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POLYNESIAN RESEARCHESc 
haustless energy, and before population had extended, 
or the genius and enterprise of man had altered, the 
aspect of its surface. 
The valleys of Tahiti present some of the richest 
inland scenery that can be imagined. Those in the 
southern parts are remarkable for their beauty, but 
none more so than those of Hautaua, Matavai, and 
Apaiano. Those portions of them, in which the incipient 
effects of the advancement of civilization appear, are the 
most interesting; presenting the neat white plastered cot¬ 
tages in beautiful contrast with the picturesque appear¬ 
ance of the mountains, and the rich verdure of the 
plains. 
The accompanying plate represents a scene in the 
valley of Matavai, near the bank of the river which flows 
through the district. It was taken on the spot by Capt. 
Elliot, who spent some time at Matavai, in the begin¬ 
ning of 1821. The rustic building by the side of the 
stream is a Missionary’s cottage, and was at that time 
occupied by Mr. Nott. The surrounding scenery is 
delineated with accuracy and care 5 but the effect of the 
lofty mountain in the centre, which often appeared en¬ 
circled with clouds, through which its romantic peaks 
sometimes penetrated, and of the rich purple hue that 
glowed on its sides, with other parts of the landscape, 
are such as to surpass the efforts of the graphic art. 
