TUTUILA. 81 



awry. The other natives also seemed to have the desire of exhibiting 

 their acquisitions, though these consisted frequently of no more than a 

 vest, or a pair of pantaloons, without shirt, or occasionally of a long- 

 skirted coat, without either of the former garments, so that a small 

 roll of tapa was needed to cover their nether parts. 



Some unauthorized attempts were made to induce the natives to 

 break the missionary laws, by offers of great value in their eyes ; they 

 were told the missionaries would not see them. On understanding 

 which, they pointed to the heavens, and replied, " There missionary 

 see." This was conclusive, and a just and severe rebuke. 



The Peacock and Flying-Fish again joined us on the 18th of 

 October, in eight days from Papieti. Orders were at once given them 

 to proceed to Upolu, to commence the survey of that island. (See 

 Appendix VI.) They did not sail, however, until the 20th, having been 

 detained by the winds. The harbour of Pago-pago, though easy of 

 access, is extremely difficult to leave, in consequence of the southeast 

 trade-winds blowing directly in, and rendering it necessary to make 

 short tacks. Indeed, a vessel no sooner gets headway on one tack, 

 than it is found necessary to tack again. The sea is often heavy at 

 the mouth of the harbour, and the shore is lined with a narrow coral 

 reef all around it. I was glad to see the Peacock safe outside, after 

 beating about four hours. 



During our stay on this island, the whole was examined, the harbour 

 surveyed, and the principal heights determined. Tide-gauges were 

 kept on the north and south sides, and the observations for magnetic 

 dip, variation, and intensity, made. The temperature during our stay 

 of fourteen days varied from 73° to 88°; the mean temperature 

 was 80-50°. 



The climate of Tutuila is mild and agreeable, particularly at Pago- 

 pago, where the temperature is lower than it is elsewhere on the 

 island, in consequence of its generally being overshadowed with 

 clouds that hang on the high land. There is usually a fine breeze, 

 which sets in about ten o'clock, and continues until sunset. The 

 nights being calm, much dew falls in fine weather. We had little 

 fair weather during our stay, and the prognostication of the natives 

 proved too true, respecting the difficulty of seeing the sun and stars. 

 The wind at times was very strong, almost a gale, accompanied by 

 light rain and mist. I was informed that there is a good deal of rain 

 during the year, but seldom such a continuance of it as we experienced. 

 There does not appear to be any particular rainy season, but they are 

 liable to these high winds during the winter months, or from October 



VOL. II. 11 



