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This effect is aided by the fact that the boundary between civilisation and nature is often blurred:
“Ich habe kein Land bereist, in dem Kultur und Wildnis so nahe aneinanderstießen wie hier auf
Neuseeland” (95).
It is this same theme of the natural environment which preoccupies Reischek throughout
the majority of his writings. In order to analyse his perceptions on the subject, it is necessary to
first establish Reischek as a conservationist and his role as a collector. His relationship to the New
Zealand landscape at first glance is rather ambiguous to say the least. In Sterbende Welt, on the
one hand, he marvels at the beauty of nature and the tranquillity of its inhabitants, and appears to
infrequently comment on the European impact on the environment. Here, the stereotypical anti-
European sentiments towards the effects of progress and civilisation on the natural world are
present with lines like: “Denn wohin der Europäer kommt, dort stirbt die Natur” (82), “Des
Menschen Habgier schändet die großen Tempel der Natur und schafft eine neue Welt der
Maschinen und Kasernen” (88) and “[D]er zivilisierte Mensch [ist] das ärgste Ungeziefer dieses
Erdballs […]; wohin er kommt, vernichtet er das wunderbare Gleichgewicht der Natur und ist,
soviel er sich auch mit allen Künsten müht, nicht imstande, das Zerstörte zu ersetzen” (110). 58
However, it is especially tragic when the culprits also turn out to be Maori: “[I]ch war empört, als
ich erfuhr, daß sie es waren, die den Wald angezündet hatten” (98). 59 After all, one feels when
reading his accounts that he was only at home when surrounded by unspoilt nature and a rural
lifestyle. 60 On the other hand, Reischek almost seems to have been a collector first and a lover of
nature second, as he often showed his appreciation for common, rare or what appeared to be
unknown species by shooting them, unless he was given reason not to, such as when he followed
the principle not to shoot birds near his hut in isolated locations (271), or when he decided against
58 Cf. 81f., 100f., 107, 214, 217.
59 See Kolig, Umstrittene Würde, 66.
60 In his own words: “There is nothing more charming than to wander among the beauties of nature, where human
foot has never trodden before and the hand of man has not yet disfigured its pristine grandeur and purity. Sometimes
the forces of nature are very harsh, but when overcome they seldom deceive. Nature’s welcome is equally bestowed
on everyone, without distinction. In large cities even the air one breathes is foul, without mentioning other
grievances. I often wonder why people crowd so together in towns, and very often make themselves and others
miserable, and if they make more money there are more temptations, and people spend more. Then the poorer classes
are exposed to the fluctuations of employment, which render their means of livelihood precarious. Shifting about is
expensive, and their lives are full of anxiety. In the country, if a family begins in ever so small a way, they have a
home secured. Nearly all the practical and contented people who have taken up land and take a pleasure in work get
on well and are happy. Of course, farming is not always a money making business, but there is not so much anxiety
and sorrow in the long run. Wealth is not in all cases productive of happiness, but occupation of time keeps
discontent and troubles away. I know many farmers in our highlands who make very little or nothing, but they are
happy, live well, and work hard, and are not subject to social restraints” (Reischek, Caesar, 38f.).
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