PACIFIC AND BEERING’S STRAIT. 
461 
other officers were assembled drinking tea, and were waiting for them. CHAP. 
This was the Loo Choo polite manner of preventing their proceeding 
inland, or of making themselves acquainted with the country ; and Maj% 
thus, whenever any parties landed afterwards, they were shown to this 
house, where there was always tea ready prepared, and kept boiling in 
a kettle, inclosed in a neatly japanned wooden case ; there were also 
trays of charcoal for lighting pipes, and a box to receive the ashes 
when they were done with : the natives endeavoured, by every possible 
means, to engage their attention at this place, by putting a thousand 
inquiries, offering pipes, and pressing them to smoke, and to drink 
tsha, which was always poured out in small cups, and drank without 
milk or sugar, which, as it was quite new, and not of the best kind, or 
much improved by being kept boiling, had a very insipid taste ; it, 
however, served to quench the thirst on a hot day. 
On no account would these people receive any present, nor would 
they sell any of their property in public; but if they thought we desired 
to possess any thing they could spare, they would offer it for our ac- 
ceptance. I one day made a present to a person who had been very civil 
in showing me over his grounds, which he at first refused, and when I 
insisted on his taking it, and placed it in his pocket, he gave it me back 
awaiii ; but finding I would not receive it, he threw it after me ; and it 
was not until after 1 had returned it in the same manner, that he was pre- 
vailed upon to accept it. Upon doing this, he first exhibited it to the 
crowd around him, and then thanked me for it. On another occasion 
one of the officers offered a man, named Komee, two Spanish dollars for 
his pouch, which he declined, and could not be prevailed upon to accept ; 
but with perfect good breeding he presented to him the obj ect he desired, ^ 
and insisted upon his keeping it. In private, however, they had less 
objection to presents, and even asked for several things : small bargains 
were also effected. 
From this time we visited the shore daily, and made many excur- 
sions into the country, confining our rambles within reasonable limits, 
to avoid giving uneasiness to our guides, who were very much distressed 
whenever we strayed beyond what they considered strictly within the 
limits prescribed by their instructions. We met many peasants and 
