394 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
This, though adapted to inspire apprehension and terror 
in the minds of those unaccustomed to navigate among 
the islands, was a gladdening sound to us, as it indicated 
an approach to our port of destination. We were 
several miles distant when we first heard the roaring 
of the surf upon the reef, but, proceeding rapidly along, 
we soon came in sight of it. Sailing along in a line 
parallel with it till we came to an opening, we entered 
Taloo or Opunohu harbour, and landed near the Mis¬ 
sionary settlement shortly after midnight, having sailed 
a distance of about one hundred miles in the space of 
twenty hours. 
The natives seldom evince much concern about their 
accommodations, when voyaging or travelling among the 
islands. Frequently, when landing for the night, they 
kindle a fire on the sea-beach, and having cooked their 
bread-fruit, or other provision, which they usually carry 
with them, they lie down, either in the boat, or on the 
sand by its side, and, spreading the sails as a tent, or 
wrapping themselves in them, substitute them for bed 
and bedding, and sleep comfortably till the morning. 
Most of those, however, who were my fellow-voyagers 
on this occasion, had formerly resided at this settle¬ 
ment, and had lived on terms of friendship with many 
of the inhabitants. To the dwellings of these they 
repaired, while I pursued my way up the valley to the 
residence of my friend Mr. Platt, whom I awoke from 
his midnight repose, and, after receiving from him a kind 
welcome and some refreshment, I retired to rest till 
sunrise. 
During the forenoon of the 18th, our men went to the 
mountains, and cut down a new sprit for our sail, and 
prepared for the prosecution of the voyage. The favour- 
