ACCLIMATISATION OF PLANTS AND FLOWERS.

Southland Times, Issue 1063, 4 December 1868, Page 2

ACCLIMATISATION OF PLANTS AND FLOWERS.

(TO THE EDITOB OP THE SOUTHLAND TIME 3.) Sib—Now that efforts are being made, —and apparently with success —to promote the introduction into New Zealand offish and various kinds of animals ; I think it would be well to try and introduce some of the plants and shrubs of the neighbouring colonies, and even of the old country. Many persons are trying to do this privately, but have failed to any great extent, for reasons which I think I can show. The principal reason I believe to be, that small quantities of valvable seeds imported by amateurs, who are particularly choice in their selection, get damaged in the Post Office, necessarily, in many instances, by stamping. As to bulbs it is impossible to pass them through, the post at all as their destruction under the present system is a certainty. I hope you will not think the subject too trivial for your notice. I admit it is a hobby of mine, aud I think of a great many more, who wish for the introduction of as much of the beautiful along with the useful as is possible. Myself, and others with similar inclinations would gladly incur any expense, or adopt any package ot which the Post Office approves, to ensure our object. As it is, however carefully seeds may be packed, this will not ensure safe delivery. I think if a special envelope for seeds and bulbs were employed, which the Post Office would recog-

nise, allowing 'a particular margin or space for stamping, so as not to interef bre. with the seed &c, in the process, it would be all that is required. In their transit a little extra care would be needed in the stowing away for the voyage, longer or shorter as the case might be. I write this in the hope ihat some others may take up the matter, and that some beneficial result may be attained. Probably, it is, after all , a matter for the Acclimatization Society. — I am, &c, South Eivebton. December Ist, 1868.

(TO THB EDITOB OP THB SOTTTHIiAin) TIMES). Sib — Had his Honor the Deputy Superintendent, to wit, Mr Armstrong, condescended to communicate with the local tenderers, at the time that he chose to communicate with the Dunedin tenderers ; for the purpose of enabling them to revise, correct and amend their informal tenders ; I know that one at least of the local tenderers would have been both ready and willing also to have amended his tender, in such a way as to have placed him on an equally favourable lotting, as to amount, with the successful Dunedin tenderer ; and that too, without detriment either to his own interest or the due fulfilment of the contrect. — I have the honor to be, sir, Faib Plat foe Inyeecaegill. December Ist, 1868.