96 FROM RADACK TO 



anchor, at two hundred fathoms from a small 

 island, and in twenty-three fathoms water, on fine 

 coral sand. The island of Kawen was distant 

 from us five miles in S.W. ; the boats of the inha- 

 bitants had left us on penetrating the group. 

 Soon after we had anchored, I rowed to the small 

 island, accompanied by some of our gentlemen ; 

 it was of the same nature as those of Roman- 

 zofTs group, and seemed to be uninhabited : there 

 were only a few small empty huts, which probably 

 served the islanders for their abode when they 

 fished. We also found rats here in great numbers. 

 The 12th of February. — Though our anchor- 

 ing-place, with considerable depth of water, and 

 but little protection against the high waves, was not 

 convenient, I resolved to remain here to-day on 

 account of the fine weather, to determine this 

 point astronomically. Towards noon, two large 

 boats from the eastern part of the islands came up 

 so close to us that we could count thirteen men 

 and. three women. The word Aidara, which we 

 calkd to them as the best recommendation, had 

 the desired effect ; the savages were greatly asto- 

 nished at it, unanimously repeated the salutation, 

 and made preparations to approach the ship. We 

 now felt the great use of our hardly acquired phi- 

 lological knowledge j for when we invited them to 

 our ship, in their own language, they did not hesi- 

 tate a moment, and only begged that we would 

 throw them a rope. We immediately complied ; 



