504 Transactions.—JBotany. 
the influences which have contributed towards its existing facies. And first 
among these, and most important, is its geographical position. 
Kawau, the property of Sir George Grey, K.C.B., stands as an outlying 
island on the east coast of the North Island, 27 miles north of Auckland, 
being one of many islands in that neighbourhood which no doubt at one 
time formed part of the main land, its proximity to the latter being distant 
only four miles, and possessing no higher altitudes, will naturally indicate 
a closely allied or nearly identical Flora. 
The island is irregular in form, three and a half miles north and south, 
by three and a quarter miles east and west, and containing 5,200 acres of 
land. 
According to Dr. Hector’s Geological Report, the rocks from which the 
soil is derived are “ paleozoic slates and tertiary sandstones.” On the 
higher ridges and spurs are found stiff clay and sandy soils, similar to much 
of that on the main land; on the lower slopes again the soil is much 
superior; and on the lower levels and small vallies it is very rich, as shown 
by the luxuriant vegetation growing there. 
The indirect influence of arid soils has through the progress of time 
produced much of the varied features of the existing vegetation, as from 
drought on stiff clay or sandy soils, making repeated burnings easy, and 
preventing the growth of trees, hence the present amount of scrub land and 
fern. Again, at critical times the native grasses are burnt out. 
The whole surface drainage of the island is westerly, the easterly side 
presenting a precipitous face, a part of the island in that direction having . 
apparently been removed by the action of the sea. 
This peculiar system of drainage is more strikingly seen in the Island 
of Kapiti, in Cook Strait, where the highest alitudes are situated along the 
edge of the seaward cliff, which at one time appears to have formed the 
longitudinal centre of the island. 
Kawau, viewed from the sea as it is approached from the south or west, 
presents a most picturesque combination of headlands, bays, and smooth 
grassy downs, with large masses of bush, reminding one of the cultivated 
park scenery of Britain. Much of the surface condition of New Zealand 
before settlement possessed this park-like appearance, being especially fine 
in Southland; but in the clearer atmosphere of the North the colour-effects 
are more varied and pleasing. 
Kawau is well watered by numerous streams, which fall into the harbours 
and bays which indent its westerly shores. The surface configuration being 
rounded, and the higher elevations under 600 feet, the rugged and grand 
does not exist, but in its place a quiet beauty reigns, much of it in places 
being the outcome of artistic cultivation. On shore, as the island is 
