1777. THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 387 



called a low one, as the trees, on the west part, where 

 we now lay at anchor, only appeared ; and the only 

 eminent part, which can be seen from a ship, is the 

 south east point; though many gently rising and de- 

 clining grounds are observable by one who is ashore. 

 The general appearance of the country does not 

 afford that beautiful kind of landscape that is pro- 

 duced from a variety of hills and valleys, lawns, 

 rivulets, and cascades ; but, at the same time, it con- 

 veys to the spectator an idea of the most exuberant 

 fertility, whether we respect the places improved by 

 art, or those still in a natural state ; both which 

 yield all their vegetable productions with the greatest 

 vigour, and perpetual verdure. At a distance, the 

 surface seems entirely clothed with trees of various 

 sizes ; some of which are very large. But above 

 the rest, the tall cocoa-palms always raise their tufted 

 heads ; and are far from being the smallest ornament 

 to any country that produces them. The boogo, 

 which is a species of fig, with narrow-pointed leaves, 

 is the largest sized tree of the island ; and on the 

 uncultivated spots, especially toward the sea, the 

 most common bushes and small trees are the panda- 

 nus ; several sorts of hibiscus ; the Jaitanoo, men- 

 tioned more than once in the course of our voyage ; 

 and a few others. It ought also to be observed, that 

 though the materials for forming grand landscapes 

 are wanting, there are many of what might, at least, 

 be called neat prospects, about the cultivated grounds 

 and dwelling-places ; but more especially about the 

 Jiatookas ; where sometimes art, and sometimes na- 

 ture, has done much to please the eye. 



" From the situation of Tongataboo, toward the 

 tropic, the climate is more variable, than in countries 

 farther within that line ; though, perhaps, that 

 might be owing to the season of the year, which was 

 now the winter solstice. The winds are, for the most 

 part from some point between south and east ; and, 

 when moderate, are commonly attended with fine 



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