374 
rorULAli SCIENCE KEVIEW. 
widened ; the ascent from Rotorua passes through several cuttings, 
made in the decomposed trachyte and diluvial pumice, which, 
with deposits of obsidian, form the surface of the entire volcanic 
area. The retrospect over the lake, with its numerous steam 
clouds, is very fine ; but the road through Tikitapu bush will at 
once attract the attention of every lover of the picturesque ; the 
botanist and entomologist would rejoice to spend days or even 
weeks in this lovely grove ; and when the blue waters of the lake 
are discerned through the overhanging foliage an expression of 
delight escapes from every beholder. 
Encircled by steep hills, and clothed with luxuriant foliage 
to the water’s edge, this enchanting and at one time inaccessible 
lake, perfectly reflecting from its azure surface and transparent 
depth the dense vegetation of its borders, forms a picture of 
which we have never seen the equal in the Old World or the 
New. With no visible outlet, the cold blue water of unknown 
depth always maintains about the same level, and as our 
“ buggy ” rolls along the cutting of pumice on its border, we 
regret that we cannot linger to enjoy its fairy beauty. Ascend- 
ing, we cross a narrow ridge and look down over another lake — 
Rotokakahi — at a much lower level, of pale green water, from 
which, by a subterranean outlet and by a succession of pretty 
cascades, it reaches Wairoa and falls into Lake Tarawera. Fol- 
lowing this stream we arrive at a comfortable hostelry ; and at a 
spot once famous for its miserable accommodation we find a 
well-furnished hotel. 
The natives have now several commodious whale boats (for 
there stretches eight or ten miles of lake between us and Roto- 
mahana), which replace the old canoes that were so formidable 
to travellers unused to this mode of transit. Fixed charges are 
now made by the Maories, but a tribute of £5 is exacted from 
every photographer or artist who may wish to carry away any- 
thing more than mental impressions of the scenery ; and the 
removal of specimens is also prohibited, and with good reason. 
A fine opportunity is afforded for the contemplation of human 
nature as exemplified in the aborigines, who are very intelligent, 
and are more industrious than at Rotorua. Their propensities 
to appropriation are strong ; and they have also a marked 
appreciation of beer or spirits. 
The row or sail along this lake is very delightful. It is 
1,075 feet above the sea level, and is surrounded by volcanic 
hills, the largest, Tarawera, rising about 1,000 feet. 
Rotomahana. 
Our boat lands us at the mouth of the Kaiwaka creek, where, 
after paying half-a-crown per head for admission fee and five 
