12 



BOWDITCH ISLAND. 



The annexed wood-cut is from an accurate sketch by Mr. Agate, and 

 exhibits the tattooing above spoken of. 



Wlllim. 



BOWDITCH ISLANDER. 



There was a necessity now for beginning the duties of the survey, 

 and guns were to be fired for bases by sound. Attempts were made 

 before the firing, to explain to them what was to be done, in hopes 

 their fears might not be excited, and thus cause their desertion, as at 

 the Duke of York's Island ; but the moment the first gun was fired, 

 they hurried oft* for a short distance to hold a parley. The second 

 gun caused them to start at full speed for the land, and they did not 

 slacken their efforts until they reached it. 



Three boats, with several of the officers, landed on the southwest 

 point of the island, whither four or five canoes accompanied them, 

 the confidence of the natives being restored. When they came near 

 the reef, the surf was found to be breaking heavily on it, which 

 caused them to hesitate in attempting to land at that place; but, after 

 looking for some distance, and finding no better place, they deter- 

 mined to try it. The natives, in the mean time, had been passing 

 through the surf, by placing their canoes on the heaviest roller, and, 

 paddling with great energy, reached the beach upon it, without diffi- 

 culty. 



Following their example, our boats landed with the same ease and 

 safety. 



The islet on which they now were was covered with cocoa-nut 

 trees, but there were no houses upon it. They called it Fakaafo. 

 which was the same as the natives of Oatafu had designated as the 



