404 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 
forty species; but a third of the number are entirely confined to one 
locality, and of the remaining two-thirds only two or three species are 
generally distributed over the country, even where there is. the same 
soil and situation to be found. The way in which plants seem to be 
restricted to certain spots, is one of the remarkable features of this 
country. Dr. Lindley much underrates the extent of the colony. In- 
stead of fifty miles, it stretches from Doubtful Island Bay on the south- 
west coast to Sharks’ Bay, including the land taken in by parallel lines , 
‘of latitude and longitude. When we consider the great number of 
one species known to grow only in one spot, and these spots exhibiting 
no very remarkable conditions of land and aspect, ete., it is impossible 
to caleulate the amount of novelty which might reward the researches 
of a naturalist, who should traverse the country in various directions 
in the length and the breadth of it. 
I enclose in this letter specimens of twelve or thirteen Characee; 
and as I have found by experience that these kinds of plants lose (not 
to regain it) their original form in the process of drying, I give you 
the result of some observations which I made upon them in a fresh 
state. Mr. Brown, in describing the only two species noticed in the 
‘Prodromus,’ appears to consider the nakedness of the lower part of 
the stems, and the distance of the whorls of leaves or branches, as 
affording important distinctive marks. But in our species these points 
are highly variable, and seem dependent upon circumstances, as the 
depth and stillness of the water which they inhabit. Two kinds have 
beautifully iridescent stems : some species have the anthers and capsules 
borne upon separate plants, and they appear to be productive or other- 
wise, according as they grow in proximity with each other or not; one 
seems nearly allied to the Chara latifolia of your * leones Plantarum.’ 
I will endeavour to send specimens in spirits, for there is no other way 
of preserving the original aspect ; but everything connected with these 
matters is of difficult attainment in this country : for instance, my stock — 
.. of brown paper is expended, and till I can receive more from England 
(L have written for a supply) I must be at a standstill. The article is 
not to be had for love or money in Swan River, and from this cause 
many of my specimens have been imperfectly dried: I had hoped to 
receive, some by the Prima Donna. Perhaps my letter, asking for it, 
has never reached England. It is one of the greatest disadvantages of 
Swan River, that two years are necessary for us to send a letter and 
receive the answer; and matters get worse instead of better in this 
