174 Brisbane embryology, morphology, ecology, palaeontology, chromosome numbers, genetic behavior, etc. All treatments to be monographic or revisional. New South Wales has a new state flora under way. In Queensland, Blake & Smith are preparing a similar project. First contribution to be printed will be Smith's monograph of the Myoparaceae, now nearing completion. Monday, January 4. A very hot day. Heat wave from the dead "center", bringing temperatures of over 90° to the coast, up to 112° in west Queensland. Sundry calls included one to the Queensland Museum where I talked with George Mack (director) and Don Vernon. Mack as cocksure and opinionated as ever. According to his talk there was nothing worthwhile at the museum before he took over. Now 5 years from retirement age of 65. Vernon, though loyal to Madk, is fed up with him; Museum has reached a minor peak beyond which it will not go under Mack; chief trouble is in personnel; Mack will not take on new hands; after 15 years as director, has only one curator (Jack Wood, palaeontology) on staff; appointments were recently open for two curators, none was appointed (Mack says applicants were not suitable); 34 men applied for a less recently advertised assistant-preparatorship, but Mack made up his mind about them sight unseen and would not even interview any of them. Present show piece of Museum is a Queensland state centenary (1859-1959) exhibit; well done by modern techniques including use of colors (work of Don Vernon). Exhibit includes fine collection of color-tinted photos made by Daintree, first govt. geologist, in 1864-70. A selection of these should be published (shots of physical features, early mining, settlement, and life in the bush). From the museum I went to Dept. of Agriculture & Stock to see Fauna Officer Chas. Roff. He away on vacation. Talked to a young man in his office. Have copy of the new Act (1954), and a summary of it by Roff. Act contains no specific provisions re scientific collecting. Power to do almost anything at all as regards protected fauna is left to the Minister. Rats, mice and marine mammals are not fauna under the act and therefore not protected in any way. From today's information I judge that the severe restrictions placed on the Spalding-Peterson party early in 1959 where at the whim of the minister on the advice of the anti-American McDougal who as head of entomology is Roff's boss. Raff himself is considered a good bloke. Will try to learn more on what actually happened. January 5-6. Visited the Fred Laceys at Palmwoods, they driving me there. Returned to Brisbane with Malcolm and Elaine McEnnes. The heat wave ended with heavy rains on 5th, continuing as showers on 6th. Did scenic drives to Montville and Mapleton on the Blackall Range, Buderim Mt., Maroochy and Mooloolabah. Many holiday campers at latter places; conditions look rather primitive. Thursday, January 7. In morning picked up mail at Botanic Garden and talked with Selwyn Everist (Govt. Botanist) who has just returned from annual vacation. Most of Everists' time occupied with routine work and special advisory jobs. Currently he is embroiled in a controversy over the control of aerial spraying by conventional aircraft and helicopters. Helicopters now extensively used. In a recent case in which a helicopter operator, spraying