THE GENERAL HISTORY OF THK PLANTS. 13 



times most peculiar ones, which depend upon the nature of tin- ro<-k. 

 its steepness, its exposure \vitli regard to wind and ram. ;i.nd upon 

 its altitude above the sea. Minor societies frequently exist \\itli.in 

 the larger ones, and, should certain changes take place, may become 

 dominant. 



From what has been said, it can be seen how important a part tin- 

 study of plant societies plays in the investigation of the botany of any 

 region. Those of New Zealand, unlike those of Europe, temperate 

 Asia, and even much of North America., which have been modified 

 out of all recognition through the long occupation of man, are ;t.bso 

 lutely primeval even yet in many places. But they, too, are rapidly 

 being modified or destroyed altogether in the progress of settlement. 

 In the temperate regions of the Old World there has been little chance 

 of studying virgin plant societies ; the science of botany began too 

 late for such a work. It is to countries like ours that science looks 

 for such special studies as will bring about that advance in know- 

 ledge that will shed light upon the methods by which nature planted 

 the great garden of the world. 



C2 C" 



