866 Transactions.— Botany. 
producing a singular effect, quite unlike that of any native plants. I am 
indebted to Dr. Hector for information as to its introduction. 
Matthiola sinuata, Br. 
A weleome addition to our naturalized plants, but confined to the 
remarkable locality of Castle Rock, on the steep faces of which it is plentiful 
enough. Its establishment in this singular habitat can only be accounted 
for on the supposition of its having been sown. 
Lepidium ruderale, L. 
This Crucifer appears to be spreading through all temperate regions ; 
sheep and cattle are evidently the chief agents in its diffusion, although its 
minute seeds are often carried great distances by the wind. It is especially 
abundant about sheep camps in the Wairarapa and other districts. 
Raphanus sativus, L. 
Most travellers by the Hutt road must have noticed the profusion of the 
garden radish on soil disturbed during the construction of the railway. In 
all probability it will gradually diminish in quantity, although at present it 
maintains its ground. 
Lychnis coronaria, L. 
The white leaves and bright red flowers of this plant produce a singular 
effect in localities where it is abundant, as in Porirua Valley, ete., etc. 
Silene noctiflora, L. 
This plant appears to be confined to the locality mentioned, where, 
however, it is tolerably plentiful, and has apparently been established for 
some years. lam quite at a loss to account for its introduction. 
` Hypericum androsemum, L. 
Unusually abundant at Ohariu, and flourishing with the greatest luxuri- 
ance on the borders of forest to which cattle have access. 
Conium maculatum, L. 
This deadly plant was more plentiful about Wellington three or four 
years ago than it is at the present time. Its extension has been greatly 
restricted by building operations. 
Rosa rubiginosa, L 
The sweet-briar spreads with remarkable rapidity, occasionally forming 
dense thickets and causing much trouble in pastoral lands. Its fruit is 
eaten by horses and birds, and many of the seeds escape injury during the 
process of digestion, probably owing to their hairy covering preventing the 
action of the gastric juice. 
Dipsacus sylvestris, L. 
In great abundance in the Porirua Valley, where its striking habit 
affords a marked contrast to surrounding plants. It has not been observed 
in any other distiict. 
