clivity on the other side of the ridge, below which opened a deep ravine,
was so steep that the men were obliged to let themselves down by swinging
from tree to tree. This ravine between the steep mountains, which, with the
exception of the bared rock here and there, were profusely covered with
vegetation, presented a wild aspect, with a stream of water flowing over a
rocky bed through thickets of undergrowth and masses of tropical vegetation
spreading over the rocky cliffs and down the hills on all sides.
The party now crossed the stream, and coming upon a field of the taro
plant, which was of remarkably luxuriant growth, struck directly through
it and reached the forest beyond. Finding it impossible, however, to make
their way in that direction, they turned back through the taro and regained
the stream. The path was now recovered, which was found to lead through
a valley which bore signs of habitation. Cultivated patches of ground
showed themselves here and there with flourishing crops of sweet potatoes,
taro, tobacco, sugar-cane, pumpkin, and the sida or Indian gooseberry,
which seemed to grow with wonderful luxuriance. In the centre of the
valley two palm-thatched huts were observed, but the party, upon coming up
to them and entering, found they were uninhabited, although there were
signs of their having been occupied that morning. Guns were then fired to
attract the attention of any inhabitants who might be within hearing, and a
good result was soon apparent by the answering signal of a shout, which
was immediately followed by the appearance of a South Sea islander, with
a face tattooed of a light blue, and clothed in coarse cotton shirt and trow-
sers. He introduced himself under the dignified title of “ Judge,” and
professed to be a native of Nukahwa in the Marquesas Islands. This Mar-
quesite seemed to be in a very flourishing condition. He had a hut to live
in, a plantation to cultivate, and made a fair show of live stock with his dogs
and four pigs. The “ Judge g was very affable, and in a very friendly manner
gave freely all the information at his command. He pointed out to his
visitors how the valley turned round the spur of the mountain and opened
westward to the sea. The stream was here only a creek in appearance, but
was of sufficient depth to float eanoes, in one of which the “ Judge ” had
just arrived from a turtle hunt, and had brought with him a fine animal,
which he busied himself with cutting up in the wistful company of his four
dogs, who were licking their chops with a hopeful anticipation of their share
of the feast.
The “ Judge ” was requested to guide the party to the southern end of
the island, which he stated to be about three or four miles distant, without,
however, any pathway to it. His companion, however, who knew the
way, was sent for, and a copper-colored Otaheitan, who hardly spoke English,
soon presented himself. He acknowledged that he was acquainted with
the route, and familiar with the wild boar haunts, but refused to go with
the party unless joined by the “ Judge,” who, after some hesitation, consented,
with the understanding that he should be allowed to stow away his turtle
flesh before starting. This, of course, was readily conceded.
. The valley in which the explorers found themselves was estimated to be
about a mile in length, and its widest part was a quarter of a mile in
breadth. The main branch of the valley was not ¿ a t which had been
entered, but took an easterly direction, through which a stream flowed; the
southern part seemed to he impassable, from being walled up with rooks
heaped one above the other. From the “ Judge’s” hut the sea was said to
be about half a mile distant. The soil of the valley is of a rich loam, and,
judging by the flourishing appearance of the vegetables and crops grown by
the settlers, exceedingly fertile. The tobacco was particularly vigorous in
growth, being five feet in height. The water of the stream is sweet and
pure, and the supply constant. Some lemons, which the “ Judge ” had
stored away in his hat, he said eame from the north of the valley.
The party, now under the guidance of the “ Judge” and his companion,
took an E.S.E course, following through the ravine the stream. The bed of
the stream was in various places crowded with large boulders of trap rock,
heaped confusedly one upon another. The vegetation presented the usual
tropical profusion of trees, parasite plants, and undergrowth. From the
denseness of the woods and the greasy, slippery nature of the soil, the progress
of every step was toilsome and painful. Two of the party in the rear,
while those in advance awaited upon a cliff their coming up, started a wild
boar, and fired at him a passing shot, but without effect. The dogs which
belonged to the settlers were not of much use, for they kept clinging to the
heels of their masters, instead of ranging the forest and beating up the
game from its cover,
On leaving the water-eourse the explorers climbed the southern side of
the ravine, which they could only do by clinging to the roots or to the tough
vines which hung from the trees. In the deep shadow and turnings of the
wood, through which there was no path, the members of the party became
scattered, and the leaders were again obliged to await at the summit of the
ridge the coming of those who lagged behind. Among the various palms,
which grow abundantly, some specimens of the palma latino, were observed
at this spot, with immensely broad leaves and stems nearly eight feet in
length, the jagged edges of which wounded the travellers’ hands as they
struggled through the forest. The pandanus was also seen, with its shoots,
sometimes twenty or thirty in number, sticking down and outwards from the
lower part of its straight trunk, and rooting themselv63 in the ground, until
they formed a pyramidal base, from which the tree rose in a slender column,
covered with a graceful capital of foliage.
While some of the party were resting upon the ridge, waiting for their
companions who had fallen behind, a great barking o f . dogs, rose from a
neighboring ravine, at which two of the party started off at once. Several