VILLAGE OF ATINUA. 49 



and its population presents a healthy rustic ap- 

 pearance, which we look for in vain amongst 

 the dissipated natives of the more commercial 

 ports. Its coast is well protected by the bar- 

 rier coral reef ; and the tranquil water within 

 the latter, affords good anchorage for shipping, 

 off a native village where every essential supply 

 can be obtained. 



Previous to my return to Papeete, on the 

 morning of the 29th, I devoted a few leisure 

 hours to viewing the beauties of Atinua. The 

 principal building on this spot is Mr. Henry's 

 residence, a neat and convenient dwelling, 

 erected at the foot of some pastured hills, and 

 surrounded by cultivated lands, which include 

 the largest sugar plantation on the island. Na- 

 tive huts, grouped around, were mingled with 

 superior habitations occupied by foreigners, (En- 

 glish and Americans,) pursuing employments as 

 respectable mechanics. The refreshing coolness 

 of the morning air, passing through a dense 

 foliage ; the appearance of cattle, swine, and 

 poultry, strolling about, orderly and domesti- 

 cated ; together with the general aspect of rural 

 comfort this estate presented, would have in- 

 duced me to fancy myself in a respectable En- 

 glish farm, had not the plumy cocoa-nut palms 

 and broad-leaved bananas destroyed the illusion. 



VOL. II. E 



