A General History & Collection of Voyages and Travels ... - Nauticus

sign of their pacific intentions. They thronged so thick round the boats with cloth, matting, &c. to exchangefor nails, that it was some time before we could get room to land. They seemed to be more desirous to givethan receive; for many who could not get near the boats, threw into them, over the others heads, wholebales of cloth, and then retired, without either asking, or waiting for any thing in return. At length the chiefcaused them to open to the right and left, and make room for us to land.[4] He then conducted us up to hishouse, which was situated about three hundred yards from the sea, at the head of a fine lawn, and under theshade of some shaddock trees. The situation was most delightful. In front was the sea, and the ships atanchor; behind, and on each side, were plantations, in which were some of the richest productions ofNature. The floor was laid with mats, on which we were seated, and the people seated themselves in acircle round us on the outside. Having the bagpipes with us, I ordered them to be played; and in return, thechief directed three young women to sing a song, which they did with a very good grace; and having madeeach of them a present, this immediately set all the women in the circle a-singing. Their songs weremusical and harmonious, and nowise harsh or disagreeable.[5] After sitting here some time, we were, atour own request, conducted into one of the adjoining plantations, where the chief had another house, intowhich we were introduced. Bananoes and cocoa-nuts were set before us to eat, and a bowl of liquorprepared in our presence of the juice of Eava for us to drink. Pieces of the root were first offered us tochew; but as we excused ourselves from assisting in the operation, this was performed by others. Whensufficiently chewed, it was put into a large wooden bowl; then mixed with water, in the manner alreadyrelated; and as soon as it was properly strained for drinking, they made cups, by folding of green leaves,which held near half a pint, and presented to each of us one of these filled with the liquor. But I was theonly one who tasted it; the manner of brewing it having quenched the thirst of every one else. The bowlwas, however; soon emptied of its contents, of which both men and women partook. I observed that theynever filled the same cup twice; nor did two persons drink out of the same; each had a fresh cup and freshliquor.[4] "The cordial reception which we met with, was such as might have been expected from a peoplewell acquainted with our good intentions, and accustomed to the transitory visits of European ships.But these kind islanders had never seen Europeans among them, and could only have heard ofTasman, who visited the adjacent island, by imperfect tradition. Nothing was therefore moreconspicuous in their whole behaviour than an open, generous disposition, free from any meandistrust. This was confirmed by the appearance of a great number of women in the crowd, coveredfrom the waist downwards, whose smiles and looks welcomed us to the shore."--G.F.This house was situated at one corner of the plantation, and had an area before it on which we were seated.The whole was planted round with fruit and other trees, whose spreading branches afforded an agreeableshade, and whose fragrance diffused a pleasing odour through the air.Before we had well viewed the plantation it was noon, and we returned on board to dinner, with the chiefin our company. He sat at table but eat nothing, which, as we had fresh pork roasted, was a littleextraordinary. After dinner we landed again, and were received by the crowd as before; Mr Forster with hisbotanical party, and some of the officers and gentlemen, walked into the country.[6] Captain Furneaux andmyself were conducted to the chief's house, where fruit and some greens, which had been stewed, were setbefore us to eat. As we had but just dined, it cannot be supposed we eat much; but Oedidee, and Omai, theman on board the Adventure, did honour to the feast. After this we signified our desire of seeing thecountry. Tioony very readily assented, and conducted us through several plantations, which were laid outwith great judgment, and inclosed with very neat fences made of reeds. They were all in very good order,and well planted with various fruit-trees, roots, &c. The chief took some pains to let us know the most ofthem belonged to himself. Near some of the houses, and in the lanes that divided the plantations, wererunning about some hogs and very large fowls, which were the only domestic animals we saw; and these