me of the valuable red feathers a change came over them all, and they
expressed the greatest interest in him. Cook says Omai "would take no
advice, but permitted himself to be made the dupe of every designing
knave." Of these red feathers Cook says they were of such value that "not
more than might be got from a tomtit, would purchase a hog of 40 or 50
pounds weight." Nails and beads were not looked at, although they had
previously been very acceptable.

SPANISH SHIPS.

Two ships from Lima were found to have visited the island twice since
Cook's last call, and the first time the Spaniards built a house with
material they had with them. They left four men in charge, and were away
for about ten months. At the second visit their Commodore died, and was
buried near the house which was left at their departure, and the natives
built a shade over it to protect it from the weather. It consisted of two
rooms, furnished with table, bed, bench, and a few other trifles, and the
timbers were found to have been carefully marked to facilitate erection.
Near by was a cross having the following inscription cut on it:

CHRISTUS VINCIT,
CAROLUS III. IMPERAT, 1774.

Cook caused to be cut on the back:

GEORGIUS TERTIUS REX.
ANNIS 1767, 69, 73, 74, ET 78.

At the end of their first visit the Spaniards took away four natives to
Lima; one died, one remained at Lima, and the other two returned with the
ships; but Cook thinks they were not improved by their experience, and
had not added to their respectability in the eyes of their countrymen.

In view of the cold climate to be faced in the near future, Cook was
desirous to save his stock of spirits, and mustered the crew of the
Resolution in order to explain the position; he pointed out that the
supply of coconuts was abundant, and the benefit of the spirits would be
appreciated amongst the cold winds and ice of the north, but left the
decision to them. He was gratified to find the crew was willing to accept
his suggestion, and ordered Clerke to put the matter before the crew of
the Discovery, when it was again well received. An order was accordingly
issued to stop:

"serving grog except on Saturday nights, when they had full allowance to
drink to their female friends in England, lest amongst the pretty girls
of Otaheite, they should be wholly forgotten."

During a state visit paid by the chief of the district, at which Omai
attended "dressed in a strange medley of all he was possessed