Jan., 1923] 
CAMPBELL — AUSTRALASIAN BOTANICAL NOTES 
51 
In July, corresponding to our January, there was not very much in the 
way of floral display in the gardens. Poinsettias were in bloom, but looked 
rather pinched, not enjoying the cold westerly winds which then prevailed. 
Several specimens of an Erythrina (probably E. indica ) were pretty well 
in bloom, their vermilion flower clusters being most conspicuous on the 
quite leafless branches. 
In September, when the gardens were visited again, a great difference 
was noted. The spring display of flowers was about at its best, and included 
a great variety of bulbs and herbaceous bedding plants as well as many 
flowering trees and shrubs. The most beautiful feature of the gardens at 
this time was the magnificent display of Indian Azaleas, which seem to find 
the Sydney climate exactly suited to their needs. Huge bushes ten feet 
high or more were solid masses of gorgeous bloom, white, pink, and crimson. 
Probably the collection of palms will first attract the attention of the 
botanist. These comprise practically all of the warm-temperate and sub¬ 
tropical species, but also include a considerable number of truly tropical 
genera, such as Oreodoxa and Caryota. 
Another notable feature is the remarkably complete collection of cycads, 
nearly all the known genera being represented. Of the conifers, the fine 
old specimens of Araucaria excelsa take first place. One of these was 
planted in 1818 and is now over a hundred feet high. 
Screw-pines, tree ferns, and a great variety of Australian and exotic 
trees and shrubs, as well as the more familiar things like Magnolias, Rhodo¬ 
dendrons, flowering peaches, and crab apples, combined to produce most 
beautiful effects. 
Still later, in November, another set of plants was in bloom; roses and 
various familiar herbaceous perennials were in full flower, and tropical- 
looking Bignonias and the blue Jacaranda made a gorgeous show. 
The collection of succulents is an excellent one. American Cacti and 
Agaves, and the South African Aloes and Euphorbias, were equally at home. 
On some of the rockeries were great masses of a very fine native orchid, 
Dendrobium speciosum , with long racemes of handsome lemon-yellow flowers. 
It was a great pleasure to meet again the director, Mr. J. H. Maiden, 
F. R. S., to whom the writer is indebted for many kindnesses. 
The country about Sydney is rich in showy flowers, which are seen in 
profusion on the street flower-stands. Especial favorites are species of 
Boronia and the gorgeous “waratah” (Telopea speciosissima). 
A visit was made to a point about 25 miles north, in a region which was 
still quite undisturbed. This was at an elevation of about 600 feet and 
was the usual open Eucalyptus formation with lower trees and shrubs 
interspersed, among which grew a profusion of beautiful low flowering shrubs 
and a small number of herbaceous plants including two or three orchids. 
Pink-flowered Boronias and Eriostemons, belonging to the Rutaceae, 
were very abundant and beautiful; the Proteaceae were represented by 
