88 CEUISE OF THE ' CUBAgOA.' 



CHAPTER V. 



VAVAU— TONGA GROUP. 



(July 10 to 15.) 



Boscawen and Keppel Islands — Sandy Point — Excui'sion on Shore — 

 Missionaiies — Village of Neiafu — Visit to the Governor^The Guide Papalaugi 

 • — Roads and Convicts — Volcano of Latte — Curious Natural Grottoes — Popula- 

 tion — Diseases — Government — Laws — Products. 



The Commodore liad intended to get under sail on Sunday 

 morning, but he altered his intention in deference to a remark 

 of the consul, Mr. Williams, that the Cura9oa would be the 

 first ship which had left the port on the Lord's day ; that 

 it would be regarded as a great indecorum ; and that the 

 Missionaries would be exceedingly distressed by it. It was 

 not, therefore, till Monday, July 10, about 7 a.m., that we 

 put to sea, under steam, from the port of Apia. The pilot 

 soon after left us, and we were scarcely five miles from the 

 reef encircling the island, when we suddenly came upon low 

 banks of coral, which occasionally did not leave much more 

 than three fathoms water. After some anxiety we got 

 free of this dangerous passage, and, at about half-past 3 p.m., 

 the Commodore, taking advantage of a light breeze, gave 

 orders to set sail. We looked back much pleased at the 

 southern coast of Upolu, which seemed as if it were covered 



