18 New Zealand Flax. (January, 
that our song sparrow was the bird he had in hand when he 
penned his portrayal and suggested the name “ fasciated spar- 
row ” (upon which Gmelin’s name is founded) ; moreover, as the 
latter author’s name antedates the one assigned by Wilson, it fol- 
lows, therefore, that fasciata should take precedence, to the elim- 
ination of “ melodia.” 
It may be urged, however, that fasciata is not entirely appro- 
priate, and melodia having been recognized as the correct name 
so long, a change is unnecessary; and that if this work of res- 
toration begins there will have to be many other changes in orni- 
thological nomenclature. But we say, Let it begin; let all the 
old names that can lay claim to restoration, and be recognized as 
applying to present species, be brought to light and receive due 
consideration. 
The Chamea fasciata Gambel furnishes a parallel case with 
the song sparrow in the possession of a barred tail; and the bars 
are no more appreciable, in fact less so, than in some individuals 
of the Melospiza. 
Now, if this name is currently recognized as applicable to the 
Chameea, with its distinctive feature less marked than in Melospiza, 
why should it not hold good with the latter ? 
In the Smithsonian collection are specimens of the western 
varieties — fallax, rufina, guttata, Gouldt, and Heermanni— which 
possess quite visibly barred tails. 
NEW ZEALAND FLAX. 
BY J. C. RUSSELL. 
HE attention of the traveler who stands for the first time on 
the shores of New Zealand is especially attracted by two 
characteristics of its flora, one or the other of which will be pres- 
ent in every scene that impresses itself on his memory. 
The first is the profusion everywhere of ferns of many differ- 
ent forms and colors, which present every gradation, from the 
strange and graceful tree-ferns, which raise their spreading 
crowns of feathery fronds thirty or forty feet from the ground, 
down to the little bright green ferns, with fronds scarcely half an 
inch long, which ¢ling to the rocks far below in the dark ravines, 
where they are constantly wet with spray. | 
The other plant which especially calls for his examination, and 
