CONCLUSION. i6i 



grown under more favourable condititons, than those in which they naturally occur, are 

 very liable to the attacks of insects. Thus, Alpine ferns brought to low levels, and 

 sea-side ferns carried inland, are so. Probably their texture becomes softened and 

 more palatable to the little depredators ; but the faft is unquestionable that, under the 

 altered conditions, the plants need constant attention to prevent them from being 

 destroyed by inse6l pests. 



My labour of love is now ended ; and in bidding farewell to my readers, I ask 

 them to take pains to observe the peculiarities of such ferns as may come under their 

 notice, and to join in extending a knowledge of the plants by placing their observations 

 on record in such a form as may assist others in similar study. Short papers on such 

 subjects, particularly if accompanied by specimens, are always welcomed as 

 contributions by the various Philosophical Societies affiliated to the New Zealand 

 Institute ; and any which record new particulars of any importance are published in the 

 Annual volumes of the Transactions of the Institute for the information of scientific 

 men throughout the world. Any one who reads my book carefully will see that there 

 are points which need clearing up ; and as those who, like myself, have been engaged 

 for many years in the study of the New Zealand flora, are getting old and so becoming 

 daily less able to take active part in the work, it is desirable that the attention of the 

 young should be directed to the subject. I hope, therefore, that what I have written 

 may be the means of adding to the number of workers on botanical subjects ; and I 

 can assure them that any trouble, bestowed in this way, will bring its own reward, in no 

 small degree, by filling the mind with wonder at the manner in which all these things 

 have been arranged for our use and admiration. 



^^^, 



