olden times it was employed by the Maoris for fabrication into the " tapa " cloth worn 

 by their chiefs. The " Houi " has several varieties, the most common ones being var. 

 A. vulgaris, with ovate leaves, possessing large sharp teeth ; var. B. Icniceolata, leaves 

 linear or oblong-lanceolate, toothed or serrate ; var. C. mir/ifstifolia, leaves small, linear 

 oblong, spinulose-toothed, flowers small; and var. D. crat(eg'ifoJla, the handsomest of 

 them, leaves ovate, vaiiously lobed, and toothed. All of these have fibrous bark, and 

 white flowers. Our plate is remarkable for its fidelity, and jiortrays vividly the appear- 

 ance of this beautiful Soheria. 



2. HOHERIA SINCLAIRII {Hook., F.) Dr. Sinclair's Hoheria. 



Specific Character. — Larger in all its parts than 

 H. pipidiiea, and readily distinguislied from it by its 

 broadly ovate, acute, obtusely serrate, coriaceous, glabrous 

 leaves. The peduncles are usually binafe, and shorter than the 



petioles. It much resembles Plagianfhu^ Li/allii, but the 

 leaves are not cordate, more serrate, the peduncles jointed in 

 the middle, stigmas capitate and carpels 5. — Sandbook of 

 Neto Zealand Flora, p. 31. 



Description, etc. — This beautifid tree is said to be indigenous only to the Northern 

 Island ; and, as little is said of it by Dr. Hooker in his remarks, it is, without doubt, 

 rather scarce. The specimen which the Editor of the " Handbook " received for classi- 

 fication was amongst some Auckland plants sent, without localities, by Dr. Sinclair. 

 It may possibly be found in other districts in the Northern island, but no definite 

 information has been received on the subject. As it much resembles Plagianflins 

 Li/aUti, it follows that it must be a very handsome tree. This species is named in 

 honour of the late Dr. Sinclair, R.N., F.L.S., the contributor, formerly Colonial 

 Secretary, an enthusiastic botanist, and a man of high and varied attainments, who 

 was unfortunately droA\ned in the Rangitata River, whilst on a botanical exploration 

 of the Southern Alps, in company with Sir Julius, Von Haast. 



GENUS III. 

 HIBISCUS {Lniii.) The Hibiscus. 



GrEXEHic Character— Usually erect herbs, with often 

 lobed leaves and handsome hermaphrodite flowers. Bracts 

 numerous (or few) below the calyx, free or connate. Calyx 

 5-fid or 5-toothcd. Petals usually cuneate, oblique, soon 

 withering. Staminal tube long, 5-toothed at the mouth, below 



which the filaments are inserted. Ovary 5-celled, with 5 

 spreading styles and terminal stigmas; cells 2-ovuled. Cap- 

 sule 5-valved, loculicidal. Seeds glabrous, or woolly. — Hand- 

 book of Neti^ Zealand Flora, p. 31. 



DESCRiPTioy, etc. — A A-ery large tropical genus, containing many handsome plants, 

 characterised by their large show\' flowers, borne singly upon stalks towards the 

 ends of the branches. The majority of the species are tropical, but a few are fomid 

 in temperate regions ; and one, H. trionum, occurs in the South of Eurojie, Australia, 

 and New Zealand. Most of the sjiecies are shrubby, but a few form moderately high 



