6(5 TUTUILA. 



partly covered in at both ends. Some of them are capable of con- 

 taining twenty or twenty-five men, and are very swift. The chief 

 usually sits cross-legged on the forward platform or deck. They have 

 an out-rigger, which is not so far removed from tne canoe, and renders 

 them more liable to be upset. 



Several of the natives came on board. They were a finely-formed 

 race, and appeared lively and well-disposed, though in a much wilder 

 state than those of the Society Islands. 



Our party, on landing, were immediately surrounded with natives 

 willing to trade, and calling out for " bacca" (tobacco), which is in 

 great request among them. Fish-hooks were also much sought for. 

 A fowl, a bunch of bamboos, and a dozen of cocoa-nuts were procured 

 for a small one. 



They seemed willing to exchange any thing they had, viz., baskets, 

 mats, spears, clubs, &c, to obtain these articles. They were not 

 found altogether honest, though this did not consist in stealing, but in 

 selling their articles twice over ; for after we had made a purchase 

 from one, another would claim the article as belonging to himself, and 

 insist on also receiving a price for it. 



Near the village are thick stone walls, intended to all appearances 

 for defence. The houses are elliptical, supported on stout posts, about 

 four feet high, from which the roof or thatching rises to the height of 

 twelve or fifteen feet ; they are generally erected on a raised terrace 

 of stone, two feet above the ground. The floors are covered with 

 coarse matting. 



The king or chief of these islands resides at Oloosinga, in conse- 

 quence of its being more easily defended. 



The dress of the natives consists only of the maro, made of the 

 leaves of the Dracaena, which has a graceful appearance. The leaves 

 are slit, and form a kind of short petticoat. 



The tattooing is of the same kind, as will be described in the general 

 account of the Samoan Islands. 



These islands furnish pigs, fowls, sweet-potatoes, fruit, and some 

 taro. The vegetation was thought to be more luxuriant than at Tahiti, 

 and the climate moister. 



Many running streams were observed coursing down the sides of 

 the island. When off the eastern end, we were much surprised to see 

 the natives plunge off the rocks into the heavy surf to reach our boats. 



After our party reached the ship, we made sail for Oloosinga, 

 where I went on shore to see the king or chief, who was old and 

 decrepit. His name is Lalelah. His brother, and presumptive successor, 



