TAHITI AND EIMEO. 59 



Wood and water may be had at both harbours in abundance, but 

 in other respects the island is not well adapted as a place for the 

 supply of ships. No more than a single ship would probably be able 

 to find refreshments at a time. It is, therefore, seldom visited, and 

 its surplus produce is carried to Tahiti for sale. Notwithstanding, the 

 articles of traffic are quite as dear as at Tahiti. 



The inhabitants of Eimeo reside upon the shores, and there are 

 several large villages on the southern side of the island ; among these 

 is Afareaitu, at which the Rev. Mr. Hale, whose recent arrival has 

 been spoken of, is about to take up his residence. 



It was in this island that the establishment of a factory for spinning 

 cotton, and weaving cloth and carpets, was attempted by Messrs. 

 Armitage and Blossom, who were sent out for the purpose by the 

 London Missionary Society. Its failure and cessation after a fair trial 

 have already been mentioned. 



It has been seen that the alluvial plain at the head of the harbour 

 of Taloo, is partly occupied by plantations of sugar. The cane is of 

 superior quality, and the climate well adapted to its production ; the 

 plant is indeed indigenous, and it is well known that the variety of it 

 found at Tahiti has been introduced advantageously into the West 

 Indies. At Eimeo the crop is liable to injury from the ground-rat, and 

 there are difficulties attending the management of the crop, which 

 cause the cultivators to speak despondingly. About one hundred tons, 

 however, are made annually. 



Coffee, cotton, and all other tropical plants, succeed well at Eimeo, 

 and the quantity of tapa manufactured is greater in proportion than at 

 Tahiti. 



I took the opportunity of my anchorage in the harbour of Eimeo, to 

 verify the chart made by Captain Von Schantz, of the Russian ship 

 America, and found it accurate. I have added some soundings, and 

 laid down the topography of the shores, and the outline of the reefs, 

 more minutely than he had attempted. 



On leaving Eimeo, I bade adieu to the Tahitian islands ; but I cannot 

 close the portion of the Narrative which is devoted to them, without 

 again expressing the pleasure I and all my officers derived from our 

 intercourse with the missionaries, and our obligations for the kindness 

 received from them and other residents. Among those to whom we 

 are indebted, I cannot refrain from naming George Pritchard, Esq., 

 H. B. M. Consul, of whose strenuous exertions to advance the welfare 

 of the people, and sustain the government in its efforts to promote their 

 best interests, I became by observation fully aware. It is to be regretted 



