kettle was suspended, and our Maoris were busy gathering oysters, 
which are found there in great quantities on the rocks of the beach. 
And in the tent the worthy spouse of our friend had an excellent 
dinner prepared, which we enjoyed with the best appetite pos- 
sible. In vain, however, did I wait for the oysters. Being spe- 
cially fond of this shellfish, I betook myself in person to the 
natives in order to see about the matter. I found them all busy 
opening the shells with rocks, and greedily devouring tlicir con- 
tents. Three large stones, covered all over with the finest oysters, 
were yet steaming on the coals. The Maoris pointing to the 
stones, meant “kapai” (very good), and rolled one of the stones 
before me, after having duly tested the degree of heat which the 
shells had sustained. Of course, I did not wait to be asked too 
often, but helped myself freely. Oysters roasted h la Maori are 
indeed no bad dislr The lids were easily removed and the oysters 
roasted in their own liquor tasted daintily. After having most 
scrupulously cleared the stone holding about 25 oysters, I too said 
“kapai,” and turned my steps again towards the pastry of our 
amiable hostess, who could not refrain from smiling mischievously 
at my gastronomical peregrinations. 
Dinner over, we set out to ascend the flagstaff-hill or Mount 
Victoria. It is the highest volcanic hill on the North-shore, 283 
feet high, and is called Takarunga by the natives. In former 
times the summit bore a pah, and it is from the fortifications of 
this pah that the terraces, cut along its slope 10 to 15 feet high, 
date, likewise a hole on the Northside of the hill about 20 feet 
wide and deep. The top is flat and truncated, it presents still a 
semicircular crater open towards Southeast, from which in the 
same direction several lava-streams issued forth as far as the sea, 
forming stony bars. The prospect from the top is truly charming. 
It opens a view over the whole Waitemata Harbour, and farther 
on, the Ilauraki Gulf is visible with its islands and promontories, 
and the sea alive with sails of every kind. Beyond the sea a large 
Maori settlement is seen , belonging to a tribe emigrated from the 
Bay of Islands, who some years ago very readily paid here the 
