380 Transactions. — Botany. 



lake, I was obliged to re-pitch my tent, and patiently wait for 

 a calm. During the absence of the canoe I ascended Pane- 

 kire, the high, precipitous hill which arises abruptly from the 

 south-east side of the lake, and is conspicuous at a great 

 distance. The prospect from the summit was extensive 

 towards the East Coast, the Wairoa Eiver and Hawke's Bay 

 being quite open to view. I was disappointed in not gaining 

 a single botanical novelty, save a small orchid of the genus 

 Microtis. 



2Mh (Sunday). — Wind very strong, and the combination 

 of noises — from winds and trees, waters and rocks — so great 

 and incessant that at divine services my voice was scarcely 

 heard. 



25th (Christmas Day). — Wind as strong as ever ; the 

 weather, too, gloomy, dark, and lowering. A most disagree- 

 able day, from the thick clouds of fine dust continually 

 blown about, of so exceedingly minute a nature as to pene- 

 trate the linen cloth of my tent. It is a curious fact that this 

 same day two years ago I was a prisoner here from the same 

 cause — high winds. 



26tli. — Wind still strong ; could not venture into the 

 neighbouring forests, fearing fallen trees and branches. Sat 

 with three old natives in their subterranean dwelling, and 

 conversed with them. I found that at no great period of 

 time back two canoes at two different times had been upset 

 on the lake, one containing six and the other eight persons, 

 when all perished ; only the body of one was found, and that 

 was caused through the presence of mind of the unfortunate 

 dying native, who had fastened himself to the rope of the 

 sail. 



27th. — Early this morning the wind had somewhat abated. 

 It soon, however, recommenced blowing strongly, but only in 

 gusts ; however, I determined on starting without waiting for 

 breakfast. I had twelve stout paddlers and the largest canoe, 

 so we left at 7.30 a.m. It was a time of alternate hope and 

 fear ; every wave that rolled past swept partially over the 

 gunwales of our frail bark, insomuch that one of my paddlers 

 was obliged to be continually baling ; I, of course, in water, 

 and having much trouble with my dog, who did not like his 

 situation at all.* At the end of two hours, by dint of con- 

 stant hard paddling, we landed safely at Mokau, a small 

 village on the opposite side of the lake. Here Tuiringa, the 



* I was at an early period obliged to have a good dog to guard my 

 tent in my absence from it, the common dogs of the natives being so 

 very numerous, lean, hungry, and thievish, some being remarkably 

 expert at this work. I have known more tban seventy to belong to one 

 large village, and could relate many curious adventures concerning 

 them. 



