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kato, and steamers to navigate the river. It is a rich treasure 
reserved for generations to come; lying at the very threshold of 
the portal which leads into the interior of the North Island. 
The forced passage of the Waikato through the Taupiri range 
forms this portal, the scenery being remarkably picturesque and 
grand. The mountains rise from the lower Waikato Basin to a 
height of about 1000 feet above the level of the sea, and, south- 
wards, shelve off abruptly towards the middle Waikato Basin. Rug- 
ged ridges, steep declivities and deeply cut ravines characterize the 
landscape on both sides of the river. The rocks , protruding from 
the river-bank, present a sharp-edged, variously fissured mass of 
silicious slate of a great geological age. The course of the river, 
however, is not perceptibly hemmed in by the mountains. On 
the right and left of the river there are still broad alluvial banks. 
Kaitolehe, Mission Station of the Rev. Mr. Ashwell at the Taupiri. 
After a short passage through the mountains we landed oppo- 
site the Taupiri peak close by the Mission station. The missionary’s 
dwelling is situated on the left bank at the foot of the mountains 
upon fertile alluvial soil quite hidden behind trees. How cheering it 
was here, to see once more a European house .for the first time 
since we had left Mangatawliiri ; and how invigorating and charm- 
ing was the view of the beautiful site and landscape, which hero 
suddenly seemed to assume larger dimensions ! Like a new country 
