an extensive, longitudinal mountain-range, which, interrupted by 
Cook Strait , runs through the whole length of the two larger is- 
lands in the direction of S. W. to N. E. , from the South Cape to 
the East Cape. This range, consisting of uphoavcd zones of stra- 
tified and massive rocks of different ages, constitutes the powerful 
back-hone of the islands. At its foot, — on South Island at the 
eastern foot, on North Island at the western (perhaps partly also 
at the eastern), — it is accompanied by a volcanic zone, on which 
abysso-dynamical forces have acted powerfully till within the most 
recent periods of the earth. The volcanic outbursts, forming an 
extensive table-land of volcanic tuff, from which isolated cones 
arise, together with sedimentary formations of the tertiary and 
quartary period, gave the islands but very recently their present 
form; which, however, still continues to be subject to various 
sudden and periodical changes , in consequence of earthquakes , as 
well as secular elevations and depressions. 
The main range attains its grandest development on South Island. 
Here its numerous peaks capped with perpetual snow and decked 
with glacial shrouds impart to it a truly Alpine character, justly 
entitling it to the name of the “Southern Alps’ 5 . High, precipitous, 
craggy mountain-ranges, intersected by narrow longitudinal valleys, 
run parallel to each other from Foveaux Strait to Cook Strait ; they 
are connected by transverse ridges, and intersected by the deep 
transverse valleys of the various rivers. In the centre of this range 
are seen towering up in majestic grandeur the peaks of Mount Cook, 
Mount Tasman and the adjacent mountain giants, glistering with 
perpetual snow and ice, to a height of 18,000 feet above the level 
of the sea, almost as high of Mont Blanc. Splendid glacier-streams, 
lovely mountain -lakes , magnificent cataracts , mountain-passes and 
gloomy ravines with roaring mountain-streams rushing through, - 
such are the charms of a wild and uninhabited alpine region, but 
seldom trodden by human foot; a scenery so grand, that according 
to the enthusiastic reports of the travellers , who ventured to pene- 
trate into this wilderness , it scarcely has its equal anywhere. 
Towards the West this range of mountains sinks abruptly, leaving 
