A full account is given of E. acervula, Miq., non. Sieb., also of E. acervula, Hook. f., non. Sieb. (Fl. Tas. i. 135), as E. acervula, Sieb., and critical observations are given in regard to a number of type specimens.

The position of E. Stuartiana, F.v.M., is discussed, and also of the E. Gunnii, F.v.M.

Then we come to var. ovata, D. and M., which is full of interest to Tasmanian botanists. Syn. E. ovata, Labill., (Nov. Holl. Pl. ii. 13. t. 153).

E. androsma folia, Hoffmg. (Verz. Pfl. Nachtr. ii. 113).
E. mucronata, Link. (Enum. Hort. Berol. ii. 30).
E. camphora, R. T. Baker (Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W.
xxiv. 298).

It is not possible to usefully abstract this paper, as far as variety ovata is concerned, any more than as regards

variety acerrula. The paper contains much research, some of it the result of my recent visits to the principal European herbaria, and examination of material since entrusted to my care.

Mr. Deane and I established two other varieties viz. : Var. rubida (E. rubida, D. and M., &c.), and var. maculosa (E. maculosa, R. T. B.).

These varieties are of less interest to Tasmanian botanists, but is is quite possible that both forms may be found to exist in Tasmania, and therefore, I would suggest that my original paper be consulted.

I have attached a list of species and synonyms referred to in this paper, which will, I think be of practical utility.

Q.-E. Viminalis, Labill.

This like E. Gunnii, is a species which was first described from Tasmanian specimens, and afterwards found to be extensively distributed on the mainland.

Mr. Deane and I have critically examined the species in Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. [2] 1901, to which paper I beg to refer my readers.

Following are some classical specimens I have examined— 1. Robert Brown, Tasmania, 1802-5. No.

River Derwent.

Ditto, No. 42.

2. No. 685, R. Gunn.

4740.

Collected at Hobart, 29/2/'40. The truncate appearance of unripe fruits, referred to under Gunnii, is also observable in E. viminalis around Hobart. In various herbaria, incl. Herb. Syd.

The leaves vary a good deal in width in Tasmania itself. Operculum sometimes very pointed, precisely similar to Victorian specimens from3. 1085, R. Gunn, Hobart. In flower and early

fruit.

4. 1090, R. Gunn, Circular Head, V.D.L. In plump bud, flower or early fruit. In various herbaria including herb. Syd. Flowering profusely.

5. 1092, R. Gunn, Grass-tree Hill, V.D.L., Herb. Cant. ex herb. Lindl. In bud only.

A number of Gunn's specimens (and probably Hook. f's., as well) were distributed from the Hookerian herbarium under the name E. viminea, Lab. A slip of the pen for E. viminalis. 6. A specimen ex herb. Paris in herb. Barbey-Boissier, bearing the No. 127, collected in 1844, (probably by Verreaux, has the rather narrow leaves, and is similar in every other respect to Labillardière's figure of the type. This species is somewhat variable in the width of the leaves.

I have also examined No. 286, Oldfield, Hills, Frogmore, near Richmond, Tas. Herb. Barbey-Boissier, and Cant.

While the flowers of E. viminalis are normally in threes, it is a mistake to suppose that it may not have a larger number. The subject is dealt with at length by Mr. Deane and myself, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. 1901, p. 138.

Specimens from Mount Ardell, T. Stephens, are mostly in 3's, but also in 4's.

Those from Swanport, Dr. Story, have very pointed buds. I have received some interesting specimens from Mr. Rodway, from near Hobart. The tree, tall, erect, smooth barked. In absence of sucker-leaves, one would at once pronounce the plant to be E. viminalis. But Mr. Rodway's sucker-leaves are broadish, blunt and cordate at the base. They are glabrous. These sucker-leaves are the broadest I have ever seen on E. viminalis.

If they are viminalis, as I think they must be, then it amounts to this, that it is possible for E. viminalis to have broadish suckers.

An easier way would be to look upon these specimens as E. Gunnii, and it is possible that they may be referable to that species. It is not desirable, perhaps, to draw further conclusions in regard to these specimens. We know that the sucker-leaves of E. viminalis have a tendency to become broader in some localities, and, bearing that in mind, we

require to more fully investigate broad suckered forms in Tasmania and elsewhere.

Mr. Rodway points out that The sucker-leaves of his specimen closely approach those of E. urnigera and E. Muelleri, Moore."

The fruits are more hemispherical than usual. They precisely match those from Frederica Falls, Lawson, N.S.W., collected by Baker. Miquel, (Ned. Kruidk. Arch. iv. 125) quotes E. saccharifera, F.v.M., mss. and E.crucivalvis, F.v.M., as synonyms of E.viminalis, Labill., and one of his specimens was from Tasmania. (Stuart, No. 7).

THE PROPOSED BIOLOGICAL STATION AND MARINE FISH HATCHERY NEAR DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND.

By GEO. M. THOMSON, F.L.S.

In the paper on the above subject, read before the meeting of the Association in Melbourne, in January, 1900, I narrated the steps which had been taken to bring about the construction of the proposed station, and again expressed the hope that it would soon be an accomplished fact. This hope has not been realised, not on account of any lack of effort on the part of those interested. but solely from the difficulty of moving the Government to take definite action. There has been no opposition, but the pressure which the promoters have hitherto been able to bring to bear has not proved sufficient to overcome the vis inertia encountered. The Government are, however, in favour of carrying out the scheme, and it rests with those interested to put forth greater effort to secure this result.

During the early part of 1900, as the outcome of a closer examination of the proposed site at Purakanui by Professor Benham and Mr. Ayson, Inspector of Fisheries, it was considered that the risks of contamination of the tanks and ponds by fresh water were too great, and it was resolved to look out for a more suitable locality. Such a spot was found on Quarry Point, Portobello, immediately opposite Quarantine Island, in the lower harbour, and nearly opposite Port Chalmers. Careful examinations and surveys of the ground were made, analyses of the water were secured, with satisfactory results, and negotiations for obtaining the requisite land have been carried out. It only remains now to sign the lease. Meanwhile, a plan of the required buildings and tanks was submitted to the Marine Department, and Mr. Ussher, head of the Public Works Department in Dunedin, was instructed to report on it. This he has done recently, but his estimate of cost, amounting to some £3000, is so far in excess of the sum available that the scheme has temporarily come to a stop. The members of the local committee which has hitherto pushed the matter forward are of opinion that the estimate is an excessive one, and that the work of construction could be accomplished at a much lower cost. They also consider that the Government might utilise prison labour for the necessary cutting down and filling in of the ground which is required.

The reason of the great increase in cost of the Portobello site, as compared with that at Purakanui, is that at the latter place no cutting down nor filling in would be required, and there is a dwelling-house which would be available for a caretaker, and which could probably be secured at a small cost. But, for convenience of access, for suitability of water transport of fish, ova, &c., for abundance of good water, and adequate shelter in all weathers, the new site is an ideal one, and, once established, it would probably justify its existence in a very short time.

In closing this brief narration of the steps taken by our local committee, I have to recommend that the General Council of this Association be asked to communicate with the Government of this Colony, through the General Secretary, and to urge respectfully that the construction of the station should be proceeded with as a matter of colonial importance.