Qe A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY 
paddling towards us. While they were yet at a 
considerable distance off, we could hear them 
making a great noise, which they continued as 
they approached us. They came alongside with- 
out the least hesitation, and one of our boats 
being there, our people assisted them in getting 
out of their canoes, which were all hoisted on 
board, and helped them up the side. On getting 
on board, they evinced no signs either of fear or 
astonishment : on finding themselves in security, 
their first act was to begin to dance; if turning 
round, jumping, and other wild gesticulations 
deserve that appellation. At the same time that 
they were showing us their accomplishments in the 
dancing way, they gave us a specimen of their 
vocal talents also ; but to call the two or three mo- 
notonous ejaculations which they uttered, a song, 
would certainly be a misapplication of the word, for 
the whole of their melody consisted only of these 
three words, viz. “ hey yey yagh,’”’ which they 
repeated with great rapidity, and with vehemence, 
in proportion to the movements of the body ; 
these were at first very violent, but by degrees 
became more moderate, from their being unable, 
I imagine, to continue such fatiguing exertions. 
After due time was allowed them to exhibit all their 
elegant acquirements, we made signs to them to 
go below, to which proposal they readily assented, 
and, in order to entertain them in return for their 
exhibition on deck, two or tree tunes were played 
on the hand organ. Whether they were cheered 
by the music, or considered it necessary to con- 
tinue to amuse us, I cannot say for certain; but 
16 
