316 VOYAGE TO THE 



anchorage off Woahoo, we rounded to under the 

 lee of Morotoi, the next island. The following 

 iJ§5 # morning we came to an anchor in nineteen fathoms 

 outside the reefs of Honoruro, the principal port of 

 the Sandwich Islands, and the residence of the 

 king. This anchorage is very much exposed, and 

 during the N. W. monsoon, unsafe ; but as there is 

 great difficulty attending a large ship going in and 

 out of the harbour, it is the general stopping place 

 of such vessels as make but a short stay at the 

 island. 



Our passage from Otaheite to this place had been 

 so rapid, that the contrast between the two coun- 

 tries was particularly striking. At Woahoo, the 

 eye searches in vain for the green and shady forests 

 skirting the shore, which enliven the scene at Ota- 

 heite. The whole country has a parched and com- 

 paratively barren aspect ; and it is not until the 

 heights are gained, and the extensive ranges of taro 

 plantations are seen filling every valley, that strangers 

 learn why this island was distinguished by the name 

 of the garden of the Sandwich Islands. 



The difference between the appearance of the na- 

 tives of Woahoo and Otaheite is not less conspicuous 

 than that of the scenery. Constant exposure to the 

 sun has given them a dark complexion and a coarse- 

 ness of feature which do not exist in the Society 

 Islands, and their countenances moreover have a 

 wildness of expression which at first misleads the 

 eye ; but this very soon wears off, and I am not sure 

 whether this manliness of character does not create 

 a respect which the effeminacy of the Otaheitans 

 never inspires. 



As we rowed up the harbour, the forts, the can- 



