JVotice of Haivaiii {Owyhee,) and its Volcanic Regions, 8fc. 247 



underdress of whito, with silk stockings and pumps. On a sofa, im- 

 mediately on his right, were Kaakumana, the regent, and the two 

 ex-queens, Kinau — at present the wife of General Kekuanaoa — and 

 Kekauruohe. Being in mourning, they were in well-made, and be- 

 coming dresses of black, with ruffs and caps of white. Chairs were 

 furnished for the whole party, which was numerous, including the 

 consuls, resident merchants, visitors, and the mission family. 



This interview was not a mere pageant ; it was introductory to the 

 delivery of friendly documents from the government of the United 

 States, which were received in the kindest manner, and supported by 

 appropriate presents. The king, although only sixteen, is as grace- 

 ful, well bred, and perfectly gentleman-like in his whole deportment, 

 as any youth of his age in the most polished circles, and his deport- 

 ment was marked by great dignity and propriety ; his private char- 

 acter is as unexceptionable, as his public appearance is manly and 

 becoming the station he occupies. 



Subsequent visits to some of the chiefs evinced that their houses were 

 (according to their stations,) not behind the king in neatness, order, and 

 convenience. The habitation of Kekuanaoa was of this description. 

 He was in England with the late king ; there is much of the ease 

 and courteousness of high life in all his movements ; and in his man- 

 ners, figure, dress, and whole deportment, that which would secure 

 to him the epithet of a " gentleman" in any society. 



We had, says Mr. Stewart, approached the rear, instead of the 

 front of his establishment ; and to reach the principal apartment, or 

 rather house — -for every room is a distinct building — were conducted 

 by the chief first through that, which, from a spread table and side- 

 board, was evidently a dining hall ; and then through another with 

 accomodations for sleeping. I by no means regretted this, however, 

 when I perceived the perfect neatness and good taste of each. 

 Had I entered them by accident, without knowing to whom they be- 

 longed, I should not have thought of being in the residence of a na- 

 tive, but, from the finish of every part, and from the furniture, 1 should 

 have supposed myself in the rooms of some foreign genUeman. 



The sitting room is delightful. A large door at each end opens a 

 fine draft for the air ; the floor was beautifully carpeted with mats ; 

 while, in the centre, stood a rich couch of yellow damask, with arm- 

 ed chairs placed on either side, so that those occupying them, en- 

 joyed all the benefit of the breeze sweeping through. On one side, 

 a native lounge or divan extended the whole length of the apartment ; 

 spread with a succession of the finest mats beautifully variegated 



