Cheeseman. — On the Flora of the NortJi Cape District. 359 



peninsula in the patches of forest. The undergrowth was 

 largely composed of supplejack (Bhipogomwi), Pteris maci- 

 lenta, and Polypodium ])eiinigerum. 



Crossing the stream, we ascended a ridge leading to the 

 summit of Tirikawa, or Darkins's Hill. This reaches an 

 elevation of 1,010ft., and is the highest hill in the North Cape 

 peninsula. It is situated close to the coast, its northern 

 slopes plunging almost precipitously into the sea. Most of 

 its southern side is covered with light bush, forming one of 

 the largest tracts of forest in the peninsula. Near the sum- 

 mit, which must be completely exposed to the full force of the 

 westerly winds, the vegetation is principally composed of 

 stunted Brachyglottis, mixed with Phormium, Goprosma rhavi- 

 noides, Ozotliamnus glomcratus, and BhabdotJiamnus, the 

 latter a somewhat unlikely plant to occur in such an exposed 

 locality. Myrsiiie urvillei, Leucopogon fascicuJat^is, and Cordy- 

 llne australis were also noticed. Lower down the hill a few 

 kauris were seen, but poor, dwarfed, and stunted compared 

 with those forming the magnificent kauri forests of Kaipara 

 and Hokianga. Two or three small totaras were also noticed. 

 Nikau-palms were plentiful, but all much under the average 

 size. A few ratas were scattered here and there on the side 

 of the hill, their round massive tops, covered with flaming 

 bunches of flowers, rendering them conspicuous from afar. 

 The most abundant tree was Leptospermum ericoides, but 

 tarairi, kohekohe, mangeao, Schefflera, Pittosporum tcnui- 

 folium, Panax crassifoliiim, and P. lessonii were all plentiful. 

 The undergrowth was largely composed oi Freycinetia, Astelia 

 trinervia, and several species of Coprosma. A large much- 

 branched form of Dracophyllum squarrosum was collected, but 

 was apparently far from common. On the seaward side the 

 slopes were mostly open and grassy, but here and there were 

 patches of pohutukawa and Sapota, while Olearia ang^data 

 was plentiful. 



Between Tirikawa and Whangakea, near the western 

 end of Spirits Bay, the country is composed of low steep 

 hills separated by narrow gullies, many of which contain 

 patches of forest. Kauri and rimu were occasionally seen, 

 but the major portion of the bush was composed of Lepto- 

 spermum, mixed with Vitex and Nesodaphne taradri. In 

 swampy places Eugenia vvas plentiful. Descending to the 

 sea, near the mouth of the Whakapoko stream Ipomcea 

 palmata was observed in great abundance on the cliffs. 

 An undescribed Coprosma, with curious verticillate leaves, 

 was also gathered. It was originally found near Tapoto- 

 poto by Mr. T. Kirk many years ago, and I have much 

 pleasure in associating his name with it. Passing Whanga- 

 kea, where there is a fertile valley partly occupied with 



