268 
CR UISE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER . 
by extensive coral reefs, and affording a convenient 
landing. The whole island w T as clad in a thick 
forest of tropical vegetation. Having reached a 
convenient anchorage (which was afterwards named 
Nares Harbour), the beautiful view before us, and 
the smoke rising from the native huts between the 
trees completed a perfect landscape. 
Next morning at sunrise we beheld a repetition 
of the scene witnessed in Humboldt Bay. The ship 
was surrounded with natives, all eager to trade, and 
the noise made by their combined voices was deaf- 
ening. The principle articles of exchange were tor- 
toise-shell spears, stone knives, axes, earrings, brace- 
lets, ornaments worn from the nose, circular plates of 
white shell, some finely carved bowls, and models of 
canoes, &c. Hoop-iron and trade-gear (small hatchets, 
calico, beads, and knives) formed the medium of 
exchange. To describe the scene alongside is alto- 
gether impossible. We soon discovered that there 
would be no difficulty in establishing a good under- 
standing with these people, and almost immediately a 
landing was effected, all being armed so as to be on 
the guard against any treachery ; for these islanders 
are of the same race as those inhabiting the Solomon 
group, and travellers speak of them as hostile and 
treacherous. Of their being cannibals, there can be 
no doubt; so at our first intercourse great caution 
was certainly necessary. After a while, however, 
when w^e had got somewhat familiar, and numerous 
