SOCIETY ISLANDS. 



117 



to the interesting observations that may be made in Matavai Bay, re- 

 lative to the growth of coral on the Dolphin Shoal, at some future 

 time. Of this an account has been given in the Narrative, Vol. II, 

 to which I would here refer. 



EIMEO. 



Eimeo, discovered by Wallis, in 1767, who gave it the name of 

 Duke of York, is a high volcanic island, extremely picturesque. 

 The distance from the reef off Papeiti Harbor to the nearest point of 

 its reef is 10 miles. It is 15 miles from north to south, and 20 miles 

 from east to west. It possesses two fine harbors, Taloo and Papoa, 

 or Cook's Harbor, which bear a strong resemblance to each other. 

 The former is the largest. The harbor of Papoa or Cook's lies to 

 the eastward of Taloo. Wood and water can be procured here, also 

 cocoanuts, but vegetables must be brought from Taloo. Both lie 

 on the north side of the island, and afford shelter and supplies for 

 a few vessels. They are not so safe during the summer months as 

 those of Tahiti, the north wind drawing through them with great 

 violence, and the sea rolling in with some force, and unless a vessel is 

 anchored near the head of the harbor, she would be much annoyed 

 both by the sea and wind. 



Taloo is very easy of access : all that is necessary, is to run down 

 the reef until the harbor opens to view, and steer through the open- 

 ing, when a vessel may anchor under the high land on its south shore 

 in 15 fathoms of water. 



Provisions may be obtained here in considerable quantities, as well 

 as wood and water ; but all the small articles that can be transported 

 to Tahiti, are held at the same prices as they are sold at that island : 

 other supplies are much cheaper. 



The harbor of Papoa cannot be recommended for vessels to stop 

 at, when that of Taloo is so near at hand, more easy of entrance, and 

 where everything may be obtained with convenience. 



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