Otaheite was discovered in 1767, by Captain Wallis, who called it King George's Island; but it is better known by the name of Tahiti.  It is of volcanic formation, and consists of two peninsulas joined by a neck of low land, about two miles across.  The whole island is about thirty miles in circumference.  The smaller portion, called Tairaboo, is the most fertile; but as Tahiti proper has the best harbour, it is the most frequented, and is the seat of government.