122 NEW ZEALAND. 



head. The shores are divided into steep cliffs and heads, 

 with intermediate beaches. Its anchorages are numerous, but 

 those which are now more generally used are the River Rawa 

 Kawa and the Bay of Kororakia ; they are preferred on 

 account of the convenience they afford for watering, repairing, 

 and communicating with the shore. 



The adjacent country is hilly, and much more barren than 

 productive, the soil containing too great a quantity of clay to 

 be good. The vegetation consists of fern, a few stunted trees 

 and patches of brush, close-set, and almost impenetrable. 

 The soil in the interior of the island is richer, and produces 

 various natural productions,* some of which are extremely 

 valuable. The flax-plant, which is indigenous, meets the eye 

 in every direction. It is converted by the natives to a variety 

 of purposes. It supplies them with excellent materials for 

 clothing, cordage, and fishing-nets, and the preparation being 

 simple, requires very little trouble. 



There are many English and some French who have settled 

 in this part of New Zealand. They are mostly ship-carpen- 

 ters and farmers. They live in houses built in the European 

 style, and cultivate corn, potatoes,! onions, &c., &c., for 

 which they always find a ready market among the shipping. 



Pahia, the Episcopal mission establishment, is situated on 

 the west side of the Bay, and commands a beautiful water- 

 prospect, and is the residence of all those connected with the 

 mission. About five miles further toward the north is the site 

 chosen by the British government^ for the future City of 



* Pines are here to be met with soaring to a height which leaves no similarity 

 between them and the tallest that ever grow on the pine-lands of the United States. 

 Here are also several kinds of trees admirably well adapted for ornamental work. 



t The potato was introduced by Captain Cook. It has been cultivated ever Since 

 his visit, and is now very abundant. 



t A few weeks previous to our arrival at the Bay of Islands, Captat H<*son, of 

 the Royal Navy, called a meeting of all the principal chiefs, and efc- :d a treaty 



