will
endeavour to make them succeed and, as they are very fond of
sweet-smelling flowers with which the women delight to ornament
themselves, I gave them some rose-seed.

Thursday 6.

We had very variable weather, much rain, and some westerly winds; so that
a considerable swell ran into the bay and a number of spotted white and
black porpoises made their appearance.

I had the mortification to see that our garden-ground had been much trod
over; and what was worse the chiefs appeared but little concerned at it.
To this kind of carelessness and indifference I attribute the miscarriage
of many of the plants left here by Captain Cook. I had now in a
flourishing state two orange plants, some vines, a fig-tree, and two
pineapple plants, which I gave to Poeeno whose residence is a place
favourable for their growth.

We got on successfully with our plants, having a hundred potted at the
tent and in a fair way of doing well. The cabin also was completed and
ready to receive them on board.

I have before remarked that my friend Tinah was rather of a selfish
disposition and this afternoon he showed a stronger instance of it than I
was witness to at any time before or after. His brother Oreepyah sent on
board to me a present of a large hog and a quantity of breadfruit: but
these kind of presents are much more expensive than purchasing at the
market. Soon after Oreepyah himself came on board. Tinah was with me at
the time and whispered me to tell Oreepyah not to bring any more hogs or
fruit and to take those back which he had sent. This advice as may be
supposed did not produce the effect intended. Oreepyah appears to be a
man of great spirit, and is highly respected by his countrymen. Among
other visitors today was one of the men who had been to Lima in 1776.

Saturday 8.

Our plants had now increased to 252: as they were all kept on shore at
the tent I augmented the guard there, though from the general conduct of
the natives there did not appear the least occasion for so much caution.

While I was at dinner Tinah desired I would permit a man to come down
into the cabin whom he called his Taowah or priest; for I was obliged to
keep a sentinel at the hatchway to prevent being incommoded at my meals
with too much company; a restriction which pleased the chiefs who always
asked leave for any particular person to be admitted of whom they wished
me to take notice. The company of the priest brought on a religious
conversation.