the protectorate of England to-day. Situated in both longitudes, that is lying either side of the meridian of Greenwich, and between latitudes 15 deg. 42 min. and 19 deg. 48 min. south, in the track of much of our commercial trade with Australia and islands further west, the Fijis are rapidly growing in commercial importance. They offer a curious study of the past and present. At one time, and that, too, within the memory of the living, the Fijis were inhabited by a race of fierce and warlike man-eaters, whose victims were roasted and eaten, after undergoing all the hideous rites and tortures that their savage natures could suggest. Now the abode of peace and plenty, with churches, schools and manufactures throughout the land. If I mistake not, there are at present 1,400 schools and 200 churches among these islands.

The rapid advance made by the natives in civilization, in the arts and agriculture has made of these once inhospitable shores a pleasant home and resort for people of all nations.

The main islands are known as Viti Lavu, Vannua Lavu, Moala, Kiro, Lotia, Vunie, Kandavau, Vatata, Valava Ovalau, Lakeruba, Vanua and Yasawa. Mr. Consul March, in his report speaking of the capabilities of Fiji, says: "The productions and resources of Fiji have been described in previous reports; it is sufficient, therefore, to state that these islands, rich and fertile, yield an almost endless variety of vegetable treasures. They abound in edible roots, medical plants, scents and perfumes, and timber of various descriptions; whilst sugar, coffee and tobacco grow most luxuriantly, and if cultivated, would, I think, prove as remunerative as cotton."

The group, generally speaking, may be of vol

canic origin, many evidences of igneous creation prevailing through most of the islands, with traces of extinct craters, whose ancient fires were probably quenched by the waters of the surrounding seas. On some, traces of the sedimentary formations are met with, while on others coral is found, a thousand feet above the ocean level, forced up from the depths of the sea. Taken in all, the physical configuration is hilly and mountainous, some of the crests rising to a height of four or five thousand feet. Blessed with an even temperature and an abundant rainfall, the valleys and slopes covered with verdure and forests in all stages of bloom and growth, a view of the group from the sea is extremely pleasing to the eye. Small streams flow through the valleys, some of them reaching the dignity of navigable rivers, with valuable agricultural lands to be found on the lowlands along their banks, that a little skill and energy. surely arriving with the strangers making their homes. in the group, will develop into agricultural wealth. Then rice, sugar, coffee and cotton will vie with the natural products, the cocoanut, bread-fruit, banana, lemon and orange.

NEW HEBRIDES GROUP.

Lying farther west and a little to the south of the Fijis, are the New Hebrides Islands, twelve in number, the largest and best known being named Aneteum, Tana, Vate, Api, Aurora, Whitsun and Espiritu Santo. The last named, the largest of the group, is about 65 miles long by 35 wide. Inhabiting most of the islands. may be found a people the most treacherous and quarrelsome in the whole Pacific. Lieut. Meade, R. N.,

who visited there in 1865, in describing Tana, and which may be accepted as about their present condition, says: "Tana is about 25 miles long by 12 broad, the population being between fifteen and twenty thousand. But since the introduction of European diseases and weapons, there has been a steady decrease. In 1861 a third of the people died of the measles. The state of morals is extremely low; the natives assert that the present excessive licentiousness was introduced by the whites, who formerly resided on the island. The chiefs endeavor to get drunk every night on kava. The women do all the work; the men all the fighting, which is their constant employment. Cannibalism is the custom all over the island." In 1842 the bark Rose, from Nantucket, engaged in whaling in these latitudes, took as passengers twelve native missionaries, who had been educated and raised in Christianity on some of the more civilized groups. These missionaries were sent to Tana as an experiment, and in the hope of retrieving a fallen race. Arriving off the island, a whale-boat was lowered and manned with a wellarmed crew, in addition to the twelve Christian workers. The crew were cautioned as to the treachery and brutality of the natives, and on no account to make a landing longer than just necessary to place the missionaries ashore. On arriving at the beach, the natives swarmed to the boat and assisted the landing of the religious workers with every show of kindness and affection. Acting under strict orders, the crew of the whale-boat immediately put back for the ship, and were not three hundred yards from the beach when the natives fell upon the missionaries, killing them all in the most barbarous manner, and in full view of the occupants of the boat.