Page:Picturesque Dunedin.djvu/289

Rh obtained. There are two routes by which this can be accomplished; one by way of the Halfway Bush up the south-eastern spur over the open ground, and the other by a steep path through the bush from Ross Creek, which leads on to the open land on the north-eastern shoulder, whence the top is most easily reached by making a detour to the northward. To anyone unacquainted with the country who desires to go one way and return by the other, the ascent by the Ross Creek track is recommended, as the way down by the other route is easily found, but it is not so easy to discover the opening of the bush track; indeed, persons who have ascended by that path and who were not blessed with what is known as a "good bump of locality," have often failed to find the track again, and have in despair taken to the bush and made the descent at the expense of great exertion and torn clothes in scrambling downwards through the thick undergrowth, a process not unattended by personal danger. Choosing then the route by Ross Creek, and leaving roads and habitations below, the climber enters the bush a little way beyond the furthest dwelling. The ascent is steep, and after rainy weather somewhat muddy and trampled into holes by the cattle, but a stick to assist in the climb is easily procurable, and there is much to please and attract the eye in the bush vegetation, which may afford an excuse for frequent stoppages to admire these beauties of nature more closely. Shortly after entering the bush, by turning aside to the left a few yards, a glimpse may be had of a pretty little waterfall, pretty in itself, but which derives its main beauty from its surroundings, for the little stream comes tumbling down the mountain side overshadowed by embowering trees, whilst ferns of innumerable form and shade deck the banks with a mantle of green. It is a temptation to linger in such a spot, but the goal is afar. Returning to the track and climbing steadily upwards, only stopping now and again ostensibly to admire some fairy moss, lovely fern, or other sylvan beauty, but possibly really to gain a few minutes breathing space, the climber at length emerges on the open land beyond. After a short rest on some grassy knoll the upward way is resumed, and keeping well to the right and circling round the hill top to avoid encountering some rough stony ground, the summit is reached by an easy climb. A glorious prospect over hill, dale, and ocean is the reward. To