The Polynesian., 1840-07-11
Vol. No. 3.

of ever varying foliage, on the margin of
the peaceful water, while the sound of
the distant cascade falls in harmony on
the ear.
The other harbor, situate on the south
west side of the island, named Kittie,
from the tribe of Rhonakittie, is of more
difficult access, but safe enough, and pro-
tected from the sea in the same way as
the first. A small island at the entrance
is sometimes made the residence of a
chief, of equal rank with the one already
noticed. 1t is rather unpleasant to land
here, on the main land, at low water,
there being about two miles of reef to walk
over, but when it is high water, the river
at this place can be entered considera-
BILE distance, and forms beautiful sheet
of fresh water; landing on the right bank
of which, and ascending the hill side, the
path leads along, but high above, the bed
of the river, which is almost hid from the
view. The scenery from this place is
very imposing; on the left an extensive
valley stretched along for several miles to
the neighboring settlement of Rhonakit-
tie; in front, the course of the river may
be traced, winding through the country,
till lost in the distant mountains. which
present one intermnable forest of ever
green. On the right considerable tract
of arabic land, on which however, there
is good deal of timber, a village, and the
residence of a chief, the third in authority
in this tribe, named Naniken Labande-
ieur.*
There are two or three other harbors
of minor importance on the northern side
of the islands, around which are scattered
the different settlements of the tribes Of
Whannca Pietack and Whannica Poite,
these two tribes generally join in war
against the two former.
The natives pay little attention to Gull
tivation, though the soil is good, seldom
clearing any part of the land for that
Purpose. They plant their yams, &c.
wherever they can find space enough
with the least trouble. The productions
of the island are therefore few, consisting
of cocoa nut, bread fruit, plantains, sugar
cane, yams, and sweet potatoes; hogs
and fowls are found in the forest and nu-
; merous birds, particularly pigeons; the
! shores and rivers Astounding with variety
of excellent fish, which are easily taken.
, The wood of which their canoes are built
is solid, and well adapted for that pur-
. pose, it may be found from six to nine
feet in circumference. There is great
Q variety in the species of idigcnous timber.
The inhabitants are an interesting and
friendly people, of the middle stature, to
), which, however, there are exceptions.
$ They are copper colored; their females,
: from being less exposed to a burning sun
: are very light, their features, animated
v and expressive, often resemble those of
q Europeans.
, To be continued.
g Can this be Labillardicrc the name of
q a French naturalist on board Admiral D'En-
d trecasteaux' ship, in the unsuccessful cXpe.
it dition in search Of La Terouse? II is com
d mon for the natives of .he South Sea Islands
= to assume the names of their European visi.
tors, and Labilardiere was just such a per-
son as would be likely to receive such {
~ compliment We do not recollect whether
y ID Entrecastcaux was in the ncighborhoot
Il 4