Page:Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute - Volume 1 (2nd ed.).djvu/194

160 patches of Dracophyllum and other heaths, many beautiful Veronicas, and a great variety of composite plants, principally Celmisias, Senecios, and Cassinias. It is comparatively narrow on the western slope, where it ranges from 4,200 to 5,500 feet; but on the opposite side of the mountains it expands so as to embrace from 3,500 to 6,000 feet, its lower limit conforming to the winter snow line of the region, which, in accordance with meteorological laws, declines in altitude as we advance from the western sea-board into the interior of the island, while on the other hand the summer snow line rises in elevation.

It is in this zone of the western ranges that the large species of Ranunculus, with their magnificent peltate leaves and flowers, form such a striking object in the alpine landscape (R. lyallii and R. traversii).

D2.—Where the open country of the eastern plains rises above an altitude of 3,000 feet, there also Snow-grass, Veronicas, Celmisias, and other plants characteristic of this zone displace. the more nutritious pasturage of the lower grounds.

Zone E—is the alpine region, which for a great part of every year is completely covered with snow, and where, in consequence, all the flowering plants (of which there are many species of great beauty) that form wood are nearly stemless, and in most cases are aggregated in the form of hard, hassock-like patches, in consequence of the slipping action of the snow on the sides of the mountains, forming what are known as patch plants.

This zone ranges from 6,000 feet upwards, the highest plants having been obtained at a little over 8,000 feet, but which, however, is probably not the extreme limit of vegetation in this latitude.