146 SOMU-SOMU. 
too narrow for a ship to beat in, which the prevalence of easterly 
winds would generally require to be done; but the channel to it is 
quite clear of patches, and the passage through the reef is a good one, 
though long. Within the reef there is a circular basin of large extent, 
in all parts of which a ship may select her berth with good bottom. 
On anchoring in the harbour, the natives appeared on the beach, armed 
with clubs, spears, and muskets, and evidently with no friendly intent. 
They were very shy at first, but, after some persuasion, were induced 
to bring off cocoa-nuts, yams, &c. They said they were at war with 
their neighbours on the mountains. Their village was close by the 
anchorage, covered and embosomed in trees. There never was but 
one small vessel in the harbour before, which had traded for tortoise- 
shell. Wood and water are to be had here in plenty. The natives 
resemble those of the other islands, and are considered as possessing 
skill in the use of their arms. 
The face of the island is broken into volcanic peaks, but has many 
fertile valleys, and it was thought to exceed any of the other islands 
in beauty. After surveying the harbour, they proceeded with the 
survey around the island; and, as they were about finishing it, a 
native came off to visit them; but all that they could understand from 
him was, that he professed to be a Christian. 
On the eastern side, between the islands, there is a small opening, 
leading through the reef, but it is full of patches of coral, and offers no 
facility for vessels. 
Moala was next visited. It is a high volcanic island. There is an 
opening through the reef, on the west side, that leads to an inferior 
harbour, which the boats surveyed. They found here a white man, 
calling himself Charley, who was of some use to them in pointing out 
the localities. Lieutenant Carr sent him, the next morning, with the 
boats, to examine a supposed harbour, into which, in consequence of 
the light winds, the tender was unable to enter. The reef on the north 
side of Moala resembles that of Totoia, being a collection of sunken 
and detached patches. The reef on the northeast makes off to the 
distance of two and a half miles. After passing it, there is a deep in- 
dentation in the island, with a broad passage through the reef, leading 
to a safe and very fine harbour, and, what is unusual, the passage is 
suficiently wide for a vessel to beat out. This, however, would 
seldom be necessary, as there are several passages through the reef to 
the westward, which are safe with a leading wind. 
This island affords wood, water, and some provisions, and has about 
seven hundred inhabitants. 
The imprudence and over-confidence of Lieutenant Underwood 
