20 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
they were under the necessity of presenting to the 
natives a mode of spelling different from that which 
had been given to Europeans in the narratives of 
early voyagers. They did this reluctantly. Their 
early associations and strongest predilections were 
all in favour of Otaheite, Ulitea, Otahaa, &c. 
names which English voyagers had given to the 
scenes and persons they describe, and it was only 
from the firm conviction that such were not their 
native designations, that they adopted others. 
The orthography of Bougainville, who visited 
Tahiti in 1768, about twelve months after its dis¬ 
covery by Wallis, they found approximate nearer 
the native sounds than that which Captain Cook 
and his companions afterwards followed. The 
principal island Bougainville called Taiti, and his 
designations of other islands greatly resemble those 
given them by the people. In adjusting the spell¬ 
ing they have adopted, they did not follow any former 
visitor, but, having fixed their alphabet, they have 
invariably endeavoured, as accurately as possible, 
to express the names the natives use. 
The Missionaries sought an early opportunity to 
unfold to the rulers of the nation the objects of 
their Mission, and, after several disappointments, 
held a public interview with Pomare, Otu, and 
other principal chiefs, in which they stated, as 
distinctly as possible, through the medium of Peter 
Hagerstien, as interpreter, their design in coming 
to reside amongst them; viz. to instruct them in 
useful arts, teach them reading and writing, and 
make known to them the only true God, and the 
way to happiness in a future state ; urging the dis¬ 
continuance of human sacrifices, and the abolition 
of infanticide. As an inducement to compliance 
with this last request, they offered to build a house 
