RAPA. 
371 
they would have fed her, it is probable she would 
have died ; but, from my subsequent acquaintance 
with the natives of the South Sea Islands, I do not 
think that during her infancy they would have 
treated her unkindly. As it was, we felt grateful 
for the kind Providence which had secured us from 
all the distressing circumstances which must neces¬ 
sarily have attended such an event. 
These brief facts will be sufficient to shew some¬ 
what of the character of the natives of Rapa, in 
1791 and 1817. They continued in this state 
until within the last five or six years, during which 
a considerable change has taken place. 
Towards the close of the summer of 1825, a 
cutter belonging to Tati, a chief in Tahiti, on a 
voyage to the Paumotus, or Pearl Islands, visited 
Rapa, and brought two of its inhabitants to Tahiti. 
On their first arrival, they were under evident 
feelings of apprehension; but the kindness of 
Mr. Davies the Missionary, and the natives of 
Papara, removed their suspicions, and inspired 
them with confidence. They were both delighted 
and astonished in viewing the strange objects pre¬ 
sented to their notice. The European families, 
the houses, the gardens, the cattle, and other 
animals, which they saw at Tahiti, filled them with 
wonder. They also attended the schools and 
places of public worship, and learned the alphabet. 
Soon after their arrival, the cutter sailed again for 
their island, and the two natives of Rapa returned 
to their countrymen loaded with presents from 
their new friends, and accompanied by two Tahi¬ 
tians, who were sent to gain more accurate inform 
mation relative to their country, and the disposi¬ 
tion of its inhabitants. When the vessel ap¬ 
proached their island, and the people saw their 
2 b 2 
