2. RANUNCULUS TRAVEllSir {Ifook., F.) m. Trav.-is' l5:nm,KM.lus. 



Specific Cuabactek. — Very similar to R. Liialli, Imf 

 sniallor; lo n'cs, fl 7 in. diam., nml broiicHv twice or tlirico 



civnalo, willi ili'cpcr iicitclu-M, ami mIi)i I».) iticisimis near 

 the base. — lliuiillKnik af Srw /.rnldnil Fhm. p, ■}, 



Dkscuii'TION, etc. — This liaiidsouK' s])(>ci('s is second only in size and licaiilv to //. 

 Li/alli, and is likewiso a nativ(> oF the Middle Island, where in the moist i;iillies and 

 ravines of the mountains it luxuriates. The dowers are cream-coloured and handsome. 

 It is named after Mr. W. T. L. Travcrs, F.L.S., an indefatii^ahle hotanist. 



3. RANUNCULUS INSIGNIS {Hook., F.) The Remarkable Ranunculus. 



PrEciFic Character. — Erect, roV>ust, paiiiuulntdy 

 brant'lied, villou.s, often 4 ft. liigli ; fulvous or nifoiis when 

 dry. Leaves rounded-cordate, 4-S in. broad, very coriaceous, 

 crenale, arid lobed ; petiob*s, (3 in. lon^j. Peduncles very 

 numerous, sfout, with (often opposite) linear-oblong bracts. 



Flowers golden, \\ in. diani. Sepals, 5 G, obbtng. woolly at 

 tlie back. Petals 5 G, obcordate, willi 3 glands near tlic base. 

 Acbenes forming a small lu-ad upon an oblon*? pubescent 

 turus, villous, tumid, witb a slender, nearly straight style. — 

 Handbook of ^'eiv Zeal find Flora, p. 4. 



Dkscription, etc., Plate No. 4.— The " KORIKORI."— This fine plant is native 

 to the Northern Island, and a portion of the Nelson District. It is the largest and 

 handsomest Ranunculus in the northern parts, often attaining a height of four feet. 

 It is found growing in luxuriance on the lofty summits of the Ruahine, Tongaiiro, and 

 Hikurangi Mountains, and the high mountain ranges of Nelson, between INIount Arthur 

 and iNIount Peel, where it is abundant. At the time it Avas named Imignls, or '* The 

 remarkable one," it was sujiposed to be the finest and best Ranunculus extant, but since 

 then others, such as R. Lyalli, B. Traversii, and R. Godleyanm have been discovered, and 

 share with it the honours for size and beauty. The Maoris aaIio ascend the mountains 

 during early summer, when it is in bloom, never fail to secure a specimen of this plant to 

 adorn their hats, in order to shew their proAvess, and as a remembrance of their adventu- 

 rous journey. It is known to the settlers as the Big Buttercup, and is probably the 

 largest buttercup in the world. The subject of our plate Avas obtained in the Nelson 

 district, and shews A'ividly the character of this graiid Ranunculus. As soon as the 

 snow disappears the " Korikori " rears up its head, and gladdens the mountain sides 

 Avith its golden cup-like fioAvers. Many of the European Rdinoiciilacecc are favourite 

 garden floAvers, and vary much in colour and form. The Buttercup, ]Monkshood, Lark- 

 spur, Columbine, Bachelor's Buttons, and Hellebore are all members of this family. 

 The common Buttercup [R. acris), were it not a common Aveed, Avould be thought a 

 beautiful floAver from the golden hue of its glossy petals, and its A^ery handsome leaves. 

 Shakespeai'e, in his Avritings, makes many allusions to the Buttercup, under the name of 



