in front of an afiatooca, or place of worship. It was a raised mount, with a house upon it, towards which three elderly men, sitting down on the green, directed a speech or prayer. On going to the house, which, like the dwelling houses, was constructed with posts and rafters, and covered with palm thatch, the visitors observed two rude images within. Attago, when asked if they were gods, did not seem to understand the question; but as he tumbled them about very roughly, it did not appear that they were viewed with much veneration. Similar structures were observed by our people, in their rambles through the island; the whole of which they found in a high state of cultivation, abounding with the richest tropical fruits and vegetables. The plantations were fenced with reeds, and intersected with narrow roads, generally shaded with trees.
When the party had returned on board to dine, an old chief, superior to Attago, came on board, and tasted both fish and wine with them. After dinner, this chief, who went on shore before the officers, took a walk with them into the country. Before they set out, Mr. Wales, who had taken off his shoes and stockings, to wade ashore from the boat, had them snatched from him; and being unable to pursue the thief along the sharp coral rocks, was left in an awkward predicament. Attago, however, soon found out the thief, and brought them back. The old chief shewed his visitors a pool of fresh water, a scarce article in these islands: and having conducted them down to the shore of Maria Bay, shewed them a large double canoe of his own, not yet launched. The canoes of these islanders were better constructed than those of
