PREFACE. 
v 
Information lias also been obtained from tbe island, 
in answer to specific inquiries sent to the Mis¬ 
sionaries. Several of these, namely, Messrs. Jones, 
Griffiths, and Baker, have also visited England since 
the preparation of the work was commenced, and 
have readily furnished information, which has enabled 
me to enlarge and modify many of the original state¬ 
ments. Mr. Freeman has also cheerfully supplied 
much useful information respecting the recent his¬ 
tory of the country, and has prepared a valuable 
paper on the native language, which is given as an 
Appendix to the first volume. The embellishments 
are chiefly from sketches taken on the spot, or from 
articles brought to this country; the outline of the map 
is copied from that published after the recent survey 
by Commodore Owen; and the names of places and 
persons are given by the Missionaries, or taken from 
other authorities. 
To the distinguished nobleman to whom I am 
indebted for access to the documents in the Colonial 
Office, to Captain Moorsom, R.N., to the Author of 
“ The Loss of the Winterton,” and the Missionary 
Brethren who have rendered me valuable assist¬ 
ance in the preparation of the work, I would thus 
publicly acknowledge my obligations, especially to 
the Rev. J. J. Freeman, who, in order to aid in 
securing the greatest possible accuracy, has kindly 
