it is perhaps nothing but a current disturbed by the transverse in- 
flux of several extensive streams of water, which current passes 
through from the influx of the Waikato to where the river leaves 
the lake, and makes itself specially felt at that place. By suppos- 
ing the existence of such a current, we likewise have an explana- 
tion for the assertion of the natives , that the canoes at that place 
are always turned in a direction from southwest to northeast. 
Horomatangi has moreover special relatives, the Kaukapapas, 
distinguished by peculiar attributes, and on that account held in 
great esteem. Te Toko of Ornanui, a village north of Lake 
Taupo, is said to be such a Kaukapapa, often disappearing sud- 
denly, reappearing at Lake Rotorua, and returning with equal sud- 
denness. In like manner Te Ihu at Tapuaiharuru is reported as 
being able to live with Horomatangi under water in the cave on 
the Island Motutaiko. Incredulous minds, of course, assert, that 
this cave, the entrance to which is under water, rises higher 
at some distance from its mouth, being quite dry there, so that 
a man can very easily live in it. Such and a great many similar 
stories are in vogue about the lake. — Yet, sooner or later, I 
thought, the time will come, when well -constructed vessels of 
European style, when even steam-boats will navigate this magnifi- 
cent lake. Then the reign of those dreaded Taniwhas will be at 
an end for ever. 
The temperature of the lake I always found to be several de- 
grees higher than the temperature of the brooks and rivers running 
into it; on the 15 th April, at Pukawa, the lake-water had a tem- 
perature of 59° F. ; during the cold days from the 16 th to the 18 th 
of April the temperature fell; and on the 19 th and 20 th April I ob- 
served at several points of the East-shore 58° to 60° F. , while none 
of the tributary rivers showed more than 56° F. 1 
The population about the lake was estimated by Dieffenbach 
in 1841 at 3200 inhabitants; in 1859 there were only 2000, living 
1 On the 19 th April the Waikato had 54° F., the Waimarino 56° F. , the Tau- 
ranga 55° F. ; on the 20 th April the Waipehi had 52° C., the Hinemau 55 y/ F., the 
Waitanui 5472° F. 
