158 NEW ZEALAND PLANTS. 
ills which afflict humanity are due to the presence of extremely 
minute introduced plants, known as bacteria—the ‘“‘ microbes” of 
everyday language—and so various diseases now common in New 
Zealand were unknown to the Maori. 
It may be asked whether there may not be introduced some 
day other plants which might become dangerous pests. So far as 
animals are concerned, the experience of New Zealand with regard 
to acclimatization has not been encouraging, and it is wise to con- 
sider long and carefully, and get the best advice available, before 
turning any animal loose. Doubtless the same reasoning applies 
to plants; but, unfortunately, they do not wait to be set free. 
Probably all the worst weeds of the earth have already arrived, 
and it cannot be expected that any new-comer will rival the couch- 
grass (Agropyron repens) — in certain situations an important fodder- 
plant ; the sorrel (Rumex Acetosella)—also, in places, most valuable ; 
or the so-called ** Californian thistle *’ (Cnicus arvensis), the common 
field-thistle of the British Islands. At the same time, any farmer 
who sees an unknown plant on his farm should look at it askance, 
obtain what information he can get respecting it—for it may be 
something useful—and eradicate it at once if he has any reason to 
suspect it of having the weed-assuming characteristics. 
Finally, there comes in the question whether any of the indigenous 
plants are liable to extinction. So far as the opinion of the author 
goes, this, with one or two exceptions, should be answered in the 
negative. There is nearly always some haven of refuge, and it is 
most unlikely that any except those species of which only a very 
few individuals exist in one locality (e.g., Pottosporum obcordatum) 
will be entirely eradicated; but that the species as a whole will 
remain in anything approaching their present numbers is impossible, 
while some must become extremely rare. The new flora and vege- 
tation are in their making. The future of the glorious New Zealand 
plants and the beautiful primitive vegetation lies not in the lap of 
the gods, but in the good sense of us New-Zealanders and in our 
love for our beautiful New Zealand. So should we take care that 
abundant reserves are set aside as sanctuaries for our plants— 
natural museums, indeed, where nature can carry on her work 
unmolested. Nor is the mere proclamation and establishment of 
these havens of refuge sufficient: they must be guarded with that 
zealous and loving care which such priceless possessions demand ! 
