x PREFACE 



hope that a period of two years devoted to its investigation will be 

 regarded as some excuse for a certain over-confidence in the 

 expression of my opinions. 



To enumerate all those from whom I received much kindness in 

 these islands would be a lengthy task. My indebtedness is very 

 great to Bishop Vidal, Father Rougier, and to various other 

 members of the Roman Catholic Mission, and I experienced 

 similar favours at the hands of Mr. Williams and other Wesleyan 

 Missionaries in Vanua Levu. Mr. F. Spence and Mrs. Spence 

 showed me great kindness, and from Dr. Corney I received valuable 

 assistance on my arrival in the group. To the planters my debt 

 is equally great, more especially to Mr. Barratt, Mr. Dods, and 

 Mr. Mills. 



In conclusion I would suggest the foundation of a " Fijian 

 Society " for the investigation of the islands, for the gathering 

 together of all that has been written about the group and its 

 people, and for the advancement of science. 



Henry Brougham Guppy. 



June, 1903. 



Note. — A type set of my geological collections representing the massive 

 rocks from this island has been kindly accepted by the Curator of the 

 Geological Museum, Jermyn Street. 



