These islands are
mountainous, well wooded, and apparently fertile. In most places that
we saw the trees were very thick, with spreading branches, in which we
perceived houses to be built, which looked like the nests of some large
bird. We approached the land with caution, for we knew from experience
that the tides in the vicinity of the South Sea Islands are very
irregular, and seem to be much affected by the prevailing winds and
currents. There is only one tide in the twenty-four hours. The
flood-tide sets to the north, and the ebb to the south. It therefore
behoved us to choose a safe anchorage, which, after consultation, we
finally decided upon, selecting a spot sheltered from the prevailing
wind, in deep water, close to a beach and opposite to a stream.
Two boats were then lowered and manned, Hartog taking charge of one and
I of the other. The natives, who had assembled in great numbers on the
beach, did not appear so surprised at the sight of our vessel as might
have been expected. As the boats drew near, some of them waded out to
meet us, showing no fear, but rather an anxiety to welcome us. They
were all entirely naked except for a strip of tapa cloth, which formed
a tee-band around the middle and hung down behind like a tail.
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