110 EXCURSION INTO THE 



Fungi came into my hands, several Hypnums, etc., that are not frequent 

 upon the other islands in Feejee. Among the trees which are not upon 

 the low grounds, I saw several fine Dammaras ; the largest measured 23 

 feet in circumference, and were about 80 feet high. I inquired for the 



Nelak 



There were seve- 



ral species of Lycopodium, but only one that I had not found oi* my 

 former visits. 



For some days we had incessant rain, but on Thursday I was deter- 

 mined to make the best of the day, whatever the nature of the weather 

 might be. Accompanied by two natives, I took to the woods, but in 

 a different direction to what I had been before. Owing to the unfa- 

 vourable state of the day, it was with some difficulty I could prevail 

 upon the natives to remain, and without them I could have made no 

 progress. I found a young plant belonging to Coniferce, with leaves 

 like a Taxus {Kau solo of the natives), and soon I saw one tree growing 

 60 to 70 feet in height, and 8 feet in circumference, perfectly straight. 



i 



It was in vain I could tempt these people to ascend for specimens ; 

 they declared it was impossible. I have however a specimen in my 

 possession; it was taken in a young state, and I enclose a part for 

 your examination.* On my way through the woods, I found a num- 

 ber of fine Mosses in fruit, but have collected the same species at Ovo- 

 lau. In descending a deep ravine there were large plants of Marattia, 

 their long fertile fronds covering a large space of ground. Many of 

 them were formed into trees ; and I think there are two species of Ma- 

 rattia in Feejee. On coming to a considerable mountain-stream, I got 

 two species of parasitical Orchids. After securing them in my box, 

 a few minutes' walk brought me upon the margin of that beautiful 

 river which is only to be found in the interior of Naviti Levue. The 

 branches of the trees were hanging over the water, literally covered with 

 Mosses and Lichens ; a large tree was in flower, of exquisite beautv, 

 belonging to a Natural Order unknown to me; another tree was in 

 flower of a cream-colour, Order Myrtacece. Both sides of the banks 

 were lined with Ferns, such as Asplenium, Aspidium, Dicksonia, Davallia, 

 etc. There is a species of Urticacea, which the natives are very much 

 afraid of; and well they may be, for if you should be so unfortunate as 

 to sting yourself, you will feel the consequences for some months. I 



* U appears to be an entirely new species of Podocarpus, allied to P. ctipressina, 

 Br. in llorsf. Java. p. 35, t. 10. 



