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Did cosmopolite genera, or species, proceed from a single germ, or
centre? and, if so, how did they reach the extreme outposts?
Did endemic genera and species proceed from a single germ or
centre? and, if so, can that centre be found?
How is it, that of some insular genera (e.g. Coprosma), there are
many species and varieties; while of others (e.g. Corynocarpus, Genios-
toma, Carpodetus), there is only one?
Were all such genera created simultaneously? and the large genus
with all its species and varieties;
Are genera having many species older than those having only one;
or vice versa?
May not the several species and varieties of an insular, or endemic
genus, be validly considered as having originally sprung from one
species or plant?
Why are several species of the numerous-seedling and easily-distri-
buted Natural Order Compositae so comparatively scarce and very
local? e.g., several species of the genus Celmisia; the New Zealand
"daisies," Brachycome Sinclairii, and B. odorata; Gnaphalium prostra-
tum, and G. Colensoi; Senecio Greyii, and S. perdicioids; and Taraxa-
cum Dens-leonis? Senecio perdicioides has not been found by any Botanist
since Cook's visit. Senecio Greyii, although producing its fine flowers
by hundreds, is very local, hitherto only met with in one rocky spot.
And the small indigenous Taraxacum Dens-leonis is, comparatively, very
scarce; while the larger introduced plant is rapidly becoming a perfect
pest, growing together with the English daisy, by hundreds and
thousands.
Does New Zealand (with the islets lying north and south) possess a
peculiar Botany of her own?
Is New Zealand the centre of this Botanical region, at least as
regards New Zealand species found north and south of her?
How is the isolation of certain species to one peculiar plant, spot, or
locality, (as stated in par. 14), to be accounted for? This last
thought is never more strongly felt, than when on the tops of a
secluded mountain range, or in the depths of a deep untrodden glen,
one, or a few plants of any species are found, but no more; perhaps no
more in the island! or, at all events, no more have been detected after
several years of diligent research. How is this to be accounted for,
if all present species were created as they now are, and at one time?
There, in its habitat, everything has for years - or ages - combined to
favor the growth and spread of that plant; but, although flourishing,