an island in the Pacific Ocean, N.E. of New Guinea, between S. Lat. 5. and 7.30., and E. Long. 148. and 153. It is separated from New Guinea by Dampier's Strait, which is about 40 miles broad, and from New Ireland by St George's Channel. The outline is irregular, and the area is 24,000 square miles. The surface is mountainous, rising to a considerable height, and well wooded on the sloping sides. In some places the mountains extend quite to the coast; but in others there are extensive plains stretching along the shore. The highest summit in the island has been observed to emit smoke. The soil is fertile, and produces bananas, bread-fruit trees, sago palms, cocoanut palms, and other trees; besides sugar-canes, bamboos, yams, ginger, &c. The animal kingdom is represented by dogs, pigs, turtle, and fish in large numbers. The New Britons resemble the Papuans in their stout, well-proportioned figures and dark complexions. They are numerous and entirely uncivilized, without any articles of clothing.