108 DINNER — PARADE. 



balance were thrown by baudsful amongst the chil- 

 dren, for the fun of seeing the naked little urchins 

 scrambling for them. Our dinner we procured from 

 our friend John, who furnished us with a very pala- 

 table repast of bread fruit, cocoa-nuts, yams, sweet 

 potatoes, pumpkins, chickens, eggs, and rice. The 

 chickens were stewed and seasoned to a high degree 

 with Cayenne pepper, of which condiment these 

 people are excessively fond, and, of course, think 

 strangers are, or should be. After dinner a drum and 

 a couple of gongs were produced, and several natives 

 beat them for some time, making nothing like music 

 to my ears. When their performance had ceased, one 

 of our fellows seized the drum, and another, having his 

 accordeon ashore, they began to play Yankee Doodle ; 

 this was home music to us, and was received with a 

 burst of enthusiasm. One of our number, who had 

 served in the Mexican war, formed the men in line, 

 with bamboo poles in the stead of muskets, with 

 which as many manoeuvres were performed as would 

 have excited the awkward squad to emulation. 

 The natives looked on with great glee. Our friend 

 John had purchased, from one of the party, a blue 

 coat with brass buttons, and a double-barreled pistol 

 without a lock ; the coat he wore, whilst the pistol 

 was displayed in a prominent position ; and with these 

 additions to his usual accoutrements he strutted 

 around, the beheld of all beholders. Feeling his 

 dignity much increased by them, a razor was shown 

 him, to which he took a great fancy, and insisted on 

 being shaved with it, after which he purchased it. 

 Edge tools, such as sheath and jack knives, scissors, 

 &;c., are eagerly sought for by these people ; even a 



