they continued swimming and playing about, till they could again procure admittance. The party on shore, commanded by Lieut. King, received a daily supply of hogs and vegetables, more than sufficient for their subsistence; while several canoes, loaded with provisions, were sent as punctually to the ships. This was done by direction of Kaoo, the venerable high priest, grandfather to Kaireekeea; and nothing was asked or expected in return, it was considered as the payment of a sacred tribute. The priests, indeed, continued the warm friends of the British during their stay; and, with the exception of old Koah, took no share in pilfering their property.
The refitting of the ships, and the preservation of their stores, were at this time objects of much solicitude with our navigator: and while sailmakers, carpenters, and coopers, were employed on shore, as well as on board, in the necessary repairs; others were engaged, under his direction, in salting pork, to supply the ships during their protracted voyage. Hitherto it had been thought impracticable to cure meat in tropical climates; but the Captain, ever bent on useful discoveries, and impelled in this instance by necessity, made the experiment; and by skilful management succeeded so completely, that some of the barrels of pork now pickled were brought home to England, and the meat, at the close of 1780, was perfectly sound and wholesome.
King Terreeoboo, who had been from home, arrived on the 24th, when the whole bay was tabooed for more than two days; no canoe visited the ships but by special licence, and no female was to be seen. On monday, the 25th, the King,
