488 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1889. 



want of time. Human remains were found in this cave, but all very 

 old. 



The caves of Easter Island are numerous and extremely interesting 

 in character. They may be divided into two classes : those worn by the 

 action of the waves, and those due to the expansion of gases in the 

 molten lava and other volcanic action. The process of attrition is in 

 constant progress around the entire coast-line, and the weaker portions 

 of the rock are being undermined by the incessant beating of the ocean. 

 Some of these sea- worn caves are of considerable extent, but generally 

 difficult of access and affording little of interest except to the geologist. 

 The caverns produced by volcanic agencies are found throughout this 

 island, and some were traced through subterranean windings to an out- 

 let on the bluffs overlooking the sea. They are generally quite dry; 

 the rain-water falling upon the surface occasionally finds its way be- 

 tween the cracks or joints in the solid rock, but these gloomy passages 

 and chambers lack grandeur from the entire absence of stalactites and 

 deposits of carbonate of lime, iso glistening and fantastical forms of 

 stalagmitic decorations exist here to excite the fancy and create iu the 

 imagination scenes of fairy-like splendor. The feeble rays of our can- 

 dles were quickly absorbed by the somber surroundings, heightening 

 the apparent extent and gloom of the recesses. Careful investigation 

 proved that all of the caves visited had been used as dwelling-places 

 by the early inhabitants. 



Platform 18 deserved more attention than we were able to give to it, 

 the facing-stones having been torn from their original position in the 

 structure and lying scattered about as though thrown down by some 

 great convulsion of nature. Some of them show evidences of having 

 been ornamented with rude figures carved on the hard rocks; but the 

 approach of sundown hastened our steps toward Motukau Point, where 

 we could see the flags flying over our camp. The day's march had been 

 exceedingly fatiguing on account of the rugged nature of the ground 

 and the absence of water, but the last mile or so was accomplished at 

 a swinging pace in view of the fact that the camp could not be reached 

 after darkness had closed in. Our course had been around Cape North, 

 and covering the territory between the coast and the base of Ran a Haua 

 Kana. Loose bowlders of every imaginable shape and size cover the 

 ground, threatening sprained limbs and broken bones at every incau- 

 tious step, as though the expiring energy of the volcanoes had been ex- 

 pended in creating this natural barrier. 



Camp Day, named in honor of our commanding officer, was located in 

 a district known as Vai-mait-tai (good water), but it was decidedly a 

 misnomer, the supply being ample, but brackish and ill-smelling. After 

 a hearty meal of mutton, prepared by our guides in true island style, 

 we sought shelter under the lee of an outcropping rock, fatigued enough 

 to sleep through the attacks of myriads of noxious insects and regard- 

 less of the passing showers of rain. 



