EXPLORATION OF PEEL ISLAND. 205 



the trunks of the trees, and the dense net work of the hanging vines, so shrouded the sun that 

 the path was covered with a deep shade, through the darkness of which the eye could hardly 

 penetrate to a greater distance, in any direction, than twenty or thirty feet. It was difficult at 

 tinaes to trace the path. When the party had reached the water-courses of the streams which 

 flowed down the other side of the ridge they were ascending, multitudes of the land crabs 

 pattered away in every direction, frightened out of their coverts by the approaching footsteps. 



The ridge at its summit widened into an undulating surface of a mile and a half or so in 

 breadth, and was furrowed with deep gullies. The declivity on the otlier side of the ridge, 

 below which opened a deep ravine, was so steep that the men were obliged to let themselves 

 down by swinging from tree to tree. This ravine between the steep mountains, which, with 

 the exception of the bared rock here and there, were profusely covered with vegetation, 

 presented a wild aspect, with a stream of water flowing over a rocky bed through thickets of 

 undergrowth and masses of tropical vegetation spreading over the rocky cliffs and doAvn the 

 hills on all sides. 



The party now crossed the stream, and coming upon a field of the taro plant, which was of 

 remarkably luxuriant growth, struck directly through it and reached the forest beyond. 

 Finding it impossible, however, to make their way in that direction, they turned back through 

 the taro and regained the stream. The path was now recovered, which was found to lead 

 through a valley which bore signs of habitation. Cultivated patches of ground showed 

 themselves here and there with flourishing crops of sweet potatoes, taro, tobacco, sugar-cane, 

 pumpkin, and the sida or Indian gooseberry, which seemed to grow with wonderful luxuriance. 

 In the centre of the valley two palm thatched huts were observed, but the party, upon coming 

 up to them and entering, found they were uninhabited, although there were signs of their 

 having been occupied that morning. Guns were then fired to attract the attention of any 

 inhabitants who might be within hearing, and a good result was soon apparent by the 

 answering signal of a shout, which was immediately followed by the appearance of a South Sea 

 islander, with a face tattooed of a light blue and clothed in coarse cotton shirt and trowsers. 

 He introduced himself under the dignified title of "Judge," and professed to be a native of 

 Nukahwa in the Marquesas islands. This Marquesite seemed to be in very flourishing 

 condition. He had a hut to live in, a plantation to cultivate, and made a fair show of live 

 stock with his dogs and four pigs. The "Judge" was very affable, and in a very friendly 

 manner gave freely all the information at his command. He pointed out to his visitors how 

 the valley turned round the spur of the mountain and opened westward to the sea. The 

 stream was here only a creek in appearance, but was of sufficient dejjth to float canoes, in one 

 of which the "Judge" had just arrived from a turtle hunt, and had brought with him a fine 

 animal, which he busied himself with cutting up in the wishful company of his four dogs, who 

 were licking their chops with a hopeful anticipation of their share of the feast. 



The " Judge" was requested to guide the party to the southern end of the island, which he 

 stated to be about three or four miles distant, without, however, any pathway to it. His 

 companion, however, who knew tlie way, was sent for, and a copper colored Otaheitan, who 

 hardly spoke English, soon presented himself. He acknowledged that he was acquainted with 

 the route, and familiar with the wild boar haunts, but refused to go with the i^arty unless 

 joined by the " Judge," who, after some hesitation, consented, with the understanding that he 



