TAHITI OR OTAHEITE

largest of Society Islands, Pacific Ocean (17° 44’ 9.,.149° 28’ E.); belongs to France; irregular in shape and of volcanic formation. Surface is mountainous, reaching extreme height of 7,340 ft.; surrounded by coral reefs; fertile lands along coast; chie? town, Papeete; produces breadfruit, oranges, bananas, and other fruits, sugar, coffee, cocoa, ‘vanilla, cotton; principal exports are copra, pearl-shell, vanilla, coconuts. The native inhabitants belong to the Polynesian group; most of them have been converted to Christianity. Tahiti was placed under Fr. protection in 1843, and became a colony of France in 1880. In Sept., 1914, Papeete was bombarded by Ger. cruisers, and much damage done. Area, 600 sq. m.; pop. 11,700.