Several small canoes, moored here and there to posts in the water, were dancing upon the waves; and one solitary fisherman was paddling over to a grassy point.

In front of the houses, groups of natives were seen; some thrown at full length upon the ground, and others indolently leaning against the bamboos.
With whoop and halloo, we ran down the hills, the villagers soon hurrying forth to see who were coming.

As we drew near, they gathered round, all curiosity to know what brought the "karhowrees" into their quiet country.

The doctor contriving to make them understand the purely social object of our visit, they gave us a true Tahitian welcome; pointing into their dwellings, and saying they were ours as long as we chose to remain.
We were struck by the appearance of these people, both men and women; so much more healthful than the inhabitants of the bays.

As for the young girls, they were more retiring and modest, more tidy in their dress, and far fresher and more beautiful than the damsels of the coast.