n stancheons of wood; the
leaves, on all sides, approaching within two or three feet of the
ground, indeed so low, that it made it very inconvenient to get in or
out; for, unless great caution was observed, there was considerable
risk of getting wounded by the prickles on the leaves of the palm-tree.
Previously to its becoming dark, we were invited to drink palm-wine on
the outside of our hut; and, afterwards retiring within, our native
companions employed themselves busily enough in roasting and eating
their yams, while we enjoyed the refreshing beverage of tea. We then
lay down for the night; but, alas! not to sleep; for, although our hut
was not very large, it contained about twenty persons of different
sexes and ages, who were, of course, pretty closely stowed: and from
its not being closed at the sides, with much thunder and lightning
taking place, accompanied by high wind and heavy rain, which continued
throughout the greater part of the night, the latter beat in under the
roof, and also drove the smoke of three fires towards us, until we were
nearly suffocated. It will be conceived, that our situation was not the
most enviable; those near the outside were exposed to the pitiless
storm; while they who occupied the centre, where we had spread our
hammocks, were necessarily oppressed with heat and smoke. About two
o'clock, some of the natives, finding it impossible to sleep, got up
and amused themselves until daylight in conversation, and roasting yams
on the fire.

_Friday, 23_.--At day-break, the whole of the natives rose and
commenced their yam feast, succeeded by plentiful supplies of
palm-wine. As the heavy winds and rain shewed no appearance of abating,
we began to doubt whether we should get on board to-day; however, about
eight o'clock, it moderated, and before noon, the weather was
sufficiently favourable to induce us to make the attempt. Having taken
our seats in the canoes, together with the chiefs who accompanied us, a
party of the natives urged them over the surf, and away we paddled for
the ship, which we reached in less than a couple of hours. Before
getting on board, however, we were treated with a specimen of eager
covetousness and want of decorum in our late friends; for, instead of
waiting to allow us to get up first, or offering to assist us, no
sooner did the canoe touch the ship, which she happened to do under the
main-chains, than away they all started with their presents, leaving us
to bring