ever. Its genus, however, is to us, as it was to Smith and 

 De Candolle, a matter of uncertainty, which, unfortunately 

 for science, seems little likely to be cleared up, although 

 it is now nearly thirty years since materials for the comple- 

 tion of the Flora of New Holland were furnished by the 

 liberality of the British government. It is time that this 

 were looked to ; and much to be wished that some enter- 

 prising naturalist would convert to an useful purpose the 

 rich stores of information regarding Australasian Vegetation 

 procured at the national expense, and now open to all 

 inquirers, which are lying unemployed at the British 

 Museum. 



When we see the fate of the plants collected in Flinders's 

 expedition, and in the fatal journey up the Congo by the 

 lamented Christian Smith, we can scarcely wonder that 

 a wise and careful government should object to pay the 

 expenses of scientific expeditions. 



J. L. 



( 





M* 



