the east end, and its greatest length from east to
west. The south shore, which I saw in 1773, is straight, and consists of
coral rocks, eight or ten feet high, terminating perpendicularly, except
in some places, where it is interrupted by small sandy beaches, on
which, at low water, a range of black rocks may be seen. The west end is
not above five or six miles broad, but has a shore somewhat like that of
the south side, whereas the whole north side is environed with shoals
and islands, and the shore within them low and sandy. The east side or
end is, most probably, like the south, as the shore begins to assume a
rocky appearance toward the north-east point, though not above seven or
eight feet high.

"The island may, with the greatest propriety, be called a low one, as
the trees on the west part, where we now lay at anchor, only appeared;
and the only eminent part, which can be seen from a ship, is the
south-east point, though many gently rising and declining grounds are
observable by one who is ashore. The general appearance of the country
does not afford that beautiful kind of landscape that is produced from a
variety of hills and valleys, lawns, rivulets, and cascades; but, at the
same time, it conveys to the spectator an idea of the most exuberant
fertility, whether we respect the places improved by art, or those still
in a natural state, both which yield all their vegetable productions
with the greatest vigour, and perpetual verdure. At a distance, the
surface seems entirely clothed with trees of various sizes, some of
which are very large. But, above the rest, the tall cocoa-palms always
raise their tufted heads, and are far from being the smallest ornament
to any country that produces them. The _boogo_, which is a species of
fig, with narrow pointed leaves, is the largest sized tree of the
island; and on the uncultivated spots, especially toward the sea, the
most common bushes and small trees are the _pandanus_, several sorts of
_hibiscus_, the _faitanoo_, mentioned more than once in the course of
our voyage, and a few others. It ought also to be observed, that though
the materials for forming grand landscapes are wanting, there are many
of what might, at least, be called neat prospects, about the cultivated
grounds and dwelling-places, but more especially about the _fiatookas_,
where sometimes art, and sometimes nature, has done much to please the
eye.

"From the situation of Tongataboo, toward the tropic, th