that in this the generally considered richest mineral district in this part of the Island, not the slightest approach to any kind of ore could be seen. The magnificent Mountain being close to us, we were possessed with the most ardent desire to reach it that evening, to commence the ascent at day light the following morning; the desire therefore carried us imprudently far so that we had not time before dark, to erect the tent therefore we were compelled to lay the tent flat over us. In a very short time a thick cloud came over us and dissolving the rain fell in torrents, and of course, the tent was no longer tenantable, we were therefore compelled to get round the fire, sleep being out of the question and during the other part of the night were almost drowned by passing clouds. At earliest dawn of day got breakfast underweigh surrounded by clouds and the scrub being shockingly wet was a promise treat in prospective. We had besides to deter us the startling fact of having but one days provisions. Still we did not flinch, the desire to ascend a Mountain now within musket range, which was the admiration of visitors and the pride of the Settlers and which had only been ascended by one white man (Dr.Dieffenback) and supposed never to have been ascended by a native by whom it was regarded by superstitious awe - cheered us forward - 1 O'Clock A.M. left the tenting place the weather clearing away most beautifully followed the torrent course down which emptied itself into a swamp of about 500 acres, from wh. many of the largest streams on the west coast appeared to take their source, and at the farther end stood the Mountain. We found the base of the mountain to the height of one third covered with stunted bush Totaro Mero Gill wood etc., the next 3rd with grass of very good quality and in the greatest abundance. In the upper 3rd bare rock and snow. In the grass we found a small species of Toto about 12 inches long and resembling Lucerne, this plant was covered with Toto berries of very sweet flavour, and like small bunches of Grapes in appearance.