Kirx.— On Dicksonia antarctica and D. lanata. 345 
Nephrodium thelypteris, Desv., var. sqwamulosum.—Rotomahana affords the 
most southern locality yet recorded. 
N. unitum. Br.—Certainly the most abundant of the tropical ferns which owe 
their existence in New Zealand to the influence of hot springs ; northern 
and eastern limit about hot springs at Maketu—on the authority of 
Captain Mair; Rotomahana, in immense profusion ; Otumakokori, near 
Tapuaeharuru, and Waipihi, which is the most southern locality known 
to me, although it doubtless is found about the hot springs at the south 
of Lake Taupo. 
Nephrolepis cordifolia, Baker.— Otumakokori, abundant. Captain Mair 
informed me that it had been found near Tapuaeharuru, but I failed to 
detect it in that locality. 
Polypodium rupestre, Br.—Summit of Tarawera, 3,600 feet. ' 
Schizæa dichotoma, Swartz.—Attains its southern limit at Orakeikorako, in 
the modified temperature of hot springs. 
_ Lycopodium selago, L.—Attains its northern limit at Motukino ; first recorded 
locality in the North Island. 
L. densum, Lab.—Abundant near Kaitiriria ; not observed further south. 
L. cernuum, L.—Everywhere abundant about hot springs. 
L. clavatum, L., var. magellanicum.—Attains its northern limit on the high 
land north of Rotorua. 
L. volubile, Forst.—Ascends to 2,800 feet on Tarawera mountain. 
Tmesipteris forsteri, Endl.—Summit ‘of Tarawera mountain ; epiphytic and 
terrestrial. 
Psilotum triquetrum, Swartz.—Attains its southern limit at Orakeikorako. 
Isoëtes kirkii, A. Braun.—Rotokakahi; the most southern habitat yet 
discovered, 
Art. XLITL—On the Specific Characters of Dicksonia antarctica, Br., and 
' Dicksonia lanata, Col. By T. Kırg, F.LS. 
[Read before the Auckland Institute, 14th October, 1872.1 
Tue characters presented by Dicksonia antarctica and D. lanata in these 
islands are so remarkably constant and so easily recognized, owing to the 
absence of intermediate forms, that it seems desirable to inquire if their union, 
under the name of Dicksonia antarctica, can be maintained. I must confess 
at the outset that it is with the greatest diffidence I venture to dissent from 
the opinion of so high an authority as the late Sir William Hooker, but after 
a careful examination of both forms in a recent condition, and in many 
localities, it appears to me that a student unacquainted with either would fail 
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