200 THE CORAL LANDS OF THE PACIFIC. 



central ridge of over 3000 feet. Heavy clouds generally hide 

 its summit, where a considerable lake is situated about 3 

 miles long by \\ mile wide, pouring through an outlet to 

 the west a stream which, after dashing and foaming along 

 its narrow bed, glides quietly through the native principal 

 town, called Somo Somo, which at one time was the name 

 given to the island, furnishing it with a good supply of fresh 

 water. The bed of this lake is supposed to be the crater of an 

 extinct volcano. A tolerable road extends about 7 miles across 

 the island at its southern end from Vuna Point, where there is 

 a flourishing store, and several very comfortable residences, 

 including a ladies' school, and a good hotel, called the ' Masonic.' 

 A road has, I understand, now been completed from the north 

 to the south of the island. At Selia Levu is one of the most 

 important plantations of the group. 



As you approach the end of the road on the west side of 

 Taviuni, a fine view is afforded of Mr. Hunter's extensive plan- 

 tation, consisting of a clearing of about 400 acres, nearly 300 

 of which are under sugar-cane. A ride for about a mile 

 through this valuable crop, brings the visitor to the snug little 

 residence of the proprietor ; and another half mile lands the 

 visitor at the sugar factory. Both within and without the mill 

 a busy scene presents itself. Outside, the place is kept alive 

 by the continual arrival of dray-loads of the rich juicy cane, 

 drawn by teams of oxen, under the care of the black grinning 

 native, who cracks his whip with all the aplomb of the Austra- 

 lian bushman. Now and again the shrill steam Avhistle echoes 

 over the plantation to hurry up the teamsters, a warning that 

 the mill is running short of cane. From the principal en- 

 trance one passes through the drying and packing-room, Avhich 

 contained some 30 tons of manufactured sugar at the time I 

 was there ; out of it a passage leads to the main portion of* 



