7»J TUTU1LA. 



pleasure in welcoming us. He began by telling me, through the 

 interpreter, that he was a missionary ; that he had formerly been a 

 great thief, and a doer of many bad acts, but being now a missionary, 

 he was reformed and stole no more. He told this with such an open 

 expression of countenance and so much simplicity, that I could scarcely 

 forbear smiling. After I had finished asking him questions, he con- 

 tinued eyeing me from head to foot, as if determining my dimensions. 

 I told the interpreter to ask him why he looked at me so intently. He 

 replied, that he had a coat on shore that was too tight for him about 

 the arms and chest, and he believed it would fit me : if so, he should 

 be glad to exchange it for the jacket I had on. Not being inclined to 

 this exchange, I ordered a small hatchet to be given him. This 

 gratified him much, and he instantly went over the ship's side to show 

 it to his friends. This same Toa is chief of the village of Fungasar, 

 about three miles distant from the harbour, on the north side of the 

 island. He learns to read and write, being taught by some of the 

 small children, and attends school regularly. He became of great use 

 to us, and was a constant visiter. During one of his visits on board, 

 he espied some red umbrellas among the presents, and from that time 

 was continually endeavouring to obtain one for his wife, and brought 

 many articles in the hope of inducing us to part with it in exchange 

 for them. 



The day after our arrival a place was chosen for our observatory, 

 and the tents and instruments were landed. Understanding that I 

 wanted to see the sun and stars, I was told by Mr. Murray, the white 

 residents, and natives, that I should have little weather for observations 

 for the next fortnight, which proved literally true with the exception 

 of the last two days. 



The geological character of this island is similar to that of Manua ; 

 it has only a shore-reef of coral, and soundings extend some distance 

 from it. It has many desirable ports or bays on its north side, where 

 vessels may obtain wood, water, and supplies. The best and safest 

 port, however, is that of Pago-pago, on its south side, which affords a 

 safe harbour for vessels to overhaul, and where supplies may be 

 obtained in abundance. 



Tutuila is thickly settled round its shores, and particularly at its 

 southwestern end : this is lower and more easily cultivated than the 

 eastern, which is high and rugged. The only communication is by the 

 sea-shore, the hills being too precipitous and difficult of ascent to pass 

 over. 



The men of Tutuila are a remarkably tall fine-looking set, with 



