to the upper part of the risings above mentioned.  Over these beams, and others which are supported by stanchions fixed on the bodies of the canoes, is laid a boarded platform.  All the parts which compose the double canoe, are made as strong and light as the nature of the work will admit, and may be immerged in water to the very platform, without being in danger of filling.  Nor is it possible, under any circumstance whatever, for them to sink, so long as they hold together.  Thus they are not only vessels of burden, but fit for distant navigation.  They are rigged with one mast, which steps upon the platform, and can easily be raised or taken down; and are sailed with a latteen-sail, or triangular one, extended by a long yard, which is a little bent or crooked.  The sail is made of mats; the rope they make use of is exactly like ours, and some of it is four or five inch.  On the platform is built a little shed or hut, which screens the crew from the sun and weather, and serves for other purposes.  They also carry a moveable fire-hearth, which is a square, but shallow trough of wood, filled with stones.  The way into the hold of the canoe is from off the platform, down a sort of uncovered hatchway, in which they stand to bale out the water.  I think these vessels are navigated either end foremost, and that, in changing tacks, they have only occasion to shift or jib round the sail; but of this I was not certain, as I had not then seen any under sail, or with the mast and sail an end, but what were a considerable distance from us.

Their working tools are made of stone, bone, shells, &c. as at the other islands.  When we view the work which is performed with these tools, we are struck with admiration at the ingenuity and patience of the workman.  Their knowledge of the utility of iron was no more than sufficient to teach them to prefer nails to beads, and such trifles; some, but very few, would exchange a pig for a large nail, or a hatchet.  Old jackets, shirts, cloth, and even rags, were in more esteem than the best edge-tool we could give them; consequently they got but few axes from us but what were given as presents.  But if we include the nails which were given by the officers and crews of both ships for curiosities, &c. with those given for refreshments, they cannot have got less than five hundred weight, great and small.  The only piece of iron we saw among them was a small broad awl, which had been made of a nail.

Both men and women are of a common size with Europeans; and their colour is that of a lightish copper, and more uniformly so than amongst the inhabitants of Otaheite and the Society Isles.  Some of our gentlemen were of opinion these were a much handsomer race; others maintained a contrary opinion, of which number I was one.  Be this as it may, they have a good shape, and regular features, and are active, brisk, and lively.  The women, in particular, are the merriest creatures I ever met with, and will keep