8 TAHITI. 



squadron was at Matavai Bay, the number of those who appeared to 

 inhabit its shores would have given a very erroneous estimate of the 

 'usual population. They were assembled from every part of the island, 

 and the right of occupying each spare nook in the houses of the per- 

 manent settlers, seems to be universally admitted. When this resource 

 fails, they are to be seen beneath trees, or upon the beach, within a 

 few feet of the water's edge, sleeping as soundly, although without any 

 covering, as if they were beneath their own roofs. 



Saturday is a holiday, and on it the children may be seen engaged 

 in innocent plays and amusements, among which is swinging with a 

 single rope from a tall cocoa-nut tree. This pastime is picturesque, 

 and in good keeping with the landscape. 





This people exhibits great curiosity, but does not manifest it by 

 intrusive inquisitiveness. In our whole intercourse with them, we 

 did not hear of a single act of theft, although there were innumerable 

 opportunities for its commission, without the possibility of immediate 

 detection. They seemed always in a good humour, gay, happy, and 

 cheerful ; nor did I witness a single quarrel among all the crowds that 



