Abstract.

The author described the growth of many New Zealand plants, both useful and ornamental, that he had found would withstand the severity of the Scotch climate, and mentioned the economic uses to which they could be applied. In particular he instanced the application of the ribbon-wood as being better adapted for the manufacture of paper pulp than any other plant at present used for the purpose. In concluding, the author suggested that an association should be formed for the purpose of introducing useful New Zealand plants for cultivation on the West Coast of Scotland.

Dr. Hector was not aware that there was such a deficiency of New Zealand plants in Scotland and England as the author stated. In Venice he had been pleased to find a very interesting collection of the New Zealand vegetation, but the best he had seen was in the Royal Society's gardens at Hobarton, which was probably due to the exertions of Sir Frederick A. Weld, K.C.M.G., when Governor there. It was worthy of note that in all the New Zealand plants of that collection the leaves were very much reduced in size, no doubt owing to the effect of the change of climate.

Mr. Kirk said that the statement that the ribbon-wood was suitable for the manufacture of paper was new to him, and of great importance.