THE SANDWICH ISLANDS. 339 



ceived a companion, made an excursion into the 

 interior of the island. 



The 8th of December. At nine o'clock, pro- 

 vided with a small compass and a pocket-sextant, 

 I began my journey with Dr. Eschscholtz, and first 

 mate, Chramtschenko, who was to assist in survey- 

 ing and making plans of the coast. We called at 

 the house of Commandant Beckly, who was to 

 accompany us, where the two soldiers were also 

 ready ; they were a couple of robust men, who, 

 for convenience, had divested themselves of all 

 their apparel, and merely retained a silver mounted 

 cutlass as a sign of their profession. As soon as 

 we had quitted Hana-rura, we were obliged to 

 cross a river of the same name, which rises in the 

 mountains, and forms the western boundary of the 

 village. Its breadth, in many places, is fifteen 

 fathoms, and its depth is sufficient to carry the 

 boats which are sent there to take in water. It is 

 the only place where you can take in a stock of 

 water, and would be very convenient for that pur- 

 pose, if it did not become too shallow at its mouth 

 at the time of the ebb. Regard must therefore 

 be had, in dispatching the boats, to the turn of the 

 tide, so as to contrive that they may return at high 

 water, otherwise they will have to lie twelve hours. 

 The water is wholesome, and of an agreeable taste. 

 The way now lies to the west, through a beauti- 

 fully cultivated valley, which is bounded towards 



z 2 



