GAMBIER ISLANDS. 169 
having lately (according to Father Cyprian) swept 
off several hundreds. The natives are rather a 
good specimen of the Koauka race, tractable, 
hard-working, and expert boatmen. They were 
all well dressed ; and clothes, cutlery, tobacco, 
and soap were sought after, and readily taken in 
exchange for supplies. The King having ex- 
pressed a desire to see the ship, I received him 
with manned yards, and a salute, at which he was 
delighted; but no flag was hoisted, not being 
aware that the French Protectorate is either 
claimed or acknowledged. His Majesty was 
accompanied by the priests, and is a fine-looking 
man, above the middle age, and was dressed in 
plain European costume. He has a mild, in- 
telligeiit countenance, and I have no doubt 
would govern his subjects, and develop the re- 
sources of his islands equally well, without the 
assistance of the priests ; but in justice to those 
reverend gentlemen, I must own I found them 
exceedingly useful. 
" Stone and coral can be had for building ; 
the latter cutting easily, and making handsome 
square flags for paving their floors, &c. A sea- 
wall and piers are constructing, on the east side 
of the island, and there are some miles of hand- 
some paved terrace shaded by bread-fruit and 
cocoa-nut trees. 
" Captain Beechey's marks for entrance and 
exit over the south-west and south-east passages 
in the Barrier reef are still good, and his plan we 
find very useful ; but coral patches are growing, 
and there are nodes on them protruding above 
their general level which cannot be seen from 
M 
