28 
Did cosmopolite genera, or species, proceed from a singlo germ, or 
centre ? and, if so, how did they roach the extreme outposts ? 
Did endemic genera and species proceed from a single germ or 
centre ? and, if so, can that centre be found ? 
How is it, that of Borne insular genera ( e.g . Coprosma ), there are 
many species and varieties; while of others (e.g. Corynocarpus , Genios- 
tovna , Carpodetus), there is only one ? 
Were all such genera created simultaneously ? and the large genus 
with all its species and varieties ? 
Are genera having many species older than those having only one ; 
or vice versa ? 
May not the several species and varieties of an insular, or endemic, 
genus, be validly considered as having originally sprung from ono 
species or plant ? 
Why are several species of the numerous-seeding and easily-distri¬ 
buted Natural Order Composites so comparatively scarce and very 
local ? e.g ., several species of the genus Celmisia ; the New Zealand 
“ daisies,” Bracing come Sinclair ii, and B. odorata ; Gnaphalium prostra¬ 
tum , and G. Colensoi; Senecio Greyii , and S. perdicioidcs; and Taraxa¬ 
cum Bens-leonis ? Senecio perdicioidcs has not been found by any Botanist 
since Cook’s visit. Senecio Greyii, although producing its fine flowers 
by hundreds, is very local, hitherto only met with in one rocky spot. 
And the small indigenous Taraxacum Bens-leonis is, comparatively, very 
scarce ; while the larger introduced plant is rapidly becoming a perfect 
pest, growing, together with the English daisy, by hundrods and 
thousands. 
Does New Zealand (with the islets lying north and south) possess a 
peculiar Botany of her own ? 
Is New Zealand the centre of this Botanical region, at least as 
regards Now Zealand species found north and south of her ? 
How is the isolation of certain species to one peculiar plant, spot, or 
locality, (as stated in par. 14), to be accounted for? This last 
thought is never more strongly felt, than when on the tops of a 
secluded mountain range, or in the depths of a deep untrodden glen, 
one, or a few plants of any species are found, but no more; perhaps no 
more in the island! or, at all events, no more have been detectod after 
several years of diligent research. How is this to be accounted for 
if all present species were created as they now are, and at one time ? 
There, in its habitat, everything has for years—or ages—combined to 
favor the growth and spread of that plant; but, although flourishing, 
