224 A V O Y A G E T O 



1778. beinsr a bad ftation, and much fupcrior to ihofe which ne- 



February. " ' 



ceflity obliges fliips daily to ufc, in regions whefe the winds 

 are both more variable and more boifterous ; as at Teneriffe, 

 Madeira, the Azores, and elfewhere. The landing too is 

 more eafy than at mofl of thofe places ; and, unlefs in very 

 bad weather, always pracflicable. The water to be got in the 

 neighbourhood is excellent, and eafy to be conveyed to the 

 boats. But no wood can be cut at any diftance, convenient 

 enough to bring it from, unlefs the natives could be pre- 

 vailed upon to part with the few eiooa trees (for fo they call 

 the cordia fcbajlhia) , that grow about their villages, or a fort 

 called dooe dooe, that grow farther up the country. 



The land, as to its general appearance, does not, in the 

 leaft, refemble any of the illands we have hitherto viiited 

 within the tropic, on the fouth fide of the equator ; if we ex- 

 cept its hills near the centre, which are high, but Hope 

 gently to the fea, or lower lands. Though it be deftitute of 

 the delightful borders of Otaheite, and of the luxuriant 

 plains of Tongataboo, covered with trees, which at once 

 afford a friendly llielter from the fcorching fun, and an 

 enchanting profpecft to the eye, and food for the natives, 

 which may be truly faid to drop from the trees into their 

 mouths, without the laborious tafk of rearing; though, I 

 fay, Atooi be deftitute of thefe advantages, its ponbiling a 

 greater quantity of gently-rifing land, renders it, in fomc 

 mcafure, fuperior to the above favourite iilands, as being 

 more capable of improvement. 



The height of the land within, the quantity of clouds 

 whicii we faw, during the whole time we (laid, hanging 

 over it, and frequently on the other parts, fcems to put it be- 

 yond all doubt, that there is a fufficicnt fupply of water ; and 

 q . that 



