CHAPTER XXXI. AUCKLAND. PLENDID!” said Uncle Nat, and in the exact sense of the word, was the view splendid. A bright New Zealand sun was shining down on sea and land, as the An- telope moved into Auckland Harbor. A strong wind was behind it, and before it were the many little waves, each foam-crested, as if they were A MARINE FLOWER-POT. hammocks of blue im which white sea-gulls were sitting and swinging. On one side of the entrance was Ranjitoto Island, lifting into the air three volcanic peaks, their con- cial shapes suggesting three tents. On the other side was North Head, carrying two more volcanic peaks. On either side was a deserted encampment of fire-gods. “ And that is Auckland, Uncle Nat?” “Yes, Rick, that is Auckland ; and she is a beauty!” The homes of almost thirty thousand people were massed on the rising ground before them, while at its wharves tapered the masts of vessels belonging to various nations. But Auckland is noticed in a 278