INTRODUCTION. 



xlix 



huge glossy leaves and bright blue flowers— originally discovered by the author himself, on the 

 seashore at Wharekauri, in 1855, and now extensively cultivated as a garden plant in the Colony 

 and elsewhere ; also a choice selection of shrubs from the west-coast sounds of the South Island. 



Otomuri, on the eastern side of the Lake, was noted in former times as a Kaka resort. The 

 land is now comparatively open on that side ; but there still stands, on the bush-clearing at the 

 back, an aged 'rata' tree from which hang remnants of the ancient vine-ladders by which the Kaka- 

 snarers were accustomed to climb to their platform among the branches. A full account of this 

 mode of snaring will be found in vol. ii. of this ' Supplement.' 



PAPAITONGA LAKE, WITH MAORI GROUP. 



In the fruit season the place is alive with Thrushes and Blackbirds and the air fairly throbs 

 with their delicious song, whilst the English Skylark carols unceasingly overhead. But the song- 

 birds levy a rather heavy toll for their services. In favourable seasons the trees in the orchard 

 yield tons of sweet cherries, and it is marvellous in how short a time they are swept clean by 

 these birds, very little fruit being left for the nights of native Zosterops which, having cleared the 

 trees of blight during the winter, naturally come at the proper season to exact their tithes. 



9 



