ASCENT OF BUKE LEVU. 213 



kava, for which Kadavu is renowned. A narrow path, 

 often winding along precipices and through rivulets, led 

 to about 1500 feet elevation, where it gradually faded 

 away, and the isolated patches of cultivation noticed up 

 to this height, as well as the wood which had re-occu- 

 pied ground at one time cleared and the masses of reeds 

 gave place to an undisturbed virgin forest, through 

 which we had to cut our way. We had taken the pre- 

 caution of bringing a strong rope, sixty feet long, which, 

 made fast to trees, proved extremely useful in dragging 

 ourselves up almost perpendicular rocks, in the rainy 

 season occupied by waterfalls, and even at this time of 

 the year very slippery. On some of these were found a 

 number of delicate ferns (Hymenopkyllum\ and quite a 

 new species of land-shell (Bulimus Seemanni, Dohr.), 

 fully two inches long, and of a bright salmon-colour. 



In order to save time, we had directed one of our men 

 to push ahead and prepare a camp-kettle full of tea 

 of all beverages the best when one is tired and heated. 

 When at last, after great exertion and frequent stopping 

 to examine objects of interest, we reached the top, he 

 and half-a-dozen others were already there, but they had 

 omitted to bring either matches, firesticks, or water; 

 and even the cocoa-nuts, packed up with the rest of the 

 day's provisions, were too old for drinking. Being ex- 

 tremely thirsty, we could not touch food, hungry though 

 we were. The natives declared the nearest water to be 

 more than 1000 feet down, and, as they had not the 

 proper wood, it was impossible for them to kindle fire 

 by friction. However, a man must have read ' Kobinson 

 Crusoe ' to little purpose, if his resources fail him in 



