58 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
abundant than those of Tahiti_, and the adjacent islands. 
The habits of the natives were remarkably indolent, 
and inimical to health, especially the practice of dress¬ 
ing their bread-fruit, &c. only once in five days. Against 
this the teachers invariably remonstrated, and presented 
to them, also, a better example, by cooking for themselves 
fresh food every day. Since that time, a distressing epi¬ 
demic has, in common with most of the islands, prevailed 
in Tubuai, and has swept oif many of the people. Never¬ 
theless, the native teachers continue their labours, and 
the condition of the people is improved. In February, 
1826, when Mr. Davies visited them, the profession of 
Christianity was general; 38 adults and four children 
were baptized. The chiefs and people were assisting 
the teachers in building comfortable dwellings, and 
erecting a neat and substantial house for public wor¬ 
ship. 
In the afternoon of the 4th of February we sailed 
from Tubuai; but, in consequence of unfavourable winds, 
did not reach Tahiti till the lOth. As we approached 
its southern shore, a canoe came off with some natives, 
who brought a pig and vegetables for sale; but the 
wind blowing fresh, we soon passed by, and had little 
more than a glance at the people. About sunset we found 
ourselves a short distance to the northward of Point Venus, 
having sailed along the east and northern shores of Tahiti, 
charmed with the rich and varied scenery of the island, 
justly denominated the queen of the Pacific, whose 
landscapes, though circumscribed in extent, are 
So lovely, so adorned 
With hill, and dale, and lawn, and winding vale, 
Woodland, and stream, and lake, and rolling seas,” 
