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HYDROGRAPHY. 



TIKEHAU, OR KRUSENSTERN'S ISLAND. 



Tikehau was discovered by Kotzebue, in 1816. It is a low coral 

 island, has a large lagoon in the centre, is 15 miles long, by 10 wide ; 

 it has an opening for small vessels into its lagoon on the western side. 

 Between it and Nairsa there is a good passage, 12 miles wide. When a 

 vessel is off its eastern extremity, Nairsa is in sight. Water may be 

 obtained on it by digging. It has no permanent inhabitants, but is 

 frequented by the natives who are pearl-fishers. 



MATAIWA, OR LAZAREFF ISLAND. 



Mataiwa was discovered by Bellinghausen, in 1820. It is a low 

 coral island, the westernmost of this group, nearly round in form, hav- 

 ing a lagoon, and an entrance on the west side. It is 13 miles in cir- 

 cumference, and covered with vegetation. Except to the pearl-fishers 

 from Nairsa, there is no inducement to visit it. 



METIA, OR AURORA ISLAND. 



Metia was discovered by Roggewein, in 1722. It is a high coral 

 island, rising at its northern side 250 feet above the sea, and gradually 

 sloping off toward the south ; in shape it is somewhat of a crescent 

 form, the curve being toward the south. It is well covered with 

 trees, and yields abundantly all the products of the Polynesian 

 islands ; is well inhabited, the village being situated on the north- 

 eastern side, where a friendly reception will always be found from the 

 natives, who are disposed to offer everything they have to part with, 

 in exchange for old clothing, &c. &c. They are subjects of Queen 

 Pomare. There are plenty of springs of fresh water on the island, 

 but no streams. 



TUINAKA, TIPOTU, AND OHITI, OR SEA-GULL GROUP. 



These are three small isles, noticed for the first time by the Expe- 

 dition. Tuinaka was inhabited by about 25 souls, who had been sent 



