The Island of Raiatea, the largest and most central of the Society Islands, about 100 miles from Tahiti, has been the immediate scene of my labours since I joined the Mission, in 1817; but, as much information has been given, in various ways, respecting the Tahitian and Society Islands, I shall say little about them.

The two groups, about which the following pages contain much information, are, first, the Hervey; and, secondly, the Samoa, or Navigators Islands; both of which are new fields of Missionary labour.

The Hervey Islands are seven in number—Mauke, Mitiaro and Atiu, Mangaia and Rarotonga, Hervey's Island and Aitutaki. They are from 500 to 600 miles west of Tahiti. Very little was known of them until they were visited by myself and colleague, Mr. Bourne, in 1823. To prevent the interruption of the narrative, and to render the sequel more intelligible, I shall give a short description of each island, with its position, size, and population.

Hervey's Island, from which the group takes its name, is really composed of two small islets, 19° 18′ S., 158° 54′ W. long. It was discovered by Captain Cook, and by him named, in honour of Captain Hervey, R. N., one of the Lords of the Admiralty, and afterwards Earl of Bristol. It is surrounded by a reef, into which there is no entrance.