TUTUILA. 69 



Several small turtle, similar to those seen at Honden Island, were 

 observed here. One of them was taken, but its flesh proved coarse, 

 and was dryer than that of the green turtle : they feed upon a species 

 of fucus that grows upon the reefs. Here we made observations for 

 intensity and dip. 



On the 7th, we left Rose Island and stood to the westward, making 

 at sunrise the island of Manna, which is two thousand five hundred 

 feet above the level of the sea. It has the form of a regular dome, 

 rising in most places precipitously from the water to the height of 

 three or four hundred feet, after which its ascent appears more gentle 

 and even. It is sixteen miles in circumference, is well covered with 

 a luxuriant vegetation, and has many cocoa-nut groves on its north- 

 west side. 



On approaching it, Oloosinga was in sight, and shortly after Ofoo. 

 These two islands lie to the northwestward, at the distance of about 

 four miles. 



The boats were lowered, and sent to trace the shores of the island 

 of Manua, for the purpose of surveying it ; whilst the Vincennes and 

 the Porpoise passed on each side. 



This island is inhabited. The principal settlement is on the 

 northwest side, and there is anchorage for a small vessel near 

 the shore, where there is a cove to land in, with but little surf 

 during the fine season, or from April to November. It has a shore 

 reef of coral, and the soundings extend off some distance, eight 

 fathoms being found four hundred yards from the shore. 



Some large blocks of vesicular lava were seen on its northeast 

 point, but the general structure was a conglomerate of a drab colour, 

 in horizontal strata ; yet the beach was of light-coloured sand, formed 

 by a mixture of coral and shells. 



Our arrival off Manila was opportune. According to the statement 

 of one of the brothers of the king, who spoke a little English, hostili- 

 ties had been threatened between the "missionary" party, and the 

 "devil's men." A native missionary, resident in the island, had 

 already prevented a battle, by telling them that if they wished to 

 fight with each other they must first kill him. Through his 

 influence, and exemplary conduct, peace had hitherto been preserved. 

 It was stated that several "very bad" white men were on the island, 

 and that they made "plenty of fight;" but that on seeing "man- 

 nawa" (man-of-war), they had gone into the "bush." 



VOL. II. 18 



