As the inhabitants seemed to be both numerous and well fed, such articles of provision as the island produces must be in great plenty. It might, however, be a matter of curiosity to know, particularly, their method of subsistence; for our friend Mourooa told us, that they had no animals, as hogs and dogs, both which, however, they had heard of; but acknowledged they had plantains, bread-fruit, and taro. The only birds we saw, were some white egg-birds, terns, and noddies; and one white heron, on the shore.

The language of the inhabitants of Mangeea is a dialect of that spoken at Otaheite; though their pronunciation, as that of the New Zealanders, be more guttural. Some of their words, of which two or three are perhaps peculiar to this island, are here subjoined, as taken, by Mr Anderson, from Omai, who had learnt them in his conversations with Mourooa. The Otaheite words, where there is any resemblance, are placed opposite.

English. Mangeea. Otaheite. A cocoa nut, Eakkaree, Aree.
Bread-fruit, Kooroo, Ooroo.
A canoe, Ewakka, Evaa.
Friend, Naoo, mou.
A man, Taata, or Tangata, Taata.
Cloth, or cloth plant, Taia, taia aoutee, Eoute.
Good, Mata, Myty.
A club, Pooroohee.
Yes, Aee, Ai.
No, Aoure, Aoure.
A spear, Heyhey.
A fight, or battle, Etamagee, Tamaee.
A woman, Waheine, Waheine.
A daughter, Maheine, Maheine.
The sun, Heetaia matooa.
I, Ou, Wou.
The shore, Euta, Euta.
What is that? Ehataieee? Owytaieeoa?
There, Oo.
A chief, Ereekee, Eree.
Great, or powerful, Manna (an adjunct to
the last.)
To kiss, Ooma.

The natives of Mangeea seem to resemble those of Otaheite and the Marquesas in the beauty of their persons, more than any other nation I have seen in these seas; having a smooth skin, and not being muscular. Their general disposition also corresponds, as far as we had opportunities of judging, with that which distinguishes the first-mentioned people. For they are not only cheerful, but, as Mourooa shewed us, are acquainted with all the lascivious gesticulations which the Otaheitans practise in their dances. It may also be supposed, that their method of living is similar. For, though the nature of the country prevented our seeing many of their habitations, we observed one house near the beach, which much resembled, in its mode of construction, those of Otaheite. It was pleasantly situated in a grove of trees, and appeared to be about thirty feet long, and seven or eight high, with an open end, which represented an ellipse divided transversely. Before it, was spread something white on a few bushes; which we conjectured to be a fishing net, and, to appearance, of a very delicate texture.

They salute strangers much after the manner of the New Zealanders, by joining noses; adding, however, the additional ceremony of taking the hand of the person to whom they are paying civilities, and rubbing it with a degree of force upon their nose and mouth.[150]

[Footnote 150: The inhabitants of the Palaos, New Philippine, or rather Caroline Islands, at the distance of almost fifteen hundred leagues from Mangeea, have the same mode of salutation. "Leur civilitié, et la marque de leur respect, consiste à prendre la main ou la pied de celui à qui ils veulent faire honneur, et s'en frotter doucement toute le visage."--Lettres Edifiantes & Curieuses, tom. xv. p. 208. Edit. 1781.--- D.]

SECTION II.

The Discovery of an Island called Wateeoo.--Its Coasts examined.--Visits from the Natives on board the Ships.--Mess. Gore, Barney, and Anderson, with Omai, sent on Shore.--Mr Anderson's Narrative of their Reception.--Omai's Expedient to prevent their being detained.--His meeting with some of his Countrymen, and their distressful Voyage.--Farther Account of Wateeoo, and of its Inhabitants.

After leaving Mangeea, on the afternoon of the 30th of March, we continued our course northward, all that night, and till noon on the 31st; when we again saw land, in the direction of N.E. by N., distant eight or ten leagues.

Next morning, at eight o'clock, we had got abreast of its north end, within four leagues of it, but to leeward; and could now pronounce it to be an island, nearly of the same appearance and extent with that we had so lately left. At the same time, another island, but much smaller, was seen right ahead. We could have soon reached this; but the largest one had the preference, as most likely to furnish a supply of food for the cattle, of which we began to be in great want.