CHAPTER V. 



SAMOAN GROUP. 

 1839. 



During the time that the squadron remained in the Samoan Group, 

 all the islands of which it is made up were visited ; not only were the 

 examinations, spoken of in the two preceding chapters, made, but their 

 shores were minutely surveyed by boats ; the meteorological instru 

 ments were duly registered; astronomic and magnetic observations 

 made, and a full record of the tides kept. We have thus obtained a 

 large amount of information, which will be more easily intelligible in a 

 condensed form, together with a great number of facts in relation to 

 the aboriginal population, which may be made more interesting when 

 applied to give a general view of the habits, character, and state of 

 civilization among the natives, than if dispersed in isolated remarks in 

 the accounts of the separate tours in which it was obtained. 



The group lies between the latitudes of 13° 30' and 14° 30' S., and 

 the longitudes of 168° and 173° W. The islands, as has been seen, 

 agree in the general character of being of volcanic structure, and 

 having coral reefs ; differing, however, in the modifications of these 

 formations, which have been from time to time described. The 

 harbours are usually situated within the reefs, but Tutuila is an 

 exception to this rule, by the possession of the deep land-locked basin 

 of Pago-pago. This is, of all the ports, the one best adapted for the 

 refitting of vessels ; but Apia, in Upolu, in the latitude of 13° 48' 

 56-6" S., and longitude 171° 41' 09" W., is not so difficult of egress, 

 and in consequence of its proximity to the fertile district of Aana, the 

 most convenient for vessels seeking only a temporary anchorage and 

 refreshment. 



The approach to Pago-pago, and the other harbours of the Samoa n 



(117) 



