better. As I conceive that a letter ought to be nearly as welcome a visitor as myself I need not apologise for its being roughly and hastily written as I have more than once presented myself to you in a very rough garb and as I may do so again receive this clumsy letter in its clumsy shape as conveying the spontaneous and affectionate wishes of Your devoted husband Donald McLean How very tantalizing with such a fine day to be delayed from the height on the river. Most of my party were on the other side so I have sent them on. It is the horses we cannot get across the Ruamahanga.