CHAPTER XII.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CANTERBURY DISTRICT.--VISIT TO A SHEEP-STATION.--HOW THE SHEEP-BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED.--THE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.--IRRIGATION IN NEW ZEALAND.--SHEEP LOST IN SNOW-STORMS.--THE SHEEP-RAISER'S ENEMIES.--DESTRUCTION CAUSED BY PARROTS.--THE RABBIT PEST.--HOW RABBITS ARE EXTERMINATED.--VISIT TO A WHEAT-FARM.--WHEAT STATISTICS.-- IMPROVED MACHINERY.--THE SPARROW PEST.--TROUBLESOME EXOTICS.-- WATERCRESS, DAISIES, AND SWEETBRIER.--AN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.-- MOUNT COOK: FIRST ASCENT.--PERILOUS CLIMBING.--GLACIERS AND LAKES.--THE SOUTHERN ALPS.--DUNEDIN.--OTAGO GOLD-FIELDS.-- INVERCARGILL.--LAKE WAKATIPU.--MINING AT QUEENSTOWN. 268