TAHITI. 33 



mond of the Mission resides. Taati, who has been named as one of 

 the great chiefs, has his usual abode here, but was absent on a visit to 

 the ships. Mr. Orsmond was kind enough to offer to such of the party 

 as felt too much fatigued to proceed farther on foot, a passage to 

 Papieti in his boat. 



The coral reef is interrupted in front of the small bay which makes 

 up to Papara, and the surf dashes with some violence against the 

 shore ; but the passage, except for a short distance, was made within 

 the reef, and in smooth water. 



As Taati was absent, one of his sons, (and he is reported to have a 

 dozen,) did the honours of the house, and provided them with break- 

 fast. This consisted of pig, taro, and bread-fruit, the standing dishes 

 of Tahiti. The table was covered with a cloth made of Russia 

 sheeting, and furnished with plates, cups and saucers, knives, forks, and 

 spoons. 



In this place, also, a large portion of the population, and particularly 

 of the women, assembled to have a look at the strangers. It was re- 

 marked that there was more beauty among the young girls than they 

 had before seen upon the island. Many of them had their heads gaily 

 and tastefully ornamented with flowers. 



On leaving Papara they were accompanied by a bevy of these gay 

 damsels, laughing and enjoying themselves with each other, and with 

 the guides. The latter had also stuck the scarlet Rosa Sinensis through 

 the lobes of the ears, and decorated their heads with wreaths after the 

 manner of the girls. 



At Papara, the coast begins to wind to the northwest, and gradually 

 inclines more to the northward. Their route again lay along the 

 Broom Road, which extends completely around the island. It is in 

 places almost arched over by trees, that grow on each side of it, and 

 form a delightful shade. It may be termed a national work, and but 

 for its want of width, would bear comparison with many of the turn- 

 pikes in the United States. The streams which intersect it have all 

 been once crossed by good bridges of plank, but these are now going 

 to decay. 



At short intervals are groves of cocoa-nut trees, planted along the 

 road ; these are called the queen's, and travellers are at liberty to help 

 themselves to the fruit. The private groves whose fruit it is wished to 

 protect, are tabooed. This is indicated by tying a girdle of leaves 

 around them, and this simple signal is still respected, although the 

 superstition on which its sanctity was founded has ceased to prevail. 

 The natives travel a great deal on this road, and some use it in going 



VOL. II. 5 



