"0 PAUMATO GROUP. 



Chain Islands.* Their houses are little better than sheds, 

 but kept very clean ; the furniture consisted of some mats, 

 which were spread over the floor, some half-dozen glass 

 bottles, and a calabash or two, in which they keep their 

 water. 



We obtained from them several pigs, some cocoa-nuts, 

 and a few shells. Of all the articles we offered them, they 

 gave a decided preference to calico, tobacco and knives. 

 Looking-glasses, beads, and such like trinkets, they would 

 scarcely receive. On taking leave of our friends, we took 

 a short walk into the interior of the island. It is well 

 covered with trees, among which the cocoa-nut makes a 

 conspicuous appearance. The lagoon is several miles in 

 circumference, and is well-stored with fish, which consti- 

 tutes the principal food of the inhabitants. 



September 6th. At an early hour commenced survey- 

 ing Waterland. This island was discovered by the Dutch, 

 and is situated in latitude 14° 26' 55" south, and longitude 

 145° 12' 00" west. It is covered with luxuriant vegeta- 

 tion, and has an extensive lagoon. 



In the afternoon we landed on the western side, and 

 took a series of observations on the dipping-needle. Four 

 men were the only natives we saw here ; they very much 

 resembled those we found at Raraka. 



One of the boats remained ashore a long time after the 

 signal for her return was made. The officer in charge gave 

 as the cause for this, that he discovered that one of the 

 crew was missing, and he was waiting for him to return. 

 Some supposed that the man strayed from the boat, but 1 

 am of the opinion that he deserted. His name is Penny — 



* These islands are under the government of Tahita. The inhabitants were formerly 

 cannibals ; but now missionaries are established among them, and they have made many 

 advances in civilization. 



