Art. XLIII.—A. Description of some newly-discovered Cryptogamic Plants, being a further Contribution towards the making known the Botany of New Zealand.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 18, 1885, Unnumbered Page

Art. XLIII.—A. Description of some newly-discovered Cryptogamic Plants, being a further Contribution towards the making known the Botany of New Zealand. By W. Colenso, F.L.S. [Read before the Hawke's Bay Philosophical Institute, 14th September, 1885.] Introduction. In my again coming before you with my usual annual tribute, a little basket of gleanings of simples, a small collection of plants gathered in the secluded shades and deep glens of the interior mountain forests, I would beg permission to preface my list of the same with a few remarks ad rem. On this occasion, all that I have to bring belong to the third great botanical division—the class Cryptogamia, as it was named by Linnæus. Three of the Orders of this class will be found here represented, though not alike—viz., Filices, Musci, and Hepaticæ. Of the first, or Ferns, I have however only two novelties: one a tree fern of the genus Hemitelia, and one a species of Botrychium. For this latter we are again indebted to the kindness, mindfulness, and assiduity of one of our members, Mr. H. Hill. Specimens of these two ferns I shall exhibit. Unfortunately, I shall not be able to show you specimens of the smaller cryptogams, these being all more or less microscopical, so that without a microscope, proper previous preparation of the objects, and patient attention, nothing worthy of notice could be seen. Of the second Order, or Mosses, there are specimens of three genera—viz., of Mnium, of Cyathophorum, and of Hookeria; one each of the first two genera, and no less than twelve new species of the last-named, Hookeria. Of the third Order mentioned, viz., Hepaticæ, or Liverworts, and of the first division, or foliaceous genera, there are 26 species belonging to six different genera; and of the second, or frondose division of that Order, there are also 17 species pertaining to seven genera, making in all a gross total of 59 new species of cryptogamous plants described in this paper. Those several genera differ greatly, both in size and in their known homes; some of the genera are exceedingly small and rare; in a few instances, until now, only a single known species constituted the genus, as in Cyathophorum (a remarkably fine

moss, only found in New Zealand, the islets further south, and Tasmania); also, Psiloclada and Zoopsis, highly peculiar and beautiful delicate Hepaticæ, confined, like the former, to these southern lands. Other small genera, each containing a very few species, are Fossombronia, Noteroclada, and Petalophyllum; while other genera are very large, as Hookeria, a handsome and graceful moss, and Jungermannia, an elegant Hepatica; both of these genera being also found scattered all over the globe, including our native land. One genus, however, of Hepaticæ I must particularly bring to your notice, and this is Gottschea, a fine, and pre-eminently beautiful, genus, and one almost exclusively our own; one which Sir J. D. Hooker, in his handbook, rightly calls “a noble genus;” of this charming genus I have had the good fortune to discover twelve additional species, (besides those recorded in the “Flora of New Zealand,”) and I have little doubt that many more species will reward persevering and diligent botanists in the future; for, as Sir J. D. Hooker has further truly observed, “this genus is most abundant in New Zealand.” Drawings of many of its species will be found correctly and beautifully executed by Sir J. D. Hooker in his “Flora Novæ-Zealandiæ; and, also, by his father, Sir W. J. Hooker, in his justly-distinguished “Musci Exotici,” whose admirable copperplate engravings of drawings and dissections of those plants, and a large number of cognate ones from this country, must always evoke feelings of wonder and delight. Sir W. J. Hooker's drawings and descriptions of New Zealand cryptogams were published in 1818, and were made from specimens collected in New Zealand at Dusky Bay, nearly 100 years ago, by Dr. Menzies, who visited this country in 1791, in the ship of the celebrated navigator and discoverer, Vancouver, as the surgeon of the expedition. Dr. Menzies seems to have worked with a will in his pursuit of science, particularly in the acquiring of the smaller cryptogams, then not so very highly esteemed, of which he made a large collection both in New Zealand and at Cape Horn, and also in other countries visited by Vancouver in his voyage round the world. Several of our cryptogams, discovered by him, bear his name; conspicuously among them is that magnificent New Zealand moss, Isothecium menziesii, of which I can show you a fine drawing in the “Musci Exotici.” And here I may also briefly notice a very curious double coincidence, or combination of them, that happened at that very period. In 1791, when Dr. Menzies was engaged in the pursuit of science on the inhospitable shores of Dusky Bay, in this country, the celebrated French naturalist, La Billardiere, was similarly occupied on the then equally little known shores of Tasmania and New Holland. And, further still, specimens of

the same fine and peculiar species of cryptogams which were discovered by the one in New Zealand, were also discovered by the other in New Holland. La Billardiere's large 4to. work in two volumes, “Plantarum Novæ Hollandiæ,” with nearly 300 drawings of new plants, was published early in 1804. Several of our plants also bear, and rightly so, his name. He was the naturalist attached to the expedition under D'Entrecasteaux, sent out by the French Government to discover the fate of, or obtain tidings of the famed, though unfortunate navigator, La Perouse. I may also remark that these plants described by me in this paper are only a part, and a very small part, of the lesser cryptogams that I have collected during the past two years. A large number, amounting to several hundred specimens, exclusive of these herein described, have been separately put up for Kew, and will be forwarded thither by an early ship; not, however, that all of them are distinct species, for some are more than once repeated–even as I could, at more favourable and suitable times and seasons, find better specimens. In mentioning this, a passing shade of mournful thought crosses my mind: namely, that that lot will be the last, in all probability, that I with my own hands shall ever collect. Age now, especially when in the dense woods, reminds me that my work of this nature is done. However, for more than half a century, this kind of work has been with me truly a labour of love; one in which the toils, trouble, and fatigue inseparable therefrom have been often forgotten, while enlarged and superior views of God and of nature have continually been attained. New Zealand has long been noticed as the home of fine and beautiful ferns, but she is also the home par excellence of the smaller cryptogams, which, owing to her temperate climate, her many broken gullies—each containing a perennial streamlet—and her dense, shaded, and ever humid evergreen forests, flourish here in great perfection. It is my opinion that scarcely a tithe of those charming and wondrous productions of nature have yet been detected and made known. Rich harvests await her enthusiastic disciples in this direction. May great success and joy of heart ever attend all such. I have already, in some of my earlier papers read here before you on former occasions, called the attention of the members of this Society to the pleasing, ever-evolving wonders of Nature, as seen in the close examination, the contemplation, and the study of her manifold productions, aided by the microscope. For while, on the one hand, it still remains true that no two leaves, no two blades of grass, are exactly alike in every particular; yet, on the other, the close and wondrous organization, the exact symmetry, and the perfection of all her works is clear and is astonishing. For whether we take, for instance, the tiny

leaf of a minute, slender Hepatica, or of a little wee moss, we shall find the truest adherence to the type in the form and the colour, the structure, and the regular shape of its cellules; and so of the still more minute and more compound microscopical parts of their fructification,—as the external and internal teeth, etc., of the capsule of a moss. Here, in these very minute, and too often overlooked if not despised, productions of Nature, is to be clearly seen her trustiness, her regularity, her profusion, her glory, her beauty! Linnæus, contemplating them, truly exclaimed,—“Legi aliquot Dei vestigia per creata rerum, in quibus omnibus, etiam minimis, ut fere nullis, quæ vis! quanta sapientia! quam inextricabilis perfectio!” Class III. Cryptogamia. Order I. Filices. Genus 2a.* The numbers attached to the genera in this paper are those of them in “The Handbook N.Z. Flora;” but Hemitelia is not to be found separate in that work, being placed under Cyathea, No. 2. Hemitelia, Br. 1. H. (Amphicosmia) stellulata, sp. nov. Trunk erect, 4–5 feet high, stout, girth at base 2 feet, under crown 1 foot 9 inches, dark brownish black below, covered with its own descending fibrous rootlets, that are soft, spongy, and light coloured at tips. Fronds, 26–30 in a crown, spreading, drooping, bipinnate, broadly lanceolate, not acuminate, 5 feet long, 2 feet 4 inches wide at middle, sub-coriaceous but softish, bright green, glabrescent, shining above, under-surface a little paler and finely stippled with white dots; pinnæ rather close set and overlapping, possessing (with segments) a rumpled semi-rugulose yet pleasing appearance, with numerous weak pale-brownish scattered reticulated scales on costæ and veins, especially on upper surface; stipe stout, very short, triquetrous, somewhat succulent and brittle, dark-brown, muricated (as also is lower rhachis), very scaly at base; scales 1 ¾ inches long, sub-ovate-acuminate with long filiform tips, dark-brown-red, shining, margined, margins erose (not serrulate), cells of centre numerous, narrow-linear, of margin larger and sub-quadrate; rhachis stout, sub-cylindrical, flattish above, pale-yellowish-green, sparsely warted throughout (also stipe) with small oblong and round coloured warts, running in a line between pinnæ; rhachis, secondary rhachises, and costæ densely covered above with reddish and yellowish strigillose hairs, and below with scattered long scarious reddish scales; under them is a peculiar short dark-red starry patent sessile pubescence, very closely set, which, with the long scales, though persistent, are easily rubbed off from exposed parts; pinnæ, middle, 14 inches long, 4 inches

wide, linear-acuminate, lower pairs distant and very short, 3–4 inches long; pinnules sub-linear-lanceolate, acute, 2 inches long, 8 lines wide, pinnatifid, regular, alternate, petiolate, petioles very short; segments alternate, 3 lines long, 1 ¼ lines broad, linear, falcate, the upper half coarsely serrate, acute, sessile, slightly recurved, the lowest pair free, petiolate, and crenate, sometimes only the single lowest one is petioled, this segment is always the shortest on the pinnule, divergent and largely crenate-serrate or lobed throughout; veins alternate, white, rather distant, 6-jugate, stout, lower broadly forked, upper simple, extending to margin, prominent below, sunk above. Sori not numerous, and confined to lower portions of segments and pinnules, rather large, obtusely conical, usually two on a segment on the lowest pair of veins just below the fork, and running in a single line on each side of costa of pinnule and close to it, sometimes (but rarely) 3–5 on a segment, especially the lowest pair; capsules numerous, minute, pyriform, shortly pedicellate, at first green, afterwards reddish, shining; spores trigonous; receptacle cylindrical, elongate, stalked, sub-clavate, puberulous; involucre a shallow membranaceous, whitish, and spreading cup, with even margin, marked with fine and closely-waved lines (sub lens), extending round costal half or little more of sorus, sometimes, but rarely, surrounding it at base, and, when so, always unequal, being much larger on the costal side, never, not even in the most incipient state, covering the sorus, which is always largely exposed. Hab. Edges of forests, banks of streams in the Seventy-mile Bush, between Norsewood and Danneverke, County of Waipawa; 1882–5: W.C. Obs. I. A species near to H. smithii, Hook. fil., (Cyathea smithii, “Flora N.Z.,” and also “Handbook”), but widely distinct from that species in many characters (vide description, supra); although, without close examination and comparison, it is likely to be confounded with it, especially if only herbarium specimens are examined. I was for some years deceived through lack of close investigation, and therefore I have given more minutely its description. Obs. II. This species (like a few other known ones) is intermediate between the two genera Cyathea and Hemitelia; and were its sori ever enwrapped in their involucres, it might well be placed under Cyathea, but such is not the case. Genus 31. Botrychium, Linn. 1. B. biforme, sp. nov. Rootstock thick; roots many, sub-tuberous, fascicled, straight, vertical, with long spreading horizontal rootlets, yellowish-brown. Plant glabrous. Stipe proper (or lower scape) about

1 inch long, with small ovate and entire membranaceous scales at base. Sterile fronds (generally 2): petiole 2–2 ½ inches long, medium thickness, not stout; lamina broadly deltoid, 3–4 (sometimes, but rarely, 5) inches diameter, triternate, very open and spreading; pinnæ distant on long narrow petioles, the central pinna usually the largest; dark brownish-green; texture sub-membranaceous, when dried wearing a rugulose sub-papillose appearance; veins very narrow, prominent, diverging; segments long, narrow, nearly linear, entire, 1-nerved; nerve very slender, extending to apices; tips acute and ofted bifid and spreading. Fertile frond (sometimes 2): peduncle 6–8 inches long, twice the height of the sterile frond, mostly very slender and flaccid, under 1 line in diameter, sub-erect and drooping, straight and flexuous, bright orange-coloured and glossy; panicle small, slender, sub-triangular in outline, 1–2 (rarely 2 ½) inches long, usually 1–1 ½ inches broad at base, (sometimes, but rarely, 3 inches broad, and when so the basal sub-peduncles are very long and naked below,) bipinnate, open, few and loosely branched; branchlets very short; light yellowish-green. Capsules small, globose, not crowded, sessile and sub-sessile, and (a few) pedicelled; dark-brown; valves oblong-orbicular, broadly gaping, recurved, margins thickened and reverted. Spores whitish, orbicular, slightly roughish. Hab. In swamps, near Tahoraiti, County of Waipawa; April, 1885: Mr. H. Hill. Obs. I. This species appears to me to be very distinct from all known ones. It usually bears two sterile and sometimes two fertile fronds. The outer or lower sterile frond arises from the base, is largely sheathing and connate; the upper one springs from the stipe about 1 inch above the lower one. When there are two fertile fronds, both are nearly basal from below the petiole of the upper barren frond, and are of equal length, similar to some species of Anemia. In one of my specimens the fertile stipe is single below, but divided a little above, each being of the usual size and length. There is a marked difference between the stipes of the barren and of the fertile fronds. These, of the latter, are of a light orange hue, and very glossy; those of the former are stouter, and of a dull brownish-green colour. II. It is not, however, wholly to its bearing four fronds from one rootstock that I deem this plant to be a distinct species of Botrychium; but also from its linear entire segments, its rich, glossy, slender, flaccid and coloured scapes; its pedicelled capsules; its peculiar shaped valves; its circular spores, and its general outline and loose open appearance. Through the kindness of Mr. Hill, I have received upwards of 20 perfect plants, all good and fresh specimens, and they are very much alike, only one of them slightly differing, and that merely in size.

Order IV. Musci. Genus 37. Mnium, Bruch and Schimp. 1. M. novæ-zealandiæ, sp. nov. Plant rather large, gregarious, prostrate and creeping; fruiting stem erect, ¾-inch high, stout, densely shaggy, with brown rootlets, leaves rosulate at apex, with creeping barren leafy runners at base, 2–3 inches long, proliferous at apex. Leaves large, 3–4 ½ lines long, 1–2 lines broad, thin, pale (not yellowish) green, oblong and oblong-obovate, flat or very slightly undulate, very obtuse (sometimes retuse), apiculate, broadly margined, margins entire, slightly subsinuate, sometimes the apical portion is finely and distantly denticulate (but scarcely visible under a lens); nerve very stout, particularly at base, continuous but not ex-current; cells rather small, broadly oblong, alike throughout, obscure; leaves on the runners regularly pinnate, the upper half of each leaf free at the base from stem, alternate, with here and there a smaller leaf between on the under and also on the upper side of the branch. Fruit-stalk mostly single, sometimes two together, rather stout, smooth, erect, 1–1 ¼ inches high, slightly curved, reddish below, yellowish-green above, bulbous at base. Capsule oblong, 1 line long, cernuous; external teeth dark-brown, obtuse, each having four dark vertical lines, with their transverse bars in pairs and rather close; internal teeth pale, the transverse bars distant, and the ciliæ between (3–4) long, very slender, and finely knobbed at intervals; operculum the length of capsule, conical-subulate, obtuse, recurved. Calyptra very long, smooth, narrow, conical-subulate, 3 lines long; tip filiform, obtuse. Hab. Low wet open spots in the interior, 1879–80, but always barren; wet shaded spots, sides of the River Mangata-whaiiti, Seventy-mile Bush, County of Waipawa, 1884: W.C. Glenross, County of Hawke's Bay, 1885: Mr. D. P. Balfour. Obs. This species is near to M. rostratum, Schw., and also to M. rhynchophorum, Hook., but, after much close examination and comparison, I am satisfied it is specifically distinct. It differs from M. rostratum in its larger size, in wanting the ex-current nerve, and in the shape and size of its leaf and operculum, but more particularly in the teeth of its peristome, which differs very considerably from those of that species, as given by Schwaegrichen (Suppl. I., tab. 79); the external teeth of this species are of a very different colour, their transverse bars are closer and in pairs, each tooth also possessing four dark vertical lines; while the internal teeth are without perforations, with their bars more widely apart, and the intervening ciliæ more slender and knobbed at intervals; also, the vertical lines below the inner teeth do not run straight downwards, neither are the cells there regular, as shown by Schwaegrichen in his drawings,

but are of various angular shapes and sizes. This species also differs from M. rhynchophorum, Hook., in its operculum and in its leaves, which (in that species) are of a different shape, with their margin closely serrate throughout, and with large open cells at the base of the leaf. Sir. W. J. Hooker does not give any dissections in his plate, neither full particulars of this moss (“Journal Bot.” vol. i.), so that I do not know the teeth, etc., of that species. I notice, however, that C. Müeller (Syn. Musc., vol. i., p. 158) has united those two species with others, but to me they seem very distinct. Genus 68. Cyathophorum, Palisot. 1. C. novæ-zealandiæ, sp. nov. Plant rather large, shortly creeping, sometimes tufted; stipe black, sub-rigid, very short, base and roots thickly covered with brown tomentum; stems sub-erect and decurved, (often pendulous,) flat, lanceolate, 2–5 inches long, ½ inch broad at middle, simple and branched above; branches patent, flexible, sub-opposite and pretty nearly together, and sometimes forked and proliferous. Leaves very thin, pellucid, glossy, bright emerald-green, distichous, sub-ovate-acute, cuspidate, 2 ½ lines long, sub-opposite, distinct, waved, and sometimes more or less slightly plaited, spreading, falcate, dimidiate, the upper basal portion overlapping the stem, the lower excised and not decurrent, the apical portion finely serrate on three-fourths of the upper margin, and on two-fourths of the lower; nerve 0, but in some leaves there is a very short and faint nerve; the leaves also possess a very short, stout petiole-like black nerve at their extreme base, uniting them to the stem, and from it a nerve-like plait runs into the lamina; cells, very narrow, linear and rectangular, arranged in transversely banded and wavy lines. Dorsal leaves broadly orbicular, strongly and distantly serrate above, very much cuspidate; cusp long, curved, aristate and capillary. The dorsal leaves on the branches, however, are sub-ovate-lanceolate, acute, and their lateral leaves are much smaller; perichætial leaves small, and of two forms: (1) the inner, broad, elliptic or sub-orbicular below, suddenly contracted above, the apical portion long, caudate-acuminate; tip sharply acute with 2–3 serratures some distance below the apex; (2) the outer narrow, acuminate, entire, both nerveless; cells long and narrow. Fruit-stalk erect, short, about 1–1 ½ lines long, largely bulbous at base, with a constriction between it and the vaginula; capsule oblong, turgid, about one line long, bright-green spotted with red, (sometimes wholly bright-red when mature,) sub-apophysate; and the outer teeth narrow, very acuminate, each with two vertical central lines; the inner teeth with a thick dark central vertical line; operculum small, one-fourth length of capsule, convex or flattish-hemispherical, broader than the contracted mouth of the

capsule, with a slender recurved beak; calyptra very small, ¼0th inch long, only covering the upper part of the operculum, broadly conical, obtuse, roughish, brownish, the base irregular and slightly sub-crenulate. Hab. In damp, shady woods, generally scattered among other mosses, etc., on rotten logs, both patent and pendulous; Seventy-mile Bush, County of Waipawa; 1879–1885: W.C. Obs. I have long known this fine moss in its barren state, and, from my first detecting it, I supposed it to be specifically distinct from the only known species of this genus, C. pennatum, Brid. During the winter of 1885, I succeeded in obtaining fruiting specimens, which have fully confirmed my supposition. It differs from C. pennatum in several particulars: in size, form (often much and largely branched), and in its proliferous habit; when the tips are bowed down low among other mosses, etc., they often take root, and send forth new plants; in shape of leaves, particularly the dorsal and perichætial ones; in structure of capsule with peristome, in operculum, and in calyptra; as shown in both Sir W. J. Hooker's admirable drawings and dissections (“Musci Exotici,” vol. ii., tab. 163), and also in those of La Billardiere (“Nov. Holl. Plant.,” vol. ii., tab. 253), with their respective descriptions. Sir J. D. Hooker has also, in addition, noticed very briefly two varieties of C. pennatum—var. α. minus, and var. β. apiculatum; but as far as I can make out from his very short descriptions, this species is widely distinct from those two forms also; most certainly from the first, var. minus, which is a much smaller moss, with orbicular leaves, etc. (a drawing of it is given in his “Flora Antarctica,” vol. i., tab. 62, fig. 3); this small variety was originally discovered by him at Lord Auckland's Islands in 1840; and, subsequently by myself, in New Zealand, on the banks of the upper Rangitikei River, in 1848. From the other variety, apiculatum, this species also differs, as that moss is said to have “shorter leaves” than the type, which are also “apiculate.” Evidently, only barren or incomplete specimens of those two varieties mentioned by Sir J. D. Hooker were known to him. This moss has caused me a large amount of extra labour, extending over several years, in revisiting so often those different localities in the high woods where I had detected and marked it, but always in vain until this year. It bears fruit in the autumn-winter, but not then plentifully; many places of its growth may be repeatedly visited, and very many plants examined, without detecting a single capsule. Genus 71. Hookeria, Smith. § II. Mniadelphus. α. Leaves with thickened margins. * Leaves serrulate. 1. H. smaragdina.

** Leaves entire. 2. H. concinna. 3. H. microclada. 4. H. amæna. β Leaves without thickened margins. * Leaves entire. 5. H. subsinuata. ** Leaves serrulate. 6. H. pseudo-petiolata. 7. H. ramulosa. 8. H. subsimilis. 9. H. obtusata. 10. H. curviseta. § IV. Eriopus. 11. H. petrophila. 12. H. pygmæa. § II. Mniadelphus. 1. H. smaragdina, sp. nov. Plant small, erect, densely tufted and matted in large spreading patches, 6–8 lines high, much branched; colour a pleasing bright dark-green; stems and main branches reddish-brown; branches straight, linear, very narrow, ½0th inch wide. Leaves sub-quadrifariously disposed, very small, close, imbricate, spreading, not much altered when dry; lateral broadly elliptic, dorsal and ventral orbicular, apiculate, narrowly margined, the upper portion very finely and distantly denticulate, but scarcely perceivable under a lens; nerve 1, fine, cellular, extending beyond middle; cells orbicular and very small, but much larger and oblong about base; perichætial broadly ovate, very finely margined, entire, acute, cells large. Fruit-stalk erect, 4 lines long, usually springing from base of stems below leaves, red, shining, smooth, twisted, black at base. Capsule horizontal, narrow-oblong, somewhat sub-pyriform, sub-apophysate and slightly strumose, contracted below mouth; external teeth dark-brown, broad at base, very acuminate with two vertical central lines, closely transversely striate, margins dark ridged (or lined) and wearing a semi-denticulate appearance; internal teeth pale, slender, linear, with one vertical central line and a few distant transverse bars, no ciliæ. Calyptra small, conical, whitish, smooth, base largely fimbriate; fimbriæ spreading, recurved, obtuse; tip acute, black, with 4–10 pellucid, jointed, long white hairs largely produced beyond it, erect and straight, Hab. On trees and logs, forming large patches; dark shady woods near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C.

Obs. I. A species near to H. rotundifolia, Hook. fil. and Wils., but differing in several particulars: as, erect habit and being much branched, leaves broader and scarcely toothed, with smaller cells and longer nerve; perichætial entire; fruit-stalk longer, and springing from base of stem; capsule sub-apophysate and strumose, and calyptra with a peculiar long-haired tip. II. The outer teeth of these species resemble those of Hypnum tenuirostre, Hook., and Isothecium arbuscula, Hook. fil. and Wils. It is an elegant little plant, though rarely detected in fruit. 2. H. concinna, sp. nov. Plant procumbent in thick spreading tufts or small cushions, densely imbricate, much branched, soft, pale-green with a dash of yellow, and numerous very fine rootlets. Stems (and branches) brownish-red, 1–1 ½ inches long, rather stout, flattish, sub-deltoid, pinnately branched; branches numerous, close, irregular in length, ¼–½ inch long; branches linear, obtuse, patent, opposite (sometimes sub-opposite). Leaves very delicate, closely set, and somewhat sex-fariously disposed, broadly obovate-spathulate, about ½ line long, narrowly margined, entire; margin thickened below on narrow basal part of leaf; very obtuse, with a minute apical and mucro from margin only; nerve very fine, sub-sinuous, cellular, and extending two-thirds of leaf, shortly bifid a little below the top, the branch nerve very short; cells hexagonal-orbicular, very small at apex, much larger and oblong-hexagonal at base; perichætial oblong-ovate, sub-acute, cells larger, oblong. Seta slender, flexuous, 12–15 lines long, somewhat compressed, curved, twisted, smooth, glossy red. Capsule horizontal and cernuous (immature). Calyptra nearly 1 line long, enclosing capsule, narrow, glossy, black half-way from apex, largely fimbriate at base. Hab. On upper branches of high trees, where it forms large and thick patches, and on the ground (but more rarely); dry forests near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs. A species near to H. adnata, Hook. fil. and Wilson, differing, however, in its larger size and being much branched, in form of leaf and cells, in length and structure of nerve, in its much longer seta, etc. A very pleasing little species. It does not alter much in drying. Rarely detected in fruit. 3. H. microclada, sp. nov. Plant small, sub-erect, 6–8 lines high, pale yellowish-green; stems stout, red-brown, except their tops, which are the same colour as the leaves; much pinnately branched from base; branches compressed with numerous fine red rootlets below. Leaves sub-sexfariously disposed and nearly alike, very close, imbricate, spreading, delicate, obovate-spathulate, entire, narrowly margined, slightly sub-sinuate, very shortly apiculate from

margin only; nerve single, slender, extending beyond middle; cells orbicular, very minute and partially obscure in the upper half, large oblong and clear in the lower; perichætial broadly ovate, entire, acuminulate; cells large and clear. Fruit-stalk 6–7 lines long, slender, smooth, flexuous, red, black at base, 3–5 on a branch; capsule very small, ob-conical, plain, sub-horizontal, brownish-red, broadest at mouth; outer teeth dark brown, closely transversely striate with sub-denticulate margins (as in H. smaragdina, Col., supra); calyptra long, conical, covering capsule, smooth, upper half black and glossy, apex much produced, sub-piliferous, base fimbriate; fimbriæ spreading, wavy. Hab. On trees; dry forests near Norsewood, County of Waipawa, 1885: W.C. Obs. A species pretty closely allied to H. sinuosa, Hook. fil. and Wils., but differing from that species, in its being much and pinnately branched, in its leaves being sexfariously disposed, delicate, with a very narrow and much less sinuate margin, and also apiculate; in the large cells of the lower half of leaf, and in the perichætial being acuminulate; also, in the shape of its small capsule, and its much shorter fruit-stalk, and in its smooth and glossy tipped calyptra. When dry its leaves are crisp; it moistens readily. 4. H. amœna, sp. nov. Plant small, erect, ½ inch high, shortly branched at top, yellowish-green; and stems rather thick, dark brown, leaved to base, branches sub-compressed. Leaves numerous, close, imbricate, sexfariously disposed, very small, 1/30th inch long, broadly spathulate, margined, entire, apical portion sub-orbicular, apiculate, margin very narrow, thickened on the basal portion of leaf; nerve 1, slender, sinuate, extending beyond middle; cells orbicular and very minute in the upper broad part of leaf, large oblong, quadrate in the lower portion; perichætial small, similar in shape, with long cellular acuminate scales within them; cells very large and clear. Fruit-stalk slender, 4 lines long, suddenly curved at apex, flexuous, twisted, smooth, shining, red, black and much thickened at base, springing from a tumid sheath or support (something like Cyathophorum pennatum) at middle of stem; capsule minute, 1/30th inch long, narrow-ovate, pendulous, pale, finely and slightly tubercled at base; operculum not seen. Calyptra (young) narrow-conical, acute, greenish-white below, brown above and black tipped, the narrow upper portion slightly and finely roughish (under lens), largely fimbriate at base; fimbriæ spreading, obtuse. Hab. Hidden among other mosses, etc. (whence it was picked out long after collecting); dry woods, near Norsewood, County of Waipawa, 1884: W.C.

Obs. This species is wholly unlike all others of this genus known to me. Having but a small tuft of a few stems, containing only one fruiting specimen, I did not break it up to examine its teeth, which appear to be very small and slender. It moistens readily. 5. H. subsinuata, sp. nov. Small, tufted, erect, 6–8 lines high, simple (sometimes slightly short-branched at base), linear, broadest at top; stem short, stout, dark-brown, leaved from base; rootlets many, fine, red, at lower part of stem and base. Leaves small, numerous, close, imbricate, sexfariously disposed, all similar, ½ line long, obovate-spathulate, apex very obtuse and shortly apiculate, margin entire and slightly sinuous, light-green, finely nerved throughout ¾ths or more of leaf, apical portion of nerve sinuous; cells, upper half exceedingly small, orbicular, the basal portion very large and clear, sexagonal-oblong; perichætial small, oblong-acuminate, hyaline, nerve 0. Fruit-stalk erect, 3–5 lines long, slender, sub-flexuous, red, shining, black at base, 3–4 on a branch. Capsule (immature) narrow-oblong, gibbous above, nearly straight below, sub-apophysate, cernuous, shining, green with small red tubercles at base; operculum short, conical, obtuse; calyptra rather small, narrow, greenish-white, upper portion black, shining, tip acute, recurved; largely fimbriate at extreme base; fimbriæ spreading, sub-curly and waved (not straight), hyaline, linear, obtuse, containing dark-brown linear-oblong masses. Hab. Among other mosses on rotten logs; low wet woods near Norsewood, County of Waipawa, 1885: W.C. Obs. A species near to H. flexuosa, Mitten, but differing in several particulars. 6. H. pseudo-petiolata, sp. nov. Plant small, tufted, erect, ¾ inch high, simple and 3-branched at top; stems stout, dark-brown below, green and highly cellular above, with red rootlets at base. Leaves pale green, oval, oblique, obtuse, 1 ½ lines long, somewhat distant, sub-decussate, serrate, lower margin near base excised and entire, lateral joined to stem by nerve only; nerve 1, very stout, cellular, extending half-way and forked about the middle, branch short; dorsal and ventral leaves similar but smaller, and broader at bases; cells large, sub-orbicular, equal throughout; perichætial very small, nerveless, entire, ovate, sub-acute and acuminate, tip obtuse with (sometimes) two serratures. Fruit-stalk springing from near base, erect, 10 lines high, wiry, rigid, shining, flexuous, dark-coloured, thickened at base, sometimes 2–3 on a branchlet. Capsule small, oblong, horizontal, spotted, finely reticulate, slightly tubercled at base; calyptra narrow conical, 1 line long, smooth, brownish, highly cellular; tip long, curved, acute; base slightly ragged.

Hab. On rotten logs, forests near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1884: W.C. Obs. This little species presents a rather novel appearance from its leaves being scarcely broader at base than their stout nerve, and so giving them the appearance of being petioled. When dry, its stems and leaves are dusky green and blackish and completely curled up, but relaxing quickly on being moistened; their tips remaining recurved. 7. H. ramulosa, sp. nov. Plant small, tufted, dendroid, stems 1 ½ inches high, erect, stout, dark-brown, covered with old leaves persistent below, branched at top 3–12 branches, each branch densely clothed with fine branched brown rootlets; branches narrow, 4–5 lines long, 1 ½ lines wide, simple and forked, flat, recurved, dark-green (almost black when dry). Leaves quadrifarious, sub-imbricate above, somewhat scattered and distant below; lateral obliquely oblong, broad, obtuse, spreading, small, less than 1 line long, somewhat irregular in size, the upper half of margins sharply and irregularly serrulate; nerve stoutish, shortly bifid, extending not quite to middle; dorsal and ventral elliptic-ovate, sub-acute, nerve short; cells rather small, orbicular, nearly alike throughout; perichætial broadly-ovate, sub-acuminate, very membranaceous, cells large oblong and clear, nerveless. Fruit-stalk erect, 4–7 lines high, smooth, rigid, red-brown, thickened and curved at base, springing somewhat laterally from upper side of branch near base, sometimes two together, and 5–6 on a single plant. Capsule narrow, about 1 line long, sub-horizontal, greenish, finely striate, with a few small and scattered, coloured, smooth tubercles at base. Operculum shorter than capsule, narrow, very obtuse. Calyptra as long as capsule, smooth, naked, cellular, and very much so, and slightly laciniate at base. Hab. On logs among other mosses; wet shaded woods near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs. A species near to H. nigella, Hook. fil. and Wils. 8. H. subsimilis, sp. nov. Plant small, monœcious, tufted, sub-dendroid. Stem erect, ½–¾ inch high, branched at top into 3–6 branches, sometimes single; colour dusky-greenish. Leaves sub-quadrifariously disposed, 1 ½ lines long, oblong, slightly obtuse and sub-acute, sharply serrulate, ¾ length from apex, nerved to beyond middle, and bifid near top; cells sub-orbicular, small, but much smaller at margins; dorsal and ventral broader and sub-acute; perichætial oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, entire, nerveless; cells large linear-oblong. Fruit-stalk 10 lines long, erect, slender, flexuous, twisted, slightly thickened at base, dark-brown, springing from upper side of stem, but near base, 2–3 on a branch.

Capsule oblong, spotted with dark-red spots, tubercled, pendulous; operculum long, half length of capsule, acute, and slightly recurved; calyptra long, conical, narrow, obtuse, smooth, laciniate at base. Hab. In dark, low woods, near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs. A species allied to the preceding (H. vamulosa), but shorter and less dendroidal, with fewer branches; leaves much larger, not so dark, and not blackish when dry, with a longer nerve, and minute marginal cells; fruit-stalk much longer and twisted; capsule thicker, tubercled, and pendulous; and calyptra lacerated at base. It is also a much scarcer plant; only a few fruiting specimens obtained. Leaves do not moisten readily. 9. H. obtusata, sp. nov. Plant small, tufted, erect, ½–¾ inch high, branched from near base, with 3–6 branches, branches recurved. Leaves very small, ½0th inch long, rather loosely disposed and sub-imbricate, broadly elliptic, very obtuse, serrate, the young ones and branches light green, very dark green when old, also when dry, fringed at margins below; nerve stout, short, bifid, cellular; cells large orbicular, alike throughout; dorsal and ventral leaves similar but smaller; perichætial broadly-ovate, suddenly contracted and acuminate at apex, entire, nerveless; cells large-oblong. Fruit-stalk erect, 5 lines long, bulbous at base, smooth, dark brown; 2–3 on a branch. Capsule, oblong, drooping; operculum nearly length of capsule, slightly recurved, acute; calyptra conical, smooth, acute, apiculate, entire at base or very slightly ragged. Hab. In low, wet, shaded woods near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs. A peculiar and pleasing little species. Its leaves are often fringed at (or within) the margins on the under side with minute, jointed, cylindrical cellular bodies, in thick, powdery clusters, resembling the soredia of some lichens. Sometimes all the leaves on a branch are thus fringed, and, again, sometimes a branch is without any. 10. H. curviseta, sp. nov. Plant small, erect, ½ inch high, sub-dendroidal; stem short, ¼ inch, dark-brown, leafy, with numerous brownish-red rootlets at base; 4–5 short sub-rosulate branchlets at top, spreading, decurved. Leaves very thin and pale; lateral sub-oblong-obovate, obtuse, 1 ¼ lines long, upper half coarsely serrulate, the lower basal margin excised; nerve 1, stout, not extending to middle, bifid, the branch nerve very short; cells large, orbicular, pretty uniform throughout, but larger and oblong at base; dorsal and ventral leaves broadly-ovate-orbicular, very obtuse;

perichætial small, narrow-ovate, acute, entire, nerveless; cells large, clear. Fruit-stalk ½ inch long, erect, suddenly curved at top, smooth, red-brown, dark at base, 2–3 springing from axils of branchlets; capsule sub-obovate-oblong, nearly 1 line long, pendulous, pale reddish-brown, spotted with fine red dots, and finely tuberculated at the base usually in a kind of ring around it, minutely reticulated, margin of mouth dark; outer teeth rather short, obtuse, incurved, dark brown, with two broad vertical, light-brown equidistant lines, the centre partially clear, largely transversely striate, margins grossly sub-denticulate-Operculum and calyptra not seen. Hab. Concealed among Hepaticæ, and from rotten logs; woods near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1884: W.C. Obs. A species having some affinity with H. obtusata and H. subsimilis (mihi, supra), but differing from both in several particulars. Only two fruiting specimens have been detected, long after journey, among Hepaticæ collected. § IV. Eriopus. 11. H. petrophila, sp. nov. Plant large, creeping at base, bushy, simple (rarely branched), diffuse; stems numerous, erect, 1 ½–2 (rarely 2 ½) inches high, 5–6 lines broad, flat, recurved at tips, of a pleasing bright-green inclining to dark, clothed with leaves from base, with many brown shining branched flattish rootlets below. Leaves sub-quadrifariously disposed, imbricate, thin, margined, margin narrow above, broader at base, upper half sharply serrulate, lower entire; cells large, sexagonal-orbicular, pretty uniform, but smaller and more orbicular at apex, and larger and oblong at base; lateral leaves oblong or sub-obovate, 2 ½ lines long, dimidiate, spreading, narrowed at base, tip suddenly acute, sharply apiculate, and curved on one side; nerve 1, very stout at base, straight, forked, largely divergent ⅓rd length of leaf; dorsal and ventral leaves smaller, much more orbicular, and more largely apiculate; nerves 2 from base, diverging; perichætial small, transparent, the outer broadly elliptic or sub-orbicular, the inner narrow ovate, all acuminate, the outer being very acuminulate or sub-piliferous, margins entire, serrulate at tips, nerveless; cells linear-rhomboidal, acute. Fruit-stalks 1–2–3 on upper part of stem and near each other, 3–5 lines long, succulent, green, thickened at base with a dark ring, annulated, hairy; hairs very short, thick and sub-tuberculous, patent, larger and longer at top, and these erect and forming a kind of small crest, but very distant from capsule and apex of seta, which are both glabrous, upper part of seta largely glabrous on the under side. Capsule oblong-elliptic, smooth, horizontal, with an elevated ring at mouth and contracted below, sub-apophysate, base slightly tubercled, dark-brown; teeth pale-red,

smooth, with numerous small orbicular cells, margins entire; operculum long, semi-conical, acute, beak very long, slender, straight. Calyptra large, broadly conical, obtuse, 1/10th inch long, whitish, upper half thickly tubercled (or sub-echinate); tubercles irregular, long, blunt; laciniate and much fimbriate below; fimbriæ ragged, branched, spreading, obtuse, recurved. Monœcious; paraphyses numerous near bases of fruit-stalks; antheridia axillary near capsules, each linear sac clavate, containing a red globular spot near apex. Hab. On stones in the bottoms of narrow deep watercourses; dark shaded woods near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1884–5: W.C. Obs. I. A very fine species, certainly approaching very near to H. cristata, Arn.; but, after long and repeated examination, I cannot but deem it to be distinct. It also has some affinity with H. lophophora, Col. (“Trans. N.Z. Inst.,” vol. xvii., p 260). It differs, however, from H. cristata in size, habit, and form of stems and leaves, and in their colour, and in the form of its capsule, which is also sub-apophysate and tubercled (vide Hedwig, Sp. Muse., t. 49); in form and size of apex of leaf and apical cells (vide Schwg. Suppt., tab. ccxxviii., figs. A. B.); in its large and broad sub-tuberculous calyptra, laciniated at base; and in the short, thick, patent hairs on its seta and crest; and also in its peculiar habitat or place and manner of growth. II. I have only met with this moss in deep, dark gullies, where it must be nearly always submerged; it clings strongly by its roots to pebbles in the soil, so that the support comes away with the plant in collecting; it bears fruit in June and July. Plants that I brought away living have flourished three to four months in a tumbler of water, in which they are mostly kept submerged. 12. H. pygmæa, sp. nov. Small, tufted. Stems erect, 4–6 lines high, glossy dark-brown below, pale-green above. Leaves loosely imbricate above, distant below, light-green, crisped, and recurved when dry; lateral spreading, rotundato-ovate, largely apiculate, margined, serrate at top and for half-way down; lowest stem-leaves acuminate; nerve 0, or very short; cells rhomboidal, small at apex, increasing in size downwards, and large at base; perichætial long, narrow-ovate, entire, very much acuminate, the mucro subulate sharp, slightly serrulate at tip. Fruit-stalk 2 lines high, erect, flexuous, with a sudden bend at top, red-brown below, very hairy, with short patent hairs broad at bases or sub-muricated, hairs longer above with a crest of long white fimbriæ at top. Capsule small, ovoid, horizontal, apophysate; operculum flattish, with a long decurved acute beak; calyptra small, pale, largely laciniate and fimbriate at base; tip long, brown, shining, decurved.

Hab. Among other mosses on rotten logs; low, damp, dark woods near Norsewood, County of Waipawa, Nov., 1884: W.C. Obs. An interesting little crested species, apparently near to H. flexicollis, Mitt. (of which S. Island species, however, I have not seen any specimens, and the description given of it in “Handbook N.Z. Flora” is scarcely complete). At present this species is very scarce, only one small tuft containing three fruiting specimens having been detected, after a most diligent and renewed search. Order V. Hepaticæ. Genus 1. Gymnomitrium, Corda. 1. G. orbiculata, sp. nov. Plant minute, erect, short, simple, sometimes with innovations, rarely branched, 6–8 lines high, pale-green, with fine long hyaline rootlets; leaves alternate, orbicular, entire, rather distant below, but sub-imbricate and larger at tips; perichætial large surrounding calyptra 5-lobed, lobes ovate-acuminate, obtuse; fruit-stalk 1 ½ lines long; capsule dark-brown; valves spreading, broadly lanceolate, much and irregularly reticulate, margins white and slightly sinuate; tips obtuse, naked. Hab. Sides of perpendicular wet cliffs, River Mangatawhainui, near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; growing very closely intermixed among Aneura muscoides, Col.;* See p. 251 infra. October, 1884: W.C. Obs. This species in size and appearance is not unlike the only other known New Zealand species, G. concinnatum, Cord., detected by me on the summits of the Ruahine mountain range, its only known New Zealand habitat (but also found in Britain); it is, however, widely different as a species. Its only known habitat is a curious one; closely bound up (or squeezed tightly) among Aneura muscoides (infra), and only to be detected (when not in fruit) by the extreme tips of its leaves just peering above those of the Aneura. Genus 2. Jungermannia, Linn. 1. J. humilissima, sp. nov. Minute, shortly tufted, erect, 3–4 lines high, pale-green, with fine long rootlets below and at base. Leaves laxly imbricate, sometimes more distant, sub-vertical, amplexicaul, slightly decurrent, sub-orbicular, quite entire, apical margins very slightly sinuate, recurved; involucral similar but larger, conniving; cells minutely beaded; apical small, orbicular, basal larger, oblong. Stipules 0; perianth 5-plicate, mouth contracted, toothed. Fruit-stalk 5 lines long, slender, capsule globose, very small, dark purple, glossy.

Hab. Closely mixed with other small Hepaticæ and minute mosses, wet stony sides of the River Mangatawhaiiti, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs. A species having affinity with J. inundata, Hook. fil., also found in this district. 2. J. rufiflora, sp. nov. Small, densely and regularly tufted in large spreading patches, erect, 3–6 lines high, pale-green, simple and branched below, connected at base, stems succulent, flexuous. Leaves few, vertical, alternate, distant, sometimes laxly imbricate, especially on old stems; smaller orbicular and pink-margined below, gradually increasing in size, elliptic and sub-apiculate above; semi-amplexicaul, quite entire, very membranous and translucent, somewhat recurved; involucral 1–2, very similar, but larger; cells large, sub-orbicular, nearly alike throughout, the upper minutely and many beaded. Perianth large (for the plant), about 1 line long, obovate-spathulate, 4–5 plicate, mouth large, laciniate, tips pink-red. Stipules none. Fruit-stalk 3 lines long, slender; capsule globose, dark brown; valves broadly oblong-lanceolate, reticulate, slightly margined; tips very obtuse. Hab. Steep shaded and wet cuttings, clayey sides of main road near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs. A species having pretty close affinity with the preceding species (J. humilissima, mihi). It is a striking and neat object in its flowering season, owing to the tips of its numerous and compact perianths being coloured a lively pink-red, and generally each stem bearing one, and all of a uniform height, so that it is detected at some distance when passing by. 3. J. paucifolia, sp. nov. Plant small, tufted, densely compact; stems erect, 4–6 lines high, regular, simple, rarely branched at base, light green, with many fine pellucid rootlets springing from bases of leaves. Leaves few, rather distant, alternate, vertical, ½0th inch long, broadly sub-orbicular, somewhat truncate at tip, recurved, undulate and sub-plaited, narrowly margined; margins entire, those of upper leaves sub-sinuate; sub-canaliculate, not decurrent on stem, largest above and very small at base; cells large, oblong, each 5–7 beaded; involucral similar, but larger. Stipules 0. Perianth broadly obovate, slightly compressed, with sinuous edges, apex very truncate, 5–6 plaited at top, mouth contracted, tips curved, acuminate, each with a minute pencil of 3–4 fimbriæ. Seta 2 lines long, slender, twisted, transversely veined. Capsule very minute, globular, dark brown, bursting rather irregularly; valves narrowly margined, obtuse, and much reticulated with black lines. Hab. In large patches with the preceding species (J. rufiflora); patches generally distinct, but sometimes intermixed; 1885: W.C.

Obs. This species is nearly allied to the two preceding ones, but distinct. It also flowers much later in the season. Genus 7. Gottschea, Nees. * Leaves stipulate. 1. G. læte-virens, sp. nov. Plant gregarious, procumbent, imbricate, simple, 1 inch long, 4 lines wide, flattish, sub-linear-obovate, sometimes shortly 2–3 branched near top. Leaves lively emerald-green, very thin, ovate, obtuse, spreading, serrulate at tips, ciliate on upper margins near stem, distant and free below, imbricate and crowded above; ventral lobes more largely serrate at tips; the dorsal of a similar shape but smaller, their upper edge nearly entire, lower edge adnate on ventral lobe; involucral laciniate. Stipules rather large, 4–5-fid, much laciniate and spreading; cells oblong-orbicular, walls thickened; fine purple rootlets on lower part of stem. Hab. In patches on rotten logs, woods near Norsewood; and more largely on the ground in dark shaded low woods, sides of River Mangatawhaiiti, between Norsewood and Danneverke, County of Waipawa, 1884–5: W.C. 2. G. nitida, sp. nov. Plant gregarious, procumbent, imbricate, green, stems stout, 2 inches long, ½ inch wide at broadest part, simple, and 2–3–4 branched; branches patent, irregular, flattish, sub-linear-obovate. Leaves sub-oblong-lanceolate, sub-acute, patent, sharply and closely serrulate, largely ciliate on both margins near bases, but most so on the upper, also at tips, distant and free below, much crowded above; the dorsal lobes oblong, truncate at tip, the upper edge and apex largely ciliate-serrate; ciliæ jointed; lower edge adnate on ventral lobe. Stipules large, laciniate to base, 5–6 lobed, very ciliate; ciliæ long, jointed, drooping, glossy; perichætial pale-green, long, narrow, and much laciniate; cells orbicular, and larger than in G. læte-virens; many red rootlets at base and on lower half of stem. Hab. In patches on the trunks of large trees; dark shaded woods, near Norsewood, County of Waipawa, 1885: W.C. Obs. A fine species, having affinity with the preceding (G. læte-virens), which it closely resembles at first sight, but is very different in structure, more compound and larger. 3. G. macroamphigastra, sp. nov. Plant in small patches, sub-prostrate, ascending, pleasing green, stems thick, succulent, oblong, 10–15 lines long, 4 lines wide at broadest part near top, shortly branched, rooted below; root-stock stout; rootlets numerous, short, red, and matted. Leaves spreading, lobes concave; ventral oblong, acute, falcate,

serrate above, laciniate below; dorsal shorter, tips sub-truncate and serrulate, rotund and overlapping at base, and much broader than the ventral lobe, margin there entire, or under a high power minutely serrulate in the anterior portion, the apical serrulate on both margins with a narrow plait extending from lower point of apical margin to outer margin of ventral lobe; involucral narrow, 2 lines long, much and compound laciniate, connate at base; cells orbicular. Stipule very large, sub-quadrate, 1 ½ lines wide, sub-bilobed at tip, much laciniate; laciniæ largely cellular throughout. Hab. On rotten logs, among other Hepaticæ and mosses, Seventy-mile Bush, County of Waipawa; 1883: W.C. Obs. A very distinct species, from its large and broad stipules, and the concave lobes of its leaves; hitherto, however, it is rather scarce. 4. G. heterocolpos, sp. nov. Plant small, procumbent, spreading, pale green, stems stoutish, leaved to base, 1–1 ½ inches long, 3–4 lines broad, much (5–6) branched, branches short, flattish; rootlets purple, very numerous, short and matted below. Leaves sub-ovate, falcate, acute, finely and sharply serrate; ventral suberulent or minutely and closely roughish at tips on both sides, laciniate-ciliate on lower basal margins; dorsal similar in shape, but much smaller and smooth, obtuse and sub-truncate at tips, with finer and more distant serratures, and a ridge or plait running from the lower angle of apex to outer margin of the ventral lobe, basal margin almost entire; cells sub-orbicular, cell-walls thick. Stipule rather large, sub-quadrate-cuneate, narrowest at base, bifid, lobes divergent, each lobe sparingly and coarsely laciniate above, not below, sinus large orbicular. On the stem on each side, within the two lobes, and in their axils, are several small narrow scale-like laciniated processes or leaflets, and also in minute tufts near to the bases of the stipules, but separate and above them. Hab. In forest, Seventy-mile Bush, County of Waipawa; 1882: W.C. Obs. The exact locality of this peculiar species is at present unknown; the few specimens I have were brought hurriedly away, and merely for comparison, believing them to be identical with other species lately detected there by me. I may, however, find it again.* Since writing the above, I have again found this plant; June, 1885; its exact locality is in wet low woods, near Norsewood. It is a highly curious species, in its possessing those minute, scale-like leaflets in the axillæ of its leaf-lobes; in this character, however, it is something like G. nobilis, Nees, the only other species known to possess it. [But see the following species, recently discovered.]

5. G. trichotoma, sp. nov. Plant procumbent, spreading, 2–3 inches long, much branched, main branches generally trichotomous at tips; stems leafy, stout, with many brown rootlets at bases, branches about 1 inch long, 4 lines wide, linear, obtuse, slightly rooting at bases; rootlets brown. Leaves a pleasing green, spreading, rather distant below, base of stem bare, close above, oblong-ovate, obtuse, sharply and closely serrate, laciniate-ciliate on basal margins, a ridge or plait running from lower anterior angle of dorsal lobe to the margin of the ventral, with a few other small, scattered, short creases or low plaits on its lamina; dorsal similar in shape and smaller, apices free, bases broadly rounded. Stipule large, quadrifid, segments much laciniate-ciliate: ciliæ long, flexuous, pellucid, jointed (as in G. chlorophylla). On the stem, between dorsal and ventral lobes, are two transverse lateral rows of finely laciniated processes or leaflets. Hab. Among other Hepaticæ and mosses on prostrate trees, wet forests near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs. A fine species, having close affinity with the preceding, G. heterocolpos, in its additional stem-leaflets (which, however, are longer, narrower, more numerous, and differently situated), but widely differing in its compound ciliated stipules, etc. 6. G. chlorophylla, sp. nov. Plant very small, under ½ inch long, obovate-oblong, broadest at tip, very obtuse, simple, and 2–4 branched from near base. Leaves closely imbricated, pale green, whitish tipped, oblong, obtuse, margins irregular and sub-laciniate, much ciliated, each lacinia ending in a long cilia; ciliæ all jointed; dorsal lobe similar, but much smaller; cells orbicular. Stipules broadly cuneate, or sub-quadrate-flabelliform, laciniate-lobed, each lobe ending in two large ciliæ: sinus broad. Hab. On rotten logs, watercourse; deep forest near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1883–85: W.C. Obs. A species near to G. ciliata, Mitt., but differing in its laciniated stipules and leaves, smaller dorsal lobes, and much smaller size. It has a very hoary appearance on both sides, from its pale colour and long ciliæ. It is apparently scarce, having only very sparingly been met with. 7. G. bicolor, sp. nov. Plant densely gregarious in large patches, simple, broadly obovate, 4–6 lines long, 2 lines broad at tips. Leaves light-green below, bright yellow-green above, sub-imbricate, spreading, sub-falcate, finely laciniate-serrate, especially at tips; dorsal lobes upper margins entire, rounded and broad at base, and overlapping on stem; tips truncate and minutely serrulate; cells sub-quadrate and oblong. Stipules sub-quadrate, bi-lobed

to base, sinus sub-orbicular, lobes laciniate, divergent at base connivent above. Hab. On rotten logs, dense wet forests near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs. A small species, having some affinity with G. lætevirens, mihi (supra), but differing in its leaves and stipules, also in size and colour. 8. G. pallescens, sp. nov. Plant small, scattered, prostrate, simple, and shortly two-branched, broadly obovate, 3–5 lines long, 3 lines broad and much rounded at top, flattish, stems rather stout, with many pink rootlets below, at and near base. Leaves very pale or yellowish-white, close, compact, spreading, sub-ovate-oblong, acute, sub-laciniate-serrate throughout, overlapping at base; dorsal lobes similar, but much smaller, tips somewhat truncate and serrulate; cells orbicular, cell-walls very thick. Stipules very large, sub-quadrate, but broadest at top, bi-lobed (almost quadrifid); sinus open, lobes much laciniate and largely divergent above. Hab. On rotten logs, among other small Hepaticæ; wet shaded woods, Seventy-mile Bush, County of Waipawa; 1883: W.C. Obs. A species near to G. bicolor, mihi (supra), but differing from it in its larger spreading stipules, and in being much more laciniate, also in colour, form, and habit. 9. G. marginata, sp. nov. Plant prostrate, creeping, simple, sometimes branched below 1–1 ½ inches long, 4 lines wide, broadest at top, green; stem stout, succulent, with many brown rootlets at base. Leaves close above, distant below, sub-oblong-ovate, rather obtuse, sub-falcate, spreading, laminæ with several small plaits or creases, largely serrate at apex, coarsely laciniate at base; dorsal lobe very broad, rounded, and overlapping below, with the margin entire, or nearly so, truncate and serrate at tip; cells oblong, large, stipules rather large, sub-obovate-quadrate, bifid to middle, each segment once lobed on the outside and laciniate; laciniæ few and rather distant, triangular, acute, not capillary nor ciliate, and all many-celled throughout; cells large; main sinuses orbicular, with their margins thickened as if doubled or bordered. Capsule (immature) cylindrical, narrow-linear, 3 lines long, dark-purple; fruit-stalk sub-clavate at top, but contracted at junction with capsule. Hab. On trunks of fern-trees, wet shaded forests near Norsewood, County of Waipawa, 1885: W.C. Obs. A species having close affinity with G. pallescens, mihi (supra).

10. G. albistipula, sp. nov. Plant small, bright light-green; stems sub-erect, simple, 1–1 ¼ inches long, obovate-oblong, truncate at tip, 4 lines wide in the broadest part, leaved to base; stem stout, succulent, white, with fine filiform rich purple rootlets at base. Leaves thin, closely imbricate, spreading, falcate, ovate-oblong, obtuse (sometimes with a tooth as a mucro), each with 3–4 narrow plaits or creases extending diagonally to margin, the margins of the upper half coarsely serrulate, the lower half of basal margin nearly entire, the upper half of the same laciniate; laciniæ increasing in size towards the stem, and there shortly decurrent; dorsal lobe much broader at base than the ventral, and largely rounded and overlapping the stem, the margin very slightly serrulate and decurved, the apical portion truncate; cells sub-orbicular, rather small. Stipules white, rather large, sub-quadrate, narrowest at base, bi-lobed to middle, sinus large, with two minute laciniæ; lobes broad at top, coarsely laciniate, not ciliate; laciniæ obtuse, celled to apices; cells of various shapes and sizes, mostly orbicular-oblong, large, clear, and double-walled. Fruit-stalk 15 lines long, stout. Capsule narrow, linear-oblong, purple; valves spreading, 2 lines long, linear-lanceolate, very obtuse, not meeting at base, but with a small hemispherical pilose boss in the centre, finely and closely striate longitudinally and transversely with minute dark-brown striæ. Spores orbicular, numerous; no spiral elaters detected. Hab. On rotten logs and on the earth, forming compact patches in shaded spots; wet woods, near Norsewood, County of Waipawa, 1885: W.C. Obs. A species nearly allied to G. macroamphigastra, mihi (supra), but differing in its being unbranched, with much less concave leaves, that are also largely plaited, and in its very much smaller and differently-formed white stipules. ** Stipules 0. 11. G. simplex, sp. nov. Plant small, sub-gregarious, simple and sparingly branched, under 1 inch long, 3 lines broad, sub-obovate-linear, very light-green, of a soft texture. Leaves below distant, narrow-oblong, obtuse, and nearly quite entire; the upper not crowded, linear-ovate, slightly and finely serrulate, more so at tips; dorsal small, scarcely half as long as the ventral, sub-elongate-quadrate, upper edge slightly curved, truncate at apices, margins entire; cells small, sub-orbicular; rootlets numerous, long, purple; stipules 0. Hab. On the ground, among other Hepaticæ and mosses; banks of the River Mangatawhaiiti, between Norsewood and Danneverke, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C.

Obs. A curious little naked species, without stipules, and with margins nearly entire, and therefore having affinity with G. tuloides, Hook. fil. and Taylor, another New Zealand species formerly discovered by myself; also pretty near to two preceding species (in this paper), G. læte-virens and G. nitida, from the same forests. 12. G. ramulosa, sp. nov. Plant creeping, prostrate, ascending, stem 1–1 ½ inches long, 4 lines broad, linear, obtuse, flattish, thickly rooting below on lower part of stem, much branched with several short branchlets at tops. Leaves numerous, and very closely set from base, somewhat inflated, spreading, stem-clasping, pale-green; ventral ovate-oblong, acute and finely serrulate at tips; upper margin rounded, lower nearly straight, both margins entire and slightly recurved; dorsal lobes similar, but much smaller, sharply acuminate at upper angle of tip; cells orbicular, small; stipules 0. Involucral long narrow acuminate and much laciniate-serrate. Fruit-stalk short, shorter than involucral leaves; capsule broadly ovate, red-brown. Hab. On bark of trees, among other Hepaticæ and mosses, spreading in small patches, but apparently very local and scarce; forest between Norsewood and Danneverke, County of Waipawa; 1883: W.C. Obs. A species having some affinity with G. tuloides, Hook. fil. and Taylor, and with G. simplex, mihi (supra), from its not possessing stipules, and its nearly entire leaves. Genus 9. Psiloclada, Mitten. 1. P. digitata, sp. nov. Plant minute, procumbent, very membranaceous. Stems 1–2 inches long, very slender, pinnately branched, with fine rootlets at tips. Leaves pale-green, microscopical, rather close set, sub-quadrate in outline, patent, those on main branches much broader than their stems, 3–4 lobed, the blade as long as or longer than the lobes, and appearing as if 5–7 nerved; lobes subulate, spreading, with the apparent “nerves” continued into them; cells large, regular, oblong or sub-quadrate, extending to tips of lobes. Stipules similar, but much smaller and adpressed. Fruit, etc., not seen. Hab. Damp shady woods, among other Hepaticæ and mosses, near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs. The cells of this little plant somewhat resemble those of Lepidozia patentissima, only they are more regularly disposed in lines among the apparent “nerves.” Some of the long capillary branchlets have also the appearance of fine rootlets at their tips, as in some Lepidozia. The 4-lobed leaves, with their

dark and straight lines of “nerves,” bear a close resemblance to the back of a gloved hand. It is a beautiful little plant, having a strong resemblance in habit, form, and texture to the only other (known) species, P. clandestina, Mitt.; but, from the absence of fruit, it is somewhat doubtful as to genus. At present the plant is scarce, only two specimens having been detected; from its minuteness, however, it is easily overlooked. Genus 13. Lepidozia, Nees. 1. L. concinna, sp. nov. Plant largely and loosely tufted, branched, procumbent, overlapping, pale-green, 2–3-pinnate; branches 1–2 inches long, 4–5 lines wide, sub-oblong-lanceolate; branchlets 2–2 ½ lines long, widely apart, alternate, decurved, the shorter ones broad and rounded, and the longer ones capillary at tips. Leaves many, closely set and sub-imbricate on branchlets, more distant on main stems, patent, slightly incurved, sub-quadrate, 3–4-fid; cells strongly defined and numerous, large in the centre at base of leaf. Stipules small, quadrate, 4-cleft to middle, patent; segments subulate, acute, spreading, sinus wide, round at base; cells of segments in 3–4 rows, very minute, distinct, regular. Hab. On living trees, forming thick and large patches; wet forests near Norsewood, County of Waipawa, 1885: W.C. Obs. An elegant species, allied to two of the known New Zealand ones, L. microphylla, and L. pendulina, Lind.; also to the following one, L. cancellata, mihi; and also to L. chordulifera, Tayl., a species of the Chonos Archipelago. The leaves in shape and in cell-areolæ are somewhat like those of L. procera, Mitt., a Tasmanian species, but the plant is widely different. 2. L. cancellata, sp. nov. Plant largely and loosely tufted, of a pleasing green; branches 1 ½ inches long, 3 lines broad, linear-lanceolate, rarely branched at base, sub-procumbent, loosely overlapping, bi-pinnate; branchlets numerous, alternate, rather closely set, short, 1–1 ½ lines long, very rarely again branched, tips sometimes capillary, and then exceedingly fine and reddish. Leaves large, sub-oblong-quadrate, 4-fid, cancellate, very close, incurved (presenting a sub-verticillate appearance), those on the main stem more distant and very large; cells large; segments very long, curved and spreading, subulate, acute, each with a single row of cells; sinus large, round. Stipules similar but smaller, distant, patent. Hab. On trees and logs, forming large and thick patches; forests near Norsewood, County of Waipawa, 1885: W.C. Obs. A species very near the preceding (L. concinna, mihi), but differing in its more slender and simple branches; in its

shorter and closer branchlets that are rarely capillary, and when so, finer than fine hair and coloured; in its larger leaves with larger open cells visible to the naked eye, and in their much longer segments which are also in single-celled rows throughout. A truly elegant plant. 3. L. subverticillata, sp. nov. Plant small filiform procumbent spreading, closely adhering to rotten wood, much and irregularly branched; light-green. Main branches 2 inches long and more, sub-bi-pinnate, narrow, linear-oblong; branchlets short, alternate, tips occasionally but seldom capillary. Leaves highly cellular, close set, overlapping (having a sub-verticillate appearance), sub-oblong-quadrate, 3- (sometimes 4-) fid; lamina very short, scarcely any; segments very long, articulate, incurved. Stipules similar, but smaller and more distant. Perianth terminal on short lateral branchlets (sometimes two close together), very large for the plant, cylindrical, 2 lines long, vertical, largely ciliate at tips with 6–9 long flexuous ciliæ; cells large, narrow-oblong; involucral leaves large, cellular, sub-broadly-ovate, tips slightly laciniate. Hab. On rotten logs, forming small thick patches; in wet forests near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs. A very neat little species of a pleasing green colour; its affinities are with L. capillaris, Lind. 4. L. minuta, sp. nov. Plant minute, prostrate and creeping, wiry, irregularly branched, pale-green, with long white capillary pellucid radicles below. Main branches about 1 inch long, with many capillary branchlets ½–¾ inch long. Leaves rather small, close set, and sub-imbricate, patent, quadrate, 4-dentate, larger and more distant on the main branches; lamina large; teeth short, broadly-triangular, acute, incurved; cells small, sub-orbicular, distinct, much larger in the centre of leaf. Stipules minute, distant, similar to leaves but much smaller, 3–4-toothed. Perianth lateral, sub-sessile on main stems; involucral leaves rather large, oblong-ovate, slightly laciniate; cells large. Hab. Among mosses and small Hepaticæ, on decaying logs; wet woods near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs. A species having close affinity with L. lævifolia, Lind. Genus 14. Mastigobrynm, Nees. 1. M. concinnatum, sp. nov. Plant a pleasing light-green, densely and regularly tufted, shortly creeping, imbricate; stems ¾–1 ½ inches long, dichotomous; branches ½ inch long, linear, 1 ½ lines wide, obtuse, divergent, sending down long scaly and hairy rootlets; young branches and rootlets highly cellular. Leaves close, distichous,

spreading, imbricate at base, flat, falcate, sub-ovate-oblong, truncate, 3-toothed; teeth acute; dorsal margin curved, ventral straight; cells orbicular, small and distinct at apex, larger and very compact at base; young leaves with compact sub-quadrate cells. Stipules rather large, free, sub-quadrate, usually 6- (sometimes 4- and 8-) toothed; teeth small, blunt; cells smaller than in leaves and more distinct (very much like those of M. novæzealandiæ, Mitt.). Fruit not seen. Hab. Forests near Norsewood, closely overlying mosses (particularly tufts of Leucobryum candidum, and killing them); 1885: W.C. Obs. A very pretty species, having affinity with M. taylorianum, Mitt., and M. monilinerve, Nees. 2. M delicatulum, sp. nov. Plant small, procumbent, creeping; stems ½–1 ½ inches long, less (with leaves) than ½ line wide, dichotomous, having a jointed appearance. Leaves minute, pinnate, pale-green, somewhat thickish and opaque, free, rarely laxly imbricate, slightly convex, obliquely oblong-quadrate, sub-falcate, spreading, truncate at tips and coarsely 3-dentate, dorsal margin arched, ventral straight; cells minute, annular, distinct in parallel lines alike throughout (much as in M. novæ-zealandiæ). Stipules free, small, very membranaceous, light-reddish-brown, sub-quadrate, 3–5-fid; segments straight or slightly curved; cells large. Flagellæ few and short. Fruit not seen. Hab. On trunks of tree-ferns, shaded wet woods near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs.—A peculiar finely-cut soft and delicate-looking plant, forming close and thickish patches through continuously overgrowing; having pretty close affinity with M. taylorianum, but differing in its free leaves with orbicular separate cells that are alike throughout, and in its quadrate laciniate membranaceous stipules. I have not yet found it in fruit; and for a long time I had supposed it might prove to be a species of Lophocolea, owing to its being barren and my not meeting with a single imbricating branchlet. 3. M. quadratum, sp. nov. Plant small, tufted, sub-erect; stems ¾–1 inch long, once forked, and loosely dichotomously branched; grass-green. Leaves close, laxly imbricate at bases, pinnate, falcate, sub-oblong-quadrate, broadest at base, lateral margins slightly uneven or sub-sinuate-dentate, the upper one much arched, the lower straight, short, tip truncate and 3-dentate; teeth large, acute, cellular; cells small, orbicular, larger and oblong-orbicular in centre of leaf. Stipules free, large, quadrate, emarginate, toothed on three sides but most so at top, reddish-tipped. Flagellæ numerous, slender, short.

Hab. Among mosses, etc., on prostrate rotten trunks, damp woods near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs. A species having pretty close affinity with the two preceding, and presenting a similar appearance; but widely differing in form of stipules, etc. 4. M. fugax, sp. nov. Plant small, 1–2 inches long; stems procumbent and sub-erect, straggling, much branched; branches rather distant, long, filiform, few-leaved, naked below. Leaves alternate, obliquely oblong, broadest at base, amplexicaul, 1/36th of an inch long, entire, tip broad, very obtuse (sometimes slightly retuse and sub-sinuate), upper margin much arched and very slightly imbricating towards base, the lower straight; pale-green; very fugacious. Cells small, orbicular, with a central longitudinal band of larger ones, increasing in size from apex to near base. Stipules very minute, free, sub-palmate, 4-laciniate; nearly all laciniæ subulate and highly cellular. Hab. On bark of living trees, among other small Hepaticæ; wet woods near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Obs. A small wiry-looking species, having affinity with M. convexum, Lind., a Cape of Good Hope species, and also approaching M. australe, Lind., a Fijian species. It has rather a ragged look, especially when compared living with the three foregoing New Zealand species; mainly through the easy falling-off of its leaves, which happens with the most careful handling, probably owing to their excessive thinness from the large cells at their bases. 5. M. similis, sp. nov. Small, stems about 1 inch long, dichotomous; branchlets short, divergent. Leaves pale-green, somewhat distant, rarely overlapping at base, flat, spreading, obliquely oblong-quadrate, 3- (sometimes 2-) dentate, teeth short, obtuse; dorsal margin much arched, broad and rounded at base, irregularly sinuate towards apex; ventral margin slightly irregularly sinuate; cells small, confused, with a band of larger ones running from base towards apex within the ventral margin. Stipules free, small, sub-quadrate, 4-fid, largely cellular; segments very long and capillary. Hab. Forests near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; among other small Hepaticæ; 1885; W.C. Obs. A species having close affinity with M. taylorianum, Mitt., but differing in its leaves being distant and much broader at their bases, with sub-sinuate margins, and obtuse and short apical teeth, and also in its stipules being sub-quadrate and largely laciniate, with long cellular capillary segments. Only a few broken specimens were found, mixed among other Hepaticæ.

Genus. 24. Fossombronia, Raddi. 1. F. rosulata, sp. nov. Plant very small, gregarious, creeping at roots, and forming minute mounds, rising in little separate erect rosulate heads very close together, 1 ½–2 lines high, and about the same in diameter; stem 0; rootlets numerous, purple, matted. Leaves compact, semi-orbicular, sessile, much waved and crumpled, sub-papillose, margins entire, yellowish-green; cells large, broadly-oblong. Perianth very similar, but much smaller, margins slightly and distantly crenate; marginal cells minute, orbicular. Fruit-stalk stout, erect, 5 lines long. Capsule globular, rather large, reddish-brown, minutely reticulately veined, and sub-papillose on the outside, bursting very irregularly. Hab. Among other Hepaticæ and mosses on damp, shaded, clayey cuttings; sides of highway, near the bridge over the River Mangatawhainui, Seventy-mile Bush, County of Waipawa; 1880–85: W.C. Obs. A very minute plant, nearly allied to the other two published New Zealand species, F. pusilla, Nees, and F. intestinalis, Tayl.; and also, though more distinctly, to F. nigricaulis, mihi (infra). It has been long known to me in a barren state, and although often sought in a fruitful one, has only during the summer of 1884–85 been detected bearing fruit. 2. F. nigricaulis, sp. nov. Plant procumbent, creeping, 1–1 ½ inches long, linear, obtuse, largest specimens 3–4 lines broad at top, shortly branched, branches and tips ascending. Stems stout, dark-brownish-black, densely clothed below with thickish dark-red roots. Leaves pale-green, thin, sub-papillose, broadly oblong, somewhat sub-quadrate at apices, much waved and crumpled, those below a little apart and very decurrent on upper side of stem, giving it a sub-pinnatifid appearance, those at tips crowded, margins thin, entire; cells large, oblong. Involucral similar but smaller, extending (rosulate) around stem and base of fruit-stalk; cells very large. Fruit-stalk 4–6 lines long; capsule globular, reddish-brown, bursting irregularly; sometimes two together, or near each other on top of stem. Hab. Cliffy sides of road, near the River Mangatawhainui, Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1884–85; W.C. Genus 25. Noteroclada, Taylor. 1. (?) N. lacunosa, sp. nov. Plant prostrate, appressed, spreading, branched; rootlets small, many, closely adhering to the soil; branches 1–2 inches long, 8–10 lines broad, pinnatifid, midrib stout but obscure sub-succulent, brittle, glabrous; colour a pleasing dark grass-green.

Lobes large, 4–5 lines long, 2–3 lines wide, nerveless, not extending to midrib, very close and sub-imbricate, sub-orbicular and broadly elliptic, thin, transparent, finely papillose, studded with pale yellow dots, most so on basal margins; margins entire; the large apical portion of the lobe smooth, flat, and spreading laterally, the basal portion concave with margins raised above midrib, sub-erect, and transversely corrugated almost regularly, thickened and recurved, and having a deeply lacunose appearance; in each posterior axil of those lower cavities on the upper surface is a small cluster of reddish-tipped antheridia (immature) with green paraphyses intermixed. Cells of lobes numerous, large, irregular sizes, sub-quadrangular. Hab. Scattered in small patches on wet shaded banks, sides of streams and watercourses, among other Hepaticæ; low woods, Seventy-mile Bush, County of Waipawa, 1880–85: W.C. Obs. This is a very striking plant, resembling no other known to me among all our numerous endemic plants of this order. Its large size, remarkable fresh and regular semi-ribbed appearance, and dark colour, arrests the eye at once. It has caused me “a world of trouble,” extending over several years, in my endeavouring to obtain it in fruit; hitherto, however, I have failed, although I have diligently visited its marked habitats at all seasons of the year, save mid-winter, when I suspect it bears fruit. Not having detected it in fruit, I am not certain of its proper genus; but of all the known genera of Hepaticæ this plant is more closely allied to Noteroclada, in which I have provisionally placed it; also, though more distantly, to Fossombronia, a cognate genus; from which genus, however, its round leaves or lobes exclude it. It is by no means plentiful, only occurring here and there and at distant spots in single small patches, but always presenting a uniform healthy, strong, flourishing appearance. Having sought it so long and so frequently in the fruiting state, without success, I now make it known in its barren form. Genus 26. Petalophyllum, Gottsche. 1. P. macrocalyæ, sp. nov. Plant gregarious, minute, 2–3 lines diameter, 1–2 lines high; stem stout, very short scarcely any, dark-red-black, with many fine short red spreading rootlets. Leaves few, sub-rotund, waved and crumpled, margins entire; cells large, sub-quadrate. Perianth large, sub-campanulate, erect, 2 lines long, 1 ¼ lines broad, whitish, margin entire. Fruit-stalk 12–14 lines long, slender, capsule globular, brown, splitting irregularly into four divisions, each sub-cuneate, obtuse, 2–3 lobed. Hab. Among mosses and small frondose Hepaticæ, damp sides perpendicular cuttings on the roadside, Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C.

Obs. A very minute plant, wholly hidden but for its large erect inflated whitish perianth. Genus 27. Zoopsis, Hook. fil. and Tayl. 1. Z. flagelliforme, sp. nov. Plant slender, prostrate, glabrous, glistening, light-green; ¾–1 ½ inches long, ¼0th of an inch broad, much and dichotomously branched; main branches linear-lanceolate, flexuous, composed of two rows of cells on each side of the central cord, tips flagellate; sides sinuate with sub-rotund or knobbed projections of large blunt cells, sub 3, or so, together, alternate and at almost regular distances, with smaller cells intervening, and a few scattered short and simple rootlets beneath peeping. Involucral scales long, irregular, lanceolate. Perianth large, lateral, pedicelled, highly cellular, almost cancellate, much laciniate; laciniæ long, each composed of two rows of large orbicular cells; also some of a single row of oblong cells; pedicel thick. Fruit-stalk 2 lines long, septate, cellules large and full of scattered dark dots; capsule light brown, oblong; valves oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, excessively reticulated with dark veins, the longitudinal ones thick and wavy. Hab. Among other Hepaticæ on decaying logs; wet forests, Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. (Same localities; October, 1885: W.C. Obs. A species having pretty close affinity with the only other known (published) species of this genus, Z. argentea, Hook. fil. and Tayl., but differing from that species in its larger size yet narrower; in being much branched, with flagellate tips; in shape, and in colour, and in the number, form, and position of its cells. A truly elegant object under a misroscope. 2. (?) Z. lobulata, sp. nov. Plant minute, tufted, glabrous, stems brownish, creeping, 3–4 lines long, dichotomous, sub-bipinnatifid; branchlets or lobes sub-erect, linear, almost filiform, about 1 line high, emarginate, margins entire; cells sub-orbicular, apparently 2–3 nerved; light-green. Perianth lateral near base, short, laciniate, thickish, opaque, brownish-red. Calyptra sessile, sub-obovate, very membranaceous, reticulate, bearing a small reddish cellular boss or umbo on the top, which is persistent. Capsule shortly pedicelled, oblong, on a short, thickened, linear-oblong (or apophysate) stem, striate, bursting at tip, mouth conniving. Spores green, orbicular, trilobed. Elaters long, pointed and spiral, remaining fixed in an irregularly pencilled mass at mouth. Hab. On denuded rotten logs, in large continuous patches; shaded wet forests, near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C.

Obs. It is with some doubt that I place this new, curious, and interesting little plant under Zoopsis, as it possesses some only of its characters. Sir J. D. Hooker had only seen “immature fruit” of the one species on which he established that genus. This plant, however, is very distinct from that one, and also from Z. flagelliforme, mihi (supra), and may yet become the type of another genus. Genus 30. Symphyogyna, Mont. and Nees. 1. S. brevicaulis, sp. nov. Plant epiphytical, closely gregarious, pendulous and imbricated in growth, rhizome creeping, rough, spongy, light-brown, villous. Frond light grass-green, glabrous, mostly simple, linear-oblong, about ½ inch long, 1–2 lines wide, sometimes but rarely forked, much waved, margins entire, tips retuse, broad at base and shortly decurrent or truncate, midrib thick; stipe very short, with fine red hairy rootlets at base; cells large, of various sizes, sub-quadrate. Involucre central, sometimes 2–3 on a single frond, and when the frond is forked not at the forking, small, deeply laciniate, laciniæ very narrow. Calyptra long, tubular, sub-clavate, striate, rather loose and sub-plaited, lips entire, bearing a few scattered reddish pistillidia. Fruit-stalk short, often two very near each other. Capsule 1 line long, cylindric, obtuse, finely striate, purple-black; spores circular, dark purple-brown; elaters very numerous, long, bi-spiral, flexuous. Hab. Clothing the stem of a fern tree (Dicksonia squarrosa), in a deep-shaded forest near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1884–85: W.C. Obs. A species near to S. sub-simplex, Mitten, and to S. simplex, Colenso, (“Trans. N.Z. Inst.,” vol. xvi., p. 352,) especially in its barren fronds, but very distinct in its characters. Genus 32. Aneura, Dumort. 1. A. muscoides, sp. nov. Plant light-green, in dense, small-moss-like effigurate sub-circular patches, 5–6 inches diameter; excessively compact and uniform. Fronds minute, erect, sub ½ inch high, simple, rarely forked, compressed, linear-cuneate, under ½ line wide, broadest at tip, margins sinuate, and very shortly and sparingly lobed or knobbed; tip 1–2 notched, or truncate; green above at apex, white below at base. Hab. Sides of wet cliffs, and closely adhering to them; River Mangatawhainui, near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; October, 1884: W.C. Obs. This little plant wears a most peculiar appearance, more like a thick patch of densely growing Conferva, or a piece of green plush cloth! Although presenting such a close rigid

aspect, and when gathered with unbroken base it adheres closely together, yet on the basis being cut it falls directly into separate fibrils or fronds. Growing with it and scattered among it, and just as closely compacted and regular in height, is another small Hepatica, Gymnomitrium orbiculata, mihi (supra). 2. A. pellucida, sp. nov. Plant low, creeping, forming large, compact, small-moss-like patches on branches of living trees, densely imbricate, regular in height and in general appearance, 3–4 lines high, bi-tripinnatifid, rather thickish, succulent, very fragile, bright emerald-green, shining; main branches concealed, flat, broad, adhering strongly by many minute rootlets; branchlets opposite, sub-erect, sub-palmate, many lobed; lobes short, broadly linear, entire, obtuse and emarginate, the broadest minutely crenulate at tip, sub-pellucid; cells large, sub-orbicular, very close, apparently disposed in a double layer and beaded. Calyptra cylindrical, 1 ½ lines long, white, transparent, rugose; cells large and oblong, also having a beaded appearance. Seta very slender, weak, hyaline, shining, ½ inch long. Capsule, valves linear, acute, spreading, finely striate longitudinally; pencils of elaters at tips patent with a sub-rigid appearance, bi-spiral, acicular at tips. Hab. On branches of living trees; wet shady woods, near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1876–1885: W.C. Obs. A small, low, spreading, mossy-looking plant of a lively green colour, not unfrequently met with on the branches of the smaller forest trees with smooth bark, (as Melicytus, the larger species of Coprosma, Weinmannia, etc.,) in wet shaded woods, but rarely ever found in fruit. Indeed, I never detected any fruiting specimens until this autumn (April, 1885). It is altogether a charming object under a miscroscope from its transparency, the apparent regularity of its growth, in the length, height, and direction of its minute fronds, (all, too, severally more or less irregular,) is very remarkable. It has close natural affinity with the following species, A. crispa. 3. A. crispa, sp. nov. Plant prostrate, spreading in effuse dense patches, 4–5 inches long; 2–3 pinnatifid, closely imbricate, dark-green. Fronds or lobes about ¼ inch high, sub-erect, ascending, much cut and irregularly laciniate; calyptra white, sub-clavate, tubercled, erect and curved, 2 lines long, rising above the plant, and so presenting a novel appearance; fruit-stalk very slender; capsule rather long, linear-oblong; valves narrow, bearing elaters largely at their tips. Hab. On rotten logs, shaded and damp spots, base of high cliffs, banks of River Mangatawhainui, near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; October, 1884: W.C.

4. A. epibrya, sp. nov. Plant thickish, brittle, softish, light-green, mostly composed of single irregular-shaped sub-erect fronds, that are sometimes forked and slightly branched or lobed, and sometimes overlapping, 1–1 ½ inches long, 3–4 lines wide, broken below, arising from a decaying base. Fronds sub-solitary, linear-oblong, expanded and rounded at tips, waved, rumpled, and incurved, margins entire, thin, slightly and irregularly crenulate, usually more so at tips; semi-transparent when fresh, largely so when dried, with short, yellow, silky hyaline rootlets below, by which it adheres strongly to its supporting moss; cells obscure. Calyptra stout, erect, 3 ½ lines long, green, bristly and rough, with short patent hairs. Hab. Epiphytical on Hypnum aciculare, dry shaded declivities, Fagus forests near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1883–85: W.C. Obs. A peculiar species, confined (as far as I have observed) to this one species of large, erect and very dry moss, which it sometimes kills; its fronds are of vigorous growth, but are almost invariably rotten at their bases. In its strange habitat (for a plant of this genus that delights in low, wet and shaded localities,) it is plentiful, though always scattered, from its so early decaying at base. It is allied to A. biflora, Col.,* Vide “Trans. N.Z. Inst.,” vol. xvii., p. 262. which species is also epiphytical on living moss (Hookeria), but that moss is only found in wet, dark shaded localities, and is also sub-succulent. 5. A. marginata, sp. nov. Plant small; main stems creeping, prostrate, dark red-brown; branches generally simple, sometimes forked, erect, densely tufted, 3–4 lines high, linear, sub-clavate, occasionally somewhat palmate, margined; margins entire, sometimes (but rarely) slightly denticulate and sub-lobed, tips emarginate; succulent, sub-rigid; green. Cells large, sub-orbicular, sparsely beaded, those of margin small and very regular. Fruit single at base of lobe below. Calyptra cylindrical, erect, 1 ½ lines long, sparingly tubercled below, more so above, and crowned with a boss of tubercles; tubercles red, obtuse, cellular. Capsule oblong, dark-blue. Hab. On rotten logs in low wet woods, forming close and large patches; forests near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. 6. A. nitida, sp. nov. Plant minute, creeping, imbricate, reclinate, densely tufted, crisp and brittle, of irregular growth; yellowish-white. Base stems, or main branch of frond, broad, flat, strongly adhering,

glistening, having a varnished appearance; branches very short, broad, irregular, sub-fiabellate, laciniate and deeply lobed; lobes about 1 line long, sub-erect, secund, linear, entire, sometimes slightly sub-denticulate, spreading; tips obtuse. Cells rather large, oblong, numerously beaded. Fruit-stalk lateral at sinus of lobes, single, sometimes 2–4 on a branchlet; involucral scales 2–4, small, broad, acute and spreading. Calyptra white, slender, 1 line long, very sparsely tubercled throughout; tubercles very fine almost hairs, white. Capsule very narrow, linear-oblong, slender. Hab. In low wet woods near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. On rotten logs forming large yellow patches, adhering very strongly as if gummed on; difficult to separate even when long steeped in water. Obs. A species similar to the preceding, A. marginata, but differing in colour, habit of growth, not being margined, cells oblong and confused; calyptra white, more slender, and not coarsely and red tubercled; and the main stems broad, flat, and glassy. 7. A. punctata, sp. nov. Frond small, greenish-white, thickish, sub-erect, 3–6 lines high, effuse, usually somewhat broadly palmate, spreading, much branched and lobed; branches very short, sub-pinnatifid or lobed, retuse, irregular; cells oblong, large. Calyptra erect, 1 line long, cylindrical, sub-clavate, contracted at mouth, white, smooth, cellular, sub-transparent; cells linear-oblong, minutely beaded with round dark dots. Fruit-stalk slender, ½ inch long, hyaline, transversely septate. Capsule rather small, oblong, dark purple-brown, finely striate, closely and minutely transversely barred or dotted with black, valves obtuse, margined; elaters long, bi-spiral with acute tips; spores circular. Hab. Among other Hepaticæ on rotten logs, forming thick little patches, wet woods near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; 1885: W.C. Genus 39. Anthoceros, Micheli. 1. A. granulata, sp. nov. Plant prostrate, spreading in effuse patches, 5–6 inches long, closely adhering by its numerous fine hair-like rootlets, densely imbricate, light-green, and covered with masses of fine sparkling granules, as if frosted (or like soredia in some species of Parmelia); lobes at first very small and irregular, large and concave in age, with rounded crenulate margins. Calyptra conical, thick and sub-globose at base, and slightly tubercled; peduncle ½–¾ inch long, erect, green; capsule ¾ inch long, dehiscing to base at one side only, brown; valves flexuous, broad and flat; columella very slender.

Hab. On rotten logs, growing with Aneura crispa (ante), shady bases of cliffs, River Mangatawhainui, near Norsewood, County of Waipawa; November, 1884: W.C. Obs. Before fruiting the fronds are very soft, and are then easily mistaken for some other allied frondose genus of Hepaticæ. 2. A. membranaceus, sp. nov. Plant prostrate, spreading in small irregular patches, sub- imbricate, green. Lobes variously shaped, mostly obovate-oblong, 4–8 lines long, sub-pinnatifid; lobules rounded very much and finely cut (sub-laciniate-fimbriate), very thin, abounding in reticulate cells under a lens. Calyptra conical, roughish, green below, brownish at tip, 3 lines long; peduncle slender, green, 6–8 lines long; capsule about ½ inch long, very slender, light-brown, diverging at tips; valves separate to base; columella very filiform, flexuous; spores orbicular, muricated; elaters flexuous, bi-spiral. Hab. On logs in wet dark woods, near Norsewood, County of Waipawa, growing underneath large Aneura, &c.; November, 1884: W.C. Obs. A species remarkable for the smallness of its fronds, and the number of its fruit-stalks, the fine hair-like slenderness of its receptacle, and the light-red colour of its capsule. 3. A. pusilla, sp. nov. Plant very small, densely gregarious in effuse patches of 3–4 inches, erect, glabrous. Fronds 3–4 lines high, 2–2 ½ lines wide at top, broadly cuneate and sub-fan-shaped, lobed, laciniate; upper margin crenulate and crisped, thickish, succulent, pellucid; apical portion light-green; pale below, covered with scattered minute green specks, and a few small white rootlets near the base; cells large. Calyptræ 1–2–3 on a frond, rising from the centre, cylindrical, 2 lines long, bulbous at base, smooth, entire at margins; capsule 3–4 lines long, slender, green; tips black. Gemmæ scattered in substance of frond, in rather large dark coloured elliptic bodies. Hab. Among mosses and Hepaticæ, bases, wet sides of steep clayey cuttings, public roads; Seventy-mile Bush, County of Waipawa, 1885: W.C. Obs. A species having some affinity with A. muscoides, mihi (“Trans. N.Z Inst.,” vol. xvi., p. 361), but smaller, with fewer and very much shorter capsules, etc. “Qui quo destinavit vult, unam sequatur viam, non per multas vagetur.—Non ire istud, sed errare est.” (Seneca, Epist. xlv.)