ORCHIDS. 17 



six well defined species which flower in the autumn and winter, 

 viz., P. concinna, P. nutans, P. mutica, P. rufa, P. grandiflora, and 

 P. longifolia. Dr. F. Mueller alludes to other species, but in- 

 clines to the opinion that they are not really distinct from those 

 already described ; and, indeed, if his views prove correct, the 

 number of true species will be hereafter diminished. The doctor 

 alludes to a variety of P. curia which was collected near Bent's 

 Basin by the writer of this paper, and also to a varietas Wool- 

 siana of P. grandiflora, but it is to be doubted whether these 

 varieties are permanent, or whether they may not be compre- 

 hended in the brief descriptions of E. Brown. 



(17.) Corysanihes Jimlriata is the most diminutive of our or- 

 chids, and flowers in the winter. The flower is helmet-shaped, 

 and of a dark reddish brown with a solitary leaf. As it grows on 

 the moist banks of our shady creeks, it has the appearance of 

 some insect. This species extends to Victoria, but C. bicalcarata 

 is much rarer. Dr. F. Mueller has received specimens from the 

 Brisbane, which he refers to the latter species, and the late 

 Mr. W. S. Macleay used to say that it had been found near 

 Sydney. It seems probable that it may occur near us, 

 because Brown describes it as growing at Port Jackson, 

 but I have never been so fortunate as to meet with any living 

 specimens of the species, nor do I think it is known to Dr. 

 Mueller excepting from the Brisbane. 



(18.) Caleana major and G. minor differ from each other prin- 

 cipally in the bract on the stem, the latter being without any. 

 In the spring of the year, G. major is common in this neighbour- 

 hood, and although possessing no particular beauty, is one of the 

 most extraordinary orchids we have. The labellum is moveable 

 and irritable, so that any slight external action (whether arising 

 from the atmosphere, an insect, or a touch of the hand) causes it 

 to shut, just as if it moved by a spring. There is an allied spe- 

 cies at Swan Eiver (G. nigrita) in which some observers have 

 supposed that the irritability arises from a design on the part of 

 nature to attract insects and catch them, as it has been remarked 

 that when the lid by falling upon the lower part of the boat- 

 shaped flower, does not catch anything, it soon opens again. I 

 am inclined to think that this is only partially true, and that the 

 movement is connected with the impregnation or fertilisation of 

 c 



