4^ NEW GUINEA. 
together, accompanied by the prahus, which visited each 
vessel alternately/^* 
A friendly intercourse was now established, which 
continued uninterrupted during the twelve days' stay of 
the Expedition in this neighbourhood, and afforded the 
officers a very favourable opportimity of acquiring in* 
formation concerning one of the most pQwerful tribes 
yet encountered on the coasts of New Guinea, whether 
aa regards numbers or individual proportions, Mr. 
Modera's account of this tribe will be read with the 
greatest interest by the philanthropist as well as by the 
scientific ethnographer, as it will enable them to realise 
the statements of Valentyn^ and other old historians, 
respecting the former power of the Papuans, The flotilla 
of light prahus met with on this occasion, many miles 
distant from the spot inhabited by the tribe, was evi- 
dently fitted out for some warlike purpose — possibly to 
decide a dispute with some neighbouring village ; but 
the natives were evidently well-disposed towards the 
European strangers; and the decks of the vessels are 
described by Mr. Jlodera as having been like a fair 
during the latter part of the day on which they wei-e first 
met with, owing to the brisk trade that was carried on ; 
the natives exchanging their bows, arrows, spears, war- 
clubs, paddles, and personal ornaments, for pieces of 
ctoth, knives, empty bottles, looking-glasses and beads ; 
the two latter articles, however, being in no great 
demand. 
Soon after sunset, the ship and the schooner anchored 
* " Heize naar de zuid-west Kust vaa Nieaw Gaiae^" p. 61. 
