yellow appearance. We expected a heavy gale, more particularly
as it was so near the equinox, but we were so
sheltered by the land, that though it appeared to blow hard
a t sea, we felt nothing of it where we lay.
Three or four canoes came round the south-west point
of land this forenoon; the people in them were supposed
to have come from the other side of the island, for they did
not appear to have seen the ships before. One of these
people was much delighted with a looking-glass which was
shewn to him ; he took it in his hands, and calling his companions
about him, shewed them in turn its effect. Having
done so several times, he held it opposite to his own face
for four or five minutes without altering his countenance in
the lea st; a t last he smiled, and immediately and involuntarily
nodded assent to the image in the glass, which had so
exactly expressed what he felt himself; he seemed, however,
aware, that it was a reflection of his own countenance,
as he pointed to himself, yet he could not restrain his
curiosity from looking behind, but instantly turned it round
again. While the glass was in his hands, he made us several
long speeches, in which he frequently repeated the word
“ Kagung,” the Loo-choo name for mirror; but, from his
behaviour, it is probable he knew it only by name. One of
this party sold his “ Jeewa” or head ornaments for a wine
glass. Sometime afterwards, the others saw a bottle, which
they wished to purchase in the same way ; it was, however,
given to them as a present, and they went away very well
satisfied. These canoes were of pine,, from twelve to twenty
feet long, and from two to four wide ; their anchor is made
of wood loaded with stones.
As no answer came this morning from the Great Man,
Captain Maxwell took the ships into a more secure anchorage
a t the north-east corner of the bay; our first anchorage
being too close to a reef, and moreover open to
the south-west winds. The place we had now shifted to,
though apparently exposed, is, in fact, sheltered by a chain
Of reefs under water outside of us to the westward. By this
c h a n g e , we have been brought close to the bridge spoken of
before, and are now abreast the east end of. thè town : the
Lyra not being more than a quarter of a mile .from the
shore. A strict watch is kept on shore, so • th a t - no
boat leaves the ships without being observed. Orders
have been given for the whole anchorage to be carefully
sounded ; in doing this, the boats often approach the shore,
and whenever this happens, a crowd of the natives, headed
by one or other of the chiefs, repair to the spot, and wave
them to keep farther off.
21st of September.^—There appears t6 be some embargo