EXPLANATION 01’ THE MAPS. 
47 
form—since the most remote ages, and entirely isolated trom 
larger continents. In the later ages ot the history oi man, it 
has been inhabited near the coast and along the course oi the 
larger rivers. It has thus maintained the peculiar and pristine 
origin of its fauna and flora. The European domestic animals 
which have only been introduced since the latter end of toe 
last, and the commencement of the present century, are the 
only quadrupeds which existed in this country. 
In respect of its insular position, its splendid, oceanic 
climate, the fertility of its soil, and its entire formation, New 
Zealand is of all the Colonies of the British Crown, the most 
similar to the Home Country, and destined to become the 
mother of a new civilized race—a Great Britain oi the 
South Sea. 
ie 
lC 
MAP II. 
THE GEOLOGICAL POEMATION OE THE SOUTHERN PAM OP XUE 
PROVINCE OP AUCKLAND. 
Since Dieffenbach’s memorable travels in Hew Zealand in the 
year 1840, no naturalist has visited the southern part of th< 
Province of Auckland, so justly celebrated tor its grand volcanic 
phenomena. 
The geological information which Dieffenbach gave in his 
work could not suffice; the interior was topographically almost 
unknown. A journey, therefore, to these parts, promised rich 
field for observation; and alter a stay ot nearly two months 
in Auckland and its neighbourhood, I started with a numerous 
suite, well provided for a long journey on foot, and for a cam¬ 
paign in that thinly inhabited country. 
On the 6th of March, 1859, near Maungatautari, I reached 
the main stream of the Y\ aikato, flowing from the heart oi 
the Island. 
X travelled along this river in the canoes oi the natives, and 
observed near Kupa Kupa large brown coal seams, and entering 
the Waipa, visited the Mission Station, and took a tour to the 
"West to visit the Harbours of W haingaroa, Aotea, and Kawhia. 
AH those localities are oi geological importance on account ot 
the numerous localities for petrelactions. At Ivaivhia, I found, 
besides Belemnites, the first Ammonites found in New Zealand. 
