REVIEW.

Otago Witness, Issue 1205, 2 January 1875, Page 3

REVIEW.

Colonial Experienoes. By Alexander « ((Bathgate, We have not yet had an opportunity of reviewing this book, which has been published at home, but we present our readers with the following favourable notice of it which appears in the Scotsman :—: — Anybody who may be desirous of getting an idea of the real state of matters in New Zealand, cannot do better than read Mr Batb gate's pleasant, chatty, unpretending Colonial Experiences. Mr Bathgate is not only a shrewd observer — he knows how to record his impressions in a readable form. Without pursuing any formal plan, he gives nearly 300 pages of anecdote and description about New Zealand, its climate, its, scenery, its inhabitants, und its institutions, a careful perusal of which should make any person really well informed as to the condition of the colony. Then, while thus imparting valuable Knowledge, our author never puts on any of the airs of the pedagogue — he writes to amuse as well as to instruct, and if his style is occasionally lacking in finish, it is always vivacious and clear. Then follow some anecdotes from the book about the old days in the Provincial Council. "With respect to the industries, the amusements, the habits, and customs of the colonists, our author supplies much information. He has a good deal to say about the gold-diggers, and some of their 'yarns,' as retailed by him at second-hand, have a savour of the marvellous. Farming operations generally are carried on in the face of slighter natural and climatic obstacles than British agriculturists have to contend with ; but there is one rather singular affection which is liable to befall the grazier : — "In the southern part of the Province (Otago) flock-owners have sometimes to contend with a poisonous plant called the tutu (coriaria ruscifolia), commonly pronounced toot. It, however, is quite local, and is the only enemy which does much harm to the flocks. The properties of the plant are very strange, and it may yet prove to be of commercial value aa a medical herb. To cattle reared where it grows it is innocuous, and proves fattening fodder ; but if a hungry bullock unaccustomed to its use should browse upon its tempting leaves, it will soon be seized with a species of mania, causing it to career and tumble about with violent paroxysm, till the poor brute falls exhausted and dies. If attended to in time, the animay be cured, bleeding being often a remedy. Sheep do not seem to become so thoroughly accustomed to the use ot it as cattle, and those feeding amongst it, on being dogged or driven, are apt to be affected by it, or be, as the phrase is, "tooted." I have known of sheep feeding for weeks where the tutu grew thick and rank, on being moved a few hundred yards to a paddock where there were only a few straggling plants, being poisoned by them, and begin te drop down in dozens ; whether this was only owing to the excitement of driving, or to some difference in the plant in the two localities, I cannot tell. Sheep get over the effects more easily than cattle, but it leaves more lasting results. A sheep which has been badly tooted and recovers, loses its gregarioua habits, and becomes what the shepherds call a " hermit." It also acquires

an additional amount of stupidity, but yields no worse mutton.' "With regard to the prospects of emigrants in New_ Zealand, Mr Bathgate inclines to the opinion that every class would do better there than at home, except clerks, shopmen, and those who are too often sent out by relatives or friends under the mistaken idea that though good for nothing at home, they will do well enough in the antipodes. With regard to this latter class, our author sensibly observes — 'To such there are more temptations here than at home, that none of the restraints which the presence and opinions of friends always exercise. The idea that any one will get on in, or that anything is good enough for, the Colonies, is a most erroneous one.' "