ASCENT OF BUKE LEVU. 213 
kava, for which Kadayu is renowned. A narrow path, 
often winding along precipices and through rivulets, led 
to about 1500 feet elevation, where it gradually faded 
away, and the isolated patches of cultivation noticed up 
to this height, as well as the wood which had re-occu- 
pied ground at one time cleared and the masses of reeds 
gave place to an undisturbed virgin forest, through 
which we had to cut our way. We had taken the pre- 
caution of bringing a strong rope, sixty feet long, which, 
made fast to trees, proved extremely useful in dragging 
ourselves up almost perpendicular rocks, in the rainy 
season occupied by waterfalls, and even at this time of 
the year very slippery. On some of these were found a 
number of delicate ferns (Hymenophyllum), and quite a 
new species of land-shell (Bulimus Seemanni, Dokr.), 
fully two inches long, and of a bright salmon-colour. 
In order to save time, we had directed one of our men 
to push ahead and prepare a camp-kettle full of tea— 
of all beverages the best when one is tired and heated. 
When at last, after great exertion and frequent stopping 
to examine objects of interest, we reached the top, he 
and half-a-dozen others were already there, but they had 
omitted to bring either matches, firesticks, or water ; 
and even the cocoa-nuts, packed up with the rest of the 
day’s provisions, were too old for drinking. Being ex- 
tremely thirsty, we could not touch food, hungry though 
we were. The natives declared the nearest water to be 
more than 1000 feet down, and, as they had not the 
proper wood, it was impossible for them to kindle fire 
by friction. However, a man must have read ‘ Robinson 
Crusoe’ to little purpose, if his resources fail him in 
