1769. ROUND THE WORLD. 18^ 



that the intercourse between us should have been 



carried on wholly without bloodshed ; and by this 



hope all my measures were directed during the whole 



of my continuance at the island ; and I sincerely wish, 



that whoever shall next visit it, may be still more 



fortunate. Our traffic here was carried on with as 



much order as in the best regulated market in 



Europe. It was managed principally by Mr. Banks, 



who was indefatigable in procuring provisions and 



refreshments while they were to be had ; but during 



the latter part of our time they became scarce, partly 



by the increased consumption at the fort and ship, 



and partly by the coming on of the season in which 



cocoa-nuts and bread-fruit fail. All kind of fruit 



we purchased for beads and nails ; but no nails less 



than fortypenny were current : after a very short 



time we could never get a pig of more than ten or 



twelve pounds for less than a hatchet j because, 



though these people set a high value upon spike-nails, 



yet these being an article with which many people 



in the ship were provided, the women found a much 



more easy way of procuring them than by bringing 



down provisions. 



The best articles for traffic here are axes, hatches, 

 spikes, large nails, looking-glasses, knives, and beads ; 

 for some of which, every thing that the natives have 

 may be procured. They are indeed fond of fine 

 linen cloth, both white and printed ; but an axe 

 worth half-a-crown will fetch more than a piece of 

 cloth worth twenty shillings. 



N 4 



