REPORT ON A BOTANICAL SURVEY OF KAPITI ISLAND

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1907 Session I, C-08

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1907. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORT ON A BOTANICAL SURVEY OF KAPITI ISLAND

L. COCKAYNE, Ph.D.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Sik, — Department of Lands, Wellington, Bth May, 1907. I have the honour to submit herewith report on a botanical survey of Kapiti Island by Dr, Cockayne, of Chrietchurch, undertaken in pursuance of your instructions. The report is a very complete one, and is well illustrated by photographs taken by the writer. An accompanying plan also tends to make the report absolutely clear. It adds very largely to our knowledge of the New Zealand fauna and flora, and from all points of view is one of the most interesting and valuable publications on the subject that has yet been issued in this colony. I have, &c, William C. Kensington, Under-Secretary. The Hon. Robert McNab, Minister of Lands.

REPORT ON A BOTANICAL SURVEY OF KAPITI ISLAND, BY 1,. COCKAYNE, Ph.D.

INDEX TO CONTENTS. PAGE. PAGE. 1. General remarks .. .. .. ..2 (6.) Manuka heath .. .. ..10 2. Physical geography .. .. .. ..2 (c.) Xerophytie scrub .. .. ..10 3. Climate .. .. .. .. .. 3 C. The coastal formations— 4. Introduced plants and animals .. ..3 (a.) General remarks .. .. ..11 5. The plant formations.. .. .. ..4 (6.) The strand .. .. .. ..11 A. The forest— (c.) Shingle flats, terraces, &c. .. ..11 (a.) General remarks .. .. 4 (d.) Rock vegetation .. .. .. 12 (6.) Its distribution .. .. ..4 (c.) Salt meadow, lagoon, and pond .. 12 (c.) The physiognomy of the forest .. 5 (/.) Tokomapuna Island .. .. ..13 (d.) The leading physiognomic plants and their D. Meadow formations .. ~ ..13 life-forms .. .. .. 6 E. Kock formations .. .. .. 13 (c.) The ecological factors .. .. 7 0. Affinities of the Kapiti flora and its history .. 14 (/.) Distribution and grouping of the species.. 8 7. Kapiti as a plant and animal sanctuary.. .. 15 (jr.) The ecology of the plants .. .. 9 8. List of pteridophytes and spermaphytes .. 16 B. The shrub formations— . 9. Provisional list of introduced plants .. .. 22 (a.) Coastal heath .. .. ..10

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1. Genebal Remarks. Few incidents are more to be regretted in the settlement of new countries than the more or less complete destruction —unavoidable in many cases —of the fauna and flora. This is especially to be deplored when the members of these are of a rare or peculiar character. Such destruction has taken place in New Zealand to an extreme degree. In the neighbourhood of towns, large and small; along most of the railway-lines ; everywhere, indeed, where the land has been specially suitable for settlement, the native animals and plants have been in large measure replaced by those of other lands. And these animals and plants are one of New Zealand's assets. Not a few of both classes have their like nowhere else upon the globe ; while, if we consider the plants alone, their manifold combinations, and the congregation of so many peculiar biological forms, can be met with in no other temperate region of equal area. These facts have been recognised more or less fully by various New Zealand Governments, while the recent one more especially has shown its interest in this important matter by the passing of the Scenery Preservation Act, which has set apart numerous areas throughout the length and breadth of the colony for the protection of their animal and plant inhabitants. More interesting still from the scientific standpoint is the fact that three islands have been for some time set aside as sanctuaries for plant and animal life. These islands belong to quite different categories, and have been chosen most wisely on that account. Little Barrier Island, situated in the Hauraki Gulf, is densely covered with forest, which is closely related to that of northern Auckland, and contains many characteristic northern New Zealand species. Of these the kauri (Agalhis australis), the pohutukawa (Metrosideros tomentosa), the houpara (Pseudopanax lessonii), the karo (Pittosporum crassifolium), Hymenanthera latifolia, Sicyos australis, and the mangemange (Lygodium articidatum) may be mentioned. Birds are extremely plentiful, and the almost extinct short-tailed bat and tuatara have there their home. Resolution Island has the typical vegetation of the West Coast sounds. It also is densely covered with forests, while on its high lands are rich meadows of alpine plants. Its flora, however, has never been investigated, so no precise details are available. From my personal observations I can only mention the beautiful shrubs which, dip almost into the salt water — Olearia operina, Senecio rotundifolius, Dracophyllum longifolium, and Veronica elliptica ; also the noble forest of various taxads and beeches, with an undergrowth of ferns, lichens, mosses, and liverworts, equalling those of a moist mountain-forest in the tropics. As for Kapiti, its flora is different from either of the above, and is closely related to that of the neighbouring mainland of Wellington on the one hand and Marlborough on the other, although the forest itself, like that of all small islands, possesses some peculiar characters and combinations. Although the reserve had been acquired in part by the Government for some time, it was only during 1906 that a caretaker was appointed, and that a serious attempt has been made to keep its birds and plant-covering absolutely inviolate. The sanctuary is under the direct control of the Department of Lands; and, in order to learn with some degree of definiteness of what its vegetation consisted, the Hon. R. McNab, Minister of Lands, intrusted me with the pleasing task of making a botanical survey of the island. This work is especially important at the present juncture, since it will enable exact comparisons to be made in the future, when the island shall have been cleared in large measure of all animals antagonistic to its purpose as a bird and plant sanctuary. Moreover, it is thought that this account may be of considerable use to any local or foreign naturalist who may visit the reserve; while to the colonists in general precise details as to the contents of the island —or, in other words, a catalogue of a unique natural museum —is one of the necessities of its existence. A special matter also, which lends additional interest, is that Kapiti, together with Mana Island and The Brothers, must be a remnant of the ancient land bridge which connected the North and the South Islands, and its vegetation be, in consequence, the remnant of one formerly much more extensive. My visit to the island was paid during the early part of October, 1906, and occupied about fourteen days. During that time I ascended to the summit of the highest peak and to the top of the cliffs further to the south, examined the forest in various localities and the coastal vegetation, visited the north end of the island, and the small outlying island, Tokomapuna. Unfortunately, as the Caretaker has no boat, I was unable to examine the extreme southern portion of the island. October is in many respects favourable for investigating the indigenous vegetation, but is too early for identifying a number of the introduced plants, notably the grasses, consequently my list of these foreign species is by no means complete; while, as for the indigenous species, it would be very unlikely had I not missed a certain number. Before concluding these preliminary remarks I must mention the great assistance I have received from Mr. E. A. Newson, the energetic and enthusiastic Caretaker, who spared neither time nor arduous exertion in assisting my work. My warmest thanks are also due to the Hon. R. McNab, Minister of Lands ; to Messrs. H. G. Ell, M.H.R.; T. W. Kirk, F.L.S., Government Biologist; R. Speight, M.A., B.Sc.; the Department of Lands, all of whom have rendered me valuable aid. 2. Physical Geography. The small island of Kapiti is situated in Cook Strait, at a distance of about three nautical miles from the adjacent coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It occupies an area of 4,990 acres, and is rather more than six miles in length, with an almost uniform breadth of a mile and a quarter. Somewhat oblong in shape, it rises abruptly as a high ridge out of the sea. Its westerly side is one huge precipice, reaching a height of 1,700 ft. in some places, and yearly wearing away rapidly—the rotten nature of the rock, the violence of wind and wave, and other causes leading to excessive weathering. On the eastern side very steep slopes, covered with forest for the most part, descend to the sea. These

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Plate I.

No. 1. Olearia cunninghamii in bloom, lower forest of Kapiti. Stony nature of ground seen in right-hand corner, and growing there juvenile xerophytic form of Pennantia corymbosa.

Photo., L. Cockayne

No. 2. Rapanea salicina, showing adult habit; open space, upper forest, Kapiti. On right, Beilschmiedia tawa; on left, manuka and Rubus australis.

Photo., L. Cockayn

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are deeply cleft by numerous gullies, deep and narrow beyond all expectation, and mostly impossible to follow for any distance owing to the precipitous nature of their sides and numerous waterfalls (see Plate V, 2). The ridge is lowest at its northern and southern extremities, and culminates in the highest point at a height of 1,725 ft. above sea-level. At the north end of the island is an extensive flat, consisting of boulders, which is the remains of various old sea-beaches, numerous ridges of wave-worn stones marking former shore-terraces (see Plate V, 1). Here, too, is a small and shallow lagoon, originally cut off from the sea by a boulderbank, but now having no connection with the Strait, and filled with fresh water. The slopes of the hills to the north, exposed to the frequent fury of the north-west wind, are quite without forest, and they have undergone much weathering, and possess true " shingle-slips," reminding one of those so characteristic of the high mountains (see Plato VIII, 2). Here, too, great rocks stand quite isolated from the hill, and extend into the sea (see Plate VIII, 1), while in other places they have been quite worn away, and flat, bare surfaces of stone occupy some small amount of space between the slopes and the actual shore. At Rangitira, where the Caretaker resides, is also an extensive boulder-flat, which possesses some swampy ground, and further along the coast are similar but smaller formations. Besides the main island are three small islets—Tokomapuna, Motungarara, and Tahoramaurea ; the former almost one mile from the main island, and the latter close together and only twenty chains distant. The strand usually consists of rather large boulders ; it is steep, and flanked by terraces. The streams are of considerable size for so small an island, and are numerous, as may be seen from the map (Plate IX). The island is composed entirely of sedimentary rocks, consisting for the most part of siliceous shales and indurated, fine-grained sandstones.* The soil is chiefly a light-coloured, rather clayey loam of poor quality, and even in the forest usually contains but little humus. Rocky ground is everywhere to be encountered, and very often the slopes are covered with stony debris, frequently made up of stones of considerable size, between which is but little soil proper, and such stony slopes are common throughout the forest. The soil of the shingly flats is limited in extent, but at Rangitira a small amount of sand has blown inland and improved its quality. 3. Climate. Regarding the climate of Kapiti no precise details can be given. It is since my visit that Mr. Newson has been provided with some meteorological instruments, so only a few weeks' statistics are available. It is, however, fair to assume, judging from what is known regarding the climate of the neighbouring mainland, that there are a considerable number of rainy days, that the upper part of the island will receive more moisture than the lower, and that the winter is extremely mild. When the sky is cloudless there will be much direct heat from the sun at all seasons. The wind, however, must be the all-important climatic factor. I learn from Mr. Newson —but indeed the vegetation itself bears abundant testimony—that violent gales are common, especially from the north-west and south-west, while there is but little wind from the east. These winds strike the south, west, and north ends of the island, and sweep from the summit of the high cliffs, descending through the gullies. 4. Introduced Animals and Plants. In order to understand the present condition of the plant covering of any region something must be known as to its history with regard to man, since civilised man it is more particularly who brings about great and rapid changes through his agricultural pursuits. The Maori, on the contrary, could usually work but little permanent damage to the vegetation, since he had no domestic herbivorous animals, few plants of cultivation, and no possible chance of introducing weeds. It is therefore the doings of the white man which chiefly concern the vegetation of Kapiti. During the early part of the last century, Kapiti, together with its small islands, was a famous whaling-station. With the whalers would come certain weeds, but these were perhaps not of much moment. They let loose goats, however, and the descendants of these have for many years occupied certain parts of the island in great numbers, there being undoubtedly many hundreds at the present time. Later on, the island was used for sheep-farming, and sheep must have been pastured on it in greater or smaller numbers for about fifty years. Both these latter animals and the goats must have assisted in modifying the vegetation. Their effect is various. They eat certain grasses or shrubs, and so upset the equilibrium of a plant association, other plants formerly kept in check becoming dominant. They make tracks through the forest, and assist in destroying the undergrowth, so altering the water content of the soil. They loosen the ground, and on steep slopes cause destruction of fertile land through slips of debris. They carry in their wool or hair seeds and fruits of various kinds, and so assist in spreading those introduced plants which man purposely or accidentally has introduced. Cattle have also played their similar part, and some are wild upon the island at present. At the time of my visit there were three deer, but these have been removed. Cats are also present, but not in great numbers, so far as I could learn. Opossums have also, I believe, been introduced. As for birds, the blackbird, sparrow, thrush, and starling are numerous, and probably many other European birds; also the Californian quail is especially abundant. Introduced plants play an equal share with herbivorous mammals in modifying a virgin vegetation, and these, although not nearly in such abundance so far as species are concerned as on the mainland, are still so numerous that no idea can now be formed as to the original plant covering of the flats and * Identified by Mr. R. Speight from specimens collected by me on the island.

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meadows. Happily, so far as foreign plants go, the forest is quite virgin, the elderberry, blackberry, and other dangerous intruders not having gained a footing in its recesses. 5. The Plant Formations. Plants are not scattered haphazard over a region, but occur in definite associations, which have been thus grouped in consequence of climate, the nature of the soil, the geological history of the land, the reaction of one plant upon another when brought into contact, and the presence of certain animals. Such groups of plants are called " plant formations," and these make up the vegetation of a region just as do the species the flora. To find out how such formations have originated, tracing their evolution, and studying the adaptations of their members to their surroundings, is one of the most important functions of botany, and has great bearings on agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. The first object of a botanical survey, then, is to classify the plant formations of a region. That having been done, details more or less complete can be furnished as to the adaptations of the species, and the causes which have led to the establishment of such formations as at present exist. Work of this kind is quite in its infancy in Australasia, and but a very few papers have as yet been published dealing in this manner with the New Zealand vegetation. Without going into the matter at any detail, it may easily be seen that the formations must be either primitive or modified, the modification having come about through the voluntary or involuntary action of man.* Actual primitive formations are more or less wanting in the temperate regions of the Old World, and it is the presence of such in New Zealand, and of so varied a kind, that makes this colony of extreme botanical interest to foreign scientists at the present time. Moreover, with the host of introduced plants, all kinds of stages and combinations exist in the evolution of modified formations. To examine and estimate these is one of the most urgent and yet difficult tasks for New Zealand botanists. On small islands, however, the problems are lesp complex than on a large continent, and so the study of the smaller New Zealand islands, such as the one under consideration, is of peculiar interest. The plant formations of Kapiti may be divided into —forest, coastal, shrubbery, meadow, and rock; and these again may be subdivided as need be. Since the forest is the formation par excellence upon which the welfare of the bird-life depends, it is treated at a greater length than are the other formations. A. The Forest. (a.) General Remarks. In an island so small and narrow as Kapiti, it might well be expected that the whole forest could be designated " coastal," but this is by no means the case. Coastal conditions, as I have attempted to show elsewhere,! rarely extend far from the shore, and they depend upon the presence of salt water, sea-spray, salt in the soil, special land-features such as dunce, and frequent winds from the sea. The forest of Kapiti, from its position, is exposed only in certain places to violent winds and usually to little sea-spray. It is therefore only in close proximity to the sea-shore that there is a coastal belt. Beyond this, right to the summit of the island, most of the forest species extend, but not in the same proportion. Also, there is distinctly a summit or an upper forest, as it may be called, which is in many respects different from that of the lower levels, and whose presence is due less to altitude than to a moister climate. Between the upper forest, the intermediate portion, and the coastal belt no hard-and-fast line, however, can be drawn. They merge gradually the one into the other. Thus the forest is here treated as one whole, and a certain amount of repetition avoided. Usually the Kapiti forest is very low, but it is a forest nevertheless, and not a scrub, if the former be defined as a collection of trees which have distinct trunks, even though these latter be short. Notwithstanding the above statement, in some places many of the trees become much more like shrubs, and a scrub-forest results. The forest is of the mixed type, and, notwithstanding what is said above, of a somewhat coastal character, owing to the presence of the kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum), the karaka (Gorynocarpus Iwvigata), and a species of daisy-tree (Olearia forsteri) in large quantities. But in many respects it differs materially from a typical New Zealand mixed forest, as is seen when treating of its physiognomy. (b.) Its Distribution. The distribution of the Kapiti forest is a striking example of the importance of wind as a factor in affecting the vegetation. As shown above, the northerly and southerly winds blow frequently with great violence, while the easterly wind is almost unknown. The consequence is that a dense green mantle of forest clothes all the eastern side of the island, where it has not been destroyed, from the sea to the margin almost of the high western cliffs, but on the north and south forest is wanting. As for this lack of forest in the south I can express no opinion, but in the extreme north it seems to me to have been always absent, or at best but a mere scrubby growth. Where on the eastern side meadow exists, simply means that the forest has been cleared, probably by burning, and that owing to the goats and sheep no new arborescent growth has been able to establish itself. To this latter statement is one probable exception, which is dealt with under the heading " Shrubbery," further on.

* Cockayne, L.: " A Short Account of the Plant Covering of Chatham Island " (Trans. N.Z. Inst., Vol. xxxi v, pp. 253 and 255; 1902). ■f See a paper entitled " Remarks on the Coastal Vegetation of the South Island of New Zealand," to appear in Trans. N.Z. Inst., Vol. xxxix, 1907.

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Plate 11.

No. 1. General view of side of Taepiro Gully, showing density of forest, steepness of slope, and dead rata-trees.

[Photo., L. Cockayne.

No. 2. Another view as for No. 1.

[Photo., L. Cockayne.

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(o.) The Physiognomy of the Forest. The physiognomy of any plant formation depends upon the more common striking species of which it is composed, and as these are an expression of the adaptation of certain plant-forms to definite external conditions, the physiognomy of the vegetation is not merely a matter of scenery, but a biological phenomenon. Seen from a distance, the forest of Kapiti appears as a close green mantle covering the steep slopes to the shore, and the almost precipitous declivities of the gullies. A merely superficial glance shows that it is made up of greens of various hues, and that its surface is not quite even or flat, but billowy rather —conditions arising from the diverse species and their different habits of growth. But a more searching glance reveals that on the margins and sides of the gullies, more especially, a few trees, frequently more or less damaged, rise high above the others. If we consider in the first place the various greens, it will be seen that certain species especially determine that character. Thus, the dark rounded portions of the forest-roof consist of the karaka (Oorynocarpus Imvigata), the pale yellowish-green flatter masses the mahoe (Mdicytus ramiflorus), the bright pale-green of the forest margin the ngaio (Myoporum latum), and the large breadths in many places of a uniform rather dull darkish-grey is the manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), and this latter colour betokens a change in the character of the soil. These greens in early October are lit up by white masses of the flowers of the forest daisy-tree (Olearia cunninghamii). The aspect of the interior of the forest varies a good deal in different parts. Generally speaking, there are at the most three tiers of vegetation, the two uppermost of which are barely distinguishable, so that usually only the roof and the floor can be separated. Between these, the eye meets multitudes of low greyish trunks, some few fairly thick, bub the majority slender and rising up more or less perpendicularly from the ground. Some of the trunks may be occasionally clothed with one or other of the climbing ratas (Metrosideros, sps.) or with the beautiful, feathery, drooping, green fronds of a climbing fern, Lomaria fUiformis, which entirely hids the slender trunks for many feet. Should a second tier of plants be present it will consist of young forest-trees of the same species as those composing the forest, shrubs being usually absent altogether —a quite unexpected character, and one which recalls the shrubless forest of the Chatham Islands.* The chief exceptions are Coprosma areolata (but this plays no especially conspicuous part), and in the upper forest the pepper-tree (Drimys axillaris). In some places this second tier is reinforced by the graceful silver tree-fern {Cyaihcea dealbata), here usually with a very short trunk clothed with dead brown fronds, and bearing at its apex a crown of immense spreading leaves, silvery on the undersurface. The much taller black tree-fern (Cyathma meduUaris) also plays its part, its rather slenderf stem, quite bare of epiphytes, raising the fine fronds on their almost jet-black stalks right into the forest-roof. But the tree-ferns are not present everywhere, and are a rather exceptional character of the forest, though when present —and in certain parts they are abundant —they are distinctly plants of extreme physiognomic importance. The above remark applies also to the nikau palm (Khopalostylis sapida), which, very plentiful at times, is wanting over large areas of the forest. The most important plant of the second tier, occurring, however, chiefly in the upper forest and in shady gullies, is the tawa (Beilschmiedia tawa). The young trees of this species stand side by side in hundreds, filling up all the space between the trunks of the larger treee, their elegant form and foliage alone meeting the eye. Such plants are about 8 ft. to 10 ft. tall. They have a slender erect main stem, from which are given off rather short distant very slight branches, and from these depend pale thin green leaves, whitish with a coating of wax on their under-surface, and by no mean« crowded together. Such young trees are graceful to no small degree, and lend a special charm to the upper forest. In this part, too, the northern rata (Metrosideros robusta) plays a conspicuous role. This tree varies much in stature in the Kapiti forest, sometimes being a low tree, almost a shrub, while in other places it is a veritable forest giant, 100 ft. in height, raising its open crown of rather thick dark-green leaves high above the forest, to which it hardly appears to belong. Indeed, at first I thought these ratas were the remains of some older plant formation, and that the general low arborescent growth beneath was a reproduction after the destruction of the original taller rata-forest. But, as will be seen further on, this conjecture was probably wrong. The trunks of the ratas are frequently of most fantastic form (see Plate VI, 1), in some cases arches being formed by aereal roots, so that one can walk beneath the trunk. They are covered with many epiphytes, and it is here that the great masses of the birds-nest-looking Astelias have their foothold. The bushy climbing red rata (Metrosideros florida) also climbs up the rata-trunks, and when old has very thick stems; and close masses of the kidney-fern (Trichomanes reniforme) drape their lower and shaded basal portion. The forest-floor is frequently quite bare (Plate 111, 1), an obvious distinction from a New Zealand rain-fore?t, and this not merely on the stony but on the loamy ground. At other times there is quite a close covering. Where the roof is fairly open, moderate-sized tufts or tussocks of the green flat-leaved Uncinia australis give the character, but where more dense, certain ferns dominate. Of these the most characteristic are Nephrodium velulinum, with rather large brownish-coloured fronds; Aspidium richardi, with stiff dark-green fronds ; two species of maidenhair (Adiantum affine and A. fulvum), with shining-green delicate thin leaves ; the pale-green and soft Pteris macilenta and P. cotnans; and finally, especially on the stony ground, the dimorphic Lomaria filiformis, which clings closely to the stones, frequently covering them completely, while where such emerge from the ground are hundreds of the small and tender green maidenhair spleen wort (Asplenium hookerianum) at their bases. In other places, especially where the roof is open, the climbing ratas form great masses on and amongst the stones.

* Loc. cit., p. 277. t'The details regarding this and other plants refer to the Kapiti vegetation alone, and must not be taken as necessarily true for the same species as met with in all parts of New Zealand

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The liane Freycinetia banksii, too, is occasionally a ground plant, but though in' the upper forest it increases in amount it is not generally abundant. On the ground, also, are many seedlings of the forest-trees, the most striking of which perhaps are those of the kohekohe {Dysoxylum spectabile), which even at a comparatively small size, 2 ft. or so in height, have already assumed the large shining-green leaves of the adult. The upper forest is distinguished from the coastal and intermediate portions by its more luxuriant undergrowth, the greater number of tree-ferns, the extensive colonies of filmy ferns on the ground, the fallen logs, and the network of tree-roots, their upper surfaces projecting above the ground. Here, too, the curious forms which the huge trunks of the ratas referred to above assume lend a distinct feature to the forest. Very conspicuous are the numerous bushes of the pepper-tree (Drimys axillaris), 6 ft. or so tall, with their glossy foliage, white on the under-surface, and their black or purpl'sh-black twigs. As this species does not occur in the lower forest, it plays a leading part in the physiognomy of this part of the formation. Liverworts and mosses are abundant here in many places, and the pale-coloured mops, Leucobryum candidum, forms thick patches on the rata-trunks. These, too, are frequently closely draped by the translucent green or blackish fronds of the kidney-fern (Trichomanes reniforme), and it also carpets the ground and climbs over the fallen trees. The black bamboo-like stems of the supplejack (Rhipogonum scandens) depending from the forest-roof form a network in many places, and lianes generally play an important role in hiding the tree-trunks and giving a leafy character to the forestinterior. In gullies the vegetation if still more dense; the trees are 50 ft. or more in height, and all the available space from forest-floor to roof is filled by leafy young trees and groves of tree-ferns, while the ground is covered for the most part with ferns. Generally speaking, however, the trees of the gullies are quite slender. (d.) The Leading Physiognomic Plants and their Life-forms. The plants which chiefly play a leading part in the physiognomy of the forest are those characteristic of the central botanical province of New Zealand; those which extend to the southern province are for the most part of secondary importance. The following may be specially noted : Corynocarpus laevigata (Corynocarpacece), Dysoxylum spectabile (Meliacem), Macropiper excelsum (Piperacece), Melicytus ramiftorus (Violacece), Olearia cunninghamii (Composites), Beilschmiedia tawa (Lauracece), Knightia excelsa (Proteacece), Rapanea salicina (Myrsinacece), Myoporum ledum (Myoporacece), Hedycarya arborea (Monimiacew), Rhopalostylis sapida (Palmece), Metrosideros robusta (Myrtacece), Freycinetia banksii (Pandanacew), Uncinia australis (Cyperacem), Lomaria faiformis (Filices). There are also some lianes, epiphytes, and ferns, the last-named having been briefly dealt with in the last section, and the two former are treated of when dealing with the ecology of the plants. The karaka (Corynocarpus Iwvigata) is a low tree with stout trunk, rather thick bark rough with lenticels, and dense rounded head of shining large dark-green leaves. The flowers are small. The fruit is large, orange-coloured, and fleshy. The kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile) is a moderate-sized tree with a fairly thick trunk, stout frequently tortuous branches, close head of foliage, large pinnate leaves with shining vivid-green leaflets, roots spreading horizontally just above the bare ground, and drooping white flowers coming out from the naked trunk or branches. The kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum) is a low-growing tree or tall shrub with usually little or no trunk, and numerous close-growing slender straight stems marked with distant scars, purplish when young but afterwards brown, and quite bare except at their apices, where they branch into slender flexible branchlets, ending in short spreading twigs bearing the rather large, rounded-cordate, thin, very flexible, dull-green leaves, which form a close and frequently drooping mass of foliage. The flowers are minute, on unisexual spikes, and give rise in autumn to dense, yellow, small, succulent berries. The mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus) is a small tree with a roundish dense head of numerous slender brittle twigs, moderate trunk with whitish-grey thin bark, minutely cracked, making small scales, rather large, thin, green or yellowish-green, oblong-lanceolate leaves, inconspicuous dioecious flowers, and numerous small violet-coloured berries which are usually borne on the naked twigs. Olearia cunninghamii (Plate I, 1) is a small tree of spreading habit, with a trunk very variable in thickness, brownish furrowed bark, and many naked branches ending finally in short, brittle branchlets covered with smooth grey bark and semi-rosettes of toothed leaves, variable in size and shape but of the ovate type, moderately thin, dark- or yellowish-green, with veins strongly marked on under-surface, and they and the stout flexible midrib and petiole covered with buff tomentum, thus contrasting with the dense white tomentum of the back of the leaf. Panicles very numerous, and the many heads crowded together, forming close white masses. The tawa (Beilschmiedia tawa) is a tall tree with a rather slender trunk covered with smooth, thin, blackish bark, and with slender branches and willow-like foliage waxy beneath, minute hermaphrodite flowers, and large, oblong, dark-purple berry very like a damson plum. The rewarewa (Knightia excelsa) i? a rather tall tree, in habit of growth like a Lombard} , poplar, so that it can be distinguished from all other New Zealand trees even at a distance. The bark is smooth and dark-coloured. Leaves long, more or less oblong, coriaceous, rigid, and coarsely toothed. Flowers in close racemes, 2 in. or 3 in. long, given off usually from the bare twigs , . The toro (Rapanea salicina) (Plate I, 2) is a round-headed, much-branched, small tree, with branches radiating upwards and outwards, leafy near apices only with 5 or 6 semi-vertical, subcoriaceous, rather thin, smooth, glossy, yellowish-green, long and rather narrow leaves, and producing yellowish-white flowers, pink in the bud, in short-pedicelled heads on the naked ultim ite branches. Fruit small, fleshy, purplish. The ngaio (Myoporum Imtum) is a low tree with stout trunk covered with thick, brown, much furrowed, corky bark, and head of straggling naked branches, giving off finally stout, flexible, green twigs

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Plate 111.

No. 1. Interior of Kapiti forest not far from sea, showing stony nature of ground, lack of undergrowth, and trunks of Corynocarpus læevigata and Dysoxylum spectabile.

Photo., L. Cockayne.

No. 2. Interior of forest of Stephen Island, showing spreading limbs of Dysoxylum spectabile, the result of frequent wind. The slender upright stems are Macropiper excelsum.

[Photo., L. Cockayne.

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bearing fairly dense masses of soft, flaccid, moderately thin, somewhat dark-green, broadly lanceolate leave?, but which are rendered paler by numerous oil-glands dotted over their surface. Flowers small, 2or 3 together in leaf-axils, white dotted with purple. Fruits reddish-purple, succulent. The porokaiwhiri (Hedycarya arborea) is a small tree with a moderately stout trunk covered with pale-grey, rather furrowed and cracksd, fairly thick bark, very dark-green, shining, oblong to obovate medium-sized leaves with dark-brown midrib, fairly large, pale yellowish-green, dioecious, sweet-scented flowers in short racemes, and rather large bright-red drupes. The nikau palm (Rhopalostylis sapida) has a straight, smooth, greenish, rather slender trunk, bearing a terminal crown of large pinnate leaves with very stout midribs. The flowers are monoecious, and occur at the base of the leaves, the inflorescence being enclosed in two deeply concave spaths. The drupes are rather large, and of a bright-red colour. The northern rata (Metrosideros robusta) is a tall tree with a very thick and irregular trunk, often composed of aereal roots, and covered with a brownish, flaky bark. The branches are spreading and frequently crooked, forming finally a by-no-means-dense head of foliage, the final branchlets being congregated into small, rather distant masses of close leaves. The leaves are more or less lanceolate, about If in. long, and coriaceous. The flowers are of a bright but rather dark scarlet, and produced in the greatest profusion, rendering this tree a wonderfully striking and dazzling object when in full bloom. The kiekie (Freycinetia banksii) is a stout woody climbing plant, with rather rigid terete stems clinging by numerous thick white adventitious roots, and giving off great numbers of long, rather narrow, somewhat swordlike, flat, flexible, stout and rather thick, dark-green leaves which arch out laterally. Flowers dioecious, in fascicled spadices at the apices of the branches. Fruit an oblong mass of fleshy drupes. Uncinia australis is a grass-like plant forming small tussocks of dark-green, arching, long, flat leaves, and producing tall flower-stalks of brown utricles provided with long barbed bristles. Lomaria is described at some length further on. Besides the above, many other, plants play a part in the physiognomy of the forest, but the briefest mention only can be made of some of them. There are, for instance, the kaikomako (Pennantia corymbose), especially common near the outskirts of the forest, with its dimorphic habit—a xerophytic smallleaved shrub below, and a tree with thin, flaccid, shining-green leaves above, bearing handsome panicles of white flowers; the pukapuka (Brachyglottis repanda), with very large, rather dull-coloured, thin and membranous leaves of oblong type, their undersurface covered with close white tomentum; the wharangi (Melicope ternata), with vivid, bright pale-green, shining ternate leaves, and small greenish more or less unisexual flowers; the mapau {Rapanea urvillei), with its undulating, subcoriaceous, rather pale yellowish-green leaves and reddish twigs; the tarata (Pittosporum eugenioides), with its extremely glossy, bright-green, thin, medium-sized leaves, and fairly conspicuous' umbels of sweetscented, more or less dioecious, yellowish flowers; the horoeka (Pseudopanax crassifolium), with its straight naked trunk, and round compact head of stiff, coriaceous, more or less linear-oblong, darkgreen leaves; the juvenile form of this latter with slender, erect stem, and deflexed, long, narrow, coriaceous, saw-like leaves with a conspicuous yellow midrib; the horopito (Drimys axillaris), described further on; the titoki (Alectryon excelsum), with its large pinnate leaves and black seeds surrounded by a scarlet fleshy cup. Finally, there are the various climbing ratas, the tree-ferns, the smaller ferns, the filmy ferns, and in the upper forest more especially a certain amount of mosses and liverworts. (c.) The Ecological Factors. The ecological factors concerned with distribution are twofold—those which regulate the distribution of the forest as a whole, and those which decide the position of the individual members or combination of members. The climate, as already pointed out, is mild, the number of rainy days is sufficient for hygrophytic vegetation, and there is a good deal of bright sunshine even in the winter and spring months. In short, the climate, so far as rain and heat are concerned, is distinctly that which favours rain-forest. But here, as in so many places in New Zealand and the subantarctic regions,* the wind factor is preeminent, and this, as has already been shown, regulates the present distribution of the forest. As for the composition of the formation and the distribution of its members, the nature of the soil considered in its widest sense comes into play. This factor, termed by Schimper " edaphic," affects also the forest as a whole, and inhibits the presence of certain forest-plants, since the combined effect of the various edaphic factors produces drier soil conditions than are suitable for a typical New Zealand rain-forest. The ground is in many places excessively stony. At the bases of the slopes large stones lie heaped one upon another. One particular stone measured 2 ft. in height, 2 ft. 8 in. in length, and 16 in in width, while plenty in close proximity were still larger. Higher up, such stony debris becomes smaller, and slopes several chains in length and of considerable breadth occur everywhere on the lower part of the slopes. These have the physical character of true alpine shingle-slips, so that on descending by such a slope the stones move downwards, en masse, with the descender. There slopes are being constantly added to, or sre in process of building, ac stones are frequently found wedged in tightly against trees, or held in their places by them. Other parts of a hill are bare of stones, these having slipped downwards, while in other parts again big stones dot the surface everywhere. Other stony slopes are mow ancient, or have originally possessed greater stability, since below the stones much earth has

* See Schenck, H., " Vergleichende Darstellung der Subantarctischen Inseln insbesondere iiber Flora und Veeetation yon Kerguelan," p. 15 et seq.; 1905. 6

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accumulated, and a close covering of ferns, Uncinia australis, and woody lianes has resulted. These forest shingle-slips have originated from the weathering of the rock above, aided by the excessive steepness of the hillsides. The above steepness is another factor which must be considered in connection with the stony nature of the ground, since the two in combination, aided moreover by the deep gullies, lead to a natural system of the most perfect drainage, and provide a very dry station for the plants. How far these debris slopes have been increased or caused in certain cases by the introduced mammals I cannot say, but it is obvious that such must loosen the stones and add in many instances to these slopes, which probably are now of much greater extent than on virgin Kapiti. All the same, it seems more than probable that such slopes have always existed, and it may be possible that they had their origin in the days when the present summits were much higher than now, and when the North and South Islands of New Zealand formed one whole. The soil of the forest is of a dry and not especially fertile character, since it contains usually, and especially at the low levels, but little humus. This may be accounted for by the general dry condition of the forest-floor, which is not favourable to the forming of humus. Quantities of dead leaves are frequently present, but they do not turn into leaf-mould, as in an ordinary rain-forest, but simply dry up, the vascular bundles alone remaining as " skeleton leaves." All the same, humus is not everywhere absent, and in some of the moister gullies and at the higher levels it is more or less abundant. The reaction of one plant upon another must be a matter of much importance with regard to plantdistribution, but it has as yet been little studied in any part of the world, so far as the higher plants are concerned. That certain plants can exist side by side or under peculiar circumstances may sometimes be explained by reference to their special adaptations, but in many cases the explanation is by no means so obvious, and may be beyond the present scope of knowledge. There seems, for instance, no reason at all why the trees of the coastal portion of the forest should tolerate that position while others do not occur in such a place. Paratrophis heterophylla, the milk-tree, is frequent inland in both islands of New Zealand, and yet the closely allied P. banksii is essentially a coastal plant, but so far as xerophytic adaptations go the former species would seem more suitable for the coast. That Corynocarpus laevigata, Myoporum Iwlum, Macropiper excelsum, and Urtica ferox should grow close to the sea remains to be explained. The density of the forest-roof, regulating as it does the intensity of light, has a direct bearing upon plant-distribution, and the Kapiti forest affords one or two interesting examples. Thus, where the original forest was cut down, not far from the landing at Rangitira, a dense growth of Myoporum Icetum has sprung up. The trees are now fully grown. Now, Myoporum Icetum is a tree of a rather straggling habit, and much less close in its foliage than Corynocarpus laevigata, or even the average forest-roof. The consequence is that beneath the Myoporum is a rich undergrowth of seedlings and ferns, notwithstanding the fact that the piece of rejuvenated forest in question is quite unprotected from the incursions of the numerous sheep and the cattle of the neighbouring flat. A second example will suffice. On the spur leading up the slope on the left-hand bank of the Kahikatea Stream is a rather open piece of low forest, its opennees depending on the presence of Pseudopanax crassifolium, Noihopanax arboreum, Olearia cunninghamii, Beilschmiedia tawa, Bysoxylum spectabile, Pittosporum tenuifolium, P. eugenioides, Rapanea urvillei, and Myoporum Icetum. Here the ground is completely covered with vegetation. In some places Uncinia australis is dominant, and almost excludes all else; in other places there is a most abundant undergrowth of Brachyglottis repanda and Olearia cunninghamii, such young trees hiding the low tree-trunks and giving the characteristic stamp to this part of the forest, this special physiognomy being directly due to a brighter illumination than is generally the case in the Kapiti forest, where the tree-tops are closer together and Corynocarpus Imvigata is present. (f.) Distribution and Grouping of the Species. As pointed out above, the forest changes, so far as its species and their grouping is concerned, at different altitudes, and under different conditions; and these latter, as has also been shown, are dependent upon the nature of the ground and the light as regulated by the forest-roof itself. Close to the sea, in some instances hanging right over the upper shore, is a distinct assemblage of plants consisting of the naupata (Coprosma baueri) and the ngaio (Myoporum Icetum), in front or just under which is frequently a line of the tall shrubby nettle (Urtica ferox), a plant with very thin rather pale-green flat ovate-lanceolate leaves, and with many long pale stinging hairs on their petioles more especially. A few feet further from the sea are the karaka (Corynocarpus laevigata), the coastal daisytree (Olearia forsteri), the kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum), the large-leaved milk-tree (Paratrophis banksii), and the mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus). To this same belt, but rather further from the sea as a rule, belong the kohekohe (Bysoxylum spectabile), the porokaiwhiri (Hedycarya arborea), the forest daisy-tree (Olearia cunninghamii), and the lancewood (Pseudopanax crassifolia). With the exception of Coprosma baueri, Urtica ferox, and Paratrophis banksii, the whole of these plants continue as common representatives of the forest for some hundreds of feet, but they are reinforced by certain other species, and in consequence diminish in numbers. Amongst such species are the tarata (Pittosporum eugenioides), the kohuhu (P. tenuifolium), the mapau (Rapanea urvillei), the rewarewa (Knightia excelsa), the pukapuka (Brachyglottis repanda), the wharangi (Mdicope ternata), the kaikomako (Pennantia corymbosa), the native fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata), the nikau (Rhopalostylis sapida), the whauwhaupaku (Noihopanax arboreum), the kanono • (Coprosma grandifolia). The ferns, lianes, and herbaceous plants are not mentioned, as they have been dealt with more or less fully earlier on. The upper forest is distinguished by the absence of some of the coastal trees and by the presence of other plants not gen srally occurring at the lower levels, or, if present, then in much smaller numbers.

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l> 63 H

No. 2. Lomaria filiformis, showing the early stage on left, with stem and leaves on its aank, and a leaf of the final stage on the left: the two forms of the same plant absolutely different in appearness.

No. 1. Face of waterfall, Kahikatea Stream, In the centre are masses of liver worts and mosses.

to o £1

a o to Si

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Of these, the northern rata (Metrosideros robusta), the toro {Rapanea salicina), the pepper-tree (Drimys axillaris), the tawa (Beilschmiedia tawa), the broadleaf (Griselinia littoralis), the pukatea (Atherosperma novw-zelandice), the towai (Weinmannia racemosa), and the makomako (Aristotelia racemosa) are the chief. The ferns also differ considerably. The tree-ferns are Hemitelia smithii, Dicksonia squamosa and D. fibrosa. Todwa hymenophylloi&es and Polypodium pennigerum appear, and there are a number of species of filmy ferns. The epiphytic asteliads are chiefly in these upper parts of the forest, and so are the tussocks of Gahnid. Here, too, are the few trees of the Taxacem. (g.) The Ecology of the Plants. This is altogether too wide a subject for detailed treatment here—only a few more or less general particulars can be given. The trees and shrubs are, with the exception of the native Fuchsia, evergreens. They are for the most part of low stature, with slender trunks, and in some cases stand on the border-line between shrubs and trees. Their leaves are frequently rather large and thin, though in some instances they are distinctly coriaceous. A number of the species have dioecious flowers, and the flowers, generally speaking, are small and inconspicuous. The fruits of many are fleshy, an important fact indeed in an island set apart for its bird-life. Some of the plants exhibit distinct ecological peculiarities. Thus Atherosperma novm-zelandice, the tree par excellence of shady gullies watered by a stream, has a most striking development of thin " plank-buttresses "at the base of its trunk. Dysoxylum spectabile, Knightia excelsa, Rapanea salicina, Rap. urvillei, and Melicytus ramiflorus all exhibit cauliflory*— i.e., have flowers on their naked branches or stems—in a more or less marked degree. The roots of trees frequently spread out horizontally at no great distance beneath the surface of the ground, even at times being quite exposed ; but this character does not occur to nearly the same degree as in a typical New Zealand, rain-forest. Pennantia corymbosa, Knightia excelsa, Rapanea salicinOj Weinmannia racemosa, Nothopanax edgerleyi, and Pseudopanax crassifolia pass in the course of their development through a distinct juvenile form, which persists for a considerable period before they assume the adult condition. In these cases there is not merely a change of leaf, but usually a more or less distinct change of habit. Although the formation is decidedly hygrophytic, the leaves of the majority of the trees are more xerophytic than are those of a northern deciduous forest. This is not to be wondered at when we consider that such leaves are to endure the changes of the seasons. Also, it must be pointed out that a hygrophyte is more susceptible to changes with regard to its water-supply than a xerophyte, and that even a very short period of drought may be detrimental without some compensating xerophytic adaptation. It is on this account that the liverworts, filmy ferns, and certain mosses have droughtresisting contrivances, or can change their form during a dry period. Thus several of the Hymenophyllums curl up their leaves and reduce their leaf-surfaces to an extraordinary degree during dry weather. Olearia cunninghamii has tomentose leaves; but it is quite probable that such are rather a family characteristic than adaptations to the above-mentioned conditions. The same explanation may be given for Brachyglottis repanda, which compensates the effect of its tomentose leaves by the extent of their surface and their texture. Lianes are an important biological group of the forest. Rubus australis is a scrambler, which is assisted in its work by numerous hooked prickles on the leaves and stems. These are finally lost by the latter, which assume great thickness and become covered with a rough bark. The Muehlenbeckias and Rhipogonum scandens are winding lianes. All of these show more or less heterophylly. Rhipogonum (supplejack) has an erect leafy early seedling form, then when its woody rootstock is developed it puts forth long succulent asparagus-like erect shoots which are provided] with distant reduced entire leaves pressed to the stem. Finally, on reaching the tree-tops it assumes a more bushy though straggling nabit, and produces large leaves of an ovate type. The species of Clematis and the passion-flower (Tetrapathcea australis) are tendril climbers, the former using the leaf-stalks, and the latter probably metamorphosed flower-stalks, f for the purpose. The various species of Metrosideros and Freycinetia banksii are root climbers, the former when growing in the open frequently assuming a shrub-like habit (see Plate VI, 2). Some of the most characteristic lianes belong to the ferns. Polypodium billardieri has a stout greenish juicy stem, and large bright-green coriaceous simple leaves. Polypodium serpens is a distinct xerophyte, with small and very fleshy leaves. The forest form, however, has leaves rounder, greener, and thinner than those of rocks in the open, and might be taken for a different species. But the most interesting fern biologically is Lomaria filiformis. This is characterized by a most striking heterophylly, the extreme leaf-forms being so different that one unaccustomed to this plant would not believe them to belong to the same species (see Plate IV, 2). The form with comparatively short linear leaves flattened close to the substratum, and more or less orbicular leaflets, is the early stage of the plant, and the principal form when growing on the ground. This is succeeded by the large-leaved stage with lanceolate leaves and long acuminate leaflets, more or less cordate at the base. There is evidently some connection here between the habit of growth and the dimorphism, but the phenomenon is now distinctly hereditary, and in nature, at any rate, the plant under ordinary forest conditions assumes both habits in due course, even should there "be no support on which the fern can climb. Other climbing ferns of the Kapiti forest are Polypodium tenellum and P. punctatum. Leaving out of the question the epiphytic cryptogams, epiphytes do not play much part in the Kapiti forest. But high in the forks'of the branches, or on the horizontal trunk of Metrosideros robusta, the birds-nest-like masses of Astelia solandri are common. This plant possesses large fleshy leaves

* Schimper was unaware that any New Zealand trees exhibited this phenomenon (see his Pflanzengeographie p. 507). f See H. Sohenok, " Beitrage zur Biologic und Anatomic der Lianen," p. 242; 1892. 2—C. 8.

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extremely hairy with long white silky hairs at their bases, and forms masses many pounds in weight. The numerous fleshy roots ramify in the deep soil made of decaying vegetable matter beneath the plant, which can absorb water like a sponge, and is hardly dry at any time. The orchid Earina autumnalis also occurs on the trees. It has many aerial roots furnished at their apices with a spongy velamen, like epiphytic orchids in general, but which absorbs its water chiefly from the decaying matter on which the plant is seated, and amongst which the tangled roots spread. Tupeia antarctica is the only spermaphytic parasite. It occurs on various trees — e.g., Pittosporum eugenioides, P. tenuifolium, Rapanea urvillei. Its leaves are quite green, and so far as their structure goes there seems no reason why such a plant should require a host. In some instances this parasite has just as many leaves as the plant to which it is attached. There are no annuals in the forest, the herbaceous plants being all perennials. The most noticeable of these plants are of the tufted or tussock habit. Uncinia australis and U. riparia form small green tussocks, the latter with much more narrow leaves than the former. Gahnia setifolia forms much larger tussocks. The species of Hydrocotyle are creeping plants with slender stems and small thin green leaves. The terrestial orchids are tuberous, with but little leaf-development, and are inconspicuous when not in flower, nor are the flowers showy. Libertia grandiflora has erect tufted coriaceous yellowish isolateral leaves and showy white flowers. Its xerophytic habit fits it for its station on stony ridges in the driest part of the forest. The tree-ferns have tall erect trunks. The dead leaves persist for a considerable time and clothe the trunk, helping to conserve the moisture. Usually on the trunks are more or less short matted aerial roots, and these form a favourite " soil " for seedling trees and for many varieties of ferns. Other ferns not usually considered tree-ferns have frequently a distinct trunk, so that no line can be drawn between the two categories of ferns. Aspidium vestitum, Lomaria discolor, and Polypodium pennigerum belong to this class of semi-tree-ferns. B. The Shrub Formations. (a.) Coastal Heath. This has arisen, so far as I saw the formation, where forest has been removed. It consists of fairly close-growing bushes of Gassinia leptophytta (tauhinu-korokio) mixed with a little Leptospermum scoparium (manuka) and Olearia solandri. Where the heath is open there is a grassy floor where Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), piripiri {Acana sanguisorbw), Helichrysum filicaule, Danthonia semiannularis, and D. pilosa are abundant. Sometimes a little mingimingi (Styphelia fasciculata) is present. Such a heath can be recognised at a distance by the sage-green colour of the Cassinia. This plant formation is extremely common on the mainland, and, although looking apparently primitive, in the majority of instances it is quite recent, and has arisen through the destruction of the forest, and the power of the Cassinia to be spread by the wind, its easy and rapid growth from seed, and its extreme capability of resisting drought, thanks in part to its close habit of growth, small tomentose leaves, and rootsystem. (b.) Manuka Heath* This is one of the commonest plant formations of New Zealand in some one or other of its form?, for it varies greatly in its composition in various parts of the region. In certain parts of New Zealand, too, it has increased to an almost incredible extent since the settlement of the country. On Kapiti, however, it is for the most part primeval. It is continuous with the forest, being simply an expression of the more stony nature of the ground and the poorer fertility of the soil. Transitions between manuka heath and forest are common. Even at a distance, as pointed out before, the heath can be distinguished from the forest by its darker colour and flatter surface, and it forms lines and patches of considerable area. Indeed, in some places there is just as much heath as forest proper on the slopes. The typical manuka heath of Kapiti is about 12 ft. tall. The dominant shrub is Leptospermum scoparium, but there is a good deal of L. ericoides. The trunks are not usually very close, but the branches are spreading, and all touch one another. With the manuka, where the ground is especially stony, is a large quantity of Olearia forsteri, its stout trunks jutting out horizontally and semi-horizontally from the soil. The ground is quite bare in many places, but in others a good many seedlings are present — e.g., Pseudopanax crassifolia, Olearia forsteri, Clematis indivisa, and Rubus australis. These two latter plants occur in the formation as lianes, the Clematis more especially, and it, in early spring, lights up the sombre foliage with garlands of large white blossoms. Patches of ferns occur on the ground, especially Aspidium richardi, Adiantum affine, and Lomaria fliformis. There are also some tufts of Uncinia australis. Olearia forsteri has a stout prostrate trunk, branched almost from its base; the branches, at first horizontal, gradually bend up vertically and bring the medium-sized dull wavy green coriaceous leaves, tomentose on their under-surface, to the forest-roof and the light. The bark hangs on the trunk in long strips. As the heath becomes more forest-like, tree-ferns appear, especially Cyaihcea dealbata, and certain young trees. But, notwithstanding this, there is frequently a strong line of demarcation between forest and heath, a step or two bringing one into either formation. (o.) Xerophytic Scrub. At the head of the Taepiro Stream (see map), just in the position where it can receive the full blast of the wind rising over the western cliffs and sweeping down the valley, is a remarkable formation made

* This might with equal right be considered forest, but it is here classed as heath for purpose of comparisons with the manuka formations of New Zealand in general.

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Plate V

No. 1. Stony flat at north end of Kapiti. On left, Cassinia leptophylla; in background, hillside covered with grasses and coastal heath.

\Photo., L. Cockayne.

No. 2. Entrance to one of the gorges of Kapiti. Phormium cookianum on the rocks.

\_Photo., L. Cockayne.

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up chiefly of the whauwhaupaku (Nothopanax anomalum). The scrub varies in height from 2 ft. to 4 ft. The individual bushes are so dense that one can quite well stand up upon them, and they touch, thus forming a raised platform of interlacing rigid stems, the apical portions of which have almost turned into spines,* just as in the case of Aristotdia fruticosa and some other New Zealand xerophytic shrubs. This platform or roof is not quite even, the individual shrubs in places being slightly convex and even in others rising into ridges, or indeed here and there not meeting. The floor is usually quite bare, though in a few places Poa anceps is growing on it, its green leaves pressed upwards through the dense covering and so, liane-like, reaching the light. Also, the lianes Muehlenbeckia australis and Parsonsia heterophylla are fairly abundant, and help to bind the shrubs more closely, adding to the density of the roof. At a first glance, no one would hesitate to pronounce this formation primeval, but a closer examination suggests that this idea is erroneous. Everywhere over the little valley are the remains of trees lying prone, and some showing traces of fire. Stumps also stand here and there. In addition, the north-west wind blows over the margin of the western cliffs with great violence. How great this is, or must have been on special occasions, is shown by the fact of so many dead rata-trees rising skeletonlike out of the present evergreen forest where this is exposed to the wind, while, where sheltered, the rataa still exist in all their glory. Denuded of forest, no ordinary tree could survive in such a windswept locality, but the intensely xerophytic shrub, Nothopanax anomalum, has been able with ease to occupy the ground. That it is still doing so is shown by isolated plants, and small colonies arising in different parts of the meadow. C. The Coastal Formations. (a.) General Remarks. The vegetation of any coast depends chiefly upon the variety of stations that the nature of the land affords. On Kapiti, boulder beaches, terraces, and flats, together with cliffs and rocks, play by far the principal part. Sand-dunes, so common on the neighbouring coast of the North Island, are barely represented; nor is there any great extent of ground subject to flooding by brackish water or wetting by spray, where salt-meadow plants can flourish. As for the plants themselves, they are almost altogether those which occur in similar positions on the mainland. The adaptations of coastal plants are much the same the world over, and those of New Zealand afford special interest only when they belong to genera peculiar to the Southern Hemisphere, or to those which in other lands arc not coastal. (b.) The Strand. In many parts of Kapiti cliffs come right to the water's edge and there is no actual shore, but in other parts there is a distinct sloping strand made up of boulders. These are quite loose to the tread. Mixed with them is sometimes a small quantity of sand, which slowly blows to above high-water mark and there forms a more favourable station for plant-life. The actual shingly beach is frequently quite bare. In other places, but at some height above high-water mark, and especially on the shingly terraces, is a very open formation consisting of large mats, several feet in diameter, of the dull-coloured shrubby Muehlenbeckia complexa,f whose wiry underground stems enable it to spread amongst the loose stenes, and whose prostrate habit and small leaves protect it against excessive transpiration. Certain introduced grasses grow in the shelter of such mats, together with the lowly herbs Cardamine hirsuta, Geranium molle, and Oxalis corniculata. Yellowish-green cushions of Scleranthus biflorus, about half a foot in diameter and 4 in. in height, are dotted about here and there. These cushions are quite loose in texture, and attached to the ground merely by a stout deeply descending root, which is the only connection with the substratum, the rest of the cushion being easily lifted upwards. It is only on the periphery that the leaves are alive —within all are dead and quite dry —the plant not living on the peat formed from its decay, as is the case with so many subantarctic plants. From the base of the root slender branches radiate, which repeatedly branch, the apices of the final branches alone bearing the leaves, which are one-tenth or so of an inch long, needle-like and stiff in texture. Other plants of the shingle beach are the erect tussocks of Scirpus nodosus, its assimilating stems close-growing, rigid, and about 2ft. tall; and the far-creeping fleshy-leaved shore-convolvulus (Calystegia soldandla). In some places a little coarse sand has blown inland to above high-water mark, making incipient dunes, which are occupied by the far-spreading sand-binding grass Spinijex hirsutus, with its silvery leaves and very stout enormously long rhizome. Here, too, is Calystegia soldandla, also the pale-green sand-sedge (Carex pumila), these two latter extending on to the shingle beach. Usually such blown sand does not form dunes, but, mixed with the shingle slightly improves the capacity of the station for plant-life. On such ground, just above the drift-wood of the tide-mark, is a fairly thick growth of Geranium molle, Muehlenbeckia complexa, Scirpus nodosus, Hypochwris radicata, Ttumex acetosdla, Holcus lanatus, Fumaria officinalis, Stdlaria media, Accena sanguisorba, and Apium prostratum, the latter and the Geranium extending on to the shingle beach. Here, too, a species of Lepidium is plentiful, with leaves flattened close to the ground in small rosettes, and forming in certain places an actual turf. With it is mixed a little of the creeping shore-buttercup, Ranunculus acaulis. (o.) Shingle Flats, Terraces, &c. The stony flats, mentioned earlier on, which have been at one time sea-beach, have a richer vegetation than the actual shore, as may well be expected. They are especially interesting as showing a later stage in the development of. the vegetation which commences on a shingly beach.

* See Cockayne " On the Significance of Spines in Discaria toumatou," " New Phytologist," Vol. iv, 1905, p. 84. ■(■ From experimental investigations which I have now in hand there is every reason to believe that more than one distinct form is included under this name.

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The physiognomic plants are Scirpus nodosus, Carex lucida, and Cassinia leptophylla. The two former have the tussock habit, the Scirpus forming large green tussocks 3;' ft. tall, andlthe latter smaller and shock-headed-looking masses about 29 in. by 18 in. in length and breadth and 16 in. tall. The leaves are narrow, arching, and somewhat stiff and coriaceous, yellowish-orange in colour, concave on the upper surface and tapering to a filiform point. Where the boulders crop out to the surface are many low cushions of Muehlenbeckia complexa, and this is the characteristic plant of such ground. Here too is a Coprosma, perhaps a form of C. propinqua, which, owing to the action of the wind, has a most dense habit, which probably is non-hereditary. There is also some Discaria toumatou, likewise so much wind-swept that it is flattened quite to the ground, and hardly recalls the shrub of mountainvalleys. Between the tussocks, on the less obviously stony ground, is a continuous turf of introduced grasses, together with Trifolium repens (white clover), Geranium molle, and a species of moss. Where the soil becomes a little wetter are clumps of the tall broad-leaved sedge Mariscus ustulatus. (d.) Mock Veyttation, <$sc. Cliffs and rocks vary in their plant covering according to their slope and their position with regard to wind and sun. Generally speaking, they have an extremely open vegetation, confined to hollows and crevices. Clumps of Phormium cookianum with broad drooping leaves are very characteristic of the cliffs of the island. Coprosma baueri is frequently flattened close against the rock-faces, its thick glossy leaves rolled up into small compass.* Small bushes of Olearia forsteri, 2 ft. or 3 ft. tall, with rather thick gnarled stems, jut out from the high cliffs. The steepest rock-faces are painted yellow or silver or black with crustaceous lichens. In quite dry places are the ferns Polypodium billardieri and P. serpens, clinging to almost vertical cliffs by their numerous roots. Deep grooves may be filled with Poa anceps. In some places the succulent Peperomia endlicheri is present in considerable quantities. Mesembrianthemum australe may hang in sheets, draping the driest rock-faoes. In dry crevices is Senecio lautus and Colobanihus muelleri. Other fairly common rock-plants are Muehlenbeckia complexa, Linum monogynum, a thick-leaved form of Asplenium flaccidum, Rhagodia nutans, Luzula campestris var., Agropyrum scabrum, Danthonia semiannularis, Scirpus nodosus, Crassula sieberiana, Asplenium obstusatum, Asplenium lucidum, Aspidium richardi, Apium prostratum, Pimelea laevigata var., Tissa media. Stony banks also contain all of the above, and, where moisture exudes from them, Lobelia anceps makes its appearance. At the north end of the island the sea has quite worn down the rock in places into a flat, paving-stone-like surface, between the cracks in which, and in shallow crevices, &c, a peaty soil has accumulated, on which is growing rather a curious assemblage of plants, consisting of a close turf of mosses, grasses, Gnaphalium collinum, Dichondra repens, Oxalis corniculata, Geranium molle, Epilobium nerterioides, Myosotis antarctica, Danthonia semiannularis, Ophioglossum vulgatum, Arthropodium candidum. This association has really nothing whatsoever to do with coastal conditions, but the rock-crevices and peaty soil furnish a substratum of considerable moisture, not altogether unlike that provided artificially for alpine plants in a well-designed rock-garden. (c.) Salt Meadow, Lagoon, and Pond. The only spot noted where salt-meadow plants formed an association was on the shores of the lagoon (marked " Okupe L." on the map) at the north end of the island. This lagoon no longer contains brackish water, and the salt-meadow plants must have occupied this station since the time when there was communication with the sea. The vegetation is best described in connection with that of the lagoon. The lagoon is quite shallow. The bottom consists of soft mud. Its water is fresh. Boulders must exist at no great distance below the mud. Almost the whole surface of the water is covered with a yellowish-green mat of Ruppia maritima. In the shallow places, which must occasionally dry up, is a quantity of Cotula coronopifolia mixed with Scirpus americanus rising here and there out of it, a little Ranunculus acaulis, and Crantzia lineata, the two latter plants extending on to the muddy shore and forming a turf. The shore of the lagoon is a small muddy flat. The plants growing on it are Selliera radicans, forming a turf, as usual, with Triglochin striatum flifolium growing through it, this latter extending to the water and being really the first-comer of the formation ; Ranunculus acaulis, Crantzia lineata, Cotula perpusilla (?), Cotula dioica, Crassula sieberiana. The Selliera has much narrower leaves than is usual. The original lagoon has in large part been changed into swamp. This is not at all, however, of a coastal character; also, it has been much modified by repeated burnings. Its dominant plants are irundo conspicua, Mariscus ustulatus, and Carex ternaria, this latter reappearing after burning. In one part is Typha augustifolia as the dominant plant. Hydrocotyle asiatica is common on the floor of the swamp. Swampy ground exists elsewhere on the island, and that on the Eangitira Plat is richer in species than the above. These comprise Typha angustifolia, Carex secta, Lemna minor, Azolla rubra, Eleocharis cunninghamii, Epilobium chionanthum, E. billardierianum, Ranunculus macropus, Ran. rivularis, Mariscus ustulatus, Hydrocotyle novce-zelandice, Hydrocotyle asiatica, Juncus effusus. Also in other swampy ground was noted Lomaria capensis, Epilobium pallidiflorum, and Scirpus inundatus.

* See Cockayne, L., "On a Specific Case of Leaf-variation in Coprosma baueri, Endl." (Trans. N.Z Inst Vol. xxxviii, p. 341; 1907).

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No. 1. Base of a rata-tree, showing its curious form owing to its habit of giving off aerial roots. Upper Kapiti forest.

[Photo., Tj. Cockayne.

No. 2. Plant of the liane, Metrosideros scandens, growing in the open, and having assumed a shrubby habit.

[Photo., L. Cockayne.

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The small pond at the north end of the island amongst the rocks close to the shore is a mere waterhole, but it contains the well-known aquatic plants Myriophyllum elatinoides and the pond-weed Potamogeton cheesemanii. (f.) Tokomapuna Island. This small island is covered with an abundant vegetation of coastal plants, which need not be specified. The most interesting feature is a natural hedge of Goprosma baueri (see Plate VII, 2), which fringes the shore in most places. This scrub is about 14 ft. tall, and comes right out on to the gravelly beach on the sheltered side of the island. In another part it is only 8 ft. tall, and has growing through it Linum monogynum and some MueMenbeokia complexa. Finally, where the wind catches it fully it is quite prostrate. Salicornia australis, Mesembrianthemum austrcde (Plate VII, 1), Linum monogynum, Apium prostratum, Poa anceps, Rhagodia nutans, Senecio lautus, Scirpus nodosus, and the scurvy-grass, Lepidium oleraceum acutidentatum, are common plants. This last I did not observe on Kapiti proper, it probably having been exterminated by the goats. D. Meadow Formations. The meadow of Kapiti is for the most part a modified formation which has originated through the intentional or accidental destruction of the forest. Probably natural meadow has always existed at the north end of the island, where forest growth could hardly establish itself in the presence of such frequent violent winds. The meadow is grazed over in the north by sheep, and in the south by the many hundreds of goats which roam over that part of the island. It consists chiefly of introduced grasses, the dominant plant being sweet-vernal (Anthoxanthum odoratum). In consequence of this the meadow is of the poorest quality for grazing. I examined especially the meadow at the head of the Taepiro Stream. Probably this was cleared of forest by fire long ago (see ante, re the xerophytic scrub). The whole valley, except for the shrubby formation of Nothopanax anomalum, is clothed wth a sward consisting of sweet-vernal (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), cats-ear (Hypochceris radicata), and the following indigenous plants : Acwna sanguisorbce in large quantity, Hydrocotyle asiatica, Carex ucida, Helichrysum flicaule, Nertera depressa, and Lagenophora forsteri. But most interesting is the great abundance of Plantago raoulii, which occupies many square yards in various parts, and is an interesting example of an indigenous plant in process of developing into a weed.* That it is able to do so is owing to its rapid development from seed, its habit of growth with leaves flattened to the ground, thus enabling it to choke out other competitors, and its low stature, which saves it from the wind. Probably also it is not relished by stock. The species of Lepidium before mentioned and Helichrysum filicaule are also abundant and increasing. E. Rock Formations. The coastal rock formations have already been dealt with; there still remain those of the forest and the open land. In connection with.these latter are the shingle-slips at the north end of the island. Rocks in the forest may be divided into wet and dry, but naturally between the two are all kinds of transitions. Wet rocks are chiefly seen in connection with the waterfalls in the gullies. Right in the drip of the water are principally luxuriant patches of mosses or liverworts, on some of which at times drops of water, glistening like emeralds, collect (see Plate IV, 1). In a similar situation Adiantum affine of large size is abundant, and with it is Epilobium linnwoides. Where the rock is drier is Peperomia endlicheri, Plantago raoulii, Aspidium richardi —but here the formation is quite open. On such rocks grow also Phormium cookianum, small Corynocarpus laevigata, Brachyglottis repanda, and plenty of Poa anceps. On some of the wet rocks a large thalloid liverwort (Monoclea) is very common and dripping with moisture. Olearia cunninghamii, Metrosideros scandens, Polypodium pustulatum, and Macropiper excelsum may also be present; indeed, there are few of the trees which in a more or less stunted condition cannot grow on the rocks of gullies. The rocky spurs, as shown before, are clad with manuka heath. Where much rock crops out of the ground and presents a more or less broken face it will be occupied by an open formation of small trees and shrubs, especially Leptospermum scoparium, Olearia forsteri, Styphelia fasciculata, and Veronica salicifolia var., while of smaller plants are the rather tall and suffruticose Euphrasia cuneata, Poa anceps, Lagenophora forsteri, Adiantum affine, Epilobium pubens, Ranunculus hirtus, Stellaria parviflora, and a good deal of Peperomia. I only saw the steep rocky slopes not far from the sea at the north end of the island, so can say nothing as to vegetation of rocks in the open, more inland. The above are dotted chiefly with Gassinia leptophyUa. Below them are the shingle-slips (see Plate VIII, 2). These have an open formation of Arundo conspicua and Gassinia leptophyUa, together with a good deal of Muehlenbeckia complexa; but they are frequently quite bare, and not nearly so thickly clothed with vegetation as the Cassinia-c\a,d rocks. Below the shingle-slip in some places the ground is covered with a dense growth of the milkthistle (Sttybum marianum), just as is similar ground near Paekakariki on the mainland.

* Cockayne, L.: " New Zealand Indigenous Plants as Weeds." (" Journal of Agricultural and Pastoral 4-\ssociation of Canterbury," Vol. vii, 1905, p. 115.)

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6. Affinities of the Kapiti Flora and its History. The flora of Kapiti consists of 218 species of flowering : plants, ferns, and fern-allies, 175 belonging to the first division and 43 to the second. If we put on one side the outlying islands —Stewart Island and those close to the mainland excepted —of the New Zealand biological region, the remainder may, in my opinion, be naturally divided into three botanical provinces. These are (a) the northern province, extending from the Three Kings Islands to latitude 38° S. ; (&) the central province, stretching from the southern boundary of the northern province to latitude 42° S. in the South Island ; (c) the southern province, comprising the remainder of the South Island and the whole of Stewart Island. From the above it may be seen that Cook Strait is no line of demarcation between the North and South Island plants. But these limits as just given are to some extent artificial : certain plants overstep the boundary-lines and penetrate for some distance south of the provinces to which they properly belong —as, for instance, some of the central province reach Banks Peninsula on the east and toj>eyond Hokitika on the west: all the same, such exceptions do not affect the general applicability or naturalness of the divisions. So far as the plants of Kapiti are concerned, 175 species are found in all three of the above provinces, 40 are confined to the central and northern provinces, 1 to the central and southern, and the distribution of 2is uncertain. As for the general distribution of the species, 116 are endemic, and the remainder occur in either Australia, South America, Malaya, Polynesia, or elsewhere, details being given in section 8. If we consider the formations of Kapiti, the forest is very closely related, so far as the species go, to that of southern Wellington, the arborescent plants being almost identical. Ecologically, however, it specially resembles the low forest on the steep slopes near the sea between Paekakariki and Paraparaumu, which, in fact, is only a few miles distant. With regard to the other islands of Cook Strait, I have only examined the flora of Stephen Island, and this has a very similar forest (Plate 111, 2), which, however, is much poorer in species, and, as may be seen from the photograph, of a more wind-swept habit. As for the forests of northern Marlborough, including D'Urville Island, they too have in large measure the same species as Kapiti. These facts taken in connection with the geological history of New Zealand are not without significance. According to Hutton* the North and South Islands of New Zealand were united during the early Pliocene period. This being the case, a continuous forest would stretch from the North to the South Island over what is now Cook Strait, Kapiti and Mana Islands rising up as mountains, with meadows and rocky ground above and forest below. But, according to Hutton, the land sank in the southern part of the North Island during the later Pliocene period,f and later still a considerable subsidence took place in the South Island. During this period of subsidence Kapiti would be gradually reduced in area, a hard struggle for existence would take place amongst its plants, those of the meadow-land would go to the wall, but sufficient space would be left for those of the forest to remain intact, though probably some of its species would be much reduced in number of individuals—as, e.g., the taxads —and others would vanish altogether. On this latter supposition may be explained the absence of a number of extremely common trees whose presence might well be expected, such as Dodonwa viscosa (the akeake), Hoheria sexstylosa (the lacebark), Plagianthus betulinus (the ribbonwood), Sophora microphylla (the kowhai), Myrtus bullata (the ramarama, a most common shrub of Wellington forests). In this connection the great rarity of Oordyline australis (cabbage-tree) on the island must be noted. According to the above view, then, the forest of Kapiti is a remnant of the ancient forest mass which occupied much of central New Zealand ages ago, and the species would be then differentiated just as we know them at present. On the other hand, it may be urged that the whole island would be submerged, or that there has never been land connection with either of the main islands. Leaving out of the question many points supplied by the general biology of New Zealand, is the fact that the wonderful animal Peripatus occurs in the Kapiti forest, while there are also earthworms common to the South Island. Also, had the island —an island of quite limited area —been colonised entirely by bird, current, or wind agency, it is hardly likely that such a very considerable percentage of the neighbouring forest-trees would have arrived, or that a formation almost identical with that on the adjoining coast should exist. Also, it is far more easy to account for the presence of a few individuals of certain species in the forest on the supposition that these are remnants of a larger band than to suppose they are new-comers, since such can only with the greatest difficulty gain a foothold in a closed primeval forest formation where there are no grazing animals to disturb the condition of affairs. Even now in mountain-meadows of New Zealand —spots much more suited for plant immigrants than forests, where sheep are not depastured —there are no introduced plants of any kind, notwithstanding the enormous colonising-power of these latter. One matter of interest cannot be overlooked —namely, the presence on Kapiti of the South Island robin and not of the North Island species. The idea of a later connection with the South Island than the North must be at once dismissed by the fact that the sea is more shallow between Kapiti and the North Island than it is between it and the neighbouring portion of the South Island, the depths being 30 fathoms on the one hand and 80 and 86 on the other, while even close to the western cliffs of Kapiti the depth of 51 fathoms is reached. Now, this robin must be looked upon either as having come from the South Island after the separation of Kapiti, or as being there at the time of the connection with the North Island. But in the former case we must admit the feasibility of a bird of short flight, and a denizen of the dense forest, crossing a considerable stretch of water, aby no means likely proceeding. On the other hand, it

* " The Geological History of New Zealand " (Trans. N.Z. Inst., Vol. xxxii, p. 177 ; 1900). •f IjOC. cit, p. 182.

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Plate VII.

No. 1. Rocky ground, Tokomapuna Island, covered with Mesembryanthemum australe (in bloom) mixed with Muehlenbeckia complexa. Stems of Coprosma baueri in right-hand corner.

[Photo., L. Cockayne.

No. 2. Natural hedge of Coprosma baueri on shingle beach of Tokomapuna Island, a small islet off Kapiti.

[Photo., L. Cockayne.

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Plate VIII.

No. 1. Rocks on shore at north end of Kapiti. Coprosma baueri on them.

[Photo., L. Cockayne.

No. 2. Shingle-slip on slope at north end of Kapiti, with open formation of Arundo conspicua and cassinia leptophylla.

[Photo., L. Cockayne

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seems equally difficult to account for the absence of the North Island species; but it can possibly be explained either on the supposition that it was a bird of the extreme north of New Zealand and had not reached Kapiti at the time of the land connection with the South Island, or —which is the more reasonable view—that the South Island robin (Petroeca albifrons) is the parent species from which the North Island robin (P. longipes) was evolved after the separation of the North and South Islands. 7. Kapiti as a Plant and Animal Sanctuary. Kapiti, as shown earlier on, although of limited extent, is so cut into by deep and precipitous gullies (Plate II) that much of its surface is extremely difficult of access. Now, this is a condition of extreme importance with regard to its function as a sanctuary for its plant and animal inhabitants, since it puts them out of the way of the human intruder. Also, the trees are usually such as bear abundant succulent fruit, a plentiful food-supply being thus afforded for the birds at different seasons. These birds are very numerous, and extremely tame for the most part. The pigeon (Garpophaga novw-zelandice), now extinct in many parts of the colony, is present in great numbers, and so fearless of man are these beautiful birds that they perch on the trees at the forest's outskirts quite close to the Caretaker's dwelling, and at only a few feet above the ground. Everywhere one goes can be heard the songs of the tui (Prosthemadera novce-zelandiw) and the makomako (Anthornis mdanura). The South Island robin (Petroeca albifrons), tamest and friendliest of birds, is quite common. The whitehead (Orthonyx albicilla), reported by Buller as extinct on the mainland, is by no means rare. In short, most of the original birds of southern Wellington are present, and in as great abundance as in a primeval New Zealand forest. Nor is the avifauna the only source of zoological interest. The more lowly animals, whose existence depends entirely upon the presence of the forest, are of just as much interest to science as their vertebrate relatives, and some, such as Peripatus, which is quite common, in its way is every whit as important as the tuatara or the kiwi. Among the stones of the coast are hosts of lizards. The long-eared bat is abundant. Mutton-birds breed at two places on the the high cliffs, and near the shore is the nesting-place of the little blue penguin. As for the plants, what has gone before, and the list at the end of this report, show that Kapiti contains much of interest, and is indeed a very valuable natural botanical museum. All that now remains is to carry out the purpose of the sanctuary with scrupulous exactitude. The greatest caution should be observed in allowing visitors to land on the island. The merely curious have no business there. It is no place on which to picnic. Only those really interested in animal and plant life should be permitted to land, and they should be compelled to exercise every care not to destroy anything or to disturb the birds in any way. But before the sanctuary can be kept actually inviolate it is absolutely necessary that the whole island should be acquired by the Government. So long as the northern end, and especially that portion in the south, remain in the hands of its Native owners it is quite impossible for the Caretaker, however vigilant he may be, to keep away intruders. The animals foreign to the island should be destroyed. Up to the present it is quite astonishing how very little damage the goats have done to the forest. But there can be no doubt that as their numbers increased this would not be the case; and even as it is, some of the bareness of the forest-floor must be attributed to these animals, the sheep, and the cattle. The cats also, the enemy most deadly, next to stoats and weasels, to bird-life, must be destroyed. The Californian quail also should be attacked, and if any opossums are present they should most certainly be exterminated. On the other hand, such native forest birds as are not at present on Kapiti should be introduced. The Chatham Island pigeon and bell-bird, the endemic species of the New Zealand subantarctic islands, the huia, and the flightless birds of various kinds should all find there a sanctuary. As for the plants, I can see no reason why as complete a collection of the New Zealand forest plants as possible should not be planted in the sheltered valley towards the north of the island when this is finally acquired from its Native owners. Of course, the present forest should not be interfered with ; a plant formation is as much a natural object as is a species. But where I have suggested no harm could result, and the climate is mild enough for the trees of northern Auckland, while the more hardy would thrive equally well, and finally a most interesting and valuable addition to the natural museum of Kapiti would be established.

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8. List of the Indigenous Pteridophytes and Spermaphyttes.

32

Explanation of Aβ tBBEVIATIONS USED. N. = Northern botanical province of New province of New Zealand. End. = End subantarctic (one or both). Pol. = Pol; in temp. (= temperate) or trop. (= troj Zealand. C. = Central lemic. Aus. = Austral ynesian. Mai. = Mala; pioal) lands. .1 botanical province of New Zealand. S. = Southern botanical lian and Tasmanian (one or both). S.A. = South American and -yan and South Asian (one, or both). Cos. = Generally distributed Distribution. Name of Species and Natural Orders. Maori Name. English Name. Be Sand eW Within New Zealand, 7,a a \a.r\ri or Endemic. On Kapitt. Ptbbidophyta. Salviniacece. Azolla rubra, R. Br. Red azolla Aus. N., C, S. Swamp. Filices. Hymenophylhim demissum (Forst. f.), Sw. ,, flabellatum, Lab. „ tunbridgense, 8m. Trichomanes reniforme, Forst. f. Cyathcea dealbata (Forst. 1), Sw... Irirangi .. Drooping filmy fern Fan-leaved filmy fern Tunbridge-fern Kidney-fern Silver tree-fern Pol., Mai. Aus., Mai. Cos. End. Lord Howe Is. Upper forest. Raurenga Ponga >> ,, medullaris (Forst. f.), Sw. Hemitelia smiihii (Hook, f.), Hook. Dicksonia squarrosa (Forst. f.), Sw. „ fibrosa, Col. Leptolepia novas-zdandiee (Col.), Mett. Adiantum affine, Willd. Mamaku Neincikura Wheki .. Weki-ponga Black tree-fern Pale-leaved tree-fern Slender tree-fern .. Stout tree-fern Forest, manuka heath. Forest. Upper forest. Aus., Pol. End. Common maidenhair Aus. Forest. Forest, dry and wet rocks, manuka heath. Forest. „ fulvum, Raoul Brown - stemmed maidenhair Thin-leaved < hypolepis Round-leaved fern.. Common bracken .. Rough bracken Trembling bracken Aus., Norfolk Is., Fiji. Aus., Pol., Mai. Norfolk Is. Aus., S.A. End. Aus., Norfolk Is., Lord Howe Is., Fiji End. Aus., S.A., Cos. trop. Aus., Norfolk Is. Aus., Pol. N., C. .. Hypolepis tenuifolium (Forst. f.), Bernh. .. N., C, S. PMma rotundifolia (Forst. f.), Hook. Pteridium esculentum (Hook, f.) Pteris scaberula, A. Rich. ,, tremnla, R. Br. .. Rau-aruhe Matata .. Tarawera Forest cliffs. Heaths, rocks. Forest. N., C. .. „ macilenta, A. Rich. „ incisa, Thunb. Thin bracken Cut-leaved bracken N."c, S. Matata .. Lomaria discolor (Forst. f.), Willd. Petipeti .. Common hard fern.. ,, „ lanceolata, Spreng. Rereti Lance-leaved hard fern Creek fern Climbing hard fern „ fluviatilis, Spreng. „ flijormis, A. Cunn. Kiwikiwi Aus. Fiji N., C. .. Forest, manuka heath. „ mpensis (L.), Willd. Kiokio .. Long hard fern Aus., Mai., Pol, S.A., &c. N., C, S. Swamp. Asplenium falcatum, Lam. Lance-leaved spleenwort Aus., Pol. (Asia and Africa trop.) Aus., Pol., S.A. Aus., Pol., Norfolk Is., L. Howe Is. Aus. (?) .. Forest. „ obtusatum, Forst. f. .. Panako .. Shore spleenwort .. Coastal cliffs. „ lucidum, Forst. f. Panako .. Shining spleenwort Coastal cliffs, forest. „ hookerianum, Col. Maidenhair spleenwort Forest. „ bvlbiferum, Forst. f. .. Mauku .. Common spleenwort Aus., Cos. trop. Aus., Pol. Aus., S.A. Fiji Aus., Pol., S. Africa, S.A., &c. End. Aus., S.A., Cos. trop. End. >» „ jlaccidum, Forst. f. .. Aspidium vestitum (Forst. f.), Sw. ,, richardi, Hook. ,, capense, Willd. Raukatauri Puniu Pipiko Drooping spleenwort Prickly shield fern Black shield fern .. Climbing shield fern Coastal rocks. Upper forest. Forest. Nephrodium velutinum (A. Rich.), Hook. f. Polypodium punctatum, Thunb. Velvet boss fern Hairy polypody N., C. .. N., C, S. „ pennigerum, Forst. f. Piupiu Feather-leaved polypody Tender polypody .. „ tenellum, Forst. f. .. Aus., Norfolk Is., New Caledonia Aus., Pol., Njorfolk Is. N., C. .. »> „ serpens, Forst. f. .. Creeping polypody N., C, S. Forest, rocks.

G:-a

8. List of the Indigenous Pteridophytes and Spermaphtes— continued.

3—C. 8.

33

fcril tion. Name of Species and Natural Orders. I Maori Name. English Name. or Endemic. Zealand - On Kapiti. Ptbkidophyta— continued. Filices —continued. Polypodium pustulatum, Forst. f. Scented fern Aus., Norfolk Is. Ditto End. Cos. N., C, S. Forest. ,, billardieri, R. Br. Todcea hymenophylloides, A. Rich. Ophioglossum vidgatum, L. Paraharaha Tukura Climbing polypody Filmy todeea Adder's tongue Forest, rocks. Upper forest. Peaty ground among rocks Spermaphyta. Taxacece. Podocarpus ferrugineus, Don. Miro .. End. • Upper forest (rare). Ditto. „ spicatus, R. Br. Matai Black pine »♦ TyphaceiB. Typha angustifolia, L., var. muelleri (Rohrb.) Raupo Bulrush Aus. »> Swamp. Pandanacece. Freycinetia banksii, A. Cunn. Kiekie Native screw-pine .. End. Forest. Potamogetonaceai. Potamogeton cheesemannii, A. Benn. Manihi Common New Zealand pondweed Tassel pondweed .. Aus. Pond of fresh water. Muppia maritima, L. .. .... Cos. Lagoon. Schenzeriacece. Triglochin striata, Ruiz, and Pav., var. filifolia, Buchen. Southern arrow-grass Aus., S.A. Salt meadow. Oraminece. Spimifex hirsutus, Labill. Puarere Sand-grass Aus., New Caledonia Aus., S.A. Aus. N., C. .. Sandy shore. Hierochloe redolens (Forst. f.), R. Br. Echinopogon ovatus (Forst. f.), Beauv. Dichdachne crinita (Forst. f.j, Hook. f. .. Karetu Holy-grass Rough bearded grass Long-haired plume - grass Purple - awned oat - grass New Zealand oat - N., p., «. Swamp. Coastal heath. Rocks, coastal heath. Meadow, rocks, coastal heath. Meadow, coastal rocks and heath. Meadow, swamp, stony coast. Forest, rocks, coastal cliff, heath, xerophytic scrub Coastal rocks. Danthonia pilosa, R. Br. „ semiannvlaris, R. Br. >) . • grass Arundo conspictta, Forst. f. Toetoe-kakaho NewZealand reed .. End. Poa anceps, Forst. f. (the type) Nodding plumed poa >> • • N., C. .. Agropyrum scabrurn (R. Br.), Beauv. Blue grass Aus. N., C, S. Cyperacece. Mariseus ustvlatus, A. Rich. (C. B. Clarke) I Toetoe-upoto-tangata I Tall cyperus End. >> Swamp, stony coast. Eleocharis cunninghamii, Boeck. Scirpus filiformis, Savi. Australian spike-rush Drooping club-rush End. Cos. Swamp. Moist ground, coastal. „ inundatus (R. Br.), Poir. „ nodosus (R. Br.), Rottb. „ americanus, Pers. Wiwi Water club-rush .. Stiff bulrush Three-square Aus., Mai., S.A. Aus., S.A., S. Africa, Norfolk Is.. L. Howe Is Aus., S.A., N. America, S. Europe Aus., North America End. Swamp. Stony shore, coastal terrace and rocks. Lagoon. „ robustue, Pursh. .. .. Ririwaka.. Salt-marsh bulrush Qahnia eetifolia (A. Rich.), Hook. f. .. ! Uncinia australis, Pers. Toetoe-kiwi Matau-a-Maui Broad-leaved uneinia N., C. .. N., C, S. Forest. Forest, manuka, heath. Forest. „ riparia, R. Br. Carex virgata, Sol. „. secta, Boott .. .. .. ,, ternaria, Forst. f. .. .. „ lucida, Boott (form with culms elongating in fruit) Rautahi Mania Narrow - leaved uncinia Smaller swamp-sedge Niggerhead Cutting-grass Shining sedge Aus. End. •>> Swamp. »» • • *s • • Stony terrace near sea, meadow. Palmce. Rhopalostylis sapida (Sri.), Wendl and Drude Nikau Nikau-palm N., C. .. Forest. Lemnacecc Duckweed Cos. N., C, S. Swamp. hemna minor, L.

0.-8.

8. List of the Indigenous Pteridophytes and Spermaphytes— continued.

34

Distribution. Maori Name. English Name. Name of Species and Natural Orders. Beyond New w , tw v Zealand, Zealand or Endemic. On Kapiti. Sperm afhyta— continued. Juncacece. Juncus effusus, L. ,, lampocarpus, Ehr. Common rusli Cos. North temp, region Aus. End. N., C, S. Swamp. Luzula eampestris, L., var. Wood-rush Distr.(?)C. (N., S.)? Coastal rocks. Liliacece. Rhipogonum scandens, Forst. Cordyline australis* (Forst. f.), Hook, i . . Astelia cunninghamii, Hook, f. .. „ solandri, A. Cunn. „ nervosa, Banks and Sol. Phorrnium cookianum, Le Jolis .. Arthropodium candidum, Raoul .. Kareao .. Ti-kauka.. Kowharawhara Kahakaha Supplejack Cabbage-tree N., C, S. Forest. Station (?) Upper forest. Forest. Cliffs, coastal. Peaty ground near sea. N., C. .. Bush flax New Zealand flax .. ,, • • N."c, S. Wharariki Repehina-papa >> * * t> »» • • »» Iridacece. Libertia grandiflora, Sweet. Large-flowered liber - tia Forest. Orchidacece. Eariiui autumnalis (Forst. f.), Hook. f. Thelymitra longifolia, Forst. Microtis porrifolia, R. Br. Pterostylis banksii, R. Br. Raupeka Makaika .. Fragrant earina Common thelymitra Onion-leaved orchid Common hyoded orchid Aus. >> Forest, rocks, heath. Forest meadow Meadow. Forest. End, '> Acianthus sinclairii, Hook, f. .. Corysanthes triloba, Hook. f. N., C. .. N., C, S. ,» PiperacecB. Macropiper excelsum ( Forst. f.), Miq. Kawakawa The tall pepper-tree Pol., Norfolk Is., L. Howe Is. Norfolk Is., L. Howe Is. N., C. .. Peperomia endlicheri, Miq. N., C. .. Forest, coastal rocks. M oracece. Paratrophis banksii, Cheesem. Large-leaved milktree End. Coastal forest. Urticacece. Vrtica ferox, Forst. t. .. Ongaonga True nettle >» • • N., C, S. Proteacece. Knightia excelsa, R. Br. Re ware wa New Zealand honeysuckle End. N., C. .. Forest. Loranthacece. Tupeia antarctica (Forst. f.), Cham, and Schlch. Pirita Antarctic mistletoe >> • • N., C, S. M Polygonace.cz. Polygonum serrulatum, Lag. Tutunawai Water persicaria .. Aus., S. Europe, Asia, Africa Norfolk Is. N., C. .. Swamp. Muehlenbeckia australis (A. Rich.), Meissn. N., C, S. Forest. „ complexa (A. Cunn.), Meissn. Pohuehue End. Stony ground, coastal. Chenopodiacece. Rhagodia nutans, R. Br. Salicornia australis, Sol. Southern glasswort Aus. N., C. .. N., C, S. Coastal rocks. ,, Aizoacece. Mesembrianthemum australe, Sol. Horokaka Ice-plant.. Aus., Norfolk Is., Lord Howe Is. Coastal cliffs. Caryophyllacece. Stdlaria parviflora, Banks and Sol. Small-flowered chickweed End. Forest. Oolobanthus muelleri. Kirk Tissa media (L.), Dumort. Cos. Coastal rocks. Salt - marsh sand - »> Sderanthus bipyrus (Forst.), Hook. f. Kohukohu spurry Aus. Stony ground, coastal. Ranunculacece. Clematis indivisa, Willd. Puawhanganga Native clematis End. Forest, manuka heath. Manuka and coastal heath Forest. „ colensoi, Hook. f. Yellow clematis »> • * C, S. .. ,, hexasepala, B.C. Pikiarero.. Smaller white cle - niatis Common New Zea - land buttercup N., C, S. Ranunculus hirtus, Banks and Sol. Maruru .. Aus. .. I Forest, heath. lave not seen this m; ■self on the island, but I am informed by Mr. Newaon that it occurs at the southern end.

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8. List of the Indigenous Pteridophytes and Spermaphytes— continued.

35

Maori Name. Distribution. Name of Species and Natural Orders. English Name. or Endemic. ) Zea l an d. On Eapitt. Spermaphyta— continued. Ranunculacem —continued. Hanunculue 7nacropus, Hook. i. ,, rivularu, Banks and Sol. „ acaulis, Banks and Sol. Raoriki .. Waoriki .. Swamp- buttercup Water-buttercup .. Shore-buttercup .. End. Auk. S.A. N., C, S. Swamp. Magnoliacew. Drimys axillaris, Forst. Horopito End. >> N., C. .. Wet ground near sea, upper shore. Upper foiest. Pepper-tree Monimiacem. Hedycarya arborea, Forst. Atherosperma novas- zelandice (A. Cunn.), Hook. f. Porokaiwhiri Pukatea .. t* • • N., Q, S. N., C. .. Forest. Lawracea. Beilsckmiedea tavxi (A. Cunn.), Benth. and Hook. Tftwa Cruciferce. Cardamine hirsuta, L. .. Lepidium oleraceum, Forst. f., vex, acutidentatum, Kirk Lepidium, sp... Panapana Hairy bitter-cress .. Scurvy-grass Cos. temp. End. N., C, S. Forest, coast. Tokomapur i Island Stony shore, meadow. ,. (■>■) ■ ■ Distr. (?) Crass ulacem. C'rassida sieberiana (Schultz), Schonl. A us. N., C, S. Stony shore, coastal cliffs Saxifragaceae. Carpodetus serratus, Forst. Putajiutawheta New Zealand hawthorn End. » Upper forest. PitlosporacecePittosporum tenuifolium, Banks and Sol. .. ,, eugenioides, A. Cunn. Kolmhu .. Tarata .. Lemonwood Forest . >» • • Cunoniacece. Weinmannia racemosa, L. f. Towai Upper forest. Rosacem. Rnbus australis, Forst. f. Tataramoa Lawyer Forest, manuka heath, Meadow, forest, Acwna sanguisorbas, Vahl. Piripiri Common burr Aus., Tristan d'Acunha Geraniacece. Geranium microphyllum, Hook, f. Small-leaved crane'sbill Short - flowered crane's-bill End. N., C, S. Meadow. ,, seseiliflorum, Car. Aus., S.A. J» O.ndidacem. Oxalis corniculata, L. .. Creeping yellow woodsorrel Cos. Coastal meadow. Litiacece. l.i mi m monogynvm, Font. f. Matamatahuia White flax End. Coastal cliffs. Jtutacece. Melicope ternata, Forst. Wharangi N., C. .. Forest. Mdiaceae. Dysoxylum spectabile (Forst. t), Hook. f. .. Kohekohe New Zealand cedar i> • • Coriariacece. Coriaria ruscifolia, L. .. Tutu S.A. N., C, S. »» Corynocarpacece. Corynocarpus laevigata, Forst. Karaka .. New Zealand laurel End. N., C. .. Icacinacece. Pennantia corymbom, Forst. Kaikomako N., C, S. Sapindacece. Alectryon excelsum, Gaertn. Titoki .. New Zealand ash .. ,» • • N., C. .. ,» Rhamnacem. Discaria toumatou, Raoul Tumatukuru Wild Irishman N., C, S. Coastal, stony Elceocarpacece. Aristotdia racemosa (A. Cunn.), Hook. f. .. Makomako Wineberry Forest. Violacece. Melicytus ramifiorus, Forst. Ma'hoe Whitewood Norfolk Is., Pol. »» Passifloraceoe. Teirapathcea australis, Raou] Akakaimanu New Zealand passionflower End. N., C. . .

36

C—B

8. List of the Indigenous Pteridophytes and Spermaphytes— continued.

Name of Species and Natural Orders. Maori Name. English Name. Beyond New Zealand, or Endemic. Within Now Zealand. Distribution. On Kapiti. Spebmaphyta— continued. Thymelceacece. Pimelea laevigata, Gaertn., var. .. N.. C, vS. Stony shore. Creeping pirnelfa . . End. Myrtacece, Leptospermnm scoparium, Forst. ,, ericoides, A. Rich. Metrosideroa jlorida, Sm. Manuka .. 'Kanuka .. Aka Tea-tree Tree manuka ,arge-loaved climbing rata White climbing rata North Island rata Small-leaved climbing rata Aus. End. Heath. Heath, forost. Forest. N., C. . . „ hypericifolia, A. Cunn. ,, robusta, A. Cunn. .. ,, scandens, Sol. N., 0., S. N., C. .. Rata Aka »» ■ • Onagracem. EpUobium ■pallidiflorum, Sol. Large white willowherb Pale-leaved willowherb Red-stemmed wil-low-herb Narrow-leaved wil-low-herb Soft-leaved willowherb Round-leaved wil-low-herb Forest willow-herb Wrinkled willowherb Aus. N., C, S. Swamp. „ chionanthum, Hausskn. End. „ biUardierianum, Ser. .. Aus. „ junccuni, Sol. »» Meadow, heath „ pubens, A. Rich. Rocks in forest „ rotundifolium, Forst. f. End. Forest. „ linnceoides, Hook. f. .. „ nerterioides, A. Cunn. Stony shore and neigh - bourhood. Forest. „ nammidarifolium, R. Cunn. Creeping willow-herb >> • * Halorrhagacece. Halorrhagis erecta (Mnrr.), Schind. Myriophyllum elatinoides, Gaud. Toatoa Tall haloragis Common water-milfoil Aus. Aus., S.A. Coastal heath. Pond. A raliacece. Nothopanax edgerhyi (Hook, f.), Harms. ,, arboreum (Forst. f.), Seem. .. anornalum (Hook.), Seem. Raukawa Whauwhaupaku Edgerley's panax .. Ivy-tree Shrubby panax End. Upper forest. Forest. Xerophytic scrub. Forest. Schefflera digitnta, Forst. .. Pseitdopanax efassifolium (Sol.), C. Koch . . Pate Horoeka .. Native fig Lancewood Umbelliferm. Hydrocotyk novce-zelandice, Hook, f New Zealand marshpennywort Coastal. ,, moscluita, Forst. f. .. „ americana, L. American mars hpennywort S.A. and North America Cos. temp. andsubtrop. Aus., S.A. Forost. Coastal heath, forest. ,, asiatica, L. Asiatic marsh-penny-wort New Zealand celery Common crantzia .. Swamp. Apium prostratum, Labill. Crantzia lineata, Nntt. Coastal rocks. Wet ground near coast. Coastal rocks. Angelica genicidata (Forst. f.), Hook. f. .. * Climbing angelica .. End. Cornacece. Griselinia littoralis, Raoul „ lucida., Forst. f. Kapuka .. Puka Broadleaf Large broadleaf N., C. .. Upper forest. Forest. EpacridacecE. Styphelia faseiculata (Forst. f.), A. Rich. . . „ frazeri (A. Cunn.) Mingimingi Tall bearded heath Dwarf heath Aus. N., C. S. Manuka heath. Stony coast. Myrsinacem. Rapanm urvilUi (D.C.), Mez. ,, salicina (Hook, f.), Mez. Mapou Toro Red matipo Long-leaved matipo End. N., C. .. Forest. Primidacece. Samolus repena (Forst.), Pers., var. procumbens, R. Knuth. New Zealand waterpimpernel Aus., S.A. N., C, S. Wet ground near shore. Oleacem. Olea montana, Hook. f... Oro-oro .. Narrow-leaved maire End. N., C. .. Forest (rare). Loganiacem. Genioetoma ligustrifolia, A. Cunn. Hangehange New Zealand privet *» ■ • Forest (not common).

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8. List of the Indigenous Pteridophytes and Spermaphytes— continued.

37

lisl tril ion. Name of Species and Natural Orders. Maori Name. English Name. Beyond New mm N On Kapiti. i Spbbmaphyta— continued. Apocynaeece. Parsonsia heterophylla, A. Cunn... Kaiku New Zealand jasmine End. N., C, S. Xerophytic scrub. Convolvulacece. Calystegia tnguriorum (Forst. t), R. Br. .. eoldandla (L.), R. Br. Dichondra repens, Forst. Powhiwhi Native convolvulus Sand bindweed Creeping dichondra Cos. temp. Cos. trop. and subtrop. End. Forest. Shore. Peaty ground near shore. Boraginacece. Myosotis antarctica, Hook. f. Small - flowered for-get-me-not Ditto SolanacecB. Solanum aviculare, Forst. f. Poroporo Common solanum Aus., Norfolk Is. Forest. Scrophulariaceoz. Veronica saHcifolia, Forst. f. Koromiko Common veronica End. Manuka heath, rocks. Rocks in forest Euphrasia cuneata, Forst. f. Tutumako Tall eye-bright N., C. .. Myoporaceoz. Myoporum latum, Forst. f. Ngaio .. N., C, 8. Coastal forest, forest. Plantaginacece. Plantago raoulii, Dene... Common New Zealand plantain Meadow, forest Rubiacem. Coprosma grandifolia, Hook, f. .. Kanono Large - leaved co - prosma Coastal coprosma .. N., C. .. Forest. „ baueri, Endl. Naupata Norfolk Is. Coast rocks and forest. Forest. ,, robusta, Raoul „ areolata, Cheesem. ,, rhamnoides, A. Cunn. Karamu Glossy coprosma .. End. N., C, S. Red-fruited coprosma Forest, manuka heath. Coastal, on shingle. „ (?) propinqua, A. Cunn. Mingimingi Common coprosma Gampanulacece. Lobelia aitceps, L. f. Common New Zea - land lobelia Costa!, on wet banks. Ooodeniacece. Selliera radicans, Cav. .. Aus., S.A. Wet ground near sen. Compositce.. Lagenophora forsteri, D.C. Olearia cunninghamii, Hook, f. .. ,, forsteri, Hook. f. Papataniwhaniwha Heketara Akiraho Native daisy Forest daisy-tree .. Forster's daisy-tree End. N., C. .. N., C, S. Meadow. Forest. Forest, manuka heath. Coastal heath. Meadow. Coastal rocks, meadow. ,, solandri, Hook. f. Vittadinia australis, A. Rich. Onaphalium htteo-album, L. Coastal daisy-tree Aus. Cos. temp. and subtrop. Aus., Mai., E. Asia Aus. N., C. .. N., C, S. White cudweed )> „ japonicum, Thunb. .. Japanese cudweed Coastal heath, meadow. Peaty ground near sea. Rocks, m e a - dow. Coastal heath, rocks. Wet ground near coast. Meadow. „ cottinum, Lab. Silvery cudweed Helichrysum Hook. f. .. End. Gassinia leptophylia (Forst. f.), R. Br. Tauhinu-korokio .. Cottonwood N., C. .. Cotula coronopifolia, L. Swamp cotula S. temp, region Aus., Tristan d'Acunha End. N., C, S. „ australis, Hook. f. „ (?) perpusilla, Hook. f. Peaty ground near coast. Forest. Erechtites prenanthoides, A. Rich. (D.C.) Brachyglottis repanda, Forst. Senecio lautus, Forst. f. Taraxacum glabratum (Banks and Sol.), Comb. nov. Sonchus Uttoralis (Kirk), sp. nov. (=8. oleraceus, L., y littoralia, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst., vol. xxvi, p. 265, 1894) Pukapuka Common fireweed.. Wavy-leaved rangiora Coast groundsel New Zealand dandelion Rock sow-thistle .. Aus. End. Aus. End. N., C. .. N., C, S. Coastal rocks. Rocky ground near coast. Coastal rocks. Rauroroa 9> • •

C— 8.

9. Provisional List of Introduced Plants Graminew. Anthoxanthum odoratum, L. (sweet-vernal grass). Holcus lanatus, L. (Yorkshire fog). Dactylis glomerata, L. (cocksfoot). Poa annua, L. (annual meadow-grass). „ pratensis, L. (common meadow-grass). Hordeum murinum, L. (barley-grass). Amaryllidacece. Narcissus biflorus, Curt, (twin-flowered narcissus). Urticacece. Vrtica wrens, L. (small nettle). Polygonacece. Polygonum aviculare, L. (knotweed). Rumex obtusifolius, L. (common dock). „ crispus, L. (curled dock). „ acetosetta, L. (sorrel). Caryophyllacece. SUene gallica, L., var. quinquivulnera (spotted oatchfly). Cerastium glomeratum, Thuill. (mouse-ear). Stellaria media, Cyr. (chickweed.). Polycarpon tetraphyllum, L. (allseed). Ranunculacece. Ranunculus sardous, Crantz (hairy buttercup). „ parviflorus, L. (small-fiowered buttercup). Cruciferce. Capsella bursa-pastoris, Medic, (shepherds-purse). *Coronopus procumbens (Gilib.) Poir. (wart-cress). *Radicula nasturtium-aquaticum (L.), Britt. and Rend, (common watercress) Rosacece. Rubus fruticosus, L. (common blackberry). Leguminosw. Medicago maculata, Willd. (spotted medick). Trifolium repens, L. (white clover). Vicia sativa, L. (common vetch). Geraniacece. Geranium moUe, L. (doves-foot, crane's-bill). Euphorbiacew. Euphorbia peplus, L. (milkweed). Primulacece. Anagallis arvensis, L. (pimpernel). Apocynacece. Vinca major, L. (periwinkle). Labiatm. Mentha viridis, L. (spearmint). Marrumbium vulgare, L. (horehound).

*G. procumbens = Senebiera coronopus, Poir.; and Radicula nasturtium-aquaticum = Nasturtium officinale, R. Br, These changes are taken from "List of British Seed Plants and Ferns," Department of Botany, British Museum London, 1907, and they have been made in accordance with the "International Rules for Botanical Nomenclature,' 1 as adopted by the Vienna Congress of 1905.

38

α-e.

Scrophulariacece. Veronica arvensis, L. (corn-speedwell). Plantaginacece. Plantago major, L. (greater plantain). „ lanceolata, L. (ribgrass). Compositce. Erigeron canadensis, L. (Canadian fleabane). Senecio sylvaticus, L. (wood-groundsel). „ mikanioides, Otto, (climbing-groundsel). Carduus lanceolatus, L. (common thistle). SUybum marianum, Gaetn. (milk-thistle). Hypocharis radicata, L. (cats-ear). Taraxacum officinale, Weber, (dandelion). Sonchus arvensis, L. (sow-thistle). Approximate Co*t of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,850 copies). £24 4s.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o7.

Price Is.]

39

• PLATE IX.)

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MAP TO ACCOMPANY REPORT ON BOTANICAL SURVEY OF KAPITI ISLAND.