232 



PHYSICAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



In the other countries visited by the Expedition, the European 

 emigrants had not acquired separate nationality. They were rather 

 residents ; or if born on the spot, they nevertheless did not differ from 

 the population of Europe and the United States. 



Two instances came to my knowledge, of Europeans trying a resi- 

 dence at the Paiimotu coral islands. An individual found at Raraka, 

 according to his own account, had been wrecked there; and he was 

 glad to obtain a passage in the Vincennes to Taheiti. One of our 

 own men deserted at Manhii ; but we learned subsequently, that not 

 finding his new situation agreeable, he left by the first opportunity. 



The Hawaiian, is the only Polynesian group, on which foreigners 

 are established in sufficient numbers to form anything like society. 

 Some hundreds of them, chieffy from the United States, were resid- 

 ing at the commercial centre, the town of Honolulu. 



The island of Taheiti, has also become an important place of resort 

 for shipping; but its commercial advantages are inferior to those of 

 the Hawaiian group, and we met with but few European residents, 

 who were unconnected with the mission. 



Europeans had but recently established themselves at the Samoan 

 or Navigator Islands ; and, excepting the missionaries, they consisted 

 exclusively of runaway sailors. I met with seven on Savaii; and 

 nearly a hundred were supposed to be scattered about the group; 

 some following the occupations of pilots, blacksmiths, or interpreters; 

 but the majority, content to obtain without labour the means of sub- 

 sistence ; and certain individuals had even adopted the Samoan cos- 

 tume. In various native families. White men were kept as a sort 

 of pet; although "they were at liberty to leave at any moment, 

 provided that they took nothing away." The value, however, of this 

 description of property, within a short time, had much depreciated 

 in the estimation of the natives. 



Prior to the arrival of the missionaries, a vessel happened to be 

 wrecked on the Samoan Islands; and, by the advice of the captain, 

 several of the crew took up this profession as a means of support. 

 Some churches were built under their auspices; and one of the per- 

 sons concerned, assured me in all sincerity, "that he instructed the 

 natives as well as he knew how." 



Intercourse with Europeans, had indirectly led to the founding of 

 a new religion, by Siovidi ; a native, who had served on board Eng- 

 lish vessels, and who had formed his plans in the course of a visit to 



