78 ISLAND OF TAHITI. 



which the remains of the Kings Pomare II. and III. were 

 deposited. 



The next object that attracted our attention was the ruins 

 of the great chapel erected by Pomare II., after his conversion 

 to Christianity. The original size of this building is said to 

 have been immense. 



The anchorage of Papiete is much superior to that of Ma- 

 tavai. There, when the wind blows fresh from the seaward, 

 vessels are exposed to a very heavy and dangerous swell; 

 here they lay perfectly protected from both sea and wind. 

 Indeed, there is but one objection to Papiete harbor its 

 entrance is so very narrow, that unless there be a fair breeze 

 it is not accessible. 



The town stretches around the curvature of the shore form- 

 ing the harbor, and presents many evidences of civilization. 

 Many of the houses are built in the European style, and the 

 native church is really a fine building. Several of these 

 houses are owned by natives, but they rarely occupy them 

 themselves, as they prefer those constructed in the primitive 

 style, which, indeed, are better adapted to the climate of the 

 island. They keep them to rent out to foreigners. 



The adjacent country does not differ materially from that 

 about Matavai. 



In the centre of the harbor there is a charming little island, 

 upon which the Tahitian national standard was waving to the 

 breeze as we entered. This flag displays a white star on a red 

 field, and owes its origin to the missionaries. The people here 

 promise to be less troublesome than those were about Matavai. 

 We have seen but few of them alongside, and none on board. 



Soon after we came to anchor, we received a present from 

 the queen, consisting of pigs, cocoa-nuts, bananas, and other 

 products of the islands. 



