288 IOWA STUDIES IN NATURAL HISTORY 
is the outer harbor of the city. It sides are still largely covered 
by rough lava only partially possessed by vegetation. 
On the ferry boat when I was running over to this island I 
noted an alert old gentleman who with three or four companions 
was evidently to spend the day on the mountain. I had planned 
to return to Auckland on the noon ferry and wishing to get some 
advice about the place before these visitors scattered, I spoke to 
this old gentleman and asked about the large seaweeds on the 
rocks about the pier. He looked at me keenly for a moment, then 
said, ‘‘You are a stranger here, you are interested in plants, and 
you are going to spend the day with me on the mountain.”’ I 
told him of my plan to return on the noon boat but he brushed 
aside my objections, assured me that he had plenty of lunch for 
two, sent his companions on ahead, and remained behind to pilot 
me up the mountain. A trail has been constructed making a good 
path to the summit over the rough lava rocks. 
I was indeed privileged to have such a guide and companion for 
the day. Mr. Wilson is a business man who first climbed Rangi- 
tota fifty years ago. Deeply interested in both plants and animals 
he has been a weekly visitor to the island for half a century. He 
was one of those who fostered the plan, which happily sueceeded, 
to have the mountain converted into a park with conservation of 
its plant and animal life. 
We journeyed leisurely up the trail with many pauses and side 
excursions noting the interesting transitions from black, naked 
lava to forested areas nearer the top. A pioneer arborescent form 
is the beautiful ‘‘Christmas tree’’ of New Zealand, Metrosideros 
tomentosa. Trees of this species stand singly or in groups among 
the black blocks of scoria. At a higher elevation there are well 
developed forests of moderate sized trees. Botanists have reported 
180 vascular plants for this lava island which is one of the most 
interesting of ecological areas, being now in transition from naked 
rock to mixed vegetation. 
At noon Mr. Wilson left the main trail and led the way to a 
shack hidden among the trees not far from the summit. First 
unlocking the door he brought out camp equipment and after 
heating water, from the nearby spring, he scalded the dishes and 
cooking utensils. He then proceeded to make tea and served the 
lunch. 
In the afternoon we climbed to the top, looked over into the 
grassy cup of the crater at the tip of the cone, and enjoyed for 
