of the waves, and forms a splendid natural
harbour. Almost every South-Sea island has its coral reef round it, and
its harbour of still water between the reef and the shore.

It would seem as if the beneficent Creator had purposely formed those
harbours for man's convenience, because narrow openings are found in all
the reefs, without which, of course, the sheltered waters within could
not have been entered. These openings are usually found to occur
opposite valleys where the streams from the mountains enter the sea. It
is therefore supposed that fresh water kills the coral insects at these
places, thus preventing the reef from forming an unbroken circle. Low
islets are usually formed on each side of the openings on which a few
cocoa-nut trees grow; so that the mariner is thus furnished with a
natural beacon by which to guide his vessel clear of the reef safely
into the harbour.

One of the most interesting of the larger islands of the Pacific is
Otaheite (now spelt and pronounced Tahiti), at which Captain Cook
arrived on the 4th of April 1769. It had been discovered, however,
nearly two years before the date of his visit--as the next chapter will
show.

CHAPTER FIVE.

DISCOVERY BY CAPTAIN WALLIS OF OTAHEITE OR TAHITI.

The beautiful island of Tahiti was discovered by Captain Wallis in the
year 1767.

It was on a bright day in June when he first saw it from the deck, but
when his vessel (the _Dolphin_) came close to it, a thick mist descended
like a veil and shut it out from view of the impatient mariners, who
were compelled to lie to until the mist should clear away. At length it
rolled off, and disclosed one of the most lovely and delightful scenes
that could be imagined.

The _Dolphin_ being the first ship that ever touched at Tahiti, the
natives, as we may well imagine, were filled with amazement at its vast
size and curious shape. No sooner did the ship draw near than she was
surrounded by hundreds of canoes, containing altogether nearly a
thousand naked savages. At first the poor creatures were afraid to draw
near. They sat in their little barks gazing at the "big canoe" in
silent wonder or talking to each other about her in low eager tones, but
never for a moment taking their eyes off this great sight!

At last, after consulting together, they began to paddle slowly round
the ship, and make signs of peace and friendship, which those on board
were not slow to return, endeavouring to induce