183 



position, the value of which would be at once recognized. Much additional 

 usefulness would be derived from the support of a laboratory in connection 

 with the most prominent of such gardens, in order that the aid of chemistry 

 might be invoked, to demonstrate what of value we might be enabled to 

 derive from the remains of our vegetable wealth. It might also teach us to look 

 with regret on the charred and blackened stumps of what were once noble 

 forests, on the wide areas of country lately covered with heavy luxuriant 

 bushes of Phormium, as bearing evidence against us of a wasteful and costly 

 system of settlement, that would then be no longer tolerated. 



We have adhered to the nomenclature and arrangement as given in that 

 valuable boon to the colony, Hooker's Handbook of the Neio Zealand Flora, 

 which must be a2)preciated by every one who takes an interest in the vegetable 

 kingdom. 



The time of flowering given, is the period when the species blossom in 

 Governor's Bay, near Lyttelton, — a locality which enjoys the advantage of a 

 certain amount of shelter from south-west weather, but is open to the sea breeze 

 from the north-east, the prevailing wind. 



DICOTYLEDONS. 



Eanunculace^. 



Clematis indivisa, Willd. May be found in abundance in most of the 

 bushes throughout the country ; in early spring (September and October), its 

 long wreaths of star-like white flowers may be observed hanging in graceful 

 festoons from the toj)s of the highest trees. In any ordinary soil that is not 

 too diy it flourishes well, it is easily raised from seed, it can be propagated by 

 cuttings, bears transplanting with ordinary care. A specimen growing here 

 was covered with a fine show of blossom in the fifth year from the seed. 

 Seed should be collected as soon as ripe, as the downy achenes are soon dis- 

 persed by the wind. 



Clematis, sp., Colensoi. Usually found on the outskirts of some bushy 

 gully, but is not so common as the preceding species. Through the months of 

 October and November its dull yellowish blossoms difiVise an agreeable scent. 



Magnoliace^. 



Drimys axillaris, Forst. The well known Pepper-tree has a very extensive 

 range ; it is frequently observed outside of the bush, but the foliage of this hand- 

 some aromatic shrub appears to the greatest advantage in shady nooks. It 

 maintains an excellent form, the bright green upper surface of the leaf, dotted 

 with red sj)ots, contrasting with the whitish underside, gives the plant a very 

 cheerful look, and makes it a desirable addition to the shrubbery. It is of 

 slow growth ; although very hardy, it is well to remember, the better the 

 shelter the greener the leaf It flowers as early as August ; its small yellow 

 star-like blossoms give out a faint fishy odour. 



