MECHANIC ARTS. 
295 
to follow more energetically their simple and pri¬ 
mary labours, in sending forth messengers to preach 
the gospel to the heathen. 
Such a society, however, did not exist. The 
promotion of industry and civil improvement were 
important objects, and, in order to accomplish 
them, especially in reference to the rising genera¬ 
tion, two artisans, Messrs. Blossom and Armitage, 
were sent out with the deputation who visited the 
South Seas in 1821. The former was a carpenter, 
acquainted with the construction of machinery and 
wood-work in general; a department of labour 
highly advantageous to a rude, or but partially 
civilized people, and at this time in great estima¬ 
tion among the Tahitians. Mr. Blossom has been 
engaged in teaching native youth, and others, 
these arts ; and though not altogether so successful 
as he desired, has nevertheless seen two or three 
excellent workmen trained under his care. 
The introduction among an indolent people, of 
any art that requires constant, and sometimes 
heavy labour, must be gradual; but as building, 
and the use of household furniture, &c., increases 
among the people, skill in these departments will 
be held in higher esteem, and the number of work¬ 
men will necessarily increase with the demand for 
their labour, and the remuneration it receives. 
It was known, that with but slight attention the 
cotton-plant might be cultivated in the islands to 
almost any extent; and it was supposed, that al¬ 
though the smallness of the returns it had brought, 
when offered for sale in the raw state, together 
with the difficulties attending their first attempt, 
had deterred the people from persevering in its 
culture ; yet that they might be induced to resume 
it, if taught on the spot to manufacture cotton 
