STC POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
resemble the South Sea Islanders in many of their 
usages, but appear to have been less cruel, and, in 
some respects, more Ingenious. Their carving 1s 
superior to any found among their more civilized. 
neighbours. Infanticide was unknown among 
them, and we have no evidence that thev offered 
human sacrifices, though strongly addicted to ido- 
latry. Their temples were extensive, some of 
which, with their appendages, though forsaken by 
their worshippers, still remain entire. One of them 
contains upwards of twenty large stone idols. The 
temples, furniture, number, size, and materials of | 
which their gods are made, manifest the former 
zeal and devotedness of the people in the service 
of their idols. 
In 1819 Pomare visited Ratvavai in an Ame- 
rican ship. The inhabitants tendered him their 
homage, and sought his protection. On his de- 
parture, he left a man, called Para, asa kind of 
political agent among them, who also endeavoured 
to teach some of the natives to read. | 
In the month of January, 1821, Captain 
Henry, commanding a vessel belonging to Po- 
mare II. touched at this island. He made it on 
the Sabbath-day, and, on landing, found the inha-. 
bitants about to assemble in their place of worship. 
This building was 117 feet by 27. His arrival 
prevented for a short time their commencing the 
public service ; but the scene which was afterwards 
presented, is described in a letter Captain Henry 
wrote to us on reaching Tahiti, as ‘ affecting and 
delightful.” Eight hundred and forty-eight per- 
sons attended; seven, hundred of whom entered 
the place, the remainder continuing round the 
doors. ‘‘ Each individual, on entering the church, 
