here, so I must be off to
pastures new."

"You know he did not want to send things home, Mr. Atherton. It was only
because you insisted that he did so."

"I am very glad that I did insist, Mrs. Renshaw. As you know, I only
went into the trade of plants to give me something to do on my rambles
besides looking for new species; but I am sure it has been a capital
thing for him. He has always been accustomed to use his brain, and
although he now takes a lively interest in farm work, he would in time
have found a certain void if he had not taken up this new hobby. As it
is, it gives him plenty of out-door work, and is not only interesting,
but pays well; and now that he is thoroughly acquainted with the botany
of this part of the island, and knows which things are worth sending
home, and the price he can depend upon getting for them, he will make a
far larger income out of it than he could do from farming. Wilfrid will
be quite capable of looking after the interests of the farm."

Another year passed. The clearings at The Glade had been greatly
enlarged; but clumps of bush had been judiciously left so as to preserve
its sylvan appearance, the long operation of fencing in the whole
property had been accomplished, and the number of horses, cattle, and
sheep had so increased that the greater part were now sent to graze on
Maori land, a small rate per head being paid to the natives. Mr.
Atherton had come and gone many times, and had now almost completed his
study of the botany of the island. Mr. Renshaw had altogether abandoned
the management of the farm to Wilfrid, and devoted himself entirely to
the collection of ferns, orchids, and other plants, receiving handsome
cheques in return for the consignment sent to England by each vessel
that sailed from Wellington or Napier. He had agents at each of these
towns, who made arrangements with the stewards of the ships for taking
care of the plants on their way home, their remuneration being dependent
upon the state in which the consignment arrived in England.

Settlers were now established on both sides of the river for miles above
The Glade, and as among these were several who had been officers in the
army, or professional men who had come out for the benefit of their
families, there was now much cheerful society, and The Glade occupied
the same leading position in that part of the settlement that Mr.
Mitford's had done on the lower river when they first arrived.

James Allen ha