326 CURIOSITY OF THE PEOPLE. [1845. 



formed in writing of the object of our visit, which as 

 explained by our interpreter, " to catch a small piece of 

 sun, and measure the land," was probably equally unin- 

 telligible. It is very probable, however, that our myste- 

 rious dealings with the sun had a much stronger effect in 

 preventing any further opposition, for we soon found 

 them disposed to be friendly and assist our people in 

 bringing water, erecting the tents, &c. On the arrival 

 of the barges for orders, they were very anxious to in- 

 spect them, and on noticing the brass six-pounders in 

 them observed, that they had much larger guns in the 

 great island. We several times endeavoured to ascertain 

 the name of the island on which they were, but could 

 gain nothing beyond 0-tcheou-san, which I well knew 

 was merely their term for the land. As visitors increased 

 they began to be more inquisitive, and so troublesome, 

 that I was at length compelled to post sentries to keep 

 off those who had not permission to approach ; the 

 parties, moreover, with which we were now in contact, 

 were so filthy in their manners and persons, that it 

 became a matter of necessity to keep them aloof. With 

 some their curiosity, or impertinence, carried them so far 

 beyond the bounds of decorum, that they were very soon 

 taught that the white-faced foreigner was able to punish 

 their presumption, even without the assistance of wea- 

 pons. As some doubts were entertained of the amicable 

 disposition of these people, who quitted us rather sulkily 

 and as if by signal, due care was observed shortly before 

 sunset, in doubling our guard at the tents, by the crew of 

 one of the cutters, whilst the further force of the barges 

 moored in the bay, made it sufficient to have repelled any 

 attack. 



