Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/28

 8 FIJI A^T) THE FIJIANS. and the indications of craters alluded to ; but as no lava in a stream has been found, the very remote construction of the group seems almost certain. Volcanic action has not, however, entirely ceased ; violent shocks of earthquakes are at times felt, and at Wamunu and Na Savu- savu, on Yanua Levu, and also on the island of Ngau, there is enough volcanic heat to produce warm and boiling springs. The high peaks and needles on the large islands are mostly basaltic. Volcanic conglomerate, tufaceous stones, porous and compact basalts, are found of every texture, of many colours, and in various stages of decomposition. In several places I have seen very perfect and distinct columns of basalt some feet in length. The soil is in some places gravelly and barren ; occasionally a stra- tum of reddish clay and sandstone is found ; but a dark red or yellowish loam is most common : this is often deep and very rich, containing, as it does, much decayed vegetable matter. Decomposed volcanic matter forms a very productive soil, especially in those vales where such debris mingles with deposits of vegetable mould. Portions of the large flats covered with rank grass, treacherously hiding the soft, adhesive mud beneath, would baffle the skill of the British husbandman, although much prized by the natives, who find in them just the soil and moisture needed for the cultivation of their most valued esculent, the taro (^Arum esctc- lentum). Tliese swamps would perhaps answer well under efficient man- agement for the cultivation of rice. The lee side of a mountain generally presents a barren contrast to that which is to windward, receiving as this does on summit and slopes the intercepted clouds, thus securing regular showers and abundant fer- tility, while to leeward the unwatered vegetation is dying down to the grey hues of the boulders among which it struggles for life. To this, however, there are some marked exceptions. In some places a surface of loose rubble is found. I have heard on good authority that, about thirty years since, a to^nl within a few miles of Mbua was buried by a land slip, when so much of the mountain face slid do-s^Ti as to overwhelm the whole town and several of its inhabitants. From the shore we step to the reefs. These are grey barriers of rock, either continuous or broken, and of all varieties of outline, their upper surface ranging from a few yards to miles in width. The sea- ward edge over which the breakers curve, while worn smoother, stands higher than the surface a few feet "svithin, where the waves pitch with a ceaseless and heavy fall. Enclosed by the reef is the lagoon, like a calm lake, underneath the waters of which spread those beautiful sub- aqueous gardens which fill the beholder with delighted wonder.