aroundworldortra00peebiala-1

NEW ZEALAND. 83
CLEVIATE OF NEW ZEALAND.
Though one of the finest in the world, the climate is far
warmer and more genial on the western than on the eastern
coast of this group. The average rain-fall is twenty-nine
inches. The atmosphere is light and buoyant ; while the
winds are continually freshened by traversing an immense
expanse of ocean. Not a flake of snow is seen in the northern
island of this group, save in the highlands. At an elevation
of six thousand feet, however, the snow is perpetual.
These islands, unlike many in the South Pacific, are eminently
adapted for agricultural and pastoral pursuits. The
sunny valley of the Taieri, the undulating plains, the neatly
tilled
fields in the rural districts, with millions of choice yet
unoccupied acres, incline one to ask, " Why do tens of
thousands remain in Britain to beg or starve ?
England has
colonies and provinces enough to supply multitudes with
homes, thus feeding her over-crowded population. Why do
they not emigrate " ?
It is contended by the "old identities," —the first settlers,
— that Anglo-Saxons can work, and expose themselves to the
climate of New Zealand, without injury, more days in the
year, and more hours in the day, than in any other country.
The mountains abound in wild swine, descendants of those
let loose by the navigator Capt. Cook, a hundred years ago.
There are also wild cattle and goats in the woodlands, called
the " bush." English deer, hare, grouse, pheasants, sparrows,
larks, and other singing
into the country by acclimatization societies.
birds, have been introduced
These in time
will furnish scope for English field-sports amid scenery
resembling that of Northern Italy or the Highlands of Scotland.
Gold interests, wool-raising, and rich agricultural
districts, with superior commercial advantages, must ultimately
make New Zealand a great country.
The whole population of these islands is about two hundred
and seventy thousand, of which some seventy thousand