OE NEW ZEALAND. 363 



gum were found, showing that not only had ferns grown there but also 

 the noble pine — Dammara Australis. Although covered with a great 

 volume of clay, these remains were enveloped in fine volcanic ashes, 

 showing that such had preceded the eruption of mud. From another 

 well equally deep, near the barracks, I have seen lignite brought up, 

 but this was covered with volcanic cinders several feet thick, besides the 

 clay I have before mentioned. Indeed all the evidence appears to be 

 favorable to the idea of recent eruptions from these volcanic vents, and 

 should it happen that several of them go into operation simultaneously, 

 the inhabitants of Auckland will witness a terrific spectacle. In all 

 probability full notice of the event will be given, in the form of earth- 

 quakes, and subterranean noises, none of which have been noticed 

 hitherto in sufficient intensity to excite any fear, at least during the 

 last sixteen years. 



I have mentioned that there are numerous pieces of rock lying about, 

 but these are plainly scoriae and derived from volcanoes in the immedi- 

 ate vicinity, not the water worn boulders seen so plentifully in Canada. 

 Our latitude is about 36 ° south, but I have not seen any evidence of 

 boulders conveyed by ice, and should their total absence be confirmed, 

 I should regard it as a strong evidence of the recent formation of land 

 in these parts. 



In the strata formed in the Island of Rangatoto, and in various other 

 parts of our neighbourhood, and which in some cases attain a consid- 

 erable elevation, and have evidently been exposed to disturbing agencies, 

 many shells and vegetable remains may be discovered. These shells 

 are such as can be found on the shores at present in a living state, and 

 the plants are such as still grow on the island. 



These plants and shells have evidently been covered by eruptions 

 of liquid mud or ashes. Cracks have been formed during the drying, 

 and these are sometimes filled with carbonate or oxide of iron. 



Such facts prove very clearly that the Islands of New Zealand are 

 of quite a new formation, which is still further shown by the paucity 

 in the variety of the vegetation, the almost total absence of animals, 

 and the complete freedom from venomous reptiles. Although there are 

 scarcely any native plants and animals, yet almost every species of 

 plant and animal thrives well. The English pheasant and the guinea 

 fowl has become wild, and the hogs left by Cook are now spread over 

 the whole island. 



The climate is most equable ; during my twelve months residence, I 

 have scarcely seen six really wet days, I have seen ice and the temper- 

 ature has been as high as 75°, but these are the extremes, and occur 

 very rarely. 



