MBUA BAY AND MUTHUATA,., 297 
which this officer had performed his duty, and the energy and strict- 
ness with which both himself and his assistant, Passed Midshipman 
Blunt, carried out the service they were charged with. 
On the 22d, the Leonidas went to Malitu, twenty-five miles to the 
eastward, where the chief Gingi was erecting a biche de mar house 
for Captain Eagleston. The same day two divisions of boats, the one 
under Lieutenant Walker and Midshipman Blair, the other under 
Lieutenant Budd, Passed Midshipman Reynolds, and Midshipman 
Hudson, started on surveying duty, the one to the eastward, the other 
westward from Kie Island, off Muthuata, on the north side of Vanua- 
levu. 
On the same day the old king of Muthuata sent off to Captain 
Hudson a present of eight turtles as a propitiation. Communication 
was now had with the town of Muthuata. It consists of about one 
hundred houses, built closely together, and is situated in an open 
valley close to high-water mark. It is very much exposed and quite 
defenceless; has but few trees about it, but is one of the best-built 
towns in the Feejees. The style of building resembles that of Rewa. 
The king’s name is Ndrandranda; his title, Tui Muthuata. He is 
old and quite infirm, the result of an attack of elephantiasis in one 
of his legs, which renders it difficult for him to walk. His expression 
of countenance is mild. As is usual, he is surrounded by his wives. 
The head one of these, whose title is ** Yandi Muthuata,” is one of 
the largest women, if not the very largest, in the Feejees. She is 
upwards of six feet high, very stout, and seems to understand her own 
dignity. 
_ The second wife, called Henrietta, was a native of Rotuma, and 
spoke a little English. She had, while at her native island, been 
married to a Tahitian, who was residing there, and had gone with 
him to Tahiti. Thence, wishing to return to Rotuma, they had taken 
passage with Captain Eagleston, about five years before we saw her. 
On reaching Muthuata, they were induced to land and remain with 
some of her countrymen, of whom they found many at this place. 
Unfortunately, the king saw and took a liking to her, and, to remove 
all obstacles, killed and ate her husband, and compelled her to become 
his wife. 
Henrietta is of a fair complexion and good-looking. In other 
respects she cannot be distinguished from the Feejee women; for her 
hair, which on her arrival was straight and black, has, by frizzling, 
twisting, and colouring, become like that of the natives of these islands. 
She is discontented with her position, and anxious to escape, which, 
however, she finds impossible. 
