SOMU-SOMU. 153 
the Strait of Somu-somu. The island of Vuna rises gradually to a 
central ridge, the height of which, by several measurements, was 
found to be two thousand and fifty-two feet. The summit is generally: 
covered with clouds. From its gradual rise, and its surface being 
smoother, it is susceptible of a much higher state of cultivation than 
the other islands; the soil is a rich reddish loam, and it appears to 
be considered as the most fruitful of the islands. At the same time, its 
inhabitants are acknowledged by all to be the most savage. Cannibal- 
ism prevails here to a greater extent than any where else. 
The length of Vuna is twenty-five miles, and its breadth five miles. 
Although there is a navigable passage between Vuna and Corolib, yet, 
it is made somewhat intricate by sunken coral knolls and banks of 
sand. These shoals extend two miles beyond the island, into the strait. 
The tides are strong, but set through the strait. Calms and light winds 
prevail, in consequence of its being under the lee of the high land of 
Vuna, which makes the passage through it tedious and uncertain. 
Corolib, or Goat Island, I made one of my stations, as it commanded 
most of those we had been at; and I obtained the necessary observa- 
tions to secure its position. 
I dined and spent the afternoon with the missionaries and their 
ladies, and heard a recital of some of the trials they have been sub- 
jected to. I cannot but feel astonished that they can endure to live 
among such a horde of savages. Their house is a tolerably comfort- 
able one, and they have a few Tongese around them as servants, some 
of whom are converted; but all the rest of the inhabitants are canni- 
bals. Mr. Hunt was kind enough to give me an account of some of 
the scenes they had to witness, which will convey an idea of what 
their situation is, and what they have had to undergo. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, and Mr. and Mrs. Lythe, arrived at Somu- 
somu in August, 1839, and consequently at the time of our visit they 
had been there nearly a year. 
On the 11th of February, 1840, one of their servants informed 
them that the king had sent for two dead men from Lauthala, a town 
or koro not far from Somu-somu. On inquiring the reason, he knew 
of none but that the king was angry; this was sufficient to know, and 
in some degree prepared them for what they shortly afterwards had to 
witness. They now found that their servant was only partly informed, 
for, instead of two men, they soon observed eleven brought in, and 
knew that a feast was to take place. Messrs. Hunt and Lythe went 
to the old king, to urge him to desist from so barbarous and horrid a 
repast, and warned him that the time would come when he would be 
punished for it. The king referred him to his son, but the savage pro- 
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