1G9 



Although these islands have been formed by sub- 

 marine volcanic action, it would now be difficult to 

 point out, with certainty, the positions of the craters. 

 However, it may be assumed that the deep water 

 basins at the anchorages of the islands of Koro, 

 Mango, Rabi, and Savu-savu bay, as well as at the 

 basis of the cliffs on the north-west coast of Vanua 

 Levu, are the sites of craters, and that the perpen- 

 dicular cliffs at these places formed part of their sides. 

 The hollow of the salt lake, the Lavoni valley in 

 Ovalau, and the site of the town of Namosi in Viti 

 Levu, may be quoted as others. 



Graphite, or black lead, is found near na Qara- 

 wai in the interior of Viti Levu, and malachite 

 of good quality, according to Seemann, has also 

 been found near Namosi. Copper, but in small 

 quantity, has also been found in Pabi. These metals 

 may yet be found in other parts of Fiji. Mint has 

 been found on the mountains near the native town of 

 na Wasa-kuba, not far from Pickering's Peak. Iron 

 in several of its many forms exists in every part of 

 the group, and numerous fossils will yet be found in 

 its limestone rocks. 



Soil. — The soil of Piji islands is very productive. 

 In Taviuni it consists of disintegrated volcanic rocks, 

 scoria and tufa, mixed with decomposed vegetable 

 matter, one of the richest and most fruitful soils 

 known. Its average depth on this island will exceed 

 3 feet. In a feAv places, of small extent, the 

 rocks are covered with a thin coating of soil, but in 

 most places it exceeds 3 feet in depth. Its colour is 

 from dark brown to black. The soil of Ovalau is disin- 

 tegrated agglomerate and vegetable debris. It is also 

 a fertile soil, and appears to retain moisture better 

 than the soil of Taviuni, which most probably arises 



