76 Letter IT. 
of vessels trading in these seas ; and it is the only island whose 
coasts have been thoroughly surveyed. It is nearly circular in 
form, has few indentations or, bays, and is said to be forty miles 
in circumference. If it were not almost entirely taken up with 
mountains it might support a large population ; but as it is, the 
only arable lands are in the valleys, and on the narrow flats 
which here and there occur between the base of the hills and 
the sea coast. These wood-covered hills, nearly 3000 feet high, 
do good service however in drawing from the clouds an abundant 
supply of fresh water, and this running down the valleys and 
gorges, in never-failing streams, irrigates and enriches the lower 
lands most effectually.. The only bay in which vessels may lie 
safely is this one, upon the south-west side of the island, going 
by the name of Anelcauhat Harbour, a name it takes from the 
district lying round it. The bay is formed by a point of the 
mainland, two islets, and an outlying reef. It opens to- 
wards the west, upon which side it is rather too much ex- 
posed for the safety of vessels in harbour; for, although the 
anchorage is tolerably good, such a sea comes rolling in with a 
westerly breeze, that, more than once, vessels at anchor have 
broken ground and been cast ashore. 
It used to. be quite a lively port in the old sandal-wood- 
seeking days, there being then two establishments on the harbour 
and whaling being carried on as well; both of which industries 
brought vessels frequently into the bay. 
But these days are over—happily so, say the missionaries— 
and all that can be seen now of these places, are a few build- 
“ings upon the islet of Inyug, still occupied as a whaling 
station. 
At the head of the bay, the most attractive object is the na- 
tive church—a large building, which, with its white shining walls, 
stands out very prominently upon a gentle slope. To the right 
of it other white walls are seen* glimmering through the thick 
