ARRIVAL AT TAHITI. 73 



CHAPTER VI. 



FROM ARRIVAL AT TAHITI TO DEPARTURE FOR TUTUILLA. 



At 5 P. M., September 12th, we at length reached Tahiti, 

 and anchored in Matavai Bay, in fourteen fathoms water. 

 The shores of this island, as far as we could see, were well 

 clothed with the tropical trees peculiar to Polynesia, but the 

 interior appeared very uneven, and was almost destitute of 

 other vegetation than that of grasses. Many of these hills are 

 very curiously shaped — some are conical, some pyramidal, 

 others castellated. 



A coral-reef, with occasional openings, surrounds the island. 

 Between this and the shore there is a continuous channel for 

 boat-navigation, and on the northern side there are many safe 

 and commodious harbors for large vessels. 



The fertile portion of the island lies in the valleys, and in 

 the plain which extends from the sea-shore to the base of the 

 mountains. These produce tropical plants in great abundance 

 and luxuriance, and are well watered. 



The cottages of the natives are to be found in retired and 

 beautiful spots. They are indolent, but are mild and amiable 

 people. 



We had no sooner let-go the anchor than we were environed 

 with canoes, laden with poultry, pigs, tarro, yams, bananas, 

 cocoa-nuts, via apples and oranges. Yet, notwithstanding 

 this profusion, we found everything very dear. There were 

 from two to three men in each canoe, few only had any women 



