Auckland.

On entering Auckland harbour, the tourist cannot fail to be impressed with the picturesqueness of the scene which meets his gaze. Passing up the Rangitoto Channel, the island of that name, with its three-coned volcanic peaks, lies on the left. To the right the North Head, with its two volcanic, cones separates the harbour On rounding the North Head a full view of the city is obtained. The site is really charming, and the visitor will be astonished at the importance of our mother city, for Auckland was the first part of New Zealand on which a European landed. Two wharves in the fore-ground attract the tourist's attention. One of these is 1,600 feet long, and its sides are generally lined with shipping. The pretty little village of Parnell appears on the left, and a row of houses stretches along the shore from it to the city. Behind the immense cluster of streets, the eye rests upon the Domain.

This is a charming retreat from the cares and anxieties of business, and on holidays numbers of people may be seen scattered over its glades and copses enjoying themselves. As the vessel nears its anchorage the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby comes into view, and a good survey of the North Shore is obtainable. When the tourist steps ashore, he will have no difficulty in finding his way to any one of the principal hotels. Porters and expresses are always in attendance to carry travellers' luggage to the first-class houses. A day should certainly be devoted to the inspection of the principal places of interest in the city itself. Queen Street, the main thoroughfare, contains some really fine buildings, and handsome shops. There are several other leading streets, which, from an architectural standpoint, would do no discredit to any city in the old lands.

The various public institutions of Auckland are creditable to the citizens, and the churches, schools, and other educational establishments are in keeping with the progressive character of the place. When the city itself is thoroughly explored, the tourist, time permitting, will turn his attention to the suburbs, and the Domain, to which we have already referred, should be visited. From that excellent compilation Brett's Auckland Almanac we subjoin a description of