188 LAKEMBA AND SAVU-SAVU. 
escape from shipwreck, being nearly on the reef, in a dark night, 
before it was discovered. Any other vessel of the squadron but the 
Flying-Fish would probably have been lost; but her admirable quali- 
ties were well proved in the exploration of this dangerous and unknown 
group. : 
Tui Levuka had prepared an exhibition of the native club-dance, 
which we went on shore, by invitation, on the 24th, to witness. For 
this purpose, all the chiefs and people of the neighbouring town, under 
his authority were called upon to assist, and it required three or four 
days to complete the arrangements. As the day drew near, the bustle 
of preparation increased, and, previous to our landing, many people 
were seen running to and fro, to complete the arrangements. We 
were shown the way to the mbure, the platform or terrace of which, 
overlooking the whole scene, was assigned to us. The street, if so I 
may call it, widened and formed a square at the mbure, both sides 
being enclosed by stone walls; in front, at about thirty paces distance, 
were seated about one hundred men and boys: these we afterwards 
ascertained were the musicians. The stone walls in the vicinity 
were crowded by numbers of natives of both sexes, while beyond them 
an open space was apparently reserved, and surrounded by numbers 
of spectators. 
FEEJEE CLOWN. 
We stood in expectation of the opening of the entertainment, and 
were amused to observe the anxiety manifested by the natives, both 
old and young. Suddenly we heard shouts of loud laughter in the 
