1879. | - A Sketch of New Zealand. 69 
from one to another of these snowy basins flow the clear bluish 
waters of the fountains. All these indications of the expiring 
volcanic energy that has been for a long time active, combine to 
make the Lake District one of the most remarkable places in 
New Zealand, and equal in interest to the geysers of Iceland, or 
to the wonderful region of the Yellowstone. 
Another area of former volcanic activity, is the peninsula of 
Auckland, forming the northern extremity of the island. This 
region is occupied throughout by a ar number of volcanic 
cones, all of whichare 
now extinct and are 
less remarkable for 
their size than for 
their regularity and 
beauty. Many of 
theseconesoferuption 
are surrounded from 
bottom to top with 
a series of artificial 
terraces, which, a few 
years ago, supported 
palisades and formed 
-the feudal castles of 
the aborigines. 
The South Island 
is traversed through- 
out its whole extent 
by a great chain of 
rugged mountains, 
which were very just- 
ly named the Southern Alps. These lofty snow-clad summits 
give to the South Island a grandeur of scenery peculiarly its 
own. Midway down the west coast stand the giant peaks of this 
island; of these Mt. Cook is the highest, and attains an elevation 
of 13,200 feet. Mt. Cook and its host of sister mountains, all 
robed in eternal snow, combine to form the grandest mountain 
scenery in New Zealand, if not in the world. The snow-line is 
sharply drawn along the sides of these rugged mountains at an 
elevation of about 8000 feet. Above this height the snows and 
frozen mists accumulate, and form vast snow-fields which give 
Maoi Man. 
