42 
THE GEOLOGY OF AUCKLAND. 
That the Auckland volcanoes were, in the true sense of the 
word, “ burning mountains,” is proved not only by the lava- 
streams, which are immense in comparison to the size of the 
cones, but also from the pear-shape volcanic bombs which, ejected 
from the mountain in a fluid state, have received their shape 
from their rotatory motion through theair. That the eruptions 
of fho Auckland volcanoes have been of comparatively recent 
date, is shown by the fact that the ashes everywhere occupy the 
surface, and that the lava-streams have taken the course of the 
existing valleys. This is beautifully exemplified by the 
probably simultaneous lava streams of Mount Eden, the 
Three Rings, and Mount Albert, which, flowing through a 
contracted valley, met altogether—on the Great North Road— 
and form one large stream to the shore of the Waitemata, 
terminating on the well-known long reef West of the Sentinel 
Rock. But many thousand years have passed since Rangitoto, 
which is probably the most recent of the Auckland volcanoes, 
was in an active state. 
I have been frequently asked whether it is true, as a countryman 
of mine who some years ago travelled in New Zealand is said to 
have told the European settlers, that New Zealand is a pleasant 
country, but that they had come a thousand years too soon. In 
answer to this I have to remark that any one who knows 
anything of geological science must be aware, that “ a thousand 
years” is an almost inappreciable space of time in reference to 
geological changes. And I would rather say, that it would 
ha've been better for hew Zealand if it had been colonized a 
thousand years ago, as there would have then been no cause for 
the discussion of the “ Land Question.” 
I should have much pleasure in saying a great deal more on 
the Geology of New Zealand, but time will not permit me. 
Many subjects 1 have been compelled to omit altogether—such 
as the quartary formation in the Drury, Papakura, and Waiuku 
flats ; the Basaltic Boulder formation ; the Alluvial formations 
in the Middle and Lower Waikato Basin, and other places ; and 
T have said nothing of the changes which are now going on. 
The materials which I have accumulated during my six 
months sojourn in New Zealand will, 1 expect, require several 
years of labour to prepare for publication ; and unless the war 
