[Note: this transcription was produced by an automatic OCR engine]

AMBRYM I 99

nearly all died out, I boarded the Australian steamer
for Ambrym.

Although Ambrym is only twenty—five miles from
Epi, I was five days on the way, so zigzag a route did
the steamer pursue. But if one is not in a hurry, life
on board is quite entertaining. .The first day we
anchored near the volcano of Lopevi, a lofty peak
that rises from a base six kilometres in diameter to a
height of 1440 metres, giving its sides an average
slope of 48°, which offers rather an unusual sight.
The whole of Lopevi is rarely to be seen, as its
top is usually covered with a thick cloud of fog or
volcanic steam. ‘ It is still active, and but few Whites
have ascended it. At periods of great activity, the
natives climb to the top and bring sacrifices to appease
it, by throwing cocoa-nuts and yam into the crater.

We touched at Port Sandwich, and then steamed
along the coast of Malekula, calling every few miles
at some plantation to discharge goods, horses, cattle
and fowls, and take on maize or coprah. At last we
arrived at Dip Point, Ambrym, where I was kindly
received by Dr. B. of the Presbyterian Mission, who
is in charge of the fine large hospital there. Its situa-
tion is not more picturesque than others, but the place
has been made so attractive that one can hardly
imagine a more lovely and restful sight. The build-
ings stand on level ground that slopes softly down to
the beach. The bush has been cleared, with the
exception of a number of gigantic fig trees, that over-
shadow a green lawn. Under their airy roof there is
always a light breeze, blowing from the hills down to