592 REPORT— 1891. 



geological examination of the mountain-chains, meteorological 

 observations, and the effect of the varied atmospheric con- 

 ditions on the surroundings ; the effect of light, and the cause 

 of the blue or green colour — as the case might be — in snow 

 and ice ; the formation of moraines and boulder-fans ; and 

 many similar subjects. An endless variety of sub-alpine flora 

 was met with, and he would say that few New-Zealanders 

 were aware of the wealth of blossoms which decked their own 

 mountains. The entomology of the glacier regions was also 

 varied and interesting, while birds unseen elsewhere there 

 abounded. For the artist the face of Nature was always 

 smiling, and yet defied all his attempts to do her justice, 

 while the photographer would find scenes of much grandeur 

 for the camera. It was needless to add that those regions 

 were the mountaineer's paradise, though hard work and bodily 

 discomfort sometimes discounted those pleasures which he 

 would otherwise enjoy to the full. 



