HARBOURS 
20 
with all that is requisite, not only for his exist- 
ence, but for his comfort and his pleasure. 
The harbours of New Zealand are next to be 
described ; as they are now generally known, from 
the vast number of whaling and other vessels 
which visit all parts of the coast for timber and 
flax, and for supplies of fresh provisions. — The 
Bay of Islands, properly so called from the num- 
ber of islands with which it is studded, and deno- 
minated by the natives, Tokirau, or ‘‘ the Hundred 
Rocks,” is a remarkably fine and capacious har- 
bour ; affording shelter for an almost unlimited 
number of vessels, in all weathers, and at all sea- 
sons of the year. The value of this harbour is 
much enhanced, from the perfect ease and security 
with which vessels are able to enter it. Its width, 
from point to point, is eleven miles ; thus affording 
sufficient sea-room for the largest ships to beat 
in when the wind is contrary : and the coast is so 
bold, that, without fear of danger, they may ap- 
proach very near the shore. — The river Hokianga 
is an excellent retreat for ships ; but having a 
bar at its entrance, it is seldom visited, but by ves- 
sels of a very limited tonnage. — The Thames, of 
which much has been said, is a roadstead ; and, 
like all other roadsteads, is exposed to winds 
and waves, when a gale blows in from the sea : 
vessels, however, of one hundred and thirty tons 
may, with some difficulty, be worked into the nar- 
rows ; where they would find secure moorings : 
but in leaving this part of the harbour, without 
