WiNKELMANN. — Oil the Great Barrier Hot Springs, 889 



When once the cliffs are mounted the track is a com- 

 paratively easy one, for the most part consisting of a gradual 

 descent, and any hardship experienced during the first part of 

 the journey quickly vanishes as portions of the forest are 

 entered. Groups of fine Ci/athea, Lomoria, and Pteris at once 

 attract attention ; and under the spreading leaves of the beau- 

 tiful nikau [Areca sapida) the weary traveller, if he may be so 

 termed, may rest and refresh himself, the solemn silence of the 

 forest being alone disturbed by the melodious song of the tui 

 [Prosthemadera novce-zealandicB) and the lively twitter of the 

 little fantail [Pihipidura flahellifera), ever flitting about. 



After about two hours' walk the first lot of hot springs are 

 reached, their nearness being announced by a strong sulphurous 

 smell, and, on reaching the place where the track cuts across 

 the creek flowing into the Kaitoki Swamp, a sensation of 

 warmth, and at times of oppression at the chest, is felt. This 

 is, no doubt, caused by the accumulation of the sulphurous 

 fumes in the valley-like locality in which the creeks and hot 

 springs are, and is noticeable chiefly on calm days. In the 

 early morning, and also in the evening, clouds of steam may be 

 observed rising from the creeks, giving a very weirdlike appear- 

 ance to the place. 



There are two creeks, which run from two opposite directions 

 and join at a point just below where two baths are now 

 constructed ; the water, after passing through the baths, 

 flowing into the creek running to the Kaitoki Swamp. 



The temperatures of the baths are 106° Fah. and 108° Fah., 

 respectively, and I could obtain no deviation from these results. 

 Various other temperatures will be found by referring to the 

 accompanying rough sketches, all of which were carefully taken 

 — ISG'^ Fah. being the highest, found at No. 1 spring. (See 

 PI. XXIII.) 



The banks of the creeks, which are narrow, and turn about 

 in all directions, are covered in most places with shrubs and 

 ferns of several genera, including Pteris incisa, which here 

 attains a height of 6-7 feet, Gleichenia flabellata, also the grass 

 Paspalum scrohituJatum, and several varieties of Lycopodium, all of 

 very luxurious growth in the vicinity of the hot water, but at 

 some distance off assuming a more stunted appearance. 



Articles of silver placed in the water of the baths turn black, 

 thereby indicating the presence of sulphur; and the water 

 possesses a very strong saline taste. 



That the water has curative properties can, I think, be no 

 longer doubted. The Natives on the island hold the springs as 

 excellent for the cure of rheumatism, and several Europeans 

 have derived benefit by a short stay in the locality, and constant 

 bathing. There are other diseases that might be, indeed are, 

 benefited, if not cured, by these waters. Taking the water 

 internally acts as a mild aperient, 



