274 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
dicular rock. The inferior hills, on one side, were 
not only verdant, but to a considerable extent 
clothed with shrubs or trees, while a degree o„ 
sterile whiteness marked the basaltic and volcanic 
rocks on the other. These gave a richness and 
picturesque appearance to the landscape, which 
was greatly heightened by the lofty mountain in 
the centre. Often have I seen the mists and 
clouds resting on its sides, or encircling its brow, 
while the sunbeams have irradiated its summit; 
and it has appeared, especially when seen from a 
distance, 
“ As some tall cliff that lifts its awful form, 
Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm/* 
On the northern side of the valley, and near the 
foot of Matoereere, we proposed to erect our 
dwelling and. the printing-house. Mr. Davies 
selected a spot between this place and the sea, on 
the same side ; and Mr. Orsmond fixed upon one 
near the southern border of the harbour, and on 
the opposite side of the valley of Mahamene, which 
was spacious, fertile, well watered, and sufficiently 
high to be secure from dampness. 
The people readily erected the frame of our 
house and the printing-office, which was put up 
much in the same manner as that had been which 
we occupied in Eimeo ; but, as it was intended 
for a more permanent abode, it was finished with 
greater care. It had but one floor, excepting, that 
over the printing-office there was a kind of loft 
for drying the paper. The front was boarded with 
materials brought from Port Jackson. The walls 
at the ends and the back were plastered with 
excellent coral lime ; and both the printing-house 
and dwelling were floored with bread-fruit boards. 
