72 ISLAND OF AURORA. 



seemed to us alike. In vain did we look for a change or 

 variety ; they invariably presented the same uniform ap- 

 pearance, the same uniform flatness, the same scenery. 



September 10th. This morning we found ourselves in 

 sight of the island of Aurora. In many places the coast 

 of this island rises abruptly and precipitately from the sea 

 to the height of six or seven hundred feet ; the interior is 

 diversified with hill and dale, thus forming a pleasing con- 

 trast to the dull and monotonous scenes we had been ac- 

 customed to for some time past. The soil in the valleys is 

 fertile, and produces abundance of sweet potatoes, yams, 

 and tarro, as also several kinds of fruit. 



The inhabitants are of a Tahitian extraction, and like 

 them have embraced Christianity, and established schools. 

 All the men we saw, and most of the women, were tattooed. 

 In trading with them, we found that they preferred old 

 clothes and cotton-stuffs to anything else. They took us 

 for missionaries at first, and I believe that many of them 

 are of that opinion still, a circumstance which shows that 

 their intercourse with the whites has been confined to that 

 class of men. Indeed, this can never be very extensive, 

 as the* island affords no harbors. 



When the boats which had been sent ashore to take 



some observation returned, we made all sail again, and 



stood for Tahiti. 



" Huzza for Otaheite ! was the ciy, 

 As stately swept the gallant vessel by ; 

 The breeze springs up, the lately flapping sail 

 Extends its arch before the growing gale." 



