AFRO-INDIAN REGIONS. 



229 



(Digitaria, No. 1); near Milium paspalodes. Twelve to eighteen inches high; having 

 digitate spikes. 



(Psilotum, No. 1) ; Bernhardia of some writers. Somewhat rare. 



Polypodium ; bis (No. I Disappointment coral-islands). " Sometimes about the roots of 

 trees," Brackenridge. 



Asplenium (No. 1) ; near A. nidus; fronds clustered, sometimes measuring four feet. In 



the thickest and most shady portion of the forest-growth ; rai'e. 

 Ramalina ? (No. 1). On the dead branches of trees and shrubs. 



6. Raraka coral-island. Continuing on, the Vincennes on the 

 morning of the 30th, arrived in sight of Raraka. This is one of the 

 largest of the coral-islands, seeming " twenty miles by fifteen ;" but 

 with the increase in outline, the riiu of land-surface remained of the 

 usual width. The outlet of the extensive lagoon was found in " S. 

 Lat. 16° 06' and W. Long. 144° 58'," having sufficient depth of water 

 to admit a schooner; but the channel was narrow and crooked, with a 

 current always flowing outwards, and there was besides a strong head 

 wind. Two large sea-going double-canoes that had been taken through, 

 were drawn up on the beach inside ; the Western Paumotuans being 

 accustomed to pass from island to island, and appreciating the advan- 

 tages of social intercourse. We met with a friendly reception, and 

 spent parts of two days on shore. 



The Polypodium and the two grasses being excepted, the remaining 

 species of plants observed on Taiara were all found growing on Raraka : 

 the following were especially noted ; and it will be perceived, that 

 there is only one additional species, here making its first appearance : 



Procris ? ; bis, (compare No. 1 Serle and the Disappointment coral-islands). Only 

 eight feet high, not exceeding the dimensions of a shrub. Rare ; (the plant being 

 used by the natives for making " tapa" or bark-cloth, has possibly been introduced 

 into the coral-islands).* 



(Digitaria) ; possibly a second species (and distinct from No. 1 Taiara coral-island) ; the 

 florets in digitate spikes, but seemed smaller, and somewhat pubescent. 



Ramalina ? (compare No. 1 Taiara coral-island). On the branches of shrubs. 



Boletus (No. 1) ; cartilaginous, or almost woody. Found by Mr. Brackenridge. 



* Cocos nucifera, (bis Clermont-Tonnerre to Taiara coral-island). We fell in with a regular 

 plantation of an acre or more of young cocoa-palms ; and observed generally in our 

 rambles, that wherever a cocoa-palm happened to be springing up, stones had been 

 placed around for its protection. 



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