1777 THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 121 



The high double-peaked mountain, which is in the 

 middle of* the island, appeared to be barren on the 

 east side ; but on the west side, has trees or bushes 

 on its most craggy parts. The lower grounds, all 

 round, towards the sea, are covered with cocoa- 

 palms and bread- fruit trees, like the other islands of 

 this ocean ; and the many little islets that surround 

 it on the inside of the reef, add both to the amount 

 of its vegetable productions, and to the number of 

 of its inhabitants. 



But still, when we consider its very small extent, be- 

 ing not more than eight leagues in compass, it is rather 

 remarkable, that its people should have attempted, 

 or have been able to achieve the conquest of Ulietea 

 and Otaha, the former of which islands is, of itself", 

 at least double its size. In each of my three voyages, 

 we had heard much of the war that produced this 

 great revolution. The result of our inquiries, as to 

 the circumstances attending it, may amuse the reader; 

 and I give it as a specimen of the history of our 

 friends in this part of the world, as related to us * 

 by themselves. 



Ulietea and Otaha, which adjoins it, lived long in 

 friendship, or, as the natives express it, were con- 

 sidered as two brothers, inseparable by any interested 

 views. They also admitted the island of Huaheine 

 as their friend, though not so intimate. Otaha, how- 

 ever, like a traitor, leagued with Bolabola, and they 

 resolved jointly to attack Ulietea ; whose people called 

 in their friends of Huaheine, to assist them against 

 these two powers. The men of Bolabola were en- 

 couraged by a priestess, or rather prophetess, who 

 foretold, that they should be successful ; and as 

 a proof of the certainty of her prediction, she desired, 

 that a man might be sent to the sea, at a particular 

 place, where, from a great depth, a stone would ascend. 

 He went, accordingly, in a canoe to the place men- 



* For this, as for many other particulars about these people, we 

 are indebted to Mr. Anderson. 



