ANATOM. 193 



CHAPTER X. 



ANATOM— NEW HEBBTDES. 



(August G to 10.) 



Striking Appearance of the Island — A Vessel belonging to the Presbyte- 

 rian Missions- Climate — Caufes of decreased Population — Character of the 

 Natives — Progi'esa ascribed to Christianity — Chiefs — Productions. 



Os August 3 at four p.m. we left Kandavu for the island 

 of Anatom, the most southern of the New Hebrides. This 

 run of 470 miles was not marked by any particular incident, 

 and was in every respect agreeable. 



On August 6 we reached Anatom, and came to anchor 

 between the bay and Whale Island. The harbour is spacious 

 and sheltered from all winds except the west, to which it 

 opens. It is easy of ingress and egress, the entrance being 

 wide and ft"ee from obstruction. Anatom is a beautiful 

 island, well wooded and watered ; its general character is 

 mountainous ; hill and valley, mountains of every shape and 

 size, intersected by deep ravines, cultivated spots, and 

 barren tracts, coveied with shrub or entirely without 

 vegetation, diversify the scene, and give it a lively and 

 picturesque appearance. Large quantities of Kauri pine 

 were found of excellent quality, and a great variety of other 

 wood, which might be turned to valuable account. 



o 



