54 Papers and Abstrdcts: 



The remainder of the paper deals with the relationship between the Podo- 

 cuipuieac and the Araucanntae. The authoress brings together the available 

 tacts from the different publications bearing on the subject. She comes to the 

 conclusion that the Podocarijineat and Araucaiiiieue are very primitive, and that 

 they are probably related ; but the question is by no means settled. There are 

 various gaps in our knowledge, especially regarding the Aiaucarineae, the female 

 gametophyte of which is little known, while of the embryo we know virtually 

 nothing. In the Podocarpineae, too, adequate knowledge is wanted of the female 

 gametophyte, embryo, and the development of ovulate structures. Wanting the 

 above knowledge, "we should be hardly justified in coming to a definite decision in 

 regard to relationships, and at present it seems best to hold Taxineae, Poducur- 

 /iineae, and Aiaucarineae apart as separate tribes, leaving open the question of 

 larger grouping amongst conifers."' L. (J. 



7. Trees and Shrubs of New Zealand. By L. S. (libbf^. (Thu Uar- 

 (lnirr'>i Clironidi., vol. i7, pp. D(, !).S,'ll8, l;il. February, 1910.; 



.Vn account of New Zealand trees and sluul)s with regard to their value as 

 plants for cultivation in English gardens, for which purpose the authoress recom- 

 mends a numl)er highly. The statement is made, "that heyond (JuidyHiif. antral U 

 and tree-ferns it is rare to see a native shrub or tree in a \ew Zealand garden." 

 With the exception of Pittuspunnn Kirkii, the other species of the genus are de- 

 scribed as "uninteresting." L. C. 



8. Pratia angulata Hook, f., and Lobelia linnaeoides Petrie. By J. 



B[uylc3J BLalfourJ. (The (Tardtnt'r\ L'hroiiiric , vol. -tl, p. 98. 

 February, 1910.) 



Both the above plants are hardy in the Edinburgh Botanic Garden. Pratia 

 ungulata, although growing in damp situations in New Zealand, and noted by 

 Cockayne as a bog-plant in Stewart Island, when grown in dry sandy soil in the 

 full sun in Edinburgh forms a close carpet on the soil, and every leaf -axil sends 

 up a short-stemmed flower, making during the summer a perfect sheet of white 

 blossom. If the plant be grown in the shade, or where the soil is heavier and 

 moister, the stems arch from the soil, forming more or less of a cushion, grow 

 freely, and the flowers, which are produced in fair abundance, are concealed 

 amongst the greenery and make little show. L. C. 



9. Deforestation in New Zealand. By L. S. Gibbs. (The Gardener's 

 ('Inonuic, vul. 14, pp. o5.j-5fc) ; November, UlOf^: and vol. 45, 

 pp. 225-2G and 2-t:i-44 ; April, 1909.) 



The authoress, who spent six months in New Zealand, gives, in three articles, 

 her views regarding the wholesale destruction of forest in the Dominion, and the 

 methods pursued. The observations were made chiefly from the most frequented 

 tourist routes. The following extracts show the scope t)f the articles : — 



" The results of deforestation everywhere to be witnessed in the country 

 between Auckland and the Bluff were such as to create an impression as painful 

 as it was indelible. Past and present evidences of the effect of the destruction 

 haunt me everywhere, from the bai'ien plains and barren hills of the older 

 ' settled ' districts in the one case, to the miles of blackened tree-stumps, even 

 on much-advertised tourist routes, in the other." "These results are caused by 

 the requirements of the settlers ; for, unfortunately, they and devastating bush- 

 fires always go hand-in-hand. Once the fire has done its worst, English grass- 

 seed is immediately sown, and cattle and horses are turned loose amongst the 

 standing and prostrate logs, which are left to rot on the ground. A little home- 

 stead will be run up amidst the dilbris, a couple of rectangular paddocks will be, 

 perhaps, cleared of the roots of the trees and enclosed by a hedge of Pinus pinaster 

 (erroneously called /'. Insignis) and Cupressus marrocarpus respectively as wind- 

 screens, and the result is a typical New Zealand landscape. To have the pine 

 without the cupressus would be wanting in imagination and taste." "The re- 

 maining forest land is generally Government property, and is leased in ' sections," 

 which, when large areas are opened up, are put up to auction. This land may 

 be covered with the most splendid forest-growth, such as the Waimarina Bush, 

 now being cut up by the Main Trunk Railway frDin Wellington to Auckland, 



