Moreover, just as Vortigern had reason to regret that he had called in the Saxon to drive out the Picts and Scots, so the New Zealanders have already found the stoat and weasel but dubious blessings.

They have been a veritable Hengist and Horsa to more than one poultry farmer and owner of lambs.

In addition they do their full share of the evil work of bird extermination, wherein they have active allies in the rats and wild cats.

On the whole, however, though acclimatization has given the Colony one or two plagues and some minor nuisances, it would be ridiculous to pretend that these for a moment weigh in the scale against its good works.

Most of the vegetable pests, though they may flourish abnormally for a few years in the virgin soil, soon become less vigorous.