ARRIVAL OFF TAHITI. 
193 
CHAP. IX. 
Arrival in the South Sea Islands—Anchorage in Mata- 
vai—Visit from Pomare—Landing his horse—Inter¬ 
view with the queen and princess—Astonishment of the. 
natives on viewing the horse and his rider—Voyage to 
Eimeo—Opunohu, or Taloo harbour—Landing at Ei- 
meo—Welcome from the natives—First night on shore— 
Present from the chiefs—Visit to the schools—First 
Sabbath in the islands—Description of the native cha¬ 
pel—Appearance and behaviour of native congrega¬ 
tions—Voyage to Afareaitu—Native meal—Description 
of Afareaitu—Removal thither—Means of conveyance— 
Arrival at the station. 
In the interesting state described in the preceding 
chapter, we found the inhabitants on our arrival 
in the early part of 1817. 
In the afternoon of the 4th of February we sailed 
from Tubuai; but, in consequence of unfavourable 
winds, did not reach Tahiti till the 10th. As we 
approached its southern shore, a canoe came off 
with some natives, who brought a pig and vegeta¬ 
bles 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 
Hi o 
