go Letter I. 
“ distance lends enchantment to the view.” I had heard that 
the Fotunese were a fine race of men, much superior naturally 
to the natives of Aneityum ; but my untutored eye only caught 
the impression of naked bodies, painted heads, cannibalistic 
grins, sullen scowls, mixed up with spears, bows, clubs and 
muskets. To me they seemed the most hideous set of wretches 
imaginable, beside whom the Aneityumese were positively 
beautiful. I might be mistaken, probably was ; but these were 
my first impressions of the South-Sea Island cannibal. When 
I have seen more, and know more of them, I will be better 
able to enter into details as to their appearance and customs. 
Passing through this crowd of Fotunese, I reached the mis- 
sion house, introduced myself to Mrs. Copeland, and enter- 
tained her with a budget of news until the rest of the party ar- 
rived. During the day we went for a ramble up the hillside, 
which was very steep, crossed a small stream rushing furiously 
down towards the sea, and reached a point from which we had 
a very fine view. I should have liked very much to have gone 
to the top of the hill and explored the table, but our time was 
too short for such an extensive ramble. 
After our return, I went out again alone, botanizing ; and 
after wandering about the bush for some time, found myself in 
the midst of a number of natives—men and women—who were 
returning from the beach. They crowded round me, holding 
small pigs, fowls, vegetables, shells, bags, and other commodi- 
ties, which I had no difficulty in understanding they wished me 
to purchase. Whether they could not or would not understand 
my sandalwood English, I do not know; but anyway I had 
‘considerable difficulty in persuading them that they had come 
to the wrong market, and that they had better move on. After 
a little time most of them did, and then I bought a few shells 
and native bags, giving, in exchange, tobacco. This soon be- 
came known, the horde returned, and I was again blockaded 
