172 Cruise of the "Alerts 



patches of coral, the interstices of which were gradually getting 

 filled up with coral detritus, and the decayed remains of stunted 

 plants. The mangrove bushes here seemed with difficulty to eke 

 out an existence, their roots being no longer bathed in seawater ; 

 but on the other hand a few Ivi trees (Aleurites spf) had gained 

 a footing. An amazing quantity of crabs of the genus Gelasimus 

 inhabit these desolate flats, where they will have an opportunity 

 of gradually adapting themselves to a terrestrial existence. I 

 noticed two species, one of which was covered with a hairy brown 

 integument, and was rather sluggish in its movements, waddling 

 awkwardly into its burrow while it held aloft one of its hands in 

 a most ridiculous fashion. The other was a smaller crab, with a 

 greenish body, and having one of its pincer-claws, which was of 

 a brilliant orange colour, of a huge size compared with its fellow. 

 Probably, after the lapse of a few years, these flats will form part 

 of the general forest land, when the crabs may undergo further 

 adaptive changes. 



We saw little of King George during our stay, as being now 

 advanced in years he leads a retired life, passing his days in 

 a small room in the rear of the palace, and only coming out of 

 doors after sunset for a little airing. However, his grandson, 

 "Wellington Gnu," who is governor of Nukualofa, and heir pre- 

 sumptive to the throne, was most civil and obliging. He is a 

 remarkably fine-looking man, being six feet two inches in height, 

 and stout in proportion ; his face beams with amiability and intelli- 

 gence ; and he possesses all the manners and bearing of a polished 

 gentleman. Although the lineal heir to the throne by direct 

 descent, it is very doubtful whether he will succeed the present 

 king, as Maafu, his cousin, and the son of a deceased brother of 

 King George, is older in years, and is consequently by the Tongan 

 laws the legitimate heir to the throne.* 



Wellington entertained us most hospitably, and drove us in his 

 buggies to various places of interest in the island. On one occa- 



* Since the above was written I have heard of the death of Maafu. 



