Re: NZ, KIWIS

[Derek Tearne <derek@iconz.co.nz>]

> 
> The Kiwi is not (apparently) the national symbol of New Zealand, but  
> rather a special little plant called the Silver Fern is instead. 

The silver fern is indeed our national symbol.  Calling a fern which 
is bigger than a person a 'special little plant' is however a little 
misleading.  You'll be referring to Kauri's as 'quaint little bushes' 
next.

English ferns may rarely grow above knee height, that doesn't apply 
here where there are several species of tree fern. 

> Presumably, this is the
> botanical equivalent of a kiwi, tuatara, kakapo or whatever...

It is also ubiquitous, rather than an endangered species.
  
> Any list members down there in New Zealand? Seen any Sperm whales recently?

This from someone who ends their post with ...

> "Oh, you're from England - do you know the Queen?" - a boy from North Carolina


---
Derek Tearne.                 --            derek@iconz.co.nz   
Some of the more environmentally aware dinosaurs were worried about the
consequences of an accident with the new Iridium enriched fusion reactor.
"If it goes off only the cockroaches and mammals will survive..." they said.