POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
CHAP. I. 
Voyage to Raiatea—Appearance of the coral reefs—Breaking of the 
surf—Islets near the passage to the harbours—Landing at Tipaemau— 
Description of the islands—Arrival at Va6aara—Singular reception— 
Native salutations—Improvement of the settlement—Traditionary con¬ 
nexion of Raiatea with the origin of the people—General account of 
the South Sea Islanders—Physical character, stature, colour, ex¬ 
pression, &c.—Mental capacity, and habits—Aptness to receive instruc¬ 
tion—Moral character—Hospitality—Extensive and affecting moral 
degradation—Its enervating influence—Longevity—Comparative num¬ 
bers of the inhabitants—Indications and causes of depopulation— 
Beneficial tendency of Christianity. 
During the first years of our establishment in 
Huahine^ frequent voyages were necessary; and, early in 
1819, circumstances rendered it expedient that we should 
revisit Raiatea. As we expected to be absent for 
several weeks, Mrs. Barff and Mrs. Ellis accompanied 
us; Mr. Orsmond was returning to his station, and we 
embarked in his boat, although it was scarcely large 
enough to contain our party and half a dozen native 
rowers. The morning on which we sailed was fine; 
the sea gently rippled with the freshening breeze, 
IT. 
B 
