CHAPTER IX. 



(1.) Arrival of the Squadron at Tahiti. Voyage to the Samoan Group. — (2.) 

 Geographical Description of the Islands. Geology. Climate. — (3.) Principal 

 Towns and Harbors. — (4.) Inhabitants. Character and Appearance. Dress. 

 Manners and Customs. — (5.) Government. State of Society. The Mission- 

 aries. — (G.) Mode of building Houses. — (7.) Commerce. Canoes of the 

 Natives.— (8.) Zoology. — (9.) Soil. Productions. — (10.) Movements of the 

 Squadron. Departure from the Group. 



(1.) At sunset on the 10th of September, the Vincennes 

 anchored in Matavai Bay, where she found the Porpoise, — 

 the latter having arrived in Papieti Harbor the day previous. 

 The Peacock arrived on the 12th, aud the Flying Fish on 

 the 14th instant. Immediately after the arrival of the Squad- 

 ron, the instruments were landed, and observations made, 

 on Point Venus, — a convenient and airy house having been 

 kindly offered for this purpose by Queen Pomare. While 

 the Americans remained at the island, their intercourse with 

 the civil authorities, the missionaries, and the natives, was 

 of the most friendly character ; they experienced the most 

 hospitable and generous treatment on every hand ; and dur- 

 ing their stay, a number of grievances complained of by the 

 American consul, were promptly redressed, through the in- 

 tervention of the commander of the expedition. 



All the harbors of Tahiti and Eimeo were carefully sur- 

 veyed, and correct charts made, by one or other of the vessels 

 of the Squadron. On the 20th of September, the Vincennes 

 put to sea for a short cruise in the Paumotu Group, with 

 instructions to join the flag ship, at Rose Island, the eastern- 

 most of the Samoan, or Navigators' Group, between the 1st 

 and 5th of October. The Vincennes moved to Papieti Harbor 

 on the 22d of September, and was joined, on the 24th instant, 



