27 



Eiji, but they were growing too closely together. The 

 steamer went close to Nataimba, a good view of which 

 we had in passing. It contains about 9 square 

 miles of good land, and nearly the whole of it is 

 planted with cocoa-nut trees. After entering inside 

 the reef at the northern end of Loma Loma or Vanua 

 Balawu (Exploring islands), the steamer passes 

 within 20 yards of the shore, along which the scenery 

 is most charming. The island is well wooded at 

 this part, and rises abruptly from the sea to an eleva- 

 tion of several hundred feet. The shore is well pro- 

 tected from the force of the waves by the barrier reef. 

 But the action of the water upon the coral limestone 

 rock has worn it away, so that at one uniform level 

 all along the shore the upper part projects at a little 

 above high-water mark. There are many islets pro- 

 tecting half hidden coves or small bays, in some of 

 which there is deep water. The steamer remained 

 nearly 24 hours at the village of Loma Loma. There 

 are numerous settlers at this place, and it is a port 

 for both inward and outward bound foreign vessels. 

 Some healthy young mahogany and toon " cedar " 

 trees, and good crotons from the New Hebrides and 

 New Ireland were seen in the gardens. 



Maafu, the Hoko of the Lau province, has granted 

 the use of a few acres of land, which the inhabitants 

 of the village have laid out as a public botanic garden. 

 Of course, I paid a visit to it, and was much pleased 

 with what I saw. It is highly creditable to the 

 settlers and natives, and says much for the energy and 

 zeal of both, for I believe the latter take a lively 

 interest in " their garden." 



There are many Tonga men in this province, and its 

 Roko is the nephew of King George of Tonga. The 



