1779* THE PACIFIC OCEAN. (J.5 



length, which lies in a direction nearly north and 

 south, is 28^- leagues; its breadth is 2 4 leagues; and 

 it is about 255 geographical, or 293 English miles, 

 in circumference. The whole island is divided into 

 six large districts; Amakooa and Aheedoo, which 

 lie on the north-east side ; Apoona and Kaoo on 

 the south-east; Akona and Kooarra on the west. 



The districts of Amakooa and Aheedoo are sepa- 

 rated by a mountain, called Mouna Kaah (or the 

 mountain Kaah), which rises in three peaks, perpe- 

 tually covered with snow, and may be clearly seen 

 at 40 leagues' distance. 



To the north of this mountain the coast consists 

 of high and abrupt cliffs, down which fall many beau- 

 tiful cascades of water. We were once flattered with 

 the hopes of meeting with a harbour round a bluff 

 head, in latitude 20° 10' north, and longitude 204° 

 26' east ; but, on doubling the point, and stand- 

 ing close in, we found it connected by a low valley 

 with another high head to the north-west. The 

 country rises inland with a gentle ascent, is inter- 

 sected by deep narrow glens, or rather chasms, and 

 appeared to be well cultivated and sprinkled over 

 with a number of villages. The snowy mountain is 

 very steep and the lower part of it covered with 

 wood. 



The coast of Aheedoo, which lies to the south of 

 Mouna Kaah, is of a moderate height, and the interior 

 parts appear more even than the country to the north- 

 west, and less broken by ravines. Off these two 

 districts we cruized for almost a month; and, when- 

 ever our distance from shore would permit it, were 

 sure of being surrounded by canoes laden with all 

 kinds of refreshments. We had frequently a very 

 heavy sea, and great swell on this side of the island, 

 and as we had no soundings, and could observe much 

 foul ground off the shore, we never approached nearer 

 the land than two or three leagues, excepting on the 

 occasion already mentioned. 



