DUNEDIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 3298, 30 May 1917, Page 48

DUNEDIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

Club was held on Saturday, May 19, at S gnal Hill, where there was a good turnout of members. The ascent of the hill was commenced at Logan's Point. In the early days ot settlement this hill must have been a happy hunting ground for the botanist, judging by the variety of native plants which still flourish there in spite of many disabilities. Many species which were found there some years ago have disappeared, but the hill is still one of the best localities in the neighbourhood of the city for botanical work. With the advent of the settler the balance of Nature was upset by the inroads of stock and the ravages of fire. This gave the strong-growing manuke (Loptospermum scoparium) a chance to spread, and it now occupies the greater portion of the hill. On the parts which have not been overrun by manuka a largo number of native plants were noted. The most prominent at this season of the year are the Gaulthcrias, of which several varieties were collected, their pink, white, or dark red fruit, commonly known as snowberries, being a striking feature of the landscape. The creeping Pimclia laviesata was also found in profusion, and among others collected were Cyathodcs acerosa and two specimens of Asfcelia. A few stray blooms were also to bo seen on the little everlasting (Helichrysum V'llidioidos), and hero and there a belated spray of manuka blossom. Fungi of various species were found in abundance, and alone would have provided a . busy afternoon for anyone bent on their investigation. Some time was spent on the top of the hill in viewing the b">autiful s-mset -fleets on the surrounding hills a.nd the country away to the south. The descent was made in the gathering darkness by way of Signal Hill road. , At the fortnightly indoor meeting held on Thursday evening there was a good attendance and a pleasant evening was spent in discussing the specimens gathered on Signal Hill and others brought in by members. Amon.tr these were a seaweed from Black Head (Lasonia variegata) which has not previously been reported from this portion of the Dominion, several snncies of fungi, and specimens of marine life R-athered by a member at Pounawea.