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508 d is c o v e r ie s—OTAHEITE. Nov.
wliich it is known to the islanders of the archipelago. A few
hours afterwards we ranged along the shore of another and
much larger island, or rather group of islets, till then not laid
down m any chart, the native name of which is Cavahi. We
saw a number of islets covered with cocoa-nut trees, surrounding
a lagoon ; but could not delay to examine the south side,
because we had been so unexpectedly detained by contrary
winds, and I was very anxious about the chronometer measurement,
the interval being already considerable.
Hastening on, therefore, we passed between the Elizabeth
and Wittgenstein (or Faarava) groups, which are similar to
Cavahi m appearance, and carried a press of sail to reach the
Society Islands. It was singular that directly we were clear of
the Low Islands, we got into a steady trade-wind, such as we
had enjoyed before seeing Honden Island ; and were no more
troubled by westerly wind, or squalls, till long after we had
left Otaheite* and were approaching near New Zealand.
15th. Early this morning we saw Otaheite; but clouds ‘
hanging over the high land and a haziness about the horizon,
at first disappointed our expectations. As the sun rose hio-fier
the clouds shrunk away, vanishing as they rolled alono- the
grandly formed mountains : high, sharp, irregular peaksr and
huge masses of rock appeared between the mists, and again were
hidden—deep vallies or glens showed darkly, and while the
ffiadows passed, seemed to be denied the light of day. Strikingly
different m appearance were the lower hills and dales,
and the richly wooded land at the sea-side. There the bright
sunshine heightened the vivid and ever-varying tints of a rtch
verdure. The beautiful alternation of light and shade, each
moment changing as the flitting shadows passed over every kind
» Some diversify of opinion has arisen respecting the spelling of this
name. No person now doubts that Tahiti is the native word, and there-
fore the most correct to be used when talking to Polynesian islanders, or
writing for them ; but as our immortal countryman. Cook, wrote Otaheite,
and It is difficult to hear or see the word without thinking of him
I shall beg to be allowed the same privilege that Frenchmen claim when
writing ‘ Londres,’ or Englishmen when they write ‘ Sicily;’ and for the
future use only the word Otaheite.