244 
SOUTH SEA 
crowded, and we were once more on our voyage to the 
seat of government, passing between the islands of 
Ranai and Morotoi with a strong wind, which blew at 
times with great fury through the gorges formed by the 
various islands I have mentioned, but on a sea rendered 
smooth by the proximity of the land. We arrived at 
Oahoo, after a furious passage, in which we had sailed 
at times at the rate of twelve knots an hour. Nothing 
remarkable occurred in this short passage, except that 
we saw some very fine flying-fish ; they were about the 
size of a mackerel, being the largest I had yet seen. 
We also saw a water-spout, at the western end of 
Morotoi, which appeared to be acting with great fury, 
sometimes whirling over the borders of the sea, and 
sometimes breaking and forming a whirlwind upon the 
edge of the land. 
After we had arrived in the roads of Oahoo, and let 
go our anchor, the captain and myself were soon in the 
town, and although it was so late, being past ten p.m., I 
was quickly introduced to comfortable quarters, under 
the hospitable roof of Dr. Rooke, who had, and I believe 
still has the principal practice among the upper class of 
its population, including the natives and white residents 
of the place. I need only say that he is a gentleman 
who is well known and respected at the island on which 
he resides. Clever in his profession, and with a mind 
stored with useful information, it is no wonder that he is 
so much valued by the whole population of the place, 
which he certainly much honours with his residence, and 
I embrace this opportunity of thankfully acknowledging 
