Art. VIII—The Vegetation and Flora of Lord Howe Island. By W. R. B. Oliver. [Read before the Auckland institute, 13th December, 1916, received by Editors, 30th December, 1916, issued separately, 6th July, 1917.] Plates X-XVI. Contents I. General. — Physiography — Climate — Animals — Anatomical Structure — Classification of Plant Formations. II. Plant Formations —Synopsis of Formations and Associations—Series I, Woody-plant Formations (Climatic). (1) Forest, (2) Moss Forest, (3) Scrub. Series II. Herbaceous-plant Formations (Edaphic): (4) Low Succulent Plants, (5) Sand-binders, (6) Rushes, (7) Tussocks, (8) Herbaecous Plants. Series III, Marine Formations: (9) Mangrove. Descriptions of Formations and Associations. Geographic Relationships of the Forest Formations. III. Origin of the Flora.—Geological History of Lord Howe Island—Land Connections—Genera—Species—Geographical—Endemism—Ecological Groups. IV. List of indigenous Species, with References, Descriptions, Habitats, and Distribution.—(1) Lycopodiales, (2) Filicales, (3) Angiosperms. V. introduced Elements.—(1) Plants, (2) Animals. VI. Literature and History. VII. Species omitted. I General Situated in a tract of ocean which bounds three biological regions of the globe, and on a submarine ridge connecting two of these, Lord Howe Island is at once of intense interest to the biologist. This island, remarkable not only for its biological productions but also on account of its geological structure, lies about 430 km. eastward of the Australian Continent, in S. lat. 31° 32′. Yet in the character of its animal and plant life it presents a striking contrast to that of Australia, though, owing to the proximity of the continent and consequent occasional accidental means of transport, certain features of the continental life are stamped on that of the island. Fundamentally, however, there is a wide difference. The present paper is based mainly on collections, notes, and photographs obtained during a short stay on the island in 1913. I left Sydney on the 1st November in the “Makambo,” and after a fine passage Lord Howe Island was sighted on the afternoon of the 3rd, the two mountains, Gower and Lidgbird, being visible at a distance of over forty miles. Being dark when we arrived, anchor was cast outside the reef on the western side of the island, but by the kindness of Mr R. S. Bell, who was then residing there, I was rowed ashore through an opening in the reef and landed on the beach near Mrs Nicholl's residence, which I made my headquarters Altogether I remained fifteen days on the island, and, despite some bad weather, spent practically the whole time in investigating the flora I visited most parts of the island, from the Northern Hills to the western base of Mount Gower. Foui days were spent on the mountains, where, in company with Mr Bell, I camped in Erskine Valley. Twice from this camp I ascended Mount Gower, once with Mr Bell and his assistant and once by