RIVERS, FLOODS, 
10 
river: the only drawback to its enjoyment, is the 
difficulty of landing, except at high water, on 
account of the depth of mud deposited on its 
banks. It is true, that, for fifty or sixty miles, 
there is a great sameness in the views, being 
confined by hills on one side, and an immense 
flat forest on the other ; yet the whole is so 
peaceful, so well suited for meditation, and fitted 
to calm the ruffled passions of the soul, that 
hearts, even the most insensible to the beau- 
ties of nature, must feel its influence. The copse- 
wood and flax, with reeds and rushes of every 
description, flourish most luxuriantly on the banks 
of this noble river : ducks, and other water-fowl, 
sail proudly and undisturbedly on its placid bosom ; 
and are so remarkably tame, as to come fear- 
lessly within reach of the paddles, with which our 
boats are rowed. Nor does the fragrance ex- 
haled from the flowers and shrubs fail to increase 
the pleasure derived from an excursion on this 
stream. Indeed, the whole atmosphere seems 
impregnated with perfumes; sweets are borne 
upon the wings of every gale ; and every breath 
inhaled stimulates the system, and strengthens 
man for the labour which may lie before him. 
There are other rivers, more to the southward, 
which attract attention, and deserve our parti- 
cular notice : such as, the Waikato, on the western 
coast; and, on the eastern, the Waiapu, which 
empties itself into the ocean, about two hundred 
and fifty miles s. e. of the mouth of the Thames : it 
