So much depends on the nature of the soil, and humidity of the climate, that the finest grass is often found at considerable altitudes: thin clayey soil, or light soil on recent gravel terraces, under the influence of arid winds, will produce but a poor pasture of very few species; while in the little valleys of mountain ranges formed of the primitive rock formations, at altitudes even exceeding 2000 feet, the pasture will be abundant and consist of many species of grasses.

Nothing can show greater ignorance of grass conservation, than the repeated burning of the pasture in arid districts, which is so frequently practised. The finer species of grass, having fine fibrous roots ramifying near the surface, are either destroyed by the fire, or afterwards by sun or frost; while the coarser tussock grasses, Spear grass (Aciphylla), and many plants worthless as pasture, having large succulent roots strike deep in the soil, and are preserved. Much of the grass land of Otago has been thus deteriorated since its occupation, by fire, and it is no wonder that many of the runs-require eight acres to feed one sheep, according to an official estimate. It is a fallacy to suppose that grass country requires repeated burning to clear the surface of the excess of plants, as the old and withered grass forms shelter to the young shoots, protecting them from parching winds, sun, and frosts. It is no doubt owing to the protection afforded, in a similar manner, by the snows of winter and spring, that the most mountainous parts of the Province, up to the line of perpetual snow, if free from bush, are valuable as summer pasture.

At an altitude of from 2000 to 4000 feet, according to latitude, will be found a belt of coarse unnutritious tussock grasses, but above this in the Alpine zone, many Alpine grasses are found, which though short, are succulent and nutritious. This Alpine zone is much frequented by sheep in summer, the highest ridges having sheep tracks on them. On Mount Alta, near the Wanaka Lake, sheep feed at an altitude of 6000 feet, and on the Kaikoras, in the Province of Marlborough, at an altitude of 8000 feet.

Grasses. The following grasses have been collected in Otago, and the most of them were named by Dr. Hooker.

For the present purpose they are divided into three classes:

First quality,—as forming, naturally, the best pasture.

Second quality,—those inferior in quality, and restricted distribution.

Third,—Alpine grasses.

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Second Quality, several being good cattle grasses:

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The Third Class are Alpines, found from 4000 to 8000 feet.

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Schœnus pauciflorus, although strictly not a grass, forms grass-like tussocks, and is considered the true Snow grass; it is Sub-alpine.

A variety of small flowering plants find their natural habitat in the open grass land, some species being very minute in size, and hidden among the grass; in many places they form the chief part of the vegetation, choking out the grasses.

Species of the following Genera may be found among them: Ranunculus, Hydrocotyle, Discaria, Carmichælia, Coprosma, rubus Crepis, Taraxacum, Mentha, Lepidium, Spergularia, Cassinia, Senecio, Veronica, Pimelia, Aciphylla, Hypericum, Raoulia, Vittadenia, Lagenophora, Gnaphalium, Orchideæe, Leucopogon, Herpolirion, Anthericum, Nertera, Dichondra, Galium, Mimulus, Epilobium, Gunnera, Oxalis, etc. And in addition, three important plants, well known in Otago. The common Fern (Pteris esculenta), a palant which occupies large areas of ground almost exclusively. Flax (Phormium tenax), a plant certain to become so important in the manufacture of cloth fabrics, ropes, and paper, that the time will come when the farmer will be as anxious to secure crops of this plant, as he is now to get rid of it. There are probably three varieties of the Phormium tenax in Otago, two on the east coast, and one of limited distribution on the west. The two varieties, near Dunedin, will be best distinguished by their seed vessels, the most robust plant

having an erect 3-angled seed vessel, while the other has a drooping twisted seed vessel, without angles. The Tutu (Coriaria ruscifolia), is only too well known from its destructive poisonous qualities, as it is probable that the amount of the losses sustained by the stockowners and farmers, in cattle and sheep, if realised, would have eradicated the plant from the grazing districts. The Tutu is chiefly confined to the south-west of the Province, being little known inland; nothing is yet known of its poisonous principle, and much mystery prevails on the action of the poison. Those three plants, unfortunately for the farmer, who has to clear the land for cultivation, attain their maximum of growth and number in the settled districts.

The bush, or forest Flora, might compare favourably, in variety, with that of a tropical climate, as it exceeds the northern forests of temperate Europe in number of species. This variety of species produces considerable diversity of colour, although no evergreen vegetation can possibly offer to the eye the varied tints of the Autumn sere leaf, seen in countries with a deciduous vegetation; but when many of the Otago trees are in flower, such as the Metrosideros lucida with its brilliant scarlet covering, and the Weinmannia, Leptospermums, Sophora, Aralias, Pittosporums, and a host of others mix their masses of white and yellow blossoms, few persons could adopt the idea of some writers on New Zealand, that its vegetation is sombre and uninteresting. This view of the subject only applies to the places first visited in the North Island, which nowhere can compare in brilliant freshness or varied colouring with that of Otago.

The following Genera, many of which are represented by more than one species, compose the Otago bush:

Podocarpus, Dacrydium, Phylloclades, Libocedrus, Fagus, Griselina, Metrosideros, Leptospermum, Panax, Schefflera, Pittosporum, Myrsine, Melicytus, Plagianthus, Hoheria, Pennantia, Sophora, Carpodetus, Weinmannia, Fuchsia, Drimys, Aristotelia, Elæcarpus, Coriaria, Myrtus, Coprosma, Olearia, Senecio, Dracophyllum, Veronica, Myoporum, Epicarpurus, Ascarina, Hedycarya, Cordyline, and as forming a marked feature everywhere in the bush, the Tree-ferns Cyathea dealbata, C. medullaris, C. Smithi, Dicksonia squarrosa, and D. antarctica.

Shrub species of the genus Coprosma are most commonly found as an undergrowth in the forests,—most of the New Zealand shrubs preferring the open,—but a dense undergrowth of Ferns is often seen, of the genera Lomaria, Aspidium, Leptopteris, and Polypodium, many of which acquire trunks two or three feet high. The forest is often rendered impassable, by climbing plants. The Clematis indivisa, or Supple jack, climbing the highest trees, and spreading its masses of showy white flowers to the light. The Rubus australis, the common Bramble or “Bush lawyer,” forming impassable thorny masses on the ground, or interweaving the branches of fallen trees; this plant also climbs the highest trees, clothing them at top with foliage, flowers, and fruit. The strong fragrance of its flowers is felt at a great distance. And, again, the Rhipogonum scandens, or Black vine, with its numerous smooth black stalks, dark green shining leaves, and bright scarlet berries, festooning the bush, is also a very striking plant. The parasitic mistletoes will also attract attention, some of the Loranthus genus having bright crimson flowers. Those species are generally found on the Fagus (Beech

trees), while one species, Loranthus macrantha, is often found on the Leptospermum ericoides (Manuka), forming large round masses of ovate leaves, which contrasts with the finer foliage of the Manuka. The Tupeia antarctica may be found on almost every species of tree and shrub round Dunedin, and sometimes parasitic on its fellow parasite Loranthus macrantha. The genus Viscum has two species in Otago, one of which is very abundant on Manuka trees, often occupying a fair share of the branches.

Various small flowering plants assist to fill up the details of bush scenery, such as the Orchideæ; while the Cryptogamia, including Ferns, Mosses, Liverworts, Lichens, and Fungi, cover trees, rocks, and ground, with a wonderful variety of vegetable form, and presenting a luxuriance of growth that can only be found under the same conditions of heat and moisture.

On the margins of forest numerous Shrubs are found, which never penetrate into its dark recesses, preferring strong light with partial shelter.

The Shrubs, however, often form independent patches, covering Subalpine areas, filling gullies, or fringing watercourses.

Among them will be found plants of great beauty, many of whom might be introduced with effect in the ornamentation of landscape gardening.

The snow valleys of the central mountains are seldom timbered on their bottoms, from the shifting nature of the surface from floods, the larger trees being driven to the slopes of the mountains, while a more rapid reproducing plant-growth of Shrubs occupies the flats.

This scrub, as it is termed, is often found impenetrable, both from the closeness of the growth and the presence of spinous plants, such as Discaria Toumatou (the Wild Irishman), and Aciphylla squarrosa (Spear grass). Some species of Shrubs attain their maximum of grow that an altitude where the trees become stuted, such as Senecio cassinoides, Olearia moschata, O. nummularifolia, Veronica Hectori, etc.

The Shrubs of Otago are included under the genera Clematis, Ranunculus, Hoheria, Aristotelia, Coriaria, Carmichællia, Leptospermum, Metrosideros, Myrtus, Aciphylla, Panax, Corokia, Coprosma, Olearia, Rubus, Ozothamnus, Cassinia, Senecio, Gaultheria, Cyathodes, Leucopogon, Archeria, Dracophyllum, Myrsine, Parsonsia, Mitrasacme, Logania, Exarrhena, Convolvulus, Solanum, Veronica, Muhlenbeckia, Pimelia, Urtica, Freycinetia, Rhipogonum, Phormium.

In the geographical distribution of the Otago plants, one striking feature, only, can be noticed.

The difference between the Flora of the east and west divisions of the Province, seems to mark them as two distinct regions of plants. The Clutha river forms the natural boundary between, and although one or two genera, such as Fagus, push outposts across the boundary, it can be distinctly traced from the Wanaka lake to the “Nuggets,” on the line of the river.

Some peculiarity seems to exist in the climate of the eastern, or Dunedin region, which may perhaps be explained by meteorological observations.

The character of the Dunedin Flora is more of a negative nature,

wanting many species which encircle it in a belt, west, south, and east, forming the boundary line of the two regions.

Under circumstances of adaptation, the New Zealand species are wide spread, and the bush on the east is extensive enough to have retained every species, from accidents of fire denudation, if they ever existed there. Latitude does not account either for the difference, as several of the species absent on the east, range from the North Island to Riverton on the west coast.

The following plants, of the western region, will not be found on the east, except a few isolated individuals, and those generally young plants:

Metrosideros lucida, Weinmannia racemosa, Pittosporum rigidum, Panax anomalum, P. lineare, P. arboreum, Olearia operina, O. Colensoi, O. angustifolia, O. Cunninghami, O. moschata, O. Hectori, Plagianthus, Lyalli, Sophora tetraptera var. microphyllum, Senecio bifistulosus, S. rotundifolius, S. cassinioides, Archeria Traversii, Hedycarya dentata, Ascarina lucida, Fagus fusca, F. Solandri, F. Menziesi, Freycinetia Banksii, Cordyline indivisa.

Many of the Sub-alpine plants of this list, are also found in the valleys, such as Olearia moschata and O. Hectori, the latter attaining its maximum of growth in the Wyndham valley. Alpines could not be fairly represented on the east, and are not included. If the eastern climate of Otago be not adapted for the growth of so many species as the west, it seems to be the best adapted of any portion of New Zealand, to the full development of certain other species.

The following species attain their maximum of growth on the east of Otago:

Griselina littoralis—trunks measuring from 4 to 8 feet diameter,—Melicytus ramiflorus, Fuchsia excorticata, Panax crassifolium, P. Colensoi, P. Edgerleyi, Pittosporum Colensoi, P. eugenioides, Drimys colorata, Plagianthus betulinus, Hoheria angustifolia, Elœocarpus Hookerianus, Sophora tetraptera var. grandiflora, Rubus australis, Carpodetus serratus, Leptospermum ericoides—old trees of this having been cut 4 feet in diameter,—Myrtus pedunculata, Coprosma rotundifolia, C. linariifolia, Olearia nitida, O. dentata, O. ilicifolia, O. avicenniœfolia—these four last growing to timber trees, 3 feet in diameter near the ground, and generally branching into three or more branches 18 inches in diameter, and 25 feet high, — Dracophyllum longifolium—attaining a diameter of 18 inches, — Myrsine Urvillei, Veronica Salicifolia, Veronica elliptica, Libocedrus Doniana—a tree was cut of this near dunedin, nearly 4 feet in diameter,—Cordyline australis—2 to 4 feet diameter,—Cyathea dealbata, C. Smithii, and Dicksonia antarctica.

This comparison of maximum growth, applies, not only to the western region of Otago, but to all New Zealand where these species are found. In the smaller flowering plants, this maximum of growth is not so easily observed, but many of the Cryptogamia, show both greater growth and variety of species. Nowhere in New Zealand can so large a representation of certain genera be found, as on Mount Cargil, near Dunedin; as two instances of this, fourteen species of Hymenophyllum Ferns out of fifteen species known in New Zealand, have been collected there, and thirteen species of Hookeria Moss out of sixteen species known in New Zealand.

A descriptive sketch of the leading botanical features that occur in passing up one of the principal valleys of the Province, and the ascent of a mountain on the central range, with the knowledge acquired by the previous lists of plants known to exist there, will give an average idea of how they are distributed over the whole, and the changes that take place by altitude. For this purpose, the valley of the Clutha will be selected.

Before starting from the coast, the littoral plants may be examined. The principal plants, of a large size, peculiar to the coast line, are Veronica elliptica and Myoporum lœtum; Linum monogynum, although a littoral plant, is often found inland with other littoral species, probably lingering on old sea margins.

Sand hills, on the coast line, have a peculiar vegetatio of a remarkable sameness in species, all round New Zealand. The following are always found there: Euphorbia glauca, Pimelia arenaria, Scirpus maritimus, Desmoschœnus spiralis, Convolvulus Soldanella, Senecio lautus, Coprosma acerosa, Mesembryanthemum australe, Cassinia leptophylla, Geranium microphyllum.

And in little swamps near the mouth of rivers, and along the coast, will be found such plants as Samolus littoralis, Salicornia indica, Lepidium oleraceum, Juncus maritimus. Again, on banks, will be found Tetragona expansa, Apium australis, Sellieria radicans, Ruppia maritima, and many other small plants. There is one Fern remarkably abundant on the Otago coast, both east and west, forming by its close growth, little mounds (Asplenium obtusatum, var. obliqnum.)

Proceeding up the river, the country for the first twenty-five miles consists either of plains, or undulating low hills, of open grass country, with patches of forest near the river, or on the islands. Bush is also found in patches on the slopes of the higher hills which bound the valley. The bush here is a fair representation of that of the western region, consisting of species of podocarpus, Dacrydium, Metrosideros, Weinmannia, Fagus, Sophora, Panax, Pittosporum, and a sprinkling of all the lesser plants.

Patches of scrub are also found along the river, composed chiefly of Olearia virgata, species of Coprosma, Discaria, Leptospermum scoparium, and Carmichellia.

Swamps are frequent along the valley, in some places fringed by Raupo (Typha angustifolia); this plant continues encroaching and filling up lagoons, and forming a bottom for many others, such as Carex Gaudichaudiana, Carex ternaria, Cyperus ustulatus, Luzula campestris, L. pumila, Carex virgata (Nigger-head of the settlers), and Mosses, all playing an important part in the economy of nature, by raising the land and making it fit for the growth of superior plants; the ground being soon taken possession of by Phormium tenax and other Shrubs. These Raupofringed lagoons are the favourite haunt of ducks.

The Phormium tenax is abundant in this district, where it finds good soil and moisture, so essential to its full development. Areas are also covered by the Fern, Pteris aquilina var. esculenta, growing in some places 6 feet high. The Tutu (Coriaria ruscifolia), is abundant on the Lower Clutha; it is generally found in gullies, where it finds the deepest soil for its large ramifying roots.

Perhaps the most striking plant of the district is the Cabbage-tree (Cordyline australis); it is abundantly scattered over the ridges, having from its non-inflammable nature, escaped burnig. Ridges dotted with Cabbage-trees, and filled in between with the graceful plumose Toi-toi grass (Arundo conspicuo), present one of the most singular features in New Zealand vegetation.

The grasses are numerous in species, and of good kinds, and the conditions of sufficient heat and moisture, with good soil, being present, the pasture is superior.

From the Tuapeka to the junction of the Manuherikia, eighty miles, the river is more or less closed in by mountains, with forest on the slopes and scrub on the flats, although considerable protions are now burned and under grass.

At the junction of the Manuherikia River with the Clutha, the country opens out into a large, terraced; ancient lake basin, through which the Clutha River runs from its leaving the Dunstan gorge, twelve miles. Over this large district, the country is open grass, and when first visited, of a remarkably sparse growth, consisting of three species on the terraces, but richer in the small valleys. A little scrub was, at that time, found on the banks of the Manuherikia, chiefly Olearia virgata. The parching winds, and light dry soil, of these interior basins, must have always been an obstacle to a luxuriant vegetation, and from the same causes, they would be continually liable to be cleared by fire.

The river passes fifteen miles through the Dunstan gorge, hemmed in on each side by the mountains, with a narrow terrace on both sides. The slopes of the mountains here are steep, but carry a good pasture of numerous species of grass.

At the termination of the gorge, upwards, the Clutha is joined by the Kawarau River, and the country opens out again into another ancient lake basin, fringed by terraces, and stretching forty-five miles, to the Wanaka and Hawea lakes. The whole of this district is similar to the last, with poor pasture on the flats and terraces, but superior in the little valleys falling from the mountains.

In the Lake district the pasture is superior, consisting of the finest grasses in the Province; and as the mountain region is fairly entered by any of the snow valleys that pour their waters into the lakes, a profusion of botanical beauty appears, unknown in the lower parts of the Province. The Shrubs, in the river flats and Sub-alpine slopes, attain their maximum of growth and variety of species. On a few acres of the Matukituki River valley, may be collected eight species of Olearia, six species of Coprosma, Discaria toumatou, with a stem 8 inches diameter, Senecio cassinioides, eitht species of Veronica, Aristotelia fruticosa, etc.

In ascending Mount Alta, 7000 feet altitude, the first 2000 feet above the lake is covered with Beech (Fagus fusca), Fagus Menziesi, and F. Solandri. The undergrowth of this Beech bush is composed chieflly of Coprosma lucida, Plagianthus Lyalli, Carpodetus serratus, Senecio elœagnifolius, Drimys colorata, and numerous young Beech plants. Although the bush is composed principally of Beech, occasional patches of Dacrydium, Podocarpus, Phylloclades, and other large trees, are also present. Where the forest terminates on the mountains, which

it always does in Otago under 4000 feet altitude, numerous Shrubs are still found higher, in the shelter of the gullies. Up to 5000 feet may be classed as the Sub-alpine zone, characterized by a belt of coarse tussock grasses, Celmisias, Veronicas, and Ranunculus; it is in this zone, at the Lakes, that Ranunculus Lyalli attains its greatest growth.

At the altitude of 6000 and 7000 feet, great slopes of dry debris prevail, and the true Alpine zone is reached. The plants here are small, although many are fine flowerers. The species found are: Pachycladon Novæ Zelandiæ, Mitrasacme Novæ Zelandiæ, Logania tetragona, Ranunculus Sinclairi, R. Buchanani, Caltha Novæ Zelandiæ, Colobanthus acicularis, Claytonia Australasica, Hectorella cæspitosa, Coriaria angustissima, Epilobium purpuratum, Pozoa exigua, Aciphylla Lyalli, A. Monroi, Ligusticum Haastii, L. Piliferum, L. imbricatum, Coprosma pumila, Celmisia densiflora, C. Haastii, C. incana, C. laricifolia, C. Hectori, Brachycome Sinclairi, Abrotanella inconspicua, Craspedia Alpina, Raoulia grandiflora, Gnaphalium Youngii, Haastia Sinclairi, Forstera sedifolia, Helophyllum clavigerum, H. Colensoi, H. rubrum, Wahlenbergia saxicola, Dracophyllum uniflorum, D. rosmarinifolium, D. muscoides, Gentiana saxosa, Myosotis pulvinaris, M. Hectori, Veronica Buchanani, V. Hectori, Ourisia cæspitosa, O. glandulosa, Euphrasia revoluta, Drapetes Lyalli, Agrostis canina, var. b, Poa follosa, Plantago lanigera. This list does not exhaust the flora of Mount Alta; and as many Alpines, in this district, are very local, and are not included in it, the richness of the Alpine Flora of Otago is clearly shown.

The Flora of the west coast is almost entirely forest, consisting of Trees and Shrubs. In its general features it differs considerably from the Bush Flora of the east coast. In addition to the Pines which are distributed over every part of New Zealand, Metrosideros lucida, Weinmannia racemosa, Fagus fusca, F. Menziesi, and F. Solandri, are the most prominent and abundant in numbers, the two first being remarkable for beauty when in flower.

In the sounds and harbours along the coast, the bush comes down to the sea, in some places, where not so steep, having a belt of shrubs on the shore. In ascending a mountain at Dusky Bay, this belt is first passed through, consisting of many rare and beautiful shrubs. Olearia operina with its star fascicles of leaves, centred by large white flowers; this plant is only found between Milford Sound and Preservation Inlet. Archeria Traversi, a large ornamental heath-shrub, with racemes of red flowers. Senecio rotundifolia, a large ornamental shrub tree, as also species of Veronica, Pimelea, Coriaria, Plagianthus, Sophora, and Olearia.

For the first 1000 feet altitude, the principal trees are species of Dacrydium, Podocarpus, Fagus, Metrosideros, and Weinmannia, with several of the smaller shrub trees of the western region, as also Cyathea medullaris, Dicksonia squarrosa, tree ferns. The latter being the furthest south tree fern in New Zealand. At 2000 feet altitude, many of trees have disappeared, and others become stunted from the severity of the climate. At 2500 feet altitude, the trees cease, and a belt of stunted gnarled shrubs are passed through, to the bald mountain top, this belt is sometimes found to consist of Olearia Colensoi only, and is very difficult to pass through, from the branches interlacing.