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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 75

Welcomed Back

Welcomed Back

by the whole household, who were unmistakably glad to see us arriving safe and sound. [unclear: Wet] boots were removed with great difficulty—they had performed their last walk, however, [unclear: for] three days over shingle beds and bush tracks [unclear: d] through streams, and water channels had [unclear: rn] them out,—and with a change of clothing, rter of an hour before a cheerful fife, and a [unclear: come] supper, we forgot our exhaustion and [unclear: led] our mutual experiences. Ours have [unclear: n] told; those of the party we had left behind [unclear: rised] similar tale of a great rainfall, with [unclear: a] accompanying flood in the river, which ran a [unclear: ple] of hundred yards in front of the house. [unclear: bad] steadily risen until it bad overflowed its [unclear: k] and the flood waters made their way [unclear: ght] up to the verandah. This was thei r limit, [unclear: forever,] the rain fortunately ceased, and [unclear: I] have related, when we coo-eed at 10.30 the river had gone down sufficiently to admit of our crossing. We had anticipated leaving by the steamer early the following morning! but we learned that she had not arrived We therefore retired to bed about midnight with the comforting knowledge that we need not be up very early.

The steamer not being expected before midday, we had a very pleasant mornning in exploring the surroundings of Glade House. Some prety photographs wore taken, the bush between the house and M'Kinnon's hut was again visited and a photograph of the old hut secured Among the botanical specimens obtained were two or three of the orchids first seen on the Lake Hankinson track, some young Celery-topped pines (Phyllocladus alpinus), specimens of the Panax simplex (swamp gum), and other treasures, which were brought to town and given to the curator of the Botanical Gardens. There are the makings of a very pretty place in the Glade House surroundings. As it is, a good deal has already been accomplished in the way of clearing and laying off the ground near the house, and in making tracks in the bush. Anyone who has a few days to spare could Spend them very pleasantly in boating at the head of the lake, landing in the picturesque spots which abound. There are few people to whom the splendid bush, with its wealth of mosses and ferns, its brilliant flowering rata and other attractions, would not be a source of the very greatest pleasure. With Glade House as a comfortable working centre, the beautiful natural features of the head of the lake, and the Clinton Valley and its inspiring mountain scenery, can all be easily explored, and the locality ia certain to become a favourite resort. We regret that our time will not permit us to stay for a few days, and, our packing finished, we bid good-bye to our host and hostess, make our way to the steamer, which is now awaiting us, and having all got safely on board, we start on our