Manawatu Philosophical Society. 11 



Third Meeting : 6th June, 1911. 

 Mr. W. S. Durward in the chair. 



M.i. Justice Chapman gave a very interesting lecture on the '"Alpine 

 Flora ol New Zealand.'' He began by denning " alpine flora " as that 

 which prevailed above the forest-line, but pointed out that the altitude of this 

 line, here as elsewhere, gradually decreased from the Equator towards 

 the Poles, sinking from 4,000 ft. in the North Island and Nelson to the sea- 

 level in the Campbell Islands. There was great similarity in the alpine 

 flora all over the world ; the chief distinction of the New Zealand variety 

 was that it was almost entirely white, especially in the higher regions. This 

 flora was of great beauty, and was to be found in great profusion in the 

 higher parts of the Tararua and Kuahine Ranges and on Ruapehu, as well 

 as in the larger alpine areas of the South Island. The existence of this 

 alpine flora in conjunction with the almost tropical forest, rendered it 

 probable that New Zealand had at one time been connected with a large 

 continent extending as far as New Guinea, and at another time with the 

 Antarctic. He warmly recommended the study of the New Zealand alpine 

 flora to all who desired healthful recreation, as the regions where the 

 alpine flora prevailed were now easily accessible from all parts of the 

 Dominion. 



At the conclusion of the lecture a cordial vote of thanks was moved by 

 Mr. Wilson, and seconded by Mr. Vernon. 



