208 THE CORAL LANDS OF THE PACIFIC. 



is traditionally reported that this canal was originally con- 

 structed for military purposes. Looking at the primitive 

 means which these natives had for the accomplishment of such 

 an undertaking, viz., staves to loosen the earth, their hands for 

 shovels, and baskets in lieu of barrows and carts, this channel 

 must be looked upon as a masterpiece of barbaric engineering 

 and patient toil. It seems, in fact, to be a reminiscence of the 

 civilisation of a long bygone time. 



The Rewa receives the waters of the Wai Manu at Navuso, 

 about 12 miles from its mouth, and this tributary is navigable 

 for about 10 miles. It takes its rise in the neighbourhood of 

 Mamosi, and flows through a thickly-populated district. Thus 

 the inland navigation by means of these tAvo streams is equal 

 to about 100 miles. 



Whilst I am on this subject I cannot do better than quote 

 a description of Eewa scenery, given by Mr. Macdonald some 

 years ago : 



' The; scenery is very beautiful on account of the great diver- 

 sity of the surface and richness of the forests. The distant 

 mountains peeped now and again between the slopes of the 

 hills, or when we gained an elevation, stood up boldly against 

 the horizon. From an elevated spot the surrounding country 

 presented the most charming aspect, enlivened by a narrow 

 strip of the sea, with the islands of Ovalau, Wakaya, Mbatiki, 

 Nairai, and Nyau spread upon its bosom. The forests in the 

 district are exceedingly dense, and stored with valuable 

 timber. The sedimentary rocks, composing the heights of 

 Koroi, abound in foraminifera. Fossil casts of animal and 

 vegetable structures were everywhere to be seen, so case- 

 hardened apparently by a superficial layer of oxide of iron, 

 that their forms stand out in bold relief on the large slabs of 

 rock. The whole district is full of interest to the geologist, 



