352 Transactions. — Botany. 



Notwithstanding the minuteness of the flowers, they are frequently visited 

 by insects, chiefly minute species of Diptera. The poUinia, however, are not 

 removed with the same regularity and precision as in Acianthus, nor is such a 

 large proportion of capsules produced. I find, though, that specimens from 

 some localities give very discordant results in this respect, although as a rule 

 there can be no doubt that the proportionate number of capsules matured is 

 much less thon in Acianthus. 



I have made no observations on the fertilisation of the only other species 

 of Cyrtostylis (C. rotundijolia) native to New Zealand. The diflference 

 between the two plants is so slight (if indeed it is sufficient to allow a 

 specific distinction being maintained) that I can entertain no doubt but that, 

 on investigation, the mode of fertilisation will be found to be the same for 

 both species. 



Art. LI. — On Pterostylis squamata in New Zealand. 

 By Thomas F. Cheeseman, F.L.S. 



[^Read before the AiicUand Institute, 21th Jidy, 1874.] 



For the discovery of this singular plant in New Zealand, we are indebted 

 to the late Dr. Sinclair, so well known for his successful researches into the 

 natural history of this country. Specimens collected by him in some locality 

 near Auckland were forwarded to Sir W. Hooker at Kew, about twenty-four 

 years ago j and accordingly we find the plant described in the first volume of 

 the Flora Novre-Zealandice. Nearly the same description is rejoroduced in the 

 more recently issued Handbook, but with no additional habitats attached. 

 Unfortunately, no precise record appears to have been preserved of the station 

 in which it was found ; and consequently, on Dr. Sinclair's decease, the species 

 became entirely lost to New Zealand botanists. Since then, although the 

 vicinity of Auckland has been repeatedly searched, no traces of its presence 

 liave been observed, nor, until a few months ago, had it been found elsewhere in 

 the colony. As the plant must undoubtedly be considered one of the rarest 

 members of the New Zealand flora, and as it is structurally one of the most 

 interesting, it seems not out of place to put the fact of its rediscovery on 

 record. 



During a recent visit to the Thames, while examining the low clay hills 

 which skirt the river immediately behind the native settlement of Kapu, 

 I observed a solitary Pterostylis, that on inspection proved to be the long-lost 

 P. squamata. On a further search two more specimens were found, but both 

 of these were barren. Unfortunately the time at my disposal was not 

 sufficient to enable me to make a complete examination of the district, and to 



