33S FROM CALIFORNIA TO 



remained under water from three to four minutes, 

 then came up for a moment to take breath, and 

 immediately dived again. His companion handed 

 him the nails, but embraced the opportunity while 

 they were being hammered in to take breath above 

 water. The skilful diver found, on examination, 

 many bad places in the ship*s bottom, which could 

 only be repaired by careening. 



We were on the very best terms with the inha- 

 bitants of Hana-rura j w^e were daily visited by a 

 great many Jerris, who alone had the permission 

 to come to the Rurick at pleasure, and often 

 brought us presents without accepting any in re- 

 turn. The ship was surrounded by the fair sex 

 from morning to evening. Our sailors, who re- 

 mained on shore for days together, never had 

 cause to complain of the natives, who always hos- 

 pitably received them, and even suffered them to 

 remain alone with their wives without any jealousy. 

 As no danger seemed to threaten us on shore, 1 

 resolved to make a little excursion on foot, to what 

 the English call the Pearl River, situated about 

 half a day's journey west of Hana-rura. The pearl 

 fishery is prohibited on pain of death, and the king 

 has the sole profits of it. Kareimoku made me a 

 present of some pearls found in this river, which 

 are very beautiful. I informed Kareimoku of my 

 wish to make a journey thither, for which he readily 

 granted permission, and gave me two men for my 

 protection. M. Von Chamisso, who likewise re- 



