210 THE CORAL LANDS OF THE PACIFIC. 



After following the course of the river for about 10 miles 

 through the heart of the country in a N.N.W. direction, Mr. 

 Macdonald proceeds : 



' Here the vegetation was more beaiitiful than anything it 

 is possible to conceive. There is a particularly remarkable 

 species of flagilaria, with a stem of about 4 inches in circum- 

 ference, scaling the tallest trees by means of its prehensile 

 leaves. Having left this place, we proceeded up the river to 

 Vakandua, a rather small but well-inhabited town, most beau- 

 tifully situated on elevated land, and surrounded by river and 

 forest scenery. Proceeding up the river, past the town of 

 Nondo-Yavu-na-ta-Thaki, the scenery is most charmingly moun- 

 tainous, with occasional rapids and shallows. Then Na-Scivau, 

 famous for its hot springs, which form splendid natural baths, 

 is reached, and the voyage is continued as far as Xamosi, 

 which lies on the right bank of the Wai Ndnia, in the luxu- 

 riant valley of Ono Buleanga, which trends nearly east and 

 west between rugged and lofty mountains. The sublimity of 

 this scenery cannot be faithfully described.' 



All round the islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu there 

 are rich tracts of land, waiting the advent of men who will 

 utilise them. I annex a description of an estate on the former 

 island, near Ba, which I wrote when in the group ; I fear the 

 concluding remarks are true to this day : 



' The estate comprises about 1000 acres, of which 400 acres 

 are rich arable soil, easily worked. The remainder is com- 

 posed of fine grazing land. The plantation has a sea-frontage 

 and a good anchorage for vessels of 50 tons, and has the addi- 

 tional convenience of easy land carriage, there being a decline 

 from the most inland part of the plantation to the beach. 

 An ever-flowing stream runs through the centre of the land, 

 and could be applied for irrigating purposes during dry seasons 



