and sometimes only two or three feathers, between the fore finger and thumb, and say a prayer, not one word of which I could ever understand.  Whoever comes to this island, will do well to provide himself with red feathers, the finest and smallest that are to be got.  He must also have a good stock of axes, and hatchets, spike-nails, files, knives, looking-glasses, beads, &c.  Sheets and shirts are much sought after, especially by the ladies; as many of our gentlemen found by experience.

The two goats which Captain Furneaux gave to Otoo when we were last here, seemed to promise fair for answering the end for which they were put on shore.  The ewe soon after had two female kids, which were now so far grown as to be nearly ready to propagate; and the old ewe was again with kid.  The people seemed to be very fond of them, and they to like their situation as well; for they were in excellent condition.  From this circumstance we may hope that, in a few years, they will have some to spare to their neighbours; and by that means they may in time spread over all the isles in this ocean.  The sheep which we left died soon after, excepting one, which we understood was yet alive.  We have also furnished them with a stock of cats; no less than twenty having been given away at this isle, besides those which were left at Ulietea and Huaheine.

CHAPTER XIV.

The Arrival of the Ship at the Island of Huaheine; with an Account of an Expedition into the Island, and several other Incidents which happened while she lay there.

1774 May

At one o’clock in the afternoon, on the 15th, we anchored in the north entrance of O’Wharre harbour, in the island of Huaheine; hoisted out the boats, warped into a proper birth, and moored with the bower and kedge anchor, not quite a cable’s length from the shore.  While this was doing, several of the natives made us a visit, amongst whom was old Oree the chief, who brought a hog and some other articles, which he presented to me, with the usual ceremony.

Next morning, the natives began to bring us fruit.  I returned Oree’s visit, and made my present to him; one article of which was red feathers.  Two or three of these the chief took in his right hand, holding them up between the finger and thumb, and said a prayer, as I understood, which was little noticed by any present.  Two hogs were soon after put into my boat, and he and several of his friends came on board and dined with us.  After dinner Oree gave me to understand what articles would be most acceptable to him and his friends, which were chiefly axes and nails.  Accordingly I gave him what he asked, and desired he would distribute them to the others, which he did, seemingly to the satisfaction of every one.  A youth about ten or twelve years of age, either his son or grandson, seemed to be the person of most note, and had the greatest share.

After the distribution was over, they all returned ashore.  Mr Forster and his party being out in the country botanizing, his servant, a feeble man, was beset by five or six fellows, who would have stripped him, if that moment one of the party had not come to his assistance; after which they made off with a hatchet they had got from him.