Dun Mountain copper-mines to a closer examination , and to trace 
out a geological map of at least tlic northern portions of the province. 
The result of my researches with regard to the vaunted mineral 
wealth of that province was on the whole quite favourable. It is 
true, I could not confirm the sanguine belief of some enterprising 
miners as to the existence of inexhaustible though still undiscovered 
copper-treasures in the Dun Mountain; there were, however, beside 
some copper-ore, distinct evidences of a quantity of chromate of 
iron. But above all I was convinced, that if properly worked, 
the goldfields of the Aorere and Takaka Valleys near Golden Bay 
would prove very productive, and that the discovery and working 
of those first goldfields of New Zealand would be followed by that 
of new goldfields extending all along the mountain-range of the 
Southern Island. The discovery of such fields, I was certain, 
would in the course of few years secure for New Zealand an increa- 
sing importance amongst the gold-countries of the world . 1 Finally, 
besides beds of brown coal similar to those found in the North 
Island, there appeared in the Province of Nelson also traces of an 
older coal of better quality. The excellent but scanty coal-seams 
of Pakawau gave reason to hope that in other parts probably coal 
deposits may be found of larger dimensions and easier to work. 
Happily my friend Haast has since actually discovered such on the 
Buller and Grey Rivers, on the West-coast of the Province of Nelson . 2 
My collections increased during my stay in the Province of 
Nelson to an extent quite unexpected. Upon the North Island I 
had searched in vain for remains of the extinct gigantic birds of 
New Zealand, for the bones of Dinornis and Pal apteryx or for the 
Moas of the natives. Those researches were all the more successful 
on the Southern Island. The lime stone caves of the Aorere Valley 
opened to us rich stores of Moa bones. Through the exertions of 
my companion Dr. Haast not only single bones, but more or less 
complete skeletons were brought to light. To these was added 
1 The rich goldfields in the Province of Otago, were discovered in 1861, the 
goldfields on the west coast of (he Province of Canterbury in 1864. See Ch. V. 
2 See Ch. IV. 
