216 Letter XVII. 
far into the land, bearing on their bosoms many fair islets ; 
then, through openings in the sea-front, we would get a glimpse 
of the distant ranges of the interior, or, sweeping round some 
rocky point, would discover a native village nestling in a se- 
cluded bay. It is a lovely place, and only wants the addition 
of a few fine villas on the hill-sides, gardens, boats, and people, 
to make its beauty perfect. By the time we reached the other 
end of this pass, it was almost dark, and we saw the twinkling 
rays of the lighthouse of Amedee, on the reef’ opposite 
Noumea. It was a pleasant sight, being the first sign of our 
return to civilization. Next morning we were at anchor in the 
harbour of that town. But before proceeding further with my 
narrative, I shall say something of the characteristics and the 
population of this fine island of La Nouvelle Calédonia. 
New Caledonia is 200 miles long, by twenty or thirty broad. 
It is completely encircled. by a coral reef, which extends for a 
long way to the north, and to the south as far as the Isle of 
Pines. It lies at a distance from the shores varying from two 
to twelve miles. There are several openings easy of traverse, 
and inside the water is deep enough for vessels to cruise, and 
shallow enough for them to anchor. The northern stretch of 
reef is beautifully dotted with wooded islets. 
This island occupies a most important position, since it com- 
mands the communication of the Australian colonies with 
India, China, and America. It is a sad pity that Britain let it 
slip through its hands. It was discovered by Captain Cook 
immediately after his discovery of the southern New Hebrides 
in 1774. He gives a very good account of the place and its 
inhabitants, considering the short time he was there, a few ex- 
tracts from which may be interesting. Speaking of the in- 
habitants, he says, “ They are strong, robust, active, well-made 
people ; courteous and friendly, and not in the least addicted 
to pilfering—which is more than can be said of any other na- 
