114 VOYAGE TO THE 



C ^ P - should have been inhabited is not extraordinary, 

 *-»- v-w when it is remembered that Easter Island, which is 

 ^25. much more distant from the eastern world, was so, 

 though nothing is known of the fate of the people. 



From these images, and the large piles of stones 

 on heights to which they must have been dragged 

 with great labour, it may be concluded that the 

 island was inhabited a considerable time ; and from 

 bones being found always buried under these piles, 

 and never upon the surface, we may presume that 

 those who survived quitted the island in their ca- 

 noes to seek an asylum elsewhere. 



Having this day seen every part of the island, we 

 had no further desire to ramble ; and as the weather 

 did not promise to be very fair, I left the observatory 

 in the charge of Mr. Wolfe, and embarked, accom- 

 panied by old Adams. Soon after he came on board 

 it began to blow, and for several days afterwards the 

 wind prevented any communication with the shore. 

 The natives during this period were in great appre- 

 hension : they went to the top of the island every 

 morning to look for the ship ; and once, when she 

 was not to be seen, began to entertain the most 

 serious doubts whether Adams would be returned 

 to them; but he, knowing we should close the island 

 as soon as the weather would permit, was rather 

 glad of the opportunity of remaining on board, and 

 of again associating with his countrymen. And 

 although he had passed his sixty-fifth year, joined 

 in the dances and songs of the forecastle, and was 

 always cheerful. 



On the 16th the weather permitted a boat to be 

 sent on shore, and Adams was restored to his anxious 

 friends. Previous to quitting the ship, he said it 



