54 



PHYSICAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



previously seen. At first, trees rose into view and again sunk out of 

 sight, alternating w^ith the swell of the ocean. Soon, however, they 

 seemed to acquire stability ; the dull white coral strand became visible, 

 and afterwards the surf; while from aloft, the whole interior was 

 found to be a lagoon. The term of " waterland," seemed fairly appli- 

 cable to this offset of the new world we w^ere entering ; where, how- 

 ever, similar scenes soon became sufficiently familiar. 



The island was called, on the charts, Clermont TonneiTe; and after 

 nearing it, we for some time could discover no signs of inhabitants. At 

 length two natives loomed up among the scattered low plants and 

 shrubs, and became the subjects of a good deal of scrutiny with the 

 glass. They made no motions, and did not appear to be noticing us. 

 "Whether owing in some measure, to the clear tints around them, the 

 deep blue of the ocean, the paler sky, the snowy whiteness of the 

 surf, and the fresh green of the foliage, their almost naked forms, ex- 

 hibited a very decided tinge of red. 



I was of a party that eagerly sought the shore, regardless of the 

 double danger, from the surf and natives. As our boats advanced, the 

 brilliant hues of the submarine creation came into view, a far different 

 spectacle from the universal dulness in turbid continental waters. 

 Notwithstanding the variety of objects, it was exclusively a display of 

 ' animal life;' for even hydrophytes, or marine vegetables, were very 

 nearly wanting. We landed, crossed the narrow rim, some twenty 

 feet in elevation, to the margin of the lagoon ; and after remaining 

 about two hours, we returned to the boats. The ' mineral kingdom' 

 was found to be likewise absent; and the whole immense mass of 

 animal debris, surrounded by unfathomable waters, clearly justified 

 placing the coral isles among the marvels of nature. 



The natives had kept out of sight while we were on shore ; but on 

 the following day, on our attempting to land at a different point, they 

 collected in a small body, men and boys, to oppose us, as is related 

 in the Narrative of the Expedition. They were armed only with the 

 long javelin, the favourite weapon of the Polynesians. I was not 

 near enough to get a very distinct view of their features ; but I could 

 see that they had lank hair, and that beards were absent. They were 

 naked, except a small covering, which yet conveyed an air of decency. 

 Mr. Couthouy, who obtained the nearest view of these people, stated 

 that "some individuals were painted, but there were no marks of 

 tattooing." 



Serle Island, distant some thirty miles to the westward and north- 



