FERJEE GROUP. 339 
called baya-baya; they are woven in the same manner as at the other 
islands, only they appear stronger, more firmly made, and more 
suitable for the purpose to which they are applied,—that of covering 
the floors. 
A rattan (Flagellaria) is used for making baskets; for this purpose 
the stem is split, and the baskets are very neatly made. It is also used 
as ties for the fastening of houses. 
The palm-tree (Caryota) is used for rafters in building; its straight 
stems, with its hard, durable, and tough qualities, render it well 
adapted to this purpose. The stems of the tree-fern are used for door- 
posts. 
The bamboo is here used for vessels to contain water, and also for 
rafts, which the natives use in taking fish. Another use it is put to, 
is for torches to light them in their evening dances. These, with 
the addition of cocoa-nut oi], give a good light. In some places it 
forms the rafters of houses, but its growth is confined to a few dis- 
tricts. 
The iron-wood (Casuarina indica) is preferred for making spears 
and clubs; it is a fine-grained and very heavy wood. 
The old pendent roots of the mangrove are used for their bows, 
which are very tough and elastic. 
A species of pine, called by the natives dackui, resembling the 
Kaurie pine of New Zealand, is found on several of the islands, more 
particularly on Vitilevu and Kantavu. One of these was seen growing 
near Levuka, that measured five feet in diameter. 
The yase, or sandalwood, is now almost entirely destroyed, but our 
botanists succeeded in getting a few small specimens in the neighbour- 
hood of Sandalwood Bay. The natives grate it on the mushroom 
coral, (Fungia), and use it for scenting their oil. 
The soil of the islands consists of a deep loam, of a yellowish colour, 
with a large portion of decayed vegetable matter; combined as this 
is with a fine climate, and abundance of water, it is no wonder that 
all the native plants, as well as those introduced, should grow with 
luxuriance, and be prolific. To give a better idea of the rapidity of 
the vegetation, Mr. Brackenridge, our horticulturist, gave me the 
following memoranda of the garden which he planted. 
Turnips, radish, and mustard seed, after being sown twenty-four 
hours, the cotyledon leaves were above the surface. Melons, cucum- 
bers, and pumpkins, sprung up in three days; beans and peas made 
their appearance in four. In four weeks from the time of planting, 
radishes and lettuce were fit for use, and in five weeks, marrowfat 
peas. Several kinds of beets, carrots, leeks, three kinds of pole with 
