Rambles in New Zealand by J. C. Bidwell

[Original editions - London: W.S. Orr & Co.; Exeter: J. Fitze, 1841. Longman, 1824]

An account of John Carne Bidwell's adventures in 1839, when travelling with Maori, he explored the central North Island, and at a time when few Pakeha ventured outside settlements, he reached Lake Taupo, and ascended Tongariro and Ngauruhoe.

“John Carne Bidwill (1815-1853), botanist, was born at Exeter, England. In September 1838 he arrived in Sydney, where he joined a commercial firm while waiting for the survey of land that he had been allotted. Sent to New Zealand, he reached the Bay of Islands in February 1839, visited Rotorua and Taupo, explored the spurs of Tongariro and collected botanical specimens which included some new discoveries. He was recalled to Sydney in April, but returned to Port Nicholson in 1840; during his stay in New Zealand he collected plants from the mountains of Nelson...

In February 1841, having established a reputation as a botanist, he sailed for England with a letter from King to Sir William Hooker at Kew. He complained that Professor Lindley had done nothing with the plants he had sent from New Zealand, and that Dr Dieffenbach, who had collected four years later, had received credit for their discovery. However, he succeeded in establishing the priority of his collections. His Rambles in New Zealand (London, 1841), which was reprinted in 1952 in Christchurch, contains observations on agricultural practices and the effects of firing.” - ADB

Capper Press facsimile edition of 1974. viii., 104 pages with index.

Very good plus condition except for a scrape to front cover of d/w and start of some spots of foxing. Usual Capper maroon cloth boards with gilt title to spine.

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