72 ISLAND OF AURORA. 



variety; they invariably presented the same uniform ap- 

 pearance, the same uniform flatness, the same scenery. 



September 10th. This morning we found ourselves in sight 

 of the island of Aurora. In many places the coast of this 

 island rises abruptly and precipitately from the sea to the 

 height of six or seven hundred feet ; the interior is diversified 

 •with hill and dale, thus forming a pleasing contrast to the dull 

 and monotonous scenes we had been accustomed to for some 

 time past. The soil in the valleys is fertile, and produces 

 abundance of sweet potatoes, yams, and tarro, as also several 

 kinds of fruit. 



The inhabitants are of a Tahitian extraction, and like 

 them have embraced Christianity, and established schools. 

 All the men we saw, and most of the women, were tattooed. 

 In trading with them, we found that they preferred old clothes . 

 and cotton-stuffs to anything else. They took us for mis- 

 sionaries at first, and I believe that many of them are of that 

 opinion still, a circumstance which shows that their intercourse 

 with the whites has been confined to that class of men. In- 

 deed, this can never be very extensive, as the island affords no 

 harbors. 



When the boats which had been sent ashore to take some 

 observations, returned, we made all sail again, and stood for 

 Tahiti. 



" Huzza for Otaheite ! was the cry, 

 As stately swept the gallant vessel by ; 

 The breeze springs up, the lately flapping-sail 

 Extends its arch before the growing gale." 



