104 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
the wall are apertures resembling embrasures; but 
they could not have been designed for cannon, 
that being an engine of war with which the natives 
have but recently become acquainted. The part 
of the wall now standing, is near the mouth of 
Raniakea, the spacious cavern already mentioned, 
which formed a valuable appendage to the fort. 
In this cavern, children and aged persons were 
placed for security during an assault or sally from 
the fort, and sometimes the wives of the warriors 
also, when they did not accompany their husbands 
to the battle. The fortification was probably ex¬ 
tensive, as traces of the ancient walls are discover¬ 
able in several places ; but what were its original 
dimensions, the natives who were with us could 
not tell. They asserted, however, that the cavern, 
if not the fort also, was formerly surrounded by a 
strong palisade. 
In the afternoon, in company with Mr. Thurston, 
I waited on the governor, according to appoint¬ 
ment; made him acquainted with our arrange¬ 
ments, and solicited the accommodation of a boat, 
or canoe, to carry our baggage, and a man ac¬ 
quainted with the island, to act as guide, and to 
procure provisions, offering him, at the same time, 
any remuneration he might require for such assist¬ 
ance. After inquiring what baggage we intended 
to take, and how long we expected to be absent 
from Kairua, he generously offered to send a canoe 
as far as it could go with safety, and also to furnish 
a guide for the whole tour, without any recompense 
whatever. He recommended that we should take 
a few articles for barter, as, occasionally, we might 
perhaps be obliged to purchase our food, or hire 
men to carry our baggage. After thanking him 
for his kindness, we returned. 
