72 ELLICE'S AND KINGS MILL GROUP. 



who had the publication of the charts formerly were generally igno- 

 rant, and did not take that care to sift and examine the information 

 that was essential to accuracy. 



Several islands are laid down here on the different charts, but 

 those only really exist which are named Tarawa, or Knox Island ; 

 Apia, or Charlotte Island ; and Maraki, or Matthew's Island. 



Tarawa, or Knox Island, is in length twenty miles, trending north- 

 west and southeast. The land is continuous and wooded, with the 

 exception of four gaps, where the reef is bare. The south side is 

 twelve miles long, and trends nearly east and west. On this part, 

 near the western end, are three hummocks (which appear like islands 

 in the distance), and several small sand-banks, which are connected by 

 the same reef. This island has its lagoon, but it has the appearance 

 of an extensive bay, in consequence of the reef on the west side being 

 a sunken one, on which is found five fathoms of water. 



This island is partially wooded, having several groves of cocoa- 

 nut trees on it, and a dense undergrowth. Several towns were seen 

 on it, and it appeared to be thickly inhabited. It affords no supplies 

 for vessels. Three canoes came off to the ship, two of which kept 

 at a respectful distance, while the third approached with great cau- 

 tion. Some few pieces of iron hoops enticed the natives on board, 

 but they brought nothing for trade, except half a dozen cocoa-nuts. 

 They stated that they had never seen a vessel before. This may 

 be true, but appeared somewhat incredible, when they are so near 

 other islands which have had constant intercourse with shipping. 

 They appeared entirely ignorant of the use of tobacco, which it will 

 be recollected the other natives coveted so much ; and what seemed 

 to confirm the belief in the truth of their assertion of the visits of 

 ships, was the absence of females in the canoes, which had been with 

 the natives of the other islands so prominent an article of barter. 



They seemed delighted with the pieces of old iron, and regarded 

 junk-bottles with admiration. They are entirely the same in appear- 

 ance, and in character and customs, with the rest ; they go naked, and 

 speak the same dialect. 



Tarawa lies in latitude 1° 29' 00" N., and longitude 173° 05' 00" 

 E., and is of coral formation. 



Until the 24th, they were engaged in the survey of Apia, or Char- 

 lotte Island. This consists of strings of coral islets, situated within a 

 reef, which is six and seven feet above the water. The reef has a 

 bluff front, and is much worn by the sea. There is no coral sand. 



