28 TAHITI. 



piesometer, is about one thousand seven hundred feet above the level 

 of the sea. 



This detachment suffered not a little from the continual rains, by 

 which they were kept constantly wet, and from being obliged to sleep 

 in their damp clothes. Their guides also became apprehensive that 

 they would experience much difficulty in their descent to the southern 

 side of the island, in consequence of the Ooaigarra, by whose valley 

 the only route lay, becoming so much swollen as to be dangerous. 

 It was, therefore, resolved to set out without delay ; but before their 

 preparations w r ere completed, they were joined by the other detach- 

 ment. 



This detachment having failed in reaching the summit of Orohena 

 had followed the route of the others. The guides who led the moun- 

 tain detachment w r ere not found as skilful as they had pretended. On 

 the first day, after many unnecessary turnings, they stated that it 

 would be necessary to halt, as the hour was late, and there was a risk 

 of accident from falling, or from being crushed by stones, for which 

 their queen would be held responsible. They then, after much search- 

 ing, led the detachment to the shelter of a vast projecting boulder, 

 where the ground was dry, and afforded sufficient room to lodge fifty 

 persons. This place was estimated to be two thousand feet above 

 the sea, and commanded a splendid view over two rich valleys, beyond 

 which the sea was visible. 



The fahies were in great abundance around them. This plant is 

 not found at levels lower than six hundred feet, and is in its greatest 

 perfection at the height of fifteen hundred feet. It is the vai of Cook, 

 and is thought to be the banana in its wild state. It, however, differs 

 much in the manner of its growth from the cultivated variety, for the 

 fruit grows upon an upright spike rising from a crown of leaves. 

 The fruit has the same shape as the banana, but is twice as large, and 

 is of a deep golden hue, with pulp of dark orange colour. It is desti- 

 tute of seeds, has a taste resembling that of the common banana, but 

 of a higher flavour, and the natives are very fond of it. 



This shelter was reported to be the favourite retreat of wild hogs, 

 but the detachment was not disturbed by them, and passed the night 

 without any other disquiet but that arising from the possibility that the 

 projecting boulder, under which they were lodged, might fall and crush 

 them. Old Paura made fire by rubbing a pointed stick in a groove 

 . formed in another, and by its blaze they, after a change of clothing, 

 found themselves very comfortable. 



Mr. Dana, who was one of this detachment, was so unwell the next 

 morning as to be compelled to return, taking one of the guides with 



