The reefs which front the shore are dry at low water some distance to seaward, it being then only possible to approach the island through the gaps in the reef. The villages are situated near each other, while the remainder of the island is laid out in plantations of yams and cocoa-nut trees. The inhabitants obtain their supply of rice from the people of Vordate, or from the foreign traders. This product forms an extensive article of importation into these countries, as the nature of the soil prevents its being grown in sufficient quantities for the supply of the islanders. The inhabitants of Serra received us in a most friendly manner, and I immediately commenced making enquiries as to the nature of the disturbance that had taken place. It appeared, that on the return of the chiefs from their visit to me the preceding year with the presents I had made them, a festival was got up to celebrate the event. A considerable quantity of spirits was disposed of on this occasion, and it necessarily occurred that many of the guests became very drunk, and abused one another without mercy. The Orang Kayas Linum, Siwa, and Kitta-Kitta, grossly insulted the Orang Kayas Leeman and Kawa, which greatly grieved the latter and their adherents. From words they soon came to blows, when the two chiefs who had been insulted left their villages, and established themselves with their families on the west coast of the island. The adherents of both parties subsequently encountered one another on several occasions, many being killed and wounded on both sides. Envoys from the other islands endeavoured in vain to establish peace: the offending party wished much to make up the affair, but the others, who had abundance of provisions, were indifferent about the matter. On my arrival, the latter demanded an apology from the Orang Kayas Kitta-Kitta and Linum, with the pay of the warriors whom they had hired, stating, that in the event of these being fulfilled, they were ready to make peace and obey the orders of the Company. I was received with equal friendship by both parties, and their arms were laid aside at my request, while arrangements were made for a meeting to decide on the terms of peace. The adherents of the offended party had forsaken their village, and encamped about half an hour's journey to the westward, where they had fortified their position with palisades, watch-houses being erected in the trees round about, and garrisoned by armed men. The mode in which the meeting was conducted resembled that of the former ones which had taken place among the islands, yet as it will contribute to display the character of the natives, I will give a slight sketch of the affair.