234 
VOYAGE TO THE 
CHAP, means restored, and as it appeared to me that his time during the ab- 
sence of the ship could be more profitably employed among the islands 
May, of the Sandwich eroupe than on the frozen shores of the north, he was 
left behind, under the protection of Pitt, whose kindness on the oc- 
casion nothing could exceed. Mr. Collie took upon himself the charge 
of naturalist, and acquitted himself in a highly creditable manner. 
On the 31 st of May we took our leave of Woahoo, and proceeded to 
Oneehow, the westernmost island of the Sandwich groupe, famous for its 
yams, fruit, and mats. This island is the property of the king, and it is 
necessary, previous to proceeding thither, to make a bargain with the 
authorities at Woahoo for what may be required, who in that case send 
June, an agent to see the agreement strictly fulfilled. On the 1st of June 
we hauled into a small sandy bay on the western side of the island, the 
same in which Vancouver anchored when he was there on a visit of a 
similar nature to our own ; and I am sorry to say that like him we 
were disappointed in the expected supplies ; not from their scarcity, 
but in consequence of the indolence of the natives. 
Oneehow is comparatively low, and, with the exception of the 
fruit trees, which are carefully cultivated, it is destitute of wood. The soil 
is too dry to produce taro, but on that account it is well adapted to the 
growth of yams, &c. which are very excellent and of an enormous size. 
There is but one place in this bay where the boat of a man of war can 
effect a landing with safety when the sea sets into the bay, which is a 
very common occurrence ; this is on its northern shore behind a small 
reef of rocks that lies a little way off the beach, and even here it is 
necessary to guard against sunken rocks ; off' the western point these 
breakers extend a mile and a half. The soundings in the bay are re- 
gular, upon a sandy bottom, and with the wind from the eastward, good 
anchorage, if required, will be found ; but it would not he advisable to 
bring up under any other circumstances. The natives are a darker 
race of people than those of Woahoo, and reminded us strongly of the 
inhabitants of Bow Island. With the exception of the house of the 
Earee, all the huts were small, low, and hot ; the one which we oc- 
cupied was so close that we were obliged to make a hole in its side to 
admit the sea breeze. 
