NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19952, 20 November 1926, Page 11

NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB.

ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of the Naturalists’ Field Club states as follows: The committee is pleased to report that the past year has been a very successful one, and that a keen interest has been maintained in all branches of study. The roll shows a membership of 5,9 town members and live country members. From March 27 to December 11 arrangements were made for 19 excursions to various parts of the district. Wet weather has in a measure marred the attendance at Saturday, outings, but nevertheless good work has been done and progress made. Seventeen lectures, all of a high standard of merit, have been held, and very good attendances have been maintained. An evening was set aside for contributions from country members, and proved a great success. The botanical section has continued its examination of the arsa, and has to report the discovery of several species not known formerly to havo been present. in this district, partly by its own members, and partly by non-members. Carex stellulata and Carex Wakatipu were noted on Maungatua by Professor Wall, and Utricularia monanthos and Epilobium macropus by members of the club. Intensive study of the distribution of the beech trees by 'Messrs G. Simpson and J. Thomson has revealed these plants in many new Imbitata—Pine Hill. Mount Cargill, and Flagstaff. A key tothe trees of the Dunedin district has been prepared by Mr Martin, and distributed among members. Further additions have been made bv the mycological section to the list of fungi the most _ interesting being a species of bins eecotium (S. superbum) found in the neighbourhood of Powder Creek. Unfortunately the excursion to Nichol’s Creek to observe the upturned strata and phonolite dyke there was prevented by wet weather, but a successful day was spent at Taiaroa Heads, where the faulting, stratification, and erosion were easily noted. Ths complexity of the district prevents any conclusions being definitely stated as yet, and the information obtained is being preserved for use in conjunction with future work. The country membership, though not large, has extended the interests of the club, and nothing is more calculated to keep alive and rouse interest in this branch of the club’s activities than the evening set apart for their contributions.