56 



PHYSICAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



that presents some correspondence with the Hawaiian workmanship. 

 At all events, the article had been derived from some of the high 

 rocky islands; and it may probably mark the fate of a maritime 

 enterprise. 



b. Otuans. 



After sailing thence for two days to the westward, we came in sight 

 of the two Disappointment Islands. While yet several miles from the 

 land, we were surprised by the appearance of canoes; which indeed, 

 had approached quite near us before they were discovered. They 

 were very small, scarcely capable of containing more than two per- 

 sons, and had a projecting beak at the stem and stern to take hold of, 

 in getting into them from the water : the paddle also was remarkable 

 on account of its curved blade. The natives sometimes came near 

 enough to touch the ship's side, and picked up the different articles 

 that were thrown to them ; but nothing could induce them to come 

 on board. From their wildness and their neglected persons, I thought 

 at first, we had really got among "savages," such as are depicted in 

 the imaginations of writers; and indeed their miserable appearance was 

 almost sufficient to inspire doubts whether they could be human. 

 One of them was addressing us, saying as it appeared, "you have 

 got a fine canoe:" and indeed, the contrast was amazing; but it ap- 

 peared less wonderful after we had seen their implements of con- 

 struction. 



A boat was sent to the island, to ascertain further the disposition 

 of the inhabitants ; a cluster of them was seen to collect near, on the 

 beach, who at one time set up a dance. The report on the return 

 of the boat was rather unfavourable ; though no actual violence had 

 been offered, and various articles of native manufacture had been 

 procured. 



On afterwards coasting along the shore in boats, we passed two 

 or three canoes, which kept pace with us for a while, but would sheer 

 off on any attempt to get near them. Some natives, however, were 

 swimming, and we soon perceived that all were swarming with 

 vermin. Here and there upon the shore, were men bearing branches, 

 or dancing, with a long club held by both hands above the head ; 

 and among them I observed one woman. As we approached the 

 station of the chief, he arose from under a Pandanus, and was ren- 



