Vagaries of Nature

Out at Makorori Beach recently this large branch of willow was washed up and it was smothered with Goose Barnacles (lepas anatifera), a not very common sight around East Coast beaches. Found more commonly on West Coach beaches, although of world-wide distribution, the barnacle proper grows up to 1½ inches. However, with its long, flexible, leathery stalk, to which it attaches itself to driftwood or ships, it may extend from six to eight inches.

Brought into Photo News recently was this giant egg which weighed five ounces. It really was a freak as when it was opened it was found to have two yolks plus another egg in the shell inside, making a total of three yolks altogether.

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Mr Ron Boswell inspects the barnacle-covered branch.

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One of the creatures compared with a man's hand.

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Lindsay Day and Ian Kerr stopped on the way past the office to compare the giant egg with a normal one.

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The two yolks and extra egg as they were found upon breaking open the big fellow.

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Jimmy Allen, who was staying with his uncle, Mr George Allen of 17 Walsh Street, brought in this unusually-shaped lemon. It was the shape of a swan complete with curved neck and puffed wings.