oth worn round the waist; the chiefs having also a
mantle of matting over their shoulders, while some wore feathers in
their hair. None of the females appeared; no doubt they had all been
hidden as they saw us approaching. Their huts were constructed of long
poles, bent so as to form a succession of arches, the ends of the poles
being stuck in the ground, and the whole covered over with pandanus or
palm leaves. They were evidently a very primitive race of people, and
Charlie observed that if one missionary could gain their confidence he
would be able to make much progress among them. Their island consisted
of a coral reef of irregular shape, with a lagoon in the centre, in
which were numerous knolls of various sizes rising four or five feet
above the surface. The island itself, indeed, looked like a collection
of islets, though in reality united by the reef, which was just a wash
at half-tide, so that the inhabitants could have free communication with
each other.

We hoped to be more successful in obtaining cocoanuts and other
vegetable productions at the next island at which we might touch. We
made it the following day, but here also we were disappointed. It was a
perfect lagoon island, consisting of a circle of land of a light clay
colour, the lagoon of a beautiful blue tint. The highest ground was not
more than twelve feet above the level of the sea, and we calculated that
it was about six hundred feet wide to its lagoon. The shrubs were not
numerous, seldom more than twelve to fifteen feet high. Amid them rose
conspicuously cocoanut-palms, and pandanus. There was but one narrow
entrance into the lagoon; but, from the surf breaking on either side of
it, Harry considered that it would be dangerous to attempt passing
through. We already knew that, however beautiful a coral island looks
at a distance, the landing on it is very disappointing. In order to
obtain cocoanuts we pulled for the shore on the lee side, where it
seemed possible to land. As we approached the beach, however, we saw a
large number of natives collected, and as we drew near they began
shouting, gesticulating, and brandishing their long spears and clubs,
making violent motions to us to retire. We had a white flag, which we
waved, hoping they would understand that it was an emblem of peace, but
they took no notice of it, and still threatened to attack us should we
attempt to land. We therefore kept off at a respectful distance, and
direc