IN NEW ZEALAND. 23 
disappointed. I attempted a hurried sketch, but could not 
do the scene before me justice. In fact, I had too many 
things upon my hands at once, consequently I did nothing well. 
I wished, afterwards, when it was too late, that I had remained 
a day at this place, instead of pressing on, post-haste, in the 
manner I did. I just glanced at the vegetation here, and 
obtained two specimens of white-flowered Gnaphalium, 
(80, 130) which I had not before seen. Returning to the 
village, and obtaining, though with great difficulty, guides and 
baggage-bearers, we again commenced our journey. Paddling 
up another branch of the river, named Ruakituri, for nearly 
a mile, we landed on the left bank. The sun was intensely 
powerful, not a zephyr playing, nor a cloud in the air, nor a 
tree which could afford us a shade anywhere at hand. Through 
unfrequented paths, (if paths such could be termed) up and 
down steep hills overgrown with the young fern, (Pt. escul.) 
which at this season is peculiarly disagreeable from the clouds 
of fine yellow dust with which it is loaded, and which, inhaled 
at every breath causes you incessantly to sneeze, we travelled 
until threep.M. many times halting by the way. Having roasted. 
a few potatoes, on which we dined, I endeavoured to cheer 
my companions in travel, but to little purpose. We how- 
ever recommenced our journey, and continued our march, 
through want of water, until after sunset. Fortunately I 
succeeded in finding some, by the side of which, in the wil- 
derness we encamped; all too fatigued to care much about 
anything save rest. 
Oh! how often might I have exclaimed this day with the 
poet :— 
** All-conquering heat, oh intermit thy wrath | 
And on my throbbing temples potent thus 
Beam not so fierce! 
In vain I sigh, 
And restless turn, and look around for night ; 
Night is far off, and hotter hours approach. a 
I —_ nothing new in the whole of this melting za 
