OBSERVED DURING THE RORAIMA EXPEDITION. 269 
The chief constituents of this turf-like vegetation were vast quantities of a new species 
of Pepalanthus (P. Roraime, Oliv., n. sp. | Хо. 2941), and great masses of Sphagnum-like 
mosses. In the latter grew, in such abundance as to redden the ground, the pretty little 
Sundew (Drosera communis, A. St.-H. | №. 313]). Groups of very luxuriant Pitcher- 
plants (Heliamphora) were there also. Great quantities of tiny shrubs, of alpine character, 
interwove their branches with each other and with the mosses; among these were 
Weinmannia guianensis, Klotasch [No. 327], Marcetia juniperina, DC. [No. 319], Psy- 
chotria concinna, Oliv., n. sp. Baccharis [No. 241], Ledothamnus | Ко. 308], Befaria 
(Хо. 310], Vaccinium ГХов. 326, 329], Pernettya ГХо. 333, ex parte], and Gaultheria 
(Хо. 332]. Тһе small Zpidendra, as on the ledge, were here too, as was also the tiny 
Misseltoe (Phoradendron | No. 323]) and the Fritillary-like Lisianthus | No. 306]. 
A beautiful Tofieldia (T. Schomburgkiana, Oliv., n. sp. [No. 297]) and the somewhat 
similar Metneria corymbosa, Kl. & Sch. [No. 298], with large yellow flowers, were 
conspicuous. 
In the crevices of the rocks the vegetation was different. There was a very beautiful 
Utricularia (U. montana? Jacq. | No. 298]), larger and deeper in colour, but slightly less 
graceful, than U. Campbelliana, and there were three species of fern. One of these 
latter was a very stunted form of Lindsaya striata, Dryand. | №. 301], which, in its 
ordinary form, is common in many parts of Guiana. The other two were absolutely new 
—one a Hymenophyllum, which Mr. Baker has named H. dejectum, Baker, п. sp., (Хо. 
318]; the other а Gymnogramma (С. cyclophylla, Baker, n. sp. | Хо. 295], а second species 
of the same group of this genus to which belongs G. e/aphoglossoides, Baker, n. sp., 
[Nos. 101, 215], found on the lower slopes of Roraima. Only one other species of this 
very distinct group is known, and that has been found in the Amazon valley. 
I have now briefly noticed the most striking plants which we met with on Roraima; 
but, before closing this paper, there are one or two points which I wish, finally, to set 
down in order. 
First, as to Brocchinia cordylinoides, Baker; this is only known to occur on the 
Kaieteur savannah and on Roraima, but in the latter place apparently only above a 
height of 5500 feet. "There is a remarkable difference of vigour in the habit of the plant 
at these two places respectively. After seeing a large number of individuals of the plant 
at both places, it is obvious that at the Kaieteur it attains a much greater size and forms 
a much taller stem ; and, if I may judge from the comparative abundance or scarcity of 
flower-stalks, it seems to flower much more freely at the Kaieteur than on Roraima. 
A possible explanation of some of these facts seems to be that the position and the 
cireumstances that it finds on Roraima, are beneficial to the plant; that the most impor- 
tant of these circumstances of its existence is an atmosphere, like that of Roraima or of 
the Kaieteur, so saturated with moisture as to effect the constant replenishment of the 
large quantity of water retained in the leaf-axils of the plant; and that the plant having 
found its way to the Kaieteur (which, though much below the proper level, is atmospheri- 
cally so peculiarly suited for it), it has taken root there and, in its new surroundings of 
higher temperature, has there developed a new vigour. Lastly, as regards this plant, I 
cannot refrain from once more alluding to its possible, even probable, distribution in the 
other widely scattered distinet areas already enumerated. 
Closely connected with the Brocchinia is Utricularia Humboldtii. Like the Brocchinia, 
