Natural phenomena--The great table-land--Position and dimensions of the lake--Watershed--Geological features--The lake an extinct crater--Crater lakes--Areas of thermal action. As during my journey through the King Country the widely extended region surrounding Lake Taupo will of necessity be brought prominently forward as being the principal centre around which my explorations were prosecuted, I will endeavour to define in general terms the leading features of this important area, in order that all my future descriptions of the country traversed may be more readily understood by the general reader. This portion of the North Island, by reason of the varied features of its natural phenomena, is without doubt one of the most wonderful and interesting fields for geographical exploration and geological research to be found in any part of the world. It is, in fact, a portion of the earth where some of the most marvellous works which mark the progress of a Divine Creation may be viewed in singular and varied contrast, and while one beholds in wonder the stupendous action of volcanic fires, one may trace the no less potent force of the snowy glacier and bounding river. Here nature, with her mighty forces of fire and water, has formed and moulded a region of extended plains pierced by colossal mountains which raise their giant heads to the region of eternal snow, while countless rivers pour down their waters into a lake possessing the dimensions of an inland sea. [Illustration: TRANSVERSE SECTION OF NORTH ISLAND FROM S.W. TO N.E. AA. S.W. fall of great central table-land to coast, geological formation near surface, pumicious grit and decomposed trachytic rock, in form of light earth, resting on strata of pumice and fluvial drift. Vegetation various native grasses, low fern and forest. B. Onetapu scoria desert, highest point of table-land, dividing northern and southern watershed. CC. Sources of Whangaehu and Waikato rivers, flowing south and north respectively. DD. Centres of volcanic upheaval. EE. General direction of great pumice deposit, forming extensive open plains. Vegetation principally tussock grass and _manuka_ scrub.]