BOTANY OF VICTORIA. 235 
Diemen’s Land species; but a charming Boronia (B. bijuga) and a 
Pimelea (P. axillaris) seem to belong exclusively to these mountains. I 
have convinced myself now also that the true “locus natalis ” of Gre- 
villea Victoria, which I saw here in all its glory, is the Alps; but the 
fruit was only developing, and I could not obtain a grain of seed from 
it. What an introduction to Kew Gardens would this plant be,—a 
plant that requires no protection in England, and will grow along with 
Ligustrum, Honeysuckle, and Lilac! Of a rufous Prasophylium, per- 
haps P. fimbriatum, I could not find more than a solitary specimen. In 
vain I searched for the splendid Pines of Tasmania, for Pimelea nivea, 
and many other plants which adorn the mountains of that island. I 
hope to be more lucky at Mount Koskiusko, for which I am now steer- 
ing. To the Cobboras I shall, in passing by, pay a visit again. 
My return to Melbourne is fixed to be in March, for I wish to enjoy 
the society of our noble friend Dr. Harvey. How happy I should be 
could I find letters there then from you ! 
Buchan River, 22nd January, 1855. 
| Since I had the honour of addressing you last from Omeo T pro- 
| ceeded to the north-western branches of the Australian Alps, where I 
| ascended all the most prominent heights, including Mount Koskiusko. 
1 I found the distribution of the alpine plants during this excursion to — 
e be more general, as I anticipated, but had the pleasure of first observing 
many species here in a sufficiently developed state to form a correct idea 
of them. Of most of the new species I procured a good supply, which 
I had however a great difficulty to keep dry against fog, and afterwards, | 
in the lower ranges, against rain : only a few had ripened seeds. Tam - 
now preparing to revisit the Cabbage-tree country, beyond the Snowy 
River, which I had (on account of many unforeseen adversities—the | 
hostility of the natives and the unfavourable weather) but little oppor- 
tunity of exploring last year. I shallonly be enabled to allude briefly to 
the more interesting plants from the Alps, which I lately discovered. 
One of the most remarkable amongst them is assuredly | 
flowering Ranunculus, with generally numerous and always white pet 
having much the habit of an Anemone. It grows very seldom below 
6000 feet, and chiefly on springs and on the margin of melting snow. 
Five Undbellifere, belonging to as many distinct genera, are associated 
with it, as also a dwarf inconspicuous =" with leaves much. 
