There was no reason why I should not set out at once for the
principal town of the colony, which was some ten miles inland; I,
therefore, arranged at my hotel that the greater part of my luggage
should await my return, and set out to climb the high hills that back the
port. From the top of these I had a magnificent view of the plains that
I should have to cross, and of the long range of distant mountains which
bounded them north and south as far as the eye could reach. On some of
the mountains I could still see streaks of snow, but my father had
explained to me that the ranges I should here see, were not those
dividing the English colony from Erewhon. I also saw, some nine miles or
so out upon the plains, the more prominent buildings of a large town
which seemed to be embosomed in trees, and this I reached in about an
hour and a half; for I had to descend at a foot's pace, and Doctor's many
virtues did not comprise a willingness to go beyond an amble.
At the town above referred to I spent the night, and began to strike
across the plains on the following morning. I might have crossed these
in three days at twenty-five miles a day, but I had too much time on my
hands, and my load of gold was so uncomfortable that I was glad to stay
at one accommodation house after another, averaging about eighteen miles
a day.
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