OF SOVTB-EAST SIKKIM. 
341 
almost buried in it. The capsules had not begun to split however, 
except in the case of B. campanulatumy B. campylocarpumy B. cinnahari* 
numy B, Wightiiy B. Hodgsoni (at a lower level). 
When the capsules of the other species were fractured they were 
found to be almost dry, woody and brittle, and the seeds themselves 
ripe. The capsules were therefore gathered, tied loosely in large bags 
of thin cloth and on arrival at Darjeeling these bags were daily laid in 
a sunny spot till the capsules opened naturally, as they did in about 
a month. 
In this way were obtained seeds of B. anthropogony B. arhoreumy B. 
camellia florumy B^ glaucum, B, lepidotum, B. Maddeniy B. ^etosuMy B. 
Thomsoni. 
I am of opinion that if the whole capsules are gathered early in 
November, and treated as noted above without any attempt to open 
them by artificial heat, that most of the seeds will be good. Bhododen^ 
dr on ciliatum was in bud and in some cases opening flowers on Novem- 
ber 2nd at 13,000 feet. Plants brought to Darjeeling some years ago 
do not flower till February-March. 
The mixed forest of 9—13,000 feet had a gorgeous appearance in 
consequence of the brilliant colouring of the fading leaves, the most 
noticeable being golden yellow — Acer Campbelli^ Acer sikkimensisy and 
an Araliad j bronze — Pirns sikkimensis ; silver gray — Pirns vestita ; 
seskilet— ‘Pirns microphyllay Bosa sericeay and Acer Hooker i ; shades 
of brown^ — ^the Rhododendrons. 
I have to acknowledge much kind assistance in the identification 
of my specimens. Some of the more critical species were examined in 
the Kew Herbarium, and I am indebted to Mr. W.i G. Craib for his 
opinion on these. M. Bonati has dealt with the genus Pedicntaris ; 
Mr. I. H. Burkill with the Gentianacea ; Oberpfarrer Kukenthal with 
the CyperacecBy and M. Hamet with the Crassulacea. 
For help in the field, I owe much to the enthusiasm of Mr. Cave 
who has added several species to the records of the area, and to the 
untiring energy of Ribu and Rhbmoo, the Lepcha collectors, whose 
record of work in tbe higher Himalaya. is a very honourable one. 
