VATE. 231 



that a white missionary liad come to their assistance. 

 A village named Erukor has become entirely Christian, and 

 another village is spoken of which seems inclined to do so ; 

 but with these two exceptions, tlie whole island is under the 

 yoke of its religion. The unconverted majority are (it is 

 of course asserted) very depraved, giving themselves up 

 to all sorts of immoralities, besides the barbarous customs 

 we have already mentioned, such as cannibalism and the 

 making away with old men and children. In the Christian 

 village these abominable practices and vices have, for the 

 most part, disappeared, and the Missionary affirms that his 

 property is fully respected.^ 



There are to be found at present in the island, pigs, 

 goats, dogs, cats, rats, bats, flying-foxes, and tortoises. 

 There are three species of lizards and a harmless snake 

 about two feet long, of a brownish colour, and very heavy 

 in his movements. There are two kinds of pigeons, hawks, 

 owls, and a considerable variety of small singing birds. 

 Turkeys and barndoor fowls have been introduced. Among 

 the fish of every sort of shape which are caught at Vate 

 some are venomous, but the greater part are fit for food. 

 There are also sea-crabs and land-crabs, the common pearl 

 oyster, and other kinds of this mollusk. Of insects there 

 is a large variety. 



Two species of the cocoa-nut tree, the sago palm, and 

 bread-fruit tree, the papau, a large horse chesnut, the 

 coffee plant, and various nut trees, supply the natives with 

 ' As usual — black yesterday, white to-day. 



