LAKEMBA AND SAVU-SAVU. 187 



assuring them of his friendly disposition. As is usual among the 

 other islands of the group, they applauded at every sentence, by 

 clapping hands, in which Tubou himself joined. Confidence was 

 quickly restored, the natives flocking around, exhibiting the greatest 

 curiosity, examining the clothing, skins, and arms, of our people, and 

 constantly uttering guttural sounds. 



The chief of this island (Munia) had but one eye. He appeared 

 somewhat under the influence of fear, but made some presents of 

 bananas and cocoa-nuts, and complained much of his poverty. They 

 returned on board at sunset. 



The next day the boats were prepared for surveying. The launch 

 and another boat, under Lieutenants Johnson and Maury, were sent 

 to circumnavigate the large island. Parties were also despatched 

 to get wood and water. Mr. Totten and Dr. Holmes ascended 

 the highest peak of Munia, called Telanicolo, the measurement of 

 which, by sympiesometer, gave one thousand and fifty-four feet 

 above the level of the sea. This peak is composed of volcanic 

 masses, with high, craggy, and overhanging cliffs. The ascent 

 proved difficult, for the path passed over steep hills and along the 

 edges of the rocks, and it was in places so narrow that only one 

 person could pass at a time. A few men might defend the ascent 

 against an army. Upon the summit they found the ruins of a small 

 village ; some of the huts were, however, kept in repair, as a refuge 

 in times of danger. The view from the top they describe as beau- 

 tiful, many of the other islands being in sight. The natives who 

 accompanied them, to carry the instruments, &c, behaved well, and 

 were amply rewarded. All the natives yet seen by the Porpoise were 

 exceedingly fond of tobacco, a very small piece of which is an ample 

 reward for a long service. Some thefts were committed from the 

 boats by the natives who assisted in bringing the water, but on 

 speaking to the chief they were quickly returned. He at the same 

 time pointed out the thieves, and requested they might be killed. 



The island of Munia contains about eighty inhabitants, and the 

 settlement is on the western side, where water may be obtained in 

 small quantities. 



Ticumbia lies five miles to the northeast of Munia. It bears a 

 close resemblance to Munia, but is much smaller ; the inhabitants are 

 about seventy in number. This island affords but little water. 



Susui lies next to Vanua-valavo, and between it and Munia. It 

 is divided into three parts, of which the easternmost is low, and 



