PACIFIC AND BEERING’S STRAIT. 
201 
at last only brought him to their recollection by describing his person, 
and mentioning that he had lost an eye by a wound received in service ; 
on which they at once exclaimed “ Tapane Matapo!” or “Captain 
Blind-eye.” We were the more anxious to avoid acquiring a distinction 
of this kind for ourselves, as a Kussian ship had just preceded us, the 
crew of which, according to the natives, purchased every thing that was 
offered without regard to price, and at whom they laughed heartily, be- 
cause one of the officers had given a blue jacket in exchange for a pearl 
which had been ingeniously made out of an oyster-shell. 
Some of us, therefore, had recourse to the European residents, 
and fortunately obtained what cloth and specie we wanted; while others 
preferred bartering such portions of their wardrobes as they considered 
unnecessary for their approaching change of climate. 
On the Monday succeeding our arrival, all the stores of the ship 
that required removal were landed and placed under a shed ; the ob- 
servatory was erected close to the consulate ; a rope-walk was con- 
structed, and the forge was put up under the shade of some trees. 
Thus, as the shore was so near, all the duties of the ship were carried 
on under our own immediate superintendence far more expeditiously 
than the confined space on board would have allowed. The sick 
Were also landed, and provided with a place better adapted to their 
situation. 
The state of our provisions rendered it necessary to observe the 
strictest economy, for we had been confined to our own resources 
during several months, and Otaheite afforded nothing except beef and 
pork, nor had we any certainty of an opportunity of replenishing them. 
The bread fruit was, fortunately, at this time excellent, and was substi- 
tuted for the daily allowance of flour, at first in moderate proportions. 
CHAP. 
IX. 
March, 
1826. 
that no bad effects might arise from such a change of diet ; but, latterly, 
the crew were allowed as much as they could consume, by which neces- 
sary piece of economy we saved during our stay about 2,000 pounds of 
flour, the most valuable article of sea store ; a measure which sub- 
sequently proved of the utmost importance to us. I do not think that 
this fruit, though very delicious and more farinaceous than potatoes, is 
a satisfactory substitute for bread, but it is by no means a bad one. 
D D 
