﻿4 New Zealand InstiUde. 



BOTANY. 



Among those to whom tliis Colony is most indebted for fresh investigations 

 of its Botany, Mt. Kirk occupies a high place as a writer on this engaging and 

 practically useful branch of study. Tt will be seen that nearly all his papers 

 are confined to the Province of Auckland ; and it is to be regretted that we 

 do not receive from other parts of the Colony more frequent communications 

 on the same subject. Mr. Kirk's botanical researches have led him to the 

 conclusion that while many native trees and plants are much more rare than 

 formerly, and are confined to smaller areas, none have become extinct. 



EXHIBITION OF THE NEW ZEALAND FLAX. 



In connection with this portion of my address, I should draw attention to 

 the exhibition now open in the Colonial Museum of numerous and well- 

 arranged specimens of the New Zealand flax [Phormium tenax). As I have 

 remarked in previous addresses, it cannot be too often repeated that the main 

 object of Parliament in founding and endowing the Institute and Museum was 

 to furnish practical assistance in the development and utilisation of the rich 

 natural resoiirces of these islands. Now, this fliax exhibition is an excellent 

 illusti-ation of the value of the method of conveying instruction through the 

 eye, by means of classified specimens ; and this kind of education is one of 

 our fundamental and necessary functions. The present collection will form a 

 good basis for future reference ; and it is to be hoped that it may pi-ove the 

 means of rendering permanent an industry, the im])ortance of which to New 

 Zealand can hardly be exaggerated, if only a satisfactory solution of the 

 difficulties involved in the process of manufacture were discovered. The 

 experience in this respect already acquired has been somewhat dearly purchased ; 

 but even a cursory inspection of the exhibition is sufficient to show that much 

 progress has been made, and that a large amount of accurate information 

 respecting this entire subject has been collected. All will admire the varied 

 and beautiful specimens of the manner in which the Maoris have adapted this 

 indigenous fibre to almost every purpose of domestic economy. Several of the 

 articles of native manufacture show at once thought in contrivance, taste in 

 design, and skill in execution. 



BOTANIC GARDENS. 



There is a very important and practical apj)lication of science, regarding 

 which I must here say a few words. I refer to the formation of Botanic 

 Gardens and Nurseries for the rearing of useful and oi-namental trees and 

 shrubs. Planting is now generally recognised as an essential step towards 

 the future prosperity of every new country. The character of the climate, the 

 comfort of life, and the beauty of the scenery, all depend, in no slight degree, 

 on this work. Some progress has already been achieved in this respect 

 throughout these islands. During the past year I have derived great 



