230 Voyage of the Novara. 



summits of the loftiest peaks, is densely covered with trees, 

 reeds, and creepers, especially scitaminece'^ the brilliant green 

 hues of which are reflected in the mirror-like surface of the 

 lake below. All the forests here are of wild-plantain, and 

 the sugar-cane is found growing wild in a variety of places. 

 A few ducks, a swallow, and a couple of parrots were all that 

 was seen of animal life. A strange silence brooded over the 

 entire landscape, — not a leaf trembled, not a sound broke the 

 solemn stillness, and a depressing feeling of loneliness and 

 utter abandonment seized on the traveller. The spot for the 

 night's encampment was selected close to a large stone, against 

 which a sort of penthouse was erected of banana leaves, which 

 promised welcome shelter during the night. The exceedingly 

 unfavourable weather prevented an adequate investigation 

 being made of the environs of the lake, and as the following 

 morning was ushered in with, if anything, an accession of bad 

 weather, the plan which had been projected of constructing 

 a boat with which to explore the lake was abandoned, and the 

 party set out on their return to Papeete. 



During our stay at Tahiti, a grand national festival took 

 place at the little village of Faaa, about an hour's walk from 

 Papeete. In fact, it has latterly become the custom, on every 

 change of Governor, to have a feast of welcome in his 

 honour in every district. On such occasions speeches are 

 made, presents are prepared, dances are practised, and long 

 tables, groaning under all sorts of food and drink, are set out 

 in the open air for the invited guests. Governor Saisset, who 



