LAKEMBA AND SAVU-SAVU. 171 
inviting place. Their plantations seemed to be well taken care of, 
and large patches of taro, yams, potatoes, some corn (maize), and 
young plantains, were in fine condition. The soil is made up of de- 
composed lava. Large quantities of scoriaceous matter were scat- 
tered over the island, and some pumice-stone was seen floating about. 
There was a small church, plastered and whitewashed, with its 
burying-ground attached. Old Thaki here pointed out the graves of 
two of his children, side by side. At the foot of the graves he had 
planted a fragrant shrub, which he said he had brought from Lakemba 
for the purpose, as the plant did not grow at Oneata. Much pains had 
been taken with many of the graves, and a few of them were neatly 
laid out. 
The Tahitian missionaries prepossessed all in their favour by their 
quiet and orderly behaviour. They have many recommendations 
from the former visiters to the island. They have been on Oneata 
upwards of twenty years, having been placed there, as they said, by 
Mr. Williams, who was the pioneer for so many years in the mis- 
sionary field, in which service he lost his valuable life. 
Observatory Island was made one of the magnetic stations, and 
Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold also obtained there a full set of 
observations for latitude and azimuth, sights for chronometers, and a 
round of angles on all the islands and reefs in sight. ‘The weather 
being unfavourable, they did not succeed in finishing the survey of 
Oneata and its reefs until the 23d. Tiana, the pilot whom they took 
on board at Fulanga, was here parted with. He had proved very 
serviceable, and possessed much knowledge of this part of the group. 
Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold gave him his discharge with many 
presents, and a certificate of his good conduct and abilities as a pilot. 
The officers frequently visited the shore. The natives seemed to 
vie with each other as to who should appear most in the European 
garb. The native missionaries, and some others, wore ruffled shirts 
marked P. Dillon. These, with a straw hat, constituted their only 
clothing, except the maro. 
Quantities of vegetables were brought for trade, which gave an 
opportunity of procuring a supply for the crew that was much needed. 
The few days they spent here were the only ones since the preceding 
November, that they had had any respite from duty, having, with the 
rest of the squadron, been kept in a constant state of activity, and, 
much of the time, on very arduous and fatiguing service. 
The southern side of Oneata is a mass of lava, somewhat resem- 
bling the clinkers of the Sandwich Islands, to be spoken of hereafter. 
This rock is comparatively recent, having undergone but a slight 
