BY R, H. CAMBAGE. 641 



The finding of E. Bancrofti {E. tereticornis var. brevifolia) on 

 mountains chiefly composed of alkaline rocks, was a matter for 

 some surprise, as the species is one which appears to thrive only 

 where there is an abundance of free silica. It was first noticed 

 between May Vale and Mount Lindsay Station, and was growing 

 on basalt, a basic rock with a minimum of free silica. As this was 

 such an unusual occurrence, some investigation was made, which 

 resulted in disclosing the fact that the basalt was thin, and was 

 overlying extensive beds of acid, volcanic agglomerate, into which 

 tlie roots had, no doubt, penetrated. In cases of this kind it is not 

 unlikely that many seeds would germinate in the basalt, but only 

 those plants would eventually survive which happened to be pro- 

 vided with suitable drainage until their roots reached the siliceous 

 rocks below. The species, -which throughout, had very glaucous 

 buds, was afterwards found on other areas of acid agglomerate 

 formation. The presence of this tree may be taken as an indica- 

 tion that the rock upon which it is growing contains upwards of 

 70 per cent, silica. (For previous remarks, see these Proceedings, 

 1908, p. 55.) 



Coprosma hirtella was noticed on the summit of Kaputar at an 

 altitude of about 5,000 feet. This is a typical Tasmanian plant, 

 and has been recorded as far north as the Blue Mountains, but 

 according to specimens kindly shown me by Mr. Maiden, it occurs 

 on Bald Hills Station, about 65 miles easterly of Armidale; and 

 on the 17th April, 1843, was collected by Dr. Leiehhardt at the 

 head of the Gwydir River. Members of this genus are most 

 numerous in New Zealand, and the Australasian species are found 

 chiefly in the colder parts. 



Oncinocalyx Betehei, a somewhat rare plant of a few feet high, 

 was found just above the 3,000 feet level, northerly from the home- 

 stead, and about half a mile southerly from The Waterfall. 



On the summits of Mount Lindsay and the hill across the gorge 

 to the north-east, at 4,500 feet, an almost aborescent form of 

 Lomatia ilicifolia was noticed, growing to a height of about 8-10 

 feet, with stems 2 inches in diameter. 



