ndgo whodco oorung” (Loo-choo women are not handsome.”)
This old gentleman is a better teacher than scholar; he
calls the letter L “ a i r o o v e a l , “ b a ir o o f la il, “ frajroo
in which instances of mispronunciation, we may recognize
a difficulty not uncommon amongst English children.
C H A P T E R HI.
The Lyra sent to survey the Island of Loo-choo—Discovery of Port Melville
—Description of that Harbour, and the Villages on its Banks—Lyra nearly
wrecked—Interview with Natives at the South Point—Return to Napakiang
Behaviour of the Natives at a Seaman’s Funeral—Madera’s Character and
Conduct—Sociable Habits of the Natives—Dinner given to the Chiefs of the
Island by Captain Maxwell—Midera’s Behaviour on this Occasion—Two
Women seen—A Lady of Rank visits the Boatswain’s Wife—Captain Maxwell
fractures his Finger—Loo-choo Surgeon—Concern of the Natives—
Visit of the Prince—Discussion about the King of Loo-choo’s Letter
M&dera appears in a new Character—Feast given by the Prince List of
Supplies given to the Ships—Behaviour of the Prince on taking Leave—
Preparations for Departure—Midera’s Distress—Last Interview with the
Chiefs—Brief Memorandums upon the Religion, Manners, and Customs of
Loo-choo—Advice to a Stranger visiting this Island.
A s soon as the survey of Napakiang anchorage was completed,
and a perfectly good understanding established with
the natives, it was determined to make a survey of the
whole island, and the Lyra was ordered upon this service.
She were absent about a week, during which period the
general chart of the island was constructed. I t will be
obvious to every one acquainted with the subject, that, in
so short a time, a very exact survey of the coast of an