Geological Survey of Canterbwy. 19 



stationary for some period, so as to Lave time to pile up its debris load 

 all around. Several old river-beds, one more than a hundred feet 

 above the lake, showed how its waters had gradually diminished, 

 abandoning one course for another. Some large blocks of rock with 

 sharp edges were lying here and there on the surface, and so con- 

 spicuous at a considerable distance that at first sight we mistook some 

 of them for houses. 



It struck me at once as most remarkable that the water of this lake 

 was of a milky white colour, even when its surface was quite un- 

 ruffled by any breeze, and which could only be accounted for by 

 assuming that large torrents, coming from still huge glaciers, brought 

 down so much finely triturated matter that it could not all settle 

 down on the bottom. Although I found from barometrical observations 

 that the lake is only 2437 feet above the sea level, the forest vegetation 

 had already entirely disappeared, sub-alpine shrubs taking its place. 

 The view from the shores of the lake is grand in 'the extreme. It 

 is bounded by lofty mountains on both sides, winch gradually rise 

 higher and higher, and form a magnificent background at its upper 

 end where the Biver Grodley enters it. Prom here to the sources 

 of that river the mountains assume a truly alpine character, 

 covered with perpetual snow, and culminating in Mount Tyndall 

 and other high peaks of at least 11,000 feet altitude, and of 

 bold majestic forms, towering high above the landscape in front. 

 Passing along the western shores of the lake, which are formed by 

 immense morainic accumulations nearly 1500 feet high, we soon left 

 the last sheep station behind us and reached the head of the lake, 

 from which is obtained a beautiful view of the Grodley river, termi- 

 nated by two large glaciers, filling the whole valley. At the head of 

 the lake the delta of the river consists of a huge swamp, through which 

 its waters flow slowly in many channels. It is to this point that the 

 surveys of my friend Mr. Edward Jollie extended, and which were now 

 continued to the head of all the principal branches. Thousands and 

 thousands of water -fowl were here congregated, amongst which the 

 spotless plumage of the White crane was very conspicuous, giving some 

 animation to the sternness of the grand scenery around us. It was with 

 some difficulty that we crossed here a portion of the main valley, on 

 Feb. 22nd, in order to reach the outrunning spur between the main 

 river and the Macaulay river. Ascending the Grodley we were 

 obliged to cross and re-cross the river, which, in a valley of more 

 than two miles width, covered with river shingle, meanders in 



