106 cook's voyage to march, 



and the deep chasms between them, are covered with 

 trees, amongst which those of the bread-fruit were 

 observed particularly to abound. The tops of these 

 hills are entirely bare, and of a reddish brown colour. 

 We were informed by the natives, that there is an 

 harbour to the southward of the east point, which 

 they affirmed to be superior to that of Karakakooa ; 

 and we were also told, that, on the north-west side, 

 there was another harbour, called Keepoo-keepoo. 



Tahoorowa is a small island lying off the south- 

 west part of Mowee, from which it is distant three 

 leagues. This island is destitute of wood, and the 

 soil seems to be sandy and barren. Between Tahow- 

 rowa and Mowee, lies the small uninhabited island 

 Morrotinnee. 



Morotoi is only two leagues and a half from 

 Mowee to the west north-west. The south-western 

 coast, which was the only part near which we ap- 

 proached, is very low; but the land rises backward 

 to a considerable height; and, at the distance from 

 which we saw it, appeared to be entirely without 

 wood. Its produce, we were told, consists chiefly of 

 yams. It may, probably, have fresh water; and, on 

 the south and west sides, the coast forms several bays, 

 that promise good shelter from the trade winds. 



Ranai is about three leagues distant from Mowee 

 and Morotoi, and lies to the south-west of the pas- 

 sage between these islands. The country to the 

 south is high and craggy ; but the other parts of the 

 island had a better aspect, and appeared to be well in- 

 habited. We were told that it produces very few 

 plantains and bread-fruit trees ; but that it abounds 

 in roots, such as yams, sweet potatoes, and tarrow. 



Woahoo lies to the north-west of Morotoi, at the 

 distance of about seven leagues. As far as we could 

 judge, from the appearance of the north-east and 

 north-west parts (for we saw nothing of the southern 

 side), it is by far the finest island of the whole group. 

 Nothing can exceed the verdure of the hills, the va- 



