REVIEW.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XIX, Issue 5, 20 November 1919, Page 321

REVIEW.

“NEW ZEALAND PLANTS AND THEIR STORY.’

It is probably not often that a botanical .work is of such a nature as to'. call for review in an agricultural- journal, but this is eminently the case with “ New Zealand. ‘ Plants, and.. their Story,” written by Dr. L. Cockayne, F.R.S., and published by . the Government Printer, as first of a series of manuals to be issued by the Board of Science and Art. For 'the last twenty years Dr. Cockayne has been writing botanical papers in the Transactions of the learned societies, and giving an entirely new .outlook on the vegetation of New Zealand- Some small amount of the information therein contained was collected in the first edition of the work under review, published in 1910, and to this so much has been added in the second edition, just issued, that it might be considered (except in the broadoutlines of treatment) almost a new book.

While the older botanists devoted themselves to the description of .species, or to their microscopic structure, Dr. Cockayne • looks on : the vegetation of our country with the eye of a sight-seer— informed and analytical sight-seer indeed, but one . who becomes the most charming and fascinating guide and companion to the ordinary man or woman travelling through or dwelling in our land- It is the striking differences in the appearance of the country caused by the different plants, growing thereon that, in the first place, calls the observer’s attention, . and Dr. Cockayne’s idea is to deepen that attention, to direct it. to' : essential- points/ and to make it a sustained pleasure instead of a mere passing interest. This is done, first, by arranging under easily understood ■ and pithily descriptive names those associations of plants that by their habit of growth determine the appearance of the countryside— for example, salt-swamp associations, rain-forest associations, tussock grassland associations, and so on second,, by outlining the general growth-forms of the plants that by growing' together . produce the associations, and by describing the best-known or most striking individual plants found there ; and, third, by offering explanations of 'why such plants have these particular forms, and why they grow in these particular places. It can easily be seen that- a popular work thus presented must open a new page to the ordinary intelligent man -who likes to ' know something of what he is looking at,. but who has not the training or the time to make himself master of what has hitherto been a difficult and intricate subject.

The book is 'written in a distinctly popular style, common names of plants are used whenever possible, photographs - showing the happiest choice of subjects (some being very beautiful as well as instructive), and text-figures, are freely scattered through its 250 pages. It deals with every class of country from end to end of New Zealand, and the perusal of it will to many an average man open as many new interests and vistas of pleasure as if . he were to be conducted on a tour through a country that he had never before seen.

To the settler on the land, however, the work will especially appeal in its descriptions of the plant-covering of the soil he is working on. No farmer has country of whose nature and capabilities he.cannot learn more from Dr. Cockayne’s insight and experience, and this is especially true regarding the subject-matter of Chapter VI, “ The Story of the Grasslands,” where the author deals with the tussock country and the habits of the plants growing there.- The reviewer is convinced that if the facts ' presented in that chapter, regarding the conditions that have caused the evolution and maintenance of the ■ tussock form of growth, were properly understood and intelligently acted upon, there would come to New Zealand an increase of production second only to that stimulated by the inception of the frozen-meat trade. The tussock lands comprise about one-seventh of the whole of the occupied country of the Dominion, and of this class of land only can it be said that its production has remained practically stationary during the past sixty years. .Why has practically every other type of farmed or grazed country increased its carrying-capacity— many cases by hundreds per cent.-while the tussock still carries its single sheep to every three or four acres? Largely because we have not . understood why a tussock is a tussock and not a turf. It is not suggested that the reformation of the tussock country is solely or chiefly the duty of the individual runholder ; it is probably the duty of Government Departments ; but until the' deep principles that must precede such a reformation are grasped by the runholders no inducement is held out to the authorities to

undertake a definite and prolonged series of experimental works. It is gratifying to note that the Department of Agriculture has of its own initiative laid the foundation for such work in the future by having appointed Dr. Cockayne himself to conduct in regard to the tussock grasslands an investigation much more detailed than he could undertake as a private individual.' • ■ ■ - Another chapter of special interest to the landholder is that which deals with the evolution of new plant-associations under the action of human occupation. Here we have traced out the course that events have taken on various kinds of soil and in various localities as a result of ploughing, grazing, liming, draining, spread of rabbits, &c. ; and from the course of events in the past the farmer may deduce their probable course in the future, and continue or modify his procedure in accordance with basal principles rather than with local custom. The spread of the native danthonia and piripiri, as well as of such introduced weeds as sorrel and winged thistle, are all due to definite causes, and a study of the conditions under which their domination in certain localities has been "achieved is capable of being put to much advantageous application in the future, so long as accurate observation and clear thought are brought to bear on the subject. The general nature of the facts educed in this chapter is bound to assist such observation and thought, and • therefore, though it makes no attempt to indicate procedure, it may be expected to have a wide though indirect influence on much future farming and grazing practice. On the whole, then, this work, while it does not set out to concern itself at all with the farmer’s profession, is one that every intelligent farmer will' receive help from reading. It will not tell him how to do anything, but it will suggest lines 'of thought and demonstrate general principles here we reach the highest plane of agricultural study. F. W. H.

Note.,—“New Zealand Plants and their Story” is obtainable from the Director, Dominion Museum, Wellington. Prices : Full cloth binding, ?s. 6d.; paper- cover, 5s. . ■ •; ;,j

CERTIFICATES IN PRUNING AND SPRAYING.

Examinations in pruning and spraying—both on the practical • and theoretical sideshave been conducted yearly since 1912 by the Horticulture Division, certificates of competency being issued to successful candidates. The value of this certificate is . becoming well recognized both by persons wishing to obtain assistance for small or domestic orchards and by those who desire to undertake the care of the trees, a reliable standard of technical knowledge and skill being established. . > ' Appended are lists, to 1919 inclusive, of persons to whom these certificates have been issued. It may be explained that prior to 1916 a general certificate was issued ; from that year onward first- and second-class certificates have been granted on the merits of the candidates, and the lists are divided accordingly.

SPRAYING. Boniface, H. A. J., Ormond, Gisborne.

Note.—-The addresses of certificate-holders are subject to alteration

DEVELOPMENT OF MILKING-GOATS.

The following matter is extracted from the Poultry, Pigeon, and Pet-stock Journal (July, 1919), published at Victoria, British Columbia : — - We have much pleasure in showing this month a cut of the goat which holds the world’s record for milk-production. This goat, California Gretel, a Toggenburg, produced 2,941 lb. (294 gallons) of milk in 365 days, and this record is all the more remarkable when it is remembered that the average yearly production of milk per cow in Canada is only 3,000 lb. That, so much milk could have been produced by such a small animal as the goat would hardly have been believed possible a few years ago, but the rapid development which has taken place in the goat industry recently, and the progressive lines along which breeders are working in their efforts to develop the milking-qualities of their goats, make it certain that it will not be long before even this fine record is beaten. In fact, some breeders already claim that they have goats which have made higher records, but, not being officially substantiated, they have not been generally accepted as reliable. California Gretel’s record was made at the California University Farm, where much valuable work has been done with milk-goats, and where much more will yet be accomplished under the able management of Professor Voorhies and his associates. In Canada during the next year or so the Canadian Government has promised to inaugurate record-of-performance work for . goats— i.e., the official recording of milk-yields—in the same way as is presently done with cows ; and while we may not be able at present to equal some of the fine records made across the line, it will not be long before, we will be able to . give our American friends a good run for their money. The fact that the Dominion Government has recognized the goat in this way proves that they realize its worth as a producer and are willing to do all they can to help breeders to attain their objectives. On the.other hand, the breeders themselves, encouraged by the practical sympathy and assistance of the Government, will do their utmost to prove that the goat is worthy of the support being given to the industry. In the record-of-performance work the

records are actually kept by the owners themselves, the morning and evening milk being weighed and the weights immediately marked on the sheets 'provided. At intervals of, a month or six weeks the official appointed by the Government will visit the'owners, see the goats milked'morning and evening, weigh the milk and check the records. Should there be any marked. discrepancy between the owner’s record and those made while the official is present, and no apparent reason to account for same, and should this happen more, than once, it is probable that the owner would be disqualified. In addition to checking the milk-yield the tester will very likely test the milk for butterfat, and perhaps also make a record of the amount of feed being consumed. ' ' It is hardly necessary to point out .that the records obtained in this way will be of immense value: as a basis for progressive and constructive breeding. Just as good book-keeping is necessary in successful mercantile business, so is good record-keeping ' essential in all kinds of farming, and with the opportunities and assistance available to-day for keeping proper records of all kinds it should not be long before we hear less of the haphazard and happy-go-lucky methods with which farmers have frequently been reproached in the running of their business.

IMPORTATION OF POTATOES INTO AUSTRALIA.

The following particulars, taken from the -Commonwealth 'of Australia Gazette of 1 8th September, 1919, of the. restrictions on the importation of potatoes into the Commonwealth are published for general information : — The Proclamation published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 18th October, 1917, is repealed, and it is now proclaimed that the importation of potatoes into any part of Australia from any country is prohibited unless — (1.) They are accompanied by an official certificate, dated and signed by a responsible officer of a Government Department, of the country of origin, identifying the potatoes, specifying the quantity, and certifying —(a) That at the date of the issue of the certificate ■ they were free from- Phytophthora infestans (known as Irish blight), Synchytrium en- '■ dobioticMm (known as potato-canker, black scab, warty disease, and cauliflower-disease in potatoes), Spongospora subterranea ■ (known as powdery scab), and all other serious diseases ; (b) that they were grown '. . . ’ in the country named; (c) that they were grown on. premises known after due investigation not to be or to have 'been during the preceding twelve months infected with any of the said diseases(d) that they were packed in the country of origin in clean, new packages : / (2.) The bags, crates, or other packages containing the potatoes are marked on the outside with the name of the country of origin and with other distinguishing mark or marks : (3.) The potatoes, after -being landed, are planted in quarantine in a quarantine station, and after having matured are, with the product of their ' cultivation, found on inspection to be free from disease : . ■ - Provided that no consignment of potatoes shall exceed 14 lb. in weight, unless the. potatoes are imported by or on behalf of a State Government : Provided further, that the Minister may permit potatoes which are certified by a Quarantine Officer to be free from.disease, to be imported under and subject to such conditions as the Minister may think fit to impose, for use as food.

Rabbit. Districts and Regulations. Consequent on ratepayers’ petitions, certain areas in Auckland Province have been constituted as the Hairini and the Peria Rabbit Districts respectively, under Part III of the Rabbit Nuisance Act, 1908, the number of members of the Board of Trustees to be six in each case. New regulations under the Act give Rabbit-proof Fencing Boards, constituted under Part IV, power to appoint Inspectors for the purposes of such Part, and every person so appointed is to be deemed an Inspector under Part I, with all the powers of such an Inspector within the Board’s district.'

Archer, J. R. II:, 695 Colombo St., Kalashnikov, N., Havelock North. Christchurch. Kalaugher, J. P., Devonport, Auckland. Berridge, C., Christchurch. Lambert, A. E., Waimauku. Biggar, W., Hillwood, Whakapuaka. Mackenzie, T., Cromwell. Bloxham, A., Craigielea Farm, Reefton. Mackillop, R., Marton. Bloxham, E. A., Ettrick, Otago. Mathieson, L. A., Wakatu, Napier. Bonthon, D., Tauranga. McKirdy, A., Preston St., Timaru. Brine, J., Wanganui East. Paynter, L., Hamilton. Brown, N. B., Wanganui East. Rhodes, W. W., Balgueri St., Akaroa. Burrow, L. H., Motueka. Rhodes, W., Balgueri St., Akaroa. Cairns, W., 78 Tinakori Rd., Wellington. - Shailer, . G., Hokowhitu, Palmerston Clark, S. A., Rangiora. ■ North. . ;■ Cunningham, W., Wai-iti Rd., Timaru. Skelhorn, R., 114 Ghuznee St., WelDavey, M-, Invercargill. lington. Dee, V. G., RichmondSmith, R., Papanui, Christchurch. Edwards, A. W., Pigeon Valley, WakeStrachan, J., Kihikihi. field. Thorne, F. A., 45 Princess St,, ChristHadfield, A. R., Kent St, Carterton. church. Harrow, C. C., ,71 . Middleton Rd., Todd, J. H., Little River. ; Christchurch. Turner, B. T., 34 Broad St., Woolston. Hayward. F. H., Kaikoura. Whelan, J. W., Palmerston North.

PRUNING AND SPRAYING (GENERAL CERTIFICATE).

PRUNING AND SPRAYING (FIRST CLASS). Baker, T. N., care of. Baker Bros., Hughes, T. J., 90 High St., Rangiora. Christchurch. Johnson, G., Batkin Rd., Avondale.. Baker, L. W., Manchester St., ChristMcMiken, W. J., Claudelands, Hamilchurch. ton. Connell, R., 84 Grafton Rd., Auckland. Reece, G. W., Deal Chemical Company, Firman, H., Worcester St., Christchurch. Christchurch. Hart, F. O., Stoke. Reeves, C. B., Paraparaumu. Hasell, C. S., St. Albans, Christchurch. Roach) T. B., Hamilton East. Hem, W. P., Worcester St. Extension, Thurston, G. T., 16 Cashmere Rd., Christchurch. Christchurch. Hopkins, B. N., 32 Marshall St., ChristWalker, Miss E., 292 Armagh St., church. Christchurch. Howlett, H., Havelock North. Hughes, T. J., 90 High St., Rangiora. Johnson, G., Batkin Rd-, Avondale. McMiken, W. J., Claudelands, Hamilton. Reece, G. W., Deal Chemical Company, Christchurch. Reeves, C. B., Paraparaumu. Roach, T. B., Hamilton East. Thurston, G. T., 16 Cashmere Rd-, Christchurch. Walker, Miss E., 292 Armagh St., Christchurch. Wyatt, H., 476 River Rd., Christchurch. ... PRUNING AND SPRAYING (SECOND CLASS). Barr, J. S., Havelock North. Marsden, E. E., 14 Slater St., ChristCone, F. W., 50 Longden’s Rd., Christchurch. . . church. . McKenney, D. M-, Havelock North. Davis, H. G., 305 Madras St., ChristRichardson, Miss R. E., Harewood Rd., church. Christchurch. , Higgs, C. H., Mapua. Watson, W. A.) Fenton St., Parawai, Hoddinott, A. T., Cashel St., ChristThames. \ church. Wilson, C. T., P.O. Box 43, Christ-Lovell-Smith, Miss W. W., P.O. Box 114, church. Christchurch, ING (SECOND CLASS). Marsden, E. E., 14 Slater St., Christchurch. McKenney, D. M., Havelock North. Richardson, Miss R. E., Harewood Rd., Christchurch. Watson, W. A., Fenton St., Parawai, Thames. Wilson, C. T., P.O. Box 43, Christchurch.