2O2 DISTRICTS OF THE [PART II. 



in the same manner as the waves of the sea, gnaws 

 at these islands, but has not yet been able to reduce 

 their level to that of the surrounding land. About 

 half way between Parenga-renga and the western 

 coast there is a puriri-tree (Vitex litoralis) half bu- 

 ried in the sand, but still growing ; it serves as a 

 landmark to the natives, within the memory of 

 some of whom the sand has accumulated several 

 feet in height. At other points on the western 

 coast the same appearance is presented by some 

 patches of forest having protected isolated spots of 

 land, the soil of which is still good and fertile. 



From Manga Ke the northern coast sweeps again 

 in an open bay for some miles to the eastward. 

 The eastern extremity of this bay is formed by a 

 rocky peninsula of pudding-stone, worn by the action 

 of the waves. At high water it is insulated, and, 

 being difficult of access, was formerly a stronghold 

 of the Haupouri tribe. A narrow valley here opens 

 to the sea ; through it flows a rivulet, which winds 

 between rocks overturned and broken in the most 

 remarkable manner. Sometimes the sides of the 

 valley form high and perpendicular cliffs, present- 

 ing steep and naked walls opposite to each other ; 

 sometimes they slant down at different angles, or 

 form tabular masses, or rise into compact pyra- 

 mids. The rock is the same conglomerate, ex- 

 tremely hard, and forming solid masses ; but the 

 narrow valleys between ridges contain a very fertile 

 soil. The hills have the appearance of a large 



