April 1830. CONCOURSE OF NATIVES. 315 
Hence, there evidently is something of a superstitious nature 
connected with the word; but our frequent attempts to find 
out its precise meaning, were unsuccessful. On repeating this 
expression to a group of natives, one of them immediately 
coughed up a piece of blubber, which he had been eating, and 
gave it to another, who swallowed it with much ceremony, and 
with a peculiar guttural noise ; then, looking up, and pointing 
with his finger to the skies, solemnly pronounced the talismanic 
‘Pecheray.’ This word is also used in pointing to the sun. 
On the 10th April, I went to Charles Islands, and surveyed 
them. There is very good anchorage for a small vessel, in eigh- 
teen fathoms, at the north end of the passage which separates 
them ; and at the bottom, or elbow, under the eastern island, 
in thirteen or fourteen fathoms. The next day, a fresh arrival 
in two canoes increased the number of Indians to eighty; rather 
a formidable body for a small vessel to encounter. They con- 
ducted themselves, on the whole, very peaceably, but seemed 
determined that our curiosity should not be gratified by find- 
ing out the contents of the ‘ tabooed’ wigwam. It was always 
guarded by the ‘ Pecheray,’ who seemed ready and determined 
to dispute all access to it, by means of a heavy club. One of 
the midshipmen, however, with a little coaxing, persuaded the 
man to let him put his head in; but those who were inside, 
having received their lesson, threw ashes in his face, and nearly 
blinded him. After this, seeing they were determined on the 
point, I desired that no further attempt should be made to 
ascertain what was really going on inside the wigwam. 
Wesailed the next day (11th), not without some apprehension 
that the Adelaide might meet this large concourse of Indians 
before they separated ; as Port Gallant was a place rarely passed. 
by vessels without stopping, and the natives being all housed 
behind a point of land, could not be seen until too late. 
We were abreast of Cape Froward at noon; in the evening 
we anchored in French Bay, and next day (18th) reached Port 
Famine. As I purposed remaining until the Adelaide should 
arrive, the tents were set up, the boats landed for repair, and 
the transit instrument was set up, in the hope that a comet 
