90 



AT SEA, OFF WALLIS ISLAJND. 



of an ordinary-sized man, and there was nothing of the sinister 

 expression in his countenance. 



Wallis Island is situated in latitude 13° 24' 00" south, and 

 longitude 176° 09' 00" east. From the name one would 

 naturally suppose it was a single island. Such, however, is 

 not the case. It is a group of small islands encircled by one 

 extensive reef, against which the swell of the ocean may be 

 seen breaking at all times. The native name of the principal 

 island is Wea, and it is tolerably high, but the others are 

 low, resembling the Coral Island of the Paumato Group. All 

 are thickly covered with trees, and well inhabited. The two 

 natives who came on board informed us that there was a good 

 anchorage inside of the reef, and plenty of provisions to be had 

 from the inhabitants. It is said that the Catholic, missionaries 

 who were expelled from Tahiti, were landed here, and that 

 they have made many converts among the natives. 



When the survey was finished we again made all sail, and 

 stood to the southward. 



On the following morning we passed Horn Island, dis- 

 covered about the year 1616, by Le Maire. It is high and 

 well wooded. As for the inhabitants, I am unable to speak 

 of them. 



At early daylight on the 18th, Matthew's Rock was re- 

 ported in sight. We bore away for it, and when within half 

 a mile of its northernmost point, measured base by s&und with 

 the " Peacock," and angled on it in order to fix its position. 

 A boat, with Drs. P. and F., was also sent to make an 

 examination of the rock. It is about half a mile in circum- 

 ference, and very steep and rugged ; our boat, therefore, found 

 great difficulty in effecting a landing. Here and there in spots 

 may be seen some soil bearing bushes. In general a naked- 

 ness of rock characterize the prospect. Immense numbers of 



