spect, uncovering the upper part of their bodies before them, as in the presence of their Kings.
Lieut. Cook, on the 29th, reached Bolabola, now written Borabora, with an intention to land; but the wind being unfavourable, and the island inaccessible in that point, he returned to another harbour of Ulietea, to stop a leak in the ship, and take in more ballast. Owing to contrary winds, the vessel was not safely moored here until Wednesday morning, Aug. 2nd. The trade for hogs, fowls, and plantains, was now resumed; and the scientific gentlemen enjoyed some delightful excursions into the country, where they were treated with great respect and kindness, and the presents of beads which they made to some interesting young females were highly esteemed. In one house they were entertained with a dance, performed by a man with a singular head-dress. Next day, the Commander and others witnessed another dance, in which two women, and six men, with three drums, were engaged. Similar dances, with dramatic interludes, were seen on other days. In these pastimes, the attitudes and gestures of the female dancers were shockingly wanton.
On the 5th, a handsome present of hogs, fowls, and cloth, came from Opoony, the formidable King of Bolabola, now at Ulietea, with several of his people. Next day, our navigators paid him a visit; but instead of seeing a vigorous, spirited, and intelligent chief, they were surprised to find this great conqueror, the terror of the islands, an old, infirm, sluggish creature, almost blind, and singularly stupid. Next day they made an excursion in their boats to Otaha, and Opoony accompanied them in his canoe. They hoped by his influence to pro-
