In three years' time, eighteen thousand bullocks were slain, almost entirely upon the single island of Hawaii.
The herds being thus nearly destroyed, the sagacious young prince imposed a rigorous "taboo" upon the few surviving cattle, which was to remain in force for ten years.

During this period--not yet expired--all hunting is forbidden, unless directly authorized by the king.
The massacre of the cattle extended to the hapless goats.

In one year, three thousand of their skins were sold to the merchants of Honolulu, fetching a quartila, or a shilling sterling apiece.
After this digression, it is time to run on after Tonoi and the Yankee..