Kirk. — On the Lake District of the North Island. 337 



Otumakokori is the only known habitat in New Zealand, in which the 

 tropical ferns here enumerated occur together. Nephrodiuni inolle is not found 

 elsewhere, and Nephrolepis cordifolia, although growing in another locality, 

 is only found there in small quantity and in a depauperated condition. 

 Gleichenia dichotovia and Nephrodiuin unitum are found in several localities, 

 and exhibit a comparatively wide range when contrasted with the Nephrolepis 

 and Nephrodium molle. 



It is remarkable that Dr. Hochstetter, who first discovered Nephrolepis 

 cordifolia and Nephrodium molle in the colony, does not mention the existence 

 of Nephrodium unitum, or of Gleichenia dichotoma, one of the most striking 

 ferns in the New Zealand flora. 



About half a mile from its source the Otumakokori passes through a 

 swamp ; for some little distance along its margin Nephrodium unitum occurs 

 sparingly, rarely accompanied by a solitary plant of N. m,olle, and more 

 frequentljT" by handsome specimens of Nephrolepis cordifolia, but neither of 

 these plants is found beyond the influence of the warm water. Amongst the 

 numerous uliginal plants which are found here Gunnera prorepens deserves 

 special mention. The specimens observed were perfectly glabrous, possibly 

 from growing in a much higher temperature than usual. 



Paeora Kange. 



The forest which clothes portions of the Paeora range presents few plants 

 of special interest and exhibits but little variety. The rata {Metrosideros 

 rohusta) is abundant, and in several localities, as at Waiwhakahihi, forms 

 extensive groves, every tree being of purely terrestrial origin j specimens of 

 epiphytic origin are only to be found in the dense lowland forest, and diminish 

 in frequency as the tree approaches its southern limit. 



Scattered plants of Senecio lautus are to be met with in the Paeora and 

 Katoreka vallies, and in other places in the Taupo district. It is of much 

 more spreading and succulent habit than when growing on the sea shore, and 

 might be mistaken for aS'. odoratus but for the smaller rays. 



The pigmy Isolepis aucklandica is found sparingly in one or two localities, 

 but is remarkably local ; its northern boundary is probably attained at about 

 a mile east from Otumakokori, at an estimated altitude of 1,500 feet. 



Orakeikorako. 

 At Orakeikorako the naturalized watercress is abundant on the maroin of 

 the Waikato River, and aflbrds a welcome addition to the scanty supply of 

 fodder to be procured in that locality. The banks on both sides of the river 

 are marked by innumerable steam jets, ngawhas, fumaroles, and geysers to 

 such an extent that the utmost vigilance is necessary on the part of the 

 explorer to prevent accident. About the hot springs Gleichenia dichotoma 



s 1 



