372 
POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 
dense fumes of sulphurous acid arise from the troubled waters, 
and silver ornaments are speedily discoloured by the dense 
vapours which are exhaled. (See Analysis No. 9.) 
Whakarewarewa, about two miles from Rotorua, is a centre 
of volcanic activity of great interest to the geologist. The 
natives will provide huts for the accommodation of visitors, and 
provisions can be easily obtained. The varied phenomena of 
the entire district can here be seen in miniature, and as the 
influence of atmospheric pressure upon the various eruptions 
and geyser displays can be studied at leisure, some very important 
investigations may be made at this place with very little trouble 
or fatigue. 
The ground around this point is arid, but within the circle 
of activity, gardens and orchards display a rich luxuriance. A 
deep chasm, along which rushes a noisy stream, divides the 
settlement, the banks on either side being noted for some very 
remarkable fumaroles. 
Through the plantations, and passing several native huts, 
we come upon a large plateau of silica which reverberates 
beneath our tread. The temperature of its surface is over 
100° F., and a large opening in the centre reveals the fact that 
we are walking upon a crust of unknown strength and thickness 
over a large basin of boiling water. Approaching as near as our 
treacherous foothold permits, we are almost overpowered by the 
heat and steam. The wind clearing the cloud of vapour, we see 
Parekihuru, a large hole of about 30 feet in diameter, overflow- 
ing with boiling water ; fringing the profound azure depths we 
notice, under the crust on which we stand, beautiful irregular 
coral-like formations. The excessive heat and the insecurity of 
our position compel a speedy retreat to a firmer and cooler 
footing. 
Numerous smaller springs, supersaturated solutions of silica, 
form very beautiful incrustations in a short time, and articles 
dipped into them are speedily covered with a soft and delicate 
deposit resembling hoar frost, which is too fragile to bear 
transport. 
Close by is another boiling fountain, rippling over beautiful 
miniature terraces of pure white sinter which appear like petrified 
cascades, and falling into a small basin the temperature of which 
is from 96° to 120° F. (see Analysis No. 2). The stream forms 
ahead of water, and it is artificially conducted by a wooden shoot 
over the edge of a cold pond, where a patient afflicted with spinal 
rheumatism can stand upon a mat, and permit the hot water 
to fall upon his head or back, after which he can easily take a 
plunge into the cold bath at his feet. Several wonderful cures 
are attributed to this bath; and a hut has been built by the 
Alaories for the use of visitors. 
