e volcanic cones, a little way inland on either
shore, form an irregular line of background. Far away, and beyond all,
the eye sees the swelling bosom of the restless Southern Ocean.

Both the level and steep streets of the town are "corded" with tramways,
carried on at present by horsepower; but we were told that a
cable-system with local engines was contemplated, and would doubtless
soon be adopted, as the conformation of the town particularly favors
this mode of transit. The pleasure-ground of Auckland is the Domain,
with well-arranged walks shaded by an abundance of noble trees, both
native and exotic; these grounds are bordered on one side by Parnell and
on the other by the city. One pleasure-resort, the favorite of babyhood
and nursery-maids, is called Albert Park, which is a small mountain
rather than a park, as it is quite a climb to reach the summit, toward
which zigzag paths are constructed, without which facility ladders would
be required to reach the conical top. This reserve is but a few rods
from Queen Street, and it rises therefore in the very centre of the
town, which it overlooks in all directions; even Mount Eden, a mile
away, loses one half of its commanding aspect when viewed from the top
of Albert Park. On its highest point there is a tall flag-staff with
signal halyards, which did not seem to be in regular use, except perhaps
to raise the national flag on special occasions. Two or three large
cannon were also found here, mounted upon awkward carriages; but it may
be doubted if they could be made of much use under any circumstances.

As we have said, Queen Street contains many fine stores, and these are
well stocked with a due mingling of a choice and a common class of
goods. The necessities of life were found to be extraordinarily cheap.
Meat, good beef and mutton, might be bought for four cents a pound;
wearing apparel--all-wool goods--was offered at very low prices; the
fish is good, in large variety, and cheap; oysters are abundant, and to
be had all along shore simply for the gathering. These last are small,
but of very sweet flavor.

The first excursion enjoyed after arriving at Auckland was a pleasant
walk of a mile or more to Mount Eden, in the direction of the Khyber
Pass. It is not a severe if a toilsome climb to reach the top, which is
nearly eight hundred feet above sea-level. The terraced and pitted sides
of the mountain show that it was formerly one of the Maori strongholds.
At the t