Two round and lofty promontories, whose mountains rise nine thousand feet above the level of the ocean, are connected by a low, narrow isthmus; the whole being some one hundred miles in circuit.

From the great central peaks of the larger peninsula--Orohena, Aorai, and Pirohitee--the land radiates on all sides to the sea in sloping green ridges.

Between these are broad and shadowy valleys--in aspect, each a Tempe--watered with fine streams, and thickly wooded.

Unlike many of the other islands, there extends nearly all round Tahiti a belt of low, alluvial soil, teeming with the richest vegetation.

Here, chiefly, the natives dwell.
Seen from the sea, the prospect is magnificent.