MBUA BAY AND MUTHUATA. 243 



tremely fond, looked all over the ship, examining the prints, drawings 

 of birds, &c, and seemed delighted. 



There was a circumstance that occurred during this visit that will 

 serve to show the Feejee artfulness in a strong light. While they 

 were engaged in looking at the engravings in the cabin, the queen 

 spoke in rather an authoritative tone to the rest, when they all, from 

 seeming inattention, became very attentive, and showed marks of 

 pleasure. Captain Hudson, thinking that they had seen something 

 that particularly delighted them, was desirous of knowing what was 

 the cause; but not observing any thing that could account for this 

 burst of enthusiasm, he inquired of the interpreter what the queen 

 had said, who told him she had remarked to them, "Why don't you 

 seem pleased ! why don't you laugh !" 



Captain Hudson having effected a friendly understanding with the 

 king, went on shore on the 24th, with as many of his officers as could 

 be spared from duty, to hold an audience with the king and his 

 chiefs, at which the rules and regulations were adopted by them, 

 after being fully explained. He then made a demand for the 

 murderers of Cunningham ; for whom the king engaged to send 

 messengers, and to give up if they should be found. Afterwards 

 an appropriate present was made to him, in return for his tur- 

 tles, &c. 



From this time the natives became reconciled, and much inter- 

 course was had with them. It was found that the head queen was 

 the principal adviser of Tui Muthuata, and that in all his difficulties 

 her judgment rules the state. She seemed entirely devoted to him, 

 bestowed much care and attention in the selection of his food, and 

 in every way endeavoured to please him. 



Near the landing there is a large turtle-pen, in which the king's 

 turtles are kept, of which some weigh three hundred pounds. The 

 pens* are three in number, each of which contains a dozen. Both 

 kinds are caught, hawksbill and green turtle. The former is con- 

 sidered the most valuable on account of its shell, and they are in- 

 discriminately used for eating. Both are caught in large quantities 

 on the islands in the season, and form a principal part of the food 

 of chiefs, but the lower class are not allowed to partake of them. 

 It was said they were preparing for a large feast, to be given 

 shortly. 



* The pens are shallow pits, within the flow of the tide, and surrounded with stakes. 



