BOTANICAL INFORMATION, 305 
on the branches of the Rata (Metrosideros robusta, A. C.) 
beneath which tree alone the Spheria Robertsii has hitherto 
been found, when they fall to the earth beneath, die, and the 
Spheria is produced. 
I think I can offer a fact for consideration relative to their 
being only found beneath Metrosideros robusta. One fine 
evening last summer, when enjoying, as usual, a promenade 
in my garden, just as the sun had set, I was admiring the 
splendour of some fine plants of Mirabilis, which had just 
unfolded their scarlet petals. Suddenly several of these 
moths made their appearance, darting about the plants in 
every direction, pursuing one another, and eagerly striving 
to obtain the honey which lay at the bottom of the perianths 
of the Mirabilis. From this plant they flew upwards to the 
flowers of a stately Agave (A. Americana), where, being joined 
by other moths, their congeners, their numbers soon in- 
creased; and thus they continued to enjoy themselves every 
evening, during the whole season. The inference I deduce 
is this, that the M. robusta, blooming at this season, having 
scarlet flowers, which abound in honey, becomes the centre of 
attraction of these insects, increased, too, by its densely 
crowded coma of inflorescence; more particularly so from 
the blossoms being always at the extremity of its branches ; 
by which, and by their colour, this tree may at once be dis- 
tinguished from the other denizens of the forest, even at 
a great distance. 
The larva whereon the Spheria is found, when first taken 
out of the earth, is white internally, and appears solid and 
succulent. A finely cut slice, when held against the light, 
presents a beautiful appearance. 
I may mention that I think 1 have detected a second 
species of Phormium, very distinct from the P. tenax (New 
Zealand Flax). It is growing in my garden, and I want to see 
it flower before deciding on this point. 
