The Crpptogamia of the Australian Alps. 51 



heads of gullies on the littoral slopes of the Dividing- 

 Range, growing luxuriantly on decaying logs of 

 deeply-shaded fern-tree gullies. It ascends to sub- 

 alpine stations of 3600 feet elevation. It also occurs 

 on some northern or inland slopes, such as the Buffalo 

 Ranges, but it appears to be most prolific on the 

 littoral areas where more equable temperature 

 prevails. 



1. Gleichenia circumata (Swartz). — Is more plentiful on 



the northern sub-alpine flats, especially towards the 

 sources of the Benambra Creek, and in the Ovens 

 valley. In the former it is found growing in the 

 shade of various endemic shrubs, such as Drimys 

 aromatica, &c, with whose dark sap, green foliage, its 

 light emerald-tinted fronds form an agreeable 

 contrast. 



2. Gleichenia dicarpa (R. B.). — In similar habitats with G. 



circumata, but also at lower levels in the Mitta Mitta 

 sources. 



1. Dicksonia Billardieri (F. v. M.). — This magnificent tree- 

 fern is the principal species clothing the heads of 

 gullies in the Australian Alps. Its greatest luxuriance 

 is attained at elevations of 3000 feet, where the decay 

 of its lower fronds largely helps to form that deep 

 vegetable mould so characteristic of these localities. 

 A sub-alpine glen clothed with a vigorous growth of 

 these handsome fern-trees, with tall straight-stemmed 

 eucalyptus and acacias, and fringed with such 

 beautiful endemic shrubs as Lomatia ilicefolia, Zeria 

 Smithii, Senecio Bedfordii, and various asters, &c, is 

 perhaps the most recherche of all the varied forms of 

 botanical scenery to be met with in the sub-alpine 

 zone of the Australian Alps. 



1. Alsophila Australis (R, B.). — Also an inhabitant of 

 the moist southern glens, but extending to the grassy 

 slopes as well. Does not ascend to the same eleva- 

 tion as D. Billardieri. 



1. Davallia dubia (R. B.). — Common in some localities, in 

 the Wentworth Valley, near the Dividing Range, and 

 in the Indi above Tom Grog-gin. Ascends to 3600 

 feet, both on Silurian and metamorphic soils. 



1. Lindsaya linearis (Swartz). — On the Tambo River, 

 especially on the quartz-mica-diorites of Mount 

 Elizabeth. Ascends to 3000 feet. 



