214 
VOYAGE TO THE 
CHAP, would say to us ; “ have we not as much bread-fruit, cocoa-nuts, bananas, 
vee-apples, &c. as we can eat ? It is very good for you to work who re- 
March, quire fine clothes and fine ships ; but,” looking around their apartment 
with evident satisfaction, “ we are contented with what we possess.” 
And in disposition they certainly appeared to be so ; for a more lively, 
good-natured, inoffensive people it is impossible to conceive. The only 
interruption to their general serenity appears to be occasioned by the 
check which the laws have placed upon their amusements ; a feeling 
which became very apparent the moment the missionaries were men- 
tioned. They have in general, however, a great respect for those 
gentlemen, and are fearful of the consequences of offending them. 
Some of the natives had an indistinct notion of this philanthropic 
society, and were not a httle surprised at being told that we were not 
missionaries ; and in answer to their inquiry “ King George missionary?” 
their astonishment was greatly increased at being informed that he was 
not ; for as they had an idea that King George was at the head of the 
missionary society, they naturally imagined that his officers must of 
course also belong to it. This misconception had been so generally 
entertained before our arrival, that we were told they had threatened 
to complain to the society of the master of a merchant ship who had 
by some means incurred their displeasure. 
The Otaheitans were always a very superstitious people, and, not- 
withstanding their change of religion, still entertain most absurd notions 
on several points. Though they have ceased to give credit to any recent 
prophecies, many firmly believe they have seen the fulfilment of some 
of the predictions that were made before their conversion to Christianity? 
of which the invasion of the island by the natives of Bora Bora w as one. 
This event was foretold by a little bird called Oomamoo, which had 
the gift of speech, and used to warn persons of any danger with which 
they were threatened. On many occasions, when persons have taken 
refuge in the mountains to avoid a mandate for a victim for the moral? 
or to escape from some civil commotion, this little bird has been their 
guardian spirit, has warned them when danger was near, and directed 
them how to escape pursuit. I used to laugh at Jim, our interpreter? 
a good-natured intelligent fellow, for his belief in these tales ; but he 
