156 cook's first voyage juneJ 



as soon as it is born : a regent is then elected, and 

 the father of the new sovereign is generally con- 

 tinued in his authority, under that title, till his child 

 is of age ; but, at this time, the choice had fallen 

 upon Tootahah, the uncle, in consequence of his 

 having distinguished himself in a war. Oamo asked 

 many questions concerning England and its inhabit- 

 ants, by which he appeared to have great shrewd- 

 ness and understanding. 



