162 CONSIGNMENT OF GOODS. 
sight of the island-register, and examine 
the shipping-list, in which they enter the 
name of their own vessel; whence she has 
come, and whither she is bound. After some 
preliminary conversation, the representatives 
of the several families, one at least from each 
house, assemble ; and after a hearty welcome, 
and the interchange of friendly expressions, 
inquire what is wanted for the vessel, as to 
vegetables, refreshments, &c. A list is handed 
in of the articles in demand, such as yams, 
sweet potatoes, &c., the price of these goods 
being always the same in time of scarcity as 
of plenty. The inhabitants then, in their 
turn, inquire of the captain, what he has to 
dispose of. This is generally found to be 
coarse cotton cloths, soap, oil, &c. with per- 
haps some small quantities of lead, or iron. 
While the captain is engaged in conversation 
with the teacher, on matters of mutual and 
general interest, the health of the Queen 
being the first in the series of questions and 
answers, the inhabitants retire, and consult 
among themselves what each person's propor- 
tion of the captain's wants amounts to. This 
being settled, each repairs to his own planta- 
