116 THE VICTOUIAN NATURALIST. 



D. maculata, which it is said to be allied to. I liave been 

 fortunate ai finding this species on liut one occasion, viz , many years 

 ago near tlie Melbourne Observatory, where I was collecting plants, 

 and amongst other interesting specimens, I found what I took to be 

 D. maculdta, but my error was detected at a glance by liaron von 

 Mueller, to whom I gave the specimen in question. In the country 

 bordering on tlie Grampians, I believe it to lie not unconmion, and 

 I am indebted to my old friend, Mr. D. Sullivan, of Moyston, for the 

 specimens shown this evening by way of illustration. To grow this 

 species, I should say that a similar treatment to that for D. punctata 

 would be quite successful. I may mention that this plant is 

 somewhat more " grassy" in appearance so far as the foliage is 

 concerned, than in the specimens even when small, of D.mjuculala. 

 Flowers in November and December . Height a bout 5 to 6 inches. 

 Found also in South Australia and in Tasmania. 



Diuris punctata (Smith.) — This very fine and showy species is to 

 be met with on flat damp grassy lands, in various parts of the 

 colony ; and even when not in flower, may be easily distinguished 

 by a practised observer, by its robust, and erect habit-, also by the 

 great lehgth of its unexpanded flowers. As this species is so unlike 

 any others of the genus, it will hardly be necessary to give you any 

 lengthy description of it, as its beautiful lilac purple flowers and 

 singular appearance will be quite sufficient to enable anyone to 

 recognise it when in flower. This species is well worthy of cultivation, 

 being easily removed, (even when in full bloom) and requiring very 

 little care. To grow it well , strong phable loam should be used 

 with plenty of dianiage, and a never failing supply of clean water, 

 and as regards the plan of growing it, the advice given for the 

 preceding species, will also suffice for this plant. In the country 

 near Lake Cooper, Mt. Martha, Lillydale, Elmore, Dandenong, and 

 in fact nearly over the whole colony, this beautiful plant is certain to 

 be met with, and sometimes it may be found growing by the 

 hundreds, and as it dries well, keeps its color, and' has an elegant 

 appearance in the herbarium, it is a general favourite with plant col- 

 lectors. Height from 6 to 12 inches. Flowers in November and 

 December , often later. D. elonpata and D. lilacma a.ve synonymous 

 with this species. Found also in New South Wales. 



Diuris lonaifolia (R. Brown.) — This plant, which is better known 

 as the D. r.nri/mhnfia of Lindley, is a very elegant and somewhat 

 variable species, found growing over most parts of the Colony and in 

 all sorts of situations, and is equally at home either in the dense 

 tea-tree flats in stiff clayey soil, in the sandy heaths about Brighton, 

 or in the rich deep vegetable mould of our mountain districts. 

 During a collecting trip to that Orchid collectors' paradise. Berwick, 

 we found a number of specimens of this species, quite yellow, and 

 without any indication of the beautiful purple shade peculiar to the 



