face of four or five hundred people, who were assembled on the shore; and though they were all armed with bows and arrows, clubs and spears, they made no opposition. For the Captain, who had recently impressed them with a sense of his power, now approached them with signals of peace. He advanced alone, with nothing but a green branch in his hand; and one of the chiefs, laying aside his bow and arrows, met him in the water, bearing the same emblem; and their branches being exchanged, he took the Captain by the hand, and led him up to the crowd, among whom he proceeded to distribute presents, while the marines landed and were drawn up on the beach. Signs being made, that wood was wanted for the ship, the natives gave permission to cut down trees; which was done accordingly. But no trade for provisions could be established; not only because the language of the natives was unintelligible to our people, differing from any they had yet heard; but because they set no value on nails and iron tools, and at the same time shewed great jealousy of their visitors, being very unwilling that they should go further than the beach, and greatly desiring that they should return on board. Only one hog was received; and it seemed to be brought as a peace-offering. The party returned on board about noon, with the wood they had cut; and the natives also retired in various directions.
In the afternoon, the Captain and Mr. Forster landed near some of their plantations and houses, of which they took a view. Their houses, which were just within the skirts of the woods, were similar to those of the Friendly Isles, low, and covered with palm thatch. Fowls and pigs were seen near
