358 .NATURAL HISTORY 



canoes in the immediate vicinity of Auckland are the highest. Ton- 

 geraro, an active volcano in the centre of the island, is extremely 

 high, rising far above the level of the perpetual snow line. It is in 

 almost continual action, and is surrounded by mountains with alti- 

 tudes approaching its own, and which exhibit clear indications of a 

 volcanic origin ; indeed, the whole country shows that the volcanic 

 influence is general, and I imagine that the incandescent material 

 approaches the earth's surface in an unusual manner. Solfataras, or 

 volcanic vents, are met with, and accompanying these, abundant 

 exudations of sulphur, of nitrate of potash, &c. Hot springs and 

 mineral waters abound ; indeed, the hot springs of Rotumahana, at 

 which the natives cook their food, and which, from their volume, are 

 more like cataracts than springs, fall into Lake Tampo, and heat the 

 waters of the lake for a considerable distance around. I do not doubt 

 that these remarkable springs will hereafter become objects of no 

 slight interest to the geologist. 



Sulphur springs are numerous, and an efflorescence of sulphate of 

 alumina is found spreading over extensive surfaces of the earth, 

 while the volcanic fire, which I imagine to be the remains of an 

 enormous lava current not yet cooled, is so near the surface that a red 

 heat may be seen in the interior, through openings in the earth ; 

 indeed, it is said that the crust sometimes breaks through, and ex- 

 poses a considerable extent of burning matter. Sometimes bogs or 

 swamps of boiling water are met with, covered by a thin crust of 

 earth. A short time since a Missionary travelling in this volcanic 

 region of New Zealand, ventured to cross such a surface. He broke 

 through into the scalding water, and had his extremities dreadfully 

 injured. It would take a long time to investigate all that is novel 

 and interesting in this part of the country, as it is covered by an 

 interminable forest of great density, such as a tropical climate could 

 alone equal. It is characterised by dense vegetation, and with 

 an immense number of climbers and vegetable parasites of great and 

 varied luxuriance. 



Auckland is distant some 500 or 600 miles from the mountain 

 region of xNew Zealand ; and as I have not yet penetrated to that 

 elevated district, I cannot speak of it from personal observation. But 

 as the Waikatu river, which rises in Lake Tampo, takes a northerly 

 direction for 300 miles, emptying itself into the sea on the west coast 

 of the Island, and as settlements have already been commenced along 

 its shores, which are in direct connection with Auckland, the time is 

 not far distant when a visit to the highlands of New Zealand will be 



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