MA UN A LOA. 125 



exist among the natives in the camp, that threatened to upset all our 

 plans ; and, in consequence of it, we were obliged to defer our depar- 

 ture. Dr. Judd soon detected the ringleaders, one in particular, who 

 was holding forth to the Kanakas, advising them, as they now had me 

 in their power, to strike for higher wages ; for, if they did so, we 

 should be obliged to pay them double, or any thing extra they might 

 ask for. He was at once made an example of by being turned out of 

 the camp, and sent away. 



This had the desired effect, and the rest signified their willingness to 

 go forward ; but as many of them desired rest on account of their sore 

 shoulders, we assured them we would remain for a while, provided 

 there was no further difficulty. 



From this I well knew that no confidence was to be placed in the 

 natives. I at once despatched an order to Lieutenant Carr, on board 

 the Vincennes, to send on a detachment of fifty men, under officers, as 

 quickly as possible, and likewise to forward an extra supply of provi- 

 sions with them to meet our wants. 



I now employed the day in making observations for the longitude 

 and latitude. Some of the officers were engaged in distributing the 

 loads more equally, and others in descending into the crater. 



As I proposed remaining here a few days on my return, I deter- 

 mined to await until then for the exploration of this volcano. Some 

 of the observations then made will be noticed at present, that the 

 nature of the lavas may be more fully understood. This day was em- 

 ployed in becoming acquainted with its paths, and in making sketches. 

 One made by Mr. Drayton, with the camera lucida, is very character- 

 istic, and was taken from one of the best positions for viewing, this 

 wonderful place, on the north bank, near its west side. These sketches 

 I conceived would enable me to ascertain if any, and what, alterations 

 should take place between our two visits, for I could not but imagine 

 it must be constantly undergoing change. For this purpose we multi- 

 plied our camera lucida drawings, and I descended again nearly to the 

 black ledge for this purpose. The pathway leads down on the north- 

 east side, over frightful chasms, sometimes on a mere edge of earth, 

 and on rocks rent asunder to the depth of several hundred feet. 

 Through these fissures steam issues, which as it reaches the upper part, 

 condenses, and gives nourishment to masses of ferns, and an abun- 

 dance of small bushes (Vaccinium), bearing a small berry of an agree- 

 able flavour, called by the natives ohela. The descent, however, is not 

 in reality difficult, except in a few places, where it requires some care 

 in passing over the basaltic blocks, that are here piled in confused 

 heaps. On approaching the black ledge, which from above appeared 



