LAKEJ1BA AND SAVD-SAVD. 181 



It is remarkable that, up to this time, in all their trials of the cur- 

 rent, they had found it setting to the eastward about half a mile per 

 hour, varying in direction from east-northeast to east-southeast. This 

 fact is confirmed by the information obtained from the natives, that 

 canoes which are wrecked to the westward are always drifted upon 

 these islands. 



On the 28th, Mr. Totten and Dr. Holmes were despatched on shore, 

 to ascend Kendi-kendi, the highest peak of the island of Lakemba, 

 for the purpose of making observations and getting its height by sym- 

 piesometer. The altitude was thus found to be seven hundred and 

 fourteen feet. The ascent was not difficult, for a regular path led to 

 the highest point. The ruins of a town were found on it, called 

 Tumboa, from which the Tonga chiefs of the family of Tubou Totai 

 are supposed to have derived their name, as has been before men- 

 tioned. This town was occupied for the purpose of defence against 

 their enemies, both Tongese and Feejees. 



Mr. Calvert and his lady received them most kindly at the mission, as 

 they had already done the other officers. The house and out-buildings 

 are comfortable, and the church, which stands near the mission-house, 

 is a good building, eighty feet long by thirty-two wide, and twenty- 

 five feet high. The latter is convenient and appropriate to its purpose, 

 and its floor is covered with mats. At 4 p. m. the hollow log drum 

 was beaten for prayers, which the officers attended with Mr. Calvert. 

 There were only fifteen persons present. A Tonga man officiated, as 

 Mr. Calvert was fatigued with his morning jaunt ; and the services 

 consisted of singing and prayer. There are about fifty resident 

 Christians, nearly all of whom are Tongese, of whom about one-third 

 of the population is composed ; and they have literally taken posses- 

 sion of the island, for they never work, but subsist on the laboiir of 

 the Feejee population, who hold them in much awe. The difference 

 between the two races was as striking here as at Ovolau. Heathenism 

 is fast passing away at Lakemba, and its absurd rites are held in ridi- 

 cule by most of those who are still considered as heathens. The 

 influence of the priest is diminished, and the temple or mbure has 

 fallen into decay. 



Lakemba is the largest island in the eastern group. It is five 

 miles in diameter; its shape is nearly round, with an extensive en- 

 circling reef. There is an opening, on its eastern side, sufficient for 

 large vessels, but dangerous, from the number of coral patches which 



vol. in. 46 



