s make a
point of bathing once in their lives, probably from some religious idea.

The hills here approach each other within a few yards and are well
covered with wood. As the road appeared difficult I did not care to
proceed towards the mountain. I cannot with certainty say how far this
curious precipice is from the bay, but think in the road by which we went
it cannot be less than seven miles. It is called Peeah Roah.

In our return we found a young pig prepared for us and we made a hearty
meal. We dined in the house of an old acquaintance of Nelson's for whom
he had in 1777 planted the two shaddock plants formerly mentioned which
he had brought from the Friendly Islands. These we had the satisfaction
to see were grown to fine trees and full of fruit.

In their plantations they do not take much pains except with the Ava and
the Cloth-plant, both of which they are careful to keep clear of weeds.
Many of the plantations of the cloth-plant were fenced with stone and
surrounded with a ditch. The yams and plantains are mostly on the higher
grounds. As soon as we had finished our dinner we returned towards the
ship. I was much delighted in this walk with the number of children that
I saw in every part of the country: they are very handsome and sprightly
and full of antic tricks. They have many diversions that are common with
the boys in England such as flying kites, cats cradle, swinging, dancing
or jumping in a rope, walking upon stilts and wrestling.

Friday 19.

The wind today blew fresh but continued regular from the east and
east-south-east. We had likewise much rain and a long swell set into the
bay. I had not yet determined whether, on leaving Matavai bay, I would go
to the island Eimeo or to the harbour of Toahroah near Oparre: this
uncertainty made Tinah and the rest of my friends very anxious; and they
appeared much distressed on my desiring them this afternoon to send on
board all the things which they wished to have repaired by the forge
without delay, that what they wanted might be done before the ship left
Matavai, which I told them would be in a few days. They very earnestly
entreated I would stay one month longer. I represented this as impossible
and asked Tinah if he would not go with me to Eimeo; but he said that
notwithstanding my protection he was certain the Eimeo people would watch
for an opportunity to kill him. He remained on board with me all night
but his wife went on shore and returned early i