fern and flax. As we approach to the high terrace at the heads of these creeks the grasses improve in quality, the soil being drier and fitted for the pasturage of either sheep, cattle, or horses. The pasturage in the vicinity of the Linhurst creek generally bears good grass, though rather coarser than could be desired, but approaching to the southern base of the Hokanui Hills, which is drained by the Hedgehope Burn, the ground becomes damp, and consequently the grasses are often thin, and of inferior quality: this is equally the case as far as the east end of the above hills, adjacent to the upper courses of the Waimumu and Charlton. The Mataura plains, lying in the proximity of the Mataura, possessing as they do dry and alluvial flats of superior quality of soil, abound in fine pasture of soft tussock, intermixed with spear grass (the latter, one of the indications of good soil.) Much of these plains are however at present too wet for pastoral purposes, but having a rich soil and sufficient fall for drainage, on the district becoming populated, it will not be long ere this fine tract will be improved throughout.

To the north of the Waipahi and Mataura plains lies the hilly district of the Hokanuis, abounding in ridges and valleys. The southern aspect of these hills being timbered, it is only on their northern eminences, spurs, and valleys, that any remarks are required. Here good grass prevails, but frequently on too steep acclivities to be desirable for the flockowner; consequently, before these be taken up as runs, the plains will be occupied. The North-western end of these hills does not possess the qualities of the North-eastern, for here the grasses appeared to be coarse and much overrun with scrub. Proceeding further inland we come to the Waimea plains, and valleys of the Mataura and Wakaia; here a diversity of qualities in the grasses is met with, the plains producing superior qualities, the valleys moister and coarser, and the hill spurs grasses much overrun with the scrub called "tomata guru," but generally of excellent quality.

To the North of the Waimea plains, a mountainous region extends, giving issue to the upper feeders of the Mataura. To the altitude of 2000 feet, good pasturage is only found on superior qualities of soil, such as that produced by gritty shales; beyond the above altitude, a coarse valueless tussock, locally called "snow grass," prevails, till the surface becomes entirely barren, which takes place at the altitude of 5000 to 6000 feet. Above 6000 feet the mountains were observed to be permanently covered with snow. Between the elevations of 1000 and 2000 feet a species of aloe, locally termed "Spaniard," abounds, also a silvery broad-leafed grass, whose local or botanic name I do not know. From 2000 to 4000 feet, an elegant mountain daisy discloses itself amongst the coarse vegetation; also a ground berry, having the taste of the rose apple, and one or two low plants, bearing odoriferous flowers of considerable beauty.

Situated in the midst of this mountainous region is the valley of the Upper Mataura, which being dry and well drained, bears grasses of superior quality; and in the proximity of the Southern slopes of the Eyre Mountains lies the Five Rivers Plain, which has good pasturage on a considerable portion of its surface, exceptions being at the bases of the ridges, and round the Southern aspect of the West Dome Mountain. Here coarse tussock and "honey-combed" country exists to some extent.

It may be necessary for distant readers to observe that the term "honey-combed" is locally applied to country full of small holes closely approximate, an indication of wet ground.

Having reached to the Northern limit of the survey, I will again return to the sea coast, commencing at the mouth of the New River. The district stretching along the sea coast to Jacob's River abounds either in sand hills or swamps; to the North of this commence the Oreti Plains, which being of considerable extent, have some diversity of soil and pasture. Between the Makerewa and Oreti a considerable tract of good pasture is found, and in the low lands of the Tomoborakau is excellent summer feed for cattle; but approaching to the vicinity of Forest Hill, and stretching thence to Woody Knoll, the district assumes an unfavourable aspect, which, though possessing many dry ridges having excellent cattle feed, is much intersected by swamps and wet lands — all of which, however, are drainable.

In the neighbourhood of the Spar Bush much good pasture is found, also on the ridges and terraces to the West of Waimatook Creek, but stretching from these two localities to the base of the Taringatura Downs an extensive