BOW DITCH ISLAND. 



11 



At daylight, eighteen canoes, with four or five persons in each, were 

 seen off the end of the island, apparently on a fishing excursion : they 

 disregarded the vessels altogether, and continued their occupation, with- 

 out taking any notice of them, and as if unwilling to lose the opportunity 

 of taking the fish. The fish seemed to be extremely numerous, if the 

 actions of the birds were to be taken as an indication, for immense 

 numbers of them were seen darting into and rising from the sea every 

 moment. 



As the natives refused to come near the ship, Captain Hudson ordered 

 two boats to be sent to open a communication with them. They were 

 taking fish after the manner of the Samoans, by trolling a line, it being 

 fastened by a pole eight or ten feet long to the stern of the canoes, and 

 elevated above the surface to a sufficient height to allow the fish-hook, 

 which was made of shell or bone, to drag along the surface of the 

 water ; as their canoes were propelled, the fish, attracted by the glisten- 

 ing of the hook, eagerly caught at it, and were taken. 



The canoes were single, with out-riggers, and resembled those of 

 Samoa, being partly decked over the fore part, and with the same 

 small protuberances or pegs, to which were fastened the ovula-shell. 

 No sails were observed, but a small model of a canoe, purchased 

 among the curiosities, had the usual triangular sail. 



UNION GROUP CANOE. 



The natives were at first very shy of the boats; but the Hawaiians 

 who were in them, soon induced them to approach, and enter into 

 trade, and finally enticed them alongside the ships. On coming near, 

 they began a song or chaunt, holding up their paddles and mats, and 

 shouting " kafilou tamatau." They resembled the natives of Oatafu, or 

 Duke of York's Island, wore the same kind of mats, eye-shades, and 

 ornaments, and some were tattooed after the same manner. Some, 

 however, were tattooed in a different style, being ornamented with a 

 variety of arrows on the forehead and cheeks. They were all finely 

 formed, and manly in appearance, with pleasing countenances that 

 expressed good-nature. 



They seemed eager enough for trade, and soon disposed of all they 

 had to exchange ; a few presents were also made them, but all induce- 

 ments failed to entice them on board. They appeared very cheerful, 

 laughing heartily at any thing that struck them as ridiculous. 



