26 Transactions. — Miscellaneous. 



displacement, but it does not follow that this would involve 

 the absolute extinction of many, or even of any, indigenous 

 species. Displacement rarely passes into absolute replace- 

 ment ; after it has reached a certain stage the invaders lose a 

 portion of their vigour, and become less encroaching ; a 

 portion of the indigenous vegetation becomes gradually inured 

 to light and air, the severity of the struggle becomes less 

 intense, and a gradual amalgamation takes place between the 

 invaders and the invaded, which of itself facilitates the pre- 

 servation of many of the more delicate kinds, while those less 

 fitted to hold their place in the contest become restricted to 

 those habitats which are of a peculiarly favourable character. 

 The danger of extinction is greatest for those endemic species 

 which are so remarkably local ; for instance, Epilobiiim 

 hrevvpes (Hook, f.), restricted to a solitary habitat on Mount 

 Torlesse, and another in the Awatere, may at any time be 

 destroyed by an uiiusually hungry rabbit or sheep, and one of 

 the most interesting plants in the colony blotted out of 

 existence. Clianthus puniceus (Banks and Sol.) is already 

 restricted to one or two islets where sheep are unknown, 

 and owes its preservation in a wild state to their absence. 

 Logania clej^ressa (Hook, f.), Myrsinc montana. (Hook, f.), and 

 Abrotanella imsilla (Hook, f.) are in exactly the same position 

 as Einlobmm brevipes. The list might be increased, but it 

 is needless to mention others. 



Protective Measures. 



In 1868 Professor Hutton and myself pointed out the 

 desirability of having the Little Barrier Island proclaimed 

 a reserve for the protection of the native birds, with which 

 at that time it abounded. After the lapse of a quarter of a 

 century this has been partially effected. The Little Barrier 

 Island in the north, and Eesolution Island in the south, 

 have been proclaimed ]-eserves for the protection of native 

 birds and plants ; but the work of destruction is still being 

 carried on. No serious attempt has been made to place on 

 either island the birds or plants whose existence is most 

 imperilled, although any of the endemic birds or plants of 

 the North Island would find a suitable place of refuge on 

 the Little Barrier, and those of the South on Eesolution 

 Island, which is specially adapted to the growth of alpine 

 plants and the endemic species of the Antarctic islands. 

 Owing to the variations from the typical form exhibited by 

 the birds of the Snares, the Auckland Islands, Campbell 

 Island, Antipodes Island, &c., they have attained a high 

 commercial value, and are therefore, at this time, peculiarly 

 exposed to the rapacity of collectors. It is possible to pre- 

 vent their extinction by the immediate removal of representa- 



