Moxno.— Geographical Botany of Nelson and Marlborough. 173 
that they are thin upon the ground. The explanation of this fact appears 
to me to lie in the circumstance that the number of species is very small. 
In some of the alpine regions especially, the grasses appear to grow luxuri- 
antly, and yet they are only met with in tufts, with intervening patches of 
bare ground. Where this is the case, it will generally be found that the 
species over a given area are not above two or three in number; and the 
explanation is to be found in the general law of vegetable physiology, which 
prescribes change and rotation as a necessary condition of the healthy exist- 
ence of most plants. 
But whatever may be thought of the existing flora of New Zealand in a 
utilitarian point of view, there is no doubt that it is destined to undergo a 
very great amount of change. Already in the gardens of the New Zealand 
settlers the fruits and vegetables of Great Britain prosper and bear abund- 
antly, and in addition to these, fruits of still warmer countries. But I will 
not enter upon this subject, understanding that my friend Mr. Ludlam, of 
Wellington, has promised to write an account of his experience in the accli- 
matization of exotics; and every one who has seen his .garden, and the 
wonderful collection of plants which it contains, drawn from all quarters of 
the globe, will admit that no one is in a better position to write with 
authority on this subject. 
What has taken place with regard to the gardens of the country may 
well take place with regard to its meadows, hill-sides, and forests. There 
are many noble specimens of the vegetable world peculiar to New Zealand 
and deserving of the utmost care; but there àre also deficiencies which 
may be filled up by judieious introductions, and for this operation the mild 
and equable climate of the colony is particularly favourable. There is no 
reason whatever why there should not be seen growing together in one and 
the same wood in New Zealand its own peculiar evergreen Conifers, 
contrasted with the deciduous trees of our native country, the pines of 
Europe and Asia, the Eucalypti and Acacie of New Holland, the Proteace:, 
of South Afriea, and other trees and shrubs from all but strictly tropical 
latitudes. 
And so with regard to its pastures.. The progress of settlement is daily 
introducing not only English meadow-grasses but grasses from other 
countries, and other useful forage plants. So far as present experience goes, 
rfect success follows upon all but the poorest and driest soils; and the 
consequence is that the resources of the colony in the production of animal 
food and wool are being largely increased. The process has but just com- 
menced: half a century hence, when these operations have had time to 
develope their results, the South Island of New Zealand will present a 
richer and more varied appearance. 
