46 TAHITI AXD EIJIEO. 



run bubbling along to the sea, passing many cool and pleasant places ; 

 their entrances are usually closed up by the natives, for the purpose 

 of taking fish, a sort of dam being constructed, over which the waters 

 flow, and the natives standing on the outside, up to their waists in 

 water, are often seen taking the fish in baskets. The sketch by Mr. 

 Agate is characteristic. 



On arriving at Tahiti, or indeed at any of the islands, respect is 

 naturally due to the chiefs; this, I am assured, was felt by us all; but 

 long before sailing we became disgusted with seeing these large and 

 noble-looking men passing from ship to ship, even including Paofai 

 himself, soliciting foul linen to wash, and performing other services 

 that were not in keeping with their rank. There is one, however, 

 whom I must do justice to, Hitoti. He maintained the character 

 given him by Captain Beechey. I was much pleased with his whole 

 deportment on his visit to me, and also when I saw him at his own 

 house ; he paid but two visits to the ship, and those within a day or 

 two of our departure. That he did not visit the vessels before, was 

 in order, as was supposed, to avoid the suspicion of trespassing on 

 our liberality; he refused to accept any presents, and would only 

 drink wine when requested, performing all the little courtesies of the 

 table with grace and politeness. 



On his visit to the Peacock, Lieutenant Emmons and Mr. Hale 

 being the only gentlemen on board, received him with the attentions 

 due his rank ; when taking leave he requested to know their names, 

 which were given to him in English orthography ; he at once took 

 out his pencil, and with great readiness wrote them in the Tahitian 

 dialect, as "Emaani" and "Helavi!" 



Dr. Pickering and Mr. Couthouy being desirous of making another 

 attempt to reach the top of Orohena, I willingly gave them the 

 longest leave possible, to effect their object. They determined on 

 attempting the ascent of the ridge leading directly up from Matavai 

 Ba.j, as the one that had appeared to them most practicable. Lewis 

 Sacket, who has already been spoken of, was again their interpreter ; 

 for guide, Mr. Wilson recommended an old man by the name of 

 Vahaore, who was said to be the only person now living who had 

 visited the top of Orohena; in this selection they were fortunate : 

 Vahaore had been in his youth a great warrior, and his looks did 

 not belie it ; he was of the middle size, thin and sinewy, and with a 

 fine eye ; although past sixty years of age, he had scarcely a gray 

 hair ; his gait was firm and his carriage erect ; he was constant in 



