320 PAUMOTU GROUP. 



violence was attempted, but Lieutenant Case reported the impractica- 

 bility of landing without opposition, and injury to themselves and 

 natives. They received several presents, but they had no fruit to give 

 in return, as their cocoa-nuts were tabooed. They gave, in exchange, 

 some articles, consisting of cloth, fish-hooks, adzes, and pearl-shells. 

 Among the articles seen in their possession, was a fine silk pocket- 

 handkerchief, showing that they had had communication not long since 

 with vessels. They refused to part with their spears or clubs. Their 

 adzes were rudely made, but ground very sharp ; they were formed of 

 the tridachna or cassis shell, lashed on a handle somewhat resembling 

 our adze-handles. Knives were also observed in their possession. 



The remainder of the day was employed in surveying the island, 

 which not being finished by night, we lay-to in order to complete it the 

 next day. On the 25th, the Peacock and Porpoise were ordered on 

 one side of the island, the Vincennes and tender on the other. Boats 

 were lowered to effect a landing if possible, and trace the shores. 



Wytoohee is formed of islets connected by a washed coral reef, of 

 irregular shape, with a lagoon having many knolls in it, of various 

 sizes, some four or five feet above the surface. The southeast portion 

 is the largest and most thickly wooded, and contains the greatest 

 number of inhabitants. 



After the surveying duties were over, we found ourselves at the 

 northwest point of the island. The natives who had refused to allow 

 us to land, were now seen waving green boughs, which is the general 

 sign of good-will, and a desire to have communication, and many 

 were seen dancing on the beach, with their spears in their hands. I 

 gave orders to send the boats to the shore, but on reaching it we 

 found them still averse to our landing ; they, however, assisted Mr. 

 Couthouy through the surf to the beach ; but when he had reached it, 

 they surrounded him, and led him back very gently to the water, 

 making him distinctly understand that they would not permit him to 

 visit their huts. They were extremely desirous of obtaining buttons, 

 pieces of iron, and cloth. We gave them several small articles, but 

 they could not be persuaded to part with their spears and clubs. The 

 chief, who was a very old man, was seen lying under a Pandanus 

 tree, close to the beach, and on being told I wished to see him, and 

 make him a present, he arose ; his hair was quite gray, and he had a 

 long and stiff white beard ; his legs were enlarged with the elephan- 

 tiasis, the swelling being of a white colour, and so large and regular 

 that many thought he had on sailor's trousers. About twenty natives 

 were with him on the beach. After being shown the presents I had for 

 him, he was induced to wade into the water up to his neck to receive 



