OKCUIDS. 19 



Oberonia palmicola (Hastings Eiver, &c.), ArtJirocJiilus irritabilis 

 (Duraudo), Gastrodia sesamoides (Victoria, &c.), Drakaa elastica 

 (Leschenault Prom, &c.), Erythorchis aphylla (Hastings Eiver, &c.) 

 In concluding this review of Australian Orchids, so far as 

 they are yet known, it may be seen that the study of this inter- 

 esting family of plants is one of an extensive character, and 

 opens to the inquiring mind a wide field for observation. Since 

 the days of the celebrated Eobert Brown, many species have 

 been discovered, and it is highly probable that as the new settle- 

 ments that are being formed in N.E. Australia are more care- 

 fully examined, other novelties will develop themselves. A. 

 Cunningham and others were not neglectful of this singular 

 order, and Dr. 1*\ Mueller, in some late numbers of his 

 "Fragmenta," has added materially to the species previously 

 known. To speak of the Doctor's untiring exertions in the 

 cause of science, and the wonderful ability which he displays in 

 every department of the vegetable kingdom, seems almost super- 

 fluous, as probably there is no man in these colonies who has 

 earned for himself a higher reputation, or whose labours are 

 more generally appreciated by men of science throughout the 

 civilised world. I cannot, however, omit the present oppor- 

 tunity of acknowledging the great assistance I have derived from 

 his published works, as well as from the valuable hints which 

 from time to time I have had the honour to receive from him in 

 reference to OrchidaceaB and other orders of plants. If, in any 

 humble degree, I have been enabled now and then to aid him 

 in his unceasing efforts to develop the vegetable resources of 

 this vast continent, I regard it as a privilege, and my only regret 

 is that arduous duties of another kind frequently prevent me 

 from rendering him so much assistance as I desire. So far as 

 the orchids of Australia are concerned, to which the Doctor has 

 devoted so much attention, it would be well for any person de- 

 sirous of studying them, to compare Brown's descriptions with 

 the 35th No. of the "Fragmenta," (Vol. 5), and he will then 

 be able to form some idea of the labour and ability which will 

 be required to give accurate descriptions of all the known Aus- 

 tralian orchids. The day, no doubt, will arrive when a separate 

 work on this subject, accompanied with suitable illustrations, 

 will be deemed necessary, for, valuable as the descriptions of 



