236 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
acquired by the same means ; and, in much less 
than twelve months, I could converse familiarly 
on any common subject. My acquisition of the 
language was thus facilitated by attention to 
printing in the native tongue. 
The use of the press in the different islands, we 
naturally regard as one of the most powerful 
human agencies that can be employed in forming 
the mental and moral character of the inhabitants, 
imparting to their pursuits a salutary direction, 
and promoting knowledge, virtue, and happiness. 
It is not easy to estimate correctly the advan¬ 
tages already derived from this important engine 
of improvement. The sacred Scriptures, and the 
codes of laws, are the only standard works of 
importance yet printed. The whole of the New, 
and detached portions of the Old Testament, 
have been finished, and the remaining parts are 
in progress. 
In the native language, they also possess Old 
and New Testament histories—several large edi¬ 
tions of spelling-books, reading lessons, and dif¬ 
ferent catechisms—a short system of arithmetic— 
the codes of laws for the different islands—regu¬ 
lations for barter, and their intercourse with 
shipping. Numerous addresses on the subject of 
Christian practice—several editions of the native 
hymn-book—the reports of their different Societies 
—and, lastly, they have commenced a periodical 
publication called the Repository. I have received 
the first number, and most earnestly hope they 
will be able to carry it on. Every work yet 
printed has been prepared by the Missionaries, 
with the assistance of the most intelligent among 
the people. But we look forward, with pleasing 
anticipation, to the time when the natives them* 
