WARD ISLAND

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2652, 24 December 1915, Page 12

WARD ISLAND

AN INTERESTING EXPERIMENT. An interesting experiment has been carried out at Ward Island, where a few enthusiasts in tree culture have 'endeavoured to beautify this bleak spot. Two years and a half have passed since attempts were first commenced, and the results are now Just boginning to show up. Many varieties of trees were planted by way of experiment to see which would survive tho best, and some twenty-seven now remain out of about fifty originally planted there. _ This high percentage, considering the circumstances, would not have been attained without fairly constant attention ana . the sending of "reinforcements" every Arbor Day. _ Those that remain the following varieties:—Karaka, ngaio, pohutokaiva, ake ake, kowhai, senecio greyn, broadleaf, flax, taupata, pinus muricata, pinus spica, and cabbage 'tree. The .cabbage tree has proved itself to be by far the hardiest plant of tho lot, _ and one fine specimen in a sheltered position now measures sft. 6in. A kowhai also is now about sft. high, and 1 other trees in proportion. The varieties that have not done as well as expected have been, pittosporum eugenoides, which died out, and ngaio, only one of which survives. On the other hand, some Scotch ' firs that were planted last Arbor Day are flourishing. The area 011 top of Ward Island is about three acres, and this is covered with soil that should grow anything that can first obtain a good hold. On the eastern side a crescent of shingly beach makes an attractive landing place in one wind, and a smaller beach at tho north end provides a landing in the opposite wind. At present the heath is beautiful with sea poppies in bloor.i. A drawback that has retarded progres.) to some extent lias been the presence of ono 1 or two rabbits that exist for a short time on the fcant provender and then | depart this sphere, only to' be replaced ] at intervals by misguided philanthropists. A notice has now been placed : on the island by the Marine Department requesting visitors not_ to liberato rabbits there, and this is expected to 1 meet tho difficulty. j