222 Transactions. -^Botany. 



The principal plants observed on the highest peak were Ourisia cmpitosa, 

 which was luxuriant and plentiful. A Raoulia, or Haastia, destitute of 

 flowers but new to science has been provisionally described as Raoulia 

 (joyeni. These were associated with the prostrate form of Coprosma colensoi 

 and other plants already mentioned. The rapid approach of evening pre- 

 vented any detailed examination of the vegetation of the highest and western 

 peaks as it was desirable to commence the return to camp during daylight, 

 but we lingered sufficiently long to frustrate our wish, and had the doubtful 

 pleasure of camping in the open. 



It is obvious that under the unfavourable atmospheric conditions which 

 prevailed during two-thirds of the ascent, and which continued until night- 

 fall, the above must necessarily be an incomplete account of the alpine 

 portion of the flora. Not only was investigation restricted to a compara- 

 tively small area, but many inconspicuous plants were hidden by the snow 

 and hail, and others doubtless were overlooked, owing to the weakened con- 

 dition of the observing faculties caused by our benumbed and saturated 

 condition. 



A few of the endemic and rarer plants found on the island deserve 

 special mention. 

 Aciphylla traillii, T. Kirk. A small flaccid species found on Eakiaua and 



Mount Anglem. 

 Ligusticum intermedium, Hook, f., var. oblongifolia. A handsome plant, to 

 some extent combining the characters of L. lyallii and L. intermedium, 

 but distinguished from both by the narrow, oblong, erect leaves. 

 Mason's Bay and inland base of Ruggedy. 

 Actinotus bellidioides, Benth., var. nova-zealandice. At sea-level, head of 

 Paterson's Inlet, and on Mr. Petrie's authority at Port Pegasus. On 

 the peaks of Ruggedy, and at nearly 3,000 feet on Mount Anglem, 

 but not observed at intermediate levels. Found also on the west 

 coast of the Nelson district, altitude 2,000 feet. Specimens collected 

 on the dry sandy ridges between Paterson's Inlet and Ruggedy cannot 

 be distinguished from the Tasmanian plant, but marsh specimens are 

 characterized by numerous short barren stems. 

 Aralia lyallii, T. Kirk (Stilbocarpa polaris. Den. and PL in part). I have 

 elsewhere given my reasons for removing this plant from Stilbocarpa, 

 and need only state here that it is altogether a littoral plant, being 

 restricted to sea-cliffs or to small outlying islets, etc. One of the most 

 striking plants in the flora. 

 Olearia angustifolia, Hook. f. Tete-a-weka of the natives. This is one of 

 the grandest flowering plants, and was first observed by Dr. Lyall, 

 who, however, was not fortunate enough to obtain flowers. It appears 



