60 
tides as we could conveniently spare. 
The small Islands of this groupe are 
frequently only separated by what are 
sometimes denominated causeways, or 
in other words, connected by reefs of 
coral r extending from the extreme point 
of one island and connecting it with an¬ 
other. These reefs are nearly dry at 
low water, and the communication is 
easily kept up between them by the na¬ 
tives on foot. . • 
On the 19th, in the morning, having 
obtained permission, several of us left 
the tent, travelling to the Eastward.— 
After crossing upon the causeways to 
several adjacent islands, we discovere d 
numerous tracks of the natives in the 
sand, and having followed them about 
seven miles, came to a village consisting 
of about twenty or thirty families ; and 
were received by them with great hos¬ 
pitality. They presented us with bread 
fruit and the milk of cocoanuts, while 
the wonder and astonishment of those 
who had not as yet seen us, particul ar- 
ly the women and children, were expres- 
