22 



THE KEA. 



The region is an extremely stormy one. In July of 1907 

 I stayed some days at the Mt. Algidus Station, a fair sample 

 of those described. It stands about forty miles back from 

 the plains, and includes the Rakaia Forks, shut in among the 

 ranges. On my return journey I had experience of the fury of 

 the winter tempests that sweep over the area. My attempt to 



KEA COUNTRY : 



Glenthornk Homestead (3000ft. a i,t.), and the Birdwood Ranuk (7000 ft. ai.t.). 



make a dash on horseback for the Lake Coleridge Station was 

 made painful and perilous by a snowstorm. It took six hours 

 to do the intervening twenty miles. The drift was blinding, 

 and the snow so caked upon the horse's hoofs that the ride 

 became a stumble through the gale. Soon riding was 

 impossible. The falling snow shut off all but a few yards 

 ahead. Compelled to lead my horse, I fought my way until 

 the pass was crossed and the homestead safely reached. 



I was fortunate. Such winter travelling in that wild 

 waste is full of dangers. A false step, and death may be 

 met. Some years before, on the opposite side of this same 



