PACIFIC AND BEERING’S STRAIT. 
165 
She was a double canoe, upwards of thirty feet long by nine broad, and CHAP, 
three feet nine inches deep ; each vessel having three feet three inches 
beam : one was partly decked, and the other provided with a thatched Feb. 
shed: they were sharp at both ends, each of which was fitted for a 
rudder, and the timbers were sewed together with strong plaited cord, 
after the manner of the canoes of Chain Island, where they are brought 
to great perfection. 
We remained the whole day upon the island, contributing to the 
comfort of the inhabitants by the distribution of useful presents ; and at 
the same time making our own observations, and endeavouring to learn 
something of their history, and at sunset we assembled upon the beach 
to embark. Poor Tuwarri was quite overwhelmed at separating from 
bis companions and fellow-sufferers. The whole village accompanied 
bim to the boat, to the last testifying their regard by some little act of 
civility. When the moment of departure arrived, the men gathered 
about him, embraced him, shed abundance of tears, and took their 
leave in a solemn manner with very few words. The women, on the 
other hand, clung about his wife and children, and indulged a weakness 
that better became their sex. 
The island upon which we found them is nearly an oval of three 
uiiles and three-quarters diameter. It is of coral formation, and has a 
lagoon and productions very similar to the other islands recently de- 
scribed. One species of coral not noticed before was seen in the 
lagoon, growing above water : it was a millepore extending itself in 
Vertical plates parallel to the shore. Among the vegetable produc- 
tions, the polypodium vulgare, seen at Whitsunday Island, was found 
here; and also a small shrub, which we afterwards ascertained to be an 
^chyranthus. F rom the pemphis we procured a large supply of fire- 
^'^ood, to which use it is well adapted, as it burns a long time, gives 
great heat, and occupies comparatively little room. The wood of this 
tree is as hard as lignum vitae, and equally good for tools ; its specific 
gravity much greater than sea water : its colour is deep red, but the 
inner bark more strongly tinged; and if properly prepared, would 
perhaps afford a good dye. 
From Byam Martin Island we steered for Gloucester Island of 
