Author(s): John Carne Bidwill

Maori History, Society & Culture | Secondhand

Secondhand. Ex-library.

Few other early 19th centuries visitors can claim to have accomplished as much as John Carne Bidwill. Not only was he the first to ascend Mt. Tongariro, but also he was only the second European, after Rev. Chapman, to visit Lake Taupo, 'one of the most superb lakes in the world.' Bidwill collected about 90 species of flora in his travels, establishing his international reputation as a botanist. Bidwill's Rambles began in Kororareka [Russell] on 5th February 1839, when he succinctly noted that the town probably contained 'a greater number of rogues than any other spot of equal size in the universe.' He moved on to Tauranga, from where he set out on his three-month's inland journey, led by a succession of unwilling Maori guides and often carried over muddy places and rivers by a chief called Rangy-o-mare. In lively unaffected style Bidwill recounts numerous highlights of his trip, including a fearsome tirade from Chief Te Heuheu for desecrating sacred Tongariro. A chance remark resulted in Bidwill's acquiring a native wife, and he was able to cure a chief of a mysterious ailmet with a nauseous bolus. Every example of flora encountered is described and given its botanical name, which adds to the appeal of this valuable New Zealand classic.

Originally published in 1841. This is a copy of the limited edition 1952, of which only 350 copies.

Minor foxing to the page edges, damaged dust jacket, toned spine. But the interior is clean and intact.