Book Description

Dieffenbach's extended account of his New Zealand visit. Vol. I outlines his journeys in the North Island with two chapters on the Maoris and whalers of the Sounds. More important expeditions were to the Hutt River headways, his ascent of Egmont, his walk to Mokau and journey through Waikato to Taupo and Rotoaira returning by Rotorua and Tauranga in company with W.C. Symonds and (for part only) A.D. Best. His visits to many parts of Northland in company with a Capt. Bernard on the latter's vessel are outlined ... The second volume has an extended treatment of the Maoris, their culture, traditions and a lengthy section on the language with grammar, vocabulary and examples. Dieffenbach has a short chapter on the flora and over 120 pages on the fauna by J.E. Gray of the BM. Cf. Bagnall.