64 PAUMATO GROUP. 



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

 marked that these islanders were in general tall and ex- 

 ceedingly well-formed. Their complexion was dark-brown, 

 and their hair black and straight. 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. JS"o .tattooing was observed upon 

 either the men or women. The dress of the latter con- 

 sisted 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 

 Tahitian 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 com- 

 menced surveying operations. This ship had no commu- 

 nication 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 Cal- 

 ermont de Tonnerre, 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- 

 bery, and abounding in turtles and birds — the latter being 

 so tame that they allowed themselves to be caught by the 



