218 



is a common thing to see a huge tree being completely enveloped in the 

 aerial roots of a fig, ■which finally smother the host tree out of existence 

 so completely that it would not be known that the fig is taking' the position 

 of another unless the process of strangling had been observed. 



Even in colder New England Mr. A. E. Crawford noticed trees sending 

 do^vn aerial roots 30 feet distant from the main stem, some nearer forming 

 new stems, others 30 feet in height descending along Angophora stems, 

 enclosing and suffocating them. 



Size. — Planted trees as ordinarily seen are not large; but in its native 

 forests this species may attain a great size, up to 100 and even 150 feet, 

 and with a trunk diameter of 6 feet and more. There are some fine speci- 

 mens near Dapto; but it attains its greatest dimensions on the Northern 

 Elvers. 



Habitat. — Chiefly in the coastal districts, but extending as far west as 

 near Narr.abri, Tamworth, and Jenolan Caves. Northerly it extends into 

 Queensland, southerly to Bateman's Bay; but its range in that direction 

 is not defined. Westerly we require more localities before we can define its 

 '' curving boundary." 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE 2. 



A. Gall flower. 

 ' B. Female flower. 



c. Male flower. 



D. A receptacle (fig.)". 

 ' E. Longitudinal section of the same. 



