10 



TAHITI. 



but was true even of those advanced in years. I also learned that 

 they had schools among themselves, and that parents were well 

 aware of the advantages attendant on sending their children to them. 

 In these schools great pains are taken to inculcate cleanly and indus- 

 trious habits, with sound moral and religious principles. 



The hours of attendance are confined to the forenoon, and during 

 these the schools are crowded. The parents are unwilling that 

 their children should be confined for a longer time. Saturday is a 

 holiday, and on it the children may be seen engaged in innocent 

 plays and amusements, among which is swinging with a single rope 

 from a tall cocoa tree. This pastime is picturesque and in good 

 keeping with the landscape. 



. 



Our consul, Mr. Blackler, had made complaints to me, as soon as I 

 arrived, of the conduct of the queen and government, and asked my 

 interference. The charges consisted in the following- items : 



1. The seizure of an American whale-boat and ill treatment of the 

 crew. 



2. That fines had been unjustly imposed on American seamen. 



