i879] - A Sketch of New Zealand. 67 
during his three voyages to the southern seas, very fully explored 
and surveyed its coast. Passing through the strait that now 
bears his name, Capt. Cook showed that New Zealand was com- 
posed of two main islands; he also found associated with these 
a number of smaller and far less important ones. These are now 
looked upon as forming a distinct archipelago, which is not only 
isolated from the rest of the world by its geographical position, 
but in the peculiar character of its native inhabitants, and in the 
nature of its fauna and flora. 
The two main islands extend from the 34° of south latitude 
800 miles to the southward, 
and have an area of about 
120,000 square miles, or a lit- 
tle more than the size of Italy. 
These two countries have, 
also, asomewhat similar boot- 
shaped form, the toe in each 
case being turned towards the 
equator. These islands are 
known asthe North and South 
Islands; or in the more poetic 
language of the aborigines, 
as Te Ika a Maui—the fish of 
. Maui—referring to the form 
of the North Island; and Zz 
Wahi Punamu—the place of 
the greenstone — indicating 
the locality that afforded the 
highly-prized nephrite from 
which the aborigines shaped 
their stone implements and 
personal ornaments. The place of the “punamu” plays as 
important a part in the history and traditions of the New Zealand- 
ers,as did the celebrated red pipe-stone quarry of Minnesota 
among the red races of America. 
The North Island is mainly interesting for its lofty volcanic 
mountains and the indications of volcanic activity still exhibited 
by the smoking volcanoes, solfataras and hot springs which form 
the most striking features in its scenery. Among the numerous 
mountains that record the energy of the ancient volcanic erup- 
f [3 AN u 
Bags made of Phormium leaf, or New 
Zealand bag. 
