]i i Transactions . 



of each. This differs from A. robusta of Lord Howe in the less muricated 

 costae and costules, and in the presence of a larger amount of tomentum 

 and in the absence of scales. At the same time, until I have seen more 

 specimens of this and A. robusta I do not feel quite satisfied about the 

 distinctions. Doubtless there has been some confusion between them in 

 the past. This is possibly the plant referred to by Endlicher and Back- 

 house as Cyathea medullaris ; subsequent observers have either included 

 this with A. excelsa, or referred it to A. australis, which it somewhat resembles 

 (Bentham, Tate). Without access to type collections it would be difficult 

 to determine the exact synonymy of this and A. excelsa. 



The two species are undoubtedly quite distinct. In A. robusta var. 

 norfolkiana the terminal pinnules are 10-12 mm. long, 3-4 mm. wide, 

 concave on the upper margin and convex on the lower, entire or crenulate 

 and obtuse. The sori are usually found from base to the top of the pinnide, 

 and the fertile fronds are generally incurved at the margins. Sometimes. 

 however, the sori do not extend beyond the middle of the pinnule, which 

 is much less membranous than in A. excelsa. 



In the latter the ultimate pinnules are 8-10 mm. long, 3-4 mm. wide, 

 less concave on the upper margin than in the previous species. Unfortu- 

 nately, I have at present only one specimen. In it the sori do not extend 

 along more than two-thirds of the frond, number usually 4-6 pairs, the 

 margin is regularly serrate on both surfaces, and the tip is acute. The 

 midrib of the secondary pinnules is much more markedly paleaceous than 

 in the preceding species. Mr. Maiden tells me that A. excelsa and A. aus- 

 tralis are thus distinguished : — 



Rhachis more or less stramineous, and stalk of frond completely deciduous, 



leaving a smooth scar on stem . . . . . . . . A . excelsa. 



Rhachis not stramineous, base of stalk persistent, leaving a rough trunkf . . A. australis. 



POLYPODIACEAE. 



5. Dryopteris punctata (Thbg.) C. Chr. (= Phegopteris punctata Thbg., 



M. 11 and 44 ; Polypodium rugulosum Labill., E. 20.) 

 Australia, New Zealand, and widely in tropical and subtropical regions. 



6. Dryopteris parasitica (L.) 0. Ktze. (= Aspidium parasiticum Mett.. 



M. 38.) 



Not uncommon by bush creeks and swamps. 



Kermadecs, Lord Howe, New Zealand, Australia, and widely in warmer 

 regions. 



7. Dryopteris setigera (Bl.) 0. Ktze. (— Aspidium setigera Bl., M. 43.) 



Recorded by Mtiller. The only specimen seen by me was collected 

 by Mr. H. C. Quintall, and sent me by Mr. W. R. B. Oliver; perhaps intro- 

 duced. 



Kermadecs, Australia, Polynesia, Malaya. 



Dryopteris decomposita (R. Br.) 0. Ktze. (= (?) JS ephrodium micro- 

 sorum Endl., E. 24 ; N. calanthum, E. 25 ; and also Aspidium decom- 

 positum, M. 41.) 



The evidence for the existence of this fern on the island is quite unsatis- 

 factory. A. Cunn. (quoted M. 736) considered Nephrodium microsorum and 



f For the distinction between A. australis and A. robusta, vide the Rev. W. Watts, 

 Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., vol. 39, p. 2fil (1914). 



