* IN NEW ZEALAND. 33 
A Restiaceous plant (153), a species rather of Luzula, perhaps 
a variety of No. 264 already noticed, I gathered in this locality. 
A small tree with black bark, which appeared to me to be a 
species of Laurus, was also obtained in flower (197). This 
plant reminded me of a shrub which I discovered at Wairua 
in the northern parts of the island in 1840; specimens of 
which (numbered 14) were sent you in 1841; they both evi- 
dently belong to the same genus. A very delicate white 
Lichen (196) which here and there grew on the trees, as 
well as a fine terrestrial white Moss, (202) without fructifica- 
tion, I next procured. The densely wooded mountains over 
which we this day passed, were chiefly composed of sand- 
stone which shewed itself in various stages of decomposition 
in the very many slips in their sides. In descending one 
of these gorges, I found a Pieris (285), P. montana, n. Sp., 
W. C. a small glaucous, glabrous species, in affinity very near 
P. Brunoniana, Endl, of which it may possibly prove, on 
further examination, to bea variety. A smaller variety of Poly- - 
podium sylvaticum (No. 55, already noticed), I also obtained — 
in this neighbourhood. After a silent and persevering march. 
of some hours through the very cold rain, for in threading 
our tortuous way through the endless mazes of pathless 
forests in such weather -as this, we found it impossible 
to keep ourselves warm, we began to shiver with cold, 
and determined on halting at the first sheltered spot. By 
the side of a rivulet at the bottom of a hill, we found a deserted 
hovel, which, though open on all sides, offered us a better 
Shelter from the pitiless showers than we had expected to meet 
with in such a place. We repaired our hut with tufts of the 
different Carices that grew hard by, and pitched my tent; 
then throwing off our dripping garments and kindling a fire, 
we endeavoured to make ourselves as comfortable as pos- 
sible in our present circumstances. Fortunately we had a 
few potatoes with us, which, not knowing how long this 
weather might continue, we divided una voce into three small 
Portions, so as to afford us two meals for the morrow. The. 
rain continuing to descend in torrents, swelled our little 
VOL. III. D. ; 
