332 PAUMOTU GROUP. 
formed of strips of cocoa-nut wood sewed together. Two persons can 
carry them. Their paddles were curved backwards. 
In order to dispel their fears, articles were given them gratuitously, 
and by way of showing their gratitude, they began a monotonous 
song or chaunt. They would occasionally stop, look up, and return 
the laugh of the crew by a grin ; apparently enjoying the sport as 
much as any of them. 
I sent one of the boats to the shore, with the interpreter, under 
Lieutenant Case, but they refused to allow them to land. No actual 
violence was attempted, but Lieutenant Case reported the impractica- 
bility of landing without opposition, and injury to themselves and 
natives. They received several presents, but they had no fruit to 
give in return, as their cocoa-nuts were tabooed. They gave, in 
exchange, some articles, consisting of cloth, fish-hooks, adzes, and 
pearl-shells. Among the articles seen in their possession, was a fine 
silk pocket-handkerchief, showing that they had had communication 
not long since with vessels. They refused to part with their spears 
or clubs. Their adzes were rudely made, but ground very sharp ; 
they were formed of the tridachna or cassis shell, lashed on a handle 
somewhat resembling our adze-handles. Knives were also observed 
in their possession. 
These natives are peculiar, and appeared totally distinct from any 
others we met with in this group, having strong wiry beards and 
moustaches, and a different physiognomy. The portrait by Mr. 
Drayton, gives a very correct idea of them. 
NATIVE OF WYTOOHKE. 
The remainder of the day was employed in surveying the island, 
which not being finished by night, we lay to in order to complete it 
