POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
7 
beautiful landscapes. The islands in general are well 
supplied with water. The mountains are sufficiently 
elevated to intercept the clouds that are wafted by 
the trade-winds over the surface of the Pacific; being 
clothed with verdure to their very summits^ while 
they attract the moisture^ they also prevent its evapo¬ 
ration. Most of the rivers or streams rise in the 
mountainous parts^ and though_5 from the peculiar 
structure of these parts, and the circumscribed extent 
of the islands, the distance from their source to their 
union with the sea is comparatively short; yet the 
body of water is often considerable, and the uneven 
ground through which they have cut their way, the 
rocky projections that frequently divide the streams, 
and the falls that occur between the interior and 
the shore, cause the rivers to impart a charming 
freshness, vivacity, and splendour to the surrounding 
scenery. 
Next to Tahiti^ Raiatea perhaps is better sup¬ 
plied with rivers, or streams of excellent water, than 
any other island of the group. Its lowland is ex¬ 
tensive, and the valleys, capable of the highest cul¬ 
tivation, are not only spacious, but conveniently 
situated for affording to the inhabitants intercourse 
with other parts of the island. On the north-west 
is a small but very secure harbour, called Hamani- 
ino. Most of the ships formerly visiting Raiatea 
anchored in this by no means capacious, but conve¬ 
nient and sequestered, harbour. Such vessels usually 
entered the reefs that surround the two islands, 
either at the opening called Teavapiti, a little to 
the southward of Utumaora, or at that denominated 
Tomahahotu opposite the south end of the island of 
