64 PAUMATO GROUP. 



Finding the order was not heeded, they commenced throwing 

 stones at the boats and brandishing their spears, nor could 

 they be induced to desist until a musket or two, loaded with 

 blank cartridge, had been discharged at them. It was re- 

 marked that these islanders were in general tall and exceed- 

 ingly well-formed. Their complexion was dark-brown, and 

 their hair black and strait. The chiefs had their hair drawn 

 back and tied in a knot behind ; the others had theirs hanging 

 loose. Their bodies were perfectly naked, except around the 

 waist, to which was fastened a small maro made of leaves. 

 No tattooing was observed upon either the men or women. 

 The dress of the latter consisted of a piece of tapa, large 

 enough to cover nearly the whole body. 



The spear appeared to be the only weapon which they 

 possessed ; these were from ten to fifteen feet long, and 

 pointed at both ends. They understood and spoke the Ta- 

 hitian dialect. 



Throughout the night we observed a large number of fires 

 burning on the beach, which we concluded were alarm-fires. 



August 16th. At 9 A. M., filled away, and steered for 

 Serle Island, and by noon came up with it, and commenced 

 surveying operations. This ship had no communication with the 

 island, but the other vessels had, and from them we learn that 

 it has a few inhabitants, and that they are of a more friendly 

 disposition than those found on Calermont de Tonnerre. 



The island, according to our survey, is seven miles long and 

 one and a quarter in width. It is situated about twenty-five 

 miles to the northward and westward of Calermont de Ton- 

 nerre, and both its formation and vegetation are similar to 

 that island. 



August 19th. This afternoon made Homden, or Dog 

 Island ; landed, and found it covered with trees and shrub- 



