304 MODE OF RECEPTION. 
sincere affection towards me,—and how seldom 
have I felt this happy consciousness among the 
civilized nations of the world ! 
Even the women and children now made 
their appearance; and, among them, Rarik’s 
loquacious mother, who with much gesticula- 
tion made me a long speech, of which I under- 
stood very little. When she had concluded, 
Rarik and Lagediak, each offering me an arm, 
led me to the house of the former. 
Upon a verdant spot before it, surrounded 
and shaded by bread-fruit trees, young girls 
were busily spreading mats for Dr. Eschscholz 
and myself to sit on. Rarik and Lagediak 
seated themselves facing us, and the mother 
(eighty years of age) by my side, at a little 
distance. The other islanders formed a com- 
pact circle around us; the nearest line seating 
themselves, and those behind standing, to se- 
cure a better view of us. Some climbed the 
trees; and fathers raised their children in their 
arms, that they might see over the heads of 
the people. The women brought baskets of 
flowers, and decorated us with garlands; and 
