Presently F---- came out, and I said with a sigh, born of deep content and happiness, "What a day!" "Yes," answered F----: "a heavenly day indeed: well worth waiting for.

I want to go and see how the men are getting on in the bush.

Will you like to come too ?" "Of course I will.

What can be more enchanting than the prospect of spending such sunny hours in that glorious bush ?" So after breakfast I give my few simple orders to the cook, and prepare, to pack a "Maori kit," or flat basket made of flax, which could be fastened to my side-saddle, with the preparations for our luncheon.

First some mutton chops had to be trimmed and prepared, all ready to be cooked when we got there.