136 VOYAQE IN SEARCH 



We then walked, for near a quarter of an 

 hour, along a narrow road lined with palifades 

 on both fides: we followed it as far as a very 

 large lawn, v/here King Toobou was fhortly to 

 make his appearance. (See Plate XXFI.) 



We were invited by Omalai to enjoy the air 

 under a fhed, which exhibited nearly the form 

 of a demi-oval, of the breadth of five meters, 

 by twelve in length, and the roof of which, 

 raifed about five meters and a half, was covered 

 with leaves of vacona that rendered it imper- 

 vious to the heavieft rains:- it was fupported by 

 ten polls, and came down with a flope to 

 within about two-thirds of a meter above the 

 ground, on which were fpread fome very fine 

 mats. This place was about two decimeters 

 more elevated than the furrounding ground, 

 v.'hich fee u red it from inundations. 



At length 'Toobou arrived, with two of his 

 daughters : they had fprcad on their hair a 

 great quantity of cocoa-nut oil ; and they each 

 wore a necklace, made with the pretty feeds of 

 the abrus prcditorius. 



The i (landers form.cd on every fide a great 

 concourfc; we reckoned that they were at leafl 

 four thoufan;! in number. 



The place of honour, no doubt, was on the 



left of the King; for he invited the Admiral to 



fit there. The latrei- immediately ordered to be 



2 brought 



