CHARLES WILKES. 345 



and small timber. All those of the better class 

 have small balconies to the second story. Most of 

 the houses are of two stories, and they generally 

 have an archway from the street, secured by a strong 

 portal, leading into an open court. The lower or 

 ground floor is used as storehouses, stables, &c. 

 This peculiar manner of building is intended as a 

 security against the effects of earthquakes." 



On the 13th of July, 1839, the squadron sailed 

 from the port of Callao on the further prosecution 

 of the cruise, and steered for the Paumotu group of 

 islands, the examination of which was of special im- 

 portance for the purposes of the expedition. On the 

 14th of August, they reached Minerva Island, be- 

 longing to that group. They proceeded to make a 

 regular survey of it. But few inhabitants were found 

 upon it, and these spoke the Tahitian dialect. They 

 seemed to be a fine, athletic race, and above the ordi- 

 nary size. They did not exceed several hundred in 

 number. In the progress of time all the islands 

 belonging to this group were thoroughly surveyed. 



"The chief was an old man, and was induced to 

 venture off toward the boat. One of the gentlemen 

 swam to those on shore : his reception was similar 

 to that met with at the other islands, rubbing noses, 

 kissing, and shaking of hands. Whenever he at- 

 tempted to lay his hands on them they started back, 



