FLORA OF BATHURST. 473 
The Composite are very abundant in number, and include a 
fair number of species, but for the most part are not very dis- 
tinctive. One case may be mentioned, however. Helichrysum 
apiculatum is perhaps our most abundant weed, and occurs every- 
where, but H. bracteatum, while it grows well on the Silurian, 
appears to be entirely absent from the granite. In the neigh- 
bourhood of Bathurst the succession of Composite almost mark 
the seasons. Cymbonotus Lawsoniana, with its broad leaves and 
yellow flowers, is the first to appear. Then this disappears, and 
Microseris Forsteri takes its place. A little later the ground is 
covered with one or two species of Brachycome, which do not last 
long, while Helipterwm incanum and Helichrysum apiculatum 
last through the whole summer. 
Of Rhamnacee, Pomaderris apetala has only been found on 
the Devonian, while ?. prunifolia occurs on the Silurian, Cryp- 
tandra amara on granite and Silurian, and Discaria australis on 
the same, but uncommon. The Orchids form an interesting group. 
Several species of Diuris are found on the granite near Bathurst: 
in the early spring D. aurea and D. sulphurea, and later, D. 
elongata. These are uncommon on the Silurian, while D. maculata 
is common on the Silurian, but very rare on the granite. GJossodia 
major is very common on the Silurian and near the boundary of 
the granite, but never seems to occur near Bathurst. Two species 
of Thelymitra, T. ixioides, and 7’, longifolia, are common on the 
Silurian, as are two Caladenias, C. dilatata, and C. dimorpha, 
but not one of these occurs on the granite, or if they do, are very 
rare. 
If one came upon Stypandra glauca, one of the Liliaces, grow- 
ing freely, it would be good evidence near Bathurst that one was 
on the Silurian, or very close to it, since it is not found en the 
granite; but care would be required not to confuse a Dianella, 
of somewhat similar habit, with it, since this is not uncommon on 
the granite. 
A tolerably complete collection of grasses from the granite has 
been made. The Silurian and Devonian have not been so com- 
pletely worked, but the grasses on the granite appear to differ 
considerably from those on the other formations. Altogether 
seventeen species have been obtained from the granite, of which 
only three or four occur on the Silurian as well, while four species 
have been recorded from the Silurian alone. 
Many more particulars might be given, but enough has been 
said to show that the difference between the flora of the granite 
and that of the Silurian is very marked. Of course one can hardly 
suppose that plants have special affinities for rocks of a particular 
age ; but if we find that rocks of similar composition and age in 
different parts of the colony have similar floras, an important step 
