NANIGANCR'S ISLANDS.
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To-
Y he following observations respecting ,his
group OF islands, are selected iro!n CaDtl!n
Wilkes letter Of Nov. 9, 1859.


"ihe group extends iron. lat. l3 10. TO
/ II Is, s., and from long. lb9 lG l3, to lU-
46 y W."


There are eight islands, viz, Sayui, Upo-
Iu, Tutulla, Manono, Apolima, Tana, Oro-
scgo, and Otu The first named is the lar
gest, combining 300 square miles, and
20 900 inhabitants; but the island of poiu,
although containing but JGO square miles, is
more populOus, having, as is estimated, -
900 inhabitants. Some of the islands arc
quite small. The tutu! number OF inha,.t-
ants Is supposed 10 be $1,000, OF whom H.
$50 profess christianity. There are il the
schools !3,O7O pupils, and 3d native teach
ers. On the islands there are il iInu!i.h
missionaries.


About two-thirds Of the whole poYu.a-
ton are said to be of the missionary or
christian party, and about 10000 who read
or write. The inhabitants generally reside
on or near the sea coast although at Upolu
there are several large villages in the inte-
rior.


The Rev Mr.. Williams visited this, group
in 1880, when they were engaged in GEN
eral war, since which time they have been
at peace. Several native teachers were es-
tablished here by Mr. Williams, and the
missionaries arrived from England in 1886.


. 1t affords me pleasure" says Captain
Wilkes, 4" to bear testimony to the success
full eXerions of these gentlemen, in the great
changes which must have taken place IN so
short Il time, in the feelings, habits, and
manners Of the inhabitants. The language
has been reduced to writing; a printing press
Established; books disriUuteA and a for
eigncr may now pass in any direction, meet
ing hospitable reception from all The
native schools are well attended. and al
though accustomed to the rapid advance
ment OF education in our own country, | was
surprised to witness ii more rapid one in
these islands, proving that the natives are by
no means deficient IN the necessary lnCilities
Tor rapid advancement IN civilization


The soil Of these islands Is very rich
and by cultivation would produce all the
tropical fruits and plants. Sugar cane is
found wild and of large size; also, coffee
cotton, arrow-root, bread fruit, ,aro, vans,
sweet potatoes, oranges, pIne-apples, bana-
mas, vi-apples, and spices. The missiona-
ries have introduced cattle horses, sheen
and goats


" Among the harbors of Tutulla, tina, of
Pago Pago is the safest Ofthose of Irno-
lu that of Apia is the most central and bes,
of that island. 1t Is situated on the north
side, IN lat l3 49 Is S, long. III 4 % ".
Two others were found on the south side
and three on the north, Ofthose found on
the island OF Savai, Mataatoo is the best; il
IS situated IN lat. l' - "a S., long. IL 20
w. The harbors are formed by openjnps
or breaks in the reefs which surround the
islands, and although not Of great extent,
are commodious and safe with the PREVAILING
winds, The coasts NAV be approached w;th
safety, as the reefs are visible, and sound
lngs regular The mean temperature is abont
10 degrees. The south sides of the island
are cooler, and more sublcc. to ram and