BY THE REV. B. SCORTECHINI, F.L.S. 169 



The geological formation of the country is granite. It is a 

 continuation of the main axis of the eastern table land, rich in 

 mineral deposits. It differs from the Blue Mountains, which are 

 sandstone, although the detritus of both look much the same. It 

 is very striking to meet several sub-alpine plants common to both. 

 From which we may safely infer that the character of vegetations 

 depends more on climatic agencies, than on the nature of the soil. 



It may be well to note here, that nearly every one of the plants 

 of which I subjoin a list, was discovered by Mr. C. Stuart, in the 

 adjoining district of New England, within the borders of New 

 South Wales. 



Rhamnace^e. 



Pomaderris prunifolia. A. Cunn. 



Close by a rivulet that wends its way through rocky ridges a 

 short distance north of Stanthorpe, a tall straggling shrub 

 growing abundantly in company with Acacia decurrens, Melaleuca 

 and Leptospermum. 



Leguminos^e. 



Mirbelia speciosa. Sib. in Dl. Prod. II., 115. 



Judging from the general aspect, the verticillate leaves and pods, 

 the identification of the specimens gathered among barren rocks 

 with this species seems nearly certain. Flowers were wanting. 

 While it is very abundant on the Blue Mountains, it appears very 

 scarce around Stanthorpe, at least in those places which have been 

 visited. C. Stuart has traced it to New England. The further it 

 removes from its central home, the Blue Mountains, the less 

 copious it becomes, till at a lower altitude, or more northerly 

 directions it ceases to grow. 



Myrtace^e. 



Baeckea densi folia. Sm. in Tran. Linn. Soc. iii., 266. 



On wet clayish flats, growing side by side with the small-leaved 

 variety of its congener B. crenulata, with which it shares the 

 general habit. Yet close inspection discloses a very marked 

 difference in the leaves, in the number, shape, and dehiscence of 

 the anthers, in the form of filaments, and above all, in the number 

 of the ovary cells. It is nearer to B. virgata, with which it is 



