CHARLES WILKES. 351 



and reeds of the wild sugarcane for the uprights, 

 with interstices for the passage of the air, and lining 

 of mats to exclude it when required. It was well 

 thatched, and the whole had a cool and comfortable 

 appearance. Cocoanuts were soon brought us, and 

 all our questions were answered with an alacrity 

 and pleasure that showed their strong desire to 

 oblige and assist us." 



