MISSIONARY ARRANGEMENTS. 
49 
language, and other circumstances, had hitherto 
confined the labours of the Missionaries almost 
entirely to the islands of Oahu and Tauai; but 
in April, 1823, a reinforcement arriving from 
America, enabled them to extend their efforts, 
particularly towards Maui and Hawaii. In order 
that arrangements for the establishment and per¬ 
manent maintenance of Missionary stations in the 
latter—the largest, most important, and populous 
island of the group—might be made with all the 
advantages of local knowledge, it was agreed that 
three of the American Missionaries and myself 
should visit and explore that interesting island, to 
investigate the religious and moral condition of 
the people, communicate to them the knowledge 
of Christ, unfold the benevolent objects of the 
Mission, inquire whether they were willing to re¬ 
ceive Christian teachers, and select the most 
eligible places for Missionary stations. These, 
though the principal, were not the only objects 
that occupied our attention during the tour. We 
availed ourselves of the opportunities it afforded, 
to make observations on the structure of the 
island, its geographical character, natural scenery, 
productions, and objects of curiosity; and to 
become more fully acquainted with the peculiar 
features of the system of idolatry, the traditions, 
manners, and customs of the inhabitants, — a 
detailed account of which is given in the follow¬ 
ing narrative. 
Before entering upon the tour, a few remarks 
on the orthography of the Hawaiian names which 
are occasionally introduced, explaining the rea¬ 
sons for its adoption, and assisting in the pronunci¬ 
ation of native words, will probably be acceptable 
to most of our readers. 
IV. E 
