Introduction

Part I of this paper (1949) dealt exclusively with the northern half of Stewart Island. This was due to inability to gain access to the country further south, which is a mountainous region traversed by a single track along the summits between Table Hill and Port Pegasus, and densely forested on the lower slopes and valleys.

In January of this year (1949), through the courtesy of Dr G. J. Williams, Dean of the Otago School of Mines, I was invited to accompany a geological expedition organized by himself to examine the country bordering Port Pegasus in the south of Stewart Island, and the Tin Range somewhat to the north. Three weeks of intensive study and collecting has resulted in a considerable addition to the list of bryophytes indigenous to the island, as well as a considerable amount of new data which forms the basis of this paper.

As in the case of Part I, all hepaties were submitted to Mrs E. A. Hodgson for determination and many mosses to Mr G. O. K. Sainsbury, in order to insure accurate identification. For the accuracy of field notes I alone am responsible.

It is obvious that in an area of approximately 200 square miles a thorough investigation would require months or even years of study; but by selecting areas typical of the dominant formations and habitats, it was hoped to secure the maximum knowledge possible in the time available. The accompanying map shows the areas investigated by me in this and former expeditions.

The vegetation cover of the area comprises forest on the lower slopes merging into scrub on the upper levels and finally into meadow and bog on the summits of the higher tops, though many granite knobs are quite bare of vegetation and form a conspicuous feature of the landscape. Forests of the Pegasus area are distinguished from those in the north by the inclusion of much “yellow-pine” (Dacrydium intermedium) and by the much smaller quantity of rimu (D. cupressinum) and of kamahi (Weinmannia racemos). Full information regarding the forest and other formations is contained in Cockayne's Report (1909). Vandalism in the south has resulted in the destruction by fire of many square miles of forest which to-day is replaced by manuka and other serub formations; but a large area remains almost in its pristine state, modified in some measure by the foolish introduction of deer. The valley between the head of Crooked Reach and the Frazer Peaks is occupied by an area of bog meadow.