L. J. Wild 163 



in fact, it is impossible to farm without liming. On the other hand 

 there are also parts, mainly the river flats, where the soils give thoroughly 

 gratifying returns without hniing and where, indeed, Hming has yielded 

 negative results. The plan of the work has been, therefore, to compare 

 the physical and chemical characters (a) of the Southland soils that 

 require hme with those in the same district that do not ; (6) of Southland 

 soils with those of Mid-Canterbury. 



A. Desckiption of the Soil Areas dealt with. 



1. The Southland Plain. 



Physiography. The Southland Plain is bounded on one side by the 

 ocean, and elsewhere by great mountain ranges that circle it round on 

 west, north, and east. Out of these mountains the Waiau, Aparima, 

 Oreti, and Mataura rivers have brought the loads of gravel and silt of 

 which the plain has been built. An uphft during the formation of the 

 plain has caused its division into two elements. (1) A low plateau, 

 varying in elevation from 50 ft. on the seaward margin to 1000 ft. 

 where it reaches into the mountain valleys. This plateau has been 

 dissected into undulating country by the numerous streams consequent 

 upon the fairly heavy rainfall. (2) A flat low-lying area fronting the 

 plateau from its edges to the sea and including also the river flats in 

 the lower part of their courses. 



The soils of the district fall fairly well into divisions based on these 

 structural considerations, and we have: (1) shingly soils in the inland 

 and more elevated parts. (2) Good deep loams underlain by deep clay 

 beds on the rest of the plateau. (3) Alluvial soils, resting on gravels or 

 the marginal flats and in the river-beds. 



System of farming. As in other parts of New Zealand, the chief 

 products of Southland are wool, frozen meat, grain, and dairy produce. 

 The rainfall is sufficient and evenly distributed throughout the year, 

 and consequently luxuriant pastures of rye-grass and clovers are easily 

 obtainable; and as grass is the best and cheapest food for stock, it is 

 not surprising that the pasture occupies an important place in the 

 rotation. In view of the necessity for providing winter keep for the 

 sheep and cattle, a considerable area of turnips is grown to be consumed 

 on the ground. A typical rotation would be : 1st year, Turnips out of 

 grass ; 2nd year, Oats ; 3rd year. Turnips or Eape with grass for pasture, 

 to remain down as long as profitable, generally from 3 to 7 years. 



