In the visits paid by our navigators to the chiefs on shore, they were sometimes entertained with dances, songs, instrumental music, and single combats, similar to what Feenou furnished at Hapace. One of these grand festivals was given on the 17th, by Mareewagee; who, at the same time, presented two large heaps of provisions, one for each Captain. The dances, which were much diversified, were kept up from eleven o'clock, till near three. At different intervals between the dances, champions entered the ring, brandishing their clubs. Feenou, Mareewagee, and old Futtafaihe, the King's brother, beat some of the drums, and took part in the dances. Above 4000 people were computed to be present, besides about as many more collected at the trading place, or straggling about the neighbourhood. Brilliant night dances, like those at Hapaee, succeeded the amusements of the day, and were kept up for nearly three hours.
Next day, the Captain gave Mareewagee liberal presents, in return for his donations; and entertained him and his friends, including Poulaho and the principal chiefs, by making the marines go through their exercise, and exhibiting a display of fire-works in the evening. Before the latter commenced, the natives went through their exercise also, in various boxing and wrestling matches, conducted with much spirit, and at the same time with good humour.
On the 21st, Poulaho gave his grand entertainment; at the commencement of which, he raised two immense piles of provisions, supported by posts 30 feet high, being resolved to exceed the liberality of Feenou at Hapaee. The sports were of the same kind as before, concluding with night
