134 MAUN A LOA. 



who was holding forth to the Kanakas, advising them, as they now 

 had me in their power, to strike for higher wages ; for, if they did so, 

 we should be obliged to pay them double, or any thing extra they 

 might ask for. He was at once made an example of by being turned 

 out of the camp, and sent away. 



This had the desired effect, and the rest signified their willingiiess 

 to go forward ; but as many of them desired rest on account of their 

 sore shoulders, we assured them we would remain for a while, pro- 

 vided there was no further difficulty. 



From this I well knew that no confidence was to be placed in the 

 natives. I at once despatched an order to Lieutenant Carr, on board 

 the Vincennes, to send on a detachment of fifty men, under officers, 

 as quickly as possible, and likewise to forward an extra supply of 

 provisions with them to meet our wants. 



I now employed the day in making observations for the longitude 

 and latitude. Some of the officers were engasfed in distributincj the 

 loads more equally, and others in descending into the crater. 



As I proposed remaining here a few days on my return, I deter- 

 mined to await until then for the exploration of this volcano. Some 

 of the observations then made will be noticed at present, that the 

 nature of the lavas may be more fully understood. This day was 

 employed in becoming acquainted with its paths, and in making 

 sketches. One made by Mr. Drayton, with the camera lucida, 

 is very characteristic, aiid was taken from one of the best positions 

 for viewing this wonderful place, on the north bank, near its west 

 side. These sketches I conceived would enable me to ascertain if 

 any, and what, alterations should take place between our two visits, 

 for I could not but imagine it must be constantly undergoing change. 

 For this purpose we multiplied our camera lucida drawings, and I 

 descended again nearly to the black ledge for this purpose. The 

 pathway leads down on the northeast side, over frightful chasms, some- 

 times on a mere edge of earth, and on rocks rent asunder to the depth 

 of several hundred feet. Through these fissures steam issues, which 

 as it reaches the upper part, condenses, and gives nourishment to 

 masses of ferns, and an abundance of small bushes (Vaccinium), 

 bearing a small berry of an agreeable flavour, called by the natives 

 ohela. The descent, however, is not in reality difficult, except in 

 a few places, where it requires some care in passing over the basaltic 

 blocks, that are here piled in confused heaps. On approaching the 

 black ledge, which from above appeared level and smooth, it is seen 

 to be covered with large pieces of lava, rising in places into cones 



