THE FLORA OF THE COLONY

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6437, 17 March 1899, Page 1

THE FLORA OF THE COLONY

At a meeting of the Council of the Auckland Institute, a communication was laid before the meeting by Mr Cheeaeman, the curator, that the general Avork on tlie plants of the colony, on which the late Mr Kirk had been engaged, had been 'left in an unfinished state, ancl f*ir Joseph Hooker andothor eminent botanists recommended that tho task of completing it should be entrusted to him. Be had been in correspondence with Sir James Hector on the subject, and it AVas probable that an arrangement would be made, although possibly not for some mouths to come. He asked to be relieved from part of his duties at the Institute for a time in order to undertake the work. The request was acceded to, as tlje preparation of such a book was a matter of public utility. Mr Cheeseman also asked for leave of absence for May and June next, as he had been pressed by several leading English botanists to make a botanical exploration of Rarotonga, a Aifork which had never yet been done, and which might yield results of scientific importance. This request also was granted.