A VISIT TO ROTO-MAHAN A. 
247 
ascended to the summit of the staircase, where there was a 
large level flat; the centre not being visible at first on account of 
the volume of steam which issued from it; the surface cracked 
under the feet like thin ice, but being formed of successive 
laminae, was firm. As I advanced, I discovered that the 
centre was occupied by an immense gulf of hot water, of a 
very fine pale blue color, so remarkably clear that, although 
the bottom could not be discerned, it was evidently of great 
depth. Having cautiously approached the edge which over¬ 
arched this awful abyss, and looking down, I beheld a large rock 
of a pure white substance rising from the vast profound almost 
to the surface, which formed a beautiful contrast with the azure 
water. A tree also which had fallen in was likewise petrified, 
and added to the scene. Upon one part of the pavement, 
over which the water had flowed, a thin deposit of sulphur 
was left, which tinged it with a bright yellow ; some of the 
steps being of a rose tint, and others of a pure white, increased 
the general effect. Numbers of petrified manuka seeds were 
scattered about in every direction. The height of the flight of 
steps which I have described, might be about sixty feet; the 
name of the boiling spring is “ Tukwpuarangi ,” or the Cloudy 
Atmosphere, from its always being shrowded with vapour. 
The surrounding hills are covered with dark green fern, 
which sets off this wonderful work of nature to greater 
advantage. So large a number of boiling springs in so small 
a space, I never beheld ; indeed, I could distinctly hear the 
noise of several at the bottom of the lake, and others boiling- 
up furiously from their subterranean receptacles, all which 
convey to the mind of a traveller a feeling of awe and in¬ 
security. It is not without some hesitation that he treads the 
ground, fearing at each step lest the crust should give way and 
plunge him into the hidden depths below. 
The sun had set when we returned to the island, and finding 
that our natives had gone on to Piripai we followed by canoe, 
gliding amongst islands covered with rushes, and every instant 
starting the wild fowl from their warm retreats. We landed 
in a retired nook shaded with trees, and after securing the 
canoe we walked to the village, which is seated on the 
