112 Transactions. 



specimens of this tree on the G-reat Barrier, and whicli are probably unsur- 

 passed. In the crater, this tree resembles M. rohusta in its free and erect 

 habit of growth, but on the cliffs it presents the distorted appearance so 

 commonly seen about Auckland. The principal trees of large size are the 

 E-imu {Dacrydium cupressimtni) and the Tarairi {Nesodaj^lme tarairi). 

 Amongst smaller trees and shrubs are Dysoxylum spectahile, Melicytus rami- 

 fiorus, Corynocarpus Icevigatus, Dodoncea viscosa, Goprosma grandifolia, Panax 

 lessomi, P'. arlorea, Scliefflera digitata, Gorohia huddleoides, Olearia cimning- 

 Tiaonii, Br acliy glottis repanda, Geniostoma Ugustrifolia, and many others ; but 

 perhaps the most remarkable is Pisonia umhellifeo^a, a few trees of which 

 were found growing amongst young and large-leaved specimens of Goryno- 

 carpus Icevigatiis, which it closely resembles in the shape and colour of its 

 leaves ; and in the absence of its flower and fruit presented an anomalous 

 appearance, — " like, yet unlike." Some of its leaves measured fully eighteen 

 inches in length and seven inches in breadth. Jt was subsequently collected 

 in a curiously similar habitat on the Little Barrier Island, but was not found 

 on the Grreat Barrier. 



The Littoral and Uliginal plants present nothing worthy of special notice, 

 nor indeed had we sufiicient time to examine them closely. Samolus repens, 

 Salicornia indica, Selliera radicans, and others of rupestral habitat, are 

 abundant at the base of the cliffs. Amongst the Arenarian plants are 

 Goprosma acerosa, Gonvolvulus soldaneUa, and Spinifex liirsutus. The last 

 named curious grass formed large tufts, with prostrate culms, sometimes 

 30 feet or more in length, which throw out roots at the joints, and aid in 

 binding the shifting sands. The cultivated radish {Raphanus sativus) is also 

 found growing with the above on the sands at the head of the little harbour. 



The Eaupo {Typlia latifolia var. angustifolia) and other Uliginal plants find 

 a suitable habitat, although of limited extent, near the centre of the island. 



The notes just read must be considered as merely a contribution to the 

 botany of Arid Island. We venture to express the hope that some member 

 of the Institute may visit the island under more favourable circumstances 

 than fell to our lot, and be able, at least, to make a complete catalogue of 

 its phsenogamic plants and ferns ; not only on account of the interesting 

 nature of the locality, but because of the positive value possessed by an 

 exact and minute knoAvledge of the local distribution of plants, as an 

 element in the ultimate circumscription of their specific limits. 



