Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands, THE, a group in the South Pacific lying N.W. of the New Hebrides, and S.E. of New Ireland, and extending in a double line for 600 miles, between the fifth and tenth parallels of south latitude. Seven members of the group are of large size, Bougainville, Malanta, Ysabel, Choiseul, and San Christoval being the chief, and the smaller islands number more than twenty. They are of volcanic origin, with fringing growths of coral, and Guadalcanal contains an active volcano. The central peaks attain a height of from 4,000 to 8,000 feet, and the soil is fertile and well watered. Owing to excessive rainfall the climate is unhealthy on the coasts, which are indented with many commodious bays. The natives belong to the Melanesian race, and present several marked characteristics. Bishop Patteson was the first who succeeded in establishing an influence over them. Discovered by Mendana in 1568, the group is still not thoroughly explored.