0;—1.

crossing the snow-slope to our right, it was found to be in splendid order for walking on, and after zigzagging upwards a few times we found ourselves on the north peak, having taken about five hours and a half from the hut. The view from here to the north is magnificent, the panorama taking inNgauruhoe, Tongariro, the Waimarino Plains, Lake Taupo, and all the bush country for many miles around. The view of the other peaks, snowfields, and cliffs to the south is a most interesting one. The crater-lake on Ruapehu cannot be seen from the north peak, but the basin in the snowfields, with the edge of the ice slopes down to it, can be easily distinguished. After leaving the north peak the descent was by a snow-covered spur to the west running down to an almost level snowfield reaching right up to the lake. In about twenty-five minutes' walking across snow we reached the lake. In previous visits this was a beautiful blue-green colour, and some of the party who slid down the snow-fall on the east reported that the water was only just lukewarm; but this time the whole place had the appearance of having been churned lip, and steam was rising from the surface slightly, though this would probably happen at a very low temperature up there. An advance was then made over towards Paretetaitonga Peak, which is the second highest on Ruapehu, being 9,025 ft., the highest point being Ruapehu Peak, 9,175 ft., to the south of the lake. This can easily be ascended by following on round from Paretetaitonga across a snowfield and up a spur to the summit, if time permits. A good many who have climbed by the north peak have returned the same way, but by far the most interesting return journey is made down the Wangaehu Glacier and across country. Intending to go this route, a start was made down the steep snow-covered slope running immediately from the north end of the lake, ail being roped together for safety in case of hidden crevasses. Good progress was made, and not a single crevasse was encountered, although away to our left the ice was piled up in a heap, and cracked in a dangerous-looking manner. Descending, the cliffs to the south gradually became higher, and presented a mass of dark-looking rocks streaked with thin threads of snow, with small streamlets making fantastic cascades and waterfalls. It is at the foot of this glacier.that the Wangaehu River takes its source, rushing out from a dark-looking cavern underneath the ice. No doubt there is a connection with the lake, as the Wangaehu water is about the same colour and temperature, and the lake always seems to keep the same level. We travelled down the glacier and came to where there is a sudden change in the slope, and here made over to the rocky spur to the north, eventually coming out at the foot of the steep part of the mountain, just where there is a pretty little waterfall dashing over the cliffs running into the Mangatoetoenui. From here we followed around the foot of the cliffs and came to another larger waterfall on a branch of the same stream, and then kept down this valley for about two miles or so till a point was reached where another large branch joins frofn the mountain, another waterfall showing where it leaves the lowest cliffs. Here we left the stream and struck across country direct from Ngauruhoe, reaching the track up to North Peak just about where the last pole is stuck up at the vegetation-limit. Once on the track the hut was soon reached. This is a fairly long day's journey, and should not be undertaken unless one is used to walking. Those who are not in the best walking-condition would do better to have a good look round the summit, and return the same way they went up. The round trip was made the reverse way during the Christmas holidays of 1907, and a very interesting experience in the Wangaehu Gorge was the result. The party managed to get down into the gorge about the foot of the steep slope of the mountain, and followed up the water until they were hemmed in by high perpendicular cliffs. Continuing upwards, we reached where the snow had choked up the gorge, and, climbing up on to the top of this, felt our way with poles, as the whole place was undermined by water. We crossed a treacherous-looking snow bridge, and rounded a corner to find ourselves face to face with a very large waterfall. Climbing some rocks on the left, we found ourselves about 10 chains below the foot of the Wangaehu Glacier. During this excursion some magnificent views of Mount Egmont were obtained. An easy route to the summit for riding parties is up the spur between the Wangaehu and the Waikato basins to the foot of the steep part of the mountains. The horses should then be tethered, with a little feed, which would have to be brought, and by making up the Wangaehu Glacier the crater-lake is reached. A good camping-place for this trip is to be found near the main coach-road, not far from the twelve-mile peg, in one of the clumps of bush to the east of the road. In climbing Ruapehu, snow-goggles are absolutely necessary, as the reflection from the snow is very trying. Veils are also very beneficial, as the sun acting upwards from the snow catches under the chin and the nose, making them very painful. The most comfortable' costume is knickerbockers and long stockings, with an extra pair of socks with the foot part cut off, put on and pulled down over the boot-tops to keep out scoria and snow. A light long-sleeved singlet is very good for climbing, but a thick woollen sweater should be carried to put on during halts. Good strong boots should be worn, with hobnails well scattered. If put too close together they act too much like a plate. An early start for Ruapehu trip is advisable, as the worst of the climbing is done before the sun gets too warm, and it also leaves plenty of time for exploring the summit and many interesting sights there It also very often occurs that the top of the mountain clouds over in the afternoon, but by that time climbers ought to be on their homeward journey. On no_ account should the cold ice-water be drunk, as it is very bad for the heated body. If one roust drink, put some snow in a hollow in a rock exposed to the sun, and wait until it melts and gets the chill off it; but it is much better to do without it whilst climbing. Third Bay. — A start was made with the idea of going across to the Ketetahi hut on the north side of Tongariro, and spending the night there. There is a horse-track hetween the two huts, marked with piled stones across the basins. This track keeps well to the right of Ngauruhoe. and crosses the old Oturere crater, but, as it was desired to ascend Ngauruhoe on our way, we followed the track across the Waihohonu, up a spur and down the other side, and continuing our journey almost straight for the low saddle between Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, arrived there about three hours after leaving the hut. At this point a start was made up the great side of the volcano. By keeping around to the west on a level grade for about 20 chains we struck a ridge of rocks,

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