114 Letter V. 
‘two-and-a-half fathoms,’ We began to get uncomfortable, 
as the vessel draws two fathoms. The sails having been 
backed, however, she began to move slowly astern, and we 
thought that we were all right, when a quiver like an 
earthquake shock ran through the vesssl, as her keel grazed 
some rock—only grazed, fortunately, so that she swung off 
without damage; and drifting out into ten fathoms water, the 
anchor was let go, and we lay comfortably all night. 
Next day we reached Nguna, and anchored opposite the 
mission house of Mr. Milne. This island is about six miles 
long and three or four broad, and is mountainous, the principal. 
hill being evidently an extinct volcano. It is prettily wooded 
in the valleys, and up the sides of the hills, while the 
summits are mostly bare. The population is estimated at 
about 800, and they are much like the Efatese in appearance 
and manners, and speak a dialect of the same language. 
The Rev. P. Milne and his wife have been on the island for 
three years, and appear to have gained the respect and good- 
will of the natives. He has built a neat little house a short 
way up from the beach, which occupies a pleasant and, I be- 
lieve, a healthy situation. 
As usual, a number of natives met us on our landing, 
amongst whom wasan albino woman. She wasa very repulsive- 
looking dbject, being of a spotted dirty-white colour. The 
brown skins of the other natives had a far more pleasing 
appearance. 
After a few hours at Nguna, we set sail again, for Metas 
or Two Hills, fourteen miles north of Nguna, for the pur- 
pose of landing supplies for a native teacher stationed upon 
that island. We quickly ran down to it, and hove-to while 
a boat went ashore. As its name implies, this island is 
