A BOTANICAL TOUR AMONG THE SOUTH SEA ISLANDS. 123 
to our visit. It consisted of two tables, a sofa, some TUN a iig qe and, 
if I mistake not, a Brussels carpet covered the floor. A large mirror, and 
baceo. He paid a visit to the commodore o n the m morning we iy he having 
n he 
Respect and kindness, in whatever form, must tend to i sr those uncivilized 
people to throw off their savage character, and aspire to a higher humanity. 
It was by the consideration and good will of previous inm together with 
assiduous missionary labour (and this has done more good than many credit) 
however, it is always moist and fertile, owing to its rich soil, occasional 
i : i 
ew days’ steam took us safely to Ovalau, Fiji Islands. Our first port 
there was Levuka, and our next anchorage was at the mouth of the Rewa 
River, in Viti-levu, or Big Fiji. Levuka gives one but a very vague idea of 
the beautiful scenery of the Fijis, although I must say that the —— 
around itis rich; and, without doubt, the island of Ovalau contains a 
variety of plants than any place of its size in the Fijis. But one must » 
Seem to the other side of the island, and thence across to Bau and up the 
er if he wishes to see tropical verdure beautifully displayed. I was never 
more delighted, however, than with a trip to the island of Wakaya (eight miles 
to the windward of Ovalau), belonging to Dr. Brower, the American consul, 
who resides there, and who certainly deserves great praise for the manner in 
whieh he has turned his attention towards the growth of cotton, coffee, and 
sugar, which succeed admirably. His plantations of Sea-island cotton are 
extensive, and the quality the best I se peis ees oem This x verni is 
they seem to be quite at home. The doctor informed me that eight years ago 
he introduced ten head of cattle, which have now increased to nearly two hun- 
He has several well-bred horses, as well as goats, pigs, and fowls 
in quantity. 
I had some very laborious, though truly interesting, tours t through the moun- 
tains of Ovalau. The highest peak here is said to be about 2080 feet, which I 
L 2 
