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P A C I F I C A N D B E E R IN G ’S S T R A IT , 131
their general conduct might have led us to expect, though the result is C H A P .
much to be deplored. It confirmed my opinion, that the natural dis- , J ' l ,
position of the people is highly unfavourable to intercourse, and that
Jan.
they are restrained from acts of violence and aggression by the operation
182C.
of fear alone. With this impression, and finding the island so
extremely deficient in supplies, that the natives could not spare us any
thing, I was careless about renewing our visit, and we embarked without
further molestation, and proceeded to the ship.
The bay in which this village is situated lies on the N . E. side of
Mount Duif; it is bordered by a sandy beach, behind which there
is a thick wood of bread-fruit and cocoa-nut trees ; above it, to the left,
there is a second or upper village, upon a level piece of ground, where
the natives retreat in case of necessity. The bay would be very desirable
for an anchorage, were it not for the coral knolls at its entrance,
which make the navigation difficult even for a boat. After this visit,
the boats were again sent surveying; and on the 12th we had completed
all that our time would admit of, by fixing the position of a number
of coral knoUs which are dispersed over the navigable part of the
lagoon, the greater part of which may be seen from a ship’s mast-head
before she comes upon them. Our only want afterwards was a little
fire-wood ; and having noticed several logs lying upon the shore abreast
of the ship, Mr. Belcher was sent to purchase them. The natives readily
sold them, and were very friendly as long as they were receiving presents;
but directly he attempted to take them away, the islanders collected in
the wood, and pelted the boat’s crew with stones. Three logs were however
got off, and Mr. Belcher was putting in for more, when, the natives
again beginning to throw stones, he desisted.
It is to be regretted that the disposition of the natives obstructed
the friendly intercourse we were anxious to establish. The
task of correcting their evil propensities unfortunately devolved upon
us, as the first visiters to the islands; and we could not prolong our
stay, or devote the time that was necessary while we did remain, to conciliate
their friendship. But though unsuccessful in this respect, it is
to be hoped that our visit will prove beneficial to others, by directing
them to a port in which ships may be refitted or repaired, and where
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