from those seen the day before.

These were of two

kinds, one intended for extensive fishing, and with trifling ornament; the other entirely state, and gorgeously ornamented in sculpture at the stern, which was further decorated by plumes of birds of paradise. This latter had a kind of frame work, which could be immediately converted into a house, by mats there in readiness, and I am inclined to believe they generally sleep in them in preference to landing.

We landed on the day following at the beach, where they had remained, and examined the woods in the immediate neighbourhood. We noticed several very peculiar piles of earth and leaves resembling tumuli, but were unable to trace their purpose.

Having completed our suite of observations, I determined, during our delay for rating the chronometers, to take advantage of the interval to correct this almost unknown region, and with our reduced force, we commenced the survey.

In the progress of this duty, which lasted about a week, and extended over eighty miles of longitude, we found the island which the natives pronounce Jobie, cut into deep creeks, and at twenty miles west of our rating position, formed into numerous harbours by a very extensive archipelago. In the interior, bays were observed, and several very large towns built on posts as before described, but much higher, and apparently so combined as to present a formidable defence to an attacking party. Many

of the interior spots were cultivated, and the plantains and other trees we observed, showed them to be well supplied. Owing to their being warned off by a musket fired over them to prevent their stealing our marks, we had little or no communication with them, although several which visited the Starling at one of the out positions, gave them to understand that hogs, fruit, and the potatoe yam (of the Feejees) were abundant.

Amongst the feathered tribe a very trifling addition was made to our collection, probably owing to our not having sufficient leisure to penetrate into the interior, but a very beautiful cream-coloured pigeon,* was very abundant. A very curious species of a bat or flying fox, parroquets, &c., were innumerable, but difficult to obtain, as they maintained their perch on the loftiest trees, nearly on the summits of the island.

Amongst the trees, several kinds of nutmeg were found, and these appear to abound on the main island, if we may judge from the roosting places of the pigeons, the ground beneath which was literally covered with the nuts which they had voided, as they merely feed on the outer fleshy covering. All the islands are thickly wooded, and afford excellent fuel. The Tamanu, ebony, and other hard cabinet woods, were noticed; the lance wood of the South Seas (Casuarina equisetifolia) we cut for firewood, handspikes, and many useful purposes.

*The nutmeg pigeon.