statistics of Phi/sical Geograpluj. 241 



interchange of the products of Polynesia against the fabrics 

 of Europe. 



The total superficial area of Tahiti amounts to 104,215 

 hectares, 79,485 of which form Tahiti proper and the isthmus 

 of Taravao, while the peninsula of Taiarapu comprises the 

 remaining 24,730. The greater portion of this surface is 

 occupied by mountains, only a very small proportion being 

 devoted to tillage. At the mouths of several of the rivers are 

 small strips of arable land, of which the plains of Taunoa 

 (near Papeete), Point Venus, Pusenaura, Papara, Papuriri, 

 and Papeari, as also the delta of the river Fautaua, on the 

 peninsula of Taiarapu, are the most important. 



All these level grounds put together do not amount to more 

 than from 2200 to 2500 hectares, while the swampy state of 

 much of even this small area renders many portions fit only 

 for the cultivation of taro and rice.* 



The climate of Tahiti is uncommonly salubrious and de- 

 lightful ; the temperature is tolerably uniform, and is sensibly 

 moderated by the alternate land and sea breezes. Only about 

 mid-day, when there usually sets in that profound calm, which 

 the French, in their elegant epigrammatic way, style I'immo- 

 bilite des feuilles, the heat becomes absolutely oppressive, but 

 the mornings and evenings are cool, and the air very refi:esli- 



* On the island of Eimeo, or Morea, lying off Tahiti, the area of which is 13,237 

 hectares, there is a table land about the centre of the island, surrounded by a semi- 

 circular range of lofty precipices, which would be found thoroughly fit for cattle pas- 

 ture. The cultivation of the grape and of European vegetables might also be pi-o- 

 fitably undertaken. 



VOL. III. R 



