Kirk.—On the Lake District of the North Island. 337 
Otumakokori is the only known habitat in New Zealand, in which the 
tropical ferns here enumerated occur together. Nephrodium molle is not found 
elsewhere, and Nephrolepis cordifolia, although growing in another locality, 
is only found there in small quantity and in a depauperated condition. 
Gleichenia dichotoma and Nephrodium unitum are found in several localities, 
and exhibit a comparatively wide range when contrasted with the Nephrolepis 
and Nephrodium molle. 
It is remarkable that Dr. Hochstetter, who first discovered Nephrolepis 
cordifolia and Nephrodium molle in the colony, does not mention the existence 
of Nephrodium unitum, or of Gleichenia dichotoma, one of the most striking 
ferns in the New Zealand flora. 
About half a mile from its source the Otumakokori passes through a 
swamp ; for some little distance along its margin Nephrodium unitum occurs 
sparingly, rarely accompanied by a solitary plant of NW. molle, and more 
frequently by handsome specimens of Nephrolepis cordifolia, but neither of 
these plants is found beyond the influence of the warm water. Amongst the 
numerous uliginal plants which are found here Gunnera prorepens deserves 
special mention. The specimens observed were perfectly a possibly 
from growing in a much higher temperature than usual. 
PAEORA Rance. 
The forest which clothes portions of the Paeora range presents few plants 
of special interest and exhibits but little variety. The rata (Metrosideros 
robusta) is abundant, and in several localities, as at Waiwhakahihi, forms 
extensive groves, every tree being of purely terrestrial origin ; specimens of 
epiphytic origin are only to be found in the dense lowland forest, and diminish 
in frequency as the tree approaches its southern limit. 
Scattered plants of Senecio lautus are to be met with in the Paeora and 
Ratoreka vallies, and in other places in the Taupo district. It is of much 
more spreading and succulent habit than when growing on the sea shore, and 
might be mistaken for S. odoratus but for the smaller rays. 
The pigmy Isolepis aucklandica is found sparingly in one or two lnia 
but is remarkably local ; its northern boundary is probably attained at about 
a mile east from Otumakokori, at an estimated altitude of 1,500 feet. 
ORAKEIKORAKO. 
At Orakeikorako the naturalized watercress is abundant on the margin of 
the Waikato River, and affords a welcome addition to the scanty supply of 
fodder to be procured in that locality. The banks on both sides of the river 
are marked by innumerable steam jets, ngawhas, fumaroles, and geysers to 
snch an extent that the utmost vigilance is necessary on the part of the 
explorer to prevent accident. About the hot springs Gleichenia dichotoma 
sl 
