474 Mr Rattray on a Botanical Journey 



a second time, its flora is unrepresented in my collec- 

 tions. 



On December 13, 1885, a landing was effected at Las 

 Palmas, Gran Canaria, for a few hours, but marine Algse 

 and shore animals only were procured. Calls were also 

 made at Bulama and Bassao (between Cape Verde and the 

 Isles de Los) on December 24, 1885, and at Libreville 

 (Gaboon Eiver), and Bananah Creek (Congo Eiver) on 

 January 28 and February 7, 1886. At the last two places, 

 however, no opportunity of landing was obtained, while at 

 Bulama the gatherings made consisted exclusively of Algse 

 and shore animals, and at Bassao the time w^as spent in 

 making observations on the organisms suspended in the 

 muddy shore waters. 



We arrived at Ascension Island on March 1, but owing 

 to the size of the " rollers," which were then about 15 feet 

 in height at the anchorage, no landing could be effected 

 for two days. When an opportunity of landing did occur 

 there was no time to ascend the Green Mountain, and but 

 little vegetation, except scattered patches of Cacti, a few 

 specimens of Vinca rosea, and some Portulaceous weeds, 

 were observed. On the barren rocks even lichens are rare. 

 Many Spongidee and Molluscan shells were, however, found 

 on the beach. 



In the vicinity of Funchal, in addition to the wild fig 

 {Ficus stipulata), the Ivy, Fuchsife, Aloes, Cacti, Bignonice, 

 BougainvilleEe (on garden walls). Hydrangea, Camellias, 

 Sugar-cane, Banana, and Date Palm {Phoenix dactylifera) , 

 the following plants were observed : — Zea 3Iays, Gladiolus 

 serjetwn^ Agave americana, Phormiuni tenax, Bromelia 

 ananas, Pandanus odoratissimus in gardens, along with 

 Hedychium, Canna, &c. Dracaena Draco is also present, 

 as well as Bambusse, which, however, are said not to 

 flower. The following commoner species were also noted : 

 — Panunculus repens, Papaver somniferma, P. dubium, 

 Capsella bursa-pastoris, GeroMium glomcratum, G. triviale, 

 Stellar ia media, Sagina procumbens, Hypericum perforatum, 

 H. humifusum, Malva sp., Geranium molle, G. dissectum 

 Lotus major, Trifolium minus, Potentilla tormentilla, Galium 

 apcirine, Gentaurea melitensis, Achillea millefolium, Sonchus 

 oleraceus, S. asper, Gonvolvuli, Thymus angustifolius^ Lamium 



