456 Transactions.—Zvology, 
clear that a high rate of profit must be realized by the merchant and retailer 
alike. 
Specimens of our plant, from Christchurch and Wellington, were exhi- 
bited at the Vienna Exhibition under the name of Jew's-ear Fungus, 
Hirneola auricula-jude, an allied species which occurs in the colony, but 
which is decidedly rare when compared with H. polytricha. The two plants 
may be easily distinguished, H. polytricha being greyish or cinereous, while 
H. auricula-jude is usually of a pinkish tint. 
Another species of Hirneola is collected in Tahiti for export to China, 
and a larger species, found in Northern China, is said to be extensively 
collected for home use. 
We have thus before us the singular phenomenon of a product, utterly 
useless in the countries where it is found, being utilized by one of the least 
progressive people on the face of the earth, thus reversing the ordinary 
condition in which the civilized race utilizes the natural products of others 
less favoured. 
Arr. EXXIIL--Decriptton of a new Species of Lycopodium. 
By T. King, F.L.S. 
Plate XIX., fig. B. 
(Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 11th January, 1879.) 
Lycopodium ramulosum, n. s. 
A PnocuxszNT plant forming compact masses; stems 2-4 inches long, 
rather stout, repeatedly dichotomously branched; leaves crowded all round 
the stem, imbricated or spreading 1-l inch long, narrow subwiate, coria- 
ceous above, acute or pungent; spikes numerous, terminal J-2 iuch long, 
bracts small, sessile, ovate, abruptly acuminate, slightly tdothed. 
Hab.—South Island: Hokitika, W. Tipler! Okarito, 4. Hamilton! 
This plant differs trom all other New Zealand species in its dense, com- 
pact habit; in some respects it closely approaches L. laterale, B. diffusum, 
but that form is always erect, or sub-erect, and never grows in compact 
masses; moreover, it is but sparingly branched, and never has terminal 
spikes. In all these points our plant is strongly marked, and may easily be 
recognized at sight. It was originally discovered near Hokitika by Mr. 
Tipler, and subsequently at Okarito by Mr. Hamilton. I am indebted to 
both gentlemen for a supply of specimens. 
The spikes of our plant differ but little from those of L. laterale, Br., 
except in their greater number and smaller size. In the young state 
