m." He gives the first mate and me a hint to keep a sharp
look-out on the ship's company, or some of them may be missing when we
sail. No wonder, I think, if the place is such an earthly paradise. He
speaks of many other things likely to prove attractive to seamen. I ask
if the natives are Christians. "Christians? no," he answers, with a
laugh. "They would be spoilt, to my mind, if they were. They are much
better as they are, as you'll agree, Mr Harvey, when you go on shore."
I am inclined to be at issue with Tony on that point; but still I would
fain judge of the savage virtues of which he speaks before I condemn
them.

We coast some way round the island, till we reach an opening in the
reef, entering through which we moor the ship in a commodious harbour.
Soon she is surrounded with native canoes, laden with cocoa-nuts,
bananas, bread-fruits, apples, figs, and other pleasant vegetable
productions. The natives bring boughs with them, which Tom Tar tells us
we are to make fast to the rigging, to show that we are friends. We now
drive a brisk trade, giving beads, and trinkets, and looking-glasses,
and bits of cloth and coloured calico, for fruit, vegetables, pigs, and
fowls; but the captain will allow no one to come on board. He says that
they are arrant thieves, and so we find them. By-and-by Phineas, with
the doctor, Tony, and I, having Tom Tar to interpret, go on shore, but
take ten men well armed at our heels. It is a hard matter to keep the
men together: but it is not safe to let them separate. The natives are
treacherous and revengeful, at least if they are like those we have
already encountered. Our men might easily provoke them, especially by
rude conduct to the women. Seldom have I seen more comely females.
Their manners are attractive, and they know how to add to their charms,
by dressing their glossy hair with flowers and shells, and such like
ornaments. The country is as beautiful as it appeared a distance. The
houses are mostly open at the sides, and thatched with palmetto leaves;
but some are enclosed, and all are neat and clean. A house is offered
to us by the chief, in which we may take up our abode while we remain on
shore. It is amidst a grove of trees, with matting for the walls and
floor. A sparkling torrent, rushing down the side of a hill, flows in
front of it, cooling the air, while afar off is seen the deep blue sea.
Provisions of all sorts are sent us by the king,--baked pig, a