Soon after, a party of us embarked in two boats, in company with Tioony, who conducted us to a little creek formed by the rocks, right abreast of the ships, where landing was extremely easy, and the boats secure against the surf.  Here we found an immense crowd of people, who welcomed us on shore with loud acclamations.  Not one of them had so much as a stick, or any other weapon in their hands; an indubitable sign of their pacific intentions.  They thronged so thick round the boats with cloth, matting, &c. to exchange for nails, that it was some time before we could get room to land.  They seemed to be more desirous to give than receive; for many who could not get near the boats, threw into them, over the others heads, whole bales of cloth, and then retired, without either asking, or waiting for any thing in return.  At length the chief caused them to open to the right and left, and make room for us to land.  He then conducted us up to his house, which was situated about three hundred yards from the sea, at the head of a fine lawn, and under the shade of some shaddock trees.  The situation was most delightful.  In front was the sea, and the ships at anchor; behind, and on each side, were plantations, in which were some of the richest productions of Nature.  The floor was laid with mats, on which we were seated, and the people seated themselves in a circle round us on the outside.  Having the bagpipes with us, I ordered them to be played; and in return, the chief directed three young women to sing a song, which they did with a very good grace; and having made each of them a present, this immediately set all the women in the circle a-singing.  Their songs were musical and harmonious, and nowise harsh or disagreeable.  After sitting here some time, we were, at our own request, conducted into one of the adjoining plantations, where the chief had another house, into which we were introduced.  Bananoes and cocoa-nuts were set before us to eat, and a bowl of liquor prepared in our presence of the juice of Eava for us to drink.  Pieces of the root were first offered us to chew; but as we excused ourselves from assisting in the operation, this was performed by others.  When sufficiently chewed, it was put into a large wooden bowl; then mixed with water, in the manner already related; and as soon as it was properly strained for drinking, they made cups, by folding of green leaves, which held near half a pint, and presented to each of us one of these filled with the liquor.  But I was the only one who tasted it; the manner of brewing it having quenched the thirst of every one else.  The bowl was, however; soon emptied of its contents, of which both men and women partook.  I observed that they never filled the same cup twice; nor did two persons drink out of the same; each had a fresh cup and fresh liquor.

This house was situated at one corner of the plantation, and had an area before it on which we were seated.  The whole was planted round with fruit and other trees, whose spreading branches afforded an agreeable shade, and whose fragrance diffused a pleasing odour through the air.