we distributed beads and other small presents among them, and had the satisfaction to see that they were much gratified.  Our circuit was not less than four or five miles, through groves of trees, which were loaded with cocoa-nuts and bread-fruit, and afforded the most grateful shade.  Under these trees were the habitations of the people, most of them being only a roof without walls, and the whole scene realized the poetical fables of Arcadia.  We remarked, however; not without some regret, that in all our walk we had seen only two hogs, and not a single fowl.  Those of our company who had been here with the Dolphin told us, that none of the people whom we had yet seen were of the first class; they suspected that the chiefs had removed, and upon carrying us to the place where what they called the Queen’s Palace had stood, we found that no traces of it were left.  We determined therefore to return in the morning, and endeavour to find out the Noblesse in their retreats.

In the morning, however, before we could leave the ship, several canoes came about us, most of them from the westward, and two of them were filled with people, who by their dress and deportment appeared to be of a superior rank:  two of these came on board, and each singled out his friend; one of them, whose name we found to be Matahah, fixed upon Mr Banks, and the other upon me:  this ceremony consisted in taking off great part of their clothes and putting them upon us.  In return for this, we presented each of them with a hatchet and some beads.  Soon after they made signs for us to go with them to the places where they lived, pointing to the S.W.; and as I was desirous of finding a more commodious harbour, and making farther trial of the disposition of the people, I consented.

I ordered out two boats, and with Mr Banks and Dr Solander, the other gentlemen, and our two Indian friends, we embarked for our expedition.  After rowing about a league, they made signs that we should go on shore, and gave us to understand that this was the place of their residence.  We accordingly landed, among several hundreds of the natives, who conducted us into a house of much greater length than any we had seen.  When we entered, we saw a middle-aged man, whose name was afterwards discovered to be Tootahah; mats were immediately spread, and we were desired to sit down over against him.  Soon after we were seated, he ordered a cock and hen to be brought out, which he presented to Mr Banks and me; we accepted the present, and in a short time each of us received a piece of cloth, perfumed after their manner, by no means disagreeably, which they took great pains to make us remark.  The piece presented to Mr Banks was eleven yards long and two wide; in return for which, he gave a laced silk neckcloth, which he happened to have on, and a linen pocket handkerchief:  Tootahah immediately dressed himself in this new finery, with an air of perfect complacency and satisfaction.  But it is now time that I should take some notice of the ladies.