GENERAL INTRODUCTION 25 



At present we are concerned solely with the origin of our 

 flora. It is clear, however, that such a question can only 

 be very imperfectly treated, if confined to a discussion of the 

 present distribution of plant life ni southern lands. Any 

 conclusions derived from the study of botanical relations alone, 

 must be subjected to such modifications as may be demanded 

 by evidence obtained from the study of the other sciences. 

 For example, the plants of two widely separated districts often 

 show closer relationships than the animals do. This apparent 

 anomaly will be explained, if we remember that stretches of 

 sea which may prove insuperable barriers to the passage of 

 land animals, may be crossed by plants. We must, therefore, 

 in our treatment of the subject give conclusions that have been 

 based on a wider discussion than is possible here. 



Whilst doing this, we shall consider shortly the evidence 

 •of fossil botany, and of the present distribution of plant life 

 throughout the Southern Hemisphere. The first problem that 

 naturally arises in the discussion, is the connection existing 

 between the New Zealand flora and the Australian. This 

 is larger than can be accounted for by mere proximity. 

 Another question of unusual interest, is the origin of the 

 remarkable South American and Antarctic elements in our 

 flora. Probably the most complete and ingenious theory, yet 

 put forward to account for this connection, is that of the late 

 "'Capt. F. W. Hutton, F.E.S. Some of his views have been 

 •combated by Dr. A. E. Wallace and others ; but undoubtedly 

 the New Zealand biologist had a much wider knowledge of the 

 present and past conditions of distribution prevailing in the 

 Southern Hemisphere, than any of his critics. We shall, 

 therefore, adopt his views here. In one point all are agreed, 

 .and that is as to the past great extension of the Antarctic 

 Continent into sub-temperate seas. The demonstration of this 

 has been recently termed " one of the greatest triumphs of 



*In the recent death of this distinguished scientist, New Zealand has suffered a loss 

 that can scarcely be too much deplored. 



