252 COOK'S VOYAGE TO APRIL, 



landing-place. In the mean time, we plied up under 

 the island with the ships. 



Just as the boats were putting off, we observed 

 several single canoes coming from the shore. They 

 went first to the Discovery, she being the nearest 

 ship. It was not long after, when three of these 

 canoes came alongside of the Resolution, each 

 conducted by one man. They are long and narrow, 

 and supported by outriggers. The stern is elevated 

 about three or four feet, something like a ship's 

 stern-post. The head is flat above, but prow-like 

 below, and turns down at the extremity, like the end 

 of a violin. Some knives, beads, and other trifles 

 were conveyed to our visitors ; and they gave us a 

 few cocoa-nuts, upon our asking for them. But 

 they did not part with them by way of exchange for 

 what they had received from us. For they seemed 

 to have no idea of bartering ; nor did they appear to 

 estimate any of our presents at a high rate. 



With a little persuasion, one of them made his 

 canoe fast to the ship, and came on board ; and the 

 other two, encouraged by his example, soon followed 

 him. Their whole behaviour marked that thev were 

 quite at their ease, and felt no sort of apprehension 

 of our detaining, or using them ill. 



After their departure, another canoe arrived, con- 

 ducted by a man who brought a bunch of plantains 

 as a present to me ; asking for me by name, having 

 learnt it from Omai, who was sent before us in the 

 boat with Mr. Gore. In return for this civility, I 

 gave him an axe, and a piece of red cloth ; and he 

 paddled back to the shore well satisfied. I after- 

 ward understood from Omai, that this present had 

 been sent from the king, or principal chief of the 

 island. 



Not long after, a double canoe, in which were 

 twelve men, came toward us. As they drew near 

 the ship, they recited some words in concert, by way 



