that they are thin upon the ground. The explanation of this fact appears to me to lie in the circumstance that the number of species is very small. In some of the alpine regions especially, the grasses appear to grow luxuriantly, and yet they are only met with in tufts, with intervening patches of bare ground. Where this is the case, it will generally be found that the species over a given area are not above two or three in number; and the explanation is to be found in the general law of vegetable physiology, which prescribes change and rotation as a necessary condition of the healthy existence of most plants.
But whatever may be thought of the existing flora of New Zealand in a utilitarian point of view, there is no doubt that it is destined to undergo a very great amount of change. Already in the gardens of the New Zealand settlers the fruits and vegetables of Great Britain prosper and bear abundantly, and in addition to these, fruits of still warmer countries. But I will not enter upon this subject, understanding that my friend Mr. Ludlam, of Wellington, has promised to write an account of his experience in the acclimatization of exotics; and every one who has seen his garden, and the wonderful collection of plants which it contains, drawn from all quarters of the globe, will admit that no one is in a better position to write with authority on this subject.
What has taken place with regard to the gardens of the country may well take place with regard to its meadows, hill-sides, and forests. There are many noble specimens of the vegetable world peculiar to New Zealand and deserving of the utmost care; but there are also deficiencies which may be filled up by judicious introductions, and for this operation the mild and equable climate of the colony is particularly favourable. There is no reason whatever why there should not be seen growing together in one and the same wood in New Zealand its own peculiar evergreen Conifers, contrasted with the deciduous trees of our native country, the pines of Europe and Asia, the Eucalypti and Acaciae of New Holland, the Proteaceae, of South Africa, and other trees and shrubs from all but strictly tropical latitudes.
And so with regard to its pastures. The progress of settlement is daily introducing not only English meadow-grasses but grasses from other countries, and other useful forage plants. So far as present experience goes, perfect success follows upon all but the poorest and driest soils; and the consequence is that the resources of the colony in the production of animal food and wool are being largely increased. The process has but just commenced: half a century hence, when these operations have had time to develope their results, the South Island of New Zealand will present a richer and more varied appearance.
