234 Transactions. — Botany. 



dilatatum covers fallen logs with its delicate tracery. Numerous epiphytic 

 species are to be seen on the higher portions, amongst which may be 

 mentioned Asplenium falcatum, Polypodium serpens, and P. pustulatum 

 (verum). 



One charming feature remains to be stated — the profusion of mosses 

 and Hepaticfe, large frondose species of the latter being everywhere con- 

 spicuous, their greenish-yellow tints harmonizing thoroughly with the 

 bright green leaves of Hookeria cristata, which in these deep gullies 

 exhibits its highest luxuriance. 



The " Archdeacon's Cove " is a delightful nook on the south-eastern 

 side of Paterson's Inlet, and can only be approached by water. On step- 

 ping out of the boat the visitor observes luxuriant plants of Lomaria dura 

 and L. banksii, but for some time sees no indication of the rich treat await- 

 ing him. Proceeding for a few chains along a narrow creek, Lomaria 

 capensis is found in great luxuriance, and almost suddenly daylight is 

 diminished by the narrowing width of the ravine and the increasing height 

 of the cliff, all being overshadowed by a dense 'growth of gigantic forest 

 trees, thickly clothed with epiphytes so that the direct rays of the sun are 

 excluded, and a constant drip falls from the branches. The eye is bewil- 

 dered by the multiplicity of fern forms which emerge from the partial 

 obscurity as it becomes accustomed to the diminished light. High 

 up amongst the branches of an inclined trunk hangs a pale green mass, 

 which seems strangely familiar, but which from its large size fails to be 

 recognized until a tedious climb of the wet slippery trunk reveals it as 

 Hymenophyllwn pnlcherrimum, with fronds between two and three feet in 

 length. H. bivalve, H. multiftdum, and many other congeners whose names 

 need not be given, are found on adjacent trees, while H. dilatatum exhibits 

 great luxuriance at their base. Presently the gully widens out and numer- 

 ous tree-ferns are to be seen ; but the glory of the gully consists in its 

 grand specimens of Todea hymenophylloides and T. superba, both of which 

 are plentiful, but the latter especially exhibits its most graceful habit and 

 its most luxuriant growth. From a stout stem some 18" high, a dense 

 crown of nearly erect fronds with drooping tips is given off. They must be 

 counted by scores : some of them are three years old, and between four and 

 five feet in length, of a deep blackish-green. It is impossible to conceive of 

 a more attractive fern than this, or of a greater contrast than is presented 

 by the same species when spreading its yellowish-green fronds in open 

 woods. Numerous specimens were observed, but only one exhibited the 

 extreme beauty or attained the large dimensions stated. 



