be an island of no great extent, and
the night was spent standing off and on, in the hope that the next day a
landing-place might be found. No landing nor anchorage, however,
appeared practicable, on account of the heavy surf which broke
everywhere, either against the island or the reef which surrounded it.
Before long a number of people appeared on the shore or wading to the
reef, most of them nearly naked, except the usual girdle, brandishing
spears and clubs. Some of them had mantles of native cloth over their
shoulders, and turbans or wrappers round their heads. After a time a
canoe was launched, and came off with two natives to the ship. When
presents were offered, they asked for some for their Eatooa before they
would accept any for themselves. Omai spoke to them in the tongue of
Otaheite, which they perfectly understood. The principal man said that
his name was Monrooa, and that the island was called Mangaia. His
colour was that of most southern Europeans; he was stout and well made,
and his features were agreeable. The other man was not so good-looking.
Both of them had strong, straight black hair, tied at the crown of the
head. They wore sandals, to protect their feet from the coral rocks.

The men would not venture on board, but when the boats were lowered and
stood towards the shore to find a landing-place, Monrooa stepped into
Captain Cook's of his own accord, and took his seat by his side. No
landing could be found without the risk of swamping the boats; they
therefore returned, and Monrooa came on board. He was, evidently, too
anxious about his safety to ask questions. At last he stumbled over one
of the goats, when he inquired eagerly of Omai what strange bird that
was! The boat conveyed him just outside the surf, when he leaped
overboard and swam through it, his countrymen being seen eagerly
gathering round him to receive accounts of what he had seen. Cook says
he left that fine island with regret, as it seemed capable of supplying
all their wants. [Note 2.]

Mangaia was left on March 30, and the next day, at noon, two islands
were seen--a large and a small one. The following day the shore of the
larger island was reached, and boats at once put off to try and find a
landing-place. At the same time several canoes came from the shore,
with one man in each. The natives stepped on board without showing
fear, but seemed to value very little any of the gifts bestowed on them.
After the first