172 MENTA.L CAPACITY OF 



from their lords ; and although we never per- 

 ceived that they were ill treated, it is certain 

 they are held in little respect. 



'^ We were always received when we came 

 ashore with the greatest friendliness and hospi- 

 tality. As soon as we landed, the inhabitants 

 vied with each other in bringing us presents, 

 preparing food for us, and showing us every 

 mark of kindness. The old people were much 

 pleased when they obtained permission to touch 

 us ; and they showed much modesty and humi- 

 lity in the comparisons they made between us 

 and themselves. 



" In mental capacity, the Sandwich Islanders 

 do not appear at all inferior to any other people. 

 Their progress in agriculture, and their skill in 

 handicrafts, is fully proportionate to their means 

 and situation. The earnest attention which they 

 paid to the work of our smiths, and the various 

 means they devised, even before our departure, 

 to give any required form to the iron they ob- 

 tained from us, convinced us at once of their 

 industry and ingenuity. 



"Our unfortunate friend Kancena, (he was 

 shot by one of the Englishmen whom he had 



