being allowed to eat and drink in his presence, retired with their portions out of the circle. Every thing was conducted with the greatest decorum.
Adjoining to this house, a tent and observatory were erected next day, the cattle were brought on shore, and a guard of marines stationed here; arrangements were made for procuring wood and water, and repairing the sails: and to superintend all these affairs, as well as to conduct the nautical observations, Lieut. King took up his residence on shore.
On the 13th, the Captain and his friends were introduced to two chiefs of rank, who were brothers, named Toobou and Mareewagee. The latter was the Queen's father: Feenou, and another chief called Tooboueitoa, were his sons. Young Futtafaihe, the King's son, was also introduced to the strangers. An exchange of presents took place at every new introduction, and at successive visits of the same chiefs. The introductions on shore generally took place under a canopy, or under the shade of a tree, where the chief was seated, with his presents of cloth or provisions for the visistors, spread before him. Poulaho frequently dined on board, where he enjoyed his bottle of wine with the officers. He was found to be a very convenient guest, as no one of the natives presumed to sit down at meat with him; whereas, in his absence, the table was often much crowded. His son, whc often came on board, received the same homage from Mareewagee and other chiefs, as was paid to Poulaho himself. In some of the visits paid to the ships, the chiefs would taste nothing, alleging that they were taboo, that is, under some religious or superstitious restriction.
