and Waitati streams. The pedestrian in returning may clamber down to the Blueskin Road, or, if more adventurous still, find his way into the Valley of the Leith; but the more prudent course would be to return by the way he came, enjoying as he does so the prospect of the fair city of Dunedin from the many favourable points of view passed in the descent.
V.—THE PENINSULA.
One of the pleasantest drives in the neighbourhood of Dunedin is that down the Peninsula. Let us suppose we are off in a tip-top turn out from one of the best livery stables in Dunedin, spanking horses, a splendid drag, exhilarating atmosphere, roads first-class, spirits up to the highest pitch that health, choice company, glorious scenery, and a determination to be happy, could raise them to, for anyone would be a moody individual indeed, who refused to be satisfied in such circumstances. As we leave town and pass by Anderson's Bay Road, along the harbour side, the foreshore, if the tide be out, will indicate what a considerable portion of the site of Dunedin at one time was—a mud flat. This unattractive waste is a part of the Harbour Board endowment, and in a few years hence it will be all reclaimed, let at big rents, and occupied by a busy population.
Stepping out briskly along the fine level Anderson's Bay Road, the gallant steeds bring their freight to the first rising ground, known in older days as Goat Hill, now studded with a number of residences, occupied by leading citizens, among whom may be noted Mr. Justice Williams and the Crown Solicitor, Mr. Haggitt; a little further on, the town residence of the Hon. Matthew Holmes is passed. Passing through the village or hamlet of the "Bay" the stiff pull up to Shiel Hill is accomplished, and here the grand panorama begins to open up to the ravished vision. No pen can describe the infinite and varied beauties spread around. They must be seen to be known and felt. Poet Burns, in describing the gowan, fell considerably short of the reality when he said so exquisitely to the
Wee modest, crimson-tipped flower,*****There, in thy scanty mantle clad,
Thy snowy bosom sunward spread,
Thou lifts thy unassuming head
In humble guise.
