356 THE CORAL LANDS OF THE PACIFIC. 



scarcely to be found elsewhere in the world, not alone from 

 the valuable products of the land itself, but from the possession 

 of so magnificent a harbour for shipping, from which the rami- 

 fications of a trade on a large scale could be developed through- 

 out the great Caroline Archipelago. That there is any risk in 

 the attempt, I do not for a moment believe. All that is neces- 

 sary is to find men of character and determination, who are 

 acquainted with the Caroline tongue. These, after winning 

 the protection of a chief by the bestowal of suitable presents, 

 and by marrying into his family which would inevitably be 

 expected of them might develop a trade to any extent they 

 pleased on behalf of their employers.' 



Of the other islands in the Carolines known to Pacific 

 traders, it may be said, as of Pacific voyages, if you describe 

 one, you describe all in great measure. Mortlock and Monte- 

 verde Islands are very rich in pearl and tortoise shell. How 

 the Messrs. Godeffroy got to Yap, their most western station 

 in the South Sea, is another romance of the Pacific. 



Some twelve years ago a sailor of Hamburg was wrecked in 

 this neighbourhood. He found his way to Yap, and was well 

 treated by the people. They took him to Palaos, to which 

 they trade by sea ; from thence he reached the Moluccas, and 

 managed from there eventually to return to Europe. He related 

 his experience to Mr. Caesar Godeffroy, who gave him charge 

 of a vessel, and supplied him with means to purchase a tract 

 of land from the chiefs of Yap to form a 'settlement there. 

 This he did accordingly, and for two years traded between the 

 Carolines and China, chiefly in beche-de-mer. At the end of 

 that time, an accident happened to him by the unintentional 

 discharge of a needle-gun. He went to Europe for medical 

 advice, and has returned to the islands no more. He certainly 

 came destitute into the service of Messrs. Godeffroy, from 



