BY R. H. CAMBAGE. 695 



in the early stoge of inHorescence often encloses each cluster of 

 buds. The covering referred to seems to be inside of the ordinary 

 bracteoles which are usually seen around the buds, and much finer 

 in texture In most cases this covering is soon burst by the grow- 

 ing buds, and the fragments are blown awa3\ A trace, however, is 

 often left at the base, and may sometimes be seen around the 

 pedicels, appearing as several small bracts. But in some cases 

 the point of each bud appears to push forward into this covering 

 bract, thereby causing it to assume a conical shape at each point 

 of contact, and before breaking, it has capped the upper part of 

 each operculum. For a time this cap appears to adhere and grow 

 thicker, but gradually becomes dry and brown, when it readily 

 catches the eye. It is then found to be simpl}^ resting on the 

 true operculum, scarcely adhering, and can be removed by a 

 gentle touch. In no case have I found it as long as the opercu- 

 lum proper, generally less than half. I have collected fairly 

 advanced buds of E. dives, Schau., wholly enclosed in the bract, 

 but in the handling and drying the structure was in consequence 

 destroyed. 



The above remarks are put forth tentatively, as owing to the 

 delicate construction of the buds, and the somewhat uncommon 

 occurrence of this outer operculum, it has been impossible to get 

 a complete series of specimens to explain the phenomenon in a 

 manner that would admit of no doubt, the stage requiring further 

 investigation being the period between when the buds are wholly 

 enclosed, and that at which the outcap begins to change colour. 



Early in the year 1900 I was informed by a miner named 

 Kelly who resides in the Grenfell district, that about fifteen years 

 previously he had been a stockman near Lake Cowal, and had 

 seen some trees near there which appeared unusual for the 

 locality. He had also visited Queensland, and had seen there 

 much of what he believed was the same species, which was called 

 Brigalow, He moreover stated that he knew of no other such 

 trees anywhere in the district, and that this clump consisted of 

 one large tree and a number of little ones. Having obtained 

 particulars of the locality, which is about 3^ miles west of 



