NEW ZEALAND. 395 



of the crater is about half a mile. The plain which surrounds the 

 cone is composed of an uncommonly rich soil, strewed with lava, 

 which the natives collect in heaps, in order to obtain space for culti- 

 vation. The lava does not extend far from the cone, and even in the 

 interior, rock seldom appeared, but where it was seen it proved to be 

 vesicular lava. The soil in the neighbourhood of the craters is richer, 

 looser, and more fit for cultivation than in other places. 



Dr. Pickering made a visit to Hokianga, on the western side of the 

 island, and found that it had more of the forest character than the 

 eastern. He took the direct road to Waimati, which is fifteen miles 

 from the Bay of Islands. The river Waitanga was very high, and 

 one of the chiefs, a large and muscular man, seemed to take particular 

 interest in getting them across safe and dry; but notwithstanding his 

 stature and all his care, he could not prevent a slight immersion.* 

 The Doctor arrived at Waimata at 4 p. m., and was kindly welcomed 

 by Mr. Davis, the Methodist missionary, to whom he had a letter of 

 introduction. It was not without surprise that he found here a water- 

 mill in operation, which the guides took care to point out with no 

 little exultation. This, together with the fences, and well cultivated 

 fields, were the work of the missionaries. He remained with Mr. 

 Davis for the night, who advised his proceeding direct to Hokianga ; 

 but the guides who had hitherto accompanied him were ignorant of 

 the route, and another became necessary. 



The next day they passed over the flank of Te-ahooahoo, a volcanic 

 cone, and the most prominent elevation in this region. A little farther 

 on, a fine lake was passed, about three miles in length. At nine miles 

 from Waimati, the wooded region was entered, which extended to 

 Hokianga. Just before crossing the Hokianga river for the first time, 

 the Baron de Thierry was met with, who was exceedingly polite. The 

 road after this became difficult, it being necessary to cross the river 

 repeatedly, and to follow the stream for some distance. The usual 

 manner of crossing here is to be carried. The guides, under various 

 pretexts, prevented them from reaching Hokianga, and they were 

 compelled to stop four miles short of it, at a chief's called Tooron, of 

 rather doubtful character. 



* On the banks of the Waitanga, the adult inhabitants, to the number of twenty, were 

 collected in a circle, each armed with a musket, and several had been met on the way 

 all armed. The cause of this unusual occurrence was not known. They are very fond 

 of fire-arms, and on welcoming any one, particularly a chief, all the people of the 

 village assemble and salute him with a number of rounds, in proportion to his rank. 



