CHAP. XXVI.] CHAIN OF LAKES. 397 



The Rotu-rua lake discharges its waters, by a 

 deep stream about a quarter of a mile long, into 

 another lake, which, although called Rotu-iti (the 

 small lake), appeared to me to be as large as Rotu- 

 rua. It is of a very irregular shape, and sur- 

 rounded by fern-covered hills. On a conical hill 

 of basaltic lava which projects into the lake is a 

 native pa, well fortified, but only scantily inhabited, 

 probably from the natives at present living dispersed 

 over the country, and only resorting to this strong- 

 hold in time of war. From the Rotu-iti it is a 

 short portage into a river which leads to Muketu 

 on the east coast. 



It may not be inexpedient to recapitulate the 

 chain of lakes which I have mentioned in the 

 course of my journey, together with a few others 

 which I had no opportunity of visiting, and which 

 complete that remarkable series which runs with 

 short interruptions from Tongariro to the eastern 

 coast. 



1. Taranaki. 2. Rotu-Aire. 3. Rotu-Ponamu. 

 4. Taupo. 5. Rotu-kaua. 6. Rotu-Mahana, con- 

 nected with, 7. Tera-wera. 8, 9. Rotu-Makariti. 

 10. Rotu-Kakai. 1 1. Rotu-Kareka. 12. Rotu-Rua, 

 connected with Rotu-iti. 15. Rotu-Ihu. 16. Rotu- 

 ma. 17. Okataina. There is also a river flowing 

 from the lake of Tera-wera, and discharging itself 

 into the ocean at Wakatane ; it serves the natives 

 as a passage for their canoes. 



