■26 PLANTS OF NEW ZEALAND 



modern science." We are proud to say that this magnificent 

 generahsation is in considerable measure due to the work of 

 New Zealand botanists. Before, however, considering the 

 botanical evidence, we must treat shortly of the general 

 characteristics of our fauna and flora. 



Oceanic and Continental Islands. 



For the purposes of the biologist, islands may be divided 

 into two classes, coiifinentaJ and oceanic. A continental island 

 is one which has at some period of its existence been united to 

 an adjacent land-mass. Its fauna and flora contain few 

 endemic species, and differ little, if at all, from that of the 

 neighbouring continental area. Great Britain is an excellent 

 example of a continental island. The British fauna and flora 

 are simply parts of the European fauna and flora. In (juite 

 recent times the Straits of Dover have been dry land. An 

 oceanic island, on the other hand, is one that has never been 

 united to any continental area. Its fauna and flora are often 

 very fragmentary, and frequently contain a high percentage of 

 endemic species. Its plants and animals are generally provided 

 with good powers of distribution ; and have reached tlie island 

 from across the sea. The Azores may be taken as an example 

 of a gr(jup of Oceanic islands. 



To which of these two classes shall we assign the islands of 

 New Zealand ? It has characteristics both of continental and 

 oceanic islands, and it is, therefore, sometimes termed 

 anomalous. However, there is much evidence to show 

 that it ^\'as at one time attached to a land area probably much 

 larger than that of Ihirope ; and that it is consec^uently entitled 

 to rank, geographically speaking, as a continental island. 

 Yet its fauna, unlike that of most large land areas, is very 

 fragmentary. The flora, though more complete than the fauna, 

 has also many gaps in it, and both fauna and flora contain 



