens in the Flora,

149 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

Australian letters 1851-8, was succeeded by W. Laidlaw and A.J. Directors' letters, vol. 74. letter no. 137. Ewart. A.J. Ewart was part-time Mueller, F.J.H. (1854). Second general report of the Government Botanist, his duties as Government Botanist on the vegetation of the colony. Victoria-Parliamentary papers-votes and Professor of Botany at The University of proceedings of the Legislative Council 1854-5.1 (A. his Melbourne occupying most of No. 18): 1-20 (Govt. Printer: Melbourne). Hooker, April energies. By and large the herbarium lan- Mueller, F.J.H. (1855). Letter to W 5 1855, Archives, Royal Botanic Gardens. Kew, for about fifty years following guished England, Director's letters, volume 74, Australian Mueller's death and only after the second letters 1851-1858, letter no. 149. (1858). Annual report of the world war did a new vitality appear. It is Mueller. F.J.H. Government Botanist and Director of the Botanic of specimens doubtful whether the number Gardens. Victoria-Parliamentary papers-votes and in the collection has increased by more proceedings of the Legislative Assembly 1858-59. Melbourne). than 200,000 during the hundred years 2: 1-27 (Govt. Printer: Mueller, F.J.H. (1859). Unpublished memorandum to death. since Mueller's the Chief Secretary's office. 1 November 1859. Box

It is remarkable that despite all of the 747. VPRS 1189, PRO V. Mueller, F.J.H. (1863b). Unpublished memorandum to difficulties, Mueller succeeded in building the Undersecretary, 8 October 1863, Victorian such a rich collection that ranks in impor- Public Records Office, correspondence to Chief tance with some of the great herbaria of Secretary. 63/8177, VPRS 1 189, PROV. (1865). Annual Report of the Europe and North America. The collec- Mueller, F.J.H. Government Botanist and Director of the Botanic and tions are worldwide in their coverage Garden, pp. 18-23 (Govt. Printer: Melbourne). F.J.H. (1867). An undescribed Casuarina all plant groups and fungi are represented. Mueller, from west Australia. Journal of Botany 5: 21 1-212. about Mueller's tenacity of It says much Mueller, F.J.H. (1869). Report of the Government purpose. Mueller left a wonderful resource Botanist and Director of the Botanic Garden. and proceed- from which subsequent generations have Victoria-Parliamentary papers-votes ings of the Legislative Assembly 1869. 3: 1-21 continue to derive, enormous derived, and (Govt. Printer: Melbourne). herbarium. benefits. His legacy is overwhelmingly Mueller, F J. H. (1888). The Melbourne Gardeners Chronicle 4, 2 1 1 -2 1 2. positive. The Mueller. F.J.H. (1891). Unpublished letter to H.G.A. Engler, dated 14 December 1891. Staatsbibliothek, References Preussischer Kulturbesitz. Berlin. F.J.H. Mueller's Barker. R.M. and Barker. W.R. (1990). Botanical con- Ross. J. H. (1995). Some insights into tributions overlooked: the role and recognition of Modus Operandi. Australian Systematic Botany collectors, horticulturists, explorers and others in Society Newsletter 84. 4-6. Botanist the early documentation of the Australian flora. In Short, P.S. and Sinkora, D.M. (1988). The

37- 1 Muelleria 6, 449-494. •History of systematic botany in Australasia', Joachim Steetz ( 1804- 862). Politics and the purchase of private 86. Ed PS. Short. (Australian Systematic Botany Short, P.S. ( 1990). Victoria. In Society: Melbourne). herbaria by the National Herbarium of 5-12. Cohn, H.M. (1995). Australian Plants, the Garden and •History of systematic botany in Australasia', Botany Botany in the nineteenth century Periodical. Ed P.S. Short. (Australian Systematic Naturae 5, 1-24. Society: Melbourne). Ericksen. R. (1978). "Ernest Giles Explorer and Willis, M. (1949). 'By their fruits: a life of Ferdinand Traveller" 1835-1897. (William Heineman: Mueller, botanist and explorer'. (Angus & Melbourne). Robertson: Sydney). Gilbert, L. (1986). 'The Royal Botanic Gardens. Sydney - A History 1816-1985'. (Oxford University Press: Melbourne). Lucas. A.M. (1995). Letters, Shipwrecks and Taxonomic Confusion: Establishing a Reputation from Australia. Historical Records of Australian Science 10, 207-22 J, Maiden. J.H. (1917). Letter to A. Ewart, 4 May 1917. Archives. Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. Maroske, S., Sinkora, D.M. and Cohn. H. M. (1992). Ferdinand von Mueller's Library. Botanic Magazine 4,17-23. Mueller, F.J.H. (1853a). First general report of the Government Botanist on the vegetation of the colony. Victoria-Parliamentary papers-votes and proceedings of the Legislative Council 1853.1 (A. No. 26a and b):l-22 (Govt. Printer: Melbourne). Mueller, F.J.H (1853b). Letter to W. Hooker dated 3 February 1853. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Directors' letters, vol. 74, Australian letters 1851-8, letter no. 135. Mueller, F.J.H. (1853c). Letter to W. Hooker dated 18 October 1853. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew,

150 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Villarsia - One of Mueller's Puzzles

Helen I. Aston'

In December 1856. J.F. Carl Wilhelmi plants in the field. In 1868 Mueller could collected material of Villarsia, Marsh- not simply hop in a car and whizz off on a flower, from 'Banks of the Wannon' in quick trip to the Wannon area. He neces- south-western Victoria. His collection was sarily left his puzzle unresolved. lodged with Baron Ferdinand von Mueller There the matter rested for almost 100 and today is still extant in the National years until 1965, when my attention Herbarium of Victoria. It is one of the focussed on plants of Villarsia growing in many specimens gathered by early explor- a swamp at Cranbourne, south-east of ers and collectors which proved puzzling Melbourne. There were two distinctly dif- to the botanists of the era. and which have ferent species present although Victorian had to wait until more recent times for sat- botanists were then recognising the pres- isfactory taxonomic placement. Mueller ence of only one species within the State. was a great botanist, with a fine observa- Feeling somewhat elated at this chance

tional eye, but even he was limited by the discovery, I returned to the National often meagre material on which he had to Herbarium of Victoria and examined the

found his judgements. I offer this little Villarsia collections it held. As I sorted all story as an example. of the Victorian specimens I became Mueller was obviously puzzled by aware of Mueller's puzzle of long ago. All Wilhelmi's material and was uncertain of except the Wannon collection and one

it's identity. Herbarium annotations indi- from the 'Lower Glenelg River', into readi- cate that he first allied it with V. parnassi- which the Wannon River runs, were folia of Western Australia, but later he ly sorted into two groups corresponding to at Cranbourne. placed it under the widespread and com- the two species seen good mon south-eastern Australian species V. Victoria therefore had not only two to be the real reniformis. In each case he noted signifi- species (which later proved also the cant differences from the usual collections V. reniformis and V. exaltata), but exception to be account- of the species concerned. Thus in his Wannon/Glenelg Fragmenta Phytographiae Australia 6, ed for. puzzle thus passed on to 140 (1868), under V. reniformis, he was Mueller's It became part of field and herbar- referring to Wilhelmi's collection when he myself. which resulted in a full revi- wrote 'A fluvio Wannon habeo plantam ium studies genus Villarsia within seminibus minoribus ovatis turgentibus sion of the published in Muelleria 2,1-63 estrophiolatis asperis saltern a forma legit- Australia, (1969). In this, the differences which ima diversam.' That is, he noted the dif- Mueller had noticed were confirmed and ferent seed characters of the Wannon Wannon material proved to be the first material and considered that, although he the of a new species V. he, Victorian collection was placing it under V. reniformis, being wnbrkola. thought it was worthy at least of Mueller! In this example he had to that species. Poor considered a distinct form of which almost 113 years for the entity Current day botanists will appreciate wait felt was distinct to be given only one collec- he tentatively Mueller's dilemma. With a sigh formal specific recognition. Is that those puzzling seeds avail- tion showing Mueller? Or are you be of satisfaction I hear able to him in 1868, he was wise to other puzzles of yours which elucida- sighing for conservative in his approach. The unresolved? requires still remain tion of such taxonomic puzzles more data from more collections and of preferably also personal observations

1 Birdwood c/o National Herbarium of Victoria, Avenue. South Yarra 3141

151 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

Mueller's Excursions in the Murray Scrub 1848-1851

R. Grandison 1

Abstract the Murray This paper outlines four botanical excursions carried out by Mueller and associates in by three appendices . supplemented 1 1 account is Scrub of South Australia between I 848 and 85 The second visit to Moorundte. covering 'Where is Dr. Schul/en?' 'People and Places' and S.T.Gill's {The Victorian Naturalist 113.(4) 1996, 152-162

1995). Fig. 1. Mueller's Hut, Wislow. near Mt. Barker (Oetober Introduction small hut (which still stands) he set up a His On 16th December 1847, a twenty one base for further explorations (Fig.l). year old Dr. Ferdinand Mueller with two zeal for collecting was matched by an out- younger sisters Clara and Bertha arrived ward gregarious nature in befriending a new-comers, whether Off Largs Bay, South Australia, on the bar- host of settlers or que Hermann von Beckerath. Almost English or German. By early April of immediately Mueller began to collect 1848 he had expanded botanical opera- a plants, an activity which dominated his 4 tions to the Barossa Valley and made this quite an 1/2 year stay in S.A. He wasted no time in trip to Kapunda. All of was covering the botanical novelties close to achievement considering his short resi- excur- Adelaide and in the Mt. Lofty Ranges, dence in the colony and that most particularly near Macclesfield. Nearby at sions were on foot. During the same Wistow he soon purchased land and in a month he decided to make a short exploratory trip to Lake Alexandrina, a

1 R.Grandison. 44 Mataro Road. Hope Valley. view of which he had looking to the S.E. S. A. 5090,

152 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

from the elevated position of his hut. S.A. late in December 1847. only a week Mueller left an account of some of his after Mueller. In his reminiscences, travels in the Murray in Scrub the newspa- (Schedlich c.1900) it is staled by the per, Slid australische Zeitung pt.9, p.l of author that he left Bremen on 20/7/1847 6/6/1850 with an article titled, Der and that the ship was at Cape Borda Murray Scrub, botanisch skizziert\ (Kangaroo Island) on 18/12/1847. The fol- Unfortunately, as Sinkora in Churchill el. low up voyage to Port Adelaide therefore al. (1978) points out, 'No copies of the corresponds to the arrival of the Gellert references to publications in Australian (Sexton 1990) about four days later. newspapers listed (below) exist in Interestingly amongst the other 250 pas- Australian libraries today. These refer- sengers aboard the ship Gellert was a ences were obtained from various pub- young surgeon named Dr. Ludwig lished and unpublished sources, and their Schulzen. Schedlich says Mueller was

accuracy cannot be guaranteed'. Since that present to welcome them to S.A. so it time the status of the above reference does would appear perhaps a case of renewing not seem to have changed. Verification of acquaintances. dates, places and sometimes clear identifi- Late in April 1848, Schedlich accompa- cation of plants (due to nomenclatural nied Muller to Lake Alexandrina (then change) can frequently be difficult where called Lake Victoria) and it is through his limited sources of information may be dis- latter-day reminiscences that we have an pensed in the literature and perhaps even account of the trip. then quite imprecise. Some clues to the 'At this time 1 made an excursion with botanical conduct of these trips by Baron von Muller to the lakes and we Mueller can be gleamed from the inclusive came the first night as far as work of others such as Miquel (1856). Strathalbyn where we stayed at Mr. Gallons, (Gollan) who kept Here is mentioned the occasional specific Donald Gallons never place name (often with variant spelling) or the public house. Mr. Muller who was not the name of a person. Herbarium sheets forgot Baron von with the accommodation such as those at MEL can provide useful satisfied which he had fragments of information which taken compared with that to accustomed at home, and when together may finally approach a reason- been saw Mr. Gallons he always ably reliable and sequential account. The afterwards the Baron was. Baron similarly-placed travels of Mueller's asso- asked me how Muller was delighted with the ciates who did leave a record of one kind flora which was perfectly or another for the area, have been helpful Australian new to him. in providing supportive background of the The second night we slept at a station frontier where one cultural group was (south-east) from there investigating or using the natural of Mr. Gilbert, the lake where Langhornes Creek resources of another group. to had a bath and Murray Scrub under enters the lake, In this paper, the Langhornes east returned by way of consideration is that area of country Baron being delighted with Lofty Ranges to the River Creek, the of the Mt. |see Wood over- a variety of water plants. Murray, bound in the north by the where there is a reference Truro and McBean (1972) p.36 land track between by Mueller to the collection in 1848 boundary is taken to Pound. The southern baueri at of the branched alga Cham be the northern most limit of Lake Lake Victoria]. Alexandrina (Fig. 2). we Instead of going to Strathalbyn The Baron was sure Murray Scrub - went via Tinpot. First Trip through the climb a were wrong and I had to the Lake, late April 1848 we A Hike to convinced myself we Carl Gustav (Gus) tree when I About 1900, Mt. Barker right as I could see man then aged in his late sev- were Schedlich, a also the Bugle hill quite plainly, his memoirs as a young enties, recorded insist on being in Ranges. He would emigrant from Bremen having arrived

153 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

THEMURRAY SCRUB SPECIFIC

MOORUNOIE

CUFFS;

Fig. 2. Map showing Mueller's routes and locations mentioned in text.

right and as I was quite sure I was Hall with a cup of tea and a snuff, quite right he left me just where now enjoying the tea after the long walk the Morning Star public house is situ- and were regaled by Mr. John Hall ated. He soon found himself to be on with a cup of tea and a snuff, enjoying the wrong road and come back to me, the tea after the long walk. We were when in a very short time came to the soon at home now and rested from our section then occupied by old Mr. John adventures.' Hall and were regaled by Mr. John

154 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Second Trip through the Murray Scrub steeply into the copper mining complex - First Trip to the Murray River - nestled amongst the enclosing December 1848 hills. Nearby on a creek of the same name, Mueller had been in S.A. just one year which periodically manages to flow lo the yet had already carried out numerous col- Murray River, Mueller collected Cassia lecting expeditions in the Mt. Lofty culitantha (syn. C. viitata). At this point Ranges from Tanunda to Macclesfield in the River Murray is as close as it gets to the south, along with a lengthy hike to the the Mt.Lofty Ranges and the 15 km along shores of Lake Alexandrina with Gus the Reedy Creek to Caloote and Baker's Schedlich (Schedlich c.1900). During Station on the Murray could be easily October of the same year he spent several accomplished (Fig. I). The trip, following weeks on Samuel Davenport's property at the nearby cattle track from the station, Rivoli Bay seeking a plant cause for what allowed an inspection of the Murray Scrub today is known as Coastal Disease (Glen without the usual concerns over the lack c.1900). of surface water. Baker's Station, like a This time, Mueller's route may have number of other stations about the Murray originated at Klemzig from where he trav- River, was an area held by a tenure of an elled to Hope Valley. There he intercepted annual occupation licence from the the bullock track from Reedy Creek Mine Crown. Botanical collections at this time which passed down Grand Junction Road are also evident in Willis' List of Mueller to the Yatala Smelter at Rosewater. The collections held at MEL which relate to track led up Anstey Hill through the Chain this time. Whether by arrangement or

of Ponds settlement (old Morning Star chance, it would appear from associative Hotel) then to the S.A. Company's paintings done at the time by Gill, (Figs. 3 Ludlow House. It then weaved about until and 4) that the party may have accompa- the Mt. Torrens Inn could be nied Baker in his boat downstream reached.* Sketched by Walter Light). This towards the lakes. Baker had another sta- was a well known bullocky staging point tion on the southern side of Lake for the teams. Judging from the siting of a Alexandrina near the channel that links it Gill painting of McVitties' Station bearing to Lake Albert. One of the paintings show- a contemporary signature style, a slight ing a river bank with an outcropping rock detour may have been made to the NE of is labelled as being on Cooke's Station, Mt. Torrens. As pointed out by Butler about 3km south of Wellington near (1993), McVittie had a well-established Mason's house (Fig. 5). At this point it merino stud sheep farm. In association would be convenient to leave the river in rather than sail with the South Australian Company John order to return to Wistow station. Baker imported large numbers of sheep on across the lake to Baker's other from his former home colony ol Tasmania, in order to improve herd quali- is the ty (Pastoral Pioneers Vol I ) This most likely source of McVittie's stud Merinos and is suggestive of business dealings between the men. The circum- of stance is enhanced by Gill's painting the station displaying the sheep. From the station, a trek to the SE soon would cause the party to pick up the bullock track to Reedy Creek Mine. Baker not only had his own Terlinga Station at nearby Tungkillo, the but was one of the local directors for painting site for Camp Silt: Australian Mining Company's operations Fie ' S T Gill's Station and 1993). River'Murray close to Baker's at Reedy Creek Mine (Butler C reek the west of north where Reedy are fol- viewed to Nearing the scarp face the hilltops landing in mid fore- joins the Murray. Caloote the track drops lowed to the last, before ground. (July 1996).

155 Vol. 113(4)1996 1

Mueller Issue

of Tailem Bend. In charge of the station was Davenport's young (step) brother-in- law, Thomas Glen (Baldwin 1980). It was Mueller's second visit in less than two months. On this previous trip. S.T.Gill made a painting of the downstream view of the Murray River from an elevated spot just south of present day Tailem Bend, showing a portion of Davenport's holding (Fig. 3). From the station Mueller and Fischer downstream to reach Wellington. Fig. 4. S.T. Gill's painting site for River turned Murray Scene, about 1km south of Tailem For the 1st March, the Willis List records Bend. (May 1996). a collection at Wellington. The circuit was Alexandria Second Trip to the Murray River, completed by skirting Lake February- March 1849 through familiar country to Wistow. This trip appears to have had its origins Third Trip to the Murray at Wistow and followed the deeply incised February 1851 Mt. Barker Creek down to its confluence During his second visit to South with the Bremer River. Mueller was Australia Dr. Hans Behr botanically accompanied by his friend and neighbour explored the eastern side of the Mt. Lofty Ludwig Fischer. Mueller attributed the Ranges out from Truro and into part of the collection of the small dark blue flowered Scrub late in 1848 (Kraehenbuehl Eremophila gibbifotia (syn. Duttonia Murray 1981). He most likely had been staying at gibbifolia) to Fischer from the Mt. Barker the home of August Fiedler,(Grandison Creek area. The genus Duttonia, named 1985, 1990) a prominent settler at after the Colonial Secretary, Francis Tanunda. During March of the following Dutton, was established by this plant name year he ventured from Truro across the being published in the German botanical Murray Scrub to Moorundie on the River journal, Linnaea xxv, 409 of 1851. One Murray. In his subsequent letter to specimen, MEL 77670 has been designat- Professor Kuntze in Leipzig, quoted at ed the holotype, and another, MEL 7767 length by (Kraehenbuehl 1981), Behr isotype. ' tortures of thirst' and the Alongside the Mt. Barker Creek, related the 'desolate flats' but left a good description Mueller is listed by Miquel (1856) to have of the Murray Scrub landscape and many collected Melaleuca pubescens. Near the of its plants. About October 1849 Behr junction of Mt. Barker Creek with the left South Australia but his influence on Bremer River, Fischer collected Acacia Mueller appears to have remained. During rupicola (Flora Australiensis II, 333). As February of 1851, as suggested by the indicated by Whibley(1980), this collec- Willis List and specimens observed at tion is close to the northern extent of the MEL, Mueller organised another trip to species in the Murray Scrub. the Murray River. From Tanunda he Once across the Bremer River and out of passed through Truro to the old overlan- the hills it was only about a 30 km walk der's track through the Murray Scrub, through the Murray Scrub to Samuel south of the present highway to Davenport's Station on the Murray. On rather Moorundie on the river. This was, up to this march they passed to the north of the point, a copy of Behr's trip of two present Ferris-McDonald Conservation this years before. Park but collected Exocarpos sparteus, It is likely that Mueller was accompa- dated February 1849 but its locality was nied by travelling companions, but at this merely listed as 'Murray', MEL 1606. stage their presence is indicated by Davenport's Station held by occupational circumstance. At Moorundie, by this time licence from the Crown, had an area of abandoned, S.T.Gill made a number about 70 square miles and extended from of paintings, several features of which about present day Murray Bridge to south

156 The Victorian Naturalist .

Mueller Issue

Station (Private Collection). Fig. 5 S.T. Gill's painting of On the River Murray at Mr. Cooke's suggest a date of 1851 Blanchetown. is known directly of At about this time, an associate of Not a great deal downstream trip along the River Mueller's, a Dr. Ludwig Schulzen, by Mueller's Moorundie to Wellington, somewhat mysterious means, was absent Murray from another German botanist pro- without leave from his medical post at however about 3 weeks. This adven- Robe and may have travelled with him ceeded him by with a of turer was Carl Wilhelmi, who (Appendix 1). A few known collections friend made the trip on foot from Tanunda time outline the route. From the Willis this to to Moorundie, then downstream List come place names such as the Wheal Wellington. In a series of articles pub- Barton (Mine near Truro). From sheet newspaper Der Kosmopolit in MEL. 1610 an undated specimen of lished in 1859, Wilhelmi related a num- Exocarpos sparteus labelled, 'Murray September of interesting aspects of his journey supplies another clue to ber Scrub, Mr Irwin' of what Another and this gives an understanding his whereabouts (Appendix 2). have faced. Like Behr before Santalum acumina- Mueller may specimen, MEL 2541 perils of him, Wilhelmi discovered the tum (Quandong) dated February 1851, has summer travel in a waterless landscape. 'Low hills towards the a locality of, day, equipped with the 'On the third This locality is taken to be Murray'. provisions, they (search river water and flats not long before the rise from the followed his (Sievers) track, of the same party) is reached. Another specimen leaning first of all his gun described as taken at found plant MEL 2519 was lying uncon- against a bush and him (Moorundie), also in February 'Morunda' thick scrub, when they 2533, scious under a 1851. Yet a third specimen MEL further. just about to search 'Weria' and were carries the Aboriginal name his face the searchers moistened not dated. A After Murray Scrub, though it is water and also poured Exocarpos and chest with sheet, MEL 1677 of recovered mixed in his mouth, he from, 'near some aphylla lists the collection no drop of water is to be Willis again. Since February 1851'. The extends Morundie, found in this scrub, which a collection at List also mentions 40 to 50 miles on both day occasionally McBean's Pound near present 157 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 .

Mueller Issue

sides of the Murray, we provided our- 'Reached Taylor's Ferry-Station in selves with a water flask and set off good time, where we remained the on our way, warned by many on no next day and did the washing'. account to pass the night in the scrub'. 'The following day we made an the 'In the night, however, such a thirst excursion in the neighbourhood of fortunate to find a overcame me that 1 gently took away station and 1 was so the flask from my friend, who had the new species of the genus Acacia, so kind to custody of it and took a hearty swig which Dr Mueller was

out of it'. name after me' At Moorundie he described the place as. From this vicinity on Metcalfe's Station, 'This township consisted of five hous- Gill, produced a painting entitled 'King's es, namely an accommodation house, Hut Cattle Station of the Lower Murray' a half-fallen in stone house for the (Fig. 6). This run had been held for several police and three huts without roofs'. years by Henry Metcalfe on occupational This circumstance relates well to Gill's licence. From a site located across the painting of the same scene (Appendix 3). river from Mypolonga, Gill once more set The travel downstream from Moorundie to work and produced 2 paintings simply- was sometimes anything but a stroll along called 'Melcalfe's Station, River Murray'. area the river. From here the remaining downstream 'Soon the river on both sides became was known and presumably quickly cov- so enclosed by the high vertically ris- ered until Thompson's Station was Station). ing cliffs, that we were compelled to reached (previously Davenport's climb them, which for my somewhat Wilhelmi says of it, 'Mr. Thompson was heavy companion was no slight task'. away, but we were heartily welcomed by stockrider'. It 'Still following the Murray straight his overseer and his German on, we found our way barred by a is possible the Mueller party made a simi- to large lagoon densely covered with lar contact, before making its way well reeds in a right bend of the river, so Wellington, where Schulzen may returned that we had to make a large detour. have continued southwards and After many fruitless attempts to pene- to Robe! (Appendix 1). trate through it, we found at last a Mueller's Travels in the place where the ground was able to Summary of Scrub bear us and with great exertion we Murray Mueller's excursions in the Murray forced through the 6 to 8 foot high Scrub represent a phase in his energetic reeds'. phytogeographical travels in South The Mueller party eventually made its Australia, later to be developed in Victoria way to Baker's Station previously visited and other parts of Australia. It was a time back in December 1 848. According to the when he developed associations with Wilhelmi account, the station was about to too many people, some of whom became long be deserted, and this may well have been the case upon Mueller's arrival several weeks later. 'On our arrival of the cattle station of Mr. Baker, the people were just occupied in loading an old, defective boat with cooking utensils, cattle branding irons and so forth, to send these objects 50 miles down the Murray by five Aboriginals, because there was no more feed for the cattle on this station and the latter were also to be driven there'. S.T. Gill's painting site for King's Hut At nearby Taylor's Station there was Fig. 6. Cattle Station of the Lower Murray, about crossing the river. already a ferry for 10km S.S.E. of'Mannum.(May 1996).

158 The Victorian Naturalist .

Mueller Issue

standing friends. Names such as Samuel Behr near Moorundie carry a Mueller Davenport (later Sir), Charles Stuart, Carl name as well, but this may be due to a ren- Wilhelmi, August Fiedler, S.T. Gill, dering of the Sonder collection as there is William Blandowski, Ludwig Schulzen no evidence to suggest they were at this belong to this group. The Murray Scrub site together. Perhaps due to the time of was an area of risk to the traveller, espe- the year of his travels in the Murray cially in the northern sector eastwards of Scrub, little material appears as a novelty. Truro, due to the general absence of sur- A new species of Acacia collected near face water. Here overlanders leaving the the river south of Mannuin was named in Murray River near Blanchetown had to honour of his friend Carl Wilhelmi. drove their stock for several waterless These excursions to the Murray Scrub

days until they arrived at Accommodation represent a deepening resolve to widen at Spring on the eastern flanks of the ranges. every opportunity his phytogeographical The supply of water, whether the source terms of reference to the flora of his was considered in the ranges or at the adopted land, taken with a young man's Murray River, dictated that the scrub east sense of adventure concerning risks of Truro was to be traversed smartly rather involved and the stamina required. than loitered in. It's rather interesting to Acknowledgments note that this route was covered by Dr. The author wishes to record his thanks lo the following persons who have supported this pro- Behr, then Carl Wilhelmi who was fol- ject. Mr. Keith Borrow of Erindale South Mueller, all travelling during the lowed by Australia who has assisted with aspects con- summer months. If the Murray Scrub was cerning the works of S.T. Gill and Walter Light a challenge then the area about Moorundie along with valuable discussions about collateral Melbourne who was an attraction. The artists S.T. Gill issues. Dr. Thomas Darragh of supplied me with a translated copy of (Appleyard 1986;, George French Angas Wilhelmi's narrative published in Der (Angas 1846J and von Guerard (Carroll Kosmopolit 18-25/9/1857, Darrell and Tregenza 1986) all visited the area Kraehenbuehl for data obtained by his glean- (along with others) and recorded their ings at MEL. The staff at MEL past and present the collec- impressions. Additionally Angas (1861) who assisted in my search through tion. The late Dr. J.H. Willis, a friend and men- investigated the Hairy Nosed Wombat, tor who sowed the seeds of Mueller's collecting (Owen 1845) and Lasiorhinus latifrons places and dates he had noted in his time at Alfred Sievers almost lost his life there in MEL. Mrs. Vick of Wistow South Australia for Freda collecting birds for Sturt. allowing me access to Mueller's Hut. Grant who transformed a script into a final From this it can be gauged that Mueller typed manuscript. was not the only scientific investigator in this region. He may well have been influenced by Behr to try the track to Moorundie, after all Kraehenbuehl (1981) pointed out the unfulfilled desire of Behr to investigate the upper Spencer Gulf area, which was subsequently achieved by Mueller in company with Gill (Grandison

1 85 1 1 996 in press) in October of in Without any direct list of collections the Murray Scrub by Mueller, it is diffi- col- cult to be exhaustive about what was lected. Investigations into listings men- Flora tioned throughout the volumes of by Australiensis and known collections you could only community where accumulate Fie 7. 'The a starting point to intelligent people was the Behr, act as have interaction with specimens held (Hamburg information from selected German coffee place of Pohlman's specimens Street where well educated at MEL. Doubtlessly other Hotel) at Rundle and where under and other localities. Germans found a kind of club probably exist at Kew you could hear of Herr Linge ; collected by ,he leadership , In a few cases specimens c.1900). some good singing'. (Schedhch

159 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

Appendix 1 'Where is Dr.Schuizen?' he possibly travelled to the Barossa Valley to Dr. Ludwig Schulzen arrived in South the home of August Fiedler at Tanunda. Australia aboard the ship Gellen on 23/12/1847 (Grandison 1985). Here in the Barossa Valley from Bremen. From an address on a letter there he could enjoy a cultural respite while the is some evidence that he may have resided at authorities in Adelaide and Robe pondered his Pohlman's Hotel on the comer of Gawler Place whereabouts or fate. As the police were making and Rundle Street. This locality was well enquiries about him, this news probably made known as a cultural spot (Fig. 7) and was also him aware that it would be unwise to return to mentioned in these terms by Schedlich in his Adelaide. As events were to unfold, Mueller reminiscences. In a letter dated 7/8/1848 was already preparing a trip from the Barossa (PRO. Adelaide) from the Colonial Valley to Moorundie on the Murray, then Secretary's Office, Schulzen was appointed downstream to Wellington. This was the oppor- medical officer at Guichen Bay (Robe). He was tunity Schulzen required, and accordingly in the directed to the Government Resident, through new year he accompanied Mueller to the whom he was instructed he should direct all Murray, eventually leaving the party at communications. His appointment was consid- Wellington in order to travel along the Coorong ered provisional on the basis he produced his back to Robe. Using this route would avoid Diploma within 18 months. The pay was 50 returning to Adelaide and being recognised. Pounds per annum and he was to report to the The return to Robe meant travel along the Government Resident, Capt. Butler at Robe as Coorong. Once again he would pass Cantara soon as possible. Station, south of Salt Creek where it is known By December 1848, not long after his arrival, he collected for Mueller in July 1850 he applied for leave of absence in order to trav- (Kraehenbuehl 1 995 pers.comm, ). A number of el to Adelaide. He was directed that his absence undated and unlocated specimens from the would be without pay unless he could organise same site and listed in Flora Australiensis, hint a replacement! During October 1848 Mueller at the possibility that he may have once again had visited nearby Mayura Station of Samuel collected for Mueller. An apparently gratefully Davenport for about three weeks, and probably Mueller named Lasiopetalum schulzenii after its called in on Schulzen at Guichen Bay. collector. Subsequent collections made by Schulzen and It is not known what excuses Schulzen forwarded to Mueller include (Kraehenbuehl offered for his apparent disappearance, but he 1995 pers. comm.) Leptomeria aphylla from didn't last long at the job for in the following

Guichen Bay, near end of 1 848, Brunonia aus- August he resigned. From here he seems to tralis also from Guichen Bay', and dated have spent some time with Dr. Wehl at December 1848, and Pimelia humilis listed as Mt. Gambier before joining the exodus to the from Guichen Bay and Cape Jaffa and dated goldfields at Mt. Alexander. (Bowden 1974)

February/March 1 849. Another interesting collection by Schulzen noted by Kraehenbuehl Appendix 2. People and Places (1995) was Lomandra effusa MEL 20848 from Accommodation Spring A critical watering the town of Mt. Gambier, June 1849. The date place located on the eastern flank of Mt. Lofty coincides with the arrival in the town of Dr. Ranges, east of Truro. Discovered by E.J. Eyre Wehl, Mueller's future brother-in-law. In 1839. another letter dated Robe 18/10/1850, Schulzen Baker's Station John Baker arrived in South applied through the new Government Resident Australia during 1838. He imported stock into Chas Brewer for another leave of absence in Adelaide from V.D.L. Properties were acquired order to travel to Adelaide for 'health reasons!' along the Lower Murray River near Caloote and This time the leave was enacted. Schulzen may Murray Bridge, as well as the southern flank of have spent some time at die German and British Lake Alexandrina. A small portion of the latter Hospital in Adelaide as in late March of 1851 eventually became the Pt. McLeay Mission he applied for a remission of fees (P.R.O. Station of Taplin. Adelaide). In this letter he made reference to his Dr. Hans Behr Bom 18/8/1818 Koethen in limited salary. Altogether he doesn't appear to Saxony-Anhalt died 6/3/1904 San Francisco have been very happy about the job, its salary U.S.A. Paid two visits to South Australia, one or location. in 1844-45 (pre Mueller) the other 1848-49. In a letter dated 24/1/1851, (P.R.O. Adelaide) Made extensive botanical and entomological from the Government Resident, Brewer to the collections. Frequented the home of August Colonial Secretary, Charles Sturt, it was report- Fiedler. Made an excursion through the Murray ed that Schulzen was overdue on his overland Scrub from Truro to Moorundie in the summer journey from Adelaide to Robe. Sturt alerted of 1848-49. the police, but a report of 5/3/1851 still showed August Fiedler Born 21/2/1796, Klemzig, no sign of Schulzen. Where was Schulzen? If in Brandenberg Prussia, died Langmeil South Adelaide the question would not have arisen as Australia 19/9/1880. Arrived onboard Princt he would have been sighted, so what was he George 26/12/1838. Veteran of Waterloo, doing for 3 1/2 months? The suggestion is that orchardist winegrower, whose home acted as B

160 The Victorian Naturalist .

Mueller Issue

centre of early Barossan art and science. Head Morning Star Inn Chain of Ponds (Timnalh). layman of the Lutheran Church under Pastor Existed 1847 to late 1978 when demolished Kaval. Murray Scrub a name variously applied to a Ludwig Fischer Born 14/3/1809 in Holstein. region between the Mt. Lofty Ranges and ihe Worked in a number of Botanic Gardens. As River Murray. It is characterised by being such he met Mueller at the University of Kiel. underlaid by limestone and where there is a Emigrated to South Australia in 1848 and set- scarcity of surface waters. tled in Bugle Ranges where once again he was Reedy Creek Mine Operations began in 1847 botanically associated with Mueller. after the purchase of a Special Survey in the Gilberts' s Station Located on the lower previous year by the Australian Mining reaches of the Angas River within few km. of Company. After a revival of the mine in the Lake Alexandrina. 1860's the company surveyed the nearby town 8- S. T. Gill ( 1 8 1 1 880) As an artist he frequent- of Palmer, naming it after Colonel Palmer the ly portrayed an accurate record of the colonial Chairman of Directors of the company. frontier, especially in South Australia where he Carl Gustav 'Gus' Schedlich born Dresden. accompanied Mueller on several expeditions. Germany 22/4/1821 died Mannum South John Hall's Sections John Hall, a tennant Australia 8/8/1847. Associate of Mueller and farmer on sections 2895, 2896 of Macclesfield for a time engaged to his sister Bertha. Special Survey taken out by Samuel Davenport. Dr.Ludwig Schulzen MD from Leipzig who Located about 2 km. east of Wistow close to arrived in South Australian onboard the Gellen Mt. Barker creek. 23/12/1847 from Bremen. Appointed MO Robe Thomas Irwin Arrived in Sydney by the ship in August 1848, resigned position August 1851. Royal Saxon in 1844. Probably joined an over- Collected for Mueller along the Coorong. At landing group to South Australia, being subse- the Mt. Alexander Goldfields for 2 1/2 years quently employed on the station of the Disher until early 1855. Brothers or Lachlan McBean in the Murray Taylor's Station located between Mannum Scrub adjacent to Accommodation Springs. and Chuka Bend on River Murrav. Mentioned Mentioned on a herbarium label MEL 1610 for by Wilhelmi (Feb. 1851) that David Taylor Exocarpos sparteus as collected in the Murray operated a ferry across the river. Murray Scrub. Thompson 's Station Located between Langhorne Creek Name of a locality on the Bridge and Tailem Bend on the River Murray. river lower reaches of the Bremer River which flows Also known for a stock crossing of the at Swansport Bridge. into Lake Alexandrina. the present site of the about midway Walter Light_wilb brother Arnold, arrived in Tin Pot A small settlement Now known South Australia on board the William Hyde between Wistow and Wellington. as Woodchester. Originally a part of the Angas from Plymouth in May 1 849. Arnold was an Survey of 1841 when the name Tin Pot architect. Walter later returned permanently to Special England. was already in use. Wheal Barton Mine A copper mine started in Ludlow House Is one of the oldest surviving 1849 a few km. south east of Truro, along with houses in South Australia. Its building com- township named Barton. menced in 1840 for the South Australian a Company which had extensive pastoral interests possible date for S.T. Gill's in the area. Until 1852 the main track between Appendix 3. A Gumeracha and Chain of Ponds passed by this painting titled. Old Police Station of substantial building. Morunda held by AGSA and illustrated in McVittie had a McVitlies Station William Appleyard f/ a/. (1986). station a few km. south east Moorundie a cou- Merino stud sheep Gill appears to have visited 1846 to mid 1851. A one of his compi- of Mt. Torrens between ple of times. Dr. Tregenza in S.T. Gill in the held by the station scene was painted by lation folders about S.T. Gill, period. states, Gill visited summer of 1 848/49 Mortlock Library, Adelaide of 1848. Sketched 1842. At this Mt. Torrens Inn Existed as Evre at Moorundie in February year. On the Watenvitch was by Walter Light in the following time the Government cutter Mine. (Fig. I) and portrayed copper road from Reedy Creek tied up to the riverbank Metcalfe held an contemporary paintings Metcalfe 's Station Henry as such in one of his both banks 1842 the area on the River Murray flanking (Appleyard el al 1986). In January July 1851. The /Eyre Utters) thus if by occupational licence until Police Station was built. present day Caloote, in 1843 it could hardly be station boundary south of Gill visited the place 1842 the extended downstream towards Murray Bridge. described as 'old'. In December established with the upper Moorundie An Aboriginal Station Watenvitch sank at her moorings site on the The 1843 dale inscribed by EI. Evre in October of 1841 at a masthead left showing. of present day painting must therefore be in River Murray about 5 km. south on the front of the show the mas, between does not i Blanchetown, following clashes doubt as accurate, as it Rufus River et al.. (1986), Gill Overlanders and Tribesmen at the As outlined by Appleyard 1844. signature style. The anabranch. Eyre departed in November periodically changed his

\..l 113 Ml 1996 Mueller Issue

style shown on the lower left of the painting is m.s. Millicent District Council Library). identical to that of another painting called Grandison, R.E. (1985). Dr.Ferdinand Mueller and his influence in early scientific communities in South Arrival of the Geelong Mail at Ballaral dated Australia- Proceedings of the Royal Geological 1855. This signature on the Moorundie painting Society 85. per- is suggestive of a subsequent completion, Grandison, R.E. (1990). The 1851 botanical excursion haps with a lapse of accuracy for the inscribed of Ferdinand Mueller to the Flinders Ranges. In date. As Gill left S.A. early in 1852 and there 'History of systematic botany in Australasia'. are 1851 signature styles on his paintings of P. S. Short (ed.). (Australian Systematic Botany Society Inc.). Metcalfe's Station, it is suggested a probability Grandison, R.E. (in press 1996). 'The 1851 botanical exists for considering that the Moorundie paint- excursion of Ferdinand Mueller to the Flinders ing mentioned above was made in 1851 while Ranges, S.A. '(revised). (Historisches Institut, associates. in the company of Mueller and From Universilat Stuttgart). Wilhelmi's description of 1851 (see text) the Hoad. J.L. (1986). 'Hotels and Publicans in South Police Station could by then be described as Australia'. (Australian Hotels Association, 'old' and 'run down'. S.A.Branch, and Gould Books). Kraehenbuehl, D.N. (1981). Dr.H.H. Behr's two visits to South Australia in 1844-45 and 1848-49. Journal References of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens 111,(1). Angas. G.F. ( 1 846) South Australia Illustrated, facsim- Kraehenbuehl. D.N. ( 1995) pers. comm. ile edition A.H. and A.W.Reed 1967. Miquel, F.A.G. (1856). Stirpes Novo-Hollandas a Angas. G.F. (1861) Notes on the Broad-fronted Ferd. Mullero collectas. Determinavit F.A.Q. Wombat of South Australia (Phascolomys latifrons Miquel Nederandisk Kruidkundig Archief'w, 98- Society Owen). Proceedings of the Zoological 150. (London) 29, 268-271. Muller, F.J.H. 'Dcr Murray-Scrub, botanish skizziert' Appleyard, R., Fargher. B., Radford, R.(I986). Sudaustralische Zeitung. Adelaide pt 9, I, 6th June 1839-1852' S.T.Gill. The South Australian Years 1850. (A.G.S.A.) National Parks and Wildlife Service. Dept. of Baldwin, B.S. (ed.1980). Letters of Samuel Davenport Environment and Planning (1984). 'Conservation 1842-49 part VIII. South Australiana 19(2) Parks of the Murraylands'. (Western Plain) Libraries Board of S.A. Management Plans. (Published by Dept. of Bentham, G., Mueller, F., Reprint 1967, 'Flora Environment and Planning). Australiensis'. 7 Volumes. (A.Asher and Company Schedlich, C.G. (c.1900). Reminiscences of Carl with L. Reeve and Company). Gustav CGus') Schedlich (unpublished m.s. Bowden. K.M. (1974). 'Doctors and Diggers on the Mortlock Library Adelaide). Mt. Alexander Goldfields'. (Published by the Schulzen, L. (1848-51). Correspondence P.R.O. author). Adelaide. Broxam, G., Nicholson. I. (1988). 'Shipping arrivals Sexton, R.T.(1990). 'Shipping arrivals and departures 1844'. and departures. Sydney 1841 to (Roebuck South Australia 1627-1850'. (Gould Books and Society). Roebuck Society). Butler, R.(I993). 'The Quiet Waters By. The State Heritage Branch, Dept. of Environment and 1843-1993'. Council Mt. Pleasant District (District Planning. (1987). 'The Waterwitch Wreck Site'. of Mt. Pleasant: S.A.). (Government Printer: Adelaide). Carroll, A..Tregenza. J. (1986). 'Eugene von Whibley, D.J.E. (1980). 'Acacia of South Australia'. Guerard's South Australia'. (Art Gallery of South (Government Printer Adelaide). Australia). Wilhelmi, C. (18/9/1857 to 25/9/1857) 'Travels in Cockburn.R. (1925). 'Pastoral Pioneers of South 1 Australia . Australia'. 2vol. (Lynton Publications, reprint n.d.). Der Kosmopolit. Translated from the newspaper by Churchill. D.M.. Muir, T.B.,Sinkora. D.M. (1978). Dr.Thomas Darragh April 1987. The published works of Ferdinand J.H.Mueller Willis, J.H.fnd.). Chronological List of F.J.H. (1825-1896). Muelleria 4,(1). Mueller's Collection Localities in South Australia, Pot) Cross, E.A. (1992?). 'Old Woodchester (Tin and 1847-52. (voucher specimens in Herb. MEL. unpub- 1842-1992'. Onaunga District Council Area. lished m.s.) (Published by the author). Wood. R.D. (1972). 'Characeae of Australia', Eyre, E.J. 'Reports and Letters to Governor Grey (J.Cramer). From Moorunde'. (Published in Adelaide in 1985 by Sullivan's Cove). Gemmell. N.(1975). Some notes on Ferdinand von Mueller and the early settlement of the Bugle Ranges. The South Australian Naturalist 49,(4). Gemmell, N. (1987). 'The Native Vegetation of the Strathalbyn Plains'. (Strathalbyn and District Tree Committee). Glen. G. (c.1900) 'Baron von Mueller', (unpublished

162 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Botanical Researches in Intertropical Australia: Ferdinand Mueller and the North Australian Exploring Expedition

Helen M. Cohn 1

On 17 July 1855 Baron Ferdinand von leagues in the Geological Survey (Darragh Mueller sailed out of the harbour of 1987). However, the blow fell the next Sydney on board Monarch. He was month. On instructions from the embarking on an exploration of the Governor, Charles Hotham, the Colonial unknown, an expedition into the centre of Secretary informed Mueller that 'the the Australian continent where no reduced stale of the finances of the Colon) European had been before. His compan- will compel His Excellency to abolish the ions on this great adventure included A.C. office of Government Botanist at the end Gregory, the expedition's leader, and his of the present month' (Moore to Mueller. brother Henry, both experienced explorers 13 June 1855). and bushmen. Artist Thomas Baines. hav- Mueller had determined that if this fate ing endured the rigours of the South awaited him he would pursue his dream of African bush, was about to get his first preparing a 'universal flora of Australia' taste of the Australian outback. The com- by travelling, using only his own slender plement of scientific personnel included resources, in various regions of the eastern J.R. Elsey, surgeon and naturalist, J.S. part of the continent. A more congenial itself, Wilson, geologist and J. Flood, collector alternative presented however. and preserver. Stockmen, a farrier, a har- Unexpectedly, he received a letter From nessmaker and a carpenter completed the A.C. Gregory who was at that time in the expedition's membership. Horses and last stages of preparation for an extended regions of sheep were taken on board in Brisbane. expedition into the unexplored The North Australian Exploring north Australia. William Hooker's nomi- Expedition was under way (Cumpston nee for the position of botanist, the elderly of Perth, had declined, 1972;Birman 1979). James Drummond much to Gregory's relief. He needed Embarkation strong young men who could withstand unknown territory. Mueller's appointment as botanist to the the rigours of travel in instigation of William expedition was made almost at the last It was at the Irish botanist then making a minute and his decision to join caused him Harvey, an tour of the colonies, that some anguish. In the early part of 1855 botanical wrote to Mueller indicating that Mueller found his position of Government Gregory application from him to join the party Botanist in Victoria increasingly precari- an would be given immediate consideration ous. The colony was sinking further into 1855). (Gregory lo Mueller, 1 1 May the depths of a depression such that the Without waiting for Mueller's reply. government was obliged to make drastic Gregory recommended to the Governor reductions in expenditure. Mueller expect- William Denison, 'the expedien- that he was without General, ed to hear at any time Mueller of accepting the services of Dr since, as he reported to William cy a job Botanist to the of the in the capacity of Hooker at Kew, 'the abolishment that the position Expedition, as I imagine institutions' had been decided scientific Government Botanist in made he now holds as upon, and retrenchments were being Colony of Victoria added to the (Mueller to Hooker, 5 the in every direction recommendation of Professor approval of the bud- strong April 1 855). In May sufficient guarantee of his Mueller hope Harvey, arc a get for his department gave required' to perform the duties fate of his col- ability that he would escape the 1855). (Gregory to Thompson. 24 May Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

163 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

Mueller was delighted that Harvey, with northern flora outweighing the fears he whom he had scoured the shores of Port held on other grounds. Philip Bay for algae, had put his name forward (Mueller to Gregory, 13 May 1855). On the trail Here was an unsurpassed opportunity for The expeditionary party reached the him to study the flora in areas where no mouth of the Victoria River in northern botanical collections had previously been Australia in September 1855. Here the real

made. He wavered, however. 'I ought not work began. The party worked its way to embark in a dangerous enterprise', he upstream, some by river in the schooner remarked to Gregory, 'in which my con- Tom Tough, while Gregory led a small stitution may be brok [sic] altogether, and group, including Mueller, by an overland to return perhaps breadless home' route reconnoitring as they went. A depot (Mueller to Gregory, 26 May 1855). The camp was established on the river in dreadful fates of the last two expeditions, October, the place being determined in those of Edmund Kennedy and Ludwig part because the schooner had run aground Leichhardt, preyed on his mind. He feared and resisted all efforts at refloating. The that a prolonged absence would materially surrounding country offered plentiful affect his prospects for re-employment grass for the horses and sheep but present- with the Victorian government, unless 'the ed a somewhat dreary aspect. It was. elaboration of any discovered plants as the wrote Gregory in his journal, 'very rough reward for my labours would be entrusted and stony, thinly timbered with white gum eucalyptus of small size, and nearly desti- to myself (Mueller to Hooker, 1 1 January 1857). tute of leaves; and though the whole coun- Mueller sought the unprecedented con- try was grassy, it was so much parched by cession of being able to retain part of his the intense heat that it presented a very collections for his own study and evalua- sterile aspect.' (Gregory 1884). The stony tion. On other such expeditions all collec- ground proved difficult for the horses and tions, journals and notes were deemed to caused them to go lame. Drying grass pre- be government property, not permitted to sented a further problem. A grass fire be published without official sanction. 'I broke out from 'want of due precaution in alone could reconceal [sic] myself to the clearing the grass around the fire at the manyfold dangers', he wrote to Gregory, camp, though the cook had been cautioned 'which we have to brave in such a country on the subject'. The party lost a night's as we intend to explore, by having the sleep in trying to prevent the fire consuming all the grass for the animals (Gregory reward of publishing my own botanical , discoveries from the collected material; as 1884).

From here, on January 3 1 856, Gregory I otherwise would sink to the position of a | 4 set off towards the inland accompanied by mere collector' (Mueller to Gregory, , his brother Henry, Mueller, Baines, Flood, June 1855). ( overseer Phibbs, farrier R. Bowman, Ultimately Mueller sought Gregory's G. \ leave of absence harness-maker C. Dean and stockman J. support in applying for ( from the Victorian Government. This Fahey. This was towards the end of the being granted, Mueller travelled to wet season and the men daily noted the Sydney in July intending to consult drying of the countryside. Rivers that in Gregory and Denison, 'whether my physi- the wet would run in torrents became mud cal strength will be sufficient to partici- flats deeply fissured by the scorching rays pate in the general duties of the explo- of a tropical sun. Gregory deemed much ration' before actually accepting the posi- of the country through which they passed tion of botanist with the expedition quite worthless and noted that the surface (Mueller to Gregory, 23 June 1855). of the ground was often covered with a Mueller embarked in Sydney without thin crust of salt. receiving any assurances with regard to Mueller, in writing to William Hooker, his retaining a duplicate set of his collec- painted a vivid picture of the daily routine tions, his enthusiasm for studying the for the men on the expedition.

164 The Victorian Naturalist ' 1

'Mueller Issue

'We were roused precisely at four o cl. The heat proved a trial. Gregory fre- a.m. by the last sentry on watch, fin- quently recorded midday temperatures of ished our simple breakfast in lA of an over 100°F. When on the move, the party hour, went at once in search of our often stopped travelling in the middle of horses, and managed generally to have the day and resumed later in the afternoon them caught, driven in saddled and when the sun had lost some of its strength. packed a little past sunrise. We trav- A thermometer was lost when the heat elled hardly ever less than 8 hours, caused the scale to warp and the lube often 10, at the rate of about 3 miles an broke. Flies were a persistent bother, espe- hour, but when grass or water was not cially to the horses, getting in their eyes conveniently found sometimes consid- and making them restless. On returning to erably longer. Unloading, going the depot camp Gregory found that the salt through our little domestic duties, pork had reduced to !4 its original weight, repair of cloaths and saddlery, atten- the heat having melted the fat. It became, dance to our noble animals, [without] said Mueller, 'rancid and indigestible' which we would have been helpless (Mueller to Hooker, 1 I January 1857). beings in the wilderness, pitching our Gregory found an alternative by making calico-sheets and refreshing ourselfes 'experiments in the preparation of meat preserved fresh by a hasty meal would occupy us for biscuits by mixing the flour in equal proportions, with less than an hour, the rest of the day, beef with (Gregory 1884). about 2 hours at the average, was allot- satisfactory results.' provisions were in short supply, ted to the special duties of our respec- Some been water-damaged in landing tive departments. I would employ having Rats and white ants myself examining the plants round our from Tom Tough. the food stored under cover at the camp, in attending to the specimens attacked supplement their diet the men and seeds snatched up on the way or camp. To whenever possible. Emu, writing botanical notes. At night we shot game catfish and even a tortoise found stretched ourselfes on our blanket, and ducks, They also made use cloaths, to be ready their way into the pot. generally in full most of the local plants. Among the for defence at a seconds notice, the important of these was Portulacu oleracea gun alongside us, the revolver under which very easy to gather and required no (Mueller to Hooker, 1 our head.' January cooking (Mueller to Hooker. 1 1 January 1857). was to this widespread anitscor- months they travelled in a south 1857). It For two the con- butic plant that Mueller ascribed ;and westerly direction, following a water- good health of the party. The named Sturts Creek, for tinued course Gregory Chenopodium emsum, pene- Australian spinach, .nearly 300 miles. In doing so they but more time-con- country was of similar benefit itrated far into the level tract of prepare. The roots of both the termed the Great suming to which Gregory a small kind of Creek giant water-lily and Txpha, Australian Desert. Hopes that the species of rose-apple, the ten- to the cucumber, a would lead to some important outlet orchid parts of the stem of the Australian interior came to der waters of the canaliadaiunu the clustered the signs of Cymbidium nothing. Gregory knew the yam all pro- a native mulberry and drought and decided to retreat fig impending an otherwise very restrict- was practi- vided variety in to the Victoria River 'while it was obtained from and ed diet. Palm-cabbage cable, as the rapid evaporation and several species of UvisioM the water in this increasing saltiness of even after boiling the us Pandanus, although region warned par- arid and inhospitable acidic. Mueller noted in increased the taste was still that each day we delayed Leichhardt's bread- ticular the berries of and it was possible difficulty of the return, species of Gardenia, and communica- tree a were cut off from any (Mueller to that we Leichhardt's nonda fruit at the depot by an tion with the party 20 May 1857). (Gregory Hooker, impassable tract of dry country' plants were edible. Not all the native 1884).

165 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 1

Mueller Issue however. Some of the horses died from a but had Mueller not been a competent virulently poisonous plant. Mueller was bushman he would not have been chosen unable to determine which plant caused as a member of the overland party. For his the damage, although he thought it proba- part Mueller stated that the success of the bly akin to Gompholobium. The expedi- expedition was due entirely to Gregory's tion could not afford to loose any of its incomparable experience, unabating exer- horses. Yet these animals showed a tions and unwearied attention to all remarkable propensity for straying from aspects of the expedition (Mueller to camp even up to 10 miles distance. Much Gregory, 4 June 1857). manpower was spent rounding them up. It Mueller's specimens did not reach the was not only the horses that strayed. 'Dr herbaria at Kew and Melbourne without Muller having wandered away into the difficulty. The necessity of carrying as rocky hills and lost himself, Gregory much food as possible greatly limited the noted, T halted at the first convenient amount of drying paper Mueller could spot, having detached several of the party carry into the inland or on the overland to search for him, but it was not until 4 section. Everything had to be carried on p.m. that the Doctor reached the camp' horseback. With high temperatures and

(Gregory 1 884). It was a 'frequent occur- being jolted over distances of hundreds of rence' that, absorbed in collecting plants, miles 'many of my specimens have suf- Mueller became detached from the rest of fered frightfully, particularly such brittle the party. kinds as Eucalyptus, Loranthus, Capparis Perhaps the most extraordinary part of &c. of which I was obliged in many the expedition was the overland journey. instances to place the remaining fragments Leaving Baines in charge of the depot into paper capsules.' (Mueller to Hooker, party with instructions regarding supplies 6 March 1857). and the carriage of letters and Mueller's The onset of the rainy season brought precious inland specimens, Gregory set different problems. 'I lost many speci- out on 21 June. He was accompanied by mens or damaged them in drying', he Henry Gregory, Mueller, Elsey, Bowman, wrote to William Hooker, 'a process Dean and Melville. They marched across which after our long daily stages was in Arnhem Land to the Gulf of Carpentaria, the humid evening air not easily accom- then followed the Gilbert and Burdekin plished, particularly as we could not load Rivers to cross the Great Dividing Range, our poor packanimals in such a climate returning to Brisbane on 16 December with large heavy tents at the outset from

1856. In all the party had travelled 5000 the Victoria River' (Mueller to Hooker, 1 miles by land (Waterson 1972). They were January 1857). As the party approached greeted as heroes. the east coast, Mueller found 'the plants increased to such a number for the collec-

Not a mere collector tion, that I was unable to describe from For Mueller, of course, the most impor- fresh specimens at all, but during the earli- tant aspect of the long and arduous jour- er part of this section of the expedition, I ney was the botanical collections he made. found particularly on Sundays time for

It was, after all, 'for the sake of the plants writing detailed descriptions of the more alone' that he ever wanted to join the interesting plants, which as regards the expedition (Mueller to Gregory, 23 June gay colours of Hibiscus, the tender flow- 1855). Mueller took every chance that ers of Stylidium and Mitrasacme, or the offered to collect as much as he could, and easily forgotten habitual characters of

paid tribute to Gregory for affording him Eucalypti, was, I think, of some impor- every possible opportunity to pursue his tance' (Mueller to Hooker, 11 January collecting (Mueller 1858a). Indeed, 1857).

between Mueller and Gregory there was It was impossible for Mueller to carry obviously a great deal of mutual respect. overland with him to Moreton Bay the Gregory might have twitted Mueller on collections from the inland section of the wearing out more horses than anyone else, of the expedition. Being the first botanical

166 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

collections made in this remote and inac- 1857 sorting, labelling, naming and cessible region, they included a great describing the collections, and packing the number of rare and unknown plants. best specimens for shipment to Kew. Instead they were placed in the care of When Elsey returned to London in March Baines for transportation Thomas by sea, he took with him Mueller's first consign- and finally reached Sydney in April 1857 ment of 1500 specimens comprising 300 four months after the return of the over- species from the overland section of the land party. To Mueller's dismay they were trip (Mueller to Hooker, 13 March 1857). damaged. In some distress Mueller report- By the middle of May Mueller had fined to Gregory that 'one of the most valu- ished his sorting and packing. Five cases able parts of the botanical collections with approximately 6000 specimens obtained principally in Central Australia awaited shipment, while notes relating to and the Upper part of the Victoria River, 400 rare or undescribcd plants were to be arrived by Messenger, has been destroyed sent separately to ensure against loss at by water to the amount of nearly 3000 sea (Gregory to Thompson, 15 May specimens and from 2-300 kinds of seeds' 1857). (Mueller to Gregory, 6 April 1857). In his report to Gregory on the botanical Baines ascribed the damage to one of results of the expedition, (Mueller 1858a). two possibilities: either to a mishap in Mueller estimated that he had observed trans-shipment of cargo in Java from the nearly 2000 species in 160 natural orders derelict Tom Tough to Mermaid; or to the and 900 genera. He summarised his obser- long continuance of hot dry weather vations on the predominant families and which caused the deck seams to leak into most numerous genera, and the relative the hold where Mueller's specimens had distribution of families in different geo- been stowed (Baines to Gregory, 7 April graphic areas. These areas he categorised 1857). Mueller, in his disappointment, as: dense coast forests, Brigalow scrub, found neither possibility compensation for open downs, desert, sandstone tableland, his loss (Mueller to Hooker, 6 April sea coast, and banks and valleys of rivers. Victoria River 1857). He began the task of unpacking the The collections from the represented, he damaged plants with a heavy heart. With and Arnhcm Land of those these specimens now remaining only in believed, a 'nearly perfect flora' plants fragmentary form, Mueller remarked to areas. In particular he noted the proved edible or of some other William Hooker that the notes made at the which had members. time of collection would render this benefit to the expedition to William Hooker dur- mishap a not irretrievable loss (Mueller to Mueller's letters course of the expedition; in which Hooker, 6 April 1857). ing the he made tentative identifications and observations to date, were Flora of tropical Australia recorded his publication (Mueller Mueller did not know when he left edited by Hooker for 1856a, 1856b, 1856c). As Mueller steadily Sydney in July 1855 whether he would be through the collections in Sydney permitted to retain for his own purposes a worked Hooker continued to include duplicate set of the specimens. his letters to discussions of the plants he exam- Throughout the expedition he collected detailed Ultimately Mueller's descriptions and wrote his notes in the hope that this ined. notes of the Eucalyptus and Acacia It was not until the and would be the case. pub- species from the expedition were to Sydney in December party returned help of the lished in London with the 1856 that Mueller learned that William Kew (Mueller 1858b, 1859). on his behalf to botanists at Hooker's representations his preferred, however, to publish for the Colonies had Mueller the Secretary of State can be found results in Australia and many successful (Hooker to Labouchere, been of his Fragmenta with in the early volumes 18 December 1855). His dearest wish Exploring Phvtoqraphiae Auslraliae. regard to the North Australian The North Australian Exploring Expedition had been granted. most success- Expedition was among the Mueller spent from January to May

167 v.,1. 113(4) 19% 1

Mueller Issue

Gregory to Thompson 22 May 1857 (MS Q430). ful expeditions mounted in Australia. Victorian Public Record Office, Colonial Secretary's the most of his Mueller certainly made Office VA 856, VPRS 3150, unit 2, no. 494; Moore opportunity. In his comprehensive collect- to Mueller 13 June 1855. ing, detailed descriptions of the plants and Published sources wide-ranging botanical observations Birman, W. (1979). 'Gregory of Rainworth; a man in Mueller was indeed no mere collector. his time'. (University of Western Australia Press: Perth). The expedition, in Mueller's estimation, Cumpston, J.H.L. (1972). 'Augustus Gregory and the was one 'which in its wise arrangements, inland sea'. (Roebuck Society: Canberra). Geological Survey of in the rapidity of its movements and in its Darragh. T.A. (1987) The Victoria under Alfred Selwyn, 1852-1868. multitude of detail[ed] discoveries will Historical Records of Australian Science 7:1-17 ever stand unparalleled in the history of Gregory, A.C. (1884). Journal of the North Australian Australia Geography' (Mueller to Exploring Expedition. In 'Journals of Australian explorations' by A.C. Gregory and FT. Gregory, Gregory, 4 June 1 857). (Government Printer: Brisbane). Mueller. F. (1856a). Dr Ferdinand Mueller and the Hooker's Postscript North Australian Exploring Expedition. Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany 8, the celebrations In April 1996, as part of 11-16. marking the centenary of the death of Mueller, F. (1856b). Note on the voyage of the North Sydney to Ferdinand Mueller, the Royal Botanic Australian Exploring Expedition, from the Mouth of the Victoria River. Hooker's Journal in conjunction with Gardens, Melbourne of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany 8,46-52. the Darwin Herbarium, organised a col- Mueller, F, (1856c). North Australian Botany, observations on, by Dr Frederick [sic) Mueller, botanist lecting trip to revisit some of the sites to the N.W. Australian Government Expedition. where Mueller collected in 1856. The under the command of Mr Surveyor Gregory. party concentrated its efforts in the Hooker's Journal of Botany and Kew Garden 321-331. Gregory National Park which straddles the Miscellany 8, Mueller, F. (1858a). Botanical report on the North Victoria River. In less than two weeks, Australian Exploring Expedition under the com- 2500 specimens were collected in dupli- mand of A.C. Gregory, esq. Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society. Botany 2, 137- This was accomplished with the aid cate. 168. of modern equipment such as helicopters, Mueller. M. (1858b). Monograph of the Eucalypti of with an arrangement for the use satellite navigators which give accurate tropical Australia, of the colonists according to the structure of the longitude readings, portable latitude and bark. Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean gas plant driers, and refrigerators for stor- Society, Botany 3, 81-101. Contributiones ad Acaciarum ing food and drinking water. The party Mueller, F. (1859). Australiae Cognitionem. Journal of the Proceedings afflicted with drought, did not was not of the Linnean Society, Botany 3, 1 14-148. sleep with guns at hand, and reported feel- Waterson, D.B. (1972).Gregory, Sir Augustus Charles (1819-1905). Australian Dictionary of Biography 4, ing the presence of Mueller's spirit at the 293-295. depot camp.

Acknowledgements Transcripts of some letters quoted here were supplied by Sara Maroske of the Mueller Correspondence Project.

References Unpublished letters Colonial Secretary's Office, 4/3351 letters received, no. 55/4828; Gregory to Thompson 24 May 1855. Public Record Office, London, CO 201/488, New South Wales original correspondence, vol. 1, f. 357; Hooker to Labouchere 18 December 1855. Royal Botanic Gardens. Kew, Director's letters vol. 74, Australian letters 1851-8: Mueller to William Hooker 5 April 1855; 11 January, 6 March, 13 March, 6 April, 20 May 1857. State Library of New South Wales, Dixson Library, Gregory papers. MS Q429: Gregory to Mueller 1 May 1855. Mueller to Gregory 13 May, 26 May 1855 (MS Q423); 4 June, 23 June 1855 (MS Q424); 6 April 1857 (MS Q426); 4 June 1857 (MS Q427). Baines to Gregory 7 April 1857 (MS Q426).

168 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

'Ernest Giles.Explorer and Route of the North Australia Expedition (extracted from R.Eriksen, Traveller'. Heineman, 1978 Mueller and the North Australia Expedition

reconnaissance up valley as far as This extraordinary adventure with the week River. Gregory brothers (A.C. and H.T.) com- the Baines exploration began (3 Jan) with a menced with embarkation from Sydney on Serious three month foray to the head of the 18 July 1855, sailing in the Monarch and River and down the full length of Tom Tough via Brisbane to an initial land- Victoria termination in Lake extremity Sturt Creek to its ing at Pt. Pearce at the northern Gregory, taking advantage of the 'wet' of the Victoria Estuary two months later. season. Their route also passed Mt For added excitement, include the ground- Mueller (one of four in Australia, others and near loss of the Monarch on a reef ing Arnhem Land, Baw Baw Plateau Aug), with the loss being in just out of Darwin (28 late and SW Tasmania*). The return in of some horses, plus the subsequent March (following the Wickham River grounding and holing of Tom Tough near Victoria River Downs) was Sept), entailing water through Entrance Island (27 respect of water. already quite dodgy in significant part of the stores, damage to a June) did the main act months of Only then (21 loss of many sheep and many (surgeon/ travelling via Mataranka their lifeline to begin repairs (Tom Tough being his famous J R Elsey leaving of Monarch). naturalist the world after the departure River on the Gulf months name behind) to Albert followed a period of four rhe There Carpentaria (now Burketown) regarded as the of what is not normally Tough (and (in planned rendezvous with Tom season) of base camp northern tourist under Baines) failed to even- Timber Creek, a relief party establishment a little below Leaving the for reasons not recorded. In this time, tuate and repairs to the Tom Tough. later (3 Sept), the Albert River a few days Baron Ferdinand von Mueller s Croydon and we read of of 5 continued via sheep (of which nartv involvement in herding Towers (Burdekin Valley) to a base camp) Charters only 40 out of 200 reached with civilization on the for first encounter for suitable timber in late and in the search Dawson River, near Rockhampton, River Paperbark, was ship repairs (mainly the 1856. Even from here it as his November leucadendron), as well to Brisbane Melaleuca another three weeks ride in a i still participation with the Gregorys

169 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

(16 Dec). During the course of this jour- tour (4 Jan): ney, they succeeded in finding two of 'Started at 7 am and followed up the Ludwig Lcichhardt's camps, one on the creek; but Dr Mueller having wan- Elsey River and another on reaching the dered away into the rocky hills and

Burdekin. lost himself, I halted at the first con- If Mueller was not already a horseman, venient spot, having despatched sev- he must have learnt something after 16 eral of the party to search for him, but months nearly every day in the saddle. it was not until 4 pm that the Doctor However, Gregory records on 29 July, reached camp."

from somewhere in the region of It is perhaps notable that Mueller man- Borroloola: aged to be present on nearly every journey 'About three miles before we reached undertaken, and even undertook his own camp, Dr Mueller had fallen some dis- private excursion (with Wilson the geolo- tance behind the party; but as this was gist, and Elsey) by longboat up the Baines a frequent occurrence in collecting River. This continued into a lifelong rap- botanical specimens, it was not port with the Gregorys. In contrast, observed until we reached the creek, Wilson, who seemed to have personality when he was out of sight; after unsad- clashes, was ultimately sacked from the

dling the pack-horses I was preparing expedition and Flood (the collecter/pre- to send in search of him, when he server) also fell from grace, while Baines came up to the camp, the cause of his (the artist) mostly ended up as base com- delay being that his horse had knocked mander and missed the main action. up (sic). This was unfortunate, as the Surprisingly, the Gregory journal makes load of one of the pack-horses had to negligible reference to Mueller's activities be distributed among the others in (such as his doubtless excitment at discov- order to remount the doctor, who eries such as Eucalyptus ptychocarpa and requires stronger horses than any other E. phoenicea), despite being meticulous in person in the parly, having knocked up its descriptions of route and countryside, four since January, while not one of nor is there an appendix as with so many the other riding horses had failed, other explorations. Mueller's own report, though carrying heavier weights.' involving observations on 3000 species Only a week earlier, two of the pack- from 800 genera, is to be found in the horses had cracked up and died, probably Journal of the Linnean Society of 1858 from eating a poisonous plant, giving and in Vol. 2 of his Fragmenta (for those Elsey and Mueller the joy of conducting a who read Latin). It should hardly surprise post-mortem! Mueller, however, was per- that Mueller retained an intense interest in haps fortunate not to be present with exploration activities thereafter and that Gregory on a reconnaissance foray to the his name is linked to very many of them. east of the Victoria when he records (on Amazingly, Mueller was obliged to take 12 April): 18 months unpaid leave from the 'The water (Victoria River) was run- Victorian Government for the purpose of ning strong twenty yards, and one to this journey. two feet deep; in examining the ford This article draws on the journals of the my horse trod on the back of a large Gregory Expedition. alligator, which seemed to be equally There might have been yet another, as bestowed in 1873 by Ernest Giles on he astonished as the horse at this unex- what beheld as one of the most remarkable moun- pected meeting.' tains on earth, in honour of the patron and a Nevertheless, he was a member of the major financier of his expedition (and featured party that overlanded the horses from Pt on the cover of his journal). Mueller, however,

Pearce to base, over the Macadam Range promptly renamed it Mt. Olga, which it remains and Fitzmaurice River, where crocodiles to this day. mauled three horses in the night. We also find recorded, on only the sec- Alan K Parkin : Hazel Drive, Templestowe, Victoria 3107. ond day out from base on the Sturt Creek

170 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Eden Revisited - Following the Scent of Mueller's 1860 Journey through the Twofold Bay-Genoa District.

D.E. Albrecht 1

Abstract Ferdinand von Mueller travelled through the Twofold Bay - Genoa River area (south-eastern New South Wales/ far east Gippsland, Victoria) in September 1860, collecting many plant species, some 20 new to science. Mueller's route is described in detail, and plants collected at the localities visited by Mueller are discussed. A list is provided of species based on types collected by Mueller on this journey. (The Victorian Naturalist 113, (4) 1996, 171-180)

Introduction Cape Howe and to the adjoining freshwa- In the mid 1980's I was among a small ter lake, and ascended again the Genoa group of botanists who were involved in River to near its sources, examining the extensive field work in south-eastern New adjacent elevated country and the ...' South Wales and far east Gippsland. My Nungatta mountains on my way surprise at finding a number of unde- (Mueller 1861). scribed taxa and disjunct populations The late Norman Wakefield published 1952; 1958; raised a number of questions about the three articles (Wakefield aspects history of collecting in the region. Had 1969) that mention, albeit briefly, September 1860 expedition. collectors simply missed some of the par- of Mueller's contribution, in the form of a potted ticularly interesting areas or was the area This aims to supplement poorly collected generally? Not surpris- chronology, Wakefield's work, particularly with regard ingly, Baron Ferdinand von Mueller is a Mueller's route, collecting localities prominent figure in the history of botani- to significance of the expedition. exploration in the region. Allan and the cal accompanying Cunningham had collected specimens The locality data Mueller's specimens, though often very from the coastal vegetation of Twofold are a major source of informa- Bay (centred on present day Eden) as imprecise, tion for establishing his route (Fig. 1). early as 1818, but Mueller was the first Many of the specimens collected on the botanist to penetrate the hinterland of this expedition are housed at the National region. Herbarium of Victoria (MEL); a number On his journey through the region, are also cited in Flora Australiensis which lasted for most of September 1 860, (Bentham 1863-1878). The task of finding Mueller travelled some 300 miles and col- the expedition in MEL Regrettably all specimens from lected in excess of 250 taxa. extracting the locality data accompa- journal of his expedi- and there is no surviving physically an govern- nying each specimen is it only in the official tion and is this task, search- the enormous task. I began ment reports that Mueller mentions those species known to have a The most informa- ing at least course or his journey. the region, but restricted distribution in his Annual Report tive account is found in by the enormity 1860- finally became frustrated Botanist ... for of the Government all of the collec- of the undertaking. When 61: databased, which at MEL are finally I was tions 'During the month of September well over a current projections may take elucidating the vegetation at engaged in we may be in a position to con- frontiers of the decade, along the south eastern the finer details from clude with more certainty crossing the country the localities colony, route. Fig. 2 shows along which of his Twofold Bay to the Genoa, text. An anno- discussed in the following coast, deviating to river I travelled to the collections made on the tated list of type Parks and Wildlife 'Northern Territory Herbarium, presented in Appendix 1. P.O. box expedition is Commission of the Northern Territory, Australia. 1046, Alice Springs. NT. 0871.

171 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

czz^tt- a>l£Zz**

s^^

4~ S-.

U" ^^>^ ^S -

PHYTOLOGIC MUSEUM OF MELBOURNE.

BARON FEUD. YON MUELLER. PH. & M.D.

Fig. 1. Two kinds of labels commonly accompanying Mueller's September 1860 specimens. Labels are in Mueller's hand.

A preliminary list of taxa collected during Botanical Gardens in Melbourne, arrived the journey is housed in the library of the here on Saturday (7th) last in the National Herbarium of Victoria. Rangatira, and on Sunday (8th) morning Nomenclature follows Ross (1993) and left this town on an expedition overland to Harden (1990-1993) the west of Cape Howe. Unlike the crowd of people who are rushing in the face of The expedition commerce, his persuit is amidst the Mueller departed from Melbourne on regions of science. His object is to procure the 6th September 1860 on the steam ship the best botanical knowledge of this unex- Rangatira, arriving at Snug Cove, plored district.' Twofold Bay the following day. His When Mueller arrived at Eden the town arrival was noted in the local tabloid was prospering. Gold was discovered at newspaper The Twofold Bay and Maneroo Kiandra in November, 1859 and hundreds Telegraph on the 11th of September: 'An of prospectors came by sea, disembarking old friend, andthe friend, of science and at Eden and making their way westwards mankind Dr. Mueller, the curator of the

172 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Lake WauV/auka & _j Cape Howe

U Gabo Island

bcli*. „d poUbI. e .f M^ U ,. Conning ? g^ff c*°ff,gg™

uncertain species he collected characteristic to William Bay to the goldfields. In a letter Senecio lautus, such as Alyxia buxifolia, Botanic Gardens, Kew) Hooker (Royal cytisoides, Apium prostratum, on the 17th Zieria from the Genoa River and Banksia mtegri- unpub.), Westringeafruiticosa (Hooker 1860 ridge for- September 1860 In the near-coastal Eden he pro- folia (Fig. 3). Mueller indicated that from common species such as est he collected southward towards the Genoa sieberu E ceeded Eucalyptus gummifera, E. sericea, Leptomena longifolia, Patersonia proportion of Mueller's Platylobium A considerable Pultenaea daphnoides, were gath- acida from the expedition linifolta. collections On formosum and Pimelea of Twofold Bay. ridges near ered in the vicinity The views from the higher sedimentary coastal Mueller to the coastal dunes, Eden would have enabled headlands of Twofold cliffs and adjoining

173

Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

survey the country to the south. From this to suppose that he also collected vantage point Mt Imlay is a prominent Elaeocarpus holopetalus sometime after landmark, and one we would expect to 1861. Morton collected several other have been alluring to Mueller. Although interesting taxa near Twofold Bay, namely several of his collections are labelled Mt Pomaderris brogoensis and Boronia Imlay, they are all relatively widespread anemonifolia var. variablis. Unfortunately species that were probably gathered on the no dates are given on his labels. Mueller lower slopes of the mountain or further sent Morton's Twofold Bay-Mt Imlay col- east. The species with restricted distribu- lections to Bentham and they appear in his tions known to occur in the vicinity of the Flora Australiensis, volume 4 onwards. summit, namely Eucalyptus imlayensis, Morton's collections of taxa treated in Hibbertia saligna, Eriostemon virgatus, volume 3 (published in Jan. 1867) are not Prostanthera walteri, Tetratheca suba- cited, and assuming they would have been phylla and Persoonia brevifolia were not cited by Bentham had he examined them, collected by Mueller and it is unlikely that it is probable that Morton visited the area he explored the summit of this interesting sometime between the publication of vol- mountain. umes 3 and 4. A Mr Morton is listed in the The two Mt Imlay collections of Argus dated April 23rd 1867 as arriving in Elaeocarpus holopetalus, a species Melbourne on the steamship City of restricted to sheltered gully heads towards Melbourne from Sydney (via Twofold the summit of the mountain (Fig. 4), are Bay). This date corresponds with the phe- somewhat confusing, as both Mueller's nological state of his specimens, however, and Lockhart Morton's name appear on in the absence of a christian name the evi- the labels, which are undated. As Mueller dence is not conclusive (Fig. 5). described this species in 1861 and did not As Mueller progressed southwards he cite a specimen from Mt Imlay, one collected in several vegetation communi- assumes that the material was not collect- ties between the Towamba and Womboyn ed by Mueller as he did not revisit the area Rivers. In the dry sclerophyll woodlands subsequent to his 1860 trip. Morton col- dominated by Eucalyptus sieberi he collected Oxylobium ellipticum, Hibbertia lected a number of heathy understorey saligna and Actinotus helianthi from the plants including Poranthera corymbosa,

summit of Mt Jmlay and it seems logical Phebalium diosmeum, Xanthosia pilosa.

Fig. 3. Senecio lautus in full bloom on the rocky coastline surrounding Twofold Bay.

174 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Fig. 5. Portrait of W. Lockhart Morton. He collected specimens from Twofold Buy and Mt mlay c. 1867. Fig. 4 View into a patch of cool temperate rain-

forest below the summit of Mt Imlay. It is here that Morton collected specimens of Eiaeocarpus holopetalus.

Platysace lanceolata, Hakea dactyloides, Coopemookia barbata and Bossiaea het-

erophylla (Fig. 6). It is difficult to pinpoint from his collections exactly where they were gathered as most species are widely distributed. Similarly it is difficult to pinpoint where he collected species Understorey vegetation in forests domi- such as Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus, Fig. 6. nated by Eucalyptus sieberi between the Schoenus lepidosperma, Restio complana- Towamba and Womboyn Rivers tus, Baeckea linifolia and Pultenaea paludosa, as they are all characteristic species His collections of Dodonuea triquetm, swamps in this vicinity of the lowland Croweci exalata. Schoenus imberbis, label accompanying (Fig. 7). The Chrysocephalum baxteri and Pseudamhus reads 'moory heaths Pultenaea paludosa divarkaiissinuis are likely to have come Womboyn', which suggests that near the from the shrubland that occurs on the have collected near Ludwigs sur- he may more exposed rhyolite. It is perhaps the Swamp. prising that Mueller did not collect collections from Mueller made several endemic Acacia constable! that grows in rocks on the Womboyn'. 'granite the vicinity. granite on the Although there is no Mueller's route from the Womboyn the river passes through uncertain and, Womboyn River, River to the Genoa River is rhyolite to the east of not provided any an area of to date, specimens have probable that Mueller stories Narabarba, and it is clarification. There are conflicting granite. included rhyolite in his concept of

175 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

1861. Although Mueller claims to have

visited Cape Howe 1 have yet to encounter a specimen supporting this claim. Returning to the northern side of Mallacoota Inlet, Mueller may have crossed to the southern side of the Genoa River by boat, which means of transport was apparently much used in that location at the time. Alternatively he may have forded the Genoa River upstream of Mallacoota Inlet at Goodwin Sands and south of the Fig. 7. Lowland swamp vegetation the Narrows. Once on the southern side of Towamba River. the Genoa River, he probably followed a horse track towards Genoa. Wakefield regarding the existence of a track between (1969) mentioned that the Genoa- the Towamba and Genoa Rivers. Similarly Mallacoota track passed over the shoulder it is debatable whether a track existed of Genoa Peak. However, I been unable to between Timbillica and Mallacoota determine the exact alignment of this (which at that time was situated on the track. Mueller probably deviated from the north side of the Genoa River). According track to the summit of Genoa Peak (Fig. 8) to C. Allen (pers. comm.) and Alan where he collected Dendrobium striola- Piesley (pers. comm.), both descendants of tum, Lycopodium varium, Pomaderris early settlers in the region, the open forest lanigera, Dodonaea triquetra, vegetation was lightly stocked with trees Prostanthera hirtula var. angustifolia and and had an open understorey, which made several other species. travel by horse feasible in the absence of a From Genoa Peak he returned to Genoa track. Unfortunately this section of his and ascended the Genoa River valley journey remains a mystery. At Mallacoota along the Old Wangarabell track. Mueller Inlet he collected a suite of specimens collected a considerable number of speci- including Correct alba, Phylloglossum mens labelled 'Genoa River'. Wakefield drummondii and Spyridium cinereum. (1969) suggested that many of the collec- Travelling north from the mouth of the tions thus labelled were collected about Genoa River Mueller collected the mouth of the granitic gorge about two Chorizandra australis from the fresh miles upstream from the present township water lake near Cape Howe. Whether he of Genoa, at the point where the Old was referring to Lake Barracoota or Lake Wangarabell track swung westerly away Wau Wauka is at present uncertain. The from the river. Many of these species were vegetation through this area is dense and it probably also collected near Wangarabell, is likely that he travelled principally on where the track crossed the Genoa River the consolidated beach sands. Wakefield (Fig. 9). It was either at Wangarabell or (1969) mentioned two of Mueller's speci- further along the Wangarabell track at mens from 'abreast Gabo', namely Nungatta Station that Mueller commenced Conospermum taxifolium and a letter to William Hooker. This was dated Helkhrysum elatum. Apparently there was the 17th September, only nine days after sporadic access to the island by means of setting out from Eden. a sand bar. The only collection made by From Wangarabell Mueller travelled Mueller from Gabo Island cited in Flora north to Nungatta Station homestead (Fig. Australiensis is referred to Pterostylis 10), at that time occupied by Alexander mutica. This collection is not housed at Weatherhead. The original description of MEL and it would be worth searching fur- Telopea oreades indicated that Mueller ther herbaria to ascertain whether the was accompanied in the field by Pterostylis specimen is correctly attributed Weatherhead when the type collection was to Mueller. The specimen may have been gathered. In his letter to Hooker, Mueller collected by Maplestone, who made a referred the Nungatta populations to the number of collections on Gabo Island in

176 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

the summit of Nungatta Mountains and White Rock Mountain' and 'granite declivities of the upper Genoa River'. A brief search for this species around the sandstone summit of Nungatta Mountain was unsuccessful. Doug Binns (pers comm.) has also looked on the Nungatta

Range without success. It is probable that Mueller's specimens were all gathered on the granite outcrops on White Rock Mountain. Fig. 8. The view from Genoa Peak over the From Nungatta Mueller travelled north River, Mallacoota Howe Range, lower Genoa to White Rock Mountain. His specimen Inlet and Gabo Island. locality data are vague for this tract of

country and it is presently uncertain truncata, but at that Tasmanian Telopea whether his route was via Bondi home- flowering mate- time he had not seen good stead. Localities mentioned on specimen the riparian envi- rial. Mueller collected in labels typically read 'sources of the Genoa creeks (on ronments of Nungatta and Nina River' or 'upper Genoa River'. A collec- where the east side of Nungatta Mountain) tion of Eucalyptus stellulata has such a holopetalus in he discovered Elaeocarpus label. This species presently occurs in the species cool temperate rainforest. Other vicinity of the old Nungatta-Bondi track, were collected in this environment just south of the former Bondi homestead. mollis Adiantum hispidu- Scutellaria and I have not observed E. stellulata growing specimens of lum. The locality data on his further east and, although it is tempting to on Persoonia brevifolia reads 'common argue that this evidence indicates that he would have visited Bondi homestead, the species may have occurred further east on Nungatta Station prior to extensive clearing. On the summit of White Rock Mountain Mueller collected Epacris robusta (Fig. Persoonia 11), Oxylobium arborescens, confertifolia, P. silvatica, P. brevifolia, Eucalyptus sieberi, Kunzea ericoides and Tetratheca subaphylla. The Nalbaugh plateau between White Rock Mountain and Wog Wog Mountain to the east sup- regionally ports a number of species with of these restricted distributions. Several costiniana, occur species, such as Acacia

'Nungatta (or Fie. 10. The original on the Genoa River Mueller is likely to Fig. 9. Riparian vegetation 'Nangutta') homestead. here. nearWangarabell. have spent at least one night

177 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

quite abundantly on (he plateau, and one procuring horses for his expedition. would assume that Mueller would have Mueller also collected specimens from collected these species had he crossed the Yowaka River, probably near, or Nalbaugh Plateau. downstream of, Nethercote Falls. The The route by which he returned to Eden geology here is rhyolite and a characteris- is uncertain. It seems logical that he would tic scrub or shrubland develops on areas of have proceeded from White Rock exposed rock (Fig. 12). Phebalium ral- Mountain eastward to Pericoe via the stonii, Lasiopetalum ferrugineum, track that follows the upper part of the Muehlenbeckia rhyticaryia, Crowea Wog Wog River. From Pericoe the track exalata. Pseudanthus divuriealissimus, would be followed to Towamba, Boyd Rulingia dasyphylla, Hihbertia monogyna

Town and finally Eden. This was a well and Dodonaea rruncatiales are all charac- established route. Unfortunately the only teristic species of this vegetation type that specimens that perhaps support at least he collected. Rhyolite shrubland occurs in part of this route are those he gathered on scattered patches further west than the Towamba River viz Dodanaea trunea- Nethercote Falls but, in considering the liah's, Melaleuca annularis, Pomaderris species Mueller collected and did not col-

intermedia and Weslringea eremieola. lect, it is likely that he travelled no further However, these species may have been west than approximately Nethercote Falls. collected when he first crossed the Mueller returned to Eden and boarded Towamba River on the way southwards the steam ship Wonga Wonga on the 30th towards the Genoa River. of September. His arrival at Hobsons Bay, Prior to sailing for Melbourne. Mueller Melbourne was reported in the Argus on collected to the north of Eden. In the the 2nd October 1860. moist, sheltered gullies around Bimmil Hill he collected warm temperate rainfor- Conclusion est species including Aemena smiihii, Mueller's expedition was the first signifi- Pillosporum unclulatum, Fieus coronala, cant botanical collecting trip within the Marsdenia roslrala, Rapanea howitiana, south-eastern New South Wales-far east Cissus hypoglauea. Pteris umbrosa and a Gippsland region. He collected a

host of other species. It was probably here respectable number of specimens (currently that he discovered Prostanihera incisa estimated to be about 20% of the known var. puheseens and Polyseias murrayi. flora of the region) and discovered about The latter species was named in honour of 20 species previously unknown to science. Patrick Murray, the chief magistrate of the His collections provided useful material district, who apparently assisted Mueller for his work on the flora of Victoria and with some of the logistic aspects of the were used extensively by Bentham during expedition. This aid was doubtlessly in the his preparation of Flora Australiensis. form of 'local' knowledge regarding Considering the short duration of the tracks, accommodation and assistance in expedition and the considerable distance traversed, Mueller managed to sample from a surprisingly large percentage of the habitats present in the region. He collected in a number of botanical 'hot spots' and came remarkably close to several others (e.g. Mt Imlay summit and Nalbaugh

plateau). No doubt it was with considerable reluctance that he had to pass by some of these interesting-looking sites. The gratification of future generations of botanists was probably the last thing on this mind when deciding whether to Fig. 11. Epoetin rabusta growing in shrubland botanise a particular area. on large granite expanses near the summit of White Rock Mountain,

178 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

References Bemham, G. (1863-1878). Flora Auslraliensis: a description of the plants of the Australian territory: 7 vols. (Reeve, London.) Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1990-1993). Flora of New South Wales. 4 vols. (Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.) Mueller, F. (1860). [Letter to William Hooker 17th September], (unpubl. manuscript. Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Australian Joint Copying Project). Mueller, F. (1861). Annual Report of the Government Botanist and Director of the Botanic and Zoologic Garden. (Government Printer, Melbourne). Ross, J.H. (ed.) (1993). A Census of the vascular plants of Victoria. 4th edn. (Royal Botanic Gardens. Melbourne.) Wakefield, N.A. (1952). Premature and erroneous records of plants for Victoria. The Victorian Naturalist 69, 80-89. Wakefield, N.A. (1958). F.N.C.V. excursion to Genoa district - Dec. 1957. The Victorian Naturalist 75, 3- 18. Wakefield, N.A. (1969). Botanical Exploration of East Gippsland. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, new series, 82, 61-67.

Fig. 12. Shrubland on rhyolite outcropping near the Yowaka River. Acacia subtilinervis (dominant) and Phebalium ralstonii were discovered by Mueller in this area.

Acknowledgments The following are sincerely thanked for their help, particularly with historical information and distribution data - Ed Mitchell, Tom May, Margaret Parris, David Keith, Doug Binns, Phil Gilmour, C. Allen and Mueller Carole Helman, Fig. 13. Pseudanthus divaricatissimus. Piesley, along with staff of the State Yowaka Alan collected this along the Womboyn and Library of Victoria, and the library, Royal Rivers. Botanic Gardens, Melbourne.

179 Vol. 113(4)1996 :

Mueller Issue

Appendix 1 List of TYPES collected by Mueller in the Twofold Bay-Genoa District. September 1860. l.Taxa described by Mueller Acacia subtilinervis F.Muell., PI. Victoria 2: the Yowaka River, towards Twofold Bay. 32 (1863). Type: On granite declivities Current name: Phebalium ralstonii around Mt Imlay. A. subtilinervis has never (F.Muell.) Benth., Fl. Austral. 1: 339 been relocated on Mt Imlay despite quite (1863)

extensive searching. The geology of Mt lonidium vernonii F.Muell., PI. Victoria 1: Imlay is of sedimentary origin and likely 223 (1862). Syntypes: On barren plains A. subtilinervis habitat appears to be absent and ridges near the Genoa River; also near on Mt Imlay. The nearest known popula- Twofold Bay. Current name: Hybanthus tions to Mt Imlay occur in the vicinity of vernonii (F.Muell.) F.Muell., Fragm. 10: the Yowaka River near Nethercote, an area 81 (1871) collected over by Mueller. The geology of Panax murrayi F.Muell., Fragm. 2: 106 this area has been mapped as rhyolite, (1861). Type: In valleys of wooded ranges which appears to have included within towards Twofold Bay. Current name: Mueller's concept of granite. Unless A. Polvscias murrayi (F.Muell.) Harms, Nat. subtilinervis is discovered closer to Mt Pflanzenfam. 3(8): 47 (1898). Imlay, the Yowaka River should be con- Telopea oreades F.Muell., Fragm. 2: 170 sidered the type locality of this species. (1861). Type: Towards the headwaters of Dodonaea truncatiales F.Muell., Fragm. 2: Nungatta Creek in the alpine tract behind 143 (1861). Syntypes: In wooded valleys the Nungatta Mountains. Weatherhead and and gravelly banks of the Towamba, Mueller. Yowaka and Genoa Rivers. Tetratheca ericifolia var. aphvlla F.Muell., Elaeocarpus holopetalus F.Muell., Fragm. PI. Victoria 1: 183 (1862). Syntypes: 2: 143 (1861). Syntypes: In wooded val- Granite rocks at the White Rock Hill, leys of the Nungatta Mountains and head- 3000'; sources of the Genoa River. Current

waters of Nina Creek. name: T. subaphxlla Benth., Fl. Austral. 1: Eriostemon ralstonii F.Muell., Fragm. 2: 132(1863) 101 (1861). Type: On granite rocks against

2.Taxa described by botanists other than Mueller

Correa lawrenciana var. genoensis Paul Pomaderris cinerea Benth., Fl. Austral. 1 G.Wilson, Trans. Roy. Soc. South 420 (1863). Type: Mt Imlay, Twofold Australia 85: 50 (1961). Type: Flooded Bay. banks of the lower Genoa River. Prostanthera hirtula var. angustifolia Epacris robusta Benth., Fl. Austral. 4: 237 Benth., Fl. Austral. 5: 97 (1870). Type: (1868). Type: Granite rocks at the summit Genoa Peak. of White Peak Mountain, at the head of Prostanthera incisa var. pubescens F.Muell. the Genoa River. ex Benth., Fl. Austral. 5: 96 (1870). Type: Grevillea victoriae var. leptoneura Benth., Forest rivulets near Twofold Bay. Fl. Austral. 5: 468 (1870). Type: Sources Pseudanthus divaricatissimus var. orbicu- of the Genoa River. lare Benth., Fl. Austral. 6: 60 (1873). Isopogon anemonifolius var. tenuifolius Syntype: Granite rocks on the Yowaka F.Muell. ex Benth., Fl. Austral. 5: 347 River. (1870). Type: Twofold Bay. Current Pultenaea altissima F.Muell. ex Benth., Fl. name: /. prostratus McGill., Telopea 1: 32 Austral. 2: 123 (1864). Syntypes: Genoa (1975) River; Twofold Bay and Genoa River. Persoonia myrtilloides var. brevifolia Pultenaea benthamii var. elatior F.Muell. Benth., Flora Austral. 5: 401 (1870). ex Benth., Fl. Austral. 2: 114 (1864). Syntypes: Upper Genoa River; Nungatta Syntype: Yowaka River. Mountains. Current name: P. brevifolia Pultenaea viscosa R.Br, ex Benth., Fl. (Benth.) L.A.S.Johnson & P.H.Weston, Austral. 2: 127 (1864). Syntype: 7Wo/>«j4:275(1991). Womboyn Range.

180 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Mueller's Oceanic Island Plants

Ian D. Endersby' Abstract Ferdinand von Mueller never visited any of the oceanic islands to which Australia lays claim but he was associated with the naming of plants from some of those localities. His major contribution was the description of endemic species from Lord Howe Island collected by staff from Sydney and Melbourne Botanic Gardens. He also revised genera that included species named by Endlicher from Norfolk Island and named species in Australia and New Guinea which were subsequently introduced to Norfolk and Christmas Islands and the Coral Seas Island Territory. Taeniophyllum muelleri (Orchidaceae) from Norfolk Island was named after him. (The Victorian Naturalist 113, (4) 1996, 181-184).

Introduction ed some plants (Forster 1777: 586-587). Although Baron von Mueller never visit- However, their visit was short and the first ed Lord Howe or Norfolk Islands he major collection was made by Ferdinand 1804-1805 (Norst played a substantial role in the naming of Bauer during his visit in his collection and their plants, particularly those of Lord 1989). He lodged the Natural History Museum Howe Island. sketches with specimens to the These two islands are both of volcanic in Vienna and provided botanist Stephan Endlicher origin occurring on submarine ridges in German him to prepare the first the western Pacific Ocean. Each has a enabling comprehensive account of the flora of the flora with a high degree of endemism and island in his Prodromus Florae a subsequent history of degradation and Norfolkicae. (Endlicher 1883). Allan the introduction of alien plants. Table 1, Cunningham collected extensively on according to Green (1994), shows the cur- Norfolk Island in 1830 during which rent status of the floras. expedition he was marooned on nearby floras Table 1. Current status of the (Daley Philip Island by escaping convicts director of Norfolk Lord Howe 1926), and J.H. Maiden, while visited the Island Island the Sydney Botanic Gardens next flora Endemic species 47 105 island in 1902 and published the 136 Indigenous species 124 (Maiden 1904). 218 the Naturalised species 274 Lord Howe Island was sighted during the voyage of H.M.S Supply to establish 459 species 445 (Fidlon & TOTAL settlement on Norfolk Island Lieutenant Ball land- number of Ryan 1980: 41), and Australia also lays claim to a of it on the return Cocos ed and took possession Oceanic Islands: Christmas; other Settlement occurred gradually and Cartier; journey. (Keeling); Ashmore Reef others estab- from 1833 as whalers and Islands Territory; Macquarie; Coral Sea and gardens and sought to Mueller's lished homes Heard and McDonald Islands. needs sufficient food for their own with plants from grow name is also associated passing ships. Botanical and to barter with of these. naturalists two collections were made by the H.M.b. MacGillivray and Milne, from Early Collectors submitted to George by Herald in 1854 and Norfolk Island was discovered was for naming. However it on his second Pacific Bentham Captain lames Cook of the Sydney colony Charles Moore, Director settled as a penal voyage and was visited the island in Fleet Botanic Gardens, who satellite to the First in 1788- a the first of the Cook's com- 1869 and provided at Sydney Cove. (Hill settlement be classified by Mueller Forster and his endemics to plement included Johann jointly named some of which they and they collect- 11870) son Georg as naturalists, seeTlb.el).lnl873andl874,I.P. ( Victoria 3094 56 Looker Road, Montmorency , 181

Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

Fullagar, the plant collector from the Journal of Botany in 1884 (22: 289). It Melbourne Botanic Gardens added to the was relegated to Asplenium australasicum

earlier collections of Moore and it is pre- f. robinsonii by P.S. Green in 1988. dominantly these two collections which Mueller also named the Broad-leaved Mueller (1875) used to list the Island's Ironbark Eucalyptus fibrosa which he flora. collected himself from a locality on the Mueller described and named plants that Brisbane River, Queensland. This has occur on Norfolk, Lord Howe, and since been introduced to Norfolk Island Christmas Islands and the Coral Sea and is reproducing itself in a limited area. Islands Territory. His major contribution As a recently planted species perhaps this was to the flora of Lord Howe Island. is a somewhat spurious Mueller association but is included for completeness as it Lord Howe Island appears in the island's flora (Green 1994).

Mueller was involved in the naming of While all of the species discussed so far 37 of the 105 endemic species currently have been named or revised by Mueller, listed for Lord Howe Island, predominant- one of his contemporaries, John Lindley, ly from the collections made by Moore named the Minute Orchid Taeniophyllum and Fullagar (Table 1). He and Moore also muelleri in his honour (ex Benth. Fl. named the Island Pine Panax cissoden- Austral. 6: 291, 1873). This is a rare and dron (which was later transferred to local epiphyte found growing on the Polyscias) from a Lord Howe specimen, a undersides of the branches of the Norfolk

species which is native to New Caledonia Island Pine. It is poignant that it was also and Vanuatu as well. His other contribu- in 1873 that Mueller was dismissed from tion was to transfer the Norfolk Island the directorship of the Melbourne Botanic Hoya Hybanthera biglandulosa from the Gardens. genus Tylophora which Endlicher had used when he named the type from Christmas Island

Norfolk Island; it, also, is known from D'Albertis' Creeper Mucuna albertisii New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji. (Fabaceae) was named by Mueller from a Of the 38 species which were initially specimen collected on the Fly River, New named by Mueller, 19 were described in Guinea, by L.M. d'Albertis in 1876. conjunction with Charles Moore, in fact While listed for the Christmas Island flora Moore was the senior author, publishing it has been found at only one place and is in Mueller's Fragmenta. The nomencla- assumed to have been introduced through species found only in ture of 2 1 of their species has survived to cultivation. Another the present day. areas of cultivation is Lindernia Crustacea (Scrophulariaceae) which was originally Norfolk Island named by Linnaeus from a specimen col- Hybanthera Endlicher had named lected in China. Mueller's contribution I

biglandulosa (Asclepiadaceae), Devil's was to transfer it from the genus Capraria Guts Busbeckia nobilis (Capparaceae) and to Lindernia. Sia's Backbone Morus pendulinus (Moraceae) from specimens that Bauer Coral Sea Islands Territory collected on Norfolk Island. In subsequent Comb Finger Grass Digitaria ctenantha revisions Mueller moved them to the gen- was collected by Mueller from the Sturt era Tylophora, Capparis and Streblus and Hooker Creeks in the Northern respectively. Territory and originally described by him Mueller does have one Norfolk Island in the genus Panicum. This species is species to his credit: Crispy Bird's Nest widespread across tropical Australia and is Fern Asplenium robinsonii collected by a listed for two cays in the Coral Sea Sydney Botanic Gardens' resident agent, Islands. Isaac Robinson, and published in the

182 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Summary volumes covering the Oceanic Islands [Volume 49 Mueller has his name associated with the (1994) and Volume 50 (1993), Australian Government Pubhshing botanical Service, Canberra). Table 2 was extracted nomenclature of 47 species that from the work of P.S. Green (1994) in volume 49. are found on the oceanic islands to which Australia lays claim. One of these was References Daley. C. named after him, with 42 of them he was (1926). Notes from a diary of Allan Cunningham. The Victorian Naturalist 43. 163-169 sole or joint author, and four were revisions Endlicher, S. (1883). Prodromus Florae Norfolkicae sive Catalogus to the prior work of others. Except for one Stirpium que. In 'Insula Norfolk Annis 1804 et 1805 a Ferdinando subspecies of Bauer collectae et fern on Norfolk Island the depictae'. Ed. F. Beck. (Vienna). species from islands other than Lord Howe Fidlon, P.G and R.J. Ryan (eds.) (1980). 'The Journal of Philip Gidley King 1787- were introductions or references to revised 1790'. (Australian Documents Library: Sydney). genera. It was Lord Howe Island which Forster, J.G.A. (1777). 'A Voyage round the World, in His Brittanic Majesty's Sloop RESOLUTION. was the foremost locality and this occurred Commanded by Captain James Cook, during the because Mueller's collectors and contem- Years 1772, 3, 4 & 5'. 2 vols. (London: B. White, J. poraries were involved. Robson, P. Elmsly and G. Robinson). Green, P.S. (1994). Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands. In the centenary anniversary of his death Flora of Australia 49, 681 + xxiii pp. (Australian Government Publishing Service: it is of interest to collate Mueller's contri- Canberra). Hill, E.S. (1870). Lord Howe Island - Official Visit by bution to our offshore islands; a contribu- the Water Police Magistrate and the Director of the tion perhaps overshadowed by his own Botanic Gardens, Sydney; together with a description of the Island. Votes and Proceedings of the extensive terrestrial expeditions. Legislative Assembly ofNew South Wales 1 870: 635- 654. Acknowledgments Maiden, J.H. (1904). The flora of Norfolk Island Part I. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South This note benefited greatly from the comments Wales 28: 692-785. of an referee. anonymous Mueller, F.J.H. (1875). 'Fragmenta Phytographiae Australie' 9,76-79.(Government Printer, Melbourne). Bibliography Norst, M.J. (1989). 'Ferdinand Bauer: the Australian Almost all of the information in this review came from Natural History Drawings'. (Lothian, Port Volumes 49 and 50 of the Flora of Australia, the two Melbourne).

Table 2. Mueller's Lord Howe Island Plants, e = endemic; 1 = original genus; 2 = collector.

.SPECIES 1 MONOCOTYLEDONAE ARECACEAE

Kentia C . Moore & W. Carron « e Howea belmoreana (C. Moore & F. Muell.) Becc.

Kentia C . Moore » e Howea forsteriana (C. Moore & F. Muell.) Becc. C. Moore & R.D.Fitzgerald e Hedyscape canterburyana (C. Moore & F. Muell.) H. Wendl. & Drude Kentia Kentia C.Moore e Lepidorrachis mooreana (F. Muell.) O.F. Cook

CYPERACEAE J.P. Fullagar & Lind • e Uncinia debilior F. Muell.

IRTDACEAE Iris C. Moore e Dietes robinsoniana (C. Moore & F. Muell.) Klatt

ORCHIDACEAE C. Moore e Dendrobium moorei F. Muell.

PANDANACEAE C. Moore & J.P. Fullagar e Pandanus forsteri C. Moore & F. Muell.

BLECHNACEAE Lomaria Lind & J.P. Fullagar >.e Blechnumfullagarii (F. Muell.) C. Chr.

'CYATHEACEAE Hemiteliu W. Carron & C. Moore e Cyathea macarthurii (F. Muell.) Baker

183 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

Tabic 2. cont.

SIMXIKS 1 2 DICOTYLEDONAE APOCYNACEAE e Alyxia lindii F. Muell. Lind & J.P. Fullagar o Alyxia squamulosa C, Moore & F. Muell. C. Moore ARAL1ACEAE Polyscias cissodendron (C. Moore & F. Muell.) Harms Panax ?C. Moore ASCLEPIADACHAB e Marsdenia tubulosa F. Muell. J.P. Fullagar Tylophora biglandulosa (Kndl.) F, Muell. Bauer (Norfolk Island) ASTERACEAE e Brachyscome segmentosa C. Moore & F. Muell. C. Moore; J.P. Fullagar & Lind e Oliaria ballii (F. Muell.) Ilernsl. Aster J.P. Fullagar* Lind e Olearia mooneyi (F. Muell.) Hcmsl. Asler Lind & J.P. Fullagar EPACRIDACEAE e Dracophyllumfiltgeraldii C. Moore & F. Muell. R.D. Filzgerald FABACEAE e Carmichaelia exsul F. Muell. C. Moore GESNER1ACEAE e Ntgria rhabdothamnoides F. Muell. C. Moore GROSSULARIACEAE e Corokia carpodetoides Colmeiroa C. Moore LOGANIACEAE o Gtnlostoma petiole/sum C. Moore & F. Muell. C . Moore MYRS1NACEAE e Rapanta platystigma (F. Muell.) Me/ Myrsine J .P. Fullagar & Lind MYRTACEAE e CltistocalyxfuUagarii (F. Muell.) Merr. & L.M. Perry Acicalyptus C.Moore; J.P. Fullagar & Lind e Metrosideros nervulosa C. Moore & F. Muell. J.P. Fullagar & Lind OLEACEAE e Chionanthus quadristamineus F. Muell. C.Moore; Lind &J.P. Fullagar

PITTOSPORACEAE e Piliosporum erioloma C. Moore & F. Muell. not designated RUBIACEAE e Atractocarpus stipularis (F. Muell.) Puttock Randia C. Moore e Coprosma lanceolaris V. Muell. Lind & J.P. Fullagar e Coprosma putiila C. Moore & F. Muell. C. Moore & W. Carron i- Psycholria carronis V. Moore & F. Muell. C. Moore & W. Carron RUTACEAE e Melicope contermina C". Moore & F. Muell. C. Moore e Melicope polybotrya (C. Moore & F. Muell.) T.G. Hartley Euodia C. Moore & W. Carron SANTALACEAE e Exocarpus homalocladus C. Moore & F. Muell. C. Moore THYMELEACEAE e Pimelea congesta C. Moore & F. Muell. C. Moore ULMACEAE J.P.Fullagar i- ( 'eltis conferta subsp. amblyphylla (F. Muell.) P.S. Green C. amblyphyllt C. Moore & URTICACEAE Boehmeria calophleba C. Moore & F. Muell. C. Moore WINTERACEAE e Zygogynum howeanum (V. Muell.) Vink Drimys C. Moore

184 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Baron Ferdinand von Mueller and his 'Lady' Correspondents

Susan K. Martin*

Abstract There were many in women nineteenth-century Australia involved in botany. Almost all were amateurs, though some took their study very seriously. Their correspondence with Baron F. von Mueller reveals some interesting issues, particularly around the amateur status of women in this and Other sciences. (The Victorian Naturalist 113, (4) 1996, 185-187)

By the nineteenth century, botany was and opportunity to study botany, collect regarded as an acceptable 'accomplish- plants, to buy books and par'icipate in ment' for young ladies of the middle and amateur societies. It is notable that in upper classes, along with embroidery, Australia some of these societies, such as music and flower painting. Many young the Royal Society of South Australia women took a professional and systematic (Kraehenbuehl 1981) and the Royal approach to their study, often in resistance Society of Tasmania (Rae-Ellis 1979), to the trivialisation that might be implied were open to women in the nineteenth by 'accomplishment' and sometimes using century, while their most prestigious those very notions of genteel leisure as a British counterparts, the Royal Society smokescreen for a serious and passionate and the Linnean Society, did not allow pursuit. Nevertheless the increasing pro- women members until well into the twen- fessionalisation of botany across the nine- tieth century (Allen 1980). teenth century tended to relegate more Louisa Atkinson, in New South Wales, serious 'lady' botanists to amateur status and Louisa Meredith, in Tasmania, both associated with Mueller whether they liked it or not, until the very corresponded and end of the century. as Director of the Melbourne Botanic- First Census In Australia, as in some other colonies Garden and compiler of the Australian plants. of the period, the division between profes- and Second Census of some of his corre- sional and amateur, serious student and Mueller's Census and accomplished lady was more blurred spondence, illustrate the vexed position botanists still occu- because of the special access to species most of these women - of some of the Imperial and whole botanical zones formerly inac- pied partaking of European science, but still dis- cessible to Europeans yet now available to power by the status of women in the some early women settlers (and some of empowered century. their male counterparts). Georgiana nineteenth Mueller was fastidious in his replies to Molloy's work in collecting and sorting correspondents (Robertson 1986), but seeds and specimens for James Mangles in some of his replies to women seem a little Britain is an example of this (Hasluck double-edged in the way that they reposi- 1990; Lines 1994). collectors as amateurs, whose true For many women botanists later in the tion his profession lies elsewhere. To Louisa century Baron Ferdinand von Mueller was Hussey he wrote in 1896: 'My pride is to an invaluable resource. The women bene- demonstrate for all classes of Australian Mueller's expertise and his fited from but if plants the geographical distribution; willingness to correspond, and to take for that it would bene- you incurred special toil their endeavours seriously. Mueller your happiness and might with- of women to his disturb fited by adding a number duties' from filial and domestic amateur and pro- draw you considerable network of from Mueller notable (Kraehenbuehl 1981: letter fessional collectors. With the Garden and 25 June 1896, published in Amalie Dietrich, most of the exception of 1896 Melbourne). This Mueller cor- Field November women botanists with whom with solicitude does not fully accord from the middle and responded were other correspondence with the leisure Mueller's upper classes - women with seeds of any Hussey: 'Kindly send some Bundoora, English, LaTrobe University, the season'. •School of of the Droseras later in Victoria 3083.

185 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

Veronica Distans: 'Has this any scent? discusses the importance of common What is its greatest height? Are the flow- names, as opposed to Latin ones, in estab- ers always white?' (Kraehenbuehl 1981). lishing familiarity with plants, and propos- In the former letter Mueller positions es to list or even invent vernacular names Hussey's professional interest and practice for the flora she describes in the column of botany as an aside to primary domestic- (Atkinson 1978). ity, and by publishing the letter in Garden Amalie Dietrich, who was a paid collec- and Field spreads the message clearly to tor of botanical and other natural history other young lady botanists. At the same specimens in northern Australia from time his avuncular tone might be taken to 1863-73, was a notable exception to the imply that collecting is part of their filial majority of Australian lady botanists. She duty, which again removes it from the was acknowledged as a professional and public sphere. colleague in a number of ways not extend- Hussey may have had the last word in ed to them by such men as Mueller this exchange, however, it is impossible to (Moyal 1981). As a woman of working- know, as Hussey's letters to Mueller, class background, and a foreigner whose along with correspondence from a number English was poor, she travelled freely of other women botanists, including around Australia, collecting for her Amalie Dietrich, were blithely recycled European employer. Sara Mills argues that for the war effort by the Director of the women travellers in the nineteenth century National Herbarium of Victoria in the could behave eccentrically, even 'being 1940s (Kraehenbuehl 1981;Moyal 1981). treated as honorary men' (Mills 1994). Less personally Mueller's 'Census' Dietrich is also in a different class from demonstrates the way in which the contri- the other lady botanists described here butions of 'amateurs', male and female, of because she was able to obtain a paid whatever class, could be obscured by the position as a collector - a fact described as very structures of their discipline. Though 'bizarre' by Moyal. But like the other to all intents and purposes some of these women here, and because she was 'lady botanists' engaged in the practices employed as a collector, had a working and demonstrated the skills of professional class background and a limited education, botanists, they did not have access to one she did not publish or name her collected of the quintessential features of the specimens. Colonial botanist in the nineteenth century A number of women botanists, includ- - 1 the power of naming . While Mueller's ing Dietrich, though deprived of the power 'Types' - the dried herbaria samples which of naming, had species, and in Louisa serve as guarantee for the identification of Atkinson's case a genus (Atkinsonia ligus- a species - generally note the name of the trina named by Mueller 1858) named after collector and the site of collection as well them. While this was, of course, both hon- as the genus and species attribution, his our and acknowledgment, there is some 'Census', which for the nineteenth century level of objectification and memorialising was literally the last word on the naming potentially involved in it. of Australian plants, lists, not the Louisa Meredith expressed gratitude at discoverer or preparer of the species or having a species named after her: 'My specimen, but the publisher of the official esteemed friend of many years, the emi- name and description, and the place of nent Australian botanist. Baron F. Von 2 publication . Mueller, has done me the honour of giving That at least some of the women to the small 'immortelle' found on Mount botanists were frustrated by this lack of Olympus, in Tasmania, my name as its access to the language of their science, is specific title' (Meredith 1891). This grati- evident in their writing. Concerns about tude reads differently in the light of her naming surface in Louisa Atkinson's first comments on her status in 1878: 'I believe newspaper column, 'A Voice from the that no other woman resident in the Country', which appeared in the Sydney colonies has done so much in art, science Morning Herald in the 1860s. She and literature for her adopted country, and

186 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

1 think forty years of active work deserve Lumley, P. and R. Spencer. (1990). 'Plant Names: A their reward' (Rae-Ellis 1979). She seems Guide to Botanical Nomenclature. Ornamental Plants 2'. (Royal Botanic Gardens to have relished the £100 pension she of Victoria: South Yarra.) eventually extorted from the Tasmanian Meredith, LA. (1852). 'My Home in Tasmania, dur- government more than the 'small' remem- ing a Residence of Nine Years'. (John Murray: London). brance offered by von Mueller (Rae-Ellis Meredith, L. A. (1860). "Some of My Bush Friends in 1979). She was probably right in this, as Tasmania: Native Flowers, Berries and Insects: along with a great number of plants named Drawn from Life, Illustrated in Verse and Briefly after women in the nineteenth-century, the Described by Louisa Anne Meredith'. (Day & Son: London). so called 'imortelle' has disappeared from Meredith, L.A. (1891). '[Last Series of [Bush Friends the current Australian 'Census of Vascular in Tasmania, Native Flowers, Fruit and Insects, Plants' \ Drawn from nature with Prose Descriptions and Illustrations in Verse by Louisa A Meredith'. (Macmillan and Co: London and New York). ' I have so far been unable to locate an Mills, S. (1994). Knowledge, Gender, and Empire. In Australian plant named by a woman in the 'Writing Women and Space: Colonial and Postcolonial Geographies'. Eds A. Blunt and G. nineteenth century. I would be grateful to hear Rose (Guilford: New York). from anyone who has information to the con- Moyal, A. (1981). Collectors and Illustrators. Women trary. For information on nineteenth-century botanists of the nineteenth century. In 'People and plant taxonomy see Lumley and Spencer Plants in Australia'. Eds D. J. and G. M. Carr. (1990). (Academic Press: Sydney). Mueller. Baron F. Von. (1889). 'Second Systematic 2 This remains current practise. Census of Australian Plants, with chronologic, liter-

ary and geographic annotations: Part 1 Vasculares/ 3 The most likely reason for this would be By BFVM. Melbourne'. (Melbourne: Printed for the reclassification, but it is not listed even as a Victorian Government by McCarron. Bird & Co). previous species name. Rae-Ellis, V. (1979). 'Louisa Anne Meredith: a Tigress in Exile'. (St Davis Park Publishing: References Hobart). 'Ideas and Allen, D.E. (1980). The Women Members of the Robertson, E. L. (1986). 'Botany'. In in South Botanical Society of London, 1836-1856. The Endeavours: The Natural Sciences C.R. Twidale, M. J. Tyler and M. British Journal for the History of Science 13, 240- Australia'. Eds of South Australia: Adelaide. 254. Davies. (Royal Society (1993). 'A Woman in the Wilderness. The Atkinson, L. (1978 [1860s]). A Winter's Garland. In Sumner, R. Amalie Dietrich in Australia'. (University 'A Voice From the Country'. (Mulini: Canberra). Story of South Wales Press: Kensington. New South Carr, D.J. (1981). The Contribution of Women to of New Australian Botany. In 'People and Plants in Wales). Swann, M. (1929). Mrs Meredith and Miss Atkinson, Australia'. Eds D. J. and G. M. Carr. (Academic Writers and Naturalists. Royal Australian Historical Press: Sydney). -29. Journal and Proceedings XV. 1 Hasluck, A. (1990). 'Portrait with Background'. Society Windschuttle, E. (1988). 'Taste and Science: The (Frcmantle Arts Centre Press: Penh). Macleay Women'. (Historic Houses Trust: Glebe, Kraehenbuehl, D. N. (1981). Jessie Louisa Hussey. In New South Wales). •People and Plants in Australia'. Eds D.J. and CM Carr. (Academic Press: Sydney). Lines, W.J. (1994). 'An All Consuming Passion: Origins, Modernity and the Australian Life of Georgiana Molloy'. (Allen & Unwin: Sydney).

187 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

Sarah Theresa Brooks - Plant collector for Ferdinand Mueller

Barbara Archer' ;mcl Sara Maroske

Tin- BrookB family were pioneers of the 10 August 1855. Later the school was Israelite Hay and Ml Ragged region in conducted at 39 Skene Street, Geelong in

Western Australia. They were like other partnership with a Mrs Edgar. It may have European pioneers in that they were will- been in the classrooms of this school that ing and able to endure great hardships in Sarah's interest in botany was first awak- pursuit Of their dreams for a bettei life, hut ened. Her brother, John, attended Geelong the Brooks were set apart from their peers < Irammar School when it first occupied its by the fact that at least one member of the central Geelong site in 1863. The earlier family. Sarah, made lime, amid what must was in Skene Street opposite the have Ik-cm arduous ami demanding daily Brooks's family home. John may have chores, to collect plants. She was in fact a attended a private school prior to that date. member of the great network of collectors Sarah also attended drawing lessons with established around Australia in the last Bdmund Sasse the art master of Oeelong century by the Government Botanist of ( Irammar School for a number of years Victoria, Baron Ferdinand von Mueller. (Oldham 1974). i in. detail is barely if evei mentioned in After an unsuccessful dairy-farm ven- accounts of Brooks's life, and yet surely it ture near l.ilydale east of Melbourne the makes her story as a pioneer all the more family moved to Western Australia in remarkable 1 873. They were influenced in their deci- Sarah [Tieresa Brooks was born in the sion by the generous land offers made in ship Harplty, while it was tied up at this year by the Western Australian

II.iiIhiiii I ii)'l;niil 1'lymoulh , The date was Government which was eager to attract i") September 18S0, just days before the new settlers. John Brooks had also heard

l Australia on 24 from a sailor that the land about Esperance Harpl \ di parture for September. On hoard were Sarah's par- was 'beautiful, grassy country' and unoc- ents. Henry Perby Brooks and Emily cupied (( !anberra 1927).

Henrietta nee Donovan, and her brother I i in an initial base at Albany. John lohn Paul who was in .11 |y three Thev Biooks applied loi .1 flee lease of 100,000 were also accompanied by Mrs Brooks, 11 l perancc Bay in March 1874 sister, M.uv lane Donovan (Willis, n.d.a (Eric* ion 1978, Rintoul 1964). He and his unpubl., South Australian Register 1 s s i ), family then determined to set out for their

i in- It Harplty arrived at Melbourne I new home by foot, was such a remarkable Vdelaidi ) "M 3 1 January 1 83 1 (Syme proposition, even for the tough days

1987). The familj settled at I leelong and of early European settlement, that it Mr BrOOkS travelled I" Melbourne I" pre received notice in the Albany Herald: «nt tetters ol Introdui don in ordei to gain A somewhat extraordinary expedition employment I fnfortunately he contracted left here lately with the intention malignant typhoid on this journej md ot making the overland journey to died ii the age of 24 in April 1851 leaving I perance Bay. The parly consisted his young « idow w ith two children to "l .1 in. in named Brooks with his support Mi' Brooks's listei married in mothei and sister, ... The women and

i i tin intend walkin;; (he 1854 family i in le still Put the man whole e t(HI miles thei (Oldham l! disi.im about with an

i [ndaunted, Mrs Brooks opened a da} occasional lift in the cart. ... It is school in Pakington Street, Geelong, and hoped the} maj Slu i eed in accom-

Sarah hersell < omineni ed elas there "ii plishing their undertaking, but 1 should not he surprised to learn "I a W \ M 10

• police sent search for and i| part} t0 ntof Hlitoi d i

uii I Ii 1 vli I0S2, .•in them.' (Albany Herald

188 The \ icloikiii \;ilui;ilisl Mueller Issue

Balbinia

N Pine Hill Station

10 20

miles bussed Ml Ragged

Esperance Lynbourne Station

"4.

~V6 J «r % J.0*

Australia. Fig. 1. Map of part of the south coast of Western bivouacked during his exploring expe- 1874). had The Brooks family successfully dition of the Hampton Plains in 1871 (Fig. Brooks 1888, Esperance reached Esperance Bay in early May and 2) (Forrest 1872, Museum n.d. unpubl). walked along the coast to Thomas River. Municipal the Israelite Bay The two women rested near Campbell Sarah remained at settlement, a popular figure with the Taylor's home station, Lynbourne, while Telegraph Station officials and their John took a small party and walked on to wives. She painted landscapes, played the Eucla. He found the Muir family already and sang. She is also reputed to established on pastoral leases and piano have been fluent in seven languages which returned, disappointed in his venture, to deduced from the fact that Later in 1874 the may have been Lynbourne Station. giving she painted a prayer scroll in oils Brooks moved on to Point Malcolm where a few they settled and built 'Marlburnup' miles west of Point Malcolm (Fig.l) (Oldham 1975, Esperance Municipal Museum n.d. unpubl.). lineman In 1877 John became the first Station and at the Israelite Bay Telegraph pastoral leases. the family relinquished its named They moved into a stone house Bay Waratah which was built at Israelite John and and lived there until 1883 when Mrs Brooks moved to Balbinia Station earlier which they had taken up a year Municipal (Dimer 1989, Esperance 1933). Museum n.d. unpubl., Stevens ruins, remains of fire- km (ou Fig. 2. Balbinia station Balbinia was a watering place 97 Forrest place. miles) inland at which Alexander

189 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue the Lord's Prayer in this number of lan- 1918), Diana Bunbury (1811-98), Mary guages (Brooks n.d. unpubl.). Mr Karl Walter nee Cronin (1871-1971), Nellie Dimer (formerly of Nanambinia Station) Davey, Louisa Clarke nee Franklyn, Mrs recalled that her journal was written in Gale, Clara Ryan nee Graham, Margaret either Greek or Hebrew. Unfortunately Forrest n6c Hamersley (1844-1929), Mary this journal was mislaid in the early 1950s McHard nee Jones (1826-1912), Ann (Dimer, K. 1996 pers. coram. 29 Knight nee McKail (1840-1904), Amelia February). With youth and such talents on (Mildred) Bunbury nee Pries (1863-1956), her side she must have been attractive to Geraldine Sewell (1861-1900), Julia the young men of the district and she evi- Sewell (1847-1914), Miss Toll, Alice dently received several proposals of mar- Heal nee Eaton (1870-1932), Martha Heal riage, but declined to accept any of them nee Eaton (1868-1941), and Mary Rogers (Esperance Municipal Museum n.d. nee Warburton b. 1851 (Pearson and unpubl). Davis n.d. unpubl.).

In 1 883 Sarah happened upon an offer Sarah's interest must have been in the West Australian which she was pricked by Mueller's words in the West happy to accept. It was an appeal by Australian, and his plea was given Baron Ferdinand von Mueller to settlers in urgency by the sense he had of imminent

outlying districts to assist in his botanical demise (as it happened he lived for anoth- researches. The West Australian felt it er 13 years). As Sarah read on, however, could do no better than to print the she could have been forgiven for thinking Baron's own words, which begged the that the West Australian had her in mind

newspaper to: when it added: 'urge inland and northern and far 'There are already many ladies living eastern settlers to induce the natives in these far distant parts of the to bring, in baskets, specimens of all colony, bereft, to a great extent, of sorts of plants, to be dried at the sta- those intellectual resources to which tions and forwarded to me by post. many of them have been accustomed. The small expenditure required for And upon these ladies, in particular,

barter articles I would gladly refund. we would impress the interest they The minutest annuals should not be might derive from actively aiding our overlooked on such occasions. great Australian botanist in his valu-

Perhaps I may not live many years to able scientific researches. Much has

carry on my investigations and I been done in this way by the ladies in should like so much to give the fin- the settled districts and a still larger ishing stroke for the elaboration of field for similar work is opened for the rich and varied flora of Western those who have followed husbands

Australia before I pass away.' (West and brothers into the remote and less Australian 1883). known portions of this vast territory.' Mueller was the Government Botanist (West Australian 1883). of Victoria but his true field of endeavour Mueller's advertisement was timed to was the whole of Australia. He made coincide with the start of Spring flowering extensive collecting trips himself, includ- and Sarah was able to begin collecting ing two visits to Western Australia in immediately. On 5 November she had 1867, 1877-8, but relied heavily on col- enough specimens prepared to send a lectors to be his eyes and hands in remote batch to Mueller. Her letter was a brief areas (Willis 1949). Mueller placed a almost terse document, and oddly stilted number of advertisements in Western by being written in the third person. Australian newspapers (Hamersley 1981) Perhaps she lacked confidence in how her and through these and other means was efforts would be received. successful in building up a substantial net- 'Miss Brooks presents her compli- work of Western Australian collectors. ments to Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller's women collectors in Western Mueller and begs to state that in con- Australia included; Mary Wilkins nee sequence of a paragraph in the West Adams (1873-1931), Ellen Best (1842- Australian newspaper she has dried

190 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

and now forwards some plants she hoped may prove useful.' (Brooks ffoL O-TYPE \m3unpubl). Mueller replied in person on 9 PHYTOLOGIC MUSEUM OF MELBOURNE, 7 November and judging by the number of collections at the National Herbarium of Victoria (see Appendix) this letter was the first in what must have been a long and regular correspondence with Sarah. Unfortunately her initial letter is the only BATiOS TODD. VOX IIUKMH, PH. 4 1LD. part of it known to survive. £2 d t^i From 1883 Sarah collected plants

(incuding algae), and fungi in the region Fig. 4. Scaevola brooksiana specimen label of Israelite Bay and Russell Range (Mt (Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne).

Ragged) of far SE Western Australia (see 1 884). The second was Hakea brooksiana Appendix). The old labels on her speci- F.Muell. which Sarah found at or towards mens at the National Herbarium of Mt Ragged (Fig. 5, Mueller 1886). Victoria mis-spell her name as 'Brooke', Mueller sent Sarah's algae collections to an understandable error given the appear- the famous Swedish phycologist J.G. ance of the V she formed at the end of Agardh and he named Rhodophyllis words (Fig. 3). brooksiana J. Agardh in her honour The value which Mueller placed on (Agardh 1890). The mis-spelling of Sarah's work is in part revealed by the fact Sarah's name on herbarium labels was that he named two plants for her. The first repeated in the original spelling of the spe- was Scaevola brooksiana F.Muell. which cific epithets erected in her honour (i.e. Sarah discovered in the vicinity of 'brookeana'). Israelite Bay. Mueller called it a 'pretty Like-minded companions must have and remarkable plant' (Fig. 4. .Mueller been few for Sarah in the remote Israelite Bay region, but in her brother and mother she had at least two people to share her scientific curiosity. Both Mrs Brooks and John seem to have collected plants for Mueller although not in the same quantities as Sarah. Some of the specimen labels at the National Herbarium of Victoria des-

- ^^

II Flo*. Kaiml- ; ,' F i „ . ^£L | brooksiana (Diels and Pitzel Baron Fig. 5 Hakea Fie. 3. Sarah Brooks's letter to 1883. 1904). Ferdinand von Mueller, 5 November

191 Vol. 113(4)1996 Miirlln Issue ij'M.iir Mi:. Brooki' as the collectoi rather John was also clearly a competent than 'Miss Brooks' icy,, I .andci l')K8). author, and In IK'M he wrote a very long John iiiso made a number <>i exploratory and detailed letter to Mueller on the natur- lortiei In the sw ol Western Australia, al features Oi Kiaelite Bay 'I have,' he ostensibly In search "i grazing country, declared, 'through Miss Brooke |sic|, inn also clearly wiih his eyes open to sd 'your assurance thai this spol has special entitle phenomenona, in i h /s he travelli d interest to the botanist, and I have my own mi. mil Ihiiii Israelite May to Mi Brooks conviction that ii must have on equal inter and eventually beyond Lake Roe, This est to the geologist. Die m.it -otologist, and |ourney was accomplished with the aid perhaps the geographer.' Mueller submit- 'inly of u pocket compass and the com ted the letter to the sixth meeting of the pany of a local farmer, Stephen Ponton, Australasian Association foi the and an ahoi Iginal guide, Black Hen. Advancement ol Science held in Brisbane

According to Sarah, Braes) Giles came in IK')*!, and it was published as pan ol upon theli narks vviu-n crossing the WA the proceedingi foi So tion on Geography

• ill desert In I k/*» brooks 1888. Hamersli (of which Mueller was lent)

I *>k i ). a comparison ol the routes of John (Brooks 1895). and Giles Indicates that their paths must Like many of Mueller's collectors, Sarah

. have crossed somewhere between Victoria seems to have eased t ollecting plants

Spring and Lake Koe (big. I.) (Gill alter his death in 18%. It is a testimony to

l ISK'J. Brooks 1888, Hamersley i »«l). Mueller's energy and enthusiasm that no in ikko Sarah joined John on an expedi- on. was able to take his place in managing tion, it was a remarkable foal for her the network of his collectors. because since arriving in the district she In 1898 fire destroyed Waratah and 'had not journeyed further than Mi Sarah moved to Halbinia Station She Ragged', The brothei and mniii team sol shored a limestone cottage with her moth OUt from Israeliir Ilav towards a peak in cr while John lived nearby in a granite the Hampton Range known as 'The home. Mis Brooks died in I'M 1 .ill. i ('Mils', noting the abundance Ol poison being confined to a sofa foi muny years plants all the way up to the top oi the hill. and was buried in the ort hard (Dimer From here they headed to Mi Rag 1989), Which the local Aborigines nevei climbed Sarah continued to express her interest ioi "i ^ plain-, into old a;., (lie oi Ii feu being i tru< down by invisible m

I'M lis aiici being told of the Brooks' ol Ii, i impressions on a dip to I', nh in Successful ascent the Aborigines hi observed explained il by saying that the spun, would only attack blaek people I mm Mt Ragged Sarah and John navellcd to Pine itiii. ih, ii eastward through Bucalypi woodland tO Halbinia. and noilh through Increasingly arid country, finally ending in Hat salt bush country broken up with oni) occasional specimens of I'iitoxfiorum phylllratotdts (Brooks 1888, Hamersley 1981), Sarah observations on this and lohn's earlier 1875 trip were published along with detailed map in Ptttrmann's OtOgraphi.M /ic Miiiriliin^rn. a (ieriiian

igraphli a] mags Ine i Brooks 1888, Hamersley 1981), August. Petermonn was a long-time correspondent ol Muellei and no doubl Mueller facilitated the publics

Hon and possibly even translated Sarah KIr.6. Siinih Theresa Brooks, n d, (Bsp Munit Ipal account Into ( lerman, Mu*

192 I he \ idoi i.ui Naturalist )

Mueller Issue

'Coming back to civilisation after 50 plant names, and possibly, as he did with years I was frequently asked what other collectors, also made her gifts of struck me most and I always replied, garden seeds (Hamcrsley 1981), Remnants the beauty of the flowers. first We of the orchard at Balbinia include a fig met them along the railway as we and mulberry tree, and the Brooks's rose app-roached Perth the lovely blue 'Konigen von Denmark' still flourishes. lace flowers and the gorgeous orange plumes of the Christmas trees.' Acknowledgments (Brooks 1928). We thank Jim Ross lor encouraging us to undertake this project and for providing infor- She suffered a stroke in 1 928 and was mation on the Brooks specimens al the National hospitalized in Norseman. On a visit to the Herbarium of Victoria. Dorothy Andn* (Curator district, Premier Collier called in to see Esperance Municipal Museum) assisted us with her and was met with the remark, 'Well, 1 Brooks records and photographs. The suppose you have come to see the last of Esperance Shire Council granted us permission the dinothoriums'. She died on 23 to use the photographs and notes. Karl Dimer generously shared his knowledge about the September 1928 aged 78 and was buried Brooks family and gave permission to photo in the Norseman Cemetery. In 1974 a graph material in his possession. Susan Mildred Memorial Tablet was placed on her grave (Morllock Library, Adelaide), and Fred by the Royal Western Australian Atherton provided information on the Horpley, Historical Society and the Norseman Thanks also to William Archer for the use of photographs and visits to Balbinia Sialion, and Historical and Geological Museum. to Tom May lor his encouragement and com John lived to 20 May 1930 when he ments on various drafts. died of exposure after being found in the bush a couple of kilometres from his References home. He was buried in the orchard at Agardh, J. G. (1890). 'Till Algcrnes Systematic' (Berlingska Bokrtvckcri: Lund). Balbinia. In the Lions Club of 1975 Albany Herald (WA). II April (IS'l.S). Esperance restored and marked his resting Brooks Igivcn as Brooke |, J. P. Natural fea- of Israelite Bay. Report of the sixth muting of place. tures the Australasian Association for the Advancement OJf for The Dirner family won the tender ScitiKt. 561-69, John's stock, equipment and possessions. Brooks, S. (18S3). umpuhl. letter to P, Mueller. J November 1883, RB MSS Ml. Library. Royal these items have been carefully Many of Botanic Gardens, Melbourne). preserved. Some of the furniture is used to Brooks Igivcn as Brookcf S. (1888). Ein Ausflug in westaustralische Willie, I'etrimnnns this day. Balbinia was abandoned and die Qeographische Mitteilungen. 26-28. In 1975 a bronze reverted to the crown. Brooks, S. (1928). Sunday Times. 29 April. memorial was placed on the homestead by Brooks, S. (n.d.). Prayer scroll, [unpubi scroll in pos- WAl. Historical session Karl Dimer, Kalgoolic. 1 1 if Royal Western Australian Canberra (19271 Sunday Times. 27 November. Esperance Municipal early history of Balladonia. Society and the Crocker, A. B ( 1954), the Journal Museum (Dimer 1989). Ih, Western Australian Historical Society II Crocker of Balladonia Station has and Proceedings. 4(6), Mrs Diels, L. And Pritzel, B, (1904). Fragmcnla phy- written 'Miss Brooks came to the district lographiac Australiac occidentalis. Hoiamu he Systematik P/lantengesshJchU unJ as a charming and accomplished young jahrbticher fiir Pftanzengeographie 35, 55-662. her sweetness on (K. Dimer: woman and truly wasted Dirner, K. (1989). 'Elsewhere Fine.' 1 the desert air (Crocker 1954). This state- Kalgoolie). (1978) 'The Dempsters. (University ol ment could only be taken as true if Sarah's Erickson, R. Western Australia Press: Perth disregarded. [unpunl collecting was completely Esperance Municipal Museum (n.d.). Notes, and Municipal Museum, Esperance). ih a woman of wide interests notes EiperMCe was ol an Forrest. A. (1872). 'Journal of Proceedings her receptive to and talents which made Exploring Expedition to the Eastward Mueller's requesi for assistance in his Southward of the Hampton Plains (...). one (Government Printer: Perth). botanical research. She in fact became (1875). 'Journal of Proceedings of the collectors in Forrest J. of bis tnosl prolific plant Western Australian Exploring Expedition („). Ion Printer: Perth). tern Australia, and her coll (Government Twice Traversed. 2 vols. knowledge ! (J889). 'Australia 1 to

1 contribution mad. ting (Sampson Low. Marslon. Searle & Rivinglon: flora. Mueller ., i rn Australian and society in the than M. J. (1981). Botany ,„,i to pay for more Hamcrs'lev, in a position 'People and Plants in like "s^n River Colony. In of a collector and S.G.M. Carr. the small expenses Australia'. Eds D.J. Carr and did honour her in 1 could 1 but he m Vol. 113(4) I Wo .

(Academic Press: Sydney). 259-79. Pearson and Davis (n.d.) 'Pearson/Davis Biographical Lander, N. S. (1987). Collections of Lawrencia Hook. Collection' (unpubl., Library, Royal Botanic destroyed by fire, April 1984. Kingia. 1 (1), 1-8. Gardens, Melbourne).

Mueller, F. ( 1 884). Brief record of a new Scaevola. Rintoul, J. (1964). 'Esperance Yesterday and Today.' The Victorian Naturalist 1, 122-4. (Esperance Shire Council: Esperance). Mueller, F. (1886). New Australian plants. South Australian Register (\85\). 16 January. Australasian Journal of Pharmacy 1, 429-31 Stevens, G. P. (1933) The East West Telegraph 1875- Mueller, F. and Tate, R. (11896]). Botany. 7. The Western Australian Historical Society (Phanerogams and Vascular Cryptogams. loumals and Proceedings. 2 (8), 30-31. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia. jine, M.A. (1987). 'Shipping Arrivals and 16, 333-86. Departures. Victorian Ports.' 2: 1846-1855. Oldham, R. (1974). The Brooks family of Israelite Bay (Roebuck Society Publication No. 39: Melbourne).

and Balbinia Station. Part 1 Early Days Journals West Australian (1883). 24 July. and Proceedings the Royal Western Australian Willis, J.H. (n.d.a). Brooks, Miss Sarah Theresa C. Historical Society. 7 (5). (unpubl. biographical notes, Pearson/Davis Oldham, R. (1975). The Brooks family of Israelite Bay Biographical Collection, Library, Royal Botanic and Balbinia Station. Part 2. Early Days Journals Gardens, Melbourne). and Proceedings The Royal Western Australian Willis, J.H. (n.d.b). Leg. Miss Brooks, (unpubl. notes. Historical Society. 7 (6). Library, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne). Orchard, A.E. (1993). Gonocarpus pyenostachus Willis, M. (1949). 'By their Fruits. A life of Ferdinand (F.Muell. )Orch. (Haloragaceae) rediscovered. von Mueller (...).' (Angus and Robertson: Sydney). Muelleria. 8. 27-29.

Appendix: A select list of Sarah Brooks' plant and fungi collections at the National Herbarium of Victoria (MEL), based on (Willis n.d.b unpubl.) with additions.

Plants Eucalyptus scyphocalyx (F.Muell. ex Benth.) Acacia osswaldii F.Muell. Maiden & Blakely. N of Mt Ragged, 1889 Acacia 'salicina' Lindl. Israelite Bay. (MEL 1008919). Athrixia muttieeps (A.Gray) Benth. Israelite Eucalyptus tetraptera Turcz. Israelite Bay, Bay. 1884 (MEL 706096). Atriplex cinerea Poir. Israelite Bay. Eucalyptus uncinata Turcz. Israelite Bay, 1885 Atriplex stipitata Benth. Half-way between Mt (MEL 705705). Ragged and Victoria Spring, 1886 (MEL Gonocarpus pyenostachys (F.Muell.) Orch. 608065). Near Israelite Bay. Type collection Atriplex vesicaria Benth. Half-way between Mt (Orchard 1993). Ragged and Victoria Spring, 1886 (MEL Goodia medicaginea F.Muell. N of Mt Ragged, 608112, MEL 6081 13). 1889 (MEL 1058265), near Mt Ragged, Atriplex vesicaria Heward ex Benth. ssp vari- 1890 (MEL 1058272). abilis Parr-Smith. Half-way between Mt Hakea brookseana F.Muell (Mueller 1886). Ragged and Victoria Spring, 1886 (MEL Helipterum hyalospermum F.Muell. ex Benth. 608130, MEL 608133). Mt Ragged. Bossiuea preissii Meisn. Israelite Bay, Dec. *Lawrencia glomerata Hook. Israelite Bay, 1884, 1885, 1893. Near Israelite Bay, Dec. 1883, 1884. 1884 (MEL). *Lawrencia squamata Nees ex Miq. Israelite Caltitris dmmmondii (Pari.) F.Muell. NW base Bay, 1885. of Mt Ragged. Israelite Bay, 1894 (MEL Nematolepis phebalioides Turcz. Near Mt 226799, 226800). Ragged. Callitris roei (Endl.) F.Muell. Israelite Bay. Neurachne alopecuroidea R.Br. Israelite Bay. Codonocarpus cotinifolius (Dcsf.) F.Muell. N Microlepidium pilosulum F.Muell. Israelite of Mt Ragged. Bay, 1885 (MEL 10936). Conospermun distichum R.Br. Israelite Bay Millotia tenuifolia Cass. Near Israelite Bay. (Mueller & Tate (1896]). Phebalium lepidotum (Turcz). NW base of Mt Danvinia diosmoides (DC) Benth. Israelite Bay Ragged. (Mueller & Tate [1996]). Podolepis capillaris (Steetz) Diels. Half-way Dodonaea ceratocarpa Endl. Mt Ragged. between Mt Ragged and Victoria Spring. Dodonaea lobulata F.Muell. Beyond Mt Scaevola brookseana F.Muell. (Mueller 1 884). Ragged. Swainsona oliveri F.Muell. Half-way between Eucalyptus angulosa Schauer. Israelite Bay, Mt Ragged and Victoria Spring. 1885 (MEL 1607395). Templetonia batlii F.Muell. N of Mt Ragged, Eucalyptus angustissima F.Muell. Israelite 1889 (MEL). Bay, 1885 (MEL 1607517). Vittadinia blackii N.Burb. Half-way between Eucalyptus eremophila (Diels) Maiden. North Mt Ragged and Victoria Spring. of Mt Ragged, 1889 (MEL 1613484). Eucalyptus kruseana F.Muell. Hampton Plains, Fungi 1890 (MEL 708038). Polyporus basilapiloides (McAlpine & Tepper) Eucalyptus litorea Brooker & Hopper. Israelite Lloyd. Eyre Botanical District, Israelite Bay. 1884 (MEL 1607276). Bay, 1893 (MEL 2015815).

* Collections of Sarah Brooks from the National Herbarium of Victoria, which were destroyed by fire in a road accident in 1984 (Lander 1987).

194 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Mueller and Personal Names in Zoology and Palaeontology

Thomas A. Darragh 1 Abstract This paper discusses the naming of species after Ferdinand Mueller in zoology and palaeontology and Mueller's role in naming fossil plants. (The Victorian Naturalist 113, 1996.195-197)

The use of personal names in botanical botanist as well as a palaeontologist, after and zoological nomenclature goes back to whom Mueller named seven plants, dedi- the beginnings of the naming of animals cated Semicassis muelleri, a gastropod and plants. Species have been named after from the Lower Pliocene of Victoria, to persons for all kinds of reasons. It is tradi- 'Baron Sir F. von Mueller as a public tional to name a species after its collector, mark of recognition of his contributions to or to honour some other scientist, particu- the phytology of the Australian Tertiary appreciated larly one who has made substantial contri- Period' (Tate 1889). Mueller butions in that particular discipline. 'most highly the honor of your connecting and Sometimes names are given to species to my name now with conchology" sentiments honour one's friends. In many cases, the most gratefully recognize the dedication' (Mueller recipient of such an honour reciprocated which induced this phytological contribu- when the chance came. Though it is 1889). Mueller's below. This seems frowned upon as lacking in taste, some tions will be mentioned example of a mollusc, either egoists have even named species after to be the only named after him, and the themselves. Some taxonomists have used fossil or living, invertebrate named for Mueller names for political purposes to enhance only other to be the insect described by P. their own status or position. In this, Baron seem Phalacrognathus muelleri Ferdinand von Mueller was no exception. Dattari in 1886, (see Dwyer this volume), perhaps because As a taxonomist describing new species he did not himself collect anything new or he was in a position to dispense honours because he made no contributions in other through naming and, of course, he was in fellow scientists, others disciplines. Possibly his a position to receive them through respecting him, did not particularly naming species after him. The epithet though like him. For instance, his colleague is common one, so tracking muelleri a McCoy, who named Mueller is Professor Frederick down all those that pertain to including fossil plants, after This brief survey has many fossils, not an easy task. colleagues, collectors and other scientific most of the Australian sources but covered Mueller, even though certainly did not so honour the species mentioned here are Mueller named a fossil fruit after him. not all that bear his name. alleged to In one instance Mueller is speci- have collected an important mollusc Zoology McCoy the name it received from Mueller was a very famous sci- men but Though The circumstances sur- contact with many was not Mueller's. entist in his time and in specimen few rounding the origin of this non-botanical taxonomists, there are named Valuta roadnightae, are unusual outside botany described by species remark. In 1881 McCoy his name. and worthy of Australian scientists which bear was Valuta roadnightae, which Mueller's death, William M. named Long after whom I have 'found by Mrs Roadnight, to fellow member of The Field Bale, a pleasure of dedicating it, three named a liv- had the Naturalists Club of Victoria, resembles the it somewhat muelleri, which years ago,... ing hydroid, Sertullaria McCoy, a fact fossil Valuta Hannafordi, at Encounter Bay, Mueller had collected escape Mrs Roadnight s Bale (Bale which did not South Australia, and gave to No mention ol notice' (McCoy 1881). Professor Ralph Tate ol 1913) In 1889, ye. in 1899, Mrs Agnes talented Mueller here, University of Adelaide, a the Kenyon recorded: Melbourne, Vic.ona Museum of Victoria, Box 666E 3001.

195 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

'The first and type specimen of this Australian Museum that 'They generously rare and beautiful Volute came to named the animal after me... Nevertheless light in a very curious and unexpect- it may only be a variety of D.

ed manner, as it was discovered by Lumhollzii... You will see the full notes in chance by the late Baron Sir the next issue of the Victorian Naturalist' Ferdinand von Mueller, the (Mueller 1891). Alas for Mueller! The Government Botanist for Victoria, specimen must have proved to be of the who, when holiday-making at the existing species because when the report Lake's Entrance, Gippsland, south of the meeting was published in coast of Victoria, happened to notice September in The Victorian Naturalist a shell which was being used for the (vol. 8, no. 5, p. 66) the note including the purpose of propping up his bedroom name was omitted and it was merely window at the hotel. Although in a reported that the note was read and the broken and mutilated condition it skin exhibited. appeared new to him, and he there- It is not surprising that German speaking fore obtained possession of it, and scientists were among those who named

ascertained that it had been found by species for Mueller, particularly because Mrs. Roadnight, the landlord's moth- he sent so much zoological material to er, some years previously, in the German museums. As part of his efforts to vicinity of Red Bluff on the Ninety- secure his Wurtemberg titles, Mueller sent mile beach. Upon his return to enormous collections to the Stuttgart Melbourne, he placed the shell in the Natural History Museum. At least three hands of the late Sir Frederick species of Australian fish McCoy,...' (Kenyon 1899). (Pseudorhornbus muelleri Klunzinger 1872; Synaptura muelleri Steindachner If one can judge from the errors in the 1879; Leptobrama muelleri Steindachner article (Spencer 1901 ) and in the localities 1878) and three species of reptiles from which Mrs Kenyon, a shell collector, (Phaneropis muelleri Fischer 1881; alleged some of her shells came, this story Hoplocephalus muelleri Fischer 1885; may have been exaggerated or erroneous Hinulia muelleri Fischer 1 882) from these and it does not agree with McCoy's collections were named after him. remarks (McCoy 1881). It is extremely unlikely that Mueller would have recog- Paleobotany nised the shell as new, though he may In the field of palaeobotany, there are Mueller's very well have conveyed it to Melbourne several species that bear name. for Mrs Roadnight. Unfortunately there R.M. Johnston (1885) named a rather are no records in the Museum concerning problematic fossil which he alleged to be a its acquisition which throw light on its ori- cone of Lepidodendron as Lepidostrobus gin, except that they show McCoy himself muelleri, and was in Gippsland at The Narrows on the Henry Deane (1902a, b) named Sterculia Gippsland Lakes in November 1878 and muelleri, Mollinedia muelleri, Eucalyptus could have been given the shell during his muelleri and Tristenites muelleri in papers visit. in which he honoured a number of In July 1891, an attempt by Mueller's palaeontologists and geologists. Both fellow Club members and associates, these workers had their names used for Charles French and J.G. Luehmann, to plants by Mueller. honour Mueller by naming a new species The Austrian palaeobotanist, Constantin of the Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus failed. Ettingshausen, who monographed the The skin was exhibited and a brief note Tertiary plants of New South Wales, with the name mentioned was read at the named three taxa, Elaeocarpus muelleri, meeting of The Field Naturalists Club of Fagus muelleri and Anomozamites muelleri (Ettingshausen 1888). He also named Victoria held on 1 3 July 1 89 1 and reported in the Argus next day (page 6). Mueller Alnus muelleri (1883), and in turn, proudly informed Edward Ramsay of the Mueller named a Gentian after

196 The Victorian Naturalist : Mueller Issue

Ettingshausen. August Schenk of Leipzig to shore up his position as Government University described Phyllocladus muel- Botanist or, at least, to curry favour and leri from specimens of fossil wood sent to support for his activities. him by Mueller (Schenk in Schimper and Schenk 1890). The collector of the wood, Acknowledgments Ferdinand Krause of Ballarat, was not 1 thank Sara Maroske, Helen Cohn and David mentioned or honoured. Holloway for commenting on the manuscript, and John Coventry for providing reptile refer- Mueller was not a palaeontologist, nevertheless, when large collections of fossil fruits were found in the deep leads of the References Haddon district near Ballarat, at Chiltern, Bale, W.M. (1913). Further notes on Australian hydroids. 2. Proceedings Beechworth and Tanjil, and sent to the of the Royal Society of Victoria 26, 1 14-147. pis. 12-13. Mining Department, Robert Brough Deane. H. (1902a). Notes on the fossil flora of Pitfield Smyth, Secretary for Mines turned to and Momington. Records of the Geological Survey Victoria 1,15-20, pis. 1-2. Mueller to describe them. They were of Deane, H. (1902b). Notes on the fossil flora of described in a series of papers published Berwick. Records of the Geological Survey of in the Reports of the Mining Surveyors Victoria 1,21-32, pis. 3-7. Ettingshausen. C. von (1883). Beitrage zur Kenntniss and Registrars from 1871 to 1874 and der Tertiar-flora Australiens. Denkschrift der then in a collected work in 1874, kbniglichen Akademie der Wissenschaften Wien Observations on new vegetable fossils of (Math-nat. CI.) 47, 101-148. Ettingshausen, C. von (1888). Contributions to the the Auriferous Drifts, using the same Tertiary Flora of Australia. Memoirs of the plates. A further series of papers dealing Geological Survey of New South Wales. Palaeontology 2. with Victorian and New South Wales fos- Johnston. R.M. (1885). Discovery of a cone, probably sil fruits appeared from 1875 to 1879 and of a species of Lepidostrobus in the sandstones of were republished using the same plates in Campania. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania for 1884, 225, pi. previous title 1883 as Decade 2 of the Kenyon, A. (1899). Note on Valuta roadnightae (Mueller 1874, 1883). McCoy. Proceedings of the Malacological Society i, Of the 16 names given in the 1873 pub- 267. McCoy, F. (1881). Description of a new volute from four lication, one was for R.B. Smyth, and the South Coast of Australia. Annals and Magazine were for politicians who had occupied the of Natural History series 5, 8, 88-9, pi. 8. Mueller, F. (1874). Observations on New Vegetable office of Minister of Mines. In the 1883 Fossils of the Auriferous Drifts. (Geological Survey publication, there were 15 names, one of of Victoria: Melbourne). on New Vegetable which was for the then Secretary of Mueller, F. (1883). Observations the Auriferous Drifts. Second Decade. and one for Fossils of Mines, Thomas Couchman, (Geological Survev of Victoria: Melbourne). Barr Smith the then Minister of Mines, W. Collard Mueller, F. (1 889). Letter to Ralph Tate, University of Adelaide (transcript kindly Smith. When dedicating Trematocaryon Library. provided by Sara Maroske). that it Mitchell mclellani, Mueller (1873) wrote Mueller F (1891). Letter to Edward Ramsay. MSS 562 (transcript kindly was dedicated to Library, Sydney. ML provided by Sara Maroske). 'the Honorable William McLellan, A. (1890) Schenk, A. in Schimper, W.P. and Schenk. der M.L.A., for several years Minister of Palaeophytologie. In K.A. Zittel Handbuch under whose Palaeontologie 2. (Munchcn, Leipzig). the Mining Department, Type-speci- Spencer, W.B. (1901). On the fate of the unpretensive essay has the authority this men of Valuta roadnightae. Proceedings of passed to publicity. This dedication is Malacological Society 4,184. the Older Ternary mark of Tate R (1889). The gastropods ol also intended as a public Transactions of the Royal of Australia (part II). which this 116-174. pis. 2-10. recognition of the support, Society of South Australia, 11, respected gentleman in his legislative position has always accorded to the labours of the writer.' Mueller's dedications to other the As Ministers were equally obsequious. before these publications were written just as and just after Mueller's removal 1873, Director of the Botanic Gardens in the dedications it is possible that he made

197 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

Mueller - Champion of Victoria's Giant trees

Bernard Mace'

In the year 1895, botanist A. D. Hardy amygdalina as occurs in more open (Hardy 1921) accompanied by the famous country. This species or variety, photographer J. M. Lindt led a party of which might be called Euc. regnans, people to the location of an enormous represents the loftiest tree in the specimen of Australia's tallest tree, the British territory, and ranks next to the Mountain Ash Eucalyptus regnans, on Sequoia Wellingtonia in size any- Mount Monda near Healesville. The party where on the globe.' consisted mainly of members of the Later events persuaded him to revise this Geographical Society, and world famous size ranking and to claim giant specimens botanist Baron Ferdinand von Mueller. of the Mountain Ash to be the tallest trees Hardy respectfully named it the 'Mueller in the world. Mueller was an unabashed Tree' in honour of his colleague, even enthusiast for the giant Mountain Ash, but though 'the Baron' had wandered off on he was also acutely aware that they were a his own private botanical excursion and rapidly disappearing feature of the was not present to witness the occasion. Australian landscape. The plight of the This magnificent tree was later mea- forests in general was already a cause for sured accurately - 64 feet (19.7 metres) concern in the late 1800s. circumference at 6 feet ( 1 .8 metres) above From the earliest days of European set- ground level, and height of 307 feet (94.5 tlement in Victoria, the forests were metres). In the 1930s this same tree was exploited with unprecedented energy and 'rediscovered' by Mr Harold Furmston, an indecent haste. This was particularly true employee of the Melbourne and of those tall eucalypt forests that clothed Metropolitan Board of Works, and was the hills in close proximity to Melbourne, renamed the "Furmston Tree' by the such as the Dandenongs and Kinglake Healesville Progress Association. The Ranges which are now known collectively same tree is still standing and very much as the 'Central Highlands'. The early alive today, although now reduced in explorers commented on the extraordinary height by decay and wind damage. height of the 'tall gums' that grew in these Nevertheless, it exudes an atmosphere of areas, but very few had the botanical train- mystery and silent dignity, reflecting its ing or interest to realise the significance of great age, immense proportions and moss- what they were observing. The Mountain covered convolutions of its buttressed root Ash Eucalyptus regnans, which is the system, thus remaining a fitting tribute to tallest of the eucalypts, predominates the great botanist after whom it was origi- throughout most of this region, and until nally named. the end of the 19th century, the tallest In his work on the identification and specimens in specific locations providing classification of the flora of Victoria, ideal conditions, may well have been the Mueller made a particular study of the tallest trees in the world. However, this

Mountain Ash and was responsible for was not recognised until it was too late, naming and classifying the species. In his and the exploitation proceeded unrelent- 'Second Census of Australian Plants' ingly, with very little consideration that (Mueller 1870), he gives the following the forests were being robbed of their description: crowning glory, the giants of the old 'Eucalyptus amygdalina, Lindl. - In growth forest. our sheltered springy (containing The first wave of destruction resulted water springs) lotvsi fk-ns attaining from the activities of the 'paling splitters' not rarely a heighi ol over 400 feet, who scoured 'the scrub' to find the tallest there forming a smooth stem and and straightest timber, that, once felled broad leaves, producing a foliage dif- with axe and cross-cut saw, would split ferent to the ordinary state of Euc. cleanly and easily, yielding huge volumes

'785 Myers Creek Roud, Toolangi. 3777 of palings and shingles. These were items

198 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

desperately needed and essential to the late, particularly through the miners' development of housing in the new tracks, easier access has been afforded colony. It was lucrative business for these to the back-gullies of our mountain forerunners of the timber industry and a system. Some astounding data, sup- popular occupation amongst pioneers. ported by actual measurements are This rapidly became a competitive busi- now on record. The highest tree previ- ness, and the 'splitters' searched far and ously known was a Karri (Eucalyptus wide for the biggest trees that would yield colossea) measured by Mr Pemberton the highest returns for the hard work of Walcott in one of the delightful glens cutting them down. Thus it was that sto- of the Warren River of Western

ries began to filter through to the commu- Australia, where it rises to approxi- nity about the huge size of some of the mately 400 feet high. Into the hollow trees. trunk of this Karri three riders with an There was precious little interest, and additional packhorse, could enter and the scantest of records from the early turn in it without dismounting. On the 1800s, but a few scientists began to take desire of the writer of these pages, Mr reports seriously of exceptionally tall D. Boyle measured a fallen tree of trees. The appointment of Mueller as State Eucalyptus amygdalina (now known Botanist of Victoria in 1853, and later as as E. regnans - mountain ash) in the Director of the Botanic Gardens, placed deep recesses of Dandenong, and him in the ideal position to review reports obtained for it the length of 420 feet, of these enormous trees and he was proba- with proportions indicated in a design bly the first to fully recognise their of a monumental structure placed in majesty and botanical significance. He the exhibition; while Mr G. Clein Eucalyptus enthusiastically embraced the process of took the measurement of a from documenting evidence of the colossal size on the Blacks' Spur, 10 miles 480 feet high!' of the largest specimens of eucalypts. Healesville, significant, Mueller soon perceived that a precarious This information is highly botanist who classified situation had arisen. He was receiving coming from the and spent so much sawmillers and surveyors accounts of Eucalyptus regnans studying and documenting these giant Mountain Ash of immense propor- time magnificent trees. It should be noted that tions, while at the same time the universal was a meticulous and indefatiga- preoccupation of the timber workers was Mueller ble scientist whose collecting expeditions to seek out and fell the largest trees they traversed the length and breadth of could find. Consequently, it was evident Victoria. By 1868, his collections in the that a wonder of nature was being Herbarium reportedly exceeded 300,000 destroyed at the same time that its specimens, many of which were new to existence was beginning to be validated. science (Willis and Cohn 1993). He In 1866 Mueller (Mueller 1866-7) deeply concerned about the fate of - became wrote: giant examples of of the few remaining 'In a philosophical contemplation our forests, and sought his- Mountain Ash in the nature of any country and the their importance by compar- attention is to highlight tory of its creation, our sequoias of ing them to the giant likely to be in the first instance the evidence accumulated, the con- California. As engaged in a survey of Ash, came to believe that the Mountain forests. Greatly he stituents of its pristine growing in parts of hence, particularly those to be feared that in ages is were in fact the tallest trees in will have Victoria, when much of the woods the aston- world, sometimes attaining the deduc- the sunk under ruthless axes, metres), and ishing height of 500 feet (154 advanced knowledge thereon tions of exceeding the greatest height ever on evi- thus will have to be based solely by at least claimed for the giant sequoias record. dence early placed on (around 30 metres). This some ot 100 feet The marvellous height of being based assertion was well founded, Australian, and especially surveyors the primarily on professional has become the sub- no Victorian trees, although anecdotal evidence since ot reports, ject of closer investigation 199 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

'Mueller' Tree , early 1900's.

200 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

courtesy Era Mainka. Mueller' Tree today. Photo

201 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue doubt played a part. Sometimes standing desired affirmative result was intended to trees were measured using a theodolite or be highlighted at the Centennial clinometer, but even more convincingly, International Exhibition in Melbourne. some enormous specimens were accurate- The size claimed had to be validated by a ly measured by 'tape line' on the ground, qualified surveyor, but this proved to be a where they had either fallen by chance or tall order in more ways than one. The fact been felled by the axeman. that strenuous efforts to produce the evi- Contemplating an explanation for the dence that would reap the reward failed, is superior size of Mountain Ash found in often quoted as evidence that Mueller's Victoria, compared to interstate locations, claims were invalid. In fact a professional

Mueller wrote (Mueller 1866-7): photographer, J. Duncan Pierce and a sur- 'The enormous height attained by not veyor, C. R. Cunningham were employed isolated, but vast masses of our timber to photograph and measure as many of the trees in the rich diluvial deposits of known giant trees as possible before the sheltered depressions within Victorian 1888 exhibition. The largest tree they ranges, finds its principal explanation, could find was 'The Neerim Giant' which perhaps in the circumstances that the stood 326 feet high (100 metres) and 48 richness of the soil is combined with feet (14.8 metres) girth at chest height. the humid geniality of the climate, Located on a spur of Mt Baw Baw, this never sinking to the colder tempera- was undeniably a huge tree as the photo-

ture of Tasmania, nor rising to a graphic records show, but it was still 75 warmth less favourable to the strong feet short of the desired 400 foot mark. development of these trees in New However, E. J. Dowey (Hardy 1923), the South Wales.' timber cutter who led the party to this tree, In other words, Victoria had the unique reported that freezing conditions and the combination of climatic and environmen- poor health of Pierce, meant that rather tal factors that enabled the forest giants to than search out the largest tree in the area, reach their full potential after centuries of they had merely located the closest large development. Largely because of specimen and measured it alone before Mueller's dedicated investigative work, returning quickly to civilisation. He also considerable efforts were made to find and asserted that he had found and cut down record the largest surviving specimens in much larger trees in the same area some the late 1800s. Surveyors, forestry work- time afterwards! The record of the search, ers and timber mill operators measured in the lead up to the 1888 exhibition can and recorded the largest trees they encoun- be found in 'Giant Trees Of Australia,' tered and submitted their records to the (Anon 1888), the superb compilation of Herbarium. Several prominent photogra- photographs with minimal text that phers travelled far and wide to secure pho- resulted from the efforts of Pierce and tographic records of the most impressive Cunningham. specimens they could find. Nicholas Caire It is easy to criticise an assertion that (Caire 1905), in particular, became devot- stretches the limits of our credulity or ed to the quest for images of the rapidly imagination, but there was little justifi- disappearing giants, to confirm their exis- cation for claims that Mueller was prone tence for future generations. Unfortunately to exaggerate. He was not alone in report- the extraordinary giants amongst ing the extraordinary height of Victoria's the Mountain Ash were the first to be Mountain Ash. Botanist A. D. Hardy also eliminated. documented accounts of giant examples of It is not surprising that claims of the species, sometimes without embarking Eucalyptus regnans attaining such stupen- on exhaustive analysis of the reports dous heights were vigorously challenged (Hardy 1921). Most of the tallest trees from various quarters. For instance, in recorded by Mueller were measured by 1888 a reward of £600 was offered to any- surveyors, and although there were some one who could prove the existence of a notable inconsistencies, there is no justifi- tree 400 feet or more in height. The cation for doubting the veracity of all

202 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

reports. None the less, criticisms did arise, surements. ' A sound proposal, but by the and one polite detractor was the State early 1900s it was apparently already too Botanist of New South Wales, J. H. late. He expressed doubts about the size Maiden who took the more conservative claimed for the 'Neerim Giant', 326 feet view point. In The Forest Flora of New high, and made dismissive comments South Wales, No. 72, (Maiden 1904-25), about an even bigger specimen that came he wrote: to be known as the 'Thorpdale Tree,' mea- Eucalyptus regnans F. V. M. 'The sured by Government certified surveyor Giant Gum Tree George Cornthwaite in 1880. This giant A large tree, the largest indeed in from South Gippsland was measured with Australia, though inferior in size to a theodolite at 370 feet high, and then the Redwood, Sequoia sempervirens shortly after was cut down by and the 'Big Tree' Sequoia Cornthwaite's pastoralist brother and Wellingtonia of Western America. more accurately remeasured with a tape Trees about 300 feet high are known line on the ground. The result was 375 feet in Victoria..' confirmed. This was reported in The Later in the same publication he referred Victorian Naturalist, July 1918. Currently to Mueller as follows: this vanquished monarch is remembered 'The greatest claims to possess the with a pathetic pole, topped with a sign tallest trees of the world have been reading 'THE WORLD'S TALLEST made on behalf of Victoria, most of TREE.' This tree has been referred to in them from Gippsland. In 1862 the Guinness Book of Records (erroneous- in the Mueller wrote to the Seaman's ly) as the tallest hardwood tree metres (375 feet) high. If it Journal of Botany that Mr. D. Boyle, world at 115 it would be at least 4 of Nunawading, near Melbourne, has was still standing, than the largest Redwood measured a fallen tree in the recesses metres higher standing in California. The tallest cur- of Dandenong and found it to be 420 still rently accepted record of a Californian feet.' Sequoia sempen>irens is 368 Surveyor Boyle was apparently discred- Redwood metres) feet (1 13 metres) and 66 feet (20 ited at a later date after a tree he measured fine tree fell at girth at chest height. This at 466 feet was allegedly remeasured fuel during a storm in 1 992. 219 feet. This might have been good Significantly, there was a giant for the sceptics and reflected badly on produced for the 1888 comprehension that Mountain Ash Mueller, but it defies 'obtained an Exhibition in Melbourne, a qualified surveyor could produce of S. Willis of simple through the kindness Mr error of more than 100 percent in a (Hardy 1912, 1921) and its enor- measurement. Even an amateur could Prahran,' was displayed for all to see. The percent with a cli- mous butt expect to get within 10 sawmiller from tree was provided by a nometer. Perhaps they remeasured the Creek, and was claimed to have sought to discredit Menzies wrong tree? Maiden by the mill been measured with a tape line highlighting conflicting claims Mueller by being sectioned. It was which appeared owner prior to of extraordinary heights but was not reported to be 400 feet long, trees. Obviously dis- to relate to the same so it did confirmed by a licensed surveyor, he rather disparag- agreeing with Mueller, the £600 reward. not warrant payment of quoted him as saying (Mueller ingly However the butt was laboriously 1885): into thirteen pieces, each surpass- sectioned tree of the globe, transport- 'the tallest approximately fifteen feet high, the renowned California grounds ing even the Exhibition Building Wellington pines in ed to Sequoia and into a stunning exhibit It even and reassembled reaching to 400 feet and metres) in height, was reported to be 72 feet (22

. level. more.' . at ground action to circumference called for constructive ihe notion that Maiden Despite the opposition to (Maiden 1904-25.). n trees settle the argument once harboured the tallest standing Victoria possible, to take a was finally vindicat- will be best, if on earth, 'the Baron' a surveyor, and we by the tree, measured by One of his contemporaries independent mea- ed. should have at least tWO 203 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

name of William Ferguson, who was a be 435 feet from its roots to the top licensed surveyor and in fact the of its trunk. At 5 feet from the 'Inspector of State Forests of Victoria', ground it measures 18 feet in diam- was assigned the task of assessing the tim- eter. At the extreme end where it ber reserves of the Watts River catchment has broken in its fall, it (the trunk) near Healesville and to report on its suit- is 3 feet in diameter. This tree has ability for proclamation as a State Forest. been much burnt by fire, and I fully Ferguson investigated 'areas that had not believe that before it fell it must been penetrated by the timber splitter or have been more than 500 feet high. the wood cutter. ', and reported to Mr As it now lies it forms a complete Clement Hodgkinson, Assistant bridge across a deep ravine.' Commissioner of State Forests in 1872, This, the 'Ferguson Tree,' may well (Simpfendorfer 1982) that.... have been the tallest tree ever accurately 'Some places, where the trees are recorded by mankind. Ferguson's report fewer and at a lower altitude, the tim- was secreted away in Government files for ber is much larger in diameter, aver- many years and apparently never came to aging from 6 to 10 feet and frequently the notice of Mueller. This record has trees to 15 feet in diameter are met recently been investigated by Dr A. C. with on alluvial flats near the river. Carder, a retired forester from Canada These trees average about ten per who has investigated tall tree records acre; their size, sometimes, is enor- world wide, and it is currently listed in the mous. Many of the trees that have Guinness Book of Records. The biggest fallen through decay and by bush fires girth ever recorded in Australia was the measure 350 feet in length, with girth 'Bulga Stump' a Mountain Ash from the in proportion. In one instance I mea- Tarra Bulga region of South Gippsland. It sured with the tape line one huge measured 1 1 1 feet (34 metres) girth at specimen that lay prostrate across a chest height, and its hollow interior could tributary of the Watts and found it to 'comfortably' house 11 horses.

The " Bulga Stump'. The largest girth ever measured in Australia

204 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Photographed in 1888, it was already the century. The present status of that dead and broken off, so we can only formerly ideal forest ecosystem is now speculate how tall it may have been in its so greatly modified that the grandeur of prime, and unfortunately, it was burned the past may never be seen again. soon after. Thankfully, the published notes of On balance, it appears that official Mueller and a few other dedicated indi- efforts to confirm the existence of viduals were preserved to inform us of Mountain Ash upwards of 400 feet tall, the extraordinary tall trees that once in the latter part of the 19th century, were characterised Victoria's Mountain Ash poorly executed and perhaps 20 to 30 forests. years too late. The evidence shows that Mueller was correct in his assertions and References:

Anon. 1 888). Giant Trees of Victoria. well aware of the environmental factors ( Caire N. i. (1905). Notes on the Giant Trees of that enabled Mountain Ash to reach Victoria. The Victorian Naturalist 21.122-128. exceptional heights in Victoria. He and Hardy, A. D. (1921).Giant Eucalypts of Victoria. The Gum Tree, June, 15-16, (Official organ of the of his contemporaries were of the some Australian Forest League). opinion that most of the great trees had Hardy, A. D. (1923). The Measuring of Tall Trees. already been destroyed by the paling The Victorian Naturalist 39, 166-175. Hardy, A. D. (1935). Australia's Giant Trees. The splitters, or by the fires that followed Victorian Naturalist 51, 231-241. European settlement, by as early as 1860 Maiden, J. H. (1904-25)Fo/-es; Flora of N. S. W., (Mueller 1885). Subsequent timber Part 72. Mueller, F. V. (1870). 2nd Census of Australian harvesting practices and policies gave Plants.

1 866-67). Australian Vegetation. Part neither recognition nor protection to the Mueller, F. V. ( Intercolonial Exhibition, Even those 5 of the official record. tallest trees in the world. Melbourne. giants that may have survived in protect- Mueller, F. V. (1889). Letter to The Argus', May ed water catchments were probably 25. Mueller, F. V. (1885). Select Extra Tropical Plants. which increased destroyed by bushfires, Simpfcndorfer, K. J. (1982). 'Big Trees in Victoria'. in frequency and intensity as a Willis, J.H. and Cohn, H.M.(1993). Botanical 'Flora of Victoria'. Vol. 1. consequence of human activities and Exploration of Victoria In Eds D.B. Forman and N.G. Walsh. (Inkata Press: modifications to the environment. Melbourne). Consequently, the most magnificent botanical feature of Australia's wilderness was effectively lost by the turn of

FOREST CONSERVATION

not for heritage given to us by nature, I regard the forest as an wisely used, reverently spoil or to devastate, but to be regard the forests as a honoured, and carefully maintained. I during of us only for transient care gift ^trusted [sic] to any post*arity again as an f ho^pace of time, to be surrendered to riches and augmented unimoaired property, with increased patrimony from generation to ST to'pass as'a sacred generation. K Mueller (1871)

•Forest cu.ture irnfcrdafi^^

205 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

I 2 g o

I t*. m o rn •a 1 to o "3 'o \2 IS e 13 o OS u § a

au o fi 'C oo « in *0 u to o c — -? VI r- t3 >> u o s Q CD E a o O 13 z 2 z >.co •a a u H in c3 > 60 Q | 6« 1 l|3 o $ OS >*© OX) CO « s- £ * ^ 3 * •£ H •*- 1 03 3 H C/3 O — CO a ^ -S "a* i- *- j3 o o S 3 *> fr<2 t> o I O a 1- ft .3 S u 2 u 2 (N >.-, >. E U U 0\ 43 J3 £ T3 "O ft ft H 3 3 d a & ,3 J o o

-<>{?« "^ c OS 4= §H Os os os os * os * J= e £ in E in p- 1** w > v> _J oo »n 25 ^ -* to r- ^ ^- Tf

8 15 H o * Q 1 11 u CO US§S ab Si ;s o fc as CO O MrT -» * Si CO ti 22,_, u £u UH o 2 CO

U 5 K ft H s 8H§ |h 2 H c C t* +- u _ to Ja c * 01 c o 1 H "S3 1 S CO 9 2 g 60 OS a- 8 '£ g c ajI cI u CO S cm & "5 o tn c '% o « « s o SI 8 3 S rl "5 ^ , CO LZb ZUWZ ooz OCQ lid .g .ft Uh w

206 The Victorian Naturalist — ^

Mueller Issue

u>> 00 a. a 3 u O o •a a Wl 00 c fs ^^

fr 3 « 5 pp 3 > o

o o. fcj so tq a> i 6 c e s 5b o 2

oo p w .a C > •p S o ^3 o H * 4-> u p u u o . ^— Sr 43 ft •a O 53 u 55 .g T3 7> j H oo s la § •o I "a c X c •3 u o b o 2 43 o u 3 •a S S3 o < j-j < < u j* 03 I Q o 5 to ;>> I T3 o 1 Cm <+H (N p U to -a T3 o ts O i o o T3 o oU. 9 >* 5 is* > I 1 •S 5 3 g 2 °i X o

£ pin *o _„ * r

S E~« E

Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

To Honour a Noted Botanist

Ruth Dwyer*

Baron Ferdinand von Mueller was presentation casket of 1880 for Captain honoured in many ways, noble titles, dec- Standish, Chief Commissioner of Police in orations and through living species being Victoria, was 6 of Dattari's manufacture , named after him. Most of these were and showed a distinct Italianate influence. botanical, but as Darragh shows in this Dattari was also to apply for the registra- issue there were also fossils and insects. tion of at least two patents in Victoria, the One of the more spectacular is the King first being in 1882 for a Parallel Ruler Stag Beetle, Phalacrognathus muelleri. combining ruler, protractor and scale, and On the 14 June 1886, The Field the other in 1883, in conjunction with Naturalists Club of Victoria held their 7 J.E.Edwards, an Electro 'Control' . His monthly meeting, as usual, at the Royal interest in the scientific is further Society's hall. A relevant paper was read evidenced by the existence of a letter from by Mr. Paolo Dattari'. Professor McCoy (7 August 1886) identi- Dattari presented his paper, 8 'Notes on fying a species of fish found locally . the new Australian beetle,' outlined the In June 1880, Dattari had been elected history of 'this splendid insect' and in dis- to The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, tributing the paper, illustrated with one of the original members, and enlarged coloured drawings, expressed his remained as such until 1886, after which opinion that the specimens exhibited time there is an inexplicable absence until would probably be found to be more than his re-admission on 13 July 1891". A letter one species. Lithographic plates of the from Mueller ( 7 September 1886 ) beetle were also distributed. It was found enclosed a map of New Guinea possibly to be a new genus, and was named indicating a field trip by Dattari to that Phalacrognathus muelleri in honour of his northern area'°.The birth of a son, Paolo, friend and mentor, the Government to Dattari and his wife, the former Botanist, Baron Sir Ferdinand Jakob Margaret Elizabeth Victoria Yeomans, Heinrich von Mueller. A copy of the indicates a possible presence in Carlton in paper, with coloured plate, was presented 1887". The last Sands and McDougall to the library of The Field Naturalists Club directory entry is for Station Street, North 2 . It cannot now be found. However anoth- Carlton in 1888. It is believed that Dattari er copy was located in the collection of returned to the Florentine area some time the National Museum of Victoria. after 1891. Paolo Dattari, a cultured Italian gentle- Baron von Mueller had presented to man, had emigrated from London in 1 877 Dattari a copy of his 'Description and as an unassisted passenger aboard the illustrations of the myoporinous plants of 3 Somersetshire . Dattari, born cl850 in Australia, vol. 2,' inscribed 'To P. Dattari Leghorn near Florence, the son of Luigi Esqr & c with regardful remembrance Dattari, gentleman, and Enrichetta, for- from his sincere friend Ferd. von Mueller. merly Maneschit, 2 was professionally an Sept. 1886" . Other relevant correspon- 4 architect . Unfortunately no buildings in dence, including advice on the termin- Victoria can be attributed to him, but ology to be used when documenting evidences of his involvement in associated botanical specimens," is held at the library disciplines are varied. He contributed two of the National Herbarium of Victoria and pen-and-ink drawings to the Adelaide by The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria. Exhibition of 1881, one being an allegory for Punch, the other a frontispiece for a Acknowledgements scientific publication. Both were well Dr. Thomas A. Darragh, National Museum of 5 Victoria, for assistance including the location of designed and delicately executed . The the McCoy letter. Sara Maroske, Joint Editor of handsome and costly gold and silver The von Mueller Project, for provision of transcripts of letters from The Correspondence of ' 75 Wattle Road, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122. Ferdinand von Mueller.

208 The Victorian Naturalist 1

Mueller Issue

1. Argus 15 June 1886 p.6. Collection State Library of 1904. Collection State Library of Victoria. Victoria. 8. National Museum of Victoria, letter book no. 7. 2. The Victorian naturalist, July 1886 p. 26. August p.430. 1886 p. 37. 9. Personal communication, Sheila Houghton to Ruth 3. P.R.O.V. V.P.R.S. 7666 Unit 358. Dwyer, 17 August 1995. 4. Index to Marriages in Victoria, 1881, Certificate 10. Mueller to Dattari, 7 September 1886, copy No.2513. National Herbarium of Victoria. 5. M. Lewis, Australian Architectural Index Edn.2 11. Index to Births in Victoria, 1887, Certificate ;Argus 20 July 1881 p.5. Collection State Library of No.18015. Victoria. 12. Library of The Huntington, San Marino, 6. The Australasian Sketcher, 28 May 1881, in California. J.B.Hawkins, Nineteenth Century Australian Silver, 13. Mueller to Dattari, 14 April 1886, copy National Antique Collectors' Club.Woodbridge, Suffolk, Herbarium of Victoria. England, 1990, Vol.1, p.258. 7. Index to Patents Registered in Victoria, 1856 -

The Mueller Memorial Medal

Alan K. Parkin 1

Soon after Baron Ferdinand von originally within His Majesty's Mueller's death, we read in The Victorian Dominions, within a period of not Naturalist (14, 8) that more than five years or less than one 'a fund has been started to establish a year of the date of the award, prefer- permanent national memorial to the ence to be given to work referring to late Baron von Mueller. An influen- Australia. The portion of the interest tial general committee, with the remaining after the purchase of the Mayor of Melbourne as its chairman, medal was to be awarded as a prize to and an executive committee, under accompany the medal.' the chairmanship of Sir John Madden, to be administered by AAAS (The have been formed, while Professor Victorian Naturalist 17, 11). The Medal, Spencer (then Past President, FNCV) as illustrated by Daley (Victorian History and Mr. W. Wiesbaden have consent- Magazine, 2, 1924), was designed by I.T. ed to act as joint hon. secretaries', Fryer of Melbourne and cast, at least ini- with the then secretary, Mr G. Coghill, tially, in Paris in silvered bronze. It shows soliciting support from Club members. on one side the Baron, who was AAAS at This initiative is similarly recorded in the (now ANZAAS) President in 1890, Australian Journal of Pharmacy, which work with a specimen, and on the other a indicates that the thinking was to fund a Waratah (presumably Telopea oreades 'statue or scholarship which should keep FvM) with inscription. of the Mueller his memory green always', and that a sum The list of recipients (largely from of 55 pounds was subscribed at the inau- Memorial Medal below Fruits) will contain gural meeting. M.Willis, By Their Club members: The matter appears to have languished a many names familiar to little until being taken up at the 7th 1904 Howitt, A. W. (VN* 20, 128) Congress of the Australasian Association 1907 Hill, Prof. J. P. Advancement of Science (January for the 1909 David, Prof. T.W.E. von Mueller 1898), where the Baron 191 Etheridge, R. Memorial Fund Committee was estab- 1913 Howchin, Rev. W. pounds Baker, R.T. & Chilton, Prof. C. lished and soon accumulated 450 1 92 sufficient (2 awards) to invest. This was considered 1923 Maiden, J.H. the award of a Medal biennially to fund 1924 Maitland, A.G. author of the most important Jones, Prof. F. 'to the 1 926 Wood- contribution, or series of contribu- 1928 Cockayne, L. published Mawson. Sir D. tions, to natural knowledge, 1 930 1932 Black, J.M. 3107. '2 Hazel Drive, Templestowe. Victoria

209 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

1935 Tillyard, R.J. 1955 Bull, L.B. 1937 Skeats, Prof. E.W. 1957 Elkin, Prof. P.E. 1939 Johnston, Prof. T.H. 1958 Marston, H.R. 1 946 White, C.T. & Andrews, E.C. 1959 Browne, W.R. (2 awards, VN 63,164) 1961 McKerras, I.M. 1949 Dakin, Prof. W.J. (VN 65, 262) 1962 Burnet, Sir F. McF. 1964 Fenner, Prof. F.J. 1965 Strangely, very few of these awards gain White, Prof. M.J.D. 1967 Hill. Prof. Dorothy a mention in The Victorian Naturalist, 1968 Taylor, N.H. with no further references after 1949. 1969 Beauglehole, J.C. Around this time, the award conditions 1970 Robertson, Sir R.N. appear to have been broadened by 1971 Stanner, Prof. W.E.H. ANZAAS, such that the Medal has 1972 Waterhouse, D.F. 1973 Moir, Prof. R.J. become somewhat overshadowed by the 1975 Ringwood, Prof. A.E. Australian Natural History Medallion, at 1976 Pryor, Prof. L.D. least far as as this Club is concerned. It 1977 Mclntyre, Prof. A.K. may be of interest that C.T. White was the 1979 McFarlane, Prof. W.V. grandson of F.M. Bailey, whom he suc- 1980 Waring. Prof. J.H. ceeded as Government Botanist of 1981 Sprent, ProfJ.F.A. 1982 Bennett, Isobel Queensland. The first presentation to 1983 Webb, L.J. A.W. Howitt (The Victorian Naturalist 1983 Webb, L.J. 21, 4) was made by Prof. Baldwin 1984 Johnson, L.A.S. Spencer at a joint meeting of FNCV and 1985 Woodall, R. 1987 the Royal Society of Victoria, of which he Womersley, H.B.S. 1988 Quirk, Prof. was then President. J.P. 1990 Main. Prof. A.R. Awards made by ANZAAS, subsequent 1991 Mitchell, Prof. G. F. to 1950, are listed below: 1992 Clarke, Prof. Adrienne E. 1993 Twidale, Prof. C.R. 1951 Benson, W.N. 1994 Archer, Prof. M. 1952 Longman, H.A. 1995 Curtis, Winifred 1954 Prescott, Prof. J.A. * The Victorian Naturalist.

The Mueller Medal. From The Victorian Naturalist 21, 5, on the occasion of the presentation to Mr A.H. Howitt, F.G.S. 1904.

210 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

The Baron and the Goldfield

Ray Wallace 1

The great Bendigo goldfield eventually Canterbury Park, Eaglehawk, public gar- matured into a fine provincial city. dens which holds lovely specimens of Prominent towns such as Inglewood and Bunya Bunya Pine Araucaria bidwillii. Castlemaine, both within thirty miles of Hoop Pine Araucaria cunninghamii, Bendigo, had enjoyed the bonanza of their Canary Island Pine Pinus canadensis, own gold production and Bendigo's Deodar Cedar Cedrus deodara and neighbour and erstwhile rival, Eaglehawk, Western Yellow Pine Pinus ponderosa. was also founded on gold. Civic pride was In the same area at the Eaglehawk ceme- high and by the 1870s botanical and pub- tery, as well some of the above species, lic gardens were well established in the there are specimens of the sombre aforementioned towns. Monterey Cypress Cupressus If the botanical gardens were under- macrocarpa, along with Monterey Pine pinned by the philosophy of the Pinus radiata and Norfolk Island Pine Enlightenment then the movement and the Araucaria heterophylla. too is the rare time, in Victoria, was ripe for someone of At White Hills gardens Baron Ferdinand von Mueller's stamp. Soledad Pine Pinus torreyana which is Enlightenment thought was based on the included on the National Trust Register of at White Hills gar- belief that, as scientific knowledge Significant Trees, also Register, is a superb expanded and truth was revealed, society dens, and on the Karoo Thorn would correspondingly progress, as exem- specimen of African acacia, karoo. plified by the Industrial Revolution. Acacia Mueller's distributions in the This type of thinking led to the concept A lot of gardens reflect his involvement of the botanical garden being a place Bendigo with the Zoological and Acclimatisation where the marriage of genteel learning and Society of Victoria of which he was a utility took place. One could observe the member. A man of boundless ener- wonders of nature with the aim of unravel- board throughout the gy, Mueller, with contacts ling its secrets. which must have numbered hun- gardens in the towns mentioned world The four sought dreds if not thousands, actively above, although perhaps unknown to the writing more work. In the 1 860s he was majority of their councillors, were in a offering his here his to the Borough of Eaglehawk way trial grounds for Mueller, services. conifers could be subject to empirical Council records of the then Borough of and experimentation. One of observation that in the the Sandhurst (Bendigo) note the Baron's primary focuses was 1860s and 1870s Mueller was supplying for suitable species for the estab- search with advice to the industry seeds and plants along lishment of a softwood timber public gardens in Bendigo. conifers were a prominent and naturally dated 7 May 1872, 1996). As well, in a letter part of his distributions (Almond Mueller was recommending a fellow The botanical gardens at White Hills German, Mr Homeyer, as a very suitable and Castlemaine and the public (Bendigo) over the curatorship of the Inglewood cer- man to take gardens of Eaglehawk and upon the botanical gardens at White Hills the wider state tainly give testimony to Fletcher. The of retirement of Curator picture, while the cemeteries howev- Baron's petition was unsuccessful, White Hills are rich in Eaglehawk and after the name of Curator species as er for soon specimens of coniferous indeed superb Gadd appears in the records and established in that period well, and were many years to follow. huge num- appeared for Mueller was distributing aquatic when 1871 Mueller was supplying Victoria. In bers of plants throughout Borough Council plants for the Eaglehawk in the small His legacy is found even Botanical Gardens and that same year the Victoria 3556 '19 Haggar Street, Eaglehawk,

211 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

Fig. 1. Karoo Thorn Acacia karoo at White Hills Botanical Gardens

were supplying the Eaglehawk gardens lishment of aviaries in places such as the with trees. However, Mueller was not Eaglehawk and White Hills gardens, and Eaglehawk' s sole source of plant material shortly after the artificial Lake Neangar at for in 1873 the Council was also purchas- Eaglehawk was completed in 1883, the

ing plants from Joseph Harris's South Acclimatisation Society offered to stock it Yarra nursery a month before Mueller was with fish. replaced as Director of the Botanical A striking example of Mueller's indefati- Gardens. Trees for the White Hills gable attention to detail was illustrated in Botanical Gardens were also purchased his capacity as Government Botanist. As a from B. and S. Johnson at Preston. man who must have written possibly thou- Curator Fletcher was also inquiring for sands of letters a year in a voluminous Araucaria seeds from Law Sumner and correspondence he found time to write to Co., Melbourne. the committee of the Eaglehawk So prominent a role did Mueller play in Mechanics Institute inquiring if they had a the supplying of free plants to regional complete collection of his works and if not gardens that there is strong evidence that he would donate those the library lacked. the professional nursery lobby had some The Eaglehawk Mechanics Institute was a influence in his dismissal as Director of substantial edifice and serviced a popula- the Botanical Gardens {Daily Telegraph tion of some 8,000 people (Minute Book 1872). 1877a).

It seems, however, that this did not stop Even more striking is the fact that he Mueller from performing what he obvi- made the same offer to the little California ously saw as a public duty for he was still Gully Mechanics Institute, situated supplying the Castlemaine Botanical between Eaglehawk and Bendigo, and ser- Gardens with plants as late as 1880, a vicing some few hundred people. Such practice he had established in 1860. was the Baron's zeal (Minute Book Perhaps an indirect influence of Mueller 1877b). on the Bendigo and district gardens, Whilst Mueller had much to do with through his involvement with the Bendigo, and its surrounding areas, as Acclimatisation Society, was the estab- Government Botanist and Director of the

212 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Botanic Garden through his vast corre- Wales. His early development as a natu- spondence, surprisingly, he seemed to do ralist had been nurtured by Richard little botanical work in such places as the Nancarrow. As a young man, Froggatt floristically rich Bendigo Whipstick or the collected plants on the Flinders River. equally interesting box-ironbark forest Queensland, and sent material to Mueller. country around Inglewood. Not one to forget either slight or favour, Walter Bissill from Big Hill, a science the Baron used his influence in 1885 to graduate from the University of have Froggatt appointed special zoologi- Melbourne and pioneer naturalist, had cal collector and assistant zoologist for the done extensive work in the southern areas New South Wales branch of the (Royal) of Bendigo but little to the north, but as Geographical Society of Australasia's

far as I am aware there is little evidence of expedition to New Guinea. Froggatt per- much communication between Mueller formed his duties so well that his career and him and Richard Nancarrow at prospered, thanks to the initial impetus Neilborough, another pioneer naturalist, supplied by the Baron. although Bissill did send Mueller speci- Thus the influence of the Baron is still mens and had Hannafordia bissillii named tangible and seen, even today, through for him. Bendigo and district's gardens and his The Victorian Field Naturalists visited philosophy is made concrete through the the Whipstick quite often prior to 1920 but superb conifers that adorn them. little systematic work was carried out before the pioneering efforts of Charles References Almond E„ (1996). A Garden of Views. Victorian Alfred Tadgell. Daley, David Paton and Historical Journal 67, 40-.

One early Bendigo naturalist that Daily Telegraph, 1 2 July 1872. Book 1877a. Minute Book Eaglehawk Mueller did have extensive contacts with Minute Mechanics Insiitute and Public Library, 6 October was Walter Froggatt who had spent his 1877. Gully childhood in Eaglehawk and later became Minute Book 1877b. Minute Book Calitornia Mechanics Institute Public Library, 20 October Entomologist for New South Government 1877.

Mueller, Acclimatiser and Seed Merchant

College, California, who received seed of It could well be said that Baron von species of Eucalyptus from the Mueller's principal interest lay in the some 50 Baron and planted more than 50,000 trees genus Eucalyptus, and he lavished praise on some 100 hectares of the College on these remarkable trees throughout his Campus. From here, and another experi- writings. Not least, he extolled their sani- mental planting by Abbot Kinney at tary virtues by dint of his own training Canyon, Blue Gum in particular botany from Kiel (where he Rustic with a PhD in with the in the has come to be synonomous first encountered Euc globulus landscape of southern California, even to University garden), and because eucalyp- the ^Eucalyptus School' of painting already well established in spawn tus oil was Duvall Puthuff). persuaded (focussed around Hanson medicinal use*. He it was who Cooper ultimately published his book chemist, Joseph Bosisto, to a Richmond Eucalyptus Trees' in production of 'Forest Culture and commence commercial lec- 1876, consisting mostly of reprinted eucalyptus oil in 1853. edition tures of Mueller's - and in one his appointment as Government From the whole of 'Select Extra Mueller engaged in even reprinting Botanist in that year, what has been termed botanists Tropical Plants', in prodigious correspondence with outrageous act of plagarism (Pescott said that it an around the world (and it is indication 1922). However, there is no to deliver his mail). needed two postmen ever unduly perturbed correspondents that Mueller was One of the most noteable Barbara by this. was Elwood Cooper of Santa

213 Vol. 113(4)1996 Mueller Issue

Mueller, of course, received a vast quan- that had defied all the rulers of Rome from tity of seed in exchange - much of which Appius Claudius to the present.** went into the development of our Royal Blue Gum seed went to many lands, and Botanic Gardens, including an experimen- established itself so well that in some tal patch of opium. It is well known that (such as Portugal) it has virtually dis- he took Blackberry seed, Rubus fruticosus, placed much of the natural vegetation. wherever he went on his travels in Mueller sent Acacia dealbata and A. mol- Victoria - to sustain weary travellers of the lissima to South Africa where they flour- future! (Wakefield 1959; 1961). In one of ished so well away from the copper butter- his lectures, he relates taking Dewberry fly that we were soon importing wattle (Rubus canadensis) seed on a journey up bark from there. Saltbush (Atriplex) the Yarra to Mt. Baw Baw, scattering it in species went to California and Arizona, the alpine bogs. In fact, his dreams for and in return he received Marram Grass acclimatisation of plants and animals (Psamma arenaria), first planted at Port (alpacas roaming the High Plains, etc.), as Fairy, and Monterey Pine Pinus radiata, a espoused lyrically in his various lectures, tree recorded by Ewart (Handbook of would horrify many of us today. Forest Trees... 1925) as being not abun- Mueller was not the first to send seed dant, nor of any real commercial signifi- overseas. Maiden (1903) records that cance, in California. Early reports of the Messmate Euc. obliqua was planted in the Royal Botanic Gardens contain lengthy botanic garden of the Count of Camalduli, lists (pages!) of seed donors but little spe- near Naples, some time before 1829, cific detail on what they sent. under curator Frederick Dehnhardt. Red Gum seeds must have arrived also around * Mueller's sensitvity to such matters was undoubtedly highiened by losing both his par- the same time, which resulted in this

ents to TB, and his own brush with the disease . species acquiring the quite inappropriate He always remained something of a hypochon- name of Euc. camaldulensis (Dehn). driac and was noted for muffling his neck with In discussions with the then Catholic a scarf, even at important social gatherings. Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Goold (as ** R.F.Zacharin Emigrant Eucalypts p 58 records an entirely different story, wherein recorded by J S Duke, Melbourne Argus the seed originated from Alfred Howitt, responding 22.8.31), Mueller learnt something of the to his father William who retired to Rome in problems of the malaria ridden swamps of 1870. the Campagna di Roma. His solution was to plant Euc globulus, not only to lower References the water table, but also to clarify the air Pescott. E.E. (1922). Notes on Mueller's Literary Work. TheVictorian Naturalist 38, 102. and disinfect the soil from the falling Maiden, J.H. (1903). 'Critical Review of the Genus leaves. Dr. Goold duly left for the Vatican Eucalyptus' Part 1. Council of 1869 with a packet of seed Wakefield, N. (1959). Baron von Mueller gave us Blackberries. TheVictorian Naturalist 76, 33. from the Baron, who passed it to the Wakefield, N. (1961). Baron von Mueller and the Superior of the Trappist monks at the Tre Blackberries. TheVictorian Naturalist 77, 258. Fontane Monastery, in the heart of the fever stricken region. The monks then undertook the raising of some 55000 trees, Alan Parkin planted out in regular early morning for- 2 Hazel Drive, Templestowe, Victoria 3107. ays (perhaps when the air was deemed to be fresh) over some years. The transfor- mation was evidently profound, ultimately enabling farming operations to be established. When Mueller was advised of this in anl879 letter from Dr Goold, he was so flattered that the whole of his Lordships letter was quoted in Eucalyptographia (6th Decade), with his own extravagant comments on the solution of a problem

214 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Mueller's Magpies and Marsupial Wolves: A Window into 'What Might Have Been'.

R.N. Paddle 1

Abstract. Mueller is most often associated with the development of the science of botany in Victoria. However, he had an active interest in the development of Melbourne Zoo and a far-sighted view of Australian ecology. His concern and actions over the problem of foreign introductions (the European magpie) and the extinction of the native fauna (the Thylacine), indicate that Mueller was amongst the first scientists to appreciate the threat to the Australian environment from European settlement. (The Victorian Naturalist 113, (4) 1996, 215-218)

At the request of Victoria's Chief they were to the smaller native bird Secretary, Baron Ferdinand von Mueller species, so, in order to prevent the convened the first meeting of the Magpies from reproducing and spreading Committee appointed to administer beyond the gardens, he shot them. Even Melbourne's proposed Zoological though the objects of the Acclimatisation Gardens on 24th July 1858 and was duly Society - the designated body then in con- elected Secretary (Jenkins 1977). The trol of the development of the zoo - were position of 'Secretary' was the title con- only meant to be for 'the introduction, firmed upon the curator of the zoo, until acclimatisation and domestification of _ the designated position of 'Director' was innoxious animals' (Acclimatisation established in 1882 (Zoological and Society minutes, August 1861, cited in Acclimatisation Society 1884). An initial Jenkins 1977, p61), and the English on the land grant of 33 acres for the Zoological Magpies had proved themselves, Embling was Gardens was situated on the north side of contrary, quite noxious, acclimatisation col- the Yarra river, but these 'Richmond incensed and his committee turned Paddocks' proved to be too swampy and leagues on the zoo Mueller. From their perspective, the collection was moved across the river against real reason for the importation of to within the Botanical Gardens. The early the acclimatise, breed zoological collection consisted of English Magpies was to large numbers to Victorian native mammals and birds, and then release them in the unwanted native birds as together with deer and camels and repre- replace as possible. Animosity towards, sentatives of other more unusual domesti- quickly rumour against, Mueller was spread cated ruminant species, foreign songbirds and hard-line acclimatisers on the zoo and a few monkeys. As curator, Mueller by the committee (de Courcy 1995). The animal effectively ran the zoo for the first four the con- collection was removed from years of its existence. He not only Gardens, and an attempt made with daily care, he organ- Botanical cerned himself 'Richmond animals, to re-establish the zoo on the ised the international exchange of Paddocks' site. But this again proved building up the zoo's display through unsuccessful and, after some political agi- exchanging specimens with zoological, granting of a replacement 55 acclimatisation societies in tation, the botanical and the acres at Royal Park in 1862 saw Calcutta, Cologne, Copenhagen, Java, Zoological Gardens, under W.G. Sprigg as London and Paris (de Courcy 1995). finally separated from (Pica pica) secretary-curator, In 1861 the English Magpies their botanical counterpart. by the zoo committee member imported Melbourne Zoo did not exhibit a Thomas Embling escaped from their cage or Marsupial Wolf (Thylacinus Unable to effect Thylacine in the Botanical Gardens. until after it had moved to his eye on the cynocephalus) their capture, Mueller kept The Thylacine was destructive the Royal Park site. escapees. He noticed how very obtained from an unknown Tasmantan on 4th November 1864. The Catholic source 1 Psychology Department, Australian University, Christ Campus.

215 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue specimen adapted well to captivity and perhaps extinct, might be kept up in survived until 12th January 1869. Shortly menageries from your importation' after its arrival Mueller, in the course of (1865b). Mueller's prediction of the future his usual botanical correspondence with for the species was well placed: the last the Launceston naturalist Ronald known Thylacine died in Hobart Zoo on Campbell Gunn [FRS], wrote inquiring 7th September 1936. Unfortunately the about the possibility of obtaining conditions for successful Thylacine breed- Thylacine specimens. ing in captivity - the isolation of an unre- Gunn had kept Thylacines as pets and lated adult pair - were rarely met; the only supplied specimens to different institu- confirmed instance of captive breeding tions for zoological display. He had suc- took place at Melbourne Zoo in 1899. cessfully sent a pair of Thylacines to the Concerned about the loss on board ship Zoological Society of London in 1849, for of half the Thylacines Gunn sent to display at Regent's Park Zoo (Gunn London in 1 863, Mueller questioned Gunn 1850). Intrigued by the species' behaviour as to whether the young should be separat- - and potential he set out as others had ed from their mother ( 1 865a). The family before him - to domesticate a specimen. In was kept together but the decision was 1851 he had noted: 'My living Thylacine made to overwinter the Thylacines in the is becoming tamer: it seems very far from botanical gardens. being a vicious animal at its worst, and the The weather is now too cold to send name Tiger or Hyama gives a most unjust the animals around Cape Horn. I shall idea of its fierceness' (Gunn 1851). In probably wait til spring when the

1 854 he provided a Thylacine for Richard Yorkshire goes & when I can place Propsting's animal collection on public them together with the sheep on board display in Hobart (Propsting 1854), and he under the care of a very trustworthy despatched a family of four Thylacines to man. (1865b) Regent's Park Zoo in 1863. Only two of In a further letter to Gunn, Mueller noted these specimens survived the voyage and that 'The Thylacini. ..continue in good they were to be the last Thylacines to health' (1865c). enter London Zoo for 21 years (Gunn The Yorkshire duly set sail for London 1863; Sclater 1884; Zoological Society of on 14th November 1865. How the London 1872). Gunn may also have been Thylacine family fared on the journey, the unidentified source supplying how many survived and where they went Melbourne Zoo's 1864 specimen. to on arrival in 1866 are, at present, In May 1865 Gunn wrote to Mueller, unknown. offering him a family of Thylacines, a Examination of the historical records of mother with three young. Mueller grate- the Jardin des Plantes has failed to locate fully accepted the offer on the 20th May details of the arrival of their first (1865a) and received the specimens on the Thylacine specimen on display. Heinz 16th June: Moeller who has published extensively on

I received your very kind letter of the Thylacine anatomy and records of 14th together with the 4 Thylacini in Thylacines in European zoos, notes that excellent health. It is indeed a pre- two or more Thylacine specimens were

cious gift and I trust to fulfil now the held in the Jardin des Plantes. The last wish of the Parisian Savants, who known specimen died in 1891. Details of were so eager to secure this rare crea- the very first specimen remain, at present,

ture for the Jardin des Plantes. I shall unknown (Claude 1996; Moeller 1993), not fail to render known who is the but could conceivably date from 1866.

real donor. ( 1 865b) It is also possible that members of the Mueller recognised the increasing rarity of family were separated on their arrival, and the species, and the value of the donation, donated to other learned individuals and expressing the hope that :'As these ani- institutions. Mueller may therefore have mals most probably would breed in not been responsible for the only live too confined a state, the species, ere long Thylacine presently known from continen-

216 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

tal Europe at this time. When the Berlin additional professional responsibilities and Zoo received a second Thylacine in 1871 activities. But his presentation of (it received its first in July 1 864 but it had Thylacine specimens, both alive and dead, lived only four months) the next edition of to European scientific institutions is mere- the zoo guide suggested it was the only ly one expression of his zoological inter- Thylacine now alive in Europe as the ests; the depth of which may be gauged by Vienna animal had died in 1866 ['das the extent of his donations to the Stuttgart Wiener Tier war 1866 gestorben'], (cited Natural History Museum. His prediction in Klos 1988). This casually mentioned of extinction for the Thylacine and con- Thylacine living in Vienna in 1866 may cern over the introduction and release of well have originated from Mueller. exotic species demonstrates how finely Mueller began supplying the Stuttgart attuned he was to the entirety of Natural History Museum with zoological Australian ecological relationships. Were and botanical specimens in the 1860's. His it not for internal acclimatisation politics vertebrate donations alone totalled 2,269 within the committee overseeing the zoo, specimens, covering 837 species, one of he would, in all likelihood, have continued which was a Thylacine (Koning 1991). as curator. Mueller's environmental con- However, the registration date for this cerns were denigrated by the economic specimen - a whole skin mount plus skull rationalists of his time, the acclimatisers - (Fig 1) is recorded as September 1889 who saw little of tangible value in the (Joan Dixon, pers. cotnm), and its most Australian environment and sought, with likely provenance was from deceased the concept of 'progress' in mind, to alter stock at Melbourne Zoo, which is known its unfamiliar wildness as rapidly as possi-

to have purchased six Thylacine speci- ble, and replace it with economic produc- mens from northern Tasmania between tivity and familiar faces. Having removed 1883 and 1886. Mueller as curator, the Acclimatisation

It is difficult to imagine how Mueller Society of Victoria went on to play its pre- could have filled his life with any eminent role in the destruction of the

History Museum. male Thylacine in the Stuttgart Natural Pig. 1. The whole skin mount o, an adult donated by Mueller in 1889.

217 Vol. 113(4)1996 . . .

Mueller Issue

Australian environment. For example, Berlin, Teill II: Beuteltiere. Bongo 14, 19-32. KSning, C. (1991). Forschungsreisende und ihre members of the Association helped spread Verdienste um den Aufbau der zoologischen Rabbits, release Foxes, import and release Sammlung. Stultgarter Beitrdge zur Naturkunde 30, Hares, five species of Deer, two species of 21-25. Moeller, H.F. (1993). 'Beutelwolfe (Thylacinus cyno- Sparrow, Starlings, Blackbirds, Pigeons, cephalus) in Zoologischen Garten und Museen'.

Doves, Indian Mynas, European Zeitschrift des Kblner Zoo 2, 67-7 1 Waterfowl and Californian Quail all of Mueller, F.v. (1865a). Letter to R.C. Gunn, 20/5/1865. R.C. Gunn Correspondence, Mitchell Library, State which established Victoria. became within Library of New South Wales, Sydney. They also supplied specimens for release Mueller, F.v. (1865b). Letter to R.C. Gunn, 16/6/1865. by individuals and societies in other R.C. Gunn Correspondence, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, Sydney. Australasian colonies (Jenkins 1977; Rolls Mueller, F.v. (1865c). Letter to R.C. Gunn, 2/7/1865. 1984). R.C. Gunn Correspondence, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales, Sydney. How great has been the environmental Propsting, R. (1854). Letter to R.C. Gunn, 10/1/1854. destruction in the 100 years since R.C. Gunn Correspondence, Mitchell Library, State Mueller's death, and how significant the Library of New South Wales, Sydney. Rolls, E.C. (1984). 'They All Ran Wild' (second edi- decrease in Australian biodiversity! One is tion). (Angus and Robertson: Australia). forced to contemplate how different the Sclater, P.L. (1 884). Additions to the Society's Australian environment would be today if Menagerie during the month of November 1 884. Proceedings of the Zoological Society ofLondon, only Mueller had been retained as curator 561-562. of the Melbourne Zoological Gardens. Zoological and Acclimatisation Society of Victoria.

( 1 884). 'Fifth Minute Book of the Zoological and Acknowledgments Acclimatisation Society of Victoria, 1880 - 1884'. Archives of the Royal Melbourne Zoological and Thanks are expressed to Prof. A.M. Lucas, Acclimatisation Society, Public Records Office, King's College, University of London, for his Laverton, Melbourne. continuing attempts to locate European-based Zoological Society of London. (1872). 'Revised List records of Mueller's Thylacines in 1866; to Dr of the Vertebrated Animals Now or Lately Living in Wirth of the Stuttgart Natural History Museum the Gardens of the Zoological Society of London' 5th ed. (Longmans, Green, Reader and Dyer: for the photograph, to Joan Dixon, Museum of London). Victoria, for access to her personally obtained records of Thylacines held in overseas museums, and to John Lowe for his services as trans- lator. The professional advice and assistance from archivists and librarians at the Mitchell Library, Sydney, Public Records Office, Melbourne, and Museum of Victoria was invaluable, as well as the assistance provided by Chris Larcombe, Chief Executive Officer at Melbourne Zoo. The continuing encouragement and support of Prof. Rod Home. University of Melbourne and Prof. Graham Mitchell, Commonwealth Serum Laboratories is also appreciated.

References Claude, C. (1996). 'Der Beutelwolf. (Thylactnus, Harris 1808). Leben und Slerben einer Tierant'. (Zoo- logisches Museum der Universitat Zurich: Zurich), de Courcy, C. (1995). 'The Zoo Story'. (Penguin: Australia). Gunn, R.C. (1850). 'Letter to the Secretary, Zoological Society of London, 29/12/1849'. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 90-91

Gunn, R.C. ( 1 85 1 ). Proceedings, 9/7/1 85 1 . Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Van Diemen 's Land, 157. Gunn, R.C. (1863). 'Letter to the Secretary. Zoological Society of London, 19/1/1863'. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 103-104. Jenkins, C.F.H. (1977). 'The Noah's Ark Syndrome'. (Zoological Gardens Board of Western Australia: Australia). Klos, U. (1988). Die Kleinsaugerhaltung irn Zoo

218 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Mueller's naming of Places and Plants In Central Australia - Victorian Eponyms

Linden Gillbank 1

Abstract Mueller was largely responsible for determining the shape of European botanical knowledge ot phys- inland Australia during the second half of the nineteenth century. In naming inland plants and iographic features, Mueller honoured fellow Victorians including explorers, doctors and politicians (The Victorian Naturalist 113,1996, 219-226).

Introduction Victoria's Government Botanist in carried out exten- Floral and physiographic features of the January 1853, Mueller expeditions in Victoria and arid interior of Australia bear the names of sive botanical British government's nineteenth century residents of the colony participated in the Exploring Expedition led of Victoria. Some names are well-known: North Australian Augustus Gregory (Cohn, this volume). for example Victoria's governor La Trobe by - used the Victoria and government astronomer Ellery With Gregory, Mueller Creek as he had used the whose names are attached to a species of River and Sturt ranges four years earlier - to Eremophila and a tributary of the Finke Flinders explore and botanize into the undocument- River. Other names are of less well-known interior of the continent (Gillbank and Victorians. The person who was largely ed 1996). As botanist to the North responsible for these names was Baron Maroske Exploring Expedition, the Ferdinand von Mueller. As Victoria's Australian young Mueller enhanced his skills and government botanist from the begining of reputation in both exploration and botany. until his death in 1896, he provided 1853 centre of cen- Mueller never reached the arid names for places as well as plants in commemo- Australia but maintained a continuing tral Australia, many of them interest in its exploration and botany. fellow Victorians. rating Gregory's expedition, Mueller describes how Victoria's After This paper Australian increasingly enjoyed the role of Government Botanist wielded such extra- authority, and plants collected naming power over part of the botanical colonial waves of inland exploration which was never part during several Australian landscape - including were sent to him to document Victoria and which he never visited; of led by Babbage. Stuart, Burke Victorians whom expeditions and reveals some of the 1996). Giles (Gillbank and Maroske phytological and phys- and Mueller chose for these plants Muellers Mueller documented many of iographical commemoration. Latin in his journal Fragmenta presented as he record- in plant names are Australiae [Fragments of names commem- Phytographiae ed them - with specific English in The Australian Botany], and in begining with capital let- orating people Naturalist (after its establish- in the nine- Victorian ters, as was the custom ment in 1884). ,. century. for plant teenth Mueller did not sit idly waiung argued pub- specimens to reach him. He Exploration interior, Mueller and further exploration of the was an integral part of licly for Exploration the expedition now known work. During helped initiate Mueller's early botanical Wills expedition and across as the Burke and he trekked extensively fund his the 1850s Giles plan, publicize and in search ot helped the Australian landscape in expeditions. substantial flora foray plants. His first along the - from Adelaide Australia Desert Lovers in 1851 - introduced the remark- Flinders Ranges Mueller was fascinated by desert flora in the commenting Mueller to Australia's the arid interior, as able flora of Following his appointment wild. in 1858 that: of Science ^partmeM History and Philosophy Parkville, Victona WA University of Melbourne, 219

Vol. 113 (4) 1996 , Mueller Issue

'A traveller in the extensive desert- excellent Charl. Jos. La Trobe, a great tracts of Australia is often well patron of Botany, and to whose love for rewarded for his toils and privations science the botanical department under my by the enjoyment which the sight of administration owes its origin.' the varied works of the Creator must Mueller did provide a lasting botanical ever cause to contemplative minds; memorial to La Trobe. That attractive more especially when it is observed desert lover, with its bright-red pendulous that, with the increase of the country's floral bells, still carries his name - both its barrenness, variety and beauty in the formal scientific name, E. latrobei, and its vegetation increase in proportion.' common name, Latrobe's Desert Fuchsia. (Mueller 1860) He was particularly impressed with the Of explorers, living and dead diverse beauty of plants whose generic In the 1860s Mueller named many plants name Eremophila means desert-loving: collected in the arid interior during several 'Prominent amongst the attractive expeditions - John McDouall Stuart's plants to be met with in the solitudes expeditions, the Victorian Exploring of the interior are those of the Expedition and its subsequent relief expeditions. Myoporinous order ... [including the active and enthusiastic genus] Eremophila, ... comprising Mueller was an forms exquisitely ornamental.' proponent of a plan for the Philosophical (Mueller 1860) Institute of Victoria (later the Royal Mueller received the plants collected dur- Society of Victoria) to send a Victorian ing Benjamin Herschel Babbage's 1858 scientific expedition across Australia. A exploration north of Lake Torrens, South foundation member of its Exploration Australia. In his botanical report Mueller Committee, Mueller supported the com- but not (1859) suggested that mittee's eventual choice of route the Victorian 'the most interesting and certainly the leader (Bonyhady 1991). On most ornamental portion of the vegeta- Exploring Expedition, which was renamed and two tion in the territory lately explored is the Burke and Wills Expedition, - constituted by the numerous and gor- relief expeditions, three medical officers geous species of Eremophila. The addi- Beckler, Wheeler, and Murray - doubled tions to this genus now obtained as plant collectors and sent specimens to 1860s Mueller used induced me to review once more all the Mueller. In the early they collected to botanically species with which I am acquainted'. specimens with the In reviewing the genus Eremophila commemorate people connected Victorians. R.Br., Mueller honoured Victoria's first expedition and several other governor, Charles Joseph La Trobe, who Their specimens are type specimens which National had created the position of Government are still housed in Melbourne's Botanist and appointed Mueller to it. Herbarium. While trekking down Sturt Creek with The main expedition's medical officer Gregory, Mueller had collected a 'magnif- and botanist, Dr Hermann Beckler, who plants for icent' Eremophila which he wanted to had previously collected expedition member name after La Trobe, whose 'unlimited Mueller, was the only did not kindness' was 'in the desert vividly to collect plants. However he Burke and Wills north of the retained' in his mind, hoping that it would accompany River (near 'never sink in oblivion' (Mueller to depot camp on the Darling but remained in charge of that Hooker, April 6, 1857). Mueller (1858-9; Menindie),

1 to June 1 86 1859) expressed his indebtedness to La camp. From December 860 1 Trobe by naming and describing while caring for the sick, Beckler collect- corner of Eremophila Latrobei in the first volume of ed plants in the north-west NSW the border into Queensland his Fragmenta and in his botanical report and just across Willis 1962). At the of the Babbage expedition. Mueller (1859) (Bonyhady 1991; monthly meeting in May noted that this 'noble species' was Royal Society's several plant 'well worthy of bearing the name of the 1861 Mueller exhibited

220 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

specimens which Beckler had collected Barrier Range Miliaria Greevesii near the Darling (Fig.l), River while searching for after the multifaceted Augustus Greeves! two members of Burke's exploring party M.L.A., surgeon, politician, businessman (Argus 28 May, 1861). and former Mayor of Melbourne. Although Mueller had previously When Burke and his three companions received plant specimens from the vicinity did not return to Melbourne, relief expedi- the of Darling River, Beckler's collection tions were sent out in search of the miss- contained many plants still awaiting scien- ing explorers. Alfred Howitt's first relief tific names. In naming them in the second parly reached the depot camp in August and third volumes of his Fragmenta, 1861. Their medical officer, Walter Frank Mueller commemorated people who had Wheeler, later collected plants beyond supported the expedition and his Botanic Beckler's most northerly collections - Garden (Table 1). They included three between Stokes Range and Cooper's Victorian residents - Hopwood, Docker Creek (Willis 1963). Wheeler is commem- and Greeves - all of whom Mueller orated in the names of two plants he sent acknowledged in his annual reports as Mueller. One was among the herbarium donors of plant material - seeds, living specimens of Australian legumes which plants, dried and herbarium specimens. Mueller sent to George Bentham to deter- Mueller (1860-1) named Anthocercis mine. In his Flora Australiensis Bentham Hopwoodii in honour of Henry Hopwood, (1864 II) described and named Isotropis former convict, entrepreneur and founder Wheeleri. Mueller sent his collection of of the town of Echuca, who donated £100 Australian members of the Euphorbiaceae in return for being accepted as a member to the French botanist, H. Baillon, for tax- of the Philosophical Institute - the most onomic enumeration. Baillon (1866,p.286)

enthusiastic response to the Institute's named one Euphorbia Wheeleri after its appeal for £2000 (Bonyhady 1991). collector. Mueller later transferred this alkaloid-rich The surgeon and plant collector on 'Pituri' plant to the genus Duboisia. Howitt's second relief expedition, James Mueller (1860-1) named Acanthocladium Patrick Murray, on leave from the Dockeri to commemorate the Reverend Melbourne Hospital, relieved Wheeler on Joseph Docker of 'Bontharambo' on the New Year's Day 1862 at the depot camp Ovens River (near Wangaratta), who on the Darling River. From March to donated £100 to the Victorian Exploring October 1862 Murray collected extensive- Expedition so that he would not seem ly in the vicinity of Cooper's Creek. A lacking in either public spirit or gratitude July trek across Sturt's Stony Desert to the to his 'adopted country' (Bonyhady 1991). Diamantina River yielded many 'new' Later Mueller (1862-3) named a woolly species for Mueller to name (Willis 1962). herb which Beckler collected near the In naming two of them Ptilotus Murrayi

which Mueller named (or Table 1. Plants collected during inland expeditions in the early 1860s, sent to others to name) to commemorate Victorians.

Original name Current name [APNI] Acacia Murrayana Acacia murrayana Benth. F.Muell. Acanthocladium Dockerii Acanthocladium dockeri hopwoodii (F.Muell. )F.Muell. Anthocercis Hopwoodii Duboisia rudallii (F.Muell.) Benth. Elachopappus Rudallii Myriocephalus Eremophila willsii F.Muell. Eremophila Willsii wheeleri Baillon Euphorbia Wheeleri Euphorbia Olearia ferresii (F.Muell.)Benth. Eurybia Ferresii Isotropis wheeleri Benth. Isotropis Wheeleri Millotia greevesii F.Muell. Millotia Greevesii Ptilotus murrayi F.Muell. Ptilotus Murrayi Swainsona burkei Benth. Swainsona Burkei Zygophyllum howittii F.Muell. Zygophyllum Howittii

221 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 s Mueller Issue

Stuart collected near the Finke river, Eremophila Willsii (Fig. 2) to commemo- ' rate the young William Wills. Its common names include Sandhill Native Fuchsia and Wills' Desert Fuchsia. Robert O'Hara Burke is commemorated in the name of a legume which Stuart collected and Mueller forwarded to Bentham. In his Flora Australiensis Bentham (1864 II) described and named Swainsona Burkei. Mueller also used a daisy collected during Stuart's expedition to commemorate Victoria's Government Printer, John Ferres. His name appears on Mueller's annual reports and other publications some of which were in Latin. Mueller was pleased to have them printed at the ft Government Printing Office where 'men of classical knowledge are engaged as readers and compositors' (Cavanagh 1988). Mueller (1862-3) named a sticky, scented, shrub with large daisy flowers which Stuart collected on Brinkley's Bluff in the MacDonnell Ranges Eurybia Ferresii (Fig. 3). He also dedicated early

Fig. 1. Illustration accompanying Mueller's description of Millotia Greevesii [Fragmenta 3: plate 19]

and Zygophyllum Howittii Mueller (1862- 3) botanically commemorated Murray and Howitt. Among the specimens which Mueller sent Bentham was a wattle whose flowers Murray had collected near Cooper's Creek. In his Flora Australiensis Bentham (1864, II) named it Acacia Murrayana to commemorate its collector. Mueller used a small daisy which Murray collected near Cooper's Creek to commemorate another early Melbourne medical man - James Thomas Rudall.

Mueller (1862-3) named it Elachopappus Rudallii the year before Rudall named his baby son James Ferdinand.

It is a sad irony that two plants collected during Stuart's successful expeditions allowed Mueller to commemorate Burke and Wills who, unlike Stuart, died during their transcontinental expedition. Both plants have purple flowers. After Howitt' news of their death reached Melbourne, Mueller (1862-3) named an Eremophila Fig. 2. Illustration accompanying Mueller's with striking lilac-purple flowers, which description of Ermophila Willsii [Fragmenta 3: plate 20]

222 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue volumes of his Fragmenta to 'Joannis Ferres'.

Mueller and Giles During the 1870s, the overland telegraph line stretched northward across the continent. Its telegraph stations greatly facilitated European access to the interior on both sides of the telegraph line,

prompting a new wave of exploration still driven by the hope of finding water, pastures and minerals. Mueller anticipated new botanical wealth from this wave, and was keen to support Ernest Giles and other explorers. As he explained in his introduction to Giles' Geographic Travels in Central Australia, which he also edited, Mueller publicized Giles' expeditions and sought and provided financial support. He helped plan Giles' expeditions and provided maps. Giles (1875) mentioned 'a small German map of Australia, given me amongst numerous others by my kind and generous patron, the Baron von Mueller'. In 1872 Giles applied many European names to physiographic features in central Australia. Some were the names of Fig. 3. Illustration accompanying Mueller's Mueller's European correspondents, col- description of Eurvbia Ferresii [Fragmenta 3: leagues and patrons. In the published plate 18] report of his first expedition, Giles (1875) Ellery, F.R.S.', and 'Rudall's Creek' 'in recorded some of these - peaks in the honour of an eminent surgeon and MacDonnell Ranges named after Dr Otto promoter of science in the Victorian Sonder, Count Zeil and Baron von metropolis, and a friend of Baron Mueller' Heuglin; ranges after Baron Justus von - James Rudall. This was a decade after Liebig and Professor Ehrenberg; a bluff Mueller had attatched his name to the after Dr Haast; a watercourse after small Poached Egg Daisy, and several Professor Augustus Petermann; Kata Tjuta years after Mueller had helped him trans- (the after Olga, Queen of Wuerttemberg for late a German book on mental health year after Mueller received the hereditary publication in English in Melbourne. of Freiherr from the King of title To enable Giles to undertake a second and a salt-lake after Wuerttemberg); expedition westward from the overland patron of science - Amadeus, another telegraph, Mueller sought financial sup- of Spain. King port by offering an eponymic inducement. were also commemorated. Victorians For the privilege of being 'one of 25 charming little Giles (1875) named 'a Gentlemen' each subscribing £10, the Edith after his Melbourne being oasis' Glen donor 'shall be honored by his name range after her father, Giles' locality' niece, and a given to some new geographic Gill, who, like brother-in-law, George (Mueller to Mackinnon, 7 Jan. 1873). the expe- Mueller, had provided funds for Mueller also arranged for William of the Finke River experience dition. Two tributaries Tietkens to gain botanical Mueller's associates. expedition in were named after before joining Giles' second Creek' after Giles (1875) named 'Ellery's 1873 (Hardy 1906). 'our well- hon- Mueller's fellow public servant, Some features were still named in astronomer, Mr. At Mueller's known and esteemed our of foreign dignitaries.

223 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

request Giles 'bestowed the names of tianum), but because its style differs from H.R.H. Prince Alfred (the Duke of that of both Hibiscus and Gossypium, it Edinburgh) and of her Imperial Highness has been transferred to the genus Radyera, the Princess Marie' on two mountains he but is still known commonly as Bush 'discovered' about the time of their mar- Hibiscus. Mueller (1872-4) named a small riage (Mueller to Bowen, Sept.5, 1874). pale perennial daisy growing in rocky Mueller also botanically commemorated crevices in the MacDonnell Ranges after the princess by naming the palm, whose Dr William Thomson, an energetic advo- leaves Giles had collected in the Finke cate of the contagionist doctrine and gorge, Livistona Mariae (Mueller 1878- Darwinian ideas (Gandevia 1976). 81,p.54). This was one of the plants Giles Helichrysum thomsonii is commonly collected during his first and second expe- called Thomson's Daisy. Dicrastylis ditions many of which Mueller named in lewellini commemorates John Henry Hill volume 8 of his Fragmenta (Table 2). One Lewellin, M.D.. Mueller (1872-4) named was another beautiful 'desert-lover' with it Chloanthes Lewellini and later trans-

purple bell-shaped flowers which Mueller ferred it to the genus Dicrastylis. Mueller named to commemorate the explorer: gave Lewellin a copy of Fragmenta Mueller (1872-4) named an undocument- volume 8 which contained his description

ed Eremophila, which Giles collected in of Chloanthes Lewellini and inscribed it to the MacDonnell Ranges, E. Gilesii. It is his 'friend Henry Lewellin, a most skillful sometimes called Giles' Desert Fuchsia. physician'. This volume is in the library of Mueller subsequently named other plants Victoria's National Herbarium (pers. after Giles and Tietkens. comm. Helen Cohn, May 1996) Mueller used plants collected during Several other species of Dicrastylis Giles' first two expeditions to commemo- commemorate people. As well as naming - rate four Melbourne medical men one after Giles, Mueller ( 1 872-4) named a Wilkie, Farrage, Thomson and Lewellin. yellow woolly flowered one Dicrastyles Mueller (1872-4) named a mintbush Beveridgei after Peter Beveridge of Prostanthera Wilkieana to honour the 'Tyntynder' on the Murray River (near Melbourne physician and politician, David Swan Hill), who had donated plants and Wilkie M.D.. Wilkie shared Mueller's seeds to Mueller's Botanic Garden. interest in natural history, and like Mueller A yellow-flowered herb which Giles had given time, ideas and money to help collected near Lake Amadeus commemo- initiate the Philosophical Institute's expe- rates a botanical artist, Fanny Anne dition, served on the Exploration Charsley, who painted local wildflowers Committee, and was very critical of the during her decade domiciled in Burke and Wills' expedition (Bonyhady, Melbourne. On her return to England in

passim.). Mueller (1872-4) named an 1 866, thirteen of her water colour paint- Hibiscus-like shrub from the MacDonnell ings, 'large quarto lithograph (or zinco- Ranges Hibiscus Farragei after Dr graph) plates of excellent drawings of the William Farrage. Its purple flower resem- flowers, coloured with perfect accuracy' bles Sturt's Desert Rose (Gossypium stur- were published in a book, The Wildflowers

Table 2. Plants collected during Giles' expeditions which Mueller named to commemorate Victorians.

Mueller's name Current name [APNI] Chloanthes Lewellini Dicrastylis lewellinii (F.Muell.) F.Muell. Dicrastyles Beveridgei Dicrastylis beveridgei F.Muell. Hannafordia Bissillii Hannafordia bissillii F.Muell. Helichrysum Thomsoni Helichrysum thomsonii F.Muell. Helipterum Charsleyae Helipterum charsleyae F.Muell. Hibiscus Farragei Radyera farragei (F.Muell.) Fryxell & Hashmi Phyllota Luehmanni Phyllota luehmannii F.Muell. Prostanthera Wilkieana Prostanthera wilkieana F.Muell. Wrixonia prostantheroides Wrixonia prostantheroides F.Muell.

224 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue around Melbourne, which she dedicated the onerous office of Melbourne to Mueller who had provided taxonomic town-clerk, and who with genial and details (Cavanagh 19831). It was possibly enlightened circumspectness has also first 'popular' the illustrated book on the constantly promoted science-research- Victorian flora. In response Mueller es in the greatest of southern cities.' (1872-4) named a daisy which Giles col- A common name of Helipterum fitzgih- - lected near Lake Amadeus Helipterum bonii is Fitzgibbon' s Daisy. Charsleyae. H. charsleyae is not, as it is Long after commemorating his assistant, sometimes called, 'Charles Daisy'. There George Luehmann, in naming a legume is no misspelling in the specific name. collected during Giles' 1875 expedition In volume 10 of his Fragmenta Mueller Phyllota Luehmanni (Mueller 1876-7), he continued to name plants collected during named a chenopod collected by Rev. Giles' expeditions between the overland Schwarz from Hermannsburg Lutheran telegraph and the western coast of Mission on the Finke River, Bassia

Australia in the mid-1870s (Table 2). Luehmanni. Mueller (1890a) dedicated it Mueller (1876-7) named Hannafordia to Bissillii after Walter Bissill of 'Belvoir 'G. Luehmann, Esq., F.L.S., First Park* at Ravenswood (between Assistant in the Phytologic Castlemaine and Bendigo), who wrote Department here, who during many about local wildflowers and sent seeds and years has zealously aided the specimens to Mueller. researches of its founder'. A generic name also commemorates a Now included in the genus Maireana, M. Victorian. In naming a relative of luehmannii still commemorates Mueller's Prostanthera collected during Giles' 1875 assistant. westward expedition, Wrixonia prostan- During the last years of his life Mueller theroides, Mueller (1876-7) established helped Professor Ralph Tate of the the genus Wrixonia and commended University of Adelaide, determine plants Henry John Wrixon, M.L.A., a barrister collected during the 1891 Elder Scientific and the 1894 Horn and politician, for his support of science. Exploring Expedition Scientific Expedition (Gillbank and 1890s Maroske, 1996). In 1896, the year of Mueller continued to botanically com- Mueller's death, Darwinia Luehmanni memorate people into the 1890s. He was also dedicated to Luehmann in recog- help with plants wished to honour Melbourne's Town nition of his taxonomic the Elder expedition Clerk, Edmund Gerald FitzGibbon, who collected during donated plants to the Botanic Garden and (Mueller and Tate, 1 896,p.353). whose voluminous correspondence with Eponymous Echoes Mueller related to various aspects of the Although taxonomic changes have Botanic Garden. Mueller had received erased some of Mueller's plant names, several specimens of an everlasting from enough survive for his commemoration of other collectors, and on receipt of a speci- Victorians to remain etched in the men collected during Tietkens' 1889 fellow physiography of the arid interior (1890a and b) pub- flora and expedition, Mueller carry the of Australia. Many plants still lished the name and description of Mueller's Victorian colleagues first in The names of Helipterum Fitzgibboni Victorians and contributors, and other Victorian Naturalist and later in the who shared his passionate interest in Transactions and Proceedings of the and exploration. They include Australia. Mueller plants Royal Society of South politicians explorers, collectors, doctors, (1890a) explained that: and a female botanical artist. 'The specific name of this exceeding- was chosen ly pretty 'Everlasting' Acknowledgements honour of already some years ago in Sara Maroske of the I wish to thank Esq., who through a Project and E.G. Fitzgibbon Mueller Correspondence dignifiedly held third of a century so

225 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

Helen Cohn at the Library of Victoria's documentation of the larapintine flora. In 'Central National Herbarium, for generous Australia and the 1894 Horn Expedition'. Eds S.R. Morton and D.J. Mulvaney. (Surrey Beatty & Sons: provision of information and comments. Chipping Norton, NSW) Hardy, A.D. (1906). Excursion to Wilson's References Promontory. Victorian Naturalist 22: 191-223. Mueller, F. (1858-9). Fragmenta Phytographiae Unpublished correspondence (Courtesy Australiae 1. of the Mueller Correspondance project) Mueller, F. (1859). Report on the plants collected dur- Mueller to George Bowen, Sept. 5, 1874. Public ing Mr. Babbage's expedition into the north-western Record Office London, CO309/112, Enclosure to interior of South Australia in 1858. In Victoria - - Despatch No.5 of Sept.8, 1 874. Parliamentary Papers Votes and Proceedings of the Mueller to William Hooker, April 6, 1857. Royal Legislative Assembly 1859-60 3 (No.l): 1-21. Botanic Gardens Kew, Director's letters, vol (Government Printer: Melbourne). LXXIV, Australia letters 1851-8, letter no 159. Mueller. F. (1860). On the genus Eremophila. Report Mueller to Mackinnon, Jan.7, 1873. La Trobe Library, of the Royal Society of Tasmaniafor 18593: 291-297. Australian Manuscripts Collection, Box 12/6 Mueller, F. (1860-1). Fragmenta Phytographiae Mackinnon Papers. Australiae 2. Mueller, F. (1862-3). Fragmenta Phytographiae Published sources Australiae 3. APNI - Australian Plant Names Index. Australian Mueller, F. (1872-4). Fragmenta Phytographiae National Botanic Gardens' Database on the Internet. Australiae 8. Argus 28 May, 1861. p.5. Mueller, F. (1876-7). Fragmenta Phytographiae Baillon, H. (1866). Species Euphorbiacearum. Australiae 10. Euphorbiacees Australiennes. Adansonia 6. Mueller, F. (1878-81). Fragmenta Phytographiae Bentham, G. (1863-78). Flora Australiensis, 7 vols, Australiae 11. (Lovell Reeve and Co.: London) Mueller, F. (1890a). Descriptions of new Australian Bonyhady, T., (1991). Burke and Wills. From plants, with occasional other annotations. Victorian Melbourne to Myth, (David Ell Press: Sydney) Naturalist 7: 38-39; 46-50. Cavanagh, A.K. (1983). Fanny Anne Charsley and Her Mueller. F. (1890b). Supplemental notes to the list of Wildflower Paintings. Victorian Naturalist 100: 21-4. plants collected in central Australia. Transactions and Cavanagh, T.[A.K.] (1988). The Victorian Proceedings of the Royal Society of South Australia Government Printer and Early Scientific Publishing in 13: 170-1. Victoria; Ferdinand von Mueller, the Royal Society Mueller, F. and Tate, R. (1896). Phanerogams and vas- and R. Brough Smyth. Riverina Library Review 5: cular cryptograms. Transactions of the Royal Society 262-276. of South Australia 16: 333-83. Gandevia, B. (1976). Thomson, William. Australian Willis, J.H. (1962). The botany of the Victoria Dictionary of Biography 6: 270-2. Exploring Expedition (September 1860 - June 1861) Giles, E. (1875). Geographic travels in Central and of relief contingents from Victoria (July 1861 - Australia from 1872 to 1874. Melbourne. Facsimile November 1862). Proceedings of the Royal Society of edition published in 1993 by Corkwood Press, Victoria 75: 247-268. Bundaberg, Queensland. Gillbank, L. and Maroske, S. (1996). Behind the botany of the Horn Expedition: Ferdinand Mueller's

Meuller's privately expressed disappointment at not writing Flora Australiensis is poignantly expressed in a letter to Professor Oliver, Christmas 1863 '...The effect of the existing arrangement has been greatly to disturb my plan of life, to bend my spirit to proceed on my path, and to render me much less bouyant to work as I otherwise might have done. Having spent the best years of youthful vigour, enormous exertion and almost a fortune on a plan which now, to a certain extent, had been frustrated,...'

The Victorian Nauturalist 44, 1 34.

226 The Victorian Naturalist . '

Mueller Issue

The Botanist at Como: Mueller and the Armytage Family

Carmel McPhee 1

Recently, while sifting through at the time Mueller was director. Armytage family papers at the Melbourne Such plant donations from well-to-do University Archives, attempting to broad- families across Victoria, usually took the en our understanding of the Como garden, form of an exchange, with Mueller return- a colleague and I came across four brief ing the favour by supplying plants in letters from Baron Ferdinad von Mueller, return. In this way, wealthier members of by then in his early seventies, to Armytage the colony assisted in the establishment of family members at Como. the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, through Written between 20 April 1895 and 27 it is not certain whether this was how April 1 896, within the last two years of Mueller and the Armytages first met. Mueller's life, the letters tell us of the Perhaps the family approached him ask- enduring friendship which had existed ing for advice on suitable pasture grasses between the botanist and this well-to-do for their Victorian Western District and early Melbourne and Western District Queensland properties. In two of the let- family. ters, Mueller discusses his uncertainty 'When I receive dear Miss Armytage regarding the successful establishment of kind letters from ladies, which is not two species of exotic grass which he had very often, I feel always much given the family to trial on their North cheered and thus I was particularly Queensland station.

the case when I received your 'Allow me dear Madam to mention,

thoughtful communication. . that the enlarged ninth edition of the ...For some months I shall be over- Select Plants is now going into print powered with professional work in so that any occurrence with the my Department, but after that time I Coapin grass (Panicum spectabile) in hope to call again on the few friends your Queensland Station could now

which I have...' be recorded in the work under your (To Ada Armytage, 27 April, 1896) honoured name. Such poignant phrases from Mueller in But the last year has been one of the last months of his life and twenty three such dryness, that perhaps the experi- years after his ignominious departure as ments gave no favourable results. director of the Melbourne Botanic Nevertheless it would be well to per- . Gardens, speak of the loneliness he must severe with the trials. . Armytage, 20 April, have endured until his death later in that (To Caroline 1895) same year. almost forty years before these Two of the letters refer to future outings In 1857, were written to the Armytage with the Armytage women, one to a 'festi- final letters Mueller had first voiced his argu- val' at Como to which he had been invited women, plant introductions to and the second, an invitation to Ada ments for exotic in his paper 'On a General Armytage to accompany him to a 'dis- Victoria, Useful Plants into course with limelight views... in the Introduction of - a forum for the debate of such Prahran Town Hall by an arctic voyager' Victoria', issues. About this time, thousands were a Mr Wilkinson. the goldfields empty-handed, Mueller's long association with Como, leaving swelling unemployment in the young in fact, began before the Armytage friend- colony of Victoria. A pressing issue for ship, in the days when Como's second government had become the need to Brown family, donated many the owners, the so the Gardens expand agriculture and industry, plants to the Melbourne Botanic evaluation of potentially productive Gardens in Victoria. favourably. I Manager of National Trust species was regarded very 31 13. 39 Brackenbury Street, Warrandyte, Victoria

227 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

Later, as an inaugural member of the Acknowledgments Acclimatisation Society of Victoria, estab- I would like to thank Sara Maroske for her invaluable help lished in 1861, Mueller went on to sys- and advice in the preparation of this article. tematically disperse both native and exotic plants across Australia and internationally. Bibliography His intense interest in introducing useful Gillbank, L. (1986). The Origins of the plants led him to compile a book on the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria: Practical Science in the Wake of the Gold Rush. Historical subject, first published in 1876 under the Records of Australian Science 6,359-374. title Select Plants readily eligible for Mueller, F. (1876). Select Plants readily eligible for Industrial Culture or Naturalisation in Industrial Culture or Naturalisation in Victoria. McCarron, Bird and Co.: Melbourne Victoria, with indications of their Native Mueller, F. (1895). Select Extra - Tropical Plants Countries and some of their Uses. This readily eligible for Industrial Culture or work was re-published several times with Naturalisation. Ninth edition, revised and enlarged Mueller, F. (1858) On a General Introduction of revisions, enlargements or translations. It Useful Plants into Victoria. Transactions of the is to the 1895 edition that Mueller refers Philosophical Institute of Victoria, 2 (2), 93- 1 09. in his letter above to Caroline Armytage. Mueller, F. (1895 - 1896) Four letters to the Armytage family at Como. Armytage Archive, University of Whatever the origins their of relation- Melbourne, Victoria. ship, the strong friendship Mueller obviously felt for the Armytage family, sheds a little extra light on the final years and months of this great botanist's remarkable life.

Laura Armytage and friend in an undeveloped part of Como garden - early 1880's. Photo courtesy Como Photographic archive.

228 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Emigrant Eucalypts: Gum Trees as Exotics by Robert Fyfe Zacharin Publisher: c Robert Fyfe Zacharin, 'Khumbila', RMB 1772, Cape Schanck, Victoria 3939. RRP $25.00 plus postage

The motivation for this book was hatched Goold, as recorded in Eucalyptography. from the author's first of many visits to Unfortunately, however, the clarity of the Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa in Zacharin 's photographs is often poor and 1967, where his curiosity revealed that the not sufficient to properly appreciate the introduction of eucalypts (notably E. glob- species portrayed. ulus) was almost the sole factor enabling The rather brief cover of the eastern the establishment of this city in a land Mediterranean, towards the end of the bereft of vegetation. From that point, he book, inspires me to add a little that may has used his unique professional opportu- well interest readers. For the Syrian crews nities to visit an extraordinary kaleido- manning artillery batteries on the Golan scope of countries and study introduced Heights above Galilee, the summer cli- eucalypts first hand, together with the mate was undoubtedly torrid. Hence, a related local literature, much of which suggestion from an Israeli source to plant would be difficult to access in Australia. a few Blue Gums around each for shade The result is a book which will fascinate was evidently received, and embraced by any who share his great love of this Syrian authorities. Subsequently, in the remarkable genus, roaming across count- Six-Day War of 1967, these little clumps less lands and portraying the innumerable of Blue Gums became 'sitting ducks' for familiar, and less familiar, personalities Israeli artillery - and survived better than involved. most of the fortifications and their crews. Club members will enjoy reading the Strangely, the two-page coverage of our is some- Foreword by our late Jim Willis, repro- compatriots across the Tasman of an duced directly in his delightful hand. what brief, apparently as a result substantial tome by Rev Oddly, one of the best-known seed trans- oversight of the Eucalypts in New fers to the Trappist monks of the Tre J.H. Simmonds, this book will bring Fontane Monastery (Rome) - with its Zealand. Nonetheless, - lovers of the genus. goulish links to the execution of St Paul joy to any (page is the subject of two stories, firstly Alan Parkin 58-59) attributed to the Howitts (father 2 Haze! Drive, Templestowe, Victoria 3107. and son), and later (page 68), the better- known story of Mueller and Archbishop

The Natural Art of Louisa Atkinson by Elizabeth Lawson South Wales Press 1995; Publisher- The State Library of New cover, $49.95 hard cover. 144 p^sS'cotour plates; RRP $39.95 soft

South Wales in the 1860s, of the colony parts of New As Government Botanist specimens via welcomed and initially forwarded of Victoria, Ferdinand Mueller William Woolls in Sydney. collected within and plant specimens an artist. Unlike her of Louisa was also the borders of Victoria. Some beyond sisters, Helena and Harriet Scott were women. One was artistic his collectors the natural history work of various who illustrated Louisa Atkinson, who collected in

229 Vol. 113 (4) 1996 Mueller Issue

others, Louisa's art was an integral part of that the native cedar was becoming scarce her own work as a naturalist. As this book and should be planted, that 'while the reveals, Louisa depicted a wide range of woodman's axe can fell the growth of a subjects - landscapes, animals and plants. century in an hour, the forest springs up An impressive Murray River Crayfish but slowly', and that the feral cat should graces the front cover, while inside beetles be 'determinately destroyed'. and butterflies, parrots and possums, While living at Fernhurst near appear frozen mid-action - courting, eat- Kurrajong Heights in the Blue Mountains, ing, flying . In sketching with precision Louisa's interest in indigenous ferns and clarity 'moments of observed natural flourished. She observed, collected, life', her images are of the field not the described, drew and planted them. Woolls studio. Louisa was one of the first named a small rasp fern Doodia European artists in Australia to capture the Atkinsoniana in her honour. Nine of her swiftness and agility of the native fauna. herbarium specimens of ferns survive in Her botanical art lacks elaborate scien- the Mitchell Atkinson collection, along tific footnotes, but, as Lawson notes it with forty fine watercolours. Louisa 'maintains its primary task of precisely intended to publish her illustrations as a observed record'. Following the not book. Seven of the plates are reproduced uncommon posthumous destruction and in this book. disappearance of her work, the illustra- In 1 869 she married James Calvert, and tions included in this book represent only moved to his property near Yass. Two fragments of her life's work. As represen- excursions and one baby later Louisa died tations of the Australian flora and fauna of suddenly - collapsing on seeing James' over a century ago, her visual and verbal horse returning riderless. She was sur- descriptions provide precious fragments of vived by her husband and baby daughter, the horribly fragmentary record of and various plants named in her honour by Australia's environmental history. Woolls and Mueller - a genus Atkinsonia, Louisa Atkinson was born in February and several species carrying various ver- 1834 at Oldbury Farm, Sutton Forest, on sions of her maiden and married name. the Southern Highlands of New South I am glad that Elizabeth Lawson has Wales. She died only thirty eight years focussed her creative energy on this book, later. During her short, and sometimes dif- that the State Library of New South Wales ficult life, she worked as a botanist, natu- has published it, and that I have had the ralist, taxidermist, journalist, novelist and opportunity to read it. I recommend it to artist, employing her diverse skills to anyone interested in natural history and maintain her financial independence. She past practitioners. I am also glad that collected, drew and wrote about animals Lawson's book prompted me to read an and plants from the vicinity of her several earlier book - Patricia Clarke's Pioneer homes in NSW - in the Southern Writer. The life of Louisa Atkinson: novel- Highlands, Blue Mountains, Sydney and ist, journalist, naturalist. [Allen &.Unwin, Shoalhaven. 1990]. Clarke's book provides more details, but In the 1 850s engravings of her drawings botanical and biographical of birds, animals and places, illustrated only black and white illustrations. her nature notes in the Illustrated Sydney News. Her long-running nature series 'A Linden Gillbank Department of History and Philosophy of Science, Voice from the Country' was published University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052 concurrently in the Sydney Morning Herald and the Sydney Mail right through the 1860s. Her lively descriptions of her excursions into the bush provided Sydneysiders with possibly their first popular, informal but informative descriptions of the indigenous flora and fauna. She nurtured a conservation ethic, warning

230 The Victorian Naturalist Mueller Issue

Arnold Street, South Yarra, December 1894. Mueller (background) with his staff at his house in Photo, courtesy Royal Botanic Gardens.

returned to Melbourne nga on which Mueller ship The:Wo, lK aWo The A.S.N. Company's steam from Twofold Bay.

231

Vol. 113 (4) 1996 The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Established 1880

In which is incorporated the Microscopical Society of Victoria

OBJECTIVES: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian flora and fauna. Membership is open to any person interested in natural history and includes beginners as well as experienced naturalists.

9860 Registered Office: FNCV, 1 Gardenia Street, Blackburn, Victoria 3130. Phone/Fax (03)9877

Patron His Excellency, The Honourable Richard E. McGarvie, The Governor of Victoria

Key Office-Bearers June 1995 President: Professor ROBERT WALLIS, School of Aquatic Science and Natural Resources Management, Deakin University (Rusden), Clayton, 3168. (03)9244 7278, Fax (03)9244 7403. Hon. Secretary: Mr GEOFFREY PATERSON, 11 Olive Street, South Caulfield, 3162. AH (03)9571 6436. Hon. Treasurer: Mr ARNIS DZEDINS, PO Box 1000, Blind B'ght, 3980. (059)987 996. Subscription-Secretary: FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, 3130. (03)9877 9860. 9019. Editors, The Vic. Nat.: ED and PAT GREY, 8 Woona Court, Yallambie, 3085. (03)9435 Librarian: Mrs SHEILA HOUGHTON, FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, 3130. AH (054)28 4097. Excursion Secretary: DOROTHY MAHLER. AH (03)9435 8408. 2617. Book Sales: Dr ALAN PARKIN, FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, 3130. AH (03)9850 Programme Secretary/Newsletter Editor: Dr NOEL SCHLEIGER, 1 Astley Street, Montmorency, 3094. (03)9435 8408. Conservation Coordinator: JENNY WILSON, 206 Pascoe Vale Road, Essendon, 3040, AH (93706434) Group Secretaries Botany: Mr JOHN EICHLER, 18 Bayview Crescent, Black Rock, 3143. (03)9598 9492. Geology: Mr DOUG HARPER, 33 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert, 3127. (03)9890 0913. 3101 4684. Fauna Survey: Ms FELICITY GARDE, 18 College Parade, Kew, . (03)9818 Microscopical: Mr RAY POWER, 36 Schotters Road, Memda, 3754.(03)9717 3511. The Victorian Naturalist Victoria 3130 All material for publication to: The Editors, FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn,

MEMBERSHIP e L ^ nClub organis- Members receive The Victorian Naturalist and the monthly Field Nat News free. The be charged). Research es several monthly meetings (free to all) and excursions (transport costs may locations in work, including both botanical and fauna surveys, is being done at a number ot Victoria, and all members are encouraged to participate. SUBSCRIPTIONS RATES for 1996

(Subscription are due on 1 January) First Member _ Metropolitan £™ Concessional (pensioner/student/unemployed) wu Country (more than 50km from GPO) Stf () Junior (under 18) Additional Members $15 Adult *• $5 Junior • Institutional. $55 Australian Institutions • AUL) Overseas Institutions *°^ J5 Schools/Clubs *

Printed by Brown Prior Andereson, 5 Evans Street, Burwood, Victoria 3125 S uraJUst

Volume 113(5) 1996

Published by The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria since 1884 MUSEUM OF VICTORIA

39316 Winner of the 1996 Australian Natural History Medallion

The Club is pleased to announce that the winner of the Australian Natural History Medallion is Ken Simpson, one of the authors of "Field Guide to the Birds ofAustralia" and President of the Bird Observers Club of Australia. Congratulations to Ken.

New Members

Council of the FNCV extends a warm welcome to the following new members.

Mrs Flora Anderson Wonga Park Mrs Elizabeth McKenzie Hawthorn Mr Scott Anderson Mt Eliza Mr John McKenzie Greensborough Mrs Emi Baker Greensborough Mr Sean Moore Boronia Ms Elaine Bayes and Mr Adam Muir East Hawthorn Ms Sharelle Hart Caulfield S Mr Dave Munro Dunkeld Dr Tania Bezzobs Clayton Ms Rachel Murphy Killsyth Mrs Lynette Blom Cowes Ms Danie Ondinea Dulwich Hill, NSW Mr David Beeby Parkdale Mr Cliff Overton and Mrs Shirley Boddison Cheltenham Ms Donna Smith Tecoma Ms Marcia Borthwick Blackburn Mr Andrew Paull Healesville Ms Catherine Caddie Nottinghill Miss Maggie Pavlou Mitcham Mr Craig Cleeland Croydon Hills Ms Ilga Pearce E. Doncaster Mr Hugh Cockburn Doncaster Mr Alistair Phillips Northcote Mr Bradley Costin Fairfield Mr Fred Pribac Mt Waverley Mr Ian Davidson Glenrowan Mr Christopher Robbins E. Reservoir Mr Derek and Ms Nicky Rose Scoresby Mrs Geraldine DeKorte Malvern Ms Kirsten Rowe Porepunkah Ms Daniela Delsante Bulleen Mr Bob and Ms Angela Duffey Carnegie Mrs Jan Rowlands North Balwyn Mr Geoff Durham Elsternwick Mr Erich and Mr Richard Francis Research Mrs Elspeth Sacco Heathmont Mr Rob Gration Footscray Mr David Sarah Elsternwick Mr Ken Green Berridale Mr Peter Scallion Mitcham Ms Libby Jude Bayswater N Mr Glenn Shaw Warburton Mrs Merrilyn Grey Glen Iris Ms Melinda Shaw Fairfield Mr Felix and Mr Michael Smith Healesville Mrs Enid Haarhoff Blackburn Ms Natalie Smith Viewbank Mr Kenneth Hamer and Mr Colin Spurgeon Glenrowan Ms Tanya Enright Nunawading Ms Elspeth Stewart Croydon Mrs Helen Handreck Ringwood Mr Phil Stringer Healesville Mr Tony Herwerth Yarrambat Mr Anthony Theunissen Briar Hill Mr Anthony Hester Fairfield Mr Gregory Thompson Richmond Ms Joshziaha Kelin Greensborough Mrs Dorothy Thorpe Boxhill Miss Marilyn Kelly N Dandenong Mr Peter Tucker Kew Mrs Anne Kerr Glen Iris Ms Lucille Turner E. Brunswick Ms Nerilee Kerslake Fairfield Ms Phyllis Western L. Templetowe Mr Damian Magner Doncaster Ms Lesley Wheeler Hawthorn Miss Rachael Mangold Mt Waverley Ms Ann Williamson Box Hill N Ms Heather Mann Glen Waverley Ms Mara Yuen Clayton N Dr William Mclnnes Blackburn Mrs Hilda Zapple Blackburn

Acknowledgement The editors wish to acknowledge and thank Elsie Graham for permission to use her photograph of the late Dr Jim Willis that appeared on the front cover of The Victorian Naturalist 113 (2) 1996. The Victorian Naturalist

F.N.CV.

Volume 113(5)1996 October

Editors: Ed and Pat Grey

Research Reports New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae in South Gippsland, Part I, by B. Quin .236

The Consumption of Onion Grass by Purple Swamphens, byS. DiezandM. Clarke .247

Contributions Using Nest Boxes to Survey for the Brush-tailed Phasco- gale, by T. Soderquist, B. Traill, F. Faris, K. Beasley ..256

Use of supplementary Nest Hollows by Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, by W. Emison ..262

Australian Native Species in Aquaculture, by G. Kibria, .264 D. Nugegoda, R. Fairclough, P. Lam

Lyndon.. .255 Naturalist Notes Advance of the Honey Fungus, by E.

Middle Yarra Timelines: Deep Winter, by G. Jameson, .269 Naturalist in Residence

Green, Book Reviews The Fauna of Tasmania: Mammals, by R.H. ..267 reviewer R. Warneke

Kerle, Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Watarrka, by A. .272 reviewerS. Traynor

Palin, Never Truly Lost: A Bushwalker's Life, by P. ..273 reviewer N. Byrne

Zealand and Antarctic The Handbook of Australian, New Grey ..275 Birds, byR.A.O.U., reviewer Ed ..274 1927-1996, by R. and G. Elliot Tribute Fred Rogers

ISSN 0042-5184 -urtesy Honey Fungus Arn^lulea^^W ^^ Cover: The "'^= Australia . ^ '»^st Products, CSIRO Research Reports

New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae (Rodentia: Muridae) in South Gippsland, Southern Victoria Part One - Distribution and Status

Bruce R. Quin' 2

Abstract Results of a survey for New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae populations in areas of South Gippsland, conducted by the then Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (currently Department of Natural Resources and Environment) in 1992-1993 are outlined. The survey employed trapping, hair-tubing and the collection of predator scats to determine the distribution of this species. Two previously unknown populations of New Holland Mouse totalling 15 individuals were located in vegetated sand dunes on the Yanakie Isthmus, Wilsons Promontory National Park. However, populations which were previously known from the Promontory and McLoughlins Beach (Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park) arc believed to be no longer present. The species was not detected at two further areas formerly known lo support it, Dream/ Hummock Island and Mullungdung State Forest. Thus, the Wilsons Promontory populations currently represent the only populations of New Holland Mice known from South Gippsland where the species' range is in decline. Management issues for the New Holland Mouse in South Gippsland will be the subject of a follow-up paper. Distribution and habitat of other small ground mammals are noted. Generally, these species occurred in habitats similar to those found in previous studies. (The Victorian Naturalist 1996. 113,236-246).

Introduction addition to sedges (Cyperaceae, The New Holland Mouse Pseudomys Restionaceae). Less typically this rodent novaehollandiae (family Muridae) is a occupies swamp edges (Keith and Calaby small native rodent with a limited distribu- 1968) and vegetated sand dunes (Peter tion in south-eastern Australia, occurring Menkhorst /?m\ comm.). on coastal and hinterland areas of central The New Holland Mouse prefers a heath eastern New South Wales, central southern understorey actively regenerating after dis- Victoria and north-eastern Tasmania turbance from fire, vegetation clearing,

(Kemper 1995) (Fig. 1). sand-mining or grazing (refer above stud- The New Holland Mouse is classified as ies). This preference appears to relate to endangered in Victoria (CNR 1995). The high vegetation cover close to ground level species which has been listed under the (Posamentier and Recher 1974; Fox and Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 is Fox 1978; Wilson 1991), high species rare, in decline and subject to a number of diversity in the understorey (Fox and Fox potentially threatening processes 1978; Cockburn 1980), and a high abun- (Menkhorst 1995; Seebeck. et al. in prep.). dance of Leguminosae species in the Various studies provide descriptions and understorey (Keith and Calaby 1968; analyses of New Holland Mouse habitats Posamentier and Recher 1974; Braithwaite (e.g. Keith and Calaby 1968; Fox and Fox and Gullan 1978). 1978; Cockburn 1980; Wilson 1991). Typical habitats are coastal heathland or woodland and open forest with a heathy understorey on sandy substrate. Species of the following genera are commonly recorded at such sites : Acacia, Banksia. Leptospermum, Dillwynia, Xanthorrhoea, Epacris, Hibhertia and Allocasuarina; in

'Current Address Department of Natural Resources and Environment Yellingbo State Nature Reserve, Macclesfield Road Yellingbo, Victoria 3139.

. novae- Department of Natural Resources and Environment Fig. I New Holland Mouse Pseudomys 3 10 Commercial Road. Yarram, Victoria 3971. hollandiae

236 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

The 'aims of this study were to establish nights. the At each site 14, 15 or distribution of New Holland Mice 30 Elliott in traps were located, the South Gippsland generally in two or District, to determine three habitat straight line transects with 20 indicators, to identify important m intervals between traps management issues and lines. The total and to formulate a number ot trapnights (number long-term monitoring program. of traps x number of nights that traps were open) is shown in Table Study Sites, Materials and 1. Locations of sites are Methods illustrated in Fig. 2(. Bait was a mixture of Mullungdung and Won Wron Slate Forests peanut butter, honey, New Holland Mice rolled oats, vanilla were captured at two and/or almond essence. Traps were sites in Mullungdung State Forest in 1975 checked in the (Gilmore first few hours of daylight 1977). In the same general vicin- and the animal captures recorded. Animal ity, a survey in 1992 by staff from Deakin captures were individually University marked in one trapped what was believed to be of two ways: with a small nick in one of one New Holland Mouse. The vegetation the ears, or a non-toxic black pen at this mark on latter site was used as a guide for one of their hind feet or tail. Traps were selecting other sites in Mullungdung. kept closed during the day and re-opened However, since the survey outlined in this in the last two hours before sunset. paper was undertaken, doubts concerning Small hair tubes comprising a 30 mm the identity of the 1992 Deakin specimen diameter conduit design, modified from have arisen (Barbara Wilson pers. comm.). Suckling (1978), were placed at each trap Eighteen sites were chosen after examin- station of the first ten sites for eight days ing a Land Conservation Council vegeta- inclusive (dates are shown in Table 2). tion map (LCC 1980), corresponding aerial Tubes were baited with the same mixture photographs and ground checking. These as used in the Elliott traps. Hairs collected sites were covered in four separate trap- by this technique were forwarded to ping sessions, each session covering four Raelene Warren (Deakin University,

Table 1. Mammal species detected by Elliott trapping at study locations in South Gippsland. 1 - No. of Sites; 2 = No. of Trapnights; 3 = = Sampling Period ; 4 Species Captured; 5 = Total No. of Captures; TOTAL = Total No. of Captures (No. of individuals). (Note : site specific data is provided CNR (1993) and Quin (1994). Cage trapping was also employed at Wilsons Promontory and totalled 38 trapnights).

Location 1 2 3 4 5 6

Mullungdung 18 1253 19/11/92-04/04/93 Brown Antechinus 43 (351 State Forest Eastern Pygmy-possum 8 (6) Bush Rat 26 (13) Swamp Rat 7 (4) Black Rat 7 (5) TOTAL 91 (63)

Won Wron 5 296 19/12/92-23/12/92 Brown Antechinus 13 (8)

State Forest Bush Rat 1 (1) Black Rat 2 (1)

House Mouse I (1) TOTAL 17 (11)

- 35 Dream/Hummock 4 1 90 25/03/93 27/03/93 Swamp Rat (29) Island House Mouse 33 (33) TOTAL 68 (62)

- Rat 23 (15) Wilsons Promontory 6 562 1 5/02/93 24/04/93 Bush National Park Swamp Rat 10 (4) (Yanakie Isthmus) House Mouse 11 (11) New Holland Mouse 30 (15) TOTAL 74 (45)

237 Vol. 113 (5) 1996 ^ Research Reports

» -J NEW HOLLAND MOUSE SURVEY Vl* T ^s-^^/'° lata j •i/"k«r IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND S1f«lbrc*«jPl

1 fe %. L H \ $$ — ^^ i*" AWIHur.f) / T7T/7r jr South r LEGEND I 1

rutin, i and Is .v v ' . . 1 L JciHr«|lili.| j 'TVro f gfoinafd Waal

<- It oJ*«e— C«rra|ung A South \/ \ w? MULLUNODUNQ Scale

' FOREST yjj^— *Blachwairv STATE 5 10 C 7 O'H »0 KhnwI'H ^•Balooh / WON WRON / ( STATE FOREST 1 , 7 r—~-> # Darrtman ' Won WronAvyoNvW) fe-, / i y lj/ f^ Smith /\\/

3 1> PL ^ VWWooi]»ld» (' -5- /*\ I'ONNKHVATIfIN ANII -^U*>> (I i| NATURAL KRKouncea "*°7 f Yarram

Fin.2. Location of trap and hair lube sites in Mullungdung and Won Wron State Forests.

Table 2. Mammal species detected by hair-tubing at study locations in South Gippsland.

I No. of sites; 2 No. of Hair Tubes; 3 ™ Sampling Period; 4 Species Detected

(Note : site-specific data is provided in CNR (1993) and Quit) (1994). Two of the four sites hair- tubed at Wilsons Promontory were additional to those trapped at that location).

Locution I

Mullungdung State Forest 10 148 small tubes 21/11/92 to 1 7/ 12/92 Brown Antechinus Unidentified Antechinus Bush Rat Unidentified Rat

Won Wron Slate Forest 2 small tubes 27/1 1/92 to05/ 12/92 Unidentified Antechinus

Wilsons Promontory 22 small tubes/ 18/02/93 to28/04/93 Unidentified Antechinus National Park 20 large tubes Bush Rat (Yanakie Isthmus) Unidentified Rat Black Wallaby Common Wombat Vomhalus ursinus

Geelong) and Barbara Triggs ('Dead confirmation of trapping results. finish", Genoa) for identification using the New Holland Mice have never been technique developed by Brunner and recorded from Won Wron State Forest. Coman(1974). However, this area occurs within close Small hair tubes were set with the Elliott proximity to Mullungdung State Forest traps to establish whether hair tubes would and supports large areas of heathland. For be suitable for detecting the New Holland these reasons, five sites were established in Mouse. However, despite traps and tubes Won Wron State Forest and sampled fol- failing to detect New Holland Mice in lowing principles already outlined (refer

Mullungdung State Forest, both techniques Figure 2; Tables 1 and 2.). were employed elsewhere. The hair-tubing Predator scats were collected during con- proved to be a useful secondary device for certed searches and opportunistically along

238 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

NEW HOLLAND MOUSE SURVEY CONSERVATION AND IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND ) NATURAL RESOURCES

Park, Island. Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Fig. 3. Location of trap sites on Dream/Hummock the corresponding report (refer CNR roads and narrow trail-bike tracks at sites. They were forwarded to Barbara Triggs for 1993). The general design, material and methods analysis. survey at Wilsons Promontory Dream/Hummock Island used in the February 1993 are provided in Quin New Holland Mice were captured at the in (1994). However, three further sites were south-west point of this island in 1977 specifically targeted for New Holland (Menkhorst 1995; Peter Menkhorst pen. Two were trapped and one was sam- comm). Vegetation recorded at this site Mice. hair-tubing and further details arc for selecting trapping pled by was used as a guide Procedures lor provided in Tables 1-3. locations for the 1992-1993 survey. sites were similar to those procedures employed in these three General Mullungdung State Forest Won Wron State Forests described for Mullungdung and hair tubes simi- and in CNR (1993). Large followed on Dream/Hummock Island were design described by Scotts and however, no hair-tubing lar to the (refer Table 1), also employed at the area) Craig (1988) were was used. The fourth site (a camp Promontory. final night follow- established on the sampled in the was April 1993. two sites observations of small In ing several chance were re-trapped (Tables 1 However, only February survey rodents the previous night. where New Holland - 3) including the site site. No preda- five traps were used at this The vegetation at the Refer Mice were located. were located on the Island. was used as a tor scats most recently located site 3 for trapping locations. further areas which Figure guide for selecting two National Park Wilsons Promontory in April 1993 for New detected were surveyed Mice had been transects were New Holland Holland Mice. Trapping Promontory, in 1973 and spac- twice on the or bent line, with 10 m Victoria either straight Survey Group of where applic- 1975 (Mammal between traps (and lines a previously ing In February 1993 were as outlined records). able). Other procedures was located on the sampled unrecorded population Fig. 4 illustrates sites during previously. Isthmus of the Promontory Mice on the Promontory. Yanakie for New Holland program. Some resu t a separate trapping reproduced here from of that survey are 239

Vol. 113 (5) 1996 Research Reports

Table 3. Mammal species detected by analysis of hair or predator scats collected from study locations in South Gippsland. 1= No. of Sites; 2 = Sampling Period; 3 = Species Detected. Location

Mullungdung State Forest 8 09/12/92 to 21/12/92 Brown Antechinus Swamp Rat Common Ringtail Possum Unidentified Brushtail Possum Black Wallaby Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus Cat Felis catus (feral)

Wilsons Promontory I 24/04/93 to26/04/93 Bush Rat National Park Black Wallaby (Yanakiclsthmus) Common Wombat European Cattle Bos taunts (feral)

Animal Handling forest and coastal sand dune vegetation. A suite of morphological measurements Character species for each habitat are pro- was taken from captured New Holland vided in Table 4. Time did not permit a Mice (refer Quin 1994). Additionally, Dr more comprehensive analysis of habitat Barbara Wilson of Deakin University had types at trap sites (with exceptions indicat- requested that scats (dietary analyses) and ed below). The crude classification served hair samples (for genetic studies) from to indicate broad habitats in which trap- New Holland Mice be collected, to assist ping occurred, and the major habitat type in formulating management recommenda- present at sites. tions for this species in South Gippsland At Sites 1-3, 14, 16-18 in Mullungdung and across its Victorian range. Scats and State Forest, a list of plants was compiled hair samples were collected from all indi- and each given a cover value according to viduals trapped and have been forwarded the Braun-Blanquet scale (Mueller- to Deakin University researchers. Dombois and Ellenberg 1974). At Site 1 in Invertebrates taken from the fur of some Wilsons Promontory National Park, a full individuals were forwarded to the Museum list of plant species was produced, howev- of Victoria for identification. er, cover values were not given. (Note: Individuals of other species trapped were these lists are not included in the paper). handled for identification purposes only, Particular note was made of the age of with the exception of Eastern Pygmy-pos- vegetation after fire when selecting study sums Cercartetus nanus. This species can sites, due to the preference of New be difficult to detect and captured individ- Holland Mice for an actively regenerating uals represent a good opportunity to learn heath. more about the species. Consequently, However, many sites surveyed did not morphometries were taken from Eastern support young vegetation for the following Pygmy-possums captured in the present reasons: trapping of sites known to contain study. New Holland Mice in the past often meant trapping in relatively old vegetation; most Vegetation of the Mullungdung sites surveyed were The overall vegetation form at each site, selected on the basis of their similar fire in which traps or hair-tubes were set, was histories and plant composition to that of assessed and crudely classified into one of the most recent (unconfirmed) record of seven habitat types, largely based on 1- New Holland Mice in that forest (i.e. 1 understorey species composition, but also year-old heath); much of the heathland structural attributes. The habitats were: wet vegetation in Mullungdung is ten years of heathland, dry heathland, heathy wood- age or older; the initial survey at Yanakie land, heath-bracken woodland, rehabilitat- Isthmus (CNR 1993) discovered New ed gravel scrape vegetation, heathy open Holland Mice can exist in relatively old

240 The Victorian Naturalist Research Paper

NEW HOLLAND MOUSE SURVEY IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND

CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES Prepared in the Gipp»land Area, Yarram

Promontory hair tube sites on Wilsons Fig. 4. Location of trap and

241 Vol. 113 (5) 1996 Research Reports vegetation growing on sand dunes. tuting 68 captures of 62 individuals from Vegetation ages were obtained from fire 190 trapnights. These trappings comprised history maps kept in the Yarram Natural approximately equal numbers of Swamp Resources and Environment office. Those Rats and House Mice, when data from four for the Yanakie Isthmus were obtained sites were combined (Table 1 ). However, from Jim Whelan (pers. comtn.). All vege- Swamp Rat captures were much higher at tation ages arc given in Table 4. Sites 1 and 3, and the reverse applied for Site 2; Site 4 trapnights totalled only five

Results and six House Mice were caught . All cap- Mullungdung State Forest tured animals were judged as adult status Trapping at 18 sites in Mullungdung State (Quin 1994), though considerable size Forest yielded 91 captures of 63 individu- variation occurred with the Swamp Rats. als (five species) from 1253 trapnights Wilsons Promontory- National Park (7.3%), a low capture rate. The species Summary - Trapping Results most commonly trapped. Brown Trapping at Wilsons Promontory Nation - Antechinus Antechinus stuartii, occurred al Park detected four small mammal at most sites and habitat types. A notable species, including the New Holland Mouse species captured was Eastern Pygmy-pos- (Table 1). The overall trapping rate was sum. Three individuals (one male, two 13.2%, comprising 74 captures of 45 indi- females) were located at two separate sites viduals from 562 trapnights. New Holland in heathy woodland and rehabilitated grav- Mice comprised the highest number of el scrape vegetation (heath). Swamp Rats captures - 30 captures of 15 individuals Rat las lutreolus were caught only at the from two sites (Quin 1994). wet heathland site. New Holland Mouse was not trapped. Refer Table 1 (trapping New Holland Mouse - Trapping Results data). Table 4 (vegetation). Additional New Holland Mice were trapped at Sites is contained in Quin (1994). information 1 and 5 (see Fig. 4). The New Holland detect species addi- Hair-tubing did not Mouse captures at Site 1 constituted seven tional to those trapped (at the first 10 males and three females in the February sites). For this reason, it was decided not to 1993 survey. The seven males included hair-tube Sites 11-18 and to concentrate two 'sub-adults' (both weighing approxi- Predator scats on the trapping (Table 2). mately 13 g); the three females included a failed to analysed for the contents also pregnant individual (24 g, the heaviest detect New Holland Mice. Remains of individual). In April 1993, six New Swamp Wallaby Wallabia bicolor and Holland Mice (4 males, 2 females) were Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus captured at this site, comprising four re- peregrinus were common in predator scats traps from February and two additional

(Table 3). individuals (1 male, 1 female). Thus, the two surveys captured 12 New Holland Won Wron Stale Forest Mice (8 males, 4 females) at Site 1. Only Low capture rates also characterised the three male New Holland Mice were caught trapping conducted in Won Wron State at Site 5, including the lightest individual Forest; 17 captures of 1 1 individuals (four (15 g) captured in April (sites combined). species) from 296 trapnights, a 5.7% suc- Tail lengths ranged from approximately cess rate (Table 1). Brown Antechinus 85-98 mm for adult males, and 83-100 mm were captured at three sites (heathy wood- for adult females. Pes (hind foot) length land and heathy open forest), but not the ranges were similar for the sexes, ranging two 'young' (0.8 years) heathy woodland from about 1 6 to 17 mm for adult individu- sites; a single House Mouse Mus musculus als. Refer Quin (1994) for other measure- was caught at one of the latter sites ments and details of New Holland Mice (Tables 1 and 4). located. observations made on New Dream/Hummock Island Some limited Holland Mice movements during the cur- Trapping rates at Dream/Hummock rent survey are noteworthy. Upon release. Island were relatively high, 35.8%, consti-

242 The Victorian Naturalist : .

Research Reports the majority of New Holland Mice moved Coast Pomaderris Pomaderris oraria - toward the closest dense vegetation to were prominent, in particular, on higher make their escape. However, some dune points. L. laevigatum and A. on to fallen, jumped dead shrubs and used sophorae had invaded the area forming horizontal branches as pathways before thickets in places. However, the overall leaping into dense ground vegetation. structure of the vegetation was more open

New Holland Mice were generally re- than at Site 1 trapped in close vicinity to their initial The vegetation at Sites 4, 6 and 7 was site. captive However, one individual was similar in species composition to that at re-trapped the following night approxi- the New Holland Mouse sites. However, mately 90 m from where it was first patches of dense L. laevigatum were more seized. extensive, giving the sites a more closed Three types of invertebrates were detect- structure, with less open sedge-dominated ed on New Holland Mice fur at Wilsons or sandy areas. At Site 8. the sand dune Promontory. They were had been extensively invaded by L. laevi- 1. flea, Pygiopsylla sp. (Family Pygio- gatum. The dense thicket/scrub vegetation psyllidae, Order Siphonoptera); had very little understorey vegetation at 2. mite, Dermanyssus sp. or Liponyssus ground level (Quin 1994). sp. (Family Dermanyssidae, Order Other species - Trapping and Habitat Acarina); Three species additional to New Holland 3. beetle, Myotyphlus sp. (Family Mouse were trapped at Wilsons Staphylinidae, Order Coleoptera). Promontory (Table ). Bush Rats Rattus The mites were observed most common- 1 fuscipes (with one exception of an individ- ly in fur surrounding the eyes of New ual caught in wet heathland adjacent to Holland Mice. The fleas and beetles heathy woodland at Site 2) and House appeared to inhabit longer body fur on Mice were trapped only in sand dune veg- both dorsal and ventral surfaces of the etation; Swamp Rats were caught only in mice. the wet heathland Site 2. Bush Rats were New Holland Mouse - Habitat Descriptions captured at three of the dune systems occurred Mice The habitat at Site 1 (a New Holland where trapping and House Mouse site) is described in Table 4, CNR at all dune sites sampled. No small ground heathland. (1993) and Quin (1994). It comprised of a mammals were caught in dry calcareous dune system. Drooping She- Hair Tube Results oak Allocasuarina striata. Coastal Wattle Hair-tubing detected four mammal species Acacia sophorae and Coast Tea-tree from three different sites (Table 2). At Site Leptospermum laevigatum formed the 1, where New Holland Mice exist, only overstorey. Black-anther Flax-lily Dian- Bush Rats were discovered by hair tubes. ella revoluta. Spiny-headed Mat-rush At Site 4, three different mammal species Lomandra longifolia and Honey-pots were detected, including an unidentified Acrotriche serrulata dominated the under- species of Antechinus, probably Brown storey. The understorey cover was high in Antechinus, a species not detected at any places: however, patches of fallen dead other Wilsons Promontory site. At Site 8, shrubs, litter and bare sand were obvious hair tubes failed to detect any species. too. New Holland Mice were also located at Discussion - Distribution Site 5. The dune structure and vegetation New Holland Mouse Overall at this site were similar to that at Site I in South Gippsland vegetation was Holland Mouse is known in South (Table 4; Quin 1 994). The New Saw Banksia Banksia serratalAllocasua- Gippsland only from Wilsons Promontory sedge- 1994). Populations rina stricta open woodland with a National Park (Quin vege- dominated understorey. L. longifolia dom- were detected inhabiting sand dune unknown sites on inated the understorey of dunes, though tation at two previously Promontory in patches of shrubs - an unidentified the Yanakie Isthmus of the Guinea-flower Hibbertia species and

243 Vol. 113(5)1996 1

Research Reports

Table 4. Vegetation attributes at sites sampled for New Holland Mice in each study area. * = Fire history taken from written records, but on-site evidence of a much more recent burn apparent.

Key: 1 vegetation type; 2 = vegetation age (years); 3 = major character species

Area / Sites 1 2 3

Mullungdung State Forest 1-8, 10, 12, heathy woodland 10-11 Eucalyptus radiata, Banksia serrala, B. mar- 15, 16 ginutu. Acacia oxycedrus, Lcptospermum conti-

nental, I., myrsinoides, Bossiaea cinerea, Dillwynia glahherima, Epacris impressa. Gahnia radula, Hypolaena astigiata.Lomandra Jiliformis, L. glauca, Pteridium esculentum

9, 13, 17 heath-bracken woodland 6, 9, 1 Generally as for heathy woodland but P. esculentum much more abundant

II rehabilitated gravel- 6 Eucalyptus obliqua, E. muelleriana, L, conti- scrape vegetation (heath) nentale, L. myrsinoides, P. esculentum, Poaceae spp.

14 heathy woodland 8 Eucalyptus cephalocarpa, E. radiata, B. mar-

ginata, I., continentale, L. myrsinoides, E. impressa. Monotoca scoparia, Selaginella uliginosa, Amperea xiphoclada

18 wet hcathland 11 Eucalyptus spp.. Melaleuca squarrosu, L. continentale, Cyperaceae spp.

Won Wron State Forest

1 , 3 heathy woodland 0.8 Eucalyptus spp., B. serrata, Xanthorrhoea australis, P. esculentum, Acacia spp.

2 heathy woodland •50 Eucalyptus nitida, B. serrata, X. australis, L. continentale, L. myrsinoides, B. cinerea, 4,5 heathy open forest >50* Eucalyptus sp., Spyridium parvijolium. B. marginata, Gonocarpus sp., Gahnia radula

Dream/Hum mock Island 1-4 coastal sand dune >50 Acacia sophorae, Lcptospermum sp. Myoporum vegetation insulare, Banksia integrifolia, Lepidosperma

sp., Ammophila arenaria, Asteraceae sp.

Wilsons Proinontory National Park 1,4-8 coastal sand dune 20-30 A. sophorae, Allocasuarina striata, L. vegetation laevigatum, Dianella revoluta, Lomandra longifolia, Acrotriche serrulata, Bursaria spinosa, Pomaderris oraria

wet hcathland 4 Melaleuca squarrosu. L. continentale. E. impressa, Allocasuarina paludosa. Xanthorrhoea sp.. Dampiera stricta, S. uliginosa. Restio complanatus. Leptocarpus tenax

3 dry hcathland 3 B. marginata, Xanthorrhoea sp., A. oxycedrus, L. continentale, E. impressa, B. cinerea

1993. This species has since been found to (Menkhorst 1995) are apparently no longer be more widespread on the Isthmus present. The New Holland Mouse was not (Darren Carman pers. com.). Populations found at Won Wron State Forest, however, at Mullungdung State Forest (Gilmore it has never been recorded from this forest. 1977) and Dream/Hummock Island It was known from McLoughlins Beach

244 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

(Cockburn 1980; Menkhorst 1995); how- Mullungdung and Wilsons Promontory. ever, recent surveys at McLoughlins Beach This is somewhat consistent with the find- failed to locate it (Fauna Survey Group, ings of previous studies (Braithwaite and

Field Naturalists Club of Victoria and Gullan 1978; Braithwaite et at, 1978; Deakin University records). It was not Wilson 1991), although the sedge compo- detected at Gellions Run (Lumsden and nent of understoreys. implicated in influ-

Schultz 1985), nor was it found on Sunday encing Swamp Rat distribution, was gener- Island (Myroniuk el al. 1993). ally quite low at sites on both Dream Possible reasons for the decline of New Hummock Island and at Mullungdung. Holland Mouse populations in the survey House Mice clearly favour vegetated areas together with future management sand dunes as habitat at Wilsons prescriptions are discussed in the follow- Promontory and Dreanv Hummock Island, up paper (part 2) (Quin and Williamson in suggesting that vegetation on the sampled press). The nearest known extant popula- dune sites is in a state of disturbance. tions of New Holland Mouse to those of Geologically, Oyston (1988) considered Wilsons Promontory occur approximately sand dunes on the Yanakie Isthmus have 170 km to the north-east at the Loch Sport stabilised since the cessation of grazing and Providence Ponds areas in South and regular burning by cattle gra/iers. A Gippsland. Individuals were trapped at single House Mouse was captured in Loch Sport in 1990 and 1992. and at recently burnt (0.8 years after tire) heathy Providence Ponds as recently as April woodland at Won Wron State Forest 1994 (Deakin University and Mammal The Eastern Pygmy-possum inhabits a Survey Group of Victoria records; Seebeck variety of vegetation forms, from rainfor- heath. It especially favours et al. in prep.). est to coastal habitats with an abundance of hollows for - Habitat Other Small Mammal Species refuge sites (Turner and Ward 1995). and Distribution in South Gippsland Consequently, heathy woodlands of inhabits a wide The Brown Antechinus Mullungdung (and probably Won Wron I range of habitats (Hampton et a I. 1982), would be suitable habitat. However. including heath communities, as the pre- Eastern Pygmy-possums were also trapped not sent study found. However, it was at a rehabilitated gravel scrape in detected in sand dune vegetation at Mullungdung. This scrape was created in Dream/Hummock Island or Wilsons the I960's and intermittently used until the of Promontory, possibly because of a lack late 1970's. Natural regeneration was habitat tree hollows (refuge sites) in this occurring, and in the late 1980's. rehabili- and type (pers. obs. ). tation works - top soil spreading Bush Rats likewise occupy a range of Lucalypt planting - was conducted habitats; however, they reach greatest (Graeme Davis pers. comm.). An abun- abundance in habitat with exceptionally dance of potential food shrubs, including dense understoreys (Lunney 1995). At Tea-tree, occurs in the scrape, but not Dream/ the Eastern sites sampled in Mullungdung and Banksias. Additionally, ground advantage Hummock Island, vegetation at the Pygmy-possums may be taking sparse, espe- during the initial level was in places relatively of the fallen logs, left Tea-tree or refuge sites. cially where species of either scrape creation, as diurnal Wattle were abundant. This may explain Acknowledgments rate of Bush Rats at the the low trapping Wilson (Deakin University) I ihank Barbara their absence at the Island. former area and given in directing the project. The on for advice by sedges and lilies benefited from dis- Areas dominated study site selection process provide suit- Peter dunes at Wilsons Promontory cussions with Barbara. Tim Buttle. for them. Tony Willet. the Fauna able ground cover vegetation Mcnkhorsi, Jim Whclan. Naturalists C luh ol Swamp Rats were relatively abundant in Survey Group of the Field Group ot Island, as Vieloria. and the Mammal Survey sand dunes at Dream/Hummock Peter and the two groups arc- 1977 (Peter Menkhorst pers. Victoria Barbara. they were in access to their sur- was only also thanked for permitting comm.). Otherwise, this species heaths of vey records. caught in the wetter

245 Vol. 113(5)1996 . Research Reports

Study The following persons provided valuable field LCC (1980). 'Report on the South Gippsland Area, District 2'. Land Conservation Council, Victoria. support which is acknowledged: Dale (Government Printer: Melbourne). Antonysen, David Body, Tim Buttle, Steve Lumsden, L.F. and Sohultz, M. (1985). The mammals of Darby, Kath and Andrew Gosden, Darren Heil, Gellions Run, South Gippsland. The Victorian the Belinda Kee, lrma Keskinen, Les Leunig, Naturalist 102.4-16. Luckock family, Frankie MaeLennan, Joan Lunney, D. (1995). Bush Rat. In 'The Mammals of Quin, Susan Taylor and David Knowles, Jim Australia'. Ed. R. Strahan. (The Australian Museum Whelan, Ross Williamson and Andy Wise. and Reed Books: New South Wales). 'Mammals of Victoria: Special thanks must go to Neil Scanlon who Menkhorst, P. W. (Ed.) (1995). Ecology, Conservation and Distribution'. (Oxford assisted with all aspects of field work in University Press: Melbourne). Mullungdung and Won Wron State Forests. Mueller - Dombois, D. and Ellenberg, H. (1974). 'Aims supervising the pro- Ross Williamson assisted in and Methods of Vegetational Ecology'. (John Wiley ject. and Sons Inc: New York). Joy Darby's expertise produced the maps. Myroniuk, P., Grusovin, J. and Thompson, R. (1993). Catriona McPhee and Beverley Van Praagh Mammal survey of Sunday Island, South Gippsland, kindly identified invertebrates. Barbara Triggs Victoria. The Victorian Naturalist WO, 165-170. Oyster, B. (1988). 'The Geology and Cainozoic identified hair samples and components of scats. Evolution of the Yanakie Isthmus, Victoria'. B.Sc. Raelene Warren also analysed some hair sam- (Hons) Thesis. (University of Melbourne, Department ples. Ed and Pat Grey, Darren Quit), Susan ofGeology: unpublished). Taylor, Sonya Feodoroff and Robyn Watson Posamentier, H. and Rechcr, H. F. (1974). The status of provided valuable suggestions to improve the Pseudomys novaehollandiae (the New Holland manuscript. Further constructive comments Mouse). Australian Zoologist 18, 66-71. were provided by an anonymous referee. Toni Pye. T. (1991). The New Holland Mouse (Pseudomys

(Rodentia : Muridae) in Tasmania : a Carroll and Tracey Fuller word processed the novaehollandiae) Field Study. Wildlife Research 18, 52 1 -53 1 manuscript. Quin. B. R. (1994). 'A survey for populations of New Mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) in the References Holland South Gippsland area of Southern Victoria November Braithwaite. R. W. and Gullan, P. K. (1978). Habitat 1992 - April 1993'. Internal report by Flora, Fauna and selection by small mammals in a Victorian heathland. Fisheries Section, Department of Conservation and Australian Journal ofEcology 3, 109-1 27. Natural Resources, Yarram. Brunner, H. and Coman, B. (1974). 'The Identification of Quin. B. R. and Williamson, R. (in press) New Holland Mammalian Hair'. (Inkata Press Melbourne). Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae (Rodentia: CNR (1993). 'Results of a fauna survey of specific sites Muridae) in South Gippsland, Southern Victoria. Part at Yanakie Isthmus, Wilsons Promontory National Two - Conservation and Management. 77m? Victorian Park, February 1993'. Internal report by Flora, Fauna Naturalist. and Fisheries Section. Department of Conservation and Scons, D. J. and Craig, S. A. (1988). Improved hair-sam- Natural Resources, Yarram. pling tube for the detection of rare animals. Australian CNR (1995). 'Threatened Fauna in Victoria - 1995'. Wildlife Research 15, 469-472. (Department of Conservation and Natural Seebecic, J., Menkhorst, P. and Wilson, B. (in prep.). Resources:Victoria) Action Statement : New Holland Mouse, Pseudomys Cockburn, A. (1980). The diet of New Holland Mouse novaehollandiae. Department of Natural Resources (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) and the House Mouse and Environment, Victoria. {Mux musculus) in Victorian coastal heathland. Suckling, G. C. (1978). A hair sampling tube for the Australian Mammalogy' 3, 3 1-34. detection of small mammals in trees. Australian Fox, B. J. and Fox, M D. (1978). Recolonization of Wildlife Research 5, 249-252. coastal heath by Pseudomys novaehollandiae Turner, V. and Ward, S.J (1995). Eastern Pygmy-pos- (Muridae) following sand mining. Australian Journal sum. In 'The Mammals of Australia'. Ed. R. Strahan. Ecology 3, 447-465. of (The Australian Museum and Reed Books: New South Gilmore, A. M. (1977) A survey of vertebrate animals in Wales). the Stradbroke area of South Gippsland, Victoria, The Wilson, B. A. (1991) The ecology of Pseudomys novae- Victorian Naturalist 1**, 123-128. hollandiae (Waterhouse, 1843) in the Eastern Otway Hampton. J.W.F., Howard, A.E., Poynton, 1. and Barnett. Ranges, Victoria. Wildlife Research 18, 233-247. J.L. (1982). Records of the Mammal Survey Group of Victoria. 1966-80, on the distribution of terrestrial mammals in Victoria. Australian Wildlife Research 9, 177-201. Keith, K. and Calaby, J. H. (1968) The New Holland Mouse, Pseudomys novaehollandiae (Waterhouse), in the Port Stephens District, New South Wales. CS1RO Wildlife Research 13, 45-58. Kemper, C. (1995). New Holland Mouse. In 'The Mammals of Australia'. Ed. R. Strahan. (The Australian Museum and Reed Books: New South Wales).

246 The Victorian Naturalise )

Research Reports

The Consumption of Onion Grass *Romulea rosea Corms by Purple Swamphens Porphyrio porphyrio -

Is there Potential for Native Animals to help Control Weeds?

2 S.Diez' and M.F.Clarke 1

Abstract Swamphens fed on the underground corms of the weed Onion Grass *Romulea rosea in autumn and winter, when the ground was soft and shoots of the weed were present. These Birds fed significantly more often the in on weed areas where the plants were in high densities and the ground soft. Corm depth and soil moisture content were unimportant in determining whether a swamphen chose to feed on Onion Grass at a particular site. Experiments in which the soil at some sites was lightly tilled demonstrated that swamphens would feed on onion grass corms in such areas, even though they had not previously grazed on onion grass at these sites. This paper discusses the potential use of a native species in weed management programs. (The Victorian Naturalist 113, 1996 , 247-255)

Introduction and an introduced weed, Onion Grass Native bushland and re-vegetated areas *Romulea rosea (* « introduced plant). are often subject to invasion by introduced The major components of the swamphen's plants. Weeds can out-compete native or diet consist of pieces of vegetation gleaned desirable species and subsequently lead to from swamps and pastures (Readers Digest the degradation of areas set aside for con- 1977). Creation of areas of open pasture for servation purposes (e.g. Carr et al. 1992). cattle has also created ideal habitat for Attempts to control such weeds often grazing by swamphens (Fordham 1983). A involve the use of herbicides whose high proportion of plant species found in residues may persist in the environment. these pastures are exotic plants, introduced However, utilising the grazing activities of into Australia. Detailed records of the herbivorous animals to control weeds may dietary habits of the swamphen in the offer an alternative method with fewer Gippsland region of Victoria have shown long-term risks. that a significant proportion of the diet was Past consideration of such an approach to composed of introduced plant species weed control has focused on the use of (Norman and Mumford 1985). Species domestic animals to maintain or enhance consumed include exotic plants from the communities and control undesirable plant families Gramineae (grasses). Cyperaceae species (e.g. Gibson et al. 1987, Bokdam (sedges) and Hydrocharitaceae(water and Wallis-de-Vries 1992). To date, there plants). These records highlight the ability foods appears to have been very little research on of swamphens to incorporate new the possible use of native animals to assist into their diet. the genus Romulea are part in restoration processes. When one consid- Members of and were originally ers that the activities of native animals may of the Iridaceae family, have shaped the very ecosystems that are being restored, this neglect seems a serious oversight. Part of the reason may be that such the restoration of ecosystems is itself rftfbh a new field (Jordan et al. 1987). to address the effects of In an attempt • *fl native grazers upon re-generating ecosys- 1 tems, this study focused on the interaction between a native grazer, the Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio (Fig. 1

Bundoora, 'School of Zoology. La Trobe University, Victoria 3083 ; P. O. Box 401, Bendigo. porphyrio Current address: NRE, Fig. 1 Purple Swamphen Porphyrio Victoria 3550

247 Vol. 113(5)1996 .

Research Reports

restricted to parts of Southern Africa treatment system of billabongs and lakes, (deVos 1972). *Romulea rosea persists as which act as catchment for the area north- an underground corm or food storage east of the University. Wetland flora from organ during the dry summer months. the nearby Plenty and Yarra Rivers have Inconspicuous grass-like shoots emerge been used to re-create a complex wetland after the autumn rains, and pink flowers system. Waterfowl have arrived as a natur- appear in the spring. In Victoria, the distri- al consequence of habitat development bution of*/?, rosea (hereafter referred to as Romulea abundance Romulea to include other species within Seasonal changes in Romulea abundance the Romulea genus) seems to have been were determined by counting plants in 12 restricted to the area around the Melbourne (90x90 cm) wire plots which were set up at Botanical Gardens in the mid 1800's, but the study site prior to full emergence of had dispersed widely and become a serious Romulea in April, 1993. Sub-sampling of problem by the early I900's (Ewart 1906, randomised by choosing 1909). Early ideas on the control of the these plots was three of a possible nine (30 x 30 cm) sub- weed in pastures included manuring and plots within the plot. Counts were carried bringing the land under cultivation (Ewart out every 2-3 weeks to take into account 1907). the relatively long period of germination of In an analysis of the gizzard contents of Romulea (Eddy and Smith 1975). Small swamphens collected in the Gippsland *Romulea minutiflora (Small region, Norman and Mumford (1985) numbers of Onion Grass) are known to exist within the recorded parts of the corms of Romulea in study site (pers.comm. G. Carr). However, many of the birds examined. Although pre- these were not identified or distinguished sent in the crops of many individuals, it from *R. rosea during this study. was not a significant proportion of the diet. or where, the corms of this plant How, Feeding Behaviour were obtained and consumed was not Observations of the feeding behaviour of addressed in that study. To investigate the swamphens were carried out from 28 April relationship between swamphens and to 12 August. 1993, to determine whether Romulea, the following questions were swamphens used particular feeding tech- addressed: niques to consume Romulea corms. i) How does the swamphen forage Although the swamphens were not individ- upon Romulea? ually marked, detailed observations were ii) What are the characteristics of the obtained on the foraging behaviour of at soil and plants at sites where least eight individual birds feeding on swamphens feed on Romulea? Romulea at the study site between May and iii) Using the results of the above August 1 993, and the actual number of dif- investigation, is it possible to manipu- ferent birds observed was probably much late the environment to increase the greater. Further observations were carried likelihood that swamphens will feed out at Towt's Swamp near Whittlesea (37° upon Romulea? 31' S, 145° 07' E). Birds were observed Study area and methods from a distance of between 5-40 m using 10 x 50 binoculars. The study site was located within a regen- Carl Zeiss erating woodland being managed as a Observations of feeding behaviour were bushland reserve, within the grounds of La recorded in note form and photographs Trobe University in Bundoora, Victoria, were taken. to determine the conditions that Australia (37°4I' S, 145°3' E). The site was In order consumption originally a River Red Gum Eucalyptus were most favourable for the camaldulensis woodland, but had been of Romulea by swamphens, the birds were and cleared and grazed as farmland prior to observed regularly during the autumn acquisition by La Trobe University in winter of 1993, by traversing a fixed tran- every three days. Five 1968. During the last twenty-five years sect of 1.51 km types data were collected at all sites much of the site has been revegetated with of 1 where swamphens indigenous flora. The site includes a water within a m radius of

248 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

were observed: that swamphens were attracted to disturbed a) A relative measure of soil hardness areas, soil penetrability was experimentally was obtained using a soil penetrometer manipulated by tilling. (Geotester Pocket Penetrometer). Ten pairs of control and experimentally- b) Cylindrical soil cores (of a depth of tilled plots were set up within the bushland 10 cm, and a diameter of approximately reserve. Some plots were located along 8 cm) were removed to obtain an esti- compacted pathways and others close to mate of the number of Romulea conns known feeding sites. Each plot consisted of and their depths. two (90 cm x 90 cm) adjoining areas; in c) The soil contained in the cores was one the soil was gently loosened with a used to determine the relative soil mois- garden fork, whilst the other was left as an ture at each foraging site. An estimate un-tilled control plot. Romulea abundance of soil moisture was obtained by weigh- prior to disturbance was determined by ing and then heating the soil samples at counting the number of above-ground 105°C for 24 hours in order to remove shoots in three randomly selected subplots, moisture (Reynolds 1970). The samples each of 30 cm x 30 cm within each plot. were then re-weighed and relative soil An estimate of the foraging intensity of moisture for each sample was calculat- swamphens at each plot was determined ed using the change in weight as a per- twice by counting the number of Romulea centage of the pre-dried weight of the conn basal sheaths in each plot 7 days and soil. 14 days after the commencement of the d) Where swamphens were foraging experiment. After four to five weeks, the and Romulea shoots were observed, a final numbers of Romulea plants remaining 30 x 30 cm quadrat was placed immedi- in all plots was detennined using the same ately adjacent to the foraging area, and methods as during the earlier counts. the number of individual Romulea Parametric statistical tests were used, Where neces- plants within the quadrat was recorded unless otherwise indicated. log-transfonned to achieve e) Swamphens were recorded as having sary, data were of variance. Means of un- fed on Romulea if Romulea conn basal homogeneity ± one standard error are sheaths were found in the foraging area transfomied data presented. (Fig. 2)

Disturbance experiment Results number of Romulea plants visible During habitat usage surveys it became The above the ground surface increased steadi- clear that a significant proportion of birds June, with abun- on Romulea were observed in ly throughout April and feeding and read- dances fluctuating between July areas in which the soil penetrability areas August (Fig. 3). ing was low (i.e. soil was soft), and initial increase was due to both ger- soil had been disturbed by The where the re-emergence hypothesis minating seedlings and the machinery. In order to test the of adult plants after summer dormancy.

Feeding behaviour Swamphens were first observed consum- They ing Romulea conns on May I. removed entire plants either by digging or by with the beak to loosen the soil, the pulling up the plant by the base ot then raise one shoot. The swamphen would often accompa- foot to its beak, an action of the nied bv a simultaneous lowering was head and neck (Fig. 4). The plant the left or transfened from the bill to either firmly between right foot, and then held fore toes. The corm was broken after Swamphens have two of the Fig. 2. Basal sheaths left eaten the corm

249 Vol. 113(5)19% Research Reports

600 -i -40 o u o C *1

II = 15 OJ o' - g 500 n = 26 D 3 v = 28 o u „ = 26 ....-a « -30 MS i t a • 3* 400 - V) n = 23 ss la -- • •

< 3" a > • (JQ 300 / - 20 1/' re c 1 1 1 a < II = 22 V u = 21 re 5. S -3 200 - 1 r 3" • - 10 < S

Cr- 100- i ^ ^< a" CTQ

Dale of Census

Fig. 3. Proportion of foraging events involving Komutea pers. comm.) up using the beak, generally whilst the bird another observer (B. Malone birds were was balancing on one leg. Alternatively the at a nearby location. Because it was plant was pinned to the ground and the not individually distinguishable, was lim- corm broken up. Once the internal portion unclear if this washing behaviour of the corm was consumed, the characteris- ited to one individual. tic corm basal sheaths and the shoot, with a Features of the foraging sites small portion of the corm attached, were all When compared statistically, the number that remained (Fig. 5). of Romulea plants/m 2 above the ground One swamphen was observed carrying a surface was significantly higher in areas Romulea plant to a puddle and washing it where swamphens were foraging upon prior to consumption. This same behaviour Romulea than in areas where Romulea was ws observed on a separate occasion by present but not foraged upon (Table 1). There was also a significantly greater number of corms per core where swamphens were foraging on Romulea than in areas where swamphens refrained from foraging on Romulea despite the weed being present

(Table 1). The soil penetrability ranged from 2 6.1 kg/m 2 (very hard) to 0.6 kg/m (very soft) during the study. The soil penetrability readings at sites where swamphens foraged on Romulea were significantly lower than at the sites where swamphens failed to forage on Romulea even though the weed

Fig. 4. Swamphen feeding behaviour. was present (Table 1 ).

250 The Victorian Naturalist plant. B.and C. show the remains of'Swamphcn Fig. 5. A - Onion Grass Romuleu rosea, whole foraging, B - corm sheathing leaf bases, C - shoot remains.

251 Vol. 113(5)1996 Research Reports

When compared statistically, the soil consumed by swamphens in the tilled sites moisture at sites where swamphens foraged than in the control plots. This was evident on Romulea was not significantly different from the number of conn basal sheaths/nr to the soil moisture at sites where on the tilled plots which were significantly swamphens did not forage on Romulea higher than the number found on the con-

despite the weed being present (Table 1 ). trol plots seven days after the disturbance There was a significant correlation (Table 2). between soil moisture and penetrability (r After 14 days, the number of corm basal = 0.42, df = 99, p = 0.0001, n =101). sheaths counted on the tilled plots indicat- However, only 1 7% of the variation in soil ed that foraging intensity was increasing penetrability could be explained by per- compared to that on undisturbed control centage moisture, suggesting that other plots (Table 2). factors possibly may be affecting soil pen- Four weeks after the experiment was ini- etrability. tiated, a count of Romulea plants was car- The mean depth at which Romulea corms ried out to determine if the disturbance had were located in soil cores ranged from 0.5 - affected seedling recruitment. The number 6.0 cm. These mean depths did not differ of Romulea plants present increased on significantly in areas where swamphens both tilled plots and control plots during foraged on Romulea and where swamphens the experiment. However, the increase was did not forage on Romulea despite the smaller in the tilled plots than in the con- weed being present (Table 1 ). trol plots, although the difference was not statistically significant (Table 2). Disturbance plots Significantly more Romulea corms were

Table I. Features of the foraging sites where Romulea was present and either foraged upon, or not foraged upon by Purple Swamphens Note that n = the number of samples, SE is the standard error, X = the mean, df = the degrees of

t is freedom (n- 1 ), the test statistic, and P is the probability that the two sets of samples are the same. For the soil moisture analysis the degrees of freedom were adjusted following the method of Watson and McGaw ( 1 980) to account for non-homogeneity of variances.

Key: 1 = Sites where Romulea was foraged upon; 2 Sites where Romulea was present but not foraged upon

Variable 1 2 t df P X ± SE n X ± SE n

Number of Romulea pTants/m 2 273 ± 35.3 36 117 ±52 18 3.95 52 0.0002

Number of Romulea conns/core 9.4 ± 1.2 36 3.0 ±0.9 18 4.62 45 0.0001

Soil penetrability 1 .3 ± 0.2 35 2.4 ±0.4 18 3.36 51 0.002

? il moisture 23.5 ±0.8 34 23.9 ±2.2 18 0.60 20 p>0.2

I able 2. Mean number of Romulea corm basal sheaths and mean number of Romulea plants found at sites where the soil had been tilled, and at control plots where the soil had not been tilled.

Variable Tilled plots Control Plots t df P X±SE n X ± SE n

Number of corm basal sheaths after 7 days I2±4.l 10 0.8 ±0.4 10 3.53 9 0.0064

Number of corm basal sheaths after 1 4 days 34.7 ± 13.3 10 1.4 ±0.5 10 6.04 9 0.0002

Mean increase in the number at Romulea plants after 4 weeks 67.3 ±13.1 10 79.6 ± 9.4 10 1.42 9 188

252 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Discussion fowl. It is likely that the increased avail- Feeding technique and seasonality ability of introduced plants has had an Observations of swamphen feeding tech- important influence on the feeding niques indicated behav- that the use of their feet iour of swamphens. was an important part of Romulea consumption. By manipulating plants with Characteristics of the foraging sites their feet, swamphens were able to extract *Romulea rosea was more likely to be the entire contents of the corm, destroying consumed by swamphens at sites where the it in the process. These observations are soil was soft, and where Romulea numbers important because the manner in which were high. It is likely that Romulea was easier swamphens feed on Romulea has obvious to extract in areas where the soil was consequences for the individual plant being soft. Furthermore, it is possible that consumed, but may also have conse- removal of Romulea plants may lead to quences for the local population of the even further softening of the soil, such that weed. Swamphens may be viewed as the energy required to obtain additional 'predators' (as defined by Thompson 1982) plants is less than that required to obtain since grazing results in the death of whole the first plants in an area. A benefit such as this plants. Because swamphens feed on plants is more likely to occur at sites with before they begin seed production (seed high densities of Romulea. That may begin forming from September to conn depth and soil moisture were not October or November, Ewart 1907), they good predictors of where swamphens would have the potential to affect the future abun- forage on Romulea was a somewhat dance of the weed. surprising result. Swamphens appeared The consumption of Romulea by capable of feeding on Romulea conns at all depths, provided the soil swamphens is clearly not restricted to cer- was soft enough. tain localities. Swamphens have been Though not highly correlated with soil penetrability, moisture expected to recorded feeding on Romulea conns in was play some role in determining the other parts of Victoria (e.g. at Coolart (38° ease with which swamphens could remove 24 S, 145° 09' E) (S. Yorke, pers. comm.), corms. It may be that other soil parameters at Whittlesea (37° 31'S, 145° 07'E) (M. such as composition and structure are bet- Towt, pers. comm.), and at Gippsland ter predictors of soil penetrability. (Norman and Mumford 1985)). Although both the number of corms pre- The method used by swamphens to feed sent and the number of above-ground on Romulea is not restricted to this one shoots were good predictors of the likeli- food type. Rowley (1968) has described a hood of swamphens foraging on Romulea similar technique exhibited by swamphens at a site, the number of corms was a better feeding on figs, where figs were trans- predictor than number of above-ground ferred from bill to foot, and the foot was shoots. The number of shoots will differ used to pin fruit to the ground. Also, from corm number because of corms that Holyoak (1970) described washing of food may remain dormant and also because and extensive use of feet in feeding as a seedlings do not form corms until the end common characteristic of captive of their first growing season (pers. obs.). swamphens. Swamphens may be able to discern differ- Bryant (1940a and 1940b) also recorded ences in the available below-ground food the use of feet for feeding, though there resource without using the number of seemed to be some perception at the time shoots as a cue. There is potential for fur- of his publications that the technique was ther experimentation to test this hypothesis quite uncommon among swamphens. In by removing Romulea shoots from areas of Victoria, swamphens have incorporated soft soil. If swamphens continue to dig for significant amounts of introduced vegeta- the corms this might suggest they are (Norman and Mumford tion into their diets indeed using other cues or memory to Extensive modifications to wetlands 1985). assess the abundance of below-ground surrounds (Shaw et al. 1990, and their corms. Wood 1990) may have altered the quantity and/or types of foods available to water-

253 Vol. 113(5)1996 Research Reports

Romulea by Artificial disturbance experiment that consumption of other birds such as By itself, the correlational evidence that swamphens and swamphens foraged more often on Romulea Sulphur-crested Cockatoos Cacatua galeri- Coturnix where the ground was soft, did not prove ta (Ewart 1907); Stubble Quail Long-billed conclusively that ground hardness was of pectoraiis Hyett (1967) and could key importance in the foraging behaviour Corella (Temby and Emison 1986)) over of swamphens upon this weed. Such a cor- affect the density of plants in an area relation could have been due to corms time. A longer-term study is needed to being larger, or at a higher density, at sites examine this. corms by with soft soils. The fact that experimental The consumption of Romulea reduce plant loosening of the soil attracted swamphens Swamphens is not likely to are adult to feed on these sites more heavily than in numbers permanently. If there adjacent undisturbed control areas (when plants setting seed in the vicinity of the other confounding variable were con- tilled area, Romulea will almost certainly trolled) provides strong experimental evi- re-invade. Similarly, other weeds may disturbance. dence that swamphens preferentially for- invade where there is soil swamphens age upon Romulea in areas where the soil Thus tilling and foraging by control tool, but is soft. may be useful as a weed with Interestingly, as indicated by an increase only as part of a combined approach as burning which pre- in the number of conn basal sheaths over other methods such the two-week study period, the number of vents Romulea from flowering. that native herbivores corms in the tilled areas was not totally However, it is clear con- depleted by swamphens at their initial dismay have a potential role to play in covery. This could be due to individual trolling the spread of weed species. becoming satiated, and then leaving birds Acknowledgments the patch of food to possibly return at some We would like to thank the staff of the Wildlife of the patch by later date, or the discovery Reserves, La Trobe University for permission to successive birds, each of whom forages conduct our research there and in particular. G. until satiated, and then leaves. Similar Paras who drew our attention to the Purple habits were also reported for the Long- Swamphcn//comi//«i interaction. We would also the van billed Corella Cacatua lemtirosths, which like to acknowledge assistance from Towt, who allowed habitually returned' to feed on *R. rosea Roosendael Family and M. us to observe Purple Swamphens (and Romulea) in ploughed fields (Temby and Emison on their properties. We would like to acknowl- 1986). It is also possible to interpret these edge G. Carr and N. Scarlett for providing infor- habits in the light of Charnov's ( 1976) mal ion on the life history of Romulea. marginal value theorem, which predicts that areas of high energy return should be References Wallis-De-Vries, M. F. (1992). Forage foraged only as long as no alternative site Bokdam. J. and quality as a limiting factor for cattle grazing in isolat- offers better rate of return. If accessibility a ed Dutch nature reserves. Conservation Biology 6, of Romulea varies over time (due to rain- 399-408 Bryant. C.E. (1940)a. Photography in the swamps, the fall or other factors), then this may explain eastern swamp-hen. Emu 39, 288-292. birds might leave one food patch why the Bryant, C.E. (1940)b. Stray Feathers. Emu 40. 165-166. for another, and also, why they may later Carr, G.W.. Yugovic. J.V. and Robinson. K.E. (1992). Weed Invasion in Victoria return to feed in the original patch. Environmental Conservation and Management Implications. are easily The fact that swamphens (Department of Conservation and Environmeni attracted to feeding on Romulea if the area Victoria, and Ecological Horticulture, Melbourne). tilled Charnov, E. (1976). Optimal foraging: the marginal where it is growing has been lightly value theorem. Theoretical Population Biology 9, this weed is man- may affect the way that 129-136. aged near wetlands. Firstly, loosening soil dcVos, M.P. (1972). The genus Romulea in South Africa. Journal of South African Botany in small areas may be a useful alternative Supplementary volume number 9. an advantage when working to herbicides, Eddy. J.I. and Smith, D.F. (1975). Seed dispersal and near wetlands. Secondly, particular sites germination in Romulea rosea (onion grass). Experimental Agriculture and can be targeted without damaging sur- Australian Journal of Animal Husbandry 15. 508-512. Given that corms are con- ot rounding areas. Ewart, A, J. (1906). Contribution to the flora sumed prior to seed being set, it is likely Australia. Romulea (trichonema) eruciata.

254 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 19, 41- Readers Digest (1977). Complete Book of Australian 46. st Birds. I edn. (Readers Digest Services, Sydney). Ewart, A.J. (1907). Guildford grass or onion grass. Reynolds, S.G. (1970). The gravimetric method of soil Journal of the Department of Agriculture of Victoria moisture determination. Part I, a study of equipment 5. 537-540. and methodological problems. Journal ol Hydrology Ewart. A.J. (1909). The Weeds, Poison Plants and 11.258-273.

Naturalised Aliens of Victoria. (Govt. Printer. Rowley, I. (1968). Unusual feeding technique of bald Melbourne). coot. Emu 67, 295-296. Fordham, R.A. (1983). Seasonal dispersion and activi- Shaw. J., Beilhartz, M., Hill. R., Polley. V. and ty of the Pukeko Porphyrio porphyria melanotus Sullivan. C. (1990). An introduction to the Victorian (Ralhdae) in swamp and pasture. New Zealand wetlands conservation program. In 'Wetlands, their

Journal ofZoology 6, 1 33- 1 42. Ecology, Function, Restoration and Management', Gibson, C.W.D.. Watt, T.A. and Brown, V.K. (1987). proceedings. (I.a Trobe University, Melbourne). The use of sheep grazing to recreate species rich Temby, l.D. and Emison, W.B. (1986). Foods of the grasslands from abandoned arable land. Long-billed Corella. Australian Wildlife Research Conservation Biology 42, 165-183 13, 57-63 Holyoak, D.T. (1970). The behaviour of captive purple Thompson, J.N. (1982). 'Interaction and Coevolution'. gallinules Porphyria porphyrio. Aviculture (John Wiley and Sons, New York). Magazine 76, 98-109. Watson. G. and McGaw, D. (1980). 'Statistical Hyett, J. (1967). New food record for stubble quail. Inquiry'. (John Wiley & Sons, New York). Emu 66, 372. Wood, K. (1990), Community involvement in wet- Jordan, W.R.. Gilpin, M.E. and Aber, J.D. (1987). lands- The Victorian Wetlands Trust. In, 'Wetlands, Restoration Ecology, A Synthetic Approach to their Ecology, Function. Restoration and Ecological Research, (Cambridge University Press, Management', proceedings. (La Trobe University. Cambridge). Melbourne). Norman, F.l. and Mumford, L. (1985). Studies on the Purple Swamphen, Porphyrio porphyrio, in Victoria. Australian Wildlife Research 12,263-278.

Advance of the Honey Fungus

The merry month of May has been a dis- noticed the gardeners in Kings Park lifting shrubs with great balls of earth, lin- appointing one in our area for mushrooms their ing the holes with black plastic and replac- and for fungi in general. Only the Honey On being asked the reason for Fungus Armillaria luteobubalina prolifer- ing them. this odd behaviour, they cried in distracted ates in the native park opposite my house, 'We've got the Honey Fungus!'. festooning the roots and butts of its vic- tones a bonus freely However, back in Victoria, 1996, tims with its fruiting bodies. The me - also in the park, was a nice shed spores whitewash the surrounding for Blewit Lepista nuda spores themselves will not colony of Wood areas. The cinnamon a delightful in their tonings of attack a living tree but must establish caps and palest mauve gills and stems. base on a dead stump or similar deadwood grass and fallen leaves this They grew amongst of which, alas, there are plenty. From Cherry Ballart/Angophora clump. that resemble the under a base long rhizomorphs mushroom, the They are an excellent culinary black bootlaces wander out through pan. Know them by their of a living very tasty in the soil until they strike the roots that I have pink spores. I must admit infection up toward the pale tree spreading the of the tried young and tender specimens it. The fungus trunk and eventually killing Fungus too, first bringing them to inexorably down the park Honey is moving dispel any evil the boil in salted water to eucalypts, angophoras, wattles claiming Verdict? They are not bad!. wish I humours. sheoaks and lesser shrubbery. I of digging knew how to check it, short Ellen Lyndon valued l.eongatha, Victoria 3953 deep trenches around the more 7 Steele Street, trees seventies we On a visit to Perth in the

255 Vol. 113(5)1996 Contributions

Using Nest Boxes to Survey for the Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa

1 1 3 T. R. Soderquist , B. J. Traill , F. Faris% K. Beasley

Abstract

The Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa is an arboreal carnivorous marsupial previously found in dry forest and woodland throughout much of Australia. The species' distribution has declined during the past two centuries, with its current range and status being poorly understood. Of the several survey methods available for arboreal mammals, the use of nest boxes is the most effi-

cient for locating phascogales. We describe this survey technique as it applies to phascogales, and propose that nest boxes be established and checked by interested volunteers so as to monitor populations trends in the long-term. Whether conducted by a concerned individual or a naturalist group, each survey will contribute to the conservation of this rare species.(77ie Victorian Naturalist 113.1996! 256-261).

Introduction tions become isolated. Firstly, the lifespan The Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale of phascogales is relatively short. All male tapoatafa is a medium sized carnivorous phascogales die after the short annual marsupial (family Dasyuridae) found in the breeding season when 11-12 months of age dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands of (Cuttle 1982). Thus, reproduction must be mainland Australia (Cuttle 1983)(Fig. I). successful in every year so that sires are The name Tuan is commonly used for P. present during the next breeding season. tapoatafa in Victoria. It originally derived Females seldom live longer than two years. from an Aboriginal name for Sugar Gliders Due to the energetic stress of lactation, (Conole 1987). Since the arrival of they typically succeed in weaning only one Europeans in Australia, the distribution of litter (Soderquist 1993a). Secondly, the the species has declined greatly and the density of phascogales is typically very species is now apparently extinct in South low. For example, the apparently high Australia and rare in the other states. Due quality habitat in the Chiltern Regional to the relatively extensive fauna surveys Park (4,200 ha) only sustains 35-50 breed- conducted in Victoria (e.g. Menkhorst and ing females. This sparse density is due, in Gilmore 1979; Norris et al. 1983), the part, to the low abundance of their prey species, decline in this state is particularly well documented (Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources). Phascogales were previously distributed throughout much of Victoria (Fig. 2) but have become locally extinct in many regions. The lack of observations after 1960 in the southern Gippsland forests and in coastal eucalypt woodlands indicates that the extinction process is continuing. Further local extinctions are likely among many of the fragmented, remnant forests in central and western Victoria. Three aspects of the natural history of P. tapoatafa (hereafter referred to as phascogales) make it unusually vulnerable to extinction, especially when small popula-

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168 - Friends of the Tuan, Threatened Species Network, 10 Parliament Place, East Melbourne. Victoria 3002. Fig. 1. Brush-tailed Phascogale (or Tuan) Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers. P. O. Box 423. Ballarat, Victoria, 3353 Phascogale tapoatafa.

256 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

discuss in detail one technique - the use of nest boxes - which probably offers the most time-efficient method of surveying

and monitoring phascogale populations. It is also of use in surveying other hollow- using mammals that occur in low densities (Menkhorst 1984).

Survey Techniques for Phascogales Public response surveys In areas where phascogales may exist but no recent records are known, local residents can be encouraged to report sightings. This documents observations obtained by chance (e.g. animals killed by cats) and also increases public interest in the species. The value of such surveys was Fig. 2. Distribution of P. tapoataja in Victoria. recently demonstrated when a phascogale The shaded area indicates regions currently distribution map was published in a widely occupied, although populations are highly fragmented within these areas. The hatched area circulated newsletter (Sharpe 1993). The indicates probable historical distribution (see map elicited reports of three recent obser- Menkhorst 1995). In addition, unverified vations of phascogales near Portland (K. reports of phascogales have recently come from Aldredge pers. comm.) in an area where no Gippsland and the Bellarine Peninsula. previous sightings had been recorded. (large insects) which forces females to for- Predator scat analysis age over surprisingly large home ranges, The scats of mammalian predators and mean 40 ha (Soderquist 1995). Females are the pellets of owls may contain hair or territorially aggressive towards unrelated bones from phascogales (Van Dyck and females and seldom share a home range Gibbons 1980, Erstberg and Braithwaite with daughters (Soderquist and Ealey 1985, Traill 1993). However, phascogales 1994). Hence, few litters can be raised in a typically comprise only a very small pro- given area. Thirdly, juvenile males tend to portion of any predator's diet and are disperse long distances (>3 km) from their unlikely to be found except in large sam- natal home ranges (Soderquist and Lill ples of scats. Examination of mammal 1995). This assists genetic interchange in scats also requires considerable expertise large, contiguous populations. However, it in distinguishing phascogale hair and bone means that small populations of phasco- from that of other dasyurids. gales are likely to lose all locally produced sons. If females are to reproduce they must Spotlighting be located by males dispersing from other This technique is commonly used for areas. nocturnal species and is efficient for The low densities of phascogales make it species that exist in high densities such as difficult to survey for the species. The con- Sugar Gliders Petaurus breviceps. sequent lack of information on distribution However, successful spotting of phasco- phascogales. densities. is hindering efforts to protect gales is difficult due to their low to aver- Land managers are usually unwilling Traill and Coates (1993) observed an

proof 1 hours curtail destructive activities without age of only 4.3 phascogales per 00 species) to contain that phascogales (or other rare of spotlighting in areas known mon- exist at a site. Surveys and long-term resident animals. deter- itoring need to be initiated now to of Trapping mine the current distribution and status The low densities and trap shyness ot phascogales and to stimulate appropriate phascogales makes trapping surveys rela- management of their habitat. efficient for this species than for five sur- tively less In this paper we briefly review many others. Traill and Coates (1993) vey techniques for phascogales. We then

257 Vol. 113(5)1996 Contributions

trapped an average of only 4.9 phasco- nient, and observations of nests or scats gales per 1,000 trap-nights with wire- are further indications of the presence

mesh traps set in trees. Phascogales can phascogales. This survey technique is only escape from Elliott traps, and are prone to useful if nest boxes are left out for long damaging themselves while escaping or periods of time (>4 months). attempting to escape from aluminium and Surveying Phascogales using nest boxes wire-mesh traps. Young animals are also Nest box design and construction is particularly vulnerable to death from excellently described in Victoria's Land exposure in traps on cold nights. For Wildlife Note Number 14 (available Hair tube sampling from the regional offices of the Victorian The use of hair tubes (Suckling 1978, Department of Conservation and Natural Scotts and Craig 1988) is a simple, non- Resources). Boxes for phascogales should invasive technique which has great poten- be no smaller than 150 X 150 X 300 mm tial for identifying the presence of rare high. A larger box is preferable, allowing mammals. Few surveys have been con- a female to use more material in building ducted in phascogale habitat, so that the her nursery nest, and thus improving the efficiency of the technique remains uncer- insulation of the litter (Soderquist 1993ft). tain. Recent surveys in the Box-lronbark If the floor space of the box is much forests of central Victoria have used hair greater than 600 cm% one third of it tubes to detect phascogales where spot- should be partitioned off with a 10 cm lighting was unsuccessful (L. Lumsden high vertical strip of wood attached to the pers comm.) However, the technique floor. This partition serves two purposes: requires specialist identification of hair ( 1 ) it provides a brace for the leaf nests of which is difficult to distinguish from that antechinus and gliders, which otherwise of Antechinus spp. For professional survey tend to collapse in larger hollows and (2)

teams with specialist support or training, it creates a 'foyer* which phascogales use hair tubes may provide an efficient alter- for a toilet, thus keeping the nest unsoiled. native to other techniques. Rough-sawn timber serves as a better nest box surface than finished planks or Nest boxes plyboard as it provides a secure grip for Individual phascogales use 10-40 nest the phascogales. If smooth timber is used, sites year. each These may be in tree shallow saw cuts on the interior beneath stumps, hollows in live or dead trees, the the entrance will provide footholds. The dome-shaped nests of birds or even under flaking bark. Some are poor-quality sites offering little protection from weather and predators. However, lactating females are more particular in the selection of nursery nests (in which young are left while the mother forages). Such nests are typically large cavities with small entrances (Soderquist 1993ft). Phascogales readily use artificial nest boxes (Fig. 3), especially in habitats lacking many natural tree-hollows (Lindner 1983, Traill and Coates 1993). In Victoria and most other parts of southern-eastern Australia, much of the remaining phascogale habitat has had the larger trees cut down and few natural tree-hollows remain (Traill 1991). Even in habitats that have Fig. 3. In areas where natural hollows are numerous hollows, nest boxes are occa- scarce due to the harvesting of large trees, nest sionally used. Unlike traps, boxes can be boxes are readily used by female Brush-tailed checked by the survey team when conve- Phascogales for raising young, (photo by L. Sharpe)

258 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

wood should not be treated with toxic great care should be laken not to disturb chemicals, but can be protected with non- resident females during this critical period. toxic paint. A piece of carpet tacked to the If a large nursery nest is present in a box. inner ceiling of the box may discourage the phascogale will not be visible inside Honeybees Apia meUifera from colonizing the domed nest, but fresh scats will be pre- the box by hindering attachment of the sent on or in the box. Observation of the wax comb to the ceiling. However, tests of box at dusk can verify the female's pres- this technique have only recently been ini- ence as she departs to forage. tiated and the benefit remains uncertain (I. Survey? with boxes provide three ways to Fenselau and R. Trainor pers. comm.). A confirm that phascogales are present in the round entrance hole of 35 mm diameter area: a phascogale nest, phascogale scat, or provides the best compromise between observation of an animal. Note that it is excluding large, common species such as illegal to handle any native animals using Ringtail Possums and allowing access by nest boxes without a permit to do so from large male phascogales. the appropriate state agency. If public edu- Boxes should be placed at least 4 m off cation and involvement is intended as one the ground on trees greater than 25 cm in of the benefits of the survey project, inter- diameter. Avoid smooth-barked trees (e.g. ested observers can return at dusk to gain a the 'gum' types of eucalypts) as phasco- rewarding and non-intrusive view of ani- gales have great difficulty climbing them. mals occupying the boxes.

Trees should be selected that lack natural During the nursery period, the nest is usu- hollows. Because metal nails in trees may ally a very large ball of nesting material pose a safety hazard to anyone cutting the commonly filling nearly all of the box. tree years later, the box should not be Nests made at other times of the year vary

nailed directly to the tree. Instead it should in size from a few scraps of nesting materi- be suspended by a metal strap or wire al, to well formed bowls. Occasionally no which loops around the tree trunk. This attempt is made to make a nest. Nests are strap must be adjusted as the tree slowly made primarily from bark. If available, the grows, and care should be taken to ensure bark of 'stringybark' eucalypts is strongly that the loop does not cut through the bark preferred, and is stripped and interwoven (e.g. by padding the wire with rubber or to form the nest. However, exfol-ating bark small pieces of wood). Alternatively, if strips from wattles and smooth-barked nails are certain to be removed eventually, eucalyptus trees are also used (Lindner a bracket attached to the nest box can slip 1983,'Soderquist 1993b) as well as feath- over nails placed in the tree above and ers and fur if available. Phascogale nests below the box. As the tree grows, the box will sometimes contain leaves, but these the remains of nests constructed is slowly pushed outward without damage. are from For an intensive survey we suggest set- by other species. commonly defecate in their ting boxes about 300 m apart (1 per 9 ha). Phascogales top of it. If the box is used Densities less than this are still very useful. nest box and on repeatedly, the scat builds up in one corner If a box is consistently used by species An individual other than phascogales (e.g. Sugar and becomes a solid mass. an adult is roughly 4-6 mm in Gliders), a second box can be set about 30 scat of diameter and, if unbroken, over 15 mm m away as an alternative. Boxes should not black and comprised of be erected on public land without the long. It is usually numerous insect pieces, many of which are approval of the local land management 2-3 in width. agency (e.g. Victorian Department of mm and scats of other hollow-using Conservation and Natural Resources). The nests animals can also be found in nest boxes. Avoid placing boxes where vandals will Details of those likely to be found in easily find them. Victorian phascogale habitat are as fol- The best time to schedule box checks is and lows:- in April-June (breeding season) Ringtail Possums Psuedocheirus peregn- February-March (juvenile dispersal peri- nus. Nests can be similar to those of are frequently used by phasco- od). Boxes will include twigs August-November (nursery phascogales, but usually gales from bark. Only imma- but and branchlets as well as period when young are left in the nest)

259 Vol. 113(5)1996 Contributions

lure ringtails can squeeze through entrance example, during one year, bees occupied 8 holes smaller than 35 mm. No scats are left of 14 large nest boxes at Chiltern Regional in the nest. Park and 7 of 18 nest boxes at Whipstick Sugar and Squirrel Gliders Petaurus bre- State Park. One method for removing bees viceps and P. norfolcensis. Fresh green is to push a 4 cm-' piece of an insecticide eucalypt leaves are shaped into a rough pest strip (e.g. Shelltox or Sureguard bowl or dome. No scats are left in the nest. brands) through the entrance into the comb Yellow-footed and Brown Antechinus (Land For Wildlife Note 14). Using a long Antechinus flavipes and A. stuartii. Old pole, insert the strip at night or in the early dried eucalypt leaves are used, often built morning when low temperatures will help into a dome. Many scats are usually found keep the bees quiet. The hive will be killed in and near the nest. The scat of Antechinus within several days, after which the toxic species that use nest boxes is smaller than 3 strip and honeycomb should be removed. mm in diameter and seldom contains large, Note that this method is not one of the uses whole insect parts as they chew prey more recommended by the manufacturers of pest finely. Unfortunately, the scat of juvenile strips. As such, an individual choosing to phascogales can be confused with that of eliminate hives in this manner must ensure Antechinus spp. safe handling of the strip and disposal of Bats (various species). No nest is made. the hive contents. Furthermore, a warning Numerous small scats may be left in the message should be posted below the box box, but these are smaller than Antechinus during the several days between poisoning scats and have very fine insect fragments. and hive removal. Alternatively, hives can Brown and White-throated Treecreepers be physically destroyed or removed by api- Climacteris picumnus and C. leucophaea. arists. The ease of locating and destroying Nests are made with layers of very finely hives in artificial boxes makes this survey shredded bark and/or fur forming a shallow method a useful means of controlling feral bowl. The scats of birds may look similar bees which would otherwise occupy natural to those of small mammals, but have a blob hollows. of white uric acid attached to the scat (as do those of frogs and reptiles). Record Keeping Australian Owlet-Nightjar Aegotheles Although surveys with nest boxes benefit cristatus. If breeding in the nest box, there conservation by identifying sites where will be a lining of green eucalypt leaves. phascogales exist, long-term monitoring of This species also roosts in nest-boxes with phascogale populations is even more no nest. important. As phascogales typically occur Parrots (various species). No new nesting at low densities, only repeated surveys over material is added. Any existing material many years can accurately identify trends may be finely chewed. Fggs are laid direct- in the status of a population, or verify local ly onto the base of the nest box. extinction. We strongly encourage anyone Adding phascogalc scats or nest material using nest boxes or other survey techniques to newly erected boxes as an attractant can to maintain long-term records that note sur- cause confusion in the survey. If desired, vey dates and the number of animals, nests exotic nest materials (e.g. wood shavings, and scats observed. Victoria, New South raw wool or cloth) can be used to improve Wales and the Northern Territory maintain insulation. Once a phascogale builds and wildlife databases to which records of then abandons a nest, it can be pushed flat phascogales should be submitted. or the pieces pushed to one side. Any sub- Alternatively, a volunteer state coordinator sequent occupant will reform the inner can be selected to maintain such files and chamber or build a new nest on top of the distribute information to those interested in old. Scat should be removed or crushed so conducting surveys (e.g. the 'Friends of the that any new additions are detectable. Tuan' in Victoria). Pest species such as the Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris. Common Myna Results from a Survey of Rushworth State Forest Acridoiheres tristis and Honeybees should To test the efficiency nest be removed from boxes. At some sites feral of boxes for broad scale surveys bees are a major problem in nest-boxes. For we conducted a trial

260 The Victorian Naturalist .

Contributions

survey in the Rushvvorth State Forest in Victorian Naturalist 104, 105-107. central Victoria. The Rushworth Forest Cuttle, P,(I982). Life history strategy of the dasyurid marsupial Phascogale tapoatafa. In 'Carnivorous has approximately 31,000 ha. of habitat Marsupials'. Ed. M. Archer. Pg 13-22, (Royal that is apparently suitable for phascogales. Zoological Society ofNew South Wales. Mnssmap)

( 'utile. I'. Prior to this study, there were no con- ( 1983). Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa. In 'The Complete Book of Australian firmed records of phascogales from this Mammals'. Ed. R Strahan. Pg. 34-35 (Angus and forest in the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife Robertson: Sydney), Frstberg. J. R. W. and only three records from adjacent A, and Brailhwaite (14851, the diet of the Rufous Owl t\tnox rufu) near Cooinda in the areas. Northern Territory. Emu 85. 202-205. Ninety-two boxes were constructed by Lindner. .1. (1983). Artificial hollows al Whipstick Whtrakeei. 3-12. volunteers with the Australian Trust for Menkhorst. P. W. ( 1984). The application of nest Conservation Volunteers (ATCV). These boxes in research and management of possums and were placed at 23 sites in the Rushworth gliders. In 'Possums and Gliders . Eds A. P. Smilh and D, Hume. Pg, 517-525, (Australian Mammal Forest. placed at Four boxes were each Society: Sydney), site, approximately 100 m apart. Sites Menkhorst. P W. (1095), -Mammals of Victoria' (Oxford University Press: Melbourne). were at least 1 km apart. Ten ATCV Menkhorst. P. W'. and A, M. Gilmore. (1979), workers placed the boxes during two days Mammals and reptiles of north central Victoria. 40. in early December 1 992. A single, experi- Memoirs of the National Museum of 'Victoria No.

Norris. I. Ahem. I.. D., Belcher, enced worker can check about 60 boxes K. C„ Mansergh. M., C. A., Temby. I. D., and N. CI Walsh. (1983). per day without difficulty. Vertebrate fauna of the Ciippsland lakes catchment Boxes were checked by the authors and Victoria. Victorian Department of Fisheries and Wilclli/e Occasional Papers Series No. I ATCV volunteers in late April 1993. No Scotls. D J. and S. A. Craig.(t988). Improved hait- phascogales were actually observed in the sampling tube for the detection of small mammals. boxes, but phascogale nests and scats were Australian Wildlife Research 15. 469-472. Sharpe, L. L. (1993). Managing wildlife. Ilealesville in four boxes at three sites. In addi- found Sanctuary Tracks 7. 2, of tion Sugar Gliders or their nests were Soderquist, I. R. (1993«). Maternal strategies tapoatafa (Marsupiaha: Dasyundael. I observed in 30 boxes, and Yellow-footed Phascogale Breeding seasonality and maternal investment. were observed in Antechinus or their nests 4 1 549-560. Australian Journal ofZoology . three boxes. During the most recent check Soderquist. T. R, (1993/*). Maternal strategies of Phascogale tapoatafa (Marsupiaha Dasyuridae). II in early 1996, members of the Field Juvenile thermoregulation and maternal attendance. Victoria Fauna Survey 567-576. Naturalists Club of Australian Journal ofZoology 41 , Of the Group found one phascogale, and 12 Soderquist. T. R. (19951. Spatial organization arboreal carnivorous marsupial Phascogale phascogale nests (R. Gibson pers. comm). 385- tapoatafa. Journal of Zoology. London 237. boxes The Group has erected additional 398. (1994), Social miciac- intends to monitor trends in phasco- Soderquist. T. R. and Ealey, L. and carnivorous tions and mating strategies of a solitary at Rushworth and other gale populations marsupial. Phascogale tapoatofa, in the wild. 521-542 sites for several decades. When combined Wildlife Research 2\. Natal dispersal and results from other Soderquist. T. and till. A. (1995). with long-term survey Phascogale philopatry in the carnivorous marsupial individuals, this 297-3 12. naturalist groups and tapoatafa (Dasyuridae). Ethology 99. sampling tube tor the will provide a valuable foun- Suckling, G. C. (1978). A hair information Australian detection of small mammals in trees. dation for conserving this rare species. midlife Research 5,249-252 forests: tree hollows. Traill B J (1991). Box-lronbark Acknowledgements management. In 'Conservation oi the wildlife and thanks to the workers irom Lunney. Pp. 119- Our special Australia's Forest Fauna'. Ed. D. Conservation Volunteers ol New South Australian Trust lor 124. (Royal Zoological Society boxes for the who made and erected the nest Wales: Mossman). made possi- The diet and movements of a pan Rushworth survey. That study was Traill B J. (1993) strenua in dry forest. from Telecom to cover the of Powerful Owls Ninox ble by a grant 155-159. volunteers and the Australian Raptor Studies 93. expenses for transporting Field observa- D. Coates, ( 1993). boxes. We Traill B, J. and T. costs of making the nest Phascogale Phascogale material tions on the Brush-tailed Grey, Lyndall Rowley Dasyuridae). Australian also thank F.d and Pat tapoatafa (Marsupiaha: on the manu- 61-65. comments . and a reviewer for Mammalogy 16, , under (1980). Tuan preda.ion was carried out Dvke. S, and D, Gibbons. script. Field work Van 58- Conservation and Owls. The Victorian Saturaltst 97. Victorian Department of by Powerful 93-1

of the b» ** SSST(I«D. The identity

261 Vol. 113 (5) 1996 Contributions

Use of Supplementary Nest Hollows by an Endangered Subspecies of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo

William B. Emison 1 2

A study, conducted from 1988 to 1994 in south-eastern Australia, on the endangered subspecies of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii graptagyne indicated that: -

1) it is restricted to south-western Victoria and adjacent parts of the south- east of South Australia; 2) its numbers are low, probably not more than 1000 individuals remain; 3) its diet is specialised, consisting mainly of seeds of Brown Stringybarks Eucalyptus baxteri and Bulokes Allocasuarina luehmannii; 4) breeding, which seems to 89 89-90 90-91 91-92 92-93 9394 involve only a small proportion of the pop- Breeding Season ulation (10% or less), has only been recorded within the northern half of the Fig. 1. Number of pairs of Red-tailed Black- birds' range; Cockatoos found nesting in south-eastern 5) nesting occurs in hollows of Auslralia, 1988-1994. The number of active large, often dead, trees in farmland; nests found in the 1992-93 season totalled 23, but 7 of these were considered to be re-nestings 6) its habitats are fragmented and (Emison et al. 1995) so the number of pairs threatened (Joseph et at. 1991; Emison and involved in nesting was only 16. Joseph 1992). have fallen from natural decay. Although considerable effort was directed To determine if a lack of nest hollows towards finding nesting birds, only a few was limiting breeding, we placed four sup- pairs were found each breeding season, the plementary nest hollows (made from natur- highest number being 16 in 1992-93 and al hollows cut from fallen trees) in dead the lowest being 3 in 1991-92 (Fig. I ). The trees without suitable natural hollows, in a majority of nests (85%) were in hollows in traditional nesting area after the 1991-92 dead, usually ring-barked, River Red Gums breeding season. One of these supplemen- E. camaldulensis while the rest (15%) were tary nest hollows was used by a pair of in live River Red Gums or Yellow Gums Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos in 1992-93 E. leucoxylon. More than 98% of all nests and a young one was successfully reared. found were on private property and over After the success of the first supplemen- 90% were in three traditional nesting areas. tary hollow in the 1992-93 breeding sea- During the course of our study, we began son, we placed an additional 6 supplemen- to suspect that an important reason for the tary hollows in dead trees in traditional small number of nests was because suitable nesting areas. Additionally, because there nest hollows were limited in the traditional were so few dead trees in which to place Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo nesting areas. the hollows, we obtained 6 disused wooden Over the years, losses of nest hollows have electricity poles, put them into place in the resulted from the old dead trees being cut areas and attached a supplementary nest down for firewood, while others have been hollow to the top portion of each one (Fig. pushed over simply to tidy up a property or 2). Therefore, at the start of the 1993-94

' Department of Natural Resources and Environment, breeding season, we had in place 16 sup- P.O. Box 41, East Melbourne, Vic. 3001 plementary nest hollows (10 supported by *• Present address: Invertebrate Zoology, Museum of dead trees and 6 on electricity poles) in tra- Victoria, P.O. Box 666E, Melbourne, Vic. 3001

262 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

areas is recommended. However, an on- going monitoring program should also be

established to: ( 1 ) detect any illegal human activities such as the taking of eggs or young; (2) determine if the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos continue to use the hollows on a long-term basis: (3) determine whether birds using the supplementary hollows are new breeders (thus increasing the number of breeding pairs) or are established breeders which have simply moved from less suitable natural hollows; and (4) determine the long-term impact of feral Honeybees on the availability of the supplementary nest hollows. Support for this study was from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (Victoria), the London-based World Parrot Trust and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (South Australia). Other details of this breeding/nest hollow study appear in Emison et al. (1994) and Emison and Caldow(1994).

Fig. 2. Supplementary nest hollow on an elec- References tricity pole. Photo by W.B. Emison. Emison, B. and Caldow. W. (1994), Supplementary nesting ditional Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo nest hollows for Red-tailed Black Cockatoos. Land areas. Of these 16 supplementary hollows, for Wildlife News 2, 13. .I.M. . Caldow. WD. and rorshaw, 5 (3 in dead trees and 2 on electricity Emison, W.B (1994). Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo project. poles) were used by nesting Red-tailed PsittaScene 6, 4-5. in 1993-94. These 5 Black-Cockatoos Emison, W.B. and Joseph. L. (1992). Threats to a pop- total Red- nests represented 45% of the ulation of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos in south-west- tailed Black-Cockatoo nests found in ern Victoria. Australian Ranger 25, 33-34. White. CM. and Caldow. W.D. (1995). 1993-94. We also recorded Yellow-tailed Emison, W.B., Calyptorhynchus Presumptive re-nesting of Red-tailed Black- Black-Cockatoos 141- Cockatoos in south-eastern Australia. Emu 95. Long-billed Corellas Cacatua funereus. 144.

Ducks 1 1991 ). tenuirostris, Australian Wood Joseph, L.. Emison. W.B. and Bren, W.M. status of Red- Chenonetta jubata, owls and feral Critical assessment of the conservation south-eastern Australia Honeybees Apis mellifera using the sup- tailed Black-Cockatoos in with special reference to nesting requirements. Emu plementary nest hollows. Continuing occu- 91,46-50. pancy by Honeybees would prevent future Black- use of hollows by either Red-tailed Cockatoos or other birds. sup- The results of this study indicate that plementary nest hollows are quickly of the utilised by a variety of animals and supplementary hollows available (4 in 30% 1992-93 and 16 in 1993-94) at least were used by Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos. status of this In view of the endangered Black-Cockatoo, subspecies of Red-tailed supplementary nest the provision of more potential nesting hollows in traditional and

263 Vol. 113(5)1996 Contributions

Australian Native Species in Aquaculture

1 1 G. Kibria , D. Nugegoda', R. Fairclough and P. Lam'

Abstract Australian native freshwater fish and crayfish possess good food, recreational and commercial values. Although aquaculture is an infant industry, expanding rapidly due to recent local and overseas (Asian)dcmands for native species. This article gives a glimpse of the status of native freshwater aquaculture in Australia. (The Victorian Naturalist 113, 1996, 264-267)

Introduction recent international conference held in Australian native fish and crayfish form Beijing (Fourth Asian Fisheries Forum, the main freshwater aquaculture industry 16-20 October 1995), a number of enquires of the country. Australia has few freshwa- were made regarding Silver Perch (Fig. 1 ). ter fish (180-190 species) (Merrick and Schmida 1984), most of which are native to Australia. Among them only four native fish possess potential for aquaculture, Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyemus) Golden Perch Macquaria ambigua, Murray Cod Maccullochella peeli and Freshwater Catfish Tandanus tan Jan us (Hume and Barlow 1993)

Silver Perch Silver Perch farming is booming in the country and there is an interest in cultivat- Fig. 1 Silver Perch fingerlings are in great ing the species in countries like China, and demand both in Australia and in overseas (e.g. Taiwan. The farms are spread over the China) to stock in ponds and dams. warmer parts of New South Wales.

Queensland and Victoria. New South Above all, freshwater fish production is Wales has the highest number of Silver increasing in Australia mainly due to an Perch farms followed by Victoria and increasing interest and investment in grow-

Queensland. Factors contributing to the ing Silver Perch (Table 1 ). expansion of the Silver Perch industry Table 1. Native Aquaculture Production include good growth rates, their accep- (value $000). tance of low-protein diets (Barlow 1986;

Source : 0'Sullivan(l994) Rowland and Barlow I99J), the ease of Year Native Native culture in earthen ponds (Rowland et at. Fish Crayfish 1994) and their omnivorous feeding habits 1989-90 2.888 1 ,599 (Rowland and Barlow 1991). The demand 1990-91 2,913 2,339 for Silver Perch farming is so great that at 1991-92 4,355 2,235 this stage three commercial feed companies (Kinta, Janos, Barstock) are manufac- turing Silver Perch feeds. Further stimulus Golden Perch for Silver Perch arose with the huge recent Golden Perch farming has not been so shipment of fry fingerlings and to China. popular although it is more attractive to It is believed that the Chinese are interest- consumers than Silver Perch. Trials are ed in rearing Silver Perch in their tradition- being conducted by the government al ponds since it is an ideal species for research institutes to develop Golden Perch Chinese pond polyculture systems. At the diets (Arumugam and Geddes 1987). Once commercial Golden Perch feeds Victoria University of Technology, PO Box 14428, become Melbourne 8001, Australia available in the market, then Golden Perch City University of Hong Kong. Kowloon . Hong fanning would become a popular aquacul- Kong

264 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions ture industry since consumer demand for and health consciousness. It is predicted Golden Perch is high and can therefore that Australian native aquaculture industry fetch higher market prices. Some private would become a lucrative primary industry companies are conducting research to in food production (Goolev and Rowland develop Golden Perch feed from sewage- 1993). grown zooplankton (Zootech News 1994). However, it should be noted that effluents from aquaculture industry may cause water Freshwater Crayfish pollution as nutrients discharged may Australia has the most diverse collection cause eutrophications to water bodies of freshwater crayfish in the southern (Foy and Rosell 1991; Ketola et al. 1991), hemisphere, three of which used in aqua- An increase in water turbidity and oxygen culture. These are, Yabby Cherax destruc- demand in natural systems may come from tor, Marron Cherax tenuimanus and the solid wastes of aquaculture. Therefore Redclaw Cherax quadricarinatus. Yabby it is essential to monitor the level of nutri- farms are located in South Australia, ent discharged from aquaculture industry Victoria and New South Wales (Kailola et to the natural system in order to prevent 1993). Marron have been commercially al. any environmental disasters. in Western Australia for the last cultured Since natural populations of Australian et al. 1993). Redclaw 20 years (Kailola native freshwater species are either threat- tropical conditions and is requires more ened or in decline due to physical, chemi- in Queensland. The natur- cultured mainly cal and biological reasons (Cadwallader al distribution of freshwater species can be 1978; Scott 1989), the demands of mar- seen in Fig. 2. There is a big domestic Australian aquaculture for large numbers frozen ket for crayfish but both live and of fmgerlings, to supply the overseas mar- nearby crayfish are also being exported to ket and to stock dams and ponds in biological Asian countries. A summary of Australia, could also offer the opportunity species information on native Aquaculture to restock natural Australian freshwater is given in Table 2. systems and reduce the necessity of fishing them. Thus, this programme would also Conclusion offer the opportunity to help reverse the The demands for freshwater and marine decline in natural populations. foods in Australia are increasing as a result of population increase, Asian migration NATURAL DISTRIBUTION NATURAL DISTRIBUTION NATIVE CRAYFISH

M'"l'""" FrcsliwaKn Cairnh f <»

265 Vol. 113 (5) 1996 ) ) ) ) ) ) )

Contributions

Table 2. Summary of biological information on native species. Legend: ('-Celsius; CL- Carapace length; F.W^ Freshwater; WT'Water temperature; T= temperature A Breeding season; B^ Age and size at maturity;CC'- Breeding stimulus; D^ Temperature tolerance;

E < Iplimum growth temperature; F= Fecundity; G- Feeding habits Figures in parenthesis denotes source

Sources: I.Lake (1967a); 2. Merrick (1980); 3,Lake(l967b); 4. Rowland(l992a);5.Whiteley(l960);6.Backhouseet al.(l99la); 7.Lake(l967c);8. Cadwallader( 1977); 9.Lake(l967d);IO. Backhouse et al,( 1991b);l l.Kailola et al.(l993); 12.Llewellyn and Macdonald( 1980); 13.Cadwallader(l978); l4.Rowland( 1988); 15. Mosig(1982); 16. Rowland) 1992b); 17. Llewellyn and Pollard) 1980); l8.Davis(l977); 19.Macleans(l975); 20..lohnson(l988):

2 .Merrick and Lambert 1 1 1 990); 22.0'Sullivan(( 992); 23. Mitchell and collinsf 1 989); 24Jones( 1 990).

SPECIES A B C'C D

Silver Perch Oct-Dec( I M-2 yrs;F-3 yrs(2) T >23.3 C + increase 2-37 C(4) 23-28 C(4) in water level(3 Golden Perch Oct.-Mar(8) 2-3 years(3), T23.5C 4- 38 C(4) 23-28 C(4) & nooding(9,l) Murray Cod Oct.-Dec(l2) 4 years) 13, 1) T > 21 C, water level 2-33C(l5) 20 C(4) rise not essential (3,14)

F.W Caffish I Oct.-Dcc( ) few at 2 years T24C08) I-38C(I5) 19-25(1) most by 5 years! 17)

Yabby Oct.-Mar( 1 ) 0.2-0.3 year 1 T>I5C(20) 1-38 ('(21) 20-23 C (22)

(30-50mmCL)( 1 1 increase in daylength 28C(23)

Redclaw All year< 1 1) I.Oyear(ll) WT above 20 C & 5-42 C(24) 24-30 C(23) increment in day length( 1 1 Marron Sep.-()ct(l I) 1-3 years, rise in water tempi 1 ) 5-32 1 C(2 1 24-30 C(22), (25-30mmCL)(ll) 24C(11)

Silver Perch

50,000 ( 1.8-2.0 kg)( 5) omnivore-consists of zooplankton(ostracods),shrimps,small aquatic insects.molluscs.earth wonns & plant material(6,7);larvae feed on both phyto & zooplankton(7) Golden Perch 500,000(2. 2-2. 4kg)(3) carnivore-mainly crustaccans(yabbies) .aquatic insects.molluscs and fish( 10). Young

golden feed on zooplankton on recently inundated floodplains( 1 Murray Cod 1 30.000-50,000 carnivore-adults feed on crustaceans.molluscs.fish, occasionally amphibians

for l-2kgfish(l6) and reptiles) 1 1,14), larval feed consists of copepods,cladocerans( 1 6), l-.W Catfish 18,000(1. 25kg)- adults are omnivorous, young eat zooplankton & worms( 19),adults carnivores & bottom

26.000(2.27kg(3) feeders feed on molluscs & crustaceans( I Yabby

100(>(!aigc juvenile - filter feeder, adult feeds on detritus.plant material and small invertebrates(23) femalc)(ll) Redclaw

300-1000(24) larvae diet includes zooplankton & detritus and adult diet mainly detritus(24) Marron 40-2400(21) opportunistic scavenger-detritus.plant and animal material & aquatic insects( 1 1

References Cadwallader, P.L. (1978). Some causes of the decline Arumugam, P.T. and Oeddes, MC. (1987). Feeding in range and abundance of native fish in the Murray- and growth of Golden Perch larvae and fry Macquaria Darling River system. Proceeding Royal Society of ambigua Richardson. Transactions of the Rural Society Victoria 90, 211-224. ,il Smith Australia 111, 59-65. Cadwallader. P.L. (1977). I.O.Langrey's 1949-50, Backhouse, G. Cadwallader, P. and Raadik.T. (1991a). Murray River Investigations. Fish. Wild. Pap, 'Freshwater fish of Victoria - Silver Perch'. Victoria. No. 13. Department of Conservation and Environment, Davis, T.L.O. (1977). Reproductive biology of the I '/< toria. lnfosheet-69 Freshwater Catfish, Tandanus tandunus Mitchell, in Backhouse, C. Cadwallader, P. and Raadik, T. the Gwyd River, Australia, and effects associated (1991b). Freshwater fish of Victoria - Golden Perch. with impoundment of this river by the Copeton Dam, Department of Conservation anil Environment, Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Victoria. ln/oshcet-5\ Research 28, 455-485. Barlow, CO, (1986). Fish in farm dams and implica- Foy, R.H. and Rosell, R. (1991). Fractionation of phos- tions for extensive aquaculture. pages. 33-34. In phorus and nitrogen loadings from a Northern Ireland 'Proceedings of the First Freshwater Aquaculture fish farm. Aquaculture 96, 31-42. Workshop'. Ed. L.F.Reynolds. (Narrendera, NSW Gooley, Cj. and Rowland, S. (1993). Murray-Darling Agriculture and Fisheries: Sydney, Australia). Finfish: Current developments and commercial

266 The Victorian Naturalist ( .

Book Reviews

potential. Austasia Aquaculture 7(3), 35-36, Merrick. J.R. (1980). family Teraponidae. Freshwater Hume, D. and Barlow. C. (1993). • Bibliography of four Grunters of Perches. In 'Freshwater Fishes of Soulli- Australian native fish that have potential foraquacul- 1 astern Australia", Ed R.M McDowall. turc: Freshwater Catfish. Golden Perch, Murray Cod (Reed:Sydncy). and Silver Perch*. (Department of Primary Industry: Merrick, J.R. and Lambert, C.N. 1990. 'The yabby. Queensland Government). marron and redclaw - production and marketing'. Johnston. H.T. (1988). Crayfish farming. In 'Crayfish (John R. Merrick Publications. NSW: Australia). Farming'. Ed G. Ryder. (NSW, Department of Merrick, JR. and Schmida, G E (1984). 'Australian Agriculture and Fisheries: Sydney). freshwater fishes - biology and management' Jones. CM. (1990). 'The biology and aquaculture (Griffin Press Lid.: South Australia). potential of the tropical freshwater crayfish. Cherax Mitchell .B.D. and Collins. R. 1989. Developments of

quadricarinatus' . (Queensland Government). field-scale intensive cullure techniques for the com- Kailola, P. J., Williams. M.J. and Stewart ,I\C. mercial production of the ( 'hcra\ yabby destl Hi U» ) Reichelt, R.E., McNee. A. and Grieve, C. (1993). Centre for Aquatic Sciences, Warnmbool Institute of •Australian Fisheries Resources'. (Commonwealth of Advanced Education, Unpublished report. Australia, Bureau of Resource Sciences and the Mosig, J. 1982. Native fish for farm dams. Tree* and

Fisheries Research development Corporation). I icloriu 's resources 24, 3-4. Ketola, H.G., Westers, H., Houghton W., and Pecor. C. O'Sulhvan, D. (1994). Production and value continue 1991. Effect of diet on growth and survival of Coho to climb. Austasia Aquaculture 8 (4). 2

Salmon and on phosphorus discharges from a fish O'Sullivan, D. (1992). Freshwater crayfish farms - Site hatchery. American Fisheries Society Symposium 10, selection. Austasia Aquaculture, b (5). 16-18. 402-409. Rowland, S. (1988). 'Murray Cod'. (NSW Agriculture Lake, J.S. (1967a). Freshwater fishes of the Murray- and Fisheries. Agfacls F3.2.4). Darling River system. In 'Australian inland waters Rowland, S. (1992a). 'Water quality in freshwater and their fauna'. Ed A.H.Weatherley. (Australian aquaculture'. (Fish Facts: NSW Fisheries). National University Press:Canbcrra). Rowland, S. (1992b). Diet and feeding of Murray Cod Lake ,J.S. (1967b). Rearing experiments with five (Maceullochella peeli) larvae. Proceedings ol the

species of Australian freshwater fishes. I. Inducement Unman Society ofNSW 1 I3( 3 ), 1 93-20 1

to spawning. Australian Journal of Marine and Rowland, S.. Allan. 0„ Mollis ,M. and Pontiles, I Freshwater Research 18, 137-153. (1994). Production of the Australian freshwater Lake, J.S. (1967c). Rearing experiments with five Silver Perch, liidyanus hidyunus (Mitchell), at two 7-328. species of Australian freshwater fishes. II. densities in earthen ponds. Aquaculture 30, 3 1 Morphogenesis and Ontogeny. Australian Journal of Rowland ,S. and Barlow ,C.G. (1991). Fish biology- right prerequisite, a study with freshwater Marine and Freshwater Research 18, 1 55- 1 73. the case Austasia Lake, J.S. (I967d). Freshwater fishes of the Murray- Silver Perch(fli'

The Fauna of Tasmania: Mammals by R.H. Green

Publisher: Potoroo Publishing. Launceston. [1994]. coloured plates. RRP $14.95 Paperback. 15 x 22 cm. viii + 56 pp. and 64

'2 most succinctly on the rear cover; This attractively presented little book is 20 marsupials, 38 eutherians. paper and its coyer monotremes. printed on good quality 32 including 13 marine mammals [of about features a colour photograph ot a known from local waters], and 10 intro- Tasmanian endemic, the Long-tailed mammals. Giving information on Mouse, Pseudomys higginsi. The duced evolution, relationship! s], identification, what the title sug- Introduction confirms abundance, food, the distribution, habitat, this is the first of a series; gests, that Illustrated with 64 vol- behaviour and breeding. birds, and subsequent second is on the author].' fish- photographs [mainly by reptiles, frogs and freshwater umes on sections entitled 'A special are tallied Introductorv es are intended. The contents

267 Vol. 113 (5) 1996 Book Reviews

island' and 'The mammal fauna' provide visitors, and of these, only the Australian an essential historical, geographical, evolu- Fur Seal and the Southern Right Whale are tionary and biogeographical background to illustrated. the main offering of the work - brief dis- Errors are few and generally of little con- cursive essays on each natural mammalian sequence, e.g. the Eastern Barred group and on each species known in the Bandicoot survives on the mainland in state. These essays are full of information three not two small colonies; the Brushtail and throughout are enhanced by personal Possum is stated to be arboreal yet most of anecdotes and field observations made by its described activities occur on the the author during his distinguished career ground; the Little Pygmy Possum has an over a period of 30 years as the Curator of extra pair, not set, of cheek teeth; open sea Zoology at the Queen Victoria Museum whaling in the Australian region during the and Art Gallery in Launceston. The text is 19th century did not involve Japanese written in a simple and economical style ships, but did involve French, as well as and because the author has drawn directly British and American ships; the scientific

on his own extensive experience it has an species name given for the Long-finned intimacy and verve that is generally lack- Pilot Whale is the obsolete melaena [now ing from similar works. Technical terms melas] and is misspelled melanea; the two have been kept to a minimum. local species of dolphins, Bottlenose and As is to be expected, the discussion of Common, are said to strand rarely in aspects of biology and ecology in the groups, yet in Tasmania group strandings species accounts is authoritative, but some are relatively common, in contrast to the of the comments on factors possibly caus- mainland states, and their young are said to ing or exacerbating population crashes become independent at 12 months as well (e.g. of the Thylacine) and recoveries (e.g. as being suckled for 18 months [age at of the Tasmanian Devil), while intriguing, weaning is actually highly variable, from 5 are based on uncertain and largely circum- to 19 months]; the Southern Right Whale stantial evidence. Many mammalogists is said to be entirely black, which most are, would also be uncomfortable with the but some have white belly flashes of vary- broad generalisation that '... much of the ing size and shape, while others are pale [Tasmanian mammal] fauna is today as grey with black mottling; and the species

abundant or even more so than it was prior name of the Brown Rat, Rattus norvegicus, to European colonisation.', although some is misspelled. species, e.g. Brushtail Possum and Red- An index is provided, which is merely a bellied Pademelon, have clearly benefited compilation of all the species names men- from changes wrought by agricultural tioned in the text, and includes scientific development in many parts of the island. binomials, generally accepted common Nevertheless, the author draws on a life- names and a few Tasmanian colloquial time of experience and research and his names. Considering the appropriate assessments merit careful consideration. emphasis given throughout the text to

This book is not. nor is it intended to be, Tasmanian endemic species and sub-

a formal identification guide, although the species it is a pity that the latter, of which photographs and brief descriptions should there are nine, are not in each case identi- enable an inexperienced observer encoun- fied by their full scientific trinomials, e.g. tering any of the larger and more distinc- Tachyglossus aculeatus setosus, for the tive terrestrial species to put a name to Tasmanian Echidna. them. Some of the bats, rodents and the This little book is recommended to natu- superficially mouse-like marsupials could ralists and students seeking an informative not be so confidently identified, however, overview of Tasmania's mammal fauna, the author has very helpfully mentioned including its unique features and its recent several other relevant references and field history, in comparison to the status of guides. Of the 32 or so marine mammals those species which also once or still occur recorded in Tasmania waters, the author on the Australian mainland. and eight has included the five seals Robert M. Warneke cetaceans which are local or are frequent Blackwood Lodge. RSD 273 Mount Hicks Road, Yolla. Tasmania 7325

268 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

From 6ur Naturalist in Residence, Glen Jameson

Middle Yarra Timelines

Here the coldest weather of the year after the solstice does not slow down the fauna. Most of the residents are involved in breeding activities to gain an advantage over the Spring/Summer migrants. The Flora begins to awaken with flowering processes being prepared.

Deep Winter

As the early dawn light separates shapes in a bower of white flowers. It is a quiet season life cycles the riparian forest, a female Powerful Owl for the aquatic invertebrates, their sweeps low on the Yarra River to bathe in the are restricted by the cold and turbid waters. Crayfish spawns on the icy cool waters. After a night on the nest con- However, the Yarra taining two eggs laid in the first week of muddy river bottom. heavy rain falls during the early June, it is a welcome relief from the tight con- When the rest of the day will remain fines of the nest hollow. The male Powerful morning, clouds, some touching Owl watches from a nearby roost tree within enclosed in heavy grey tops in faint wisps. The ambience view of the nest tree - a huge River Red over- the forest gloomy and introspective, the colours hanging the water. tends with a sombre stillness pervading A male Brush-tailed Phascogale, dazed and are dulled Some Deep Winter days are con- exhausted after the frenzy of the breeding the day. sumed by Gondwanan mists, others are so period, is easy prey for the Black Kite who bleakly freezing that they suggest other cli- picks him off for breakfast as the light of day mates with their Artie generated winds, honed defines the forest floor. Nearby lies another and sharpened and so cold that they can cut breeding frenzy fatality, a dead male Brown not leave a out the fat from your kidneys and Antechinus, not yet snapped up by the roving mark. Occasionally, for days on end, neither carnivores. If the the Moon, Sun nor Stars are visible. Along the river, Common Reed has dried few days, frosts are waters weather stabilises for a out completely and thickly fringes the Small- followed by clear sunny days. edge with a pale, brown, dried sheath. glow of Silver Wattles' golden wattle in The reflected leaf Clematis cascades from a Silver

269 Vol. 113(5)1996 Naturalist Notes

flowers on the brown rising river water, is a breaks in the faunal corridors. seasonal event that has enchanted everyone A few days before the Winter solstice a who has cared to look - Artists, Naturalists female Wedge-tailed Eagle sits in a huge and lovers of beauty. The prodigious bloom- Candlebark in the River Paddock of ing marks the returning Sun from the Longridge Park. A Little Raven tries a few

Northern hemisphere. The mournful trill of harassing sweeps and is then joined by sever- the Fan-tailed Cuckoo heralds the blooming al Sulphur-crested Cockatoos for ariel harass- of the Wattles as spoken of by Barak of the ment. This all stops with the arrival of the Wurundjeri, when he told of the timing of his male Wedge-tail Eagle landing in the father's death and the timeline for his own Candlebark near the female. Gently, the big passing. Silver Wattles wreath the river in a Eagles move together to touch and then com- yellow time'onic celebration of the passing of plete the ritual and cycle of thousands of the Elders. There seems to be changes to the years by copulating. human body that correspond to the Sun's European Rabbits are in top breeding gear, return, a wrenching, twisting feeling of bio- providing plenty of food for the breeding magnetic calibration. Wedge-tail Eagle and Barking Owls. What Downstream on the sodden riparian flood- will provide the food when they are gone? plains of Yarra Flats, flocks of Australian Pleasant wailing whistles of the Yellow- White and Straw-necked Ibis probe the soft tailed Bl: ;k Cockatoos are heard long before earth for food flushed to the surface by rising they are „een. When they finally sweep into

water table levels. Cattle Egret mobs similar- view, it is breathtaking as a flock of forty or ly work Birrarrung Park where later they will so pass low overhead in slow mannered roost for the night on the Billabong island flight. They resemble lumbering galleons as there or at Petty's Lake. The generally soli- they head for a stand of Silver Wattles to tary White-faced Heron, is now found in search for Wood-moth lavae (family flocks and individuals work together to find Cossidae) that bore their way through the food sources in the wet pastures whilst a lone trunks and branches. Usually there are only Pacific Heron stalks the swale drain of five to six Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos Westerfolds. A Royal Spoonbill sweeps the resident all year round in the Yarra Valley edge of a wetland where nightly small cho- Parklands. This annual visitation by the mob ruses of Southern Brown Tree Frogs, during Deep Winter may be part of the Common Froglets and the Whistling Tree Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo songline jour- Frog are heard on all but the very cold, frosty ney to visit parts of their greater territory nights. range, perhaps acquainting young birds with Wetlands have slowed down, productivity the terrain. Their happy chorus is such a levels are reduced as many of the aquatic thrilling challenge to the cold winter weather pkints such as River Club-nish, Marsh Club- that their presence in flocks is an awaited rush and especially the introduced Bullrush Timelonie pleasure. die off after the cool winter weather stops In the grassy woodlands on the valleys and growth. Pairs of Wood Ducks perch on slopes, Magpies and Australian Ravens are

entrances to breeding hollows, clucking away adding the finishing touches to nests, as is a

to each other about the coming brood. Brown Thornbill whose nest is tucked amidst In the corridor along Gold Memorial Gully, a stand of Bracken. Flocks of Red-rumped a flock of Silvereyes disturb the foraging of a Parrots, or Yellow-rumpcd Thornbills and

pair of Pink Robins who have migrated from mixed flocks of Red-browed Firetail are still Tasmania for the Winter. Another uncommon found together. Superb Fairy-wrens, males in

species using the local bushland corridors is breeding plumage flock with White-browed the locally-nomadic winter migrant, the Olive Scrub Wrens. Standing out in brilliant golden Whistler. In a colourful display, an Eastern blooms are the pest plants Cootamundra Spinebill collects nectar from a pink flowered Wattle and Early Black Wattle. Also in prolif- Common Heath. Working his way up the ic flower is the Yellow Box an important Mullum Mullum Creek corridor, a male juve- component of many vegetation communities nile Koala is killed on the Warrandyte- and supplier of winter nectar. On the ground Heidelberg Road as he discovers the fatal are the fungi Cordyceps sp. which parasitise

270 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes various' insect larvae in order to complete flower. Gang Gangs, although often found their life cycle. Leaves of many orchids and eating the ripe red berries of the introduced herbaceous plants have sprouted and begin to Hawthorn, also cat the seed from Long- vigorously. grow leaved Box. Here the Maroonhood is in On a rocky escarpment, a small group of flower in addition to the Tiny, Nodding and Echidnas are found together in breeding Trim Greenhoods. mode. They have been digging up nests of Just prior to darkness falling, into the Meat Ants to exploit the energy-rich food gloaming night, a female Powerful Owl source of the virgin queens whose nests are emerges from the nest hollow for a stretch located closer to the surface during this sea- and a feed from her partner. The male had son. Once the Echidna mating is completed, gently hooted to the female to encourage her the female will retire to her nursery burrow out and passes to her a headless Ringtail

with an egg in the pouch. Occasionally two or Possum as both birds sit on a dead branch. more Echidnas may share a shelter site, The female then goes to a feeding roost to eat, which may be a hollowed tree trunk base. On preen and finally returns to the nest as the a fence is a Scarlet Robin as welcome as win- stars Achenar, Bootes. Spica, Antarcs and ter sunshine. The first flowers of Early Regulus begin their domination of the Deep Nancy, Common Beard-heath and Spreading Winter night skies. Above all. it is the return Wattle are out and Tiny Greenhood, Nodding of the Aquila constellation, the Eagle of the Greenhood and Trim Greenhood flowers can ancient Greeks and the Bunjil of the be found and fruits have formed on Cranberry Wurundjeri, that marks the return of the Sun Heath. from the northern hemisphere, the creative On a hilltop a flock of Varied Sittellas and life force of the Earth. Striated Pardalotes glean insects from a Red Glen Jameson Box, under which Spreading Wattle begins to PQ Box 568, Templestowe. Victoria 3106

Species list. Key: * = introduced species - Acantlnza chrysorrlwa Animals Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Olive Pachycephala olivacea Anteehinus. Brown - Antechinusstuartii Whistler. Echidna, Short-beaked - Tachygbssus aculeatus Froglet, Common - Crinia signijera Koala - Phascolarctos cinema Tree Frog, Southern Brown • Utoria ewingi Phascogale, Brush-tailed - Phascogale tapoalafa Tree Frog, Whistling - Liloria verreauxi Possum, Common Ringtail - Pseudochirus peregrimis Rabbit, European - Oryctohgus cuniculus Crayfish. Yarra - Euastacus rarraens'm

Black-Cockatoo, Yellow-tailed - Calyptorhynchus Ant, Meat - tridomymex sp.

funereus . Cockatoo, Gang-gang - Callocephalon fimbnatum Plants Cockatoo. Sulphur-crested - Cactua galerita Austral Bracken - Pteridium escumtum virgutus Cuckoo, Fan-tailed - Cuculus jlabellijormis Beard-heath, Common- Uucopogon - tnediama Duck, Wood - Chenonettajubata Club-rush, Marsh Bolbaschoenus val'rdus Eagle, Wedge-tailed - Aquila audux Club-rush, River - Schoenoplectus humijusum Egret, Cattle - Ardea ibis Cranberry Heath- Asiroloma - Eucalypti" ganiocalyx. Fairy-wren, Superb - Malurus cyaneus Box. Lone-leaved polyanthemos Finch, Red-browed - Neochmia temporalis Box, Red"- Eucalyptus metliodora Heron, Pacific - Ardea pacifica Box. Yellow - Eucalyptus ruhitla Heron, White-faced - Ardea novaehollandiae Candlebark - Eucalyptus molucca Small-leaved - Clematis microphrlla Ibis Australian White - Threskiomis Clematis, dioica - spinocollts Nancy - Wurmhea Ibis, Straw-necked Threskiomis Early Tiny - Plerostylis parviflora Kite, Black - Milvus migrans Greenhood, - P.cvncimui Magpie, Australian - Gymnorhma ubicen Greenhood, Trim Nodding - P. nutans Owl. Powerful! - Ninox sirenua Greenhood. stnatus River Red - Eucalyptus canmldulcnsis Pardalote, Striated - Pardatotus Gum, - monogyna - haematonolus •Hawthorn Crataegus Parrot, Red-rumped Psephotos - Epacris impressa Australian - Convs coronoides Heath, Common Raven, pedunculate Maroon-hood - Pterostyltx Raven. Little - Convs meiiori - Phragmites ausirahs - Petroica rodinogaster Reed, Common Robin, Pink lalifolm (Reedmace. Great 1 Typha Robin, Scarlet - Petroica multicolor Bullrush Cootamundra - Acacia baiteyana white-browed - Sertcamtsfrontalis Wattle, Scrubwren, decurrens Wattle, Early Black 'Acacia Silvereye - Zosterops lateralis - Acacia dealhata - Daphoensitta chrysophera Wattle, Silver Sittella Varied gcmstifolia tenutwstrts Wattle, Spreading - Acacia Spinebill, Eastern - Acanthorhyynchus regia Spoonbill, Royal - Platalea Thombill, Brown - Acanihaa pustla 271 Vol. 113(5)1996 Book Reviews

National Parks Field Guides Uluru, Kata Tjuta And Watarrka by Anne Kerle

Publisher: University ofNew South Wales Press 1995; 202 pages, 10 maps, over 200 colour illustrations; RRP $24.95

Uluru (Ayers Rock) and nearby Kata Gillam. Gillam is undoubtedly one of photogra- Tjuta (the Olgas) are Australian icons. Australia's most outstanding inside a hon- Over 300 000 people visit Uluru National phers. His insect's eye view 128 is one of the Park every year making it one of our pre- eyant's nest on page of the mier tourist attractions. Neighbouring book's gems. Another is his image dragging its Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park is rarely-sighted Marsupial Mole newer and one of our best kept national body across the red sand dunes. These are field naturalists dream secrets. The current level of visitation to the kinds of things

the Rock is a far cry from 1958 when the about! rundown on the year's total was only 2 296. Pioneer tour The book begins with a Tjuta and operator Len Tuit is credited with opening landforms of Uluru, Kata perspectives of the up this unique part of Australia to the Watarrka. Aboriginal well as geologi- world. After a tour in 1950 with a party landscape are included as from Sydney's Knox Grammar School, he cal explanations. To help the botanically- is present- recognised the tourist potential of Ayers bent traveller, plant information from sand dunes to Rock and began to offer regular tours. The ed in a habitat format, abundant but millions of government dollars that now rocky ranges. The region's and con- flow into the national park each year elusive animal life is introduced would surely bring a smile of satisfaction servation issues highlighted. with a very useful to Len's lips were he still alive today. At The book concludes points of interest along the time the Administrator of the Northern section detailing to the parks as Territory believed there was "no future for the highways and roads concerning walking tourism in the Territory" and southern well as information of stuff keenly travel agents were not convinced they tracks. This is the kind It's a could market " a lump of rock". How sought by travelling field nats. hide it at wrong they were, says author Anne Kerle shame the editors have chosen to instead of featuring it in her newly released field guide for the the end of the book region. more prominently upfront. and will fit Anne Kerle spent 14 years living in the The book is sturdily bound of a walker's centre of Australia. This book is a window easily into a car glove box side, however, is to the vast repository of knowledge she daypack. On the down small print. It's difficult to built up over that time. Her thoroughly the annoyingly light of a motel bedroom researched text, with over 200 colour pho- read by the dim in a car. Bigger tographs and illustrations, unlocks the door or while travelling along headings are also needed to to the region's history, geology and land- and better page more user friendly. forms, its plants and animals, and how they make the book Nonetheless, it's worth the $24.95 it sells live. She writes not only form the perspec- help to travellers tive of a keen naturalist, and sometime for and will be a good visit than professional nature guide, but also with the who want more from their Rock sunset scenes. expertise of a zoologist highly regarded by the usual postcard her peers. Stuart Traynor Most of the excellent colour photographs Parks and Wildlife Commission text were taken by the that illustrate the PO Box 1046. Alice Springs, NT 0871 author. These are complemented by some remarkable wildlife scenes by Mike

272 The Victorian Naturalist Book Reviews

Never Truly Lost: A Bushwalker's Life (Reprint)

by Paddy Pallin

Publisher: University ofNew South Wales Press, 1996; Paperback, 224 pages; RRP SI 9.95.

We read of many pioneers who met the An immigrant and self-taught bushman, rigours of the high country and the Paddy Pallin developed a prodigious and Australian bush to eke out an existence in accurate knowledge of bushwalking areas the early days of European settlement. in New South Wales. Alas, his comments However, all too rarely we read the peron bushwalking and ski touring in

sonal accounts of other 'pioneers' who Victoria's high country are, at times, a lit- also met the challenges of travel and recre- tle inaccurate and outdated. Never-the-less ation in the Australian bush we have all in his book, Paddy Pallin uses his skills of come to love and appreciate. observation and memory to relate many Paddy Pallin was an explorer, not in fine alpine adventures in great detail. search of new gold seams and pastures, but As if to help us realise we are never too of the pleasures to be had by the slow old to try something new and challenging, movement through the endless variety that Paddy Pallin describes his arduous trip to awaits the careful observer in the different (the then unspoiled) Lake Pedder and environments of Australia. Paddy Pallin Federation Peak at aged 58, and taking up was an artist who could capture the cross-country skiing at 54 years of age. essence of a place and describe it in words Not content with merely walking in beau- that easily evoke the atmosphere of the tiful natural area, Paddy Pallin also con- moment, as when canoeing on the tributed to the protection of such areas Shoalhaven River: through his involvement in enterprises lease on the "... as the sun rays slanted into the valley such as buying back the the mist gradually dispersed and the threatened Blue Gum Forest in the Blue others diaphanous scarves of cloud rose from the Mountains, and in introducing Rover Scout named valley, clinging to the tree tops as though (including a young to the joys of the bush they reluctant to leave this beautiful spot." Dick Smith) help protect. Modern-day visitors to the Australian bush later went on to book gives us glimpses of the life of would shudder at Paddy's methods of This bushwalker, equipment manufacturer, camping and his apparent lack of any mini- a skier, and conservationist. It mal impact practices. Techniques of the cross-country the life of one of the icons of bush- 1930's, such as building beds two-foot traces Australia and helps us under- deep of Richea scoparia to escape the walking in this gentle man played in water-sodden ground in south-west stand the role helping all of us to visit and appreciate the Tasmania but "which rival an inner-spring nature we now all love. mattress for springiness", cutting "tent " we looked down on a world asleep under poles and pegs and lots of brush for the cloud. The high ridges that a woolly blanket of tents", building large, roaring fires fingers, sharp and clear in reliance stood out like lasted all night, and an unhealthy the morning sun, but every valley was comforts of huts have, thankfully, on the and watched a while, our new- filled in. We stood all but faded into memories. But and even as we stood the warmth of the much to Paddy Palhn found ethics owe blankets from the equipment sun began to unroll the who, as Australia's firs outdoor of surrounding valleys." manufacturer, we responsible for much lead the innovation and development that Neville Byrne Training that enables Chairman, Bushwalking & Mountaincraft to the bushwalking equipment Alps Board Program Co-ordinator, Australian environmentally Advisory' us nowadays to be more National Parks program. friendly in our bush travels.

273 Vol. 113(5)1996 Tribute

Fred J. C. Rogers 1927 - 1996

spent many Victoria and Australia lost a top quality from S.G.A.P. Maroondah, maintenance of the naturalist who was a very caring, influen- hours in planting and In 1973 Ringwood Council officially tial and important person earlier this year. site. December named the area The F. J. C. Rogers I red Rogers was bom on 17 1927 in the Victorian Wimmera. He was Reserve. returned to always a Wimmera boy at heart and later in In 1976 Fred and June later moved to Veetis life he returned with his wife June to Horsham and a year fashion, an Veetis South. South. In true Fred Rogers to Australian Plant group was formed soon When 1 7 years old, Fred was loo young after his arrival in the district. be accepted at 1 eachers College, so he was conference in sent to teach in small country schools At the Federal S.G.A.P. delivered the where he was the only teacher. Eventually Canberra in 1988, Fred was awarded he was able to enroll at Ballarat Teachers' keynote address. He S.G.A.P. College, where he met his future wife June. Honorary Life Membership of Victoria. In 1995 They were married in 1952 at Horsham and Maroondah and S.G.A.P. once again for his con- then lived initially at Ballarat. It was as a Fred was honoured activities of S.G.A.P. with teacher that Fred went on to be an inspira- tribution to the at the National tional leader and friend to so many during the Australian Plants Award at Ballarat. his very full and active life. Conference lecturer that Fred made a In 1954 the Rogers moved to Ringwood It was as a influ- tremendous impact. He was always willing and it was from this time that Fred's groups and during his lifetime he ence in the area of natural history had a to talk to major impact, through a variety of activi- presented over 2000 lectures. author of note and his ties with a wide range of people, from the He was an with the marvel- youngest of children to the elderly. He was Vietorian Wattles book, Truscott became renowned as a friendly and inspirational lous illustrations by John were eager person who could be involved in a conver- the standard text for those who greater knowledge of the often- sation at any level. to gain a Victorian species of the Acacia In 1959 Fred was elected to membership confusing Fred included of The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria genus. Other books by Australian Plants (1971), and was a foundation member of the Growing Plants (1975) Ringwood Field Naturalists Club. He was Growing More Australian to the Plants in the Little also a foundation member of the Society and A Guide Arapiles Area. lor Growing Australian Plants, which was Desert and Ml for Your Garden maga- initiated in March 1957 and he became Fred also wrote and early 1970s. While a involved in the Society at a local, state and zine in the 1960s with numerous publica- Federal level. From 1963 to 1986 Fred was teacher he assisted League and the series Victorian State President of S.G.A.P. and it tions by the Gould were distrib- was during these years that there was a entitled Nature Notes, which primary schools, very dramatic upsurge of interest in our uted through Victorian information and inspiration Australian flora. Fred initiated the forma- provided much students alike. tion of S.G.A.P. Maroondah Region and for teachers and president of the was the foundation leader of the group, Fred was foundation Fowl and, after retir- with early meetings in the Rogers' home. Friends of the Mallee groups of Australian and During this period he was very active in ing, he often led on tours of the Little the Ringwood Field Naturalists Club. overseas visitors willingly shared his intimate In 1967 Fred approached Ringwood coun- Desert. He and love of that wonderful cil regarding the preservation and develop- knowledge ment of some native bushland adjacent to region. judged to have made a the railway line at Heathmont. Fred donat- In 1991 Fred was the understand- ed plants for the area and, with helpers meritorious contribution to

274 The Victorian Naturalist Tribute

ing of Australian natural history and was Fred was a meticulous gatherer awarded the of infor- by FNCV, the prestigious mation which he tried to keep at the Australian Natural History fore- Medallion for front of his brain or very close to his fin- his contribution to Botany (popularisation gertips. He also developed and an extensive conservation). herbarium of plant specimens, had a mar- Fred was a keen propagator of Australian vellous photographic collection and his plants and over the years gave away literal- large library was one that was in constant ly 1000s of plants, now growing in home use as he sought to gain that extra bit of gardens as well as in regeneration areas on knowledge which would be useful, not roadsides and farms. The Rogers' gardens only to himself but to pass onto to some- and planting at Ringwood and Vectis one else. South were regularly visited by people Fred's other activities included weaving keen to understand more about Australian and woodwork, and he was also a highly plants. There was always an open invita- talented sportsman with particular exper- tion to friends were who passing by. Fred tise in cricket, baseball and tennis. He was was ever-keen and willing to provide a presented with the Victorian Provincial guided tour and in a true educator's role Baseball League's Special Services would supply food for thought as the Award. plants and accompanying birds were Fred Rogers was an Australian of truly enjoyed. exceptional ability who would never shirk Fred's primary school teaching career the responsibility of making sure that peo- spanned four decades and during this time ple had the opportunity of gaining a better he was a teacher and headmaster at Yarra understanding of the natural world. Park, Clifton Hill, Mooroolbark, North We are certainly richer for Fred's mentor- Ringwood, Knox Park, Donvale and ship and acknowledge with deep apprecia- Horsham West. His influence and inspiration his life of unstinting service to the tion for his pupils is legendary as was evi- country he loved so dearly. dent at his funeral service at Horsham and Rodger and Gwen Elliot at the Tribute Afternoon held in Ringwood S.G.A.P. Maroondah, Victoria on May 19 this year.

The Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds Produced by the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds (HANZAB), to be produced in five Australasian ornithology today. It continues the volumes, is one of the most significant projects in Gould's Handbook of the Birds of tradition of authoritative and exciting publications that began with

. . . Australia (1865). , and Antarctica, the Antarctic and The area covered by HANZAB includes Australia, New Zealand Howe, Norfolk, Kermadoc and Chatham subantarctic islands, the Cocos-Keeling, Christmas, Lord Coral Sea. islands and reefs of the • Islands and the .„„, j;„: ,„,. Species descriptions are divided about 900 species of birds have been recorded. Within this region S^ial and Population, Movement »• Fo»d into: Field Identification, Habitat, Distribution Vorce meluding behavioural postures and plumag ) Organisation, Social Behaviour (illustrations of showing breeding sonograms of calls and songs), Breeding (maps Plumages and relatedf^T^f^^^^.matters. Each account con grams of cycles of breeding and moulting) and C e a recorded since 1900 A.D. or those for An SUSHSSin historical times, those no, ™ plates, painted especal.y for HANZ- colour JSSSS!SXSSu. are illustrated in spectacular AB to in two parts: Part A, Ratitcs V £me^ ublthed to date are: Volume 1, *«^*%g% P Pigeons, RRP S3-5.00. RRP S325.00. Volume 3, Snipe to Pelican to Sucks, RRP S395.00. Volume 2, Ed Grey

275 Vol. 113(5)1996 The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Established 1880 In which is incorporated the Microscopical Society of Victoria OBJECTIVES: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian flora and fauna. Membership is open to any person interested in natural history and includes beginners as well as experienced naturalists.

Registered Office: FNCV, I Gardenia Street, Blackburn, Victoria 3130. Phone/Fax (03)9877 9860

Patron His Excellency, The Honourable Richard E. McGarvie, The Governor of Victoria

Key Office-Bearers June 1995 President: Professor ROBERT WALL1S, School of Aquatic Science and Natural Resources Management, Dcakin University (Rusden), Clayton, 3168. (03)9244 7278 Fax (03)9244 7403 Hon. Secretary: Mr GEOFFREY PATERSON, 1 1 Olive Street, South Caulfield 3 1 62 AH (03)9571 6436. Hon. Treasurer: Mr ARNIS DZEDINS, PO Box 1000, Blind Bight, 3980 (059)987 996 Subscription-Secretary: FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, 3130. (03)9877 9860 Editors, The Vic. Nat.: ED and PAT GREY, 8 Woona Court, Yallambie, 3085 (03)9435 9019 Librarian: Mrs SHEILA HOUGHTON, FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn 3130 AH (054)28 4097. Excursion Secretary: DOROTHY MAHLER. AH (03)9435 8408 Book Sales: Dr ALAN PARKIN, FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, 3130. AH (03)9850 2617 Programme Secretary/Newsletter Editor: Dr NOEL SCHLE1GER, I Astley Street Montmorency, 3094. (03)9435 8408 Conservation Coordinator: JENNY WILSON, 206 Pascoe Vale Road, Essendon, 3040, AH (9370

Group Secretaries Botany. Mr JOHN E1CHLER, 18 Bayview Crescent, Black Rock, 3143. (03)9598 9492 Geology: Mr DOUG HARPER, 33 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert, 3127 (03)9890 0913 Fauna Survey: Ms FELICITY GARDE, 18 College Parade. Kew, 3101. (03)9818 4684 Microscopical: Mr ' RAY POWER, 36 Schotters Road, Mernda, 3754. (03)9717 351 1.

The Victorian Naturalist All material for publication to: The Editors, FNCV, Locked Bag 3. PO Blackburn, Victoria 3130 MEMBERSHIP

Members receive The Victorian Naturalist and the monthly Field Nat News free. The Club organises several monthly meetings (tree to all) and excursions (transport costs may be charged). Research work including both botanical and fauna surveys, is being done at a number of locations in Victoria and all members are encouraged to participate.

SUBSCRIPTIONS RATES for 1996

(Subscription are due on 1 January) First Member Metropolitan j^q Concessional (pensioner/student/unemployed) $30 Country (more than 50km from GPO) .S,.ZZIZZ.Z.....'" $30 Junior (under 18) $15 Additional Members * dult $15 Junior (r =

Institutional Australian Institutions 555 Overseas Institutions ZZIZZZZZIZZmJOUS

ScllOOls/Clubs , iyc

Printed by Brown Prior Andereson, 5 Evans Street, Burwood, Victoria 3 1 25 The Vict onaii Naturalist

Volume 113 (6) 1996 December

40432

Published since 1884 by Club of Victoria Inc. The Field Naturalists From the Editors

The Victorian Naturalist would not be successful without the enormous amount of time and effort voluntarily given by a large number of people who work behind the scenes. The Editors would like to say thank you to those who refereed papers published in 1996:

Helen Aston Patrick Fricker Andrew McMahon Malcolm Calder Louise Gilfedder Peter Menkhorst Helen Cohn Christopher Hill Kim Robinson Leon Costermans Rod Home Jon Sago Mike Coupar John Hunter Martin Schulz Tom Darragh Patrick lang Ken Simpson Nik Dow Ian Lunt Andrew Straken Sophie Ducker Ian Mansergh Rob Wallis Amis Dzedins Neville Marchant Barbara Wilson Ron Fletcher Clive Marks

We also have a team of dedicated proof-readers who help with the readability and expression of our articles:

Max Bartley Linden Gillbank Tom May Tania Bennell Ken Green Mandy Naylor Amis Dzedins Murray Haby Michelle Smith Gill Earl Steve Hill Kathie Strickland Ian Endersby John Hunter Rob Wallis Jennie Epstein Patrick Lang Rosemary Ward Todd Gardner Ian Mansergh

and our editorial team who continue to advise and assist: Gill Earl, Ian Endersby, Ian Lunt, Ian Mansergh and Tom May.

As always we particularly thank our authors and book reviewers who provide us with excellent material for publication.

On the production side, a thank you to the printers, Brown Prior Anderson Pty.Ltd and especially to Steve Kitto at Abb Type who spent a lot of time teaching us how to use Quark Xpress.

The Victorian Naturalist

All material for publication to:

The Editors, FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, Victoria 3130 . The Victorian Naturalist

F.N.CV.

Volume 113 (6) 1996 December

Editors: Ed and Pat Grey

Honours Australian Natural History Medallion 1996 - Ken Simpson, by Ellen McCulloch 280

1996 Mueller medal awarded to Dr Sophie Ducker by I Endersby 318

1996 Honorary Membership of the FNCV awarded to Sheila Houghton 316 Trevor Pescott 317

Research Reports New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae in South Gippsland, Part 2, by B, Quin 281

Results of Surveys of the Herpetofauna of Several Areas in North-western Victoria, by A.J. Coventry 289

Diet of Red Foxes and Cats: Their Impact on Fauna Living in Parks near Melbourne, by R. Wallis, H. Brunner, J. Seebeck 300

The Distribution and Abundance of Fur Seals and Bottlenose Dolphins in Western Port, Victoria, by P. Dann, R. Jessop, M. Heaty 306

Contributions Observation of the White-footed Dunnart Smithopsis leucopus, . . 31 1 by S. Hutchings Jameson 313 Naturalist Notes Middle Yarra Timelines: Early Spring, by G. 316 Memorial Dr Jim Willis Reserve, Brighton Book Reviews Geelong's Birdlife. In Retrospect, by T. Pescott, i reviewer L Conole

ISSN 0042-5184

History Medallion (see arti- Cover Ken Simpson, winner of the 1996 Australian Natural Premier of tF^^C^meuX Medal winner, Dr Sophie Ducker, with the University of Melbourne. Victoria, photo courtesy Media Unit, Honours

Australian Natural History Medallion 1996

Kenneth Nigel Graham Simpson

Birds have been a lifelong passion for Ken very popular volume now entitled 'Field Simpson, and his career as a naturalist, scien- Guide to the Birds of Australia' was pub- tist, teacher and author reflects this completely. lished in 1996 by Viking O'Neil (Penguin). From University High School, Ken worked Each edition has been rewritten and expanded as an interested junior assistant at the School to reflect growing knowledge of bird taxono- of Geology at the University of Melbourne my, behaviour and habitat. It is the first for several years. From 1962 to 1964 he was Australian bird book to have been published a technical assistant for Dr Mervyn Griffiths as a CD-Rom. This multi-media interactive at the CSIRO's Division of Wildlife disc contains data for identification by illus- Research, helping with marsupial nutrition tration and by the use of 480 bird calls, with and physiology studies. Bird and bat banding additional habitat data. and general ornithology were spare time A monumental effort by Ken resulted in occupations. His time from 1963-1966 in the 'The Bird-Book Book CD-Rom, A Antarctic Division included two periods on Bibliography of Bird Books', published in Macquarie island, where penguins became a 1995 by Natural Learning NSW, with over

personal focus which still continues. His book 4,000 entries in the 1st edition of which some detailed. It became 'Birds of Bass Strait' published in 1972 by A. 1 ,200 are extremely H. & A.W. Reed for BHP reflects his fascina- BOCA Report no. 5 in a series. tion with seabirds. For ten years he has been, and continues to From 1967-70, work as a Field Officer for be, a member of the Evaluation Panel for the National Museum involved him in the Victoria of the Australian Heritage Chowilla Project with its emphasis on all Commission, Natural Environment aspects of anthropology and fossil material, Documentation Project. He is a member of plus general ornithology. This interest in many natural history societies and organisa- palaeontology continued through his work tions, and is currently the President of the from 1970-1976 at Monash University as a Bird Observers Club of Australia, of which research technician under Prof. Jim Warren, he has been a member for 45 years. with field and laboratory work on vertebrate Ken's published articles and papers reflect fossils. his range of scientific interest, and encourage In 1974 he was awarded the second only the wider community to be aware of, and M.Sc. Honoris causa from Monash interested in, the world of birds. University. It is appropriate that the Bird Observers From 1973-1979 he lectured for the Club of Australia nominated him for this hon- Victorian Council of Adult Education, taking our, as his boyhood interest in birds began evening classes and summer schools. through club meetings and outings. His early Ken was editor of 'The Australian Bird interest in a survey on the migratory swifts Watcher' for five years from 1977-1981. encouraged birdwatchers all over Australia to From 1976 to 1992 he was a lecturer in pri- become involved in collecting data. mary science at Victoria College/Deakin He now leads many early morning commu- University, Burwood and Toorak Campuses, nity birdwalks; he gives many well- specialising in earth sciences, photography, researched lectures; he conducts many excur- environmental sciences, ornithology research sions, tours and study weeks; he is a friend to and publication techniques. Out-of-hours, he all who have questions about birds or want led many staff and student groups on recre- some help. His contribution has been excep- ational birdwatching. tional as through his knowledge and teaching Ken's name is best known to birdwatchers skills he brings birds to people and people to throughout Australia as the editor and author birds. of Simpson and Day's 'Birds of Australia'', Ellen M. McCulIoch 6 Bulien Avenue, Mitcham, Victoria 3132 first published in 1984 by Lloyd O'Neil, South Yarra, Victoria. The fifth edition of this

280 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae (Rodentia: Muridae) in South Gippsland, Southern Victoria. Part Two - Conservation and Management

Bruce R Quin u and Ross C Williamson '

Abstract A survey for New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae populations in areas of South Gippsland, conducted by the then Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (currently Department of Natural Resources and Environment) located two previously unknown populations of New Holland Mouse numberingl5 individuals on the Yanakie Isthmus, Wilsons Promontory National Park. However, populations which were known from the Promontory and McLoughlins Beach (on Ninety Mile Beach) are believed to be no longer present. The species was not detected at two further areas formerly known to support it, Dream/Hummock Island and Mullungdung State Forest; however, further surveying at both areas is recommended. At Wilsons Promontory, New Holland Mice were found in vegetated sand dune systems which had not been burnt for 20-30 years. This finding indicated that New Holland Mice inhabiting such habitat were not necessarily coastal heath). reliant on an actively regenerating understorey as they are in other habitats (e.g. Leptospermum Their habitat at Wilsons Promontory appears to be under threat from Coast Tea-tree laevigatum and Coastal Wattle Acacia sophorae invasion. Recommendations for appropriate man- of the agement of the New Holland Mouse populations and their habitat are provided. Restoration populations will assist via- native grassland - open woodland vegetation types in the vicinity of the other areas of South Gippsland similar to bility of the species in the long-term. Dunes systems in should be surveyed for this species. those inhabited by New Holland Mice at Wilsons Promontory ot New Holland The Wilsons Promontory populations currently represent the only populations Mice known from South Gippsland. {The Victorian Naturalist 19%. 113, 281-288)

only at Wilsons Introduction decline, being located The New Holland Mouse Pseudomys Promontory (Quin 1996). This paper out- recommendations for novaehollandiae (family Muridae) has a lines management Holland Mouse at the Promontory patchy distribution on coastal and hinter- New sites where it has been recorded land areas of central eastern New South and other South Gippsland. Wales, central southern Victoria and north- in eastern Tasmania (Kemper 1995). Habitats Study Sites, Materials and Methods utilized by New Holland Mice include a full for- The location of study sites and coastal heathland, woodland and open materials and methods uti- heathy understorey, swamp description of est with a of lized in determining the distribution edges and vegetated sand dunes. Habitats New Holland Mouse occur in part 1 of this with heathy understoreys that are actively Three sites which for- provide particularly series (Quin 1996). regenerating Holland Mice, Calaby merly supported New favourable habitat (e.g. Keith and Mullungdung State Forest, Dream/ 1968- Posamentier and Recher 1974; Hummock Island and Wilsons Promontory Cockburn 1980; Wilson 1991; Menkhorst National Park (Yanakie Isthmus) were 1996). In Victoria the New 1995; Quin occurred at Won endangered trapped. Trapping also Holland Mouse is classified as Wron State Forest (for which no New of processes threaten popu- and a number which is adja- Menkhorst 1995; Holland Mice records exist) lations (CNR 1995; Mullungdung State Forest. A survey in South cent to Seebeck et al. in prep.). hair-tubes were set and Victoria dur- Additionally, Gippsland, central southern Mullungdung was m predator scats collected at 1992-93 determined the species were ing and Wilsons Promontory, hair-tubes Environment Na.ural Resources and chosen were 'Department of at Won Wron. Sites Victoria 3971. also set 310 Commercial Road.Yarram, provided by based on those of past records Environrnen, Wilson (pers. Sr^nfoTNatural Resources -d Gilmore (1977) and Barbara Macclesfield Road, Yellingbo State Nature Reserve. Yellingbo, Victoria 3139. 281 Vol. 113 (6) 1996 Research Reports

Table 1. Mammal species detected by Elliott trapping at study locations in South Gippsland; provided from Quin (1996).

I = No. of Sites; = No. of 2 Trapnights; 3 = Sampling Period ; 4 = Species Captured; 5 = Total No. of Captures; 6= No. individuals of (in brackets). (Note : site specific data is provided CNR (1993) and Quin ( 1 994). Cage trapping was also employed at Wilsons Promontory and totalled 38 trapnights).

Location 1 2 3 4 5 6

Mullungdung 18 1253 19/11/92-04/04/93 Brown Antechinus 43 (35) State Forest Eastern Pygmy-possum 8 (6) Bush Rat 26 (13) Swamp Rat 7 (4) Black Rat 7 (5) TOTAL 91 (63)

Won Wron 5 296 19/12/92-23/12/92 Brown Antechinus 13 (8) State Forest Bush Rat 1 (1) Black Rat 2 (1) House Mouse 1 (1) TOTAL 17 (11)

Dream/Hummock 4 190 25/03/93-27/03/93 Swamp Rat 35 (29) Island House Mouse 33 (33) TOTAL 68 (62)

Wilsons Promontory 6 562 15/02/93-24/04/93 Bush Rat 23 (15) National Park Swamp Rat 10 (4) (Yanakie Isthmus) House Mouse 11 (11) New Holland Mouse 30 (15) TOTAL 74 (45)

comm.) for Mullungdung; Peter Menkhorst overstorey. Spiny-headed Mat-rush (pers. comm.) for Dream/Hummock Lomandra longifolia. Black-anther Flax- Island; CNR (1993) for Wilsons lily Dianella revoluta, and several shrub Promontory. Additional sites at the species comprised the understorey. Coastal Promontory and those of Won Wron were Wattle Acacia sophorae and Coast Tea- chosen because of their diverse, heathy tree Leptospermum laevigatum had invad- understorey, an attribute typical of New ed parts of the dunes forming dense thick- Holland Mouse habitat (see references in ets with little understorey. 'Introduction'). The survey was conducted Eight male and four female New Holland from between November 1992 to April Mice were trapped at one site, while three 1993. males were found at another site. Morphometric data and other details taken Results from the mice are presented in Quin Tables 1-3 (mammal species found) and (1996). New Holland Mice may no longer Table 4 (vegetation at trapping locations) exist at Mullungdung State Forest, of Quin (1996) summarise results of the Dream/Hummock Island, or parts of survey; Table 1 is re-produced in this Wilsons Promontory where they once paper. New Holland Mice were located occurred. only on the Yanakie Isthmus of Wilsons Promontory, and only via trapping, not Discussion and Recommendations hair-tubing or predator scats. They were Mullungdung State Forest found in vegetation on sand dunes which The sites in Mullungdung State Forest had not been burnt for 20-30 years. Saw where New Holland Mice have been Banksia Banksia serrata and Drooping recorded appear to no longer support this She-oak Allocasuarina stricta formed the species (Quin 1994; 1996). The heathy woodland vegetation communities at these

282 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports sites (and many other areas of would produce habitat suitable for the re- Mullungdung) were over ten years of age, introduction of the species. Re-introduc- possibly a post-fire succession stage tion would also require genetic studies to beyond that favoured by this species. establish a 'donor' population most similar Gilmore (1977) described the 'low heath' to those that possibly still exist at habitat where he trapped New Holland Mullungdung. Feral predator control Mice and suggested a burning regime would also be necessary. Small scale trial which maintained its regenerating nature. burns should be conducted in the near He compared this habitat to heath sites in future. Mullungdung where New Holland Mice were not trapped, and the latter were Recommendations for apparently at a similar stage of succession Mullungdung State Forest to many of the sites sampled in 1992-1993. Additionally, studies elsewhere have 1. Develop and implement a burning demonstrated this species prefers heath regime in the heathy woodlands of

actively regenerating after fire or other dis- Mullungdung which is appropriate 1968; turbances (e.g. Keith and Calaby for the New Holland Mouse; small Posamentier and Recher 1974; Braithwaite scale tires implemented at intervals and Gullan 1978; Fox and Fox 1978; which produce a mosaic of habitats Wilson 1991). with differing ages are indicated in The aforementioned studies indicate that various factors associated with vegetation- this regard. al succession may influence New Holland 2. Conduct further surveys of suitable Mice numbers. It was not possible to iso- habitat at Mullungdung State Forest late the factors responsible for the decline to locate extant populations or in populations in Mullungdung. Some species is locally areas, including one former New Holland demonstrate that the Mouse site, had an abundance of Austral absent. Bracken Pteridium esculentum in the 3. Investigate the potential of Mullung- understorey. Long-term monitoring would to provide suitable New have been needed to assess the effect of dung re-introduction sites, this plant species on other understorey Holland Mouse species. However, its abundance may have as a long-term aim. reduced the vigor of certain key plant species, for example legume species, Forest which are important food sources Won Wron State Holland Mice were not captured at (Cockburn 1980). Additionally, structural New the five sites sampled in Won Wron State features may have altered which adversely Forest (Quin 1994; 1996). This species had affected New Holland Mouse populations. been recorded from Won Wron. Overall, the heathy woodlands of never trapped at two heathland Mullungdung could potentially provide Gilmore (1977) the vegeta- burning sites in this forest but regarded habitat for New Holland Mice. A tion as too old for New Holland Mice. regime which provides the habitat suitable study the heathy wood- be formulated. A During the present for this species needs to young land sites trapped were perhaps too mosaic of variously-aged heaths over small years after fire) or too old (>50 years;; provide short-term and long- (0.8 areas would Gullan (1978); 1991). refer Braithwaite and term habitat (see Pye 1991; Wilson Wilson (1991). The heathy open forest Holland Mice are still present in If New years post-fire age were the sites of at least 50 heathy woodlands of Mullungdung, the possibly too old to support New be small and habi- also populations are likely to evidence of a undoubt- Holland Mice. However, manipulation of this kind will tat recent bum at these sites was population loss_ much more edly be required to avoid heath apparent and the low and diverse that the New Holland However, it appears forest sites did the understorey of the open this State Forest and Mouse is absent in Holland Mice. It regime appear suitable for New establishment of this burning 283 Vol. 113 (6) 1996 Research Reports

may still be worthwhile searching on a prised descendants of populations present larger scale for New Holland Mice in Won when the island was connected to Wron State Forest. McLoughlins Beach some 30 years ago (Tim Buttle pers. comtn.). Recommendations for

Won Wron State Forest Recommendations for Dream/Hummock Island 1. Further survey for New Holland populations in Mouse Won Wron 1. The primary dune and swale vegeta- State Forest; priority areas to be the tion along the southern coastline of young, actively regenerating heathy Dream/Hummock Island should woodland areas where long-term further be assessed with the aim of sites established. monitoring should be determining its suitability for New Holland Mice. 2. Following on from (1), further determine the suitability of the heathy woodland and open forest of Won Wilsons Promontory National Park Wron State Forest as habitat for New Distribution and Habitat This survey and others (by the Fauna Holland Mice. Survey Group, Field Naturalists Club of Victoria and Deakin University unpubl.) Dream/Hummock Island have indicated New Holland Mice no New Holland Mice were captured on veg- longer occur in heathland communities of etated dunes at the south-west point of this Wilsons Promontory National Park (Quin island in 1977 (Menkhorst 1995; Peter 1994; 1996). Much of the heathlands Menkhorst pers. comm.). Some of the remained unburnt for extended periods dunes appeared to have eroded since 1977, prior to the 1970's, and probably reached and adjacent vegetated dunes were unsuit- succession stages unsuitable to New (refer for Wilson able habitat for New Holland Mice. Holland Mice example 1991). Trapping at three sites further along the In February- April 1993, two populations seaward coastline of the island, which sup- of New Holland Mice were discovered in ported similar vegetation to that of the sand dune vegetation on the Yanakie 1977 site, failed to detect this species Isthmus of the National Park (CNR 1993; (Quin 1994; 1996). Trapping at four sites Quin 1994; 1996). A follow-up survey dur- (of different habitat) on the north-east sec- ing 1994 found further populations com- tion of the island also did not detect New prising at least 59 individuals existed in similar sand dune habitat on the Isthmus Holland Mice (Fauna Survey Group, Field (Darren Carman pers. comm.) (Figs I, 2, Naturalists Club of Victoria unpubl.). New 3). Generally, this vegetation had not been Holland Mice may no longer occur on burnt for 20 - 30 years (Jim Whelan pers. Dream/Hummock Island. comm.). The habitat was, to a degree, com- The survey detected House Mice at a parable with sites on Dream/Hummock trapping success rate of 17% (cf. 4% Island, although the Yanakie sites were not recorded by Peter Menkhorst in 1977). primary dunes. The floristic composition Although the available evidence on inter- of New Holland Mice habitat at Wilsons actions between New Holland Mice and Promontory appeared similar to that House Mice living in sympatry tends to described for north-east Tasmanian popu- suggest the former out-competes the latter lations (Pye 1991). Sand dune habitat may (Cockburn 1980; Wilson 1991), the be more important for New Holland reverse outcome perhaps cannot be ruled Mouse populations than previously out for island populations. The New thought. Holland Mice detected on Dream/ The dune systems where New Holland Hummock Island in 1977 probably corn- Mice occur are calcareous in composition.

284 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

quite steep in parts, and, unlike many of Holland Mice on the the smaller dunes present Yanakie Isthmus to on the Isthmus, the proposed 1080 baiting program have not been extensively invaded by is determined. Some suggestions Coast Tea-tree and Coastal for deter- Wattle. The mining their susceptibility are provided in reasons for this require investigation. CNR (1993). In the interim, Coast Tea-iree Coast Tea-tree in the swales around the regeneration surrounding the dunes dunes containing the should New Holland Mouse be systematically slashed. There is populations has been also a slashed as part of a need to ascertain the extent of distribution program initiated by the then Department and association of New Holland Mice of Conservation with and Environment in 1991 the dune systems described before the bait- to restore Kangaroo Grass Themeda trian- ing program is conducted. dra native grassland-open woodland vege- Changes in vegetation on the Yanakie tation over selected areas of the Yanakie Isthmus over the last 150 years or so raises Isthmus. The decline of these grasslands the question, 'What habitat(s) did New and grassy woodlands has been ascribed to Holland Mice occupy on the Isthmus factors associated with European settle- before the present?' It is probable that this ment, including inappropriate fire regimes, species occupied sand dunes which would and the activities of cattle and rabbits have supported a similar plant species (DCE 1992). This program should con- composition to that at the New Holland serve the habitat of Holland New Mice by Mouse sites described in this paper (DCE reducing Tea-tree encroachment onto the 1992). The possibility of New Holland dunes they occupy. This is imperative Mice also inhabiting grassland areas can- because trapping in Tea-tree infested dune not be ignored. New Holland Mice, which vegetation did not locate any small mam- existed at McLoughlins Beach in coastal mal species at all, probably due to the lack vegetation, had quite a high proportion of of ground vegetation (CNR 1993; Quin grain in their diet, though invertebrates 1994). Furthermore, New Holland Mice were also taken (Cockburn 1980). This are believed to be extinct at the Red Hill type of diet would be available in diverse Track site where they were captured in grasslands. Additionally, structural attrib- 1973 because of invasion by Coast Tea- utes of grassland areas would, apparently, tree (pers. obs). not be grossly different from some of the The restoration work includes a proposed sedge-lily dominated areas of dunes where 1080 baiting program for the slashed areas New Holland Mice were trapped in 1993. which aims to reduce rabbit numbers. This Whether or not the Kangaroo Grass

is required to enhance grassland establish- Themeda triandra grasslands are habitat of ment. The grassy areas are to be burnt peri- New Holland Mice will only be known odically to maintain their diversity and when the restoration process is well pro- prevent re-invasion by Coast Tea-tree gressed. The New Holland Mouse popula- (DCE 1992). The bait will be placed in tions at Wilsons Promontory provide an slashed swales along a small ploughed ideal opportunity to learn more about this groove. However, the program will need species, especially in what is to a degree modification at sites from which New atypical habitat. Holland Mouse is now known. It is not known whether New Holland Mice would Densities Holland Mice at Site take 1080 bait as food. Trapping records The number of New high The trap- indicate New Holland Mice may at least 1 was encouragingly (12). during the occasionally traverse swales between ping arrangement at this site 1993 survey covered an area of dunes. In one instance, a swale approxi- February approximately 0.8 hectares. Thus, a crude mately 20 m wide was crossed; it is not estimate of New Holland Mice was known whether scattered shrubs at one end density approximately 12.5 individuals/hectare. of the swale were used as cover during the However, approximately one third of traps crossing. Another New Holland Mouse were located in open swales which failed crossed a vehicular track bisecting dune Hence this to trap any New Holland Mice. vegetation. Consequently it is inadvisable the densi- figure may have under-estimated to bait until the susceptibility of New

285 Vol. 113 (6) 1996 Research Reports

Weights of New Holland Mice at Wilsons Promontory were generally less than those

at Otway Ranges (Wilson 1 99 1 ) and north- east Tasmania (Pye 1991; Kemper 1995), but fell within the weight range of specimens from the central coast of New South Wales (Keith and Calaby 1968). New Holland Mice at the Promontory possessed tail and hindfoot lengths that were within ranges provided by Keith and Calaby (1968) and Pye (1991). The capture of a pregnant female and 'sub-adults' (of Fig. 1. New Holland Mouse habitat, site 1 on approximately 13.0 g) in late February Yanakie Isthmus. Slashed area in foreground, conformed to the spring-summer breeding calcareous dune in mid picture. season determined by Kemper (1995) and

Wilson (1991) elsewhere. However, it also suggested breeding could extend into

autumn as it does in Tasmanian populations of New Holland Mice (Pye 1991).

Movements The presence of fallen, dead shrubs on dunes appeared important for short distance movements of at least some of the New Holland Mice. Additionally, the dead shrubs may provide for the mice some cover and protection from predators. Fig. 2. Close-up of dune habitat at site 1, Yanakie Isthmus. Consequently, dead shrubs are seen as important components of New Holland Mice habitat. However, a greater understanding of vegetational succession on the dunes is needed for the management of New Holland Mice. The 90 m movement of an individual New Holland Mouse in a 24-hour period seemed a considerable distance for an animal of its size. However, Pye (1991), working in Tasmania, recorded a 400 m movement of a New Holland Mouse in a 48-hour period.

Fig. 3. New Holland Mouse habitat, site 5, on Invertebrates - ectoparasites Yanakie Isthmus. The three genera of invertebrates collect- ty of mice on the vegetated dunes. ed from New Holland Mice include two Furthermore, on these dunes Holland New ectoparasites: Pygiopsylla sp.; Mice apparently selected sites with a spe- Dermanyssus sp. or Liponyssus sp. The life cific micro-habitat; Coast Tea-tree thickets mode of the third genus taken, Myotyphlus, with little ground vegetation were avoided. requires re-assessing (see below). Kemper (1995) noted that New Holland Pygiopsylla contains species which occur Mice living in optimum habitat can reach on a number of native rodents (including densities of 17 individuals/hectare. At Site Rattus spp.) and marsupials (CSIRO 5 of the Wilsons Promontory survey, three 1970). Mites of the family Dermanyssidae New Holland Mice were caught over an are known parasites of mammals, and also area of 0.4 hectares (i.e. 7.5 individuals/ birds and reptiles. They feed on the blood hectare). of their hosts and are capable of transmit-

286 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

known, Recommendations for but may be worthy of investiga- Wilsons Promontory National Park tion. Myoryphlus sp. is included in the tribe Amblyopinini. Members of this tribe occur in the Neotropics as well as 1. Monitor known populations of New Australia, and until Holland Mice in Wilsons Promontory recently, were thought to be obligate ectoparasites on small mam- National Park at least once per year. mals. However, two species of a central and southern American genus Amhlyo- 2. Gather further base-line data on the pinus, are known to be highly specialized ecology of New Holland Mice at the predators on ectoparasites of the mammals Promontory, including data on popula (Ashe and Timm 1987a,b). Myoryphlus sp. tion dynamics and composition, mortali has been previously collected from the fur ty, home range, breeding biology, dis of Rattus spp. in both Victoria and persal patterns, diet and the degree of Tasmania. In addition, it has been detected genetic isolation of the populations. The free-living in the guano of bats in collection of scats and hair samples for Victorian and New South Wales caves analysis by Deakin University scientists (Hamilton-Smith and Adams 1966). should continue. With this evidence it is highly likely that Myoryphlus sp. specimens on New Holland Describe fully the habitat of New Mice at Wilsons Promontory were using Holland Mice at Wilsons Promontory, the ectoparasites {Pygiopsylla sp.; vegetational succession on the study Dermanyssus or Liponyssus sp.) as prey dunes in order to implement more pre items. Clearly, the relationship between management requirements of cisely, Myotyphlus sp. and New Holland Mice Holland Mice. New could be mutualistic and not parasitic, and deserves investigation. similar dune systems of 4. Search The management recommendations given Wilsons Promontory National Park and for New Holland Mouse are not expected areas of South Gippsland for fur- other to adversely affect other small ground of New Holland Mice. ther populations mammal species. In fact, the long-term viability of these other species would ben- the short-term, continue some their 5. In efit by an increased knowledge of swales surrounding the slashing of the requirements (if further monitoring pro- occupied by New Holland Mice at habi- dunes ceeds), greater understanding of their to reduce the extent of through the Promontory tats, and habitat enhancement Leptospermum laeviga- Coast Tea-tree restoration and appropriate management. sophorae turn and Coastal Wattle Acacia invasion on to the dunes; meanwhile, Acknowledgments investigate the susceptibility of New A complete set of acknowledgments for this given in the associated Holland Mice to the proposed 1080 bait- research report was persons and groups long-term, the New paper of Quin (1996); those ing program. In the Darren Carmen are thanked again. Additionally, sites should be incorpo- on New Holland Mouse provided results of follow-up work grassland - are rated into the entire native Holland Mice at Wilsons Promontory. We program, as given by an anony- open woodland restoration grateful for the comments enhance their referee. this should conserve and mous survival. habitats and ensure the species C by and Timm. R. M. (1987a). Predation MheT" Z genus potential of Wilsons of parasitic' beetles of the 6. Investigate the activity patterns - Staphylin.dae). Journal of to provide suit- Ambhopinus (Coleoptera Promontory heathlands 429-437. Zooloey, London 212, Mouse re-introduc- (1987b). Probable munial- able New Holland Ashe S and Timm. R M. Staphyl.md beetles long-term aim stic association between tion sites, as a hosts. Journal of \tmblyopinus) and their rodent or 1978). Whether P. K. (.978). Habitat ting diseases (Krantz BS^R'T.'andGuL. on in a Victonan heath.and. Dermanyssidae mites found "SSy small mammals not the 3, IW-U I. Promontory Australian Journal ofEcology Mice at Wilsons survey of specific New Holland CNR (1993). 'Results of a fauna hosts is not transmit disease to their 287 Vol. 113 (6) 1996 ' . Research Reports

sites at Yanakie Isthmus. Wilsons Promontory (The Australian Museum and Reed Books: New National Park, February 1993'. Internal report by South Wales). Flora, Fauna and Fisheries Section, Department of Krantz, G. W. (1978). 'A Manual of Acarology'. Conservation and Natural Resources, Yarram. Second Edition. (Oregon State University Book CNR (1995). 'Threatened Fauna in Victoria - 1995'. Stores, Inc.: Corvallis). (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Menkiiorst, P.W. (Ed.) (1995). 'Mammals of Victoria: Victoria). Ecology. Conservation and Distribution'. (Oxford Cockburn, A. (1980). The diet of New Holland Mouse University Press: Melbourne). (Pseudotms novaehollandiae) and the House Mouse Posamentier, H. and Recher. H. F. (1974). The status of (Mus musculus) in Victorian coastal heathland. Pseudomys novaehollandiae (the New Holland Australian Mammalngy 3, 31-34. Mouse). Australian Zoologist 18, 66-71 CSIRO (1970). 'The Insects Of Australia'. (Melbourne Pye, T (1991). The New Holland Mouse (Pseudomys University Press: Melbourne). novaehollandiae) (Rodentia: Muridae) in Tasmania: DCE (1992). 'Slashing to maintain native grasslands' afield study. Wildlife Research 18. 521-531. (Department of Conservation and Environment: Quin, B. R. (1994). 'A survey for populations of New Victoria) Holland Mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) in the

Fox, B. J. and Fox, M. D. (1978). Recolonization of South Gippsland area of Southern Victoria coastal heath by Pseudomys novaehollandiae November 1992 - April 1993'. Internal report by (Muridae) following sand mining. Australian Journal Flora, Fauna and Fisheries Section. Department of of Ecology 3. 447-465. Conservation and Natural Resources. Yarram. Giimore. A. M. (1977). A survey of vertebrate animals Quin. B. R. (1996). New Holland Mouse Pseudomys in the Stradbroke area of South Gippsland, Victoria. novaehollandiae (Rodentia: Muridae) in South The Victorian Naturalist 94, 123-128. Gippsland. Southern Victoria. Part One - Distribution

Hamiliton-Smith. E. and Adams. D. J. H. (1966). The and Status. The Victorian Naturalist 113 , 236-246. alleged obligate ecloparasitism of Myotyphlus jan- Seebeck. J.. Menkhorst. P. and Wilson. B. (in prep.). soni (Matthews) (Coleoptera - Staphylinidae). New Holland Mouse. Draft Action Statement, Flora Journal of the Entomological Society of Queensland and Fauna Guarantee. Department of Natural 5, 44-45. Resources and Environment, Victoria. Keith. K and Calaby, J. H. (1968) The New Holland Wilson, B. A. (199 1) The ecology of Pseudomys Mouse. Pseudomys novaehollandiae (Waterhouse), novaehollandiae (Waterhouse, 1843) in the Eastern in the Port Stephens District, New South Wales. Otway Ranges, Victoria. Wildlife Research 18, 233-247. CSIRO Wildlife Research 13, 45-58. Kemper, C. (1995). New Holland Mouse. In 'The Mammals of Australia'. Ed. R. Stralian. pp. 61 1-612.

New Edition of 'The Census' 'A Census of Vascular Plants of Victoria' 5th Edition by J.H. Ross Publisher: National Herbarium of Victoria 1996; 230 pages; paperback; RRP $23.00 (posted within Australia $30.00

This new edition, which incorporates the latest changes to names and classifications, including those published in The Victorian Natuarlist, is available from the Royal Botanic Gardens Bookshop. FNCV members will receive a 10% discount on presentation of a libraray card or The Victorian Naturalist address slip. The 'Census' is a prime reference for plant names for authors and everyone interested in Victoria's flora.

The Editors would also like to remind authors of the references to be used for articles in The Victorian Naturalist:

•Mammals of Victoria' (1995), ed Peter Menkhorst, Oxford University Press; 'Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia' (1992), by Harold Cogger, Reed Books; 'The Taxonomy and Species of Birds of Australia and its Territories' (1994), by Leslie Christidis and Walter Boles, RAOU; 'The Insects of Australia' (1991), CSIRO; 'A Census of Vascular Plants of Victoria' (1996), 5th Edition, by J.H. Ross, National Herbarium of Victoria.

288 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Results of Surveys of the Herpetofauna of Several Areas in North-western Victoria

A.J.Coventry 1

Abstract

This paper reports the results of several surveys of the herpetofauna in areas of north-western Victoria. Included are brief descriptions of the soils and flora of each site, comments on species diversity and zoogeography. In addition a list, arranged in families and including both scientific and, where appropriate, common names of species known to occur in the Victorian mallee is included (Appendix 1). Comments are made under the results on distribution patterns and zoogeography. (The Victorian Naturalist 1996, 113, 289-299)

Introduction Localities sampled (Fig. 1) The herpetofauna of various areas of the Sampling commenced in October 1984, Victorian mallee have been reported on by at six sites in the Round Swamp (35°42'S Coventry (in press) Mather (1979) 141°43'E) to Arnolds Springs (35°40'S Menkorst (1982) Robertson et.al. (1989) 141°42'E) area, in the north-eastern region and Woinarski (1989). In addition, of the Big Desert, and concluded in Rawlinson (1966) listed the reptiles and February 1986. The sites, starting from the Littlejohn (1966) the amphibians of the swamp, followed the track northwards for Victorian mallee. Baverstock (1979) has 7 km, the last site being near Arnolds reported on the Billiatt Conservation Park, Springs. South Australia, which is close to the west- Between November 1985 and March ern border of the northern Victorian 1987, five trips were undertaken at 12 sites Mallee. This current paper, by reporting on from the east of Milmed (35°40'S previously poorly known areas, adds to our 141°40'E) to the Pigeon Springs (35°37'S knowledge of these fauna within north- 141°32'E) area. These sites were spread western Victoria. along the Milmed Rock track from a point 2.9 km E. to 18.7 km W. of Milmed Rock. Method Wallpolla Island Data was obtained from four areas, and I are expressed below in tabular the results * Mildura form. Fauna was surveyed by means of pitfall trapping, traps being checked early each morning, and in extremely warm conditions during the day and/or early evening. Each site consisted of a single drift fence 50 m in length, 13 cm high, with approximately 2 cm buried in the soil, and contained ten pit fall traps approximately 5.5 m apart along the drift fence. Sunset Tank litre buckets 39 cm deep Traps were 30 * Ouyen and with an opening diameter of 29 cm. diverse Sites were selected because of their topographical and floral characteristics. Murrayville Co-ordinates were obtained using a Sony Pyxis GPS. Zoological nomenclature, reptiles together with common names of Round Swamp Phyllodactylus follow Cogger, 1992, while follows Cogger, 1986 and marmoratus Milmed Rock Rainbow common names of frogs follow Hero, Marantelli (1991). Littlejohn and where sampling Fig. 1. Map showing localities of Victoria ' Museum Herpelology Department. done. V.ctona 3067. was 71 Victoria Crescent. Abbotsford, 289 Vol. 113(6)1996 Research Reports

(= 1 .3 km W. of Pigeon Springs). 14r42'37"E, and in the swamp proper, Fauna was surveyed along Sunset Track, was an area of "crab holes" in clayish, to the west of Sunset Tank (34°56'41"S saline soils. The upper stratum consisted of o 141 30'21"E) at 18 sites, with a total of Eucalyptus behriana. Eucalyptus calycog- three trips, from October, 1987 to ona, E. porosa and Acacia bivenosa with a February, 1988. One trip from 26 October lower layer of Chenopodium desertorum. gave over four full weeks of continuous Ground layer was Carpobrotus modestus survey. The Sunset Tank sites began 1.3 interspersed with ephemeral grasses. km W. of Sunset Tank and followed the 3. 5.4 km N. of the well in 35°40'13"S track to a point 25. 1 km W. of the Tank. 141°42'47"E, and running down the Finally, twelve sites were established on northerly aspect of a large sand dune Wallpolla Island, from Horseshoe Lagoon which had been devastated by the 1981 (34°09'S 141°52'E) westwards, an area fires. Regenerating Eucalyptus incrassata formed by Wallpolla Creek and the together with Melaleuca uncinata were the Murray River, west of Mildura, with four most common plants with some Grevillea trips between September and December pterosterum, Hibbertia spp. and sparse 1988. grasses. 4. 6.1 km N. of the well in 35°39'54"S Round Swamp Sites 14r42'50"E, and on the southerly aspect 1. 300 m S.E. of the well in 35°42'36"S of a large dune some 200 metres in from 14r43'00"E, was at the bottom of a con- the edge of the 1981 fires. The upper layer solidated sand dune. Soils were deep, dark comprised E. incrassata with a fairly dense friable sands. The upper stratum consisted mid-layer dominated by M. uncinata with of Callitrix preisii with a mid layer of some Baeckea behrii. There was very little Eucalyptus porosa. Ground layer consisted ground layer and litter was virtually of ephemeral grasses dominated by Stipa absent. falcata. 5. 6.7 km N. of the well in 35°39'38"S 2. 300 m N.E. of the well in 35°42'33"S 141°42'44"E, and in an area of whipstick

Tabic 1 Number of specimens recorded, from 120 pitfall trap day/nights per site, at each of the Round Swamp sites.

Site Number SPECIES 1 2 3 4 5 6 TOTALS Gekkonidae Diplodactylus intermedius 1

Diplodactylus vittatus 1 1 1 3 Lucasium damaeum 4 3 2 9

Phyllodactylus marmoratus 1 Pygopodidae

Aprasia inaurita 1

Delma australis 1 Agamidae Amphibolous nobbi coggeri 1 Ctenophorus fordi 1 Ctenoplwrus pictus 8 2 3 13 Scincidae Ctenotus brvoksi iridis 1 Ctenotus robustus 3 Ctenotus uber orientalis 1 1 Egernia inornata 1

Lerista bougainvillii 1 1 1 Menetia greyii 1 Tiliqua occipitalis 1 Typhlopidae

Ramphotyphlops australis 1 1 2 Ramphoiyphlops bituberculatus 3 2 5

TOTALS 6 4 19 10 3 8 50

290 The Victorian Naturalist .

Research Reports

mallee on compacted red soils. The upper open woodland, on compacted black soils, stratum consisted chiefly of E. calycogona and shallow "crab holes". and There was a M. uncinata. There was very little sparse upper layer off. calycogona, with a ground cover or litter. mid layer of Atriplex nummularia and 6. 7 km N. of the well in 35°39'22"S Zygophyllum glaucum. Ground cover con- 141°42'42"E, was on the end of a low sisted of Carpobratus modestus and some ridge containing red sandstone. The area ephemeral grasses, with a little ground lit- had lightly been burnt in the 1981 fires and ter. consisted of regenerating E. calycogona, 3. 0.2 km N. of Milmed Rock in Eucalyptus dumosa and M. uncinata 35°39'15"S 14r36'04"E, was on a sand between fairly large areas of open ground plain with a vein of sandstone running with sparse ephemeral grasses. approximately north - south. The area had The results of this work are listed in Table 1 been totally destroyed in the 1981 fires, and consisted chiefly of regenerating E. Milmed Sites (Fig. 2) foecunda, T. irritans and Grevillea iliciflo- 1. 2.9 km E. of Milmed Rock in ra, with H. muellerana, C. verrucosa, M. 35°39'09"S 141°3845"E, and in a sandy uncinata and some grasses. swale. The upper story was dominated by 4. 2.2 km W. of Milmed Rock in 35°38'39"S; E. behriana and Eucalyptus foecunda with 141°34'57"E, was on the edge of a low sand a mid story consisting of Hakea mueller- dune. The upper story was dominated by ana, Acacia hakoides and Callitris verru- E. foecunda and E. incrassata, with C. ver- cosa. Old Triodia irritans constituted the rucosa and Lepidospermum coriaceum ground layer. Some litter was present. This common hi the midstory. Old T. irritans site appeared not to have been affected by formed the major ground cover.

fire for a considerable number of years. 5. 7.6 km W. of Milmed Rock (s. of track) 2. 1.2 km E.N.E. of Milmed Rock in in 35"36'24"S; 141"3147"E was on a low 35°38'58"S 141"36'23"E, and in an area of dune. The upper canopy was dominated by

Fig. 2. Desert heath, Big Desert

291 Vol. 113(6)1996 Research Reports

E. incrassata with a sparse lower canopy 9. 12.7 km W. of Milmed Rock in dominated by L. coriaceum. Grasses, 35°36'03"S 14r28'22"E, The upper story including sparse T. irritans provided the consisted of C. verrucosa, C. tetragona ground cover. and E. incrassata, with a mid-story of L. 6. 7.6 km W. of Milmed Rock (n. of track) coreaceum, B. behrii, B. crassifolia and H. in 35°37'26"S; 141°31'48"E, was on a low muellerana. The lower story was dominat- inter-dune plain. The low upper canopy ed by C. pusilla. was dominated by L. coriaceum, 10. 14.6 km W. of Milmed Rock in Leptospermum myrsinoides and Banksia 35°36'25"S 14r27'18"E, and running ornata, with a lower canopy where from the top to the bottom of a small dune Casuarina pusilla was dominant over T. which had very sparse regenerating E. foe- irritans. cunda and E. incrassata and fairly dense 7. 9.3 km W. of Milmed Rock in B. ornata and C. pusilla following burning 35°37'13"S 14r30'45"E, was on the top of in the 1981 fires. Ground cover consisted a low dune dominated by dense B. ornata of very sparse grasses including regenerat- and L. coriaceum. C. pusilla provided the ing T. irritans. lower canopy. There was very little litter 11. 17.4 km W. of Milmed Rock in or ground cover. T. irritans was absent. 35°36'32"S 14r26'03"E, and lying on the 8. 10.3 km W. of Milmed Rock in top and side of a large dune. The upper 35°37'08"S 14r29'59"E, The upper story was dominated by Eucalyptus canopy was dominated by E. incrassata, baxteri, with L coriaceum. The mid layer with Calytrix tetragona, mid canopy by L. included B. crassifolia and the lower layer coriaceum, B. behrii, Baeckea crassifolia C. meullerana. Ground cover contained and H. muellerana. Grasses, including some grasses and litter. T. irritans was sparse T. irritans were present. absent.

Table 2. Number of specimens recorded, from 180 pitfall trap day/nights per site, at each of the Milmed sites.

Site no SPECIES 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Totals Gekkonidae Diplodactylus intermedius 1 2 4 10 110 10 Diplodactylus vittatus 1 1 000000012 5 Lucasium damaeum 1 000000280 11 Pygopodidae Aplasia inaurita 100000000 1 Delma australis 000000010 1 Agamidae Amphibolurus norrisi 4 1 15 2 3 3 10 20 Ctenophorus fordi 2 5 3920613 40 35 Ctenophorus pictus ] 4 4321 33 13 5 39 Pogona vitticeps 1 0023 801 00 15 Scincidae Ctenotus brooksi iridis 2 1 1 2 7 14 Ctenotus robustus 7 18 6 9 7 4 2 58 Ctenotus uber orientalis 1 3 12 17 Lerista bougainvillii 2 1 11 16 Menelia greyii 1 2 Morethia obscura 1 10 2 1 2 2 9 Typhlopidae

Ramphotyphlops australis 1 1 110 1 5 Ramphotyphlops bituberculatus 1 1 010000000 3 Elapidae

Drysdalia mastersii 1 0000 000 00 1 Suta nigriceps 10 1 2 Suta spectabilis 000001000 1

TOTALS 14 3 20 16 30 31 15 35 14 24 46 16 265

292 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

12. 18.7 km W. of Milmed Rock in pacted soils in open mallee. 35°35'46"S 141°25'06"E, on a large inter- 6. 9.5 km W. of Sunset Tank in dune plain. The upper canopy was domi- 34°56'53"S. 141"24'21" E. was in mixed E. nated by baxteri with sparse E. foecun- mallee on compacted soils with little da and E. incrassata. The fairly dense undergrowth. lower canopy comprised young C. verru- 7. 10.5 km W. of Sunset Tank in cosa. Some H. muellerana and T. irritans 34°56'56"S. 14r23'52" E. was on com- were also present. pacted sands in an open area of grassland The results of this work are listed in Table 2. with C. verrucosa and C. cristata. 8. 12.7 km W. of Sunset Tank in Sunset Tank Sites (Fig. 3.) 34° 5741 "S. 14r22'35" E. and adjacent to 1. 1.3 km W. of Sunset Tank in a medium sized sand dune, with C. verru- 34°56'50"S. 141*29'27" E. was on a plain cosa some Melaleuca, mixed mallee, and dominated by Casuarina cristata and Triodia. (Fig. 4) mixed low shrubs and grasses, approxi- 9. 13.15 km W. of Sunset Tank in mately 50 metres in from track and parallel 34°57'49"S. 14r22'15"E. was in mixed to track. mallee and Triodia. of Sunset Tank in 2. 4.35 km W. 10. 14.4 km W. of Sunset Tank in 34°57'13"S. 141°2744" E. was on a plain 34°57'54"S. 14r21'27" E. was on friable in open area with A. nummularia on an soils, with fairly dense mixed mallee and limestone. soils containing much sparse Triodia. in 3. 6.3 km W. of Sunset Tank 11. 16.05 km W. of Sunset Tank in 141°26'25" a sand 34°57'07"S. E. was on 34°58'06"S. 14r20'26" E. was on a low Triodia. dune with mixed mallee and sand dune in Melaleuca and scattered in 4. 7.7 km W. of Sunset Tank mallee. small 34°57'05"S. 141°25'33"E. was on a 12. 16.6 km W. of Sunset Tank in mallee plain of compacted soils in mixed 34°57'53"S. 14ri9'51" E. was in medium and sparse Triodia. dense mallee. in 5. 8.7 km W. of Sunset Tank 13. 20.6 km W. of Sunset Tank on S. in 34°56'59"S. 14r24'55" E. was on com- 34°58'12"S. 141°17'59" E. was on corn-

Country Fig. 3. Open mallee. Sunset 293 Vol. 113 (6) 1996 Research Reports pacted red sands with fairly dense "whip- Eucalyptus largiflorans and some stick" mallee and little to no undergrowth. Muehlenbeckia cunninghamii. 14. 21.3 km W. of Sunset Tank in 2. 6.4 km S.W. of Lilly Pond in 34°58'16"S. 141°17'03" E. was on sandy 34°08'30"S. 14r45'49"E was a fenced soils with mixed mallee and some Triodia. regeneration area situated on a sandy dune 15. 21.7 km W. of Sunset Tank in with some ephemeral grasses and C. verru- 34°58'07"S. 14ri7'52" E. and in a mixed cosa, E. largiflorans and E. camaldulensis community of mallee, pine and Triodia on in adjacent areas. friable sand. 3. 5.6 km S.W. of Lilly Pond in

16. 23.0 km W. of Sunset Tank in 34°08'44"S. 141°46'18"E it was on black 34"58'10"S. 14ri6'08" E. was in an area soils dominated by young E. largiflorans of mixed sands and darker soils with 'crab- with some shrubs and ephemeral grasses. holes'. This area had been burnt some two 4. 3.1 km S.W. of Lilly Pond in years earlier and had regenerating mallee 34°08'01"S. 141°47'08"E was on a black and Triodia. soil plain, with ephemeral grasses and 17. 24.1 km W. of Sunset Tank in sparse M. cunninghamii. 34°58'06"S. 141°15'06" E. was situated on 5. 1.6 km S.W. of Lilly Pond in the side of a dune in an area burnt some 34°07'232S. 14r47'54"E was on black soil two years earlier. Some C. verrucosa and with dense M. cunninghamii and sparse regenerating mallee, with ephemeral grasses. E. largiflorans. 18. 25.1 km W. of Sunset Tank in 6. Dedman Creek in 34°07'12"S. 34°57'33"S. 141° 15'23" E. This site ran 141°42'522E was on black soils in dense from the top of a large dune, which had M. cunninghami, with E. largiflorans and been burnt some two years previously. E. camaldulensis. Some regenerating mallee. 7. 1.6 km E. of Dedman Creek in The results of this work are listed in Table 3. 34°07'12"S. 14r43'55"E on black soil plain with ephemeral grasses and very Wallpolla Island Sites sparse E. largiflorans. 1. Horseshoe Lagoon in 34°08'07"S. 8. 2.2 km E. of Dedman Creek in 141°50'19"E was on black soils with 34"07'04"S. 141°44'09"E on black soil

Fig. 4. Mallee and Triodia.

294 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports plain with Carpobrotys modestus. concept, subdividing the Victoria Bassian 9. 4.7 km E. of Dedman Creek in region into subregions:- warm temperate 34°06'58"S. 14r45'30"E with a fairly Bassian, cool temperate bassian and cold dense upper canopy of E. largiflorans and temperate bassian. The rest of Victoria he lower canopy of M. Cunningham. regarded as Eyrean. Rawlinson (1966) list- 10. 4.0 km W.N.W. of Lilly Pond in ed all the then recognised reptile species 33*06'50"S. 14r46'18" on black soil with from the mallee, and in 1971 he allocated moderately dense upper canopy of E. them into his various zoogeographic camaldulensis with ephemeral grasses. regions. This study would indicate that the 11. 4.5 km W.N.W. of Lilly Pond in semi-arid regions of north-western 33°06'35"S. 14r46'20"E on black soil Victoria, rather than being true Eyrean, fall with scattered E. camaldulensis and within a transition zone between the warm ephemeral grasses. temperate Bassian of Rawlinson and the 12. Lilly pond in 34"07'23"S. 141°47'54"E Eyrean regions of Spencer. and adjacent to a small lagoon at the eastern end of the pond, consisted of scattered Discussion E. camaldulensis. The semi-arid mallee regions of north- The results of this work are listed in Table 4. west Victoria supports a rich and diverse herpetofauna, with representatives of all of Results the five Australian lizard families, the Interestingly the results shown in the Pygopodids or legless lizards, Gekkonids tables is related to some of the distribution- or geckoes, Agamids or dragons, Varanids al data. For example, Amphibolurus nobbi or goannas and Scincids or skinks, three of coggeri, appears to replace Amphibolurus the four families of Australian terrestrial norrisi in the north east of the Big Desert snakes, Typhlopids or blind snakes, Boids and in the Sunset Country, while Ctenotus or pythons, Elapids or front fanged ven- robustus, a common species in the Big omous snakes, and two of the four families Desert, was only recorded once from the of the indigenous Australian amphibians, Sunset Country, where it appears to be the Hylids or tree frogs, and the Myo- replaced by Ctenotus brachyonyx. Among batrachids or ground frogs. The numerous the elapid snakes, Drysdalia mastersii, micro-environments in the semi-arid while fairly common on the Big Desert, regions of north-western Victoria, ranging was not recorded from the Sunset Country, from salt lakes, grass plains, sand dunes, while species such as Demansia psam- and whipstick scrub through to desert mophis and Pseudonaja nuchalis, while heaths, provide ample opportunity for recorded on the Sunset Country were not species specialisation, and this is utilised Skinks are the most located in the Big Desert. Still further by the reptile fauna. with 21 species, one north where the influence of the Murray diverse family, of which, the Morethia River impacts on the environment, species species complex group, is represented within the such as Rhynchoedura ornata, Pseudechis boulengeri species, M. boulengeri porphvriacus, Notechis scutatus, and Suta mallee by three being found in open grassland or farmland suta occur. It seems strange that Morethia obscura in mallee Diplodactylus tessellatus, a species inhab- type habitats, heath habitats, and Morethia adelaidensis iting cracking black soils of riverine and association with saline soils. Snakes on lake habitats, and recorded from Kewell in the other hand were poorly represented, further to the south during the last century the 69% of those recorded being noc- (Museum of Victoria records) should now with and of these nocturnal species, apparently be restricted to the Murray turnal 66.6% were burrowers. Apart from the River region. Spencer (1896) proposed Death Adder, Fierce Snake, Red-bellied zoogeographic regions for Australia:- three Snake, which either north- Black Snake and Tiger the Torresian, to include tropical exist in the mallee, or south- probably no longer eastern Australia, the Bassian for presence there is dependent on the the Eyrean for the whose eastern Australia, and diurnal Murray River, only four species of including the and interior. remaining areas, This is poss.- Spencers elapids, are present (Fig 5). Rawlinson (1971) expanded on

295 Vol. 113(6)1996 Research Reports

Table 3 Reptiles and amphibians recorded, from 410 pitfall trap day/nights per site, at Sunset Tank localities.

Site No SPECIES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Gekkonidae Diplodactylus damaeus 3 13 16 3 4

Diplodactylus intermedius 1 3 1 2 3

Diplodactylus vittatus 2 2 1 12 4 6 1 Heteronotia binoei

Underwoodisaurus milii 1 1 Pygopodidae Aprasia inaurita 1 1 Delma australis 3 2 3 2

Delma nasuta 3 1 1

Liasis burtonis 1 Pygopus lepidopodus Varanidae

Varanus gouldii 1 Agamidae

Amphibolurus nobbi coggeri 3 1 5 5 15 6

Ctenophorus fordi 23 7 2 1 Ctenophorus pictus 5 11 28 49 11 8 21

Pogona vitticeps 2 1 1 6 Scincidae

Ctenotus brachyonyx 2 11 1 Ctenotus regius 11 5 12 Ctenotus robustus

Ctenotus uber orientalis 17 3 2 1 1

Egernia inornata 1

Lerista bougainvillii 1 1

Lerista punctatovittata 6 5 1 10 4 2

Menetia greyi 1 3 2 1 1 1

Morethia boulengeri 2 3 1 8 4

Morethia obscura 1 1 Tiliqua occipitalis Typhlopidae Ramphotyphlops australis 2

Ramphotyphlops bituberculatus 1 2 1 3 Elapidae Demansia psammophis

Pseudonaja nuchalis 1 Pseudonaja textilis Simoselaps australis 2 5 4 6 4

Suta nigriceps 1 1 2

Vermicella annulata 1 1 Myobatrachidae Neobatrachus pictus

TOTALS 37 37 112 111 63 53 59

bly due to the presence of both varanid Unfortunately the results obtained during lizards and raptors, which could prey upon the surveys at Round Swamp and Milmed them. This theory would be supported by were probably affected by the 1981 fires, the fact that only large brown snakes, over where Coventry, {in press) has demonstrat- 1 metre in length, and yellow-faced whip ed that elapids are slow to re-establish. snakes were observed either basking or moving. Juveniles of both species of Acknowledgements. Brown snakes were recorded immediately For help, encouragement and company in the field, thanks are due to L. Ahern, adjacent to large clumps of Triodia. J.Calwell, A., J., P., and P. Coventry, K.C.Norris, the late

296 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Table 3' cont.

Site No. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 TOTALS 10 2 18 2 8 2 1 7 17 14 120 1 2 3 4 6 26 8 1 6 4 6 9 2 6 2 3 75

1 1 2 2 1 5 2 3 1 1 17 1 2 2 2 10 2 5 2 1 3 40 1 1 2 9 1 1 2 2 7 1 1 1 3

4 4 12 6 5 12 7 9 3 1 5 103 24 30 16 21 46 5 1 22 8 7 213 36 41 72 80 57 17 24 44 8 9 28 52 673

1 5 2 6 7 1 1 2 3 2 1 42

6 12 6 3 10 11 3 7 2 74 28

1 1

1 4 1 1 31 2 1 4

4 2 2 1 11

3 8 1 3 3 6 1 1 54

1 2 4 4 2 5 1 28

1 1 1 2 23 2 2 2

2 1 1 66

4 1 1 1 1 15

1 1 1 3

1 1 4 5 30

1 1 6

1 1 2 1 7

1 1

1659 104 115 149 149 173 53 73 72 137 71 91

Murray mallee. South Australia. South Australian P.Rawlinson, P.Robertson, D.Webster, S.Wild, the Naturalist 53, 52- 58. P.Johnson and a team of Raleigh A. and P. Yen. 'Reptiles and Amphibians of Sunset Cogger, H.G. (1992). students installed the trap lines along Forest). Australia'. (A.H. and A.W. Reed: Frenchs Friends of the Museum of of Track, and the Cogger, H.G. 1986. 'Reptiles and Amphibians in installing the trap Forest). Victoria very ably assisted Australia'. (A.H. and A.W. Reed: Frenchs offered valuable of the lines at Milmed. John Wainer Coventry, A.J., in press. The Herpetofauna and constructive advice on the manuscript. Chinaman Well area of the Big Desert Victoria. and Marantelli, G. (1991). Hero J , Littlejohn, M. (Dept. 'Frogwatch Field Guide to Victorian Frogs'. Melbourne). References of Conservation & Environment: three year study of the of the Reptile Baverstock, P.R. (1979). A Mather, P.B. (1979). An examination Park in mammals and lizards of Billiatt Conservation 297 Vol. 113 (6) 1996 Research Reports

Table 4 Species collected, from 410 pitfall trap day/nights per site, at each site at Wallpolla Island.

Site nc SPECIES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Totals Chelidae

Chelodina longicollis 1 1 2 Gekkonidae

tessellatus 1 Diplodactylus 1 3 5 4 1 6 21 Gehyra variegata 1 1 1 3 Lucaseum damaeum 2 2

Phyllodactylus marmoratus 1 1 2

Rhynchoedura ornata 1 1 Scincidae

Cryptoblepharus carnabyi 4 1 5

Eulamprus quoyii 1 1

Lerista punctalovittata 1 1 2

Morethia boulengeri 3 6 4 2 9 1 1 26

Morethia obscura 2 1 2 1 1 1 8 Typhlopidae -0 Ramphotyphlops bituberculatu. 1 1 Elapidae

Furina diadema 1 1 2

Suta suta 1 1 2 Myobatrachidae

Crinia parinsignifera 1 2 1 2 6

Limnodynastes d. dumerilii 1 1 Limnodynastes fletcheri 2 2

Limnodynastes tasmaniensis 3 1 5 9 Hylidae

Litoria peronii 1 1

TOTALS 12 12 11 7 7 18 4 1 8 2 1 14 97

Fauna of Wyperfeld National Park using Pitfall Trapping. The Victorian Naturalist 96, 98-101. Menkorst, P.W., (1982). Pitfall trapping for reptiles in the Big Desert, Victoria. The Victorian Naturalist, 99, 66-70. Rawlinson, PA. (1966). Reptiles of the Victorian Mallee. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria,

79 , 605-619. Rawlinson, P. A., (1971). Reptiles of Victoria. In 'Reptiles and Amphibians of Victoria', Victorian Year Book No. 85, 16-19 Robertson, P., Bennett, A.F, Lumsden, L.F., Silveira, C.E. Johnson, P.G., Yen, A.L., Milledge, G.A., Lillywhite, P.K. and Pribble, H.J. (1989). Fauna of the Mallee study area north-western Victoria. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 87. Fig. 5. Bandy-Bandy Vermicella annulata, Spencer, W.B. (1896). In 'Report on The Work of the photo by E.R. Rotherham Horn Scientific Expedition to Central Australia, 1*. Ed. W.B. Spencer. (Dulau and Co.: London. Melville, Mullen and Slade: Melbourne). Woinarski, J.C.Z., (1989). The vertebrate fauna of broombush Melaleuca uncinata vegetation in north- western Victoria, with reference to effects of broombush harvesting. Australian Wildlife Research, 16 (2), 217-238.

Fig. 6. Rosenberg's Goanna Varanius rosenbergi, photo by P. Robertson.

298 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Appendix 1. Amphibians and Reptiles recorded from the Victorian Mallee, of Victoria collections). (based on the Museum * denotes possibly no longer found in the mallee. (Coventry and Robertson "* 1991). Amphibians Varanidae Hylidae (goannas) Varanus gouldii Gould's Goanna Litoria peroni Peron's Tree Frog Varanus rosenbergi Rosenberg's Goanna Litoria raniformis Growling Grass Frog Varanus varius Lace Monitor Myobatrachidae Scincidae (skinks) Umnodynastes dumerilii Pobblebonk Cryptoblepharus carnabyi Limnodynastes fletcheri Barking Marsh Frog Ctenotus brachyonyx Umnodynastes tasmwiensis Spotted Marsh Frog Ctenotus brooksi iridis Neobatrachus pictus Mallee Spadefoot Toad Ctenotus regius Neobatrachus sudelli Common Spadefoot Toad Ctenotus robustus Crinia parinsignifera Plains Froglet Ctenotus uber orientalis Crinia signifera Common Froglet Egernia inornata Desert Skink Egernia multiscutata Reptiles Egernia striolata Tree Skink Chelidae (tortoises) Egernia quoyii Eastern Water Skink Chelodina longicollis Long-necked Tortoise Hemiergis millewae Emydura macquarii Murray Turtle Lerista bougainvillii Lerista muelleri Gekkonidae (geckos) Lerista punctatovitta Diplodactylus intermedius Eastern Spiny-tailed Gecko Menetia greyii Diplodactylus tessellatus Tessellated Gecko Morethia adelaidensis Diplodactylus vittatus Wood Gecko Morethia boulengeri Gehyra variegata Tree Dtella Morethia obscura Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko Tiliqua occipitalis Western Blue-Tongued Lucasium damaeum Beaded Gecko Lizard Trachydosaurus rugosus Shingle-back Phyllodactylus marmoratus Marbled Gecko Rhynchoedura ornatus Beaked Gecko Typhlopidae (blind snakes) Underwoodisaurus milii Thick-tailed Gecko Ramphotyphlops australis Ramphotyphlops bituberculatus Pygopodidae (legless lizards) Ramphotyphlops nigrescens Aprasia aurita Ramphotyphlops proximus Aprasia inaurita Aprasia striolata Boidae (pythons) Delma australis Morelia spilota variegata Carpet Python Delma butleri Elapidae (front-fanged snakes) Delma impar *Acanthophis antarcticus Common Death Adder Delma inornata Demansiapsammophis Yellow-Faced Whip Snake Delma nasuta Spinifex Snake-lizard Drysdalia mastersii Masters' Snake LAalis burtonis Burton's Snake Lizard Echiopsis curta Bardick Pygopus lepidopudus Common Scaly-foot Furina diadema Red-naped Snake Pygopus nigriceps Hooded Scaly-foot Notechis scutatus Eastern Tiger Snake *Oxyuranus microlepidotus Fierce Snake Agamidae (dragon lizards) Pseudechis porphyriacus Red-bellied Black Snake Amphibolurus nobbi coggeri Pseudonaja nuchalis Western Brown Snake Amphibolurus norrisi Pseudotiaja textilis Eastern Brown Snake Ctenophorusfordi Mallee Dragon Simoselaps australis Coral Snake Cenophorus pictus Painted Dragon Suta nigriceps barbata Bearded Dragon Pogona Suta spectabilis Pogona vitticeps Suta suta Curl Snake lineata Tympancicryptis I. Vermicella annulata Bandy-Bandy

299 Vol. 113(6)1996 Research Reports

Diet of Red Foxes and Cats: Their Impact on Fauna Living in Parks Near Melbourne

1 1 2 R. L. Wallis , H. Brunner and J. H. Seebeck

Introduction percentage of dog remains and garbage Red Foxes Vulpes vulpes and Cats Felis were found in fox scats than in scats from catus (subsequently referred to as 'fox' cats. They also speculated on the likely and 'cat') have had significant impacts on impact of continued predation on native native fauna in many parts of Australia. species such as Sugar Gliders Petaurus They are introduced predators which are breviceps and many waterbirds, particu- considered highly efficient hunters and larly because of the fragmented and linear which have adapted to a wide range of nature of the Park. habitats in Australia. Dietary studies of Dowling et al. (1994) analysed the causes foxes and cats have indicated that both of admission to wildlife shelters in species are highly opportunistic, but that Victoria of wildlife and found that cats mammals form the major component of posed a significant threat to possums, par- the food intake in both species (Coman and ticularly Common Ringtail Possums Brunner 1972: Seebeck 1978; Triggs et al. Pseudocheirus peregrinus and Sugar 1984; Brown and Triggs 1990; Seebeck et Gliders, in addition to preying upon a large al. 1991). There have, however, been few suite of other species. published dietary studies of sympatric pop- In this report we present further data on ulations of foxes and cats in urban or semi- the comparative diets of foxes and cats liv- urban environments. Furthermore, there ing in eight parks near Melbourne, includ- has been debate on whether these predators ing the parks which formerly constituted can cause extirpation of populations of the Dandenong Valley Metropolitan Park native vertebrates (Barratt 1995), although reported in Brunner et al. (1991). As well, Paton (1993) considers that cats may we discuss the possible impact that preda- account for 80% of the annual productivity tion by these introduced carnivores may of birds in an area, effectively killing most have on native vertebrates which are now of the 'standing crop' each year. often reduced to low numbers in confined Most previous studies on the comparative patches of remnant bushland surrounded diets of foxes and cats have been based in by housing, roads or agriculture. We non-urban or undisturbed habitats (Bayly examine whether such predation can con- 1978; Triggs et al. 1984; Brown and tribute to the reduction of the diversity of Triggs 1990). Brunner et al. (1991) have native vertebrates which live in the Greater previously reported on the diets of foxes, Melbourne Area. dogs and cats in an urban park in Melbourne and showed that in parkland Methods along Dandenong Creek, mammals were The location of the eight parks is present- found in most scats of the three predators, ed in Fig. 1 and Table 1 lists the sizes and while birds occurred more frequently in distances from central Melbourne (GPO) fox scats than in those of the other two of each of the sites, as well as the nature of species. Although the actual mammalian the surrounding land use. prey taken by the three predators were sim- As part of a survey of mammals in the ilar, cats tended to consume a higher per- study sites, scats were randomly collected centage of smaller prey species, such as throughout the year and identified as fox, small possums and rodents, in contrast to cat and dog scats using smell, size and prey taken by dogs and foxes. A higher shape characteristics (Triggs 1984; Triggs etal. 1984; Lunney et al. 1990) and placed 'School of Aquatic Science & Natural Resources in small manilla envelopes which Management, Deakin University - Rusden Campus, on were Clayton. Victoria 3168. recorded details of the predator, site and ! Flora and Fauna Branch. Department of Natural collection date. Cat scats which did not Resources & Environment, 4/250 Victoria Pde., East Melbourne, Victoria 3002. have obvious hair, feathers or bones (and

300 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

40% of fox scats and 24% of cat scats. The One Ttee Hill Reserve percentage occurrences of bird and insect remains are each significantly different for fox scats and cat scats (p<0.05 for bird remains, p<0.01 for insect remains). The MELBOURNE percentage occurrence of species of mammals which occurred in the 1992 fox scats and 273 cat scats which contained mammalian remains are listed in the Appendix. Figure 2 presents the percentage occurrences of the more common dietary items for the two predators. It can be seen that the percentage occurrences for each prey species are very similar for the two predators.

Discussion Our studies support previous findings on diets of foxes and cats for Victoria. Both species are carnivorous, taking mainly mammals and birds which are available and accessible. Cats Coman and Brunner (1972) found mammals to constitute 88% (by volume) of Fig. 1. Map showing the locations of the eight cats' diets in samples taken across Victoria survey sites. from primary (forest) and secondary (agri- which were presumed to contain the cultural) habitat. Mammals occurred in remains of processed pet food) were not 79% of cat scats we analysed. Coman and collected. The scats were sterilized at Brunner (1972) also noted the opportunistic of cat feeding habits, in that 100°C for at least 24 hours to destroy par- nature 44% the diet of cats in primary habitat com- asites. They were then washed through a of native mammalian prey species, fine sieve into a large white tray. Presence prised in secondary habitat no native mam- of various food categories was recorded. while were recorded. Jones and Coman Mammals were identified using skeletal mals (1981) reported similar findings; in their remains and hair. Bones and teeth found in mallee study sites native mammals com- the scats were compared with reference prised 2% (by volume) of the diet and material held at Deakin University. Hair species (mainly rabbits) 85%. was microscopically analysed using the introduced In the Eastern Highlands, however, the keys in Brunner and Coman (1974). Scats percentages were 40% and 45% respec- were generally collected from all seasons tively. in each of the sites. Data from scats which Our data support the opportunistic habits could not be positively identified as fox or of cats as well. For instance, at 'The cat have not been included in this report. Briars' on Mornington Peninsula, rabbits Only low numbers of dog scats containing are reasonably common and of the 71 cat hair or evidence of other 'naturally occur- from the property, 56% these scats collected ring' food items were collected and contained the remains of rabbits. Similarly, analyses. were not included in our found in Currawong Reserve, rabbits were However, where rab- Results in 56% of cat scats. common, they were less Mammalian remains occurred in 72% of bits are much less to appear in cat scats (e.g. Royal fox and 75% of cat scats respectively over- likely West, Mount Martha Park). eight parks. Bird remains were Park all in the Resources to Department of Natural in 18% of fox scats in contrast The detected receives found in and Environment periodically 27% of cat scats, and insects were

301 Vol. 113(6)1996 Research Reports

Table 1. Comparison of size, distance from Melbourne and surrounding land use for each of the eight sites. Key: 1 = size of reserve in ha; 2 = distance from Melbourne in km; 3 = surrounding land use; 4 = source.

Reserve 1 2 3 4

Royal Park West 3 3 Housing, parkland Wallisefa/. 1993

Currawong Reserve 50 20 Housing, riparian Adams et al. 1994 (Currawong Bush Park) vegetation, recreation reserve

Dandenong Valley 736 21 Market gardens, grazing, quarry Brunner « a/. 1991 Metropolitan Park (now golf course, housing, refuse named by the constituent transfer station, woodland park titles)

One Tree Hill Reserve, 143 37 Forest Unpublished data Christmas Hills

Sherbrooke Forest Park 802 37 Housing in forest setting Brunner era/. 1975; (component of Dandenong unpublished data Ranges National Park)

Seaford Foreshore Reserve 50 38 Highway, housing, beach Brunner and Wallis 1993

Mount Martha 50 50 Housing, grazing, woodland/ Brunner et al. 1992a forest

The Briars 225 51 Grazing Brunner et al. 1992b specimens from the public that have been Dandenong Valley Metropolitan Park attacked by cats. Seebeck et al. (1991) (41% occurrence in cat scats containing reported 24 species of mammals, 18 mammal remains), Mount Martha Park species of bird and three reptile species (88%), Seaford Foreshore Reserve (67%), that had been taken by cats (number of cat One Tree Hill Reserve (36%) and victims = 172, period 1960-1990). They Currawong Reserve (24%). Dowling et al. also reported on high numbers of Sugar (1994) reported that of nearly 7000 mam- Gliders taken by cats in the outer suburbs. mals presented to wildlife carers, 84% The same authors reported data collected were possums. Most (63%) were Common by a single wildlife shelter in Melbourne. Ringtail Possum. Victims of cat attack In seventeen months (1990-1991) 364 prey were mostly possums (93% of total) and specimens were received by the shelter. Of again, most were Common Ringtail these, 272 were mammals and 92 were Possum (77%). Juveniles were most at birds. Of the mammals, 242 were Common risk. Ringtail Possums. Data collected by Barratt (1995) in the Dowling et al. (1994) found that cats Canberra Nature Park produced quite dif- were responsible for 75% of attacks on ferent data. He found that cats preyed wildlife by introduced predators. Cat mainly on introduced mammals (House attack was the third largest cause of injury Mouse and Black Rat) and only 1% of of animals admitted to shelters or veteri- prey items were native mammals. Barratt narians (11%, compared with 20% by (1995) suggested that his results probably impact with vehicle and 15% by human reflected the relative abundance of the var- interference). Mammals comprised 61% of ious potential prey species. He also found animals attacked by cats and birds 38%. that 23% of prey items taken by Canberra Overall, we found the Common Ringtail cats were birds. Possum was the most frequently detected Foxes prey species in cat scats, being an especial- Foxes have been found to be opportunis- ly important dietary component at tic predators, with small mammals com-

302 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports prising the bulk of the diet (Brown and young or sub-adults. On several occasions, Triggs 1990). Birds, carrion, rubbish, fruit cats were reported to bring a series of ani- and insects are also taken when available mals of the one species to the observer's (Brunner et al. 1991). A ten-year dietary attention over a short period of time. Those survey of foxes in Dandenong Ranges events indicate that the cats in question had National Park reported 20 species of mam- found a nest and were systematically prey- mal taken, and that possums, rats, antechi- ing on the whole colony. Local extinction nuses and rabbits were the species most may be hastened by such predation effi- frequently preyed on (Wallis and Brunner ciency'.

1987). In urban environments much of the local Sympatric populations offoxes and cats fauna is typically confined to remnant Previous studies of foxes and cats living habitat patches. Intense predation by cats together have suggested remains of birds can thus add to other processes such as and lizards occur more frequently in scats habitat loss, change and isolation and con- of cats than in those of foxes (Bayly 1978; tribute to local extinctions (Barratt 1996). Triggs et al. 1984). Triggs et al (1984) Many of the cats whose diets have been found that remains of mammal species reported in this study are likely to be occurred in similar percentages of scats domestic pets. Paton (1993) has suggested from the two predators. that an average domestic cat kills at least Our data from eight parks ranging from 32 vertebrate animals per year (8 birds, 16 1-51 km from Melbourne support these mammals and 8 reptiles). Furthermore, a other studies in that foxes and cats con- study by George (1974) suggests that only sume a similar range of prey opportunisti- 50% of prey captured by domestic cats is cally. We found that mammals form the actually brought home. Paton' s estimate is bulk of the diets of both predators, thus likely to be conservative. There have although the frequency of occurrence of been numerous studies which have detailed bird and insect remains were different for the contribution of cat predation to extirpa- foxes and cats; bird remains were slightly tion of native species (e.g. King 1984; more common in cat scats than in fox Delroy etal. 1986; Dickman 1993). ecologi- scats. This agrees with studies by Bayly Urban parks can be considered (1978) and Triggs et al. (1984). cally as 'islands' of suitable habitat (bush-

Furthermore, we found that remains of 40-i S each species of mammalian prey occurred n fo» a on in similar percentages of scats from foxes | and cats (Fig. 2). 30- Possible impact of foxes and cats on J wildlife

in Australia foxes and cats 20 " Elsewhere 1 have been thought to have had a major impact on native prey species, especially (Burbidge small to medium-sized species I 10- and McKenzie 1989). Foxes and cats have re-estab- had a significant role in thwarting of locally extinct popu- lishment programs -1I 8 i 4 5 « ' 1 2 MA*3 et lations of mammals and birds (Gibson ! 1995; 1 al. 1995; Christensen and Burrows Short etal. 1995). and Percentage of fox scats (n = 1992) cats are thought to Fig 2. In urban environments = containing eight mammalian on cat scats (n 273) significant predation pressure Rabbit Oiyctolagus exert prev species. 1 = European instance, Possum wildlife. In Melbourne, for cuniculus, 2 = Common Ringtail believe the peregrinus, 3 = Common Dowling et al. (1994 p. 12) Pseudocheirus Trichosurus vulpecula, 'the mid-sized, colo- Brushtail Possum major impact is on = Brown Possum and 4 = Bush Rat Ratius fuscipes, 5 nial-nesting Common Ringtail Black Kat Antechinus smarm , 6= adults Antechinus Glider. Not only are the Mus musculus, the Sugar Ratius raaus, 7 = House Mouse mortality among taken, but there is high 8 = Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus.

303 Vol. 113(6)1996 Research Reports

land) in a 'sea' of unsuitable habitat (urban Dickman, C.R. (1993). Raiders of the last ark: cats in inland buildings, pasture grasses, 'formal' urban Australia Australian Natural Histor) 24(5), 44-52. Dowling, B.. Seebeck, J.H. and Lowe. K.W. (1994). parkland and roadways, including those 'Cats and wildlife; results of a survey of wildlife with well-vegetated median strips). We admitted for care to shelters and animal welfare agencies maintain that foxes and cats may well be in Victoria'. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. having significant impact on the reduction 134. (Department of Conservation and Natural of biodiversity of native vertebrates which Resources: Melbourne.) George, W.G. live in the Greater Melbourne Area. (1974). Domestic cats as predators and factors in winter shortages of raptor prey. The Wilson References Bulletin 86, 384-96. Gibson, D.F., Johnson, K.A.. Langford, D.G., Cole, Adams, R.. Simmons, D and Wallis, R. (1994). 'Fauna JR., Clarke, D.E. and Willowra Community (1995). and flora survey of Currawong Reserve, East The Rufous Hare-wallaby Lagorchestes hirsutus ; a Doncaster' (Applied Australian Ecological Research history of experimental reintroduction in the Tanami Unit, Deakin University - Rusden Campus. Clayton.) Desert. Northern Territory. In 'Reintroduction Barratl. D.G. (1995). Predation and movement by Biology of Australian and New Zealand Fauna'. Ed. house-based domestic cats Felis earns (L.) in subur- M. Serena. (Surrey Beatty & Sons: Chipping Norton, ban and rural habitats - preliminary findings. In Sydney.) People and Nature Conservation'. Eds A. Bennett, Jones. E. and Coman, B.J. (1981). Ecology of the feral G. Backhouse and T. Clark (Transactions of the cat Felis catus (L) in south-eastern Australia. 1 . Diet. Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales. Australian Wildlife Research 8, 537-547 Surrey Beatty & Sons:Chipping Norton. Sydney). King, C. (1984). 'Immigrant Killers. Introduced Barratt, D (1996). The good, the bad and the uncertain. Predators and the Conservation of Birds in New Ecological effects of predation by domestic house Zealand'. (Oxford University Press: Auckland.) cats. Wildlife Australia 33 (4), 3-5. Lunney, D.. Triggs, B., Eby, P. and Ashby, E. (1990). Bayly, C.P (1978). A comparison of the diets of the Analysis of scats of dogs Canis familiaris and foxes red fox and the feral cat in an arid environment. Vulpes vulpes (Canidae: Carnivora) in coastal forests South Australian Naturalist 53, 20-28. near Bega, New South Wales. Australian Wildlife Brown, G.E. and Triggs. B.E. (1990). Diets of wild Research 17,61-68. canids and foxes in East Gippsland 1983-1987, using Paton, DC. (1993). Impact of domestic and feral cats predator scat analysis Australian Mammalogy 13, 209- 213 on wildlife. In 'Cat Management Workshop Brunner, H and Wallis. R. L. (1986). Roles of predator Proceedings 1993' Eds G. Siepens and C. Owens. scat analysis in Australian mammal research. The (Queensland Department of Environment Victorian Naturalist 103,79-87. and Heritage: Brisbane.) Brunner, H , Lloyd. J.W. and Coman, B J, (1975). Fox Seebeck. J.H. ( 1 978). Diet of the fox Vulpes vulpes in a scat analysis in a forest park in south-eastern western Victorian forest. Australian Journal of Australia. Australian Wildlife Research 2, 147-154. Ecology 3, 105-108. Brunner, H . Moro. D., Wailis. R. and Andrasek, A. Seebeck, J. . Greenwood, L. and Ward. D. (1991 ). Cats (1991). Comparison of the diets of foxes, dogs and in Victoria. In 'The Impact of Cats on Native cats in an urban park The Victorian Naturalist 108, 34-37. Wildlife'. Ed. C. Porter. (Australian National Parks Brunner. H.. Wallis, R.L., and Brown. P.R. (1992a) and Wildlife Service: Canberra). The vertebrate fauna of Mount Martha Park. Mount Short, J.. Turner, B., Parker, S. and Twiss. J. (1995). Martha, Victoria' (Applied Australian Ecological Reintroduction of endangered mammals to mainland Research Unit, Deakin University - Rusden Campus: Shark Bay In 'Reintroduction Biology of Clayton). Australian and New Zealand Fauna'. Ed. Brunner, M. Serena(Surrey H . Wallis. R.L., and Brown, P.R. (1992b). Beatty & Sons: Chipping Norton, Sydney.) "The vertebrate fauna of "The Briars". Mornington. Strahan, R.(Ed.) (1995). 'The Mammals of Australia'. Victoria' (Applied Australian Ecological Research (Australian Museum/Reed Books: Chatswood. Unit, Deakin University - Rusden Campus: Clayton). Sydney.) Brunner. H. and Wallis, R.L. (1993). "The vertebrate Triggs, B. (1984). 'Mammal Tracks and Signs: A Field fauna of the Seaford Foreshore Reserve'. (Applied Guide for South-eastern Australia' (Oxford Australian Ecological Research Unit. Deakin University Press: Melbourne.) University - Rusden Campus: Clayton). Triggs, B., Brunner. H. and Cullen, J.M. (1984). The Burbidge. A. A. and McKenzie, N.L. (1989). Patterns in food of fox. dog and cat in Croajingalong National the modern decline of Western Australia's vertebrate Park, south-eastern Victoria. Australian Wildlife fauna: causes and conservation implications. Research 11, 491-499. Biological Conservation 50, 143-198. Wallis, R.L. and Brunner, H. (1987). Changes in mam- Christensen, P. and Burrows. N. (1995). Project desert malian prey of foxes, Vulpes vulpes (Carnivora: dreaming: experimental reintroduction of mammals Canidae) over 12 years in a forest park near Melbourne, to the Gibson Desert. Western Australia. In Victoria. Australian Mammalogy 10, 43-44. 'Reintroduction Biology of Australian and New Wallis. R.L., Hochuli, D.. Kellett, C and Brunner, R Zealand Fauna' Ed. M. Serena. (Surrey Beatty & (1993). The fauna of Royal Park West, City of Sons: Chipping Norton. Sydney.) Melbourne'. (Applied Australian Ecological Research Coman. B.J. and Brunner. H. (1972). Food habits of the Unit, Deakin University - Rusden Campus: Clayton.) feral house cat in Victoria. Journal of Wildlife Management, 36, 848-53.

Delroy. LB.. Earl, J.. Radbone, I.. Robinson, AC. and Hewert. M. (1986). The breeding and re-establishment of Brush-tailed Bettongs Bettongiu penicillata in South Australia. In 'Reintroduction Biology of Australian and New Zealand Fauna". Ed. M. Serena (Surrey Beatty & Sons: Chipping Norton, Sydney.)

304 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

_i < CO^^qO^OOO^O^-O 0") -I o O O O CO CO CO O _ CM O O ir S« UJ X tD i- O). ^ CO i- t- ffl O *- £ o *rf o o o d O u_ ^ V o o o o o

o^Icooooooooooo OOOOOjOOCDOCOOCOCOOO

F O coa>c\io oooooooo Soo^oiooo^-oocni^cni^o

t < mcooooooooooo OO^OOCOOOOOCNIOOOOO (5 O 5 — x I P cm o x t- o h- o o S

<8 < coooooooooooo COOcyOOOOOCOO^OOOOO DC O is coooooooooooo O^.OJOOOO'-CNJOOJOJCMOO

8>£ < COt^-CMOOOOO^jOCDO OOOOO^CO^OCOOOOOO c a O ffi n OC _ to S 5 o x ocoocoaj c2cOTr o c <-*- o o O O- o ^ doooo Q- Z(0 LL Jfimcjjoooooooooo ooooooooooooooo

°C\jOOCOOO^CMOOO r;oooooooooocooooo

IZr^CMOOCMOOOOOOO o£ooooo$c\j;:oor--oo

o> o> *

E I =3 « to to oS o a. p Q_ — =5 *- to to

to tj co .2 co m s *§ to DC TO I III DC n E o S 3 O) w X 0> € S t o I lltif fl&iliiii UJ OJ 111 i§I LU £ 5 co 305 Vol. 113 (6) 1996 Research Reports

The Distribution and Abundance of Australian Fur Seals Arctocephalus pusillus and Bottlenose Dolphins Tursiops trun- cuius in Western Port, Victoria.

P Dann', R Jessop' and M. Healy 1

Abstract The distributions and seasonal occurrences of Australian Fur Seals and Bottlenose Dolphins in Western Port were examined at monthly intervals between 1991 and 1994 along an 81 km route at sea. Fifty-seven seals were seen on 27 surveys (79%) with a maximum number of six in any monthly count. Most seals were recorded in the western and northern arms of the bay, particularly at the western entrance near the breeding colony. Generally single and relatively small individuals were seen and these were presumed to be juveniles or small adult females. Forty-six dolphins were seen in the bay on eleven occasions (32% trips) but no seasonal pattern was obvious. Usually the dolphins were recorded in small pods near the two entrances of the bay and the maximum number recorded was ten (The Victorian Naturalist 1996, 113 306-310).

Introduction species in Port Phillip Bay suggest that one Twenty-four species of marine mammals or more pods are resident there (Jeff Weir have been reported in Victoria (Wakefield pers. comm.). 1967; Menkhorst 1995) but with the Western Port lies on the southern coast of exception of a few species, notably Victoria, east of Melbourne, and includes 2 Australian Fur Seals Arctocephalus pusil- 680 km of tidal mudflats. It has a 263 km lus (Warneke 1975, 1982; Warneke and coastline, 107 km of which are mangrove- Shaughnessy 1985), there is little pub- lined (Shapiro 1975). One large island lished information on their local distribu- (Phillip Island) lies across the southern tions or life histories. Australian Fur Seals edge and a larger island (French Island) range widely in south-eastern Australian occupies the centre of the Bay (Fig.3). In waters but appear to be restricted to the recent years there have been a number of seas on and near the continental shelf. The publications on the distribution and abun- total population is estimated to be between dance of birds in Western Port (Loyn et al. 35,000 and 60,000 (Kirkwood et al. 1992), 1994; Dann et al. 1994; Dann and Jessop of which more than two thirds are concen- in prep.) but no systematic study of the trated at three sites in Bass Strait: distribution and abundance of the marine Judgement Rocks, Seal Rocks and Lady mammals has been carried out. Julia Percy Island (Warneke 1982). Ten to In this paper we present information on twelve thousand seals breed at Seal Rocks, the distribution and seasonal occurrence of four kilometres south-west of the western Australian Fur Seals and Bottlenose entrance of Western Port (Warneke and Dolphins in Western Port between 1991 Shaughnessy 1985), but very few are and 1994 based on monthly boat surveys reported feeding in bays, estuaries or along along a 81 km route. This information was the coast although they are thought to pose a collected as part of a study of the marine birds problem to mesh-net fisheries in Port Phillip in Western Port (Dann and Jessop in prep). Bay and Western Port (Warneke 1982). The Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops trunca- Methods tus is widely distributed around the Thirty-four monthly surveys were com- Australian coast and throughout the world pleted in the 40 months between May 1991 (except in polar seas). It is commonly and August 1994. We aimed to space the encountered along the Victorian coast and counts at four-weekly intervals but boat in the larger bays and estuaries. Little is engine failure and inclement weather known of the life history and status of the caused five counts to be abandoned or Bottlenose Dolphin in Victorian waters postponed. Marine mammals were counted (LCC 1993) but recent studies of the along an 81 km series of transects (Fig.3) from a boat travelling at c.35 km/h (Table 1). ' Penguin Reserve Committee of Management, PO Box 97. Cowes, Phillip Island. Victoria 3922.

306 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

The transects were perpendicular to the Results main channels to cover the entire range of Australian Fur Seals sub-tidal water depths in each section of A total of 57 seals was recorded during the bay and thus avoided any biases associ- the survey period (this figure includes ated with potential depth preferences of seven seals seen between Cowes and the either species. Intertidal areas were not tra- start of the survey route at the western versed and subtidal areas less than two entrance to Western Port), giving a mean

metres deep at high tide were also not number of 1 .7 per trip. Seals were seen on counted, with the exception of those areas 27 surveys (79%) and the maximum num- in the eastern part of the Bay (Fig.3). The ber observed in any monthly count was six northern part of the western arm could not (in July 1993, Fig.l). The seasonal pattern be traversed due to the dangerous condi- of abundance in Western Port was more tions for boats caused by a combination of clearly illustrated by the monthly means of shallow water and substantial waves. all counts (Fig.2.). Slightly higher numbers However, no seals or dolphins were locat- of seals were found in March and July but ed in surveys of this area in autumn and there did not appear to be any marked sea- spring during calm weather. sonal pattern. Usually two observers were stationed on Seals were seen in all parts of the bay and either side of a seven-metre boat (eye on all transects except two of the shorter height c.4 m) and counted all pinnipeds runs at the top of the north arm (Fig.3). and and cetaceans in the right-angled sector Most were recorded in the western from the bow to starboard or port. northern arms of the bay, particularly at Sightings of each seal or dolphin were the western entrance near the breeding few were seen in made up to 500 m from the boat and colony (Fig.3). Relatively arm and none over recorded on a tape cassette. The observa- the shallower eastern areas. tion included the time, transect, number of intertidal single (mean group size, 1.08 + individuals and behaviour at the time. Generally = 51, rangel-2) and relatively Difficulties of visibility caused by weather 0.23, n small individuals were seen and these were (Tasker et al. 1984) were reduced by only presumed to be juveniles or small adult counting on days with wind speeds of less females. Only one adult male was recorded than 10 knots. The transect runs usually 1992). Almost all were 'sailing' took five hours and were carried out (February when seen (i.e. resting with one flipper around the middle of the day and, when held vertically out of the water) and only possible, within a few hours of high tide. one was observed feeding (on a Southern Identifications were made using 8 x 40 Fiddler Trygonorhina guanerius). binoculars. June 1991 to August and dolphins seen each month in Western Port, Table 1. The numbers of seals 1994. N. = no count.

Vol. 113 (6) 1996 Research Reports

10 i 1991 1992 1993 1994 9

8 • K(f) LU D SEALS CD 5 b n DOLPHINS 2 <_l 4 1- o 1- 2 -

" " u ill]I l l I 'J I" l l"H I" TH ("H fc Z o < -> =1<

Fig. 1. The total numbers of seals and dolphins counted each month in Western Port between April 1991 and August 1994. N denotes missing counts.

Bottlenose Dolphins Australian Fur Seals A total of 46 dolphins was recorded dur- Fur Seals were more frequently encoun- ing the survey period, giving a mean num- tered at the western entrance near their ber of 1.4 per trip. Dolphins were seen in breeding colony than in other parts of the bay on 1 1 occasions (32% trips) and Western Port: all but one individual were the maximum number recorded was 10 judged to be juveniles. Juveniles are rela- (July 1992). Monthly means of all counts tively sedentary with the natal colony showed slightly higher numbers of dol- being the focus of their activities (Warneke phins in July and November but no obvi- 1975). There have been 67 recoveries of ous seasonal pattern was apparent (Fig. 2). juveniles tagged at Seal Rocks and report- Most of the dolphins were recorded in the ed dead in the western arm and central western and eastern arms of the bay usual- Western Port and adjacent coasts ly in the vicinity of the two entrances (Warneke 1975). Proportionally these rep- (Fig. 3). None was seen in the northern resented a small part (13%) of the 514 parts of the bay or over intertidal areas. recoveries of tagged juveniles to that time. Dolphins were generally recorded in small It could be argued that many of the recov- pods (mean group size, 4.6 + 2.84, n = 10, ered carcasses found on the west coast of range 1-10). Phillip Island were a result of the prevail-

ing southwesterly swells, i.e. were carried Discussion there from Seal Rocks rather than repre- Our surveys suggest that Western Port is senting seal activity along that portion of not important for pinnipeds and cetaceans; coast (Warneke pers. comm.). A relatively the only two species recorded, Australian large area on the western side of the west- Fur Seal and Bottlenose Dolphin, being ern arm was not surveyed regularly (Fig.3) uncommon and sporadic in their occur- and may have been used by a few seals. rence in the bay during the survey period. However, Warneke's (1975) opinion that Western Port was not an important area for seals is supported by the low numbers reported during the course of this study. The bay seems to serve as a relatively small part of the range of juvenile seals and to be unimportant as a foraging area for the adult population. Western Port's influence on the colony, if any, would seem to be through indirect mechanisms, Fig. 2. The mean numbers of seals and dolphins such as its role in determining the water counted each month in Western Port between around April 1991 and August 1994. quality Seal Rocks or possibly

308 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Fig. 3. The distribution of Australian Fur Seal sightings, and the distribution of Bottlenose Dolphin sightings in Western Port. The series of transects are shown as black lines and the stippled areas are those less than two metres deep at high tide and include all intertidal areas and some shallow subtidal areas. through effects on inshore productivity in Taronga Zoo for rehabilitation (Atlas of the region. Victorian Wildlife, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; R. Dolphins Bottlenose Warneke pers. comm.). more likely to be recorded Dolphins were The mean size of groups frequenting of the eastern and western in the vicinity Western Port was typical of group sizes in Port Phillip entrances and, unlike those in Victoria and elsewhere in the world. pers. comm.), may not be Bay (Jeff Weir Locally, they are commonly seen in herds in Western Port resident. Their occurrence of about five to 20 inshore and occasional- and individuals seen in appeared transitory ly in larger aggregations further out to sea this survey may have been part of the (Menkhorst 1995). Leatherwood and Port Phillip groups commonly frequenting Reeves (1982) reviewed group sizes in this appears to be no Bay or Bass Strait. There species and gave mean values of between occurrence of dol- published data on the two and 18. There is some degree of segre- past which phins in Western Port in the gation within nearshore populations based changes in would shed some light on any on sex and age (Klinowska 1991) and this their use of the bay. may also influence group size. McBrearty are thought to con- common group Bottlenose Dolphins et al. (1986) give the most forms, and the Europe as sist of inshore and offshore size for Bottlenose Dolphins in reported in second most inshore form is occasionally two to five individuals and the reports are freshwater rivers, but these common sighting is of solitary animals. temporary Australian Fur most likely to be of vagrants or This study has found that Excursions appear to visitors (Klinowska 1991). Seals and Bottlenose Dolphins in Western Western Port and upstream have been reported make little regular use of individuals published infor- Port also. For example, two has highlighted the lack of kilo- movements were recorded in the Bass River four mation on the foraging areas, on the occurrence ot metres upstream from the bay and seasonal patterns of lactating Victorian waters. 20 October 1980, one an aged these two species in a young, female which died and the other was taken to possibly adult, male which 309 Vol. 113 (6) 1996 Research Reports

Acknowledgements University Press: Baltimore). This project was funded by Esso, BHP Loyn, R. L., Dann, P. and Bingham, P. (1994). Ten years of waterbird counts in Western Port, 1974-84. Petroleum, BHP Community Chest and the I: Waterfowl and large wading birds. Australian Penguin Reserve Committee of Management Birdwatcher 15, 333-350. and we would like to express our gratitude to Menkhorst, P. W. (1995). ed. 'Mammals of Victoria: these organisations for all their support. We are distribution, ecology and conservation' (Oxford indebted to Darrell Bray and Ian Huther for their University Press: Melbourne) capable boat handling and Wendy D'amore and McBrearty, D, A.. Message, M. A. and King, G. A. Leanne Renwick who provided considerable (1986). Observations on small cetaceans in the north- west Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea: assistance in the field sometimes under difficult 1978-1982. In 'Research on dolphins'. Eds. M. M. conditions. Additional help with data collation Bryden and R. J. Harrison. (Oxford University Press: and figure preparation was generously given by Oxford). Marion Wood, Maria Belvedere and Wetgens Shapiro, M. A. (1975). 'Westernport Bay Dimmlich. Bob Warneke, Ian Norman and Mike Environmental Study, 1973-74'. (Ministry for Cullen kindly provided comments on drafts of Conservation: Melbourne). this paper. Tasker, M L., Hope-Jones, P., Dixon, T and Blake. B. F (1984). Counting seabirds at sea from ships: a References review of methods employed and a suggestion for a standardized approach. Auk 101, 567-577. Dann, P. and Jessop, R . (in prep.). The distribution and Wakefield, N. A. (1967). Whales and dolphins record- abundance of Little Penguins in Western Port, south- -281. eastern Australia ed for Victoria. 771* Victorian Naturalist 84,273 Warneke, R M. (1975). Dispersal and mortality of Dann, P., Loyn. R. L. and Bingham, P. (1994) Ten juvenile fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus in years of waterbird counts in Western Port, doriferus Bass Strait, southeastern Australia. Rapports et 1974-84. II: Waders, gulls and terns. Australian Proces Reunions. Birdwatcher IS, 351-365. -Verbaux des Conseil International pour Exploration la Mer 169, 296 - 302. Kirkwood, R. Pemberton, D. and Copson, G. (1992). de Warneke. R. (1982). The distribution and abun- 'The Conservation and Management of Seals in M. Tasmania'. (Department of Parks, Wildlife and dance of seals in the Australasian Region, with sum- maries of biology current research. Pp. 431-75. Heritage, Hobart). and Klinowska, M. (1991) 'Dolphins, porpoises and In 'Mammals in the Seas. FAO Fisheries Series No. Vol IV. (Food and Agricultural Organization of whales of the world: The IUCN red data book'. 5, (1UCN: Oland). the United Nations: Rome). Warneke, P. LCC, (1993). 'Marine and coastal special investigation R. M. and Shaughnessy. D. (1985). Arctocephalus pusillus, the descriptive report'. (Land Conservation Council: South African and Melbourne) Australian Fur Seal: taxonomy, evolution, biography, and life history. In 'Studies of sea in south Leatherwood, S. and Reeves, R. (1982) Bottlenose mammals Dolphin Tursiops truncatus and other toothed latitudes'. Eds. J. K. Ling and M. M. Bryden. (South Australian Museum: Adelaide). cetaceans. In 'Wild mammals of North America. Biology, Management and Economies'. Eds J. A. Chapman and G. A. Feldhamer. (Johns Hopkins

Dan Mc Innes - 90 Years Young!

We congratulate Dan on reaching this milestone.

Dan is the oldest, active member of the FNCV, and, throughout a distinguished time with the Club, he has held a large number of the possible official positions. His interests range over a wide spectrum from geology and the computer to atomic physics, but his special love is the microscopical life in Melbourne's ponds - still under the scrutiny of Dan's beady eye. As well, Dan finds time to attend and help at the Melbourne Junior Field Naturalists Club (ex Hawthorn Juniors) meetings, where he was once a long-time president. Dan epitomises what an FNCV member is all about: Knowledgeable Keen to pass on that knowledge Willing to take part

It is a privilege to know him.

310 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Observations of White-footed Dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus- Behaviour and Nest-site Locations on the Anglesea Heathlands, Victoria.

S. D. Hutchings'

Introduction transmitter that emitted a unique frequency Various activities of the White-footed output. This enabled a number of dunnarts to Dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus were observed be radio tracked at the one time. The range of during a study of the home range and habitat each collar was approximately 200 m and bat- utilisation conducted during 1993 on the Bald tery life extended for eight days. Hills heathlands of Anglesea, Victoria Individual dunnarts fitted with radio collars (BT507466). Prior to this study, information were released into the field and radio tracked regarding 5. leucopus was limited to data using a portable receiver and a three element obtained via trapping studies (Cheetam and Yagi hand held antenna. Radio tracking was Wallis 1981; Lunney et al. 1989) and no conducted on consecutive nights between 6:00 knowledge of the behaviour of this species pm and 1 :00 am for a maximum of eight beyond trap sites was available. However, nights. The position of each dunnart was noted during the winter months of 1993, dunnarts every half hour either by sight or when esti- captured during trapping sessions were fitted mated to be within 5 m of the observer. When with radio collars and radio tracked. This an individual was sighted some time was enabled individual dunnarts to be followed devoted to observing its behaviour. To remove between trap sites and beyond trapping grids the radio collars at the end of the radio track- and subsequently dunnart behaviour was ing session, dunnarts were retrapped, the col- observed. lars were cut off and the animals were released Study Area The Bald Hills heathlands are located within Results the ALCOA lease area of the Anglesea heath- Dunnart Captures lands approximately 100 km southwest of Five dunnarts that were trapped during the Melbourne. These heathlands are dominated study period were selected for radio tracking. by a midstorey of shrubs, mainly Three individuals, one female and two males, Leptospermum myrsinoides, Xanthorrhoea were radio tracked for sessions consisting of a australis, Leptospermum continentale, period of eight nights. A further two individu- Monotoca scoparia, Dillwynia glaberrima, als, one male and one female, were radio Epacris impressa, with a sparse overstorey of tracked on two separate occasions, both ses- Eucalyptus willisii (Land Conservation sions consisting of eight night periods. Council 1987). Response to Radio Collars Although it was common for S. leucopus Methods individuals fitted with radio collars to move Trapping away from the capture site immediately upon three nights Trapping was conducted for release, not all did so. Observations of these before and after each radio tracking session. dunnarts found that they displayed a variety of One hundred Elliot traps, baited with a mix- immediate responses to the attachment of a honey, ture of rolled oats, peanut butter and radio collar. A number of dunnarts scratched grid con- were placed 15 m apart in a 10 x 10 at the collar as if it were an irritation before figuration. Traps were checked each morning moving away. A male dunnart vigorously and all species captured were numbered, groomed his face and head and then com- weighed and body measurements were taken menced a series of somersaults as if trying to Radio Tracking rid himself of the collar. A female dunnart dur- A small number of 5. leucopus captured clung to a stick with her feet and jaws and pro- radio ground ing trapping sessions were fitted with a ceeded to hiss and roll around on the stage radio these dunnarts collar. Each collar carried a single for two to three minutes. When the radio tracking ses- Sciences, were observed later in 'Department of Biological and Chemical Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3217.

311 Vol. 113(6)1996 Contributions

the nest the attention unclear. When a dunnart was in sion they rarely appeared to pay any and clear of debris. occasional scratch. opening was obvious to the collar except for an However, when the dunnart left the nest, the However, collars attached too loosely can with moss and dunnarts' necks opening was covered over wear at the skin around the leaves. and some may also get their front legs trapped Another observed dunnart nest was located the collar whilst vying to remove it. under of a in a hollowed out burnt stump Response to Telemetry Operators Xantlwrrhoea. The bottom of the hollow was Although the dunnarts moved away from the covered with moss and leaves. An uncollared, operators during daylight hours, at night they was presumably female, dunnart was in this nest appeared to be quite unconcerned. This and the male dunnart being radio tracked at especially the case for dunnarts that had been time was often observed in the immediate handled regularly during trapping sessions the prior to radio tracking. vicinity. conducted in third nest, found during daylight hours Alternatively, dunnarts that were infrequently A level vegetation, appeared to be simi- during trapping never allowed close ground handled of dried lar to a small bird's nest. It was made approach by the operators. However, on many protected above by pass within cen- grass and moss and occasions dunnarts would unknown ignoring Xanthorrhoea leaves. It was timetres of the operators, apparently by the dunnart or operators were whether the nest was made their presence, even while the nest of a bird. unre- whether it was the abandoned talking. Most dunnarts also remained opera- sponsive to any direct approach by the Conclusion observation of their tors and subsequent close Generally dunnarts appeared to be relatively tracked behaviour was possible. solitary animals. Sometimes two radio Hunting and Feeding Behaviour individuals would be found within a few hunting behav- time Two instances of S. leucopus metres of each other, but most of their radio tracking. In iour were observed during appeared to be spent hunting alone. climbed the leaves han- the first instance a dunnart The two dunnarts that were frequently Xanthorrhoea aus- of a Austral Grass Tree dled during trapping sessions appeared to clinging to the leaves. This tralis to capture a frog become de-sensitised to human presence. under the skirt behav- The dunnart then disappeared particular observation of S. leucopus the skirt of the dunnart of the plant to eat. When iour has lead to the presumption that was Xanthorrhoea was parted, the dunnart movement and behaviour in some cases was captured frog. other observed feeding on the not biased by the operator, whilst in back legs of the frog to Feeding began with the cases movement by the dunnarts appeared head while the frog and continued towards the be an attempt to avoid the operator. dunnart was later was still alive. This same Acknowledgments the stalk of a Thatch Saw observed climbing particular Wes Prosser and I would like to thank in capture a moth which Sedge Guhnia radula to Graeme Castleman for consistently accompanying down to had alighted at the top of the plant. me on those long, cold, wet winter nights during General observations of feeding behaviour Anglesea. Not only were they great company but they their hind legs can often become tedious field work, found that S. leucopus sat up on what taking over when my anten- their front feet, were also a great help, to feed, grasped their prey with of na arm got tired. and chewed upon the prey using the side Afterwards the dunnarts thorough- the mouth. References front feet, face and head Field notes on the ly groomed their Cheetam. R. J. and Waltis, R. L. (1981). appeared Sminthopsis leucopus Gray before moving on. Most prey items While-footed Dunnart. The Victorian Naturalist 98. and Warsupialia : Dasyuridac). be insects, such as moths, millipedes to 248-51 above, small Area. grasshoppers but, as mentioned Land Conservation Council (1987). Melbourne Final Recommendations. (Land vertebrates were also preyed upon. Dislrict 1 Review. Conservation Council: Victoria). Nests J. (1989). Habitat Lunney. D; OConnell. M. and Sanders. found in a variety of leucopus Gray Five dunnart nests were of the While-footed Dunnart, Sminthopsis in a logged, burnt forest near nesting sites appeared to be (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae) places. Three Ecology Bega. New South Wales. Australian Journal of the ground but whether the dunnarts holes in 14.335-44. utilising dug the holes themselves or were holes abandoned by other animals was

The Victorian Naturalist 312 Naturalist Notes

From our Naturalist in Residence, Glen Jameson

Middle Yarra Timelines

Most of the resident Bird population activities are dominated by the strategies of breeding, the landscape is ablaze with Wattle and the ground Flora paints The landscape with the sensuous brush of Spring. A warm change is in the air and all in the bushlands are swept up in a surge of the powers of production

Early Spring

An Early Spring dawn is a soundscape Common Galaxias, Broad-finned Galaxias filled with an explosion of birdsong pro- and the Spotted Galaxias begins. On the claiming the joys and power of parent- Riverbanks, bowers of Small-leaved flowers cascade from Burgan hood. It is a tumultuous time, loud with , Clematis morning streams of sunlight. territorial trumpeting , a feathered fanfare catching and Shrubby of clucks, whistles, trills, caws, twitters Dusty Miller, Prickly Moses the Riparian forest and pipings from all points of the compass. Tree Violets flower in ground, Kidney Weed is in Weebills to Wedge-tailed Eagles are either and, on the minute flowers. A fledgling on the nest, feeding young, or telling the bloom with its Powerful Owl, just out from the hollow, world about it. on Burgan while Along the Yarra River the Pallid finds a precarious perch watchful vigilance from Cuckoo, with an ear out for those who are the parents keep the boughs of a tall Manna Gum. proclaiming nest sites, joins in the chorus above on idles below the Burgan hoping for a from a Silver Wattle whose blooms have A fox mishap. faded. change came one morning high flow with constant The seasonal The River is in wind in early August when a waft of warm rain, the water is highly turbid, cold and with magical fragrances enveloped productive levels are still low. The filled with the promise and energy of upstream migration from the sea of the day

313 Vol. 113 (6) 1996 Naturalist Notes

Spring. Young Eastern Grey Kangaroos some of which have escaped into venture out of the pouch and stretch youth- Bushlands, such as the Cootamundra and ful legs by bounding exuberantly over early Black Wattles, add further to the everything, real and imagined, in fact, the domination by this genus. whole mob moves with real spring in their In the Grassy Woodlands on the slopes long leaps. ' Early Spring fever' even and valleys, Blackwoods, Kangaroo Thorn, touches the normally reserved, cagey Hop Wattle and Juniper Wattle lead an behaviour of four Little Ravens who awesome floral array. Colonies of uncharacteristically involve themselves in Greenhood Orchids - Nodding, Blunt, joyous ariel displays over Longridge Park. Trim and Tall patch the forest floor. Whilst Dramatic weather changes are a feature Blue Bonnet, Common Beard Heath, Early of early Spring and occur frequently within Nancy, Love Creeper, Pink Bells, Yam hours, sometimes going from cloudy Daisy, Scented Sundew, Spur Vellia, showers, to warm, bright sunny periods to Small Swamp Daisy and Native Violets cloud, hail and arctic winds. All six sea- amongst others, daub the bushlands in a sons in one day. The warming weather riotous profusion of colour. Wonga Vine is transforms the days with the restless ener- in flower as it hangs from a Yellow Box in gy of an awakened changeling. The power a moist gully where a Horsefield Cuckoo of the surges Sun through the productive awaits a moment when it can find an forces stirring up the food chains to ener- unguarded nest. getic generation of new life. Everything is Spur-winged Plovers nesting in open caught in up the excitement of the new country are in dispute with all who venture biotic rhythm. near their nesting sites, in fact, they seem Downstream, on the Wetlands of the to be in a constant state of agitation. Peninsula Paddock at Yarra Flats (reputed Magpies with hatching young , swoop to be the site of Streeton's Still Glides the across their territory in search for the Stream) a dozen Pelicans herd fish by unwary who may venture on to their terri- moving in formation with a circular tory and leave a skull unguarded. manoeuvre. In a slow motion watery bal- Sometimes they are heard carolling during let, they close the circle around the herded the night, perhaps warning of the Powerful fish, then with avian elegance simultane- Owl' s presence or commenting on hatch- ously dip underwater to feed. Cattle lings. Egrets follow the slow pace of agisting cat- The Australian Painted Lady Butterfly, tle. The ponds begin to warm, and aquatic one of the first to emerge are spiralling in plants begin to show new shoots while on two's and three's above the grasses. The the waters edge, there is the frothy bubble diurnally active Magpie Moths are in flight of Froggy metamorphlings slowly forming above their host plant, Cotton Fireweed. new arms and legs. Flotillas of baby duck- The first of the migrants, Fairy Martins, lings follow their parents in the hunt for a arrive with time to spend on the neat mud feed in the Wetlands of Yarra Flats. A nests that they place under bridges and in Chestnut Teal pair have successfully bred tall culverts. Olive-backed Orioles, Rufous this year in the ephemeral pond north of Whistlers and Satin Flycatchers arrive the Picnic Shelter and they join the Wood soon after. Ducks and Pacific Black Ducks in raising Exotic Grasses such as Yorkshire Fog, families. Sweet Vernal and Cocksfoot grow prodi- Across the landscape is splashed the paint giously during this season outcompeting of Wattle. The diversity of form and adapt- the Native Grasses. They have the biologi- able ecology of the Wattle Family, insures cal advantage of evolving in a colder cli- that wherever you look, Wattle blossom mate and are therefore able to grow faster dominates the vista capturing your focus as during cooler weather. The Native Grasses, they worship the Sun's return in a celebra- have thrown up flowering culms, but need tion of its golden tones. The fragrance of the extra warmth of True Spring to get into their pollen ladens the air with a heavy, growth motion. sweet scent; a Bush incense marking the On the Hilltops out in the Bend of Isles at ritual arrival of Early Spring. The planting Kangaroo Ground, Red Ironbarks are in of non-indigenous Wattles in Gardens, prodigious flower, feeding a range of

314 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

Parrots and Honeyeaters during the day be the time and Sugar Gliders to see Orchids there and Brush-tailed In the late afternoon sun. Phascogales during the night. The a Fan-tailed Golden Cuckoo gulps down Wattle, Myrtle-leaf Wattle and a fat caterpillar, the Thin-leaf juices of which Wattle lead the spray golden splinters into flowering show across the the air above its head. hills. Climbing up on a Spreading It is a haughty cele- Wattle is bration of a a Purple successful breeding campaign Coral Pea and the mix of the yel- whereby the food caught low and purple colours is its alone, not is superb, and the n share jt with mate vivid red of running \ li° or brood. Postman contrasts «fWood White with the Butterflies are blown along creamy tops of Candlesticks; the on the breezes as they search Bush has a storehouse of for partners pleasurable in between bursts items. of inclement weather and Golden Whistlers are heard On Fourth Hill calling of Warrandyte State Park vigorously. there is perhaps the most spectacular dis- The night skies dominated by the play of the floral stars year. Just before the Altair, Canopus, Achernar, Vega and Spica Spring equinox, the northern slope is cov- rebound with the amplified swamp ered with the Golden Bush-pea in flower. orchestra of the Southern Brown Tree The golden colours are a show in them- Frog, Common Froglet and the Whistling selves but when contrasted with the fire Tree Frog. The sound levels emanating blackened trunks of the Red Box, Red from the mist shrouded Glynns wetlands, Stringybark and Long-leafed Box, they are part of Laughing Waters Park, generated sensational. Fire is essential in regenerat- by the Frogs, are in counterpoint with the ing the Golden Pea-bush and the pre- soundscape of the Birds at dawn, a eupho- scribed burn in 1991 , has resulted in a reju- nious celebration of the Early Spring venated garden of delight. euphoria. Amongst the native grasses and leaf litter Glen Jameson PO Box of Fourth hill are Leopard Orchids, a few 568. Templestowe, Victoria 3106. Waxlips and Green-comb Spider Orchids. However, a little later in True Spring will

Species List

* denotes an introduced species Whistler, Rufous - Pachycephala Fireweed, Cotton - Senecio quadri- rufiventris dentatus Animals Froglet, Cpomraon - Runidella sig- Greenhood, Blunt - Pterosylis curia - Glider, Sugar Pelaurus breviceps ntfera Greenhood, Nodding - P. nutans Australian Kangaroos, Eastern Grey Tree Frog, Southern Brown - Litoria Greenhood, Tall - P. longifolia - Macropus giganteus ewingi Greenhood, Trim - P. pedunculata Phascogale, Brush-tailed - Tree Frog, Whistling - L verreauxi Gum, Manna - Eucalyptus viminalis Phascogale lapoatafa Galaxias, Broad-finned - Galaxias Kangaroo Thorn - Acacia paradoxa brevipinnis Love Creeper - Comesperma volu- Cuckoo, Fan-tailed - Cacomantis Galaxias, Common - G. maculatus bile flabelliformis Galaxias, Spotted - G. truttaceus Prickly Moses - Acacia vertxillata Cuckoos, Horsefield's Bornze - Scented Sundew - Drosera whittak- Chrysococcyx basalts Painted Lady Butterfly Vanessa ker- eri Cuckoos, Pallid - Cucullus pallidus shawi Spur Vellia - Velleia paradoxa Duck, Pacific Black - Anas supercil- Moth, Magpie - Nyctemera arnica •Sweet Vernal - Anthoxanthum iosa odoratus Duck, Australian Wood - Plants Red Ironbark - Eucalyptus tricarpa Chenonetta jubata Beard Heath. Common - Violets, Native - Viola hederacea - Egrets, Cattle - Ardea ibis Leucopogon virgalus Violet. Shrubby Tree Magpie, Australian - Gymnorhina Bells, Pink - Tetratheca ciliata Hymenanthera dentata tibicen Blackwood - Acacia melanoxylon * Wattle. Cootamundra - Acacia Martins, Fairy - Hirundo ariel Bonnet, Blue - Hovea linearis baileyana - A.decurrens Oriole.Olive-backed - Oriolus sagit- Burgan - Kunzea ericoides •Wattle, Early Black - pyenantha talus Bush-pea, Goldern - Puttenea gunnii Wattle, Golden A. - Wattle, Hop - A, stricta Owl, Powerful - Ninox strenua Clematis, Small-leaved Clematis Juniper - A. ulicifolia Raven, Little - Corvus mellori microphylla Wattle, Wattle, Myrtle-leaf- A. myrtifolia Pelican Australian - Pelecanus con- •Cocksfoot - Dactylis glomerata - •Wattle.Sallow - A. longifolia spicillatus Daisy, Small Swamp Brachyscome Wattle. Silver - A. dealbata Teal. Chestnut - Anas castanea uliginosa - - Wattle, Thin-leaf A. aculeatissima Weebill - Smicrornis brevirostris Daisy, Yam Microseris lanceolata Weed, Kidney -Dichondra repens Wedge-tailed - Aquita audax Dusty Miller - Spyridium parvifoli- •Yorkshire Fog - Holcus lanatus Whistler, Golden - Pachycephala um - dioica peel oralis Early Nancy Wurmbea

315 Vol. 113 (6) 1996 Memorial

Reserve Named in Honour of the Late Dr Jim Willis

The following letter was sent by the Bayside City Council to Mrs M. Willis and we acknowledge their kind permission to reproduce it here:-

Dear Mrs Willis Council at its meeting on 26th August, 1996 resolved that a letter under the seal of BAYSIDE CITY COUNCIL be presented to you, as a mark of respect for your late husband, Dr Jim Willis AM.

It is well known that Dr Willis was a notable Australian Botanist and author of numerous publications. As a resident of Brighton since 1937, local flora and the preservation of the foreshore were of special interest to him. His professional advice was freely given to local environmental and horticultural groups. Dr Willis's research and writings added significantly to our knowledge of Australian plant species. He was a distinguished Brighton and Australian citizen. Accordingly, BAYSIDE CITY COUNCIL has honoured his memory by naming the area of Bayside foreshore between the Brighton Lifesaving club and Green Point as "Dr Jim Willis Reserve" in acknowledgement of his contribution to our community.

The Common Seal of BAYSIDE CITY COUNCIL was hereunto affixed on the 26th Day of August, 1996 in the presence of

the Chief Commissioner, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer.

Sheila Houghton 1996 Honorary Member of the FNCV

In recognition of outstanding service to the Club, Sheila has been awarded honorary membership.

Some highlights of her long and productive association with the FNCV are: 1972 - joined the FNCV; 1981- elected as Councillor; 1982 - elected as Secretary, a position held until 1985; 1985 - elected as Librarian and still holds this position. During the period 1986-1990 and from 1993 to the present, has held the postion of Secretary to the Australian Natural History Medallion Award Committee. As Librarian, Sheila was responsible for moving the library from the Herbarium to our Blackburn Hall and for the design of the new library. In 1994 she organised the sale of 'rare books', which were not utilized by the Club, and raised $42,000 by this effort.

Our congratulations to Sheila for a well-deserved Honorary Membership.

316 The Victorian Naturalist Book Review

Geelong's Birdlife. In Retrospect A Selection of Geelong Advertiser Articles by P.J.W. 1945-1958 by Trevor Pescott

Publisher: Yaugher Print, Belmont 1996; 176 pages, 16 pages of illustrations (black & white, colour); RRP $20.00

For this book, Trevor Pescott has edited a His written work is, however, an important selection of the articles about birds written document of the status of birds in the for Geelong's daily newspaper, The GEelong area in the post-war era, and Geelong Advertiser, between 1945 and pescott has done us all a service by making 1958 by P.J.W. (Percival John Wood). some of Wood's writings more readily Pescott is Wood's successor, and has writ- available. His columns are particularly ten a natural history column in the Geelong interesting because they allow us to see the Advertiser since 1960. To provide some changes that have taken place in local bird modern context, and to clarify some of populations since the war. Whilst birds Wood's idiosyncratic writing, Pescott has such as Little Egrets, Galahs, Pied provided commentary on the current status Oystercatchers and Black-shouldered Kites of some of the birds, and modern nomen- are more abundant now than then, others clature. have fared less well, and for example the Wood was born in Geelong in 1878 and Bush Stone-curlew, Grey-crowned Babbler pursued amateur ornithology as his and Australian Bustard are now locally employment allowed, but after retirement extinct. he spent a great deal of this time watching, This book would no doubt be of greatest writing about, painting and sketching interest to readers from the Geelong dis- birds. His particular interest in Corio Bay trict, but is probably of general interest to and its birds was fostered by his activities any fans of historical natural history writ- as a shipping provedore, when he travelled ing. The recommended retail price is on the bay to meet incoming ships. $20.00 and readers from outside the

Wood's somewhat formal style is remi- Geelong area can order it directly from the niscent of natural history writing of the late publisher Yaugher Print, 4 Victorian nineteenth century. He had a keen eye, and Terrace, Belmont, Victoria 3216, phone his observations are both careful and well (052) 43 4368, fax (052) 41 3227. written. His illustrations were of a style perhaps most generously described as Lawrie Conole naive - at times bordering on the bizarre! 2/45 Virginia Street, Newtown. Victoria 3220

Trevor Pescott 1996 Honorary Member of the FNCV

Trevor Pescott was awarded honorary membership of the FNCV at the December general meeting after 40 years membership. Trevor, who won the Australian Natural History Medallion in 1983, has made an outstanding contribution to natural history study and the conserva- region. He was tion of wildlife and its habitat, particularly in the Geelong 1961-1964, and is a President of the Geelong Field Naturalists Club from Advertiser, and a num- well known author, both of a column, in The Geelong ber of books. We extend our congratulations to Trevor

317 Vol. 113(6)1996 Honours

1996 Mueller Medal Awarded to Dr Sophie Ducker

The 1996 Mueller Medal was present- fungi. In 1978 Dr. Ducker was awarded ed to Dr. Sophie Ducker by the Premier a D.Sc. degree for the originality of her

of Victoria, Hon. J. G. Kennett, M.P., at research on the reproductive biology of a reception in Queen's Hall, Parliament Australian seagrasses and, in 1993, an House during the Royal Botanic honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in Gardens 1996 Commemorative recognition of her contribution to the Conferences. ANZAAS presents the community at large. award to a scientist who is author of Dr. Ducker' s interest in the algae was important contributions to anthropology, stimulated by Professor R. Chodat dur- botany, geology or zoology, preferably ing her studies in Geneva in 1930 but with special reference to Australia, and the opportunity to pursue this interest Dr. Ducker is eminently qualified to be a did not arise until 1961 when she stud- recipient. ied with the phycologist Dr. Peter Dixon The nomination was based on Dr. in Liverpool, England. She returned to Ducker' s contributions to marine botany Melbourne in 1962 and founded a in Australia; her researches into the his- course in Marine Botany which was the

tory of botanical exploration and collect- first of its kind in Victoria. In 1995 Dr. ing in Australia and the Pacific; excel- Ducker achieved fifty years of continued lence in teaching and involvement in the contribution to research and teaching at wider community. the University of Melbourne. She has Dr. Sophie Ducker (nee von published over 100 academic papers and Klemperer) was born in Berlin in 1909 is the author of two books. and was educated both in Germany and Upon receiving the medal Dr. Ducker England. In 1929 she entered the commented on the similarities between University of Geneva and later the the life of Ferdinand Mueller and her Technische Hochschule in Stuttgart own: they both had migrated from where she studied the natural sciences Germany to Australia and had spent until her marriage in 1931. Forced to their lives in botanical studies. Her leave Nazi Germany in 1938 she arrived father had been born in Schleswig- in Australia in 1941 and was appointed Holstein, Mueller's birth place also. She as a laboratory technician at the School could have added that Mueller's first of Botany at the University of botanical collection in Australia was a Melbourne in 1944. While curating the seaweed, collected from the side of the department's collection of soil moulds ship just before he disembarked. she undertook part time studies in science and graduated with a bachelor of Ian Endersby Looker Road, Montmorency. Victoria 3094 science degree in 1953, and a master of 56 science in 1956 for her research on soil

318 The Victorian Naturalist lonours

Jeffrey Kennett MR, after Sophie Ducker talks to the Premier of Victoria, the Honourable Media Unit, University ot he presented her with the Mueller Medal. Photo courtesy Melbourne. ^ .

The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Inc. Established 1880 Society of Victoria, In which is incorporated the Microscopical

and protect OBJECTIVES: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve Australian flora and fauna. in natural history and includes Membership is open to any person interested beginners as well as experienced naturalists.

Street, Blackburn, Victoria 3130. Registered Office: FNCV, 1 Gardenia

1 30. Phone/Fax (03)9877 9860 Postal Address: FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackbum.3

Patron The Governor of Victoria His Excellency, The Honourable Richard E. McGarvie,

Key Office-Bearers 1996/97 s School of Aquatic Science and ura ' °u President: Professor ROBERT WALL1S, 1 ff 7278 Fax (03)*f9244 7403. Management, Deakin University (Rusden), Clayton, 3168. (03) 9244 130. FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, 3 Hon Secretary- Mr GEOFFREY PATERSON,

398CI. »,987996. *» THaSST^SS^k PO Box ,000, Blind Bight (03)

3130.AH 284097. HOUGHTON, FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, (03) 54 jUbrunun Mr, SHEILA Secretary: DOROTHY MAHLER. AH (03) 9435 8408^ Excursion 2617. Bag 3, PO Blackburn, 3 1 30. AH (03) 9850 Book Sates- Dr ALAN PARKIN, FNCV, Locked Street, Montmorency, 3094. Pmgrame Secretary/Newsletter Editor: Dr NOEL SCHLEIGER, 1 Astley 3 Essendon, 3040, ronse^ation°CoOTdi'nSENNY WILSON, 206 Pascoe Vale Road, AH (03) 9370 6434) Group Secretaries Black Rock, 3143^(03 598 9492- Botany. Mr JOHN E1CHLER, 18 Bay view Crescent, f Mon morcney ,3094,03))< 9435 8408. Day Group: Dr NOEL SCHLEIGER, 1 Astley Street, '989013913. HARPER, 33 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert 3127 (03) Geology: Mr DOUG 4684 FELICITY GARDE, 18 Col lege Parade, Kew 3101 (03) 9818 Fauna Survey. Ms 0696. Lennox St., Hawthorn. (03) 98 8 Marine Research: Mr MICHAEL LYONS. 39 ^22 Road, Mernda, 3754. (03) 97 17 35 1 1 Microscopical'. Mr RAY POWER, 36 Schotters MEMBERSHIP monthly Field Nat News free^ The Club organis- Members receive The Victorian Naturalist and the both botanical and fauna monthly meetings and excursions. Research work, including es several encouraged of locations in Victoria, and all members are surwys is being done at a number to participate.

SUBSCRIPTIONS RATES for 1997

(Subscription are due on 1 January)

First Member $4 •• Metropolitan • ^-.n Concessional (pensioner/student/unemployed) |^" Country (more than 50km from GPO) *""^15 Junior (under 18)

Additional Members $ )5 Adult * $5 Junior

Institutional $55 Australian Institutions ""aUD$o5 Overseas Institutions g^j Schools/Clubs

Street, Burwood, Victoria 3125. Printed by Brown Prior Andereson, 5 Evans

V The Victorian Naturalist

Index to Volume 112, 1995

Compiled by K.N. Bell Amphibians Home, P.A., 56 Amphibians and Reptiles, Melbourne Houghton, S., 183 (obituary for W. area, 160 Perry), 188 Baw Baw Frog, reassessment of, 190 Hurley, V.G. and Emison, W.B., 100 Philoriafrosti, reassessment of, 190 Irvine, R. and Bender, R., 212 James, E. 122 Australian Natural History Medallion Jameson, G., 174 Medallist, R. Elliot, 188 Jelinek, A., 47 Medallist honoured, 108 Jelinek, A., Cameron, D., Belcher, C. and Trust fund, 108 Turner, L., 112 Kelly, P. 266 (book review) Authors Kutt, A.S., 86 Alexander, J., Mansergh, I. and Schulz, Larwill, S.A., 160 M., 219 Lunt, I.D., 239 Allan, R. and Elgar, M., 1 80 (book MacQueen, M., 101 review) Mclnnes, D.E., 256, 267 (obituary for M. Ashby, M. and Gadsden, G., 1 16 Allender) Baverstock ,G.A. and Conole, L.E., 208 McKinnon, L. and Shepheard, N„ 93 Beasley, A.W., 126 Main, B.Y., 202 L., Belcher, C., Turner, Jelinek, A. and Mansergh, I., Schulz, M. and Alexander,

Cameron, D., 112 J., 219 Bell, K.N., 228 Martin, A., 177 Bell, K.N., Neil, J.V. and Burn, R., 72 Meehan, C, 60

Bender, R. and Irvine, R., 212 Morgan, J., 138 (book review) Burn, R., Bell, K.N. and Neil, J.V., 72 Morgan, J.W. and Rollason, T.S., 148 Butcher, R. and Doeg, T.J., 15 Neil, J.V., Burn, R. and Bell, K.N., 72 Calder, J., 104 (book review) New, T.R., 29,40,66 (book review) Calder, M., 264 (book review) New, T.R. and Yen, A.L., 4,36,54 Cameron, D., Belcher, C, Turner, L. and Norman, M.D. and Sant, G.J., 20 Jelinek, A., 112 O'Hara.T., 50,261 Clunie, P. and Reed, J. 32 Ralph, C, 106 (letter) Conole, L.E. and Baverstock, G.A., 208 Reed, J. and Clunie, P., 36 Costermans, L., 137 (book review) Rennick, S., 172 Coy, R., 6 Rollason, T.S. and Morgan, J.W., 148 Crichton, G.A., 255 Sago, J., 234 Doeg, T.J. and Butcher, R., 15 Sant, G.J. and Norman, M.D., 20 Douglas, J., 136 Schleiger, N„ 105 Dufty A.C., 79 Schulz, M., Alexander, J. and Dzedins, A., 221 Mansergh, I., 219 Editors (The Victorian Naturalist), 70 Shepheard, N. and McKinnon, L., 93 (book review) Turner, L., Jelinek, A., Cameron, D. and Eichler,J., 182 Belcher, C, 112 Elgar, M. and Allan, R., 180 (book Vaughan, P., 63 review) Walsh, N., 262 (book review) Emison, W.B. and Hurley, V.G., 100 Willis, J.H., 217 (book review) Endersby, I. 67 Yen, A.L., 58 Entwisle, T.J., 139 Yen, A.L. and New, T.R., 4,36,54 Falkingham, C, 102, 134, 178, 222, 258 Farnworth, A., 207 (book review) Birds Field, R.P., 43 Corcorax melanorhampos, and bird Fletcher, R.J., 129,250 behaviour, 258 Gadsden, G. and Ashby, M., 1 16 Helmeted Honeyeater, habitat revegeta- Hollis, G.J., 190 tion, 116 Mountain ducks, tragedy of instinct, 255 Victorian alps, 250 Peregrine Falcon eyries, Melbourne, 100 Whipstick nature trail, 29 Searching for the rare white bird, 174 Tadorna tadomoides, tragedy of instinct Conservation 255 Agricultural environments, threatened White-winged Choughs and bird behav- ecosystems, 56 iour, 258 Alpine regions, vulnerable ecosystems, 54 Book Reviews Butterfly houses, life beyond, 58 'Australian Beetles', J.F. Lawrence and Collecting, a threatening process?, 36 E.B. Britton. (P. Kelly), 266 Conservation of butterflies, 43 'Australian Natural History Series'. (Eds, Conservation of freshwater invertebrates, The Victorian Naturalist), 70 15 'Flora Victoria', of Vol.1, eds Conservation status of terrestrial inverte- D.B. Foreman and N.G. Walsh, Vol.2, brates, 6 eds. N.G. Walsh and T.J. Entwisle. Conservation strategy for a threatened (J.H.Willis), 217 butterfly community, 47 'Hidden Rainforests, Subtropical rain- Conservation of marine invertebrates, 20 forests and their invertebrate biodi-ver- Conservation of marine invertebrates, San sity.' G. Williams. (T.R. New), 66 Remo, 50 'Identification Handbook for Native Education, improving invertebrate image, Grasses.' M. Mitchell. (J. Morgan), 138 60 'Orchids of Victoria'. G. Backhouse and Fauna-flora guarantee protection, 32 J. Jeanes. (M. Calder), 264 Focussing on species for conservation, 29 'Peninsula Plants: A field guide to indige- How community and naturalists can con- nous plants of the Mornington tribute to conservation, 63 Peninsula.' K. and P. Strickland. Management plan for species, 40 (L. Costermans), 137 Revegetation of habitat, Helmeted hon- 'The Bush. (A guide to the vegetated eyeater, 116 landscapes of Australia)' 2nd Edition. Why conserve invertebrates?, 4 I.G. Reed. (N. Walsh), 262 'The Wonders of the Weather.' Erratum B. Crowder. (A. Farnworth), 207 Omission to Index, vol. 1 1 1, 1994. 'The Silken Web: A natural history of Jameson, G, 145., 186 Australian Spiders.' B. Simon-Brunet. (M. Elgar and R. Allan), 180 FNCV Annual report (insert in part 2) 'Trees of Victoria and adjoining areas.' Honorary membership, 146 L. Costermans. (J. Calder), 104

Fish Botany Fish kill, Broken Creek, factors contribut- Astelia australiana, (Liliaceae), an ing to, 93 overview, 122 Oriental Weather Loach, Murray Carnivorous plants-carnivorous bugs, 222 River, 101 Clover Glycine, cleistogamous form, Seat N.P., 172 Arthur's Geology at Royal Park,234 Cryptogams Foraminiferal, Ostracodal and Molluscan 178 Galls, changes, Corner Inlet, 72 remnant, baseline monitoring, Grassland Western MacDonnell Ranges.popular Sunbury, 148 places, 126 Mistletoe plants, 134 woodlands, Remnant grassy forests, How to be a Naturalist European management, 239 Botany, 182 139 Vascular plants, census update 4.4, Entomology, 67 Geology, 136 Western MacDonnell Ranges, geology Mammal survey, 221 of, 126 Pond hunting, 256 Whipstick, nature trail, 129 Shell collecting, 105 Yarra Valley, Helmeted Honeyeater habi-

tat revegetation, 1 16 Insects Carnivorous plants-carnivorous bugs, 222 Mammals

Wasp and the spider, 1 77 Bats, microchiropteran community activi- See also Conservation ty, 86 Bats, along Barwon River in remnant veg- Invertebrates etation, 208 Foraminiferans, Lake Connewarre, 228 Bats, roosting box results, Organ Pipes North Pacific Seastar, 261 N.P., 212 See also Conservation Eastern Barred Bandicoot, growth and development, 79 Localities Grey-headed Flying-fox, 102 Arthur's Seat N.P., Clover Glycine, 172 Leadbeater's Possum, Lake Mountain, Barwon R., bats in remnant vegetation, 112 208 Baw Baw, frog reassessment, 190 Miscellaneous

Broken Creek, fish kill, 93 Disclaimer, J. Whinray, 186 (for paper Corner Inlet, invertebrate changes, 72 published in vol. 106: 247-250 East Gippsland, microchiropteran bat Tribute to Alex Burns, 106 communities, 86 Lake Connewarre, foraminiferans, 228 Obituaries Lake Mountain, Leadbeater's Possum, Marie Allender (D. Mclnnes), 267 112 William Perry (S. Houghton), 183 Melbourne area, Peregrine Falcon eyries, 100 Reptiles Melbourne area, reptiles and amphibians, Alpine Sheoak Skink, Mt. Hotham, 219 160 Cyclodomorphus praealtus, Mt. Hotham, Mt. Hotham, Alpine Sheoak Skink, 219 219 Murray R., Oriental Weather Loach, 101 Reptiles and amphibians of the Melbourne Organ Pipes N.P., bat roosting boxes, 212 area, 160 Royal Park, cryptogams, 234 Sunbury, Evans St. grassland remnant, Spiders 148 Arbinitis, 2 new Victorian species, 202

Victorian Alps, visit to, 250 Wasp and the spider, 1 77