6 FOYE. 



islands, surrounded by coral reefs, might throw new light on the 

 problem, the writer journeyed to Fiji in June, 1915. This subject 

 as well as other geological problems presenting themselves during the 

 progress of the investigation are discussed in tiie following pages. 



The writer is deeply indebted to the Committee on Sheldon Travel- 

 ing Fellowships of Harvard University for a generous grant of funds 

 which made the exploration possible. He also wishes to thank the 

 Division of Geology of the University for many kindnesses, especially 

 for a grant from the Shaler Memorial Fund with which to complete 

 the preparation of this report. Nor can he fail to express his sincere 

 gratitude to many friends in Fiji who kindly welcomed a stranger and 

 gave of their time and substance for his aid. 



ITINERARY. 



After a brief visit to the modern volcanoes of the Haw^aiian Islands 

 the writer went immediately to Suva, the capital of Fiji, situated on 

 a beautiful bay at the southeastern side of Viti Levu. 



During the latter part of July a brief excursion was made with INIr. 

 Stewart, Assistant Secretary for Native Affairs, to the \olcanic island 

 of Mbengha, a few miles southwest of Suva. The beginning of August 

 found the writer en route for the Lau or Eastern group, aboard the 

 inter-island steamer, "Amra." A stop of half a day was made at 

 Levuka, the old capital of Fiji, situated on the volcanic island of 

 Ovalau, near the eastern coast of Viti Levu. Stops of a few hours 

 were also made at Thithia and Mango, but little geological work 

 could there be accomplished. 



At Loma Loma, a village on the southeastern side of Vanua Mlialavu, 

 one of the Exploring Group, the writer was cordially received by Dr. 

 St. Johnston, the Government District Commissioner for the Lau 

 Group, and, thanks to letters given by the Honorable Mr. Allardyce, 

 Conmiissioncr of Native Affairs, and the Honorable ]\Ir. Hutson, 

 Colonial Secretary, an extended exploration of this group was made 

 possible. The month of August was largely occupied by a tour of 

 the various islands of the Exploring Group — Vanua Mbalavu, 

 ^lalatta, Susui, IVIunia, Thikombia-i-lau, and Avea. .Vn adjacent 

 island to the west, Kanathea, was also visited. 



S('pteml)er, October, and part of November were spent in traA'elling 

 by cutter among the smaller islands south of the Exi)loring Grouj). 



