in New Zealand . 
233 
to find the Ngaio (Myoporum latum, Forst .) growing very 
commonly here as a small forest tree, with a straightness and 
height unknown in the northern parts of the island. In the 
Bay of Islands, and adjacent districts, M. latum is an irre¬ 
gular growing shrub, or small tree, and only found in the 
immediate neighbourhood of the sea; there, too, its wood 
is so small, as not to be of any use, and is not even collected 
for the purpose of firing; whilst, here, the tree attains the 
height of 30-35 feet, and its wood is very commonly used by 
the natives for posts, poles, rafters, &c. 
On the morning of December 20th, I once more recom¬ 
menced my journey, directing my course, for the first time, 
directly into the interior. Proceeding up Turanga valley by 
the river’s banks, over alluvial and grassy plains (sure indica¬ 
tion that the whole of this ground had at some period been 
cultivated by the natives, who are very numerous in this dis¬ 
trict), I reached the forests at the base of the first high range 
of hills by 2 p.m. In my way thither, I observed another 
fine plant of that unique and leafless Rubus , which I disco¬ 
vered in Waiapu valley, much, however, in a similar state. 
Here, I obtained a tall and new species of Compositaccce ;— 
a Viola , which grew plentifully on the river’s banks, though 
not in flower;—and an elegant membranaceous-leaved fern 
(Lomaria rotundifolia , n. sp . W. C\). In pools, in marshy 
grounds, I discovered a fine aquatic Ranunculus , with very 
long and fistulous petioles, nearly as stout as the barrel of a 
goose quill. On the clayey hills, and generally in dry elevated 
spots, I obtained specimens of two plants, possessing a very 
Aster-like appearance, and which may probably prove to be 
species of Cebnisia . Ascending a hill, I discovered a plant 
with copious verticillate inflorescence, large sub-rotund leaves, 
and long succulent petioles. Most unfortunately I could not 
find a specimen possessing either flowers or seeds, although 
I sought most assiduously for such. It must have flowered 
very early in the season, as both carpels and peduncles in 
VOL. II. NO. VIII. x 
