in New Zealand . 279 
250 miles. In consequence of there not being any food 
at this place, we had to travel about five miles in an 
almost southerly direction by the bank of the river, 
before we could cross it. We found, however, a rude 
bridge thrown across, at a place where the river was 
very narrow, being confined within a sandstone channel, 
through which it rushes with fearful velocity, eddying, 
and foaming, and carrying everything before it. The 
sandstone rocks on either side, through the softness of 
the stone and the continual working of the waters, were 
fretted into a thousand fantastic shapes. Leaving the 
river, and ascending the western banks (which here rose 
in regular terraces over one another), we proceeded in 
a westerly direction for upwards of six miles, arriving 
at sunset, unwell, in pain, and much fatigued at Ware- 
turere, a small village in the Maungatautari district, 
where we were hospitably received by the natives. 
The sun throughout this day was intensely hot, and 
most of the country over which we passed quite free 
from wood, and very dry and dusty. 
At an early hour on the morning of the 24th, I once 
more re-commenced my journey. The land in the im¬ 
mediate neighbourhood of this village appeared to be 
of very good quality; such also, is the land immediately 
around Matamata. * The fervent sun, unobscured with 
clouds, told of another melting day, and the high fern- 
brakes, through which we had to force our way, 
abounded with their dreaded subtile yellow dust. 1 
could but think how very applicable were the words of 
the poet: — 
“ In vain the sight, dejected to the ground, 
Stoops for relief; thence hot ascending steams, 
And keen reflection pain. -— 
