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belief that the country was once much more populous 

 than it is now. But the clearing and cultivation of 

 land, followed by abandonment, may be rather due to 

 the habits of the people than suggestive of a 

 diminished population, though it is true that epi- 

 demics of measles have carried off a very considerable 

 number. On returning to Suva the Wai Manu was 

 crossed 4- miles higher up, and the route followed 

 was that which had been surveyed for the road above 

 mentioned. "We passed the sources of the Tamavua 

 river, and the village of Colo ni Suva. Near this 

 village can be obtained a fine view of the lower 

 reaches of the Heiwa, extending to Ovalau, and also 

 some fine mountain and river scenery. The soil along 

 this route is fertile, and in many places suitable for 

 growing sugar canes, whilst in others coffee would be 

 found to be more suitable. The rocks are principally 

 of a calcareous nature. 



When leaving Suva I was joined by Mr. Langton, 

 who travelled with me through the interior of Viti 

 Levu examining sites for the natives for then coffee 

 plantations. We proceeded first in a boat for about 

 30 miles along the coast, and then went up the Navua 

 river. At the mouth of this river, where we remained 

 a few days examining the country and visiting some 

 of tbe settlers, there are about 60 square miles of 

 prime cane land, consisting principally of low hills 

 and alluvial flats. Cotton was once grown here, but 

 since that ceased to pay, the settlers have turned their 

 attention to raising stock. As in other places the want 

 of sugar mills prevents the cultivation of the sugar 

 cane from being entered upon. 



At the village of na Quave we met the Koko of 

 the province (Eoko Tui Namosi), who had assembled 



