trees, and near most of them were some upright stems of trees, fixed in the ground, on purpose to hang up cocoa-nuts to dry. They had fine plantations in several places, laid out by line; well stocked with fruit-trees, plantains, sugar-canes, yams, and other roots. The nutmeg appears to grow on the island; for Mr. Forster shot a pigeon with a wild nutmeg in its craw. In most of their plantations were some deep holes, for catching rats; which abound here, and are very destructive to the canes.
When the tiller was found to want repairing, there was but one tree in the neighbourhood judged fit for that purpose; and when the carpenter and others began to cut it down, on the 16th, Paowang was displeased. The Captain, apprized of this, gave orders to desist; and going ashore, sent for Paowang, presented him with a dog and a piece of cloth; and then explained to him, and to those who were with him, for what purpose the tree was wanted. Upon this, they all, with one voice, gave their consent, and were well pleased with the way he took to obtain it. The Captain took his friend on board to dine with him, and afterwards accompanied him on shore, to visit an old chief, named Geogy, said to be the Areeke, or King, of the island. He wore a broad red and white checkered belt, and had a merry open countenance, although very old. He had a son with him, not less than 45 or 50 years of age, who also had the title Areeke. Next day they both dined with the Captain on board; eating heartily of plantain-pudding, greens, and yams, but scarcely tasting the salt beef and pork. Each of them received, after dinner, a hatchet, a spike-nail, and some
