112 VOYAGE TO THE 



at times, considerable laughter from the female spec- 

 tators, perhaps from some association of ridiculous 

 ideas, which we, as strangers, did not feel ; and no 

 doubt had our opinion of the performance been con- 

 sulted, it would have essentially differed from theirs. 

 They did not long continue these diversions, from 

 an idea that it was too great a levity to be continued 

 long; and only the three beforementioned ladies 

 could be prevailed upon to exhibit their skill. One 

 of the officers, with a view of contributing to the 

 mirth of the colonists, had obligingly brought his 

 violin on shore, and, as an inducement for them to 

 dance again, offered to play some country dances 

 and reels, if they would proceed; but they could 

 not be tempted to do so. They, however, solicited 

 a specimen of the capabilities of the instrument, 

 which was granted, and, though very well executed, 

 did not give the satisfaction which we anticipated. 

 They had not yet arrived at a state of refinement to 

 appreciate harmony, but were highly delighted with 

 the rapid motion of the fingers, and always liked 

 to be within sight of the instrument when it was 

 played. They were afterwards heard to say, that 

 they preferred their own simple musical contrivance 

 to the violin. They did not appear to have the least 

 ear for music : one of the officers took considerable 

 pains to teach them the hundredth psalm, that they 

 might not chaunt all the psalms and hymns to the 

 same air ; but they did not evince the least aptitude 

 or desire to learn it. 



The following day was devoted to the completion 

 of our view of the island, of which the natives were 

 anxious we should see every part. We accordingly 

 set out with the same guides by a road which 



