OF MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND. C5 



is a long sharp ridge, its nortlieru extremity commencing at 

 t!ie Clarence Eiver, and, rising in altitude for seven or eight 

 miles, culminates at Kaitaran, its highest point, 8700 feet, 

 thence continuing south at lower elevations. From the junction 

 pf the transverse spur or ridge the distance to the top is between 

 three and four miles; the track can only be followed with diffi- 

 culty along the sharp ridge, 



. There is little difference in the vegetation up to 5000 feet, 

 AntJiericum Jlookeri at 4000 feet covering large patches of ground, 

 and, when in flower, making the mountain-side yellow. Treading 

 among the leaves of this plant produces a disagreeable odour j it is 

 avoided by all animals as food, and may be called a nuisance. 



Between 4000 and 5000 feet there is little else to be seen but 

 Celmisia spectabilis and Cehiiisia Jongifolia ; at this elevation tho 

 Acipliylla sqnarrosa has ceased to be troublesome. When climbing 

 steeps, this plant, being hidden among others, is often dangerous 

 for the eyes, if the feet should slip and the traveller fall on his 



F 



face. 



Between 5000 and 6000 feet, the mountain assumes an open 

 and bare appearance; everything has disappeared but the true 

 alpines EupJirasia antarctica and E. Monro% Myosotis capitata 

 and Jf. Traveraii^ Veronica Sectoriy V. epacridea^ V. tetratheca, 

 and V. piinelioides, Aciphylla Monroi, Ranunculus pinguis^ Cya- 

 thodes empetrifolia^ Ligusticum aromaticum^ Swainsonia Nova'- Ze- 

 landico, Ozothamnus microphyllus ^ Drapetes Dieffenhachii^ Draco- 

 pJiyllum rosmarinifoUum. Beyond GOOO feet the only plant seen 

 was Cotula pyrethrifolia. 



Specimens of the larger shrubs are found as high as 5000 feet, 

 such as Senecio Monroiy Olearia nummularicefolia and Cassinea Vau- 



villiersi. 



Above 6000 feet the mountain becomes, in the connecting 

 saddles, a very sharp precipitous ridge with shoots of dry debris 

 on both sides, where, if a stone is placed, it dashes down with un- 

 checked velocity for several thousand feet. No snow lies on the 

 highest parts of the mountain, having no hold, although it was 

 seen at lower levels. The extreme height can only be reached with 

 danger, the last saddle having numerous loose rocks on the edge 

 of the ridge, doubtful on which side to fall; and, as they would have 

 to be clambered over, they might be put in motion. It is not worth 

 the risk, as the last thousand /eet is perfectly barren, and there 

 is little difference in the view from the second-last knob, it beiug 

 only a few hundred feet less in altitude. 



LINX. PROC. — BOTANY, TOL. X. T 



