Haast. — Researches in Sumner Moa Cave. 



50 



Owing to the depth of the trench at this spot the same was not continued. 

 The spot where I noted this section was about 10 feet from the entrance of 

 the cave. At the point where it reached the large rock, lying nearly across 

 the entrance of the cave, the sequence was as follows : — 



1. Beds of European origin 



2. Shell beds 



3. Ash beds 



4. Shell beds 



5. Ash beds 



6. Drift sands 



7. Ash and dirt bed (lower series) 



8. Agglomerate 



Ft. 

 



In 



7 



. 2 



1 



. 



6 



1 



4 







9 



1 











7 







5 



7 3 



The shells in the beds were exactly of the same description as those given 

 in the foregoing section at the junction of both trenches in the centre of the 

 main cave. The sequence of the beds and this identity of species proved 

 clearly that a native population, living principally upon the mollusks now 

 inhabiting the estuary, have occupied every part of the cave during a very 

 long period, that portion near the entrance being of course preferred; this 

 accounts for the greater thickness of the beds in its immediate neighbourhood, 

 which, as will be observed, gradually thin out as we advance towards the 

 termination of the first cave. 



Advancing to a consideration of the section exhibited in the cross trench, 

 we find that it passes through the following beds on A — it's eadern side, 

 (PI. I., sec. 2) :— 



1. European beds, consisting of wh eaten straw, bones of 



butcher's meat, shells, match-boxes, horse dung 



(Here was evidently a favourite spot for the cave- 

 dwellers of European origin.) 



2. Ash bed, tussocks (Maori) ... ... 



3. Shell beds, similar to those described previously 



Ft. In. 



2 1 



Lower Series. 



4. Ash and dirt beds 



5. Agglomeratic beds 







4 







8 







5 







7 



4 1 



Below 5, the marine sands were examined for about three feet down. 



