LAND 
385 
the fish, which flow out in great quantities during the floods. 
Of these the natives are extremely jealous. They are the 
property of the first maker ; but, in process of time, this right 
becomes dispersed amongst different members of the family, 
and thus occasions disputes. To show the value put upon 
their fisheries, in nearly every instance where land has been 
sold to the crown, these rights have been retained. 
Whatever piece of ground an individual cultivates for the 
first time, it becomes his own private property, if he be a 
claimant of the land in which it is situated; and, when sold, 
he only would be entitled to receive the amount. Generally, 
however, these spots, which are of a small size, are handed 
down from sire to son; and, when sold, every member of the 
family who has been born since their first cultivation, is entitled 
to a share, and this is often claimed by individuals living 
amongst other tribes. 
Sometimes the owners of a district are extinct, excepting 
two or three individuals; in which case, although other relatives 
may reside upon it, the true owners are always respected, and 
it rests with them to portion out cultivations, or sell it; nor 
can those who receive them sell without their permission. 
Their cultivations are generally joined together, one being 
only separated from another by a few stones placed as land 
marks, to move one of which would be immediately attended 
with serious consequences. 
Boundaries of uncultivated land were formerly known by rat 
runs, or the furthest extent to which their neighbours would 
allow them to carry their hunting. Stones, rocks, and trees, 
were also used to define their lines. The old hearth-stones, 
which are generally four, set upright so as to form a pit about 
a foot deep and broad, and a foot and a half long, were always 
left, and in time became land marks. The stones of ancient 
kumara grounds always remained. Those of Turi, the first per¬ 
son who came to the west coast, are said still to be seen. There 
is no part, however lonely and apparently unknown, of which 
the natives do not know the owners, and the different bound¬ 
aries. In going through a large forest, a Chief who was my 
companion, said it belonged to him. I asked how he knew 
