BOWDITCH ISLAND. 19 



to be sent round its east end, in order to complete the work in the 

 least possible time. In the afternoon, the Peacock anchored in Apia 

 Harbour. 



Many minor things at Apia had changed, after an absence of fifteen 

 months. Much of this was to be imputed to the different season of 

 the year, it being now the rainy season; and from this cause, the luxu- 

 riance of growth had enveloped every thing in a sprightly green, that 

 embosomed the village and white walls of the new church, of which 

 the foundation was just laid at our former visit. 



The day of their arrival was the Samoan Sabbath, and all was quiet 

 and peaceful. Some of the officers landed in the afternoon, and were 

 greeted by many of their old friends. 



The improvements, beside the church, were a store and dwelling- 

 house, built by Mr. Cunningham, Her Britannic Majesty's Vice-Con- 

 sul, who is likewise about erecting a saw-mill. The church is a very 

 creditable building, and quite neat in its appearance, with walls of 

 stone, and roofed after the native fashion. Near by are deposited the 

 bones of the lamented missionary, Mr. Williams, and of Mr. Harris, 

 which were brought here from Erromango by H. B. M. sloop Fa- 

 vourite, Captain Croker, who himself has since fallen in his endea- 

 vours to forward the missionary cause. 



The missionary brig Camden, which had just returned from a cruise 

 to Raratonga Island, was at anchor in the harbour. 



As this was the season of bad weather, Captain Hudson made every 

 arrangement to meet it ; for the harbour of Apia is somewhat exposed 

 to both the sea and the north wind, from which quarter it is said to 

 blow most violently. 



On the 12th of December preceding, they had experienced there a 

 violent hurricane, which had blown down many trees, and done a 

 great deal of damage to the fruit. 



We are indebted to Mr. Cunningham for some observations on this 

 storm, which are as follows. 



On the 12th of December, 1840, they had light winds from the 

 southeast, the upper strata of clouds flying from southwest. The 

 wind continued to increase until the 16th, when heavy squalls were 

 experienced from the northeast. At 2 a. m. the wind was very heavy 

 from the southeast, accompanied with rain, and some houses were 

 blown down ; at half-past two, the gusts were very heavy from the 

 south-southeast. The barometer, although an injured one, fell as low as 

 24 in., its ordinary standing being 28 in. ; the temperature was 88°. 

 At 6 a. m., the wind again rose with rapidity, blowing down houses 

 and trees, stripping them of their leaves, which filled the air in all 



