V20 



FROM RADACK TO 



avoided, by skilful steering, some coral banks which 

 we had not previously remarked, and had soon a view 

 of the whole group, which seemed to us the small- 

 est we had seen in these parts. We approached 

 the island which forms the S.E. point of the group, 

 and is called Aur, and cast anchor at five o'clock 

 in the afternoon under its protection. The lead was 

 often thrown in the middle of the group; we found 

 the depth from twenty-three to twenty-five fa- 

 thoms, over a bottom of living coral ; at our an- 

 choring-place the depth was eighteen fathoms, 

 though we were distant from shore fifty fathoms. 

 We had scarcely anchored when four large boats 

 put off from Aur, and, approaching us within fifty 

 fathoms, quietly remained in one situation, gazing 

 with astonishment at our ship. We addressed 

 them in their language; immediately their fear 

 vanished, and some even ventured on board, where 

 their surprise equalled that of the other savages. 

 Our acquaintances in Otdia and Kawen, whom we 

 mentioned to them by name, contributed to gain 

 their confidence ; and two chiefs, who seemed to be 

 very distinguished, and were much tattooed, on 

 hearing this news, ventured to come on board. 

 Upon the whole, we have found the inhabitants of 

 Kawen more importunate than these. We re- 

 marked two savages who were tattooed differently 

 from the rest, and, as M. Chamisso observed, spoke 

 a different language. We enquired whether they 

 were natives of that island ? They answered, no ; 

 17 



