178 LAKEMBA AND SAVU-SAVU. 
occasioned by the presence of Tubou Totai, who acknowledged that 
some years ago he had landed on this island and killed sixty of the 
inhabitants, in consequence of their having destroyed a Tonga canoe, 
with all on board. 
Tubou, in order to remove their apprehensions, made them a speech, 
assuring them of his friendly disposition. As is usual among the other 
islands of the group, they applauded at every sentence, by clapping 
hands, in which Tubou himself joined. Confidence was quickly 
restored, the natives flocking around, exhibiting the greatest curiosity, 
examining the clothing, skins, and arms, of our people, and constantly 
uttering guttural sounds. 
The chief of this island (Munia) had but one eye. He appeared 
somewhat under the influence of fear, but made some presents of 
bananas and cocoa-nuts, and complained much of his poverty. They 
returned on board at sunset. 
The next day the boats were prepared for surveying. The launch 
and another boat, under Lieutenants Johnson and Maury, were sent 
to circumnavigate the large island. Parties were also despatched to 
get wood and water. Mr. Totten and Dr. Holmes ascended the 
highest peak of Munia, called Telanicolo, the measurement of which, 
by sympiesometer, gave one thousand and fifty-four feet above the 
level of the sea. This peak is composed of volcanic masses, with 
high, craggy, and overhanging cliffs. The ascent proved difficult, for 
the path passed over steep hills and along the edges of the rocks, and it 
was in places so narrow that only one person could pass at a time. A 
few men might defend the ascent against an army. Upon the summit 
they found the ruins of a small village; some of the huts were, how- 
ever, kept in repair, as refuge in times of danger. ‘The view from the 
top they describe as beautiful, many of the other islands being in sight. 
The natives who accompanied them, to carry the instruments, &c., 
behaved well, and were amply rewarded. All the natives yet seen by 
the Porpoise were exceedingly fond of tobacco, a very small piece of 
which is an ample reward for a long service. Some thefts were com- 
mitted from the boats by the natives who assisted in bringing the water, 
but on speaking to the chief they were quickly returned. He at the 
same time pointed out the thieves, and requested they might be killed. 
The island of Munia contains about eighty inhabitants, and the 
settlement is on the western side, where water may be obtained in 
small quantities. 
Ticumbia lies five miles to the northeast of Munia. It bears a close 
resemblance to Munia, but is much smaller; the inhabitants are about 
seventy in number. ‘This island affords but little water. 
ae 
