178 



A VOYAGE TO 



1777- 

 March. 



The natives of Mangeea feem to refemble thofe of Otaheite 

 and the Marquefas in the beauty of their perfons, more than 

 any other nation I have feen in thefe feas ; having a fmooth 

 fkin, and not being mufcular. Their general difpofition 

 alfo correfponds, as far as we had opportunities of judging, 

 witli that which diflinguiflies the firfl mentioned people. 

 For they are not only cheerful, but, as Mourooa fhewed us, 

 are acquainted with all the lafcivious gefticulations which the 

 Otaheiteans pratTtife in their dances. It may alfo be fiip- 

 pofed, that their method of living is fimilar. For, though 

 the nature of the country prevented our feeing many of 

 their habitations, we obferved one houfe near the beach, 

 which much refembled, in its mode of conflrudion, thofe 

 of Otaheite. It was pleafantly fituated in a grove of trees, 

 and appeared to be about thirty feet long, and feven or 

 eight high, with an open end, which reprefented an ellipfe 

 divided tranfverfely. Before it, was fpread fonicthing white 

 on a few buflies ; which we conjedured to be a fifliing net, 

 and, to appearance, of a very delicate texrure. 



They 



