674 VEGETATION OF THE FEEJEE ISLANDS. 
by night than day, sometimes falling for hours heavily. From 
its vicinity to the equator, this is most probably the constant 
character ofthe climate. New Guineadoesnot seem to possess 
any interior mountain ranges ofsuchan elevation as to approach 
perpetual snow, as is stated in some geographic works ; though 
it abounds in bold scenery, often extremely picturesque, and 
covered with a lively verdure. ut this varies, and in some 
places there are extensive plains without a hillock, particularly 
at its most northern part. Volcanic action has been noticed, 
and several voleanoes are mentioned as still active ; but as 
they were not seen by us, they were probably to the south of 
our observations. In one situation stratified sandstone and 
conglomerate rocks prevailed, and the islands known as Moa, 
are perhaps coral. In the Great Bay and to the westward, 
limestone abounds. 
I am careful not to speak in superlatives ; but in the case of 
New Guinea I must indulge, as I believe it to offer the richest 
and most varied specimens of tropical vegetation I have any 
where seen. With very scanty means of collecting I obtained 
a pretty fragment of the flora, and every spot on which I 
landed displayed species not hitherto seen. I therefore con- 
eladed that many had a very limited range of growth. The 
forest is universal, except where the natives have some cultiva- 
tion. The trees are of great size and height, and tolerably 
closely grouped. Achras and Myristica have each several 
species, and furnish a large proportion of the trees. — Casua- 
rina equisetifolia is not uncommon, ` Leguminose and Sola- 
nec were rarely seen, the climate being no doubt too moist for 
them. Pandanus abounds in many species. Here, as else- 
where, it is chiefly on the margins of the forest that flowers 
md herbaceous plants are seen. The colours are generally 
little attractive, and white flowers are unusually numerous. 
This is partially compensated by the frequent fragrance of 
the flowers, and sometimes even of the foliage, Favoured by 
the heat and humidity of the climate, Ferns and Orchidee are 
numerous ; of the former, Pferis being predominant. Among 
the Nutmeg tribe, one was so abundant, that we were con- 
