OP LA PEROUSK. 27I 



an obftacle which we could not overcome. Thefe 

 iflanders having thrown us a few cocoa-nut-, 

 their aftonifhment was fucceeded by the molt 

 lively joy, on feeing with what facility we opened 

 them by means of a hatchet. 



A favage, difiinguit^ed from the others by a 

 double row of fmall fhells with which his fore- 

 head was ornamented, appeared to enjoy a gnat 

 deal of authority. He ordered one of the na- 

 tives to jump into the water, and bring us fome 

 cocoa-nuts. The fear of fwimming out unarmed 

 to perfons with whofe intentions he was wholly 

 unacquainted, made this iflander helitate a mo- 

 ment; but the chief, little accufiomed, no doubt, 

 to meet with any refinance to his will, did not 

 allow him time to reflect ; he very clofcly fol- 

 lowed up his orders by fome blows on the belly, 

 which he himfelf gave the man, who wasobliged 

 inftantly to obey. We did not expect to fee any 

 one treated in this manner in the midft of a 

 tribe that had feemed to us fo nearly bordering 

 upon a ftate of nature. In order to confole the 

 poor fellow, there were given to him a few bits 

 of red cloth, fome nails, and a knife, which he 

 received with the greateft: joy. As foon as he 

 had landed, curio&ty aflembled all the others 

 round him ; every one would have a fhare of 

 our prefents ; fome canoes were immediately 

 launched -, a great many other natives fwam off 



to 



