116 MAUN A LOA. 



In consequence of these arrangements, the natives assembled, and 

 were divided into companies ; the terms of their employment were 

 agreed on, for taking loads to the mountain and bringing them back ; 

 their names and numbers were all entered in a book by the scribes, as 

 we termed the interpreters, or Lahaina scholars. At the head of these 

 scribes was one Kalumo, a young man of great intelligence, but some- 

 what, as we soon found, inclined to dissipation. 



The articles of every description were now arranged in loads, some 

 for one native, others for two, and a few of the heavy and large ones 

 for four. Each of these loads had a number attached to it ; and they 

 were, previous to the day of departure, arranged in proper order. The 

 time fixed for setting out was Monday, the 14th of December. 



Beside about two hundred natives, the party consisted of Lieutenant 

 Budd, Passed Midshipman Eld, Midshipman Elliott, Mr. Brinsmade, 

 Dr. Pickering, Mr. Brackenridge, Dr. Judd, myself, and ten men, 

 including our servants from the ship. This was a large party ; but 

 when it is considered, that besides our instruments, tents, &c, pro- 

 visions were to be carried, it will not be considered so disproportionate, 

 especially as it generally requires one-third of the number, if not more, 

 to carry provisions for the rest. 



Having arranged every thing with Lieutenant Carr, who was left in 

 charge of the ship, for the duties to be performed by him, I set out, at 

 an early hour, to join the host at the Point. Here I found every thing 

 in confusion ; our chief scribe, Kalumo, who had the books containing 

 the lists, was missing, and there was an uproar resembling that of 

 Bedlam. Having very willingly committed all the arrangements, as 

 well as the management of the natives, to Dr. Judd, I had nothing to 

 do but to look on. 



In consequence of the absence of Kalumo, the natives had an oppor- 

 tunity of trying the weight of some of the bundles, and before he was 

 forthcoming, many of the lightest loads had very adroitly been carried 

 off. No person who has not seen a large collection of South Sea 

 natives, can imagine the noise and confusion that prevailed. Many 

 natives belonging to Kanuha's district had not been engaged, and 

 were of course on the spot, to look on, talk, and dispute. 



In consequence of the conduct of Kalumo, it was soon found that 

 there would be many loads for which we had no bearers, and these 

 were, of course, all those of bulk and weight ; but how to remedy this 

 state of things was beyond our power to conceive. To stop those 

 who had gone on, and oblige them to return, was impossible. Several 

 hours in the day had already been employed in making up the loads, 

 and the day was fast wearing away; for two o'clock had now arrived. 



