PAUMOTU GROUP. 



345 



The advancement of civilization by their intercourse with the whites, 

 together with the missionary influence, will put an end to this practice, 

 and promote peace among all the islanders of the group ; not only 

 ameliorating the condition of the natives, but protecting the unfortu- 

 nate mariner who may be wrecked within this dangerous archipelago. 



From what has been said of the Paumotu Group, it is evident it can 

 afford but few advantages for commercial enterprise ; the only article 

 which of late years has been sought for among the islands, is the pearl 

 oyster-shell, of which considerable quantities have been obtained. The 

 return will be noticed under the commerce of Tahiti, of which it 

 forms a part. The vessels engaged in the fishery belong to foreigners, 

 who reside at Tahiti. The mode of taking the oysters is by natives, 

 who are employed as divers, for a very small compensation. It is 

 much to be regretted, that the traders should have recourse to the 

 demoralizing effects of spirits, in stimulating their exertions. 



The natives themselves carry on a small trade in their double 

 canoes, which it will be seen by the wood-cut below, have already 

 undergone some modifications from that already given on a previous 

 page, as formerly in use. These are principally the Chain Islanders, 

 who supply themselves at Tahiti with various small articles, in ex- 

 change for their cocoa-nut oil and dried fish. 



TRADING DOUBLE CANOE, 



VOL. I. 



44 



