WHALING VOYAGE. 
261 
fully masticated with great relish. The beche de mer, 
or worm of the sea, which is found upon their sandy 
sea-shores, and which is almost as tough as caout- 
chouc, was bitten through by these people with ease and 
comfort, while one which had been sent to me escaped 
from my impotent jaws with a whole skin. Having at 
my first attack discovered its great love of continuity, I 
would have placed it aside, but observing a few of the 
company noticing my exertions, I essayed a second and 
a third attempt— “ thrice I returned to the dreadful 
attack, and thrice by the force” of its hide 6( was beat 
back,” when Dr. Rooke, observing the confusion of my 
defeat, made some observation which drew most eyes 
another way, while I quietly relinquished the battle 
with my tough adversary. I then tried a little of their 
salted fish, which was far from being unpleasant, with a 
taste of their sea-weed, of which I shall say nothing, 
finishing my dainty meal with a delicious draught of 
mountain water, the calabash which contained it being 
lined with the fresh leaves of the wild ginger plant, 
which gave it an agreeable warmth. 
The next morning, at the house of Captain Hinckley, 
I had the pleasure of meeting with Madame Poki, as 
she is now called since her visit to England, when she 
accompanied the king and queen of these islands, who, 
it will be recollected, unfortunately died while on their 
visit. I also met with “ Old Thunder,” as he is termed 
by the English residents ; he is a great favourite among 
them, being also a great chief of the island— the word 
great signifying greatness of body as well as of position, 
