176 FROM CONCEPTION BAY 



woven mats, which was in the shape of an acute- 

 angled triangle, the acute angle being undermost. 

 The skill and quickness with which they put about 

 their boat in tacking, deserved the admiration of 

 every seaman. 



These islanders were of a black colour, pretty 

 tall, and slender; their straight black hair was 

 tastefully interwoven with wreaths of flowers ; their 

 neck and ears singularly ornamented. Their 

 clothing consisted of two curiously-woven coloured 

 mats, tied to the waist ; one before, and the other 

 behind, descending to the knee : the other part of 

 the body was naked. One could read the expres- 

 sion of obligingness and good-nature on their 

 countenance ; and yet they have some resemblance 

 to the Malays. 



Having stayed here till noon, finished the siu'- 

 vey of the islands, and had a good observation, I 

 had the sails hoisted, and turned to the south, to 

 examine the second group of islands, which ap- 

 peared in that direction. The savages sailed 

 round us, and called to us, beckoning us with both 

 hands, and holding fruits up in the air. I lay-to a 

 second time, in the hope that they might, perhaps, 

 pay us a visit now, but was again deceived in my ex- 

 pectation. They lay still, and rejoiced at every 

 movement on board the ship ; but the loudest, 

 when suddenly a large sail was shifted, which pro- 

 bably appeared to them a work of magic, as they 

 could not see the ropes by which the sails were 



