TONGA ISLAND. 127 



CHAPTER XII. 



ISLAND OF TONGA. 



On the 6th of April, at 10 A. M., the squadron sailed 

 from New Zealand for the Friendly Islands.* It was a de- 

 lightful day, and every one appeared in fine spirits. At 2.30 

 we discharged the pilot, and by sunset land was out of sight. 



On the 13th the wind shifted to the southward and west- 

 ward, and was accompanied with a rough sea, which caused 

 the ship to roll heavily. We passed over the position assigned 

 to Roseta Shoal, hut could not find anything of it. 



At daylight, April 14th, we made Sunday Island, but owing 

 to the unfavorable state of the weather we did not attempt to 

 land upon it. It is high and rugged, and showed no evidence 

 of being inhabited by human beings. 



During the 15th we communicated with the American 

 whaler, named Tobacco Plant. She had been out two years, 

 and during that time had captured only seven whales. The 

 following night was a very clear one, and many meteors were 

 observed, some of which left broad, luminous tracks, that were 

 visible for thirty seconds after the disappearance of the bodies. 



On the 19th we saw a water-spout. It commenced forming 

 about a third of a mile to the windward of the ship, and the 

 water, for many yards in circumference, appeared in great 

 agitation, flying up in jets to the height of forty or fifty feet. 



* This cognomen was given to the Tot ga Islands by Captain Cook, who expe- 

 rienced great kindness 'rnm the natives. 



