1879. | A Sketch of New Zealand. 75 
We would not have our readers conclude, however, that New 
Zealand is covered by one immense jungle of luxuriant vegeta- 
tion. Although this is true enough of the regions near the 
coast, yet in the interior, especially of the South Island, the 
country assumes a bold and barren appearance, the rounded hills 
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having scarcely any vegetation except the brownish bunch-grass 
and clumps of Pteris. Still farther inland the scenery becomes 
wild and Alpine in the extreme. The cause of this great con- 
trast in the aspect of the country lies not only in the elevation 
above the sea, but also in the peculiar physical features of the 
land. The high snow-clad mountains that border the western 
