64 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
CHAP. ITI. 
General state of society—Former modes of living—Proposed improve¬ 
ment in the native dwellings—Method of procuring lime from the 
coral-rock—First plastered houses in the South Sea Islands—Progress 
of improvement—Appearance of the settlement—Described by Captain 
Gambier—Sensations produced by the scenery, &c.—Irregularity of the 
buildings—Public road—Effect on the surrounding country—Duration 
of native habitations—Building for public worship—Division of public 
labour—Manner of fitting up the interior—Satisfaction of the people— 
Chapel in Raiatea—Native chandeliers—Evening services. 
The change which had taken place in Tahiti and 
Eimeo, in consequence of the abolition of idol wor¬ 
ship^ had been exceedingly gratifying, as it regarded 
the general conduct of the people, their professed 
belief in the truth of revelation, and their desire to 
regulate their lives by its injunctions ; but the visible 
change which resulted from the establishment of the 
Missions in Huahine and Raiatea, was more striking, 
and did not fail to attract the notice, and command 
he approbation, of the most superficial observer. 
We did not deem what is usually termed civilization 
essential to their receiving the forgiveness of sin, enjoy¬ 
ing the favour of God, exercising faith in Christ, and 
being after death admitted to the heavenly state 3 yet 
we considered an improvement of their circumstances, 
and a change in their occupations, necessary to their 
