CHAP. IX.] NEW ZEALAND. 181 



days in the summer months of December and Janu- 

 ary, which is likewise prejudicial to the growth of 

 the grape. These remarks are drawn from observa- 

 tions made at Wellington. But in that place, from 

 its peculiar position, the temperature is lower than 

 at other places, for instance, than at Nelson and 

 New Plymouth. In the latter place I often found 

 the thermometer as high as 86 in the shade, nearly 

 10 higher than it ever was at Wellington. 



The Valley of the Hutt is exposed to the south 

 winds, but Nelson is perfectly sheltered from them 

 by the high mountains of the Middle Island, whilst 

 it lies open to the balmy winds and warm rains from 

 the north. 



The latitude also must exercise a great influence, 

 as I have already observed, so that many modifica- 

 tions must be made in the conclusions above given. 



The climate of a country has undoubtedly very 

 great influence on the physical and intellectual con- 

 ditions of its inhabitants; we therefore naturally in- 

 quire How does New Zealand agree with the human 

 frame? Is the climate salubrious? To what diseases 

 does it give rise ? When might it be recommended? 

 As the atmosphere, by its moderate warmth, its hu- 

 midity, and constant current, is peculiarly favour- 

 able to the vegetative powers, as we see in the luxuri- 

 ant growth of plants, so from the same causes it suits 

 the human frame. In the families of the mission- 

 aries and settlers I observed no deviation from the 

 original stock; the children grow well and strong, 



