Page:Rambles on the Golden Coast of New Zealand.djvu/220



ISTRIBUTED through this volume are four pages of specimens of ferns, gathered promiscuously on the coast. Opposite page 12 will be found at the foot of the page a specimen of the Lomaria lanceolata; next, above, fan shaped, the Tricomanes reniforme; at the top, central, the Lycopodium prostatum; on the right, the Hymenophyllum flabellum; and on the left, the Hymenophyllum scabrum. Opposite page 32 are small specimens of the Lomaria procera, the Davallia Novae Zealandiae, and the Hymenophyllum rillosum—the latter on the right, and the two former on the left, side of the page. In the centre is the Todea hymenophylloides, and at the foot, centre, is the Hypolepis tenuifolia. Opposite page 44, on the top, are two small specimens of West Coast moss; in the centre, the Asplenium bulbiferum; on the right, the Lomaria alpina; on the left, the Asplenium flaccidum. Opposite page 174 are specimens of the Polypodium Cunninghamii, and at the top that of the Polystichum capense.

There are said to be about 300 different varieties of ferns in New Zealand, and 70 to 80 different varieties on the West Coast. Some varieties are to be found only in the Grey district, such as the Asplenium lucidum, the Cyathea medullaris, and the Pteris macilenta. These are not to be found either to the north or south, while others again, not to be met with in the Grey district, are in abundance on the banks of the rivers from the most northern point of the coast to the sounds in the south.

Several cases of roots of ferns are shipped every year to the neighbouring Colonies, and some have been ordered for England and America, where they have reached in good order. Mr F. J. Barker, nurseryman and florist, Arahura Nursery, near Hokitika, makes a specialty of preparing assorted cases for shipment and Mr Wells, toll collector at the Otira Gorge on the Christchurch road, disposes of a great many fern books containing numerous and well selected varieties, to tourists and others who come to view the wonderful scenery between the East and West Coasts.

Mr James Tait, of Hokitika, sent an excellent case of ferns—growing plants—to the Sydney International Exhibition, for which he was awarded a prize medal and certificate. He has also prepared a number of views, composed entirely of ferns and mosses, representing New Zealand scenery. Mr W. G. Johnston, of the same place, had on view, at the Melbourne Exhibition, some exceedingly artistic fern and moss work of this kind, which was the admiration of all who visited the New Zealand Court.