154 SOMU-SOMU. 



reside on the highest and most inaccessible peaks, to prevent surprise 

 and massacre. Water and wood may be obtained here in sufficient 

 abundance, but whoever visits the island should be cautious and con- 

 tinually on their guard. 



Matuku was the next island. Of this they began the survey on 

 the southeastern side, whence they passed round the southern shore. 

 On the western side they discovered an opening through the reef, 

 through which they passed, and anchored in one of the best harbours 

 in the group. This I have called Carr's Harbour. Its entrance is, 

 perhaps, too narrow for a ship to beat in, which the prevalence of 

 easterly winds would generally require to be done; bat the channel to 

 it is quite clear of patches, and the passage through the reef is a good 

 one, though long. Within the reef there is a circular basin of large 

 extent, in all parts of which a ship may select her berth with good 

 bottom. On anchoring in the harbour, the natives appeared on the 

 beach, armed with clubs, spears, and muskets, and evidently with no 

 friendly intent. They were very shy at first, but, after some persua- 

 sion, were induced to bring off cocoa-nuts, yams, &c. They said 

 they were at war with their neighbours on the mountains. Their 

 village was close by the anchorage, covered and embosomed in trees. 

 There never was but one small vessel in the harbour before, which 

 had traded for tortoise-shell. Wood and water are to be had here in 

 plenty. The natives resemble those of the other islands, and are con- 

 sidered as possessing skill in the use of their arms. 



The face of the island is broken into volcanic peaks, but has many 

 fertile valleys, and it was thought to exceed any of the other islands 

 in beauty. After surveying the harbour, they proceeded with the 

 survey around the island; and, as they were about finishing it, a 

 native came off to visit them ; but all that they could understand 

 from him was, that he professed to be a Christian. 



On the eastern side, between the islands, there is a small opening, 

 leading through the reef, but it is full of patches of coral, and offers 

 no facility for vessels. 



Moala was next visited. It is a high volcanic island. There is an 

 opening through the reef, on the west side, that leads to an inferior 

 harbour, which the boats surveyed. They found here a white man, 

 calling himself Charley, who was of some use to them in pointing 

 out the localities. Lieutenant Carr sent him, the next morning, with 

 the boats, to examine a supposed harbour, into which, in consequence 

 of the light winds, the tender was unable to enter. The reef on the 



