BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 



Of the beautiful and curious order Fungi, no species seems to 

 enjoy a reputation for medicinal virtues, yet it is rather remarkable 

 that while from Tahiti and other places, large quantities of a 

 species abundant in our scrubs, Hirneola auricula Judce, Fr., or 

 Jew's ear, are shipped to China to be there used in soup, no one 

 seems to have attempted collecting the article here. At one time 

 this curious fungus was a popular remedy for sore throats 

 the Eev. M. J. Berkeley says, probably from some fancied 

 resemblance of the hymenium to the fauces. From our Fungi as 

 also from our Lichens valuable dyes might probably be obtained. 



0^^ Queensland Feens, with a desceiptiox of two new species. 

 By F. M. Bailey, F.L.S., &c. 



As I am about to publish a work on the Australian Ferns, it 

 may be as well to bring before the Society a few of the changes 

 I propose making in the nomenclature with also descriptions of 

 the few new species which will be found therein. Thus all the 

 Doodiasl propose placing as forms under the one — D. aspera. E. Br. 

 The advisability of this will be patent to all who have had the 

 advantage of observing the close approach of the various forms 

 of the usually acknowledged two species B. aspera and J), caudata, 

 to each other. I shall in all cases retain old names, so that those 

 who may differ with me on this point will have no difficulty in 

 finding the fern required. Fteris rotundifolia, Forst., I propose 

 reducing to a form of F. falcata, E. Br., and although I retain 

 P. paradoxa, E. Br. I feel persuaded that tliis sj)ecies will before 

 long only be looked upon as another form of F. falcata. The 

 pretty fern Cheilanthes Sieheri, will also be retained as a distinct 

 form of C. tenuifolia. 



ScnizcEA FoRSTEEi, Sprcug. 



Ehizome short, scaly. Fronds three to nine inches high, glossy, 

 stipes light coloured, channelled ; the upper portion of frond 



