side, and the other half to the other side; seating themselves before the spectators.  Soon after, they successively entered the lists, and entertained us with single combats.  One champion, rising up and stepping forward from one side, challenged those of the other side, by expressive gestures, more than by words, to send one of their body to oppose him.  If the challenge was accepted, which was generally the case, the two combatants put themselves in proper attitudes, and then began the engagement, which continued till one or other owned himself conquered, or till their weapons were broken.  As soon as each combat was over, the victor squatted himself down facing the chief, then rose up, and retired.  At the same time, some old men, who seemed to sit as judges, gave their plaudit in a few words; and the multitude, especially those on the side to which the victor belonged, celebrated the glory he had acquired in two or three huzzas.

This entertainment was, now and then, suspended for a few minutes.  During these intervals there were both wrestling and boxing matches.  The first were performed in the same manner as at Otaheite; and the second differed very little from the method practised in England.  But what struck us with most surprise, was, to see a couple of lusty wenches step forth, and begin boxing; without the least ceremony, and with as much art as the men.  This contest, however, did not last above half a minute, before one of them gave it up.  The conquering heroine received the same applause from the spectators which they bestowed upon the successful combatants of the other sex.  We expressed some dislike at this part of the entertainment; which, however, did not prevent two other females from entering the lists.  They seemed to be girls of spirit, and would certainly have given each other a good drubbing, if two old women had not interposed to part them.  All these combats were exhibited in the midst of, at least, three thousand people, and were conducted with the greatest good humour on all sides; though some of the champions, women as well as men, received blows, which, doubtless, they must have felt for some time after.

As soon as these diversions were ended, the chief told me, that the heaps of provisions on our right hand were a present to Omai; and that those on our left hand, being about two-thirds of the whole quantity, were given to me.  He added, that I might take them on board whenever it was convenient; but that there would be no occasion to set any of our people as guards over them, as I might be assured, that not a single cocoa-nut would be taken away by the natives.  So it proved; for I left every thing behind, and returned to the ship to dinner, carrying the chief with me; and when the provisions were removed on board, in the afternoon, not a single article was missing.  There was as much as loaded four boats; and I could not but be struck with the munificence of Feenou; for this present far exceeded any I had ever received from