CHAPTER XXII. 



TAHITI SOCIETY ISLANDS. 



Six DAYS after leaving Pitcairn, Tahiti,* the largest 

 and most important of the Society Islands, was 

 sighted, and at 10 o'clock in the morning we 

 dropped anchor off the town of Papeete. The 

 barrier-reef protecting the harbour is almost 

 a-wash at low water, and we had to lie outside 

 and wait for a pilot. 



From this position a splendid view of the island 

 was obtained. A series of jagged peaks extends 

 through its whole length peaks covered from 

 base to summit with dense forest, and intersected 

 by narrow gorges filled with rushing torrents of 

 clear water. The town of Papeete is built in a 

 clearing in the forest ; between it and the 

 shore lies a stretch of grass dotted with trees, 

 many of which grow within a few feet of the sea 

 and overhang the water. The main street runs 

 parallel with the harbour, and a short distance 



* Tahiti is often referred to as Otaheite. This name, we were 

 assured by the Tahitians, is incorrect, and originated from a mistake 

 made by Captain Cook. 



Q2 



