Chapman. — On Moa Remains, 173 



writer at a future date lie will certainly have no cause to complain that the 

 literature relating to it in this country is too copious. If upon this and 

 kindred matters, and notahly upon such subjects as the history, traditions 

 and customs of the Maori race, colonists with good opportunities would 

 record all . the facts they observe upon their travels while these facts are 

 fresh, much valuable matter now daily growing scarce would be preserved. 

 It has occurred to me that it is worth while to jot down in this way observed 

 facts relating to our gigantic extinct birds, especially in connection with 

 their relation to the inhabitants of these islands, as the opportunities of 

 observing these facts occur only now and then when a piece of g ound is 

 newly disturbed, and the observations lose their value if deferred until other 

 elements come in. 



What is known as the Mackenzie Country, though somewhat undefined 

 as to limits, is now comprised in a new county called Mackenzie County, 

 lately cut off the large original County of Geraldine. It consists of the 

 Mackenzie Plains and a large amount of mountain country besides extensive 

 downs. These plains and downs occupy a central position, stretching from 

 the Waitaki up towards the three alpine lakes, Ohau, Pukaki, and Tekapo. 

 The climate is cold in winter and very warm and dry in summer. The 

 whole region is, like the central districts of the South Island generally, 

 devoid of trees, but the mountains show signs of extensive areas of thick 

 high scrub which has been burnt off. 



"When on a visit there during the past summer I was told that on 

 a sandy flat on the banks of the Waitaki remains of moa skeletons 

 were to be found. I accordingly visited the fiat, which I found to be 

 about ten or twelve miles down the Waitaki Gorge, starting from Mr. 

 Sutton's Black Forest Station. I was accompanied by my brother, Mr. 

 E. A. Chapman, of Grampians Station, and Mr. Murdoch, Mr. Sutton's 

 manager. The ride down the bank of the river is rather rough, but the 

 rocky scenery is very fine. A slight bridle-track among the boulders leads 

 along the narrow margin between the steep crumbling ranges and the Wai- 

 taki, which is here a fine stream tinged with the dull colour of the glacial 

 water. Where it is concentrated in the narrowest part of the gorge the river 

 runs with great rapidity, and for many miles it forms an impassable barrier 

 between Otago and Canterbury. A long way above the gorge it is fordable 

 in winter, Avhen the severe alpine frosts have reduced the water supply. 

 There are no feeders for many miles, until the point is reached, where, on 

 the Otago side, the Ahuriri pours in a considerable quantity of clear water. 



Some distance below this point we came upon the flat we were in search 

 of. It is of considerable area, perhaps fifty acres, and is merely composed 

 of fine light material deposited there by the river. This fine soil is grassed 



