A black and white image of a person closing of a rabbit burrow in Victoria . vermin, rabbit, rabbit burrows

Mary Wormald died in 1867. Isaac Wormald died on 18 November 1868 aged 37 "leaving a widow and 2 children to lament their loss."Gravesite with Rabbit Burrow, Tower Hill Cemeterytower hill cemetery, rabbit burrow

Rabbit nets like this one were pegged over the openings of rabbit burrows, after which a ferret would be let loose down the burrow. The ferret would then chase the rabbit out of the burrow into the net.rabbit traps, ferrets

My Story by Bruce Myers – June 2001 Arthur Bruce Myers was born on Wednesday morning on the 29/4/1925 at Kelvin Grove Hospital Bacchus Marsh. Background Information: Prepared by Niece Wendy Barrie. The early life of Bruce Myers “Burnbank” Ballarat Road Melton. The family home was built by his grandparents Ann nee Dowling and Henri Miers in 1867. His father Frederick was born in 1877 in Melton the youngest of four boys. Bruce the fourth son of Frederick and Martha, brother Frederick the eldest was followed by Marjorie and Edna. His brother Max was the youngest child. Father Frederick Myers attended Melton State School No 430 enrolling in 1881 and leaving in 1888 gaining his Merit Certificate No 116343. Bruce enrolled in July 1931 and completed and gaining his Merit Certificate in 1937. In 1938 he travelled to Melbourne Boys High School. Bruce was taught piano by his sister Marjorie, a respected Melton music teacher. He entered many Piano competitions and at the age of 10 winning the radio cup in the Junior Cavalcade at 3AW at Latrobe Street. At Melbourne Boys High School during his lunchtime was allowed to practice the piano in the basement for his recreation. He was pestered by another boy (name I have forgotten) a teacher intervened telling him to leave Myers alone. As a young child when listening to music he was able to on hearing it identify the key it was written in, due to his perfect pitch. I remember “Mum” Myers telling about the time they went to see Artur Rubeinstein at a concert, when Bruce was a small boy, it may have been on this occasion that he had noted the key of the piano composition. Bruce writes – In my early teens Max and I frequently accompanied the Williams boys, Wally and Jim on expeditions up the Toolern Creek near where the Gisborne exit now crosses it. The dogs would chase the rabbits into their burrows after placing nets over the burrows a ferret would be let in to burrow, much excitement would be involved in the rush to grab the rabbits as they bolted into the nets. In the same area I used too accompany Dad on an evening rabbit shoot (summer time). After the heat of the day the rabbits would emerge from their burrows at dusk. We would his behind the tree in silence, a mark contrast to the ferreting scene. Dad with the shotgun cocked would wait until 2 or 3 rabbits were close together then fire (Bang!). Hopefully killing two rabbits. They would have to be killed outright, otherwise they would run back into their burrows. Needless to say, one deafening shot ended the event, also it only cost one cartridge. Our only swimming pool was hole in the Toolern Creek at its junction with the blind creek at the eastern entrance to Melton. Dad swum there in the 1880’s teaching many of the youngsters to swim. Females never swum there to my knowledge. The dressing shed consisted of a 4 corrugated iron nailed to a wooden frame about 4 metres by 3 no floor or roof. We always walked the kilometre in our bathers anyway. The swimming hole once dried up leaving about 2 ft of mud. We Melton boys had so much fun fossicking around with our hands and feet and yanking out numerous eels, some very bid. I don’t know what happened to them all. No doubt Dad would have skun one or two for Mum to cook after cutting them up into short lengths. They used to jump around the pan when they were cooking. Dad accompanied by Max and I, frequently fished for eels in the Gillespie’s waterhole just below our place using a rod, line, sinker, hook baited with a worm, and a white floater so as to easily see when an eel was on the hook, so that it could quickly be pulled before it could anchor itself on and under water snag such as a tree root making it impossible to catch, or causing the line to be lost. At about the age of 8, I suddenly discovered amazingly easily means of movement. One day when I was riding the bike on rough bluestone road near the Presbyterian Church [Uniting Church] in Melton when the front fork broke and I landed on my right knee and right eye gashing both, the knee severely. I have carried the scars ever since. I started getting mobile by riding a scooter with good leg on the scooter and swinging the right leg, keeping is straight because bending it was too painful.Childhood photo of Brucelocal identities

During the Great Depression from 1929 to 1932, rabbit trapping was a means of survival for many people. Rabbits provided meat and pelts which were sold for making felt hats such as the Akubra. Rabbit populations are controlled in the 21st century by poisoning, destroying or 'ripping' burrows (warrens), biological control with rabbit haemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis, and by shooting. Rabbit-proof fences also prevent the spread of rabbits into some areas. (ref. Powerhouse Museum) Steel-jawed rabbit traps were widely used in urban and rural Australia from 1880 to 1980. This trap is symbolic of the battle that Australians have waged against burgeoning rabbit populations for over a century. Rabbits cause enormous damage to Australian soils and biodiversity. The introduction of rabbits to this country was an environmental disaster.Two iron rabbit traps. Each consists of a pair of jaws held closed by spring tension and a triggering mechanism. When the trap is triggered the jaws close over the top of the bridge, plate and tongue mechanism that is designed to trigger the trap. A chain is attached by a hook on the bent end of the trap's spring with a long steel spike looped over the last link of the other end of the chain. The trap is designed so that the metal jaws snap shut against each other when the trap is activated by the application of weight to the pressure plate. In use, traps are set with open jaws, buried lightly just below the surface of the earth. When an animal steps on the pressure plate, the jagged teeth of the jaws snap around the animal's leg, usually breaking bone and sinew. Thus the animal is immobilised.rabbits rural trapping

During the Great Depression from 1929 to 1932, rabbit trapping was a means of survival for many people. Rabbits provided meat and pelts which were sold for making felt hats such as the Akubra. Rabbit populations are controlled in the 21st century by poisoning, destroying or 'ripping' burrows (warrens), biological control with rabbit haemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis, and by shooting. Rabbit-proof fences also prevent the spread of rabbits into some areas. (ref. Powerhouse Museum) This trap was used in the Orbost district. Steel-jawed rabbit traps were widely used in urban and rural Australia from 1880 to 1980. This trap is symbolic of the battle that Australians have waged against burgeoning rabbit populations for over a century. Rabbits cause enormous damage to Australian soils and biodiversity. The introduction of rabbits to this country was an environmental disaster.A rusted iron rabbit trap which consists of a pair of jaws held closed by spring tension and a triggering mechanism. When the trap is triggered the jaws close over the top of the bridge, plate and tongue mechanism that is designed to trigger the trap. A chain is attached by a hook on the bent end of the trap's spring with a long steel spike looped over the last link of the other end of the chain. The trap is designed so that the metal jaws snap shut against each other when the trap is activated by the application of weight to the pressure plate. In use, traps are set with open jaws, buried lightly just below the surface of the earth. When an animal steps on the pressure plate, the jagged teeth of the jaws snap around the animal's leg, usually breaking bone and sinew. Thus the animal is immobilised. rabbit-trap rural

The Lightning was an American-built sailing ship and it is believed the rope block was part of the ship’s rigging or included as cargo. The plaque on the block mentions that the item was, “as supplied by Burrows Ship Chandlers” in 1869. The plaque could also mean that the rope block was supplied by the firm Burrows, Ship Chandler and Shipping Stock, as a replacement block for the Lightning. The American vessel named “Lightning” was a 3-masted, fully rigged extreme clipper ship. She was commissioned by James Baines, of the Black Ball Line in Liverpool, England, during the time of the Australian Gold Rush for the trade of passengers and cargo between England and Australia. Her load listed on early consignments included livestock and animals, including rabbits sent to Thomas Austin of Barwon Park, Winchelsea, Victoria, where the challenging association between Australia's agriculture and the imported rabbits started. The Lightning was built in 1854 by shipbuilder Donald McKay, in East Boston, USA. She was described as spacious and comfortable and regarded as one of the smartest ships of the time. The vessel set many speed records for her voyages and became one of the most famous of racing clippers and one of the fastest ever launched. In 1854, with Captain 'Bully' Forbes and Mate 'Bully' Bragg, Lightning made the return trip from Melbourne to Liverpool in only 64 days, 3 hours and 10 minutes; a record. Captain Enright became the new Master of LIGHTNING soon after this record was established and was regarded as one of the finest mariners in the Australian trade. One of Captain Enright's innovations was to publish a ship's paper called "The Lightning Gazette". What is of additional historic interest is that captain "Bully Forbes" had left the Lightning to captain the ill-fated Schomberg. In 1857, for a very brief time under Capt. Byrne the Lightning was used as a troopship, taking British officers and soldiers, stores and ammunition, to fight in India. In 1859 she then returned to her normal route between Liverpool and Melbourne, apart from 1867 when she made a special trip between Melbourne and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. In 1869 the Lightning was sold to Thomas Harrison of Liverpool, and continued to sail for the Black Ball Line. Master of Lightning, Captain Henry Jones, sailed her to Geelong in October 1869, and whilst docked, he had her loaded with a cargo of wool, copper, wire, tallow and other goods. At about 1 am on 31st October 1869, whilst still docked and fully laden, a fire was noticed on the vessel. Efforts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful, so she was towed to the "Lightning Shoals" in Corio Bay, where she eventually sank, losing all cargo but no lives. The Lightning is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (Ref S 415). The vessel is historically significant for being one of the fastest wooden ships ever built. it was notable as the first clipper built in the USA for British owners and as a shipping disaster in Geelong's history. The Lightning spent its whole career carrying cargo and immigrants from England to Australia. Its documented voyages give us a snapshot into shipping history, not only of Australia in the mid-19th century but how the world's commercial transport functioned o promote trade and emigration during this time.Large ship's block, wood, with two wooden sheaves and fibre straps, eye and thimble. The metal plaque attached to the block has an inscription. The block was used on the ship "Lightning".Plaque inscription: "BLOCK OFF THE LIGHTNING / AS SUPPLIED BY / BURROWS SHIPS CHANDLERS / & SHIPPING STOCK CORIO BAY / 1863" (or 1869)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, sailing ship lightning, extreme clipper ship, american clipper ship, record breaking clipper ship, james baines, black ball line, donald mckay shipbuilder, captain ‘bully’ forbes, australian immigration, liverpool to melbourne migration, captain enright, captain byrne, captain henry jones, corio bay geelong, lightning shoals geelong, rabbits introduced to australia, burrows and bascombe, burrows, ship chandler, corio bay, burrow's ship chandlers and shipping stock,

Mary Wormald died in 1867. Isaac Wormald died on 18 November 1868 aged 37 "leaving a widow and 2 children to lament their loss."Colour photograph of a headstone in theTower Hill Cemetery.Erected by Patrick Carroll in loving remembrnce of his beloved son Patrick who departed this live on the 20th dy of April 1874 aged 2 years and ? months . ? his beloved mother who departed this life 13th Sept 1876 aged ?? years. Also his father died ?? NOvember 1890, aged ?? years.tower hill cemetery, rabbit burrow, patrick carroll

Photocopied file of corresponence and documentation relating to a claim by L.J. Mills, Nurseryman, that adjoining property owner, J. Collins, Farmer, assists with replacement of a vermin proof wire netting dividing fence destroyed by 1939 bushfire. File includes 1939 and 1940 detailed property inspection reports by Vermin and Noxious Weeds Branch, Lands Department, Lilydale, describing land use in the area and signs of vermin activity. Application approved 18th April, 1940. Appeal lodged by Mr Collins disallowed in May, 1940. File closed June, 1940 with Departmental suggesion that Mr Mills consider further legal action through a Solicitor as fence had still not been wire-netted. TRANSCRIPTS: Vermin & Noxious Weeds Inspection Reports "19/9/1939 (To) Superintendent (Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne) Re L.J. Mills application for Vermin Proof Fence. I called on Mr Mills yesterday 18th instant in connection with this matter. Mr Mills has a flower farm and claims that rabbits and hares are damaging his flowers. He showed me a bed of carnations which he stated were being damaged by rabbits. There was evidence of some leaves being nipped off, but I am unable to say whether this is due to rabbits or grubs. Very little if any real damage is being done. The property is netted on the east and south boundary and on half the north and west boundary. The surrounding country is undlating and fairly steep in places. The land to the east across Grandview Avenue (sic) is all planted out in old established orchards and well cultivated. Cleared grass land adjoins the south boundary and bush land adjoins the north and west boundaries. I walked over a large area surrounding Mr Mills land and never saw any rabbits or hares or any indications of rabbits. This locality is not rabbit infested and very little wire netting is being used. I do not consider that a vermin proof fence is necessary between these allotments. - Jas H Allison (Inspector, Vermin and Noxious Weeds Branch, Lands Department, Lilydale)." Follow up report following renewal of application for Certificate by Mr Mills, citing rabbits causing considerable damage to his flowers. He laid poison and obtained 9 carcases and stated that there is evidence of rabbit infestation from the adjoing land. "19/3/1940 (To) Mr Hannah (Superintendant, Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne) Re L.J. Mills, Grandview Grove Ringwood, Lot 4 Grandview Estate Pt CG20 Ph of Warrandyte. I interviewed Mr Mills at his home on 15th inst. He showed me carcases of rabbits which he stated had been poisoned on his land. In places young plants had been nipped off apparently by rabbits. I made an inspection of adjoining properties and found one live burrow close to Mr Mills northern boundary. There were scratches and other evidence of rabbits on land north and west of Mr Mills property. In view of the present evidence of rabbits I consider that a vermin proof fence is now necessary to protect the flowers grown by Mr Mills. His land is netted on whole of east and south boundary and half way on west and north boundary. The adjoining land on west and north boundaries is owned by Mrs Linda Collins and John Collins resp of Brysons Road East Ringwood. - Jas H Allison (Inspector, Vermin and Noxious Weeds Branch, Lands Department, Lilydale)."

A rufous bettong is about the size of a rabbit, with body length ranging from 30cm to 38cm among species. All bettongs have long tails, roughly equal to body length. Body weight ranges from 1.2 kg in the smallest species (Northern Bettong) to 2.8kg in the Rufous Bettong, the largest of the group. Males tend to be slightly larger than females. Bettongs have furry coats, ranging in colour from grey to ginger and brown. The bettong is endemic to Australia, and is an important part of Australia's Indigenous biodiversity. There are five living species of bettong; Eastern Bettong, Burrowing Bettong, Brush-tailed Bettong, Northern Bettong, Rufous Bettong. The bettong is a member of the Potoroidae family along with the endangered Potoroos, and the extinct Desert Rat-Kangaroos. This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from either the Trustees of the Australian Museum or from the amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880 and mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee around the same time. When all Taxidermy mounts were completed, they were quickly put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Average sized rufous bettong with large clawed hind legs, small clawed fore legs, and a long tail that is roughly the length of its body and covered lightly in fur. The pelage of the bettong is fine and soft with the body fur cream and pale ochre in colouring with specks of brown while the underbelly is a solid cream colour. The head is small with a short muzzle and two small rounded ears, and features two round dark brown eyes made from clay.On mounting board: BMM5893/burke museum, taxidermy, taxidermy mount, bettong, rat kangaroo, bettongia, fauna, animal, animalia, potoroidae, reynell eveleigh johns, rufous bettong, rufous rat-kangaroo