:CHAPTER VI 



TAHITI 



The Endeavour was soon surrounded by the 

 canoes of the natives, who had already seen two 

 similar vessels, Captain Wallis' Dolphin and 

 Bougainville's La Boudeuse. The Tahitians 

 were friendly. They brought coconuts, bread- 

 fruit, the cooked white flesh of which has the 

 consistency of bread, and small fish. They re- 

 ceived a few glass beads in exchange. 



They even offered a pig which they wanted 

 to exchange for an axe. In order not to create 

 a precedent which might prejudice future trans- 

 actions, this exchange was not accepted. 



As the expedition was to remain on the island 

 for some time, it was essential that its relations 

 with the inhabitants should be friendly, and that 

 the system of barter should be regularised. 

 With a complete understanding of the situation, 

 Cook laid down the following rules for the 

 party: 



I. Every legitimate means was to be taken 

 to maintain friendly relations with the natives, 

 and they were to be treated with every possible 

 kindness. 



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