CHAPTER XXII.

FOREST COUNTRY.

The start from Karioi--On the track--Te Wheu maps the country--The primeval solitude--Terangakaika Forest--The _flora_--Difficulties of travel--The lakes--Birds--Pakihi--Mangawhero River--Gigantic vines--Fallen trees--Dead forest giants--Mangatotara and Mangatuku Rivers--A "Slough of Despond"--Dismal swamp 258