66 PAUMATO GROUP. 



and stood in for the land. At 10 A. M., nine canoes, 

 from two to three natives in each, came off to the ship. They 

 approached near enough to seize the ropes we threw them to 

 hold on by, but declined coming on board. They were very 

 gay and talkative, and ever} few minutes would entertain us 

 with a song which we supposed to have been made up for the 

 occasion, and to have an allusion to our coming among them. 



They were a good-sized people, with dark-brown complexions, 

 and lively, interesting countenances. Their hair was black 

 and a little curly. Some had beards and a moustache. 

 Their dress consisted of a piece of matting fastened to the 

 waist. 



We very much admired their canoes ; they were beautifully 

 shaped, and so ingeniousty put together that it was some time 

 before we were able to determine whether they were formed 

 of several pieces or one entire piece. They were made of a 

 number of pieces of cocoa-nut wood sewed together with bark, 

 and each was furnished with an out-rigger. The paddles were 

 from three to four feet long, and the blade on one side was a 

 little curved. 



These natives knew the use of iron, and coveted its posses- 

 sion so much, that even when we had our eyes upon them 

 they tried to steal all that came within their reach ; two men 

 were seen twisting and pulling away at the main-chain plates, 

 while others tried to draw the bolts out of the ship's side. 



Their weapons were spears and clubs, several of which were 

 purchased for the government. In the bows of several of the 

 canoes were some species of shell-fish, which were intended as 

 food. 



Towards noon the canoes returned to the shore, and we 

 proceeded to ply to windward, in order to take our station 

 for surveying. 



