52 OVOLAU. 
the slipperiness of the path frequently brought us in contact with sharp 
rocks. I have seldom witnessed a party so helpless as ours appeared, 
in comparison with the natives and white residents, who ran over the 
rocks like goats. Darkness overtook us before we reached the town; 
many of the natives, however, brought torches of dried cocoanut-leaves 
to light us on our way, and we reached our respective ships without 
accident, though much fatigued. Many new specimens were added to 
our collections, and I believe all felt gratified in having had an oppor- 
tunity of viewing from so elevated a point this labyrinth of islands, 
reefs, and sunken shoals. 
The island of Ovolau is eight miles in length, north and south, by 
seven in breadth, east and west; it is of volcanic formation, and its 
rocks are composed of a conglomerate or pudding-stone ; it is high and 
rugged throughout. The valleys extend only a short distance into the » 
interior, and leave but little level ground; they are, however, exceed- 
ingly fertile, with a deep and rich soil, and are well cultivated. Its 
harbours are all formed by the reefs, and were it not for these, there 
would be but few in the group; that of Levuka is safe, has good hold- 
ing- ground, and is easy of access. 
On the 10th, the Flying-Fish was still missing. 
Feeling satisfied that Ovolau was the most suitable place for my pur- 
pose, I selected a site for my observatory on a projecting insulated 
point, about thirty feet above the beach, on which was sufficient room 
to accommodate our tents and houses. I also obtained a few acres of 
ground from the chief, for the purpose of planting a garden, which was 
well fenced in, and placed under the direction of our horticulturist, Mr. 
Brackenridge. 
On the 11th, the instruments, tents, &c., were landed and put up. 
The surprise of the natives was extremely great to find a village or 
town as they called it, erected in a few hours, and every thing in 
order: the guards on post to prevent all intrusion most excited their 
curiosity. 
All the necessary arrangements having been made, the launch and 
first cutter of the Vincennes, under Lieutenants Alden, Knox, Mid- 
shipman Henry, and Assistant-Surgeon Whittle, were despatched to 
survey the north shore of Viti-levu; the launch and first cutter of the 
Peacock, under Lieutenant Emmons, Passed Midshipman Blunt, and 
Mr. Dyes, to examine and survey the south shore, visiting Viwa, 
Ambau, and Rewa, the missionary posts: Chaplain Elliott was of the 
latter party, that he might be enabled to gather information from these 
establishments; pilots, who acted as interpreters, were sent with both. 
Orders, of which the following is an extract, were issued to the officers 
