THE CULTIVATION OF THE PLANTS. 169 



As to the digging-implement, something light, strong, and easily 

 carried is required. For many years the writer has used a shingling- 

 hammer with the head beaten out into a small pick-axe, a tool first 

 designed by the late Mr. H. J. Matthews. By means of this the 

 strong-rooted plants of an alpine meadow may be attacked, large 

 stones cleared away, and so on. Within the forest, small seedling 

 trees and shrubs are in plenty. But, rather than secure those of the 

 forest-shade, procure those of the outskirts, which are exposed to 

 more sun and wind ; and in such a situation the majority of the forest 

 trees and shrubs, from the lordly kauri to the wiry-twigged coprosmas, 

 may be found, while the smaller the plants are the better. These, 

 when dug up, should be quite freed from soil, nothing being gained by 

 taking up great pieces of earth. The roots should next be closely 

 wrapped round with wet moss, using bog-moss for preference. Alpine 

 plants, too, can be mossed similarly. Finally, to save room and 

 conserve moisture, a number of such plants can be tied into one 

 bundle, the mossed roots being all together. It is astonishing 

 how long plants will remain in good condition if treated in this 

 manner. 



These collected plants, upon being brought home, should be planted 

 in boxes or potted, or put into nursery-beds in a shady part of the 

 garden. Of course, if there is a greenhouse, frame, or, better still, a 

 shade-house or plant-protector fitted with a blind, into one or other 

 of these the boxes or pots should go. Some species, difficult to grow 

 from seed or to strike from cuttings, are best collected in their habitats 

 e.g., many alpine herbaceous plants and subshrubs, various species 

 of Dracophf/Uum, orchids of all kinds, Gunnera, Dacrydium laxi folium, 

 the various beeches, and the species of GauUheria. Cuttings in many 

 instances will serve as well as if not better than young plants. The 

 following may be propagated in this manner : Veronica, Olearia, Sene- 

 cio, Cassinia, Aristotelia, Myrtus, Griselinia, Eubus, Podocarpus totara, 

 P. nivalis, Gaya. Cuttings are best taken in the autumn, and should 

 be struck in coarse sand in a shady place. If placed in pots or pans, 

 those pieces pressed against the edge of the pot have the best chance. 

 They can be struck also in a shady, some even in quite a sunny place 

 in the open. The ground should be kept damp, but not sodden with 

 water. 



Most New Zealand plants suitable for gardens can be raised from 

 seed. This should be as fresh as possible. Species of the following 



