296 A. A. HAMILTON. 



is not too severe, but is much better suited on the plateau 

 above. 



At the southern end of the beach, where it commences 

 to curve towards the shelter of Long Reef, the Convolvulus 

 has run along the edge of the embankment plateau in a 

 confluent patch, two or three hundred yards long and a few 

 yards wide. The glossy upper surface of the leaves marks 

 the course of the plants along this stretch of the dune, their 

 waxy coating affording them a measure of protection from 

 direct insolation, as the broad leaves lie flat on the sand 

 presenting the whole of their upper surfaces to the sun's 

 rays. On the open dune this herb is a prostrate trailer, 

 but under suitable conditions it displays the climbing 

 tendency common to the family (Convolvulaceae). 



Another prostrate herb, also symptomatic of the sandy 

 sea coast, and occupying a similar position on the dune, is 

 Euphorbia Sparmanni Boiss. It is one of the deep rooting 

 members of the dune fraternity, and forms a more or less 

 circular carpet by means of its radially branched stems, 

 which lie closely appressed to the sand. Though not wide- 

 spread, it is a useful addition to the vegetation on the dune 

 front. The plants are usually isolated, but occasionally a 

 few are observed associated in a small colony. In common 

 with other members of the family (Euphorbiaceae), it 

 secretes a milky latex, a useful xerophytic provision. 



In the valley behind the frontal embankment and parallel 

 to it, the vegetation is sheltered. Correct, alba Andr., the 

 "Cape Ba'rren Tea-tree" of Tasmania, here assumes a com- 

 paratively open habit, displaying its normal depressed 

 conical contour. In exposed situations on the frontal dune 

 embankment, it is frequently compressed by the wind into 

 a dense shapeless mass of tangled branches. It has crass, 

 tough leaves, clothed with a felted tomentum on the under 

 surface, the upper side less thickly covered, and with a 



