e than the common means of security requisite to prevent theft.

I had sent Nelson and his assistant to look for plants, and it was no
small pleasure to me to find by their report that according to
appearances the object of my mission would probably be accomplished with
ease. I had given directions to everyone on board not to make known to
the islanders the purpose of our coming lest it might enhance the value
of the breadfruit plants, or occasion other difficulties. Perhaps so much
caution was not necessary but at all events I wished to reserve to myself
the time and manner of communication. Nelson met with two fine
shaddock-trees which he had planted in 1777: they were full of fruit but
not ripe.

Wednesday 29.

In the morning I returned Tinah's visit for I found he expected it. He
was in a small shed about a quarter of a mile to the eastward of Matavai
point with his wife and three children, not their own but who they said
were relations. In my walk I had picked up a numerous attendance for
everyone I met followed me; so that I had collected such a crowd that the
heat was scarce bearable, everyone endeavouring to get a look to satisfy
their curiosity: they however carefully avoided pressing against me, and
welcomed me with cheerful countenances and great good nature.

I made Tinah understand that my visit was particularly to him, and gave
him a second present, equal to the first, which he received with great
pleasure; and to the people of consequence that were about him I also
presented some article or other. There were great numbers of children
and, as I took notice of the little ones that were in arms and gave them
beads, both small and great, but with much drollery and good humour,
endeavoured to benefit by the occasion. Boys of ten and twelve years old
were caught up in arms and brought to me, which created much laughter; so
that in a short time I got rid of all I had brought on shore.

In my return I called on Poeeno, and an elderly chief, a relation of his,
called Moannah, the principal men of this district and with whom I judged
it my interest to be on good terms. I gave them several valuable articles
and, as the situation here was eligible for a garden, I planted melon,
cucumber, and salad-seeds. I told them many other things should be sown
for their use; and they appeared much pleased when they understood I
intended to plant such things as would grow to be trees and produce
fruit. I saw large patches of