FIRST VOYAGE 35 



C<5ok, that the Indians had lost some bows and arrows and 

 strings of plaited hair. The affair was inquired into, and 

 the fact being well attested, two dozen lashes were inflicted 

 upon the sailors who had stolen them. 



A variety of articles having been stolen by the natives at 

 different times, the captain wished, if possible, to put an end 

 to these practices by making it their common interest to 

 prevent them. Accordingly, he ordered a number of their 

 canoes to be seized till restitution was made, but at last 

 was prevailed on to release them. 



About this time another event had nearly involved the 

 English in a quarrel with the Indians. Captain Cook having 

 sent a boat on shore to get ballast, the officer not meeting 

 immediately with what he wanted, began to pull down one 

 of their sepulchral buildings. This measure was strenuously 

 opposed by the Indians. Mr. Banks, having received 

 intelligence of the affair, repaired to the spot, and the 

 matter was soon amicably terminated, there being stones 

 sufficient found elsewhere. 



On the 19th, in the evening, soon after dark, while the 

 canoes were detained by the captain, Queen Oberea pre- 

 sented the crew with a hog, bread-fruit, and other presents, 

 among which was a dog. Dogs are esteemed here more 

 delicate eating than pork, as those bred to be eaten taste no 

 animal food, but live entirely upon vegetables, and the 

 experiment was tried. Tupia undertook to kill and dress 

 one, which he did by making a hole in the ground and 

 baking it. It was deemed a very good dish. 



Many of the natives brought various kinds of presents 

 to the party at the fort. Among the party was Oamo, a 

 chief of several districts on the island, whom they had never 

 before seen, and who brought with him a hog. The chief 

 was treated with great respect by the natives, and was ac- 

 companied by a boy and a young woman. The boy, though 

 able to walk, was carried upon a man's back. Oberea, and 

 some other of the Indians, went out of the. fort to meet them, 

 their heads and bodies being first uncovered as low as the 

 waist. This was considered as a mark of respect ; they 

 had not noticed it before, but judged that it was usually 

 shown to persons of distinguished rank among them Oamo 

 entered the tent, but the young woman, who was about 

 sixteen, could not be prevailed upon to accompany him, 

 though she seemed to combat with her curiosity and incli- 

 nation. Dr. Solancler took the youth by the hand, and con- 

 ducted him in ; but the natives without, who had prevented 

 the girl's entrance, soon found means to get him out again. 



The curiosity of Mr. Banks, and the other gentlemen, 

 being excited from these circumstances, they made inquiry 



